A Dinner 'Date' in Airquotes

    It didn't feel like a whole year ago the two had met, not to Lunaris. It almost felt like a whole world ago and she'd already been through that once. The days her illusions about this world of ETO had crumbled and she realised it wasn't just a game where she could live her best life, but something a bit more sinister. But in that place, she had certainly found someone that she considered a friend and during the months she had left, the Cait Sith had indeed missed. This time there would be no missing time, no, the vulpine had arrived a bit too early today to the point people were giving sympathetic looks after having been sat there alone for a bit too long. Idly keeping herself busy by spinning her embossed cards on the table with a quirk of her lips like she was listening to some unknown joke.

    The summoner had worn a pretty pastel dress today, a ribbon trailing down it's side, rather than her usual garbs, marking two days in a row she dressed especially for the occasion, something that she wasn't really accustomed to, but pulled it off well enough. Finally flipping the card from between her fingers she took a deep sip of tea, relaxing before the cafe started it's afternoon rush, and contemplating that perhaps a cafe wasn't quite the banquet she promised Tian, but... Well.. She hoped they had a sweet tooth.

During that encounter at the Arena, it had almost seemed as if no time had passed at all. Tian had simply been enjoying the thrill of a fight and the reconnection with a lost friend. At least, that is what it all looked like on the surface.

It is, afterall, quite hard to read the Cait Sith's emotions underneath makeup and mask.

It seems that Lunaris is not the only one who has changed their dress for the occassion. The dark-haired Blade Dancer is minus their usual armor and instead seems to be dressed in an adorned tunic shirt with laces down the arms and similar well-fitting trousers. Their fox-like ears have bits of golden jewelry, as does their neck, wrists, and a couple of fingers, all obvious signs of their own handicraft. The mask is absent, as is the usual face-makeup, leaving Tian's expressions largely open to the world.

Almost as soon as they have entered, Tian is motioned towards the table where Lunaris is sitting alone. Soft footfalls approach, but rather than offering a verbal greeting, Tian whistles softly. Even if they are deaf, they seem to understand that others sometimes need auditory sounds to announce their presence.

The next moment, Tian is half-bowing, offering out what appears to be a metallic flower. Their other hand motions outward, wiggling the fingers before tracing one finger up along their arm. "<I hope you were not waiting long.>"

    As excited as she was to meet Tian again, the summoner seemed to all too easily get lost in their own head, thinking about something ethereal up until she hears that telltale whistle. A mild panic ensues, glancing an eye down at the exposed card and placing her cup quickly to slam a hand over it before sliding it off the table and into the deck-box at her side. It was only a momentary thing, but there in the oddly blank white center of the card, there seemed to be an almost inky shaped impression of the Blade Dancer as they pulled back to strike, a replica of what happened during their match. Luna was most certainly hoping it went unseen as she fixed a smile on her face, cheeks just a little pink as she dipped her head in greeting.

    The fluster left the Cait Sith taking a while to notice all the changes to Tian's aesthetics, blinking in what was likely surprise at the lack of both mask and make-up before remembering herself and finally noticing the gorgeous metallic flower presented. She wasn't usually the shy type, and for some reason she couldn't figure out, this made her want to throw something at Nyanta, something reasonably light of course, but enough to be noticed. "A-ah, I just got here recently!" A small white lie, but better than saying she arrived waaaay too early. Only then did she tenderly reach out to take the flower, examining it between her own fingers, moving all too gingerly. Either way, she couldn't help the soft smile curling on her face.

    There was a pause before she finally looked up, "This is beautiful, did you make it yourself? I wish I was half this talented with making stuff, sincerely!" Holding it close as she gestured towards the chair opposite (and mildly kicking herself for not thinking about a gift.) "Um, would you like anything? Most of the stuff here is really nice!"

There is a faint tilt of the head, and a curious expression that is found easily on Tian's features. However, the source of that curiousity is harder to determine. Is it the image on that playing card, or is it the faint flush on her cheeks?

Whichever the case, the fox-wolf inclines their head, ears ticking ever so slightly backwards against their dark hair. One hand sets on the back of the chair before Tian moves to take the seat opposite Lunaris. They do have to shift a little, making sure their tail pokes out the back of the chair rather than sitting on it.

Tian offers a smile in return, lifting their hand to bob a fist forward while nodding. A series of quick hand movements seem to encompass their ears, neck, and hands, then both open hands are moved slightly together. "<Yes. I used to craft jewelry before the war.>" Tian cups their hand as if forming a rose out of their fingers, then the same hand seems to flop over. "<A rose which never dies.>"

The ears tuck back slightly more, only sticking out slightly from the Blade Dancer's dark hair. Their expression speaks that they may very well be unused to words of praise for their creations. Still, the corner of one lip quirks, showing some happiness there. Tapping the side of their head, Tian asks, "<You seemed lost in your own mind. Is everything alright?>"

Then, Tian taps a couple of things on a menu: A hot tea and a fruit pastry.

