Who ⬤ Azem + FOLKS What ⬤ Catch-all for July, various dates and stuff When ⬤ shortly after Ember 2.0 launch Where ⬤ Around the city Content Warnings ⬤ will update as needed
[ Having learned a bit about games of chance of Gojyo, Azem feels better prepared to experience the casino. She might not have even bothered going at all if not for the fact that Tenkohime had gifted her with a little extra luck.
She might have asked Hythlodaeus to come with her. The chaos of the two of them in a casino would have been fun, but Ydris has been there for her during some tough times. They've also been working themselves ragged and Azem decided that they were a better candidate for a little fun.
As planned, they turn up to drag Ydris off to the casino. ]
Ready for some fun? [ Look at that excited smile. There's no way anyone can say no to that. ]
[Ydris was... still at their office. They absolutely need to be collected and dragged away from their tasks. To the very moment Azem walks in they are stood at their desk tapping away at some last minute thing. They execute whatever fix is there and finally rush along to meet her.
They pause briefly to take in her choice of clothing. Ydris isn't aware where they might be taken so they assess the level of fun or casual from Azem's outfit. Their illusion shifts accordingly to something match-y. It's cute,
Their tone is a bit.... off. Clearly off. They don't show tiredness on their face or their posture, so it's all in their voice. They sound ragged,]
Yes, lets get along, before another fire erupts here! [a funny phrase, from them, it's not like they really put out fires...]
[ Azem has made an attempt at dressing up for the casino. Though it's still just as colorful as ever. She lets out an impressed sound as Ydris changes their outfit to match. ]
Oh, very nice. [ The smile remains in place even though ehe's a little concerned about just how tired Ydris sounds. ]
A good idea. [ She reach for their hand so they can lead them out office and to the casino.
It doesn't take long to reach their destination. Even before they enter the building Azem is already in a state of awe at how decorated the place is on the outside. Most people would probably find it gaudy but Azem is impressed. ] Wow, how grand!
[Ydris, tired and having been isolating themself a while to work, is in a bit of an odd state. One might call it unguarded. Their usual stubbornness is softened, smiling a bit exasperated to take her hand and hold it as they go on their way. Link arms and walk together would be more appropriate. Holding hands is more intimate... and so casually and openly affectionate, too! A proper Springtide would never..!
So, Ydris thinks it's kind of nice. Unlike them, maybe. Unlike them in a way they wished to indulge in for now.]
A casino!? [they can't much hold in a bark, all ragged toned] Azem, gambling is against my nature! I'm an orderly god, such games are pure chaos.
[ Holding hands like this would be out of places in Amaurot. Such displays of affection were frowned upon but that never stopped Azem from grabbing her friends' hands and dragging them along. So it's second nature to do so now. She figured if someone was uncomfortable with it they'd either pull away or adjust. ]
Huh? [ She turns back to him, blinking as her joy turns to a bit of confusion. ] That's not true.
[ A pause. ] Well! Some are! But there is also some skill involved. Gojyo taught me that.
[The hand holding certainly isn't pulled away from. It's nice to Ydris that Azem is so comfortable with the idea, so unburdened with the baggage Springtide have. No worry about the closeness of the soul in one's hands. Ydris' illusion may still include gloves with the outfit, as it always does, still just a bit hung up on that tradition.]
Hhhhh... [what a sound, Ydris, like a hissing teapot before it starts screaming-]Okay. Fine! We'll play those ones. Show me this skill you learned.
[ To be fair, Azem has probably forgotten about that whole bit about the would being in one's hands. Otherwise, they might have been a bit more conscious about freely taking Ydris' hand. At the very least, she may have asked it if was okay.
They wait patiently for a response, a smile once again returning to their features as they agree. ]
Excellent! [ She immediately begins leading them inside. ] He taught me card games which do have a bit of chance to them.
[ Though the moment they're through the doors Azem stops once more with her eyes wide and mouth slightly agape. The outside was something but the inside is even more. A room filled with lights and sounds and it's more than Azem has ever experienced. ]
[Ydris enters with her and that whistle of a hiss turns inward, a sort of gasp for air. It might be due to their exhaustion, but they feel so much more tapped into the chaos and order of the room than usual. Back home, that's usual, but here... it feels different. Their control is less so their susceptibility to those forces is heightened. Cards, dice, wheels spinning, tensions held in people's shoulders as they await the outcome of money wagered- it's too chaotic, they think they might crumple on the spot and faint.
Something about Azem's wonder can anchor them back together. It's something to focus on, at least, as they slump slightly into her shoulder, squeezing her hand. This isn't all chaos! No, no, this is actually an orderly place, isn't it? A very orderly place housing many chaotic activities! That's all.
Everything is neat and tidy, the tables are all aligned with precision, the dealers and servers are in slickly maintained uniforms, they follow their routines, they know their rules. That's order. That's enough to keep them from having hell's strangest panic attack.]
