I do not own Undertale
Clicking of keys came off in a near constant assault, the user leaning over the keyboard focusing a little too intently at the screen. Mostly at the long and seemingly never ending words before them. With a deep sigh, they looked at the still empty space below and had to wonder how much longer they had to go.
With a long groan, they slumped back and placed a hand to their face. Nearly drawing it down as if to try and wipe away the tired stress from their features. But it never happened. Bringing their head up once more to stare at the screen and looking at the time and how late it was? It was decided that maybe it was time to have a bit of time to themselves. With a hand reaching for the mouse and closing out tabs after saving each document, did they start up their recent little hobby of a game. Though their brows creased when they got into the game in full. Did they forget to save in Snowdin?
With a groan, Elzia scrunched her eyes in slight irritation as the sensation of sleep slightly pulled away from her senses. A want to stay in the warm bed was all she wanted. But slowly, restlessly, she began to toss and turn. Trying to get comfortable again while a sensation made her eyes pull tight, uncomfortably so, just to keep them shut. Just to keep sleeping. But eventually, she opened her slightly crusty eyes that were sprinkled by bit's of sleeping sand, and blinked.
It was dark, practically pitched black. It made Elzia sigh as she reached over and felt around by the nightstand and eventually, felt the phone Toriel let her use. Picking it up and flipping it open, she felt her eyes sting at the single bright light and wanted to groan. Why did she wake up at 2 in the morning?
She placed the phone back and tossed the covers over herself again. Intent to get some sleep. But again she felt that odd… tug. There was that insistent, irritating tug that felt so familiar- but she brushed it off. She just wanted to sleep. And slowly, she began to close her eyes… Then as she began to drift, she began to feel an odd, staticy sensation. One that began to fill her head with a buzz…
Jolting awake, Elzia blinked and groggily looked at herself. Was she sitting up? Wasn't she just laying down? She blinked a bit more and looked about the dark room and rubbed her face. Again, feeling that odd tug… she gave a sigh and got up. Lamp turned on to light the room, getting her glasses on and even grabbing her phone to again look at the time. 2:13 A.M.
Sighing and feeling a touch parched, Elzia figured to maybe get a glass of water and try getting back to sleep afterwards. So she placed the phone back and got up to stretch a little. The PJ's feeling light as a feather on her person, compared to her normal wear that was a bit more heavy.
Turning, Elzia left the guest room and used a finger to get at the sand still on the edges of her eyes. She almost grumbled at the sharp nudges of a few hardened sleepy-bits, but eventually she cleared them out while half wandering the hall, mind still a bit foggy from her tiredness, once more her head buzzing with a sound.
She only snapped more awake again, when she registered that she had not just opened a door, but her bare foot tapped on cold stone. Stopping, Elzia looked around and felt her mind pause. What? she mentally got out, trying to process what was going on. Why had she started to leave the house? In her given PJ's of all things. Hands raising up to her face, Elzia slapped her cheeks a few times, trying to make sure she was fully awake.
Yet as she turned to go inside, she again felt that… tug. That insistent tug that made her pause. Eventually, her mind caught up with her, recalling days back of a similar feeling. It was then she decided that the sensation was not worth following and went back inside, door closing behind her. She was not going to go out and follow the feeling into the Ruins, at night, in her PJ's and without her phone.
Granted the Ruins were not any darker at night as they were in the morning- but the point still stood. She wasn't going anywhere and following some mysterious sensation like that again! Giving herself a firm nod to this, Elzia marched her way to the kitchen and got herself a glass from a cupboard, got some water and downed it. Savoring how it helped quench her throat.
Though while she finished it off and began to head back to bed, she again felt that sensation. This time towards the stairwell again. No. She thought sternly to herself. Not happening again. I am going to bed. And once more, marched for the guest room. But once more, she felt that tug. It was like some… annoying itch in the back of her head. Everything in her wanted to know what that feeling was, why it was becoming her away.
Surely it wouldn't hurt to look?
Shaking her head, Elzia reminded herself, it isn't worth it. I don't want to scare Toriel half to death again. And kept going for the Guest room. She moved the covers, got in, turned off the light and layed down. Covers over her body and forces her eyes closed…. Before going as she took a moment to take her glasses off, fold them and place them on the nightstand.
As she once more tried to go to sleep, she felt that annoying prodding in her head again. Making her toss and turn. I'm not going. she reinforced stubbornly, despite her curiosity. I'm staying right here. In this nice, warm, comfy bed. It's too early in the morning.
