hathasacat | [seasons] Inbox

((Questboard for reference!))

[The job seems simple enough. Framing someone else to get the heat off of this guy's back doesn't seem like a hard task, especially not for a Fatuus. It's sort of what they do, these kinds of things. Personally, he doesn't find the quest giver here to be very honorable and is probably one of those people who'd fall into the weakling category of his book, but money is money and he's got to make a living, too. Except Tartaglia is going to do this his own way.

Why not frame himself underneath his "alias", so then that might bring more notoriety to him? That means more clients. And it's not like he's hiding in the dark about it, so to speak.

But the first thing is he has to figure out how to do it- because stupid petty crime is a bit underneath him and boring if you ask him, and quite frankly his momma raised him right as far as that's concerned- so why not make it a big show? So he's currently tracking one of these celebs, inside of a nightclub where said target is currently partying it up. Tartaglia leans against the bar of the busy establishment, sipping on some liquor he's acquired from the bartender, keeping an eye on the actor that's got his entourage around him at a table.

The last thing he was expecting was that someone in that club would recognize him.]

[ Sometimes, his youthful appearance really was a curse. It made it that much harder for him to get into certain establishments, which meant he had to put even more effort into his appearance than usual. To get in, he'd forgone his usual magician's outfit in favor of a simpler outfit that made him look older and gone with a makeup style that did the same. And after getting Lynette's approval, he'd been off. ]

[ Why this nightclub though? From what information he'd gathered around the city in the last few days, it was one of the better places to get a feel for the underbelly of the city, and while Lyney didn't have any immediate plans to get involved with that lifestyle here, it didn't hurt to be aware of it. It's a lot easier to avoid what you knew about than what you didn't. ]

[ Funny how that little metaphor of his decided to play itself out right now. ]

[ He nearly drops his drink when he spots an all too familiar mask stroll by and take up a spot just a person over, and has to do the most subtle of double takes in his life to confirm what he just saw. ]

[ Yes, that really is one of the harbingers at the bar. For real, for real. And there's no way Lyney can avoid making his own presence known now without it coming to bite him in the ass sometime later. ]

[ A quick scribble on a card later, he flicks it over to land perfectly under Childe's glass when next he sets it down, an arrow on the calling card pointing in his direction. ]

[Childe's gaze flickers over to his target every now and again, acting as if he's more preoccupied with his phone than keeping a sharp eye on them. But when he finally sets his drink down, a card flicks across the table and lands expertly underneath it as he sets it down. He blinks once, but doesn't turn his head immediately, not forgetting where he was- but slowly he does look over, his eyes moving first before his head does.

Not many, if any, would try to get his attention. No one knows who he is in this world aside from the few friends he's made here, and even so those people would just walk up to him and greet him. So he wonders who's trying to get his attention, as he spots a blonde man in the direction of the arrow.

Doesn't he seem familiar? The Harbinger takes one last glance over at his target- they don't seem like they're getting up any time soon- and inclines his head towards Lyney over towards a different area of the nightclub. Getting up from the bar, he heads in the direction that he wants the fellow Fatuus to follow, until they've reached a corner where the music blares loud enough for their words to be masked but no one is too close, either.

Once there, Childe finally says:]

Interesting way to get my attention. You're a Snezhevich, aren't you?

[ Lyney's just as quick to pick up on the clues sent his way in return, picking up his glass with just enough passing time to make it not look suspicious that he walks in the same direction Childe had went in. His mind is racing with thoughts and questions and just a tad of disappointment at running into another member of the Fatui after all. ]

[ It'd been a nice thought, that they'd get to focus on their identities as magicians here, but purposefully ignoring a higher ranking member would've gotten them in far more trouble than not. ]

[ Then again, given some of the rumors that went around about Childe... ]

[ He tips his head in a show of respect once they're in the corner, since a full out bow would draw far more attention than either of them probably wants right now. ]

Yes, I am. Lyney, at your service. I believed something more discreet would be suitable given the nature of this place.

I apologize for interrupting your evening but I thought it prudent to make my presence known sooner rather than later. I hadn't realized there were others here in Ellipsa.

[With the proper respects out of the way, Childe waves a hand in dismissal towards Lyney. He appreciates and expects this from subordinates, but Ellipsa is a whole new situation and he doesn't want to put the guy on an edge that isn't necessary.]

You can relax. The situation here isn't so serious. Well, at least not for us.

["Us" meaning the Fatui, but he hopes that can assuage any concerns from Lyney's side.]

