grandlance

[grandlance]

❝ Yumine, what a beautiful name! ❞

Her color reminds him of innocence and he hasn't had that for quite some time. It was a relief to feel it again. When had he last been like this? Quirinus was Chief God, Romulus was founder of Rome. Janus was the two-faced god ... he was conquest and war and love- a Grand servant meant to be a Beast slayer, and he had slayed gods as well- but with Yumine's cherry blossom pink, that seemed ... distant. Her color bloomed upon him like flower petals, and he was certain it looked beautiful. Maybe when things were ... back to normal ⎛ if they went back to normal ⎠ he'd be able to see more of who she was as a person. This color certainly made her a person he'd enjoy being around ...

He wondered if she'd feel the same about him.

❝ I am glad that your color has been added to mine- I feel lighter than I have in a long time. ❞ But there's also something lonely in it, which he dares not explore or think of, because ... why taint it with that sort of thing?

❝ Have you been here in Spirale for long? I arrived not so long ago, and this strange phenomenon happened rather quickly. I am curious to know if this sort of change is common. ❞

He is absolutely the sweetest. His warm hand takes her and she takes her light bow when he presses his lips against the back of her hand. "It is a pleasure to meet you Quirinus," She says with a gentleness to her tone. Nearly sing-song-like. Much of that is like a bird.

"You may call me as you wish, but my name is Yumine." The soft gold is very warm. It brings in the feeling of summer mornings. Why, she can picture herself lying in a meadow of flowers with such warmth!

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He is not ignorant to her actions, what humanity remembers her as- but Quirinus has always been a merciful god to his beloved children. Nero, for all her flaws ⎛ her tyranny and vanity, oh, it was so tragic when he watched his shining kingdom burn ⎠ would always be Rome, as much as any of the others. It is Quirinus' divinity that prevents him from truly understanding why she felt so horribly about a human flaw, and it is Romulus' humanity that makes him feel melancholy as he listens to her words.

❝ You are my beloved child, ❞ he begins, and he opens his arms to her ⎛ he wonders if she will feel how cold he's become without his divine light ⎠ as he always had. ❝ You were- you are human, ❞

❝ So beautifully human, ❞ Quirinus has always been merciful, but he is not simply Quirinus. He is Romulus, his name has become one with that of the Two-faced God Janus, and so in him a deep love and an endless rage exist at the same time. He is a savior, and if he had access to his true power ... No, he would never harm her. Never a child of Rome.

⎛ Quirinus was once a Sabine war god, after all, and he had been stolen away as much as ... ⎠ ❝ Your actions do not make you unworthy. Cast such thoughts away, simply remember this divine light. ❞

it was an eventuality, meeting a beloved member of her family. at least it wasn't her mother, nero wouldn't know what to do in that sort of situation. she thinks of the ones that supported her and the ones that were always by her side. maybe one day or by any sort of miracle, saber prays to see her uncle one more time.

this cannot be.

"you-" she shakes her head, this has to be dream! to see someone as dazzling as the divine progenitor, it almost doesn't feel real. "yes...it would be fate that brought us together."

"thank you for such kind words, receiving such words...i almost do not deserve them." there is a need to grovel, her his beloved rome was razed to the ground by her incompetence and tyranny as a ruler. nero was a stain in human history, many people who know look at her at a different light (except for her praetor, never her praetor). "i feel unworthy to be in your presence divine progenitor. a tyrant like me has no right to be in front of you."

[grandlance]

What a kind offer! As he was, it seemed like an offering to the gods- and if not for the color of divinity that had taken root in him ... ah, even with the gold, of course he would wish to spread that divine light. It was his own Authority, now, when everything else had been taken from him- ❝ I would be honored, ❞

❝ I would be cruel to not offer this light- it is the glory of the kingdom I built. The glory of Rome. ❞

⎛ of course, he pushes away the thoughts of his brother, of the walls built between them, of how Remus had looked up at the stars with eyes pale as death- Romulus had stood over him in shock. When he was alone, he wept ⎠

❝ I am Quirinus, ❞ his hands are warm when he takes hers, kisses it in the fashion of a gentleman ⎛ and her cherry blossom hue blooms across his fingers and upon his lips, and isn't it romantic! Romance, of course, had been at the core of Rome ⎠ and he's filled with that sort of innocent love that makes him think of human days. Of dreams of a future, the warmth of his mother's pelt when he curled against her in the den. This color makes him feel like the wolf-boy, it seeps into him and the burdens of divinity seem a little less ⎠ ❝ And your name? Surely I cannot simply call you 'cherry blossom', although a part of me thinks it would continue to suit you ... ❞

"A cherry blossom?" If she hadn't been in this city, would she have known what a cherry blossom looked like? In her world, those gorgeous pink petal flowers didn't exist. She's happy to know what they look like. Feels even honored to be reminded of such beauty.

