Artemis moved her way to the food hall. She took a plate and queued up behind a male Larvitar gijinka and a female bagon gijinka. She kept to herself but could overhear the pair of them as they spoke.<br/><br/>"Did you see the common trainer? I'm suprised he even made it here" the larvitar laughed as he mocked the newcomer.<br/>"I know! I feel sorry for his guardian... she got the short straw there! She's just a weak as he is" The bagon replied as she looked to the larvitar.<br/><br/>The Aron looked up as she heard their conversation and pouted.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"Hey!!</span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">" she shouted, calling them out on their conversation. </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"Find someone else to talk about"</span><br/><br/>The Larvitar turned to look at her as he puffed out his chest, appearing much bigger than her. "Awww look at the small little guardian" he pinched her cheek patronisingly. Artemis batted his hand away and growled. "She's quite cute when she's angry! Least the common boy has someone looking out for him" although his words were kind, his tone was sarcastic.<br/><br/>Artemis felt her fist clench into a ball. She could of easily struck him - but what good would that do? Start a fight in the tavern and draw more attention to them. Thomas didn't need that and he certainly didn't deserve that.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"Just... leave us alone..." </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">she muttered as she took her plate of food and sat down at a small empty table.</span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">"Coward!" The bagon shouted after her, but Artemis paid it no heed as she tucked herself away. </span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">She stared down at the plate of food infront of her. Although she was hungry, she couldn't find the appetite to actually eat anything. Instead, she opened the pouch on her hip and pulled out a scrap of paper and a pen. She stared blankly at the wingull printed paper as she collected her thoughts then began to scribble them down. It might seem old fashioned to send a letter in this day and age, but the girl found it more personal than using a phone. Although right now, she was tempted to call her mother, she missed her voice and could do with a reassuring tone.</span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)"><i>'Dear Ma,</i></span><br/><i><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">It's been a long time since I wrote to you and so much has happened!<br/>
I did it!<br/>
I finally made it to the guardian's festival and what's more Infound myself a trainer. It's odd though... All the years of training and bettering myself came to this... and truth be told it's a lot more different than I imagined. Not all trainers are as nice as they make out, neither are other pokemon. Don't fret though - I'm doing just fine and my trainer is very kind of heart. I really did find a good one. I'm well looked after.<br/>
I promise.<br/>
I won my first battle too! <br/>
Pa would be so proud to see, I know he would be. I hope you are too.<br/>
I know you always said I found it difficult to make friends and I believe it... but I'm doing my best.<br/>
Keep smiling Ma, I miss you lots (even your nagging) and look after yourself. I'll come home soon...<br/>
Lots of love,<br/>
Arti x'</span></i><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">Artemis looked down at her letter and smiled. Sometimes she found it easier to convey her feelings on paper rather than speak them. She folded the paper up and tucked it inside her pouch. At first chance she got she would get it posted. Surely there would be a postbox here at the tavern. </span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">oo9oWhilst writing her letter she had spied Thomas coming in out of the corner of her eye and lie down. Leaving her food where it was, she slowly made her way over to him and gave a small smile. </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"Room for one more?" </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">She asked quietly as sat on the floor beside him and leant her back on the cushions. She felt a comfort from just being near Thomas and could feel as the aura of their hearts synced stronger since their battle against the Nightfires and Half-pint poisons. </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"Thank you... for today... we really need to trust each other and it pulled off." </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">Her voice trailed off for a moment as she was hesitant before carrying on, </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"Forgive me for speaking out of turn... I know we're both new to this. You're a good person... but maybe you're too good. What if this whole mess had got worse... or more Nightfires came?? We couldn't of held more off and befriending them may have done us more damage than harm..." </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">She shuddered as she remembered Kiara's gruesome stories. </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"I will always protect you to the best of my ability... just... don't push those limits too often"</span>