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SEPTEMBER 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.
However, for those who have attended such events in the past, they'll note a marked difference—Only newly arrived Shard-Bearers and members of the faction are welcome. If you're a member of the opposite faction, you'll be questioned and ultimately turned away. If you want to join the party, you'll have to be a little sneakier, it seems.
The welcoming party is in the Seat of the Tribune, with tables draped in white-and-gold-trimmed fabrics fare filled with fare typical to Springstar's slowly fading winter -- fruits and wines, savory smoked meats and roasted vegetables, and large bowls of soups like youvarlakia and fasoalda have been lain out to encourage forum participants to snack as they speak. There are plenty of grains and other dishes that elude to an abundant harvest from Alenroux. The atmosphere is ambient with informality and friendliness, though topics will inevitably stray towards philosophic or political, Springstar's meeting grounds are decorated with handsome chaise lounges and slouching klismos chairs in small, intimate groupings. This is a forum in the classical sense, where people are encouraged to speak freely, no matter the topic. Though excitement charges the air, the gathering at the Seat is much more muted than what transpires outside the center of the city.
The mood in Springstar as a whole is jubilant, with not just a party at the seat of the tribune, but elsewhere, including the Psychagogía district. Parties line the streets, establishments that overflow with bodies, drink, and libations of all sorts. There is a sense of excitement in capturing the latest oracle, and the people seem to treat the shard-bearers of Meridian somewhat reverently, and new ones, they will pull aside and explain with excitement about how the Shard-Bearers captured the oracle (with varying degrees of accuracy) and how it is because of them that they will be seen to victory. Cyrus’s name, however, still comes with notes of disdain. It’s clear that the Tribune has not bought much good favor by their victory, and instead, if any ask, or follow the threads, they will hear the names Desmond Ó Ruadháin and Agapitos Voreen as likely successors to the Tribune. However if one asks how that happens… details become a bit more muddy. Apparently, the role of the Tribune is for life. And apparently, the denizens of Springstar trust the Shard-Bearers to see the oracles through, and still see Cyrus as a weak link in their chain.
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. Yet, as you look, you’ll see that the selection is also quite interesting. The foods and drinks on offer are from a multitude of worlds, and so you may find a new favorite! Or something not suited to your palate at all. It’s at least a chance to be adventurous. If you try something and don’t like it, might not want to say that out loud, lest you insult someone who’s from that world.
The city itself is more muted than usual. The last dregs of Highstorm’s chill summer are coming to an end, and the cold is an opportunity for Highstorm’s denizens to batter in more frequently, and the chill may have something to do with the lost oracle. Though, if asked, they’ll say nothing of the sort, of course! In opposition to Springstar’s mixed jubilation and doubt, Highstorm’s denizens seem determined that lady Yima will see them through, and that one loss is no reason to fall into despair. Though they are still disappointed, and will say so. Though blame does not seem to have a target, mere disappointment filters through the city, as they start preparing for winter. The prices seem higher, whether one is looking for potions, supplies, or even small trinkets from the The Antiques & Baubles Market. Things seem… leaner in a sense. There’s nobody starving on the streets in Highstorm, but the control of Alenroux continues to lead to tense relations, even though a compromise seems to have been recently reached between the two factions.
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.
However, for those who have attended such events in the past, they'll note a marked difference—Only newly arrived Shard-Bearers and members of the faction are welcome. If you're a member of the opposite faction, you'll be questioned and ultimately turned away. If you want to join the party, you'll have to be a little sneakier, it seems.
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.The welcoming party is in the Seat of the Tribune, with tables draped in white-and-gold-trimmed fabrics fare filled with fare typical to Springstar's slowly fading winter -- fruits and wines, savory smoked meats and roasted vegetables, and large bowls of soups like youvarlakia and fasoalda have been lain out to encourage forum participants to snack as they speak. There are plenty of grains and other dishes that elude to an abundant harvest from Alenroux. The atmosphere is ambient with informality and friendliness, though topics will inevitably stray towards philosophic or political, Springstar's meeting grounds are decorated with handsome chaise lounges and slouching klismos chairs in small, intimate groupings. This is a forum in the classical sense, where people are encouraged to speak freely, no matter the topic. Though excitement charges the air, the gathering at the Seat is much more muted than what transpires outside the center of the city.
