Time isn't an issue.

❝ Yes, really. I do miss home sometimes. I’ve known people that have been sent back where they came from, but it seems to happen at random. I still do not know the how or why. ❞

It’s quite frustrating. She cannot imagine how people who have built entire new lives here must feel, knowing it could end at any time. Perhaps it is easier not to worry about such things.

Orianna is empathetic toward Ekko and his confusion; she was in the same position, once. If she had checked her phone more often, she might have seen his arrival and offered him assistance right away.

❝ Oh, yes, everyone is limited in some way or another in the beginning. I arrived able to access the Ball’s barrier functions, but without the Ball. In time, you should regain access to more of your abilities. They may even restore power to your Z-Drive! ❞

“Huh. Random chance to be sent back... interesting.” Existential dread aside that it could very well be something else altogether, Ekko’s gonna keep that happen chance in mind. Seems with that mention the boy is already clear of the self pity train he seemed to have previously. Focused on the next topic, he nods his head in interest - albeit confused all the same.

“They managed to take the Ball from you, but... well-- that’s pretty odd, cause the Z-Drive works too! But only when I dash to people.” Which he learned through totally convenient means and not any trouble whatsoever. Depending on whether or not you call being chased by death trouble. This admission does have him seem preeeetty sheepish though.

His timeline, universe, existence, whatever you wanted to call it had the worst luck, he swore. He wouldn’t wish what he fell out of on his worst enemies - even then his worst enemies are still getting the brunt of it. To make his ramblings and page scribblings short, Ekko’s home had been attacked by The Void. In the state Zaun was in, there was hardly much of a fight anyone could put up-- yet it persisted.

The hard part was coming back from the devastation of the attack. Entire blocks had been felled, the Woodworks were completely destroyed, the people were hopeless. Month after month of struggles, banes and boons alike, Zaun persisted. There was only so much that could be done with what the people had in their possession, what was being donated and the help that was being given.

Orianna, having been an island resident for such a long time, hadn’t ever expected to see people from Runeterra. She had seen Nami, once, and another girl — but never anyone making their home in Piltover or Zaun. A surprise encounter with someone she considers a friend is certainly cause for excitement. Perhaps a bit of celebration would be warranted later on.

The Ball spins to express its cheer. She matches the boy’s smile, but there is a small prick of concern. Death? Orianna can’t remember her time of sickness very well, but shadowy teeth looming over her neck in fever-dreams is not something soon forgotten. She is no longer ill, and hopes her recovery is not resented.

She has no need to clear her throat, so a somewhat awkward silence hangs for a fraction of a second too long.

❝ Oh… I’ve been here for quite a while, actually. One year and five months today, in fact! I was able to make a few friends, so I was not alone for long. The Ball was also returned to me recently; I was very happy about that. How about you, Ekko? How long have you been here? ❞ 

Ekko hadn’t expected anyone from Runeterra to be here, from the start he’d seen strangers as far as he could see. From the very night he arrived, no word of anyone he knew, no names showed up on the phone he was given, nothing. To top all of it off, he couldn’t go far with the conditions of his lungs, so he decidedly settled in the lower parts of Fibonacci.

Being a friend of Orianna, he knows her speaking temperaments slightly better than most usually would - well enough in this moment to try and speak up in the moment of silence. Not quick enough though, to try and clear up any seemingly pressured intent.

He’s glad he did, too.

“A... almost a year and a half?! Really?” Seems The Boy Who Shattered Time is having some issues grasping the proper passage of time, seeming a little crest fallen by the idea of being stuck here... and earning things back? So that’s why the Z-Drive has been acting oddly, only allowing warping... they somehow stripped power from a hex crystal. The boy has given his own pause after the exclamation, so he cools his thought process to respond.

     Goldy…? Could be worse. It’s not the worst nickname out of the bundle he’d been given.

“ -And what is a few missing fingers? Trust me, I’ve done enough charity work for the day helping some annoyance win toys for some orphans. I’d think that warrants me having some for myself, thank you! Besides, if you’re willing to steal from me, then I assure you, it’s easier just to grab from the booth itself. The workers there are hardly paying any attention. ” Charity work. Ugh… He shudders at the thought of having to confess such an act of kindness. The Order would have surely made a mockery of him for it.

      Regardless, the thought passes the moment he catches but a glimpse of himself etched on the page. With no warning, the King quickly breaks distance in an attempt to peer over for a better look.

“ Say - what was that? ”

In the same instance, Ekko snaps the book closed around his pencil, quickly placing it behind him with the Z-Drive. “Oh, notes. Being new around here, I’d rather not be walking blind.” The boy remarks as he leans back on the bench. Man, this guy has already threatened him for a remark about all he’s carrying? Not to mention the bit about ‘doing enough.’ Yeesh.

“Anyways. Why not just ask the lackey who got you to help them, huh? Of course, if you pay me I’m still willing. What’s your name, Sparkles?” Ekko says, leaning forward now. While he may not be picture perfect, he can surely carry around some bears and such.

      Rakan nods, and waves a hand dismissively. ❛ Uh, yeah, duh! The one and only Runeterra Ionia! Is there another one? Well—come to think of it, I ain’t super good with maps or astronomy or anything, so there might be— ❜ 

      An animal clicking sound bubbles in the back of Rakan’s throat for a moment. He stops, mid-sentence and tilts his head to one side in a distinctly birdlike gesture of confusion. His ears flick upwards, and then down on one side, and he scratches his chin as he says, ❛ —You okay, kid? You’ve gone all starry-in-the-face. Somethin’ up? —or just, never seen vastaya before? I know I’m pretty damn cool, it’s true! ❜

Either he didn’t pay attention, or he’s not the brightest, but Ekko seriously doesn’t care at this point. Why would he honestly, this is one of his only connections to home he’s met that hasn’t chased him down. That’s more than enough for him to latch onto the slightest piece of home at any given moment.

“No, no I’ve seen one before! I just - you - have you not noticed?” It’s difficult to just... drop it on this guy. The boy knows Vastayans’ have it rough on their day to day already. This guy probably went from fighting for his life and land to... here. How could he possibly go about this?

“I really have to repeat myself, huh? Shouldn’t be generalized as acid if it’s not anything like it until it’s saturated. Not to mention ‘elder’, but this is Zaun we’re talking about. Can you remember the last time it rained that wasn’t pipeline run off breaking through the wonderfully perfected Piltie piping from their big manufacturing warehouses and what not? Might as well be acid then.” The boy replies snidely. Toss in an attitude and Pilties and you’ve got an argument on your hands.