But even with these thoughts, she continued to toss and turn. Her body felt like it was fighting with her. She shifted her legs, poked her feet out to feel cool air. Clung the cooler parts of the blanket to her body. Her body felt overly warm, possibly from how much she was moving and working herself up. For a moment her head felt like it swelled with a slight headache.
With a low groan some time later, Elzia reached for her phone again and looked at the time in frustration. 3:47.
Covers being tossed off and sitting up again, Elzia rubbed her face. She couldn't get to sleep and she felt strangely fidgety. It was bothering her to no end. Maybe it was pointless to try and get anymore sleep. And while she didn't want to leave the house? She was feeling so… so… cooped up!
So, she got up and practically tossed her PJ's off. Searching for new clothes to get on and dress in before placing the phone in her pocket, and later got her glasses back on. This was followed by her note book and a pencil and one sharpener once more. After that, she got her socks on, followed by her shoes and went out of her guest room.
Feeling annoyed and just buzzing with more energy than she liked, Elzia left out the front door of the house and just stomped around in a circle. Trying to just burn off her energy in the front yard and work off her irritation. She didn't even know why she was so annoyed and angry- maybe it was because of how off this all felt to her. Getting woken up by some… strange feeling that tugged at her curiosity so insistent that it was getting annoying.
Stopping, Elzia said while rubbing her forehead, "I need to clear my head." And tried to think of how to do that… but she let her feet carry her. She wasn't sure where she was going, but she didn't plan to go far. And she did, infact, not wander far. Only past the tree, down a short hall and soon enough, reached a balcony that overlooked the city of the Ruins.
Letting out a breath and walking up to lean on the stone railing, Elzia looked out and just let her mind drift. Looking out at the city almost reminded her of home. How long has it been since she saw home? A month now? Two months? It was hard to tell, she lost track of the days and even the weeks while down here. She hadn't really been paying attention in all honesty.
But it did make her feel… sad. She was feeling rather homesick, and she missed seeing her mother's face. It almost hurt to even think about how her mother was probably devastated at her disappearance. Elzia nearly gramanced at the thought of those social worker strangers that would swing by now and then. Always checking up to see if she was doing well and if she needed to either stay with her mother or her father for a stable life.
Elzia couldn't say she liked or trusted people that had some weird say over where she could live. While she liked her Father? Elzia wouldn't say she would live with him. It was less of him, and more of that woman that he had gotten too close to that wasn't her mother. Something about her always felt off, and it bothered her to no end.
It probably didn't help the fact that her dad really hurt her mother when he left as he did. The whole divorced making this odd divide and making her mother more than once, look like she was in physical pain at any photos she saw him in. And now? With her missing like this, would the social workers decide that her Mom was no longer fit to take care of her and just ship her off to live with her Dad? The mere idea had Elzia grip her hands and tense up.
She sorely hoped that wouldn't happen. Elzia did not want to leave her mother, not just because she loved her that much, but also because of how much more it would hurt her.
Sighing and looking down, Elzia tried to rationalize things. She breathed in and took a moment to organize her thoughts and try to think logically. Yes, while this may not look good on her mother's behalf of her custody over her? Elzia realized that it would not be her mother's fault. Far from it. If anything, it was her school and the teacher that was doing the field trip that would possibly be in massive trouble for misplacing a student.
Not that she knew all the legal issues behind that sort of topic. It made Elzia frowen and wonder what would happen once her mother found out. Clearly the woman was going to panic, but no doubt be furious that her daughter was gone. After that? Well, Elzia wasn't sure. Either her mother was frantically searching… or this would cause her to break down even more. The thought… was not something Elzia liked and made her sink down some and lean more on the stone railing.
"Aw, why so down?" Elzia snapped her eyes open and tuend. Every alarm blared in her head and she scrambled away from the little demented flower that looked far too innocent for such a demonic thing. Though as the human scrambled back, nearly tripping on her own feet as she did, Flowey gave a ever so cute giggle. "Aw, shucks, I didn't mean to sneak up on you." Then flatly said while Elzia shoved her hand into her pocket, "And I wouldn't bother if I were you."
She didn't listen, Elzia grabbed and pulled out her phone, flipping it- and yelping when a white pellet shot by her hand, phone cracking a little as it was sent from her hand. She turned to get it, but once again, felt something grab her leg. She gave a scream and was pulled away, even as she tried to fight to get the phone.
"Geeze, you're really an idiot to think I'd give you the chance." Spoke the flower as he seemed to iddily reel her in. "Look, just stop struggling, and we can be done with this."
"NO!" Elzia screamed out and yanked her leg, trying to get free and escape. But she felt that sensation over her, and her mind began to register that another encounter had been made. Her Soul cleared as day for all to see. The flower exerting his magical will to manifest his power in a more controlled manner.