The fox takes a breath as Tian starts to settle themselves, trying her best to at least be a little composed after everything. For that moment avoiding the blade-dancer's eyes as she settled herself back properly and took another drink of tea. That gave herself just about enough time to recover, her eyes finally opening again once the cup was set safely back down. In all that time the metal rose didn't leave her hand, and she takes it back in both as Tian begins to explain. "Before the war? You definitely were.. And are still good at it, I guessed as much, Haru always speaks pretty high of you. Usually followed with 'Go ask Tian'. But, uhm, that's not the point," she gives a soft giggle at that, before continuing, "My deck was made out of something similar, the embossing on the back is a Witherless Rose, though I think I prefer this one, myself."

    There is certainly a much calmer warmth from the summoner as she watches Tian's reaction to the praise, where once she'd been excitable at every little thing, that seemed more like a mask of her own now, donned when she felt like it. She was much closer to a gentle, calm warmth, certainly at that moment, her eyes flicking from her companions face to their hands as they tapped. "Oh, I'm totally fine," she replies, just a touch too quickly. There's a pause then, the vulpines eyes drifting to the ceiling as she kicked back, "Honestly, just thinking about the fight yesterday. Kind of. I'm trying to do something new with my abilities. Sure, I can use cards to summon magic and the like, but I want something a bit more. Yeah, yeah, I literally have magic and am asking for more, I know. But.. I have this idea and I want to make it work, been overworking myself with it, probably!"

    Blink. Her eyes finally trail back down and she grins, watching the order Tian taps before hopping up from her chair and giving a nod, "One moment then, I'll be right back!" Darting off to go and sort out the food, it takes a good few moments before she returns, carrying a tea, a pastry and some kind of muffin all precariously balanced without a care in the world.

Tian's golden eyes look down towards their hands, then back up again, offering a soft lift of the shoulders. One of those delicate fingers slides up along Tian's arm, followed by a tap of the same finger to their wrist. "<It has been a long time. I am not nearly so practiced as Haru.>" Even for someone not familiar with sign-language, one might notice that Tian doesn't finger-spell the name. Instead, there is a symbol that the game seems to translate: Thumb and forefinger extended with fingers touched, taping against a closed fist.

There is another tilt of the head, ears perking slightly. Two signs follow, but the system seems to elaborate the meaning, "<What did you want to ask?>"

It's impossible not to notice the shift in Lunaris' demeanor, but Tian had always known that thre were two sides to them. One they showed the world and one more themselves. Tian does not draw attention to this fact, however, simply accepting it as part of who Lunaris is. Lifting a hand, the Cait Sith seems about to ask something, but then off she goes to fetch food.

Tian sits back then, waiting with some measure of patience. Only when she returns does their posture shift. Leaning forward a little, touching thumb and forefinger together, other fingers extended, against their throat. "<I am curious.>" Tian asks, expression speaking of genuine interest. "<What are you trying to do with your cards?>"

It took the fox a little while to sort out the food, sliding the plate with the pastry and a tea over in Tian's direction, before keeping the muffin back for herself. She wasn't nearly as agile as half of her compatriots, but she made do with those human-adjacent reflexes, brushing a hand back as she sat to make sure the dress kept it's shape, and her tail was well out of the way of sitting on. Truly, that had been the bane of any Cait Sith in the first few years. She didn't want to think of the amount of complaints in the forums, a hot topic indeed.

    Still she raised an eyebrow at Tian's claim they weren't so skilled, after all, she'd never seen Haru craft and thus was allowed by law to assume one was better based on little to no evidence, and this all seemed to be within the playbook of fairness. Plus, she was marvelled at the rose, that had since vanished into her small travellers pack. "Oh, I want to ask everything, you know? With the war and all, it's the small details that paint the real picture. The last argument was whether a crown could be used on a monster to control it - I don't really see adventurers as anything particularly special, not he--" She catches herself, clears her throat and gives an apologetic grin, "Not the topic for here I don't think! Sorry!"

    She didn't notice the half raised question, but she watches the motion and following one with a spark of that same excitement dancing in her eye, that was a topic she could totally talk about appropriately! "I.. It's silly, but you know how we assert our control over monsters to catch them.. It just got me thinking on a tangent.. What if I could capture a whole moment in time? The motions, the feeling.. The utter awe. It's like.. A letter of love to the world - The brighter parts of it. This place can be dark, but that makes the good moments all the brighter. I think memories like that would really help people. T-though.." She pauses again and gives a small grin, "What about you, those daggers are something special, and the way you can leap around.. You're really good at fighting!"

"<Ask what you wish. I am an open book.>" Tian's hands press together then fold open like a book, offering a soft smile. They wrap those same fingers around the cup of tea, taking a sip of it. Their golden eyes look over the edge of the cup, making sure it's obvious they are paying attention, despite the fact that they cannot speak in return immediately.

When it is set down again, Tian answers, "<Crowns function on Landers.>" The word 'Landers' is finger-spelled, as there is likely not a proper word for the term. "<Uncertain on Monsters.>" The sign for which, seems to be making air-claws. "<Those in Kallamore had little reason to use it on such creatures.>"

There is something infectious about the enthusiasm of someone you care about. It seems to always draw a smile, and from Tian, there is a lifting of their ears and a swish of a dark, bushy tail. "<It sounds like a beautiful sentiment.>" They pause then, finger tapping as if thinking, "<Especially as we live in a world where those memories can be taken from us.>" Tian is one of those who had brought that bit of knowledge to the Yamato Adventurers.

