~Otselecunsto dna Talokohsunsto rof gnitiawunsto!~

Ah, what a wonderful day it was, and a wonderful day on the horizon. Wolfgang Murinyo grinned and his royal guard looked on, royally guarding him. Today was a big day; He had sent his friend in Amestris a ticket for the ferry between Creta and Gelemort, and he would be arriving within the hour, after a long sailing experience. Considering his friend WAS a pirate, sailing wouldn’t be too much of a big deal for him, who most likely sailed around the world every once in a while, and probably OWNED the ocean nearest to the Amestrian border, even if it was in another nation’s coastline. Ah, pirates… As the sun set over the Gelemortian sky, Wolfy was entranced by its beauty as much as by the fact that Celesto Krowe was coming over to visit. He was so intrigued by the beauty of nature, he fell to his knees and laughed as he began playing in the snow. It was true that he was eccentric, and true that he was occasionally even a bit strange, but if anything could give the citizens of Gelemort that feeling of everlasting might, it was the fact that their leader, nearing the end of his golden years, still clung to youth, as if he’d never experienced the last eighteen years of his life, and was a man of twenty, instead of nearly forty. He then remembered that he’d also scheduled a meeting with a member of his intel unit. Seeing as his last Head of Intel had retired, he figured he’d surprise her. He hadn’t really seen her too often, but Shokolot had a good reputation for her line of work; as she was such a popular figure, or at least a skilled one, he hadn’t even told her the reason for his meeting, just so she would be surprised! And now he was to wait for his guests to arrive, as he fell over in the snow, rolling around quite giddily. Pretty soon, he’d hear the clunkity-clunk of camel-feet on snow as Celes and Shoko were escorted to the Capital building’s courtyard, where he himself was awaiting them…

Today was the big day. The biggest day of her life it felt like! Her bags were packed, she had set her things in order, and now there was just one more thing to do before she sailed off to the mainland! Rather surprisingly, their lord had asked for her by name, not that she had any idea as to why. No hints or anything! Was this a riddle she was meant to solve before arriving at her quest marker? Or well, the palace... Or... Blinking, she had now succeeded in confusing herself a little, shaking her head as she had to remind herself that quest markers told her where to go. It was the locations that were the destinations. Heehee, silly her... She was out of uniform for once considering this was probably considered business, instead comfortably settled in one of her gothic lolita outfits. She had a black maids hat on with a little pink rose at the center of it (that she wanted to change desperately), a frilly sleeved white underdress, and a deep purple over layer that was almost black in its appearance. The back was open to allow for her wings which were folded close to her back, the black feathers shimmering against the bright snow and paleness of her skin. She really did appear like a pretty porcelain doll, drawing a few looks as she walked up to where she had been instructed to meet Wolfgang in the courtyard.

Blinking as the Capital building rose up before her, Shokolat was rather in awe since it was quite impressive to her. She would probably never get used to these tall buildings with all their grandeur and.. and... what was a good word... Ah! Regality! Or something... Her wings flapped and stretched outward, a guard coming over atop a camel as he narrowed his eyes at her. "State your-" She looked up at him with her currently violet eyes, the crimson still swirling in the background as she gave him a sweet smile and a salute. "1st Lieutenant Anguissola reporting!" He had stopped once he saw her wings, allowing for her to speak as he gathered his wits about him. She didn't really leave the information department that often.... She was used to those stares though. Who wouldn't admire a doll-- He merely nodded and led her onward, paying no mind to how her expression had faltered a bit. She wasn't a perfect doll though... No, she would be! She'd find out what her king wanted, and then go on her quest! A grand quest, the main quest! Well, and maybe some side quests along the way. You always had to have those!

So she followed after the man to the courtyard, admiring all the way everything she saw. The snow, the way the light hit everything (even if it was a little harsh to her eyes), the architecture... It was all so amazing to her! And then, her lord came into view. "Eep!" Oh boy oh boy oh boy... Um, right. Propriety. Or... not? The King was currently rolling about like a child in the snow and she giggled, she couldn't help it. It was like Wolfgang was a child! She almost jumped down with him except... Her wings fluttered a little and she glanced back to them with a light sigh. Yeah that wasn't happening. So instead she curtsied and waited for him to get up, the guard clearing his throat, "1st Lieutenant Shokolat Anguissola sir." And with that, the guard left, leaving the two of them be minus the royal guards that remained.

"Waiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii~" Celesto S. Krow flailed about atop the magnificent snow camel whose eyes flitted about in mock interest. Same old same old for the old chap in which Celesto was perched on like a predator of prey awaiting the final plunge into the frozen river for lunch. A flopping silver salmon clutched in talons, beak half open in inspection. Not really, Celes was just excited. And hungry. Well, it was a 23-hour journey from the far reaches of South City alllllllllllllllllllllllllllll the way across the ocean to Gelemorté. It was a job. Or...something. He didn't really know, but usually an invitation from a ruler meant that it would be smarter to go than not. Plus, Wolfy and he spoke the same language. They were...connected. Something Celes hadn't really felt with anyone on such a deep level before. Aside from Aren, Karis, and Devorin, Wolfy was the first person this here blond pirate had ever truly enjoyed himself with. Although Karis wasn't exactly... close with him anymore. North City and South City was a bit far...and the other twin had his life now--something that Celes was able to give back to him. All that work didn't mean he had to be selfish. Even though many times he saw things that weren't there, had faint dizzy spells, was blind in one eye, and missing an arm, Celes still smiled like a BAWS. He was that epically Celes and his facade was his best friend--though it wasn't much of a facade anymore. He just liked hiding his pain...however minute, no one deserved to see how much suffering his life encompassed nor the lack thereof of enjoyment aside from the everyday bustle of a pirate's life.

