#ghoverture2024

[gnostichymns]

✰ OVERTURE 2024 ! – reblog & send to earn theater tickets.

[PROP DESIGN] - It's hard to make a set on a budget, and that’s where you come in. Show off your own artistic skills by lending a hand to make some props!

[COSTUME RACK] - Need the perfect outfit for your next scene? Look no further! Costumes of every shape and size are yours for the taking, and don't worry if they don't fit! Surely someone around here knows their way around a needle and thread...

[SHARE A COFFEE] - When in Fontaine, it’s impossible to not see every other person walking around with a cup of coffee from the Café Lutece. With all this commotion, business is booming, and what better way to keep the energy up than with a nice, warm cup o’ joe.

[MIC CHECK] - It's hard work to make sure all the equipment is good working order! Help the sound team out by singing in a few notes with a partner.

[STUNT DOUBLE] - Why risk an actor's safety when we can risk yours! Take a fall for a friend, or maybe make one take it for you...

[FIGHT SCENE] - Fighting can be tough, but faking a fight and making it look real is even more difficult. How about a demonstration for these blossoming actors?

[PHOTO OP]- Ready to best capture the occasion, there are countless photographers and photo booths stationed around the city. All it takes is a little mora and those fond memories can be preserved for eternity!

[CLEANUP CREW] - Working on a movie can be quite messy, so it’s all hands on deck to get the set ready for the next scene. While not quite thrilling, help is appreciated all the same.

[CUT LOOSE] - There's music all throughout the streets, and where there is music, there's a moment to dance! Grab someone special and show them your best moves!

[RING TOSS] - A classic game known all across the galaxy! Toss the ring onto the bottle, and earn a prize: your very own miniature armored crab!

[VINGT-ET-UN] - Let’s go gambling! The best bar in Fleuve Cendre is holding a Black Jack tournament. It’s time to test your luck and see if you can make it big, or lose it all.

[CUP PONG] - If gambling isn’t your kind of thing, maybe something lower stakes, though your stomach may hate you tomorrow. And don't worry about what's in the cup, it's totally just Fonta.

[DRESSING ROOM] - Getting prettied up for the camera is quite the arduous task. It takes a proper team to make these actors look flawless, and with everyone so busy, how about lending a hand?

[MAKE-A-MELUSINE] - A hot new product has hit the market and it's selling out quick! Customizable Melusine plushies for yourself or for a friend, and you can even dress them up! (for an extra charge, of course.)

[mrch7th]

{ Who, What, Where - Scene Two }

Caelus shouldn't be entirely surprised that he got paired with his best friend, considering they did both join the class together- but it's still nice that they randomly got partnered. What he doesn't like, however, is what was written on his prompt card. Well- only because he worries a bit as to how March would react to his character's specific motivations. He remembers how concerned her and Dan Heng ( and Seele and Bronya ) looked at him after he gained the Preservation's Blessing. Maybe that will work in the duo's favor in creating a good scene- since it will be a bit too natural of a reaction from the both of them- well, mostly from March ( unfortunately ).

Enter stage. Spotlight active. And- Action!

Chaos surrounds the environment- debris everywhere, a low level of "smoke" caressing their ankles, distant roar of collapsed buildings disappearing in fires- enters a single man, holding his side where a noticeable red ( not the real color he'd "bleed" [gold].. but the audience doesn't need to know that ) stain soaks the entire area under his fingertips.

❛ This.. This isn't looking good.. I'm.. running out.. of time...! ❜

The lad looks beaten up ( the makeup artists did a real good job! ), and the visible limp of his takes tiny steps forward, scanning the area around him- snappy jolts back and forth of his head showing how desperate the silver was searching.. What was he searching for? A person. Specifically, a head of pink hair with iced tips. A friend. And Caelus doesn't have to "search" long before he finds his target. A shaky exhale of relief, and the Nameless stumbles forward, excitement and solace mixing to paint his face as clumsy feet take him to at least meet the lass half way-- before he can no longer stand, crashing to his knees. Caelus makes his voice as scratchy and out of breathe as he can- making sure to emphasize the exhaustion and comfort he gets just from seeing March surviving the "End of the World". He still has a chance to do what he set out to do- before it's too late for him.. for the two of them.

