Walk to seek the answers I can't find

[notamisfit]

Who: Naoto Shirogane and OPEN
What: Trying to work out just exactly where she is
Where: The streets of Promenade
When: Day
Warnings: Nothing of note

Comments

[notamisfit]

The more she learned about this place, the less Naoto was liking it. This situation was obviously more complex than even she had anticipated - but then, it wasn't for Naoto to turn down a challenge of this nature.

"From the way you speak, would I be right in deducing that we are not the only ones to have been brought here against our wills? Do you know roughly how many have been burdened with the same fate?"

Not that it wasn't already a serious situation but Naoto wanted as clear a picture as she could get.

She frowned at the explanations of what the King and Queen decreed. "On the one hand, I suppose I should be grateful if those are the worst of the laws in this place. On the other..."

On the other hand, it all seemed so juvenile but Naoto couldn't quite bring herself to say it.

"Nevertheless, if that is what they decree then perhaps it is best I comply for the time being. Very well."

She took off her hat and held it out - a promise was a promise, after all.

"You have given me much to think about. If there is anything further you wish to volunteer I would be grateful but it would be remiss of me to expect more than I have already asked."

[notamisfit]

Naoto glanced down and fidgetted with her mask, feeling somewhat exposed now that she no longer had her hat. Which she knew was absurd - all things considered it was a negligible sacrifice - but that didn't change her awkwardness. That, combined with how detailed her mask appeared to be, made her uneasy and that was a feeling she really didn't like.

Then again, she had started this conversation maskless so perhaps continuing wouldn't be so bad for now.

"I would not consider feeling displeased at being captured to be whining, but then I suppose it would rather depend on how these individuals go about it. Complaining without intent to find a solution rarely helps anyone."

She bowed her head at the question. "Yes, please forgive my earlier ignorance in not introducing myself sooner. My name is Naoto Shirogane. And you are?"

[notamisfit]

Naoto frowned a little at the improvised nickname. Partly because it reminded her of Nanako, which reminded her that really she ought to be back in Inaba, and partly because it just seemed so brazen.

"Is it customary for you to address people you barely know in such a manner?"

[notamisfit]

"Hmm." She couldn't mask her contempt even if she'd wanted to. "And if I were to politely request that you simply address me by my name?"

[notamisfit]

Naoto let out a slight huff. She didn't enjoy being patronised and this all struck her as very childish, but to argue the point would be to divert valuable time she could be using more productively.

"Well, I won't take up any more of your time. I thank you for your assistance."

[notamisfit]

"I am sure you have many other things that require your attention. It would be impolite for me to impose any further." She paused briefly. "Unless there is anything more you wish to volunteer."

If there was more information to hand, Naoto could endure a little discomfort. She wouldn't enjoy it, but right now she needed any knowledge she could get.

[notamisfit]

Something she liked? It seemed a rather odd tangent for the conversation to take but she decided she would play along for now. "I'm not sure what this has to do with our current predicament but very well. Something I like...I enjoy solving mysteries. Wouldn't be much of a detective if I didn't."

[Naoto: misinterpret]

[notamisfit]

"Then you mean some kind of object?" Naoto considered a moment longer, trying to determine something which would be appropriate. "Do detective novels count?"