Today, was different. He was in the snow once more. Despite not enjoying the freezing pressures of the ice, it was nice to feel the sharp sneer of wind against his cheeks--it reminded him of the past... Stark hair whipped against his cheeks like pampered straw, tickling a faint smile out of him. Ah, it was nice, but it was still freaking cold. He huddled against the reigns, blinking a single eye to free the tears coerced out of him by tundra torrents. The eye patch held tightly to his face, frosty jewels jingling against each other with every downward step of the camel. He looked up as a shadow fell over him and blocked out the slim amount of heat the sun was sharing with him. Before them was a towering gate whose doors were open to allow him passage. On the heels, of another oddly colored beast, mini black wings flexed and baffled the blond to silence. What... He blinked a singular eye and watched as she/it/something or other got down off the camel and curtsied like any typical official. Celes, too, hopped down, but instead of bowing, flopped down on his butt in the snow. Spreading out his aching, lanky legs, he laid the rest of the way down into the cold snow and heaved a hefty sigh. "ay era woH!? yenroujunsto darhunsto a saw tahtunsto." Celes sat up, brushing the snow off his fluffy white and sky blue jacket, grinning over at Wolfy and nodding a greeting to the strange female being in which was a little more than rather intriguing.

Wolfy giggled to himself in the snow, cackling like a madman for a good ten, fifteen minutes, before Shokolat arrived. And he honestly hadn't noticed her arrival until her guard spoke up, whereupon he sat up rather abruptly, still grinning and coated in clumps of frozen water. Stumbling to his feet, he looked over the woman. She had lovely, lovely wings, was the first thing he noticed. Aaaaand she looked otherwise like a normal human being, except that she had an air of fragility about her. So, with a bit of restraint, he hauled himself to his feet and ran over towards her, giving her the most gentle, softest hug in his arsenal. Stepping back again, he gave a casual salute.

As far as national leaders went, Wolfgang was not exactly the most formal. In fact, he was extremely laid back, even when he was being serious. At times, he could be truly formal, though not for extended periods. And compared to the formal rulers of Gelemort, he felt that he was partaking in a tradition of casual friendliness, towards both his people and the peoples of other nations. It was for that very reason that he greeted nearly everyone with a hug.

Anyways, the ruler of the land of the icy death, so colorfully named as it was, smiled at his lieutenant. "Hey! Glad youse made it! A'righty then, Ms. Eh... Ms. Angel, youse said? No, not quite that, I don't thinks, erm... Okay then, I'ma just go by firstest names'en, makes my life easier, eh? HaHa~ Okee-den, Shoko, lemme jus start out why I called youse here, eh? Well, for starters, I been hearing a bunch'a good stuffs about youse lately, lotta good news. Folks says your a reliable, good worker, best in your field. An I think that'if so many people says that bout'yah, you oughta be rewarded. So gratsies, Head of Gelemortian Intelligence 1st Lieutenant Shoko Angelousa! Eh... That ent right neither is it? Ah well, you knows what I meaned. Oh, an I wanted to have you come along with me'n'a friend'o'mine today, soes I can actually meetcha. Always good to know my best men and ladies~" And he had spoken not a moment too soon, for right then he heard the thump-kerplump of camel's hooves crunching snow.

And who would it be on such a handsome beast as the woolly camel approaching, but a Mr. Celesto Krowe!? Wolfy abruptly turned to face him and grinned with delight as Celesto jumped from camel to snow. "Otselecunsto! Erutnevdaunsto rof ydaerunsto?! Oh, and Celes, this is Shoko, Shoko, meet Celes. Now, c'mon, let's go poke aroun' the capital first of all, that's always fun! I hear they even gots some'o Gele's best monuments open to tha' public. An' even if'n they aren't, I can get us in to look at stuff! Then we can find some stuff to do, you guys want, eh? Sounds fun, don't it? HaHAA~" Sure, in most countries, looking at monuments was a rather wonderful experience, in itself, but not quite exciting. If that was the case in GELEMORT, Wolfy might not have suggested it...

A voice came from behind her, who was it? Who was it? Shokolat turned around, not having even heard the young man's approach in the least bit! Her wings fluttered slightly before extending a bit in a stretch, tilting her head as she smiled down at him in the snow. "ay era woH!? yenroujunsto darhunsto a saw tahtunsto." Her eyes widened a little at the new language that came rushing out at her, blinking as she had no idea what he said at all. A new language? What was it? What was it? It sounded so strange to her ears! Her eyes seemed to shimmer before appearing more violet, curtsying to him as well. She had to be a proper lady now didn't she? Though... it felt like any sense of propriety had been thrown out the window which was... a little strange for her. She could.. ignore etiquette for now, couldn't she? Er... She could certainly try! It didn't seem like propriety was exactly the highest priority right now.

