The Exception, The Guardian, and The Monster

Plat

Esredes: >Three weeks after his last visit, he's made his way back to the workshop to see Alise. Disposing of the new list took longer than expected, but there was a lot going on in between as well. And are those two back from traveling? It's time to find out.< >He pushes the door open into the shop, scanning the interior for signs of either of them.<

Momo

>He spots Levi inside, working up on a few sketches. He seems intensely focused at first, however, he slows down and glances up to notice Esredes. A bright smile appears on his face and he waves him in< 

Levi: Esredes! What excellent timing! We got back from our trip last night! Alise is out doing some grocery shopping since we're out of food.

Plat

Esredes: >So it's you again. He's more prepared for this than last time, and walks up closer to him.< Oh, really? Is she going to be out a while?

Momo

Levi: >He nods, cleaning up his area by stacking his papers.< Not too long, hopefully, but we do need to restock. Would you like to wait inside?

Plat

Esredes: Sure, I'll have to. >We need to talk.< How was your trip, anyhow?

Momo 

Levi: EXCELLENT! Well... mostly excellent! We were gone longer than expected. The boat was kinda trashed and I needed to repair it, but it still needs some work. >He stands up and collects the papers in one hand, grabbing his cane with the other.< But I made several trips to my old clients, did some touch ups, took some orders down too.

Plat

Esredes: ...You two have a boat? >I did not know this<

Momo 

Levi: >Esrey can see a small sparkle flash over his goggles.< Would you like for me to show you?!

Plat

Esredes: I... suppose. Where would you even keep that thing?

Momo 

Levi: The workshop!!! >He starts to walk ahead excitedly. He and Esrey pass through the same halls, beyond the kitchen, the work room, even the staircase to the back of the house.< >He pulls out a large key to unlock the door before stepping in. Inside, Esredes is met with a large workshop that connected with the back of the house. At the center is a small boat, smaller than the size of a rowboat. However, it's been greatly modified. Two large metal tanks are connected to the front with metal pipes leading out the back. There are two seats, one for someone in the middle, where their hands would supposedly rest in two odd metal contraptions. The other seat is at the rear of the boat.< Alise and I kinda came towards land a little fast and we crashed.... I made some temporarily fixes so we could get home but she's gonna need more work.

Plat

Esredes: >...What kind of boat is that thing.< >He's not sure what he expected, but... definitely not this. He's never seen a boat like that before.< How did you get that thing onto the water from here?

Momo

Levi: I know a guy by the docks. I repaired a few things for him and he let me borrow his horses to help drag this back and forth. >He pats the front of the boat.< Pretty neat, right?

Plat

Esredes: Huh. It's definitely... unique. I've never seen a boat like this before.

Momo

Levi: Of course! I invented it myself! I call it "The Amazing Alise!" It's a boat that can only be operated by Alise.

Plat

Esredes: >You named it after Alise. That's... sweet.< I'm sure that makes her feel special.

Momo 

Levi: I was hoping so too, but she just calls it a "Death Trap on the Water." >He chuckles lightly.< I don't blame her. It's still a prototype, testing my theory on using high pressures steam for transportation. Alise can make the boat accelerate by heating up water stored in these! >He pats the large tanks in the front.< The water becomes steam then the steam shoots out the back pipes! But she can't exactly cool down her hands, so we just keep going fast, unable to slow down.

Plat

Esredes: >Is that using your 'steamy energy' again?< Too bad you don't know someone with ice hands as well.

Momo

Levi: >He lets out another bright chuckle.< That would be pretty convenient! But that would be using more magic than I'm comfortable with.

Plat

Esredes: Good point. We don't need any other humans running around with permanent magic like that.

Momo 

Levi: yeah... hey, do you... know how to get rid of that stuff? I know you don't like magic as well... I figured you might know ways how to contain magic.

