#source. [ h.sr. ]

[resolutepath]

The idea of a Holy Grail war in Penacony fascinates me actually and I'm really looking forward to this. There's such a range of characters to play the role of Masters there and it's a great battlefield, I need to know more now and which other servants are summoned. Guess I'm rewatching UBW tonight 🤭🤭🤭

[belovedism]

Who are your hoyoverse (genshin ; honkai ; etc) vessels

Also in general are there people with specific irls or vessels of their own that you don't want interacting with you? like i know some people don't want like- my hero aca or jun.ko en.oshi.ma irls interacting with them

ma.rch 7th , clara h.sr , suc.rose , sa.yu , yan.fei , la.yla , fis.chl !

ummm generally do not mind most — except for kiss.hu t.mm i hate that guy . i dont really mind for the most part though bc people can be different in their sources and it would be kinda hypocritical of me if i didnt wanna int with ppl who were bad in canon <- mon.aca to.wa

[resolutepath]

Diamond is an individual who does not share his hand. It has been a long time since he's been able to trust anyone fully but what he does do is share certain truths to each of the Stonehearts. They may not have his full confidence in terms of disclosure, he's a shrewd businessman in that sense who is careful about ears listening and putting too much in one place. but they do receive a card out of his hand so to speak that no other receives.

In some ways it is a way to track where information is held and test their loyalty in others it is a declaration of trust to show their value and offer them a valuable item that no other holds.

[resolutepath]

PSA; INTERACTING WITH MY VERSION OF ELIO.

I've been considering making this post for some time, but now that the Stellaron Hunters are all out there and my version of Elio is so well established on my blog I want to give some guidelines to help us stay on the same page. This will be linked in my pinned for new followers too.

MUST READ HEADCANONS:

Elio Misc. HCs - this one was my initial post that details the premise of my thoughts on Elio.

The Many Faces of Destiny's Slave Part I - This covers the standard vessel Elio holds as well as those it might use on the Space Station / Jarilo VI / Xianzhou Luofu

The Many Face of Destiny's Slave Part II - A continuation of the above verse with additional vessels for Penacony & other situations

Elio & The Ability to See Destiny - the details of Elio's abilities as Destiny's Slave. I will not be toning these down under any circumstances.

Elio & Becoming a Stellaron Hunter - the requirements Elio has that must be met in regards to Stellaron Hunter AUs and OCs joining the team.

Elio & Identity. - This one will help you understand my Elio's position within the wider universe.

You can find the rest of my Elio headcanons in my blog directory which are substantial. I do appreciate them being read if you can to get further understanding and respectful questions are of course always welcome.

Things you should know;

Elio uses he / they / it pronouns and I will interchange them. In the vessels this will change depending on the vessel you are interacting with.

Bar long term Memokeepers who will sense something familiar about Elio, there are none who know about who it was previously. I detail the full circumstances why in Elio: The Life That Came Before, but essentially The Cremators assured it.

Elio is not always the cat. Please respect this. I get very tired very quickly of hahah Elio = cat posts. I am fine to indulge every now and then but it is not the default vessel nor do I intend to make it so.

Elio is exclusive to Sae's Kafka ( @iniziare ) due to the importance of Kafka's character to Elio and the amount of headcanoning we have been doing.

Elio is exclusive to Koi's ( @chasersglow ) Himeko. We have too much established between them and hcs developed that are important for Elio and the development of the character.

I have mains for most of the Stellaron Hunters, they will always be my priorities in terms of bond development.

For Stellaron Hunter AUs I am absolutely happy for them, but draw the line at betraying Elio. See Elio & Becoming a Stellaron Hunter for more context.

Elio is the only one who bares the title Destiny's Slave. It comes with ramifications, weight and a whole destiny. I will not be calling The Stellaron Hunters by this title.

I will be more reluctant to engage with your muse with Elio if you come to me with preconceived ideas of Elio. I'm not talking about how Elio interacts with your muse, there I am obviously willing to find middle ground, but things about Elio's identity or his past, where I have substantial headcanons.

If you mention the Finality with Elio in thread as opposed to theories I will drop all interactions. Terminus is only implied to be the aeon they follow.

