farawayplace | that's right, glamping as in... they're glumly camping-

Ash & Pikachu
[For those passing by Route 1, one may find a campsite with a peculiar yet fancy-looking tent that’s propped up just at the edge of the Shrouded Woods. The bright white canvas covering it stands out from all the green that surrounds the area. And there seems to be a metal pipe sticking out from the roof as well puffing out wisps of smoke.

Upon closer inspection, there seems to be a young boy sitting on a wooden chair and staring vacantly at the view of the ocean with his Pikachu who is lying comfortably on his lap. He remains on his seat, motionless (except for his hand moving to stroke his Pikachu’s back) and seemingly deep in thought. His face is mostly obscured by the brim of his cap, but peeking underneath it, you might get a glimpse at the deep frown he’s wearing.

Even after Lear did what he could to put the young boy back in good spirits, the thought of not being able to return home still lingers in Ash’s mind. He was so close, so very close to Leon. And beating him means another step closer for him to become a Pokemon Master. And now the idea of it is now out of reach. It was… devastating.]

What should I do…? All the effort we put into getting into the Masters Tournament… is it all just a waste? Everyone worked so hard too…

[His Pikachu lifts up his head to look at Ash and looks at him with sadness.

And as Ash catches his gaze, he just lets out a loud audible sigh.]

Lear & Hoopa
[When the crushing reality of being stuck in Ultern had been delivered to both himself and Ash, by Professor Banyan he had immediately slapped aside his own concerns to focus on Ash. Not that his own worries weren't important, but he wasn't about to ignore someone who was suffering right in front of his eyes.

He was nowhere near Cheren's level, or any of the kind trainers he's met in Pasio but surely there was something he could do to help. Those thoughts were what brought him to drag Ash out to camp at the edge of the woods. Still, now that he was alone as he finally stepped outside the ridiculously large tent a heavy sigh left his lips.

Crossing his arms, he turned towards the Shrouded Woods. The shades he wore thankfully hid his eyes from view, but there was no way anyone could miss the deep frown on Lear's face. His mind was finally able to wander towards Pasio, and the people he's left behind.]

There's no way to contact Sawyer or Rachel. I know for a fact you can't send us back even if you wanted to, Hoopa. ...what am I supposed to do now? What would Father do? No...I shouldn't be thinking like that. I have to be...I need to be more optimistic. What would they say if they saw me now?

[Again another deep sigh left Lear. It seems he really wasn't good at giving himself a pep talk at the moment.]

Lear & Ash
[Under normal circumstances, tea time for Lear consisted of fancy pastries, and tea sandwiches with black tea all served on the finest tea set that would be hard to find. However this was anything but normal in any sense of the word, nor were they in Pasio. What was laid out instead upon the table was a traditional handmade Ulternian teapot filled with the region’s favorite Jasmine tea.

Aside from that a set of empty plates that matched the teapot in color and appearance were set to the side, yet to be used. Not that Lear paid any mind to it as he was currently pulling Ash out from their tent, and towards the table.]

Now take a seat! I am not one to be kept waiting, especially during my scheduled afternoon tea!

[Ash on the other hand looks very much dazed after being dragged out.]

Okay, okay! I’m sitting!

[Since when did Lear become this pushy? He lets out a quiet sigh as he takes a seat as told. He’s still not quite feeling himself after what happened earlier, but maybe some tea would help lift his mood up a little.]

((OOC: Woah, it's a double post with Ash and Lear! This is backdated sometime before the Harvesting Bonds Festival but after their first meeting with Banyan btw. Feel free to choose who you want interact, or you can pick both!))

Threaded | Flat

[There is something rumbling.

It's not too close. That would be rude, and for that matter, extremely terrifying. But something is rumbling not far from the tent, and it might just be enough to pull someone out of their funk- at least, for the half second it takes to investigate.

If Ash DOES investigate, he IS in for a surprise- as none other than Espurr, garbed in work scrubs, bursts from the earth! (And immediately pulls up the hood on it. The Sun! Still a deadly laser.)

If he doesn't, then no harm done- the rumbling ultimately stops, after which out comes Espurr from not too far away- brushing dirt off those scrubs, and making sure her sleeves and hood are covering what's needed.

No matter the case, her words are the same.] Oh!! That was refreshing~! ...I never thought I could actually tunnel like that~!

...

...Mn? [Needless to say, no matter the case, one doesn't simply stop being so sad; even if Ash is covering it up, there's just something off here.] ...Mhm? Has something happened?

Good, are you seated now?

[He's giving Ash a pointed look from behind his shades. Has their day been rough? Yes. Has their mood severely plummeted as a result? Absolutely!

So clearly, it was his time to shine figuratively speaking. Walking right on over Lear will plant himself down onto his own designated chair with a smile.]

Now, Hoopa bring us the finest chef from Ultern!

HOOPA!

[In an instant an elderly lady in a colorful, floral dress with show up while Lear remained looking as confident as ever.]

Ash.... (lmk if this doesn't work btw!)

WE MIGHT AS WELL I say, close to my hiatus date