❛ There... There you are..! Hah... Thank.. Thank goodness- you're alive.. ❜

march 7th hates this before it’s even begun.

she’d been giddy to see caelus’ name listed down as her partner. she always delights in the opportunity to do things with her friends. but then she kept reading. and reading. and then he walks onto the set and—

it’s like all of her worst nightmares have come to life before her eyes. her stomach twists at the sight of him. and it’s stupid, so stupid. she knows it’s not real. it’s not even remotely close to right—red, so red, in place of sparkling gold. but her expression crumples anyway, delight turned to dread in an instant. how many times has this happened already? he hasn’t even been with them that long, but how many times has he almost died? actually died?

what is she supposed to do if, one day, he actually does? and doesn’t come back?

anyone, she thinks now. please, they could have given her anyone except caelus. she’s not going around calling herself the world’s greatest actress by any means, but if she could have had a stranger here instead, at least she would actually be able to find the words instead of standing and staring at him like an idiot.

“…i’m alive,” march echoes, her voice hollow. maybe it just seems like convincing acting to everyone else. that would be nice, she guesses. at least it would look good for the camera. she doesn’t really care. her body moves on autopilot as she meets him halfway—of course she does, because real or not, he’s her best friend. she will always try to catch him when he falls. she sinks to her knees next to him, her hands settling on his shoulders, sliding uselessly down his arms to settle over his hands. her skin chills automatically at the tide of emotion, ice forming at her fingertips like there’s a real wound to even be tended to. “and you’re…alive?” her voice cracks. she doesn’t mean for it to. it would be really stupid to cry here.

it’s not real. he’s fine. and yet quieter, but far more insistent, he’s not fine. he’s not. she swallows around the lump in her throat. “how did you…” her voice is scratchy, but unlike caelus, it is no act. “what happened…?”

the world is ending. it’s a funny question to ask.

[originsrebirth]

theseus dillema .

[ PROGRAM / Overdrive : week 1 ] : starter for @immovablewill .

having split off from the rest of their team , the two made their way towards the back alley , mei had her own reasons for wishing to head there , aside from thinking it would be a place where she could buy information off of people -- had she had intentions of hoping to find someone she could rob some chrome off of ? well , they can brush past that for now .

the heap , a place always seeming on the move , only managing to find it by pure luck was as good as striking gold , if they needed information , this would be the place to get it , she's gonna need to get lucky , with only eighty-one credits to her name , worth while information may be hard to come by .

she first took a look around , her eyes looking for anyone who stood out -- right away , two people caught her eye , a rather expensive looking man , who looked . . . rather out of her price range , she'd probably go broke trying to get information out of him , so she'd go for the second option .

the only man in this place without anything covering his face had caught her attention , he stood out from the rest for better or for worse , fingers tapping upon a holographic screen at speeds she couldn't keep up with .

mei slowly approached , which had caused him to dart up , as if daring her to step closer -- she looked over him for a moment , she couldn't sense any violence . . . more like he was the sassy type , so she took another step closer , him speaking up right away .

" what's your issue? need something? go find it somewhere else. "

she wasted little time with small talk , cutting straight to the chase .

" apologies -- i don't mean to bother you , i was just hoping you might have some information to spare , i could buy it off of you , of course ."

" if you can afford it, " he grunts, " what're you after? "

" we're looking for someone -- a woman with gray hair and violet eyes , we had heard she's been around here lately , would you have happened to spot anyone fitting such a description ? "

code 024 , to be specific . . . someone who apparently went off the radar and became a sympathizer , little is known , so it's quite hard to ask around with such limited information .

“ five bucks and i’ll answer. ”

. . . only five credits for the information ? it took little hesitation to hand it over .

“ nope, haven’t seen shit. she got a name? ”

a sigh , that made sense . . . she'd move onto a more bold and direct ask . " would a code work ?"

he raises a brow. " huntin' syndicate? brave. sure. "

" you seemed like the the type to not mind so long as the payment was met , am i wrong ? 024 . " it was a gamble , but judging by a reaction , he didn't know nothing . was said nothing what she was looking for ?

he taps away at his hologram a moment, then grimaces. " this isn't just any ask, y'know. that's high security info you're after. fifty-five, and consider a tip for the trouble. "

a hefty price . . . being as she's already down 76 credits , that would leave them with very little for other information or things they might need . " quite a hefty price for information i don't know if you have or not , you charged me low for information you didn't have , but charging me high for information i'm unsure of . . . "

so why not make an attempt at bartering ?

