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to see a world in a grain of sand
WHO: Dante, Vergil, Nero, and any visitors to the Auguries within the month of June.
WHERE: Auguries of Innocence
WHEN: Throughout June/July
WHAT: Different logs/stuff that happens at Vergil's apartment-slash-shop
WARNINGS: General sparda family stuff, they talk about demon stuff idk. there'll be a birthday party at the end of the month too.
[ A three-story building with a shop in the bottom-most floor, a sign that is overtly fancy and gilded with silver, Auguries of Innocence. In the window, there is now a smaller, just as fancy, but red glowing sign that says Opening Soon: Devil May Cry.
The second floor a storeroom filled with crates of items unsorted and damaged alike, things Vergil has collected for numerous years and hasn't finished restoring, or is just holding while not ready to sell. The floor also has a number of crafting tools in it for restoring broken items or refurbishing damaged ones.
The third floor is a minimalistic, mostly grey and silver apartment with two bedrooms, one bathroom, a study, a kitchen, a livingroom and a dining area in it. It's covered in antiques, with some weapons hanging on the wall. The furniture looks styled more for looking at than it is for sitting on, which is annoying, at best.
For the Montshs of June/July, Vergil and Dante have forcibly kidnapped Nero to live with them while he's dealing with some rather unfortunate memory issues -- and this post will be used for any threads involving the trio + any visitors while this mess goes on. ]
WHERE: Auguries of Innocence
WHEN: Throughout June/July
WHAT: Different logs/stuff that happens at Vergil's apartment-slash-shop
WARNINGS: General sparda family stuff, they talk about demon stuff idk. there'll be a birthday party at the end of the month too.
[ A three-story building with a shop in the bottom-most floor, a sign that is overtly fancy and gilded with silver, Auguries of Innocence. In the window, there is now a smaller, just as fancy, but red glowing sign that says Opening Soon: Devil May Cry.
The second floor a storeroom filled with crates of items unsorted and damaged alike, things Vergil has collected for numerous years and hasn't finished restoring, or is just holding while not ready to sell. The floor also has a number of crafting tools in it for restoring broken items or refurbishing damaged ones.
The third floor is a minimalistic, mostly grey and silver apartment with two bedrooms, one bathroom, a study, a kitchen, a livingroom and a dining area in it. It's covered in antiques, with some weapons hanging on the wall. The furniture looks styled more for looking at than it is for sitting on, which is annoying, at best.
For the Montshs of June/July, Vergil and Dante have forcibly kidnapped Nero to live with them while he's dealing with some rather unfortunate memory issues -- and this post will be used for any threads involving the trio + any visitors while this mess goes on. ]
no subject
[Zhongli shows up much to the surprise of everyone involved including himself, especially considering this is a loud party and he tends to observe rather than jump right in. But it would be rude to overlook the birthday of a friend, especially one that he's had for as long as he's known Vergil, so here he is with two small mahogany boxes in his hands.
The thing he isn't sure of is Dante. He knows of the brother's existence, and there have been a few hints at his personality, but he isn't really sure what else to expect... He had to do twice the work, but hopefully it's fine?
He approaches Vergil first.]
Ah, Vittore. [He finally dropped the Mr., today is a cause for celebration.] Happy birthday, friend. I wondered for a while what sort of thing one could get the man who seems to collect a bit of everything. In the end, I elected to have something... made. I hope it's to your satisfaction.
[Inside the box he hands over is a dagger carved of bright blue jade, with silver and gold to form a proper hilt and support the handle, abstract wind motifs swirling across the surface of both. The curve is unique enough that the eye naturally fills in the shape.]
There are two things to note. The first is that this dagger has been enchanted with wind magic. It isn't particularly strong, but it may make it easier to channel spells if you are practicing. The second is that much like you, it has a twin, which I intend to give to your brother. Each is perfectly capable of functioning on its own and needs no accompaniment—but when displayed together, they become something more.
[IT'S SYMBOLIIIIIC~]
You may find it useful for opening letters.
[dante;]
[Zhongli has never met Dante but at least he can guess what he looks like. Armed with the other wooden box, he clears his throat and steps right into Dante's line of sight while he's between conversations.]
Dante, I presume? I'm Zhongli, a friend of Vittore's. We've never met, but it would be uncouth to show at a party without a present. Happy birthday.
[He holds out the box. Inside is a red jade dagger with elegant fire detailed along the blade and the handle, which is made of gold and silver. It fits perfectly against the one that he gave to Vergil, should he grow curious. Together, they make a jade set that seems to tell a story about a dragon soaring amongst the clouds.]
[the party;]
[Zhongli is really not the partying type and there is too much booze and not enough tea for his liking, but he'll be polite enough to linger for a half hour in case someone wants to hide in the corner with him. He's not touching the pizza. Sorry.
He is, however, drinking an old fashioned. Trust this motherfucker to find the bitters.]
no subject
Nice to meet you, Zhongli. [ honestly, this man definitely has the air of someone who would be vergil's friend. ] Hope my brother hasn't been telling you terrible things about me.
