huuuugestmoney

[huuuugestmoney]

"And that there is precisely why they were happy to gift it to you," Sampo emphasized. "I don't think it was strictly because of your profession…" Though it probably didn't hurt things. But, still! "I think it was because it's you."

Did Baizhu know he had a dashing smile? He could probably use that to his advantage too, if he ever wanted to - not that he seemed the sort.

Ah, but folks could prove surprising in many ways if you let them.

Like just now, for instance.

"Aha ha~! Yeah, ol' Sampo can't imagine what it might've been like to get stuck to someone, err, difficult. What a drag of a day that coulda been." Baizhu was just acting, right? But he had such a sincere air about him...

Get ahold of yourself, Sampo!! You silly, silly fool.

"Of course! Shall we? A sit sounds good - it's nice to pause and just take everything in, sometimes." Ah, he was rambling something fierce, wasn't he? Sit down and shut up a second, Sampo.

A moment of reprieve, indeed. . .

A moment to pause and catch up on his surrounds, both within and without. Say, was it just him or was Baizhu's hand kinda cold? He'd not noticed before, with how definitely not distracted he'd been. Airy smile accompanied the salesman as he seated himself, almost humming, next to his temporary partner. Intimate talks, huh...

Sampo pondered, quite fleetingly, if he was ready to face that kind of thing. No small part of him wanted to ask if Baizhu was doing all right, but of all the people in the stars, he knew well enough: everyone had their secrets. For a moment, he followed the other's gaze skyward,

but it didn't take long for emerald eyes to settle back down to earth, uncharacteristically pensive.

Again: such thought had been fleeting,

broken first by a touch, and further yet shattered by a whisper.

Ear tips reddened.

"O-oh--"

Oh dear.

"I, umm-"

Congratulations, Dr. Baizhu! You've ☆~flustered~☆ him!

"Me? Expecting more? I mean, w-well-- well played, hehe! Look, the string's loosened!"

Hand flailed slightly in show. Look! Look there! Look anywhere but his face inevitably darkening to match his ears. In fact, the thread had not merely loosened - it had fallen right off. Blinking at the realization, Sampo paused, thumping heart taking second seat just a moment.

So then...

"... I... I guess the game is up, huh..."

Probably Baizhu had work to be getting back to. Heck, maybe Sampo had some sweet, sweet news of more credits waiting for him back home. That always cheered him up!

...Yeah.

business comes first before love

⊹ ࣪ ˖ SPARKLE'S SCARLET STRINGS. / baizhu + sampo.

[huuuugestmoney]

"Liyue is a region of Teyvat, quite a ways from here. Tucked between beautiful mountains and rivers and plains the likes modern Jarilo has never seen... It makes for a romantic backdrop, hehe~" Go on, Seele, ask him how he knows. Bet you'd never think he's talking from personal experience, huh? "It's very pretty!" Pretty, and oh so ripe for the picking... And so full of interesting new people to meet, too, naturally!

Which seemed a plus in Seele's book, to Sampo's surprise - maybe she was more social a creature than he gave her credit for. (Or maybe she liked most people just fine, just not him, ha ha ha~!)

He made a mental note as to her preference - history may not be her thing, but it sounded like maybe she wasn't thinking of forging out on her own. Smart, honestly. And something for him to ask about in a bit, maybe.

"Aww, c'mon, it's not that surprising is it? Your man Sampo's job is to stay in the know! Thus," hands gestured toward the sky, "it behooves him to strap on his travelin' boots now that Jarilo-VI can reach out to the world again."

Besides, Belobog was kinda small. The Blue Haired Scammer Victims group could stand to expand to other galaxies, no? The whole world over ought to recognize and admire Madam Brughel Poisson's genius, too. And, perhaps most importantly of all: Sampo's goods weren't gonna sell themselves!

"Anyroad, it's good to put yourself out there, I say!" And he'd practice what he preached to that end until his wallet couldn't possibly hold anymore credits. "But hey, what you said back there about how a few other folks here might enjoy a history lesson... Were ya thinking of takin' a pal along for the ride, maybe?"

He could get to her question about the other places he's visited later, maybe - for the now, his business sense was telling him he needed just a smidge more info!

Seele seemed genuinely interested in Sampo's suggestions, taking mental notes as he went down several places. However, she hadn't recognized one of the places named.

Liyue? What's that?

As such, she had given Sampo a look of confusion, "Penacony, I've heard bits and pieces of, after all the Dreamscape is heavily advertised online but...uh, what's a Liyue? That doesn't sound like anywhere within the galaxy I've heard of, that's for sure."

Sampo had said the skies had opened up, which seemed rather enticing to Seele. What did he mean by that? Of course, there was the obvious, with Jarilo-VI being in a relatively safer state now, now that the Stellaron issue had long since settled.

But were there more places far beyond that she had previously come to understand?

"Maybe I don't care all that much about the history of certain places, I just wanna have fun and relax. I know a few people here would love to get a history lesson, though...Maybe meeting new people would be cool? I don't know. There's lot's of options..."

