#interaction: aesthetecomplex

[jxrmngxndr]

[VINGT-ET-UN] - Let’s go gambling! The best bar in Fleuve Cendre is holding a Black Jack tournament. It’s time to test your luck and see if you can make it big, or lose it all.

off to the side, kaveh watches the game with a quiet interest. it is the people gathered there who draw his attention—the dealer, moving with almost mechanical precision, flipping cards onto the felt with a smoothness that borders on ritual; and the players themselves, each caught in their own small dramas. some tap their fingers nervously, others lean back, their faces unreadable.

objectively, it's such a trivial thing to sit around a table and pass the hours in this way. the renowned scholars and sages of the nation of wisdom would have much to say on the matter—those who would dismiss this as nothing more than a game of chance, critique its lack of substance & value.

but this, too, serves a purpose, he thinks. his mother’s words return to him: the wisdom of connection, how it is through bonds that one alleviates suffering. for all the simplicity of a card game, there is still knowledge to be found—a truth in the shared experience, however brief or inconsequential, that anchors a person to the world, giving them roots where none seemed to grow.

a figure off to the side catches his eye. the man stands tall, imposing, yet there is something about his presence—something familiar—that reminds kaveh of another stoic face he knows well. without a word, the architect draws closer, keeping a respectful distance as mehrak floats silently behind him.

"i've always thought the game is reminiscent of life," he begins, as casually as speaking about the weather. he gestures toward the table. "no matter how much effort or strategy we try to implement, luck will always be the final arbiter. even happiness and virtue are largely matters of luck, as are all things touched by forces beyond our control."

It was not necessarily that the crowd around a game that involved gambling was more interesting in itself - not inherently, for all types could be found in all scenarios, but what was undeniable was that the proportion was greater in favor. There were the fools, of course, merely after the thrill of gaining greater wealth, or of the adrenaline of losing it all, but by and large and at the higher levels, it was an exercise in reading the field.

Mundane. Irrelevant to the greater weave of the cosmos. The game itself was nothing to look at, and, if he were honest, Kevin had always been bad at these types of things.

He was not watching for anything in particular - no recruitment, with that resting firmly in the past along with the rest of his life that had been put to an end, but there was something familiar in the observation, in the measurement to see if the stock was up to par.

Kevin had noticed the other man from across the room, the flourish of a peacock's feathers as he moved, and had noticed, too, when he was being observed in kind.

It was no surprise when the other approached, but it was a surprise that he had begun speaking, so mildly, so without fear.

His eyes narrowed, but did not waver from the table before them, the faces of the remaining players, the scrape of card edge against the table, against fingernail.

There rested a silence between them, for a long minute, and one might have thought that he had not heard, or if he had that he was offended, wouldn't reply.

But, finally, he said, "The game is no more reliant on luck than life is. One may be dealt a better or worse hand, but it is one's responsibility to proceed as though he intends to win the game regardless. You can't control what you are given, but you can control what you give in return."

A flicker of his eyes, weighing the air between them for a moment. "But you knew that."

[renascinem]

[PROP DESIGN] - It's hard to make a set on a budget, and that’s where you come in. Show off your own artistic skills by lending a hand to make some props!

this is where he feels most at home—immersed in work that demands both his hands and his mind, where critical thinking and creative design merge seamlessly, where every move is deliberate, every calculation intentional. it’s here, in this space of focus, that he brings together what he knows with what is expected of him. the task at hand is not difficult, even with the constraints of limited supplies. kaveh comes prepared, as always, with mehrak in tow, ever eager to lose himself in the process. his head bent low, hands steady and skilled as he makes the final adjustments. an attached wire here, a connection there—and the prop begins to take shape until slowly, the device in his hands starts to pulse.  “would you like to give it a try?” he looks up, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. kaveh extends the mechanized glove toward the man standing beside him. “i need to make sure the lights stay on even while it’s being swung around. they’ll need it for the fight scene.”

