seasonsrpg | Event #1: Welcome, Adventurers

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Event #1: Welcome, Adventurers

Welcome, Adventurers
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Guild Playing Games With my Heart

Part 1

A new message on everyone's smartphones says that all the Guilds are finally open for business! Instructions on how to get to each one of them are sent with the message.

Each Season has their own Guild (Winter in Frostreign, Spring in Blossomcrown, Summer in Solarpeak and Autumn in Amberfall). Originally they were formed when the world was thriving and the natives were power holders, now they serve a purpose for aiding Otherworlders.

Although there are some aesthetic differences, all of the guilds have the same basic layout, which the newcomers are given a tour of:

The main floor is for information, containing computers that are connected between all guilds. Using them brings up holographic boards which contain information on each of the segments, with a focus on their home segment. You can find out here what the weather is like in each segment, what quests are available, an explanation on how the Flower Yards work, and even a list of powers that have been discovered and how to practice them.

The second floor is a place to go for combat practice, or just practice using your powers. There are simulators here that can be used to create a space to test your skills against virtual monster opponents or against other power holders, all with safety precautions to keep anyone from being injured.

The third and final floor is meant for relaxation and provides a temporary place to nap when necessary. Those who do quests on a regular basis will receive a key that opens their own, personal room for relaxation that can be customized as much as they want. It's void pocket space that doesn't appear unless the specific key is used or the owner invites someone in from the inside.

It's also the floor where the leaders of the guild have their own private space in that's a restricted area. They have their public office there as well.

However, the power holders are expecting everyone outside, in the backyard of the Guilds...

Part 2

The main event of the opening day of the guilds is a lesson on how to become more attuned with your new elemental magic. Some characters may already feel comfortable with them, but the Power Holders wish to help anyone who might still feel like they're struggling.

Behind the guilds there is big open space. A yard meant for lessons like this. Each of the power holders is own their own stage (even Sawyer, who seems rather reluctant to be there) and announces the name of the lesson: Elemental Dancing.

They explain each in their own way that dancing while focusing on their basic element is a way to start properly feeling the element. The dance can be anything, as long as their bodies are moving and they can feel their magical energy align with the element.

To demonstrate, they dance:

Olwen dances a slow dance that looks a little like ballet, with water flowing naturally around him and increasing in quantity as he goes.

Jade has a much quicker dance method, like she's dancing at a party and is surrounded by wind that sometimes helps her even jump higher.

Dawn's dance is a passionate belly dance accompanied by rings of fire around her that turns into a pink fire so she doesn't burn herself as the flames come closer to herself.

Sawyer, as reluctant as he, goes full breakdance with each of his tricks forming pillars of earth that he can use to dance even more.

Once their demonstration is over, they encourage new power holders to give it a try themselves and remind them that they can dance however they please. They also advise that the dances can be attempted with a partner, as long as they can learn to trust one another. Sometimes magic is far stronger when done together... but it may also backfire.

I Came In Like a Questboard

Anyone interested is encouraged to join their guild. The staff explains that it's very beneficial, as they would get access to the upper floors that just today were shown to them, and that nearby stores would give guild members discounts for potions and other such adventuring necessities.

Even without joining, all of the first floors services are available for everyone. That includes the questboard that is now on display, though it only shows four quests for now.

There are some necessary preparations still going on with the questboard itself, but the staff assures that later there will be more of them, with some permanent ones added to the mix that would help with making the Segments safer for those without powers to explore as well.

Why not find a friend and go out on an adventure together? The guild does recommend doing quests together with someone, rather than alone.

Well, except Sawyer of Autumn, if he's around. He will always encourage people to go on their own and claims it's an act of bravery. Oh, and make sure to check the Beastiary before heading out, once you've picked your targets!

