The World's Requiem: Act 1 Truth in Lies

[scorri]

Luce wandered the city streets, generally heading towards the plaza where they would be performing, but taking the long route to take some time to think. This group is an interesting mix. I know there's a reason for all of us, but some of the choices... Eve has her reasons, I'm sure. I think we'll see soon enough how some of the pieces play out. Their thoughts were interrupted by spotting one of those 'pieces' ahead, talking to the spider from the previous day. Mmm, time to check in on that one. She seemed lovely but a bit naive... Ah well~ Time for some fun. Luce bounded up to Taka, smiling at the man she was talking to as they did. "Takaaaa~ How are you? Lovely day no? Have you been enjoying the festival so far? Ah, and you seem to have made a friend. Hello sir, you may call me Luce, dancer extraordinaire~ Companion of this wonderful lady. I hope you two don't mind the interruption~"

[GoldsbroTSG]

The unfortunately awkward ninja shuffled a bit under her cloak. This wasn't her forte, and she was struggling, but relief came in a way she hadn't expected. It was the performer, who had helped her with breakfast. They were good pancakes... Maybe they would be able to save her again. She turned to look at Luce, her face still plain as she stared at the dancer, her ears perking slightly.

"Luce, if I remember correctly? Hello, you're not interrupting, in fact... I need some assistance once more." And then turned back to Lindt. "This is sir Lindt, we helped him yesterday. He has asked for a bit of story sharing, and I, am not well versed in storytelling. I was hoping you could provide some assistance." No shame in asking for help. It simply wasn't her skill. "If that is alright with sir Lindt, I mean."

She shook her head, Luce asked other things. "I hadn't actually gone to see the festival yet. In fact, I waited for one of you to arrive to... see, how you festival."

[TheRoon]

Lindt kept his eye on the ninja as she agreed, he smiled wide and nodded. "Excellent! Then allow me to...hm?" The eyepatched man lifted his head to find a certain dancer approach, they addressed Taka and had quite an upbeat tone about them, not too far from the way Lindt carried himself. "...well, I should have known cats travel in packs. A pleasure, Luce. As Taka said I am Lindt, a storyteller from the desert sands of Saratara, simply here to kill time, and of course that's fine. I'm certain Luce has some interesting tales to spin." While he kept a wide smile on to match the dancer's, he couldn't help but wonder about them. This one...I feel as though there is more to them than meets the eye. Then again I shouldn't talk. Perhaps I should step lightly.

-----------

Alister watched Mikhail as he dunked in for an apple, he looked around the festival with a keen eye. He was always the type to be on guard, but the attack the other day really struck a nerve in the young man. Our nations have had an awkward history to be certain, still...I can't let anything happen to Isolde. He narrowed his eyes a little and watched Mikhail as he came closer and closer to nabbing his prize. His friend's innocence and eagerness to try new things put him at ease, enough to smile at least. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself at least..."

-----------

"Oh, my name? It's Hina." She pulled back her hood to show curved horns on her head, golden eyes and curly blond locks with a small amount of freckles on her adorable face. "Sorry, the hood is for aesthetic more than anything. Gotta keep the air of mystery after all! But it gets a lil stuffy in this robe...anywho!" She turned the final card... "The Sun upright! This means there may be success in your future." She looked Miles in the eye. "Whatever you have going may lead to good news, hopefully anyway. These card readings are just for fun, anything could happen in your future!" That's kinda why I tried to keep things as broad as possible, but he doesn't need to know that aha...

-----------

Lorelei watched over Ichika for a short moment, while she wasn't entirely sure she sensed something may have been off. She didn't have a chance to really to smooth things over as Alouette spoke up about the situation. "I don't know all the details, I believe you'll be briefed by a supporter very soon. Despite my best efforts to help the alliance I'm not quite an official member yet, so I was kept somewhat at arms length when the meeting reached that point." She sighed. "The Lohen princess doesn't trust me at all, she stared at me as if I were some rabid beast. I had half a mind to...well never mind." She kept some dark thoughts to herself. "All the more reason to continue to prove myself until I have the trust I seek." She smiled at Ali. "It's no trouble, Alouette. I don't mind going back to way I came, even if this dress is giving me quite a work out." She adjusted her outfit some what. While she wasn't on the red head's level, the princess wasn't quite a slouch in the beauty department. "Let us go then."

