ㅤgeneral ic

@circe. “i got you your favourite flowers, surely that’s not enough?” he tries to reason. then when she huffs, a chill runs down his spine. next, when they make eye contact—her gaze as sharp as her bristling feathers—another chill does, and he offers the most charming smile he could ever muster, yet it is unbeknownst to him that his smile is awkwardly lopsided instead. he notices that they are making what seems to be progress—though perhaps it’s all merely a play in his head—no, he’s /certain/ he’s making progress. whatever it takes, he’s going to steal his beloved’s heart back. carefully, he reaches for her hands, rubbing the back reassuringly with his thumbs. “you look like a doll right now too, my darling dearest. i’ll do anything you want me to, i could get you more flowers, get you good food? hell, i could take you out on a date right now even! just please don't give me the silent treatment again, i’ll be just as good as dead meat!”

@altair. as his face begins to come into view, she immediately averts her focus so she doesn't have to rest it upon his. instead, they land on the flowers he presents to her and she immediately frowns. they were her favorite... but that wasn't enough to sway her just yet. "the 'most gorgeous avian of all and she's yours' yet you failed to successfully prove that to her with your last attempt, how embarrassing for you." her arms cross in front of her chest and she huffs, rolling her eyes before pointing them at his with narrowed suspicion. she already knows she'll fold to his persistence so she may as well humor his attempt at reconciliation now, but she wasn't going to make it easy for him in the slightest. he had to not only work for it, but beg for it if he were smart. "i looked like an idiot all dolled up and on my own. what are you going to do to make it up to me? you have one chance."

@circe. altair messed up. big time. he tried to keep his cool, but the moment circe avoided him entirely, giving him the silent treatment, his mind went—and still does go—into an alarming state of fight or flight that not even ferocious battles could compare. he’s been thinking of what to do and say, really, and eventually opting to following her around like a sad abandoned hound with a bouquet of flowers he was supposed to give her last night hidden behind his back. a small light appears in his eyes when she finally talks. “oh, come on, my honeybunch, sugarplum, pumpy-umpy-umpkin, my sweet pie— the mooost gorgeous avian of all, and she’s /mine/,” he begins a little nervously, jogging up a few steps to see her face and present her with the bouquet, “i’m so sorry! i don’t mean it, i really don’t! why won’t you look at meeee?”

@altair. having never explored nearby, she wanders into the vicinity with scrutinizing eyes and a sense of mild annoyance. today she was taking time away from altair... or supposed to be... but she knew he might trail behind shortly after she would make her way here. last night was their first date night in a long while, but—much to her disappointment—he wasn't able to show. she wouldn't normally be excited for something like this, but because she was, she spent the night (and this morning) incredibly grumpy. not even wanting to look at him. which is why she hadn't despite him following. "so strange how someone who can't seem to show up suddenly can't seem to leave me alone," she half scoffs under her breath, knowing he may still hear but not caring.

a tinge caught off guard, an abashed grin finds itself drawing the corners of her lips once more and she is once more clearing .
a-ah, no, i— t'was just a stupid expression. never you mind that.
lifting her back from the comfort of the wall and unfolding her arms, she brushes one under her nose, focus downcast and distant as her typically warm face suddenly feels warm to her. she chalks this up to the slight cool aura radiating from her counterpart rather than her sudden embarrassment in order to save face, but her attention does return to the other though fleeting, resorting to a bashful mumble as well.
w-what brings you here?

her attention flits around the expansive space until falling upon the only voice that seems to echo against its walls. with a stare that sears into its recipient and a presence that rivals both the warmth and heat of fire, it would be impossible to ignore such a person, let alone forget them. so, she migrates across the room to share in the familiar company and welcome the expected singe that begins to tickle her skin as she draws closer.
sore eyes? are your eyes giving you trouble..?

her gaze flicks over to the familiar face just appearing in the vicinity, half an elated smile drawing one of the corners of her lips for an ephemeral moment and quickly replaced with a neutral expression and clearing of . trying to downplay her excitement.
well... what i sight for sore eyes...

strides into the unfamiliar abode as her eyes curiously dart around the space with a common wonder that comes with new territory.
how quaint.
she murmurs beneath her breath, the syllables flowing from parted lips as a gentle stream with few rapids.

turns away from the window and instead leans against the wall beside it with a huff, grumbling under her breath.
that menace always leaves me unnerved. how frustrating...

fidgets in his seat a little, unsure of what to do with this rare moment of free time now that he has it. also unsure of if he should try striking up a conversation with the other people in the room. despite not being too shy, he wasn't sure if he was up for prolonged conversation at the moment... that and he was generally more reserved anyhow. 'if only lucky were here' briefly sounds in his mind as he stares up at nothing and leans into the soft cushion behind him. yes... if only lucky were here...

brushes past thebe and charming to make her way nearest the window, arms folded beneath her chest and gaze narrowed out at the distance. expecting trouble to poke over the horizon.
...cursed life.

