swallowed rose thorns

How should we like it were stars to burn With a passion for us we could not return? If equal affection cannot be, Let the more loving one be me.

[axdently]

𝐈𝐓'𝐒 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐃-𝐃-𝐃-𝐃-𝐃-𝐃-𝐃-𝐃 𝐃𝐔𝐄𝐋 !! ( IN A GLITZ BITZ EVENT ) ─── featuring: 𝒆𝒍𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒘𝒂𝒈𝒐𝒏 & @cagliostrohq

he’d delivered lethal precision with his Shard of the Sea dagger as it struck true, cutting through the heart of his challenger's offense. the Bloodstone Mask was nestled upon his face increasing his natural speed and agility, but the crowd could surely see the widespread grin and the glint of arrogance in the gleam of his sapphire eye-sling. the Blood Musket’s booms echoed his victory which were still reverberating through the grounds even after his much earned applause had died down. the pull of the trigger was used to hit the final nail in his opponent’s coffin. as he watched the defeat, Elrich spread his arms wide open as if welcoming an embrace of celebration. he jeers as deathly drops engulfed his adversary in corrosive Vanitas bloodstone rain.  the colosseum was his stage, and he was the undisputed star. he taunted with the crowd: sending a set sapphire winks to the maidens of the land and blew kisses to many of the men, as well. then he bowed–– mannerisms unlike an airship pirate once he was named the true victor. 

his pirate’s cape billowed with every gust of applause. the taste of success was sweet upon his tongue, and he reveled in the intoxicating high that surged through his veins. he felt invincible as he commemorated his conquest with a pint of ale–– a single round on him for all who’d shown up to honor him in the pub. “Having seen all the other fighters who do you think would be my strongest adversary for the next round? Don’t be coy, be honest. Consider showmanship, strength, speed, and combat skill.”

[s7arrymoons]

"Oh, you want us to be honest, hm?" Hazel leans forward against the bench, eyeing her brother with a mischievous glint in her eye. Thankfully, she hadn't been involved in the combats herself; incapable of really fighting, she was content to just support her brother from the distance.

"I think your greatest nemesis at this point is your own ego," she smirks. "It's getting pretty big, isn't it? What are you going to do when the next opponent manages to take advantage of your grandstanding?" She raises an eyebrow, then repositions herself, leaning back to sip her own drink.

"A little humility goes a long way, brother." Though she couldn't imagine him ever taking that advice seriously. It's the reason why she watches him with a smile on her face now.

[gcmechanger]

she's experiencing a rush of endorphins, khione absolutely giddy after tasting the sweet fruit that is success. of course, victory was hers the moment she stepped onto the arena but to have all eyes on her as she proved it was an entirely different sensation. the fraser bodyguard and captain leisurely leans against her sheathed weapon when whiskey colored orbs catch sight of a familiar face and frame; khione's jaw immediately clenched in response. how dare he show himself here? when all of house fraser is in attendance?! the audacity! fumes the amazon warrior while excusing herself to chase after them.

her strides are lengthy and quick, khione on their heels, ducking throughout the busy crowds as if she weren't there in the first place. it's only when he turns does she act, bringing forth a dagger; its sharp blade pressed against alexander's jugular. “long time no see, lex. miss me?” whispers khione while leaning forward to greet her former friend. her gaze carrying more heat than the depths of hell itself. after all, khione had every intention of making good on her promise. whether they knew it or not.

[s7arrymoons]

Lex takes a good few moments to stare in wide-eyed shock at Khione, eventually raising their arms in a surrender. They look around as if anyone is going to even notice their predicament in this hustle and bustle, then opens their mouth to speak, mind working several paces behind everything else.

"Erm," Lex says. "Hello, Khione." They gulp. "Can't we talk this through?" It doesn't take a lot to scare Lex, and a knife at their throat is certainly going to do it. Especially when met with such a furious glare.

"I suppose we didn't exactly stop talking on the best of terms, but this seems a little..." Lex thinks better of finishing that thought, though. "Let's talk?"

