intro ♚ july

[boardmaster]

WELCOME TO CAISSA

We’ve all had those dreams: you wake up on a table, to blurry, ominous images and the certainty that you are absolutely buck-naked in a room full of strangers. This is not quite it.

Instead, you come awake to the sun on your face. The soft burble of water nearby. The hustle and bustle of a busy street and the faint, fortifying smell of bread. You open your eyes and there’s no one there at your bedside, but there is what appears to be the end of the world happening just beyond your window.

There’s a crack in the world across the sky, the “sun” is the totally unnatural light spilling from that crack straight into your eyes, and someone’s left a neatly pressed and folded uniform at the foot of the bed that isn’t yours. Somewhere in the room, there’s a strange clatter like beads, the click of claws on the floor.

Something’s in here with you.

Also, you are naked.

ONE ♟ Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo

Your Carriers and the floor nannies in your rooms relay, in unison and in the curt voice of Secretary Alexandre Verdoni, a public service announcement informing all Heroes of the Delphine Grand Ball, a masquerade hosted by the Gammonian Embassy to celebrate the Heroes’ successful defeat of Noir in the Lasker Incident and the safe arrival of international foccer superstar, Ryder Wreckham. It will be held tonight at 6 PM at the White Rose Multipurpose Function Building. There will be dancing, a live orchestra, a buffet and flowing drinks, and plenty of Blanc’s finest to schmooze with, so don’t miss it! The abrupt and lavish invitation might rattle the new arrivals, but those who’ve been here longer don’t seem surprised, and many don’t look very pleased, either.

Masks and formal wear are both said to be an absolute must, but if you’re strapped for cash or festive spirit, you could get away with wearing a clean Hero uniform. But why would you when Gammon’s elites are willing to provide Heroes with complementary masks, suits and dresses precisely for the occasion? And if you need any help with your clothes, hair, makeup, or date, don’t hesitate to ask your friends or the Hall of Glory’s maids and butlers for help.

As you get ready for the ball, your floor nannies may flip through a few radio stations to set the mood; one of them just so happens to be airing Voices from the Other Tide, a popular radio show based in Lasker’s The Shield. Its target audience is comprised of international refugees and immigrant communities, so you may have caught the show before during your stay in Lasker or your visits to Sparrow Towns all over the country.

Rocco Ricci: You are listening to Voices from the Other Tide! This fine Delphine evening, the suns are shining, the moons are just about to change color, and do YOU know where your trains are? I’m your host, Rocco Ricci, coming to you live from the center of The Shield! We’ve been looking at the fallout of the latest chapter in the war with Noir, the railway attacks that happened a few weeks ago right here in the heart of our very own city. I have with me today Nokoru Nokozaki, and it’s about that time. Time to let the survivors have their say, eh? What do you say, Nokozaki?

Nokoru Nokozaki: Ah, I’d like to say thank you for inviting me, and thank you very much for doing this show. I apologize if I am not able to give many clear answers, it was a very confusing time. A very confusing trip. I still don’t know how I survived, to be honest.

Ricci: Don’t sweat it, no sweat, eh? I’ll be asking all the questions and giving you half the answers, all you need to do is work with me and give our listeners a taste of what it was like, getting trapped in the middle of all that. Explosions and magic fireworks and what was that I heard, the Blanc military running around like chickens with their heads up their—

Nokozaki: Yes, thank you very much. It was a normal trip, to visit family in the— in The Shield, I believe you call this? I am not a refugee, but I know many who tried to settle in what we call the Blackest Empire, and tried to start again in the Lawless Lands, and failed. They came here, looking for something. I came here to see how they lived.

Ricci: Right, right, that’s how it always goes, isn’t it? Better bacon, better wallpaper, it’s what we’re all here for. Why, back when I was a— [ a sudden whine of feedback ] … Thank you, thank you, I’ll have that mic back. A recap for our listeners, a train with some 800 refugees was attacked and destroyed by Noir infiltrators just a couple weeks ago! Nokozaki here is one of the very few survivors. My condolences. Condolences.

