CORONET

[codename-coronet]

what lurks in the lake

         ⤷    anamorphosis:   team coronet third week  ( the eyeless )

[viridescent-lance]

Lex is assuming the best of Valter, and he isn't letting Forsyth tend to his wounds. What a mess. At least he phrases the idea in a way that makes it clear he isn't keen on seeing her perish.

...he's also right about that whole thing with the lake, if he's interpreting that correctly. Jayde did say portal. Does he mean just to transform, or is there a way out he hasn't tried?

Valter won't leave well enough alone, though, interjecting as though it is his civic duty. The worst part is, Forsyth agrees with his logic. Whatever the Moonstone's game is, at least it isn't entirely destructive at the moment.

"That is a definite possibility." If Jayde is even real. His existence could, in fact, shatter with the mirror world itself. Or, it could be their duty to shatter it. "I think it best to pool the information we have to set the best course of action into plan."

Even if one of the boys is their mark, it's wise to stay friendly and avoid needless conflict. This includes within their own numbers, so Forsyth nods acknowledgement to Valter, and includes the most authentic smile he can. It's the effort that counts.

"Are there any loops of note before this one you could advise us on? The one where Yucie attacked, maybe?"

They're probably getting overwhelming at this point, but the information is vital, especially while they are cooperative.

[codename-coronet]

    “ Sorry, ”  Jayde apologizes at Lex's outcry.  “ But since you were all quick to the punch, literally, after being taken through it the first time, I didn't think you'd mind the second...

“ Anyway, do remember what I look like. Being a ghost around normal people isn't really... ideal. ”  Jayde's frown deepens just thinking about it. And indeed, although everyone else had transformed between one side of the lake to the other, Jayde has remained entirely the same between the two sides to reality.  “ And I turn invisible outside of this forest. I've been tied to here for years, like it or not... ”

For Forsyth's questions:

“ Yucie attacked me a few years ago. That's all I can tell you. It was a normal year otherwise. Every year is for Eri and me. We are stuck in time as everyone else moves forward, forgotten over and over... ”

It's with a depressed sigh and a rueful smile that he finishes:

“ I just hope with help this time, it'll be the last. ”

And Jayde and his mask both disappear into thin air then as the rustling of the forest is heard soon after. The language arts teacher that had bailed Arlo and Greil out the first day of the mission emerges, voice loud and cheery as it had been before, albeit this time with eyes that make him look youthful despite his age.

“ There you all are!! I got some reports you six had gone missing from prep work, but you all just played hooky out here, huh? ”  He looks between everyone.  “ Well, I get wanting to make a good memory to enjoy your youth, but we still got a SummerFest to set up! One more push, and you'll all have your summer break to make memories with! ”

And with a blast of his whistle, he ushers everyone back out of the legendary forest and towards the school proper. You all leave with a date, a location, and a new knowledge of what might come to be.

A hero, a maiden, a legendary forest...

...and the ending that never is—

                                                                    — the end.   

[codename-coronet]

the +8 dex was for steal but

         ⤷    anamorphosis:   team coronet third week  ( bowling alley )

[ephemeralove]

...to firstly find a first-aid kit -- the best that she could find, judging by the sheer extent of it. Taking up the bulk of the box, it's impossible to miss. There's more packed around it, though: one of those bottles in a colorful little case like the one he'd bought them her before, this time in a color meant for him; a few 'time cards' for Masquerade Online, oddly enough, along with a little charm that came with the purchase -- she has no idea what a time card is, mind, but it was a catch-all according to the cashier; and finally another little box, plain but sturdy.

"I-- I'm not good at giving gifts," she prefaces, feeling suddenly embarrassed now that she's looking at the first-aid kit again. It isn't a fun gift, but-- "--I... I don't know if you plan on going to fights again, but..." Her gaze darts hither and thither, working herself up a bit, convincing herself in the moment it's much more terrible than it seemed when she left. "...even if you don't... I..."

Struggling for words, Katarina surrenders, looking at Alistair helplessly.

"...it's just important to me." It is as close as she can get to taking care of him once she's gone. When eventually he comes around to the smaller box, he will open it to find half of a set of ear cuffs. One of her hands curls around her wrist in a vice grip.

"And... that's lucky this week," she elaborates quietly. "I, I have the other one. So it's like... a, a piece of my happiness...? So... keep it with you. My happiness will come and find you, and... it'll be yours, too.

"...and I'll keep mine with me. So, wherever I go... there'll always be a place for you."

-1 Arts, +2 Fitness, +1 Stress -1 First-Aid Kit

[codename-coronet]

     Alistair's eyes widen to see the full contents of the gift box, packed to the brim with various little things intended to either look out for him or make him happy— a mix of practical and indulgent entirely in his interests.

All save for the ear cuff which instead leans sentimental, one half of a pair. For all Alistair has voiced the fear of being abandoned, the ear cuff itself is a declaration that tries to fight against it, and with it, it carries a wish for good luck.

“ ...I don't have a whole lot of luck, ”  he starts. He's pierced his ears in various ways, but this is the first accessory he adds that doesn't need to pierce through his skin to be worn as he adds it to the ridge of his ear.

“ ...but I can't beat you. So, what the heck. Let's give it a try! ”

And there, he at last wears the smile she is so fond of, the one that she claims is so warm.

“ ...Thanks a million, Katarina. ”

[codename-coronet]

up up down down left right left right b a

         ⤷    anamorphosis:   team coronet third week  ( arcade )

[senerist]

“Oh, excuse us,” soren says.  The coins are still heavy in his hand, and, more interested in the conversation than all these contraptions, he decides to offer the six to the kid.  Six free plays on the coin pusher, for his trouble.  “Here, sorry for making you wait.”

That done, he steps aside, though moving closer to ange and alistair so they can continue their conversation.  “He let you read them?”

he needs to know what was written about himself, if only for his peace of mind, but if ren has notes on everyone, then it would likely be beneficial for other reasons.

