[ LOG ] - Queen's Blind Dates
Who: Belcoot, Lo Hak
What: Queen's Dates
Where: Mamie's Cafe
When: Waaay back in February!
Finding himself in the socially awkward position (well, at least for him) of being involved in Queen's mystery date match-ups, Belcoot was now sitting at one of the tables right outside of the cafe, a small card in hand. The card, of course, had the time and details of the meeting. Belcoot was looking intently at the small bit of paper, as if it had some uncontained secret that could be gleamed from a lot of staring. He had not much else to do as he waited patiently waited for his so-called 'date' to show up.
Lo Hak's stomach did flip-flops. His first date had been with Nanami (which he came out of without food poisoning thank god), and the second with Isabel. This was his third and he couldn't help but wonder who it was. He came to the cafe, glancing at his own card and starting to slowly work through the card, looking for a similar person with either a rose or a card. He spotted someone fiddling with something in their hands, and as long a shot as it was, he headed over, pausing before Belcoot. "Um, are you here for Queen's Mystery Dates?"
Upon hearing the voice, Belcoot glanced up, blinking a little out of surprise. This was his first date of the three, and so he had not known what to expect. Seeing a familiar face was a bit of a relief, but it did nothing to ease the strangeness of this whole situation for him. He still wasn't accustomed to what a person had to... do on one of these things. "Ah, yes." He quickly stood up, offering his hand out in a gesture of politeness. "You are my partner, then?"
Lo Hak took the hand, noting with a bit of a sheepish grin how much bigger Belcoot's hand was that his - calloused and made to a grip a sword where as Lo Hak's were more delicate and meant to lift purses and massage muscles. "Yeah, I guess I am. I'm Lo Hak."
"I believe we've met before, though not formally." Belcoot spoke and smiled as he firmly shook the hand before letting go. He remained standing, waiting for the other to take his seat. He figured that was proper etiquette, and though Lo Hak was no girl, he persisted in being polite. "I'm Belcoot."
"Well, it's nice to meet you, Belcoot," Lo Hak grinned, taking his seat and scooting into the table, laying his card aside. "I'm going to have to apologize when I say I can't remember having seen your face. Did you just arrive here?"
Settling back into his own chair, Belcoot shook his head in reply, also placing his card gently on the table. "I've been here for a year or two at least, but I tend to make myself scarce when commotion arises." He admitted. "It's no wonder you haven't seen me around, since I've been cooped up all the time."
Lo Hak's eyes widened. What was this guy? The master of hide and never find? "Wow, that's sort of impressive, actually," he laughed. "I would think it would be hard for a guy like you not to stand out, big as you are."
Belcoot looked a little amused at that statement, though he was a little confused, too. He seemed unsure whether to feel insulted or complimented... or both. "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" He decided to ask honestly, a hint of genuine confusion displaying itself on his expression.
"A compliment," Lo Hak assured him. "It's a skill few people, I've found, learn to use well." He paused as the waitress brought them a jug of water and two cups. "So, you're a swordsman, right?"
Belcoot took the compliment without saying much. He simply bowed his head a little as he turned his attention to the water and glasses, beginning to pour the liquid for the both of them. "Of sorts," he nodded a little, pushing a full glass over to Lo Hak. "I used to be a gladiator back in Falena before I became a fighting instructor."
"Like Shoon?" Lo Hak's brows rose, ashamed to admit to himself he could see this guy as a gladiator. He didn't know, he just... well, he had the build of a good fighter, was all.
"Exactly like him." Belcoot nodded again as he took a small sip of his own water before setting the glass down. Finding the mention of Shoon to be as good a topic as any, he decided to pursue it further. "So you know Shoon?"
"I know most of the people here. I run the baths, so I get to see everyone at some point," he grinned.
"I suppose so." He conceded. Unsure of what else to mention, he continued to speak about Shoon. "He's a growing boy. Sometimes I worry that his gladiator days make him disdainful towards those in authority."
"Well, from what I heard, that's a normal reaction," Lo Hak mused. "I mean, I didn't have a great life growing up and I don't like authority figured much either. I think it just depends on how said figure uses their power. Like, I know him and Euram fight like cats and dogs."
"Euram fights with anyone," Belcoot remarked dryly, smiling a little to himself. "It's hardly a feat to bait him, I'd say..." But then he redirects his attention. "You had a tough time growing up?"
"I was a street urchin in the islands," he said casually, his voice calm and serene, having come to terms with it and not angry over it. He waggled his fingers with a wry grin. "I didn't get so dexterous massaging shoulders, after all."