[occvltisms]

⸻ Jackie's eyes sparkled with excitement as she watched the crowds cheer. She couldn't help but feel a rush of anticipation for the combat, for the release it brought her—where pain turned into adrenaline, and all her pent-up anger could find an outlet. She's making her way through the horde of people towards the entrance for contestants, her turn wouldn't but up until much later that night, but she'd been so excited, she'd shown up early.

"Crowds not really your thing, huh?" she teases the very obviously uncomfortable person beside her, her voice carrying it's usual teasing tone. "I get it. They can be a real pain in the ass." She glanced back at the chaos of cheering and screaming, empathizing with why the strange may not have enjoyed the commotion. Sure, she was elated to compete, but if she had to sit in the audience all day getting her eardrums rocked straight to hell, she'd probably be moody too.

With a mischievous glint in her eye, she continued, "But you know what they say, no pain, no gain. And trust me, buddy, there's plenty of pain to go around here." she nodded toward the arena, where the sounds of fighting echoed through the air. "Are you competing?" she asked, raising her brows curiously. "I've seen a shit ton of people go up already, but if I'm being real with you, most of them have sucked." Her eyes gleamed with excitement as she added, "But don't worry, I'm going to give 'em a show they won't forget." She chuckled, itching for her turn in the arena, eager to unleash her skills.

[s7arrymoons]

Lex is watching the stranger intently, all his processing power divided between understanding her words through the sound and trying to understand any hidden meaning behind them. If there's one thing he can't afford, it's to miss an ulterior motive.

"Not competing," Lex answers shortly. He nods in agreement. "The fights have been... unimpressive," but is that really a bad thing? Lex isn't sure how much entertainment he's expecting to get from this today. "Are you really?"

He looks her up and down. Fighters can have the most unexpected appearances, so he won't judge based on that. "I'll look forward to it, then. Confidence, at least, can make things a bit more entertaining."

[comehcme]

LEX & GARAM - ❜ ​🇩​​🇮​​🇩​ ​🇸​​🇴​​🇲​​🇪​ ​🇫​​🇴​​🇷​​🇨​​🇪​ ​🇹​​🇦​​🇰​​🇪​ ​🇾​​🇴​​🇺​ ​🇧​​🇪​​🇨​​🇦​​🇺​​🇸​​🇪​ ​🇮​ ​🇩​​🇮​​🇩​​🇳​❜​🇹​ ​🇵​​🇷​​🇦​​🇾​ ? ❜

NOT ONCE , not in any way , had she been scared of them . lex was a pillar , the north star , garam didn't have any faith until it was too late but it was clear as a sunny day that she had trust in them & maybe if GOD or any other almighty entity had bothered to protect them , she wouldn’t have grown up so miserable. that was not to say she didn’t believe , or that she never started believing , because as blood filled her mouth & dread spread over her young heart that only knew the type of simple happiness brought forth by seeing her twin laugh , the girl began praying every single day , religion showing its face as the last resort to someone so utterly powerless in her circumstance. the eldest ( by a few minutes, they were told ) couldn’t protect her sibling , so it was easier to believe that if she closed her eyes at night and brought her tiny hands together , someone would.

the first day , when he was taken from her , garam trashed and screamed , ran after the car leaving with the better part of her soul as far as her bleeding , delicate feet would carry her & thought of nothing as a needle pierced her skin and she fell into a dreamless sleep , ceasing the crying echoing through the halls of the orphanage . but on the second night , after waiting motionless for him to come back as she would do for years to come , garam learned how to talk to the wind , asking desperately that if SOMETHING was out there, they would hear her desperate cries , look into her , sick with sadness and allow them to meet again someday. NATURALLY , she never stopped begging. AS EXPECTED, no one ever came. 

however, things were different now , and it absolutely felt that she had survived every day to be here , at his doorstep , hands hesitating to knock . they were grown up , they had changed - not the love she felt or the longing to see them again but what if they didn’t remember her ? she’d searched for so long, and only now contemplated that he might open the door and feel nothing extraordinary - not any recognition , or sorrow , or relief in gazing upon her eyes one more time. but no , it didn’t matter ; everything had led to this one moment in time and if only she could take his hands into her own , she KNEW , he would understand just who was standing across from him . and with that in mind, the twin KNOCKED.

