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Aventurine has trained his body as best as he could out of any habits that would betray him: the beading of sweat on his brow, the irritated twitch of an eyelid, the tensing of his shoulder blades. After all, a good majority of his gambles require the other party to believe fully believe his posturing, to expose any weaknesses he might exploit. Perhaps in another life, he would have made a killing as film star on Penacony. And yet, for all the practice he’s had over the years, there are still moments he simply cannot hide his distaste at the antics of the galactic ultra-wealthy.
The Bonajade Exchange is nauseating in its mimicry of a backwater planet pawn shop. The foyer is crowded with furniture and tchotchkes, but perhaps to the eyes of most with Aventurine’s background, it would pass as a meaningless mess. But Aventurine can see the careful manner in which everything has been arranged, the perfect condition of every piece of furniture, the fact that the supposedly hastily placed knickknacks are high quality jewels and antique artifacts free of any dust. It’s as if the interior designer has sought to remind patrons that in the face of the desperation that has brought them before Lady Bonajade, the traditional symbols of their class are but baubles. Aventurine’s stomach is incredibly unsettled at the implication that anyone who could afford to barter at this place could compare to the struggle of the poverty he had known, but he bites the inside of his cheek until he tastes iron and wills Jade to call him.
What possible reason could we have to meet here instead of any of the official IPC offices , he bemoans.
Finally, a small chime rings out, and the door concealing Jade’s office opens. He slows down his gait, refusing to show any sort of vulnerability to even the walls of this place. While Jade has proven a useful ally before, her favor will always fall to the winning side. He’s yet to lose big, but he’d rather not give her reason to bet against him.
When he enters, Aventurine fights back to urge to sigh. While there is a healthy spread of documents across her desk, the glass of wine in her hand and the amused glint in her eyes are proof enough that Lady Bonajade is not so busy as to have warranted the near system hour she had him wait.
“I apologize for the wait; I hope it wasn’t too much of a bore.”
Jade’s voice is soft, inviting, and lacking the typical lilt that most would presume from negotiators, but Aventurine suspects he’s being teased.
“No, of course not! I’m sure that my senior’s busy schedule warranted the wait. I was glad to be able to peruse the… no doubt invaluable wares the Exchange houses during my wait.”
Jade’s eyebrow raises, but so does the corner of her mouth and Aventurine takes that to signal he’s struck the perfect balance of annoyance and banter. She motions to the chair in front of her desk, and he settles quickly.
“I wanted to discuss your new assignment,” she shares.
Aventurine allows his brows to furrow.
“A new assignment? Forgive my confusion, but I’m surprised Diamond didn’t reach out directly.”
“Well,” Jade starts, smiling coyly. “The truth is, he asked me to pass it along, especially since it came up when I presented our joint reports concerning Penacony.”
“Oh?”
“Yes, it appears Diamond was quite interested to hear that you were invited by that Knight to a gala.”
Here, Aventurine is left completely confused.
“Diamond was intrigued by that? Forgive me, but I… don’t know that this would be the most fruitful thing to invest much time into.”
His senior hums to herself, as though pondering her next words. Likely unnecessary, as Aventurine is sure that if this did come from Diamond, the two of them have discussed the event from every angle.
“Penacony’s bringing together of so many factions has presented us with quite a unique opportunity. The appearance of the Galaxy Rangers, for example, allows us to refresh our data on their numbers, especially on those hostile to the IPC. Your collaboration with the Memokeeper has helped to maintain positive relations with the Garden. And of course there was the crux of the mission, to bring The Family to the bargaining table.”
“I understand that,” Aventurine interjects, “but the Knights…” He trails off. It’s not that he wants to insult the faction, but he’s a bit shocked that Diamond views them as a pressing matter.
There’s a gleam in Jade’s eye before she continues, “It’s true that the Knights of Beauty are not a particularly high priority or the most… desired collaborators. But we also have yet to have such a positive interaction between members.”
