Everyone can tell that Yan Xue was nervous, it was hard to hide when her tail flicked back and forth as she paced. She was ignoring the Doctors advice to rest, and waiting where she knew those returning from missions would be at after a debrief. She really didn’t understand why she was so anxious about it, Kal’tsit had given cryptic answers to her questions, bluntly telling her once that it was a crush. Yan Xue didn’t really believe her, but she had no other experience to go off of…

Her thoughts were broken when she heard the doors open, operators walk through, she remained on the side saying hello to those she recognize (and some who gave her knowing smiles), some offering some concern for the few bandages she had been sporting from her own missions. When all was said and done, she had been searching for that head of dark hair, and when she saw it. “Lumen!” She says, ears and tail perked up, rushing towards the tall Aegir and almost leaping into his arms.

She hugs him tightly, burying her face into his chest, tail wagging happily behind her. “Welcome home, you’re not hurt, are you?”

@starryskied

"Don't eat the Christmas decorations what the heck!! Stoppit!!" Batting at the other operators trying to undo her work around the landship!!

"Yes my limbs are very much artificial so no harm will come to me if I do this so to say.." and she quite literally pops her left hand off as a show of her cybernetics. The most peculiar thing is that it was still functional despite being cleanly detached from her arm. "But I suppose you're not here for such a casual display."

The Weaver hums as she regards her guest with her usual grace and diligence all the while she reattached her hand

@starryskied

@starryskied asked: " Pokémon? " Oh, how silly of her. She hadn't answered his question earlier before, had she? A quick glance at her supplies confirms that nothing is amiss, and before long, the Liberi turned her attention to N. " I don't have a Pokémon, per se. But I've encountered an inquisitive Eevee rummaging through my belongings. They were here earlier, attempting to steal a compass. " Astesia comments, a hand gesticulating to the contents strewn about. There's tiny paw prints in the grass, leading towards the thicket. " I almost want to guess that stars interest it. Oh... don't listen to my rubbish."

There was a small, knowing smile on N's face at the mention of the Eevee. To him, it seemed almost like the Evolution Pokémon had, in fact, taken an interest in Astesia's belongings and what the other was doing...But, he didn't appear to be surprised the other didn't have a Pokémon; after all, there were quite a few people who didn't raise Pokémon in the world.

And, if he had to guess on the direction of the footprints...The Eevee was probably still nearby. It might even be observing them at this moment from a safe distance, presumably weighing its options if N had to hazard a guess. And if it was nearby, then...N wanted to make sure it knew he wasn't a threat.

So, quietly, he would remove his cap, placing it nearby as he squatted down to examine the footprints and begin to respond.

"...Actually, Ms. Astesia, it sounds to me like this Eevee is quite interested in you and your work. You see, as you probably know, Eevee are quite rare in the wild, and have an irregular genetic structure...But, they can be quite curious in some cases, and have even been rumored to begin adopting the face of their Trainer if they share a bond. Though, I couldn't tell you how that looks, hahaha. But, getting back on topic, I don't think your words are rubbish in the slightest. Pokémon are still quite mysterious to us, even today. Despite living alongside them as friends and partners, we know so little about them...But, if you still harbor doubts about that Eevee's interest, then why not let me speak with it? I have a...Gift for that sort of thing, you see. I can hear the Voices of Pokémon...I've been able to, since the day I was born. That's why I'm confident I can get to the truth of it. And, if it does share your interest, you could always capture it, couldn't you? Become its Trainer, and walk your path together."

@snowbelled asked: “I don’t even know what Halloween is, and at this point I am too afraid to ask.” Lumen to Sadie

"Relax, it's not nearly as bad as you make it sound, dear...Here, do you want any coffee to warm you up before I explain?"

The blonde's voice was soothing as she moved to prepare a pot of coffee, a soft hum escaping her lips as she took her time preparing everything. Though...Admittedly, Sadie didn't really see why anyone would be too afraid to ask about Halloween. It was a harmless holiday, right?

