![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
kenoslogs.
no subject
Instead, though, he nods. ]
Then sounds like one stop’s gotta be your place. You’re a connoisseur, so you’ve got the best, right?
[ …Also because Tezcatlipoca will never set foot in a casino. He knows his luck. ]
I’m trying to live it up while I can. This place seems practically like a vacation, for one—
[ As he continues he taps his chest ]
And two, with the circumstances that led to me getting summoned, I’ve got a human body for once. No divinity to get in between me and getting absolutely fucked up out of my mind on the finest booze and drugs you’ve got.
no subject
[ Is Quetzalcoatl the same way, he wonders? A human body? He had been able to kill her during the Blight, but Set had interfered with anything further. (He curses him for that, but Set is oddly forgivable in Silco's eyes for most crimes.) ]
Well, if you're looking to indulge, Draumahol is the place. My personal project is shimmer, of course, but we're fortunate enough to have production of most other drugs from across the known worlds that have touched Kenos. [ And enough labs to make more. ]
Though I don't know about connoisseurs, I don't indulge myself. [ A curl of his lips. ] You live in the muck long enough, you learn not to show weak spots. Get too high, and you're liable to get a knife in the belly, hm?
no subject
[ Tezcatlipoca shrugs, since he (very incorrectly) assumes that Quetzalcoatl has explained what that means. At least if Silco is curious he can get explanations that aren’t shit from Tezcatlipoca… ]
But anyways, that depends on if you’re a dick, doesn’t it?
[ He laughs because he sure can guess that Silco is more at threat than others. ]
Nah, I get what you mean. I prefer stuff that doesn’t totally take me out. I’ll be having my fun nice and early before I piss people off.
no subject
[ He grunted. He doesn't really know what that means, no. Quetz had tried to explain some things to him, but Silco had filed those away and then decided that it didn't matter what she was, other than dead. Besides, a servant was a servant. That wasn't really a word that needed definition, right?
Right?
Maybe in a kenosian month or two he'll look back at this, and come to a different conclusion. Perhaps. Once Silco learns that Static Truths may be different for some people and places. Maybe once he realizes that souls have actual values or something. Maybe then he will have something that is closer to self-reflection.
Maybe.
It is Silco, though, and that man has not given a good look inward in uh. Ages. ]
Smart. [ He finally says, after a long pause, and a single-eyed blink. ] Draumahol, thankfully, has plenty of security, so even if you encounter a particularly foolish local, you should feel... [ He spread his hands. ] Perhaps not safe, but... less at risk.
no subject
Oh, I’m not too worried about it, honestly. Like, the security is probably going to be called on me. Eventually, anyways. Not because I’m going to go out of the way to trash your place, but I don’t tolerate disrespect.
[ He’s still incredibly casual as he says it, but there’s a small undercurrent in his words of something sharper. It’s not a threat, exactly. He’d consider it more as fair warning. He knows himself. ]
But anyways, what’s your poison of choice, then? You can’t be a guy running a place down here and not at least partake in something, even if it’s just liquor. You've got the cigars obviously, but that can't be it.
no subject
No, it is not just cigars. I enjoy liquor, of course. [ He raised a hand, with one finger extended, as if to punctuate a point. ] I am not one for over-indulging, however. I'm afraid I'm long past those days.
[ Admittedly, he is over forty. And look at him. A stiff breeze could probably blow him over. He's just... a little guy.
And also he won't share his little shimmer routine because well. Nobody needs to know about his Very Medicinal Drug Use. ]
cw: casual... suicide mention... shakes my head.......
Used to be past those days. If these Shards work the way I’ve heard, then fuck it, just off yourself when you feel something starting to go. It’s like a factory reset, right?
[ He laughs merrily, even if he knows that the assumption might not be entirely correct, considering Silco’s lack of hand... Doesn’t mean he won’t give it a try, though. He has flippancy and fatalism in spades, and it’s also a very useful thing to know, though he’s being casual about it and how he’ll learn. If a death gets him whole again, that’s a great boon when using the greatest of his power is dependent on sacrificing his own organs. Without Daybit to patch him up, he needs another method, and this one is crude, sure, but effective.
At this point, they’re approaching Draumahol, and the signage immediately catches Tezcatlipoca’s attention just for the simple fact that it stands out. But seeing the eye… ]
That’s gotta be your place, right?