The jewelry stand Alouette eyed had some quality trinkets on sale, a few items on display were expensive while the rest was reasonably priced; perhaps discounted for the festivities. Lorelei eyed the stand as they passed and turned to speak to Alouette, but a voice called out to cut her off.

"Ali? Ali is that you?" Alouette believed the girl at the stand wasn't from Isolde, but she failed to notice there were two workers at the stand, the second one stepped out from behind it to take a good look at the trio. It was a blue haired cat girl with green eyes and a modest white dress. "It is you, isn't it? It's me, Felicity!" She stepped up and presented her with a welcoming smile. The cat was the owner of the Cat's Eye jewelry store, it had been passed down through her family for generations. She knew Alouette's family fairly well. "I haven't seen you in years, but it's hard to forget one of my favorite customers! You really do resemble Lyria." She looked Lorelei and Ichika. "Are these your friends?"

Lorelei smiled back and curtsied. "Good day, I'm Lory, a friend indeed." She decided to keep her royal status to herself, a little fearful the cat might try to give her a deal she couldn't refuse.

[Nanami Touko]

"We should continue to the park, should we..." There were some complicated feelings buried there, ones that couldn't be dug out with such an early acquaintance. Ichika kept note of them, at the least. Maybe one day she could prod the woman over them. It felt like Alouette was full of secrets, but given he relation to Lorelei, there was a chance those secrets wouldn't be hers to keep for long. Such is the cost of mingling with royalty... It was the same in my homeland. As soon as you are friends with them, everyone knows your name. A dangerous friendship... Ichika nodded sagely to herself, turning back to catch, perhaps too easily, Alouette's pause of fascination over the jewelry. Before words towards that could be spoken, she began to leave for another venue, but luck would have them pause.

One of the workers at the jewelry store seemed to recognize Alouette, Ichika giving them a small bow when asked if she was a friend or not. "I am not sure yet," she answered honestly, "but Alouette has been pleasant to speak with so far, yes. Speaking of, Alouette, which one struck your fancy the most?" Ichika was already fishing for her purse to purchase one. "Even if you claim your birthday to be unimportant, it is a celebration for each of us only once a year. Unlike eating, sport, play, listening to music, which one may do a myriad number of times in their life, you would be lucky to see eighty, ninety birthdays. It is special, so... Since I have no use for all of this extra gold, please, choose one."

[scorri]

"I'm touched you remembered my name among so many others you learned~" Luce grinned, wrapping an arm around Taka's shoulder for a brief squeeze before releasing the other cat. "Well, if it's the festival you wish to see, I would be honored to escort you, show you the sights and how to festival. Of course, after we talk with your new friend here. It wouldn't do to be rude after all." They turned their attention to the man, a curious sight indeed. "Aha, a fellow traveler from the desert! A pleasure doubled then. It's rare to see our people out here in the wide world I have found. Though I suppose our kind are the kind that do escape, those who long for the travel and the performance. Story in your case, dance in mine." The cat winked, light shimmering off their striking makeup for a moment as they did. "Stories though, well, I would love to hear a story from a countryman. Perhaps if it is entertaining enough, I could share one of my own." There was something about Lindt that kept Luce slightly cautious, though they did their best to not let it show. Hmm hmm, why does he remind me so much of myself? Surely it's not just our country of origin. Well, see how he responds and go from there. You must be careful to not overplay your hand here.

