[Chapter 2 - Scene] - Finding people is like trying to find a needle in a haystack

[hungry-hero.livejournal.com]

Who: Reid Hershel, Chester Barklight and anyone else who happens to be hungry :)
Where: Kaitzur, in a restaurant
When: Rem Decan 30, Rem Day, ND 2018 (after scene of doomage)
Warnings: Reid is always hungry.

Reid wasn't too pleased when he returned and had found that Chester and Arche had left already. He remembered the Scorer had said that when those two left on a journey, he should accompany them because it was time for him to fulfill his destiny.

Yeah, that one, the one that his father ignored and died for. He really wasn't looking forward to this and as it was he was growing more annoyed because he only had an idea to meet up with them in Kaitzur, not a when, not where, nothing to make this easy.

Ah, the joy of important quests. Why did he have to be so special? He would have rather lived a nice quiet life in Engeve, but no, that wasn't to be obviously.

So that's what brought him to Kaitzur to sit and wait for Chester and Arche to arrive. He had a passport, though that may not be needed. It all depended on the route they took. He only knew he was looking for a city full of water. Only place he knew of that filled that description was Grand Chokmah.

The only good thing was that the Imperial Capital of Malkuth should have plenty of new and interesting food to try and his wallet was good and full from selling what he didn't need from his hunts in St. Binah.

He didn't see either of his friends anywhere, so he guessed it would be best to wait at the inn, if they had something to eat. If not, he would go to the nearest place that served food, because he was starving. He didn't care what it was, anything was better than Arche's cooking and he was hungry enough to eat that. The innkeeper should know a place, right? There sure wasn't a nice market area like Engeve had here, so that was probably the best bet.

He walked into the inn and booked a room for himself just in case and then asked where to find some food. The innkeeper laughed a bit at his expression and tone of voice before answering, but it wasn't like Reid was bothered by that, he was too hungry to care.

And armed with a place to go, he went to get something to eat and fill his stomach, well at least for an hour or so.

Comments

[toryuu.livejournal.com]

After all of the excitement about the Tartarus, Chester certainly was glad that they came to a place to regain their bearings and relax a little. He separated from the others for a bit to check things out; he's been to Kaitzur before on his way to Baticul, so he already knew of an excellent place to dine.

Plus, all things considered, Chester wanted to think about things alone. He fulfilled his promise to Natalia... they found Luke. There was no more reason for him to be tagging along, especially as a civilian from Malkuth. While it pained him a bit to understand this, since he could now brag to anyone that he spent time with the crown princess of Kimlasca, he also knew that would probably put a huge price on his head.

Yeah, he'd rather not deal with that.

Opening the door to the restaurant in question, he was too absorbed in thought to notice Reid's presence... especially since their search for a redhead was officially over. Ordering some food and sitting in a corner, Chester corssed his arms and closed his eyes. Little did he know that his long day was about to get longer.

[hungry-hero.livejournal.com]

Reid finished chowing down on his food and was about to order seconds when he saw a familiar blue haired face.

Well, that was easy at least. Though that was odd, Arche wasn't in town either and Chester was alone, those two usually were joined at the hip and arguing and denying it constantly.

He got up and walked over to the corner Chester was sitting at, "So, Chester, lost Arche finally? Or is she hiding somewhere waiting to argue with you?"

[toryuu.livejournal.com]

Of course; Reid wasn't at Engeve when the crap hit the fan. Chester had to smile, though; seeing his friend in what seemed like forever was a nice feeling. "Naw, she's in town; we all just arrived, but I needed some time away from everybody. Have a seat." Chester motioned to the seat across from him. "So, how've you been?"

[hungry-hero.livejournal.com]

Reid sat down across from Chester. Somehow he wasn't surprised Arche was around, as much as she complained about his blue haired friend, she didn't stay away too long.

"I've been fine other than trekking from Engeve to here right after getting back from St. Binah. That was way too much walking!"

[toryuu.livejournal.com]

Spoken like a true hedonist, Chester had to chuckle to himself. "What brings you all the way out here, anyway?" Chester knew Reid well enough that he didn't travel around if there was no hunting to do. "Unless some Scorer told you that coming here, you would meet your destiny or something, I can't see you traveling anywhere. So there has to be some sort of special reason behind this sudden urge to go on an excursion."

[hungry-hero.livejournal.com]

Chester sure did have a knack for getting to the point fast, he pretty much hit it on the nose there, that's exactly what happened.

"Um, yeah, something like that."

[toryuu.livejournal.com]

Chester sighed a little. Both Chester and Arche didn't care much for the Score, but Reid was a different story altogether. And for Chester, Reid and Arche who basically had no parents alongside him, he wanted to at least be a big brother to the both of them.

"... mind if I tag along?"

[hungry-hero.livejournal.com]

Reid was really glad Chester didn't rib him for this. He'd probably be more like them if it wasn't for what happened to his father, but well that was a nice lesson in what not to do.

And honestly, it did make things somewhat easier to have someone to be able to guide you to your destiny if it has to be something crazy.

