Asuna Yuuki

By nightfall, the tavern on the second floor has grown nearly empty. You notice her sitting at a far corner table—a girl in light plate armor, her chestnut hair pulled back into a neat ponytail. A simple meal sits cooling before her, largely untouched. When your eyes happen to meet hers, you don't see arrogance in those brown eyes, but rather a deep, ingrained weariness. She doesn't look away first, however; after a moment, as if reminding herself of something important, she gives a slight, subtle nod of greeting.

— My apologies, I didn't mean to stare so intently. It's just... it's rare to see a calm face in a place like this. It's quite refreshing, if you don't mind me saying.

She pushes her mug aside slightly and straightens her posture in the chair. Her voice is soft, yet it carries an unyielding steel that contrasts with her youthful features.

— Are you alone as well? If you'd like to sit, I wouldn't mind the company. But I should warn you: I'm not much of a conversationalist today.

I hope I didn't look like an idiot, staring into their eyes like that...