Seele had given a sigh. She really was just divulging a lot of information about her thoughts to this man, and as helpful as he

"What other places have you gone to, or heard of? I really never would've thought of you as the traveling type, Sampo...suddenly no longer a homebody, I take it?" Seele had tried to give a sense of sarcasm in her jabs towards Sampo. As much as she didn't like the guy, it was clear that he had been helpful. She didn't want to acknowledge that much.

She didn't want to acknowledge that this guy seemed like he would be useful after all.

[huuuugestmoney]

“The pleasure’s all mine, ma’am.” And he’d wait as long as he needed to where there's a chance for opportunity - she needs not fret on his account. He smiles, earnest in his forgiveness, in his assertion that no such slight has been committed.

(Never mind that she’s probably merely being polite.)

“Ha! Haha ha! Oh, I can’t even imagine how they describe Belobog up there in the stars. Gosh, even Sampo would struggle to think of a charitable way to warn that it’s, well… It’s cold as heck!”

An everlasting winter…

It didn’t used to be that way.

…

Say, is that a jacket of Gepard’s in this here closet they’re raiding?

Don’t mind if I do.

(It'd be really funny to run into the man himself in this get-up, but, that aside, maybe Lingsha won't feel self-conscious if she's not the only weirdo around actually dressed for the Belobog weather.)

“She’s long grown used to the cold. Or, at least, one would think she has given what she roams around in. Trust me, it’s no problem. I will, of course, be sure to pass along your thanks.” He’d be betraying Miss Lingsha's trust if he didn’t. That said, one supposed his role as messenger would hinge on whether Serval let him stick around long enough to hear him out before chasing him away.

“Distinct is sure on the nose. But yeah, let’s!”

But as for what having this show hit the road was meant to entail…

Hm.

"Well, actually, what did ya wanna see first? Are you hungry? Or more for sightseeing?" Having locked the shop door behind them, and padded a few steps in no particularly intentional direction... Well, Sampo doesn't mind taking the lead, but he does have an unending curiosity as to what others might show him were he instead left to follow.

"Oop, careful - mind the rail car. They don't go very fast, but they do get prickly about being interrupted in their tracks, hehe~"

c'est frette en esti

Crystallize - @huuuugestmoney

[huuuugestmoney]

Now, see, Sampo knows better than to fight battles not his own. Sometimes, it may be worth his while to pretend otherwise, but here and now…

Ehhhhh.

This other, rather downright terrifying windslinger's got things covered, if you ask him. Come to think of it, these weird creatures being hunted down like mice are pretty spooky themselves. And, well, your pal Sampo doesn't like the idea of fancying himself prey.

So, naturally: he stays put.

When she bids him show himself, he does so - albeit not without a squeak. The action's died down for a spot, and he's witnessed by now how very proficient - and lethal! - she can be with that energy of hers. Ol' Sampo ain't got a death wish, ya know!

Hands risen placatingly, the salesman affixes his best customer service smile.

"Heyyyy, aha ha ha~ I gotta say, you're doing a pretty bang-up job of cleanin' the place up!"

Cough.

"But I uhhh, wasn't hiding per se. Like, yeah, maybe I ducked for cover outta the way of your attacks whippin' around, but hiding…"

That implies something shady going on. He's innocent here!! He definitely wasn't looking for treasure or anything he could conceivably hawk, perish the thought!

"Wrong time, wrong place, is all. I can um, leave you to your business though!" And he can tend to his own - the likes of which figures deeper into the temple. So, that's where he starts toward, hands chastely held together behind his back.

Don't mind him! Just a guy wandering around! Minding his own! Nothing to see here!!

In the Footsteps of the Wind

[huuuugestmoney]

“All right, all riiiight! You make a compelling argument for not telling a single soul. Sampo’s lips are sealed - and that’s a Koski Guarantee™!” No higher honour than that. Probably. But anyway, no, really: being hunted by Miss Seele for a week - minimum - sounded less appealing than warmed tuna sandwiches.

Still,

fear and apprehension ebbed and gave way to a glimmer of light, hope and optimism that he still had a horse in this race. He could get on her good side for once, maybe score a few brownie points…

And if she enjoyed herself, then, wouldn’t that be a bonus? What kinda pal would Sampo be if he didn’t wish her all the happiness in the world on this whirlwind adventure of hers?

With a bow and flourish and a wink for good measure, Sampo’s grin promised a wealth of information to come. She had found the right guy for the job! Promise. “As luck would have it, your friend Sampo is connected to all sortsa places like that! Especially now that the skies’ve opened back up to Belobog… It really is such a vast universe out there, you know? The moment you step onto a spaceship and look down at your planet, see how tiny it is in the sea of stars surrounding it…”

He sighs, dramatic. “Well, dear Seele, that’s when your world as you know it is forever changed. But don’t worry, that’s a good thing! Just means there’s all that much more room to grow, and that, miss, is nothin’ to be embarrassed about.” Nudge nudge. Hehe.

