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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
[ Dark’s eyebrows lift higher when he follows after her. His cloak swings behind him after catching a soft breeze that passes through the courtyard. ]
You think I’m not or something?
[ Even if Veyle says no, she would be lying because clearly Dark is the peak of masculine beauty and all. ]
no subject
[The breeze tousles at her long hair as she walks, turning to look up at him. A Fell Dragon would boast about being strong, powerful. So maybe he's doing it to boast, too...?]
Is it because you're proud of it? Or something else?
no subject
A man's nothing without pride.
[ He says it simply. Besides, it's not something he's ever tried psycho-analyzing, and he's certainly not going to give it a shot now. He instead starts forking up his food. ]
It's law of the jungle. Those at the top get to brag as much as they want.
[ He takes his first bite of meat. ]
Do you not have anything you're proud of?
no subject
Well... There is one thing. Before everything... ended... just before I got here, I was able to help a friend in trouble. I even was able to tell them how much they meant to me. So even if they're gone now, at least I...
[She picks at her food, and her voice trembles slightly, looking like she's suddenly lost her appetite.]
I'm sorry. Aside from that, there really isn't much I'm proud of.
no subject
And that was a good thing, right? For you to help your friend like that and let them know how you feel.
[ Veyle seems to wilt over her plate, so Dark shifts an arm around her to scoot her closer a bit to himself. The back of his cloak wraps around her some, keeping her nearby. He takes a bite of his own food, wondering if it will encourage Veyle to eat her own. ]
I'm sure they were happy to hear it. I'd be.
[ Dark says it after swallowing. ]
no subject
[She doesn't resist as his arm draws around her, but she doesn't trust herself to look at him, either. Her vision blurs with tears; she doesn't remember the last time she's been close to someone like this, and it's getting harder by the second to ignore the lump rising in her throat.]
It would have been better if they and all their other friends survived here, not me. And now you're being so nice to me when I don't deserve it. I really am awful.
[She wipes her eyes with the back of her hand. Now he's probably going to regret talking to such a miserable person and ruining the gathering for him, too.]
no subject
...
[ There's nothing he can say to make whatever happened better. Still, Dark hates to see a woman cry. Setting his plate to the side, he instead shifts on the bench and puts a hand in Veyle's long hair. His finger curl through the tresses and stroke gently. It isn't grimy this time, or with an ulterior motive.
He'll let Veyle cry on him. ]
Take as long as you need. I don't care if you're awful.
[ Because he's awful too. ]
no subject
What was it all for? Even with Zenith's offered cause, she still can't make all that pointless cruelty make sense. She takes a breath to try to steady herself, then speaks in a quiet, trembling voice.]
H-how can you not care? What if I hurt you someday, too? [Certainly, it sounds like he's a powerful mage, but would that still be enough if she were to turn against him?]
no subject
[ As if it's solved so simply. It could be, in his eyes. ]
I won't let you do anything to me that'd make you cry on me again.
[ It's comfortingly trivialized in how Dark says it. He's even smiling to himself albeit subtly. That's who he is though, in the face of gods, angels, or demons: he fears no one. ]
And before you argue with me, I know you'd come around. You're crying because you regret what happened, don't you? I'm not worried you wouldn't eventually do the same for me. You should just cry it out now that's what you need.
no subject
Can... Can you promise me? If I lose control and try to hurt you, or anyone else, that you'll stop me? Just... do whatever you need to do.
[Even if he dissipated her, she would feel okay about it if it was him.]
no subject
I promise you. You don't have to cry anymore.
[ Assured. How many times has he died now, only to be resurrected over and over again? Dark doesn't know what Veyle is so afraid of, but whatever it may be, it doesn't shake him. Showing her so, Dark combs some hair out of Veyle's face as it slips and falls, letting her clean her cheeks of tears at the same time. ]
I didn't mean to hit a sore spot for you so early on.
no subject
[She sniffs and tries to collect herself as he brushes away some of her hair, and she rubs at an eye with the heel of her hand. How embarassing, to cry in public at a big gathering like this. She's probably not making a good first impression on the other Zenites, even if Dark doesn't seem to mind. Still...]
Just talking about it with you, though... I already feel a bit better. [She offers him a weak smile.] It's almost like I have a knight again.
no subject
[ Dark gives Veyle's head a little pet before pulling his hand back down to her shoulder again. It's probably the best way for them to pull out of the topic and cheer her up. She still hasn't eaten much, even though she'd seemed really hungry before. ]
You might be the only person who's said that to me.
