#I won't say anything about alter Keith yet

[dicegoblinstreasures]

I can feel the gremlin energy taking over.

[dicenete]

I repainted his face more times than probably necessary but something always caught my eye and still does, but it is done. is done. It's fine. xD IkePri Tagteam:

@scummy-writes @goustmilk @solacedeer @m-mmiy @mxrmaid-poet

@pawnkyyy @ludivineikewolf @violettduchess @floydsteeth @wistfulwanderingone

@sh0jun @lorei-writes

A little bit of rambling of him below the break, spoilers (Keith's route, and little bit of Nokto's route) and such :0 so you have been warned.

TL;DR: I enjoyed the route despite its questionable elements. MC is too forgiving at times, but other than that, romanctic route was cute. Licht, the third wheel, was funny but sad.

Okay first about Keith's visual design: I really love how his design is the most asymmetrical from the suitors. Like the jacket and the vest he has. The jacket is very interestingly layered, almost like you aren't sure which part is the main thing and what is the accent. The green or the gold? The host or the alter? : D Same with his vest. His duality is battling in his clothing too hahaha

Keith's route was interesting. I had heard lots of differing opinions about it and I had my own reservations.

One mainly about the portrayal of DID and how the route does it. First things first: I'm not an expert at all. I won't even humor the idea that I had any say in anything regarding it. But overall, it could have been worse? Of course it might be very extreme in the way Alter Keith is hostile towards Host Keith. And of course you shouldn't take this as the only way the alter systems work. But as I said: I'm not an expert.

I had heard that the dramatic route follows Alter Keith and romantic route host Keith. I picked the romantic one. I had my personal reasons for that tho. But aside from that, it was nice to be with Keith that who struggled with self-worth. It was nice to see him grow as a character and find that strength to stand up for himself. (The fact that the host Keith seems to think that he is inferior to Alter Keith and that people would prefer the alter over him. The amount of stress that will bring. )

Keith's uncle was your very generic villain/antagonist without any real depth. He was a spoiled noble and so on. But since this was more about Keith inner journey I thought it was fine that it was like that.

The drugging scene… Well. That's a… a topic. Hmm… Host Keith himself felt very guilty about it and was full of remorse. Not that it was his choice to do it. Alter Keith well… He might justify it because he was gathering information about a rumor that might endanger his home country and people if it were true. I kinda can see where he is coming from, but also...IT CERTAINLY WAS DESTROYING OF TRUST. Like that time when Nokto "accidently" gets MC drunk. but hey ho. Since there is limited time frame for the chapters, I do understand they can't really jam all the things there, but I wanted Belle be more angry with him with Alter Keith for longer.

Maybe that's what bugs me sometimes. That Belle/Emma/MC is sometimes too forgiving and too much of a doormat. It works in routes like Yves and Licht (from the routes I have played, Leon seems like the most respectable gentleman too), because they are not being insulting towards her. I would even think that she works with Clavis, tho I would love to see him with someone who shares his chaotic gremlin energy. But with characters like Chev, Silvio or Alter Keith the their "power" doesn't feel balanced. MC seems to be completely on their mercy even if they stand up to them in some way. (Gilbert is another can of nasty things.)(With Chev's route, well, that is also a rambling for another time. But I haven't finished his route yet. so I will keep my ramblings to myself for now.)

Is Keith's route more about acceptance then? Accepting the good and the bad of a person? Possibly. I would think that is a good way to put it. Both Keiths have good and bad sides. And it seems that they are working on them.

[lorei-writes]

Hi, Lorei! I'm here for the first time for the Weekend Party to drop Keith, of course! But I'm also dropping Chevalier because I'm curious about your insight on what he's wearing to bed 😁

Thank you, dear! Have a good weekend ~

Aye, aye, hello there!

I'm not sure how insightful it is, but... Well, let's say it was silly hours and it was fun, hahaha.

Keith

I think it'd be practical to make a distinction between Keith and alter!Keith.

Keith... I imagine, possibly one of those long nightshirts? Or just a longer loose shirt. Nice soft linen. Feels good against his skin, just a bit more abrasive than lukewarm water. No unnecessary embellishments that'd provide overabundance of stimuli -- it's supposed to be soothing, calming, so that he can sleep well.

Chilly drafts upset his ears, so add a night cap to that.

Alter!Keith, on the other hand, has no qualms whatsoever about anything sleep-related, especially when it can rile Keith up. He prefers his birthday suit. Welcomes the danger head on, he'll deal with any possible assassins, they'll deal with the sight of him, and well, Keith will deal with himself later. (Or... he won't. Why was there no blanket?!)

Chevalier

See, this is the part where I could go into a rant on why I don't understand the embroidered detail and there being buttons on his casual wear shirt that he presumably wears to bed. But. I shall RESIST the temptation. (It's just sprites, it's just sprites, they have a limited amount of sprites, they have a --)

I headcanon a men's shirt for him, specifically XVIII century one. I suppose that I'd commonly be seen as a basic pirate shirt? Again, nice linen! No buttons! Plain, nothing scratchy, very breathable, presentable if necessary. Fairly loose, but still with enough form for it not to become a hindrance to his freedom of movement. The only unusual thing about it is that all the individual pieces for it have been cut PRECISELY following specific fabric threads, thus making it an immaculate piece of work. Stitching it also top-notch, if not downright pedantic.

