#psychobind

Taking a moment to post a super rough concept scribby of an idea @psychobind and I have been entertaining more recently, which is:

Wagnas' awoken/"butter-goddess" form having a nest of sorts! 🪺

// Noelmun here, sharing some info on the (2024) 10th Anniversary SaGa Prefecture Collaboration festivities that started yesterday.

So about a decade ago Ishikawa-san started collabing with Saga prefecture to boost sales/marketing for both the series and the prefecture's tourism. To that end, they do various collabs with local businesses and you'll see them around SaGa events. Seriously, they even have SaGa print on the trains.

So because of Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven being released this year, they're collaborating with the local government to have some of their residential taxes (ふるさと納税, furisato nouzei) be dedicated toward different initiatives. Each group gives a thank you gift and a card and I just wanted to point out two in particular.

The other five before those two are:

Noel - JA Foods glutinous rice, notable for its sweet flavor

Rocbouquet - Marubun ramen bowl set

Subier - Squid Siumai & Toppings Set (Crab, Squid, Shrimp)

Bokhohn - Shirokawa Tea Garden's Yoshino Tea

Kzinssie - Ariake Seaweed

But then come Dantarg's and Wagnas' items...

Dantarg's item is Sirloin Steak from Saga Central Ranch. I find it funny that the item, if you're from the UK, is a "rump steak". Even the devs know it!

BUT THEN COMES WAGNAS

with Munemasa Brewery DRAFT BEER. (RIP that poor butterfly during Dantarg's New Year's exchange with Wagnas...)

A fascinating property that accompanied common forms of snowfall was a quiet nature; a natural sound proofing. It was, in fact, beyond notions of fiction and fantasy to know it for its quietude as it was very real.

Aeden was a robust place, full of life in nearly every corner, be it flora or fauna. A widely acclaimed synthetic paradise and a home away from home for many. The ambience was part of the experience; however, there was a tranquility that accompanied this snowy silence. It was as if the metropolis itself had been laid to rest. There was solace found in a more soundly - or soundlessly - sleeping city.

Plucking herself from the depths of her thoughts, she glanced over at Wagnas, who sat snugly upon a portion of the living room sofa with her. His gaze was locked upon the cold, quiet cityscape she pondered beyond the window. Taking note of the steam still drifting from atop the cup nestled within his grasp, she was reminded of her own, retrieving it from the coffee table. It was allowed a moment to rest before her; clutching it ever gently, she noted its reminiscent and serene aroma. A small sip was then taken. It was as soothing in taste as it was in fragrance.

Jasmine green tea was a favorite of hers - and it was no secret. Familiarity was interwoven into the essence of petals and tea leaves that comprised it, though, there was something that carried what felt to be a memory within its taste more precisely as well. She had partaken of this blend before, perhaps... long ago. A vague recollection, but a recollection nonetheless.

Reclining once more, she briefly contemplated the stretch of blanket that claimed her shoulder. It was given a soft tug, assessing whether or not it could be persuaded to allow her more of it... alas, it would seem there was only so much to be given. From here, anyway. Which was to say, there was an answer to the miniature dilemma of this missing manta, but...

With some hesitation and a signature brand of uncertainty, Sal contemplated said resolution. Her eyes scaled facets of the table, the floor - they darted about her with little aim, really, before she shifted mere inches to the right. Just a little. Just enough.

But it wasn't enough... the blanket would not yet yield the fuller extents of its comforts, oh no. How was there still not enough blanket? It was a big blanket!

The wayfarer moved again, another short measure to the right... Unintentionally brushing against Wagnas' leg with her tea-bearing hand in the process, it was retrieved in an instant - or as swiftly as a tea-bearing hand could be withdrawn. Not that it much mattered. For she now sat flush to him, shoulder to shoulder. At least the blanket finally gave way... somewhat.

An apology wasn't necessary and withheld by extension; nevertheless, it was written all over her face.

"Could almost be a painting." The view was offered commentary, her voice soft, despite addled nerves. "Does it snow back at home?"