Dan Heng has never considered creativity of any sort to be his strong suit. He lacks the talent, he lacks the inspiration, and Aeons know he lacks experience, having never been allowed to try and create anything.

Eventually there came a point where he just didn't think about it at all. The most he "creates" is articles in the data bank, where he simply repeats information gathered and discovered by others, which is something he doesn't really count. And other than that, he simply considers it to be the domain of others.

Therefore, while Dan Heng watches the process of prop creation curiously, he does not participate in it, limiting himself to just observation. It's not as though he would be of much help, whether with the design or the structure. Mr. Kaveh's way of utilizing his device for his construction is very interesting indeed; perhaps compared to some technologies he has seen in the galaxy, it wouldn't be considered to be anything too fancy, but that doesn't mean it's any less fascinating. Maybe if Mr. Kaveh finds some free time, he could ask him more about this gadget.

Dan Heng is broken out of this train of thought when the blond man speaks to him, and it takes a second before he realizes he is being asked for a favor. "Oh, uh, sure." He's far from versed in hand to hand combat, but just swinging a few times he can manage, right? Carefully, as though worried that he'll damage Kaveh's work just by touching it, he accepts the glove and puts it on. "Let me try. Tell me if you need me to do anything more."

[renascinem]

ooc;

I'm so sorry this literally could have been a hiatus lmao

Anyway uh... welcome back to the boy. Decided in the end that I love him too much.

So with regards to housekeeping: for his commission threads, all of his partners to my knowledge were eligible to claim their threads with him for the talent point attached. Generally I consider those threads dropped - I'm sorry for making a mess, and enjoy your talent points. However, if someone hasn't claimed our thread for a point yet and would want to continue, do let me know. I'm happy to pick any of them back up, but I'm also happy to drop them.

The threads in question would be:

General Take the Wheel (Jing Yuan) @sweepingthunder

There's a Wubbaboo in This Closet (Caelus) @trailblczed

The Belobogian's Guide to Relic Hunting (March 7th) @mrch7th

Sing of the Scarlet Sands (Kaveh) @aesthetecomplex

I will be looking for new interactions soon as well. Looking forward to writing him with you all again!

[iustitians]

"Mr. Kaveh. It's a pleasure to meet you," Neuvillette says with a nod, a faint smile - hardly comparable to the one he had offered Aine earlier, but cordial still - appears on his face.

The work that continues - both between Charline and Aine, and all around them from all the other participants, chatting and laughing away as they enjoy the activity - seems to wake some emotions in his new acquaintance's heart that the Iudex cannot quite name and understand. A mixture of happiness typical for one enjoying one's time with a casual, relaxing activity - and a touch of what almost feels like sadness, or perhaps regret...

What is there in this situation to regret? He doubts he can think of anything, leaving him with the verdict that this must be a personal matter; and since they are not at court, that means it is better if he stops prying and lets it go.

The sandcastle before them, raised by the eager hands of the six year old Charline, the fingerless yet still nimble paws of Aine, and Mr. Kaveh's tutelage, stands now proud and impressive, unbothered by the whims of the lake's waves. Well, until the next storm, anyway. But that is fine - supposedly, at any rate. Neuvillette recalls his own words from earlier, as he explained the concept of the event to the Sumeru visitor. "They wish and hope to promote passion, creativity and appreciation for the beauty of fleeting, temporary things."

He gave no thought at all to the idea when he spoke those words. Considering it now, he wonders if he could say he has ever done that. He, who barely recognizes a singular moment before another year passes him by without him realizing.

He does not think so.

Aine's tugging on his robe and the pleading puppy eyes she gives him knock him out of this dwelling. With a warm smile and a nod, he reaches into his pocket and fulfills his promise, handing her another shell, similar to the first one, lost in the wave. The Melusine takes it eagerly, and she and Charline carefully adorn the main tower's front with it, akin to a symbol. Once it is done, they both clap and cheer, laughing in joy.

"Yaaay, it's done!" Aine exclaims happily, before turning back to him. "So Monsieur! Have you come up with a name yet?"

