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world-in-a-nook · 4 months ago

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"Where your Goddess can't reach..."

characters : Aventurine x Sunday relationship : Sunday's pining for Aventurine art : @willdrest and @nai_pizx (edited) synopsis : Sunday's thoughts about Aventurine and how his eyes may relate to the Order from his meeting to Penacony's departure warnings : religious theme, suggestive, ooc ?, alcohol mentioned, saviour complex, wc : 2k071 nda : I added some details during their first meetings for more internal thoughts. Hope you like it ! Had fun writing this ! @alicerosejane (since you liked my previous sunturine post, I take the liberty of taging you on this one).

People had warned Sunday about this situation; he was prepared for the IPC but not prepared for him. He had prepared everything to create the perfect dream, a true haven, as it was in the beginning and ever would. His nightingales perused through the Reverie, watching each soul to be saved from the damned. Meanwhile he kept talking to his sister. He cared for her, so much so that he had to keep them in this nest, away from harm.

His conversation was interrupted by his nightingales signalling conflict, a chaos in this perfectly organized melody. So, he arranged with his sister to go at the lobby to calm down any conflict. That’s when he saw the Astral Express, from the red-headed navigator to the grey-headed troublemaker but his attention was diverted by a suave tone complimenting his appearance. He frowned as he saw the gilded coat, the ostentatious jewellery and the bright colours. He had known the invite to the IPC had been sent to the Stonehearts, but he didn’t expect such a character. From the sly compliments to the playful tone, paired with the controlled body language, it was clear that this man would be a troublemaker, a serpent in his garden.

As the blond man followed him into the elevator, Sunday could catch a hint of his cologne but also his facial features: golden flowing locks, skin shimmering like gold, thin lips. The debt collector hadn’t had the courtesy of yet taking off his glasses nor his hat. Though impolite, Sunday didn’t say a thing as it wouldn’t be the best move to start the conversation. He was about to do so when the gambler asked:

“Mr. Sunday, is it?”

“Yes, sir. May I have your name?”

“I am Aventurine, one of the Stonehearts sent by Diamond. Would it be possible to transfer my room somewhere else and give it to the Nameless?”

Sunday hesitated as it would possibly cause a havoc in the staff, the man’s belonging had to be moved, reservation transferred. He was interrupted by the gambler’s suave tone, and a closing of the distance:

“Mr. Sunday, it isn’t for my own sake but for the Nameless to be together. So, they could feel their own little family as united on the same floor.”

The head of the Oak Family didn’t miss the pun and nodded:

“I shall do as such then. Thank you for thinking of the Nameless.”

“Oh no need to thank me, I am just accustoming myself to the Family’s beliefs.”

He couldn’t quite catch if there was any sarcasm in that tone. The gambler’s words weren’t as honest as his, they were veiled in the lustrous fabric of half-truths. Someone as him, so skilled in the art of deceit and haughty, would only bring conflict in his dream. It made sense for the Stonehearts to send someone like that, to distract him with the honeyed words, the sweet cologne and the skin framed in gold. His eyes went the opposition direction, and his focus on stopping any pink appearing on his cheeks.

The elevator dinged as it opened to another floor, welcoming the two gentlemen into one of the top floors. As Sunday opened the door to Aventurine, he couldn’t refrain themselves from following the gambler’s silhouette, the graceful movement of his legs to the gentle sway of his hips. His guest went to look at the view outside as one hand finally took off the pink-tinted sunglasses and hat, finally being polite. One member of the Family, a bartender asked:

“Dear guest, what would you like to drink?”

“A whiskey on the rocks, friend. What about you Mr Sunday?”

At that moment, the blond finally revealed his eyes to the dreamer and what a sight. He couldn’t help his from widening in recognition. The same shade of blue and purples, but brighter as if not dimmed by humanity’s pride. It was an exact copy of THEIR gaze. He shook his head and quickly answered:

“I’m sorry Mr. Aventurine but I don’t drink any alcohol.”

“Is that so? A shame then… Drinking alone…Would you not want to join me as a welcome gift?”

“No, no. I’m sorry sir.”

Sunday couldn’t contain the slight chuckle at the teasing as he sat down. Though his thoughts were always in perfect order and calculated, it wasn’t the case anymore. He couldn’t understand how someone with THEIR gaze seemed such an agent of chaos and strife, someone who could tempt so easily into depravity. He quickly grabbed the glass of sparkling water he was served, taking a gulp before finally being able to cross those eyes.

He had to initiate the conversation, the formal greetings and orchestrated symphony yet his mind was in a capriccio. He seemed to lose his thoughts in the heady cologne and for a moment he stared at the man’s lip.

“I’ve been told that Penacony was a land of dreams, but I didn’t expect even its leader to dream in reality. Is it some kind of advanced technology?” Quipped the gambler.

Sunday shook his head yet again and mumbled a half-truth:

“I apologize, Mr. Aventurine. The charmony festival has been quite the daunting task and you are far from the first guest I’ve welcomed.”

“Is that so?” Aventurine hummed playfully, raising his eyebrows.

Sunday bit his lip as he knew the look on the gambler’s face: he couldn’t lie to the one because it was the Stoneheart’s native tongue. As if a child caught, his eyes looked away but landed on the soft skin of Aventurine’s chest. Maybe it would be as soft as it looked, like some kind of silk. He wondered if his body was as symmetrical as those hypnotising eyes. Sunday scolded himself for lying and now thinking of his guest’s skin. He cleared his throat and leaned back in his seat, trying to put any form of distance for the conversation’s sake, and his own. He wasn’t the one drinking yet felt as if intoxicated by the dream syrup.

The conversation followed the scrupulous music sheet until the blond would add here and there his own notes, small transgressions into the greater plan Sunday had created. And yet it felt so liberating, to peer behind the curtain, kiss the forbidden and swallow the once hated fruit. When the gambler added his quips and tricks, Sunday couldn’t help himself but fall. It wasn’t disorderly but something real, as if his eyes opened to a new possibility. He was tempted to go further into the depths of this new blessed land, to feel the tender embrace, the locks of blonde hair in his grasp and the soft skin onto his.

Yet THEIR path was created for him to follow. His teachings had been an armour to face the tempting schemes. So, he swallowed his desired, focusing on the plan of a blessed land afar. Of course, he could tolerate the blond in the menagerie. All would be welcomed in his land, all to entertain this peaceful dream. He had been invited after all, yet Sunday didn’t know Aventurine was crafty than all his guests.

And when the parting came, the head of the Oak Family couldn’t help but feel some kind of void. The gentle hum of warmth had disappeared from the room. Only the blend of the cologne remained with the hint of musk, citrus, pepper and the whiskey he had nearly finished. Sunday took the cool glass and swirled gently the amber liquid. What if he took a sip? To only discover its taste? What did this man like in this so dangerous drink? His lips brushed off the cool glass, as if expecting the gambler’s. Yet pulled away and shook in head in disbelief of his own actions.

Sunday gave the drink away and moved towards his office in a hasty pace. Now wasn’t the time to be tempted by the sensuous words. The gambler was only sent by the serpent to make him fall in the dangerous sin of chaos.

And he stopped in his walk, now realizing why THEY had put THEIR reflections in the gambler’s gaze: he had to save the poor soul who grieved for his world. Those tender eyes weren’t meant to deceive him but a star to guide towards the greatest Salvation. The gambler was only lost where THEY couldn’t reach.

And yet he quickly realized how the sacred relics, these precious eyes, had made him hope. He had been too late to realize how he had been led astray, and it was only when his sister had been killed that his eyes had been open. If only the blessed angel hadn’t been the martyr for his epiphany, then would he manage to forgive.

And he couldn’t. His eyes met the tempter once more and he wanted him only to repent for his crime. Confessing wouldn’t be enough; he had to bend the knee so that Sunday could truly see THEIR gaze into the sinner. Kneeling wouldn’t be enough; he had to taste the divine seed to truly find salvation. And if it meant purging his blessed land from any form of temptation, so be it. As he ensnared the tempter, he could only see what truly lied behind the truth behind those sensuous words: a poor soul in need for Salvation. He would offer it to see the Evil fall against THEM, to adorn the once-sinner into a saint with blessed pearls around his neck.

Though what he hadn’t expect was how he had been deceived. He had hoped that THEIR power would overcome the sinful words, yet he had been truly led not by THEIR music but by the siren’s call, the sin of anger and pride. Only did he continue to delve into deeper and truly show that the dream had to endure.

But he couldn’t, his quest had been rooted into the selfish desires of power unfit to him. He had fallen into the hands of benefactors so low that he had been chained facing the Devil itself. Yet he was not the one paying the price but his sister. The one he had so desperately tried to protect from harm had given him freedom btu they felt so wrong in the glossy lips of another serpent. Until he heard

“Life is too short to miss onto golden opportunities.”

