linkingup | IN THE FOREST OF THE LOST

...Miss Mafuyu...

[ Argenti had been worried before and now they know the identity that concern increases exponentially.

So the few paths lead to the castle, but what do they look like? Also he is very conscientious of his stepping so he does Not step on flowers. ]

The main path is a paved road, easy to walk on and wide enough for carriages... not that there's any here. All other paths are dirt paths weaving into the apple orchard, and that is where whispering and gleeful gossip is happening.

A paved road, and dirt paths...they seem to lead to the apple orchard.

[ Argenti begins to head to the apple orchard, to see if he might catch more. ]

A gardener is tending to one of the apple trees.

I hear the princess has never missed a day of lessons or failed a test. Isn't that somethin'! We'll be in good hands, once she takes the throne.

[ Oh hello there, gardner. May as well engage this one friendly-like. ]

...It sounds as if the princess is quite incredible indeed. I wonder what other talents and skills she so happens to have?

They gleefully bring Argenti over!

Why, there's nothing the princess can't do! She's diligent, talented and kind. I've never seen her fail at anything!

[ Societal pressure to be perfect...? ]

Never? What was the most difficult task she tackled and succeeded in? I am most curious to know more, after all.

I'm most impressed with her athleticism. She can hit any target with ease, even if she's never handled the equipment before! All while maintaining her education and her grace! She's truly a wonder, isn't she?

...I will not lie. Her feats do sound incredible when you speak of them regarding her.

[ Then, Argenti grants a small smile, gentle all the same. ]

As someone who is more or less new to these parts, I can only hope to understand more about this most radiant princess. I do wonder if this kingdom is in need of knights to serve as her personal guard.

After all, I am a Knight myself.

The gardener appears thoughtful.

The princess is our greatest treasure- she'll always need protecting. You'll have to ask the Queen, however- she decides everything about the princess... but you seem like an honorable sort, and I'm sure Her Majesty will welcome you with open arms.

Of course.

I am also certain that this Queen must be quite generous and kind herself. And, naturally, as a Knight it means quite a bit to be honorable - it is a must, after all. For my fellow knightly companion that remains true for him as well.

[ Then he gestures to Fray who has shown up with him, before looking back at the gardener, sparkling practically perfectly and radiantly at this person. ]

Is there a specific person we must be in contact with in order to reach out to the Queen?

[He's going to let Argenti do the talking, since Argenti clearly has got a handle on this, but he will nod. Stoically.]

Not at all. Please, head to the front gate, and someone will let you in- we can't let just anyone in, after all.

I hope to see you both in the guard. The King is away for diplomacy, so I worry about her and the Queen both.

But of course. I think that will be it for now...you have been so helpful.

[ Argenti even grants the person a very polite and elegantly executed bow. Up to the standards of a Knight of Beauty, naturally.

Then he turns to Fray. TIME TO FIND OUT HOW BAD THEIR COMPANIONS HAVE SOILED THEIR ATTIRE... ]

Shall we?

Edited 2024-09-28 23:30 (UTC)

[Fray mirrors it, though his is nowhere near as elegant and is more functional than flashy.]

Thank you for your time and assistance.

[May as well play along, right? This is Mafuyu's palace, so there's no reason to go making a mess of things... for now, anyway.

(smash cut to everyone else in their dirty clothes)]

Yes, let's.

[And once we've put some distance between ourselves and the others...]

I wonder if they're learned anything of value.

[ At least they're definitely doing well playing along - Fray's functional bow to him looks perfectly executed as if he had been doing it for at least a century.

But, anyway, enough simp behavior for now. ]

I am certain that they have!

Their souls are determined and resourceful...even if loud, at times.

[ And it will show when they're covered in dirt indeed, but ah well. ]

[lum what are you talking about, it's them, there is never enough simp behavior—]

Indeed. I do have to wonder if they've been playing along or...

[...Hmm. Looks like they have not. Eli, are you okay, did you roll around in some dirt or something??]

...I see.

[ So true, so true— ]

...Ah.

[ Yeah...there's Izou, Eli, and he thinks he may have even caught some dirt on Sunrise, Joshua, or Yi Sang depending on how close they get or whenever they pass by...why. Why is this happening. ]

I wonder what happened? I did not hear sounds of blows being exchanged.

[ And yet... ]

We're lucky it hasn't turned into a fight yet.

[Though yeah, how exactly did this happen...? Hmm. To the others with dirt on their clothes:]

What happened to you all?

[ look at least he got dirt for a Good Reason???? maybe???? ]

... I got ambushed.

[ not the whole story but Good Enough. ]

Did you fight them off?

[Damn, that was a fast fight!!]

(no subject)

finalmix - 2024-09-28 23:52 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

bloodweapon - 2024-09-28 23:54 (UTC) - Expand

[ Have Yi Sang, with the smudge on his wrist but a mini bouquet. ]

Do not disturb the flowers.

Edited 2024-09-28 23:48 (UTC)

[ HELP...Yi Sang certainly did try his best... ]

...Duly noted. But, the flowers do at least look nice. Did you find anything interesting about them?

We were speaking to a gardener over by the apple orchard, by the way.

It was mentioned that the Queen decides everything about the princess and the King himself is away, among other things about the princess' perfection. I believe it may have something to do with Miss Mafuyu's struggles, however...