“Anyway, if Sampo had to make any particular recommendations… I went to Penacony recently, but it’s the opposite of peaceful. It’s so busy and even if I’m sure you could find a dreamscape in there that’s all fuzzy and warm, I think you might better enjoy someplace else. Somewhere like… hmm…”

Knuckles neath his chin, he hums, haws a moment.

It comes to him in a flash.

“Actually… you might like Liyue? It’s quite beautiful. Serene, if I had to use one word to describe it. From the sea breeze to the cute little stalls in the streets, to architecture we’ve never laid eyes on here on Jarilo-VI…”

Hmm… A solid option, for starters!

“Of course, that’s just one of many. It all depends if you'd rather lay back and relax, or get up and be active. Do ya like learning about history? Or getting to know the locals, the lay of the land? Getting your hands dirty? Eh? Ehhh~?”

How about it, Seele?

Seele had shifted away from Sampo a little bit as he leaned next to her, though she still stayed relatively close. Closer than I'd like to be, but...

Sampo had already seen her searches for vacation spots, at this point, what the hell is continuing hiding it going to do for her but make her look a little more suspicious at the end of it all.

She gave Sampo a rather stern look before speaking -- "If you tell anyone, a single soul about this, I will personally come and kick your ass every day for a week. Minimum."

She let out a long sigh and then stared at her feet.

This could be really stupid.

And, as her gaze stuck to her feet like glue, she spoke. "I don't...I don't know good spots to vacation to. Like, where's...peaceful? Where would be a good place to take...others?"

There was uncertainty and discomfort in her voice. Seele, someone normally so confident felt so...small, as she spoke. Intense planning wasn't usually her M/O, but she could still come up with something when need be. But this? A vacation was entirely out of her element! This was...embarrassing, for her.

And unfortunately for her, she was even more embarrassed to share that embarrassment with anyone else.

Despite that, she still chose to trust in her (currently) sole source of information on vacationing.

"Are you...connected? To any place like that...?"

[huuuugestmoney]

hold tight, she says, and sampo's hand fly up in defense of his innocence - sure he'll 'hold tight' but does she have to sound so darn ominous with everything else that follows? aren't they on the same team?

welp. these teammates don't really like sampo much, but that’s nothing new. he's never been the first one picked ever. but playgrounds - even those run by crime families - have rules, and he wonders if these two might not be breaking them. the threat of lost digits - now, isn't that taking things a bit too far? ahaha ha...

damaged goods tend to have less value, in sampo's experience.

skill and finesse. sampo almost laughs. probably would have had he not met aventurine's gaze in passing just now.

right. sampo probably could do something to help a pal out sometime this century, huh. minions one and two seem a little less fun in comparison. and this whole conversation's given him a thought or two on his own position here in this whole mess.

"i actually don't think he's sorry at all," sampo chimes in with blithe cheer. they look at him, but only because he has, once again, reminded them that he exists. they're apparently happier forgetting; they look back to aventurine.

"i guess we'll simply have to wait and see whether they do come for you or not. if they don't, we'll figure something else out - but you won't have to worry about that by then."

thwack.

the woman drops like a stone.

ka-thwack.

the man follows suit.

sampo stands behind where he'd collapsed, whistles, and steps to close the distance between he and aventurine. bonds are sliced clean away in a blink.

"ahem. sorry for leaving you to it for so long. i got nervous. and you seemed like you had a plan. but ah, well, they seemed pretty set on digging their heels in now, and you know, sampo doesn't like seein' his friends suffer… "

he offers aventurine his hand. spares the fallen two a glance. they won't be getting up for some time. maybe never, if they're unlucky, though it shouldn't come to that.

"tsk... poor fellas, when their boss finds them. but hey, it's just business. am i right?"

shiny fiddles made of gold //

[huuuugestmoney]

"Oho? That so..." For once bereft of repartie, whether witty or silly, Sampo fell quiet a moment. Letting the flattery settle, he was glad for the merchant's quick intervention - maybe it'd give time enough for the sudden, faint heat nipping at his ears to dissipate. . . Honestly... Well played, sir!

And here, Sampo had never thought himself one to fluster so easily! Heh.

(He might be wrong, there. For the record.)

He smiled at the merchant, giving a small wave with his free hand. Of course, being introduced would be expecting too much - it wasn't like they were actually important to each other or anything! Ha ha ha!

Well, all the better for his wallet, that.

"I do!"

Carefully, deliberately, oh so gently, Sampo tucked the bloom into green hair, behind Baizhu's ear, and, "Oh! Perfect." They were both right. Probably. At the very least, in the salesman's expert opinion, doctor dearest did look all the more handsome adorned with the lily. As for whether it'd make for a memorable souvenir...

That'd be up to Baizhu, in the end.

"You're pretty popular hmm~? It's almost enough to make a guy jealous." He, too, gave a squeeze of the other's hand.

