COME ON BOY, TRY ME.

no she's not my girlfriend we're just mutually obsessed with each other, this is a normal relationship, right?

toastarlight2026 || SOUP'S ON FAM

So he can tell; how close the two of them are. Well… Fiora hadn’t particularly been attempting to hide it, and listening to and looking at Soren, neither had he. She giggles, a little. There’s an urge to loop an arm around Soren’s shoulders, but, she’s not sure if it’s too soon or too public for such an action. She should go at a slower pace for him. They may have promised themselves to one another, but she still ought to be respectful.

“No, I would be honored if you’d join us, truly. Anyone that is important to Soren is important to me, as well.”

Wandering away from the line with the three of them, she leans into Soren, a gentle movement. “You can choose where we sit, if you wish.”

“Smitten?” soren sputters. The idea that this affection could be so obvious is unnerving, but Fiora's closeness to him prevents him from making any attempt to flee. The closest he gets is to direct them to a table, one which is chosen specifically for its distance from the others, in case that one word is any indication on how the conversation is about to go.

he now realizes the smile he's been holding and repairs his expression into a more typical frown. Little does soren know, he has no control over the color still remaining on his cheeks.

“i'd hope i'm not so obvious… But it's not as though it's worth lying about the reality of our relationship… i suppose.”

#toastarlight2026 #THREAD. this is a normal relationship right #USER. senerist #USER. wingboundwarrior

There's no protest or denial. In fact, the only thing Soren comments on is how obvious it looks. If Greil wasn't sure from the moment they encountered each other, he is now. He settles at the table alongside the pair, sneaking in a spoonful of his dish and practically downing it whole.

"There's nothing to be ashamed about. Besides, you're not doing a good job at hiding it, if that's what you're trying to do." His eyes flit to the flowers on their heads, the matching marks, and the looks on their faces. There's something domestic in their care for one another, but an innocence to it that suggests their relationship is a recent development.

"Who made the first move? I admit, I've never seen Soren smile so widely before." And he's known him for years at this point. Fiora did say they share a lot in common...

no she's not my girlfriend we're just mutually obsessed with each other, this is a normal relationship, right?

toastarlight2026 || SOUP'S ON FAM

Fiora can’t help but smile, a little shyly, at Greil’s words about leisure being important, and how the two of them should indulge. With a flower crown atop her head, a blossom tucked in Soren’s hair, and his mark painted on her face, they were the picture of… having indulged a little bit. But she finds she feels a little light tonight. It is hard to mind, when she looks over at Soren and sees the look on his face, and knows that she helped put it there.

“Not at all.” She nods, in understanding. “In fact, that is one of the things we have in common. Neither Soren nor I have a huge breadth of friends, nor relationships in general. And coming to a festival like this is… sort of entirely outside of my normal.” The smile she gives Greil is unimpeded — the sort of smile that can only be mustered by someone who has recently had the weight of the world lifted from her shoulders. “But I am enjoying myself tonight. Are you?”

She leans in towards Soren — the stance is half-protective, yet also half-somehow at ease. Every bit of her proclaims: she is glad to be this close to him, to look at him and speak to him and care for him.

“Yeah,” soren replies. he's smiling, face still pink from the entire situation. It's such an odd position to be in, standing here with Fiora to one side and Greil to the other. It's a special moment, somehow, especially considering how Greil had died almost ten years ago now, from his perspective.

“We have been getting rather close,” soren confesses. he's certain he wouldn't have said this years ago, when Greil was still alive, and perhaps not even before half a year ago, when he and his former commander entered that accursed mirror together. “So it's fortunate, despite everything, you two are able to meet… i think.”

he glances at Greil sideways, smile still as large as it's ever been on soren's face. It's his way of letting Greil know - they are family, and this is… something.

It's something domestic. Something soren never thought he'd have. It's special.

“i'll not hold up this line any more. Fiora, would you mind if Greil joined us for dinner…?”

