🌼 intro post

[disarmingvoice]

turnbloom city

[Ulsai, Ultern natives and drifters alike! It's a rather lovely day today, and it seems you're being joined by a boy with a surprisingly faded blue coat and his vivid pink partner. The two of them look around almost confused, really, as they just seem to appear near the Gateway Port and look...well, deeply confused, for both of their parts.]

...Oh, dear. Gorebyss, this doesn't look anything like we were told about Paldea, does it?

Gore... [The pink fish seems to shake her head, eyes drooping a bit before Calem reaches out to pet her on the head.]

Hey, don't worry about it. Why don't we see what this island has to offer? Maybe we'll find some inspiration to strike us up here, too! And a few snacks for you?

[The Gorebyss seems to perk up at that--mostly at the mention of snacks. That'll bring the two of them further into town at least, if you want to talk to them there.

Of course, you can also find Calem doing a couple things here and there--you can find him at the Turnbloom Market where he seems to be checking out any stalls that might have good clothing materials for sale. Threads, fabrics, tools, he's looking at everything, and if you happen to be around, he might look to you and smile.]

Excuse me. I'm just having the hardest time trying to decide on what I should get...might I ask for your assistance in picking out some fabrics for me? I'm always in the market for a second opinion, especially when I'm so unfamiliar with the fashions in this place!

[He's definitely friendly and animated enough, at least, and the Gorebyss beside him seems to regard you too. Feel free to throw something at him!

Otherwise, you might just find him in the Battle Park where he's...doing anything other than battling--Gorebyss seems to be over picking on some of the bug types for fun, but he seems to be looking at anyone around and sketching into a sketchbook? Huh. If you wanna see what that's about, feel free.]

route 4 (wildflower cape)

[Once Calem gets settled in, though, he--and a fair few of the rest of his team, from the looks of it, decide to set out for Gilterrace, but seem to decide to take a more inspiring scenic route first.

And inspiring it is. Calem seems more than apt to be distracted by the beautiful flowers growing along the path here than anything else, trusty sketchpad out and putting ideas to paper in an instant.]

Ah, flowers like these...it almost reminds me of home.

[Of course, if you happen to spot him in the evening, it seems he's set up camp for the time and is making a few things for himself and his Pokemon; if he happens to see you, though, he'll wave over to you.]

Hello! ...Excuse me, the proper greeting here is Ulsai, isn't it? [Calem laughs a bit at that, though.] Hopefully your travels have been treating you well here?

Comments

[disarmingvoice]

[...Years, huh. That's...well, it gets a pause out of Calem at least before he finds himself chuckling a bit. No, there's no possible way--]

I can hardly blame you; this isn't a bad place to wind up, if I do say so myself. It's certainly much warmer than Laverre, that's for sure. And I imagine it's done your lovely partners some good to be here too.

[Calem smiles, though.]

It's a pleasure to meet you, Manzana. I do hope that we get the chance to see each other some more around this place; the company of you and your partners is certainly enjoyable--

[As if on cue, one of Calem's partners comes back from wandering around and cheerily floats on over to him; Gorebyss announces herself with all of the grace of a brick to the face before mashing herself right into Calem's leg, nearly toppling him while he chuckles.]

Ah! Gorebyss, sweetheart... [She just kind of chirps at him expectantly and lovingly none the less, and he sighs with a smile.] Ah, I see. Do you want something to eat? I imagine you're starving after all of this playing around...

[And while he thinks of it,]

Manzana, would you and your partners like anything to eat, while I get something for Gorebyss? My apologies for the interruption; she's like a Purrloin when she's hungry.

[ulternnpc]

My Vivillon is weak to the cold, and...I wouldn't have met Cutiefly if I hadn't drifted here.

[Of course, by mentioning the cold of Kalos he hadn't simply meant the temperature, but Manzana wasn't about to tell someone he just met that. In fact he was grateful that Gorebyss had appeared completely taking attention off of himself.

His Cutiefly in the meanwhile moved to give Gorebyss space. Manzana at Calem's offer of food gave a sheepish laugh.]

I actually did come here to feed my Pokemon. Seeing as how this field isn't terribly far from Gilterrace it's a rather convenient area to take a nice walk with them.

[Manzana's turning his attention over to Gorebyss. There's no hesitation in his steps, as he moved closer to both trainer and Pokemon. Kneeling down he'll reach in to pull out a Pecha berry before holding it out.]

It isn't much, but I make it a habit to carry some berries, too. There's no telling when you'd run into a Dunsparce here.

[disarmingvoice]

[Ah, Calem understands. Or at the very least he thinks he does; his smile is warm when Manzana goes to give Gorebyss a Pecha Berry--she seems to bounce around at that, and Gorebyss will gladly take it into her little fins. She even bows her head a bit with a chirp, as thanks!]

Ah, so I've...I've heard a little about them, yeah. Or at least, I understand the locals are pretty afraid of them. [Calem seems to correct from an overly mature manner of speaking, hoping it isn't noticeable.] They seem quite terrified of the Pokémon--I'm assuming that Ulternian Dunsparce are pretty different than their Johtonian counterparts, right?

