[video]

[stfuporom]

[Palom's looking a bit angry. Okay, I lied. He's a LOT angry. He's been pacing since he's heard these rumors, and while it's okay for people to talk about him, it's not okay for people to talk about Leonora.]

Look, everyone can say what they want about me - my tunic is not a dress, thank you, nor is it poofy - but you guys can leave Leonora out of

Comments

[epopt_trainee]

[Despite Palom's assertion to the contrary, Leonora has caught wind of some of the gossip. Or more exactly, she accidentally walked into it and found herself the object of some disapproving staring. The things they've said are things she's thought about herself for a while now, but it still hurts. So out of reflex, she retreats to the most familiar haven she can find in Mysidia: the crystal chamber. And that tiny trickle down her cheek? Just your imagination.]

[action]

[stfuporom]

[Seriously, on his way through all of her normal hiding spots, he's turned a few mages into toads. He's not happy at all right now. He's angry, he's furious, he's livid beyond belief that people could be so vicious against someone so... nice, caring, infinitely patient as Leonora.

The last place to check was the Crystal Chamber. At first, he peeks his head in. When he sees her, he sighs.]

Leonora?

[action]

[epopt_trainee]

[Leonora can't quite bring herself to pry her stare away from the empty crystal pedestal, as if it would somehow provide some illumination what she should do. At the sound of Palom's voice, her eyes close and two more tears go splashing down her cheeks.]

I know I'm a lousy Epopt...

[It's been a source of grief for her here and at home.]

[action]

[stfuporom]

Don't say that.

[He let the door close behind him, leaving the two of them in the empty crystal chamber.]

Don't ever say that. You're better than them.

[action]

[epopt_trainee]

It's fine. I've known for a while.

[And while she won't point out that Palom's said the same of her before, that thought isn't far from her mind at all.]

They were so kind to me, I wanted to repay them. But that's not enough, is it? Just wanting to help...

[action]

[stfuporom]

Leonora...

[He sighs.] You're better than they are. You've got the capacity to do so much more than to be just an Epopt. You've got more heart, more spirit-

[He cuts himself off.] I'm sorry.

[action]

[epopt_trainee]

['...just be an epopt.' He says that so casually like it's nothing at all, and yet for Leonora it's the pinnacle of aspiration, one which she falls painfully short of. She turns around and takes two hesitant steps towards Palom.]

I don't know what else to be. I can't stay your student forever...

[Which is terribly heartbreaking for her. She'd like nothing more than to stay with him, always. Then again, that is the source of the censure leveled at her.]

[action]

[stfuporom]

Haven't you thought about being a Sage? Or becoming a teacher? I just-

I want to see you happy.

[action]

[epopt_trainee]

A... sage? I thought that's what you wanted? Um, is teaching me keeping you from that?

[Because it's just not right to do something before her own teacher. She tiptoes a little closer and adds quietly.]

I want you happy.

[action]

[stfuporom]

No, it's not. Leading Mysidia while the Elder isn't here is my priority. I can put off being a Sage.

[He can handle not being a Sage for now.]

Leonora... I...

[He sighs.] You make me happy.

[action]

[epopt_trainee]

[She blinks in surprise then breaks out into a brilliant smile.]

I do?

[If he's not careful she's going to float off from happiness, stuffy robes or no.]

[action]

[stfuporom]

You do. I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it.

[Apparently talking with Ceodore about this worked.]

[action]

[epopt_trainee]

Oh! N-no! I didn't mean it like that. I know you wouldn't! It's only that...um...

I like you.

[And she's quite certain that from within that Shrine, the Earth Crystal heard her admit it and is going to cause the ground to open up and swallow her whole for that mortal sin.

Leonora starts chewing on her bottom lip and timidly looks at Palom for his reaction. Before the ground eats her. She just knows it's bound to come.]

[action]

[stfuporom]

[Well, the ground's not going to come up and eat her, nor is the Earth crystal going to shatter or the world end because she admitted her feelings. In fact, Palom's happy that she feels the same way he does. Maybe talking to Ceodore about it was a good idea.]

I like you too.

[action]

[epopt_trainee]

We're not supposed to...

[But that protest sounds really weak and pathetic, even to Leonora's ears. And it's certainly not stopping her from inching closer either.]