[s7arrymoons]

It had been a while since he had door-to-door salesmen. While sitting there, debating just pretending he wasn't home, he wondered if it was that or maybe a Mormon. Maybe it was someone asking for him to sign a petition.

Really, he'd have just let it pass by, let his imagination do the heavy lifting and forget immediately that someone had been by. He's not sure what force of nature made him not do that. Lex's feet carried them to the door, and they opened it, looking down at a face that they saw every time they closed their eyes.

At first he stood still. Was it a dream? Was it insanity? "Garam," he breathes out, wondering if she'll disappear next time he blinks. She doesn't.

He remembers very little of those days. Being taken from their mother is just an awareness that it happened, and then going from house to house, never home. The two children used to fight sometimes, like children always do.

One night he'd gotten frustrated with something silly. He'd wanted to watch his favorite show, maybe, and plans had changed. They'd been furious; smashed things, screamed and shouted. Stupid thing to do. All he remembers is the white hot rage and then when he was taken away, being told that she was too sensitive to be around him.

He'd questioned, unthinkingly, that she didn't want him around. Tried not to think about it for the next however many years. But now she was here, and before Lex could think anymore they were pulling her into a hug.

[s7arrymoons]

hazel newton

(ellie bamber, she/her, spirit warrior) To HAZEL NEWTON, the whole world looks like an open page. With a leap of faith, their ability of PLANT EMPATHY grows a little stronger. They’re pledged to the HOUSE FRASER to defend the enchanted lands of Cagliostro with their SPRIG OF ROSEMARY. For 20 years, they have survived a world of magic with both their BRAVERY and SENSITIVITY. They work as a CONVENIENCE STORE CASHIER, but if they could change their fate, they’d want to LIVE FREE OF EXPECTATIONS

Hazel comes from a rich Fraser-associated family, with many siblings both older and younger. Expectations of being always presentable, proper, and formal quickly clashed with the development of her abilities; feeling countless emotions she can't understand from plant life all around her, her adolescence was overwhelming, filled with breakdowns and a tendency to oversleep for the sole purpose of escaping intense feelings which do not belong to her.

The older she gets, the easier it is to grow accustomed to, though she still finds it easy to confuse her emotions for something else's. From her teen years she began turning to alcohol and loud venues to drown everything out. Considering herself a disappointment to her family, the only person she trusts is her half-brother, Elrich.

Hazel desperately wants to find her own place. It's not that easy, though, and until then, she continues to tackle family expectations and bad habits.

[s7arrymoons]

@cagliostrostart | lex moon | STARTER: open. LOCATION: the glitz blitz.

Goings-on like this, no matter their obvious intention, are always worth keeping an eye on.

Lex is here as something of an ear, listening for public sentiment (aside from what the royal family wants people to think) and even keeping an eye out for recruits. He doesn't exactly relish watching combat play out, and he definitely hates these noisy crowds more than anything (how can it get so loud? to the point where everything just feels like blurry static?) but it's still somewhat interesting to be here.

The first rounds are always interesting when you've got some experience with combat. Though his apparent non-affiliation allows him comfortably not to participate in the fights, he's sure he'd survive these first rounds, unless he got very lucky. They tend to end fast in a boring way, or last a very long time in a boring way. Very few talents versus talents, simply idiots flailing at one another or being instantly knocked out.

Though apparently he's the only one who feels that way. His ears are ringing from the screaming and cheering, and given that now, during the break when everyone is grabbing food or alcohol, it's just as loud as ever, he's got a killer headache. It's impossible to take in any new sensory input, and maybe that's why he completely failed to realise he was being spoken to until he accidentally looked over and saw someone waiting for his reply.

"What?" He can't even hear his own voice.

As a teacher, Simon doesn’t make much of a point to learn about the livelihoods of his students. He’s certain his behavior doesn’t make him well liked. But then again, Simon doesn’t teach to be liked - he teaches to deliver an education, not to hear stories about the time someone’s great-aunt inherited an expensive broach. And yet - when it comes to Lex, a passing thought does, in fact, leave Simon wondering just what his other priorities were; he’d seen much of himself in Lex - what else could have been so important?