"I have to agree. They are very gentle and lovely. They bring a type of peace into our lives when we see them." It was what she wanted to bring to people. She wanted to bring sweetness and love to people and leaving her mark wherever she went seemed like the best place to start.

Truth be told, it was also a way to hope that Ramattra would find her color! Whatever color he was, she hoped that hers would bring him peace.

"Would you like to share, kind sir?" And she steps forward, taking that first step to close their distance. "I'd gladly have some of that radiant gold." She holds out her hand for him to take.

[grandlance]

Quirinus had never been in a situation where he was most certainly trapped before- he'd always been able to break free in the past- be it in battle to return to those who needed him, or to simply gain the upper hand when his brother had him pinned down ⎛ the boys raised by wolves, their mother watching closely as they learned to fight and live, as they grew claws and fangs as the children of the gods ⎠ or to overcome the impossible odds of Chaos- but in this place, he had no way of simply vanishing and appearing elsewhere. And with a companion, he wouldn't dare.

It could be worse, speaks the youth at his side, and the Supreme Deity laughs, low and warm- ❝ It is better to have company in such times, I would agree, ❞

❝ I suppose this is simply meant as a bit of excitement? I will admit, I am unfamiliar with traveling like this- ❞ Because he's used to simply going where he pleased. He misses the weight of the golden wings- best not to think of that, now! He wonders if his companion is nervous- two hours is a rather long time to be stuck in such a small space ⎛ and thankfully, he still has the faint glow of his divine light- if worse comes to worse, he could just take off the sleeves he wore. Perhaps it wouldn't do as much as he wished, but as a Grand Servant, wasn't he meant to exist to push back the darkness? ⎠

❝ Perhaps we could've met under less startling circumstances, but the sentiment is returned. I am Quirinus. ❞ It's lighthearted, because he's learned that it's better to be like that- to help others feel calm, too. He's learned well from his life as a king, after all! ❝ And your name? ❞

crack !

there's a sickening snap, and a dull groan. for a moment does the elevator stagger uncomfortably in place, as if it is hoarsely wheezing its dying breath upon its two inhabitants.

oh. that doesn't sound good at all.

kei stands, and he waits. and waits. and waits. but the elevator shaft remains as it was, and the two progress no deeper down their travels. for a second, the elevator music seems to be their only respite.

kei remains as he is, a little longer, staring at the panel blankly.

until he no longer can, as the speaker crackles to life - ' we're sorry ! the elevator has broken down ! you will be rescued in approximately . . . two hours ! '.

see, kei has a whole guy in his head who he can hang out with. he's all set for this. and so, he calmly leans against the wall, before slinking onto the floor.

eventually does he speak to the stranger before him.

"it's not great. but it really could be worse," they could have plummeted to the ground, so this is a win. and if the lights go out, kei glows! what could go wrong! "well . . . it's nice to meet you. hello."

he seems to have accepted the situation, and thus, seems mostly content with it.

@grandlance

[grandlance]

❝ Is that so? ❞ Quirinus had found himself yearning to understand the new world he had been called to- because one day, he wished to bestow upon it his light and love. To do that, he needed to know the places and people, no matter how dangerous. Long ago, he had been a warrior, a king, caught in the lightning so that he could be reborn ⎛ even though it was not truly his choice to do that- fate had simply chosen him; the gods had chosen him to be one of them ⎠ , so he had never feared a challenge. Now, he existed in a body made from the memories of others, summoned as a God Slayer ⎛ finally given the chance to give Jupiter the good beating he deserved! ⎠ and ... that had taken everything out of him, hadn't it.