Though...It would, admittedly, be nice to have a casual discussion for once. At least...Sadie certainly thought so. But...That did remind her, she'd completely forgotten to ask how the other liked his coffee. She would need to ask, in a bit!

@starryskied

It wasn't often she could meet people with vibrant colors to them. Of course not literally, but more so their energy signatures. Staring for a bit too long, Celestia coughed a bit, while stepping closer to Astesia and speaking. "Apologies miss, but the star in your eyes are rather unique. It makes me want to paint something in regards to them."

Yeah, the first meeting was going swimmingly.

What is it that drives him? Mere curiosity? Or a deep-seated dissonance of unfathomable origin? The sea calls his name. The sea calls him back 'home'. But the Aegir can never return to that place. Where seafoam and tidal plumes mix with countless blues and murky greens. Lumen grows unsettled by his fixation of the sea, and he quickly took a step back --- golden-brown optics catching the faintest glimpse of an unfamiliar face. An outsider in Iberia? Curious and curiouser. How did they evade detection by the Penal Battalion and patrolling Inquisitors? He's left to ponder the question in utter silence, his gaze asking the silent question that his mouth could not. Why are you here? "You're an outsider, aren't you? A-Ah... sorry. I... I didn't mean to say it in that manner. Do be careful " Jordi warns, the softness of his voice nearly lost to the gale. @starryskied

"You could say that." Diamont is not surprised that he has been found, but rather by the odd reaction. Every single person in this town is an oddity, and the more he stares at the sea the more confused he gets. There are things here people just refuse to talk about, there are things and questions he asks that have seen him shut away from establishments. So he sought the shore, sought anybody who would be willing to answer.

The oversized cloak does a good job of hiding Dia's features. His presence here an undesired side effect of a flawed teleportation spell. But he is not annoyed. On the contrary, his curiosity seems to only be picked more. "What do I need to be careful about?" Better to talk to a person who seems to know their way around and is not immediately rejecting his presence. "Is it something to do with the sea? Nobody seems to be interested in giving me any answers. It is frustrating." He seems sincere about his annoyance and frustration about the lack of information, at least.

Stares at Lumen.

Sttaaarrrreeeeeee

'i thought it might bring clarity or instill a sense of accomplishment. but all i feel is regret.' ( Lumen to Hayden )

Hayden leans against the ramparts, his eyes focused on the war torn scenery ahead of them. His soul has been turbulent as of late, a momentary weakness which has now passed. He has mediated upon the cloudless nights and considered his purpose, reevaluated his actions, and found his pride once more.

"When men get their first state of war and conflict, they can only react in a few ways. Some find a great vigor on the battlefield, with each enemy slain it propels them to further heights. Others find themselves wholly incapable, reduced to sniveling children upon the first gunshot."

His words carry neither malice nor praise in them. Instead he shifts so that his weight is now rested upon his forearms, a low rumble leaving the soldier-scholar's throat.

"What you feel is natural, and good. It is just, and right, that you should have thought you would find these things. Many young people though the same. And now that you have seen the bodies of men, twisted and burned, you regret ever having stepped foot on it's field."

His head turns to look at Lumen. He's a handsome young man, his hands looked unblemished by conflict. He looks educated, the college type. If such a thing exists here. He shouldn't be here with Hayden, in the trenches, experiencing the mundane brutality of war. The banality of evil, is what he heard it called before.

His emerald eyes focused upon Lumen's own irises, as if he is trying to gaze into his soul. Or at least seize his focus to such that his next words are etched into Lumen, so that in his most private moments he reflects on them.

"Make amends with your regret, move past it. Or abandon the cause if you cannot. Otherwise, you will suffer in all your waking moments."

He shifts his gaze towards the scenery below them, towards the dead being recovered and the wounded being tended.

"I have paid that price, Lumen. It's cost is higher than all the wealth of the world. But I would pay it, a million times over. For there is good, and there is evil, and evil must be fought at all costs."

