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beleos ([personal profile] beleos) wrote in [community profile] kenosooc2023-03-10 03:37 pm
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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.
And then, it goes wrong. The sky turns dark above, and as you look up, you see the black expanse of space spotted with faraway pinprick lights of stars. Yet, they’re not stars. You’re certain. They’re watching you. A billion eyes all looking down, and they spill forth as if sky itself was a dam holding back those dark waters. You reach back to the people you’re with, but they’re frozen in place. Their eyes are black, reflecting only the expanse of dark eyes.

So you run, even though you know you won’t escape it. You glance back and see it not overtaking, but consuming. The landscape around you is being devoured, and you can see it cracking apart. The world itself is breaking, and it cracks under your feet. You fall, and the billion eyes chase after you until the darkness swallows you whole. There’s agony as if you’re being ripped apart, and then—

You cannot see. You cannot feel. You simply are. Yet even so, impossibly, a woman’s voice speaks gently.

I’m sorry it couldn’t be saved. But, come, it’s time to wake.
You wake with a start, cradled by soft, velvety plants, and sticky with a sap that smells faintly of honey and iron. You can see the veins of the leaves that hold you, lit warmly and gently by what looks like a crystal embedded above you. Yet, it’s odd, because that crystal calls to you. When you reach out to touch it, it’s warm. Familiar. Important. You don’t know why, but you know you must hold onto this, because now it feels wrong for it to be suspended in these leaves. So, you pull it out.

The light starts to fade, but only in time to see as the leaves cradling you immediately start to soften and crumble, and with it comes a torrent of dirt. Soft, loamy soil starts to fill the space around you in the dark as you’re buried. Or, rather, you already were. You reach out through the dirt desperately, and your hands finds a root, so you pull while you clutch that precious crystal so close that it almost feels like it sinks into you (in your panic, you don’t notice that it does). You reach out again, and this time, your hand hits open air and plenty of sturdy roots around to grab.

From a seed you’re born, and like a sprout, you make your way out of the ground.

And once you’ve clawed your way out of the soft earth and the roots, nearby, you see the soil shift. Another hand comes up to grasp desperately for something, anything, just as you had been.


TWO CITIES, ALIKE IN DIGNITY
With the new Shard-Bearers present or en route, it is Kathova and Cetina that approach the established ones, requesting that they form mentorships with the new souls to assist them with the integration process. To this end, they have both provided a centralized zone in both Highstorm and Springstar for a small, casual meet-and-greet to be held before the new Shard-Bearers are unleashed upon Kenos as a whole.

Additionally, as Springstar and Highstorm are holding their events on different days, it is possible for the knowledge-hungry to participate in both informational sessions -- the tones and opinions held by both cities are doubtless to differ, and some Shard-Bearers who have chosen to harmonize with either faction may even find their way to the opposing faction's session as well.

SPRINGSTAR, αιώνιος ήλιος

In Springstar, the seat of the Tribune becomes available for such a forum. While a section of the building itself has been reserved for the meeting between fresh faces and experienced Shard-Bearers alike, the hustle and bustle of Heliopolis continues around them -- acolytes still gather their robes and tomes, hurrying from their quarters to lessons. A score of young militants march in step across the yard to the training grounds.

Tables draped in white-and-gold-trimmed fabrics fare filled with fare typical to Springstar's warmer climate -- fruits and wines, savory smoked meats and roasted vegetables, a series of meze platters and souvlaki skewers have been lain out to encourage forum participants to snack as they speak. The atmosphere is light, ambient with informality and friendliness, though topics will inevitably stray towards philosophic, Springstar's meeting grounds are decorated with handsome chaise lounges and slouching klismos chairs in small, intimate groupings.