'Tis New Year's Eve, a timeless tradition even he cannot claim ignorance of. In his time, the court would erupt in cheers, nobles drunkenly embracing one another in the parlor, laughter and revelry filling the air. He recalls it now, through his own memories and the countless lives he has absorbed, a thousand New Year’s kisses witnessed but never partaken in.

Perhaps it is the warmth of the single drink he's allowed himself, or perhaps it is the occasion, but this once, he feels compelled to indulge. As the countdown echoes around them, reaching two, he leans closer, hesitant yet intent. The clock strikes twelve, and his gaze finds hers... pleading, searching for a sign. Slowly, he leans in, a feather-light brush of lips, fleeting and questioning, gentle and patient, leaving her every chance to shy away, as he mostly expects she will.

🎆 🎇

In Aeden, the year was soon to pass at this specific hour, another to take its place - a cycle reaching its beginning and end. Among these rounds, there were some that felt to be but a blur or a blink of an eye, both bland and brilliant in their brevity. And so, in reflection, what kind had this one been?

A sentimental stare hung itself somewhere among the beyond before landing upon Wagnas. The wayfarer smiled warmly. Fleetingly, however, as she realized she was now caught in the wake of a closing distance. A seemingly particular means of it. He was... this was...

She could feel it. Something down to her very DNA that faltered; the tips of russet locks sparked, fading in part, their translucent, ethereal glow softly dancing like blades of grass met by an unfathomable breeze. It was as if her preternatural cells would wish to flee, but... in this proximate vicinity, she could only fall still.

Lips barely parting as if intending to speak, such words would remain unseen, only their intention to be carried across a single breath. She was not unlike a ghost upon him. She lingered, ensnared in this quiet limbo of hesitation.

Her gaze drew away... she herself almost did the same. Again. Alas, she remained. Until finally... with eyes closed, so too was the distance ever gently.

In ways entirely and delightfully unanticipated, this year spoke of a tale she hoped to turn the coming pages to. Its contents were beautifully curious.

“Good evening,” he said, voice warm, disarming. “Pray, have I trespassed beyond visiting hours?”

@psychobind

╼ ༺ :||          Mannerisms were well receive for such a stranger. He both dressed and spoke as one of nobility, yet all the day's scheduled meetings with Her Majesty have concluded and been accounted for. She regarded the man without these bearing these concerns immediately to light with a subtle nod of acceptance.

"If my guards have permitted you entry, then I see no accusation of trespassing," she reassured.

"Is something the matter, Romeo? You haven't moved in some time."

And there was a reason for that. Goobbue might have rather small eyes, but they were fierce predators and were very good at picking up the movements of some would be prey. Unfortunately this was not food… Well, they could be were it not for Fauna being right there. Instead Romeo just stood in place, staring at the patch of dirt where the stranger attempted to hide.

Fauna then looked in the same direction as her companion, trying to spot whatever got him so interested before she, too, saw the stranger. Judging by the choice of hiding spot, it was safe to say they'd been looking to scrounge up something to eat. A normal farmer might take up a pitchfork and chase off would-be thieves like this, but Fauna wasn't that kind of person.

"You needn't hide! I promise you aren't in trouble." In an effort to look less intimidating, Fauna smiled and went about stabbing the shovel she'd been using into the soft soil so it could stand upright.

Casually taking @psychobind and @soulxsteal around the ol' block for some trick-or-treating before the day ends (here, anyway!) 🎃🖤

Sal and Tsuniah will be escorting them around a friendly little neighborhood tucked away outside of Aeden (likely) to help provide them with a more "traditional" experience. But more importantly...

He will be joining them.

Sorry, Kairi, the thinks once again. In hindsight it hadn't been one of his best thought out plans. Not only had he still not found Sora, but it's put both the Organization back in his path and had caused her to fall into their hands. No doubt their Leader was gloating at that stupid moon of his back in the Castle that Never Was, while Xemnas' loyal dog was busy trying to chop Axel to pieces.

Bitterness is another thing he's not supposed to feel, but there it is.

A chakram comes to his palm, its weight an almost comfortable one as he takes stock of his surroundings. He's not sure where he ended up, mostly just conjuring up a portal to anywhere long as it's not where he was before, but... There's something slightly off about this place. Call it a hunch.