Kimiko nodded at the boy when he thanked her and watched him walk away. She had noted his expression when he was told that he was indeed in the right place and found it intriguing. Most of the residents came of their own free will and grew to call it home. [i]Although...[/i] Kimiko thought, her eyes falling on the people near the main doors of the lobby, [i]I really wouldn't be surprised if the landlord had somehow manipulated him into this. He thinks we'll all be stronger together.[/i]

A new voice drew her attention away from them and Kimiko looked beside her to find a young girl talking to her. She blinked in surprise when she greeted her by name and almost groaned when she explained that Marie had told her about her. [i]I swear that woman's big mouth will be the death of her.[/i]

"Yes, that's me," she replied, looking down at the shorter girl. The girl seemed rather meek and Kimiko suddenly realized that her brisk voice and frowning face could possibly intimidate her away. And she was new here too. Marie would have her head if she knew that she'd scared off one of the new ones...possibly make her taste-test all of her cooking too. Clearing her throat, Kimiko asked in a gentler voice, "And you are?"

Kimiko glanced away from her new companion to find that the group of girls from earlier had left the scene, having finally grown tired of waiting. She sighed in relief. Now was her chance. There was no way she was going to have lunch at the dining hall this afternoon. Not only was there a huge chance of Marie to cook something to celebrate the arrival of the new residents, but it would be much too crowded for her, and Kimiko was not ready for that at all.

[i]But I can't leave now. And this one will be eaten alive by Capello if she's left alone,[/i] she thought, looking at the girl. [i]Oh, gods, I can't believe I'm doing this...[/i]

"I'm going to head out for lunch to a...quieter place," Kimiko began, "Do you want to join me?" 

----

The landlord shook his head at the question. "I leave the assignments up to my residents. After all, you would be responsible for someone's life and I can't make such a decision by myself," he replied. "Oh, I almost forgot. We also have a pool on the roof, if you'd like to go for a swim. I'm sure our lifeguard, Mr. Mattis, wouldn't mind the company... Until we meet again, Miss Anderson," with that, he left her side and walked toward the young man standing a few feet away from them. 

"Mr. Narunai," he greeted the elf. "Glad to see you have made it here. I hope the journey wasn't too troublesome." He produced a similar room key from his pocket and held it out for the young elf. "Your room is up in 4A and I hope you'll find it suitable to your tastes. I've personally made some...adjustments...for you."

The landlord bowed and added in a whisper, "I truly am sorry for the loss of your home. But I believe you'll find a second home here at Primrose Terrace...perhaps even a family."

With those last words, he disappeared just as suddenly as he'd arrived, leaving primrose petals drifting lazily in the light, summer breeze.