Hearing movement behind her again, she figured it must be the king, turning to face him with the small smile remaining upon her lips. He was approaching her now, why was he doing that? She was most surprised when he suddenly hugged her, how did this.. protocol... what? He was even gentle though which was a relief, her bones seeming to breathe a sigh of relief inside of her body. Cursed things... And still she could not fly. She could not... Her eyes grew cloudy for a brief moment, now more red than violet, but she saluted him while trying to sort through her muddled brain. She would become a real girl for papa, and he would love her again! He would want her back! Yes yes, aw... Now she was a bit wet... Hopefully she would dry before she left otherwise the journey could end up being a bit... cold.

"Hey! Glad youse made it! She almost opened her mouth to respond, but off the king went! "A'righty then, Ms. Eh... Ms. Angel, youse said? No, not quite that, I don't thinks, erm... Okay then, I'ma just go by firstest names'en, makes my life easier, eh? HaHa~ Okee-den, Shoko, lemme jus start out why I called youse here, eh? Well, for starters, I been hearing a bunch'a good stuffs about youse lately, lotta good news. Folks says your a reliable, good worker, best in your field. An I think that'if so many people says that bout'yah, you oughta be rewarded. So gratsies, Head of Gelemortian Intelligence 1st Lieutenant Shoko Angelousa! Eh... That ent right neither is it? Ah well, you knows what I meaned. Oh, an I wanted to have you come along with me'n'a friend'o'mine today, soes I can actually meetcha. Always good to know my best men and ladies~" It was sort of amusing how he just went off like a shot, but she would hardly interrupt him. It wasn't too surprising that he messed up her name or called her Angel instead, it wouldn't be the first time to be sure! Though the shortening of her first name was a first, she had to admit. A reliable worker? She blushed at the compliment, smiling modestly as she glanced downwards to the snow. She hadn't realized her co-workers talked so much! And she hardly considered herself the best, she just-- wait what?! Her head jolted upward which made her bones ache a bit, eyes wide as saucers at his words. W-wait.. H-h-Head of.... "S-sir?!" She could hardly believe her ears!!! She had just gone up a level! She had completed part of her life's quest! Oh goodness, oh goodness, oh goodness!!! The fact he still didn't quite get her name was lost, it didn't matter. She was now Head of Intelligence! Wait till she told Lexi!!!

Oh wait... did this affect her journey any? She didn't even get to thank her king for this promotion as he turned to greet the man that had spoken to her in that strange, strange language. Her king began to speak in the same strange language, causing her to blink a couple of times as she tilted her head at the two of them. But she was positively beaming, her wings wrapping around her body a bit to block out any of the wind. She was, for the most part, still visible however. "Oh, and Celes, this is Shoko, Shoko, meet Celes." At their introduction, she bowed her head in greeting while giving another small curtsy. Curtsying was polite! Oh right, she was to accompany these lovely men on their travels! "Now, c'mon, let's go poke aroun' the capital first of all, that's always fun! I hear they even gots some'o Gele's best monuments open to tha' public. An' even if'n they aren't, I can get us in to look at stuff! Then we can find some stuff to do, you guys want, eh? Sounds fun, don't it? HaHAA~"

"Whatever you would suggest my liege. I must thank you very much for this opportunity you have bestowed upon me. I will do my best!" She began, turning her irridescent eyes to Celes. "It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Celes. I look forward to traveling with you." She gave him a sweet smile, offering her hand to him. It was a good thing she didn't have to leave for a while! Her bags were still at home until she returned from this outing, since it wasn't like she knew how long it would take. "I'm up for anywhere sir! I.. don't really get out too much." To that her smile grew a little nervous, wings shifting so they were folded behind her, looking at the two men expectantly for their opinion.

Stuffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff that he couldn't understand, but it was fun hearing it and stufffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff. No idea what was going on though so he just sat there and grinned like a fool. Why? Because he was Celes and he needed no more reason than that. However, more than one emotion slithered, hidden under the brush of that very sloppy smile. His specialty. And they'd never know unless he told them. Even then, reaching a place of understanding with a fellow human being was a very difficult accomplishment of which Celesto wasn't gifted in. Somehow belting random phrases and using extravagant hand gestures tended to confuse things. Why, he still hadn't discovered yet. The girl who was there who he knew was now indeed female, and no way resembling an it of any kind seemed to be suffering from the simple action of looking up at Wolfy. Hm... peculiar. Celes tapped his chin and flew himself to his feet where he then circled around to the girl who definitely appeared to be--"Otselecunsto! Erutnevdaunsto rof ydaerunsto?!"

"ydaerunsto nrobunsto~~" What had he been thinking about again? Oh right, about the girl...who now looked mildly confused. This made Celes happy for some strange reason, triggering a genuine smile that reached his singular eye. He was about to approach her with a glorious offer when Wolfy continued in a slur of outpouring words, capable of baffling anyone. And in just the previous month, Celesto hadn't even known Gelemorté existed...now he was standing in it. He wasn't really that great at Geography... No one needed to know that.

