Holy Templar Sanctum (Aincrad)

[Apollymi]

Strangely, after she started speaking to Charles' positive qualities she heard no more arguments from him. It was likely difficult to deny the things she said, and with that information she was rather pleased. It seemed her extra comfort helped out quite a bit as well, as Charles seemed to relax quite a bit thereafter. There was no real rush, she didn't even know when her father would be calling her back to confirm her choice. He didn't think in normal human terms so such a thing could potentially take place years from now and it wouldn't be anything but a blink to him. She seemed rather pleased about this until Charles questioned if this particular meeting was a date and then complained about his armor?

"I assume this should be considered a date. Maybe even our first date since the declared intentions seem to have some great significance," she said only to ask a secondary question. "But I don't really understand, does the armor matter in this case?" she asked. To her, Charles looked as he always did, he kept three armored pieces on his person, both legs and one arm. She wondered if that was for fashion or not, but figured it was simply the way he wished to look.

[Bloodedge]

According to Angelica, this could be counted as their first date by virtue of intentions being made clear. That couldn't really stand in his current situation. No way would he be caught dead on a date whilst wearing armor. Angelica wondered if the armor mattered, and Charlemagne seemed shocked by the question. "Does the armor matter? Of course it matters! Look at me!" he exclaimed. In that very moment, Charlemagne leaned back to allow a better view of himself over the table. He even gestured over his own form with both hands, seeming almost disgusted by his current state.

"Do you see this?!" he asked further. The way he organized himself was very much on purpose, but it was not exactly for casual situations, much less something like a date. "This isn't nearly cool enough for a date! Armor's for fighting and adventuring and stuff. Dates are supposed to have like... romance and all that! Dates get clothes, action gets armor!" For once in this interaction, Charlemagne had a very firm belief to offer. If this was to be called a date, something had to change─ mostly him.

[Apollymi]

There was a demonstration coming. According to Charles, there was much wrong with his outfit. He seemed to be a bit outraged and at the same time, Angelica had a look at him and he looked about like he normally did. She found this look basically suited him. "I can see you. You look like you usually do..." she said confirming the look of armor and cape combination.

And then he explained. His look wasn't cool enough for a date. If she remembered, Jeanne said that word mean like impressive. Oh, so if he was on a date, he was trying to impress her with his looks. Clothing as ornamentation made sense, she went out of her way to dress as well as she thought she should. "I don't think it isn't cool. It has a certain asymmetry which is visually appealing," she said as if considering his clothing from a purely visual purpose. "But I think I understand what you mean... so would you like to get more comfortable or get out of your armor? That seems like the best possible progression here." she said. She was beginning to wonder now if she shouldn't be making modifications to her own wardrobe. He hadn't seen everything within it, but maybe she was supposed to be 'cool' as well. It was something to consider at least.

[Bloodedge]

Yes, Charlemagne looked just like he normally did, which was precisely why he was complaining. Anything one could call normal wasn't suited to a date─ especially not one with a princess! He should have been wearing something ridiculous and gaudy, or... something. Sadly, he didn't have a lot of options readily available. By his own memory, Charlemagne only had... a few articles with a very specific purpose, leftover from his previous quest.

What he wore was considered 'cool' by Angelica. He could only agree, thinking so himself when putting that getup together Alas, cool in general was not the same as cool for a date. "That's a different thing altogether. It could be cool, but that doesn't make it 'date cool' if that makes any sense," he declared. Angelica went on to ask if he wanted to 'get more comfortable' or 'get out of his armor' as she put it. Once more, he paused. That was... a very strange way to pose a question after everything they'd been talking about thus far. "Uh... I want to say yes, but I feel like I should ask what you mean specifically─" he said. Angelica claiming it was a matter of progression made things stranger than they had to be. Surely she wasn't jumping to that, right?

[Apollymi]

Charles was full of interesting information about the human condition. He claimed that any outfit that was considered 'cool' under normal circumstances wasn't considered cool for the date. He needed something more impressive apparently, and all Angelica could do was nod her current understanding. "So you think this isn't impressive enough," she said seeming to process that information well.

Ah, but then again there was a lot of interesting things going on here. Charles questioned what she meant by removing his armor and getting more comfortable. This sort of thing only made Angelica wonder if she'd said something humans considered strange. "Did I say something strange? I only meant to ask if you wished to remove your armor or change or whatever people do when they want to be cooler..." she said a gentle blush coming to her face. Apparently navigating human language was much harder than she'd originally been led to believe. She wanted to know what he thought she was asking, but also wasn't sure she was ready to hear it. There was a great amount of complication here that she didn't understand. She also didn't know if she was dressed enough for their current occasion. It seemed odd to let Charles alone be worried about how he was presenting himself, if she was also a part of these dates.

