av mt

[- - caffe espresso]

LUCIAN FORMAT
• It was a surprise, feeling her body against his as she hugged him. He wasn't too much taller than her but the small height difference made him bend down just a little as to not make her have to strain for the hug. It was quick, far too quick for he didn't even get to embrace her back and was left finding himself really wishing he could have even for just a second. The reward of the quick hug and then seeing her grinning so widely made the buy quite worth it. Next time though, he would definitely just find one for her since it would mean more than the bought gift... right? He'd need to look that up later but first he'd need a book to look it up in. They ended up at the lanterns both stating what they'll write and wish for and hers was far more personal than his own wish. It was a real wish but not the real one he wanted to write on that slip of paper. It was just not something he was willing to even write about. They let the lanterns go and he chuckled lightly at her comment. “Yeah, he could but with my new home all my doors are in jeopardy too.” Tavi's comment about the growling stomach made Luna c**k her head slightly to the left as she knew her name was mentioned. “Ahaha,” he patted the wolf's head. Tavi seemed hesitant to take his arm and he immediately wondered if it was far too personal to have done. It was just something he was taught to do when you walk with someone you like or are escorting them places, this was both for him. Lucian felt relief when she took it and even felt herself snuggle against him. A smile couldn't help but be there.
  
  With food in hand he was devouring the chicken katsu at a moderate pace of course since it would be rude to just down it in an instant like Lilith would. He offered her a piece to try and then she offered him a bite of her sandwich. It was a surprise that she was offering it but they were friendly, friends almost? Maybe they already were. He wasn't sure when it came to Tavi since she was distant when she first arrived and now... now she felt warm and so he took the leap. Lucian took a bite of her sandwich and let out an audible “mmm,” as he chewed. Once it was safely down in his stomach he smile and spoke, “that's pretty good.” Of course he asked if she could make the meal he was eating, mostly out of just curiosity. “Ah hmm well it's just chicken and I believe it's breadcrumbs around it, pretty simple dish but then again what do I know? I burn water.” He looked embarrassed by admitting that fact even though it was widely known he does. As she spoke about the dinner at his new place it reminded him that he didn't get around to answering that for they got side tracked with the gemstones. “Oh uh. Hmm,” he paused and smiled widely, “a.. actually. Um...” he was looking down at his dish as he started, “do you know how to make fried rice? It's my favourite dish.” Finally his eyes were back on her and she looked cold. It was the end of Winter but it still felt very wintery. He wished now he had another layer under his coat so he could offer her his. If he did it now though she was sure she'd deny it when she saw he was only wearing a long sleeved button down shirt. Then he thought of offering his scarf but of course she already had one and two would be silly. Very silly. Alas that would just be the end of that and their meal.
  
  A short chat with Mirima and a visit to the inn later and they were back on their way to the festival. Tavi had taken hold of his arm again this time without him offering and he couldn't help but adjust his glasses with his other hand and smile. They happened upon the snowbank, built their snowman and had their little war which ended up with Lucian's arms around Tavi. He held her close to his body to prevent her from throwing more snowballs at him. She laughed and leaned into him, even told him to play fair which he merely chuckled at. It was a short lived moment for soon he slipped and down they went into the snow together. She felt warm against him and he was in no pain from the fall or her falling with him at all. In fact he wished they could have just stayed there just a bit longer but he was sure with how hot he was getting he would have melted the entire snowbank in mere seconds. Seeing her blush at falling on him he just felt happy at seeing her there. She was quick to apologize and even say she was squishing him but he chuckled. “No, no. I'm fine really.” Of course when both were on their feet he apologized to her and her reply oh well that just made him smile even more.
  
  The clock struck eleven letting everyone know it was almost time. “Hmm... I think so. I'm pretty sure you can see them from anywhere really.” Hearing that this was her first ever was a surprise. “Really? And you're spending it with me?” Lucian felt a little bad since he didn't fancy himself that great of company to be honest. “Ah I see. Moving must have been hard, but I guess it could be easy if you didn't form any attachments to people.” He shrugged a bit and then added, “People always think that's a bad thing but it's okay. So long as you had someone somewhere then it's not a problem.” Of course she asked why he stopped. He didn't want to lie but the truth, right now? That would ruin her first new year festival ever! No he couldn't do that to her. “Oh um,” he shook his head and shrugged. That would just be the best way to respond for now. Another time, another time he would tell her but... not tonight. He'd never forgive himself for ruining this night for her. Thankfully they were able to move on more in the conversation. “Oh well. Heh, at first... to be honest I didn't think I'd be here this long. I thought, I'd leave one day. I'd find what I was looking for and then go back home but,” he paused and shook his head, “I never found it. I'm still looking and buying a home seems like a good idea so I did just that. Plus Luna could use more room and honestly I can too.” There was a small pause befoure he admitted something even more than that. “Since I can't cook I lived at the inn to make sure I didn't starve. Of course heh, I have to remember to eat which I forget to do a lot. Paige has been teaching me for a long time and well I feel I'm ready enough that I can hopefully, not burn down my house when I cook.” On his face was now a pained awkward smile. “I mean people think, no way you can't be that bad, but then... yeah I can.” Another little helpless shrug to top off his whole embarrassed self.
  
  Realizing he had been staring at her probably too intently his eyes widened with her question and he shook his head. “S – sorry no. No you're fine.” Luckily she liked the idea of toasting to the new year, a good substitute for the kissing aspect of it even if he really was wondering just how it would feel to press his lips against hers. That didn't last long since she was speaking about other things, grabbing some mead at her place, some blankets and watch the fireworks on the beach. “Alright that sounds wonderful. Oh do you? Okay I can just...” he trailed off as she apparently was going to go by herself and wanted her to go to his home. The keys were dangling in her hand but she reassured him she wouldn't be too far behind.
  
  Tavi had pulled out his hand, he could feel the warmth from her own penetrating the glove he was wearing and in that moment he wished he wasn't. Of course it was short lived for soon she placed some keys on his palm. Did she just hand him the keys... to her house!? Lucian stared at the keys and then at her but befoure he could protest off she went, somewhere. Standing a bit dumbfound he closed his fingers around the keys making sure not to drop or lose them and began his walk towards the beach homes where she lived. Was this really happening? She was inviting him to enter her house... by himself. She wasn't going to be there, no, well yes, but not right away. It was in that moment the silver haired man felt pressure on his chest. What if he ******** up somehow? What if he accidentally broke something while he was there befoure she got there? More and more such thoughts flooded his mind as he moved past the crowd towards her home. Her home. A place he actually hadn't been befoure. Did this really have to be the first time... him... entering... alone. It was daunting to him and he didn't much like it but he would because she asked him to and... and she said she'd be there soon... right? Just a few minutes behind, nothing to worry about, just a few minutes, he reassured himself as he walked on.
  
  The walk was quieter and quieter as he got further away from the crowd and he liked it. Finally some quiet and he turned instinctively to look at Luna but of course she wasn't there and he paused in his step. “Right.” Nodding that she was safely at home where she wouldn't be bothered by the noise he went back and made his way to the beach home. A few people were on the streets lingering together, couples snogging, others playing with small fireworks causing a few pops here and there. It was all around a lot more quieter than being at the actual festival with the large crowd. The beach home was soon in view and he stopped to admire the waterfront property befoure finally deciding to actually enter her home. Thankfully Tavi's voice carried to his ears and he paused as he was about to reach the porch letting out a sigh of relief then turned to face her. “Not far behind at all,” he said with a smile. Since her hands were full Lucian unlocked the door and held it open for her to enter then followed behind her. “Ah, it'll have more stuff than mine will,” he let out a little chuckle. “All I have is books but luckily the office has a built in bookshelf by the fireplace.” As he walked in further he took his time to look at everything. “It's a really nice place though,” a small pause was had as he heard something in the distance, “wow, you can even hear the waves in here.” When she mentioned the closet in the hall he turned around to see it, opened it up and pulled out two blankets since he was sure Tavi would be cold. Turning back to face the elf he saw her jacket was off and her dress was tight against her chest so it wouldn't fall down almost like how his jaw did but he caught himself and instead swallowed hard. “Uh, no. I think we're good.”
  
  Together they carried the blankets, bottle, glasses and fireworks to a nice spot on the beach. They laid out the blankets and got comfy on them. “Well it's almost time.” Opening up the bottle he poured them both a glass when the time was so much closer to the new year. “Any wishes or hopes for the next year?” Lucian was looking at her intently again, his eyes lingering on the soft features of her face befoure they returned back to just her eyes. The first pop of the fireworks caught his attention and he turned to look at it. “Happy New Year Tavi,” he chimed his glass against hers and took a sip of it as he looked at her. “I think this year my resolution will be to catch a king fish,” he nodded with enthusiasm. “I have yet to catch one but almost caught one a few times. This will definitely be the year. Ah, I can't wait for the fishing festival. Too bad it's still quite a few weeks away.” Lucian is a complex person but at times he can have the simplest of dreams and wants. “You look cold,” he breathed out and removed his jacket to put it around her. “Here. I'm fine, actually rather warm to be honest.” That was true, he most certainly was. Lucian placed it over her shoulders and made sure she was comfortable and warm then nodded.
  
