#temperedphoenix

His smile cracked as he lowered the glass, unable to find his words for a few seconds as disappointment registered on his expression. It was brief however and he was quick to recover. 

“Oh, is that all? I apologize for not delivering sooner, then!” 

If he notices his future brother-in-law’s clear aggravation, it has no bearing on his response, light and airy as the energy of the country they’re in. And yes, maybe the glass of wine isn’t helping him from being extra irritating. Maybe it wasn’t a great idea for meeting the famous Diluc, but it’s as good a greeting as he’s going to get!

Lumine had spent most of the night at Angels Share drinking and chatting the night away with various strangers. The booze kept flowing and she kept drinking, until Diluc announced last call. At that point, she slinked up to one of the barstools and asked for an extra large water, and maybe some carb-based food.

Normally she would've worried about annoying Diluc, making such a request at the last possible moment, but she needed something that wasn't liquor in her stomach or else the next morning would be absolute hell. She kept her seat at the bar, and when Diluc brought her the things she asked for, she mumbled a quick, 'Im gonna stay here until you leave' before she dug into her food

When the redheaded bartender started cleaning everything and putting things in their place, Lumine couldn't help but focus on the plume of bright hair that rivalled Diluc's vision, and once he got a little too close, she reached out and lightly tugged on his hair

"Your hair is so pretty, and soft. I just wanna sit and play with it" She murmured, her voice a little less slurry than before which signalled the carbs and water were doing their job of sobering her up a little

“Sure did! Want some~?”

The bard chimed with nary a care in the world, practically skipping down the path as he pulled out his lyre once more to provide them with a little ambience for their adventure. 

Strolling up to Kaeya, Diluc wordlessly pulls him in for an embrace. They remain like that for a few seconds before Diluc releases him and continues walking past him. “Don’t ask—” -temperedphoenix

reference to [this post] | @temperedphoenix

To say that his brother was a strange one would be putting it mildly on most days and Kaeya knew it but this just might take the cake. No, scratch that, it absolutely did.

Getting pulled into something that could be considered a hug of all things and then just walking like nothing had happened? It had been to quick and shocking for him to even react, blinking as Diluc hurried along. His mouth opened like he wanted to speak as he’d turned to look at him. But for once his clever tongue had failed him.

But really it might be a good sign so who was he to look a gift horse in the mouth?

Contrary to popular belief, Kurogane knew how to relax. Theoretically. And fishing was one way he did that, not that there were many chances when one had a full time job protecting Shirasagi Castle from any and all threats.

Since starting his journey he’s had significantly more time to hone the craft, even if it really had just been grabbing whatever he can to make a meal for their party of four (Mokona firmly does not count in his mind, because if she did her appetite would equal at least two full sized human beings).

So actually getting to stretch a line out from the docks and just spend time entirely focused on the exercise has been… nice. Shame they can’t keep the things after the competition but he figures he can always come back after.

Besides. So far he’s been stuck with small fry. “Tch,” he grunts to himself as he reels in another tuna that could hardly make a mouthful. He turns to drop it into his pile and when he does he notices the man next to him and the grip he has on the pole in his hand.

Kurogane puts his own pole over his shoulder to watch. Whatever this guy’s going for is putting up some kind of fight that’s for sure. But the redhead ain’t half bad, well except for the clear opening he just missed.

You feel stillness and motion pressing upon you from all sides. From this, you are stirred, and spurred by your awakening, you step from the long quiet.

You, DILUC RAGNVINDR , find yourself standing before the Temporal Tower, in a garden seemingly tucked away from the seasons of time. Still, people flock here beneath the borealis that lights the sky above, here to greet you. A Guardian approaches.

Hello young one…. and welcome to the Aevum Isles. Pleased, we are, to finally meet you! Preparations have been made for your arrival. We hope you will accept and cherish your time here.

You receive the following:

A House Key. Emblazoned upon it is: #104, Eterna Village

A Standard Issue Phone. It lights up when it manifests in your hand.

A LENTICULAR PRINT OF A FALCON. When you tilt it, you can watch as it flies across a mountain pass. It's perfectly sized to fit in a wallet!

Welcome to the Aevum Isles.