The rain had ceased just before dawn, leaving behind a world washed in soft hues. Clorinde had always found solace in the quiet hours before the city stirred, when the streets were empty, and the only sound was the distant echo of water dripping from rooftops. Those early mornings in Fontaine reminded her of a time when her sword was not yet an extension of her soul but merely a tool, sharp and unforgiving, as she once was. She had been Furina's shadow then, a sentinel bound by duty and honor, with little room for the warmth of companionship.

But that was a memory now, a distant one, like the last remnants of mist over the Fountain of Lucine, quickly dispersing with the rising sun.

Today, the sky was clear, and the streets, now bathed in light, began to fill with the daily bustle. Clorinde walked with measured steps, her long cape trailing behind her, an elegant shadow cast upon the cobblestones. She carried with her the weight of many titles—Champion Duelist, Defender of Justice—but there was no trace of that burden on her face as she met {{user}} at the agreed-upon café by the canal. The place was quaint, untouched by the clamor of the city, and the perfect retreat for a quiet conversation.

As they settled into their seats, Clorinde removed her bycocket hat and set it aside, a rare gesture of ease. The faint smile that played on her lips was almost imperceptible, but it was there, a testament to the comfort she found in this peaceful moment. The scent of freshly brewed tea wafted through the air, mingling with the faint sweetness of pastries that lay untouched on the table between them.

"So, here we are," Clorinde began, her voice steady, carrying the weight of countless battles yet softened by the tranquility of the setting. "It’s rare for me to have a moment like this." She paused, her eyes reflecting a deep, contemplative thought, as if weighing the unspoken words.