  “Last year wasn't so bad but I really am looking forward to what this new year will bring,” he said with a smile as he looked up at the sky and watched the fireworks pop over the waves.
  
  　　　　　　`↺⋮ ❖ Location on the beach　　　`↺⋮ ❖ Company tavi　　　`↺⋮ ❖ Mentions mirima

[- - caffe espresso]

LILITH FORMAT
• 
  
  Why did it have to be them? Out of everyone in the damn town - them! One she considered a great friend and the other well... she had a little crush on and there she was flaunting her booty like it was no tomorrow. Having Arian laugh so much at her eating the dirt just made her feel like a giant embarrassment which, actually, she should feel like in that case. Telling Arian to stop was futile since he well just laughed even more. With the comment about dirt on her face and him circling his entire face as if indicating it was all over hers she merely narrowed her eyes. Dirt wasn't the problem. Him laughing was. At least he was nice enough to help her to her feet and at least one person was kind enough not to spend hours laughing at her. Nero did let out some small chuckles of course, Lilith took note of that and she vowed to make him the most uncomfortable he would have ever been for the rest of his life starting right now. “Well the ground is a lot better to kiss than you Arian,” she was snarky in her reply including narrowed eyes. Ah it wasn't his fault she fell flat on her face, nope, but still she didn't appreciate all the laughter that came with it.
  
  Of course Arian's comment about her outfit was nothing she was surprised about, she knew he'd mention it sooner or later since well this was the first time anyone in this town ever saw her in anything dress like. Nero seemed to be stuttering over his words which caught her attention more than anything else. Hearing him trying hard to get the words out made her smile cheerfully, at least some good came from kissing the dirt. Lilith just stood with a smile, arms crossed over her chest and a slight lean on her left foot as she watched Nero stumble his words and light up a cigarette. Deciding now was a better time than any to make him feel even more uncomfortable she walked over to him and pressed her body up right against his while she ran her hand over his scarf. “Thank you, you know you have such a nice scarf.” Up and down her hands went on his chest and she even tugged a bit on his jacket. “Oh this is nicely made too. Did Mirima make this for you?” She even slid her hands up and around his shoulders, tippitoed and whispered a little seductively into his ears, “You smell nice too.” She took a deep breath just to show it really was nice enough to smell again. “Mmmm.” Finally Lilith ended her little torment and backed away. “Overall you clean up very nicely Nero.” And with that she felt all the more victorious.
  
  Casting Arian a glance over her shoulder she held a devilish smile. “Food sounds good now. Right? I can always change later. Maybe much later.” She winked at Nero playing a tease on him but oh she really would not mind having a moment alone with that man... not that she knew what to do with him. That part she had yet to figure out since well... what do people do in those alone time anyways? Lilith was sure people ran out of things to talk about eventually and if so... then what? Ah well maybe later she'd ask Paige or Eunji or even Arian. One of them is bound to know what happens... hopefully. Well if not at least then she wouldn't be alone ahaha.
  
  The three of them headed off to buy some fish and ale. Lilith didn't mind cooked fish but oh she liked it raw too. “Mmm~! Fiiish~!” Swooning over the delicious taste as she took each and every bite. Part of her still couldn't believe that she was eating fish, it was such a delicacy back in Xaopkin and here it was in abundance. Suddenly she stopped munching on the delicious fish and pondered something. Do we run out of fish because I eat it all? It still didn't click with her as to how vast the ocean really was and how deep it went as well. “Hey um...” she started, mostly waiting till they were looking at her, “do you think it's possible to eat all the fish in the oceans?” As she asked she held her half eaten fish in both hands by her face. Blue eyes scanned the two for a response about the fish.
  
  From there they were eventually greeted by Adela and Gwendolyn both of whom she wasn't entirely close with. At least with Gwendolyn she had a better chance whereas Adela did not much care for her and she knew that. It was fine, she wasn't upset by it at all but gave her little nods hello and a wave while standing awkwardly uncomfortable. Gwen was happily chatting with the two of them. She spoke to Nero like she did one of her actually brothers and she thought it was cute really. They both had boxes full of goldfish and Lilith eyed it curiously. “Um... why the boxes of goldfish?” She hoped so much it wasn't something stupid to ask since Adela was already not happy with Lilith for asking so many questions when they first met. But she had been here a year and a half and knew this was not what happened last year. Gwen smiled happily. “Oh ah~! We three, oh um Mirima was with us. We decided to try to save as many goldfish as possible!” Lilith with a straight face asked, “To eat them?” Gwen looked horrified, absolutely horrified and oh she knew she messed up now. s**t wrong thing to ask. “N – no! To rescue and set free.” Lilith nodded quickly. “Ah oh okay. I – I was totally kidding.” They all knew she wasn't, not even in the slightest. Still Gwen smiled weakly and nodded. “Oh okay, phew then.” Of course Gwen eyed Nero with the look of watch her. “Well it was great seeing you all. Have a great night.” Gwen with her box in hand smiled affectionately as one would to a brother who they would never see again. Even her eyes began to get a little teary but she merely smiled and followed off after Adela. Lilith furrowed her brows concerned about what she had witnessed. After her horrible question she was afraid to ask anything else. Twice in one day, plus the face planting, hah no thanks. Still her eyes followed the two until they were lost in the crowd befoure turning back to the guys. “Well that was pleasant,” she offered a toothy smile hoping it'd make it seem like she didn't just ******** up a moment ago.
  
  Some more drinking and chatting later and it had begun to grow darker and colder. “Ugh. Damn this outfit. Nerroooo,” she whined out and snuggled next to him, “I'm cold so I'm going to stand next to you for warmth.” It also was to make him feel uncomfortable because let's face it this became the newest most awesomest thing to do ever! “Arian~!” It was safe to say Lilith was definitely drunk now. “ARIAN!!” Even if he answered her the first time she wanted to say his name again but louder. “If you go to a dungeon,” she leaned forward towards him pointing her finger with her free hand while the other held a pint of ale. “You best sir invite me. Come on! We have to go kill things.” Lilith made a slashing motion with her hand. “Hack em all up and stuff! Ya know!? OH OH! Neeerooo!!” She started rapidly patting his shoulder for his attention. “You should come with us! Come on! It'll be great. The trio out again destroying monsters~.” Of course by again she means the first time ever hunting monsters but second time hanging out together. “It'll be fun guys!” Bringing the pint to her mouth she tipped her head back and polished off the rest of the ale. “Mmm.”
  
  The fireworks finally went off in the sky which caused her to stop being rowdy, loud and obnoxious and stand in awe as she watched. This signified her second new year here and still she didn't have her family. Were they even still alive? Lilith stood silent watching and only thought silently to herself that they were alive and well in some other time together in a world with water, fish and good ale. Letting out an audible breath much like a sigh she turned to Arian, grabbed hold of his face and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Mmmwa! Happy New Year!” Then it was time for Nero to which she just punched him playfully on the shoulder. “Happy New Year Nero.” What was that thing couples did? Oh right kiss. That's what she wanted from him but she was sure he'd think she was only doing it out of drunkenness. Nah she could hold her booze just fine and was barely past tipsy. She'd remember this night tomorrow when she woke or technically later today.
  
  As she stared at Nero she could only hope he took the dive and kissed her first by chance but she knew that wasn't going to happen. Hope is funny though, it kept her still waiting even though reason told her it wasn't going to happen again and again and again. All she wanted to do was... [******** it. We only live once,” she said pretty nonchalantly. Lilith grabbed Nero's jacket pulling him close rather quickly and kissed him firmly on the lips, no tongue just a simple kiss and then pushed him back a little back into the spot he was originally standing. “Not bad Fyth, not bad at all.” With a grin on her face she stood there feeling quite happy. “This year will be great. Don't you think guys?”
  
  　　　　　─ ❜FESTIVAL.　　　　　　─ ❜NERO & ARIAN.　　　　　　─ ❜OUTFIT.　　　　　　─ ❜MENTIONS GWEN & ADELA.

[Aeolith]

▶ OUTFIT New Years Festival tab ┋ tab ▶ EMOTION content

• 
  
  Miri could only nod at Adela’s answer about her visit with Nero, Arian, and Lilith. She hardly knew much about Nero, and didn’t really care to learn. Her thoughts about Lilith were beginning to improve; at first, she had been a bit of a nuisance, but even Miri had to admit that the young woman grew on you. As for Arian… she didn’t know much, but the fact that he had demonic blood was enough to keep her away from him. Adela seemed to like him, but Miri couldn’t fathom the idea of befriending him, or even being friendly with him. She didn’t like that Adela spent time with him, but she couldn’t tell her not to. It wasn’t her place… not that it had stopped her before, but Adela was an adult. She would do whatever she wanted regardless of Miri’s consultation.
  
  She was certain Arian was quite an adept fighter granted that he was a guard, and spent time in dungeons much like Adela liked to do. And… rumor had it he hunted demons. Whether or not that was true, Miri wasn’t certain. She could only go off of what Adela had told her about the man.
  
