[Whenever it came to Ryza, she was absolutely the type of girl who had laser focus on things that triggered her curiosity and thirst for adventure. Even though she was diligent whenever it came to alchemy, she felt that she wouldn't had been a good student compared to Tao or Bos. They were far more studious than her... Though Ryza did take her time to be a teacher for the children on her island for a part-time role, but it was only temporary! Whenever it came to her friends or someone in need, she gave them her undivided attention.
As she listened to more of Troy's story, her eyes widened and she felt her heart tug with ache. She couldn't imagine losing her home and family... It came dangerously close one time, but she and her friends had ended up solving the problem before it had became worst. If anything, Ryza had to wonder if she would've been in the same position as him if her life went a little differently. Not only that, she reminded him of Lila... A warrior woman who came from a war-torn world. She never had the chance to live a normal life as she dedicated to her duty... At least until she met Empel - The alchemist that taught her the lessons in becoming one.]
Troy... That's-- [What could she say? She knew being a solider wasn't easy for anyone, but this was downright tragic. It just made her all the more grateful to have a home and living parents. In the past, she absolutely took her peaceful days far more for granted. She shuts her eyes to take a breath and places her hands to her chest to prevent her tears from welling up and starting another scene to give him trouble. Once Ryza takes a breath, she speaks more calmly... There was a slight crack in her voice, but she sounds like herself.]
Wow... I, uh... I didn't know how rough you had it. And you still manage to smile like a everyday person despite shouldering such a harsh past. You really are amazing... [And it just made her all the more determined to make him happy. If he was able to talk about his history this openly with a peaceful smile on his face, then it had to be fine...] I guess if it's really okay for me to ask questions... Was the monsters that attacked your home called "Philuscha" by any chance?
[Those were the scariest monsters that Ryza knew personally. Dragons were one thing, but the Philuscha were on another level. The Ravaging Queen in particular still freaked her out in her darkest dreams.]
[ Troy feels her sympathy for him, to which he responds to with a kind smile that showed a hint of resignation of his past. The wounds may have healed, but the scars will remain for the rest of his life. Troy simply shakes his head when she asks what the monsters were. ]
No. They were called Kataw. Monsters from the ancient myths of my people that I once thought were just stories told to kids to scare 'em, but apparently they're real. I was one of the few who managed to see them.
[ That's not even the worst part about his past, too. He'll get to it if she wants to hear more. ]
They've been living in the deepest parts of the ocean for centuries, stewing in their grudge against surface dwellers and have been waiting for a chance to strike. Said it's to reclaim the land that was once theirs. I don't know if that sounds similar to the Philuscha? What are they like?
--Really?! So adults really do that in other places too! The adults on our island often told us horror stories to keep us from going on adventures, but we often ignored 'em and did them anyway!
[A sign of her fearless spirit! It was often Ryza who was dragging her friends on wild adventures despite their protests, but they all still had fun. Nowadays, she understands that they told those stories to protect them from danger... But every hatchling must leave the nest. As Troy continues to speak more about the Kataw, her expression hardens as she thinks more about what she knows about the Philuscha...]
Uh... Whenever you put things like that, those Kataw creatures really do share mannerisms like the Philuscha. They're monsters that come from another world and sap away the environment like insects and kill anyone in their way... I have a friend who was a victim of their assaults and her home was plundered and ravaged by them!
[There was a bit of anger in her voice as her fist clinches up instinctively. It's more about the actions of monsters that angered her than the monster themselves... She was someone who could get along with beasts, but it's actions that come with hurting other people that triggered her sense of justice. As friendly as she was, Ryza wouldn't hesitate to kill a monster to protect people and herself.]
Anyway... Now that I think about it? The Philuscha do hate water, but they're still really crafty at how they move. They come in various shapes and sizes and there's always a bigger one that controls the pack. [A beat as she takes a breath.] My home was nearly invaded by them once, but my friends and I stopped them. Beyond the Oren people from the Underworld, my friends and I are the only ones who know they exist.
[ Troy finds it comforting to hear her voice as they eat and talk, sharing more and more pieces of themselves with each other. He nods and hums, listening to her while his eyes reflect his immediate thought on her stories. From a friend being a victim to the Philuscha, how these monsters behave, and Ryza heroic act in protecting her home alongside her friends. He can only imagine them; not doubting they're capable people worthy of Ryza's company. Troy remembers what he was told, about how Ryza and her friends have gone their separate ways. ]
Are the Oren still around? Or access to the Underworld?
[ He can't help but be curious. He has grown fond of underground settlements thanks to his time working alongside Dwarves and Dark Elves. ]
That said though, you and your friends did an admirable thing, I can't help but feel even more respect for you. Couldn't have been easy.
Hehe... I was still an innocent country girl back then! We were all learning new things and wanted to start walking our own paths to adulthood. Back then, I was really scared... But it was a great learning experience. I gotta ask you to keep this a biiiig secret, okay? ♥
[She adds by putting a finger to her lips with a playful wink. The fact that Ryza could say it with such weight and nostalgia shows that it was something that she grew up from... But she never forgot that fear and experience from being out of her comfort zone and fighting monsters that she's never seen before! At Troy's question, Ryza hums thoughtful as she folds her arms in deep thought... She just needed a moment to ponder on what makes an Oren stand out from a normal human.]
It's not often that you meet the Oren on the surface world, but you'll know them when you see them! [That's whenever she snaps her fingers.] Ah! I'd say that their most distinguishing features are their pale skin, white hair and their heterochromia.
[Then she'll be pausing to eat some more of her food. As sociable as she was, she couldn't forget to fill up her stomach! Getting the Underworld wasn't a normal feat, but Ryza certainly knew a way.]
I'd say that going to the Underworld means that we would have to find a Gate! I do know a few, but that environment isn't like ours. Your body will need a bit of time to adapt to the heavy air!
[ Troy gestures by drawing a line across his lips about that secret, leaning forward a little to listen closer. ]
Ah. They sound like Dark Elves where I'm from.
[ He thought of the Oren, reminding him of the Dalaketnon from his home country and the Dark Elves of Midgard he frequently worked with, along with the Dwarves. ]
And that's not surprising to me, too. Good thing my body can adapt to environments like that instantly. Remind me to take you to some Dwarf and Dark Elf cities, deep deep underground. Got a feeling seeing their underground cities will turn you like a kid in a candy store.
