A Standard Night?

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When he had taken her hand, she had opened her mouth to say something, but.... it was lost within.... nothing.

"Oh!" she gasped, when she found that her voice had returned to her, mouth falling open as she looked around in surprise and amazement. "In Ilyamen?" she asked, eyes turning to the sky then to the other people and buildings. "Wow..."

"Not bad for one sign, huh?" Locke kidded, still smiling. "Would you like to take a walk?"

She just couldn't stop looking around. Her head turned this way and that, like an excited girl. After several moments of this, she recalled who she was and blushed brightly, finally processing what it was Locke had asked.

Smoothing her dress over her hips, she coughed a bit and nodded, pushing a piece of her hair out of her eyes. "Oh, yes, that would be most wonderful."

Locke grandly offered his arm, and started walking. Even at night, Ilyamen was an impressive place. It was definitely one of the most active cities in Naruta, with the widest mix of Signs. There was always a feeling of energy there, as if anyone could be met and anything could happen. It made it seem exciting, especially to new visitors.

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Arturia was thrilled. For just a little bit, she decided to allow herself to act like a regular person and not a Leader of a country. She could return to being like that when they got back to Humontis. Looking about, her excitement was clear on her face, cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling.

"This is wonderful, Locke."

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"Yes, Ilyamen is an interesting place," Locke agreed, picking a random direction. They passed what looked like a tavern; there were raucous voices inside singing off-key drinking songs in merriment and total abandon. At least it wasn't the red lamp district. "As Leader, you might end up going places on diplomatic trips, so this is a good way to get used to travel," the Mind half joked.

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"That is true," she said, nodding, not even really noticing him guiding her away from certain things and to other areas. Arturia was enraptured by the entire place. "I do hope that I get to come here again and see it in better light."

Humontis, while it was her home, was certainly beautiful, but once gets used to it after living there for so long.

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"I'm sure you will," Locke assured her, "on one trip or another." He checked the position of the stars then, and concluded it might be a good idea to get going. "We might have to go back soon," he suggested.

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"Oh..." she sounded and looked disappointed, but, she understood and also glanced at the stars. It was late. "all right then, lets return to Humontis, Locke. I'm sure Erika has missed you greatly."

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"Nah," Locke chuckled. "Or perhaps a little. She's always asserted her independence, though." He shrugged. "All right, give me a moment." He visualized the cozy kitchen of Arturia's house, with plates and cups and cutlery still left out on the table, and Erika giving herself a thorough wash. In the second it was completely clear, Locke closed his right hand and the pair vanished in mid-step.