Plat

Esredes: >He raises an eyebrow< I'm not sure how anyone would know how to just 'get rid' of it. If it was normal magic, it'd just wear off, but it seems it doesn't want to. If it's truly like how a knochen uses magic, they can't just get rid of their magic either.

Momo 

Levi: I see... I don't know a lot about this stuff. I've been kinda asking around but the stuff is too complicated for me to understand. Alise has stopped asking, but I'm hoping there's something out there that can help her.

Plat 

Esredes: It's more difficult when she doesn't even know what exactly was done to her. Only the lady seems to know that much.

Momo

Levi: >He smiles weakly.< Yeah, I'm not so keen on meeting up with Thiessen again to ask about that...

Plat

Esredes: I wouldn't be either from what I've heard.

Momo

Levi: how much did Alise tell you about her?

Plat

Esredes: A description of her, that she kidnaps both humans and knochen for experiments and turns most of the humans into uncanny, that she did this to her. She sounds horrifying.

Momo

Levi: She's as nuts as she sounds, and then some. >He walks over to a workbench and sits down, sighing softly.< One minute, I was in my old workshop, then next thing I knew, I was waking up in some facility. No windows, nothing to tell me what time of day it was- and Thiessen sitting in front of me, looking over notes she had stolen from my shop.

Plat

Esredes: >He puts his hands on his hips subconsciously. He can tell he's about to hear his end of it, too.< Did she experiment on you too...?

Momo 

Levi: >He shakes his head.< Oh no, not me. Well, not at first. She wanted me to work for her. She had ideas... new machines to hold people down. Both human and knochen alike. She wanted me to make lots of tools for her too. A large and long needle... new sharp cutting tools, just- >He visibly shudders.< -just awful.... I said no. She gave me a good scratch across the face.

Plat 

Esredes: >His eyes direct themselves to the scar< So you refused entirely?

Momo 

Levi: Of course! How could I say yes to that? Then she was deciding what to do with me for a few days. One day, though, the door to my cell was broken open. All of the doors were opened. A huge riot among humans, uncanny, and a few knochen broke out. That's when I ran into Alise.

Plat 

Esredes: And so you escaped together?

Momo 

Levi: >He smiles weakly.< Kinda. I remember getting out of the facility and then seeing the place set on fire. Then we were tackled down and I blacked out. I woke up a few days later in a village that wasn't too far from the facility. Alise basically saved my life.

Plat 

Esredes: >Hm...< You blacked out? She must have, then. How fortunate you ran into each other.

Momo 

Levi: >His bright smile returns.< I know! We've been partners ever since. I learned about her fire hands thing after I woke up and started making her the shoes and gauntlets. There were a lot of failures before I finally got it right.

Plat 

Esredes: Failures... that sounds rough for her.

Momo 

Levi: it was mostly things lighting on fire... lots and.... lots of fire.... >He visibly shudders again.< But they work now! So now she likes to do all the errands I had to do.

Plat 

Esredes: And so here we are.

Momo 

>The two hear a light knock on the door to the workshop before Alise steps through, her hands carrying a large basket of vegetables and wrapped meat.< 

Alise: Ah, so you did bring him in here. 

Levi: Alise!! I was just showing Esredes- 

Alise: Please don't- 

Levi: -The Amazing Alise! 

Alise: -and you said it out loud. >She looks away, slightly flustered.<>Why the fuck would you name it that, dammit, Levi.<

Plat 

Esredes: >Well, great timing on her part. He looks towards her, then resists his urge to chuckle at their exchange. She hates the name. I don't blame her.< It's an... interesting boat.

Momo 

Alise: Why my name? >Her face has started to turn red, but she tries to play it off< 

Levi: Because you're the only one who can use it! 

Alise: Barely!! Just- just come on. I need help starting dinner. And I need to talk to Esredes.

Levi: >He stands up, chuckling a bit, and looking to Esredes.< Thanks for chatting with me. You're a good listener.

Plat 

Esredes: No problem. I'll be seeing you.