The Quests [ Click to Expand ]

Quests

CW/TW: possible nudity, possible death

Name: Skeletal Mischief
Rewards: 100 Moon Coins per 2 Snowskeletons vanquished
Location: Winter Segment
Description: For some time Snowskeletons have bothered natives who visit the Flower Yard. Usually the only nearby place of peace has now become a nuisance to visit. Those who attempt it usually return to the city in just their underwear (if they’re lucky). A request has come for the guilds to get rid of the Snowskeletons near the Flower Yard in whatever means necessary.
OOC notes: Snowskeletons have two types: either they're snowmen made from bone or they're skeletons made of snow. Either way they're definitely not friendly and often disguise themselves among the snow to surprise their prey. They're not really out to kill anyone, but may sometimes accidentally do it. Instead they're looking to steal clothes and wear them. Basically they're notorious bandits.

CW/TW: mind altering

Name: That Very Big Tree
Rewards: 500 Moon Coins, Loot you find
Location: Spring Segment
Description: The researchers are curious about the “One Very Big Tree”. They want to know what the tree does and are asking people to take a look and report back what they find.
OOC notes: One Very Big Tree is hollow on the inside and looks like a big tree house. The higher someone climbs it the less they feel like they’re themselves. In fact, they will turn into the exact opposite of themselves. There are also dangerous Gale Squirrels living inside that use wind magic of their own to attack!

Reaching the top, however, will reward them with feathers of a mighty monstrous bird that can be used to enhance any weapon so that they fly back to the user's hand. Only one feather per character, magic stops them from taking more than one.

CW/TW: possible death, possible mind altering

Name: Treasure Ship
Rewards: 500 Moon Coins, any treasure they find
Location: Summer Segment
Description: “The abandoned ship in the Great Ocean Lake used to be a treasure ship! So why not go fetch the treasure? I’m sure it can be used to make some neat weapons or armor. I’d love to help do that, I’m an expert in using treasure for enhancements! But I’m not strong enough to go get them myself. The fastest route there is from the Airship Station!”
OOC notes: The ship is full of Octokitties that are cats with six to eight limbs. They’re territorial and won’t appreciate anyone coming to their ship for any reason and will attack viciously. They can also spit ink that includes side effects of going into a berserker mode and not caring who is an ally and who is an enemy. But the treasure is real.

CW/TW: eaten alive, death

Name: The Blue Flash
Rewards: 700 Moon Coins for finding a lost one*
Location: Autumn Segment
Description: “Help, my friend disappeared on our trip to visit the old lady of Autumn Airship Station. We walked outside to stretch our legs after our airship journey and then there was a blue flash in the corner of my eye and he was gone! Nothing at all remained and I was too scared to go look for him so I ran back inside. I’ve heard this isn’t the first time a blue flash has abducted someone!”
OOC notes: The reason for disappearances is the Angler Will-o'-the-wisps: Most will-o'-the-wisps are harmless, but there are types that act like anglerfish. They take the form of other monsters and toss a "fishing line" out of a dark bush to make it look like a normal will-o'-the-wisp was trying to get their attention. When the prey gets too close, they will attempt to devour them to get more soul energy. They have left their normal place in the forests and invaded some bushes around the Segment.

*Reward stays the same even for just figuring out the mystery behind disappearances.

Enhanced to Meet You

Part 1

Enhancing items is a magical specialty in Ellipsa. The power of words determines how your item of choice gets enchanted. If you're trying to make an armor stronger, it would be wise to use kind and encouraging words but a weapon might need violent and determined words. Enhancement include defense boosts, attack boosts, health stealing and even adding status effects. All of these effects aren't permanent, but they should last for at least a month before fading away.

The workshops around districts will offer teaching to anyone who is interested in learning the basics of basic item enhancement. For more advanced things (like learning to make the enhancements permanent) the natives suggests taking an apprenticeship in the Magical Manor of Amberfall or Tower of Potions of Coldreach. Especially with potions, as those are more advanced than what they are showing.

