[Tachihara isn't here looking for Jouno. There are rumours of energy spikes in the area, a few unexplained magical events, nothing especially noteworthy, and definitely not enough to call in the big guns. Tachihara just used it as an excuse for a daytrip, and a chance to meet new people. He's pretty good at finding out information that way.
But he also can't resist a sweet shop. He follows Sigma inside only a few moments after him, looking around at all the options.]
I've never even seen half these things. It's local specialties, right?
[Hey, you stranger, you are now a part of this conversation, and yes he will talk to you as if you're a friend.]
[ Well hello to you too, stranger? It's a perfectly normal thing to ask about if you're from out of town, though, so there's no need to be frightened or rude. ]
That's right. The artisans are even offering special sweets to celebrate spring for the next few days, so you may very well never see these things again.
[ And yes, he did bring his own bag for that very reason. ]
Really? I didn't think my timing would be that good.
[And he didn't bring a bag, but he can always buy one. He does note Sigma's, though - and something the way he phrased himself - and he's got a hunch.]
It's really nice. A bit quiet. Why can't you live here?
[As he talks, he's idly checking out the various sweets on display. He wants to try one of each, really. He should have brought more money, but maybe there's someone around whose wallet he can steal.]
[ This guy, of course, seems to know exactly what he's here for. Though the stranger may be making him consider some impulse purchases, everything does look good... ]
My work is far enough away to make it inconvenient. Business before pleasure is what makes the world go 'round, unfortunately.
[It really does look good, and... Are those samples? He's not sure, actually, but they're in a bowl on the counter, and he can't see a price tag, so he grabs a couple while he won't be seen, just to try.]
Why not combine business and pleasure? [Work advice from someone who still looks like a high schooler... Not that Sigma looks much older.] What kind of job do you have?
[ Somehow said casually and proudly at the same time. Which is understandable, considering that place is one of those high class historic destinations politicians and celebrities stay at. No wonder this guy has the money for artisanal sweets... ]
Fancy and demanding, so a daily commute like this wouldn't work unfortunately.
[ The employee stops, thinking for a moment. "Not officially, but...I can put something together for you. Please wait a moment, sir." And off they go, looking like they already had some ideas.
And he's left with a now curious inn manager. ]
For your boss, you said? Are you here on business?
[Curiosity was the plan. This is how you trap people in conversation, and make them feel like it was their idea.]
Yeah. Part time while I study. He sent me here to pick up some old records from the temple, and said I should bring the team back some sweets while I'm here.
Oh, it is. Joking aside I really wouldn't choose to live anywhere else, [ Lowering his voice to a stage whisper, ] even for all the pastries in this shop.
[ And that's the truth. There's a sentimentality in his expression, like someone talking about their beloved hometown even if it's kind of a dump. No matter what it is, it's theirs. ]
Yeah. Some military history, some... other things.
[He trails off, almost like he's waving it off, but his attention has been caught by some of the samples being brought out. He eagerly grabs one, popping it in his mouth and chewing for a second before continuing.]
I've been travelling a lot for it, yeah. There's a lot of oral history that no one's written down yet, and some dociments no one's made any copies of. And if I can find something my Professors didn't know about, I'll definitely get a good grade.
[Listen, it's so much fun to make up pure bullshit and create a character for himself on the spot.]
[ He mirrors the lean in to their little secret-sharing session, eyebrows furrowing when the other actually says it. Not in confusion or disbelief, but rather...suspicion. ]
[ Two gods, huh? Even if it is just a legend, he seems to be taking a moment to give it some honest thought. ]
Hm...A battle between gods would have wreaked havoc on their surroundings, wouldn't it? If they couldn't agree not to fight, maybe they agreed to take mercy on anyone who would have been caught in the crossfire.
Maybe they wanted to protect the forest. You have to be pretty mad to want to destroy your own home.
[He's not old enough to know more about it than that. Jouno was the one who told him about it before he arrived here, just in case, though they have no reason to believe the strange things happening have anything to do with that. Even Jouno had claimed it was most likely just a myth.
He tries another sample.]
It's gonna be difficult to decide which ones to buy for my boss... Which one do you like best?
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jounosknot2023-05-18 03:27 pm
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But he also can't resist a sweet shop. He follows Sigma inside only a few moments after him, looking around at all the options.]
