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∎ ETRAYA MODS ∎ ([personal profile] etrayamods) wrote in [community profile] etrayamemes2025-05-30 09:20 am
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TDM 008


content warnings for this TDM include: gambling references, mild horror themes and suggestive content


⏵ arrival⏴

Arrival does not happen as Aurora usually plans for it. Newcomers generally find themselves waking up within the hospital, are given a brief overview of their situation, and sent on their way. Now? They wake up immersed in a game within The Gold Saucer. But it doesn't quite feel like a game: whether it's snowy mountains, riding a chocobo as you listened to the wind quickly pass by your ears, or in the middle of a battle with a beast, it feels utterly real.

It's only after the game concludes - either by winning or losing - that you find yourself back in the main game area. A bot, dressed as personnel in this lavish playground, approaches each arrival with an earpiece allowing them to communicate with those in their same situation. It also serves to inform them of their goal: collect enough gold saucer points (or GP) by playing the games to acquire a card fashioned to their own likeness from the game counter. Then, they must trade it for someone else's. Seems simple enough, right? Hopefully the cards aren't too expensive...


⏵ the gold saucer ⏴

The Gold Saucer is an ode to the very idea of fun. It’s huge, labyrinthine, colorful, and lively. Everywhere you look, there’s something to do. At the same time, it’s also impossible to tell what time it is. There are no windows to the outside, there are no clocks. This place is beyond such a thing.

There are games everywhere you look, ranging from the pseudo-gambling to sports to pixelated video games in cabinets. Yet no matter which boxing game, pinball machine, or skeeball machine you look at, the same creatures and themes arrive. Cactuars, chocobos, the fiercest Behemoth, the cuddliest Moogle… For those from the realms of Final Fantasy, this will feel natural- homey even. Everyone else will simply understand that there is a fairly strong central theme here about magic, machines, and monsters.

It’s hard to tell how long you spend here, and it seems to sit outside of the very concept of time. Still, there are many restaurants, lounges, and vending machines. There are shops and costume rentals. There are even little pharmacies with headache remedies if the partying gets out of hand. And when you grow tired, there is a hotel- though it is made up like a haunted house, you can count on getting some semi-restful sleep.


⏵ playtime ⏴
Interdimensional Games


At first, stepping through to play any of these games may make participants wonder if they have been teleported somewhere else entirely. But on closer inspection, all the skies above are merely well-constructed interiors with painted ceilings. After all, it always seems to be daytime during these games.

Snowboarding - Race to the bottom of the mountain, but avoid obstacles and complete as many tricks as possible!

Chocobo Racing- Race on Chocobo-back around a treacherous outdoors race track which can either be taking place in a desert, a swampy forest, or upon an island beach. Work in tandem with your rented bird and against your competition by throwing hazards in their way or utilizing buffs garnered on the track. Different colored birds will yield different advantages.

Yellow - Good All Rounder
Red - Fast, but hard to steer
Blue - Slower, but very easy to steer. Much easier to pick up items from them.
Green- Resilient against traps and sabotage

Colosseum Battle- Face off against the fiercest beasts around. Pair up with friends or rivals to Collaborate or Compete to do the most damage and deliver the final blow. These battles are synced to the comparative power of the one entering the competition.

We wouldn’t want anyone to get hurt unnecessarily, after all. And indeed, no one will get seriously, gruesomely, or permanently injured in these battles. Those without fighting capabilities can rent weapons outfitted Materia to assist them in their trial. These will allow anyone to cast spells, though not guarantee any better wielding of weapons. There are a hundred rounds, starting with fairly simple Spriggans, ranging all the way up to blood-thirsty Behemoths to challenge even the most battle-hardened hero.

Gold Saucer Games


Leap of Faith- Players are presented with an obstacle course that stretches a hundred feet into the air upon floating platforms and islands. Both are held aloft by magical crystals. Powers are entirely nerfed, though falling and hitting the ground is strangely painless. Those who collect the most silver and gold statuettes of cactuars placed at random throughout the course will be awarded proportionate GP; though there is a bonus for those that reach the very top first.

