【 Thank you for choosing the Golden Peacock, 5-star resort and casino. You are currently registered as a WILDCARD in our system.
Due to a high volume of check-ins, temporary accommodations have been made in our parking garage for all new arrivals. We aim to have all guests moved into their reserved rooms as soon as possible. We deeply apologize for any inconvenience!
All are invited to There Is No Tomorrow, a Phoenix Casino soiree to celebrate our beloved guests. The festivities will begin at 1800 hours on January 20th and end at 1800 hours on January 27th. Please look forward to 168 hours of delight.
In an effort to raise happiness and encourage better guest relationships, attendance is required. The house will assist guests that are too shy to appear of their own accord. Please note that black tie attire is mandatory. As always, we hope you enjoy your stay! 】
PARKING GARAGE
ANY CAR IN A STORM
PHOENIX CASINO HALL
WELCOME TO THE NEXT 168 HOURS
Phoenix Casino is a-flutter with activity and packed to the beak with guests. As a famously ever-changing space, the staff would be remiss if they didn't deck the crown jewel of the Golden Peacock out. The casino glitters from top to bottom, shining brighter than diamonds, rubies, sapphires, opals! Party-goers are shiny and glamorous with picture perfect makeup, fluttering gowns, and sharp suits. Card tables are packed and the slot machines are a-ringing as guests play, play, play! Prizes, luxury, booze, attractive people, it's the place that everyone wants to be at.
Those people being dragged inside by some invisible force...? Silly, they were so excited to come that their bodies moved before they realized what was happening. Those are struggles of joy and definitely not the casino's infamous ghost hands dragging unwilling guests to the party at the behest of the house. Look, they're literally hurling their bodies at the card tables with unrestrained glee!
All clocks indicating day hours and night hours have been removed from the casino. Once a guest has entered, their Watch will jam, making it impossible to keep track of the time. You don't need to worry about that tonight.
▶ All characters on the TDM are WILDCARDS, which means they have not yet been assigned a card value. Suits will not manifest until characters are accepted into the game.
▶ All TDMs are game canon. This TDM acts as the game's January event.
▶ Current characters may top level on the TDM. Any current characters posting to the TDM should note they are current in their subject header.
▶ The top level directory is for new characters only. We want to make sure new characters are prioritized and receive attention! If you would be interested in a game invitation, you can note that in your comment header. This month we also have an ongoing ATP / EMP where players can connect. Please feel free to utilize this for all of your peafowl needs!
▶ If you aren't satisfied with these prompts, please feel free to check out our LOCATIONS to explore more of the resort!
▶ Smut threads that take place on this TDM can be used for rewards. If both parties in the smut thread join the game, you may retroactively apply the character's initial card values to your 52 bank. If one character does not join the game the thread will not be applicable toward rewards (as that character would not have a card value). The character that does join would still receive a small payout for the encounter. Hopefully it was a fun thread regardless!
▶ We ask you to kindly add content warnings to your threads as appropriate.
▶ If you do not currently have permissions and kinks listed in your character’s journal we suggest leaving a note in your top level of any limits or boundaries for other players to reference.
( he can't help but smile again at the offer, slid so easily and effortlessly into the conversation. )
Very well. A cup of tea then, if it is not too much trouble.
( like this, it almost feels as though they are back in fontaine, and they are simply meeting in his office over standard business. almost. but wriothesley is in his undergarments as he pads casually through the bedroom, and his own outfit is still in a state of disarray, the top button undone, and the ends of his hair sticking out every which way.
perhaps he ought to take care of that matter first. neuvillette clears his throat. )
But before we dive into the depths, I don't suppose you have a private bathroom in which I can freshen up? Assuming this is your room, of course.
( it must be, judging from the familiarity with which wriothesley walks around. )
It is never trouble. Not when it comes to you. I have gotten a few new tea blends that actually, so it would be a perfect time to share with someone. [Some things just never change, like Wriothesley incapable of not yapping about tea once on the topic.
He does gesture towards one of the doors, leading to a bathroom attached to the bedroom, though there were probably at least one or two more bathrooms in this room given the change to his rank (something he isn't happy with, but had accepted would be something he would have to just live with).] Passed that door. Take as long as you need. I can bring you some clothes if you need, though it won't be exactly to code.
[The concept of Neuvillette wearing casual wear is, well, he won't pretend he kind of wants to see it. Call him curious.
The bathroom is lavish, uncharacteristic of the man, though the lack of frivolous personal items probably gives away that Wriothesley is still ever the same. Simple soaps and shampoos and the such. The only thing that might seem interesting is the way that there seems to be sets of two, like a second set of towels to toothbrush.
Wriothesley himself, merely tosses a shirt and sweatpants on and goes about getting tea started, the gentle clinks of china mixed with the calm melody of whatever record he decides to put on while Neuvillette makes use of the bathroom.]
( another wry twist of his lips at the flattery, though it feels more endearing than annoying this time around. a small island of familiarity amidst the ocean of strangeness. )
You have my thanks, Wriothesley. I will try not to take too long.
