#before anything you shan't pardon me

[a-shrieking-cloud-of-bats]

pursuance is still a great big mystery to me as to what it means but lantern (and the corresponding abnormality) seems to be like a sort’ve fairy/forest hermit guy telling stories to people to entrance them and then draining them via their weird tree root arm

[mtchacffinz]

what a blunder!

prompt!!! Arlecchino personally deals with your unwanted marriage proposal in her own unique way.

content!!! fem!reader x arlecchino, SFW, impatient arlecchino, violence mentioned, marriage proposal, possessive arlecchino

note!!! "Farlahr" is a made up character for the sake of this ficlet. The Doctor here is NOT Dottore. something about arlecchino tweaking and losing a few screws is so hot to me so here you go girls this one is for my strap on arlecchino riders 🙏 im so normal

"He told me that if I consider him as my betrothed, I would be set for life." You smile up at her, albeit nervous. "Huh? Oh— Where are you going?"

Long empty corridors could carry even the faintest whispers. The moon peeks from the shadows, it's serene light softly caressing the harbingers figure— still, quiet, tensed. Her heels clang echoing all throughout the corridor, her gaze that was pinned straight forward seemed to pierce through the thick air surrounding the atmosphere.

Long empty corridors could carry even the faintest whispers, and Arlecchino failed to notice she started to hear her uneven breathing.

Peculiar. Truly peculiar..

"Right this way, Ma'am." Arlecchino set her gaze towards the head butler, greeted with the sight of a tensed figure in return. The head butler winces, stammering on his words. Was she glaring? She doesn't know. That's not important. She's needs to get through the door. "I- I will inform the Master of your arrival—"

"That will not be necessary." Her sultry voice cut through his words. "We have been long collaborators, a reunion shan't wait too long."

Her monochromatic figure heaves a soft breath, looking blankly towards the excessively pretentious door, it's sheer size looming over Arlecchino's figure— the entrance towards an office.

Eloquent and graceful, although her lips were painted with a polite smile, the person before her couldn't tell if the crimson woman was brewing something from within. The Knave was calculative and perceptive, an expert at keeping herself cold despite the scorching flames imbedded within her. The man kept his gaze at the floor, lacking the courage to even contest her gaze.

Those eyes, terrifying crimson hued crosses that could mess with your head tried to dare his optics to even catch a small gaze. Staring into them was ill advised indeed. The butler knew this for his heart was racing, and what added to the cold sweat undeniably trickling in his jaw was that Arlecchino stood unnervingly still— as if contemplating something under deep thought. Before anything could be done, Arlecchino firmly gripped the mansion door's handles in a few momemts, swinging it open with great force.

There had always been an air of nobility in Arlecchino's presence. As soon as she stepped foot into Farlahr's office, the doctor stood up in shock, startled.

"Please, excuse my abrupt visit, Doctor." Arlecchino deliberately spat out the title, a composed smile tugged at her lips. Farlahr's eyes widen at the sight of her monochromatic elegance painting his mansion floors with her presence.

"You're not too busy, I presume? Do let us catch up, I insist— I truly do." It was way beyond the wee hours of the night, the breeze was cold and unforgiving, and the doctor could feel it crawling up his spine. The Harbingers assertive words leave no room for arguments. As if there was an invisible wind from the room, forcing every bit of his movements to bend at her own will.

"I admit that it's quite off fashion to visit at this hour empty handed, Lord Harbinger." The man chuckled in an attempt to disperse the growing tension in the air. He swings his hands— decorated with glimmering stones to mask his nervousness. The woman quickly responded.

"I won't be empty handed for long."

"Pardon, Lord Harbinger?"

Arlecchino doesn't clarify any further, but directs her unwavering gaze to him. Dark, piercing. It was like a warning, a ticking bomb for the doctor to diffuse except there seemed to be no signs of dismissal any time soon.

His crisp smile quickly dropped.

"...I merely jest." Farlahr quickly followed up, as if it was the most amusing joke in the world. Arlecchino doesn't seem to share the same opinion, as her expression stood the same. Whatever The Knave came here for, he doesn't know just yet. And if he fails to catch on, Farlahr just might lose something. His head fell from the deep crevices of his panicked mind falling into one topic he suddenly could bring up as distraction.

With their history of collaborative partnership of 13 years, Arlecchino didn't have a single problem in regards to the business and it's contributions to the House of Hearth. Arlecchino didn't care for his obsessions with women and adulterous activities, the poised lady simply stood her ground due the information the Doctor withheld about the history of medical fallacies and treatments alike.

Arlecchino's rigid gaze quickly looked relaxed, unbothered. Her voice had voice lowered and her arms and legs sit crossed.