However, those who have attended the forum in the past or simply have a sharp eye may notice: food doesn’t flow as freely in a feast-like setting as before. It’s more subdued in presentation and portion because as you may hear, the Blight (see below) is an affliction that’s been affecting the food stores of Springstar and Highstorm both. The Meri are nervous about this and blame it on the Zenites since they had won the Oracle on the Scorching Isles (January's event) and with it, punished the Meridian, even if unintentionally. As such, those who are notable Zenites or who wear their allegiance openly may not be treated as kindly. The military also seems to be more present at the forum. These two things are related, as it turns out, because only a few days after the new Shard-Bearers arrive, an invasion will begin.

HIGHSTORM, луны-близнецы

Eternally in opposition, Highstorm provides the Manor's courtyard as the setting for their informational meeting. Formality is of utmost importance here, with attending Zenith loyalists and residents dressed in beautiful, albeit austere attire -- they are, after all, standing before Lady Yima's home. A buffet-style luncheon is spread alongside one of the largest reflecting pools, wherein you may gaze and find your memories revealed in retrospect upon the water's surface.

There are few places to be seated in the Manor's courtyard, resulting in a milling of bodies as they flow and ebb between smaller gatherings, clustering in small-to-large groups with small platters and shimmering flutes of drink held in their hands.

The mood of Highstorm is subdued as always, but still seems to be pleasant and joyous thanks to claiming the Oracle in the Scorching Isles. The Blight may be affecting the city and causing plants and the like to die, but there’s admittedly not much of it to be seen with Highstorm’s harsh winters. Maybe they’re not hit as badly as Springstar, or maybe they just haven’t noticed yet. Only time will tell. But regardless, notable Meri or those that wear their allegiance more openly will be treated politely, but perhaps with a little condescension. Highstorm is one step closer to winning than Springstar, after all.


para bellum (the occupation of alenroux)
A few days after new Shard-Bearers arrive, the word spreads quickly as the campaign begins: Meridian is invading Alenroux.

To those who have Harmonized with Meridian, they’ll be contacted by Cyrus through Communion 48 hours before the invasion begins. As he explains, Springstar is a city that depends on Alenroux far more than Highstorm (because of its much larger population), and with Alenroux currently under Zenite control, it’s imperative that they make sure that Zenith isn’t able to cut off access and cause a famine for Springstar. Zenith won’t be denied access to Alenroux or its bounty either, he makes that clear. This is just a matter of being proactive in their defense to protect their people. For the Meridian, their goals in supporting this effort are clear:

  • Create secure outposts. Well-built, defensible outposts are needed, so anyone who can assist with building efforts, and quickly are appreciated.
  • Defend the outposts and the Meri soldiers at large. Alenroux is still dangerous because of the monsters, and soldiers will be staying overnight. Fighting off monsters is something that will also eventually make Alenroux inhabitable.
  • Prevent Zenith interference. Highstorm surely won’t be happy about this, so make sure that the soldiers and the outposts are protected from Zenites just as much as from the monsters that roam the lands.
And indeed, the invasion and occupation does come as a surprise to Highstorm. While they had noted the increased training of Springstar’s military, it was assumed to be in preparation for the intensified tensions of losing the first Oracle, not something as bold as an open act of war like this.

It takes some time for Yima to learn more about the events herself, but Zenith will also be contacted through Communion. With the air of a disappointed mother, she’ll explain that Meridian’s choice is regrettable since she thought they would be better than this. Yima explains that there’s no need to turn Alenroux into an open warzone and cut off both cities from their breadbasket. Instead, she lays out the following direction to gently break Meridian’s spirit first before turning to open hostilities:

  • Collect information. Where are the outposts, how many soldiers are assigned to them, and what are their general movements. Scouting and spying will be valuable. Learning more about the Meri Shard-Bearers’ capabilities while they’re fighting creatures rather than Zenites is also useful.
  • Create dissent. The people that work and visit Alenroux regularly have mixed feelings about the occupation unless they’re Meridian loyalists. Making the campaign unpopular with the people can push Meridian back without needing to raise a finger.
  • Sabotage. But don’t get caught doing it, at least for now. Whether breaking defenses or leading more powerful monsters to the encampments, it’s best to break morale before needing to fight back openly.
If you’re unharmonized when all of this begins, then you’ll be finding out about it with the general populace. However, it’s a good opportunity to learn what a faction is about in a more hands-on way. Though you may not be privy to their private, factional discussions, both sides will still welcome the help of those still yet to decide.