He immediately knew those weren’t words of his sister, nor from the patient reaper but from that man. Sunday let those echo in his mind, he could picture them from Aventine’s lips with the sly smile. Had he been saying this while drinking some whiskey or another Soulglad? It wasn’t important but those words were another temptation. And now that he was given new wings, ones enabling him to finally taste the world, he accepted the man’s words.

He would embark starward, tread the man’s word not as fearful as taking an interest in temptation but a way to regain his light. His eyes had been open not by following the distant light nor listening to the sacred choir but by his failure and giving into temptation. So, he would follow this piece of advice, not to advert away from his mission, nor to follow the sinner’s will but to understand what led astray souls, to recover from his fall and once again become radiant.

As he embarked on the train, looked at the planets and cosmos afar, he could only ask if he would meet him again and what would he do. Would he stay the meticulous maestro? The saviour that pitied onto the glimpse of corrupted soul? Or would he shed his armour and open his soul to Life and all it had to offer? He had followed other words in hope to save others without questioning his teachings and yet Aventurine did start this fall. He had beckoned him to fall so that his sister would gently help him change and grow new wings. He was scared, confused but also fascinated.

So, he hopes that the next time he would meet him, either be it a clash or an embrace, that he would truly see behind the veil, behind what he had considered once sinful. So, he delved in and took a sip of whiskey in the Astral Express, wanting to understand the burn from the alcohol but also the one melting his soul and burning in his heart.

#hsr #hsr aventurine #honkai star rail #honkai aventurine #star rail aventurine #kakavasha #avenday #sunday hsr #aventurine x sunday #sunturine #honkai star rail sunday #toxic yaoi

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world-in-a-nook · 6 months ago

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Since the 3.0 livestream has proceeded, we have new trailers and informations regarding Amphoreus.

A few of my drabble theories are :

Mem, the creature following TB, is Elysia/Cyrene (0:41 to 0:50 of the 'Nameless Faces') : When Mem disappears, the girl with pink hair is appearing and her sleeves are identical to Elysia shown in the "Golden Epic")

The stellaron is either the coreflames or in the mountain with the Titan. And by gathering all of coreflames, Phainon will create the stellaron that will blow up the planet : 'Miracle of Genesis' with Genesis evoking the start of all things which started with a big-bang and is in a place looking like the cosmos (big-bang that would destroy Amorpheus before making it back again at the start).

The masked figure at 0:10 and 0:57 of "Nameless Faces" is mostly likely the antagonist of this patch and most likely the one with the flame in 'Gold Epic'.

My more doubted theories

Anaxa might be an Emanator or sort of Emanator of Erudition ( or Finality ?) from the "Golden Epic" is said to have "enough knowledge to fool Fate". What would be Foolish in an Apocalypse ? To not stop it, and as such is seen as a paria (0:33 of "Nameless Faces"). The eyepatch with the symbol of "eye" could could be a nod to Odin who sacrificed his eye for wisdom. But he could be the figure of a prophet.

If we are siding with the ones trying to stop the prophecy (and thus being foolish), we are indicated with Aglae possessing a golden apple (in Greek mythology, the symbol of Eris goddess of discord) and she has the Coreflame of Romance (nodding to Aphordite, the one causing, because of Eris, the Trojan War).

If my theory about Phainon being the hero that would try to save but will destroy the world is true, then it is why the gold image on his torso reminds everyone of Nanook (and not him being Nanook, Nanook has still physical features and apart from the white hair doesn't look like Phainon and mostly comes from Adlivum).

The two paths are revealed to be Remembrance (it was a given, my bad for not obviously saying it in my previous path) and Erudition. I am still convinced that the third will be Enigmata because :

of the etymology and Black Swan saying that the Path are in the balance. The only one that could balance Erudition is Mythus.

The two paths are about the mind and knowledge and Enigmata would be the best thematically.

The Titans seemed to be renamed and have qualities of the Aeons: Kephale for Nous, Oronyx for Terminus and Zagreus for Aha and so on. Soemthing a Riddler might do to confuse others.

The "Do you really not know or are you pretending to not know ?" is a question that could be asked to a Mythus follower since they are making sure to blur History.

In greek tragedies, the heroes are aware of the prophecies but even if they know it they can make it happen. Take Oedipus rex for example, Oedupus kills unknowingly his father and marries his mother. So in a world where they know what is happening, which is the best Aeon to confuse others and make the prophecy happen ? Mythus.

The Titans became mad. Madness is when the mind isn't rational, going again well with the idea of Mythus confusing.

The importance of knowledge not being accessible with all the areas related to it fell to the black tide. The thematic of light being knowledge and darkness being ignorance also.

Literally, the Aeon is named 'Mythus' (as in Myth + us from latin). I mean... It's starting to get obvious.

Prediction : the tragedy of Amorpheus

Welcome one and all to my theory crafting around the next HSR planet !

For this, we will use Black Swan's lines about Amphoreus and try to analyse and probably theorize on what Amphoreus' story will be about.

I hope that you pardon my english, it isn't my first language.

I- The story of the planet II-The three paths

I- The story of the planet

A- The state of the planet

First of all, we have all the flags abount an antiquity inspired planet : the name of the achievement, the planet's name and so on.

We also know that the planet is only accessible through "the light from the mirror of the Garden of Recollection" and that Akivilli never reached Amphoreus.

So here is my theory : we are going to use the Graden of Recollection's miror to go back in time to when Amphoreus existed/was in better shape.

The keywords from Black Swan are "reached" and that it "only" possible through the Garden of Recollection. We know that the Garden's task is to gather memories to make sure that the universe is remembered after the Destruction. We also know that their members can "freely traverse between worlds, unconstrained by physical limits." (Data bank ; Factions)

We have seen that with Black Swan and the dreamscape : she can freely go from the dreamscape to reality. So that means that they aren't affected by space. But what if they aren't affected by Time either ? Then, only people unaffected by time from the Garden of Recollection could access Amphoreus, and such Akivilli would have never reached Amphoreus.

This would also explain why the Astral Express would never need fuel after that : it would make it a timeless machine, that goes beyond time and space, a paradox. In a more darker turn of events, it could also be the planet's destruction that fuels the Astral Express.

B- The plot

Since the planet must be either destroyed or in a very catastrophic way. I would imagine the story based on the tragedy : the Astral Express will tell the people of Amphoreus that their planet is destroyed, everyone will try so that it doesn't happen but everything has already happened and it will end up destroyed. This mixed in with a "Fall of Rome" kind of context.

Why am I thinking so ?

First, Rome is known for its political history being a mess.

Rome and Ancient Greece are known for their tragedies. Those have usually prophecies that are trying to be escaped but ended up happening anyway. And by the Astral Express coming from the future, they would be the ideal prophetic role.

The japanese name for Amphoreus is Omphalos. And Delphi's was known to be the center of the world, according to the greeks. Delphi is well known for its oracles.

"Eternal Land" isn't used to be literal. Black Swan is a Memokeeper and as such believes that all "world will eventually perish, but they can live on in another way — through Remembrance." (Databank ; factions). And such, Black Swan would be basically using some dramatic irony (mostly used in tragedies) to mock Amphoreus' people. It is how we view Rome's Fall : there were the signs that Rome would fall, yet nobody could stop it.

The planet's destruction would be a political crisis from the three paths (a word of them ahead) with a stellaron at play. My theory would be that one of the paths would want to exploit the stellaron for power linked with the hybris theme (the theme that men always try to be as powerful as gods but end up punished). We could also link it to Cesar's deification signaled by a comet.

Post Scriptum : If the Astral Express aren't the one announcing the planet's destruction, we could have an apparition of the Omen Vanguards, Terminus' followers (since they "They are dedicated to drawing prophecies from Terminus's obscure words.").

II- The three paths

"Human behavior flows from three main sources : desire, emotion and knowledge" - Plato

Erudition - Mourning Actors- Enigmata

Erudition :

For the fact that Ancient Greece had an immense impact on today's intellectual (look at Dr.Ratio's design).

The Genius Society, Nous' followers, are already known to be quite prideful so it would made sense for the hybris theme.

We don't know Nous' creation and ascension to aeonhood. So we could have Nous' followers in that point in time.

"Knowledge comes at the price of suffering." (Fu Xian voiceline Chat : Third Eye) and so, following my idea, it would be the knowledge that the planet will end up destroyed/dead that makes the Trailblazer and the Astral Express suffer.

We need another path for the trailblazer

Mourning Actors :

Their performances are akin to greek tragedies

Like Nous, we do not know when Aha arose to aeonhood.

Despite doing greek tragedies, their philosophy is closer to Pascal's (“Distraction is the only thing that consoles us for miseries and yet it is itself the greatest of our miseries.” ; replace Distraction with Elation and you have it.). And Pascal also has some quotes about truth. I wouldn't be surprise if we see Mourning Actors get inspiration in Amorpheus.

