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whalefalllibrary · 3 months ago

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Banquet Ablaze

M: Phew, Now it actually looks livable.

With the dust and clutter swept out, fresh air drifts into the tiny apartment at last.

After another round of scrubbing the floor, I plop down to rest. My gaze lands on the paint-covered ceiling and walls.

M: (Rafayel said he lived here before. Did he create these paintings himself?)

Although the paint has peeled and faded with age, I can still make out the bold colors and untamed brushstrokes.

M: (They’re kind of similar to Rafayel’s style, but there’s something differebt about them…)

R: Whatcha looking at?

M: I’m just admiring the art.

A familiar face appears in my line of sight. I grab his sleeve, point to the walls, and share my thoughts.

R: Ah, I see. You know, your artistic intuition is sharper than 99.8% of the world’s population by now, Master MC.

M: When you hang out with a talented artist all day, it’s hard not to pick up a thing or two.

R: So, what else have you noticed? Tell me.

I frame a section of the ceiling with my fingers. Rafayel lies down beside me so we can look at it together.

M: Right here. It’s sort of like a black cactus? But if you look closely, there’s orange and bright pink underneath.

M: Why would the artist cover up these warm, vivid colors?

R: Weeell, it’s because…

He leans closer until our foreheads touch. His voice is like a warm mist near my ear.

R: Colors that are bright like the sun… Sure, they’re beautiful and passionate… But they can burn anyone who comes too close.

R: Like a kite with no string, the viewer will be caught in the scorching heat until they’re nothing but ash.

M: What are you trying to say?

Rafayel doesn’t answer me. He sits up and pulls me along with him.

R: Beak time’s over.

R: Let’s power through this and finish unpacking. Then I’ll take you to the best seafood place in town.

As I stand, I notice a messy stack of sketches that wasn’t there before. They’re right next to our suitcases.

R: I just pulled these out from a cabinet in the bedroom.

Seeing my confusion, Rafayel slips the yellowed, delicate pages into a bag as he speaks.

R: I thought I already collected all of his sketches, but it looks like he stashed some away.

M: (”His” sketches?)

M: So those and the paintings on the walls aren’t yours?

R: Yep, they’re definately not mine.

R: Back then, I couldn’t bring myself to paint for a while.

R: These works and this apartment belong to…

R: Someone who was basically my art teacher.

M: You’ve never mentioned him before.

R: He’s been missing for years.

M: Missing?

R: That’s what the news said.

M: But in reality, he’s…?

R: In reality, I just let myself believe he was missing.

After carefully placing the sketches into a seperate box, Rafayel returns to unpacking our suitcases.

R: He liked the world above the waaves. Many years ago, he left Lemuria to paint landscapes he had never seen before.

R: Maybe he really did find his own utopia. And it was so enchanting that he forgot to come back.

M: …

There’s no sadness on his face. I’m not sure if I should ask any more questions. But then he closes the suitcase.

R: All right. Actually, wait…

R: I almost forgot this.

Rafayel puts a fancy-looking wine box on a prominent spot. It’s the gift for the winery owner at tomorrow’s banquet.

Despite the bottle being tightly wrapped, the wine’s rich, mellow aroma quickly permeates the room.

M: It’s called Dionysus. Named after the God of Wine himself. It must taste amazing.

R: Sadly, it’s too strong for tonight’s dinner.

Rafayel grabs my coat in one hand and turns me around with the other.

R: Let’s get going. We’ll pick out something more suitable once we’re at the restaurant.

After dinner, Rafayel and I walk back with a bottle of wine. It’s a gift from the restaurant owner.

Every now and then, we hear the clink of glasses and cheerful chatter from the shops. It mingles with the strong fragrance of wine in the evening air.

M: I didn’t expect the restaurant owner to actually know you.

M: And they see as “Lil Raf”, not “Rafayel who’s a famous artist”.

R: In my defense, I wasn’t exactly a kid at the time.

R: Buuut I guess if we’re gonna use your human standards… I was technically underage.

Maybe it’s because of the wine that his voice is soft and languid. It’s just like the moonlight above.

