welcome to achamoth

[oomfies]

WHO: Kenoma Aions
WHAT: Welcoming party for the new Kenoma!
WHERE: Achamoth
WHEN: May, a few evenings post the TDM
WARNINGS: None for now!

I. 𝙒𝙀𝙇𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙀 𝘼𝙄𝙊𝙉𝙎! 🍸🎉 As per several many (slightly annoying) communion invitations, come a few evenings past the arrivals of the new Kenoma, there’s a party being thrown in a building just outside the Citadel. And thanks to the combined efforts Misa, Lottie, Gen, Matt, Luo Binghe, Amos, and more, the space is quite inviting. The tables set up are adorned with plenty of vibrant food and decadent drinks, all laid upon gothic, lacy tablecloths. There’s even live music— a small group of Achamite musicians playing the closest thing there is to grunge folk are plucking at strings in the corner. The hosts for the night, Misa and Lottie, stand in the entryway to usher their fellow Aions in. They’ll be busy accounting for everyone being in attendance for the first hour or so of the party (because they’ll start bothering people through Communion who don’t show up), so characters will be free for a while to peruse what they’ve set up: The largest table aside from the one that’s supporting all the fancy finger foods has a placard on it that reads “♡GAME TABLE♡”. This long, long table is taken up half way by shot glasses that have been pre-filled with a clear, fruity smelling alcohol. The other half of the table has a message written by Misa and Lottie: One of the most important missions of tonight is to get to know each other! Learn a thing or two about the people at the party through these games, got it? Or if you know some fun drinking games, teach someone one! By the way, you should also take one of these tally cards and have your partners in your games sign it when you’re done. Everyone who fills it out completely will get a prize 💋 Next to that placard are blank cards with three blank slots, as well as several quills. Getting three people to sign your card seems like it’ll result in you getting a prize! Allegedly. Next to those cards are explanations that Misa and Lottie have written on how to play 1) truth or dare, 2) never have I ever, and 3) two truths and a lie. They’ve even provided a deck of face down cards that have suggestions for truths and dares on them (because they didn’t want anyone to like, dare someone to burn the place down or something.) The truth and dare questions will be pretty innocent and/or jokingly flirty, think along the lines of “I dare you to tell your partner who you think is the hottest Aion on the Kenoma side.” However, characters are under no obligation to use these, and are free to go wild and make up their own. The second area of interest is an area with a black curtain pinned up, and an Achamite artist sitting in front of an easel… that’s right, they’ve hired a sketch artist to take people’s (very quick) portraits, thinking that since everyone can’t take selfies, it’d be nice to have some other physical memento of the party. Problem is, with the budget constraints for the party, they can’t afford to pay for everyone to get one alone - characters will need to pair up! There are a number of small miscellaneous accessories they’ve procured (hats, jewelry, etc.) that characters can wear if they wish. The artist seems a little fickle, though, and may keep asking characters to change poses or, you know, get closer so they can both fit in the frame… Characters who are wallflowers or simply don’t want to participate will be fresh out of luck— Misa and Lottie will be patrolling around the venue after ushering people in to ensure that people are participating. And yes, that means physically pushing two people together that they see sticking to the edges. You are free to handwave that they forced your character into a game or sketch with someone if they wouldn’t willingly participate! By the way, while characters are increasingly encouraged by Misa and Lottie throughout the evening to play with other characters in order to complete their cards, when they actually turn them in to the hosts, no prize will be immediately offered. You can handwave your character receiving a very non-committal “it’s not here yet,” “I’ll get back to you on this,” or “Wow, good job! Talk to me later, okay?” from either Misa or Lottie if they actually go through the effort to turn their card in.

