joachim

Raising their hand, they placed it under their chin, speaking, "Why did you ask for me again, Aventurine? I don't exactly remember dawdling being on the agenda today."

He seem to laugh at their comment, moving over to hit his hips to theirs. "Come on, loosen up, won't you?" he teased, eyes twinkling as his gloved hand handed them a glass. "I simply wanted some company, that's all~ your friends have been awfully busy with their partners, and it's obvious that you haven't had anyone for this special day."

"That's because I'd prefer to be alone."

"Ah, details, details," he said, waving his hand off before continuing, "You understand what I mean, right? Honestly, you need a little excitement in your life! For a trailblazer, you're awfully..."

Aventurine paused, his eyes narrowing with an emotion crossing his eyes. However, whatever it was that they saw had left.

"... Well, let's just say bland."

The trailblazer frowned.

"And you're awfully rude."

Grabbing the glass, they inspected it, letting Aventurine's laugh go from one ear to another as they took a swig. their eyes narrowed at the taste from the drink, but they said nothing before putting the empty glass down.

"Anyways, you didn't just call for me for a chat, did you?" they asked, taking their seat and watching him do the same. "Out with it, Aventurine. What is it this time?"

The blonde hummed, grabbing a coin and flipping it in his hand. Fingers twirling and turning the coin, he flitted his gaze down, then returned to the anonymous? trailblazer.

"I'd like to play... A game," he began, but his eyes remained on them. "Something simple to get things started. It's not much, is it?"

"Depends," they answered, waving for a bartender to brew another shot for them. "Though, if you're curious on what I'm like, that'll be a different story."

"Hm, hm, I am," he answered, but that smile wasn't reaching his eyes. "However, I am more interested in your perspective of things. Can't say that you've been an anomaly here, you know? Care to indulge me a bit?"

The trailblazer opened their mouth... Then paused. Gears began to turn as they answered, "Fine. So as long you're paying for the drinks."

Hook the line.

"Bingo. I knew you'd agree."

Snapping his fingers, his eyes twinkled as the game (metaphorically) began.

20 questions.

"How long have you been associated with the Hostelry?"

"A year."

"Do you know the owner here?"

"Miss Lear? I do. She and I are friends for years now, long since she started the Hostelry. Used to work for a commissioner until she resigned to run different businesses."

"I see... How about the other guests? Ever know them?"

"I know that scholar, the 'doctor', the herbalist..." they listed off the rest on their hands, almost capping off of 15. "I know multiple people. Some dead, some alive, some... Missing."

His eyes narrowed. His smile tightened.

"Missing?"

"The memokeeper. The oath bringer. The owner of the express," they answered, eyes not betraying his with a twinkle and a swirl of their drink. "That joker, too. I know her very well. Shame she went missing, that one; people say that she and I are like two peas in a pod."

"I see," he nodded, raising a hand as the questions continued.

"Any particular reason you use code names here?"

"Convenience. Remembering all sorts of names can be tiring."

"Any troublesome patrons you've met in the Hostelry?"

"Only one. She left after 3 months of being a regular here. Had been because she was a thief."

Wait...

He paused. His brows furrowed in thought. They seem calm as they took a sip of their drink, continuing, "No need to worry, Aventurine. If you're curious on where she is, she's dead."

The way they said it was off. They were off. This city, this world, he knows its off. And this game, although he's spent it all asking questions, it felt... Methodological.

It felt staged.

"I see. Why don't we change it up?"

It happened fast. Too fast for one to track. One moment, the two were sitting comfortably in their chairs, the song playing softly from the jukebox...

... And the next was Aventurine taking them for a spin, getting off of his chair and dragging them to position. One hand on their waist, the other on their right hand, and both eyes—one of avgin and another of a wandering, worldless fool—meeting.

"Well?" he asked, effortlessly side stepping and leading the two to the stage with a cocky grin. "Can't say that you drinking as I ask would yield results, so I figured this is easier."

Being taken out of their element, he could see them stumble as they matched his quick pace, the song playing recognizable to the wordless wanderer.

Sip the GOSSIP, drink 'til you choke! Sip the GOSSIP, burn down your throat!

"Hmph, you jump at every moment of opportunity, do you?" they stated with a scowl, but they followed suit anyway. Spinning in his hand, raising a leg as they were tipped, only for them to return to position and quickening the pace. "A shame that I'm not a fool in dancing."

"Good," the gambler said with a chuckle, "I expect nothing less from you, friend. Why don't we dance?"

"Gladly."

To the outsiders, all they see are two people dancing, sharing looks that is nigh mistakeable for just two individuals bonding... In their own way, of course.

However, to Aventurine and his newfound interest, it was an unspoken pact; an elaborate play of pretend, lies, and deceit.

It was clear that he found them intriguing. Fascinating, even. Despite their previous interactions (which he didn't forget, for how could he?), he can tell they were smarter than they looked.

Each step was met with a question, and each answer was met with a sway and raise. Even as the song continued to play, both were masquerading to lead the other from knowing too much.

Both clearly know the rules. Both know that neither are unique.

For two birds of a dishonest feather flock together.