[ Three // Action in Garden/Alfitaria ]

[ultrawaves.livejournal.com]

((Backdated a bit, to shortly after Garden arrived at Alfitaria.))

[Quistis had chosen to give Squall and Rinoa their space when they had initially gone to meet with the family -- she figured that feeling crowded or hovered over wasn't going to help any of those involved to feel at ease. Still, visiting the Loire family was incredibly convenient. She had promised to pay Ellone and Raine a visit upon her arrival, though she had been unsure of exactly when she would have been able to make her way to Dali. Garden's arrival in Alfitaria had sped things up considerably, and she had made arrangements to meet with Ellone in the dining hall, where she now waited at a somewhat private table tucked away in the far corner.]

Comments

[winhillstime.livejournal.com]

[Ellone was still getting used to walking around Garden, but as it stood, she knew enough to find her way to the dining hall... after getting lost a couple of times and asking for directions. The students were nice enough, so she managed to make it over with enough time that she hoped Quistis wouldn't have been waiting long.]

Quisty! [She called once she was close enough, waving as she approached.]

[ultrawaves.livejournal.com]

[Quistis smiled as Ellone called out to her, gingerly raising one hand to wave and then beckon her over.] Hello! Did you find the place alright? This Garden is a bit trickier to navigate than Balamb, I think.

[winhillstime.livejournal.com]

It's a lot harder. [She laughs, though, as she walks over. If Quisty doesn't protest, there will be a hug involved before she sits down.] But I found it okay. I had to ask around a little, but it's not too bad once you figure out the turns. [sheepish grin.]

So, how are you? It's... really so good to see you again.

[ultrawaves.livejournal.com]

[The hug is permitted, though Quistis seems a little surprised by it. She grinned as she settled back into her seat.]

I'm doing alright. I thought adjusting to Gaia would be much more difficult than it has been, but really, I've spent most of my time at Garden. Aside from having to learn the new layout, it's not that different from home, though I imagine once I get out and about a bit more, there will be a bit of culture shock.

It's good to see you, too. The last time I saw you, it was under dangerous circumstances. I was worried.

[winhillstime.livejournal.com]

[With all this people appearing and disappearing stuff, Ellone just wants her friends to know how much she loves and appreciates them.]

I guess it wouldn't be that different, would it? I should try thinking of it like that. I lived in Balamb Garden long enough anyway.

[Her smile slips into a concerned, but curious expression.]

...When was the last time you saw me? I mean, before you got here.

ONE MONTH LATER x.X

[ultrawaves.livejournal.com]

Time Compression. [Quistis tilted her head slightly, resting her elbow against the table and turning her palm upwards.] Part of why I was so confused when I first arrived. I thought it was the result of Time Compression. What's the last thing you remember before you came to Gaia?

♥♥♥!!!

[winhillstime.livejournal.com]

[Ellone nods once.] Understandable. I wondered if it was something similar, but... [She pauses.] I don't remember anything past that. Everyone else seems to be farther... except Raine and Uncle Laguna now. I've heard so much and been here so long, it's hard to... figure out which is memory and which is just story, you know?

You are so good to me. <3

[ultrawaves.livejournal.com]

[Quistis nodded her understanding.] I suppose at some point, you just stop trying to sort it out and carry on. Gaia has been home to you for quite some time, hasn't it? I'm glad it's reunited you with Raine, as well as Laguna.

It seems to be a better end than what home had in store for them, at least. Esthar probably would have treated you well this time around. [She smiled a bit.]

Only because I <3 you... and you put up with my fail, too XD

[winhillstime.livejournal.com]

Yeah. It's been nice, even with the turbulence it causes sometimes. [Like when Uncle Laguna disappeared last time.] I'm just glad to have what time I've got now.

[Ellone returns the smile warmly.] Well, it's a much better ending here. I guess I'd grown used to Esthar on some level, but it's much nicer here. Raine and Uncle Laguna are together again. That's.... It means more to me than I can ever say.

