MARCH TDM + SETTING UPDATES

[beleos]

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.

TWO CITIES, ALIKE IN DIGNITY

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.

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 typical 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.

However, those who have attended the forum in the past or simply have a sharp eye may notice: food doesn’t flow as freely in a feast-like setting as before. It’s more subdued in presentation and portion because as you may hear, the Blight (see below) is an affliction that’s been affecting the food stores of Springstar and Highstorm both. The Meri are nervous about this and blame it on the Zenites since they had won the Oracle on the Scorching Isles (January's event) and with it, punished the Meridian, even if unintentionally. As such, those who are notable Zenites or who wear their allegiance openly may not be treated as kindly. The military also seems to be more present at the forum. These two things are related, as it turns out, because only a few days after the new Shard-Bearers arrive, an invasion will begin.

HIGHSTORM, луны-близнецы

Eternally in opposition, Highstorm provides the Manor's courtyard as the setting for their informational meeting. Formality is of utmost importance here, 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.

The mood of Highstorm is subdued as always, but still seems to be pleasant and joyous thanks to claiming the Oracle in the Scorching Isles. The Blight may be affecting the city and causing plants and the like to die, but there’s admittedly not much of it to be seen with Highstorm’s harsh winters. Maybe they’re not hit as badly as Springstar, or maybe they just haven’t noticed yet. Only time will tell. But regardless, notable Meri or those that wear their allegiance more openly will be treated politely, but perhaps with a little condescension. Highstorm is one step closer to winning than Springstar, after all.

para bellum (the occupation of alenroux)

A few days after new Shard-Bearers arrive, the word spreads quickly as the campaign begins: Meridian is invading Alenroux.

To those who have Harmonized with Meridian, they’ll be contacted by Cyrus through Communion 48 hours before the invasion begins. As he explains, Springstar is a city that depends on Alenroux far more than Highstorm (because of its much larger population), and with Alenroux currently under Zenite control, it’s imperative that they make sure that Zenith isn’t able to cut off access and cause a famine for Springstar. Zenith won’t be denied access to Alenroux or its bounty either, he makes that clear. This is just a matter of being proactive in their defense to protect their people. For the Meridian, their goals in supporting this effort are clear:

• Create secure outposts. Well-built, defensible outposts are needed, so anyone who can assist with building efforts, and quickly are appreciated.
• Defend the outposts and the Meri soldiers at large. Alenroux is still dangerous because of the monsters, and soldiers will be staying overnight. Fighting off monsters is something that will also eventually make Alenroux inhabitable.
• Prevent Zenith interference. Highstorm surely won’t be happy about this, so make sure that the soldiers and the outposts are protected from Zenites just as much as from the monsters that roam the lands.

And indeed, the invasion and occupation does come as a surprise to Highstorm. While they had noted the increased training of Springstar’s military, it was assumed to be in preparation for the intensified tensions of losing the first Oracle, not something as bold as an open act of war like this.

It takes some time for Yima to learn more about the events herself, but Zenith will also be contacted through Communion. With the air of a disappointed mother, she’ll explain that Meridian’s choice is regrettable since she thought they would be better than this. Yima explains that there’s no need to turn Alenroux into an open warzone and cut off both cities from their breadbasket. Instead, she lays out the following direction to gently break Meridian’s spirit first before turning to open hostilities:

• Collect information. Where are the outposts, how many soldiers are assigned to them, and what are their general movements. Scouting and spying will be valuable. Learning more about the Meri Shard-Bearers’ capabilities while they’re fighting creatures rather than Zenites is also useful.
• Create dissent. The people that work and visit Alenroux regularly have mixed feelings about the occupation unless they’re Meridian loyalists. Making the campaign unpopular with the people can push Meridian back without needing to raise a finger.
• Sabotage. But don’t get caught doing it, at least for now. Whether breaking defenses or leading more powerful monsters to the encampments, it’s best to break morale before needing to fight back openly.

If you’re unharmonized when all of this begins, then you’ll be finding out about it with the general populace. However, it’s a good opportunity to learn what a faction is about in a more hands-on way. Though you may not be privy to their private, factional discussions, both sides will still welcome the help of those still yet to decide.

SETTING UPDATES

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 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. As Shard-Bearers new and old take in their cities, they'll all see it change throughout the month...

