2017-10-09: Wrong Train
- Log: 2017-10-09: Wrong Train
- Cast: Alisha Diphda, Rose
- Where: Dazil City
- Date: 2017-10-09
- Summary: Alisha and Rose have a few drinks in Dazil.
=================================<* Dazil City *>================================= Located a few miles from the southern edge of the Great Aveh Desert, Dazil serves as the staging point for expeditions and travels deeper into the heart of the continent. Wells dug deep intot he earth with the assistance of the Ethos still produce water, and so the small city remains viable despite the ongoing desertification. With its proximity to the excavation sites dotting the Great AVeh Desert, Dazil attracts a great deal of attention from Etones, Drifters, and anyone else interested in uncovering ARMs. Aveh's military keeps a close eye on the goings-on in Dazil, and stands ready to confiscate ancient weapons or Gears uncovered by fortune-seekers...although with the battle lines ever shifting, those forces are occasionally called away for a few precious hours. BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-u3RUAeYWM
<Pose Tracker> Alisha Diphda has posed.
Alisha Diphda is panting as she walks through Dazil's market.
She is not a child of the desert. The heat is oppressive and she looks around, staring up at one of the markets that sells ARMs -- though largely non-military ones. It seems, being so close to the excavation sites, that Dazil offers a premium on ARMs and other excavated goods. She struggles to make sense of it.
Finally, the princess turns to her companion. Her hair is plastered to her forehead and her question comes out a half-whimper: "R-Rose, I believe that we got mixed up. This all looks very interesting, but..."
She stares up at it. "...I don't believe we took the right train."
And, indeed, clutched in her hand, is a paper ticket. A train ticket -- and "KROSSE" is printed across the top.
<Pose Tracker> Rose has posed.
It's alright, Alisha. Rose isn't a child of the desert either. The only reason she looks a bit better off is being mored used to extreme locale shifts, but that only goes so far.
"Could be worse, princess! We could've gotten off in Nortune or something. They're not too visitor-friendly these days. At least Dazil's pretty welcoming, not to mention a hot spot for merchants!"
Largely this was because merchants congregated here to rent or purchase sand buggies, but still true. Not to mention the Ethos workshop that sells (civilian) Gear parts off to the side.
"Guess we should've brought Mikleo so he could cool us. Or maybe Dezel." But then again, Dezel wasn't fun to be around, Rose felt. There's no bias there!! "On the other hand my body's all mine today! I made extra sure every Seraph was accounted for before we left." No surprises, just how she likes it.
"Well, if we're stuck here until the next train, why don't we look around? There's a small cozy bar near the southern edge of town if I remember, something cold to drink wouldn't hurt."
Rose had pointedly avoided talking about the warehouse assault and Ragnell kicking her ass, although as the heat adds up atop her sore injuries it's getting pretty obvious the merchant got into a scuffle from the way she moves.
<Pose Tracker> Alisha Diphda has posed.
"Th-that is true... ah, you've learned about all the cities? I'm still struggling to keep their names straight," Alisha admits. She smiles, though, even as she mops at her brow. She is tired -- and sweaty and sore -- but she isn't unhappy. "I know Nortune is... the capital of Kislev, I believe? I know little about it, still. I had just learned about Lacour and Adlehyde, before we left..."
She nods, then she rolls her shoulders. "I think that is a fine idea. I--well, I cannot blame you. It is a little strange to think of a Seraph watching my every move, inside of me."
Sometimes, she just wants to be alone.
She looks back at Rose as they walk, and slows a little. She noticed the signs of injury; the slower pace, the way she doesn't move as efficiently or as gracefully as usual. Alisha hesitates a moment, knowing perfectly well that Rose keeps her secrets... and sometimes keeps them behind a veil of not letting something bother her.
"Did you run into some trouble?" she asks.
<Pose Tracker> Rose has posed.
"Of course I have! You never know when you'll be asked to go next for a job or supply run, so it pays to know the layout. Nortune's... I don't know, it's a dark place. Isolated, walled in. They have an entire block of the city dedicated to imprisoning criminals and making them work and fight for amusement, and I guess it sets the tone of the rest of the city. They're also really tight on rules and regulations. Getting in is a chore in and of itself."
But then, what kingdom or country goes to war and remains easy to enter?
Leading the way to the small bar she'd mentioned, she glances back at Alisha at she questions her, grinning. "Please! My middle name is trouble! Like every other Drifter out there. Just a little argument that turned sour. I really need to work on dealing with sorcery, sheesh. I knew Ragnell was a good shot but there's good shot and there's trying to set a record for being struck by lightning several times." Now that it's been broached, she's not going to keep Alisha in the dark if she wants to hear the story.
