Another Valentine's Day. Another Single's Awareness Day.

Rose Garden had found a way to become an even more popular town than it already was. A new theme park had been built thanks to a company that had become successful over the years for its focus on love, marriage, and Valentine's Day. Samira was familiar with them after having volunteered to deliver candy for them one year while also testing out a special type of marriage magical binding. Apparently they had done something else the year after and to supersede even that the third year had a full amusement park dedicated to the holiday. It was a strange theme to have an amusement park for, but Samira supposed it was cute in its own way. The couples it would no doubt attract would enjoy it all year round. Although she sincerely hoped the colors would change for each season. Not that she had any issue with the massive amount of red, pink, and white. Quite the opposite. It was just a nice thought to her if for other seasons they would change to match the romantic colors expected for that time. The Valentine's Day theme would get old after a while. Unless it was only opened for that month, of course. That would be a shame and a complete waste, but it was possible that was what the company intended.

Those basic thoughts and opinions were going through the summoner's head as she wandered through the amusement park. Technically Loveland, as the park had been named, was not yet open, but it was allowing many people inside with free admission for the sole purpose of checking the park out before the grand opening. The company was probably looking for good reviews to attract more customers, no doubt. Thus far, Samira could give them one for the most part. She had been there for some time now just glancing over everything and watching other guests of the park enjoy themselves. There was one little thing that made her frown in disapproval, however. The park was advertised as being for everyone even if most would assume only couples had a place there. Yet, many things required a partner to do. It wasn't really a place for someone just wandering around on their own. Then again, who goes to an amusement park by themselves? Her apparently. She was in town, saw something new and got caught up in the advertising, and decided to see what the hype was about. Just because she was single didn't mean she had to hide away until everything Valentine's day had disappeared.

The decision to partake in the volunteer testing of the park was starting to be one of regret though. Just a bit. If she really wanted to try out the two person activities there was always using a spirit as a companion... If they hadn't already ditched her to explore the park for themselves. They were all now in pairs and small groups causing trouble somewhere in the spacious park. Samira didn't really want to think too much about their mischievous plots or the aftermath.

There were fortunately some things to distract herself. Some of the shops and stalls were open, including food ones that varied from real normal snack food to sweet treats. The Wizard Saint had picked out and bought a cupcake that was almost too cute to eat. Almost. She slowly ate the treat, taking small bites of it as she continued to explore the park. Of the many attractions she had concluded that the roller coaster was something that she could do solo. Already she had watched the massive ride go over the entirety of the park, each time carrying a new set of screaming passengers as it passed over. In truth, Samira wasn't someone that really cared for that sort of thrill but it was something to do, she supposed.

After much more walking, Samira had found where the ride started... As well as its massive line. Oh dear. It would take a bit before she reached the front. Good thing she had a large amount of patience and nothing better to do anyway. Most importantly though, it allowed her to continue munching on her sweets, with the cupcake now having been switched out for a soft and moist normal piece of chocolate cake held by a pink napkin. Well, thus far Samira could give an excellent review on the food at least. She took her place at the back of the line and began the waiting game.

(Word Count: 749)

Another minute or so had passed, allowing the small piece of chocolate heaven to be consumed entirely. A near empty trash can was right beside her. Convenient. She took notice that even more fancy pink and red trash cans with heart shaped lids lined the perimeter of the roller coaster line. The chocolate company must have anticipated guests of the park to be eating or drinking small snacks while in line. They went a tad bit overboard with it, but Samira took advantage of the placement beside her by putting the used napkin inside. Then it was back to waiting silently. Or so she had thought to be the case. It hadn't been enough time for her to acknowledge a line growing behind her. Not until an unfamiliar voice came from behind her. It sounded like she was speaking to her. Or at the very least that's what she could assume from the "lady" pronoun. Granted, there were a lot of ladies around the park, but the proximity was probably a huge clue that she was the one being talked to.

