[Coolshaymin]

Viridi enjoyed the moments of calm Arle had as she built up to the question. She then raised an eyebrow as she seemed to stop breathing entirely as she asked the question. She was acting a lot worst than Viridi had expected her to react to such a simple question. In a matter of no time, with just a few words, Arle looked to be in a state of breakdown. After it finally ended, the girl passed out from the lack of oxygen.

... That was a lot bigger a reaction than Viridi was expecting to get from the other. Carbuncle even fainted with her for some odd reason she did not understand. Everyone was staring for a bit at Viridi who looked away as she gave an annoyed stare back. She then looked back down at Arle as she sat passed out. Viridi could just leave now and leave her while she was passed out... Not like anything would happen to her with the rules of this place.

Viridi went back to eating the food while Arle was passed out next to her. She wanted to wait to wake her less she faint immediately from another oxygen failure again. Might as well eat some more food while she waited for that. The human did have some good taste in food she had to admit. She thought she would be all one note with that curry stuff. Turns out that was a small bit inaccurate.

After she felt enough time would pass Viridi would nudge Arle with her staff. A bit of nudges before she would speak out to get her attention. "I think this is the wrong place to take a nap. Maybe you should wake up, Arle," Viridi said as she nudged her until she responded.

[Mari]

Arle had seen better days, sprawled on the floor in a less than graceful manner. She wasn't out for too long however, and when Viridi began poking her she abruptly snapped back to consciousness. The small girl flinched as she regained consciousness, dazed and confused, and curled up a bit as if she were expecting something to happen to her. "O-Ow... My head." she groaned, having hit her head when she fell. After a moment Arle would recover her senses, pulling herself into a sitting position.

"I think you might be right."

Arle would gently rub her head, gently running her hand through her hair as she attempted to soothe her aching head. Suddenly her memories of just before fainting came rushing back to her, including one particular question.

("Do you love me?")

...Arle heard the question in her mind and her body tensed, the girl casting a guilty look up at Viridi. Surely, the other must have some idea of why she'd reacted that way. Surely, passing out must have embarrassed her. No--It must have embarrassed the both of them. She was intensely afraid of what Viridi might have to say about the incident. She didn't doubt for a moment that Viridi not only wasn't interested, but she also suspected the other wouldn't appreciate the attention either. It seemed like a fairly reasonable reaction to her, anyway--...Wasn't it? Arle got to her feet to address the other.

"Sorry ab-about that..."

Her voice was once again very quiet as she apologized.

[Coolshaymin]

Viridi honestly would be more upset with Arle than she is right now. That was a lot of attention she attracted and her answer seemed pretty obvious. However, she felt strangely more calm than she usually would in this situation. It was probably due to the fact the mortals did not exactly have the greatest view of her at the moment anyway. Arle looked pretty sorry anyway, though she probably would be anyway. Not exactly her fault she fainted anyway even if she did forget to breathe.

Viridi took a deep breath and sighed before responding. "You don't need to apologize. The other mortals kind of have issues with me right now anyway. You did not really attract attention I would not attract by myself. Now sit down with me and help me finish this," Viridi said before continuing eating.

[Mari]

(She's forgiving me?)

To Arle's surprise relief, Viridi actually reassured her. She was stunned. Even after acting like an idiot and passing out of sheer embarrassment and overwhelming emotions, Viridi was still being ... Well she wasn't sure sweet was the word--but pleasant would do. "Oh, al-alright." Arle replied, stupefied for a moment. She would move over and gently ease herself back down next to Viridi, subtly brushing off her clothes so as not to appear disheveled. Carbuncle joined them in short order, jumping up onto Arle's lap and vegging out there.  As Arle reached out to take one of the cake-fish and begin eating it she would ask a very obvious question.

"Why would anyone have issues with you..?"