Tian taps a finger against their forehead, shaking their head from side to side, causing a few strands of ombre hair to move across their forehead. "<I was killed and captured in the early parts of the war. There are things I have lost.>"

Then, Lunaris has to go and compliment their fighting. Tian can't help but laugh at that, but it is a playful, joyous sound. One of the rare sounds that they actually make, it seems. "<I do well, but nowhere near as well as those from Yamato. Survival was our priority, not training.>" Tian explains, with a series of signs. "<I expect I will be eliminated in the next round.>" The expression is simple acceptance of this fact. "<It is why I wished to make a good show.>" Then, pausing, Tian adds, ears tucking slightly, "<I hope I did not upset you. You were very much missed.>"

    There were some things that truly amazed her about this world, even still. One of those things was certainly this, that here she could communicate with Tian so freely, in a way she certainly wouldn't have managed previously. The only thing she regretted was the fact there weren't exactly as many books to help her learn what the signs meant yet, even if she was vaguely starting to recognise a couple, she didn't necessarily know to which word they related. That was something she tucked away, another thing to explore when not on a.. Uh.. Day out. Yes. Day out.

    The explanation about the crowns made her ear twitch, followed by her eye at the mention it simply had not been tried, she wasn't very good at hiding things, much less the fact she desperately wanted to launch into a rant about that and yet she bit her tongue for that one. There was a time for such debates! Plus, she'd be getting a much closer look at Kallamore in the far too soon future. "I.. Think there's more to that story," the Cait Sith manages in summary, taking a bite of the muffin and stills the eager thoughts. A hum of pleasure from the taste and she follows into the next moment like a small dance of her own. "It's.. I hope something beautiful," The summoner agrees, reaching down and fiddling to pull another card from her deck. Similar to the one before it's pretty enough, but with a complete white middle where some image seems to be utterly lacking. "These cards were always meant to capture things. But, honestly. Since finding out about the crowns.. I know it's dumb and that monsters don't exactly.. Work like us, but this world is still living and breathing. I didn't realise that before, and I hate the idea of stealing something's choice. I'll do it to keep people safe, see the way this world works, and to help. But, passed that, I don't think I want that anymore." Her sigh is soft and the Cait Sith shifts once again to drop the card amongst her deck, sure enough she liked it and still used the thing, but it had become a reminder more than passion project.

    It takes some effort for Luna's mood to not turn dour, but her ears perk up at Tian's laugh and soon she gives a playful grin, energy quickly returning to her face. "Seemed like you were pretty good to me! I'll be cheering you on, you know? So you better try and kick Uta's butt!" A utterly childish sentiment in face of the darkness of moments ago, but she gave a swish of her tail and nodded with all sincerity, like she didn't doubt Tian's chances for even a moment. "And if not, at least we get plushies. That's a good result too." Then to the last she waves her arms, her long ears dipping down just a tiny fraction, "Not at all! No, you're.. Honestly, you were the only friend I made here. Very much missed you too!"

Tian lifts two hands, palms up, lightly moving opposites up and down. "<Maybe. Kallamore Crowned far fewer Adventurers than other kingdoms. Most simply chose to stay, hands and souls tied by gambling and depression.>" Their expression sinks slightly, ears tucking back with a shake of the head. "<It is easy to fall into such things, if you have no hope.>" Their fingers cross.

It seems, however, that Lunaris does not want to focus on such things, so Tian leans a little closer, taking in the blank card. The Cait Sith seems to pause, as if considering their words before forming a fist in each hand, extending and flexing the index fingers of both. "<As someone who has been controlled, I can appreciate not wishing to do that to others. Even monsters.>" That claw gesture follows, likely identifying it as the sign for 'monster'.

Tian reaches out a hand then, intending to lay it over one of Lunaris' own. Then, to place both over the deck of cards. The contact would be brief, as they draw hands back to sign again, "<You are the heart of your cards.>" One hand is opened, the middle finger tucked to touch their chest, then a box is drawn out with their index fingers and thumbs of both hands. "<You make them what you wish.>" A cupped hand moves down the center of Tian's chest. "<I believe in that. In you.>"

In response to their encouragement, Tian just raises their fists in a mock-fighting motion, then laughs and reaches for another sip of tea. Without words, they easily express that they will 'do their best'. Afterwards, Tian's hand lingers on the lip of the cup for a moment, then signs, "<I had worried about the dancing.>" Tian wiggles their fingers against the table, brows lifting. "<I did not wish to overstep. You comfort is important to me.>"

    Lunaris opens her mouth at that answer, squeezes her eye shut and then gives in to that burning curiousity. A dark question, but she really had to know! "Right! But.. You see.. Forget us adventurers. Imagine the time before we came. Assuming the world really did exist back then in the state we encountered it, that monsters roamed and horrifying creatures destroyed towns," rant started, and she seemed absolutely excited to talk about this though earlier deemed it as a poor topic for the cafe. "Right? Then why didn't the Palace Landers crown those monsters and save towns from destruction? Did they not have access to them before we arrived? I-I mean, maybe they just don't work on monsters. But I can't assume that without evidence.." All the while random doodles slowly spread from a quill that seemed to just appear in her hand on a piece of paper that might have been there all along.