"Not very long. I just got in a line a minute or so ago," Samira answered, turning and glancing behind her to see the brunette standing behind her. Most within Sabertooth would have immediately recognized the popular woman that was always seen and diligently worked at the Aces of Spades' most popular inn. Most. Not Samira. Rare was it that the Wizard Saint found herself at the guild hall itself, let alone a bar that contained beverages that she would prefer to distance herself from. There was a time when Samira used to keep track of the public records and roster of fellow guild members, but that time was a long time ago. Too many things got in the way that prevented her from getting closer to the guild or even keeping track of the who's who in Sabertooth.

At that point the line began to move up quite a bit. The roller coaster must have returned and was re-filling up with new passengers. "Oh, it looks like it is moving already." She gave a small smile before turning back around and following the rest of the line forward until it came to a stop again. "Did you decide to come here alone too? Come to the park, I mean." Samira inquired casually to just make some form of small talk during the wait. She had noticed that the stranger was alone behind her until a group of teens got at the back of the line. They didn't say anything to the brunette so it was likely she was not a part of the group.

She was perfectly capable of standing there in silence if the woman behind her preferred not to chat, though. Just because a question was asked didn't mean it was an open door to a full conversation. Truth be told, small talk was not exactly something Samira was exceptional at anyway, especially with people she didn't know.

(Word Count: 502
Samira Total: 1251)

Samira blinked when the brunette said her name. Did she know this person but forgot? No. That couldn't be it. She generally always remembered people she met. Didn't she? Had she rudely forgotten to ask for the woman's name the last time they met? The issue caused an internal conflict within her. All of it completely unnecessary if she had just remembered that it was likely anyone in Fiore or anyone in Ishgar as a whole that followed the Sorcerer's Weekly magazine would know her name based on appearance alone. Her look wasn't exactly common. Even cosplayers would have had trouble making it that perfect. Not that she considered herself as someone people would cosplay as. That'd be ridiculous!

As the brunette behind her continued to answer the question and ask one of her own, Samira stared, expressionless, as she tried to place her. Oh right. A question was asked. She should probably answer before she gave the wrong impression of either looking like a dimwit or that she showed zero interest in speaking to the other woman. Maybe both. "Oh," Samira exclaimed as she came back to reality. "Yes, I am here by myself. Technically." She hadn't come by herself if her plethora of spirits counted, yet they had also ditched her so she was by herself at that moment.

The line got shorter once more as the roller coaster had come back and more people at the front started to disappear. Samira had taken notice and took the time to move up before coming to a stop and returning to the conversation. One more round should do it and they would be able to get on the roller coaster for themselves. That got Samira thinking again. The seats were generally meant for two, weren't they? Her experience with roller coasters was minimal, but she recalled seeing photos before that implied passengers were side by side while riding. It certainly made sense with the theme of the park. It would be awkward if they were both sitting alone, or maybe even the operator forced pairings to prevent that due to weight distribution of the ride.

"I apologize if this seems a bit forward, but would you like to ride the roller coaster together? We are both here alone and in line right next to each other." It hadn't even crossed her mind that what she asked could seem a bit odd and misunderstood as some strange way of asking the woman on a date through the park. Samira was just trying to avoid the possible awkward scenario of the operator questioning why people were jumping into a roller coaster alone. That and maybe she'd find out the other woman's name without having to ask for it and hurt her feelings for having forgotten it in the first place. Maybe she'd remember that she never once had met Victoria before the ride was over. Probably not.

(Word Count: 486
Samira Total: 1737)

The offer had not been refused. Perfect! There was a bit of concern about the possible refusal, but in the end that concern was out of place. In fact, the brunette had a sort of excitement about her that only became even more apparent when the question had been asked. Samira considered herself quite lucky to have someone like that behind her. She seemed nice and had a cheerful presence with how she reacted. The interaction would have been quite different if there had been a grump or someone with a very unpleasant personality instead. "I am glad you agreed. The ride should be more entertaining with someone else there," the Wizard Saint replied, allowing a small sweet smile to take the place of her natural frown.

The mission to obtain the name of the stranger in line behind her was completed before it had even started. Without promoting, the brunette took the initiative to introduce herself as Victoria Sheridan. The name sounded very familiar after hearing it spoken. It clicked in her head that it was not a name that she had spoken herself. Or even heard spoken. The combination of letters was one that she recalled as having been read. Was Victoria a writer? Or had articles written about her? Well, no. Not in great detail. Yet.