... And it has to be, because it's not like they're going to have him wear a bib before he swings that not-so-fun-time sword. THOSE POOR WASHERWOMEN. And poor shirts. They sure take some beating for those stains to be banished -- because, of course, they're white.

Now! More interesting part! The bottoms! Because there'd be bottoms. Not because of any real risk, but because he doesn't want for Clavis to spread rumours that nobody who has seen the family jewels of the 2nd Prince lives to see the light of the day. (Urban legend potential?)

Well, maybe not that interesting. They don't have any elastics yet, I believe, so they'd have to be tied at the waist -- possibly laced, because whew, it wouldn't be practical to have to pull up your own falling pants in a combat situation.

Weekend Party

[eventinelysplayground]

Here's my entry for @judejazza and @nightghoul381 event #falling4youccc. I used the prompts Stars by Simply Red along with warm in your arms because it fit well. It's my first ever event entry so hope everyone enjoys, I have used caps for his name when it's alter/wicked Keith talking. I also plan for to have a prequel epilogue and sequel for this as it works with other ideas that have been floating around in my head. I don't know who made the banner but they did a great job and thanks for letting us use it.

A Starry Night

It was a clear night, the sky above filled with stars while a warm and gentle breeze blew around them. Emma and Keith were strolling along a little used path when he took her by the hand and veered off to the left. After awhile they came to a clearing with one big willow tree and wildflowers growing all around.

Emma: Oh wow it's so beautiful here, and you have such a great view of all the stars! Thank you for bringing me here.

Emma stared up at the stars for a moment then turned to face Keith who was now sitting up against the willow on top of a blanket.

Keith: I'm so happy you like it, I apologize for not bringing you here before now but I'd forgotten about this place myself until the other day. I'm so terribly sorry.

Emma quickly walked over and sat beside Keith placing a hand on his arm.

Emma: You don't need to apologize it's alright, though honestly I'm a bit surprised you forgot about a place like this.

Keith: Well....that's because this is somewhere HE would come not me.

Emma: Oh....

Emma looked away from Keith. Her voice had been hoarse and barely above a whisper and her heart clamored uneasily.

She thought about the last time she had spoken to Wicked Keith, it was almost two weeks ago now. He had escorted her back to her room after the ball leaving her at her door saying he'd be back in a bit but it wasn't him who had come back. Ever since then Wicked Keith had been avoiding her, at first she had just thought he wasn't comming out for some reason but it went on for too long. Then yesterday she had seen him talking with Liam and when she approached them Wicked Keith switched out as soon as he saw her.

Keith: Emma?

Keith's gentle voice broke through Emma's thoughts.

Emma: Sorry l, what were we talking about?

Emma felt Keith's large fingers running through her hair then his other hand cupping her cheek turning her to face him again.

Keith: I have something I need to tell you. Will you just listen to me until I'm done?

Emma's heart sank and all she could muster was was a small nod. Yet she held Keith's gaze, his golden eyes seeming to search her own. At last he released her both of them facing forward as Keith let out a sigh.

Keith: HE'S terrible for making you so worried and hurting you like this. I'm even worse for not doing anything about it until now. I just thought he would talk to you himself soon I never thought....

Out of the corner of her eye Emma saw Keith turn to look at her but she couldn't face him.

Keith: I've tried talking with HIM but he's being stubborn about this and won't say anything to me. I'm not entirely sure what's going on I can't follow along with what he's actually thinking but I can tell you what he feels.

Emma drew in a sharp breath and clenched her hands in her skirts while panic continued welling up inside her.

Keith: You make him so incredibly happy Emma, he loves every little thing about you and enjoys every moment he spends with you and treats you better then anyone else. Liam has said if he would show him even a fraction of the respect and kindness he shows you he'd be much more pleasant to deal with. The way he loves you....honestly I've though for quite awhile now that he lov...

KEITH: That's enough already!

Emma startled and quickly turned to look at Keith.

KEITH: It's late and gonna get cooler, we need to head back.

Emma stared at Wicked Keith momentarily dazed. He had quickly stood up and she reached out grabbing on tightly to the hem of his cloak.

Emma: Wait...please!

Emma's voice was almost frantic and it halted Keith in his tracks.

Emma: I don't know what's happened lately but I don't want you to hide anything from me remember? Even if it's going to hurt me I want to know, and the sooner the better.

Emma hadn't been able to look at Keith as she spoke. Her voice was so faint and trembling it surprised her while tears had started streaming down her face. Suddenly she felt his warm fingers grasp her chin tilting it upwards forcing her to look at him. He was knelt in front of her staring at her.

KEITH: Normally I love your reactions, but not this time.

Emma found herself lost in his golden gaze while his free hand awkwardly wiped away her tears.

KEITH: It's all true. Everything he said and more summing it all up...I love you with reckless abandon.

