Welcome one and all to my 40th Story Special! As is custom for me, every fifth story debut is marked by a special update to everything active at the moment prior to the reveal of the actual story itself. So we're starting with Xenoblade, specifically another chat between Cynder and Melia. So, what's going to transpire here? Read on to discover...
Heart to Heart 49: The Water's Fine
Participants: Cynder and Melia
Location: Sparkling Pool
Affinity: Green
Introduction
Melia: The water here is so tranquil.
Cynder: You're telling me.
Melia: In fact, it seems like just the right temperature for a swim.
Pass/Pass
Cynder: I'm... not so sure...
Melia: (Facepalms) You will forgive me. I wasn't thinking. Would it throw off your ability to thermoregulate?
Cynder: My what?
Melia: You are a reptile, would the cool water throw off your internal temperature?
Cynder: No, no, it's not that.
Melia: Then, why are you hesitant?
Cynder: Well... I can't swim.
Melia: I've seen you in the water plenty of times.
Cynder: Standing in the shallows while fishing, yes. Never actually swimming
Melia: I would be more than willing to teach you.
Cynder: Seriously?
Melia: I never lie about this sort of thing.
Cynder: Huh. Thanks, Melia.
Melia: Anything for a friend.
(Net Affinity: +10)
Pass/Fail
Cynder: I'm... not so sure...
Melia: (Facepalms) You will forgive me. I wasn't thinking. Would it throw off your ability to thermoregulate?
Cynder: My what?
Melia: You are a reptile, would the cool water throw off your internal temperature?
Cynder: No, no, it's not that.
Melia: Then, why are you hesitant?
Cynder: Personal reasons.
Melia: You don't know how to swim, is that it?
Cynder: Don't say it so loud!
Melia: It's nothing to be ashamed of. Before recently, I wasn't confident in my aquatic abilities either. Sharla showed me a thing or two. Perhaps I can teach you.
Cynder: Thanks Melia, but maybe some other time.
Melia: Agreed.
(Net Affinity: 0)
Fail/Pass
Cynder: You can go ahead. I'll pass.
Melia: Are you sure? I saw you getting in here, the heat and humidity is clearly getting to you.
Cynder: If you've got a towel, I'll settle for soaking that and draping it over my head in that case.
Melia: That would be effective. But I sense there's more to this.
Cynder: You're pretty good at reading the room. I guess I... never learned how to swim.
Melia: I can teach you, if you desire.
Cynder: Actually, that'd be great.
Melia: Excellent. Follow my lead and you'll be swimming in no time at all.
Cynder: Thanks Melia.
(Net Affinity: 0)
Fail/Fail
Cynder: You can go ahead. I'll pass.
Melia: Are you sure? I saw you getting in here, the heat and humidity is clearly getting to you.
Cynder: If you've got a towel, I'll settle for soaking that and draping it over my head in that case.
Melia: That would be effective. But I sense there's more to this.
Cynder: There really isn't. I just... don't like the feel of it on my back. And my wings don't take too well to being submerged.
Melia: I had not considered that explanation. My apologies for trying to force it on you.
Cynder: No worries.
Melia: But I do have a towel spare. We can go forward with that head draping plan if you wish.
Cynder: That honestly sounds great. Thanks, Melia.
Melia: Not a problem.
(Net Affinity: -10)
This concludes Part I of the 40th Story Special. For Part II, head on over to The Injustice Wars. This chat was actually a relief to write. Nothing serious, no relationships, no self-loathing. Just something shorter and mundane for once. So, who's our next to chat in Makna Forest? Tune in next time to find out! Same time... same channel!