#avcnturine

[trailblczed]

About AVENTURINE

Let's here your thoughts, Caelus! || Accepting.

❛ First meeting him in the lobby where after just saying "Hi" and trying to hand me credits just for being a bro was.. odd, but amusing in a way. Something about him, maybe how he carried himself, kept catching my attention. Was excited to get to know another I.P.C. member after Topaz and the Jarilo complication. Though...After Penacony, my feelings about Aventurine are... complicated, to say the least. ❜

A moment to collect his thoughts, one hand coming to squeeze the pointer finger on the other hand to settle his nerves.

❛ I don't hate the guy- I like him on a personal level. He's fun and funny. But just because I like hanging out with him, doesn't mean I can trust him, or be fully comfortable with him..

Now I can't claim to be some sort of genius tactician- or even just smart in general. But.. I don't see why someone would go out of their way to be super friendly, make a deal to be allies, then turn around and throw said allies "under a bus"--- I think that's the saying.

I don't know what caused him to do what he did, and I can only be thankful we had Acheron there with us-- But just.. why..? What purpose does it serve to reveal that... reveal my.. ❜

Another pause, finger in a near choke hold. He doesn't know why saying it aloud is so unnerving- why it bothers him so much. But it's not as if people don't know now-

❛ Thanks to Aventurine, my status as the host of a Stellaron is now public knowledge. And that, alone, terrifies me, because who knows what kinds of people are out there that will now come after the Nameless.. After me..

But-- there's still a part of me that, for some reason, refuses to dislike him. Something-- somehow, somewhere-- is telling me that Aventurine can.. or is.. still my friend. Or maybe that's just me getting my hopes up! Ahah..❜

[balemouns]

"About FURINA" and "About AVENTURINE" yeah im making u do two

Send me “About [NAME]” for my character’s thoughts on another character! - accepting!

About FURINA.

"perhaps it should be none of my concern, but I do wonder at times what fontaine's beloved former goddess finds herself preparing for her meals without the staff she was once accustomed to crafting them for her. lady furina couldn't be surviving on cakes and macarons alone, could she...?" a pause as though she's listening, then a short laugh before she continues. "...starches and carbohydrates then, for the most part? I suppose that shouldn't be shocking, she has always seemed quite fond of sweets... the meals we prepare at the house would be much better for her health in the long term, though. next time the children wish to bring her something, I'll see if they want to offer a little pork steak alongside the confectionaries... it would be such a shame for them to see her lose her mortality to a sugary end."

About AVENTURINE.

"since meeting that fellow, I've spent some time reflecting on what about him feels so familiar and so foreign... aside from the advanced technology he carries with him, of course. I think it comes down to the capacity he has for collaboration when there's mutual benefit for those involved -- though if the other party did not stand to gain anything, I'd bet he'd be just as willing to take on a naive partner in an endeavor. I had considered then, too, that there was a quality to him that was quite like that of most of my colleagues among the harbingers... at the same time, his capacity for risk-taking stood out as more like that of my youngest coworker, who's always seemed much less likely to treat people that way." a shrug. "both highly intelligent and audaciously reckless. not something you see often."

[taixuandream]

"before you can protect others from darkness, you should first be able to protect yourself."

Those words sound familiar. They are the echoes of Deliverance who'd long fallen from his place as leader of those who ran towards the flame. They are the whispers of Disciple, to never lose herself in the waves of endless heat. They are melody cascading from the ascent of Gold, the light at the edge of Daybreak, the shadows of Ego, and the end of Decimation. There were others, but no point to be made in their memory.

Even her codename defied such a statement. "Vicissitude." Unwanted, undesired, unpleasant change. There was never the option to protect herself, it was never even a possibility. It was always her mission, never a desire. Each era wrought with seeping vility, lost if not for those who fought hopelessly.

In chasing a dream that was never hers, she had lost herself once before, tasting the precipice of Taixuan. This is what she was made for, to throw rocks and sticks, never born to quit.

"I don't think I know how to..." 50,000 years, her sense of self burned in the kindling of rebirth countless times. Perhaps it was yearning for rest.

"My hopes come from those I want to protect. My comfort from friends and comrades so far away." Though she'd lost those original bonds, new ones strengthened the resolve of a Phoenix. Who she once was bore little resemblance to the girl she was now. One very special person was the very reason she still stood now. Her own, foolish self-sacrifice overruled by a stubborn friend.