Emma's eyes widened and she felt her body start to release some of the fear and tension that had piled up.

Emma: Then if you still love me why have you been avoiding me?

KEITH: Cause for one of the rare times in my life I was dissatisfied with my actions.

Emma: What? I thought I...

Emma's words were halted by Keith's finger pressing firmly against her lips and she blinked at him in surprise.

KEITH: Just listen for now will ya.

Emma nodded.

KEITH: You did so well as hostess for the Rhodolitian delegation while they were here, too well. What started out as happiness and pride at your knowledge and love for Jade, you showing them around town, tea parties in between official business where you just beamed at them talking about your life here and everything else it all very quickly turned into jealousy and...

There was an awkward pause. Emma noticed Keith tapping his fingers against his leg and she waited for him to keep going.

KEITH: It's bad enough having to share you with him, then all that time you were spending with those two when I always want to be the only one you see, the only one you ever think about and smile for, the only one you dance with...

Emma: Keith I...

Emma started to interrupt but Keith covered her mouth with one large hand.

KEITH: No talkin!

Emma sighed in frustration but nodded anyways. Keith studied her for a moment then shifted so he was sitting leaning back on his hands.

KEITH: You know about that Dukes daughter that's been hanging around lately trying to weasel herself up to me. Well she took the delegation from Rhodolite being here as her opportunity to ramp things up, she figured you'd be to busy entertaining them and could use it to try and gain some advantage or favor.

Emma frowned, she remembered talking about the lady in question with Keith before. Apparently hers was one of the families that disliked the fact her and Keith were together and their attitude only worsened once they were officially engaged. They had subtly pushed their daughter in front of Keith before and it had hurt her feelings each time but it never crossed a certain line. Then she noticed it getting worse just before the delegation arrived, bordering the line of unacceptable more than once. Now that she thought about it she hadn't seen the Dukes daughter since the night of the ball.

KEITH: Both of us have treated her with the minimum politeness decency requires. We've started pawning her off to Liam or other nearby servants when she tries talking to us lately. I made a mistake that night at the ball though.

Emma thought back to the night Keith was talking about. The ball had been so much to plan, Keith had offered his assistance whenever she needed it and with his help it turned out spectacularly. She tried to pinpoint any single event that had happened during it, then she recalled seeing Keith talking to the Dukes daughter when she was dancing with Nokto and her brows furrowed.

KEITH: Watching you and Prince Nokto dancing together just made my jealousy worse. I know I said it was fine for him to dance with you but his dance skills are some of the best I've ever seen and I hate to admit it but you two looked great together.

Emma was about to open her mouth in protest but she quickly shut it when she caught Keith glaring at her.

KEITH: I guess she thought you dancing was a perfect opening and she came over talking and being all flirty. I was in a fowl mood and feeling ignored so this time I actually bothered to talk with her. Nothin more than safe conversation topics but I guess that spurred her or her father on I'm not sure which. I had planned on giving you a gift after the ball for all the hard work you did on it, that's why I left you at your room I realized I forgot it.

Emma glanced down at the dainty bracelet around her wrist. Keith reached out almost at the same time lifting her wrist to his lips and planting a kiss on it.

KEITH: When I went back to get this she was waiting just down the hallway from my room. She briefly struck up a conversation then came closer and wrapped her arms around my neck. I was livid and asked what the hell she thought she was doing, apparently she took the minimal courtesy as encouragement and then that conversation while you danced as an invitation. It was dealt with and you won't ever see her anywhere near the palace again but I felt so angry with myself.

I knew her actions had already been bothering you in more ways than one. Thinking about how what I had done had cause her to go so far this time and was going to cause you more pain and even jealousy, I wasn't happy about it and I needed to just get away. I didn't intend to stay hidden that long from you but when I looked at you I just felt awful all over again and couldn't bring myself to have to explain it to you.

Emma felt weak and had so many emotions swirling inside her at once she wasn't sure what to say. Keith suddenly let out a loud self depreciating laugh.

KEITH: Liam might be right, maybe I am 5 years old.

Emma looked up at Keith and smiled. Then she remembered the look on Liam's face yesterday.

Emma: Wait is he the reason the other Keith wanted to talk to me?

KEITH: Ya he had dealt with the aftermath of everything that night so he already had a pretty good idea of what was going on. Then when I disappeared like that, he smacked him on the head and demanded an explanation among other things.

Emma let out a laugh snuggling up to Keith wrapping her arms around his chest, and he wrapped his arms around her in return.

Emma: I'll need to bake him something special as a thank you. Though had you just told me from the start rather then hiding from me he wouldn't have had to hit you.

KEITH: Ya ... We really should be heading back though last thing I need now is for you to catch a cold.

Emma: I'm fine wrapped up in your arms, it's so warm and cozy. Can't we stay just a bit longer?

Emma looked up at Keith and he smiled.

KEITH: I guess so, if that's what you want. Listen I'm not the one thats good at apologies but I'm so sorry Emma.

Emma felt Keith's warm lips on the top of her head and they had never felt so good.