[ He’s pretty sure it is, but. If it’s not, it’s a good joke, c’mon. ]
cw: casual............suicide.................contemplation, i guess????
[ Tezca will learn Silco's mannerisms soon enough (with a... slight delay) and that "hm" seemed to mean everything from an acknowledgment to deep thought. As it was, he was actually considering the prospect for a brief moment. The cruelty of what Quetz had done was that she'd removed his hand, but hadn't bothered just killing him over it. Of course, she wouldn't because why would she do anything that would be seen as kindness to Silco? (Silco, no)
Though he dismissed it out of hand, for there was no guarantee that the tree would work a second time, would it? There was no reason for him to believe in that, because Silco didn't trust the tree like others did. After all, what was it that the tree had done? Tricked he and Jinx, taken her away from him twice? No, he did not trust that it would do him the kindness of resurrection again.
As they approached, and Tezca asked, Silco's winding thoughts came to a halt, and he looked up at it, before he turned to look at Tezca with his mismatched gaze. ]
Noticed the resemblance, did you?
🤝 normal
He grins with a little delight that it is actually Silco’s, and he ends up laughing. ]
Hard to miss. You’re not a guy that blends into a crowd, exactly.
[ And now that it’s confirmed, Tezcatlipoca does take a look at the people around them with idle curiosity. He’s interested in the clientele, sure, but he’s also interested to see how people react to Silco. What kind of recognition does he get in person, or is he a behind the scenes guy? ]
I like it. It’s got style.
no subject
Mm, it is a burden I have learned to live with.
[ He nods toward the place, as an invitation for Tezca to follow him, and observe, should he choose to.
It is interesting, there's no...overt shows of deference, but there wouldn't be. A few eye him with a hunger that's obvious, the eyes of those who had a need that they couldn't quite afford to fulfill. The addicts lurked close, to see if they could beg a hit or two off the proprietor since shimmer was not quite to liquid form yet. They knew what he had as much as what he owned.
Hungry eyes from the ones who couldn't afford it, and the rest made sure they were out of his way as he entered. The doors opened for him, of course, the security more than happy to make sure he didn't have to lift a finger. Then again, he had half as many. ]
It's been through a bit of a... renovation since I took over. I think this is a bit more...fitting for the crowd. [ Though it's hard to hear him over the music, and the lights are already going. It might be somewhat early in the day, but not so early that the club is dead. There are already people indulging, crowding, having a good time. Gregór catches Silco's eye from the bar and nods, but his eyes drag toward two in particular, who look like they're waiting for something. Silco acknowledged it with a half-nod, that they'll get what they want soon enough today. ]
no subject
Though at least unlike that demon, there’s part of his sharp attention that’s also just to get the lay of the land for more practical reasons. Without some big goal on the horizon like giving ORT a nice little wake-up snack, a friendly place to come indulge is a good place to know. Though just from the hunger he sees in a few of those eyes, he can tell that it’s a place where he’ll have to stay on his toes a little.
Good. ]
Oh, yeah?
[ Tezcatlipoca raises his voice to carry through the music, and he seems just at ease here as he has everywhere else so far. A bit loud for his tastes, sure, but his senses are just a little bit sharper thanks to his divinity, human body or no. ]
This place boring before you? [ He asks as he reaches into his jacket to pull out his cigarettes, but he gives a nod towards the pair that Tezcatlipoca similarly hadn’t missed attention being drawn to. ] But I’m not keepin’ ya from work, am I?
no subject
They will wait.
[ He said with certainty. After all, there were only limited slots of the shimmer at the (this) moment, and thus they were contingent on Silco. These two had won the lottery, and were given the chance to obtain the hit they craved so much. A lottery, just for the chance to indulge in shimmer. It was almost funny, how desperate they were, but Silco understood it well, given where he was from. he knew the power that shimmer had, and what it had always promised. ]
Before me, Draumahol was closer to what you would find in Highstorm. A bit too much class, and not enough life. Not really the sort of place I would run, so alas, I had to change it.
[ Now it's just a fucking nightclub. How someone like Silco — who for the most part looked like he belonged in a classy club — felt more at home here than the old Draumahol was certainly a... question for the ages. ]
no subject
And lemme make a guess here… Ownership didn’t exactly change because you made a nice, cordial little business deal, yeah?
[ That doesn’t seem to be this guy’s style, mostly. If he were Harmonized, he’s sure he’d just feel the answer in a way that only a god could. This was a place that fostered conflict, and it’s because that’s its very foundation, most likely.
