[Adding more from Fodlan to their number has been both welcome and worrying— it is something Claude had spoken to both Petra and Sylvain about in the past, both wanting and not wanting to see familiar faces here. Their company, of course, was welcome, but the circumstances of their being here were less than desirable.
Petra has found herself feeling much the same, but for the time being, she is intent on focusing on the fact that she is glad to be reunited with friends, as well as doing her part to ensure they settle in comfortably. This particular afternoon brings her to Hilda's door, which she knocks at before leaning through with her bow slung over one shoulder.]
[ Hilda had always admired Petra. She thought that she was everything that made sense about a princess: smart, kind, strong, great hair. Was Hilda personally into the whole hunting thing? Not really. But she had always enjoyed listening to Petra tell tales about her childhood and how growing up in Brigid had been so different from her upbringing in Goneril.
So sure, they were in a completely different world. And they were apparently from different timelines. But Hilda was trying to look on the bright side of things: it really meant more time with someone that she liked and wanted to get to know better. When Petra finds her that morning she's in the process of combing through her freshly washed hair. She grins at her friend as she comes through the door. ]
Of course I'm here. It's you that I'd never be able to find; you're always up and about before I'm even up!
[Well, she can hardly argue that. Petra has always been an early riser, and even a world away, that hasn't changed. She offers Hilda a warm, engaging smile in turn, stepping through the door proper at last.]
You are having an excellent point. I am also being very sneaky, when I want to be.
[She could make it pretty hard for most of her friends to find her, if it ever suited, though she can't imagine any reason for it other than maybe as part of an elaborate prank. Maybe a collaboration with Claude?]
I am not interrupting, am I?
[How long does it take Hilda to prepare for the day, she wonders? Her own hair takes some time to arrange first thing in the morning, but she thinks perhaps Hilda has her beat... she always seems to take great care with how she looks.]
[ Sneaky was one way of putting it. Hilda didn't think she was exceptionally ignorant to her surroundings - she actually had a keen perceptiveness when she wanted to. And yet there had been a number of times during their academy days where she had been startled because of Petra quietly appearing out of nowhere with a cheerful grin on her face. ]
I used to tell Dorothea that I thought your hair was full of secrets. I bet you heard a ton of gossip with how quietly you were able to move around the monastery.
[ Her eyes glimmer good naturedly because it's really a compliment coming from her. She pats the bed for Petra to take a seat if she wants to as she shakes her head at her question. ]
Nope! I'm just getting my hair ready. Hair washing day always takes so much time, but it feels so good to have clean hair after. All of this sand is really doing a number on it. [ She resumes her brushing but tilts her head casting a curious glance towards her. ] Is everything alright?
Edited (iM SO SORRY LAST EDIT) 2022-12-15 07:12 (UTC)
[She is not so literal as to completely mistake what Hilda is trying to say, at least, and she laughs lightly.]
I am able to be keeping many secrets, indeed, but not in my hair— and it is always interesting to hear what people are saying when they think no one is around.
[Oh, she has absolutely heard her share of gossip. Her smile hitches wider as she moves to take the offered seat, letting her hands come to rest just above her knees as she settles.]
Everything is being fine! Actually, I am having a job out in the desert beyond the city today, but I am needing a partner for this one. I was hoping you would be joining me, but if you have just washed your hair...
[Hilda would likely be reluctant no matter what state her hair was in, Petra thinks, but she is prepared to convince her.]
[ An, "Oh good," was about to pass Hilda's lips but then her hair brushing stops, realizing what Petra is asking before she's even done saying it. At least she's polite enough to let her friend finish.
She had known that Petra had become a mercenary in Cadens to make money and fill the spare time; it made sense considering how handy she was with just about every weapon she touched but out of all the possible ways to make money that had been presented to Hilda, that was one she had quickly ruled out.
A relived laugh escapes her lips as she resumes her brushing. For a minute there she had thought Petra was about to ask her to go with her. ]
Exactly, you know how it is. Maybe you could bring Felix along. [ Felix sounded like the perfect fit for a mercenary job - far better suited for it than her. ] Is the job going to take the whole day? I was thinking that we could go for dinner tonight actually - I met someone who said he was happy to treat us because he owns the restaurant!
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.
action, early december
Petra has found herself feeling much the same, but for the time being, she is intent on focusing on the fact that she is glad to be reunited with friends, as well as doing her part to ensure they settle in comfortably. This particular afternoon brings her to Hilda's door, which she knocks at before leaning through with her bow slung over one shoulder.]
Hilda! I was hoping I would be finding you here!
IT BEGINS
So sure, they were in a completely different world. And they were apparently from different timelines. But Hilda was trying to look on the bright side of things: it really meant more time with someone that she liked and wanted to get to know better. When Petra finds her that morning she's in the process of combing through her freshly washed hair. She grins at her friend as she comes through the door. ]
Of course I'm here. It's you that I'd never be able to find; you're always up and about before I'm even up!
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You are having an excellent point. I am also being very sneaky, when I want to be.
[She could make it pretty hard for most of her friends to find her, if it ever suited, though she can't imagine any reason for it other than maybe as part of an elaborate prank. Maybe a collaboration with Claude?]
I am not interrupting, am I?
[How long does it take Hilda to prepare for the day, she wonders? Her own hair takes some time to arrange first thing in the morning, but she thinks perhaps Hilda has her beat... she always seems to take great care with how she looks.]
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I used to tell Dorothea that I thought your hair was full of secrets. I bet you heard a ton of gossip with how quietly you were able to move around the monastery.
[ Her eyes glimmer good naturedly because it's really a compliment coming from her. She pats the bed for Petra to take a seat if she wants to as she shakes her head at her question. ]
Nope! I'm just getting my hair ready. Hair washing day always takes so much time, but it feels so good to have clean hair after. All of this sand is really doing a number on it. [ She resumes her brushing but tilts her head casting a curious glance towards her. ] Is everything alright?
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[She is not so literal as to completely mistake what Hilda is trying to say, at least, and she laughs lightly.]
I am able to be keeping many secrets, indeed, but not in my hair— and it is always interesting to hear what people are saying when they think no one is around.
[Oh, she has absolutely heard her share of gossip. Her smile hitches wider as she moves to take the offered seat, letting her hands come to rest just above her knees as she settles.]
Everything is being fine! Actually, I am having a job out in the desert beyond the city today, but I am needing a partner for this one. I was hoping you would be joining me, but if you have just washed your hair...
[Hilda would likely be reluctant no matter what state her hair was in, Petra thinks, but she is prepared to convince her.]
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She had known that Petra had become a mercenary in Cadens to make money and fill the spare time; it made sense considering how handy she was with just about every weapon she touched but out of all the possible ways to make money that had been presented to Hilda, that was one she had quickly ruled out.
A relived laugh escapes her lips as she resumes her brushing. For a minute there she had thought Petra was about to ask her to go with her. ]
Exactly, you know how it is. Maybe you could bring Felix along. [ Felix sounded like the perfect fit for a mercenary job - far better suited for it than her. ] Is the job going to take the whole day? I was thinking that we could go for dinner tonight actually - I met someone who said he was happy to treat us because he owns the restaurant!
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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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