[Bloodedge]

Angelica's grasp on the concept of coolness was close enough to reality. She may not have been fully there, but she had the gist of it. "Yeah, basically. There's a finesse that can't be ignored in this kind of situation," Charlemagne said. As they conversed about things being what one called cool, he relaxed quite a bit more. It was always so easy for him to forget the less imperative things in moments like this─ moments of the two just hanging out and doing things of interest.

Of course, there was also always a strange moment that showed Angelica's lack of human interaction. Here and now, she didn't even know why her previous question was a strange one. She so innocently wondered if he wanted to wear something different, but the way it was presented initially... one didn't assume it really involved a proper outfit change. "You did, but it's not really your fault, obviously. The way you said that was a lot like one of the ways people proposition each other for... that other thing married people do. You know, that thing people are only supposed to do with someone else after they're married, with only the person they marry?" Charlemagne figured she could pick up the hint he was getting at. "But yeah, if it's a date you're talking about, I can't be having armor on. I don't have a change on me though, so... Floor 22? My old house is there, and I haven't been under Floor 50 in way too long!"

[Apollymi]

Charles became much more relaxed as they started to discuss coolness and an apparent amount of finesse that was required in this 'date' scenario. In truth, Angelica didn't truly understand, but if being 'cool' in such situations made him happy, then she'd do her best to appreciate his efforts. She was nodding her head internalizing, and by doing so wondering if her efforts should be raised to match his. It wouldn't be good for them to be unbalanced in how they approached this finesse as he called it.

As they moved on in conversation it seemed that Angelica had said something odd. This wasn't really an abnormal thing to happen while they were talking. He knew that she was brash and she knew that her logic wasn't exactly human enough to have the same kind of thoughts. Even so, she tried to respect the humanity of the world in general and learn how to interact with them in ways which was more acceptable. Ah, but she'd messed it up, apparently the way she'd phrased her previous question could have been taken as a proposition. "Really? I thought those words were pretty clear. I figured asking for a mana transfer would have been much more direct than that," she whispered seemingly confused. Humans were odd creatures, of this she was certain. But whatever the case he was willing to move past this, to their apparent date which he wanted to have in the one extra change of clothes he currently had. "I don't mind an adventure but how should I dress for it?" she wondered knowing that if she needed to choose an outfit it should be done rather quickly, lest she have to do something a bit extreme to make herself something new.

[Bloodedge]

Stranger and stranger still, Angelica proved herself to be. In picking up on his earlier words, she equated the act to a mana transfer. Well, she technically wasn't wrong, but why she addressed it in such a way was a mystery to Charlemagne. "Mana transfer? No, I meant... you know... the sex," he whispered while leaning over the table toward Angelica. "Not that you're wrong; I guess that's a mana transfer too. But it's a bit more meaningful than that. It's not like you're a Heroic Spirit or anything. . ."

Angelica's understanding of sexual relations and mana transfers aside, there was a question presented. Angelica had never been to the 22nd floor where Charlemagne once lived, so it was only natural that she wonder the weather conditions and how she should dress for the trip. After all, however Aincrad was constructed, there were a few different biomes from floor to floor. "Hmm. It's been a while, but Coral was always a mild place. It's rural, big grassy plains, mountains in the distance. I still have a decently-sized log cabin just outside the main village, right next to the lake. If you're interested in a swim, keep that in mind; the lake's perfect for swimming and fishing."

[Apollymi]

In a moment like this, Angelica gained a bit of extra clarity she'd not had before. According to Charlemagne, humans applied some kind of emotional meaning to the act of Mana Transfer. She'd been told nothing about anything like that. She supposed the act could be considered intimate as far as she understood it. It still seemed a bit strange, but perhaps there was some nuance to that difference that she didn't understand. The difference between 'Heroic Spirits' and other such beings wasn't nearly as stark as the humans made it out to be. They were still technically copies of their original selves. Perhaps they didn't understand that when making up the difference between them? It was truly a complex matter. 'Humans are so weird...' she thought to herself. But she had plenty of time to figure out this applied difference.

