Getting shipwrecked had not been on Hilda's to do list for the expedition. If she had known, she never would have agreed to come.

Oh, wait.

Fortunately, she'd had the good sense to grab most of her belongings when the alarm was raised. Being materialistic had its perks sometimes. But many of their number, now bundled into a tiny inn room, had their weapons and supplies claimed by the storm. And, so, it was only a matter of time before the word "shopping" was mentioned, and Hilda's ears perked up with delight.

Not long afterwards, she, Laslow and Corrin split off from the group to peruse the bazaar. The other two struck up a conversation with a shady vendor selling potions. Hilda was content to hang back and let the others do the talking for the time being. But if shopping was a class, it was one she would have mastered long ago. She would wait until her time to shine, though, as she examined the rest of his wares, getting the lay of the land as one might on the battlefield.

As the merchant names his price for a ghastly-looking potion, Hilda turned to him with her most disarming smile. “Wow! Your stock is so impressive.” She gestured to the array before laying a friendly hand on his arm. “But we lost so much in the storm…” Her expressions fell to one more dejected as she turned to her allies. “I guess we’re out of luck if we want something of such high quality…”

Roll: d20+4 = 12

The merchant was taken in by Hilda's wily charms and honeyed words. "Now, you must understand that I run a business, so I cannot simply part with my wares for free. However, I will extend to you a fraction of Nahan's generosity. If you purchase this vial, I will give you a discount. One thousand for it, and I will draw you a map to Grannvale for free." He then reached over the table and grabbed a heftier, long-necked bottle of what looked to be tarnished silver, but Hilda knew it couldn't possibly be made of material that precious. He set it down in front of her beside the bright green vial. "And a sample of a special hair oil, just for you."

His words brought a smile back to her face, her expression lighting up. “You mean it? Thank you! That’s such a generous offer.” She batted her eyelashes at him before turning back to the others. “But my friends here hold the coin purse. What do you think?”

And from there, she allowed the others to take over once more. Although she tried not to let it show, the ghost of a proud smile danced across her lips.

Laslow always liked the Crimean Queen--she is kind, softspoken, and incredibly talented with a blade. Strange how they were once students together, a mere month or so ago in Fodlan time. Now, while years have passed for him, here they are as teachers.

It makes his head hurt just thinking about it.

So naturally, instead of pondering the flow of time, he purchases a large bouquet of yellow roses in town. (If one or two end up in a maiden's hands before he's soundly rejected and tossed out of the shop, Elincia doesn't need to know!)

"Hel-lo, Elincia! My, you're looking lovely today!" Laslow grins behind his bouquet. "A welcome gift for you. They brighten the space, though I must say your smile brightens it all the more," he continues, setting the vase down on a nearby table.

Gloved fingers reach for her hand, daring to kiss the back of it. "I look forward to working with you, my darling!"

Opening her door to another familiar face brings a bright, cheerful smile to Elincia's face. They had gotten along well as students, in these very same classrooms. Mere months ago. The sands of time however continue to flow in full force, leaving no time for either of them to stand still.

"Good morning, Ini- Laslow! What a wonderful surprise," she accepts the bright yellow blooms gratefully. Such a shower of sunlight on an otherwise ordinary day. Grand displays of affection like this are a rarity in her day to day life. She has seen countless examples and attempts at Crimea's royal court of course, but each one had been insincere and shallow. A power grab, rather than genuine affection. "They're beautiful, thank you so much. I'm sure they'll lift my student's spirits just as much."

Yellow roses - a symbol of joy and friendship. Cheerful and heartwarming, each golden petal honest in it's affection.

Laslow might kiss her hand and call her darling but Elincia sees his words for what they are. A kindness. A hand extended in friendship, one she takes with a smile. Understands as heartfelt camraderie.