Chanelle
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Valentin
With the recent upset in Upper Mentia, many slaves were either freed or escaped. Sensing opportunity, the nation of Huiruor styled itself as a safe harbor, offering land and other incentives to attract a new influx of specialized labor. Many of the beastkin Sonja helped free had made their way here to settle along Lake Agan. The small village was nestled between a forest and the lake. It boasted several communal cabins and a few larger community building. There was even a small garden! The scene was serene and tranquil, a far cry from the forced labor and servitude that once haunted most of the residents.

Although hardly about to settle down, Sonja made a habit of stopping by from time to time. She liked to check on them, many of her old tribe members were there. Anja too. It was one such trip that brought the Ursinoid here today! The village was much busier than she remembered. There were a lot of new faces. But Sonja hardly stopped to check them all out. She instead made her way towards the blacksmith to get some new weapons.
Elnora
Along with many of the other freed slaves, Yuuka had also relocated to the area around Lake Agan. She had taken her time getting there, getting a small bit of adventuring experience before she did, and now, she was considering leaving already! Well, not really. She was just thinking of going out to find some work. 

By then, she had already reclaimed herself and a large part of her culture, so the Runran was dressed in the traditional-looking red and white dress. Headed to the blacksmith to look at weapons before she headed out, she spotted something of a familiar face... Of course, she wasn't familiar with them at all, but that was clearly the famed bear, Sonja! A bright smile rose to her face, and the short bunny quickly approached her. Verily, she would intercept Sonja before either of them reached their destination!

"Ah, excuse me. If you're not busy, you're Sonja, aren't you?"

*Even with the ears, Yuuka was substantially shorter than the beastkin. Still, it was impossible not to notice her with how much her hair, attire, and overall appearance stood out.*
Valentin
The tall Ursinoid was clad in simple medium armor, consisting of mostly leather with bits of iron metal to help defend the more vital regions. With a large arbalest slung on her back, a hatchet at her hip, and a stern expression on her face, one could only describe her as imposing. Give the height difference, she might have continued right along without even noticing the shorter bunny girl, if not for the fact she caught her name.

But, Sonja had heard it. She stopped and glanced around briefly, before her brown eyes settled on the short figure before her. The Ursinoid nodded slowly in response to the inquiry, affirming the girl's suspicions.

"...Yes. I am Sonja, not Busy." Sonja explained, raising an eyebrow as she took in the sight of the rather cute character. That outfit certainly stuck out. It wasn't from around here, that much was certain. "How can I help you, traveler?" She spoke as if a member of the village, addressing an outsider. Perhaps a bit cool and aloof. But not inhospitable either.
Elnora
"Ah, it's a pleasure to meet you finally, Lady Sonja." Yuuka gave a respectful bow now, the ears on her head flopping down onto her head and dangling, though they stood up straight ahead once she raised her head. "I thought I had recognized you, so I wanted to thank you, for..."

She paused for a moment, clearing her throat and then seemingly contemplating before she continued. "Thank you for saving everyone. Clearly, I'm not a beastkin, and I don't intend to stay with everyone here, but... I was also... There... So, I think that I owe you at the very least, that much..." Yuuka spoke rather proper for a former slave, perhaps. She seemed to dance around the topic a little, but still offered a warm smile. The calm and slow pacing of her voice broke when she suddenly grabbed the cool bear's arm.

"Sonja, if you're not busy, may I treat you?"
Valentin
At the greeting, Sonja tilted her head to the aide slightly. It seemed like the foreigner knew her. And yet she didn't know from where. As the cute bunny girl bowed before her, the Ursinoid couldn't resist reaching out to ruffle the hair on her head with one of her large, gruff hands. It didn't take more than a second. Knowing they had been through similar ordeals provided an extra layer of comradery, even if they hardly knew one another.

"Of course... I don't leave anyone behind when I can help it." The Ursinoid explained with a low tone. "I used to be a slave too... It wasn't pleasant." She remarked with a small frown. Somehow, she suspected this pretty, sophisticated creature had had it a little better than she did. But that didn't change much so far as Sonja was concerned.