Of course, armor and weapons aren't the only things that can be enhanced anything is possible as long as it's a non-living thing.

Part 2

A group of mischievous Imps are causing trouble. They're doing everything they can to make people angry (like dropping items on people's toes) as they try their magic. This could happen to anyone, even otherworlders testing their new magic.

Due to their mischief, a group of magical performers who were meant to enhance some animal statues to make them move around in a show ended up cursing a lot while the magic was happening. Because of that the animal statues did come to life, but they're angry and started running around, ramming into people left and right. It's especially alarming when one of the statues enhanced is a giant elephant, and some of the statues were meant to be used in a bullfighting show. Those are some very, very angry stone bulls coming at people in high speeds!

The natives don't want to break the statues, but they would like the statues to be stopped. With kind and loving words the effects of the curses will vanish and the statues will calm down and act like they were supposed to.

Of course they would appreciate catching as many Imps as possible so they could be returned back outside into the Summer Segment.

OOC TIPS

- Ask Questions here

- Smut is not allowed on the event post, so if your thread is heading that way, please move it to a private entry of your own (your own entry or a new locked post on the comms).

- Remember to content warn as necessary!

- Event starting date is March 17th, but the opening day of the guilds and the elemental dance lessons happen for a week so everyone who wants to attend them can have a chance to do so.

- NPC Power Holders can be interacted with, but it will all be handwaved. Feel free to ask questions on the questions thread if you're unsure of how the interactions would go.

- Starting in April, quests will be posted bimonthly and there will be a Quest Mingle available for people to use to thread out the quests! This format is just here because it's the first event where they're introduced.

- These particular quests are canonically open until end of month.

code bases by tricklet

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Yup. In the kitchen, or elsewhere, [ the only thing Cloud has to do now is chop the wood into smaller pieces for proper burning tonight! He might as well take care of that now that they've secured their campsight and set up the tent. ] now camping.

[ Cloud walks down towards the opposite end of the tree, towards the naked trunk as he observes and deliberates just how thick he needs to make each little log. No sense in cutting them into discs. Give each piece some length. ]

Not gonna lie... [ Speaking of being a team... ] Been kinda looking forward to doing something like this with you.

[ He sizes up the base of his tree currently lying on the ground, lifting the Buster Sword up before taking it in both hands. ]

Hopefully we won't get in any serious trouble, but—

[ Don't mind him, Ayaka. He's just going to be casually talking while chopping wood. It only takes a couple or so strikes to cut through without putting excessive force behind his chops. ]

—I like watching you fight.

[ They're 100% going to get their snack on now. Cloud can start a fire for their light and to keep them warm. Ayaka's going to settle on the mat and prepare their food. It would be best if they retired early tonight so that they could start early the following day. There's still much to see. Not to mention, it might take them another day to get to their goal.

Just as he listens to her? Her are attentive, listening to him in turn, even when they're both doing something else.

Oh! Zack finally responded... Ayaka will invite him to have ice cream with her once they're back. Right— ]

I'd been looking forward to doing something like this with you again, too. We spoke of it, but never had a chance to do so in Nippon.

[ Beyond it being something newer, something that would test their capabilities and their synergy, they had met on a commission. There is a lot of sentimentality to Ayaka's reasoning, but it makes her feel that her bond, deep as it is, could become even deeper in a situation like this. ]

I have less armour on in this dress, so I must be on my guard even more.

[ With another grunt, he's already made short work of chopping through and making some decent sized logs. Now all that was left to do now was split them down the middle! As they work and organize their campsite, the sky finally starts to shift, changing color and going from those partially cloudy blues into the pastel colors of a sunset. A relaxing sight to watch from beneath their seemingly eternally blooming sakura tree. ]

Yeah...

[ Chop! ]

It can be a tradeoff. [ ~~Or just some fantasy bullshit reasoning because armor will always be better in any combat situation FADSLKJ~~ ] The less armour, the less weighing you down.

