Scene #2693: A Princess and a Colonel walk into a Bar...

Owner	Pose
Sarracenia	Usually, Princess Sarracenia would not go out the next day after being sliced and diced and exploded all over the place, but Colonel Lloyd Irving was such an intriguing person that she was making an exception. However, she was not in her usual outfit. With burns and cuts all over her body, she was still rather heavily bandaged, and to keep pressure off of those bandages as well as disguise her identity she is wearing a long, black, hooded cloak that covers her face and body nearly completely. All that can be seen is her mouth, hands, and feet. Her hands are bandaged, but her feet are covered by pretty red slippers. After agreeing where to meet, she headed to the Bar and Grill quickly. With her covered as she is, it may be hard to recognize her, but that little purse of hers will surely give her away. She takes a seat at the bar and waits. While she waits, she sips on a daquiri.
Lloyd Irving	While Sarracenia has taken the disguise approach, Lloyd does no such thing. He's never been good with stealth or disguises, and he has no reason, is his mind, to start now. And so, when Lloyd enters the Bar and Grill, it's with a smile, his iconic hair spiked up. However, that's about the extent of normalcy. His torso is completely wrapped in bandages, and his face is still showing signs of damage from the fight. However, the redness of his face aside, he seems to already be recovering. He's on crutches and unarmed, as to be expected, and he wears a pair of loose scrub pants over his legs. He winces as he moves, his crutches propelling him slowly across the Bar and Grill. His eyes scan around, looking for Sarracenia and not seeing any sign of her. Not until he spots the purse, anyway. He smiles, then slips onto a barstool next to the cloaked princess, setting his crutches aside as he settles down. "Hey there," he says in a low tone. He taps the bar, and the bartender approaches. He places an order for a potion, then sighs, wincing as he does. "How are you?" he asks softly.
Sarracenia	Sarracenia turns her head when Lloyd sits down next to her, then smiles gently. "Hello, Colonel Lloyd. I am well enough given the circumstances." she says, then smirks lightly. "Have you forgotten my name already? It is proper courtesy to address a princess by her name or title." She sips on her daquiri again, then looks Lloyd over. "You are quite skilled. It is no wonder you hold a high rank in the Union. It is not proper to brag, but I am a strong combatant myself, and it took all I had to defeat you."
Lloyd Irving	Lloyd returns the smile, glancing toward Sarracenia as he does. "I suppose that's fair," he says, wincing again, "You broke me up pretty good I have to say. I should start going for high-profile locations." He chuckles, then shakes his head. "Given that you were wearing such an outfit, I figured you were wanting discretion, Princess Sarracenia Sundew." He offers a small incline of his head to add to the speaking of her title, then nods. "My combat skill and leadership ability... those got me to General. But it seems both have dulled a bit. I could sense the amount of power you had, there at the end. Not to mention the fact that you wield a hammer so large with such ease and grace." He smiles, a bit wider this time. "I have no regrets about the outcome. I fought with my all, but it was not enough in the face of your strength. It's good to know that that was you at your peak, though."
Sarracenia	Sarracenia blinks as she realizes Lloyd has a point, but she just giggles. "Well...perhaps just Sarracenia for now." she agrees, then sighs. "It is such a drab outfit, is it not? But, if people were to see a princess in such condition as mine, it would surely damage my reputation." Then, she raises an eyebrow. "You are a General?" she asks, then smirks lightly at Lloyd's complimenting her abilities. "As I said, I am the best princess. Peach cannot compare to me." The princess looks Lloyd over after that, her hood still shrouding her face. "I hope you are not in too much pain. And that your superiors were not too upset by your defeat. Your power is considerable. I must admit, even I was surprised I did not succumb to your attacks."
Lloyd Irving	Lloyd smirks sidelong at Sarracenia, then nods. "Sure. Formality is a bit of an oddity right at the moment. Lloyd will work for me in that case, Sarracenia." He shrugs, then rolls his shoulders gently. "I don't think it would, honestly," he adds, "Battle scars are a point of pride. Why do you think I wear mine in the open? I fought for what I represent, and even though I lost, I can walk with my head held high." He smiles. "I would think a kingdom would be emboldened and their morale raised by a princess willing to fight for them, rather than remaining at home. But that's just me." Lloyd shakes his head slightly. "I was a General. I stepped down once I felt myself burning out, and took a lesser role to pursue other interests. My time as a General is a fond memory, but my Colonel status is just as good to me." He looks toward his potion, taking a quick swig and sighing slightly. At her last statements, however, he smiles. "Pain fades," he says, "I will recover. I hope the same for you, of course. My superiors understand that losses in battle happen. You, however, defended a key area against Union aggression. Surely you went back to the Confederacy with some honor, no?" He waves his hand, shaking his head. "I'm not overly surprised," he adds, "You are, in your own words, a strong fighter. It was not a matter of who would fall, but when one of us would."