SETTING UPDATES
In both locations, information passes between all in a forum, spread and disseminated among the masses - it's a good opportunity for city residents, faction loyalists and interested new parties to share and share alike. Once the meet-and-greet has concluded, twin missives from both faction leads are read out -- invitations for all present to explore the cities to their heart's content, and warnings about stumbling ill-prepared ( or at all ) into the Below, or worse yet, the Beyond. As Shard-Bearers new and old take in their cities, they'll all see it change throughout the month...

OOC, these are all updates to the setting at large that players both new and old are free to interact with as little or as much as they wish! Feel free to use them as prompts on this post, in your characters on-going lives and arcs, or just let them go "that's none of my business" and ignore it. The world of Kenos is shaped by our playerbase, and these are some of the wider reaching effects of various player plots and actions.

THE BLIGHT

During the events of the Scorching Isles, Shard-Bearers encountered an affliction upon the island and unintentionally brought it back to Highstorm and Springstar with them. Known simply as “the Blight,” this condition steals time from the things it infects. It most frequently infects inanimate objects and will cause them to rot or degrade rapidly (such as a piece of metal rusting within hours) but is able to infect living things as well. Most notably, the Blight is infecting plants and animals in the two cities. Plants both decorative and necessary will wither and die, and small animals grow sick and die seemingly of old age. This has been seen in small amounts throughout the past month OOC but is greatly increased in frequency in March and beyond.
FURTHER DETAILS
  • Within the NPC populace, there’s a low-grade fear of the Blight intensifying and being able to infect larger animals/the people. There’s no evidence of this yet, but Shard-Bearers that were on the Scorching Isles will know this is possible.
  • Some characters will be aware that the rare, blue flowers that grow in the barren portions of World’s End (February’s event location) seem to reduce the effects of the detrimental effects of the Oracle and the Blight. Because of some drops of characters that knew this information, you can assume that characters are able to learn this information if they’re interested enough to dig into it.
  • Dr. Julia Melnik of Springstar is openly researching cures for the Blight and will recruit anyone interested to be research assistants to test formulations of cures on afflicted plants/creatures. You can handwave these interactions and use them for prompt(s), if you’d like!
  • Finally, if curing the Blight is something your character would specifically be interested in, please note it in your Character Survey so that the Loremasters will be able to help you pursue this organically.

