Child of fortune, child of sunshine [introduction]

[flowersofspring]

She heard the shot from a distance off, after she had run away. It shattered the still air with a bang!, and to Ilse, it felt that the universe itself had been shaken. She shuddered, but kept running

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[the_bloodless]

Kvothe has been out walking and sees the upset young girl sitting on the steps as he returned. He stops just short of the stairs and gives her the sort of kind smile that served him well as an innkeeper. "Hello, there. Are you all right?"

[flowersofspring]

She quickly dries her tears with her hand and looks up at him, nodding.

"M'fine, really," she says, almost apologetically, shrugging. "I just--just don't know where I am, is all."

[the_bloodless]

He offers her a handkercheif as she wipes her tears. "Yes, that's unfortunately common around here. I'm afraid that it's a bit difficult to explain." He's not sure that he wants to drop that particular bomb when the girl is already upset.

[flowersofspring]

She takes the handkerchief delicately, and uses it to dab her eyes. "Thank you," she says. "You're very kind."

[the_bloodless]

"You're welcome." He smiles and offers her a hand. "Why don't you come inside, you'll be more comfortable."

[flowersofspring]

She nods, taking his hand and standing up. "Thanks."

[the_bloodless]

He opens the door for her. "It's a bit cold out for sitting on the stairs. My name is Kvothe, by the way."

[flowersofspring]

Kvothe? That's a nice name," she says, a bit dreamily. "I'm Ilse." She's already attempting to put what happened behind her, and the result may or may not be successful--we're not sure yet.

[the_bloodless]

"Thank you. It's nice to meet you, Ilse." He smiles at her. "Where are you from?"

[flowersofspring]

"Germany," she says with a nod. "What about you?" she asks with a headtilt.