World 1.3

The ride to Arcport isn't terribly long- maybe fifteen minutes, twenty at most.

And it is the most awkward fifteen-twenty minutes of Yuri's life.

An introvert by nature, she never thought there'd be a time where silence would be uncomfortable. She thought wrong, apparently.

But there’s no way she's going to be the one to break it. She feels embarrassed enough as it is- the last thing she needs is her own foot in her mouth.

A red brick wall comes into view, broken only by iron gated archways. There are people standing guard, too- wearing brown leather tunics and matching boots, lined a bright yellow with a white insignia on their torsos.

Lura leads them to a gate guarded by a green-haired spearwoman. She accepts the toll presented to her (for three adults and a kid), and while her eyes linger on Yuri a moment, she lets them pass without issue.

"Welp," says Lura, "here we are."

For a capital city, the streets of Arcport aren’t very crowded, though there are still enough people for the party to slowly weave through.

"The temple is near the center of town, close to the palace," Circ explains to Yuri. "And while there are peace-keepers there, there are also some priests who can return you to your parents."

"But I said I'm not a child." Yuri protests. "I'm a grown woman- really, I am."

Circ simply laughs, in a way reminiscent of a father playing along with his daughter's games. "Is that so? Then, what year were you born?"

"Circa 1999."

Another laugh. "That's not possible- it's only year 85 of the spring dragon, so where would "nah-een-teen nah-een-tee-nah-een" even fall? And who's "Sir Kah"?"

Aaand I said something stupid anyway. Damn it Yuri, why do you do this to yourself?

Yuri suppresses a groan and reminds herself that Circ isn't trying to be patronizing. He just...really doesn’t know any better. She does allow a sigh though. "Never mind then, I guess..."

Soon enough, the three horses halt in front of a large white building adorned with something that looks like silver, but blue. Yuri doesn’t even try to guess what it might be.

Lura and Set dismount first, then Circ, who then helps Yuri.

"I'll take the horses to the stable," Lura says. "Set, you and Circ can check with the priests if they'll be able to send Yuri to her legal guardians."

"Yup." "Mm."

Lura grabs the reins of all three horses and leads them away (Yuri finds it impressive no matter what anyone else has to say). Meanwhile, Circ, at Yuri's left, takes her (perpetually tiny) hand in his. Set is polite enough to not just...do that. "May I?" He asks, and at Yuri's nod, he delicately takes her right hand.

I wonder how they'll react once they find you're actually an adult, Andromeda comments.

I'm used to being treated like a kid, Yuri responds, so I'm sure I can handle whatever their reactions might be.