Ask We're (Not) On A Boat

[Ruzaan Kai]

Ruzaan had never been called a "miracle of the Force" before- in fact, he'd been called a lot worse on occasion simply for being a Jedi- but that didn't stop him from blushing slightly out of embarrassment at Lia's words. It wasn't as if he'd had any say in whether or not he was Force-sensitive, but here he was being complimented for it. The Togruta mumbled an acknowledgement of his friend's words and focused on the sight of his bare feet being gently washed by the waves as they walked along the shore.

It wasn't just Lia's words that were throwing him off; it was that her enthusiasm, expressiveness, and overall positive demeanor reminded him of Clove... and the subsequent trials she'd endured. He'd been powerless to prevent any of Clove's sufferings, and with a pang he realized that the same would be true for Lia if their budding friendship continued. Was it worth getting more invested in someone whom he felt such easy chemistry with?

What was the point of being a Jedi if you couldn't protect those closest to you?

The thought consumed Ruzaan, and he fell silent- almost downcast- until Lia's voice and hand, promising burritos, rescued him from his ruminating. Although their previous "pizza" experience had left him with a lump in one of his stomachs, Ruzaan voiced his thanks as Lia offered to buy this round of food. The burrito stand definitely passed the nose test, and soon Ruzaan had ordered a burrito that he hoped wouldn't be too messy to eat in front of his new friend.

As it would turn out, he needn't have worried about the mess; the galaxy had something far more embarrassing in store for him. The burrito was excellent, to the point that he was at first figuratively and then literally inhaling it. The surviving remnants of his burrito were hastily set down on the small table they'd found to sit at before both hands raised to his throat in the universal "I'm choking!" sign, while his eyes frantically tried to convey to Lia that he'd need her help to dislodge the food stuck in this throat...

Spoiler: Eating Burrito

Yep, that's a Nat 1...

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

When Liana had complimented him on his rare force sensitivity, she did notice that her words made him a little abashed, hence she immediately decided to change topics though as she didn't want him to feel uncomfortable at all. The lightheaded mood was still unaffected by this sudden, rather intimate moment, but while carrying on happily, she caught glimpse of another emotional deviation in her friend's demeanor.

Was that a hint of sadness and concern crossing his friendly features? For a split second, empathetic Liana picked up a subtle change in his demeanor, so as if he had been confronted with a memory or thought of a more difficult nature, but again she decided not to ask as they weren't this close yet. Lia had a tendency to ask too much of people as she was usually opening up quickly, but she had learnt not to push that hard.

So without dwelling on it, but definitely not forgetting it either, Lia carried on and smoothly transitioned into the 'let's get a burrito mood'. After Ruz had placed his order, Liana gave instructions for her own portion and as the owner was preparing everything in front of their eyes, they had even more proof more the much higher standards of quality.

The burritos smelled wonderfully and after moving over to a table, hungry padawans devoured their meals in no time. Liana was happily muching on her half burrito as Ruz suddenly threw her a frantic glare, followed by the sounds of imminent choking, that instantly drew a panicked shriek from the blonde.

Healing wasn't her specialty and while some Jedi would have saved the situation with a skillful trick with the Force, Lia had to rely on 'normally methods from taught in the last first aid seminar she had attended before obtaining her driver's license back then. She smacked her burrito back onto the plate and hurried over, frantically trying to recall where to place her hands. She covered the fist she made with the right hand with her left and follower up with a determined abdominal thrust. With all color faded from her own face, she repeated the actions until the piece that had gotten stuck in his windpipe was hurled outwards. "ARE YOU OKAY?!", she panickingly screamed, drawing even more attention from the shocked bystanders who had become witness to a very interesting scene at a burrito stand...

@SlagathorTheUnknown

Spoiler: omg

How could you roll for eating a burrito, I can't

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

Ruzaan Kai, age 17. The Togruta mentally imagined his obituary, wondering just how he was going to commuicate it to Lia if he couldn't talk. Perhaps there was a datapad somewhere he could write it on? Served the galaxy as a Jedi Padawan for four years. Survivor of the Battle of Felucia. Survivor of the Battle of Kabal. Helped found the Resistance on Sernpidal. Defended Thyferra against the Kilik invasion, and personally rescued the Cadir.