[Mercenary on the Winds]

Alouette froze as, not her name, but her nickname was called. Ali was short hand that only some of the closer individuals to her, and her family knew, and were allowed to use. Alouette's head turned back to the stand, and there was a second person there now, and one that she recognized. Alouette couldn't be sure if it was lucky, or unlucky that she didn't recognize the stand because the feline now approaching her was Felicity, the owner of Cat's Eye, and one of Lyria's favorite places to shop. Alouette was often with her since Lyria was undoubtedly the siblings she was the closest with. Alouette's quick turn of the head knocked her hood off, leaving her bright red hair for all to see, and quickly put up a finger to lips, "Felicity, please be a little quieter!" Alouette looked around hoping that the cat girl was the only person in immediate earshot that would have recognized her. Fortunately it seemed as if no one else was moving towards them, and Alouette let out a long sigh, and turned back to Felicity with a sheepish smile on her face, "Y-yes, it's me. It's... nice to see you too, Felicity. Gosh, it's been so long that I didn't recognize the stand..." Eight years will do that to you, I guess... Alouette's smile did brighten slightly as the mention of her resembling Lyria. That did bring a question to her mind, but asking Felicity probably wasn't going to yield the results she wanted. 

Lorelei, and Ichika both responded quicker than she had to Felicity's question of 'friends,' Lorelei instead called herself Lory, seeming to want to downplay that she was royalty, and Phantasman royalty at that. "Well, in a manner of speaking, they are... Ichika is a co-worker of sorts, and I'm helping to escort Lory through the festival..." Alouette's train of thought derailed almost immediately as Ichika continued, "Huh, what? I-Ichika, that's not necessary... I was just looking at the blue flow-- I, I mean, I thought I saw something, and was glancing in this direction. There's no need to purchase something for me; you'll need your gold if you see something that you'll want for yourself!" Alouette's face was alight, waving her hands, a far cry from the composed woman from moments before.  

[Nanami Touko]

"Nonsense." Ichika picked up the first one her eyes landed on, a hairpin with a blue flower jewel adorning it, nodding and turning her attention towards the cat that was assaulting Alouette with kindness. "Excuse me. I would like to purchase this. Please ignore any protests that Alouette proceeds to attempt, my gold situation is very fine and I am not in the market for anything, myself. One's birthday should be celebrated properly, so a gift is in order, yes." Ichika nodded again, gently taking out her gold purse and rummaging around for coin. "I am unaware of the market value of these sorts of things, so please name your price."

[Bluemask 96]

A few moments later, Mikhail rose back up, face wet but a bright red apple sticking out, the stem caught between his teeth. "Tmmm Tmmmmph!" the healer stood triumphantly, though to most, he look liked he had transformed into a clown. "Is this my prize? If so thank you." An early snack would be more than welcome.

While waiting on an answer, Mikhail took a glance over at prince Alister. His narrowed eyes were a look Mikhail had seen before, always on the lookout for the next threat, and with Alister's current posture Mikhail could tell he was more tense than before. "You should try this yourself.  I'm sure you'll nab an apple faster than me." Mikhail grabbed the prince's hand and led him towards the booth.

[Mercenary on the Winds]

"I, wh, no! Felicit--" Alouette paused, realized that she was a little more flustered than she need be, and in front of the princess. Alouette took a deep breath, fixed her corset and harness, flipped her hair back, and huffed. "Ichika, I... I appreciate the gesture, but I'm not fond of people getting me gifts on my birthday. I," Alouette glanced at the flower pin in Ichika's hand--she'd picked up the exact one that she was looking at--and shook her head, "I have my reasons. Really, it's fine, you don't have to." Alouette's face remained even, but there was the slightest bit of apprehension. One hand rested on her hip, and the other was messing with her hairband. What are you doing, Alouette... Ichika isn't him, or some of the others... She won't try to... She wouldn't do that... Alouette looked around as she began piquing her anxiety over if that bastard was actually around, and then settled on the pin again. Suddenly she was unsure of what to do, and getting annoyed at herself more and more. 

"I'll just wait ahead in the park if you're purchasing something. I won't be far." Alouette turned on her heels, and glided away, all the while mentally shouting at herself, and her growing nerves. You... You can trust Ichika, Alouette... she fought with you, she actually acknowledged your magic, and she hasn't... well, she has mentioned your figure but there was nothing lascivious about it, and she doesn't look at you in the same way that the others have... it's just like Lyria getting you a gift... Ugh... why do you let him have so much sway over your feelings?! Why do you let them have so much sway... She could only wonder how her insistence and fluster looked in the moment, only upsetting herself more. 