"I came here to offer a deal."

"And that is?"

It was no surprise to Arlecchino that Farlahr was a worldly man. Riches to riches, he has re-married at least three times and he's proud of that. Arlecchino didn't bother to comprehend his thought process. She believes that his brain was processed waste ideally converged with multiple nerves. His body reeked of metals, teeth gleaming brightly with silver. She kind of wishes she could rip it all out of his jaw..

"You will retract your marriage proposal." Arlecchino starts, "And I say this, your wealth, status, and people— all safeguarded as per usual."

Farlahr was taken aback by the sudden demand. He doesn't know if her statement stemmed from concern for his safety or a wake up call to his unethical hobbies. The opportunist in him say the opposite, it says that maybe you are some sort of leverage in this world— so valuable that even the 4th Harbinger of then fatui would personally come and abolish his plans of marrying you.

But the curiosity of his consciousness gnaws it's way out of his lips, asking one particular question.

"You disapprove of my wife and I?"

How disgusting. Utterly repulsive. Its almost an offense to your whole existence to be called a wife to someone as repugnant as him. The monochromatic grace managed to suppress her disgust by responding in a more poignant tone.

"Ah, forgive me." Arlecchino very slowly tilts her head, eyes unblinking. She effortlessly stands up from her seat, her coat elegantly swaying with her refined and poised movements, breath light as a feather— a shadow cast on her face.

"But I don't disapprove of your proposal, pig." In a moment, there was a switch in her tone. Her pointed high heels shoes dragged themselves against the expensive velvet carpet, dreaming to at least peirce through the back of a certain crisp, fragile cranium. With every step closer Arlecchino gets, the more Farlahr's heart pounds in his chest, daring to jump off.

She raises a hand and firmly places them on his shoulder.

"...I forbid it."

Serenity was all that could be described throughout the night. And you, as a person of idle leisure in the evening, appreciated the tranquil breeze that brush past your cheek. A soft sigh escapes your lips, falling into deep thought. What is there to do? With the last 28 hours you were given to decide on an answer, you're left quite bewildered. Tapping your fingernails on the terrace by muscle memory, your train of thought was disturbed when you head familiar foot steps behind you.

You turn around to see a sight of dignified beauty, standing before your sleepless eyes. Arlecchino's presence, despite the abruption, quickly calmed your disgruntled nerves down.

But something was wrong. Before you could ask about the residual crimson stains on her cheek and darkened hands, she speaks in a tone softer than any voice you've heard her.

"If I may ask, my dove, could you marry someone with an absent ring finger?"

Wow. What a random question. Completely uncalled for. Maybe the ungodly hours of the night got to her? Despite the conspiracies flowing through your mind, you try hard to think of an answer.

"Hmm. I should rephrase that. Could you marry a man with no fingers?" Arlecchino ponders out loud, "Despite a marriage contract, you must need a ring to put on his finger, right? Quite a shame, really.."

"No, I don't think so. Wedding rings are to be put on ring fingers, if I recall correctly."

"That's a relief." You raise a brow, completely lost. You gaze at Arlecchino, a subtle triumphant look paints her expression, her fingers play around with her numerous rings that sit comfortably on her fingers. Taking one out, she approaches your figure.

"May I embrace you, my lady?" Suddenly, the Harbingers sultry voice was sullen, sulking. My, what's up with this woman? A moment ago she shows up with (possibly) blood around her person, and now she's asking for sudden physical contact? After just a consonant of the reply 'Yes' was uttered, Arlecchino quickly took you in her arms, embracing you deeply— taking in your presence wholely.

"How I wish I could rid you the scent of that swine." She loosens her grip for a moment, putting a stray hair strand behind your ear. All this feels like a fever dream.. you remember that just mere hours ago, Arlecchino's face looked grim and unpleasant when she received news of your sudden proposal— her reaction left you perplexed. You thought it would be a good idea since Farlahr was a good business partner of hers, why the grim expression?

You pat her back comfortingly. Before you could say anything, Arlecchino quickly lets go of you, standing perfectly straight. Her face once again unreadable— she speaks in a calm and collected manner.

"That fool said that if you'd marry him, you would be set for life." She recounts, almost irritated. Arlecchino's crimson crosses gaze was away from you, but hands traced their way back to your arms, carefully holding them in hers. Her thumbs brush the back of your hands affectionately, with tenderness and care in her voice. Arlecchino's knee made contact with the floor, and her hands delicately handled yours as if they were the most precious thing in the world.

"You must marry me. All he could offer you, I could provide tenfold."