[ he doubts it but he lets the joke linger taking the box gently and opening it. he blinks, blue eyes widening in surprise as he looks over the red jade dagger. it's beautiful, and elegant, and looks as though it fits against something else perfectly. ]
You really hit the nail on the head with this gift though, thanks.
no subject
You needn't worry. If he had, I'd still judge you on your own merit.
[... That's. Supposed to be comforting, somehow?
He gives a slight bow.]
I made a few assumptions. I'm not sure of your relationship with fire, for example, but the color was at least appropriate. It should suit you well whether it's used to open letters or simply admired from a distance.
Your brother has its companion. They aren't exactly alike, and they have different dispositions, but they work well together if you let them.
[He sounds like he's not talking about daggers, and that's probably on purpose.]
no subject
I suppose you could say me and fire have a healthy relationship. [ it is safe to assume as much given his choice in clothes. ] They come in a pair? You don't come by things like that very often, did you make it?
[ he may not look it, but he is definitely picking up what zhongli is putting down, a slow smile creeping across his lips. ]
no subject
... Well, no point in lying about it.]
I've always found comfort in the shaping of stone and earth. [That would be a yes.]
no subject
That just makes it all the more precious, then. [ dante closes the box carefully. ] Think you absolutely made his day. I'm a little sad I missed his reaction.
no subject
Ask him to show you what it does when they're together. I'm sure you will see that look once again.
[He doesn't wink or anything but there's a crinkle at the edges of his eyes.]
no subject
I did not expect you to show up to a party like this. It was planned by one of Dante's friends, and certainly not my usual kind of scene. [ and yet he... doesn't sound unhappy? not really. But he is glancing down at Zhongli's hands as he's offered a gift--again, it's unexpected, but he'd never refuse something from this man, much less someone who went through the effort to actually bring a gift.
He takes the box carefully in his hands, and he's nearly meticulous about opening it. once the blade is revealed, Zhongli would see the concentration in his eyes as he immediately, habitually, starts to try to identify it. Going over the handle, the pommel, the hand guard, and finally the blade itself, with the little inscriptions that held the slight magic blessing encased inside.
It's a fantastic piece, and it's beautiful--breathtaking even, but... ]
There is no manufacturer's mark, nor can I see any telltale scoring that comes from use or age, nor the mark of whatever blacksmith that made it.
[ Which makes his head come up. His eyebrows going up. Way up. ]
...My friend, did you make this by hand?
[ did he just get a fucking hand-crafted, custom-made dagger from the hands of the oldest fucking being on earth? He can feel his heartbeat in his throat. ]
no subject
It isn't mine either, but I thought it would be terrible of me to simply leave you to the wolves and the whiskey. And I had a present to give you, as well.
[He is sure that Vergil won't find anything wrong with it, but he still carefully gauges his reaction. He's known Vittore for a long time (in mortal terms anyway)—and it wouldn't do to give him a bad gift.
As usual, Vittore is sharp when it comes to this sort of thing. Zhongli is quiet for a moment, and then he nods.]
I haven't made its like since before the last dynasty, but it should serve you well enough. I haven't let all of my skills languish in the modern age.
Though, if you expected me to fire you a piece of celadon, you'll be sorely disappointed.
[He might be joking???? He chews his words so thoroughly it's hard to tell.]
no subject
Words cannot properly convey how I appreciate that observation of yours. It is not exactly the atmosphere we prefer, but at the very least I will still trouble you to keep me company for a short while before you grow tired of the noise.
[ and as if being granted, there's a loud whoop from the other room as Nero beats Vash at some sort of card game, a loud groaning and complaint following...
What a headache. What were they even playing.
it doesn't matter, he has a knife to admire. ]
Serve me well enough indeed. I full believe something like this will become something like a family heirloom. [ is this a joke? is he serious? this is why they're friends--they both have the exact sort of sense of humor.
He's chuckling at Zhongli's own joke; the sound a dry, cold, and yet somehow soft tone. ]
Ah, the art of crafting celadon is one not for the faint of heart, then?
no subject
[Even if he visibly flinches at the sudden yelling from the next room. One can imagine his ears pinning back if he were a cat. He's gotten used to his nice quiet (mostly) life, but no matter how old he gets, he can't outrun the memories of being a soldier.
And boy are barracks FUCKING NOISY.]
What about the old relic you've carried around for the past ten years? [He's talking about himself, naturally.] Will that be passed down as well?
[Vittore's laugh is so rare. He's honored to hear it.]
The stoves that made celadon were built like temples. If you can point me towards a dragon kiln in this city, I would probably be able to make you something.
no subject
[ because the yelling from the next room is going to continue throughout the night. Especially when Zulius and Gilgamesh show up and they both show what kind of party animals they are.
he's never been to a barracks, though. ]
--Ha. That old relic, I believe, is a difficult one to pass down, given I am not sure if I myself will have children other than Nero. But perhaps my son-from-a-past-life will be the one to inherit it, so long as the old relic is amiable to the idea of remaining down the family line.