"The villagers... They've been through that too. I can't stay in one place for long either... But I keep finding myself coming back. Beastkin or not, the people here will welcome other survivors." She assured the bunny a nod. "... Especially one so cute." Sonja gently nudged the girl with her elbow.

The Ursinoid was taken a bit by surprise as the bunny latched onto her arm. She hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "...I don't see why not. So long as it's within reason..."
Elnora
"U-Uwaa..." Before she could raise her head, Yuuka was suddenly interrupted by the Ursinoid's hand! The petting and ruffling was unexpected, but welcome to some extent, though a light brush had quickly risen to the short woman's face. 

Once she had stopped bowing, she listened to Sonja's explanation and thoughts. Soon, though, her face turned red again at the thought that she was cute. "I-Is that so? I never would have thought... Mm, never mind. Sonja, of course I'm glad you were able to free everyone... But, I'm happy for you, that you've been able to come so far... Let's talk more over lunch, though!"

She thought it'd be bad if things were too gloomy, so the bunny quickly began leading the Ursinoid towards any random shop! Making her way inside, it'd turn out they'd found their way to a bakery, the smell of fresh bread in the air.
Valentin
The Ursinoid was pleasantly surprised by the cute reaction to the head pats. She nodded solemnly at her assertion. This conversation would be best continued over a warm plate of food. The Ursinoid let the bunny guide her further into the village. They were particularly spoiled for choice. There didn't seem to be any competition businesses: a single bakery, a single tavern, a single market. Ultimately, Sonja found herself let towards the bakery.

As the pair approached the humble establishment, built with fresh pine wood from the nearby forest, delicious scents greeted their noises. Bread was the strongest, yes. But there was the hint of something sweet too. And something smokey? Clearly, a plethora of tasty ingredients were being concocted from within the bakery.

Upon reaching the door, the Ursinoid slipped away to hold the door open for her guest, giving her a small nod. The inside of the bakery had a few tables and chairs towards the front, a counter and pastry display further back, and three large stone ovens against the far wall all with tall smokestack chimneys. A friendly Canifor baker was there to greet them.
Elnora
Yuuka actually found it quite nice that there wasn't any competition among the businesses. After all, that should have meant the people got along better. She wasn't too hurt by the lack of being able to choose between shops, either, since her adventurous nature was rather calmed down compared to what it had once been.

As the Ursinoid held the door open for her, Yuuka gave Sonja a bright smile, the bunny walking in. She was practically dragged into the store by the smells, though, promptly looking around in search of what the source of the sweetness might be before turning back to Sonja.

"Thank you for holding the door, Sonja~ It smells great, doesn't it? Shall we go order?"
Valentin
The Ursinoid gave her companion a nod as she followed inside. Sure enough, the smells were delicious. Sonja felt her mouth water. She headed for the counter to inspect what was for sale. Her eyes focused on a loaf of fresh bread, still steaming hot from the oven. Sonja licked her lips hungrily, then looked at her bunny companion to see what she might be interested in having.

"...I'll get some of that fresh bread. You?" She put some gold coins on the counter, probably enough for whatever the bunny wanted too, along with a hefty tip. The canifor baker quickly set about fulfilling the request.

In addition to fresh bread, there seemed to be some other pastries. Muffins, as well as biscuits, and some sort of cookie. There didn't seem to be any fresh vegetables—but this was a bakery not a farm! Surely there was something that Yuuka would like among the various baker treats!
Elnora
Yuuka followed along as Sonja headed towards the counter, looking at what they had as well. She only turned back to the bear-like companion when she noticed she was being looked at, but maybe a bunny would be reasonably scared to see a bear lick their lips? Now, though, she was fully concentrated on enjoying nice baked goods. 

"Fresh bread... Mmm... I want something fresh and sweet. Cookies, maybe?"