All of the sudden, the wind started to pick up, and the ethereal lady before you never looked so grand. Her monochromatic hair danced with the cool breeze, and her crimson eyes looked from above, transfixed on your figure. Your throat felt like there was too many words you could spit out in one go, and you were terrified that you'd ruin the atmosphere by stammering over your words.

"Marry me so you are mine to gratify. This is a promise I can keep, unlike that farce. Even at your grave, my everlasting flames will be buried with you in the dirt where you lay— in turn that you will never freeze from the cold kiss of death." The Harbinger adds, tenderly placing a peck on your knuckles. Her gaze could contest even the eyes of Archons at this very moment, possessing full confidence that upholds the standards of her capabilities.

Compared to her, what could a limbless man offer you?

my dumbass just woke up and decided to edit it a bit cus I was writing this at like, 3AM LMAOO, hello (⁠ ⁠ꈍ⁠ᴗ⁠ꈍ⁠) its me again, just dipping my toes in the water to see if I could still write 🤔

[marta-bee]

Some The Hobbit thoughts, also posted to Dreamwidth.

I've been rereading The Hobbit's first chapter, and I'm struck by the way Bilbo uses manners and civility to keep the fae at arm's length, and how poorly it works.

"I beg your pardon, I haven't asked for anything!" [said Bilbo] "Yes, you have! Twice now. My pardon. I give it you. In fact I will go so far as to send you on this adventure. Very amusing for me, very good for you and profitable too, very likely, if you ever get over it." "Sorry! I don't want any adventures, thank you. Not today. Good morning! But please come to tea - any time you like! Why not tomorrow? Come tomorrow! Good-bye!" With that the hobbit turned and scuttled inside his round green door, and shut it as quickly as he dared, not to seem rude. Wizards after all are wizards. "What on earth did I ask him to tea for!" he said to himself, as he went to the pantry. He had only just had break fast, but he thought a cake or two and a drink of something would do him good after his fright. Gandalf in the meantime was still standing outside the door, and laughing long but quietly. After a while he stepped up, and with the spike of his staff scratched a queer sign on the hobbit's beautiful green front-door.

So what he really wants to do is send Gandalf packing but he doesn't dare, wizard's being wizards. Instead, he invites him round to tea the next day, which feels a little like bumping into an old acquaintance and saying you should really get to dinner sometime. Only this ha an actual planned meet up so it's already less effective than our modern variant. It does, though, give him a well-mannered way out of the current way to end this interaction, and sets the stage for what the next one. It will be a tea, there will be Rules and a set end-date.

Only notsomuch. The dwarves arrive when poor Bilbo expects his wizard, and they just keep coming. There's the rude knocking, the odd belongings, the eating all his seed-cake and keeping him running to meet there every request. The only thing that seems to make it worse is when he's grousing about all the work these unexpected guests are causing him, and instead of taking the hint and leaving, they actually help him clean up.

"Confusticate and bebother these dwarves!" he said aloud. "Why don't they come and lend a hand?" Lo and behold! There stood Balin and Dwalin at the door of the kitchen, and Fili and Kili behind them, and before he could say knife they had whisked the trays and a couple of small tables into the parlour and set out everything afresh. Gandalf sat at the head of the party with the thirteen dwarves all round: and Bilbo sat on a stool at the fireside, nibbling at a biscuit (his appetite was quite taken away), and trying to look as if this was all perfectly ordinary and not in the least an adventure. The dwarves ate and ate, and talked and talked, and time got on. At last they pushed their chairs back, and Bilbo made a move to collect the plates and glasses. "I suppose you will all stay to supper?" he said in his politest unpressing tones. "Of course!" said Thorin. "And after. We shan't get through the business till late, and we must have some music first. Now to clear up!"

Again, he's clinging to manners to try to make them feel unwelcome, to highlight the imposition, but all he really does is make a space for them to keep on staying. He's actually inviting them in explicitly, both Gandalf and the dwarves, but it's in this way I think anyone playing by the same rule book as him would recognize wasn't a true invitation. That the only polite reply-back was to see they weren't welcome and withdraw.

It does remind me of folk-tales about vampires and other baddies, who must be given verbal permission to enter. I don't think Bilbo could have really done anything to avoid this adventure once Gandalf marked his door, but it's fascinating to me just how clearly Tolkien shows the normal rules of society don't apply, his Baggins side and all the social niceties that shape his reality just are completely ineffective in the face of these strange beings from beyond the blue.

I'm beginning to think it's no small thing Tolkien had him forget to put this event in his diary. As if this wide, dangerous world could ever be diaried in.

