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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.
1/3.......
he's used to seeing small groups, however. they talk among themselves and then bow their heads together in reverent silence. xiao speaks aloud when alone, which inspires him to make contact.
not before waiting for him to finish speaking to his god, curious enough to eavesdrop but not enough to interrupt. to hear the rest of xiao's request, wondering if maybe he could provide what the young man is searching for, he retracts his fingers from a bromelia's thick petals to find a quiet, careful route to him. unfortunately, all lessa manages to do is clumsily slip on a damp bed of roots whose tangle catches his ankle and sends him—loudly—to the forest floor.)
Argh!
(at least he recovers quickly, holding his reddening forehead in both hands.)
2/3
(looks up, caught.)
!!!
3/3
I am so sorry. I am so sorry, I have made a fool of myself.
no subject
What are you doing? Stand up.
[Mildly embarrassed by the display—in the distance, a group of worshippers are pointing and staring—he reaches down to haul Lessa up bodily, small form belied by his strength.]
The shrines are over there. [Xiao jerks his head in the correct direction without taking golden eyes off the stranger.] So why are you over here? Did you follow me?
no subject
xiao's forearm receives gratitude in the form of a very gentle hand. it lingers briefly before it's retracted altogether.)
I do not pray at the shrines. It feels as though they were built by the hands of Gods. (his dirty hand comes up to cover one side of his mouth. there is no one else around.) Just between you and me, young man, it is very vain behaviour... Shrines are meant to be made by mortals as a symbol of dedication to their faith. As gifts.
Of course, I say all of this knowing that I am no better. I was not following you, but I was listening in on your prayer.
(this regret........)
Interrupting you had not been my intention.
no subject
Breathing in sharply, Xiao realizes that the other young man is speaking. He’s surprised by the faint smile that he feels briefly ghosting across his expression at the remark on vain behavior from the gods.]
Can shrines not be both? Not all mortals have the means or ambition to build them.
[A pause. He tilts his head, considering.]
Anyway, why were you interested in my prayer? If you want to hear about my god… [Xiao shifts, looking uncomfortable.] …Normally I’d suggest there’s someone better suited to describing him, but I haven’t met anyone else here familiar with Rex Lapis. Or is there another reason you were eavesdropping?
[Despite his words, there’s no real accusation present in his tone. Xiao sounds merely curious.]
no subject
Is that not why you were praying aloud to Rex Lapis without a worldly representation of him?
(he notes that xiao has had a strong reaction to his touch, and for a moment, lessa wonders if he has inadvertently hurt him. his changes have been great in the last century; it's possible that his true nature could inflict pain on others with just a hand. would it not be his decision to do so, however?
no, it was not his hand but he should perhaps be more mindful of himself. with a gentle shake of his head, he turns back to the grandiose temple and far smaller shrine. he has met these gods before. he can feel their influence.)
I am very interested in your God, but I am more interested in what you would ask of him. Many people here are... suffering. I have felt it. And I thought that I could perhaps... provide you with at least one thing you wanted.
no subject
Don’t concern yourself with my suffering, [he says shortly, manner utterly brusque. It comes off more rude than he intends; Xiao simply does not wish for a stranger to be caught up in what he believes to be a burden only suited for himself.] And I’m not here to ask anything from Rex Lapis.
[The idea is too much. Zhongli has already given him everything—his life and freedom, for one. His purpose, for another. The former Archon deserves a chance to enjoy retirement.]
…No, that’s not completely true. [Frowning, he reconsiders.] I’d like to hear from him, just…to know that he’s safe. That Liyue is safe. They say that my world is destroyed, but—
[But how can that be? How can any higher power achieve such a feat when Rex Lapis, when the Seven, when Celestia all exist?]
…You can’t help me, but thanks. Are you… [He struggles to find the word.] …a philanthropist of some kind?
no subject
he would like to reach out again and doesn't, brow creasing instead as xiao thanks him.)
There is a war ongoing to determine this very thing... A regrettable outcome, but the fighting is an emblem of these people's strong feelings. Each side has an understandable reason for believing what they do. Regardless of whether he is alive or dead, however, his soul will hear you. It is enough for some people to know this, (lessa explains, admiring the steep steps of quetzalcoatl's paradise. they're the steps to her own personal heaven. would that the gods of each individual world be represented here. would the sun god ra have a temple here? would rex lapis?
lessa relates to xiao. but he would like nothing more than to ask a dear friend for advice.)
