tactic | ROBIN.

( from here )

Yes, which leads me to believe it's a power neither of us are familiar with.

[ This doesn't feel like the work of an Aeon. ]

In fact, I think we're quite a long way from the cosmos that we know.

I do not think it is anywhere that THEY can see or reach us. [ multiple they. ] At least, I cannot feel or hear or sound as I usually do.

Is it the same for you?

[ even if his cornerstone is shattered, back home, it'd still be able to do something. ]

The very same.

[ His tone becomes grim. ]

We've been severed from our paths. And with no way to contact our respective factions, we're stranded here.

We may be, but I don't think either of us will take being stranded sitting down.

... Even if I haven't found anything to lead us out yet.

[ her ear wings droop a little. ]

[ Even if her ear wings droop, Aventurine appreciates the fighting spirit. ]

I didn't get to see this side of you before [ because she was DEAD ] but I'm glad to see it now.

[ she's a little amused. ]

I don't think you had much time to see any side of me.

[ on account of being DEAD. and then he was ALSO DEAD. ]

It is not as if I set out to be the Chordmaster because I had no resolve.

[ becoming famous is not for the faint of heart. ]

[ Hums in agreement, but also thoughtfulness. ]

I'm looking forward to getting to know you in person, Miss Robin. I have to say, you're nothing like your brother.

[ He has to mention Sunday because he's still bitter about their last encounter, oop. ]

[ aventurine.... she knows what her brother is like, even if perhaps she did not know nearly enough in these past few years. that was her own failing.

her expression flickers, dimming for all of a second, before she shakes her head. ]

We are more alike than not, but I would not turn your friendship away. We would be more successful if we share our wings with one another.

I'm in agreement with you there. And the others that were brought here seem more than willing to work together, too.

[ Which feels WEIRDGE... What do you mean they're not all at each other's throats. ]

We all have a common goal. I suspect it'd be a bit more individualistic if we all weren't taken for whatever this is.

[ she thinks it's not unlike all the factions in penacony trying to work together for that mystery that was her family's betrayal on at least two different levels. ]

Instead of the land of dreams, this is the land of abandonment.

[ or sacrifice. ]

Let's not get all doom and gloom about our situation.

[ That can come later. ]

In any case, should you need anything from me, I'll only be a stone's throw away. I know you may not see the IPC in a favorable light, but while I'm in this place, consider me a friend.

It was a description of the village we have found ourselves in.

[ it looks like the village of a low budget horror film to her, but she is too nice to say it so bluntly. ]

The Family and the IPC have always differed in how to handle Penacony, but I hold strong to my own beliefs. As long as you do not cause disharmony, I will be happy to consider you a friend.

[ her standard is just do not be as bad as sparkle. ]

[ Oh lord, he's so good at disharmony, though. ]

Then, Miss Robin, the best of luck to the both of us.

[ UNTIL TOMORROW'S PC ]

[ ROBIN... You are at the cabin now, well, Aventurine has come to find you. ]

Can I pull you out for a moment?

[ Oh, and he's also got the word "murderer" floating around on his cheek. ]

[ AVENTURINE.... who abandoned her at the cabin....

she sees murderer but doesn't stare. she's polite like that. the word "brother" is peaking out of her little sleeve/arm wrap thing. ]

Of course. What do you need?

[ Tries very hard to control his expression when he sees the word on her sleeve...

ANYWAY!! ]

Just thought you should know that the others from our cosmos and myself have ended up in the barn. [ He does not sound very enthused about it. ] I see your luck's treated you better.

[ she wonders if she should broach the subject of her brother with him someday, but today is not the time for that. ]

The odds of that are incredible although it doesn't seem like the most fortunate odds for you. [ from the way he sounds. ] Thank you for telling me, Mr. Aventurine. Will you be all right?

[ she doesn't know how contentious things are between all of them, but they are from different factions. ]

[ No... He will not be all right. ]

It's fine. [ Waves aside the concern. ] If that Ranger has a problem with me, he can find somewhere else to sleep.

[ If he even sleeps at all. As much as Aventurine hates that he's been assigned the barn, he will not be the first to move out because that wouldn't be very dominance establishing of him. Anyway! He's eager to change the subject. ]

Do you know your roommates?