After some thought, I decided to ask the questions I couldn’t bring myself to voice at the apartment.

M: So… Why did you live here at that time?

R: …I’m too drunk to remember.

interaction: pat his head

Rafayel covers his eyes and shakes his head, but his steps remain perfectly steady. I pat his cheek, which doesn’t feel warm at all.

M: Liar.

M: Let me ask another question. Were you… Unhappy when you lived here?

I recall him saying he couln’t bring himself to paint at the time.

R: I barely went out back then.

He plucks an unknown flower from the vines of a nearby wall.

R: The old butler who accompanied me was worried. He thought I might run into trouble. Sooo, he asked me to stay inside.

R: But my teacher was either painting or drinking. He spent twelve hours a day doing one thing, and the rest of the day was spent doing the other.

R: Sometimes he’d bring me to the bars. We’d go from the eastern coast to the western coast. My job was to drag him home once he passed out.

M: Wow. You were a caring, underage fishie.

R: Yuuup. While he drank, I just stood outside and watched the world go by one coast at a time.

M: Was it beautiful?

Rafayel responds with a slight smile, tucks the flower into my jacket’s pocket, and takes my hand.

R: Do you wanna see it for yourself?

----------------------------------------

Following the path through rows of grape arbors, we arive at a secluded coast.

R: Give me your hand. One… two… three.

interaction: take his hand

M: Up we go!

With Rafayel’s help I scramble up a steep slope, and the entire coast unfolds before my eyes.

Under the moonlight, the sea gleams with a silvery sheen reminiscent of sparkling diaonds.

The cliffs are covered in lush foliage and flowering vines. White sea spray soars as the waves roll onto the shore to create an almost rhythmic murmur.

M: This is gorgeous… No wonder there are so many bars here.

M: I would’t mind drinking when there’s a view like this.

R: When in Rome, doas the Romans do. You’ve only been here for a day, but you already fit right in.

Rafayel finds a spot to sit and pats the ground beside him. He gives me the small bottle of wine.

interaction: tap

R: The scenery used to be more beautiful than this.

R: The sea was a vivid greenish blue, the meadows were full of daisies, and seagulls would circle those red cliffs.

R: I’d sit here and watch the sun dip below the horizon. Then the moon started its shift.

M: It’s still stunning. Somehow it feels… soothing, like the ocean is washing my worries away.

I sip the wine, and realize something.

Dialogue choice: Maybe your teacher did that on purpose?

M: Maybe your teacher dragged you outside on purpose.

M: You were depressed. He might’ve been trying to cheer you up.

R: …I doubt it. Art and booze were all that mattered to him. He wasn’t the type to have hidden goals.

R: But if he ever makes it back from that “utopia”, I’ll ask him.

He grips the bottle but doesn’t drink. He just quietly looks at the sea.

I’m not sure if I should pry further, so I look around to find something that could lighten the mood.

M: You said something about red cliffs. Where are they? I can’t see them.

R: It’s so dark right now.

R: Besides, the winery’s in the way.

He points to a manor-like building in the distance.

Hoenlos Winery. We’re going there tomorrow night.

M: Oh, so that’s its name.

R: You didn’t bother to read the invitation and just followed me here. Aren’t you afraid I’ll sell you off?

M: You’re the one who said this was no big deal. But you came all the way here.

R: That’s not what I said, cutie.

R: I said the owner isn’t exactly a friend of mine. But he’s important.

R: I’ve waited a long time for this invitation.

M: (What does that mean…?)

Dialogue choice: Do you have plans tomorrow?

M: It’s rare to see you so eager to socialize… Do you have plans for tomorrow?

R: What do you mean by “plans”?

M: …I’m not sure.

Dialogue choice 1: Do you have anything planned?

R: Relax. My only plan tomorrow consists of giving him that bottle of wine.

I nod a few seconds later. I’m unable to shake off this odd feeling.

Rafayel rests his head on my shoulder, takes a tiny sip, and gives the bottle back to me.

R: The breeze is perfect tonight… Let’s stay here for a while longer.