The mood in Springstar as a whole is jubilant, with not just a party at the seat of the tribune, but elsewhere, including the Psychagogía district. Parties line the streets, establishments that overflow with bodies, drink, and libations of all sorts. There is a sense of excitement in capturing the latest oracle, and the people seem to treat the shard-bearers of Meridian somewhat reverently, and new ones, they will pull aside and explain with excitement about how the Shard-Bearers captured the oracle (with varying degrees of accuracy) and how it is because of them that they will be seen to victory. Cyrus’s name, however, still comes with notes of disdain. It’s clear that the Tribune has not bought much good favor by their victory, and instead, if any ask, or follow the threads, they will hear the names Desmond Ó Ruadháin and Agapitos Voreen as likely successors to the Tribune. However if one asks how that happens… details become a bit more muddy. Apparently, the role of the Tribune is for life. And apparently, the denizens of Springstar trust the Shard-Bearers to see the oracles through, and still see Cyrus as a weak link in their chain.
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. Soft tunes filter over the courtyard, and if the sounds of them sound familiar – perhaps remind one of home? That’s because they are! Yima’s musicians seem to be able to pilfer strings and strands of music, and weave it all together expertly, to give both new arrivals and old friends reminders of their home.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. Yet, as you look, you’ll see that the selection is also quite interesting. The foods and drinks on offer are from a multitude of worlds, and so you may find a new favorite! Or something not suited to your palate at all. It’s at least a chance to be adventurous. If you try something and don’t like it, might not want to say that out loud, lest you insult someone who’s from that world.
The city itself is more muted than usual. The last dregs of Highstorm’s chill summer are coming to an end, and the cold is an opportunity for Highstorm’s denizens to batter in more frequently, and the chill may have something to do with the lost oracle. Though, if asked, they’ll say nothing of the sort, of course! In opposition to Springstar’s mixed jubilation and doubt, Highstorm’s denizens seem determined that lady Yima will see them through, and that one loss is no reason to fall into despair. Though they are still disappointed, and will say so. Though blame does not seem to have a target, mere disappointment filters through the city, as they start preparing for winter. The prices seem higher, whether one is looking for potions, supplies, or even small trinkets from the The Antiques & Baubles Market. Things seem… leaner in a sense. There’s nobody starving on the streets in Highstorm, but the control of Alenroux continues to lead to tense relations, even though a compromise seems to have been recently reached between the two factions.
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 AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL
Since the Blight’s conclusion, both cities have undergone a fair bit of effort to reconstruct the districts and buildings that were destroyed in the Blight, though Springstar seems a touch further along than Highstorm, due to Shard-bearer efforts. The unusual weather pockets present previously have very nearly all disappeared, though there are some patches still present, lingering in the areas still somewhat ravaged by the Blight. The pockets seem to be losing their effects now, and if one finds themself within, will experience a mild slowing down or speeding up of time. Visions still appear within the small bubbles, reflections of dear ones or important events, though they seem to be only memory, though anyone within the bubble can bear witness.FURTHER DETAILS
OOCly, characters can still stumble into small bubbles of time, though they are fewer and far between than they were 3 months ago! These time bubbles still have some time-warping energy, and will continue to allow characters to either speed up or slow down, depending on player preference! In addition, the time bubbles are no longer bringing back remnants of Kenosians past, but there is still the chance of some memory reflections to briefly manifest in the bubble. They will come from player characters as a whole, and are purely up to whatever is fun for you! Think of it as brief flickers of memory sharing, they can be as brief or as distorted as you like! Think of this as the last gasp of the Blight, as it withers away thanks to the concentrated efforts of all shard bearers!