he didn't seem too pleased , letting out quiet grumbles as the two discuss momentarily , seems he'd settle for fifty , at least that's five credits saved . . . she handed it over , as agreed .

with a grunt and a lot more tapping, your man does his job. “ i won’t jack your tech, swear, but for the bargain i won’t promise not to leave a stray virus. ” another few taps and your peripheral lights up with a date entry that reads: 024, special attack code: rebuild status, complete system overwrite: deceased “ your girl’s a syndicate legend. double digit codes mean business, and it looks like she’s the only surviving member of whatever shitfest she was assigned to. ” a shrug, your peripheral darkens again. “ won’t leave anything that’ll get you or me in any trouble on your drives, don’t worry. ” he adjusts, moves to stand up. “ they rebuilt her, she ran. looks like she’s be spotted a few places by now, doesn’t go by her code anymore either. can’t track a name, though. seems she’s got a runner of her own keeping it off anything i can find. ”

she took mental note of all this -- some quite valuable information she's been given , rebuilt and fleed , huh . . . that's strange , it's a situation where one has to wonder if you're even the same person after being rebuilt , but those thoughts are for later on . " i think that's quite a great bit of help . . . i'd ask about the last place she'd been spotted , but . . i'm not sure if i'm able to afford that , so i think we'll keep moving , if that's alright . "

the man gives a thumbs up before mei turns away , taking a step back as her attention turns towards Sara , she had just spent quite a while talking with the other , perhaps Sara had something she wanted to say or ask .

[secondsovereign]

@octoboltflash ASKED: [SHARE A COFFEE] She can't taste the rich flavor of the café au lait that she's ordered. It's futile, she knows-- but it brings a sense of normalcy that she's long since accepted is no longer a part of her life. If she can pretend, just for a bit, that they're both the same people they were a long time ago... perhaps it's worth the effort. The blistering heat doesn't do anything. It doesn't scald her tongue, and it doesn't make her wince in pain. Acheron- no... Mei places the steaming cup down on the table in front of her after taking a sip, one leg crossed over the other as she mulls over her words. Her gaze doesn't raise to meet Welt's, instead remaining trained on the ceramic of her mug. "It's been a while, hasn't it?" While her tone remains calm and even, there's a grief that shows in the downward curve of her brows. In the way she won't look him in the eye, in the way her hands ball into fists against the skin of her thighs. "I hope you've been well. How are the others on the Express? Tell me... Tell me of your travels, Mr. Yang."

->Teyvat, or more specifically FONTAINE has soothed an ache in his heart he tried so hard to deny. There's a familiarity in its streets, the endless flowing canals that he doesn't dare to name. Part of him wonders if IX has interfered in his travels as a reward for a service that lacks complaint, deposited him as close to home as THEY possibly can by leaving him in a place so reminiscent of St. Freya. The aeon of Nihility has always had a side to it that THEY rarely show, and yet it seems to have once more guided his not student to a place of familiarity.

Welt had resolved that day in Penacony to treat her the same as he would the alumni of St. Freya. He's thankful that she's accepted his invitation to weekly coffee meetings, if not just for the sense of normalcy it's brought back to them. He cannot help but see the shadows of the past that linger in her features, gaze trailing with the hint of concern that's almost grandfatherly in nature. Once, a long, long time ago, someone had told him he was too attached to the trio, a fact he'd denied vehemently until Mei had stood before him with unfamiliar eyes.

"Too long for an old man like me, Mei." And he can never be more thankful to Caelus for bringing the news of her claiming of her name to him as they departed, a glimmer of hope that even across the branches of the imaginary tree, his pupil will forever rise above the tribulations of life that seemed to snake across her path.

The cup of tea is gingerly placed back onto the table, a beverage of choice now that Himeko has ruined his perception of coffee with the sludge she brews daily. The cup is a distraction from the pit of guilt he feels in his stomach, the unreasonable anger he feels at a failure he had no part in resolving. Guilt is also a flame, a burning desire that grows and grows to ensure the SELF-ANNHILATOR no longer has to remain alone on the shores of the river of souls that runs beneath IX's cool gaze.