Still - Lex does make a point. Simon isn’t their professor any longer, and the realization brings a small grin to his face - which, to outsiders, may look eerily similar to Lex’s. “Well. You’re only partially correct. Not being your professor any longer means I no longer am paid to lecture to you. Nor do you have to listen to me any longer. But it certainly doesn’t mean I have to abstain from telling you that abandoning your education is, perhaps, one of the most unfortunate choices one can make. Knowledge is what allows you to better yourself and carve a path in this world. And for someone quite as talented as yourself?” He frowns. “What a tragedy.”

He can’t imagine a single conversation that would suddenly inspire for them to drop whatever inconvenience that came their way and reenroll, but if he can at least have the thought planted in Lex’s mind - perhaps that would be enough.

“I was actually here to look at some of the primary documents kept here,” Simon states. “And if you’re still interested in research - I could use a hand. If you were still enrolled, you could get credit for it…but I suppose if you ever decided to, I could retroactively sign off on it.”

Is it flattering, or just more painful? Being told how talented he was after he'd thrown everything away. Lex feels himself faltering for a moment, but he knows he doesn't have the time to study. Not if he wants to give everything to Ath.

"A hand..." Lex has to dodge eye contact. "I can do that." He's not sure why, when this is such a challenging conversation, he'd choose to spend more time with this former professor of his. After a few moments of questioning - do I just want to impress him? do I want him to like me? He decides it's not helpful to get to the bottom right now.

This one person who sees value in him, utterly disappointed. It would almost be funny, if it weren't his life. But it does hurt. He does wish Simon Muhn could be impressed with him, proud of him. What a stupid impulse.

"I'm sure you know where our academic journals are kept. I can lead the way, though, if you like. We got some new entries in recently."

[tewwor-is-moving]

“Sure, anyone can if the idea’s sick enough.” There’s a theme here, see? So long as a weapon’s design sparks genuine interest, Marc has no qualms with furthering social interactions.

In this case, it’s the requirement for temperature that settles it. Varying materials that withstand both extreme hot, cold, and everything in between’s already tumbling through his head. “Twin daggers, curling blade, durable no matter the termp… Base price for design would be about five hundred Dollar Phils. Then after we’ve come to an agreement on how it looks, I can give you an estimate in material, time and hourly breakdown. If you really wanna go through with this, you’ll have to sign an agreement— and make sure you read all the damn fine print. I’m done repeating shit’s that’s already written, alright?”

[s7arrymoons]

Lex nods so much that it's like their head is on a spring. "I can do that. Five hundred, I'll make that work." It'll take a lot of saving. Maybe quitting coffee for a while. But they can do it, they're sure.

"Just let me know where to sign," they're a bit giddy. Maybe not too smart to be overly eager to sign a dotted line, but here they are.

"Don't worry. I'll read everything, I'll pay everything on time." They beam. "I want these daggers."

[chocalafolie]

Wally & Lex || Sainte Coquille Bakery || @choixander

— It’s a tragedy fraught with rumors: what had become of the surviving heirs to that vast fortune? Wallace Gothel, the adoptive son of one of the wealthiest, most politically powerful families to kneel before House Fraser had vanished. There were whisperings still, that his picturesque family had planned on defecting together. But without a single sighting of the young heir in nearly a decade, there was no means to ask him what had really happened during the ill-fated cursed blood attack.

Wally knows that straying from the privacy of the summer cottage was foolish. Slipping past the sky-high trellises his aunt built to shield their residency came with the risk of being seen. But, he was growing antsy inside his golden cage and truly believed he could return home before anyone noticed. He stands in-line, peering nervously from the propped-up collar of his coat. 

Sweets were a poor substitute for blood. And that was true, in the sense they struggled to nourish his thirst. Sainte Coquille’s sugar-dusted macarons, however, did feed his soul.

He dumps a generous fistful of gold onto the counter. It's the sound of wealth, of no price being to steep and no wallet tight enough to require counting. The bakery box of sweets made him feel heaps more human already, and it was so exhilarating he turned down the clerk's offer for change.