CHECKS AND BALANCES
Alenroux continues to improve, and with the new balance between both Springstar and Highstorm, the separate island is safer than ever! The tensions between both factions seem to have reduced over the island, thanks to the efforts of several shard bearers, and the populace seems to be warming to both factions once again.FURTHER DETAILS
After the resolution of the first Kenos Ambassador agreement, the balance of power in Alenroux is already starting to shift. The island already has a much more evenly-matched number of military forces from both Springstar and Highstorm, the number of troops in the area has reduced significantly. The number of monsters does not seem to have increased at this time, which bodes well for the area. The uptick of Highstorm locals has certainly led to more food flowing into Highstorm than had before, and the people seem pleased with the arrangement – for the moment! The small murmurs of discontent and unrest seem to have alleviated at this time. Though some still seem uncomfortable with the amount of troops, they seem less willing to say that out loud. Though nights in Alenroux will possibly never be wholly safe, the threats seem more manageable, though nobody will ever turn down Shard-Bearer assistance in a pinch!
TO INFINITY – AND BEYOND
Rumbling about temples being erected in the Beyond, which lies outside of Highstorm’s city limits, close to another that had been erected previously. Not one shrine out there, but two it seems. It shines like the sun when the moonlight catches it just right, and it’s visible over the line of trees that marks the edge of the Beyond. The more brave and curious of Highstorm’s denizens have started making more treks into the Beyond for both shrines, and the fact that most come back unharmed seems to encourage others to follow. And for those that may not be able to make the trek safely, there's an opportunity to make a bit of money by leading the way to the shrines and offering the curious pilgrims protection from the Beyond's dangers. There’s rumbling amongst them – Quetzalcoatl – Set – the names of gods of worlds long past, and though there are not many that will stray from Highstorm’s resident deified figure – Lady Yima – there are enough that it’s easy to catch pilgrimages out to the temple, and to visit them yourselves, as well!FURTHER DETAILS
Quetzalcoatl erected a bright and gigantic temple right next to Set's in the Beyond! Right next to Highstorm! I'm sure that's fine and will not have any diplomatic consequences in the future! Both gods have been drawing in new curious individuals – some who may be worshippers with time – and it's drawn the curiosity of many.
SMALLER CHANGES
GRAND LARCENY
An uptick in crime between both Springstar and Highstorm has both the Legion and Yima’s own private guard scrambling as they struggle to find rhyme or reason behind the latest crime spree taken up in both cities. Though there doesn’t seem to be a specific source, local chatter suggests that it might be coming from a mysterious underground, though most can’t say where... there’s vague gestures, and remarks about Below, without any concrete details. Those who are familiar with – or find out about – Kowloon, may find plenty of stolen items within Kowloon’s markets, though if asked, the keeper will simply shrug and say they retrieved it from a reputable source. Who? Well, they don’t know, they don’t remember their face. I’m sure this is fine and won’t lead to trouble later down the line!
Completely unrelated, those who are known to be or obviously affiliated with Springstar continue to encounter difficulty in Kowloon. It’s become a touch more brazen – more pickpocketing, even higher prices, or even some outright derisiveness from some businesses, although they seem to be centered more around Draumahol, and the further one gets from the business in the underground city (or as far as one can get) the more willing businesses seem to engage with those from Springstar, and the more… apologetic they are about higher prices, though they do still seem to be across the board.
FAE MISCHEIF
It’s not just the underground that seems to be reeling from a spike of theft, though this one seems more obvious – and innocuous! Faeries from the Greenwood Yard seem to still be reeling from recent Shard-Bearer intrusions, so bearers new and old may find small items of varying importance are missing. They’ll generally come with a calling card; a small note that is part threat and part invitation for a game, to come find them within the Greenwood Yards. After hearing about the issue, a certain potion shop owner sets up a small stall by the yards, and will offer to help the shard bearer with their predicament – for a price, of course! Better have a few gold coins on you!
The owner will offer bearers a round-trip to tiny town yet again, to retrieve whatever was stolen, though this time it comes with no visions, and generally the fairies will consider things to be even, if bearers come to retrieve it with politeness and a request for it to be returned. If a bearer threatens them… well. Let’s hope you brought a friend along to help with this fae threat, then!