Ah.

"Give me uh... a moment longer," Neuvillette responds with an apologetic smile, feeling somewhat trapped between his lack of creativity and his unwillingness to disappoint Aine as a father. He sighs, then directs his attention back to Mr. Kaveh, considering his words.

"You said you're an architect, so I understand you have creations of your own. What naming conventions do you go for?" He asks, more out of curiosity and a need to buy time than anything else.

Do You Want to Build a Sandcastle? || Neuvillette & Kaveh

[iustitians]

Hearing out everything that the younger members of the group have to say in response to his (ultimately, probably, quite silly) doubts, followed by Mr. Gallagher's further comments and recollections, Neuvillette cannot help but offer a warm smile, the kind that hardly anyone who is not a Melusine can ever see from him.

"Heh, I think you're right. The young people have a special kind of wisdom to them, both in quality and quantity." He pauses for a moment, as though hesitant - but, although he can never truly and fully open up, perhaps he should return their honesty with some of his own.

"There is a lot that I don't understand about the small intricacies of life, and perhaps never will," he says, looking at the others, although also, as one may feel, past them. "I have been around for... a very long time, and will remain for longer still. As such, my perception of such things is... I don't know how to call it. Skewed? Or limited, may be the better word. I struggle to notice fleeting moments, when entire decades blend together." He sighs. "Next thing I know, it turns out that a 'recent' tragedy I've been fretting over actually happened four centuries ago, and everyone has moved on to a new moment, except for me."

With a somewhat self-mocking smile, he shakes his head. "I don't know if this is something one such as myself can learn. But maybe it wouldn't hurt to try. That's for me to think over later. Thank you all." He pauses briefly, before looking at Gallagher more attentively. "If you're asking me what I feel right now, I think I'd describe it as peace."

He glances off to the side, towards the horizon painting itself in various colors of blue, purple, pink and orange, before shrugging lightly.

"Serenity at Dusk... Would that do?"

Each life converges to some center

˚ʚ [waning sun reunion wahhh] ɞ˚

[iustitians]

The support of Raijin and Bennu proves invaluable in keeping them all, especially the humans present, going in the face of a raging goddess. Here and now, Neuvillette does not allow himself to dwell on it; but deep down, he knows that this is all possible thanks to the help of others from his group, who are much better at communicating and making new connections than he is.

(An effort that Mr. Kaveh was a big part of.)

He will have to contemplate about this later, however. It is merely a thought that surfaces in his mind for a split second, right as the personification of Summer's reckless ruthlessness charges at him with an Electro strike.

Entanglement activates! (-2HP) BETRAYAL ARISEN 37/50HP (Roll: 1d4 = 3, BOGGLECAT BOX’s redirect fails!) BETRAYAL ARISEN 37/50HP uses Heaven Piercer and hits NEUVILLETTE. (Roll: 1d20 = 11) NEUVILLETTE 0/2SP, 9/10HP. NEUVILLETTE 0/0SP, 9/10HP. counters with Normal Attack and hits BETRAYAL ARISEN. (Roll: 1d20 + 2 = 12) Swirl activates!BETRAYAL ARISEN 32.5/50HP.

Though it does reach his arm in the end, the shielding barrier offered earlier by Raijin softens the blow significantly, rendering the attempt mostly harmless. With a quiet scoff, Neuvillette responds with a strong burst of water that he summons in front and below her, knocking her back to a distance both safer and more appropriate.

He does not like people incessantly getting in his face.

His eyes widen and his heart skips a beat when, from behind him, he hears Sedene's voice calling him. It is a cry for help, uttered in hope that he will find a solution to this problem, to this crisis they are currently facing, the way he always does.

He gives himself a second to compose himself, to ensure that when he turns to her, his eyes are calm. She is still standing by Kaveh's body, staring in shock and confusion. She is not accustomed to such tasks, he reminds himself.

