Felix is— preferring to be working alone, I think. He is not usually being one for company.
[Although of those from Garreg Mach that are currently assembled, Petra happens to know she ranks rather high on Felix's list of acceptable companions, mostly because he knows she'll do her part on the battlefield effectively and without complaint. They've always gotten along well enough.]
You, however, are always pleasant to spend time with— and it would only be taking the afternoon. We could easily be making that dinner you speak of!
[ It takes all of Hilda’s power not to show her dismay when Petra continues with her request. The compliment didn’t go unnoticed of course. Felix would always be a better fit for a mercenary, but Hilda couldn’t deny that she thought she was better company. Sorry, Felix! It's all the prickliness, really. But if all it took was a compliment to sway her, she would have done far more work than she had up until this point in her life.
Petra looks so earnest though and Hilda hates it when her friend's earnestness was paired with a request of her. It makes wiggling her way out of those favours along with her fear of disappointing them that much more difficult. Inwardly she sighs but when she speaks up her voice is light as air. ]
What does the job entail exactly? [ More details about what the job was didn’t mean she was interested, not by a long shot. In fact, Hilda is already drawing lines around what she would and wouldn’t be willing to do. ] If it involves getting stung by a scorpion, count me out. I heard all about Sylvain and Claude's escapades.
[Anyone who has known Hilda for any length of time and paid enough attention knows that there is always a great deal more going on in her head than what she says aloud— Petra is willing to guess that she is already deciding on the criteria of what would be acceptable.]
It is simply being an escort job. We would be accompanying a small group of merchants to one of the outposts. It is very possible you will not even need to lift your axe!
[That… may be a stretch. The desert wildlife can be quite aggressive, but Petra is offering her sweetest smile as she makes her proposition.]
[ An escort job. On paper it sounds easy. But Hilda knew that could mean any number of things simply because it opened up the possibility for other factors to complicate it. How many times had she heard of an escort job or a simple supply run turn into a small skirmish or a wheel breaking? At least if it was the latter the worst that could happen was that she might break a nail.
There’s still a part of her that wants to say no and say that she simply can’t afford to get her hair dirty so soon after washing it, but Petra’s prior earnestness and the smile that Hilda knows herself all too well makes her relent. She lets out a sigh as she reluctantly gets up from the bed to place her hairbrush down and select something else to wear that would fare better in the desert than the current outfit she has on. ]
Just don’t expect too much out of me if I do have to swing an axe, okay? [ There’s the faintest of pouts on her lips as she dramatically opens the door to her wardrobe. ] I’m out of practice, and I’m not used to fighting in a desert.
[Petra claps her hands together once in a show of enthusiasm— gentle and positive persistence, she had learned during their academy days, was one of the best ways to convince Hilda to do something. Simply make it difficult for her to say no.]
Oh, I am knowing exactly how much to expect.
[Interpret that how you will, Hilda. The princess' smile persists, knowing and confident.]
It will be no trouble at all, I am assuring you. We will easily be done in time for dinner!
[She's definitely interested in that offer for a free meal that Hilda seems to have secured.]
We can be going as soon as you are done making ready! The cart will be meeting us at the south gate.
[ Hilda knows what Petra is actually getting at but doesn’t say a word apart from shooting a pout over her shoulder before quickly picking out a pair of pants and sturdier (but fashionable!) boots for the day. Her fingers brush the fabric of the skirt she has on with a sigh. If they get back in time maybe she can wear it to dinner instead.
She isn’t one to be rushed but she doesn’t meander knowing that the request is a timely one. By the time she meets up with Petra with a hat that looks like she’s ready for safari. ]
Ready! I brought us some snacks and water too.
[ Hilda, coming prepared, clearly. If she was going out to the desert the least she can do is make the experience a little more pleasant. ]
[ Hilda practically preens under the praise. While she may want little to do with the outdoors especially in this particular context, she’s always wanted to please her friends. And as someone as seasoned as Petra, the praise, however small, lands with her. ]
I would be a hypocrite if I lectured Sylvain about sun protection and didn’t practise it myself. [ The merchants seem anxious to go though and after introducing herself quickly she’s back by Petra’s side. Noticeably she still has yet to pick up a weapon. ]
I guess we should get going if we’re going to make dinner, right?
