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"Huh."[break][break]
He had to admit, when he had first signed up for this interesting little competition, he had not expected the beach house that had been mentioned to appear quite so...Formidable. He had spent a considerable amount of time studying the spartan layout of the Hyacinth's main hall, noting the emphasis on function over form, the defensive emplacements and no-nonsense design - he was impressed, and more than just a little pleased. It seemed as if this house was tailor made for him, to an almost eerie degree. If the others that flocked to the banner of the Huntails were even remotely similar, then he'd stand a good chance of stumbling across some kindred spirits. Arceus willing, he might even make a friend or two. At least, some regular sparring partners.[break][break]

His ever present trio of bruiser pokemon had each wandered off as their trainer stood, their attentions drifting, though none strayed out of sight or earshot. Adjusting the weight of the duffle bag that rested over one broad shoulder, Bronze placed a gloved hand upon his hip and grunted, nodding. "Seems like a solid place, guys. I think we could have some fun here."

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Canary Hall was but one flavor to sample, but she was well aware of two other distinct venues of which Hyacinth Hall became the first on her list to sojourn. This was a social visit, and perhaps she was naive, but she believed that integral to any competition was an attitude which supported good sportsmanship.[break][break]

If there were consequences to consider, they were lost on her the moment she caught sight of the surrounding lavishness. Smooth strides and soft steps sank her into the sand. Circumspect steps grew less wary as she approached, and whereas her prior movements were rather hasty, they leveled as a steadying heartbeat. The delicate curve of her shoulders lightly straightened to assume a more presentable air as she approached the venue. Rose strategically positioned herself before it for a moment, in the shadow of this towering behemoth. She was struck by a vision of remarkable beauty-- formidable and admirable, but it was not hers. Rather, it was reminiscent of something ancient and built of intimidation as opposed to her home hall, which evoked a warmth and knowledge.[break][break]

In any event, avoidance could be such a pleasurable pastime. It was in part the reason she stood here now, with an offering of freshly baked apple turnovers precariously balanced in hand. Unconventional, to be certain, but she was self-assured by the scent of sweet cinnamon as it wafted past her delicate nose. Rose closed her eyes, inhaled deeply and politely knocked at the door. "Hello?"[break][break]

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He blinked, turning about at the sound of a polite rap upon the outer door. Some other early arrival to the House, perhaps, which he welcomed - it was quiet as a tomb in the fortress, which served only to strengthen the vaguely unsettling sensation of being in a time lost sanctum of ages long since past. [break][break]

Shaking that notion off, he chided himself for letting the dark halls get to him, and pushed past the trio of pokemon that had turned to watch the door with heads cocked in curiosity. He opened the heavy door and, in a gesture eerily reminiscent of his pokemon behind him, tilted his head aside as he was met with the sight of a small baked good being thrust out like some sort of peace offering. [break][break]


He blinked at it for a moment before turning a faintly quizzical smile upon the pink-haired woman that stood at the threshold. “And here I am without any pastries to offer in return. Now I feel all impolite.” The smile broadened briefly into a warmer one as he stepped back, holding the door open for her. “New Blue? Come on in, seems we’re the first here. I’ll see if I can rustle us up some tea to have with that little delight you brought with you.”[break][break]

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Sunny has the unique talent of being both incredibly loud and incredibly sneaky, albeit not when she's actually attempting to sneak. Rather, it is more so the talent of springing up out of no where, appearing like some sort of unwanted apparation. She does this now.
[break][break]
From behind Bronze, Sunny practically materializes. The offer of baked goods has summoned her forth and she slips around the massive man to stand in front. She's not even to his shoulder.
[break][break]
"Wow! Is that for us?" she says, snatching the apple turnovers away. "You shouldn't have! These look so good!"
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She looks up at the man, as if registering his existence for the first time. Sunny blinks then she grins.
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"You're really tall! I bet that's nice. I bet you can reach high places! Can I have tea? Do you make milk tea? With sugar!"

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Staring at the blank page before you Open up the dirty window Reaching for something in the distance So close you can almost taste it Feel the rain on your skin No one else can feel it for you Only you can let it in

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@poufkin @bronze

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The abrupt and unexpected appearance of a teenager behind him causes Bronze to flinch, turning to frown down at the tiny creature with a bemused expression. How had she done that? It was usually more difficult to sneak up on him, and with the hall so empty, surely he’d have heard her footfalls. He blamed the pastries. [break][break]

Which the little snot tried to steal away. Bronze’s hand snapped out to take a firm hold on the teen’s wrist, brows drawing down into a disapproving frown as he stated, “Don’t take all of them for yourself.” He released her and gestured at the nearby coffee table and the utilitarian chairs that surrounded it. “Set them there, one for everyone present, at least.”[break][break]

