Private Solvale Autumn Murmurs

[MAI]

‎

With the passing of days, weeks, and months, the weather and the world both changed. The warm days have gone and passed now, leaving behind the cold touch of northen winds. As MAI sat down, she watched the many people who passed by, many bundled up in warmer clothes to help them slowly acclimate to the approaching winter. Still, it was not so cold as to prevent people visitng the café sitting outdoors. After all, many happily visited this renowned spot when traveling through Solvale. The wooden sign above the establishment proudly read Café de Flore, a quaint wooden building more than half-claimed by vegetation. Sitting right on the edge of a local lake, the outdoor tables offered a wonderful view of the reflective surface, the many boats that slowly moved across the still waters, and once the time would come, the beautiful senset beyond the mountains in the distance.

". . ."

The Magia fiddled with her menu, invisible to everyone else. She sat at the table alone, for now. The Dragonship, Szofrit, MINTRA's destruction... it was all a bit too much. After all of it, she was beyond exhausted... but now, a few months later? She was ready to try and get back into this world. Though she was sure that not everyone appreciated her disappearance, even if it was announced, unlike the last time. So she had invited Kyanna here. She had missed her... dreadfully so. And text messages were hardly enough to sate the yearning.

But now that she was here, way ahead of the set time, thinking about it all... ah, the nervousity. Her stoic mechanical body helped her hide most of it, but she was still quite fidgety, eyes darting from one end of the deck to the other, scanning people in search of the fungal witch. Meeting again after all this time... would she be mad? Happy? And, well... would this be considered a date? They haven't really gone on a date yet, have they? When they met on the cliff, that was the encounter when they had made their feelings known. And afterward... only disasters, one after another. So, even as the world still reeled from the recent events... this place, at least, felt peaceful. And MAI wanted to make use of that.

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

The invitation was sudden, but that didn't stop Kyanna from leaving everything she had planned behind just for it. Every time it seemed like some insane obstacle was posed between the two of them, and they were never able to chill for a single second. Ever since the reveal of their feelings for each other, they have barely met a couple times, with one of those times being, once again, in the middle of chaos.

But hopefully today was going to be a nice and peaceful day for a change.

Despite all that, Kyanna was in fact late in comparison to @MAI. Caught off guard in that situation, Kyanna took a while to get ready for it, and when she (nearly) shoved the door of the Café open, to her surprise, MAI was still standing there, clearly looking for her.

Kyanna didn't care if MAI had noticed her abrupt entrance, nor what she was possibly feeling at that moment.

She charged, glomping the girl and wrapping her in a tight and lovely embrace. "MAI!" Kyanna chirped, squeezing her in the hug (and turning her around to make her face her, if necessary). "It has been so long! I've missed you." Her voice was a mix of excitement and pure joy, along with a brief crack by the end.

The witch swallowed whatever that made her voice crack, brushing it away while locking her shimmering gaze on the Magia girl.

"What a way to make me worry about you, huh? Disappearing again after a big trouble. You are going to make me have a heart attack at some point." She scolded playfully, shaking her head in a jestful disapproval.

 

[MAI]

‎

Even if there was no reason to think that the new arrival was Kyanna, the loud slam of the doors was still plenty of a reason for MAI to turn around, if only to see what the sudden commotion was all about. But, of course, she already had a bit of an idea. And sure enough, the speeding blur of something had a very familiar color scheme.

"Kya- blugh--"

Almost shoved to the ground, the magia was only saved by the witch herself managing to keep them stable and locking them in a loving embrace. One that MAI had eagerly returned, as brief as it may have been to make room for a bit of a talk.

"Apology... - It has been difficult to find time for anything after Falderen outlawed Magia and the MIT had collapsed in on itself. This unit... had to think a bit after Szofrit's murder."

She refused to call it anything other than that. But that was neither here nor there.

"Sorry..."

The important bit was that they were here together now, and had the option of enjoying today, and hopefully more than just today, to the fullest.

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna struck an apologetic gaze to @MAI when realizing she had nearly made her girlfriend go straight to the ground.

The mention of the anti-magia laws made Kyanna frown slightly, but the follow up regarding Szofrit made Kyanna soften while looking at her dear magia. She remained quiet for a second before cupping MAI's cheek.

"It is alright. Everyone needs their own time to think about their own stuff."

Kyanna then took MAI's hand.

"But I won't let only bad thoughts to be in your mind today. Let's have fun, talk, catch up... And plan some stuff too." She nodded eagerly, already guiding the magia to the most private table available she could find, completely ignoring any attempt of a waiter or waitress to suggest a table.

