paixaorpg | No cheesecake? I got here, how?

Entry tags:

No cheesecake? I got here, how?

Character(s): Open. Feel free to join in. <3
Content: L (of Death Note) reaches Paixao. Confusion and sugar-deprivation ensues.
Setting: Directly after the gate of Joutenheim.
Time: Mid-afternoon.
Warnings: None.

Crouched with his back to the slightly curved wall behind him, L nibbled on his thumb as his large, observant eyes flickered over his new surroundings. His knees tucked against his chest, he looked like a little ball of person attempting to be small and discreet; in reality, this was merely a position most condusive of thinking for him, and thus one he naturally assumed out of habit. He certainly had a lot to think about, be it the elaborately designed interior of this unfamiliar place, the electronic journal now tucked into the back pocket of his jeans, or the fact that people were beginning to look at him strangely for his lack of socks. The most upsetting of all things, however... was that he was absolutely devoid of his usual entourage of sweets.

Waking up outside of the "Joutenheim" gates, at first, had been surprising. L was relatively certain that he hadn't fallen asleep as he was looking over the documents regarding the Kira case; perhaps he had...? No, he would've remembered something like that. Had his base been discovered? That, too, seemed highly improbable. Still... Kira had been unnaturally silent and unmoving the past few weeks. Was there a chance that he had been plotting to capture and relocate L? No. That would require his security to have been breached, for Watari to have been put off, and the investigative team of the Japanese police department to also have been unaware. All in all, it was highly unlikely.

L removed the electronic journal from his back pocket with his index and thumb fingers, holding it out as one might something they highly disdained and feared to touch. Why had he been handed this? Was it part of this 'game' that he seemed to be apart of?

Perhaps there would be some information within it. He began pressing buttons and looking over it's contents to see what value it possessed.

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Ashe is rather upset about how neither Balthier nor Fran seem to remember her at all. They remember her as the princess, of course, but not as a companion. She had prided herself in her independence, but she has to admit that she wishes she can find someone familiar here. She would even be glad if she were to meet Vaan.

For now however, she needs to find as much information about this place as possible. She must get to Giruvegan as soon as possible, but most of the locals seem reluctant about talking of things outside of the city. Posting at the message boards had not been very helpful either.

Walking aimlessly around the city, she stops in her tracks when she spots a strange figure tinkering around with the journal. Biting her lower lip in hesitation for a moment, she takes a few steps toward the person who doesn't seem to be Paixaoan.

"Hello," she forces a little smile, trying to appear amiable. She has forgotten how hard it is to smile these days. "I take it you are not of Paixao either." She hopes he can perhaps be more willing to answer her questions than the Paixaoans.

This was a most curious situation to find himself in, L deduced. It was far too elaborate - even for Kira - for his abduction here to be meant as a deliberate and personal action against L the detective. No, he was beginning to think that this was misfortune on a much larger scale--

He lifted his head, biting on the skin of his thumb idly as his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a voice, belonging to - low and behold - a young woman of relative beauty, looking somewhat displaced. Paixao? Yes, "Kouhei"-san had said something of the like as well; perhaps the man's information could be trusted to some degree. "Ah, no, I'm not," he replied, slipping the electronic journal into the pocket of his jeans. She said 'either.' Then she isn't native. Kouhei-san mentioned that those not considered "foreign" seemed lifeless... He hesitantly rose from his familiar crouched position, scratching the back of his head coyly. He was not particularly good with introductions. Or women. Slouching slightly, he offered her a hand in greeting.

If nothing else, he seemed polite enough. She takes his hand in greeting with a smile, "Amalia." There is no need to risk anymore trouble, and the name Amalia suits her fine. His body language reminds her of Vaan a little, the way he scratches the back of his head. Although, even the street urchin did not slouch as bad as he does.

His attire is strange. It seemed too covered to be Dalmascan, but unlike most of the inhabitants of Paixao, it does not appear intricate like an Archadian attire would be. Even the poorest of Archadians would wear more than just an oversized shirt. "If I may ask," she starts, "where are you from?"

L could feel his eyes scrutinizing him, and he shifted his bare feet upon the floor, rubbing one atop the other. What would be an appropriate answer? "Japan," he said at last. There was little harm in such a broad, vague answer, though he gathered from the entries he'd read through the use of the electronic journal that there were possibilities that spanned beyond rational thought - creatures from other worlds. Other planets, perhaps. Even other dimensions.