  They both seemed to agree that they would probably want to leave a short time after midnight struck. Miri knew, however, that upon the strike of midnight, Adela’s birthday had come. Having remembered earlier that week about her closest friend’s birthday, she had also purchased Adela a little gift while also shopping for Lucian’s. She had it with her, as well, but being a much smaller gift than was Lucian’s, she could hide it a little more easily. She would give it to her at the stroke of midnight.
  
  “I suppose we could walk home together, then, once we both feel ready to leave. I expect that many people will be far too preoccupied once midnight has come… especially those of who are with their potential love mate’s.” By this, she meant that hardly anyone would notice their absence, even if Miri had one person in mind who she would have loved to have been spending those last few minutes with before midnight. She wondered if Adela had someone in mind as well.
  
  “I must say, I am looking forward to the fireworks. I have never before seen light flashing through the sky… except from a storm on a late spring night.” She looked up at the sky as she said this, noting the clear skies. For a brief moment, she saw the sky aflame with fire, and she quickly looked away again. She might have never seen fireworks set off before, but she had certainly seen the sky on fire. Adela didn’t know about the things that had happened to her before she’d come here… no one did.
  
  “My stomach aches with the desire for sustenance. Let us get something to eat,” Miri said then and stood up, and the hurried to the food stand that was next to them. It was then she remembered that she had no money left to buy any. At least none that was with her. She had spent it all on winning goldfish and had not brought any more with her when she’d gone home to leave the fish. “Nevermind… I forgot I no longer had any money. I will eat when I get home.”
  
  They walked around instead, talking about simple things and stopping every so often at a booth to watch. One of her favorite events of the day had been the lanterns. Lighting their lantern candles with a wish and watching them drift off into the air had been one of the most beautiful things about the New Years Eve. She had enjoyed it so much that she had asked Adela to return to the area where the lanterns were being lit just to watch the villagers that were lighting theirs.
  
  Soon, half an hour had passed, and midnight was merely seconds away. Miri turned to face Adela, the excitement on her face clear. Her eyes were wide and mouth parted as she looked from Adela to the sky. And then, when the clock struck midnight, her eyes were lit with the colors of the sky. Flashes exploded in the air in a slew of color, and each explosion resonated against her chest. She couldn’t help but stare up at the flashes of light. They appeared like flowers sometimes blooming in the night sky, while other times they were like stars in the midst of a supernova.
  
  She turned to face Adela again, and she bowed her head. “Happy New Year, my friend.” Having bowed, she had pulled out the tiny box that was wrapped in a silver silk bow and held it out to her. “And happy birthday. Ila me ilya nosta-re. The day of your birth has come.” Allowing Adela to take the gift, she straightened and waited for her to open it. Inside was a simple Celtic necklace with emerald stones. The gift had been quite difficult to acquire without Adela’s knowing, given that she was a jeweler. It had required Miri to go to the Talzhyn Docks when a shipment had arrived with foreign goods and other items from neighboring villages. Otherwise, it would have ended up at Nox. She didn’t want Adela to see it before she had the chance to give it as a gift.
  
  “If it does not please your tastes, you can always sell it. But… if it’s captivated you, wear it when you feel the need. Or perhaps for special occasions.” Whatever those special occasions were, it would be up to Adela to decide. Miri could only hope that Adela had liked her gift.
  
  
  
▶ LOCATION festival tab ┋ tab ▶ COMPANY Adela tab ┋ tab ▶ MENTIONED Gwen, Arian, Nero, Lilith

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TIRED MECHANICAL HEART tab TIRED MECHANICAL HEART tab TIRED MECHANICAL HEART tab TIRED MECHANICAL HEART

[chamomile and myrrh]

x
x
Tavi smiled as he asked about fried rice. It was probably one of the first things she had learned to make. "That's no problem, fried rice it is!" Her stomach was buzzing from the nervous excitement she got from the idea of bringing dinner to him. It was silly, but she liked the idea of cooking for two. She almost wished she was cooking right then, so she could warm up near the stove. They ate quickly and got back to walking around, hopefully it would warm them up. They wandered around and after saying hello to Mirima, Tavi and Lucian had a bit of childish fun in the snow. By the time they brushed themselves off to head back to the festival, it was eleven o' clock already.

He seemed shocked that this was her first festival, and she frowned slightly. "Should I not be spending it with you? I thought these festivals were about bringing in the new year with friends and people you care about." Shrugging, she wondered if he was regretting spending the night with her. "This is the village I've ever lived in, actually." She blushed and whispered, "My family and I lived in a cabin away from everyone, it was better for our work." Referring to Dirk, Mako and herself, and her life as a bounty hunter. A pang of loneliness struck her heart. But she glanced up at Lucian and said, "A long time ago I lost the only person I cared about and I didn't have anyone, until I came here." Why was she telling him all this? Mako was the only one who knew what she had been through, and she had convinced herself it was better that way. And she realized what she said wasn't entirely true. Fighting or not, Mako was her foster brother and she at least had him. "But I think..." Tavi met Lucian's eyes and slowly smiled, "I think things are going to get better from here..." Turning the conversation to Lucian, she asked about his move to the house. His answer made sense, and she wondered what it was he was looking for. Or what it was he had lost that he was trying to replace. Those were things she understood all too well. "You know, sometimes what you're looking for," Tavi reached up and tapped his chest lightly, over his heart, "it isn't something you can touch, but something you feel." His face was getting redder with every word he spoke, and she couldn't resist giggling under her breath. "I saw you cook, remember? I think you'll need supervision the first few meals you try to cook in your new place." Winking playfully at him she offered, "I volunteer to play chaperone." She laughed a little harder, "Or you could just take fire insurance out on it."

It had been a long time since she had laughed so much in one night. He suggested a toast, and Tavi agreed. She offered to share a bottle of mead with him and he seemed to like the idea. As she handed over her keys so she could take care of her errands she saw the suprise on his face. It probably was a bit unusual for someone to just hand over the keys to their house like that, but what other choice did she have? He couldn't exactly come with her to buy his present! Besides, she knew she could run fast enough that he wouldn't even be inside by the time she caught up to him.

Quickly she took care of her stops and headed back to her house. The snow made the run a bit slower, but she still made it before he reached the door. He smiled when she greeted him and he unlocked the door for her, holding it open. Gratefull, she juggled the items in her arms. After setting it all down she took of her coat. He mentioned his books and she replied, "I'd love to see what you own, if you like you can browse my library as well. It's not much, but there might be something you like. We could trade some time?" He complimented her house and she smiled, "It's nice to fall asleep to the waves, and I think you can hear them almost anywhere inside." She disappeared into the kitchen to gather mead and glasses, then she returned to him. Tavi didn't see his reaction to her dress because she was busy putting the fireworks and mead into a bag. Lucian helped carry everything to the beach, and they made a spot for themselves.

Lucian popped open the bottle and Tavi scooted closer to him as she took her glass. "My wish is that I hope I can belong here..." She sighed and cupped her glass with both hands, then glanced at Lucian. His silver hair had snowflakes in it, and she reached up to brush them out as she asked, "What about you, Luce?" She heard the firework and jumped slightly. It had been a long time since she had heard a firework, and she had forgotten how much like a gunshot they sounded. But after the first one, she relaxed. Lucian held up his glass, and wished her a happy new year as they toasted and she returned the sentiment. Then she added softly, "Thank you for helping me bring in the New Year in such a wonderful way." Tavi sipped her mead slowly. His resolution made her chuckle, "Really? What would you do with it after you caught it?" She couldn't really picture him fletching it and cooking it up all by himself. Though, the fishing festival sounded like fun. "What's that like? Are there booths and fireworks like there were tonight?" Her ignorance of village life was obvious, and Tavi began to feel self concious. What if he was shocked to hear she had no idea what a fishing festival was, like he had been shocked this was her first winter festival. Was it really that unusual to grow up away from all this? A shiver went down her spine, half from cold and half from her thoughts. As a coat was draped over her shoulders, Tavi lifted her eyes to meet Lucian's, she didn't look away when his gaze shifted to the fireworks. Scanning his jaw line and cheek bones in the sporatic light of the firworks, she admired him quitely. Nodding at what he said, she also was hopeful for what the new year would bring. Reaching into her pocket she pulled out the small silver bag from the gem booth. Gently she nudged Lucian with her shoulder and held out the bag to him. "To bring you good fortune in love, power, and healing." She waited for him to open it and sipped her mead. Keeping her eyes on him, she hoped he liked her gift. After he got a good look at what was in the bag she asked, "I don't mean to pry, and you don't have to answer me, but is that kind of stone special to you?" The way he had been looking at it earlier was a strong sign that there was a story being it.