[butcharondir]

wip wednesday

none of my mutuals even do wip wednesday anymore but i don't care, i am back on my bullshit with this ridiculous tom x sophia x oc x oc gay polycule fic and i want to yell about it

this is set several months post-canon and takes place just before the drama of the story really gets going

Tom looked very fine upon his horse, even more so because he wore a new riding jacket of pale forest green. It blended just so with the veil of foliage around them, so that he appeared almost as a creature from a children’s story — a sprite, or a fairy, or a very handsome troll. His beauty was always set to best advantage in nature, Sophia thought. Whether he was dressed in simple finery like this or stripped down to his shirtsleeves, it didn’t matter. She always liked him best in such a state.

He played the fool for most of the ride, pretending to be guide but stating everything wrong or backwards or only half-true, so that Sophia might act the playful scold. They left the coach road early and moved through the understory, both well accustomed to the hidden paths of the wood. When they reached the bluebell grove, Tom jumped from his horse and plucked one of the blooms, offering it to her with a flourish. “This, my lady,” he said. “Is one of the rarest wildflowers to be found in these parts. But!” He tossed it away before she could take it from his hand. “I fear it is deadly poisonous even to breathe upon, so for your own safety, I must recommend you stay atop your horse.”

“Hmm,” she said, staring down her nose at him. “Perhaps you are right to urge caution. But, sir, I believe there is something wrong with my saddle. Will you check it for me?”

“Of course, my lady. I shan't have any accident befalling thee whilst thou art in my care.”

Sophia snorted, losing her composure at his overly serious manner. He smiled up at her, guileless, then trained his expression back into a look of studious concern. His face hovered close to her leg as he inspected the tack.

“I cannot find anything wrong, madam.”

“Look closer,” she commanded.

Tom leaned in. “I beg your pardon, but I believe your skirts are in the way.”

[echantedtoon]

Rules Of One's Soul Ch9 A Third Player

Normally when one was coddled like a child, they would cease to be treated such a way, but right now it felt nice being comforted by the much larger darkner. Even if it was like when he would have to hold Lancer and reassure him of anything. So for now, he wouldn't argue and just be content with the taller cat holding him in his lap like this. The peace and quiet of the sheap helped him to calm his usually overhyped mind, and the softness of the cat was really nice. The two were interrupted by the small pattering of feet and soon enough the small mammal, which he could now clearly see looked like some kind of bat thing from the looks of those weird wings. They held an apologetic look.

"I can't find food, but I found these." They held up what looked like dark candy in their hands and offered them to the two. "I found better food."

Seam sighed. "You couldn't find anything else other than that?" They shook their head. "And why not?"

"Jevil ate the rest this morning. Everthing except my candy stash. I'aspulled hin at hiding"

Seam sighed before patting Rouxls on the back and asking. "I don't suppose you'd be willing to eat nothing but sweets would you?" Rouxls didn't answer but he did grumble and move slightly away from Mak making him chuckle. "I suppose not then."

Mak shrugged before plopping themself onto the ground, dropping a few candies in the process, and stuffing their face with a few of them. Seam gave a dry chuckle before leaning back into the couch. Rouxls shifting to lean back into him a bit more which made Seam chuckle a bit.

"W-Wouldst thou stoppeth that?"

"Stop what? I'm doing nothing but relaxing...And taking care of you of course. Ahahaha."

Rouxls narrowed his eyes. "That! S-Stop that I-infernal laughing! Tis nay funny!," he shouted voice cracking.

Seam chuckled harder, making his body shake. Rouxls grumbled again and asking, "What doth thou findeth so funny?"

"It's not often I find things amusing being a humble shopkeeper and all....But when someone overreacts like you do, I can't help but be amused."

"Pardon me?! Overreacting tis nay something I do!" He finally pushed himself from against the taller cat and looked up to face this one eyed menace. He chuckled again at Rouxls already flustered and angry face. Making him flush more. "STOP THAT!!"

His voice braking made Seam laugh harder and Rouxls gave a sputter of anger. The duke then tried to push himself from the larger darkner's grip only to have a paw gently wrap around his chest and pull him back to the warmth of the soft cotton. Making him give off a very undignified squeal. He could practically feel his face flush a deep purple as the cat continued to laugh at the now struggling, sputtering duke. His legs kicked out barely missing Mak's head by a couple inches, causing the poor stuffed bat to yelp and duck for cover. More candy scattering to the floor from their hold. Rouxls gave off another squeal when Seam finally managed to set him back securely within his iron-like grip.

"Thou art to r-release me this instant! I-I shan't be treated l-like a prisoner b-by a commoner!!"

