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

iii'ish wildcard??

[warmare]

[Hayame was unwilling to let Meridian suffer another loss. After the events that had transpired in the Scorching Isles, she had thrown herself into training Springstar's military, assuring their archers were as finely honed as she could make them, all for the occupation that the Tribune had informed her of secretly in advance. And to that end... she had watched the Springstar information meeting from afar, keeping track of those who looked strong or potentially useful.

And now... one of those people is in Alenroux amidst the non-shard-bearing population of farmers. The sound of hoofbeats signals that someone is passing by on horseback... except-]

You there.

[A voice rings out. The shadow of the speaker behind him is strange. When he turns, it will be clear where the horse's head is. Nowhere. The speaker is a centaurine woman who stands over seven feet in height, her muscular frame only made more fearsome by the fact that she clutches a bow in hand nearly as long as she is tall.]

Are you lost?

[fireballer]

[diluc was once the cavalry captain during his time in the knights, so he easily recognizes that what he's looking at is part horse. but when he looks up - and he is not short by any stretch of the imagination, so this in itself is quite strange for him - he instead sees a woman.

he does not allow surprise to bleed into his expression, but oh man, this is a first. while he's also no stranger to people with traditionally animal-like features - teyvat has its fair share of both feline and canine people along with the yokai in inazuma - he's never met anyone like her. still, it's rude to stare and even ruder to treat her like anything but just another person.

...and he is a little lost after all, this being his first time to this place. more of the "i don't know where to find what i'm looking for" kind of lost rather than the "i can't get back to where i started" kind of lost. either way, yes, he is lost and a little loathe to admit it. especially to someone who is armed and has unknown loyalties. he'll test the waters anyway...]

Yes. I arrived recently and got turned around in the midst of acquainting myself with this new world. [a glance to the bow.] Are you one of the newly stationed soldiers here?

[warmare]

[He makes a wise choice. If there was one thing Hayame disliked (and she disliked many things), it was being looked at as a curiosity. In her own world, even though her race was far outnumbered by humans, ever greedy and ravenous to multiply and expand their territory, she was still normal as a living thing, even though she was often relegated to the status of just-above-beasts.

Here...]

You have chosen an unfortunate place to acquaint yourself.

[Daytime in Alenroux was safe enough, but with the recent movements... Just because she had seen this man at Springstar's meeting did not mean he had chosen Meridian. He could just as easily be a Zenith as he could be someone still sitting on the fence. So when she answers... she does it cautiously.]

I belong to Meridian.

[He doesn't need to know that she trains the military's archers or works under the general Zaman. Not yet, anyway.]

Is it Springstar you need help returning to?

[fireballer]

If I may- why is it unfortunate?

[he's not playing dumb - he actually doesn't know. of course, he knows that monsters can roam the land, but he figured he'd take his chances with his speed to avoid encountering them. and then, of course, he knows about the occupation... which is precisely what he's here to observe.

so she is from meridian - and may know more about it. and why're they're even doing it in the first place. he doesn't know how he missed her at the meeting with her tall stature, but he was being a bit of a wallflower and spent most of his time listening, so he supposes it's not to strange.]

Eventually, yes. For now, I'd like to explore this area more if possible. [he gives her a look, clearly seeing if she'll allow it.]

[warmare]

Territory is being contested here. And come dark, there will be monsters that make quick work of a man on his own.

[She might know the details, far more even than some others who belonged to Meridian, but she does not say. Not even to most of her allies.

And he could be forgiven for missing her. She, too, was not one to start conversation, spending most of her time in the shadows and the corners of the room, lurking and watching and biting when people bothered her.

As for exploring... she sizes him up slightly more. Her grip shifts on her bow.]

If your exploration is casual, I would advise you return to the city instead.

[fireballer]

Are the beasts here really so frightful? I'm quite capable even on my own.

[ah, two loner untalkative individuals... two birds of a feather.

he keeps his own arms at his side, not wanting to seem aggressive or threatening so as to not get an arrow in his ass. but it's quickly seeming like he's going to get that arrow in the ass regardless.]

I have yet to encounter one, though. Perhaps the beasts here are far more powerful than the ones I've encountered. How would you fare?

[warmare]

When I say there are monsters, I do not mean the likes of a bear that could not find a hole to hibernate in.

[Though it chafes to admit, as a warrior herself… even Hayame did not wish to be caught alone in these forests at dark. With two, it had still been a harrowing ordeal that left her other companion dead beneath the corpse of the beast. So she will say so.]

I mean creatures unnatural, with armor and abilities no living animal should possess. Some can even attack the head and heart, not just the body.

[She still woke in a cold sweat on occasion with the screams of the shard beast that had once been a man named Manon echoing in her head. But she will not say that- merely speak in a tone that is serious.

Except he did ask how she fared, tch. Simply, she provides,]

I was nearly blinded. Others have lost their lives.

[She does wear a leather eyepatch (that a certain eyepatch-wearing man had helped select) across the left side of her face.]

[fireballer]

[as she continues her explanation of the beasts, his normally expressionless eyebrows actually raise up in surprise. he'd simply thought they'd be creatures he could take on - or at least outrun, because he's not so prideful as to think he can take on any and every monster - but the thought of beasts wearing armor. being able to attack but not physically.

ok, so he'll have to reevaluate.

and while he hasn't seen her fight personally, he can tell she's a great warrior just from her physique and the way she holds her bow.

he nods.]

