Event Log: May

[moustre]

Event Log: May, Moving Day

I. GATHERING The morning of the 15th is heralded by the sing-song voice of The Coven's coimeadai sidhe Nerissa Bell ringing through the hallways, seemingly unimpeded by the heavy doors or any silencing spells that have been placed in rooms. She asks that all those who arrived at the beginning of the month - not the new inductees, the ones from The Looking-Glass House - gather in The Coven's main room; she has some exciting and important news to deliver. Once everyone is gathered, Nessie (very much a morning person, and sorry to the anyone who isn't) grins and lays a hand on her chest. "Thanks to a good bit of your lot, we've managed to get things ready in record time - aye, I should start out with what I'm talking about, aren't I? Well, well - with the Parliament's permission, thank goodness for my Mhairi's sharp wit, we've managed to get a space for all you to live in outside of The Coven. You can still come and attend classes or talk to all of us, 'course, but everyone's been getting a bit itchy with such suddenly crowded quarters, aye?" Aye aye, calls some poor, tired student from the second floor as they pass through, and Nessie pauses with a slow blink before she laughs, shaking her head. "Anyway, gather your things if you have any and follow me. Or us," she corrects herself, as a few other Witches seem to materialize from nowhere. "Can't be out without a couple of friends, I suppose." As soon as everyone's ready, Nessie and her entourage lead them out of the courtyard, aglow with fresh flowers and the soft light of dawn peeking between the clouds. The spot they've managed to get isn't too far from The Coven proper, and it doesn't look much different than the rest of the Aristocratic District that it resides in - the only thing that sets it apart is the sign Nessie takes a moment to conjure up and hang with balls of light between two streetlamps. The Haven. "Named so as a respite for all you refugees," she explains as she turns around; she sets her hands on her hips, gazing out at the crowd, and gives them a small smile. "I can't stay and chat right now - Mhairi's still with Parliament even with the hours, and I've got things to get in order at the Coven still - but if you have need of either of us, we'll be in contact. We've a little mailbox set up in front of the Coven just for you lot, so just drop us a letter or some such with one of our names or both, and we'll be right quick about answering, we will. Within reason," Nessie adds, laughing a little, "'course, within reason. Anyway, find some familiar faces and have a lovely time, will you?" With that, and a few more little goodbyes, Miss Nerissa Bell takes her leave; half of her Witches disappear with her, but the other half remain to help keep an eye on things as the day progresses and to help with directing people to either houses or the barracks set against the Wall. While there will be no NPC threads this time - sorry! - we have opened up an NPC Inbox! You can find it here. While they definitely prefer letters, they do both have watches now like cool moms and can be contacted through that as well, provided they aren't busy at the time.

