starlitpaths

[starlitpaths]

While their roles may only be part of this twisted play, it quickly becomes evident that nearly everyone here has a wealth of battle experience—save, of course, for their healer. Aeons above bless her gentle soul. And it turns even more apparent as she observes the way Albedo deftly commands their forces. Such a natural control in the field… He reminds her of Dan Heng, almost, with that fierce protective look in his eyes, coupled with his silent command.

Metal on porcelain clinks once, twice, as she finishes stirring her coffee, her case folded into the seat she’s sat on once more as she takes small, quick sips for a taste of her drink. Bitter. Just how she likes it. She takes another sip of her drink, golden eyes sweeping through the battlefield before halting at their poor wounded Mercenary.

Right. She supposes it’s only right for her to take her turn.

She’d worried about it first—if this was meant to be a separate world, a dream, or a splice of reality of some sort, how was she meant to call forth her ray from the skies? But ah, she’d been in this same situation before, hadn’t she? And even in the Dreamscape, she could still use most of her arsenal.

With a small smile on her lips, she finishes her drink, and from above them the darkened cloud parts as though to make way for the trail of golden light that falls from the stars. The ground beneath them shakes the moment it falls against their foes, its force rippling outward in waves of burning heat. Swift on her feet, the Navigator is quick to follow the fiery waves with another swing of her saw cutter, case folding from one form to the other, extending outward to the very same structure others have been attacking. Again, the blade bursts into flames, sparks of molten metal spreading outward to the rest of the Meks.

She makes a move for another attack, though like before, she misses, with the clockwork quick to retaliate with both of its own.

An exasperated huff, her shoulders slumping when she finds the crystallized energy around her had protected her from its kicks.

…Perhaps it’s time for her to join the kids in their friendly fights.

@dewdrip

one life for one world

GHOverture24: Sword of Fate - Week 3

[starlitpaths]

Shortly after her quick assistance at the end of Albedo’s attacks, Himeko had undone her case’s latches and folded into a makeshift seat, watching in awe as their General stepped forward into battle. Before her, Acheron had swiftly paved a way for them, Lyney felled much of the monsters, and Albedo followed suit shortly after—a testament to how strong these otherworldly companions of hers were. They wield with them a power not unlike that of her family aboard the Astral Express.

How lucky, if so. Although she’s not truly defenceless, Himeko’s never been one to favour combats over peaceful talks—not that there’s any chance of that, considering the monsters they’re currently facing.

Rising from her seat, she grabs her case, which snaps back into its original form with a sharp click. A press of a button extends it outward, revealing the deadly gleam of its molecular saw. And with a swing of her arm, the saw roars to life, harshly spinning against the monster’s hardened, stone surface until flame bursts from its blades. The strike lands true, carving through the monster’s stone-like body—but her next two attacks go wide.

Despite its massive stature, the creature is surprisingly quick to retaliate. Its enormous fist barrels toward her—only to be intercepted by Lyney’s adorable cat, leaping to her defence with uncanny precision. The next two strikes follow in rapid succession. She raises her arms instinctively, bracing for impact, but both blows are deflected by the shimmering crystallized element encasing her like an invisible shield.

A soft chuckle escapes her lips when she finally lowers her arms. There’s still so much for her to learn and study once they’re freed from this nightmare.

@dewdrip

one life for one world

GHOverture24: Sword of Fate - Week 3

[starlitpaths]

Himeko’s gaze sweeps over the soldiers as they stand firmly before their prince, resolutely listening to their young ruler’s words. She could see on their faces their determination—how it reflects the weight of their losses, and the embers of hope slowly reignited by Lyney’s words. It’s fragile right now. They’ve all witnessed too much pain and suffered too much loss, but even in this pain, their soldiers continue to stand by them. Continue to believe in them.

It’s quite cruel how they hold much of these people’s trust only for their leaders to be unable to open up to them and do the same. It’s these soldiers who suffer the most with each loss, who celebrate the most with each victory, yet they’re the ones most clueless as to the true nature of this war they’re fighting for.