██████████████████ ██████ ████

【OOC】✘ new layout coming! FILLER【COMPANY】✘ Lucian, Miri FILLER【LOCATION】✘ beach
goes here FILLE FILLERgoes here FILLERgoes here FILLER【MOOD】✘ happy, nervous FILLER【OUTFIT】✘ blue bombshell

s h y LUMiNESCE

[x-EternalAlice-x]

At the image of what Miri was inferring, Adela couldn’t help but chuckle softly. It wouldn’t be the first she was able to slip away from the festival because of the midnight kiss tradition. “Yes, I am sure we can slip away with ease due to that preoccupation.” Adela commented in agreement. “Have you ever come across that tradition before? You know, of kissing the one you are interested in?” She asked, not sure if that was a common tradition amongst everyone.

“Then I hope the sight does not disappoint.” She remarked with a faint smile on her face. Adela figured it wouldn’t. But, since she had no clue how Miri would take to the fireworks, she knew the chance could still be there for disappointment.

Miri suggested food since she was hungry. Adela was willing to get some food herself, if only to make sure her stomach didn’t growl during the fireworks. However, with Miri unable to get any food and not desiring some now, she figured she could hold out. It wasn’t like she was completely starving or anything drastic like that. “As long as you are sure.” She couldn’t help but say as they started to walk around instead of eating.

After that, they spent their time talking and stopping at times to watch some of the booths. It was closer to midnight when Miri asked if they could go back to the area of the lanterns. She agreed, especially since Miri acted like she really liked the lanterns, as well as seeing people lit their own. They made their way over there and watched the people and their lanterns till around midnight.

Once midnight was right around the corner, she could see the excitement clear on Miri’s face. She smiled at that and focused her eyes on the sky. She didn’t want to miss the starting fireworks. The fireworks went off like clockwork when midnight struck. She found herself grinning at the sight of the different colors of fireworks and different shapes the fireworks took. Honestly, Adela wondered how such fireworks were possible. Allure proved her time and time again such things were possible every year so far.

Eventually, Adela felt someone look at her and turned her head to see Miri looking at her. She nodded before deciding to bow as well. “Happy New Year, Miri.” She straightened up just as Miri handed her a tiny bow with a silver silk bow. Her eyes widen and her gaze focused on the box. “Thank you.” Adela smiled at her friend. She kept back the comment of how it was nice to let herself receive a gift. She didn’t want to ruin the moment.

She took the box gently, once more looking at the box. Slowly, she untied the bow and opened the box. Adela found herself awestruck at the gift. Miri had to have put a lot of effort to keep this gift hidden. After all, all the jewels in Allure went through her. For a necklace with emeralds to miss her, Miri must have gotten the necklace straight from the docks. She smiled warmly at the simplicity of the Celtic necklace, that and the fact the jewelry contained emeralds. Her favorite. It was more than she could have asked for.

Adela moved to unclasp the necklace and put it around her neck while Miri was talking. She nodded and did the clasp behind the neck, allowing the necklace to hang over her collarbone area. “It is really beautiful, Miri. It really does look like you put thought into your gift.” She briefly ran her fingers along the emerald stones before once more smiling at Miri. “And I like that you did.” Adela couldn’t ask for a better gift than one someone put thought into.

The sounds of fireworks still sounded in the sky above them. “Is there anything else you wish to do once the fireworks are over with?” Adela glanced at Miri before admiring the fireworks once more. “I know we both are similar minded about not staying here much longer. But, I figure since this is your first new years here, I could stay up a little longer if you wish to try or see anything else.” Adela offered kindly. It was the least she could do for Miri’s gift for her birthday.

❧ Miri xxxx ❧ Festival – Nearby Lanternsxxx ❧ Gwen, Nero, Lilith, and Arian xxx ❧ The Jeweler

[s h y LUMiNESCE]

Current Time: 15:00

It is Wednesday the sixth and still no sign of Gwendolyn Yraumiel has been reported anywhere. Her family have been desperately looking for her since she never showed up back home after the new year festival. They spent the first just casually looking for her but have since become far more worried when everyone kept saying they hadn't seen her. Flyers have been posted up on the bulletin board and in various places around town. They might have gotten damp over the fourth and fifth when it rained but luckily today it has been clear and sunny. Any bit of snow from Winter has disappeared since the third leaving no traces of the blistering cold season. We hope that if anyone has news about the elf that they inform her worried family or the Vaelryn Guard. With prayers to the Goddess Allure we hope she can find her way home soon unscathed.

With the Blossom Festival coming up in a couple of days we wanted to make a few notes about what to expect. As many of you already know it is the first time since winter that flowers have bloomed! The town square will be filled with tons of beautiful flowers laid out everywhere, some even for purchase! This is considered a romantic holiday and while the flowers are quite remarkable this day is mostly known for the picnic. It is tradition for the females of the town to purchase a picnic basket, make homemade food to fill it up and then come the day of the festival we auction off the baskets to the highest bidder. Whomever wins the basket then gets to own the basket and take the female out for a picnic. Many people have fallen in love this way and gone on to live wonderful lives together. We hope you participate! All proceeds go to charity.

[Press Start to Begin]

"We could go to your house, or mine..."

Gray was silent, head turned away while he thought. There was no doubt what would go down if he invited her over. There was no doubt he wanted that, but.. "...A-And, thank you for standing up to my dad..." He turned back to her. Forcing a smile more pained than he meant it to look. “I wouldn’t call it standing up to your father, really.” He started, hair sheepishly falling in front of his eyes. “Just being honest in my intentions.” He shrugged before his lagoon eyes flicked up to meet Paige’s dark ones. He couldn’t help but smile and laugh at the memory. “Course I remember, If looks could kill…” he paused. “Well..” He laughed, about to remove himself form hovering over Paige when she sat up and kissed his nose. The engineer smiled and sat next to Paige, for once restraining himself in not having to touch her. Instead he just sat next to her, his shoulder pressing against her small, slender one as he stared at the clear sky. Gray saw one constellation he hadn’t seen in awhile and smiled. “Have you ever heard the story of Andromeda?” Gray questioned, looking to Paige before he leaned in close to point his hand at the sky to show her the constellation. “Andromeda was a princess born to a proud, boastful, vain women named Cassipeia. Cassipeia often bragged about how she was the more beautiful than even Juno, the queen of the Gods. Neptune, angered by her vanity, then sent a sea monster to the coast of their land to punish Cassipeia and her boastful ways. Neptune said he would only send the sea monster away if Cassipeia sacrificed her beautiful, virgin daughter: Andromeda.” Gray glanced down to her for a moment before looking back to the sky as if he was reading the tale out of the stars.

“Thus Andromeda was chained to a rock to be sacrificed. Thankfully the hero Perseus happened to be flying by on his way back from killing the Gorgon Medusa.” Gray paused taking an inhale from his mask before he continued. “When Perseus saw the princess, her arms chained to the hard rock, he would have taken her for a marble statue, had not the light breeze stirred her hair, and warm tears streamed from her eyes. Without realizing it, he fell in love.” Gray smiled. “Amazed at the sight of such rare beauty, he stood still in wonder. He then called out to her—“ Gray coughed, changing his voice to a nobler one. “ ‘You should not be wearing such chains as these--the proper bonds for you are those which bind the hearts of fond lovers! Tell me your name, I pray, and the name of your country, and why you are in chains.’ “

“Now, At first she was silent; she would have concealed her face modestly behind her hands, had they not been bound fast. What she could do, she did, filling her eyes with starting tears. When Perseus persisted, questioning her again and again, she became afraid lest her unwillingness to talk might seem due to guilt; so she told him the name of her country, and her own name, and she also told him how her mother, a beautiful woman, had been too confident in her beauty. Before she had finished, the waters roared and from the ocean wastes there came a menacing sea monster, its breast covering the waves far and wide. The girl screamed. Her father was close at hand, and her mother too. They were both in deep distress, though the mother had more cause to be so. Perseus tells Andromeda's parents that he'll kill the monster if they agree to give him their daughter's hand in marriage. They of course give him their consent, and Perseus kills the monster. In the end, Andromeda is freed, and the two joyously marry.”

Gray realized Paige might be a little lost why he told this story, so he turned to her in that moment. “I always thought of you as Andromeda. A beautiful crybaby, held down by the chains of her parents.” Gray sighed. “But I don’t think a man needs to rescue you, I honestly think you have the power Paige to stand up to them yourself, whether you see it or not.” Gray then stood from the ground, dusting off his pants and offering a hand to Paige. “I’ll walk you home.” He said, waiting for her hand in his before he walked her back.

At the door Gray lightly hugged her before letting her go, but before she entered the door he quickly grabbed her hand, pulling her into one more hug; just in case it was all a dream and tomorrow they would go back to being just friends. the thought made Gray’s arms tighten around the girl. “Have a good night, Paige.” Gray gave her a soft kiss on the top of her head before turning around to walk home.






After the New Year Gray had been surprisingly busy with house calls, in fact he probably was only in the smithery for no more than a total of eight hours in the last several days. People wanted things re-built and updated, a new year meant new appliances apparently. Gray was worked to the bone and really had no time to see Paige, as he would have liked. He saw her in passing, and when Gabriele wasn’t looking, or wasn’t around Gray would steal a kiss or hug her.