But no, young man... I am not a philanthropist. I am just an old goat. (emulating what he had often witnessed from humankind, his hand is outstretched for xiao to shake.) My name is Lessa. What is yours?
no subject
The proffered hand is stared at in clear miscomprehension. Xiao is barely accustomed to the customs of Liyue, where bowing is the formal greeting of choice, never mind the customs of other lands in Teyvat; he does not recognize what Lessa expects. Despite this, he reaches out tentatively to slot his hand in the young man’s, gripping it firmly before uncertainly eyeing Lessa to watch for a reaction.]
An old goat, [he echoes, somewhat amused.] Lessa. I’m Xiao. And I suppose that makes me an old bird.
[He continues to hold onto Lessa’s hand, making no attempt to release the young man until it’s clear that Xiao has done the custom appropriately.]
You speak as if you were apart from these people and their war. Is that true, Lessa?
no subject
(their handshake is completed, but neither moves to release the other. for lessa it is not a matter of knowing when to end the greeting; he simply enjoys physical affection. to be close to someone again, not alone in the vastness of the universe. he is lonely, and this "old bird"—a description that perfectly bookends their first senior citizen meeting—is subjected to that.
his hand is cool and soft. this is not the same body that saw ages upon ages of hard work.)
What you say is true in the sense that I would prefer not to participate in their hunt for the Oracles. I do not like to fight... and I am not very good at it. Yet taking sides is expected of me... and I shall do so. But I will only go where there is a need for me to go.
It appears as though Zenith will be my first "team."
(if his world has been destroyed—and it is likely that it has—then nature's course of action will be to move on. move forward. zenith promises the creation of another world, and for something to be born from the body of the dead is, in a way, very beautiful.
it is reincarnation on a galactic scope.)
Have you given any thought to where your beliefs will take you?
no subject
…I don’t know, [he answers honestly, some of the quiet confidence fading from his body language as he considers the two paths before him.] I have a contracted duty I must return to, whether or not my world was destroyed. Meridian may be the correct way forward for me.
[A moment passes, then finally he moves to retract his hand. In the end, it would be selfish of him to allow such casual physicality with another; Xiao does not yet understand how his karmic debt might affect others in this place, and will not risk hurting someone for his foolishness.]
How did you decide on Zenith? Doesn’t it feel…like a betrayal of everyone and everything you’ve known?
no subject
xiao would be right to choose either or neither. there is no "correct" or "incorrect" course of action now.)
... I love humans. (their hands part, but lessa stays close at his side. though he looks elsewhere, his attention feels inextricable from xiao.) I would watch them every day waiting for them to die so that I could talk to them. Bring them back into my care. They live for such a short amount of time, but they are bright sparks, aren't they...?
(xiao strikes him as vulnerable then. despite this, he carries himself with grace. he is quiet and unassuming, yet honest and unafraid to be so. these pairings of qualities are charming, and lessa gives him a brief little smile for encouragement.)
I owe it to them to honour their memory. I would not desecrate their souls' unending journey by forcibly reconstituting a world that has already been destroyed. (and should he discover that he would better serve their soul cycle in the meridian faction, he will go there at that time. presently, lessa does not feel that this is the case.)
You could never betray them or the things that you believe in by moving forward. Everyone is deserving of that right. It is sad—yes, of course, it is sad. But it is nature's course.
no subject
No, I can’t agree. Not everyone is deserving of it. [The soft reflection in his voice is evidence enough; Xiao speaks of himself.] Or, at least… Not without proper penance. But what’s happened to our worlds…you’re content to call it nature’s course? [Lessa must be far older than Xiao, thinks the yaksha; for all his millennia alive, he doesn’t feel like he can confidently say what is or isn’t natural for the creation or death of a world.] I suppose… It goes against everything I know about my home, but I was never well educated on the decisions of the gods in the first place.
[Who’s to say? Maybe the Seven or Celestia did indeed plan on the destruction of Teyvat. Xiao is inclined to think otherwise, simply from knowing both Rex Lapis and Barbatos, but… Lessa’s calm explanation is grounding instead of alarming.]
What kind of world do you hope to rebuild?
no subject
If that is what you understand, then I will put it this way: Perhaps it is our worlds' penance. (the sins that they have all committed could have piled too high—what would happen then? lessa, new in his role of keeping the status quo, does not know. the fact that he is here at all tells him that it was not his call to make.) It could be the universe's judgement taking effect.
(his hand goes to xiao's shoulder. with no boundary laid down for him yet, touching him is simply a matter of course, especially after their pleasant handshake. there is a soft pat, and then lessa walks forward to open his arms to quetzalcoatl's temple.
this one is his favourite. it resembles a pyramid.)
