[h1]Waldemar & Song[/h1]
Waldemar looked at Song, a bit confused about her.  She gave off the common sign of greeting then said absolutely nothing. [color=gold][i]Does she not know the common language well?  Does she think I'm too incompetent to understand?[/i][/color] However, her slight smile made her doubt the second one - she really seemed to be a friendly soul. [color=gold]"Hi, need help with what you are looking for?"[/color]

[color=a187be]"Ah, no I was just going to pick up a few herbs for some supplements,"[/color] Song replied with noticeable relief. She was glad that Waldemar approached her. She hadn't yet spoken to him, though she was intrigued by his background. [color=a187be]"What are you here for?"[/color]

Waldemar shrugged.  [color=gold]"Oh?  I'm the ships medic.  Have to get some stuff for that."[/color]  She seemed to be acting a little off... was she usually this tense?

Song noticed that she was making Waldemar uncomfortable, but didn't quite know what to say. [color=a187be]"Oh, right. That's very important, in case someone gets hurt."[/color] Obviously. What a dumb thing to say, she thought. She was totally winning at this conversing with new people thing. Why was talking to her incompetent traveling mate so easy compared to this? 

She let the silence trail off for several awkward seconds before changing the subject. [color=a187be]"Ah wait, I've been meaning to ask about your accent. Where is it from? I've heard it before, but I never had the chance to find out what country it originates in."[/color]

This was the definition of awkward.  A few second of silence passed.

Waldemar shrugged. A more interesting question now. It wasn't really a secret.  [color=gold]"I come from an area known as the Reichland.  Not many of my people end up out here.  Not surprised that you can't place my voice.  Yourself?  You seem a little culturally different from the others."[/color]

She brightened up a bit. [color=a187be]"Oh, yes, I've heard of the Reichland before,"[/color] She replied with interest, feeling herself loosen up. [color=a187be]

"Ah, and I don't mean to say that your voice is strange. In fact, I think it sounds quite nice, compared to a certain someone's voice I know."[/color] She smirked a bit, hoping that they could find common ground in their mutual annoyance with Jonathan.

At his next question though, Song's demeanor again grew icy. She avoided the gaze of Waldemar's single blue eye as she hesitantly offered, [color=a187be]"I'm descended from people that live in the far east, a land called Zhong Guo."[/color] She didn't know if this was true or not, but it seemed like a reasonable story to offer in place of admitting that she didn't have a past. However, it was apparent that she was lying. 

Waldemar nodded, catching it.  However, he figured she had a reason for her secrets just as he had his own.  [color=gold]"So what exactly is your relation with him?  If I understand correctly you two are fairly close, yes?"[/color] Was she just giving off small sisterly complaints about Johnathan? That didn't seem like Song, but he did see them pick on each other quite a bit.

Thankfully, Waldemar didn't pry any further. [color=a187be]"Oh, we come in a package deal,"[/color] Song said unironically. [color=a187be]"I'm the brains, and he's-- well, I'm also the brawn, but he just owes me for-- well, There was this transaction that he didn't come through on, and I'm just following him to make sure that I get what he promised." [/color]

She sighed, realizing that whenever Jonathan came up, she really had no shortage of words. Without thinking though, she continued, absentmindedly leafing through the medicine pouches in the shop. [color=a187be]"To be honest though, I realized a long time ago that he'd never be able to keep his promise,"[/color] Song said wistfully. [color=a187be]"So sometimes I wonder why I still follow him around. Though he has a laundry list of irksome behavioral issues, it's not like he really needs me. He got along just fine in the three years before he found me."[/color] 

She picked out two pouches of herbs, and fiddled around with them as she spoke. A bit of melancholy set in over her cat like eyes, and she tucked a loose strand of black hair behind her ear. [color=a187be]"I also wonder what I am to him, and what he is to me. Business Partners? Acquaintances? Friends? Siblings? Lo..."[/color]

She trailed off before she finished, as she realized that Waldemar had been listening to the whole thing. Her eyes widened, and she dropped the medicine pouches on the floor. A subtle blush crept in over her cheeks.

Waldemar listened attentively while she spoke, surprised that she was so open to the subject.  From what he knew of her, she was quiet and secluded.  On this topic though, she gave an extremely detailed explanation.  And then she blushed. [color=gold][i]By the almighty, she may actually have real emotions.  She definitely has deeper feelings than friendship towards Johnathan.[/i][/color] The nobleman picked up her package, and then threw it in his small satchel. [color=gold]"I needn't bother you further.  Our allies may be awaiting us however, so perhaps we should retreat to our fortress?"[/color]

[color=a187be]"Ah Y-Yes, that's a good idea,"[/color] Song replied. She noticed that Waldemar had picked up the medicine she was holding, but didn't think it would be right to refuse his kindness. [color=a187be]"And thank you. Ah... but make sure you don't tell anyone about this, alright?"[/color] She let Waldemar pay for the medicine, then hurried back to the ship, forgetting that she also intended to buy folding paper on her trip to the port. 

Waldemar headed back to the ship after a quick trip for some liquor.  That girl indeed was confusing.