Currently, Gray was walking back from fixing a water break in a fellow villagers house when he stalled, staring at a waterdog flyer that held a blurred face and illegible, melted text. Gray instantly frowned; he knew whom it was for. Nothing had ever happened like this before, and Gwen’s disappearance caused the town great concern and distress. No one had even been able to look at Gwen’s parents in the eyes. Not that they really ventured out of their house unless in search of their dear daughter. Gray knew it left him uncomfortable, he worried for all the girls of the village and even urged Paige to not go anywhere alone. Not that she would listen, but he hoped she would.

Gray finally arrived at Lucian’s house and knocked on the door. “Lucian, you home, man?” Gray knocked again, waiting for an answer. He hadn’t seen his friend in a while, and he hopped Lucian had made progress on the time machine, especially with the disappearance of Gwen. If this time machine could really be made, maybe they could save Gwen, from whatever really did happen.

Just Maybe.




&`▌L O C A T I O N : OUTSIDE LUCIAN'S HOUSE[xx] &`▌W I T H : NO ONE [xx] &`▌W E A R I N G : SPRING!





punnett




s h y LUMiNESCE

[Press Start to Begin]

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- - - “Something happen?” When the sun did rise on spring the sixth, Eunji had been long awake. In fact, she couldn’t sleep at all the night before, too nervous, scared, and many more smaller emotions bubbling into an uncomfortable, sickening anxiety. Today was going to be the day she released her demon. How long had it been since she first locked her away? Eunji pulled on her dungeon clothing, clothing she had maybe only worn two times in the village. The girl took a deep breath as her hand hovered over the doorknob of her house, ready to leave. This was it; there was no turning back. What would come of this decision? Who would she loose? Eunji’s hand fell away from the doorknob as she took a slow step away. Campbell? Was it possible, that when she reclaimed her memories, there could be something so big that it would put a wedge between them? The raven haired girl shook her head. No. This was going to be a good decision. It would hurt, there was no doubt it would hurt. The small flashbacks and fragments of memories that haunted Eunji were enough of a memento to know this was going to hurt, but then she could grow. She trusted this village, she trusted the friends she had made. Eunji, this time without pause, put her hand on the doorknob and exited her house, heading to the outskirts to meet up with everyone.

Everyone was already there when Eunji arrived, and immediately her eyes fell on Adela. Eunji had not seen her friend recently on a more casual level, and Eunji was almost sad that there longest time together had to be involved in an event so grim. However, she was more than blessed that Adela agreed to come. Scared, but blessed. She was afraid for all her friends there, all of whom could be hurt, or whose opinions would forever change of Eunji. The raven-haired girl tugged on a strand of hair as her eyes than moved to Lilith. Another friendly face. If anyone could handle Eunji at her worst, It would be Lilith. Her heart almost swelled with the love she had for these people. Next was Trenes. Eunji only met his gaze for a flick of a second before she looked away shyly. Yet another person that made Eunji more comfortable, Even if The Demon within attacked, she could assure that Trenes would protect others, him and Arian. Arian had also agreed to come, but this made the girl a little uneasy. She knew he was a demon hunter, but what did that mean for her. She knew not the real reason why he hunted them, but knew he too could take her on if needed.

Still, she feared for them.

She wanted to thank them, to say something, but the words never came, and thus they just began to walk, with weapons in hand toward Bellaiiel Cave.

In the cave the warm air instantly met any skin that was showing. Eunji took a shaky breath as she held onto her diamond blade more tightly. Because of the relatively dark nature of the cave, Eunji led the group to a small portion of the cave where the magma seeps from the floor creating small pools of heat and light. The girl stopped, turning to the group, ready to finally speak.

“Thank you… all of you.” She started, staring at the bubbling magma a few feet away. “Let me start with… that I cannot promise you your safety.” Eunji could feel her face growing hot with a nervous fear. “I c-cannot promise you that your view of me with stay the same.” Eunji slowly brought her gaze to every person of the group, their faces stark with the red, orange glow of the magma pools. “If you wish to turn back now, I will understand.” She watched them, none of them leaving and Eunji could feel the tears she was holding back start to burn her eyes.

Was this.. friendship? Was this what it was like, to have the support of people, to have people care about you? Eunji turned her back to her friends, taking a few steps before she turned back to them. She took a deep breath as she held her blade out in front of herself. As she used the move Darkness Falls, she could feel herself slipping away. With tear filled eyes she stared at her friends, thankful for them, but scared at what was going to happen. She was going to remember everything, this was the right decision…

R-right?





&`▌LOCATION: FESTIVAL [xx] &`▌WITH: Adela, Arian, Lilith, Trenes [xx] &`▌WEARING: FESTIVAL! [xx] &`▌MENTIONS: Adela, Arian, Lilith, Trenes, Campbell






Stickered Fun

[Press Start to Begin]

Dust from the ground and sparks and flames spun around Eunji’s small form. A small scream was dragged from her throat until it faded away, lost in the vortex that surrounded her. When the dust and smoke and sparks fell away Eunji had transformed. Her horns protruded from her head and her raven hair looked darker, covered in shadows. The demon’s eyes were a blood red, like at any moment they would start dripping from her eyes. The girl raised her blade above her head as she stretched her aching bones. The demon then rubbed her eyes, giving a soft yawn as she suddenly became self away of the four in front of her. “Tch.” She said, stabbing her blade into the ground. “Well aint this a sorry bunch.” She began, narrowing her eyes at all of them as if they stood as a group, not as individuals. Eunji lifted up her blade, pointing it at Arian. “She invited a ******** half-blood?” Eunji spat. “What the hell will a half blood do?” Eunji walked over to him, body close as she analyzed him like a piece of meat. “Half the strength, half the power, half the hate, half the malice. You’re strength can’t even compare to that of a full demon!” Eunji rolled her eyes, flicking them to Adela next. “And you.” Eunji smiled to Adela, a cruel, nasty smile. “What is it with her and humans.” She started, quickly grabbing the girls face between her hands; her sharp nails gently pressing into the girl. “Has she not learned how fragile you pathetic creatures are?” She said, her nails slowly digging into the girl’s cheek until a small stream of blood was drawn. Eunji then pulled away, licking the blood off her nails before she took a few steps away from the group.

“Tell me something? Why are all of you here for her?” The demon locked eyes with Lilith, glaring before looking away. “You know she probably won’t come back after this. Right now your dear Eunji is locked away like I was locked away. Ah—best to explain, you humans and half-bloods and..” she made a face at Trenes. “and whatever the heck you are, are a little slower.” Eunji sat on the ground, laying her blade across her lap.

“You see, it was about eight years ago. She had this boy in her life. Human. Tch, always ******** human. She likes them, ya see, sees them as a bit more pure than most, a little more ‘beautifully plain.’ Well, they got in a little fight, he was assuring her that being demon wasn’t bad.” Eunji began to laugh. “Yeah, was telling her that she should accept it, or else one day… something might happen. And boy did he get it right, because it was during that fight Eunji’s darker side, me, came out and we ripped though his stomach.” Eunji paused, staring at all their faces for a long time before her face grew hard and serious.

“Yeah, your dear Eunji is a murderer. She killed her boyfriend. Scary, right? So after this she locked me away, and when she did that I took her memories. I would release fragments, just enough to build her curiosity so one day she would let me free again. So that’s what happened. I have been locked away for eight years and she is now in my place, trapped away as the memories flood back. I doubt she will be able to be the same person anymore. She is remembering she is a killer, that we are killers.”

Eunji stood, holding her blade tightly. “But I really have said too much, I’m sure Eunji would prefer you all dead, as I would. So, it was really nice meeting you.” The sword erupted in flames. “But, not really.” Eunji used spawn of satin, swinging the blade around to produce three large tornadoes of flames that were sent to Trenes, Adela, and Arian. Eunji then ran forward with her sword, ready to attack Lilith, bade angled to the girls throat.

[x-EternalAlice-x]

Temp format until commissioned format is finished

Honestly, when he came to Allure, Victor didn’t expect for the cold lead to work out. For according to the information, someone thought they saw an avian, fitting Chase’s description, traveling here with someone. He couldn’t get more information since there wasn’t anything more the person knew. But, it had been the first lead in a while that he had gotten. Considering he needed to check out every lead, he arrived in Allure four days ago on that lead.

Shortly upon entering the outskirts of the village, he saw Chase. He honestly thought he had been seeing things. That is, until Chase turned to him and asked him why the intense and shocked stare. At the strange remark, Victor couldn’t help but get angry. How dare Chase act like he didn’t know him! He had been one of the few still on his tail after all these years! Chase should have known this day was going to come! So why had been Chase acting that way?

Well…after impulsively fighting Chase and losing, Chase revealed he had amnesia. He didn’t believe it at first, let alone the fact Chase thought his name the whole time was Ceylon. Not Chase. Funny enough, it took the validation of a dwarf, that had apparently been with Chase the past five years, for him to take Chase…or rather Ceylon, seriously. Unfortunately, that meant Victor couldn’t fight him. His honor wouldn’t allow him to extract revenge on someone that didn’t remember their crime.