OOC NOTES
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kenoslogs.
alhaitham | genshin impact
whenever this person gets their bearings, they see a young man beside them down on one knee, clutching his thigh and hanging his head as he catches his breath. even without his music player, earpieces, and glowing green vision, the man is interestingly dressed in emeralds, brass, and other pointlessly jingly ornaments. swaths of dirt lie in the creases of his clothes and cling in thin patches to the sap on his body.
after a moment, he lifts his head and gives this stranger a once-over. his eyes quickly narrow, obviously dissatisfied with their findings. ]
Who are you?
02. SEAT OF THE TRIBUNE
it's unclear whether alhaitham has the edge because his argument is more sound (it probably is) or because the local is losing their patience and sense of decorum. finally, with a frustrated outcry, the guy stands up, throws his hat on the ground, and storms away. alhaitham, arms crossed, one ankle over his other thigh, is completely stoic as his opponent leaves the venue.
that's over and done with. if no one approaches him first, alhaitham looks to the nearest person staring at him and shrugs, gesturing with his arm. ]
If one isn't prepared to hear dissenting arguments or opinions, a public forum should be the last place they visit.
02. SPRINGSTAR
not really, but in the jubilant throngs of people on the streets of the psychagogía district, alhaitham sticks out like a silver thumb: straight-faced, beer-free, navigating the outskirts of the area with a scrutinizing eye and impeccable posture. he doesn't enter too far into the crowds or the establishments, only stopping to speak with some of the mostly-halfway-lucid residents that hang near the entrance.
it's hard, performing recon without his soundproof earpieces to block out the incessant noise. (one of his first orders of business will be to find or make a suitable replacement for those. and maybe for his music player.) still, alcohol loosens lips. he might learn about something tonight that he might not find out about later.
hopefully the next person he approaches can give him more answers than he's gotten so far. ]
I'm looking for more information regarding the public's opinion about Cyrus. Is that something you're familiar with?
03. HIGHSTORM
alhaitham stands near the reflective pool, staring over his shoulder at the cloister of musicians. to the untrained eye, he looks completely placid, merely listening. in reality, you'll need to bother him if you want his attention. he's lost in that sound.
if no one interrupts him, he comes out of his small reverie when that song ends almost two minutes later. he turns to one of the other shard-bearers nearby, folds his arms, and lowers his voice between them. ]
If Yima's philosophy hinges on the idea of moving forward from our previous lives and building a new future, why does this place purposely evoke feelings of nostalgia for supposed a lost cause?
04. WILDCARD
- alhaitham has the savant aspect for the tdm, with the gear tattoo showing up in the weird little glove window on his right arm. i'd love to play around with the aspects if anyone's interested!
- blight memory bubble stuff! we love memshares. down to send, receive, or both!
- about the antiques shop—alhaitham doesn't have any coin, but he'll definitely be coming here to find some noise-cancelling headphones eventually. if anyone wants to be do something with that, let me know!
feel free to comment here or pm me with any ideas that you want to hash out beforehand. ✨🫡 )wildcard, highstorm :3
It's not often that Dokja spends any time in Highstorm. He's made Springstar his home, and only on the rarest of occasions does he choose to stray from it. But this is one such occasion after overhearing gossip about the antique shop, and curiosity has taken hold of him. Items from home? There are plenty of those that could prove useful, and if he lands on something with a lot more sentimental value than anything else, well. That wouldn't be a total loss either.
It's too bad the timing isn't all that great after Meridian's win and Zenith's subsequent loss. Considering Dokja's alignment, he keeps his head down for the most part as he travels. Every now and then, someone glances in his direction, but with the somber mood seemingly gripping at people's hearts, no one really bothers him. It ends up being a relatively short and uneventful trip when he finally finds the store he'd heard about in awed whispers, and it's only when he steps inside that he pulls his hood down from over his head.
... It would have been nice if things could have stayed uneventful, but there is a whole person blocking him from fully entering the store, their back facing him. ]
Uh, excuse me?
