Just a walk around town...

A single maid enters the room, her dress crisp and clean, making an airy brushing noise as she quickly walks across the room with her small measured steps. She walks up to Razz and taps her lightly on the shoulder, "Ms. Razz? The King wishes to know if he can come in and talk with you."

Razz heard the maid coming in from the door. Turning, she nodded at the maid. "Okay."

The maid bowed to Razz and quickly turned, leaving the room and whispering outside the door.

Kaze stepps into the room, the hood on his cloak down, for once, the front of his cloak left open, "Salutations, Razz. I hope you are finding your stay at the castle pleasant?"

Razz nodded again. "Yes, it is. Thank you."

Kaze looked around the room curiosly, then returned his gaze to Razz, "I was wondering, la..." Kaze then cleared his throat, "As I was saying, I was wondering, Razz, if you'd like to go out for a walk once again. I heard there was a fresh shipment of fruit today and it's quite delicious."

Razz looked somewhat uncertain at that suggestion. She almost objected, but has a hard time saying why. A walk sounds nice, yes, but... something doesn't feel right. She doesn't know why, though. "Uhmm..." she hesitated. "I don't know..."

Kaze shrugs slightly, turning halfway away from Razz, his face towards the door, "If you don't want to, I'm not forcing you to. Just a suggestion, I thought it was stuffy in this old castle. Perhaps when Justin comes back you can ask him to take you."

Razz chewed on her bottom lip, mulls it over.... and seems to change her mind. "Well, if it's not too much trouble..."

Kaze turns back, a smile on his face as he looks upon Razz, "Trouble? Not at all. I feel it's my royal duty to see to the well being and entertainment of my guests. I wouldn't want you staying in this stuffy place all day and getting ill."

Razz smiled, a bit weakly, and lowered her head. "Aah, thank you."

Kaze shakes his head, then remembers it's a pointless gesture, "No reason to thank me, Razz. I assure you, it's my pleasure to have one such as yourself in my company. Do you need to get changed before you go?"

Razz starts to shake her head, but paused. She can't tell, really. "Aah, should I?"

Kaze scratches the back of his neck, glancing at Razz a bit helplessly, "Ah... I'm not one for feminine fashion, Razz... I say you look fine... could probably use a cloak of some sort... but..."

Razz smiled a bit, less weakly this time. "Aah, I'll get that, then." Making her way over to the coat rack, the elf girl groped for a suitable cloak, and draped it over her shoulders. "I'm ready."

Kaze takes Razz's hand in his hand and leads her out of the room and slowly down the stairs, chatting amicably the while, "So, what do you think of Coneria so far?"

East Tower

The tower is nicely lit, and has been well maintained. There is the occasional small window, but they offer little in the way of a view. The stairs lead up, to the King's Quarters, or you can go down, to the Main Hall.

Chamber of Stairs

Several white marble staircases meet here, under many banners hanging from the ceiling, displaying the royal crest of Coneria. To the north there is a stairwell going up, carpeted in red, toward the throne room. To the east there are stairs, leading to the east tower, and to the west there are stairs leading to the west tower. To either side of the northern stairs, there are two archways leading into a much larger, but dimly lit chamber.

Kaze gently squeezes Razz's hand, "I hope you find my city pleasing. I've tried to make it a nice place to live. I'm afraid this was my first attempt at ruling a place."

Razz found her heart speed up a bit at the squeeze of her hand. "Ah... You haven't always been king here?"

Main Hall

You stand in the awe inspiring main hall of the castle of Coneria. The royal crest of Coneria is masterfully painted onto the ceiling, and many banners hang from the walls, proudly displaying the royal crest of Coneria. From here you can proceed to the north, eventually arriving at the throne room. To the east you will find the banquet hall, and to the west is the workers' quarters. Back to the south is the Castle Courtyard.

Kaze shakes his head, catching himself doing it again, "Ah, no. I've only became king very recently. The Dark Warriors attacked this town. The current King, Ethon, let his town go to ruin, unable to protect his citizens. He died that day. I stepped forward to take the crown, and was supported by the Light Warriors in my decision."