Nokozaki: Thank you… It was lucky for me, I was in the mines in Shatranj. I have endurance, you know, I can walk very long distances without food, without water. No shelter. In the mountains we passed through, there is only bad weather. And when they blew up the train cars, we had to walk home on our own. Ah, but not home, you understand.

Ricci: I sure do. What was it, there was a rumor you came back with Commander de Lisbrand of the Blanc brass? There’s a firecracker if I’ve ever seen one — not that I’ve clapped my own eyes on her yet, may I be blessed — word has it she was stranded up in the mountains all on her lonesome for a while when Noir blew the whole army off the map, and she walked her fine self back to civilization! Why, we could do a whole segment on that alone!

Nokozaki: Is that not what we are doing? I assumed… I was to talk about my experiences marching with the Lady de Lisbrand, they are calling it the Iron March, I hear? She was not alone, but trapped in the mountain with a very small number of soldiers. And us, we were in the car with them when the bomb went off, but we did not know what had happened then. Only after we returned to Lasker…

Ricci: Oh, we know all about the Iron March! Is it true you all had to survive on rock moss and wild mountain cat?! Our listeners have gone wild with speculation! [ some rustling and clearing of throat ] But of course, of course you’re quite traumatized, I’m sure. A very difficult time. This is just one of many, many stories we’ve heard coming out of the Sorokina Mountains in recent days, and many more of them feature our Lady de Lisbrand. Stay tuned for some important upcoming guests, several of whom are still searching for family members gone missing in the chaos…

Despite the flurry of preparations and rumors flying about the ball in every alleyway, not everyone is interested in Delphine’s most prestigious event. Many of Caissa’s most eligible maidens have never danced at something so public! Some otherwise upstanding citizens just can’t be bothered to go, especially since they’re not the ones getting sponsored for free clothes. What’s the point in dropping half a year’s worth in wages on a fancy suit and tie or a ball gown?

For those who don’t wish to have anything to do with Blanc’s upper echelon or its martial celebrations, Uptown Caissa is abuzz with the biggest civilian event of the month: Festivale de la Ceinturonne, named after the sparkling, silver galaxy you can see on clear, summer night skies.

How about you, Hero? Which celebration will you choose? Or perhaps you'd like to double dip?

TWO ♟ Delphine Grand Ball

As two men in dapper suits greet you with synchronized bows and throw open the doors to the grand ballroom, the mellow strains of a live orchestral waltz flow out, filling the extravagant hall with the sound of soulful strings and whimsical woodwinds. Beautifully-dressed dancers move in pairs on the marble floor, swaying and gliding under a brilliant, crystal sky of chandeliers. The large, open arches that line the west side of the hall are decorated with massive velvet curtains that billow gently in the night breeze and hide both shyer dancers and small tables of finger foods. Young, passionate couples and colleagues in cahoots alike—sometimes it’s hard to distinguish the two—throng the balconies outside, enjoying the clear starred sky and the glow of Oubliette close at hand.

The crown jewel of the evening is, of course, the exquisitely bedecked and room-length tables laden with high-class food and drink the likes of which neither you nor the vast majority of ordinary Caissans have ever seen or heard. And they keep bringing out more! No spot on the table is to be left bare for the remainder of the evening! (Gerald, Hall of Glory Head Butler, highly recommends the champagne!) Some tables, however, might hold familiar dishes from French and British—er, Blanc and Gammonian cuisine. Most eye-catching are the tiered displays of pastel marshmallow cups and the tall and ornate fondue fountains of cascading chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. They’re a homage to the mallow-colored moon of Delphine, the goddess of love, and tradition suggests you share a mallow with someone you care about.