In actuality the Sabertooth mage was someone that had been featured in Sorcerer's Weekly Magazine. Both as part of the Sabertooth line up and as the prominent mage that had been voted as Saberooth's Member of the Month. Technically Victoria was also the face of the Red Dragon Inn within Ace of Spades, but unfortunately Samira hadn't heard that fact or been there herself to put that together. Eventually she'd connect the other dots and be thrilled that she had met another Saberooth mage by happen chance. For now, she'd remain content that she had a temporary companion for one of the theme park rides.

"Nice to meet you, Victoria. I am Samira Nassar." While redundant since Victoria already knew her name, Samira still felt it was appropriate to introduce herself. Not as a Goddess of Ishgar or Wizard Saint. Not even as a mage of Sabertooth. Just her name since that was truly who she was despite titles and factions. "Have you enjoyed the park so far? I am trying to figure out what else I could do after taking some time to walk around, but I am afraid many things are a bit limited for someone that had come alone. Even as a volunteer."

As the two made their introductions and talked a bit more the line moved again. Just enough for the two of them to get a seat on the roller coaster. There was a science to where someone took their seat. The front, the back, and the middle. All of them had pros and cons. Supposedly. Samira hadn't exactly tested it herself before but she had heard about it earlier when her spirits talked about the park before taking off. The roller coaster was filling up with other passengers. They needed to hurry if they were going to be picky about it. Samira walked the side of the loading area next to the partially empty ride, glancing at the seats as she passed. "Did you have a preference of where we sit?" She asked her companion, who she felt had a say in it. "I am fine with the front or the middle."

(Word Count: 578
Samira Total: 2315)

Well it seemed, as far as the theme park went, Victoria and herself agreed. It was a nice sort of place. Lively and welcoming in general. It just lacked more things to do for the solo volunteers. Unless the theme park employees and those in charge intended for everyone to pair or group up whether they entered the park alone or not. It worked if the example of Victoria and herself was anything to go by, Samira supposed. At least for the one ride. Whether that would continue afterwards was anyone's guess.

After Victoria had said aloud her chosen seat, Samira would nod and find an empty seat on the ride. As soon as everyone was inside, the bars on the seats would lower and click to lock in place. It would do the same for all the seats of the ride and then there was the moment of waiting as the operators checked the bars to make sure they were all good to go. Once the okay was given to the guy in front of the controls, the start button was pressed and the roller coaster slowly started to move forward. The next few minutes would be filled with the exciting rush of the dangerously moving ride. The roller coaster went over the entirety of the park at a high speed. Hills, loops, twirls, and even the tracks forming a heart shape with an upside down loop in the middle made its course. And then eventually it started to slow down as it made its way back to the starting point to let its passengers off. At the end of it, Samira learned a new lesson: make sure to tie up her hair before riding any more roller coaster.

The ride had stopped completely, or that was what the summoner could assume. She couldn't very well see anything due to her own hair being everywhere, including right in front of her eyes. She blew a puff of air to get some of it out of the way, but it was too thick and there was too much for that to work really well. As if she were parting curtains, Samira ran her hands through her hair and forced the teal locks away to the side to uncover her face and eyes. Her hair was now a complete and total mess. Priority number one was correcting that, naturally.

Samira stepped out of the coaster once the bars of the seats rose to allow the passengers to leave. After her feet met solid ground, Samira stepped away from the ride and accessed the celestial storage portal that had many of her belongings and other things. A small blue swirling portal appeared in the air that the summoner then reached inside of to pull out a brush. The portal disappeared immediately after, having served its purpose. To the hair brushing activity Samira went. As she did this, she glanced at Victoria. Although the brunette's hair was practically weaponized during the ride, Samira didn't have a grudge. It wasn't her fault, and Victoria was wise to have her hair up in the first place. Unlike herself that now had twisted and tangled hair all over the place.

