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

IIA

[wolof]

[ He eats like a man starving. To be fair to him, it's quite possible he could be. Whereas Akua had eaten before the event -- old habits die hard -- and she only had a single drink in hand, she still watches the buffet table, because many of the new folks had been making their way there throughout the entire event. She waits, until he's had his fill, to approach, since she's not one to interrupt someone while eating.

Except. She thinks it's going to take a while, because the boy had really filled his plate up, hadn't he? Really filled it up. So, there was nothing for it, and she was going to approach him while eating anyway. Being someone who wanted a good handle on new arrivals, their capabilities, and who they were, she can't help but swing in for an approach.

With a glass of wine in hand, she neared him, picking up a single piece of...something, she wasn't paying attention to it anyway, and then turned to him, and looked at his plate. ]

Are you starving?

[ She asked, curiously. ]

[bakedapple]

[ It's less than a minute from when Link sat down and started eating that the woman approaches him. He puts down his fork upon the question and gazes up at her for a moment, processing it. Is he starving? Well... no. Times had been difficult at the very end, before Hyrule was destroyed and he found himself here, but he knew enough about the wild to scavenge for food and survive. With full cheeks and bright eyes, he knows he looks healthy and well-fed enough. So, is... the question rhetorical, maybe?

The thought makes him blink and look back down at his stacked plate. ]

...No. But, I don't know about later. Or tomorrow.

[wolof]

Hm, although in my experience, the food only lasts marginally longer, no matter how much we eat.

[ There's a pause though. Akua Sahelian did not often go without, and the period that she did was... well. When she'd been a ghost. Lol. ]

Thus far, we have not had to tighten any belts, surprisingly enough. No guarantee about the future, but... I do not think we will be the ones to suffer so.

[ No, that would be the Zenites, she thinks. ]

But I cannot fault you, given that this is a wholly unusual land, hm?

[bakedapple]

[ Link listens, quiet but attentive. The young-looking man has a somewhat aloof demeanor, but he is clearly engaged in hearing that she has to say. The talk of tightening belts and future suffering strikes him as interesting — the potential meaning behind it, the implications. For all of Springstar's splendor, is it on rocky ground? ]

Yes, I suppose "unusual" is one way I would describe it. To me, it's unusual.

[ Link gestures to the seat across from him, inviting her to sit. He also nudges his plate towards the center of the table, wordlessly offering her to share in the pile. ]

When you say that we won't be the ones to suffer... you are talking about the other side?

[wolof]

I have seen great and terrible things, and it is still unusual. You are not alone.

[ She moved to sit, oddly smooth in the way she did so, weirdly elegant. Though an event like this was something that could invite people like her, if Link spends any time in Highstorm, he may find that she seems to fit more within their ranks, more than here. Vibes with Zenith, committed to Meridian. Her hands in her lap, she considered the question, but only for a moment.

Then, she smiled, something a little sharp. ]

Why yes, I do. It is difficult to explain without a... small history lesson about the nature of this land. Springstar and Highstorm are both islands of their own, but as such, they are mostly merely the city itself -- discounting the Below and the Beyond -- and so they have little capability to provide crops.

That is where Alenroux comes in. It can be considered the bread bowl of the two islands and thus has enjoyed a wary truce. Up until now. We have control of more of it.

[ She said it simply, as if it weren't an invasion. Then again, for a Praesi, it is not significant that a land was invaded for food. That's every day life. ]

[bakedapple]

[ Hearing this story, Link looks down at the table, taking a moment to let it settle in his mind. This is the first time he's hearing about any of this. If it had been mentioned before, he wasn't listening, or perhaps the full breadth of the circumstances went over his head. ]

I see.

[ Glancing to his large portion of food, his gaze becomes a bit sheepish. This explains the strange looks he was getting as he piled up his plate. But... it's too late to put it back, so, he's got to eat it all and make the most of it. As he reaches out to eat more, he considers what he's just been told. Hyrule had always been a peaceful kingdom, its peoples united under the authority of the Hylian Royal Family and their shared faith in the Goddesses. It wasn't until the chaos wrought by the Calamity that it fractured into the disparate kingdoms that existed there today. If the land weren't as bountiful as it was, would they have descended into squabbles over resources, too? It's a distressing thought. ]

What will happen to the people in Highstorm? [ He sits back as he nibbles on a skewer of roasted vegetables. ] It doesn't seem like the people in this city bear them any particular ill will. Don't they care what will happen to the Zenites? [ and by implication, Link is asking what she thinks. ]

[wolof]

Well, they will either starve, or they will find a way to make what resources they have work.

[ She said. Bluntly. ]

I do not believe they feel any ill will toward them, but neither do they wish to lose the war to them. If the hard choice is to be made between supporting the Meridian and our goals, or remaining peaceful with Highstorm... We must make the choice. They have already had an advantage with the first Oracle, it is logical that we would take our own advantage, given the circumstances.

[ She shook her head, considering it. For Akua, a woman who was evil, this was an easy choice. Logical. War was war, and that they would seek advantage was to be expected, and logical. It would give them the advantage that they needed. If there was a problem with it, if the people were upset, then they would either deal with the consequences, or they would defect.

Meridian had no room for weakness, in a war like this. ]

Unfortunately, war requires hard decisions like this.

[bakedapple]

[ For someone who was asking questions that, let's face it, are twinged with a bit of naivety, Link does not seem to take much offense to her answer. The woman's blunt tone does earn a cautious glance upwards, but then he looks down again. It's more important to listen than to voice his uninformed thoughts.

And, she's right. If the two sides are at war — or, will be soon — there is only so much "courtesy" one side can expect from the other. Truthfully, Link is still a little fuzzy on how they managed to be so amicable up to this point, but... that's a history lesson he can take for himself later.

