PARADISE LOST.

to be aff. with isola radiale

[gracesavestar]

❝ Let me get this straight一 ❞ oh boy, this oughta be good. ❝ We're on an unmapped island. It's called Radiale. And on this specific, unmapped island is an unmarked city called Spirale... that just so happens to have four main sections named after very distinct and famous mathematical spirals? ... are we still in the Milky Way? 'Cause that'd mean we're in a spiral galaxy to put the cherry on top. ❞

[ungratefuloz]

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀It's all a little too convenient, isn't it ? This entire island lacks authenticity, if you ask me. … From what I remember about space... The galaxy we call home is fairly vast. And this place does play by many of the same rules. Perhaps the local space station might give you some closure.⠀❜ ⠀

[ungratefuloz]

 ⠀⠀DOROTHY ⠀keeps her gaze focused on the baleful... thing on the employee side of the counter, lest it move (again ?) the moment she looks away. She comes to this café often, generally unbothered by pesky things like 'time' or 'inconveniencing others,' so it's not the first evening she's been one of the very last patrons. This woman, however... is a new face to her. And judging by the downright unholy concoction she's looming over, Dorothy doesn't think this human is what you would call 'qualified'.

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀What... is that ?⠀❜ ⠀Whatever it is, surely it isn't for sale. It appears to need a censor bar, not a price tag.

⤷ @hopeled.

[ungratefuloz]

i'm planning on doing some spring cleaning and knocking out replies after my vacation in the next couple of days, but my activity page is an absolute nightmare— if i owe you a reply, regardless of how long overdue it is, could you like this post for me so i could hunt it down ? if you'd rather call a mulligan and dm me about a new thread, that's cool too. i'll probably reblog this a few times in the next week or so, so bear with me !

[sanpatron]

The change of scenery is a welcome one, made evident by the way Django lets himself be embraced by the cool air. It's a far better place to have whatever sort of conversation these two were about to enter. Less stimuli made for better thinking, even if our man was at least several or so drinks in. But hey, who's counting?

" Well, the night's still young. Plenty of time left to make it a good one. Though, if you don't me asking, why is it that you came here? Figured a lady such as yourself would enjoy something a little more low key. "

[ungratefuloz]

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀Is that how I seem to you ?⠀❜⠀⠀HER ⠀retort is pointed, but that only makes the read seem more accurate. And it is accurate. She exhales a little more sharply than she'd like, more of a huff as her gaze fixes across the balcony instead.

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀Well, I suppose that is... Technically true. Although that wasn't always the case... As for why I came here, that was... more of a whim. Sometimes, in an odd way... Watching other people enjoy themselves and carry on helps recalibrate the mind. But other times it just leaves a bitter taste in your mouth... You never really know which one it'll be until you're in the middle of it.⠀❜ ⠀

[whitememory]

⠀⠀⠀⠀"Hmm— That sounds a bit like sarcasm." Sharing rations and supplies is simply natural, of course. She can't think of any times where she was stingy with such important matters. Never. Now, she's closing her back stuffed to the brim with assorted sweets, the small handful given to Dorothy should suffice. "The sugar content is the energy benefit for Nikkes, you know. Anything and everything helps."

[ungratefuloz]

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀Only a bit ?⠀❜⠀⠀SHE ⠀asks, voice lilting in that teasing way of hers as she inspects the treats in her hand one by one.     ⠀❛ ⠀My apologies, it should've been much more than a bit. … While the energy benefit is... technically true, a mountain of processed sugar can't compare to a mountain of, say, grapes. That's true for humans and Nikkes. If we're being technical.⠀❜ ⠀

[mangekyouillusionist]

That was a sharp reaction. One that could cut a soul if they weren't careful. For Itachi, he was accustomed to such things from some of those he hung out with in the past. He wasn't phased much, but it did bring some concern to what may be going on here. A reply like that probably meant she wasn't fine. Usually people that say those two words really meant the opposite. How would he know? He's said it multiple times.

"Don't worry. I've been there before. Several times, really. If you have a lot on your mind, I can lend an ear. If you prefer to remain on your own, I can do that as well. Last thing I wish to do for an event like this is to make someone uncomfortable or get on their nerves." he spoke to her. Not knowing her story didn't really help him in guessing what the issue may be.

[ungratefuloz]

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀How... considerate.⠀❜

 ⠀⠀SHE ⠀means that. It does nothing to soothe her stronger emotions, still coiled up tightly in the pit of her stomach— but really, what could ? Nothing this place could provide her, that's certain. Her shoulders release some of their latent tension despite herself, and Dorothy's gaze flits back to the dance floor.

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀You say you've been there before... So then, you must know that some problems can't be fixed. Some feelings... some mistakes... You can only sit with. Nothing to be done.⠀❜ ⠀One thing she can appreciate is no longer having to feign politeness— after all, it's useless with these overly observant types.

