The Summer Bonfire

Tate walks easily in time with Bramble. Their friendship had only become stronger lately, and he wasn't afraid to admit that he liked spending time with her. He'd make a point to stop by when he was passing through, but more than that... he'd even sought her out on occasion. Unusual for the boy, especially as his work kept him on the road much of the time. Not things he would be shy to admit, of course, as Tate was never shy. Still. Bramble's invitation was one he wouldn't turn down, attending the festival with her family would be an honor.

As she speaks about loved ones lost, Tate can feel a tug in his chest. It's a twinge, a little pull. Nothing too tense, but... well, it's there. It's always there. His father had a foot in each world. One here, one back in Nihon. A diplomat, but his work came at a cost. Hell, maybe Tate was more like him than he'd care to admit. Way more like him... he barely remembered to conceal the deep sigh that spread through his chest. There's the thought of Beru, too. Missing. Though his bonds to his siblings weren't particularly close, that's more on Tate than anyone else. He still... worried. Yeah. Even if it was just a little.

She takes off to greet her father, and Tate jogs behind her. Though he tries not to be self conscious about his larger stature, sometimes he can't help it. Better to not be winded to meet Artorias, this time under better circumstances. A few paces behind Bramble, Tate catches her speaking what he could only guess was their mother tongue. "Thank you for having me." He speaks to Artorias with a respectful dip of his muzzle. Hattori had been on top of teaching them manners, and Tate would be damned if he reflected poorly on the kaicho for that.

Tate is quick to follow Bramble, settling in place beside her. He stretches comfortably, relaxing on the soft grass, relaxed. Perhaps casually, the boy offers his side and shoulder. Yes, as casually as he could, that is. Gaze flickering about the other attendees of the festival, it doesn't escape Tate's notice that so many of them look like Bramble. The familial resemblance was strong. "'s nice here." He looks softly to his companion, gaze gentle on her face. Appreciative.

"Potato"