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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
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kenoslogs.
no subject
it tells her she's not alone in this. a smile almost forms on her mouth.
almost.
because what he knows has confirmed all of her suspicions, based on the scattered pieces she's been able to gather from one place or another, and — while they're not alone, none of it is good. she lets him speak without interruption until silence settles between them once more. when it's clear that he doesn't have more to offer to it, for the moment, she steps back in.]
You can't go five minutes without some idiot telling you to Harmonize. [she lets out a derisive snort, and rolls her eyes once before looking up at him again.] How stupid do you have to be to believe what they're all selling, just like that? For all we know, they're holding us hostage.
no subject
[ he shakes his head, looking away for a moment. not at anything in particular, just into the moonlit distance. his gaze catches hers again, presently. ]
Most people want you to Harmonize, and quickly, but the factions are serious about their opposition. Once you choose, you've chosen.
[ ironically, defecting might've been more easily done in their war. ]
But they'll work together if they have to. Some of them, at least.
no subject
the landscape that cassian lays out for her is no different. there are different names now, yes, different people and different goals (at least by appearances), but everything remains the same as what she's always known. the powerful playing games with people's lives, without any regard whatsoever to the destruction they rain down upon them.
running, she'd once thought, running and staying out of sight, living in the cracks that no one bothers to look for, had been acceptable choices — ways to avoid what she's always known to be true. what she hadn't needed jedha or eadu or scarif to know to be true, but what after them, there's no real choice but to face.
she can read between the lines of what cassian isn't saying: avoiding isn't an option.
and she could be sick to her stomach, making the thoughts of food from just ten minutes ago wholly unappealing. she could scream; she could rage. she could do all of these things at once, but nothing will change the truth: it's all a waste.
everything but an action plan is a waste.
she's silent for a time, letting all this horrible shit sink in; she doesn't know how long. then, finally:]
So you're saying we choose one of these stupid factions. [the we is emphasized as much by the word itself as it is the continued grip on his hand, and the hold her gaze has on his. they're not in this alone — no matter what.] We choose one, and we take the tactical advantage. And from there, we....
[she falters, the gears in her mind grinding to a halt; they can only get so far without help.]
We figure it out?
no subject
(how many jobs did he do alone for the rebellion, without even kay? how used is he to taking on risk by himself, seeking a greater gain, no matter the cost? being here in kenos alone was no different, and different in every way from any one of those missions. his relief to have her here is a living thing.)
cassian knows all too well the danger of causes. he devoted his life to one, gave his life for it, carved off pieces of his soul piece by piece over the years to feed its flames. and that was the right choice, in its way, because the empire was evil and had to be stopped. because the rebellion was so fragile, and needed every capable set of hands it could get. he regrets the cruelties he's done, but can't deny the necessity. scarif had been the end of it.
scarif had been the end of it, and now they're here, and there's no telling what meridian or zenith might ask of him. what he might do, because he is fundamentally a creature with blood on his hands and a finely honed skillset that's suited to violence. at least he'd believed in the rebellion with all his heart.
he doesn't know what he feels when jyn speaks up with the beginnings of a plan. is it hope or despair? all he knows is that it feels sharp-edged when he considers it too closely. so he doesn't: he keeps his eyes on jyn, and he finally nods. ]
We take the next chance, and then the next. Until the chances are spent.
no subject
it's not a thought that sits well, in some ways; in some ways, it's selfish, because it's a condemnation to exist in one of the most horrible situations that probably either of them could think of. she shouldn't wish that on someone she's come to care about, especially someone who'd had the same peace ripped away from him at the end, too.
but it still sits, nevertheless. it fills her with emotions she can't quite parse as he repeats her own words to her, backing her up just as he had in the hangar bay on yavin 4, when it'd felt like all hope had been lost. it swells in her chest; it brings another fresh set of tears stinging in her eyes, which, this time, she blinks back furiously before they have a chance to fall. and it brings the smile she'd been holding back — small, barely there, but wholly real.
the plan is far from made. they still have to figure out which of these stupid factions is the lesser of two evils, have to do what they can to make sure that the choice they make is the best one possible. and when that's done, they have to keep evaluating and keep strategizing, because battles constantly change. she knows this; saw's training is embedded in her, and always will be.
she doesn't say any of this now, though. all she manages, thick around the lump that's formed in her throat, is:]
Thank you.
[she can give him that much, at least. for this — and all that's come before.]
no subject
she burns like the heart of a star, and she shines like one too. all the more, for how rare her smiles are, how small. cassian nearly has to shade his eyes at the sight of her. she'd burned bright like this back on yavin 4, too, as their plan came together; and on scarif, as they took every chance to find and transmit the plans her father had left behind. even after everything, her light is undimmed.