Her refined manner of speech and the way in which she held herself dictated that she was of noble upbringing, if not of royalty herself; he straightened himself a little and met her eye, but couldn't prevent that habitual finger from making it's way to his mouth. "Ryuga," he introduced himself; he'd used the alias once already, and consistancy might be best in this place. "And you, Miss Amalia?"

Her clothing was of a unique fabric he wasn't acquainted with, and certainly further attested to the possibility that she came from an enriched heritage. His brain had already begun shifting through the details and facts in an effort to deduce anything helpful about the situation, though he doubted it'd be much use until he learned more. For now, he could simply be friendly and perhaps uncover a useful hint or two.

Ashe nods slowly at his answer, trying to recall the names of places she had been required to learn many years ago. She thinks she has never heard of Japan either. "Apologies," she replies hesitantly. "Japan is unfamiliar to me." She doesn't find it very strange to be hearing him claim that he is from a place not in Ivalice anymore. If Balthier is really from a different time then anything is probably possible. "Perhaps..." she starts before stopping herself. Perhaps this is merely a dream? She mustn't say it however, for if it isn't then he might be offended.

She flashes him a smile when he introduces himself, "Pleasant meeting you." He seems to be trying to stand a little more properly, and she appreciates the gesture. She is still so used to being laden with respect that she still finds herself getting upset about Vaan regarding her as just another person. He is an honest boy, she will give him that, but there are still things about him that irritates her.

"Mrs," she corrects him with a smile. "I come from Dalmasca, but I have been journeying," she explains to him. "We were headed for Giruvegan, perhaps you have heard of it?"

The hesitance in her speech belied her thoughts. So, certainly she was not from any realm akin to this one; she was a foreigner as he was, though not from Japan. And perhaps not even earth, from what she said next. He tilted his head slightly, running his mind over 'Dalmasca' and 'Giruvegan.'

"Ah, no, neither," he admitted, scratching his cheek lightly in consideration. The possibility of this realm being some sort of inter-dimensional 'black hole' of sorts was not entirely inplausible, though however highly unlikely. Yet... A great many things had happened that L had not previously thought possible. Death Gods... the Death Note... Kira. And certainly finding himself conscious within this place could be tacked onto that list, as well. "Mrs. Amalia, then," he said, giving what he hoped was an amiable look, "are you new here?" L had no doubts in the genuine quality of his female company; he was rather adept at judging personas, and gauged hers to ring true.

Ashe responds to his amiable look with her own. "Yes, I arrived here but a few hours ago," she replies to his question. He has a rather strange body language, but he is well-mannered enough. Ashe thinks his company is quite pleasant.

She phrases her next question delicately, "It is a ridiculous question if your answer to it is yes." She winces inwardly at how awkward the sentence must sound but keeps up a smiling exterior anyway. "Nonetheless, do you hail from Ivalice?"

She knows that she is taking a giant leap in asking him that question, but she is sure that her geography is sound; it would not do for international relationships if she were not to know where the places are. If he truly is from another world, then... well. She really would not know what to do.

Undoubtably, Amalia was pondering things along the very same lines as L was himself. Ivalice was, of course, no region of which he was acquainted, and for such a place to go unknown to him was incredibly unlikely. The possibility of this place being some sort of... inter-dimensional portal, or 'black hole' of sorts, was not becoming so outlandish. The likelihood had risen to 20%, in his deductions.

"I haven't heard of Ivalice," he said carefully. Paixao and it's inhabitants were curious indeed. Perhaps there was something else at work here, something to explain these unnatural turns of events which had gripped the 'foreingers' in it's hold.

So he truly is from another world. If that is so, then it is highly probable that this is neither her nor Ryuga's world. The chances of returning to her world is very slim, and if she returns now, it could already be too late. Ashe thinks to herself that the shock of the realization hasn't sunk in just yet. She lets out a soft exasperated sigh, "This is boding strange indeed."

Turning to Ryuga, she tries to appear as relaxed as possible even as the furrow touches the edges of her eyes. "Did you come here on your own accord?" She has a feeling that the answer is no. The domed city full of puppets seem to have a puppetmaster hiding somewhere, pulling the strings and adding all sorts of characters onto the stage. How quaint.

L could tell their shared revelations were creating unease for his newfound companion, and lightly scratched his cheek in thought with a finger, peering thoughtfully towards some point at the ceiling beyond her. "I'd have to agree," he replied in regard to her first statement. Strange really could not even begin to describe these turn of events, could it?