Moving on, there was the matter of the 22nd floor which according to Charles, had mild weather, gentle landscaping and apparently a lake and she should keep that in mind if she wished to swim. Ah yes, there were conventions about nudity that applied to places, coverage of some sort was necessary if one wanted to swim in places that others might be. Alright, that was information she could work with at least. "Okay, I can work with that... I just have to gather a few things," she said giving it some thought. She stood in the moment creating another small gem in her hand, and this one when cracked created a pathway up to a different tower. This one could be considered something of a closet where she would sort through for a few articles of clothing to fit this supposed place. A light dress, a bathing suit, a large hat to block the sun, and sand or water based shoes would do for such an outing. She packed them all within a small bag. The entire process would take approximately five minutes, even though she took some time to consider the 'coolness' of her ensemble.

[Bloodedge]

Angelica didn't seem to receive the Heroic Spirit comparison as expected. Whatever she was thinking, Charlemagne saw something resembling a lack of real understanding in her face. What had she been taught? Most residents of Aincrad would easily understand that a mana transfer of the lighter variety was easily performed to offer assistance, while any of the more powerful form, known normally as acts of sex, were to be performed between those who devoted their lives to one another. Heroic Spirits were an exception to these rules if one had any, given their unique existences and composition. Angelica really needed to get out more, he thought. . .

Whatever the case, it was nigh time for their exodus of the 99th floor. About five minutes would be taken after Angelica forged a path to a second tower, where she apparently kept her clothing. Charlemagne followed her upstairs, stopping just outside her alleged closet incase she was going to change right then and there. It seemed she didn't intend to change just yet; perhaps she thought to do so at his cabin after a proper plan was established. Whenever she was ready, he'd be right there waiting with an extended hand to escort the lady of this floor to the teleport plaza.

[Apollymi]

Their difference in education was one thing, but it was also a matter of logic. Angelica didn't have human logic, the idea that something as simple as a mana transfer offered to help would have any emotional complication was foreign to her nature. Sure, her father had taught her to be married before performing any transfers, but she'd assumed by nature of the teachings that this was a matter of making sure the right match was found first. Though that was strange to her as a divine existence as well, especially when she considered that she had a pretty reasonable mana sense and as such could at least guess at such combinations. But he was old fashioned and likely wished to have some say in the matter which is what she assumed. Regardless, the entire conversation was one she'd be left to mull over. Perhaps the human women would have something more legitimate to offer, Bradamante had a chosen partner she might be able to share the necessary information.

Moving on, she packed and exited her closet, choosing to forego changing clothes until she was certain it was a necessity. After all, if impressions were being considered she wouldn't want to make a startling one before someone like Charles even had the opportunity to make his better impression. Yes, that seemed right. Still, she took the lad's extended hand and began walking towards the palaza so they could descend to the 22nd floor. What would it look like? What kind of fun would they have? Whatever was coming she was looking forward to it. "Lead the way, Charlie!~" And just like that all the awkwardness fell away, yet another reason she enjoyed this lad's company.

[Bloodedge]

Very soon after they reached the tower, Angelica was emerging to take Charlemagne's hand. She was indeed dressed just as she had been previously, so it was rather pointless of him to wait outside after all. No matter. Any tension or awkwardness of their previous discussions were dust in the wind, and excitement for another outing after 30 years was all he could think about. Besides, it had been a few hundred years now since he last visited his first house in Aincrad.

Leading the way down the rainbow path, Charlemagne kept his eyes trained on the teleport plaza. They descended the path, crossed the bridge, and eventually stumbled upon that stone monument surrounded by four small obelisks. Several glowing runes of some strange origin emerged from the monument and surrounded the pair, and then... they were suddenly standing in front of a similar monolith set in a plain of grass. On the outer edge of this small plain were small log cabins belonging to a village of residents, and beyond that was thin foresting. This was certainly the place Charlemagne remembered from his younger days in Aincrad... though it felt a bit different. Maybe the memory wasn't matching his growth as a person. "Welcome to the settlement of Coral! I'd have brought you here ages ago, but it didn't really seem up to par. It's a modest little place. Good home, though."

[Apollymi]

Hand in hand, Angelica and Charles walked through her newly renovated floor only to reach the teleport Obelisks. They were a strange thing, but she'd recently begun wondering if she could modify them, or at the very least disguise them a bit better so they didn't ruin her décor. Whatever the case she was soon confronted by an interesting scene. A gathering of log cabins, small amounts of trees and wide expanses of space. "Ooh? I didn't know you could build with wood like that~" she mused seeming to find the cabins themselves rather interesting. Even so, Charles explained that he used to live on this floor and would have brought her here earlier except that it didn't seem up to par.