❝ Do you know what lurks there? If people go in and fail to return ... ❞

He'd already done that before. His generals had been beside themselves when he walked into the storm. He wondered what stories they told- at the very least, they spun his death as a gift from the gods. The gods had shown their favor by taking him away in the storm. One day, he'd come back- They'd held onto hope.

❝ And what is it that would draw people in, unless it isn't common knowledge that people fail to return? ❞

@grandlance

"I wouldn't go that way if I were you," She warns nonchalantly. The mistwood was no place for those who weren't as powerful as they should be. "People don't usually make it out once they go in, you know?"

[grandlance]

❲ @hcrpyiia ❳

She's a soft color, so different from his own brilliant light- Quirinus is love and divinity and he's followed her pale rose colored footprints because of course he has. Wouldn't it be lovely to spread his light and love? Even if he had been stripped of his power as Grand Lancer, he was still a benevolent deity- ❝ You remind me of a cherry blossom, ❞ he begins, warm and inviting. Among the greys, she's refreshing.

❝ It is a good thing, because they are a reminder of the gentle things in life. What a lovely color to manifest. ❞ He's tempted to reach out, because gods should not be distant from those around them- wasn't that Jupiter's downfall? So distant from those who worshipped him, until they turned on him ⎛ called forth Quirinus to strike him out of the sky! ⎠ ❝ Are you here to add your color to the world? That seems to be the workings of the world now. Or are you here to gain more? I can offer you the divine light- my blessing to you. ❞

[grandlance]

quirinus' color is gold. rather straightforward in his apotheosis and his desire to wrap the world in his loving light. need someone to lead you from the darkness? here you go! he's grand lancer and he has a deep love in him, and even more divinity! but if more colors are added, the nature of quirinus as a multi-faceted deity ⎛ and conglomerate person ⎠ will be revealed ...

this counts as a starter call for the event capped at 2 because i have 5 blogs

[grandlance]

. . . . .

"Mmhm, I see, I see... Your father did tell us you had a bit of a mishap with your art project. We couldn't help coming to give some advice." Solaris muses, circling the diorama of the city. Currently, it's been moved to a coffee table.

"Yes, he told me I should try and spin it as if I had done such a thing on purpose. But I don't see how I could possibly..." "Oh, we had an idea for that!"

Mimosa flutters from behind, resting her hands on Janus' shoulders. The glint of mischief hiding in her rosy glasses does not escape his notice.

"We could help you mirror it in the city proper, you know!" "What?" "It's an interesting theory. The structures you made still stand, but what gives them life and personality has been greyed out." "I wouldn't say that--" "So how do you fix it? Do you paint them with the hues and values they're supposed to be, or do you pick something new?" "What do you do with the spots where the paint bled together? Do you paint over that, too?"

As the two bounce back and forth in this terrible game of brainstorming, Janus begins to put his hands to his cheeks in mounting horror.

"Oh, no. No no no. Absolutely not--" "If we make someone look like an old black and white movie, what happens? Will they try to change to technicolour?" "Would they paint themselves the colour palettes they're used to? Maybe it's something entirely different. If we make those hues correspond with their personalities..." "I--I'll have no part in this! The last time something like this happened, everything--" "Ah-ah, don't worry."

Mimosa leaves Janus side to twirl next to Solaris, who makes an artful pose himself, as if framing the splotchy mess of a diorama in his hands.

"We have this one completely under control. Not like last time." "I'll make sure of it. Just a little bit of editing... ah, Mimosa, what if we..."

Janus can only move his head as the two take their leave, watching them scheme and snicker. He turns back to look at the model of the city. And in a scramble that almost makes him trip over his own feet, he rushes to his boxes of paints.

"--I have to at least put the base coat back on, or they really won't have anything at all!"

. . . . .

Welcome to another zany event for the fall season! It looks like Mimosa and Solaris aren't done causing trouble, but this time, it should be harmless. Right? (Right...?)

Taking inspiration from a creative mishap, the Stars have decided to effectively render the city in greyscale--including the people residing in it--to see what really makes everyone so colourful. Thankfully, most people will start with a base hue.

What does that mean, though? Here's a handy-dandy list of notes!

As soon as it strikes midnight that night, your muse will find that they've been completely greyscaled, save for one colour that represents who they are at their core, and only that colour! - Think of it like those 'what colour is your soul' quizzes. If your muse was only one hue, what would it be? For example, a character that is inherently cheery might turn completely yellow or pink, while a hot-headed character may turn red or orange to reflect their personality.