"Ah... I believe they're travelling to a land sheathed in remembrance. I on the other hand found myself stopping to trailblaze across these vibrant lands." A white lie, he'd appeared in Teyvat following a rumour helpfully passed to him by a memokeeper. He'd left far too much unsaid on Penacony to be content with the thought of her wandering from one system to the next alone. "Did you know... that to the south there's a vibrant land full of dragons? They're exceptional creatures, and quite friendly to boot!" He's babbling, but he can't help but hope that it lifts the grief in her brow just a hint, lest it continue to twist at his heart and all but beckon him to wrap an arm around her like he often had for another of his students.

"Perhaps... Perhaps it would be worth the journey to see them, Mei." An offering, an outstretched hand in the form of words, for her to travel and settle the grief that tugged at her heart.

[iustitians]

Meanwhile...

Within the Court of Fontaine, the activities of the film festival are in full swing. Filming crew members run there and back again getting everything they need set up and prepared for their next hit, children in costumes joyfully gather sweets, visitors from all across Teyvat and even beyond are participating in events, visiting food stalls, playing games and having a time of their lives.

Outside the Court, however...

---

With a powerful blast of Hydro, Neuvillette sends another group of strange, otherworldly monsters crashing into each other and dissipating into dust. Even before they vanish for good however, a new mob of adversaries already emerges from behind them, baring their long fangs and strange weapons as they approach.

The Iudex frowns, eyeing them as he gathers his energy in the palm of his hand again. These are not foes rising from the Abyss - they have come from somewhere else entirely, completely separate from Teyvat.

... Not that it is difficult to figure out how they made their way here, he thinks, holding back a frustrated sigh as he glances upwards. Behind a wall of clouds, he has managed to carefully conceal the sight that would send the people into a panic in an instant -

the firmament full of flickering holes, torn through in multiple places like a cheap piece of fabric in an encounter with a sharp knife.

Neuvillette winces. He can hold his own in a fight like this for a considerable length of time, but re-forging the sky is another matter entirely. Right now, there is little he can do beside steel himself for a long battle to protect the city at all costs, and hope that something changes.

He clenches his fists, Hydro sparkling between his fingers anew.

If the damned Usurper would like to do anything, now would be a good time.

[octoboltflash]

SCENE THREE!　❛　“now, hear me out before you say anything.” magician cradles the puppy gently in his arms as he enters the set, gaze flicking here and there until it finally lands on his partner for this scene. “i meant to propose getting a pet to you anyway, and this small fellow seems to be looking for a new home. if the archons were to give me a sign, this seems as good as one, no?” head dips slightly to the dog, a faint smile curling on his lips. “come on, now. isn't it cute? you know this apartment is far too lonely for two people.”

A... puppy?

This-- wait. There's no way that's just a puppy. Right...? A beat of silence passes before Acheron glances down at her script, completely confused as to what's happening. But... She's supposed to follow her lines. Anything less, and she'd be doing both her partner and the audience a disservice. And so, she chooses to go with the flow, and try hard to make any sense of the situation they're in now. "A pet? Surely you're not serious," Acheron speaks in a tone higher than usual, throwing a hand up as a gesture of incredulity. "This one... It's not normal. It..." Violet eyes narrow as she studies the creature's face, and something about it seems ... off. Its dark, beady little eyes hold a bloodlust unlike anything she's seen before, and part of it reminds her of some story she's read in the past. Perhaps it's a shapeshifter, or perhaps it's simply a being full of malice. "The fear that burns inside me will leave me hollow. When I am but a shell of myself, I will have to find something else to fill the void of nothing under my skin. This creation..." Her mouth twists into a grimace, eyes full of a rage that cannot be put into words. Perhaps, with enough prodding, Acheron can be convinced to divulge her persona's trauma with... animals. She thinks. "We're not keeping it. Get rid of that thing. It bears a striking resemblance to a creature that took my Father from me. We had the same eyes, and yet he saw his daughter in the wide black eyes of an animal behind our house. The animal that hurt me, while he did nothing... and when I hurt it, I became nothing."

What is she doing? For a brief moment, she wholeheartedly believes she's finally gone insane.

[voidrifter]

@sweepingthunder asked:

[STUNT DOUBLE] "Now I do actually think, if people squint, I can pass for her. However..." he starts, "and I don't mean this in the wrong way. There is nothing wrong with it." Standing beside Kiana, there is one... very glaring issue. Of course, they had different builds, and his hair was far more messy, but these things could be remedied with makeup, or with the perspective. But the one main issue, one that they could deny no longer: Kiana is small. Jing Yuan practically cast a shadow over the young girl when the stage light shined down on them. The height difference, regardless of distance, would no doubt he hard to cover up. "I am very tall. Are you sure you want me to be your double? Look at her, she's rugged and can do her own stunts."