#toastarlight2026 #THREAD. this is a normal relationship right #USER. senerist #USER. wingboundwarrior

"If going to festivals isn't the norm for you, then that makes the occasion even more special, doesn't it?" The way both of them comfortably stand next to each other, how they look to each other unguarded and free...

... Oh. he was so focused on those two's demeanor that he nearly forgot to add the key ingredient of his bowl.

Finally, he ladles in the soup over all the ingredients that'd been sitting at the bottom, making it a little hot to the touch but nothing Greil couldn't handle. It's always best to save the broth for last, after all. The man takes a few steps away from the serving table to give way for others and tentatively sips the dish, a taste test of sorts, and he hums to himself in approval.

Soren's words causes him to perk his head up. "You're inviting me over? I thought I'd be intruding with how smitten the both of you are," he jokes with a laugh. "I won't refuse a meal with companions though. The more the merrier, as they say."

A soothing dish, and fine company to boot? This really is a festival worth going to.

no she's not my girlfriend we're just mutually obsessed with each other, this is a normal relationship, right?

toastarlight2026 || SOUP'S ON FAM

Ah… this ‘Greil’ apparently ran a mercenary company in the past. Just as she did. She’d open up that piece of information, had both of her wings not had such bloody ends.

That is why she is here, after all, and no longer leading. Clipped of both wings. Unable to fly.

But she attempts to push such thoughts away, and focus on his question, because it is getting more and more clear to her: Soren certainly respects this man. Even aside from Soren nearly outright saying as much — she can tell in the playful tone he uses with him, in the way he seems to look at him.

She wonders, vaguely: is this what meeting a parent of Soren might be like? If so, she has to do her absolute best…

“It is good to meet someone from his old company. Thank you for all you’ve done for Soren,” is her opener, which she immediately regrets. It makes her sound as though, well — she and Soren are something. As though they’re passing the metaphorical baton of care from Greil to her. And even if that’s the way she may be thinking, she should not speak that way… But, to his question… “We met in battle, actually. I do not know how long you have been at Garreg Mach, so forgive me if I retread familiar ground, but over a year ago, there was a calamity that brought the school to ruin. We met each other in the fray, and I followed his orders.” She thinks she should leave out how they both died. “… It was afterwards that we…” … “… became friends.” She also leaves out how they did not talk for an entire year after that follow-up encounter.

soren certainly can't tell Greil that the two of them both died last year, nor does he think it's ‘normal’ to go a year without speaking to some one. he's unsure how to address it, but the question needs answered regardless.

“Yes. She made a risky sacrifice in order to help me protect some of the students… It's something of a miracle we all made it out alive,” he manages. “We… have quite a lot in common, actually.”

he wonders how Greil might interpret that fact. soren knows he's a mystery to many of the people he's met in his life, but he suspects Greil knows more about soren than he may know about himself. It's irrelevant, but soren can't help his nature.

“Since She invited me, i haven't spent much time away from her…”

Is that strange to say? Greil knows how soren is. That isn't odd, is it? It's simply a different person that soren's attached himself to. “Suffice it to say that i haven't participated in the games that are going on. It's a bit amusing to hear that you've occupied yourself with them."

#toastarlight2026 #THREAD. this is a normal relationship right #USER. senerist #USER. wingboundwarrior

He heard about the incident at Garreg Mach in passing when he first took up work there, but by the time he arrived everything was already running proper. "Is that so? I wasn't around during the attack. Good thing you had each other's backs, eh?"

Greil had thought she was a new friend of his, but knowing they went a while back... He wonders how much else he missed.

"The lively atmosphere here infected me, I'm sure... Seeing everyone enjoying the festival brings up my spirits. Leisure is all the more important when you're working a job like we mercenaries do." Thinking back to the time he made cookies for the first time brings a fond smile to his face. Ah, in hindsight, it's a shame he ate the cookie based off Soren and didn't make a spare to show it off. "If you and Fiora would like to indulge, I'm sure there's something around here that fits you two."

His curiosities continue to nag at him, his gut feeling sensing that he's missing something between the lines, something that he should know... There's not really a graceful way to ask about the mark on her head either. Not yet, anyway. All he can do is continue asking.

