His heart hurt to see that look on her face, no matter how brief. He had only gotten to know her so soon after the Eclipse, but it didn’t make her expression hurt any less. Her words just have him shaking his head.
“Of course I did. What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t?” Alto could only smile gently at her. Really, it would be awful if he didn’t. This was important to her… While Alto only shared the same memories as Elcrest, Xeno was important to both him and Hilda. The three shared a bond of camaraderie especially among the other witches of the past. While Alto didn’t understand, he still understood in his own way. They were important memories; precious ones Alto was sure he didn’t want Hilda to forget. He also didn’t want her to shoulder that grief alone. She had done enough of being alone for a thousand years.
Even though Alto only knew him as Commander Klaus, he wanted to honor his memory too. For the Commander he so dearly respected and looked up to, despite his betrayal. Still, her teasing leaves him scratching at his cheek with a sheepish smile.
“You make it sound like you’re taking advantage of me or something…” He wanted to be kind to her; to show her that kindness she sorely was given for a thousand years of hardship. Kindness was a rarity and rightfully so considering all the things she had done. If Alto was a different person, he might have still hated her for what she did… but that hatred and anger had subsided long ago.
While the Harbingers were like her family, no one could deny that, it didn’t mean she was without scorn. It would take a long time for Lambert–for Regnant–to heal from the scars she had inflicted on them, but Alto promised to see through that with her.
At the same time, Hilda held a lot of underlying pain within her. It wasn’t like Alto could come in and sweep away that heartache as much as he wished he could. All he could do was try to smooth her hard edges and try to share her burdens. Either way, he’s getting off track. It’s honestly kind of amusing when she brings out her tea bag out. Hilda definitely was prepared for anything; it’s admirable.
“I think I should be the one who’s glad you’re sharing with me. Just getting a chance to drink your tea is good enough for me. I’m really looking forward to it!” Either way, he’ll definitely take her on her hospitality. Considering he only was allowed a sneak peak or two of the Witches’ tea parties, Hilda sure had perfected brewing tea down to a science. He openly took the door offered towards him, though he paused briefly in the door frame to turn to her.
“But… don’t feel bad if you wanna leave too, okay?” Being out in public as the Witch of Destruction never came without someone making a comment or hurling an insult her way. Alto wanted her to be comfortable; especially in a place like this riddled with memories of her lost friend. If she really was going to open her heart, he would rather it be if she were comfortable with it. On that note, it would be bad if they kept standing out here merely gawking. Alto finally made his way inside.
The cafe itself wasn’t very large, but still Alto could see why Klaus ( or was that Mr. X? Same difference ) might have chosen it. Fortunately the place seemed to mimic the streets with its number of patrons. There were maybe only a few couples sitting around each other, so at least it wasn’t completely empty. Once Hilda entered after him, he glanced back towards her before moving towards one of the many tables near the middle of the dining area.
It was close enough to the window that they could peer out if they wanted and considering the weather, it’d be a shame if they didn’t let some sunlight in. Not that Alto didn’t feel warm enough with Hilda by his side.
“A friend, hm? You’re as forthright as ever - but the statement isn’t one-sided.” She mused the words over in her head, wondering how long it had been since anyone had called her such. It had taken her some time to connect that Alto had indeed built himself as a completely different person. The person she once held feelings for she would not find in his eyes, and truthfully, Hilda no longer felt a need to seek him. Alto’s existence was uniquely his, a special, soft, glowing, existence that burned brightly in its own way, doing in its own way - defending in its own way. Doing its utmost - and Hilda wondered if that light knew it was enough.
Such a light that gave to others needed to be properly tended to - and perhaps she felt an urge as he did for her, to look after him. To make sure that light did not harm itself in the consistent need to ease the aches and pains of many - even Hilda’s own agony. She had forgotten there was still a sun inside her too, one that had ached for the coming of day after Hilda had drowned it in shadow.
Ironically, but not surprisingly, people weren’t crowding her so much - if anything they were too frightened of her; for the majority. Like a wolf had entered the peaceful sheep pen of Lambert. They weren’t entirely wrong - Hilda was a vast being, despite being just as they were - a person. Her sins would not go away overnight, and perhaps not even in her lifetime.
She did question how long such a life would go. Hilda wondered just how much more of her innermost thoughts would present itself to the Conductor at some point . . ? She’d witnessed the power of being one, and it was no small burden - perhaps in her own way she could help him shoulder it. But her pain she often felt unworthy of him acknowledging.
Despite the backed up crowds, she nods solemnly, face set in a pretty little frown. “Yes, I understand. I’d rather not cause too much of a commotion...I’d rather not cause a scene for you Alto.” More than she already had. “Still, you needn’t worry so much about me. It’s touching but, crowds have done far worse.” Trying to ease her frowning mien into a smile, she adjusted herself to the bright sunlight that matched her eyes.
Hilda would not have Alto shoulder all her presence alone. While he did not do it out of obligation, she always had a strong sense of responsibility, eons worth, and felt that it was best she provide the hot mugs of water. Approaching the counter in line, she ignored how the people distanced themselves as much as possible within the rows of people, until her turn was up. The familiar face of the shop-keep that held a smile for the Witches she’d reluctantly accompany when they came, often provided a smile directed at them - she was given none.
It was nothing she wasn’t prepared for or had not seen. Little phased Hilda as they stuttered on their words, the short woman quietly murmuring for two cups of hot water that came far faster than normal alongside their saucers and sugars. She left her change and did not bat a single golden eye when the hand quickly retracted in fear until she had left the counter.
Regardless, Alto was greeted with a quiet murmur of boots on the wooden floor and a rare, gentle smile that heralded the black-clad Witch’s presence. She offered him the first cup.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. Do you mind green tea? Careful with your hands, it’s hot. I notice you can be a bit clumsy when you’re distracted, sometimes. So rest it on the saucer until it cools, alright? It’s known that unless you’re drinking your tea to rest it there until you sip it again. I think only Sakuya knew that when we had a tea party.” Despite her words, Hilda’s voice was patient and ...oddly gentle.
She held up her small satchel, purple and made from a soft fabric, but obviously frayed and worn by time, and two spoons almost magically contrived from her cloak.
“Here you are. Now let me brew some for you. Feel free to ask me questions. It is a bit of a story, after all. I’d be surprised if you didn’t when I begin.”
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