[ dominance establishing.... ]

Did the Trailblazer not also have a problem with you?

[ the way he spoke, she doesn't think it's smooth sailing although she thinks caelus is more reasonable and accepting than boothill. ]

I've spoken to most of them. I'll be sharing a room with Miss Aqua.

The Nameless and I are friends.

[ THIS IS SOOOOOO UNTRUE. ]

Oh, Miss Aqua! She's lovely. Almost as kind as you.

Mr. Aventurine, if you'd like to lie, please lie better. I've already spoken to him.

[ she's not mad about it. she is just saying. ]

There are plenty here who are as kind as I am.

Ha... He didn't have anything nice to say about me?

[ HIS FEELINGS. ]

[ help

robin is almost amused. ]

He did not say anything unkind about you. There is more work to be done between you two.

I suppose that's my own doing.

[ "Suppose"... It was definitely his doing. ]

What about you? I don't know your relation to the Nameless, or if you have one at all.

[ any faint amusement fades. ]

It's a little complicated... I remember a little more than he does, so... perhaps I'm not so unlike you.

Strange, isn't it? That we've been pulled from different points in time.

[ It sure did complicate things on his end having to explain certain things to Caelus. ]

It's one thing to pull people from different cosmos and universes, but different periods in time? I wonder if something went wrong in how they summoned us.

[ otherwise, what's the point? ]

I am trying not to tell him too much of what happens next.

... Oh.

[ WELL THAT'S NOT WHAT HE DID ]

I may have told him what happened on my end.

.... It is your right to tell what happens to you, but with my brother.... I do not think Caelus has the finesse to not set off his suspicions, if he retains that knowledge upon going back.

[ she thinks caleus would just make sunday even more neurotic with future knowledge. ]

Did you tell him about Sunday?

[ He understands... And then at her question, he shakes his head. ]

I didn't think it would be my place, what with you being here.

[ such consideration from aventurine. her expression softens. ]

Thank you. I appreciate it. [ sincerely, she does. ] I know many will be asking me about him this week. [ she touches where her ink is displayed. ] Your experiences are your own, so I don't think it's right to say you can't talk about him... when even I don't know everything that happened between you two.

[ she doesn't know if aventurine knows what happened during the charmony festival either if he was stuck in some nihility realm. ]

[ He's stuck in that 2.1 version only, yippee. ]

... One of these days, I'm hoping to tell you.

I'll be waiting, but.... as much as I do want to hear your story, don't feel obligated. Our friendship doesn't have to be shaped by how much you give me.

I don't have much else to offer.

[ He is used to showering people with gifts for their friendship......... ]

For all that you talk with flair, Mr. Aventurine, for once you are selling yourself short. Everyone has something they can give that doesn't come from materialism.

Shall we find out what it is together?

... I'd be delighted.

[ FLIES INTO YOUR STARTER ]

[ you can drop our threads at any time

she is going to test how delighted he's going to be by tapping her cheek to mirror where his says murderer. ]

How do you feel about this?

[ YOU FIRST

Aventurine's gaze travels down to where she'd tapped, but he can't get a good read on it. ]

What's it saying this time?

Murderer.

Wow. Not pulling any punches, is it.

[ COOL. ]

I'm an open book, Miss Robin. [ sure ] I did what I had to do in my younger days to survive.

[ she doesn't think stonehearts become stonehearts because they're open books, but ok. ]

We are all pushed to extremes at some point. Is your survival the most important thing to you?

[ Hmmm. ]

... Yes. Or, back then it was. I had made a promise to someone.

It's important to keep your promises, but sometimes, it's difficult to. [ a beat. ] ... But if it was a promise for you to live, I think it's a good one.

[ ... Even if it meant watching everyone around him die? He's not sure. ]

Maybe. I have a lot about myself I need to discover.

[ would he want their deaths and wishes to be in vain and disregarded? This is how she wants to move forward from her mother's death.

Her smile is soft. ]

We all do. You and I both. Isn't that a part of living?

I suppose it is.

[ He hasn't really understood the point of living until very recently. ]

Thank you, Miss Robin. Our little chat here was... enlightening.