Momo 

>As Levi leaves the room, Alise hands off the basket to him. She walks over to Esredes, staring at him for a few seconds before finally speaking.< 

Alise: Please never call this boat by the name he's told you. Ever. Please.

Plat 

Esredes: >Does it bother you that much?< I won't, don't worry. It's just an odd boat to me.

Momo 

Alise: >she lets out a sigh of relief.< Thanks... it's just so embarrassing. Oh- if you're here, that means the list is done. How did it go?

Plat 

Esredes: A bit more time consuming to hunt them down than it should have been. But once I did, they didn't see it coming.

Momo 

Alise: I see. Nice job. And as a reward, I kept my ears open during my trip. >She reaches into her pockets and pulls out notebook. Inside, only a few pages have been filled, but it's double more than what she usually writes.< I heard some pretty interesting stuff.

Plat 

Esredes: >He skims it over when she hands it to him.< Well, you sure did take your notes. This'll keep me busy for a while.

Momo 

Alise: Check out pages 4 through 6. >She points at the notebook< I heard lots of different rumors of uncanny popping up in towns. I figured it would be worth you checking those out to try and find Thiessen.

Plat 

Esredes: Oh-- >he does flip to those pages, giving them a little more than a skim.< You did find something on her after all. I presume it'd be best not to look at this alone?

Momo 

Alise: >She nods.< Never alone. Always have someone with you, and don't lose sight of them. I don't know what kind of help she has, but it'll be a lot harder on them to get to you if you're with someone.

Plat 

Esredes: I can assemble a private team of several, then. See how well she can handle a group of us.

Momo 

Alise: >She smiles just a bit.< Good... To be honest, I get kinda nervous thinking about how I'm sending you after her. She can get the drop on anyone under the right circumstances... >I don't want you to experience that first hand.<

Plat 

Esredes: Well, if there's anyone used to handling hostile humans, it's us. And I'll be careful, too. But you've made it clear she needs to be stopped.

Momo 

Alise: Alright... now that that's out of the way, you wanna stay for dinner? Or are you still not a fan of human dishes?

Plat 

Esredes: I'd still rather not eat anything. You can keep it for yourselves.

Momo 

Alise: What do you eat then? Just raw meat?

Plat 

Esredes: Mostly. That and some vegetation.

Momo 

Alise: Well- this is the same thing! Only the meat is slightly cooked and mixed with the vegetation.

Plat 

Esredes: Even if it is, I have no idea where it's been before it came into your... gloves.

Momo 

Alise: We wash the vegetables and cooking the meat gets rid of any bacteria.

Plat 

Esredes: That's nice, but I'll still pass.

Momo 

Alise: >... patience is a virtue< Alright. Fair enough. Is there anything else you needed then?

Plat 

Esredes: Hm. I did say Levi needs to sharpen the sword, didn't I?

Momo 

Alise: Hmm... he can probably work on it when he's done prepping the food. I can handle the rest of the cooking from that point.

Plat 

Esredes: Then I'll stay a little longer for that.

Momo 

Alise: Neat. Levi will probably want to tell you about all the junk he bought. He's a sucker for souvenirs.

Plat 

Esredes: What kind of things qualify as 'souvenirs'?

Momo 

Alise: Some scrap metal he picked up at a blacksmith's, sea shells from the beach, some new goggles, and about eight new notebooks that he'll fill up by the end of the year.

Plat 

Esredes: >None of that sounds like something worth talking about, but I have a feeling he'll find a way.< Do you recommend I listen to it and wait, then?

Momo 

Alise: That depends. Do you want to hear about it?

Plat 

Esredes: Not really. Can't imagine it would hold my interest.

Momo 

Alise: I'll try and steer the conversation to something else then.

Plat 

Esredes: Sounds good.