Castle Courtyard

As you enter the courtyard of the castle, you are amazed. The lawn is nicely cut, and there are fountains of incredible beauty strewn about it. Also scattered amongst the fountains are numerous luscious bushes. There are a few townsfolk here and there, but mainly nobles are here talking to each other. To the north you can see the main hall of Castle Coneria, and to the south are the gates back into the main city. On either side of the courtyard are two guard houses.

Razz absorbed that information for a bit. "So, who were you before all this?"

Northern Gates of Coneria

Heartland Avenue ends here as it meets up with the northern gates of Coneria. The gates are wide open and lead straight into the Castle Courtyard. There doesn't seem to be any ban from stopping citizens from entering the castle. In the courtyard, many nobles can be seen discussing issues and bustling about in whatever business they may have. This is the only way into Castle Coneria; the other possible entrances blocked by the marble walls.

Kaze paused at the question, staring up at the sky, "I was merely a wanderer, really. I've spent a long while looking for a way to free my mother from the spell which binds her..."

Heartland Avenue

As the road continues towards Castle Coneria, the security around the city seems to get more dense, especially to the gates directly north of here. The avenue continues north and south from here. To the south it intersects with a bridge and than with Magnus Boulevard, a side road of Coneria. Following underneath both the bridge and along the side of Magnus Boulevard is Kevanel's Waterway, the canal that flows throughout the entire City of Dreams. In a way, it gives the town a more serene feeling.

Razz asks: What happened to your mother?

Heartland Avenue

Heartland Avenue continues north and south in this district, north leading to Castle Coneria and south leading to the northern part of Conerian Square. Sitting alongside the road is a beautiful canal filled with water. To many Conerian citizens, it's known as 'Kevanel's Waterway'. As light strikes the water, the entire facade of the stream turns into a visage of beauty; silvery light refracting off in all directions. The canal eventually passes underneath the marble walls and drains into a sewer underneath the City of Dreams.

Kaze twists the necklaKaze twists the necklace he wears between his fingers, "Well... She was, and is, a powerful woman. That frightened some people. But a powerful magi fell in love with her regardless..."

Heartland Avenue

Heartland Avenue continues north towards the castle gates and south to Town Square. Before reaching Town Square to the south, there's a small marble bridge that crosses over Kevanel's Waterway. The stream continues under the bridge and curves up towards the castle. In the middle of Town Square, you can see an elaborate marble fountain that spews out water from a spigot on the top and releases it down in a waterfall fashion to the basin below it. Life in Coneria seems to bustle around the square.

Kaze frowns, "Of course, she wasn't interested in him... he kept trying to seduce her, to win her favor... but she wouldn't have any of it..."

Bridge of Courage

The bridge here isn't too wide, but also isn't too narrow. It connects the northern part of the Conerian Square to Heartland Avenue. Underneath the bridge is Kevanel's Waterway, the canal that runs throughout the entire town of Coneria. A great view of Coneria can be seen from here, probably because this is the real center of it. Down at the northern end of Heartland Avenue, the golden gates to Castle Coneria can be seen. At the southern end, you can see the other pair of golden gates that leads into the fields that surround the City of Dreams. On the eastern railing of the bridge is a golden plaque.

Kaze looks over at Razz, "So one day, a group of Lefeinii decided to raid my mothers house. These Lefeinii were friends of this magi. They did it because they were mad at her for breaking his heart... So she faught back, and won... so the magi, and the lefeinii, gathered together and sealed my mother up. They said she was a wicked and cruel woman."

Conerian Square

This is the northern part of the Conerian Square. Directly ahead is the Bridge of Courage. It connects the northern part of Heartland Avenue to the Square. Directly south of you is the center of the town itself. Within that portion of the square is a large marble fountain with a lion statue within it. It stands on its forepaws and shoots out water from its mouth to the basin below. Lying next to the fountain, on all four sides, are dark oaken benches. They're just far enough from the fountain so that the water won't hit them. Some citizens can be found sitting at them, admiring the town.

Razz remained silent as she listened. Contemplative, perhaps.

Razz asks: How were they able to seal her, if she had won over them?