The source of this is Jade who to our canon knowledge is not a close associate of Elio and therefore can only theorise on the source of his faction. Not only that she's talking to Firefly not to the Stellaron Hunters so a pinch of salt is required. It is not common knowledge and I won't treat it as such. I will only acknowledge it when Kafka or Elio himself gives this information.

[resolutepath]

Two can are plucked from her waist and brief burst sprayed from each as she catches them, almost in an imitation of his preferred weapon of choice, before she twists one and tosses it to him. "The spirit of your Ninjutsu is as indomitable as your will, follow me and I will guide us to the easel of our works." She takes off in a quick-footed leap, seeking a blank wall out of the keen eyes of officials where the dazzling ninja seals can sit proudly and they can work without being disturbed. It doesn't take her long to find a shrouded spot and she begins with a sweep of colour and the sound of spray, eyes alight with joy.

"Your turn now, Silvergun Shura, show me your newest seals!"

He's got used to the way she talks, learned her lingo and what she means. If it's what she wants to do, he doesn't see why not. Penacony was a great place to slap some proper art up, and play a bit of target practice. " Damn straight- a bit a' easy goin' does a lot to prepare ya fer another long road. " even determined as he is, he wasn't all work all the time. he had to prepare somewhere in the middle. " So get yer paint 'n pick a wall, we're gonna add a lil color to this shithole. "

[resolutepath]

[ 🪞 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhen have they looked at their reflection and hated what they saw ? [ ⚓ ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat does “home” mean to them ? / for gepard

[ 🪞 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhen have they looked at their reflection and hated what they saw ?

After he has clashed with Serval over the Landau family. He knows what she sacrificed for him, how she defended and shielded him from their father's cruelty when he was young fearlessly. Looking in the mirror after he has defended those ideals forged into them by that man against her feels like poor return and he knows it.

[ ⚓ ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat does “home” mean to them ?

Home is something to protect. It is the nation that he bears on his shoulders, putting his body in the line of to defend. It is every citizen in Belobog, every building, every spark of life he chooses to protect. Home to Gepard is not something small and intimate but rather the civilisation itself that he must ensure survives no matter what the personal cost. Gepard has long since left behind any notion that home is something for him alone. It is and always will belong to the people.

[resolutepath]

hc + ❓honestly i am sort of curious as to how elio deals with potential grief, for while the stellaron hunters seem to be a relatively strong organization in terms of members, i am a little curious as to how elio would deal with the potential of losing one member in combat. does elio grieve? how does elio cope with potential feelings tied to this?

So I've touched upon this in the headcanon Elio and What he Doesn't Talk About but there's so much more I can delve into with this. So firstly, yes Elio does see events and instances where one of the Stellaron Hunters might be lost to combat. The very first thing that Elio does is scours the paths of fate. Usually Elio is restrained, keeps within its limits, and uses only a modicum of Destiny's gaze. When it comes to the Stellaron Hunters, all bets are off. Elio will search until it can confirm whether the death is a fixed point or a changeable event. This will then leave Elio bedridden due to over taxation of the powers, a state it usually only allows Kafka and occasionally Blade to see it in, though I could see Elio gradually allowing Sunday too to view this. This is a must happen because Elio might discover a way around it that allows all the Stellaron Hunters to survive and he will selfishly choose to work towards that go unless the consequences of that survival give Nanook too much ground.

In that case, Elio will have a decision to make. And this is where Elio begins the process of separation from the rest of the team as he works out what is a must. Isolation might be a few hours, it might be a day, it might be a week, but Elio will not interact with any of the other team members while processing this. Because here is where Elio has to be heartless and put the good of the universe before its own desires. Which they will do, and have done, but that requires a complete vacuum as Elio plays 3D chess to find the solution.

Should the outcome be positive in the favour of the Stellaron Hunter, Elio begins to work to create meticulous scripts and have them executed but explains nothing of what just occurred. It is important for Elio to keep the guise of freedom clearer than it might be. The truth is the extent of what he sees would terrify others so he internalises it, keeps it quiet, does not talk about it. But he will be intense on the workload for days before switching to lethargic as the burst of activity catches up with him.