[Nanami Touko]

"You are fussing over this more than some of the younger miko back at the shrine..." There was something up, and perhaps it was the wrong idea to push things, but Alouette had eyed the pin again, and then again, so her mind was made up. "I shall not be long. If you need to leave for the moment, we shall meet up with you at the park. Do take care, Alouette." Ichika stood there with her money bag out and her hand on the hairpin, waiting for the vendor to specify a price. There seem to be some complicated feelings here, but I cannot ignore how much she is looking at this hairpin. She must really want it... Hmm. If she is not fond of gifts on her birthday, then... Yes, that will do.

[MRDRHAWK]

Miles wondered, for a moment, if this was simply something that he wanted to hear, and Hina here was simply just the conduit for it. But, it wasn’t as though he was exactly being scammed - after all, the other two cards weren’t exactly wrong by any stretch. So, he nonetheless gave her a smile, as if wholly satisfied, hoping she didn’t pry more into his doubts.

”Even the cards seem to wish me good luck in this new chapter in my life… I see.” Miles hummed thoughtfully, wondering if there was… any way he could narrow this fortune down. But that might be asking too much of Hina, so he didn’t press the matter further. “Apropos of nothing… what’s led a fine lady like yourself into fortune telling?” Maybe if Miles knew more about this woman, he could gauge whether this was real, or just lip service. He really didn’t want her to be simply conning him, though; she seemed like such a nice person, and he didn’t wish to cause a scene when such things could reflect badly on Ale- Her Highness.

[TheRoon]

The girl at the stand clapped when Mikhail resurfaced with a bright red apple in his teeth. "Well done sir! Oh no that's not your prize. You also get a-ah?" Then she went off to grab his prince.

"Hm?" The black haired nobleman turned as his companion egged him on to bob for an apple himself, he stumbled along as he was pulled by the hand. "Oh, I could yes." He chuckled. How sloppy of me, he caught me in mid thought. Perhaps I'm brooding over nothing. He stepped over to the stall and dunked his head into the water, and in a few seconds he came back up with an apple in his teeth as well. The girl clapped once again and he turned to Mikhail with a thumbs up.

----------------

"Ehee hee~ The cards only outline a potential future mind you, don't take it to heart too much ok?" She regathered the cards into a deck and straightened it out. "Oh this was just a hobby, but something happened recently that put my family in some debt so I pulled some strings to open a stand during the festival." She smiled at him. "The government is paying me though, no need to open your pockets. I just really appreciate you dropping by, Miles." The sheep gave him a wink.

----------------

Lindt's attention was completely on Luce now, they were an entertaining sight alright. "Dancing...well that explains the sway in your step." He nodded. "Very well, Luce. Allow me to regale you and your companion with the tale of the Lion of the Sands." He brought his left hand out dramatically. "As you know, the desert of Saratara is unforgiving, brutal and vast. To survive, a union of traders and nobility came together to form a government. They claim that Saratara is under their watchful eye from their lovely oasis capital: The City of Mirage. A blanket claim mind you, but that claim isn't upheld by everyone in the sands, it is far too wide for their blanket to truly cover."

He took a spin and a step forward to the cats as he brought his right hand forward, Luce and Taka would find that it is a dark hand; he looked mostly human but that hand was proof that he wasn't. "On the other side of the spectrum are the clans of the desert, they are all widespread and unaligned with the city. Chaos to their order one might say. Suffice it to say neither side of the coin appreciates the other due to many disagreements. All while the Marked populace happen to be surrounded by those who would look down upon them. Garmr and Lohen." He turned his eye toward Luce. "A story I'm sure you know well, but our foreign friend needs to know where we stand before I continue."