“Do you think he'd let me take a look…?  You said he's not judgmental…”

-1 arts +3 style +1 stress

[codename-coronet]

     Alistair thinks over Soren's question. It seems as if Ange is doing much the same.

“ I said he's not judgmental, but I meant that more in an uhhhh... Y'know. Whether or not he'll bother puttin' the likes of you and me into it. He doesn't care only about popular people. But I'm not convinced he'd show his notes to just anybody. ”  Alistair folds his arms over his chest, pensive.  “ The reason he'll let us see it is... ”

Where Alistair was struggling to find the words, Ange swoops in to help.

“ Eri, Alistair, Ren, Yucie, and I make up a quintet. We may not all be friends, but we've all been friends with Eri at the very least. ”  she states matter-of-factly.  “ We're all in an alliance of sorts. A very important one! ”

“ Yeah, what Ange said. He'll chat with other people and answer basic questions about 'em, but the notes... they show more of his heart than you think. Probably more than he thinks too. It's like askin' a guy to show his diary. I wouldn't... ”

The two share a quiet look of understanding and sympathy of sorts, before they move on.

“ Speaking of, don't forget our plans tonight, Alistair, ”  Ange warns.

“ Oh, right!! I totally forgot the day! ”  Alistair turns to Soren.  “ Sorry, I gotta bail now. But if you want my advice, the ball-drop game's the best one to get prizes from. DDR's the most fun though. ”  Turning to Ange, he starts heading out.  “ Alright, Ange!! Let's get goin'! ”

As he disappears from view, exiting the arcade building altogether, Ange leaves one last comment for Soren. 

“ I'm guessing all your hard work lately has been for the Rose Royal competition? ”  She flashes a warm grin and a thumbs up.  “ Best of luck then, Soren! We'll see the day of how you did! ”

And she, too, runs out to chase after Alistair, leaving Soren to his own devices in a hall of lights and amusements.

                                                                    — the end.  

[codename-coronet]

up up down down left right left right b a

         ⤷    anamorphosis:   team coronet third week  ( arcade )

[senerist]

The atmosphere in the room feels strange.  Between alistair and ange, their joking around and light-hearted banter, soren suddenly feels cold.  he doesn't know about the fan club, and he certainly doesn't know about the notes that ren keeps.  Maybe he'd know if he hadn't been severed from himself.  Maybe he wouldn't.  Both facts feel so far out of his control that he feels… singular.  Singled out.

he realizes his face fell into a look of surprise and makes sure to smooth it over as quickly as possible.  Hopefully that wasn't seen.  This scene is three friends hanging out, carefree.  he isn't supposed to feel that way - he shouldn't feel anything but…

“i didn't,” soren responds.  he allows himself to go without the smile.  This seems like a simple thing to be confused about.  “How could i have missed that…?”

he forces a laugh.  “To be honest, i don't know much about ren at all…  he's got… notes about me?  What do they say?  i've always thought i was just a weird, aloof loner.”

-1 arts +2 style +2 stress

[codename-coronet]

     If the two of them notice the momentary lapse in Soren's demeanor, they don't make a comment about it.

“ Sometimes you get good at blocking out people who are interested. Or they're quiet unless they're actively causin' problems, but only the Flowers really get to that point, ”  Alistair points out, offering his own speculation with a shrug.  “ As for Ren... he's got notes on a lot of people. People watchin' is his hobby. That's why he gets along with Ange over here. ”

“ Ren is an invaluable resource, ”  Ange nods, singing the man's praises.  “ He keeps track of everyone's birthdays, phone numbers, heights, part-time jobs, clubs, and what kind of people they are. He also tracks how people feel about each other too. I say all this, but he's also human too. He only knows as much as he can find out through word of mouth and personal observation. ”

“ I don't really read the notes though. I think I'd stress myself if I started fussin' over it. ”  Ruffling the hair at the back of his head, Alistair continues.  “ But if you think it's weird cause we're delinquents, Ren doesn't judge like that. He just chooses people based on if he thinks they've got potential to be interestin'. That's why you, me, and Thrasir are in there. At least, that's as far as I followed. Between you and me though, I think he just chooses people he has an inferiority complex ov— ”

Suddenly, an eyeless child comes up to the trio.

“ Hey, are you three going to play? Or can I play Coin Pusher now? ”

“ Oh sh— ”  Ange knocks Alistair upside the back of his head before he can finish that.  “ Ow! ”

[ephemeralove]

where the place called morning lies

ANAMORPHOSIS: Team Coronet week 3 - afternoon tea

[ephemeralove]

Just enough to feel alive. It's something of a phrase, enough so that Katarina recognizes it as one, but not so much that it passes her by as easily as others. Just enough to feel alive. Then how much did you have to feel for your heartbeat?

Her attention falls upon the two with her in subtle turns, lingering a fraction, fond second longer upon Yucie when she delights in her drink before turning again to Thrasir in silent wondering: has her tea brought her any similar such little happiness?

"Yes..." Katarina speaks her answer a bit more quietly, as if hesitant to admit it. Yet she does not seem to doubt it either. Even if there are things she has lost, things she will miss for all the days to come -- days she never thought that would... "...I've found some things... that are precious to me."

But she does not answer the question that follows outright. For Yucie, perhaps that pursuit is simpler... or would it be more correct to say it has yet to become so painfully complicated?

"...I admire that, Yucie," she says instead. For a moment, the sight of her own eyes staring up at her from the reflection in her cup is enough to sharpen her attention. "Do you think... you can feel fuller watching them chase their people, too...?"

It isn't a scathing question; like the tea in her cup, if there is anyone it should scald, it is her.