( lest both the food and tea become cold.
and true to his word, he keeps his ministrations short, though he cannot help but set aside a few minutes for a shower, the cool water spraying across his skin the closest he's felt to normalcy ever since arriving. then it's a simple matter of running a brush through his hair and tying it up in a high ponytail at the crown of his head, and sourcing a change of clothes. it feels...overly intimate to barge his way through wriothesley's private quarters, though the lack of interior decoration and personalization makes it feel less of an intrusion. none of the clothes hanging in the closet are his usual fare - to be expected - and he settles for a simple sweater, v-necked and slightly baggy on his more slender frame, and a pair of black slacks.
re-dressed, but still barefoot, he pads his way back to the kitchen, though he pauses in the doorframe at the sound of music drifting idly through the air. )
I see you've managed to obtain several of your old comforts here as well.
[The suite has the air of lavishness with many doors leading to many rooms. It's a lot of space for a singular man, though most of the rooms are untouched. Not surprising since Wriothesley had no use for the amenities that came with being a Rank 10 and because his rise in ranks had been fairly recent. The space itself seems like it still lacks a lot of personal touches, though maybe that also just came with it feeling like a new space for him. There were still notes that hinted that Wriothesley had catered the space to himself. The way the rooms were washed in blue, the window scenes showing an underwater visage instead of a sky, both of them knowing that they weren't truly underwater but was indicative of what Wriothesley was more used to.
Bits of the man manages to show itself, from stray mechanical parts being found where he hadn't cleaned up well enough to the tins of countless teas stacked up one on top of another. Wriothesley is just setting a pot of tea down on the table with the breakfast spread they've been given by the resort.]
I've found myself with too much free time, so I've been tinkering here and there. [The guest who has been stealing car parts? Don't worry about it.] Though, Clorinde had also gifted me a record player recently, so it just means I can keep one in my private quarters and the other anywhere else I want.
[He offers Neuvillette an easy smile.] Well, let's eat, shall we? Though, I should warn you, if you haven't guessed, but it's basically a 50/50 chance the food is laced. Nothing life threatening, but this place does try its best to get people to sleep around, so I think I should let you know so you aren't blindsided.
( neuvillette takes a seat at the table, one hand reaching for the nearest plate—only to draw back in mild horror at the quick and casual warning. certainly, given the themes of this place, additions to the food and drink provided make sense, and yet the lengths the overseers here will go to seem too drastic, too severe. )
I...see. I will have to keep that in mind.
( truly, nothing is sacred here. but he should not burden wriothesley with his worries, not when the man has already gone through so much of his own. )
But what is it you wished to know about Fontaine? ( or rather: ) What has Clorinde told you already?
[Wriothesley can't help but chuckle as he watches the other respond exactly how he had expected them to. Well, he can't fault them for reacting in such a way. He's not exactly too keen on it either, but people need to eat and he has long gotten used to the chance.
Instead, he merely pours tea into both their cups before reaching over to grab two sugar cubes from the bowl. It's easy to see the inky black markings on his wrists, like handcuffs, with the light pink diamond on his inner wrist a sign of his suit and current physical state.
He drops the cubes in and starts to stir.] There's a few places I've found that are fairly trustworthy. I'll give you the list if your stay here becomes more permanent. [Because he isn't always sure if someone's stay will be long term or not and he doesn't want to assume.]
She has told me that the prophecy has come to pass and that Fontaine has been getting back to its feet since then. That I apparently had involvement with helping things along, which is quite interesting from my point of view. [He raises his cup to sip at it, his gaze thoughtful.] After all, the last thing I recall quite strongly is our wonderful Iudex helping with the seal beneath the Fortress that had burst. You can imagine that the time discrepancies is a little distorting to say the least.
[His gaze softens.] More than Fontaine...I merely wish to know how some have been. I've not spoken to so many people in so long... You are well then, monsieur? This is a personal request, not one made as the administrator, but I hope you'll humor me anyways.
( decades spent in courts have taught him to pick up on the small things, the things easily glossed over. he notes the markings on wriothesley's wrists, catches the offhand mention of permanance. is there a chance he might be sent back then? but there is no pleasure that comes with the possibility, only a feeling of dismay at the thought of leaving both wriothesley and clorinde behind to fend for themselves. are they both strong and capable? yes, but that is still no reason to leave them to this fate.
silently, as wriothesley continues speaking, he reaches for his own cup of tea, eschewing both sugar and milk. as far as he's concerned, the closer anything is to pure water, the better. )
I can only imagine.
( murmured in assent, as he holds the warm teacup between his bare hands. even hearing wriothesley speak of events that he had been right in the midst of as though they were some passing story is strange on its own. )
She was correct though, on the account of your assistance. Without it, I daresay a great many more people would have lost their lives. Though as usual, you refused to attach your name to your accomplishments and instead handed over all the credit to those two young researchers of yours.
( the faceless man at the bottom of the sea, whose very existence remains a mystery to most who walk the streets of fontaine. )
But all have been hard at work since the passing of the prophecy. Miss Navia and the members of the Spina have been working tirelessly to rebuild Poisson with the help of the Knave and the House of the Hearth. Sigewinne is as she always is, tirelessly caring for those in the Fortress of Meropide if her last letter was any indication. And Furina...
( his voice slows and then stops, a cloud passing over his face. furina, who had suffered in silence alone in her high chair all those years, with precious litttle instruction and even less information.... she deserves the rest, he thinks, as much of it as she wants. )
I believe she will need some time to process the events of what has happened. As for myself, I am largely unchanged. I have taken over the bulk of Furina's duties following her abdication, along with overseeing all trials now that the Oratrice is no longer in function. It is a substantial amount of work, yes, but ( his voice lilts upwards ) I find I do not mind.