"Because they will protect. They'll pull me from even the darkest reaches. They already have." To find a way back home. 'Wanna run away from me? Not a chance!' Though she'd grown feigned familiarity with the passage of time, she was never alone. "They'll protect me."

[iustitians]

[WPM] How quickly can your character type, read or write?

Thought, learning and intellect headcanon asks for muses | no longer accepting

---

Very! Well, at least when it comes to official and legal documentation. As Neuvillette himself says, he has several hundred years of practice under his belt, and his duties, which would have been a serious and exhausting job for a human (or more like several humans, really), have become a simple routine to him. His natural knack in combination with all the experience he has in this aspect mean that reading such documents and immediately catching all the details required from them is completely natural to him.

The same goes for writing them, be it by hand on or the typewriter. Official documentation is, more often than not, going to have a set model and pattern - especially in a land as obsessed with such things as Fontaine - so he can produce those without thinking. In fact he is capable of writing a document while having a conversation with someone about a completely different topic at the same time, he just doesn't really do that because he believes it would be rude. If he's gonna talk to someone, he offers them his full attention.

Of course, as I mentioned in the beginning, what I said applies in particular to the kinda stuff he reads and writes at work. Give him a romance novel and he'll probably look at it like this

Not that he cannot understand and enjoy a regular book. Sure he can, similarly to how he enjoys performances at the Opera Epiclese. But those would take him a significantly longer amount of time, because he cannot really apply a standardized model to them - each has to be analyzed individually, and with him being the kinda guy he is, boy is he going to analyze it. (As well as himself and his own reactions while experiencing it, because that's also something he pays a lot of attention to.) So you'll have to give him a bit longer with those. And some books I think would be genuinely difficult for him to grasp.

I honestly wanna say that I don't think he reads that many books, though. Sometimes for sure, there is a mention of him buying a book in Sigewinne's web event if I remember right, but I definitely think he prefers performances.

[huuuugestmoney]

[ SOUVENIR ]　/　whoever arranged this tropical island getaway hadn't cut any corners. the market streets stretche seemingly without end — a bustling, kaleidoscopic bazaar of stalls one after another, tarp after display of trinkets, clothes, and jewelry for the covetous eye. aventurine won't deny he's tempted, but his pay grade isn't worth just your run-of-the-mill selection of tourist goods. and neither are those he's been tasked with shopping for.

a tall, indigo-topped man catches his eye. makes sense he'd be at a place like this, doesn't it.

"sampo, isn't it?" he wears a smile and a pleasant cordiality like dressage on approach, waiting for the other to turn and process the company before he continues. "aventurine, of the ipc's strategic investment department. we'll just waive the formal introductions, and assume someone so well-informed is already aware."

"we might not be well-acquainted, but the truth is today i could use someone like you. i hear you have a keen eye, good at panning out gold from the rocks. i'm looking for a souvenir for someone with discerning tastes. what do you say?" one-hundred-thousand credits changes hands easily, one deft palm to another. "i could use your skill."

Well, well, well - if it isn't his patron, ish.

Sampo has had his reservations in dealing with the IPC - but today's quote-unquote "adversary" could just as well be tomorrow's partner, yes? Nothing is life is ever free, of course - not even 'free giveaways' but hey! They come close!

Sampo had thought twice about the tickets being offered,

but the fine print had looked innocent enough, and so he'd not bothered to think on them thrice.

Now he wonders if maybe he should have.

Sampo isn't sure whether he should feel flattered or wary that Aventurine isn't the only one here whose reputation precedes him - or, rather, that this number includes Sampo himself. Instinct suggests the latter, flaring caution, but he really, really wouldn't mind the former and getting to preen a little-- ahem. Right.

To the business at hand, then.

Sampo knows a job when he hears one.

"Hehe. You sure have a way with words, Mister Aventurine."

The feel of money is nice. So nice!

It's the best thing since sliced bread, really.

But damn if being handed this kind of lump sum with little preamble doesn't set the hairs at the nape of Sampo's neck on edge. The credits are carefully - yet deftly - stowed away, and Sampo can but beam at his new client. Clasping his hands togetther, fiddling with the edge of his glove a moment, he chuckles. Now that he's been hyped up, he can't well go gently about this, can he?

"I won't let you down, sir! Sampo Koski is on the job!"