Her attention drifts to Lyney, and she offers him a subtle nod, acknowledging the truth hidden within his words. This war, this godsdamned stage, may have been written for them already, but their will belongs to them alone. No amount of script or unseen hand can ever dictate their hearts, nor shall she ever allow another to control their lives any more than they already have.

They will find their way back home. Himeko vows this silently, a promise she makes to them all.

one life for one world

GHOverture24: Sword of Fate - Week 3

[starlitpaths]

2158 AE, Month 18

Symptoms: When prodded, multiple station staff expressed feelings of déjà vu and hints of repetition throughout the day. Several recurring conversations with station personnel and researchers have been noted, with specific dialogue and actions repeated word by word. Specific events and conversations seem to reset in intervals, following a few certain patterns—most notably after power fluctuations or mechanical failures. Exact time of reset seems to be at random.

Hypothesis: A curio may be forcing a temporal loop, trapping personnel in the same day.

Himeko’s gloved hand tap, tap, tapped on the screen of her tablet, her brow furrowing as she hummed in thought. She had read through her findings for what felt like the hundredth time, each pass only making the theory seem more absurd. To be trapped in the same day, to be forced into a never-ending loop… It felt like a thing for movies, yet every clue only led to it.

She scrolled further down her notes.

Symptoms: Staff report of gaps in memory regarding previous conversations, tasks, or interactions from earlier in the shift. Several personnel show symptoms of exhaustion and confusion as they struggle with their tasks, resulting to a noticeable decline in morale and productivity. Some staff have expressed the feelings of “time dragging on” and feeling as though they were “stuck”, especially around routine tasks.

Hypothesis: Mental and emotional exhaustion caused by repeated resets, leading to high turnover and staff reassignment requests.

A curio with the capability to manipulate time or memory may be responsible. Further investigation is required to isolate and contain the suspected device.

She heaved out a sigh and pinched at the bridge of her nose, trying to steady her thoughts. She didn’t want to jump to conclusions, but the coincidences were starting to pile up. If this truly was the work of the curio, then she would have to find it and isolate it before the next reset, lest she wake up in the same loop with very few memories of her current findings. And if so…

The doors behind her hissed as they slid open, followed by a few steps, just as she remembered they would. Glancing down at her device’s digital clock, she pursed her lips into a thin line. 10:17am. Just like last time.

“March…” She trailed off, taking a deep breath before holding the device out to her. If she hoped to solve this case before the next reset, just her alone wouldn't be enough. “I need your help.”

⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ .✧  ݁ ˖ Forward and Back

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀Commission Board: Swirl : @mrch7th & @starlitpaths

[starlitpaths]

Salsotto… A desolate world bathed in golden hues, its vast seas of sand shimmering faintly under the light of distant stars. She can still recall her previous mission there—a journey from when it was only just her and Pom-Pom, interrupted by the discovery of a shipwreck floating idly along its path. Welt had joined them that day as thanks for their help, along with that enigmatic blond friend of his, but their mission for Cadence Glass had been abandoned in the process.

This time, there would be no distractions—at least, she hoped not. Herta had expressed her reignited interest on the Cadence Glass, though, as usual, she’d only given very little reasons and a mix of half-explanations when inquired why. Himeko had learned long ago not to press too hard when dealing with her eccentricities, and besides, she owed it to scientist for having failed her the first time.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of light footsteps approaching. Turning, she saw the Express’s endearing conductor, waddling toward her. “Himeko, your guest has arrived,” they chirped, their ears twitching with excitement. “I don’t know how you’re always so calm when strangers board the Express. I’d be on edge if I were you!”

Ah, right. She’d initially expressed her worry that she may have to fulfil this request on her own at first, only for Herta to cut her short.

“Don’t worry. I’ve already arranged an escort for you. She’ll join you on the Express before you set off.”

Was all she said, providing her, yet again, with little to no details.

