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[ she hums inquisitively as she continues to stare, but eventually steps back. maybe he was feeling lonely? she often misses dragua's forests simply by being here, so she understands. ]

Ah— [ she nods and turns to the cake with a determined look on her face. ] It smells so sweet...

[ mimicking orcelito, she stands on her toes to scrape off a serving (even more since she's shorter than him) and then settles back to stare at her plate. the mix of bread and icing is fascinating and her eyes pick out every detail. the entire slice of cake is rather impressive to begin with, and she's also curious about that dab of white on the very top (also icing? who knows). but first she must tackle what's in front of her. after picking at the cake with fork, she takes a small piece into her mouth and slowly chews. her eyes then widen as the foreign flavor overwhelms her taste buds. this is definitely nothing like the berries she's always eating, but also different from the plain bread she often had at home. how can something like this exist? she turns excitedly to orcelito, swallowing quickly to speak. ]

This is wonderful! It's a little too sweet but I don't mind it. Do all cakes taste this good? I can hardly believe it... It's so soft too, I never knew bread could become this soft... And it's a bit cold. Is it meant to be cold?

[He withholds a sigh a relief once she’s distracted. Good; his homesickness isn’t something he wants to think about right now.

He watches, slightly amused, as she observes the cake. What would it be like to see cake for the first time? Does it appear strange? He wonders what her reaction will be once she finally tries it. Has she ever had anything that sweet before? Surely she’s eaten desserts of some sort before?

It was well worth the wait. He nearly laughs aloud at her expression. It’s perfect.]

Isn't it? I'm glad you like it.

This is a chocolate cake, with cream and icing. There are lots of different kinds of cakes and all sorts of flavors. But they’re usually soft. And the temperature varies according to the ingredients.

[Come to think of it, not only did the cake appear here, but it’s also cool – as though just taken out of an icebox. In these sweltering temperatures? How was that possible?]

[ she listens with renewed interest before licking her lips. the chocolate taste still lingers and she can't wait to have some more cake. ]

Amazing... If we could eat this every day, I could bear this awful heat! What other flavors are there? Which ones have you tasted? Aah, I need to remember to tell Liam about this...

[ she looks down at her plate with bright eyes as she imagines returning home and telling liam all she's learned in this strange forest, and all the things she wants to experience for herself again in their world. ]

And the way the bread and chocolate are between each other without spilling over is bizarre. I wonder how that's possible.

Cold desserts do make summer easier. [He has spent this summer missing fruit parfait and shaved ice with syrup. She may not know what those are either, so he stays on topic.]

Well, there are vanilla cakes, which is a different flavoring than chocolate. And cakes with fruit and jam. Many have cream in them. Oh, and there are spicy cakes – which is like a spicy bread but sweet. And crumbly cakes with a light flavor to have with tea.

[Seems he’s not the only one to connect desserts with home. It’s not a stretch; most people find desserts comforting. Perhaps that is part of the reason the cake appeared here.]

I couldn’t answer that since I don’t bake. But Kit does, so you can ask her!

[ her mind is filled with imaginations of all the different cakes orcelito describes, as she wonders what they look, feel, smell, and taste like. she brightens upon hearing there are cakes with fruit in them, as she has a special place in her heart (and stomach) for them. how wonderful it would be if another slice of cake dropped into the forest another day. for once, she doesn't mind the sudden appearance of strange items around the tree. ]

Oh I wish I could have them all...Those crumbly cakes sound odd, though. I wouldn't want the cake to fall apart before I eat it.

[ haha. anyway, she perks up even more at the very last of what orcelito says. ]

Does she? I will! I can't wait to find her. Then she could teach the both of us. That is if there's any way to make cakes here. We could use the berries and nuts at the altar. Oh...but I don't know where we would get bread. [ she's momentarily disappointed, but shrugs it off. ] Well, we'll find a way. I'm going to get another helping. And I really want to try that white part at the very top.

Heh, they do break up if you’re not careful, but they’re light and fluffy and go well with tea.

[How he misses afternoon tea. Perhaps he should fix himself some lavender tea with the plants Riona brought in? But, back to the cake at hand. He smiles at her enthusiasm.]

That’s probably whipped cream. It’s a favorite cake topping that goes well with strawberries and other fruits.