I've never even seen half these things. It's local specialties, right?
[Hey, you stranger, you are now a part of this conversation, and yes he will talk to you as if you're a friend.]
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That's right. The artisans are even offering special sweets to celebrate spring for the next few days, so you may very well never see these things again.
[ And yes, he did bring his own bag for that very reason. ]
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[And he didn't bring a bag, but he can always buy one. He does note Sigma's, though - and something the way he phrased himself - and he's got a hunch.]
So you're not from here, either?
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[As he talks, he's idly checking out the various sweets on display. He wants to try one of each, really. He should have brought more money, but maybe there's someone around whose wallet he can steal.]
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My work is far enough away to make it inconvenient. Business before pleasure is what makes the world go 'round, unfortunately.
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Why not combine business and pleasure? [Work advice from someone who still looks like a high schooler... Not that Sigma looks much older.] What kind of job do you have?
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[ Somehow said casually and proudly at the same time. Which is understandable, considering that place is one of those high class historic destinations politicians and celebrities stay at. No wonder this guy has the money for artisanal sweets... ]
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I've heard of it. It's a fancy place.
[Not one he's ever been to. And -- He catches the attention of one of the shop workers.]
You don't have any samples or anything, do you? I'm supposed to bring some back for my boss, and he has a very particular taste.
[Or he just wants free stuff. It's always so easy to get free stuff.]
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[ The employee stops, thinking for a moment. "Not officially, but...I can put something together for you. Please wait a moment, sir." And off they go, looking like they already had some ideas.
And he's left with a now curious inn manager. ]
For your boss, you said? Are you here on business?
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[Curiosity was the plan. This is how you trap people in conversation, and make them feel like it was their idea.]
Yeah. Part time while I study. He sent me here to pick up some old records from the temple, and said I should bring the team back some sweets while I'm here.
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[ And that's the truth. There's a sentimentality in his expression, like someone talking about their beloved hometown even if it's kind of a dump. No matter what it is, it's theirs. ]
I see! May I ask what it is you're studying?
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[Just as conspiratorial as he says it, expression playful.]
I'm studying history. You don't have to tell me I don't seem like the type, I wasn't expecting to like it this much myself.
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Even if he was curious, but that's just natural, isn't it? ]
Oh, far be it from me to talk about appearances. If it makes you that happy, then by all means! It takes you to scenic places like this, doesn't it?
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[He trails off, almost like he's waving it off, but his attention has been caught by some of the samples being brought out. He eagerly grabs one, popping it in his mouth and chewing for a second before continuing.]
I've been travelling a lot for it, yeah. There's a lot of oral history that no one's written down yet, and some dociments no one's made any copies of. And if I can find something my Professors didn't know about, I'll definitely get a good grade.
[Listen, it's so much fun to make up pure bullshit and create a character for himself on the spot.]
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[ Go theater kid go, he's buying it wholesale! ]
Nevermind just a good grade, once you've made some fascinating discoveries you'll have to pay the inn a visit and tell me about them.
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[Hey, why not see what he can get, right? And he's going to gesture for Sigma to try some of the samples, too, since there seems to be two of each.]
I mean, if you're really curious, you could always check out some places with me, while I'm here.
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I could work out a discount for someone kind enough to show me around.
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[Popping another sweet in his mouth. These really are good... He wonders which one Jouno will like best. He'll have to get several.]
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[ What sort of rumors would a history student be privy to? A battle, a historical figure's resting place...? ]
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There was a devastating battle fought here once. And they say it wasn't between humans.
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Wasn't...? What else could it have been?
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They say it was two gods that had been feuding for centuries. In the end they both agreed to seal their powers here.
[And back to normal:]
It's just a legend, obviously. Who'd seal their own powers away?
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Hm...A battle between gods would have wreaked havoc on their surroundings, wouldn't it? If they couldn't agree not to fight, maybe they agreed to take mercy on anyone who would have been caught in the crossfire.
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[He's not old enough to know more about it than that. Jouno was the one who told him about it before he arrived here, just in case, though they have no reason to believe the strange things happening have anything to do with that. Even Jouno had claimed it was most likely just a myth.
He tries another sample.]
It's gonna be difficult to decide which ones to buy for my boss... Which one do you like best?