Tezcatlipoca laughs before Silco can answer, like he’s thought of a private joke. With a flourish, he flips the lighter open and lights the cigarette when the flame appears. ]
Yeah, seems like my kinda place, gotta say! Way better than some pretentious shit.
no subject
That Birdie showed up later attached to Aetos, or the fact that nobody seemed to remember that besides Silco -- thanks to the information shared with him by Kaeya -- was irrelevant. There was simply nobody left who could know that. So the story was as good as it could get now. There was no other answer anyone could know or offer. ]
Well, I'm glad to hear you like it. [ He said, his eyes tipped toward the rest of the club. ]
It is my kind of place to, but do be wary of the folks looking for shimmer, hm? They do get antsy, and may pick a fight.
[ A beat -- ] Not that I'm worried about you. I'm worried about them.
no subject
What, you don’t trust me to mind my manners?
[ He’s joking around because yeah, duh, obviously not. But it’s also funny to him because technically… They’d present more of a challenge to him than Silco assumes, even if he was Harmonized. Without changing his Saint Graph and donning his armor as the king of the jaguars, he’s not exactly as much of a threat as Silco is guessing.
Which is exactly how his ass is going to get killed by Set, ]
But, yeah, yeah, I hear ya. Believe it or not, I’m an Assassin first and foremost, so I know how to keep things on the down low. [ Though considering he’s noticed that Silco doesn’t pick up on the terms that he’s dropped, he knows that he won’t hear that as a proper noun, so. He at least helpfully elaborates as he slyly swipes a shot gloss on a tray that’s going by: ] But I guess that’s new to you, since you don’t seem to be the mage type.
no subject
[ He says, not understanding fate/ in the slightest, and mostly going off of his very base knowledge of this world, and what they offer.
Silco might hate Quetz, but that was separate from whom she was, and he in fact did not invest as much time as he should in getting to know those from her shared universe. Although, that might be because he was uh. You know. Hated by the lot of them thanks to killing Gray. Oh well.
That would be fine, right? ]
You are correct that I am not the type to err on using magic. If anything, I'm best behind a desk.
Not something we have the liberty of often, but it is where I excel all the same.
i close my eyes at fate/shit I'M SORRY JILL
[ He pauses as he throws back the shot, and it pulls out a full body shiver. He thought it was vodka from the look of it, but nope, that's some wild alien shit, and it's strong. And kind of vanilla-y? Not bad, which makes him laugh as he continues with only the barest beat. ]
Probably doesn't matter unless you happened to have heard of an org called "Chaldea". 'Course, that's just relevant for me, but for you?
[ He shrugs, and with his drink done, he sets the glass on a counter as they drift by, then finally lights that cigarette he's been considering. ]
No offense, but you don't exactly seem like Master material. I'd guess a Servant would suck all your mana dry in an instant.
HELP LMAOOO
That sounds weirdly sexual. (Don't worry, Silco, it is.) ]
I don't even know what mana is, so that is likely.
[ He spread his hands, trying to move onto what was suspicious in tone and probably something that he didn't want to think about more than it already was eluded to. ]
Let us call me beyond definition in your world, hm?
[ A crooked smile, before he waved a hand, and someone brought him his own drink from somewhere. Two of them, in fact. ]
That one you just drank either will knock you out cold, or have no effect at all.
Should it be the latter, here.
[ It's just whiskey, but Silco in his domain was always a gracious host. ]
no subject
[ At least unlike someone (it’s quetz), Tezcatlipoca isn’t content to just let a misunderstanding go. He might not provide the most descriptive of elaborations or answers, but he has enough of a dislike of ignorance to not just move on without comment. And, see? It’s not always body fluids. Don’t worry about it, Silco. ♥
But Tezcatlipoca smirks a little at Silco’s arrogance. He can’t let that go without comment either, actually. ]
But that’s a bold thing to say to a god, you know.
[ He’s just pointing it out, and maybe it’s even casual. It’s not easy to tell, but he takes that glass and raises it a little to Silco in thanks. If it annoys him, it’s not like he’s going to do anything about it, at least. ]
—Not that I’m denyin’ your hospitality, of course.
no subject
Perhaps, but I've never been one to venerate godhood.