In utter disbelief at the suggestion, Kiana finds she's not sure what to do other than blink incredulously at the assistant that has herded them onto the set together. She would blink incredulously at him, the guy speaking her exact thoughts aloud, but she values her neck.

"Uh, yeah... No offense, really, sir. Your build is," oh, there's really no way to finish that sentence without being weird, Kiana coughs, "impressive, but-"

Really, she isn't that small. It's not her fault that the largest man alive got picked for the part of, well, her. Anyone would look small next to him, seriously.

"Yeah, I think I'm good to do it myself."

[aevitium]

from here w/ @threadsforewoven ... who what where, scene 2

Elysia fears she may well need a third chance.

Eyes are set intentionally wide as the sole of Black Swan's shoe sends her perfectly drawn circle into utter disarray. Hers is the face of a woman absolutely horrified at the failure of her half-baked protective measures, and it remains so as she stumbles back from the approaching woman.

Two passed tests would, to any normal person, generally be conclusive enough to drop such a silly allegation as this. As though to remind her that she is to be anything but, the spotlight drags across the mere space between them to shower her in gold.

"You would like me to come closer, wouldn't you?" Elysia turns up her nose, drawing arms closer around herself. "That's how it always is with the vampires in the novels-- preying on beautiful, helpless girls..."

( Were she only able to find a camera, she'd certainly flash it a wink. )

A dramatic turn of her head, sending petal pink hair flying over one shoulder. "What do you stand to gain from veiling such intentions?"

[dustymetaltrail]

{ Who, What, Where? } - Scene 3

Penacony will forever haunt Caelus. So much suffering in the supposed Land of Dreams. And his prompt is a tad too uncomfortable a reminder. Oh well- might as well just get it over with. Might as well just get it over with-

And--- ACTION!

The scene is set- a calm atmosphere of a look-alike 'Dream Lounge' ( interesting choice, but he'll take the familiar setting over being lost ), extras here and there at some seats scattered around the space. He's not the bartender this time around, which is both a nice change of pace yet also a strange feeling. A quick glance and see spots his scene partner, easily identifiable by not only his height, but the big black cowboy hat. Nameless can already hear the tiny, barely noticeable voices begging for mercy, a ghostly cry for help-

A nervous shuffling of feet to reach his destination, an arm playfully placed over the seated man's shoulder. Caelus does another fast scan of the counter, taking note of all the glasses and bottles, both empty and not, spanning from end to end. Not all of these were from Boothill, obviously, but man there are a lot just.. left. Where was the fictional tender to clean up the mess left behind by "other patrons"? Stop. Thinking too much about it- the silver can't help it, when he's been on the other side of that counter.

❛ H-Hey there, lone Ranger! Haven't seen you in a while. What have you been up to? ❜

Not the most original conversation starter, but lad's brain is going haywire as it is, so Caelus it just glad he was able to provide anything at all.

said lone ranger -- had been dealing with the scorching heat , even his metallic body was unable to handle the darned heat around here , you could cook an egg on his chest , that's how bad it was getting , he was overheating , panting -- sat at the bar .

in his hand ? a nice , cold , bubbly can of soda he'd yet to open , just when he finally got to sit down , ready to pop the can open .

" ah -- shucks , if it ain't the trailblazer . . . look -- man , i'll love ta chat , ya just gotta give me a darn second -- i need to cool down . "

he took a deep breath , getting ready to pop his soda can open once again .

[dewdrip]

//Who What Where

“Hello, hello! Single file line please!” Wearing a uniform not too much unlike what she wore day to day, Sedene waves a small flag as she gestures to a line of ensemble actors making their way across the stage. “Amenities may be enjoyed once you are on board. Please have your passes out and ready at the gate!”

Phew! Now where was her partner…?

The shuffle of shoes and bringing out of ship tickets marks the mechanical clockwork that makes the line move about. Each ensemble member moves forward at a pace of about a second, inching closer and closer towards the exit at stage right. Bailu follows the flow of the crowd too, but unlike the rest of them, she's not the only one standing in her place.