Momo 

>Alise leads him back into the kitchen where Levi is prepping the food. He performs most of the cutting and washing while talking about their trip. Instead of the souvenirs, however, he's chosen the topic of how the two crashed the boat. Alise sits quietly, but the more Levi boasts about how much the two panicked, the more Alise seems to sink into herself, crossing her arms and hiding her face in her hair out of embarrassment<

Plat 

Esredes: >He finds the story to just make him question why they'd use it at all. Poor Alise clearly doesn't like it for some reason though. He doesn't find it to be such a big deal. Again, why do they even use it if it's going to crash.<

Momo 

Alise: Levi- how can you boast about our failure so happily? 

Levi: Because!! It is just another step towards success! I can already think of a dozen modifications to the boat to improve it! >He holds up a carrot as if he were holding a sword.< With this new knowledge- we are sure to persevere to bigger and better projects!

Alise: .... you're being a little over dramatic. 

Levi: I am the correct amount of dramatic!

Plat 

Esredes: >He can't help but smile a little at that. These two's bickering is amusing.< Your optimism sure does show.

Momo 

Levi: You two are the ones who need more optimism. I haven't seen either of you get excited about this! 

Alise: we get excited about.... different things.

Plat 

Esredes: That's a good way to put it.

Momo 

Levi: Oh yeah? Like what? Give me an example. 

Alise: Food. Strolls around town. Placing someone in a headlock. Usual stuff.

Plat 

Esredes: Hah, putting someone in a headlock is a good one. Personally, I'd add natural surroundings to the list. New places. I'm sure you both saw a few of them on your trip.

Momo 

Alise: I sure did. Levi just visited his home city though. 

Levi: It was great to be back! So many good memories. 

Alise: I'm with Esredes, I prefer new places instead of old ones.

Plat 

Esredes: To be fair, I enjoy visiting home too. It's special for that reason.

Momo 

Levi: AHAH! 

Alise: Home is too stressful right now. Maybe later I'll wanna go back.

Plat 

Esredes: Really. Well, then it's fair if you wouldn't want to return.

Momo 

Alise: Thanks for backing me up. 

Levi: Aw! But I want to see where you lived!

Alise: No way. 

Levi: At least tell me where you're from? 

Alise: Nuh-uh. 

Levi: Boo! What about you, Esredes? Where are you from?

Plat 

Esredes: I'm from somewhere far away neither of you have ever heard of. It's something of a... best kept secret. >let's put it that way in front of Levi<

Momo 

Levi: Wha- aw c'mon! I don't need two aloofy redheaded best friends! >He pouts as he chops the vegetables< 

Alise: ... I'm... I'm not red headed. 

Levi: Well, you wear red. 

Alise: I'm still not a redhead!

Plat 

Esredes: ...I can't really tell if your hair is red or brown, honestly. It's like perfectly in between the two.

Momo 

Alise: What- its brown! 

Levi: It's pretty red. 

Alise: Alright- Y'know- >She stands up, rolling up her sleeves.< Move over, my turn to cook. Go sharpen Esredes' sword. 

Levi: >He smiles brightly and nods, stepping aside and letting Alise take charge. He turns to Esredes with a bright smile.< Back to the workshop! Lets go!

Plat 

Esredes: All right, hold on. I left it near the front. >he forgot to materialize it on, whoops. Hopefully that lie is good enough for his naiveness while he goes to do that.<

Momo 

Levi: oh! Alright! Then I'll meet you in the shop! >He waves as he walks to the back again.< 

Alise: >She lets out a small sigh now that Levi has left the room.< He's so overwhelming.... but I guess that's not a bad thing.

Plat 

Esredes: Well, you've clearly chosen to put up with it.

Momo 

Alise: He saved my life. And he even made me gloves and shoes after everything that happened. It's the least I can do. I'm pretty sure he deserves someone with more energy though.

Plat 

Esredes: Maybe, but he clearly cares about you in a similar way. I have a feeling he likes it this way.

