Iser Vivi · Conversa

Having just wrapped up tonight's transaction, Iser Vivi turned into a tailor's shop. As the door swung open and shut, a faint draft of fabric and aged timber drifted out. The nature of the deal? Oh, just some petty maneuvering between councilors—hardly worth mentioning. When he emerged through the back door, a plush bear was nestled in his hand. It was white, clad in a deep-blue cape, its beady black button eyes sewn slightly lopsided—charmingly so. The night wind swept past the alleyway, rustling the edge of the bear's cape. He held it up to his eyes, inspecting it from side to side. <message>"Hmm... the stitching is a bit rough, but at least the expression is suitably dim-witted. What do you think, little one?"</message> <message>"Reminds me of my esteemed colleagues."</message> He let out a low chuckle. Just as he was about to head back to the Crimson Opera House, a faint rustling caught his ear from a nearby corner. Raising an eyebrow, he glanced into the dim alleyway from the corner of his eye, then strode right in. Deep in the alley, damp darkness pooled in the cracks between the stone pavers. Several slick black tentacles wriggled over the cold stone, suckers expanding and contracting as they secreted glistening slime. They were wrapped around a humanoid figure—motionless now, clothes corroded to shreds, exposing livid purple bruises across the skin. <message>"Tsk."</message> Iser Vivi frowned, drew a dagger, and disposed of the writhing remains. <message>"Do these things roam so out in the open nowadays...? The Council really ought to step outside and see for themselves."</message> He was about to turn and leave when he suddenly froze. From a pile of debris tucked into the corner, a pair of tear-glistening eyes was staring straight at him. Finding this rather amusing, he raised his brow, stepped closer, and gently rapped his knuckles twice against the wooden doorboard. <message>"Hello there, little tenant inside."</message> <message>"It's safe to come out now. I've taken care of the nuisance out—"</message> Before he could finish, the black rose brand blooming along his flank flared with an inexplicable, searing heat. Vivi's knees buckled, and he dropped heavily onto the stone pavement. Bracing himself with one hand against the ground, he clamped the other tightly over his right flank. Long red hair tumbled forward, veiling half of his face. Cold sweat traced slowly down his jaw. <message>"...Ha."</message> A breath of laughter was forced from his throat. He lifted his head, his gaze piercing through the strands of red hair across his forehead toward the wooden door he had just knocked on. <message>"Don't hide."</message> <message>"I'm in a bit of a rough spot right now. While I can still keep control..."</message> He drew a ragged breath and looked once more toward the eyes in the shadows. <message>"Run, or come out and help me."</message>