Let us simply hope that it is one worthy of our beloved dead! (can't seem to stop being vaguely ominous when he's trying to be sweet. it's becoming clear that this is just the way that he is.) I myself have no expectations for Yima's final creation. I should like to see what everyone else thinks up... or what the Matron will construct for them.
If there was something that you could eliminate from your world, something that would not show up on Zenith's foetal planet, what would that be?
no subject
But there is no immediate chance to; Lessa turns to behold the garish, extravagant temple with another queer remark that should incite more concern than it does. Perhaps Lessa is a demon particularly skilled in soothing those he interacts with; that would explain this feeling settling over Xiao like a warm quilt in the dead of Liyue’s harshest winter.]
You’re peculiar, [comes the blunt comment, without any real judgment passed.] Though… You might be right.
As for what I’d eliminate… [Xiao’s arms fold across his chest, almost defensive. He should not give voice to the truth hidden away in his heart, yet—] I’d eliminate my reason for fighting. All the tainted god remains. The demons. The monsters. The nights without end.
[Swallowing, he turns to look up at the sky. Forlorn.]
But then I’d have no way to redeem myself, [he continues.] My answer is selfish in every regard.
[A slow exhale. Then, shaking his head, he holds up a hand as if to stall Lessa from responding.]
You should know—it is dangerous to spend time in my presence. I carry dark karma in my soul, and I would not see it taint you for the simple trespass of touching me. Do you understand?
no subject
it is easier still to understand xiao's explanation. even the most devout follower of ra's principles has a dark murmur in their heart. this is not that. nostalgic, lessa's brow furrows; there is an aspect of his old self that he spies in xiao. though it is not fully formed, unable to do much more than acknowledge the pain of carrying something black and bitter within oneself, it is enough.)
... I understand, (lessa confirms. what wouldn't do is to keep xiao waiting and wondering if his presence was negatively affecting him, so he is quicker to respond to it than the other details he's shared. he looks at his hand, too, flexing his fingers before tightening them into a fist.) But I can feel nothing.
(his potentially tainted palm settles then over his shard, an experiment to see how his soul may respond directly to the essence of xiao's karmic debt. because it may trouble them both, it must be treated seriously.)
Am I meant to know when it is affecting me? What sins have you committed for the simple act of touching you to be... corruptive?
cries at this edgy icon
You may not realize it is affecting you, initially. [A beat.] I will return to your other question, but first—you are neither mortal nor human, correct? I ask because if both are true, you may find yourself more resistant to the karmic debt I bear. At least, that is the case in my world.
If it is affecting you, you may begin to feel discomfort where there was none previously. There will be an increase in negative emotions clouding your heart. Eventually, agony and madness will overtake you.
As for my sins… [Xiao looks away, ashamed. He stares at Quetzalcoatl's temple in silence, wondering what its owner would make of him. Would they be as kind as Rex Lapis?] I once was enslaved and used as a weapon against mortals. I stole lives. I devoured their good dreams and sowed nightmares in my wake.
[Literally.]
But the reason I carry this karma is more complicated than that, though I do so in order to repent. Does that satisfy your curiosity?
it's too bad red and black are hot together... i don't make the rules...
xiao is regarded instead of his hand, lowering it.) If you do so in order to repent, then I shall not intervene. But the forced circumstances that lead to your self-condemnation sound... pitiable. It may not be my place to say more.
(not for the first time since arriving, lessa thinks of his son.
he has come up often as of late, especially when conversing with the mortals who have made kenos their temporary home. never before, however, had he related ares closely with another nonhuman. slavery is one thing instantly condemned by lessa, and he would receive the souls of sinful humans and mean not to recycle them if they had been slavers. this was not the creator god's way; hell didn't exist then.
but it does now. and he supposes now that all of them shall burn there.)
Thank you for your candour, Xiao; I will not pry further. When we have known each other longer, I hope that you will tell me stories even when you are not asked to.
no subject
But he is grateful once again—that Lessa does not force the issue, and that the other man shares such a gentle, warm hope with him. Though they have hardly known each other long, Xiao finds himself quietly pleased.]
…I hope so too, [he admits, something shy averting his gaze as he looks away.] For now, I should go. I’ve already lingered too long here.
[And only the gods know how his karmic debt would affect the environment of such holy grounds.]
Thank you for…listening, Lessa. Call my name if you ever need me. I’ll hear it.
[A beat. Xiao looks briefly consternated; he just remembered he can’t teleport away. Awkwardly, he begins to shuffle off in the direction of the city.]