( it is a purpose, one he has been searching for all this time. )
[He immediately waves his hand.] I merely hoped to assist Fontaine in whatever way I can. I have no true talent in engineering like the researchers who helped with the construction of such a massive undertaking. Their accomplishments of doing what they did in the amount of time they had is nothing short of impressive. The credit went to the people whom deserved it and nothing more. [And just like usual, Wriothesley easily detaches his name again.
He is happy to gain no accolades and continue his quiet existence.] I am happy to hear that Fontaine will certainly bounce back better than ever despite what had happened. It is important that we all work together during these times.
[He falters at the mention of Furina. His gaze softens a tad at Neuvillette's words. He had been ignorant to what might have ailed her thoughts when she had been here and had only learned what might have been on her mind after her departure. He lets out a soft breath.] I am sure that she will find her calling. She does have her entire life ahead of her.
[He knows there are people who will be happy to help her when she needs. He busies himself with eating, pleased that nothing yet has given him any indication to jump the other yet. That'd be embarrassing to say the least. He already was shameless in front of the man once. To have to play that song and dance again, a weaker man might have balked.] I believe that this is why the Melusines nag. Ever the workaholic, you know. Well, if you're enjoying what you do, then it's not so bad. I hope that you still remember to have time for yourself. All work and no play is bad for you, monsieur~ [He chuckles though, seemingly pleased to hear the other talk; finding comfort in the moment.]
( neuvillette is, despite all appearances, much more of a worrywart than he lets on. there are so many human customs and niceties he still does not fully understand, and for all that many fontainians may have shown their worst sides to him on the stage of the opera house he still does not wish for any of them to come to harm. they have suffered enough, he thinks, for the mere crime of wanting to live. )
I do hope so. It is the least of what she deserves.
( would that he could be there to support her, but it seems fate once again has other plans in store for him. plans that include a great deal of sex and other debauchery. neuvillette watches his reflection ripple in his teacup, though he lifts his gaze at the mild teasing, looking somewhat affronted. a trace of his court presence returns to his bearings. )
Are you suggesting I view my stay here as a vacation, Wriothesley?
I'm saying that you can also be a little selfish here and there. It is not a crime to have personal time of any kind as someone who is also living and breathing. [Wriothesley replies back with ease, giving the other a look accompanied with a chuckle.]
Well, I can also say that this place, for it's issues, also has been more pleasant that I expected. I would still keep your wits about you and know that there's no avoiding what the resort wants from us, but it isn't all that bad either. For what it's worth, the resort does let us do as we please within reason and the amenities of this place is good. [His mouth quirks into a lopsided smile.] And my personal opinion is that sex is quite enjoyable. If we are to play a game, we might as well enjoy it, right?
[Wriothesley is no stranger to making use of what is at his disposal after all. In prison, anything could be bought with credit coupons. In that same breath, one could do anything to make them too. The concept here is not so dissimilar to him.] I would say, more so, to just consider this place with an open mind. To make yourself miserable in this place offers very little favor to you. You do not have to agree with its machinations to still want to try and live as comfortably as possible.
( wriothesley is not incorrect; there is nothing to be gained from viewing only the downsides of any situation. what is it they say, to view the glass not as half-empty but rather as half-full?
but unlike wriothesley, he is not spontaneous nor does he quickly adapt to change. he has maintained the same schedule day in and day out for the last four hundred years, and very rarely taken time off to attend to his personal needs. then there is the fact that he is not human, despite the form he has been given. would he even find the same acts and gestures as others enjoyable?
there is much to think about, but so little time with which to think. and to think he had once believed time to be the one thing he would always have an excess of.
the tea is cooling between his hands, but still he does not drink. )
Would that it could be so easy. ( said softly, almost to himself. to be selfish. to seek nothing more than simple enjoyment. ) But I will take your suggestions into consideration. And I am glad to hear both you and Clorinde have been afforded some measure of freedom in this place.
( if nothing else, that puts him somewhat at ease. )
But please, eat. ( with a gesture towards the various dishes laid out. ) Sigewinne would never let me hear the end of it if she knew I was keeping you from your meals.
[He let’s out a low and thoughtful hum as he studies the other.] I believe I can hear you thinking, Neuvillette. [He smiles a little.] You think quite too much sometimes, monsieur. Do you worry about being intimate? That it will not be a good experience? Perhaps it is presumptuous of me, but if you have any worries, you can tell me. Not as a colleague, but as a friend. These kind of things don’t have to be weights upon your mind to endure alone.
[He lifts his fork and knife to start eating.] Sometimes, things are easier than we expect too.
[Wriothesley takes his time eating, not in any particular rush. This place gave them time in spades, despite Neuvillette feeling like he had none at all.] If Sigewinne knew some of the stuff I did, I wouldn’t hear the end of it! Surely we can keep a secret or two from her?