[A few compliments always seem to go a long way with Hilda, Petra has noticed— it's nice to know that some things never change. She beams as she gives her friend a nod of approval, gesturing towards the door.]
You are quite right. Time is being of the essence! Let's go.
[Petra wastes no time in leading her friend from their current residence and towards the south gate of the city. Along the way, she makes easy small talk, as though they're heading out for nothing more than a pleasant stroll, and before long, they're meeting with the day's clients. Petra handles the necessary discussion before they head out, introducing Hilda in the process, and before long they're on the road with both young women out front, leading the way in the direction of the outpost.]
I guess it’s okay so far. It's definitely not a walk around the monastery grounds.
[ She still has yet to become fully accustomed to the heat of the desert, but with a considerable amount of shade provided by her hat along with some effort of visulizing that she isn’t in a hotter climate than she’s used to, she’s holding up alright. It would be a complete lie to say that she isn’t keeping an eye out for creatures that could sting or bite them. ]
Have you encountered anything while you've been out here?
[That, Petra can hardly argue— but Hilda is handling all of this quite well by her standards, and so she will count that as a decisive victory.]
I have— the desert is full of all sorts of creatures, but the worst of them rarely come this close to the roads, especially when it is still being daytime.
[Well, there are juvenile sandskids, and Howlers, and other things, but... nothing that can't be handily taken care of with a well-aimed arrow and a sharp blade.]
Anything we might come across, I have no doubt we will be able to dispatch with ease! People are paying good money for parts, as well. They are useful for medicines, among other things.
[ The truth of the matter is, Petra's presence is probably a good influence on Hilda. She had rarely — actually never — seen or heard her complain during their time at the academy and this morning's interaction still has yet to leave her mind. The thought of disappointing her bring about an all too familiar sense of anxiety she's quietly trying to squash. ]
Parts? [ Skinning and taking apart animal parts isn't unheard of back home but it still makes her balk at the thought of having to do the work herself. ] Do you normally do all of that [ Hilda motions vaguely as if to impress some kind of "skinning and taking apart" with her hand motions. ] yourself?
[ Watching Petra brighten immediately makes Hilda feel both proud of her friend for knowing her skillset while simultaneously feeling a little envious of her friend at the same time. It's an odd mix that she doesn't want to feel and she quickly brushes aside the latter feeling. She'd find her own thing in time, she hopes. Although being cared for didn't sound like an awful way to live either if she could ignore feeling guilty about being a total freeloader. ]
Well I'll leave all of that to you then. I don't have much of a stomach for that sort of thing. [ She lets out a little noise as she stretches before looping her arm loosely around Petra's cheekily looking up at her. ]
What else has happened that you need to catch me up on? Any fun gossip? I'm surprised Claude hasn't tried to lead all of you into some takeover of the city to avoid the -- [ She casts a glance towards some of the merchants who seem to be in their own world before lowering her voice cautiously anyway. ] war.
[Though Hilda's taking her arm is a momentary surprise, Petra does not object in the least, and comfortably settles into walking arm-in-arm with her friend as they lead their clients along the road into the desert. So far, the coast has been clear, though she does ensure she remains on the alert as they chat— she had been quite right, however, in assuming that company would make this job much more enjoyable.]
Fun gossip...
[She echoes her friend with a brief laugh.]
That is more being Sylvain's department, I am thinking, but I will do what I can! Claude has certainly been making his influence known throughout Cadens, though... I feel like I cannot mention him to anyone I meet without them saying they are already knowing him!
[Which is just his way, she supposes. She notes the way Hilda's voice drops, and lowers her own to suit.]