"Sounds fun! Celesto echoed like a talking parrot save for the inhuman lack of a wet tongue. "Will there be food? I don't seem to have eaten since the day before yesterday." Had it really been that long? No wonder he was famished to the point of exhaustion! Celes adjusted his eye patch, gave up, and took it off, stuffing it in his pocket. Two sky blue eyes met Shoko's, showering her with intrigue. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Chocolate! Might you be vanilla, dark, orrrr milk?" Grinning ear to ear, he shook her hand as light as he could while still holding a grip, all the while thinking that he should definitely invest in equipping his automail hand with a hook. Then all he'd need would be a peg leg.

Wolfy grinned a grin of grins as Shoko's eyes lit up at his promotion. Obviously this was another redeeming feature of his new head of intel! Her surprise was humble modesty, in its purest form. Not neccesarily important for tghe position she would be taking, but definitely a good trait to have! Turning to Celesto, he finished saying what he had to say and grinned. "Doogunsto! We was both borned ready then!" Turning his full attention back to Shoko, he smiled. "And as for youse, youse is very much welcome, Shoko! I expect good things from ya!~ Got potential, y'know? By the way, Wolfy works fine. 'Me liege' is way too eh... Serious! Yeah, tha'sa word!" As he finished speaking to Shoko, he glanced at Celes.

So his friend hadn't had food for the ENTIRE journey to GELEMORT!? That must not happen EVER again! Lest the crew of that boat shalt be EXILED... Or fined, one of the two. "You hadn't ate nothin yet!? Well we gonna hasta gets us some grub then! C'mon, youse guys gonna get to go eat somethin in style!" Grinning, he had the remaining guard go to fetch his royal carriage-thingy, and two camels. Grinning, he ran over and climbed into the carriage, gesturing excitedly for his guests to join him. "So... Whadday youse guys wanna get ta eat?"

More of that peculiar language.... She simply must find out how to speak it for it just sounded so delightful! If nothing else, it was amusing her every time she heard it. "ydaerunsto nrobunsto~~" What in the world had this language come from? It truly puzzled her!! And well... it sounded like some language from a book. At least as far as she had made those languages sound in her head. But those were fictitious! They didn't exist anymore. Though they must have. After all, here was this dialect! That had to be proof, right? She'd have to consult the archives once she got the chance to. Or rather, if she got the chance to before she left! Otherwise she'd just have to wait until she got back from Amestris (whenever that would be).

"And as for youse, youse is very much welcome, Shoko! I expect good things from ya!~ Got potential, y'know? By the way, Wolfy works fine. 'Me liege' is way too eh... Serious! Yeah, tha'sa word!" Shokolat had to blush at these compliments coming from her king, finding herself curtsying again as her pale cheeks were colored pink with a small smile upon her lips. B-but... Could she really call him that? "I-I... Y-yes, Wolfy." Ooo that felt alien upon her tongue! That would take some getting used to for sure. Now that she thought about it, she never really called anyone by their first name. She still always included a Mr. or Ms. in front of it. Old habits die hard she supposed. Everyone was so informal nowadays! It was rather... surprising. She still wasn't used to it, and she had been around for two years now!

"Will there be food? I don't seem to have eaten since the day before yesterday."

Wait a moment... What?! She, too, immediately looked to Celesto upon this, her eyes staring at him in disbelief. He... hadn't eaten? Wh... What was that crew doing! However the look didn't last long as she blinked in confusion as the eye-patch was removed and slid into his pocket, revealing perfectly fine (and beautiful) blue eyes. Wow.... Oh wait, the eyepatch was just for show. Heehee, it wasn't magical. No enchantments there! "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Chocolate! Might you be vanilla, dark, orrrr milk?" Oh my~ A giggle rose from her throat, not particularly minding as he spoke her translated name since well... The whole statement had just been so amusing! "Well," She began, glancing over herself before her iridescent eyes came to rest upon him once more, her hand returning the shake. Yes, that would do. No one kissed ladies hands anymore! "I think I'll go with vanilla and milk. More vanilla I suppose." Light laughter left her throat as she fell quiet for the king was speaking once more.

"You hadn't ate nothin yet!? Well we gonna hasta gets us some grub then! C'mon, youse guys gonna get to go eat somethin in style!" S-style? What did he mean? Dragons? Large flying birds? Or.. OH! Of course, a carriage. Hehe... Thats right, there weren't any dragons or large flying birds.... They must have all died already or been killed. Extinct! That was the word she was looking for. "So... Whadday youse guys wanna get ta eat?" She had to bite her lip upon the invitation to join him inside, now appearing a bit hesitant as she looked back at her wings that promptly extended a bit, reaching a hand back to touch the feathers. "I... am not sure if I would make the ride... comfortable all considering. Maybe I'll just ride on one of the camels." She kept staring at his carriage, truly concerned that she would cause things to be too cramped since her wings did hate smaller spaces. Oh dear... "U-um, but food! I... Something light is fine for me. I'm more concerned that our friend Mr. Celes gets something to eat." Here she looked to the visiting Amestrian, folding her hands in front of herself as she tilted her head slightly while a slight wind buffeted against her white hair.

