cursed

staring into my EYES is ill-advised. i can't promise you'll LIKE what you SEE. ✕ ✕ ✕ affiliated + not indie friendly contains spoilers

[sendousha]

Seemed to be their relationship was carried by plenty of trust and freedom granted to the children she spoke of — her absence wasn't a source of concern, and she'd confidence they would manage even if the days outside passed in tandem with those in. A parent neither distant nor smothering — a balancing act she'd mastered seemingly without issue.

The sentiment she followed with was one he could understand — as much as he missed everyone from home, pulling them into the line of fire to ease his loneliness would be more selfish. Just as many days passed without issue, there were those tests, and being ordinary teenagers, they would be at great risk.

Of course as a parent, her priority were the safety of her charges. "—One? You mean that one of them is already here?"

[balemoonash]

"yes. is that surprising?" it's hardly anything beyond the usual. there have been others unwillingly brought along for whatever the plans are in this place, but it seems more like a twisted experiment if anyone were to ask her opinion.

"you appear to be quite young yourself. do you have family?" she backtracks rather swiftly though... perhaps she had gotten a little carried away speaking so openly on such a topic, encouraged by a curious child who obviously meant well. "no need to answer if you don't wish to divulge details to a stranger."

[heretic-of-the-divine]

we always meet twice in a lifetime. @balemoonash

The corners of his lips twitched upwards, revealing a sharp smile as he made sure his eyes were not deceiving him. He had heard that she too lived in the neighbourhood, but seeing The Knave in the flesh was both an irritating and exhilarating feeling. For one, the Doctor detested her for annulling the agreement he held with Crucabena, hindering part of his research immensely, but he also held a lot of curiosity in the way she ran the House of the Hearth. Meeting her “children” here too had been such a pleasure.

His truce with the magician would not be extended to her, of that he was aware, but the young man's loyalty and attachment to his “Father” was strong enough that it could be useful eventually.

“My, my, if it isn’t my dear colleague,” the harbinger mused, hands folded behind his back as he approached his former comrade and current neighbour, “what an utmost pleasure it is to see you here. Beautiful weather we’re having, isn’t it? Ah, how very rude of me, you must’ve thought you’ve seen the last of me in Nod-Krai already. Pardon me to disappoint you.”

Oh, he simply couldn’t hide his gloating in front of her.

[balemoonash]

much like an unwelcome guest, he refuses to truly disappear even when many believed he was finally gone. there was no reason to expect the likes of him to be brought here nor think it entirely impossible. unfortunately, someone among the stars thought it amusing to add Dottore into the mix. "spare me the false pleasantries." both knew where they stood in that regard, especially after his attempts at bargaining for the orphanage children when the previous Knave had been eradicated. he should have known she would never agree.

now he stands before her again, annoying as ever in his casual attitude for all the atrocities he has committed. granted, every harbinger had their crimes, but him? he is the worst of them all. "what purpose is there in approaching me? didn't the events in Nod-Krai make it clear that you overstepped your role and outstayed your welcome?" and one far beyond what could be deemed acceptable. full of arrogance, to be more than he truly deserves.

arms fold over her chest as she stares him down, the slightest hint of a glare cast his way. "you are aware the traveler is here, as well as other colleagues of ours? perhaps others you've wronged in the past too. how long do you think they'll allow you to provoke them before finding yourself in trouble again?" but this time, it isn't only those from Teyvat he's likely to earn the ire of should he dare to make a move here.

[hyposelenias]

SHOULD SHE HAVE ASKED PRIOR TO THIS? maybe, though it had not crossed her immediate mind when she has learned of arlecchino's presence here. by the time she had arrived, she had asked to enter on the pretense of knowing the other's roommate. and while waiting... perhaps she had gotten a little sleepy, much so that she had borrowed the others' bed for the tiniest slumber.

until the sound of one entering the room rouses her awake, causing her to lift her head briefly, one hand shifting to rub her tired eyes. ❝ Oh. You've returned, ❞ she notes, sleepiness laden on her tongue as she turns to face her friend.