Died choking on a burrito.

But thank the Force, Lia was there. Ruzaan felt her arms wrap around him and her fist drive into where the diaphragm was on most humanoids, and he winced in pain as she attempted the life-saving maneuver. His hands reached down and adjusted hers about an inch lower so as to account for his second stomach, helping her push again. The second abdominal thrust was successful, sending the offending food flying out and onto the ground, and Ruzaan sagged against the chair in relief while simultaneously gasping for air. A sleeve came up to wipe sudden tears from his eyes from the near-death experience while he ignored the ovation Lia was getting from the bystanders in favor of enjoying the ability to breathe again.

"Thanks, yeah, I'm fine" he wheezed, coughing again and reaching for the water he'd ordered. Hopefully the reddening of his face from having been choking would hide the reddening of his face from the subsequent embarrassment. He sure knew how to show a new friend a good time- first the debacle with the "pizza", and now he'd repaid her generosity by choking on the burrito she'd bought him. "I owe you one." He managed to make eye contact again with his new friend, long enough to convey that he meant it.

The remaining part of his burrito on his plate hardly looked appetizing now, but Ruzaan cautiously finished it; it would be rude, he told himself, to leave his food uneaten after someone else had paid for it. All the while, his mind raced for a way to break the silence that had fallen across the table.

He settled for small talk. "How was your burrito?"

Damn.

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

Catastrophe averted! "Oh thank the Force, Ruzaan. You scared me sooo badly!" There was not a single trace of reproachfulness in her voice, but Ruz would hear all the excitement, the adrenaline and rush and the fear through her voice. "I'm so glad you're still alive...i had no idea what to do...but it seems like I have recalled what I learnt in first aid!". She kept rambling on, the color slightly returning to her panicked face though. Obviously, his little adjustment had helped a lot, but even without it, it seemed like Liana's quick thinking had saved him.

"Owe me one? Are you crazy? I'd save your life again and again...no need to repay me. I'm just so grateful it worked". Even Lia was gasping for air while speaking quite quickly, almost slurring her words a little from all the distress. "Wow...somehow every food experience tried to kill at least one of us so far", she had to notice, not sure whether laughing was appropriate, but somehow the adrenaline pushed her into a giggle. "Unbelievable...".

She made sure he was really fine before she started settling down as well, the little crowd around them clearing by now. "My burrito was good I guess...very tasty and not trying to kill me". Again, she couldn't stiffle a chuckle before she started finishing off what remained of her portion. "How was yours though? I wish it would have not tried to choke you".

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

"Thankfully you did remember!" Ruzaan said, smiling still a little sheepishly; being grateful for Lia's quick thinking meant also acknowledging that he'd been moments away from an inglorious end. "And I hope you're never in such a situation, but I'd save your life again and again, too" he said, a note of seriousness entering his hoarse voice; touched at her selflessness.

The press of onlookers around them, a few offering Ruzaan a drink of water or some unsolicited advice, eventually cleared, allowing the Togruta and Lia to gradually calm down and giggle together over the awful luck they'd had with food thus far. "My burrito was... to die for!" Ruzaan couldn't resist one final pun at his own expense, before dissolving into another round of giggles.

The Togruta fell silent as Lia finished her burrito, reflecting on the past hour or so spent in Lia's presence. What could've been major frustrations- missing the boat, narrowly missing out on food poisoning, and then nearly choking on a burrito- were lessened by Lia's presence. Ruzaan was one who tended to make friends easily, but even so he knew that he'd found someone special in Lia. Dark thoughts from earlier threatened to resurface, reminding him of past friendships, but he blocked them out; instead choosing to enjoy Lia's company, the pleasant evening weather, and this night away from the stresses of the galaxy. If anything, the way the night was unfolding was reminding him that a 'tomorrow' was never guaranteed.

There was plenty of night left, too; lots of time to go on adventures with his new friend. "What should we do next?" he asked, when he judged that Lia had finished her burrito and was ready to move onto a new activity. "We could go for a moonlight swim, walk/talk some more, or something else?" His tone left no doubt that he considered any option a valid one, and he leaned forward slightly to hear Lia's opinion.

