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beleos ([personal profile] beleos) wrote in [community profile] kenosooc2023-03-10 03:37 pm
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MARCH TDM + SETTING UPDATES


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 [community profile] 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
    uproared: most likely greater value. | twitter id: whaaa000 (eye for an eye?)

    1

    [personal profile] uproared 2023-03-12 12:25 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ Hopefully Rin wasn't expecting any help with that, because someone with a familiar face — but a much less familiar style of dress — abruptly pushes past her. It would have taken all of two seconds to be polite and walk around, but if anything, being rude is its own benefit. ]

    Yo, dumbass, you're blocking the free grub.
    erbe: (177)

    1/2

    [personal profile] erbe 2023-03-12 01:57 pm (UTC)(link)
    [In this situation, where she truly doesn't belong, Tohsaka is more than happy to step away. Yet not when asked like that. She takes issue with it, and turns toward the person demanding that she move.]

    Excuse y—
    erbe: (107)

    [personal profile] erbe 2023-03-12 02:02 pm (UTC)(link)
    [Wait. She knows that face. Tohsaka may not recognize the scowl, or the rude voice, but... The complexion, the bone structure, those eyes and that hair. They're familiar. After all, how could she forget the face of the woman who fascinated her so thoroughly she almost accepted death by her hands.]

    ...You. Who are you?
    uproared: (it's time to forget the mistakes)

    [personal profile] uproared 2023-03-12 10:26 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ The question (or rather, the immediacy of it; the other girl's switch from affronted to curious with suspicious speed) catches her off guard. She already knows there's no Holy Grail War here — part of her wants to cut the crap and just use her real name, especially considering how few people are in any position to recognize it, and the one that matters already knows. But this is still a war, of a sort, and any advantage is worth preserving.

    So with a suspicious scowl, and around a mouth full of food, she grunts: ]


    That depends on who the hell's askin'.
    erbe: (097)

    [personal profile] erbe 2023-03-12 11:47 pm (UTC)(link)
    [Every mannerism this girl shows seems to contradict Rin's image of that one Saber. It's hard to think they could be related in anyway, but that face was just so... distinct. She couldn't help it.]

    Someone who recognizes that face you're wearing.

    [Could it be an illusion? Something else?]
    Edited (i was missing something but im not telling you what) 2023-03-13 01:21 (UTC)
    uproared: (have to stop saying)

    [personal profile] uproared 2023-03-13 01:33 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Mordred freezes, and something shifts.

    There's nothing magical about it, but a moment later, the two of them are alone together; the rest of the crowd instinctively moving away from the murderous feeling that permeates the air around Mordred like a poisonous miasma. She takes her time swallowing her food, staring at Rin as if daring her to say anything else... until she finally answers with an unreadable expression on her face. ]


    This is my face. [ Defensive. Half lie, half truth, all complicated. ] Dammit... the mouse was one thing, but you've got no business recognizing me.

    What's your deal, huh? You're not from Camelot, [ not a question, ] so does that mean you're a Master? If you lie, I'll kill you right here.
    erbe: (243)

    [personal profile] erbe 2023-03-13 01:52 am (UTC)(link)
    [Ever so slightly Tohsaka's gaze narrows. As people drift away from their immediate area she stays unmoved. Shoulders square and feet solidly planted on the ground. Neither of them are particularly tall, but there's no slumping between the two of them.]

    I was. Not sure you could call me that anymore. No command seals and no way to perform magecraft — that is, until I pick a side I suppose.

    [She is no threat. Just a normal human, not even capable of calling herself a magus at the moment. If Mordred wanted she could take down Tohsaka without a second thought. Yet, even though Rin knows it, she does not cower. There is no gesture of submission or attempt to put a safer distance between them.]
    uproared: (in a way aren't we all responsible)

    [personal profile] uproared 2023-03-13 02:21 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Despite threatening to kill her for any dishonesty, Mordred's eyebrows raise at Rin's candid answer; one that offers even more information than she'd technically asked for, and seems humble in a very un-mage like way. If nothing else, it seems to have a positive effect: the air grows lighter, though still far from returning to normal. ]

    Tsk. [ This seems less aimed at Rin, and more at everything else. ] Yeah, it's a real pain. I already know who I'm goin' with, but this whole thing rubs me the wrong way.