Blanc’s richest and most influential are all present and accounted for. If they’re not waltzing or eating caviar, then they will be conversing among themselves over exquisite wine. Some try to catch the attention of Ryder, whose giant and suspiciously realistic fur coat and suit look wholly inappropriate for the weather. He smokes an expensive-looking pipe encrusted with diamonds while a small, diligent bodyguard serves as his very own footrest. Prime Minister Thierry Toussaint mingles with the noblest of families, his mask adorned with feathers that fall nearly to the floor. Both individuals are as sought after as they are difficult to approach… You’d have better luck simply mingling with other VIPs and soliciting their opinions.

Most are full of hot air and idle gossip, but some express open discontent with Ryder’s views; must be that speech he made a while ago. Others take issue with the Prime Minister’s handling of affairs; still others have whispered doubts of Secretary Verdoni’s loyalties to share with you; Commander de Lisbrand does not escape scrutiny either, despite not being present. There’s also talk of the new wave of Blanc leadership, though you can never quite get a name to go with the ambitious rumors. However, you will notice that, despite their poisonous tongues, Blanc’s best and brightest seem to be quite taken with you!

This is your chance. What you say to the VIPs can influence their opinions of Blanc’s leadership, the Lasker incident, and Blanc’s course of action from here on out, for better or for worse. (You are allowed to control the unnamed VIP NPCs. What did you tell them?)

THREE ♟ Wish Upon A Star

Maybe you looked at the people around you, the ones you’d be dancing and schmoozing and seen with in the papers the morning after, and thought, ”Not happening.” Perhaps the ballroom is too grand, the people too snazzy, or the music too classy; it makes your head spin right round. Some fresh air and eavesdropping on the veranda may just clear your head.

On the way out, you may notice a certain someone sitting at one of the veranda tables, surrounded by paperwork and a delicately stacked pile of beignets. Shouldn’t Secretary Verdoni allow himself to celebrate for once in his life? Upon closer (and discreet) inspection, it looks as if the paperwork is exclusively composed of reports on the Lasker incident. Does Verdoni look increasingly unhappy the deeper he digs into the stack? It’s also possible his face is just stuck that way.

It may be best to leave him to his work; though trying to engage him in conversation will lead to:

Verdoni Do I look like I have the time to speak with you? [ he says briskly, but relents quickly ] Perhaps just a moment. The situation in Lasker is improving, thanks to your efforts. Well done. Your work in reaching out to residents of The Shield has eased tensions, though it’s still a long ways away from what I’d consider good. Of course, our work is never done. [ his gaze flicks back to the paperwork before him; it’s clear by ‘our’ he means ‘my’ ] That’s not even getting into the reports I’ve been hearing from Petrosian. People disappearing, strange things in the river… it may be nothing, but keep your eyes open.

Should you leave the premises entirely and walk on through Uptown Caissa, you’ll find the chance to experience an entirely different aspect of Blanc culture. Around this time of the year, the week-long Festivale de la Ceinturonne is taking place in the streets and skies of the capital: the people of Caissa are heavily encouraged to write poetry about their dreams and desires so as to receive blessings from Delphine, goddess of love and the arts. These small wishes are folded and tied to trees around the Oubliette Temple Shrine.

Many commoners appear cheerful as they gather and offer their wishes to Delphine. The bright, star-shaped lanterns hanging from buildings and trees create a mellow atmosphere and attract crowds of lovey-dovey couples around who seem too happy to have wishes at all. Maybe you feel up to taking a peek at some of the local merchandise: colored cookies and good luck charms lovingly made in bird and mermaid shapes, or well-coveted couple bracelets with two parts that make one whole. But be careful! Losing your bracelet is said to bring bad luck!

The streets are also absolutely bustling with errant performers of all kinds, many of whom tell their own versions of the story of la Ceinturonne: said to be the sash of Delphine herself stretched across the sky in a river of stars, it separates the famous doomed couple of legend. The bluebird Ilatar and the mermaid weaver Geva are said to have been cursed by Delphine for their carelessness, and may only meet once a year at the mouth of the great river. Some performers may be looking for helping hands to play roles in the story! Let your inner thespian shine!