But... I am seeing your point. None of us are wanting to participate in a war that is not being ours to fight. I am thinking he is too busy charming every summoned and native he can to be staging a takeover, though.
[ Hilda knows that Petra is probably on guard and she happily lets her own slip slightly. She had been promised a nice walk in the desert after all and that's exactly what she was going to get even if she had to will away any beasties that tried to ruin that.
She's unsurprised to hear that both of their friends were being social butterflies in their own rights. A little giggle escapes her lips at Petra's probably correct assumption. ]
Who says that's not him slowly building his way up to that though? Half the work is winning people over to your cause and side. [ The topic is tiptoeing dangerously close to topics from home though and she quickly tries to sidestep it. ]
But I want to hear about what things you've been hearing - and doing of course.
Hmm, you are having an excellent point. Being in everyone's good graces will serve him well if that is what he is deciding to do.
[It's only partly a joke, really— Hilda is absolutely right, it would be well within Claude's abilities to do so and the rest of them would obviously end up right alongside him if he did, but Petra also opts not to say anything more to that effect. Conflict won't be avoided here forever, things have already come to a head with the assault of Libertas, but—
Just for a little while, it would be nice to think that war isn't on their doorstep.
She lets out a soft hmm as they continue arm-in-arm, giving Hilda a brief conspiratorial look.]
Well, the Sarstina and Mag's Inn are both being excellent places to hear all kinds of things, but much of it is not meaning much to me without context. I have been keeping myself busy, with hunting and helping with relief efforts, but I have also been meeting some very interesting people. There are werewolves and vampires here, you know.
[ Hilda couldn't agree more. They collectively as friends haven't talked about it at length — and Hilda wasn't eager or willing to bring it up herself — but she knows it's a looming cloud. It draws parallels to Fodlan more than she'd like. But she knows that all the talk of a take over is in jest. They had to go home after all, didn't they? This wasn't their home.
Luckily war isn't half as interesting as the next topic Petra brings up. ]
Werewolves and vampires?! [ Her eyes go as wide as plates as she let's out a small squeal almost forgetting where they are for a moment and drawing looks from some of the merchants. ] Really? What are they like? Are they friendly, or are they as scary as the stories from home say?
[Hilda and Petra are now entering their Twilight phase.]
Oh, they are being quite friendly! Perhaps not always with one another, but they have peace enough between them that they occupy Nocwich together, which is where they hosted many of us Summoned as guests a few months ago.
[That particular trip had ended a bit rough, given the delegates from each faction were all attacked, but Petra doesn't think either the wolves or the vampires were responsible for that... probably.]
They make some very interesting things! Clothing and weapons that are like nothing I have ever been seeing in Fodlan, and their food is quite interesting. I have spent more time among the werewolves, admittedly. Sylvain could tell you more about the vampires, but I was not thinking they were scary at all.
[ Which of the girls is Team Jacob and which one is Team Edward?
She can't help but sigh wistfully. Nocwich and it's eternal night sounded like a blissful change especially now that they were walking under it now. ]
I would have loved to be there for the opening of that. But of course you wouldn't be scared of them, Petra. You aren't scared of anything! [ And then she grins up at her, giving Petra's arm a squeeze. ] Can we go together next time? I'd love to explore it with you. And if you know any werewolves, I'd love to meet them.
[ It presented another adventure, neatly wrapped into the one that they were already currently on. Reflexively she can't help but think that she'd love to tell Holst all about this before belatedly realizing that she can't just write him a letter here like she would back home. Her heart tightens slightly, but she pushes it to the back of her mind. ]
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Felix is— preferring to be working alone, I think. He is not usually being one for company.
[Although of those from Garreg Mach that are currently assembled, Petra happens to know she ranks rather high on Felix's list of acceptable companions, mostly because he knows she'll do her part on the battlefield effectively and without complaint. They've always gotten along well enough.]
You, however, are always pleasant to spend time with— and it would only be taking the afternoon. We could easily be making that dinner you speak of!
