======Anasztázia Nováková====== =====Bonaventura===== Anasztázia and Joaquin stood in the meadow outside of his cottage, the bright morning sunlight casting harsh shadows across the grass. The morning dew reflected this light, sparkling as if Joaquin had scattered his craft glitter everywhere. Anna looked out over Coreinodel’s spires, looked at them with her real eyes – looked at them for what would be the last time in a long time. The last time before she left for the Floating Market. Bag in hand, she turned to look down at her dear friend’s face with a frown. “Are you sure you’ll be alright if I go?” “Yes!” Joaquin insisted, his voice as chipper as usual, “You know me! I’ll be havin’ people over for tea soon! It is Tuesday after all!” Anna scanned his face. It was Wednesday. Despite his confusion, his eyes seemed brighter than they had in the palace, clearer – and, although he still had his worse days, the longer they had been back the better he had gotten. “And besides, I have Alicia!” Joaquin grinned. Anna levelled a look to the headless rabbit. She had offered to help Joaquin fix her up upon their arrival home, however he was insistent that there was something he needed to do first. More than just Alicia, Joaquin had gotten into contact with his family in recent weeks – which certainly helped to somewhat alleviate the guilt she felt for leaving. “But if you wanted I-“. “Anasztázia. It’s not yer job to take care of me. You don’t have to stay here for me – to keep on livin’ a lie //for me//.” His face a little more serious now, “I don’t want yer to.” Anna began to tear up at this, not much, but more emotion than she would have ever shown him before the Palace. “You’re my family, Joaquin. I’ll always take care of you.” She sniffles slightly. “So long as yer don’t lie to me about anythin’ anymore.” Joaquin looked up at her through white lashes – a pointed look, softened only slightly by the cheesy grin he said it with. Anna gave a small chuckle. Talking about it all was still difficult, but it had gotten easier with time – everything had. “I promise.” She smiles, and it's genuine – not the overly performed one she used to give customers. “No more lies.” Joaquin's gaze softened a little bit, and Anna could see the tears brimming in his eyes as her own began to fall. “I’ll write to you all the time.” She sobs, “Even if you don’t remember to respond.” “Now, now! You were always the one I remembered!” Joaquin grinned through tears. Anna couldn’t bring herself to correct him on that. “And you’ll visit! //I’ll// see you every Tuesday!” “I will!” She nods, pulling him into a hug, “I’ll visit all the time!” He holds on to her tightly for just a moment. “Go on then, Anna!” Joaquin sniffles, pulling away from the embrace, clasping her shoulders in his hands. “You’re about to go on another //Buenaventura//.” //Written by Freya C.// =====Full House===== “Look who’s back.” “Haha. Very funny.” Anasztázia crosses her arms, but the glare she’s levelling at Miksa is far from lethal. Purple suits her, as do the many clashing fabrics and textures of the Floating Market; and of course, his position leaning against the wall throwing dice in the air has always suited him. He grins in response. “I’m full of wit.” “And tricks. You got any particular hustles planned tonight?” He rolls his eyes. “No. The casino doesn’t run like that. You follow-“ “You follow the rules of the game, right.” She smirks as Miksa gives her an unimpressed look. But still, she’s heard the words often enough, and he knows it. It’s why he just sighs and smiles. “It’s an important rule.” He catches the dice, opening his palm to reveal two threes. He clicks his tongue – clearly whatever some internal wager he was making, he lost. So he just turns and smiles at Anasztázia. It’s different – not a foxlike grin, fangs on show, but soft. She just rolls her eyes. “I know. Telling the truth to be trusted and all that.” He offers her his arm. “Let’s go. If we’re not there on time, Reka might down the building out of boredom.” “That, or Ignaz will use the bar as a scratching post while Ava’s working.” He laughs. “Vero would climb out of the grave just to kick my ass. I shudder to think.” “And he’d be right to.” Anasztázia steps closer to take the offer of his arm. It provokes that smile again – the one that is soft, edges filed off with the secrets and promises and wagers between them. They walk into the //Fate’s End//, arm in arm.