"You have a lot in common... such as?" Greil glances between Fiora and Soren. "Forgive me for being straightforward, Fiora. It's not often I get to meet one of Soren's friends."

no she's not my girlfriend we're just mutually obsessed with each other, this is a normal relationship, right?

toastarlight2026 || SOUP'S ON FAM

After a full day perusing and partaking in the festival, Fiora had suggested they go get something to eat, and Soren hadn’t argued. Whether he was hungry himself, or he simply did it to appease her, the outcome is the same — they are both building bowls of food, and Fiora keeps checking to make sure he is, indeed, putting food into his, enough to carry him through the night to the next day.

It’s then that they come up against… someone. Commander Greil, Soren says. She attempts to gauge from the reaction on his face and the words that seem to spill from his mouth how much this man may mean to him, but she is not sure she can rely on the little differentials alone. What she believes she gathers is that this man means… something to him. She believes so, anyway. He is respected, or honored, in some way. It’s a vague feeling, but she cannot shake it. She’s not sure entirely why she believes it, but… oh. She has this feeling that she wants to make a good impression.

A hand goes to cross over her chestplate, and she nods her head. “Yes.” They… are friends, at the least, aren’t they? “It’s a pleasure, commander. I am Fiora, pegasus knight of Ilia. I work with the Knight of Seiros now.” She considers joking that she dragged him here, but she also would have to be dragged under normal circumstances, so… perhaps she also ought to let him explain what he wish on his own.

↳ @senerist

“Er… yes,” soren answers. he can feel his face heating up, so he ducks away from Greil and pretends to be intensely focused on the carrots he begins siphoning into his soup. “Fiora bade me to come with her, and i… accepted.”

he has less trouble facing Fiora as he explains who this is. “Excuse me, Fiora, i misspoke earlier. Greil was the founder and former commander of the mercenary company i worked with. He and His family have done a great deal for me.”

he should have an explanation for Greil of who Fiora is, too, he knows. Greil knows that soren wouldn't just have friends, likely, but their relationship is too nebulous for soren to even fully understand.

he attempts to turn his face back to Greil, but by now he's definitely red, if not from embarrassment, then from the awkward place he stands between them. There's humor in his voice as he asks, “And you, sir? Did you attend merely for the endless soup?”

#toastarlight2026 #THREAD. this is a normal relationship right #USER. senerist #USER. wingboundwarrior

The fact that Soren was the one getting invited to the festival was in line with how he knows him. But what's a little odd is how... awkward he's acting. Is it because he has a friend tagging along? Or is it because Greil now knows he has a friend tagging along?

"One of the Knights of Seiros, huh... Nice to meet you, Fiora." He nods in acknowledgement. "I did run a mercenary company in the past, yes. You don't have to be so formal around me, though. Soren was our tactician, and a fine one at that."

He's never tried prying into Soren's activities, not back then and not now. Still, he can't help but think sometimes. How's his social life been? His work life? They trust each other with their lives and Greil considers him as family, but there's still so much to learn about him.

As Soren asks, Greil returns to adding some vegetables to his bowl this time, just to keep his hands moving while holding up conversation. "Not exactly. I was going around the festival before they changed the whole setup, even joined this little 'cute meet' game earlier," which seemed to go pretty well despite the... technical difficulties, "but I won't deny that the soup is a plus."

In an effort to hopefully connect with Fiora, he looks to her, icebreaker in mind, "So. How did you two meet?"

no she's not my girlfriend we're just mutually obsessed with each other, this is a normal relationship, right?

toastarlight2026 || SOUP'S ON FAM

Free soup is not something soren will ever turn down. Fiora's of the same mind, and so he watches carefully as She begins filling her bowl. he fills his when he thinks She's looking, but makes a note of all the things she puts in. Slow boiled beef, onions, carrots… More beef… She puts in chicken, too?

soren doesn't think She knows much about cooking, suddenly, but that's fine. Knowing what she likes to taste is enough for him.