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

"Aww...that's sweet of you, thanks!", she immediately replied, even more grateful for her new friend and that he already seemed fiercely loyal, just like she was. Friendship was important to her and she always saw it as a powerful tool, so she was rather happy with having deepened their connection already. She smiled happily as actual relief set in and all the excitement faded away.

Of course he was just making it funnier by his hilarious pun. Despite the serious of nature of his actual near death experience, Ruz seemed to enjoy taking it with humor. "Yeah...it surely was breathtakingly delicious", she joined in, adding one more to their goofy exchange before it was actually time to move on.

She had finished her burrito after a few more moments, actually making sure she chewed each and every part carefully in order to avoid tempting fate again. Ruz asked for what to do next, and Lia immediately replied with a long "Hmmmmm", actually weighting a few options, before she had an idea. "We could go dancing! Only for a little and then I'd definitely not say no to a midnight swim!".

She had seen the posters and flyers earlier - there was a moonlight dancing party somewhere in town, and from the looks of it, it was just a little party for those on vacation. No dress code, no adults only as it seemed, just a lighthearted occasion. She would literally be happy with whatever as she was just sure they'd make the most out of their night anyway. They'd have the best time and would take the first boat in the morning, but for now she felt like doing something. For later, she definitely wanted to do some night time exploring, but she'd see where they'd end up.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

After another round of giggles at Lia's pun, Ruzaan's face lit up at the mention of dancing. He, too, had seen the signs advertising the informal dance, and had been disappointed when it had fallen outside of the hours of the planned day trip. However, given the circumstances, it seemed that he and Lia would be able to dance for a bit after all. "Sounds like a plan!" he agreed happily- dance, and then swim, and then who knows what next? The night was young, and so were the two Padawans.

Ruzaan only had to follow his montrals to the sound of upbeat music coming from a festively-lit square turned dance floor. This time it was his turn to grab Lia's hand and pull her along with him in the direction of the dance, his face shining in the soft lights of the outdoor venue. Upon reaching the square he paused a moment, both to admire the scene and to appreciate the music, which had just switched to genre that he thoroughly enjoyed dancing to.

"Have you ever gone swing dancing before?" he asked, offering his hand to Lia this time rather than drag her onto the dance floor without asking. Clove had taught him well, and he was excited to have an opportunity to share a dance with Lia. And if something like this wasn't her style, then in a few minutes the music might change.

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

Lia had no idea whether her new friend was one who enjoyed dancing, yet her eyes immediately lightened up further as he replied so positively. "Oh yay!!", she gleefully joined it, not wanting to waste any more time before she were headed right towards the little event.

Liana's taste in music was quite diverse, but she generally enjoyed upbeat music a lot. Somehow, the lighthearted, happy mood really reminded her of the last party on Zeltros and Lia was overly happy and enthusiastic as Ruz just grabbed her hand and pulled her onto the dance floor.

There were colorful, dancing lights all around and the crowd was in the best mood. With her own spirits high as ever, Lia just happily danced to the music, the wide smile never leaving her lips. Ruz seemed to enjoy himself just like her, so this literally made her even happier while she simply appreciated the wonderful night.

"Swing dancing nope!", she immediately replied as the music changed and it was seemingly their time to switch to actual swing dancing. Luckily, Lia loved learning new things, so she was absolutely excited as he asked her. "Teach me! I'm a quick learner", she almost demanded as she waited for his instructions, only having seen, but never danced swing before.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

"Ok, but you've gotta teach me something as well before the night is over!" Ruzaan said, a smile on his face but his eyes betraying his desire to learn something new. Lia's positivity and enthusiasm were infectious, to the point that Ruzaan had to take a moment to gather his thoughts for how to best approach teaching an impromptu swing dancing lesson.

He started by showing her the basic foot movements, and then mirrored the steps with her until she caught on. Lia was right- she was a very quick learner- and it wasn't long before she'd picked up the basics. He then went through a few simple moves with her; mostly spins and twirls, but a few more advanced maneuvers as well. Along the way Ruzaan realized that it wasn't altogether different from learning lightsaber cadences and then practicing them in varying orders; no wonder Clove had worked various styles of dance into her workout routines at the temple.

