An Honest Death

Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower, affiliated with Isola Radiale. Housing: The Astral Clocktower [Archimedes] Rank: Dwarf

[beckonsosweetly]

suboceansong​:

“Quite frank indeed.” Her smile only grew wider. “Oh yes absolutely, without question. I could be doing it right now, or maybe I already did it after rolling all of the same number to make you less suspicious.”

“That leads me to my next point; why would I do anything like that without good reason? And certainly, I wouldn’t cheat amongst friends. But you’re quite right dear, it’s a game that lends itself to a wager, especially if only two are playing.”

She took a moment to look at the dice, lifting one to roll between her fingers.

“Now us being good friends probably rules out much of what I’d consider an interesting wager, especially in this place. What would you even want? That does make me curious.”

"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a gradual and surreptitious killer.” She crossed her legs and leaned back in her chair, watching the dice Tuyin was rolling between her fingers. Not out of any suspicion, genuinely, her eyes were just drawn to it.

“I’d like to know first what you consider an ‘interesting’ wager. What would I want?”

She paused, though she didn’t need to think about it. “High quality cat food. It can get terribly expensive.”

[beckonsosweetly]

suboceansong​:

“Good, good. There is a measure of deceit involved of course, insofar as you can keep it believable. Losing all of one’s dice results in their defeat, yes.” Slowly the smile crept across her face.

“But of course.” She said, lifting her cup and showing her set of five, solid gold dice. “Though tell me, darling, do you think you’d be able to tell if I was making such manipulations in my favour?”

When the cup was lifted and the dice shown didn’t look to be unnaturally biased towards any sum total, Maria was satisfied for the time being. “Quite frankly, I do. Do you think you would be able to make such manipulations wholly in secret?”

She rapped one set of fingers against the table surface, after gathering up her own set of dice in preparation. “There is one more thing,” she said. “This hardly seems like a game one plays without any stakes.”

[beckonsosweetly]

suboceansong​:

“It’s simple enough.”

“We each have five dice in our cup, then we shake them and turn the cup over like so.” She proceeded to shake them before turning the cup over onto the table over the dice. 

“Then you can look at what you rolled, but you want to keep the results hidden from me. We take turns saying what we think the sum of a total number might be, escalating each turn. If one of us thinks the other is lying or wrong, we can call them out as such. If the caller is wrong, they lose a die. If they’re right, the other loses one.”

Maria listened intently, perhaps far too intently for a game with stakes as low as these. As far as Maria could tell, Tuyin was simply bored and needed a dice partner. No bets had been brought up... yet.

“I understand, so far. And the first to lose all of their dice is the loser, I imagine.”

“Now, show me your dice before we begin anew, so that I can be sure you are not using any magicks to manipulate things in your favour.”

[beckonsosweetly]

[ @suboceansong​ ]

“Remind me once more how you play this game,” she said, rolling the solid gold dice around in her hands. The cup that came with them still had water in it when Tuyin arrived; all brought from her hoard, Maria assumed.

“‘Liar’s dice?’”

[beckonsosweetly]

suboceansong​:

She eyed the squirrel as it took the fruit, six-eyed it in fact, just for a moment. “I suppose they might, if you don’t need much from your company.”

“Give away my vaunted collection? You mean pay people to come and see me. Darling, people who come only for gifts aren’t really the kind of visitors I care to cultivate. Is that who you want in your home?”

“I don’t.”

"From my perspective, you don’t seem to care to cultivate any kind of visitors. Is that why I am never invited to your dinner parties? It’s terribly insulting.”

[beckonsosweetly]

[ @suboceansong​ ]

“I feed them because they make for nice company,” she said, handing another slice of fruit to the four eyed squirrel hanging out by the picnic table.

“Perhaps if you shared the spoils of your hoard, you’d get more visitors, too.”

[beckonsosweetly]

Starter | @tilitili​

“You are coddling that thing like a newborn child.” It was almost disgusting, really. Caring for the teacup pig was one thing, Maria was not going to decry that. But to hold it like a puppy, pet it, coo at it?

Admittedly, Maria would not be as put off by it were it... just about anyone else. But unless she wanted to be stuck as a fox, she was stuck with her.

“It has feet of its own, you know. It can walk.”