“My interactions with Knight Argenti were quite brief,” Aventurine grits out.
“And yet it appears you’ve left quite the impression on him.”
Aventurine wishes he could groan.
“Diamond and I believe that it’s best to strike while the iron is hot. There is always the reality that another opportunity for even small collaboration will present itself, and even a minor investment now will undoubtedly allow us greater dividends in the future.”
There’s no getting out of this .
“So I’ll just be popping in to schmooze with the Knights and any guests then?”
Jade makes no efforts to hide her grin.
“I’m glad you’ve come around. Yes, and I do believe this will be far easier than your last few assignments. Think of it as a recovery period from how involved Penacony was.”
“Right. Well, I guess I’ll go put together my outfit,” he croons, standing up, ready to be free of this. He’s just turned to walk away when Jade starts again.
“Ah, one more thing. We believe we should also use this opportunity to ease relations between the Knights and our current collaborators.”
What?
As such, you will be accompanied by Dr. Veritas Ratio.”
~Flashback~
Dreamflux Reef was undoubtedly the shadow of truth to the sweet dream of Penacony. The run down and decrepit buildings and confusing, winding labyrinth of paths revealed the chaotic nature of the dream, and so Aventurine understood the occasional hysteria he came across when he saw unexpected visitors appear abruptly. Still, he himself found a comfort in the grittiness of the dream. There was a resilience in the natives he’d met here, one that reflected that final conversation with Acheron, and he found himself surprisingly excited to return to reality.
“Ahh, I believe that you must be Sir Aventurine! I am glad to have come across you!”
The blond man turned to come face to face with shimmering steel and luscious streaks of red. There was an ethereal nature to the being before him, and he knew instantly this man must be a Knight of Beauty.
How curious… and potentially frustrating.
“Yes, a pleasure. If I can ask, you were searching for me because…?”
The red-haired man’s smile was gentle and warm, and Aventurine felt on edge. The last time he had returned to reality, the Knights had not yet checked in.
“You see, I came as a representative of the Knights of Beauty to the Charmony Festival, though, regrettably, I was quite late to arrive. However, as I was checking in, I had heard concerns from your companion about your whereabouts! I was moved by their concern, and vowed to myself to keep an eye open for you.”
“My companion?”
Aventurine felt his traitorous heart skip a beat, that slip of paper burning in his pocket.
“Why yes! A young woman in reality, with white hair? It appears it had been quite a while since you had sent any communications, and many of The Family representatives were quite skittish to provide updates on your status.”
Ah .
While Aventurine had not exactly planned the details of Veritas’ betrayal, the Mundanite’s prioritization of knowledge was certainly a factor in how the Stoneheart’s plan formed. Ratio had played his part perfectly, and while the betrayal stung in the moment, it was quickly soothed over by that damn note.
But the pain he felt now at his own disappointment? It was worrying how much he desired Ratio’s care. He pushed it deep down, refocusing on the matter at hand.
“In that case, let me thank you, on both our parts. Truth be told, I was beginning to question if I’d ever be able to get back.”
“I am glad to be of assistance! Now, let us depart!”
The Knight spun on his heel and walked off. Aventurine jogged a bit to catch up, watching curiously as the man looked around. Though those green eyes darted around the landscape, it was as though they were unseeing of what was actually in front of him… Or perhaps, seeing something unseen.
“I’m quite curious,” Aventurine prompted, “on what the Knights of Beauty think of this side of the sweet dream? I’m sure some might like the more… rustic nature, but how does it compare to the glittering ‘beauty’ of the twelve moments?”
The red-haired man spared him a glance, lips slightly upturned.
“Well, some might say, good sir, that charm – both in places and from people – is deceptive.”
The words were pointed but lacked any heat or venom, but Aventurine could feel his annoyance grow.
“And some might argue, my friend, that beauty is fleeting.”
To his surprise, the Knight merely laughed.
“That is certainly true, but others might argue that it is that fleeting nature itself that is foundational to beauty.”