OOC, these are all updates to the setting at large that players both new and old are free to interact with as little or as much as they wish! Feel free to use them as prompts on this post, in your characters on-going lives and arcs, or just let them go "that's none of my business" and ignore it. The world of Kenos is shaped by our playerbase, and these are some of the wider reaching effects of various player plots and actions.

THE BLIGHT

During the events of the Scorching Isles, Shard-Bearers encountered an affliction upon the island and unintentionally brought it back to Highstorm and Springstar with them. Known simply as “the Blight,” this condition steals time from the things it infects. It most frequently infects inanimate objects and will cause them to rot or degrade rapidly (such as a piece of metal rusting within hours) but is able to infect living things as well. Most notably, the Blight is infecting plants and animals in the two cities. Plants both decorative and necessary will wither and die, and small animals grow sick and die seemingly of old age. This has been seen in small amounts throughout the past month OOC but is greatly increased in frequency in March and beyond.

FURTHER DETAILS

• Within the NPC populace, there’s a low-grade fear of the Blight intensifying and being able to infect larger animals/the people. There’s no evidence of this yet, but Shard-Bearers that were on the Scorching Isles will know this is possible.
• Some characters will be aware that the rare, blue flowers that grow in the barren portions of World’s End (February’s event location) seem to reduce the effects of the detrimental effects of the Oracle and the Blight. Because of some drops of characters that knew this information, you can assume that characters are able to learn this information if they’re interested enough to dig into it.
• Dr. Julia Melnik of Springstar is openly researching cures for the Blight and will recruit anyone interested to be research assistants to test formulations of cures on afflicted plants/creatures. You can handwave these interactions and use them for prompt(s), if you’d like!
• Finally, if curing the Blight is something your character would specifically be interested in, please note it in your Character Survey so that the Loremasters will be able to help you pursue this organically.

THE OCCUPATION OF ALENROUX

As mentioned above, Meridian has launched a surprise invasion and occupation of Alenroux. Because Meridian was able to successfully keep their efforts a secret throughout the months (!) they’ve been planning this, Zenith will not be able to repel their advances… Immediately, at least. After roughly a week OOC from this log’s posting, the Meridian outposts in Alenroux will be stable and will change the island in the following ways:

FURTHER DETAILS

• Outposts have been established in well-chosen, defensible locations throughout the island of Alenroux. They’re clustered more heavily closer to the Cornerstone and are non-existent in the more dangerous Northern portion of the island where little farming is done anyways.
• Meridian soldiers will be always staying in the camps and outposts. For now, they’re a more supervisory force that are protecting the farmlands of Alenroux. During the day cycle, the military will respond with hostility to anyone that threatens the farms. If your character would antagonize or outright fight Meridian military, please contact a Loremaster, since this will have repercussions! Otherwise, the soldiers will assist workers and visitors to Alenroux in a professional manner.
• During the night cycle, the military will defend their outposts from monsters and make occasional offensive excursions to reduce the threat of monsters. The secondary goal of the Meridian military is also to make Alenroux a place that people can live, though this is a longer term effort.
• Meridian Shard-Bearers will be strongly encouraged to assist with the effort. “Assist” is purposefully defined broadly so that characters can help in whatever way suits them. Scouting, building, monster killing, or just morale improving are all valid ways that will gain favor with their faction and may lead to further opportunity. For now, abstaining will not have consequences, but may in the future.
• Zenith Shard-Bearers will be treated with suspicion in Alenroux and are not allowed to approach any of the Meridian outposts, or at least not without triggering a fight. The military will not outright attack Zenites (unless provoked) and essentially encouraged to move along. However, they may wish to gather information about the outposts and Meridian forces to attempt to push back against the occupation.
• Unharmonized Shard-Bearers are not treated with hostility, but similar to Zeniths will not be allowed to enter any of the encampments.
• If your character has an interest in continuing or stopping the occupation, please note it in your Character Survey so that Loremasters will be able to help you pursue this organically.

If Zenith would like to repel these advances, this is a response that will be purely in player hands (but will be assisted by Zenite NPCs, of course!). If they want to reclaim Alenroux, they can, or they can simply let Meridian continue. It’s up to you! This is something that Zenite players should discuss both IC and OOC, and if this plot develops further, Loremasters will help facilitate the ongoing conflict as a part of our changing game environment.