Triple Triad- Everywhere you look, people are playing this game on little 3 by 3 boards, or any surface with enough space. You will be given a loaner deck to play with. Are you clever enough to defeat your fellows.

Fashion Report- Theobold, familiar to some, stands by himself in a little booth with a dressing room and an incredibly expansive walk-in closet. He is a robot of distinguished fashion and strong opinions on those fashions. Do you dare subject yourself to his scrutiny? Come prepare in his wondrous closets to make the best outfit for the chance to win a prize. Please submit your fashion here!

There are Arcade Machines and activities galore. If you can think of it, it’s probably there- Just with that Final Fantasy pastiche on it, of course.


⏵ the beehive lounge ⏴

There are other places to eat at the Gold Saucer, but the vending machines and cafés all pale in comparison to the dinners at the Beehive.

For all the rave reviews, there is a dress code at the Beehive, and this is literal. If you step inside and are not currently wearing a dress, you will be ushered into a sideroom and appropriately made over.

However, this is only for those trying to go in through the normal doors. Around the side there happens to be an employee entrance, manned by a bot. He will only allow those in who seem like they intend to work— and therefore must be wearing at least one piece of the Bunnysuit Collection to trick the guard.

Once you are made over or have snuck in, you are free to relax inside with drinks, dine on a fine meal, watch the dancers, or participate yourself if you feel brave enough. Why would anyone ever dance here? Well, that’s simple. It pays really well. So if you’re sick of games, or terrible at them— you can always come dance for a shift. Though, don't get any unseemly ideas about freeing yourself of your clothing, this isn't that kind of establishment!


⏵ haunted house ⏴

When you grow too weary or drunk from a day of games, you may be directed to somewhere a little quieter to sleep. Up the elevator, and through the doors reveals a modest walk through some woods until a quaint, victorian hotel appears. It is always nighttime here, and the stars and moon twinkle above.

The receptionist, a bot in a rather bedraggled-looking chocobo mascot costume checks you in and shows you to your room. You can sleep here, especially if you can tolerate the hokey haunted decorations strung up around the place. Though sometimes, late at night, there will come a vigorous thumping on the door to startle sleeping patrons awake- Only for the culprit to vanish and be impossible to locate.



⏵ ticket counter ⏴


The prize counter is manned by a bot and has a sign posted overhead. Most prizes will be handed over inside an appropriately sized wrapped box, as the contents are a mystery.


Sparklers & Glowsticks 10 gp
Bunny Suit 300 gp
Bunny Stockings & Heels 150 gp
Animal Ears (Random) 500 gp
Kigurumi (Random) 100 gp
Chocobo Barding (Random) 1000 gp
Classic White Mage Robes 500 gp
Classic Black Mage Robes 500 gp
Plush Toy (Random) 100 gp
Wind-Up Minion (Random) 200 gp
Chocobo Mascot Suit (Random Color) 2000 gp
Triple Triad Booster Pack 50 gp
Triple Triad Card in your Likeness 10,000 gp


⏵ NOTES ⏴


This TDM may be treated as a mini-Mission. Time will not pass inside of it in relation to the world outside - meaning, this can be happening at any time between late May into early July!

This Gold Saucer is a bit of a mix between that of FF7's and FF14's, but it also has some things that neither have as well. Any inaccuracies are entirely intentional, aimed to make this rest within a space of uncanny valley for those who are familiar. While otherwise being a bit of a chaotic fantastical funhouse for everyone else! If there is something unlisted, chances are it will exist if it is in either of the other versions of the Gold Saucer.

Characters already in game are welcome to post to the TDM, too! Please mark them as current characters in your header. Threads can be kept as game canon as long as both characters get into the game!

Please direct all questions to our mod queries comment!

FULL NAVIGATION

auderes: (pic#17338922)

[personal profile] auderes 2025-06-28 03:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Barbara has seen him at his absolute worst states, so she's definitely right, it's just not a comparison that says much when the bar is set that low. But it was mostly a rhetorical question anyway, and one that he's willing to shrug off just as easily, because he is fine, just sore. Would he have been less sore if he hadn't continued to push himself hard today, completely of his own volition? Yeah, probably. So it would be massively hypocritical to complain about it now.