Enigmata :

Purely out of opposition to Erudition, first and formost.

The romans were well-known to copy the greeks (even in their mythology) yet hate them. So Enigmata being opposite to Nous would fit the bill but also Rome could be replaces with Enigmata : taking history and changing it.

There is the sentence of erasing someone from History known in ancient history and it would fit the Enigmata pretty well.

Enigmata has been hinted through Gallagher in Penacony and Hoyo doesn't show us something just for the sack of it.

Enigmata could be seen as an easy antagonist for the arc. (And if we follow my idea, Nous' followers would be the one creating their demise)

Side note : Beauty is a path that I have seen mentioned in theories and could be (since Aeneas, the founder of Rome, is seen as the son of Aphrodite, goddess of love ). Though I have to say that it wouldn't fit with the idea of "balance" because it doesn't have a counterpoint.

Thank you for reading my messy theory ! Have a wonderful day/night ! (It is 2AM when I finish writing this).

#hsr #honkai star rail #hsr theory #amphoreus #phainon #anaxa #cyrene

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world-in-a-nook · 8 months ago

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A call for warmth...

characters : Aventurine x gn/reader relationship : established relationship art : @miikanar (edited) synopsis : Aventurine calls you after a day on a buisness trip, he misses you deeply warnings : hurt/comfort, self-loathing, identity crisis, petnames (my love, my dear,honey), bantering wc : 1k60 nda : not my native language

It was one of those nights for you both: one away at home, the other on the work trip. Since you had gotten into a relationship with Aventurine, you knew it would mostly be long distanced. You never minded. After all, technology helped you cope, and he wasn’t the type to ignore your texts or calls. Speaking of which, while you were working, a notification appearing “Incoming call from My darling. Answer?”. You excused yourself to your colleagues and went outside, leaning on the wall before answering:

“Hello darling!”

A second, then two. You frown because he isn’t always that silent. Finally, he spoke in a slurred fashion that told you he was probably drunk:

“Good evening my love. How are you?”

“I’m good Aventurine. And you? I can hear that you’ve drank…”

“Is it that obvious?” The slight tease and hint of smile reassured you slightly.

“Yes, my love. You should go to bed. Isn’t it late on Salsotto?”

You could hear his steps on the carpeted floor as he whined on the other side:

“But I wanted to talk to you! And my goodnight kiss! And my hug!”

You can’t refrain a chuckle as you slowly sat on the floor while responding:

“But we can’t, my dear. At least not for now… You’re coming home soon, don’t worry it will be alright…”

There was another moment of silence. This time you could hear him open a door and the distant city sound. He had probably gone on the balcony of his hotel room. It was part of his night routine, teasing about how you were both looking at each other from afar. You were about to scold him again and insist he should go to bed, but he spoke first:

“I miss you…”

“I miss you too my love…”

“No, no I miss you. I miss your scent, your embrace, the twinkle in your eye. I feel so strong when I’m with you, like…like I could make the biggest bets…”

“But you’re strong my dear.”

“No, I’m not.”

You frowned and unconsciously leaned forward as if trying to protest while facing him but he insisted:

“I’m not strong. I’m just a manipulator who tricked you into loving me. I’m just a lucky bastard who can’t live a normal life without being scared.”

“It’s normal to be scared Kaka—”

“Don’t call me that. Please, don’t…”

You opened your mouth to say something, yet the silence crept between you. You had known his name randomly a few years ago: when he had put offerings for Gaithra Tricolps on the chimenea’s mantle and explained it was for the day of Kakava. Though you already knew that unconsciously, it was also a gift for his family. A quick sentence on how it was linked to his name, and he went back to his playful safe, trying to evade your questions by announcing one of his many purchases. So you too, you randomly called him Kakavasha. It was a pretty name, it rolled off the tongue. And Aventurine didn’t mind, in fact it sounded comforting, a warmth of intimacy and trust from those four syllables.

Yet today, he didn’t want to hear it. You didn’t know how he didn’t want to associate with this name, with his people, with this loneliness. So you tried again but this time with another :

“Aventurine I—”

“I’m not Aventurine ! Aventurine is just-… just-…It’s just a façade, a farce!”

Aventurine of stratagems, the stone of the lucky ones. Was he even lucky? He had lost everything just to attract wealth. He was a lucky charm yet a curse for those who dared to touch, even approach him. And yet here you were, on the other side of the phone, listening to his nonsense and blurry words. At least tonight, you didn’t have to smell the blend of alcohol and his cologne, nor did you have to help him undress and fully lay in bed. You were away from him, away from his supposed luck, from his cursed wealth. It was better for you that way. But was it ?

“My love?” your voice came through the fog of emotions

At the two words, his heart fluttered with joy, and he weakly answered:

“Yes honey, I’m here…I’m-I’m still on the line…”

The words felt comforting yet sour, as if he wasn’t allowed to call you this. Someone else should take care fo you, hug you and make you feel happy. He quickly uttered:

“I’m sorry for disturbing you, honey. You must be working. I-I need to go to bed…”

“Honey, I’m alright. Please listen to me. As I said, everything will be alright. You’ll be home soon.”

He swallowed a tear and wobbled until he fell on his bed, barely taking off his designer shoes. He repeated:

“I miss you love… I miss you so much…”

“I know, I know. And you’ll be home soon. I’m not the only one who misses you, you know. I’ll have to battle with the kitties for your attention.”

He let out a chuckle before responding:

“Don’t worry, this time, you’ll be the first to have my kiss.”

“Otherwise, I won’t give you any pancakes!”

“Oh, come on! The fly is gonna be super long and I’ve missed you!”

“Then I’ll need my kiss and to be the first one! Don’t go rushing to the kitties!”

“Fine, fine. You’re a tough negotiator, you know?”

You exchanged another hearty laugh as the conversation continued. A long talk, talking about your shared life, present and future. Even if his mind had been tarnished by his insecurities, you had managed to comfort him, as always and you would continue to do so.

It’s when you asked him a question that you realised the silence on the other line of the phone. After a few seconds, you could hear his breathing slow and steady. You couldn’t stop the soft smile appearing as you realised, he had fallen asleep during the call. Usually, he couldn’t sleep when on a trip. He would tire himself out with running or any exercises. On the rare occasions you couldn’t answer the phone, he would also drink to make the thoughts go away. Yet this time, he had fallen asleep during the call because you had been his home, and he needed you more than anything.

#hsr #hsr aventurine #honkai star rail #honkai aventurine #kakavasha #star rail aventurine #aventurine x y/n #aventurine x you #aventurine x reader #hurt/comfort

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world-in-a-nook · 9 months ago

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Hear me out : Sugilite and Arlan are from Adlivun

All three have tan skin and white hair.

Sugilite has been associated to egyptian imagery. Nanook is pouring sand in Nanook's gaze cutscene and the Myriad Celestia trailer. He is also wearing a kilt, ones that could ressemble from ancient Egypt.

In "Total recall", Arlan talks about Adlivun to March ("You were the last princess and also the last survivor of the diamond world, Adlivun"). Both Arlan and Nanook share scars on their arms. Arlan was poor, maybe it was because his planet was destroyed ?

#hsr #hsr theory #hsr sugilite #hsr nanook #hsr arlan #hsr thoughts

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world-in-a-nook · 10 months ago

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A collection of jewels and interests

Welcome, one and all !

As usual I'm late to the party but I wanted the hype around the stonehearts to calm down so I could focus on their designs and also see any interesting comments on the video.

Excuse my bad english, it is 1 AM when I'm writing this and english isn't my native language.

I- Analyse of each design with the stone

II- One narrative idea/theory

III- Our next encounter

Analyse of each design

Amber

"Amber prefers to remain neutral"

English Voice Actor : ?

With which path we might see them : ?

Amber is one of the most unknown stoneheart since they aren't voiced, yet they could be more important than what they seem.

We have a lack of design for Amber yet we could see them as a woman which would like like an operator. We could theorize that she is at the head of "Eidor", the IPC's computer operating system. This would explain her rank : she has a very special job so her rank isn't solid per say.

Speaking of solid, her "stone" is amber which is the second organic member of the ten stonehearts. Amber is solidfied resine which has been used since prehistory. Resine has been used to help trees to help treat its wounds but also stray away any predators. Amber solidifed can "preserve" beings such as insects. Speaking of which, who has major insect themes inside HSR ? Propagation and we know that the Propagation is sealed within amber(Readdable: Glimpses into the Beyond, "Inquiry Into The Gods: The Authors of Calamity"). So maybe, Amber is defending or protecting the seal with its Aeon at bay.

As such, she is putting up walls and following Qlipoth's wish and such a true follower of the Preservation.