“Thank you, Pom-Pom,” she replied, smoothing the fabric of her coat as she followed the conductor out of her room. “And don’t worry; Herta trusts them enough to have them escort me. I’m sure they're someone trustworthy.”

Pom-Pom gave a skeptical huff but refrained from voicing further concerns, though, it wasn’t until Himeko stepped into the Parlor Car that she fully understood the source of her dear conductor’s apprehension—

Firefly of the Stellaron Hunters.

A quiet chuckle slipped past her lips, accompanied by a gentle, resigned sigh. How typical of Herta, she mused. Reputation, good or ill, mattered little to her so long as someone could deliver results.

“Welcome aboard the Astral Express,” Himeko greeted as she extended a hand before her new companion. “It has been a while, hasn’t it? Have you been well?”

⠀ .✧  ݁ ˖ Where the Sand Meets Sky

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Exploration: Salsotto : @chrysalidembers & @starlitpaths

[starlitpaths]

Lyney is right—everything is strange. One moment, they stood in Fontaine and the next, they found themselves in an entirely different place; dressed in unfamiliar clothes, bearing new titles and roles with memories to match. It isn’t just strange—it’s terrifying. As Himeko begins to think, begins to recall what she can, the lines between her true memories and these false ones blur, and a quiet dread settles in as she wonders: where does reality end, and the illusion begin?

Still, despite her many worries, she voices none of it for now. There’s little else to grasp other than the unsettling truth before them: they’ve been thrust into a new reality, like characters in a fantasy movie, with roles they’re expected to fulfil.

Himeko despises nothing more than bloodshed and war, and as she listens to May’s raw, unguarded sorrow, she silently curses whichever gods cast them into this place, their words nothing but a temporary salve to the knight’s aching heart. Beside her, Lyney’s gentle reassurance and Albedo’s steadying words joins in to form a blanket of support around the grieving knight as they consider her request:

“I appreciate your concern, and your offer… But to me, your kindness is the very reason why I should do my best to keep going.” May says to them, sniffling one last time. “If I may boldly ask a favor… Would you perhaps… help me choose a new mount?”

“I'm certain his highness and my lady will help you pick a fine mount. In the meantime, may I see those for just a moment? I'd like to form them into something easier for you to keep.” Albedo answers, gesturing to the feathers in May’s grasp.

To which, their Prince responds with a playful, “Leaving all the work to us, Mage General? Were you not the one who asked to accompany me?”

“My dear Prince,” Albedo volleys back, something equally sly in his eyes, “I simply have full faith in your discerning eye. Make no mistake: I would not leave your side for the world.”

Lyney laughs quietly, shaking his head. “Fine. Let your clever tongue charm your way out of it, then. I'll allow it just this once.”

Albedo’s request seems to have shaken May, even if only for a moment, eyes casting down at the feathers in her hand.

“Um…” She considers the matter briefly, not entirely willing to—even temporarily—part with all she has left of Bluey. However, the kindness she has received so far could never possibly be repaid with a show of distrust. And so, she carefully hands them over, making sure not a single one of them falls to the ground.

The familiarity—and, dare Himeko say, intimacy—between the duo’s exchange doesn’t seem to be lost to May either, and as she, at last, hears May giggle, Himeko’s own lips soften into a small smile.

“I may not be as informed as a pegasus knight, but I have enough knowledge that I should be able to help. But of course, the final choice is always with you, May.”

“Oh, it shouldn’t be anything major. Just…” She hesitates for a second, but then continues as her eyes turn to the available pegasi gathered before her. “Pegasi are very intelligent, and they can understand emotion. If I am to find a new partner, I cannot approach them as a crying mess who they know doesn't want to do this. Please, help me and them both… stay calm. I don’t think I could do this alone.”

“How about this,” Himeko begins, careful, as she asks, “Tell us a little more about Bluey—what was he like? What made him unique? Maybe, if we understand your bond with him, we can help you look for similar qualities in a new partner.”