Sampo could but shake his head and chuckle. "We do make for quite a funny pair though, don'tcha think?" Enough to entertain Sparkle for a minute or two, at the very least, right? Right?? Sea breeze tickling his nose, he innocently tested at the string once more - no dice.

"... But not a one quite convincin' enough yet, by ol' Sampo's reckoning." Ah, what a dilemma...!

business comes first before love

⊹ ࣪ ˖ SPARKLE'S SCARLET STRINGS. / baizhu + sampo.

[huuuugestmoney]

"..." Oh, this guy was good. Sampo's smile softened. "That is, as a matter of fact, exactly what happened, Mister Baizhu~" Literally speaking! Well, insofar as the 'came from the sky' bit goes anyway, but they don't really gotta sweat the details, do they?

A chortle met Baizhu's next line.

"Oh, and I thought I was corny, heehee."

'The greatest medicine is love...'

Mulling over the idea some more... Yeah, you know, actually, Sampo could kinda get behind that one. After all, in all of the entirety of the universe, could there truly be any Elation greater than that of being held close by a loved one, of being cherished so deeply you never wanted to be let go?

... Sampo wouldn't know.

A shiver jolted the Belobogian from his thoughts as thumb brushed against the palm of his hand. Oh. Oh.

"People never shine quite so brightly as when they are enveloped in such passion," Sampo stalled, weight of hand in hand not quite distraction enough, albeit distraction all the same. "So I gotta admit to finding myself a mite smitten, just now. What you do... it's admirable. Really!"

Force of habit, he made to extricate his hand just a moment, only to find, uh...

he could not.

The string had shrunk, and they were now beholden to holding hands, and, oooh, gosh, well, Sampo wasn't sure how much he liked that, like, what if their hands got all sweaty? Couldn't be hygienic. And besides, he couldn't quite sit with the idea of subjecting an innocent man to his presence for an eternity on end--

"Ahem. As for me, ah, well, you know! I'm just a humble salesman, I gotta make a living but I try my best only to sell stuff people actually want or need." A chuckle. "Nothin' much else to ol' Sampo, I'm afraid. Just a guy who likes to enjoy life, maybe share a laugh now and then. Oooh!"

A merchant by the side had been talking about these flowers being a local specialty -- plucking one up with his free hand, Sampo appraised it beside Baizhu's head, before nodding approvingly and tilting his head forward in question.

"May I?"

He'd exchange credits and mora after (bless the exchange rate), but...

"I think you'd look even more handsome than you already do."

business comes first before love

⊹ ࣪ ˖ SPARKLE'S SCARLET STRINGS. / baizhu + sampo.

[huuuugestmoney]

"Acquainted..." Yes. 'Acquainted' was certainly one way to put it. "I am. Unfortunately." And that was all he'd say on that.

As for Baizhu...

The circumstances may be untoward, but this green-haired fella still seemed a nice enough guy. "Real pleasure to meet you, Mister Baizhu." And besides. A pharmacy owner? Might be he'd enjoy a chat with Miss Natasha, if the lady ever deigned tear herself away from the neglected folk of Belobog's underground. Medicine being a precious resource, never hurt to meet more in the biz.

Sampo flashed a smile, genuinely bright.

"I haven't been here long at all. You were my first stop - my priority, as it were~" Hear that, Sparkle? Lovey-dovey enough for you yet? Well, never fear! Your pal Sampo could do way better than that. "Please, don't fret on my account." Stringed hand closed the gap, fingers seeking to intertwine with their fated pair. Sampo brought their hands up between the two of them, then pressed them lightly to his chest.

Nothing wrong with a little innocent hand-holding whilst on a romantic (?) stroll, right?

"That walk down to the harbour sounds divine, dear."

He pressed a kiss to knuckles.

Too soon?

Eh. It'd be fine. Somethin' somethin' fake it til ya make it. Sampo winked. No harm meant, friend.

"Why don't you tell me more about yourself as we go? You said you own this here pharmacy? How'd that come about?"

business comes first before love

⊹ ࣪ ˖ SPARKLE'S SCARLET STRINGS. / baizhu + sampo.

[huuuugestmoney]

What a perfectly Sparkle sort of a thing to wake up to.

The least she could do - if she was going to make a nuisance of herself like this - was pay his intergalactic fare... Sheesh! Sampo would have to talk to her about those boundaries he'd set. Again. And no doubt it'd not be for the last time - he'd bet his mask on it.

Anyway, the note had warned of consequences for failing to play along with the madwoman's little game, and, well, Sampo knew better than to gamble his own precious limbs on the words of a Fool. So! Feeling the odd tug on the string, he supposed there was nothin' for it but to forge ahead and at the very least investigate... for now, anyway.

Sampo might've liked to learn the lay of the land first, but the closer he got, the more insistent the string's tugging became. Before long, he found himself standing before a... pharmacy, if he had to guess from the look and unique smell of the place. All right. Unexpected enough, sure... And certainly, he did not anticipate his so-called ~fated love~ looking relaxed enough to put even ol' Sampo himself to shame.