"It is our day."

A warm smile crossed her lips as her eyes locked on MAI's. "So yeah, open your heart, and let's have some fun."

 

[MAI]

‎

It was nice that Kyanna understood the internal struggle MAI was still going through. Frankly, it would likely still be some time before she'd fully sort it all out in her own head, but for now, she was here. And just like the cheerful witch said, now was the time to let those thoughts go and relax a bit.

"Worry - This unit is not very good at planning social events-"

But there was no room for that worry, either. With her hand squeezed by her girlfriend, they ended up at a fairly secluded table, a bit further away from the windowed terrace than MAI had initially expected. And seated across from each other, the magia suddenly felt a bit awkward staring at Kyanna.

"Precaution - Opening this unit's chest compartment to reveal the core that powers this unit might not be appreciated by other guests and the staff."

What better way to get back into the conversation than to make a lame joke playing off the phrase "open your heart" ey?

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna looked at @MAI for a couple seconds, processing both her worries and her silly joke that soon made the little witch laugh heartily.

"My dear unit is a great company though, so any social event is great with her." She showed a bubbly smile that was wide enough to puff her roundy rosy cheeks, with a very silly expressiion that mirroed the face of a young lady that was blindly in love with her dearest.

"I don't mean you need to literally open your heart, but— Now I'm curious, can you actually do that?" Her eyes widened slightly in surprise. If it was possible... She honestly wanted to see that. Her curiosity brimmed in her eyes, but before she could be pushy about it, she clasped her hands on the menu, checking it over.

"Also, I'm going to make a home in Tangleweaves—" She slipped, handing the menu to MAI before waving to the waiter to catch his attention.

 

[MAI]

‎

It was a bit surprising that Kyanna was actually entertaining the ridiculous ideas, even if it was with just a question. MAI tilted her head to the side and tapped on her chest with her right hand a few times, through the fabric of her hoodie.

"Explanation - It would be similar to a non-magia taking a knife to their chest and opening themselves up until their heart was exposed. However, this unit does use pain limiters, so it would be possible-"

Maybe that was too graphic a description, but it was fairly accurate. Only, instead of gore, there would be machinery and oil. Hell, the witch could have seen plenty of that during the fight for the Dragonhead. Szofrit's attacks were nothing short of brutal and by the end of the fight, the magia was little more than a walking endoskeleton. It took a while to put herself back together after that...

"Curiosity - Tangleweaves? ... Very far."

It was easy to see why most travelers settled in Falderen or Astorea, given how they were practically the two centers of civilization, bar some exceptions. Though the former might have become a bit of an issue as of late. Tangleweaves, on the other hand... well, it certainly seemed unexpected.

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

"Let's not." Kyanna placed a hand over @MAI's hand, shaking her head negatively at the idea, now that what was proposed wasn't too far from literally opening a human's chest wide open. She expected something more mechanical and automated. "Keep it here, where it belongs. I wouldn't want to accidentally escape from it~" She rested a hand over MAI's chest, letting out a chuckle before leaning away.

"It is kinda far, yeah. But it is very close to nature, and there is a lot of magical ingredients I can use for my potions and alchemy." Kyanna grinned. "It is a bit humid, yeah, which can be a bit icky at times. But I'm trying to find a way to work around it—"

Her eyes then slowly shifted to MAI before she once again narrowed their distance. "Still, that isn't my priority right now. Even because, first I need to know if you would approve it."

She tilted her head. "After all, it will be our home, right?"

 

[MAI]

‎

Maybe MAI was slightly exaggerating with the whole idea. Still, it was hardly an automatic process and certainly not one for this place. So the magia merely smiled, as if it was all but a mere jest to begin with, although, her hand did twitch slightly when Kyanna took hold of it.

"Preemptive - Still not used to this..."

She didn't really elaborate further on the matter for now, figuring that the witch would understand. But the conversation quickly shifted to the topic of... a home. It was a bit strange, in a way. MAI had never thought such a place would be necessary. This was a game - a hobby. Yes, one that she had indulged quite a lot, and one she used for socializing, in a way... but still just a hobby. Why would she need a home in a world she didn't spend all of her time in?

But it made sense. She was not always out on an adventure or grinding out levels or doing whatever else. In a way, it was the same as player housing in any game. And plenty of MMOs had such a feature, even if it was often somewhat forgotten by said players. However...

"Worry - Tangleweaves, not as safe as other areas. Travel might be difficult as well."

And that was in addition to the issues Kyanna had brought up herself. Humidity was not exactly ideal for machinery, even if Magitech was a bit more hardy. And thinking about it that way, only now did MAI realize that the witch said they would be living together. It made the girl pause and stare blankly in response.

