#(cyn vc: i have eluded my own security to climb this mountain for you. and if you tell me to go back home i will only be a Little Upset)

[avacynthia]

@gruusha (continued from here!!)

The voice that calls out her name is both subdued and measured, almost lost in the Gleasado Mountain breeze. Had her name been called out by anyone else, Cynthia might have lost their address to the wind.

But, this voice--muted incredulity mixed in with a lingering feeling of melancholy--is so familiar. The champion turns with a smile.

"...There you are. Thought you could escape me, hm?" Despite the numbing chill, Cynthia's gaze twinkles brightly. "Would you believe that I slipped out of my last meeting and ventured here of my own accord? I did pull some strings when I asked the local Center for directions on my way over, but..."

Cynthia peers back out towards the horizon with a wistful sigh, all of Paldea laid out below her like a diorama viewed from birds-eye. "...I got totally distracted. What a beautiful view."

"I wanted to see your reaction when I showed up at your actual doorstep, but I suppose this will have to do instead," she tuts with faux disappointment. "Apologies for the suddenness of all this, but security finally set me free for this singular moment, and I wasn't going to waste it. No, I thought my free time would be best spent catching up with an old, cold friend."

She nods self-assuredly, curious gaze sweeping over the Gleasado hermit. It's been such a long time.

"...Only if you'll have me, of course. I wouldn't want to impose on you."