[feidant]

#FEIDANT.　⁀➷　closed roleplay blog for 𝐅𝐄𝐈𝐗𝐈𝐀𝐎 from HONKAI: STAR RAIL, affiliated with gnostic hymns. directed by rai ( she / he ).

heylo it's rai, after many moons with the honor of writing for feixiao! i'm 30, in eastern time, and hanging out otherwise on @fanfaire and @avcnturine here at gnostic hymns. 　

i enjoy exploring complex character dynamics and situations with a lot of moral and emotional nuance on both sides. as with all my blogs, i do maintain a thread cap for myself because i don't like to keep my partners consistently waiting⠀(⠀and because if i overload myself, i freeze up and panic-drop, and i don't enjoy finding myself there.⠀)⠀thanks for understanding. 　

as always, i use the cn dub as the basis for my portrayals, so there may be some variation from characterization as presented in other dubs. 　

and a couple feixiao portrayal notes.

(⠀2.5 spoilers!!⠀)　i'm choosing to interpret the events of the end of 2.5 as feixiao's moon rage condition not being cured by swallowing the fragment of the plaguemark, as i think this makes for a better narrative for her and, more importantly, more compelling to rp. however, i do hc subtle changes in her condition, which may be expanded on elsewhere. if knowing these details is relevant for your muse⠀(⠀i.e. jiaoqiu or moze, or any character who might be able to detect her unseen condition⠀),⠀please let me know. 　

good guy plot armor and a need for marketability positions feixiao in canon such that we are encouraged to see her as cool at all times, but let's face it——she displays belligerence, brutishness, and egotism, and certainly sees herself as the protagonist of her own story. i'm interested in exploring these aspects of her that i think canon is reluctant to bring out, as well as her behaviors and beliefs that run closer to borisin values. this is a psa mainly to say that feixiao thinking she's swag does not always mean mun thinks she's swag, and that other muses are free to have their own views on her behaviors now that we are outside the bubble of hoyo protag goggles, HAHA.

[trailblczed]

[ sunglasses ]　/　"what a coincidence. just who i was looking for." the early morning sun catches stoneheart and nameless just beyond the steps of the quaint row of catered villas that came with the tickets' promised package. this planet didn't adhere to system hours, but heat hasn't risen yet to intolerable levels with the daylight still young. and just his luck, mister stellaron looked to be on his own — taking a leave of absence for himself this time? he remembers he'd explicitly extended his offer to the rest of the astral express too when this one'd accepted the deal.

anyway, that's not what he'd wanted to say today.

"it looks like you just keep rolling high, friend. i was hoping to find someone to gift something truly remarkable, and you're in the right place at the right time. here, take this."

without preamble, he presses a sleek, velvety grey case into the young man's hand, declaring quality from its clean edges to the soft cashmere fibers against the fingertips.

"top of the line, the newest generation VITA-series frame eyewear, running at three-hundred-seventy-eight grand. the products they sent us are good, but i still prefer the ones i'm using. so, enjoy. i think the navigator style will suit you, and you're in luck — this color should fit you too. titanium rims and diamond-pressed detail. and, of course, ultraviolet protection and anti-reflective coatings. try them out while you're here ; protecting your vision is still important even on vacation."

Caelus makes a mental note that if the Express ever goes to another planet that has a semi-tropical climate, or has a temperature rating above 80Fahrenheit / 27Celsius that he is sitting that trip OUT. Most might not find it too awful a heat, but that does not include the silver-- to be fair, he's naturally hotter thanks Stellaron so his opinion may be a tad of an outlier.

At the sound of a familiar voice, lad turns to the source and is blinded both by sun and by bright blond locks. He was about to make a comment about how bad Aventurine's dice pun was ( teasingly of course, he loves a good pun and thought it was quite a Chef's Kiss one ) when something is ushered into his hand. Caelus stares at it, befuddled, before registering it's something he can physically open and that what the blond was referring to was inside.

A moment as he inspects the gift, curious as to what is so familiar about the specific style when it clicks- a roaring laugh unrestrained as he pulls the shades out of the box, quickly putting them on.

❛ I see I see! Is it part of a Brother Hanu collection? I must say the accuracy is fairly on point! ❜

Lad has to hold back jokingly giving a "hmph" and other grunting sounds instead of actual words when his brain seemingly catches up, or fully processes, Aventurine's words that came with the pair of sunglasses. Sputtering and frantic as Caelus takes the shades off, disbelief and concern etched on his every feature.