Sarracenia	Sarracenia shakes her head. "Not the fact that I battled. The sight of me with marred skin and bloody bandages. Princesses are not supposed to get injured. If I were seen in this condition, it would damage my people's view of me as a proper princess." she says. She listens to Lloyd speak about his position, then shakes her head. "I thought that being a commander in the Union was a piece of cake. Are you guys not the 'good guys'? Surely those with noble goals find it easy to get along." She nods at the last part. "I did gain some honor and prestige, but my fellows in the Confederacy did not seem surprised I prevailed. I got the impression that your record against us is...not good."
Lloyd Irving	Lloyd rolls his shoulders again, smiling over at Sarracenia. "Perhaps we have different views on proper, then," he says, "I would be much more confident in a ruler if they were willing to go into battle, take injuries, and not hide them then I would one who stays home, or hides the fact they fought and were injured for their people." He shrugs. "Again, however, I am no royal. Obviously there are differences in perspective." He chuckles slightly, then coughs, a bit of blood being coughed into his hand. He places the hand to his chest, to his heart, and leaves the blood there. "With so many differing ideologies, the Union, leading it, can feel like trying to hold together young animals. Each person has their own sense of justice and goodness, and these lead to clashes in methodology quite often. It's... a lot harder than you might think." He chuckles again, rasping slightly. "I'm not surprised to hear that, honestly," he says after a moment, "Many have forgotten that I exist, or how I rose through the ranks. My feats are old, in the past. That's why I've been trying to make myself known again. I feel like the rest of my comrades do so much that I am just living in the lap of luxary. I don't want to lose my warrior's edge. But... heh... the Confederacy is strong. Stronger than I remember, even. It's going to take time to get back to my prime." He shakes his head again. "I am zero for two in takeover attempts in recent memory. I lost both times to strong Confederate women. Surely I am a joke within your faction currently."
Sarracenia	Sarracenia hmphs as Lloyd continues. "Yes, it -should- be that a strong ruler is a plus, and that such injuries are signs of honor rather than shame, but in my world Peach is the ruler by which other princesses are measured. It is because of her that I am not treasured by my people and none of our world's leaders have tried to kidnap me. I am forgotten because I am not a soft-spoken, shut in, goody-goody." Sarracenia's hands clench into fists. "You were with Peach once upon a time. Why is it you were drawn to her? Is a princess like me really so bad?"
Lloyd Irving	Lloyd blinks. As Sarracenia spills about the political and social landscape of her world, Peach's world, he turns his head slightly away, looking into his potion. He hadn't considered that there were other kingdoms, other princesses, being measured against Peach. And yet, here was the reality, Sarracenia living proof. He closes his eyes briefly, the last of her words sinking in. She was a forgotten princess, unloved by her subjects. Seemingly unwanted by villains (which he would count as a plus, but she didn't agree). His eyes snap open as she asks her question, though, and his burnt face turns a visibly new shade of red. That was something he hadn't expected. "Sarracenia," he says after a moment, turning to look the princess in the eye, "Peach and I... it wasn't about her being a princess and me being a hero. At least, I didn't originally think so. We spent a lot of time together in between me doing missions for the Union and her ruling her kingdom. One day, I saved her from attackers, after she got wounded. It was that event that... turned into something more." He takes a breath, then another drink before moving on. "It wasn't... strong enough, though. And when I rose to General... I had to let her go. I still care for her, but as a friend. I realized that not only would I endanger her if we continued, but that... it wasn't what I wanted." He shakes his head. "I don't care about someone's station. I'm a backwoods man, raised by a dwarf. I was with Peach because I felt something, but it wasn't the strength of what my heart wanted." He glances back over to Sarracenia. "Be who you are, Sarracenia," he says, "Be Sarracenia. Not Princess, but the person. If you do that, you'll... you'll find your hero. You need to be true to yourself, and you'll see. Things WILL change. They did for me. They will for you."