At her second, he gave a slight shake 'no' of his head, large, dark-lined eyes returning to her face to offer what he hoped was a somewhat comforting smile. "I'm certain that it's only a matter of time before some clues present themselves. I wouldn't worry, Mrs. Amalia. I fully intend to find out just what we're doing here."

Was she royalty? He felt as though she were, and wanted to give her a proper title, but hardly thought it appropriate to pry into her history given the situation.

Ashe follows his eyes as Ryuga peers thoughtfully towards some point at the ceiling above. She narrows her eyes a little from the brightness of the sun but cannot help but stare for a few moments when the sun blinks at her. Brushing it off as hallucination, she turns back to Ryuga when he replies.

She returns the smile, grateful for the reassurance he gives her, intentionally or otherwise. He seems young still, but something tells her that there is much more to him than meets the eye. She cannot say that she trusts him just yet, but she thinks she might. He does seem to know what he is doing. "Then let me help you," she offers, "as best as I can."

Realizing that they have been standing around for quite some time, Ashe wonders if he would like to explore the town. Not that she found wandering around the streets helpful, but maybe he will find things there. "Will you walk with me?" She asks, "perhaps we can find an inn." It was starting to get dark and she dreads staying outside with none of her companions with her.

"Aa, sure," he replied, sticking his hands into the pockets of his jeans. Honestly, if he'd known that he'd be parading about some city of unknown origins, he would've slipped on his shoes at the least. Walking around barefoot in public didn't feel normal. Then again, walking around in public period didn't feel normal, either. L would be happy when he was able to sit in a nice chair and find something (preferrably short-cake-y) to eat while he was thinking his circumstances over.

Their goal was an Inn, she had said, and thus, L would keep his eyes on the lookout for such -- but more than that, this outing (his very first!) gave him the opportunity to search his surroundings. Observation was one of the most important qualities someone of L's profession could hone; he'd done a very good job of improving his, and he was certain that he would find something worth his time if he looked hard enough. The mention of an 'Organization' meant that they were most likely here for a reason other than some sort of time paradox or fluctuation in time-space; they had been taken, and he wanted to know why.

"Mrs. Amalia," he said, glancing at her side-ways as they set off. "Do you know anyone else from your... ah," he hesitated, biting his thumb and glancing skyward as he gathered the right words, before seemingly finding them and returning his dark, wide eyes to her face. "...from Ivalice here?"

Ashe nods at Ryuga's reply before walking casually with him, keeping her eyes out for any sign of an inn. The city is a strange one, but she hopes that it isn't strange enough to have no inn whatsoever. She muses for a moment if they accept gils for payment. If they don't then she can perhaps offer some kind of service in exchange for lodgings and food. She thinks she is a competent enough fighter after all those fiends she fought alongside her allies. Payment shouldn't be too much of an issue.

She feels Ryuga's eyes on her as they walk, but she pretends not to notice; turning this way and that in search for an inn instead. He is very observant, and under his eyes she feels scrutinized. She isn't as disturbed about it as most would be. She has lived under the scrutiny of the people since she was born. The attention feels almost comforting than disturbing.

Ashe turns to Ryuga only when he addresses her, tilting her head slightly while waiting for what he is going to say. There is something strange about his body language that makes him appear child-like. "Yes, in truth," she answers, turning away from Ryuga to her clasped hands in front of her. "Two of my companions are here; Balthier and Fran. Yet they appear to be of a different time," she explains rather hesitantly. "As for yourself?"

L gave a slight nod of his head, turning his dark gaze back to the pathway before them. The architecture in this place was incredibly unusual; pieces could be attributed to one of many different civilizations over the course of history, which lead him to believe that it had been constructed in modern times as opposed to recently. Yet, against that theory, there were certain abnormalities that fit no where in any time period L was acquainted with; this did not seem so odd, when complete with the idea that the inhabitants were all from different places in time and space, perhaps even alternate and complementary dimensions.

He tapped a finger against his chin in thought before bringing it to his lips. "Yes, there are a few," he replied. Kouhei-san and Misa were here, at least; he imagined there would be others if this were true. Perhaps even Raito... If Watari were here, it would make things considerably easier, but L couldn't say he hoped he were here. After all, for all he knew, this place was an inescapable place of permenant detainment. "You say you think they're from a different time?"