❛ T---Three-hundred-sev--------- Aven--- WHAT? I appreciate the thought, really I do! There's---- There's just no way I can accept something so fancy or expensive! I would likely get them broke within a week--! ❜

There is a reason he sticks to finding his goods in garbage bins. Can't break something that's already damaged. Still in a panic, Caelus glances around before looking at the ground, swiftly placing the shades back in their case before reaching into his pocket and pulling out all kinds of random things he's been collecting ( including but not limited to: cool looking rocks, a flat pale looking disk he was told was called a "sand dollar", and some shark teeth ). Through crazed rummaging he's able to feel the item he was looking for-- a very unique and gorgeous looking shell he had found earlier that morning. The silver wants to give the sunglasses back, but something tells him that Aventurine won't let him ( if their past interactions in Penacony's Grand Hotel were anything to go by ), so at least Caelus could give what he deems the most worthy item he has on him as thanks. Nameless yoinks it out, similarly shoving it into the other's hand in a way that leaves no room for argument, nor returns ( you ain't got a receipt to do it with! no take-backsies ).

❛ I know it's not nearly on the same level to be considered a fair trade but-- Here. ❜

[incitomniaveritas]

About AVENTURINE: WEALTH

[About Aventurine: Wealth] 一

"Something indicates you wish to discuss the Stonehearts fiscal solvency, and get my opinion on how he's come to such capital wealth. If the knowledge of how much the executives within the Strategic Investment Department earns shocks you, honestly, I don't think telling you firsthand experience of my dealings with them would satisfy your nonsense."

A heavy sigh is heard. Obviously whoever was listening had left by this point. "I would applaud that gambler一of all the wealth that man has, very few appreciate anything other than his credits or the flippant diversions he causes. Just as... nevermind."

[balemouns]

between looks from teammates, she watches for another opening -- cautious forward action seems to be close to breaking again. what will happen next? this whole fight started because... space rends. a woman with long pale hair and a young man appear through at the other side where her children fight alongside sedene and the chief justice, almost more horrifying than the goddess before her in their sudden arrival. did that mean... was one sister already lost?

arlecchino rolls 5 energy.

free arm juts out, sharp nails at the end of blackened hand pointing towards the new arrivals. then, voice calls out to the fiery goddess. "... looks like the exact kind of individuals I discussed with you have made their way here. are you sure this is still a fight you want to have, one worth your life, or the lives of your sisters? it's not too late."

no response comes from within golden heat -- fast steps pace out of the way before action can replace an answer. then, polearm twirls, brows lower, and arlecchino tries again. "why did you listen to us on the beach?"

this time, a booming voice rises -- the goddess speaks. "to give you all a chance to end up on the right side of this conflict. i see now it was undeserved."

undeserved? a quick glance in aventurine's direction, noting gallagher's approached him again with a new refreshment; was that what they had agreed to with her? "...that's not what I remember." arlecchino shakes her head as attention turns back, and steps keep moving around her target. are we really not that alike, my lady? fire scorned, bitter, burning with resentment capable of consuming all it cares for. but where crimson tinged with black was carefully stoked in a hearth, gold and orange burns wildly out of control. "I recall discussing your point of view, wanting to come to terms with how your sisters really feel, finding a resolution for the bad blood between you. at most, advocating for your perspective. where did that become picking a side at all?"

another lick of angry flame, heat warning of its arrival as she answers once more. “then you misunderstood.”

some fires can't be contained ------- another opening. arlecchino lunges forward rapidly again, jabbing steel polearm deep.

[1 energy] ARLECCHINO 10/10HP hits BETRAYAL ARISEN 3.5/50HP with Invitation to a Beheading [Roll: 7 + 1 = 8, (Pinion's Aria activates!) -3.5HP]. BETRAYAL ARISEN 0/50HP. (Phoenix Incarnate activates!) Player Phase ends.

a wave of heat erupts outward, knocking back all those on this side of the battle --- a bird of fire reborn again, wasn't that the legend they'd discussed in the temple? ... but the wave hits hard, and another outpouring of gold follows it, with the autumn goddess landing another hit. gold again, goddess again. barely a breath seems to pass, even a blink --- and the dust starts to settle, revealing both herself and the winged goddess trapped in similar glowing binds.

ARLECCHINO is inflicted with imprisonment and cannot act.