He does smile and shake his head at the 'funfetti' comment though, because she's right there too, the bruises do turn all sorts of interesting colors as they heal, and when he's got bruises from Blockbuster those are inherently going to run the whole gamut, but he shrugs off the suggestion of finding ice.

"I'm alright, but remind me that it was my choice if you have to roll me out of bed in the morning because I'm too sore to move."

Turning toward her, hesitating just a moment as if he's considering the impulse that does cross his mind, and ultimately deciding to go forward with it, he reaches out both hands toward her, offering this time in a way where she has plenty of opportunity to think about it without the urgency of a potential tangle high up in the air. If that actually takes anything away from the significance of it. In any case he's not going to press the issue, all he intends to do is take both of her hands in his own to give them a gentle squeeze, if she accepts it.

"I'm sorry. I just... don't want to make this difficult for you." His lips twitch into a slightly rueful smile. "It's not fair that it's so easy for me."
asgardianlegend: (easycompany-aoup1-222)

[personal profile] asgardianlegend 2025-06-28 04:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[Coming from Asgard, Thor's not even that surprised to see a non-human. And, well, after spending time with Nebula and Gamora, green is normal, right? Although, it is rather rare that someone is taller than him. On Earth, that is. Frost giants don't count.

Unless they're Loki. Maybe.

He does take a second to look Gorgug over before turning his attention back to the prizes being offered before shaking his head in a futile fashion.]


Honestly, I'm not sure. The things here seem strange. If one of my friends were here, I would just have them decide. If I'd had my actual choice, I would much rather enjoy drinks and food as rewards. Feasting after winning battles of skill is a much better reward system.

[He pauses as he thinks about Volstagg.]

So long as the tables remain intact.
asgardianlegend: (easycompany-thor2-190)

[personal profile] asgardianlegend 2025-06-28 05:01 pm (UTC)(link)
I... Perhaps. [Humans are still weird, even after all these years of being exposed to them. But, hey, nothing is great for advertising than a well over six-foot man in a hot dog costume. Not that he's going to bring that up. And he's glad that she doesn't push for more.]

There is that horse-thing with the horn. [Reminds him a bit of Sleipnir, but he doesn't say that out loud either. Who knows if there's another version of his father's horse running around again? Awk-ward.] And the bird is a bit too yellow for me.

[He looks down at her with a bit of a puzzled smile before placing a hand on his chest with a flourish.]

My name is Thor, son of Odin. Perhaps you have heard of me?
levindicated: (41)

[personal profile] levindicated 2025-06-28 07:32 pm (UTC)(link)
[He shivers with the air contact to his ear. ]

Clive, [he starts through grit teeth, so what little audience that’s out there can’t see his lips move-]

They’re meant to be bored. We’re meant to be bored. [Cid sighs as he watches Clive, his skin forming bumps under Clive’s touch. ] You want people filing in here to see us?
leastdramatic: (Maybe)

[personal profile] leastdramatic 2025-06-28 07:51 pm (UTC)(link)
Naturally. Though finding Etraya on a map could be a hell of a task. When'd you get here?

[Though still not sure yet if this is "his" Bruce, Jason naturally slips into a familiar family dynamic. Assess the situation and resources, exchange intel, and then plan]
triptos: (pic#12347800)

[personal profile] triptos 2025-06-28 10:17 pm (UTC)(link)
[ The corner of Norman’s mouth quirks up. Maybe it was too early to tell, but there was definitely a charm to Leon. In Norman’s line of work, he’s usually surrounded by the disgruntled old-heads with a sizeable chip on their should and a pension that can afford them a comfortable life in Great Neck, New York. That or he’s in the middle of a crime scene and you’ve got forensics getting belligerent over sediment samples.

So it is a little curious when Leon casually mentions ‘another monster’. Did he mean that literally or metaphorically? Of course, he’s got to mean metaphorically. And another? That would imply that there’s a first.

But Norman doesn’t have too much time to mince over the details when Leon shoots the question right back at him. He’s standing of feet away from Leon, arms crossed over his chest. ]


No way.