"Oh, before your worry so much you sweat what little water you have left in you, don't worry, it's all good now, we're best friends again." Insofar as Rose would ever call Ragnell such.
+bbread 2/33
<Pose Tracker> Alisha Diphda has posed.
"How... how horrible," Alisha says, softly. Her leaf green eyes turn downward for a moment, and she nods. "I knew things were bad, but..." She shakes her head. "I wondered--war is terrible enough. Aveh and Kislev have fought longer, and far worse, than even Rolance and Hyland." They have, after all, had long periods of peace, too--or wars fought only in border regions.
She smiles, slightly, at the 'middle name.' She won't argue with that, and then her eyes widen. "You fought Ragnell? Why? I--ah, I shouldn't be surprised. I rather like Ragnell, but... I can tell she is the sort to enjoy a good scrap. And we had a fight, once, before, too."
She smiles, for a moment, though -- and a little wider. Rose keeps her from worrying about precisely what she would worry about.
<Pose Tracker> Rose has posed.
"I'd probably be worse off if she'd intended to actually hurt me. I might have jumped the gun a bit when I saw her alongside Metal Demons, but... it turned out they were doing the right thing." Rose's voice lowers, so others around don't overhear such treason. "They attacked a warehouse where Kislev was keeping parts to repair one of their big weapons. That Golem thing being used to tear up the frontlines and slaughter people by the dozens. Wanted to stop Kislev from repairing it since it's so dangerous. Can't disagree with the logic."
They reach the bar, finally. It's a small building, and once inside, an even smaller bar. A couple tables, a single counter. Cozy is certainly a word for it, but the tables are taken, so it's not hurting for business.
"Well that's enough talk of war and downer topics! Let's talk nice things instead!"
Sitting down at the counter, Rose is at a loss for a topic to bring up, and so goes for broke: "So what's it take to get married to the princess of Hyland, anyway?"
Intentional prodding it is.
<Pose Tracker> Alisha Diphda has posed.
"That--that's terrible!" Alisha gasps, softly, though she lowers her voice. "And yet... I am not surprised. The war is rather severe, and..." She nods. Still, she would like to think there would be a way besides violence--besides fighting--to disrupt such plans. And yet, could she call it wrong?
She sits down at the counter, then, and peers sideways at Rose. She expects literally any other comment. Maybe a joke about the weather. Maybe a suggestion of what to drink. Maybe a joke about Sorey. Maybe--something, anything other than that.
The response is immediate. Alisha's cheeks turn a bright red color and she looks forward. "I-I--what!? I--I suppose someone would have to simply ask, or--or it would be arranged if it was... was something that... was political in nature, or--or I could ask--or--"
She sputters again. "R-Rose!"
<Pose Tracker> Rose has posed.
Rose's status: goofy grin confirmed.
"There there, don't worry, I'm joking! ... kinda. I guess I AM curious to know what you're looking for, in the same way you probably wonder what I am. Answer's probably boring though, I guess for me it'd be someone like you or Sorey. You know, honest, upfront, heart of gold and not a shred of malice to be found."
Truth be told she didn't think about it much. Too much going on at any given time to ever think about settling down and enjoying life like that, which is probably odd for someone like Rose of all people.
"Political marriages though, can't say I like them. Never trust someone whose only reason for wanting your hand isn't you!" She's speaking from experience twice over, there. That is, both in regards to what Brad's plans were, and what the prince's plans ended up being.
"I'm actually surprised they haven't tried marrying you off to Rolance nobility in an attempt to stop the war. That seems to be about as much respect as the council holds for you."
<Pose Tracker> Alisha Diphda has posed.
Alisha blinks. She expected, really, teasing. What was it that Rose said, once? 'A merchant and a princess? It'd never work.' It isn't something that Alisha has thought about, ever since, repeating in her head. Certainly not.
The blush remains, but it burns a little less intensely... but hearing Rose's preference gives her pause. Her eyes widen and she looks away for a moment.
"Well..."
She looks down for a moment. "...They tried," she admits. "When I was little. I protested, and had my mother's support. It was before I was legitimized, when I could never have legally inherited the kingdom--when there was hope for another heir. Now... mm."
She shakes her head. "...What I'm looking for? Someone who makes me laugh, but sees the best in me, I think. Someone who isn't afraid to tell me when I am wrong, who has a different view of the world, but... who cares for me, all the same. It... ah, that sounds silly, doesn't it?"
<Pose Tracker> Rose has posed.
"If you weren't legitimized, what were they hoping to gain marrying you off, anyway? Wouldn't you be looked at that way by Rolance nobility too? You wouldn't be much of a war-ender if you couldn't even inherit. Sounds like it was more to get rid of you than anything else," Rose comments, although she realizes what a bummer THAT is to hear so crudely.