I stand corrected. Thank you for the information.

[he gestures.]

Please, lead the way. Would you mind answering a few more questions? I am quite new.

[warmare]

[Hayame has been dealing with so many troublesome people of late that she almost finds herself somewhat shocked that the man agrees in the face of her testimony. At first she just stands there, her expression stiff, but finally-]

Follow me, then.

[She says "follow", but she isn't about to turn her back to an unknown person, and so she gestures for him to go southeast and makes to fall in beside him rather than lead.]

I am a warrior, not a wordsmith, but you may ask your questions.

[fireballer]

[diluc is not in the business of making decisions he can't come out on top of, nor is he in the business of being a prick on purpose (looks at kaeya). he'll wait that second until she moves to lead him- but ah, smart woman. after all, they are both literal strangers with a vague sense of goodwill.

he nods, heading the way she indicates. she has a bow and that should alarm him, but he figures if she wanted to kill him, she'd have done it already. especially since they seem to be similar - warriors with very little to say.]

What are your thoughts on the other faction?

[starting off spicy.]

[warmare]

[It will be obvious from the very beginning that he has asked a rather charged questions, considering that the first thing his new escort does when she hears it is... narrow her eyes. Anger is probably a good guess.]

They are fools following the doom predictions of a witch who manipulates hearts.

[... Succinct.]

How quick they are to believe that somehow entire worlds can just be erased from existance, and that somehow that Yima woman can create an entire new world that will somehow satisfy all of their ilk.

[fireballer]

[he takes her angry glare in stride: because honestly, he agrees with her stance. perhaps he doesn't know much about yima much at this stage, but the idea of their worlds just being destroyed - and so many at that - is wild to say the least.

and honestly, if she can somehow create a new world, who's to say that reviving allegedly destroyed worlds isn't possible?

and he's still kind of angry at her for telling kaeya he was dead. hmph. he was alive and well thank you very much!]

Yes, even in my short time here, I have seen the effects of her manipulation.

But. [he knows this next part will be extra tricky considering her reaction, but he's never been afraid to bulldoze his way through a conversation.] Can you not say that Cyrus has the ability to do the same?

[warmare]

To what? Manipulate hearts?

[Hayame's expression remains stern and slightly too intense for what was just a conversation, but her pace and her guidance does not waver. Not yet.]

I do not see why he would be able to. He may be the Tribune, the leader of the Meridian, but he is not the same sort of creature as that Yima. He is not some immortal witch- he is a man.

[And beyond that,]

I have never heard of any tales of him doing such things- but it is not only I that has felt emotions placed inside of us in her presence.

[fireballer]

Ah, I see.

[being but a mere mortal does make quite a difference in one's abilities. though kenos is a world where he's seen so many outlandish things he'd never dreamed of. still, he supposes there are some limitations. if not, then what would be the point in separating gods from mortals?

he wonders how much sway yima holds with kaeya. he seems to speak quite well of her. definitely the opposite of hayame.]

You were aware of it? It is no wonder why you would hold contempt for this woman. Thank you, it is good to be aware of such things should I ever need to request an audience with her.

So she's for certain not the kind, warm matron many describe her to be.

[warmare]

I was.

[Hayame did not normally tell this tale, not any longer. Too many people doubted it, or cast dispersions, and she was tired of arguing. But now...]

When she held me, she made the mistake of making it seem as if it were my very own mother doing so, something comforting and familiar...

[And in the moment, it had been, but the moment she was free to think for herself...]

But my mother was an Armless, who never held me once.

[She does not explain "Armless". She does not think she has to.]

- How is it that you are so certain?

[Far too many believed that matronly lie.]

[fireballer]

[no, she does not need to explain the term, he can imagine what it means. he's not sure whether it's a good or bad thing, but he's guessing bad if her mother could never even hold her. but who knows. he doesn't know her people's culture and beliefs. he wants to say 'sorry' because it sounds like quite a lonely thing - but he doesn't want to insult her either, so he keeps the sentiment to himself.]

Because I believe you.

[he doesn't trust much, but this would be far too wild of a tale to spin just to deceive him. and also? he feels her genuine rage. anger like that cannot be faked. he should know - he's felt it for the past 4 years of his life.

also? how rude of her to try to emulate hayame's mother. if she tried to emulate diluc's father to diluc, he too would have a similar opinion of yima.]

And it corroborates a few things I've heard here and there about memories being manipulated. A kind, warm matron would hardly have any use for such tactics.

[warmare]

[Perhaps it might sound foolish to be moved by something so simple- "because I believe you". But Hayame, who has felt misunderstood and misrepresented by even those Shard-bearers who were supposed to be her allies, alienated by different cultures and medieval thinking... Her rage is real. It is believable.

And it feels good to be believed.]

Precisely.

[A truly kind and well-meaning matron would surely have no need for such tactics. She could be beloved and obeyed on the strength of character alone.]

I would advise you be careful about going into her presence- but in particular, about letting her touch you.

[fireballer]

[they come upon a stone that looks identical to the night sky, seemingly smattered with stars. once upon a time, he might have just thought of it as a particularly beautiful rock. but considering he made it to alenroux due to this rock, he recognizes it as the portal it is.]

Thank you, truly. That is crucial information that I have not quite come across thus far. And concerning. I'll have to make certain that those I know within Zenith are not under her influence.

[he bows properly, a hand over his heart.]

And I thank you for personally escorting me despite the dangers of this land. I will not forget your kindness.