( to be told that he thinks too much...well, it is true. he has always pondered overmuch, first regarding the missing pieces of himself only recently regained, then of fontaine's prophecy and furina's reluctance to act in meaningful way, and finally of the heavenly principles and the seven - and the judgement he will one day pass upon them for their sins, far greater in scope than any egeria might have committed.
in comparison, a temporary stay in a place that encourages intimacy should pose little concern.
especially when there are people here he already trusts, upon whom he knows he can rely on. it is a kind offer that's made to him, precisely the type he would expect from someone like wriothesley. and yet he feels as though he cannot burden the man any further, not when he has spent nearly his entire life facing hardship. )
It is not presumptuous, no. ( a shake of his head, accompanied by a brief closing of his eyes. even his voice is soft, a far cry from the usual formal tone he carries out in public. ) I appreciate your kindness. Nevertheless, I believe I would like a little more time to sort out my thoughts first before I burden them upon someone else.
( a few more days, presuming his stay does indeed become more permanent. )
But since you seem so keen on helping me acclimate to this place, why don't you tell me about your stay here thus far? Perhaps it will help me understand things better.
( what better way to learn than to hear the experiences of someone he already knows and trusts? )
Of course. I would never force your hand unless necessary. [Wriothesley isn’t really the type who enjoys exerting force if it’s not necessary. Though-] But I would like to clear up a misconception. No matter what it is, you are no burden to me Neuvillette. I hope that you will understand that I see your concerns and yourself to never be such so I hope you will also see that.
[Wriothesley’s gaze softens as he smiles at the man over the lip of his teacup.] I would be more than happy to help shoulder anything as I know you are equally dependable.
[He sips his tea before placing the cup down. It’s then that Wriothesley speaks about the resort. He talks about how they’re assigned a suit pertaining to cards and that each suit seems to have different effects to their host and that they seem to activate if one abstains too long. Wriothesley goes over the hierarchy and how the ranks truly force this idea to fight to reach to the top because the higher one is, the comfier than life is.
He speaks about the games. How they usually pertain to a suit and that the games usually are there to encourage, or force, them to partake in sex to reap rewards. Usually they very rarely can avoid the games, though some are tamer than others. Wriothesley is thorough in his talk, though it seems he purposely leaves out more personal experiences pertaining to the games.]
Honestly, the amount of free time we have is really the maddening. I’ve found myself dabbling in tinkering more and I had been introduced to other things to keep my time. I find myself spending a lot of time with others than keeping myself. It’s… well I find that even after a year, I’m surprised. The people here are varied to say the least, but many of them are kind.
( each answer and explanation is duly noted, filed away in the mental cabinet of his mind for later processing. in order to properly participate in the game, he must naturally understand the rules to which is he bound. every so often he takes a drink of his tea, not minding that it has cooled quite significantly since the beginning, but by and large he sits quietly in his chair, unmoving save for the occasional blink of his eyes and the vertical movement of his teacup.
and if the majority of the explanation is more clinical in nature, then that too is only to be expected. he would never wish to pry into anyone's private affairs, whether they be friend or complete stranger.
it is strange to hear about the wealth of free time here—but then again, he supposes in order to foster the sorts of relationships and lifestyle this place craves, excess free time is a must. hard to properly enjoy oneself if every little thing must be scheduled out two weeks in advance. )
No Pankration for you here, then?
( it's....partly a joke, the upward lilt to his voice his attempt at a tease, but his tries at humor have always fallen flat. yet another thing he hasn't quite gotten the hang of yet. moving on: )
But it sounds as though you've settled in quite well. ( the news that he has those he doesn't mind spending time with is welcome. ) And are still exercising your creative talents. What sorts of contraptions do you, ah, 'tinker' with here?
( his boxing gloves had already been quite the impressive accomplishment. it's hard not to be curious about what else he might make. )
Ughhh, don't remind me! I mean, there's a gym and it scratches the itch, but I was hoping to have a bit more in terms of letting out steam. Just people to regularly go toe to toe with. [Wriothesley sighs dramatically, as though he is truly being inconvenienced here. The smile on his lips betrays him though. He obviously is not as bothered as he was bellyaching.
So perhaps Neuvillette's teasing was far more successful than they realized.]
Well, it's a nice enough cage we got here. Makes it easy to get comfortable for the most part. [But at the mention of contraptions, Wriothesley is up on his feet, his half eaten breakfast abandoned.] Well, I'm afraid to disappoint you that it isn't an airship this time, but I did get new gauntlets built and I've been trying to bug the resort to try and gather data where I can.
[He's already heading down the hallway to where the living room is. He guesses he can move this to an actual bedroom now that his suite is upgraded, but he also kind of got comfortable here as his workspace. It has gotten larger, which encourages him to not really move. All the boxes of mechanical parts are stacked and pushed against the wall. The car parts being stolen?
He doesn't know what you're talking about. It's Wriothesley. He's the car part thief all along.] Honestly though? A year has passed and I don't feel like I'm any closer to really understanding this place.
[And maybe as time had passed, he had been a little more complacent and just enjoying his time with people whom he started to consider close. He looks at the blue prints taped to the wall before glancing around the living room. Wriothesley had set his windows to an aquatic view, an obvious homage to the underground prison that had become his home. Well, if that didn't give away his homesickness then probably the half finished scale replica of the fortress made of legos building blocks on the coffee table was probably a dead giveaway.
Well, Wriothesley had spent all his life in Fontaine and more of it in Meropide.]
Well, I guess the point is that we aren't supposed to learn the secrets of this place.