[ He dryly responds. As if that’s the ‘correct’ response to have. ]

Don’t get me wrong. This is great and all. Haven’t done this sort of thing since college. But if Quantico got word I was slack-assin’ here? I wouldn’t hear the end of it.
herofhopeless: (explaining higher contrast)

[personal profile] herofhopeless 2025-06-28 10:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[Something about the tone of Dion's voice pulls Clive back in. Silently, he searches Dion's face. There is an understanding there that brings both relief and the background spark of anger.

Clive wonders how much of Dion's actions were inspired by the same need that drives Clive. That need to just be enough.

After a moment of hesitation, Clive puts his hand over Dion's.]


You are brilliant. Your critical eye, mind for strategy, and love of your people make you more than suited for things like this.
bluejustice: Sonic 3 (25)

[personal profile] bluejustice 2025-06-28 10:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, no. The death ray was actually aimed for the Earth, but Tails and Knuckles managed to steer it away from it. [Hm, and okay, he doesn't like saying this, but it is kinda fair to give credit where its due.] And Eggman kinda helped too, a little. [He scratches the back of his head a little.] Okay, this is getting a little confusing, but there were actually two Eggmans, one was evil-er, I suppose. He actually wanted to destroy the Earth, and tricked a couple of others into going along with his plan. Anyway, he was taken care of. As for the other Eggman, was inside the cannon when it exploded in space, so...
fromfire: (je joue)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-06-28 10:47 pm (UTC)(link)
They should.

[ Even if it isn't quite the same thing, he agrees readily.

He blinks first before turning toward him, not fully aware of when he started looking ahead instead of at the man next to him: ]


That's right, and come on. [ He does as he said he would, offer a means for Gustave to balance as they head toward the exit to find someone to help him rather than have the man shuffle unaided.

There is a beat when he hears how his name is spoken. He pauses yet again before trying to remember to breathe and keep walking. His eyes roll about as he doesn't think Esquie said too much about him. ... did he? He told him to not talk about the whole "cousin" situation to the Expeditioners. It would confuse and upset them.

It's a few beats before he settles, eases back into a casual walk: ]


No, you're right... that was me.
herofhopeless: (thinking)

[personal profile] herofhopeless 2025-06-28 10:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[Clive chuffs a quiet laugh.]

I'm just a man. Yes, I stand by what I believe in but at the end of the day that's all I am.

[Clive resumes his reach for the cup and continues rinsing the soap off. The water is starting to get a bit lukewarm and he wants to get Verso finished up before it gets too cold.]

Not really. People are complex. There may be times when someone I think is one thing turns out to be something else entirely, but there is always a reason for that.

[Clive shrugs.]

I might not agree, but everyone should be allowed to make their own choices and shape their own lives.

[Clive finishes rinsing Verso and sits back.]

I'm sure it is. I'd still rather not see you cut in half. I wouldn't know what to do with you. Now, do you need help getting up?
krtaps: (Don't play the game of time.)

[personal profile] krtaps 2025-06-28 10:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah... uh... we're working on it! We only just got space fffifty? years ago. [Counting back to 1969 from 2014...] Give or take a few years.

[She's just assuming that where Kaytoo's from has space travel. Robots and spaceships go hand in hand. At least on TV.]

But Kaytoo it is. [...] If you're not a game-playing robot, what is your job?
quibblingfunctionary: made by dethruki (huff)

[personal profile] quibblingfunctionary 2025-06-28 10:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It has not been Sleipnir's intention to cause Bahamut to stalk off. Indeed, it comes as a surprise, one which has his eyebrows raising and a frown forming. Fuck. He has been looking forward to a game with someone who continues to dare stand against Odin's might. Does he run, now, because he doesn't think he can win? Surely not, Bahamut constantly takes the field when needed regardless of how the odds are stacked... Perhaps it is that, the need, which His Highness finds lacking. How annoying... It seems fighting Sleipnir himself is not worthy enough a task for Bahamut. It sticks under his skin and rankles. And he had said he'd make it worth his while too...

Fine. Sleipnir hops off the pool table and doesn't quite run, but hurries after Bahamut. ]


I said I would make it worth your time.