@starryskied

Continued from here, with @starryskied

The truth is that Mumei knew virtually nothing about astronomy or astrology. All that she did know were the things she happened to remember from whenever a former member of the Council brought up some interesting faces about bread, of all things. Not that Mumei had room to question these things. She was known to have her very own moments of true madness on occasion, as well.

Still, seeing the cumbersome apparatus that people use to chart stars was quite fascinating. Mortal life often depended on navigating the starry skies, which was why she was suddenly invested in this area once thought out of her area of expertise. Of course, she'd need an expert's guiding hand to ensure that her journey of knowledge would actually amount to something that she could remember at the end of the day.

"The stars are aligning? That's a good thing right? People say it when something very unique is going to happen."

This was less a question addressed at the other person, and more of a way for the owl to jog her own memory on these matters. If it was a rare celestial event, then she should see this, right? It may take a couple more years of waiting until an opportunity presented itself again. By which time, she may have totally forgotten that she wanted to do this in the first place.

Her mind was made up as her thoughts seemed to come to a natural conclusion. With a nod, she allows herself to step where the other person was standing previously, and peered through the telescope. And then... What, exactly? Did one need to develop an eye for this sort of thing? Owls had good vision, but if you didn't know what to look for, then all that vision did nothing for you. It all looked like one big, black canvas with bits of light poking through.

"Okay. I see space. And I think those are stars. What is it I'm supposed to be looking out for right now? The yellowish one? Or the really bright white one?"

😧 - Accidentally walk into a changing stall that my muse was in ( from Lumen on @starryskied )

Kaia paused as she looked at the guy who walked in on her changing, her topless but not bothered by it. She smiled though, the guy was cute. "Like what you see?~~" She teased.

"...Lumen what would you do if I wore something like Miss Yato?"

@starryskied from here

“Alright. Sleep well.” The shark is content enough to leave the deer to retire. She had a point after all, they’d all be rising at daybreak to head out towards the operation zone and begin the surveillance. One of the medics had already passed Dogi a glance of frustration before heading up the stairs themselves towards where the rooms would be located. I did say just the one drink. He thinks to himself. But more than the alcohol, hearing the music was the real call to him. It was different from the occasional lull that being near the sea brings. This one touched his heart rather than his blood.

No sooner does he make his way to a barstool does Tsukinogi join him in a surprising turn of events. The Aegir is slightly dubious.

“You sure? Don’t let me keep you if you’re tired. The trip in wasn’t the best was it? Hoping those beds are nice and soft… won’t get that for a while.” The chuckle masks the sigh that escapes his lips before making a gesture to the bartender. “Whiskey for me, boss—hm?” Attention returns after Tsukinogi makes heard her concern for him. Or perhaps just curiosity? Surely she didn’t expect him to open up immediately. Face wrinkles with amusement and a hand wave to dismiss the depths. Is that why she came over? She was worried? Well now.

“No! Nothing like that. The music playing has me thinking about some things. The song’s new, but the instrument they’re playing- that steel guitar, beautiful. And it’s something I would hear sometimes on the streets back in Iberia where I grew up. Been so many years now since I left with the crew I can’t help but wonder how it all looks now. Or sounds in this case. Don’t hear too many good things these days out that way.” Ah, there’s the hint of melancholy. “Hey. Can I get you a drink? If you don’t want any liquor I’m sure our man’s got some juice or seltzer. Tea?” The bartender nods. “Well how about that.”

sword fight!!! :: closed

send ‘ Swordplay ’ for my muse to pin yours to the ground while fighting/sparring. send ‘ Swordplay + reverse ’ for your muse to pin mine.