His demeanour grew less severe as he nodded, sighing. “Yeah. You can have milk tea, as long as you don’t gobble up my pastry. How many sugars?” He flicked his attention back to the pink-haired woman who had brought the delicious baked goods and asked, with an apologetic smile. “Manners seems in short supply today. Would you like some tea, as well? I can try to rustle up some plates and napkins, too.”
[break][break]

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Oh, well... that wasn't exactly what she was expecting.[break][break]

Her chin tips up at approximately a 40° angle just to look the man in the face and immediately she is filled with regret. Palkia PLEASE! Rose had not come prepared to engage in combat... not that she legitimately would have known what she was doing even if she were prepared, and especially not up against a man who was about as much of a towering behemoth as the building itself. Relatively speaking, at least. Everything was relative.[break][break]

She has her wits enough about her do what she came here for, which involved her offering up a wide, genuine, (albeit slightly nervous) smile along with the tray of apple turnovers in her outstretched arms. She felt the familiar discomfort of not knowing what to say twist a knot in her stomach. There was already a heavy, stoic silence about the building, and between that and how taken aback she was, each second felt like minutes. Fortunate, then, that the Huntail was cordial and articulate. Despite his size and unfamiliarity, she eases slightly at his voice. You've dealt with Pokemon bigger. Look, he's a gentleman. She tries to reassure herself, but there lingers the tinge of wariness. Man was far more dangerous than Pokemon, in her experience.[break][break]

"Oh, no, no! Just a Clamperl, spreading the good word of pastry. I thought it would be a good gesture to show some sportsmanship before things picked up. Just a game, after all and Rose Golding will NOT suffer a reputation as a poor sport!" She is hesitant to follow him into the building, unsure if her admission of being a rival would be looked unfavorably upon. "No restitution required, on me! Tea would be lovely, though."[break][break]

Her eyes widen to full on saucers as she takes only a few tentative steps through the doorway before another girl bursts onto the scene. While unexpected, Rose smiles, bolstered by the youth's enthusiasm. She took great pride in bringing happiness to others, and this girl (sunny clark) seemed delighted to receive the baked goods. This, in turn, delighted her... even if her etiquette was lacking. She humors the girl, playing down the purported crimes of her conduct. "Yes, of course they are for you-- it would seem they are STARVING you here!" She smiles, though her eyes are drawn to the flash of movement as the man grabs the girl by the wrists to refrain her. Her smile melts away, eyes rising to meet the much taller man's, her gaze softening, fading some.[break][break]

He was not wrong, though. Without reservation, Rose enters the building, though she assumes an air that is composed and demure, heading directly towards the table upon which she rests the pastries. She is relieved when the tone changes once more and nods wordlessly at the offering of tea. Only then does her smile return. "Yes, please-- if you don't mind." [break][break]

Rose shoves the plate towards the girl once the man is out of eye shot "You can take a few..." And she raises a slender finger to her plush lips.[break][break]

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The man's hand is rough against her wrist but Sunny seems unphased. She looks at it, lips pursed, then tilts her head up to look at the owner. "Wow! I bet you could snap my neck with that. Have you killed anyone before?"

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Like a rapidash, the second he lets go of her, Sunny is off. She at the very least does as she is told, setting the baked goods aside. She eyes them, searching for the fattest turnover of the pair. The man's voice is a distant noise in the background. "Three tablespoons, please!"

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She reaches out for one of the turnovers then stops. Sunny's fingers hover just before it. "A few, huh?" she says, contemplating what the definition of a few is to people and just what she will be allowed to get away with. Shifting her backpack off, Sunny opens the top and begins piling the turnovers in.

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"I'm gonna give three of them to my Gyarados. Nemo loves sweet things. I bet my bidoof would like one, too. And then I have a friend who I'm gonna share with," she explains, continuing to put them away until either Rose stops her or only three remain.

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Staring at the blank page before you Open up the dirty window Reaching for something in the distance So close you can almost taste it Feel the rain on your skin No one else can feel it for you Only you can let it in

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@poufkin @bronze

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Something flickered in the man’s deep, metallic hued eyes, a brief flash of intensity that vanished as swiftly as it burst into life. In the very same tone of voice as before, almost frightening in the lack of alteration given the subject, he responded with a simple, ”Yes.”[break][break]

Having found the spartan, plain kitchen earlier in his solitary wanderings, it took little time for him to purposefully make his way to the bare silver kettle. He busied himself in the preparations of making tea, his motions the efficient and mechanical gestures of an activity long since committed to pure muscle memory. Kettled filled and cups readied - Three tablespoons, seriously? The kid will have no teeth to speak of. - Bronze leaned back against the wooden countertop, arms folding over his densely muscled chest as he gazed idly up at the ceiling. [break][break]