THE OCCUPATION OF ALENROUX

As mentioned above, Meridian has launched a surprise invasion and occupation of Alenroux. Because Meridian was able to successfully keep their efforts a secret throughout the months (!) they’ve been planning this, Zenith will not be able to repel their advances… Immediately, at least. After roughly a week OOC from this log’s posting, the Meridian outposts in Alenroux will be stable and will change the island in the following ways:
FURTHER DETAILS
  • Outposts have been established in well-chosen, defensible locations throughout the island of Alenroux. They’re clustered more heavily closer to the Cornerstone and are non-existent in the more dangerous Northern portion of the island where little farming is done anyways.
  • Meridian soldiers will be always staying in the camps and outposts. For now, they’re a more supervisory force that are protecting the farmlands of Alenroux. During the day cycle, the military will respond with hostility to anyone that threatens the farms. If your character would antagonize or outright fight Meridian military, please contact a Loremaster, since this will have repercussions! Otherwise, the soldiers will assist workers and visitors to Alenroux in a professional manner.
  • During the night cycle, the military will defend their outposts from monsters and make occasional offensive excursions to reduce the threat of monsters. The secondary goal of the Meridian military is also to make Alenroux a place that people can live, though this is a longer term effort.
  • Meridian Shard-Bearers will be strongly encouraged to assist with the effort. “Assist” is purposefully defined broadly so that characters can help in whatever way suits them. Scouting, building, monster killing, or just morale improving are all valid ways that will gain favor with their faction and may lead to further opportunity. For now, abstaining will not have consequences, but may in the future.
  • Zenith Shard-Bearers will be treated with suspicion in Alenroux and are not allowed to approach any of the Meridian outposts, or at least not without triggering a fight. The military will not outright attack Zenites (unless provoked) and essentially encouraged to move along. However, they may wish to gather information about the outposts and Meridian forces to attempt to push back against the occupation.
  • Unharmonized Shard-Bearers are not treated with hostility, but similar to Zeniths will not be allowed to enter any of the encampments.
  • If your character has an interest in continuing or stopping the occupation, please note it in your Character Survey so that Loremasters will be able to help you pursue this organically.
If Zenith would like to repel these advances, this is a response that will be purely in player hands (but will be assisted by Zenite NPCs, of course!). If they want to reclaim Alenroux, they can, or they can simply let Meridian continue. It’s up to you! This is something that Zenite players should discuss both IC and OOC, and if this plot develops further, Loremasters will help facilitate the ongoing conflict as a part of our changing game environment.

SMALLER CHANGES

HIGHSTORM: GREENWOOD YARDS Considering the affliction that threatens the well-being of flora and small fauna alike, the greenhouses are far more discerning with those who are permitted inside its gates, afraid of the contagion affecting the precious, invaluable greenery of long-dead worlds. After the occupation of Alenroux, Meridian will be outright turned away, and while Zenith possesses no formal military or police, the greenskeepers appear to be prepared to defend their property with physical force should it come to that. Unharmonized are still allowed inside. The rest of the Yard beyond the greenhouses are still open to all factions.

And though it may seem an odd place for such a gathering, the indoor bathhouse at the far end of the Yards appears to be gaining popularity for mysterious reasons; if asked, none of the locals will explain the abrupt uptick in visitation. But should you investigate yourself, the reason why becomes apparent through experience: the tea served by the attendants here has changed properties. Should you be a Zenite, you will be served a cup that decreases your body's natural need for food and drink for 24 hours - an effort to test a concoction to relieve the need to deplete resources and lessen the city's reliance on Alenroux. Should you be a Meridian, the tea you're served will increase your appetite a considerable degree even if you normally do not require sustenance, and you will find yourself unfulfilled even if you are unwise and eat yourself to the point of illness; this lasts for 24 hours. The Unharmonized will find the tea might make them vaguely woozy, and either cause mild increase or decrease in appetite.
KOWLOON: DRAUMAHOL (cw: drugs)
    Those that frequent Kowloon may have heard about the sudden disappearance of the former owner and operator of the drug den Draumahol, though it was only really noted because of the business being closed for a few days. Practically unheard of, since the desperate of Highstorm and Springstar come to Draumahol for their various fixes that are a little more taboo on the surface. But, never fear. After a brief closure, Draumahol reopens.

    While it may not be obvious early in the month, it'll be increasingly so that Draumahol is under new management. Those that frequent the business enough will be able to figure out that the new owner is Silco (or, if you personally know him, it's fairly obvious). If you would like to plot anything regarding Draumahol, we encourage reaching out to Silco's player, Jill!
SPRINGSTAR: THE CHURCH After the loss of the first Oracle, the Church of Heliopolis has been busy tending to its flock as the numbers coming to seek comfort swell. The gatherings aren't formal "services" so much as they're chances for people to come together and inspire each other with their homes and dreams of home. One formal process that does stick out though is that with each "service" one member will tap into the world shown in their sunbeam and open their minds to Communion. Anyone that wishes to can also experience this member's home, see their friends, loved ones, and the sights. It's a intimate bonding activity, but seems to be very cathartic for those that partake.

