( voice / open action )

[tried]

... Hello! [Was that how you were supposed to start these things? Oh well.] Ah, sorry if I'm interrupting anyone. My name is Ringo Noyamano, I just arrived here a few moments ago. I think I understood most of what I was told, and I'm sure I can figure it out otherwise, but I am wondering one thing.

[A slight pause, and it was good she'd picked voice as opposed to video, because she looks pretty embarrassed.] Can anyone tell me the quickest route to a clothing store near the... Hold, I believe it's called? Any clothing store will do-- I shouldn't be too picky in an emergency. Thank you for listening!

[Then, much softer, right before she ends the feed--] It's really cold...

[And in case anyone near the Hold did happen to pass by, she was currently crouched behind a makeshift barrier/chair, her back to a corner-- her outfit had been fine back home, given the situation, but now she just felt ridiculous.]

Comments

action

[peachbaths]

I see. [ LIKE SHE LITERALLY SEES?? ] That is unfortunate. [ HMM ] There's a... spell I've been working on. It can help you move around without being seen. Um, do you... do you want to try it?

action

[tried]

... a spell? Are you a witch? [!!! PLEASE OH PLEASE SAY YES SHE WOULD LOVE THAT.]

action

[peachbaths]

I'm a metal vessel user! [ hairflip ]

action

[tried]

[STARES. how is that cooler than a real witch.]

action

[peachbaths]

Eh!? Why? That's better than a real witch, you know!

[ STOP BEING RUDE. why doesn't she take this hugeass hairpin out of her hair and make water float around it as it glows? IS THIS PROOF ENOUGH. ]

It means I can do this.

action

[tried]

[OH yes, okay, that's cool-- Ringo definitely looks impressed.]

Wow... that's really nice!

action

[peachbaths]

Are you ready for it, then? Here I go... [ With the wave of her hairpin, she casts a spell on Ringo.

...'s legs, making everything from the waist down invisible. ]

There! Problem solved!

action

[tried]

[......................SCREECHING INTERNALLY]

That's not solved at all!!

action

[peachbaths]

Oh, but I haven't perfected it yet - I'm not a magician, you know! These things take time... but look! No one has to stare at your legs anymore!

action

[tried]

... The point sort of makes sense, but now it calls even more attention since I just look like a floating torso. [SIGH] I appreciate the help, but I think I'd like for my legs to be visible again.

action

[peachbaths]

[ :( oh ] All right. [ With another wave of her hairpin, Ringo's legs become visible again. ]

I'm sorry I can't help you...

action

[tried]

It's alright, I'm really happy that you tried. [honest, she's offering up a smile and everything.]

We can... share the spot, if you still want it?

action

[peachbaths]

No, it's fine. [ she does appreciate her offer, though. hee. ] I should go back to our apartment. Ikki might have done something unspeakable again...

action

[tried]

--Ikki? Really loud, makes a lot of stupid faces, bird in his hair? That Ikki?

[yes okay Ringo perfect way to describe your boyfriend. but more importantly OH NO THIS GIRL WAS CUTE what has he been getting up to...]

action

[peachbaths]

Yes, that Ikki! [ Wow! She knows Ikki? Her friend, Ikki? That's cool. Maybe she can be her friend, too. She thinks that'd be nice. ] We ended up sharing a room somehow. [ fortunately? unfortunately!? ] Are you his friend, too?

action, 1/2

[tried]

I'm his girlfriend.

[oh... oh she said it! Ikki's girlfriend! This was a very special moment in Ringo's life as it was the first time she called herself as such to a total stranger, so please pardon her for a moment as she blushes lightly in a fit of internal gushing.]

action

[tried]

[AHEM.] I... I hope he hasn't caused too much trouble! Thank you for looking after him!

action 1/2

[peachbaths]

[ what

Ikki has a girlfriend

what

how is this possible

I mean seriously? Seriously!? Well, he's a good guy and he doesn't look too bad, but... seriously!?! ]

action

[peachbaths]

[ Ah. She's blushing. Seeing Ringo like that - even if she's a stranger - it makes Kougyoku smile. She cares for Ikki, and Ikki cares for her. Come to think of it, despite his flaws, he's a gentle person. And like what Shirley said, what can this girl do? She's in love. ]

It's all right. Ikki's helped me with a lot of things! [ like making friends, Air Trecks, running away from people you stole a horse from... ]

Um, I'm Kougyoku. What's your name?

action

[tried]

I'm Ringo. It's nice to meet you.

[she returns the smile, easily. it was like Ikki, to help others-- and the fact that the first thing out of the other girl's mouth hadn't been a complaint about him was a good enough sign to put her at ease.

so when she asks next, she's genuinely curious,]

Have you been been sharing a room with him long?

action

[peachbaths]

Ahaha, it's not really a room! [ When Ringo says it, it sounds embarrassing. There's no way Kougyoku would share a room with a boy! ] What is it called? An apartment? We're staying there.

We've both been in Exsilium for around two months now.

action

[tried]

Oh, right! An apartment. [Sh...eepish, just a little. She nods, as if reaffirming both herself and her not-rival.] Good.

Two months, though... how's it been for you?

action

[peachbaths]

[ Shh, Ringo, it's fine. Ikki is too young and stupid for her.

Anyway, Kougyoku replies with much enthusiasm: ] Fun! I've fought so many exciting battles and made so many friends... Many of the Transports here are formidable opponents, you know. It gives me confidence that we can win the war.

action

[tried]

[Fun and war? Not two things that she would put anywhere near each other, but Kougyoku looks so happy. Ringo didn't want to crush all that in someone she'd just met.]

Aah, really? I guess I kind of look forward to it; I doubt anyone has time to get bored if things are like that!

action

[peachbaths]

[ And she'll keep being chipper. Speaking of war-- ]

Do you use A-T, too?