Noticing that Ryuga seems to be deep in thought, Ashe simply nods in reply to his answer. She keeps quiet so she wouldn't disturb him. She wasn't able to determine his age for sure when she first saw him. He has a young complexion but the dark circles under his eyes made him look older to her. She thinks that he seems to be in his twenties, although something tells her that he is definitely not just a normal twenty-year old; aside from the strange body language and attire.

Ashe furrows her eyebrows a little at Ryuga's question before answering it. "Yes," she starts slowly, "As I said, we journeyed together for a time. Yet Balthier," she stops herself for a moment. "Yet the Balthier in this place could not remember me." At a thought, she corrects herself, "he remembers me, but not as a companion; merely as a distant figure. He can only remember happenings of two years past."

She wonders if it is alright for her to tell Ryuga so much. After all, they have only known each other for a very brief while. Ryuga seems righteous enough however, and she doubts that anything she has told him can be used against her. If she can help him gather information, perhaps they can find a way out of this place.

Not for the first time, L discreetly set his eyes upon the woman walking alongside him. There were many questions he had in regards to her -- the possibility of her noble heritage, which was quite apparent to him by his previous observations; her comrades, and the implications of their forgotten companionship... and others still, left unanswered for the time being, about her persona, and her intentions. He detected no deception or underlying malice from her; she seemed as genuinely displaced as he was, though he fully intended to get his bearings as soon as was possible.

He absorbed her answer to the question he had posed wordlessly. If there were others connected to her without memory of the time they shared together, it was possible that the domain in which they were trapped somehow manipulated time as well as 'space.' If so, it left only more questions to be raised -- how, and why, being the most prominent and understandable. This was nothing like any case L had faced before. It tested the principles of logic and common sense at their foundations, yet he was absolutely sure this was no illusion. Amalia was just as real as L himself was.

"Strange," he mused aloud, dark-rimmed eyes shifting to the street before them. Though, their current surroundings were, by default, quite 'strange'...

Observant indeed. While she is more or less used to being observed, Ashe still notices how Ryuga tries to hide the fact that he is observing. She would be a little irritated if Balthier were to do that; watching her, that is. Or even Basch. She would be suspicious of them. But Ryuga seems very righteous. She thinks he would always try to do good, or at least right.

She smiles to herself while keeping her eyes on the road instead of turning to Ryuga. "You have questions," it is a statement but also an invitation for him to ask them. If the questions are not too private to answer then she would answer them. After all, he might be able to find a way out of this place if she can help him find enough information.

He gave a slightly coy half-smile of apology; perhaps he was making it too apparent that he was studying her in accordance with their surroundings. He ha already ruled out the possibility that she had any connection with the city and was sent to confuse or displace him, which meant that the level of trust that he could place in her was at least substantial. Her mannerisms and way of speaking suggested that she was of noble heritage, and thus, noble upbringing -- therefore, she would generally gave a good grasp of justice and righteousness, honesty.

Perhaps it was these judgments which allowed him to scratch his head thoughtfully and ask her what was on his mind, believing that she would answer truthfully. "I'm sorry if I appear over-eager," he said. "I was curious if you were of nobility or royalty in Ivalice."

Those of noble upbringing rarely do live up to their namesake, she must admit. No matter what most of the people believes however, Ashe is adamant in the belief that her father truly was a noble king. Thus she will do her best to continue his legacy. She must not let herself be tempted by the smell of power, perhaps also of revenge, but she is still unsure. Ashe looks over to Ryuga, rather surprised by how intuitive he is but also realizing that she has half-expected him to ask that.

"I... was," she answers rather hesitantly. "I am," turning over to give Ryuga a brief smile, "I am the heir to my late father's throne, but I must first regain Dalmasca from under the rule of Archadia." Of course, there is also the upcoming war and the nethicite to think about, but she supposes that the explanation is enough for Ryuga. She will answer if he asks.

"Archadia," he echoed, carefully absorbing the information she gave him. So, Amalia came from a war-torn world -- or one soon to be, by the sound of it. "I take it there were difficulties," he said. There always were, in the realm of royalty; history was enough proof of that, in his world. "Were your companions helping you in your quest?" Perhaps there was some common factor amongst them, some reason that these specific people were pulled from their 'dimensions' and joined together here that could be discovered in their pasts.