[ All the more reason he wants to take Ryza to Midgard. He can already imagine her smile, and it makes him smile fondly at the thought, and how his imagination mirrors the smile he's seeing now. Country girl or tomboy she may think of herself as, but he can't deny she's really beautiful. Growing even more so with every bit of knowledge he gains about her. ]
Wow... You're really capable of anything, aren't you? I couldn't ask for a better partner to go on adventures with!
[There's a certain glitter in her eyes whenever Troy brings up the Dark Elves and their civilization. Those who knew Ryza well meant that she was already itching to say "Let's go there right now!" as she's a lady of impulse and adventure. If she were younger, Ryza would've certainly stood up from the chair to say that. But now that she's matured a bit, she's learned to curb those boundless feelings in her chest a little better. But it didn't change the fact that they were still there...]
You sure know how to tease a girl with a good time, you know that? [Awkwardly, she couldn't help and scratch her cheek with a little giggle.] I'd love to see that place with you someday. I'm sure if you're friends with them, then they have to be good people!
[She always tried to see the best in people! If the Oren that she's met were socially awkward, yet welcoming people... Then for sure, the Dark Elves had to have their quirks as well. But even if the name sounded ominous, Ryza was sure that there had to have been more to them than that.]
I'm ready to hear more about your past, though! You mentioned that your recruiter was an... old god?
[ "Partner" has a nice ring to it that made him blush a little, mirroring the glitter in her eyes when he smiles. He can definitely see her impulsive desire for adventure, and is eager to help satisfy that in the future. After all, they're partners in this now, right? ]
And yeah, him. I didn't think he was a god at first, honestly. Back then my faith in what's actually real and what's mythical was so confused and he presented himself as a human man. I thought he worked for the government, and even went by a human name - Emilio.
[ He pauses for a bit, remembering those moments like it was yesterday. His enhanced mind provides him with a photographic memory that's become both a blessing and a curse. He remembers it all. How he was freezing after being fished out of the flood, how hopeless and lost he felt yet inside him was an ember that this Emilio fed, knowing it will grow into a blaze. ]
He wasn't alone. He had a group with him, and they brought me along with other kids like me on a boat when we agreed to their request to join the fight against the monster we all saw. We were sworn to secrecy with the promise of being granted power to fight these monsters, training us from day one to become soldiers in this remote island that's full of supernatural phenomena. Me and the other kids became each other's new family after we bonded over the loss of our real ones, so even when the training was grueling we had each other. All under the watchful eye of Emilio, who we later learned was one of the war gods worshipped by our ancestors. Him and his group were all war gods, they were the ones who trained us in fighting and dealing with magic.
[He's never seen him blush until now! Ah, he really did have a cute side... Ryza couldn't help and giggle a little seeing that. She wondered what other ways that she could make him do that in the future. Perhaps she should make more of an attempt at flirting with him? Questions and attempts for later! For now, she's more transfixed at Troy's story as she listens rather obediently.
It was interesting hearing about gods since she had about them through books, myths and legends throughout some of her travels. But she had yet to really met one in the flesh. Even the fact that gods were the ones who were responsible for alchemy itself. That fact was still something to take in... But she still planned on using this craft for good and the sake of others over using it to hurt people for selfish reasons. This Emilio sounded like a good guy... Ryza had a question or two on her end, but she couldn't help and empathize with his history since it mirrored hers in a few ways.]
You know, that really sounds like a lot about how I started out! I was just your average old farmer's daughter seeking out something new and different from my boring old island. My friends and I would always be causing headaches and allll sorts of trouble for the adults - We were called "The Three Brats". [She awkwardly scratches her cheek.] Not my favorite title in the world, but I guess we were really immature back then!
[She moves her hands to her lap. Just like her, he had a reliable instructor who put him on the path that he was meant to be set on. Ryza did wish that he didn't have to suffer along the way, but at the same time... He wouldn't be the wonderful man that he was if it wasn't for his past.]
One day... Whenever we were on an adventure, we were attacked by a scary monster that was far out of our experience range. But that's whenever my teacher, Empel appeared and defeated it by using a bomb born from alchemy! Nowadays, I can make bombs no problem... But the first time that I saw that, my heart started racing! It was, just, something I've never seen before on my sheltered little island.
[Then she lifts both of her hands up and balls one into a fist while cupping it into another. She knows what she was going to say next was going to come off as rather greedy, but Ryza was always an impulsive girl whenever her heart was set on something. That's one trait that hasn't changed much even while she's matured quite a bit.]
So I kept bugging him to teach me alchemy until he finally said yes! I know it's not as honorable as your reasons, but it was just something that my heart was really set on.
[ He, too, listens obediently at Ryza's story. His smile never left him, so his eyes had that joyful squint at her mention of The Three Brats title, and the way his imagination plays out her story in his mind. He wondered briefly what it would be like to live that simple life on a farm, recollecting memories of his long-gone homeland. Lush, green mountains and rich valleys. Fields of rice and colorful vegetables, among lines of tall trees and simple houses, as far as the eye can see. It's no wonder stories of giants inspired his people's creativity. But also the fact they were once real. ]
Hey, I can understand it. I probably would have been too. Actually, I was kinda like that when it came to basketball. It's a sport from my world.
[ He scoffs at the memory of himself, much much younger and going through the learning curve of playing a sport he came to love. ]
Before my life turned upside down, that was actually my dream. To play basketball for a living. Live that high life. I didn't have high hopes of getting a good education. By the time I was a teenager, I was already playing the role of "third parent". Something even the eldest kids of your world probably can relate to.
[If the time comes and she introduces Troy to her parents, there might've been a good chance that her mother was going to show her baby pictures and how she looked as a child. Ryza secretly cringes at the thought since there were a ton of embarrassing images of her! Some with her covered in mud or looking all wet... That side of her that wasn't afraid to get down and dirty hasn't changed. However... A maiden's heart could be a delicate thing whenever it came to appearances, you see!]
Basketball? I've never heard of that before! We, uh, actually didn't have much to play with at home... So that's one of the reasons why we went out adventuring. The adults were so rigid with us!
[Maybe playing with a stray non-violent Puni did the trick, but they didn't come around very often. Plus her mother was also the overprotective type... She's gotten a little better with letting Ryza be more independent as she grew up, but that aspect of her was still there. Ryza hoped that she wouldn't freak out too much if she ever introduced Troy to her... Her father was more gentle and laid-back, however.]