[ fancy old person speak to say that the immortal is more than welcome to be a friend to his family for the rest of his years. Odd, how comfortable that idea felt. hm. ]
A dragon kiln. Now would not that be a treasure indeed. A bit too big and showy for a city so populated as this, so I am afraid I have to disappoint.
no subject
[Zhongli will hopefully be fuckin' gone by then.]
Hmm. If that's your wish, I think the relic would be fine with that arrangement. Some friendships transcend lifetimes, as I've discovered.
[There are worse things than having a god to watch over your family. Though Vergil might not, uh, know that part specifically.]
As I suspected. Perhaps I'll make a journey to Foshan for some occasion and make use of theirs.
[Zhongli would fly to China just to use a kiln, the extra son of a bitch.]
no subject
vittore cant escape
but maybe you can ]
Ah, is that so? Then I will be settled with that idea from now on. How novel. I am rather fond of that relic, after all.
[ he wants to laugh, but the sound doesn't quite come, as he's too busy thinking about the ridiculousness of zhongli's next statement-- ]
You are exactly the sort of individual to travel to another country just to visit one place, aren't you.
I would not even somehow put that past you.
[ for a kiln, no less. ]
But I do have trouble imagining what you would make once you got there.
no subject
'The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.' Foshan becomes only one of several destinations when there is so much to see. Perhaps I should take you with me to Anyang. They recently opened the Cao Cao Mausoleum, and since I've been busy with things here, I haven't had a chance to see it myself.
[Zhongli is genuine about the invitation, but finding time to travel will be difficult.]
What would I make? Hmm... I would begin with a set of cups, of course. Once I was sure of the consistency of the clay, I'd make you a proper teapot to go with it.
no subject
[ being invited along so casually feels... odd. he can't recall the last time someone openly invited him to anything like that in his own family, let alone a 'friend'. Hm. this was a feeling to process. ]
I could take the time off, of course. Merely let me know a few weeks in advance, if you can find the time, as well.
[ zhongli always seemed to be busy, after all. That Black Order business... no, he shouldn't ask. ]
--Ah. Handmade pottery is something I can appreciate. I never quite could get the hand for it myself.
no subject
[He nods. As far as he's concerned, this arrangement isn't impossible. Though the Black Order has been busy as of late, he doesn't think this will be forever.]
I'll let you know when I'm able to take some time off. Work has been... demanding as of late, so it may be a little while.
[Demanding, he says. He doesn't elaborate.]
The method seems straightforward enough, but there are many factors that can decide whether your work stands or crumbles. Still, there's something remarkable about shaping something with one's own hands, whether it matches what you had in your head or not. So much of what we devote our energy to is... intangible, or difficult to quantify. Pottery and sculpture bridges that gap.
no subject
[ zhongli has explained the way the black order operated before, but he's not so sure how busy they would be--did the work become seasonal? did they have to explore every gate that popped up on the zodiac app every month, or...?
questions he wanted to ask, but felt rude prying about. ah, the mystery. ]
Crafts are interesting like that. Often what you visualize in your head never shows up in your hands.
Which is why I love pottery as a form--no single hand-crafted piece is identical, regardless how a creator may try for consistency.
no subject
A little change in routine...
[He looks thoughtful.]
... That is true. And so it is for the jade I've given you, as well.
Would you like a drink, Vittore? I imagine you must have the ingredients for an old-fashioned in one of these cupboards.
no subject
--I would actually enjoy a drink. I have a number of fine drinks here, there, over in the kitchen--
[ he points to a fine mahogany cabinet, one of those ones that hold crystal glasses and has a little cupboard in it, as well as a wine rack at the bottom. ]
There is a number of fine liquors in there--many of which I have attempted to keep my brother from pilfering overmuch.
If you would like to mix something, I would most certainly enjoy a drink alongside you as well. [ he's getting up, slipping that new knife into his belt--as if it belonged there. ]
no subject
I thought you might. You are a man of great taste, after all.
[He watches where that knife goes and smiles a little.]
Allow me to mix you something for this auspicious day, then.
[He goes over to the mahogany cabinet and takes out two rocks glasses. It takes him a minute to track down the non-alcoholic ingredients, but once he's found what he needs from the kitchen and splashed bourbon over the top, Zhongli offers Vittore a glass. Even the orange garnish has been sliced with attention to detail... in a diamond shape, no less.]
Here you are. Hopefully I haven't lost my touch.
no subject
Being told he has great taste makes him feel oddly smug in a way that he won't admit, and he'll move over to watch Zhongli as he preforms his mixology, directing him if he feels the need to where other ingredients might be kept.
Once he's done, he'll gratefully take the glass, and raise it.
A little smirk working its way across his features. ]
...Some of the simplest things are the most tasteful, in their own ways.
A personal touch like this is warming.
Thank you for your hard work.
[ he'll raise the glass to the other. ]