Kaze smiles a little, chuckling under his breath, "Because, she had only defeated a few of the Lefeinii, whom then ran back and said she attacked them. Gathering support from their brethen."

Razz lowered her head again. "Oh. I'm sorry."

Conerian Square

This is the northeastern part of the Conerian Square. Sitting to the east of here is a two-floor building. Strangely enough, there appears to be some sort of door that leads into it to the east of here. It's most likely the side door of the establishment. Every now and then, a 'Know and then, a 'Kweh!' can be heard from inside... how strange. The building to the east of here is one of the numerous edifices on Market East. Market East is the street that can be found to the southeast of here. Many citizens wander up and down the road, carrying shopping bags or holding items from the things they got in any of the establishments.

Kaze shrugs a little, "I know I'll be able to get her out, and I can still speak with her if I have to. This necklace I wear, it lets me speak with my mother. She wanted me to tell you, that you have her sympathy for how life has treated you thus far... but not to give up."

Conerian Square

This is the eastern part of the Conerian Square. Off to the east of here lies Market East. It's one of the most important streets of the entire city for most citizens. It holds many important buildings like the Royal Bank and the Drunken Chocobo, which is the pub in town. It also is the closest building to this area of the square, being directly northeast of here. Directly to the west of here is the center of the square. Sitting within it is a brilliant marble fountain, releasing water into the atmosphere. Sitting alongside the fountain are four oaken benches.

Razz raised her eyebrows a bit at that. "Aah... Please tell her that I said thank you..."

Market East

This is really the beginning of Market East. Off to the west of here, is the Conerian square, giving a view of the splendors of it. In the center of it is an exquisite white marble fountain, releasing water up into the air. Surrounding it are many citizens, some sitting on benches, others doing daily activities. Some can even be seen dancing! Other than that, Market East is pretty basic. There are a few shops and buildings on the northern end of the road and a bridge here and there. Speaking of which, to your north is the establishment known as the Drunken Chocobo. It has recently been re-opened with the legalization of alcohol in Coneria.

Kaze chuckles a bit, "I talk to my mother about things. I told her about you. I was speaking with her that day on the beach..."

Market East

This is still the relative beginning of Market East. Only a few paces to the east, and there's the Conerian square! Sitting south of the street is a small field of grass, followed by Kevanel's Waterway, the stream of water that flows through and around Coneria. Opposite the stream, on the other side of the road is the Royal Bank of Coneria. It can be obviously seen by the huge monetary sign on it's roof. Citizens can be seen walking up the steps into and it and leaving as soon as they entered. This must be a busy area of Coneria.

Razz wondered at that. "What kind of seal is she under?"

Kaze ponders the question, licking his lips slowly as he thinks it over, "Imagine... a bubble. Now, imagine if that bubble was made out of the purest energy you could imagine and it's spinning really, really fast. Time inside the bubble stands almost completely still, while time continues outside like normal."

Intersection in Market East

This is a four way intersection within Market East. To the east and west, the street continues while in the other two directions are bridges. The northern bridge is a bit farther down, passing through a shadow-covered alley between Kula's Item Shop and the Royal Bank. The alley appears to be the most unsafe part of Coneria, with the lack of light, other than of course, the graveyard. Farther to the west is the Conerian square, where life seems to bustle with activity.

Razz nodded, unsure what else she should say.

Market East

Citizens walk through this street daily, on a regular basis. Both sides, the east and the west, are filled with useful places for the average citizen like the Royal Conerian Bank or the Item Shop. Ironically enough, to the north of here is the Item Shop. A small plaque sits atop of the roof of the shop. Off to the side of the road is Kevanel's Waterway, a narrow water canal that runs throughout the entire city. It's one of the things that make Coneria the City of Dreams. Sitting in the southwestern lawn, before the canal is a small street sign directing citizens.

Kaze looks around, "Ah, we're almost there, Razz."

Kula's Komplex Kreations - Good for one day or your money back! Hanging down from the ceiling are small glowing orbs, each acting as a light source and as four mock orbs. Each glows with a different color variation, lighting up the room in a myriad of colors. Unlike the other shops in Coneria, the counter is much smaller, just big enough for about a moogle. It makes enough sense because behind the small wooden counter is a female moogle that looks to be in her prime. Her fur is nice and silvery and reflects the light from the mock orbs. Behind the counter, on the walls are a couple of shelves filled with potions and other strange items. Finally, sitting in the corner of the room are a few barrels with a sign over them.

