THE ONLY TRUTH.

from what she can gather, it seems as if he's experimenting on something, causing an unease to begin to settle over her. within her time, she has met two people who do such things, both drastically different in their approaches and morals. thus, it makes her wonder if it's even safe here, one step taken back that snaps a twig beneath her weight.

❝ Oh. I... ❞ there was no doubt he'd notice her now, given the silence has been disturbed, making her shrink in just a little bit. especially since the creature he had been working with seems to have darted off due to the sudden noise, whether for the good or the bad. ❝ Did I... end up disturbing you? ❞

until then, he sits on the chair brought here along with the other equipment, waiting patiently for that moment. his unexpected audience doesn't seem to be leaving though, prompting him to turn in her direction again. "...why are you still here?" is she expecting something else? an explanation, perhaps? or to take the creature and leave once it makes an appearance again?

"those are not the same at all. have you not had a normal conversation with someone you're getting to know? no one asks how old another is. they do exchange other information though." he's amazed she even managed to get this far speaking to anyone brought here. it may simply be first impression, but he's certainly not having much luck and he doesn't intend to spend hours arguing with her over it.

" The ears might not work a practical purpose but they're cute aren't they?"

Even ordinary items are designed after all - Eiden's in awe of this one for sure. It's fun! Veoc would probably would love it now that he thinks about it...

That said, he didn't expect it to be offered at him like this...

" Huh? Wait -- why? " Eiden then asks, sure he'd thought of that but he can't just take it!!

what he requests next, however, is far more surprising, evident on the way her expression shifts ever so slightly. it wasn't negative by any means, thus she can only hope he does not take the sudden shift as so.

"I expected nothing else, but I am surprised you are not working." surprised but relieved. and he'll leave out the little detail that he tried the shop before coming here, though she's likely to figure that out herself, if she hasn't realised already. she always has been one to work hard when she wants something. luckily she chose not to today, otherwise he may have needed to become an unremovable thorn until she agreed to stop.

✦well... Paimon's not native, of course. you wouldn't seen lots of her like the Netpups in Golden Ward. but she was here before you — that's the point she's making.✦

honestly, he was so... confusing! ✦—what?!

and here all she wished to do was dance, though perhaps she had misjudged the partner to do so with in this very moment. much like them now, it feels their efforts are always two steps forward and then one step back.

where there is a want to speak out, she simply bites her tongue, figuring it best not to soil anything further now as much as she wishes to as she contemplates stepping away for the night. doing so proves to have been the right call, especially with his next few words. why he chooses to say them now after his earlier commentary grates at her nerves just the slightest, though it isn't enough to cause a spectacle between them.

in fact, she can only agree, just as he claims of it.

❝ ... yes. I do. ❞ she at least confirms that much, wishing to be open on that matter. ❝ I understand I have been... harsh 一 cold-hearted 一 for many a reason. Perhaps, even now, I still am despite much and more. That does not change the repercussions they have wrought, however, ❞ she relents, even if she believes they were a necessity at the time. ❝ It will be a trial not unlike taking the coreflames. For one to let go of the past is not so readily done by those who carry its weight, especially with all we remember now and its myriad of intricacies. But... it is something I have been more than willing to face for some time now. ❞ something she has wanted to mend for a length of time, a regret that lingers in her stifled heart alongside the possibility of reconciliation between her and cifera, too.

"no need to explain. we understand each other well enough to know our flaws. I am not so blind to your methods now as I was then, that was merely my own frustration." and the very reason he wants to avoid a repeat. they cannot prevent the inevitable difference of opinion, that would be impossible for two such as them. he can, however, learn to communicate better so they can talk reasonably in future. "none of that means anything here, which is why I believe it's time to move on." a trial it may be, but it's one he's willing to face than any alternative outcome.

he's more relieved she is open to the suggestion, perhaps now they can finally put things behind them to an extent, so long as they aren't arguing as often. that may be expecting too much, but there is some hope for them. "since we are in agreement, let's enjoy the rest of the evening. we'll discuss it further once we leave." in fact, he could extend an invitation, whether she's likely to accept or not, that is up to Aglaea. "you're welcome to stay the night. you have a longer journey home than I. the living room will be suitable enough for one night, so you may use my room." if that isn't enough to convince her, then...

✦when we met, Paimon WAS the local. and we made plenty of friends in Natlan who pronounced these names, but they're so long and complicated. it takes time to get them right.✦

Taken to a space between parked cars so not to obstruct already bustling walkways, the King of Knights stood transfixed under streams of lights celebrating adorning Archimedes' streets the coming holidays, ever impressed by their majesty. yet no matter how beautiful they may be, a concoction of bright blue and blinding white could not shake from her thoughts. The destination of one final push that would decide the meaning of their everything. A sort of haunting disconnect that persisted.

"you." he stops upon seeing her fixed in place, as if she were somewhere else rather then here. wherever that may be, it still isn't a good idea to just stand and do nothing for too long. "what are you standing around for?"

the night was all going well... until he speaks again, that is, of a small reminder that causes her to scoff ever so slightly.

he follows her guidance without complaint, careful not to disrupt the flow of her movement as they exchange words. "I haven't the faintest idea, that is why I mentioned it. problems are not simply fixed because the setting is different. you and I have much to accomplish in terms of... whatever you want to call it." in truth, he's not quite sure what it should be when there isn't much to begin with after everything, but he does want make an attempt at reconnecting with her properly.

THE NIGHT HAS DRAWN ON, enjoyably so, when she finds herself beside the man she accompanies here tonight. drinks line the wall as they stand, arms crossed one over the other as she observes all those dancing across the floor to the sway of the music at hand. ❝ It's quite the lively night, I'd say, ❞ she comments briefly, the sip of champagne small and swift, eyes flitting between those friendly faces she knows and many who are but strangers.

the clink of the glass is all that can be heard over the music, setting aside her drink for the time being. she allows some semblance of silence to befall them, seemingly content with his company, figuring this was no place for discussions of myths or theories alike. in that case, it left room for something else entirely一

an idea comes to her, impulsive as she is come times, as she turns to him. ❝ Will you dance with me, Anaxagoras? ❞

her question, he thinks, is odd and unlike her, confusion easy enough to see in the way he simply stares before saying anything. "...have you lost your mind?" what could even lead her to ask him of all people such a thing. it would be a lie though, were he to pretend he isn't curious what might be going through her thoughts in doing so.

contrary to the usual opposition, she would be met with agreement for once, despite it sounding somewhat reluctant. perhaps it's the volume of empty glasses that sway his choice, he is in quite high spirits tonight. as long as she doesn't make him regret it, that is. "I suppose amusing you once won't do harm." taking her hand and finding a space for them to dance freely, if a little hidden to one side in hopes no one they know will notice, he adjusts his hold and places an arm around her waist.

while her fabric lay bare on the streets, it wouldn't fly away so easily as parchment might, so it was a matter of urgency there. once she could grab as many as she could, she hands them over before looking at the man they belonged to, smile upon her features and all.

❝ Your theories 一 some of them seem quite intriguing. At least from the little I was capable of glancing at them. ❞ perhaps that was rude of her to do, only realizing it thereafter. hopefully he didn't mind so much, her already busying herself with the fabrics and needle kit. ❝ I believe that's all of them. Unless some managed to hide beneath my fabrics? One moment, let me see. ❞

with the pages collected and back in his hands, he frowns as she smiles. a sight he's never witnessed for himself before and not one he knows how to react to. it is a pity to have lost something so bright, but never mind that thought.