+2 Intelligence, +2 Arts, -1 Style, +2 Stress

[willowitxh]

She did understand. Truly she did. But she also had been in a more dangerous position where any wrong move witnessed by her master could have ended—

That's enough, Thrasir. Veronica's voice scolded her. Her own voice. Taking a sip of the tea, the witch closed her eyes for a moment... what made her happy right now...? That was a simple question.

"I guess something does," Thrasir replied. A soft smile crossed her face as she thought about Eriella. A warmth that filled her chest in the emptiness left by Líf. A reason to give this world a little bit more thought than just completing a mission.

With her thoughts turned down that path, her agreement with Yucie's statement was easily obtained.

"No, I think you're right, Yucie," she hummed. "But... what about you? Aside from a bit of rebellion, can we ask what you're chasing? What... makes you happy?"

gained: +1 intelligence, +2 arts, -1 style, +2 stress

[codename-coronet]

    “ My happiness is living a life my papa is proud of! Where I'm everything he raised me to be, ”  Yucie answers simply. Her follow-up is, however, much less simple.  “ And... I do what I was put on this earth for. I make others happy and proud to see me too. I make good choices. When someone looks at my life and all I've done, they'll think I lived well...  ”

It's a contentedness for someone who speaks so large in goal but is so young in years.

“ I can be amused by other people living their lives, chasing the people they want... but I don't need it for my happiness, I don't think, ”  she answers Katarina afterwards.  “ But it is fun, isn't it? Spending time with others and getting caught up in their hijinks? ”

Another bite, chewed and swallowed before she continues.

“ Though people are fun because we're emotional. But it means we're not invincible either... When people chase, sometimes there will be a loser. ”  Her fork breaks a cake slice in two before it spears one.  “ So those who chase the people they're with will be more devastated when they lose. But they fight the hardest too to stay happy. ”

Nom! She flashes her smile to the other two at the table, sweet in delivery.

“ Fight hard too, you two~ Now, I have more of SummerFest to see, but thank you very much for inviting me, hehe! ” She gets up from her seat at the table, curtseying before she leaves. “ May we meet again soon! ”

[codename-coronet]

the +8 dex was for steal but

         ⤷    anamorphosis:   team coronet third week  ( bowling alley )

[ephemeralove]

Following after him obediently, Katarina sitting down in the chair beside him. She'd brought him here so that he could do something he liked, but before ever even getting to her turn, the darts are forgotten. It just proves to her again how wretchedly clumsy she is at simply caring for other people.

Her thumbs brush against her legs as she sits, fingers curling over the seat of the chair, and she listens. Alistair unravels pieces of what made his grin so shy, and like disappearing bubbles in the deep dark sea, it leaves her chest feeling heavy and breathless. That a 'mother' -- in the vaguest sense of the word -- could chase a happiness where her child had no place... that Alistair could have been made to suffer this way -- her throat feels tight.

But whatever it makes her feel is forgotten when his head falls into his hands. Katarina jolts in her seat, her heart called to action but her mind useless when it matters, a hand hovering weakly in the air between them.

"A, Alistair..." She may be clumsy, but could she forgive herself if she didn't try? Rising to her feet, she takes a few hesitant steps to stand before him. Then, after a few beats of waiting there, she leans over to wrap her arms around his shoulders.

"...I can't see anything," she assures him in a whisper. It feels awkward still, clumsy still, but she brushes him with the side of her thumb in a small comfort. "I, I can't see anything... but I don't think you're lame."

She never has the right words. "I think... you're kind. And warm. A-and I think you're cool...! And strong, and brave, and-- and when you grin, it makes me want to try harder, too...!" Her grip tightens a bit as her voice turns fragile. "And... you care even when you think we'll leave." Not just her, but Soren -- even Eriella. It would be a thought worth pursuing if it mattered even one bit right now.

"I... think you're so... so many amazing things. But I've never thought you were lame."

Pulling away once self-consciousness begins to rear its head, she falls back a step. Her hands move, but never settle, moving toward her wrist, her elbow, the strap of her bag.

"H-hold on...!" Her voice pitches upward in the stirrings of fretfulness, and she finally begins to rifle through her bag. "You... you were right about why I came here, but... only half." At last pulling free what seems to be a simple gift box, she holds it out to him.

"The thing is, um... h, here!"

-1 Arts, +1 Fitness, +1 Stress

[codename-coronet]

    “ ...'m so lame. ”  Alistair mutters. He's a bit of a loud crier, much to the chagrin of a passerby or two, but they dare not disturb the scene of two teenagers having a moment of anguish and release.

It's easy to block it out when one is so absorbed in their own little world. It's even easier to block out when the people around one barely have faces to begin with.

Bit by bit, Katarina tries to build Alistair up even when her own state seems like it's crumbling. Alistair's weeping quiets as quickly as it came, hushed by the Flower's words, and when she cries out suddenly for him to wait, it's finally enough to convince him to tilt his head up to see her again.

He blinks dumbly at the gift box, but after a moment, he takes off his glasses and wipes at his eyes, then wipes the lenses with his shirt to clear the fog built there before he puts them back on and then hesitantly reaches for the proffered present.

“ ...you really had my ass beat, preparin' this, huh? ”  Alistair quirks his lips into a defeated grin before he announces,  “ Alright. Let's see then... ”

And opens the box to its contents within...

[codename-coronet]

the +8 dex was for steal but

         ⤷    anamorphosis:   team coronet third week  ( bowling alley )

[ephemeralove]

Even the faint touch of relief, his hands on her shoulders in panic and fluster, stings in its utter selfishness. How terrible of her to find solace in the worry she's caused him, but she cannot help that she does.

It means that he doesn't hate her, or it means that he is truly so gentle a person as to be able to comfort her in spite of it; she would be happy of either, and she would be joyous of both. Alistair tries to meet her eyes, but her hands make it impossible, tears brushed away on bony knuckles if not to hide the fact of them, then to at least hide their depth.