[ He tries to keep the slight annoyance out of his tone, but seriously. If you're going to have broad shoulders and a wide backside, the very least you can do is not block narrow entranceways. ]
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under a canopy of trees, sumeru isn't subject to extreme weather conditions the way that other parts of teyvat can be. its summers are cool and its winters are warm—not to say that it isn't subject to changes in weather patterns, but the forested parts of sumeru leave it relatively mild all year round.
thankfully, alhaitham has camped on the high peaks of sumeru's desert, subjecting himself to frigid cold and blowing sands in the name of his personal expeditions and research. the layers on his coat are more than for show; it's why he's wearing it over both of his shoulders (for once) while he stands in this antique shop. unfortunately this keeps whoever's behind him from looking inside while takes in the scope of what's around him. there's no one place for his eyes to rest in a store like this, where the kitschy items are packed between the niche, carefully dusted, more expensive antiques or contraptions.
alhaitham's not here to decipher what these machines are. he's trying to get his hands on one thing, if he can find it in this place. he's found something equivalent to that so far—a pair of black, over-the-ear headphones that he's wearing right now.
so he doesn't respond at all to dokja. he just keeps standing there, arms crossed, appraising the value on these headphones. they're not powered on, but they block out noise pretty well on their own! ]
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Kind of like the way this stranger seems to be doing to Dokja, which only serves to further annoy him. He stands there for a moment, eyes narrowed as he takes in the unfamiliar garments draped across this stranger, not at all dressed like a Highstorm native. A tourist? No, more likely than that, another Shard-Bearer. And then his gaze continues to move up, tall people be damned, until they stop at the headphones over the man's ears.
Ah. Dokja's not being ignored, he's just not being heard. Maybe this is a decent person after all, albeit a little inconsiderate with the door blocking. ]
Excuse me.
[ He tries again, but this time, by tapping the man on his shoulder to get his attention. ]
wildcard, give me a memshare
He's not walking his dog today, which means Alhaitham's spared a wet nose nudging at one hand in the near future, and he's not wearing his giant gun to save himself from strange looks from the locals, but he is on edge at the abrupt change in weather, the chill in the air at odds with Springstar's eternal sunshine. So when there's motion nearby - a civilian who shouldn't be present - he's quick to issue a warning. ]
—Be careful.
[ Of what?? Sure would be nice if he could elaborate. ]
wahoo
alhaitham, for once, is wearing his coat over both of his shoulders while he traverses highstorm's colder streets. (i wrote out the reasons for this in his tag to dokja and i'm too tired to repeat it...) having not chosen his allegiance just yet, alhaitham is still examining what he can of either city and its residents, seeking out any information from hearsay or what documentation he can skim through for free.
without his soundproof earpieces, he doesn't miss when someone speaks to him on the street as he passes. he stops and turns his head, glancing over this stranger.
there are furries in genshin impact, so the ears don't startle him at all. he turns and crosses his arms, trying to read eustace's intentions from afar. because that kind of sounds like a threat..... ]
Thanks for the reminder, but I'm not sure what gave you the impression that I was doing otherwise.
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Can't believe Alhaithm not staring at his ears or asking immediately about them is what's currently giving him a leg up over most strangers Eustace meets these days. Is Eustace giving himself a leg up with his cool behavior though, probably not, but that's okay. He doesn't need to get on Alhaitham's good side. ]
It's the place we're in. [ His tone is clipped but not cold, merely business-like. ] It has a strange way of bringing out personal matters that are better kept private.
[ To say the least. ]
If it's anything like the last time, you won't be able to leave right away.
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03
[ The Herrscher of Sentience has been listening to the music a bit herself, propped against a bench and gazing off into space, lost in her own thoughts. Alhaitham's question brings her out of it. ]
I don't understand why this Yima does half the things she does. It's all made up, probably. Or maybe it's just a giant joke. Who knows?
[ She's carelessly dimissive of the whole affair. ]
ty for waiting!
You've reason to doubt her intentions?
no problem!
[ Yep, a little cynical. ]
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springstar
Some of the partying locals along the psychagogía streets aren’t exactly excited to find someone from Zenith mingling amongst them, but others—particularly those who’ve already gotten well into the spirit of celebrating—are simply eager to welcome any jubilant soul into the partying crowd. That, along with her own infectious enthusiasm, leads her to having a grand old time with some progressively drunk Meris.