Wally makes a beeline for the exit. Only to be met with a ghost of his past.

Did they know he was going to be here? It's not like it wasn't the first time he'd snuck out to the bakery, but he'd perhaps thought of himself far sneakier than he was.

They've both grown, in their time not speaking to each other. It shocks him truly, how tall Lex has grown and how every centimeter is time mourned. "I, er..." he stammered. Time isolated had whittled at his socialite's wit. He stares too long, he breathes stiltedly, and seems at a loss over what to do before a connection to his old life.

"I almost didn't recognize you -- er, not that you don't look good," he stammered. "You look fit, you look well." With his free hand, he scratches the back of his neck where his curse mark lurks under thick fabric. "I meant to send more letters," he said. "I, well, assume the ones I sent before got frozen by frost bats before they could reach you? Since I, uh, don't believe I ever got a reply."

[s7arrymoons]

Oh, good.

If there was anything Lex loved more than being sent on errands, it was encountering ghosts of the past. They look at Wally closely, seeing every little change. Truth be told, he doesn't look so good. Exhausted, with a misery behind his eyes.

Lex isn't sure what to do or say about that. Since Ath became his first and foremost priority, they don't have the time or energy to be anyone's friend. Maybe it's a shame. Maybe they missed Wally, sometimes. But that's beside the point.

"Were you writing me letters?" He feigns ignorance. He got them all, read them all. Vaguely intended to maybe one day reply, but probably not. He was too cowardly, and too stubborn. "Sorry. I didn't know." The apology is deadpan, and sounds fake. Because it doesn't matter if it's real or not.

Looking away for a moment, it occurs to them that that's not a good way to end a conversation. "Er, yes, it's been a while. It's..." Good to see you here? It is and it isn't. Lex bypasses the question. "How are you?"

Simon understands having just a job. He hadn’t always worked as a professor, of course. There was the summer he worked in a pizza parlor - one of the worst jobs he’d ever had, in his own opinion. He’d briefly been employed as an archivist, had worked in a bookstore, and sold antiques, all before becoming a teacher’s aid at the university and continued his degree to research his true passion projects. But Lex – he was still so young, so full of new ideas…to suddenly turn his back on his education? Leave that…to hand out books to people?

Something didn’t quite add up.

“No. I haven’t brought anyone on to assist me with any projects,” His head shakes. The funding was there to have a research assistant still, but he largely preferred to work alone. Few students had stood out to him the way that Lex had. “Is it still a position you’re interested in? Or do you prefer…watching everyone else get their education from behind that counter there?”

It was a brutal question. It takes Lex another few moments to think of the right answer, but he's sure no matter what he says he's going to be up tonight reconsidering it.

"Unfortunately, I had other priorities." There's an edge of frustration in his voice. "I'm not your student anymore, though. You don't get to lecture me." He forces a small smile, not sure if he's being clever or desperate with that.

"Can I help you with anything else, Mr Muhn?"

[tewwor-is-moving]

status: closed @choixander | location: some bar or diner

It's an open mic night at the local watering hole, and he’d admit that this was one of his guilty pleasures. Most of the people that got up there to sing were piss drunk, but there were a few gems that could actually sing.

“Oh, to be young again,” Aarav said with a long, wistful sigh. “To actually find some enjoyment with the genre of songs that are way too popular nowadays.” The rim of his draft was put to his lips for a healthy pull as he continued to stare at the person on stage. The same person that had the voice of a dying crow. The liquid courage of the singer was almost admirable, but it was more amusing than anything.

“Hey, you should get up there and sing something. Jazz up the audience a bit— how about it?” His eyes turned towards the other, and his trademark smile slid into place. “If you get an applause by someone else other than me, then I’ll go up there and sing too.”

[s7arrymoons]

Lex isn't even sure how they managed to wind up here in the first place, but the proposition really sends them over the edge. Trying to release everything they think about that proposition in a sigh, they are forced to come up with an answer.

"I don't think you could make me sing up there even if you offered me a million dollars," he says. He's not sure what would work. Turning to Aarav, they wonder. "I'm not really eager to see you embarrass yourself up here today, anyway. Nice try."