He laughed a little, leaning back in his seat to consider that. He seemed slightly uncomfortable talking about potentially touchy subjects, but was a little eased at how Lo Hak seemed to be speaking so casually about the whole affair. "From street urchin to a bath-master and masseur, then... You haven't done so bad for yourself at all."
He shrugged. "I just sort of went with the flow and it ended up leading me to good places." He rubbed the back of his head. "It was sheer luck that got me the 'job' where I learned how to do all this stuff anyways."
"Were you on your own, or were you with others?" Belcoot asked, curious. "Sometimes I found that the only thing that kept me going as a gladiator were my peers."
"I had my two siblings - an older brother and an older sister, Lo Seng and Lo Fong," he smiled sadly. "They aren't here, but... we went through everything together."
Seeing that sad smile made Belcoot feel a twinge of guilt. "Ah, I'm sorry that I mentioned it." He said quickly, a little alarmed. "... Though, perhaps they'll appear eventually."
"Oh don't be sorry!" Lo Hak shook his head. "You didn't know, and I mean, well, I'm used to it here. I hope they do though. It'd be nice to see them again. What about you? Any family?"
"None at all." He said simply, though the ex-gladiator didn't seem at all bothered by the fact. He wasn't so embarrassed when it came to his own history. "The only thing I remember is growing up among other gladiators, but I suppose they can be considered brothers to a degree."
"Well, at least you weren't alone, right?" Lo Hak sipped at his water. "Having someone to lean on is better than no one at all."
"That's right." Almost absently, Belcoot glanced up at the sky, his gaze falling upon the suns. Looking back at Lo Hak again, there was a faint look of embarrassment upon his face again. "Forgive me, I've never done this sort of thing before."
"That's all right," Lo Hak reassured him, his smile softening and then turning upwards in a tease, sky blue eyes sparkling. "It's endearing, really."
"E-endearing?" Belcoot repeatedly a little stupidly, as if uncomprehending. Then, after a few short seconds, he added, as if he had figured it out, "... You're being polite."
"Polite and honest," Lo Hak laughed. "I think it's nicer, going on these sorts of things with people who don't know how to be to smooth. It makes it more enjoyable that way."
Belcoot still looks mostly uncomprehending. "How to be... smooth?" He wasn't exactly an expert on how people behaved when it came to this sort of thing, either. "Well, I don't know what you mean, exactly... but I'm glad it's more enjoyable for you, then. I'm not exactly the most excitable person."
"Well, then tell me what it is you do here, at Budehuc," Lo Hak suggested. "You know I'm the bath master, but what about you?"
Belcoot nodded at the suggestion, seeing as it sounded like a good idea. "I'm a sword instructor, when I have the time." He explained... and then remembered about a job he had. "Actually, I'm meant to be helping that man, Juan, at the dojo... but I completely forgot." Belcoot looked slightly sheepish now, and made a mental note to go talk to Juan later.
"With how much Juan likes sleeping I'm surprised he hasn't hounded you to get your rear in gear and up to the dojo before now," Lo Hak mused aloud, pursing his lips a bit.
"Perhaps he forgot himself." His tone was a little hopeful, though he doubted Juan would forget something that could get him laid off doing anything too strenous. "No... I suppose I'm surprised he hasn't come after me, either."
"What it was because he was to busy napping," Lo Hak giggled, finally deciding to take a look at the menu.
Belcoot watched him glance over the menu, almost forgetting that they were at a cafe. "If you'd like something to eat, I'll pay for it." He offered, lifting his glass of water for another drink.
"Oh, didn't you know? Queen prepaid for the meals," Lo Hak laughed. "You can have something too. It's all taken care of."
"Oh?" He looked surprised and awkwardly reached for the menu himself. "I really don't know much about this event at all. ... I'm not even sure how I got involved."
"Probably Queen needing another contestant and deciding to try and make you social," Lo Hak shrugged. "I mean, you are having a good time, right?"
"Yes, it isn't so bad to be talking to people." Belcoot smiled a little at that, figuring that perhaps he should try being more social more often. "I guess it was nice of Queen to do something like this, then."
"Sometimes it's easier to have someone push you than to just jump right off the cliff," Lo Hak smiled at Belcoot like a warm ray of sunshine, looking down at the menu and finally deciding on a simple salad.
"Certainly true words." Belcoot smiled politely back, and then looked up for the waitress, signalling her over. "A slice of apple pie, please." He toyed with the glass on the table, giving Lo Hak time to make his own order.
"I'll have the chicken salad - the small one," he handed the waitress the menu and glanced at Belcoot. "Have a love for Watari's deserts, do you?"
