[Voice/Action]

[mikangirl]

[Nami's had quite enough of sleeping. It's kind of disconcerting to be told it's now September, and it doesn't help that she's spent the time since Ling's rude wake-up call still sleeping most of her day away. So tired, all the time. Prone to falling asleep mid-shower, and that is annoying, to say the least.

Oh, well. A week has gone past and she can finally get through most of the day with no problems, so Nami takes advantage of the fact that there is no Chopper to tell her otherwise (and no Katara or Law at the house at the time) to sneak up to the orchard and see how it's fared in her near-two-month absence.

...huh. Been hot lately, she sees. And a lot less mikan up here than she was expecting. Nothing too alarming, and the place seems okay otherwise, pinwheels and all. Someone even fixed her cottage door, lookit that.

Welp. Observant villagers might see the low-lying rainclouds to the northeast of the village, a tiny little storm that barely covers an acre. It's too hot today anyway, may as well take advantage of the fact that she can cheat.]

[Voice]

Thanks, whoever fixed my door. Did you take some of the fruit as payment or should I blame someone else for that?

[Tell her what she's missed, Luceti.]

Comments

[calmbeforethe]

[An isolated storm, eh? that's something Ororo definitely notices and will definitely check out curiously. She flies right over - but once she sees the orchard, she has to pause. She remembers this place!]

[She doesn't stop too long, though, and decides to land a few yards away from where Nami stands.]

[mikangirl]

[Nami's just heading for the shelter of her cottage porch when she catches sight of Storm's descent, and she breaks into a surprised smile.] You're back! Hi!

[calmbeforethe]

[She'd been looking up at the trees when Nami calls her out and turns to give her a warm smile in return.]

Yes I am. Hello, Nami. [... It is Nami, isn't it? Ororo homes she remembered her name correctly!]

[mikangirl]

[Got it in one. Nami's smile grows wider.] And you remember, too. That's even better. I'd say welcome back, but... well. It is good to see you, though.

[calmbeforethe]

[Nami's smile is pretty infectious, so Ororo can't help but beam back.]

It is the thought that counts. Thank you. [She can't exactly say that it's good to be back, though, can she?]

[In any case...] Your orchard, it's beautiful. And it brings back quite a few memories.

[mikangirl]

You've only just returned, then, I take it. My sense of timing's all out. [September means a New Feather cycle, doesn't it? She thinks.]

Thank you, though! I much prefer it when it isn't covered in snow. Did you get the chance to try the fruit at harvest?

[calmbeforethe]

Yes, it's only been a few days. And no, I'm afraid not. My last memories of Luceti had been in the winter, I believe.

You look like you will be harvesting quite a bit this time, however. Perhaps I can try some, this time.

[mikangirl]

You could try it now, if you wanted. Some of the fruit's already ripe; I was gonna collect it this afternoon. [You know. After she'd cooled the place off a bit.]

[calmbeforethe]

Perhaps I could help you collect them, then. I would hate to take some without giving something back.

[mikangirl]

I wouldn't say no. Thanks! [Especially as she's still kind of tired all the time.] There won't be a lot, but probably enough to fill a basket or two. I'll just let the rain play out first.

[calmbeforethe]

Do you do this often? With the rain, over the orchard?

[mikangirl]

Not really. This is actually only the second time. [She won't mention the first time was just to distract a crying little girl.] But I've been uh... away for a couple months, and the trees looked a little water-starved.

[Not terribly badly, as the rains came only a couple of days ago. But before that, the crew said there was drought. Nami's a little protective of her trees.]

[calmbeforethe]

[Ororo channels her inner Pocahontas rests a hand on the bark of the nearest tree. The poor dears were thirsty this week? She could have helped with that, alas.]

Away? Were you on one of those missions that I've heard so much about? Perhaps next time I could help with giving them a little something to drink.

[mikangirl]

Offer's appreciated! I could do with the backup, honestly. You never know when you're gonna be away in this place.

...I was visiting the Malnosso, you might say.

[calmbeforethe]

[Ororo's smile turns a little somber.]

Oh, my apologies; I hadn't realized... You are all right now, then?

[mikangirl]

Never better. Extremely well rested! [Her smile is wry.] It happens around here. You kind of roll with it, after a while.

[calmbeforethe]

I imagine so. [A weak smile.] This is my third time in Luceti and yet I have never experienced these kidnappings on their part.

[mikangirl]

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you, then. Hopefully they'll always leave you alone.

Though... I usually find being the one left behind is harder to deal with, in a way.

[calmbeforethe]

Both have potential to be equally harrowing experiences, I would think. I would not wish either of them on anyone. [Gives Nami a little half smile.] I, too, hope we are both spared from them for as long as possible, in this place.

[mikangirl]

Me too. This was my first time in nearly a year, though... hopefully they're done having their fun. [Coma-ed until kissed by a prince. Seriously.]

Do you still have friends here from home?

[calmbeforethe]

Oh, yes. Kurt has gone home, but Rogue hasn't left. And it seems a dear friend of mine, Logan, arrived some months ago. It's hard to say if I am grateful or sorry to see that they are here.

[mikangirl]

It's always the difficult question, isn't it?

In the end, though... it's easier when you have friends here, I think. There's no real shame in being happy to have company, no matter where you are.

[calmbeforethe]

I suppose that's true. It's always good to be among familiar faces, after all. [She gives Nami a rather pointed smile.]