These Lingering Souls

The same smile conceals the onto Carmela's lips at Natalia's suggestion. O, how she loves prospects that willingly isolate themselves for her. That glance at the crowd tells the hostess all she needs to know. Her grasp tightens around Natalia's hand as she gently pulls her towards a side door.

"Then I shall show you sights that no other guest here will see tonight. My home is ours to explore to our hearts' contents. And, of course, should you have any questions, I encourage you to ask them. It will be a night of curiosities and memories."

She escorts her guest through the side door; the sound of the party fades as the door closes behind them. The long, quiet corridor is lined with old but decorative doors on one side and tall windows on the other; soft moonlight scatters through the glass, combining with the gentle glow of sconces to give a low, ambient lighting.

"This corridor connects the ballroom to the innards of my home. The doors here do not lead to anything special, I'm afraid. They're various storage rooms where we keep decor and necessities for hosting parties like the one tonight. Though, them being simple storage rooms doesn't discourage my friskier guests from stealing away to one of them after a few dances."

She follows without any issue, in a way it makes her feel a little younger again, escaping from some populated event to hide off somewhere and enjoy the silence.

Memories of a time with plenty more like herself, but now a days it's merely Natalia and Lancea who reside amongst the great forest to the Northwest.

"Questions? Maybe later, I wouldn't want to spoil our good mood by playing curiosities so early." She keeps up without issue, taking it upon herself to link arms with the hostess as they wander down the hall.

"Is that so? Allowing for a slight exploration of one's desires at the party I see?" Whether she allows it or not isn't too important, but for the host to be well aware of the guests' habits is something.

"To bring myself into your mundane hall, were you hoping I might be so bold to pull the hostess into the very same situation?"

"Oh is that so? Big confusion huh?" Indigo caught on quick what her confusion was, but didn't pay it any mind. Compliments are compliments, the other need not fully understand, they simply are appreciated.

He was quick right back to the door and ready to go, "oh I'm not worried about miss Armor Knight. But what I was saying is the Miss Armor Knight is really pretty, that's all."

He doesn't even wait to get moving, already the door is closed behind them politely and Indigo's quick down the stairs. Even though he's behind her at first, he's quickly to hurry down and say his goodbyes to people.

"I often go everywhere on foot or by wagon, maybe hitch a flying ride stuff like that. I'm a little short and small to handle a horse sometimes, so I'll have to ride with you. If that is okay!"

bluemooncove

"Really Pretty, hmmm? Your perspective is quite unusual, young man." Though not unappreciated. Armor Knight is used to people being too intimidated by her to express such ideas. Of course the reality is that she's truly just to dense and society too polite for her to realize how many do express an interest in her. "Most find a woman of my size and personality unattractive."

She stood by at the exit as Inigo finished with his goodbyes. Her new companion was certainly the social butterfly. It reminded her of when Crusader first joined the guild. Thankfully, this recruit seemed far less pesky.

"Surely they could find you a smaller breed or a pony perhaps?" She asks while grasping ahold of Indigo at his hips and helping to hoist him up onto her steed. "But its no matter. Drusilla is always happy to carry a friend. Particularly one on the smaller side."

The guild hall is not that great a distance away but it would call for a little longer than short journey. Thankfully it was a pleasant day on the island. The sun shined high in the sky while the cool breeze from the ocean kept things from getting too hot. As they neared the hall itself, the surrounding woodlands gave a comfortable shade from the light.

"Now, before we arrived, I should inform you that guild tradition dictates greeting members at the hall with a mister or miss before their title. Understood Mister Indigo? Now would be a good time to ask any other questions."

"Well that's silly, most people are intimidated by a crisp wind at night Miss!" Indigo's views will never be shaken no matter how the other sees themselves, he's spotted a pretty lady and they will be told it in plain terms.

And if they didn't understand, he would explain it because they deserve to be told they sparkle like no one else can!

"Well since work comes and goes, and I'm always on the move. It's both sort of worth it, and sort of not. Ya know? I don't have places for it to sleep, I don't know how to care for one either! And sometimes it's easier to go with a convoy than it is to ride alone."

Like taking a pet, if you're not up for it. It's a hassle.

"Uwah!" He was just handled like that, scooped up for the ride. Hopefully she doesn't mind him grabbing onto something for balance.

"Hmm formalities. Mister and Miss. And Title? I mean I don't have a title really. That'll be a problem, is there anything else? Bowing? Handshakes? A hug?"