In turn, Elzia flexed her magic the best she could. She felt it spike and flux as she tried to form an aura- just enough to be like a shell. Like the books would say. She still yelped at the seeds that raiend down, her body half flickering and flashing with a blue shell of magic over herself. But even while she held it, she started to immediately feel tired.
"So you are getting a hang of magic." Taunted the flower with a malevolent grin. "Let's see how good ya are." And without waiting, pulled. The vine around her leg that only wrapped further and further up, yanked her. Elzia gave a scream and felt herself sliding over the ground, before feeling herself flying and tumbling in the air before she was swung overhead and slammed into the ground.
She felt so much pain. The human gave a slight sob at how much it hurt, even if her aura half protected her. She felt that it was gone though, shattered from the impact and leaving her feeling burnt out from the effort. "Look at you." Spoke the flower as his tone changed, "your soul is so weak. You don't have the strength to face anything."
Elzia tried to get up, her arms pushing her off the hard dusty ground. When she looked up with her glasses askew, she saw her phone. Reacting, Elzia pulled herself and swiped for it. Her fingers almost missed, as she was again, violently pulled back. She curled on herself, flicking the phone open and protecting it while fumbling to hit the right button-
With a scream of pain, Elzia felt her side and back pelted by those magical pellets again, her being quivering in a painful state of weakness. "TORIEL, HELP!" She practically screamed into the phone, not thinking if it was still ringing or not. "TORIEL!"
She could hear that flower laughing. Laughing at her and watching with those demented eyes as a storm of seeds were made. She looked up in terror, as it nearly whispered, "Die." Sending the storm down. Elzia watched with wide eyes as she screamed once more.
"TORIEL, PLEASE!" Then felt agony ripping through her, body ripping asunder as Flowey looked eccentrically pleased at his handy work. Her body suddenly felt much colder. Her breathing felt off and shallow. While she felt herself black out, the flower's please expression shifted, looking almost confused… then shocked before she felt something in her shutter and felt like it was going to break. In her last febal moments, Elzia gasp, "Tt-T-t-to-tor-"
"TORIEL!" Elzia screamed as she snapped her eyes wide open in terror and gasped for air. While she scrambled, eyes unable to see or make anything out. Wasn't she just in the Ruins? How did she get back in the guest room? She didn't get to think long before the sounds of pounding reached her ears- then she was blinded. Hissing and arm up, Elzia flinched and curled on herself.
"Elzia!" She heard, and not a moment later, warm fuzzy hands took hold of her. "Elzia, what is wrong? What happened?" When her eyes opened, Elzia saw Toreil there. Scared and confused. But it didn't matter. She was there and Elzia just tossed herself into a hug with the woman. Crying and sobbing as she shook.
it was just a dream Through the human with flooding relief. It was a horrible, horrible nightmare of a dream! Unable to stop herself from sobbing while the monster woman hugged her and stroked her head. Making shushing sounds to calm her. It hardly helped, Elzia never felt so scared before.
"Shh… You are safe, my child." Toriel once more soothed, gently rocking the teen girl in her arms. "You are safe. I will not let any harm come to you." Once more giving small hushes while she gently stroked the girl's head and back. Her heart slowly calming from being scared awake at the terrified scream.
It took awhile for the Monster woman to calm down the poor teenager that was shaking and sobbing. Much like when she was first attacked by that nasty little flower monster, Flowey. But slowly, ever so steadily, Elzia calmed. Seeming to mutter, "just a nightmare." And even, "it wasn't real." to herself. Seeming to comfort herself with logical thought.
Toriel did not stop her hugging or rocking. Even as she shifted her position to sit more on the bed and even hold the human in her lap. But eventually, she seemed to calm down and her sobs had dissolved into nothing more than hiccups. Once she calmed, Toriel asked, "Elzia… are you alright, child?"
Gulping and unable to stop herself from cuddling into the warm and safe embrace, Elzia said, "I… I had… there was this horrible… horrible nightmare." Quivering at the mere memory. "It.. it felt so.. So clear and real and-and-" And soon clutched tight the woman that had been nothing but kind and generous to her. "I thought I was going to die- actually die…"
Once more rubbing Elzia's back, Toriel said, "do not worry, you are safe now. I am here, Elzia. That dream can not hurt you now." It was silly to say, but Toriel knew that these simple words would calm the teenaged girl. "Would you like to come to the dining room and have some warm milk and cookies? I'm sure I also have some left over cherry pie from yesterday."