Cautiously, the Advisor reaches out to place a gentle hand on one of the pegasi nearby, who regards her with a curious tilt of its head and a huff, before leaning into her palm. “And perhaps,” Himeko continues, “in talking about him, it might help soothe both you and these pegasi. They need to see not just a knight looking for a mount, but a friend in need of a partner, just like them.”

　🌢　rest your weary heart.

flame insignia: sword of fate　⸻　starring :　albedo, himeko, & lyney

[starlitpaths]

A mere flicker of uncertainty was all Himeko needed to surmise that something must have happened behind the scenes. They may have been handed the wrong script, perhaps, and if so then that very much explained her co-actor’s entrance. Still, he made a good save, trying to pass his initial words as a joke taken wrongly.

The corner of Himeko’s lips twitched into a small smile, one she hurriedly bit back lest their audience would notice. “A joke, huh…” She trailed off, suspicion still clear in her voice as she narrowed her eyes at her partner. “Well, if you say so…”

Ah, so the ‘something seriously wrong’ written on the piece of paper handed to her was meant to be the result of an experiment gone awry. What an interesting role her co-actor had landed with, indeed, and she could only but wonder if all his words—these rhymes of his—were ones he’d prepared beforehand, or ones he came up with as he went.

“Why today of all days?” Came a groan, cementing her role as a partner slowly growing more and more exasperated as things went on, “must something always be up with you when we’re together?”

⠀⠀⠀ .✧  ݁ ˖ "Hey babe, happy one year! " "I'm 27..."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Who, What, Where ー Scene 3 : @incitomniaveritas & @starlitpaths

[starlitpaths]

incitomniaveritas asked:

[GHWhWhWh 2024] When he had heard of what he must do, he felt his lips tighten at the edges. He was clever with his words and knew already how to potentially start, but the silliness he was bound to show to one of the Nameless outside of their resident jokester sent a bit of his courage down the drain. But he stands on the stage, and he gestures to his partner as he starts them off. The show must go on, he's too vain to slow down now. "Dearest friend, it's good to see you attend such an event to see me. It's been so long since we've met, and I'll assume that the fret and beset of my current linguistics is backset." He tried to make a cohesive sentence without coping out of simply making the final word his rhyme. Although stilted, he does keep a cadence almost rhythmic to match his few words. "Miss Himeko, I do hope this doesn't damper our clamour to share our cursory anniversary. It's been, what, a decade we've stayed friends?"

The next setting had worried her at first—though she may have had many suitors, Himeko had never truly had an experience in celebrating a romantic anniversary with a lover, but Dr. Ratio had surprisingly made it easy for her to go with that flow; the red-haired biting back the urge to snicker and laugh at his odd display before hurriedly getting into her role of, well… A concerned partner, for one, eyebrows meeting to the middle as she eyed the man from head to toe.

“Friend…?” She trailed off with a whisper, her voice filled with disbelief. “I—Honey, this whole time—” She cut herself off, taking a seething breath in as she pinched the bridge of her nose and made an act to massage the growing headache there.

“While our occupations may have kept us from meeting for months on end, do you truly think mere friends would spend and expensive dinner together like this? For a friendship anniversary? Is that even a thing? And why are you talking like this? Has the stress of your work gotten into you?”

⠀⠀⠀ .✧  ݁ ˖ "Hey babe, happy one year! " "I'm 27..."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Who, What, Where ー Scene 3 : @incitomniaveritas & @starlitpaths

[starlitpaths]

Himeko blinked rapidly, staring at the space where Lynette’s hand should have been. Her spell had brought back her master, but clearly… not all of her. She cast a ‘nervous’ glance toward the audience, some who sat on the edge of their seats, others holding back laughter at her mounting magical misfires.

“ M-My goodness! I am—I am so sorry, master! ” The clumsy apprentice cried at the sight of her teacher’s missing hand, hands scrambling through her spellbook’s pages while mumbling to herself. “ I-I can fix this—yes. Just the hand. Just the hand. Of course. ”

Raising her free hand, she began casting the next spell. Hand restoration. Nothing too difficult, surely, and with this she can prove that she was no longer a novice wizard!