[ He is admittedly not known for being a good listener. Maybe his recent reunion with Arshes has helped him improve at it? More importantly, though: ]
To burst your bubble, I'm more like a king than a knight if I do say so myself. Definitely a king or a god!
no subject
[Her watery expression lights up, and she clasps her hands together. Usually, she wouldn't be proud of her status when it's more like a curse, but in this case, finding someone like her is comforting.]
In my world, I was also royalty... and I was worshipped as the daughter of someone considered a deity. It-- it wasn't as nice as it might sound, but still...!
no subject
She's been so happy relating to him in one way or another. What's withholding some of the truth going to hurt? ]
Did you get parades?
[ First thing he wonders about Veyle's life before. ]
You'd look cute waving from a girly little carriage.
no subject
[It seems like something the prince or princess of Firene might do, though, or perhaps the princesses of Elusia.]
But... people did give me offerings. Food, flowers, burning candles or incense... those sorts of things. Some even helped me at their temple when I was in trouble.
no subject
That stuff's cool too, but I think you should get a parade. Maybe we can figure something out while we're stuck here? Not like your pops can say no if he's not here to even realize anything's going on.
no subject
The thought is nice, but I haven't done anything to deserve a parade. First, I need to work hard to help lots of people and make up for all the bad things I did.
[Then, she might feel like she's a good dragon worthy of all the praise her worshippers once heaped on her, even if she can never undo the harm she caused.]
no subject
[ Pat, pat. As if she is his pet now. Dark will leave Veyle to her own personal repentance while he steals the fantasy he'd offered her. ]
In that case, you can make up for all the bad stuff and then come ride in a girly carriage at my parade instead.
[ Because he wants one. Besides, Dark figures he's probably the biggest fish in this pond. He'd been the biggest fish in his world's ocean even. Right? Even without full access to his powers, he's still pretty sure he can fuck up a god, demon, or angel. ]
Just tell me what color you want the cart.
[ Aaaand food time now. He resumes sifting through his plate, eating now his responsibilities as a kind, compassionate, handsome hero have been obliged and taken care of. ]
no subject
[She picks up her own plate, finally taking a nibble at her food while she thinks it over.]
A silver carriage, maybe? I think that would be pretty... it even matches your hair.
no subject
[ Dark is glad to see Veyle eating and talking about other things. It’s hard to imagine her doing anything warranting the tears she’d shed before now, and him dismissing it from thought, though her conscious seems to guiltily return to it every now and again, he provides distraction the best way he can. By being a singleminded, testosterone-driven MAN. ]
You said you haven’t had a partner before. Why not?
no subject
[She looks down at her plate. There's a lot more she could say, but she's reluctant to.]
And then when I found people who were kind to me, I fell asleep for a long time. When I woke up, they were all gone. After that, Papa came back, so... I stayed away from people so I wouldn't hurt anybody.
Because of all of that... I never had time to think about finding a partner. Even if I found somebody, I would just bring them pain.
no subject
She’d said “mate” instead of partner earlier, like something inhuman. As Veyle elaborates, he’s able to guess that she might not be human but instead some kind of immortal being. Makes sense, now that he’s less distracted at her side. Despite her lack of malice, there’s certainly some kind of dark energy flowing through her, maybe not much different than his own. Is she able to detect that sort of thing from her side, too?
Now the guessing game. If she’s not a human, then what is her true form like? A demonic beast maybe? Hell serpent? ]
I was out of it for 15 years. Woke up fairly recently myself.
[ Carefully sharing the safe bits of his own past with her again. He’s aware now that she dislikes violence and isn’t so foolish as to bring up the unflattering parts of his background. ]
no subject
Fifteen years... [She says, after swallowing. That's a long time, for an ordinary human, she knows.] I was asleep for much, much longer. But I never thought I'd meet anyone here who has so much in common with me.
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[ An excuse really, but Veyle isn’t wrong. If she’s something powerful that goes dormant for significant stretches of time, maybe her true form is more along the lines of a cute, baby form of Anthrasax? There’s no other reason she should humanize so sweet and small. Dark will figure her out in time. It’s too big of a conversation for one sitting. ]
So when are you going to see Yima?
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