[He's a hard man to ruffle--if she'd disliked it, he would've laughed it off and made her something else, as promised.
But it's hard to mistake the genuine pleasure in his smile at her reaction, as he settles down with his own meal. It's been a long time since he cooked for someone else properly--there wasn't really a need at the station, and he keeps very little friendly company here.]
I used to make it for my younger siblings. It's my little sister's favorite.
[ The travelers usually ate at taverns, preferring not to carry around too much and only cooking after H'aanit was successful at hunting and Alfyn could gather any edible plants. Primrose can't recall the last time she cooked, or sat down to enjoy someone else's cooking, and Childe is beaming at the compliment, which is honestly kind of (weirdly) adorable.
Of course, she still eats like someone who was rigorously trained in table manners, but she's focused on eating rather than distracting herself with anything else, so even without the compliment, it's clear enough that her enjoyment of his cooking is genuine. ]
Do you treat all of your guests to a show and a meal? I feel as though you haven't missed a step.
[For his part, he eats politely enough, but not with the manners of gentility. For all that the house, and his manner, is clear statement of wealth and status, he clearly wasn't raised in it.]
I don't have many guests to treat. [A small admittance--one that's probably a little more telling than he'd like it to be.] I did invite a friend here, but... they're a traveler on a mission, so it'll likely be some time before they arrive.
[Four years at minimum... sob... but he doesn't know that.]
But I'm the one who asked you to come. I wouldn't do that just to leave you wanting.
[Why would he go out of his way to ask her to come without any level of thought put into it?]
A traveler... I'm familiar with the type. [ Of course she is. Rather fortunate(?) that she'd met Childe so close to the end of her own mission.
But she hadn't thought Childe to be one who didn't keep company all that often. He was cunning, yes. Dangerously attracted to a challenge. Willing to do what it took.
... Actually, she isn't all that different, but he does a better job at maintaining an affable manner, so it's still a little surprising.
But Primrose sighs a little, and takes another sip of her drink. ]
You needn't put forth all that much effort with me. I didn't agree to your invitation in the hopes that you would lavish any sort of extravagant attention or expenses on me.
But he smiles slightly, propping his chin in his hand.]
Haha, well, extravagant expenses are part of the deal. [Sometimes you are simply rich and powerful.] But I wouldn't arrange an evening of activities I'm not interested in myself. I wanted to do these things with you.
She was one of them, yes. One of seven others, certainly one of the most pure-hearted and innocent among them.
[ What a motley crew. Though she regards him with some faint amusement, tinged with curiosity. ]
You did seem rather fond of performances, and I could tell you were indeed taking enjoyment from it. I can't deny that some things are best enjoyed with a partner.
[ Yes, it sounds sultry. She's not trying to make an innuendo or implication, though. For once. ]
[ She hums in faint reply-- agreement, maybe. But it's still a minute or three before she replies, a bit musingly. ]
A merchant, seeking an adventure of her own after being inspired by a journal. A cleric, taking up her sister's role in a holy pilgrimage after their father fell ill. A former knight, struggling to find his place after his country had fallen. A huntress, pursuing a beast who had turned her master to stone. An apothecary, following his dream to help others while asking nothing in return. A scholar, following forbidden knowledge while being completely blinded to the many swooning women he left in his wake. [ She sounds amused, at least. ] And a thief, who stole from the wrong home and was coerced into stealing their treasure back for them in order to win his freedom.
They have hopeful lives ahead of them, new steps to take. A person who leaves behind bloody footsteps isn't really suited for such a thing. The reason for my journey was never anything remotely noble.
[ She doesn't want them to get involved with her any more than they already had. Not when they were able to live happy, fulfilling lives with their goals accomplished-- even Therion. It's much the same with the people at the station.
Primrose doesn't try to insert herself in anyone else's life. ]
[He tilts his head slightly, observing her. There's no judgment on his face either way, just that same thoughtfulness--but there's a sharpness to his dark eyes that never really goes away, and that holds true now, too.]
[ The sharpness doesn't daunt her. It feels like it's always been present when she thinks about it, that ever-alert glint when there wasn't really any kind of light in his gaze, despite how easy and open his smiles could be. ]
...
[ No, what has her distinctly uncomfortable right now... is the vulnerability. Not the way he looks at her, but the way that observation, everything she's pushed herself through... it makes her wish to speak frankly. To Childe, of all people, and she huffs a little quietly to herself, her gaze shifting away.
This doesn't make her any less weak, she reminds herself. She is still more than capable of slitting someone's throat, should they think she's someone to take advantage of. ]
I don't know. [ Finally. ]
My journey ended. No one awaited me at the end of it. I've... yet to step on a path since.