he's so focused on Her soup that he isn't aware that as he moves down the soup line, he's nearing another familiar face. he bumps into them, and as he turns to excuse himself he realizes that it's -

“Commander Greil? Excuse me, sir, i wasn't paying attention. …i hadn't realized you were in attendance…”

@wingboundwarrior or @urvanswrath

#toastarlight2026 #USER. senerist #USER. wingboundwarrior

Greil was admittedly looking for something to fill his stomach. When it comes to events like this, whatever food they offer is a good indicator of whether it's worth coming here or not, no matter how engaged someone is in the activities themselves. His soup nearly consists of all meats found on the table, and his mouth waters thinking of how it'd taste.

Aside from the free soup, there's another bit of good news that he discovers today. At the sound of a familiar voice, right after he places his last bit of beef in his bowl, his head turns towards the direction of --

"Soren?" A grateful smile creeps onto his face. "Same here. Didn't know you enjoy partaking in festivals. It's nice to see you out and about like this."

The way he's standing close to the girl next to him makes him wonder. And, he just notices... does she have the same mark Soren does on her? "Is she a friend of yours?"

[ @wingboundwarrior ]

two parents from games without supports getting back into the swing of things

Once he fully returns to where they'd started, he takes off his hat and quietly takes a moment to catch his breath. Not his best performance, he admits – still, he had fun regardless.

"Hm?" He hums curiously at her verbal dig. Did he really come off in such a way towards her? Not quite the manner of sportsmanship he expected.

"No need to apologize," Greil shakes his head at her statement. "You've met my expectations pretty well. In fact, I was relieved when you dropped the act back there. Too bad I wasn't able to meet up with yours."

Seeing as she's already lost interest, he doesn't see reason to keep pushing the character he'd built up anymore. The energy he once displayed mellows out. Even so, there's no disappointment nor sadness in his tone. "Well, this was all prepared for the sake of entertainment, isn't it? If you're not having fun, then I suppose this is for the best."

( ... Right. He still has to do something about the cape he messed up too. )

Before they plan to split ways, he approaches her with an extended hand, smiling at ease. "Thanks for putting up with me, Lady Lachesis. If we cross paths again, I'd like to see how you fight in a real battle."

#THREAD. getting back into the swing of things #// THANK YOU FOR THE THREAD TCHES #// this was such a good first interaction for both of them

Lachesis hesitated for a moment, eyes flicking down to the extended hand before back up to search his face. He seemed far more comfortable in himself now, and while her first instinct was a prick of irritation - strange, changeable man, not nearly so dependable as she had asked for - there was something else there.

Relief, wasn't it? That she had, as he said, 'dropped the act'. So, it was abundantly clear to him, as well, that there had been a mismatch of some kind - but if what had been listed on her card were not his requests in truth, then what exactly was it he looked for?

And what exactly was he emulating, in turn?

"Entertainment…yes, I suppose. It is a festival, after all," she admitted, taking his hand after a moment, and dipping her chin in acknowledgement. Still cautious, she continued, after a brief moment of hesitation; "And that, at least, was true. That it is a lovely festival."

The mention of a battle stilled her, and she could not help but scoff as she withdrew. "A real battle, Ser Greil? In all your finery?" Gesturing to the silly costume he still wore, Lachesis lifted the same hand to press to her lips, the scoff becoming a genuine, gentle laugh.

"Good day, Ser Greil. I hope that you find the kind of companion you are looking for."

- fin.

two parents from games without supports getting back into the swing of things

The singular setback and the lead that she began to very decisively take seemed to snuff all wind from his sails, and not for the first time Lachesis found herself disappointed. The pumping of her legs took her past the basket where it had lain, stirring the hat in her wake, and as she turned back and slowed she knelt for a moment to snatch it back up, fanning herself with it briefly as she waited for him to return to their initial spot.

"So," she said, and the word was clipped by the inhale of her catching her breath, "I suppose this must have been what you meant, when you said you fancied naps and nature. I had thought it contradictory, but now I see what those qualities look like in a man."