It was simple enough. Sure, Viridi had a temper, but she was a goddess! A higher life form! Surely others had to understand this. What could possibly earn Viridi such a negative reputation that others were constantly looking at her like she was knocking people out? ...Was there something she didn't know? It seemed unlikely to her that it was of any concern, but she couldn't help but be curious anyway. She'd taken a big interest in Viridi, and if she was going to be serving a goddess directly she did want to know them a bit personally. "I think maybe they just don't know you like I do." Arle would go on to offer, smiling sheepishly at Viridi. She still seemed a bit nervous, but it was much more controlled than a moment ago.

[Coolshaymin]

Viridi paused as she considered Arle's question. She could not really tell Arle the whole thing. Not here at the very least. The mortals being annoyed with her for something they did not understand and she could not explain... Matters were even worst when she invited Arle to stay with there.

Still, Arle's words were strangely comforting for Viridi. She was not really sure how much the human could really say she knew her... But it was still a refreshing thing to hear. "... Because Sonic wanted to move people onto the Lunar Sanctum. He thinks that using it is a good way to escape the Starvia. I personally think the Life Sphere is a safer and smarter decision. Of course, people did not take the rejection very well. There are more reasons to why I can't allow it... But that won't stop them from holding a grudge," Viridi explained.

[Mari]

Arle listened intently to Viridi's explanation. So the Lunar Sanctum was an alternative to the Life Sphere? ...But it was... less safe than the Life Sphere? Why was Viridi living there then? And why had she been invited there? She had to wonder, but she trusted Viridi had her reasons. And... well... she wouldn't mind being closer to Viridi. The thought made her feel warm in ways she could not speak of.

"The Life Sphere is pretty well defended, huh."

The reply came inbetween her efforts to finish the Taiyaki. "I guess that's pretty selfish of them, expecting you to share your home like that. Everyone needs their privacy, for one reason or another." Arle continued thoughtfully, popping the last bit of delicious cake and bean paste combo into her mouth. After she swallowed it, she would turn her full attention to Viridi. She regarded the other invitingly as always, apparently entirely unfazed by Viridi's response.

"Is it okay if I ask about some of those other reasons, ...if I'm going to be there?"

[Coolshaymin]

It was good Arle accepted Viridi's side with very little argument. She seemed very easy to manipulate... Or maybe there is another reason she is being so trusting and grateful to Viridi. That reason probably being the very thing that caused her respitory crash earlier. It was very obvious and very undeniably she is in love with her for some reason.

There was very little other reasoning to why she was acting so strange. Viridi should be putting her down and saying she has absolutely no interest in any human, let alone her... Then why was she finding it near impossible to do that? She would expect it to be an extremely easy thing to do.

Viridi stopped that train of thought as Arle asked about the other reasons. On one hand, Viridi really did want to inform her new troop of the other things... But she also could not in a crowded area like this... She will just have to find another moment to tell her. Right now she has to cover it up.

"That is strictly prohibited information! You are too new to my troops for me to tell you the more secret details! That information is only for me, Arlon and Phosphora to know for this moment. I would not let anything happen to my troops though so do not worry about it! Just do not do any snooping around the Sanctum!"

"However, maybe if you prove yourself while working under me I can tell you," Viridi offered.

[Mari]

Arle listened intently to Viridi's response, and while she was disappointed with the answer she really didn't let it get to her. Viridi probably had her reasons. She couldn't help but wonder, though. What sort of arcane, ethereal secrets was Viridi hiding from her? Was it something incredible, perhaps even divine? ...Such thoughts of curiosity would have to wait for a while, for she still had to prove herself worthy. Arle wondered what sort of monsters might inhabit this jungle she was being asked to colonize. ...Jungle monsters... Jungle monsters... ...Sounded kinda spooky, to be honest! She'd have to wait and see. For now, Arle would accept some more of the food she'd gotten on Viridi's behalf, popping a handful of nuts into her mouth.

"Sure thing, Vivi. And that's good because I get the feeling the afterlife wouldn't be very kind to me."