    [ Not enough to stay powerless — or to give up her chance at Britain — but enough to bitch and moan about. With one mystery solved, she sets about the other; reaching for a skewer that she briefly gestures with before starting to chew on (yes, she's talking with her mouth full again). ]

    ... Being a Master doesn't explain you recognizin' me, though. Not unless one of the Servants in your war was...

    [ If Rin had summoned Mordred herself, there'd be no question about her identity to start with. It doesn't take a genius to figure out the only possibility left... and yet she seems unwilling to give it voice. ]
    erbe: (137)

    [personal profile] erbe 2023-03-13 02:56 am (UTC)(link)
    A blue Saber, [she replies as her gaze falls away to the food she still has yet to touch. Tohsaka can feel the hunger gnawing at her, yet still she makes no attempt to reach for it.]

    Hair kept neater than yours, and a measured expression like the a perfectly placid lake surface. She wasn't mine, but I think we would have been unstoppable together. Does that sound like the person you're thinking of?
    uproared: (yeah i am crate trained)

    [personal profile] uproared 2023-03-13 04:30 am (UTC)(link)
    [ It's the answer she expected, but she still bristles at hearing it. The fact that her father became a Servant as well isn't a surprise (not when she can think of no one more deserving of having their name remembered for centuries, their deeds spoken of in hallowed tones, the definition of utter perfection) but she feels robbed of the chance to confront him once again, across a different kind of battlefield. To deny his wish the way he denied hers, and to crush his spirit the way she crushed his kingdom.

    None of which is Rin's fault, but that won't stop her being a brat about it. The pause alone probably makes it obvious that yes, Rin hit the nail on the head, but she takes a moment to compose herself before responding. This girl thinks she's worthy of being her father's Master? This pathetic, ordinary, human girl? ]


    Don't flatter yourself. [ She sneers, visibly annoyed. ] Even if you were the worst Master in the world, that Saber wouldn't lose to anyone else. The only one with the right to kill them... is me. Got it?
    erbe: To want you to believe (010)

    [personal profile] erbe 2023-03-13 09:26 pm (UTC)(link)
    Oh, I see.

    [Immediately a little smile tugs at Rin's lips. She raises a hand to "hide" (not actually hide) the expression as her lashes lower mischievously. After all, considering who that Saber is, the only one who would share a face and the desire to kill them is—]

    Thank you for introducing yourself.
    uproared: (you would think that wouldn't you)

    [personal profile] uproared 2023-03-13 10:18 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ She's clearly caught off guard by Rin clocking her so easily. Clearly, she didn't expect the other girl to know the identity of who they were talking about... but it's her own fault for assuming. No matter how annoying it is to admit, she can tell she's been outplayed.

    With a tone that borders on petulant: ]


    ... Whatever. Not like you knowing who I am makes a damn bit of difference. If anything, it makes things easier. Now you know to stay the hell out of my way, whether we're on the same side or not.
    erbe: (075)

    [personal profile] erbe 2023-03-13 11:16 pm (UTC)(link)
    Oh, is that right? And have you contracted with anyone yet?

    [She'll be interested to find out whatever the answer is. Was she summoned, or did she arrive like all the rest? Does she still require mana, or can she hold up on her own? So many questions! Tohsaka would rather not have to ask them directly.]
    uproared: (i didn't think of it at the time)

    [personal profile] uproared 2023-03-13 11:58 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ Dryly, ] You're being really obvious right now, you know that?
    erbe: (173)

    [personal profile] erbe 2023-03-14 12:08 am (UTC)(link)
    Does it matter? Or are you going to keep that from me out of spite?
    uproared: (this is becoming a problem?)

    [personal profile] uproared 2023-03-14 12:37 am (UTC)(link)
    Fool, it's not spite. I just don't like you.

    [ Is this literally because of how in awe Rin sounded about her father? Yeah. Would she be even angrier if Rin hadn't been? Also yeah. ]
    erbe: And that's how you'll treat me, got it? (002)

    1/2

    [personal profile] erbe 2023-03-14 12:43 am (UTC)(link)
    Hah! Is that right? I highly doubt i—
    erbe: (240)

    [personal profile] erbe 2023-03-14 12:48 am (UTC)(link)
    ["I highly doubt it. If you disliked me that much wouldn't you have done something by now?" Is what she was GOING to say before she doubles over when her stomach rebels against getting snarky in favor of ACTUALLY EATING TO SURVIVE.