Over and Over, Like a Tune—

˚ʚ [waning sun x temple of betrayal crossover woo ] ɞ˚

[garmgeyr]

"Good to hear Penacony's been treating you right." Gallagher's crosses his arms and watches for the subtle - or not - changes in his guest's features when he tries his order. Even on the busiest nights, he's never too busy to make sure the drinks are just what the customer wants. One might call it hospitality to rival that of the Family's, but in truth, it's simply a drinksmith's pride. He can tell a few things about the way someone approaches a taste test, too, and this one appears cautious, cerebral. The origin or the byproduct of his tension, Gallagher can't quite tell, but nevertheless he is eloquent and courteous despite that. With a little extra work, he might be able to shine that furrow from his brow.

He glances down the length of the bar, unconsciously searching for any sign of a guest needing his attention, then makes a sweeping gesturing with his hand as if to encompass the entirety of the room.

"What a party, eh? I can't take credit for the atmosphere though." He folds his arms again and looks back with a fond smile. "You should come back on another night and meet the owner, then you'll really understand why--" There's a crash that turns heads somewhere near the stage, but other than the brief lull in the constant chatter around the room, no one seems bothered. A sentient television apologizes a few times to the potted plant it's knocked over, while a second one drones on behind it as if it hadn't even noticed. Gallagher chuckles at the sight.

"Well, I'll just say she's a firecracker in her own right. Siobhan's her name. And you can call me Gallagher," a wry smile, "but 'hey, you' would also work just fine."

The drink appears to have gone down well enough, so he takes back the emptied glass and adds it to a collection of soiled dishes under the counter.

"A drink for someone who's been through hard times, huh?" He raises back up and plants his palms on the polished marble. For a moment, his eyes lift toward the ceiling as he thinks over a few options, but in a blink, they snap back to his guest's face. "How 'bout you tell me what this friend of yours looks like? I'll keep an eye on the door and make sure the drink's fresh when they get here. If I make it now and it takes 'em longer than a minute or two, the flavor will go bad."

Low Spirits

veritas ratio & aventurine & gallagher thread 一 " Invitation "

[trailblczed]

Being addicted to his gacha games comes with a price- that being an empty bank account. The pitiful amount of credits Caelus has remaining leaves the lad in a predicament. At least he doesn't need to worry about housing thanks to being apart of the Astral Express team, but he does still need to contribute to the funds for food and other shared amenities. Caelus doesn't recall which friend his lack of finances had been brought into conversation with, but he does remember them saying something about a 'bounty' of sorts being put into effect by the Architects. Well, reward possibly a better name for it, as they are willing to pay any individual a sum of credits in accordance to the value whatever relics they can discover deep in a specific area of the Underground. It's been supposedly a hot spot for hostile robots and fragmentum, so it's dangerous for the average explorer to navigate safely. Not a problem for the Trailblazer! He's handled tougher foes and came out relatively unscathed- whether that's a testament to his battle prowess or the silver's regenerative capabilities, is up for debate.

Lad soon finds himself down on the cold surface of Jarilo VI. Maybe he can make quick stops to at least say hello to his friends-- but the image of drastically low numbers plants itself firmly in his mind, his resolve focusing up on the task he came for. Credits.. Ah, he wish he understood why things were so costly-- but he is also aware he just tosses his money around a tad too often. Listen, if the silver wants to feel a rush of dopamine by slapping credits at a silly mobile game that helps keep him from being bored or stuck overthinking other things then by the Aeons he will! Caelus expected the lack of funds, as he caused it himself with his poor spending habits. What he doesn't expect, however, is spotting a distinct hat framing a familiar head of blond locks once he had gotten fairly close to where the area marked as the prime digging zone was. Peculiar, the Trailblazer thinks. Aventurine had plenty of money, or he at least assumes with how the blond had so casually handed him some at their first meeting by Caelus simply thanking him for Aventurine's help with the confusion at check-in. So then, why was the I.P.C. agent here..? Perhaps Topaz is related to the blond's arrival on Jarilo VI.. checking in on her or her work? Hell if Caelus knows. Still, curiosity peaked, the silver calmly strolls over to his companion, calling out to the lad with an arm raised to the air swaying back and forth, hoping to obtain Aventurine's attention as to not startle him via a sudden appearance by Caelus.