But don't worry; we'll make sure to be careful, and we thank you for this gift.

[Calem, in kind, brings out some nice Poképuffs--they seem to have been crafted with care with many toppings on top, and while he grabs a pink one for Gorebyss, he'll pass a few Manzana's way as well.]

Here; one good turn deserves another, right?

[ulternnpc]

[Manzana seemed at ease while interacting with Gorebyss. There's a smile present on his face when Gorebyss took the offered berry.

However, he couldn't help but sigh at the thought of Dunsparce. Thankfully for Calem, he hadn't picked up on his change in talking. Perhaps because of Calem being so natural in shifting gears, or the fact Manzana's mind was on Dunsparce. That or maybe even a combination of both factors.]

The Dunsparce here... none of us here would be on edge with if they were as docile as the ones seen in the Johto region. Not only do they look different, they're also a different type from what we would be used to outside of Ultern.

[His Vivillon who's still perched upon his free hand lifted a worried gaze to Manzana. Manzana gave a smile in reassurance. He stopped, and turned to see Calem's offered Pokepuff. He couldn't help but stare at the exquisitely made pastry as no doubt past memories ran through his head.]

Ah...are you sure? I only handed Gorebyss a berry since I don't like to see a Pokemon go hungry.

[disarmingvoice]

...Poison type, I take it?

[He wonders, inwardly, if it's tradition to pass on Pecha berries to travelers here; in the hopes that they stay safe. Perhaps it'd be a good idea to see if one can plant those berries...Gorebyss has already stuck her lil tube mouth into this one and is gladly draining those nutrients out, though, so that one might be a lost cause.

Still, Calem's smile stays genuine and warm, and he lets out a small chuckle at that if only because--]

I'm positive! Honestly, I've got so many of these, and they're better shared with others, I've found. I don't like seeing them go hungry either, really.

[ulternnpc]

Yes, but I thankfully haven't run into one myself I've heard stories from some friends, and neighbors.

[There's a look of worry as Manzana no doubt thought about Dunsparce. Who would have imagined they would be so vicious coming from a world where they're so rare and docile in comparison?

Staring at the offered Pokepuff still, Manzana wasn't about to turn away any kind gestures. Reaching over with his free hand he'll hold the Pokepuff out to his Vivillon.]

Thank you, Calem. I remember back in my days in Kalos, I would give Vivillon so many of these pastries... it's been so long since I saw any in person. Especially ones that are this well made.

[disarmingvoice]

I see...I'll certainly keep that in mind, thank you.

[He will, but will Gorebyss? Gorebyss generally assumes she'll be fine against anything, but that's only because she's become so strong after being Wonder Traded to him all those years ago. Calem...Calem himself worries a bit.

Never the less, the worry...doesn't quite fade, but he smiles gently as he watches Manzana feed Vivillon with a chuckle. In kind, he'll feed the other one he's got in hand to Cutiefly with a nod.]

I understand. Truly, all of my partners love them after a good game of Head It; it helps that I've gotten pretty good at making them over time.

[...He's had fifteen years to fuck up plenty of times, but he's just not gonna tell Manzana that--]

Nevertheless, I am quite glad that I was able to bring back some good memories for you. I truly do hope to stay in touch.

[ulternnpc]

[Manzana seemed happy seeing his Vivillon feast on the pokepuff. He turned to see his Cutiefly buzzing around the other offered Pokepuff with her eyes lighting up. Ooh a treat! It smells so nice! Despite her excited flapping, the bites she took were small making Manzana laugh.]

I remember playing those games myself. It was a little embarrassing, but I suppose it's better than all the times back in Paldea when I...ah...

[He trailed realizing he was divulging a little too much. He shook his head.]

It was nice having this chat with you, as well. ......Churahana Flower Shop. If, you want to see me again, that is. It's where I work in Gilterrace Town.

[disarmingvoice]

[He trails off again; Calem's tempted to question but he decides to refrain, offering the other man a small smile. A flower shop...]

Is that so? Well, I'll be quite happy to visit you there; I would love to see the kinds of flowers that you've cultivated, and see if I can find inspiration there as well.

[Calem grins, lightly, as he watches everyone finish their treats. Gorebyss is more than happy to float around but she seems restless; it gets Calem to chuckle.]

Well, we ought to be going. I'm sure that I'll see you around; it's been...very nice to meet you, Manzana. Do take care.

[And with one last wave, Calem and Gorebyss will be off again.]

[ulternnpc]

I, no, I mean we will be happy to see you there. I do hope you stop by soon.

[Manzana smiled while his Cutiefly finished with her Pokepuff zipped back over to Manzana. She's excitedly flying around his head causing him to give a laugh before turning to Calem. He returned Calem's hand wave while watching the (who he presumed to be) younger trainer walk off.

Once Calem was out from his sight, his smile dropped as he watched with worry etched on his face. Silent he turned away with his Vivillon following after with an equal look of concern after his trainer.]