"Funny, funny.~ I always assumed you were more, more of a bigger spoon.~"

The sudden voice made Rouxls snap up immediately and give out a tiny squeak at the sudden appearance of the floating menace just a little ways from them. He immediately felt his pupils shrink and out of instinct, he leaned away from the smiling imp against Seam's chest. Jevil titled his head curiously, taking in the strange sight before him. Seam slowly cleared his throat gaining Jevil's attention.

"Jevil. There's something I need to talk to you about-"

"I don't suppose, suppose it has something to do with all this?" He gestured towards Seam who was still holding Rouxls but now in a somewhat more slightly protective way. The worm continued to stare directly at Jevil with a not fear but more of a panic in his eyes. This didn't go unnoticed by the imp when he looked back towards him. Fanged smile slightly fading. "...Did I miss, miss something?"

"I would say so. But...I think it'd be better if Rouxls had a chance to get up and stretch his legs for a bit."

Before anyone could respond Seam slowly began to sit up from the couch, moving his paws to hook under Rouxls's body. The worm gave a surprised noise when Seam moved him into the bridal position before standing up himself. Jevil tilted his head more and rose a brow as to question as to why Seam was holding HIS desired, but Seam gave him a look to say 'Not right now. Later.' Thankfully, Jevil backed off but didn't stray too far from the strange duo, as Seam turned towards the front of his sheap. He had to carefully step over Mak as they scrambled to pick up and eat the candies they spilt earlier from Rouxls's flailing like a fish caught in a net. Rouxl's making a comment about how unhealthy it was for a child to eat anything off the floor. Jevil followed close behind with the same questioning expression.

"I can walk on mine own," Rouxls huffed while in Seam's arms, but it seemed the cat ignored his whining.

Ounce they were in the front and away from the child, Seam set Rouxls down on his feet. The worn wobbled a bit, getting use back in his legs after sitting on practically a living cushion for the past hour or so, before regaining balance and standing up straight. Seam watched him for a moment before turning to Jevil who was of course staring at Rouxls with a sultry gaze.

"Now what has happened to cause the duke, duke to stumble within your humble, humble home and become situated within your ....arms, arms?," he questioned Seam without really looking at him.

Seam only answered with a hum before shifting his one eye back towards Rouxls who was busy straightening himself up, before looking over his shoulder at the two.

"I...think I can explain. If the duke here doesn't mind me retelling what had happened-"

"I simply p-passed out from static shock," Rouxls insisted crossing his arms over his chest like a pouting child, "A-And then I woketh up on thine filthy sofa where that....that thing-"

"Mak."

"Mak nearly frightened me to death! I shan't hear a-anymore of the matter!" He looked away with a cough, expecting neither to question his authority. ...He should've know by now.

"I'm afraid that's not what happened. And you absolutely know it." Seam's answer silenced Rouxls into a blank stare. His button eye spun a few times before he looked back at the eager awaiting jester and sighed. Reaching up a paw to rub through the tuft of fur around his neck. "Don't know how to begin honestly...You might not like the news I bare."

"Oh?" Jevil's smile became more strained as he narrowed his eyes slightly. The sight made Rouxls gulp and fail to suppress a shudder. "Hehe. I can't wait to hear the answer, the answer.~ Now what has happened, happened that would hender my mood..mood?"

The old cat sighed before reaching up to rub his face. "Well...To be blunt?..... I believe your friend here-" He nodded towards the still duke. "-has a connection towards someone else. He didn't react too kindly to it I'm afraid ."

Silence.

Jevil blinked and his smile faded completely instantly. He stared at the cat for what seemed like forever before smiling again and giggling a little. Oh, what a joke. Seam's joking habits were still present after all these years. He looked back towards Seam with an expectancy to see him laugh at any moment when he saw through the joke....But he didn't. Instead Seam sighed again and reached a paw up to rub at his temple. What-? He quickly looked towards Rouxls, expecting a similar reaction, but the worm merely blinked that nervous look back at them. His form tense as they awaited the imp"s answer. They didnt wait too long because when Rouxls didnt answer Jevil swiveled his head back to Seam and laughed.

"BWAHAHA!! Funny, funny. A good joke, joke to pull so close and so soon to such a wonderful holiday, holiday. You were always such a silly kidder Seam, Seam."

Seam stared back and just sighed again. "No, Jevil. Im not kidding. This isn't a joke."

Jevil's smile dropped again. His yellow eyes darted over to the still frozen worm who flinched as the yellow pinpricks studied his form. After a short while of just silent studying he again smiled but this time it seemed a little more strained. But only slightly.