[ It's simple. But truth. ]
We don't believe them where I'm from, you see. We don't have mana or magic, or anything of the sort. We have technology only barely greater than what exists here. So, well, if you're better than that, I'll be interested to see how.
[ A shrug. ]
Still, you can enjoy the whiskey, yes? Godhood doesn't prevent that?
no subject
[ It's the first time he's said her name instead of referring to her with a nickname. It rolls of his tongue more smoothly than it does for most, a clear note of someone that's fluent in the ancient language both of their names come from.
He takes a drink of the whiskey as his answer and makes an appreciative noise, then gives a nod for Silco to continue leading the way, though his eyes do drift up a bit higher... He knows a VIP area when he sees one, and as much as he likes to be down in the din, it's not the most conversational place.
And, well. Silco doesn't strike him as the kind of guy that's going to just chat it up on a dance floor. ]
I ain't gonna make any promises before I know what I can do, but! Assuming I had even half of what I had back where I'm from? I make the impossible possible, bossman.
[ It's his turn to spread his hands wide, and it's a bit of a mirror of Silco's earlier gesture, but it's because he's prone to them as well. Here, it represents the fullness of what he's capable of. It would just also be a bit funny to anyone that had preconceptions of a god to see it when one hand has a glass of whiskey and the other has a lit cigarette. ]
Here's an easy one, just as an example. If I willed it, you wouldn't die. Wouldn't be able to. Not without my permission. I'm a capital "G" kinda god—a whole 'nother level above my brother. He might have power, sure, but the world itself ain't gonna listen to his will.
no subject
[ Silco tipped his head to get them to keep going, because he was indeed taking them up to the VIP area. Was there someone there? No, because they'd been ushered out the moment Silco had made a single meaningful look toward Gregor, and they'd already been shuffled out, compensated, and were happily making their way to the dance floor.
He started to ascend the stairs. ]
I didn't know there was a difference based on Capitalization.
[ To be fair. Again, he doesn't really get any of that. Mister "my soul is worthless and thus it is fine". ]
Once you know, I'll be interested to see how you deal with your sibling. You didn't make it sound like there would be a happy coexistence. [ He starts to ascend the stairs. ] Or if I will have competition for ending her.
no subject
Competition?
[ He questions, then laughs, and it's mean. His harshly pale blue eyes have a glint to them that's almost wicked. ]
No way. You're right that we don't have a happy coexistence. Because neither one of us can ever really beat the other. That's the shit part about being divine. Sometimes, it's like you're a fuckin' character in a story, and no matter what you do, you can't overcome fate—the way the story's written.
[ He points at Silco with the hand holding a cigarette. ]
You, though? You ain't bound by shit like that. So, I'm your best friend if you want to kill Birdie.
[ The god stuff they can get back to. What's more important at the moment is that Silco knows that Tezcatlipoca is his firm ally if he's wanting to take down that god in particular. ]
no subject
Go figure, they're stuck in eternal opposition, whereas Silco was the true spoiler here, the one who had the advantage of being outside of their conflict, but hey, he had to check. After all, if anyone had interfered with his killing of Vander, he would have made sure they died a painful death, understanding that revenge was a personal, pointed thing.
Something carefully crafted, and carefully planned. Something that was personal. Though, if Tezca had already tried, failed (or succeeded but not fully) in the past, then they would be best friends. ]
Well then. I did want to give you the opportunity to have a say. As a...courtesy.
[ Or to know if they would, or wouldn't get along.
As they crested the stairs, Tezca will notice that it's fully empty, with plush, luxury seating, not unlike what existed before -- in fact, it was the same as what Draumahol had before, just with upholstery that matched the decor around them.
He gestured, inviting him to sit. ]
no subject
[ He looks around with interest at the area as they head into it, and with an appreciative little noise, he pops his cigarette into his mouth where he’ll let it dangle for it a bit. Though he doesn’t have the context to guess at why, he can tell that this area is a little different. Not that it matters, really, but he can’t help but notice that kind of thing. He at least gives an appreciative whistle. ]
Now this is VIP. You know how to make a guy feel special, bossman.
[ He gives a cheeky grin, then takes that offered seat. He leans back comfortably and sets the drink on the side table. Everything about him really does speak to a casual air that’s almost funny for a god, much less one of his importance (not that Silco knows that second point, though). From his posture to his speech to even his modern clothes, he just seems comfortable here. ]
So, gotta ask, at least. How you thinkin’ about doin’ it?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)