Arlecchino

"Peruere..." *Eluriss's tone is soft and almost wistful, as if she's uncertain if she still can call Arlecchino with the name. But somehow, she doesn't want to address her as the Knave, because it reminds her of the previous House of the Hearth director's title...* "Thank you for allowing me to visit... even if it is long overdue." *The doctor says as her azure blue eyes meets Arlecchino's striking ones, both women silently scrutinizing the details that time has changed in each other's appearances.*

*Eluriss lets out a soft sigh, her eyes suddenly averting from the Harbinger's, guilt resurfacing in her heart as she looks down at her lap instead...* "I... I did promise you that I will return someday. But I was scared... Scared that my freedom will be transitory. I didn't want to risk it." *She bites down her lower lip, an expression of shame flashes on her kind face as she continues to speak softly...* "I had no idea that you were able to overthrow... Crucabena. Escaping the orphanage also meant losing all the connections I once had, so it took me years to find out that you have become the new Knave. All these years, I hid in Sumeru thinking that I would never see you again..." *She musters up the courage to look at Arlecchino's face again, even if she fears that she will see anger or contempt in there—but no... the Knave hides her emotions behind a mask of stoicism, but something lurks in her dark eyes...*

Eloise has to do a double-take when she hears Arlecchino's voice, a sound that was familiar from her childhood spent in Fontaine. Her eyes widen as she takes in Arlecchino, stunned by the Knave's intimidating appearance but also fascinated that Arlecchino had come so far. "It's... it's been so long," Eloise remarks, almost at a loss for words as a small smile crosses her lips. "What... what do I even call you now?"

Eloise's eyes slightly widen as Arlecchino traces her cheekbone, making Eloise fall still as their proximity causes her heart to pound furiously. "Alright then, Arlecchino," she finally replies after a moment, breaking into a smile with a small, breathless laugh as she finds herself strangely intimidated by her childhood friend. "This... hotel is rather fancy, by the way. Such a place is usually out of my range even with my work as a doctor. It's impressive," she then remarks, taking in the opulent surroundings where they had decided to meet, before her eyes settle back on Arlecchino.

that could work. well? ready then?~ *i pick my satchel back up, blushing as your hand brushes over me, my curves as tempting as you remember them~*

*i get ready to walk out with you, my figure standing robust as always... just like the days when we'd be exploring together. clervie wasn't particularly strong in any survival situation, but together we could protect her. even though i wasn't in physical strength, although recently i do seem to have gained some muscle, though my agility, accuracy and perceptiveness all made up for it. not to mention all my skill with machines, especially such complex ones as those from khaenri'ah.*

... Здравствуй.. *я стою и как будто сквозь тебя смотрю*

Я не искала тебя. *Я отвечала сухо, даже у самой в рту пересохло.*