[beckonsosweetly]

suboceansong​:

Despite having been sat for some time, when posed the question she took an extra moment to make sure she was exceedingly comfortable. “As all seem to  be after they arrive, at least until some arbitrary time has passed, or a requisite number of hoops jumped through.”

“I’m flattered by your interest. Well I am a Titan, dear, and that isn’t a title just given because of my tremendous size. I hail from the age of gods.” She rolled her glass. “A war machine, if we’re being crass. I am the Subocean Song, and that song commands both the sea and the heavens. How familiar are you with magic? I’ve had some time to perfect my art.” 

“Tremendous size,” she repeated, raising an eyebrow. She knows this isn’t Tuyin’s true form, of course, but it was still mildly amusing to hear her say that when taking the shape of a small human.

“That’s a lot of grand talk with so little to have shown for it as of yet. Gods? War machine? You’re quite passive for a war machine.” She leaned back in her chair and took a drink, crossing one leg over the other. “I’m familiar with things many here would call magic, and know several others who utilize their own forms of it. What other magics do you bring to the table?”

[beckonsosweetly]

Starter | @suboceansong​

Maria idly swirled her drink inside her glass, sat across from Human Tuyin (Huyin, if you will) at the top of her clocktower. “I haven’t had reason to ask you before, seeing as you were physically limited much like I was.”

“But if you’re willing to share, then what are the extents of your abilities, limitless as they are now?”

[beckonsosweetly]

umbralfire​:

     cats here seemed to love her. she is not sure exactly what the cause for this is but it isn’t something that she considers to be annoying or a hindrance. Kal’ihnia loved animals of all kind, so she didn’t mind being followed by a train of felines on a stroll near the Ophiuchus Tree. it was amusing, in a way. she would pause and they would as well, lingering by her feet until she chose to move again. they’ve grown on her enough that she’s taken to given them names. and as there were only five, it wasn’t too difficult of a task. 

this is how she’s spent a majority of her morning: resting against the base of the tree, the felines nestled around her and resting or playing close by. the miq’ote makes a mental note to buy some toys for them next time she’s out shopping. but for now, a little ball of weaved grassblades she made was suitable enough.

   her fingers run idly through one of the calico’s fur – Ciri, she had named her – as she sprawled across Kal’ihnia’s lap. the gentle vibrations of her purrs earn a smile from the woman and as a sudden shadow falls over them, she looks up to see another woman before her. and in her arms was one of the cats that had grown attached to her.

    oh no. was he causing trouble? he did have a knack for that– Smokey was his name. with this assumption, Kal’ihnia offers an apologetic smile, gaze flickering from the disgruntled looking cat to the woman. “ Let me guess– did he try to take something of yours? “

@beckonsosweetly​

Cats were one of the few creatures that Maria could ever be described as being “soft” for. The better trained they were, the better, of course, but cats of all kinds were typically some of her favourite companions. More so than some people she knew, for sure.

This cat she held now was not as trained as her own, because it had tried to beg her for treats rather than await them. Partly Maria’s fault, as she forgot that she had the treats in the pocket of the coat she was wearing today. She was far from annoyed, though, and had already given out a few of the treats before setting out in search of its owner.

“Just some spare treats I had kept in my pocket. I suppose you could say he succeeded, as I didn’t need much convincing. I thought it best to seek out his owner before he got too lost.”

“Following your scent was simple enough.” Kal’ihnia’s scent, that was, not Smokey’s. “I can tell he does not much enjoy being carried, at least not by me,” she said, kneeling down to let the cat gently flop out of her arms and back onto the ground, “so I won’t overstay my welcome in that regard. Do you own all of these cats?”

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suboceansong​:

“Closer, Lady ‘ria. Something tells me you need more fluidity in your life, don’t be so rigid dear. Perfection is generally unattainable and especially by mortals, and I’ve not seen anything that convinces me this place wasn’t made by the imperfect.”

“To put it simply; no. Plain would be kind. To harken back to what I just said and answer your musing both; I have been chasing perfection for a great number of years, lifetimes to many. It is in our nature to change and the matter of my own form and function is a constant pursuit.” She glanced to one of the nearby stands before looking back with a grin.

“Try not to be too disappointed or relieved if I say it wasn’t, I’m sure there’s far more appropriate avenues than this.”