Uh... Do you still the skills for this "basketball" thing? I would actually like to play it with you if you wouldn't mind. Even if you can't do it for a living, I think you can still do it in your spare time. [She flashes him a grin.] I can do my best to help you live that dream... They don't truly die until you let 'em!
[ Troy nods, heart warmed by the idea of Ryza learning and playing basketball. Imagining her struggling to learn how to dribble or be quick on her feet, while also thinking it would probably be awkward to guard her with her height being much shorter than his own. ]
And I still play on my own when the time allows. It's an easy sport to play virtually anywhere, you just need a ball and hoop. It's one of the sports we can easily set up at the base. That and tennis.
[ He shrugs, imagining Ryza now playing tennis with the outfit on. Something she'd definitely wear beautifully. But before his mind drifts off to the gutter, he manages to stop himself for now. ]
I don't really play that one though. But can if someone challenges me.
[Seeing Ryza wearing a frilly skirt with those glorious thighs of hers would be quite a sight! Bonus points for seeing that extra bounce in her chest whenever she hits the ball over the net... No one would blame him for staring at her while she was playing that. Basketball was going to another hurdle for Troy having to deal with regarding her sex appeal here!
Ryza, however, was focused more on how fun and athletic playing another game sounded. She's a girl who loved to move around and be active over sitting down! Unless it came to alchemy where she gets hyperfocused on writing down recipes that worked and ones that didn't.]
Heh heh heh... ♪ Are you underestimating the stamina of a great alchemy, Troy~? I'll take you on in this "tennis" thing too! As long as I can get a handle of learning it, then I'll take anything you can throw at me.
[Perhaps there was innocent innuendo to be found here if one were to look for it. Give Ryza something that she could enjoy and put her heart into sharing with someone, then she'd always give it her 100% percent. Speaking of which, she remembered about that treasure hunting request and the fact that they were going to go swimming! She's so happy that she's gotten a swimsuit for this... And Troy would be the first person to see her in it. The thought alone gets her really excited and a warm sensation forms in her belly.]
Say, have you finished eating? We can go fulfill that request whenever you're ready!
We can skip to their destination for the next tag if you want!
Don't tempt me. There's more sports from my world I can see you kicking ass in.
[ He quips before he vaguely gestures at his empty plate. ]
Yeah, I'm done. How do we pay for things here?
[ He turns around, wondering if tipping is even a thing in this world. Once that is all solved, Troy continues his well-mannered gestures of cleaning the table, putting the chairs back in properly, and opening the door for Ryza. ]
I think I'm going to go back here sometime with some friends from back home. Support the business and all.
Sounds good to me! I return with Starbucks and bikini Ryza
Oh, feel free to leave it on the table! Zephine will pick it up for sure!
[Speaking of which, she waves over to the other girl who was secretly eavedropping on the two of them. And she was surprised to see how gentlemenly Troy was with cleaning the table and even opening the door for Ryza... Ah, she really gotten herself a nice catch! Hearing Troy wanting to invite his friends over to Zephine's cafe was only going to make her even more happy... Ryza couldn't help and wonder what his friends were like!
Troy was good company, so she had a feeling that they all had to be nice. That said, she's going to reach out to take his hand and tug him along. Whenever there was an adventure on the horizon, Ryza couldn't help and want to drag people along the ride. So once they take another trip onto the Spirit Beast, Ryza pulls out her map to guide them over to the destination of their quest. The entrance happened to be at a waterfall as she hops off and desummons the Spirit Beast.]
Okaaaaay! Looks like our quest begins here! I already have my equipment ready, but first...
[Without any hesitation, she starts to take off her clothes... She's so excited that she doesn't even mind stripping down in front of Troy. Once her clothes are completely off, she reveals her swimsuit that she was hiding underneath. An alchemist always had to be prepared whenever it came to finding materials, after all.]
Gotta have my swimsuit allll ready! [And don't mind her striking a pose for him.] What do you think, Troy~?
[ Troy was content in following Ryza, being a keen listener while they traveled atop the Spirit Beast's back once more. Watching the beautiful nature around them and breathing the crisp clean air of her pre-industrial world has given him feelings of longing, of a home he can never go back to. But Ryza's positive energy helps in giving Troy some hope in calling this world home eventually.
He was the first one to take off his clothes while they stop by the waterfall's edge. Backs turned against each other for some privacy, although she's already seen him naked from the waist up. The definition of his muscular physique pops with the water vapor against his skin, even from the waist down where he's covered in some snug swim shorts that shows off his thick thighs. She's not the only one who doesn't skip leg day, apparently. When she tells him her swim suit is ready, that's when Troy turns around and feel his eyes almost pop out of his skull.
He knows Ryza is blessed with a beautiful figure and adorable features, but actually seeing it first hand like this outside of his healthy imagination feels disarming in a good way. He takes a moment to appreciate Ryza's entirety when she strikes that pose, urging his dick to stay down so his brain can have some blood to function. He smirks with approval, nodding ]
Well if someone says perfection isn't true, I'll just have them take a look at you in that.
[ He laughs, with a gesture of her from head to toe. ]
Makin' me look bad. Damn.
[ Keeping up the jest, he covers his chest with his hands in a mock shyness. Putting them on his hips immediately after, he tugs on the belt around his shorts that carried his blades. ]
[Now Ryza was used to be seeing muscular men like one of her childhood friends... But she considered Lent as simply a friend or even brother figure at best! Just like Tao who came off as a little brother figure at times. But once she sees Troy in all of his muscular glory and how absolutely thick his thighs were... It makes her heart race for a moment. Once again, it was a reality check that he was a man. And she swears that she feels a little tingly between her legs. It might've been an indecent thought, but the young alchemist's eyes focused more on his swimming trunks longer than she wanted to admit. Troy was built like a tree, but she had to wonder if what he was packing in there was the same.
"It's almost crazy that he doesn't have kids... Does he? I never asked." is what she thinks at the back of her mind. Ryza was always more of a daddy's girl than someone who listened to her mother. Would he hate it if she called him "Daddy"? Even just to be mischievous? Ah, she was turning into quite the naughty little girl...]
Hehe... C'mon, I'm sure you've met prettier girls than little ol' me!