Your muse cannot help but feel and act whatever hue/personality they seem to be. However! The more your muse interacts with the people around them, the more colours (and feelings/facets of their personality) will open up to them. This will also physically reflect on them. - If your cheery yellow muse bumps into a sad, blue muse, you'll both have a new colour to express. Now you can feel happy (yellow) AND sad (blue)! And perhaps a sort of melancholy joy, like watching your best friend win that prize you wanted instead of you. Of course, you're happy for them, but sad you didn't win. - Or maybe those two colours mix into being green with envy... And suddenly, you have a new colour ;3

Any inanimate object your muse interacts with (except their Island Issued Cell Phone) will take on your muse's hue. Every step you take will leave a colourful footprint in its wake, every hand rail will have colourful handprints. More on that later.

With enough interactions and perspectives, your muse will be back to their old selves in no time! If, that is, they want to go back to their old selves at all. Maybe another colour palette suits them better than before...?

"It can't be that easy, though."

And, you're right! The experiment did more than reduce everyone to solid (or no) colours! Some other strange things are happening, too. Such as...

The NPCs of the city have not escaped unscathed. Unlike you, though, they have no hue to them at all. However, they'll absorb colours from your muses by proximity and action. - If your deep-green jealous muse is around, NPCs will turn deep-green too, and may want what you have--and might try to take it by force. But a calm mint-coloured muse may just leave you alone and soak up some vibes. - This extends to creatures of the island, too, so watch out!

Sources of water in the city (the ocean, lakes, ponds, swimming pools, etc) will wash away at least one colour from you. (You can still drink and cook with it without any effect, though.) Better not get caught in a rainstorm any time soon!

To combat this, you can find paint cans with a random colour paint in them around the city. You never know what you're going to get, though!

The city itself is completely greyscale, so navigating it might be a challenge without any colourful landmarks to stand out. That being said, your muse will leave colour wherever they go, like they're a giant paint roller. And so will everyone else's muses! Figuring out populated areas will be Very Easy, but you might get disoriented in places that don't get a lot of foot traffic.

These are the major issues...... for now :)

FAQ

"Do I have to pick a hue at the beginning? I can't decide on one."

It's entirely possible that your muse can start in greyscale, and just has No Personality. In that case, they'll take on the hue of the first person they interact with.

"What do we do if a colour has multiple associations with it?"

Each association of that colour is a valid one, and there are no incorrect colour associations. Each colour is whatever you need it to be in the moment. The definition of "red" for your muse may not match the "red" of your RP partner--and that's okay! What may be helpful is to make an event info post explaining your colour choice, how you interpret it, and how it would affect your character!

"Do we have to stick to basic colours like red, yellow, green, blue, etc?"

Nope. Maybe your muse is a mauve, emerald, beige, or aquamarine. Pick any colour you think is best for the moment!

"In theory, could we use the paint cans laying around to add hues to others by splashing them with it or something?"

PVP is enabled, if you want to be a menace! (with mun permission, of course)

"Is the comic in black and white for plot reasons?"

No, I'm just lazy :c

Have a question you don't see on here? You can message the Masterlist!

See you in a week! Make sure to get as many colour perspectives as you can, okay? :)

[grandlance]

Send your character's height and I'll compare it to mine.

Using this site

[grandlance]