----------------

"Oh, I'm sorry. I got a little excited, but I don't see anyone else that recognizes you." Not everyone who knew Alouette from eight years ago stayed in the city, some families and business owners had moved on since then. Luckily for her no one seemed to look her direction. "It really is good to see you though, Felix will be pleased when I tell him. He's minding the shop right now. Oh and a co-worker is it? My you certainly have come far in this world haven't you?" Felicity kept an eye on Ichika as she approached, she seemed determined to buy Alouette something nice for her birthday. Alouette on the other hand had been very resistant. "Hm? This pin?" She took it off the stand to show it off. "It's well made, the jewel is sapphire. Sent from Saratara actually." She looked it over with a hum. "It is a little small, so that cuts the price...with the festival discount on top...it'll run about 350 gold. But it's also Ali's birthday so I can bump it down to an even 300!"

Though her upbeat tune changed when Alouette walked off toward the park, Felicity watched her old friend leave with drooped ears and a disappointed sigh. She wanted to catch up. "...mm, seems like some old scars still haven't healed. Poor thing." She turned to Ichika. "Don't let it get to you too badly, ma'am. Alouette was very popular when she lived here so she got gifts all the time, though a good chunk of those gifts weren't exactly from the heart."

Lorelei had been quiet as Alouette and Ichika dealt with the pin situation, and when the red head walked off on her own she looked toward Ichika. "I'll go on ahead too." She rushed to catch up to Alouette. "Is everything alright?" She asked her companion with a look of concern. "I know you have reservations about getting gifts, but it is your birthday. You deserve to simply receive something without issue." Lorelei remembered moments when she and Alouette's co workers at the library tried to reward her for her efforts, she had shown some reluctance back then too. While the princess didn't know the whole story she knew there had to be an important reason behind it.

[Nanami Touko]

"Three hundred? Here." Ichika didn't bother hesitating, handing over the requisite gold. "Thank you for your patronage, miss. I hope that you enjoy the rest of the festival...?" Ichika wasn't sure if it would be right to offer that back to them, but it was all that came to mind, gently pocketing the item. "I will do my best to be careful about miss Alouette's feelings. I do realize that I am being quite pushy in respect to my own feelings about birthdays and their meaning, but... I will figure something out. I have an idea, that I may avoid trampling upon her wishes. Thank you, again." Ichika bowed and then turned to hurry after the two, not wanting to hold their day up any longer.

[Mercenary on the Winds]

Alouette jumped a little as Lorelei caught up with her, having wandered ahead almost entirely enveloped in her thoughts. She looked over at Lorelei, and just let out a long sigh. "Yes, I'm fine, I'm just... Ugh... I thought I'd been better about it, but... I guess being back here is spiking my worries." Alouette looked back towards the stand, and shook her head, "I really did want the pin, and... Ichika deciding to get it for me was... I appreciate it, I know she isn't..." Alouette stomped her foot, and tightened the grip on her arms, "...It just brings up bad memories, bad worries, and I know that Ichika, and others aren't like that but... I can't shake the worry. With Ichika there, and with the gift... I could tell that she was genuine about it. But, I'm... I'm sure it's happened to you, Princess, with people trying to... woo you. Flaunt their wealth, how much they're prepared to spend for your affection... how much they'd like to own you." Alouette tasted iron as she spoke the words, "It just spikes anxieties that I worked so hard to get away from... Anxieties that others put themselves at risk to help me get away from."

Edited December 16, 2023 by Mercenary on the Winds

[GoldsbroTSG]

"Y-Yes, of course..." The girl responded as she was pulled in by the dancer. They had shown Taka what a pancake was, and it was wonderful. "It'd be awful to forget someone's name after they taught me about breakfast." She nodded, her expressionless stare still there.

Taka stared and watched as Lindt told his story. One of the mysterious brutal desert and the city that resided in it. She had heard something about it from the Princess before, but it wasn’t something she paid attention to; it wasn't her job. And now she listened intently, as he then revealed his black hand. She looked at it and her ears perked as he brought up the Marked. 

"Where you stand?" She looked to Luce.

Edited December 8, 2023 by GoldsbroTSG

[Bluemask 96]

Mikhail gave a thumbs up back, still holding the apple in his mouth. It was a festival, and Alister definitely a face people would recognize, his expressions would carry a lot of weight, better that expression be of one having fun. Thankfully the prince played along, looking a little embarrassed that he was caught brooding. It was a song and dance the two had done before, Mikhail interjecting whenever Alister got too serious, and Alister knowing just when to reign Mikhail back in.

