#❁ : kleinstar&o1.

[eusarca]

A chillier late summer day was the perfect time to put on an extra layer — a rarely worn black bucket hat included — and get outside. Kyrie couldn't recall clearly when the leaves were going to start changing in this city, so it was time for a good long look at the outside of the forest while it was still an uninterrupted deep green.

As it turned out, it was not only cool, but impressively windy. Despite pulling their hat down firmly several times, a strong gust of wind eventually swept it off their head. Kyrie chased it, but it was obviously a waste of energy almost immediately: a branch well out of reach caught the fabric and held tight.

Lowering their raised arms, Kyrie sighed. At least it hadn't gone further. They had more than one way of dealing with it, too. After pondering which to use, they laid their eyes on the hat one more time. With no wind movement whatsoever, it suddenly plucked itself off the tree and fell into their cupped hands.

Satisfied, they turned to continue their stroll and stopped abruptly. Another individual was nearby, which meant he had the opportunity to see the whole ordeal.

"...Windy today, isn't it?"

★ @kleinstar

[desirend]

@kleinstar

the fairies (pixies?) in the area were both similar to the ones he knew and yet nothing like them at all. similar in stature, perhaps, but these appeared entirely sentient on their own and mischievous to boot. there was no one controlling them, which made their teasing all the more humorous.

not to the one being tormented, of course.

as Mithrun approaches their little village, he stops a few paces away from a man who the pixies were trying to tug at the hair of.

"...What did you do to anger them like that?"

[thiefguild]

@kleinstar

obviously Titus was attracted to something called a "funhouse," even if he had absolutely no idea what it entailed until he got in there. apparently there were several different activities, but he'd decided to go with the flow and follow the crowd, unable--or perhaps unwilling--to make a decision. this typically worked out for him, led him into some interesting scenarios, but...maybe not this time.

the mirror room absolutely sucked.

he'd had the mind to follow someone, but when he'd taken a moment to get his bearings, everyone around him seemed to scatter, making their way through the room full of weird mirrors.

"This place is a nightmare!" between his already messed up depth perception and general sensory issues, he felt...off. "How am I supposed to even check myself out if these mirrors are all messed up?!"

[ngdays]

"AI-generated art exhibit? What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

He was standing in Golden, later in the afternoon, transfixed by a bizarre flyer for a small "art" studio somewhere else in the ward. The design of the flyer looked slightly off somehow, but maybe six or seven fingers on a human hand counted as high art these days?

@kleinstar

[thornroyal]

@kleinstar // starter call!

❁ : yor had wanted a proper weapon for a while now; while she had really wanted her stilettos back, she had accepted that the people in charge here had no intentions of giving them back to her anytime soon. the idea had been to go to looking for a replacement - anything would be better than the sad wooden replicas she had already accidentally broken - but after searching around most of the wards, she had yet to find anything even remotely serviceable.

so now she had ended up in the fantastical ward, the one that made her think of a storybook of fairy tales. the market there was certainly interesting, albeit much more mundane than the rest of the ward, but whether or not it would have what she needed remained to be seen.

'do you have anything... sharper?' the fae man simply stared back at her in silence. she wasn't entirely certain what he was selling, aside from all the implements laid out in front of her appearing to be made of silver and other gleaming materials. 'i was just hoping...'

[unlikely-leader]

@kleinstar || Starters 2/5

Even trapped within a dream, Dwight could not find salvation. A stomach, starved for what felt a millennia, gurgles painfully, leaving him to stumble and weave by the passing crowds only to stop steps before a local bakery. His mouth had started to salivate long before the aroma of fresh baked goods hit him, and yet, he knew checking the tattered remains of his wallet would do him no justice.

That still didn't stop him from looking... Twice... Thrice... Maybe the tiniest little peek once more in the hopes that money would show...

"Damn it, why do i even try-" He sighs, defeated, playing with the lone singular dollar that had survived trial after trial. A once thought good luck token now seen only as a painful reminder of what once was; a life plagued by the miseries of paycheck-to-paycheck living.

Still, he cannot help himself but stare longingly inside. Maybe he could...? Or perhaps even?

Surely the owners wouldn't mind underpaid labor for a measly muffin or two.

[sunliteve]

"From Japan and familiar with Ismael Onai? It's a small world, no?" The little connections were amusing, but to be honest, hearing "I'm from Japan" was a great relief. It was grounding, hearing someone else acknowledge where Hiyori was meant to be as a real place. It was, and he could never forget that, but the history of this mysterious island acted as if it wasn't.

"I'd like to hear more about the Japan you remember sometime, if that's all right with you." Could they have crossed paths unknowingly, or were their circumstances drastically different?

