Celestia reverts to behaving in a manner suitable for such a conversation that turned to a heavier topic. She had an inkling that there was a more complex reason for Ophelia to be gambling, so it was only natural that other gamblers would harbor questions to what her motives were. Who gambles just for the hell of it? Money and fame are all there is to it! Thoughts like that would commonly come across their minds. Celestia too, was after these things, but not as her main goals. At most, she had a small fortune and was the topic of conversation for many among the gambling scene, but never had she had the taste of true wealth or fame, something she would have to obtain in order to reach her own dream, which ironically, would be able to foster a bit of solitude for herself. Contrary to what others may have thought, it was what she preferred over company and crowds. She was an independent woman at heart, with conversation merely being a facet of entertainment when she grew bored of the silence. Fame would be troubling to deal with, that much was certain, but she was prepared for it.
“Mm, from the moment I have gotten to know you, you had struck me as the type who would care not for such mundane pursuits. Riches… Recognition… to me, they are only stepping stones towards my greatest ambition. With that said even, our goals are quite contrasting from one another. Though our final destinations may differ, it would not be presumptuous of me to say we walk the same path, that is, to the point it diverges at last.”
What she heard next nearly stopped the gambling lolita in her tracks. Trust. Since when had she heard that word directed towards her, asides a fool’s mouth? It was never, and this was no fool walking beside her, the proof being in her experiences alongside her up to this point. Celestia couldn’t toss titles such as rival to just anyone. It was frighteningly easy to take advantage of one’s trust and turn it against them for your own gain… something she had managed to do a number of times before, albeit to fools. Yet here, there was something to be gained from garnering the trust of this girl, rather than betray it. It was not something to be trashed, but perhaps be nurtured even? Ophelia felt like the closest thing to a friend she had had in her entire life. It was a strange feeling. The momentary warmth in her chest only served to remind her how much of a child she was on the inside. This is nothing to be giddy about. Of course she may be trying to use me herself, but… Warm feelings would never do anything good for her… they would only be followed by discomfort, much like the stickiness and humidity that would come with warm weather as well. It was bittersweet at best.
“It is reassuring to hear that from you, it truly is, even if you only mean it to an extent. You should know I hold value in such sentiments. …I too hold my own fair share of secrets, as you may have come to expect. Perhaps we’ll be able to share the stories regarding our humble beginnings as gamblers soon enough. But as we stand, it would probably do us better to talk of our strategy, now that we’re drawing closer to the tournament’s location.” Celestia hoped it didn’t sound like avoidance of the topic, because that’s exactly what it was. She didn’t want to get too softhearted with these talks of dreams and aspirations. It was hard for a cold woman to deal with such topics in large doses. It would do no good for a gambler to get emotional before a big tournament, as it would only work against her.
Yet it did get her to thinking. True destiny… that sounded ambitious in it’s own right, and rather thrilling. Celestia could not determine if it was something physical Ophelia strove for, like the castle Celestia longed, or if it was something mental, something that could be as simple, yet as evasive as a sense of fulfillment in what she did. With discovery came feelings of accomplishment.
-- ♕ ~ [ ♠ ] ~ ♕ -- Sentimental words they were, Ophelia held no grudge over for the change of topic. It was rather inappropriate when it did come up, but the talk of strategy was usually for the best. Then again, what strategy was there when gaming with another person? All a person must do was simply play the right cards for whoever placed them down. Mutual trust for winning games between two was often risky, but it was done. Their partnership was certainly of a harmonious one, and it wasn't even necessary for them to converse too deeply into it. However, the lilac-haired gambler herself simply did not care about what they discussed. She was a passive person by default unless it was necessary for her to push and persist. Being adamant.
All this talk about fates and destinies crew dull after a while. Much less alone being in a tournament it was absolutely pathetic to even hear when something else was to occur. Holding up a poker face was mandatory and having thoughts focusing on the game was more important than anything else. Life and death could be used in certain games such as Russian Roulette. A twisted game of death, the winner would walk out with hefty awards out of sheer luck that the revolver was not pinned onto their own body. While Ophelia herself usually steered clear from such insane games, she preferred those where she didn't need to sacrifice an arm or a leg just to win something she simply didn't even care about. Again, hobby and just for fun. Second main reason why she went into it. First of course as stated before was to use this as an opportunity to explore the world and to push herself forward onto a path that was certainly meant to be hers. With such luck she could definitely get away with many things so long as diligence and proper work ethics were placed upon the table as well.
❝ With our chemistry, I find it not necessary.
But I will not object to discussion about strategy.
It is best to be aware of all possibilities of course,
seeing we are here for something serious. I have
nothing to say now, but you shall have your
opportunity as we are nearing to the tournament. ❞
remaining composed, her feet continued to move towards the destination despite the tender moment she just had earlier.
Years of training to be able to manipulate environments and even her own complexion was all of a challenge well worth acquiring. From stoic and composed to even flirtatious and saccharine, she had acquired it all as an experiment for her own benefit. Though with the other gambler, it seemed the natural state of her own behavior leaked out past the cracks of tenderness. Perhaps she truly did see the other girl as a friend. While she had her own that she conversed with daily, it was odd connecting to someone else. No less someone else who seemed to be your polar opposite. Alas, such matters did not matter to her at the very moment. Ophelia simply did not desire to mess up their opportunity for fame. More so, she was doing this for Celestia. Fame and wealth mattered not to her. She acquired it and treated it as a trophy from winning a race. Something to admire, but nothing to use to expand herself forward. Flaunting was not of her nature and many gamblers she had met would rub arrogance upon her features. Neutrality simply defused the situation and placed absolute apathy upon those who believed they could faze her. After what she went through, rarely anything traumatized or irritated her, but she was still human.
A few years into gambling, it wasn't enough to lead her to a proper direction. However, days and even weeks she would remember her mother's words and final breath. Being a detective was certainly something difficult, yet it seemed well worth the efforts of finding the truth in some of the most dire situations. Strenuous, but adventurous. Ophelia believed a part of her should bypass the fear she sheltered, but another part of her told her otherwise. Shaking her head lightly at such thoughts, her head peered back up to face what was forward, making turns left and right until both she and Celestia were at the entrance of their destination.
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