The cool tone of her voice emphasized the indictment this was meant to be.

She shook her head, leaning down to scoop up the basket and sandals, depositing everything into the basket and propping it on her hip. "I apologize that I was not more cleanly able to meet your expectations, but it seems that this was reciprocal. I do not think I could stifle myself for someone who cannot even rise to the occasion. If you'll excuse me, Ser Greil - " the title came out rather flatly, "I believe I will return these silly props, and return to enjoying the festival. Better that we not waste our time further."

#toastarlight2026 #IC.#THREAD. getting back into the swing of things #USER. landsbluod #// we could proobably close on your next reply

Once he fully returns to where they'd started, he takes off his hat and quietly takes a moment to catch his breath. Not his best performance, he admits – still, he had fun regardless.

"Hm?" He hums curiously at her verbal dig. Did he really come off in such a way towards her? Not quite the manner of sportsmanship he expected.

( ... Right. He still has to do something about the cape he messed up too. )

two parents from games without supports getting back into the swing of things

Once she had her momentum going, the fairgrounds passed by in a blur of color and light, and she had easily caught up to where he had himself tangled in a mess of garish cape and gaudy feathers. Served him right, for wearing something so ridiculous, in the effort to impress.

Lachesis grit her teeth, forced her breathing to calm and her mind to focus - while anger could have been a significant motivator under the right circumstances, it would only interfere here, and there was still a distance to go. Just as she had made up the distance through sheer force of will, and the good luck of his misfortune, so too could he, if he set his mind to rights.

She would not give him the opportunity. There were still significant advantages that he could take, and Lachesis was not the kind of person to wait for her foe to regain the upper hand.

The entrance gate chimed at her merrily, the lights coming into view and the music from the circling horses seeming distant now as she skidded to a halt, and swerved her direction back whence she had come.

#toastarlight2026 #THREAD. getting back into the swing of things #USER. landsbluod #// my internet kept bungling this draft up Help

Despite the little slip up, he manages to get back into the race without much trouble. But she's already a good distance ahead of him. That adrenaline's going to have to pick up the pace if he wants to make a comeback.

Just as he is about to reach the entrance, he briefly glances at her as she rushes past him back where they came. Even when it's a simple game, she's completely in the zone. Greil wonders what she would be like in a proper spar – one with real weapons, not the ones featured in this festival...

He pivots from the gate, running after her. In theory, he should be able to catch up to her if he just makes his strides a little bigger. In practice, though... Part of his mind is already distracted by being conscious of where his cape is brushing against. He'd always worn a cape outside, sure, but the weight and the way this one flows takes some getting used to.

Their marker lies just up ahead, and Greil is perhaps a mess hall's table away from where Lachesis is. Should he make a slide for it? He probably could close the gap between them if he does. Then again, a tactic like that sounds more like something Boyd would do if he were in this position. Not a man twice his age who's more likely to sprain a muscle doing basic activities.

Ah, she's good, he thinks as he sees Lachesis just a few steps away from the basket. As he realizes that she's definitely getting her victory, the adrenaline fades quickly, and his body subconsciously slows to a jog.

two parents from games without supports getting back into the swing of things

"Well. At least you have some dignity about you."

It was an offhand remark, uttered under her breath as Greil counted them down. To his credit, he took off like a shot, and carried his bulk rather gamely - perhaps there had been a time that he had known how to move, and perhaps it had not even been so terribly long ago.

Lachesis' start was not so graceful, and she bit back a curse at her legs beneath her - she had been stiff for too long, the fair food sat heavily in her gut, the dress gathered about her in ungainly ways, she was barefoot and irritated and -

None of it mattered. She had not worked hard enough, and she would need to make up that distance.

"Crusaders above!" It was the kindest of the words she wanted to say, of all the oaths that she had learned marching with Lord Sigurd - all decidedly more laid back in character than what she actually said, if not in application. Lachesis knelt, only for the briefest of moments, to take the flounce of the skirt in her hands and ripped it, adjusting it beyond a mere tuck into the belt and ensuring that she could genuinely move.