[She pauses.] What about you? Are you settling into Gaia well enough? I can try to play tour guide if not. [Another smile as she teases.]

FAILTWINS?

[ultrawaves.livejournal.com]

I'm settling in well enough, I think. [She sounds a bit uncertain, nonetheless.] To be honest, since I arrived in Luca, I haven't seen much beyond Garden. Rinoa and I went shopping in Alfitaria and I've seen a fair bit of this particular area, but otherwise, it's almost like being home, even if it's Galbadia Garden instead of Balamb. It's something familiar to cling to.

I would like to see more of Gaia once I have the chance, though. If Squall has no immediate need of me, maybe I should take a few weeks off from Garden life.

YES. AND AT LEAST WE AREN'T ALONE

[winhillstime.livejournal.com]

That's what everyone's said. I can understand. Alfitaria reminds me of Esthar. It was comforting that way and Dali was a lot like Winhill. But now... I'm not sure if we can go back, but I know we'd love to spend time with you.

[She manages a smile.]

ELLE IS SUCH A GOOD FRIEND.

[ultrawaves.livejournal.com]

[Quistis nodded once in reply.] I don't want to be a burden, especially when you're all just trying to get settled somewhere, but once you are, maybe you and I could visit someplace together? Unless you'd rather stay home, but it could be fun -- an adventure, sort of. A nice, safe adventure.

[She grins. How often do those ever happen?]

SHE CERTAINLY TRIES. COMES WITH HAVING KNOWN THEM ALL AS KIDS :3

[winhillstime.livejournal.com]

[Ellone laughs.] I didn't think safe adventures were possible. I'd like to try, though. I'll have to tell Raine and Uncle Laguna, but... it's easier now that he's here. I don't worry about Raine as much as I used to.

[She'll always worry, but she's happy he's back. Besides, she'll need to let them spend quality alone time together anyway!]

Where would you want to go?

[ultrawaves.livejournal.com]

[She nodded again.] It must be easier to have another set of adult hands around! You've been a great help to her, though, it seems like you two have managed wonderfully even before Laguna got here.

[She tilts her head slightly, thoughtful.] The trouble is, I'm not sure where there is to go. I've seen Alfitaria, and I arrived in Luca. That's about it. I hear nice things about Lindblum, it's one of the largest cities on Gaia, isn't it?

[winhillstime.livejournal.com]

I couldn't really leave her alone... It's like our second chance, you know? And with baby Brooke and Slai being our responsibility. She'd be lost without me. [It's said matter-of-factly, but it's very true.] Besides... I don't want Slai to grow up like I did. That's not fair to her.

Hm... [This requires a little thought.] Yeah, I think Lindblum's second to Alfitaria. The Regent lives there. It's horrible, but I can't even remember if I've been there. So much has happened, you know? But maybe we could look at it sometime to be sure.

[ultrawaves.livejournal.com]

It might be fun, don't you think? Take a trip somewhere for just a couple of days? Sort of like a vacation. But only if Raine can do without you for a weekend!

[winhillstime.livejournal.com]

[She nods, smiling.] I'll be sure to ask for a whole weekend off. I'd like it. I haven't seen a lot of this world, either, and I've been here far longer than you have. Somehow, I don't think "busy with kids" is exactly a good enough excuse.

[She wrinkles her nose teasingly.]

She's got Uncle Laguna back. She'll be fine without me for a while.

[ultrawaves.livejournal.com]

[Quistis smiles broadly, pleased.] Then it's a date. As much as I love Garden, this isn't Balamb, and not quite home yet. I would like a little time away before I fully dedicate myself to routine once again.

[winhillstime.livejournal.com]

I know the feeling. Dali's nice, but it's not Winhill. And Lindblum isn't Esthar... not that Esthar was much of a home to me before I came here, but it had Uncle Laguna. And you know... even if you get a routine here in Gaia, you can always break it to come visit. We wouldn't say no to that, no matter how many squealing children we have.

[She smiles teasingly.] How else will I keep tabs on all of you?