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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
[ 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
Tezca, like Set, revels in acting closer to the mortals that so many gods did not understand.
It softened that automatic distrust, and so Silco fished out a cigar, and lit it, before he sat himself.
His arm, missing a hand, pulled out of his pocket, and he rested it on the back of the lounge behind him. ]
I have a demon in my employ. A powerful one. On top of that, I've dissipated her once before, it is doable with the right strength, and help.
We'll neutralize her, and her power if needed, and I'll have the strength appropriate to stand toe-to-toe with her.
Along with my shimmered guards, we should have less difficulty doing what must be done. All I really need to do is separate her shard from her body, and get some distance away. Once I have it, she will not be able to do anything, let alone move.
[ A curl of his lips, as if he's imparting a secret. ]
All bearers have that weakness. If you know where a shard is, you have a distinct advantage over another bearer.
no subject
Later, Silco might think about that expression and wonder if it was another case of someone who knew something about demons that he didn't. He might not know anything about Sebastian or what Silco having a demon in his employ really entails, but he has a sharp enough intuition to guess. He can see that Silco has passion, and that's the kind of weakness that those things prey on.
...But he doesn't say anything about it. In fact, he just skips over the subject entirely. He might have his personal opinion, but at the same time, a demon working for you is just a powerful weapon. He's not exactly going to judge or question. ]
Ha, yeah, the power that bird brain has got is a real bitch to deal with. Taking it away is the right move. Either that, or just trick her. Ain't hard.
[ A fact that Silco will refuse to acknowledge... He pauses to puff out a little ring of smoke, then shrugs as he waggles the cigarette in this fingers idly. ]
—But if you just need some quick fingers, that makes it a hell of a lot easier. You know where it is? Having it over the heart would be nice and poetic for us.
[ It's where his is, but he doesn't feel bothered at sharing the implication with Silco. That perfect round, perfectly smooth piece of obsidian is better guarded than it might seem. It only takes a thought to envelop it in the smoke that is his miracles.
...Well, when he Harmonizes, anyways. He's already made his choice at this point, really, but no need to rush things. He'll enjoy the evening of neutrality before becoming Silco's ally proper. ]
no subject
Would you believe it? [ He asked, with a soft chuckle, like he was imparting a joke on Tezca, his lips covered by his cigar and hand, as if he were laughing into it. ]
It's on her face.
[ He'd seen it, when it had fallen. The shape of it, so obvious on her face. She thought she had nothing to fear, that it could be obviously expressed on her face, and yet. ]
As for quick fingers...
[ He gestured with his hand, as if he could manifest something between his fingers around his cigar. ]
Well. I did grow up a street kid in a place similar to Kowloon. They're old skills, but they tend to stick.
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…But he’s not a valiant, loving god. The choices of mortals were their own, no matter where they led. Maybe he could undermine the demon, sure. But he’d never work all that hard to that end. ]
Oh, yeah? Lemme guess… [ He reaches up to tap the area underneath his bottom lip. ] The tentel?
[ It may not be a word that Silco has heard before, but it’s clear what Tezcatlipoca is referring to. The lip piercing. ]
Ha, yeah, that makes sense. That piercing has a whole meaning for us, you know. Means their speech is precious and loved. [ And Silco will surely be happy to hear the mocking in Tezcatlipoca’s tone. ] So, yeah. You won’t be hearin’ any complaints from me if you rip it out of her fuckin’ face.
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It's truly no surprise, that Tezca's manner of keeping things to himself, or even not trying all that hard, leaving him to his choices — Silco felt strongly about being helped when he hasn't asked for it after all — it made Tezca far more pleasant a conversational partner.
Or maybe, he's just drawn to chaotic war gods.
It could also be that. ]
Ah. [ His eyes flicker with recognition as he tapped at his lip, and the new word he has learned. ]
Of course it is. Every time she opens her mouth, it seems as if others become fools. [ No, Silco, that's just because she's nice. ]
I intend to use everything at my disposal to see it ripped from her. Hopefully, you'll be near to watch.
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Well, that's 'cause you're at a disadvantage, bossman. I'm assuming Kenos has given you your first brushes with the divine?
[ He wouldn't say Quetzalcoatl is the first, because he's also sure that Set had been drawn to Silco like a month to flame too. ]
So, I'll let you in on a little secret about how we work. The world itself stacks the deck for us. Sometimes it's in our favor. Sometimes it's not. But the point is, it makes certain truths and fates that are a bitch and a half to deal with. [ He pauses to take a healthy swig of the whiskey, then laughs sharply at the burn and his own point. ] So, Quetzalcoatl is the beloved hero god. Ain't like everyone falls to her feet in adoration, as you make clear. But, yeah. You're always gonna be the bad guy going up against her. Even if she's the one that's wrong.
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It sounds just like normal.