His broad back was far ahead of her, and her scowl deepened as she rose, took a breath, and ran.

#toastarlight2026 #THREAD. getting back into the swing of things #USER. landsbluod

The initial dash of adrenaline put him a good distance off from Lachesis, seeing as she's not within view. He doesn't remember the last time he ran off so quickly – fleeing was required of him back when he left Daein, and back when he was leading his group in the Mad King's War, but he'd always purposefully match his pace with those who accompanied him.

Booths fly past him, and he thought he'd have this race in the bag... but whether he'd been careless, or it had been one of those unfortunate series of events –

"–!"

The cape he'd been wearing gets snagged into a decorative bush, with a few of the feathers nearly tearing off altogether. He has to pause to untangle the mess, maybe come up with an apology and compensation to whoever made this. Though in doing so, it has completely thrown his game off balance.

Just in those few seconds that've been shaved off by his blunder, he sees her zip past. Damn, she picked it up fast...

two parents from games without supports getting back into the swing of things

Lachesis stiffened at the suggestion, unable to keep her eyes from narrowing. This man was demonstrating precisely what had been written on his own card, but in so doing seemed to exemplify the worst faith interpretation of her own desires – similarly typical. She had wanted to keep an open mind, but the first impression was not a good one.

"Do you think so?" Her tone made it sound like an accusation, chilly for a moment as she assessed him, taking in the vibrant colors and the finery - the attempt at finery, perhaps a layman's understanding of what the word noble meant.

A toss in the face of the true qualities that she valued.

"Very well."

Without turning her gaze from his, Lachesis unceremoniously dropped sandals and basket to one side, removing the sunhat from her head as though it were a gauntlet thrown in challenge. It fluttered to cover the other effects, and she tilted her chin in challenge.

"If it is a race you want, then you shall have one. From here, to the entrance, and back. I've left us a convenient marker - " a dismissive gesture to the basket of fake flowers, turning her body now to make ready for a sprint, her other hand idly gathering the skirt to a more manageable length and tucking it beneath he cinch at her waist. "And you may even have a head start, if you need one."

#toastarlight2026 #IC.#THREAD. getting back into the swing of things #USER. landsbluod #// HE DOESN'T KNOWWW

... Huh. Maybe he was a little too quick to judge her character.

Greil doesn't get what exactly he did that caused her sudden shift in attitude, but whatever it was brought the competitive spirit right out of her. So that soft demeanor really was just a ruse, huh...

Luckily for him, this is exactly the kind of person he was looking for.

His smile brightens – coming by naturally this time – and he chuckles once she declares her challenge. "Oh, so you are up for a race! Then it's settled. As for your offer, I'll have to decline. Whether I win or lose, I'd rather have us a fair start."

In all honesty, she is far more lean and limber than he is. It wouldn't be much of a surprise if she overtook him. But he already made up his mind, and he's way too stubborn to back down from a competition. Greil walks to the empty spot next to her, mimicking her position and taking a brief glance at her before looking ahead.

"Alright, on the count of three... One... Two..."

"THREE!!"

two parents from games without supports getting back into the swing of things

(#toastarlight2026 starter for @urvanswrath)

Lachesis looked at the card in her hand, then back to the selection of costumes before her, and upon recalling the last thing the boy had whispered to her she could not help that her nose crinkled a bit.

There would be some mismatches, of course, it was not a perfect world – that was the purpose of calling it a dream, wasn't it? But as she rifled through the hanging dresses, she found herself thinking that perhaps the Lady Deirdre was rather more this person's type, for all the good and bad that came with that. It rankled, almost, to think too deeply on it, the years of understanding that the people of Agustria, of Jugdral as a whole, might have preferred if she were a little like Lady Deirdre.

Exhaling an irritated snuff of air through her nose, she tugged loose a flowing sundress, cinchable at the waist, and a shawl, shucking her careful ensemble and, after a moment, deciding to snatch a basket of flowers, sunhat, and sandals – which she did not put on, but allowed to dangle from her fingers as she emerged, straight-backed and proud as though entering the field of battle.