#;;Indigo #bluemooncove

"To me? How kind~," Carmela all but coos as she clinks her glass against her guest's. Calculating eyes carefully examine the woman before her. Natalia seems relaxed, lacking any overly apparent guarding in her posture. In fact, the hostess would hazard a guess that this witch is silently asking for Carmela to do something.

So, she does. With her free hand, the hostess softly takes Natalie's mirrored hand.

"It seems such a shame to waste our night here on the veranda. As beautiful as the night sky is and as pleasant as the weather may be, I think we could recreate just as much pleasantry if not more by experiencing everything my staff has prepared...together."

She looks into Natalia's eyes, letting the witch drink deep of her own gaze before offering a gentle, trusting smile. Warmly, she steps away and pulls her guest along towards the center of the ball.

"Tell me, would you prefer we dance and eat and drink our night away, or should I steal you away for a personal tour? Of course, the choices are not exclusive to one or the other."

Natalia's eyes glance over towards the ball, the idea of moving to the center floor and dancing with the host is enticing, but it doesn't entirely catch her fancy. Natalia's quite the recluse herself, only showing her face from the forest when needed or on her travels.

The quiet is much more preferred than the spotlight, besides there's no need to make enemies she thinks. Jealousy, the green beast is quite the provocative menace, and a known witch is easy prey for those with political power.

"Please if you would, show me what the other guests will never see. We can always have our dance later, when the sleepy retire for the evening. Or if they've earned such a show."

Natalia follows her inside, "no one can deny the dashing rogue after all."

mountainofhistory

For all Udeki's strength, being taken in an ambush like this makes it difficult for her to do anything in response - doubly so when Kasen's arts are designed specifically with handling youkai in mind. She's already deduced Mao had nothing to do with this, but it doesn't matter at this point, pulled close and then pushed against the wall. There's no question who's in control here, but what Udeki doesn't expect is what being pressed so close like this is doing to her mind. Making her heart beat fast, somehow enjoying this despite how little sense that makes. There's certainly no reason for her to be in any way pleased with what's going on, and yet... they're so close to union. If Kasen would only accept her... but she won't.

And yet...

"What's this? Talking like you aren't the one who rejected my presence? Aren't you the one who took it upon herself to see me sealed away rather than have to deal with me being around?" She couldn't move, but Udeki could still speak, and her words dripped bitterness. "Quite bold of you to act as if you still have any claim on what I do."

Truth be told, part of Udeki wanted to reunite with Kasen. But she couldn't let that part show, not when she didn't know what her partner was planning. She knew, for certain, that Kasen still wanted to see her sealed away. And despite Kasen's words, Udeki was still mostly thinking of escape. "What playing do you even speak of?" she'd ask, largely just to keep Kasen talking. "I've indulged my own desires as an oni should, nothing more. If you have a problem with that, you're welcome to indulge them for me yourself, you know." She even managed to smirk at that. Even pressed against the wall like this, she could still remind Kasen of the last time she'd been in control.

#;;Kasen #mountainofhistory

Kasen's grip suddenly clenched hard on Udeki's wrist, the one held behind her back. It wasn't just firm anymore, it was almost painful how much Kasen was squeezing. Would it be fun to know that Oni strength was showing, that her teeth sawed along in her own mouth, sharper than usual with a temper flaring.

Kasen raised the controlled arm of Udeki's up, clasping their chin. Despite it being Udeki's flesh that holds her own chin like a kid being disciplined, there's no feeling conveyed directly. It's like it's being buried under Kasen's wraps, like it's less Udeki's feeling and more Kasen's.

"MY arm." The twist on the back wrist increased, Kasen knocked a knee into Udeki's leg, forcing the oni down to a knee as wraps slowly wrapped around her ankles. Kasen held such a controlling position over Udeki now, hunched forward, her whispers right in Udeki's ear as the oni was forced more and more to kneel.

"An Oni like you, indulging your desires? Sure. But the rumors I've heard, that my arm would let others run their hands all over her?"

Such possessiveness in her wording, it was almost like there was a strange sense of jealously could be extracted from her tongue. "Here I believed, after our last meeting. Allowing you to roam would bring balance to my mind, but the rumors you cause."

"And the hole in my soul knowing MY arm isn't within reach, isn't on me, and is in the embrace of others. It.."

"FRUSTRATES ME."