If the outcome is less favourable Elio will reintegrate but continue business as usual, yet there will be an air about him that simply says don't ask. This does not only occur when grieving, it can also be when Nanook has thwarted them, so it doesn't immediately point to death. And Elio gives nothing away. He continues to write the scripts, continues to issue instructions and lets business resume. However, there are moments when Elio is caught in a daze, a tea before him long since gone cold, or times Elio disappears off into one of his vessels so he can be permitted a little bit of mortality and be angry or scream or sob at how unfair the world is away from the person Elio is. And then he works to make sure their deal is met before their demise so that he might at least fulfil his word.

In the days that come after death, Elio operates as usual. Unwavering, steadfast, as the rest of the team grieves. But he does store his memories of that team member in his case of memories in bubble form and he will adapt something of them into one of his vessels, or create a new one with some of their likeness so he might not forget them. It is robotic the way he works but he has long since learnt that he is not allowed to stop, that destiny will not wait, it demands its audience, and he is within his chains.

hc + ❓ for a headcanon of the receiver's choice // @avaere

[resolutepath]

The chess piece was set down with deliberate ease, a gaze of golden hues lifting only after a beat. “Your mind is elsewhere, Yanqing.” It was a simple observation, one lacking of reproach, but not without some intent. “It’s difficult to win a game when half of you is seated elsewhere." (from Ying Yuan, of course)

The general's voice penetrates the fog of his mind and aureate eyes widen in sheepish realisation at the reproach offered. Really, he ought to know better, to let his mind drift in the throes of such a game is a terrible mistake, his master more than capable of running rings around him when he is alert and present in the moment, let alone distant. He looks to the piece in his hand, aureate eyes staring with confusion, he cannot recall the move he was going to make, any such move with this piece will only leave him open to attack elsewhere. Must such juvenile mistakes continue to plague him... is that the price of allowing his mind to wander...

"My apologies, General. You are right, I should be more alert..." He sets the piece down in the new place, not so foolish as to not own his mistakes, following through on the play and staring at the arc his pieces make that reminds him of her blade as it cut through the air, the sight magnificent and dangerous. "It is just..." he hesitates then, drawing his gaze upwards, studying the general's face. He has been told not to ask, in fact ordered to forget. And yet, how can he? There is so much he now knows that he once did not, a new perspective upon his life that he did not have before.

"Did you want to facilitate their leave? Was it easier to let them go than hold on? I wonder if perhaps... it is easier not to form close bonds in our line of work... To perhaps keep a line of separation before us and the rest of the world..."

[resolutepath]

♡ in a world where the damned and beloved of fates had a chance....elio and himeko?

𝚆𝙷𝙾 𝙰𝚂𝙺𝙴𝙳 𝚆𝙷𝙾 𝙾𝚄𝚃 𝙵𝙸𝚁𝚂𝚃?

Elio asks Himeko to dance at the first ball where he sets the challenge, but I think she then has to be the one to ask, because she's actively encouraging him to defy the chains that hold him and he's not going to do that on his own because being that selfish is not him. He's not going to ask anything that deviates from the script, especially at the time they meet as it pre-dates the Stellaron Hunters, where he is even more dedicated to the script as it stands rather than it being keynotes.

𝚆𝙷𝙾 𝚆𝙴𝙽𝚃 𝙸𝙽 𝙵𝙾𝚁 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙵𝙸𝚁𝚂𝚃 𝙺𝙸𝚂𝚂?

Again, Himeko. We actually talked about this, where she covers his eyes to block Destiny's gaze to give Elio the moment that is their own and there's something about that which I love. I think that Himeko taking that initiative shows Elio that there are small, selfish victories that there is potential to take if he wants to. Ultimately he decides that the cause is more important, but in those moments he gets a taste of what it is to live a life he will never have.

𝚆𝙷𝙾 𝙶𝙸𝚅𝙴𝚂 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁 𝙽𝙸𝙲𝙺𝙽𝙰𝙼𝙴𝚂?

They both call each other husband and wife, out of an ongoing cosmic joke, but I do not think Elio would likely give nicknames at all. He simply prefers actual names, and has had enough bestowed upon him that he does not want to know. When one has had titles bestowed upon them like Destiny's Slave and lunatic, the appeal of anything but one's own name loses its vibrance.

𝚆𝙷𝙾 𝙲𝙾𝙾𝙺𝚂 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙼𝙴𝙰𝙻𝚂?