Of course, it was a given that they'd be fresh, but you could never go wrong with cookies. Still, maybe it would be surprising to hear that the bunny wasn't after any carrots or anything!
Valentin
"Alright, one cookie too." The Ursinoid concluded briskly, giving the baker a nod. These cookies were pretty huge, between 2 to 3 inches in diameter. They had large chunks of chocolate in them—a chocolate chip cookie! It should be more than enough for a meal. Though, it was a bit unusual food for a rabbit.

"I'm surprised you didn't want to get some vegetables from the market." Sonja replied with a small chuckle. "I guess your more human than rabbit, hmm?" She mused, giving her bunny companion a curious look.

Meanwhile, the baker packed up their tasty treats in thin paper bags and handed them over to the pair. They had started to count change, but the Ursinoid waved a hand dismissive. "Keep the change."

She motioned her new companion towards the exit.
Elnora
The cookies *Were* Big. Yuuka was more used to butter cookies, but if they were filled with raisins like she was thinking, it'd be great! Little did she know... And so she gave an innocent smile to the Ursinoid.

"Eh?" As Sonja made the comment about her seemingly odd choice in what to munch on, the Runran girl tilted her head, before realizing. "Ah... Why shouldn't a rabbit like baked goods, then?" She gave a slight pout, though giggling soon after. "Of course, I eat things other than vegetables."

Now, she took merrily took the bag. She found some of the ways things were packaged to be strange, as she could just carry around the cookie, no? It didn't matter too much, though, and her attention was caught by Sonja waving off the baker. "Oh, thank you for paying, Sonja."

So it seemed Sonja had plenty of money to spare. 

"Shall we eat together, now? Unless you were too busy for that."
Valentin
"Heard sweets can make rabbits sick, so they only eat vegetables." Sonja relayed with an idle shrug. "Wasn't sure whether that would apply to rabbit beastkin or kemonomimi. Never met one before now." The Ursinoid explained cautiously.

At the thanks, Sonja managed a slight smile and gave her companion a nod. She then turned towards the door with her loaf of bread in hand. It took only a few moments to reach the exit, which Sonja promptly held open for her companion so they might head back outside. The sound of a bustling street greeted them. Despite the relatively quiet bakery, the streets were still lively and full of folks.

"I am not busy." Sonja quickly clarified, before backtracking. "Together is fine." She had assumed that would have been the case. Though admittedly, the Ursinoid hadn't set her sights on a particular location.

"There are quiet places in the forest to eat. And of course a tavern and outdoor seating for a more lively place." She rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "Or we could just stay here." The Ursinoid motioned back to the bakery, which they were on the verge of exiting.
Elnora
"Oh, really?" Considering the bunny was actually quite fond of sweet things whenever she got the rare chance to enjoy them, that was surprising to hear. She didn't know that about rabbits, either! Yuuka now looked down questioningly at the cookie, before shaking her head. "Ah, so I'm the first you met? I... Don't *Think* I've ever had problems with them."

Again, the Runran accepted Sonja's kindness without protest, though she had to wonder about the gentlemanliness. Still, she figured the Ursinoid was just used to being kind. After all, she had gone on and saved a bunch of slaves. Once outside, she stopped and pivoted on her heel, waiting for a reply.

"Ohh, perfect..." Though, much like Sonja, she wasn't sure where would be a suitable place to sit and talk. Luckily, they gave a few ideas. "The forest? I think that would be fine. Of course, if that's fine with you?"

She held the pastry bag by the top, just in front of her lap, taking a few steps back so that her outing partner could come outside as well.
Valentin
Sonja nodded to reiterate that this girl was the first bunny girl she'd ever met. Frankly, it had never occurred to her they might exist. But seeing one now, she supposed it made a lot of sense.

"Good. I'll keep that in mind." The warrior affirmed, eyeing that large cookie skeptically. Could she *Really* Eat the whole thing?

There wasn't much behind the door holding. It was the polite thing to do. And Sonja had rather made a habbit of it as a slave. She'd been made to hold the door open for people all the time. By this point the Ursinoid just did it out of habit without thinking about it. Soon, the pair were standing outside. The door to the bakery clanked shut behind them. Though now faced with the sea of bustling villagers, the tasty bakery scents were still strong as ever.