SMALLER CHANGES

HIGHSTORM: GREENWOOD YARDS

Considering the affliction that threatens the well-being of flora and small fauna alike, the greenhouses are far more discerning with those who are permitted inside its gates, afraid of the contagion affecting the precious, invaluable greenery of long-dead worlds. After the occupation of Alenroux, Meridian will be outright turned away, and while Zenith possesses no formal military or police, the greenskeepers appear to be prepared to defend their property with physical force should it come to that. Unharmonized are still allowed inside. The rest of the Yard beyond the greenhouses are still open to all factions.

And though it may seem an odd place for such a gathering, the indoor bathhouse at the far end of the Yards appears to be gaining popularity for mysterious reasons; if asked, none of the locals will explain the abrupt uptick in visitation. But should you investigate yourself, the reason why becomes apparent through experience: the tea served by the attendants here has changed properties. Should you be a Zenite, you will be served a cup that decreases your body's natural need for food and drink for 24 hours - an effort to test a concoction to relieve the need to deplete resources and lessen the city's reliance on Alenroux. Should you be a Meridian, the tea you're served will increase your appetite a considerable degree even if you normally do not require sustenance, and you will find yourself unfulfilled even if you are unwise and eat yourself to the point of illness; this lasts for 24 hours. The Unharmonized will find the tea might make them vaguely woozy, and either cause mild increase or decrease in appetite.

KOWLOON: DRAUMAHOL (cw: drugs)

Those that frequent Kowloon may have heard about the sudden disappearance of the former owner and operator of the drug den Draumahol, though it was only really noted because of the business being closed for a few days. Practically unheard of, since the desperate of Highstorm and Springstar come to Draumahol for their various fixes that are a little more taboo on the surface. But, never fear. After a brief closure, Draumahol reopens.

While it may not be obvious early in the month, it'll be increasingly so that Draumahol is under new management. Those that frequent the business enough will be able to figure out that the new owner is Silco (or, if you personally know him, it's fairly obvious). If you would like to plot anything regarding Draumahol, we encourage reaching out to Silco's player, Jill!

SPRINGSTAR: THE CHURCH

After the loss of the first Oracle, the Church of Heliopolis has been busy tending to its flock as the numbers coming to seek comfort swell. The gatherings aren't formal "services" so much as they're chances for people to come together and inspire each other with their homes and dreams of home. One formal process that does stick out though is that with each "service" one member will tap into the world shown in their sunbeam and open their minds to Communion. Anyone that wishes to can also experience this member's home, see their friends, loved ones, and the sights. It's a intimate bonding activity, but seems to be very cathartic for those that partake.

Additionally, those that come by the Church frequently enough to be known faces at the "services" may also be approached by priests and priestesses and invited to join in smaller ceremonies. Always taking place during Springstar's dawn or dusk, these ceremonies have a markedly different vibe and are lead by Hieropoios Natalia herself. Attending these ceremonies is an exclusive honor that will reduce attendees' Discord and has a subtly addictive quality that will encourage them to return. Hm!

OOC NOTES

Welcome to Kenos! As a reminder, all new players need an invite to apply to 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 sometimes happens since not every soul has a strong tether to Kenos and sometimes return to the Timestream. They may return to Kenos one day, but for now, weren’t able to make the full journey.

As a note primarily for current players, closed toplevels/prompts are not allowed in this log. If you would like to interact with the setting changes in a way that isn't open to all characters (new and old), we ask that you instead make a log in kenoslogs.

As a general reminder, any new characters that choose Zenith will receive a bonus 2 AC token reward, which is a purely OOC incentive. Our factions are a bit imbalanced at the moment, so we'd appreciate more Zenites!

FOR NEW PLAYERS:

When characters emerge from their cocoon/the ground, they may be wearing their normal clothes or 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 about which Faction they'd be drawn to.

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 freed 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!

New characters will not have access to any canon abilities on the TDM until they Harmonize, AKA make a choice of which faction they choose to support. For some characters, this may be an easy decision, but it make take others time. We just ask you keep this in mind!

CODING

Comments

[fireballer]

[diluc nods, taking a sip. it tastes as good as grape juice used mainly for mixers can get, he supposes. as a rich boy who runs a winery, he's used to finer, gourmet grape juices. this will suffice, though.

he turns and there's a tiny spark of recognition from diluc as well, but there were so many faces at the party, it's difficult to say for sure. still, you don't necessarily need to know a person to get information from them. and this guy isn't openly hostile, so that bodes well.]