As Elio does not often even consider food, this one is going to have to go to Himeko. Elio would survive on tea and meditation alone if left to his own devices. (Kafka don't look at this) He does appreciate food when put under his nose however, so he would be very grateful for what she brings him regardless of what it is.

𝚆𝙷𝙾 𝙷𝙰𝚂 𝙱𝙴𝚃𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝚃𝙰𝚂𝚃𝙴 𝙸𝙽 𝙼𝚄𝚂𝙸𝙲?

Himeko as a default, mostly because Elio does not really explore genres or ideas just tends to listen to that which Kafka brings around. Himeko has far more access to music and the world to explore so she'll have a far greater range at her fingertips.

𝚆𝙷𝙾 𝙷𝙾𝙶𝚂 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙱𝙴𝙳?

Elio doesn't sleep so it's not him. She can have the bed and take up as much room as she likes because she will not have to fight him for it. He'll sit vigil in his armchair still watching the labyrinths of fate and paths of possibility to be sure that he does not miss anything. On the occasion she pulls him into bed I still think he takes up nothing, laying on his back staring at the ceiling.

𝚆𝙷𝙾 𝚆𝙰𝙺𝙴𝚂 𝚄𝙿 𝙵𝙸𝚁𝚂𝚃?

Elio by default because he never went to sleep in the first place. He is one cursed to watching so he's doing his best to stay awake as long as he can so he can keep going. He does smile at her as she wakes though, a little thing to welcome her to the new day.

𝚆𝙷𝙾 𝙼𝙰𝙺𝙴𝚂 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙲𝙾𝙵𝙵𝙴𝙴?

Himeko makes the coffee, Elio makes the tea. They both have their preferences and while they will drink the other, the one who prefers it makes it.

𝚆𝙷𝙾'𝚂 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙱𝙸𝙶 𝚂𝙿𝙾𝙾𝙽?

I think its going to have to be Himeko because of the way Elio is. He leans into isolation, into being removed, and in the moment when they allowed themselves to be, Himeko cradled him.

𝚆𝙷𝙾 𝚂𝚃𝙰𝚈𝚂 𝚄𝙿 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙻𝙰𝚃𝙴𝚂𝚃?

Elio wins by default because of the way that he works. The staying up and perusing until he burns out plus not entirely human definitely means we're talking days straight here.

𝚆𝙷𝙾 𝚁𝙴𝙰𝙲𝙷𝙴𝚂 𝙵𝙾𝚁 𝚆𝙷𝙾'𝚂 𝙷𝙰𝙽𝙳?

Again I'm giving this to Himeko, because I think Elio reacts rather than reaches out. And I think she uses that touch to pull him into the moment, to stop him drifting away into that which will be and pull him into the now.

𝚆𝙷𝙾'𝚂 𝙰 𝙵𝙰𝙽 𝙾𝙵 𝙿𝙳𝙰?

Neither particularly. Elio because its not something he has thought of, Himeko because it isn't the kind of relationship one should advertise. And in the end, the places they are meeting are naturally very private so PDA doesn't really come up.

𝚆𝙷𝙾 𝚂𝙽𝙾𝚁𝙴𝚂?

This one I don't know. Himeko perhaps. Elio might when he eventually collapses and gives out but again don't

𝚆𝙷𝙾 𝙶𝙴𝚃𝚂 𝙰𝙽𝙽𝙾𝚈𝙴𝙳 𝙼𝙾𝚁𝙴 𝙴𝙰𝚂𝙸𝙻𝚈?

Himeko. Elio is the epitome of calm waters. You will never know what is going on under the surface there, he is someone who has learned the art of peace and there is very little that can make him waver. By contrast she is passionate and a fire element, someone who burns so she's far more likely to have emotional reactions than he is.

𝚆𝙷𝙾 𝙸𝙽𝙸𝚃𝙸𝙰𝚃𝙴𝚂 𝚂𝙴𝚇?

Himeko has to be the one to initiate, because Elio simply will not. He is not going to reach for anything that is based around human connection because he does not think in the same traditional manner as a human. Physical intimacy is something he has been so removed from that he does not reach for it on impulse and actually has to be guided towards things. It doesn't have the same weight to him as it does to others.