Swaddled in cloth and strapped to her chest, its scaly head pocking out from under the covers, is a baby crocodile. Was it real? Or was is simply a hyperrealistic meka prop? Either way, the Vidyadhara cuddles and coos over it, right about until they pass Sedene in the line. Bailu acknowledges the officer with a salute, before pointing to her beloved emotional support Bao Bao.

"Hello, madam!" Bailu chirps, "What crocodile-friendly activities do you guys have on board? My little Bao Bao needs as much stimulation as he can get."

[gnostichymns]

Maybe your fight was at its end, or maybe it felt as though it had only began. It doesn't matter– your story's end comes in an everywhere of nothingness and an all consuming void, like you are being pulled through space and time by a string tied to your very soul. It is an eternity, or maybe it is only a moment, and then you are right back where you began it all: an empty set, your castmates waking up all around you, unharmed and untouched by all you had seen in another world. Your skin has already forgotten its wounds, or perhaps they were never yours to begin with... Your "Director" is nowhere to be found, and all his strange assistants have vanished without a trace. At the very least, it seems as though the world is just as you left it. And yet you can't quite shake that something has changed...

Director's Cut has come to its end! The mods would like to thank you all for your time and effort throughout the month. We hope you had fun, and are honored to have had the chance to share it with you.

You'll be seeing this link a lot throughout the month, but please consider taking a few moments to fill out our feedback form to let us know how you felt and what we could improve!

Now, what you've all been waiting for. If you have met the minimum 10 post requirement, you may each claim 3 Theater Tickets towards your grand prize! Additionally, you may add a shiny new artifact to your inventory based on your team:

PROGRAM / Overdrive: Messenger's Holovisor

Hellwalker: Musketeer's Wild Wheat Felt Hat

Sword of Fate: Guard's Cast Iron Helmet

Second Sky: Thief's Myriad-Faced Mask

If you are including chatplays towards your 10 post requirement: please have a google doc to link in your claim with your contribution to the chatplay wordcounted. If you are claiming multiple, have multiple. Each individual chatplay, if you contributed 250 words or more, will count as 2 posts towards the requirement.

Don't forget to include this in your Overture grand prize claim, which should be sent via ask to the masterlist! More instructions on the grand prize and claim deadlines will be released tomorrow with Overture's conclusion post.

Thank you all so much again for your participation!

[trailblczed]

[ Who, What, Where — Scene 1 ]  @threadsforewoven With a few knocks echoing throughout the opera, light slowly began to illuminate the stage, revealing Black Swan as she stepped forward to the doorframe set at center stage, her movements deliberately unhurried, as though she would rather not answer the incessant knocking. She placed her hand on the door’s edge, drawing in a breath before opening the door with a soft, polite smile, her expression calm and controlled. She looked Caelus over, head purposefully tilting up, then down, as she eyed him from head to toe. “ Oh, dearest… ” She greeted, voice lilting sweetly, almost as if welcoming an old friend rather than someone who had left her stranded the night before. She does not invite him in, nor does she step aside, simply content with standing in the doorway with an airy chuckle leaving her as she tilted her head. From the side, a faint, shadowy spotlight illuminated her partner, casting his expression in partial light. A heartbeat, then two, and as if on cue, she stepped forward, a hand to the man’s chest as she hummed in the tone of someone carefully masking their irritation. “ I wasn’t sure I’d be seeing you again. After all, last night was… well, let’s just say it was quite the amusing surprise you’ve left me with. ” She said with yet another step forward, her free hand reaching back to close the door behind her. “ Not even a text, or a call… Tell me, was it something urgent that kept you away? Or perhaps… you thought I wouldn’t mind waiting? For hours? ” There was another dramatic pause between them, allowing for the audience to take in the tension of the scene, then, with a shift of her weight to the tip of her toes, she leaned towards the Caelus’ ears, the lights around the stage turning off with a mere, single spotlight shining down from above then. She had initially thought of acting as a huffy, angry girlfriend at first but, well... Perhaps being the eerily sweet one would unnerve Caelus more and oh, how fun would that be? With her voice dipping just a bit, she finally whispered against his ear, “ I am not nearly as patient as I might appear, you know. ”

Knock. Knock.

The stage is set. The lights are blinding. The audience- silent.