Eiden's almost questioning explanation was entertaining as well. "Ahaha, it sounds like you thought very seriously about it. It was good work in the moment, and it'd be fun to see what you might do with other roles in the future. ♪"

" Oh! I'm from Japan too! ... but oh do I know the feeling... " Eiden laughs, " either way if you need support with that don't be afraid to ask your local seasoned veteran! "

Eiden jokes but there's the hidden genuinity behind his words. He would be more than happy to lend an ear.

" Oh Starberry right? I know the owner actually. I extend the same suggestion again --- "

" Hey now, even useless husbands dream of lap pillows right? "

What can Eiden say - he's a guy with moments of weaknesses. This one's fairly innocent one too! Simple classic that most love!

" Err, miiix maybe?" Eiden then continues more seriously, " I know it's a role but since it's mostly improv I can't check OKs and all that as easily? But then also...Since the end is vague it's might be fun to keep it a little more lighthearted right? Like... if I had just gone full domestic violence that'd have made it less up to interpretation maybe? "

[fellstcr]

@kleinstar​ / maskerade starter call !

⚔️ //  byleth  turned  her  gaze  from  the  sign  reading  MISTWOOD’S  MERRY  MAZE   to  the  young  man  who  stood  beside  her.  “. . .  participate?”  she  had  echoed  ,  and  her  HESITATION  was  evident.  her  attention  turned  back  to  the  crowd  of  people.  “i'm  not  sure  that  would  be  beneficial.  i  cannot  say  that  i  trust  these  woods.”

[icebride]

★ : in spite of being sixteen herself, miorine feels the gulf between her and this child acutely - is she an adult to be turned to, or just another lost child herself? regardless, she doesn't plan to act like either.

'there aren't any orphanages around here.' that she knows of, anyway - everything is shrouded in mist. there could be a skyscraper or a jungle out there for all she knows.

'you shouldn't be out here alone. come on.' she gestures to him, a flippant one-handed motion. this is about as gentle as miorine gets; she doesn't know where to go either, but there's something in her that softens slightly in the moment. pity or sympathy? who knows. 'who's supposed to be looking after you? i'll have to scold them for letting you run off.'

@icebride

If someone asks he's fine. Truthfully he's a little scared but he refuses to get upset about it. He shouldn't.

They've given him directions on what to do when you get lost. First... you need to find an adult or at least someone older. Here he has one - she looks a little like an anime character but that's... probably not a problem.

She's the only one around anyway. Now next up, introduce yourself, tell where you're coming from--

" ...hey you. "

" ....I'm Eiden from [Orphanage Name]. Do you know how to get there? "

[sunliteve]

"I suppose that makes sense," Hiyori replied, his expression still slightly doubtful. "Magic wasn't more than someone pulling a dove out of his sleeve back in Japan, but it's the only way to explain some of what happens here. I'll accept it."

He was still remotely hanging on to this island being on some form of Earth, but he was sure this wasn't his home country.

"Give it a try once and we'll see what you think after that. My agency likely has any extra technical hands I need taken care of, but I'll keep your offer in mind. If any other acting competitions pop up, you can feel free to invite me along! I would be happy to be your reluctant lap pillow again in the future," he teased.

"Oh, I did have a question about your performance! At the time you fell, were you uncomfortable with the Groom's behavior, or did it just seem like the correct escalation to you? It was an amusing decision, either way."

" You can say that again... " Eiden laughs, voice dropping a little bit, he quickly rises the pitch though, continuing: " Ah, but don't worry! My case is unusual for sure! And unrelated moreover so... Seriously, I doubt there'll be any new worlds at very least!! "

At least besides whatever incidents their captors would cook - momentary transfers and such. Eiden can only think that he's lucky to have settled so well here and to Klein too, well enough to create a home.

" Oh definitely! ....I mean, honestly I preferred it there over my own world anyway. "

" Oh that's easy enough - magic! For most part it's just that... There's some technology in other countries over there though I've yet to see things like say.... cellphones. "

Eiden can't say he has a good scope of it though but a general thought for sure.

" I could time from time maybe? And if you need visiting help I'll be your guy - I've done quite a load of different part-time jobs so honestly not even related to just that either hehe. "

[sunliteve]

"...I really hope it won't happen a third time to you, or a second time to me." As relaxed as Hiyori kept his face, that was awful information to take in. Time to look at the bright side!

"Ah, but you did get to enjoy a fun idol competition in the last one, so it doesn't sound like that bad of a place! How did that work without all the light and sound technology we rely on these days?" he asked with great interest, even leaning forward a bit more. Performances by ES idols were so flashy that it was difficult to imagine going without even half of the technical work behind them.