Stop it he caught himself as his mind began drifting back to his duties as a Jedi. You're on vacation. So instead of dwell on Form III, he decided to check in with Lia. "How are you liking this so far?" In his opinion, she was doing exceedingly well for her first time, to the point that he was running out of things to teach her. "You're a natural!"

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

Liana's eyes lightened up and widened all anew as he happily agreed to teach her. Lia loved dancing, but after never having tried swing before, she was more than happy to learn.

"Of course! That's a deal!", she cheerfully agreed, however wondering whether adding 'I can teach you how to eat a burrito without dying' was a good idea or way too early, but she decided against it for now. Still, the smile on her lips was wide as he started to explain and show a view things already.

Liana tried to memorize as much as she could in the short time before she turned the newly gained knowledge into practice. While she didn't assume she looker very elegant at first, she was repeatedly getting better and more confident, so that she could even participate in the dance without feeling like he needed to keep showing her what to do.

It was great fun and by the time the dance ended with the music, she was really happy with the whole situation. "Thank you! You're a great teacher and that was absolutely awesome! Thanks for teaching me!". She was indeed really grateful, but also felt how she was growing thirsty and thus began to scan the environment for the bar area. "Are you thirsty? We could grab some refreshments!".

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

Ruzaan smiled and clapped along with the other dancers when the song finished, locking eyes with Lia and feeling pleased that she was also having fun. He did, however, feel thirsty as well; perhaps the refreshments provided might finally wash away the last of the taste of "pizza" that still haunted his tongue. Blushing slightly at her praise, he agreed with her suggestion and followed Lia over towards the refreshments table; to his relief, there was no punch line.

A ladle for Lia and a ladle for him, and the two Padawans were soon enjoying a tropical, nonalcoholic fruit punch. Although swing dancing was a social dance, the upbeat nature of the style meant that there was little time for conversation during the dance- leaving those who had danced together to connect on the sidelines. As he warily sipped cool fruit punch, as if it might try to kill them too, Ruzaan spent a few moments thinking about a question to ask Lia while they rested.

"What is something about yourself that you're working on?" Ruzaan enjoyed deep conversations, and at this point in the evening he hoped that Lia wouldn't mind moving past small talk as well. He decided to give Lia time to think or even decline to answer by answering first. "For me, it's confidence in myself." That was one of a few things, actually, but it was the safest of the topics he could've chosen at this stage in getting to know Lia. Several of his peers had already passed their trials, but Ruzaan thus far had declined to do the same despite having more experience than some Knights. "Every time I feel like I'm ready, something embarrassing comes along and I start doubting myself again." Like the burrito...

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

The two padawan grabbed their fruity, refreshing drinks right after Ruz had agreed. Dancing made you thirsty and the tropical mocktails theyboffered looked great, so Lia didn't even have to think twice about that. Happily slurping their drinks, the two of them were already engaged in the next interesting conversation soon after.

Liana didn't mind his questions at all - quite the contrary, she enjoyed how they slowly started to bond through deep conversations and she enjoyed learning about the other as much as she liked sharing her own answers. "That's also easy to answer for me because...well I notice it myself after I've ran into people who voiced that problem for years. I'm taking about how I can sometimes be a little too loud and over the top as I'm always so cheery and positive, and many people can't cope with that. I try to see the best in every situation, but the galaxy is a dangerous place...I'm not oblivious to all the bad things that are happening and all the darkness around and I'm not closing my eyes either, but I tend to focus on all tne good and beautiful...". Liana stopped as she realized that she was talking way too much again and gave him an apologetic smile.

"Sorry, I did it again". She curtly added before she directed her full attention to what he had explained:"Hmm...I see. I think it's a long process to gain confidence, but what's always a good way to start is to reflect on all the things that went well and all the things you've already achieved, I'd say. I believe you're on a good way though. Being critical when it comes you the one self is not a bad thing. I'm actively trying to tone it down every now and then and read the room, what about you try using positive affirmations? I once read about its positive effects!".

