LUX AETERNA.

affiliated. subgiant.

[camelliacried]

       RAGNA is exactly where she expected him to be— wherever the least amount of socialization could be had. Between the drinks and buffet table, he's nearly flush against the wall with two glasses in hand. She takes the full one from his right hand with a warm smile, admiring his slicked-back hair for what had to be the twentieth time that evening.

   ❝   For me ? You shouldn't have.  ❞ ⠀He really shouldn't have— she's already had two while she was off mingling.

@seithrveined: wintertide ball.

[camelliacried]

       ❝   Those accessories— they're stunning !  ❞      TSUBAKI gasps in delight as she spots a familiar face hovering near the drinks, admiring the pops of color adorning his hands and wrists. She hasn't seen anything quite like them back in her own world, but her exposure beyond the Duodecim was admittedly a little limited...

   ❝  I was hoping I'd run into you here. Did you attend with anyone ? ❞ ⠀

@empyreanlight: wintertide ball.

[camelliacried]

       ❝   Ah, Fou's here as well ! Long time no see— and what a gentlemanly outfit... ! ❞      TSUBAKI isn't wholly proud of how her voice turned into a coo at the sight of that tiny cape and bowtie on an equally tiny creature. That doesn't stop her from reaching up with two fingers of each hand to straighten and adjust said bow tie, though.

   ❝   That dress is absolutely beautiful— you both clean up nicely.  ❞ ⠀

@hopeled: wintertide ball.

[sanpatron]

" What a load of crap. Don't they have people to do this kinda work for them? " Django would growl out. For whatever reason—be it a cruel joke on him, or a severe lapse in thinking—the retired gang leader would find himself tasked in cleaning up some old, creepy mausoleum. Was it at least for profit? He's not entirely sure. But at the very least he finds himself accompanied by the always friendly and super badass Tsubaki—one of like ten, maybe twelve people he actually has come to like.

" By the way, how's Ragna doing? I figured he would've barricaded y'alls home given the holiday. "

@camelliacried // Hallow's FES sc

[camelliacried]

       ❝   Seeing how rambunctious the 'occupants' are, I can't say I'm surprised they're short-staffed. ❞      SHE won't lie and pretend she's thrilled to be here, but... Well, Tsubaki's never been one to shy away from hard work. Cleaning is an ever-reliable form of stress relief— there's satisfaction to be found in a reinvigorated space, even if it is a mausoleum.

   ❝   But everyone deserves a nice, clean resting place. … Even if some of them don't appreciate it.  ❞ ⠀She shoots some wayward rattling chains a sidelong glance, practically daring them to start up that miserable moaning again. Her stern gaze eventually slides into a subdued smile as she continues collecting trash for her bin.   ❝   As for Ragna... Well, he probably would barricade himself if it weren't for the trick-or-treaters. His soft spot won't let him.  ❞ ⠀

[worldrebel]

" Well well well, if it isn't little Miss Izayoi. Ah, apologies, I meant Yayoi. Unless you're going by Bloodedege now?" normal and proper greetings are something that nine had no interest in, at least with this person. given what she vividly remembers happening years ago, they're far past such things as 'hello', aren't they? the witch lounges languidly against the wooden and rickety wall of the haunted house, that ever present smirk on her features as she waits for the other woman to come down from her scare.

after all, she did sneak up on her. in a haunted house. in a dark hallway. on purpose.

" I never pinned you for the type to do this. If you're looking for a thrill, I could deliver far better than this junk heap."

@camelliacried - HORROR HOUSE HOORAY

[camelliacried]

       ❝  GYAA— ?! ❞

      TSUBAKI isn't exactly proud of the noise that left her throat, reflexively rearing back from the voice that seems much too close in the darkness. She's thankful that she had the sense to not bring her weapon in here with her— not the physical one, at least— because that's precisely where her hand went. The wings of her hat are still standing abruptly on end as she clasps at her chest, breathing deeply to overcome the pounding in her ears. Thankfully, she can hear Nine over her own heartbeat just fine.