As it stands, I've been the only one here until you arrived. Tell me, are you aware if any others arrived with you?

[ Can't believe Childe would tell someone trained and raised by Arlecchino to relax- ]

[ But performances are one of the things Lyney excels at and he can at least take on a less rigid appearance and one more suiting to two friends having just run into each other at the bar. Which they most definitely are. ]

I see. I arrived alongside my sister Lynette, just under two weeks ago. As far as I'm aware, it's only us.

[Yep, just two friends hanging out at the bar, definitely couldn't be anything else~]

I see. Good to know.

[Two agents belonging to the House of the Hearth here isn't bad. Childe has no plans to utilize them, but just in case for the future...]

Perhaps another time we can discuss matters in regards to our work, but for now I think the two of you can treat this like a little vacation away from your duties. However, I do have a proposal for you. You are allowed to say no, if you wish.

[He's got an idea!]

I'm actually here for work myself...and if you're interested in making a bit of cash, I wouldn't mind having someone reliable to help me out. It pays well, and it would be right in line with your...skill set.

[ It's enough of a relief that Childe isn't putting them straight to work that has Lyney smiling a bit more genuinely now, giving a small nodding of his head in return rather than the bow he instinctively wants to make. Normal friends here!! ]

We'll certainly do our best to, thank you. I can give you our usernames later so you can contact us more quickly in the future.

[ Keeping in contact with a... semi-ally would be for the best in such an unknown place. While he doubts either him or Lynette would ever dare to try to call in favors of the other man, they could bring around any questions they might uncover while gathering information themselves. ]

[ That last bit... Somehow, he has the feeling Childe isn't talking about his work as a stage magician. And while his interest level might not have normally been too high, the high costs of starting up their act from scratch in a new place looms in the back of his mind. ]

[ ... Lynette would understand. ]

[ As if Childe had just started telling him some juicy gossip, Lyney grins and leans himself in, letting his voice drop to a level harder to hear outside of themselves. ]

Is that so? Please, do tell me more.

[Perfect, having the twins at his fingertips will prove useful in the future, but for now, onto more pressing matters. He smiles when Lyney leans in, interested in what he's got to say. If anything, money talks...and members of the Fatui are no exception.]

Alright. Do you see that man over there?

[He inclines his head towards his target, still sitting at the table with all the people they'd brought with them for this fun night out.]

I've been tracking him for a bit, for a client who wants to get a little heat off his back. It's a bit spineless of him, if you ask me, but I saw this as a great opportunity to expand my own business. I just need you to get information on him so I know when and where is the perfect time I can corner him and...make him disappear.

[He's not talking about a magic act, if the flash of bloodthirst in his eyes makes it apparent enough.]

So when I say it pays well, I mean it. I won't ask you to get your hands dirty, nor would you even have to be there for the action if you don't want to, you can leave that up to me- I've got to make money too, so I can't have you doing all the work, haha. You'd find that part of the work boring anyway...most of these guys don't end up putting up much of a fight, which is disappointing to say the least. But it does pay the bills, and quite handsomely.

Think you're up for the task?

[ Staging magic shows is expensive oka- ]

[ If Lyney were any less experienced, raised anywhere other than the House of Hearth, this sort of ask would have made him flinch away in shock. Grimace at the horror of the underbelly of the world, and that it would exist even here. But Lyney was all too familiar with this line of work. Had been sent on far too many missions himself to even bat an eye at it. He only considers over the pros and cons of how involved he gets in this sort of matter for a moment, balanced against the lifestyle he and Lynette were trying to lead. The outs that Childe leaves open for him that he would gladly take to keep their lives less complicated. ]

Yes. I can get you the information.

[ As a member of the House, that was their specialty after all. That sort of work would be easy with the information network he was also trying to build up. ]

If you don't require any support assistance for the catch, then I'll leave that matter to you.

[ It would be all for the better if Lyney didn't get involved in that side of the transaction; he knew there were far too many factors involved, and that he wouldn't have control over himself, for him to feel comfortable with stepping in. Worse yet, he knew he'd inevitably involve Lynette in the matter. ]

Perfect. Then we're partners in crime, I suppose.

[He laughs, a carefree one that hides the ferocity of the Eleventh, as he turns his head back towards the group of people he's been eyeing all night. He can see the target stand up, take his phone out, seemingly taking a call.]

Speaking of, I think now's the time to really put those skills of yours to work. Find out whatever you can, see where he's going after he leaves this place. I'm not interested in getting anyone else involved who don't need to be- they're not the target, after all. Bodyguards are one thing, but weaklings aren't ones I want around when it comes down to it. That's my only stipulation.