Before Aventurine could respond, Argenti reached over to grip his wrist and there was a sudden flash that blinded him. When his eyes finally adjusted, he found himself staring at the hallways of The Reverie.
“I believe your room should be in that direction, but I must excuse myself. I must ready myself to participate in the competition! Hopefully I will see you again!”
With that and a flip of those fiery locks, the Knight set off in the opposite direction. Aventurine took a moment to compose himself, then began walking down the hall. In a few short minutes, he came across two IPC guards who stiffened at the sight of him.
“Welcome back, Sir.”
Aventurine rolled his eyes as playfully as he could, trying to ignore the annoyance he felt.
“Yes, thank you.”
He reached for the door, but paused.
“Has Ratio…” his voice trailed off.
“Sir, the Doctor has not been seen since before your confrontation.”
Aventurine ignored the sharp pain in his heart.
“Right. That will be all.”
He hurried inside, shutting the door quickly behind himself.
~Flashback End~
It was rare for Ratio to reach out to Aventurine after any mission they shared, but no mission they had ever been on together had so directly posed risk for loss of life to either of them. Then there was the matter of Ratio’s note, and Aeons be damned, Aventurine had thought… perhaps the Mundanite would have reached out to gauge his health. Yet, even once he awoke from the Sweet Dream, he heard nary a thing from the other.
Aventurine normally wouldn’t have been the first to reach out anyways, wary about displaying too much vulnerability, but seeing the reminders of his youth, hearing the Oak Family’s heir’s taunts, it dragged up too much hurt and pain, and he was struck with the realization that, for the first time since the death of his family, he craved deeply for someone’s care and affection. Yes, perhaps it was ludicrous to expect Veritas to burst through his door and declare his body-consuming worry and undying affection, but even just a visit or a message would have been enough.
He had thrown himself into preparing his reports for Diamond as a distraction, and blessed his luck that missions that required assistance from the Guild are fewer than one might expect, and yet here he is, a few weeks later and still hurting.
He’s in the middle of taking stock of the clothing in his quarters, trying to decide on outfits for the gala, when he hears his door open suddenly.
“You’re still preparing, gambler?”
Aventurine freezes. He turns slowly, and there he is, Veritas Ratio in all his disgruntled glory. Those golden eyes pierce into Aventurine’s very being, and yet they are decidedly disinterested in whatever it is they found there.
“Finally come to see if I survived, Doctor?” he snips back, harsher than he means to.
Veritas raises an eyebrow before replying, “Well, it could be surmised that you had survived, from the moment this mission was assigned.”
It is so matter-of-fact and detached, and it throws Aventurine off-kilter.
“And you didn't care to find out sooner?” The words are not a whisper, but fragile all the same. Here, Ratio’s brows furrow. He opens his mouth, but Aventurine whips around, overcome with the reality that he is unsure if he can weather whatever the other might say.
“Well, if you’re here, you might as well help me to choose.”
Aventurine motions to the different outfits strewn across the room.
“This is an event being thrown by pathstriders of Beauty after all, best we dress up appropriately. Just need to make sure we aren’t edging the line of garish.”
Ratio huffs in reply, and Aventurine curses his heart that he can’t help the smile he can feel forming.
“Your usual garb is not good enough? Surely if it is suitable for official meetings it should be suitable for official events, no?”
Aventurine makes a show of rolling his eyes, snorting in amusement.
“Doctor, that’s beside the point! We are heading to a masquerade ball! The occasion calls for something truly special!”
Ratio scoffs.
“As far as I was aware, this mission’s purpose was to build a relationship with the Knights, implying the lack of a current relationship. Save for the Knight who extended the invite, who would be able to discern that your outfit isn’t handpicked for the event?”
Normally, Aventurine would enjoy a bit of back and forth with Ratio, teasing and needling and getting under his skin. However, this level of annoyance from the other man, when it was the thought of him and those last unspoken words that got him through Nihility’s encompassing embrace, it strikes too deep. Instead of responding in turn, he simply concedes.
