Week 2, Saturday Afterparty + Sunday!

[arraignments]

[ Three total losses...

With the air heavier and gloomier than before, Goro's feeling... much more restless. So, about an hour after the games have ended, he can be found in the kitchen. He'll recruit anyone who comes in (that he knows can cook/bake, obvs). He's not... actually doing any cooking, himself, though he does make some coffee and lots of sandwiches.

There is a variety of other dishes (see Saki's toplevel for more items), as well!

Everything is being set up outside, not too far from the pool, and there are blankets on the ground - time for a picnic! ]

Comments

[prayerwheel]

[ Azura looks up at the sky for a few moments while she thinks about this. Should...should she tell him? ]

It's a bit embarrassing.

[darkova]

[He gives a sly smile]

A good embarrassing, or a bad one?

[prayerwheel]

[ DON'T LOOK AT HER LIKE YOU KNOW, INGWAY ]

It could go either way.

[darkova]

Hmmmhmmm... should my first duty as your retainer be guarding the door?

[He's loving this]

[prayerwheel]

[ FUCKIN

SPUTTERS

VISIBLY TURNS RED ]

Th-That's not...!

[ it absolutely is, tho ]

[darkova]

[lololol]

Our Host seems to be charming people left and right as of late.

[Said blushing a little himself. From the drink, clearly]

[prayerwheel]

You're one to talk. Look at yourself.

[ SHE SEES THAT!! YOU'RE BLUSHING TOO!! ]

[darkova]

[He huffs]

What does that mean!?

[prayerwheel]

Your face is just as red as mine is.

[ taking a drink ]

...do you fancy him as well?

[darkova]

I...

[A strange pained look crosses his face]

No. He is certainly charming, but.... no.

[prayerwheel]

Are you certain? I won't hold it against you if you do.

[ wink wink nudge nudge ]

He's certainly acquired many...admirers.

[darkova]

That he has. But... ah, how to say this-

-I'm still in mourning, I suppose.

[prayerwheel]

[ her expression softens ]

I'm curious, I admit. But if you'd rather not elaborate, you don't have to.

[darkova]

No, it's fine. There... was a woman who I loved who passed away shortly before I came here.

[prayerwheel]

Ah....I'm sorry, Ingway.

[ for a second, she thinks about the other hers out there, the ones in timelines where she married someone and then succumbed to her inevitable demise

it's stuff like this that made her reluctant to have a love life at all ]

What was her name?

[darkova]

...

Mercedes.

[Even saying her name hurts]

I'm sorry, I shouldn't bring down the mood.

[prayerwheel]

It's alright, believe me. If you'd like to talk about her, I'll listen.

[darkova]

She... was a young Queen. Close to Akira and Goro's age, just crowned and completely clueless.

[He laughs softly]

[prayerwheel]

[ Ah, royalty things. Azura nods. She was next in line for Valla's throne, but then, uh, Anankos happened. It makes her wonder what would have happened if he hadn't taken over.

She's still listening, so he can keep going. ]

[darkova]

Still, she had a strong heart- she just needed time to grow into her role. I was at her side for a time, advising her while waiting for a boon she had promised me.

In the end, instead of staying with her, I left to pursue my own ends. It's something I'll never forgive myself for.

[He debates saying how she died- by his own cursed claws- but he can't bring himself to do it]

[prayerwheel]

[ oh nooooooooooooo

what the fuck

that's sad as hell???

Azura opens her mouth to say something, but she can't think of anything that's not meaningless platitudes. ]

It sounds as if your life hasn't been an easy one.