Sampo raised his stringed hand, waggled his stringed pinky with feigned hurt and real admonishment. "Wh- do I look like a 'Sparkle' to you?" he whined, shoulders sagging at the thought. Hand flopped to his side, defeated. What was it they were supposed to do again...?

Something something, 'make love great again' ...?

All right. Well. Sure. They could tango.

With a grin and a sudden lift in energy, Sampo took free hand to his chest. "The name's Sampo Koski! And rather than being responsible for this, I'm but another 'lonely soul' at Miss Sparkle's disposition... apparently." Let's have a flourish in there, why not? And a bow. "All the same, I'll never say no to another pal so..." Sampo extends a hand, head up-tilted just so to meet Baizhu with his best attempt at charm, "... what say we get better acquainted with one another?"

A pause.

"In the spirit of the game, of course. Ahem."

business comes first before love

⊹ ࣪ ˖ SPARKLE'S SCARLET STRINGS. / baizhu + sampo.

[huuuugestmoney]

Today, Sampo's love for humanity swells.

She's so kind...! Too kind, really! She's been a smart opponent up til now, so Sampo highly doubts if Guinaifen has left him a workable opening by mistake. But whether it's that, or simply out of the goodness of her heart... He'll take it. Any extra time to work a sale's gotta be put to good use, right?

"Aw, shucks, that's generous of ya. I'll be sure to make it worth your while, promise."

Even so, he doesn't press it for the now. She seems amenable to hearing him out, and that in itself is already victory enough.

With a hum, gloved fingers tucked 'neath his chin, Sampo steps and rotates around the stacked blocks, looking for a different angle from which to approach the game. Literally speaking, you know? He doesn't care if he wins or loses anymore (in fact, sometimes it's far more lucrative to settle for a loss), but he won't repay her sweet gesture with a half-hearted effort.

Delicately, he pushes a block free. The stack stays strong. He releases a breath he didn't know he'd been holding, before beaming at his competitor.

"Is it okay if I send you a message later then? I don't wanna presume... I'm sure you get lotsa them, hehe. But for now, I think it'd be more fun to focus on our match."

So what if it's a politeness somewhat calculated? Doesn't make it any less genuine. He's enjoying himself, and she seems to be, too - why not live in the moment for the time being?

He places the block. It's a tenuous move, but it holds - might be they're back on even ground now, even if for just a little.

Epilogue: Lil Gui would be sure to get a personal message from Mr. Cold Feet's Pop-Up Shop the next it rolled around. It'd be the least he could do!

[GIANT JENGA] - While not necessarily a Liyue classic, a recent uptick amongst the younger generation has brought this classic game to the port, and with blocks bigger than ever! Will you best your friend, or will all the pieces come crumbling down?

"My turn, hehe."

It's a fun little game. Cute, really. But it isn't without a competitive aspect, a push to do well inherent in the crowds those playing tend to accumulate.

And Sampo's rival here and now especially seems to have a knack for drawing an audience without even trying. It's not enough to make him sweat, not on its own, of course. He's an opportunist at heart, and not of a shy disposition. If anything… he can work with this.

"Say, Lil Gui! Have I mentioned I'm a big fan?"

He looks their tower over, humming in thought. Hand sets on hip. He grins, confident. "Would you care for a bet? If I win… what do you think about a spot of product review?"

Sampo's decided on where he wants to place his next block. There. Nice and steady… that should do it!

[Roll 1d10: 3]

Ohhhh, that's not good. He sees his mistake too late.

The way he's set himself up, the lil miss might be able to set him up for a precarious go this next round if she plays her cards right.

Well, so much for that business plan…!

Lantern Rite Gifts | 1(6)/5

Of course at the sight of MEGA TALL TOWER OF WOODEN BLOCKS Guinaifen's interest is yoinked! Eyes wide as she practically runs up to the thing ( or, as close as she can without disturbing the people's game that was already in progress ). She watches the participates, and asks the audience what they were doing and what the rules were yadayada. It seems simple enough, but you gotta play gravity and physics in your favor.. Good thing she's a street performer with lots of talent in making the impossible possible!

The next time an opening is available to play, Guinaifen shoves her way through ( politely! She has manners. ) the crowd of onlookers to make herself a player in the next round. She ends up standing across from a man with blue hair with some sick white tips dyed white ( possible new [temporary] look? ) and a rather striking sense of familiarity. Guinaifen swears she's seen this man before, though she meets a lot of people ( happens when you're just that approachable and friendly [and a media sensation] ) so she could easily just be making a mistake.

She lets it go rather quickly, more interested in the game than the person she's up against. She wants to win, darn it!

The two exchange idle and playful, and most importantly sportsman-like, banter as they continue on turn after turn. The redhead doesn't think much of her opponent, other than he's a hilarious dude and seems really smart. ..Well, she does until he makes a big Oof- a real stinker of a move, ya know?

But she isn't too hellbent on wreckin' this guy so quick, as he is highly entertaining. Plus, with the possibility of a sponsorship? Don't want to burn that bridge before it's built! Lil Gui is highly intrigued by this guy and his little bet. Ain't get nowhere in life if you don't take some risks!

