[It's an interesting conclusion, he thinks - Vael can't help but wonder what it means to conclude that travel is less likely than actually not having any friends.
Eventually he decides they're kids, and they probably aren't really thinking of the ramifications of his words. Once they've settled anyway, he raises a hand, card between two fingers.]
You've all got it! I'm a little like this king of hearts. [As he talks, he beckons one of the children to approach and slips the card into a pocket, whispering for them to go back to the others with a wink.] No matter how far I travel, home will always be home. In fact, this card seems to have already decided it's fine far enough - where do you think it's gone?
['gone?' Someone asks, and the kids all look at each other, then at Vael's volunteer. The latter reaches into his pocket, only to find it empty. And, while Nippon is a land of real magic and the power of bonds... there's no practical reason for a card trick like that, especially for children. A little chatter later and they all turn to the tall man in their bewilderment, a murmur breaking out as Vael cuts the deck he's been holding to reveal the king.]
As they say - home is where the heart is, and this king of hearts knows that most of all. Fearlessly, he's returned home - but left a little bit of himself with each and every one of you today. My friend-- [Turning to the navigator, he gives the shorter man a charismatic wink.] would you check your pocket for me? And once he has, everyone else should, too.
[If he does check his pocket, Navi will find a little paper heart hidden inside. In fact, he and every single child here has one - when and how Vael managed it is anyone's guess. It makes for a compelling finale though, all these kids holding up their little paper hearts.]
no subject
[It's an interesting conclusion, he thinks - Vael can't help but wonder what it means to conclude that travel is less likely than actually not having any friends.
Eventually he decides they're kids, and they probably aren't really thinking of the ramifications of his words. Once they've settled anyway, he raises a hand, card between two fingers.]
You've all got it! I'm a little like this king of hearts. [As he talks, he beckons one of the children to approach and slips the card into a pocket, whispering for them to go back to the others with a wink.] No matter how far I travel, home will always be home. In fact, this card seems to have already decided it's fine far enough - where do you think it's gone?
['gone?' Someone asks, and the kids all look at each other, then at Vael's volunteer. The latter reaches into his pocket, only to find it empty. And, while Nippon is a land of real magic and the power of bonds... there's no practical reason for a card trick like that, especially for children. A little chatter later and they all turn to the tall man in their bewilderment, a murmur breaking out as Vael cuts the deck he's been holding to reveal the king.]
As they say - home is where the heart is, and this king of hearts knows that most of all. Fearlessly, he's returned home - but left a little bit of himself with each and every one of you today. My friend-- [Turning to the navigator, he gives the shorter man a charismatic wink.] would you check your pocket for me? And once he has, everyone else should, too.
[If he does check his pocket, Navi will find a little paper heart hidden inside. In fact, he and every single child here has one - when and how Vael managed it is anyone's guess. It makes for a compelling finale though, all these kids holding up their little paper hearts.]