[He lets his hand fall onto Lyney's shoulder, before turning to make his way back to the bar.]

I'll be over there when you're finished. If you need any assistance or a distraction, just say the word and I'll back you up.

[He shoots the younger Fatuus a wink before finally separating from him, to let Lyney work. He's visible at all times, ready and waiting to step in at a moment's notice if something goes awry or if Lyney needs anything from him, sipping from a small glass of whatever hard liquor he's ordered from the bar.]

Edited 2024-04-25 01:46 (UTC)

[ Father would ground him for getting involved with the wrong crowd like this- ]

[ The relaxed nature of the Eleventh Harbinger really isn't one he's used to, and to his credit he doesn't flinch at the hand on his shoulder as the man passes by. He can't afford the time to, not when his mind is already moving right into work mode. The smile up he gives as Childe walks away is reflexive and the little wave he gives in return is to keep up their outward story of old, reunited friends. And this particular friend had a 'bar to enjoy.' ]

[ Chatting up people, slipping from shadow to shadow behind the magic of his cards, and most importantly making sure no attention is brought toward him or Childe during the whole thing. He took care to sell the image of a flirtatious and naive newcomer, lowering guards just enough to get the bits of information he needed to piece together a schedule. It's clear that he's comfortable with this kind of work, and when he returns to the bar to close out his tab, another card gets subtly slid under Childe's glass with a Fatuus-coded schedule and locations written on the face of it while Lyney strikes up a casual conversation as a cover. ]

Whew... I think I'm about done for the night. Going to stay a while longer?

[As Lyney works, Childe takes the time to enjoy a drink at the bar while simultaneously keeping an eye on his new partner and the work he's doing. Guy is good, he'll give him that for sure- there's even times that Childe misses the sleight of hand or other tactic Lyney uses to gather his info. From his standpoint, it seems like the House of the Hearth member is an expert at making people relax to spill a statement out here and there, and it doesn't feel like long at all before the magician joins him back at his side.

As quickly as the card appears, it gets taken and slipped into Childe's jacket. He'd read it in time, but he still needs to stay to keep a bead on the target.]

I think so, [he replies, waving the bartender down.] Care for a drink? It's on me tonight.

[The bartender comes over to take their requests, Childe asking for something lighter that isn't too strong for the moment, and the bartender will get whatever Lyney wants.]

The drinks aren't too bad, but there's still nothing quite like Fire-Water from the homeland. Have you ever had the chance? To visit Snezhnaya, that is.

[ It'd be rude to turn down an offer for a free drink from a superior, everyone knows that. But more than that, Lyney could use a bit of something to calm the slight nerves that snuck in once he finished his job. He's not rusty, it's only been a few weeks since he's been away from the House, but there were extra layers of difficulty that came with not being on his home turf and man... had he felt it. ]

[ Taking up a seat again, Lyney orders himself a light cocktail and turns his attention back to Childe, posture casual and relaxed once more. Just two friends, having a chat! ]

No, I'm afraid not. Most of our time goes towards work or practicing our crafts. Finding time for a trip away only got more difficult after everything that happened.

I imagine we'll be visiting one day though. Do you have recommendations you care to share?

[Glad that Lyney has taken a seat and is going to stay a minute with him to have a drink, he returns the answer with a cheerful smile regardless.]

Naturally! There's a lake not too far out from the capitol that's really popular to go ice skating on. Snezhnaya, as you know, is a land of perpetual winter, so it doesn't matter what time of year you go. Oh! And of course, you can't miss out on all the mom and pop shops so you can try the local specialties there. There's one particular restaurant I really enjoy...there's no one who can make pirozhki quite the way they can...

[It's obvious that Childe's going into his 'waxing poetic about the homeland' mode, his eyes wide and excited to tell Lyney all about Snezhnaya and the things that he and Lynette can go do there. His demeanor shifts from the work mode he was in to something more casual, almost as if it were hard to imagine him as one of the Fatui Harbingers.

With a tendency to ramble about things he likes, Childe talks Lyney's ear off for a minute about Snezhnaya until he realizes that he's been talking a lot...and cuts himself off.]

Anyhow, I hope that's given you food for thought. You don't mind if I ask what happened, though? Something I should know about?