A casual shrug came from someone like Angelica in a moment like this. "Hm, I don't know about that... this place is a little lacking in mana density but it makes up for it by looking very different from other places," she said seeming to have taken a bit of a liking to this simple style of design which was obviously the fault of the humans who settled the space. "It seems like it would have been a pretty peaceful place to relax after an adventure," she said while having a look around. She didn't think her words would be taken badly by Charles, she'd realized a while ago that she could say things that sounded rude, but they were mostly just observations. In this case, she'd started saying the nicer things she thought along with the criticisms figuring it would take the edge of any potential bitterness. "So then, which one is yours, and did you build it yourself?" she wondered. She'd really gotten into building and making things and wondered if Charles had any aptitude for it or if this was the sort of place that had craftsmen, that would also be pretty interesting.

[Bloodedge]

Charlemagne couldn't tell what exactly was different about his old home. He was sure it was something, but... it didn't matter much, right? This was a new experience for Angelica, particularly when it came to the structure of buildings at this level. Nothing was made of wood upstairs; everything was some sort of mana-conductive material. The more normal humans at this level weren't experienced enough with mana manipulation, and thus resorted to more mundane structures. "Yeah you can! This kind of wood-building isn't the sort that takes magic or anything like that. This is all just good old-fashioned axe, a mill, and some hard labor!" he explained without much prompting. This was the height of humanity. In a magical world, the innovation to create without magic using the few things that couldn't be used via magical means was the ultimate form of development.

Alas, there was also something going in the other direction. This floor lacked mana density, according to Angelica. Was that it? Was that the strange feeling he had? Yes, it may have been. The people moving about on this floor were never powerful, but there was a certain additional weakness to them now. Maybe the generations had not been very kind. "Huh, weird. It used to be way more consistent with the floors above," he said absently. As for this floor being peaceful reprieve after adventures, Angelica was very correct. "It was. A nice fire going on cool nights, a cup of hot chocolate, a long bath, fishing right when the morning dew is perfect... there's almost nothing better. Tack on the extra relaxation of just getting back from tough adventures, and it can't be beat!" he rambled.

Now then, which building was his? It wouldn't be found so easily. When asked about it, Charlemagne began walking. A few waves were offered to pedestrians here and there, and soon, a long stone path would pave the way to a larger cabin just outside the village. "I wanted mine as close to the lake as possible, so I could have a spot for fishing and diving straight from my back porch. I'd like to say I built it, but... not completely. Most of it was me. For the windows, I got some help from the village, and... I found out I'm terrible at roofs, so some of the locals back then pitched in for that. Mostly, I guess I just slammed a bunch of cut logs together until it counted as walls. . ."

[Apollymi]

Information poured from Charlemagne. In the moments where he was speaking about the wood-working of mortals. Apparently this was something done with tools and non-magical things like that. Wood didn't conduct magical energy if it wasn't still connected to the earth, making it a non-viable material for builds of the sort that Angelica was used to. How interesting that humans managed to do something similar with just manual labor and skill. "Wow, that's so innovative," she chimed. If there was one bit of credit she was willing to give humans, despite their oddities surrounding Mana Transfers credit for being really creative.

Apparently, Charles hadn't been to this floor in a while. The lad spent their time walking and waving to random locals apparently only noticing the lack of mana density of the area after it was mentioned by Angelica. "Definitely feels a bit light, but my senses are a bit hyperactive to start with..." she mused. This was the truth as she understood it. Her type of existence and her living on the top floor meant she was always bathed in mana. She moved on just as easily though, relaxing a she walked with Charles, she found herself smiling at people as he spoke of relaxing after adventures in a strangely normal way. "That sounds like it was really fun and exciting for you. I'm a little jealous having so many relaxing activities line up~" she said in a manner most teasing. Still, given he was going out and doing things she couldn't blame him.

Ah, but there was still more. Apparently, Charles wasn't wholly responsible for all of the creation of his cabin. But it'd been a cooperative project in which he'd learned extra how to make things he didn't know how to create as well as getting extra help with the things he found himself incapable of doing. "So you learned new skills, and got help in areas you couldn't complete yourself? That's such a good way to handle it as a problem..." she said her excitement never wavering. Even if it wasn't a project he could complete alone, no one could speak ill of a properly undertaken multi-person project. "And you got a whole lake side retreat out of it!~" she seemed to be more excited by the moment. She truly didn't understand in moments like this, how he didn't understand how well suited he was to leadership positions. It was one thing to boss others around but it was entirely different to learn new processes and get involved in your projects at such a depth. It was always so satisfying to her to make a change even magically, she imagined having a hand in the building of your own place from the ground up was gratifying beyond reason.