time for the masterstroke.

[lightoball]

he was sitting on top of the cages used for the white milk bottles, looking at the coloured ones lined along a shelf on the other side of the big fridge-like thing they were all collected into.

ϟ I don't get what the difference is... ϟ he mumbled, looking back to the shopper who had had a surprise of him when they were just here for some milk. ϟ there's so much milk but they only call some milkshakes. ϟ

he picked up one of the little plastic bottles, and shook it about, holding it out proudly afterwards. ϟ see? now this is a milkshake, isn't it? ϟ

[riftingzenith]

that's not quite how it works, but he admires the effort and thought. it did give him a little laugh, after all. "I believe it might be because they mix it with other ingredients. milk by itself is much better for you though, you'll grow big and strong." he gently pats the animal's head and offers a smile. "would you like some? I'm happy to purchase them if you want to take them home."

[descensionstar]

✦it's been a few years. about four. after she saved Paimon, we were travelling around the wilderness for a couple of months before reaching Mondstadt, and from there, we've been reaching almost every Nation.✦

apparently, she really couldn't help herself today. but Lumine wasn't about to begrudge her friend — actually, hearing her ramble was welcome familiarity after how withdrawn Paimon had been of late. they'd been incredibly fortunate to come across him on a day when the Traveler had finally succeeded in dragging her companion outside. the lure of discounted chocolate sure had helped though.

"of the seven, we've ventured into six. the final land is called Snezhnaya, and it's spoken to be something of a frozen wasteland. so we aren't in a rush to get there unprepared".

[riftingzenith]

"still in the early days of adventure, I see. I'm sure there's much for you to discover." a few is but a drop among the length of time he has travelled the stars, they have many years ahead of them yet, to see and understand more of their own world as their goal drives them onward.

but a frozen wasteland... he could somewhat picture such a place after visiting Jarilo-VI to reminisce, though not all of it would fit that description. "the cold isn't something I imagine many are fond of. when you return, be sure to take care — especially you, Paimon."

[riftingzenith]

"here once again... these stars know how to choose their moments of opportunity. a pity I seem to have missed the celebrations this time."

[rewuyuu]

[riftingzenith]

while they had just been passing his chosen spot for a short rest only a couple of hours prior, the three soon found themselves walking through the nearby park, or rather two of them would, at least. the young lady's floating companion having lost the ability to do so after a certain time, now being carried instead.

"your companion is very interesting." and quite the talker as well, having said more than enough for a few conversations already. but there's no need to point that out, not when her friend has offered an apologetic smile amid the flow of chatter. "how long have you two been on your journey together?"

@descensionstar

[riftingzenith]

how long has it been since he stood there lost in deep thought, staring out at nothing in particular. he assumes he must have been blocking the view, judging by the sudden noise behind him, of someone clearing their throat to gain attention, to which his head turns of course.

"my apologies, were you also looking for some peace?" mind you, it isn't entirely quiet with the distant chatter somewhere further along, so maybe she's just here to wait for someone else. "...or perhaps it's just the sights you wish to see."

@nicawlette

[emptyrule]

" Their energy seems to be limitless. Though they'll fall asleep for hours the moment they find somewhere warm." her younger sister was already up and outside with the dogs before Morgan had even considered getting out of bed. " You should consider buying something for the finch. I'm sure someone in this city makes clothes for birds."

[riftingzenith]

"as I've often noticed... I know someone who would likely do the very same were he to find himself here." the thought makes him laugh ever so slightly, along with a smile. "is that so? perhaps you might call upon me if you happen to find one, unless you wouldn't mind leading the way? so long as you do not have any plans when the time comes."

[riftingzenith]

"I'm sure the young ones will enjoy this particular weather... but it is quite cold, even the finch refuses to come out of hiding." oh how he misses the warmer temperatures at times like these, he can already feel the chill biting.