[ Childe's homeland-love mode is exactly what Lyney needs to relax, not to mention sell the image of casual friends. He's only used to one harbinger at this point, and even then Father has a very strict way about her. But Childe's near child-like behavior reminds him so much of the other children of the House that he can't help the natural smile he takes on, attention fully on the conversation. Absorbing all he can, for a future he suspects will happen sooner than later. ]

That was plenty- I imagine my thoughts will be quite full for a while.

Oh- nothing else outside of the continued efforts of the restoration project in Fontaine. They're going quite well, thankfully, I imagine everything will be mostly returned to how it was before by the time you visit again.

I see...I guess I should probably tell you now than wait.

[Childe shifts in his seat a little and finishes off the drink he's ordered, pushing the glass off to the side so he can give Lyney his full attention. It's not the biggest deal ever, but he's sure that it'll help him understand this world a little better.]

I know this will sound strange, but this world pulled me here before I got the chance to even go to Fontaine yet. From the time I'm from, I'm still in Inazuma, wrapping up some things from the operation that took place there prior to the acquisition of the gnosis. I've heard a little about what's happened in Fontaine, and how I was thrown in jail on false accusations then disappearing from the Fortress of Meropide mysteriously...sounds like something big took place there after the fact. Care to fill me in?

[He leans against the bar, curiosity apparent in his eyes. You wouldn't keep such important information from a Harbinger, would you Lyney? ^^]

[ Not when one is looking at him like that- ]

[ The concept of time difference between two individuals from the same world isn't one that's crossed his mind, but everything about his arrival here has been something new and surprising. So sure, why can't there be time discrepancies. Not strange at all! Not headache-inducing at all! ]

[ Lyney's definitely not making a slight grimace at the idea of having to explain everything that's happened in Fontaine since Master Childe's appearance. ]

That... is a very big gap to fill in, but I can certainly try. Would you like everything from that point, or from your arrival?

[ Please say the latter- ]

Edited 2024-05-14 03:26 (UTC)

[Oof, he can see the weight of it all in Lyney's eyes. Okay, he gets it, and for now he doesn't mind making life a little easier on the younger Fatuus for the moment.]

You can just tell me if any of you managed to find out what happened to me and what I was doing after my disappearance. The Duke was boggled as to how I disappeared when I spoke to him about it. But, it seems like, from what you've said, that things turned out alright in the end.

[And on that note, he signals for the bartender to get them another round of drinks. He at least, for asking Lyney this much, owes him another drink.]

[ An entire archon story happened, please. ]

[ He'll mule over the entirety of it to strain out the important parts for a moment, what he's seen for himself and been told by Father in regards to the other Harbinger, before nodding. He could at least relay the general knowledge he had. ]

The rough gist of things, as far as Father has told me, was that you had somehow disappeared into the Primordial Sea from the Fortress. The traveler told us that he saw you in a dream there, alongside a giant whale. The next time we saw you was during Lady Furina's trial, when a crack appeared in the middle of the opera house and the whale emerged, shortly followed by yourself. Monsieur Neuvillette was able to temporarily drive it back through the crack, and you fell in after it. Based upon your appearance at the time, you'd been fighting it for quite a while.

After that, the next time I heard of you was after the prophecy had come to pass, when Father told us you had appeared in Snezhnaya and were recuperating there. I'm afraid that's the extent that was shared with me.

[ It's a lot that's been left out, but even summarizing all of that information doesn't distract him from- ]

You mentioned the Duke... of Meropide? He's here?

[ He doesn't even try to hide the slight hiss in his tone at the title, eyes darting to the side for a moment as if the man were to suddenly appear before focusing back on Childe. ]

[Little did he know, that the small amount of information he expected to get was a lot more than just something simple like finding him battling a monster in the countryside. In fact, as Lyney talks, Childe stops completely when the whale gets mentioned, eyes widening only slightly at that fact. He's trying to hide it, but that really caught him off-guard. He doesn't interrupt however, letting him finish the story, leaving Childe's thoughts in a whirlwind of wondering what all of that was- and if it has anything to do with the whale from his dream...

The only thing that snaps him out of his confused haze while he tries to digest all that is Lyney's question. He's a little surprised at how he reacted just now to the knowledge of Wriothesley being here, given how cordial he was with Childe before, but then again...you really don't know a person.]

Was.

[He's sure that that'll give Lyney a little peace of mind.]

He, along with some others, have returned home as I understand it. Run into some trouble with him?