Slowly, Elzia nodded, "Y-yeah… yeah that… that sounds good." Still shaken up from her nightmare. And slowly, both got up. "I… I need to get my…" Reluctantly letting go of the women to find her glasses on her night stand.
"It is alright." Toriel assured, "I will be not far." Smiling reassuringly while leaving the room, door left wide open.
Elzia still shuttered at the lack of the goat woman's presence anymore. But she shook it off and got her eyewear and took a moment to look at her phone to see what time it was. She tightened her lips when she saw that it was just past 2:30 in the morning…
Sighing, she turned and placed her phone back and rushed to the dining room. She desperately wanted something to distract her mind from the horrors of her own realistic dream. The mere memory of such a… vivid thing made her once more shutter.
Gentle snaps and pops emanated from the red magical flames of the fireplace, while gentle scratches filled the air. It was soon joined by a single gentle flipping of a page. Toriel held a gentle and relaxed smile while she went over the next set of words in her book. She did spare a moment to look up at Elzia, the human girl seeming to have placed all her focus on her sketchbook.
Despite one very rough morning, things had mellowed out. Toriel was a little worried for the human though. The state the girl was in was not just disturbing, but very worrying. Even with the treats and having a bit of time to talk about the dream? Elzia was still very shaken up. Even looking about in paranoia that the monster would show up.
She had calmed down greatly since that morning, even taking a nap. And now, thankfully? Elzia was calm and seemed to have put the nightmare behind herself. It didn't stop Toriel from worrying, but she took comfort that the girl was now putting her focus into things that didn't help stew that fear. Shifting some, Toriel decided to try and get a better peek at what Elzia was drawing.
The image itself made her smile, mostly at what looked to be an image of two skeletons in a living room. Sans she could pick out, though the taller one? Toriel could only presume that was his brother, Papyrus. She couldn't help but watch as Elzia seemed to take her time to try and fill in the image, mostly on small details to help define the two and their shapes.
Toriel couldn't help but remark, "you draw very nicely, Elzia." Getting the girl to pause and glance up from her place on the rug. "Where did you learn to draw?" Closing her book and taking off her reading glasses to place to the side.
Blue eyes flicking down and working on another line, Elzia told while she gently traced along, "well, nowhere in particular. I just sort of… caught on and copied others. Watching how they do it and then sort of… catched on, I guess." and paused to give a helpless shrug, "it's a telent, I guess. My… my Mom often thinks I should do some major in college when I got older when it comes to art…" Though she felt those ideas were shot.
Tilting her head, Toriel asked, "what about you? Did you want to pursue art as a carer?" Because while it wasn't anything as spectacular as the artists she knew in her past? Elzia was right. She did have talent, even if the Teen ment it to be some brushed-off comment.
"I'm… not really sure, actually." Elzia admitted while stopping and closing her book. "I don't know what I want to do when I grow up, or get a job. I sort of… could never settle on something." And looked to her book to add, "I like to draw, to sketch. But it's always been more of a… hobby?" Giving a sheepish smile to Toriel to add, "I just do it when I feel like it. And when I'm not in the mood I just… don't. It's kinda hard to be explained."
With a gentle laugh, Toriel said, "no, I think I understand. If you are not in the mood to do something, it just loses meaning, correct?" And after a pause from the human, she gave a nod. Toriel smiled and said, "my adopted child, Chara was the same. If they were not interested in doing something, they just did not. But if they wanted to do something, they did it without much hesitation." Then rolled her eyes, "the trouble they got into while dragging my Son along…" gaze drifting to the side at the old memories.
Snapping her head into a shake, Toriel spoke, "a-anyways." Breathing in and asking, "how has your magic been coming along, Elzia. I have been meaning to ask."
"Well, I'm still having trouble keeping a aura up for long." Explained Elzia a bit hesitant, mind flashing back to her dream momentarily. "I've just been trying to make a aura and make it stable. But I'm starting to wonder if I'm doing something wrong, because I get tired out so quickly. Maybe I'm still too new to this, or… I'm wasting energy?"
Humming to herself, Toriel said, "it could simply be that you're still new to this. But it is just as likely you are exerting your magic too much into the aura from lack of experience. Or you still lack magical reserves to hold it long." And looked down at the Teen to soon smile. "If you like, we can go out and I can watch you practice and tell you if you are using too much force, child."
Smiling some, Elzia said, "thank you Toriel." And got up from her place, book in hand as she held it to her person. "Honestly, learning about and being able to use magic is... A bit exciting." Going on to say in thought, "I wonder if I can cast spells like a real mage someday?"