Sarracenia	Sarracenia listens to Lloyd, her eyes stuck on her daquiri while he speaks. "So...it was simply that you two were not right for each other." Her hands finally unclench, then she sighs heavily. "Be myself? I have been myself for the most part. I have been branded a 'crazy princess' by many of those who meet me. My natural confidence alienates others. My adherence to royal protocol gains me no love. The only person who has shown me true kindness has been Lute, and he is not anything close to a hero worthy of a princess like me." Sarracenia grabs her straw between two fingers, and gently stirs her frozen drink. "And, as if that were not enough, I am expected to take over the kingdom when my parents are no longer able. A kingdom which I do not want, and which has no fondness for me. Our subjects hold no love for the royalty. I think they detest being stuck in the middle of a huge, dangerous jungle. Only within the walls are they safe from the deadly creatures of the jungle. It is hot and humid and terrible for clothing and hair." Sarracenia sighs again, taking a long sip from her straw. "I leave there because even I feel...trapped when I am there. My parents luckily give me quite a bit of freedom. They did not approve of my entering the Multiverse at large. But, I did, because I wanted adventure and the chance to find my hero, like the beloved Peach."
Lloyd Irving	Lloyd casts his eyes down. "That's right," he says, "I still haven't found the one I want to give my heart to. Or maybe I have and I just don't know it." He takes another drink. He hadn't expected to be having this sort of conversation with anyone, let alone a princess. He listens to her quietly, feeling the pain in her voice. But he seems to have his words chosen already. His eyes flash with a little bit of anger, though it seems to be toward those Sarracenia describes rather than her. "They fear your confidence, despise the fact that you hold your duty seriously, and detest you for things you have no control over?!" he asks, the anger creeping into his voice. He pounds a fist on the bar, though not hard enough to upset their drinks. "That's their problem, then, not yours! It sounds like your people are unhappy with their lot in life and trying to take it out on the ones trying to do the best for them, and that's disgusting." He shakes his head, then turns to face Sarracenia properly. "Then why don't you just buck the system?" he asks, lowering his voice. "If they don't like the royalty and think they can do better, then step down as Princess. It's obvious you don't want to do it, you want to be your own person. So do it! I understand you're tied to your people, but you can help them in any number of ways if you truly wish to. Fight the monsters, show them that the jungle can be tamed, anything! But don't..." His eyes shine, tears making themselves known. "Don't resign yourself to a fate you don't choose for yourself. I had a friend who was willing to let herself die to save the world, and in the end it turns out it would've only brought about the end of everything I knew. So please..." He calms down, grabbing his drink. "Maybe Lute isn't a hero, and I would advise you to stay away from him. He flirts and toys with many women. I'd rather not see you with him only for him to lose interest in you too."
Sarracenia	The princess is surprised by how fervently Lloyd voices his opinion on the matter, and ends up staring a bit wide-eyed as she listens to him. "I..." She hesitates a moment, then looks at her drink again. "...I do not know how to be something else. I may not be a typical princess, but I am still a princess. I have been raised to be a princess, to always put my royal responsibilities first, and to maintain the reputation and appearance of the royal family. Not to mention, if I leave, what will happen to my parents? When their strength or their minds fail them, the vassals will surely begin bickering over who will become the new king and queen. It could lead to conflict in an area that is already strained. It is only because of our weapon and airship sales that the kingdom is prosperous." Sarracenia blinks as she notices the tears in Lloyd's eyes. She starts to protest, then stops. Heroes have hearts, she thinks to herself, and Lloyd has suffered something in his life. Then, the conversation turns to Lute again. Sarracenia laughs at Lloyd's warning. "I know. But, he reveres me when no one else does. I have very few friends, and even fewer suitors. I do not intend to become one of Lute's women, and I have told him as much, but it is nice to have someone's attention." She smiles gently to Lloyd. "Do not worry. I do not intend to become one of those tragic figures. I am much too important for that."
Lloyd Irving	Lloyd looks at his drink. Of course it wasn't as simple as just not being a princess. It would be like telling him not to be a swordsman. He closes his eyes, though, listening to the counterpoint. "I know," he says, "I know. It's never that simple. It can never be that simple. But it at least sounded good, right?" He chuckles, staring into his potion idly. "Then... would you like help trying to set up a new system in your kingdom?" he asks. He glances over toward Sarracenia, then blinks. "If you are next in line for the throne, you could use the time before you ascend to try and set up a new government. And then, when it's stable, you'll be free to pursue the life you want, rather than the one you have to lead." He shakes his head again. "I guess that's just wishful thinking, too. I know it probably sounds strange for me, someone who just yesterday was fighting you, to try and help, but that's who I am. As long as it doesn't hurt the Union, I'll give you any aid I can, no matter what path you decide to walk." At the mention of having few friends and suitors, Lloyd closes his eyes. "I've always had friends, so it's hard for me to imagine," he says, "I mean, when I was young, people made fun of me for being... slower... than the rest of my class, but then I made friends, and I became who I am today because of it." He shakes his head. "Good, I'm glad you have that in mind already. But... even though we're on different sides, and we may have to fight... I'll be your friend."