[whitememory]

⠀⠀⠀⠀"— Hmm? What do you mean?" She isn't even stopping her fingers from unwrapping the candy in question. The only reason she isn't talking while eating is due to this particular candy being more tightly wrapped than most others. ... Give it time. "Since we're not in unknown territory on the Surface, we can afford to take our time with these delicacies. ... You should have some as well, Dorothy. You need energy as well, and I can... afford to spare a few pieces."

⠀⠀But only a few. Maybe four. Or three. At any rate, the freshly unwrapped piece of chocolate is being offered to the fellow Grimms model, with Snow's expression remaining stoic— as serious as ever, aside from the small food stains around her lips.

[ungratefuloz]

 ⠀⠀HER ⠀impulse is to refuse; it wasn't always. The rejection dies before it even reaches her lips, her gaze fixed on Snow's impassive face. It's been a century— and although they didn't spend the majority of that century in each other's company, the fact remains she's seen 'this' Snow White the most. Yet even so... Like an optical illusion, her brain still tries to fit the original pieces back together from time to time.

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀I believe the sugar content far outweighs the energy benefit,⠀❜  ⠀Dorothy remarks, still taking the offered chocolate with a sigh regardless.   ⠀❛ ⠀Still, very generous of you.⠀❜ 

[pyronexus]

"I...was never much for dancing either." Her voice interrupts the silence; hopefully, it doesn't startle the other too much. "Never learned, unfortunately." She knows that faraway look in someone's eyes when she sees it, having experienced it herself far too many times to count.

"But it's a good time regardless, isn't it?"

[ungratefuloz]

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀I suppose so. It's certainly lively enough for a ball this luxurious.⠀❜

 ⠀⠀THE ⠀young woman's assumption is just enough to catch Dorothy off-guard, fixing her with a sidelong look as the tension eases in her shoulders. Something in her tone grabs her attention right away... Whether it's the thought that this woman never learned how to dance, or the thought that Dorothy of all people is giving the exact same impression, she can't say.

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀But you're wrong— I do enjoy dancing. Did no one ever teach you ? Not even the simpler steps ?⠀❜

[sanpatron]

He doesn't bother reminding her of his name—the way she spoke to him clearly told him that now wasn't the time. Instead, he simply offers her a nod before continuing their conversation. " Never been to one before. Don't know much about tea either. But they sound pretty nice. " For a man who was several drinks in and had a habit of acting out, Django was doing a remarkable job at keeping his composure. A little bit of consideration and thinking before you speak goes a long way. And by the look of things, he was right in doing so.

" But you still came for a reason, didn't you? " he asks, returning the sincerity. " Here, why don't we step outside for a bit? It's getting a bit too stuffy right now anyway. "

[ungratefuloz]

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀Why do you sound like you're trying to usher me away before I make a scene ? I won't, you know.⠀❜

 ⠀⠀PRESUMPTUOUS ⠀to say the least. Perhaps she was wrong to divulge a hint of her true thoughts. … Then again, he seems perfectly sincere— the type of sincerity a certain Commander delivers as easily as breathing. His flushed complexion also suggests he doesn't possess the clearest of heads at the moment, either... So perhaps this time— just this once— Dorothy will bestow the benefit of the doubt.

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀... But you're right. It is stuffy in here.⠀❜ ⠀She soothes the creases between her brows, folding her arms as she leads the way to the nearest balcony.   ⠀❛ ⠀... And it's also true that I came here for a reason. Whether it was a good one remains to be seen.⠀❜ ⠀

[mangekyouillusionist]

Despite his time and glances, there was simply nothing there that was familiar. He had made his decision that it was time to move on and truly start anew with what he had. Starting over would be easy enough as he's done it before. He'd do it again... At least that was on his mind until he saw another that seemed to be struggling. He may not be able to read minds, but he could read body language. Someone that looked like they were conflicted on even being there. He doubted there was much he could do, but if he could at least ease some tension...

"Forgive me if I am overstepping my boundaries in asking, but are you alright?" the suited Uchiha would approach the other, hoping a smile would help the other. Whether it does or not? He'd find out.

[ungratefuloz]

 ⠀⠀THIS ⠀island is full of busybodies.

⠀⠀⠀Her immediate instinct is to snap, to verbally push him as far away as she can for both of their sakes.   ⠀❛ ⠀I'm fine,⠀❜ ⠀she replies coldly— a compromise between emotion and reason. An answer like that rarely satisfies a human for long, though, and she is the one who decided to attend this ball of her own free will. She inhales sharply, exhales tersely— an attempt to self-regulate. Dorothy tries again, a polite smile firmly in place this time.

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀That was rude of me. I was just startled by the question— my mind was miles away.⠀❜ ⠀

[sanpatron]

" Ah! Miss Dorothy! " calls that fashion designer weirdo from some time ago. " Surprised to see you here. Figured you were the type who liked her parties a little more low key. " An assumption, yes. But could you blame him for thinking that? She looks like the definition of champagne wishes and caviar dreams! " You enjoying yourself? "

@ungratefuloz

[ungratefuloz]

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀I remember you— the designer.⠀❜⠀⠀RATHER ⠀flat delivery, but delivered as though this were an impressive feat nonetheless. If memory serves, he was surprisingly knowledgeable about vintage material— even if their versions of 'vintage' varied greatly from one another. He was just off-kilter enough to be memorable.