Giggling, Toriel spoke, "someday when you are much better acquainted and more practiced, perhaps." Then went on to tell with a mirth shining in her eyes. "For now? Making an Aura and perhaps finding what your magic is best tuned for is what comes first." Then went on smiling, "then after, some magic to protect you."
Nodding, Elzia agreed, "defensive magic first." And gave a shutter, "I know monsters are nice, Sans and Papyrus showed me how nice you all can be to strangers. But… I'd feel a lot safer with something between me and… well…" Having a brief flash of fear go through her when she recalled what Flowery nearly did to her.
Mirth vanishing ever so steadily, Toriel somberly nodded, "yes. I would also feel better knowing you had something to protect yourself from the few that wish you harm." Then shook her head to tell, "I will meet you outside so we can start."
"Okay." Spoke the human as she ran off to place her sketchbook away. The sight had Toriel smiling, and even felt a little giddy on the inside. Mostly at the aspect that she was teaching a youthful child about magic. Or, rather the fact she got to teach at all. It was so nice to share things with young people wanting to grow. There was… something uplifting and satisfying about it, something that filled her with hope.
Shaking that off, Toriel made her way outside, taking a moment to look about her front yard and almost wanting to frowen. It really did need to be tidied up a bit more. Part of her missed having an expert gardener around to tame any weeds or onray plants that got out of hand. But alas, she was more of an expert cook than a gardener.
Her musings of yard work were placed on hold when she heard the door to her home open and close. Turning she saw Elzia walking down the steps and right to her. Both shared a smile and Elzia did not waste time. Taking a few paces away from Toriel and soon going right to focusing.
The Woman nearly had to blink at how quickly the human called up on her magic and even soul, though just as quickly as it came, so did the flow of magic. It was still small, and novice at best. But the sensation of the wildly unfocused magic nearly spilling out had Toriel sighing. The girl was most definitely, exerting her magic way too much.
"Elzia, relax a little." Advised the goat woman. "You'll hurt yourself by pushing so much magic through you like that." And watched in some thanks as the flow slowed, though frowned when it just cut out.
"So… too much?" Elzia asked a little sheepishly.
"Too much." Toriel said, unable to suppress her smile. "Try again, but relax. As soon as you feel your magic, just let it out- slowly. Don't push, just… hold it where it is as soon as you feel it."
Elzia gave a nod and tried again. This time, her soul didn't pop into being through the human, and while it was small and hard to notice? Toriel could sense the magic. The aura was still relatively weak, but she could feel it. Though now and then it would flicker in her senses, and Elzia seemed to drop it a few times before refocusing and spiking it- before returning to normal.
Nodding to herself, Toriel said, "I think your next step will be control, Elzia. I can just tell from standing here that you can not seem to regulate your magic."
Contorting her face and seeming to place a bit more power to allow her blue soul to slightly glow through her being a little, Elzia said, "it's just… tricky. It's like I can't get it to settle into a middleground."
"You are still new to magic, Elzia." Assured Toriel patently. "The fact you have made this much progress is astonishing as is." Then said with a bright smile, "maybe you are destined to be a mage?"
Giggling and losing focus, Elzia said, "I just have a lot of time on my hands. There's not really much to do in the Ruins." Then tried to refocus herself again. "I like it here, I do. It's quiet, secluded… and most of the Monsters that pass by are nice…" Then sighed, "but it is a little… boring."
"So to fill your time, you have been practicing magic." Surmised Toriel in slight thought. Though it did make her want to smile some, that Elzia was doing something constructive with her time. And not being rambouncus or troublesome as some children in the past she had helped. Elzia was a good child, even if she was a little reclusive.
Thinking on that note, Toriel asked, "Elzia, do you wish to see Sans and Papyrus again?"
Like a rock, Elzia's magic plummeted and the girl looked to Toriel a little nervously. She glanced around, unable to make eye contact for a moment before saying, "well… I've thought about it…"
Lips turning down, Toriel asked, "are you still unsure of them?" Watching the teen human as they worked over their thoughts.
After a moment, Elzia admitted, "I… I don't know. They seem genuine, but…"
"But you are still not for sure." Toriel finished. Getting a nod from Elzia. It rather made the older woman sad to see the girl so shy and nervous over meeting others. Yes, Elzia met and did well with other Monsters in the ruins- but none were actually close or even began to become real true friends. Mostly acquaintances more than anything else. She sorely hoped that flower did not scare the girl from making possible friends.
Once more, Toriel wanted to bite her lip. Her mind wandered on what to do. Clearly the Skellington brothers liked Elzia, and from what she could gather? Elzia liked them. She was simply a little leery of them not being honest or true. Being a cautious young girl if anything.