The only think Caelus could hear was his heartbeat going wild in his chest. Something about how instead of just being an Actor with a set dialogue and actions, but being Impromptu was making him buzz with nerves. He doesn't like being caught off his rocker, especially if the point is for him to be entertaining to those watching. Who knows how they'd react to any simple or silly thing he did? Well, guess that really is not his problem. He is just here to play a role, and he might as well do it right-- well, do the best he can, at least.

Mistake number one- thinking Black Swan would go easy on him. Mistake number two, having one's shoulders tighten at a term of endearment. Not that it's being used in reality, but it is still, by technicality, being used to address him. If Caelus' starting words are a smidge fumbled, he will kindly ask you not bring it up- at least spare him that embarrassment.

❛ M-My apolog-gies, Milad-dy. If I could have stayed with you til the morning's dawn, I would have. Alas, fate was out of my control, and I had to go. ❜

Poor silver lad honestly can't think of a reason why his character would have had to be absent, without making it something outrageous like a "life-or-death" or a standard "loved-one in danger", so he opts to just ignore the question entirely. Curious but wide eyes watch as lavender locks close in on her prey, before the firm feeling of the door taps against his back. "Ah- that's what she was doing." Mental sigh of relief goes un-portrayed, a hand moves to grasp the one playfully against his chest, holding the other's palm with the gentlest touch, as if holding it any tighter would break it ( not entirely an impossibility-- ). Caelus wants to go further with it, so he shall- if Swan was comfortable enough to touch him during their scene, he will give her the same open familiarity. Not that any of this really bothers him- but he knows that his boundaries are not the same as others, even if this is just for a silly play.

So the silver does, taking the same hand entwined with his own to bring her knuckles to meet his lips, ghostly caresses of a lover's devotion etched onto each digit. He won't deny that having someone talk so softly against his ear didn't send a chill all the way down his spine into the soles of his feet, Caelus is a tad surprised by the action. Wouldn't the audience be unable to hear her? Well there could be some sort of microphone on her person or on the set itself, he supposes.

❛ I truly did not expect for you to wait for me, but I am honored that you have. Or, that you may be so kind as to consider forgiving my distasteful plight. Your charm has me so enraptured, that I returned to your side as soon as I possibly could. ❜

Still feeling a tad emboldened, the Nameless even goes so far as to loop an arm around Black Swan's back, a light tug to bring their bodies closer together. Defeated, and weak- vulnerable, and guilty- pleading, and hopeful- the lad's tone of voice continues.

❛ I have made my way back to you, haven't I? Surely there's no need to be so displeased with me- is there? ❜

[mrch7th]

Your scene is: You are watching a painter paint a portrait of your friend. The painter is doing an absolutely miserable job, and it’s so hard not to laugh, but you’re trying not to distract your friend - if they start moving, it will be even more ruined.

It was a ridiculous premise, but the Wanderer was up to the task. The scene was set: outdoors in a park, his fellow actor had been approached by a painter. He stood off to the side, patiently waiting for the artist, arms folded. He was glancing off to the side, per acting directions.

(The girl seemed too chipper for his liking, but perhaps that's why she was chosen for this role?)

He had an idea of how to make this realistic: he'd simply recall moments of his past that elicited such genuine laughter. There had been plenty of humorous misery in the Fatui, and plenty of times when he egged it on himself. Ha, Childe had been downright miserable after that stint in Liyue…

He grinned from ear to ear as he stifled laughter from under his hat's brim. Now was the moment he was to look back at the painting--discovering that this mysterious Director had something prepared in advance to reveal to the audience.

Maybe the Wanderer didn't need his imagination.

"Pfft--"

there's no way they seriously gave her a scene that needs her to just sit still, right? her? march 7th? certified nameless that travels the galaxy and can barely sit still for longer than a minute? her leg shakes restlessly as she tries to hold her smile, even as her gaze darts restlessly here and there around the set.

and there's her scene partner. seconds away from breaking into laughter.

seriously. no fair.

her face contorts first, lips twitching into a frown. but she holds it in for one second, two seconds. by the third, though, she's ready to burst. “oh, come on,” she complains loudly. the artist shoots her a look but march ignores it. seriously, how is she supposed to act if she can't move or talk? they have to let her have something. “what is it? what's your problem?”

[originsrebirth]

//Who What Where!

Oh, ok. This scene is a bit difficult, yes, but acting is something that is very human and thus participating in acting will help her understand humans better. Or that is the hope.