Just a few games. Then I might be worn out, Azem. [this makes them feel very tired indeed]
[ Azem might have felt something similar if she still had some of her abilities. She can feel a hum of it, but it's not as overwhelming as it could be. She can only imagine the kind memories and emotions she'd pick up on this place hadn't taken everything she could do from her.
She's taken out of her thoughts as Ydris slumps against her and squeezes her hand. Her attention quickly turns to him with a little bit of concern clear on her face. Noticing that he suddenly seems more tired than he was when she picked him up she smiles softly at him. ]
A few games. [ She agrees. ] Just enough to put this luck to use. Come, let us try our hand at cards first.
[ That's what Gojyo taught her. Though she can already tell he taught her a different way to play. ]
Cards.... cards are fine. They have an order, a pattern. Cards can be tracked if you're sharp of memory.
[Ydris, that's card counting and very much against the rules of these places. Please do not do that thing..!
They probably will, though. They can't help paying pristine attention to such elements. Leave the game to Ydris and they'll get the two of them kicked out. Not that Ydris thinks that's strickly a bad thing.
Stepping up to a table for cards, they will be besides Azem, only watching for the start of the game. She wanted arm candy, right? They stay looped around her elbow and pushed up to her side to observe.]
[ She pets his hair with a free hand before leading him toward one of the tables.
Azem doesn't really understand card counting, but they're at reading other people's emotions. Or they were because they had the advantage of being able to tap into that energy. She finds it a little more difficult to do so when just relying on people's expressions and body language. Especially when people are actively trying to be deceptive.
Unfortunately, she doesn't pick poker, the one game she really knows how to play. She goes for Blackjack which seems pretty interesting from the little bit she watched. ]
[Ydris would be less good with Poker for a similar reasons. They don't read people as well as raw data. Cards are 52 things to keep track of, not difficult at all for them. Helps that they don't have a squishy physical brain to rely on, all magic in there babeeey.
Watching the game start, they know this one. Springtide have the same game, as gambling is a regular pass time among the human populace. The chaos is a ward against Order Blight, after all... Ydris should appreciate that about it, but it mostly makes them tired. They just watch a few rounds before chiming in.]
Hit on this, you'll hit the twenty one on a four in five chance.
[at least being as exhausted as they are, their voice is low. Anybody hearing that would definitely know they were counting]
[ The first couple of rounds goes okay though Azem hasn't quite got the hang of the game. There's no win until Ydris gives her a bit of advice. It's hard to say if it's simply her extra luck or Ydris knowing exactly what they're talking about.
Either way, Azem lets out a surprised but pleased sound. ]
Look at that.
[ She's not sure if she should continue to test her luck with this game or find another. But what would another couple of rounds hurt? ]
[Snarky. Too snarky for the dealer to not take notice. They're trained to count cards and spot these things, after all. Ydris isn't thinking through there being any consequences to such a thing.
Another few rounds and Ydris can advise on how to win, until there's a significant loss. They look surprised and nearly blurt out "-you've cheated! I know, I counted!"
For once, being so tired slows their fiery temper and keeps them from saying anything. They blink, long and slow at the dealer, who smiles back. Ydris lets it go, taking out a cigarette to put at their lips before offering one to Azem.]
... are you having a good time? [that matters more than winning, doesn't it?]
I'm not sure luck has much to do with this place... don't spend too much money, okay?
[Ydris sighs out some smoke away from her before resting a head on her shoulder, floating along where Azem saw fit. The cards are certainly fixed if they suspect someone is clever enough to follow along. Maybe, due to the complete lack of pattern, the spinning wheel games is less fixed to fail?
Unlikely, now that Ydris considered. So long as it exists to make money for the owners of such a place, it's going to be rigged in their favor. Azem's little fortune charm likely doesn't stand a chance.]
[ She doesn't want to lose too much of her money, even if she doesn't use it for much more than food and drink.
As such, she watches the game for a few rounds to get an idea of what's going on before finally making a move. She's not entirely sure what the best strategy might be but still places a few chips down here and there and waits.
Once all everyone is done the little wheel is given a spin and Azem doesn't need her echo to feel the tension in the air as people wait for the little ball to come to a stop. There are several groans and a few curses in the small crowd. Azem, however, lets out a pleased sound. ]
Well, look at that. Should I go for another? [ She smiles at Ydris. ]
[Ydris is buzzing with a need to be as responsibly minded as ever, counterweighing as much as they can to the chaos present as they can. Without spoiling the fun, at least. There's a way to have both-]
Take the money you bet to start back, bet with your winnings. That way, you can only lose what you've earned.