But all the same… Elzia did just admit to the Ruins being a little boring for her. There were books and magic to be had, and drawing too. But what little she could get out of Elzia painted an image of her actually having some fun with the two brothers. Even if she was a little on edge through it all. Even more, if Sans was around more often to help keep an eye socket out for Elzia's wellbeing…
Deciding to mull the thought in her head a bit longer, Toriel soon asked, "Elzia, would you like to go out with me tomorrow morning?" Going on to tell, "I have a few errands to run, and I thought that maybe we could do a little something more. Maybe even pick up a few things for some cooking lessons?"
Thinking about that, Elzia smiled a bit, "sure, Toriel. I could go for a walk tomorrow." While she wasn't cooped up? A little walk around to stretch her legs a bit more did sound nice.
Smiling, Toriel said, "good." Then paused to consider her thoughts before asking, "Elzia, would you consider meeting the brothers again if I were around?" Getting the teen to look up at her. The Woman smiled once more. "If you like, we could set up something for tomorrow. Perhaps we can all share a dinner while they visit. And I will be right there if you start to feel uncomfortable."
With a small flush on her cheeks, Elzia looked away and soon nodded, "Sure. That… would be nice." And said, "thank you Toriel."
Toriel herself only smiled softly.
In the morning, a bit more early than she liked, Elzia rose and had breakfast with Toriel. The woman was a little excited for the day ahead. Elzia wasn't of the same mind when she first had to get herself dragged from bed, but a bit of morning food had helped quell any irritations she had and rightfully woke her up.
After that, she and Toriel got ready and soon left out of the house. The taller woman took a basket with her for her later shopping, while Elzia herself decided to take her bag with, though it was mostly empty. She figured that a little extra space in case Toriel's basket wasn't enough.
The first thing they had on their list, was to visit the flowerbed. Something Toriel both made a point and had a habit of doing for all her years. And Ezlia did not argue the point. Seeing as Toriel had found her not long after her own fall. They didn't really stop for anyone, bare a Monster or two that made it a point to greet Toriel and by extension, Elzia.
Though as they reached the final stretch and turned to the room where she had fallen, Elzia couldn't help but turn her gaze upwards. Sun filtered in from the hole that she had fallen into and once more, she wondered how she didn't die from such a high fall. And when her eyes glanced down at the yellow flowers, she nearly stopped.
Toriel didn't notice at first. But when she did, she turned to the human and felt some concern at the slightly odd look the teen had. "Elzia?" She spoke, watching with going concern as the girl seemed to take a few breaths.
When those blue eyes turned up to Toriel, the human said, "I-I'm fine." And once turning her eyes back to the flower bed, pushed forwards. Though Toriel could tell, she was tense. Scared even? It puzzled the woman as she slowly began to walk again, though kept a close eye on the nervous human.
All the while, Elzia took long easing breaths. They're just flowers. She assured herself. They can't hurt you. They are just normal, yellow, flowers. Despite her inner thoughts shouting otherwise. She nearly jumped when a hand was placed on her shoulder, and when she looked up, she found a fairly worried Toriel.
"Elzia, child… are you sure you are alright?" Going on, "you're shaking."
Bringing a hand up, Elzia just now noticed that she had begun to clench her backpacks straps in a near iron grip. It almost felt like she had to force her hand to let go and not long after, see her trembling hand. She took a calming breath, wondering what was up with her. Though when she looked at those yellow flowers, she could almost imagine smiling faces on their white spots-
Immediately Elzia felt a shiver go down her spine. She wasn't seriously scared of flowers now, was she? They were just flowers. Harmless, little, yellow flowers that just sat around. "I-I'm fine." She told and took steps forwards, despite the trembling in her legs. But when she got closer, she felt herself slow more and more…. Looking at the bed of flowers…
With a heavy gulp, Elzia felt her mouth sort of go dry. She again shook her head, but that fear, no matter how irrational, clung. It made her back away from uncertainty from the patch of flowers. When she looked back at the worried woman and then once more at the flowerbed that gave her an odd chill, she flinched. It really… it really hurt to admit this, but eventually, she backed off from the flowerbed and said sully, "I'm… not fine…"
Toriel seemed to look carefully at both the human girl and the flowers, before her mind seemed to click. It made Toriel frowen and soon enough, walked up to the tense and stressed human. More gently, she placed her hands on Elzia and asked, "they remind you of that monster, Flowy, don't they?"
Head hung low, Elzia said in some shame, "I'm scared of normal flowers…" And looked to the flowerbed again. "I am… freaking out, at normal flowers…" and let out a very deep breath, a near shutter from the sounds of it.