[ ] *thebe, not enya.

stares at enya as she stands in the door way, hoping to make it past her, and gently guiding her out of the way so he can find himself a seat.
yes... life.

heaves a heavy sigh, allowing an equally heavy pause to follow.
...life.

enters the vicinity, tired and worn from the day of bickering with her siblings at their family assembly, and just wanting to relax. as such, she takes a seat in one of the available chairs, adjusting the train from her dress since the eldest insisted on formal attire and opening up her fan to cool herself off as she was beginning to overheat once again.
stupid siblings and their incessant need to have "family meetings" now...

currently seated in the farthest part of the room as he's heavily occupied with polishing a sword. cue a stoic glance towards the faerie that had just entered and a brief bow of his head in greeting before returning his attention to the sword.

peers into the room, stretching out her limbs with a little yawn.

purposefully ignoring the hustle and bustle of the room, the alchemist continues to scribble furiously into his tattered notebook, fingers clumsily pushing his glasses back up the bridge of his nose as it slips. though, the mention of the heat does cause him to pipe up while keeping focus on his work.
you can splash some water on yourself, perhaps.

enters the room with his hand covering his mouth as a yawn escapes him and stretches out his limbs before having a seat, fanning himself softly.
it's a hot one today, whew.

@constantine. well, it's a pleasure to meet you, iris! and don't worry! once i can put a name to the voice, i never forget them.
a soft giggle leaves her chest, her hands extending to reach forward for a shake as she learned some people do up on the surface.
if you're looking for an inn, i just came from one. it's nearest a fountain and a large tree with enough leaves to shade the whole building as they rustle. it's also near a bakery that sells lovely peach pies! would you like me to take you there?

@thebe. ah! well, thebe, my name is... iris! yes, people call me iris. i'm afraid you won't remember me too easily then, as my name is all too common. how else would you remember me if not for my voice?
one can hear the smile on her lips, but none of the mischief that glints in her eyes.
i'd say the same, but i am actually looking for an inn. my back is starting to ache from all the times i've had to sleep on bad beds! i think it's high time i lay on a comfortable mattress, don't you agree?

(tagging bc i forgot i am so sorry)

why, thank you! may i have yours? as lovely as your voice is, i'm afraid it's a little difficult to remember people by that alone. and as for what i'm doing here, hm...
she fiddles with the strap of her bag to adjust it across her chest.
i guess you could say i'm just letting the wind lead me. what about you?

@kiriya. lou was just about to reply in regards to offering meat— something about how he may have some stored in the freezer if he isn't entirely picky with the kind— but he's cut off completely the moment kiriya's body slumps against him, arms winding around the undead beastman as a means of keeping him upright. when he glances at his face with concern, he's greeted by empty eyes which provide a telltale sign of what he truly is. lou knows; he's spoken to kiriya enough times to gather the facts.

however, the past that had caused this change only comes out in fragments that lou captures in moments like this; in moments when kiriya is subconsciously reliving his memories that have long since passed. it... saddens the dragonier to watch. as much as sadness goes for someone like him, that is. a couple beats of silence pass as he tries to figure out what to say to that before he eventually draws a conclusion and speaks it aloud, "you are only one person and there are so many of us. even at your strongest, there is no possible way for you to protect everyone on your own." with his hand made of flesh instead of metal, he lays it on his head and ruffles his hair gently. "you did your best, kiriya. you fought for those you love with everything you had and that is what matters."

then, grunting, he draws his hand away and adds, "do you need me to carry you? i am willing to do so. we must get you meat. no need to pay."

thebe? what a cute name! and it's my pleasure to meet you as well.
but i do have to ask though. what's a lady like you doing out here alone bumping into walls like that?

nods her head slowly and also shows a rather bright smile though she can't see the other's. this time, she straightens her body to respectfully bow toward the other's general direction.
i'm perfectly fine. this happens quite a bit, heh. and my name is thebe! it's a pleasure to meet you!

steps closer to the stranger, if only so they're actually facing each other. she smiles rather brightly, looking curiously at the others' eyes.
fortunately - or should i say unfortunately? - that was a wall. are you sure you're alright?

yes, yes, i'm quite alright!
she responds with a soft laugh and a gentle rub at her head before waving off the matter. her body attempts to face the direction she thinks she heard the voice just now, but is slightly off.
was that... a person or a wall this time?

raises an eyebrow at the sight of the stranger bumping into the wall, before her gaze turns into one of curiosity and mild amusement.
oh, i don't think it minds, but.. are *you* alright? that was quite the bump!

wanders her way in and bumps into the wall as she does, stopping dead in her tracks to bow very respectfully toward it and obviously unknowing that it is a wall.
my sincerest apologies. i hope you can forgive my mistake.

@the perilous. “then—“ he starts, swaying a little side to side. “any weapon, please. unless if you happen to have some meat on you, and i can… repay—” he stumbles forward a few feet closer to the supposed isuka just in time for the corpse to appear as if the body was vacant of a soul. the body collapses against the blacksmith’s figure, head resting haphazardly against his shoulder. his eyes are still open, yet only the whites of his eyes are visible to the other.

it takes kiriya a moment before he comes to. his eyes gradually roll back properly into position, emitting a brief groan as his arms fasten loosely around the blacksmith’s waist, afraid of falling over. “s-sorry,” he stammers, the color partially coming back to his lips and face. “i’m sorry, isoka. you and everyone else died because of me.”