This is a situation for which he does not have a perfect solution, unfortunately. He cannot save everything and everyone. He can only save what still remains.

"Everything will be fine," he says, his voice calm, but firm, doing his best to convey a sense of stability. It is not a full truth that he gives her, but he has to give her something. "Stay back and remain focused," he continues - not just to her, but to the others that remain still by his side, too; his eyes stopping for a longer moment on Lyney, in particular.

He follows his own advice, too; though he speaks to the others, a movement in the corner of his eye tells him that the enemy is back to her feet.

NEUVILLETTE 0/2SP, 6/10HP rolls 3 energy. [1 energy] NEUVILLETTE 0/2SP, 6/10HP uses O Tears, I Shall Repay to enhance Charged Attack. [1 energy] NEUVILLETTE 0/2SP, 6/10HP uses Charged Attack and hits ALL ENEMIES. (Roll: 1d20 + 2 = 8) Vaporize triggers! BETRAYAL ARISEN 20/50HP. NEUVILLETTE 0/2SP, 4/10HP.NEUVILLETTE 0/2SP, 4/10HP forfeits 1 remaining energy.

Without so much as a twitch on his face, he gathers Hydro in the palm of his hand. When he turns to her, all she sees is a stone cold face of someone who thinks that it was very rude of her to interrupt him, before he blasts her back and into the wall.

"Stay in control of yourself," he adds still, turning again to the others. "Don't let her take advantage of your emotions."

　/ * IN THE DYING LIGHT OF SUNSET .

[iustitians]

@aesthetecomplex ; Lantern Rite 2024

The shiny backs and sides of the koi glisten in the sunlight reflected on the pond's surface, disturbed only by their occasional surfacing to gather and swallow the bits of crumbs of bread and cookies thrown into the water.

Elida giggles happily, turning to Neuvillette, who has seated himself on a log nearby.

"I've never seen fish with colors like these in Fontaine. Are they only found in Liyue?"

"Hmm." Neuvillette pauses, thinking for a moment. There are certain things he is not particularly knowledgeable with, and must instead reach into the realm of what would make the most common sense to provide the Melusine with the answer she seeks.

"I do not know much about the koi, to be honest. But seeing as they are a mostly domesticated type of fish, they would not survive in the waters of Fontaine, so that would be why they cannot be found in our lands." He pauses, thinking, before elaborating further. "I think they may originate from Liyue, but whether or not they can only be found here, I am unsure."

The sound of footsteps behind him then catches the Iudex' attention, and he turns, before his expression switches into a polite smile as he stands up to greet a familiar face. Elida turns to look as well, approaching with curiosity.

"Mr. Kaveh. Good day to you. Have you also come to Liyue to check out the Lantern Rite?"

Ripples || Neuvillette & Kaveh (& Elida)

[iustitians]

It is not long after Neuvillette finishes talking that Mr. Gallagher, who had previously wandered off to the side somewhere, returns to rejoin the merry band with a few cups of a drink that he seems to have whipped up while they were not looking.

Seems like the man may have some talents in those regards. Both with the drinks, and with the "getting things done while others are not looking" part. Being who he is, the Iudex has grown to quickly recognize the innate talents of others.

But of course, now is not the time and place to evaluate the guy.

When the cups are passed around, Neuvillette accepts the one given to him carefully. He expects that Gallagher will give some kind of short speech for the occasion. He does not, however, expect the way the man addresses him with an expectation.

After a silent second, he huffs with a mixture of sheepishness and amusement.

"... I'm afraid you will find me to be a very uncreative person. I hesitated to give a name to a children's sandcastle once," he says, casting a humored glance at Mr. Kaveh. "I'm not sure if I should be the one to name something so important. I might just ruin it."

Still, trying to just get out of it will probably kill the mood too, right?...

"... Maybe you guys can give me some inspiration, though."

Each life converges to some center

˚ʚ [waning sun reunion wahhh] ɞ˚

[iustitians]

Neuvillette remains silent for the most part as he listens to others chatting. For him, more often than not, simply being there as the casual banter takes place already counts as socializing, and even that is something he does not do very often, what with his mere presence having too much of an impact during most gatherings.