II. THE HAVEN Formerly part of the Aristocratic District, The Haven is just as well-kept and brightly-lit as the district it hails from. The houses err on the tall and ornamental-side, large enough to fit several families (or, according to the upper class, their one family, several dozen servants, and guests), especially closest to the Aristocratic District. They become a little more modest and smaller as one gets away from the realm of high society and nearer to the Residential District proper. Newcomers are shuffled here and invited to find somewhere to live - the Coven is currently handling expenses for the houses themselves in an program implemented by the Parliament, though if your character wishes to have anything extra - like maids, chefs, and so on - they'll have to pay for them themselves with their own earned money. Much of the landscape and fixtures are the same as in the Aristocratic Districts, though it lacks formal emergency services due to its roots as part of a district that already did. Much of the housing already has furnishing due to the speed at which homeowners were relocated; they were given enough time to collect their valuables, but standard furniture such as kitchenware, couches, beds, etc. were left behind for those moving in. Other houses appear the same, but the dust on the floors suggest these houses were left before the new arrivals even showed up - a reminder that the Cwyld can strike just about anyone, regardless of standing. Some may be familiar with this portion of Aefenglom already, as they took on the task of helping to clean the area up. Surprise, one could say; they were preparing their own future homes, for their stay in the city. However, another portion of this district has been opened up to the new arrivals: the barracks, the row of buildings pressed against the very edge of the Bright Wall. As the city's military force no longer has the same presence it previously did, the barracks have gone into disuse, and a cleanup effort has been in place since before the new arrivals came through the Looking-Glass House. For those who desire something a little less opulent, the barracks might just be the answer. The barracks can also be used for business, for a welcome center, a communal space, for anything that the residents of the Haven see fit to use it for - so long as the legality isn't questionable, on the surface. Not everyone is so happy, however. A very vocal group of younger rich people are set on harassing and bullying those moving into The Haven, and they aren't afraid to use a little magic to do it. Levitation, fake fire, real fire, sudden weather shifts, and threats to do more if they don't find somewhere else to live are all present - these aristocrats don't care for the new people butting into their lives, especially anyone who looks distinctly non-human or already have signs of their Monster traits coming in. There are others, though, who are quite pleased to have new neighbors - many of them weren't so happy with their other ones - and have set up little stalls to peruse and tables to sit at to help foster them in. These have everything from food to flowers, to expensive-looking trinkets and jewelry on them - the people running them are quite amiable, especially closer to the Residential District proper, and don't mind handing these out for free... or mostly free. The only thing they'll ask of any characters wishing to procure something from their gifts is to perform a trick - sort of like a one-man talent show. They aren't picky, and as long as a character does their best, they'll give them a gift. (Or someone with quick fingers could just swipe them off, given how unprotected they are, but that person will find their hands turning red and leaving similarly-colored marks on everything they touch, as if dipped in paint.)

III. AND THEN THEY WERE ROOMMATES To help with filling up the larger houses - and even some of the smaller ones, and the shared rooms in the barracks - the Witches left over from Nessie's group have come together to set up a little roommate finding service that will run for the week. For those who aren't entirely sure who they want to shack up with, they have a small survey for them to fill out and post on the board they've magicked up in the center of The Haven. The board also very helpfully reads aloud each form for everyone to hear in a cheerful, monotone voice. It isn't able to be shut up, nor is it easy to ignore, being imbued with a similar kind of amplification magic that Miss Nessie used earlier in the morning for her own voice. It seems these Witches - or at least one of them - has a prankster nature... and unfortunately, it doesn't stop there. a. A LITTLE MISCHIEF While by and large the board will work as it should - a listing is filled out, put up, and read aloud for all to hear - for characters who aren't interested in doing some writing, or who can't for one reason or another, the board will take it upon itself to make one for them. It isn't going to be the most accurate at all, being either completely fictitious or based on a first impression from the board itself. This can range from "They have blue eyes, so you know they're a kind person!" to "How stand-offish, they must be a crook! A thief! A villain!" and anything in-between, including but not limited to: outrageous feats they may or may not have accomplished, poor hygiene habits, false accounts of incredibly embarrassing moments, and so on. b. A LITTLE HANDS-ON Not entirely content with just allowing people to write their preferences and call it a day, a few of the younger Witches have begun magicking small chocolates, hard candies, and bubble gum, and handing them out to new arrivals as a welcome treat. These aren't any ordinary treats though - they have one of three of effects: • Sticky fingers, meaning characters will stick to anyone or anything they touch. • Truthfulness, meaning characters will say whatever they're really thinking or feeling at the moment. • Desire for company, meaning characters will gravitate immediately to the first person they see, regardless of their feelings on them otherwise. Thankfully, none of these last long - only about ten minutes, and they can't be combined with each other; eating one candy with one effect will simply replace any other effects... Which might be for the better. The subthread for this can be found HERE, while any ones that are made up by the board itself can be simply written into your top levels or replies to other people. Have fun with it, and good luck finding some housemates!

Welcome to the midmonth event log! While mingling on the log itself is highly encouraged, feel free to make your own logs; take the prompts offered and go wild, go crazy, go stupid, have fun. As ever, if your character is getting into any Shenanigans, let the mods know, and if you have any questions about the log, ask them here!

Comments

Antonio Salieri | fate/grand order | chimera

[amurder]

I. THE HAVEN

[To say there was something wrong with Salieri's current state would be a bit of an understatement.

