∞ 68: Relaxing in a new setting [action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[This is a kind of pampering Albert hasn't had ... well, ever. Places he had visited throughout his own world paled in comparison to the modern conveniences this hotel offers. This evening, unlike previous evenings that he spent on his balcony or chilling near the pub, Albert's in the pool.

Well, the pool or the hot tub, depending on when you might come across him. He may even be enjoying a glass of wine, which could be a bad thing if you don't know a thing or two about the effects of hot tubs and alcohol.

This is a very rare opportunity. Might as well take advantage of a few perks, right?]

Comments

[chikaidestroyer]

[Albert has taken a break from the pool to cross over to the hot tub where he left his glass of wine. He hasn't met Nami in person yet, but ... well. It's hard not to notice the tattoo on her shoulder.]

Impressive tattoo.

[mikangirl.livejournal.com]

[It's probably best you're back for that wine, Albert. Nami's been eyeing it off. Instead, she'll give you a curious smile.]

Thanks. Do you like it?

[chikaidestroyer]

[Oh dear. He's just hold on to that wine and take a sip before replying.] It would be helpful if I knew what it is I'm looking at, exactly.

[mikangirl.livejournal.com]

It's a pinwheel. [Lifts her fingers to trace the circular pattern at one tip (http://th03.deviantart.net/fs29/300W/i/2008/227/0/3/Nami__s_Tattoo_by_zerocustom1989.png) of the design.] And this is a mikan. My mother used to grow them.

[There is some scarring present under the tattoo, but it's reasonably subtle and mostly covered by the design.]

[chikaidestroyer]

Mikan. I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the ... fruit. [It looks like a fruit, at least.] A temperate-weathered hometown, then?

[mikangirl.livejournal.com]

Yup! It's an island. Great weather.

A mikan is a kind of mandarin. Do you know those? Or tangerines, oranges ... same fruit family, anyway. They're delicious.

[chikaidestroyer]

[He imagines the Island Nations' kind of weather, then. Sub-tropical, for the most part.] Being here in Luceti must be disconcerting, then. That lack of large bodies of water and such.

Ah yes, I'm familiar with oranges. I'll have to keep an eye out for a mikan if it shows up in the grocery. [Since they amazingly get vegetables and fruit that should be out of season.]

[mikangirl.livejournal.com]

[Wry grin.] Very. The lakes aren't much of a substitute, especially when you're a sailor.

[Eyeing Albert now with a thoughtful look.] Have we spoken before?

[chikaidestroyer]

Then you must be getting restless without a sea to set sail on. My condolences.

[He gives her a longer look before taking another drink.] We have, but we didn't exchange names at the time. I am Albert Silverberg.

[mikangirl.livejournal.com]

I'll manage. But thanks.

Albert...? Oh right, you're from house 42, aren't you? I'm Nami. Sorry, I'm not used to talking over the journals yet.

[chikaidestroyer]

That's right, with your sleeping friend on the roof. [He nods in acknowledgment.] A pleasure to meet you, Nami.

[mikangirl.livejournal.com]

Likewise. [So he lives with Raine, then. Small world, but then in a town with what, 200 people? It's not so surprising.]

How long have you been in Luceti for?

[chikaidestroyer]

What day is it now? The 29th? [He takes a moment to muse over that fact before replying.] Over two years now.

[mikangirl.livejournal.com]

It must be frustrating to be stuck here so long.

[chikaidestroyer]

It is. And it would be best never to lose that restlessness. [Otherwise you're resigning yourself to being displaced in Luceti forever.] What do you think of Luceti so far?

[mikangirl.livejournal.com]

I don't intend to, I think.

As for Luceti ... it's a very weird place. It's kind of disturbing that there are people with enough power to just move us back and forth between here and home like we're dolls in a kid's bedroom or something.