musetuning | permenant open post

[It's a beautiful day outside. Birds are singing and flowers are beginning to bloom.

The world, however, is different from Alisha's own. This is a realm between realms, and one that has established a rather expansive organization. The people here are employed by this agency, which is dedicated to protecting the multiverse.

Asemu, meanwhile, is a brand-new recruit. After exploring his new home for a while, he decides to take a break, and the park they're in is as good a place as any. He spots a space on a nearby bench -- which is where Alisha is currently seated. Well, might as well try to get to know someone new. When he approaches, he smiles a bit nervously.]

Um, hey. Mind if I take a seat here?

[Despite the day, and her surroundings, Alisha's thoughts are elsewhere. Not just somewhere far off, but somewhere specific; her thoughts wander back to Glenwood, to Hyland, to her people, even as she sits somewhere else far, far away.

It was her choice to come here, yes. It is what Sorey would want her to do- no, what she herself wanted to do. But she'd barely seen Hyland and Rolance through their peace treaties, and if they were to find out about this, to know where she was going, as of late-]

Huh?

[Thoughts, interrupted. Alisha blinks, words catching up with the absentminded, and shakes her head.] No, not at all. By all means, make yourself comfortable. [She shuffles sideways - though it's barely more than a couple of inches and laces her hands on her lap.]

Thanks.

[Asemu plops down on the bench and looks around at the surroundings for a bit. Then he turns his attention back to Alisha.]

I just got here, so I've been on my feet all day. Feels good to get off of them for a little while. Have you been here long?

[Ah, yes. She figured as much; first-timers often stick-out, to be blunt. It's a coarse phrasing, but, it's true.] Not too long, but I've journeyed back and forth a fair few times. Enough to be used to it, at least.

You have, huh? What sort of places have you seen?

[He's very curious about this place right now, which probably contributes to his Obvious Newbie status. By the same token, who wouldn't be curious about other universes existing?]

[No matter the world, a King's birthday is a day for celebration, and Nohr doesn't disappoint. Parties spill into one another and there's dancing in the street, hawking of discounted wares and what is probably the King's favourite food on sale (or would be, if not for adjacent stalls selling something entirely different under that banner), with the highlight of the day being an appearance by His Majesty himself.

Aqua has spent much of the day playing chaperone, for they accounted for the need of Xander requiring a guard, and she volunteered, his usual retainers otherwise indisposed with meet and greets that hadn't been decided last minute. Still, whilst they had factored in the citizenry's need to meet their King, and that he must be protected, just in case, the quantity and numbers had not been anticipated. It's been a long few hours, and they've barely made it a street or two away from the castle, which is only not visible by virtue of it descending below ground.

It's hard to tell the time, in Nohr, but Aqua knows they will have to leave, soon. Elise and Camilla were very insistent about Xander being back at the castle by a certain time. A surprise party for his birthday, she figures.

Aqua clears her throat and places a hand on his forearm to attract his attention.]

King Xander. We must depart, my lord. [Polite, and for show; whilst she of course respects him no matter when and with who, and there is a natural distance between royalty and their knights, their friendship is more open and casual in private, but that time and place isn't here on the streets of Windmire.]

[This absolutely was the busiest Xander had ever seen the capital in a long time. Not since he was a small child could he remember such a crowd, not even for his own coronation ceremony. There was a small, nagging part of his mind that told him that people had precious little to celebrate during the latter years of his father's rule.

...No. No, that thing hadn't been his father. Not for at least a decade. That was a creation of Anankos, made to serve the insane First Dragon. Xander had made up his mind; he would mourn his actual father, and consider the man he knew for the past several years to not be his father.

But that aside, Xander has been enjoying himself today. It isn't often he gets a break from politics like this, and he was ready to make the most of it. On top of that, he had Aqua with him, which made the day that much better. He loved spending time with her, no matter the reason for it.]

I see; so it is. Let us excuse ourselves, then.

[Xander wraps up the transaction he was in the middle of, handing his payment to the vendor and taking the box of baked goods into his hands. They would be nice snacks for the next few days. With that, he turns around and, making sure Aqua stays with him, walks back toward the castle. He makes one stop along the way to bid the commoners farewell, then sets along the castle bridge. Xander then speaks to Aqua again once they're out of earshot.]

Did you enjoy yourself today?

[Aqua dutifully walks half a step behind on their way back, anticipating the need to clear the way and to dissuade any hopefuls (and there are many), and it is only when they reach the bridge that she relaxes, visibly exhaling as she rolls her shoulders and her perfect posture slackens, just a little.

She smiles, thoughtfully.]

It's nice to see the people so enthralled with you, Xander. They truly love their King. [That's not answering his question, though, and her smile turns sheepish.] Does that count as enjoying myself?

[It's a form of gratification, if naught else.]

Edited 2018-10-29 23:37 (UTC)

[Xander can't help but be just a tiny bit amused by that answer, so it doesn't really change his mood.]

It isn't quite the answer I was looking for, but I am glad that you were able to derive joy from others' jubilation.

[Even if it is a little embarrassing on his part. Xander thinks that the festivities are a bit too much, but he doesn't ever feel like he's worth the fuss people can make over him.]

If its citizens are happy, then the country [the world, even] are at peace. To see that sort of light... that's all I ever want.

[In a way, she doesn't need to linger here as much as she does. There are other worlds to save, other worlds that need her - but that sort of task is also never done. A world always needs to be consciously cared for and protected. She has confidence that Xander and his siblings will, but more than that, she swore to protect the country's King as her ruse. Or is that the excuse?

Something to wonder, later.]

What about you? Was it what you expected to be doing on your birthday?

[Xander listens to Aqua speak, not saying a word himself. Not until Aqua asks him a question.]

Me? Yes, to an extent. However, I had not foreseen the sheer number of people that would be here in Windmire today partaking in the festivities. That was the most unexpected part of things so far.

[So far...because he knows the day isn't over yet. Or maybe he suspects what his sisters have been planning.

Who knows?]

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Alisha

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for blackparagon: Xander's Birthday

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