Typically scowling but usually collected and composed, he now walks as though he's about to topple over any minute.

Perhaps it was the sudden influx of sweets he's been indulging in since he first made his way through the village, or perhaps it's the adjustment of new sounds he's been barraged with at every location he's meandered to so far. Whatever it may be, Salieri has had it. His skin is a few shades paler than before and he walks with a gait of one that seems to have invisible weights tied to his shins. It hasn't been a good day— housing situation aside, and these sneering youngsters seem to want to make it worse.] So you wish to test your luck.

How unlucky for me. [They must know something he doesn't, because despite looking quite human still they insist that something is wrong with him.

Or will be, that is. Regardless, Salieri is feeling even less patient than usual— and soon his dagger is unsheathed and coming into play. He's sick, he's aching— and he's probably going to try and gut one of these kids despite his own reservations.

Unfortunately for him... he doesn't see the flickering flame begining to blossom just underneath his feet- set to ignite at any second.]


II. A LITTLE HANDS-ON

[Of course, even if Salieri is feeling poorly he can't really resist free gifts... ones that are chocolate-coated in particular.] Yes, yes— I'll have three if you don't mind.

[Three pieces of chocolate that is. He barely lets it warm in his palm before he pops a piece into his mouth. Yes, sweets truly are the best medicine...

... except when he glances over to you and says.] Ah, these? They're mine. You can't have them.

[... He seems to realize how rude that was and clamps his mouth shut. Ok????]


III. WILDCARD.

(Salieri will be forcing himself to take a look at the new houses/places available to them, but he's just at the cusp of Turning so he's feeling pretty crappy, if not downright sick. I'm open to any prompts you'd like to toss at him- or if you wanna talk first hmu at jikaku!)

i, please let me know if this is all right!

[topslug]

[ By now, Yako’s realized that conflicts can’t help but break out around the place — and considering how most of the aggressive individuals are younger, they’re either doing this out of their own sense of indignation at the proceedings or at their parents’, when they can’t let themselves seem petty enough to argue against Parliament’s decision.

Still, it’s a bit of a shock to see someone actually pulling a knife(!!!) on the kids, even if he’s about to get probably set on fire. ]

Watch out! Below you! [ Her voice rings out loudly, addressing Salieri even as she comes running up as quick as heeled boots and a full skirt will allow her. She doesn’t have the knowledge to cast a countercurse so quickly, but hopefully her arrival serves as enough of a distraction to buy him time to move. ]

yako my hero...!!

[amurder]

[fck them kids Salieri is always prepared to defend himself, although typically he would think twice before brandishing his weapon simply because a mere taunt from a brat. As it were he's hardly thinking straight to begin with, and those smug smiles are only stoking the flaring temper in him. Salieri feels himself sneer, raises his dagger—

—and promptly jolts with that sudden shout.] !!

[—below him? His feet are moving even before he thinks to check and search for a trap, to doubt that cry for a second— and just as he leaps out of range the fire expands and reaches high into the air in a quick, efficient combustion of heat and light.

Salieri shields his face from the heat, his eyes scanning beneath his arm for the girl (at least that's what it sounded like...) that called out to him.] ... Where are you?

[He can ignore the scowling brats for now— unless until they try something else in the next few minutes.]

[topslug]

[ In the time it takes Salieri to dodge out of the way, Yako comes running up off to the side, her outfit going some way to explaining why she's a little slow to move. She jerks back at the sudden light show, but she's relieved this stranger was agile enough on his feet to do something about it. ]

I'm here. [ She raises a hand, breath still coming out a little fast, her gaze already swinging to the sullen-looking child that's the source of the spell. ]

That was dangerous! What were you planning to do if someone seriously got hurt?! [ She does understand this doesn't hold a lot of water with a grown man holding a knife right there, and she'll immediately round on Salieri with equal disappointment. ] And you ... please put that away! That's not going to solve anything!

ii

[grakraka]

[It always surprises him a little when someone is outright rude. Don't these people know how social contracts work? Well, it is more interesting when people don't, even if it means he can't coast through conversations on smiles alone.]