Kaze gives Razz's hand a quick squeeze, turning to her he speaks softly, "Just, wait right here, Razz. I'm going to go buy some fruits. I'll be right back."

Razz continued to worry her bottom teeth with her teeth. "Okay..."

Julian steps up to Razz seemingly out of nowhere a moment later, "Well, well, what's a lovely lady like yourself doing wandering around this City of Broken Dreams?"

Kula greets Kaze with an over-elaborate bow, which he waves away somewhat annoyed. They begin conversing between themselves, Kaze occasionally pointing at the fruit and saying a few things, Kula nodding and looking through her barrels of fruit.

Razz almost jumped, and she jerked her head over to face this new stranger. "Aah... I..."

Razz says: My host brought me here for some fruits.

Julian rubs the back of his head, a stupid grin on his face, "Ah, I'm sorry, I suppose I startled you."

Julian says: Ah, that's quite unfortunate, so you're already taken then.

Razz looked rather uncertain, at that. "Taken?" She asked, unfamiliar with the term.

Julian says: Er... well...

Julian scratches his head.

Julian asks: I mean, you're with the fellow at the counter, are you not?

Razz rather confused at that. Well, she certain came with him. "Yes, he brought me here, I told you that."

Julian leans over, and looks into Razz's eyes for a moment with his own odd pastel green eyes... before standing upright again, "My, you seem naive."

Razz is made a bit timid at the stranger's attention. "Aah," she said, and lowered her head.

Julian laughs quietly, "Ah, don't worry, I don't bite unless you ask."

Razz looked up again. "Why would I ask you to bite me?"

Julian says: Ah... ha ha... Nevermind.

Julian says: You know, there's something undeniably cute about your timid and naive demeanor.

Julian nods decisively.

Razz doesn't quite know what to respond to that. "Uh.. Thank you."

Julian asks: Well, you don't seem to be from around here, am I right?

Razz shook her head. "No. I'm traveling with a guardian."

Julian says: Oh, where are you from then? That... seems to be rather foreign...

Julian peers at the design on her forehead curiously.

Kaze finishes talking with Kula and begins walking back across the store, two fruits held in his hand.

Razz wondered a bit at Julian's intent gaze at her forehead... Oh, right, the rune mark. "Uhmm, I used to live in Tycoon. And this..." she gestured slightly at her forehead. "Was something I accquired before I came to this world... I'm a gate crasher, or so I've been told."

Julian says: Ah, I believe most of us are, don't worry about that.

Razz nods, and feels Kaze coming back. Thus she turned around to face him.

Julian's head drops, slightly.

Kaze returns, bearing with him the fruits, a small smile on his face, "Sorry for the long wait, Kula is getting forgetful in her old age, I had to wait til she could find..." Kaze then looks over at Julian, "And whom might this charming individual be...?"

Kaze hands Razz a couple of small fruits.

Julian stands straight again, "Er, I'm sorry, the young lady here just caught my attention."

Razz took them with both of her hands, but she kept her attention on the conversation between Kaze and the stranger.

These are Quoya berries. They are found growing in the cooler mountainsides of Eldaria. They grow on small bushes, in bunches, much like grapes.

Wow, a luaua fruit! Never thought you'd see one of these? eh? It's green with yellow speckles. It's probably a citrus fruit.

This is an Ubasa, imported from small equatorial islands. They are fist sized fruits. Whuits. When ripe, they turn from a dark purple to a light purple having bright orange stripes. They are really quite good. You might say they taste like a cross between kiwis and watermelons.

Kaze's face turns up in a smile, his hand quickly reaching into his pouch and pulling out a small Luaua, "Well, I'd like to give you a piece of fruit as thanks for keeping her company whilst I was busy." Kaze then throws the fruit at Julian, underhand but fast and straight at his head.

Julian snatches the fruit out of the air, as if by reflex, despite the surprised look on his face.

Julian says: Er, thank you.