[She couldn't help and tease him right back with a playful wink. Oh, she's not hating this extra attention at all. As for her, she had her trusty item bag tied around her waist and her staff equipped as well. An alchemist always had to be ready for anything... That's why she reaches into her bag to take out a pair of blue candies. She'll take a moment to walk over to Troy... Not that she was aware of it, but her breasts had more of a defined jiggle to go with her movements along with her shapely hips swaying back and forth. Wearing a bikini definitely gave much more definition to her womanly figure.]
By the way, I know that you said that you were good at swimming... But did you want to give my Air Drops a try? It's something I created where if you swallow them, you won't have any trouble breathing underwater and you can talk normally!
[It certainly saved her the trouble of holding her breath underwater. Plus she felt that it would help with communicating with each other in case there was danger or if they saw something interesting while they were swimming.]
[ He's only partially aware of his effect on Ryza's mind, as his own is very much distracted by her allure and focused on the mission. Yet, he knows corruption when he sees it, but Troy didn't let the thought linger for longer than a moment and just let his subconscious mind have a field day with it instead. At this point, there's no denying to himself that he's into Ryza but he just smiles and laughs at her wink.
It's true that he's met women who are objectively more suited for him, but he doesn't agree with it either. Ryza's just different, and that's what makes her special to his eyes. Besides, she's not far off from his type, as reminded to his eyes with the way they picked up on that bounce and sway - even if they're looking straight into Ryza's eyes. ]
Sure. Someone's gotta make the funny comments while underwater.
[ Troy will accept her creations with an open hand. He'll joke about her backing down from their playful banter about who's the better swimmer, but his mind is aware that he doesn't need to impress her any longer. ]
About an hour! I always bring spares if you feel the effects wearing off.
[She's always made sure to test her creations before going on an adventure or sometimes... She gave them a spin right in the middle of them! A little unpredictability made life all the more fun. Though her friends would protest that Little Miss Reisalin could afford to put the brakes on her wildness. She's learned to be little less impulsive at times, but one could never fully take the "adventure" out of Ryza.
Ryza couldn't help and giggle at his good-spirited humor. She was also a girl who could jab back with the best of them. And whenever one of your closest friends used to bully you, you learned how to grow a verbal backbone more quicker than average. Not that Ryza's free spirit could be contained that easily! She'll be taking a moment to slip an Air Drop into her mouth, then she chews it and swallows. At first, it will taste like gum... But unlike gum, the candy grows more softer before it goes down your throat.
Air Drops were quite minty and always bought a refreshing burst of air that opened your sinuses if you ever had a cold. She wouldn't recommended using these a substitute for regular medicine, though. With that said, Ryza grins as she turns around and practically runs away to make a big jump and enters the lake with a nice splash. Perhaps she could've given him some word of warning before diving in, but how could she contain her excitement whenever they were at their destination now?!
Her head stays dipped underwater for a moment before she pulls herself up with a wave over at Troy.]
C'mon! The water's nice and warm for the two of us!
[ Troy hums, savoring the refreshing coolness of the air drop, bringing him back to menthol candies from his youth. It was a nice distraction that lasted mere moments before his mind is fixated by her free spirit as she turns around. The way she ran and leaps into the water made him smile, even brighter when her head pops off of the surface and waves at him. He can't help but imagine her in a beach instead, with an ocean behind her instead of a mere lake. But the contained nature of a lake made the feeling of knowing it's just the two of them here, all the more personal. ]
Be right there.
[ He follows with a short, jogging pace towards the edge, leaping into the water with his hands together and head forward. His mass and the way he entered ensured he entered deep into the water, making him briefly look up to see Ryza's body underwater.
Nice. ]
Well? Come on over then. Adventure awaits!
[ He tests his ability to speak underwater, wondering if she could hear him if her head is still above the surface. Troy looks around to see how clear the lake is. ]
[Even Ryza herself was glad to not have any interruptions around here. Whenever it came to things that she liked or people she liked, she always loved to give them her undivided attention. Being all by herself with Troy in a place like this just added an extra layer of intimacy to this date of theirs. If she told Klaudia (her best friend) about this novel-like experience that she's been having... Ryza had to wonder how she'd respond! She knows that her friend had gotten marriage proposals directed at her, but she's turned them all down...
Whenever Troy takes a leap in, the alchemist lets out a little gasp at how perfect that dive of his was! Compared to herself, Ryza felt like Troy was far more well-trained from her perspective. As innocent as ever, she doesn't realize that he was checking her out underwater and giving him quite an eyeful at first. But that's when a little woman's intuition had tickled her brain for a moment: "Wait a sec... Am I being looked at again?"
It was more of an observation than a warning bell in her mind. And that thought made her heart skip again before she hears Troy's muffled voice from below her! Ah, she takes a moment to drip down to greet him and the oceanic view before them both. Slowly swimming over to him, Ryza takes in the new environment... The fishes swimming in groups, the sealife below them and the sunlight's reflection peering through the watery surface.]
It's really nice, huh? Moments like this are why I love adventuring so much. You only get one life, so you gotta see everything you can!
[Surprisingly existential coming from her... But that was a revelation that she's come to terms with along her adventures and growing up a bit. That said, she couldn't help and bring up a rather funny question.]
Say, Troy... It looks like you're good at diving, but have you ever ridden a dolphin?
[Her voice perks up in some excitement as she imagines him on one. She asks because dolphin riding was another one of her special skills!]
[ He asks, distracted from the clear waters and the sunlight that seeped through it. The view of the ocean beneath the waves always left him with a bittersweet feeling, both of awe and regret. But hearing Ryza's voice prevented his mind from being carried away by that current of emotion, staying afloat with gentle paddling of his feet and waddling of his hands ]
No, I never had. Don't think they like being ridden on, but you're welcome to surprise me.
[ He wonders if the dolphins here are as aggressive as the ones from his own world. Those dolphins are evil ]
[It's only for a moment, but the alchemist couldn't help and notice the look on his face. She decides not to point it out for now, but shelves it mentally for later. She hopes that this isn't bringing up any more sad memories considering his past... But she was more than determined to fill his head with some happier ones for sure.]
Really? Usually, they're really nice whenever they approach me! Sharks tend to be the scary ones... But nothing that a good punch to the nose can't handle.