She’s detached herself from one group lingering outside of one long-established bar, half-empty beer bottle in hand when she’s flagged down for a question from an unfamiliar face. Someone who, from the looks of things, wasn’t in the partying spirit. She would have to change that!]
What, the boss man? What you wanna know exactly?
ty for waiting!
he doesn't fully understand why she has enemies around. the forum from the seat of the tribune and the crowds at these parties gave him a vague idea of the socio-political climate of kenos, with zenites seemingly at the bottom rung. that's not enough to discern what's happening here, though. maybe she just has a reputation. ]
Why do the citizens of Springstar disapprove of their Tribune? Did something happen?
all good! hope ur feeling better! :)
Kinda like right now. Look, getting odd glances isn’t unfamiliar territory for Gavial. As long as people aren’t cowering—and more importantly, as long as they let her have fun—it’s all the same to her. So her attention stays squarely focused on this inquisitive stranger, even as she gives a noncommittal half-shrug to his question.]
You know how it goes. Never gonna have a hundred percent of people agreeing with the people in charge.
[A pause as she takes an idle sip of her drink, grinning just slightly. It’s true enough, though probably not as concrete an answer as this guy is searching for.]
Think a big part of it started when Meridian lost the first Oracle, though.
thank you sm!!
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03;
His eyes flick up towards the stranger a moment later, feeling a bit of wistfulness tug at his own lips even if he's well aware this is all more than likely a manipulation tactic. He can't exactly fault the Zeniths for trying, as giving anyone even a sliver of hope would be their best bet at motivating all these outsiders to willingly work for their faction. ]
One can argue that without the foundation of the past, new worlds would have little hope of thriving. We would only be doomed to repeat the same errors that brought us to this world in the first place, but that is if you truly believe our worlds have been rend to oblivion.
[ Which is a truth he's still wrestling with, no matter what his visions prior to waking up here had suggested. ]
Have you chosen to believe their rhetoric?
ty for waiting evy!
now in conversation, alhaitham walks to joshua's side, crossing his arms again once he's at a comfortable distance. ]
As of right now, I have no substantial evidence to prove the veracity of anyone's claims. Visions and dreams of an event do not substantiate its actual occurrence in the real world. [ he waves a hand. ] If we are able to be shown glimpses of the past in this pool of water, who's to say that we weren't fed other manipulated images while we were vulnerable?
anytime, anywhere, I hope you feel better
[ If anyone has that answer, they likely won't supply it or will feed them some lie on the level of them being allowed to return once they have devoted themselves long enough to either faction. ]
Every promise rings so hollow, yet that did not stop other shard-bearers from making a choice. I would hesitate to assume they all had not believed the same as you or I, so they must have been motivated by something beyond promise.
[ More than likely their decision had boiled down purely to survival. What would stop Joshua from doing the same eventually if he has any hope of lasting here the next few months or years? ]
OOC NOTE
02
Which, of course, is all the more reason why Gen spitefully decides to linger in Springstar after he's finished his shift at the factory. Like, it's not even unreasonable for him to be here? He's just walking around trying to get a decent meal after working hard labor all day? He's not doing anything wrong???
Which means Alhaitham approaches just as Gen is snatching up a bottle of beer from a stall offering free libations, point-blank ignoring the stall owner's meek protests of 'H-hey, aren't you that ... ?' ]
Aah? [ Gen looks over with an eyebrow raised, looking Alhaitham over from head to toe as he takes a slow swig straight from his bottle. And only once he's done, he pulls the bottle away from his mouth with a small 'pop' before lying, like a liar: ] Yeah, sure. I know enough.
[ Again, the stall owner behind him starts raising a meek protest, but Gen leans heavily against the stall to basically block the poor civilian from Alhaitham's line of sight. ]
What d'you wanna know?
tysm for waiting!
it is weird to take a little too long doing it. alhaitham stands here, arms crossed and eyes trained on gen's until he seemingly finishes his inspection. yes, his clothes are bizarre compared to other citizens. he gets it.
as for the poor stall owner—alhaitham isn't an accomplice or law enforcement, and he's no stranger to making deals under the table in exchange for intel. it's in his best interest to stay out of the situation and hear this person's answers, even if they're inaccurate and especially if they come without a price (so far). that, and there are worse things to steal than a bottle of beer.
alhaitham will keep an eye on his things and let their police force handle him. his eyes flick over gen's shoulder and then back to him. ]
You have a reputation?