[ His posture noticeably relaxes at that simple word, thoughts slowing back to a normal speed as well. And though he did catch that minute reaction from Childe during his recounting of Fontaine's recent history (he'd be a terrible child of the House if he hadn't), he's smart enough not to say anything about it. That sort of information is what gets tucked away for potential future reference and that was it. ]

During our infiltration of the Fortress under Father's orders, the Duke and I had a... run-in of sorts.

Let's just say he doesn't pull any punches. All of us were fine in the end, but the experience certainly soured my impression of him.

Huh. He must have figured out that you were there with an ulterior motive. I can't say I'm surprised there- he is the administrator, after all, and I imagine he didn't earn that position without being quite cunning himself.

[That's something he can see. Wrio didn't exactly hide from Childe that he knew pretty much what was going on with him while he was in Meropide too, it was just what happened after he tried to escape that was the mystery. And that still remains a mystery for now, it seems...]

I'm glad to hear that yourself and the others ended up making it out alright. Though I've yet to visit myself, I'm sure operating in the Fortress of Meropide is not a task to be taken lightly. But, this is probably why The Knave chose you and your compatriots, which means I probably have the best from the House here with me. I hope you live up to these expectations.

Yes, he certainly caught on to everything we were doing, but my pride as member of the House has been bruised by the man all the same.

[ Not to mention the outright anger he feels at having his siblings' well-being dangled in front of him the way the man had. There was no way he was going to let go of that grudge anytime soon. ]

Thank you for your kind words though. We will be sure to show you a much finer performance than we've ever put on before.

[ While there was a nervousness to be had in meeting Father's expectations as an informant, there was an even greater one when faced with a client of equal standing but unknown expectations. There was no way Lyney would let himself and Lynette look bad in anyone's eyes, ever again. ]

[Wrio really must of bruised it if Lyney is speaking like this, but it's failures that one learns from that makes them stronger- and that's something it looks like his fellow Fatuus here also abides by in some respect. He can get behind that. So Childe nods, seemingly satisfied with that answer, before his attention falls back onto the target that he's been watching.

He can see them all get up, and he taps the counter twice.]

I'll be looking forward to it. But it seems it's time for me to take my leave. Here.

[He quickly gives Lyney a little cash right here on the spot, not an exorbitant amount, but still generous, before downing the rest of his drink in one go.]

A little thank you for doing this on such short notice. But I'll have to take my leave now- hopefully this job won't disappoint me again. We'll keep in touch.

[ He is a rude man!! ]

[ And it's a good thing he really isn't here or Childe would likely witness a side of Lyney he'd be very embarrassed to have anyone see. It was tricky enough getting respect outside of the House at times due to his height and pointed lack of intimidating features. ]

[ The money disappears as quickly as it appears, hidden with an easy slight of hand before he turns to Childe with his best 'charmingly innocent' smile. Like friends do, and not someone who is very aware that he just aided in the concealed murder of a man. ]

Please do stay in contact, Monsieur. It's always a pleasure.

ventriloquist

[You were warned!]

[ He was, but even still he laughs aloud when he sees this message in his inbox. ]

A good guess, but a wrong one~

I thought I had it that time.

Then my last guess would be magician.

( ooc: I wanted to draw it out more tbh but I realized I was out of other things he could guess incorrectly faster than I thought. 😂 )

Aww, our game's come to an end sooner than I hoped.

(( OOC: Sadly they could only go so far with the tips dropped. ;; ))

My sister would never let me hear the end of it if she knew it took me THIS long to guess. =_=

[It's text so maybe the amused tone wont convey as well, but he hopes it doesn't come off as irritationat least.]

[ A shame that Jinwoo can't hear the laugh Lyney gives after reading this. It's far too affectionately phrased for it to sound bothered. ]

Don't worry, your secret is safe with me.

[ A small, simple box wrapped in a maroon ribbon is delivered to Lyney. Inside is a small crocheted Grin-malkin cat wearing a princess crown. At least...that's what it looks like it's supposed to be? Whoever made it is clearly a novice among novices. The worst of the rookies. Someone with 0 handicraft skills. Words cannot describe how poorly this is made.

It's clear whoever made it put a lot of effort in, though. There are places where the yarn has frayed slightly from being restitched multiple times.

A note is attached to the package: ]

Thank you for joining Ahjin Hunting on our first expedition. We look forward to working with you again.

- Addilee, Ahjin Hunting's receptionist

[Rinku gives Lyney an enchanted scarf to ward off the cold, as well as a seashell.]

[seasons] Inbox

Action, Framing Game quest. Nebulously sometime in April

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「text」un: huntersung

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Delivery - Backdated to not long after the exploration

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