Let's do the Test Drive Again

[wolof]

I. BEARING FRUIT (NEW CHARACTERS ONLY)

It starts out as a pleasant dream. You’re in your favorite place, with your favorite people. It’s a moment of idyllic comfort.

And then, it goes wrong.

The sky turns dark above, and as you look up, you see the black expanse of space spotted with faraway pinprick lights of stars. Yet, they’re not stars. You’re certain. They’re watching you. A billion eyes all looking down, and they spill forth as if sky itself was a dam holding back those dark waters. You reach back to the people you’re with, but they’re frozen in place. Their eyes are black, reflecting only the expanse of dark eyes.

So you run, even though you know you won’t escape it. You glance back and see it not overtaking, but consuming. The landscape around you is being devoured, and you can see it cracking apart. The world itself is breaking, and it cracks under your feet. You fall, and the billion eyes chase after you until the darkness swallows you whole. There’s agony as if you’re being ripped apart, and then—

You cannot see. You cannot feel. You simply are. Yet even so, impossibly, a woman’s voice speaks gently.

I’m sorry it couldn’t be saved. But, come, it’s time to wake.

You wake with a start, cradled by soft, velvety plants, and sticky with a sap that smells faintly of honey and iron. You can see the veins of the leaves that hold you, lit warmly and gently by what looks like a crystal embedded above you. Yet, it’s odd, because that crystal calls to you. When you reach out to touch it, it’s warm. Familiar. Important. You don’t know why, but you know you must hold onto this, because now it feels wrong for it to be suspended in these leaves. So, you pull it out.

The light starts to fade, but only in time to see as the leaves cradling you immediately start to soften and crumble, and with it comes a torrent of dirt. Soft, loamy soil starts to fill the space around you in the dark as you’re buried. Or, rather, you already were. You reach out through the dirt desperately, and your hands finds a root, so you pull while you clutch that precious crystal so close that it almost feels like it sinks into you (in your panic, you don’t notice that it does). You reach out again, and this time, your hand hits open air and plenty of sturdy roots around to grab.

From a seed you’re born, and like a sprout, you make your way out of the ground.

And once you’ve clawed your way out of the soft earth and the roots, nearby, you see the soil shift. Another hand comes up to grasp desperately for something, anything, just as you had been.

II. BOUGH-BREAKER, ROOT-QUAKER

There are new Shard-Bearers at the Tree of Life, and Yima has asked that their elders return to the Tree to greet them, to bring them forth and answer their questions. She warns that it will be unlike the last time, for the Dryad's presence has gone -- the root-caverns of the Tree are damaged, the previous actions of some of the Shard-Bearers have left it injured, blackened by ill intent. Be careful, Commune where you must, but be aware that the Tree has reacted to its injury and will seek out the space within your Communions to make its agonies known.

All will experience the consequences to the actions of the few.

Whether awakening within or descending once more into the cavernous, root layer of the Tree of life is precarious; passages are maze-like, with claustrophobic squeezes and sudden chasms. Worse yet, is the miasma that hovers in the atmosphere. It leaches into your eyes, your skin, the space below your fingernails and drags through your lungs with every inhalation. Images of explosions, of fire and the sensation of shrapnel tearing through you begin to spark like fireworks within your mind. The pain builds, souring as it does.

The ambiance here is revolting. Great chasms have opened in the environment, threatening to pour inattentive Shard-Bearers into the Tree's deeper underbelly. The cloying, dark vapors around everyone dull the senses, until those you may have entered with are gone, or perhaps new bodies have joined you in the rancid space. The miasma urges you towards your baser desires, your desperate violence, and even as the Tree's pain evokes a sense of desperate self-defense, your Shard warms upon your body.

Somehow, the Tree still seeks to Commune with all -- pressing its need upon you: a single flame. A roaring pyre. A chilled ember.

THE GAME IS AFOOT

The Tree of Life cannot communicate but in abstract images and sounds, but the general gist of its need is eventually grasped by all Shard-Bearers: the miasma present is the result of an attack upon the Dryad that once lived among the roots of the Tree. Actions taken by other Shard-Bearers have left the Tree in dire straits, deeply wounded and unable to prevent itself from naturally lashing out in its own defense as it dies. It cannot let go of those it has imprisoned, until they have revealed their nature to it - until it knows it can finally, finally let go.