Yes, it is quite nice to know that while many things are different here, some things remain the same.

[he heaves a soft sigh - and it's real, because god damn it coming here and getting slapped with so much new information is sure a real thing. and with his sworn brother here as well, he'll need to make sure he makes all the right choices.]

It's not everyday that you come crawling out from underground.

[baltimores]

[ Amos brings his beer to his lips, offering a soft huff of a laugh into it before drinking. Sympathy in the absurdity of it all, maybe, considering everything Diluc has just said in that sigh. ]

Sure isn't. I mean, it's probably better than being permanently dead at least. So there's that.

[ There's a simplicity with which he delivers the sentiment, because... yeah? It actually is. What's a little potential trauma when you're still alive and kicking.

Amos slides on over a stool, coming to sit next to Diluc proper. Hey buddy. ]

Shit, once you get past that part, some things might be better here. Drinks weren't as good as this where I'm originally from. [ Another sip, as though to punctuate the thought, before he turns to face him proper this time. ] Name's Amos.

[fireballer]

[while diluc may be notably deadpan bordering on stoic, he isn't rude (well, most of the time, and luckily, this is one of those times). he accepts the other's company by turning to face him properly as well, huffing a laugh of his own.]

Some would say that death is normally quite permanent, but I get the impression that is quite different here as well.

[he's not sure how to feel about that. it sounds... too good to be true, to be honest? but surely there are drawbacks. otherwise... well, why wasn't his father good enough to be bought here, too?

he swirls his drink in his cup, as if aerating a fine wine.]

Diluc. It is a pleasure to meet you. I assume you've been here for quite some time?

[baltimores]

[ Amos offers a half-shrug with his nod of affirmation; yeah, death doesn't work the way you'd expect it to here at all. It's old hat for him at this point though, so it gets a muted reaction.

What does get a reaction is Diluc introducing himself. That brings Amos a bit of pause, hand loosely wrapped around his glass, not going for drinking it at all at the moment.

It's a beat too long before he answers. ]

Yeah, I've been here a while.

[ But his voice is distracted, something else far more pressing on his mind. Because he's heard the name Diluc only once before. It can't be that common. So... ]

You wouldn't happen to know a Kaeya, would you?

[ He has maybe, perhaps, heard the term sworn brother out loud once before, too. ]

[fireballer]

[diluc notices the shift in atmosphere before his sworn brother's name comes out of this stranger's mouth and diluc is immediately on guard. while he's always trusted kaeya to be able to handle himself, that doesn't mean diluc isn't going to be an overbearing, overprotective asshole anyway. even before they met up here and sort of? made up (they still have a lot to talk about, but he isn't sure if kaeya even wants to), diluc fought off any enemy he could before they even reached kaeya.

even if he himself was someone who wanted to harm - and did harm - kaeya.

his eyes narrow a fraction, now suspicious.]

What of it? What do you want with him? [completely misinterpreting the intent of the question, but any mention of kaeya by someone he doesn't know will always raise his hackles.]

[baltimores]

[ Amos watches Diluc, gauging his reaction — and his hackles going up earns a sort of approval from him. His shoulders slacken, and a small smile breaks his neutral expression before he emits a soft laugh.

He's an Exalt, after all, and he looks out for his people. Diluc being so immediately protective at the mere mention of Kaeya's name? It's a good thing. ]

Don't want anything with him. I've known him close to a year now. We're friends. [ Said simply, just like that. We're friends, like that's all he needs to say. And for a moment, it is. Amos takes another sip of his drink, pausing on that sentiment before continuing. ] I found him writing a letter to you once. That's when he told me about you. Said he used to do it back where you guys were from.

[ A beat. ]

Also said that you guys didn't get along anymore. But you still care about him, right?

[ As it's suddenly Diluc's turn to be interrogated. But Amos is almost gentle in his question, because Diluc wouldn't have reacted the way he did if he didn't still care about Kaeya. Right? ]

[fireballer]

[diluc's eyes narrow, wondering if this man and kaeya really are what he says they are. but he knows kaeya, and kaeya would not have disclosed such information to someone he wasn't very close to, and the information is too specific for this man to have just guessed it.

he sighs, gripping his glass a bit more tightly, frustrated at himself for not speaking with kaeya much, much earlier. he supposes some of it was that they didn't get along. they'd become two completely different people. seemingly. it was only when diluc arrived to a sobbing kaeya that he realized kaeya was just the same as ever, just pretending to be someone else.]