Mikhail took the prize the merchant offered, though a little sad he couldn't take the apple instead. "Ok, where to next?" The healer asked Alister, but was already moving his feet in a direction, and waved back to the vendor as a sign of thanks.

[scorri]

The man, Lindt, started off by explaining the state of their shared country, for the sake of Taka. The smaller cat was attentive, as Luce swapped their attention between her and the human, no... not human man. Marked then. Interesting. The hand wasn't enough to tell Luce what kind of Marked the man was, but it was enough for them to take note. Not that it meant anything in and of itself, but it was always interesting to see another one their kind. Marked weren't uncommon in the desert, but, as Lindt had pointed out, the surrounding countries made it dangerous to leave the country. The story paused for a moment, as Lindt made sure that Taka had understood the situation. "Mmm, the tribes have their own issues, but it is true they are safe for our kind. The City is nice and all, but you are right. There's far too much ground that is ungovernable in our homeland to have everyone under one government." Taka seemed confused, a state Luce was starting to realize was common in the poor cat, so they smiled, explaining, "Our kind storyteller is making sure you understand the situation in Saratara. It is a unique country, one that has a government that many in the country do not recognize. We were fairly damaged by Requiem, and one of the outcomes of that was a splintered country with a hostile environment. So you have two factions. There is the government, the union of traders and nobility that Lindt mentioned, who claim to rule the country. The other faction isn't really a faction, so much as a group of individual tribes who do not recognize the government's rule. We tend to stay in the desert, claiming its hostile land as our own, and refuse to bow to the government. There is a constant tension in the country because of it, but the one thing both the government and the tribes agree on is that Marked are safe in Saratara. Perhaps I'll take you to visit my home some day. For now though, I hope that was enough for you to understand what Lindt meant by where we stand? Where the country stands perhaps is a better phrase..."

[MRDRHAWK]

Well, Miles wouldn’t exactly turn down a free fortune telling, but it was the reason of why that had him interested in Hina’s words. “Really? The government is paying for you to run this little business of yours? I’m curious to know how that came about.” And he meant every word of it, too. Something told him this sheep was far more fascinating than the fortune readings she gave out.

Before he continued, though, Miles still placed a few gold pieces on the table. “If your family is still struggling, every little bit counts. Consider this… a tip, I suppose, for your excellent service, and for indulging my questions.”

[TheRoon]

"Oh I have my ways~" A bubbly giggle escaped her lips. "But no, my family is actually somewhat well liked in Isolde's nobility, we're not nobles ourselves but we've contributed in ways that even impressed the highest houses like Celti and Baroque. In a country like Isolde they honor good deeds." The sheep turned her eyes to the gold on the table, then back up to Miles. It was easy to notice she was a little on the petite side. "Mm, if you're sure. I really do appreciate this Miles." She took the coins and smiled at him. "Thank you for your patronage, if you're ever in the mood for another fortune I'll be right here all day...until lunch anyway! I hope you enjoy the rest of the festival, and may the stars realign so we meet again..."

---

Alister took the apple out of his mouth and laughed. "Aaah, I'm glad Gilford and my sister aren't here to see me like this. He would never let me live it down..." He waved his soaked locks with a shake of the head, but thankfully Mikhail wasn't hit by any watery pellets. "Thank you, Mikhail. I think a good soak was necessary." The girl at the stand gave out two flower necklaces for the boys, Alister took his and rejoined his companion. "Goodness, you're like a kid in a candy store. Though I can't say I blame you, this is one of the biggest events of the year after all." Gottfried had it's own festival planned later on in the year, he hoped it would go just as well. "In that case why don't we go to a bakery, I want to show you some treats from the region."

