♪ Sunset Path - Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII

Caius could be described as possessing a patchwork of knowledge where you would never know what parts of something he might know. He could be in-depth in his knowledge of one aspect of a subject, then have absolutely no idea in another. Like the difference between knowing who runs Sonora’s government and knowing the date they were first instated. Especially when it came to matters of love and all they encompass, from actual relationships to acts of courtship and their necessary decorum. So instinct was his best bet, since it was consistent. Of course, the lack of knowledge in parts could also render those instincts to be misplaced. Like they did back at the haunted house.

Caius listened as Lumina did her best to illuminanate his patchwork of knowledge with further context, referring to instincts and his knowledge as a guide and as protocols when it came to dating. He supposed that made sense… Sort of? Though she also reminded him that he didn’t have to worry with her, considering Lumina had already long made up her mind. He still didn't quite know how to feel about that. Part of him wanted to protest based on what he had been thinking back at the dinner regarding letting her lead herself around like this for something that wasn't a sure thing. Sure, he had previously thought -he- was the one leading her around, but he had steadily realized that wasn't the case at all. She was doing this to herself, and he was just... Letting it happen. That didn't make him feel any better, however. He supposed at least she seemed to be having fun.

Though he turned back to stare at her with narrowed eyes after hearing that lightning pun. A look that also hid the other "part", so to speak. The deeper thoughts which had begun to occur, that her statement that he didn't have to worry about winning her over wasn't entirely true either. She had made up her mind so quickly, but who was to say that she couldn't lose interest just as easily? What if Caius said or did something that served to disconnect that interest in him? He didn't know how to explain it, but while he would rather Lumina find someone that could give her an answer to her feelings much sooner, and find her happiness that way... A voice deep down spoke of an intense worry that she would do just that.

To his surprise, Lumina had in fact been hiding any collection she had from Serah, if her explanation Mog's whistling with a seeming promise to keep quiet was any indication. If she did own any books, they were likely elsewhere. So he simply nodded. "I can find time to drop one off with the younger Claire or Serah next they're at the Rest" Caius spoke up, strategically mentioning her sisters with full knowledge it would get Lumina going.

Despite his logic however, Lumina still wanted the last destination to be ensuring he got home safe, instead of her. "You just want to see the house" Caius remarked with a small laugh. He didn't know if that was true, but he was going to call her bluff regardless. To be honest, part of Caius was hesitant to let Lumina, or just about anyone, see the place. It was his biggest sanctuary, it took a great deal of trust to let anyone near it considering it was the one place he felt like he could truly relax. He had done his best to keep it a secret from most, not letting anyone tail him back to the homestead. But Lumina had also trusted him with a great deal herself. Perhaps...

"Alright. But the indoor tour comes another day. I need to clean up before you come inside."

Vordun seemed hesitant when Caius relayed the instruction for where to go next, even looking back at Lumina and Mog as if to silently ask whether Caius was sure. Caius was sure, and he made sure Vordun knew this before the dragon let out an annoyed huff, complete with smoke, before changing course.

Eventually, they would come to a forest with a large and sprawling river running through it. This soon led them to a patch of land separated from the forest by the river, where a little cottage lay. It was made of wood, though Lumina might be able to detect hints of magic that radiated through the boards, indicating Caius had crystal-enchanted materials with some level of magic property. An educated guess would likely lead to the conclusion that they were made to be fireproof. The cottage was well-constructed and done with painstaking detail, but clearly not built with the tricks that a professional would know. Indicating that Caius had built it with his own hands. It was two stories, simple and unassuming, but cozy nonetheless. The only thing that might stand out about the home itself however, was a big one. A little stable that was attached to the cottage itself, to the point they might as well have been part of the same building. The stable went to just above how high it would take for Vordun to live in there comfortably.

The yard was in of itself bare, but telling about the owner. A training dummy had been set up, as had a few targets. Nearby was a weapon sharpening wheel, and close to that a weapon smithing forge, protected by a bit of extra roofing on the house to act as a tarp. The latter of which would confirm that Caius wasn't bluffing about building Lumina a new weapon -- he actually had taken up weaponsmithing as a serious hobby. There was also a firepit, indicating that Caius tended to do his home cooking outside.

The presence of the river and forest were just as he had described before. The house had been placed strategically to where he had no shortage of natural resources. Wood for lumber, a convenient water source and place to fish. If Lumina looked, she might even see traces of wild game beginning to return to their dens for the night.