[Perhaps it was because Ryza just had a pleasant aura! She was always pretty good with handling animals. Though she also knew how to handle the unfriendly ones. That being said, she reaches into her item bag once more to take out another whistle...
This was a different kind compared to the Spirit Beast's one. Ryza had made sure that this whistle worked under a different kind of frequency. Though it took some trial and error to get it just right. She takes a moment to blow it (with a few bubbles coming out to boot) before a pair of dolphins come swimming at them in the distance!
One of them will gently nudge Ryza by the cheek as she giggles and pets it. Meanwhile, the other one will curiously swim over to Troy with a tilt of the head.]
C'mon... They won't bite! All you have to do is show it a little friendliness just like with the Spirit Beast.
I think I'm gonna be imagining you punching shark noses from now on.
[ Among other things his healthy mind would no doubt come up with, but he still means what he said. Troy watches as dolphins seem to appear out of nowhere, immediately as Ryza called. Were they already nearby? Were they brought there by magic? Questions rolled in his mind as he floats within the gentle current, content in watching Ryza's aforementioned pleasant aura resonate with the dolphons. It wasn't until the other dolphin swim around him that Troy's attention leaves his partner.
He smiles at the dolphin, extending a gentle hand to touch at the side of its beak and lightly rub at its cheek like he's petting a dog. ]
How's that?
[ He laughs, comfortable in the presence of the dolphin. The sensation of the dolphin's skin is very new to him, making his smile brighter over the new experience. ]
They're adorable. You're lucky you get to call on them whenever you want.
[ Troy continues to rub the dolphin's cheek and head like he would a dog ]
Hmhmhm... I'm a veeeeery gentle lady unless you try me!
[This is said quite proudly! But Ryza's friends would've called her out on this big lie said to hype herself up. She was the opposite of ladylike in many ways. The more polite and gentle behavior was reserved for Klaudia... Given how the two of them were opposite ends of the scale, it was quite a blessing that the two of them became best friends. What she lacked in high class manners, she made up for in pure friendliness and stubborn energy to befriend people!
Seeing Troy gently pet the dolphin makes her smile wide. In her eyes, it was much easier to get along with people than fight them. And seeing animals, monsters and humans getting along made things even better!]
I know some people would want to take advantage of them for profit, but I don't wanna do that! I see them as friends helping me out whenever I'm in a big pinch.
[That said, Ryza gently pets the dolphin near her before she decides to hop on top of it and settles in. She holds onto the fin before she looks over to Troy.]
Alright... Just hop on its back and we'll go for a ride. My friends have ridden them before too, so they know how to move at a comfortable speed. [She'll wait for Troy to climb on himself.] Ready to go?
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As she listened to more of Troy's story, her eyes widened and she felt her heart tug with ache. She couldn't imagine losing her home and family... It came dangerously close one time, but she and her friends had ended up solving the problem before it had became worst. If anything, Ryza had to wonder if she would've been in the same position as him if her life went a little differently. Not only that, she reminded him of Lila... A warrior woman who came from a war-torn world. She never had the chance to live a normal life as she dedicated to her duty... At least until she met Empel - The alchemist that taught her the lessons in becoming one.]
Troy... That's-- [What could she say? She knew being a solider wasn't easy for anyone, but this was downright tragic. It just made her all the more grateful to have a home and living parents. In the past, she absolutely took her peaceful days far more for granted. She shuts her eyes to take a breath and places her hands to her chest to prevent her tears from welling up and starting another scene to give him trouble. Once Ryza takes a breath, she speaks more calmly... There was a slight crack in her voice, but she sounds like herself.]
Wow... I, uh... I didn't know how rough you had it. And you still manage to smile like a everyday person despite shouldering such a harsh past. You really are amazing... [And it just made her all the more determined to make him happy. If he was able to talk about his history this openly with a peaceful smile on his face, then it had to be fine...] I guess if it's really okay for me to ask questions... Was the monsters that attacked your home called "Philuscha" by any chance?
[Those were the scariest monsters that Ryza knew personally. Dragons were one thing, but the Philuscha were on another level. The Ravaging Queen in particular still freaked her out in her darkest dreams.]
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No. They were called Kataw. Monsters from the ancient myths of my people that I once thought were just stories told to kids to scare 'em, but apparently they're real. I was one of the few who managed to see them.
[ That's not even the worst part about his past, too. He'll get to it if she wants to hear more. ]
They've been living in the deepest parts of the ocean for centuries, stewing in their grudge against surface dwellers and have been waiting for a chance to strike. Said it's to reclaim the land that was once theirs. I don't know if that sounds similar to the Philuscha? What are they like?
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[A sign of her fearless spirit! It was often Ryza who was dragging her friends on wild adventures despite their protests, but they all still had fun. Nowadays, she understands that they told those stories to protect them from danger... But every hatchling must leave the nest. As Troy continues to speak more about the Kataw, her expression hardens as she thinks more about what she knows about the Philuscha...]
Uh... Whenever you put things like that, those Kataw creatures really do share mannerisms like the Philuscha. They're monsters that come from another world and sap away the environment like insects and kill anyone in their way... I have a friend who was a victim of their assaults and her home was plundered and ravaged by them!
[There was a bit of anger in her voice as her fist clinches up instinctively. It's more about the actions of monsters that angered her than the monster themselves... She was someone who could get along with beasts, but it's actions that come with hurting other people that triggered her sense of justice. As friendly as she was, Ryza wouldn't hesitate to kill a monster to protect people and herself.]
Anyway... Now that I think about it? The Philuscha do hate water, but they're still really crafty at how they move. They come in various shapes and sizes and there's always a bigger one that controls the pack. [A beat as she takes a breath.] My home was nearly invaded by them once, but my friends and I stopped them. Beyond the Oren people from the Underworld, my friends and I are the only ones who know they exist.
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Are the Oren still around? Or access to the Underworld?
[ He can't help but be curious. He has grown fond of underground settlements thanks to his time working alongside Dwarves and Dark Elves. ]
That said though, you and your friends did an admirable thing, I can't help but feel even more respect for you. Couldn't have been easy.
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[She adds by putting a finger to her lips with a playful wink. The fact that Ryza could say it with such weight and nostalgia shows that it was something that she grew up from... But she never forgot that fear and experience from being out of her comfort zone and fighting monsters that she's never seen before! At Troy's question, Ryza hums thoughtful as she folds her arms in deep thought... She just needed a moment to ponder on what makes an Oren stand out from a normal human.]
