driftfleet | April System Mingle

[ The crowds are frustrating but not entirely unfamiliar - it reminds her of the bustling cities of Treun back in the Drabwurld, the tournies, people milling around and making themselves at home, learning and living. That's a world she's left behind, though, even if the thought of it still tugs at her heartstrings; she feels homesick and misses it something fierce, but she fights through the emotion and glances up instead.

Having something to do - or someone to talk to - makes it easier, and she relaxes just a little when Ignis responds, even with a gentle tease. Shaking her head, Hermione breathes out before she glances around, sour and a little put off. She'd liked the idea of this planet before she realised how awfully rude all the people living on it seemed to be.

All she wanted was some books. ]

I'll try to be more careful next time, promise. At least I didn't sent canaries at your head.

[ See, she can be funny too. ]

Are you having fun?

[Perhaps in time they can both find what they're looking for on this hunk of rock, but they should probably stay out of the way of all the rude people that are native to it. He considers offering his arm to escort her away from the crowd but he's not sure how she'd take that.

Not everyone thinks that he is merely doing it out of politeness. Or they realize that it is partially to protect them and they resent it.

And he hasn't known her nearly long enough or through her reputation aboard the space ships to risk the action.]

I'm not sure about the relevance of canaries, but I will take that as a good thing. I would rather not be hit in the head by anything, if you don't mind.

[What are canaries? But, his smile never falters, letting her know that he isn't perturbed at all with her.]

Fun is subjective. It has been informative so far and that is more important in the long run. Besides, the market is fairly full with new things to take back to my ship.

[ Thankfully, Hermione is more than used to the nature of people being polite - and while she's more reserved than she used to be, and perhaps a little less trusting, she's also aware of the fact that some people do just genuinely want to be nice. It happens, and she's seen it, and she knows she's one of the few, too.

Still, she turns her head to look at Ignis, giving him a soft, wry smile before she nods. ]

I shot canaries at one of my friends when he was being particularly unkind. He had it coming, trust me.

[ She was also a touch emotional herself and, perhaps, overreacted some, but she doesn't think she can be blamed for it. It's an old memory, something juvenile and silly, and she sighs before she glances out at the people around them again. ]

I always look for books, honestly. The library is lacking and I feel a little alone without something to read.

[Give him time and Ignis will realize that some of his courtly manners might be appreciated. This is, after all, only their second meeting and the first in person. He takes some getting used to people.

He does appreciate her smile however. It fits with what little he's seen out of her so far.]

I hope, for your sake, that there was no permanent damage to your friend then. And that he learned a lesson.

[It's okay. We all do things we're embarrassed about later. Even Ignis.]

Books. There are a few stores selling them away from the market. I'd planned to go there myself later, but I'd be happy to go with you now. Perhaps with two of us together it might dissuade people from bumping into us quite so much.

[ Hermione is a little more comfortable with the idea of being formal and gentle but it doesn't mean she's not quick to slip into informality when she can; she can remember hours of lounging around with people, of laughing, joking in her office, playing with her authority and urging people to ignore it whenever possible.

She had been Marchioness Granger for so long that she wasn't entirely sure how not to be it, but she's learning. She's doing her best to be something beyond 'my lady'. ]

Oh, I'd like to think he did, but they weren't that dangerous.

[ Not really, anyway. ]

That sounds like a lovely idea. Lead the way, then, Ignis - and don't laugh at how much I'm going to buy.

[Well, once he relaxes, she'll know. He might even make personalized jokes once they're both comfortable. But, that won't happen for a while.]

Sometimes startling our friends is warranted. They need to be reminded that they aren't above a little recrimination if they go too far.

[Too be honest, he's not even kidding. He would totally slug one of his friends if they needed it. Verbally anyway.]

I fear that I couldn't possibly laugh at that. A good book is only second to a good meal in my opinion. So, perhaps I might be inclined to help you with that so that I can help myself later.

[ That makes Hermione laugh and she shakes her head, fondness overcoming her. ]

Exactly. I was the only one out of our little group that would do that sort of reminding so I just got used to it.

[ But - she nods, moving forward towards where she saw the bookshop earlier. ]

That would be amazing, honestly. I haven't been book shopping for months now and I'm getting just a little bit tired of all the things I have in my room.

[Her laugh is kind and adds to his positive impression of her.]

That seems to be my own position in my group of friends. They are all good and kind men, but they can sometimes go too far. One member must remain the voice of reason.

[He is only too willing to follow her to the section of the market that is peddling books. He still hasn't found much to fill the many open hours he has. A little bit of a distraction would be very welcome.]

Then we should do a trade.

[He pauses in thought before continuing. She's been on the Fleet for over a year. She is the best person to speak to about the situation.]

A friend of mine and I have been discussing picking up new hobbies since we both have many hours that are far too open for our liking. My time in the marketplace over the last few days has been to discover how difficult it would be to grow some of these vegetables on our ships. However, space to do so is an issue.

Exactly. There's nothing wrong with being the voice of reason, anyway, because sometimes you need it. It's better to have a safety net than to go running in blind.

[ Walking forward, Hermione goes straight for the first person she sees that's selling big, thick books, her eyes glancing over the titles before she can do anything else. Her attention is soon drawn back to Ignis, though. ]

A trade?

[ At least this seems easy enough. ]

Well, there's lots of room on the Iskaulit. I have a garden there myself for my herbs, and I know someone else has another garden that they take care of too. I'm sure it wouldn't be too much trouble to find space for a vegetable garden.

[The word 'blind' feels like a slap in the face but he quickly recovers, though his smile falters for just a moment.]

Yes, a little caution is always called for, no matter the situation.

[He joins her at the bookseller, going through tomes and scanning pages of words and few pictures. He can't help the small nod of appreciation.]

That sounds as if it shouldn't be difficult at all to arrange then. Is there someone I should talk to, paperwork to file with our lovely kidnappers?

[ Hermione notices, but she doesn't comment - it doesn't feel like her place, and she doesn't want to push too far with someone she doesn't quite know too well. ]

It's sensible. I'm glad someone agrees with me.

[ At least books are easy, and Hermione leans forward as she puts books to one side, trying to decide which ones she'll be able to take back to the fleet with her. She'll probably have to make a few copies for people, too... ]

I don't think so? I just... Picked a room and started making the garden with a friend of mine. As long as no one else is using the space I can't see it being a problem.

[He still has to come to terms with the future he can't escape. Especially since another friend from home means that it's not a temporary thing. It will be his reality when he goes home. He doesn't talk to the others about it at all.]

Common sense isn't always a high priority for people, Hermione. It's a sad fact of life, I've found.

[Books, recipes, plans, these all make sense to him and he really needs sense. So this little trip is good. Besides, the company is nice, now that she isn't running into him.]

Then it's easier than either of us imagined. She shall be delighted.

April System Mingle

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