"The forest, sure. That will be nice and quiet." Sonja concluded, "Follow me."

And so the Ursinoid dove into the crowd with little warning, forging a path towards the outskirts of town along the river's edge. Hopefully the bunny girl would be able to keep up! She came to a halt a the edge of the city, just in case her companion might have gotten lost along the way.
Elnora
Of course, Yuuka was a Runran. And she had personally never met another rabbit girl while on the continent, either, but it was a surprise to hear that someone such as Sonja hadn't, either. Were they simply not prevalent here?

On the other hand, the cookie was quite big, and so the thought of only having a small piece crept into her mind, and thus stopping herself from getting any sickness in the future. Though, she'd never felt bad about sweets before!

"Ah, wait-" Now, though, she was focused on something else, not getting lost behind Sonja! Being so much shorter, it was hard for her to keep in step with the Ursinoid, much less find her again if she happened to get lost. Miraculously, she managed to keep up despite the crowd, eventually bursting out of it next to Sonja, even if she was panting by the end of it!

"H-Hah... A-Alright, let's keep going..." With her hands on her knees, the bunny hunched over with her ears flat for a moment, before quickly standing back up straight again. Aside from all the running, her face was now red and hot from being embarrassingly slow in front of someone so great.
Valentin
Sonja didn't seem the least bit worred by the slowness. She assumed the flustered state of her companion was on account of all the running. Perhaps the bunny wasn't used to such sudden movement? Regardless, the Ursinoid didn't dwell on the matter. Hearing that Yuuka wanted to continue, she promptly obliged and headed for the forest at a brisk pace. So much for showing mercy to her friend, huh? Not even a reduced pace, let alone a break.

It didn't take took long to reach the secluded location. There was a small grassy clearing by the lakeside, nestled amongst the trees of a deciduous forest that surrounded them on three sides. The sounds of the village had seemingly disappeared, replaced with the occasional chirp of birds, buzz of insects, and slosh of the waves.

Perhaps the rush had been unwarranted, but that didn't mean the destination wasn't worth it! Between the beautiful natural scenery and relative quiet, one could only conclude it was the perfect location for a picnic.

"Right, here we are." Sonja annouced, putting a hand on her hip. "Just like I remember." She smiled softly, glancing to her bunny companion. "...Say, how did you recognize me back there?" Sonja wondered, tilting her head to the side. It wasn't a huge surprise her name had spread, especially among this village. But tall Ursinoids weren't exactly a rarity.
Elnora
Yuuka would have thought that Sonja might slow down a little, but she didn't even give her any time to catch her breath before she started off again! It was a good thing that they didn't say anything along the way, too, or else the bunny would have probably collapsed from trying to do both.

At least she had fared better traversing simple forest, rather than trying to push through the crowded town. In fact, she was able to treat it more like a leisurely jog than anything else. 

Once they arrived, Yuuka finally stopped and caught her breath for a moment, that being her only focus. Once she wasn't breathing too heavily, though, she was able to fully absorb the beauty around them, the wonderful return to nature. It certainly wiped her mind clean of anything else. Although she wasn't a beastkin, being surrounded by the natural state of things wasn't bad at all, of course.

"Like you remember...?" Had Sonja been on a picnic here before? Though, before she could ask, the Ursinoid first asked the bunny girl a question of her own. "E-Eh? Well... A-Ah, like the rest of that village... I, well, was freed by you back then... T-Though, I wouldn't expect you to remember me, of course..." She had quieted down to a mellow and passive voice, holding the cookie behind her back while she looked to the side. "... I'm sorry if you had some sort of business, or were expecting something more out of me..."
Valentin
"Yes. I've been to this village two or three times before. This is where I often come to eat. Though, I am usually alone." The Ursinoid explained with a small nod. Evidently she preferred nature to crowded streets. Perhaps that was unsurprising, given that Sonja was a Beastkin. Nevertheless, it seemed to reveal a bit about herself. Clearly she was comfortable enough with the bunny to invite her here.