Kaze smiles and gives a dismissive wave, "Any time, any time. plenty of fruit to spare."

Kaze turns to Razz, placing his hand on her shoulder, "I thought I'd grab a few, see which you liked."

Julian says: Well, perhaps I'll see you again, especially you young lady.

Julian tosses the fruit up into the air as he turns, catching it and walking towards the door as he takes a rather large bite out of it.

Julian peels and eats a Luaua fruit. Droplets of juice spray out from the orange-like slices.

Razz smiled slightly. "Goodbye." was all she said, before the stranger walked off. Then she lowered her head to smell the fruits, and feel them over with her hands. These seem nice... and she started nibbling on the quoya berries.

Razz picks the quoya berries from the branch, savoring each one. Ooo, that was a sour one!

Kaze leans against the wall next to Razz, "So, like em?"

Razz tasted the berries, but winced as she tasted a sour one. Hmm. They're mostly good, though. "I like them," she said after swallowing. "Kinda sweet, in a tangy way."

Kaze ponders for a second, looking up at the roof, "Would you like to go sit down and listen to the fountain? It's a soothing sound, to hear the water on the stone."

Razz nodded. "Okay."

Razz then paused, and looked a bit thoughtful. "Aah... can we get Justin some too?"

Kaze straightened up and gently patted the pouch at his side, "Well, I grabbed quite some extra. I tend to like to snack on them as I work. I have plenty enough to share with Justin as well." He says as he takes Razz's hand in his own.

Market East

Intersection in Market East This is a four way intersection within Market East. To the east and west, the street continues while in the other two directions are bridges. The northern bridge is a bit farther down, passing through a shadow-covered alley between Kula's Item Shop and the Royal Bank. The alley appears to be the most unsafe part of Coneria, with the lack of light, other than of course, the graveyard. Farther to the west is the Conerian square, where life seems to bustle with activity.

Kaze weaves his way through the small collection of people, keeping Razz close so she doesn't bump into anyone either, "So, what kind of food do you usually like to eat?"

Razz never quite thought about that, really. "Well... I like fruits... and soup... I don't have any favorite food, I guess. I eat whatever's available."

Market East

Kaze nods, smiling a little, "Ah, now that's good to hear. Picky people always miss out on the good stuff, always afraid it'll taste bad. or it doesn't look pretty enough, such a shame."

Market East

Razz asks: What about you?

Kaze thinks about this for a moment, his head lowered as he seems to be examining his stomach, looking for the answer, "Strawberries. Definately strawberries. Anything else really. I lived on the road for some time. So I'm not what you'd call a selective eater."

Conerian Square

Razz smiled. "Aah, that's why you had strawberry juice mixed with sake?"

Kaze grins slightly, "Why, yes. That's why I have it mixed like that. I used to drink sake a lot. I'm hoping to get it to the point where I only drink strawberry juice. Much better for me, really."

The Center of Coneria

This is the center of the city of Coneria and the square of Coneria. A bright, radiant marble fountain takes up most of the general area here. Water shoots up from the lion statue and back into the basin in hypnotic displays of beauty. Sitting around the marble fountain are four dark oaken benches, one on each side. Like always, the citizens and townspeople of Coneria have taken the time to actually sit on the benches and relax, watching the water flow in the exquisite fountain. Everywhere else, about the square, more citizens can be seen enjoying themselves to the fullest extent.

Kaze sits down on a bench.

Kaze says: Please, Razz, do sit down.

Razz felt her knees bump against something that she assumed to be the seat that Kaze's referring to, so she complied. As she listened, she could hear the sounds of water rushing and falling against stone surfaces. "Is it a fountain?" She asked.

Razz sits down on a bench.

Kaze says, "Yes, that is the fountain, nice isn't it?" as he begins searching through his pack and pulls out a small apple which he eats thoughtfully, "Though, it may be rude to ask, What do you plan to do if Justin leaves, looking for that girl of his?"

Razz seems to shrink a bit into herself, at that question. What does she plan to do...? Well, Queala did say something about taking her place... Maybe if she can pass the test... "I'm not sure... but that woman that I met the other day said something about the crystal and taking her place... I didn't really understand what she meant, but..." she seems to shrug, a bit. "I don't really know, actually..." She lowered her head.