Sarracenia	Sarracenia gains a thoughtful expression as Lloyd speaks about the government. "Hmm...perhaps. It is not really the governing system that is in question. It is merely that the people think my family is taking advantage of them, using them as base labor and not sharing the profits properly as well as not showing proper concern for them. At least, according to our advisor. We do not wander the streets of our kingdom. It is unlikely, but it is always possible that our subjects might try to harm us." She taps her fingers on the bar, thinking. Then she sighs. "Uug. It will be so much work, though! I am not used to doing work!" she says, showing her childish side perhaps for the first time to Lloyd. When Lloyd says he will be her friend, Sarracenia is stunned. "You...y-you will?" she asks, not quite believing it. Then...she unthinkingly wraps her arms around Lloyd and hugs tightly. "That would be wonderful! A friend! A nice, honorable, won't try to kiss or fondle me inappropriately friend!"
Lloyd Irving	Lloyd watches Sarracenia carefully, then smirks at her childish outburst. He laughs a moment later. "Of course it will be work, but you don't have to take the burden on al--" And then she's hugging him, apparently taking him up on his offer of friendship. He winces, biting back a scream as she hugs him tightly. His voice is strained as he pats her lightly on the back, though the happiness is still in his voice. "Careful, Sarracenia," he says, "You really did a number on me, remember? And... of course I won't kiss or fondle you inappropriately...!" he adds, flushing red again, "W... what sort of friends have you had in the past?" He smiles, but lets Sarracenia hug him as long as she likes. "I can come and help you with the Sundew Kingdom if you'd like," he says, "I may be a warrior, but I have learned diplomacy as well. It's a necessary job when you climb the military ranks, after all."
Sarracenia	Sarracenia eeps as Lloyd says to be careful. "Oh no! Forgive me! I..ah..." She turns back to her own drink quickly. Even with the hood shrouding her face, it is clear she is embarrassed about her outburst and the resulting discomfort to Lloyd. When Lloyd asks what sorts of friends she has had, Sarracenia answers flatly, "Lute." She smiles when he offers help with her kingdom. "I suppose it could not hurt to allow you a look. While I have joined the confederacy, my kingdom remains neutral. I am sure my parents would not object to you visiting. And even if they do, I will just sneak you in." She giggles.
Lloyd Irving	Lloyd chuckles lightly, shaking his head. "It's fine, it's fine," he says, "I just don't want to redamage anything, you know?" He laughs, then nods his head. "I guessed it was him, but I didn't want to assume." He frowns slightly at the thought, then shakes his head. "I was raised to be a gentleman toward a woman, so you won't have to worry about any of that from me. Promise." He offers her a bright smile, then nods. "I will arrive as a neutral party, then," he says, "I don't want anyone thinking I'm trying to pressure a country into joining the Union. I will just be there on your invitation to aid in political issues." He looks to meet her eyes again. "If you need to sneak me in, that's fine too," he says. He chuckles a bit. "It won't be the first time I've had to sneak around. The Multiverse is strange like that." He picks up his drink, taking another sip. "I'm glad to have another friend. You're a really interesting person, Sarracenia. I can't wait to learn more about you."
Sarracenia	Sarracenia takes another long sip of her drink, then lets out a satisfied sigh. "I doubt you would even have to worry about it. Like its princess, my kingdom is virtually unknown. I doubt you will even see a report or hear any gossip about your visit." she says, shaking her head and snickering in that sad, amused sort of way. When Lloyd says that she is interesting, and that he wants to know more about her, Sarracenia blushes heavily and gets fidgity. "M-me?" Despite all her boasting, it seems she isn't used to actually being complimented in such a way. "I..I mean, of course..I am interesting." she says, trying to protect her pride but obviously still flustered.
