![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Entry tags:
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.
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.
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.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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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: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.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.
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
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
kenoslogs.
no subject
he should have expected it, should have realized vash is too much in his own head to realize when he's being spoken to. the pressure into his chest seems to loosen as irritation starts to bubble up from his gut, jaw setting tightly as a short tch noise is gritted out. in a way he's glad for it, beyond glad for it. anger he can do, irritation he can do, everything else he had been feeling? all those things he pushes down and buries? he doesn't want to deal with any of that.
so wolfwood stalks over to that idiot in the red coat, stalks over, and strikes him upside the back of his head with all his strength. ]
Turn around, dumbass!
[ really, how hard is it to look in the direction you heard the fucking noise from???? ]
no subject
honestly, even though it hurts, it's a different sort of pain than the constant, nagging feeling deep in his gut. it brings him out of his own head for a while, at least, giving vash something to focus on - in which immediate case is him letting out a unhappy groan and flinch in on himself like a turtle retreating back into its shell, letting both his hands fly up to the back of his head where he's been punched. ]
Oh, haha... Wolfwood, it's you!
[ trust vash to make their first greeting so painfully, excruciatingly, irritatingly normal, when where they are now, where they should be and aren't, where they could have been if not for all the myriad of insane things have not happened, should not even have allowed him to talk that way in the first place. vash says it as if it has only been minutes since they'd parted, as if they had not said their goodbyes and thanks and sorrys, as if they hadn't told each other that it is done, now. ]
no subject
[ it only serves to fan the flames of his annoyance, as his fist throbs angrily from the strike. damn spikey, his stupid head is still as hard as ever. not that he was expecting anything different, really, not that he should have expected anything different, vash would make their reunion like this as if they hadn't said goodbye in not so many words, as if he hadn't looked at him and said thank you as if those words hadn't been bouncing in his skull as conrad placed the paper in front of him. that fucking contract. ]
The hell were you looking?! The hell you even doing out here curled up like some wimpy kid?!
[ under the layers of anger, of irritability, that hint of worry threatens to break through, threatens to tear down his entire facade. vash, he notes, looks fucking terrible. looks as though he hasn't eaten in days (chances are he hasn't), looks as though he has been stuck in his own head again. wolfwood can see it, of course he can see it, he can see it and he can't stop the concern that builds up in his chest. you don't have to care anymore, it is done now. ]
no subject
[ he can only laugh, you know; he can only smile and smile, through vision blurry with tears (honestly, the guy sure can throw some punches) and an ache in his gut that goes beyond hunger, goes beyond the days and nights of worrying himself until he was sick. it's what makes vash exaggerate, cringing back like the coward he is as wolfwood brandishes his fist at him as if he will sock him again. it's what makes him grin again, hopeless and helpless and utterly ridiculous, and fully aware of it, too. ]
I was just ... thinking! That's all!
[ at least with the pain in his head, he can't really feel much of anything else anymore. it makes it easier for vash to straighten up eventually, normally, as if nothing is out of place. ]
no subject
[ he almost wants to hit him again, wants to grab hold of his shoulders and shake vash until he cuts it out. the laugh that rings a little hollow, the smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes, the way he cringes away. he's seen this before and he hates it, hates that it sets something off in him, hates that he wants to do something, anything, to make it just... go away.
wolfwood scoffs, all but glaring daggers at vash as he stands up straight again. ]
Should know better than to start thinking, idiot. [ hands clench at his sides, missing the heavy weight of the punisher on his back, the pull of it on his hand. he shoves his hands into the pockets of his pants, then, as if to hide the motion. ] You'll get lost in that empty skull of yours.
[ a beat, brows furrowing, and his exhales. ]
You look like shit, spikey.
no subject
he doesn't say anything, for a while, but his gaze turns a little more clear, a little more present in the here and now, a birdlike tilt in his head as vash continues looking on. he knows he doesn't have to say anything about the empty space immediately behind or beside wolfwood - the absence of straps that dug angry red grooves into the calloused palm of his hand. somehow, it's strange to see him without the punisher - but for once, vash chooses to not comment on it, drawing attention to the gaping open void between them. ]
Sorry, [ it is said simply, softly, without any frills. ] I won't.