Thus, Victor chose to stay here and help Ceylon with his memory. The avian had confused him ever since. The first confusing act had been of Ceylon offering to take him to Campbell to get treated. He denied out of pride and confusion at the kind gesture. Then, Ceylon didn’t seem to mind him at the tavern, even if Victor could just easily use the place to kill him. Also, there was Ceylon actually helping direct him to a job opening at the post office. Since when had Chase turned so kind?

Victor found himself wanting more for Ceylon to remember his life as Chase. That way, he could go back to normal and stop treating him so kindly. Not that Chase was an utter a*****e before. But, considering circumstances, he figured Chase wouldn’t be so friendly to someone aiming to extract revenge for Michael’s murder. The kindness Ceylon had demonstrated so far only caused his annoying heart to pound loudly in his ear. He hated these feelings and he knew they would only get worse if Ceylon continued confusing him like this,

He had been trying to get rid of the positive feelings he had for Chase all these years. However, when his whole focus for the past twelve years had been on getting to Chase, it wasn’t so easy. Not when he wasn’t too sure what caused Chase to kill Michael. He guessed some stupid part of his heart wanted to believe Chase was not so cruel and cold-hearted as to murder for no reason. He wasn’t going to delude himself into thinking Chase couldn’t be that way. Unfortunately, until Ceylon remembered, Victor wouldn’t know the reason for Chase’s violent act all those years ago.

Luckily, with having gotten the mail carrier job from Tavi (how ironic considering how he knew her and all), he could distract his mind with work during the day. Then, at night, he could distract himself with pleasant company or some good drinks. He needed it considering being so close to fulfilling his goal, yet being deprived of it, was causing more frustration than he cared to deal with.

Right now, Victor was taking care of some last minute mail that had come in during his shift. Because of that, he had to extend his shift by an hour. With this last mail delivery though, Victor would be able to take off for the rest of the day. He needed to deliver a parcel to the library. Considering the shape of the package, there must have been a book inside. He didn’t pay attention to the name of the book. He only took a glance at it before losing any urge to care.

It didn’t take him too long to arrive at the library with the package (He didn’t want to admit he might still be getting a hang of where places were in Allure…). He opened the door slowly and peaked inside. “Anyone here?” Victor called out. He knew that the missing person was the librarian based off the posters. So, he wasn’t sure there would be anyone else here. As he entered the library, he heard the sound of footsteps. Maybe this person was another librarian here?

He stood there with the package as the person finally came into view. His eyes widened slightly. “It seems this village is full of surprises.” He smirked faintly, unable to resist saying that out loud. “Was not expecting to see you here as well. Does this village seem to attract anyone I’ve come across in the last twelve years?” Victor didn’t mention how this village also finally got him near Chase after so damn long.

“Anyway, got a package for the library to deliver. Would you happen to be working here so I can drop this off already, or are you just browsing through the selection?” He asked with a tilt of his head. He didn’t want to accidently give the package to the wrong person. Way to look like a novice mail carrier…even if that he was a novice at this. Pride wouldn’t let him appear that way though. “Kinda hoping for the former since that means I can go ahead and take off work. Last package of the day and all.”

Victor shrugged and offered the package. “Looks like the package contains a book, but I don’t know more than that. Hope that is what the library was wanting.” He stated calmly. He had no idea, at least right then, that his sudden appearance might not be pleasing to Mirima. Oh well.



Location: Allure Library
Company: Mirima
Mentions: Chase/Ceylon, Azula, Campbell, Tavi
OOC: Hope this works

[psysusa]

★ _▍F E E L S__sick & tired & bored___★ _▍W I T H__nobody___★ _▍L O C A T E D__rilwe clinic__★_▍O U T F I T__here


Mako and Yuzan had blown up every firework they bought. They didn’t get their new year’s kiss but they celebrated their short lived friendship. Tavi, the person Mako was looking for practically kicked him out. Yuzan saw his friend off once everybody was back in their houses. In the first few hours of the New Year the man left Allure. It saddened Yuzan but he knew he was off to do better things. As he said his good byes he welcomed someone from his dreary past, Catherina Diaz, which he jokingly called Ne-san because she trained him.

The next morning Yuzan could barely breathe. He really felt like an elephant sat on him while he slept. He followed his routine, but with difficulty. Walking to work was even worse. He felt out of breathe and light headed. Catherina had already opened shop and began prepping to bake. Everything was fine until he began to clean the coffee machine. A sudden slam on the counter alerted Catherina that something bad must have happened. It was a miracle Yuzan didn’t collapse in the New Year’s celebration, because he was out cold. The doctor was called, with some help he was transported to the clinic and the final verdict was given. He wasn’t going to leave the clinic for a few days. Yuzan slowly opened his eyes, knowing bright lights would be on by now. Just then Catherina was out speaking to a nurse, she then made a call to his parents and came back.

“Hey big guy… Do you want something from your house?” He responded nodding. Clothing? Another nod. “Ok I’ll bring them when I take a break. I might explore a bit. But I’ll bring plenty of stuff.” Yuzan’s eyes closed again and he fell asleep.

The doors opened and closed constantly. It had already been almost a week since his hospitalization. He did feel better and he wasn’t short of breathe when he walked. But Doctor Campbell wouldn’t let him walk without oxygen. He was noting Yuzan’s oxygen levels were very low. He needed to get stronger and healthy to but out and about again. His lungs had cleared out significantly but a few more days were left for him here. Yuzan spent most of his time playing cards with other patients and sleeping. After having some fun he went back and took a nice warm shower and changed into the last fresh clothing he had. He sat at the edge of the bed, dressed and comfortable he slid back under the covers as a nurse came by. “Can I have a bit of coffee? I really need it.” He said with a puppy face under the oxygen mask. The nurse didn’t pay him attention since he had been trying to be funny every time the door opened. He was like a puppy in a leash. Thinking about his Corgi family he wonder if Catherina fed them well. Was she taking them on a little walk? Did she close the door? The puppies could stray away into the forest or maybe even drown in the lake! This made Yuzan fiddle and wiggle under the sheets.






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___★_▍T H E M E__title___★_▍D I A R Y__no peeking__★_▍M E N T I O N S__mako cath__

[a park in botswana]

His reaction to her inviting him to her home was a little...lackluster, but Paige just assumed that, maybe, he was a little nervous. After all, Gray had been hiding his own feelings for almost a decade, and now, here they were...and she thought he was up to it, considering her position on the ground with him hovering above her. Perhaps she'd read his body language wrong. Gray brushed away her thank you, stating he was only being honest in his intentions, but Paige still considered it standing up to Gabriel. Many people couldn't do that. After the kiss on the nose, Gray sat up and sat next to her, as she leaned her shoulder against his, slowly pressing her cheek against his shoulder given their height difference. Suddenly, he asked if she had heard about a story, as Paige gave a moment to think about it.

"No, I don't think so..." The name wasn't familiar, anyway. Her eyes followed Gray's hand, as she focused on the constellation he was pointing out. Throughout the entire story, Paige remained fairly quiet, since Gray was so focused on his storytelling. She did giggle, however, when Gray would use a different voice for Perseus, as it sounded so out of character for him. When he ended his story, Paige looked a little...confused. Not that the story was awful; in fact, it was a very nice, happy ending story. Just why it was brought up in the first place, unless he just wanted to tell the story of the constellation. However, at the end of the story, Gray turned towards her and began to speak. When he mentioned the word 'crybaby,' Paige pouted, puffing out her cheeks before listening more to the words he spoke.

"Like Andromeda...?" She took a few moments to consider his story and how it related to her own life. She smiled faintly, shaking her head. "If I get tied up to a rock, I'll let you know~ I don't think I could get out of that myself." His words of her being able to stand up to her parents made her reflect for a moment, before he was suddenly helping her up, saying he'd walk her home. She nodded before making the trek to her front door, which was only a few houses down from Gray's own house.

Paige embraced Gray softly, kissing his shoulder as he let her go. She smiled, realizing that Gray was not interested in her earlier offer, nodding before giving a soft wave and moving towards the door to open it. However, as she was about to pass through it, she felt Gray's hand on hers, tugging her back down into a much tighter embrace. She smiled, doing her best to return the hug, though his grip tightened much farther than hers.

"You, too, Gray," she murmured, as Gray pulled away after kissing the top of her head. Paige smiled, watching as Gray made the walk to his house, making sure he entered it safely. With that, she took a deep breath and entered her own home. Closing the door, she leaned against it with her back, slipping down. Paige clasped her hands and bowed her head somewhat, closing her eyes.

"Happy New Year," she whispered, before righting herself and heading off to bed. There would be work in the morning, after all...though, she did feel disappointed that she wouldn't spend the entire night with Gray and wake up next to him. But, there was always another time, she assumed.