Agate

"There's also Agate. They might be dead. I even have to convey their opinions for them."

English Voice Actor : ?

With which path we might see them : Nihility (seen lower)

Another mysterious stoneheart with pratically no face except for that mysterious shadow. The design reminds me of ancient chinese buddhist altar. When searching more about them, the depiction of an old man with a smile had been related to Tchong lieou, an ancient god of the familial soil which was reverred in Ancient China. He was revered because he could bring fortune. (The gods of the soil - Edouard Chavannes).

South Red Agate is known to bring vitality and prosperity and is also used to hold auspicious messages.

We already have a paradox between South Red Agate bringing vitality yet the character being possibly dead, according to Obsidian. So we have a character with the imagery of Death and Wealth. It reminds me of Hades/Pluto. The silhouette could also remind of Caishan, a god of wealth in chinese mythology.

Sugilite

"Death... This kind of unnecesssary extravagance was just for yourself, wasn't it ?"

English Voice Actor : AJ Beckles (some additional voices according to his IMDB)

With which path we might see them : Erudition (seen below)

Sugilite gives us a lot to work with : the stone gives the supposed power of cleavoyance, on the self. Yet the power of the stone is used here in reverse : allowing him to see through others.So the sharp tongue could come with a sharp mind, Sugilite might be a perceptive individual. Its also shown through the fact that they expected a 4v4 on Aventurine's vote. His environment could be some sort of illusion or just showing off to Aventurine what he isn't born in : wealth beyond measure. He could also just flex his wealth to Aventurine

If we focus out of this and take out the "extravagance", we can take out the various egyptian designs. While bringing out the hope for some character with melanin, the imagery is mainly of two cats/jackals and Ankha's cross. If we are going into egyptian mythology, it could associate Sugilite with Isis and Anubis. This imagery could either link to the Hunt/Abundance with the care for the dead or resurrection. Though we might see him sooner than we think...

Pearl

"But as an intellitron,I think there should be more 'justice' in your life"

English Voice Actor : Cat Protano (Misha, Skirk in Genshin)

With which path we might see them : ?

Pearl is an interesting one since she is an intellitron yet with the second organic "stone". With her design we get that she probably originates from Lushaka or Thalassa with all the fish designs. Though if we associate them with chinese mythology, Pearl could go with Long since pearls are associated with dragons in some chinese myths.

Since we are on the gem, Pearl could have a ton of story with the use of her stone :

pearls can be faked easily or appear uneven (the baroque movement was afterall named after the word "barocco" which designates a malformed pearl). So she could be one precious pearl, a model of intellitron super evolved.

pearls, in ancient asia, was a symbol of the soul's path towards perfection. Here we had a very important quality from pearl : Kindness and a form of Justice*(will comment on that later).

Sapphire

"But some value their oaths more, Sapphire is in favor of punishment"

English Voice Actor : ?

With which path we might see them : Abundance (a path all about kindness needs some sort of antagonist, and he could be with the Xianzhou)

Another stoneheart without a face, their design though is pretty interesting. First of all, it is the only stoneheart purely facing away from the "camera". This denial to show himself could be an outright refusal to join the stoneheart, since they aren't really following Qlipoth. The use of the mythical animal is very much interesting because it goes well with the whole theme of Sapphir's design : chivalry.

We have the towers, the swords and shields. The creature is hippogriff. It would join the theme of chivalry because in Orlando furioso, the hippogriff is a symbol of Orlando's pulsions (Orlando could be his real name). If we assimiliate the Pearl's word with this, we have a painting : Sapphir separates from his chivalourous self to become a extremist regarding Qlipoth. This also goes well with some symbology of Sapphir being a gem for loyalty but also truth. It gives a whole picture of Sapphir without words : he is a one of Qlipoth's zealot that joined the stoneheart.

Regarding the stone and Sapphire's personanity, I think that he would be double faced : he would be honest, loyal, truthful and a calm individual but if provoked, can go berserk. It would be the stone's symbolism but also the paradox of his sword's design : they are crossed and downwards meaning that a battle is over, yet earlier he was pretty much fervent in Aventurine's punishment.

Obsidian

"Just my two cents, I think we're being overly timid. If it were me I'd like everything become more of a bloodbath."

English Voice Actor : Erin Yvette (Arlechino in Genshin ; they really like her to play black, white and red characters)

With which path we might see them : Nihility

Let's talk about the two elephants in the room :

She has obviously some vampiric imagery with the colourpalette, the bats, gothic architecture, night and so on. I'm not going to refuse those because Hoyo isn't being very subtle. But there might be more than we think...

Though I am going to be a little more nuanced on the blood/pomegranate bath. The imagery is supposed to evoke Erzsébet Bathory (falsely accused of killing virgins to bath in their blood and stay young, though it was false since she was rescuing sick women to cure them - this comment section for more info). (Her real name could be Elizabeth) The pomegranate will be more adressed in the "Groups encountered in the Stonehearts" section.

The stone for Obsidian is relevant for her personnality : Obsidian is cooled lava and it could either suggest the undead idea or someone appearing calm but can be ruthless (shown also with the text). Obsidian is a protective stone that is known to be very strong and very fast so it would also go with the ruthless personnality trait. Obsidian is used to stop instabilities : in the character's case, it could be some kind of inquisitor.

Opal

"We band together... Merely to obtain what we want"

English Voice Actor : Paul Castro Jr. (Freminet in Genshin)

With which path we might see them : None (Pier point)

From his design, we know that he is most likely a pepeshi. This choice is probably to echo his stone but also contrats it : opal is a symbol of Hope and Purity. Purity associated naturally with children so pepeshi it is. Though it is very well contrasted with his ruthless personnality : Aventurine was chosen over him for a more peaceful outcome, he comments on a planet getting destroyed, encourages Silerwolf to hack the Interastral Peace Entertainment server (source : [WARNING: SUSPICIOUS MESSAGE] Send it all out!) and last, but not least, he is the only one seen with a weapon on Jade's image of the Ten stonehart '(2.2). Though the cleavoyance from his stone comes also at provoking Aventurine (Aventurine - Character Story: Part IV).

Hades & Persephone - Agate & Obsidian

related path : Nihility

As seen by the previous analysis, Agate is associated with health and some kind of death. While Obsidian with the vampire is associated with Death but also the pomegranate. With this, we could also add that Obsidian is wearing a crown and has roses in the side of her design. It could be some more gothic inspiration but also, Persephone was in love with Adonis (whose blood created red roses). It goes well, again with the obsessed with blood.

Greek mythology has already been mentioned with Acheron being 'Charon' (the boatman guiding the souls to the Underword) but also the river. With 2.1, Acheron seems to be hinting at IX being some kind of land of the damned but also leading somewhere.

The important point is that Agate "might" be dead. They are currently MIA with only being capable of communicating through Obsidian.

Obsidian which has the pomegranate but also has a black, white and red. Who also has this colour palette ? Acheron in her ult form. We also know that the symptomes of Self-Annihilator are varied : "These phenomena can hardly be explained by the laws of nature" (Databank : Self-Annihilator)

My theory is the following : Obsidian has become a Self-Annihilator and her symptom is being a "vampire". Her only true self in the bloodlust. Taht's why she's able to communicate with Agate, stuck in Nihility/the land of the Dead.

Following this, we know that IX doesn't choose Emanators, you just become one by going through it. So my theory is that TB will go through Nihility, aided or not by Obsidian, to see Agate and maybe someone precious to TB. And it goes the Orpheus way and the person won't be able to come out.

Our next encounter :

Opal

The most hinted stoneheart other than Jade, Topaz and Aventurine. It goes well with also the fact that the Greeks had opals and symbology about it (seeing it as purity). Though I do not subscribe to this theory since he is seen at Pier Point by Silver Wolf, the most important stoneheart (beside Diamond) so would stay at Pier point and the environment in which he is seen looks very much industrial.

Sugilite

Sugilite has been the one with the most chat and directly speaking to Aventurine. HSR has established the tradition of stonehearts going one then another with a phonecall or some sort of contact (Topaz called by Aventurine, Aventurine called by Jade but also teased by Sugilite here).

My theory of Erudition becoming TB's next path would also go with Sugilite's stone according to clearvoyance. It would go well with the topic of knowledge and knowing where to purposely hit to destroy someone.

The egyptian theme would also go well with this theory since the greek were in Egypt for a long period of time. Afterall Cleopatra was greek. Speaking of which, we could assist with a new Cleopatra, Antony vs Octavian.

If we follow my theory : Sugilite would try to help one of the paths to obtain the stellaron/ressources at play, if there is one, and would fail (since we know that the planet is already destroyed).

What do you think ?