---

Taka came off as rather naive, it was cute. Luce on the other hand was very much on the ball, he wasn't surprised they were well versed on Saratara's situation. The way they recounted the facts back was only more proof that they were in fact a native. "Well said, my dear friend from the sands." He nodded and turned to Taka. "That is more or less the situation we find ourselves in, the delicate balance between a government that wishes to rule and the people who will not follow suit. Quite a situation, hm?" He turned back to Luce. "The tribes in particular, while chaotic in their own right, seem to value individual contributions a lot more than the merchant union in the city. For instance!" He lifted his dark hand again. "Did you know the desert houses many dangers? Monstrous beings, leftovers from Requiem's rampage make their home in certain parts of the desert. Since the tribes cannot buy their defenses they must rely upon their own people to deal with the issue and fight back the remnants."

---

Felicity eyed the foreign swordswoman as she explained her part. "I can tell you like her enough to care, that's a good sign." As Ichika left the cat leaned in to call out to her. "Chocolate is a good way to go, but you didn't hear that from me! Anyway you have a good rest of the festival yourself, ma'am. Thank you!" She waved her hand and tail briefly before she got back to work.

Lorelei kept an eye on Alouette as she went over her concerns in detail, it matched up to some of what she remembered back at the library. "Kind of. Honestly, I seem to get more death threats than actual gifts for my affection. It's to the point where my guard Gepard has to check every gift before it's handed to me." She wished that was a joke, but given the situation behind the scenes in Phantasma it was no surprise Lorelei's life was constantly in danger. "Still, I know what it's like to feel as if you're an object. People don't see us for who we are, they only see what they can get for themselves in the end." She stepped closer to the red head. "That being said I don't believe everyone is like that, there are people who want to see who we are past the surface, I believe Ichika wants to do just that. It is your choice in the end, but as your friend I want you to be happy no matter what." The princess couldn't help but giggle after she said all that. "You know I don't have many friends back home, so I take a lot of value in the few I do."

Edited December 17, 2023 by TheRoon

[GoldsbroTSG]

Taka listened intently to Luce, following Lindt soon after. The talk of Saratara being a dangerous place was, unfortunately, new to her, as news outside of Akatsuki wasn't something the ninja really dealt with. Her concern was originally only ever protecting her princess, or doing her mission given to her. She tilted her head, going back to watching the hand Lindt had showed.

"I see." Was her original response, but she took some more time to think. "I am not well educated on the world outside of home, I must admit. But I would like to see Saratara one day. I'm... s-sorry(?) if you've been force to endure trials due to Requiem," despite her flat tone, she was doing her best to try and be sincere. An ear twitched again as she tried to get words out.

[Nanami Touko]

Ichika mentally took down the note about chocolate and made sure to consider it for later. She'd pocketed the hairpin and wasn't going to bring it up for the rest of the day, not with how Alouette had reacted to the idea of being gifted on her birthday. The trauma must run quite deep if even the mere idea of a gift sends her that far, but... Hopefully tomorrow, she will be more amenable. Perhaps in a less public space. If there is less spectacle put on it, maybe it will make her happy rather than worried? I will have to see.

At least it wasn't difficult to spot the pair, quickly catching up to them without any effort. "Shall we continue, then? My apologies for the delay and the distraction. Please feel free to direct me towards the rest of the festival, Alouette, Lorelei." She bowed slightly, arms folded into her coat sleeves.

[Mercenary on the Winds]

Alouette let out a deep sigh, body deflating as she did. She knew better than to mention that--she was well aware of the attempts on the princess, and the scrutiny that all gifts to her underwent. It was hardly the same thing; the princess's concerns were borne of something real, and hers... Don't finish that thought Alouette... You are yourself before anything else... Mother's plans for you aren't plans that you wanted for yourself... You're no trophy... Alouette shook her head, "I know she isn't... I really do. She's one of the first in a long while to speak to me as if I am a mage of my caliber. I know my limitations better than anyone else, and I know how I appear to others... But Ichika was able, and willing to acknowledge what I'm capable of, and not just... what I am." Alouette found a sheepish smile, and fixed her hairband--she'd tugged it out of place in her panicked response, "I... it means a lot to hear that, princess. Really." The formal tones in Alouette's voice melted away for a moment, "I'll... try. It's... not like I didn't wan--" 