Additionally, those that come by the Church frequently enough to be known faces at the "services" may also be approached by priests and priestesses and invited to join in smaller ceremonies. Always taking place during Springstar's dawn or dusk, these ceremonies have a markedly different vibe and are lead by Hieropoios Natalia herself. Attending these ceremonies is an exclusive honor that will reduce attendees' Discord and has a subtly addictive quality that will encourage them to return. Hm!
OOC NOTES
  • Welcome to Kenos! As a reminder, all new players need an invite to apply to the game, which are now open.
  • This log is Game Canon. Any characters who are not apped to the game will disappear. If Cyrus or Yima are asked, they’ll explain that this sometimes happens since not every soul has a strong tether to Kenos and sometimes return to the Timestream. They may return to Kenos one day, but for now, weren’t able to make the full journey.
  • As a note primarily for current players, closed toplevels/prompts are not allowed in this log. If you would like to interact with the setting changes in a way that isn't open to all characters (new and old), we ask that you instead make a log in [community profile] kenoslogs.
  • As a general reminder, any new characters that choose Zenith will receive a bonus 2 AC token reward, which is a purely OOC incentive. Our factions are a bit imbalanced at the moment, so we'd appreciate more Zenites!

  • FOR NEW PLAYERS:

  • When characters emerge from their cocoon/the ground, they may be wearing their normal clothes or nude. Up to you!
  • At some point in the days after leaving the Tree of Life, new Shard-Bearers will have a dream, even if they're usually not capable of sleeping. All new players should read this post since this details how they'll learn about both factions and their goals and should help them make a decision about which Faction they'd be drawn to.
  • As a reminder, your character has a Shard somewhere on their body that encompasses their soul, so keep note of where you're sticking it on their person for reference! Additionally, they have a tattoo of their Aspect somewhere on their body. Please be mindful this Aspect will be assigned to you upon approval and whatever you choose for the TDM may be temporary (for new characters)!
  • For the Highstorm and Springstar prompts, both cities will be fully open and accessible to all characters once they are freed from their rather harrowing ordeal at the Tree of Life. For prompt ideas and any general information about the cities and what you can find there, please see the Navigation page and check out the locations!
  • New characters will not have access to any canon abilities on the TDM until they Harmonize, AKA make a choice of which faction they choose to support. For some characters, this may be an easy decision, but it make take others time. We just ask you keep this in mind!

  • CODING
    fellspirit: (005)

    [personal profile] fellspirit 2023-03-22 05:31 pm (UTC)(link)
    Oh... Then that's something else we have in common!

    [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...!
    helloween: (042🫀)

    [personal profile] helloween 2023-03-24 03:47 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ She's......... sort of right. Kind of. Weeeeell, when you ignore the fact that Dark strongarmed and forced most of the world to revere him through force, conquest, and war. Veyle is so whole-hearted while explaining herself, the way an actual blood-right princess should be. Their passages to status are totally different, but Dark can't bring himself to say anything.

    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.
    fellspirit: (002)

    [personal profile] fellspirit 2023-03-25 10:49 pm (UTC)(link)
    [She giggles slightly.] No, I don't think Papa would have approved of anything like that.

    [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.
    helloween: (022🫀)

    [personal profile] helloween 2023-03-26 02:28 am (UTC)(link)
    [ If Papa's that strict, Dark can't imagine he'd be happy to know his little girl's talking him up now, another realm or not. Even the offerings that Veyle's followers offered her vary vastly from his own– the only thing similar being the food. ]

    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.
    fellspirit: (006)

    [personal profile] fellspirit 2023-03-26 02:25 pm (UTC)(link)
    It's not just about Papa, though... [Her smile becomes a bit more strained, and she shakes her head.]

    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.]
    helloween: (002🫀)

    [personal profile] helloween 2023-03-27 10:29 am (UTC)(link)
    Okay, fine.