[ Chop! ... Hah. He smiles as he looks back at her. ]

You're fast either way.

[ Okay. Think that's enough chopping of the wood for now. Taking all the branches and twigs Ayaka's since cleanly sliced off the tree, he starts to create a pile where their fire will be. It's best to set down some of the chopped logs first, then get some of the twigs going for kindling and fire. ... times like this he wished he still had his Fire Materia. Or that he'd mastered his new technique... Oh well. He knows how to get one started!

With the flint given to them back at the guild. ]

Least you've got Barrier magic.

[ They've talked about it in Jikan when she had gotten injured and was asked to stay home for a while. The Barrier Materia that Cloud had given her on her birthday is precious, but she herself just isn't used to something like that. She only remembered its use when she was already injured, and she hasn't been able to use it since.

Here, out on a quest like this? She's more aware of what she has and what she can do now. She fully intends not to make anybody worry about her, so she will do her utmost. That means relying on this new power that Cloud had given her. ]

I will protect you, too. [ They're a team, after all. So it won't just be Cloud taking care of her. If they do end up having to fight some monsters along the way, she'll look out after him. ] I should be able to use it more than once, yes?

[ Not to mention, she's gotten used to the healing magic that comes with being a Spring Power Holder. ]

I know. [ Just as they're both experts in the art of the sword, Cloud could also afford to take a more offence-oriented role in a battle whilst someone else provided the right backup. If things get dicey, he knows she'll be able to protect him. Whether he has to instruct her or not. Retrieving some flint, he decides to use the Buster Sword as a perfect grinding slab of steel. ] Plenty more times than we'll ever need in a fight.

[ He kneels down and rests the Buster Sword across his lap. Some old habits die hard; especially when they're instilled in him like the seiza style of seating he got used to in the land of Nippon. ]

Tapping into Materia's mostly about mental fortitude. [ He begins to strike the flint upon the side of his Buster Sword, over the twigs and branches! ] And you did it as easy as breathing.

Is Zack also experienced with using Materia?

[ He would have to be right? Especially if Cloud is, and all. ]

Perhaps I shall surprise him one day by creating a shield around him.

[ OuO!!! ]

Very.

[ Strikes the flint once more! Once he has a nice set of sparks alit on the twigs...one of the leaves catches fire! But it's delicate...it needs to spread. He keeps a cautious eye on it as he sets the flint in his pocket, and the Buster Sword on his back for now. ]

Prolly used more than me, come to think about it.

[ "Perhaps I shall surprise him one day by creating a shield around him." ]

Please tell me how he reacts. [ Because that has to be a priceless moment. ] Alright. Think our fire's in the clear.

[ Just gonna let it burn a little longer before setting any log pieces down! ]

Alright. And thank you, Cloud.

[ It will be the best kind of surprise for Zack! Ayaka's pretty excited to do it now... ]

I had to pack food that we could eat regardless if it was cold or hot.

[ So their bento contains a bunch of onigiri, croquettes, and some bread. If they run out, maybe they can hunt? Ayaka has never done anything like that before, but the prospect hasn't even crossed her mind just yet. ]

I hope you don't mind the limited menu.

[ Hopefully hunting won't come into the equation. ~~Please no don't break her heart by scoring a bunny.~~ ]

You packed the best kind of things for this.

[ The fire can just stay there and get established for now. They have plenty of wood to burn, and now the sun was beginning to set. Meaning they had the perfect view from their little picnic blanket. Sensing that the coast was still clear, Cloud checks the bottoms of his boots, seeing that they were still clean and not damp in any way, keeps them on.

Getting rid of his Buster Sword one more time, it'll stay stuck in the ground by the blanket as he finally, finally takes a seat with Ayaka, the fire off to their side and a loosed sigh escaping his lips. ]

[ With Cloud seated? She offers him the bento box so he can be the one to pick what he'd like to eat. Then she'll serve him tea in a nice cup— nothing as fancy as what she would normally serve at home, but it does the job despite being on the go! ]

I picked this up earlier. It was wilting, but I brought it back.