❛ Aventurine---! Aventurine! ❜

Once Caelus is close enough, no longer needing to basically holler, lad presents a warm smile and a intrigued head tilt. It is quite honestly a relief to see an ally safe, and out of an environment that just.. seemed far too capable of breaking a person down .. Mentally or physically. No--- C'mon now Caelus, this was supposed to be a fun little treasure hunt. Do not go down that road-- Lad will do his damnedest. Ignoring that mental flinch, the silver keeps his tone light and welcoming- they are comrades after all.

❛ What a surprise to see you outside of Penacony.. You here for that reward bounty too, I take it?

I can't imagine you're this far deep into the Underground otherwise- ❜

guest staring @avcnturine

☆ going for gold in relic farming

【 bloom commission ── belobogian artifacts. 】

[huuuugestmoney]

[diting race betting gone wrong (?) @ @avcnturine ]

Sampo silently paced the length of the small corridor leading into the so-called 'confinement area' his current bosses had set up and charged him with.

If it were any ol' shmuck they'd trussed up and tossed in there, he wouldn't have thought twice about it. If it were a regular ol' joe, he'd have few qualms just shutting up and doing his job.

Times like these, he wondered if losing a bet had done him better than winning might've.

(The jury is still out on that one.)

Coming to a halt, Sampo groans, shakes his head and, with a quiet click, enters the room he's meant to be guarding. He crouches, arms dangling over knees, to look his purported prisoner somewhat eye-level.

"Mister Aventurine..."

Sampo could avert his gaze, kind of wants to, even, but instead he fixes the other with a keen, inquisitive look. (Doesn't stop him nervously carding fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck, mind.)

"Just how's a sharp guy like you wind up in a fix like this?"

And then, the trickier question still: why is Sampo considering helping him? He could get in a whole whack of trouble for this, y'know.

(... It's a long story, okay?)

shiny fiddles made of gold //

[garmgeyr]

Like glass shattering, the crack of a shield giving way turns heads. Gallagher’s own shudders against the reverberation when steel blade knocks the little fairy aside, but holds. For now. Newly exposed, the Stoneheart madman draws the goddess�� attention, and her pride draws the opportunist.

”They’ll be fine.” Gallagher’s eyes flick sideways to catch Robin’s, magenta flames welling up from the seams along his arm again. “We have you.”

The goddess closes the distance to Aventurine, whatever had made her human at the beginning of all of this now molten fury vaguely shaped into expression. Twin blades raise, gleaming ferocity, demanding atonement.

“You’ll learn not to turn your back on us mortals.”

The goddess whirls on her heel suddenly, one blade flying after the other in a horizontal slash. Gallagher hooks the first with the end of phantom claws, then rips backwards to pull it off course and slow her momentum. Caught before she can force the distance back between them, she swings the second blade around for his head. Claws disperse into wisps of eldritch fire as Gallagher ducks and, guided by the resonance of overlapping wills, lunges for the opening. Then claws shoot out again at the end of a fist that never connects, sunk deep into divine flame.

GALLAGHER 10/10HP uses Champagne Etiquette. (Sun-Eater activates!) (Pinion’s Aria activates!) [-2.5HP] BETRAYAL ARISEN 8/50HP. BETRAYAL ARISEN is inflicted with BESOTTED. BETRAYAL ARISEN is affected by PYRO.

Like steam expelled from a pressurized pipe, the hiss of frustration precedes the goddess’ next careless backswing. Gallagher twists free, a whirling kick to her side giving him the push to leap backwards and away as the tip of the blade sings through thin air centimeters from his jaw.

GALLAGHER 10/10HP hits BETRAYAL ARISEN 8/50HP with Nectar Blitz (Sun-Eater activates!) [Roll: 2, -0.5HP] BETRAYAL ARISEN 7.5/50HP. BETRAYAL ARISEN deals -1 less damage on next turn. BETRAYAL ARISEN 7.5/50HP counters and misses GALLAGHER 10/10HP with Starfire Twinblade [Roll: 3, -0HP]

He trades a look with Arlecchino past her shoulder, then retreats a few steps with the goddess still in pursuit, a cocky smirk curling languidly across his face.

“Is that the best you’ve got? Come on now—” He raises his right arm in front of him, its numerous scars still glowing, his other hand slipped casually into his pocket. “—I play with nightmares.”