                         * . ✧ THE CRUEL PRINCE ✧ . *

                                                 - STARTERS -

❝ If I cannot be better than them, I will become so much worse. ❞ ❝ Most of all, I hate you because I think of you. Often. ❞ ❝ What could I become if I stopped worrying about death, about pain, about anything? ❞ ❝ Instead of being afraid, I could become something to fear. ❞ ❝ I can be charming. I charmed you, didn’t I? ❞ ❝ Do not expect others to share my depraved tastes. ❞ ❝ If you hurt me, I wouldn’t cry. I would hurt you back. ❞ ❝ I am going to keep on defying you. ❞ ❝ I promise you this is the least of what I can do. ❞ ❝ Let’s have a toast. To the incompetence of our enemies. ❞ ❝ I want to be part of the unfolding of the tale. ❞ ❝ Father, I am what you made me. ❞ ❝ Have I told you how hideous you look tonight? ❞ ❝ I will not stand in front of your happiness. I will not even stand in front of misery that you choose for yourself. ❞ ❝ I suppose I could love anyone. ❞ ❝ He’s flint, you’re tinder. ❞ ❝ There’s always something left to lose. ❞ ❝ How has the night been going for you? ❞ ❝ I am tired of caring. ❞ ❝ This is what you wanted, isn’t it? What you sacrificed everything for. Go on. It’s all yours. ❞ ❝ We don’t need to be good. But let’s try to be fair. ❞ ❝ Desire is an odd thing. As soon as it’s sated, it transmutes. ❞ ❝ I am weak. I am fragile. I am mortal. ❞ ❝ Yes, they frighten me, but I have always been scared, since the day I got here. ❞ ❝ This is absurd. This is awful. ❞ ❝ Only idiots aren’t scared of things that are scary. ❞ ❝ There’s safety in being awful. ❞ ❝ Show your power by appearing powerless. ❞ ❝ I like for things to happen, for stories to unfold. And if I can’t find a good enough story, I make one. ❞ ❝ I get why he chose her. I just wish she had chosen me. ❞ ❝ And yet, I don’t regret it now. ❞ ❝ What if the way I am is the way I am? What if, when everything else is different, I’m not? ❞ ❝ Go ahead. Insult me. ❞ ❝ So you’re going to say something nice? I don’t think so. ❞ ❝ It’s funny how you get under his skin. ❞ ❝ No one else bothers him quite the way that you do. ❞ ❝ The odd thing about ambition is this: You can acquire it like a fever, but it is not so easy to shed. ❞ ❝ Harden your heart. ❞ ❝ I am coming unraveled. I am coming undone. ❞ ❝ We may not die from age, but we grow weary with it. ❞ ❝ Love is a noble cause. ❞ ❝ No one expects us to have any honor. Everyone knows we lie. ❞ ❝ I want to win. I do not yearn to be their equal. In my heart, I yearn to best them. ❞ ❝ I have no marketable skills other than swinging around a sword and making up riddles, neither of which probably pay all that well. ❞ ❝ Maybe I am making all the wrong choices.   ❞ ❝ You think I don’t deserve him. ❞ ❝ I think you’re perfect for each other. ❞ ❝ My real skill lies in pissing people off. ❞ ❝ I am no murderer. ❞ ❝ You are nothing. You barely exist at all. ❞ ❝ He’s wrong about me. ❞ ❝ I do not understand why he likes me, but it is exciting to be liked. ❞ ❝ You really do want me. ❞ ❝ A lady of mystery! My very favorite kind. ❞ ❝ I hate him more than all the others. ❞

[grandlance]

❝ Olga Marie. That's a lovely name. ❞ The human I was, she says, and Quirinus smiles softly ⎛ maybe sorrowfully ⎠ because he understands that. He was human once, too. The difference was that it seemed no one wanted him to return to that, not necessarily. It wasn't that the people of Rome hadn't wished for Romulus to remain forever, but as Quirinus, he stood not only as Supreme Deity, but a symbol of the gods' favor of the people.

Distantly, he recalls that incident, where one of the Grand servants had torn out the heart of the Beast, and he understands her rage at that. When the Grands were meant to combat the Beasts, it was not meant to be that. He had learned what happened with the Old Man of the Mountain and with the Mother Goddess; he'd introduced the concept of Death to her. His battle with Zeus had been in a similar vein- he struck Zeus down with his own light and then had opened the path to Chaos, and he had felt fulfilled in that. He'd done his duty. Tezcatlipoca had not acted in that manner. He did not act with the same honor as the other Grands had done-

Yes, in her place, he would also have been enraged. He would also want to return the favor. He had been in that position, in fact. Zeus- Jupiter- had stolen his spot as the Chief God ⎛ stolen Quirinus' role, but Jupiter had also given Romulus that title. Jupiter had brought Romulus to the stars and he had been able to reign at the side of his father, Mars. Romulus had no quarrel with Jupiter, but Quirinus did. What Romulus wished ... maybe if instead he had met Pluto instead, he would've seen Remus again. What a wish for the Grail... ⎠ and he had paid him back for what he'd done.