Toriel felt a concerned bubble inside of her, but she said, "well… there appear to be no more fallen humans. We should get back to our other tasks." And was going to pull the girl along.
"Wait." She heard Elzia tell, the girl gently getting out from Toriel's grip and looking at the flowers again. She gulped and put her bag down, before walking to the flowerbed, albit nervously.
"Elzia?" Once more asked the monster women in some worry and confusion. "What are you doing?"
It was like a struggle to get close to the flowers, and for a moment Elzia stopped a good three feet away. She flexed her hands, feeling her spine tingle, no, coil with a discomfort like something was pulling on it. Telling her of danger in her mind's baser instincts. With a shuddering breath, Elzia said, "t-trying to… get over being scared of flowers…" And looked down at the patch of carfree plants that could have cared less of what was going on.
She kneeled down, trying to reach out, but her hand did not advance. It's just a flower. Elia told herself. it can't hurt you. and again, tried to reach out. It. Is. Just. A. Flower. She punctuated in her mind logicly and again tried to reach out to that flower that seemed to look at her with a smiling face-
Elzia backed out last second, hand to her chest like it was going to be ripped off. She felt herself shaking and for a moment, she was sure her heart was hammering away. No, no she could feel it with her hand close to her chest, it was hammering away. She wanted to scream in frustration at herself.
Gentle and warm hands took her chouslers, and slowly, Toriel helped her up. Slowly, Elzia calmed, feeling a measure safer. "My child, do not push yourself." Toriel said while gently holding and guiding the girl away. "It is brave of you to face a fear, but don't push yourself."
Taking more deep breaths, Elzia moved a hand up, rubbing the side of her face, and nearly knocking her glasses off. "I… I don't want to be scared of a flower." And again, shuttered. "I-I should try again. It-it's like every other fear I had. Just… go up and rationalize it. I can do it." Trying to nod to herself on this.
Toriel gave a deep sigh and gently turned the suddenly stubborn girl around. "Elzia. Please, look at me." Prompting the girl to look up at the Ruin Keeper's gaze. "This is more than just a fear. You were faced near death by a creature that has the form of a flower." Gently telling on, "no one comes away from such things without deep pains or scars. And seeing you do this is…" Stopping to find the right term, "it is painful to watch. It clearly distresses you."
Taking her large fluffy hand to gently hold the teen's cheek, Toriel said, "please, child. Do not press it. Things like this? They are slow to heal. Do not push yourself to do something that causes you harm." And looked back to the flower patch for a moment before turning her eyes back to Elzia. "For now? Please, let us continue our day." And paused for a moment before telling, "perhaps tomorrow, when I again go to check this place, you can come with and try again- slowly." Emphasizing the last bit. "Please, for my heart's sake as much as your own?"
While she wanted to deal with her sudden fear now, Elzia gave a slow nod. Maybe Toriel was right and she needed to take this slow. As much as she wanted to nip this problem, the fact stood that she pulled her hand back as if the flower was going to take her arm off. The mere notion was ridiculous- but apparently her mind felt it was completely rational.
"Alright, Toriel." Breathed out Elzia, "I'll wait and try tomorrow."
Smiling, Toriel said, "thank you." And let go to go fetch her basket that sat near the girls' bag. "Now come along. We have much to gather." Getting a nod from the Teen that went to get her bag, swinging it over her back. Though before she and Toriel completely left, Elzia turned her gaze back to the bed of flowers. Eyes locked onto the one she chose to try and touch. After a moment, she shook her head and tried to dispel her fears over being scared of a harmless flower.
As soon as the two were gone, the foremost flower seemed to open it's two eyes and blinked a few times before eyeing the doorway. Face twisting in some suspicious wonder at the human that had left. But eventually it smirked and chuckled, before vanishing under the earth.
Cutlery clinking away, Elzia made sure the table was set and properly straightened out before going to the kitchen to grab the freshly baked food. She took a moment to figure which items to bring out first, mostly to puzzle if she needed the mittens to hold them or not. The new rhubarb pie was still steaming hot from where it sat, and the mashed potatoes looked just as hot. The glass lid fogged up with hot mosture.
Figuring to get the water first, Elzia went about getting glasses and filled each. Taking two trips to get them out and placed before each area of the table before once more going into the kitchen. Hot pads were placed down, followed by a green bean casserole and then the mashed potatoes and some sliced beats.