With Natalia's response, the hostess hands her the flute of champagne; Carmela's soft fingertips linger against the doctor's just long enough to be noticeable as a soft smile complements the exchange.

"I'll see to it that you have not a single regret tonight. You'll find that my personal care is quite the luxury, especially for guests as tastefully unique as you are. I'm truly fortunate to have you to myself this evening, though I don't know how someone could willingly ignore someone so eye-catching."

She tilts her glass towards her guest's, silently asking to clink them together.

"A toast to the success of this event? May it raise a good deal of funding in honor of that brave citizen. And just as importantly, may the bonds established at tonight's event grow deep and strong, so that all might have someone new to rely on."

"People fear what they don't understand, remarkable as these men and woman are.." Natalia softly accepts the flute, hands touching for a moment just to spark a smile from the witch herself before her eyes fall upon the crowd.

"Their world views are no doubt, rather narrow comparatively. What would I speak to them of? The diseases I've pulled from people, the dicing magic that splits spirit corrosion from soul?"

Her gaze softens, returning to her host with a smile. The other clearly isn't phased by her words after all, "Yet here you are, not a flinch."

"Hmm a toast?" She pushes herself from leaning, offering her hand as she raises the flute to her lips.

"To the many discoveries those working so hard may make, and of course. To the success of the host herself."

A drink without worry, Natalia curious if the host will take her hand and guide her. To the dance floor? Somewhere else?

gayidoljail-deactivated20260401

"Alright, Shu it is! Buuut... wait, Sensei... really is like that? Huh, never would have guessed."

He isn't one to talk about his own achievements, more of the achievements of others, and from Chloe's point of view and how he acts, him being a warrior is the last thing she'd expect.

"Ahhh, I don't know! You could say I'm kinda... conflicted? Like I don't even know if we're talking about the same person anymore! The Sensei I know is just a big weeny who barely holds his life together..."

"But sure, I don't mind listening to some stories while we wait for the fish to bite! I bet you have your own stories to tell yourself, although... I'm not exactly interesting, haha!"

#;;Chengshu #alchemistdetective

"When you're are pushed into corners, or when someone they love is in danger. People will do incredible things." Much like herself, seeing those she cared about being hurt, it helped her turn against her mother and all the evil she'd done.

"No no that sounds around right? When I knew your Sensei, a stiff breeze would blow them over until they were pushed to act. But.. many people are like that."

Everything thinks they're brave under the pressure crushes them, even the most stoic types might find their body freezing up in some situations.

"My stories are a little too lewd to be fishing tales, my job was to make impossible reproduction possible after all. The infertile, the cursed, those without the right parts, or even birth outside of a body but of two parents."

"Stories to make your cheeks rosy!" Chengshu gave a hearty laugh, brushing off the notion of making this girl embarrassed with extreme sex stories. "Not interesting? You plopped down beside me to chat, that sort of impulsiveness is already interesting enough hmm?"

bluemooncove

The way that he sprung about from spot to spot made the knight chuckle. She'd found quite a spry adventurer. Cute too, at least whenever he smiled so brightly.

"A pleasure to meet you Mister Isakova. My name is Armor Knight and I am at your service." What a name!

The knight rises to her feet as Indigo rushes around grabbing his things. He's packed remarkably quickly! She was impressed, it was the mark of a true adventurer to gather everything up and go like that.

"Eh, but, I do believe there is some confusion, my good sir. I won't deny that the steel of my armor conducts heat well, especially beneath the islands sun, but I do not become anywhere near as hot as Blacksmith. When she truly goes at it, the heat of her forge becomes so intense that I cannot even bare to stand by it."

She begins to walk with Indigo in tow. A horse stands a short distance away, grazing on island grass. Such beasts are not native to these lands but in the last few decades their presence has become another part of the natural life. Much to the chagrin of the nature spirits that inhabit the land. Still, this horse seemed oddly in place here.

"Have you steed of your own or will my Drusilla bare us both to my guild?"

He was quick right back to the door and ready to go, "oh I'm not worried about miss Armor Knight. But what I was saying is the Miss Armor Knight is really pretty, that's all."

"I often go everywhere on foot or by wagon, maybe hitch a flying ride stuff like that. I'm a little short and small to handle a horse sometimes, so I'll have to ride with you. If that is okay!"

