Solanne had to contain a laugh at Hazel’s reaction. Regardless of the fear and mystery shrouding her, she was nothing more than a little girl. Knowing that made Solanne feel a whole lot better about the fellow denizen from the Sky Kingdom. No matter what she was telling herself, she was human like the rest of them.

“Hey, there’s no need to answer quickly,” Solanne assured with a goofy grin. “We’ve got plenty of time before we’re killed, so take all the time you need Spell Spitter! Oh, by the way, I’m Solanne Luxone. Er, or Crimson Hound, though I take it you don’t talk much to strangers anyway.”

The redhead offered up her hand to Hazel when the boy had suddenly intervened. Seeing him up close, Solanne wasn’t really impressed by his physical appearance. Then again, he was just a kid, like Hazel. However, she did take notice of the other girl’s subtle reaction to his presence.

She had seen cases like this before, back at the orphanage…

“Well that’s enough sexual tension for now! Let’s go get you a drink or something. I hear liquids from foreign lands are the best remedy for anxiety, ya know?”

The older girl gently led Hazel away so as not to frighten her anymore than was already running in her head. She was about to turn and go, but halted and glanced back at the boy.

“Name’s Solanne by the way. Or, er, Crimson Hound. Heh, guess you’d know that better. Anyway, I’ll see you on the battlefield. Don’t get killed, cause I might want to duel you one day, ya know?”

The girl waved quickly before speeding off, half-dragging, half-leading Hazel away from the crowd and into a more secluded corner. Once she was sure the others were back to their own business, she turned to the shorter girl with that same smile.

“Sheesh, you’re quite popular Spell Spitter. I get the feeling this isn’t the first time I’m gonna have to bail you out. Just a hunch.”

Solanne paused with a curious tilt of her head.

“Though I gotta wonder, what brings you out here by yourself? Weren’t you supposed to be off living in some fancy establishment or something?”