II. 𝙒𝙊𝙍𝘿𝙎 𝙊𝙁 𝙒𝙄𝙎𝘿𝙊𝙈 🗣🎙 After everyone’s had a chance to have some booze, food, and possibly some embarrassing (or revealing?) moments while playing games, Misa and Lottie will signal for everyone to quiet down, and will step onto a small podium that they’ve brought into the venue. It’s during this time that they’ll finally address the group. Lottie speaks first: "Hello guys, how are we doing tonight? I'm Lottie Person, one of your hosts for tonight. Thank you to everyone who came and helped make this event a reality. First, Misa and I really couldn't have done it without everyone who pitched in. Is it cheesy to say it warmed my heart? Maybe.. But it shows that even if we all haven't exactly held hands, we still can come together for the important stuff. And second, thank you to all the new people who joined us tonight. This really wouldn't have happened without you, and we're happy to see such an amazing turn out with both new and old faces. As part of tonight's soiree, we've arranged to have some of the best and brightest people come and talk to us about all the things you need to know to better understand what's going on, and how you're involved." The two of them will introduce each speaker as they come up to the podium and give their spiel. The speeches that take place can be found here. Characters will have the opportunity to ask questions after each speech for clarifications or further details, so long as the speech giver is willing to answer. Once everyone has had their chance to share their knowledge, Misa will thank the speakers, and raise a glass of the closest thing Horos has to champagne for a toast: “That pretty much covers everything, doesn’t it? A big, big thanks to everyone for helping explain all that. I know me and Lottie were asking a lot of you, but we really couldn’t do it all by ourselves…! Some of you are way better at that stuff, ahaha. Anyways, I really hope everyone who came here to Achamoth feels a little more welcome now. I know everything’s been really crazy ever since we all came from those shrines, and it’s been scary, too. We don’t know what happened to where we came from, or what might happen to us… but I don’t feel too afraid. Because in my heart, I really believe in what we’ve all come here to do. And I believe in the Regent’s power. Let’s all remember one thing going forward. We’re on the same team, so that makes us all friends, okay?” She raises her glass. “Together, let’s create an ideal world.”

III. 𝙀𝙎𝘾𝘼𝙋𝙀 𝙁𝙍𝙊𝙈 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘾𝙄𝙏𝙔 🏃‍♂️💨🎭 Following the close of the serious speech section of the party, there’s still a bit more time to mingle before the party ends. Or, under normal circumstances, there would be. Shortly after Misa’s closing speech, some of the Achamite workers who have been hired to work at the party will have worked up the courage to approach Aions directly (particularly those with their shards visible.) Newer Aions may not have had a chance to experience this just yet, with their relative newness to the city, but Achamite citizens treat Kenoma Aions with the utmost excitement and religious fervor. It’s common for them to make generous offerings to Kenoma Aions if they are recognized or if their shard is spotted, or treat the Kenoma Aions in general as celebrities. This can result in your character being badgered with questions and offerings from the few non-Aions in the crowd helping with the party – older Kenoma Aions will recognize this behavior for what it is. Misa and Lottie will also take notice of this starting to happen, and will mentally communion urge everyone to leave the party ASAP before it turns into a meet and greet for overly enthusiastic onlookers. They’ll do their best to divert the attention of anyone getting too nosy by intercepting, but they won’t be able to keep everyone from experiencing this. Any lingering questions about the apparent reverence the Achamites hold for the Kenoma Aions will have to be answered by older Aions — preferably while you make a clever escape. Outside the party venue is the rest of Achamoth, with the Citadel stretching high above into the dark night sky above. You can make a quick return back to the Citadel’s familiar dining halls and bedrooms, or perhaps you want to escape to somewhere else in the city.

Comments

[lockedon]

PHOTO PORTRAIT OP

[ When the first communion message had gone out, Eustace had scanned it and then promptly thrown it in the recycling bin of his mind. He's not new, he doesn't need a guided tour or any questions answered, he hates parties, why would he bother to go? But as the night wears on and the clock ticks past the appointed party hour, the answer to his question becomes increasingly clear. Namely because if he doesn't go, he will drown under the barrage of increasingly frequent and increasingly annoying (and honestly kind of threatening??) messages sent by both Misa and Lottie.

Fine, then. He'll go, have an obligatory drink or one of those pointless little finger sandwiches, loiter in the nearest empty corner for twenty minutes, and then get the hell out of dodge. Or so he thinks.

