#★ aster winton || ic ★ i want to help leave this world better than i found it

[unlockthestars]

@badluckqrow liked this post for a starter from Aster!

While Aster was fairly well-travelled, he hadn't been to Patch before. He'd come here as a favour to an old friend, and he'd found it was quite a pleasant little place. The sort of community where everyone knew each other…., but unfortunately, that meant that everyone also knew your business.

The bar in town also doubled as the inn, which was where he was staying at the moment, and he enjoyed a glass of something every now and then, especially when he was just getting to know the people around him.

He glanced up at the newcomer who dropped down next to him at the bar, who was apparently something of a regular if the way the employees and even some of the patrons reacted.

"Quite a popular guy around here, aren't you?" he said with a little laugh, his tail flicking behind him. He was pretty sure he knew who this was, considering, but he didn't want to presume. Still, if this was who he thought it was…., maybe they could chat, just get to know one another. Couldn't have too many friends, right?

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Aster drops his chin onto his hand, elbow propped on the bar as he looked at the other man. Dark hair, red eyes….he was a genuinely good-looking man, that much he could admit.

A laugh left him at his question, and he shook his head, the tip of his tail pointed upward, swishing lazily behind him. That sort of a question was one he heard a lot, admittedly, but usually when people found out what he did. People didn't like the idea of someone who would try to "fix" them, which wasn't what he did anyway, even if he understood the thought.

"No, definitely not," he finally murmured, "I just like talking to people, and it's not every day someone so interesting sits down next to me." Did he know for sure the other man was interesting? As far as Aster was concerned, pretty much anyone could have a good story; it just depended on how they told it.

"What are you having?" he asks, indicating his drink. If he's going to expect a stranger to indulge him, he might as well offer to buy him a drink first.

Qrow had been planning on ignoring the new guy next to him at the bar, but apparently he had other plans.

"Sure, popular's one way to put it," Qrow grumbled, gladly taking his drink from the bartender. His usual, he was in here often enough.

He eyed the man over his drink. At least he was nice to look at, if he was gonna make Qrow talk to him. The island so rarely had visitors, except for when Signal students were being dropped off and picked up.

"Someone send you here to bother me or what?"

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50 Dialogue Prompts // Accepting

@damnbrosius asked: “I’ve been waiting a long time.” Ambrosius to Aster. He's also lying, he was summoned as recently as a week ago, but lucky Aster for being the one to find the staff in the sand, right?

The fall of Atlas had displaced thousands of citizens. Some of them were handling things a lot better than others, and Aster knew he was going to have his work cut out for him. It was going to be a lot of long days and nights, talking through the trauma of what had happened, but right now, this was where he was most needed.

He was taking a little bit of a break after talking to a family who had had to evacuate after generations had lived in the kingdom, going back as far as when the Academy had been known as Alsius. It was all they had ever known, and all of them were having trouble adjusting.

Aster had listened, letting each family member (they'd requested to talk to him as a group) talk, express the complex emotions they were feeling about….everything. He'd recommended a few exercises, reassuring them that what they were feeling was perfectly natural, that they weren't broken; they were just going through a lot right now.

And they weren't the only ones. There were a lot of heightened emotions right now, and Aster needed to take a walk, to clear his head, so he could continue being of service.

He filled a canteen and slung it over his shoulder, walking the relatively short distance to where the portal had appeared in Vacuo. So many people had come here from Atlas and Mantle through that single portal…., and they would never be able to return home.

Aster surveyed the area, though there were few signs of the turmoil that had happened here only recently; the sands shifted quickly here, covering any trace that might have been left or uncovering previously hidden ruins seemingly at random.

He knows he's not going to find much out here, that he should head back to the city, to talk to more people. But as he turns to head back, something catches his eye, mostly buried in the sand. Aster heads towards what appears to be some sort of gem, glittering in the sand. Had someone dropped this after coming through the portal?

Intrigued, he quickly digs the gem out of the sand…, only to discover that it's attached to a staff, which started to glow the moment he touched it.