( it shouldn't be a surprise that, after so many months here, wriothesley's already been hard at work. he's always been resourceful, proactive. and it's with no small amount of interest that neuvillette sets down his teacup with a small clink and quietly follows wriothesley through the short hallway of his suite and towards the master bedroom.
as with his office in meropide, the signs of a life lived are present here as well. the prints on the wall, the waters outside the window, the knick-knacks and parts that scatter across the suite as a whole. neuvillette takes his time in looking, head slowly turning this way and that, though he is careful not to touch anything, keeping his hands to himself.
the mention of secrets has a smile ghosting across his face. )
Dear Sigewinne, it seems our mutual acquaintance the Duke has stumbled across yet another secret he's unable to solve.
( the words are quiet, recited more to himself than anything else. an unpenned letter never to be sent. )
Though I suppose it's just Wriothesley here, as I am simply Neuvillette.
( the role of iudex means nothing here, just as the fortress of meropide is simply another name of a place to be passed around. there seems to be little use for formalities in a place that incentivizes intimacy on a regular basis. although—he cocks his to one side, a slight upward raise of one eyebrow in question. )
Unless you still request that others refer to you as 'Your Grace'.
I see what this is. Instead of Sigewinne spying on me for you, Sigewinne sent you here to spy on me. I'll have you know that I have been behaving well enough. [He can't say he has been behaving perfectly because that would be a lie. Well enough? Well, who is to say he hasn't been being good. Most of the time. He laughs a little though, knowing that he knows what he said was ridiculous to say the least, but the idea is almost nice.]
Hmm, just Wriothesley has been nice. No titles, no frills, just me. I think that trying out being simply Neuvillette wouldn't be so bad. I think you should give it a whirl, really.
[He grins though.] A person here and there refers to me by title, but it's rare. [And one of the people who does refer to him by title definitely does it to play around than out of respect.]
Do you want people to refer to you by title here? I think some would be into it. [He's teasing, but he wonders if Neuvillette will understand the implication.] Hmm, your honor~?
( wriothesley isn't wrong; there's a certain appeal in being just 'neuvillette' rather than the chief justice that tugs at him. it's only unfortunate that he still doesn't have a clear grasp of who 'neuvillette' is. meanwhile, the role of chief justice and the role of hydro sovereign have become a part of him after so many centuries, as natural to him as breathing and diving through the cold depths of the ocean.
he exhales, gaze lowering momentarily to the floor. )
I...am not certain.
( he thinks of coquelic, and the easy drawl of her voice as she'd so casually thrown about all those licentious suggestions during their brief party game. they are all things he will eventually have to face during his time here. better he investigate them now than be caught unawares. )
But I suppose there is only one way to find out.
( who will be the first to call neuvillette 'your honor' in bed, stay tuned.
but more important than the discussion of kinks is the unconditional kindness he has been shown thus far, with no expectation waiting at the end of it all. he has handled many things alone and will no doubt continue to do so at times, but it is nice to be reminded that he is not alone here, and that there are those who will accept him if need be.
his eyes sweep back up, lavender eyes squarely meeting ice blue ones. )
Thank you again, Wriothesley, for all the assistance you have offered thus far. ( he's already said as much, first upon waking and then during breakfast, but it bears repeating again in earnest tones, his chin tipped upwards. ) I am unsure how I will be able to repay your kindness, but if there is ever anything I can do for you while I am here, you need but ask.
( for all his honesty in each and every one of his conversations, it is not often he willingly gives in to uncertainty, vulnerability. he has a duty, after all, to oversee the entirety of fontaine. if the people of fontaine cannot look up to him, then who? )
[It would not be surprising if it was Wriothesley saying it. The man loves to play and rile people up and he really is the embodiment of fuck around and find out. He's not thinking much on that though. He is thinking about Neuvillette being here. He's thinking about how the man will be faced with the debauchery of this place. He doesn't think Neuvillette needs protection from him, but he does have complicated feelings about Neuvillette exposed to this all.
Hilarious because he had slept with the man at least once when they had been here previously.
Maybe he's feeling overtly protective seeing them back here though.]
Well, this place is surprisingly good at finding yourself in ways. And if there's anything this place has ample of, it's time.[He isn't ignorant to Neuvillette's struggles. He had seen the man struggle with a lot of things and he sees similar struggles as he had seen in Clorinde. So deep in their role and so little for their own identities... He hopes Neuvillette will find himself, even if this place was a little unconventional.]
Do not think much of it, Neuvillette. I'm not doing any of these things with payment in mind. [He grins a little cheekily.] Unless you want to give me a kiss. [He's joking.]
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peacockstop2025-01-15 09:00 pm
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Very well. A cup of tea then, if it is not too much trouble.
( like this, it almost feels as though they are back in fontaine, and they are simply meeting in his office over standard business. almost. but wriothesley is in his undergarments as he pads casually through the bedroom, and his own outfit is still in a state of disarray, the top button undone, and the ends of his hair sticking out every which way.
perhaps he ought to take care of that matter first. neuvillette clears his throat. )
But before we dive into the depths, I don't suppose you have a private bathroom in which I can freshen up? Assuming this is your room, of course.
( it must be, judging from the familiarity with which wriothesley walks around. )
no subject
He does gesture towards one of the doors, leading to a bathroom attached to the bedroom, though there were probably at least one or two more bathrooms in this room given the change to his rank (something he isn't happy with, but had accepted would be something he would have to just live with).] Passed that door. Take as long as you need. I can bring you some clothes if you need, though it won't be exactly to code.