Momo 

Alise: You think so? >She asks, glancing over at him.<

Plat 

Esredes: It's just a guess. Why else would he do all of that for you? Your contrary outlook shows him things he probably doesn't consider.

Momo 

Alise: I guess that's fair... also, thanks. You've been nice to him. >She turns to face him and smiles.< He apparently has "two redheaded best friends" now.

Plat 

Esredes: If you count my real form, that's a literal red head too. >he smiles with a bit of amusement< He's too quick to label someone a 'best friend'. But I won't correct him.

Momo 

Alise: You're right on that, he is too quick. But that's what I appreciate about him. He can still trust people after everything that has happened.

Plat 

Esredes: Mm, you're right. It's a rare thing to see in somebody. For better or for worse.

Momo 

Alise: I think it's for better for him... now you should head over. He'll be wondering what's taking so long. Better grab that sword that "you left up front." >She puts emphasis on the last words, giving a good indication that she knows he's lying.<

Plat 

Esredes: >Well of course you would know that.< Well, since we're still alone, would you like to see me retrieve it?

Momo 

Alise: Are you gonna pull it out of a hat?

Plat 

Esredes: What? No, what I mean is I'll show you a little preview of transformation. >well done, you did it again shitlord<

Momo 

Alise: It was a joke- you're not even wearing a hat. >She chuckles lightly< Sure, show it to me.

Plat 

Esredes: >I don't get that one.< Watch this. >His skin begins to lose its color, turning to a deep black, but it spreads over all of his features until you can no longer make them out at all, only a silhouette that appears to be growing in size. However, before it hits the ceiling, it begins to shrink again, and the shape of his features become comprehensible again until the blackness begins to turn color again, and once it fades, you'll see him just as he was before, only this time his belt and sword have materialized with him. He then promptly unclips the sheath from its place.<

Momo 

Alise: >She stands there, in awe for a moment, before smiling.< I'm pretty sure half the reason you come here is to show off.

Plat 

Esredes: Where else are you going to see it? >Yes. Yes it is. Alise knows it all.<

Momo 

Alise: Fair point. And the answer you're looking for is yes. I am impressed. I haven't met a knochen who can do all of this crazy illusion stuff.

Plat 

Esredes: That's not even the illusionary part. The illusionary part was this. >He projects into her mind again, disappearing right in front of her.<

Momo 

Alise: Yeah- that's the stunt you pulled the day we met, right? How are you doing that?

Plat 

Esredes: I was wondering if you would connect that part. Still a great detective as always. >He reappears to her< It's a magical ability of mine. Essentially, what I'm doing is targeting your mind with a specific illusion that morphs my image to its surroundings so I don't appear to be there. It's useful for a variety of situations if you know the person you want to hide from is there.

Momo 

Alise; it's not so useful if I've already spotted you and you suddenly disappear. >She smirks< Now don't you have a sword to be sharpened? You can show off to me some other time.

Plat 

Esredes: I probably shouldn't keep him waiting. All right, you continue cooking then. >With that, he leaves the room<

Momo 

>Back in the workshop, Levi eagerly awaits Esrey's arrival. When he shows up, he smiles brightly and points to his sheath.< 

Levi: Oooohhhh! Is that it?

Plat 

Esredes: Indeed it is. >He holds it up to Levi, then grips the sheath with the other hand. In one quick motion, he pulls it out, holding it in place for Levi to observe.<

Momo 

Levi: >You can't see his eyes through his goggles, but his jaw drop is enough to show that he's impressed< Oh!! Oooh!!! It's so pretty! Mind if I hold it?

Plat 

Esredes: Well, you're going to be holding it anyway, so you may as well. >He takes a step forward and sets it down on the floor in front of Levi. Go ahead.<

Momo 

Levi: >He carefully picks it up and observes it a bit, looking over every detail from the hilt to the end of the blade< Hmm... you can tell a lot about a person from the condition of their weapon....