Because she has opened the door for fear, and it rattles her. First there is the fear that no promise she makes can be kept: she will never be this Katarina again. And the Katarina who returns will not know the color of the drinks he likes, or how every war he fights against his smile he loses, and certainly she will not know how truly uplifting he is in joy -- in every sense!

And the Katarina who returns will not know that there is someone else for whom the crowds part; she will not know that he had been just as lonely as her, and she will not know that there is someone who truly sees her, and still she will not know how it will hurt him. It is the fear that perhaps it is a cruel thing Katarina has done, to carve a space for herself that she was always destined to leave empty.

Then secondly -- and she sobs at that -- there is the fear that when the day ends, those indefensible promises will have no one to belong to.

"...Alistair?"

There comes a point in fear where it makes itself calm. Tears still roll down her cheeks, but a hand reaches for a corner of his jacket and holds. The fabric is ordinary, neither too soft nor too rough, and to her it is real.

"It's... lonely, when everyone waits for you to pass by... isn't it?" Her grip tightens, just slightly. "...I'm lonely, too. I've always wanted... t-to just stand with someone. That's all."

Perhaps this is why she is Katarina, here; perhaps all Katarinas are destined to hold what the next will come to find. And that is not such a terrible thought.

"...I'm happy... when we spend time together. A-and that... means so much to me. So, if I become Rose Royal... I, I won't go anywhere! And... everyone-- everyone will have to see... how warm your smile is."

-1 Arts, +1 Fitness, +2 Stress

[codename-coronet]

     After a stretch of silence for Alistair to absorb what Katarina's saying, wringing his hands together, he points to some chairs nearby, taking the drink Katarina had brought for him earlier.

“ We should sit for this, I think. Can't imagine we're gettin' into the game while talkin' this over... ”  

He leads by taking his seat first, waiting for Katarina to follow, before he opens their conversation again.

“ ...Y'know, Soren said something like this to me. He said 'someone perfect' wouldn't leave me behind when they became the Rose Royal. I understand what he's sayin', but... ”

His expression darkens as he takes another mouthful from his drink to help pace himself.

“ ...my dad left my mom for another person without a word when I was five. My mom raised me for a while, tryin' to get a partner to replace my dad to support us, but when she did, she dropped me off with my grandma because her new partner didn't want kids. I was eight when my mom told me I needed to 'chase my own happiness' like she was, and she walked out on me ever since.

“ I'd be happy if you won Rose Royal, Katarina. You won't be lonely anymore, that's for sure. ”  Despite saying he'd be happy, there's no grin on his face now.  “ But you never know how you'll feel. I'm already preparin' to lose Eri at some point too... Aaaaaaughhhh... ”

Alistair holds his head in his hands, at last starting to weep himself.

“ Hic... D-Don't look at me! I can't... I can't take lookin' so god damn lame...! ”

[codename-coronet]

up up down down left right left right b a

         ⤷    anamorphosis:   team coronet third week  ( arcade )

[senerist]

“Katarina is very kind,” soren replies, still smiling, but with a nonchalant shrug.  “It's difficult not to like her, isn't it?”

he wants to say more, but the conversation wheedles just far enough away to make it awkward.  he won't force it.  It needs to be natural.  If any of them learn that he's trying to influence the rose royal results, it may work against them.

“You know, ange, if you miss chasing me around so much, we can go on a date sometime, too.”  he winks, just to try and make the sentiment a little more meaningful without pushing alistair too far away.  “i don't think i've changed too much.”

he hasn't.  How could he?  Everything he's presented to these reflections has been just as fake as they are.  “Don't tell me you've been gossiping about me.  Should i be worried about what you've been telling everyone…?”

Maybe she's been speaking to eriella.  he did tell her to put in a good word for him. 

-1 arts +1 style +2 stress

[codename-coronet]

    “ Everyone gossips! That's just an unavoidable fact of life, ”  Ange replies.   “ Trying to not be talked about by people is more headache than its worth. So keeping everyone happy is the way to go. ”

“ I don't think our reputations could get worse than they used to be, ”  Alistair mumbles.  “ But I wouldn't sweat it. Ange may be annoying, but she meant it in a good way... I think. ”

“ You think? ”  Ange pouts before she turns back to Soren with a harumph! She calms quickly though.  “ But yep. Alistair has the right of it. I've only heard good things about you lately. You have your own fanclub growing, did you know, Soren? ”

“ Ren's eye for predictin' interesting people is scary... ”  Alistair shudders.  “ I know that guy's been writin' notes on you for forever too. ”

[codename-coronet]

what lurks in the lake

         ⤷    anamorphosis:   team coronet third week  ( the eyeless )

[smilingshields]

HE'S LISTENED, CONTEMPLATED THEIR, HIS, NEXT ACTION AGAIN AND AGAIN. Pieces of every story fail to add-up, no matter how often he goes over it in his head. "What is it about the water that reverted our appearances?" A question posed to the air as he makes his way towards the mark that now lies discarded. Louis has heard the expression curiosity killed the cat before, but he can hardly pass up an opportunity to keep it out of the reach of others, at least for now.

A cough, loud enough to draw attention to himself. "If we're on a time limit, there is one possibility to ensure Eriella is unable to start the loop anew." It's funny in a way, that the future he'd hoped to, and had managed to avoid, has seemingly come full circle with the ridiculous idea that sparks to live within his mind. "Twofold, if it is the water that allowed us to change into more... suitable forms, then it stands to reason that throwing it onto our companions should do the same..." 

The knight trails, and for a moment he's back in the well, facing off against the Celine another him had failed, and for a moment he sees that him, or perhaps he sees himself as he speaks the most ridiculous idea he's ever had. "... And should that fail... the masked demon appears in a form that even Yucie isn't prepared for, while the others lie in wait to ensure none of them will ever get to the lake."