[The concept of Neuvillette wearing casual wear is, well, he won't pretend he kind of wants to see it. Call him curious.
The bathroom is lavish, uncharacteristic of the man, though the lack of frivolous personal items probably gives away that Wriothesley is still ever the same. Simple soaps and shampoos and the such. The only thing that might seem interesting is the way that there seems to be sets of two, like a second set of towels to toothbrush.
Wriothesley himself, merely tosses a shirt and sweatpants on and goes about getting tea started, the gentle clinks of china mixed with the calm melody of whatever record he decides to put on while Neuvillette makes use of the bathroom.]
no subject
You have my thanks, Wriothesley. I will try not to take too long.
( lest both the food and tea become cold.
and true to his word, he keeps his ministrations short, though he cannot help but set aside a few minutes for a shower, the cool water spraying across his skin the closest he's felt to normalcy ever since arriving. then it's a simple matter of running a brush through his hair and tying it up in a high ponytail at the crown of his head, and sourcing a change of clothes. it feels...overly intimate to barge his way through wriothesley's private quarters, though the lack of interior decoration and personalization makes it feel less of an intrusion. none of the clothes hanging in the closet are his usual fare - to be expected - and he settles for a simple sweater, v-necked and slightly baggy on his more slender frame, and a pair of black slacks.
re-dressed, but still barefoot, he pads his way back to the kitchen, though he pauses in the doorframe at the sound of music drifting idly through the air. )
I see you've managed to obtain several of your old comforts here as well.
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Bits of the man manages to show itself, from stray mechanical parts being found where he hadn't cleaned up well enough to the tins of countless teas stacked up one on top of another. Wriothesley is just setting a pot of tea down on the table with the breakfast spread they've been given by the resort.]
I've found myself with too much free time, so I've been tinkering here and there. [The guest who has been stealing car parts? Don't worry about it.] Though, Clorinde had also gifted me a record player recently, so it just means I can keep one in my private quarters and the other anywhere else I want.
[He offers Neuvillette an easy smile.] Well, let's eat, shall we? Though, I should warn you, if you haven't guessed, but it's basically a 50/50 chance the food is laced. Nothing life threatening, but this place does try its best to get people to sleep around, so I think I should let you know so you aren't blindsided.
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I...see. I will have to keep that in mind.
( truly, nothing is sacred here. but he should not burden wriothesley with his worries, not when the man has already gone through so much of his own. )
But what is it you wished to know about Fontaine? ( or rather: ) What has Clorinde told you already?
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Instead, he merely pours tea into both their cups before reaching over to grab two sugar cubes from the bowl. It's easy to see the inky black markings on his wrists, like handcuffs, with the light pink diamond on his inner wrist a sign of his suit and current physical state.
He drops the cubes in and starts to stir.] There's a few places I've found that are fairly trustworthy. I'll give you the list if your stay here becomes more permanent. [Because he isn't always sure if someone's stay will be long term or not and he doesn't want to assume.]
She has told me that the prophecy has come to pass and that Fontaine has been getting back to its feet since then. That I apparently had involvement with helping things along, which is quite interesting from my point of view. [He raises his cup to sip at it, his gaze thoughtful.] After all, the last thing I recall quite strongly is our wonderful Iudex helping with the seal beneath the Fortress that had burst. You can imagine that the time discrepancies is a little distorting to say the least.
[His gaze softens.] More than Fontaine...I merely wish to know how some have been. I've not spoken to so many people in so long... You are well then, monsieur? This is a personal request, not one made as the administrator, but I hope you'll humor me anyways.
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silently, as wriothesley continues speaking, he reaches for his own cup of tea, eschewing both sugar and milk. as far as he's concerned, the closer anything is to pure water, the better. )
I can only imagine.
( murmured in assent, as he holds the warm teacup between his bare hands. even hearing wriothesley speak of events that he had been right in the midst of as though they were some passing story is strange on its own. )
She was correct though, on the account of your assistance. Without it, I daresay a great many more people would have lost their lives. Though as usual, you refused to attach your name to your accomplishments and instead handed over all the credit to those two young researchers of yours.
( the faceless man at the bottom of the sea, whose very existence remains a mystery to most who walk the streets of fontaine. )
But all have been hard at work since the passing of the prophecy. Miss Navia and the members of the Spina have been working tirelessly to rebuild Poisson with the help of the Knave and the House of the Hearth. Sigewinne is as she always is, tirelessly caring for those in the Fortress of Meropide if her last letter was any indication. And Furina...
( his voice slows and then stops, a cloud passing over his face. furina, who had suffered in silence alone in her high chair all those years, with precious litttle instruction and even less information.... she deserves the rest, he thinks, as much of it as she wants. )
I believe she will need some time to process the events of what has happened. As for myself, I am largely unchanged. I have taken over the bulk of Furina's duties following her abdication, along with overseeing all trials now that the Oratrice is no longer in function. It is a substantial amount of work, yes, but ( his voice lilts upwards ) I find I do not mind.
( it is a purpose, one he has been searching for all this time. )
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He is happy to gain no accolades and continue his quiet existence.] I am happy to hear that Fontaine will certainly bounce back better than ever despite what had happened. It is important that we all work together during these times.