And then suddenly, floating before him is a tall, very muscular, very naked blue man who had just declared that he'd been waiting a long time.

Aster's eyes widen, and he almost drops the staff he'd found, but something tells him to hold onto it.

His tail twitches, angled slightly upward, but otherwise very still. "I'm…..sorry to have kept you waiting," is all Aster can think to reply.

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@hopeandharmonizing liked this post for a starter from Aster!

There's a glass of wine next to his hand, sitting untouched as it had been since he'd gotten here, his tail unusually still, almost sticking straight out in a way it didn't usually. There was something on his mind, and he couldn't put a finger on what it was.

It was one of the reasons he'd decided he needed to get out of where he was staying for a little while…., but his plan to have a glass of wine and take a walk hadn't even gotten past that first part. He was just…..sitting here, staring at the liquid in his glass, half-listening to the conversations around him.

Had he really come here to get out of his own head? Or had he come here to be around people for a change, people who didn't necessarily know him, who wouldn't turn away from him if they knew who he was, knew what he did? He loves helping people, but sometimes it's damn lonely to get to know people so intimately and still keep his distance, so he can remain professional.

Even now, surrounded by other people, he's sitting on his own, still in his own head, analyzing the snippets of conversation as they go by. So much for the idea that a change of scenery would help…..whatever this was.

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@allbains liked this post for a starter from Aster!

"Hey Corsac," Aster greeted the other faunus with a smile as he fell into step with him. He knew he tended to keep himself apart from most other people, apart from his brother, but Aster was attempting to change that, at least a little bit. He's astute enough to know that his formal services would likely be looked down upon…., but that doesn't mean he can't make a few new friends, maybe offer a listening ear or two.

He was by himself today, which likely meant that Fennec was at home; maybe he'd drop by to say hello, if Fennec wasn't too opposed to company. Aster did his best to be as friendly and charming as possible, and while he respected boundaries, he still very much wanted to do what he could to figure out a way past the walls, to see the real Corsac and Fennec beneath.

But in order to do that, he was going to have to spend some time with each of them. And this seemed as good a time to start as any. "Off to do something important?" he grinned. The brothers were usually doing something important, from what he gathered, so it wasn't much of a stretch to think that that was what was happening now.

[unlockthestars]

There's a part of Aster that is completely overwhelmed by everything that's happening. He had just happened upon a divine relic, that had been gifted to humanity by the gods, beings he wasn't entirely sure he believed in (though apparently that was about to change, considering what was currently going on), and the being within the staff he had found could create anything he could imagine.

The implications were too big to deal with right now, while he was around someone else; he would just….compartmentalize that part of what was going on, to deal with later, when he was on his own. Meeting a being that literally forced you to reevaluate what you thought about the world around you was something he was going to have to sit with for a little while, and that time was not right now.

Ambrosius confirmed that, yes, it meant he spent most of his time alone, but it's at his next words that Aster realizes that he is inviting him to ask for something; he said he was the spirit of creation, and likely takes pride in his work.

But even as he's thinking about that, another thought dawns on him. There had been a great composer, centuries ago, who had told stories of a being who had bestowed upon them an incredible instrument, one that they had used to write some of the most famous music still played around Remnant today.

Most people thought the composer was just telling tales, to drive up the mystery that surrounded them, to increase the desire for their work. Aster had thought so too, but now he was beginning to think that there had been some truth to those stories.

"Wait a moment…., there's a story I know about a famous composer…..Amadeus Wolfgang; he had an incredible violin that disappeared when he died….that was your work, wasn't it?" he asked, tail swishing in excitement. "Music historians thought he was making things up since they couldn't find it, and there are still legends about some of the work he wrote with that violin." He'd been keeping an eye out for any hints any time he traveled, but to meet the person responsible for creating such an instrument….was amazing.

It had been so long since he'd played; he didn't have a violin of his own, with how much he traveled. "Would you show me how you did it? I don't mean the same violin, but.....I would love to see how you created such an incredible instrument."