A flick of his lance beneath the mask, lifting it up by the edge as venomous green cracks open to stare at the detailing. Jayde has escaped suspicion for the time being, but something about Arlo continues to rub him wrong, like there's something about to happen the minute their guards are lowered.

[codename-coronet]

     Arlo and Jayde both show signs of alarm at Valter's suggestion, but it's Jayde himself that seems to have the mind to actually say something before Forsyth expresses his own distaste for it enough to mollify the unmasked man. Not only that, but with the first stone tossed by Valter and then followed up by Forsyth, the party as a whole starts to exchange thoughts on how to approach the situation at hand, pushing forth several theories and potential plans to try and work from.

“ I can see how you came to that conclusion, but splashing the water wouldn't be enough on its own, ”  Jayde tells the group.  “ When I was reaching for Arlo, I brought you all into the lake. That's also what Arlo was trying to 'save' Eri from. ”

Louis is able to lift the mask without Arlo stopping him, though Louis would be able to notice that Arlo did notice the attempt, a fellow as observant in the background as he had claimed to be. The detailing of the mask seems to be quite plain, a white mask with golden borders to match the princely outfit Jayde has donned, shaped like a shield to obscure one's whole face when put on. Eye slits for visibility exist but they are hardly large at all, so as to not show too much behind them to someone scrutinizing a wearer of it.

Jayde meanwhile floats over to the lake he had emerged from, drawing his blade Trefoil and touching the water with it. The surface glows, and from it, the water roars to a full torrent again, swirling violently around the group and pulling them all through once more.

The lot of them are sent into that sinking feeling again, seemingly of drowning, before they wash up on the earthen ground on the other side. Here, they are returned to wearing their school uniforms, their weapons no longer what they once were, but Jayde remains a specter-like figure in his regal garb, sheathing his sword as the lake calms.

“ See? You fall through the lake, and you make it to that other side. My best guess is the lake is a portal to the type of setting the legend takes place in, but your guess is as good as mine... ”

Jayde sighs, but it's not of defeat but instead mere exasperation for the confines he's been placed in.

“ If you all can help me reunite with Eri the day the legend's magic takes place, I can try my best. Before, I've always been alone... but if I'm not this year... ”  He arrests everyone's gaze and pleads,  “ Please! ”

[ephemeralove]

where the place called morning lies

ANAMORPHOSIS: Team Coronet week 3 - afternoon tea

[ephemeralove]

Katarina of all people can hardly fault a good rebellion. Listening intently, she takes a treat of her own from the tower once the others have done so as well. It still surprises her briefly to hear that Ren tells her stories about them, even if they're two among many tales.

"A rebellion?" She prompts, but doesn't push, instead turning her attention toward her little dessert. Compared to Thrasir and Yucie, the way she eats is plainer by far; her grace is of movement, not manner, conscientious-- but common.

Still her silence is not empty, and her thoughts are as the pastry on her plate: a bit tart, but a bit sweet as well.

"...I dream of little things like this." Fingertips fuss over the corner of her napkin as she makes room for the tea itself. One by one their drinks are poured, until they trio is left to themselves again. "Sitting somewhere peaceful with... my friends. A bright, clear day. A warm cup. A warm snack that we could share..."

She never was a girl that dreamed of much; to her, even training with her platoonmates on a day like any other is a beautiful, happy dream. Her expression turns sheepish as she lifts her cup.

"It isn't very interesting... but it's the truth. What about you, Thrasir...?"

+4 Intelligence, +1 Arts, -1 Style, +1 Stress

[willowitxh]

"A little bit of rebellion isn't terrible," Thrasir hummed quietly as she selected her own treat. Her tone was soft despite her words though. It was a curious thing to ask of her dreams though. As Thrasir, a lich and defeated General of Death's army, she couldn't quite say she had any more than finding Líf and finding somewhere.... to not be bothered.

Except Thrasir was letting Veronica's voice speak at the moment. She listened to Katarina answer while she considered her own answer.

When attention was turned to her, Thrasir considered her treat for a small bit before answering.

"My dreams... are of the past," Thrasir murmured. "When my life wasn't a complete mess. When it didn't feel like I was just surviving each day."

Veronica's whispers were helpful but this needed to be twisted a little.

"Being taken in by the Stratons though, and... being able to talk to everyone, especially, you, Yucie, and Ange, Eriella, Alistair... and everyone else, it's like I can see a path to have that again."

If only for the time they were in the mirror. Then it was back to being the monster in the Church's basement again.

gained: +2 intelligence, +1 arts, -1 style, +2 stress

[codename-coronet]

    “ You understand then...! ”  Yucie smiles with Thrasir's commentary on rebellion.  “ I don't need a lot of it, but... just enough to feel alive, mmhm. ”

She doesn't elaborate much farther than that, instead taking another bite from her plate, letting the two consider the topic of dreams and speak forth of their hearts, to which Yucie attentively listens.

“ It sounds like you both have similar feelings then... right? ”  Yucie asks, no hint of judgment in her voice.  “ Even if the path to get there might be different for you. Maybe Katarina is a little farther along than Thrasir, or Thrasir has lost more... It's hard to tell. But something about what you have right now makes you happy, doesn't it? ”

She too takes a sip from her cup, giving a delighted little noise at the rose tea they had selected.

“ When you see that path, I say you should take it, ”  she softly encourages. Beneath that quiet voice, a fire burns within it.  “ If you like what you see from me, it's because that's what drives me. Every restraint, every effort... is all to make myself happy, hehe.

“ For you two, that should be in chasing the people who make you feel fuller... or do you think I'm wrong? ”

[codename-coronet]

the +8 dex was for steal but

         ⤷    anamorphosis:   team coronet third week  ( bowling alley )

[ephemeralove]

"I have a vague idea," Katarina answers, her smile brushing her eyes when he snickers to himself, "But not a very strong idea of the rules."