[ Once he matches pace with the man Sleipnir continues. ]

I find myself with an excess of Golden Saucer Points and I have already claimed my card. We could wager on a game of Billiards, you know the one with the balls- [ Here he holds up the pool cue. ] and sticks.
Edited (html is hell) 2025-06-29 02:03 (UTC)
krtaps: (Watching yourself but you're too unfair.)

[personal profile] krtaps 2025-06-28 11:03 pm (UTC)(link)
Okay, that's just even weirder. If you're being sent on a mission, shouldn't it be to like... help people, or stop some bad guys from doing an evil plan? [Actually, that itself is pretty oversimplified for what she and her friends for the past 3 years--but it's close enough for a basic definition.] I missed the reason why. What is it?

[She's been too busy trying not to be overwhelmed by all the magic and neon lights.]
Edited 2025-06-28 23:04 (UTC)
herofhopeless: (bright stare)

[personal profile] herofhopeless 2025-06-28 11:05 pm (UTC)(link)
[Clive reflexively tracks the movement of Sleipnir's tongue and snaps his vision away from the other man's mouth. Having a philosophical conversation about what romance may or may not be with Waloed's Lord Commander was not on his list of things that he expected to be doing.

It has been one hell of a night.]


How much of a habit do you have of speaking in poetry? Is it a Waloed thing, or just you and Barnabas?

[Clive nods his thanks to the bartender when his glass is refilled and takes another drink. The glass is still against his lips when he hears Sleipnir's next question. The other man's ploy to get Clive to turn his gaze back on him works. Clive sets his glass back down on the bar, fingers toying with the stem, while he re-establishes eye contact.]

I don't think I understand your question. What are you confused about?

herofhopeless: (soft smile)

[personal profile] herofhopeless 2025-06-28 11:07 pm (UTC)(link)
I will, thank you. It was a pleasure meeting you, Yuri.

[And with that, Clive stands to go and find himself a place to lay down and take a nice, long nap.]
fromfire: (down in west hollywood)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-06-28 11:08 pm (UTC)(link)
Have you been told different? [ His chin tips up as he feels that may be too invasive a question so tosses in a joke: ] Perhaps you've broken too many hearts?

[ Almost subconsciously, he lightly rests his hand against his own chin. His eyes drift toward the edge of the tub -- not minding the lukewarm water, not minding this quiet time. He wonders if he believes that to be true: that he is shaping his own life.

The ink of his blood will tell him what to do, but is that him?

Another soft joke: ]
I hope that doesn't mean that you'll forgive. Your heart may end up being too big if that is the case, Clive. You're making your best friend worry.

[ Right. He shifts and rests his hands on either side of the tub. ]

All right. No party trick for you. Just this trick of getting out of a tub. [ He does release his hold on the edges, though, so that he could once more let the water drain by pulling the plug. ] Almost forgot step one. [ His tone is always light as he goes back into position of bracing himself with the edges and pushing himself up to stand. ]

Success. [ He cheers with a smile. ]
herofhopeless: (soft smile)

[personal profile] herofhopeless 2025-06-28 11:40 pm (UTC)(link)
That I'm more than just a man? [Clive's smile is sardonic at best.] Unfortunately. The same man who gave me the wounds that you took is rather insistent on it, actually.

[Clive shrugs.]

As for hearts, I couldn't tell you.

[Clive steadies himself to make sure that he can catch Verso if he needs to. He has noticed that nearly all of the smaller wounds have healed and that many of the deeper wounds have nearly closed, but he'd rather not risk it.

Clive smirks at the light tone.]


Don't worry. I'm not too much of a softy.

[Clive smiles and wraps the towel around Verso, holding his hands out to catch him if he stumbles on his way out of the tub.]

We're one step closer to getting you into something more comfortable. I'll even tuck you in.
quibblingfunctionary: made by dethruki (want)

[personal profile] quibblingfunctionary 2025-06-28 11:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Curiouser and curiouser this beauty Yuri is. Sleipnir will take another bite of cake so he can mull over the conversation they've been having for a moment. Yuri definitely feels a little cloak-and-dagger to Sleipnir. It's intriguing. Skills hidden in the dark. Not his favorite fighting style... but an interesting one with the kind of marksmanship the other has displayed.