A wise decision. [ She nods and does just that. Surprisingly she finds herself with another win. Despite that excitement, she feels that maybe they should move on this time. It might look strange if she were to win a third time. ]
What should we try next? [ She doesn't know how long this luck will last. How many wins can she obtain before the little blessing runs out? She does want to test it but she's also keeping an eye Ydris and keeping track of how tired he seems. ]
[Cashing out? Good, also wise, no pushing further luck when the casino seems intent to cheat out anybody winning too much. Ydris' expression isn't tired in a traditional sense, the illusion isn't going to manifest dark circles or a weary expression naturally, but the dragon is clearly unfocused. They're extremely drifted off, seeming to snap back at her question one, two... three seconds late to what would be natural.
Their mouth also doesn't move as they speak, they've again forgotten that bit.]
I don't know. I don't know what such games are called... what else is there of gambling... ... ..... .........dice? [it takes them a long time to come up with such a simple idea]
[ The usual signs of fatigue aren't there but Azem has known Ydris long enough now to pick up when they aren't quite themselves. There's a slowness to them that is met with a soft smile from Azem. ]
Perhaps I should test my luck another day.
[ She says as she pulls Ydris in closer, almost as if she's going to scoop them up. ]
I think you may have had enough of the chaos today.
[There's a brief flash of Ydris looking annoyed, maybe confrontational? It's a -tch! Sort of look, a moment of outrage, like they're going to argue or say they aren't done yet. They can more than this! They aren't so weak as to be beaten out! The casino isn't allowed to win-]
[-the look fades. The settle into Azem's arms with a small thunk of their head against her shoulder. A hum escapes them, low and tired and perhaps contented.
Sometimes it's good to give up.]
... I think... I could get some sleep, now. Thank you, Azem. This was nice.
[if she tried to pick them up and carry them out, she easily could. They're done fighting it, they just want to get home and get some long overdue rest.
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for Ydris
She might have asked Hythlodaeus to come with her. The chaos of the two of them in a casino would have been fun, but Ydris has been there for her during some tough times. They've also been working themselves ragged and Azem decided that they were a better candidate for a little fun.
As planned, they turn up to drag Ydris off to the casino. ]
Ready for some fun? [ Look at that excited smile. There's no way anyone can say no to that. ]
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They pause briefly to take in her choice of clothing. Ydris isn't aware where they might be taken so they assess the level of fun or casual from Azem's outfit. Their illusion shifts accordingly to something match-y. It's cute,
Their tone is a bit.... off. Clearly off. They don't show tiredness on their face or their posture, so it's all in their voice. They sound ragged,]
Yes, lets get along, before another fire erupts here! [a funny phrase, from them, it's not like they really put out fires...]
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Oh, very nice. [ The smile remains in place even though ehe's a little concerned about just how tired Ydris sounds. ]
A good idea. [ She reach for their hand so they can lead them out office and to the casino.
It doesn't take long to reach their destination. Even before they enter the building Azem is already in a state of awe at how decorated the place is on the outside. Most people would probably find it gaudy but Azem is impressed. ] Wow, how grand!
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So, Ydris thinks it's kind of nice. Unlike them, maybe. Unlike them in a way they wished to indulge in for now.]
A casino!? [they can't much hold in a bark, all ragged toned] Azem, gambling is against my nature! I'm an orderly god, such games are pure chaos.
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Huh? [ She turns back to him, blinking as her joy turns to a bit of confusion. ] That's not true.
[ A pause. ] Well! Some are! But there is also some skill involved. Gojyo taught me that.
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Hhhhh... [what a sound, Ydris, like a hissing teapot before it starts screaming-]Okay. Fine! We'll play those ones. Show me this skill you learned.
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They wait patiently for a response, a smile once again returning to their features as they agree. ]
Excellent! [ She immediately begins leading them inside. ] He taught me card games which do have a bit of chance to them.
[ Though the moment they're through the doors Azem stops once more with her eyes wide and mouth slightly agape. The outside was something but the inside is even more. A room filled with lights and sounds and it's more than Azem has ever experienced. ]
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Something about Azem's wonder can anchor them back together. It's something to focus on, at least, as they slump slightly into her shoulder, squeezing her hand. This isn't all chaos! No, no, this is actually an orderly place, isn't it? A very orderly place housing many chaotic activities! That's all.
Everything is neat and tidy, the tables are all aligned with precision, the dealers and servers are in slickly maintained uniforms, they follow their routines, they know their rules. That's order. That's enough to keep them from having hell's strangest panic attack.]
Just a few games. Then I might be worn out, Azem. [this makes them feel very tired indeed]
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She's taken out of her thoughts as Ydris slumps against her and squeezes her hand. Her attention quickly turns to him with a little bit of concern clear on her face. Noticing that he suddenly seems more tired than he was when she picked him up she smiles softly at him. ]
A few games. [ She agrees. ] Just enough to put this luck to use. Come, let us try our hand at cards first.