This kind of break is a bit of an unfamiliar experience to him, though not unwelcome. It reminds him a little of his visits to Merusea Village, what with those being among the rare occasions when he allows himself to take off the Chief Justice hat and relax.

However, though he refrains from actively participating too much, he is by no means inattentive, and quickly catches the glance Lynette casts towards him, as well as the fact that he is included among those to whom she addresses her words. With a quiet huff, he nods.

"The shows Mr. Lyney and Miss Lynette put on are top tier, indeed. If you can make it to Fontaine for one, I highly recommend it." Though his voice remains neutral, it is clear that his praise is genuine. Turning to Lynette, he nods. "If you arrange a good date, just send a note to Sedene. I'll get the Opera booked and organized through the simplified procedure."

Another moment passes before he adds, somewhat nonchalantly.

"We could have a performance in two parts, or two separate ones... if Miss Robin would like to sing in Fontaine as well."

Each life converges to some center

˚ʚ [waning sun reunion wahhh] ɞ˚

[iustitians]

A judge must first and foremost be impartial. To achieve this, he shall remain undisturbed and unperturbed by something as finicky, deceptive and unnecessary as emotion when hearing a case and considering his verdict.

It is a judge's job to consider all testimony, fact and evidence and base his judgment on that, and only on that. It is his job to fish out the truth among the petty squabbling of lifelong friends, each of whom claims himself wronged and betrayed, and pronounce one of them to be in the right while the other screams injustice until finally being escorted away by force. It is his job to declare guilty a dealer who took to selling drugs, focusing on the law he broke and the harm he caused, and not on the child he was trying to feed. It is his job to look a grieving mother right in her tear-filled eyes and explain that the man she charged for the murder of her son is in fact innocent; and it is also his job then to silently accept and process the counterclaim against her.

No one in Fontaine does it better than him. No one in Fontaine maintains impartiality better than him. No one in Fontaine absolves himself of emotion -

of humanity -

better than him.

It comes with consequences, of course. He is well aware of the sort of reputation he has among Fontaine's general populace. Equitable. Unflinching. Apathetic. Emotionless. Cold.

It is not the truth, not entirely anyway - his emotions are stunted, muted, underdeveloped perhaps, but that is not to say he does not feel. That he does not laugh, that he does not grieve. He does; it may be lesser, unfitting for human standards. Still, however, he has never tried to fight this stigma. If it allows him to do his job, it is worth keeping up. (It does not really matter that much. He is an outsider, anyway.)

(Is he?)

---

But every once in a while comes a moment that makes him wonder, however briefly, what life would be like if he were born as a creature that had the ability to express shock, sadness and fury in a proper manner. That could cry, rage, and scream. He wonders what it feels like to do it.

It is times like this, when one that he has begun to reach an understanding and a degree of closeness with falls to the ground lifeless, that make him wonder such things. After all - would what human standards consider a normal person not scream in shock and horror at the sight, before turning to the murderer with unbridled rage and exacting revenge?

While he can only stand there, staring with arm half-raised and his eyes just open a little wider than usual? Human death is a perfectly normal thing for him to face on an everyday basis, after all, so why does this one feel strange?—

Miss Lynette's call knocks him out of this state. He looks to her and nods. With Mr. Lyney temporarily indisposed, it is her hat now that takes the field to support them;

however, though there is an urge within him to summon another deluge and exact righteous retribution on the coward of a goddess before them, he strangles the storm within him. Impulsiveness born of emotion is not his burden. He must remain equitable, emotionless, cold—

BOGGLECAT BOX 5/5HP attacks. (-1HP) BETRAYAL ARISEN 47/50HP. NEUVILLETTE 7/10HP rolls 3 energy. [2 energy] NEUVILLETTE 7/10HP uses O Tides, I Have Returned and hits ALL ENEMIES. Swirl activates! BETRAYAL ARISEN 44/50HP. NEUVILLETTE 10/10HP. LYNETTE 6/10HP. LYNEY 3/10HP. SEDENE 6/10 HP.