"Sucks for them! Now you're a real princess, a knight, a Squire AND an example for everyone to follow! Heh. Who'd have thought, right?" Surely not a whole lot of folks outside Alisha's parents. That'll show 'em.
"Is it silly though? Not really. Aren't we all looking for that one person who'll complete us?" Maybe not all. "Sounds like you want someone honest and outspoken to me! Different view of the world, that one's odd. Makes sense though. Something to talk about and figure out. That little extra edge that makes sure you're not with a carbon copy of yourself! My my, princess, you've got spicy tastes!"
With that grin still plastered on her face, Rose turns to the bar keep and orders two mugs of ice cold ale; predictably a bar in the desert isn't going to have a whole lot of selection, so may as well keep it simple.
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone!"
<Pose Tracker> Alisha Diphda has posed.
"It was to a smaller noble house in Rolance," she answers. "One they wanted ties with, and part of a few other agreements." Alisha sighs, shaking her head. "I wasn't even the best of the bargaining chips."
She looks up, then, and smiles at the encouragement -- genuinely, but her eyes blink. She looks touched, until she hears 'spicy tastes' and her cheeks heat up again. "I--I, yes, of course, I would want to be with someone I found attractive--goddess!" She sighs, putting her face down into her hand.
She takes her ice cold ale when it comes, and has a much longer drink of it than she strictly needs to have. She looks sideways at Rose.
"...What about you?" she asks. "Any past romances or lack thereof?"
<Pose Tracker> Rose has posed.
"Tsk tsk, how dare you have feelings, -princess-," Rose chides, still smiling. "Don't worry, if -I- had to use you as a bargaining chip you'd probably be my best! ... I mean, I totally wouldn't do something like that, but you know where I'm going with that!" It was a compliment! In retrospect an odd one, but one nonetheless.
The question being shot back at her seems to momentarily bother her, but she answers honestly. "Oh, you know, I've got a passionate love story going on with my knives these days. There was someone before them, actually. Some jerk, funny enough, from Rolance nobility." She's not going to out that it was explicitely a prince, though. "It was arranged. We were trying to get close to upper nobility for... you know, reasons. And he wanted to get close to us because we'd helped with the war. That was before we were the Sparrowfeathers or the youknowwhos. Turned out he had a lot less of an issue with slaughter than we thought. Set Brad on fire in front of me to make an example using... I don't know. Magic. Some kind of magic."
This topic isn't explored further as Rose then says: "So, you know! Haven't really shopped for a prince or husband since then. Oh, look at me, bleeding tragic backstory all over you. Don't you dare worry, I assure you I'm totally over it!"
She'll be significantly more over it when she's found mister prince and put a knife through his neck, but she seems sincere enough for now.
<Pose Tracker> Alisha Diphda has posed.
"W-Well, it is a little improper to admit to having such thoughts," Alisha says. "I am a princess. I am supposed to be reserved, in public. Despite Ragnell's best efforts. And--" She tilts her head, before she bites her lip, and smiles. "...I will keep it in mind, Rose. But I would prefer to not be a bargaining chip."
She quiets, though. Her eyes widen -- sharply, at Brad's fate -- and she shakes her head. "Rose, I'm so--so sorry," she says, though it stammers out awkwardly, when Rose says she is over it. She looks down for a moment.
It feels like, Alisha thinks, a defense mechanism. Say she is over it, until it becomes true. But is that the case, or is Alisha projecting? She looks up, then she tilts her head.
"Ah--well, there is no rush on a prince or a husband," she says. She looks to the side, then. Her eyes do not quite meet Rose's.
"Or a princess," she says. Then she drinks all of her beer in three long, straight gulps.
<Pose Tracker> Rose has posed.
"Is it? Who gets to decide how kings and queens get to feel? There's a fine line between you needing to be a good ruler and you needing to stop being human. Expecting nobility to stop having feelings, to start censoring themselves in public, don't you think that's a bit..." Rose waves a hand in dismissive. "Arbitrary? Nonsensical? There's no reason you should be held to some unreachable standards like that. You're just going to keep chasing something you know you can't be if you do."
Rose had not touched her drink yet, and takes the opportunity to get onto that matter with quite the zeal following that little speech, although she ends up spitting half of it as Alisha says 'or a princess'.
Luckily the bartender is used to that happened.
"Alisha! Now YOU'RE doing that on purpose!" Turnabout is fair play, she supposes. "Oh I'm so proud, I've actually taught you something!" She might be sidetracking to hide her momentary embarassment. "But really, don't be sorry, I'm truly over it. It's not like I regret where my life's ended up." That much was true. She might be out for blood, but she doesn't dislike her current situation for it. Who knows who she wouldn't have met if that hadn't happened?
