sootprints | PC: Scaramouche

[THEY'RE AT THE HOT SPRINGS and he is fully dressed, albeit differently than usual, and stands at the edge of the water where he's just dippin' in a foot to test the temperature.]

It's been a while since I've been to one of these...

[ also fully clothed, just checking out the new locations. a little relieved she didn't just walk in on someone naked. ]

Did you visit them often before?

[It's going to happen to someone someday.]

I did, back in Tatarasuna, before I left to tour. They are easy enough to find in the country, but none quite so lovely as those. Have you been to any before?

Just once. I didn't get to stay for long, though, so I never really took the time to enjoy it.

Oh. Was it in the "game" before this one?

Yes. It wasn't available for very long...

[ because it was in the graveyard and kate didn't get there until late... ]

... Is "Tatarasuna" your homeland?

[KATE YOUR LATE STAY IN THE GRAVE...]

I see... You have the chance to experience one properly now, at least. [A little encouraging nod! Yay hot springs. But he shakes his head at the question.]

My homeland is Inazuma. Tatarasuna is the village in which I got my start, though. Where is it that you're from?

[ pausing a little at this demeanour........ she thought he was being very chill but he's also being kind of nice??? ]

... A place called Soot Island. There's a manor there called the Shadows House. That's... where I live now.

[A shocking turn of events.]

Soot Island... [He looks at her like well that checks I suppose.] Where was it that you lived before?

One of the neighbouring islands.

[ her canon sure did not give a name for that place. ]

I lived most of my life there with my grandmother, looking out at Soot Island across the sea... My family used to live there, and I had a lot of questions, so one day I set out to see it for myself.