"I think I'll go with vanilla and milk. More vanilla I suppose." That told a lot about a person--their favorite chocolate. Celes ran a hand through his overly blond hair and contemplated this whilst staring at the snow he hated so much. White chocolate...vanilla... Fragile, innocent, thick-headed... Hm, he supposed maybe that was what she was. He couldn't really tell if his deductions were correct seeing as they had just met about five minutes ago. His response was a sheepish grin as he raised their shaking hands to his lips and planted a kiss as light as the brush of butterfly wings. He released his grip altogether of her, an all-knowing spark romping through the blue of his eyes momentarily. She laughed, signaling to him that his current state of mind was certainly clicking well with her. There was no need to change gears, allowing him to be more like himself than something he wasn't. He always hated acting in front of an innocent lady.

"You hadn't ate nothin yet!?" A beautiful butchery of Amestrian--it was like music to his ears, only with somewhat negative connotations. No, no he hadn't eaten yet. Well, that wasn't to say that his stomach currently wasn't eating itself... He frowned and switched his weight onto his other foot, which was numb with the cold, mind you. A carriage sledded up with one of Wolfy's men at the reigns. Celes immediately shuffled over to it, running his hands along the smooth white and gold. The camel he had come on looked over at him and sneered, turning away as if being rejected by the show of affection by the alchemist's pale touch.

"I... am not sure if I would make the ride..." Celes was at least thankful they were now using Amestrian. Before he was so lost that he swore he had put the audio on the wrong setting or something. Flopping on the bar of the carriage, he met Choco's eyes directly.

"You mean you aren't sure if you could make the ride." His voice flowed out in a slur of practiced speech, eyes half lidded in contemplation. "Perhaps your wings impede you from such? Much like my left eye and possibly..." He held up his left metal arm, smiling in the slightest, building up wall after wall behind his rapturous gaze. Point out the obvious before the questions come. That was one of many of his preemptive techniques to thwart too much attention to his sacrifices. "As for food, anything will suffice, Wolfy~~"

Wolfy had to grin as he noted that his two guests of the day were getting along well together. Celes was a rather charming person, and Shokolat appeared charmed. Likewise, Shokolat was just as charming, and Celes seemed to be charmed by her charms!~ But what was this? Shoko declined the invitation to ride in the carriage? It did indeed make sense that she wanted to ride camelback, even Wolfy preferred it sometimes, but it was not too convenient for holding good conversation. He was also hoping for a bit of tea on the ride to an eatery. “Awww, Shoko, don’tcha fret ‘boutcha wings! We gots a big carriage and ‘esides, it wouldn’t make nothin’ uncomfortable. ‘Esides, you wouldn’t look right riding with us on a camel; angels ride first class~” With a gentle, friendly smile, he spoke those words of encouragement, hoping to get Shokolat to ride with them. It really wouldn’t be fun without her, no, no, no, not at all. “And as for the place wese gon eat at, how’s Randy’s sound? I could go fer’a nice Septuple Bacunizer, some Sea Salt Pretzels and a nice cup of chili!~”

(~(Sorry if it’s too blargh. ^^; Christmas has me too distracted at the moment. xD)~)

Oh! Shokolat's cheeks grew pink as he quickly raised her hand and gave it the smallest of kisses, her eyes going wide as a smile reached her lips. She was quite touched, perhaps chivalry wasn't necessarily dead just yet! Oh that was so very touching and delightful to find in this day and age. As their hands lowered to her side, she thought that she saw something in his eyes, not that she was necessarily sure what it was. It was gone as soon as it had come and that was that, back to the problem at hand!

Her eyes had certainly gone violet as she looked at the carriage that stood before her, her hands curving between closing into fists and remaining relaxed and open as they hung at her sides. Her wings fluttered as a small breeze rolled past, glancing over to the others as they were already sitting inside the carriage. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear...."You mean you aren't sure if you could make the ride." She opened her mouth to retort, but paused and closed her lips as color flushed across her cheeks. He was right. Absolutely right. "Perhaps your wings impede you from such? Much like my left eye and possibly..." Huh? She looked up to him at that, blinking as she looked to his arm with widened eyes, what had.... He had a knights arm instead of his arm? What... She had never seen such a thing before! And what was wrong with his eye, it looked fine to her. How had- Oh! She was staring now, that was rather rude... Glancing back towards her wings, she folded them as tightly as she could to her body and still that hardly seemed enough. They got so feisty though when they got cooped up... “Awww, Shoko, don’tcha fret ‘boutcha wings! We gots a big carriage and ‘esides, it wouldn’t make nothin’ uncomfortable. ‘Esides, you wouldn’t look right riding with us on a camel; angels ride first class~”

Her king said it would be ok...He even called her an angel! Was she really an angel? Was she? Was she? Was that what papa had wanted? Oh papa, what had been so wrong about her? She was trying so hard to become a real girl, really she was! And as her gaze turned to them, she shut her eyes tight for a moment and told herself it would all work out somehow. With that, she clambered quickly into the carriage, taking up the empty side as she could feel her feathers brushing against the walls and ceiling. Oh dear... "Thank you both. I apologize if my wings get rowdy, sometimes they have a mind of their own." She spoke softly, falling quiet as the two spoke up about food once more. “And as for the place wese gon eat at, how’s Randy’s sound? I could go fer’a nice Septuple Bacunizer, some Sea Salt Pretzels and a nice cup of chili!~” Chili was... spicy, yes? "I have no objections. I think some of the others in my department like it there greatly though I haven't eaten there myself. Do they have tea?" She had to ask for she did love her tea so. There would certainly be something there for her to eat!