Characters can decide amongst themselves how to deal with the threat of miasma. It's easy to figure out, as your shards will naturally want to absorb what's similar to discord within your shards, but just like with discord, holding hands, or joining together in some way will allow the pain to be shared amongst everyone in the group. There's no such thing as failure, but if a character decides for the group, there may be the opportunity for intervention…

• Characters may choose to take on the role of a martyr, accepting the Tree's miasma ( its pain ) upon themselves as the sole sufferant. They will experience excruciating pain and lasting effects, but will spare others from this trauma.
• Characters may also choose to share the pain among themselves, though doing so will require Communion to be shared between all parties -- this will result in the temporary collapse of boundaries and barricades, and emotions and memories may flow against their will into others.
• Characters may also decide to do nothing at all, whereupon their decision to take no action will result in the miasma growing stronger, denser and more cloying until they are rendered unconscious and ejected from the roots of the tree.
• Have you a choice unique to your character that wasn't mentioned? Might you try to heal the tree's pain, or perhaps harm it further? If you're making the attempt, make sure your group is aware and submit your record of action to the link included below!

This can be done in groups of 2 to 4 players, and three is a recommendation - if you can swing it! It’s more fun when you get into philosophical debates, right? Regardless, when your group comes to a decision, please record it here. These don’t have to be fully threaded out to be recorded, so the conclusion can be discussed OOC if you prefer. Actions can be submitted until JANUARY 9TH, after which a tally will be taken of decision and filed away for later, devious uses.

III. TWO CITIES, ALIKE IN DIGNITY BUT WE ALL KNOW YIMOMMY'S WHERE IT'S AT

Having just celebrated the dual-natured festivities known as the Year's End Festival and Qiasu, Springstar and Highstorm ( respectively ) are wrapping up the period of time where Kenos a celebrates unity and togetherness, coming together with friends and family, to be kind to others and share in one’s wealth - whether that comes in the form of knowledge, monetary gains, or the exchange of gifts and one’s time. While the core festivities are over, many of the residents of Kenos are still caught up in the celebratory mood; those who are not, have begun to fret and whisper about a rumor that has spread throughout both cities.

( Many more residents are attempting to get rid of their excess stock, and may attempt to pawn off kitschy goods and, strangely, unclaimed gifts for people they claim they have no memory of, or simply do not exist. )

With the new Shard-Bearers present or en route, it is Kathova and Cetina that approach the established ones, requesting that they form mentorships with the new souls to assist them with the integration process. To this end, they have both provided a centralized zone in both Highstorm and Springstar for a small, casual meet-and-greet to be held before the new Shard-Bearers are unleashed upon Kenos as a whole.

Additionally, as Springstar and Highstorm are holding their events on different days, it is possible for the knowledge-hungry to participate in both informational sessions -- the tones and opinions held by both cities are doubtless to differ, and some Shard-Bearers who have chosen to harmonize with either faction may even find their way to the opposing faction's session as well. After all, the year's end is still lingering in the air, and cooperation is the current name of the game.

SPRINGSTAR, αιώνιος ήλιος

In Springstar, the seat of the Tribune becomes available for such a forum. While a section of the building itself has been reserved for the meeting between fresh faces and experienced Shard-Bearers alike, the hustle and bustle of Heliopolis continues around them -- acolytes still gather their robes and tomes, hurrying from their quarters to lessons. A score of young militants march in step across the yard to the training grounds.

Tables draped in white-and-gold-trimmed fabrics fare filled with fare common to Springstar's warmer climate -- fruits and wines, savory smoked meats and roasted vegetables, a series of meze platters and souvlaki skewers have been lain out to encourage forum participants to snack as they speak. The atmosphere is light, ambient with informality and friendliness, though topics will inevitably stray towards philosophic, Springstar's meeting grounds are decorated with handsome chaise lounges and slouching klismos chairs in small, intimate groupings.

HIGHSTORM, луны-близнецы

Eternally in opposition, Highstorm provides the Manor's courtyard as the setting for their informational meeting. Here, formality is of utmost importance, with attending Zenith loyalists and residents dressed in beautiful, albeit austere attire -- they are, after all, standing before Lady Yima's home. A buffet-style luncheon is spread alongside one of the largest reflecting pools, wherein you may gaze and find your memories revealed in retrospect upon the water's surface.

