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[bleeding_heart]

[Anyone passing through Union's parks today will likely happen upon a somewhat odd sight.  Merrill is sitting on a bench, leaning forward with her hands on her knees and staring with great interest at a Sawsbuck.  The Sawsbuck doesn't seem to be doing anything terribly interesting, splitting its time roughly equally between staring back at Merrill, standing and looking regal as it listens for potential danger, and grazing lightly on the grass.  Despite this, however, its trainer's attention remains absolutely riveted on the Pokemon, as if she's expecting it to do something amazing any moment now.]

Oh, I can't wait...!

Comments

[bleeding_heart]

Oh! Like a secret code? I've always wanted to have a secret code.

[wise_maiden]

[She tilts her head.] Oh? I guess that's one way to think of it, but it might be the best way to find out, if he's willing to do so. The transitions aren't all that well documented, surprisingly enough... scholars have been going back and forth over whether it's something that occurs based purely on their location or because of their own willpower or some combination of factors.

[bleeding_heart]

I suppose it can't hurt to ask. I don't want to miss it, after all.

[wise_maiden]

Do you think the warp band would help? Although I wonder if it would be a certain time of day as well...

[bleeding_heart]

I wonder if he'll know in time to tell me it's happening.

[wise_maiden]

Considering how much in question the phenomenon is, even for a known species... whenever it's time may be time. Only time can tell, really.

[bleeding_heart]

I hope he doesn't change while I'm asleep. That would be terribly disappointing.

[wise_maiden]

I imagine it would be since you've been waiting so earnestly. On the bright side, there always will be a chance to catch it in the next year and so forth, not to mention the other seasonal changes...

[bleeding_heart]

I suppose you're right. Still, I'd love to see each change as it happens. I'm sure it's beautiful to watch.

[wise_maiden]

It must be an incredible sight. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to keep a record myself...

[bleeding_heart]

Good luck to us, both, then. Although you'll have longer to wait than I will.

[wise_maiden]

Indeed. At least I can content myself with the fact that hopefully there will be other new discoveries before that time to help fill in the gap of waiting.

[bleeding_heart]

Oh, I'm sure there will. There are all sorts of exciting new places to explore.

[wise_maiden]

Do you go exploring often?

[bleeding_heart]

Every few months or so. I'm with the Seekers, so it's sort of like my job. Though they've never paid me for it.

[wise_maiden]

Their organization is very notable for explorations... but I hope that means you don't rely on them as a source of income.

[bleeding_heart]

Oh, no, of course not! Yuuna earns all the money.

[wise_maiden]

You're completely relying on someone else? [Must be a Union thing...]

[bleeding_heart]

Yes, she's very reliable.

[Right over her head.]

[wise_maiden]

Well, it sounds like that... system must work for you both.

[bleeding_heart]

It works very well. We've been together for over a year now.

[Catching no subtext here at all.]

[wise_maiden]

[Mostly she's a little baffled, but... well. It's not her place to question, especially of a stranger. Most arrangements did seem to have only one provider after all.]

That's good. [Now how does she get out of this awkward topic...] So, these places you've traveled to. What did you think of them? Is there anywhere in particular you'd recommend checking out?

[bleeding_heart]

The Ancient Battlefield to the west was a very interesting place. You could almost feel the history there, somehow.

[Being from Sanctuary, Raine should be at least somewhat familiar with it herself, considering its proximity to the city.]

That's why I like the Seekers. They're always finding new pieces of history. I think maybe someday they'll even find the history I'm searching for.

[wise_maiden]

I've always thought exploring that area would be impossible... it's strange to think of it being accessible after all this time. [She tilts her head at that last bit, however.] Oh? What are you searching for?

[bleeding_heart]

[There is something steely in Merrill's gaze as she answers - a noticeable change from the relatively carefree personality she displays most of the time.]

A lost civilization from a thousand years ago. The ancestral home of my people. We called it Arlathan.