❝ I am glad to know you now under a different name. ❞ She is not so much a Beast. Sometimes, he wonders what truly made the Beasts so different from what he was himself. Were they not made for their love of humanity? The only thing he lacked was a Beast's Crown. Maybe, that was the only true difference between the Beasts and the Grands. If the qualifications for Beast was a deep love, then Romulus-Quirinus was a perfect candidate.

Hadn't he wished to embrace the world in his light? To shape it as he wished out of love? Rome at its core, after all, was romance- love. Maybe he would one day gain a crown like that. Or maybe he would simply remain as he was.

❝ It is kind of you to offer that name to those who knew the you from before. Even if it seems far from the humanity of the past ... kindness is kindness, regardless of where it comes from. ❞

❝ I am Quirinus. It is only right that I offer my name in return. I am glad to meet you, Olga Marie. ❞

there is reason enough for her to be wary of those that call themselves Grands.

what happened in the seventh lostbelt is long since over. the Grand which stole her heart and left her for dead is long since defeated, nor does he walk in this realm. this one does not even present himself as an enemy, yet every cell in her body bristles at his mere presence. it would be nothing for her to snap her fingers and send him to death. to let him be swallowed by the void or turned to ash by brilliant lightning. she could do it.

' Beast of the End. '

one movement and it would be all over. he was weak, vulnerable, like nothing more than an ant to be squashed beneath her heel—

diamond pupils narrow sharply as fingers flex and then....she stops. eyes drift close as she forces herself to breathe, to remember. this......was an ally of Chaldea. what need was there to fight? what reason? there existed none beyond their opposing sides. he was offering something genuine.

her eyes open again as focuses on the Lancer, features softer. " Hmph. That hardly matters anyway. My quarrel with the Grands would not have been with you." if that assassin were to ever show his face here, she would repay the favor. "You're the first to use that title here...... U-Olga Marie. Though most refer to me only as Olga Marie. "

" It's a comfort for them. The only way for them to hold onto the human I was." they tried but it was impossible to hide it from her. she saw it every day, with every glance and every time they spoke her name. " That's the only kindness I can grant them now."

[grandlance]

He's rather certain he's seen outfits like this worn by other servants in Chaldea, but ... this person didn't have the same aura that he would expect of a servant. Not to say that there wasn't something about the young man before him ... but it was different. A different sort of power and burden from the cosmos- Quirinus couldn't help but wonder if his current self would be able to withstand whatever light it was that he'd seen before.

He'd hope so. His pride told him that even if he couldn't, he'd at least pretend he could. How human of him!

❝ That light of yours ... ❞

Green, like the blooming earth. Different from his own golden light ⎛ dulled, hidden beneath black sleeves and gloves- One day, it would return. It was not something that anyone had said out loud, but a feeling he had. He would not feel like this forever; or maybe he would learn to enjoy it. The human part of him, the one that was once the boy who ran with wolves, has started to settle into this new routine... ⎠

❝ I have seen many people with many different abilities, but that one is rather unique! ❞

❝ I cannot be the only person to notice, though. It holds the color of new life, like springtime. May I ask where you learned it? ❞

❲ @grmadon ❳

[grandlance]

❝ Dust ... that is the money of this place, right? ❞ Quirinus hadn't thought of the need for money in quite some time. Ascending to godhood had made it a moot point, because gods had the ability to manifest whatever they needed. Of course, the issue was the lack of divinity, wasn't it? He'd have to survive like a human again. He'd have to remember how. ❝ Yes, that is rather necessary. I have not been here long, so I am still yet to adjust to the ways of this world. ❞ But he's not going to say no when someone asks for help.

Five bags wasn't that much, at least not to someone who saw the world as something to hold in his arms ⎛ although, he couldn't do that here, either, because the only thing left of his great power was the dying embers of his magic resistance, which was certainly something that would have to be addressed at a later date. One where he had some time to himself- ⎠ , so he doesn't hesitate to pick up as many of the remaining bags as possible. ❝ It is rather difficult to navigate, I suppose. I trust that you know the way to your home, though. Lead on and I will follow. ❞

@grandlance

'I live right up the street, actually.' Shifting the paper bag of groceries in his hands, Yagen gestures with his chin at the row of steampunk-styled Fibonacci buildings surrounding the edge of the canyon.