❛ Glad to hear you're a fan, good sir! Though, if you wanna talk business and sponsorships, you don't have to hide it behind a bet on a fun and simple game. ❜

She laughs gently, more of a friendly sound of amusement than anything cynical. Guinaifen has been approached by many types of people wanting to partner up, or simply to meet her irl, so there isn't anything about the "business man" that sends any sort of red flags ( for now, at least ).

She scans the tower over several times before finding a block that would still work in her favor, but still give the man a chance to make a come back. After all, she's having fun, so why cut the entertainment short? As a reward for providing her with some fun, she provides him a genuine offer of a statement.

❛ You're a funny guy. I like you. I'm willing to hear you out, with or without the victory. ❜

[huuuugestmoney]

They've come to a stop. A stop that simultaneously leaves them at the mercy of the flashing lights and sirens fast closing in on them from behind, yes, but also a stop in which they are, notably, still alive.

Sampo releases a shuddering sigh. Wipes at his brow, disbelief at their good fortune etched in the none too subtle quirk of his lips.

"Ha ha ha... We made it somehow... Thank goodness..."

They still have a problem to deal with, yes, but Sampo will gladly take his chances with skirting local authority over his odds with this madwoman behind the wheel. He's got plenty of experience with the former, after all, and he doubts if Penacony could possibly be more tenacious than that hound from the frozen wastelands back home round Belobog--

there's a light and a sword and Sampo again sees his life begin to flash before his eyes. They're moving again. Why are they moving again-

the car screams. Acheron screams. Sampo,

the shrillest of the three,

also screams.

He doesn't think, just grabs Acheron by the arm, launches shoulder into the door and prays they don't get run over after hitting the road.

Ol' Betsy continues on her merry way, hits the concrete barrier, rolls right over it, and careens down, down, down, until she hits pavement with a glorious explosion that Sampo and Acheron don't really get to see on account of their having jumped out of a fast-moving vehicle just now and bein' busy dealing with that. You know how it is.

They fell. They rolled, together, Sampo holding Acheron close not out of some need to be a saviour or anything foolish like that but out of instinct. Cars swerved, honking but continuing without stopping, because everyine in Penacony always has somewhere more pressing to be than in the here and now.

They stop rolling. They've made it to the sidewalk, somehow. Sampo extricates himself slowly, painfully, haggard and frazzled. He flops to the ground on his back beside Acheron.

"Haaaa... hahhh... you're nuts, you know that?"

Sirens and lights flash nearby. They're closing in. Sampo can't bring himself to care right now.

'Slow down?' she queries, as though Sampo is speaking an entirely foreign language, one even synesthesia beacons can't contend with.

"Yeah, as in, tap the brakes maybe!??"

She is not so inclined, it turns out.

"Huh? Visitors…?"

The sirens wail louder - closer.

Ah. That kind of visitors.

Wait. That kind of visitors?!

Sampo pales.

Seriously?

Penacony is far too rife with potential to see himself cut off from it so soon thanks to a brush with the local authorities. It's a businessman's paradise! A run-in with the Hounds is ab-so-lu-tely out of the question.

Any ideas, Acheron asks.

"Yeah," Sampo fires back, chancing looking back over his shoulder in his seat, and glimpsing the flash of colourful lights reflecting down the narrow alleyway behind them. He has an idea, all right: "… Step on it!!"

…

The vehicle sputters in sudden protest.

"Whuh-?"

… It rights itself fast enough, thankfully, but it's cause enough for concern.

... Are they. Are they low on fuel? Is that what this is? Or is the vehicle sick to death of being abused? Sampo couldn't rightly blame it if so. Okay. Well. Either way, time enough to deal with that later if they make it out of this in one piece.

"Okay, change of plans - ol' Betsy is clearly not havin' a good time, so we haveta make the best of it. See that sign up there? Think that's for a parkade. Maybe we lose 'em in there?"

And failing that, Sampo tucks and rolls and leaves Acheron to the mercy of the authorities, heh.

[huuuugestmoney]

The free market waited for no one, blizzards be damned. Somewhere in this winter eternal was business waiting in the wings, and Sampo would be damned if he let someone beat him to it!

thud.

That, dear friends not so discreetly threatening each other, was the sound of a man falling from a cliff he'd not even realized was a cliff given everything around him was just white on more white,

and landing in a plush snowdrift higher than he was tall,

thereby blessedly not breaking his spine or any of the myriad other bones in his body he typically much preferred kept in one piece. Yay!

Conflict could be good for business. Could be great for it, in fact. Sampo couldn't claim to be a fan, though. Wouldn't it be nicer to be pals? Hard to trade with the dead, after all.

Anyway, the scene before him, no matter whether it had paused upon his unceremonious crashing upon it, sure smelled of conflict. Reeked of it. Hadn't come to blows yet, which meant that maybe aught could be salvaged of it, but... what then?