"I don't have a soft spot for sweets like Georg, but I fancy a treat every now and then." He grinned a little boyishly. "And yourself? Are you more of a sweet or savoury type of person?"
"Sweets!" Lo Hak answered instantly. "I love these little pastries Watari makes - covered in chocolate and filled with custard. It's so hard to just limit myself them only once in awhile."
That reply is so enthusiastic that Belcoot is practically caught off-guard. "I... can't say I've ever tried them." He says slowly. "I haven't tried many sweets without Georg around to coax me into them, honestly." He smiles fondly at the memory.
Lo Hak gaped at him for a moment, then summoned the waitress, describing what he wanted and sending her scurrying off for them. "Well, today you'll be trying one," he said firmly.
"No, that's okay, rea--" Before Belcoot had much of a chance to object, the order was done, and he was left sitting there stupidly. "I'm... not sure I'll be able to handle so many sweets in a day."
"I'll help you eat 'em," Lo Hak winked, already twirling his fork deftly through his fingers as he anticipated the treats. "Though, I can bet there won't be any left to help finish off."
Belcoot laughed, seeming a little amused at Lo Hak's enthusiasm. He didn't quite have the same energy or appetite for the sweets, but he forced himself to pick up his fork nonetheless. He paused for just a moment to try to figure out how to approach eating it before he finally took a stab, taking a small piece of it for himself and chewing thoughtfully.
Lo Hak snorted, picking up the whole treat with his fingers and taking a huge bite, chewing happily, like a child receiving their most wanted gift during the winter holidays. "See? Isn't it delicious?"
Belcoot had to pause to consider that, his tongue not used to such a sweet taste. "It's... not bad," he finally admitted after swallowing the small bite that he had taken. "I suppose it wouldn't be so bad once in a while." He continued, "Though I certainly couldn't imagine having it everyday."
"Runes, my siblings would kill me if I tried that," he chuckled, polishing off his treat with one of his sunshine grins. "I wouldn't take you for a sweets man, anyways."
"I've always adhered to the idea of women enjoying sweets more than men." He said, smiling a little back. Lo Hak's grin was a little contagious. "Though, of course, some people are exceptions to that statement."
"I don't think it matters if you're a boy or a girl," Lo Hak shrugged. "Sugar is sugar. Either you like it or you don't. Now, girls have a bit more to worry about when it comes to sugar, but -" he shrugged his shoulders.
"... Girls have a bit more to worry abotu sugar?" Belcoot blinked at that, naive enough to be confused at its implications. "What do you mean?"
Lo Hak ran his hands through the air in an hour glass figure. "Girls have to watch their figures," he explained. "Men less so, it seems, though there are those that just let themselves go."
Belcoot was silent for a moment before he realized what Lo Hak was speaking of. "... Ah." He hadn't really noticed that kind of thing before. Seeming a little confused at the idea of women's figures, though, he quickly moved on. "Letting go like... Cornelio, I suppose?"
Lo Hak snorted, nearly choking on his own spit as he laughed. "Y-yeah. Like Cornelio," he chortled.
"Sometimes I have half a mind to ask him to try some training. It'd be good for his health." Belcoot was saying, though whether he was serious or kidding was very hard to tell. There was a bit of an earnest quality about his expression.
"He wouldn't, even if you asked," Lo Hak said with certainty. "He's the type of creature to enjoy his comforts, and runes help anyone who plans to take them away."
"Perhaps a few people should try and convince him into trying it sometime." Belcoot chuckled a little at the mental image of Cornelio wielding his baton like a sword. "Maybe even bribery would work."
(
"Yeah, like a pound of cake," Lo Hak rolled his eyes. "Or heaven forbid making us sit through a performance..."
Belcoot laughed. "His music isn't that bad. You aren't a fan of that kind of thing?"
"Belcoot, they're sprites," Lo Hak reasoned. "I guess they wouldn't be bad if they, you know, sang a GOOD song."
"Each to their own taste, I guess." Belcoot grinned a little. "Hopefully you haven't heard him play anything relating to Haud."
"No, but I've heard enough about it that I never want to," he shuddered, chewing his fork absently.
"Just be glad you've never been there," he replied wryly, shuddering slightly at the memory. "The extreme palette is enough to blind."
"Oh, you mean weirdly colored," Lo Hak nodded after a moment. "I'll take your word for it then!" his grin returned. "Note to self: stay away from Haude."
Reflecting for a moment on his experience in Haude before continuing, Belcoot decided to ask further, "Have you ever been to Falena?"