❝ I didn't wish to stay in my assigned room. So... I came where there is someone familiar instead. ❞ would that explanation suffice? or perhaps it was wrong of her, much like when she presumed she had to call the other father as the children of the hearth.

@balemoonash

[balemoonash]

this had been... unexpected, retuning only to find her room is not as she left it, more so with another occupying her sleeping space. it doesn't bother her in particular, she's just surprised seeing who it happened to be. a familiar face who isn't one of the more unfavourable choices. that, she could let slide, despite the initial confusion.

"yes, I can see that." then again, it's always been this way. Columbina had a habit of showing up out of the blue, whether invited or otherwise. "and how, exactly, did you find out where I was?" she can only guess the traveler must have mentioned it, if not Paimon. or perhaps another harbinger. there's hardly anyone else who could direct the other here, not when she has made sure to keep to herself as much as possible during her stay.

perhaps it doesn't actually matter who. "well, never mind. whatever brought you here, it's good to see someone else I can trust."

[caliburn]

With the papers somewhat organised, Lily turned attention to the woman, the glare of her phone residing at the bottom of her vision. "O— Oh, it's nothing major.

A friend recently created a wonderful training ground, so I wanted to get word out about it so others could benefit and keep their skills sharp. I've read that there are permits you can purchase through the Marketplace for businesses, though I'm not that versed in the matter yet. it seemed like a good opportunity to get a grasp on it, but this is all very different from the time I was learning. Would they even approve a business when the one applying isn't an adult?"

[balemoonash]

a training ground? interesting. it's certainly worth the investment. there are a wide variety of people brought here, many of whom are capable of combat. "if you are dedicated, even at your age, then I doubt it matters much. as you said, others would benefit." even she may decide to take a look at some point during her time here.

an offer then... "if you'd like help, just say the word. I have some free time." only if the girl wished it of course. she knows when to keep to herself if someone prefers to do things at their own pace.

[depthsofdreaming]

“Father...!”

Freminet’s normally expressionless face is adorned with a small smile — he is excited to see her. He wants to hug her, but he knows Father generally frowns upon such public displays of emotion and weakness. He hugs Pers tighter to his chest instead.

“I’m afraid my combat abilities... have been significantly handicapped... I might not be able to go on the same type of missions you usually give me.” He reports to her.

He misses his family, but even one member (besides Pers) being here makes his heart feel lighter. Freminet wonders if they can still be a family with only the two of them; if that family still counted as a home in a world where there is no House of the Hearth. But at least Father is here. The Father who saved his life and whom he’d follow anywhere — apparently even here.

“...But maybe... I could still be useful to you. My diving and mechanical skills are unaffected...”

Alecchino always encouraged them to stand on their own feet and be their own people, but that is a lot more difficult for Freminet than simply following orders.

@balemoonash

[balemoonash]

Freminet? she's pleased to see him again of course, but why has he been brought here of all places? surely the stars have no reason to bring children to this island. "there's no need. the house rules do not apply here, you are free to do as you please." it may be difficult for him to hear, though she'd like to think he'll be able to break those habits, live as any child should.

or maybe she should simply give him a nudge in that direction, some small reassurance that while he may still call her father, he doesn't need to be so formal in strange lands, far away from home. so, she holds out a hand, encouraging him to come closer.

"if you wish to use your skills to help others, I believe it will be good for you. you may even find yourself some friends." he could learn to grow out of that bubble with decent people around him, little by little until he's more comfortable with reaching out. not to say that she intends to distance herself though... far from it. should any of the children still wish to retain their family dynamics, she would not argue against it. she only wishes for them to have a normal life here. as much as allowed by those in charge, at least. "think of this as a fresh start. you have the chance to do things you couldn't in Teyvat."