“Is it in your nature to be self-contradictory? It would explain a great deal about you.” Or maybe a Minor deal? “Perfection being unattainable is exactly my point. This place is not perfect, nor would I expect it to be.”

“Is it really in a person’s nature to change? Or do you mean you and I, specifically? I can’t say for certain if the answer would be different regardless. Do you consider this form here to be as perfect as you can manage, then?”

Maria looked her up and down a moment. “Could stand to be a little taller. But to the point, then—this art does not meet your standards. I would be surprised if you did not expect that from the outset. You said a part of you was simply curious. What about the rest? Can I expect the Lady Tuyin’Asai to show everyone else what true artistic near-perfection is?” She nodded towards one of the untouched slabs of stone, waiting to be chiseled.

“You could always try your hand.”

[beckonsosweetly]

suboceansong​:

She only hummed in response at first, but it was a playful tune. ”Yes I suppose I could, but I probably won’t. A picture though, maybe.”

As the hall expanded into a ‘garden’ dome she swept her gaze around the space, noting many statues of various stages of completion and many more stands of yet untouched raw materials. 

“Now, that’s a narrow view is it not? Some desire simply to exist, and the hurdle of regularly scheduled chaos is a small price to pay compared to the fates of many stars and souls out there. Beyond simple existence, even mundane pursuits are beyond the reach of many.”

“Now  there’s no need for Miss; Lady would be more appropriate.” She said with a grin as she gently unlinked her arm and turned around, sweeping out her arms to seemingly gesture at their entire surroundings. 

 “My hobbies are well developed, a part of me was curious to see what passed for art in a city playing host to beings torn across time and space. While the selection of mediums are quaint, my particular canvases is far more intimate.”

“Is it narrow? You were claiming the city to be perfect, but now you are changing tune and saying it is simply ‘good enough for some.’ For it to be perfect, would it not have to be perfect for all?”

“Lady Asai, then.” When her arm was free she crossed them both over her chest, her eyes still more on Tuyin than the statues around them. If she was trying to convince Maria to take up marble chiseling, it wasn’t going to work.

“And does it pass your muster? Some of these look rather plain to me.” Harsh critic. “And while I am not wholly sure what you mean by ‘intimate canvases,’ I will say that if your intention in bringing me here was to court me, you had better try another avenue.”

[beckonsosweetly]

suboceansong​:

“I hope you’re not implying there’s anything minor about me.” She hummed playfully as they walked. “Well take it from someone entirely unbiased and objective that it would take your breath away. But if the depths disturb you won’t likely be seeing it any time soon.”

“Ah yes, quite wise. Key to a peaceful life is not picking any fights you don’t need to.” As they walked she glanced at various rooms they passed but nothing seemed to grab her interest, though she did appear to be steering them towards an arch expanding into a garden like space.

“Perfect place to pick up new hobbies, hm? Perhaps even this particular museum, but certainly the city on the whole.”

“Would I?” was all she would answer that with. “You could always take some of it to the surface. Or a photograph, at the bare minimum.”

“I would hesitate to call this city perfect for anything, let alone new hobbies. I am sure there are better places out there. Perhaps a city that isn’t turned upside down every few months, no?” Maria hardly even looked into any of the rooms they were passing, expecting that Tuyin was leading them somewhere in particular regardless of what she was personally interested in.

Which, she assumed was the correct assumption as they got closer to the garden section, though Maria’s assumptions ended there as she had none as to why they were here.

“Then what hobby are you aiming to pick up here, Miss Asai?”

[beckonsosweetly]

suboceansong​:

“You are quite right, but in my experience as a rather old lady it’s quite enjoyable to embrace new things as they rise just as it is holding on to enduring classics.”

“Not just by me, though I do make sure I don’t miss out. And while my collection might be vast, I don’t need more than one pair in a particular style or design. Hoarding;” She started, lining herself up beside Maria. “Of course I am, have you seen my hoard?”

She looked up and smiled, and whether an arm was offered or not she would attempt to take it and start walking in the direction she had looked. “I’m inclined to find out. But yes yes, the sword. Often a fascination of the little ones on the surface. I’m sure you’re quite skilled, you certainly carry yourself that way. Have you never thought about creating anything else?” 