Lo Hak shook his head. "Nope. I never really left the islands, to be honest. It costs a lot to get passage to the main land, so I just never thought about it."
"I keep forgetting you're from the past," Belcoot said, looking a little sheepish as he remembered the fact. "Perhaps you'll get to go sometime now. It's a good place, now that the war is over."
"Maybe," Lo Hak agreed. "I want to go back to the islands come spring or summer, so maybe we can work it where I pass through Falena on the journey somehow."
"Ah, travelling? Are you planning on going by yourself, or with others?" He leaned back in his chair, a part of him missing the idea of wandering.
"Well, hopefully others," Lo Hak admitted. "It'd be cheaper to get passage that way, and traveling with company is always more fun. You're welcome to come, if you want."
"No, it's fine." Belcoot quickly shook his head. "I'm not much good for company on travels, and I'm waiting for someone to show up here, as well."
"A friend?" Lo Hak inquired, looking down mournfully at his now sweetless plate.
"A friend," he confirmed, following Lo Hak's gaze to the plate. He hesitated for a moment. "Marina. I used to help her around the inn. She's a very sweet girl -- she's probably worried sick that I'm gone."
"I'm sure she'll show up," Lo Hak assured him. "And sure she's worried, but I bet she knows you can handle yourself. It'll all work out." He grinned lopsidedly.
Belcoot caught himself smiling at that, and he nodded a little more enthusiastically now. "... Thank you, Lo Hak. I'm sure your siblings feel the same, too." He added the last part a little belatedly, a little awkward.
"I know they do," his grin turned wry. "Seng's probably angry I'm late and Fong is... well, she's Fong." He laughed, rubbing the back of his head. "Just wait. I bet Marina shows up in the inn when you least expect it."
"It'll be quite the surprise," he mused, chuckling. "I suppose that's why I don't want to be gone when it happens. If she looked for me and couldn't find me..."
"I'm sure she's tough in her own right. Give her a bit more credit," Lo Hak kicked him lightly under the table.
Belcoot jumped in surprise, looking more alert and confused at the light kick. He blinked a little, forcing out another uncertain smile. "Yes... you're right." He didn't retaliate to the kick, however, unsure of how that kind of thing worked.
Lo Hak grinned again. "Sorry. I'm used to having faith in girls. My sis, you know, she's strong on her own. A lot of guys seem to think women can't handle themselves, but my sis is the proof they can. I don't know this Marina, but if you care for her so much - well, I'm sure she's strong then."
"She's strong, but she's... very emotional." Belcoot explained, though he nodded at Lo Hak's explanation. "I know what you mean, though. There are women around this castle that are fairly strong both mentally and physically -- such as Alenia, or Queen."
"Oh Miss Queen. She deserves some sort of medal for being that and a mother of twins," Lo Hak shook his head. "Cute by deadly, they are. But, anyways, I do hope she comes - Marina, I mean."
"Yes, thank you." Belcoot smiled again. "I hope your siblings come eventually, too. Perhaps we can introduce them all to each other when they appear."
"Oh, I think the castle will know when they arrive," Lo Hak laughed. "Trust me, we're a hard trio to miss."
"It'll be good to hear the racket you all cause, then. Sometimes this place is too quiet, or too noisy for all the wrong reasons."
"Oh, I dunno. Seng and Fong and I can get preeeety loud when we set our minds to it," he smirked. "I can tell you the tavern will be in an uproar once Seng gets a few down."
"I'm not much of a tavern person, but I'll have to make sure to check that out. The antics of others are always a great deal of fun to watch." He almost seemed intrigued at the prospect -- he hadn't really been down to the tavern in a while, either. "But, ah. I'm afraid I have to get going."
"Oh, right, I'm sorry," Lo Hak shook his head. "I just started going and - yeah. Well, it was a really nice seeing you, Belcoot."
"No, it's no problem at all. It was a fun chat, Lo Hak." Belcoot smiled sincerely, extending his hand to Lo Hak. "Perhaps we can talk again soon."
Lo Hak rose and took the hand, shaking it firmly though his hand was smaller than Belcoot's and he was not half as muscular. "I hope we do!" he beamed.
He returned the firm handshake as he stood, grinning. "I hope your voyage ends up going well, if I don't get the chance to see you before then." Letting go of Lo Hak's hand, he took a step back, pushing the chair back in.
Lo Hak nodded. "Oh, I think we'll see each other. I run the baths, remember?" he chuckled, pushing his chair in.
"That's right," he nodded, agreeing as he bowed a little, being polite. "Then I will see you there, Lo Hak."