[ That's what Gojyo taught her. Though she can already tell he taught her a different way to play. ]
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[Ydris, that's card counting and very much against the rules of these places. Please do not do that thing..!
They probably will, though. They can't help paying pristine attention to such elements. Leave the game to Ydris and they'll get the two of them kicked out. Not that Ydris thinks that's strickly a bad thing.
Stepping up to a table for cards, they will be besides Azem, only watching for the start of the game. She wanted arm candy, right? They stay looped around her elbow and pushed up to her side to observe.]
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[ She pets his hair with a free hand before leading him toward one of the tables.
Azem doesn't really understand card counting, but they're at reading other people's emotions. Or they were because they had the advantage of being able to tap into that energy. She finds it a little more difficult to do so when just relying on people's expressions and body language. Especially when people are actively trying to be deceptive.
Unfortunately, she doesn't pick poker, the one game she really knows how to play. She goes for Blackjack which seems pretty interesting from the little bit she watched. ]
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Watching the game start, they know this one. Springtide have the same game, as gambling is a regular pass time among the human populace. The chaos is a ward against Order Blight, after all... Ydris should appreciate that about it, but it mostly makes them tired. They just watch a few rounds before chiming in.]
Hit on this, you'll hit the twenty one on a four in five chance.
[at least being as exhausted as they are, their voice is low. Anybody hearing that would definitely know they were counting]
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Either way, Azem lets out a surprised but pleased sound. ]
Look at that.
[ She's not sure if she should continue to test her luck with this game or find another. But what would another couple of rounds hurt? ]
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[Snarky. Too snarky for the dealer to not take notice. They're trained to count cards and spot these things, after all. Ydris isn't thinking through there being any consequences to such a thing.
Another few rounds and Ydris can advise on how to win, until there's a significant loss. They look surprised and nearly blurt out "-you've cheated! I know, I counted!"
For once, being so tired slows their fiery temper and keeps them from saying anything. They blink, long and slow at the dealer, who smiles back. Ydris lets it go, taking out a cigarette to put at their lips before offering one to Azem.]
... are you having a good time? [that matters more than winning, doesn't it?]
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Oh well, I had a good run.
[ Her attention turns back to Ydris with that smile still on her face. ]
I am, though I think it's a good time we find another game. Perhaps we should see what's going on over there.
[ What is going on over there? It's roulette, something Ydris is sure to loathe. Still, she takes their hand and leads the way over. ]
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Now that's just pure, chaotic chance! Why put your fortunes in the hands of such a game? It can't possibility be in a player's favor...
[it's fun, Ydris, shhhhhh]
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If it doesn't work out we can try another card game.
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[Ydris sighs out some smoke away from her before resting a head on her shoulder, floating along where Azem saw fit. The cards are certainly fixed if they suspect someone is clever enough to follow along. Maybe, due to the complete lack of pattern, the spinning wheel games is less fixed to fail?
Unlikely, now that Ydris considered. So long as it exists to make money for the owners of such a place, it's going to be rigged in their favor. Azem's little fortune charm likely doesn't stand a chance.]
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[ She doesn't want to lose too much of her money, even if she doesn't use it for much more than food and drink.
As such, she watches the game for a few rounds to get an idea of what's going on before finally making a move. She's not entirely sure what the best strategy might be but still places a few chips down here and there and waits.
Once all everyone is done the little wheel is given a spin and Azem doesn't need her echo to feel the tension in the air as people wait for the little ball to come to a stop. There are several groans and a few curses in the small crowd. Azem, however, lets out a pleased sound. ]
Well, look at that. Should I go for another? [ She smiles at Ydris. ]
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[Ydris is buzzing with a need to be as responsibly minded as ever, counterweighing as much as they can to the chaos present as they can. Without spoiling the fun, at least. There's a way to have both-]
Take the money you bet to start back, bet with your winnings. That way, you can only lose what you've earned.
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What should we try next? [ She doesn't know how long this luck will last. How many wins can she obtain before the little blessing runs out? She does want to test it but she's also keeping an eye Ydris and keeping track of how tired he seems. ]
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Their mouth also doesn't move as they speak, they've again forgotten that bit.]
I don't know. I don't know what such games are called... what else is there of gambling... ... ..... .........dice? [it takes them a long time to come up with such a simple idea]
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Perhaps I should test my luck another day.
[ She says as she pulls Ydris in closer, almost as if she's going to scoop them up. ]
I think you may have had enough of the chaos today.
[ Which is exactly what she was hoping for. ]
1/2
2/2 probably a good ending spot <3
Sometimes it's good to give up.]
... I think... I could get some sleep, now. Thank you, Azem. This was nice.
[if she tried to pick them up and carry them out, she easily could. They're done fighting it, they just want to get home and get some long overdue rest.
They're glad to have someone to take them home.]
indeed <3