"‘Esides, you wouldn’t look right riding with us on a camel; angels ride first class~” Most things Wolfy said took Celes a long time to translate into plausible Amestrian, but that last part he understood almost immediately. The meaning behind those words were so sweet and suddenly had Celes feeling respect for the Gelemortian Leader that he had no had before. A bright smile filled his face and suddenly he felt warmth in his chest. People in the world weren't all assholes to each other. Maybe there was some good in the world after all.

"Randy's?" He spouted out without thinking. Why did that sound so Cretan? He blinked his pair of sky blue eyes and cocked his head to the side like a confused puppy. Food was food was-- "Septuple Bacunizer, some Sea Salt Pretzels and a nice cup of chili!~” --what?! What. What. What? He titled his head the other way and massaged his nonexistent beard in thought. This guy liked bacon thus the name of their made-up language: bacunsto. But what a weird combination. He shuddered...inwardly and crossed his legs as Chocolate approached in all of her fragility. The blond scooted all the way over, pinning Wolfly against the side window while the lady glided into the the other side window. Crap. He was in the middle. No, it was okay; he could deal with it for this short ride. He'd survive using his...MAGIC. ;D

"Thank you both. I apologize if my wings get rowdy, sometimes they have a mind of their own." Celes blinked. That was so weird. He understood it, yes...very well because Truth was whispering in the back of his mind, approaching closer and closer and draining the oxygen out of his lungs until-- He sucked in a sharp breath and let his eyes fold closed. No. Not now. GO AWAY, he shouted at it, wishing he could just tear out his left eye and be done with it. He opened his eyes again as if he hadn't almost lost control and grinned fervently.

"No worries~" His eyes moved to the feathers, lighting up when he got a close look. He couldn't tell what kind of bird they came from, but he was beyond intrigued. "Can I touch them--your feathers??"

Alrighty then, so it was settled. They were off to Randy's, and Shoko was sitting in the carriage with them. WONDERFUL!~ Smiling at Shoko, he said, "No worries, no worries~ Plenty of tea there. An' your wings ain't takin up hardly any space at all, youse didn't haveta worry bout them." Poor girl... She seemed so concerned about those wings! Honestly, Wolfy saw nothing strange, or weird about them. That was just the way she was. Looking to Celes, he found it rather amusing that the boy wanted to feel her wings. Not a very proper request, but it was indeed something to ask. Hmm... Looking Celes over, he pondered something, and casually remarked, "Hey, Celes. You wouldn' happen'a have no Gele in your blood, wouldja? Yah look a bit Gele to me... Maybe it's your hair. Oh, or that cheekbone! Unmistakable." Of course, to most people, this would be gibberish. But Wolfy had indeed meant it. Celes looked Gelemortian, to be honest...

Oh dear.... Shokolat tried her best to shift her wings so they wouldn't be in anyones face, her worry quite clear upon her porcelain features. She still didn't feel like this was quite alright.. They were all so cramped now! Ooo, she wished her wings could just vanish sometimes! Glancing between her king and her new friend, she had to pause as she gazed upon Celes for something seemed to be wrong....? He took in a short breath and then closed his eyes as if he were having stomach pains or something. She was about to reach a hand to touch his arm and ask if he was alright, but he had already straightened up seeming no worse for wear.

"No worries~" Sometimes it was just hearing those words was enough to put ones mind at ease, not that Shokolat exactly felt fully relaxed. If she fully relaxed, then who knew what her wings might do! They might try to smack them both upside the head or something and that would be downright terrible! She couldn't have that happening at all. "Can I touch them--your feathers??" .... caw? Honestly the question caught Shokolat a bit offguard, blinking twice before a small smile began to spread over her lips. He... wanted to? "S-sure. Go ahead. Thank you for asking."

"No worries, no worries~ Plenty of tea there. An' your wings ain't takin up hardly any space at all, youse didn't haveta worry bout them." caw? She was hardly allowed a lot of time to think as one voice replaced another with fresh statements and fresh emotions. She had to glance to her wings behind her, looking at them splaying up against the wall. Oh sure, they DEFINITELY weren't taking up ANY space.... --Tea? That was something she perked up to. When was the last time she had a good pot of tea? Entirely too long if it took her so much time just to try to think of it. "Hey, Celes. You wouldn' happen'a have no Gele in your blood, wouldja? Yah look a bit Gele to me... Maybe it's your hair. Oh, or that cheekbone! Unmistakable." Gele? Oh! Gelemortian, of course. He wouldn't be trying to call Celes jelly now would he? Although, their king was a little strange sometimes...

"S-sure. Go ahead. Thank you for asking." He didn't expect her to refuse, but she looked a bit taken aback, making him hesitate a moment in thought. What if she was just being polite? He could withhold from touching them if it was awkward or something... She really didn't look offended or antsy so carefully, he reached up and just barely touched a feather. A look of wonder entered his eyes and a soft smile fell ceremoniously onto his lips. They were soft...like touching a real bird--something that rarely was possible. He wanted to ask about her story, but sealed his mouth shut, locking away the question for never. If he pried, she would pry and then he wouldn't be able to efficiently dodge in his answer. Still, he allowed himself to wonder only so far before quitting altogether and taking his hand away.