Plat 

Esredes: What do you gather from mine, then? >I'm curious<

Momo 

Levi: .... its old. It probably had a previous owner before you. And it's been well used.... >Esrey can't see it, but he can feel Levi glance him over in his last sentence.<

Plat 

Esredes: >He's starting to piece together something is off, isn't he. Well, if he does, it's not my problem.< I've had it for a long time.

Momo 

Levi: >His smile picks back up< Well, the previous owner and you took care of this very well. I'm surprised it's still in such good shape.

Plat 

Esredes: I've done everything I can to make sure it doesn't fall out of it. I'd rather try to keep using it as long as possible, as you can probably see why.

Momo 

Levi: I see, I'll do my best then! >He stands up and brings the sword over to a large wheel of whetstone and a small seat beside it. He sits himself down and starts to push with his foot a small paddle by the wheel. The wheel slowly spins at first, but as it picks up speed, Levi begins to press the edge of the sword gently against the stone. A sharp and irritating noise screeches during the process, but he doesn't seem to pay any mind as he takes great care never to place too much pressure on the sword.<

Plat 

Esredes: >He hovers near Levi, watching the process, flinching when he first hears the noise. He's just going to be here the entire time.<

Momo 

Levi: >He seems more focused than expected as he works on the sword. After a while, he brings the sword off from the sharpener and brings it to another table to wipe it down and adjust anything with a file. After that and a quick polish, he brings it over to Esrey.< Ah- sorry for not talking. I get a little caught up in my work. The blade was starting to get dull so I wanted to make sure it was close to perfect.

Plat 

Esredes: Oh, you're fine, the sword needed the focus. >are you going to hand it to me now? I'm going to examine your work.<

Momo 

Levi: >He nods and carefully hands it over to Esrey.< If you ever need more maintenance done on it, let me know! I can see why you like it. The person who made it really knew what they were doing.

Plat 

Esredes: That's what I've always thought, too. >He looks it over a good moment... oh, yes, this will do nicely.< Nice job on it. This should do for a long time.

Momo 

Levi: >He blushes a bit and smiles, rubbing the back of his head.< Aw, thanks! I really appreciate it. Not a lot of people will buy regular weapons from me anymore. A lot of them want some magic modification to it... so it's nice to get work like this.

Plat 

Esredes: What a shame. Magic doesn't even give weapons that much more power to begin with. >I mean, I don't want humans buying weapons from you, but I'll play along with that thought.<

Momo 

Levi: Exactly! And when people make weapons with magic- the craftsmanship gets sloppy and they just end up being cheap weapons with no real quality! It's a darn shame...

Plat 

Esredes: That's not going to do anyone much good trying to use it in a fight.

Momo 

Levi: Indeed. The weapons are better used to bury your own graves than actually fight.

Plat 

Esredes: >That gets a little throat laughter out of him< Clever way of putting it.

Momo 

Levi: >he smiles a bit.< Alise told me that once and I thought I'd try it out. It's kinda too morbid for me, but I figured you'd appreciate it.

Plat 

Esredes: You're right, I didn't expect that. She's rubbing off on you.

Momo 

Levi: Really?! >He seems rather excited by that fact.< You think I might be as cool as her someday?

Plat 

Esredes: >Oh my god.< Is that what you think of her as? Cool?

Momo 

Levi: Of course! She's awesome! Don't you think so too?

Plat 

Esredes: She's an interesting individual, that's for sure. I didn't expect a lot of things about her.

Momo 

Levi: She's proved you wrong though, right?

Plat 

Esredes: Yes, most definitely. I find it a bit difficult to decipher how she works. >Parts of it, at least. She's a bit paradoxical.<

Momo 

Levi: Hm? Oh, it's easy. She's... relaxed but aware... if that makes any sense.

Plat 

Esredes: I'm not really talking about that part. But yes. You two certainly make for an entertaining partnership.

Momo 

Levi: I like to think so too. Do you have any friends like Alise back where you're from?