Eh! A problem for future Sampo to figure out. Current Sampo scrambled forward from his spot in the snow.

You ever have some kind of snowman walk up to you?

No?

Well, now you have- for it wasn't Sampo who'd walked up here, no - it was Sampo whose element could just as well be Ice instead of Wind because good gosh that storm was bad and the snow was heavy actually it turns out and dear Sampo was more fashionable than he was warm and aughghh...

He sneezed. Hands lifted, an attempt at cooling fast rising temperatures.

"Whoo~oa there, friends!"

Curiously, the snow flecks dotting his person had begun to melt. Ah! Well, that, he noted upon sizing up the two at a closer look, was probably on account of the walking, talking space heater standing before him.

How convenient! Belobog would love him! They'd have so much work lined up for him in a snap.

"Gentlemen! Ahem. What seems to be the problem here?"

The sword swivelled in his direction now. Hm. Yeah. Not the development Sampo had been hoping for.

"Another intruder," the swordsman stated.

"Whaaat? Can't we try talking this out? Oh, nice mask, by the way." A nod to Kalpas.

where the fuck is this jaunty uplifting melody coming from-

[huuuugestmoney]

"Shucks, my bad then. Of course you weren't watching me. Busy guy like you's surely got much better things to do with the... uhh... super limited time on his hands." Clearly, Sampo jibed at him, emerald eyes glinting with mischief.

Gaze roved, settling over the ex-mechanical-guardians.

"Wait wait, whaddaya mean, 'act'? Those things were - and are! - terrifying, thanks much! Yeah, sure, maybe I dispatched a couple that were in the way, but the alternative was croaking! And I'm sorry, but ol' Sampo's too young to die!"

Surely his nameless not-yet-friend could understand that much.

"But hey now, couldn't I get to be your friend? What's a guy gotta do to get in your good books? Tell me!"

Pleaaaaaaaaase?

C'mon, don't make him pull out the puppy dog eyes.

Literally no one wants to see that.

"... Well, even if you don't wanna be pals, then how about..."

Wait for it.

Waaaait for it...

"... business partners! Do you think these gems-" Sampo stoops to try and pry a shard of crystal from the deposed construct "-would be worth much? It feels like they should be, yeah?"

are you lost or just stupid?

(and do you want to be rescued or not?)

vaporize | the great red sand | @huuuugestmoney

[huuuugestmoney]

All right, so ol' Sampo ain't completely out of touch. He knows most folks don't appreciate others peeping on their phones. It comes down to basic privacy. Common sense, really.

It hadn't been entirely intentional. . .

"Hehe, sorry! Sorry~!" He scratched at his cheek. Apologizing was the least he could do, even if it wasn't really his style. "Couldn't help myself." All the same, he flashed her a grin intended as disarming - come onnn, he was just teasing a little! Promise.

"I didn't really mean to. Well, mostly I didn't. But when I saw what you were looking at... Can ya blame a guy being curious?"

With a huff, arms crossed over his chest. Leaning back against the building beside Seele, Sampo looked up, up toward the ceiling -- the 'sky' of the underground. Who could blame a girl wondering at the outside world after growing up with this overhead?

Not Sampo!

"I think you should go for it! It's a big world out there. Lots to see and do. And that's not just the salesman in me talking, hee."

Still, inquiring minds gotta know:

"So, where would Seele go? Oh! Lemme guess. Somewhere warm, a vacation classic: the beach!"

Or did she have something else in mind?

Either way, it sure was interesting getting to see this side of one of Wildfire's finest.

As she was lost in thought, vacation spots at the forefront of her mind, Seele had not noticed the rather tall annoyance that had crept up on her. With a start, she jolted upright, letting out a quick "eep!" as she turned to face her...unasked for guest, quickly hiding her phone's screen as she did.

"What the hell was that for, Sampo!"

Her voice carried a little more annoyance than it did anger. Sampo Koski...that damn con man that -- for some reason -- we still have a working relationship with...great. Her grip on her phone tightened as a result of annoyance, her face carrying indignation as she stared at the man before her.

However...what did he say?

Starting to feel a little cramped, are we?

That annoyance, that indignation, very quickly shifted more to embarrassment as Seele thought more about his words. She held her phone close to her chest, clearing her throat so as to not stumble over her next words --

"Life here has been fine, thank you." There was a distinct sass to her tone, as Seele conveyed offense. "I'm not feeling cramped, I just...I was interested in what a vacation would feel like!" her voice rang with a tone of defense.

Why was she so defensive? Was it the insinuation that she wasn't enjoying her life down in the Underworld? Maybe it was the fact that the words came from Sampo of all people?

Shit, out of all people, did she care about his opinion???

[huuuugestmoney]

He'd been at the Clinic just a moment ago. It never hurt to check up with old business partners, yaknow? As as far as Wildfire went, Natasha had often seemed to Sampo among the more reliable, not to mention reasonable of its representatives.