The reality of the situation is that instead of loitering in one corner he is currently standing in front of the artist booth with a fellow Kenoma (after having been forced by one of their "gracious" hostesses), looking like a man walking straight to his execution. Mouth set in a thin line, eyes glaring daggers, shoulders stiff as stone....the only thing that doesn't fit in with the picture is his attire, in particular the sleeveless backless shirt he's currently got on. (Erune fashion, baybee.)

The next time he sees Lottie or Misa, they are dead meat. ]

Let's get this over with.

[ Before he starts seriously contemplating an act of violence against the poor hired artist who has never done anything wrong in their life (citation needed). ]

WALLFLOWERING 🥀

[ Eventually, he manages to escape the deeply cursed sketch booth, snag a (much-needed) drink, and flee to one of the more abandoned corners of the building. Tempting thought it is to just ditch the party entirely, he has to admit that gathering all the Kenoma Aions in a single room makes for a convenient chance to scope out his new "associates", most of whom he hasn't had a chance to observe yet.

The drink goes some way in making this whole ordeal slightly more tolerable, though his annoyance is palpable in the way his ears twitch furiously every few seconds as he gazes out into the crowd. Speaking of which—there appears to be a sparkly pink bow still attached to one ear from a previous sketch session. Apparently he's forgotten to take it off in the midst of all his annoyance. ]

WILDCARD

[ Open to anything else your heart desires, including party games and mingle set-up/tear down! Feel free to shoot me a PM or ping me in the Discord with any questions. ]

wallflowering...

[gravings]

[ Eustace's ear be looking cute, but Gray doesn't comment on it as she sidles up to him at his spot at the wall. She blinks around at the rest of the room briefly, gauging the people nearby, before saying quietly for his ears only: ]

Um, would it be alright if I stood here with you? If we're together, they might not feel like they have to pull us back in...

[ Not naming names........... ]

[lockedon]

[ Ah, another victim of Lottie and Misa's ceaseless bullying encouragement...

Eustace looks down at Gray. Looks back at the gathered crowd of Kenoma Aions. Closes his eyes and takes a sip of his drink. ]

I'm not sure they'll see it that way.

[ Also not naming names, but we all know who they're talking about. Regardless, once a little more alcohol's made its way through his system, he sidles over one step (so she can shrink into the shadows even more), opens his eyes and looks down to sweep a critical gaze over Gray, who looks even smaller than usual. ]

Not a party person?

[ He's pretty sure he already knows the answer, based on past behavior. ]

[gravings]

[ After enduring his cryptic look, she thankfully slides in parallel with him so that she can better don the COVER OF SHADOW. It probably isn't helping all that much.

Her shoulders droop at his extremely accurate and obvious assessment of her party proficiency, hood lowering as her face turns down to hide the helpless look she's sure is plastered there. ]

I've been to parties. Though they were probably more like functions... and I would be there as an assistant rather than an honored guest.

[ And she preferred it that way!! ]

I don't suppose you'd have any tips...?

[lockedon]

[ Ah yes, here it is, his chance to prove himself as a well-versed member of the partygoing scene. This One Trick Will Cure You Of All Your Party Mingling Fears: ]

Don't go to any to start with.

[ Hope she wasn't expecting a real answer.

Actually, that's the only answer she gets for about the next minute, his attention caught by a pair of Kenoma Aions once again trapped in the sketch booth, looking increasingly more uncomfortable as the artist rattles off their list of suggested (and suggestive) poses. Thank the gods that isn't him anymore.

But eventually he returns with a follow-up, tone of voice a little less dismissive this time around. ]

Alcohol usually helps. [ Provided one drinks responsibly, of course. ] Or find someone you're comfortable around.

portrait op

[perfectlygoodbird]

[The face is at least somewhat familiar. The birdlike girl's eyes go wide, and so does her smile. It's unlikely that Meteion's ever been to a party before--the formal dinner they had wasn't like this. Unlikely she'd ever been to one of those, either, though...]

Really? Okay!

[Meteion, please. Likely Eustace is just doing this to get someone off his back. Whether or not that's the case--she is excited and delighted and raring to go. The poor artist is nervous, but directs her to stand behind a chair and for Eustace to sit--there's a lot of height difference to work through, since she's short...]

