(no subject)

[reported]

[ with her latest idea for an article revolving around the different ways that people from Rieze Maxia lived, it was only right that Leia would need to do some legwork before she could start writing. even if she had been born and raised there, she didn't know all of the ins and outs of every city, and besides— research was an important part of journalism.

of course, even the best reporters needed sidekicks help once in a while so, naturally, she had decided to drag Alvin along on her little adventure. he wasn't bad company these days, and she figured he would be especially useful when it came to their first stop: Xian Du.

... which brings her to where she is now, knocking on the door to his room in Kanbalar's inn. ]

Hey! Are you ready? We should probably head out soon, you know.

[ she might sound a little impatient, but there's no real bite behind her words; even if they're out here on business (sort of), she's not that uptight. ]

Comments

same though orz

[reported]

Alright. Be careful up there, okay?

[ and she gives a quick wave before she moves to a slightly-less-crowded area in the lobby, where she'll patiently wait for him. ]

[opportunitycosts]

I got it, don't worry.

[and he returns the wave before bracing himself. it's going to take him longer than anticipated, and by the time he finally makes his way back to her he's not only starving but now feels like he needs a nap.]

Well I have some good news and bad news. Good news is, we have a room.

[reported]

[ when she sees him, she moves to meet him. she's pretty hungry herself, and she wants to get warmed up and possibly changed, so she's kind of relieved to see him. but— ]

Great! And what's the bad news?

[ she has a feeling she knows what he's going to say, but it's worth asking anyway. ]

[opportunitycosts]

It's a room. [sighs as he rubs the back of his neck.] As I thought, they really overbooked it, so they're trying to consolidate rooms with parties. So we're bunking together.

On the plus side, I managed to get a pretty good discount on everything here. It's like you're on the "kids stay for free" rate. [half smirk.]

Anyway, that's not a problem, right? It'll be just like old times.

[except usually it's either the guys and girls are separate or it's the whole group in one.]

[reported]

Well... I guess it's better than nothing.

[ it's a little new, since she's used to sharing with milla and elize or their entire group, but it's not like they haven't spent their fair share of time alone lately. just. not like this. ]

Go ahead and lead the way. I'm dying to relax a little before we head back out.

[opportunitycosts]

I already ordered us some food, too, so that should be there soon. [but yes. relax that would be ideal.

so after handing her her copy of the keys and slinging his bag over his shoulder, he once again makes their way through the crowd. it's calmer up the stairs and down the hallways.]

By the way, did I mention we're near the top floor?

[indoor elevator time. because they must exist.]

And we're at the front of the building, so we'll have a pretty good view, too.

[not that it matters THAT much given the short time they're there, but when it comes to traveling, Alvin always tries to get the best possible he can afford. it may or may not have to do with how he always needed a good view after long days of the past (as well as quick escape routes).]

[reported]

[ she follows him after tucking away her keys and gathering up her own things. ]

Seriously? That's awesome!

[ she doesn't intend on spending too much time indoors, naturally, but having a room with a nice view never hurt anyone, and the fact that they'll be eating soon does wonders for her morale. ]

I knew it was a good idea to bring you along with me.

[ and the elevator dings open, and she quickly steps out. ]

[opportunitycosts]

Don't think I haven't forgotten how you're basically using me for info.

[said with a wry look, but it's in good humor. down the hall, a quick right turn, avoiding some other people who are either checking in or making their way out to go to the festivities, and they're at the room. fortunately, two separate beds so no awkwardness there. it's a bit on the smaller side, but still cozy. the windows are already open, allowing the cool but fresh breeze to filter through along with the sounds of people below.

though it's the colder season, Xian Du's spirit clime is still in effect, allowing it to be much warmer than back in Kanbalar, so once inside, Alvin is setting down his things and taking off his coat before heading over to the window.]

All right, we got a balcony! [a common structure found on all of the buildings in the city, and just an easy swing over and one can easily stand on it. not that he will at the moment.

but there were colorful banners and tenants waved and rustled in the air, some even draped from outside their own room. and if one should go out, it truly is a good view. a little peek around the corner would reveal the large coliseum off in the distance. but most importantly, they can see all the stalls lining the streets and boats floating along the river, all filled with various goods and people.]