𝙼𝚈 𝙼𝚄𝚂𝙴'𝚂 𝙵𝙰𝚅𝙾𝚁𝙸𝚃𝙴 𝙼𝙴𝙼𝙾𝚁𝚈 𝙾𝙵 𝚈𝙾𝚄𝚁𝚂:

That night they had where they had the one chance to snap themselves from Fate's hold just for a short time. To be as individuals and not pillars in the war. Because for a short time Elio got to be selfish and hold onto something and now that is a memory kept for himself to remember again why he fights, so others can have those moments repeatedly, with their beaus and enjoy it.

𝙰 𝚁𝙴𝙶𝚁𝙴𝚃 𝙼𝚈 𝙼𝚄𝚂𝙴 𝙷𝙰𝚂 𝚁𝙴𝙶𝙰𝚁𝙳𝙸𝙽𝙶 𝚈𝙾𝚄𝚁𝚂:

Not going to lie, I think in some ways Elio regrets letting Himeko distract him. And in the same breathe he regrets they could not be more, and in the end there's no regret at all because this is how it is meant to be. If he regrets it, then he regrets thinking about the mission he strives for and that he cannot abide by.

𝙸𝙵 𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚈 𝙲𝙾𝚄𝙻𝙳 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙽𝙶𝙴 𝙾𝙽𝙴 𝚃𝙷𝙸𝙽𝙶:

Elio does not want to change anything, or rather, Elio knows that there is nothing to be changed, this is always the way it was meant to be. To dance, to dine, to share a night, and then to depart and stand on different sides as who they were always meant to be.

𝚃𝙷𝙴𝙸𝚁 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴 𝙻𝙰𝙽𝙶𝚄𝙰𝙶𝙴𝚂 𝙰𝙲𝙲𝙾𝚁𝙳𝙸𝙽𝙶 𝚃𝙾 𝙼𝚈 𝙼𝚄𝚂𝙴:

Physical Touch. Himeko touches Elio and connects to him, brings him into the now instead of the will be and takes him away from Destiny's pull for a moment. It's a touch that brings warmth, and leaves an impression, one that lasts long after their days are done.

[resolutepath]

Has there been moments where a script has left a sour taste in Elio's mouth, and if so, how does he cope with it?

In his early days of taking on the role of Destiny's Slave, absolutely. Because Elio was powerless to do anything against the scripts. They simply were there and with his lost connection to anything combat related and no standing other than being the lunatic, he had no way of influencing things. He was just a being in the form of a man with mad ramblings and nothing to go on.

He could whisper in different guises and hope people would listen, but it was not until the Stellaron Hunters were formed that Elio could make tangible change and this begins with Kafka. Kafka gave him someone with influence and a way of making people listen. I've often said to Sae that I compare them as a sword and shield, or two sides of the same coin, because Elio gives Kafka direction, and Kafka has the means to enact it. Before this, he was just forced to witness and watch all futile efforts to sway humans onto the path be laughed off and ridiculed until the fate predicted came true.

In terms of dealing with it, he did not well. Mostly it consisted of locking oneself away after overstretching powers, becoming a pathetic shell as the physical form gave in and he was forced to crawl across the floor or lay back and weep. Other times it was complete and utter inaction, laying back with the thickest fabric across his eyes to attempt to block fate's gaze and others still they would laugh at themself, laugh at the rattling chains and failed help, laugh at the futility of the fight, laugh until it turned to tears.

Nowadays, Elio deals a lot better. A clenched fist might signify frustration that lurks beyond that serene visage, a quirk of the eyebrow, pursed lips. A sip of tea that takes a fraction too long. Elio still overstretches his powers, but there's Kafka to berate him before it goes too far.

[resolutepath]

I don't know if you've talked about this before, but the thought in regards to Elio and romance fell into my head. How does he perceive romance? Does he pros and cons with it? Has Elio ever been through heartbreak?

Elio and romance is a fascinating thing, because it is one of the most human of concepts to him and he oft does not permit himself such frivolities of life. They are beyond him, part of a world that is not his to reach and the intricacies involved astound him. In truth Elio perceives romance to be something born of hope, a defiant flickering flame in the face of a yawning chasm of darkness and he rejoices in the instances he has seen, in that he touches. But he is not allowed it, there are very few instances in which he will break these rules.