#hsr #honkai star rail #hsr sugilite #hsr opal #hsr amber #hsr agate #hsr obsidian #obsidian hsr #hsr pearl #hsr ipc #hsr ten stonehearts #hsr theory #hsr thoughts #hsr aventurine #hsr jade #hsr diamond

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world-in-a-nook · 1 year ago

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Prediction : the tragedy of Amorpheus

Welcome one and all to my theory crafting around the next HSR planet !

For this, we will use Black Swan's lines about Amphoreus and try to analyse and probably theorize on what Amphoreus' story will be about.

I hope that you pardon my english, it isn't my first language.

I- The story of the planet II-The three paths

I- The story of the planet

A- The state of the planet

First of all, we have all the flags abount an antiquity inspired planet : the name of the achievement, the planet's name and so on.

We also know that the planet is only accessible through "the light from the mirror of the Garden of Recollection" and that Akivilli never reached Amphoreus.

So here is my theory : we are going to use the Graden of Recollection's miror to go back in time to when Amphoreus existed/was in better shape.

B- The plot

Why am I thinking so ?

First, Rome is known for its political history being a mess.

The japanese name for Amphoreus is Omphalos. And Delphi's was known to be the center of the world, according to the greeks. Delphi is well known for its oracles.

II- The three paths

"Human behavior flows from three main sources : desire, emotion and knowledge" - Plato

Erudition - Mourning Actors- Enigmata

Erudition :

For the fact that Ancient Greece had an immense impact on today's intellectual (look at Dr.Ratio's design).

The Genius Society, Nous' followers, are already known to be quite prideful so it would made sense for the hybris theme.

We don't know Nous' creation and ascension to aeonhood. So we could have Nous' followers in that point in time.

We need another path for the trailblazer

Mourning Actors :

Their performances are akin to greek tragedies

Like Nous, we do not know when Aha arose to aeonhood.

Enigmata :

Purely out of opposition to Erudition, first and formost.

There is the sentence of erasing someone from History known in ancient history and it would fit the Enigmata pretty well.

Enigmata has been hinted through Gallagher in Penacony and Hoyo doesn't show us something just for the sack of it.

Enigmata could be seen as an easy antagonist for the arc. (And if we follow my idea, Nous' followers would be the one creating their demise)

Thank you for reading my messy theory ! Have a wonderful day/night ! (It is 2AM when I finish writing this).

#hsr #honkai star rail #hsr theory

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world-in-a-nook · 1 year ago

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"Aim for the heart"

characters : Aventurine ; Dr.Ratio relationship : Aventurine x Dr.Ratio (ambigious) art : @glasody__ + official (Dr.Ratio's eidolons) synopsis : thoughts during "The Final Victor" Lightcone warnings : russian roulette ; gun ; suicidal tendencies ; lack of gun knowledge wc: 905 nda : not my native language

"You expect me to believe you ?"

There wasn’t a day where he doubted his intellect but this time something happened that he hadn’t planned, something outside all probabilities. In a world where everything could be planned and meticulously calculated, it was easy to find other’s faults and errors. Yet, this time, he couldn’t find his. Humanity was supposed to save themselves; to strive towards survival yet this man had just done the opposite, just to prove a point. How foolish… He could’ve chosen to offer something else, a statistic about his wins, anything else but this.

He couldn’t understand the expression, the unwavering smile and the faint glimmer in those hypnotizing eyes. Anything could happen. The probabilities were one out of six, and he wouldn’t press the trigger, it was just some kind of act, a provocative gesture to show some kind of dominance.

Click

His eyes widened when the man had pressed his finger on the trigger. One chance out of five now. He hadn’t hesitated. Unmoving pupils, almost dilated. Was it the adrenaline? He couldn’t understand and it was maddening, yet different. He couldn’t ignore the shiver running down his spine, the cold sweat trailing down his nape and the multitude of thoughts coming to him. How did that gambler not move any inch at the possibility of death? Or was it this possible of everything ended that drove him further?

He didn’t realise yet, but his eyes widened when he realized: all his life, his brain had been challenged through trials and error, yet he had never been challenged through his emotions. The gambler had aimed not to his capacity of calculation, but his capacity to feel. The truth that had prior relied upon his capacity to calculate and adapt logically, had now been thrown upside down. The gambler was surely aiming at himself, but this thrill seeker was truly aiming at his heart. Was it some sort of test ?

Of course, he wasn’t. He was the doctor, a professor of great renown. This feeling was nothing but to test of predictable would be the gambler’s death. A scrutiny caused to provoke him. It was just to prove a point. The bullet could be a blank.

Click

And yet what if ? One chance out of four remaining. 25% chance of dying for the gambler. The barrel pressed on the man’s shirt. He would’ve stopped this nonsense and looked at the bullet to see if it was a blank. It couldn’t be: the gambler was a skilled shooter who practiced in his free time. Yet again the question remains: why would he be so ruthless just to prove a point? It wasn’t a test between them either. That gambler wanted to make him feel. What would happen if the stoic doctor had a hand in his life? What would he do if he wasn’t able to think himself out of the situation? And the moment was absurd, yet thrilling, letting him feel free.

He swallowed with difficulty. This gambler had found a crux out in his probabilities. He wasn’t on the other side of the gun yet he felt paralysed. He had been seen.

"Why not, doctor ? Life is a big gamble and I'm always the Final Victor"

What an absurd moment. He had yearned to survive up until today, yet he was now ready to throw it away. His hand behind his back as he seemed ready to pull the trigger. He was ready to put his life on the line to show his determination. If he had to put the most valuable that could exist just to show his determination, then he would. No amount of chip would equal to the value of a life, especially his, yet he was ready to bet it, was he?

No change in his facial expression but his hand gripped the potential to go on, for his luck to reach him once again. The chance that he could survive one more day was what he hanged on to. He would live one more day to spite those who wanted the avgins to fall.

Click

He held the barrel closely to his heart, to the fiery determination that plagued his mind. All his gambles, all his plans had been mind games. Some sort of test to his own luck. Yet the gun was aimed at the true reason he continued to advance. However grand was the pot, he was aiming not at winning against the house but winning the house and making it his own. Full House. Yet his was empty, no family to boast his victories.

The man facing him looked perplexed, confused on who would do a bet like this. He was a source of grounding: someone who thought that everything could be calculated. Yet in a single move, a single bet, he had moved the man’s world upside down. Despite the severe and stoic face, which was usually hiding under the handsome bust, he had this uncertainty in the eyes. The flickering pupils, the trembling hand on the gun, what a handsome look on someone so usually sure of themselves. He enjoyed the hidden shocked expression. The one that he saw when the unpredictable happened.

He had seen through the doctor’s face, his need for recognition. And he was showing it now: he could see him now and he had aimed directly to his heart. They had both everything on the line: Aventurine had put his line while the doctor had his pride. It was in this moment that they truly saw each other.

#hsr aventurine #honkai star rail #hsr #doctor ratio #dr ratio #star rail aventurine #honkai star rail ratio #ratiorine #raturine #golden ratio hsr #aventio

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world-in-a-nook · 1 year ago

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"Let the sky fall... When it crumbles, we will stand tall..."

characters : Aventurine ; Acheron title: Skyfall by Adele art : @KNNN15958638 + official (2.1 cutscene) (both edited) synopsis : what went through each other's mind warnings : spoilers for 2.1 (ending) ; spoilers for 2.2 (Acheron) ; might be ooc (especially for Acheron) ; suicidal thoughts (Aventurine) ; Death imagery ; wc: 666 nda : not my native language

"Emanator - I know you'll match my wager. Right ?"

One final chip, one final potential was all he had left. It was in her hands: the one who would shape the entire game, the one who will roll the dice, who will pull the trigger. In this moment where all the chips had been placed, when he went all-in, he could only hold his breath. The outcome will remain the same either way: he would win. Either it is by winning for the IPC or finally obtaining that fragment of peace he wished for.

From the moment they met, even if his hand was weak, he had raised the stakes and provoked. A cocky grin plastered on the face as he bluffed a supposed control. A foolish action to the unassuming guests, yet it was for the final showdown that he had planned it. He knew that her hand was strong, after all she had called each time an event had happened. And so, she had hidden her true value to the world, a mystery to be unveiled and the strongest of hands.

If his provocation didn’t work, then he would go through what she had defended: others. The sky had now it’s golden tint and chips started falling. Only moments left, one last provocation. He knew the bullet was in the barrel and she only had to fire. The blade had to be unsheathed to show her true value to this world, so that all could wake up. She had to shatter the dawnless sky and he had to be the catalyst of this moment, a necessary sacrifice. Either way, he would win. He always wins.

He could hear the crumbling of buildings, the chips falling, his heart shaking like the dice. He had given it all, went all-in for the final number, a final performance. He held his breath and looked at her through the mask. He could see, the acknowledgment in each other’s eyes for what was necessary. They had to stand and face it but for that, a price was to pay.

High risk, high reward.