So how have you been? [At least she doesn't seem to want to set up an unceasing stream of chatter, but the question itself is heartfelt.]

the most precious birb ;w;

[lockedon]

[ —Ah.

Meteion's enthusiasm, while not catching, goes a ways in curbing his petty indignition, the bulk of his annoyance fizzling out as she skips to posing area. Hard to be mad when there's a child (as far as he knows) having a grand old time at a party despite the crotchety company she's been forced to hang with.

Obediently he takes his position, not wanting to cause a fuss and spoil Meteion's good mood. His voice, when he replies, has also lost the worst of its edge, dropping down to a tired rumble. ]

Fine enough.

[ Or he had been, before this cursed party. Despite the instructions to sit still, he turns his head to look at his portrait parter. ]

Did you go out to the shrines?

[ One day he will learn how to talk about something else other than work.... ]

[perfectlygoodbird]

[She pats his shoulders gently, looking down at him until the artist directs her to "look up, please!" Trying her absolute best not to fidget, to stand still and set her gaze on the Achamite.]

I did. I made it out to the Visionary shrine, at the end. [Meteion looks to see if her quarry had made it to the party; he'd be impossible to miss.] I don't see him here, but he's really tall! You'd know if he were here.

[Not that she's sure Eustace would be the type to want to meet Zenos viator Galvus. Not to mention that Zenos viator Galvus isn't the most sociable of individuals, either...] He's kind of intense, though.

[hello, understatement!]

Portraits LFG

[lachtara]

[ Immediately upon entering, those at the portrait booth begin bothering him to sit down and be sketched. His own royal portrait had been painted begrudgingly, and he cared not to repeat the process. It is met with an immediate refusal - and countered with immediate insistence.

Although when he sees the glare on Eustace's face as he sits in the modeling chair, oh he can't help but agree. If he was going to be goaded into a portrait, he might as make it difficult for someone else.

Emet-Selch slips into the seat beside him and folds his arms, also gazing off with a glare to match his ally. ] Indeed.

[ He waits for several moments - enough for the artist to get a good start - and then he stands up and positions himself to face the other direction. ]

Come to think of it, I think this angle would be better suited. Would you mind starting over?

losing my mind, thanks grandpa

[lockedon]

[ Eustace is, by nature, not a spiteful man. Annoyance tends to spark and then fizzle out like matches doused in rain, and anything that gains his permanent ire usually ends up being large and wide in scope. But, well, after the constant badgering from Lottie and Misa, he's feeling petulant tonight, enough to act on his annoyance rather than wait for it to dissipate.

In this case, it means masking the brief flicker of surprise across his face as Emet lounges in his assigned position, first one way and then another. If that's how he's planning on spending this session, then... ]

I take it you've done this before. [ The words are less an actual question than they are a segue into his next comment. ] Where do you think I should stand? To your right?

[ He walks over to position himself to the other man's right for the space for twenty seconds, long enough for the sound of pencil against paper to start up again, before moving back. ]

Or your left?

[ For tonight, he's willing to be an accomplice in driving this poor portrait artist mad. ]

😇 time to make it worse

[lachtara]

[ Emet-Selch waves a hand in the air dismissively. ] Over there is fine. [ This is made purposefully - and frustratingly - vague. What does 'over there' mean? Did that mean left or right? Who knows, really. ]

And yes, I have done this before. I have had several portraits commissioned in the past. Now be still and let this artist do their work.

[ He quiets and sits perfectly still while the artist sketches. By all intents and purposes it may seem like he has finished with accosting this poor artist. However, Emet-Selch waits until the time where the portrait should almost be complete - but not nearly enough time to finish it completely. A purposeful move to make sure there is incomplete parts to object to. ]

Come, let us see your progress.

[ The artist looks at the two with pleading eyes as the canvas is turned to reveal the image. It looks...rather good, save for some unfinished details. Even so, Emet-Selch scoffs in dramatic displeasure. ]

I am beginning to think that you do not have eyes. That image bears no resemblance to us. [ It bears an uncanny resemblance. ] I do not look like that. And look what you have done to my ally; he does not remotely resemble a proud miqo'te in this paltry excuse for art.