Not that it's any of your business- [he flicks his gaze to meet amos'.] -but he is the only family I have left. And I would do anything for family.

[they may not be related by blood, and diluc may not consider kaeya his brother proper, but kaeya is his sworn brother, and that in itself is special. a different kind of important but no lesser than actual blood family. and he curses himself for allowing kaeya to think otherwise.

he just thought that like, protecting him from stuff was good enough??? and protecting his health from drinking too much?]

[baltimores]

[ The narrowed eyes, the tighter grip are noted, Amos tilting his head slightly as he takes Diluc's mannerisms in, watching him. He stays relaxed, though, as he meets Diluc's gaze; comfortably at ease, because he's fairly confident he isn't actually going to do anything to him. Not here. Not when they're just talking.

He lets Diluc's words hang between them for a moment, nothing changing in his expression, in his posture. Amos just watches him, waiting to see what might come next — but his words, his conviction, really do say all that needs to be said as far as he's concerned.

He nods. ]

I get that. I'd be the same way. [ He punctuates it with another drink, the beer in his glass slowly but steadily decreasing, before offering a soft huff of a laugh when coming up for air. ] Kind of does make it my business a little bit, since I care about him, too. Not like you, pretty sure — [ he doesn't have anyone here he goes further back with than a year — ] but I'd do just about anything for him too. So you don't gotta worry about me.

[ He says it like his word alone should be good enough, but Amos does mean what he says, and doesn't really have any immediate way of proving it, so... yeah, to him, it's good enough. He leans forward a little, resting a forearm on the bartop. ]

So, how're you liking Highstorm?

[ You know. The place Kaeya lives, and therefore the place it seems like Diluc should end up, if his devotion does run that deep. Where else would he go? ]

[fireballer]

[diluc's not about to expose kaeya's vulnerable state when he first arrived, but he has massive doubts that this man would have done anything for kaeya, considering kaeya was in tears upon seeing diluc. clearly no one has taken care of kaeya in a way that is up to diluc's standards!!! notwithstanding that kaeya is Kaeya and won't show anyone his vulnerabilities, even diluc. his arrival was a special sort of situation, and one that broke the tension between them.

but still!!!

he clicks his tongue.] So you say. I'll have to judge that for myself.

[he takes a bit of an aggressive swig of his juice, setting his cup down in the same fashion.]

I think one could easily hide in the shadows in this perpetual night. [so dramatic] I imagine there are those who take advantage of it.

[baltimores]

[ Amos' eyebrows go up at that click of the tongue, the way Diluc is trying to assert himself as Kaeya's caretaker over anyone else here — let alone the people who have been with him for the past nearly-year — but he's got no problem with it, really. At least it means the guy cares. It's not like he needs to win Amos over, so fair enough.

His expression resets when Diluc's done, Amos propping himself back up a little at the challenge(?). Or at least at the way Diluc doesn't exactly seem to be about all of this. Still relaxed overall, but less casual. More alert, just in case he needs to be after all. ]

I'm not exactly one for metaphors, but I'd imagine there're plenty of people who pull a lot of shit in broad daylight too. [ Shit, he's lived it; it's familiar enough to him that his voice is an offhand drawl more than anything else. ] Most places aren't innocent. Something to be said about being where your people are, though. Where they'll look out for each other.

[ Because really, what else could anyone possibly need? And Highstorm's got it in spades. ]

[fireballer]

[diluc is fiercely protective over his own, especially kaeya, who might as well be his only remaining family so to speak. and to know that kaeya has spent an entire year here alone without him - even thinking diluc has been dead this entire time - has been absolutely troubling.

diluc raises an eyebrow at that.]

You're saying Highstorm is no exception, then?

[he'd been expecting to get sold on it, much like a salesman. amos gets one (1) prop for telling it like it is.

something's bothering diluc, though, and well... he figures this guy is the best person to ask.]

Has Kaeya been doing well here? As well as he can. ['without me to protect him from those very shadows' goes unsaid.]