Motion near the doorway caught his attention, eyes flicking to Ravun-Tus as the Aggron trundled ponderously into the kitchen, uttering a soft sound of greeting. Smiling, Bronze pushed himself off the counter and approached to place a hand upon the iron of his friend’s cheek, leaning his head forward to press his brow against Ravun-Tus’. ”What brings you here, buddy? Hungry?” [break][break]

A gentle rumbling set his teeth to vibrating against one another, the vaguely ticklish sensation eliciting a snort of reflexive laughter before Bronze pulled away. ”Message received.” Turning, he opened one of the many pantry cupboards labelled ‘Pokemon’ and, scanning the nearly labelled rows, found one meant for mineral devouring species. Hefting a large chunk of unrefined iron ore in one hand, he shut the cupboard and held it out, offering it to the Aggron. The beast sniffed at it, blew out a gust of air, and deftly took it in his jaws, rumbling an appreciative noise as he turned and wandered off again. [break][break]

Smiling contentedly, the large man finished making the tea, holding the two ladies’ cups by the handles in one huge set of fingers, and made his way back. [break][break]

“Let me know if you need more milk, I guessed.”, he said as he set the cups down upon coasters in front of each, before settling down into one of the plain, but surprisingly comfortable chairs opposite Rose. “It’s nice to see some good sportsmanship, so early on. Have you met the other Clamperls yet?”[break][break]

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Rose was just setting the tray to rest when the jubilant girl made the obvious observation of the man's strength. She pauses to look over her shoulder and blinks to @bronze 's deadpan response. Rose's brows furrow in light confusion once hit by a strangeness unfamiliar, of scarousal and intrigue. It was possible that this was his sense of humor, but she's slightly unnerved, as was indicated by the percolation of her soft flesh. She smooths her hands over her arms in an effort to soothe herself as she sits down in a comfortable chair.[break][break]

Fortunate then that the girl offered the blithesome distraction, pulling her attention back to the task at hand such that she could offer sunny clark a larger share of provisions, however, her intent was to share, not feed the animals! Her voice is low and high pitched, squeaking out a gentle reprimand "Some! Some! He'll notice if you take them all!". Reaching for the plate, she slides it closer to herself, as to prevent the overenthusiastic girl from taking too many. "One a piece for the Girados, Bidoof, and your friend. Two for you." Already that was probably more generous than the man would have approved of, but Rose was flattered that the girl was happy enough to indulge in the gifts she came to share. After all was said and done, what would be taken accounted for nearly a quarter of the entire tray, but it still left ample pastries for the man and the other Huntails.[break][break]

An exceptionally shiny Aggron ambles towards where the man had disappeared off to and Rose idly observes. It seemed unconcerned with their presence and Rose is assured that is probably for the best. The hush of a softened voice echoes out of the doorway, and though she could not decipher the words being imparted, it was the tone and nature of inflection that hinted at a warmth she did not envision to be paired with the man. She wonders if that was whom was speaking, or if there were others present in the house.[break][break]

Soon he returns, without Aggron in tow, and graciously she stands to receive the cups brought forth to free Bronze from being encumbered by his kind offering. She loved teas, teas of all types. "This will do just fine, thank you..." Her voice trails and wavers slightly, realizing she could not call him by a name she did not know. It felt oddly impolite, but she swallows that down by cupping the mug in her hand, close to her face and tentatively brings it to her lips. She's fully aware that it would be too hot, but blows across the surface and tries to take the tiniest of sips, if only to conceal her awkwardness in that moment.[break][break]

When he inquires about the Clamperls, there is not much to say on the matter (not yet, at least) and she straightens up, smiling softly, keeping her eyes on the swirling tea in her cup. "Oh, no, it was very quiet earlier today. No one else was around when I checked in, and I honestly don't know what to expect of this event." She glances up with genuine uncertainty "Would this be considered fraternizing with the enemy? Am I breaking any rules?" Rose glances to the girl, not exactly convinced that she would have the answer in this situation before snapping her attention back to the man. "I don't want to cause any trouble, just happy to share and extend the olive branch before things got too hairy." Rose takes a quick swig of the beverage, but it burns her tongue in the haste.[break][break]

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The man cradles the mug in one large, calloused hand, the studs of metal protruding from the dark fabric of his gloves reflecting the light warmly, streaks of liquid gold infusing the bronze. He reclines in a posture of ease, leaning back with his right leg propped up against the side of one armrest, head supported by the back of the chair. He listens to Rose attentively, head cocked slightly to one side, his focus and gaze both unwavering.[break][break]