Aha, I didn't realise all the free candies belonged only to one person! [Though he has a joking tone.] But I wasn't going to take the ones in your hand, I promise. I was just curious what they were. I happen to very much like sweets, so I wanted to see what kinds people are giving away.

[amurder]

[Ah. Between him and this considerably much younger looking person... it definitely seems like he's being unfairly stingy, doesn't it? The young man didn't even bat an eyelash when Salieri acted so rudely toward him. It's commendable, to say the least.

But the truth of the matter is that Salieri didn't even intend for those words to leave his lips— they simply spilled out of him like laughter spills out of one that is tickled. Salieri is feeling the exact opposite of tickled— guilt flitting through his expression as he takes in the young man's words.] ... I don't care.

[Wait, no—] I'm going to eat all of these sweets and no one can stop me— not even you.

[AUGH. Salieri bites his lip— nonono, shut up.] I love sweets more than my own wretched life!!

...

[...

Ok, anyways hello Akechi.]

[grakraka]

[Well. That sure was a confession. He doesn't know what exactly to make of it, so he considers his options for a moment. Then he decides he is tired enough to pursue this for sweets.]

I mean, I do understand how you feel but I also still want to know about the chocolates.

ii

[youkoso]

( ? rei, who had been innocently munching on his own freshly-received chocolates and had made the mistake of glancing at salieri's hoard (he was just curious what everyone's looked like...!!!) appears, if anything, surprised in some vaguely amused way how quickly this stranger seems to take back(?) what he'd just said.

smiling to demonstrate he means no harm to salieri('s chocolates), he begins, smooth— )

Kuku. I wouldn't worry about me; I don't have much of an appetite at this time of day, and, besides—

( whatever else he was going to say is lost forever, as his patron witch of chocolates nearby decides slowburn comedy is, like, not their thing, and zaps just under rei's heel to get him to trip forward—

whereupon, in his attempt to grip something to prevent his fall, his hands clamp over salieri's lone one, sealing off his chocolates. it does keep him tottering instead of falling, but when he's regained his balance he seems a bit embarrassed by the mysterious mishap?? how did he trip he wasn't even moving, um— )

—Ah—? Erm— I apologize; allow me to simply—

( he attempts to Unclamp his hands as he steps back, but his attempt just yanks back salieri's hand with him, as if they'd been glued together.

those chocolates are gonna be So gross in ten minutes, sorry, )

[amurder]

[Salieri watches— realizes the imminent fall and devastation of his chocolates the moment the young man begins his descent forward.

Like the end of a lengthy aria before the center stage lights are snuffed out, encasing the singer in darkness he sees that hand clamp down on his chocolates, trapping them forever in a grip that seems to cling to him like a vice. His jaw drops. What kind of fiend—] Ah!

[He stumbles forward, surprised by the strength of the young man but none too pleased about it. Salieri, of course, attempts to pull back— and feels the suction of their hands tighten. Augh- it's melting!!] You—

If you expect— [Pull.] that I will go— [TUG.] easy on you— [This isn't working.] ...

[Salieri's withered glare narrows right on Rei.] To go this far simply to steal chocolates... have you no shame for someone so young?

[Somewhere there's laughter, and equally poorly hidden snickers, but Salieri doesn't care about that.]

[youkoso]

( rei, jerked around so thoroughly by his whimsical fate as he is salieri's impassioned tugs, mostly just stumbles as he's yanked about in an attempt to free his hands from the chocolates. this is not only quite inelegant (a very nice way to say is certainly embarrassing), it also feels gross? the chocolates are melty and gross against his palm? do the three fates, like, not have a sense of hygiene? getting scolded by someone older than him for something other than pursuing idoldom is normally an experience he might find fresh, but it's difficult to appreciate a situation while you're still in the thick of it. )

Er— No, no— I insist; there's been a misunderstanding— I can't do much to release my hands, firstly.