    [ 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. ]
    fellspirit: (008)

    [personal profile] fellspirit 2023-03-28 11:56 am (UTC)(link)
    [She doesn't even seem to mind beingn treated like a pet, just glad that he's still being nice to her.] Oh...! Um...

    [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.
    helloween: (034🫀)

    [personal profile] helloween 2023-03-29 05:30 pm (UTC)(link)
    Matches yours too.

    [ 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?
    fellspirit: (015)

    [personal profile] fellspirit 2023-03-29 06:14 pm (UTC)(link)
    I was alone for... a very long time. I had to hide in order to stay safe.

    [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.
    helloween: (001🫀)

    [personal profile] helloween 2023-03-30 02:57 pm (UTC)(link)
    Unless your partner is stronger than you. [ Dark tells her, making implications without saying anything too directly. For now, at least.

    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. ]
    fellspirit: (016)

    [personal profile] fellspirit 2023-03-30 11:49 pm (UTC)(link)
    [Naive as she is, she doesn't miss the implication. She can sense he has power on his side too, though what that is and whether it's stronger than hers is hard to tell -- such senses here are ill-defined and imprecise. A faint pink blush enters her cheeks and she takes a bite of her food while she (figuratively) has something else to chew on.]

    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.
    helloween: (033🫀)

    [personal profile] helloween 2023-03-31 02:00 pm (UTC)(link)
    All the more reason we should stick together.

    [ 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?
    fellspirit: (023)

    [personal profile] fellspirit 2023-03-31 10:57 pm (UTC)(link)
    I'm not sure. I'd like to see Springstar first, before I make up my mind. It's an important decision.

    [She doesn't want to rush into things when there's still plenty she doesn't understand. Part of her just wants to hide like she did on Elyos, but sitting on the sidelines won't help make up for all she's done.]

    And you? Will you go see her soon?
    helloween: (022🫀)

    [personal profile] helloween 2023-04-01 08:57 am (UTC)(link)
    Think so— it's worth seeing if she can really deliver what she promised in that dream a few nights ago. I'll be able to get a better read on her and whether or not she's bluffing if I see her in person. Springstar definitely had the better food though. If you go, you should bring me back some of the dragon ribs.

    [ He suggests it without knowing Veyle is a dragon... ]

    What're the chances of you actually siding with Meridian even after you hear from their side? I'd hate to be the enemy of someone so cute.
    fellspirit: (003)

    [personal profile] fellspirit 2023-04-02 11:10 pm (UTC)(link)
    Um...

    [The idea of eating dragon ribs is so horrible she actually puts down her food again, but she doesn't comment on it, instead moving onto his question.]

    Meridian sounds nice, but it's not possible for my world to come back like that. Still, I want to hear them out anyway. And even if I did agree to join them... couldn't we still be friends?
    helloween: (037🫀)

    [personal profile] helloween 2023-04-03 11:56 am (UTC)(link)
    We'll stay friends.

    [ Good to know that she considers them that! He's thoughtful for a moment, completely unaware that he's affected her appetite with his dragon ribs comment. ]

    But what will happen if they either of them drag you out on a battlefield? The Meridian already invaded Alenroux, you know. I'll just have to force you back over to my side.
    fellspirit: (023)

    [personal profile] fellspirit 2023-04-04 11:20 am (UTC)(link)
    [She smiles weakly. If he agrees that they're friends, then it's decided!]

    You wouldn't have to force me. If Meridian made me fight, I would leave. I don't ever want to hurt anyone again.

    [And it's all hypothetical anyway, when she's leaning more closely to Zenith right now. Hopefully something like that never comes to pass.]
    helloween: (024🫀)

    [personal profile] helloween 2023-04-04 04:30 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ She really can't be made to fight, huh...