Alouette flinched slightly as Ichika showed up immediately, "Ah, Ichika... there you are. I, err, sorry for running off like that. It, uh... b-bad memories, perhaps... I'll explain a little later." She cleared her throat, and scanned the park, looking for, "There it is... Let's, uh, first start with the garden. There's a good amount of history in that garden, and, well, there's almost every type of orchid that you'll see in the festival inside... It's honestly one of the most beautiful attractions in Crecia, and it's here around the year... Mmm, and by the time we get through looking at it, more of the performers will be out and about." There was a noticeable spring in Alouette's step as she started leading the pair over to the garden--it had always been her favorite place to be when the festival came around. 

[scorri]

"Mmm, well, if you don't have any army to protect you, then you need to find a way to protect yourself. Not that I would know much about that, I've got a little bit of magical ability, but I'm mostly just a dancer~ I'm sure you're much stronger than me if you're a part of the tribes, Mr Lindt~" The cat's ears twitched, as they tilted their head slightly and stared at Lindt. Something about the man was just keeping Luce on edge. They couldn't quite put their finger on it though. Perhaps it was the fact that he had been talking to Taka first, given how naive the ninja was, an impression strengthened by Taka's admission that she didn't know much about the world beyond her home. Perhaps it was simply the fact that Lindt had said basically nothing about himself besides where he called home. Maybe it was just the fact that Luce was on edge after everything that had happened the day before, but something about Lindt just didn't sit right. They wrinkled their nose for a split second before grinning down at Taka. "Ah, well~ Most of the countries suffered from Requiem. I'm sure your home had its own difficulties too. The good thing is, with you being out here now, there's plenty of time to learn about the rest of the world. I promise to help answer whatever questions you have when I can, ok? For now... Let us listen to what Mr Lindt here has to say. I'm sure his story will have a point, yes?~"

[TheRoon]

Taka's reaction earned a laugh from the mystery man. "Aaah, is that right? Well despite our hardship there is beauty to be had in the sands. Your friend could tell you the same. Even beyond the scars left by Requiem I still love my country." His eyes were firmly on Luce. "I am but a simple storyteller. Though I am from a tribe, that has no reflection on how strong or weak I am." With a shake of his head he felt his time was nearly up. "Truth be told I feel as though I'm rambling to a point, so I'll simply cut to the highlight of my tale." He cleared his voice. "Requiem's remnants may be difficult to deal with, but in recent times a Marked known as the Lionic Liberator has made his intent known to free his people from their generations of suffering. Through his victories in protecting villages he's inspired many to be heroes of their own stories, and that is the lesson I impart to you two. Be the hero you believe yourselves to be...even in the smallest of ways." After a moment of silence he let out an awkward chuckle.

"Or so I hope anyway, sometimes my tales have meaning, other times I ramble just to burn time. What did you think?"

---

 

Lorelei kept a close eye on Alouette, she really was uncomfortable with the situation. It worried the princess to see her friend in distress. "Hm..." She looked like she had more to say, but as soon as Ichika approached she put aside her thoughts for another day. "It's alright, thank you miss Ichika." She looked back at the Akatsukian and nodded. "I have taken a glance at the garden, I would love to see more of it." She turned to Alouette. "Lead and I'll follow." She had hoped Alouette would find peace and comfort with the group she was with, she knew the red head had been through a lot. I wish I could help you more Alouette, but I have my own battles to fight very soon. So for the moment I'll hold onto my faith.

Edited December 29, 2023 by TheRoon

[Nanami Touko]

"It is not a problem, Alouette. Let us continue on with the day without further thought to it. Do not worry." Ichika smiled softly and followed after the both of them, hands folded into her sleeves, gently held together under her chest. She wasn't sure that her plan would work, and maybe it would dredge those bad memories up further... Hmm... Perhaps I hold onto it... for quite some time. Yes, I believe that will be better than something juvenile like giving it to her tomorrow. It will still bring up the feelings... Until she explains to me where these feelings come from, or she has overcome them, I shall hold onto this hairpin. That is for the best. "I have no knowledge of any flowers, so I am happy to hear explanations about these orchids."