"Eh?"

The spread arms come down as Ambrosius looks down in confusion at Aster. After what he'd just announced, this hardly seemed like the most pertinent question.

"Um, yes, yes it does."

There are people nearby, people that don't seem to be frozen in alarm, panic, or delight, so as unusual as it is, it seems that Aster has retrieved the staff near civilians, and with no plan in place for what it was or what to do with it. How that had ended up happening was a question for another time, but he's sure he'll have some agitated words for whoever had simply let his staff hit the ground and be buried in sand for who knows how long.

Unless Aster was a thief, stealing valuables he didn't understand from others. That would be way more exciting. But then, he quickly realizes why Aster must've asked him this question. ...Clearly it was because he realized the value of whatever he could ask for and how time would resume as normal once he got it! He must be very concerned about witnesses and the potential of having whatever he made stolen back off of him!

This assumption carries him through his next response quite confidently.

"Does that matter? Come on, I'm not going to tell anyone what you do with this power. Well, unless it makes for a great story! What is it that you have in mind?"

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@caeloservare liked this post for a starter from Aster!

"Ah, James, good to see you again," the leopard faunus smiles over at Ironwood as he steps into the space Aster's currently using. It's a warm, comforting space, meant to put any who stepped foot into it at ease, draped with soft cloths that both bright the room, as well as provide sensory relief as needed.

There are plenty of pillows on and around the furniture, as well, so that each individual can choose how much cushion they'd like and are able to adjust accordingly.

"Can I get you something to drink?" he asks, tail flicking behind him, "I have the usual selection, though if you'd prefer something else, I can make that happen." The 'usual selection' was pretty much anything a person could want: water, tea, coffee, various types of soft drinks, even some alcohol, though he didn't encourage consumption during these sorts of talking sessions, but it was available. After all, the whole point of this was to make sure the other person felt like they could talk to him, so he might be able to do what he could to help.

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"I'm pretty much always accepting appointments or just willing to talk in a more informal capacity," he says. Sometimes, it's good to just be available for other people to talk to.

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Emotional Intimacy & Pillow Talk // Accepting

@hopeandharmonizing asked: ❝ we really should have done that sooner, huh? ❞ (dealer's choice, doesn't have to be referring to lewd!)

It had been a long time since Aster had sung for anyone else, and an even longer time since he'd played the piano. But once Briar had found out that he'd considered being a musician, once upon a time, even though he'd ended up pursuing other avenues, she'd been encouraging him to sing for her.

They'd been spending some time together, ever since his first foray into her space, where she'd managed to pull him out of his own melancholy and almost effortlessly into her performance. It had been easy to talk to her, and he very much enjoyed getting to know her.

Which meant that, the next time they met up, before the club was really open, just the two of them and a couple of employees getting the place ready, he decided that he was going to sing for her. It wasn't anything special, not as far as he was concerned; just a little something he'd written a long time ago, when he'd still been young, had thought that love was easy. Aster loved people so quickly and it had backfired on him so much over the years that it was probably one of the reasons he'd stopped doing much with music. If he focused on helping other people, on being professional, then there wasn't time to worry about much of anything else.

He sat down at the piano, playing a few chords, remembering the feeling of the keys, even as his tail swept gently behind him, curling one way and then the other.

Aster took a deep breath and let it out slowly, starting into the intro of the song, letting the sound of the piano and the memory of the music wash over him, getting lost into it.

"In every heart, there is a room A sanctuary safe and strong To heal the wounds from lovers past Until a new one comes along

I spoke to you in cautious tones You answered me with no pretense And still I feel I said too much… My silence is my self-defense"

His voice had started out almost tentative, as though he was remembering how to sing after a long time…., which wasn't that far off. But he continued, his voice got stronger, more sure, until he was pouring himself into the song, his voice stronger or softer when the music called for it.