What: Queen's Dates
Where: Mamie's Cafe
When: Waaay back in February!
Finding himself in the socially awkward position (well, at least for him) of being involved in Queen's mystery date match-ups, Belcoot was now sitting at one of the tables right outside of the cafe, a small card in hand. The card, of course, had the time and details of the meeting. Belcoot was looking intently at the small bit of paper, as if it had some uncontained secret that could be gleamed from a lot of staring. He had not much else to do as he waited patiently waited for his so-called 'date' to show up.
Lo Hak's stomach did flip-flops. His first date had been with Nanami (which he came out of without food poisoning thank god), and the second with Isabel. This was his third and he couldn't help but wonder who it was. He came to the cafe, glancing at his own card and starting to slowly work through the card, looking for a similar person with either a rose or a card. He spotted someone fiddling with something in their hands, and as long a shot as it was, he headed over, pausing before Belcoot. "Um, are you here for Queen's Mystery Dates?"
Upon hearing the voice, Belcoot glanced up, blinking a little out of surprise. This was his first date of the three, and so he had not known what to expect. Seeing a familiar face was a bit of a relief, but it did nothing to ease the strangeness of this whole situation for him. He still wasn't accustomed to what a person had to... do on one of these things. "Ah, yes." He quickly stood up, offering his hand out in a gesture of politeness. "You are my partner, then?"
Lo Hak took the hand, noting with a bit of a sheepish grin how much bigger Belcoot's hand was that his - calloused and made to a grip a sword where as Lo Hak's were more delicate and meant to lift purses and massage muscles. "Yeah, I guess I am. I'm Lo Hak."
"I believe we've met before, though not formally." Belcoot spoke and smiled as he firmly shook the hand before letting go. He remained standing, waiting for the other to take his seat. He figured that was proper etiquette, and though Lo Hak was no girl, he persisted in being polite. "I'm Belcoot."
"Well, it's nice to meet you, Belcoot," Lo Hak grinned, taking his seat and scooting into the table, laying his card aside. "I'm going to have to apologize when I say I can't remember having seen your face. Did you just arrive here?"
Settling back into his own chair, Belcoot shook his head in reply, also placing his card gently on the table. "I've been here for a year or two at least, but I tend to make myself scarce when commotion arises." He admitted. "It's no wonder you haven't seen me around, since I've been cooped up all the time."
Lo Hak's eyes widened. What was this guy? The master of hide and never find? "Wow, that's sort of impressive, actually," he laughed. "I would think it would be hard for a guy like you not to stand out, big as you are."
Belcoot looked a little amused at that statement, though he was a little confused, too. He seemed unsure whether to feel insulted or complimented... or both. "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" He decided to ask honestly, a hint of genuine confusion displaying itself on his expression.
"A compliment," Lo Hak assured him. "It's a skill few people, I've found, learn to use well." He paused as the waitress brought them a jug of water and two cups. "So, you're a swordsman, right?"
Belcoot took the compliment without saying much. He simply bowed his head a little as he turned his attention to the water and glasses, beginning to pour the liquid for the both of them. "Of sorts," he nodded a little, pushing a full glass over to Lo Hak. "I used to be a gladiator back in Falena before I became a fighting instructor."
"Like Shoon?" Lo Hak's brows rose, ashamed to admit to himself he could see this guy as a gladiator. He didn't know, he just... well, he had the build of a good fighter, was all.
"Exactly like him." Belcoot nodded again as he took a small sip of his own water before setting the glass down. Finding the mention of Shoon to be as good a topic as any, he decided to pursue it further. "So you know Shoon?"
"I know most of the people here. I run the baths, so I get to see everyone at some point," he grinned.
"I suppose so." He conceded. Unsure of what else to mention, he continued to speak about Shoon. "He's a growing boy. Sometimes I worry that his gladiator days make him disdainful towards those in authority."
"Well, from what I heard, that's a normal reaction," Lo Hak mused. "I mean, I didn't have a great life growing up and I don't like authority figured much either. I think it just depends on how said figure uses their power. Like, I know him and Euram fight like cats and dogs."
"Euram fights with anyone," Belcoot remarked dryly, smiling a little to himself. "It's hardly a feat to bait him, I'd say..." But then he redirects his attention. "You had a tough time growing up?"
"I was a street urchin in the islands," he said casually, his voice calm and serene, having come to terms with it and not angry over it. He waggled his fingers with a wry grin. "I didn't get so dexterous massaging shoulders, after all."
