breath of the insect.

     “ Is this place always so…..noisy at these hours?”

          ❝ Uh, when I mentioned laying low, this… isn’t really what I meant, ❞ he muses, thinking on it a little longer. ❝ … actually, is there even a teahouse here? ❞

“ A’ight, y’all wanna see a cool magic trick? Watch as I go without sleep for like the next week just I can work out a new Summer Collection by the end of it! ”

“ Ha ha ha ha ha! This is gonna fuck me up real good. ”

甘雨 “Your manner of dress is fairly uncommon, were you attempting to be stealthy?” Perhaps her tracking methods would have worked on someone less experienced, but as she had lived for 1000 years while concealing a secret, she had become rather astute when it came to watching for observers. Not that this woman had been sloppy, she’d merely chosen the wrong target in the half-adepti.

“My… horns?” Ganyu knew it well. She only had two options, one of which was feigning ignorance. But was there a reason to hide her lineage in this city? Even so, this woman’s curiosity was suspicious. Perhaps honesty might be the answer? “…Is that how you see them? They’re merely indicative of my half-blooded heritage. Horns like these are typical of the Qilin, but as I am half human I suppose they must look strange…”

Qilin. The term isn’t familiar to her. But the horns are unmistakably familiar to that of an Oni. Yet she also speaks of being half-human, which is also rather curious. “I’m not familiar with the term. Perhaps you can help me understand what exactly a Qilin is.” 

     ❝  My assumption from the various amenities provided to us is that we are intended to stay, likely for an extended period of time. However… I too wonder if there still remains any means of escape.  ❞   Surely if there was a way in, a way out must also exist. Right? If they were to abide by logic that is, which this place has proved it does not.

甘雨 Was she being followed? She had felt it for some time now, the watchful eyes of someone on her tail. Ganyu, inconspicuous as she believed herself to be, couldn’t fathom what business a stranger might have with her, but thinking of her safety she inevitably led the presence into a busy winter park, where she chose to turn on her heel.

“Excuse me…” Yes, looking at her now? This woman, who bore resemblance to the people of Inazuma… She had seen her earlier in the day. They had merely crossed paths, so was this a coincidence?

“Do you have some kind of business with me? I’m afraid if you’re looking to mug me, I do not have much of value on my person.”

@hyakusoku​

Shinobu had thought herself better at being inconspicuous when it came to following someone, though it seemed she had lost her edge. Being led into such a public place with many people who would be able to bear witness...well, this woman was smarter than Shinobu gave her credit for. Such was the way with these beings. Those horns, however, could not hide her true identity. Deciding that it would be best to play it off rather go the honest route, Shinobu smiles though one hand remains firmly on the hilt of her sword.

“Exciting than magic you say? Vast Vocabulary? I guess i have doubted this thing. It may give me some minor or major assistance on other unknown stuff this place offers!”

“Is this tome even can cast magic? Why i can’t cast anything but all i see are gibberish and more gibberish!”

A native Fodlan dark mage and an English Dictionary doesn’t help at all.

well, she.. gave up, at least. or something. whatever it was, hanako’s just glad that it stops. and ‘it’s nice to meet you,’ doesn’t really feel nice. he kind of feels like he walked into something that’s going to be more trouble than he wants it to be. he does his best not to frown so much, but those attempts fall very short. he doesn’t think it’ll be very beneficial at all. especially if it depends on hanako; maybe it’ll be okay — no, he doesn’t believe that at all either.

“N…nice to meet yooo…” he’s not sure he wants to ask her name in return, but maybe he should? honestly, he wants out of this as quickly as he can. but knowing her name would help, in a way. “ouuu..? What’s your name?” well.. even if he doesn’t get it, he very much thinks it’ll be more than enough to just go somewhere else completely. he does, however, stop floating. it’s easier to run if he’s actually on his feet.

He's in a hurry to be away from her, that much is clear from body language and mannerisms alone. Thankfully for Gon, she's willing to leave well enough alone for today. But she definitely won't be forgetting him anytime soon or in the far future. It's in Shinobu's nature to pursue those who seem suspicious and it's unfortunate for him that he has ended up on her radar.

✧ “Something else? Like what? An astrologist is as good as useless without her abilities, and I cannot even use hydromancy in a combat situation. I might as well take up some kind of work that doesn’t involve my regular skills.”

✧ “Bleh, I need Mora… I mean, whatever the money here is called!”

“Is there a newspaper or anything here? I used to sell articles to the local one on Mondstadt.”

“There’s no mora here for you, I’m afraid. Dust is an option, however. As for a newspaper...I believe local residents take care of that but I’m sure that you are free to inquire with them, provided you have a willingness to learn.