( he does his utmost to demonstrate by pulling back his hands and shaking them, again dragging salieri's with its path. granted, this may not seem a very convincing attempt, given he doesn't (and can't) unclasp his hands so it somewhat looks like he's just fooling around, but it's the best he can do... ah, the tragedy of the human condition... )

Secondly, don't you suppose this is a impractical method of acquiring chocolates when set against the better option of simply asking the witches for extra?

( though he isn't certain why this gentleman is so fixated on the matter of his chocolates, rei does his best to present his case and preserve his good name so it isn't smeared forever with the label chocolate thief. )

i??? uncle don't die again

[wolfcorgi]

[ koga has been in a slightly similar situation, but his own mood has worsened not because of his upcoming transformation, but simply because, well... 1) his mood is always crappy regardless, and 2) just like salieri, there are people in here who see something inhuman in him, despite generally looking rather normal (perhaps even moreso than salieri, really).

there's that, and the fact he's just an idol, really, nothing out of the ordinary going for him, that of course the moment he sees someone in danger, he's going to help them, despite his own words of aggression and imposing distance. nevermind this guy totally has a dagger with him (he comes from an idol school, yes, but it's sad how he's used to seeing a guy with a real sword walking around school grounds, so this doesn't put him off at all) - koga reaching for his arm, ]

Get the hell outta there!

[ and pulling salieri away from the ring of fire that a second later, erupts into a flaming tower. it is, at the end of the day, one hell of a scary sight, and though there are witchy kids giggling and running off into distance, koga will just focus on the fact that thank god they're both alive and unharmed. ]

Pay attention to where ya goin', ya bastard! Ya would'a died if someone hadn't walked in! Seriously, that's scary as hell... [ ... ] You hurt or somethin'?

[ scary enough that koga is... still holding onto salieri's arm. sorry buddy. give him some time. ]

[amurder]

[Salieri's tunnel vision (fueled his illness and anger no doubt) prevents him from glancing down to catch sight of that flickering light. He would normally walk away, normally think nothing of the taunts from children— but these simply aren't children, are they?

They're Witches and are capable of things truly impossible. It's why Salieri feels less reserved when he tightens his grip on his weapon, pushes aside the gnawing concern to restrain himself—

—and is promptly pulled back with a quick tug and a jolt.] Wh—!

[The pyre which erupts from that small spark heats his face, blinds his vision for all but a second before the flames dissipate little by little. It's hard to decide what to focus on first- the fact that he was nearly smoked alive or... this

young man currently yelling at him. The Maestro takes a moment to compose himself, then blinks slow and listens long enough to let his earlier ire simmer down to a lukewarm confusion.

Ah, "bastard" is it... the boy certainly seems upset by the whole ordeal- enough so that it promptly snaps Salieri out of his reverie and triggers the impulse to comfort him.] No... no, not at all.

[Red eyes also glance over to that hand still clinging to his arm. Was he that worried... ??] You did save me, after all.

Grazie tante. [Do you feel better, Koga.] I assume you're uninjured as well?

[wolfcorgi]

[ ah - no, don't look at how transparent koga's true feelings are coming through gestures rather than words. he notices the glance down at his hand holding onto salieri, and immediately releases it. it's not like he's worried or anything!

(but also, lord, how scary a sight it'd be, if he saw a normal person be roasted alive by a column of fire. it's not a thought koga wants to have. he's only a normal boy, no matter his claims of being a wolf.) ]

Tch, 'course I saved ya. Don't make me regret it.

[ please, don't take his words seriously. it's a shitty way to mask his embarrassment, but surely if one pays enough attention, it's rather easy to see his true intentions. he may not know what in the world grazie tante means, but figures it's probably a way to say thanks in another language. he can't even tell which one, but that's not important. ]

Hm? Yeah, guess so. [ see? there it is. this self-proclaimed lone wolf had been so worried about this guy's safety that he hadn't even checked himself. but thankfully, there's no scratches or burns. only rapid heartbeats that have yet to calm down from the scare. ]

The hell ya doin' with that dagger, anyways? You think that little thing's gonna save ya from magic? Hah! As if. Those kids are damn freaks, so don'tcha try to piss 'em off or anythin', you hear?

[ funny how koga himself doesn't follow his own advice. ]

ii

[bluffer]

[ Boy if you don't...