       ❝   Just— Tsubaki will do. I was just... curious, I suppose. To see what all this house would throw at customers.  ❞ ⠀Truthfully, she wanted to vet this place before bringing Ragna anywhere near it— she's well aware of his... aversion... to anything remotely ghost-adjacent. But she can't exactly tell Nine that— Nine, who practically blends into this whole house.     ❝   As for a thrill, well... I think you just gave me one—  ❞ ⠀

[spiritsummon]

❝ Does everything have to have pumpkin in it when it comes to this time of the year? ❞

[camelliacried]

       ❝   Actually, there's a reason for that ! It has to do with the harvest cycle. Pumpkins flourish up until autumn, so they became synonymous with an abundant harvest for that year. Gradually, they were associated with holidays that fall during harvest time as well— especially Halloween, which used to involve carving faces into turnips. Pumpkins are a little easier, as it turns out.  ❞     

[seithrveined]

⠀⠀Seeing her light up so much, so quickly— it's exactly what he was hoping for. Try as he might, it's hard to fight back a small smile as she looks around the area. Even if Ragna himself might feel totally lost at what to do with all this, it'll be enough to follow her lead and be her assistant. Hopefully he just doesn't screw it up in the end— last thing this place needs is broken glass everywhere.

⠀⠀⠀⠀"Yeah, take your time with that— I wouldn't even know where to begin with all this." It's not like he can't appreciate art and aesthetics to some degree... but everything here just looks like colored ash or broken glass to him— a thought he'll keep to himself, of course.

[camelliacried]

       ❝   Let's see... ❞      WHERE he sees shards of glass, she sees countless opportunities. Abstract, realism, mosaic— as expected from the City of Glass, Tsubaki can identify plenty of stylistic choices in the boundless options. She taps a finger against her chin as she bends over to inspect each cluster of stained glass and colored sand, tilting her head this way and that. Would it be possible to recreate a mural of the legendary Six— ah, no, that would be much too massive. Where would she hang it ? Perhaps a miniature landscape...

        Despite all the possibilities running through her mind, she keeps coming back to one idea... More of a concept, really...

       ❝   Hmm... Ragna, I'd like you to gather up all the red glass pieces that catch your eye. The shade doesn't matter— just so long as you like them for one reason or another. We'll divide and conquer.  ❞ ⠀

[computerqueen]

SKY FULL OF STARS in ARCHIMEDES WARD SpiraleFES 2025

Back in Cyber City, there were fireworks to celebrate the arrival of the Three Heroes... and on other occasions, fireworks shaped like Queen's head to remind the populace who was in charge.

This particular fireworks show isn't about heroes or royalty, though. The theme tonight is about animals from various homelands, and the show makers are taking suggestions for fireworks through a neat little doodle pad.

The young woman with the cool eyeball hat seems to be eyeing the display. Queen looks over at her and smiles.

* You Wanna Go First Or Should I?

@camelliacried

[camelliacried]

       ❝   Oh, by all means— you go ahead. ❞      TSUBAKI sweeps her arm outward in a polite gesture; as she tilts her head, the eye on her hat seems to follow this stranger (who sounds oddly... how to put this... phonetic).

  ❝   I'm still trying to decide how to go about drawing Kaka kittens... it's important I do them justice. What about you ? Do you already have something in mind ?  ❞ 

[seithrveined]

⠀⠀⠀⠀@camelliacried wanted to get creative...

⠀⠀A new attraction for this year's SpiraleFES, Stained Glass City, seemed to catch Tsubaki's interest. Looks like another way for artistic types to work out some fancy stuff to scratch some creative itch... She didn't outright say that she was interested, but Ragna had a very strong feeling that this would be up her alley. So, in a surprise move, he managed to get her over to the City of Glass without giving away his intent till the last second. He felt relief after the truth came out— her face was a genuine sort of joy that he never gets tired of working out of her.

⠀⠀⠀⠀"I was just thinkin'... I could help ya make something here. I don't really have an artistic bone in my body, so— I'm fine just being your, uh... assistant, I think? Yeah, so just tell me what to do, and I'll follow your lead."

[camelliacried]

        IT  was a wonderfully-kept secret. She assumed they were going to the City of Glass for the massive barbecue party right at the entrance, as that was right up Ragna's alley, so it was surprising that he led them both right past it— which only made the anticipation grow. When he finally revealed their actual destination, Tsubaki's entire face lit up; the area looked so serene with all the sanded-down pieces of stained glass just waiting to be put into place, occasionally glinting in the light or casting vibrant shadows on the ground. In a moment of pure joy and excitement, all she can think to do is clasp his nearest hand in her own as she rocks eagerly on the balls of her feet.