In an instant, another puff of bright violet smoke appeared, and Himeko froze as she watched Lynette’s hand reappear. Thank goodness! A wide grin curled from her lips, eyes shifting up to meet her master’s and—oh. Oh dear, that was not supposed to happen. Her master’s nose, once an adorable, smooth button, had transformed into a round, tomato-red clown’s nose!

A feint snicker rose from the audience, while Himeko herself comically gawked at the sight before her.

“ Oh, no, no! I’ve got it this time. Really! Just a small tweak… ” Desperate to set things right, she hurriedly mumbled another spell.

The audience held its breath as another violet burst erupted, leaving the stage covered in lingering wisps of coloured mist. Lynette’s hand was restored, and her nose, thankfully, was back to its original form… but now, perched on her head, were two rounded mouse ears instead of her usual cat-like ones.

Himeko's shoulders slumped. “ Oh... I.. Perhaps... Perhaps I should hit the library again, teacher... ”

⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ .✧  ݁ ˖ YER A WIZERD HAIRY

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

           .✧ ー Who, What, Where ー Scene 2 : @phantomiaou; @starlitpaths

[starlitpaths]

When Lynette vanished, leaving nothing but swirling mist in her wake, Himeko couldn’t contain her surprise, a quiet gasp escaping her—one she tried to mask as the young novice panicking over her master’s sudden disappearance. She had known Lynette was a magician of sorts, her performance with her brother often springing up in conversations with local Fontanians, but to see her slip from sight so effortlessly and up close ( and even then, Himeko still could not figure just how the magician had done it! One moment she was there, and then she was not )… It was thrilling. Amazing.

But then she remembered her role—the novice apprentice of a master wizard, who could hardly remember any spells and may have just made her master disappear for good!

“ Oh! Uhm… ” Her amazement quickly morphed into a look of theatrical panic, her gaze darting around as if hoping her master would reappear on her—his?—own. “ M-Master? I um, ” she stammered, her voice trembling as she wracked her head for the spell required to bring her teacher back. What was it again? Oh dear, oh dear.

Hurriedly, she glanced down at her spell book, trembling hands sifting through pages upon pages.

“ Got it! Let’s see um… ” A deep breath in, shoulders rising and, raising her hands, she squeezed her eyes shut.

Once again, a few melodic notes played to indicate the casting of a spell, tempo rising and rising until POOF!

The apprentice opened one eye, hoping to see her master return.

⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ .✧  ݁ ˖ YER A WIZERD HAIRY

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

           .✧ ー Who, What, Where ー Scene 2 : @phantomiaou; @starlitpaths

[starlitpaths]

[DRESSING ROOM] - She's perched on a three-legged stool, hunched over so close to the mirror that it's sure to hurt when she rights her spine, and so immersed in trying to smooth her most stubborn of cowlicks back that she almost doesn't see her.

Almost.

A glimpse of fire-red is all she needs to see to know, but she's used to seeing it. Just that, a glimpse. A moment, a blip of the imagination that can be blinked away. This one lingers, stays after she has blinked, after she has held her breath and waited for it to be like everything else.

Suddenly, as though a switch has flipped and she cannot bear the idea of it disappearing, Kiana's head swivels. Sure enough, she is there, except it's not... her. Lips press into a thin line, fighting the emotion that threatens to make them quiver. She is like a picture frame whose glass has cracked, shifting the same image just enough to be something else. It isn't her, Kiana doesn't have to ask to know it, but she wishes it was.

"Oh-" she's been staring. Heat crawls up her neck and sends her gaze darting away. "S-sorry. You just look... like someone I know, is all."