Ashe looks at Ryuga from the corner of her eyes as he echoes her word and falls quiet for awhile. There is something disconcerting about how he is so intuitive and critical about almost every single piece of information. However, that also means that the chances of him finding a way out of this place is higher. Besides, it isn't like she is unused to people prying into her private life.

She nods in agreement to Ryuga's statement, willing herself not to think of her brothers or her father. Or Rasler. She turns to Ryuga to answer his question instead, "Yes. Although they have motives dissimilar to mine." There is Basch, of course, but she sensed that he was more motivated by the vows he made to her father and Vossler than the restoration of Dalmasca. Not that she questions his loyalty.

"You have told me naught of yourself," It isn't that she finds it unfair to be telling him so much and being told nothing. Simply, it would be polite to at least return the question to keep the conversation flowing.

Dissimilar motives wouldn't surprise him in the least; it was quite customary amongst most people, regardless what farce they put on in an attempt to appear genuine. Hidden intentions, concealed motivations, ill-masked suspicions... all these were tools. A means to an end, in the realm of humans... and perhaps beyond that, by the looks of his surroundings.

Amalia was royalty, and by appearance a woman of morals who had a belief in justice, most likely desiring the freedom of the people over whom she reigned. Her disappearance was likely to attract attention, panic, perhaps even chaos. Were these factors in her abduction, and those of her comrades?

L scratched his head briefly, his thoughts interrupted by her question. "Ah, I didn't mean to be rude," he replied, thinking over his response. There was always a chance that Kira was in this world, that the Death Gods and the Death Note had been pulled in as well; L could rule nothing out after seing Rem with his own two eyes. He glanced side-long at his new comrade. "I am a detective," he said at last.

Ashe notices that Ryuga doesn't quite trust her yet. Not wholly, at least. It can also be that he is simply cautious, weighing each one of his words before answering any question. Perhaps he is also hiding from something?

She looks over to him when he replies, "It's quite alright." He is musing on the possible answers he might give again, but she doesn't feel disturbed by it whatsoever. "It is an honorable profession," she comments. Detectives are very rare in Ivalice. She heard that there are quite a few residing in Archades but she can count the ones working in Dalmasca on one hand. Perhaps if they were more competent, Basch would not have been misjudged.

"I'm afraid politicians are viewed under a different light," she smiles to him to indicate that she has accepted that fact amiably. Her father had been wrongly seen as an incompetent leader but she will prove to her people that he was indeed a great king.

"That fact might well be universal," he admitted with a little smile, rubbing the back of his head coyly. Politians complicated many of the matters he dealt with daily, though he himself was rarely involved in the problems they posed. Watari was often his connection to the world, and thus, the dignitaries and higher-ups responsible for making the justice system work. Even so, without them, many times a case would've been left unsolved and criminals unaccounted for, with justice slipping between his fingers. "But, there is always good, no matter the general opinion."

He doubted that he could count Amalia amongst those in the corrupt government in the world he was used to. She seemed far too noble and moral-driven to be associated with such things; those under her hand were lucky to have her. He doubted they'd ever truly understand, as most people tended to be ignorant and dwell on what was wrong, rather than what is right.

"Well, combined, we are a detective and a most dignified noble," he said, in hopes of swaying the topic away from disquieting subjects. "A formidable pair."

Ashe turns back to the read, smiling slightly to herself at Ryuga's reply. "Those are wise words," she comments, reminded of Larsa and how he proved himself to be unlike his brother. Granted she doesn't trust him wholly just yet, one must be so cautious these days, but somehow she knows that she will. That he will be true to his words.

If she were not still uptight about the whole prospect of getting stuck in this place for awhile, she would have laughed at what Ryuga said in amusement. Instead, she manages a smile. "A princess is nothing without her kingdom," but as the words leave her lips, Ashe feels regret in saying them. Ryuga probably intended to sway from disquieting subjects, but she had simply cornered him into saying something.

As if to her rescue, and also Ryuga's in some way, a tall sign of a hotel peeks out from behind the roofs of other buildings. Actua Are Hotel. "There, an inn," she points up to the sign. Finding it was not very hard, but only now does she wonder what payment they would accept.

L scratched his head thoughtfully, attempting to come up with a comforting reply in regard to her comment, but found the need voided by her discovery. Dark-rimmed eyes tilted towards the sign, running over their name in English - Actua Are Hotel. Actua Are...

"Ah," he said, tapping a finger against his lips before nibbling on the nail idly. "After you."