He's a good aim-- but then, she knew that already, didn't she? Good aim and better sense -- he'd proven as much during the fight. But what she doesn't expect is how keen his eye is... or maybe she's just always been this transparent.

The question pierces cleanly through her; if her grip hadn't tightened on the drink in her hands, she surely would have dropped it. Perhaps what hurts more, however, is how easily he says it.

...Was this something he'd always expected?

"I..." Clarisse always did call her a crybaby. Hoping that his back stays turned, she turns her head down and away, swiping at her eyes as discreetly as she can. Not that it does much good when the tears only fall more quickly with time, but she tries her very best.

"...I don't know." It's a pitiful answer spoken in a pitiful voice, drawn painfully taut. "I... I don't want to, but I don't know." Pressing her lips together to keep from sniffling, she busies her hands with her straw even though she has no interest in drinking.

"...Please... please believe me," she begs quietly, voice crumbling a bit at the edges. If she were better, she'd have the words to convince him. No, if she was better, he wouldn't have expected this of her, and she wouldn't hurt him.

But here she is again, the same as ever: the crybaby who only says what matters when the sword is at her throat and the body grows cold.

"It-- it's not just... because of that...!" She sniffles, trying and failing to hold it back. "It's because... I, I'm happy... when I spend time with you...! It's because..." ...she'd lived a life as excruciatingly lonely as it was unremarkable. Because the glints of light in her dark sky were so few and so precious, that even though she'd knowingly walked into the mirror--

There it is, that shuddering little breath.

"...I don't-- I don't want... to say goodbye...!"

poorly timed -1 Arts, +1 Fitness, +1 Stress

[codename-coronet]

     The third dart in his hand hits the bullseye. Alistair's words, having struck something in Katarina, follow that same trajectory as his projectile so it would seem.

When Katarina's voice begins to shake and waver, losing the mirth and warmth that they had had, bubbly yet shy, in the days and even moments leading up to now, escalating to the point of sniffling, even if Alistair was turned away for his shots, it would be impossible not to tell what was overcoming her.

For this, Alistair turns around in a panic and, suddenly, takes hold of Katarina by the shoulders.

“ I-I believe you...! Shit! Don't cry! ”  His eyes are wide as he tries to look Katarina into hers.  “ I... I didn't... Damn it. ” 

He lets go of her, sighing as he runs his fingers through his hair, pacing nearby.

“ ...I don't wanna say goodbye to you either. But I can see the writing on the wall. Everyone's talkin' about you. You and Soren both... you're lookin' like you're Rose Royal candidates. And when that happens, even if y'wanna hang out with me, it'll look real odd for you. People will push you away from me. And... ”

His steps stop, his gaze sent askew.

“ The Rose Royal usually gets with someone. That's the day they pick whoever they want of the whole wide school. And when people get a new partner, they leave me behind and neglect me 'cause they're head over heels and I look bad for them. I know it. I was just... ”  He struggles to speak himself, voice running more frantically than normal.  “ ...I was just tryin' to prepare myself for it, y'know? In case it was happenin' again... ”

NPC ROLL: 7. Nothing happens!

[codename-coronet]

the +8 dex was for steal but

         ⤷    anamorphosis:   team coronet third week  ( bowling alley )

[ephemeralove]

"O-oh?" She stretches her sweater lightly by its hem to examine the pattern, as if she hadn't explicitly picked it out for its adherence to current trends. Though somehow, it still feels a bit embarrassing to say that. "...hehe. But... no, nobody came to talk to me."

She glances at him from the corner of her eye, and for a moment Katarina of all people thinks it might be fun to tease him. After all, if there was anyone who'd picked her up recently... well? The thought makes her laugh, though she doesn't act on it. "It's easier to disappear in a crowd when I'm not at school," is all she says instead.

"...Thank you, though," she adds, a bit more softly. "For caring."

A hand subconsciously drops on top of her bag as she says that, the other wrapped around its strap. A game probably isn't too long, right? But not too short either, she hopes -- a normal amount of time would be absolutely perfect.

"It's gotta be darts," Katarina repeats, pushing through the doors and holding them open for him. "...hehe! Okay. Then it's going to be darts!"

Thankfully the process of getting set up is easy, and she returns with some colorful drinks she remembers from what feels like so long ago now.

"I hope that's alright," she murmurs, placing them down for him to pick from. "Do you want to start? I'd be happy to follow your lead."

-1 Arts, +5 Fitness, +2 Stress

[codename-coronet]

    “ Oh, that takes me back! Thanks. ”  Alistair takes the cup and takes a sip from it before he sets it down and picks up a dart.  “ You know how it works, right? Or is this your first time? Count-up is the simplest game where we just trade rounds of throwing darts to see who can get the highest score. ”

Alistair launches one and strikes in the 20 slice to start.

“ But I'm pretty good at it, heh. ”  Not humble at all, he snickers and throws another dart as he continues to talk.  “ Though if you let me choose and lead, my guess is you're not aimin' to win, right? You just wanted to spend time with me. ”

The dart sinks satisfyingly in, this time hitting the inner ring just above where his first dart landed. 

“ Can I ask... are you hangin' out with me 'cause you're about to leave me? ”

[codename-coronet]

what lurks in the lake

         ⤷    anamorphosis:   team coronet third week  ( the eyeless )

[viridescent-lance]

Lex is keener than Forsyth has given him credit for, despite his rough demeanor. He's asking questions Forsyth would if he didn't, and has a good grasp of the situation as a whole. When he pays attention, he's a really sharp guy!

Forsyth holds his tongue, not wanting to overwhelm the two mirror-dwellers, but he focuses his attention on how Arlo reacts to all of this. He still feels a level of suspicion, though if Yucie also is able to fight, perhaps all of the eyed people can...?

Well. While all of this is happening, he should make sure everyone is okay. Lex especially took some hefty blows, and it's partially Forsyth's fault that the opponent wasn't subdued earlier.