Once Yuri trails off and shrugs Sleipnir leans in. Something in the list caught his interest. ]


Oh? And good are you at fighting? I confess I rather enjoy a sporting fight as well... but it can be so rare to find someone to match my skill...

[ None of this is spoken in conceit, but rather just a man sad he has no rivals to boast of. ]
herofhopeless: (bright stare)

[personal profile] herofhopeless 2025-06-28 11:57 pm (UTC)(link)
[If Clive misses the shiver he certainly does not miss the goosebumps. His gaze follows the line of them along Cid's shoulders. Mostly out of curiosity, he touches there again and can't help but to trace the first bumps of Cid's spine.

Seems like it's late.

[Almost without thinking about it, Clive adds a bit more sway to his hips as he expounds upon the moves he dedicated himself to learning.]

The crowd probably won't get too big. Besides -

[Clive slides behind Cid, pushing his hand down over the other man's shoulders and swaying his hips for a lengthy moment before swishing away again.]

Tips are usually where the money is.
bluejustice: Sonic 2 (104)

i'm so sorry i misplaced this thread ;o;

[personal profile] bluejustice 2025-06-29 12:06 am (UTC)(link)
Whoa, whoa-- hold up! What if it’s, like, one of those themed kind of hotel? Y’know, for people who love thrills and having a good scare! Maybe they’ve even got an actual coffin with a creepy wax vampire just chillin’ inside somewhere! [Now he's getting pumped up thinking about it. Wanting to explore and find out what kind of freaky stuff he can find hidden in the place.]
fromfire: (i drifted far)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-06-29 12:09 am (UTC)(link)
Should I be jealous? [ Again, he doesn't feel like he likes the person that gave those injuries. He does feel like making Clive laugh is a little more important than his own feelings, however. ] Or is it too soon for a best friend to be jealous?

[ At least, he's standing and being given the help to step out of the tub. Also, hey, a towel. Although, he wouldn't mind -- Verso decides to end that thought there, because friskiness is beyond him. Shame.

But that is the price of taking someone's burden. ]


I'm glad. [ Sincerely said. ]

Remember -- [ He points at him. ] Little spoon offer is still on the table. [ He makes a gesture of setting something on an invisible table. But there is some weariness that is coming to him; he starts to shuffle toward the door. Right -- drying. His head tips back but does, at least, go through the motions of drying himself off.

Because the promise of sleep is just outside the door. ]
oblige: (consider)

[personal profile] oblige 2025-06-29 12:21 am (UTC)(link)
Can you truly impose if I am the one asking?

[ He asks gently, suspecting he understands the intention behind Vivi's words. ]

Though I would not wish to impose either. I do know others here, but they have their own business as well.

[ Even if it had proved otherwise, Dion can't imagine they would be opposed. Vivi is a capable mage, but he is young, and all of this is daunting for any of them. Company can ease that to some degree. ]
repaintress: by betenoir (Shadow3)

[personal profile] repaintress 2025-06-29 12:56 am (UTC)(link)
If they'd cared for my opinion, none of this nonsense would be happening.

[ Aline and Renoir had taken a representation of her and Verso's joy and smashed it as surely as Alicia had smashed one of Clea's sculptures as a small child, carelessly and with a staggering amount of selfishness. Because of course Clea could not have been allowed something of her own. Aline and Renoir could have created with Verso themselves. Alicia had been invited to their games and had declined.

Childish as it is, something deep in Clea screams out each time she thinks of it. Her soul screams 'MINE' in a fashion so primal it can barely be placed into words.

And, as childish as it is, it feels good to hear someone admit that she should have been given that courtesy. Not that she would acknowledge such a thing. Instead, Clea crosses her arms and smiles.]


I wasn't assuming this afterlife was my choice.

[ Clea is too clear-eyed to assume that she's going to Heaven. Perhaps he is there specifically to torture him. Or they're there to torture each other, as he'd prefer his Clea and she would prefer her Verso. Instead, they are reminders of pain. ]

You're correct - nobody could remake you. If we tried, we'd end up with a false image. None of us know of the experiences you've had after Aline created you. At best, you'd be reset to before the Fracture. It would not be you.