“Well, if that’s what the good Doctor is prescribing, then perhaps that’s what we should do.”
In spite of the hurt he feels, Aventurine almost bursts out laughing at the dumbfounded look on Ratio’s face.
“But, at the very least, please find a mask to wear to the ball, Doc. We need to show a little effort.”
Ratio’s golden eyes are searching for something on the blond’s face, but whatever he finds makes him stiffen.
“Well,” he begins, tone awkward. “That should be doable.”
Aventurine watches the man turn on his heel and exit the room.
*
For all of Ratio’s implying that their time would be better spent on planning instead of choosing outfits, preparations prove to be completed rather quickly. It seems that Jade and Diamond truly just want Aventurine to charm as many guests at this event as possible, and so there’s little background research to be done. With outfits already picked, all Aventurine has to do is commission his mask, and so he spends the week before the event able to completely avoid Ratio.
That avoidance means that when they do meet on their ship to head to the event, there is a chafing silence between them. Ratio has been uncharacteristically quiet and contemplative, only occasionally sparing glances to Aventurine. The Stoneheart had flashed what he could feel was a strained smile at the beginning of their commute, but fiddled with his data pad, reviewing what information was available on the current roster of Knights. Aventurine only looks up when he felt the warp, gazing out the window to gaze on Chaldean below.
Every time Aventurine gazes upon a new world, he’s reminded of the first time he laid eyes upon Sigonia from above. How her desert oceans that appeared endlessly vast on her surface seemed so small from above, a dot of yellow in the eternal black cosmos. Chaldean is one of those worlds that twists his heart, unable to understand why the Mother Goddess would deny her people rain.
They enter the planet’s atmosphere, and as the ship slows down to safely land, he watches dew form on the windows. The planet is covered in huge forests of blue-green trees that speak of rain without prayer and sacrifice. He wonders what his sister would have thought of such a world. Their ship lands on the outskirts of one of Chaldean’s great chateaus, the size of a city.
“Gambler.”
Aventurine turns to look at Ratio to find the man’s hand outstretched to him. He feels his breath hitch, before he curses himself slightly. Surely Ratio is just putting on appearances for their chivalrous crowd. Still, as much as he knows it will hurt when this is all over, he takes the hand, allowing Veritas to interlink their fingers as he pulls him along.
They are greeted by a Knight as they exit the ship, but Aventurine is too focused on the feeling of their intertwined hands. He can hear Ratio’s annoyed quips, but the exchange is simply not registering in his brain. Finally, Ratio pulls him towards one of the buildings, and they walk in silence.
They stop in front of their door before Ratio takes out an ornate key, unlocks the room, and ushers the blond inside. Walking in, he finds what can only be described as a sitting area, complete with plush couches and armchairs, and wandering further in finds that they have an entire suite.
“I will be going to discuss a few things concerning amenities, so you may have first pick,” Ratio mutters, eyes seemingly avoiding looking directly at Aventurine. The blond hums in reply before wandering into the room on the left, hearing the shutting of a door as soon as he enters. He distracts himself with the creeping vines on the walls, roses braided into their twists and turns.
“I didn’t realize floral wallpaper needed to be leveled up,” he jokes to the silent room. He places his bag onto the bed, content enough with the room to forego exploring the rest of the suite. He grabs his own key before heading off to explore the rest of the building instead. Before he can even close the door behind him, he is greeted by someone calling out his name.
“Sir Aventurine, you’ve arrived!”
A slight turn of his head reveals none other than the same red-haired annoyance of a man who had resulted in this mission.
“If it isn’t my favorite Knight of Beauty,” he purrs mockingly. Argenti’s light chuckle only fuels his irritation.
“If you aren’t busy, it would be my great pleasure to provide you a quick tour of the facilities.”
Aventurine weighs differing declines on his tongue, before sighing.