   ❝   I almost don't even know where to start... ! I've never worked with stained glass before. We'll have to figure it out together as we go along— but frankly, I wouldn't have it any other way.  ❞ ⠀Despite what she says, she's clearly in her element— even as she speaks, Tsubaki's already begun leading him in closer by the hand.    ❝   Well, the logical place to start is to see what all we have to work with...  ❞ ⠀

[empyreanlight]

twilight tundra: snow tagging

❝ It looks like we keep happening upon each other over artistic instances, huh? ❞ he'd found himself in the twilight tundra this time, drawn to the colorful antics it has to offer in this particular snow plain. his own art wasn't as fanciful as a painter's, but the snowy house he'd managed to build and color in was, never-the-less, impressive in its own right.

❝ I was thinking of adding a few more finishing touches, but I think I'm almost done with this piece that you see. ❞

@camelliacried

[camelliacried]

        RESTING  her hands on her hips, she tilts her head left and right to take in the view. It has her beaming even more than working on her own mural nearby— a small laugh even leaves her on an exhale as she nods in approval.

   ❝   I hope we keep meeting up like this— you're very talented ! I've never been too good at building an actual structure, or anything three-dimensional, really... But this looks very precise. If it were five times bigger, it would be move-in ready. Did you have some sort of reference in mind, or was this all off the top of your head ?  ❞ ⠀

[promcsis]

[🫢] With the sudden voice of a stranger speaking up, Promosis found herself surprised, and rather embarrassed. Such wishing was certainly something personal, and not to be shared with just anyone. However, she doesn't find herself upset by Tsubaki's presence, just a bit flustered.

"Ah. I.. well..." Promosis put her hands back in her lap, folding them together in a polite manner. "I did not know anyone was listening to my wishing. I am feeling rather shy now, but I thank you for your kind words."

[camelliacried]

       ❝   Oh— I didn't mean to eavesdrop or anything !  ❞      TSUBAKI could feel some heat surging to her face, unable to resist the instinctual need to soothe the stranger's shyness.  Truthfully, she'd just been passing by... maybe she has a built-in radar for the like-minded when it comes to romance ?

    ❝   In hindsight, I would probably feel the same way if someone overheard all of that... Well, either way— it really struck a chord with me. I forgot to even introduce myself— ! My name is Tsubaki.  ❞ ⠀

[promcsis]

[ 🥰 🙏] "Oh. To find love is my dearest wish. I hope if I wish on a star, like many have suggested. I can find a love that will be kind and true to me." Promosis has her hands clasped together as she looks up at the sky.

"I know that the stars are simply large balls of gas and flame. However, I think they still have real power. The power to bring me a love..."

[camelliacried]

       ❝   You really have a way with words— so sincere... Oh— I'm sorry if I'm interrupting.  ❞      STRANGERS they may be, but it's the sort of heartfelt wish that would stop anyone in their tracks (Tsubaki would hope).        ❝   I'm something of a romantic myself... and I think love has a way of surprising you the moment you least expect it. I don't know if wishing on a star makes it come any faster— but why not wish on one anyway ? Maybe it's more about the mindset it puts you in than whether or not the stars can hear you.  ❞ ⠀

[stalwartsun]

AND THERE HE STANDS TALL. well, as much as one can when the blame is being wrongfully pointed at him, especially with the culprit having hightailed it out of there as swift as ever. hands are lifted, showing he means no attempt to fend things off, not unless he was forced into the matter. dammit, he shouldn't have been so swift to jump into the fray to try and apprehend whoever it was that had made off with that hefty bag.

❝ Swear it wasn't me, alright! Do ya see a huge bag of goodies on me? ❞ he'll turn around, as if scanning the area, making sure he's not somehow digging his grave even more. ❝ No place to hide it, too. Not unless you think I could fit the whole thing up where the place don't shine, ❞ he adds, a little crude but far less than some others. whether or not the other would believe him would be a wonder, let alone if they'd be willing to let him help right whatever wrongs had been committed.

@camelliacried

[camelliacried]

        'YOU'  easily could have stashed it... Is what she would say, had he not beat her to it. Appearing a little deflated despite herself, Tsubaki doesn't just take his word for it— a cursory glance tells her he's practically cornered. Crude though it may be, he has a point.

       ❝   That doesn't mean you couldn't have stashed it on the way here— before I caught up to you.  ❞ ⠀Not even she sounds entirely invested in that train of thought, though. If she could have things her way, she'd rather see the best in people— so for now, perhaps it's best to at least try to take him at his word. It doesn't make her demeanor any less prickly, though.       ❝   Alright then. I'll bite. Where did the real culprit go, then ? You weren't in on it together, were you ?  ❞ ⠀

[empyreanlight]

TO WITNESS A PAINTING IN REAL TIME, blooming to life beneath their brush upon canvas, he cannot help but feel a wave of appreciation find him moreso than before. eyes linger a little more on the piece, lips curling into an appreciative smile at it, simply glad he hadn't bothered the painter or their creative mindset in question, too.