But not everyone can be happy, even once a year: the rumblings of civil unrest in Lasker have increased in volume ever since the train attacks. Many of the aforementioned street performers this year seem to have added a political or darker bend to our annual tale of great romance: in some versions, Ilatar and Geva backstab Delphine outright, while in others, the river itself turns against the lovers, and so on and so forth. A great deal of graffiti has been smeared over the pristine walls behind the temple, lambasting the Prime Minister for selling his country to the Gammonian and Noir old money.

If you wish to quell the unrest, you may put on counter performances, clean the graffiti, or invent your own, more creative means of quieting the people. Be advised, though: Blanc’s masses have had their eyes opened, and it will take some fancy footwork to close them again.

INFO ♟ Welcome!

Welcome to Crosscheck's July intro log! For any further questions, please see the FAQ or reach us at the Contact Us page. Have fun!

Comments

[rememberher]

[ It wasn't uncommon for the upper class to miss the point. They lived in another world, detached from the harsh realities that, admittedly, Lux herself did not quite understand. Of noble birth herself, she could understand where this disconnect came from. Did she agree with their apathetic response? No. This wasn't the time for fanfare and fancy parties. It was a time to help those directly affected by this tragedy. To act.

The things that they were forced to see, thrust into a war that was not theirs. Some, like herself, were not used to these harsh realities, to seeing a world burning. She could still hear them, their screams, their pleads for help, for mercy, for death. Yes, she was a trained soldier, but not one meant for the front lines. She was not prepared.

What about the others? Those who were far less prepared for the horrors they found that day.

He was obviously uncomfortable, and tilting her head slightly, she offered him a bright, reassuring smile. If it meant making someone else feel better, she could push through her frustration. ]

Likewise.

[ On the outside. ]

Are you enjoying yourself?

[ It was a reflexive response, and one she regretted immediately. No, he probably wasn't. Were any of them really enjoying themselves at this point? Oh well, too late to take it back now. ]

I hadn't realized that they had parties like this here as well.

[acknowledges]

[The question seems to startle a laugh out of him. Naruto isn't one for self-deprecation, even if that's what it sounds like like, and his head immediately lifts to look out at the crowds. As a shinobi he'd spent the majority of his time in fights- in close quarters combat or even on reconnaissance missions. What he knows is the inverse of Lux herself. It's straight forward out there. On the front lines there's an intimacy to combat- a personal understanding of someone's beliefs and motivations. The machinations of the ruling elite and the maneuvers of politicians aren't part of a world he's ever had much experience in.]

I'm supposed to say yes, right? Or maybe no?

[It isn't sarcasm that comes out of his mouth. Instead it's just open confusion, the blurring point of conflicting emotions and what it means to house them simultaneously. The corner of his mouth pulls into a smile. It's a little resigned, but no less true.]

It feels weird to be here when I keep thinking about what happened. People who weren't there are talking about it and asking questions.

I don't know. It feels like we're celebrating but I don't think we should be celebrating.

And even so- if we weren't, I wouldn't have the chance to see the people I met on the train- like you. To know they're okay. I guess that doesn't make much sense either'attebayo.

[rememberher]

[ His sincere honesty got a surprised chuckle from her in turn. Lux knew nothing about him, outside of what little his signature shared as they sat on the edge of the wreckage, exhausted and needing to cling to something to remind them of their humanity. It was so frank, something that was much needed in a place like this, but seldom seen.

It was hard keeping that smile on her face as he reminded her of everything she felt was wrong with this gala. These people had no idea. Why should they care? Their world was left unaffected, and they had an excuse to let the wine and rumors flow freely. It wasn't much unlike home at times, but instead of being blissfully unaware of the real world, of the tragedies and injustices staring them in the face, she had to come to terms with it.

The world was cruel and unfair to everyone but the upper class.

She kept her voice low, grabbing a cream puff as an excuse to move closer. ]

It doesn't directly affect them.

[ If he could be frank, then so could she.