A small smile plays about their lips. Maybe he'll try harder to convince him? He's sort of curious to see where that might go, though he can't imagine ever going up there on stage. The sheer idea of it gives him chills -- in a bad way.

[axdently]

he took a breath, realizing he had become carried away in his fervor for the subject. he talks so animatedly when he finds pleasures in knowledge. he doesn’t feel comfortable oversharing this sense with just anyone. this is unfortunately what Lex has to deal with from time to time, but he trusts Lex is responsible to hold this information as dear as he does. “I apologize if I went off on a tangent there.” he chuckles to himself as he reaches into his back pocket for his library card. after relinquishing the book into Lex’s grasp he begins to rifle through his wallet for a very old and very used library card. his signature on the back of the card still has his smudged handwriting from when he was younger, just under Lex’s age and likely still buried in his own research and morbid hobbies.

Han Jae Song would concur that every beautiful thing in the world must eventually meet its decay. a tiny exception being that almost husband of his, Simon Muhn who despite all odds could not seem to die. with a nod, he slides his card across the counter. another chuckle soon parting from lips. “The Iliad.” his tone is bedazzled by this discovery. “The very one I was looking for this evening.” he can’t believe it. “It’s one of my favorites, actually,” he stops a moment ready to spill his favorite quote, “Two fates bear me on to the day of death––” in his eyes there is a silver glint, “The idea of glory is always so interesting to me but even more-so is the idea of revenge… Tell me are you for seeking revenge? Or against it?” 

“Nevertheless I rest easily knowing it’s in good hands.” the subject changes to the book on dreamshades, and Han begins to extend an invitation he knows Simon wouldn’t mind before he could think to stop himself.. “I don’t know how you feel about one twin handing showing you his earthworm collection to you or the other asking you to brush her doll’s hair, but I’m certain Simon has a couple of resources on dreamshades in our personal library.” he speaks of the two twin children that have been since adopted and live with the pair. he can admit evenings could get hectic in the Muhn-Song household, but perhaps he could further entice with the promise of supper. “I’m not sure we’ll have the book you’re looking for, but Simon’s a good cook as well, and you could come over for dinner some time so we could help you build your resources.” he almost feels as if it’s too forward to ask his librarian friend over. he softens the offer with the next sentence, “Only if you’d like, of course.” 

[s7arrymoons]

The question of revenge feels so pertinent that Lex almost wonders if Han can see right through him. How obvious is it, when people look at Lex, how he works, what he believes in?

"I suppose it depends what for," Lex says with an almost nervous smile. "Sometimes it's a waste of time. Sometimes it's productive."

On auto-pilot, Lex checks the next book out, but with an invite to the Muhn-Song household, he seems to freeze, just for a moment. He smiles, politely, unsure at all how to respond.

"F-for dinner?" His mouth gapes for a second, but then he smiles, all politeness. "Um, I appreciate that. I'm not sure it's the best idea, though."

"Simon's not exactly my biggest fan. N-not that we know each other well, but..." Lex looks away, taking a moment to recuperate. "I hope you enjoy your books," they say with a customer service smile.

[vicioushauntings]

@choixander​

SIMON MUHN && LEX CHOI

Simon considers himself a regular at the library. Being a researcher at the local university meant he needed lots and lots of history books and primary documents. Over the years, he’s grown very well acquainted with many of the library staff, not only to utilize their assistance but to ensure them that, yes, he knows what he’s doing and can properly care for old documents and they don’t have to stand over his shoulder and worry about him stealing or ruining primary documents.

But in the library that morning, while he is confronted by a familiar face, it’s not one he expected to be standing behind the front counter.

“Mr. Choi?” 

Not often does Simon recall the name of his former students, but Alexander had been stellar in his class, so much to the point that Simon wished he’d continue in his classes…only to learn some weeks later that he’d left the school altogether. While working in the library was admirable…Simon still frowns upon seeing him.

“Is this really what you left school for?” He asks. “To become…a simple book clerk?”

@choixander​

[s7arrymoons]

Lex bolts upright at the sight of Professor Muhn, and they quickly look away, dodging that painful eye contact. Well, great. Selphia really seems like a small city sometimes. And only at the worst of times.

