FIFTY-TWO
Although many would say that art museums are boring for children, she's certain that Elfnein will enjoy the displays as much as any adult, if not more; after all, the first outlet for any child's imagination is art, isn't it?
Plus, it gives Tsubasa a chance to show off her inner art history nerd (don't tell Tsubasa that she said that, heh).
"Well, Rococo differs from traditional Baroque in that it tends to use a pastel palette, has asymmetrical patterns and motifs, and is highly ornamental. It is also, however, classified as late Baroque, for it has its basis in the school of art of continental Europe from the 18th century."
Tsubasa, for once, speaks freely, and Elfnein hangs on to her every word; both are much less self-conscious when they are thoroughly immersed in their interests. It makes her glad—every relationship should be a two-way street.
While they delve into the history and even a little of the symbolism of the Rococo paintings, Maria wanders a bit away from them.
Gazing upon the opulence of the Rococo and Baroque, she can't help but be reminded of the destruction all throughout Poland and down through central Europe, from Austria and Bulgaria to the tip of Greece at the end of their bloody path. From churches to town houses to everything in between, they razed the extravagance of the old order to the ground (not that their grand total of 52 arsons changed anything, in the end).
But that's in the past, she reaffirms as she takes a seat upon a nearby bench.
Elfnein and Tsubasa catch up with her, and they decide to join Maria on her break.
"My feet are unexpectedly tired," Tsubasa says, jostling a foot.
In between them, Elfnein swings her legs back and forth, shoes just barely brushing the floor—Maria has to resist squealing aloud at the cuteness.
"You'll have to get used to it, Tsubasa. Pretty soon we'll be doing this more often."
Quirking her brow, Tsubasa looks at Maria in askance: Are we going to bring it up?
Elfnein looks at her, too, with an expression that's more curious than apprehensive.
There are lots of ways this conversation can go, but she takes the casual route; just a little something to ease them all into the idea that they'll be… a unit.
"By Christmas, I'm certain that we'll be settled in, so the upcoming year will begin with lots of outings like this one!" she says, nodding decisively.
Elfnein asks, "But when… when…." She can't finish the question, but Maria understands.
"If all goes well, by the end of November, perhaps the first week of December." And Tsubasa understands, too. "We have some paperwork that has to be approved, though the matron will probably send that out by the end of the week. Maria has started at her new employment, and I will in a few days, as well. The house renovation, which is the only other delay, is set for completion in a week's time."
Understandably, Elfnein looks overwhelmed by the information. Since she doesn't have to make any such preparations, it must seem like everything that's happening is abrupt.
Hopefully it'll feel more real the closer they get to finalizing the adoption.
a/n: Some of Maria's backstory somehow made it in there... o_o. Plus, some book-keeping in regards to the timeline and technicalities of the plot; maybe I'll reach my goal of having Elfnein adopted by #60, though that'll have to emply some time-skips since they're at 11/16 ish right now. Would a time skip to 12/1 ish be too jarring? I plan on having more of those [time skips, I mean] in the second arc, so I might as well get into the practice now... Eh, we'll see.
Please review, and thank you for those who have reviewed so far! ^^