    This rich bitch who hasn't really ever had to worry about food (yeah, she goes stingy for reasons but survival was never a worry) but now she hasn't eaten for a while and is actively avoiding it while good smelling food is right in her face!

    Embarrassing.]
    uproared: (i think you've said enough)

    [personal profile] uproared 2023-03-14 01:54 am (UTC)(link)
    [ In less than five seconds, Mordred's expression goes from disinterested to sheer disbelief. ]

    Seriously...? I knew mages were a lot of things, but I didn't think stupid was one of them.

    [ For all their many, many, many, many, many faults, she can't imagine Merlin or her mother collapsing from hunger, of all things. They'd test the food for poison, or magic up their own, or... anything except the pathetic display she's seeing right now.

    With a sigh, she pushes everything left on her skewer to one end, then lifts Rin's head by her bangs and shoves the meat into her mouth. Don't choke! ]
    erbe: (204)

    [personal profile] erbe 2023-03-14 03:01 am (UTC)(link)
    [WELL GOOD FOR THOSE MAGES WHO CAN DO ACTUAL REAL MAGIC AND HAVEN'T BEEN REDUCED TO NORMAL HUMANS.

    Tohsaka hollers when Mordred yanks on her hair to lift her head, and that gives the rowdier woman just the chance to stuff that open mouth with her meat. Don't choke? Hah! As if there's any choice. There's a bit of violent struggling, making a mess of her mouth, and then finally being able to chew and swallow.

    In the end Tohsaka's head still hangs from Mordred's tight grip on her hair. The young "former" magi's eyes watering from the stress as she coughs and gulps for air. Now she'll have to be worried if she just ingested some Meridian "kool-aid" or something of the like.]
    uproared: (look i just want what's best)

    [personal profile] uproared 2023-03-14 04:13 am (UTC)(link)
    [ And Mordred, naturally, bursts out laughing. ] Hahahaha! If only you could see your stupid face!

    [ She holds Rin's head up for a few more seconds until the coughing starts to wane, then lets go. If she falls over now, well, that's not Mordred's problem — she's already gone back to stuffing her face. ]

    Thanks, Red. If the food's poisoned, you'll die first, since you're weaker. That means I'll have time to do something about it.
    erbe: The voice of the bird rings out (028)

    [personal profile] erbe 2023-03-14 04:23 am (UTC)(link)
    [Perhaps if Tohsaka was anyone else she would have collapsed at Mordred's feet in a fit of tears. However she is who she is. While not a proper mage at her core she is still made of pride and arrogance. She is still one who cannot tolerate such an obvious and large slight against her.

    With all "elegant avenues" (magecraft and wit) stolen from her there is only one thing left. Something crude and unladylike.

    Violence.

    So a moment after Mordred lets go of Rin and stuffs her own gob, Rin lunges at Mordred and tackles her to the ground.]
    uproared: (15868925)

    [personal profile] uproared 2023-03-14 04:44 am (UTC)(link)
    What the f—

    [ Using the element of surprise, Rin achieves what hundreds of well-trained knights have never been able to: she knocks Mordred flat on her bony ass. Sure, most of it is thanks to her lack of armour, her still-muted instincts, and being midway through a bite of food, but it's still an accomplishment... and one she certainly didn't expect to be on the receiving end of from anyone, much less a mage.

    Mordred takes this about as well as you'd expect — after a few seconds spent coughing and hacking, she starts struggling fitfully, and swings a punch at the side of Rin's head. ]


    You goddamn crazy bitch! Get off me!
    erbe: (147)

    [personal profile] erbe 2023-03-14 01:15 pm (UTC)(link)
    Not until I make you pay!

    [That swing Mordred makes at Rin's face is predictable, but Rin still gets clipped by it. While she doesn't take the full force of the blow, her cheek will certainly turn red and a bit swollen soon. One hand grabs at Mordred's wrist to pin it, while the other grabs at those blond bangs.]

    I don't care how strong you are or who your king is! I'll treat you just like anyone else!
    uproared: (i'm wiping the slate clean)

    [personal profile] uproared 2023-03-15 04:11 am (UTC)(link)
    Don't you dare disrespect my father like that! I'll kill you!

    [ #priorities

    But also, even though she's strong, she's not Servant-strong right now — and with Rin's own strength training, the difference is small enough that she can't throw her off with ease. It's all she can do to use the open palm of her other hand to try and push Rin's chin up until she gets uncomfortable enough to back off, all while hissing at the pain from having her hair yanked on. ]

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