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

If Lia thought that her lengthy explanation was boring Ruzaan, she was wrong. The Togruta listened happily, a genuine smile on his face, as Lia first answered his question and then offered a suggestion for Ruzaan to deal with his own insecurities. While she spoke his smile grew wider; taking in the glow of Lia's face while she spoke about a topic that was clearly important to her. Ruzaan swallowed once, his eyes suddenly misty. "I think that's an incredible quality to have" he said, quietly. Ruzaan knew as well as anyone how being a Jedi meant confronting the evils in the galaxy all too frequently, and so Lia's positivity wasn't due to insensitivity or naivete. Rather, it was a conscious decision to choose Light amidst Darkness. "Please don't change that part of you."

His smile faded somewhat, replaced with a frown of concentration, as he mulled over Lia's advice about positive affirmations. "I've not tried that" he admitted. "I have noticed when I start thinking about the things I've done that the mistakes I've made along the way start popping up as well. So I try and do more to make up for those mistakes..." How long had he been chasing the approval of others? A vicious cycle that fed itself. "You're right" he finally agreed, before he started dwelling too deeply on the past. "I can be more positive when I'm talking to myself. Thank you." A note of gratitude in his voice.

His montrals picked up a change in music- not a swing dance number this time- and while he couldn't make out the genre his eyes spoiled the next question he had for Lia. "Would you like another dance?"

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

While her mood had been a little dulled after realizing that this was just another opportunity to tone things down, however, Ruzaan said just the opposite. "I-", what was she even supposed to say? It was...very sweet of him and nice to see that others still appreciated it. "Thank you...I'll keep that in mind".

"You're welcome", she immediately replied with a wide, warm smile. "That's exactly it. We need to accept the mistakes we've made and even though there's nothing wrong with constantly trying to improve ourselves, we should be appreciative of ourselves". She was positive that he'd manage to gain more confidence in the future. Even though she had just met him, he was already a great friend!

"Absolutely! A few more dances and then off to the beach to cool down with a swim?", she enthusiastically asked him, her eyes widening in positive excitement. The music had changed to something upbet and electrical again and Lia grabbed his hand in order to lead him back on the floor where she just happily freestyled at little.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

Ruzaan nodded in agreement at Lia's words; what she said about building confidence would take time and intentional effort on his part, but she spoke the truth. Besides, her energy and positivity was infectious. He happily allowed her to lead him back to the dance floor, grateful for the time being spent with Lia.

The next few numbers were upbeat, modern songs that didn't require anything other than a casual sense of rhythm to bop along to, which was fine with Ruzaan. A few he even recognized thanks to Samara's concerted efforts to bring him up to speed on the galactic music scene, and for the other songs he simply focused on enjoying the evening. Lia, for her part, seemed totally at ease on the dance floor.

It was only when the music slowed down and the other dancers started pairing up that Ruzaan realized that the lights had dimmed; a good thing, too, to help cover his reddening face at the realization of what was going on. He was confident that Lia viewed him as a friend and also knew that it would take more than one night for himself to any develop romantic feelings, so to be put in this situation made him a little embarrassed for both of them. Trying to smile away the burning in his cheeks, Ruzaan met Lia's eyes and offered her the choice. "Want to stick around for this one, or should we dip?"

The wordplay was punintentional.

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

Lia's freestyle dance literally incorporated countless of influences from modern dances. It was all about fun for her and as she had recently gotten a lot of practice, she had gained some actual skills. Still, some moves may or may not have looked a little comical, but it was only proof for how she felt all confident and comfortable.

Ruzaan, too, seemed to enjoy himself and this just brought and even wider smile to her lips while the two teens just had a blast on the dance floor until the music steadily faded out and a new tune began to play. It took a few moments for Lia to realize that the mood was changing completely and as she looked back to Ruz, she could already tell how he was feeling a little nervous.

"Phew...that was exhausting but fun. I'd say we go dip!", she loved his pun and found it very amusing, yet used it to help him. If he wasn't comfortable with that kind of music, she wouldn't make him dance! She wasn't so sure about her slow dance skills either so maybe a refreshment was good for both of them as it would also avoid a potentially awkward situation that might have even gotten Lia nervous in the end!