[ Emet-Selch flicks a wrist in their direction. ]

Start over it again. This time make my portrait more regal and - [ He looks to Eustace. ] - surely there is something you would like to see changed as well?

portrait

[epiprocta]

[ Upon entering the venue Eustace might have noticed Gen present earlier than most others -- absorbed in a snippy conversation with Misa about whether a table belongs here or there. And for all the times he'd called her a finicky dumbass for changing her mind so many times, he'd still grumpily moved all the furniture about as requested in the leadup to the party's start.

And this is the thanks he gets.

Gen gives Eustace an incredulous stare from a pace or two away, just shy of where the portrait artists pleads with him to stand so that they'll actually be in the frame together. And while he's definitely annoyed at getting pushed into this nonsense (portraits? what person under the age of, like 80 gets portraits of themselves painted???), he has to clarify something else first. ]

-- the hell are you even wearing.

[ Said as he looks from Eustace's face, pointedly down to his backless shirt, and back up. ... seriously, bro. What the hell. Is this how you dress when you're not out on the training fields. ]

[lockedon]

[ Don't be such a fuckin' hater?? Says the person who hates nearly everything about this party.

While the poor sketch artist wrings their hands together as they try to convince a pair of immovable objects to just please move a few more inches closer together, Eustace shoots a lofty look over to Gen, entirely unimpressed (but also unfazed) by the clear judgement of his ensemble tonight. ]

It's a shirt.

[ Just some clothes, man? What's so weird about it? The idea that backless shirts might be considered outlandish has never once crossed his mind, Korwa's fashion line so prominent throughout the skydoms that her particular style in design has permeated near every household. Clearly it's brand new here in Horos judging from the number of comments gained so far. No doubt it'll become a hot new trend soon enough, as most things Aion are.

Between the annoying Communion messages and this stupid portrait he's meant to be posing for - he does not take a step closer - his mood is well and truly sour, enough for him snipe back. ]

The same thing you're wearing.

[ Only sluttier more revealing but whatever. ]

[epiprocta]

[ It is decidedly not the same thing he's wearing, excuse you?? They're probably both dressed in fairly plain all-black clothes, being the no-fun-allowed assholes they are when it comes to fashion, but the difference here is that Gen's clothes cover the entirety of his back like a normal person should, thank you very much.

So he gives Eustace an incredibly dubious glance before slowly answering, ]

... yeah. Right.

[ And then he takes a step forward, closer to where the poor portrait artist is indicating for him to go.

Not because the (miserably underpaid, very tired, doesn't-deserve-this-treatment) painter is pleading with him to step into the light right there, but so that he's within armsreach of Eustace. Which allows him to casually (and very rudely) reach out and give him a light thump to the back.

Which, like, should be fine, right? If he's so insistent that what he's wearing is totally fine and normal??? Nothing wrong with a hand touching his bare skin? Gen looks Eustace straight in the eye as he deadpans, ]

C'mon, the guy says to stand there.

smile for me, puppy.

[subsist]

[ colour kaeya surprised when he sees which unlucky soul got wrangled into the booth with him. it's not the outfit eustace is wearing that makes him laugh, but rather the sour expression on the erune's face, as if this is quite possibly the worst thing in the world to have ever happened to him.

maybe it is. kaeya's going to make sure of that. ]

Oh? And here I thought you were the shy type. [ he gestures with his hand, beckoning the other. ] Well, come on. Come closer.

[ let's get cozy. ✨ ]

absolutely not

[lockedon]

[ heck off 🖕

Being browbeaten into the sketch booth yet another time has miraculously not sapped him entirely of the will to live, though it has unfortunately increased the amount of spite bubbling inside of him. Instead of moving even a single centimeter closer to Kaeya, Eustace digs his heels into the ground, crossing his arms over his chest. ]

He can paint the picture like this.

