“Yes! Like…since I work in a magazine I often, uh, I mean I do not wish to speak ill of anyone but sometimes the culture around what we produce is…” His hands gesture around vaguely.
“It’s a travel magazine and there usually is never a need to write anything really shocking…and I feel like some of the writers are just…just exaggerating certain pieces for the…the shock value. I feel like there’s a lot of people in the industry like that…putting out things just to stir the masses for their own amusement, you know?”
“I think I know what you’re getting at. The whole sensationalizing thing has become really prevalent. And it’s just missing the point of helping people learn more about other things.“
They give a slight shrug. “But I guess that what certain people are after that shock value -which does sell even if it does cause further issues for the sake of entertainment.”
“Uh well, not really. Whenever I talk to her about it she gets upset but I’m sure it’ll be fine once the baby is born. Ari wasn’t thrilled when I was pregnant with Dahlia, but once she was born he was really happy. I’m hoping Dahlia will have the same change of heart.”
“I see. I can understand how that’d be difficult – a lot of change to deal with. But at least it seems to trend towards getting better once the baby is born.”
Idris had always believed such a thing, that belief stemming from his faith– and yet in regards to those who fate dealt a heavy hand to…what was the silver lining? Maybe it made them stronger, more cautious, more aware than those who lived in abundance and bliss, but it still didn’t feel like a fair trade.
“You know, if you ever wish to talk…about anything, you are welcome to talk to me. I do not know what a human can help a god with but I am a good listener.”
Saima gives a grateful smile in response to Idris’s offer. Despite the heaviness that sometimes comes with their existence, encountering someone who is willing to listen is still a real rarity. “You know I’ll probably take you up on that. I appreciate your perspective a lot. And honestly, just being a good listener counts for so much more than you’d think. In that way, you’d be incredibly helpful alone.”
Rosemary’s smile grows as she rests a hand on her growing stomach. “It really does. It feels like I was just pregnant with Dahlia…and now she is two and a half, and going to be a big sister very soon!”
“I guess there’s something quite fascinating about how much a family can grow in such a short amount of time. Is Dahlia up for being a big sister?” It’s always interesting to hear about how children react to a new member of the family.
“Hopefully you’ll have a good time.” Rosemary makes a mental note to get a sitter for the day herself. Since trick or treating with the kids ends well before eight, she thinks her and Xander will have plenty of time to go somewhere themselves. “It’s still a lil’ surreal, you know? By next Halloween I’ll have three lil’ babies to dress up.”
“One can only imagine.” They give themselves a mental note to check in on a few people. “That does seem so surreal. All of a sudden three lil ones to have about – all in cute costumes, all demanding to be part of the fun. Time always does seem to past so incredibly quickly.”
“Well, you should consider going out if you’re up for it. Before I adopted Ari I would go out to bars on Halloween and it was so much fun. Drinking and dressing up is just an incredible combo.”
“I mean it does sound fun. I guess I’ll have to ask around about who’s having a little get-together I can dress up for. ” Living somewhere Halloween isn’t really a big deal makes it more of an effort if Saima cares to participate.
“Definitely! Having the whole family dress up together for Halloween is one of my favorite things ever.” She takes a pause to ask about her friend, mainly because she worries she is talking far too much about herself. “Do you usually dress up?”
“That sounds like a nice bit of family fun.” They say idly as they peruse some more of the clothing. “I only do so if I’m explicitly invited to a Halloween party. Otherwise, I don’t really celebrate it.”
“Woodwinds are fun to play. I could teach you to play the tárogató, it’s an instrument used in a lot of my folk music. A little obscure, but it might lend something new to your music.” Erzsi offers. Anytime she could pitch something of hers she would, it’s just how she is.
“I don’t remember the last time I played the piano. I know I got sick of doing so when they tried to teach me at the Viennese court. Goodness, I should pick that back up, it was a joy to play.”
“Huh, the tárogató? I’ve heard it used to great effect. I think it’d be super cool if you would teach me to play it. It’d be another way to add some more ugric influences to the music and I’m all about that.“ Saima was all too willing to involve those they were close to culturally in their music and this was a great way to do so.
“Ah, I get how it would be easy to get sick of doing so in that context. But I think it’d be fun to try again on your own terms this time.“
“I’ll keep it on the mind that I owe you a little favor in return, then.” She gives up attempting to feel for the flower in her hair with a sheepish laugh. “I really do appreciate the help! I adore this blouse, but I can hardly do anything while wearing it without ripping a stitch or being impaled by a pin. You did well by dressing more… comfortably.”
“Yeah, it doesn’t have to be anything major.“ Usually food was enough for Saima but they didn’t feel like being too picky about what they wanted in return.“I’m glad to be of assistance. There’s a reason I am a little more careful about the kind of tops I wear. I love a good blouse but I have to be able to move in it.”
“I’m incredibly glad I did too! Hearing the music on your phone is one thing, but seeing it live! It was transcendent!” Erzsi gushes over Saima that bright smile never leaving her face. It was honestly one of the best shows she has ever been too, quite easily making her top ten.
“You seem to have quite a few fans,” she remarks gesturing to the people they were talking to beforehand. Seeing Saima like this made her incredibly happy; they deserved all praise and attention they were receiving.
Hearing that kind of praise come from a close friend was enough to make Saima blush a little bit. It was one thing to have this kind of feeling from people from home – but showing this side of them to long-time associates was another thing altogether. “Oh, wow. I’m.. I’m really happy that you’ve enjoyed yourself so much.”
Saima gives a sheepish little grin while rubbing the back of their neck. “Yeah, yeah – I guess you could say that I have a following. But it’s really just nice to interact with fellow musicians and enthusiasts.”
Seekesotsibteadmist 