[Feels strange to be so casually discussing cake after what he’s just been through. But seeing her smile, stretch up on tiptoe to reach the icing, her voice posing question after question… it’s relaxing. This feels normal. (Giant cake not withstanding.)

He waits until she’s acquired another plateful and then brings up the question he’s been meaning to ask.]

Kit and I were discussing something on our journey. We wanted to ask if you liked staying in the house.

[ she giggles a bit as she scrapes off another serving. ] Whipped cream? What sort of name is that? I just hope it tastes good. Ooh, we really should have brought some berries from the altar. We'll get some later, after we find Kit.

[ as she returns to orcelito with another plate full of cake, she happily chews on a bite while looking at him. the smile falters just slightly at the question, but out of confusion. ]

Mhm... [ contemplating, she lowers her fork to her plate. ] At first it was strange. The forest was right outside but it felt like a different world in there. [ which is an odd thing to say when she's only been camping outdoors for a few months until coming here. before then she had a house and bed of her own (always moving over the years, for her own safety). it illustrates just how much being on the run changed her. a few months felt like years. ]

Then it became boring. I didn't imagine you and Kit would be gone for so long... I had others to talk to but I like you two the most. But still, I never left the house. I made a promise to you. [ her expression relaxes. ] But I had to do something, so I brought those petals in.

[An odd thing to say indeed, since living inside a tree is living in a forest. But it occurs to him that perhaps it was strange… like sleeping on the ship was strange as opposed to in the house.]

I’m sorry you were lonely. You didn’t have to stay in the whole time… [He gazes at her warmly, happy. Whatever hesitations he may have had falter. He’s had to stay indoors for an extended time after previously enjoying freedom outdoors. He understands it’s hard. And few things catch his attention faster than a difficult promise that was kept.] Thank you.

[He’s also glad to hear that she does indeed enjoy his and Kit’s company. That leads easily into his final question.]

Kit and I agreed that if we can trust you in our house, we’d be glad to have you live with us. Of course, it will different than when you were living with just Ninna; it can get busy when we’re mixing dyes, and you’ll see us every day.

Or if you would prefer, you’re free to stay on a temporary basis. That guestroom will stay open for you. You can come anytime.

[ she doesn't imagine it's something to be so sincerely thanked for, so she hesitates at seeing his smile before returning a small one herself. to be shown gratitude is an uncommon occurrence in her life, but it's not a bad feeling. ]

I didn't want anyone to take advantage of an empty house, when all your things and Kit's were still in there. [ she adds in after a moment. the promise in general was important. if she left, it would really start to feel like orcelito and kit weren't coming back. ] .. But you're welcome.

[ she quietly takes another bite of cake just so she has an excuse not to talk for a second, actually feeling just a tiny bit shy now. but it passes as quickly as it came, when she nearly drops her fork at the invitation. ]

Wh... You want me to— ...live with you? Why?

[ well that was a stupid question. he just explained why. ] I mean, ehm. ...Really?

[He’s nearly startled by her response. It’s… not quite what he expected. Not anything like how Kit responded, certainly. But… it doesn’t seem negative? Maybe she’s just nervous because it was so sudden? It takes him a moment to find the words, but he finds his reasoning and explains gently.]

Is it really a surprise? I was thinking that you will need a place to stay. It’s summer now, but the weather will start cooling in a few months. You can’t sleep outside in the cold, and I know you don’t care for the open halls in the Tree.

[Oh, he’s being a big brother again and relying on rationality to do his convincing. Maybe that’s not the best way to approach this…]

Besides, this is a community and we need to stick together to support each other. You shouldn’t be lonely or by yourself. And Kit and I really would be happy to have you stay with us.

[It’s not nearly as persuasive as he could have been. But he realizes now that he doesn't want to resort to persuasion. He wants to leave the choice open to her. It makes him a bit nervous... but he couldn't forgive himself if he pushed her into it. She's not his subject; she's his friend. He wants to respect that.]

[ it is a surprise. she stares at him quietly, nervous and contemplative, but the more she listens, the more she's able to calm down and realize this isn't such an outlandish idea. if she stayed with him and kit...it would be nice, wouldn't it? she enjoys their company, listening to kit's music or helping orcelito work on making inks and paper.

