[ call it being naughty and not getting a job, or a different set of priorities, but riza does not have a job and she does not seem to be working for any of the stalls or any other kind of shopper. instead, she seems simply curious to check out the things for purchase - turning down as politely as she can any pushy seller. she doesn’t necessarily seem to be shopping for anyone, either, but more so looking over what things are for sale and why.

christmas back home had always been a curious affair - a day for families, yes. a day for loved ones. but riza has skipped her fair share of the holiday due to work, and it’s not something she necessarily regrets so much as she’s aware that she probably should.

here, though, there’s not really a lot of work for her to be distracted by. so instead, she’s left to her own curiosity and need to know about this place, its customs, and it’s people. if there are any stories being told, or any presentations being given, there’s a good chance riza will be found somewhere in the back row, listening in without trying to look too invested. ]

[ she'd received a message - a simple what are your plans tonight? from the brigadier general. a part of her is vaguely aware of how normal it feels, to have him checking up on her like that, and another wonders if he's simply bored. while one doesn't necessarily cancel out the other, it's enough of a collection of thoughts to distract her as she continues through one of the parks, lights surrounding her in such a way that she almost doesn't notice how the sun slowly is starting to set. she starts to type up a reply - I'm in the market now, but other than finding something for dinner, I didn't have plans - when she hears a familiar voice out of the corner of her hearing. when she looks up, it's to find roy there, by some twist of fate, and riza stops.

was he following her? or was it coincidence? either way, she decides not to press send on the message at all - pocketing her device and choosing instead to walk up behind where he's looking over a menu of brightly colored drinks, her voice flat and vaguely unamused when she does speak. ]

Drinking on the job then, Brigadier General?

[ which is, in its entirety, a joke. dry and delivered impeccably. when he does turn back to her, she may even break into a small smile. maybe. he'll have to turn and see. ]

[ it's not that riza doesn't know how to turn off the soldier in her, so much as the fact that explosions are a distinct and unforgettable noise. something that you hear, and you don't question, jumping immediately to training and habits and what she knows before she even thinks about it. people are scattering, screaming and scared, and riza doesn't think twice before she's jumping into action to help. ]

Back to your homes! [ she yells in between the announcements, watching the masses scatter and doing her best to try and direct them - helping anyone who needs the aid amidst the chaos, and directing others. this she is used to, this is no different than war. than home. and while she hates how easy it is, that doesn't stop her from jumping directly to it. especially if she sees anyone getting tripped up in the waves of people, reaching out to grab at their elbow and bring them back to their feet. ]

Are you okay?