Turning her back and watching the party continue around them, her smile had all but faded. ]

The lives lost that day mean nothing to them. It's as if they never existed, in their eyes.

[ Taking a bite of her dessert, she frowned. ]

I used to like these kinds of parties, but now...

[ A pause. "Attebayo"? Tilting her head toward him, she manages another small smile. ]

That's sweet of you, checking in on me. I appreciate it. But I'll be all right, once this is all over. Although that reminds me, I don't believe I got the chance to introduce myself, or thank you.

[ Turning again to face him, she gives him a polite nod. ]

My name is Lux Crownguard. If there is ever anything that I can do for you, please tell me.

[acknowledges]

[He'd probably argue the point if she'd said it aloud. Naruto has never been part of the upper class as it were. He grew up as an orphan, an unruly weed tended by no one and with no expectations for his future. As a child he thought he'd been alone in his suffering, but the years have taught him that no one is- really. Every person he's met has a hurt all their own. The cruelties of the world don't discriminate- even if the people in question do.

I used to like these kinds of parties, she says. Naruto looks at her with new eyes. Sees how comfortable she seems in this setting, as people move around her with offerings of food and drink, as the music floats through the air.

He turns to face her without thinking about it- reflexively mirroring her posture. For one of the first times this evening, he's finally stopped toying with the cuff of his suit.]

I'm Uzumaki Naruto. [His head shakes, and the corner of his mouth flickers. A smile that doesn't quite make it.] And you don't gotta thank me. Back there- I think I needed it too.

[rememberher]

[ Sometimes having no overbearing expectations placed squarely on your shoulders was far better than having the unrealistic, back-breaking weight of duty and obligation handed to you. It let you see the world in a completely different light. Sometimes those given the opportunity to make their own way were far, far better off.

Somehow, hearing that he needed the same comfort makes her ease a bit. Lux shook her head. ]

I think we all needed something like that, after what happened.

[ She didn't want to think about it. But she didn't want to strike it from her mind. She couldn't forget, wouldn't forget. She couldn't be like them.

Watching his subtle gestures, and that uncomfortable, sad smile on her face made her heart sink. It telegraphed so much. He wasn't comfortable here, in every sense of the word.

And honestly? She was feeling much the same. ]

You know.

[ Finishing her cream puff with another bite, she looked out toward the people dancing, her smile growing slightly. ]

I heard there was a festival going on in this city. What was it called? The Festivale de la Ceinturonne, I believe? I've never been to a festival before. I'm not sure I would want to go by myself.

[ She turned her gaze back to him, still smiling. ]

But if someone else wanted to come with me...

[ Let's get out of here. This place was a bit too stuffy, even for her. ]

[acknowledges]

[He wouldn't say that he's moping, if he was asked- but then Naruto just processes all of his emotions through his body. He's restless by nature and when he hits a wall he turns to action instead of reflection. Naruto doesn't really know how to be still, not the way a decision is made. He's spent his life getting knocked down and finding ways to claw himself back up. But there isn't anything to fight in death. It just is. It's big and it's terrible and it can't be softened or negotiated with or pushed back.

Lux looks back at the crowd and Naruto follows her gaze.

Not long ago he'd been out on the floor himself, dancing with some of his friends and trying to weave his way the crowds without tripping over people and conversations.]

A festival? Oh yeah! The one where people make wishes right?

[An old shopkeeper had mentioned it to him just a few days ago. Now that she mentions it, Naruto hasn't been to see it yet either.]

Ano- are you sure it's okay to just go? You're even all dressed up for this thing.

[rememberher]

[ He might not say he was moping, and true she didn't know him well enough to know whether this more serious nature was just him, but there was something uncomfortable in the way he stood that was hard to ignore. He was a fish out of water here, and that coupled with the overall atmosphere here...

It would do the both of them some good to get out. It wasn't just for him. ]

Mm-hm. Supposedly, people offer their hopes and dreams to Delphine in order to receive her blessing. I hear there are also performances done in her honor there.