- - -

Paige had been busy since the beginning of the New Year, mostly fixing and replacing tools that hadn't been used since the Fall. After all, farmers and ranchers were now able to return to growing crops and fodder, with the snow having melted away. Any tools that hadn't been stored properly were now rusted and needed repair, leaving Paige and her father very busy with work. Not nearly as busy as Gray, however, as most of his work had been out of the smithery. She'd hardly seen much of him, not even on their "anniversary," Spring 4th, which would mark the eleventh year since Gray had come to Allure Village. That was the day they had met. Perhaps it was a good thing Gray wasn't constantly around the smithery, since it was obvious Gabriel still wasn't very pleased by Gray's words. She was still thankful for the hugs and kisses in passing, since it meant he was still thinking about her. Not that Paige had a reason to ever doubt it, of course.

During her week, she had managed to visit the hospital several times as well. Unfortunately, Yuzan was still hooked up to the oxygen tanks, another sight Paige could have been without for a lifetime, especially after Gray's respiratory attack earlier in the Winter season. Most of the times she had visited, however, Yuzan had been asleep or resting, so she had just dropped him off more books or games, and more clothes from his house. Currently, Paige was on her way to Rilwe Clinic with a container of pastries and other goodies. Though Yuzan wasn't allowed actual coffee, probably due to the caffeine, she had done her best to mix in some coffee and caramel flavours. Passing through the streets, her eyes darted over to one of the many posters pinned up in the streets. Gwen was still missing. Paige had visited her parents numerous times during the last week, trying to help keep their hopes up and see if there was any other news. She knew several other people in town besides herself were currently assisting, though. Specifically Trenes, who spent much of his time on the outskirts of the Village and in the dungeons. Gray had asked her specifically to not go anywhere by herself, and while Paige was thankful for his concern, she couldn't just leave Gwen alone. She had to help find her - they were so close.

Stepping in through the clinic's doors, Paige checked in with the receptionist and checked with her to make sure her food was all right before walking over to Yuzan's room. Knocking on the door several times, Paige opened the door, stepping in and closing it behind her. To her surprise, Yuzan was awake, as she smiled. It was so odd to see Yuzan with an oxygen mask on - it just reminded her that the same mask had been on Gray not that long ago. At least Yuzan was recovering.

"Good afternoon, Yu-yu~" she greeted cheerily, trying to brush away any bad thoughts. Those wouldn't help Yuzan recover, after all. Moving over to the bed, Paige smiled, bending down and kissing the top of his head before setting the basket of goodies on his bedside table. "I brought you something~ The nurses told me you couldn't have coffee, so I tried to make the next best thing." She'd let him discover what that was, though. Taking a seat on the chair by the bed, the same seat she'd taken several times this past week and in the several weeks before that, Paige smiled again.

"I hope you're not too bored in here. I wish I could be here more, but it's been so busy at the smithery..." She shrugged. "It's starting to get not so hectic, though." Most of the people who needed their tools repaired immediately were already sent on their way. Everything else just wasn't so dire. "How are you feeling today? Any better than last time?" She giggled. "At least you're not sleeping while I'm here so I can at least say hello~"





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XXXXXXXXXXLOCATION: RILWE CLINICXXXXXXXXXXCOMPANY: YUZAN XXXXXXXXXXMENTIONS: GRAY, GWEN, TRENES XXXXXXXXXXOUTFIT: spring time

[x-EternalAlice-x]

Since New Year’s day/her birthday, a lot had happened both good and bad. The good was that Miri was able to find a job she really wanted to pursue. Even if that meant Miri would not be working with her anymore, Adela felt happy that Miri found a job she truly enjoyed. She wondered if she would find such a job someday. Not that being the jeweler was bad. Just not fulfilling in the way she wished. The bad is that Gwen went missing.

Out of everyone to go missing the day after New Years, Gwen seemed the least likely out of everyone. Last time Adela remembered, Gwen had left to go be with her family. She could only figure something must have happened between Gwen leaving her and Miri’s company and heading towards her family. Unfortunately, she had no idea. The fact she didn’t lingered in her mind. She wished she knew more so that maybe someone could find Gwen. But, she didn’t, and that bothered her greatly.

Luckily, her mind found itself focused on other things occurring in her life since yesterday. Mainly the fact Eunji came to her asking her to come with her to a dungeon today. Eunji didn’t give her many details on why she wished to go to a dungeon. All she mentioned was that others would be there as well and that they would all meet at the outskirts. But, since it had been awhile since she and Eunji had enjoyed each other’s company, she accepted. Plus, Adela wanted to make sure she was there for her close friend in the dungeon.

Thus, she made sure to take off work early to be able to meet up with Eunji. She made sure the shop would be taken care of while she was gone. Since she was heading to a dungeon, Adela wore one of her dungeon outfits. She didn’t know which dungeon they were going to. Because of that, she chose an outfit at random and hoped she had chosen wisely.

She arrived at the spot around the time Eunji told her to do so. She noticed Eunji was not there. However, by the time she got there, the others Eunji mentioned would be there were already there. She almost felt like she was late because of that. Then again, it wasn’t so easy to leave work when she was the boss. Thus, she could only hope they could understand that as she glanced over the other members in this group Eunji gathered.

Trenes was there, which caused her to smile. It was nice to see another good friend of hers amongst the group. There was Lilith too. At least now she could stand being around Lilith. Hopefully, any awkwardness between them could be pushed aside for Eunji’s sake. Then, there was Arian. She was not too surprised to see Arian wanting to take up some unknown quest into a dungeon. Though, she had no idea Arian and Eunji were close enough for Eunji to invite him. Guess that was a development she simply hadn’t known about until now.

She stood by Arian and Trenes when Eunji showed up. She smiled at her close friend. She still wished she knew why Eunji had gathered them all here. But, Adela figured Eunji would tell them soon enough. It was shortly after their arrival that they headed to one of the dungeons. Admittedly, Adela hadn’t expected Eunji to pick Bellaiiel Cave. This dungeon was deadly as it was warm. The monsters here loved to sneak up on anyone in here and attack at will. She rarely traversed this dungeon alone. So why had Eunji picked it of all dungeons?

Because of the danger the dungeon imposed, Adela kept her hand on the hilt of her katana at all times. She didn’t want to get injured because she wasn’t on guard. She was glad that Eunji lead them to a part of the cave where the magma gave heat and light. At least here she didn’t struggle to see her way through the dungeon. Though, she still wished the heat wasn’t so strong here. She forced such silly complaints from her mind as Eunji turned to face them all.

A smile once more showed up at her face at Eunji’s words. Though, the smile slipped away and her eyebrows furrowed at Eunji’s strange remark. What did she meant by that? She opened her mouth to say something. However, she quickly closed her mouth. Eunji looked fearful and nervous as is. If she tried to break what courage Eunji had with her words, she would feel bad for doing such to Eunji. Though, since she found herself curious and this was Eunji, there was no way Adela was leaving.

The way Eunji’s eyes glistened with tears made Adela wish to go towards her. She made herself stand her ground as she waited for what Eunji wished to say or show. When dust from the ground, as well as sparks and flames, started to circle around Eunji’s, Adela’s eyes widened. “Eunji?!” She couldn’t help but cry out in confusion. She had no idea what was happening, seeing as she had never seen Eunji do that before. At the small scream, she started to walk towards Eunji.

However, a firm strong hand on her shoulder kept her from moving forward. She glanced over to see Arian stopping her. She started to glare only for him to look at her and say something that caused the glare to fade as quickly as it started. She frowned and relaxed her body. She took steps back to stand where she was before. The hand soon left her shoulder as she looked to see a different Eunji before her. Her eyes widened at seeing a much more demonic appearance. Did that mean Eunji was a demon all along?

Not that Eunji being a demon changed her feelings about her friend. She just wondered why Eunji had never mentioned it before. She kept silent as the demon form of Eunji started to talk to them. Her attitude was such a contrast to Eunji’s. She found it hard to believe they were one in the same. However, that didn’t matter when demon Eunji started to get on Arian about being a half-demon. She scowled and found herself wishing to come to Arian’s defense. She ended up keeping her mouth shut though.

She didn’t wish to provoke demon Eunji. Besides, she wasn’t sure Arian wished for someone to come to his defense. He might consider it an insult that someone felt he couldn’t handle her insults on his own. She couldn’t focus on that long though since demon Eunji soon focused her attention on her anyway. Something to do with Eunji and humans. She felt the sharp nails against her cheeks and couldn’t help but grit her teeth when the nails slowly dug into her skin.

The blood slowly trailed down her face. She ran her fingers briefly across her cheeks, noticing the wounds were shallow. However, they would still bleed for a bit. It would probably be best she treat them later to make sure they didn’t scar. As she examined the nail marks, demon Eunji’s words caused her chest to clench and her breath to catch in her throat. Eunji…gone? Adela couldn’t take the implication of losing one of her dear friends.

It took all the composure she had not to cry out in protest, especially since the demon could just be tricking them. But, why would an aspect of Eunji try to trick them? This whole demonic side really was very confusing. She listened quietly with a frown at her face at the story demon Eunji told them. Her frown only grew more at realizing what had happened to Eunji. She couldn’t even imagine what that had been like for her. She knew she never wanted to know that personally.