[ She presents him a flower, blue and so vivid in its hue. It's a tall stem, which makes it easy to hold. ]

When I look at them, I am reminded of you. It is like looking into your eyes, and... I am at peace.

Nemophila.

Edited 2023-04-03 02:54 (UTC)

[ Right now, Cloud could go for an onigiri! It's the most filling one, after all. Though he's mindful that they'll need to ration their food well. It's not like they have a small amount, but his body was also perfectly capable of running on less food than normal. Came with the territory of his nature as a former SOLDIER. ...at least, that's what he was like now. ]

A flower?

[ It's a rich blue, tall in stem which meant it was easy for him to accept and take it. As she describes to him how it reminds her of him, Cloud takes the time to hold the Nemophila up, towards the softened hues of the sky ahead of them and the setting sun. Before he met Aerith, he wasn't really as conscious or considerate of flowers. But with Ayaka, she's the one who helped him take that next step. She's the reason he both holds and looks upon the petals of the Nemophila so delicately. And for a solitary moment in time, Cloud is left with a look of peace and serenity on his face.

He wasn't on the run. He wasn't fighting. He wasn't chasing after a man who controlled so much of his life.

This was his life. And unfinished business or no, he was spending it right where he wanted to be. ]

You're something else, Ayaka...

[ The softened look on his face hasn't waned, even as he looks back at Ayaka. ]

You've gotten so good with the magic here so quick.

This kind of flower... black sesame seeds, hehe. Those make me think of you, as well!

[ Her world practically revolves around you, Cloud. She doesn't really have to see anything for you to be in her thoughts, but there are still some things that make her feel sentimental whenever she sees them. ]

Salmon sashimi and sakura trees...

[ She could go on and on. And she would have, if not for the compliment he gives her! It throws her off for a moment, paints her cheeks red, before she's calm again. There really is no reason to be uncomfortable around him. Cloud always makes her feel safe. Always. ]

Mm, I must do my best. Compared to others who are more accustomed to magic, or those who come from more technologically advanced worlds... I have much to learn, and I must catch up quick.

[ As always, she sets high standards for herself. No one is judging her but herself. ]

I have yet to try flying, though!

Edited 2023-04-03 08:30 (UTC)

It all comes back to mochi.

[ Well. Almost all of it. When she makes mention of salmon sashimi and sakura trees, Cloud keeps a hold of his onigiri before taking a bite. If he weren't already sitting seiza on their picnic cloth, he'd have his chin resting in his hand right about now as they both delved back into a state of reminisce. ]

Unagi nigiri...

[ He still remembers how infrequently she'd get the chance to actually enjoy such a treat. And how now, Cloud would always find the time to ensure it got on her plate at some point if they offered sushi. Just as he loved his salmon... Now he takes a bite, letting the refreshing taste of the steamed rice and the soft crunch of seaweed enter his mouth. Dance on his taste buds. He's better than talking with his mouth full, so he makes sure to swallow before chiming in at the end. ]

Well, if anyone's gonna pull it off, it's a white heron.

[ He couldn't resist. Now Ayaka had a chance to spread her wings in a less figurative way! ]

I got so used to using Materia that wiring my brain around this kinda magic's taking some getting used to...

[ Because he believes in her? There's no way she can't do it. She'll be able to fly no problem! And she will have to give it her all in order to achieve it. ]

Is it different?

[ Cloud's taught her how to use Materia, and it doesn't seem all that different from using the elements for Kamisato Arts, or using her Vision. Maybe it's her affinity to the elements in general that makes everything come so naturally to her, though. Ayaka doesn't seem to see that just yet. ]

We should practice together. [ Flying, the healing magic, wind magic in general... There truly is much to learn. If Cloud would like to harness the new abilities he's gained here, she would like to be there with him every step of the way. ] Perhaps attend classes together, as well, so we will be able to learn from experts.