Karaz raises an eyebrow.

Kaze puts his hand over Razz's, "Well, no matter what path you choose, you can stay at the castle for as long as you like. For that fact, you can stay whenever you like. I enjoy your company, and I feel better at least knowing you are safe."

Razz felt her heart speed up once more, and she blushed faintly. "Aah... Thank you..." she turned to Kaze. "Why are you so nice to me?"

Kaze didn't move his hand from where it sat, still placed on top of Razz's, "Because, you strike me as a charming and enjoyable individual. Though sometimes you seem sad, your curiosity and will to continue attracts me in some way." Kaze shrugs and turns to look at the fountain, though not moving his hand, "To put it simply, I enjoy your company."

Razz said nothing, but it's obvious to the observant person that she's rather moved. She only sat, and allowed Kaze's hand over hers as she listened to the sounds of the fountain...

Kaze pulls his hand back and scratches the back of his neck, "Ah.. eheh... I'm sorry about that. Something came over me I guess..."

Razz placed her hand over her lap, and covered it with her other hand. "Aah, it's okay."

Kaze looks down at the ground, watching a few feet walk past, "A nice city, this. I tend to almost forget that there are other things out there which need to be done when I'm here. I guess you can't forget as easily... Shame too..."

Razz turned to Kaze. "What do you mean?"

Kaze shrugs, "I just mean, your problems seem to be so much more... proactive then mine. I simply wish to free another... You, you have to free yourself... Oh... Yes, I met an Archmagus the other day... not the most charming individual, mind you. But he is a powerful mage. I may try to talk with him about seeing to that seal you spoke of... or maybe your vision... If you'd like that is..."

Razz paused at that. Her vision? Yes... her vision... Justin had stayed silent about it for such a time that she'd gotten the impression that perhaps it wasn't possible to restore it... Take a look at it... Perhaps it's too early to get any hopes up. But trying doesn't hurt... "A-ah. I.. I would like that, yes. Thank you."

Kaze smiles again, looking up at the fountain, "Ah... Hmm..." Kaze begins idly rifling through his various pockets, pulling out various vials and darts, knives and pellets, bullets and bits of paper, all showing up for only a moment before being stashed back from whence they came.

Razz still faces Kaze as he's doing all that, though she can hardly tell what he's doing. She wondered for a moment if she shouldn't ask, but decided against it, and remained silent.

Kaze mutters to himself, talking in a language which obviously isn't english. After a bit of extra searching, Kaze makes a vague, "Ah" noise and reaches up to his collar, pulling something small from a little pocket on the collar of his cloak. The small object glittered slightly in the sunlight, "Finally..."

Razz asks: What is it?

Kaze opens his hand and a small silver necklace unravels, a silver teardrop dangling at the bottom, "Oh, something I made, a bit of a hobby of mine. Nothing special mind you. Just something I thought would look nice if given the proper owner."

Kaze lowers the locket on top of Razz's hand and lets it drop into her lap. The air around you shimmers and a locket suddenly forms before you.

Razz was surprised by the touch of the cool metallic object. Running her hand over the chain and the pedant, she wondered. "A necklace..." Unaquainted as she is with gift receiving, the thought that Kaze might be giving it to her never crossed her mind. So she handed it back to him after she'd seen as much as she can of it. "What's it for?"

Kaze pauses, then turns his face skyward as if looking for inspiration. After a moment he returns his gaze to Razz and smiles a little, albeit weakly, "Well, it's something one wears, Razz. Like clothing, but with no other purpose besides looking nice, and sometimes as a keepsake to remember someone or something by. I would like you to have it, to remember me by. I wouldn't want to be forgotten that easily." He then hands the locket back and quickly pulls his hand back, so she'll have a harder time giving it back.

Razz looks a bit surprised by that. It's aah... been something more than a year since someone gave something to her as a gift. And she's rather too naive to know how to (or understand why people would) push gifts back and forth in a show of modesty. Taking the necklace, she smiled. "Aah... Thank you... I don't get much tokens like this..."