The laugh that rolls forth from him is a genuine one, deep, the kind that comes from low in the chest. His free hand waves in the air in the manner of a man clearing the air, and his tone is amiable as he responds, “Not at all. The games seem to be designed to have fun in mind, nobody will brand you a traitor. Friendly rivalries moreso than dire enemies, if you will.” He favours her with a smile, curling his wrist to point his hand at himself. “I’m Bronze, by the way - apologies about not introducing myself earlier, I was somewhat taken aback.”[break][break]

He notes the wince as she sips the tea - evidently too hot for her tastes, and he grimaces in sympathy. Raising his voice, he calls out, “Kharrus-Tah, bring in the milk for a minute, will you, please?” There’s a beat, and then a rich murmur of assent sounds from one of the adjacent chambers, followed by the gentle thud of heavy footfalls.[break][break]

Bronze flicks Rose an apologetic smile, shrugging a shoulder as he explains, “I guess I tend to err on the side of less milk - easier to add to taste than pour it all out and start again.” His focus shifts to the hulking Nidoking that strides in, a carton of milk clutched in one clawed hand with the utmost of delicacy - which is peculiarly at odds with the creature’s appearance and predatory, majestic locomotion. Bronze dips his head towards Rose when the large pokemon glances at him questioningly, murmuring his thanks to the crowned beast, and then the container of milk is proferred to Rose, while the Nidoking regards her steadily, a rumble curling out from within its throat.[break][break]

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The chill of her Zircon blue eyes trail the heat of metal-clad fists. Like hot to a cold front, her attention is drawn by both curiosity and subdued titillation to the glints of light which refract from off each studded knuckle. Rose is unable to reciprocate his gaze to the same degree, and while fully aware that she is being looked upon, the best she can manage is the occasional flit of fluttering lashes to meet his deep honey-hued eyes for more than a few fleeting moments. It is not impolite, it is not impossible. Rather, it is defined by deference, absent of awkwardness, and seems to come naturally-- befitting of the the pink haired woman's mannerisms.[break][break]

Her seated posture never becomes quite as comfortable as her counterpart, but she relaxes significantly, coaxed by his laughter and with the assurance that she was not violating any unspoken regulations. This is enough to allow her weight to sink deeply into the cushion while conversing. "Bronze." The singular syllable is murmured softly and committed to memory of both muscle and mind. "That will be very easy to remember. It suits you, but that isn't coincidence... is it?" Her voice raises in pitch slightly with the intonation of inquiry. She smiles back, a lopsided simper that is both impish and sweet. "Taken aback by my sheer enormity? I know. I can be very intimidating." [break][break]

Despite how intimidating he appeared, he is also a gracious host. Rose is impressed, albeit slightly abashed, by how observant he was to take notice of how she scalded herself. "Oh, thank you..." More milk would remedy the situation, though she does wonder who "Kharrus-Tah" was. Perhaps the voice from the kitchen? If that were the case, they certainly were big. Audible footfalls call her attention towards the sounds, and Rose is half expecting a man just as tall, but twice as wide as Bronze to be standing there. Instead, she's met with the likes of a Nidoking! He's robust, composed, and glorious. Hardly able to contain her approval, Rose lifts in what is practically a standing ovation. "Is he, Kha...ru-ta, yours?" Her eyes do not leave the Nidoking, and the tea is all but abandoned in the shadow of the Pokemon. "He's a perfect specimen. What a gentleman!" She exclaims, perceptive as they came when it came to matters of Pokemon, she prided herself on her ability to spot a meticulous hand just as well as the clutch of neglect. "He's in beautiful condition, fine muscle tone... my goodness..." Rose pauses a moment before turning her attention back to Bronze. "And the Aggron? He was yours, too... wasn't he? I've never seen one shinier-- like chrome..." Sobered, Rose is able to look Bronze in the eye for longer than a just few moments. Quietly reverent, her eyes are softened by the first hints of trust and respect.[break][break]

So taken by her fascination, she's oblivious to the entrance of another until the sleepy voice inquires if there is more tea. With concentration broken, Rose blinks and begins to think she's overstaying her welcome. There were limited chairs, and being that she was already standing, Rose politely repositioned herself as to leave the seat she had been occupying vacant. "Please do enjoy an apple turnover, miss, compliments of the Clamperls." She gesticulates towards the pastries, then the seat to invite the newcomer to take her place. Rose's hands ambivalently meet at her front with her growing unease, but she tempers herself by reaching for the now-cooled tea, resolving to finish her cup and take leave. Quietly she sips.[break][break]