allthesame2me | [Video]

[Alex had been as surprised as the rest of his party to hear that they'd been in the tunnels for nearly a months' time when it had only felt like a few hours while they were walking around in them.

It really shouldn't have surprised him that such a thing was possible, all things considered.

As it is, sine the Keep seems to be currently without a chef, he's been keeping himself busy in the kitchen. He's got his laptop plugged into one of the only outlets in the Keep and though he can't get online at all, it gives him full access to his iTunes collection; which is currently playing in the background.]

So .. I would recommend not trampling around in the tunnels beneath the Keep unless you're ready for a whole time flux .. thing. We were gone for what we thought was just a few hours, and apparently, according to all of you and .. well .. reality .. We were gone for nearly an entire month.

We miss anything of interest?

[All the while talking, Alex looks to be preparing something in the kitchen. His hair is pulled back into an intricate braid and he's got on an old fashioned apron.]

Have the staff shown up again, or are they still missing? Joe, specifically ..

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[Alex watches Aara with a fascination he cannot deny, even though he can only glean so much about the fair haired girl through the pages of the journal. Her words soften his expression and he nods, smile seeming almost ever present.]

The folks here are pretty great, for the most part .. Just be careful, mm? I haven't met everyone, but it's seems fairly safe to guess that the odds won't only bring the nice guys and girls here. I hate to be a pessimist, but it's a concern, you know? But, as you've said .. so far everyone I've dealt with has also been pretty okay in my eyes.

[Then a soft laugh and he shakes his head.] Our moms and dads just raised us right, I guess .. there's no point in being cruel or dispassionate when we're all in the same boat, you know? [Then his smile slips the faintest bit and he looks at her through the journal, puzzled.] Why would you ever think yourself unworthy of life? Of course you're worthy of life.

[He studies her curiously as she does the same to him, not missing as she tries to reach for him through the pages of the book before catching herself. Oh yes, Aara .. you've fascinated the boy.]

Running? Well, there is the Green, although it is enclosed within the Keep boundaries. Outside the Keep is the forest and its many paths .. the lake has some open area around it. [He pauses to consider places that he himself has explored.] The grounds outside the gates are fairly open to running, but there is no way outside the Keep boundaries that I know of .. They try to make us comfortable, anyway..

[Oh, he doesn't miss that flush, but her words draw his brows right up into his hair line.]

Fair Aara, I beg to differ my opinion with yours, but any who have told you that you are not a lady are gravely incorrect and are doing you no small disservice. Foundling or not, a lady is still a lady, and no one person has right or will to declare it otherwise.

If we're to quibble about birthright earning said titles, than I am no more worthy of being called a lord than a stick. [He smiles, canines flashing briefly.]

I will be careful. [A little smile, touched by his concern.]

[Her smiles falters the smallest bit.] We certainly were brought up well, in any case. [Though it was not by any mother or father in her recollection. A quiet sigh escapes before she remembers she is not entirely alone, and she startles somewhat, finding a smile and banishing heavy thoughts.]

I am not unworthy of life, I know this... [Her words are breathy and soft.] It is simply that I wonder why I was saved...

The Green? It has been so long since I have seen anything Green. Is there much room for distance running? [her voice is breathy with anticipation.]

[And now Aara is blushing darker still, and attempting in vain to hide that fact.] Y-you are too good my lor--ah! Alex.

[Then she's laughing--all out laughing--and there is a lightness in her chest.] A stick??

[Alex's own smile warms as Aara seems to relax more and more into their conversation.]

You were saved because you were meant to be and it's as simple as that. We're a mixture of people and races from any number of worlds and I'm grateful that each and everyone of us are here.

[He considers the Green a moment, and the things done there, and decides to offer up another option.]

If not the Green, you'll find far more open area behind the Keep, between it and the lake. It should be open enough to suit the needs of running.

[He barks a laugh, canines flashing as his head tosses back.]

Well, maybe not a stick, exactly. How about we stick with Aara and Alex, lady fair?

[Her own smile warms in response, though his words and strength of conviction cause the smallest bit of unease. She wanted to believe Alex. Kanan would try to convince her of that very same thing--in his own small way.] Thank you...

...Different worlds and races? How... how many?

Thank you for your advice. I will do that. I am feeling...antsy within these stone walls.

[Those were some sharp canines. The thought crossed Aara's mind for a split second before it was gone and her blush was back in full force and she tried to duck and hide her face.] Ah...yes. That will do wonderfully.