I'm always happy to talk with you, Mr. Aventurine. Whether or not you get along with my brother.

[ she hasn't missed his reaction every time sunday is referenced. ]

[ i'm sleep deprived and waiting for my coffee and gazing at all my pcs post aventurine's death

in the meanwhile, robin will lead aventurine to her bedroom away from all the people who have invaded the cabin on this night that he is dying, so they can chat more one-on-one. you know, like his conversation with sunday but maybe a little less forced honesty with fewer ultimatums. ]

Mr. Aventurine, if it's not too much to ask, how did yesterday go for you?

[ when you were in love? is he still in love? she wants to know. ]

[ Just... sighs. He had come here with the intention of laying out his griefs from the past two days, but now that the time has arrived, he's feeling a lot more hesitant about it.

But he's already here, and with everyone having discovered that they can't leave, he's not left with many options. Hopefully the few drinks he'd had with Daan start to kick in soon. ]

... Terribly. I've made an absolute embarrassment of myself.

[ Laughs... a sad, self-deprecating laugh... ]

[ she sits down on her bed and gestures for him to take a seat—whether it's on hers or on the other one. there isn't much in the way of furniture. the self-deprecation makes her brows furrow a little. ]

Embarrassment how? What happened?

[ He'll take a seat across from her on his bed. This is now the third bed in this cabin that he has occupied in some way, shape, or form. ]

Well... I admitted to loving a man that I hardly knew.

[ third? he's not beating the slut allegations despite how much i know about him

she had a feeling.... but it's not as if she knew him well enough that love couldn't blossom.... ]

It's not as if that was your fault. You didn't do anything more than that, did you?

[ CRICKETS ARE ANSWER ENOUGH RIGHT ]

[ I SEE

she sees, too. oh, dear. she reaches over and pats his hand gently. ]

I am sorry your emotions were manipulated, but it is not wrong to feel strongly.

[ JUST..... sighs. ]

Truth be told, I had never felt like that before. When I think back on the events of the prior two days, I can hardly recognize myself.

Love changes people, but it's better if that love comes naturally instead of being forced upon you.

It was nice to see you a little happier, though.

[ Comes back because i miss you robin and this hell week is almost over. ]

I really want to know who did this to me.

[ tell me about the teeth ]

If we can obtain a list of the monster affinities, you can likely narrow it down to the monster even if not the actual person.

[ What teeth? ]

It's a worth a try asking our Overseers if we can obtain a list.

[ the whole chart column full of teeth ]

I'll ask or see if someone has asked. It shouldn't hurt to know what's out there. It shouldn't reveal too much. Multiple mythologies share similarities.

[ Should Robin wander into the jazz bar, Bop to the Top, in the middle of the day on Monday, she'll find Aventurine there in a corner booth. He looks distracted as he scribbles something into a notebook, and there's a filled glass beside him as he works.

But he'll look up when he catches sight of movement and his expression, stormy before, becomes a little brighter as he smiles and raises a hand in greeting. ]

Miss Robin! This way.

[ Gestures her over to his booth. ]

[ the jazz bar will be her second graveyard home. robin returns aventurine's smile before she wanders over and slides into the the booth across from him. ]

Mr. Aventurine. You look as if you're keeping busy.

[ He's going to push what he'd been working on off to the side as she settles in to give her his full attention. It's been so long since they've seen each other and much has happened since then. ]

Not as busy now that we have so many people willing to help.

[ Truly, their little town has grown massive over the last few weeks. ]

Can I get you something from the bar?

Everyone is so kind and helpful, aren't they? A bit different from what we're used to.

[ this is as mean as she can get about all the hsr factions. ]

I wouldn't want to trouble you. I drink out of courtesy, at most.

[ if he insists again, she'll make aventurine play the bartender minievent. ]

[ The way he was literally complaining about how nice people have been not too long ago... ]

Well, I'd certainly appreciate it if you could join me.

[ Motions to his own drink that he has been drinking alone like a sad, friendless person. ]

[ complaining? aventurine, accept the friends you always say you want. ]

I could never leave you alone. I'll take something light, then, with a note of thinking of better times.