[ He said, simply. ] I'm used to that. To being the one who says the uncomfortable things, trying to change things and refusing to accept that which others are happy to ignore. [ He shrugged, and gestured to the rest of the room. ]
Kowloon is similar. Unsatisfied with the status quo, they forged their own path. I think Quetzalcoatl will find that this will be similar for her. That she will find that this stacked deck will be her liability. She won't even see it coming.
[ And not just because she seemed to think shattering was bad. Silco had no such reservations. ]
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Well, that’s true. I’ll bet she doesn’t think of you as a threat at all, so all the better for your odds.
[ He swirls the whiskey in his glass as he holds it, but it’s just idle. It’s like a way to express some pent-up energy, since naturally, this kind of talk does get him going. It’s tempting to just Harmonize now and rush in to go fight it out with Quetzalcoatl, but that’s just bloodthirst and nothing else. He knows better, especially when Silco has a more interesting plan in mind. ]
You’ve got beef with Birdie, obviously. But gotta ask. You think things will change when you off her? Not just for you, I mean.
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But that didn't harm his philosophy, really. Silco believed in amassing power, and power was not simply one man, it was the ability to grasp and take whatever was needed to achieve a goal, people included. ]
In the grand scheme of things? No. [ He may be delusional, but not that delusional. ] But she will be punished for the insults that she leveled toward me, for taking my hand -- for --
[ Daring to pretend like she cares. She understood. That she'd tried to show care over his daughter's loss was the worst. It left his throat dry to think of, the faux compassion on her face, when she'd tried to say that she was sorry for his loss. As if she'd ever met her, knew her, cared about her.
He hated That from her. She had no right to speak of her, to know this carefully kept secret. The thing that so few actually knew, and he'd so often hidden this from everyone. It made him want to strangle her just because she had tried to show sympathy over his loss. ]
Well. Removing her power from Meridian will change a great deal, as well. But I do not anticipate this changing the laws of the universe, as it were.
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Well, yeah. If she were hooked in enough that killin’ her would change the whole world that way, you’d have no hope, honestly. Ain’t much that can kill a god when we’re fully what we are, and no offense, but I’m doubting you’re packing that kinda firepower. That’s the kind of weapon that mages work on crafting as the whole point of their bloodline.
[ Hell, a while ago, he would have said nothing could, but he’ll give Chaldea credit where it’s due. They’d made a hell of a weapon to take down the gods of Olympus. He wants it so bad, but that’s not important. ]
Meant more for the balance of things. For Meridian. For how fuckin’ pissed off people are gonna be at ya if she’s as beloved here as she tends to be.
[ It could be Tezcatlipoca expressing concern, but it’s hard to tell. Even behind his sunglasses, it’s clear to see how his expression is almost hungry for it, but it’s probably not a new expression for Silco to have seen before. He’s doubtlessly seen it on Set’s face before (albeit more animated compared to the calm and collected Tezcatlipoca) when he was delighting in schemes and war. ]
—Not that you care about the last one, I’m assuming. But don’t let it bite you in the ass.
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He rolled his shoulders, as if acknowledging the last one first. ]
I don't. I understand, however, that this will be an escalation beyond what they have seen. They have grown too comfortable with their relative immortality. They accept that it will not happen, and that their lives are so easily returned to them.
[ It is not his justification for killing Quetz, of course, but he continues, because Silco has so many opinions, and Tezca has listened. He's like Set, and perhaps that is what motivates him to keep talking. ] This will be a reminder of her mortality — of their mortality. A reminder that nothing is a given.
And perhaps they will hate me, but they already do. I seem to have a way of surviving, against all odds. I'm uniquely motivated to.
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So, though he had been reserved in asking the question (and quietly giving his wisdom through it), he’s not at all in his reaction. Tezcatlipoca grins and laughs just as the other war god surely would, but his energy is still more cool and focused than Set’s more manic affect. ]
Ha! Now that’s one hell of an answer! You sure your world doesn’t have gods, bossman? With an attitude like that, you could be my devotee, easy!
[ He takes another drink as if in celebration, then leans forward towards Silco with his elbows propped on his legs. ]
Well, tell you what. When you pull that off, you’re at least gonna earn my blessing. A war without casualties ain’t no war at all, so bring it to the people, and I’ll make it worth your while. Consider it a little extra incentive on top of what you were already gonna do.
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[ Silco doesn't actually know what a blessing entails. Perhaps he will ask, when he sees Tezca again, when he truly understands what it is to accept these based on his own understanding. When he gets that there are dire consequences to looking at things through the lens of a man who had nothing remarkable about him, or even really his world, comparatively. At least in that he understood. The outliers were things like shimmer, and the hextech stones, but those were so out of his reach, and rare. They were fighting so hard over one, and Jinx didn't even understand it.
How could he understand godhood, or demons, when his world was so small, and narrow? }
I want it. I want them to see what war is. I've lived it, after all, and these bearers do not understand what it is to feel death creep up on you from behind, or understand what it is to nearly lose it.
[ A curl of his smile. ]
I hope you enjoy the show, when it escalates. [ A beat. ] I'll do my best to earn your blessing.