There are few places to be seated in the Manor's courtyard, resulting in a milling of bodies as they flow and ebb between smaller gatherings, clustering in small-to-large groups with small platters and shimmering flutes of drink held in their hands.

RUMOR MILL

In both locations information passes between all in a forum, spread and disseminated among the masses - it's a good opportunity for city residents, faction loyalists and interested new parties to share and share alike. Once the meet-and-greet has concluded, twin missives from both of the faction leads are read out -- invitations for all present to explore the cities to their heart's content, and warnings about stumbling ill-prepared ( or at all ) into the Below, or worse yet, the Beyond.

No matter how conversations between player characters go, everyone will walk away with the following knowledge to ensure new players do not feel "behind" in terms of what has previously happened on Kenos TV.

• Cyrus, the head of the Meridian faction is a native aristocrat of Springstar, who provides characters with an iliachtida, or sunbeam. This item tethers a character to their world, ensuring it does not fully disappear. His stance involves the idea that, using Meridian's light, worlds can be restored and you may return home.
• In contrast, the head of the Zenith faction is Yima, who has been the head of Highstorm since - arguably - its inception. She provides characters with a Shard of that they love most, to protect and hold. Yima believes former worlds to be lost, and looks to the future instead.
• While Harmonization occurs as the characters' Shard ( literally the manifestation of a character's soul! ) accrues the natural energies generated by Meridian or Zenith, Discord is also as natural an occurrence -- a symptom, in fact, of that process. Discord is best reduced by someone from the opposite faction, and is also influenced by the Aspect of one's character.
• Cyrus likes enchiladas.
• Many individuals recommend the following locations to new arrivals, as a means of enjoyment, involvement or further information-seeking: Highstorm's Court at Yima's Manor remains a great area for reflection and self-discovery, while the Tomes - a series of libraries - possess a magnitude of amassed knowledge, both foreign and relative to yourself. Heliopolis, the capital of Springstar, is the core of government and administration, and houses many avenues towards involvement in the goings-on of the city. Likewise, the Psychagogía District is the beating heart of entertainment within an island known for its passions.
• Rumors of past exploits linger on the lips of many. Did you know that one of Meridian's Harmonized slew one of Zenith's before the eyes of countless bystanders? That there was an expedition of Meri and Zenite Shard-Bearers dispatched to Alenroux, and some came back brutalized! Did you hear that the Shard of a Zenite is being held hostage by the Meridians?
• The new marking that has appeared upon your character's body is known as their sign of Aspect, and supposedly correlates to the fundamental truths of their soul. A Shard also exists, and is known as the characters' soul itself.

NOTES

Welcome to Kenos! As a reminder, all new players need an invite to play in the game, which are now open.

This log is Game Canon. Any characters who are not apped to the game will disappear. If Cyrus or Yima are asked, they’ll explain that this happens sometimes, since not every soul has a strong tether to Kenos and sometimes return to the Timestream. They’re fine and may even return to Kenos one day, but for now weren’t able to make the full journey.

As a reminder, your character has a Shard somewhere on their body that encompasses their soul, so keep note of where you're sticking it on their person for reference! Additionally, they have a tattoo of their Aspect somewhere on their body. Please be mindful this Aspect will be assigned to you upon approval and whatever you choose for the TDM may be temporary (for new characters)!

For the Highstorm and Springstar prompts, both cities will be fully open and accessible to all characters once they are saved from their rather harrowing ordeal at the Tree of Life. For prompt ideas and any general information about the cities and what you can find there, please see the Navigation page and check out the locations!

FOR NEW PLAYERS:

When characters emerge from their cocoon/the ground, characters may be wearing their normal clothes, or they might be nude. Up to you!

At some point in the days after leaving the Tree of Life, new Shard-Bearers will have a dream, even if they're usually not capable of sleeping. All new players should read this post, since this details how they'll learn about both factions and their goals and should help them make a decision in which Faction they'd be drawn to.

New characters will not have access to any canon abilities on the TDM.

