A Will of Vermillion, A Will of Azure(Hime/Elyss)

"Wonderful. Let us enjoy our meals first and then I'll handle the rest from there."

The elegant woman found Elyss's answer to be amusing, expecting resistance from the crimson-haired woman at her proposition. There was beauty to be found in taking a moment to honor one's own well-being. One can only uphold their duty so much before their body yearns for care. There were some who scoffed at the thought of learning to relax and take days off; men and women who would rather chose to bury themselves within their work than find a moment of repose. Thankful that Elyss was not one who harbored such thoughts, Hime could construct the events of their day without worry.

To be certain, another part of her desired to spend time with the woman, finding her presence to be pleasant more so than anyone else. Odd, wasn't it? For two who seemed as though they were polar opposites in nature, they got along surprisingly well. Opposites attract, was it? Ruminating on her plans, the shopkeeper would announce that their order was ready as she passed along two bowls. Hime take both of them within her hands as she walked to a bench somewhere in the clearing, beckoning Elyss to follow suit.

The clearing was suited towards those who wished to enjoy themselves in peace during their meals. Though neither were suited to idle conversation, Hime was reticent towards the woman if she aimed to know about what Hime had been up to - during their time apart, of course.

Hime would blink softly, processing that question as she pondered on an answer. Chipper? An odd word to describe a mood, to be certain, yet Hime could understand the meaning behind it nonetheless. She supposed the reason for her mood was that she had simply reached closure on one aspect that had always felt like a curse hanging over her shoulders - that ardent desire for validation. The origin of her ruin seemed like a relic of the past now. There had been so many people she viewed as foolish for believing she deserved redemption, yet now, it was she who appeared to be the fool.

From her perspective, she supposed that she had finally learned to appreciate the life others found meaning in other than her. She had resolved almost all that she had strive to resolve. Even so, her journey was far from over. Sighing softly, she would let her bowl of ramen cool down ever so slightly before using her chopsticks to guide some of the pieces of beef towards her mouth, taking a modest chew before directing her attention back towards her crimson-haired companion.

"Chipper is a humorous term to describe one's mood but... I'm glad you notice. I suppose I'm finally learning to enjoy life now. I haven't done anything different from what you've known me for, though my duties have somewhat changed as a result of my commander's retirement. I've simply been enjoying my time and meeting others when the opportunity has presented itself. Nothing too eventful, truth be told." Hime would smile at the crimson-haired woman, making note of her own change in demeanor and appearance.

"You seem different, too. You retain a lot of what I'm fond of I'm about you... yet you seem more relaxed. Something about you feels... more at peace, so to speak. I can't quite place it into words."

It was pleasant to hear that Hime's presence made Elyss feel better. Hime had always possessed a profound fondness for the woman, too. On the other hand, she'd always wonder about the other things that laid beyond the woman's mind. Her fears. Her doubts. Anything that caused her discomfort. Elyss would always reveal what she felt the woman ought to know. She never showed her entire hand and Hime never demanded her to, either. The elegant woman felt that she was better suited to operate at her own pace. Bringing more of her own meal towards her mouth, Hime would cast a gentle gaze towards the woman.

"True. Being here with you has brightened my day as well. If I were to be somewhat bold, I like ya' too," she'd quip playfully, adopting Elyss's form of speech for but a moment. For a woman whose speech was often considered elegant and grandiose... it was fun to make the attempt to speak a little' differently than she was accustomed to.

Hime was no mind reader, though she could certainly tell she may have said something wrong. Gazing closely at the woman's face, she could perceive a tinge of annoyance. She wondered if she had offended her or said something out of term. Moving besides ever so quietly, Hime would cast her gaze towards the woman as she set her bowl down.

She was unable to discern whether or not her words had struck a nerve or if the attempt at mimicking the woman had upset her. Proper social cues seem to elude her every time. Even so, there is nothing against offering an apology. She views the crimson-haired woman in far to grand a light to see her upset. The elegant woman's hand would brush against her head, moving the crimson locks of hair away from her eyes. She'd plant a small kiss on her cheek before ruminating on her next words.

"I do not believe I said anything of particular note to upset you. When I mimicked your speech pattern just now, did I strike a nerve of some sort? Know that it was meant only as an act of curiosity... to adapt to the way you speak. I find it endearing... far more than my archaic way of speech. "

The distressfully pouty expression formed in the woman's countenance was something that brought the woman a sort of joy, filling her spirit with a nostalgic humor as she recalled the many times in the past where Elyss was always accustomed to making these expressions. It was a sign that oft indicated that she felt annoyed in some way but not enough to reside in the territory of ire. Perhaps it was a bold act to invade the woman's personal space, yet Elyss never particularly any heed to her own. Why not take advantage in the moment of vulnerability?

Musing with a smile, she'd offer her bowl to one of the passerby civilians. She hadn't really consumed much of it and to be certain, there was no immediate hunger to be found. Hime had initially visited the shopkeeper to share and offer recipe suggestions. To be within Elyss company was enough and besides... the day was still young. She promised to treat the woman to a pleasant day off. She would honor that promise.

"I suppose. I speak proper to maintain an image and maintain a certain level of etiquette and composure. When I'm around you, however, I feel far more relaxed, as though there is no image to uphold. In any case..."

Hime would rise from the seat in the clearing they occupied, wrapping her arm around Elyss shoulder as she swiftly pulled the woman from the seat, walking forward with a sense of direction. Where would they go first? The spa seemed like the next plausible place to go next.

"It seems as we've both finished our meals. It's time to show you a fine day on the town."