"Don't mind at all. I'd be glad for the company since it's probably going to be more long and tedious traveling."

[toryuu.livejournal.com]

"All right." Chester grinned. "So, what were the specific instructions? Can't very well go on a journey without a goal, right?" Chester knew reid may not be the brightest crayon in the box, but he also knew reid had reasons for what he did. More often than not this was food, but that didn't seem to apply in this situation. "Besides, Arche and I can't return to Engeve any time soon..." he wasn't sure if Reid knew about the specifics, but Chester decided to ignore that for now. "As a celebration of our reunion, how about I buy you a meal?"

[hungry-hero.livejournal.com]

Specific instructions? If anything, Scorers seemed to thrive on being incredibly vague and making sure his brain melted while he tried to figure it all out.

"You know how those Scorers are, I usually am having to figure out what they even meant. All I got is that I need to 'go to a city of water to start on the path to my destiny' whatever in the heck that means. My best guess is that means go to Grand Chokmah and something happens."

Of course, perked up the moment he heard Chester offer food. He was still feeling hungry after all, and food always did help the brain to think better, right?

"And you know I'd never refuse a meal. I'm already hungry again!" He said smiling.

[toryuu.livejournal.com]

Chester went ahead and ordered something mid-range for Reid, and sat back. "Grand Chokmah sounds like a good bet." Chester didn't feel like going into Kimlasca territory for a while. "But yeah, I'll see if Arche wants to come along with us or go with the other group we've been traveling with up until now." He mentioned.

[hungry-hero.livejournal.com]

Arche not come along? That had to be a joke. "Oh come on, you know that even if Arche says she won't, she'll end up following you. It's obvious she loves arguing with you."

[toryuu.livejournal.com]

"Haha, I know." Chester rubbed his nose a little bit. "She can't act like that with her dad, y'know, so if she can get rid of all of her negative energy when around me, that's good enough. But I should still give her a choice rather than just assume she'd tag along. Plus, she seems to be getting along with Guy; who knows? She may just start tagging along with him." Chester took a bite of the food that came to their table.

[hungry-hero.livejournal.com]

It sounded like Chster and Arche had an interesting time and met some people. "Oh? So someone is honing in your territory? Who's this Guy person anyway?"

He still doubted Arche would leave, for long at least. She'd be back making Chester's life miserable in no time even if she found someone else.

[broomriding.livejournal.com]

And then, the door to the restaurant opened.

Her eyes scanned the room before her, and she scowled at the sight of Chester casually sitting at a table with .. a redhead.

Wait, that redhead was familiar. OH MY LORELEI, IT'S REID. But sorry, Reid, you'll have to deal with a very hungry Arche for the moment. The scowl returned after a few moments of obvious shock, and Arche stomped her way over to Chester, lifting a hand and smacking him (it wasn't THAT hard of a smack) on the head just a bit.

She looked to Reid for a moment, smiled as if she were an angel, and then spoke to him before returning to her 'affection' of Chester.

"Reid, don't mind this, Chester's just been a bad boy. Kindly look the other way? It's good to see you again, by the way!"

And once more, the scowl returned.

"You knew I was hungry and you still went to eat?! Without me?! You jerk!" Frown moar, Arche! Do forgive her, she's hungry.

[hungry-hero.livejournal.com]

It was good to see Arche again, but as was the always, he sure felt like the third wheel around them. But at least this would likely be funny to listen to.

"Good to see you too, Arche, and don't mind me, I won't look as you beat poor Chester up, but maybe you two should be alone for awhile?"

And of course timing would have it that just then his meal arrived, rubbing more salt into Arche's anger. At least now he had something besides them to pay attention to as he wolfed it down.

[toryuu.livejournal.com]

"What the Hell?!" Chester grumbled under his breath. Arche's way of being friendly? Not his cup of tea, making his regret everything he said prior. For a moment, anyway.

But putting that aside for now, he ordered another dish and drink for Arche. He still felt guilty about what had happened in Engeve, so Arche would still get a few free meals out of it.

"I thought you were more interested in seeing Guy and the others." Chester tried to explain himself. He still had to say his farewells to Natalia, but he thought he should bring up the next issue with Arche right away. "Arche, I'm not going to travel with Natalia and the other any more; I'm going to go with Reid. You can come with us, if you want, or go with them."

[broomriding.livejournal.com]

Aww, no fun, he didn't want to argue. Oh well, he was being nice and ordered her something. Arche plopped herself down in-between Chester and Reid, propping her head up on one of her hands and casting a sidelong glance at Chester.

She ignored his first statement, and listened to what else he had to say; it wasn't like she had much opportunity to answer him in regards to Guy and the others anyway, as he went right into the next subject of the hour.

So, Reid was traveling. That much was obvious, as he was sitting at the table with them, wolfing down the food he'd received. For what, though?

Either way, her answer was obvious. Yeah, she liked Guy and Natalia, and was going to miss them, but ..

She snorted a little.