[baltimores]

Would you believe me if I said it wasn't?

[ There's a good-natured humour to Amos' voice there, because one of the benefits to knowing you have little to no charisma is knowing in advance to not even attempt to drag someone else along with obvious bullshit. Besides, utopias don't exist, so not even Highstorm can be one of those. That's the whole point of what they're trying to do with Zenith.

He takes a moment to have a little more of his drink, settle back into his seat, comfortable all over again. Yeah, they can tell each other things straight here, he's pretty sure.

Though he instantly sobers at Diluc's second question. Puts his drink back down and meets his eyes properly, sitting up straight and as serious as he's ever seen him.

It takes Amos a second to figure out how to put the words together for this. ]

I'd say yeah. About as well as possible. I mean... I'm not gonna lie, there's been some shit, and some parts haven't been great. [ please do not ask him about the time he went berserk and tried to kill kaeya and two of their other closest friends before kaeya had to play a role in killing him first, it all worked out okay ] But anything he's gotten into... It's because he cares. He's doing what he thinks is right for other people, so it's probably worth it to him in the end. Maybe everything doesn't always fall the way it should, but that's where we come in to help get him back on his feet.

[ We, because he's going to choose to believe Diluc here. Believe that despite any falling out he and Kaeya might have had, that he's still in his corner. Because his words, his priorities, sure seem to be lining up that way. ]

He's still here, right? He's got his place in this world. That counts for a lot. It's more than most get.

[ Since, you know. Most end up lost to oblivion, effectively dead. And as long as Kaeya's still here... that's a win. ]

[fireballer]

[diluc frowns when amos' expression changes from laid back to something akin to grim. worry flutters in his chest, but he isn't in the dark for long before amos explains. and yeah, that sounds like kaeya all right. giving his all for others in any way possible, especially for those he cares about. all while probably not taking care of his own self.

thank god diluc is here to fix that. whether from the shadows or just straight up bullying him, diluc will do what it takes to make sure kaeya is also well taken care of.

he's quiet before saying softly:] Thank you for watching out for him when I couldn't. [he is blissfully ignorant of that time you tried to kill his most precious person, amos, no worries.]

He doesn't tend to trust others much. [and neither does diluc] Nor does he ask for help. But I am glad he had someone in his times of need.

[baltimores]

[ Not taking care of his own self sure is correct. There'd been a day Amos had spent chasing Kaeya around Springstar, just missing him until he had to yell at him in an alleyway that he wasn't mad at him, he wanted to make sure he's okay...

That had been months ago, but maybe with Diluc here things won't reach that point again. Or at least the number of people willing to bully Kaeya into loving himself some more will make it that much more difficult for him to refuse.

Diluc's turn from his brash self, someone guarded and possessive to someone more accepting takes Amos by surprise. He blinks — a little stupidly — at that softness of his voice, the thanks, before he offers up a small, barely there smile. ]

Yeah, I noticed he's not exactly the trusting type. [ A soft huff of a laugh before his own voice grows quieter, because this... really became a private conversation, didn't it. ] I'm glad he let me in, though. And I'll still be there when he needs someone.

[ A beat. ]

But I'm glad he has you too.

[ Diluc is so protective — so protective — that he figures: as long as he and Kaeya are on good terms after all, then things will be good. Maybe better than they were before for his friend. He really hopes that's the case — lest Diluc ever give him a cause to kill him.

Sometimes you're both just very normal about the people close to you, is all. ]

[fireballer]

[with diluc here, kaeya may not love himself more, but diluc will force kaeya to at least take care of himself more. and love kaeya for kaeya, until the man decides he is worth the love and attention. diluc only has himself to blame for kaeya's lack of self-worth. he and his father had spent years encouraging kaeya and building him up - only for diluc to betray that trust and tear it all down.

and so, it is only right that he be the one to build kaeya back up again. though he's so, so glad kaeya had people before diluc came in. even if kaeya doesn't trust anyone fully, kaeya has a tendency to just. make people like him. and it isn't due to his outward personality. it's the true parts of him that shine through that attracts people.]

Yes, he has always had me, whether he knew it or not. [he shakes his head, because of course kaeya somehow ("somehow") got it in his head that diluc couldn't stand his very presence, when in fact it was the opposite. diluc treasured him.]

