“My, your hair is absolutely magnificent!”
There’s genuine excitement in Tsubaki’s tone as he approaches the woman, eyes twinkling in delight. Beautiful scarlet hair is a staple among Hoshidan beauty, his own enviable locks a testament to so. Still—! This duo-tone hair that frames her small face—-! And the fact that her eyes match—! Tsubaki has never seen a visage as unique like this in neither Hoshido nor Nohr; the world is truly a vast, beautiful mystery.
“Ah—!” Suddenly realizing how odd approach may be, Tsubaki takes a step back and bows apologetically. “I-I’m sorry if my admiration has come off untoward! Please ignore my previous comment!”
When he straightens up, he wears his hallmark dulcet grin, accompanied with a small chuckle.
“I am Tsubaki, chief of Hoshido’s wonderful Sky Knights~” A hand rests gracefully on his chest, he tries his greeting again. “I will be starting my tenure here as a flying instructor for aspiring Pegasi Knights.”
Tsubaki tilts his head curiously, “Would you care for some Hoshidan rice crackers?” He gestures to the lacquered box resting on the break room’s table, an assortment of expensive snacks on delicate display. “I brought some in hopes to bond with fellow faculty. Though, no one seems to have taken notice yet…”
And he's a bit upset about that.
The exclamation from an unfamiliar voice has Alear turning on her heel rather quickly, eyes widened slightly as she searches for its source-- sure, it's not exactly uncommon for her to get statements about the interesting dual tones of her hair, or even her eyes; but it never fails to catch her off-guard every time. He seems so genuine in the way that he speaks that she can't help but be a bit bashful about it, hand coming up to tuck a few stray strands behind her ear as she allows a light laugh to escape. There's pink that dusts her cheeks, though she sincerely hopes the light doesn't shed too much on it to make it as noticeable.
"Oh, no, no! It's fine, really! There's no need to be so formal. I appreciate your words a lot.....! It's just surprising, is all." Those from Elyos have long since come to expect the difference in shades from both herself and her twin, but the trek to Fodlan has reminded her how unique their appearances really are. "Regardless, it's flattering."
The way he bows is endearing, and Alear can do nothing but flash him a smile. If there's any way to make an impression, this is it-- and she extends her hand for a shake with that brilliant grin returning his own. "Nice to meet you, Tsubaki! I'm Alear- I've met a few others from Hoshido; none have shown me anything like this, though. I'd love to try, if you're extending the offer."
"Pegasi Knights, huh...? That's so cool! I've always wondered what it's like to have a pegasus for a friend." She takes a few steps over to the snacks offered to her, gingerly peeling the top back to inspect these 'rice cakes' he had mentioned. They look tasty, and the Divine Dragon eagerly snags one of the smaller ones to pop it into her mouth without hesitation. A beat of silence follows as she chews, brows furrowing into an expression of thought as Alear hums... as if she's savoring every flavor, every ingredient.
Before she swallows and lights up in front of him.
"Woah! Nobody's tried these yet? They're delicious...! Did you make them yourself?"