.✧ ー OVERTURE 2024

It would always begin with a long, searching stare—a look of surprise; slightly parted lips, widened eyes. She would always feel the weight of their gaze before she even turned to meet it, only to be greeted with a look of disbelief and hopeful eyes that almost seemed pleading. Just for a moment, they would hold their breath, mumble her name, even, before realisation would come. Then followed a quiet sigh escaping them, soft and empty, as that gleam of hope would slowly fade from their faces.

She’d often see it on Welt. Saw that flash of recognition from Acheron. She’d noticed the yearning in that young lady's eyes as she asked for a photo with her. And as always, Himeko had long learned to brace herself for it, greeting each look with a resigned, gentle smile. Before she could even hear their request, their apologies, Himeko already knew they would see her as someone else—a reflection of someone they loved and, perhaps, lost.

It was an almost-familiar ache she had come to expect, knowing that she could never fill the place of the one they missed so sorely, but that did not mean she could not be there for them as Himeko, the Navigator of the Astral Express instead. She will not live as anyone’s echo, no. She shall continue to refuse to be seen as a ghost of someone else’s memory. But even so, she can still be there for them—be someone they can trust. Someone they can rely on.

Someone they can call a friend all the same.

“ May I? ” She offered, stepping closer behind the girl so that she could thread her fingers through those stubborn light locks. “ I think a different style would help tame these. Can I try? ”

Briefly shifting her gaze at the mirror in search of the other’s eyes, Himeko began undoing the ponytail her hair had been tied to, hands gentle as she gathered her hair into two equal sections and, starting with one side, she divided the hair into three even parts, fingers weaving them together slowly—over and under, over and under, as though in a rhythm, a hum of a song nearly slipping past her lips.

As she reached the end of the first braid, she secured it with a small tie, before turning her attention to the other side, fingers moving with that same gentle—almost careful, really—touch.

When both braids were complete, Himeko stepped back to admire her work, giving each braid a final, gentle tug to make sure they matched and… it was almost ridiculous, that aching warmth that slowly bubbled up within her, her fingers lingering for a moment before finally letting go.

“ There. ” 

[starlitpaths]

“ Okay, okay… ” Came Himeko's chanting as she paced onto the stage with a tightly clutched book in her hands. Her wizard’s robe, a size too big, hung off her shoulders, her hair in slight disarray and her huge, round glasses slowly falling off of her nose as she mumbled a few inaudible words over and over and over again, quietly rehearsing her incantation for what should feel like the hundredth time to the audience.

“ Okay, okay, okay, ” She murmured to herself, turning to her partner at last. “ It’s just a spell! I’ve got this. We’ve got this! And when this is over no one shall ever dare disobey your words. ” Her tone held a forced confidence, and even she wasn’t convinced by it, what with that wobbly smile of hers that barely masked her own uncertainty, but the wizard knew she needed to push through.

With a deep breath and clumsy push of her glasses back up, she closed the book, whispering a quick “ Ready? ” before raising her hands and tracing out a supposed pattern in the air.

On cue, a deep, eerie melody rang throughout the theater, lights slowly turning into deep blue as soft mist rose from the floor, swirling around the novice wizard’s feet and then—! 

All the lights shut off just as the music stopped, a sole spotlight falling upon Lynette.

⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ .✧  ݁ ˖ YER A WIZERD HAIRY

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

           .✧ ー Who, What, Where ー Scene 2 : @phantomiaou; @starlitpaths

[starlitpaths]

Bailu’s grand performance earned her a bemused, tender expression from the Navigator, raising an eyebrow as the young actress poured her heart into every line, every grand gesture. She watched the sweeping arc of water, the mist that followed catching in the spotlight and she could hear the way the audience let out a quiet gasp at the display, some whispering amongst themselves at how magical it seemed—just how did water turn to mist so quickly?

As Bailu struck her final “superhero” pose, gourd in hand and expression fierce, Himeko tilted her head, letting the silence linger for a beat before she responded right on cue, the piano’s pace shifting to better suit her lines. Whoever it was behind the keys, they were certainly doing a wonderful job.