"Well, that is an experience I do not want to repeat without ensuring there is proper hair care first." How many times had Samira forgotten to put her hair up to prevent the result she now had? Several. She was always forgetful about it. She even had a collection of scrunchies that to that very day had gone unused! The pile of dust on them was likely massive.

"Would you like to try out one of the other rides?" She curiously asked Victoria. The brunette was under no obligation to continue hanging out with her so Samira would not be too disappointed if she declined. The expectation of that happening was there already. Maybe they would hit the games later even. For now though, the summoner was much more interested in trying out the rides since that was the most fun for her. "I saw the Bumper Car attraction not too far away from here. You can even take control of the wheel if that is your preference. I just want to see what the attraction is like. I have never participated in the game before."

(Word Count: 720
Samira Total: 3035)

Samira blinked, her verdant gaze expressing a mix of surprise and confusion when Victoria apologized for her hair being out of control. While, yes, she certainly wasn't expecting to get smacked by the ponytail, it wasn't at the fault of Victoria at all. Still, the summoner appreciated the thought and consideration. In a short amount of time Victoria was showing that she was a kind and likeable individual. There needed to be more people like that in the world.

"It is fine. I suppose the chance of getting hit by long hair is to be expected while on that sort of ride." There were no rules about long hair that Samira was aware of. Had no one ever complained about it before? Surely the solution wasn't to just sit on it like Victoria had suggested. Not all long hair even reached that length. It was strange that apparently that minor complication did not have a proper rule. Even stranger if just about everyone accepted the likelihood of getting smacked by hair whips while trying to enjoy riding a roller coaster and did not complain about it. Samira put the thought away before she spent too much time on it. She didn't run a theme park or knew much about them or the attractions. Maybe hair whips really were an enjoyment factor. In her opinion, she could do without that little bit of extra entertainment.

"Oh, good!" Samira said happily after Victoria had agreed to joining her for the bumper car game. It would have been most unfortunate if she had to go without partaking in that sort of activity yet again just because she didn't have anyone to play with. It was kind of surprising that there were no single style mini cars for it, especially for the sort of friends or couples that would have preferred being competitive against one another. Maybe she could slip the idea into a suggestion box on the way out, if such a thing existed. Samira looked around the park, ignoring the crowd of people and noise around so she could focus on where the bumper car area was at. Her mind quickly worked to put in the pieces together of the familiar sights and paths until she had a mental map she could go by. "I recall the arena being somewhere along there," she stated while pointing a northwest of where they currently were. It wasn't far at all.

With the direction figured out, Samira began to slowly walk towards where she thought the arena was. Thankfully the crowd wasn't that bad to get by. Many of them were going in the same general direction. To keep things from going too silent, Samira decided to at least entertain Victoria with some form of conversation. She felt the other mage deserved that much for joining her in the two player game. "I admit, I was assuming that you would have declined the offer since we just happened to meet in line. I am glad that you are accompanying me for this game as well. Pleasant interactions like this are rare."

The bumper car arena was a bit packed but it was also pretty large. Still, by the time Victoria and herself got there, there was only one empty mini car left. Well, they should all work the same way and looks didn't mean much when every car also looked the same. There was little reason to be picky about it. "I suppose this one is ours," Samira told her companion, followed by a small chuckle. They didn't exactly have much of a choice. Since they had already decided who was doing what, Samira took the passenger side that controlled the pedals, of which there were only two: backwards and forwards. Simple enough.

Once the game operators saw that everyone had taken their place in the cars of the arena, the game started and the cars hummed to life, allowing those riding them to take control and begin the violent game of bumping each other. Since the object of the game was to do just that, Samira changed between backwards and forwards to hit the mini cars closest to them. It was an... uncomfortable experience actually. Both bumping other cars and their own car being bumped. She could see why some people would enjoy it, she supposed. Maybe a part of her did enjoy the experience. Mostly though, she was just glad to mark it off her bucket list and say she experienced the game. It was doubtful that she'd try it again unless there were some changes. Not that she'd add "make the game more comfortable" to the suggestion ticket. It was fine as is for those that enjoyed it.

(Word Count: 786
Samira Total: 3821)