"I wish to mourn the departed, weeping like rain, to swell the crossing stream, as the tide arrives leading you back home"

Tearlike followed her wherever she went. In the days of old, the cries of wandering souls echoing in the faint breeze. And yet here, she hid them in the gleaming sword. Waves of memories crashing all at once, blending for it to cut once more. She refused to pull in the paths of others unless necessary, she was a witness, a watcher. She helped those left ashore on a journey.

It wasn’t her wish to come here, to find the Watchmaker’s legacy, but it was once a fleeting red. One that once burgeoned with life and existence. Yet this red had guided her at this very moment, to save others from the meaningless self and the emptiness while she flighted to remember. The fleeting red following her to walk forward and face life. That is why she went here, not only to fulfil that promise made in red but to also guide the lost souls.

And here she was, watching over others and unsheathing the blade to face another trying to find his existence. Through countless trials, yet unknown to her, he had resisted and all he wanted was to follow the stream. She only had to watch over and make him remember that light afar. And to do so, she had to show her own.

The rain falling on all of them equally among the golden chips. The world crumbling before them and a last sigh of resolution. They both had to stand tall for different purposes, but she recognised how he wanted some kind of peace: to either drown or yet finally arrive ashore. The faint self still yearned for more, this thing that all strived for.

And once again should she guide another soul far from THEIR path towards the light…

#hsr aventurine #hsr #honkai star rail #kakavasha #honkai star rail aventurine #honkai aventurine #acheron #acheron hsr #honkai star rail acheron

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world-in-a-nook · 1 year ago

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"And upon his name was a crown of jewels, and the brightest was Hope"

character : Aventurine pairing : Aventurine (drunk!Aventurine at the end) x avgin!gn!reader (specified blond hair) ; angst/comfort art : @しかく

synopsis : Aventurine, while sitting in a bar, finds you performing at a bar in Penacony. Surprised to see another Avgin, he watches your dance performance and comes to see you after it. inspiration : dance ; warnings : spoiler for 2.1 (all of the Aventurine's backstory) ; Avgin racism (implied prostitution); alcohol ; petname ( little gem ; darling ;) ; survivor guilt ; might be ooc lore taken from : Signoia, Unclaimed Desolation (I went full on worldbuilder and might have expanded a bit) wc : 3.1k author's note : not my native language

The night had long started inside the bar with drinks passing from hand to hand, chatters getting loud. The cocktail, an Imagined Sunrise, in Aventurine’s hand swirled the sweet colour of sunsets. He was seated in an obscure corner, far from anyone’s gaze. Although his client had long left, he decided to stay anyway to pass time. Why stay in the boring room when you can have fun outside? His bodyguards would have preferred the former since it meant being less alert but Aventurine wasn’t the type to cooperate especially after a frustrating deal.

Through the rose-tinted glasses, he looked at his surroundings. The bar was crowded like any night of Penacony, people sipping on the dream syrup or on some Soulglad. The chatter filled the room mixing with the clicking of the ice and the music. The coloured bottles shined in the dimlit bar creating drinks. His own was gleaming like some dawn, one that he dreamt so much of. He took a sip before looking at the clock, curious to see if the casino might still be open. His thought process was interrupted by the bar’s owner standing up on the stage:

“Tonight, folks, I’ll present you with an exotic flower from a faraway land. This desert bloom will offer you a performance like none other!”

It was at this point that you appeared on the stage, waiting for the musicians to start. Though Aventurine was already captivated because he could now grasp what the owner meant with “faraway land”. He recognized the patterned clothes, the colourful jewellery and golden hair gracefully swaying with each movement. And when he finally saw your colourful eyes, he felt as if the ground was breaking before him. Each one of your movements seemed like turning his world upside down. He followed the movements of the colourful fabrics, of the golden jewellery. The fabric moving like the wind in the golden dunes, your hair like the rays of gold that warmed his skin. The jewellery chimed together as making a melody on its own. He crossed your gaze through his glasses and couldn’t resist to lean forward in disbelief. Those movements reminded him of the time faraway from now, a time where each shimmering aurora had the warmth of comfort, of home; a time in which he danced with his family and rejoiced in the Kakava festival; a time which felt so far away, yet he yearned for it.

His contemplation continued: how the fabric’s colours and your movements was a wildfire swaying to your liking, each of the golden jewellery was a spark for every new flame, the chiming of it like the crack of the firewood. The dance sending him into a spin of fascination and disbelief. Each step like an acknowledgment of your presence, each beat of the music making him realize that he wasn’t the only one left. The fire continued to dance and show off its movements with the rhythmic music. The drums beating as hard as his heart, the graceful sway of the fabrics leaving him in a daze. With each new melody, he took a sip of his own drink. His head spined with the dance, the alcohol, and your twirls.

Before a stop, the dance ending, and some applauses. Pearls of sweats had appeared on your body completing your jewellery set. You bowed with the applauses and toss of coins, though Aventurine could hear some of many murmurs:

“An Avgin? They’re just some snake, manipulating their charms for money.”

“They’re just trying to find a fool for the night!”

“You know Sigonians, rotten to the core…”

He didn’t care when those insults were about him. He had heard them so many times now that it felt numb, but he wasn’t the target of it, another Avgin was, and it felt so different. Someone like him was insulted. His eyes darted to see your reaction if you would say anything back. Though you had already escaped from his gaze, the only remain of your performance was your faint perfume.

He wanted to follow you through the narrow corridors, through the dazzling streets of Penacony, through each planet, through the desert dunes until that moment where he could go back to that very moment, that impossible moment in which the festival took place in joy. The faint perfume did bring him back to reality after a moment and like the good businessman he was, he knew how to use his tongue. A slight gesture and the owner approached:

“Good evening, Mr. Aventurine. Thank you for choosing our humble establishment!”

“Oh, but I must thank you, my friend, for the atmosphere, the drinks and even the entertainment!”

“Oh, did you like tonight’s beauty? A rare gem…”

How he objectified you felt repulsing, you were a being, not some sort of possession limited to its beauty. Aventurine bit his tongue, though he had led the conversation where he wanted to, so he asked:

“Oh indeed, a one-of-a-kind. May I ask if it could be possible to see that gem?”

“I’m sorry sir but they don’t accept visitors…”

He gazed upon the owner facing him. It was easy to see his lies: the crossed arms, the slight bite of the lip and this twitch of the eyebrow he had seen in some gambler he provoked. He had encountered so many liars like him, so confident yet wearing their emotions under the spotlight. He didn’t mind it, after all that’s how he won. So, he asked:

“My friend, I have heard that your establishment lacked customers. I might be able to do just that… Some of the Strategic Investment Department needs a place to have fun time. Would you be able to grant that?”

“Yes Mr. Aventurine, of course. Our humble establishment would gladly welcome your colleagues. They would also have a price. The IPC, and yourself, have done so much for us !”

“Then make me another drink for me and your generous patrons! It’s on me!”

The owner rushed to the bar, urging his employees to start serving drinks to all patrons. A big investment for just one fleeting moment. Drinks appearing and going from left to right, up and down, cheers coming from one side to another, praises for the generous esteemed guest. Yet he knew how they were just hypocrites, esteeming him during their drunken state. One moment, he was one of the avgins “rotten to the core” and the other he was an “esteemed guest”, what a joke. He looked back at the owner, now was truly time for the gamble:

“If I may bring a drink to the precious gem…”

“Oh of course, Mr. Aventurine. Let me show you the way…”

A few corridors later and they entered your dressing room, knocking on your door. You were facing a vanity taking off the jewels resting on your forehead and chest. The owner introduced:

“Little gem, one of our esteemed guests wanted to give you a drink. So, I brought him to you. He is a particularly important guest which is giving us new clients which means you could get more money for your performance. Treat him well…”

The owner escaped while Aventurine sighed at the owner’s lack of subtility. He signed his bodyguards to stay outside the door and after a few seconds, you finally spoke for the first time:

“I’m not selling my body…”

“Oh no need to inform me, I’m not here for that…” replied the businessman.

To confirm his saying, he sat down on the furthest couch and laid your drink on the nearest table to you. More seconds of the awkward silence, silence in which he delighted because as a gambler he knew it was a silence of thinking, of calculation. You asked politely while turning:

“Then why are you here sir?”

“Because I think we have something in common.”

“Oh really?”

Aventurine, for the first time, took off his glasses to reveal his colourful eyes while his left hand went inside his pocket. Your gaze met and there was this moment. He could see emotions passing through your mind and body: first, the slight widening of your eyes from the surprise, the lips parting as if trying to find words, the quivering fingers as if grasping for reality and then seating back as in disbelief. At last, the nod of acknowledgment. Both of you stayed staring at each other, like staring into mirror. Two beings that started the same but ended up as opposites. You broke the silence:

“I’ve heard rumours about an IPC debt collector being Signonian but are you…?”