    Well, that's fine. That's what Dark is all about. He mentally notes that he probably shouldn't let Veyle in on knowing too much about his past— or future plans if battles are a sore spot for her. World conquest doesn't seem to be something she will like the sound of, so it's probably a good thing he's noticing now.

    He's only been here for a little while, but he's pretty sure that the factions will be blatantly fighting soon. Their philosophies are too different, and in stories like these, it's always one coming out on top of the other. ]


    Don't spend too much time away from here, I want you to myself.

    [ Dark mumbles this somewhat childishly in anticipation of Veyle leaving for Springstar. ]
    fellspirit: (006)

    [personal profile] fellspirit 2023-04-04 11:13 pm (UTC)(link)
    I have to go, to make sure I'm doing the right thing. That's more important than anything else.

    [She says it pointedly, as if to make clear she won't budge on that. She's been lead around by other peoples' whims for far too long, and now she wants to finally make her own choices.]

    But, when I return, we could spend more time together...?
    helloween: (042🫀)

    [personal profile] helloween 2023-04-05 10:45 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Dark moans in a whiny way that a kid might, not because he doesn't want Veyle to take her time with the decision, but rather because it means that she will be away from him. Having decided that he likes her a lot, such circumstances naturally come with all the clingy, territorial mannerisms that are common for him. He swallows her up (little plate and all) in his arms and lap.

    The motion is followed by a theatric, unserious sigh, and he places his chin on her shoulder like a lone white lion laying in the sun. He does not respect her personal space because he's deemed her his now. Not that he respect's anyone personal space to begin with... ]


    Fiiine, you can take your time in Springstar. But you've got to spend double the amount of time with me after, got it? I might die of loneliness waiting since you're the only one here who gets me.

    [ He likes this deal he's making up! ]
    fellspirit: (008)

    [personal profile] fellspirit 2023-04-05 11:52 pm (UTC)(link)
    [Veyle lets out a startled little 'oh!' when she's suddenly gathered into his lap, and she still can't help the instinctual way she tenses; affection has been rare enough in her life that she tends to associate contact with pain, the urge to protect herself or run away. But this isn't that. He's warm, and nice, and he wants her around because they understand each other.

    She forces her panicked instincts to settle.]


    Um... There, there. [She laughs, a little sheepish, and lifts an arm to pats his hair.] I'm sure you won't die...! You're very strong.
    helloween: (024🫀)

    [personal profile] helloween 2023-04-06 08:33 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Ooh, he likes the hair pats. Domesticated by and pushing into them sort of like a dog, he nuzzles somewhere along Veyle's shoulder and sniffs at her needily. ]

    I'll die, Veyle...

    [ Dark shuts his eyes, becoming still. He wants her to agree to his terms! ]

    I like being with you too much.
    fellspirit: (021)

    [personal profile] fellspirit 2023-04-06 03:22 pm (UTC)(link)
    [He is sort of like a big shaggy dog, and the similarity makes her smile.]

    All right, then I promise to spend twice as much time with you when I get back. Although, you might think I'm boring if you spend that long with me...

    [She's used to being called boring, quiet, dull, and now she realises with the benefit of hindsight the Hounds were always comparing her to the other Veyle. There's every chance Dark might eventually come to the same conclusions.]

    Maybe I can think of something fun for us to do while I'm gone?
    helloween: (052🫀)

    1/2

    [personal profile] helloween 2023-04-06 03:47 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ Fun things for them to do together when she gets back? Gehehe… 🤤 ]
    helloween: (040🫀)

    2/2

    [personal profile] helloween 2023-04-06 03:54 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ Excellent! More time with the lovely lady has been secured. This is definitely a victory worth celebration. Full of life now, Dark pulls his head up from his earlier slump around her. ]

    You boring? Never. Sounds like you’ve still got a lot you’ve never experienced before, so I’m gonna take you all sorts of places. I’ll even figure out all the fun ones in Highstorm while you’re gone.

    [ She’ll love it, he’s great at dates. ]

    What’s your favorite kind of food?

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