"Oh? I suppose that makes sense..." She nodded slowly and chuckled. Sonja thought perhaps the girl had only heard about her from the other villagers. But that wasn't the case here! "...Glad I could be of help." The Ursinoid reached over to pat her on the head and rub her bunny ears. So cute. Sonja soon pulled back her hands, not wishing to be too overbearing. Pun intended. "You've come far." She assured.

The continued concern about taking up Sonja'stimes time was met with a black stare. "No apologies are necessary. I was just preparing to hit the road—but there is no rush. It can wait." She explained with a nod and chuckle. "So... How'd you end up out here? I heard that kemonomimi didn't usually come this way."
Elnora
Sonja's explanation about what seemed to be her favorite picnic spot was a bit surprising to her. It was a beautiful view, really, but it now had Yuuka wondering why the other woman had led to her to such a private place. All she gave in response, though, was a nod and gentle "Mmm..." Before she got around to explaining how the two ended up meeting in the first place. Still, it remained in her mind, somewhat contributing to a blush growing on her face.

"Mhm... I-I'm very grateful to you- Uweeeh..." Before she could continue to thank her, though, the Ursinoid had begun to pet the Runran and rub her ears. In response, Yuuka merely stood there, enjoying the hypnotizing sensation that was now gracing her bunny features. "T-Thanks...~" A pleasant squeaking noise soon came from her, followed by just a few heavy breaths as Sonja finally pulled away.

"How I got here...?" As the barrage of questions continued, Yuuka took a moment before answering again. "I used to be a servant while in Keguntan, but at some point, I was with traded me into slavery... And I was brought to this continent after that. But, now, I'm free." Trying not to make the mood too horrible, she ended her little story on a high note! Though, maybe Sonja could tell she was leaving out a few details? Before she could ask, though, Yuuka had a question of her own!

"Sonja, if you don't mind me asking, why did you bring me to this spot? You said you usually eat alone here..."
Valentin
Sonja was pleased to see her new friend marvel at the beautiful scenery. It was confirmation that she had picked the perfect spot for their impromptu picnic! Not that the wilderness expert had ever had any doubts about that.

Though the Ursinoid was caught by surprise at the cute squeaks her companion emitted upon receiving those head pats. Hopefully the girl didn't mind the interruption too much. She managed a slight grin and nodded slowly in response to the thanks. Not particularly talkative, Sonja gave the bunny a moment to collect her thoughts and answer the question that had been asked.

As Yuuka explained her story, Sonja listened solemnly. Though her path to slavery had been perhaps less bloody and violent, that didn't make her ordeal any less harrowing. Not wanting to stir up old wounds, the Ursinoid didn't dwell on it much either. "...I see. I'm glad you were able to find your freedom. No one deserves to be shackled like that." Sonja concluded with a grim nod.

As a question was sent her way, the Ursinoid paused for a brief moment. "Here?" Another pause. "I suppose... I wanted to share it with someone." It was a rare moment of uncertainty brought about by the sudden introspection. "What do you think of it?"

Not waiting for a response, Sonja sat herself down on a comfy patch of grass to unwrap her loaf of bread. She was starving! Her stomach grumbled, as if to emphasis that fact.
Elnora
"Mmm..." Yuuka certainly didn't like to think about her being in slavery. Despite not being a very violent experience for the most recent part, it was traumatizing in a few different ways. So, the bunny gave less than a proper response to what seemed like Sonja's reassurance. 

Once Sonja replied to her question, though, Yuuka distantly blanked out for a moment before snapping back to reality and quickly answering her. "A-Ah! Well, it's beautiful... I think it's a very good place to eat in peace."

She watched as Sonja sat, taking a moment before sitting seiza next to her. Although not quite as hungry as her, the bunny took out her cookie from the parchment and began to take small nibbles out of it. "Thank you for bringing me here, Sonja. I should repay you at some point... Ah- I said the pastries would be my treat, didn't I...?"
Valentin
As a bear of few words, Sonja didn't seem to think anything of the brief response to her reassurences. Instead, she was content to continue on with the conversation and leave the dark topics further behind them. 