    She only managed to peek up from hunching over the terrible, terrible doodles of stick men and rings that were probably crowns after finishing, proceeded to blush and with almost regret pulled back to her own seat. Then nods to Tian, making the own claw gesture idly as she replied, "Yeah. And I'm a monster tamer planning to build a Ranch in a server that hates me. I might think about things, but not wholly sure I make wise decisions at this point. Maybe Haru had it right, I'm way too impulsive. But like.. We need that base to end this war peacefully. Not need, but it might help.."

    The summoner was perhaps a little too surprised as Tian touched their hand, not stopping it and letting her own hand be guided along without objection. Her tail flicking as she watched the sentiment and exhaled, giving a quirked smile. "Thank you, I'll try my best to do something good with them. I managed our fight without real monsters. I'll keep improving until I get there. Wherever there is. Maybe I shouldn't be a rancher after all.." That thought played heavy on the vulpine's mind, that much was clear, and she seemed glad to swap the topic to a lighter one, letting out a chiming giggle as she reached down to finish off her own cupcake at the Blade Dancer's impression. "Don't worry, I enjoyed it. And a better ending than a face full of dirt," they teased, eye twinkling with a little spark, then pausing before more quietly adding, "I quite liked it, honestly!"

Tian seems to truly take time to consider Lunaris' points, perhaps having never thought of looking at the world that way before. There is a 'hmm' sound, another of those unlikely vocalizations, yet it shows that they are giving weight to her words. "<I do not know if Crowns exist in Yamato, but in the Palace Lands, there are more than a hundred thousand.>" That is a number that sounds truly daunting, then again... compared to the millions that were meant to have originally lived there. So many lives lost. "<I imagine, with so many, that if monsters could be controlled that way, they would have been.>" This, however, is only a guess.

Tian lifts their shoulders, showing just how little certainty there is on that topic. There is no judgement for the drawings either. One of Tian's ears tips slightly to the side, giving them a quizzical expression. A hand comes near their forehead, extending thumb and pinky. "<It is not foolish to want to build something. Is it foolish that I continued to fight when so many were lost?>" Tian asks, then shakes their head, "<You should speak to Wrath. He is one of the rebel leaders. Many Cait Sith and Were Fangs answer to him. Many would love to bring monsters to the fight.>" Tian does not dismiss the idea, and instead gives an opportunity to put it to use, perhaps.

As Lunaris offers up their approval of the 'dance' at the end of their bout, there is a bit of color that shows on Tian's own cheeks, and then a little bit of a straightening of their shoulders. It seems that those words made the Cait Sith quite happy with themselves. "<I am glad.>" Tian answers. "<Perhaps at the next celebration, I will ask for a proper dance.>" Warmth lingers in their expression, but there is also something else.

"<You speak English.>" It's a statement made, not a question. "<I can read your lips when you speak.>" Tian motions towards their own mouth, then gives a tilt of the head. "<I cannot read lips when people speak Japanese.>" This is all said with that same questioning expression, suggesting that they may be curious as to why Lunaris speaks English.

    The fox seemed more than happy to just see Tian considering her points, not truly worried about getting answers, it was never about that. She just liked talking and Haru usually palmed her off on someone else or LOONS when she got like this, it was nice having an utterly free run for a moment. "Exactly! It seems odd they'd not use them on monsters if they could. So either there's a limit there, or another limit. Assuming it's just because they can't work on monsters brings up the question of what makes Adventurers so different? Were they made specifically to control them? And if they can then.." She takes a breath, her hand waving in the air almost dramatically, "What stopped them from being used earlier? Was some form of permission needed?" With that she swayed happily on her chair, concluding the rant and just left looking bright and eager like she had just been dying to get that out to a sympathetic ear.

    A moment or two passed, a warmth struck her cheeks, "Uh. Sorry. I said I wouldn't get into it!" A shy scratch of her cheeks as a breath escaped her, and instead she started properly listening and watching once again. To Tian's points her head dipped, "I.. Um.. More meant building a ranch when I'm in two minds about controlling the monsters that would be in it. And of course it's not foolish to fight. I.. Hope to bring this conflict to an end with minimal bloodshed." That thought made the summoner glance to her side, a slightly pained look, before continuing, "The crowns take orders from somewhere. NWA believes the rulers of each city. With difficulty, rulers can be changed.. Kallamore provides a most obvious example." Though it sounded there was a bit more to it than that.

    On the upside, Luna has already shown how quickly she can bounce back from such thoughts, and seeing the blade dancer blush was certainly no exception! Okay, maybe not quite a blush, but it was enough to make the vulpine cait sith utterly glow, her eyes even closing for a moment - Until she remembered she needed to watch the signing! Not need perhaps, but want. "I, um.. I would like that!" There was little hesitation at all to the answer, perhaps even the tiniest bit too eager, to the point she bites her lip and reigns herself back in juuust a little. "Uhm, well.. If that's how you think.. I'll dance on the winners podium with you, if you win the tournament!" The words laced with a playful challenge, there was a part of her that really did want to see Tian win, even if she wasn't wholly certain why.