"If I leave you alone, Chester, who knows what trouble you and Reid could get yourself into? You'd be insane to think I wasn't coming with," She sat up in her chair and grinned, crossing her arms over her chest.

"'Sides! You know you'd miss me~! It'd be just oh-so-lonely without the beautiful, talented Arche gracing your presence every day!" She then looked to Reid again.

"So! What's up with you?"

[hungry-hero.livejournal.com]

"Hey! Chester and I can stay out of trouble just fine!" Reid grumbled.

He wasn't surprised though, if Arche hadn't said it now, she would have found them later. She was hard to get rid of, because it was obvious she enjoyed arguing with Chester a lot.

At least things won't be boring.

"Arche, not much really. Seems I need to get myself to Grand Chokmah, that's all."

[toryuu.livejournal.com]

Chester had to smile; he already knew the answer Arche was going to give, but knowing that she'd still want to be with him rather than the others... was a nice reminder of the fact that although she was easily classified as abrasive, they still had a bond. Still... it was still painful, considering that Arche still reminded him of his sister.

A solemn look crossed Chester's face, and the original reason why he wanted a meal... and possible a drink... resurfaced in his mind. That one God General... her pink hair and her age. Well, of course pink hair wasn't exactly rare in Auldrant, but it still reminded him of his sister. Shaking his head before his friends could pick up on the fact that he was deep in thought, Chester beamed once more.

"So, I guess that settles it; we can head to Grand Chokmah, and see where ever this little quest of Reid's leads up. Seeing the world wouldn't be so bad, would it?"

[broomriding.livejournal.com]

"Hey, might as well, we've got nowhere else to be," Arche commented in response to Chester, sighing and placing her head in her hands again. To Reid, she grinned.

"Grand Chokmah, huh? Why do ya need to get to the capital? Or wait, Don't tell me. Some scorer told you that you'd find your destiny there, right?" It was intended as a joke. Hahaha, good one, Arche. No, really.

[hungry-hero.livejournal.com]

Reid frowned, now even Arche was guessing it all right off. Was he that transparent?

Seemed to be so. They always did love to poke fun at his slight obsession with the Score.

"Um, yeah, something like that."

[toryuu.livejournal.com]

"Oh, Arche, give it a rest." Chester waved his hand about as if to dismiss the matter. "This conversation's turning into deja vu; Reid and I had the exact same conversation about three minutes ago." He chuckled. Chester already guessed that they should lay off of teasing Reid for now, though trying to get that point across to Arche was another story altogether. Subtley was not in the pink-head's lexicon.

"Arche and I still have to say goodbye to Natalia and the others." Chester turned to Reid, trying to change the topic at hand. "After a good night's rest, we can head out to Grand Chokmah; we'll probably be able to hit St. Binah as a rest point in a day or two. Is that all right with you, Reid?"

[hungry-hero.livejournal.com]

Reid was glad Chester changed the subject. He really didn't want to get into it with Arche about his feelings about the Score. It always brought to mind rather painful things, and he was already scared enough to be going on this quest no matter how much he was pretending it was nothing and being his normal self.

"Yeah, that's fine. I already had booked a room since I thought I'd be waiting here longer."

[toryuu.livejournal.com]

Chester nodded. "Well, we may as well go to the inn, then. I need to say goodbye to the others while Arche finishes her meal, anyway." he threw Arche a grin. She wasn't nearly as much of a pig as Reid was, but it was still fun to poke fun at her. "Which hotel was it, Reid? I'll meet you there soon."

[hungry-hero.livejournal.com]

Reid got the hint, Chester obviously wanted to have some time with Arche, and well with a full belly Reid was definitely now feeling tired, so he had no problem going on ahead to the inn. He'd probably be fast asleep before Chester returned.

"Whatever one was closest to entrance. You know I won't look too hard when all I want is a bed and some food." Reid said with a smile. "I'll leave you two to your 'quality time' and see you at the inn."

He made sure Chester knew what room he was in so they could find him later and left the restaurant since Chester had the bill covered.

[broomriding.livejournal.com]

Arche threw a smirk right back at Chester, but didn't say anything in return. She was too hungry to say anything to that.

Reid, on the other hand ...

She sent a pout toward him before he left the resturaunt, yelling something akin to "It's not like that!" after him as he left the restaurant.

This sudden display of protest, however, only made her stomach growl more, and she sat back down with a sigh, resting her head on the table and waiting for her food to arrive. Lucky for her, it didn't take much longer, and she was soon munching on her order of food that was totally free to her, seeing as Chester payed for it. ♥.

[toryuu.livejournal.com]

Chester had to chuckle a bit, seeing Arche enjoy her food so much. Reid may have had the wrong idea, but Chester didn't mind; Arche was the only girl his age, and they did happen to spend a fair amount of time together. Even someone like Reid, who grew up with them, would mistake their closeness for something else. Putting that aside for now, however, Chester knew that he had to go ahead and say his farewells to Natalia and the others. Putting money on the table, Chester stood up. "Hey, Arche, I'm going to go on ahead; you enjoy your meal, all right?" He grinned, and then also left the diner.