It's not often that you meet the Oren on the surface world, but you'll know them when you see them! [That's whenever she snaps her fingers.] Ah! I'd say that their most distinguishing features are their pale skin, white hair and their heterochromia.
[Then she'll be pausing to eat some more of her food. As sociable as she was, she couldn't forget to fill up her stomach! Getting the Underworld wasn't a normal feat, but Ryza certainly knew a way.]
I'd say that going to the Underworld means that we would have to find a Gate! I do know a few, but that environment isn't like ours. Your body will need a bit of time to adapt to the heavy air!
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Ah. They sound like Dark Elves where I'm from.
[ He thought of the Oren, reminding him of the Dalaketnon from his home country and the Dark Elves of Midgard he frequently worked with, along with the Dwarves. ]
And that's not surprising to me, too. Good thing my body can adapt to environments like that instantly. Remind me to take you to some Dwarf and Dark Elf cities, deep deep underground. Got a feeling seeing their underground cities will turn you like a kid in a candy store.
[ All the more reason he wants to take Ryza to Midgard. He can already imagine her smile, and it makes him smile fondly at the thought, and how his imagination mirrors the smile he's seeing now. Country girl or tomboy she may think of herself as, but he can't deny she's really beautiful. Growing even more so with every bit of knowledge he gains about her. ]
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[There's a certain glitter in her eyes whenever Troy brings up the Dark Elves and their civilization. Those who knew Ryza well meant that she was already itching to say "Let's go there right now!" as she's a lady of impulse and adventure. If she were younger, Ryza would've certainly stood up from the chair to say that. But now that she's matured a bit, she's learned to curb those boundless feelings in her chest a little better. But it didn't change the fact that they were still there...]
You sure know how to tease a girl with a good time, you know that? [Awkwardly, she couldn't help and scratch her cheek with a little giggle.] I'd love to see that place with you someday. I'm sure if you're friends with them, then they have to be good people!
[She always tried to see the best in people! If the Oren that she's met were socially awkward, yet welcoming people... Then for sure, the Dark Elves had to have their quirks as well. But even if the name sounded ominous, Ryza was sure that there had to have been more to them than that.]
I'm ready to hear more about your past, though! You mentioned that your recruiter was an... old god?
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[ "Partner" has a nice ring to it that made him blush a little, mirroring the glitter in her eyes when he smiles. He can definitely see her impulsive desire for adventure, and is eager to help satisfy that in the future. After all, they're partners in this now, right? ]
And yeah, him. I didn't think he was a god at first, honestly. Back then my faith in what's actually real and what's mythical was so confused and he presented himself as a human man. I thought he worked for the government, and even went by a human name - Emilio.
[ He pauses for a bit, remembering those moments like it was yesterday. His enhanced mind provides him with a photographic memory that's become both a blessing and a curse. He remembers it all. How he was freezing after being fished out of the flood, how hopeless and lost he felt yet inside him was an ember that this Emilio fed, knowing it will grow into a blaze. ]
He wasn't alone. He had a group with him, and they brought me along with other kids like me on a boat when we agreed to their request to join the fight against the monster we all saw. We were sworn to secrecy with the promise of being granted power to fight these monsters, training us from day one to become soldiers in this remote island that's full of supernatural phenomena. Me and the other kids became each other's new family after we bonded over the loss of our real ones, so even when the training was grueling we had each other. All under the watchful eye of Emilio, who we later learned was one of the war gods worshipped by our ancestors. Him and his group were all war gods, they were the ones who trained us in fighting and dealing with magic.
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It was interesting hearing about gods since she had about them through books, myths and legends throughout some of her travels. But she had yet to really met one in the flesh. Even the fact that gods were the ones who were responsible for alchemy itself. That fact was still something to take in... But she still planned on using this craft for good and the sake of others over using it to hurt people for selfish reasons. This Emilio sounded like a good guy... Ryza had a question or two on her end, but she couldn't help and empathize with his history since it mirrored hers in a few ways.]
You know, that really sounds like a lot about how I started out! I was just your average old farmer's daughter seeking out something new and different from my boring old island. My friends and I would always be causing headaches and allll sorts of trouble for the adults - We were called "The Three Brats". [She awkwardly scratches her cheek.] Not my favorite title in the world, but I guess we were really immature back then!
[She moves her hands to her lap. Just like her, he had a reliable instructor who put him on the path that he was meant to be set on. Ryza did wish that he didn't have to suffer along the way, but at the same time... He wouldn't be the wonderful man that he was if it wasn't for his past.]
One day... Whenever we were on an adventure, we were attacked by a scary monster that was far out of our experience range. But that's whenever my teacher, Empel appeared and defeated it by using a bomb born from alchemy! Nowadays, I can make bombs no problem... But the first time that I saw that, my heart started racing! It was, just, something I've never seen before on my sheltered little island.
[Then she lifts both of her hands up and balls one into a fist while cupping it into another. She knows what she was going to say next was going to come off as rather greedy, but Ryza was always an impulsive girl whenever her heart was set on something. That's one trait that hasn't changed much even while she's matured quite a bit.]
So I kept bugging him to teach me alchemy until he finally said yes! I know it's not as honorable as your reasons, but it was just something that my heart was really set on.
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Hey, I can understand it. I probably would have been too. Actually, I was kinda like that when it came to basketball. It's a sport from my world.
[ He scoffs at the memory of himself, much much younger and going through the learning curve of playing a sport he came to love. ]
Before my life turned upside down, that was actually my dream. To play basketball for a living. Live that high life. I didn't have high hopes of getting a good education. By the time I was a teenager, I was already playing the role of "third parent". Something even the eldest kids of your world probably can relate to.
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Basketball? I've never heard of that before! We, uh, actually didn't have much to play with at home... So that's one of the reasons why we went out adventuring. The adults were so rigid with us!
[Maybe playing with a stray non-violent Puni did the trick, but they didn't come around very often. Plus her mother was also the overprotective type... She's gotten a little better with letting Ryza be more independent as she grew up, but that aspect of her was still there. Ryza hoped that she wouldn't freak out too much if she ever introduced Troy to her... Her father was more gentle and laid-back, however.]