Plat 

Esredes: If you want to talk low energy and unemotional, I know a lot. Or at least the unemotional part. >however, esrey misses the fact that most of them are not his friends.< You remind me of a friend I've had for a long time, though.

Momo 

Levi: WHOA! Really? Wait- in a good way or a bad way?

Plat 

Esredes: I'd say a good way. Enthusiastic, sociable, generally optimistic. Those sort of things you have in common.

Momo 

Levi: Yes! Hey, you should invite them over sometime! If you'd like. It could be a lot of fun! We could play cards!

Plat 

Esredes: >Cards. Why did you jump to cards of all things.< Maybe. >No. Bad idea.< You two always seem eager to have someone over, don't you? You may as well turn this place into a party space.

Momo 

Levi: Well, I like being around people. But I also think Alise needs to interact more. She kinda shuts herself away from people because of the... Y'know... >He gestures to his hands.< She's afraid that she'll hurt those who get close to hers.

Plat 

Esredes: Even with the metallic gear you've made for her?

Momo 

Levi: >He nods.< She had... a pretty bad experience. And she doesn't want to risk it. I'm worried she won't break out of her shell. She's started to get a bit better though since you started coming around.

Plat 

Esredes: >The accident again. She must have hurt someone with them.< You really think so? I'm probably not the best role model when it comes to helping someone socialize. At least, if they're trying to make friends. >I think you'd be a lot more concerned about her if you knew what we were really doing.<

Momo 

Levi: You're doing well so far. She's started to make jokes around the house. I can really tell there's a difference with her.

Plat 

Esredes: >Huh.< That's not an effect I usually have on most people. >Then again, Alise is strange.< >Even still, why?<

Momo 

Levi: Then maybe it's cause you two are alike? Y'know, all quiet and cool and mysterious?

Plat 

Esredes: I suppose that's the only real explanation.

Momo 

Levi: it's good enough for me!

Plat 

Esredes: Yeah. >He's quiet a second.< ...You know, I was actually going to tell you a bit about where I was from earlier.

Momo 

Levi: really? You sure you don't mind?

Plat 

Esredes: You wouldn't be able to get to it either way.

Esredes: >He pauses a moment.< Imagine a relatively flat field. The grass is golden like the sun. The weather is usually calm. Wildlife prances around, and food is plentiful. Everything is calming and peaceful, almost as if time stood still, if such a thing were possible. That’s where I’m from.

Momo 

Levi: Whoa.... That sure sounds like a nice place to live. Like out of a storybook!

Plat 

Esredes: That's one way to put it. It is sort of like a paradise. I'm fortunate to have been born there.

Momo 

Levi: You must have had some good memories there. I'm kind of envious.

Plat 

Esredes: Why, do you not have good ones from your home? >I mean, I spent a lot of time in mine having bad ones too<

Momo 

Levi: I have plenty from the town I moved to with my mother when I was younger. However, I don't have many memories from the town I was born to. And the ones I do have aren't really great.

Plat 

Esredes: I see... Well, just focus on the other one then. Sounds like you had a good time there.

Momo 

Levi: Oh yes! It's by the ocean. It always smells so nice, the wind is always perfect, and the people have always been very kind.

Plat 

Esredes: Well that sounds appealing in a similar way. >at least to a human<

Momo 

Levi: It's no golden field, but seeing the ocean stretch out forever has always been a guilty pleasure. >He smiles.< Heya- I think Alise will be done with dinner soon! I know you said no last time, is it a no again this time?

Plat 

Esredes: Yeah, I'll pass. I'm fine.

Momo 

Levi: >he pouts a bit< Alriiiiiight. I understand. Just make sure you get back to... wherever you need to get back to safely.

Plat 

Esredes: Oh, don't worry about me. I'll be fine.

Momo 

Levi: >He nods a bit.< You probably will be with your sword fixed up. I'm gonna stay in here to work a bit longer til dinner is ready. Let Alise know to call me, alright?