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Petra looks so earnest though and Hilda hates it when her friend's earnestness was paired with a request of her. It makes wiggling her way out of those favours along with her fear of disappointing them that much more difficult. Inwardly she sighs but when she speaks up her voice is light as air. ]
What does the job entail exactly? [ More details about what the job was didn’t mean she was interested, not by a long shot. In fact, Hilda is already drawing lines around what she would and wouldn’t be willing to do. ] If it involves getting stung by a scorpion, count me out. I heard all about Sylvain and Claude's escapades.
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It is simply being an escort job. We would be accompanying a small group of merchants to one of the outposts. It is very possible you will not even need to lift your axe!
[That… may be a stretch. The desert wildlife can be quite aggressive, but Petra is offering her sweetest smile as she makes her proposition.]
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There’s still a part of her that wants to say no and say that she simply can’t afford to get her hair dirty so soon after washing it, but Petra’s prior earnestness and the smile that Hilda knows herself all too well makes her relent. She lets out a sigh as she reluctantly gets up from the bed to place her hairbrush down and select something else to wear that would fare better in the desert than the current outfit she has on. ]
Just don’t expect too much out of me if I do have to swing an axe, okay? [ There’s the faintest of pouts on her lips as she dramatically opens the door to her wardrobe. ] I’m out of practice, and I’m not used to fighting in a desert.
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Oh, I am knowing exactly how much to expect.
[Interpret that how you will, Hilda. The princess' smile persists, knowing and confident.]
It will be no trouble at all, I am assuring you. We will easily be done in time for dinner!
[She's definitely interested in that offer for a free meal that Hilda seems to have secured.]
We can be going as soon as you are done making ready! The cart will be meeting us at the south gate.
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She isn’t one to be rushed but she doesn’t meander knowing that the request is a timely one. By the time she meets up with Petra with a hat that looks like she’s ready for safari. ]
Ready! I brought us some snacks and water too.
[ Hilda, coming prepared, clearly. If she was going out to the desert the least she can do is make the experience a little more pleasant. ]
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Being worried about the sun, are you? That is probably wise.
[Hilda may not be Sylvain, but is still fair enough that she's likely to burn.]
You are being very prepared! I am impressed.
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I would be a hypocrite if I lectured Sylvain about sun protection and didn’t practise it myself. [ The merchants seem anxious to go though and after introducing herself quickly she’s back by Petra’s side. Noticeably she still has yet to pick up a weapon. ]
I guess we should get going if we’re going to make dinner, right?
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You are quite right. Time is being of the essence! Let's go.
[Petra wastes no time in leading her friend from their current residence and towards the south gate of the city. Along the way, she makes easy small talk, as though they're heading out for nothing more than a pleasant stroll, and before long, they're meeting with the day's clients. Petra handles the necessary discussion before they head out, introducing Hilda in the process, and before long they're on the road with both young women out front, leading the way in the direction of the outpost.]
See? This is hardly bad, is it?
[Just a walk in the desert, Hilda!]
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[ She still has yet to become fully accustomed to the heat of the desert, but with a considerable amount of shade provided by her hat along with some effort of visulizing that she isn’t in a hotter climate than she’s used to, she’s holding up alright. It would be a complete lie to say that she isn’t keeping an eye out for creatures that could sting or bite them. ]
Have you encountered anything while you've been out here?
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I have— the desert is full of all sorts of creatures, but the worst of them rarely come this close to the roads, especially when it is still being daytime.
[Well, there are juvenile sandskids, and Howlers, and other things, but... nothing that can't be handily taken care of with a well-aimed arrow and a sharp blade.]
Anything we might come across, I have no doubt we will be able to dispatch with ease! People are paying good money for parts, as well. They are useful for medicines, among other things.
[She's way too cheerful about this.]
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Parts? [ Skinning and taking apart animal parts isn't unheard of back home but it still makes her balk at the thought of having to do the work herself. ] Do you normally do all of that [ Hilda motions vaguely as if to impress some kind of "skinning and taking apart" with her hand motions. ] yourself?