After all, how does one fall in love when they can see all that is to come? He would know with just the slightest temptation when their time is to end and how it is to come about, he will know who is to blame, what were the choices made, whether it was the best case scenario or not. There is no spontenaity for one who has the ability to foresee, there is no freedom to act for one who knows the consequences of said actions. And in other ways, Elio cannot allow himself the freedom to get so attached because by the time he is he is already grieving. His life is inexplicably tied to Nanook's own. How many goodbyes must he face? How many partings must he endure? There are already enough with the Stellaron Hunters, a necessary risk for the sake of the universe.

And what right has he to put his want to love before the whole universe?

Therein lies the tragedy of Elio, the one caught between mortal and aeon, a foot in both worlds but belonging to neither. The abilities he has prevent him from being part of the human world, living it as they do and his higher purpose prevents him from allowing himself the selfishness he would need to pursue love. But his immense care for the world that he observes leaves him quite connected because he cannot harden his heart less he forget why he pursues this path, the lives he desires to save, the ruination he wishes to prevent.

That being said Elio has had a single instance, so far, in which I have explored him allowing himself to be in love and that you can find here. In this he allows himself a fleeting thing, but a night and a morning beyond, something that was over before it began but while it was there it burned so true. I do not know yet if Elio could fall truly in love, but I know that would be dangerous because the caveats that come with it are immense. How do you love someone you know will never choose you over their greater purpose? How do you reconcile the fact that he probably knows your major milestones in life before they happened?

I think in his vessels, those it is plausible with, Elio would be interested in exploring the concept of romance, because in those characters there is a story and when the story is over the curtains close and that character is gone, but a memory known only to he and they. And perhaps he would be cruel and destroy it before the time it ends because it is too close and the line between character and Elio gets too thin and perhaps it breaks him a little but in the end it is over and the chance is gone.

The idea of Elio finding the potential for love really does fascinate me because it truly does depend on if the correct circumstances arise and if there is someone selfless enough to love him despite. Who knows if that will happen but it would be interesting to see. It's not off the table, not at all.

[resolutepath]

“ i’m not here to talk about me. what the is going on with you? ” oh this called to me from sunday to elio for some reason

There is a hiss between teeth as sound filters into the space it occupies, vessel uncomfortable as the one known as Elio attempts to sit up straight, managing a reclined slouch that likes neither as refined nor composed as his usual posture. Fingers curl into the rich fabric of the couch, pressing deeply until it crinkles beneath digits, knuckles whitening with the efforts. It is a concentrated effort to peel them away once the most upright position is obtained, and Elio swipes one through loose locks, attempting to bring the disarray into some form of order, ignoring the thump behind the eyes, the sharp agony that is only hindered by shaded lenses. Upon his tongue is a query as to Sunday's intentions and yet before he can make it amusingly, the other has charted the course of the conversation in an adept and succinct manner, cutting off any chance of distraction being an option.

"A minor inconvenience... it will pass soon enough..." It hardly covers the extent of the affliction, merely the fact that it will pass, but it is one of the more closely guarded facets of the abilities he holds. Yet, still he is so keenly aware of the halovian seeking place within the Stellaron Hunters, in finding purpose and meaning in the operation that is run and to dismiss the concerns now might destabilise what has already been forged.

So Elio raises a trembling hand and offers Sunday the seat at his side, waiting until he makes himself comfortable, before fingers curl atop the blanket that shrouds his frame in piles of fleece and comfort, leaving a more vulnerable image of the figure that has been otherwise untouchable in the way he has presented until now. For a moment there is silence, this one born of an agitated calm, permeated by the unanswered questions about his state, the change within his demeanour.

"We all have our trials we must face... I am not an exemption... though this information is that which I do not distribute so readily..." A pause, given the emphasis the stretch of trust held out in this space, the welcoming into a smaller group within their team, the gifting of a knowledge not easily shared. It is less abrasive than dismissing Sunday entirely, but the tone used is one that emplores for pity to be left at the door, to accept that this is but a fact of existence. It is not something that Elio wishes to be coddled over but rather supported through, for it is the penance of knowledge, another part of the curse of knowing too much. When one is gifted the abilities of an aeon but still contains the fragility of a man, there are consequences that cannot be ignored.

