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Well, I've had a lot of practice. It would be pretty embarrassing if I couldn't do this much by now.

[Even if he's trying to brush it off, he can't help sounding like he's preening a little. He's pleased that it turned out so well, too.

Accepting the first plant, he sets it down in an empty patch of soil, and one by one the two of them transport the flowers inside the pool.]

I don't doubt it, but using your artes in a creative manner must take more than just practice.

[ She'll watch him carefully for a moment, trying to memorize how he's transporting the flowers. ]

You might say it takes creativity, as well.

[His tone is playful; of course it does! But he appreciates the compliment nonetheless.]

Hmmm... if you could create a seraphic arte for yourself, what would you want to do?

[ That's a good question... It takes her minute to think of an answer. ]

If anything, I'd like to be able to use something that can further help me protect others.

A good aspiration. Something like a shield, maybe?

Is there an arte like that?

Of course. I don't know how to do it, personally, but Edna can create seraphic barriers to help mitigate some injuries in battle. You can also use artes to strengthen those around you- turn them into walking shields, for example. My version is this-

[He waves a hand in front of himself, the air rippling and reflecting as water particles gather, and in a matter of seconds he vanishes from view. When he speaks again, his voice seems to bounce against the glass in all directions, making it difficult to zero in on his position.]

Hard to hit what you can't see, right?

[ She watches him for a moment, eyes wide with awe before she claps her hands together in light applause. ]

That's amazing, Lord Mikleo! Artes truly seem limitless, don't they?

Though, I'm rather fortunate - even though I'm unable to perform artes, I was able to learn how to protect myself and others through physical abilities alone. Though, seeing your abilities makes me want to become stronger.

[He drops the arte once his point is made - it only ever lasts for a short time anyway - and gets back to moving plants, smiling idly.]

There are some limits, just like any other power. But the range of abilities can be pretty vast. Even I've had to learn that in recent years.

[He'd thought he was plenty strong before Alisha wandered into their domain, but ever since that day he's learned more and more just how much more powerful those who live in the harsh reality of their world actually are. He'd grown up sheltered with too much room to grow. Lailah, Edna, Dezel, Zaveid- they'd all taught him so much about being a strong seraph. He's better for it, and he's got a long way to go still.]

How about this- once we master the armatus, we'll work on developing a seraphic arte together, one that suits your skills. It'll be part of your squire training.

[ Once again, her eyes widen in surprise. She's never thought of even doing or asking for such a thing. ]

Would that really be possible? [ She knows that seraphim can create new artes, but making one together? ]

I don't see why not. We're always developing new techniques, especially while we get stronger over time. It's same for humans, isn't it?

It would be an honor to work on an arte with you, Lord Mikleo! In that case, I'll work even harder on my training.

I didn't even know that was possible. You're already working hard! Don't let what Edna says intimidate you.

[She's the type to over-criticize, but they both know how hard Alisha is trying. A lot of what's standing in her way are factors she can't help much- time, and exposure.]

... Truthfully, at first Lady Edna did just that, but... the more I've learned about her, the less I've been intimated by some of her especially harsh words.

Yeah, that sounds about right. I think she criticizes the people she likes more than anyone else.

I suppose it's a little similar to the saying that people tease others because they like them.

Which is equally silly to do, but not inaccurate.

[He says like he hadn't teased Sorey constantly since they were babies.]

Do you really think so?

[ She totally thinks that the saying applies towards Mikleo and Sorey. ]

Unless in certain circumstances.

[He commits or admits to nothing!!]

[ Please. ]

May I ask what your plans were for this area after placing the plants in the aquarium?

I don't know about "plans", um... you know how we found those seraphim shrines across the land back home? And how we made a shrine in the interfaith center here? I guess you could call this my shrine, though it's not for worship, or anything like that... just a place with natural water that I can relax and soak in my element. Edna has her mountain, and I have this.

[It's a little embarrassing, but that's the truth...]

It's an amazing shrine, Lord Mikleo. [ She honestly thinks that. She knows how important something like this is to seraphim. ] Would it be strange to bring offerings?

[Oh lords.]

Very, very strange.

[Please do not do this thing, Alisha.]

If you have to leave anything anywhere, use the shrine in the interfaith center. But I'm not interested in being prayed to by my friends.

I apologize. Truthfully, it's a habit that I've picked up at home.

You mean back at the sanctuary in Ladylake? With Uno?

[He's honestly curious- it's been a long time since he'd visited Ladylake, but he vaguely remembers Uno mentioning something about it. And-]

Oh, that's right, you brought him riceballs, didn't you?

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