“I suppose I can make time,” he teases. The knight beams at him, before motioning further down the hall. They walk in step and, surprisingly enough, in silence. Aventurine takes in the warm tones of the walls, the ever-present floral decorations.
“I’m surprised how rustic the Knights seem. You’d think there would be more high marble pillars,” he quips. He sees in the corner of his eyes the way the corner of Argenti’s mouth curls.
“I’m afraid that once again, my dear friend, you’ve mischaracterized The Beauty.” The knight hums in thought before continuing, “There is no doubt that Beauty does include what the collective deems as beautiful, but Beauty is the ephemeral, the transient.
“Art created by masters and amateurs alike, melodies and harmonies that are a bit off, the young and the old, there is Beauty in it all.”
“Yes, the decrepit buildings of Dreamflux were quite beautiful,” Aventurine drawls.
“It is the fleeting nature of life that gives it Beauty. It is because a rose’s bloom is followed by death that we find the blossoms beautiful, but even in death, there is Beauty in appreciating what was once alive. Ahh, this way.”
As Argenti leads them up a series of staircases, Aventurine allows his words to drift in his mind. Before he can decide on his response, though, they enter a spectacular ballroom. There are multiple glittering chandeliers, more flowering vines adorning the walls. There is a flurry of activity as people rush to set up chairs and tables.
“In two days’ time, this will be where the ball’s main reception is held. Though, if you find yourself in need of some air, there are a number of balconies this way.”
Argenti ushers him out to the nearest one, and Aventurine allows a small gasp of surprise to escape him. The setting sun casts a golden glow over the blue-green forest, a symphony of colors that delight the senses. He feels a pair of eyes heavy on him, and when he turns, finds an outstretched hand offering a rose.
“There is something especially Beautiful about a resilient life. On the few mountains of Chaldean, on the highest points, there are ‘ice blossoms,’ which the locals believe are the most beautiful flowers on the planet, because of their ability to bloom where nothing else can grow.”
Aventurine averts his gaze as Argenti’s eyes soften.
“Struggles, hardships, loss. A life that continues, and even a life that stops, both are Beautiful and have worth. I hope someone will come along who understands that.
Aventurine grabs the rose, but before he can pull his hand back, finds his wrist in the Knight’s grip as the redhead brings it near to press his lips against his knuckles.
“I will allow you some time alone.”
Aventurine watches as he leaves, before turning again to lean against the railing. He watches the trees as they shudder in the wind, guests laughing amongst themselves as they wander the complex. He watches as the sun continues to set and cast its evening glow. It’s hard to tell whether he stands there for five minutes or an hour, before finally, he can hear someone approaching.
“Gambler.”
The voice is hesitant, unsure in such an uncharacteristic way. Aventurine inhales the sweet perfume of the rose.
“Veritas,” he exhales out, soft and tender.
He listens as the Ratio walks towards him. The other man stops next to him, their shoulders brushing against each other.
“It is easy to agonize over the high percentage of a failure or unforeseen circumstance, to allow oneself to be paralyzed. Rather, it is hard to have faith that such things can be overcome through skill and luck, and yet…”
The man trails off, before seeming to find his nerve.
“And yet, I found myself feeling strongly – and irrationally – as of late. It is easy to feel such things… around you. It was easy to know… that you would come back, no matter how long it took.”
Aventurine stills, not taking even a single breath. Was this really—?
“Your note… I kept it.”
He stares hard into the distance.
“For this ball, my mask… it is modeled after yours,” he confesses. He risks a glance over, to find those carmine eyes that were normally detached and probing full of warmth. Heat blooms in his cheeks as hope sprouts in his heart.
“This… what are we doing, Veritas?”
There is a small scoff, before the other replies.
“Whatever it is you want, Gambler.”
Aventurine turns away, staring again as the sun begins to slip against the horizon, before taking his free hand to grab at Ratio’s. In the quiet still of the evening night, he thinks that he’s never known warmth like the one he feels now.