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

"We need to get you used to it then." Kyanna retorted with a warm smile, fidgeting @MAI's fingers on her hold, "Take your time though." slowly letting it go as she had to focus on the incoming waiter. As soon as the man approached, she begun her order, which was essentially a fest of sweet pastries and some mint tea to accompany.

She waited for MAI to make her own order, watching her and finally responding when she was ready to listen again—

"You are right, it is not safe, and it is a bit far..." Kyanna crossed her arms while pouting, tilting her head. That place was much more fitting to the type of home she intended to make, but if it was unfeasible or too bothering, it wouldn't be worth it after all.

Her gaze returned to MAI's, and a smile perked on her lips once again.

"Well MAI! Where do you want to have our home then?"

 

[MAI]

‎

The magia would certainly take her time to get used to all of this. All in due time, as with many things. Although the hand letting go of her own still came as a bit of a disappointment. Not that she could linger on it for too long, quickly taking a look at the menu while Kyanna made her own order. Which seemed like entirely too much, but it also wasn't like they had to worry about their weight and teeth too much in this place, as opposed to the real world.

MAI ended up with black rose tea herself, with a side of Honey cake. Though, looking at the discrepancy between her singular slice and all that the witch across had, she almost wished she got more herself... but perhaps...

She shook her head.

"Uncertainty - This unit has not given such topic much thought, but... if Kyanna doesn't find it funny... this unit likes bright spaces. Like Pormont with its view of endless golden fields. Very peaceful. But not very welcoming of magia nowadays."

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna listened to @MAI's opinion, pondering for a moment, letting her creativity go free into her mind allowing her to think about every aspect of what her the magia had presented.

"I like that. Golden fields, a beautiful horizon that extends to eternity, that would give us a wonderful sunset and sunrise sights!" Kyanna said, with her eyes brimming in excitement to the idea. "Every morning will be so dreamy and romantic~" She sighed in anticipation to her romantic delusions—

Her eyes then returned to MAI's, and a hint of concerned crossed her expression, even if she still had confidence in her eyes. "You are right, there will be some obstacles, but I'm sure we can find somewhere that is isolated enough for us to not bother with uninvited guests... Granted, I did want some neighborhood... So maybe not too far from a village or a small town..." She frowned her lips at the dilemma.

After all, Kyanna was someone rather social, so being completely isolated wouldn't be good at times MAI would be offline or too busy somewhere else.

 

[MAI]

‎

Kyanna certainly seemed to enjoy the idea. It would probably take a good bit of effort to ensure that all she had dreamed up would truly be present, but it MAI was willing to put that effort in. Although...

"Reminder - Large projects like this are prone to heavy time and monetary investment. Even in this world, we will not be able to establish such a residence right away."

Heck, the girl wasn't even sure of what all would be needed. How closely did this world mimic the physical one? Would they need some kind of permit from the ruling class? Purchase the land they'd like to build their home on top of? Worry about... infrastructure like running water and sewage?

Just thinking about all the possible complications was enough to create a hint of hesitation when it came to the whole plan, but as long as the witch herself would be willing to see it through, MAI would remain by her side on that front.

"...much to be done."

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna tilted her head at @MAI's remark, with a smile growing on her lips. "Isn't it good then? This means we will have a lot to do for a long time." She said, clasping her hands together. "Besides, the heavier the work, the more satisfying with be the reward." Kyanna silverlined, watching MAI for a moment, tilting her head as she pondered outloud—

"Or are you not too interested in the idea?" She mused.

It wouldn't be weird if MAI simply decided that she wouldn't have a house. She did mention not giving the topic much thought. Perhaps that was just one of Kyanna's delusions and excitements that were bleeding out and splattering on those she liked.

"I wouldn't want to impose that, you know." Kyanna added, looking at MAI almost with a mildly apologetic expression, in advance to any words that her girlfriend would say to her after the questioning.

 

[MAI]

‎

MAI merely shook her head, eyes closing for a moment in quiet contemplation. Approaching things with such vigor and ardour was one of the many things she both appreciated and loved about Kyanna. And she was equally appreciative of the fact that the witch didn't seem to mind the magia's own calmer nature, even if it sometimes gave the wrong impression, as was very much the case now.

"Negative - This Unit was merely musing on the challenges waiting ahead. Home... would be a good long-term goal to have, and to direct energy towards."