R: Drink as much as you want. We’ll sleep it off later.

R: We’ll rest until tomorrow… when the banquet begins.

--------------------------------------------------------------

The next evening, we arrive at the newly built Hoenlos Winery. We’re on schedule.

Music drifts through the lavish ballroom that’s filled with guests. As soon as Rafayel appears, a man hurries over to greet him.

??: Mr. Rafayel, welcome! I’m honored you decided to travel all the way here.

R: I wouldn’t miss the grand opening of your winery, Mr. Alden.

They shake hands before Rafayel links his arm with mine.

R: This is Mr. Alden. And this my companion, MC.

M: It’s a pleasure to meet you.

After a few polite words, Rafayel presents the wine. Alden’s face changes from surprise to sheer delight.

Alden: This… is the Dionysus?

R: It’s a small gift, nothing more.

Guest A: Dionysus? Aren’t there only five bottles of it in the world?

A sharp-eyed guest notices the label and gasps.

Guest A: My goodness, Mr. Alden. You’re very fortunate. Having enough money can’t always guarantee you’ll get it.

Guest A: I heard it fetched an enormous sum at an auction. Mr. Rafayel, were you the mysterious bidder?

R: It was more of a lucky find.

R: I’m not a connoisseur, though. It’d be wasted on me, so I thought it should go to someone who truly appreciates it such as Mr. Alden.

R: If it can bring joy to everyone for a grand occasion, then that’s even better.

Alden: This is… You’re too kind, Mr. Rafayel.

Alden thanks him profusely and summons the sommelier to take the wine away.

Rafayel maintains his courteous smile as e exchanges a few more words with Alden. Then he turns his attention to me.

R: Why are you staring at me?

Rafayel picks up a bite-sized pastry and holds it up to my mouth.

M: It’s just… I haven’t seen you in a crowd like this in ages. It’s a little odd?

M: How did you meet Mr. Alden anyway?

R: Aside from being in the wine bussiness, he likes collecting art. He visited a few of my exhibitions overseas.

R: He even attended that lecture I gave on Lemuria’s art in Linkon.

As we talk, we move to the other side of the hall.

Glass display cases are thoughtfully arranged throughout the area. Each showcases items from Mr. Alden’s personal art collection.

M. If that’s it, then why did you give him something so valuable? You also said he was important…

I ask the question that’s been nagging me since yesterday.

R: As I’ve said before, a wine should be with someone who suits it.

R: That’s how it can fulfill it’s real purpose.

He suddenly stops in his tracks, and his gaze is fixed on the wall behind me. I turn to see an oil painting.

It shows a shimmering sea. Each wave’s crest glimmers with highlights

M: Those are…

R: …Scales.

M: ?!

My eyes widen as I move closer to it. The color and gleam of those scales stand out.

M: (Why does this look so familiar… Could it be…?)

R: Okay, you’ve looked enough for today.

A hand covers my eyes, but it’s too late.

I remember now. Those beautiful scales… I saw them on Rafayel before.

A horrifiying thought surfaces in my mind. I open my mouth, but no words come out.

M: …

M: You knew… that your art teacher never made it to any “utopia”.

R: …Yes.

The brilliant light in the hall hurts my eyes. Rafayel remains calm, however.

R: He was lured into a deadly trap by the two things he loved the most.

R: Then, he was burned to ashes.

M: Rafayel…

All the puzzle pieces click into place: why Rafayel came here, why Alden matters so much, and…

M: That wine… It isn’t just a gift, right?

R: Wherever Dionysus goes, madness and death follow.

R: He tempts mortals with the world’s most sublime wine. They’ll sink into its sweetness before resting in blissful oblivion.

Applause fill the hall. Alden walks onto the stage under everyone’s gaze and begins his speech.

R: No gift would be more fitting than that bottle of wine.

I’m not sure if he’s referring to Alden or his teacher.

M: …It’s the perfect gift.

M: Those who were wronged will find peace, and the greedy will be judged.

interaction: tap (his hand)

M: And you… I hope this helps you move on.