He chuckled. "Hehe. So a rival player has entered our game of hearts it seems." His tone made Rouxls shiver it held a almost happy aura but underneath was a slight displeasure. Jevil rubbed his clawed hands together and smiled sweetly at Seam. " And just who might this new player that has placed his heart card into, into our game?~ And so, so late too. I've nearly, nearly set down my deck, deck."

Neither answered for a moment but Jevil wasn't stupid. He caught the nervous glance the two gave each other before back at him. Rouxls could practically feel the slimey sweat dripping down his face right now. Seam looked much calmer given the current situation but he did use to spend everyday with this lunatic. Surely he would figure out some way to turn this around and lesson the tense air between the three.

The cat slowly rose a paw. "Me."

Rouxls felt any sanity he had left shatter. Jevil gave a slightly surprised look and rose a brow at the cat's blunt answer. After a few more seconds he broke the silence.

"You, you?"

"Yep." He finally gave a calm smile. " Haha. To be honest I can't believe it much either. Could've sworn I wouldn't find mine let alone share one. "

"Hahaha! Such a chaotic, chaotic dual fate has played against this!" the crazy idiot let off a series of giggles.

The duke felt his mouth drop at the whole thing.......Did these two seriously not see how disastrous this was and how they obviously needed to find a solution to this?! Instead these two were talking like they were gambling with cards and he was like some grand prize to be handed over to the winner just like that! NO! He had quite enough of these shenanigans and all this ridiculous talks about how HE should feel and how these two were involved in his life. Quickly his nervous feeling was replaced by a anger and before his brain caught up to hid he shouted-

"NO!!"

Well the shout certainly caught the other two off guard. It certainly spooked him a bit. All three stood there facing each other and the child bat even stuck their head into the doorway at the sudden shout. Cheeks puffed out with what must' ve been the spilt candies.

"....No what, what?"

Well there was no going back now was there? Rouxls gave the most professional face he could muster and cleared his throat. "N-No! I will n-not be playing any of thou's 'games' any longer. T-They are not but foolish distractions that hast cost mineself valuable time with mine son and ....and am n-nay intetested in these l-love games!...M-Mine emotions are not a gambling table upon which you can play!" He straightened up his form and huffed. "Calleth me a coward to whom seest it fitting, but I amst forfeiting this playground of fantasies!"

"Fantasy, fantasy?!....After what you said to me, me earlier?!" Jevil's face quickly became slightly annoyed. "You cannot, cannot just exit a game once you enter the gamble of life-"

"Do you-" A paw quickly came between the two. And Seam turned to the steamed Duke. "-know how soul connections work?"

Rouxls scoffed and waved a hand. "Of course. Tis the person whomever thou falleths in love with. Tis soulmate nonsense is beyond tiresome. "

The two fell silent again as Seam lowered his paw and Jevil's annoyance left. Replaced with a blank expression. The two shared a silent look and as if reading each other's minds, came to the same understanding that reflected in their faces. Rouxls rose a questioning brow as too say, 'What's going on now?'.

"That clears, clears the missing pieces of our puzzle, puzzle. Hehe."

"What nonsense art thou mumbling now?"

Jevil casually reached around and floated until he slung the arm around a slightly startled Rouxls. And giggled at his expression. "Silly, silly really.~ One cannot play a game they don't understand the rules, rules too. "

Rouxls leaned his head away from the gave before reaching up a hand to push the giggling face away before giving Seam a questioning look. The old cat sighed before reaching up to rub his own face.

"There's more to souls than just two people falling in love," he mumbled through his paw.

"Likest what?"

Instead of answering he gestured towards the back room again before turning around and shuffling towards the old room. The duke grumbled something but Jevil's giggles and nudges forward made him cave to the silent command to follow. Mak ducked their head back in as soon as Seam stepped into the doorway shortly followed by the duke and floating jester. And not too later the three were sat upon The couch....Well Rouxls and Jevil shared the couch. Seam was currently nicely seated in a random armchair he summoned up out of nowhere. When the three were somewhat comfortable the cat sighed.

"Well then...How shall we start this?"

"How about thee part where thou tellest me when this will be resolved?"

"When you stop playing, playing the cruel act in the play?~"

"Jevil. Please." He giggled and shrugged making him sigh and roll his eye. "Look. It's not an easy thing to explain. ...Even for someone who's seen it quite a couple times in my time. Hehe...But I can try to explain it at all." Rouxls hand a 'go on' motion with his hand and he continued. " Well...Your soul- how do I put this?- calls out to others almost constantly. Like a homing beacon. It just means you eventually find the person you're meant to be with. Mostly with a spark or reaction from each one's soul. And that's what usually people call soulmates."