"Thank you, you really are an angel, ne Choco~~" Being in the middle wasn't so bad; it wouldn't kill him. He just mostly hated being super close to people. If he got close, they would notice the scars around his automail and the otherworldly glint in his blind eye. He nearly wished to replace the eye patch, but couldn't shake the inkling of it being rude. It was like when some people took off their glasses to talk to you. Celes just felt that it was right to meet someone with both eyes. His single eye couldn't take on two other eyes...it was just too much. In a war, you wouldn't have a single warrior face off two. It was just stupid. Celes saw eye contact as just that: a war. He hated it so it was work, but he at least tried to offer what he had, and he did in fact have an eye...just a useless one.

"Hey, Celes." He looked over with an inquiry default playing on his face. "You wouldn' happen'a have no Gele in your blood, wouldja? Yah look a bit Gele to me... Maybe it's your hair. Oh, or that cheekbone! Unmistakable." ...Huh? He blinked and tried to process what the man had just said to him. Something about hair, a cheekbone, blood, and...Gele? He said that abbreviation before in North City when they had met. It was short for Gelemorté or in this case, Gelemortian? Him? He was...Drachman though? ...Right?

"Karis and I were...orphans. We were told we're Drachman though?" He stared at his hand, suddenly realizing how much he didn't know about himself. He could just imagine how the people around him felt not knowing anything.

As the carriage approached the drive-in, Wolfy shook his head, still smiling, but looking Celes over rather thoughtfully. "Nah. Youse might have some Vodka-bleeder in yah, but yah look about as Gele as it gets..." He trailed off there for a moment, before his eyes sparked up a bit. He'd just remembered something! "Hey Celes, it might sound kinda random, but youse hadn't been considerin' stayin' here, has you? Cus if you are, I might have a job fer yah." Grinning rather giddily, he gave Celes a bit of time to respond to the first question, before stating the job. "How'd'yah like to be me General? Second in charge and stuff. Last general we had up and poofed out on us, and I need someone I can count on. So whaddaya say?" He grinned, a devilish little grin, filled with excitement. He was getting his leading staff together rather well, he thought. Head of Intel was a total genius at it, and his General was to be Celesto, good friend he was. And now, "Hello ma'am. we'll have a baconizer, super sized, a a side of pretzels with the small chili, and a cup of hot tea. Celes, Shoko, d'youse guys want anything else?" After whatever they said, if anything, he translated it to Gelemortian for the nice drive-in thingy, before having the carriage move forwards in line.

Celesto seemed so very hesitant to touch her wings after he had asked so nicely which was a little confusing to Shokolat. Was he afraid of them? Now how could that be the case? He certainly didn't seem afraid or anything! Maybe she was just being silly again. She did seem to do that so very often. His touch was very gentle against one of her black plumes, her eyes watching him entirely as he made that first contact with her animal part. He seemed quite taken with her wings from that first moment that they made contact for that look of serenity upon his features spoke volumes. Were.... were they really that amazing? She always felt so very conflicted about them since they were both a hinderance and a sign of her failures. She was a doll who failed to be a real girl, who failed to become that angel that her father wanted.

"Thank you, you really are an angel, ne Choco~~" There it was again. "Angel"... Was she really one? Was she? Was she? Blushing faintly, the color was quite obvious against her pale cheeks, lowering her eyes that were leaning more towards being a lovely crimson at this point. "You are most welcome Celesto. I... Thank you." She decided it was best to leave it at that and not try to speculate or correct or anything. It was unnecessary and possibly... rude. Or it at least felt impolite to in her mind. Besides, she had already accepted the title twice from them moments before, she really needed to relax about these things! She had friends now, and her quest would begin shortly. And you know what? The quest was going to go amazingly! She would become a real girl, she really would! At least for the moment she wasn't worrying about cramping up space in the carriage for everyone else.

But the past... Shokolat observed the conversation between the King and his friend silently, mild interest clear upon her porcelain features. What did make the king believe he was possibly Gelemortian like them? Not that it really mattered in the end though. Perhaps it was a sense of kinship that he felt to his Amestrian friend, one that he wanted to confirm was beyond merely the bonds of friendship. "Nah. Youse might have some Vodka-bleeder in yah, but yah look about as Gele as it gets..." Vodka...bleeder? Her eyes had to widen at the phrase for it was just so very... odd. And wrong. People bleeding vodka? How did they survive? Was it magical vodka? Now she had to ponder this new information, her brows knitting together as he glanced outside the window. Vodka-bleeders.... Drachman's did drink enough to practically run on vodka... THATS IT! They DID run on vodka! That was their life-blood then? Oh that did make some kind of sense for sure! Wow, they must have had some interesting magicians and alchemists in their ranks to achieve that!

But she was drifting away again. Dear lord she had to work on that problem! "How'd'yah like to be me General? Second in charge and stuff. Last general we had up and poofed out on us, and I need someone I can count on. So whaddaya say?" Now there was something. Shokolat turned her eyes towards Celesto to see his reaction since... that was quite a curveball. But if they got to work together, that would be most delightful! She was about to open her mouth to offer a comment, but that was when she realized that they were alread there. Oh, they were ordering... Um.. um... um... Her eyes had to quickly scan the menu that was displayed before them before she could finally answer. "I'll have some tea as well, and um...two of their crispy chicken ranch wraps?" She had no real idea what she wanted, but that sounded good enough to her! She really needed to get out more.

