Blackthorne knew there was a lot he had to do- exploring Ostellia, leveling his character, upgrading his pokemon- but… it all swam, becoming too overbearing, too much- he had no way of knowing what to do first- grind for classes? Trainer stars? Upgrades? Questing? Flesh out his team?

The anxiety aimed to kill him, so he did something that was technically both for the trainer stars and his team- buying a ticket to the Rookery.

Which is how he was there, sitting quietly at the base of the Rookery, golden-crimson leaves scattered around him. He needed to look for an egg, but… He had time. Now, he could just sit, and breathe, taking in the crisp autumnal air.

Regent was curled against his side, head against her paws, breaths slow and even. He reached, gently petting her fur. “This is alright, isn’t it?” He asked, voice low. “Even if… I’m not playing the game ‘right’?”

<Tell me, Lord Blackthorne...> Regent's voice was amused, gaze flicking back to him. <Are we searching for something, or just helping clean?>

Blackthorne froze, turning to look at Regent. "I-" His voice squeaked a bit when it came out. "Regent- I... can't it be both?" He tried to defend, lamely. "I... Everyone else is rushing around. Trying to unlock this and that, get the best team, get the highest attacks, the most classes. I..." He shrugged a bit. "Maybe I just... want to be here. Walk around, smell the air. Hear the crunch of the leaves. Find someone selling apple cider."

Regent continued to stare at him, gaze piercing. And then, she delicately inclined her head. <... I think that sounds lovely, Lord.> She said, giving him a soft smile. <But... what is apple cider?>

Blackthorne laughed at that, reaching over to take her face in his hands, rubbing her cheeks. "I'll see if I can find some for you, hm? It's fruit juice, mulled and spiced. Like oran berries."