As they waited for Ken to return from his shopping trip, the rest and Mira enjoyed some more time back at the Toadstool Inn.
"Wow! So you're an Inquisitor?" Asked Asuna excitedly.
Mira looked embarrassed and waved her hand, "It's not as glamorous as you'd think."
"So you go out and fight evil monsters right? And save people?"
"Well yes, and generally keeping the peace. Most matters are handled by Glade's formal military, which is run by King Aldwin. The Sanctum on the other hand is managed by Archbishop Thræn."
Asuna listened intently, Mira wasn't quite sure how much of her lesson was sticking but she continued.
Meanwhile Anna and Arturia sat beside each other at a table, Arturia had yet to really leave her cozy spot all day.
"I don't believe we've been introduced." She said twiddling her thumbs.
Anna looked down at the girl, she'd taken her hat off and she could see two little poofy buns of hair atop her head. Anna was accustomed to feeling short, even if Ken was only a few inches taller, but being around Arturia made her feel like a giant. She was at least five inches taller than the warlock.
"No, we haven't."
Arturia nervously reached out her hand, "I'm Arturia! Arturia Stockholm, from Sherene."
Anna cautiously took her hand and shook it. Arturia noticed how limp and lifeless Anna's grip was.
"Anna."
Arturia laughed nervously, "Do you have a last name?"
"McMalley, from Jiral here in Glade."
"Jiral? Where's that."
"In the southeast, has lots of trees."
"Ah! Right! I remember looking at a map before the voyage here. Right now we're in the southwest corner, so it's not terribly far to get there. I'd love to visit sometime, I do love the forest!" Arturia smiled and kicked her feet, "Back in Sherene our village was next to a huge forest! My mother always told me the fae would get me if I played too late out there, but I never listened."
"I hear there used to be fairies in Alphindale, before they cut the trees down."
"They did what?"
"They cut the trees down."
"I know but why?"
"Money."
"Oh… shame. Poor fairies…"
The bell rung and in stepped Ken.
"About time you got back! I was worried you'd gotten lost." Said Mira.
Ken wore the same clothes as he had before, yet now bearing leather straps and belts to and fro across himself. A rather asymmetrical armor set, his left side adorned in bits and pieces of armor strapped across his limbs and chest, while his right side was mostly unprotected.
"What's the idea Ken?" Asked Mira, "I thought you'd be getting some plate mail not some leather scraps."
"Plate armor is expensive, and I've actually grown quite accustomed to how light this gear feels. I keep my shield in my right hand so I chose to prioritize my sword side, this way I can move easier."
"Hmm." Mira walked up and surveyed him, "Not bad, not bad. I guess we'll see how it holds up. Not a big fan though."
Anna instinctively got up and went over to Ken's side, almost hiding behind him.
"Are we ready to go yet?" She asked.
"Yes, should be." He put his hand on her shoulder, "We've got this, have faith."
She leaned a bit closer, everything always felt safer around him.
"Alright."
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