[sendousha]

As used to life away from family as he'd become, there were inevitably the passing of birthdays apart — both his own and theirs. On each cycle, whether it be Emi, their mother's or one of his friends, Aichi had made it ritual to take some time to wish them well, even if time beyond the sky was frozen.

Whether or not she was aware that the separation from the children didn't equate an absence, their special day had come and she could not share it with them. It must eat at her, as the older in the relationship — from a parent's perspective, it must have been even more painful, particularly if she believed them to be growing up without getting to witness it herself.

"Your thinking of them would mean a lot to them — even without being around physically, they're on your mind. That says how important they are to you, and the feeling must be mutual. If it's of any comfort, they won't see the day without you, so those thoughts won't go unheard".

[balemoonash]

it was mostly said to herself without much thought for anyone else listening in, but apparently at least one had taken the opportunity to do so. "perhaps. the children tend to do their own thing, and I have no intention of interrupting them unless it's urgent. they may do as they please within the rules of the house while at home." any who end up here will be unrestricted by those rules of course.

she is, however, already aware of the flow of time here. that doesn't make her think of them any less though. "don't worry. I know it isn't their time to celebrate yet." it's just a passing thought on this day in particular, much as it is when her birthday comes around as well. "but... I wouldn't wish for the others to be subjected to the whims of the stars. one is already too many."

[balemoonash]

today is another ordinary day for others, to her, a special occasion plays on her mind as she gazes at the card section. Lyney and Lynette's birthday. "I wonder how the children are celebrating today..." she is grateful for Freminet's presence, but she does miss the others and their antics, and she's certain he feels the same.

[caliburn]

Not until someone spoke directly to her had it struck Lily just how long she'd been occupying one of the cafe's outer tables. ooohh, hopefully the staff weren't too frustrated with how little she'd brought for how much time she'd taken — she'd need to rectify that! More immediately, she should accommodate the woman who had requested a seat, haphazardly squashing the sheets of scribbled notes into something vaguely resembling a stack.

"N— Not at all! Sorry for the mess, it's just a bit of brainstorming. But it can wait until later — I don't want to trouble you anymore than have done so already".

[balemoonash]

"I would hardly call it a mess from what little I could see." she sits opposite the girl, arms resting on the table as she watches quietly for a moment. it's none of her concern, but she has made some true friends recently, so perhaps it calls for some changes. if the young lady would accept her offer, then she wouldn't mind extending a helping hand. "if you'd like any help, I could assist. you looked quite troubled by whatever it is you're working on."

[descensionstar]

@balemoonash

since the night it happened, she had taken a moment of each to gaze upon the moon.

the bitter fire burning in the pit of her stomach was not a new feeling, but this time, it had a source towards which it could concentrate. when Dunyarzad vanished, it had just been the Traveler's failure to resolve the immediate issue, and ultimately she was rescued. the same could be argued of Columbina — she was not physically pushed into the moon's shadow, but much farther out of reach did she fade. and like so many before her, it mattered not how hard Lumine tried to reach out, her fingers remained a chasm away.

how many times she'd tried and watched someone slip away was so frequent that she'd stop bothered counting. but wallowing would not rescue their friend, and the Knave would concentrate her flames onto the man onto whom blame would truly fall.

"we'll find a way. your diligence helped to rescue Fontaine — a prophecy handed down by Celestia must be the greater obstacle".

[balemoonash]

as she knows well, it's easy to say something will work out as planned, but when it comes to that time... they never go as expected. with such high stakes, anything could happen. not that she doesn't appreciate the traveler's effort of reassurance, it's a welcome act since both are on friendly terms now.

"yes, perhaps. it won't be a simple task though. I'm sure you've already realised." especially as the traveler and Paimon had seen a fraction of what her colleague is capable of before the incident, but this is an entirely different situation. "everyone will need to be careful with their planning, which could prove difficult knowing how Dottore operates." anything and everything could go wrong in a matter of seconds if the group isn't precise and ready when the time arrives.