A few props up there, much larger than need be, a hat and sunglasses, and Sedene is off! She coughs loudly, trying to imitate the sound of clearing her throat as she stands to the side, not behind, a large prop of a cabinet. 

In order to make her footsteps not quiet, yes, Sedene jumps with both feet forward to create a sound worthy of being called “unstealthy”- a light thud, thud thud, as she made her way slowly to the prop of a desk that she could barely peer over on the other side of the stage. 

Stilted words, caused by either the Melusine’s own awkwardness or her commitment to her role, come next, “Oh no. Where are the documents?”

Then she remembers to cough again.

the woman dressed in a very standard security guard outfit -- shades and a cap walked out with her arms crossed , stomping her foot down to get the attention from the door Sedene had came through .

the guards tone was serious , calling out to the intruder , holding something in her hands .

" did you really think it would be that easy ? please try a little harder if you're trying to steal from the premise i guard . "

there she was , the legendary security guard who protected this building , one arm set at her side -- the other holding the very documents the intruder was looking for .

" is this your first time trying to steal ? you're not a very stealthy one , little one . "

someone had gotten into the role quite quickly , she could act serious and stern when needed , was it clear she was having fun already ?

[huuuugestmoney]

[RING TOSS] - A classic game known all across the galaxy! Toss the ring onto the bottle, and earn a prize: your very own miniature armored crab!

"well, it's not like these are as dangerous than the bombs..." murmurs lynette, peering at the array of bottle necks from behind her good pal sampo.

there was no harm in trying, was there? she slides a handful of mora across the counter and holds up two gloved fingers to the carny, signaling for him to pass over two baskets of rings.

and what would you know! she rolled a 2. the ring she chucks first does not bounce off of the bottle she aims at; it shatters it. astoundingly. into many little glass bits.

"... oops."

In the right - or wrong? - hands, anything could prove dangerous. All it'd take was a little bit of creativity. Even the common kitchen fork could be a tool used to untoward ends, pressed enough.

But all things considered, these little rings did look pretty harmless. And if Sampo had heard Lynette's whisper any, he didn't comment on it.

Not until disaster struck, at any rate.

"Oof, Miss Lynette! I didn't even think that was possible. Colour your ol' pal Sampo impressed."

How had she managed that, anyhow?

Seemed harder to do than actually winning a prize.

"My turn now!"

rolled a 5, and cue the sound of even more glass shattering.

"... Oops."

Yeah. That sounded like the right thing to say about now.

...

Their next throws couldn't possibly be worse, right?

Sampo didn't wanna get kicked out of another stall, you know?

[balemouns]

[MAKE-A-MELUSINE]

"Are you going to make one?" She asks, earnest, like the question isn't entirely ridiculous. What use would a Fatui Harbinger - the Fourth - have for an insignificant little doll, after all?

And yet, she's curious. She cannot help it, either too foolish or too headstrong to stop treading near the spider's web. Arlecchino is as enigmatic as she is calculated, thoughtful with rewards as she is severe with punishment, and yet, something has drawn her to this silly little festival with its silly little games. Surely this plush is not what has drawn her to engage with the celebration -- but she's still here, after all, close enough for Lumine to spot after her own participation in the stall. Amber eyes peer up at the Knave, inquisitive, Lumine's own Melusine doll peeking out from the giftbag at her side as if it wants to know the answer, too.

she's been staring at a particular base doll for a few moments too long, clearly so if it's drawn the traveler's attention. one arm folds across ribs, the other braces elbow against it to keep dark hand at chin while in thought. tawny base, turquoise highlights, a tail that curls, violet eyes. is it possible this is half-complete, and it was left here by one of the children?... but she turns to the traveler to answer the question after her own silence has stretched long enough. "I wasn't planning on it, no. but this one in particular has caught my eye... does it look familiar to you, perchance?"

surely, the person who it bore a striking resemblance to wouldn't have started it herself. but perhaps her twin brother, or younger brother... or any of the countless children in the house who looked up to her. but why leave it incomplete? it still needs a nose, ears, clothes... arlecchino picks up the doll, then looks at the options for melusine ears. "trifling handicrafts such as this have never been my forte, admittedly. but whoever started this project is probably missing it..." a few different ears are selected, then, a few possible noses... sharp nails graze over the options for outfits last, where she makes a point of skipping over the garde uniform as an option. "... and I don't doubt they'd like to see it complete before handing it to the person they admire so much as to model it after."