Your character will be offered temporary housing either at the Heliopolis district or Yima's manor for the first few weeks after their arrival. They will also be given a stipend for basic supplies like clothing and personal effects, and food is served in the cantina (Heliopolis) and at regular meal times in the Dining Room (Yima's manor). Once they Harmonize, they will get personal permanent chambers and a fancy retainer in their Faction's city. Wow! 🌈

CODING

Comments

iiib what a guy

[cutlery]

[ If there’s someone that looks absolutely at home in Highstorm in every way, it’s definitely the tall man in all black formalwear. At least it’s not the tailcoat, which is a small blessing, but it’s also only because he had felt like it would be a bit over-dressed for the occasion.

Since the luncheon itself doesn’t hold any interest for him, Sebastian simply came to mingle and chat. It’s the sort of event that draws all kinds of people, and as such, he’s always happy to talk. With the variety of people from so many different worlds, it makes conversation much more interesting! Though as Anders bumps into him, it does seem like he’s looking for someone specific. Clearly, it’s not that important, since his attention quickly turns to Anders as he automatically offers: ]

Do pardon me—

[ It’s said simultaneously with Anders’s greeting, and it’s followed by a little smile at the note of the songs which then turns to a full, if politely gentle laugh at the little dig. He looks rather brightly amused by it rather than any offense. ]

Why, my goodness, is blind loyalty really the impression you have gotten?

[glowup]

[Ah, so fate has chosen the worst person for Anders to bump into, he can already feel it. He's going to justify just barreling over Sebastian's "pardon me" with the fact that Sebastian is Dressed Up and therefore can afford to be mouthed off at for no reason in public. So there! He would rather be literally anywhere else at this moment, but alas, he cannot resist responding to obvious provocation.

Or, like, a normal question after he's already popped off, but same thing.]

They speak about this Yima with such reverence, I can't see how I'm meant to draw any other conclusion.

[He could also just be projecting, which is very likely, but still: as he makes a sweeping gesture at the innocent bystanders milling about, the They, it's abundantly clear that this guy has Problems with Authority.

Maybe someone should have sang a song at him, it might have helped.]

But if I'm missing something, then please, enlighten me.

[cutlery]

[ a solid worst person so far (except no he probably is the worst,) ]

[ He’s a little surprised at how this man clearly has no problem speaking his mind, but it’s more amusing to him than anything else. After all, there’s a part of him that doesn’t exactly disagree with the assessment… But he’s also still fresh (relatively speaking) from another experience where the reverence was more pronounced. Well, and a bit more forced. But it’s probably best to leave Horos out of the conversation, at least for now, so he just answers simply. ]

Well, reverence, that is one thing, and not something I would disagree with. She is indeed well-respected. But if it were blind loyalty, I would expect that the relationship with Springstar and Meridian would not be so friendly. It is two ideas very much counter to each other, is it not?

[ It’s a rhetorical question given with a small shrug, but a still friendly smile ]

Though, I do think it is the case for some. Considering what she offers, of course some could only sing her praises.

[glowup]

[Regrettably, Anders has stumbled into the thing he was attempting to avoid here: a conversation about it. He simply cannot help but keep talking despite full knowledge that he won't be making any friends with his attitude, but then again: he doesn't really expect to come back to Highstorm once he finally does get out of here.

So pros, cons. He scoffs, taking a moment to frown out at the small crowd while he digests all of that. So this fancy-dressed man agrees that blind loyalty exists here, while not ascribing it to himself - although the 'blind' would preclude that, anyway - and that's...? Still not great, he thinks.]

Is it friendly? It's easy to ignore people who disagree with you, isn't it? I suspect once one of these sides makes some kind of real progress, we'll see how friendly the other really is.

[At least, he's been told Meridian has achieved very little besides waiting, and he assumes this Yima would be a tad more iron-fisted if she had the means. It feels like an unintentional stalemate to him, which is, hm! Bound to end badly!

He shakes his head.]

I just don't understand what makes a person wake up one day- admittedly, in dire straits- and think, "What I need is some stranger in charge of me because she gives nice gifts." What are you getting out of this?

[cutlery]

Oh, in some things, yes. I could ignore a person who preferred dogs over cats! [ objectively wrong in his opinion, though ] But when the matter of disagreement is over the fate of the very universe, why, the stakes are much higher. A zealot wishing for the new world would have trouble being friendly with someone who wished to cling to the hope that they could return. Cordial, perhaps. But truly friendly would seem to be difficult.

[ Sebastian shrugs lightly before continuing, and his smile shifts to be a little more wry. ]

Now, all that to say that I do agree with you. Once progress is made, I do believe that the friendlier ties will be fraught. It remains something abstract for now, a thing that most will not worry about until it is made real. The peace here is fragile indeed.