Uh... Do you still the skills for this "basketball" thing? I would actually like to play it with you if you wouldn't mind. Even if you can't do it for a living, I think you can still do it in your spare time. [She flashes him a grin.] I can do my best to help you live that dream... They don't truly die until you let 'em!
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[ Troy nods, heart warmed by the idea of Ryza learning and playing basketball. Imagining her struggling to learn how to dribble or be quick on her feet, while also thinking it would probably be awkward to guard her with her height being much shorter than his own. ]
And I still play on my own when the time allows. It's an easy sport to play virtually anywhere, you just need a ball and hoop. It's one of the sports we can easily set up at the base. That and tennis.
[ He shrugs, imagining Ryza now playing tennis with the outfit on. Something she'd definitely wear beautifully. But before his mind drifts off to the gutter, he manages to stop himself for now. ]
I don't really play that one though. But can if someone challenges me.
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Ryza, however, was focused more on how fun and athletic playing another game sounded. She's a girl who loved to move around and be active over sitting down! Unless it came to alchemy where she gets hyperfocused on writing down recipes that worked and ones that didn't.]
Heh heh heh... ♪ Are you underestimating the stamina of a great alchemy, Troy~? I'll take you on in this "tennis" thing too! As long as I can get a handle of learning it, then I'll take anything you can throw at me.
[Perhaps there was innocent innuendo to be found here if one were to look for it. Give Ryza something that she could enjoy and put her heart into sharing with someone, then she'd always give it her 100% percent. Speaking of which, she remembered about that treasure hunting request and the fact that they were going to go swimming! She's so happy that she's gotten a swimsuit for this... And Troy would be the first person to see her in it. The thought alone gets her really excited and a warm sensation forms in her belly.]
Say, have you finished eating? We can go fulfill that request whenever you're ready!
We can skip to their destination for the next tag if you want!
[ He quips before he vaguely gestures at his empty plate. ]
Yeah, I'm done. How do we pay for things here?
[ He turns around, wondering if tipping is even a thing in this world. Once that is all solved, Troy continues his well-mannered gestures of cleaning the table, putting the chairs back in properly, and opening the door for Ryza. ]
I think I'm going to go back here sometime with some friends from back home. Support the business and all.
Sounds good to me! I return with Starbucks and bikini Ryza
[Speaking of which, she waves over to the other girl who was secretly eavedropping on the two of them. And she was surprised to see how gentlemenly Troy was with cleaning the table and even opening the door for Ryza... Ah, she really gotten herself a nice catch! Hearing Troy wanting to invite his friends over to Zephine's cafe was only going to make her even more happy... Ryza couldn't help and wonder what his friends were like!
Troy was good company, so she had a feeling that they all had to be nice. That said, she's going to reach out to take his hand and tug him along. Whenever there was an adventure on the horizon, Ryza couldn't help and want to drag people along the ride. So once they take another trip onto the Spirit Beast, Ryza pulls out her map to guide them over to the destination of their quest. The entrance happened to be at a waterfall as she hops off and desummons the Spirit Beast.]
Okaaaaay! Looks like our quest begins here! I already have my equipment ready, but first...
[Without any hesitation, she starts to take off her clothes... She's so excited that she doesn't even mind stripping down in front of Troy. Once her clothes are completely off, she reveals her swimsuit that she was hiding underneath. An alchemist always had to be prepared whenever it came to finding materials, after all.]
Gotta have my swimsuit allll ready! [And don't mind her striking a pose for him.] What do you think, Troy~?
He's gonna need that Starbucks for his thirst
He was the first one to take off his clothes while they stop by the waterfall's edge. Backs turned against each other for some privacy, although she's already seen him naked from the waist up. The definition of his muscular physique pops with the water vapor against his skin, even from the waist down where he's covered in some snug swim shorts that shows off his thick thighs. She's not the only one who doesn't skip leg day, apparently. When she tells him her swim suit is ready, that's when Troy turns around and feel his eyes almost pop out of his skull.
He knows Ryza is blessed with a beautiful figure and adorable features, but actually seeing it first hand like this outside of his healthy imagination feels disarming in a good way. He takes a moment to appreciate Ryza's entirety when she strikes that pose, urging his dick to stay down so his brain can have some blood to function. He smirks with approval, nodding ]
Well if someone says perfection isn't true, I'll just have them take a look at you in that.
[ He laughs, with a gesture of her from head to toe. ]
Makin' me look bad. Damn.
[ Keeping up the jest, he covers his chest with his hands in a mock shyness. Putting them on his hips immediately after, he tugs on the belt around his shorts that carried his blades. ]
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"It's almost crazy that he doesn't have kids... Does he? I never asked." is what she thinks at the back of her mind. Ryza was always more of a daddy's girl than someone who listened to her mother. Would he hate it if she called him "Daddy"? Even just to be mischievous? Ah, she was turning into quite the naughty little girl...]
Hehe... C'mon, I'm sure you've met prettier girls than little ol' me!
[She couldn't help and tease him right back with a playful wink. Oh, she's not hating this extra attention at all. As for her, she had her trusty item bag tied around her waist and her staff equipped as well. An alchemist always had to be ready for anything... That's why she reaches into her bag to take out a pair of blue candies. She'll take a moment to walk over to Troy... Not that she was aware of it, but her breasts had more of a defined jiggle to go with her movements along with her shapely hips swaying back and forth. Wearing a bikini definitely gave much more definition to her womanly figure.]
By the way, I know that you said that you were good at swimming... But did you want to give my Air Drops a try? It's something I created where if you swallow them, you won't have any trouble breathing underwater and you can talk normally!
[It certainly saved her the trouble of holding her breath underwater. Plus she felt that it would help with communicating with each other in case there was danger or if they saw something interesting while they were swimming.]
We're so back!
It's true that he's met women who are objectively more suited for him, but he doesn't agree with it either. Ryza's just different, and that's what makes her special to his eyes. Besides, she's not far off from his type, as reminded to his eyes with the way they picked up on that bounce and sway - even if they're looking straight into Ryza's eyes. ]
Sure. Someone's gotta make the funny comments while underwater.
[ Troy will accept her creations with an open hand. He'll joke about her backing down from their playful banter about who's the better swimmer, but his mind is aware that he doesn't need to impress her any longer. ]
How long does the effect last?
Back like we never left!