Kaze blinks, "Oh? Now thats a surprise. I'd think one as charming as yourself would be getting at least some small trinkets here and there."

Razz continues to finger the chain. "Aah... Thank you, I guess... I never did think I'm that charming, as you say..."

Kaze scratches his chin, "I'm sorry. I'm being rude aren't I?" Kaze then stands up and walks over to the fountain, putting his foot up on the edge and peering down into the water.

Razz shook her head. "I didn't think you are." And she stood, and tailed Kaze to the fountain, out of her pure habit of following.

Kaze turns back a little and takes Razz's hand again, giving it a gentle squeeze, "You know, you can open that locket..."

The chain is crafted from thousands of small triangle shaped links. Each link is tightly held together by a matching ring which links the trilinks the triangles together. From the center of the necklace hangs a piece of silver crafted into the shape of a teardrop. On the front of the teardrop is a single rune. The rune is carved in a very fluid style and is highly detailed. A small clasp is positioned on the right side of the teardrop.

Razz is starting to be made... nervous, almost, by Kaze's hand holding, so she drew it back to help finger the locket, and finds a clasp. Upon unclasping the locket, she was delighted to find that it acts like a tiny music box.

Kaze looks down at the water and pulls a bit of string from his pocket, quickly tying it into knots with his hand absently as he ponders to himself, "Sorry... I shouldn't have just grabbed your hand like that, my apologies..." he continues to tie the knots, seemingly braiding the piece of string in a matter of seconds.

Razz shook her head slowly. "It's okay," she said, and continues to hold the lovely little trinket with both her hands. The twinkling eventually came to an end, and she closed the locket again.

Kaze turns to Razz and ponders, "Shall we be getting back to the castle now, Razz? Or would you like to spend some time about town?"

Razz pressed her lips together in thought. "Well... I'd like to go back now, if you don't mind."

Kaze looks a little dissapointed, but is looking down at the water and keeps the smile on his face, "Alright then, Razz. I'm sure Justin would want to try some of this fruit anyway." He then offers his arm, keeping his hand to himself.

Kaze pauses and take Razz's hand in his own, though just barely, "Let's be on our way then."

Bridge of Courage

Mirai appears in a shower of sparks.

Razz was startled to feel another presence phase into being. And she turned to face the new comer, though still hanging onto Kaze's hand.

Kaze pauses, a spark of light reflecting off of his 'arm' and catching his attention, he glances over his shoulder at where the light had come from, a bit curious though still mostly lost in his own thoughts.

Mirai bows, gravely, to the King, and to Razz. "Good day, Milord, Razz." She hops down from the railing, and steps across to join them in the center of the road.

Razz thought the voice sounded familiar, somehow, though she couldn't quite pinpoint exactly where, or from whom, she had heard it before... And the look of confusion came over her again.

Kaze barely nods, his attention still elsewhere as he mutters out a rather dull, "Salutations.... "

Kaze looks Mirai over, taking note of the few visible hints at who or what she is, his face keeping it's rather cheerful, though a bit out of place half-smile as he continues to observe Mirai from over his shoulder.

Mirai frowns, faintly, at Razz's evident lack of recognition. "Oh, come on, you remember me, don't you? Mirai?" The King doesn't seem, overly, to concern her.

A look of recognition finally dawned on Razz's face. "Aah, Mirai... I'm sorry, it's been a long time since I last... and first... saw you..."

Mirai's frown deepens, reminded of her failure to do anything to help Razz's eyesight, when Justin brought Razz to her that time. "Mmm. WEll. It's good to see you're doing alright. And how is... uhh, come to think of it, /where/ is Justin?"

Razz says: I think Justin's still back at the castle. We're staying there, right now.

Mirai nods, slowly. "Ahh. Alright. You're both alright, there, I sincerely trust?" She casts a glance at Kaze, now, including him in the query.

Razz nodded as well. "Mmhmm. What brings you here, Mirai?"

Mirai shrugs, elaborately. "A few friends of yours thought I ought to stop in and see how things were. A lot of people have been worried, it seems.

Razz looked a bit confused, at that. "A few friends of mine?"

Mirai nods. "Sure. You've been out of touch for quite a while, people were afraid something bad had caught up with you."