@starryskied sent: Swordplay ( Zeph from ms. blue bird herself )

It's not a matter of if Zephyr deserved comeuppance, but when. Something or someone will surely, finally, catch up with the cheeky bird. Debauchery was only scraping the surface. There was an entire history even before arriving tired and haggard with his half dead sister on the front door of Rhodes Island building up a karmic debt. And apparently, he continued to be good at evading his debtors. Isn't there only so much one can get away with? And no, HR reports don't count. It may take something else for him to get the point. In this case Astesia's blade.

"I really really don't want to fight you, you know?" Troubled words spared while evading another strike of that flourishing rapier. It's unfortunate, that even at his most earnest Zephyr carries an air of someone who can't be taken seriously. Dubious to a complete fault. And cunning to a degree that everything might be a game. Either to save his own life or mess with someone else's. Talk was cheap, and even with a wealth of vocabulary the bounty accrued on him by the astrologist would take more than a speech to assuage.

So what else did he have then?

Well, his dexterity and agility for one. Swiping from tables and slipping around chairs for a chunk of your life making change and trading gossip around the clubs and casinos that made up the underbelly of Ursus is worth something. Not to mention surviving the fights when you got caught or had turf to defend in the alleys. He's been doing this since he was little. Surviving. To the great dismay of those who wished death upon him he was slippery even before the arts came into play.

They weren't, not for now. In such close quarters and with his attention on that sword it's not that he couldn't, but running away invites a certain level of cowardice on his resume and against a refine lady like Astesia that just wouldn't do. It'd be one thing if one of the elite operators or city clearers like Blaze were around where he didn't stand a chance at a parry. Oh, absolutely he would be halfway across the landship by now to save his skin.

That beautiful blade draws close to his neck and a flash of steel preludes the knife that catches it at the hilt. Zephyr knocks the attack away as footwork evades him a breath to the side from the attempted riposte that follows from the woman. She moves quick, and so does he. One might think this a tie as far as capabilities went, and they'd be wrong. The longer the battle draws on the less an advantage Zephyr has. He's a get in and get out kind of assailant. Quick attacks to take an opponent by surprise, it's why his arts made him such an effective combatant.

"Shit, you're not actually trying to kill me are you?!" This is the question that should have been asked earlier, alas, perhaps the optimism had run a little high after the supposed prank went poorly. Astesia had every right to be offended and wish retaliation for her honor. Zephyr just wanted to take his fidget spinner and leave. That wasn't going to work. And he's realizing it by the moment that in her current state an apology wasn't going to work.

Clang! Swish!

It's not the cleanest way to fight, but getting in and kicking away her lead foot and then breaking her guard with the pommel of the knife in his hand was about the only chance he had. A gust of wind to put him behind her and she's on the ground, just as angry as one might expect. But at least she doesn't have her sword, and Zephyr is no longer on the table to become swiss cheese.

"Are we good now?" There's the optimism again! As if it ever went away, and only blipped. It seemed that comeuppance wouldn't come so easily, but it was only stemmed. Much like the other Liberi's merited rage. "I'm sorry. Okay? I'm... sorry I spun a fidget spinner on your boob while you were asleep. Now if you promise not to gut me I'll get up. No hard feelings! We'll let this go..."

The birb is here to smooch Suki.

Strange, isn't it? The bird wants to be preyed on by the fox. @snowbelled @starryskied

@snowbelled asked: “Want some fresh pie to warm you up?” It may not be Pastéis de Nata from Iberia, but he's tried his hand at baking a different sort of pastry. ( Lumen to Katarina )

"Aww, that's sweet of you, though...Thanks. You're gonna eat some too, right? It'd be such a shame if you didn't get to enjoy any too. Right?"

Katarina had to admit, the pie did smell nice...But, admittedly, she didn't think she had anything to give in return. Well, aside from a kiss on the cheek. Maybe it'd be fine, though...So, before accepting anything, her lips would gently press against Lumen's cheek, before she pulled away and flashed a smile that was...Perhaps a little warmer than she was used to giving.

...Maybe she'd return the favor by learning to bake for once. Her big sis could probably help there, if she bugged her enough.