[ Really, the festival couldn't have come at a better time.

Shrugging a bit, Lux took a step away from the table. ]

I could go to a party like this, or wear a dress like this, any time I wanted back home. [ Not completely true, but the thought was there. ] But something like that doesn't happen every day. I doubt they would miss a few Heroes here.

[acknowledges]

[Naruto isn't a difficult soul to convince. He's trusting by nature, and willing to accept others at their word. The explanation she offers makes sense to him, but more than that, it's hard for him to overlook the appeal. While her interest stems from unfamiliarity with the experience- to Naruto it sounds like a festival from back home. Having arrived in Caissa from a war front of his own and unable to afford distraction, the wave of homesickness is a sudden surge.

Home.

His gaze moves to the row of open doors, night air drifting in from the balcony. Naruto seems to brighten somehow, a small light inside his chest- and then he nods. The smile breaks over his face.]

Mn, let's go!

[rememberher]

[ There was something about his smile that lifted her own spirits. Something about the solemn, morose demeanor she had seen from him thus far felt... disingenuous, maybe? Contained. It didn't feel right.

After everything that happened, he deserved to smile.

Leading him through the busy ballroom, weaving between groups of people chatting and enjoying themselves (and catching a few interesting snippets of conversation, hm), they managed to get through the room without much difficulty. It was as she said—the guests were either too busy talking about their fellow Heroes, gossiping, or talking about themselves.

Once outside, she took off her mask, stretching a bit. ]

Ah, you can actually breathe out here.

[acknowledges]

[It's a relief the moment they get out of the crowd.

He's been dancing for the better part of the night, which had somehow been the last thing he expected to do, and it's not until they're away from the sights and the sounds that he realizes just how warm he is. His hands get to work at loosening the cuffs of his shirt before he tugs his jacket off. If they're going to breathe, they might as well do it right.

Instead of rolling the sleeves, they're pushed up to his elbow, wrinkling hopelessly.]

It really is crowded in there'attebayo.

But you know, festivals get really busy too. There's prob'ly gonna be lots of people there.

[rememberher]

[ Crowds usually didn't bother her, but there was something about that place that was stifling and uncomfortable. She couldn't blame him when he began to divest and loosen his cuffs; if she were dressed as he would, she would be doing the same.

(...And there was that phrase again. Hm.) ]

You can say that again. But we're out now, so I wouldn't worry too much.

[ Even her tone seems to have eased a bit. That place really was taking a toll on the both of them. ]

Isn't that part of the fun? Seeing so many people together, enjoying themselves and each other's company?

[acknowledges]

[It seems to take so much longer to find the stairs and head down them than it did to climb up in the first place. Maybe it's because he hadn't felt so tired to begin with. It's strange if only because Naruto isn't used to being aware his own exhaustion- he's used to pushing through it, not because he had to, but because that's who he is.

He leaves his jacket on the balcony as they make their way out, the sound of music and laughter bubbling on the air after them. Naruto looks over his shoulder and offers a hand to steady her when it looks like they have to edge around a planter to jump- a shortcut.]

You forgot the food.

There's always lots and lots of food.

[rememberher]

[ That was something they had in common, pushing through exhaustion, no matter what. She had to be a light for others, even when she herself saw none. It was her duty, and one that she took great pride in.

Being agile in a dress, however... was not something she felt so sure about, so she gladly look his hand, the connection sparking a number of colors around her. Her mana was different from the day they first met—limp and lifeless before (hopeless), here it was colorful and bright, curling and shifting around her like the inside of a kaleidoscope. ]

What kinds of food?

[ Her mana seemed to move with her own curiosity, shimmering gently with it. ]

[acknowledges]

[He's momentarily distracted by the sense of color- and it reminds him abruptly of when he'd been studying hard in his room, when the sun would come streaming in, throwing light through the glass he left in the window and leaving a dozen shards of color across the floor. His own mana signature is subdued by comparison- sensations of familiarity and comfort and home. It's been likened to the feel the sun on your back- or a strong embrace from a person who loves you most.