Lloyd Irving	Lloyd shakes his head. "Your kingdom produced you, didn't it?" he asks, "Then that must mean there's something worth exploring within it. Even if it is out of the way, any place that produces Elites is interesting." He smiles again, "Especially ones as gifted as you." He picks up his potion, draining its contents in one last gulp. And then Sarracenia seems to fluster, and Lloyd tilts his head. "W...?" he starts, before she cuts him off with her usual verbosity. At least as usual as Lloyd knew. He keeps his head tilted, though, chuckling slightly. "Not used to such a genuine compliment, Sarracenia?" he asks, "I didn't mean to throw you offguard. I just have a tendency to speak my honest feelings."
Sarracenia	The princess just flusters more as Lloyd continues to compliment her. By the time he is done, she has suddenly found her drink very interesting, and is holding it firmly with both hands while sipping from it and staring down into it. When he notices that she is unused to such compliments, the princess hmphs and turns her nose up haughtily, even though she is still blushing and clinging to her drink. "I am complimented all the time!" she says defensively, again trying to protect her pride. "But...your honesty is refreshing." she admits. She continues sipping at her drink, her expression rather like that of an embarrassed little girl. "So...tell me about you." she says finally. "I have heard nothing about you except your rank and that you nearly lost a friend to the whims of your world."
Lloyd Irving	Lloyd smiles again, watching Sarracenia fluster further as he speaks. He doesn't really think about what he's saying, allowing his true nature to do the speaking for him. It's clear by the way he keeps his eyes steady that he believes everything he is saying. "I'd imagine you do," he says, "But some things bear repeating I suppose." He sets his empty bottle down, turning himself to face the princess. When she asks about him, he hesitates. "About me, huh?" he asks, placing a hand to his chin. "Well... what do you want to know? I'm a swordsman, a weaponsmith, an angel, and a military man. I've been in the Multiverse for several years, have met and lost friends and enemies. The group I used to travel with is scattered around the Multiverse, though they occasionally turn up in the Union." He closes his eyes. "Sorry. I'm kinda bad at this..."
Sarracenia	Sarracenia mmmphs as Lloyd just keeps looking at her in that honest, steady way. She tries to avoid looking at him, knowing her cheeks are burning with her blush, but finally she can't stand it. She has just turned and is about to say something when he starts talking. So, she keeps quiet and continues sipping, hoping her cheeks will return to their pale selves. "You used to travel in a group? I am guessing it was not a group of performers, unless swords skills earn money in that way." She gasps, and her eyes widen. "Oh! I know! You were a travelling swordsman, going around defending people from terrible dangers with your stalwart comrades-in-arms! It is no wonder you are so heroic!" she says, her expression going from embarrassed to the sort of romantic look where one can swear someone's eyes are sparkling. She is no doubt imagining Lloyd going around defeating dangerous monsters and saving damsels in distress.
Lloyd Irving	Lloyd continues watching Sarracenia, gauging her reactions. He smiles softly, glad to see her in high spirits instead of the serious side he saw the day prior. He notes the red tinge in her cheeks, but he is talking before she can say anything to him. Her first guess at his friends was a bit off, but before he can correct her she hits the nail pretty much on the head. "When I left on my journey, it was to protect my best friend Colette. By the time we reached the end, it was a journey to save the entire world from a crazed madman who wanted the world to be lifeless." He smiles a bit shyly, shaking his head. "I did what anyone would've done. When the choice came to save my friend or save the world, I did both." He orders another drink, smiling a bit. "So yeah. I guess your summary is accurate." He glances at her eyes, then blushes a bit himself. "You look like you're thinking about something..."
Sarracenia	Sarracenia's dreamy expression remains until Lloyd points it out. Then she blinks before coughing self-consciously. "Nothing important." she says, then smiles softly as she thinks of his story. "So, you saved both. As any hero would if possible." she says. She doesn't order another drink herself, she just plays with her straw. "You saved an entire world. Twice, if your words during our battle are true." Then, her smile fades. "But...you said you destroyed a universe? That is rather unheroic. What happened which brought an entire universe to its end?"
Lloyd Irving	Lloyd rubs at his nose, clearly embarrassed. "My world was split into two. In order to save it, I had to use the Eternal Sword to reunite the halves. My body should've been annihilated by the force, but I survived. That's when I entered the Multiverse." He sips his new drink thoughtfully, shaking his head. "I was... I guess one hero among nine." He finally concedes the hero point. Then the inevitable comes up. Lloyd frowns, then nods. "In order to stop the former Confederate leader from taking absolute control of the Multiverse, a strike team entered his soul, the only way we could kill him for good. Viridian Sunrise was his name. In his soul, however, was an entire world. Filled with people. A universe even, filled with life." He places his face in his hands for a moment, then offers out his hand. On the back is a scar shaped like a blue sun. "When we succeeded, this entire world was destroyed. We had to do it to save our homes, but... we destroyed countless lives to do so. This mark is proof I was involved, and it comes cursed with the memory of every life we took as a result of killing Sunrise." He closes his eyes, suppressing a sob. "So now you know why I lay no claim to the title of hero."