Belial was content with having his share being handed to him and calling it day. Perhaps even giving them to someone else out of the kindness of his heart before going elsewhere, but now his interests shift immediately. Blinking thrice the moment their brief eye contact somehow inclines that sort of response from the other man. ]

What~? But I was really hoping to eat yours in particular!

[amurder]

[N o.

Impertinence or not, Salieri all but clutches the precious hoard to his chest when a certain fellow sweets-lover arrives on the scene. The false note in that tenor sings all too well— enough that even the most tone deaf individual could hear it. Clearly he is merely teasing, and Salieri intends to let Belial know that he won't be taking any of his bait.

With a deeply creased brow and a frown Salieri speaks:] —You cannot bully others simply because you have exquisite hair!

[—NO.

Salieri gapes... and tries again, looking infinitely more constipated than before.]

You... ... ... have good hair.

[He smears his palm cross his face. Just... leave him Be.]

i GET DOWN MR. PRESIDENT i mean SALIERI

[subruo]

Hey!! You have to move!

[Whoever this weird gloomy guy is, he's definitely in trouble. Knifes or not, that isn't going to save him from a LITERAL FIRE UNDER HIS FEET.]

[Vashti jumps from behind him, grabbing him by the scruff of his collar to yank him back, hoping that's enough to keep him away from the flames. It's probably just going to make him mad, but well...there's only so much one can do.]

You have to be careful! These guys aren't playing nice!

I FORGOT TO REPLY HERE I FELT BAD!!

[amurder]

[Oh, Salieri definitely wasn't expecting them to play nice. Yes, they're most likely idiot children with too much time on their hands, but he knows first and foremost that they're adept in the magic of this world. They have the advantage and he's not about to let them get the better of AUGH, WHO—] Ngh!

[He feels very much like a cat that was just yanked out of a pond— except the pond in this case... is a tower of fire. It licks at the air for what seems like a few seconds before diminishing into smoke. Salieri remains still, hands gripping his dagger tighter.

Yes, he understands— realizes the danger he was currently in. But it doesn't stop him from whirling around to see who it was that grabbed him so boldly.] What?

... [He huffs, and slowly reaches to adjust the lapels of his suit.] I am— was aware.

And what do you have to benefit from it? [Poor Vashti, just trying to help and now being interrogated by a frazzled musician.]

ii.

[hearthebell]

[Though caution is L's initial response to the offered candies, he's still finding himself collecting them. They are accumulating in his pocket seemingly for the sole purpose of tormenting him, because he's not going to eat them until he knows more... but he's already teetering on the edge of being severely malnourished, and he feels the gnawing hunger that comes with no longer having a handler alongside him to have a nonstop array of sustenance at the ready.

He's right to delay his gratification and not immediately eat them. He knows it. It's still very difficult, and every minute, his hunger pangs grow more intense. His fuse also gets a little shorter, which is why he stiffens and prepares to snap at the stranger's rude remark.

Except... well, he isn't a stranger, is he? Not entirely. L's sure he's seen this guy somewhere before.]

I have my own, and they're better.

[He squints, trying to place his face. He's spoken to enough people to realize that strange dream's impact on their impressions that they have met certain people. Their last interaction also had to do with sweets, he thinks.]

[amurder]

[If Salieri had to be acquainted with someone in this place then he would definitely prefer it be over sweets. As it were, he recognizes L by that ever slouching posture and the dark color beneath his eyes. It's not rightly telling for sure if the young man recognizes him, given by the way he's squinting at him. For a moment he pauses, considers sharing the sweets he has left regardless of the young man's rebuke. It's not that he doesn't want to share, really—

—except it's what he's truly feeling. How could he possibly convey the grip that the spell he has over him when all he can say is:] Then let me try them.

[Exasperation shadows his face. He wanted to say "I remember you". Instead it's:] I must eat... every sweet there is.

