48 (Mickey's Steamroller)

[her_mouse_jesty]

[The Video is rushed as Minnie hurriedly turns it on, standing outside in the chilly weather of Saffron. Scrooge, now an evolved Noctowl, flaps behind her with great confusion, wondering why his owner is so excited.]

Oh, everyone, I can't believe I almost forgot! I was battling some wild Pokemon with Scrooge here, and then they used Attract, and that reminded me about next month - Valentine's Day! With the training and helping birthdays, I really lost track of time. But now that I remembered, I'm back on track, and I'm ready to get started. So if you want some Valentine's chocolate, just let me know, and I'll start cooking!

[Scrooge calmly lands on her shoulder, and nudges her cheek with a wing.]

Huh? What? Did I forget something else?

[Scrooge gives her the Pokemon equivalent expression of :| ]

... Oh! That's right! Some people here might not know what Valentine's Day even is! [She looks back the Pokegear now doubly excited.] Why, it'll be their first Valentine's Day! Heeheehee! it's a special holiday on February 14th, next month! It's a day to celebrate love and romance... You make special chocolates for those you hold closest in your heart, and if you have a sweetheart, you spend the day doing wonderfully romantic things. it's one of my favorite holidays~!

[For those interested in Action, Minnie and Scrooge will be in and out of stores and the mall to buy baking ingredients.]

Comments

Video, private

[her_mouse_jesty]

[Dagnabbit. Have a pout.]

This could be your big chance to confess your feelings and win her over on the most romantic day of the year in the romantic way possible, but sure, what do you want to talk about instead?

[... she just wants to help, really. she's just very bad at it.]

Private

[shakespearealien]

Believe me, I would gladly do all that if I had a her to spend that day with. She has been unreachable for a while and I am beginning to fear the worst.

Private

[her_mouse_jesty]

[Oh, well, that changes things considerably. Oops.]

Oh... well... I'm sure she's all right! She just must be busy, that's all. But it's so sweet that you're worried!

[shakespearealien]

No, Queen. She's traveled back to her home world - I feel it.

And before you ask, I am as fine as I'll ever be.

[her_mouse_jesty]

[Annnd now she feels like a heel. She hesitates, but then swallows hard.]

She can always come back, nothing is set in stone quite yet. I've had friends come and go dozens of times.

... And if you ever feel you're not fine, I'm always available.

[shakespearealien]

[He nods in acknowledgement.]

Thank you, Queen. Changing subject now. If you were in your home world, how would you celebrate St. Valentine's Day?

[her_mouse_jesty]

[Still feeling guilty over what she did, she twiddles her thumbs a bit before answering.]

Well, usually the King and I take a break from our duties and spend the day together. The night before, I stay up to hand make him chocolate. Sometimes we take a long stroll in the gardens, or sneak around town, or just watch the stars from the balcony...

[shakespearealien]

... Queen. As I said, I am fine. You need not be quite so nervous.

[Gorthan's eyes seem brighter now, alive, as he imagines the world evoked by Minnie's words.]

What can you see from your balcony?

[her_mouse_jesty]

[She nods slowly, trying not to be nervous, and puts a smile on as the good memories reemerge.]

We can see our entire kingdom from there... Our castle is the tallest building. Sometimes the King would try and make up new constellations in the stars... [She giggles a little, pretending to draw in the air with her finger.]

[shakespearealien]

I see... And what is your kingdom like? How much land, how many cities does it comprise? Are there lakes? Rivers? Mountains?

[He sounds - and looks - absolutely fascinated, and the questions just keep pouring from his mouth.]

[her_mouse_jesty]

[She blinks at the questions, but then stifles another giggle. Why, he almost sounds like Donald's nephews, with all of their adorable questioning.]

There's the Disney Kingdom, which is where the most important and powerful people live. Then there's Disney Town, where the regular citizens live and work. We have a long flowing river that goes alongside the town, and sometimes there are steamboats on it to travel back and forth with packages, or if you just want a nice ride. Pete used to work on the Steamboats long ago, and The King would try to help him.

[shakespearealien]

Ah... a divide between commoners and the powerful class?

[That's really not too different from Evron, actually.]

What purpose does it serve? Are there people in the Kingdom who could harm the commoners?

[her_mouse_jesty]

What - of course not! We only house the powerful people in one place so that if someone needs them, they know exactly where to go.

[shakespearealien]

Ah... That is not much different from what I was suggesting, realize. What you say implies that there are times when powerful people are not needed by others.

[her_mouse_jesty]

Well, it's true. Our kingdom is very peaceful. Power is useful, but it's not always needed.

[shakespearealien]

If peace is the norm in your kingdom, then you and your husband must be very wise rulers, Queen.

[her_mouse_jesty]

Two people don't make up a kingdom. Our subjects are wonderful people.

... May I ask you a small favor?

[shakespearealien]

You can ask all manners of favors of me, Queen.

[her_mouse_jesty]

... Will you please call me Minnie?

[shakespearealien]

... Certainly, Minnie. You could have told me so earlier.

What is it about being called by your title that makes you uncomfortable?

[her_mouse_jesty]

I just prefer my friends to call me by name. We're equals, after all.

[shakespearealien]

[That will get an odd reaction from Gorthan. Initially, he flinches a bit in surprise, blinking. A moment later, however, his features relax into a smile.]

... Are we, now?

[Evronian hierarchy is so rigid and pervasive of all aspects of life, having such casual relationships with people is still not something Gorthan is entirely good at.]

[her_mouse_jesty]

[She's surprised that he's surprised, but the smile manages on.]

Of course we are. What good are titles here?

[shakespearealien]

[Gorthan tilts his head a bit to the side. But unlike a certain counterpart of his, he is not completely oblivious as to why one would not desire having clout over others.]

So you do not wish to be reminded of your royal station, given to you by birthright? I would think you very well-deserving of retaining your title even here.

[her_mouse_jesty]

[She shakes her head.]

It isn't my birthright. I married into royalty. Before I married the king, I was just another ordinary citizen.