Rouxls blinked before slowly glancing over at Jevil who smiled widely at the worm monster. A....reaction of souls? He felt his ears dropped at the memory of his soul throbbing against his rib cage under Jevil's touch. The feeling of belonging strongly pulsing throughout his entire frame. And then the giant rush of adrenaline from shaking hands with Seam- "W-What a moment. How doth thou explain what hast happened earlier today? I refuse to believe tis was nothing more than static shock."

Seam hummed. "Well....There has been rare cases of one having more than one attraction. Hehe. I guess you should count yourself lucky on that part."

Rouxls just stared at the smiling cat before looking at Jevil who smiled wider with a purr of all things.

"See, see?~ One cannot cheat the game of order, order and chaos- "

Rouxls quickly stood up and away from the outstretched hand Jevil held out and gave a desperate look. "N-Now you stopeth that! I-I hath non intetest i-in being the target of thou's games! Doeth eithet of you think about mine say in thine matter?!"

"Of course. It's a hard thing to understand at first, Im still trying to wrap these old patches around the idea. Hehe."

"That tis nay what I meaneth and t-thou knows it!" Rouxls gave a side glance towards Jevil who giggled and held out his hand towards him. His hand held a pink glow and instantly his pupils shrank. Pink hearts shooting towards him. The day he held his emotions out to her- Rouxls squealed making everyone jump when the Duke held his arms out in a way one would do to shield themselves. The look in his eyes wild. "Nononononono!! No heart! No hearts!"

The room went silent for a moment as the frozen jester floated there stunned and still gave that face when a bigger paw gently grabbed his outstretched hand to slowly lower it back down to his side. Seam pulled him back a few inches and gave a sigh before mumbling-

"That's the thing I was hoping to talk to you about. But it seems I was a bit too late."

A small stumble of footsteps caught their attention and Rouxls slowly backed away towards the doorway. Jevil perked up and reached out for him but yelped when the cat, with surprisingly good speed, latched onto the imp and pulled him back. Rouxls jumped startled and stumbled more. He fell over in the process and fell to the floor with a thud. Quickly picking himself up and scooting back.

"I-.....I have my shop t-to t-t-tend to and. ...and. ...And other things!"

"W-Wait, wait! I thought you said you didn't fear, fear me!" Nothing. "Rouxls?"

The duke said nothing to the pleading yellow eyes and just scrambled out of that room away from the situation fully.

"WAIT! COME BACK, BACK!" He pulled against the force holding him-

"Jevil, stop! Let him go right now!" Seam's usually calm voice peirced his movements like a knife. "He needs some time to take this all in without you pushing your..uh..affection on him."

The imp stopped but gave him a look that reminded him of a kicked puppy. Silence once again was the only speaker for them. Silently he unwrapped his paws from around his body and let him go limp in midair. After a moment the cat sighed and lowered his body back down into the armchair. He was really hoping to talk with Jevil about this before anything like this would happen. But too late I guess. Jevil was always one to just jump and express emotions whenever he felt like it, actually he was pretty predicable once you learnt his personality. But others often mistook his boldness and kept away from him. It would explain the Duke's weird reaction to him now. While Seam could see obvious signs of returning affection from Rouxls, his hesitance was strange. But now at least some peices were falling into place. Jevil stared at his old friend and asked in a voice not suited for him-

"Is he....scared, scared of me? Did I do something, something wrong?"

One look at the jesters fallen face made him sigh." No. No you didn't. But I was hoping to warn you of our dear friend"s fear of showing emotion."

".....He's afraid of my desire, desire?"

"Not exactly..." He scratched his cheek in thought. How should he approuch this? "More so like he"s....erm...Confused and overwhelmed at the amount of attention hes getting right now most likely. You did say he suffered from insomnia?"

"Nosleepitis. Yes, yes! And very stick in the mud, mud syndrome."

"Well...hehe. I think maybe you should give him a little more space to get used to you." He chuckled. " You might spook him away with your desire flung at him every few seconds."

Jevils ears twitched and the imp hummed before leaning forward a little. " Is that a hint of challenge I hear, hear. Old friend?~"

Seam chuckled and narrowed his eye slightly. "You know I long since retired from those games. But....Perhaps I have some last few tricks up my sleaves....And its not very often I find someone who nakes me laugh with glee."

The smile was back. "BWAHAHA! Are you sure, sure you're ready for me to deal you in, into this game of ours?~ Once you enter, you have to play or risk, risk forfeiting? ~"

"Haha. I think this would bring some fun back into my life. Or not. Who knows unless you try? Hehe. And the prize might be worth the wait. "

"HAHAHAHA! SEAM, SEAM!! JUST LIKE OLD, OLD TIMES!!" He latched onto his sides and curled into a ball giggling mad. "CHAOS, CHAOS!! FUN, FUN!! A GAME OF SUSPENSE, LOVE, FRIENDS- BETTER THAN A SIMPLE NUMBERS GAME!!"