[ He being their agitated painter for the night, who is vehemently shaking his head and insisting that actually he can't paint them like this and would the good sirs please move a little closer to each other? Or maybe a lot closer, like into an embrace or with one of them sitting on the other? ]

[subsist]

[ oh, eustace... you make this too easy.

kaeya's smile only grows wider when the erune refuses to play nice. no matter. he's used to being treated the most annoying thing in the world, so he acts no differently — rather than shy away, he's the one who boldly closes the distance between them. if eustace wants to get violent over it, he can protect himself so he isn't too woried. ]

Like this?

[ the painter shakes his head some more, saying it looks like they're having no fun at all. he gestures at kaeya to make him sit down on the chair. oh boy. ]

Ah, I'm afraid you're going to have to simply just... [ casually, kaeya settles his hand on eustace's shoulder and urges him to sit down. nicely. for now. ] Sit down. It will be over before you know it.

wallflowering - can't believe I'm giving Eustace a break from the portrait dogpiling

[vapour]

[ Considering Eustace's large and dark-furred ears, that pink bow stands out even with him trying to stay off to the side. Childe has long since finished his bothering with the social activities, finding his mood souring after a while: why, he isn't quite sure. He's usually pretty good at putting on face to be at the center of attention in parties and other events. Tonight, though, he's just not having it.

It's possible he's still decidedly cranky from his encounter with Aerith and Estinien.

Or perhaps he's frustrated with his recent conversation with Lumine— not that he's told anyone about it, just like he's avoided giving the details of meeting with the previously mentioned Pleroma face-to-face.

He stops approaching (from the main area rather than from either side of the other) and looks at Eustace a moment before finally offering the smallest smile. Raising a hand up above his head just enough to mimic the height of ears he moves his thumb to rub over the inside of his index and middle finger in a quick back-and-forth motion to hopefully get Eustace to realize something on his actual ears just isn't quite right. ]

You sure got accosted at the portrait booth this evening. What a popular guy.

dogpiling....i see what you did there

[lockedon]

[ It's honestly a surprise anyone bothers approaching him with the aura he radiates, a mixture of irritable and tired. So he is a little surprised when a man drops by - Tartaglia, if he remembers correctly - with a mild smile on his face and a......strange gesture towards the top of his head?

—Oh.

Suddenly remembering (and feeling) the scratch of fabric against his ear, he reaches up and dislodges the sparkly ribbon from his ear, bringing it down to look at it with another look of distaste. Tragic that he isn't standing next to a trash can else he'd throw it away immediately.

And while he really ought to thank the other man for preventing him from walking around the rest of the night looking like an aboslute fool, he's still feeling dour after Misa and Lottie's constant henpecking. Maybe next time.... ]

I didn't ask to be.

[ He hates this!! Next time he'll point them in Childe's direction. Speaking of Childe though....Eustace looks over, gaze cool. (It's not you, Childe, it's definitely him.) ]

Do you need something?

[ Again, who would actively seek him out unless they wanted him to do something.... ]

wallflowering

[spiritfury]

[ Rin has been doing what she does best--lurking. She was good at this in life, awkwardly standing off to the side as she watches everyone else interact, but now? Now hanging out in dark corners with an ominous aura is what she does best. The problem is that now she's trying not to do that...

She stands, hands folded in front of her. Pent up nervous energy means that she twitches even in place, though she's doing her best to keep as straight and unremarkable as possible. It's...it's a different atmosphere than the Entity's Realm. She cannot disappear to the safety of her Estate and most of the people gathered here do not give off the same vibe as the other Killers.

Rin feels out of place. But she has to remember she's here for a reason. Maybe she just needs to...get to know the others. A little more. Somehow.

As her pupil-less gaze scans the room, her eyes fall on one man with...

...are...are those...cat ears?

Oh...oh no.

Oh no that's too cute.

Rin brings a hand to her mouth as her eyes widen and her form starts to blink sporadically in and out of existence. Not at all thinking on the fact that she's making no attempt to hide the way that she's staring and, erm, blinking herself at him. ]

[lockedon]

[ The longer Misa and Lottie fail to blink into existence at his elbow with yet another threat-laced plea for him to go have some fun, the more he can feel himself relax bit by bit. The alcohol helps, the mellow warmth spreading through his veins enough to lift his spirits up to merely mildly annoyed instead of venemously frustrated.

