Pre-Game Catchall | the grass grows greener on the other side

[graftage]

Who: John Steinbeck + people who are unfortunate enough to talk to him
Where: everywhere and anywhere
When: time is a construct (various)
Summary: pre-game CR catchall time
Restrictions/Warnings: steinbeck is his own warning (will update if needed)

[This log is for pre-game CR closed prompts catchall! If you're interested in getting CR with Steinbeck, just PM or hit me up in a PP over at vampirize and I'll write out a prompt for you!]

Comments

[graftage]

I know, I...

[But he can't help. He can't go back in time and reverse things. He can't do anything to fix this. And that's what hurts, to see someone he was close to suffering like this without any solution for it.]

Oh, me? [He's glad for the distraction in the form of a question, and smiles, pointing at his robes.] I, well, I became a Scarback. Decided to sort things out for myself and I found faith. Now I'm going around helping others as best as I can. I try to visit family as much as possible, though. I think they're happy with what I do, though I guess they don't like seeing more scars than they have to.

[Not even the people closest to him want to know just how many ways he's hurt his own body in the name of his religion.]

[digophelia]

Why wouldn't they be happy?

[ Alice is the least pleased he's found a calling. What little she's heard about the Scarbacks leaves little to judge. He's found faith where she's lost hers and Alice eases into the first small smile she's had in a while. ]

It makes you happy. I don't care what anyone says about Scarbacks, that doesn't sound awful, at all.

[ With the exception of inflicting pain on one's self. ]

I hear so many rumors about Scarbacks; what does one do as one?

[graftage]

Ah, they're believers in the faith, but I think it might be bit of a sore spot to see me bleeding every other time I see them. Ruthie adores the scars though. She says she thinks they make me look like a warrior from one of her bedtime stories, haha.

[He loves his family so much. He can understand why they feel the way they do, because his safety is their priority. But he's a strong boy, always has been, and even though they might fret over him they know he's tougher than he looks. He's happy for that.]

Mostly I perform religious rites and blessings if needed. I, of course, attend to people in need, especially those in poverty, and we try to spread our faith and our scriptures where we can. I'm definitely a very busy guy. [The Resistance takes up most of his time, but he won't share that tidbit. Not now.] But being a Scarback allows me to travel wherever I'm needed, so I always find it nice to be able to come back here when I can.

[digophelia]

I can see why some may be wary of you, hurting yourself for your faith. Though-

[ Alice doesn't really see the issue with it, but if she were to find herself in a similar situation, it would be out of an anger she couldn't express. ]

We hurt ourselves in some way, either it be for a belief or a gain in our life. Advancements aren't without some level of pain, mental or physical.

[ He does seem so happy and if he's happy, Alice can be, too. She forces another smile, just for his sake. It hurts to hear him speak so happily about his family whereas she has none.

She hates to admit she's jealous of him, Scarback priest. ]

Then, if you travel, John, you are always welcome to Leith. I... I have my own house all to myself, I'd be happy to offer you a room when you do come.

[graftage]

You've got it. It's not like I'm doing it because it's fun. It's give and take. I take the sins and suffering of others into myself, and allow others to be purified through my pain.

[It's a concept he knows many others wouldn't want to understand, since self-sacrifice is not a natural part of being human. People are selfish. It's odd for someone to do something that's so detrimental to one's self for the sake of others on a constant basis.]

Oh, Alice, that's too kind of you. [He beams wide, his eyes bright.] Of course I'll visit you! I mean, I can't imagine, a house all by yourself...you know what, do you have plants there? Flowers? I can bring some to brighten it up, if you'd like!

[digophelia]

Take the sins and suffering...? Ah, that's-

[ What she is about to say that it sounds ridiculous and how she didn't believe such a thing. But Steinbeck is beaming, content with his role. So the term "scarback" finally comes to light. ]

That's very rewarding!

[ How can she speak so disdainfully of something that makes him so happy? What would be a nervous laugh (if she could laugh, at all) instead is replaced with a breathy response. ]

Ah, I cannot say that I have flowers -- plenty of greens, no flowers! I would most certainly appreciate it! It's not too terrible! I don't feel that it's right to have anyone to help me, not when I am able to do so, myself.

[graftage]

It sure is!

[He doesn't even suspect she might think of it in another way - he's just happy to hear someone approving of his duties so highly.]

Oh, no flowers? Not a single one? That's an absolute shame! [He slaps a hand on the table.] Don't even worry about it, Alice, I'll certainly get you on the right track for some plants, just count on me!

[digophelia]

I had no idea you were a gardener, John.

[ What she remembers of him as a boy seems so long ago. She hopes she hasn't forgotten tidbits like that. What he likes, little things like this. He would be the first guest she would open her doors to willingly. ]

Then whenever you are back in Leith, I'll make a special dinner for you.

[ And, she adds, unlike other Leithian heiresses... ] Myself, that is.

[graftage]

Ah, not really a gardener, really...I dabble in plants from time to time, though.

[In more ways than one.]

[The more she talks, the more he remembers them as children, chatting about nothing in particular as children do. Things were simpler back then. Happier. It's nice to remember those times, even now.]

That's too nice of you. You know, my favorite kind of food is always homemade. [He tilts his head, a sweet smile on his face.] I know I sound sappy, but Alice...I'm really glad we're meeting like this. It's so good to see you.

[digophelia]

I'm happy, too.

[ There is a slight urge to reach across the table and pat his hand. She must seem awkward as she still wears a small smile, slightly grimacing at the thought. It's too soon for Alice to even touch a hand. ]

Please, let me know if you're ever back in Leith.

[ Saying that now, Alice realizes how lonely she is. ]

[graftage]

But of course! I travel back and forth all the time.

[The life of a Scarback (and a revolutionary} is a hardworking one. He sometimes wises he could be divided in two to be on two planets at once.]

[He senses the sadness behind that phrase, and gives her a reassuring smile.]

Seriously, Alice, if you need me, just give me a call. I'll be here for you.

[He means it.]