"And every time I held a rose It seems I only felt the thorns and so it goes, and so it goes and so will you soon I suppose

But if my silence made you leave Then that would be my worst mistake So I will share this room with you And you can have this heart to break"

He's focused on the keyboard in front of him, of making sure his chords are right, that the music supports his voice.

And as he keeps playing, as he sings, even though she doesn't know the words, he hears Briar jump in, adding harmony to his voice. He smiles up at her, their voices blending, rising and falling, until he plays the final chord. And for a long moment, he doesn't move, just lets the chord fade away, lets the sound resolve into silence.

"We really should have done that sooner, huh?" Briar asked, and Aster couldn't help the soft laugh that left him, even as a slight flush coloured his cheeks.

"You're right," he murmured, offering her a smile. "It had just….been a while. I'd forgotten how much I loved it." He'd always loved music, but making it was something entirely different. Maybe he'd get back to making more…., and maybe he'd even share it again.

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For a moment, he thinks his suggestion might not have been the best one; after all, he'd come to a busy tavern on a bustling night. Choosing a folk song might not provide the right kind of atmosphere for a place and a night like this. But it had been one of the first songs he'd learned so long ago, back before he'd settled on what would one day become his profession, and it had a soft spot in his heart.

But the woman's expression is thoughtful, as though considering just how she could humour such an unusual request. She shifts to sit on the table next to him, keeping herself out of his way, which shows him that she's very aware of her physical present. He watches as she pulls the strap of her instrument over her shoulder once more and adjusts, giving him a wink as she promises to liven things up.

A light flush spreads over his cheeks as he smiles back once more, unable to resist. She calls out to the place within him that always tries to wear a smile, if not for himself, then for others, and succeeds in lifting his spirits immensely.

As she sings, he rests a hand on his chin, elbow on the table to support it, his tail shifting into a more upright position. It had previously been down, slightly curled around him, and it's clear from its position that he's enjoying her performance.

The way she sings, the way she embodies the song fills his own heart with delight, and despite the fact that his original plan had not worked, this was turning out to be much better than he'd ever considered.

He notes the way she also serenades a campaign poster of Robyn Hill, and his tail flicks behind him. Aster had talked to Robyn a time or two, and he considered her to be quite a good judge of character. If she knew Robyn, beyond everything else, she was very much the sort of person he'd like to get to know more; from the way she'd so effortlessly drawn him out of himself, to her voice, to the intriguing company she presented…, Aster very much wanted to talk to her, to at least introduce himself.

He applauds with the rest of the crowd, broad grin on his face. She had done so much more than simply fulfill his request, and he had enjoyed every moment of her performance.

Oh! Briar earns not just attention, but a smile which lifts shadows to light up those lovely black-gold freckles! Fellow faunus answers an alpha's call so readily, and she-wolf's tail perks, too, in solidarity and sympatico.

"Greensleeves..." Marigold eyes sheen as she turns the title over on her tongue. She knows the tune, of course. The man speaks of songs less for the hard knock, hard rock city life, and more of her homeland countrysides. He must not be from Mantle.

"A rather solemn acapella for a bustling Friday night..." she thinks aloud with a light lilt and a finger tapping dark lips. Her gaze shifts over the crowd, then upwards towards her inner thoughts, another tilt of her head. She sees this not as a barrier, but a creative challenge. Oh, this is why she comes to the broody ones! Never a dull time.

That squat turns into a full sit, and long legs shuffle until they're hanging off the edge, her hips tucked and tail curled well enough out of the man's way. She has no stage with a stool, nor log before a bonfire, so seated over a table makes close enough to an intimate performance setting. She pulls on the strap lain over her shoulder, Harmonizer sliding back into place against her chest and in her lap. A few switching of settings to folk synth and guitar and then she winks, "...I'll see what I can do to liven it up."

She opens with a speedier tempo and a fun guitar harmony overlying the typical haunting melodic notes.