[He doesn't seem to be in a rush for her answer--he waits patiently for her to think and speak, simply drinking his wine and watching her. When she does answer, he taps his finger lightly against the side of his glass.]
It sounds like you've gained the freedom to go wherever you please. But I can't help but think you don't feel that way.
[ He's not wrong, but Primrose frowns to hear it, anyway-- not angry, or defiant about it, merely troubled. ]
I have spent the last ten years of my life waiting. Planning. Demeaning myself, enduring abuse, acting the part of the pretty fool, all in order to get myself to where I needed to be. Everything that I was... was dedicated to finding the three men who took everything from me and taking their lives in recompense.
And I accomplished that. But without a purpose now, my freedom feels... almost meaningless. As though I'm merely a leaf blown about by the wind wherever it may go.
[ She doesn't wish to restore their fallen prestige. Her father is still dead. She has no other family. Noblecourt no longer feels like home. And the reason that had her become a traveler in the first place is gone, crumpled at her feet like the bodies she had left in her wake. ]
[It makes sense. It's also not something he can really relate to, if he were to be totally honest. There are those he's faced before, opponents new and foes old those he longs to do battle against, but it's not really driven out of a desire for revenge; he's simply not a vengeful person by nature. Wrath was never going to be his alignment.
Still, it's not like she's the first person he's ever met who'd built their life around such a purpose. He's a little less understanding with some than others, but he's never tried to pretend he isn't biased.
He winks at her.]
You could always join the Fatui and work with me. [Is he joking??? It's impossible to tell.]
Who's bowing heads around here? [PLEASE. But he looks genuinely amused, swirling his drink around.] I said "with", not "for"--though it's true you'd technically have to answer to someone, and I assure you you've no interest in any of the other Harbingers. They're terrible.
[what a great sales pitch, childe]
Anyway, there's far more to what we do than I could possibly show you in one evening. But I assure you, if you can imagine it, it's within our grasp. [A light shrug!] It's just a suggestion. The Fatui helped me find my purpose, too.
[He wasn't always the man she knows, after all. Only one person was privy to that knowledge at the station, and Childe knows with more certainty than he should really possess that such information won't be shared on his behalf.]
[ Childe really formed such strong and intimate bonds at the station, clearly. Amazing. ]
I will admit, you don't strike me as someone who didn't have a purpose before.
[ But similarly to him, there's no judgment there. She's known Childe for-- two months. It isn't as though that's any amount of time that would unlock anyone's multitude of secrets, let alone his. ]
And you truly believe I would be one to find a place among your fellow, ah... "terrible" Harbingers?
Haha, well, I wouldn't say our experiences are the same. But I was a very shy child, you know.
[Which sounds unbelievable, but why would he lie about it? And, well--she would know just how much a person can change over the course of a life, wouldn't she.
His amusement softens back into something more thoughtful, though, as he looks at her.]
Is that a genuine question, or an indulgence? [His answer could change, depending on how serious she's being.]
[ She would indeed. Rather, she knows just how much a person can change over the course of half a year. Several months. A day. She doesn't begrudge Childe for seeking to protect his brother's innocence for as long as he can-- because once it's gone, there's absolutely no way to retrieve it.
There's a story there, but she doesn't ask it. He'll say things on his own terms. ]
I suppose not all of us can maintain the same demeanor we had as children.
[ SHE WOULD KNOW. But also, she gazes back at him, frown subdued into a more steady expression. ]
But my question is about as genuine as your offer.
[It's just an agreement--nothing bitter, nothing proud. Naïveté must be lost someday, and that's simply the way life is. They both know that.
There's a lull, then, as he observes her, clearly deciding what he wants to say.]
...You said that a person who leaves behind bloody footsteps isn't suited to a hopeful new life. Perhaps in some instances, that's true. But not everywhere. I have far more blood on my hands than you do.
[But here he is anyway, living proof that that isn't necessarily a permanent black mark.]
It's not as simple as that, of course. If you were truly interested, there would be much more to discuss. [He's not nearly as immature and careless as he seems, after all. He wouldn't want her to upend her entire life so quickly, even if she wanted to. She's barely even been in this world for a few hours.] But I see no reason why there wouldn't be a place for you. Not as a Harbinger, I don't think you'd want that anyway--but as a position uniquely your own.
[If there isn't one already, then they'd simply make it with their own hands.]
The door is there, if you ever wish to open it. That's all I'm saying.
[ Primrose continues to observe him, keeping her thoughts carefully to herself after spilling out so much-- cautiously as she'd done it. So it hadn't been a joke, after all. He speaks far too seriously about it for that, and the way he had spoken of the one he had chosen to follow... well, she had suspected if he was to suggest anything about joining, it wouldn't have been entirely in jest. ]
... I would have to see much more before I would want to have that discussion. [ Which. Means she'd probably have to visit more. To see this world. To truly see and understand Childe, the one who didn't have to pour everything into achieving his wish in the only way he could have, if he'd wanted it granted.