[ you really did assign him honkie mini game

But he'll do a quick salute and take a short walk over to the bar to come up with something. When he gets back, the drink's colors are a whimsical blue and a warm, sunset yellow. It's refreshing to the taste, nothing especially overpowering about it as the flavors mix together nicely. ]

For you.

[ Slides it over to her before returning to his seat. ]

How have you been, Miss Robin? I can't say I'm sorry to see you here.

[ i didn't lie....

very pretty. she takes the drink with a smile and tries it. ]

That's lovely, Mr. Aventurine. I'm a little better than I was. [ a small understatement to being freed of affliction. ] It is good to see you again, too although I remember you mentioned being reluctant to write to me.

Oh, yes, the letters. I owe you an explanation... As one of the first people here, we discovered early on that the cult didn't have eyes on us, allowing us to move against them freely. I felt as though the letters might give away our advantage, so I held off for some time until guilt finally ate away at me.

[ Sometimes you just end up missing people too much. ]

Hehe, you're pretty tenderhearted for someone who used to be a Stoneheart.

[ it's very light teasing. ]

For once, I'm glad guilt ate away at someone. I do understand wanting to be strategic, but the cult doesn't seem to have half as many eyes as either the Family or the IPC.

[ they don't seem to be quite as capitalistic or controlling as either of their factions, just desperate to summon some kind of god. ]

Yes, that does seem to be conveniently true.

[ It might almost make a person complacent if they weren't as paranoid as Aventurine. ]

I think you'll find that much about me has changed since our last in-person conversation.

Would you say it's for the better or for the worse?

[ she can't imagine anyone not changing at all during their time here. ]

... Better.

[ Said a bit softly and equally as fondly. ]

It's been a while since the last time I was surrounded by people like this. Almost a community.

[ cute... robin's smile is warm. ]

I'm happy you experienced such warmth. Who all made you feel so welcome?

[ who are your faves, aventurine? ]

[ HMMMMMM... He'll give this some thought. ]

... Miss Aerith and Aqua are both especially kind. I've gotten to know Lucas, Nona, Pickles, and Karma a bit. And Astarion, Izutsumi, Mr. Daan, and Karlach have been newly welcome additions as well.

[ Smiles. ]

Of course, you are too, Miss Robin.

[ why isn't nehan listed here

robin smiles. ]

It seems as if you've managed to make a good number of friends. I'm glad to hear it. Circumstances aside, I'm glad to have this chance to get to know you better.

[ isn't that the question of the day ]

I feel the same way. It may have taken us some time to find our way back to each other, but we have plenty of time to make up for what was lost.

So, has anything significant happened since the last time we spoke?

[ Besides the murder and execution. ]

[ throws phone on the ground what's the point of being in the gy if you won't tell me nehaven is real or not ic (i'm kidding) ]

Besides being surrounded by murder and death? Those are the things that stand out the most.

[ she's mostly been valiantly holding onto hope when and where she could. ]

[ that shipping chart is going to be the death of me i think ]

Ah, yes. It was quite different for our sides... With every death and murder, we happily received our friends here while the living were left to mourn.

[ Dying w0 actually saved him from so much depression. ]

[ let us have our delusions or our realities....

HE IS ALREADY DEPRESSED. ]

It is quite a different atmosphere. It's stark, but it's not something I'd want to compare heavily. [ it's insensitive. ]

It is difficult to be left behind, as much as it is difficult to let go.

[ IT SAVED HIM FROM SO MUCH MORE DEPRESSION ]

Left behind, yes, but if everything goes according to plan, not for long.

[ And he has to believe that things will work out. ]

I have faith that it'll work out.

[ what is she, if she doesn't hope? ]

Enough of them realized and knew what needed to happen from before I arrived here. It's only a matter of how... and when they decide to do it.

How would you want it handled?

[ who would he have as the final five ]

[ Ah. He shakes his head. The others have most definitely thought about this, but Aventurine won't. ]

It's not up to me, and I... I wouldn't be able to choose.

[ Even if this one is a hypothetical, it reminds him of the real decisions he's had to make. ]

I can't imagine how they're choosing when the time comes.