(no subject)
02/seat of the tribune
Nevertheless, she feels obligated to be here to get a peek at the new batch of Shard-Bearers. She spends much of her time trying not to be seen by the more verbally combative folk around the forum, which ends up being a lost cause with how many locals are trying to impress the newcomers with their worldliness. Gray ends up taking a rest stop near a pair of debaters so deep into their conversation that they'll surely not notice her — at least until one of the men spikes his hat to the floor in disgust and storms off. To Gray's sharp apprehension, the remaining man addresses her.
A deer in the headlights, she quickly glances to her left and right to make sure the man is in fact trying to speak to her. Unfortunately, he's definitely talking to her. ]
Um. What were you debating about?
no subject
whoever the girl is, her terrified look is immediately familiar to him. the corners of his lips raise into a small, easy smile. ]
That man held a fundamental misunderstanding of the materialism as a philosophical concept. The term has been watered down to the more colloquial definition of the desire for wealth and material objects, so it's natural for him to have that misconception. With an ego as fragile as his, he couldn't stand to be corrected in a place where others might be there to witness it. He probably had other expectations when he chose to engage in our discussion.
(no subject)
03
With all of the new faces around, Amos has taken to hanging around Yima's Manor more often than not as of late. Part of that involves passing by the reflecting pool, which is when he'd heard the tune first; seen the figure standing by it second, as if in a trance. He isn't inclined to disturb him — it seems like bad form? — but when Alhaitham returns to this world, speaks to him...
Amos shrugs. ]
Fuck if I know. [ Despite the crude language he's soft-spoken, matching Alhaitham in tone. ] I think it's supposed to be for the people who want to reminisce. Some remembering the good times kind of thing. Not like there's anything wrong with that.
[ But also not something he himself ever practises, if his offhandedness is anything to go by. Yeah, yeah, beautiful little spot, meaningful for some people; not his business.
He tilts his head, query in the motion. ]
You missing where you came from?
[ Not like there's anything wrong with that if he was. ]
no subject
"fuck" is pretty universal, though, if this is any proof.
he furrows his brow at the answer he receives, but he doesn't comment on it any further. not like there's anything wrong with that, but in alhaitham's mind, reminiscing doesn't need a purposeful invitation. not unless there's some underlying reason for it, recruitment or otherwise.
that question makes him pause. his eyes briefly sweep to the ground before returning to amos. ]
If one had built a fairly comfortable life for themselves back in their world, I would say it's only natural. [ he's not the type to say "yes," even if that's what he means. ] I understand that may not be the case for everyone here.
(no subject)
02 - springstar
If Alhaitham looks out of place here, D really looks out of place. It's interesting to be the one on this side of things; he had been the person crawling out of the dirt last time. He's standing around amid the party not unlike Alhaitham: no drink, no revelry.
And looking exactly like a gothic horror in a city aesthetically full of life, sun, and enthusiasm. It's as if one of the Zenith have weaseled in here somehow to spy... He does not seem bothered by Alhaitham's approach. The brim of the hat lifts away from an awfully young and beautifully pale face, and he offers the other man his attention.]
What do you want to know?
no subject
alhaitham has been following d's movements since he entered the area, albeit half-unintentionally. it's hard to ignore a tall, hulking figure in black parting the crowds as he finds a place to settle. after that, the throngs of people continue their celebrations before him with only passing glances, like spotting a scarecrow in a field of windblown, swaying flowers. (except the scarecrow apparently has a gorgeous, young face.)
this specter is interesting, but being tall and having a certain choice in aesthetics may not denote much else. they'll have to have a conversation. ]
I keep hearing the names Desmond Ó Ruadháin and Agapitos Voreen as the next in line for the role of the Tribune. Is there a reason why Cyrus would step down? [ does not know that the role is for life ]
(no subject)