Early that morning.
On the coast southwest of the Court of Fontaine.
"Oh, I didn't expect you to get here so early!"
Ellin appeared and waved to Furina.
"Hmph, did you really think the great Archon Focalors would be someone who couldn't keep an appointment?"
Furina folded her arms and turned her face away, putting on a haughty air.
"Of course not." Ellin gave a surprised chuckle. "I just thought you could have rested a little longer today."
"Well..."
Furina faltered.
Normally, having to play the Hydro Archon kept her constantly on edge. She rarely slept well, and sleeping in was out of the question.
Yet Ellin's meaning was obvious: she could afford to take it easy today.
The consideration in those words suddenly left Furina at a loss behind her haughty facade. All she could do was keep looking Ellin over, trying to find a way to change the subject.
Ellin wasn't wearing her usual Starblue Dress or flowing robes. Today, she had pinned up her lovely white hair and donned a round hat like those worn by Fontaine's detectives, a white lace-trimmed long-sleeved top, gray shorts, black over-the-knee socks, and ankle boots.
She looked every bit an ordinary citizen of Fontaine, though even that could not conceal her stunning beauty.
"You really do look rather Fontainian in that outfit."
Furina looked Ellin up and down, then withdrew her gaze. "So, if you wanted to tour Fontaine, we could have met right in the Court of Fontaine. Why arrange to meet out here on this deserted coast?"
"Well... I have my reasons, of course."
"All right!" Furina shrugged, deciding not to pry.
"In that case, let's get going."
With that, Furina stepped forward to set off, but Ellin stopped her.
White light flashed as Ellin waved a hand, sending