[riftingzenith]

@lightoball

a most welcoming smile graces his features, hand offered in encouragement for the animal to come closer, just a little more so he might be allowed to give it attention. whatever it is, the general hasn't seen anything quite like it; small, rounded, little red cheeks. yes, rather cute indeed... perhaps too much so. but the creature appears harmless so it shouldn't be a problem. the bird resting upon his shoulder also finds this to be curious, watching from its chosen perch. "are you exploring, little one?" he doesn't believe it to be lost, not when it seems rather familiar with direction.

[sommiar]

she doesn't think anything could stop surprising her. so many things happen in the island but it never takes away her excitement, the good and bad come in hand and Arturia is no stranger to it. still, her attention is to the small, fluffy bird that had originally rested on her shoulder before retreating to her staff. has it confused her with someone else?

her smile does not falter, it only widens as the bird chirps at her. she wishes she could understand what it’s saying, but she believes her staff is a wonderful resting place, after all, the bird only peers at her curiously and never tries to get closer. she regards it for a moment before offering her open palm, the corners of her eyes softening.

like the spring breeze, she never rushes for the answer to bloom before its time. instead, her hand retreats to her pockets and brings out a cookie. slowly, she parts it in half and smashes into smaller pieces. "I was planning to give these to my sister but if you’re hungry, you can have some."

@riftingzenith

[riftingzenith]

what hadn't been accounted for is the possibility a certain small friend would vanish so suddenly. searching any obvious locations proved fruitless, until passing a young stranger, and there it was, perched upon her staff. how curious indeed.

rather than approach, he watches their exchange for a few minutes. she appears to be attempting to feed it while it simply stares, likely trying to discern whether she is friend or foe. the general personally believes her a friend from the care and warmth in her actions. it's apparent the finch too decided this as it has now shifted to her open palm in acceptance of the offering.

that is when he announces his presence, making his way over though stopping a few paces short. "it seems you've found my friend—or perhaps it was the one to find you?" with a slight tilt of his head, a smile is offered. "feeding it may not be a wise decision unless you're willing to accept a fated return for further meals."

[emptyrule]

for one who was known with the title of winter queen, it is easy to assume that a hotter climate that belonged to an island would cause problems. however, as she was quite used to surviving with only the items on her person and what nature offered, this was no trouble for the Berserker. in some ways, it was welcomed. getting away from the noise and chaos of it all. it was impossible not to feel some nostalgia for her days as Britain Savior's-- not of the agonizing moments, but the quieter ones. nights shared with her friends around a campfire, where their chatter chased away the voices screaming inside her mind. the unique tranquility offered by nommin isle was openly embraced.

eyes that were closed open as a loud splash breaks the silence, water droplets falling onto her skin and drying immediately from the sun's rays. silence returns once more as Morgan focuses on the other person with her.

" You are scaring away the fish with your loud movements. " her gaze moves to the makeshift spear currently sticking half out of the shallower waters along the shoreline. " For someone who claims to be a general, you would think your aim and elegance wielding a weapon would be better."

@riftingzenith -- nommin isle

[riftingzenith]

"perhaps so, but I do prefer avoiding conflict when possible. what good is it to blindly charge ahead without first seeking alternative methods of solution." if he's too loud, then surely Morgan wouldn't mind the general allowing her the honour all to herself. he quite comfortably finds a seat at one side, watching her instead, whatever she may do next. it would be incredibly rude to interrupt, after all. what kind of person might ruin someone else's fun? not him, that is certain. "concerning this matter, I think I'll observe and take notes. if you don't mind."

only the sun is making him very tired all of a sudden, one could even say it was convenient timing and with a well placed yawn. not to mention the time of day. perfect for a quick nap. "it is rather warm, however..." too warm to do much of anything. for now, he'll conserve the energy until later. or tomorrow. perhaps the day after? life is full of mysteries, who knows where it will lead.

it is surprising how the weather hardly seems to bother her at all, but then there isn't much he knows about her as of yet. "I wonder, is there some secret technique you aren't sharing to be so free of burden?" in reference to the heat, of course. though it may sound strange to those not following the conversation.

[honkaiedit]

★ HONKAI STAR RAIL | JING YUAN ★