[center][h1][color=#7B8996]✾[/color] [color=#8D808E]S[/color][color=#977C8A]t[/color][color=#A07886]e[/color][color=#AA7483]e[/color][color=#B3707F]l[/color] [color=#C66777]R[/color][color=#CF6373]o[/color][color=#D95F70]s[/color][color=#E25B6C]e[/color] [color=#F55364]✾[/color][/h1][/center] Grimacing behind her mask as Archer commented on the mess that was her clothing, Steel Rose focused instead on the weapon. [color=ff4f61]"Yup, I'll be sure to warn them!"[/color] she replied, testing the weighting once more. It seemed Listener wasn't the only one whose mask would need shaders. [color=ff4f61]"Still, what better to use against shadow creatures? They're not gonna be so scary in the light."[/color] For all her blustering, she listened to Archer's speech, thankful nobody would notice her expression turning solemn. Get to know one another. Trust one another. Her stomach knotted at the words. She wanted nothing more than this kind of friendly atmosphere, but letting someone in carried the risk of losing them. [i]This time,[/i] she resolved, gripping Thorn, [i]I won't be useless. I'll help in any way I can.[/i] A glimpse of movement pulled her from her thoughts, the Zephyr named Fluke picking cake from her clothes and sneaking it under his elaborate mask of scrap parts. Despite Archer's scolding of the young man, instead of getting annoyed herself, Rose chuckled. [color=ff4f61]"Looks like Archer isn't the only one providing snacks. And wow, that's one impressive mask!"[/color] Quite the team had gathered by now, a tall, strong and sturdy woman spinning a bo staff before speaking up. Steel Rose's eyes widened at the mention of naming. [color=ff4f61]"Ooh, what name are you thinking of? And great choice of weapon there, simple yet effective, we might have to be careful not to get whacked over the head though!"[/color] she joked. Listener, who'd set about cleaning up the squashed pastries, gave her own thoughts about naming weapons, eventually deciding it wasn't for her. [color=ff4f61]"Yep, I get where you're coming from... Even so, a rose needs its thorns, has to show it isn't one to get on the wrong side of!"[/color] Steel Rose replied, brushing what she could of the cake from her outfit into the cloth, helping Listener. [color=ff4f61]"And don't ya worry, I doubt that spear of yours would do badly, judging by that description. We may be new to this, but having an idea of the kinds of Zephyrs we want to be... It's a morale boost. Something to aspire to."[/color] Something she hoped with all her heart she could live up to. Hiding her doubts behind her usual cheer, she turned to Cedar. His tone, however neutral, made his words no less uplifting. [color=ff4f61]"Yup! This is quite some team spirit already!"[/color] Rose commented, accepting the cake from Listener and giving a somewhat strained laugh. [color=ff4f61]"I did end up buying it, so might as well. Alright cake, the tables have turned in more ways than one!"[/color] She couldn't resist, neither the groan-worthy pun nor the sweet snack as she took a bite. A little crumbly, but still tasty with the mixed fruit filling. [color=ff4f61]"Thanks! Maybe this wasn't such a bad start after all."[/color]