Instead of the furious torrent, a calm wave washes over them instead, cooling off and silencing the tumult of chaotic feelings surrounding him from all sides.

(One last glance at Mr. Kaveh. It did not work.)

He glances back, towards Raijin and Bennu. They both nod in response. His gaze is blank, devoid of anything that could be read from within. Their response, too, is silent.

They do not get to see the glare, colder than a frozen river, cast at the one who calls herself Summer when he turns away from them.

　/ * IN THE DYING LIGHT OF SUNSET .

[iustitians]

Upon setting Aine back down on the ground, Neuvillette glances over towards Kaveh as the young man approaches to join the girls in their effort. He himself opts to take a step back and see how he does, seating himself on a boulder just by their newly designated construction site.

And indeed, just as he said earlier, he takes on the approach of an architect - although, at the same time, presents the information in an easy to understand way, and one that keeps Charline and Aine engaged and interested.

Watching them work is almost mesmerizing in a way, and he is just about to zone out when Kaveh speaks, and Neuvillette blinks in surprise as he realizes the words are meant for him. He does not process them in time before Aine jumps up as well, joyfully placing her hands on his knees as she looks up at him with anticipation. A soft chuckle escapes him - a sound hardly ever heard from the ever solemn and serious Iudex, whose emotions many think concealed from the public eye, hardly anyone aware of the truth of the matter.

"Aine... You know I am not creative." It is an honest confession and also the simple reality, as he shakes his head. "Hm. A moat and some towers, that sounds good. Fontaine architecture does enjoy towers. But as for names, I have no ideas..." He pauses here as Aine's eyes gain the qualities one often finds in the pleading gaze of hungry puppies, before sighing quietly with a smile. "... Not right now, anyway. Perhaps I will think of something once it's ready, so let's come back to the question then."

"Aww, okay. We can do that!" Her spirits rekindled, Aine cheerfully returns to work. "You're watching the waves, right, Monsieur?"

"Of course."

And indeed, the surface of the Great Fontaine Lake has become much more smooth and calm than it was earlier. If one were to look at Neuvillette, it may not be obvious at a first glance, but upon closer inspection, one may note the soft hue at the tips of the blue appendages on his head, a hint brighter than usual.

As the girls continue their effort, the Iudex' eyes land once more on the architect.

"I should apologize, I meant to ask this earlier... Aine has mentioned my name, but I believe I have yet to hear yours."

Do You Want to Build a Sandcastle? || Neuvillette & Kaveh

[iustitians]

History likes to repeat itself, as they often say. The only constant is change, as the history of Remuria foretold, but the change, too, likes to come in circles. Immediately after Lady Bennu was able to offer Lyney and Lynette some relief from their wounds, the one claiming to be Summer personified lunges at the young lady again, leaving her incapacitated once more; and this time, she turns her sword towards the brother as well, leaving him injured.

Not the first time a god proves their cowardice; not the first time they target a weakened foe for their own benefit. And it will not be the last.

Still, in face of divine adversity, the twins show both unity and courage. Neuvillette has not had many chances to witness the two in combat before, and he realizes now what it might be that The Knave sees in them. Though they have a long way to go and much to learn, this resolve is made of steel, already at such a young age.

As soon as the path is clear, the Iudex steps up again. He cannot leave all the heavy lifting to them, after all.

"Stand back," he says, his voice calm but firm. The opponent seems to be growing weak; the time to pass retribution is nigh.

