moonstricken

It's not like it makes much difference, at this stage. Frederick's already tarnished reputation has been falling further and further to pieces, lately - even now, he can see the way that people look at him; their whispered words and judgemental gazes difficult to miss. He wishes he could say it doesn't bother him, but even now, after everything... he can still feel a hot shame creeping through him when he allows himself to dwell on the way people think of him.

But it doesn't matter. He's sure that now, watching him talk with Antonio, people must be curious, making up stories in their heads and imagining all kinds of wild theories as to what they think of each other. Yet... only Frederick knows the truth. And the taste of death that this man has brought him, time after time, is one he'll never forget.

"Mr. Paganini. I must say... your performance tonight was excellent, as always."

But it is not years ago. Now he travels out of a necessity, a burning need to keep moving. To stay in one place is to be trapped, and to be trapped is just as good as being a bird in a cage. The false sense of security that came with the illusion of freedom had a much sweeter taste, even if the aftertaste bitterly bit like bile in the throat. Stages that welcome him are but a fleeting success, something that he takes when the chance arises but never stays around very long for them to stick. Years ago, years ago... Years ago, he did not have the company that he currently keeps. 

It whispers to him as the worse-for-wear Kreiburg approaches. 'Doesn't he look familiar?'

The feeling of familiarity etches itself dreadfully within his mind, although the violinist cannot seem to fully make out just why. The undetermined amount of time in the manor was all but a blur, most of his time was spent a drunkard or completely "asleep." 

"Wonderful, glad to know that it won't be too much trouble on your part!" The Sakoku Decree...he had overheard some information about it from traders in the Angel's Share before. It warmed his heart to know that his friend had made such an impact on a fellow archon... even one that didn't particularly like him. "I see, I thank you for the advice. I'll be sure to look around and take in as much of the culture as I can."

"Ah, an excellent question...well, as you can probably guess, I am a bard by trade...and I'm also good friends with the illustrious traveler that's been roaming Teyvat with their mysterious guide and a sword in hand... though, rather than waiting for them to come back to Mondstadt to share their tale with me over a bottle of wine, I decided to take the initiative and hear of their exploits from the ones that they aided, and if what I heard in Liyue was any indication, they did rather big things in Inazuma as well."

Thoma perked up at the mention of the Traveler. He had been aware that the Traveler had met all sorts of people before even setting foot on Inazuma, and he was sure they had met many more even after they left, but it's not every day you meet someone from _somewhere else_ who has met them. "The Traveler? That's great!" Waving his hand, Thoma began to usher Venti to follow as he began to walk. "If it's people you're looking for, you might do better somewhere more populated. The route to the city is on the way to where I need to head anyway."

"But that isn't to say places like here, in Ritou, or Konda Village are worth skipping over either. I'd recommend coming to visit them when you can." As they walk, he waves his hand once or twice more to passersby people— all of whom greet Thoma back in return with their own smiles or bows. “Really, most places in Narukami are a safe bet in terms of travel.” And for outside? Well, Thoma mostly has his hands within the main Isle. Most of his work resides between the commission, with the other commissions being in Narukami alongside. While he does venture out to the other islands of Inazuma, he's most comfortable with Narukami.

An assortment of prompts and/or starters using only four words. Adjust as necessary to fit pronoun and/or descriptor. Reblog, please do not repost or add.

“ I don't need you. ”

“ Celebrate while you can. ”

“ It was too much. ”

“ I'm so, so sorry. ”

“ Let me love you. ”

“ Where have you been? ”

“ Why am I here? ”

“ I would love to. ”

“ I tried but failed. ”

“ You'll never forgive me. ”

“ I want to confess. ”

“ I will protect you. ”

“ You don't deserve me. ”

“ I don't deserve you. ”

“ You are safe here. ”

“ You choose your fate. ”

“ I have lost control. ”

“ I don't recognize myself. ”

“ You are to blame. ”

“ You lack the skills. ”

“ Be still, don't move. ”

“ Yet again you lie. ”

“ You are so beautiful. ”

“ Take it off. Now. ”

“ Look at you now. ”

“ Shoot before it escapes! ”

“ You can't do this! ”

“ Please don't leave me. ”

“ Please leave me along. ”

“ Worship me or die. ”

“ Bow before me, peasant. ”

“ Did you make this? ”

“ I can't believe this! ”

“ You are my villain. ”

“ You are my hero. ”

“ I don't take sides. ”

“ Run, don't look back. ”

“ My life is perfect. ”

“ Don't lie to me. ”

“ When is it over? ”

“ What is this madness? ”

“ Cut loose, have fun! ”

“ I hate you all. ”

“ I love you, dear. ”

Joker from this expression meme! this prompt came from twitter.

"Oh? You're sparing some hospitality my way despite the imposition on your travel venture's itinerary?" The Soaring Yellow Rose grins upon the pleasant revelation of her opposite's more personable reception of her otherwise more forward manner of greeting, balled fists settling on the dips of her hips. "I take it you're here on vacation?"

Assumption gathers at one glance at the man's more Inazuman-styled attire. Fashion preference or something that catered more to the stranger's cultural ties, it mattered not. He docked onto Fontaine's land and brought attention to himself like a fish out of water. Naturally, there was a strong inclination to befriend this ripple in the waters of what was otherwise a typical day in the land of Hydro. After all, what fun was there to be had in stagnant tides?

"Well. Who am I to deny such a friendly invitation? I'd be more than happy to accompany you as you settle down." Her head dips in acceptance toward his offer, making strides to seat herself across from him. A hum passes curved lips, precautionary warning being the first thing that occupies her thoughts in the presence of a foreigner to start their conversation properly. This, too, was Navia's innate sense of duty kicking in.

"Let me start off by saying to mind the more obscure laws that Fontaine harbors, lest you wish to get caught up in a sticky situation." Her mind drifts off to the instance spread of the Traveler's own misfortune the very moment they set foot onto Fontaine borders. While she was not there personally to witness it, word in this city of dramatics spread quickly ━ even the most minuscule ordeal all but required to be woven into some sort of spectacle for everyone to judge as they deem fit.

"Well then, Miss Navia," He extends his hand for a more proper way to introduce himself, bowing his head into his nod, "It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance. I'll be sure to keep both your name and your advice tucked away in the peripheral view of my memory." Not so completely out of sight that he may forget nor so dead center that he is forced to think only of it, but set aside just enough so that it lingers and recalls swiftly. Pocketed, to simply say.

"The young lady I work for would be far more aware of those laws than me. I'll have to ask her to fill me in more in depth when I return to the hotel..." His thoughts drift aloud, "I'm sure she has told me them in passing... She's been pretty excited about this trip."

Quickly, as he draws his hand away once hands shake, he then waves his hand-- to brush away the thought, so as to not get sidetracked within them. "But never mind that, Lady Ayaka isn't here currently." And neither the eldest. "It's just me, myself, and I in front of you."