"Hmm~ if you're not that committed to it, you're welcome to join me for one of my solo training sessions. I'm no professional when it comes to instructing, but you still may learn something and enjoy a mini show in the process☆"

" ...oh right yeah! You got that correct! "

" Err, guess I can't say 'just twice' but no more than that at least. Either that or I'm having a looooong weird dream. "

Which would kind of suck if he was honest. That he'd just wake up from the office with drool on cheek and have to get back on working.... Beyond depressing thought.

" Aww you flatter me! " Eiden laughs, " ahh, yeah I think I generally prefer being in the audience buuut...."

He hums and then shrugs with a laugh.

" ...well, it's still fun! I do genuinely enjoy it! From time to time, so polishing skills might not be that bad..."

[sunliteve]

"Previous world" and "modern ways" stuck out to him. Hiyori tilted his head; if his interpretation was correct, Eiden had already been in an separate unbelievable situation like this. This was baffling in a way different from hearing Hikaru say she'd been here five years, but at least he'd since distanced himself from the fear he felt back then.

"Let me see if I understand. You were in a different different world before this, and it didn't have modern technology? Have you been tossed around in situations like this often?" he asked, a marvel to his tone. Fear aside, Hiyori couldn't imagine keeping it together a second time.

He leaned back before answering what he'd been asked, a smile returning to his lips. "What isn't there to be happy about with such a seamless performance with a handsome leading man? ♪" He took a sip from his glass, then continued.

"It could have been disastrous in more ways than usual because we weren't working with a script, but it wasn't. I would just say your singing technique could use more polish if you wanted to continue performing with it. It was pleasant to hear as it was, but it'd be even more impressive to your listeners that way."

" Haha thanks, thanks... But I mean how could I not! Those guys put their hearts on to the performance! Despite all the difficulties..."

He'd been a sobbing mess afterwards too.

" In the previous world I was in! I wish I could share it too but Klein hadn't got any modern ways of recording haha... So not a chance I'm afraid. "

It's a shame. He'd like to see it again if he could as well, his mind hasn't recorded it as well as he wished. He'd be more than happy to show it off as much as he could!

Before his thoughts drifts too far he spots Hiyori's cup at the peripheral of his visions and joins in and clinks his against it.

" I'd say that goes for our show too eh? Happy with everything? " Eiden then proceeds to ask.

[sunliteve]

Hiyori claimed one of the celebratory soda glasses for himself as Eiden went into his past musical experience, but might as well have forgotten he was holding it afterward. The early enthusiasm was engaging, later shining so brightly it was infectious. It was a good look on anyone, and one Hiyori enjoyed interacting with.

"You have quite the range as well! Fufu, you sound so proud of you and your friends' work on that competition that it's a shame I wasn't able to see it. Was that in the past on this island, or where you came here from?" If it was the first, it was possible to watch it even now if there was a recording somewhere. If it was the second, that seemed much less likely — Hiyori had zero luck finding anything related to Eden's performances so far.

"Congratulations, either way! A successful performance you put your all into is like nothing else." Although he'd just missed the earlier clinking (close enough to hear the "Cheers", but not close enough to join), he raised his glass to belatedly encourage Eiden into one more round of it.

" The wifey deserves no less! " Eiden laughs.

" Ah! I knew it!!! You have that voice control and all down so you'd have to be! I'm the one that's honoured to share the stage here! "

It was always cool to watch professional at work, no matter what it was. The way the years of accumulated skills hidden shone hidden in a display that seemed so effortless was beyond beautiful.

" It was fun of course! I haven't done much theater really - I was a bush in the school play haha... I guess you could say I can act my way out of a pinch! "

Eiden snickers. The skill had been a useful one for sure - definitely helped in Crowwood for instance. The part-time jobs and his adventures in Klein sure

" I've got a bit of a patchwork of experience though... Learned to do some mixing and composing electronically and then later friend's teacher taught me some of the more uh... acoustical composing? "

Edmond's teacher had been a strict one but Eiden was glad to have gone through it all. No doubt it'd be one of his most proudest and treasured moments, so he can't help the wide smile sparkling on his face as he continues:

" Actually, my friends took part in an idol competition so that's how that latter came about! I designed their outfits too, they did the lyrics and singing... Everyone worked really hard and of course we won the whole thing! "

[sunliteve]

"Wow~ what a warm welcome from the groom." If Eiden would keep it going, so would he. Hiyori joined him without hesitation, sitting more comfortably in a lighter shirt and a less gaudy necklace. To capture the audience's attention and have them draw the right conclusion more showy had been better than subtle style, at least on a stage where a camera wasn't going to trail right after him like a duckling after its mother.