"Come!", she happily said to him before she started heading towards the beach. The shore was still a bit off and thanks to the low tide, they'd have to wade inside for quite some time anyway before they'd reach the actual depths. "Diving or swimming, what is more fun to you?", she curiosly asked him, using it for a change of topic as well while they approached the water.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

Ruzaan followed Lia away from the lights and music of the dance floor and back, breathing deeply in appreciation of the pleasant night air. Away from the lights of the shops and streets, countless stars were visible in the night sky. Although Ruzaan had traveled amongst those very stars many times since becoming a Padawan, seeing them from the surface a planet never failed to take his breath away. A lump caught in his throat as he briefly considered the tiny speck that was his existence amongst the vastness of the night sky.

The water flowing around his feet and ankles, combined with Lia's question, distracted him from thoughts about his mortality and impact in the galaxy; all the more reason to make the most of this night, this activity, this moment. "Hmm..." He feigned thought in response to her question, waiting until they were both about waist-deep in the water before springing a lighthearted trap and splashing water towards Lia's face. "Water fight!" he exclaimed, continuing to mischievously splash water in Lia's direction.

Spoiler: Splash!

Roll: 17/20, you can roll for defense/offense as you choose

 

[Liana Mason]

Lia could immediately see how this tension was fading and Ruzaan's lightheartedness returned. Her gaze was fixed on the shore and her attention drawn by the pleasant sound of the waves while blocking out the music in the background. It was funny how from one moment to the next, the city street life was exchanged with the beautiful nature of the beach by night.

The breezy sea air was very refreshing and she was looking forward to this swim. After posing he'd question, she took the thin dress she wore above and started wading into the waves. They were crashing against her and right as she had set her first foot into it, her skin was also laced with goosebumps.

"Ooo...that's fresher than earlier", she remarked, her attention on where she was stepping so that she didn't see his ambush coming at all. She was simply hit by the full force of it and so the issue of slowly entering the water and letting her body adjust to the change in temperature was gone

"Ruz! Woooow that was so unexpected..and mean", she tried to accuse him seriously, let couldn't help but to giggle. "That's...extraordinarily childish", she even pretended to pout, working on an intrugue, but the smirk just gave her away if he was watching. Before she started splashing back, she had intended to act as though she wasn't interested, but obviously, it was great fun, so once she started, she immediately started laughing uncontrollably as she kept trying to hit him with as much water as possible.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

Spoiler: roll

8/20....

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

The grin on Ruzaan's face as he caught Lia completely unawares wasn't at all diminished by her half-giggled accusations; if anything, they reinforced his willingness to cut loose a little in Lia's presence and just have fun. His smile only grew wider as he saw through her pretense, but pretty soon he was just as soaked as Lia was and was laughing just as hard. Inevitably, some water got into his nose and he signaled for a ceasefire. "You win! You win!" he said, still laughing and now spluttering a little as he worked to clear the offending water from his nose and throat.

"I'm sorry for being so mean and childish" he said, smiling around a playful apology to her earlier charges while his eyes danced in mirth. "That's no way to thank you for saving my life!" By now, his body was getting used to the cooler temperature of the waves- assisted by Lia splashing him- so the Togruta took the opportunity to sink into the water, letting it buoy him so that he was floating on his back and gazing up at the stars. Peaceful, and content, Ruzaan said nothing for several moments.

A thought occurred to him as he wondered which of the thousands of distant stars was Shili's sun. "Where is home for you?" he asked Lia, turning his head slightly to see what she was up to and hoping that he hadn't floated too far away.

@LadyRen

 

[Liana Mason]

Lia was absolutely not expecting to win, but while she tried her best not to choke on the water due to her uncontrollable giggling, Ruz seemed to have forgotten about this very important detail of a water fight. "Okay okay. I'll be lenient this time", she smirked as she stopped splashing, throwing herself onto the back and just floating for a moment while lazily moving her arms to stay afloat.

"Apology accepted", she playful replied, turning herself so she could still see him in the corner of her eyes, waving off his concerns though as she had never been serious about her accusations. They floated in silence for a moment with the waves casually rocking them ever now and then, her eyes closed and simply taking in this beautiful night in full gratitude.

Ruz was the first to break the silence and Lia chose to open her eyes again before she hopped back onto her feet. "The temple, but Echan is still in my heart", she replied without thinking, a warm smile planted on her lips, wondering whether she needed to elaborate or whether it was the same for him. "I'd assume you might give me a similar answer", she thus mused, playfuly tilting her head to the side.

@SlagathorTheUnknown