"When a muscle is overused... it aches and must be rested, Destiny's gaze... is no different. It has great advantages... but they come with consequence..." There is a pause as Elio's head throbs and the room spins, and he raises his palm to press against his the centre of his forehead as though it might ease the ache. It won't. The only relief he finds is in laying down and allowing time to pass while he remains prone, hoping there is not too much time lost. "And I am afraid that... I have overtaxed myself once again..."

A shuddered breath passes over lips and for once Elio seems the closes to human that he has been, vessel shuddering, lips pressed in a thin line, fingers curling. He wants to move, to rise, to fight but he has not the capacity for it. Sitting upright is battle enough and one he will not win long term. "You know as well as I do the weight of consequence, Sunday. In time this will pass... until then I must... endure." He pauses, giving in to the need to sink, head turning so he might keep his gaze affixed upon the other and though he is wrought with pain he still smiles, allows lips to curl upwards. He is glad for the company, though he may not be of much use for some time.

"You need not linger... I have born this far longer than you know. But if you wish to stay, I will be grateful for your company..." In this there will be no direction offered, only choice as a shaky breath passes lips, and Elio lets lids shut for a moment, mentally preparing himself for the day ahead. It will pass, and though it will be a struggle to endure, it will be worth it for those he considers his own, for the universe he desires to save.

@avaere

[resolutepath]

⚡️+ how often do you think of cocolia? / for serval

"I wish I could say Cocolia is someone I no longer think of at all..." There's a downcast nature to the way Serval holds herself, her eyes hooded with shame as she turns her head and stares to the floor. "But truthfully, I can't stop the memories that creep up on me, whether I like them or not..." A wistful sigh, a bitter, twisted sound that speaks of bittersweet memories of a time before, and the anger of what came after. "It is something I will have to live with, she was a part of my life for so long... we were supposed to build something together and in the end... she wasn't the person I knew any longer."

A pause and then she smiles, raising her head and tipping it to the side as lids descend over eyes to mask the lingering sorrow. "I suppose it keeps me going as an artist at least, there's plenty to write lyrics from there."

send a question with a ⚡️ to have my muse answer honestly(ish.) // @caemthe

[resolutepath]

It would have been simple to doubt me that day, and even easier to refuse me. Most had, yet you hesitated, and in that hesitation, there was room for something more. It would be ungracious of me not to notice.

Penacony is a stage for many things: spectacle, indulgence, distraction. But I have always preferred matters of substance. A conversation, perhaps. An understanding between two parties that may not be as opposed in purpose as some of your colleagues may assume. History has proven that it seems our interests, at times, even align.

If you feel so inclined, I will be at the Reverie's VIP Lounge in two days from today, when the clock strikes eleven.

I hope you don't mind late night talks, Mr. Yang.

(—— Signed? Absolutely not. But the faintest air of perfume permeates from the note, a fragrance refined, and old-fashioned.)

There are always strange happenings aboard The Express, this has become a fact of their journey through the stars and a refreshing novelty that contrasts some of the harrowing and demanding missions that they cross. The note itself had been left unassumingly within his reach and its contents was an unexpected offer, the reach for conversation unanticipated. He spent a long time perusing the page, seeking additional information or answers between the lines before consulting with the crew, not as to whether to follow through with the requested meeting, but rather to put in place the relevant failsafes should things turn south all too soon.

In matters such as these, information was always critical, no matter where the source.

Given that he had paused before giving answer, his mind had already decided that this was an offer not to be refused.

The ostentatious nature of the VIP Lounge does little for his tastes, but it is of little consequence when the setting of the luxurious sofas offers a level of discretion to the patrons that perch upon them. A single finger pushes lenses up his nose as he enters the room, behind them eyes study the floor, taking in those who drink and those who dance, those who sway to music or sit people watching in their booth. It would be remiss to not take the lay of the land before one enters, so he does so, cane in hand and used as he walks much in the fashion of a gentleman of leisure. It is to the bar he first goes, ordering a Drifting Wind, before he locates her, the poise of her position drawing his attention, just as much as the way she stands out from the crowd around her.

Observant, still, vigilant. She is not one to be trifled with for there is not a movement in this room that has escaped her notice.