There. Her assigned partner.

She thought perhaps she might have seen him about town, though had never had the opportunity to stop and greet him – simultaneously a man of presence, and a presence that melded comfortably with those around him.

It shouldn't have been a surprise that this was the type of person that he would like.

Shaking her head a bit, Lachesis strode forth , and inclined her head in greeting.

"Ser Greil, isn't it? Er - " Recalling that she was supposed to emulate the traits on the card, her expression soured briefly before she schooled herself into a softer and more fluttery state. "Hello there. What a...nice festival. It would be all the better to see the woods, or a meadow of flowers – somewhere peaceful. Er - !! Not that I am complaining – e-everything is good with me, I think."

#toastarlight2026 #IC.#THREAD. getting back into the swing of things #USER. landsbluod #// we can go shorter with the replies after this since we've built it up haha #// love how lachesis got one look at him and went 'yeah the card checks out' (< is clueless)

Whoever's card he's got in his hand must be fun to hang around. He can already picture the sort of person that'd write this – someone who's never afraid to express themself and wants a friend who's just like them. The question is: would he be able to match their energy given his age?

Greil stares at the assortment of costumes and accessories, wondering what kind of attire his partner might like. With what they wrote in mind, he takes off his own cape and picks out one made of vibrant feathers coated in subtle glitter. Looks like there's an archer's cap with matching colors, so he puts it on as well. This should be enough to create a striking appearance, right?

When he finishes up and exits the dressing room, it isn't too long before his partner emerges soon after. A woman who seems modest and likes enjoying the simpler things in life... someone who'd be great friends with Elena. There's nothing wrong with it, but this... is pretty different from what he wrote on his card.

Oh well. Maybe his request was too difficult to handle? That couldn't be it, though. He's worked with many people in his career, and he can tell that she's strong in her own right just by her stance alone. Maybe she's one of those types who have a hidden side to them that's only able to come out when enabled. Or maybe she simply took a lot of creative liberty.

It's just a game after all, so he doesn't sweat it too much. What matters is that both of them have fun by the end.

"It would be, wouldn't it? ... But you know what'd be better?" He flashes a grin, not quite fully able to replicate the same amount of vigor he once had as a young man, but it's a start. "Climbing up the highest tree, or racing from one end of the meadow to the other! Really keeps your blood pumping, and in a fun way too. Don't you think?"

(Cookies) What better way to make new friends (or affirm your existing friendships) than with cookies in the shape of your pals? This stall offers anything you might need to that end. And for the creatively challenged.. Don't worry, they say poor craftsmanship is part of the charm.

Now here's a thought:

most people enjoy gifts, right? And all the better if they're something you've made with your own two hands, ain't it?

Makes people happy. And happy people like to talk.

Not saying Matthew's got an ulterior motive in being at this here cookie-making stall or anything, mind you!

His own cookies are looking all right. He doesn't consider himself an artist, but he does well in capturing notable features, and they're at the least recognizable, he thinks. There's Hector, there's Serra, there's Mark, and a few others, for now. The only thing he can't vouch for is the taste but hey, supposedly it's the thought that counts.

He turns to glance at his neighbour's array.

"Know whatcha wanna do for yours?"

STARLIGHT DREAMS - DAYTIME

Is Greil the target audience for this kind of event? Probably not. A lot of the activities here seem more suited to younger folk than a merc such as himself.

Does he feel a wave of warmth and positive spirit when partaking in the festivities nonetheless? Absolutely.

Part of him wishes that the other Mercenaries would be here, so they could all enjoy something lighthearted together. He may not be able to celebrate with them, but Greil figures the next best thing is to create something in their image. Something on-brand for an event such as this, but not too tedious to create… and that's when he stumbled upon this very cookie stall.