'House 121. Would've asked the taxi to drop me closer, but,' he shrugs at the mess of buildings. 'Misread a street sign.'

'So, you up for earning some Dust as a delivery fee?'

At his feet, five more grocery bags sit invitingly.

[grandlance]

❝ Octavius. ❞ Quirinus recognizes the name, but his first association certainly isn't with that of a General. While he had never seen it in his life as a mortal, hadn't he watched how his kingdom had grown as the centuries passed? ❝ You share a name with the first Emperor- or at least, he was once Octavius as well. A fine name, Son of Rome. ❞ But to think, a General named for someone who had brought an era of relative peace. He could appreciate something like that.

Because he was Romulus-Quirinus, Janus Quirinus. Janus Bifrons. The two-faced god.

It's rather clear that Octavius is also nervous. Of course he is, because Quirinus is a god, although even with his divinity ⎛ locked away, but he won't share that part ⎠ he can't really figure out why Octavius is so small. Maybe some sort of spell? No matter. ❝ There's no need to apologize. I can only imagine that it must be rather frightening in such a new place, with so many new people- in a state like that ... ❞

❝ Still, I only ask that you act natural. I need no worship here. Remember, I was once human, too. ❞ That probably isn't helpful, but what else can he do? He's certain he'd be just as nervous if their roles were reversed. After all, he has a life in the palm of his hand. Had he been a crueler deity, perhaps those fears that Octavius must've held would be founded, but for everything that he was and could be, Quirinus had no desire to cause harm. Why should he, especially for something that was ... well, maybe not the most polite, but a reasonable response nonetheless.

❝ You have not yet told me where it is you wish to be, though. Breathe easy and allow me to help. ❞

The hand lowered to him was regarded with nothing but a raised eyebrow. As the man kneeled and Octavius was able to finally get a good look at his face , however , there was a feeling of familiarity that he couldn't shake. Because of his pride , he usually turns down a hand when it's offered to him ―― unless it's Larry's of course. But this. This is different. Being called a Son of Rome makes him blink a few times. ❛ Well , I - ❜ Suddenly all of the attitude that came with him being impatient was replaced by nothing but embarrassment.

Slowly , he steps onto the hand extended to him. He tries to think of why the other's presence fills him with such a strong sense of familiarity. It isn't until the words " Founder King " are uttered that he puts two and two together. His jaw drops , and he immediately salutes him ( because what else are you supposed to do when you tell an Empirical legend to move out of your way ? )

❛ Please , accept my apologies. ❜ He was familiar with the tales , of course. But he never thought he would come close to meeting any living Roman - deity or otherwise. Hell , he never once had even stepped foot in Rome. He wears the armor , yes , and he has memories of Rome - of battle - but none of it is real. He was made for a Museum's display. He was never meant to live. To see any of this. And yet here he is , making a fool of himself in his hand. ❛ It - uh . . was hard to see your face. Because of the. The height. ❜ He stammers out an excuse , head lowering in shame to look anywhere but his face.

❛ Of course. I am Octavius. ❜ He straightens his shoulders. ❛ And I would like to apologize again for my behavior. That was most unbecoming. ❜

[grandlance]

After Olympus, Quirinus had stared into the heart of Chaos and relinquished all that he was. It was the fate of all Grand Servants, wasn't it? He had done what the world needed- opened a path to the future. In the end, that was what he had always wanted, even in life.

Had he not built a shining empire for that very reason? ⎛ Sometimes, he wondered if Remus had been watching. It was the dream they both had, and how sad it was that it was built on blood! ⎠ Somehow, he'd continued to exist- and it was then that he had made the choice.

Like the Grand Servants before him, to continue on the path to the future, he was to relinquish that title. He would never regret that choice.

❝ It is good to see you, Master, ❞ Since when did the gods bow to mortals? Ritsuka was a peculiar case. If it was for the sake of the future, then ... he couldn't really complain.

❝ I suppose it's been some time ... but I hope you've been well. ❞ It's his way of showing that he cares, because he does. In a divine way, at least. His bonds with humanity, his love for them, was rooted in old myths and prayers. Somewhere along the way, he'd forgotten mortal bonds- but he only ever wished for others to act naturally around him. As if it would remind him how to be that way for them.