[ Naturally, the local demon has no doubts that once this process of claiming Oracles begins (whatever it may be), it will be war. Though the stakes here were higher and the pieces playing into it a bit stranger, it’s a pattern he’s seen countless times. And in truth, his allegiance is just as simple as it had always been when he had participated in such conflicts. He has a price, and so long as it’s paid, he’s content. The simplicity of that choice is also something he won’t share.

Instead, his smile shifts to be lightly apologetic. ]

…But for my personal stake in things, I simply do not believe what Meridian claims. I may not trust Lady Yima fully, but I share the certainty that the world I came from is no more. It is… [ He pauses with a thoughtful hum ] Well, it is difficult to explain, but I had a sort of tether to the place I am from originally. To not have it any longer is what convinces me, and so, putting my lot in with Zenith is at least a path forward.

[glowup]

[Wow, being agreed with, that's new and different. How dare this Highstorm party achieve its purpose of opening worthwhile discussion; the monolith of blind devotion is so much easier to sneer at. Anders nods along, although not without sneaking a mumbled,] I like cats.

[Just gotta work that one in there seamlessly, good job Anders!! But it's the fragile peace that's getting to him, he's found; these two factions walking the wire between politely tolerating each other and, he assumes, something like war is— really not something he wants to be in the middle of again, especially not given how little he cares for either side right at this moment. Honestly, he was better off running from mage hunters in the woods...

And yet. After everything, every grievance he's ever had with all of Thedas, does Thedas deserve to simply be gone? Gone, without answering for everything mages have been put through? Hm.]

You're certain it's forward, then? [He shrugs and pretends to flick some dust off his awful feathers, ahem.] I've barely been here a day, but there have got to be just enough upset people and zealots to break ties sooner rather than later. This place is a powder keg. I'd love to be very far away when it goes up in smoke, but that's never really an option.

[But enough about metaphorical and possibly also literal explosions. Whew.]

Your tether— you're really sure about that? It isn't her interference?

[cutlery]

Then you are objectively correct, naturally.

[ It may have been mumbled, but as if Sebastian would miss a chance to be Too Intense about cats? Though actually, this one is much more normal, a wry little statement. There’s plenty to touch on otherwise. But he might return to the topic of cats later, who can know. Anyways, ]

Well, I have more certainty on the tether than the future of things here, I admit…

[ He brings a hand to his chin thoughtfully, though it’s only as he considers which part to get into first. They’re both a bit…complicated, to put it lightly, but this man doesn’t seem to be opposed to what could potentially be a long conversation. He decides to start with the one that, unbeknownst to him, may make it a much shorter conversation since Sebastian feels like it helps to explain his view on the latter. ]

I may as well start with that. Technically speaking, I came from two worlds. One realm is my true home, and one is where I am summoned. I have ties to both that run deeply. It is not impossible that my tie to the latter could be severed, and so in truth, I cannot be certain about the fate of that world. But the former? No, if it were still there, I would know. I likely could not be here at all, were that the case, as I would have been pulled back to it.

[ It’s all a bit vague, which Sebastian dislikes in terms of an explanation since he feels it may just be more confusing… But it’s also the best way to state it broadly without getting into the specificities of Hell and demon summoning and the like, which are irrelevant to the point he means to get at. It’s an explanation given in a perfectly conversational way, as if he were explaining some technical aspect of the weather. He hardly keeps what he is secret at this point, after all.

Which, lmao, ]

[glowup]

[Feels great to be objectively correct about everything all the time,

Or: thanks, that gets him to laugh briefly before Sebastian starts in with his Explanation, which may or may not be the very last time Anders expresses a pleasant emotion around this guy, who can say! It is a vague explanation, but it's vague in the exact kind of way that makes sense to Anders, given it's exactly the kind of situation that he and Justice has been in, isn't it? A spirit from the Fade tethered into the "real" world through, of course, a willing host...

Which. Would mean.

Hold on,] What do you mean, "summoned"?

[Keep it cool Anders, keep it casual, don't accuse some guy you just met of being a demon, he's probably too well-dressed to be a demon? But he's definitely not a spirit? Unless he's taken over this well-dressed body, which isn't a great sign either...

He is keeping it so casual. What Do You Mean Summoned.]

