digitizedsouls | (psl) meet me in the shadows, won't you tell me what you've found

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(psl) meet me in the shadows, won't you tell me what you've found

come down to where all of the others fell

get lost in the dark to find yourself

[x]

[ Autumn arrives in Mondstadt, and with it, Weinlesefest.

For many who reside in the nation of freedom, the days leading up to the festival's commencement are busy. And though Oriphi's occupation doesn't lie within the wine industry, there's still plenty of work to be done for a florist between decorations for the festival grounds and preparing arrangements to be sold at the festival proper. Her days, as of late, have been filled with preparing garlands and wreaths, crafting arrangements, and everything else that comes with the territory. Some nights, she works late in an effort to ensure that preparations stay on track.

Other nights are filled with activities of a different sort altogether, thanks to an arrangement with a certain vampire.

Regardless, the festival arrives in earnest, and with preparations complete, Oriphi finds herself with free time for the first time in weeks. Pauline, another florist, is currently in charge of manning the stall at the festival, and sends Oriphi off to enjoy the festival for herself.

"You've worked so hard up until this point! Don't forget to enjoy Weinlesefest, too!"

And it's that which has Oriphi wandering the grounds at present, although being told to enjoy her free time apparently doesn't stop her from beginning to fuss over one of the potted flower arrangements next to one of the other stalls. The green of the leaves contrast against her currently pale skin as she frowns. ]

This needs to be watered...

[Weinlesefest is a busy time of year for Diluc as well, given that he is quite involved in the wine industry. His days are filled with coordinating staff and making sure that no detail or task is overlooked, and his nights are long and grueling thanks to him stepping up his patrols so that no one dares step out of line during the festivities.

The only times he's allowed himself to sleep are the nights he's spent with a succubus who's been run just about as ragged as he has. He increasingly finds himself feeling... refreshed after their trysts, and not just from the feeding. Time spent with her allows him to relax and actually be able to rest.
It's an alarming development, all told. So he gives it no thought, lest his mind wander to places he would much rather it not go.

During the festival itself, Diluc prefers to stay out of the way as much as he can. But he does take one afternoon to meander through its stalls, partly out of a need to make an appearance and partly out of an earnest desire to see at least some of it. As luck would have it, he finds Oriphi crouched next to a food vendor and fussing over the plants.]

I suppose I shouldn't be surprised running into you here, of all places.

[ Likewise, Oriphi has eased into the routine of their trysts over time. She would be naive to think, however, that their arrangement can go on indefinitely, and at times she finds herself wondering and worrying over when - not if - it will break bad, and how.

But for now... It's a relief to be able to live without wondering how she'll cope with going for long periods without feeding. To know that he won't let her starve herself the way that she used to.

(And also... it's hard to ignore how really good the sex is.)

They have, however, limited their interactions in the daytime to be close to nonexistent. She's never given him more than a nod of acknowledgment any time their paths cross in the city, which isn't common to begin with. After all, he is Master Diluc Ragnvindr, and she is but a humble florist.

And now here he is, standing before her at the festival as she stands and whirls on her heel with a mind to return to her stall and retrieve a watering can. Startled, she gasps and goes a bit rigid before she remembers herself and offers a clumsy little curtsy. Her gaze, meanwhile, remains averted. ]

M— Master Diluc. So... lovely to see you today. Are you enjoying the festival, my lord?

[There's a part of Diluc that finds catching Oriphi off-guard like this entertaining, enjoying the way she tries so hard not to squirm under the pretense that they don't know each other. It's a bit mean, and more than a little bit of a power trip. But gods, if she's not gorgeous as she does it.

It makes him want her on her knees in front of him, submissive and waiting for his next command. But that's not something that can happen now, so instead he gives her a pleasant, polite smile.]

There's no need to be so formal today, of all days. I'm just here to enjoy the atmosphere, same as anyone else.

The flowers are especially beautiful this year. You and your associates did an excellent job.

[The compliment is an earnest one. The festival is a sight to behold, not least because of the vibrant flowers and greenery that adorn each stall.]

[ She is well-aware of the dynamic that exists between them in moments like these. He's the most powerful man in Mondstadt, and she is a succubus hiding under the guise of a meek townsperson. With a few simple words, he could very well destroy her life. In even this most innocent, courteous conversation, he holds all of the power.

And yet, she doesn't find herself all that afraid. She knows that he's enjoying this, but she also knows that when the night falls and the doors close behind them, her capacity for cruelty is just as much, and she has every capability to have him begging for her kindness and mercy. She's not the type to be petty and to exact revenge, but she could be if she really wanted to - and he knows that, too.

The real challenge is making it appear to ordinary folk as if there isn't something very palpable in the air between the two of them.

At his urging, she straightens her posture and finally holds his gaze. Her expression is every bit as polite as his, perhaps tinged with lingering uncertainty, but she manages a sincere, appreciative smile when he comments on her work. ]

Ah, thank you. You and your people have worked hard, too. I've heard nothing but glowing reviews for your Angel's Share and Dawn Winery's offering this year.

[ Her gaze falls back to the struggling plant beside her. ]

If you'll excuse me, Master Diluc, I do need to take care of this...

[He knows how quickly he can destroy her. He has no interest in doing so.

Even when he does weigh his power against hers, it's with the intention of watching her squirm, not actually putting her into any danger. It's the sort of powerplay that she can turn back on him behind closed doors, where she can make him putty in her hands. With just a bit of magic, he'd be all hers for however long she wants him to be.

There are times where he wishes she would. Those thoughts are equal parts troubling and erotic, the kind that have him stroking himself at night while trying not to think about the implications.

For now, however, the cards are his to hold. And he's not about to let her get away that easily.]

Oh, are you headed back to your stall? Allow me to follow; I'd like to purchase some fresh flowers for The Angel's Share this evening.

[ She barely conceals a worried little whine under her breath at what he says. Because she has no reason to refuse him, and it would be rude indeed for her to do so. But also because... She can't bring herself to even want to refuse him, even knowing full well that she should, that they should be keeping their distance from each other. As such, Ori has to take a moment to formulate the proper words. ]

...I see. If that's the case, then it would be our pleasure to sell you our flowers. I hope that you'll find them to your liking. And I'm sure that one of our florists would be more than happy to help you select the perfect arrangement...

[ If he's feeling merciful, they'll make their way to the stall together and she can return to this wilting plant while someone else tends to him. But she has a feeling that things aren't quite going to work out that way.

There's only one way to find out, so with a grateful nod she spins on her heel and begins to walk back towards the stall. ]

[They should be keeping their distance, yes. But Diluc isn't the sort who always does what's best for himself, so here they are. For what it's worth, he doesn't intend to linger long enough to make things dangerous. All he wants is to rile her up a little, then send her on her way until they can meet behind closed doors.

The walk back to the stall is rather uneventful, and by some miracle of self control Diluc manages not to stare too openly at Oriphi as she walks a few paces ahead of him. He's not one for ogling, usually, but given their relationship there's a palpable temptation to. As much as he prefers her succubus form, her human disguise is quite lovely.

But they're in public and unable to show their true selves. Appreciating her figure will also have to wait until later.

Pauline is with a customer when they return to the stall, so there's no one to tend to him but Oriphi. Luckily for all parties involved, Donna is off today.]

I have the order written down, if that's helpful.

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(psl) meet me in the shadows, won't you tell me what you've found

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