❝ This place is rather interesting- I have yet to know its light, ❞ as it has yet to know mine is left unspoken, ❝ but you seem ... familiar with it. Is it a singularity? A lostbelt? I have met many people who feel out of place while also feeling right at home. ❞

❲ @hopeled ❳

[grandlance]

It takes Quirinus a moment to figure out exactly how to respond to what he's seeing- and moreso to how he's been treated. He recognizes the armor worn by the generals of his empire, but ... He can't help but laugh- a warm sound without malice- as he kneels and holds out a hand. ❝ Where is it that you wish to be, son of Rome? ❞

❝ On your own, the path will likely be fraught with peril, and it is the duty of the Founder King to aid his people, is it not? ❞

He realizes then, that this man may not recognize him as he is. Many people had thought of him as a legend- the man who walked into a lightning storm to become a god- a tale perhaps used to reassure the people that the gods were on their side. He had been older, then, and this body of his was still young- apotheosis had changed him, hadn't it?

❝ I would think that someone who wears a general's armor would be familiar with the history of the empire he fights for, yes? I am Romulus-Quirinus, deified by Jupiter's lightning. ❞

He's been told that he carries the scent of rain, that he carries himself like the air before lightning strikes- and even here with his divinity sealed away, at least, that hadn't changed. He wonders if it would be enough to make the little general calm down just a bit.

❝ Will you tell me your name? ❞

@grandlance liked for a starter.

Out of his time here so far , Octavius has found out firsthand how traversing a world made for people ten times his size is not for the faint of heart. Of course , he knew how strenuous it would be already. But having to walk everywhere by foot instead of being carried around by someone else is a new kind of evil. He's starting to regret taking Larry's pocket for granted.

Not being confined to the museum , however , has granted him the ability to go wherever he pleases. Well - mostly. There is still the problem of not being seen by the other inhabitants of this city. And sometimes that creates roadblocks. Literally. He clears his throat , looking up at the person that belongs to the foot blocking his path. He could just walk around , but that comes with the added danger of being squished if the foot suddenly decides to step forward or back. He wasn't going to risk it.

❛ Are you planning on moving any time soon ? ❜ He asks , crossing his arms impatiently. ❛ Some of us have places to be. ❜

[grandlance]

GRAPHICS HAVEN'T BEEN MADE YET BUT THIS IS A PERMANENT STARTER CALL!

and by this i also mean i will elaborate on things when I have more time,

so you want to hang out with the grand lancer well guess what he wants to hang out with you too! he might be a conglomerate of a lot of things and sometimes he is just going to Talk About Rome ⎛ the fact he hasn't done this too much yet is because he's still settling in but dont worry he'll be obnoxious about it eventually ⎠ but here are

places you can find quirinus

basically anywhere in archimedes he loves that place with his entire self!!!

he's also fond of looking around the upper levels of fibonacci because he is also a machine god at his core ⎛ it's a long story but take a look at that 3rd ascension! ⎠ and so there's some sort of familiarity there

he hasn't thought much about golden or cotes? but cotes sorta reminds him of the age of fae which reminds him of the england lostbelt which he wasn't even involved in but he knows it was MESSY ⎛ actually all the lostbelts are messy ⎠ ... this may change tho

bonds to form

friends and family! quirinus is big on this, he wants to be kind to everyone ⎛ see: normal lancer romulus is nice to everyone, and quirinus is also romulus ⎠ and basically everyone gets to be family because he sees the world in general as something to hold and protect or something, so most people will hit this category real fast

romantic romance! he's got no idea what that is, but he'd probably like it a lot! on this note, quirinus is single ship. he doesn't have a ship yet and it will probably take a lot of plotting because he DOESN'T understand romance, he just talks about it in a deity sort of way. he'd do well with someone patient but fun loving, someone he can share adventures with. he'd like someone who likes nature! who wants to run with wolves with him?

rivals and enemies! so honestly why would you do that? quirinus may not have his powers yet, but he's not a grand servant for nothing, and he's not going to be powerless forever, and don't forget, quirinus was a god of war and do you really want to get on his bad side? but he naturally dislikes people who have ill will toward humanity.

the category for anyone from rome. yeah, quirinus would die for you, but also he's a god? idk how to describe this but congrats on being super family? turbo family? he's seen the rise and fall of his empire, he knows its glory and sins, but he built it and he will protect the people from it? yeah