He laughed a little, leaning back in his seat to consider that. He seemed slightly uncomfortable talking about potentially touchy subjects, but was a little eased at how Lo Hak seemed to be speaking so casually about the whole affair. "From street urchin to a bath-master and masseur, then... You haven't done so bad for yourself at all."
He shrugged. "I just sort of went with the flow and it ended up leading me to good places." He rubbed the back of his head. "It was sheer luck that got me the 'job' where I learned how to do all this stuff anyways."
"Were you on your own, or were you with others?" Belcoot asked, curious. "Sometimes I found that the only thing that kept me going as a gladiator were my peers."
"I had my two siblings - an older brother and an older sister, Lo Seng and Lo Fong," he smiled sadly. "They aren't here, but... we went through everything together."
Seeing that sad smile made Belcoot feel a twinge of guilt. "Ah, I'm sorry that I mentioned it." He said quickly, a little alarmed. "... Though, perhaps they'll appear eventually."
"Oh don't be sorry!" Lo Hak shook his head. "You didn't know, and I mean, well, I'm used to it here. I hope they do though. It'd be nice to see them again. What about you? Any family?"
"None at all." He said simply, though the ex-gladiator didn't seem at all bothered by the fact. He wasn't so embarrassed when it came to his own history. "The only thing I remember is growing up among other gladiators, but I suppose they can be considered brothers to a degree."
"Well, at least you weren't alone, right?" Lo Hak sipped at his water. "Having someone to lean on is better than no one at all."
"That's right." Almost absently, Belcoot glanced up at the sky, his gaze falling upon the suns. Looking back at Lo Hak again, there was a faint look of embarrassment upon his face again. "Forgive me, I've never done this sort of thing before."
"That's all right," Lo Hak reassured him, his smile softening and then turning upwards in a tease, sky blue eyes sparkling. "It's endearing, really."
"E-endearing?" Belcoot repeatedly a little stupidly, as if uncomprehending. Then, after a few short seconds, he added, as if he had figured it out, "... You're being polite."
"Polite and honest," Lo Hak laughed. "I think it's nicer, going on these sorts of things with people who don't know how to be to smooth. It makes it more enjoyable that way."
Belcoot still looks mostly uncomprehending. "How to be... smooth?" He wasn't exactly an expert on how people behaved when it came to this sort of thing, either. "Well, I don't know what you mean, exactly... but I'm glad it's more enjoyable for you, then. I'm not exactly the most excitable person."
"Well, then tell me what it is you do here, at Budehuc," Lo Hak suggested. "You know I'm the bath master, but what about you?"
Belcoot nodded at the suggestion, seeing as it sounded like a good idea. "I'm a sword instructor, when I have the time." He explained... and then remembered about a job he had. "Actually, I'm meant to be helping that man, Juan, at the dojo... but I completely forgot." Belcoot looked slightly sheepish now, and made a mental note to go talk to Juan later.
"With how much Juan likes sleeping I'm surprised he hasn't hounded you to get your rear in gear and up to the dojo before now," Lo Hak mused aloud, pursing his lips a bit.
"Perhaps he forgot himself." His tone was a little hopeful, though he doubted Juan would forget something that could get him laid off doing anything too strenous. "No... I suppose I'm surprised he hasn't come after me, either."
"What it was because he was to busy napping," Lo Hak giggled, finally deciding to take a look at the menu.
Belcoot watched him glance over the menu, almost forgetting that they were at a cafe. "If you'd like something to eat, I'll pay for it." He offered, lifting his glass of water for another drink.
"Oh, didn't you know? Queen prepaid for the meals," Lo Hak laughed. "You can have something too. It's all taken care of."
"Oh?" He looked surprised and awkwardly reached for the menu himself. "I really don't know much about this event at all. ... I'm not even sure how I got involved."
"Probably Queen needing another contestant and deciding to try and make you social," Lo Hak shrugged. "I mean, you are having a good time, right?"
"Yes, it isn't so bad to be talking to people." Belcoot smiled a little at that, figuring that perhaps he should try being more social more often. "I guess it was nice of Queen to do something like this, then."
"Sometimes it's easier to have someone push you than to just jump right off the cliff," Lo Hak smiled at Belcoot like a warm ray of sunshine, looking down at the menu and finally deciding on a simple salad.
"Certainly true words." Belcoot smiled politely back, and then looked up for the waitress, signalling her over. "A slice of apple pie, please." He toyed with the glass on the table, giving Lo Hak time to make his own order.
"I'll have the chicken salad - the small one," he handed the waitress the menu and glanced at Belcoot. "Have a love for Watari's deserts, do you?"