R: …

Alden: I’d like to give special thanks to Mr. Rafayel. He has gifted us a remarkable wine for this celebration!

The spotlight suddenly move as Alden raises his glass to Rafayel. The bottle of Dionysus sits on the table beside him.

Alden: Let’s make a toast, everyone.

The guests raise their glasses. Rafayel follows suit, but he doesn’t turn toward the stage.

He lowers his gaze to the golden liquid. It’s as though he sees a memory within it.

R: Cheers!

He clinks his glass against an invisible one. I hear him murmur something in Lemurian.

R: … (tentative: “akhamenova”)

M: What did you say?

R: I said…

R: Bon voyage.

After Alden’s speech, Rafayel tells me to wait here. He disappears into the crowd before I can say a word.

Time passes, but he still hasn’t returned. And just as I’m about to go look for him—

R. Sorry to keep you waiting.

M: Rafayel, did… something happen?

R: There are too many people for anything to “happen”.

He takes my half-empty glass and chugs it in one go.

M: Are you sure you’re okay?

R: Of course.

interaction: tap (his hand)

M: I don’t like this place. Can we go home?

R: …No.

Rafayel looks out the window. Muffled thunder rumbles behind the clouds, and lightning flashes.

R: I wanna go to the beach.

-------------------------------

Dark clouds loom overhead. Waves roll in, and the water rises past our ankles.

Rafayel pulls out a tiny vial from his pocket. Something inside it shimmers faintly.

M: Scales…

He must’ve gone back for them when he told me to wait.

R: Do you remember what I said, cutie? Life that’s born in the sea ultimately returns to it. We find a different kind of eternity in the ocean’s depths.

A gentle flame envelops the vial as Rafayel kneels and puts it in the water.

The wave carries it away until the tiny ember vanishes at the point where the sea meets the sky.

R: A long time ago, he was the one who helped me leave this place.

M: Are you talking about your teacher?

R: Yeah. He kept just enough money for one final drink.

R: He used the rest to buy two new identities for me and the old butler… And the tickets that’d let us leave.

He looks at the winery in the distance. Silhouettes dance across the windows like scenes from an eerie play.

R: Now, I’ve finally returned the favor. I gave him a proper goodbye.

M: …You did.

R: Do you want to dance?

interaction: tap (his hand)

M: Sure.

Before we know it, it’s pouring.

But we keep dancing. Our clothes are soaked. The waves rise and wash over our legs.

R: The world is full of things that can swallow you whole if you let them.

R: …I need to find an anchor. One of us falters—I’m not sure who—and we lose our balance. We fall into the ocean.

Countless waves engulf me until a warm touch lifts me out of the cold water.

R: …

His hands touch my waist, and he pulls me up just before I sink.

Rafayel rests his head on my shoulder. We cling to each other, our bodies rising and falling with the currents of the dark waters.

R: So, you should tightly hold onto me.

--------------------------------------------

Half a Month Later.

News Reporter: Alden, the owner of Hoenlos Winery, was discovered in a barrel of his own wine this morning. He drowned.

News Reporter: There were no signs of foul play at the crime scene, and the police have initially ruled it as a suicide…

Gentle daylight filters through the curtains and spills across my open book. A blue ocean under the sun spans the page.

M: Change the channel.

R: I thought you weren’t watching it.

On Rafayel’s lap, I respond.

M: I was listening.

R: You’re so bossy…

Soothing music fills the room. Engrossed in our own quiet tasks, we lean against each other.

The stormy night and everything that happened at the winery gradually fade from our minds. It’s like clouds giving way to clear skies.

After a while, he speaks.

R: Are you afraid? Of who I am, I mean.

M: …Is that why you brought me to the winery? You wanted to see my reaction?

R: I won’t deny that was part of the reason.

M: Come closer. I’ll tell you.

As he lowers himself, I wrap my arms around his neck and plant a chaste kiss on the corner of his lips.

R: …

When we pull away, I notice an unusual gleam in his eyes.

M: Does this answer your question?

(He nods)

#love and deepspace #Rafayel #transcription

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