[He falters at the mention of Furina. His gaze softens a tad at Neuvillette's words. He had been ignorant to what might have ailed her thoughts when she had been here and had only learned what might have been on her mind after her departure. He lets out a soft breath.] I am sure that she will find her calling. She does have her entire life ahead of her.
[He knows there are people who will be happy to help her when she needs. He busies himself with eating, pleased that nothing yet has given him any indication to jump the other yet. That'd be embarrassing to say the least. He already was shameless in front of the man once. To have to play that song and dance again, a weaker man might have balked.] I believe that this is why the Melusines nag. Ever the workaholic, you know. Well, if you're enjoying what you do, then it's not so bad. I hope that you still remember to have time for yourself. All work and no play is bad for you, monsieur~ [He chuckles though, seemingly pleased to hear the other talk; finding comfort in the moment.]
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I do hope so. It is the least of what she deserves.
( would that he could be there to support her, but it seems fate once again has other plans in store for him. plans that include a great deal of sex and other debauchery. neuvillette watches his reflection ripple in his teacup, though he lifts his gaze at the mild teasing, looking somewhat affronted. a trace of his court presence returns to his bearings. )
Are you suggesting I view my stay here as a vacation, Wriothesley?
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Well, I can also say that this place, for it's issues, also has been more pleasant that I expected. I would still keep your wits about you and know that there's no avoiding what the resort wants from us, but it isn't all that bad either. For what it's worth, the resort does let us do as we please within reason and the amenities of this place is good. [His mouth quirks into a lopsided smile.] And my personal opinion is that sex is quite enjoyable. If we are to play a game, we might as well enjoy it, right?
[Wriothesley is no stranger to making use of what is at his disposal after all. In prison, anything could be bought with credit coupons. In that same breath, one could do anything to make them too. The concept here is not so dissimilar to him.] I would say, more so, to just consider this place with an open mind. To make yourself miserable in this place offers very little favor to you. You do not have to agree with its machinations to still want to try and live as comfortably as possible.
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but unlike wriothesley, he is not spontaneous nor does he quickly adapt to change. he has maintained the same schedule day in and day out for the last four hundred years, and very rarely taken time off to attend to his personal needs. then there is the fact that he is not human, despite the form he has been given. would he even find the same acts and gestures as others enjoyable?
there is much to think about, but so little time with which to think. and to think he had once believed time to be the one thing he would always have an excess of.
the tea is cooling between his hands, but still he does not drink. )
Would that it could be so easy. ( said softly, almost to himself. to be selfish. to seek nothing more than simple enjoyment. ) But I will take your suggestions into consideration. And I am glad to hear both you and Clorinde have been afforded some measure of freedom in this place.
( if nothing else, that puts him somewhat at ease. )
But please, eat. ( with a gesture towards the various dishes laid out. ) Sigewinne would never let me hear the end of it if she knew I was keeping you from your meals.
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[He lifts his fork and knife to start eating.] Sometimes, things are easier than we expect too.
[Wriothesley takes his time eating, not in any particular rush. This place gave them time in spades, despite Neuvillette feeling like he had none at all.] If Sigewinne knew some of the stuff I did, I wouldn’t hear the end of it! Surely we can keep a secret or two from her?
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in comparison, a temporary stay in a place that encourages intimacy should pose little concern.
especially when there are people here he already trusts, upon whom he knows he can rely on. it is a kind offer that's made to him, precisely the type he would expect from someone like wriothesley. and yet he feels as though he cannot burden the man any further, not when he has spent nearly his entire life facing hardship. )
It is not presumptuous, no. ( a shake of his head, accompanied by a brief closing of his eyes. even his voice is soft, a far cry from the usual formal tone he carries out in public. ) I appreciate your kindness. Nevertheless, I believe I would like a little more time to sort out my thoughts first before I burden them upon someone else.
( a few more days, presuming his stay does indeed become more permanent. )
But since you seem so keen on helping me acclimate to this place, why don't you tell me about your stay here thus far? Perhaps it will help me understand things better.
( what better way to learn than to hear the experiences of someone he already knows and trusts? )
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[Wriothesley’s gaze softens as he smiles at the man over the lip of his teacup.] I would be more than happy to help shoulder anything as I know you are equally dependable.
[He sips his tea before placing the cup down. It’s then that Wriothesley speaks about the resort. He talks about how they’re assigned a suit pertaining to cards and that each suit seems to have different effects to their host and that they seem to activate if one abstains too long. Wriothesley goes over the hierarchy and how the ranks truly force this idea to fight to reach to the top because the higher one is, the comfier than life is.
He speaks about the games. How they usually pertain to a suit and that the games usually are there to encourage, or force, them to partake in sex to reap rewards. Usually they very rarely can avoid the games, though some are tamer than others. Wriothesley is thorough in his talk, though it seems he purposely leaves out more personal experiences pertaining to the games.]
Honestly, the amount of free time we have is really the maddening. I’ve found myself dabbling in tinkering more and I had been introduced to other things to keep my time. I find myself spending a lot of time with others than keeping myself. It’s… well I find that even after a year, I’m surprised. The people here are varied to say the least, but many of them are kind.
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and if the majority of the explanation is more clinical in nature, then that too is only to be expected. he would never wish to pry into anyone's private affairs, whether they be friend or complete stranger.
it is strange to hear about the wealth of free time here—but then again, he supposes in order to foster the sorts of relationships and lifestyle this place craves, excess free time is a must. hard to properly enjoy oneself if every little thing must be scheduled out two weeks in advance. )
No Pankration for you here, then?