    The statement shocks the summoner just a little, blinking in confusion at how they knew, much less that she even spoke or at least mimed words in english. That actually caught the cait sith so off-guard she just.. Froze there for a moment, thoughts processing, dumbfounded. "I.. Haven't thought about that for a while," she finally admits with a slightly awkward smile, "I'm from england. Originally. Moved over to Japan for work, then.. You can guess the rest, I think."

Where Lunaris seems happy to be able to express theories and thoughts, Tian seems equally happy to listen. Or, perhaps listen is not quite the right word given the circumstances. The isolation of war brings with it a deeper need for connection. There is another tap of the finger against the rim of the tea cup, a sign that Tian is thinking, considering the options.

Then, they reach that same hand up and swipe in the air. It is a familiar gesture, the one that Adventurers use to run an INSPECT command. This is followed by a motion of one hand before Tian begins to sign again to express: "<Perhaps it is linked to the 'I' marking? Adventurers, Landers, even the Kunie have that marker. Monsters do not.>" Tian proposes, tilting their head, yet showing that expression of uncertainty.

Tian's ears sort of flop both to one side, giving one of those confused puppy dog sort of looks again. Without the mask and makeup, their features are very expressive, able to communicate much even without signing. "<Maybe instead of a ranch, a zoo?>" Then, with more furrowed brows, they continue. "<Could be difficult. To separate people and monsters so the two do not interact."> They touch the backs of the fingers on both hands together and move them appart.

Tian seems to realize at that moment that they haven't eaten the pastry, and decide better late than never. Thankfully, unlike normal people, there isn't an issue with talking with their mouth full. "<It is the leaders. They are also the ones who place the crowns and can remove them.>" There is a nod of confirmation as Tian licks a bit of pastry cream from the edge of their mouth. "<My patron is one of them. A noble. They removed my crown and freed me.>"

Of course, her promise to dance on the winner's podium is met with a laugh. There isn't as much sound to it as might come from a normal person, more a slight exhalation with a motion of the chest and a soft smile. "<A challenge I fear I cannot achieve.>" Their hands close together as if wrenching a towel. "<I shall morn the loss of the opportunity.>" Tian, at their heart, is both a dreamer and a realist. "<Maybe I will earn the right some other way.>" A playful wink follows.

Those gold eyes seem momentarily show concern, as if uncertain what they said to draw such a strange look from Lunaris. The explination, however, draws another of those gentle smiles. Due to the so-called 'Great Firewall', Tian is obviously someone from East Asia. "<I was born in China.>" After a pause, they explain, "<It was not friendly to people like me.>" A hand reaches up to tap on one fox-like ear. Obviously referring to their disability. "<I learned ASL young. Studied at University in the United States.>" Lips pressing together, Tian admits with a rueful expression, "<I was never able to be me in China.>" They flatten two open hands against each other. "<It was like a prison to me.>"

    The mention of the marking causes Luna's head to tilt to the side, thinking on it as she chewed at the spoon that had come with the tea. Truly, the fox never seemed able to sit still. "The I marking. I hope not, that's more powerful than I considered, given the divine beasts and.. Other things I believe bear that mark. But I have yet to hear of a crowned Divine either.. I guess I'm just going to have to go and look myself. Suppose the question is - What does the 'I' marking mean anyway? And why can we lose it?" Her words fell quiet, lost in thought, missing too many variables to expand on that one.

    The puppy dog look earnt a laugh from the Cait Sith who finally leaned back into her chair, still chewing on the spoon with just the barest fang. "A zoo? It's a nice idea, guess I'll build it and figure things out, honestly my main impulse was to create new food types. Yeah, I wanted to gather dangerous monsters together just for that. Who knows though, maybe I'll finally get to the bottom of why they're just aggressive. It could just be how they're programmed, but.." She finally pulls the spoon free, tapping it once across her knuckles, "It's not that. I can feel how cold the spoon is, how metallic. You're not telling me it's just that way just because. It doesn't add up to me."

    She does give a nice smile at the confirmation and nods, that would help, she stores that tidbit in her pocket for later. It's wrong to say Kunie's chose the leaders to be exact, but right enough, certainly.. The line of thought lasted as long as it took Tian to lick away the cream, leaving the vulpine snorting back a quiet laugh, her face glowing in almost a delight. "I-I'm glad for your patron then! They sound like a good person! And.. Well, you better try at the tournament! If you lose we'll have another chance, but it's certainly the closest we currently have. Unless you think we'll manage during our trips to the camps!" That one she sticks her tongue out at, for just the barest moment, so easy to miss.

    The talk of home countries and reminiscence of how Tian was treated juxtaposes her usual attitude, it's not the happiest thing, but a look more akin to quiet empathy with something smoldering away in the backs of her eyes. It was a certain turn, for once she wasn't all that talkative. This time her smile gave a tang of something all too sour, like biting into a lemon and she just gave a small nod of agreement simply adding on, "People can be cruel."

"<I have never encountered a Divine Beast.>" This likely would explain why they hadn't factored this into their consideration on the topic. Another of those soft 'hmm' sounds murmurs from the crafter as Tian considers this fact. "<Perhaps they are too dangerous for the Landers to consider such a thing?>" The question is expressed in another of those head-tilts, then followed with an uncertain wobble of one hand.