...It was a rather odd comment out of the blue for someone like her. Did Arle have some reason to believe she was on the highway to the underworld? Had she secretly genocided her own enemies, and that was why she tolerated Viridi? Or worse--...Did she... throw away food?! The girl didn't seem to think it very strange herself, however, as she quickly moved on without a hint of acknowledgement towards the comment. Flashing a peace sign, Arle would loll her head and wink at Viridi.

"You can count on me~! ...And Carby, when he gets into it."

Her enthusiasm was great. Cowardice didn't seem to be one of this one's weaknesses, it seemed. Arle didn't end on that note, though. Returning her attention to Viridi, she would continue asking questions--but of a different nature this time.

"Hey Viridi? Do you have a favorite place for when you just want to relax and get comfortable?"

[Coolshaymin]

Viridi was confused by Arle's reply to her statement. She just stated that the afterlife would not be fair on her like it was normal... Why would the afterlife have anything against her? She did not seem the one to do something bad and know it... Maybe there was traits behind her Viridi was just incapable of seeing right now... But she could not help but be curious on what she meant.

Fortunately Arle snapped Viridi out of her thoughts with a new question. She apparently wanted to know where Viridi went to relax... That was an odd thing to request and Viridi was not entirely sure she was happy with it. Private areas people go to get away did not seem like a place you should be able to invite yourself to... What exactly was Arle playing at with that question?

"... I don't really have one anymore. Li is too filled with areas that are annoyingly hazardous. Nowhere in the Life Sphere really feels that relaxing for me. I kind of just relax where I feel is currently the quietest and most natural," Viridi admitted... Why was she opening up to Arle like this? This was starting to get ridiculous.

[Mari]

Arle eagerly awaited Viridi's response, but when she received it she had the misfortune of finding herself... saddened. One got the impression that VIridi was pretty down about the current state of things, and that she didn't feel at home anywhere.

"Oh... I guess places like that are in short supply on Li."

She seemed earnestly disappointed as she spoke, gazing down at her lap for a moment before turning her gaze back up at Viridi. "I never really stopped to consider just how Li must look to the goddess of nature." she continued thoughtfully. It sounded horrible. "...Sorry." she would go on, deflating for a moment. She would allow for a moment of silence, or alternatively just let Viridi speak, before continuing.

"...I always liked sitting under the trees in the forest behind my house when I wanted to be alone and relax. The fresh air was nice."

Arle reminisced for but a moment, a slight frown crossing her expression. "Y'know, it's weird. I don't remember a lot from when I was younger." she mused aloud. The fact seemed to trouble her a bit, but she shrugged it off. It wasn't as if there was some sort of divine seal upon her body, denying her memories, ...right? Arle would smile

"Maybe we can make a new place like that, somewhere we can both enjoy!"

[Coolshaymin]

Viridi was silent as Arle showed some empathy towards her. She never really gave humans the chance before to show such feelings towards her. It almost made her feel like there were some redeemable qualities in humanity... almost. She still did not like humans as a whole... But Arle definitely had a different feeling to her than most humans tended to have.

She considered this sensation for a moment in silence before Arle continued on. She said about how she remembered liking to relax alone outdoors in the forest. She seemed a lot more attune to nature than she normally felt from humans for one reason or another. But the next part she had to say made her need to stop and think. "..."

What she said sounded like something a little odd to say given what was said. Making a natural relaxation spot to relax in together? It almost sounded like a really dumb way to hook up with someone... She kind of doubted that was Arle's intentions though. She did not really seem like the type to be that subtle. Still, she had to admit that did sound like something Viridi would suggest. Maybe this human and her are not all that different... It felt extremely strange to relate to a human but the connections were there.

Viridi remained silent as she thought about her suggestion. Well, she did not see any reason to deny her if it was something they would both do on their own... Assuming this human was not trying to raise to her level. "... You know... That does not sound like a bad idea. I think I might need to accept that offer," Viridi admitted.