♫ ♬ Ahhhh, ahhh... Alas my love you do me wrong to cast me off discourteously and I have loved you oh so long delighting in your company..." ♫ ♬

Her voice focuses on the soothing shifts of inflection, the longing and desire from verse to verse, rather than pure vocal performance. Nothing and no one needed to be perfect tonight. She-wolf closes her eyes at times, sways side to side, flicks her tail tip up and down, and lets her fingers linger or jump from strings as they strum, savoring or skipping through beats as they please. She plays from the heart to the person who requests, more being to being, and less about professionalism.

Eventually she slides and stands, continuing to play and sing while engaging nearby others, as she is ever wont to do before too long - to draw in and reach out to a whole audience.

♫ ♬ Greensleeves was all my joy Greensleeves was my delight Greensleeves my heart of gold ♫ ♬

If Briar just so happens to wander up to the wall, leaning a shoulder into and singing with her head turned to the side, towards a campaign poster of Robyn Hill, as if she also serenades the woman herself, well... make of that what you will.

♫ ♬ And who but my Lady Greensleeves... ♫ ♬

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Send hearts for how your muse feels // Accepting!

@flightofaqrow asked: I don't think he's met Aster yet but probably 💓

💓: Is intimidated by them, but wants to be friends with them.

Oh he will. And Aster will win him over eventually.

Aster's tail is upright, the tip bent even as he grins. "I'm only intimidating if you're a Grimm or a dessert." And he loves talking to people.

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@caeloservare asked: "Mister Winton, would you by any chance have time to aid some of the students that came to Atlas? The Fall of Beacon was quite an experience and I believe we could use your expertise. Of course, you will be given a fair payment and whatever else you will find needed, accommodation in the Academy included."

Though he hadn't been in Vale at the time, Aster Winton was very aware of the Fall of Beaon. At this point, he was pretty sure that most people in Remnant were aware of what had happened, or at least some version of it. Before the CCT had gone down, there had been all sorts of footage…., and then afterwards, well. The smaller towns had had to wait weeks for any sort of news to be delivered on foot, if it ever made it there.

He'd been very busy, after that, doing his best to tend to his own feelings about the school he'd gone to falling, along with everyone else's. There was a lot he still had to process, but that could wait; he had other people to worry about, especially with this request from James Ironwood.

Aster was absolutely going to help, of course he was. He couldn't force anyone to come talk to him, but maybe if they knew there was someone who would listen, it might help.

"I'm already on my way," was the only response; he had work to do.

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@vanilleneo liked this post for a starter

While Aster offered his services to pretty much anyone, he hadn't anticipated being engaged as part of the terms of what was essentially house arrest. It wouldn't be the first time he'd had a client who had been in some sort of trouble, and it likely wouldn't be the last. He had agreed to meet with the young woman, to see if she'd be willing to talk to him.

It was at that point he had been informed that she couldn't talk and did he happen to understand sign language? As it happened, he'd learned sign when he was younger, in part so he could talk to a couple of other faunus children whose traits meant they were hard of hearing, in addition to simply wanting to learn another language.

He made his way to the space where he was to meet the young woman, "office" setup in his bag. While he made minimal notes during a session, he made sure to get everything written down afterwards, so he'd be able to properly refer back if he needed to.

While this wasn't his usual setup, he took a little bit of time to make things as comfortable as he could, going so far as to have a few different drink options, as well as some snacks, just in case. And anyway, there was the possibility that the young woman simply wouldn't talk to him. He hoped she would; he hadn't met her yet, but he'd been told a little bit about her. Aster had filed the information away, perfectly content to meet the young woman without any preconceived notions going in. She was just as worthy of compassion as anyone else, and he intended to show her that, if she'd let him.

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As soon as the General stepped into his space, Aster could tell that he was uncomfortable. James Ironwood was not someone who liked to talk about himself, especially not with someone like Aster. He had attempted to reassure the other man that he was simply here to help the people that wanted to talk to him, that he wouldn't force his presence or assistance on anyone. And that includeded the General.