Then she nodded. Yes, it was as simple as that. Even if she couldn't quite imagine herself building a house, she always liked to do so in games that allowed for such things, though it was obviously always much less taxing. Select an object, plop it down... there would be no such luxuries of convenience here. Yet, much as her second half said, it would be equally as rewarding in the end.

"Conclusion - Kyanna's plan to build a cozy home is sound and will be supported by this Unit in earnest."

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna beamed with a smile at @MAI voicing her desire and likeness to direct some energy to this home-y goal. The challenges were to be taken into account, but the witch had a different perspective on it. "It is a challenge, yes, but think of it as a good reason, and excuse, to spend some more time together." She winked with a small smile, then pondering for a moment.

"So Pormont, after all? I really wanted a mushroom house deep into the forest, but you are right at the fact that being too far in the Tangleweaves would cause a lot of trouble to go between towns or even to bring resources and supplies there, hm..." She pouted a bit, tilting her head as she gave it a deeper thought, tapping her feet a couple times on the floor before narrowing her eyes at her girlfriend's general direction.

"Say, do you already have an idea of where exactly do you want the house in Pormont? You already had that region as an answer on your tongue, so I wonder if you already had somewhere you liked enough to want to call it home." She inquired, curious, but also considering their options.

 

[MAI]

‎

Kyanna sure knew how to find positives in just about anything, didn't she? Though her words managed to make MAI avert her eyes for a brief moment, before she replied.

"Affection - As if we needed external reasons to spend more time together..."

If there was one good thing about her 'Affliction', it was the fact that she could state things clearly even when feeling embarrassed or shy. No matter how she tried to convey her words, her body would speak them in the most blunt, mechanical way possible. Maybe that had a charm of its own?

However, she had to shake her head when asked about a more specific location. Such matters... as far as she was aware, would need more contemplation and research. She wasn't even sure if they could point to a piece of land and go 'We're buying this plot here!'.

"Negative - This unit merely enjoys the peaceful nature of Portmont. Additionally, vast plots of land are covered in wheat fields that look beautiful when growing or when ready for harvest. Combined with frequent deciduous forests that brim with colors come Autumn has formed a perception for this unit that Portmont would be most ideal for a peaceful and relaxing home. This unit is open to suggestions and criticism."

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna's eyes sparkled with rosy cheeks when @MAI voiced how they didn't need external reasons for that, which she giggled. "You are right, this means I can borrow you any time I want, eh?" That question almost sounded like a threat, or maybe simply a trap of love and endearment. Regardless of MAI's answer, Kyanna was already plotting what she would do with that information.

"I have little to no criticisms on that. Pormont is isolated enough to have our little house peacefully... But I think at least we should find a spot where it is a little into the forest, but that we can reach to the Pormont plains in just a minute or so of walk..." Her head tilted back and forth as she tried to think of anything else.

"Also, we can't be too far from a town, because now that I'm thinking about supplies, it would be a bother to move around for a whole day just to buy groceries." She declared.

 

[MAI]

‎

With a nod, MAI smiled. Even if Kyanna meant it in a teasing way, the magia would answer in earnest, because that was all she needed to do, and all she wanted to do in this moment.

"Affirmation - This unit will try to make itself available to Kyanna as much as possible."

Well, she still wasn't entirely sure what time zone difference there might have been for the two of them, and whether they would always be able to play at the same time. But those were problems to solve for later. They have managed to play plenty together up to this point, after all, so she had no doubts that they would be able to keep it up into the future as well. As for the details of their future home…

"Optimism - Pormont is a vast piece of land, largely covered in fields. Likelihood of available spot where fields and forest meet is high. Similarly, where there are fields, there are farms and where there are farms, there are settlements and trade routes that could be used to import goods for us."

Groceries aside, Kyanna surely also wanted the social aspect of living near a town or at least a village, which would not be facilitated by mere trading routes where traders would deliver food and other necessities directly to them, however. There were many things to consider, so they would have to take their time scouting the perfect location, it seemed.

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna suppressed the urge of almost leaping at @MAI out of joy. She just wanted to squeeze her as much as possible in a hug after the lovely response.

As the more analytical ponderings came, Kyanna gave it a deeper thought, looking satisfied about the idea.

"You really think about everything, eh? You know, I like that. Pormont may not be a bad idea at all!" Kyanna chirped, already daydreaming about their future home, in a cute forest and a wonderful view to endless fields and a cozy village nearby taking part of the landscape. It was all, it was all—!

"Marvelous! Simply amazing! We should go out today to go to Pormont and find a lovely hill with a lovely sight and everything!" Kyanna beamed, standing from her seat and raising her hands happily. She was surely going to make it the best home ever! Especially because MAI was there.