A bit. [ Though, he's quick to add to that, ] But maybe I just need a different perspective.

[ Ayaka's affinity for the Cryo element, he figures, definitely helped her gain an advantage in how she learned. He was also a rather quick learner himself. Though perhaps, now that he's taken time to make sure he hasn't lost his touch with his currently skillset...it may be finally time to branch out even further. He is still a student of the Kamisato Art Tachi Jutsu, after all. Gaining an affinity for wind magic and beyond shouldn't be too hard if she was already successfully tapping into it! ]

Wait, hold on...

[ He hums, half-eaten onigiri in one hand as he leans back on his other. ]

If I'm remembering right... [ From their days spent in Nippon. If she wasn't going to be his teacher this time, but rather a co-student... ] Guess this'll make you my...

[ She is the better one of them at this, so. He half-smiles as he watches her. ]

Senpai. Right?

I don't think it makes much difference!

[ But she is amused, anyway, that he would call her his senpai. If that is the role that he would like her to have though? Then she will fill it without complaint. ]

I shall have to teach you everything I know, my dear Kouhai.

[ Kouhai... He laughs, before taking another bite of his onigiri. These were something he wanted to practice making next, actually. ]

I'm counting on you.

[ The remainder of their little snacking session goes off without a hitch. With tea to relax and soothe him, the fire is still going, having died down a little bit. For a time, Cloud can be seen watching the sunset as a gentle spring breeze on occasion blows by. Not strong enough to disrupt their little moment. There's a look of contentment in his mako-infused blues. ]

They don't even have views like this back home...

[ Cloud can enjoy the view of the sunset, but Ayaka's more keen on watching how content he looks as he's looking out into the distance. It is nice, to see him this way. Especially after all he's gone through.

She may not know his full story, but she's heard enough to know that his happiness and contentment is what is most important to her. It was important even before she knew, but... it is a wish she hopes would always come true.

She's seated on the mat with her legs folded close to her chest, her cup of tea in her hands. A small smile paints her face, and she can't help but hum in agreement. ]

Do you like it?

[ After finishing his onigiri, he's also got a cup of tea in his hands, having shifted from his previous seiza posture to having his legs crossed. When she asks him if he likes it, he doesn't turn back to her just yet. ]

Yeah.

[ There's no hesitation in his answer. It's something he thinks he's known for a while now. This scenery. What it reminds him of. ]

All the more reason to see Inazuma for myself, someday...

[ Now he turns his head, a warmth spreading in his heart at the sight of that little smile painting her beautiful face. ]

When on the tranquil
Sunset sky
I gaze,
Pale crimson
Stains the haze.

[ It... feels like something she should share. A poem that talks about the sunset, for he seems so content with the view; he did say he likes it, after all.

The sun is quick in going down, with the colours brought about by the fire close to them becoming brighter and brighter as the colour of the sky begins to fade. What was once blue turns red, with hints of orange, reflection of everything else around it colouring it violet, until there is barely any left.

Yet the blue in the gaze Ayaka is looking at remains the same, much like the baby blue eyes she gave him earlier. It is what others call Nemophila, after all. ]

The sunrise is a marvel in Inazuma, as well. I look forward to watching both with you.

[ It will happen. There is no doubt about it. ]

[ As she recites her poem, her beau decides to take in the sights of the sky as the colours begin to fade. Even the sakura tree they sit under isn't quite as vibrantly pink now without the light shed upon its petals and foliage. The last time he even saw a colourful sunset, they were on their way to Kalm, on the next leg of their journey back home... A journey he knows is far from over. A journey he knows he still has to come back to. ]

...

[ If he even gets a choice in the matter. His gaze drifts back down to the Nemophila by his side as he takes another sip of his tea. Every little gift she's given him. Every word, every gesture of affection, every little promise they make to one another...