Naruto guides her back onto level ground- or the closest they can get to it now that they're traveling roads unknown.]

Back home? Lots of stuff! [He may not have Chouji's enthusiasm, and he may be more frugal than most, but even Naruto could appreciate the novelty of food vendors.] Fried corn, and dango- onigiri and takoyaki and candied strawberries. Some of its desserts, but there was always too much to choose from.

You really didn't have anything like that?

[rememberher]

I'm not sure what half of those things are.

[ It was something about the feel of his signature, or the grin on his face, but a gentle giggle escaped her lips, surprisingly girlish. He was completely different than before, and it was hard not to be caught up in his bright mood. It was infectious. ]

Nothing like that, no. But I've heard about festivals and celebrations in Bandle City and Piltover. Apparently they can last for days. Sometimes they have fireworks as well.

[acknowledges]

[This may as well be a tragedy to Naruto, because the look he throws over his shoulder at her speaks volumes to how much he thinks she must have been missing. The pure, unadulterated, pg-13 horror.]

You haven't gone to any of 'em? Not even one?

I said I wasn't gonna tag anymore tonight but...

[rememberher]

[ The look on his face takes her aback, and the other blond stops, looking both confused and a bit concerned. W-was that really that bad?

Please, help get this girl out more. ]

No, I'm usually too busy to go. But I've heard about them!

[ Lux, that's not the same thing... ]

i understand this feel

[acknowledges]

[They're close enough that the lights and sounds of the festival have begun to carry, floating through the air. It's a radically different atmosphere from the party they'd just slipped away from.]

You were too busy to have fun?

[rememberher]

I have fun!

[ It was said rather defensively, in a huff. Learning magic was fun! Reading was fun!

Naruto help her. ]

[acknowledges]

[Giving her the benefit of the doubt, Naruto looks skeptically over his shoulder, lips pursed. Somehow it almost looks childish.

They're beginning to pass other people- festival patrons milling about on the fringes.]

I'm listenin'attebayo.

[rememberher]

[ ...what is that judgmental look for? She looks almost offended, crossing her arms over her chest with a bit of a huff. ]

Reading and training, of course! What could be more fun than that?

[ Lux, just admit you're kind of boring. It's okay. ]

[acknowledges]

Anything.

[What a sad life...

Naruto's done a lot of reading from scrolls and stuff, and he trains all the time- and it's one thing to like to do it. But there's still lots of other things out there, that's not just about being a shinobi.]

Anything would be more fun than that Lux.

[rememberher]

[ Okay, that was rude. Some people just really liked studying and training up their magic, who are you to judge.

Pursing her lips a bit, she canted her head slightly, giving him a somewhat critical look. ]

All right, then, what do you consider fun?

[ She's ready to judge you just as hard. ]

[acknowledges]

What about spending time with your friends?

[He reaches out for her reflexively as he asks, intending to take her hand to guide them through the narrow places between stalls in an effort to get around the crowd. Its the kind of route used by someone used to going to these sorts of things alone, without family to keep him on track and without a reason to mill through the crowds.]

I always trained real hard too, and so did my friends- but sometimes it was nice to learn other things about them too. Like playing cards, or going out to eat somewhere. Stuff like that.

You've got friends back home, right?

[He can't imagine she wouldn't. She's pretty nice, and she's done nothing but say encouraging things since they met. She probably has lots!]

[1/2]

[rememberher]

[ Spending time with her friends? That's...

The friends that she had, very few and far between, were different. They were friendships forged on the field of justice, the type that you trust but hardly associate with outside of battle. Ones kept at an arm's reach. Getting to know them in that way never mattered as much. And the people of Demacia, those who looked up to her as a source of hope and righteousness... It was different. Lonely, maybe?

She was a lighthouse, a star in the night sky. They looked to her for guidance, but she would always be just too far away to reach.

People like him... she didn't quite understand it. They had it easy. ]