Unfortunately, the absence of their gracious hostesses does not mean the absence of all further woes. Eventually, he feels the eerie sensation of eyes and turns his head to peer through the crowd at.....

Actually he's not sure what he's looking at, other than a figure appearing to wink in and out of existence (????). Is this some secret attraction Misa and Lottie had smuggled in at the last second? A coded message between Xishen and the Regent? No, he's pretty sure he'd seen the woman (?) in the crowd during the speeches earlier, though she hadn't been.....blinking, like this before.

Peeling himself away from his corner, he threads his way through the loose crowd, coming to a stop a safe two feet away from the mysterious blinking apparition. ]

Are you....okay?

[ Kind of a stupid question, considering he wouldn't even know what to do if she wasn't okay. The bow in his hair jostles merrily as his ears flick forward and then back. ]

[spiritfury]

[ She doesn't realize she's been caught until he starts moving in her direction. Rin starts to panic, which only makes her hair float high above her head as she looks for an avenue of escape. She could just phase-walk away--yes, that's what she should do, literally disappear into the crowd and find some--

--oh no! She's been truly caught.

And...and his ears have a bow. ]

I--

[ Say something, Rin! Don't just stare. ]

--I like your bow!

[ Nailed it. ]

🃏

[expiera]

[Honestly props to Eustace for showing up AND sticking around for this long, Ciel wasn't sure if he'd actually force himself to endure it all. She promised to help and had a part of speech to give, so her own presence was non-negotiable, but Eustace...

...Also has a staunch sense of responsibility and would do what he can as much as he may try to be lowkey about it, that or Misa/Lottie bullied him into it. It's the conclusion she draws, and it's not TOO unreasonable, is it?

Regardless, things are finally beginning to quieten down, some people have also left for the city on the tour guides graciously offered by Silco and Amos. She happens to come across him... Leaning against a wall? Seated somewhere perhaps with a glass of water? Did he get anything else unwittingly attached onto his person, after the Sketchening? Not hard to spot him out in any case, over 6ft tall with pointy wolfy ears and all.]

Still hanging in there?

[She'll try to give a lighter opening accompanied by an encouraging smile, in any case. There's nothing business-like about hitting him up tonight, not unless the conversation shifts to Xishen's appearance and Howl's absence. It'll probably wash right off him, but it's the thought that counts?]

[lockedon]

[ By the power vested in me (and also alcohol), Eustace will be forced to engage in smalltalk for at least five comments before he's allowed to ask about Work.

Which is to say—he's by one of the refreshments tables with a trash bin off to one side, releasing the last bits of his pent-up annoyance by putting himself to work. Not that there's really all that much left, most of it chased away by the alcohol he's slowly been downing all night, enough to leave him pleasantly buzzed but not wasted. Tragically there is nothing else affixed to his person

Maybe that's why he replies to Ciel without sarcasm or disdain when she ambles his way. ]

Well enough. Though I won't be going to the next party.

[ No matter how much Lottie or Misa (or whoever else) nags at him to!! ]

You seemed to handle yourself well enough.

[ From the little he'd caught of her, anyway. ]

[expiera]

[Supports u with the power of God and anime by the tenuous religious link bestowed by vampire-smiting fictional Christianity 🙏

For better or worse, she wouldn't give him TOO much of a hard time even if he did look like a clown, so all's... well, that ends... well (citation needed??)!]

It was already surprising to see you at all, aha. I expected you to help with setup and cleanup at most, but not stay around for the actual thing. [The whole thing, at that. Misa and Lottie are truly Too Powerful...] Congratulations on making through the night though, we're almost done at least?

Well, it's a social function. I'm honestly not used to this sort of thing either, but I think anyone can manage if they know their way around a crowd.

[Which makes Eustace surviving being here all the more impressive... She's eyeing him a little curiously. Any sign of fatigue/ruffled-ness/etc, no attachments necessary?]