[action] A decade's worth of Games ago

[ijustlovethat]

[there was an arena like this once. ten, eleven years ago? there were horrible sand-dwelling snake muttations on an isolated chunk of beach, and the tides grew worse and worse with every passing day. naturally, the victor had been from District Four, and Effie's tributes -- she couldn't help but think of them as hers, even though it made it difficult to watch them die -- hadn't made it past the first five hours.

[so when she wakes up atop one of these rocky guys right here, she thinks, for a minute, that she has been transported to that old arena and left there by some cruel tour guide.

[she is ignoring the instructions on her communicator right now because there is a much more pressing problem to be dealt with: getting off this rock and onto the beach proper without ruining her pretty dress and shoes and hair and-- well, you get the idea.

[if you're around, you see her taking little steps to the edge, peering down at the water, trying to judge the distance between herself and the shore. (hint: she would not make that jump if she had a running start and good, sturdy flats.) very soon, she goes from frustrated to upset, pouting, batting her butterfly eyelashes as if she's about to unleash a rain of glittery tears.]

Oh, this won't do! Is there anyone who can help? [very quietly] I can't swim.

Comments

[actlikealady]

[she was just starting to get a handle on the beach, but the sight of the fussy woman on the rock gives her pause. Sif looks around, surveying the sand, but she doesn't see anyone else... so she comes closer]

What are you doing there? [frankly, with her voice raised as she heads down to the water]

[ijustlovethat]

[ohmygoodness, someone is here to help! oh, goodness, goodness, goodness!]

Well, I don't know! I just-- woke up here, and I think it's a very unpleasant joke to play on someone!

[her accent gets pretty bad when she's upset. or excited. or ... pretty much doing anything. err, sorry, Sif!]

[as Sif approaches the water] Oh, goodness, your costume--! Won't it get ruined?

[that is a tribute parade costume, isn't it? maybe District One or Two? this armored woman looks like a sure winner! oh, maybe this is a reenactment! even if this woman doesn't seem like she's from Four.]

[actlikealady]

[muttering a little] That's the second time it's been called a costume.

[then, at a more normal volume] It'll dry. [although that comment makes her realize that the woman in the very ornate clothing herself might... not want it ruined] [ugh, women, amirite] I take it you need help getting to shore.

[ijustlovethat]

[it will dry, yes, but probably it will wrinkle and possibly stain a little and smell like salt!]

[but she will not be distracted from the offer of assistance!] Oh, yes, I do! Anything you can do for me will be greatly appreciated.

[actlikealady]

[sigh, alright. she might as well help. she nudges off her boots and strips off the metal pieces of her armor efficiently]

Hold tight. I'll be right there.

[ijustlovethat]

[she can't help clappin a little. too happy to be saved, shoes and all!]

Oh, thank you so very much! You are so gracious, helping me out even though it isn't your job! ...what is your job, if I may ask?

[actlikealady]

I am Sif, the shield-maiden of Asgard, attendant to the Queen, and... [stepping up to the water, hands briefly on her hips as she considers it. it looks warm] ...goddess of war and the hunt.

[then she wades into the water to go retrieve the fussy-looking mortal woman in the elaborate gown from the rock]

[benriyas]

[a damsel in distress!! albeit a damsel dressed in clothes no one would wear to a deserted island, which tells Worick that perhaps this is someone who's in the same situation he's in. stuck with no idea how he got here.]

[He makes his easy way through the surf, his boots and socks left behind on the sand, squinting towards Effie.]

Need some help, miss?

[ijustlovethat]

[it is her lucky day, clearly! heroes everywhere!]

Oh, yes! I need to get to shore without ruining what I'm wearing!

[benriyas]

[That cracks a smile out of him, because hey at least she's honest!!]

Right, that shouldn't be too hard. I could carry you to shore if you want.

[ijustlovethat]

Oh, that would be lovely! [the odds are in her favor after all!]

[benriyas]

[he's reached her rock by now and turns so that his back is to her]

Make sure you hold on tight. I don't want to drop you into the surf and ruin your pretty dress.

[ijustlovethat]

[no need to tell her twice! she grabs on, avoiding choking him]

Oh, this is so kind of you to do!

[cleanedslate]

No better time to learn. [ just, pointing that out, from where he stands on dry land ]

[ Tony's first, like, ten minutes were not great minutes. he's still trying to work the problem, figure out what the hell is going on and how this keeps happening.

this is a refreshingly tiny problem to solve, really ]

[ijustlovethat]

[well now isn't that just about the rudest thing--!]

Well, sir! You are no help! [ladylike huff!]

[why would anyone even bother!]

[cleanedslate]

The water's actually pretty warm. It's nice, probably. And you're close to shore.

Plus that dress would probably work as a flotation device.

[ijustlovethat]

It most certainly would not! [you CLEARLY know nothing about high fashion. ugh!]

Never you mind, nameless rude man. There are other, much more helpful people around here than you.

[cleanedslate]

[ he knows sneakers are the best shoes to wear with a tux, so. yeah. ]

Hey, I have a name. [ not arguing the rest of it ]

[ijustlovethat]

Oh, pardon me for not knowing it!

[good job, Tony. bothered her enough that she's forgetting her manners. well, ignoring them.]

[inflorescere]

[Though she was keeping some distance from the shore herself (can't swim either, unfortunately!) Robin does spot Effie while she is walking around exploring and she feels bad enough at the sight of her helplessness to attempt to get a little closer. Soon she is calling out, if calmly.]

Miss? Are you all right?

[ijustlovethat]

I won't be all right until I'm on dry land! [she's pouting, and her make-up really exaggerates that. naturally!]

[inflorescere]

Mm, I can't imagine it's very pleasant like that. [... I'm sorry, she totally finds the pouting adorable and can't help but laugh softly just a little.]

Might I help? [She asks politely, in good nature and also because she's fairly sure her method of assistance with. ruffle her up maybe.]

[ijustlovethat]

Yes, you might! If there's anything you can do--! [these shoes are new, after all. oh, she had hoped they would last her at least two parties!]

[inflorescere]

[Smiles, nodding.]

Certainly. If you'll excuse me, then...

Mil fleur! [She crosses her arms and soon one large but gentle hand blooms up directly beneath Effie, sitting her securely in the palm of it as if it were a big comfy chair. It extends like a giant's arm growing out of the stone, and soon puts her on her feet at the dry shore. Then the arm disappears entirely, split up into tiny purple flower petals all around them that fade into nothing before even touching the ground.]

[ijustlovethat]

[OH MY GOODNESS.]

What-- what fantastic special effects! Are you-- did you help build this place?