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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.
no subject
I've not traveled to areas others have mentioned, but beyond the two cities? That I've had time for. Alenroux, I hear, was afflicted by blight until Bonnie and company sorted that out. Still a bit of a monster problem at night, but not nearly so bad as it was, I'm told.
[ He's rather fond of Alenroux, for all that it reminds him of home. These cities continue to feel alien to him still yet, and he doubts he'll ever adapt entirely to them, especially when night and day don't transition within them. ]
I've not heard anything noteworthy regarding crystals before.
no subject
At Yuri's words, Joshua gives a light chuckle. ]
It would have been more surprising had you claimed this world to be free of monsters. They are rather common in my world but no great cause to avoid travel, though lacking any access to magic would be a challenge.
[ He's a decent fighter but nowhere good enough to survive on that alone. Definitely best to avoid Alenroux at night for now. ]
Without the use of crystals, I am curious where magic stems from in this world then. Not everyone appears to be capable of learning and wielding it, according to the locals.
[ And the "shard" part of "shard-bearers" does leave him wondering. ]
no subject
[ A convenient system for those leading these factions, which is why Yuri doesn't quite believe that's all there is to it. Surely there's more to it than merely this, but information is far more difficult to come by whenever it extends beyond the sales pitch for Zenith and Meridian.
But there must be something to be found. It's just a matter of knowing where to look. ]
That's how it is for those of us brought here, anyhow. Evidently people can also learn spells they didn't know or lacked aptitude for, as well.
[ This part he finds rather remarkable, aware as he is that Dimitri's natural ability with magic wasn't all that great. Back home, he distinctly recalls the explosions he'd heard near the edge of camp, which were evidently His Majesty's attempts at learning a simple fire spell. Yuri has always advocated that effort can overcome natural gifts, but this place makes it seem easy.
What might the cost of that be, beyond their service? ]
no subject
On the other hand, overuse of magic is what had led his world to degrade over time and his body may succumb once more if he were to push it too much right now rather than temper his own abilities. He has to be more careful with himself, unwilling to die before he can ever see his home, his brother, and their friends again. ]
Nothing is so freely offered without recompense, especially power to that extent. What must one do to gain it aside from choosing to devote themselves to either city?
no subject
Our continued service, supposedly. It may in part be tied to more...zealous work, the more one wants to gain from them, but I've not dabbled in it myself.
[ Hard to devote oneself to a cause they believe to be founded on deception. He has given the matter of new magic some thought, but from an angle he considers more favorable in theory. ]
Though one might also learn a trick or two from other casters. Haven't tried it myself, but you'd think people could teach one another, if our power source is rendered the same by this place.
no subject
[ It might nice to be able to practice magic freely without so many caveats, but he still finds it hard to believe there wouldn't be some greater cost. On the other hand, he would need to declare his loyalty to either faction to even access magic he already has, which itself is already asking for a lot. ]
I assume cleansing is far from the extent of your own magical abilities. What else are you capable of? Or is that prying too much?
[ His curiosity is at risk of getting the better of him. ]
Do forgive me if that was a bit uncouth, but I wanted to know if magic here mostly consists of minor cantrips or more large-scale spells.
[ Does he have to think about going toe to toe with other Dominants here as well? ]
no subject
[ Well, depending on the person, it might be. Considering the circumstances they're saddled with, being expected to grapple against one another, there are advantages to one's abilities being unknown. That can only be maintained for so long, he reasons, unless one makes a habit of killing any witnesses.
Ruthless as Yuri may consider himself to be, he couldn't view that as a realistic prospect when they've all been dragged here by forces beyond their control. ]
The cleansing spell's just a little trick someone back home taught me. I dabble in both Faith and Reason magic. Sometimes people refer to them as white and black respectively, if that sounds more familiar. Can't demonstrate in the middle of a party, but spells where I come from range between small-single target numbers to ones fit for crowd-control, as combat goes.
[ Thus there exists a variety of spells he could go into detail regarding, but indeed it's more varied than parlor tricks. War and conflict always see to that. Yuri thinks of Constance's recent experiment as a prime example, making elemental spells rain upon a battlefield. It wasn't a very controlled experiment, so he hears, but the fact remains. ]
no subject
I can see how that would be useful to regain, especially with little knowledge of what awaits us on the horizon. Have you had much need to use your magic outside of practicing good hygiene?
[ It hasn't escaped him that the city bears some remnants of the ravages of what the locals referred to as "the blight," which seems not so dissimilar to their own blight. If creatures heere are turning akashic and attacking all who would step in their path, he would like to be well-prepared rather than caught unaware.