Razz frowned. Who can these people possibly be? "Uhmmm... who are these people?"

Mirai isn't /sure/ she ought to mention in front of Kaze, but... shrug. She would've been told if she shouldn't, probably. "Well. I'm told the request originated with your friend Queala."

Kaze absently reads a small plaque off to the side, his attention obviously not on Razz or Mirai anymore.

The plaque is made of solid gold and has some writing engraved upon it.

You read the writing etched into the plaque... Bridge of Courage In dedication to those who fight the never-ending battles with Onrac to retrieve the Elemental Orb of Water.

Mirai reads the writing etched into the plaque.

Razz seems to understand this, and nods. "Oh... I see." And she seems to notice that Kaze's attention had gone elsewhere, and she wondered what had captured it. "What is it?" She asked him.

Kaze blinks, then returns his attention to Razz, "Oh... Just this plaque.. a dedication to the many soa dedication to the many soldiers whom died trying to retrieve the orb of Water from Onrac... A pointless war, as it seems Onrac never had the real orb to begin with. Just another of Ethon's many mistakes..."

Razz raised her eyebrows. The orb of water, wasn't that what Queala was talking about? Then again, she doesn't have much to say to that, so she remained silent.

Mirai stifles a giggle. "Indeed, indeed. Although I've yet to see a convincingly pointful war, I suppose."

Kaze grins, a bit more realistically, "Oh, there's been a war or two with some point to them. None of which I'm sure you've read about in any books. The war against Aldi, now that had a very good point. To stop a madman from destroying the world... I can think of no better purpose then defending ones own right to live."

Kaze shrugs slightly, "But whom am I to decide, ne?"

Mirai shrugs. "Well, the lack of point is on his side, then, not yours, but I'd still wager he didn't have a very good reason for infringing your rights."

Kaze finally turns his attention to Mirai, for the first time actually looking her in the eyes, "Would perhaps you, lady Mirai, wish to stay at the castle as well? I'm sure you have much to catch up on with Razz and Justin."

Kaze smiles a bit, bowing slightly, "It would be my pleasure to host another of Razz's fine companions."

Mirai looks rather suprised, in a not unpleasant way. "Mmm, well. I could. I believe I could. That would be wonderful, yes."

Kaze nods, looking over at the castle, as if looking at something, "The chambers Razz and Justin are using are rather large enough to accomodate another. Or you can stay in the Queen's Chamber, if you'd like."

Kaze shrugs a little, "Neither Gwen or I actually stay in the castle. So the rooms are always open."

Mirai grins, faintly. "Mmm. I don't know. Razz? What do you recommend?"

Razz blinked. "Uhmm, I don't know." Whatever made the decision hers?

Mirai persists. "Well, you've stayed in both, maybe you know which rooms are more comfortable? Or whichever?"

Razz says: They seem to be the same... I guess.

<>Kaze let's go of Razz's hand and raises his own, a brief whistle and Kaze suddenly swipes a knife out of mid-air, a small note attatched to the handle. Kaze pockets the knife and unrolls the note, reading over it idly, he then sticks the note in a pouch and scratches his cheek, "Turkey for dinner it seems..."

Mirai shrugs. "I might stay with you, then, in the King's. Unless Justin has a problem." She shrugs, "We can always ask when we get--" blinkblink at the knife, "...there. Ahem."

Kaze shrugs slightly, "A weird habit one of my generals has gotten the messengers into the habit of doing. He says it's a good practice. I think he's just hoping I'll miss the knife one of these days."

Kaze nods at Mirai, "A place is being prepared for you in either room, as well as a bath drawn and some clothes set out, in case you want to wash after your... trip."

Mirai smiles. "That is most hospitable of you. Thank you."

Kaze takes Razz's hand again, "We can go to the castle now, if you'd like. I'm sure Justin would be interested to speak with you. He was considering sending a messenger just the other day... If he hasn't already."

Mirai blinks. Justin is, however, about the only person who /didn't/ send a messenger. "Well. I suppose we shall, then."

Kaze turns to face Razz, "Ready, Razz?"

Razz nods. "Ready."