“I’m an Avgin.”

The sentence was short, but it felt like a revelation for both of you. An acknowledgment of each other’s fate, each other’s hardships and despair. The realisation of each other’s suffering by the mere gaze, the lack of shine in each other’s eyes. He broke the silence by sipping some of his drink, it was easier to numb the pain. You took again the lead in the conversation:

“May I ask for your name?”

“They call me Aventurine.”

“Doesn’t sound avgin…”

“As I said, darling, they call me that way.”

Behind the dismissive use of the petname and the play on words, he didn’t expect your wit. Although you were quite right to not trust him at first in this cold world. He couldn’t bear to see you slip between his hands like the golden sand. Another gulp of alcohol, of courage. For a second, his vision blurred and his head spinned. For the first time, through sheer will or maybe was it his thoughts blending into a mess, he broke again the silence:

“And may I call you something else than what that man called you? May I have your name?”

You replied, after a few seconds, with your stage name which he immediately got:

“Oh, come on darling, it’s not that much of a big risk to give a name.”

“Says the one who didn’t give his name either…” you retorted.

“Touché! But I did it because I’m known as Aventurine and besides, I’m part of the IPC. As a member of the Ten Stonehearts, I shall reveal no secrecy and invest in my persona.”

You could hear the sarcasm dripping from his lips and he started to be more talkative, probably from the alcohol ingested throughout the night. Even if you wanted to go, you had to stay and treat him well because of the owner’s order. You would be interrupted in your thought process by the blond:

“Those jewels… Are they from turquoise meteorites?”

“Yes, they are. Mama Fenge has blessed my family with it and so I carry them to each performance”.

“Can I see them up close? No touching you or them if you would like to, it’s just been a long time since… Well, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen some… Would it be possible?”

He silenced himself by taking another gulp of his drink and he put the fedora away, starting to feel hot from the alcohol. He let out a small sigh of relief when you approached to let him look at the golden chain, which was previously attached to your belt, with turquoises and charms. The melody of the chain lulled him into deeper memories, and he started to talk again:

“You know, I’ve heard that these turquoises were as beautiful as Gaiathra Triclops’ eyes, but I wander if they are as valuable as hers. If turquoises are that valuable, then is that why our land was destroyed? Why were our valuable land and people left for dead?”

You didn’t respond because of the sudden emotion. The alcohol had certainly turned the gambler into a sentimental. You didn’t know how to quite manage to those questions because, you too, didn’t have the answer to that question. The dreading question that didn’t come in each other’s mind since a time long ago, a time that felt like forever. Yet your thoughts were again interrupted by him:

“I have a lucky charm too, not as valuable as turquoises but a gold lucky charm my mother gave me. Lucky charm to a lucky child, quite an irony. Big sis’ told me that it was to symbolize my name. “Blessed by Gaithra Triclops”, Kakavasha, lucky child yet received a lucky charm.”

You didn’t comment on how he just told you his name, his mind obviously elsewhere, probably drowning in the memories and the alcohol’s fog. You parted your lips as if trying to find your words, they didn’t come. The small details in his drunken speech seemed to confirm his identity as an avgin. It wasn’t one of the silver-tongued men but of an avgin, one of the last. You tried to continue the conversation:

“But you were blessed by Gaithra Tricolps. You are here, and you are someone powerful and you are quite fit at gaining money at the roulette.”

“Blessed… Lucky me, I guess! Luck makes powerful but my destiny not lucky, not just…”

“Then, how about we pray to the mother goddess for such luck and a happier destiny?”

His eyes widened at your proposition. You showed him your left hand to initiate the prayer, yet you saw his glassy eyes look at your hand like witnessing some kind of miracle.

He was about to take another gulp of his drink, but his hand was too shaky. He didn’t even know now if it was from the alcohol or the emotions, perhaps both, perhaps one facilitating the other. He approached his gloved hand and, after some clumsy movements, rested upon your hand.

You started the prayer, his voice being quieter. With each sentence, the blond went quieter and staring at the joined hands. You didn’t yet notice, at first closing your eyes in this ceremonial moment but when the prayer ended, you could see how his glassy eyes turned teary. You parted your lips trying to say something, hoping you didn’t do anything wrong, yet your surprising reflex was to embrace him.

You were shocked by your sudden gesture, and you couldn’t see Aventurine’s reaction. Though you could sense how tense his body was, how his shoulders were trembling. At first, you thought he would immediately pull away, and he didn’t. You let out a sigh and wrap your arms around him, not sure how it ended up like this. First you were dancing on stage, swirling to the tambourines and bells, and now you end up with a man – you didn’t quite process that he was an avgin just yet- in your arms.

You thought it would be another moment of silence. Not an awkward one, like when he entered your dressing room, but one of acknowledgment. One of contentment in which each other saw pain and sorrow. Yet this silent was broken by his slurred words:

“I should’ve saved her… I should’ve…”

You should hear the slurred words mixed with the throat tightening. The shoulders continued to shake in your embrace. Blond locks following his shaking. The taste of alcohol blending with the salt of the tears. Slowly dripping on your performance outfit, yet you didn’t care. It wasn’t about your outfit or treating him how the owner wanted. It was about helping him in his pain, comforting him. And you didn’t even know but it was the first time that anyone had treated him that way, that anyone had seen him in such despair, that any miracle had managed to quell his solitude.

Everything felt numb, his muscles tensing as if he couldn’t breathe. How would he dare to live? How was he allowed to? He was blessed, yet it was like a curse. He couldn’t bear to think that the one who didn’t come one was the closest to him. He had selfishly followed and ran, as far as he could, even though he knew something horrible was coming. And when he came back, it was too late: the cackling Katicans, blood drenching the golden sand, the fire devouring the tents. And of course, he had survived. He hated that he survived. Tears running down his cheeks and drenching the colourful fabric.

Yet, in this tender embrace, he could smell your perfume. Eyes slowly closing into those nights he longed for so much time: the warmth of the bonfire, the feast with spiced meals, the laughter and conversation swaying, music echoing in the valleys. It was the night of Kakava. Jewellery and colourful fabrics blending in the dance, his sister looking as beautiful as a gem, inviting him for a dance. The well-known steps coming back to him and following the music. You had come into the dance, and all laughed. He took his sister’s hand to give her a turquoise necklace, as precious as Gaiathra’s eyes, just for her to wear in this special occasion. He told her about all the travels he did, journeying far beyond Sigonia, of all the riches he gathered, of all his schemes that worked and some that didn’t. The tender embrace exchanged afterwards bringing him the warmth he so much desired. Sparks going back into his eyes as the warm embers of Hope coming back. They smiled and dance until the blinding dawn came. He turned to his sister and saw her smile, as bright as the sun.

Yet it was the same sunlight that awoke him. He rubbed his eyes and slowly looked around: he was laid down in his bed, with the same outfit as last night – well what he could remember of it – and his headache reminded him of his alcohol consumption. He could almost hear Ratio’s sermon about how alcohol kills his liver. He took out his phone and checked his messages and bank account, thankfully he didn’t spend anything drunk nor text any weird messages. There was only him in his bed, so he didn’t bring anyone home or they might’ve escaped before he woke up.

He slowly sat up, leaning on the headboard, and heard something fall onto the sheets. After rummaging a little, and taking a sip of water, he found a turquoise charm. He couldn’t quite remember when he bought it or if he won it yet there was some sense of familiarity. He approached it, made it shine in the golden rays before the realisation hit him: it was one that once was on your golden chain. As precious as Gaithra’s eyes yet you accepted to give one to him, a fellow Avgin. He swallowed his tears and stood up, one day he hoped to thank you. He didn’t look at his reflection this morning but if he had, he would see that glimmer of Hope back in his beautiful eyes.

#hsr aventurine #hsr #kakavasha #honkai star rail #honkai star rail aventurine #aventurine x you #aventurine x y/n #aventurine x reader #hsr aventurine x reader

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world-in-a-nook · 1 year ago

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"Amazing Grace..."

characters : Aventurine ; Sunday character mentioned : Robin (implicit) relationship : ennemies + unrequited lust (on Sunday's part) art : aventurine (edited) ; sunday synopsis : what went through each other's mind warnings : spoilers for 2.1 (Aventurine's backstory) ; suggestive (but not explicit) ; christian symbology (since Xipe and Sunday are just christian coded to the brink) ; gambling symbology ; god-complex (sunday) ; controlling (sunday) ; russian roulette (aventurine) wc: 760 n/a : not my native language ;

“When the times comes, compare your findings with mine. If both our findings align, or if you can provide more insights… Then THEY will truly be able to grant you mercy and honesty.”