( it's....partly a joke, the upward lilt to his voice his attempt at a tease, but his tries at humor have always fallen flat. yet another thing he hasn't quite gotten the hang of yet. moving on: )
But it sounds as though you've settled in quite well. ( the news that he has those he doesn't mind spending time with is welcome. ) And are still exercising your creative talents. What sorts of contraptions do you, ah, 'tinker' with here?
( his boxing gloves had already been quite the impressive accomplishment. it's hard not to be curious about what else he might make. )
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So perhaps Neuvillette's teasing was far more successful than they realized.]
Well, it's a nice enough cage we got here. Makes it easy to get comfortable for the most part. [But at the mention of contraptions, Wriothesley is up on his feet, his half eaten breakfast abandoned.] Well, I'm afraid to disappoint you that it isn't an airship this time, but I did get new gauntlets built and I've been trying to bug the resort to try and gather data where I can.
[He's already heading down the hallway to where the living room is. He guesses he can move this to an actual bedroom now that his suite is upgraded, but he also kind of got comfortable here as his workspace. It has gotten larger, which encourages him to not really move. All the boxes of mechanical parts are stacked and pushed against the wall. The car parts being stolen?
He doesn't know what you're talking about.
It's Wriothesley. He's the car part thief all along.] Honestly though? A year has passed and I don't feel like I'm any closer to really understanding this place.[And maybe as time had passed, he had been a little more complacent and just enjoying his time with people whom he started to consider close. He looks at the blue prints taped to the wall before glancing around the living room. Wriothesley had set his windows to an aquatic view, an obvious homage to the underground prison that had become his home. Well, if that didn't give away his homesickness then probably the half finished scale replica of the fortress made of
legosbuilding blocks on the coffee table was probably a dead giveaway.Well, Wriothesley had spent all his life in Fontaine and more of it in Meropide.]
Well, I guess the point is that we aren't supposed to learn the secrets of this place.
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as with his office in meropide, the signs of a life lived are present here as well. the prints on the wall, the waters outside the window, the knick-knacks and parts that scatter across the suite as a whole. neuvillette takes his time in looking, head slowly turning this way and that, though he is careful not to touch anything, keeping his hands to himself.
the mention of secrets has a smile ghosting across his face. )
Dear Sigewinne, it seems our mutual acquaintance the Duke has stumbled across yet another secret he's unable to solve.
( the words are quiet, recited more to himself than anything else. an unpenned letter never to be sent. )
Though I suppose it's just Wriothesley here, as I am simply Neuvillette.
( the role of iudex means nothing here, just as the fortress of meropide is simply another name of a place to be passed around. there seems to be little use for formalities in a place that incentivizes intimacy on a regular basis. although—he cocks his to one side, a slight upward raise of one eyebrow in question. )
Unless you still request that others refer to you as 'Your Grace'.
( for that thing they call 'roleplay'. )
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Hmm, just Wriothesley has been nice. No titles, no frills, just me. I think that trying out being simply Neuvillette wouldn't be so bad. I think you should give it a whirl, really.
[He grins though.] A person here and there refers to me by title, but it's rare. [And one of the people who does refer to him by title definitely does it to play around than out of respect.]
Do you want people to refer to you by title here? I think some would be into it. [He's teasing, but he wonders if Neuvillette will understand the implication.] Hmm, your honor~?
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he exhales, gaze lowering momentarily to the floor. )
I...am not certain.
( he thinks of coquelic, and the easy drawl of her voice as she'd so casually thrown about all those licentious suggestions during their brief party game. they are all things he will eventually have to face during his time here. better he investigate them now than be caught unawares. )
But I suppose there is only one way to find out.
( who will be the first to call neuvillette 'your honor' in bed, stay tuned.
but more important than the discussion of kinks is the unconditional kindness he has been shown thus far, with no expectation waiting at the end of it all. he has handled many things alone and will no doubt continue to do so at times, but it is nice to be reminded that he is not alone here, and that there are those who will accept him if need be.
his eyes sweep back up, lavender eyes squarely meeting ice blue ones. )
Thank you again, Wriothesley, for all the assistance you have offered thus far. ( he's already said as much, first upon waking and then during breakfast, but it bears repeating again in earnest tones, his chin tipped upwards. ) I am unsure how I will be able to repay your kindness, but if there is ever anything I can do for you while I am here, you need but ask.
( for all his honesty in each and every one of his conversations, it is not often he willingly gives in to uncertainty, vulnerability. he has a duty, after all, to oversee the entirety of fontaine. if the people of fontaine cannot look up to him, then who? )
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Hilarious because he had slept with the man at least once when they had been here previously.
Maybe he's feeling overtly protective seeing them back here though.]
Well, this place is surprisingly good at finding yourself in ways. And if there's anything this place has ample of, it's time.[He isn't ignorant to Neuvillette's struggles. He had seen the man struggle with a lot of things and he sees similar struggles as he had seen in Clorinde. So deep in their role and so little for their own identities... He hopes Neuvillette will find himself, even if this place was a little unconventional.]
Do not think much of it, Neuvillette. I'm not doing any of these things with payment in mind. [He grins a little cheekily.] Unless you want to give me a kiss. [He's joking.]