[ In the same way he is not Verso. None of them could paint him as he actually is, with the ways he's grown more and more to differ from Verso. Any attempt would be offensive in the way her own representation had been. That's why the Gestrals never came back the same way: They could preserve their essence, but the Gestrals live their lives and she and Verso were not there to recreate their memories.]

Do you think I should hide my Canvases from her?

[ If Aline cares. Clea will not allow her mother's love to strangle her work should she befall a similar fate to Verso. Aline cannot be allowed access to Clea's work. Their time of sharing their art together may need to draw to a close. Is there nothing they are not determined to take from her?

When the tone shifts, Clea rolls her eyes, though the gesture has affection behind it. She sees what you're doing, Verso. One thing both the real Verso and this representation had in common is their need to control a conversation. To determine what was said and not said and to manage how everyone felt. Either to get what they wanted or to try to keep them happy.

She gives not her little brother what he wants.]


Babysitting is precisely how I wanted to spend my afterlife. Alas, you are already a burden, I fear. That hairstyle is a burden on my eyes.

[At least temporarily. She can't let him control things completely.]

You never were a burden. You are helpful.

[The words are simple, but more than she could say for the others. He's wrong, an abomination that was borne of her mother's delusions, but he is not the origin of the problem: He is a manifestation of it.

Clea needed help and while he is not her brother, this man is the only one who helped her.

Don't make her say it again.]


Though you are losing points every second you look like such a ruffian. I know the Canvas has hairdressers, Verso. If you burn my eyes out I will be forced to reconsider my assessment.
oblige: (...)

[personal profile] oblige 2025-06-29 01:06 am (UTC)(link)
[ Whatever Dion had expected, it was not this. It shows in the way his shoulders peak by the smallest of degrees, as though bracing himself against that series of undeserved affirmations. He had meant only to point out that he is hardly a more fitting champion for their world than Ifrit is.

Instead, it seems he'd opened the door for an assessment that overlooks so many, many shortcomings. ]


You say this, but...

[ But Twinside. How many had died for his weakness then? His eyes sink to the hand covering his, debating whether to withdraw. He knows Ifrit is being kind, yet that kindness burns him like a brand. ]

You should extend such grace to yourself. The people of the Hideaway and parts beyond trust you with reason. They would still, if they knew of this.
fromfire: (and a line outside the door)

[personal profile] fromfire 2025-06-29 01:18 am (UTC)(link)
Grief is selfish that way.

[ Verso decides to voice the thought he had earlier. It doesn't excuse what has happened, but he accepts it for what it is. Certainly, it isn't that he can't resent or hate another person, but he's been painted with far too much love to poison himself with such emotions. ]

Well, I can't imagine you dying.

[ It's a casual joke, but it is how he thinks Verso felt as well. She was always there even before he was born. A bedrock that he could rely and believe in. The two of them would go on adventures and learned how to navigate a Canvas without becoming enthralled. Aline's teachings. Renoir's warnings. But he probably felt they were able due to having each other. Would it make her happy to hear?

No. It wouldn't.

What he knows and what he knew are different.

And he nods along when she shares that same sentiment. It would not be him if he was remade. He isn't him, either.

He crosses his arms and rather than waste her time by asking if she's asking his opinion, he decides to take the question at face value. Clea, as he's come to know her, is someone who speaks in her absolutes. She doesn't ask questions unless she wants an answer, not because she wants to be humored. ]


No. It's not because she doesn't ... care as much, but his Canvas is gone. They'll be able to have the conversation that they couldn't. I think that will spare you some ... troubles.

[ With each pause, he tilts his head one way or the other; he presses his lips together in thought before continuing.

But his eyebrows lift when she comments on babysitting. His mouth forms into a little smile even as he closes his eyes and mutely chuckles at his hairstyle being a burden.

He opens his eyes and blinks at being told he wasn't a burden and is helpful. His smile twists to something far more sardonic. He sees the gift that he is given and doesn't get in the way of the sentiment. But he knows what he is. ]


The Gestrals are hairdressers and I am not good at keeping appointments, but -- [ He gestures to his hair. ] -- I think looks quite distinct and good. [ A smile. ] Could look worse, anyway. So, I may have to accept a low rating.
Edited 2025-06-29 01:19 (UTC)