❝ I'm afraid I haven't heard of that city, either. But it must be a beautiful place to have art born of it despite how distant our worlds must be, ❞ he agrees, arms crossing over his chest comfortably. ❝ I think it's a reminder that no matter where one is, knowledge and creativity is but an essence that requires us, humanity 一 people, as vessels. Many people focus on the practices directly than the conduits necessary to bring it about into reality. ❞

[camelliacried]

        SHE  must admit, it's exciting to be conversing with someone who seems to share a similar mindset to her own. Tsubaki sits up a little straighter and angles her body more towards the stranger as opposed to her work— careful to tilt her paints just right to avoid her hair swiping across them (again).

       ❝   Yes, exactly. It may be incredibly easy to get lost in the weeds and worry about the technical aspects, which are important in their own right... But I think what's most important is the connection. That feeling when you discover a work of art that really speaks to you— a painting, an opera, a novel... It almost feels like reaching your hand out to someone across time and space. You may not know who they are or what they look like, but you've touched something almost tangible about them. Perhaps that's why certain styles and techniques often repeat themselves... There's bound to be similarities from one soul to another.  ❞ ⠀

[solspectre]

" You should take the moment. No offense, but you look like you're going to collapse."

it's one of those rare moments where she wasn't caught in the fire. there have been a few sort of safe zones set-up, though that's pretty far off from the truth. in essence, they're like the docking bay back in the Citadel during the Reaper attacks. what few handful of survivors there, sprinkled about inside of a fortified zone, just trying to survive. Shepard could see at least three entry points the glitched could take advantage of but....luckily they weren't too smart.

she sets down the Widow next to the cleaning kit on the trunk she chose to sit on, tossing a bottle of water towards the other redhead. " Trust me. We're safe for the time being. Won't make no sense nor do you any good to run yourself ragged right now."

@camelliacried - to die for

[camelliacried]

       ❝   Surely I don't look that bad…  ❞     HER  laugh is halfhearted, and her crooked smile is weary— but Tsubaki still catches the water swiftly with one hand, reflexes primed and ready at a moment's notice. If Makoto were here, she'd probably be able to keep going just fine... Then again, Tsubaki would've said the same thing to her. Rest while you can— be smart.

        The water feels good on her parched throat, and she's downed half of the bottle by the time she comes up for air. Leaning slightly on the staff of her weapon, she tries to will her breathing to slow down and surveys the area. It's quiet for now... but it's far from secure. She can sense that the survivors know that deep down; it would improve morale if she, and anyone else capable of defending, didn't look too worn down. This is a feat made much more difficult by the fact that each time they fought, everyone found themselves drained much more steeply than they should be...

       ❝   Thank you for the water. … This isn't the first time I've seen something like the undead swarm this island.  ❞ ⠀

[camelliacried]

        TSUBAKI  stands like a surgeon awaiting gloves, arms stretched upward to try and keep the still-wet paint splotches from dripping any further past her forearms. It's far from the first time the island's experienced temporary setbacks, but rarely does that include being barred from home entirely. She can only think of a handful of reasons to seal off entire areas, and none of them are promising.

       ❝   I was sort of in the middle of something...  ❞ ⠀

[hopeled-archive]

it's a rare but cute moment. she doesn't need to look to know Fou's tails are swishing eagerly, his small eyes following Tsubaki's movement as if she's about to offer him some bacon to snack on. and when Tsubaki finds the right pair, Ritsuka can only laugh as Fou jumps from her head to Tsubaki's shoulders, expertly moving to the side where she held the ear muffs to curiously give them a sniff. 'Kyuu!'

" Looks like he likes them." and just likes being spoiled in general if you ask her. " Mm yeah. I've known Fou for a long time. If he's not with me then he's hanging out with Mashu. He's been with us from the start."

[camelliacried]

       ❝   Oh— seems like a big yes to me ! ❞ ⠀  THERE'S  boundless delight as she angles the ear muffs better, almost directly parallel to his ears from Ritsuka's point of view. She nods at Fou with a cheerful smile, pleased to have earned the creature's affection, fleeting or otherwise. Pets were never really allowed in the Yayoi compound — not for her, anyway. Not even a caged bird, for fear of passing on a disease to the sole surviving heir. It's a new experience... and a welcome one.

       ❝   He's very good at hiding when it suits him. You must be pretty fond of each other, having all been together every step of the way. ❞ ⠀