Aster pours a cup of steaming coffee for the general even as his tea finishes steeping. He adds a little bit of honey to his own beverage before taking them both over to the table, rather than the desk that's also in the room. Both cups are placed on the table, and Aster deposits himself in his preferred chair, legs curled up under him, tail upright, the tip bent to show that he was just being friendly.

His hands wrap around the cup in front of him as he considers the questions Ironwood asked him. There's only so much he can say, really, but he can at least reassure the other man a little bit.

"Definitely not too much trouble," he replies, offering the General a soft smile. "There's a lot going on for them right now, and I'm just doing my best to listen." Or talk, if the situation called for it. Sometimes it took a little while for people to open up, especially to him.

"Good to see you too, Aster." He greeted politely, but very much avoided taking any seat for now. Something about the place felt off for James. Maybe he was too used to his barely lived in, too clean and rather cold spaces.

"Coffee would be great. Thank you." It could be the awareness that this was basically Aster's office. James couldn't help being a bit too alert, as if disturbing this space would bring out to light everything he preferred to hold locked tightly in his chest. Then again it was only fair to meet Aster in his office, given how often they met in his as well.

"How are the students doing?" He might be speaking a tiniest bit slower than usual, putting a lot of effort in picking words and topics. Funny how he was more confident dealing with the Grimm than dealing with Aster too close to his professional setting. "I hope they're not too much trouble?"

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@allbains liked this post for a starter from Aster!

Even if only a few people had dropped by to see this new stranger who was going to be staying on the island for a little while (from what he gathered, it wasn't exactly that unusual; faunus came to Menagerie when they needed an escape, when they needed a fresh start, any number of reasons, really), Aster was enjoying his time here so far. Even though it had its own unique problems, it really was a beautiful place.

There were all sorts of faunus everywhere he looked, and the sight made his heart swell. It had been a long time since he'd been to Menagerie, and he had forgotten what it was like, to know that everyone here was a faunus, that there weren't any places people would yell at him or look down on him for simply existing.

Which was why he was sitting at one of the many little outdoor cafes, just enjoying a morning iced coffee, without having to worry.

After a moment, another patron came in, looking around as though trying to find a seat…., but the only free one was the other chair at his table.

"You're welcome to sit down here if you need a seat," he called out to the newcomer, offering a pleasant smile. It wasn't like he needed two chairs, after all.

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Aster had taken a calculated risk, greeting the other man so informally, and it appeared that today was not the day for such things. In all honesty, he couldn't blame Corsac for reacting to someone he barely knew, that he might have been introduced to once in passing.

His tail flicked up to more of an angle that it had been, reflecting his shift in mood. He inclined his head, doing his best to show that he respected the other faunus, that he wasn't trying to intrude, not really, but he hadn't exactly gotten off to a good start.

"I apologize; I did not mean to offend," he said, "I sometimes forget myself and get….carried away when meeting new people. Your reputation precedes you, and I neglected my manners."

He knew the fox faunus might still turn him away, but perhaps if he actually introduced himself, then he might be able to salvage this botched meeting. "Aster Winton," he said, offering a hand to the other man, though he might not accept right now, "at your service. I do apologize again for my familiarity; it was meant in the best of intentions."

When the twins had heard that a therapist found themselves in the quaint little village of Kuo Kuana, whether by choice or something else, they couldn't help but roll their eyes. Fellow faunus or not, the very concept of therapy just seemed... pointless. Corsac and Fennec detested the idea of someone trying to invade their way into their psyches, wanting to get to the root of what was ' wrong ' with them.

Ridiculous.

Still exhausted from the trip back from Vale, Fennec stayed home to rest while Corsac took, what was supposed to be, a quick trip to the farmer's market. The unexpected ( and unwanted ) greeting was thought to had been from someone he was familiar with -- Saber or, perhaps, one of the other guards -- but Corsac didn't recognize the man at all.

"I don't see why that would matter to you," the fox says coldly, only sparing the feline faunus a half glance. It was one thing to be approached by an associate, but a complete stranger? Maybe he didn't need rice that bad. "If there is nothing you need from me, do us both a kindness and go away."