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[Petra's answer is both bright and immediate, without pause. She turns to give her friend a sidelong glance, along with a warm smile.]
I have been hunting since I was being very young. Those skills are coming in very handy here!
[It's nice, being able to play to her strengths.]
I am leaving the politics to Claude and finding another way to be earning my place here.
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Well I'll leave all of that to you then. I don't have much of a stomach for that sort of thing. [ She lets out a little noise as she stretches before looping her arm loosely around Petra's cheekily looking up at her. ]
What else has happened that you need to catch me up on? Any fun gossip? I'm surprised Claude hasn't tried to lead all of you into some takeover of the city to avoid the -- [ She casts a glance towards some of the merchants who seem to be in their own world before lowering her voice cautiously anyway. ] war.
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Fun gossip...
[She echoes her friend with a brief laugh.]
That is more being Sylvain's department, I am thinking, but I will do what I can! Claude has certainly been making his influence known throughout Cadens, though... I feel like I cannot mention him to anyone I meet without them saying they are already knowing him!
[Which is just his way, she supposes. She notes the way Hilda's voice drops, and lowers her own to suit.]
But... I am seeing your point. None of us are wanting to participate in a war that is not being ours to fight. I am thinking he is too busy charming every summoned and native he can to be staging a takeover, though.
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She's unsurprised to hear that both of their friends were being social butterflies in their own rights. A little giggle escapes her lips at Petra's probably correct assumption. ]
Who says that's not him slowly building his way up to that though? Half the work is winning people over to your cause and side. [ The topic is tiptoeing dangerously close to topics from home though and she quickly tries to sidestep it. ]
But I want to hear about what things you've been hearing - and doing of course.
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[It's only partly a joke, really— Hilda is absolutely right, it would be well within Claude's abilities to do so and the rest of them would obviously end up right alongside him if he did, but Petra also opts not to say anything more to that effect. Conflict won't be avoided here forever, things have already come to a head with the assault of Libertas, but—
Just for a little while, it would be nice to think that war isn't on their doorstep.
She lets out a soft hmm as they continue arm-in-arm, giving Hilda a brief conspiratorial look.]
Well, the Sarstina and Mag's Inn are both being excellent places to hear all kinds of things, but much of it is not meaning much to me without context. I have been keeping myself busy, with hunting and helping with relief efforts, but I have also been meeting some very interesting people. There are werewolves and vampires here, you know.
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Luckily war isn't half as interesting as the next topic Petra brings up. ]
Werewolves and vampires?! [ Her eyes go as wide as plates as she let's out a small squeal almost forgetting where they are for a moment and drawing looks from some of the merchants. ] Really? What are they like? Are they friendly, or are they as scary as the stories from home say?
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Oh, they are being quite friendly! Perhaps not always with one another, but they have peace enough between them that they occupy Nocwich together, which is where they hosted many of us Summoned as guests a few months ago.
[That particular trip had ended a bit rough, given the delegates from each faction were all attacked, but Petra doesn't think either the wolves or the vampires were responsible for that... probably.]
They make some very interesting things! Clothing and weapons that are like nothing I have ever been seeing in Fodlan, and their food is quite interesting. I have spent more time among the werewolves, admittedly. Sylvain could tell you more about the vampires, but I was not thinking they were scary at all.
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She can't help but sigh wistfully. Nocwich and it's eternal night sounded like a blissful change especially now that they were walking under it now. ]
I would have loved to be there for the opening of that. But of course you wouldn't be scared of them, Petra. You aren't scared of anything! [ And then she grins up at her, giving Petra's arm a squeeze. ] Can we go together next time? I'd love to explore it with you. And if you know any werewolves, I'd love to meet them.
[ It presented another adventure, neatly wrapped into the one that they were already currently on. Reflexively she can't help but think that she'd love to tell Holst all about this before belatedly realizing that she can't just write him a letter here like she would back home. Her heart tightens slightly, but she pushes it to the back of her mind. ]