[ her surprise comes quick, but it fades into a small smile. everyone in their cosmos knows how the ipc operates in broad strokes, so to hear this response from aventurine is a pleasant surprise. she knows how individualistic everyone can be, especially the higher in position they rise, so she appreciates this answer. ]

I like this side of you, Mr. Aventurine. You're right. It isn't up to us to choose, and it doesn't do much for us think about the hypothetical, but I like to gauge how people feel about it.

[ to see what they want, what they wish, what their hopes are. ]

It'd be a terrible decision for anyone. My heart goes to those who still have to make it, and in a very selfish way, I'm relieved I don't have to be one to make it.

[ even though she could, if it came down to it. even it would make her less herself. ]

[ He really has changed in a lot of ways since arriving here, forced to create genuine bonds with people, to know what it's like to care and be cared for. But with it had come the trauma of picking said bonds during sudden adventures or break-ins, choosing who would live or die, and he's decided he's done enough of that. ]

... I share in that sentiment, Miss Robin.

[ It does feel incredibly selfish, but he's always been a selfish person to begin with, so why is it different this time? ]

But I know they'll do everything they can. The people we've left behind and the people who have joined us here, they're a league of their own.

[ she holds up her glass. cheers to that. ]

We all have a common goal, and that's something we can count on.

[ REMEMBERS MY PCS

He'll clink their glasses together in a toast. ]

Then, to our upcoming success.

Edited 2024-07-31 20:29 (UTC)

[ that was a messy end to their last trial. they let a teenage girl keep on a murdering, and another overseer died.

she comes looking for him after. ]

... Mr. Aventurine. Your thoughts?

[ He's here looking troubled by everything they'd just seen. ]

I'm exhausted.

[ As is usually the case after trial. ]

How are you holding up, Miss Robin?

[ she is troubled, too, saddened by much, but she's good at looking fine about it. we love the family. ]

That end gave a shock to everyone. [ including her. ] I am worried about how everyone is taking it.

Judging by most reactions, I think it's safe to assume the answer is bad.

[ Ashlyn's just a kid and Essek is. Well. He didn't deserve any of that. ]

Are you planning on making the rounds to check on people?

[ and yet aventurine was so rude to essek upon arrival. ]

Here and there. I don't know how much I should seek people out today.

[ she is under an odd effect cocktail right now, and there are many fresh and raw emotions. sometimes, people need time alone. ]

Tomorrow... after everyone arrives, I may try with a few more.

[ ESSEK IS DIFFERENT ]

You don't need me telling you this, but don't push yourself too hard.

I'm not. I know how to take breaks.

I'm glad to hear it. I've found that people often don't.

[ Like 90% of this graveyard's inhabitants. ]

[ she smiles. ]

I'm not surprised. Most of the people here seem to have unhealthy habits.

[ but it's not like this is a setting that encourages better mental health. ]

And most seem to think we can't stop because of the situation we're in, but that's why we aren't alone.

I've been trying to remind myself of the same, but it's not always so easy.

[ He thinks back to everyone working so hard... ]

The constant ordeals and the people keeping themselves busy aren't conducive for a relaxed atmosphere.

No, it isn't. Not when the weeks unfold like a schedule.

[ thursday fog trauma, friday investigation trauma, saturday trial trauma, sunday execution trauma. ]

But people do try to organize something to lighten the atmosphere every once in a while. [ the parties and the party games. ]</small Those are breaks in their own way.

[ Laughs... It sounds strained, though. ]

Yes, there are those moments as well. Strangely enough, I've found they've had their own share of problems.

[ Both chaotic Mondays with their abundance of curses along with parties and the party games that can get out of hand. ]

[ not my fucking small tag ]

Have you been a bit too forward where you shouldn't be, Mr. Aventurine?

[ It happens to all of us... ]

Me? [ Aghast! ] Of course not, Miss Robin. You should have seen what I've had to deal with when I'd simply been minding my own business.

[ she smiles, amused. ]

Oh? Do tell me.

