Work Text:
Swirling the last remains of the blood-red liquor in her ornate wine glas, Eden let her eyes sweep the MANTIS' gathering hall.
Normally one would find at least two or three adjutants trading gossip in one of the corners but due to the late (or in some eyes early) hour and with most members away on missions, the hall was deserted. A rather old-fashioned music box was releasing wistful tunes despite the time of day (and if someone else were there they might have attested to hearing dulcet humming).
Finishing the rest of the wine before her Eden set the now empty work of art down and looked to her side.
Another work of art: a well-made stuffed animal depicting a baby goat. The fibre (most likely Angora) was soft to the touch. Although very cute, Eden had no need for the precious gift and was looking to find someone else who might treasure it.
(Making her able to once more bring joy to those around her (and thus herself)).
When she reached again for the bottle, her heightened senses picked up a rather peculiar walking style. One she and at this point most of the base associated with only one individual.
A smile graced her lips as Kalpas leisurely rounded the corner into the commons room. As usual he was greeted by silence although this time without the shout "Kalpas is back" heralding his arrival.
If he noticed Eden, he wasn't showing it.
Sadly the wine wasn't able to gather more courage for her, not since the ICHOR, but she didn't feel like needing it for what she planned.
"Kalpas dear, it is good to see you. If you would come over here, I might have something for you."
This time he glanced over to her, noting the smell of wine in the vicinity. Elysia told him of Eden's mood when "drunk" which made him even more sceptical of the situation.
(Adding to his suspicion due to his own nature (after all who would be glad to see him aside from Mobius with him strapped on her workbench) ).
On one hand he could just ignore her and resume his return to his quarter…
but on the other hand if Elysia somehow caught wind of him being rude to Eden she might talk his ear off about it.
Also, he was curious.
As Kalpas walked with barely noticeable cautiousness the (former) musician felt like a zookeeper being approached by one of the more dangerous exhibits. (Although now it could be said that she was one herself too… and it wouldn’t be wrong.)
Eden gently took hold of the plush and slowly held it out.
The only other individual in the room hesitated a few steps before her. He seemed to be studying the plush in her palm, but Eden couldn't tell for sure as she had already closed her eyes.
(Elysia’s ideas about how to communicate with Kalpas in a way that wouldn't end in unpretty situations might have sounded obtuse but there must have been at least a little bit of truth in them, she figured.)
When she felt the weight just as gently leave her hand gold eyes were opened again.
"You see, I get many gifts, but I rarely have use for them. Would you like to keep it?"
"I don't know what Elysia might have told you, but I only need more enemies to decimate", he exclaimed
(with the little goat still kept in his hand.)
"Ah, I wasn't asking if you have need for it but if you'd like to own it" she answered while wisely omitting that the rumors about his stuffed animal hoard also reached her ears.
A giggle seemed to escape his lips which immediately broke out into hollow laughter: "AHAHAHA what an interesting approach!"
He gripped his mask and stifled the rest of his laughter.
The little goat meanwhile hung snug under his other arm.
As if he remembered something the Mad King swiftly took his leave all the while Eden realized that her usual smile had become more genuine during the exchange.
It still didn't stop her from sighing after he was out of earshot though. His manners were still a work in progress after all.