"Thank you! As an idol, many kinds of work are expected of me. I'm more knowledgeable about stage acting in theory than in practice, but I've acted in TV dramas and I am on the stage all the time for vocal performances," he explained readily. "I suppose it was purely for fun this time. And fun it was!"

Hiyori stretched his arms over his head, a brilliant smile on his face. "What about you? You did well committing to your character, no matter how ridiculous the role became. Very good work — I'm glad to have taken the stage with you."

Any criticisms he had could wait for an honest interest on Eiden's part or simply be forgotten. This was for fun, and it went far more smoothly than it could have.

" Cheers! "

Eiden clinks the glasses with the staff members he's been chatting after arriving to the backstage. On the side lies abandoned the frills from his neck together with the ornamental coat - the stagework is sweatier job than he remembered. He lies back on the sofa now looking for his missing counterpart.

" Oh there comes the bride!! " he cheerily exclaims giving round of applause while humming the wedding waltz. The staff joins right in until quieting back to their own conversation.

" ...good job back there. Previous experience, I bet? " Eiden now continues.

He laughs then patting an empty spot beside him.

" Sit down though, will you! There's still plenty of snacks left! "

[sunliteve]

The Bride let out a quiet sigh of relief as soon as the struggle ended and the Groom flung his body on the couch. It was in view of the audience, but too soft for him to catch. For a moment she thought she was free, but then his boorish hand started reaching for her again.

It wasn't so normal for someone requesting a lap pillow to inspire such a longing for violence, but nothing was normal in this home. It was another opportunity, she thought to herself; what if she simply took it?

🎵 It's the least I can do for you, dear; I'd love to have you near Anything to keep you away from yet another beer! 🎵

So she sucked it up and took a seat on the couch, accepting the weight of his head on her thigh.

🎵 I'll stay with you for as long as it takes… I'll pray for sweet dreams for both our sakes~🎵

A gentle hand rested on his forehead and smoothed his hair back. No longer in need of words, she began vocalizing a slow, calming tune. In a state of relaxation, he'd be in a vulnerable enough state to finally end this. But her goal was to marry him first and reap the rewards, wasn't it? Did this really need an ending so soon?

As she continued her song, she looked up toward the audience. The internal conflict was clear — and his earlier words darkened the shadow over her expression.

To the individual manning the camera, Hiyori gave a subtle gesture. After receiving a nod in return, the Bride's hands began to gradually move toward the Groom's neck. The lullaby stayed sweet as it began to drift away toward silence, but the tense, claw-like pose of her hands made it clear that what she might be about to do to him was anything but.

To signify the end of the filming, the lights briefly went out just before the Bride's fingers touched him.

From a wide surprise reflecting on his face and once more he explodes into laughter.

🎵Ooh wifey....🎵

🎵I knew you'd be benevolent! We truly chose you well.... 🎵

He hums as he grasps for support, a little roughly as one might expect from a drunk. He takes the support slinging arm over her neck and from there drops himself to the couch but once more reaches his hand - now for her sleeve, to turn in a request.

🎵 But wifey...To help this poor sap... may I borrow your lap? My head aches so ... I must lay it to rest....🎵

[sunliteve]

The Groom raised the stakes again, becoming more pitiful by the second. At first the Bride gazed at him with sympathy, but when he reached for her, pain briefly flashed over it. Must she? She would, but.

She raised her chin and consoled herself. This was her new opportunity: do as he asked and maybe earn some obedience in return. Probably not, but.

🎵 Darling, I'll help you on one condition— Please sit down before you need a physician! 🎵

The gentle look and extended hand she offered him were as sincere as she could force them to be. She did her best to help him up, even using two hands to steady if need be. As she did so, she tried to not-too-subtly guide him onto the couch proper.

🎵 You may be too messy for bed, But I'll sing you a lullaby if you rest your head~🎵

Out of spotlight now the groom struggles getting to his feet. Each step more arduous than other.. From his pocket falls off a flask, spilling on the floor. Never mind wetting his knees on the process the groom crawls to pick it up.

" ...ahaha.... "

It comes without a melody now, casting confused look for her final line. As she continues however the thread seems to fall off the groom as well.

🎵Oh my that gave me a fright. But of course you wouldn't wish ill for me right? Wifey... oh wifey... 🎵

He crawls to her now, pathetically trying to grab her by knee.

🎵....ah but I truly, try as I might... I cant seem to stand. Perhaps you could lend a hand? 🎵