And to see more of the Fatui.
He offers a door. She'd just like to learn what she can before she places her hand on the knob. ]
[He smiles, tilting his glass towards her in a gesture of acknowledgment.]
You're welcome to stay as long as you'd like. [He has his duties, sure--but he also has a great deal of freedom. He gives no indication that such an offer would be a problem.] I travel often, but I take it that would pose no challenge for you.
[Considering she was a traveler until just recently.]
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But it's hard to mistake the genuine pleasure in his smile at her reaction, as he settles down with his own meal. It's been a long time since he cooked for someone else properly--there wasn't really a need at the station, and he keeps very little friendly company here.]
I used to make it for my younger siblings. It's my little sister's favorite.
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[ The travelers usually ate at taverns, preferring not to carry around too much and only cooking after H'aanit was successful at hunting and Alfyn could gather any edible plants. Primrose can't recall the last time she cooked, or sat down to enjoy someone else's cooking, and Childe is beaming at the compliment, which is honestly kind of (weirdly) adorable.
Of course, she still eats like someone who was rigorously trained in table manners, but she's focused on eating rather than distracting herself with anything else, so even without the compliment, it's clear enough that her enjoyment of his cooking is genuine. ]
Do you treat all of your guests to a show and a meal? I feel as though you haven't missed a step.
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I don't have many guests to treat. [A small admittance--one that's probably a little more telling than he'd like it to be.] I did invite a friend here, but... they're a traveler on a mission, so it'll likely be some time before they arrive.
[Four years at minimum... sob... but he doesn't know that.]
But I'm the one who asked you to come. I wouldn't do that just to leave you wanting.
[Why would he go out of his way to ask her to come without any level of thought put into it?]
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But she hadn't thought Childe to be one who didn't keep company all that often. He was cunning, yes. Dangerously attracted to a challenge. Willing to do what it took.
... Actually, she isn't all that different, but he does a better job at maintaining an affable manner, so it's still a little surprising.
But Primrose sighs a little, and takes another sip of her drink. ]
You needn't put forth all that much effort with me. I didn't agree to your invitation in the hopes that you would lavish any sort of extravagant attention or expenses on me.
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[The one who didn't know what a brothel was...
But he smiles slightly, propping his chin in his hand.]
Haha, well, extravagant expenses are part of the deal. [Sometimes you are simply rich and powerful.] But I wouldn't arrange an evening of activities I'm not interested in myself. I wanted to do these things with you.
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[ What a motley crew. Though she regards him with some faint amusement, tinged with curiosity. ]
You did seem rather fond of performances, and I could tell you were indeed taking enjoyment from it. I can't deny that some things are best enjoyed with a partner.
[ Yes, it sounds sultry. She's not trying to make an innuendo or implication, though. For once. ]
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[Childe.
But he winks at her like he knows what he's doing, and takes a drink of his own wine.]
Will you tell me more about them? [Her companions.]
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A merchant, seeking an adventure of her own after being inspired by a journal. A cleric, taking up her sister's role in a holy pilgrimage after their father fell ill. A former knight, struggling to find his place after his country had fallen. A huntress, pursuing a beast who had turned her master to stone. An apothecary, following his dream to help others while asking nothing in return. A scholar, following forbidden knowledge while being completely blinded to the many swooning women he left in his wake. [ She sounds amused, at least. ] And a thief, who stole from the wrong home and was coerced into stealing their treasure back for them in order to win his freedom.
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[Haha octopath]
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That's right. The group wasn't always that large, and as our business concluded, we would part ways.
... It wasn't unpleasant, though. Fighting alongside others.
[ This is said a lot more quietly. ]
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Finding even one person like that is something to treasure. [His tone is soft too, warm and a tad nostalgic.] Do you still speak with them?
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They have hopeful lives ahead of them, new steps to take. A person who leaves behind bloody footsteps isn't really suited for such a thing. The reason for my journey was never anything remotely noble.
[ She doesn't want them to get involved with her any more than they already had. Not when they were able to live happy, fulfilling lives with their goals accomplished-- even Therion. It's much the same with the people at the station.
Primrose doesn't try to insert herself in anyone else's life. ]
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And what of your new steps?
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...
[ No, what has her distinctly uncomfortable right now... is the vulnerability. Not the way he looks at her, but the way that observation, everything she's pushed herself through... it makes her wish to speak frankly. To Childe, of all people, and she huffs a little quietly to herself, her gaze shifting away.