[cutlery]

[ It’s a perfectly reasonable, expected question, and it’s why Sebastian gives a small nod and smile. It’s perfectly friendly which is in no small part because the reactions to explaining what he is have been largely positive or neutral at worst. Even so, he does begin with a bit of a caveat. ]

Well, there are all sorts in Kenos. I am sure you have likely seen a few already since there are some people that stand out more than others! There are many people who are not human here—if you will pardon my assumption that this is what you are—myself included.

[ He gestures towards himself gently as he gets to the explanation with a demeanor much more fitting to a patient teacher than, well. Anders is about to find out. ]

I will not bore you with the details of it, but where I came from, it was not possible for me to exist in the human realm without being summoned there. I am a demon, if you are familiar with them? [ lmao ] Though, if you are, I can at least give an assurance that I am not very much like what stories tend to say of us.

[glowup]

[LOVE to skew data trends.....

Or: Anders is, somehow, foolishly, expecting to be pleasantly surprised. They've had a perfectly normal conversation, all things considered- this guy even likes cats- so he's holding out with the last pitiful drops of optimism he has left that there's something else that would be summoned from one realm to another.

But no, of course not, because that would be easy. He hears "I am a demon" and he almost doesn't hear the rest, and his hands twitch, wishing desperately he had a staff to reach for or a spark of magic to forcefully pull through whatever's been stopping it. That other man, the little one with the glasses, had said it has to do with harmonization, and what if he just popped away real quick to do that so he can come back with a fireball—

He takes a step back, haltingly, and then another. If the wariness wasn't already evident in every taut line of him, the way his otherwise pleasant expression has twisted into a grimace probably helps. Wow! Actually, fuck this!]

If you know the stories, you should already know I won't believe you at all. What are you really doing wandering around here? What business does a demon have at a-- a garden party?

[So meeting demons is going great.]

[cutlery]

Oh?

[ It’s a single, curious sound as Anders steps back. It’s not the first time he’s been met with a negative reaction, but this isthe most immediately sour. He’s been met with wariness and distrust, and he would hardly begrudge either. Stories about demon and their ilk were widespread and never flattering. For good reason, of course.

Sebastian’s smile stays in place, though the warmth in it does diminish by a fraction. It wouldn’t do to come off as overly saccharine. ]

Well, I do not know if I would call it business, really… It merely seemed like an ideal place to meet those who are newly arrived. [ In this case, that’s really all it was, so he shrugs. ] It is fascinating to chat with people from truly all sorts of places, after all! I enjoy a good conversation.

[ Which, it does seem that this conversation has taken a turn, hasn’t it? He cants his head lightly, and there’s a friendly curiosity in his tone as he asks: ]

Why, are you familiar with my kind, sir?

[glowup]

[He can't help but wonder, and it's a truly stupid wonder, but he can't help but want to know: what kind of demon is this guy, exactly? Obviously, he holds his human host - and Anders is pretty convinced it's a host situation - better than most demons when called out on what they are, so what kind of ugly mug is under there...

coming soon: Anders' demon type headcanons]

Unfortunately. I don't know what I expected, trying to get a straight answer out of a demon.

[It was a perfectly fine answer, but he's already applied the It's A Lie filter, so oops... He continues to just take more and more steps back, culminating in pointing dramatically at Sebastian here in this public square. He can never come back to this town, the shame of it.]

You'd be wise to keep your distance, scourge. This is your first and only warning!

[It's cringe that he has to give warnings instead of going straight to Fireball, and nothing else is cringe at all. He's just going to, like... skedaddle... before he gets possessed, or worse, remembers they are in public.]

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian continues to regard Anders with a curiosity that’s definitely more amused than threatened in the slightest. As Anders takes a step back, Sebastian takes a step forward almost automatically, but he stops himself from taking more and just gives a little shrug as he’s told to keep his distance. He’ll make no complaint or attempt to follow as Anders retreats, but he does watch after him with a little more intensely as he goes.

It’s precisely the right thing to do for the type of demon that Anders is used to. But for Sebastian? It’s a reaction that very firmly puts Anders in the unfortunate category of being interesting to the demon. He also suspects that it may be the second case where his mere presence may have edged someone just a tad closer to Meridian than Zenith… Ah, well.

He’ll definitely make sure to run into that man again. ]