"Of course not," they say with a weary sigh. "This is just... it's just a job." They try not to look too crushed. Too much like they'd wanted to stay just as much as Muhn wanted them to.

Lex focuses on scanning in the books, looking down. At least they're here for work; they have something to keep themself busy with.

"Did you end up finding another pupil for your research project?" Their voice comes out small and quiet. It was a few years ago now, so surely. Honestly, Lex isn't sure what prompted them to ask. Maybe they wanted to hear they were easily replaced. Maybe they wanted to hear they weren't.

[tewwor-is-moving]

“No. More. Bloody. Daggers.” Regular or not, the surly attitude’s reserved for all. Only difference is the time it takes to peel away from overt hostility — much like his da. Apples might not have been involved with their makeshift lineage, but their vein of ore clearly hadn’t festered that far apart.

“But—“ Marc begins to pivot, brandish some aspect of a genuine business-doer like he should've done the second a new prospect arrived. "If you're really in a pinch for one, could always commission. Work tends to be better quality that way anyways and you know I go above n' beyond to make sure the customer's always satisfied."

[s7arrymoons]

Lex's eyebrows shoot up. They've never considered that before, and a pair of custom-made daggers would be a dream come true. "Could I commission a pair?" They test the waters, getting increasingly excited at the idea.

"How much might that be? I can save up a while if need be. Twin daggers, with curling blades. Built for wildly varying temperature. That would be a dream come true."

They're talking very fast.

[axdently]

a nod agrees with Lex’s observation, and a smile reciprocates the mutual feeling. Han prefers Lex over the other judge-mental librarians. fingers tap against the library desk as he scans the titles behind the gentleman. as the tiny thumping echoes is the only sound that can be heard in between the stomping magical stamps, and dog-ears softly scraping against other pages as readers enjoy their adventures and information dumps. the very air around them was infused with the majestic presence of knowledge and Han couldn’t ever get enough of it.

he explains, “Ah yes, Whalefall–– it’s one of my favorite concepts. When a whale dies and sinks to the ocean floor, it becomes a feast for the entire ecosystem. You see, it’s not just the scavengers that gather around. Microorganisms, bacteria, and deep-sea creatures all play their part in this intricate dance of life and death. The whale’s carcass sustains an entire community, a vibrant ecosystem that thrives in the depths of the ocean that we can’t see on land.”

he takes a slight pause, an optimistic verge of a sentence budding from pouty lips, “It’s a reminder of the interconnectedness of life, the way in which every living being, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, has a role to play.” he chuckles at the response. of course, Han could be read just like the books by their covers, “Of course, I promise to come back and share my thoughts and insights with you.” he is well aware that the nonfiction is a contrast to his own love for gothic romances, greek tragedies, and spatial metafictional horrors. 

“And what is it that you’ve been reading lately? You know, your presence, and your perspective, is always a source of inspiration for me.“ 

[s7arrymoons]

Lex remembered being a little boy who told his exhausted mother all about the lifecycles of caterpillars. The transition into a butterfly was famous, of course, but there were so many pieces of the story that weren't; and Lex had been so excited to read about them, and barrage everyone he knew with information.

Something in Han's eyes reminded Lex of his childhood self, the one who hadn't yet learned by brute force to silence himself the second an exciting subject came up. And he remembered all that fondness for Han all over again. A light smile plays about his lips as he watches him talk.

"That's wonderful. Everything has to die, of course, and something so massive couldn't do so quietly. May as well make the most of it."

Part of it reminds him of the Houses. The destruction which he's working towards. He hopes, if it ever really happens, it'll be something like that; a boon for everyone in Cagliostro. More and more he fears that it'll just clear the path for new houses.

He shakes himself. "I got lost in my head. You're right, it's a beautiful metaphor." Effortlessly, he scans Han's books.

"Right now?" He raises his eyebrows. Like any good reader, he has about 13 books on the go at any given moment, and most of them he doesn't read more than a page a week. But then there's always the one book that someone is actually reading. "I'm rereading The Iliad. Just an odd... random urge, I suppose." He frowns. "Though I've been trying to read a book on the history of Dreamshades. That's how it goes, I guess."