This doesn't make her any less weak, she reminds herself. She is still more than capable of slitting someone's throat, should they think she's someone to take advantage of. ]
I don't know. [ Finally. ]
My journey ended. No one awaited me at the end of it. I've... yet to step on a path since.
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It sounds like you've gained the freedom to go wherever you please. But I can't help but think you don't feel that way.
[Something about her tone, or her demeanor.]
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I have spent the last ten years of my life waiting. Planning. Demeaning myself, enduring abuse, acting the part of the pretty fool, all in order to get myself to where I needed to be. Everything that I was... was dedicated to finding the three men who took everything from me and taking their lives in recompense.
And I accomplished that. But without a purpose now, my freedom feels... almost meaningless. As though I'm merely a leaf blown about by the wind wherever it may go.
[ She doesn't wish to restore their fallen prestige. Her father is still dead. She has no other family. Noblecourt no longer feels like home. And the reason that had her become a traveler in the first place is gone, crumpled at her feet like the bodies she had left in her wake. ]
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Still, it's not like she's the first person he's ever met who'd built their life around such a purpose. He's a little less understanding with some than others, but he's never tried to pretend he isn't biased.
He winks at her.]
You could always join the Fatui and work with me. [Is he joking??? It's impossible to tell.]
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Wear a mask and bow my head to you as a subordinate? I see your penchant for humor hasn't diminished, Tartaglia.
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Who's bowing heads around here? [PLEASE. But he looks genuinely amused, swirling his drink around.] I said "with", not "for"--though it's true you'd technically have to answer to someone, and I assure you you've no interest in any of the other Harbingers. They're terrible.
[what a great sales pitch, childe]
Anyway, there's far more to what we do than I could possibly show you in one evening. But I assure you, if you can imagine it, it's within our grasp. [A light shrug!] It's just a suggestion. The Fatui helped me find my purpose, too.
[He wasn't always the man she knows, after all. Only one person was privy to that knowledge at the station, and Childe knows with more certainty than he should really possess that such information won't be shared on his behalf.]
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I will admit, you don't strike me as someone who didn't have a purpose before.
[ But similarly to him, there's no judgment there. She's known Childe for-- two months. It isn't as though that's any amount of time that would unlock anyone's multitude of secrets, let alone his. ]
And you truly believe I would be one to find a place among your fellow, ah... "terrible" Harbingers?
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Haha, well, I wouldn't say our experiences are the same. But I was a very shy child, you know.
[Which sounds unbelievable, but why would he lie about it? And, well--she would know just how much a person can change over the course of a life, wouldn't she.
His amusement softens back into something more thoughtful, though, as he looks at her.]
Is that a genuine question, or an indulgence? [His answer could change, depending on how serious she's being.]
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There's a story there, but she doesn't ask it. He'll say things on his own terms. ]
I suppose not all of us can maintain the same demeanor we had as children.
[ SHE WOULD KNOW. But also, she gazes back at him, frown subdued into a more steady expression. ]
But my question is about as genuine as your offer.
[ Had she been joking? Had he? ]
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[It's just an agreement--nothing bitter, nothing proud. Naïveté must be lost someday, and that's simply the way life is. They both know that.
There's a lull, then, as he observes her, clearly deciding what he wants to say.]
...You said that a person who leaves behind bloody footsteps isn't suited to a hopeful new life. Perhaps in some instances, that's true. But not everywhere. I have far more blood on my hands than you do.
[But here he is anyway, living proof that that isn't necessarily a permanent black mark.]
It's not as simple as that, of course. If you were truly interested, there would be much more to discuss. [He's not nearly as immature and careless as he seems, after all. He wouldn't want her to upend her entire life so quickly, even if she wanted to. She's barely even been in this world for a few hours.] But I see no reason why there wouldn't be a place for you. Not as a Harbinger, I don't think you'd want that anyway--but as a position uniquely your own.
[If there isn't one already, then they'd simply make it with their own hands.]
The door is there, if you ever wish to open it. That's all I'm saying.
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... I would have to see much more before I would want to have that discussion. [ Which. Means she'd probably have to visit more. To see this world. To truly see and understand Childe, the one who didn't have to pour everything into achieving his wish in the only way he could have, if he'd wanted it granted.
And to see more of the Fatui.
He offers a door. She'd just like to learn what she can before she places her hand on the knob. ]
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You're welcome to stay as long as you'd like. [He has his duties, sure--but he also has a great deal of freedom. He gives no indication that such an offer would be a problem.] I travel often, but I take it that would pose no challenge for you.
[Considering she was a traveler until just recently.]
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crawls back here after mg
TAKES A WEEK
AT LEAST IT WASN'T TWO MONTHS
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