Certainly, he saw eye to eye with her more than he ever had the stubborn girl who catches his attention on his way out. Miss Seele... If he plays his cards right just now, given how distracted she looks to be, maybe he can sneak up on her and give her a spook. Now wouldn't that be fun?

It's the small things in life that make it worthwhile, hehe.

"Working hard, or hardly working~?"

Hands laced together behind his back, innocent, cheerful ol' Sampo leans just so over Seele's shoulder, peering down at her phone. Eyes crack wide - aha! Now what have we here?

He takes a quick, cautious (and preemptive!) step back, just out of swinging reach - just in case she decides today's a 'Bully Poor Sampo' kind of a day. Hands fly up, placatingly.

That said, he's not exactly sure what he saw, but he can hazard a few guesses. And he's pretty sure he's gonna have to be nosy about it. Businessman's instincts, you see.

Hands clasp together before him in a show of enthusiasm.

"Miss Seele! Long time no see - how's life in the underground? Not finally starting to feel a little cramped, are we?"

(planning) a real dream vacation

Seele, finding herself with a lot more free time than usual, looks at hypothetical spots for a vacation... (open starter)

Belobog has been at a small state of peace, since the end of the Eternal Freeze. The Silvermane Guards and Wildfire have been hard at work in tandem to ensure the safety of the people, both above and under. As such, there hasn't been too stressful of work to do as of late.

In fact as a result, Seele has found herself with more free time than usual. She leans along the walls outside the Clinic, scrolling through her phone absentmindedly, a brief respite from helping Wildfire. This absent-minded scrolling through her phone had caused a thought to surface.

Where would be a good place to have a vacation?

A vacation! A means of spending free time with a fun trip in mind. A way to be able to let off some steam and make new experiences while doing so! Even then, that doesn't stop the inevitable doubt when it comes to planning a vacation...

But, damn, would I be able to? Would Nat or Oleg, or even...Bronya be mad at me for taking a vacation? Mmh, what if they wanted to come with? Would that be too many people at once?

Such thoughts always surface in the face of possible free time away from one's work. A confusion of if such an idea would be okay to ask for, a confusion of...where she would even go?

There's that...Dreamscape I heard so much about. Or even that fleet of ships maybe? Where would we even go for a vacation...?

The treacherous part of vacation approaches: determining where to go. What would even be the best, the most reasonable, option for her in this case...? Where would any friends even want to travel to with her...? So many questions, and too few of an answer for each...

[huuuugestmoney]

"I'm with you!"

Yeah!! Now that’s what he’s talkin’ about—

wait.

No, no no no no,

had he not requested that she stay far, far away from Belobog, damn it—!!

What is she doing here??!

It is with great difficulty that Sampo picks up his dropped jaw, clears his throat once, twice for good measure (no he’s not stalling), and then again throws his hands up, n' out. He's gotta say something, anything, gotta get a word in edgewise before Sparkle can merrily continue digging the both of them a deeper hole in the ground.

Because let’s face it: a friend of THE Sampo Koski’s isn’t bound to have much more credibility with the surface folk than the very man, the myth, the legend himself.

“Sampo Koski? That’s who this is?”

“I thought he looked kinda familiar!”

A nervous chuckle. “Fellas, fellas! Let’s not get sidetracked here-”

“Did she just call us animals?”

Oh. He could about throttle her right now. Of course, he’d never do such a thing to his dear old friend, but the thought is sobering in itself. She grabs hold of his arm, and he wonders how she always seems to know best exactly how to get under his skin - because damn if she isn't doing a bang-up job of it right about now, and he's only been in her presence for all of thirty seconds.

Where Sparkle goes, so, too, follows her particular brand of Elation. Ugh.

Anyway. Where was he?

Right, right. A road paved with all the best of intentions.

“How sweet, isn’t it? Even little Miss Sparkle wants to see us all put aside past quarrels and get to working together. I’m sure she’d even be happy to lay down the first brick.”

She had better be, given how she’s here sticking her nose into his business, quite strictly against his prior emphasis.

Tsk, tsk, Miss Sparkle. For shame!

Not that she ever listens to anyone’s whims but her own, one supposes. And even then, Sampo doubts if those whims aren’t fickle as they come. Fools care for nothing save entertainment. Well, Belobog’s Favourite Fool has tastes which are a little more refined, thanks much!

Low-hanging fruit can only score so many points, after all. There’s something much more substantial about a tale carefully crafted.

So that’s what he’s gonna do, or die trying.

“‘Course, gentlemen wouldn’t let her do all the work, would they?”

If there’s one thing the surface folk and underworlders have in common, it’s gotta be their pride, alongside their stubbornness. They seem to pause and wouldn’tcha know it? They start to confer with one another, albeit tentatively.

Sampo takes this lull as an opportunity to greet his old friend, the one hanging on his arm, with a hiss, both warning and plea: “Don’t mess this up for me…!”

And then, as the others continue to consider amongst themselves, an addendum born of a fool’s curiosity: “What are you even doing here…?”

ANOTHER BRICK IN THE ROAD

commission board: crystallize