(especially once he'd found her. and that's what he does: on jedha, on eadu, on scarif. in kenos. he finds her.)
she thanks him, and smiles, and he,
doesn't.
smile, or speak, or even seem to share her glimmer of happiness. he squeezes her hand now, harder than he had before, and swallows visibly, face turning downwards, the line of his shoulders losing some of that casual veneer. he closes his eyes for a long, long moment, breathes out, and when he finally opens them he slants his gaze to hers.
cassian the spy, cassian the liar, has never had the truth come to him easily. (kassa was no more or less duplicitous than any other child his age, especially with a sister to care for. with the bigger kids, to look up to. in kenari, on kenari, he spoke true. basic has always been the liar's language to him, and basic is what's left to him now.) but what he can't bring himself to say, he can show her. in the last week or so alone, he hasn't dared to be himself, has buried vulnerability as deep as he knows how. but right now, safe with her, he can let some of it into the light. soft lines of weariness that etch across his face; echoes of fear that tighten about his eyes; the grief they're both carrying. of course they are. the uncertainty of the path before them, in his fingers twined around hers. for a long moment, he expresses all of that. ]
no subject
here, now, she can see that the spy is gone, mask tossed aside to leave a man she's certain she knows; everything she sees is a mirror of what's in her, too. it leaves a man she trusts without question, with her life and also well more than that.
it leaves, in front of her, the face of a friend.
her smile finds its natural fade, but even when it does, the edges of her face remain softened. it isn't as hard as she might've once thought to keep her eyes on him, unblinking, as the sounds of the gathering in the background fade completely. in this one slice of time, before a plan has to be put to action, nothing matters except for this.
squeezing his hand in return, she lifts the other to his face, tracing a gentle thumb down the line of his jaw — as if by doing so, she could take the fear, the grief, and the exhaustion away, and absorb it all herself. she can't, of course, so instead, eventually:]
We'll figure it out.
[it isn't just a thank you she owes him; it's also confidence. strength. she does her best to inject as much as she can, trying to support what he's given her just like she'd done with his weight as they'd made their way to the beach. she can trust him; he can lean on her. and —]
Somehow, we will.
no subject
cassian doesn't immediately move in response to her touch at his face, but he softens palpably: in his eyes, in his expression. he isn't a child, to believe that everything will be alright because she said so, but she does make it — easier to believe. easier to keep going, to this uncertain end before them. so he raises his free hand and clasps it loosely around her wrist, without taking his eyes off her.
and then he says, hushed, ]
Okay. Okay.
no subject
it helps when he holds onto her. his hands give her strength, somehow, and under both of them, she stands a little straighter, breathes a little easier. believes a little easier.]
Okay.
[what she gives him in return, his own word, is just as hushed, just as soft. a confirmation, an affirmation of everything that's been laid out here — of everything that'd been laid out in the hangar bay on yavin 4. she can't turn back now.
and as much as part of her, more than a part of her, has a thought of wanting to stay right here, just like this, she knows that there's no good reason for them to; it's both impractical and stupid. so, swallowing down the last of the tightness in her her throat, she says, with a quirk of her brow:]
I hate this party, but I guess there's more here we could use.
no subject
she's right, of course. he came to this party for a purpose, and so did she. neither of them are the types to relax and enjoy themselves in settings like this, but that's not the point. he's been an intelligence operative for too long to not think about what information they could learn here. all the more if they separate, spread out, compare notes later. he hates the thought as soon as he has it, but the cold truth of it can't be denied. and this is where he operates, where he lives: cold truths and colder decisions.
so he makes himself let go of her wrist, and then her hand, letting his arms fall to his sides. he blinks, as if remembering only now that anyone but jyn exists, casts a look about them to reorient himself. to see if anyone's obviously staring, which is a no. which means nothing. he breathes in, deep, and then out.
and when he looks back to jyn, the spy's face has returned: easy charm about the mouth, poised to bright insincerities, and sharp scrutiny, like the world is a wound and he a scalpel, about the eyes. ]
It's as safe in the courtyard as it is anywhere in Kenos. Safer, especially while the party's going on. We can meet back here in a couple of hours.
no subject
she's being stupid, she thinks as she nods her agreement, as she lets her hands fall back down by her sides. because he's right; it's much more efficient if they split up, since they can cover twice the ground in the same amount of time. this is as tactically sound of a plan as any.
one that the spy, returned in an instant, casting softness parsecs into the distance, is all too ready to carry out. she should follow suit.]
Don't have too much fun.
[and so her mask returns, too — in the form of a shrug, in flippant indifference.]
🎀
there's a smile that tugs at his mouth that's all too real. too fond, and therefore too vulnerable, to be a spark of charm. he leans down close enough for strands of his hair to brush against hers as he promises, ]
I won't.
[ and then he straightens, and then he turns, and with a final parting glance, strides back into the crowd. ]
no subject
but her breath catches as cassian sends one last look her way — one that's all him — and for an isolated moment, things don't seem so horrible. a smile can't help but tug on her own mouth to reflect his, and after he turns away, she finds herself leaning into the space he'd left behind, as if tugged there by gravity.
though it eventually fades as reality sets back in, of course, the smile lingers longer than it reasonably should.]