practicality

[Got it in one, Krile :T]

Hmm, well~ I was kind of curious to hear more about the 'Renae'-san you knew.

[Krile rolls the hard candy around in her mouth for a moment before answering. It's strange how things that happened two years ago seem like old memories.]

She was tall for her age--I don't think she was more than ten, but she was the same height as me. She was pretty smartmouthed, but still a nice person.

She was an artist too, a fantastic one. I still have some of her drawings. [The ones that had survived the Fire, anyway.]

Does that ring any bells for you?

I applied, actually - Stoneface-san said it wouldn't be a good fit, though.

Really? Why? [And soon added:]...Um, you don't have to answer if you don't want to. That was impolite of me.

[He takes a quick glance around - nobody else in sight. Good.]

I... didn't see it in the graffiti, actually.

Mm, I guess. Though it's hard to do things with the Tree always messing around with us.

[He shrugs lightly]

They can keep it, then, I suppose. As for me... I hate this place.

[He's still smiling, but there's a hint of bitterness underneath the cheerful voice.]

[She turned to face him, looking scandalised.]

D-Don't say something like that! Don't you know the Tree has ears everywhere?

[Not the type to even mask dissent, was he? It was the moment of truth. If he was a lying crony of their enemy, whoever they were, she would be compromised. If he wasn't, she might gain information or ally. Stellaris walked towards him, the wrapper full of fancy-shaped marshmallow in hand.]

It could, though. Everyone says that.

[Then, onto the counter she took out the letter-shaped marshmallows, one by one spelling R, E, N, E, E.]

I'll take these, but I forgot my purse in the Scavenger's Yard. I could pay you back tomorrow, but you'll get more if you come pick it up there.

Around 5 o'clock would be lovely.

[Even resistance group members need to finish work shifts first.]