NEUVILLETTE 10/10HP rolls 4 energy. [1 energy] NEUVILLETTE 10/10HP uses O Tears, I Shall Repay to enhance Charged Attack. [1 energy] NEUVILLETTE 10/10HP uses Charged Attack and crits ALL ENEMIES. (Roll: 1d20 + 2 = 22) Vaporize triggers! BETRAYAL AFLAME 7/50HP. NEUVILLETTE 8/10HP. [1 energy] NEUVILLETTE 10/10HP uses Charged Attack and hits ALL ENEMIES. (Roll: 1d20 + 2 = 10) BETRAYAL AFLAME 2/50HP. NEUVILLETTE 6/10HP.

His cane strikes the ground and envelops the area in Hydro. The deluge that follows and utterly drenches the fallen goddess is in stark contrast to the unenthused tone of his voice and the nonchalant wave of his hand, almost as though an afterthought; while she is sent flying back.

He follows that up with another strike -

[1 energy] NEUVILLETTE 10/10HP uses Normal Attack and hits BETRAYAL AFLAME. (Roll: 1d20 + 2 = 10) BETRAYAL AFLAME 0/50HP.

PLAYER PHASE IS INTERRUPTED.

- only for flames to erupt anew, covering the area in vapor and mist. Alarmed, Neuvillette takes a step back; he casts a quick glance at Lady Bennu, who nods in understanding and swiftly releases one more healing wave.

Of course, they always have to be difficult.

"Watch out!"

　/ * IN THE DYING LIGHT OF SUNSET .

[iustitians]

Though he may fall at the hand of his adversary, the flow of nature will always find a way back to its original course; and so when the tide of the great sea rises once more, the Hydro Dragon shall return from his slumber. So says the ancient law dictated by the Primordial Waters.

And yet, that is not what happens. The eternal ebb and flow of the world remains unchanged, and the dragon, undone for only the briefest of moments in his attempt to save one he regards as a daughter, stands whole and without so much as a scratch once again.

It is a circumstance very confusing and bizarre for one who knows exactly how his death is supposed to play out.

Neuvillette spends a longer while with Sedene before familiar voices finally pull him away from her. Lady Robin greets him, concern and anxiety rising from the ocean within her at the sight of him, and he waves his hand lightly, even managing a faint smile.

(Whatever the truth of the matter behind these events, it would seem that the memories and emotions they shared were real after all. He wonders if that is why humans ascribe such a great value to something so fleeting.)

"We're fine," he says, his voice calm, trying to convey reassurance. (Is he, really? Get back to him in a few centuries.) "At least, I believe so," he adds cautiously, glancing at Mr. Kaveh. He probably should not speak for another's feelings.

Each life converges to some center

˚ʚ [waning sun reunion wahhh] ɞ˚

[iustitians]

Neuvillette observes as Lynette and Kaveh work their skills with the coconuts in silence, finding little to do for himself here and now other than idle and watch, something that he is well accustomed to. After all, the Iudex excuses himself from the vast majority of forms of social interaction, keeping a safe distance in the name of maintaining impartiality and not causing commotion. And to that end, he rarely engages with others, or allows others to engage with him.

Between his chair high above the stage of the Opera, his closed and guarded office at the Palais, his well-practiced letters of refusal sent as his only response to invitations for meetings, interviews and public events - he carefully maintains a barrier that keeps people away, while at the same time locking himself in.

A wall built over the course of centuries will not be brought down in one sitting; nor does he think that to be something he should do.

But as Robin's voice calls his name, he wonders; maybe there is not that much harm in removing a few bricks from that wall and letting in some fresh air. However unfamiliar and intimidating such a concept is.

He should probably answer her, he thinks as he offers her a smile and a nod. "Ah. Yes, sorry. I got... distracted."

He walks over with her following, stopping a few steps away from Gallagher, watching Lynette and Kaveh. Though he remains quiet, there is a light smile on his face.

Each life converges to some center

˚ʚ [waning sun reunion wahhh] ɞ˚

[iustitians]

@aesthetecomplex

Neuvillette knows about the Official Fontanian Sandcastle Construction Cooperation, if only by name and the basic idea. Most of the time, funding for an organization or a project can be approved or rejected without his input - the less of his time is taken up by trivial matters, the better for all of Fontaine - but in some cases, his opinion is requested to make the final decision. The OFSCC was one such case, for their activity felt unusual and whimsical enough to the other officials that they were hesitant on approving it. And so, the form ended up finding its way onto the Chief Justice's desk, and eventually, having argued its case with words such as fundraising, creativity and fun, left his office with the stamp.