[ THEIR GOSSIP HOURS. ]

[ THE FEET COMPULSION WAS GODAWFUL but it's over and now Aventurine will never have to think about Robin's feet again. He will, however, think about how she died to Pyramid Head?? What was that all about, why was everyone OUTSIDE while Aventurine watched from his apartment window like :man_standing:

Anyway, he's here now wherever she is. ]

Hello, Miss Robin. I hope this Thursday will be a peaceful one for us.

[ He already knows it won't be. ]

[ so many people know robin's feet intimately now.... robin had to be outside so her feet could be perceived. ]

It will be more peaceful than yesterday. [ she is WILLING it. ] I'm glad you remained safe.

All that's left is... making sure we lock in what we want to do with what we have to spend.

Yes, the deadline is approaching quickly.

[ Only a few more days now, and tensions have started to pick up. ]

It sounds like most people are in agreement, so that final decision shouldn't take very long. Should it come to a fight, I'll be relying on you.

If we don't end up getting our abilities returned, I'll be more of a liability.

[ in the possibility the rock allocation goes to something else or they don't work as planned. ]

But in the case they do, you may rely on me. I'll help everyone to do their utmost. My song will reach you.

[ her energy regeneration rate won't matter when the party can be more than 4..... whoa

she is thinking they'd have a slightly easier time if his cornerstone is in tact, but... they should still have synergy regardless. ]

[ Thinks of her regeneration rate and his 7/7 follow-up attacks + shield stacks like... they're gonna go insane. ]

Thank you. The day of the ritual is approaching fast.

[ Everyone's grown antsy... ]

I don't envy the friends we've left behind.

[ time to rain chips

the stress and anxiety are harder to hide once the d day approaches. ]

Neither do I. I can't even imagine what they'll have to do when the ritual goes underway.

[ it's not exactly in her wheel house of experience and knowledge. ]

[ aventurine did so much shielding today. robin is done with taking down gods just about to birth and gods just birthed, but she's at peace with the results. no god to make things things worse for everyone.

she holds out her hand to aventurine when she sees him after the cult is cleared. ]

Do you feel better now that it's over?

[ she knows the mystery of his future still hangs over him. ]

[ Accepts her hand... They do so much handholding it is cute. ]

I've still got some business to sort out, but I am relieved that the hard part's been dealt with.

[ she thinks about how she doesn't think she'd have this kind of friendship with aventurine normally and how she doesn't want to think favorably of being kidnapped by cults, but it is cute he readily holds her hand. ]

They did well with how they messed with the god's summoning. [ and then everyone went to town with various types of bullying and other combat. ] What are you planning to do next?

[ Sometimes things like this just become the new normal... ]

Hmmm, decide the next steps? I'd been wanting to do it sooner, but certain factors required that I wait until the outcome of this ritual.

[ And now they have it. ]

I take it you'll be returning to our cosmos, Miss Robin?

Now you have the outcome, so that's no longer in the way.

[ she nods. ]

I am. There's no other option for me. The IPC is about to enter Penacony, and I must meet with them.

Ah.

[ That gives him some pause. ]

I have a good idea of who they're sending. They'll be formidable during negotiations.

[ she smiles. ]

I may not have as good an idea of you, but I'll make sure to take what I want as well from any negotiations.

[ Laughs softly, not at all in a derisive way. ]

It's true. After getting to know you, I'm more worried for their sakes. Good luck, not that you'll need it.

[ her smile brightens. his words make her feel so fond. ]

I cherish our friendship. More than I thought possible.

[ Oh... That takes him by surprise, enough so that he falters for a moment. ]

You'll have to give a little more warning than that next time.

Hm? Where would the fun be in that?

[ it's both funny and sweet that this is what makes him falter.

teasing aside, she is sincere. ]

Please don't give into the nihility, if you return.

I won't. Of that, I'm most certain.

[ He'd made up his mind about that one, at least. ]

Thank you, for everything.

You truly have changed so much since the first week here, for the better.

[ she's truly happy about it. she smiles and gives his hand a gentle squeeze. ]

What is to thank me for? I haven't done much.

ROBIN.

w0, friday cont.

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w0, monday.

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you will rue the day you did this to me

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w0, thursday

you really did this

you will suffer me (you don't have to suffer me)

i will suffer you :)

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w6, monday.

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