[Why is it that he's under the influence of something each time they meet.....]

wildcard SORRY FOR THE LATENESS... I'M HERE NOW

[nemuru]

[ He's realized for a little bit now that, well - he isn't going to do magic. He's, lowkey, tried after sitting in on classes, and nothing's happened; and while they insist that some people just take to it easier than others, there isn't anything that feels like a spark to grab.

That leaves him with just the other option that seems to exist in this world: he's one of those Monsters. Certainly, certainly other people from Yumenosaki might be, too, but his instinct is to avoid them, and the easiest way to do that - to keep the fact he's likely going to change to some weird fuzzy beast - is to just... not room with them.

Lucky him that Iramaat invited him to stay with her, even with their first impressions being a little on the weird side. Unlucky that she decided to bring in someone unexpected and completely unknown to be their third roommate. Ritsu has half a mind to just adopt someone off the street and bring them back too, like a cat with a dead mouse, but talking to people... No, talking to people is much easier than he thinks it should be right now, or at least getting the courage (tempering his self-doubts) is easier.

Or maybe that's just the restlessness of his feet, keeping him moving when his mind insists on turning in circles.

Regardless.

Salieri looking at places hasn't gone unnoticed, and Ritsu's been quietly tailing him curiously. He might just be an easy pick - he's alone, he's obviously interested in living somewhere, and most of the decent houses around here are too big for just one person. Even the one Iramaat had decided on for him, her, and that... Nel, he thinks her name was, is a little big for three people.

Maybe not for four, though.

It probably isn't his brightest idea to track Salieri's movements and then find a shortcut to get ahead of him, stepping out in front of him like someone looking for trouble. His slouch is a little devil-may-care, and he seems distinctly uninterested - classic delinquent, in manga terms. ]

Hey, you... Got a roommate yet?

[ the best effort is the effort that's least expelled

so, for once, might as well cut to the chase, even if this explains literally nothing of his thought process or why he'd pick salieri, of all people. or step out from a street corner like a troublemaker. or any number of things, really- ]

[amurder]

[Really, if Salieri thought he was being obvious meandering around he would have at least considered asking for assistance-

—but in this case, it seems someone else found him first. The Maestro stops in his tracks, glances over the young boy who... doesn't particularly seem interested in speaking to anybody. So why him??] ...

Was I that obvious? [Or maybe he just looked enough like an injured stray for even this boy to take pity on. He frowns, seemingly reluctant to reply just yet.] Ah, but more importantly: why do you ask?

[Teen or not, Salieri has come not to trust visitors or residents that easily. It's been... difficult, to say the least— to discern who is friend and who is foe.]

ii

[silentsavant]

[And here Soren is minding his own business, surveying the sundry wares and refreshments the stalls have to offer when out of nowhere, he's accused of coveting someone's chocolate. He'd only glanced for one second! What's your problem, Salieri? He affixes stony eye contact to him, raising one eyebrow the slightest margin.]

I never wanted them? I don't care much for sweets.

[amurder]

[Ah, this just became ten times worse.

Not only is this person not interested in sweets (how bizarre to him!) but now Salieri has no way of extending any apologies. He merely stands there like a mad man coveting his precious gold— which in this case are still just chocolates. Chocolates he got for free. Suspiciously.

Salieri's brow creases deeply. Something is wrong with him... he's just not sure what yet. Maybe an 'excuse me' will do—] Good.

[Welp, nope. Not what he meant to say—] I will not give them to you. No matter how attractive you may be!

[ALRIGHT.]

ii.

[sing_for_me]

[ Why yes, Alex was eyeing the chocolate, but she didn't realize how much so until he spoke up. ]

Ah--Sorry I didn't mean--Of course they're yours. I wasn't going to..

[ Did it look like she was going to steal them? ]

[amurder]

[ALEX!!

Salieri's face eases in relief- er, well. Relief for him right now just looks like constipation. But still, a familiar face that doesn't make him suspicious is probably what he needs right now.] Thank Heaven.

[See, he can say that because he means it. Truly, he is nothing but thankful for your presence, Alex—] No, you may have one.

Your timid innocence is far too endearing to ignore. [....... That was creepy. No, start over—] You are adorable.

[Wow. His gloved hand meets his face.]