[ Video ]

[pandamaiden]

[The camera comes on. The Xingese princess is sitting in her room with Xiao-Mei on her shoulder. The small panda (cat?) seems to be sleeping peacefully, but Mei's wide awake and perhaps a little more excited than she's trying to let on.]

I don't know about this 'matchmaking' that has been advertised--I've already found my soulmate--but the

Comments

[internecineowl]

You've... already found your soulmate? How old are you again?

[pandamaiden]

I have! I heard he was here, but I have yet to find him.

[Her smile doesn't fade at the question, though she can't understand why her age would matter.] It's not uncommon for young girls in my country to already have their marriages arranged.

[internecineowl]

Hmm. I'm not sure an arranged marriage would produce a soulmate bond. Well, I guess that it could. Depending on the people, and the circumstances.

[pandamaiden]

Maybe not, but I know I have found mine. There is no one who can compare. A young maiden will know who it is her heart belongs to.

Don't you have one as well?

[ voice ]

[lonestray]

[There's a few moments of hesitation while he thinks about it.

Well, no, he isn't busy. He rarely is, other than the hours he spends in the arena in Dismas (and it's occurred to him recently that perhaps he should go about procuring other skills as a backup--his strength still isn't quite back in full from that illness). On the other hand, going to such a festival involves spending money, and he's not sure how much he has to spare.]

[...Ah, hell with it. He'd heard the food was free, at any rate.]

If you'd like. My schedule is more flexible than yours--just let me know when you wish to go.

[ voice ]

[pandamaiden]

[She didn't expect such a quick reply, but she's quite pleased he's willing. She has a bit saved up and thought it might have been a good way to repay him for all of the things he's done for her. With all the stuff that's been going on, Scar's seemed a little more stressed than usual.]

I will check my schedule. I've heard about something called 'balloon rides'. We should look into it.

[There's a slight pause as she remembers something.] Have you been feeling better?

[ voice ]

[lonestray]

['Willing' is probably the best word for his opinion on the matter. He's not particularly eager about it, as he's never been comfortable in crowds and likely never will be, but Mei will probably enjoy herself and that's the point of this, anyway. As oddly mature for her age as she seems to be, she is still a child, and he didn't mind indulging her every so often. The company would be pleasant compared to others he interacts with regularly as well.]

All right. You know how to contact me when you have.

[a pause, maybe a little flinch]

I'm fine. [Even if it's mostly true, it comes out all too quickly. Concern for him is something to be deflected, after all.]

How about you?

[ voice ]

[pandamaiden]

I will. [And the smile is fairly audible.] Have you thought about what you would like to do, Scar-san?

[Even though they haven't known each other for years, she knows him well enough to read him, even the subtle changes in his voice. She doesn't press on it though. She knows he has his pride.]

You don't need to worry about me. I'm all right.

[voice]

[dollchains]

You're going to the festival, Mei?

[There's a pause that sounds like she's thinking, sort of.] I think I'd like to go too.

[voice]

[pandamaiden]

With Scar-san!

Would you like to go with us sometime, Namine-san?

[voice]

[dollchains]

Um, well, maybe...

[voice]

[pandamaiden]

Is something the matter?

[avariceoftwo]

Ain't you that runt that knows Ling?

[ooc~ hurngh i kind of closed that post ages ago i haven't checked it for replies in a couple days jbfhdkbgfgb]

[ video ]

[pandamaiden]

You shouldn't speak so rudely to a young woman.

[ooc: it's okay~! i haven't been able to check back anyway. i'm very sorry!]

Re: [ video ]

[avariceoftwo]

Oh but of course where are my manners. Just answer the question, kid.

[ooc~ IT'S ALL GOOD <3]

[ video ]

[pandamaiden]

[She hesitates in her answer, partly because she doesn't really care for his tone, but mostly because, in the battle for the Way of Immortality, he is an enemy.

I know that you are him, yes.

[ooc: <3]

[Voice]

[sucker_punches]

That's very nice of you, Mei-chan. It's not necessary, though, I'm always glad to help.

[Pause.]

You have a soulmate? Already?

[Voice]

[pandamaiden]

It's not, but I still want to express my appreciation in some way.

Yes. [She swoons.] I have yet to meet him, but I already know, he is the one.