[closed] Gotta do the cooking by the book

[dancingfists]

[The air felt different today. Senel couldn't quite explain it - after all, Werites Beacon was a floating island. It was entirely possible that the Legacy had shifted towards another part of the world. Entirely possible... and not the proper explanation. It couldn't be, because it didn't explain the unsettling feeling in his stomach.

He and Shirley were out today to run errands. Typical brother-sister stuff. They'd get groceries, put them back in the kitchen, and then treat themselves to hot chocolate because it was kinda cold today.

Except, while they're paying for groceries, someone inevitably recognizes Senel. Not as a Coliseum champion, mind you, or as an Alliance Marine. Oh, no, they ask him for advice on chocolate chip cookies. Senel gives it, absentmindedly, before turning to stare at the woman as she leaves the store.]

Uh.

[He glances over at Shirley.] Wait, why're people asking me this kinda stuff?

Comments

[hearsthesea]

[That's...strange. Shirley's watching the woman too, trying to figure out if she can recognize the woman's face. It doesn't ring a bell for her, but Senel's spent more time in Werites Beacon than she has. Maybe that was an acquaintance of his?]

I don't know. Have you met her before?

in honor of legendia's 15th anniversary!

[dancingfists]

[ Senel can't sleep.

He doesn't remember the last time he's felt so restless and anxious, this late at night. Sleeping was normally an easy piece of cake; he falls asleep, and Shirley wakes him up in the morning after his four alarms have failed him. He has it down to an almost perfect routine.

Tonight, though, his legs feel jittery, and the twinkling night sky outside is starting to distract him. Senel can't help staring at the sky through his window as he pulls a blanket around his shoulder. From this vantage point, he can't make out all the constellations. Once upon a time, he had known them all by heart. He kind of had to, if he wanted to survive the ocean as an Orerines – but now, the knowledge is peripheral, with little need beyond his volunteer work on the seas.

If he counts them, though, maybe he'll fall asleep. What had Norma called the expression? Counting sheep...?

Well, he's counting stars tonight as he peers out at the sky, sitting down by the window with his full, rapt attention, and he can't help wondering if it'll be any more useful than the other 'go to sleep quick' tricks in his arsenal. ]