"Good. I concur." The Ursinoid agreed with a nod, upon hearing her friend's verdict on the tranquil location. She was glad they could see eye to eye on that. Sonja had met some individuals who had little interest for nature and were content to live their entire lives in large cities. Truly a terrifying existence, so far as Sonja was concerned.

She blinked as her friend mentioned paying for the pastries.

"That... Does ring a bell..." Sonja slowly admitted. But she just as quickly found answer. "But I've saved up a precious sum from mercenary work." The Ursinoid explained. "I couldn't ask you to pay." She suspected the bunny had only recently been freed, and probably still have tight purse strings. While her gesture was appreciated, Sonja was more concerned with ensuring her rabbit friend was able to make ends meet.

"Your thanks is all that I need." The Ursinoid assured with a nod. "Though, if it still weighs on you, I'm sure we can find something..." She pondered for a moment. Something that wasn't money related...
Elnora
Of course, Yuuka was happy to forget all about the dark pasts they were discussing as well. In fact, her cookie tasted sweeter when those memories weren't in her mind. 

Although Yuuka came from a city-state, she wasn't a stranger to nature. In fact, she felt more connected to it when she compared herself to the average kemonomimi from Keguntan, at least. After all, she once lived with a family that owned a shrine. So, by all means, they saw eye-to-eye on that.

Once Sonja answered her inquiry on what had happened to paying for the pastries, the bunny suddenly began to fret, clearly evident by her ears giving a slight twitch before they slumped down. "E-Eh? B-But..."

Though, it seemed the Ursinoid was prepared to counter any plea to let the kemonomimi pay, insisting that she didn't need *Any* Repayment. Not chewing on her cookie anymore, Yuuka shook her head. "P-Please, I couldn't live with myself, if... If I didn't repay you for, everything..."
Valentin
Seeing the cute bunny ears twitch and slump, Sonja reached out to give them a small encouraging rub. She was fine with this being a treat for her new cute friend. Buuut the Ursinoid hardly wished to make the bunny feel bad about it! Slowly, Sonja concluded that if Yuuka remained insistent, she would find a way to be repaid. Buy not with raw currency! She knew her friend needed every coin.

"You couldn't life with yourself, huh?" The Ursinoid repeated, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. Yuuka seemed particularly desperate to return the favor, though Sonja couldn't understand why. "Well, I suppose it's settled then... I'll find a way you can repay me—without coin." She assured with a nod, before eventually adding, "But if you find my terms to be too high, you are welcome to refuse." The Ursinoid assured.

It was a strange condition to add, but Sonja had a strategy. Ask for something she didn't expect the cute girl could provide, then subsequently let her get away with a free meal. Sonja hadn't *Quite* Realized how silly this idea sounded. Perhaps had she said it aloud, it would have occurred to her. But for now, the bear girl stood behind her plan.
Elnora
More ear rubs sent the bunny into euphoria again, squeezing her eyes shut and tilting her head in any which way against Sonja's hands. Groaning softly, though, she was able to mutter out a reply to Sonja's offer after a moment of consideration, and taking a breath.

"M-Mhmm... Without coin...? What sort of terms... Might that mean, Sonja...?" Calming down again, she tilted her head at the ursinoid. What would this mean? Would the kemonomimi have to offer her ears to her for a daily petting?!

Of course, she had no idea what the bear actually wanted, but needless to say, the bunny was curious, and it showed in her eyes without any hint of distrust or hesitation.
Valentin
"As I said, making you pay for it wouldn't sit right with me." The Ursinoid cautiously explained. "But if you are determined to repay me, I have an alternative in mind." Sonja reiterated with a small nod. Though admittedly, she hadn't quite thought of what to suggest yet. While the plan to select something unreasonable was still a go, the Ursinoid needed a moment to think.

Sonja's brow furrowed for a moment as silence ruled the air. If her stalling hadn't already made her lack of ideas obvious, this clearly did the trick. Her brown eyes darted around the clearing, seeking some sort of inspiration...