Who: Larsa Solidor What: Arrival Where: Main hall When: Saturday, mid morning Warnings: Probably none
Despite touring the world with his father, and experiencing the likes of both Deling City and Esthar, Larsa had never seen anything quite like Balamb Garden. He'd visited Galbadia Garden twice before, gotten a feel for its halls and classrooms, but it lacked a certain life and light to it that Balamb seemed to have in droves. There was a sense of peace here, of brightness and hope that the larger of the two facilities seemed incapable of possessing. It made him feel small, the distinct sensation that he was no longer in Dollet anymore. This wasn't his land, but he could make it his place. All at once he felt both nervous and optimistic, but at the very least he hid the former well.
As much subtlety as he'd wanted on his arrival, Larsa could feel the stares from the figures littering the front lawn and pathway. He was accustomed to being watched, regarded, appraised, but it had never been quite so unsettling as it was now. These were meant to be his peers, a simple idea that could so easily be ruined.
Arriving at Garden flanked by two judges in full plate armor could do that.
The metal clanked and clanged, an odd contrast to the gentle gurgle of fountain water, and the chirping of the students and staff. It wasn't what he'd wanted, to be certain, but it was the one insistence his father wouldn't negotiate. They were to deposit him with those in charge, and then he'd be free to do what he willed. The train ride had been both uncomfortable and amusing, watching both judges attempt to rest in seating not made for the girth of their metal frames. One had finally managed to sit, while the other remained standing for the duration of the trip. Larsa felt almost sorry for the large man. The build of the other figure's set of armor made it difficult to discern that there was actually the figure of a woman beneath it.
When they'd arrived, he'd used the best of his diplomacy skills to convince them to remain on the train for its trip back, to make his way through Garden on his own. Less attention drawn, just as he'd wanted, but they'd insisted. The train would stay for another half an hour, they could complete their task and return in time. Foiled again. Even now he was tempted to turn and relieve them, but as they'd already been seen it would only be rude to do so when their destination was so close. He kept his composure well, though there was a tiny, distinct hint of discomfort there, like a child waving their parents off for their first day at camp to avoid embarrassment in front of the other children. There was a small victory in the fact that they'd at least allowed him to carry his own belongings.
Almost surprisingly, once his small welcoming committee was full in view, both judges paused in their trek forward, allowing him to finish off the walk down the central hall. It was a small consideration, but he'd take it. The few steps left to put him in reasonable range of the figures ahead were taken with pride, and a little bit of humility. A small, apologetic smile formed as he finally spoke.
"My apologies for the spectacle. It was....unfortunately unavoidable," Larsa turned to regard the two judges, who simply bowed in respect and moved to turn away. The female lingered for a moment longer, and he offered a more pleasant nod to her before facing forward once more. "It's a pleasure to at least make your acquaintance."