"I don't have a soft spot for sweets like Georg, but I fancy a treat every now and then." He grinned a little boyishly. "And yourself? Are you more of a sweet or savoury type of person?"
"Sweets!" Lo Hak answered instantly. "I love these little pastries Watari makes - covered in chocolate and filled with custard. It's so hard to just limit myself them only once in awhile."
That reply is so enthusiastic that Belcoot is practically caught off-guard. "I... can't say I've ever tried them." He says slowly. "I haven't tried many sweets without Georg around to coax me into them, honestly." He smiles fondly at the memory.
Lo Hak gaped at him for a moment, then summoned the waitress, describing what he wanted and sending her scurrying off for them. "Well, today you'll be trying one," he said firmly.
"No, that's okay, rea--" Before Belcoot had much of a chance to object, the order was done, and he was left sitting there stupidly. "I'm... not sure I'll be able to handle so many sweets in a day."
"I'll help you eat 'em," Lo Hak winked, already twirling his fork deftly through his fingers as he anticipated the treats. "Though, I can bet there won't be any left to help finish off."
Belcoot laughed, seeming a little amused at Lo Hak's enthusiasm. He didn't quite have the same energy or appetite for the sweets, but he forced himself to pick up his fork nonetheless. He paused for just a moment to try to figure out how to approach eating it before he finally took a stab, taking a small piece of it for himself and chewing thoughtfully.
Lo Hak snorted, picking up the whole treat with his fingers and taking a huge bite, chewing happily, like a child receiving their most wanted gift during the winter holidays. "See? Isn't it delicious?"
Belcoot had to pause to consider that, his tongue not used to such a sweet taste. "It's... not bad," he finally admitted after swallowing the small bite that he had taken. "I suppose it wouldn't be so bad once in a while." He continued, "Though I certainly couldn't imagine having it everyday."
"Runes, my siblings would kill me if I tried that," he chuckled, polishing off his treat with one of his sunshine grins. "I wouldn't take you for a sweets man, anyways."
"I've always adhered to the idea of women enjoying sweets more than men." He said, smiling a little back. Lo Hak's grin was a little contagious. "Though, of course, some people are exceptions to that statement."
"I don't think it matters if you're a boy or a girl," Lo Hak shrugged. "Sugar is sugar. Either you like it or you don't. Now, girls have a bit more to worry about when it comes to sugar, but -" he shrugged his shoulders.
"... Girls have a bit more to worry abotu sugar?" Belcoot blinked at that, naive enough to be confused at its implications. "What do you mean?"
Lo Hak ran his hands through the air in an hour glass figure. "Girls have to watch their figures," he explained. "Men less so, it seems, though there are those that just let themselves go."
Belcoot was silent for a moment before he realized what Lo Hak was speaking of. "... Ah." He hadn't really noticed that kind of thing before. Seeming a little confused at the idea of women's figures, though, he quickly moved on. "Letting go like... Cornelio, I suppose?"
Lo Hak snorted, nearly choking on his own spit as he laughed. "Y-yeah. Like Cornelio," he chortled.
"Sometimes I have half a mind to ask him to try some training. It'd be good for his health." Belcoot was saying, though whether he was serious or kidding was very hard to tell. There was a bit of an earnest quality about his expression.
"He wouldn't, even if you asked," Lo Hak said with certainty. "He's the type of creature to enjoy his comforts, and runes help anyone who plans to take them away."
"Perhaps a few people should try and convince him into trying it sometime." Belcoot chuckled a little at the mental image of Cornelio wielding his baton like a sword. "Maybe even bribery would work."
(
"Yeah, like a pound of cake," Lo Hak rolled his eyes. "Or heaven forbid making us sit through a performance..."
Belcoot laughed. "His music isn't that bad. You aren't a fan of that kind of thing?"
"Belcoot, they're sprites," Lo Hak reasoned. "I guess they wouldn't be bad if they, you know, sang a GOOD song."
"Each to their own taste, I guess." Belcoot grinned a little. "Hopefully you haven't heard him play anything relating to Haud."
"No, but I've heard enough about it that I never want to," he shuddered, chewing his fork absently.
"Just be glad you've never been there," he replied wryly, shuddering slightly at the memory. "The extreme palette is enough to blind."
"Oh, you mean weirdly colored," Lo Hak nodded after a moment. "I'll take your word for it then!" his grin returned. "Note to self: stay away from Haude."
Reflecting for a moment on his experience in Haude before continuing, Belcoot decided to ask further, "Have you ever been to Falena?"