He held the door open for her before stepping inside, glancing briefly at the blonde-haired fellow behind the counter. He appeared amiable and friendly enough; L shifted his bare feet habitually as he stood and inquired after two vacant single bed rooms. Two keys were promptly slid across the counter; L scrounged within his pocket before producing several quarters and extending them in an open palm. Sure enough, they were accepted as currency -- it was lucky he had taken the time to examine the journals and read the backlogged entries. Apparently, the natives accepted any shiny or sparkling objects as payment for services and items.

He turned his head towards Amalia, dangling one of the two keys from his index finger towards her, offering a smile. "Simple enough," he said. In a simple transaction - his first, here - he had already begun to decipher the mysteries of Paixao.

English is the primary language, or perhaps it is the most well-known; such could be deduced by the signs and the employee behind the desk. He spoke first, in english - I purposely waited to see how he would greet me. All the natives are blonde-haired, blue-eyed; this reminds me of the arian nation and I wonder what the purpose is behind such "jovial" appearances. I can't help but feel that something dark must hide behind all these smiles and beauty...

Ashe smiles in gratitude at his chivalry, walking over to the counter and letting Ryuga inquire for two single rooms. The gesture is also appreciated, that he inquired for two single rooms instead of one double. It would cost him less were he to inquire for one double room. "I thank you," she smiles in slight wonder at his generosity.

She steps back a little before turning to walk towards the stairs, making sure that Ryuga is walking beside her. Looking at Ryuga from the corner of her eyes, she notices that he is deep in thought again. Does one not get tired of thinking too much? "A gil for a thought?" She offers.

He canted his head towards her, biting on his thumb before forcing the habitual motion to cease and sticking his hands in his pockets as they walked. A brief perplexity entered his large eyes at her inquiry; gil? It must be the source of currency in her world. He offered a smile. "I'm thinking on this place," he said. "It's strange, don't you think?"

He still couldn't determine the possible reasons one would have in collecting such a large group of people into a singular place of containment, that defied logic and common sense at their roots -- then again, he could hardly expect to understand the motives when the people themselves were still unaccounted for. If nothing else, the mysteries of Paixao lent L some more time to puzzle over the Kira case and the strange direction it had turned...

"Sorry. I'm afraid it's habit to think far into things." He didn't want to worry her, or provoke thoughts of fear or apprehension due to their new surroundings. At least they were trapped someplace... accomodating.

"I share your suspicion," Ashe replies with apprehension. The fact that two people from different worlds can meet in this place makes it strange enough, but the doll-like inhabitants make it seem even stranger. There must be someone behind it all, but all Ashe can think of is Vayne. It is unlikely. For all his power, no one can possibly transport people from different worlds like this. Can the power of Nethicite truly be that great?

She turns to Ryuga with less worry on her face, "There is nothing to apologize for in thinking critically." Although it might lend to sleepless nights in her case. "I do hope you will have a good night's rest despite it however."

[ooc: sorry for taking so long! D:]

L gave a slow nod of his head in the direction of his fair companion. "Ah, and I do you," he said, scratching his head somewhat coyly as he stopped before his door. Their rooms were right beside one another, though not adjacent or connected, due to being reserved one after the other. He held his key out a moment, glancing at it dangling from his index finger.

"Lady Ashe," he said, tilting his head slightly up as those dark-rimmed eyes settled upon her once more, "I'd like it if we kept in touch." She was nobility, and righteous in his eyes -- though he knew only the basics of her persona and history, he felt that he could trust her, and was ill-equipped to shirk the possibilities of an ally in this new domain. Certainly she was intelligent, and at the very least, it would be rude to distance himself from a woman who was plainly as lost in this realm as he.

She sends him a warm smile in reply, turning to him as he dangles his key from his fingers for a moment. He has a child-like quality to his gestures too, Ashe finds it endearing, though she won't say so. His question catches her off-guard a little. "But of course," she replies hesitantly at first, "That would be excellent, yes." Ashe gives him a reassuring smile.

With a slight nod, Ashe turns back to the door of her room and unlocks it with the key. "I shall see you when morning comes, then."

"Sleep well," he replied, watching as she disappears into her room before turning and unlocking his own. There was some familiarity to the motion; how many times had he practically lived out of a hotel room?

It was time to scour the contents of that electronic journal more thoroughly, and begin his personal investigation of "Paixao".

And, of course, procure some cake.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

No cheesecake? I got here, how?

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