Seeing Lunaris laugh seems to draw a smile to Tian's features, though, gold eyes watching their lips in a way that might be uncomfortable to some. It's likely that they're just doing that lip-reading thing, right? It couldn't be the way she's biting that spoon. Tian's hand moves as if they were holding a pen and doodling on the table. "<I was a writer. So I do not know the limits of technology other than what was made for -->" Tian reaches up to touch an ear again. Something in their expression suggests they may have had bad experiences with such medical interventions.

Tian taps the table. "<This, feels real to me.>" Then, they reach out once more to lay a hand briefly over one of Lunaris', likely halting the tapping briefly. Then, they draw back and sign, "<This, feels real to me.>" And another hand motion between the two of them. "<This, feels real to me.>" The same signs repeated each time, followed by a half-shrug of one shoulder.

"<So long as you do not disappear again, I am sure we will have other chances.>" Tian responds, their expression softening again, seeming glad to be able to bring some sort of amusement. "<Win or lose.>"

However, Lunaris' quiet in the aftermath of Tian sharing a bit of their own life, has the Cait Sith watching her expressions. Those gold eyes are keen and sometimes see more than people would like them to, it seems. "<You speak from experience?>" Tian signs, head tilted in question.

    Giving an almost rueful smile at that, the vulpine cait sith dips her head in agreement. "Nor have I, only going on what I've heard through chatter on the comlink. Much as I might love to see them, never had the luck. Or really searched them out," of everything, that had not quite hit her to-do list. They might hold interesting clues, but.. She had already enough to be puzzling out and they didn't really seem pertinent for the war in particular. Finally remembering to tap the spoon down onto her plate she falls back into listening and watching, with her excited moment over, she did want to hear more about Tian. "A writer? Suppose it's hard to imagine what we all were once! What kind of thing did you write? Anything I might have read?" She asked, a playful little smile dancing on her lips.

    The summoner is all but swaying happily as they talk, a move that bashfully stills as her own hand is touched with the awkwardness of feelings. Even if she couldn't help but don a certain glow at it, and quietly pretend the reason was the conversation, and not the touch. "Exactly, a living, breathing world. The Landers no less real than us. So.. It seems strange the monsters would seem so much less," she explains with a softness rather than the rush of excitement, belief, not a theory. "And I'm not planning to vanish, not this time. Certainly not until I help this war end. We should be fighting against many things, but not each other. So you bet we'll have that dance, and another when all this comes to a close, the day all the crowns crack.. After it's all done, I'd love to see them destroyed, reforged into something better. I wonder if we can do that?" It was such a warm idea, rebirth, after all was something that meant a lot to this particular fox.

    Again though, the question about her past returns the darker look and she just shrugs her shoulders. Takes a minute to consider her words before replying, "The only reason I wish our last world still exists is so others can return to their loved ones. The thought it's gone doesn't disturb me like it does the others."

Those large ears perk forward, acting in response to Lunaris' interest in their work. It's likely that very few people have ever asked Tian about their life before finding themselves here. The Cait Sith straightens a little in their seat, showing some obvious pride in their accomplishments. "<I had one book published. The second was scheduled for publication when all of this happened.>" Tian's smile carries a deep enthusiasm, "<The Runic Chains.>"

The Runic Chains was written by Heian Li and had come to some renown within the Y/A space. It had even been nominated for a couple of 'new author' awards. The story had been about a teenage boy, growing up in an alternate-modern timeline, struggling under an oppressive society while discovering magical abilities and trying to discover both their meaning, and himself in the process. Very much a comming-of-age story with some LGBTQ+ overtones. The sequel had been highly anticipated.

Something in Lunaris' words have Tian smirking slightly, "<If you will disappear when the war ends, I may find myself wavering in my mission.>" She had said that she wouldn't vanish 'until I help this war end'. Still, it's obvious Tian knows what she had meant. "<So far, they are destroyed when we remove them, but not if the Landers do so.>" With a determined look of their own, Tian nods a head, "<I would be more than happy to see them put to better use molten metal paperweights.>" Tian does not like the Crowns, for obvious reasons.

Concern writes on Tian's face, though, "<That bad?>" One ear flops over. "<I am glad it exists, if only that it brought you here.>" Their brows lift slightly. "<That may be selfish of me.>" Tian motions their head slightly, "<If you ever wish to talk about it. I will listen.>"

It no longer really seemed like Tian was sat with Lunaris, so much as he was with the person too often hidden behind that persona, sure they shared some similarities like always fiddling with something or half the time appearing to drift off in thought. But this Lunaris was a much calmer one, taking the world as it came rather than always trying to chase the next moment. It was perhaps then she fit the visage of someone just sipping away at tea and watching the world go by. The mentioned name gets a twitch of her ear, a half-memory as she leans her neck back in thought. "I think I have heard of that one.. Might have read it before coming to Japan. You seriously wrote it? That's really impressive. Huh, I wish we had a copy here.." Then a thought struck her, lips twitching and she leaned forwards once again, whispering conspiratorially, "Hey, what about having out next date in a library?" Before pulling away like it never happened. Totally inconspicuous.