He also wonders if both factions have engaged in battle with one another before. Differing philosophies of that nature are bound to cause some skirmishes here and there, but he's heard nothing of an all-out war occurring. Yet. ]
no subject
Even so, he's had occasional uses for offensive magic. The more this battle for Oracles wears on, the higher the odds that he'll have to use more. It'd be naive to think he won't have to employ more spells in combat, especially when some among their number are willing to kill. ]
Mostly to treat injuries, fortunately... I can well imagine that may change, all things considered.
[ It's a grim reality, but such is the nature of war, no matter how strange. He can only hope that more people are unwilling to die for a potentially false premise than otherwise. ]
Whenever sides grapple over one of those Oracles, it can get ugly. Tended to someone cut up so badly she passed out from blood loss, last time... And as soon as she could find her feet, off she went to fight some more.
[ He huffs, and though he holds his composure, the concern's evident enough in his eyes. ]
No one should be going through that for higher-ups that might've just spun us a pretty bit of fiction.
no subject
Such is the nature of war. Even then, there are those who are hardly in need of such a prize as an excuse to kill, though it does bolster incentives.
[ The more he hears from Yuri, the more he's convince they've been brought here to participate in a petty war game rather than to actually fight over something meaningful. The locals can dress it up with pretty words and deep philosophies, but this perpetual butting of heads over whatever an 'oracle' is seems like a waste of time and resources for all involved.
If only there were a way to unite everyone under a single banner. If only the fate of their worlds wasn't a constant point of argument... ]
My own world had existed on the brink of destruction not unlike what we dreamt of prior to waking here, and that alone should have been enough to unite kingdoms under a common goal and a common enemy. Yet all it did was make everyone grow desperate and greedy for what few precious resources remained.
[ The vision of all their former leaders had been so myopic –even his own father who had dutifully played into the hands of tradition. ]
I doubt I am the first one to consider a more diplomatic approach. Why had all previous efforts failed?
no subject
As for diplomacy in their present situation, well... ]
It's my understanding that efforts have been made, and we can credit those for hostilities not being worse than they are. Delaying some inevitability, perhaps, as more of these Oracles get claimed by one faction or the other.
[ Desperation for limited resources, just as Joshua had said, is ample motivation. ]
I suspect we're best off with neither having too many of them.
no subject
[ Not that that would stop unreasonable people from butting heads. He hasn't come across many keen on that conclusion yet, but his optimism isn't high that this tepid peace will last, knowing what he does of this world and the general nature of men. ]
Not that I intend to force you to dwell on that possibility nor to be my impromptu guide for the rest of the afternoon. I doubt that was your reason for making an appearance at these festivities.
[ It would seem most people came by for the free food and to check for familiar faces, which are both valid reasons. He's already taken enough of this poor stranger's time and has more of the world left to explore himself. ]
I am grateful for the assistance and do hope our paths will cross once more.
no subject
[ Which is to say that Joshua in all his politeness needn't worry that he's managed to impose in some way. Not everyone has the good fortune of being greeted with a familiar face upon arriving here, which means they've got to look out for one another.
He has no doubt that, freed of the scourge of vegetables, Joshua has things to see himself though. Being new around these parts comes with quite the learning curve, in more ways than one. ]
If you wind up needing a hand, feel free to call, yeah?
[ He taps a finger to his temple, in reference to Communion. Doubtless, Joshua will find himself in the good graces of others, but having one to start with doesn't hurt. And Yuri doesn't mind when Joshua seems like decent people. ]
no subject
I appreciate that, although I still do not have a name to attach to my missive, and I imagine asking the populous at large for a fair-faced stranger with my newly acquired telepathy would yield...questionable replies.
[ Even if he flashed an image from memory, he still thinks someone is bound to reply with something untoward. It would be easier to have some sort of direct channel between them if they ever need it. ]
no subject
[ Who doesn't like a little compliment, not to mention the reactions could be quite entertaining, but Yuri wouldn't intentionally put him through that. They do have a colorful crowd, all things considered, so there's no knowing what sort of reaction this vegetable-averse guy would wind up with.
His intention was more along the lines of contacting him directly anyhow, but Communion remains new to him still yet in many ways. It may take time to acclimate. ]
Call me Yuri. I'm fairly certain I'm the only Shard-bearer by that name around here.
[ And if he isn't, some other Yuri is incredibly shy. ]
no subject
[ It's not everyday a gallant stranger saves him from vegetable tales, so he doubts he'll have much trouble in that department. ]
Until we meet again.
[ In the meantime, he will just sidle off to actually eat some of the remaining food on his plate while bothering other locals and veteran shard-bearers with questions. That is, until they reunite for their sleuthing adventure...
to be continued. ]