"Lex's inquiries hold weight. If we are to help you effectively, we need to know the details of this situation." Forsyth strides to join his comrade, fishing the first aid kit out of his...huh. Best not to think about how he still has it when his backpack isn't here right now.

The alcohol-smelling disinfectant wipes are very useful, he thinks, as he begins to clean a half-bleeding wound on the man's forehead.

[codename-coronet]

    “ Hey, um... Calling him 'Masky' is kinda silly, isn't it? ”  Arlo pipes up a little nervously. He turns to the unmasked man then, asking,   “ Can we have your name instead? ”

After a bit of scrutinizing Arlo, the unmasked man replies back,  “ ...If you can hear it, it's Jayde. ”

“ Jayde! ”  Arlo repeats, writing out the letters (but missing one) onto the palm of his hand.  “ Got it! Though, uh, while I'm talking anyway, I promise I don't actually really know much of how to fight before I fell into here. The first time I did, it all came to me like it was natural! I was as surprised as you can imagine!

“ I know you weren't asking me, but I figured... ”  Arlo begins to trail off in his response to Lex, starting to lose his confidence again as he scratches his own cheek. He eventually picks it back up though.  “ I mean, was it not the same for you all too? You came in here and suddenly you were in different clothes and know how to fight and use magic now? ”

Arlo looks with immense curiosity at the people who had followed him into the forest. Jayde seems to regard the party with much the same wonder, cocking his head slightly.

“ They did mention needing a 'healer' in the fight... ”  Jayde delivers an extremely audible aside to Arlo.  “ Isn't it possible they're all just geeks? ”

“ Aha! That would make a lot of sense! ”  Arlo nods, until he doesn't, brow quickly furrowing once more.  “ N-No?! It's still weird, isn't it?! ”

As Arlo is left to his own bewilderment, Jayde takes back over the flow of the conversation after he sneaks in a chuckle. When he goes to answer, he adopts his serious mien once more, but it is softened by the evidence of his youth.

“ Whatever your explanation, to answer your question, there's no point in speeding things up. Eri will only make it to the forest on the day before summer break because that's the day the rumors say the legendary forest grants new couples happiness. Eri is always confessed to by the Rose Royal, and the Rose Royal is also decided that day when they get the coronet. Even I followed that same rule back when I was human, though I didn't think much of it... it just felt natural. ”

[ephemeralove]

where the place called morning lies

ANAMORPHOSIS: Team Coronet week 3 - afternoon tea

[ephemeralove]

There's a kernel of concern when Yucie approaches in all her grace, though nothing so great as to be called worry... and crushed underfoot, besides, as their classmate's face lights up. Katarina giggles to herself, a thing half born from relief, and offers the girl a smile.

"...I've been curious about you, too," comes the honest answer, though minding Soren's advice she attempts to speak with something akin to more confidence. "So... I'm happy that you joined us."

Wordlessly, their 'teacake tower' arrives, much smaller than the audacious things she's seen at Garreg Mach but still respectable in its compact layer and a half. Katarina gestures to Yucie as if to say 'go ahead', though the corners of her lips curl with the intentions of a different question.

"But... I always thought you seemed like you lived a fun life, too. I saw you at the sports festival." That she'd fired a shot early on what appeared to be mischief hadn't escaped her notice -- though she takes care to let her smile widen by a hair, that Yucie might think of her as in on the joke rather than against it. "Or... that you seemed like a fun person."

+4 Intelligence, +3 Arts, -1 Style, +2 Stress

[willowitxh]

With all of Veronica's grace and elegance, she welcomes Yucie to their table with a nod. There were many questions that Thrasir wanted to ask, as such she was glad that the girl came over. It was a surprise to hear that the girl was a little jealous of her though? Really?

She thought about the role she had been handed in this world... the kind of home life that her character would have needed to have to become a delinquent... evidenced by the woman cast as her caregiver whom she hadn't bothered checking on this week at all.

"Well, fun is a way of putting it, I suppose," Thrasir said, sighing slightly. "You always seem so collected and cool though, Yucie. Sometimes I wish I had some of that too."

The wishes of a teenager that Thrasir had long since abandoned. Nobody idolised a lich. But they could look up to Veronica... maybe.

gained: +2 intelligence, +3 arts, -1 style, +2 stress

[codename-coronet]

    “ Me? Fun, cool, and collected? Hmm... ”  Yucie hums.  “ That's the work of my upbringing, I guess. It lets me know my hard work paid off. But... ”

She takes one of the treats from their tower and spears it delicately with a fork.

“ Making my own fun isn't enough. Truth be told... the Sports Festival was a bit of rebellion. ”  She giggles.  “ I plan to grow up well still though. But I suppose the grass is greener on the other side... ”

A bite that she finishes before she continues to speak.

“ Ren tells me that Katarina meets all kinds of people, and Thrasir, you've had your world completely change with the Stratons taking you in. I always love hearing his stories about other people, including you two. ”  She continues to smile, attention fully on the two of them.  “ But if you look at me and like what you see... tell me, what is it you both dream of then? Is it of who you wish you could be? Or do I remind you of something else, hm? ”

[codename-coronet]

the +8 dex was for steal but

         ⤷    anamorphosis:   team coronet third week  ( bowling alley )

[codename-coronet]

@ephemeralove sent:

If it's alright, can w

Katarina pauses as she types out the invitation. She pauses, and she takes a good, long look at it, the events of the past few weeks playing out in her mind. Then, with a sudden determination, she erases it all and starts anew.

Alistair! Can we meet today? It isn't anything big, I just want to spend some time together. If that's okay, how does the bowling alley sound?

With the message sent, she pats the box in front of her a couple times, then begins gathering her things.

By the time she's at the alley, marigolds on her sweater and a bag bouncing at her hip, her stomach has tied itself into a knot. Even while wearing an ear cuff in a bid for some sort of luck that might not be real, she feels more silly than anything.