'stick together and support each other.' words she's heard before and a promise that fell short when she needed it the most. it makes her drop her gaze for a few seconds before she looks at orcelito again. nevertheless, there's no one wanting to kill her here, no reason to hide her race or magic for fear of being turned over to a murderous tyrant. orcelito's and kit's support won't ever end up being the difference between life and death, so why not accept it if it's being offered so kindly? ]

... If it's truly what you and Kit want, then... [ she pauses, feeling that strange shyness creep back. or maybe it's happiness? this is all so new for her. ] I'd like that. To stay with you.

[ she adds in after a beat: ] Ah, but I'm all right in the cold. I like it.

[When she drops her gaze, he almost falters (What? Did she not like that? Should I have rephrased it?) But he continues. He knows trust is hard to earn. He doesn’t have to convince her it’s there; he just has to convey his confidence that it exists. He meets her eyes – cat-like as always, but that doesn’t bother him anymore – and tries to let her know through his relaxed posture, gentle tone, and steady gaze that he means her only kindness.

His expression lightens at her acceptance, and he grins suddenly and nods - an unrestrained burst of joy. He doesn’t say anything because nothing else needs to be said.

But you always have to throw a surprise at him, don’t you, Riona?]

Oh. [He blinks, surprised.] Well… we have a balcony! You’re welcome on it anytime.

[ always, of course. now, those cat-like eyes widen at seeing orcelito's sudden smile, mostly out of surprise. wow, he's really happy...that's kind of nice. this is a good thing, right? it's good that she accepted, right? living with orcelito and kit...it's going to be new, if nothing else.

she manages a smile of her own as she nods. ] I remember. I like it there—when it isn't so hot. [ she sighs and looks down at her cake for a second. ] I'm going to be living together with you and Kit...we'll see each other every day, won't we?

[ her smile grows after saying that. that should be enough to convey how she feels about that fact. ]

[Heh, he just said that, didn’t he?]

Yes, we will. And we’ll do activities together, and talk to each other, and learn new things. We’ll eat meals together, like we did that one evening, and we’ll be close by if you ever need us.

[He pauses. These are just the sorts of things he liked doing with his family… things he wants to do again.]

You once asked me what it was like to have siblings. Maybe this will give you an idea?

[Except we won’t fight that much. Promise.]

[ he certainly did, and she'll probably say it a few more times because it's just that unbelievable. but a good unbelievable! because as orcelito goes on, her smile solidifies and she gets a little excited. to be near people again and not have to worry for her safety, was something she wondered if she would ever experience again. and now here she is, living a life similar to her old one in an entirely new place. ]

Siblings... [ she did mention that once, didn't she? ] Maybe...! I'm very curious. Mhm... Kit would be a younger sibling, I think. And you the older one? [ on that note— ] How old are you?

[Orcelito is excited too… and nervous. He’d never had a roommate before. Now he has two.

When he first moved into his house, he was determined to hold onto his newfound privacy and freedom. But… ah, that got lonely pretty fast. He was so used to having others around. Besides, there was only so much room in the Tree, and he couldn’t leave a little girl like Kit out in the cold halls by herself!

It was a risk. And it’s been a challenge. But he has grown accustomed to it, and now he feels there’s enough space to welcome in Riona.

The question of his age brings up his lingering surprise at the passing of time. Because if it’s midsummer that would make him…]

I’m seventeen.

[ she's surprised and not surprised at the same time, if that makes any sense. surprised from hearing the actual age, but not surprised because a high age is what she expected. ]

You're an adult... I always thought so. You can do so much on your own already. And you know so much. There are so many things you've taught me. Now I know why you're so smart. [ she nods matter-of-factly while saying that. ]

[He smiles – a controlled, even smile – and accepts the complements with a graceful nod.]

Thank you. Your regards are kind.

[He is surprised to be called an adult, as he is not eighteen yet. But perhaps to someone young, he does come across that way. The past year has forced him beyond childhood into his kingship. And because of that, he finds himself with an increasing respect for others who have by circumstance had to take on adult responsibilities early in life.]

You seem quite independent as well. Living in the forest has clearly taught you much.

[ she smiles a bit at the gratitude, but it fades into a look of curiosity. those words remind riona of a realization she came to when she first arrived at the tree. while the compliment itself is kind, it isn't exactly true. ]

Do you really think so...? [ she looks down at her place and picks at the piece of cake. ] I've actually... Well, I've lived in the forest my entire life, but I've never been alone. There was always someone there with me. One person, maybe two. [ she pushes her lips to the side. ] I wasn't allowed to leave but I'd sometimes try. When they eventually found me I'd say I just got lost in the woods but that wasn't always true.