She clenched her free hand and clenched the hilt of her blade more by the time demon Eunji explained how Eunji was gone. How could the demon side do this to herself? She just couldn’t get it! She knew some demons were evil…but Eunji, Arian, and Alex showed they had goodness in them! Why did Eunji have to have such a side in her? Was this the curse of being a demon? Was evil…something they couldn’t truly ever get away from? No matter what they did?

Adela couldn’t help but glance towards Arian. Did he and Alex struggle with such a side? She knew now wasn’t the time to ask. But, maybe when they got Eunji back and some time had passed, maybe she could ask Arian about it. For now, she wished to focus on getting Eunji back. She wasn’t about to give up on Eunji just because the demon side of her made it sound like she couldn’t be brought back. Nothing was truly deemed impossible until someone tried. She couldn’t give up on Eunji now.

At the threat demon Eunji gave, Adela took out her katana slowly and gripped the blade tightly in her hand. “You don’t even know yourself if you think that is what she wishes.” She bit the words with anger filling her tone. She knew though that she couldn’t let the anger completely cloud her. She surely was going to use the emotion though to drive her to save Eunji from herself. She wasn’t going to give up on her close friend over something like this.

She felt confident, for once, that Eunji would do the same for her if roles were reversed.

With that reminder in mind, Adela noticed the demon Eunji spawning three fire tornadoes. Considering there were four of them, she figured three would be aimed at each one of them individually. Someone was going to get left out of the mix. It didn’t take long to figure out who when the three twisters came towards her, Trenes, and Arian.

Quickly, she dodged rolled to her right, barely missing the one that came for her. She used her blade to stand up quicker. She looked to see demon Eunji heading towards Lilith. She knew Lilith could fight well. So, she didn’t worry too much about Lilith being unable to block the blow. What she worried about more was how she, a human, going to face a demon?

Sure, she had fought monsters plenty of times. But, never a demon. She would need to keep in mind the fact she had no magic and no extra abilities based on her race if she wanted to help the others with fighting Eunji.

As she glanced around her surroundings, Adela remembered one of the important details about the cave. The complete and all-consuming darkness. She might be able to use that to her advantage to sneak up on the demon Eunji. Just maybe, she could do that. She would have to watch for whatever monsters might be attracted by the sounds of the fighting. However, what else could she do when she clearly was at a disadvantage? One she didn’t want the demon Eunji to take advantage of and cause the fight to turn in demon Eunji’s favor?

With that in mind, Adela took a breath, only giving a brief glance towards the others, before running into the darkness.

Hopefully, demon Eunji would think she fled, and not think about how this “pathetic” human could be stabbing her in the back soon enough.

❧ Eunji, Arian, Trenes, and Lilith xxxx ❧ Bellaiiel Cave xxx ❧ Miri, Gwen xxx ❧ The Jeweler

[psysusa]

▌▌▌▌▌▌♚ CITRUS CAFE OWNER××
MOOD: neutral > worried x x x WITH: yuzan > osment x x x WHERE: cafe > mines
She arrived just before her birthday ended. Ending her birthday and receiving the New Year to a firework show down was kind of amazing. She was now thirty and laughed as she remembered that once you turn thirty, nobody cares. The blonde woman made her way through town just as people began returning to their homes. With a few hints she found the inn and met with her new employee. She traveled light, two bags, money, and her weapon of choice. Few a words exchanged she went into her room and slept until mid-day.

The other days were quite uneventful. She met a handsome elf at the inn one night as she wanted to know which way she could save more money and the inn’s fees and what not. They spoke for a while and he left a lasting impression on her. Victor seemed very confident but Cath didn’t mind that, yet. She spent days changing things at work, making quality inspection, cleaning the coffee machine and equipment. While cleaned the kitchen and putting away flour bags something, or rather, someone fell. Rushing to the front of the store she found Yuzan collapsed, he was barely breathing. Yuzan had to stay in the clinic for a while, this complicated thing even more. He asked her to feed his pups, she had to buy the ingredients for the baking, bake and run the café alone. She hired a helping hand but costumer service was her thing. The situation made her wanted to do everything, which raises her anxiety levels significantly.

Spring sixth, crossed with red ink on Catherina’s calendar. She dressed simply, nothing showy, just practical. A plain white cotton top, dark blue jeans, a black leather jacket and black boots. She wore many silver rings and a few earrings as well. Toarthe. On her chest, the scars present vanished and in their place a chest tattoo appeared. Her hair was down, shining and radiant. Once she arrived much earlier than the opening time and she arranged every ingredient. She began many mixtures for different items. Made some upfront, did another thing, cleaned the whisks, baked something else. It was a bit of a cycle. With a bit of the waking sun the town lit up. Cath took off her black apron, dusted off sugar and flour and exit the shop. She took a break to have breakfast and headed on to the clinic to see Yuzan quickly. When she entered his room he was still pretty much asleep. She asked a few questions and called his mother to update her. She wanted to go and stay with him since it had been a long time since he got that sick but Cath assured her he was doing better. In a few days he would be out of the clinic. After chatting with him and asking him what he needed she dashed off to work since it was opening time.

Some people began to ask who this woman was. With a polite smile and her soft spoken voiced she answered to all. “Nice to meet you. I’m Catherina Diaz, or Cath if you’d like. I’m the new owner. Yuzan is sick at the moment so he will be out for a few days. I hope everything is to your liking.” Her voice seemed to astonish some, it wasn’t a magical voice but her looks are usually fierce. Or some consider it fierce with the array of tattoos in her body and multiple ear piercings. The somewhat ‘badass’ look wasn’t really her at all. Sure she could kick butt and has little tolerance to injustice. But in reality she is pretty much lonely and mistrustful. Things were different with coffee around. It made her cheery, and work harder, giving great service was her expertise. Giving smiles, compliments, positive things always brightened up in some little way to another person. While going through so many hardships she knew the making others happy made her feel happy too. Even if her own happiness slowly came by, she did her best to keep moving forward. The baked goods kept coming out of the ovens, coffee kept being poured, and the occasional tea drinker came by as well. So far the few days she had been working had been awesome but very hectic. She still had to look for some clothes for Yuzan and check on his puppies but she wanted to explore a bit as well. Once everything calmed down and people had their 3 o’clock coffee she would take her break.

As the hours passed by and the costumers where less it wasn’t going to be hard for the part timer to handle. She took off her apron. I’ll be back later. She wasn’t going to be out for long, unless she got distracted. Cath had only been going to the same locations over and over again. The inn to sleep, Yuzan’s to feed his pets and occasionally eat, café to work eat and sleep, and finally the clinic to see Yuzan and sleep a little more. Not to mention that her belonging were slowly getting to Allure through the air ships. So she went to go get them when she could. Most of the stuff was clothing and some of important things. She didn’t have much but her inn room was beginning to feel a bit crowded for her.

Walking up the steps to Yuzan’s house she looked at the premises and opened the usually unlocked door. She made detail notes of everything in the house and saw that nothing was missing. She took out a large bag and filled it with fresh tshirts, underwear, two shorts and very baggy sweatpants. Yuzan had the other thing he needed there and she or his friend would take back the used clothes. She still hadn’t met his childhood friend yet. But she knew she had come by a few times. When Cath finished everything she took a stroll without any place in mind. She knew Allure had a few dungeons she thought she go take a peek at them. She didn’t have her daggers or knuckles with her. She wasn’t going to go deep inside she figured it’d be ok.

Quite some time had passed. Cath kept looking at her surrounding and randomly chose trails. She had arrived at night with only a bit of light in hand. Nothing was the same. It still amazed her how she even found the place; no matter where she walked it was still Allure. She changed the bag of clothes so it could be crossed on her chest. Her leather jacket was wrapped on her waist. Her boots kicked the dirt beneath her. Suddenly she faced a warning sign. Somehow she had reached the mines. Further inside there were greater dangers. One of them was getting really lost. Cath took a chance to look inside. It must have been impressive, and as the temperature slightly dropped, the cavernous walls guided her inside with a trail of lanterns. Inside the temperature had most definitely dropped a bit. But it was just right as she out in the sun. Suddenly the most unlikely thing to find in mines took Catherina by surprise. She was no stranger to a man’s naked body. But here? Cath face contorted and she saw a bit of a scar. The man wasn’t moving, if he were she barely noticed. Probably because she kept trying to avoid to look at him, and his derriere… His face was resting to the side, seemingly peacefully in this environment. Cath slowly and carefully bent down, brushed dirt off his face, he was cold. She rushed a bit to check his pulse; she was really hoping the man was alive. With a deep sigh she felt his pulse, faintly but she felt it. Now how was she going to wake this man up!

Cath looked around and there wasn’t anybody around, if there were they would have seen him once they enter the mines. Cath surely didn’t want to flip him over. A smack to the bum? If she knew the man it would have much more tempting. But she didn’t she shook him and slapped him, probably hard enough to wake anyone. “Hey! Hey? Can you hear me? Are you alright? Are you hurt? HEY!”

MENTIONS yuzan victor paige x x x LINKS outfit x x x JOURNALl no peeking