Plat 

Esredes: Will do. You take care, then, Levi.

Momo 

Levi: Same to you, Esredes! >He smiles and waves before heading over to the boat, starting to pull out some tools from a nearby toolbox<

Plat 

Esredes: >Well, my work is done here. Time to go see Alise one more time before I leave.< >How is she doing with the food?<

Momo 

>Back in the kitchen, all of the vegetables are in the pot, boiling in the soup's broth. However, instead of it being cooked over a fire, Alise is simply holding the pot with her bare hands.< >She glances up at Esredes as he walks in and nods< 

Alise: Yo. How'd he do? Probably a better job than I could have done.

Plat 

Esredes: He did well, I was impressed. ...Do you sharpen weapons too?

Momo 

Alise: Eh, I kinda practiced a bit- but I always end up chipping the blade. He just has a more delicate touch.

Plat 

Esredes: I'd imagine doing that sort of thing isn't easy. You must have to have very steady hands.

Momo 

Alise: My hands are just good for punching and lighting things on fire. >She replies. She stares down at the pot.< I guess it has it's perks.

Plat 

Esredes: True. And mine usually claw things out. If they aren't using a sword.

Momo 

Alise: You could put on a badass shadow puppet show.

Plat 

Esredes: A what...?

Momo 

Alise: A Shadow puppet show! Y'know...? You hold your hand up to a light and it casts a shadow. Then you can make shapes out of your fingers to cast shadow shapes. Kids love it.

Plat 

Esredes: That sounds like something pointless enough for them to enjoy it.

Momo 

Alise: You can tell some cool stories through them. You should try it sometime.

Plat 

Esredes: I don't really see the point.

Momo 

Alise: For shits and giggles?

Plat 

Esredes: Under what circumstances will I want to do it for that?

Momo 

Alise: You never do anything dumb to make yourself laugh?

Plat 

Esredes: I mean, I don't think that would do it.

Momo 

Alise: >She smirks< So you DO end up doing dumb things to make yourself laugh.

Plat 

Esredes: Maybe every once in a while. It's hard to think of anything.

Momo 

Alise: Heh, I almost thought you weren't the type... but I guess everyone does it.

Plat 

Esredes: I think so too. I probably did it more when I was younger. >Bad times.<

Momo 

Alise: Same, now that I think about it. Actually, my siblings and I would try to do things to make each other laugh as a game. If you laughed, you lost.

Plat 

Esredes: I would probably lose that game most of the time.

Momo 

Alise: Really? I'd always win. I figured you wouldn't be too easy to make laugh.

Plat 

Esredes: It depends on what you try to do. I only find specific sorts of things funny. I didn't know you had siblings, either.

Momo 

Alise: No one really asks, and I never talk about them.

Plat 

Esredes: I suppose you still don't want to then?

Momo 

Alise: ... Not right now, no... Maybe another time.

Plat 

Esredes: I won't ask, then. I don't usually tell people about my equivalent of a sibling, either.

Momo 

Alise: If you ask again another time, I'll reconsider. That is, if you really wanna know that much.

Plat 

Esredes: I guess I don't care either way.

Momo 

Alise: Mmm... >She sets the pot down, deciding that the vegetables have been cooked long enough.< Dinner's almost ready. If you don't leave soon, I'll start to think that you actually like hanging around here.

Plat 

Esredes: Well we wouldn't want that, would we? Oh, Levi wanted you to call him when it was done.

Momo 

Alise: Thanks for letting me know. Don't be a stranger, and take care.

Plat 

Esredes: >Don't be a stranger? I'd like to think I'm not exactly a stranger to you both by this point.< You too. See you next time.

Esredes: >As he leaves the workshop, he examines the list again, and the pages Alise mentioned earlier.< >A private team... Who could I trust with a matter like this?< >I certainly have a few ideas...<