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀A party is a party. Tea parties are my daily fare of choice... Balls have their place, though.⠀❜ ⠀In a rare display of sincerity, her expression and voice fall as her gaze flits back to the dance floor.    ⠀❛ ⠀Do you want the truth ? I don't feel this ball is entirely earned. It's of the frivolous sort... and I'm not feeling all too frivolous this evening.⠀❜ ⠀

[ungratefuloz]

 ⠀⠀TO ⠀attend a ball was a memory she thought would remain coated in dust— and now she wishes it had. A near-empty flute of champagne in hand, she watches humans take turns on the dance floor. A bitter taste lingers on her tongue, making her feet feel far too heavy to join them— and yet the atmosphere is so familiar, so nostalgic, she can't bear to leave early.

[powerofinheritance]

"Why not? I thought you'd be just as excited to hang out with a friend." Maybe she was getting a little presumptuous with that. If anything a fight was more likely to go down before either of the two could reach where Rapi had in mind. Which was the next thing she needed to address...

"Considering the Fall is upon us I figured it'd be best to check out this." Almost on cue Rapi handed off her phone, showing a screen full of various activities she was searching for. "There's a street festival going on today. Even better a competition between partners with a prize going towards the winners."

What that competition was even she didn't know. It was "a secret" according to the site but for two professionals like themselves it should be a piece of cake.

"So I thought I'd enter the two of us in for after we look around."

[ungratefuloz]

 ⠀⠀SHE ⠀pores over the screen, countless activities scattered here and there. Naturally, the one Rapi has her sights set on is intentionally vague. Still, whether she'd admit it or not, it's working— with a clear goal in mind, Dorothy's already lost a great deal of her prickly delivery.

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀Hm— putting us on the same side for a completely unknown prize with completely unknown parameters. You may as well have ripped a page straight out of 'team bonding exercises 101'. … Still, far be it from me to turn my nose up at a competition. We've already exchanged blows, so I know you're capable enough. If it's a battle of wits instead, well... I suppose I don't mind taking the lead there.⠀❜

[blazars]

For all of Amphoreus' innovations, fireworks was not an invention that reached their shores. The reason is quite simple: in a land of eternal daylight, such beauty was simply unable to be seen. The locations outside Okhema might be shrouded in complete darkness, but none of them are safe enough for a leisurely walk, let alone to view a fleeting sight in the air. Small wonder then, that Phainon would find the event to be fascinating indeed, staring at the illuminated sky like blue wide eyes.

He's gone and went some requests of his own, showing his crude drawings of a chimera and the dromas to the event organizers. But now all he needs to do is to sit back and enjoy the company that he is given.

"Do you think some of these creatures are made up? I'd applaud their creativity if that were the case!" His polite laughter fills the air.

"As for me…Yes, I suppose a part of me is homesick. But it is best to remember pieces of my world rather than simply forgetting them."

[ungratefuloz]

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀I don't see why not. You're already taking a creative liberty with whatever you draw, after all— if I wanted someone to believe unicorns once roamed the Surface, I very well could.⠀❜

 ⠀⠀NOT ⠀that she would do something so silly, of course. It was a perfectly normal horse... when she first began to draw it. The deer, at least, remained normal— Pinne would've liked to see a live one again.

⠀⠀⠀Although there was a hint of mischief in her wry smirk, her expression becomes much more subdued as that final sentence sinks in. It is better to remember— always. She's seen what it's like to forget, for the painful memories to be too much— for a Mind Switch to erase the joy along with that pain.

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀Exactly. Forgetting is careless... It's a luxury.⠀❜ ⠀Her voice has softened, barely audible above the crackles and pops in the sky above. She clears her throat, shaking off the sudden chill in the air.   ⠀❛ ⠀After all, in a place like this, you might suddenly find yourself the only one carrying around those pieces. Have I seen any of your world in the sky yet ?⠀❜ ⠀

 ⠀⠀

[abyssong]

"Tell me–"

" Where can one procure a drink in this city? I wish to see if it can compare to Phagousa's Brew."

[ungratefuloz]

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀The most efficient way would be to head to Archimedes Ward. There are some alleyways there with bars of all types, although most seem to favor Dionysus' Chalice in particular. What kind of 'brew' are you trying to compare to, exactly ?⠀❜ ⠀⠀

[ungratefuloz]

just a notice that I'm updating Dorothy's canon point to the conclusion of GODDESS FALL: part two, but not the epilogue. I'd prefer to see what the next story update does with her before being entirely up-to-date !

[ungratefuloz]

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀Well, you've certainly outdone yourself.⠀❜ ⠀⠀THERE  Snow White sits, a veritable mountain of candy secure in her makeshift sack. In Dorothy's opinion, she's embraced the tradition a little too readily.

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀I must say, I am genuinely surprised you're bothering to unwrap them. I half-expected you to just shovel whole fistfuls in and finish them within seconds.⠀❜ ⠀⠀

⤷ @whitememory.