Elzia really did wonder how anything grew down here where there was next to no sunlight. But given that there was magic all around, or the fact the beats were a very striking orange? It was just as possible most were made by Monsters and their magic. And while she didn't mind that? Elzia had to wonder what that would do to herself. Mostly in due part that next to everything she ate, was made of magic. Only a few things weren't magic in nature when made and they were far and few between. Elzia was simply glad that it supported her body and kept her alive.
It still made her wonder if there were going to be any negatives to not having food go through her body. But Elzia shook it off. It wasn't important right now and really, one look around she reminded herself that she still needed to get out serving spoons and the like. So, with another trip to the kitchen, she went about getting the needed silverware.
Then the human heard the patter of feet. Followed by an exuberant, "You have a very nice home, Miss Toriel!"
"Why thank you Papyrus." Spoke the woman in turn. "I try to keep it nice, but Elzia's been nice enough to keep everything tidy." Proceeding to call, "Elzia, our guests are here. And please bring out a few napkins!"
"Okay!" Elzia called while grabbing said napkins, and not long coming right out. She was still a little jittery on re-meeting the two skeletons. But they were nice, and really? They had yet to set off any red flags. When She came out and started placing the napkins down, Elzia gave a glance at the two.
Sans still had that easy going grin, eyes half wandering and taking in the place. While Papyrus held a large smile and walked right up, in his hands a basket. "Greetings again, Elzia!" He spoke while placing the basket on the table, moving the cloth aside to show some bread. "I heard you help Miss Toriel make dinner. I didn't know you liked cooking too!"
With a small smile, Elzia said, "well, not really. I'm just helping because, well… I don't mind helping out. I'm not really much of a cook."
Smile not wavering, Papyrus said, "cook or not, it smells quite good. Almost as good as my own!" And soon motioned to the bread, "and to help add to our meal, I baked some bread!"
"Thank you for contributing, but you did not have to go to the trouble." Toriel spoke up while making her way around the table. Eyes making sure nothing else was missing.
"Nonsense!" Spoke the tall skellington. "I, the Great Papyrus, would never dream of visiting during dinner without adding something! It would be rude otherwise!"
"You could say that he would have felt crummy about it." Sans said while finding a seat for himself.
Turning on his brother, Papyrus said with a tight gaze. "I thought we agreed to not have any Puns during this dinner, Sans."
Grin growing in size, Sans said, "really?" And seemed to think about it. "I can't seem to remember. Maybe you forgot to rise it to my attention." This earned a much deeper glare from Papyrus, while Toriel gave a small giggle. That only seemed to encourage Sans though, as he pressed on, "but hey, I can try to remember. If I forget, not much I can do. No need to be sour, dough."
"That one was pressing it!" Papyrus nearly shouted.
Elzia couldn't help but give a small laugh herself. Though when she looked over the two, she seemed to scrunch her face up before blinking. "I'll be right back." And rushed off. Confusing the three monsters for a moment as a door was opened, and soon shut. The teen returned with a cleaner looking blue jacket as she walked up to Sans. "I forgot to give this back to you, Sans. I got so caught up with getting back to Toriel it sort of… slipped my mind…"
Sans took a moment to look from her to the jacket, seeming a little lost in thought. When he looked back at her, Elzia had this… odd and distinct feeling that he was looking at more than her eyes. Those white dots that seemed friendly had something a lot more deeper to them, and it made her a bit on edge. There was something there, but she wasn't sure what.
But it was gone, the skellington grinned and closed his eyes, waving a free hand to say, "keep it." Making her blink as he peeked an eye open. "You plan t' visit us later in Snowdin sometime, right Kid?" Getting a slow and uncertain nod from her. "Then keep it with ya. For keepin' ya warm. Better than your sweatshirt, right?" Going on, "matches your eyes too."
"I… uh, don't know what to say." Elzia began a little shocked he was willing to let her keep his spare coat.
"Thank you's a good start." Tossed out the comedic skellington, getting Ezia to smile and soon laugh.
"Thank you then." Spoke the human, calming her laughs into a giggle. "But, you don't have to."
Shaking his head, Sans said, "nah, it's fine. It's one of my older ones, probably small on me." Then went on. "So, what's the spread we got here?" Looking over the table.
Adjusting the placement of a few things, Toriel said, "sliced beats, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and for dessert? We have rhubarb Pie."
Deciding to take his place near his brother, Papyrus said, "sounds delightful, thank you again for the invitation." And looked to Elzia to ask, "perhaps after dinner, we could play a game. Puzzle if you have any."
While she was still a little weary of the two, Elzia at least felt assured that she was safe with Toriel nearby. So she was willing to let her guard down a bit to smile and agree, "sure, that sounds fun." Willing to try and enjoy herself this evening.