Sarracenia	Sarracenia listens to Lloyd's story, and by the end she seems horrified. "He...did he create this universe himself?" When Lloyd nearly breaks down, Sarracenia places a hand over her mouth, astonished. She doesn't know what to do. Should she try to comfort him? How does one even comfort a friend?! She is looking a bit frantic as she tries to think of what friends do. Finally, she settles on placing a hand on Lloyd's shoulder and giving a gentle squeeze. "I...I guess in a situation like that, where you simply cannot save everyone...you have to protect as much as you can. But, this mark is proof that your cause was righteous. No one gains a mark like this for doing something evil. They are given to those who are willing to sacrifice themselves in an effort to punish them for their goodness."
Lloyd Irving	The Colonel keeps his face hidden for a moment, resting it in his palm as all the nightmares threaten to come flooding back. He still has them, but not as severely as he once did. However, when the princess squeezes his shoulder, he stops. He lifts his face out of his palm, glancing over at Sarracenia. As she speaks, he feels the knot in his chest loosen. "I know what we did was right, but being saddled with this knowledge and pain... it's more than I can take sometimes. I died three times in the fight against Sunrise. But that wasn't enough." He offers a small smile, patting the princess' hand on his shoulder lightly. "Maybe you're right, though. I look at this scar and I remember the beings that died because of me. But I can look around and see the Multiverse and its people. It was all worth these memories." He offers a much brighter smile to Sarracenia now. "Thank you."
Sarracenia	Sarracenia lets out a relieved sigh as Lloyd comes out of his depression. She seems skeptical of the died three times thing, but doesn't say anything. "They did not die because of you. They died because of this Viridian Sunrise person." She hmphs as she thinks about it. "Cowardly. Hiding behind the lives of others then cursing those who killed you with eternal suffering. Even in combat, there should be honor!" She hmphs again, then orders another drink. It is still a weak drink, but rather than a daquiri, it is one of those sunrise drinks. "You are welcome." she says, then sips at her drink. "It is no wonder you have lost your edge and your position with such a thing weighing on you at all times. I would say you are incredibly strong for resisting it and still being able to function at all."
Lloyd Irving	This time, Lloyd is the one left blushing a bit, Sarracenia's words in justifying Annu bringing a smile and some red to his face. He nods a bit, then looks over at her. "I hadn't thought of it that way. But maybe you have a point." He chuckles, then resets his face to a neutral state. "It doesn't change what we did inside his soul, but maybe... I can stop beating myself up over it all the time." Lloyd's ears turn red as she commends him for keeping together, and he rubs his nose again. "I've had help along the way, bjt that was a lot of the reason I stopped actively fighting on the front lines. But I can't keep letting others shoulder all the burden, you know?" He smiles again, this time more warmly. "You truly are something else. You've shown me a lot in just this short time. I dunno how to thank you."
Sarracenia	Sarracenia blinks in surprise as she is thanked. "Ah...well, as a future ruler, it is one of my duties to be wise." she says, blushing a bit herself. She notices the time, then finishes her drink. "I should return to Sundew." she says, then stands and smiles to Lloyd. "Thank you for the company, and for your friendship." She hesitates, then adds. "And...for your kindness." She curtseys despite her outfit. "Until next time, Colonel Lloyd Irving." she says, then turns to leave.
Lloyd Irving	Lloyd finishes his second drink, stifling the red In his cheeks as he does. He nods a bit, smiling. "Same with an officer," he says, "Wisdom helps when lives are on the line, but I think our expertise lie in different areas." He offers a shrug, then stands and reclaims his crutches as she stands to leave. "Very well, Princess," lowering his voice at the last word, "I thank you for all the same and more. I hope to meet again soon." Lloyd offers as low a bow as he can, wrapped in badages as he is, before attempting to reach the door and open it for her. "Until next time, Princess Sarracenia Sundew."
Sarracenia	Sarracenia smiles to Lloyd as he opens the door for her. "I am sure we will. But, be warned, if we meet in battle, I will not hold back. My pride and honor as a princess can stand for nothing less." She then steps out the door and disappears back to her castle.