"Thank you for your invitation, Miss Kafka..." He bows his head in a nod, as he lowers the glass to the table, not a sound echoing as it touches the wood. A quick glance tells him she still has a drink, one that sits perhaps untouched at all, so he refrains from offering a second. Instead he waits for acknowledgement before he slides into the booth, one leg crossed over the other, his back straight, the picture of refinement. His cane is laid against his folded legs, one hand curled around the tip. Should the opening five minutes of the conversation appear amiable enough he will dismiss it until needed, but for now, caution ought be exercised.

"From your letter, I assume you seek to find level ground between the two of us as representatives of our corresponding organisations in instances where cooperation will prove to be the best path forward." He pauses, head tilting, his gaze affixed upon her directly so that he might learn tells, see her reactions, understand her as an individual. "I have to ask, is this a play made on the behalf of the one known as Elio, or a personal decision?"

[resolutepath]

"destiny ... ?" oh , he has heard whispers and laughter carrying the promises of destiny and those who find themselves bowing to it, kneeling to its every twist and turn , but the concept of destiny to a simple officer is but a passing joke ; if destiny is a cruel misteress, then gallagher is already out the window. there were tangos even the esteemed security officer refused to indulge in, especially those who potentially served death at the end of the song.

there's a glass pulled out from under the counter, placed neatly on dark surface; "... drinks , that's the route i'm going, honored guest ; can i assume that you'll leave it up to destiny to see if the guy in charge of your liquor and poison to see if you'll smile or frown at the concoction served ? of course, if you have a preference..."

hands settled on each side of the glass, gallagher leaning a little over as reddish eyes would further inspect the guest in question (he couldn't say he had seen a follower of destiny before), closer to destiny's guest (elio!); "... feel free to share such secrets."

Penacony is a bitter taste on the tongue for Elio, the skin crawling environment that does not allow him to operate as he usually might, forced to rely on methods from a life once lived to immerse himself within the fanfare and revelry. It is a reluctant affair, the vulnerability involved weighs heavily, and yet he must become a part of the story, to follow the tale of the world as he has the one before. To chase the Stellaron to the best ending they can find. At least for a time, to immerse one's self in the world so that when the stage lights turn on and the script begins is more important than any discomfort one might feel.

At least there are places such as this, where the lights do not glow so fiercely, and there are quiet corners to find a glimmer of reprieve.

The bartender is an interesting fellow, even more so when he opens his mouth to greet as though he is receiving an acclaimed actor or shining star, rather than the stage hand behind the scenes, left unseen by many. There's something about him that menaces behind the scenes, a dark foreboding shadow that looms in his wake, an instinctive need to tense the shoulders or grit the jaw, with no discernable source for the agitations.

“You can assume…” he answers calmly, a smile lingering on lips, brow furrowing as eyes narrow behind lenses, attempting to discern more of the other's nature. It is rare to find a mystery, rarer still to find one that intrigues him by the way their presence invokes unconscious reaction in a vessel. Destiny’s Slave must remember the shake of metal and the expectations he must follow, there's no time for selfish endeavours.

When the other leans into his space he does not shrink back despite the faint crawling sensation on his spine, instead softly offering a cant of the head, the spacing uncomfortable for any onlooker and yet entirely passing by the notice of Destiny's Slave in the absence of humanity. The proximity is little more than an opportunity to study that sensation that shudders even him in a way that pulls interest. "For any being has the freedom to assume as they wish in this world."

Their head tips, lips curling. "Though were you to need the knowledge, then it would be tea, usually..." The curl of steam and the brief comfort of warmth to pass times that can be taxing or difficulty, the signs of a cooling cup to remind one that they have been at work too long. "But perhaps in an establishment such of this... my poison would be..." A lingering pause as Elio recalls the number of drinks, a sigh passing in the beat. "... something bitter."

It would suit the way he feels about the planet, the memoria that smothers him, the difficulty of the task ahead, not just here but beyond, traversing the labyrinth of possibility to the final battle, the momentous goal to be achieved. A glint at the labyrinth of this person, this Gallagher, only reveals a clouded view where one might see stars to reach, an ominous foreboding to chase, one who flits through destiny's chains like smoke.

Somewhere faintly, something in Elio twists as his wrists feel impossibly heavy, before he settles and straightens his head. "Take the stage, bartender, the choice is yours..."

@avaere

[resolutepath]

Can you hear him sighing? He just met his new Master.