[ then she got older and learned the reason she couldn't leave, and accepted it. ] If I seem independent, it's because this place feels like home. But if I went to one of those towns you talked about, I wouldn't even know where I'm supposed to walk.

[ for a girl her age, that's a remarkable moment of clarity. but she's had the opportunity to think about it all, so it was only a matter of time. in any case, that was rather candid. goes to show how comfortable she feels around orcelito now. after a second or two of silence, she peers up at him. ]

You're four years older than I am.

[Not being alone is understandable; she is young. The fact that she was unable to leave, moved frequently, and confined to the forest perks his interest. Not for the first time he wonders who she might be… or perhaps, what she might stand for.]

I wasn’t left alone at your age either. Adults are like that. [He smiles, as though it’s a secret trait that only children know of their guardians. For him it is, perhaps, a bit more personal.]

I was raised in a town but, truthfully, it did not prepare me for this. The rules there were… very different. [He frowns a little, shifting his weight to the side and holding his arms close; the plate remains perfectly balanced.] In a town, there are people to do everything for you. I never had to make my own paper or fix my meals. Much of what I’ve learned here has been new.

[He readapts a smile for her.] You're quite capable for thirteen, then! I couldn't have lived on my own at that age.

No, I know you could. I have a good feeling. [ she really does believe he's very smart and talented, and that if he puts his mind to it, he could survive anywhere. maybe it's an embellished view of orcelito, but it's definitely out of respect. ]

Adults are always like that. But you're different from them, at least. So are a few of the ones here...it's strange, really. [ she pauses before continuing. ] What do you mean, people do everything for you? Are those...servants I think? Or slaves?

[ the words and meanings aren't foreign, but she actually hasn't seen either one in the flesh. ]

[Embellished? Very. But flattering? That too. He doesn’t believe her; he won’t allow himself to. But he accepts her regards gracefully as the admiration it is intended to be, as he does for his own sister.]

Yes, my family has hired servants. I've grown up with them. They do all of the household chores and take care of the grounds.

[That shouldn’t sound suspicious; it’s fairly obvious from his jewelry and manners that he comes from a wealthy household, and the wealthy always hire servants. Perhaps it is the same in her world. As for slaves… there are those too, but he doesn’t want to talk about it.]

Also, because there are many people in a town, you don't have to provide everything yourself. Remember I told you about markets? Farmers bring in harvested food, and craftsmen create things, and weavers make fabric... if you need something, you can buy it.

[ she listens attentively. so he has servants... she remembers being told she'd have a castle's worth of servants for her own, but that definitely didn't stop her from trying to get things done by her own power. and now she won't have any chance but to continue learning from there. ]

I remember. Mhm... So that's why they sell their things out in the open, like Chime's shop. It's for everyone to share. [ or buy, rather, but she gets the idea anyway. ]

Is that normal? To have servants? If they're doing everything for you, what does your family do? I think, ehm...you said your brother travels the lands. And your sister hasn't decided. What about your parents?

[ asking for too much? maybe, but riona is more concerned about learning how his world works. ]

[He nods] It is normal for landowners to have servants, yes. Having servants frees us to do our work, whether that is managing a business or overseeing territory.

[He’s expected someone may ask about his parents sooner or later, so he has an answer prepared.]

My father manages our land and other assets. My mother passed away some years ago. But she assisted my father in his work.

[It’s not a lie. It’s not the truth. But it’s all he can give her and still keep his identity a secret.]

[ she takes this news with a relatively calm expression. so he's missing a parent too. ]

Are they...administrators, like you? [ she pauses, her expression shifting into one of contemplation. ] Managing land and assets sounds like...like nobility. I've never met a noble, but I know what they're meant to do. They serve their king and are granted land, titles, and coin in return. They're servants themselves but they're wealthy enough to buy servants of their own. And...they aren't like others. Like the common people. Farmers or blacksmiths. They're loyal to their king too but they're aren't nobility. I think the difference was...

[ she pauses, trying to remember her studies. but she's blocked so much of it out, and she also doesn't particularly want to remember what she had to learn to prepare to rule dragua. it was all such a waste of time in the end. so she exhales before her features turn somewhat serious, and she looks up at orcelito. ]

Did your parents enjoy it? Managing businesses and assets.

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