[color=darkgray]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/3EdPgr4.png[/img][/center]
[Color=salmon][b]Time:[/b][/color] Late Morning
[Color=salmon][b]Location:[/b][/color] Sorian Beach
[Color=salmon][b]Interaction:[/b][/color] [@Tpartywithzombi] Ariella [@princess] Charlotte
 
Lorenzo and Ariella had fortunately left the blanket a while before the dysfunction that had occurred with Layla. Walking with Ariella, he continued to shake the canteen so he could have an even mixture of the herbs. Ariella had warned him that the concoction wouldn't taste well but the young woman had no idea how disgusting his “medicine” tasted. It was always so bitter and strong. Luckily it always worked as intended. The two took their seats by the water once more, finding their spot easily due to the imprints in slightly damper sand. 

[Color=salmon]“The way it tastes won't bother me if it helps. I'd ra-”[/color] Lorenzo winced before farting once more. [Color=salmon]“Sorry!”[/color] He said before opening the canteen and chugging its contents. He gulped it down like a champion before he gagged. [Color=salmon]“Ugh! Ugh! Gods! Ariella, this is horrible!”[/color] He stuck his tongue out as if the sea's breeze would rid it of the bitter taste of the herbs. [Color=salmon]“Oooh that is the worst thing I have tasted in my life… and I'm 46. That's a decade and a half of tasting things.”[/color] Lorenzo shook his head in disbelief at how awful the drink was.

[Color=salmon]“Thank you for that. I hope it helps. I wish I could repay you, especially after you had to endure that dinner the other night. I needed a whole day to recover from that mess.”[/color] He sighed and traced a finger into the sand. [Color=salmon]“At least one of them is gone, and soon enough all of them will be gone. Back to the wasteland.”[/color] He said looking out toward the sea as if he could see the desert homeland of the royal family he spoke of.

At some point while seated Charlotte treated the two with strawberry smoothies, which he was happy to take. He gave his thanks and let Charlotte enjoy her time with her company. It was rare for her to be around so many of her peers, which was quite better than her adopting any and everything off the streets. Stray cats, unusually large roosters, the homeless, and even fugitives. Lorenzo couldn't quite understand it but figured that his daughter was just lonely. Unlike himself, she needed company. She needed friends. 

His eyes fell on Ariella as he thought this, wondering if this girl was alienated as well. 

[Color=salmon][I]Is she like Charlotte… or is she more like myself?[/i][/color] 

[Color=salmon]“Your mother is wrong, you know? I think she's wrong about most things. But gardening is something every noble should at least practice. Dirt under your nails is a common thing. Hard work doesn't come without some dirt or blemishes. And tending to your people is awful like tending to your garden. You have to be delicate but deliberate.”

“Stubborn weeds are like the problems you'll face. You must thoroughly remove them, even knowing more will always arrive in a matter of days. Some things will take longer to flourish than others. And sometimes they don't grow the way you hoped they would. Patience and care are needed. And I think that's why Vermillion might be the best region in Caesonia. My people are as happy as I am. I don't have to show up to balls or disgustingly formal events. I just tend to them the way I tend to my garden.”[/color] 

Lorenzo spoke with homesickness in his tone. He yearned to return, but his presence was required here, in this den of vipers and vicious beasts. 

[Color=salmon]“Have you ever been to Veirmont? It's beautiful.”[/color] Lorenzo sighed, the tracing in the sand now an ugly mess. [Color=salmon][I]I hate this place. I wish it would burn.[/I][/color]


[/color]