Over and Over, Like a Tune—

˚ʚ [waning sun x temple of betrayal crossover woo ] ɞ˚

[garmgeyr]

Tension lingers despite it, but Robin accepts the lecture with dignity and so there's no reason for the hound to bare its fangs against an ally. The destruction wrought across the rooftop - cinders settled into scars, clouds of smoke curling over the flame-colored foliage as if the tower itself sits in a sea of fire, the warm comfort of crackling wood deepening to acrid and oppressive - underlines the agitation. They had all seen their mortality, not in the flame and heat of the goddess' rebirth, but in the everlasting Qlipoth's power flickering before their eyes.

Aventurine picks his way over to Gallagher amidst the embers and rubble. Still looks nonchalant as usual, but there's hints of effort in the lines on his face, sweat dotting his brow. "Looks like your skills aren't limited to keeping the peace in Penacony. That last stunt you pulled — I could feel it made an impact." Turns and flexes his right forearm, looking down at it. "This goddess really has me working for it, haha. . . but between you and the little faerie, we just might have a chance. be smart about that move. i have a feeling that won't be the only wildfire coming our way."

The man's as smooth-talking as he's ever been; tales of a glib and charming gambler had trickled down to Penacony's underbelly the instant he sunk into the dream. But before him, there had been countless beguiling others who traded compliments like credits.

Arms crossed, Gallagher sizes him up out of the corner of his eye, allowing the gambler to split only a fraction of his attention away from the goddess' retreat through the smoldering debris.

"You're probably right about that," he answers grimly. But the traces of exertion slipping out through the cracks of that charming mask are worthy of his study for a moment more and he turns his head, eyes flickering first down to the red thread tethering Aventurine to Lady Tatsuta, then back up again.

"Here." Gallagher holds out a colorful can glistening with a sheen of condensation. "Take a rest while you've got the chance. Lady Tatsuta's gonna wring her money's worth out of you, so you better make it count."

"enjoying a final drink on death's doorstep?" A short laugh as Aventurine takes the can, as if to say ' that figures ', and cracks it open soundly. Arlecchino, still lingering nearby: “If that has restorative properties, they’re perhaps best used on Mr. Aventurine when necessary — without his shield, I would need to rely on hitting her directly to sustain myself.” Aventurine tosses a look Arlecchino's way, and he lifts the can with a smile in acknowledgement, or maybe cheers, before turning back to Gallagher. "i'll just do away with the courtesies then. thanks, friend."

"And that'll kill the rest of us, huh?" A nod toward Aventurine, and then a placid glance toward Arlecchino carefully veils something faintly sharper. It hides well in the next moment behind an ironic smile.

"What, sweet soda not to your taste?"

“If she counters, that’s possible, yes.” Arlecchino answers with a thin smile. “Sweet drinks aren’t the issue: any healing is just wasted on my blood.” Aventurine lowers his can after a few gulps and looks between them both. "We're risking our skins on enough right now without fighting amongst ourselves too, don't you think? might as well pick your battles." "Mr. Aventurine is right." All three turn to look at the newest addition to the conversation. Robin usually takes care not to look cross, but now, the emotion is evident in her face. She does not normally speak so sternly (except to misbehaving children in the orphanages she works) but her voice is firm when she addresses them. Her eyes sweep the room. Then, she sighs. "...Listen to your heartbeats. How its rhythm echoes in your chest—perhaps you do not realize it, but its pulse is something we share. We are all more alike than we are different. We come from different walks of life but that means nothing in this tower. All that matters is that we're together now." She clasps her hands, her tone softening into a plea, "Harmony is with us, if you choose to listen. Please listen. Listen to each other—listen to your hearts. Maybe such sentiment won't kill our goddess foe but... it would certainly not kill us, either." Aventurine raises a brow. Arlecchino takes a sharp breath: “…listening. sure, I think I can manage that.”

Gallagher looks silently from one to the other. The gathering is draped in a precarious tension, but with the flicker of a glance, he agrees wordlessly with Robin. With Harmony.

The hound has championed it for this long, after all.

He breaks their roundtable with a resolute nod: "Survival's the priority."

Something they might have all failed just then had the little fairy left out of their discussion not bought them time. As the group disperses, Gallagher sends her a grateful nod across the rooftop where she keeps the Lady Summer distracted.

Next: @entwinefates

Over and Over, Like a Tune—

˚ʚ [waning sun x temple of betrayal crossover woo ] ɞ˚