Seam smiled at the proposition. "Well then. May I have permission to be dealt into this game of yours old friend?" He held out his paw.

Jevil rubbef his chin clear excitement in his eyes. "Are you certain?~ I have ways, ways of getting my desired checkmate in this event, event?"

Seam gave an equally excited look. " Don't be fooled. I just might have a full house to throw down."

With a smile. The two crazy fools shook hands. " Hehehe. I look forward to our dance, dance."

[slime-quest]

"How about uhhh, blue?"

"Mmmhm, pr'aps a lovely cyan to compliment thine red garments? Thou can always purchase a different case later if thou tires of the colour. "

"Ooh, sure!"

She jots down some notes, taking several pauses to look you over, like she's measuring you with her eyes. "Um, so, is void magic.. bad?"

She laughs. "Forgive my comments. I shan't pretend to be terribly fond of the void or it's strange magics. I find them... mm... clinical? Straightforward. Dull, even. However, even I can admit it hath a strange allure, and after all, magic is magic no matter which way thou slices it. Candyfloss herself wouldst chide me most royally for dismissing it outright."

"I only just woke up like, two days ago, so I don't really know much of anything about any of this."

She writes some more notes and then looks at you. "I wouldst be thrilled to educate thee in brief on whichever school thou wishes to pursue," she slides the paper over to you, "Have a look at this and let me know if thou hast any questions. We want to make sure thou picks the perfect tool to aid thine magical journey."

The paper has a few neat doodles and lines of text. There are three options to pick from, a "Crystal Core", a "Thread Core", and a "Snail Core".

A. Crystal Core - a fun-loving bright and resonant core (slime runes use less honey, and honey regenerates more quickly. Connects with crystal network)

B. Thread Core - a no-nonsense analytical and intelligent core (void runes use less thread, and thread regenerates more quickly. Connects with void network)

C. Snail Core - a jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none kind of core (mixed runes are more efficient, but does not enhance regeneration. Connects with both networks slowly)

"I like the sound of the snail core, I think I'd like to get that," you say as you hand the paper back to her.

"Excellent choice! A snail core may be slow, but tis certainly reliable." She pulls a small kit from under the counter filled with intricate slabs and gadgets you don't recognize and begins to work on building your new phone.

"I'm new to all this, so pardon my ignorance, but what's the difference between void and slime magic?"

"Slime magic cometh from the fount of oneself," she says as she lays two crystal slates on the counter and begins to screw them together, "That is to say, thine crystal core taketh a portion of its energy and channels it through thine flesh, or 'Honey', to produce an effect. This tires the core and sacrifices the honey, but time heals all wounds, and one can grow stronger from practice," she eyes your big tail, "Thou hast an ample supply of honey already, it seems."

"Void magic," she continues, "is complicated in its simplicity. It cometh from delicate patterns which guide the formless void to produce a shape or effect. The voidkin hath special fabrics which they use to form these patterns. Anyone can use it, which maketh it a popular choice for aspiring mages, since thou need only memorize a rune and draw it cleanly enough with that sacred thread to harness its effect. The thread is sacrificed, and the void is given its orders, producing magic."

"So what about mixing runes? I did something like that a bit ago."

She peers into a small crystal snail shell before slotting it into the device. "They intersect somewhat, yes. Thou can do it, but the effect wouldst be unpredictable, and scholars art studying the limits of such fusion. Think of it like this: void magic hath precision to a fault, and slime magic hath heart. Say thou cast a fire. A slime fire could be shaped, thou could change the temperature, or snuff it out, all while maintaining a connection to it. But a void fire will burn until it hath finished, precisely as instructed. Thou hast no control over a void spell once cast."

"You mentioned someone called Candyfloss, who is that?"

"I'm surprised at thee, why almost everyone hath heard of the Great Mage Candyfloss!"

"I woke up like two days ago, there's a lot I don't know about still.."

"Candyfloss was the greatest magician who ever lived. She knew everything there possibly was to know about magic, and shared her knowledge freely with everyone. She would perch atop this very tower and gaze at the cosmos, studying their construction, and communing with the goddess. They say her tail was the largest of any slime who lived. Oh how I so wish I couldst have known her when she was alive.."

"What happened to her?"

"The void king slaughtered her, and every other grand slime in the land. At least, I suppose that's what happened, I wasn't there." She holds out the device, "Squeeze a drop of thine honey in there, and I shalt have this ready in just a moment."