[reported]

[ leia, on the other hand, makes a beeline for one of the beds, and flops down onto it, effectively claiming it as her own; she's in the process of shrugging off her coat when he mentions the balcony. ]

Nice!

[ she peels off her gloves, dropping them onto the bed beside her coat before she crosses the room to take a look for herself. the view is nice— nicer than xian du normally looks, even— and the sight of the bustling crowd and bright decorations makes her smile. it's really festive, and in spite of being hungry and in need of some rest, she's already itching to get back out there. ]

Sharing won't be too bad, with a nice room like this.

[ and she holds up her hand for a high five. ]

[opportunitycosts]

[and he grins as he returns that high five.]

Nope. Not bad at all.

[and there's a knock on the door.]

And perfect timing on the food.

[he'll be moving away to answer and tip the guy who...really looks like he could need it. but with warm food and comfy beds, they can now just sit back and relax for an hour or two, or however long they need.]

[reported]

[ she soaks up the view for a few more minutes before wandering back to see what he got. ]

So, what's on the menu?

[ whatever it is, it smells nice. and cue her stomach rumbling. ]

[opportunitycosts]

Just a few of Xian Du's specialties for that should help warm you right up.

[more specifically, a special type of stew with beef, local vegetables, and bit of a spicy kick to the broth. there are also some dumplings on the side. for her he got her some tea and water. for himself? beer. of course.]

[reported]

[ but are they gaius dumplings, that's the real question here. ]

Sounds great.

[ and she moves to take a bowl for herself (because the dumplings and tea can wait). it's kind of hot, but it honestly feels sort of refreshing after being in the cold for so long. then, she moves to sit on the edge of her bed. she takes a few small sips of the soup, and then looks to him. ]

Do you want me to pay you back for this or anything?

[ since he's always complaining about her effects on his wallet. ]

[opportunitycosts]

[he's going to be by the window both out of comfort and a bit out of nostalgia.]

Nah, it's fine. You can just treat me the next time we go out.

[reported]

Sounds fair to me!

[ and sipping at the soup some more... ]

Maybe I could even drag you along with me next time I visit Leronde, and hook you up with a home-cooked meal.

[ because she doesn't visit nearly as often as she should, and the food at the lodge is still the best. ]

[opportunitycosts]

I guess it has been a while since I've been over there, let alone had any of your family's meals.

But do you really want to drag me out there just for the food?

[reported]

Hey, the food makes it more than worth it!

[ then again, finding the time to actually go there could pose a problem, so... ]

But I guess if you don't feel like making the trip, I could treat you to something that isn't so far away.

[opportunitycosts]

We'll see how things go, how about that?

[reported]

[ she flashes him a quick thumbs up. ]

Sounds like a plan!

[ and now she's finished with her stew, so she grabs a dumpling and then wanders over toward the window. ]

So, is anything interesting happening out there?

[opportunitycosts]

Hmm...

[he glances over his shoulder.]

Haven't seen or heard or anything yet, but they might throw a few traditional dance shows once it gets closer to evening.

[reported]

[ she squints, taking a look for herself. it doesn't look too much different from how it looked before, but— ]

You'd better work on resting up, then! I'm going to have to see that up-close.

[ and then she heads back to her bed so she can dig her notebook out of the pocket of her coat. she polishes off the rest of her dumpling before she sits down to flip through it. ]

I wanted to check out a few stalls, too. You know, so I can talk to the people who run them and see what kinds of things they sell.

/gets to use beer icon yeeeeah.

[opportunitycosts]

[chuckles as he just sets aside his own finished bowl and just leans back casually against the window, idly sipping his beer.]

I know, I know. But don't forget you have tomorrow, too.

[reported]

I know that! I'm just kind of pumped now that we're actually here.

[ ... in other words, she's bad at pacing herself. ]

[opportunitycosts]

[what did he say about her being high maintenance?]

I would say that you shouldn't forget to have fun, but this is you I'm dealing with. You'd probably get carried away and actually forget about your article.

[reported]

Come on, give me a little more credit than that! I totally know how to balance working and having fun.

[ he almost sounds like her editor. ]

I was going to do a little shopping while I talked to vendors, you know.