"Nah. Youse might have some Vodka-bleeder in yah, but yah look about as Gele as it gets..." ...Really. Like...really? Celes felt himself staring mindlessly at Wolfy for a second. What...was Vodka-bleeder? But Gelemortian? Him? He felt his head growing heavy as it tilted further to the other side in thought. It was true that he was only told by... Wait, who was he told by? Had they just assumed that they were Drachman because of their light skin? Gelemorté had a lot of snow too... It made sense. Strangely, he understood that maybe...Wolfy was right. As Celes' silence and contemplation grew more, he noticed as the older man's eyes suddenly sparked with some kind of idea or revelation. In that half-second before words, the blond grew scared, burrowing into himself a little in fear. What...could he possibly say nex-- "Hey Celes, it might sound kinda random, but youse hadn't been considerin' stayin' here, has you? Cus if you are, I might have a job fer yah." S-staying there? Here? Gelemorté? Him? W-wah? He hadn't even ever considered...it....... He belonged in North City with the Pirates, didn't he? That was...his place? Although he enjoyed Devorin, Sal, and Euphie's company, there was...Karis' aloofness and so much more that kept him just so...distant. Maybe...maybe starting over was a good thing--an idea--a new start? Was fate dealing him a hand he wouldn't just fold? Celesto didn't really know that answer to that, but...

"A job...?" Cerulean eyes glued themselves to Wolfy's wolfish grin that filled his entire face and all the slim space between them in the carriage.

"How'd'yah like to be me General? Second in charge and stuff. Last general we had up and poofed out on us, and I need someone I can count on. So whaddaya say?"

...

G-General? In his mind, he was stuttering. He felt like Devorin, but overwhelmed with the sudden discourse of information, throwing itself recklessly at him in abandon. He had to embrace it or take the hit in the face...and that might hurt. He was tense, but he forced his expression to remain passive, thoughtful despite his shock. Was he capable of such a thing? It was like co-leading a country, wasn't it!? He couldn't make a decision like that... Really?! What... No. Leave it to fate. If it was going to be so troublesome as to hand him aces, then... let the tides decide. ...He sure as hell wasn't going to.

"I... Why are you grinning? You...hardly know me. How--" Okay the smooth-talking wasn't really working this time around. Change gears. Just spit it out. "After I take a DNA test, if I am Gelemortian, then I will accept your offer with honor." He bowed regally, or so the best he could do in his current physical condition of being squished. "Also...I need to learn Rouenian...

The carriage suddenly stopped before the blond got the rest of his words out. Wolfy immediately turned to the window. Celes' stomach growled. Ah, the smell of fast food wafting through the open air... He had no idea about anything right now. It was...too much to handle almost. "I'll have the same," he blurted out without thinking, lost completely in his thoughts. Gelemortian? ...He could very well be Gelemortian... In the end, Celes didn't know what he was.

Wolfy sat patiently, grin still plastered onto his face, now more of a cheerful smile than an ecstatic expression of excitement. He let Celes finish what he had to say and say what he wanted from the drive-in. Poor kid seemed so lost... Hehe, hope I din't put too much pressure on'im. But he did return from a state of shock, and even tried a funny little bow. Still smiling, Wolfy spoke once he had risen from his little bow. "Well, take youse time tah consider it. Don' want'cha makin no split-second decisions like that. It's a big decision, I know. Hehe, I guess I'm just a man of instinct. As for talking Gele, if'n yah do stays here, you'll catch on pretty quick, and I can help teach'yahs." As they pulled up to the window and recieved their food, Wolfy took a sip of his tea, and grinned again. "Ay, but enough about bui'ness and serious stuff, let's go have some fun, eh? Hahaaaa!~" With that, the carriage moved back onto the road, at a slower pace for comfortable eating, and soon the trio was off to do fun things, fun things indeed.

{EXIT THREAD}

It was really wonderful to see someone become so happy so fast. It was like... It was like you could practically feel the magic that began to course through the air, the shift in the aura that they gave off into the world. Pretty colorful lights danced in the air while an overall sense of brightness swelled like a great orchestra. And that was what she saw and sensed in Celes at the proposition that Wolfy had for him. "A job...?" Her eyes shimmered violet with a rather anime-like gleam, the smile that was upon her lips very subtle and almost non-existent. His reaction seemed like deja-vu! Except... from a different perspective. It seemed that Wolfy just had a bunch of surprises for everyone that day! She was now Head of Defense, Celes could become their General.... What would come next?

"I... Why are you grinning? You...hardly know me. How--" Shokolat had to giggle quietly as she tried to remain as much out of their affairs as she could given the close proximity that they were forced into due to her wings. They fidgeted in annoyance with a brush against Celesto as she tried to force them to remain still. Pesky things, would they ever listen to her? Probably not.... given the nature of them... "--then I will accept your offer with honor." ...caw? Her ears perked up as she saw the golden haired man bow slightly beside her. He... he would take the job? Really? Ooo then that meant they'd be working together!!! "Indeed! We could always help you learn." Oh but first things first, their food was there! Taking the food that was offered to her, she sipped her tea quietly with a rather demure air, having to keep her hair from falling anywhere too close to their food. Oh this was going to prove to be an interesting year indeed....