[She's always made sure to test her creations before going on an adventure or sometimes... She gave them a spin right in the middle of them! A little unpredictability made life all the more fun. Though her friends would protest that Little Miss Reisalin could afford to put the brakes on her wildness. She's learned to be little less impulsive at times, but one could never fully take the "adventure" out of Ryza.
Ryza couldn't help and giggle at his good-spirited humor. She was also a girl who could jab back with the best of them. And whenever one of your closest friends used to bully you, you learned how to grow a verbal backbone more quicker than average. Not that Ryza's free spirit could be contained that easily! She'll be taking a moment to slip an Air Drop into her mouth, then she chews it and swallows. At first, it will taste like gum... But unlike gum, the candy grows more softer before it goes down your throat.
Air Drops were quite minty and always bought a refreshing burst of air that opened your sinuses if you ever had a cold. She wouldn't recommended using these a substitute for regular medicine, though. With that said, Ryza grins as she turns around and practically runs away to make a big jump and enters the lake with a nice splash. Perhaps she could've given him some word of warning before diving in, but how could she contain her excitement whenever they were at their destination now?!
Her head stays dipped underwater for a moment before she pulls herself up with a wave over at Troy.]
C'mon! The water's nice and warm for the two of us!
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[ Troy hums, savoring the refreshing coolness of the air drop, bringing him back to menthol candies from his youth. It was a nice distraction that lasted mere moments before his mind is fixated by her free spirit as she turns around. The way she ran and leaps into the water made him smile, even brighter when her head pops off of the surface and waves at him. He can't help but imagine her in a beach instead, with an ocean behind her instead of a mere lake. But the contained nature of a lake made the feeling of knowing it's just the two of them here, all the more personal. ]
Be right there.
[ He follows with a short, jogging pace towards the edge, leaping into the water with his hands together and head forward. His mass and the way he entered ensured he entered deep into the water, making him briefly look up to see Ryza's body underwater.
Nice. ]
Well? Come on over then. Adventure awaits!
[ He tests his ability to speak underwater, wondering if she could hear him if her head is still above the surface. Troy looks around to see how clear the lake is. ]
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Whenever Troy takes a leap in, the alchemist lets out a little gasp at how perfect that dive of his was! Compared to herself, Ryza felt like Troy was far more well-trained from her perspective. As innocent as ever, she doesn't realize that he was checking her out underwater and giving him quite an eyeful at first. But that's when a little woman's intuition had tickled her brain for a moment: "Wait a sec... Am I being looked at again?"
It was more of an observation than a warning bell in her mind. And that thought made her heart skip again before she hears Troy's muffled voice from below her! Ah, she takes a moment to drip down to greet him and the oceanic view before them both. Slowly swimming over to him, Ryza takes in the new environment... The fishes swimming in groups, the sealife below them and the sunlight's reflection peering through the watery surface.]
It's really nice, huh? Moments like this are why I love adventuring so much. You only get one life, so you gotta see everything you can!
[Surprisingly existential coming from her... But that was a revelation that she's come to terms with along her adventures and growing up a bit. That said, she couldn't help and bring up a rather funny question.]
Say, Troy... It looks like you're good at diving, but have you ever ridden a dolphin?
[Her voice perks up in some excitement as she imagines him on one. She asks because dolphin riding was another one of her special skills!]
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[ He asks, distracted from the clear waters and the sunlight that seeped through it. The view of the ocean beneath the waves always left him with a bittersweet feeling, both of awe and regret. But hearing Ryza's voice prevented his mind from being carried away by that current of emotion, staying afloat with gentle paddling of his feet and waddling of his hands ]
No, I never had. Don't think they like being ridden on, but you're welcome to surprise me.
[ He wonders if the dolphins here are as aggressive as the ones from his own world. Those dolphins are evil ]
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Really? Usually, they're really nice whenever they approach me! Sharks tend to be the scary ones... But nothing that a good punch to the nose can't handle.
[Perhaps it was because Ryza just had a pleasant aura! She was always pretty good with handling animals. Though she also knew how to handle the unfriendly ones. That being said, she reaches into her item bag once more to take out another whistle...
This was a different kind compared to the Spirit Beast's one. Ryza had made sure that this whistle worked under a different kind of frequency. Though it took some trial and error to get it just right. She takes a moment to blow it (with a few bubbles coming out to boot) before a pair of dolphins come swimming at them in the distance!
One of them will gently nudge Ryza by the cheek as she giggles and pets it. Meanwhile, the other one will curiously swim over to Troy with a tilt of the head.]
C'mon... They won't bite! All you have to do is show it a little friendliness just like with the Spirit Beast.
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[ Among other things his healthy mind would no doubt come up with, but he still means what he said. Troy watches as dolphins seem to appear out of nowhere, immediately as Ryza called. Were they already nearby? Were they brought there by magic? Questions rolled in his mind as he floats within the gentle current, content in watching Ryza's aforementioned pleasant aura resonate with the dolphons. It wasn't until the other dolphin swim around him that Troy's attention leaves his partner.
He smiles at the dolphin, extending a gentle hand to touch at the side of its beak and lightly rub at its cheek like he's petting a dog. ]
How's that?
[ He laughs, comfortable in the presence of the dolphin. The sensation of the dolphin's skin is very new to him, making his smile brighter over the new experience. ]
They're adorable. You're lucky you get to call on them whenever you want.
[ Troy continues to rub the dolphin's cheek and head like he would a dog ]
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[This is said quite proudly! But Ryza's friends would've called her out on this big lie said to hype herself up. She was the opposite of ladylike in many ways. The more polite and gentle behavior was reserved for Klaudia... Given how the two of them were opposite ends of the scale, it was quite a blessing that the two of them became best friends. What she lacked in high class manners, she made up for in pure friendliness and stubborn energy to befriend people!
Seeing Troy gently pet the dolphin makes her smile wide. In her eyes, it was much easier to get along with people than fight them. And seeing animals, monsters and humans getting along made things even better!]
I know some people would want to take advantage of them for profit, but I don't wanna do that! I see them as friends helping me out whenever I'm in a big pinch.
[That said, Ryza gently pets the dolphin near her before she decides to hop on top of it and settles in. She holds onto the fin before she looks over to Troy.]
Alright... Just hop on its back and we'll go for a ride. My friends have ridden them before too, so they know how to move at a comfortable speed. [She'll wait for Troy to climb on himself.] Ready to go?
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