And how would he finally experience true bliss. He could see the sinful eyes of a long-gone clan, a stray sheep waiting for salvation. What a pitiful sigh. Yet that lamb leaned towards the path of sin, seeing the death of an angel, a heart so pure. Sunday looked at the sinner in front of his eyes, he was allowing so much mercy, because he could save him. He could not bear to think that he was faced with some kind of betrayer, almost anticipating for his kiss to sign off the reality. Though, he was not tempted by the fiery flames of sin. Sunday was merciful, eyes upon the sinner and yet he did not budge. The sinner would be so much more beautiful into THEIR gaze if only kneeling and moaning the prayers. Those eyes pleading and confessing all the sins, tears of pleasure and guilt. He bit his lip in frustration as he stared at the blond.

He could have salvation, finally feel free yet the sinner chose to ignore the possible redemption. If Death was only the true redemption, then the sinner would feel the toll of THEIR judgment and shall not question its form. All shall follow his words; all shall seek his judgment and fairness because it is he who would falter facing the Lamb’s wrath. If only but for a moment, could he cup the sinner’s face and bless him with a kiss to open his eyes, to the Grace he was given. If only he could confess while his hand was attached by the sacred ropes. If only he could spill the sweet moans of confession. If only he could take away the forbidden fruit’s flavour from the sinner’s tongue. He could see the halo hiding behind the devils’ influence, how pitiful and he had to save him, save them all. He had to punish the haughty so that the sinner would soon realise his grandeur’s true sanctity and kneel before his thrown.

“Shameless hypocrites…You took everything from me and still demand the truth? That isn’t fair. Your carnival reeks with the stench of cash. Nothing is achievable without it!”

He glared at the man in front of me, this supposed saviour. The winged-headed man told himself that he was a messiah, yet he refused to pay any price and asked for a “sinner’s” fruits. If you play, you risk losing and that is what the terms of a fair game, yet that man refused to bet anything. Wanting to control everything around him yet unable to risk it. He was powerless in front of the winged-headed man yet felt so much more, because he was the one placing the bets and how high were the stakes. Aventurine could burn the world, and some would still call me a saint, but that man was not like that. His soul did not need any kind of salvation because he mastered his destiny. He wore his honesty with spite and that is how his business kneeled before him. No need to bluff when words were his forte. How could he have manipulated THEIR power if not for lies laying in the sheets of truth? What he said was balanced, lies and truth. The self-proclaimed angel tried to twist him under a confession yet did not realise of how he was falling and joining him into the real world.

The gamble was going, he had showed a part of his card and the man had screamed back. He did not plan for the time limit, for the roulette to take another spin, yet he had to. Something had to go off rail so that he could pierce through that supposed sacred façade. He would wait for the right moment to come. For the truth to be revealed, and the mute to tell what happened. A grand finale, a Royal Flush no one has ever seen before. Grace would fall upon those who had been blinded by the hypocrites. He could win and his word would be absolute even if he had to fire the roulette, once and again. It was the risk, losing everything or taking the throne that this supposed arch angel had. The supposed god that thought him, the gambler, as a possible lamb would become the one falling under the serpent’s honeyed words.

The wrath of the Lamb approached.

#sunturine #honkai star rail sunday #hsr aventurine #hsr #sunday hsr #aventurine x sunday #avenday

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world-in-a-nook · 1 year ago

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"Don't know where I'm in five but I'm young and alive"

character : Aventurine character mentioned : Dr.Ratio, Jade, Topaz, Diamond art : oryunbunkosu synopsis : a usual night at the casino with a peer into Aventurine's thoughts. title from: What a Life ! warnings : spoilers for 2.1 (Aventurine's backstory) ; angst ; self-loathing ; flashbacks ; mentions of blood ; alcohol ; gambling (obviously) (never gambled so might be inaccurate) ; implied suicidal thoughts ; might be ooc since it is my first time writing him. wc: 1k nda : not my native language

The cards scattered on the poker table as the other player shouted:

“How did you win again ?!”

“Looks like your luck has run out, friend…” grinned the gambler.

The blond man played with the chip between his gloved fingers before adding:

“It would be wiser, friend, to just admit that Lady Luck hasn’t graced you tonight and give me my prize.”

His gaze pierced through the rose-tinted glasses at the other player, awaiting. Through a groan, the chips were left scattered on the table. As the player left, Aventurine let out a sneer lifting his glass to thanks the player before being interrupted by one of his bodyguards:

“Sir, the more provocative you are, the more you’ll risk yourself getting in trouble.”

“Don’ worry, I always manage to get myself out of trouble. Always. So why won’t you be a dear and let me enjoy my prize?”

The bodyguard sighed and went back with the others. Like always, Aventurine had them following them. They were the lap dogs of the IPC protecting him, well that’s what Jade and Diamond told them. Although he knew that it was to make sure that he didn’t do anything stupid, that he wouldn’t escape. At first, they were only two, until he escaped them to have a fling in an alleyway. After that event, they were now five always making sure of his every movement. Five guards ready to keep him in check, to remind him his place, his lowly place.

When the bodyguards noticed his stare, his eyes rolled back to his drink. He swirled the amber liquid with a slight scoff. Amber like the Lord he was supposed to serve, quite a joke. He had served too many in his eyes and he only wanted to serve himself, to survive. The ice clicked in a small melody before he took a sip, feeling the slight burn in his throat. The burn that soothed his own, his urge to flee those that chained him to his position. The burn lingering and licking his heart, grasping his heart, and tormenting his brain with passing memories. Just this one drink to numb the pain.

His eyes wandered about to the casino’s bar, his heart beating like the bartender’s shaker. He could already hear the doctor Ratio’s scold about his consumption of alcohol and excessive gambling. He couldn’t care less; it was his way of enjoying life. Each second and each of his choices could lead him towards an impending disaster, blessed and cursed luck following him, so why not enjoy every minute. His lips sipped the drink before putting it down, playing with a chip in his gloved left hand.

He sat back in his seat, looking around for another poker player. The piercing gaze following the dealers and the waiters. He was one of the high rollers so maybe someone would approach his table, hopefully. After a few minutes, he sipped again the drink and only the ice remained in the drink clinking like a clock or a bomb. The clicking reminding of past chains, and the cold metal around his neck. He opened slightly his collar. The alcohol was making him relax, nothing less, not those thoughts and sensations coming back to him.

He took a step out of his seat, walking towards the other rooms. The clicking of the ice following him, chains keeping him tied to his destiny and his luck. His eyes clocked at each table, each player. He saw some bluffs so easily: he had seen them in the past, when his owner flicked his chips around meant a weak hand while caressing the chip meant a strong one. He had seen how many people reacted to pressure, like they had everything or nothing to lose. All or nothing. When he played, he didn’t care about how much was spent. He didn’t care how much the IPC won because of him; all was about the outcome. That’s what was important to him, and what was important to Diamond too. Sometimes he hoped that something would derail, that someone could see his bluff, he couldn’t access his trump card, that the Russian roulette would fire. Yet it never did.

He sat down at a random table, another toss of the wheel of fortune. His eyes stopped on the players surrounding him as he stopped his eyes on a lady swirling her wine like at the trial, Jade looking at him intrigued. But it wasn’t Jade, and he was the one in power, the one with the money and the high rolls. He let out a chuckle when receiving his cards:

“I’ll be merciful tonight, five million.”

Keeping his usual smile when stacking his chips and the adrenaline rush. The alcohol blurring the music surrounding him. He could already hear all the scolds about his arrogant self, his gambling addiction and how pitiful he was. He could hear Topaz grunts when he would wake up late due to the hang over. With one last sip of the whisky, they vanished into the alcoholic fog. Eyes on the game and the players. Another win, with quite the pitiful win yet it still felt bittersweet. Never truly satisfying.

He wandered again, the alcoholic fog blurring slightly his vision, but he could feel himself getting lighter. The wine didn’t look anymore like the blood that tainted his fingers, the ice clicking was now loud but not as loud as the screams of his previous owner, the mark of his neck didn’t burn when he looked at himself in the mirror.

He gingerly walked into the bathroom to wash his face, taking off his glasses and hat. Everything was so loud yet so alive. His feet weren’t bare on the floor, he could chat with whoever he wanted, he was the one at the table not the prize. He could see himself in the mirror. The colourful eyes reminding him of his curse, his luck, his meaningless self. His eyes were “pretty” according to Jade, “a sign of good luck” according to his sister yet he wandered why he had those eyes, this curse. What made his eyes beautiful? Rarity? “The rarer the product, the higher the value” his seller had said his owner while showing off his eyes. His eyes reminding him of his lineage, one-of-a-kind truly.

Glasses back on, the rose masking the purples and blues before going back to the casino. He wandered aimlessly, but he didn’t dare to say that he was lost.

#hsr aventurine #star rail aventurine #aventurine hsr #hsr fanfic #honkai aventurine #hsr #honkai star rail

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