A gentle hand on her chest, as though deeply moved by the dragon’s story, and a step forward into the warm glow of her own spotlight, Himeko began,

“ Oh, my dear dragon… such courage, such strength, ”  She began moving to the center of the stage to meet with her co-actress. “ Your powers are great, your strength unmatched. You’ve conquered storms and turned the tides… but here, no battle need be fought. Not when kindness and a friend’s hand could mean so much more. ”

The piano swelled softly, picking up her tone as Himeko’s voice eased into song:

A hero’s heart is noble, but friendship can be even more— What stronger power could there be than one who’s kind and sure? You say that you’d level mountains, that the seas obey your call, But all this lady needs, my dear, is a friend, that’s all.

Darling, power does not lie in strength and deeds alone— There's no need to help this town all on your own. The world could use a hero, but darling can't you see? Heroes alas, They come and go. But those who we befriend and love shall linger, As our memories together grow.

As her voice faded with the last notes, Himeko extended her hand, meeting Bailu’s wide-eyed gaze with a smile that was both kind and hopeful. “ My dear dragon, ” she continued softly, letting her hand linger in the air, awaiting for acceptance, “ you’ve done so much already. You don’t need to be a hero to be needed here. Sometimes, just being a friend… just being there, is all the power one could need. ”

The lines she had were quite… Cheesy and cliched, she’ll admit, and if there was a hint of red that peppered across her cheeks, her script would be to blame for it, but the Navigator couldn’t help but think it true at the same time. Hopefully, their target audience could learn from this. She chuckled softly to herself. All this, just because the gardener did not want the little lady to meddle with her lawn any longer.

Himeko let her gaze fall to Bailu’s hand still clutching the gourd, then back up to her face with a warm, patient look. “ What do you say, hm? A friend instead of a hero? The roses would thank you for it… and so would I. ”

oh, mademoiselle!

[ what, who, where — scene 1 ]

[starlitpaths]

Himeko blinked, momentarily taken aback as Bailu’s voice swelled into a song, filling the theater with her earnest lines. She… Hadn’t quite expected this turn of events. Were they—oh, were they meant to sing their next lines out, instead of reciting them as she had thought? She glanced offstage briefly in search for some silent cue, and when she’d found none, she looked back to Bailu, whose eyes only sparkled with conviction.

Oh. Oh. There was not much choice, was there?

She took a slow breath, willing herself not to cringe. Her eyes shut briefly in a silent prayer that hopefully, none of her Nameless companions were in the theater. Reluctantly, she lifted her chin, letting her voice start softly, almost as if testing the waters, as she took in the rhythm of the piano’s melody.

You say I look so weary, that my steps are slow and small,

A wince, though she’d push through, finally sparing her little co-actress from struggling any further as she stood back up, taking the young lady’s hand in her own instead so she could lead them around the stage—her barren garden, so to speak, just as she continued singing.

And that flowers here have faded in this broken, lonesome sprawl… But oh darling, can’t you see?  I’ve known many days like this,  These flowers may be wilting, and the sunlight may seem shy,  But I know how to tend them, let my spirit—

Playing along with her line, she placed her hands underneath Bailu’s arms and carefully lifted her to sit on the ledge of her garden as she sang, 

—lift them high.

At last, the tune of the piano seemed to slow down, nearing its interlude, perhaps.

I’ve never needed help before,  I don’t need another’s hand to help me through the door.  But if you insist, then I must say,  Perhaps a friend is all that I need today.

The piano played softly as she transitioned back to spoken word, the melody gently fading into something soothing and relaxed. She stepped closer, holding both of Bailu’s hands now, her smile warm and inviting.

“ So perhaps, ” she started just as the stage lights warmed into a soft, sunset-like glow around them, “ you could brew us some tea instead? And tomorrow… Tomorrow, we’ll tend to the roses together. ”

oh, mademoiselle!