His initial idea was to make attempts at drawing out the features of his past companions, an idea that was quickly scrapped for two reasons. One, he isn’t someone he’d call a good artist. Two, making cookies out of their appearances would mean he’d have to eat them at some point, and that would be a little awkward. It’s either that, or they’d be the ones to eat a cookie of themselves, and at that point they might try to keep it as a decorative piece instead of actual food.

So, instead, his cookies end up being nothing more than basic blobs with colored icing on top. Blue, orange, a mixture of black and green, red, and so on… Greil didn't think he'd be deliberating so much on cookies of all things, only to go with the safest option.

The guy next to him looks like he's got it all taken cared of. He gives him a small smile, wondering who or what his neighbor's cookies represent. “I do. Though I’m afraid it’s not as creative as what you have going on there. Are they your friends?”

#toastarlight2026 #IC.#ANSWERED ASK.#USER. ostianshadow #// aaa thank you for sending!

lunaestice

Both the sun and the comet are shining brightly above your head, as the festival is in full swing. Many red roofed stalls have opened, each of them having something to eat, something to do… and sometimes both at once!

Daytime Phase: Feb 14th - Feb 18th

Prompts:

(Fruits) A stall is offering to dip any fruits of your choosing into hot, delicious sugar! By letting it cool it encases the fruit with a crunchy sweet shell. Would you like to create a sweet for your sweetheart? Or are you just pushing the limits of the stuff you can dip…?

(Gachapon) A strange device sits at the festival grounds, containing little capsules with dolls inside of them. The perfect memento! For a few pieces of gold one of them can be yours- and who knows what you’ll get?

(Facepaint) Fun for kids and adults! A face painter put up a stall where you can get all kinds of intricate designs put on your face, from flowers to butterflies to dragons! And if you don’t like the selection? You can always paint something on yourself. Or ask a friend to do it!

(Merry) Powered by magic this platform spins round and round, with little wooden horses for up to two to ride on! It’s a surprisingly magical experience, experts say.

(Fight) Some warriors bond through battle, but no owies allowed! So the festival committee has prepared a battleground for you and several hollow, non-damaging weapons that make a delightful squeaky sound when you hit stuff with them!

(Stage) During the day the stage is mostly empty, but the magic sound enhancing equipment remains. Do you have the guts to shout your feelings to everyone present? Or maybe you want to do something else?

(Toss) Get all the cans to fall with just one toss of a ball and win a delightful prize! Ranging from plush toys to.. weapons? Either way, give it your best shot! (What? The stall owner, cheating? Nah… it can’t be.)

(Fried) Hey this wasn’t part of the plan! …anyway, someone put down a huge vat of oil for you to fry stuff in. They even provided some batter for dipping if you like a crispy crust! Just.. try to be reasonable, okay?

(Clown) One of the stalls just features a single, sad looking clown. He doesn’t seem to be doing anything either. Whether you feel fear or pity.. Maybe he just wants some company?

#// this reminds me of ethereal ball in a delightful way #// would your muse like one Father Figure! this isn't a question it's a threat #// will be going around inboxes after i get current drafts down but i'm more than open to receiving

'It's A Whole Thing,' Says Man As He's Dying For The Second Time

ANNIVERSARY 2025 - ANY SKILL + 1

There is something more that Greil isn't saying, but that isn't for soren to interrogate. As ever, he will take the information he's given and make it work. It's the least he can to to help Greil, after what happened last month.

“May i?” he asks, reaching for the petal. he feels its purple grain beneath his fingertips. It's a delicate thing, soft and bendable. soren doesn't know much about flowers in the slightest, but he wracks his entire mind for something he can offer Greil.

There's a joke he could make - it's much easier to identify a flower when the bloom is intact - but it dies on his tongue. If Greil is so worried, then it is no time at all for humor.

“You… coughed it up?” he repeats. “i know a little about bodies, and that shouldn't be possible unless you ate them for dinner, at least not without some manner of magic involved. Curses and hexes are a bit beyond my scope, but that's where i'd investigate first.”

his gaze rises back to Greil's, the petal held between them, as if, for whatever reason, Greil wants it back. “Is this the only one?”