[anna-drw01]

[balemoonash]

it had been relatively peaceful a few moments ago, at least until the man next to her arrived to partake in his fair share of drinks. and what a lively chatter he is, much so that even she can't help watching the scene unfold along with others around them. she has no idea what he's talking about so enthusiastically but it is quite the tale, very well told at that. "someone is skilled in telling stories."

such a story leaves her wondering though... "speaking from personal experience? I doubt it's a simple tale. it sounds too real to be something from a book." he could also just be exceptional in making it feel as if the listeners could picture it in their mind, but she'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

@sonofgorgo

[balemoonash]

passing on her way for another drink, she notes a rather bewildered man glancing around as if searching for someone. "you look lost." taking another glass before turning her head toward him, she stares for a moment then takes a sip of her freshly acquired wine, finding a spot nearby but keeping a respectable distance.

"expecting company? or have you lost them among the crowd?" whichever it is, while she can't help since there are few she knows still, she can at least pass time with conversation until he finds whoever it is... unless of course he's a more recent addition trying to adjust, or maybe a returning resident waiting to reunite with old friends.

@mangekyouillusionist

[balemoonash]

"are you having trouble deciding?" with her tendency to watch from the sidelines, she noticed one particular gentleman lingering by the table, hand hovering between a few of the various plates of food. spoiled for choice, perhaps? but understandable given how appetising all of it looked.

"if you don't mind suggestions," she points now to one of the plates he'd been indecisive over, whether he chose to follow her advice is entirely up to him. "why not try this one first."

@blazars

[balemoonash]

wintertide info.

although she's more of the tea party kind of person, she'll still be attending the ball! in terms of outfit, this is what she will be wearing minus the mask of course.

you can probably find her either grabbing a drink and the odd snack, or off to one side observing the attendees since she very much enjoys people watching. even then she isn't opposed to interacting if anyone wanted to pop over and have a conversation or anything else really!

[balemoonash]

in passing she spots a young lady looking somewhat lost in thought, all while looking over some papers spread out across the table. at first, she thinks nothing much of it, that is until catching a glimpse of the rather long list of notes when walking closer, only then does she decide to speak up.

"do you mind if I take a seat? just for a few moments. I won't disturb your work." if not then she doesn't mind moving elsewhere, but she is quite curious what the girl could be so focused on.

@caliburn

[doublemasked]

He feels somewhat bad when he sees her - because she doesn't have her family here. Well, he had spent plenty of time with them, and now he was missing his family, both his little siblings and his master.

That, and he could use some help with Oliver after his incident, and maybe the Knave could be good here.

"Actually...yeah! That'd be good. Might get something cold, but that's just 'cause it's definitely not cold enough for me here yet." He falls into step next to her.

"I actually need some advice, and in exchange I can catch you up on island-going-ons. Deal?"

[balemoonash]

"very well, do as you wish. I did offer, after all." who is she to deny a colleague she has no conflict with. she does take a moment to consider his request though, ultimately there's no harm in lending whatever aid she's able to. "you have a deal, so long as it's something within my ability to do so, but then of course, you wouldn't be asking otherwise."

the walk is fairly short and once they arrive, she's quick to place her order then picks a quiet table in one of the corners, where they are less likely to be disturbed. making herself comfortable, she waits until Childe is finished with his own and gestures for him to sit. "what's this advice you seek? I'll need all the details you can provide before we discuss a solution."

[balemoonash]

why there is a young girl running around seemingly without anyone supervising surprises her. it's irresponsible, or it may just be a case of not having anyone else. still, an adult should be keeping watch so nothing happens, at least. she decides to approach, waiting for when the child finally slows to a pause.

"are you here alone?" she takes another brief glance of the area to check for certain, in case someone might come to collect the girl but there's no sign of such. "it isn't wise for you to be wandering off by yourself."

@fiestywolfchild