If you had to choose between worlds, Cloud. If you couldn't finish what was started on Gaia. Where would you go? Who would you say goodbye to? He doesn't frown...but the smile that's gracing his lips is a more bittersweet one. Even as they eventually ~~(jumpcut)~~ migrate over to the campfire he reestablishes with another couple logs. He knows his answer. He couldn't tell it to Ayato yet, because even if their first meeting had been a rocky one, it wasn't the right time to answer him.

No matter how much the truth hurts of what he wants and what he'd choose if he were forced...he's also not going to give up on everything. He's not going to give up on finishing what he started back home, and then finding himself right where he wants to be. Watching sunsets in Inazuma by Kamisato Ayaka's side. ]

Y'know... [ Since this was all a first for Ayaka, ] On trips like these...s'not uncommon to share campfire stories.

[ He looks to her at his side, the fire reflecting in his vivid mako-infused eyes. ]

[ Ayaka would want to settle in for the night and make sure they have enough rest. They do have to get up early when the sun rises, after all. But something like this. . . She can't help but wonder if Cloud's ever done something like this before. Did he camp out like this with his allies back home? Did he have a moment to rest and recuperate, just like this?

She does not know what campfire stories are, but she would like to learn what she means. Ayaka would like to stay up with Cloud a little longer, if it means she is able to learn more from him. ]

What sorts of stories are those? You must share some with me.

Depends. [ Cloud might not have had a chance to indulge in these with the others yet, their journey still so fresh...and maybe there wouldn't be time to actually do it in the first place. In truth? It's more or less what he's heard about. Almost like he was falling back upon his old instincts of being able to weave narratives to just keep going. But...now? It didn't seem like such a bad thing anymore. He was getting that chance now. ] Popular ones are ghost stories. Or anything spooky.

[ Though now that he's brought that up...he frowns. Less out of something being actually wrong, but due in part to his effort to suppress a shudder that tries running down his spine. ]

Adventure stuff works, too.

[ He must share with her, huh... Rubbing the back of his neck, he looks to her with a sheepish smile. The glow of the fire doesn't hide the subtle tint of red in his cheeks. He feels put on the spot, but it's not Ayaka's fault either. He's the one who brought this idea up! Maybe it can be something she shares with other people down the road, too. Should she find herself adventuring again. ]

Never shared one around a campfire myself yet, but...what kind wouldja wanna hear?

[ He can try. ]

[ Oh, she knows that look. And she does not wish to embarrass her beau. Hearing that he's never done this before either? Then that just means they can write their own story. Their own version of how campfire stories should be.

With a smile, she inches closer to him, until they're side by side, and she can take his hand in hers. ]

I do not have much adventures to share, so I cannot give anything in exchange... [ If Cloud does share some of his adventures with her. ] How about. . . asking one another a question about our experiences? And the other must answer truthfully.

Such as... [ She hums in thought, then holds a finger up when she thinks of a question to ask him! ] What is a mission or a job that you took that you enjoyed?

[ Surely there must be something! And she'll pass on the ghost stories, thank you very much. ]

[ There's that thrum of pleasure again, when she takes his hand. But in less than a moment's time, he's already squeezing her hand right back as the two bump sides. He even scoots in just a little more so that their clasped hands can rest between their laps. It was comforting, having the controlled fire in front of them as the world's sky fades to black, and the company of Ayaka right there. She's so close to him now, too. And he feels even more flustered than before. His heart beats a little faster, too, being this close with her.

But he's attentive. Thoughtful. Reminiscing and deliberating what to say or even where to start... ]

How 'bout when I took on the Toad King?

[ Because frankly, most of his missions and tasks back in his time under Shinra's thumb weren't exactly "fun" or "enjoyable". Even if he did try and prove himself when it came to protecting Professor Rayleigh as an infantryman. This more recent 'job' he took on was better. Lighter. ]

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