Her expression eases considerably when she sees Alistair approaching.

"Alistair...!" Hurrying to cross the last few steps, she stops in front of him with a smile twinkling in her eyes. "Thanks for coming." A soft laugh. "Do you want to go inside? I don't have a preference between the games, so you can pick. I-if you want."

    “ Woah...! ”  Alistair startles when he sees Katarina move from her spot to meet him the rest of the way. He looks her over, gauging something, when he says...  “ Hey, no big deal. I was excited too. ”

Alistair wipes his glasses on his shirt before he puts them back on.

“ I've seen that color going around a lot lately, ”  Alistair points out the orangeish-yellow marigolds on her sweater once his spectacles are in place.  “ It looks really nice. Though, uh, did you get picked up by any weird people on the way here? This part of the city has pick up artists and people tryin' to convince stylish kids to become idols so... ”

In his own way, it's clearly worry.

“ ...then again, I guess you can sock 'em yourself, right? ”  He forces a chuckle.  “ Sorry. Anyway between darts and bowling... it's gotta be darts! ”

[ephemeralove]

where the place called morning lies

ANAMORPHOSIS: Team Coronet week 3 - afternoon tea

[ephemeralove]

Unfortunately for Thrasir, Katarina doesn't miss the first thing she says; however, neither is she oblivious to the tone of it, nor the way it seems not to be spoken to Katarina herself. Unsure of what to say, whether it would be better for her to speak up and at least attempt to offer solace, or if she should simply let it go unacknowledged because they probably shouldn't be discussing their past deaths in the middle of a crowded classroom...

...the moment passes her by too quickly, and a decision is made, if not by her. Still her eyes linger on Thrasir with what gentleness they can convey before she speaks again.

"Of course I am," she answers, smiling slightly. "...I think... that would make me very happy."

One of the students sees the way their gazes turn outward and offers them a table with haste, taking their order quickly and vanishing at the same pace. In the lull, Katarina looks around her, then blinks. And blinks again.

"Thrasir," she murmurs, just low enough to barely be heard, "I think we finally found one of them."

+2 Intelligence, +2 Arts, -1 Style, +1 Stress Yucie appears; +25 Arts, -10 Stress

[willowitxh]

Inside and waiting, Thrasir found there was some sort of .... student touch to everything that was quite... quaint. Though once her name is called, quietly, Thrasir finds herself scanning the crowd to spot... Thrasir's eyes widened a little and then a small smirk that quickly shifts into a pleasant smile forms on her face.

"Well, it was bound to happen," she hummed. "Now, if I recall, we all know our classmates in this world..."

Raising her hand and putting on an inviting smile, Thrasir called out to the person that Katarina pointed out. She knew her face from the yearbook.

"Yucie," she called, loud enough to be heard over everyone else, but not loud enough to be considered rude. "Will you join us for a cup of tea?"

gained: +3 intelligence, +2 arts, -1 style, +2 stress NPC bonus: +25 arts, -10 stress

[codename-coronet]

     Yucie turns as she's called, blinking owlishly as she tries to find the source. She soon enough finds Katarina and Thrasir, walking over to their table.

“ Tea? How elegant, ”  she remarks.  “ I'd be delighted to join you two. ”

She has a prim and proper air to her in her movements, as if trained to be royalty, and she gracefully takes a seat to join the duo, making them now a trio.

“ I've always been curious about the two of you in fact! ”  But for all her grace, her bubbly excitement slips through her soft voice and the mirth in her eyes.  “ One of Elysium's Flowers and one of the dangerously cool delinquents too... You two sound like you live such fun lives, hehe. I've always been a little jealous. ” 

[codename-coronet]

up up down down left right left right b a

         ⤷    anamorphosis:   team coronet third week  ( arcade )

[senerist]

“We were,” soren confirms slowly.  She probably doesn't want to interrupt them, then…  But he'd like to schmooze up to her, some as well.  So many things he needs to do, and he can't see the clearest path to it…  Thankfully, they're at the end of their job.  Things can go back to normal, soon.

he bends to retrieve the coins.  he'd thought he'd given alistair permission to do so, but he can appreciate that he wouldn't.  Then, soren quickly counts the coins out on his hand.  he takes six for him, and splits the rest in half.  Ten for alistair, ten for ange.

“Here,” he tells alistair, dumping his share in his hand, before moving closer to ange and offering her the remaining ten coins.  “Consider this for your research fund, then.  And congratulations on your exams.  You got the highest score, as if we expected anything less from you.”

he doesn't know how to smile ‘warmly.’  he knows what it looks like on others, but not how to curve his mouth in a friendly or welcoming way.  he tries anyway.

Maybe she'll be curious enough about his next statement to stick around a little.  “What was that you were saying about katarina, alistair?”

-1 arts +3 style +2 stress

[codename-coronet]

    “ Getting money for doing well... It really feels like an allowance, doesn't it? ”  Ange comments when Soren distributes the coins between her and Alistair.

“ Kinda? I was thinking it was like New Years money, ”  Alistair replies.

“ Hm... I could see that too. Congratulations on you as well though, Soren! And you did remarkably better than normal, Alistair. ” 

“ Yeah, yeah... ”  Alistair tries to dismiss the praise, starting to get visibly bashful about the congratulations on two sides. It provides enough of a segue for Alistair to answer Soren too.  “ Katarina was the one who helped out. She gave me a study packet for the stuff I suck at, so I felt like I had to try if someone was gonna go through the effort! ”

“ You and one of the Two Flowers, is it? You and Soren's social circles grows curious and curiouser! ”  Ange remarks.  “ Not that that's a bad thing. Soren, you in particular have grown a lot this past month, haven't you? It's hard to believe I was constantly chasing you two and Thrasir down just a couple months ago now! ”