#;;Indigo #bluemooncove

"Of course, it is," Carmela chimes, "I recognize all the guests I personally invite to my estate." A little flattery goes a very long way, especially when someone "recognizes" their own "importance" to society; Carmela looks forward to finding out how much of that her witch doctor guest holds. Indeed, the hostess looks forward to uncovering much about this guest in many ways.

"While I cannot claim that my functions are the most extravagant or as famous as the ones in the capitol, I'm honored to give both you and this friend of yours the opportunity to show what natural beauty can accomplish in an equally fashionable outfit."

A small chuckle to herself as she secretly drinks in Naess's appearance in parts.

"Unfortunately, we cannot change the superstitious type, which those in power seem to be. We cannot change their guarded and closed minds with drinks and parties alone. But you needn't worry about that tonight. You are my guest; as your hostess, I shall endeavor to ensure that you feel as safe, comfortable, and accepted as you do in your own home."

Fluidly, naturally, she reaches out to her side with nary a glance to grab two flutes of bubbling wine. She offers one to the doctor.

"A drink? I find it tastes best when shared with someone else; surely, you won't leave me to sip all on my lonesome?"

What a charmer the hostess is, and though Natalia's rather happy to listen to her talk way. She can definitely ascertain that there's far more than meets the eye with this woman. Turning to gently lean back against the rail, legs slightly cross at the heels, one arm under her chest, the other accepting of that flute of wine offered to her.

"Normally I stay with my student Lancea at my home far from here, I hardly attend any of these events. The only reason I even wander near cities is by request."

To cure, or to split. Natalia's one of the few who can same a soul from spirit degradation after all, and many rely on that talent of hers.

"Is that so?" Natalia doesn't reject her offer, she raises the glass to meet the other's. "Then I am in your personal care for this evening, as I doubt anyone else here is keen to speak with me."

#;;Livia #magicaldreaming #claude a hero

It is a very good girl's birthday today and while the day has almost passed with no sign of anything happening it is still not over yet.

"Livia darling. Madre's finally home from her business trip. I'm so sorry how long it took, but let me see my piccola miracolo." She waits with arms out stretched, ready to receive her daughter in her embrace.

Claude takes this opportunity to put on a party hat while still in his black suit and glasses, and has a box hidden behind his back for her present.

"Madre!" Livia's been the most patient, bestest, calmest girl ever despite it being her amazing birthday! She even shares it with her favorite game character! With equally as amazing style!

There's a jump and Livia's locked onto her mother, hanging off her really.

"I've been good all day! Because I know you'd be home on time! Not a peep wrong at all, j-just don't ask the maids!"

She may have rolled around a little, bored and trying to be good to wait.

"Meiling!" FLAN... "Do you want to watch the Minecraft movie with the fairies? Or do you have to guard the gate?"

It's not often they found movies from the Outside world! And since it's based off a popular thing, it MUST be good!

"Oh? I don't know what a minecraft is, but if the fairies and you want me to watch I'm sure I can make time."

She can let Mimi watch the gate or something, what could go wrong.

#;;Meiling #Meiling's rating would be - well that was a movie but everyone seemed to have fun!

magicaldreaming

Signe having to keep Vee in bed so she can heal from Avra breaking her arm.

#;;Vaimiti #but also would get drowned if she tried to escape #trapped in water bubble #floated to bed again #splash!

Only needs one arm to hug Signe.

Part of no guild, just a messenger. Loves her silly Signe, flirts with everyone to find more wives. Hits on a cat who hits her with a bag of gold after.

Living the life.

#;;Vaimiti #calls herself just a messenger but keeps getting wrapped up in bigger and bigger things

ebb-n-fl0w merah vc sorry...

"Ba ha! Better me and Neche than any of those Guild parties or Order parties. Can't take the people's heroes away for a bitch with a thunderous kick!"

#;;Vaimiti

Face of a woman sitting in bed for a week after Avra broke her arm.

#;;Vaimiti #vee vc: me and my dog fought like a thunder god woman it sucked

madharemuses

Reimu's a real sweetheart, and she doesn't really let people get her down. She knows that no matter how bad any rumours get, the moment anyone actually speaks to her, those per-conceived notions dry up.

Since she doesn't speak, Reimu takes a lot of pride in her ability to listen to everything other people have to say. She'll happily listen to everything, from their problems to their pet peeves and even drunken ramblings.

Alas, as pleasant as the meeting has been the food does dwindle, and the meal comes to its end.

Still, a pleasant experience, Reimu's happy to have met such a friendly fellow!