There's something else she mentioned that caught his attention. ]

They have the first Oracle. [ He repeats what she said, curious. ] But... nobody has given me a straight answer yet about what these Oracles are. Or why they're at the center of all of this.

[wolof]

It is an excellent question.

I can only offer conjecture and the sum of my research. It is little to go off of, and even less to make an informed decision on, I am afraid.

[ She smiled, though, because she knew how it sounded, what it implied. She knew the leap of faith it required to sign on with Meridian, when they didn't know anything about what would actually happen, their goals, or anything involved. Akua knew, because she was only here for a reason, and one reason only:

She'd made a promise, borne from the blade in her belly, and even with her world destroyed, even with the person she'd made that promise to gone, she had to hold to it.

So the chips would lay where they lie. ]

They hold great and grand power. Supposedly, when they are gathered together, and used for a purpose, they will be able to resurrect our worlds, or destroy what is left. That is what we know.

Whether that will be sufficient power, however, I do not know. I've run my own numbers, but... it is difficult to say if I have an accurate grasp on what is required.

[bakedapple]

[ The smile is chilling. Link can appreciate the wisdom behind her perspective, and he is thankful to Akua for being the first person to answer his question about the Oracle in a way that didn't feel intentionally obtuse, but... the longer this conversation goes on, the more he is starting to sense that something is off about her. But what is there to say, much less do, about it? He couldn't put the feeling into words even if he tried.

He wrestles with his thoughts, the topic of conversation providing enough cover to keep the pause from being awkward. ]

If we fail... or, if the Oracles are not enough to work the miracle Cyrus has promised... then our worlds will be gone forever.

[ He looks to her for confirmation. If she's a Meri, it means she wants to get back to her world. She must have her own reasons. ]

[wolof]

If we do nothing, our worlds are gone regardless.

[ She said, her tone not unkind, but it accepts that this may be the way of it. ] I do not intend to blindly follow anyone who simply says that the Oracles are the key to resurrecting our worlds.

However, the alternative, to do nothing, surely dooms them all the same as our failure, does it not?

[ Akua may be a Villainess. She may be a woman capable of great and terrible evil, to do things that Link cannot even imagine. To wreak havoc on cities and people. She has murdered, slaughtered, and even committed genocide to attain her goals, and only one of those does she feel guilt over.

However, she does want her world back. She had been on the precipice of something great, and terrible. She followed the Gods below, and she did not wish to believe that the Last Dawn had already come, and all she had been able to do for it was die, and become reborn into a new world. ]

We must do everything we can, to make sure that Cyrus is held to his promise, yes? Whether he likes it, or not.

[bakedapple]

[ She's right. Doing nothing is not an option. Siding with Highstorm is not an option. If Link wants to save Hyrule, then the choice is pretty much made for him. He has to do everything he can to ensure that the Meridian prevails.

This simple truth seems to lift his spirits. The situation becomes markedly simple when phrased in this way, and considering how jarring and confusing Link's first few days in Kenos have been, the clarity that such simplicity provides is almost soothing. When his goal is clear, he throw all of his energy into working out a method of achieving it.

As much as Akua might strike him as strange, and in spite of Link having no idea just how "strange" she really is... Link finds himself sitting up a little straighter, feeling a little more reassured, and able to look her in the eye with more confidence. ]

...There's been so much to take in since I awoke in the Tree. I've spent most of my time so far worrying about my world, and all the people in it. I saw them all die. I remember it.

[ So did she, and everyone else, from what he knows. Have they all been dealing with the same sense of loss as him? Figured out a way to deal with it? ]

But you sound confident that we can save them. I don't know much about this world, but... it's uplifting to hear you say as much. Thank you for that.

[wolof]

I know. I saw mine too. We were on the cusp of greatness, and then --

[ And then. She'd died. She had died and arrived here, and the momentous moment, that coin spinning, suspended between mortality and intercession, she was stuck. In the in-between space with a Name that had not manifested still burgeoning in her chest and she could almost hear the Bard's voice in the back of her mind, every time her thoughts turned to the destruction of her world: The House Always Wins. ]

I will admit that I am confident only that it could be possible. But will the price ultimately be worth it? I cannot say. I can say that I will do my best to make it so, unless there is a hidden cost that we have not been told.

But! Until that day, I will hope that we will persevere to bring not just my world, but yours and all the rest back too. I hope that we will all be able to work towards such a thing, and achieve it.

[ Her words are, as always, careful. Akua still does not trust them, she does not trust that the cost will not become too high. However, she cannot -- cannot -- choose otherwise.

And her heart felt a pang, ad the moment when she had wavered. ]

I hope you keep your resolve in this strange land.

[bakedapple]

And I hope the same for you, ma'am.

[ Link offers a small nod in both appreciation and respect. He did not expect such earnest conversation from this woman when she took a seat at his table, but he is grateful for it. Now, he studies her for a moment, wondering why she chose to come and talk to him. It could not have just been his feast faux. Not after all that she said. Is she some high-ranking person among the Meris, perhaps? ]

I haven't introduced myself... forgive me. My name is Link. [ he pauses, thinking. ] I'm from a kingdom called Hyrule, although our world itself, is just... "the world" to us. I never imagined other "worlds" existed in the first place.

[wolof]

It is a pleasure. You may call me Akua.

Your world sounds similar to many here. There are few who have encountered other "worlds", and even those that do, such as I, have never heard of realms like this, so separate and detached from our own worlds. I never would have thought of something like this Kenos, and yet here we are.

Thankfully, it becomes... perhaps not normal, but easier to accept, the longer you are here.

[ She rolled a shoulder as if she had little more to offer. Or at least, not without questions. ]

Perhaps with time, we will figure out how Kenos factors into our worlds, or how. I have tried, but... it goes nowhere.