[ what, who, where — scene 1 ]

[starlitpaths]

[who, what, where — scene 1]

Bailu enters the scene with eyes squinted narrow. She scours the stage, waving to townsfolk that aren't there and looking to a sky that is naught but lights. She does this for some time, creating a panorama with little more than her wordless (over)acting. Then, once she feels she is ready, she dramatically gasps.

"Oh madam! Oh madam!"

Bailu chirps, cape flying behind her as she sprints to stage right. Though she misses her blocking by quite a few paces, and the stage lights that descend upon her don't fall quite right. Half of her body remains in shadow. But, no matter—the protagonist shall always be triumphant. According to the cliche ingenia that pollute the Luofu mediascape, anyways. That aside, what's important is that she is able to see her partner and throw out her lines. Theater amateur she may be, she at least manages that.

There, atop the small raised platform that is set upon the stage, is the Express' very own conductor, Himeko. Bailu places her hands on her hips.

"You seem to be in need of assistance, madam! Allow me to help, madam! Wee?" her eyes widen for a spell, and she quickly corrects herself, "Oui?"

[ Who, What, Where — Scene 1 ] 

Himeko watched with a weary expression as she stood on her platform, awaiting for her cue, raising her eyebrow as Bailu squinted at imaginary townsfolk, then charged across the stage in a dramatic but wildly off-kilter fashion. When the little lady finally arrived (overextended) on her designated mark, Himeko closed her eyes for a beat, as though in silent contemplation out of her character’s suffering.

The lighting around the stage dimmed then, the spotlight falling onto her as she spoke, her voice echoing to imitate that of a thought only the audience could hear.

“ Every morning, she comes hurtling over from… Wherever it is she resides, and each time… ” She took a deep breath in, making it a point to rise her shoulders enough that their viewers could see before dropping them with a sigh. “ I’ve already tried denying her twice, and oh, the look she gives me when I do, but every time she comes to help me, I only end up further from finishing than before. ”

Himeko paused, gesturing with a flick of her wrist toward the imaginary lawn stretching beyond the stage lights. Her garden, composed of plastic flowers and grass painted upon wood, appeared wholly untended and a mess. As she dropped her head in apparent “defeat,” the lighting around the stage brightened up. Her smile forced as she turned to the helpful missy once more, hands on her knees so she could crouch down to her height.

“ Oh! Young lady, every day you come to help me and I couldn’t be more grateful! But perhaps… Perhaps today, you might let me handle it myself, hm? ”

[starlitpaths]

[SHARE A COFFEE]

[starlitpaths]

[Share a coffee] “You look like you might need this,” Wriothesley says sympathetically and offers a lidded cup of fresh, hot coffee. He’d ordered it just a moment ago, having spent the last half-hour watching the new and foreign faces mingling around the cafe plaza. This fiery redhead had caught his eye - maybe for the color of her hair, or maybe because she had a familiar air of studious concentration and cultivated poise.

”I get the impression you have more than a little work to take care of while you’re here.”

.✧ ー OVERTURE 2024

The aroma of coffee hit her before she even heard his voice, easily snapping her out of her reverie. She looked up to find herself face-to-face with a stranger holding out a paper cup, and while normally, she wouldn’t accept a drink from someone she didn’t know so readily, perhaps he was right about this. After what felt like hours of scanning the crowded streets for her companions, she could already feel the edge of a headache creeping in, and nothing soothed that quite like a good cup of coffee.

“ Oh—thank you. ” With a smile, she took the drink, cupping it with both hands, savouring the warmth radiating from it. She inhaled deeply, taking a moment to appreciate the familiar scent, and when she finally took her first sip—goodness just how perfect it felt. The smooth, bold taste spread through her, melting away a trace of her fatigue. It wasn’t quite as bitter as her usual brew, but it still hit all the right notes, as if the warmth had reached straight to her bones.

“ Just what I needed... ”  She sighed contentedly, flashing him an appreciative smile. “ You’re right; there’s always more to do, it seems. I have a feeling you know the feeling all too well yourself, hm? ”