He seems to be working nearly all hours of the day, though. He wouldn't tell me exactly what he's doing - do you perhaps have an idea?

[baltimores]

[ Well, technically Kaeya has not always had Diluc, because there was that near-year he'd known him without Diluc being around— And also because Kaeya had had it in his head at some point that he and Diluc didn't get along anymore—

Doesn't seem right to bring any of that up, so Amos just takes another sip of his drink instead, nodding along with Diluc. The important part right now is that he cares for him and loves him, and as long as Kaeya feels the same, then it's all gonna work out well for them.

He sets his drink back down like nothing contrary to Diluc's sentiments ever passed through his head at all, just a thoughtful look on his face and nothing more. ]

Y'know, not sure. He helped me out with something a little bit ago, but we haven't had the chance to keep up since then. He might've been out on Alenroux? Arable island. Or... something to do with flowers. [ A beat. ] He a plant guy or something?

[ Because sometimes you know someone for nearly a year, and you don't always get the chance to put everything together about them, but... he might be?? Maybe?? ]

[fireballer]

[oh, kaeya... he tries to act all cool and suspicious while also seeming flirtatious and sultry. but in the end, he's a sweet, good boy, helping out those in need. he's always been like that, it's just in recent years that he's desperately tried to hide that side of him.]

I wouldn't say he's a "plant guy" in particular. But perhaps he's attached sentimental value to those specific flowers.

[were they similar to calla lilies? or perhaps... to lamp grass even?]

He can be surprisingly... whimsical, I suppose you could say.

[baltimores]

Whimsical? Yeah, I guess I can see that. I know he lives not too far from the flowers right outside of Highstorm, too. I dunno if those mean anything to him, but if you see a pattern forming you don't exactly ignore it, right?

[ It's a friendly enough rhetorical sort of question, good humour in Amos' voice as he takes a second to study what's left in his drink. ]

I dunno why flowers, unless maybe they remind him of something from back where you guys lived. We didn't really have any where I was from. [ A beat to look back up at Diluc, a teasing light to his eyes. ] I know he's a wine guy, which, yeah, different kind of plants. And not quite you're drinking.

[ Kinda seems like there's a story there to him. ]

[fireballer]

[wow, no flowers? damn... what else don't they have? what kind of worlds are out there, exactly? he supposes it stands to reason there are worlds of varying degrees of suffering.

back to the topic at hand though. he tries to think of why kaeya might be fascinated with these flowers. but he can only think of the time when their legs were stubby and they couldn't yet see above the grapevines, when diluc and kaeya had run to the beachside to splash around in the water. diluc had plucked the single calla lily on that side of the shore, presenting it to a shy kaeya proudly. ever since then, kaeya seemed to have a fondness for them.

he doesn't know that these flowers kaeya is picking are blue which is similar to diluc's favored flowers.]

There was a flower he was quite fond of back home. Perhaps they remind him of them.

[gods he already misses mondstadt and it's been like. two days.]

Hmph. Now that is something he could stand to grow less fond of. It's not good for his health in excess, and I know he's drinking in excess.

[baltimores]

Huh. Maybe he's just being sentimental, then.

[ Which seems entirely possible. And not at all an emotion Amos shares, really experiences for himself; his words are delivered as though it's an idle musing devoid of any sort of emotion on his part.

And then he figures, fuck it, and tips back the rest of his drink. Meets Diluc with an amused grin right after. ]

I dunno if it's in excess, but hey, there are worse things to indulge in. As long as he's happy. [ A beat as his smile shrinks, becomes more contemplative. Softer. ] Maybe with you here he'll drink a little less, though. If that makes him happier or what.

[ Or maybe it'll make him drink more, considering all of the pieces of what he knows about their relationship — but from what he knows of Diluc so far it probably isn't a thought he wants to voice out loud, so he won't. ]

[fireballer]

[no, diluc knows it's in excess. maybe diluc's definition of excess is different from kaeya's, but in his opinion any amount that impairs judgment is in excess!!]

He could be happy and in good health at the same time.

[he sighs, but he knows he's not going to change kaeya's mind anytime soon. the man is just too addicted to alcohol, both in taste and the inebriation. all diluc can do is take care of him when he's in that state.]

Mm, I don't think he will. I owned a tavern back in our world and he would happily drink his weight in wine in front of me. [a shake of his head.] What a handful he is.