“No, I have not seen your hoard. I try to avoid the ocean at the best of times, let alone take a casual subaquatic voyage to a Minor One’s cave.” Whether that ‘Minor One’ comment was meant as a friendly joke or something else would be nigh impossible for anyone to tell, as Maria showed nothing on her expression to indicate it either way.

Maria didn’t offer her arm, but didn’t argue when Tuyin linked it with hers anyway. “Skilled enough. I cannot truthfully say that I never have, but looking for a fight is not my intent at this point regardless, so I am content to stick with what I know.”

“I would much rather pick up a new hobby rather than create another weapon.”

[beckonsosweetly]

suboceansong​:

“I can indeed see that.” She said, seeing. “And while I do appreciate the style, I’m trying for a more… Modern look. As subjective as modern can be here.” She spent a few more silent moments appraising in a perhaps surprisingly non-judgemental way. “But even then by modern I suppose I mean a particular brand of fashionable.”

“Well dear I am a collector of a great many things, and a great many of those things are what’s deemed precious, valuable. While there are many enduring examples, many also change with the times. Here, I’ve grown quite fond of footwear. These?” She looked down again. “Heavens no, even if green is the best colour; they’re collectibles.”

Eventually she cast her eyes down to one of the hallways. “Any artistic bones in your body?”

“Modernity does not always mean a better product, visually or otherwise.” Though she wasn’t trying to be especially insulting, it would at least be clear by now that Maria was definitely still questioning Tuyin’s choice of footwear. But, simiilarly, non-judgemental. Just questioning!

“Collectibles,” she said, raising an eyebrow. “Collected by whom? Just you? If so, that does not count. If not, then why have you not hoarded all the other pairs?”

“You are quite fond of hoarding, aren’t you? But to answer your question, I would not call myself particularly artistic, unless you count swordplay as an art form. However, I do not feel that would be appreciated in this particular museum.”

Maria followed Tuyin’s gaze down one hall, but she didn’t know where it lead. “What lies down that way?”

[beckonsosweetly]

suboceansong​:

“Expect the unexpected and all that, I simply don’t like to be kept waiting.” Said the creature that spent the vast majority of her time sleeping in public places. “Something indeed, and you certainly may, dear.”

Before answering immediately she spent a moment clearly making a shower of examining herself, all the way down to the shoes in question. 

“I could say my presence here is formality enough however I choose to appear. There are many stores here dedicated entirely  to footwear, and they are some of my favourite stores of all, I was very fascinated to see how covetous the approach to such articles of clothing had changed. They’re exceedingly comfortable and let me assure you; quite expensive.” 

She tilted her head with a smile. “What does my style seem like to you?” 

“Yes, I am well aware of both the variety and expense of the footwear options publicly available to us here—my own are not cheap. However, I did not take you for one to care. Especially given how much time is spent in your other form where most of it, I imagine, would be entirely useless to you.”

Maria took another look at the shoes in question, a question written on her face but it was just the same question before but with an added touch of ‘but why?’

“Your style strikes me as more green. Darker tones. Less... ‘bubblegum pastel’ as I’ve heard it called. I suppose we could paint over them yet. Was that your plan?”

[beckonsosweetly]

suboceansong​:

@beckonsosweetly​

“Aha, very punctual, I like that. Lucky for us both that I’m no longer as constrained by time so that we may properly enjoy any time together.” 

Tuyin nodded as Maria approached, a slight smile on her lips. The kraken was dressed somewhat simply, linen pants and shirt complete with a shawl and beret. Earthly tones for the most part other than the pastel basketball shoes.

“Quite glad am I that you decided to accept my invitation. Reflecting on such places and pieces can be… Interesting with another. I’m something of an artist myself, you know.”

The woman stood there almost expectantly, though what she expected wasn’t particularly clear.

“Did you have reason to expect I wouldn’t be?” Maria didn’t know what had been so improper about every other time, but that wasn’t the question on her mind at this moment anyway. Nor was it a question about Tuyin’s supposed artistic talent.

“Something of an artist. May I ask you a question first?”

“Where did you get those shoes? They don’t seem your style at all. I was told—not by you, before you say anything—to expect people to wear formalwear. Or is that your idea of formal?”

Maria herself was not super formal, but not entirely casual either. Business casual, she’d say, with a scarf to help with the windchill.