<Pose Tracker> Alisha Diphda has posed.
"Mm... that is true. We are only human," Alisha says, with a glance downward.
But, she looks up -- and then she flashes a sincere smile. She may have learned from the best, but Alisha hasn't yet learned to take pride in making Rose fluster or blush. She laughs, softly, and shakes her head. "I suppose you have taught me a couple of things," she says. Even if, she thinks, she was trying to feel out something.
But what Rose says is far more important. She hesitates, before she nods. "I am glad for that," she says. "After all... I do like having you here, with us. But I hope, one day... we can have the chance to set things right."
Her eyes harden, a little. "A prince has no right to treat his people in such a way."
<Pose Tracker> Rose has posed.
"Who knows! Chances are he's dead. It's been... oh, five, six years since then? Maybe a bit less. I don't keep that close a count." That's not true, she does. She just doesn't want Alisha to get involved. Poor princess has so much on her mind already. "Even if he isn't, with the war, it won't be long before someone else takes care of it. Odds're pretty low I'll ever see him again either way. Might be hiding. Might be six feet under! Considering we were going to betray him it's only fair he got to beat us to it."
Somewhere, Dezel quakes in hatred and isn't sure why.
"Well, this got pretty heavy all of a sudden! So much for a nice day out between Squires, we ended up in the desert, sweating our feelings out. Sorey's probably having the time of his life doing whatever it is he does all day meanwhile."
Ah, that does remind her...
"Speaking of, a week back I was with Sorey and the ghosts and we ran into this big, creepy Hellion at an old farm. It ran off before we could finish it and we were too beaten to pursue, but... when we go for it again it'd be really handy to have you there. He said it looked too big for him to purify alone or something like that. I don't really get how that blue fire of his' works yet. You think we could use it too if we tried?" That would certainly be handy.
<Pose Tracker> Alisha Diphda has posed.
"Ah, I'm sorry, Rose," Alisha says. She smiles and shakes her head. "But we haven't ran out of day, yet. We should order another couple of drinks, I think."
She looks up, though -- and her eyes widen, then narrow, in understanding. She may be having fun, heavy conversation aside, but her duty as a Squire must come first. (Or is that her duty to Hyland?) "Of course," she says. "I can come with you. If my presence will help... then you will have it."
She nods. "I hope that we might, but I am unsure. We should practice, though. Perhaps we can. And if not... I know we can help Sorey, at the least."
<Pose Tracker> Rose has posed.
"Yeah we should! Worst case nothing happens and nothing goes up in flames, ha!" These were the best kinds of scenarios for Rose. Screwing up means nothing happens. "Ah, he did say... he said that in order to help him, he'd be 'sending Malevolence our way'. I didn't really get it. I thought the goal was to get RID of Malevolence, not offload it onto other people!" She clearly misunderstood.
"Did he ever explain how his powers work to you? It's all a big mystery to me so far. I just know he can purify Malevolence and... wear... ghosts." Rose shudders and takes a chug of her ale. Wash away the images, wash away the images!
"Boy talk about something else I don't look forward to trying out. I really hope they were just kidding when they described it like that." Edna and Mikleo aren't exactly the most reputable sources at this stage.
<Pose Tracker> Alisha Diphda has posed.
"Mm-hm," Alisha says. She looks sideways at Rose. "I heard that we... wear the Seraphim. That seems like a strange explanation." Her nose wrinkles, and then she shakes her head quickly. She can't say she is entirely understanding that.
"I think an explanation must be hard. He has only been doing this for a few months," she says. "I doubt Sorey fully understands it, either. But... whatever it is--even if it is us taking some Malevolence, for him--I think we can handle it."
She flashes a smile. "At worst, we can figure it out after he does it."
<Pose Tracker> Rose has posed.
"That's true. Sometimes I forget Sorey's only been a Shepherd for as long as we've known him, more or less. He really seems to know what he's doing. I'd say he grew into the role, but that'd imply he wasn't that tall to begin with! I think the role was just the right size for him. Must be hard though. All these people looking up to you like you're some big hero from another era, faced with problems only you can handle. Or as far as we know, only him, anyway..."
She'd always wondered, since seeing Sorey do it, if others on Filgaia, or Lunar, might have the same capacity to purify as him. The power had to have come from somewhere, right...? Lailah surely didn't invent it. Or did she?
She did have that old and mysterious vibe going for her.
"Ah well! Whatever it is, you're totally right, we'll figure it out and adapt. I'm not scared of some Malevolence!" That's absolutely untrue. "Or ghosts!!" Even more untrue, somehow.