[tewwor-is-moving]

status: open @cagliostrostart | locations: cagliostro plaza

Everything’s in a tizzy with everyone being the source of it. Trips to and from Orre Town were arduous as is. So to have such a blockade of Selphians lose their everloving marbles at the break of dawn was, well, really fucking shitty. The gossiping he could deal with. But the sudden fear mongering and general lack of awareness concerning space? Yeah, today's outing is bound to be a long one.

By the time Marc’s set up shop on the outskirts of the plaza, he’s already exhausted with the stupid questions. Don’t get him wrong, it’s great that business is booming ( the lesser weapons are already swept up within an hour ), but he swears each request gets more and more stupid. Thus, when yet another body blocks the sunlight under their humbly crafted tent, he’s the first to give a sour greeting.

“Daggers are all out, karambits a close second, don’t care for your theories ‘cause I’m not runnin’ a guess who’s gonna get picked Bingo night, only requests I’ll be taking are legit and good ones— got it? Got it. Feel free to peruse and shit.”

[s7arrymoons]

Folding his arms, Lex considers the state of things before directly replying to Marcus' dour attitude. They suppose it makes sense for things to be chaotic right now. But it's damned inconvenient.

"No more daggers?" He asks with a bit of a sigh. Hesitant as he is to engage with immortals in his line of work, Marc has procured some excellent weapons for him, and with all the chaos stewing he couldn't help but think it was time to add to his collection. But apparently not.

"I'd think with your business booming like this you'd be in better spirits."

Marcus is easy enough to get along with. The Order of Ath, of course, despises all things immortal, but Lex was willing to put some things aside for fine craft. And it's not like that hatred is one that he's ever felt.

[axdently]

@choixander​ // SING, O MUSE, OF THE RAGE OF ACHILLES

he spends his spare time ( when not locked away in a tiny fishbowl ) reading. there are books he likes to search for of non-fiction: The Noma Guide to Fermentation: Including koji, kombuchas, shoyus, misos, vinegars, garums, lacto-ferments, and black fruits and vegetables, OR Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures, and books he knows he will find: The Odyssey, The Aeneid, Medea, Oedipus Rex, Antigone, and well, Homer’s The Illiad. it’s nowhere to be found in its spot upon the shelves. his first pick–– his preference of the great Greek warrior Achilles slips away from his grasp as he brings The Breath of a Whale: The Science and Spirit of Pacific Ocean Giants to the front desk. he’d like to tread waters of whalefall, he decides, if his romantic tragedies are unavailable. he meets his favorite librarian, or rather assistant librarian. though, in his opinion, Han preferred Lex above the others. perhaps it was their similar demeanors or the slight deja vu he felt when speaking to him.

he greets the other with a casual smile–– before peering behind the desk. he doesn’t speak his concern immediately ( the lack of copies of The Illiad ). Han Jae Song beats around the bush. he settles for small talk, despite how nonsensical it truly is to him. “Haven’t seen you around lately. Is this a me issue, or a you issue?” it was likely his own fault–– prior engagements have limited their regular check ins. “It’s good to see you, nonetheless.”

[s7arrymoons]

The fault has been on both sides. Busy with the Order of Ath, Lex has needed to take fewer shifts, especially this past few week. It's been a shame; they miss the energy of the library, especially when it's more quiet, being relatively alone with the books.

That said, the next best thing to being along is when the visitors are good. Han is unassuming and nondisruptive, two of Lex's favourite things in a person. The customer service smile comes easier than it usually does.

"Maybe a bit of both? Things have been a bit hectic lately," his voice is professional, just a bit of tension behind the words. It's stressful. Never sure who at one Ath meeting is going to show up to the next one. Staying out of suspicion.

But now's not the time to think about that.

"Whosever it is, it's good to see you here again." Lex reaches out to take the book, smiling down at it. "The spirit of whales... to be honest, I've never thought about that," he tilts his head to the side. "This does seem like a book you'd bring to the counter," he looks up at Han. "I look forward to hearing your takes on it."