[Mari]

Arle watched Viridi carefully, noticing the look of surprise as it developed on her face. What was the other thinking, and feeling? It was always worrying, making an impression on such a ... an uh... impressive person, but to her relief Viridi finally relented and actually agreed with her. Her gaze brightened up with joy. Success! She had bridged the ground between them. She still didn't understand these feelings racing through her heart, but she understood a very important core principle. She wanted to be involved in Viridi's life. This was enough for her. She had two very important missions and she needed

"Then I'll add it to my to-do list, pronto~!"

Arle's response was quite enthusiastic. She really didn't mind work, especially of the adventuring variety. It was all part of the Arle's Life Package, and she knew all too well that adventure would find her if she didn't find it. Arle soon realized that these were fairly lofty goals if she was working alone, which meant her enthusiasm might be perceived to be arrogant. Normally she didn't second guess herself, but being around Viridi made her anxious in the sort of way where everything she said felt like it might come back to bite her if she wasn't careful.

"With a little help, of course."

[Coolshaymin]

Viridi was a little bit annoyed with Arle's response to Viridi's agreement. Did she really expect to do all the work for something they both wanted to benefit from?! That annoyed her more than she felt was normal to be annoyed by something like that. She was not entirely sure why Arle's arrogance in paticular was upsetting her. She was enthuiastic to get a job done but Viridi set this all up. She was dangerously wrong if she thought she was having a great amount of independance on this.

... Viridi had to make sure she did not screw anything up... Yeah, that was obviously her real reasoning to being so upset. "What do you mean 'a little help'?! This is OUR project, not yours! WE are adding it to OUR To-Do List! Since this is to both of our benefits, we are doing this TOGETHER! Is that understood, Private?" Viridi stated.

[Mari]

Arle's anxiety flared up again as Viridi began to scold her. Oh dear. Had she messed that up? She'd messed that up. She quietly hoped that some day she'd stop messing up, for her own sake.

"Y-Yes, Vivi..."

The nervous response came quickly. Arle continued to tap her pointer fingers together, a habit of hers by the looks of it. "I didn't me-mean to say it like that. I-I don't think I could do it without you." she would go on to say apologetically. Hang on, did that still leave room for misinterpretation? Arle frantically moved to correct herself. "...I-I mean, what I meant to say was--I need you." she would blurt out, her cheeks turning a nice shade of pink. She seemed to realize the entirely new way her words could be misinterpreted at the last moment, closing her eyes and hanging her head in defeat.

"Wow... I need to shut up."

[Coolshaymin]

Viridi's expression changed to a bit more of a concerned one at Arle's reaction. She seemed pretty down on herself for saying something so wrong for some reason. Viridi has been around Arle several times before yet she never saw her so down and unsure of herself. It was really strange to see her so unsure of her actions... As well as being strange to see her downing herself like that... It was really disheartening too.

"... I know what you mean. No need to be so specific about it. It's not like I am going to smite you for incorrect wording," Viridi reassured... Despite that being pretty similar to what she just did.

Viridi paused for a second after attempting to reassure Arle. The human seemed to really be having strong emotions for her for some reason. She also seemed to have no idea what emotion she was even feeling in the first place. It's like she never had any kind of crush before which seemed kind of odd. She kind of assumed it was basic sentient female biology to form strange crushes rapidly. Did not really feel right that she would feel so alien to the basic human emotion of love...

Still... As much as she felt she should, she did not want to shoot her down... Not yet at the very least. Probably would give her a heart attack when she can't even handle it normally. Don't want to lose a new recruit that quickly. She figured she should at least play to her new found emotion subtly. It might make it easier and faster to get the whole love emotion thing out of the way... Though, it may make shooting her down harder... Eh, she will walk up that step when she gets to it.

"And don't be so hard on yourself over it. If you really feel you need me that bad, your loyalty to me is just that much stronger, right? The whole stressful thing really does not suit you well anyway. Just lighten up and not worry so much about little things, okay? Seeing you all nervous is kind of unsettling. The last thing we need is a Private that can't keep themselves together. If I felt that was a worry I would of not been so inclined to recruit you. Now show me that strong, independent, and cheerful Arle I have come to known!" Viridi ordered in a light hearted way.