Lo Hak shook his head. "Nope. I never really left the islands, to be honest. It costs a lot to get passage to the main land, so I just never thought about it."
"I keep forgetting you're from the past," Belcoot said, looking a little sheepish as he remembered the fact. "Perhaps you'll get to go sometime now. It's a good place, now that the war is over."
"Maybe," Lo Hak agreed. "I want to go back to the islands come spring or summer, so maybe we can work it where I pass through Falena on the journey somehow."
"Ah, travelling? Are you planning on going by yourself, or with others?" He leaned back in his chair, a part of him missing the idea of wandering.
"Well, hopefully others," Lo Hak admitted. "It'd be cheaper to get passage that way, and traveling with company is always more fun. You're welcome to come, if you want."
"No, it's fine." Belcoot quickly shook his head. "I'm not much good for company on travels, and I'm waiting for someone to show up here, as well."
"A friend?" Lo Hak inquired, looking down mournfully at his now sweetless plate.
"A friend," he confirmed, following Lo Hak's gaze to the plate. He hesitated for a moment. "Marina. I used to help her around the inn. She's a very sweet girl -- she's probably worried sick that I'm gone."
"I'm sure she'll show up," Lo Hak assured him. "And sure she's worried, but I bet she knows you can handle yourself. It'll all work out." He grinned lopsidedly.
Belcoot caught himself smiling at that, and he nodded a little more enthusiastically now. "... Thank you, Lo Hak. I'm sure your siblings feel the same, too." He added the last part a little belatedly, a little awkward.
"I know they do," his grin turned wry. "Seng's probably angry I'm late and Fong is... well, she's Fong." He laughed, rubbing the back of his head. "Just wait. I bet Marina shows up in the inn when you least expect it."
"It'll be quite the surprise," he mused, chuckling. "I suppose that's why I don't want to be gone when it happens. If she looked for me and couldn't find me..."
"I'm sure she's tough in her own right. Give her a bit more credit," Lo Hak kicked him lightly under the table.
Belcoot jumped in surprise, looking more alert and confused at the light kick. He blinked a little, forcing out another uncertain smile. "Yes... you're right." He didn't retaliate to the kick, however, unsure of how that kind of thing worked.
Lo Hak grinned again. "Sorry. I'm used to having faith in girls. My sis, you know, she's strong on her own. A lot of guys seem to think women can't handle themselves, but my sis is the proof they can. I don't know this Marina, but if you care for her so much - well, I'm sure she's strong then."
"She's strong, but she's... very emotional." Belcoot explained, though he nodded at Lo Hak's explanation. "I know what you mean, though. There are women around this castle that are fairly strong both mentally and physically -- such as Alenia, or Queen."
"Oh Miss Queen. She deserves some sort of medal for being that and a mother of twins," Lo Hak shook his head. "Cute by deadly, they are. But, anyways, I do hope she comes - Marina, I mean."
"Yes, thank you." Belcoot smiled again. "I hope your siblings come eventually, too. Perhaps we can introduce them all to each other when they appear."
"Oh, I think the castle will know when they arrive," Lo Hak laughed. "Trust me, we're a hard trio to miss."
"It'll be good to hear the racket you all cause, then. Sometimes this place is too quiet, or too noisy for all the wrong reasons."
"Oh, I dunno. Seng and Fong and I can get preeeety loud when we set our minds to it," he smirked. "I can tell you the tavern will be in an uproar once Seng gets a few down."
"I'm not much of a tavern person, but I'll have to make sure to check that out. The antics of others are always a great deal of fun to watch." He almost seemed intrigued at the prospect -- he hadn't really been down to the tavern in a while, either. "But, ah. I'm afraid I have to get going."
"Oh, right, I'm sorry," Lo Hak shook his head. "I just started going and - yeah. Well, it was a really nice seeing you, Belcoot."
"No, it's no problem at all. It was a fun chat, Lo Hak." Belcoot smiled sincerely, extending his hand to Lo Hak. "Perhaps we can talk again soon."
Lo Hak rose and took the hand, shaking it firmly though his hand was smaller than Belcoot's and he was not half as muscular. "I hope we do!" he beamed.
He returned the firm handshake as he stood, grinning. "I hope your voyage ends up going well, if I don't get the chance to see you before then." Letting go of Lo Hak's hand, he took a step back, pushing the chair back in.
Lo Hak nodded. "Oh, I think we'll see each other. I run the baths, remember?" he chuckled, pushing his chair in.
"That's right," he nodded, agreeing as he bowed a little, being polite. "Then I will see you there, Lo Hak."