    The comment about wavering in their mission gets a chuckle, and for a moment she closes her eyes, grinning like a fool. "Is it strange that I just can't imagine you wavering about anything? I saw no hesitation in our fight, you know? Besides, I think you're stuck with me." The sentiment on crowns earns a nod, in part recognition of that determination, more serious than playful, "Honestly, I don't think it's a terrible idea in a way. If this is the world we really have, showing how things change is important. People always need a reminder. A reminder that even when things are dark - The world never likes a stalemate, it's always changing."

    She does, however, snort a little at the adorable sentiment and they wave a hand, "Don't worry. I'm glad it brought me here too. It let me start over, there's a reason I thought it was a perfect game world for so long. I'd rather let that past of mine stay buried. Even if this world collapses and we are forced outside, I won't return to that life."

This subtle shift in Lunaris' demeanor is not new to Tian. In fact, it is one of the defining character traits that they had always been fascinated by. Everyone wears masks, even if some of them are not literal. "<I wrote it.>" Tian confirms, making that gesture like writing again with their hand. "<No one in China would publish it.>" For obvious reasons, "<But it was picked up by an international publisher.>" There is a thoughtful expression that follows. "<I wonder if they published the second one after the Apocalypse.>"

With Lunaris asking about it, there is one of those slightly fanged grins as the Cait Sith taps their own temple. "<I may not be able to reproduce it completely, but I could write you an abridged version.>" The offer is left out there.

An offer that is somewhat overwhelmed by what Lunaris says next. Tian sits back, eyes widening slightly. The signs that they make are kept small, the signing version of a whisper. "<So this /is/ a date?>" Is that a hopeful expression?

Tian laughs at the description of themseles as 'unwavering', offering a shake of their head in response. It moves some of the ombre strands back away from their face. "<Here, maybe. Out there...>" Tian's lips press together. "<I was never strong enough to tell my parents who I really was. It would have broken their image of me.>" Gold eyes look away with an almost shy expression, "<I never told them I wanted to be a writer. To leave China. I could not stand their disappointment.>"

When their gaze lifts again, looking across and offering Lunaris a smile at the end of it all. "<I am happy that you are free here. Stay, or go, I think we will all carry this world in our hearts.>" Tian's hand cups over the center of their chest again. "<You make the world light.>"

    While Luna was not entirely certain about the predicament of the old earth, now truly wasn't the time for such questions. "I'm sure they will have, if that was your wish. It sounded like your work managed to touch a lot of people, and I'm sure that one would do the same," her words reassuring, she had never met an author truly, but imagined it was something most would like, especially if they did it for the reason she saw in Tian. Oh, the fanged grin, that made her give a rather dorky one of her own. For the moment forgetting the world, "Perhaps, I would quite like to read it, honestly. Sounds like fun, though I wouldn't want you to go to that much effort to reproduce something for me!"

    The reaction to her whisper is met by the most impassive face Luna can manage to muster, the main give away being the delighted sparkle in her eye from the reaction. The Cait Sith only leaves them wondering for.. At least over a few minutes, before her face breaks into a actual laugh, mirthful and playful. She didn't choose a fox for nothing. "I mean, it wasn't my original plan," is the only reply she gives, letting the Fox-Wolf draw their own conclusions to that one.

    It was what the Blade Dancer said next that made it waver, her eyes dropped just a fraction, those large ears moving a bit lower. Some was sympathy, but some, simply that they were dancing very, very close to her own struggles, even unintentionally. Never being what people wanted ringing so true. Things were harder to bare without a mask. She does claw back a small smile at the lovely sentiment offered though, and simply manages, "Thank you. I.. I want to try. I want to see people happy."

"<I hope so.>" The books seem to mean a lot to Tian, who explains, "<I did not find acceptance until I left for University. I hope that some reader finds the book and sees themselves in it.>" Touching their own chest, the wolf-fox smiles with a genuine warmth. "<That they learn about themselves and love themselves.>"

Lunaris' 'dorky' smile gets a different idea from Tian. "<Perhaps I can write you a new story, instead.>" They offer. "<I enjoy writing, it brings me peace.>" The crafter's hands fold together.

And then there is that sly fox, sitting there with that delighted look in her eye and leaving Tian wondering. One brow raises, a hand flicking their middle finger from their head to touch against the index finger of the other hand. The gesture changes to add a touch of thumb and forefinger together near the nose. "<Sly fox.>" As if in response to this teasing, Tian inquires, "<Did you recieve the present I sent you?>"

Then, of course, those keen eyes are taking in the shift in demeanor. The things that Lunaris tries to hide. Oh, Tian is no mind-reader, but simply observant enough to notice how hard it is for her to put on that smile again. So, all Tian says with a flourish of their fingers is: "<I care for you as you are. Both what you show to others, and what you hide. Both are special to me. You are enough.>"

"The measure of a writer is how their writing helps the reader reflect new experiences, and explore new possibilities. The art of storytelling," Lunaris replies musically, the words sounding like a quote they had pulled from somewhere. That alone let just a bit of her admiration for the art show, and she nodded happily at the sentiment. With that she took a card from her deck, placing it face-up on the table and tapping the center. A blue glow shone on the surface before a bubble of water appeared between her palms infront of the pair. "Reflections are important. But most only show what currently is, what we need sometimes is to have a perspective of something else, to really understand ourselves," leaning forwards she blew onto the bubble, the form altering slightly to help refract the light, and through it the Cait Sith was easily seen upside down. It wasn't much impressive like true illusions, but they were still far past her. Still it was enough to make the fox giggle softly, moving their hand under the orb. "I'd love to see a story of yours! My own ability at art still has a long way to go.. But. I want to make a memory of our battle. If I can, I'll show it you!"