[ they both know that vash is a sucker for making promises that he can't keep. ]
So do you!
no subject
he almost pulls one of his hands out to strike vash again at the promise, hollow words grating at his already frayed nerves. idiot. he shakes his head instead, sparing a short glance at the garden before returning to vash, questions trying to desperately form on his tongue.
what happened? are you okay? it wasn't just a j─ ]
I don't look like I'm about a shrivel up and die! [ he does pull a hand from his pocket, fishing around the pocket of his jacket for something. he pulls out a sandwich he had swiped a few seconds later, roughly shoving it at vash's chest. ] You haven't been eating again, haven't you?!
no subject
[ this is his cue to look thrilled and say things like i knew you were a nice guy or so you do care or even thanks, but vash finds his tongue a little too clumsy in his mouth, too thick and ungainly for words as he stumbles back a few steps from the push, hands rising up to catch the sandwich before, god forbid, it falls to the ground. it's squashed a little, definitely not fresh, but all in all everything about it is just so wolfwood that he has to laugh a little - the sound seems to ease a little bit of the awkward tension set in his shoulders, the stubborn furrow between his brows lessening, as vash cradles it in his hands like some kind of treasure. ]
No, but you look like you're going to keel over from a heart attack.
[ is he being a brat and acting out just so he doesn't have to answer or acknowledge that second part? vash gathers the food up in his hand and, with a slight oof of exertion, sits right down on the stretch of green grass just beside them. ]
Come on, you sit down too. [ he's even going to pat the ground next to him, looking up at wolfwood expectantly. ]
no subject
he doesn't want to acknowledge the comment, doesn't want to openly admit he honestly didn't think he'd ever see vash again - at least not alive. there was no telling what was going to happen to him after he left wolfwood in that hallway after he had washed his hands of that job and watched that red coat disappear through those doors. he doesn't want to acknowledge how truly glad he feels seeing him here now, alive, breathing, though maybe a little sickly from days of denying himself even the simplest of pleasures.
so wolfwood doesn't acknowledge it, he only stares at the grass, stares at vash. a moment passes and he exhales heavily, plopping down on the grass beside him. ]
Eat it, or I'm shoving it down your throat myself.
is it too late to say cw: eating disorder
he feels, belatedly realising, a little sick.
eat it, wolfwood says, and it's not a suggestion - if the threat that follows (it isn't a joke either - if anything, vash would like to say he knows wolfwood) is any indication. vash stares down at the sandwich, worrying the inside of his cheek for a moment, before raising it to his lips and taking a small bite out of it.
his stomach protests silently - so tight from hunger that eating is at this point something of a discomfort - but vash doesn't react outwardly - there's something almost clinical in the way he chews, meticulously as if he is willing his body to just absorb all the nutrients just by the act of it before it even makes its way down his throat. but eventually, he will have to. ]
no subject
he had been doomed from the start.
wolfwood shifts almost awkwardly, finding himself almost unable to watch vash chew clinically away at the sandwich, so he lets himself fall back onto the grass his back hitting it with a soft thud. better like this, at the right angle it's hard to tell where he is looking, his shades obscuring whatever directions his eyes may drift. how the fuck did all of this happen? what relief he had been feeling before sinks like a stone in his stomach, twisting uncomfortably as he looks from vash's back to the sky above them. did he do this? did delivering vash like a lamb to the slaughter, cause all of this? did whatever crazy-ass plan knives have work? or did it go completely out of control and destroy everything?
hopeland, the others, what the hell was it all for? ]
no subject
vash chews on the inside of his cheek, looking at everything else but. to him, the act of eating now is almost like a reward, but right now, he doesn't feel like he deserves it; what right does he have? it makes him feel sick, but for another reason. blaming himself, mix of guilt and worry and shame twisting in his guts.
beside him, wolfwood is quiet too - the air feels thick with questions, with words going unspoken, and vash feels them prickling all through his skin like some awful static - like a burn of inflamed nerve endings. ]
no subject
it's then that wolfwood groans, pushing himself back up into sitting, gaze looking out towards the rest of the garden instead of vash. he looks anywhere other than vash. ]
Out with it, Needles. [ he isn't entirely sure what it is, but that doesn't matter, vash just needs to talk already. ] Whatever it is, just say it.