Accepting it does not necessarily mean the Iudex understands it, though. It is not as though fun is a concept entirely foreign to him (which he knows some to genuinely believe) - as a frequent spectator of operas, concerts and shows that Fontaine is just as known for as it is for the justice side of things, Neuvillette knows how to enjoy something he sees as a member of the audience. It is participating in the activity that is supposed to be fun that he, well... has far less experience with. He enjoys going for a swim, but given his identity, that feels like an obvious second nature. The occasional banquet or party that he attends in person usually feels like an obligation and an opportunity for others to try (in vain) to get in his good graces, more than anything else. And besides that? He is out of ideas.

Today, after Sedene practically threw him out of his office to force him to take a break ("Monsieur Neuvillette, have you seriously been working nonstop for nine hours?!" "Yes, why... oh"), the Iudex heads outside the city for a walk. Ah, dearest Sedene, always worrying about him and his well-being. Perhaps she is right, some movement and fresh air will do him good... Besides, it is best he complies before word of this reaches Sigewinne.

His attention is drawn to the large group of people and activity on the shore. He hesitates for a moment, before directing his steps towards the beach that had been chosen as the spot where the OFSCC set themselves up, to see what they are up to. Under normal circumstances he would keep himself away, but... Hopefully his presence does not cause too much commotion and ruin the mood.

The event does indeed seem to have gathered all sorts of people with its premise; it does not take a trained eye to recognize that some are not from Fontaine, having traveled here from Sumeru, Liyue, even Snezhnaya. Happy chatter and laughter resonates through the air, and the foundations of the first castles begin already to rise from the sand. Neuvillette keeps his distance in the beginning, but eventually, his eyes are drawn to a solitary figure standing off to the side, looking rather forlorn.

"... Excuse me. Is something the matter?" He asks, coming closer.

Do You Want to Build a Sandcastle? || Neuvillette & Kaveh

[iustitians]

The greetings are exchanged, with Elida offering Kaveh a bright smile and a cheerful wave of her little hand. "Hello! I'm Elida, nice to meet you! Monsieur Neuvillette has a few days off and came with me to Liyue for Lantern Rite. I've always wanted to see the world outside Fontaine, and so he agreed to accompany me!"

For his part, Neuvillette nods, though a small sigh can also be heard escaping him as he adds on to her words. "If memory serves, Elida might be the first or second Melusine ever to have ventured beyond Fontaine's borders. I did not wish for her to go alone."

Slightly overprotective of him? Perhaps. But he was not taking chances, not when he is cursed to always feel events of the past as fresh in his mind, regardless of the centuries that pass.

"I see. I hope you have a happy Lantern Rite, then," he says in response to Kaveh's explanation, as he knows is tradition for this time of year. At his question, he shakes his head.

"The waters of Fontaine used to be badly contaminated as a result of both the great calamity from five hundred years ago, as well as later human activity," he explains. "Most of it is cleared out by now, though certain areas are still not entirely purified. The greater problem, however, is that, well..." He sighs, the small hint of what looked like sadness giving way to a more clear sting of irritation. "Once upon a time, in order to help clear the contamination, the Fontaine Research Institute released many underwater mekafish units into the waters. However, they got out of control and began to purge everything around them, including the fish themselves. The effect on the environment was severe, and the ecosystem has not fully recovered - especially because not all of those mekafish have been removed yet."

Listening to the explanation, Elida nods sadly. "Yeah, that makes sense... Between the pollution and both natural and unnatural predators, I guess it really would be rough for them in Fontaine. Shame... I was wondering if they'd let me take a few back home."

Ripples || Neuvillette & Kaveh (& Elida)