    Being called sly gets an all too proud look from the summoner, it was not all too subtle. Though her head cocks at the mention of a present and she clicks her fingers, the orb of water just puffing away. "A present? I don't think so?" Brow furrowed, trying to think, happy to have been even given one and desperately hoping that she didn't just miss is at some point. The words of reassurance make her smile once again, and did her tail just wag? "You're special too! Uh.. To me.. A-and I'd probably best start getting sorted for the Palace Lands. Um.. Osk needed me to.." Happy, that was for sure, though the utter bluntness definitely had the fox very much more bashful and on the flustered side. Direct compliments were hard! Now even struggling to meet the blade dancer's eyes.

Rather than speaking, Tian simply motions a hand towards Lunaris, showing agreement with their sentiments about writing through an enthusiastic smile and body language. So much of what meaning their words convey is represented non-verbally. Communication that seems to be easier when they are not hiding behind makeup and mask. Then again, hiding intention may very well be why Tian does it.

As a crafter, themselves, Tian's gold eyes give a fascinated look to the display from the card as it is layed face-up on the table. Their head tilts one way, then the other, looking at the colorful reflection in the bubble that floats between them. It's a display that likely also draws some attention from nearby patrons of the cafe. Unable to resist, it seems, the Cait Sith blows a bit of air up underneath the bubble, trying to get it to float higher.

At the invitation of seeing more of Lunaris' handiwork, Tian bobs their head in a nod rather than using the sign of affirmation. "<I look forward to seeing it!>"

When Lunaris informs Tian that the Christmas gift had never arrived, there is a narrowing of the eyes and a tightening of eyebrows. "<I need a word with a certain messenger.>" Then, as if realizing that might appear ominous, Tian shakes their head, "<I will find it and get it to you.>"

The smile reappears as Lunaris seems flustered in response to Tian's statements. A slight swish of their own tail follows. "<I understand.>" As Lunaris seems to be making excuses to depart, the crafter nods their head and gently reaches across the table, moving to take her hand. The fingers are warm, as Tian lifts her hand and places a small kiss to the back of it before releasing again. "<Safe travels, Lunaris. I hope we can meet again soon.>"

Lunaris. Tian doesn't finger spell the name, but instead makes a motion near their head as if forming a moon shape, with thumb and forefinger, then closes it and wiggles a little. Moon-fox. The system, however, translates the meaning as her name.

    Flustered and at her limit for the day, Lunaris was well and truly struggling to be a conversationalist. Her reaction probably enough to assume that flirting didn't much happen to her, despite the fact this one, she had totally initiated bare moments ago. "Th-thank you! I-I'll bring you something next time, it's the least you deserve!" An odd moment, her mask semi-donned, yet unable to cover up her actual emotions that ever so easily leaked through.

    And that was before the kiss to her hand. That part well and truly sealed it as she darted up, glowing with happiness that made her tail sway, for all the expedience she was trying to get away. In mere moments the travelpack swung around their shoulders, "I-I'll see you later!" Raising a hand and waving as they darted out, the card on the table soon seeming to realise it had been abandoned before launching itself straight after the fleeing vulpine. The only thing that breaks her stride was the motion that spelled her name. The summoner froze, and gawped. Something clicked in their mind, moments before they remembered to vanish through the door. Thankfully, remembering to not let said door slam on her tail.

    Tian was perhaps left alone at the table, but underneath a tea a card stuck out, one that hadn't followed her. Embossed on the back was a beautiful rose, trailing in a royal purple, and if flipped over it was similar to the empty cards, but this one bore a simple visage of the Moon-fox, abstract and faint but most certainly still her.

The sudden departure likely gets a number of eyes following Lunaris out of the building. Eventually, some find Tian in return, who gives a small gesture as if to wave off concern. It's quite possible someone may have a discussion with them about chasing off women from the establishment, even if that isn't really the case.

Before that can happen, though, Tian notices the card left behind. Carefully, it is retrieved, looking at first one side and then the other with a smile. It is just being tucked carefully away when someone comes up and taps Tian on the shoulder.

"Hey, you!" The Adventurer, a Were Fang Dire-Tiger in full beast mode as he grabs Tian's shoulder. Turning, the smaller Cait Sith has a momentary look of surprise, then their ears tuck back, "What did you do to make her rush out of here like that?" The question is more of a demand, and Tian raises their hands to ward off questions. "I don't like people who hurt girls." A fist is thrown in Tian's direction.

And then, the fox-wolf is gone. They give a sly, wolf-fox wave from a few feet away, and then dart out of the building, themselves.

Tian may have just gotten themselves banned from the Cafe through no fault of their own. Oops.