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Entry tags:
- !event,
- *npc: cyrus,
- arcane: silco,
- arcane: vander,
- black butler: sebastian michaelis,
- ennead: set,
- expanse (the): amos burton,
- final fantasy xiv: cid garlond,
- final fantasy xiv: emet-selch,
- final fantasy xiv: hythlodaeus,
- genshin impact: kaeya alberich,
- granblue fantasy: eustace,
- mortal kombat 11: shang tsung,
- oc: liem talbott,
- orv: sooyoung han,
- persona 5 strikers: sophia,
- tiger & bunny: barnaby brooks jr.,
- until death do us part: mamoru hijikata
TDM + GAME OPENING đ
Who: Shard-Bearers, new and old
What: Seeds take root
Where: The Tree of Life, Highstorm, Springstar
When: October 14th and onwards
Warnings: Potential for (mild) body horror, death, dismemberment
Welcome to Kenos! As a reminder, all players are required to fill out an application, which are now open. This does include characters/players from Aion Teleos, so please donât forget to fill one out! Any character/player that does not submit an application will be swept from the communities and the Discord after applications close.
Activity Check is optional this month, but is highly recommend so Christy can check her fancy program so that you can earn Activity Reward Tokens! Activity will be able to be submitted shortly after applications close. You can find more about how we do AC here.
This log is Game Canon. Any characters who are not apped to the game will disappear. If Cyrus or Yima are asked, theyâll explain that this happens sometimes, since not every soul has a strong tether to Kenos and sometimes return to the Timestream. Theyâre fine and may even return to Kenos one day, but for now werenât able to make the full journey.
As a reminder, your character has a Shard somewhere on their body that encompasses their soul, so keep note of where you're sticking it on their person for reference! Additionally, they have a tattoo of their Aspect somewhere on their body. Please be mindful this Aspect will be assigned to you upon approval and whatever you choose for the TDM may be temporary (for new characters)!
For the Highstorm and Springstar prompts, both cities will be fully open and accessible to all characters once they are saved from their rather harrowing ordeal at the Tree of Life. For prompt ideas and any general information about the cities and what you can find there, please see the Navigation page and check out the locations!
New players are welcome to join our Discord Server if you haven't already!
When they emerge from their cocoon/the ground, characters may be wearing their normal clothes, or they might be nude. Up to you!
At some point in the days after leaving the Tree of Life, new Shard-Bearers will have a dream, even if they're usually not capable of sleeping. All new players should read this post, since this details how they'll learn about both factions and their goals and should help them make a decision in which Faction they'd be drawn to.
New characters will not have access to any canon abilities on the TDM.
Your character will be offered temporary housing either at the Heliopolis district or Yima's manor for the first few weeks after their arrival. They will also be given a stipend for basic supplies like clothing and personal effects, and food is served in the cantina (Heliopolis) and at regular meal times in the Dining Room (Yima's manor). Once they Harmonize, they will get personal permanent chambers and a fancy retainer in their Faction's city. Wow! đ
Characters may be Harmonized to their Faction (if that makes sense for the character, of course!) by the time of this log. This is more for IC reference, and just wait until application acceptance to do the OOC paperwork!
General reminder that your character won't have access to their powers until they have Harmonized.
CODING
What: Seeds take root
Where: The Tree of Life, Highstorm, Springstar
When: October 14th and onwards
Warnings: Potential for (mild) body horror, death, dismemberment
I. BEARING FRUIT (new characters only)
It starts out as a pleasant dream. Youâre in your favorite place, with your favorite people. Itâs a moment of idyllic comfort.
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, theyâre not stars. Youâre certain. Theyâre 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 youâre with, but theyâre frozen in place. Their eyes are black, reflecting only the expanse of dark eyes.
So you run, even though you know you wonât 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. Thereâs agony as if youâre being ripped apart, and then—
You cannot see. You cannot feel. You simply are. Yet even so, impossibly, a womanâs voice speaks gently.
Iâm sorry it couldnât be saved. But, come, itâs time to wake.
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, itâs odd, because that crystal calls to you. When you reach out to touch it, itâs warm. Familiar. Important. You donât 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.
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 youâre 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 donât 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 youâre born, and like a sprout, you make your way out of the ground.
And once youâve 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.
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, theyâre not stars. Youâre certain. Theyâre 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 youâre with, but theyâre frozen in place. Their eyes are black, reflecting only the expanse of dark eyes.
So you run, even though you know you wonât 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. Thereâs agony as if youâre being ripped apart, and then—
You cannot see. You cannot feel. You simply are. Yet even so, impossibly, a womanâs voice speaks gently.
Iâm sorry it couldnât be saved. But, come, itâs time to wake.
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, itâs odd, because that crystal calls to you. When you reach out to touch it, itâs warm. Familiar. Important. You donât 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.
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 youâre 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 donât 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 youâre born, and like a sprout, you make your way out of the ground.
And once youâve 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.
II. MORAL HAZARD
There are new Shard-Bearers at the Tree of Life, and Yima has asked that the earlier arrivals go to greet them and help them. These arenât people from Horos, after all, so theyâll have many, many questions. As Yima explains, the roots of the tree rise up to create caverns underneath, and itâs there youâll find the new Shard-Bearers. And indeed, with careful steps to not slip on the mossy roots, down you go. Perhaps Communion will help you find the new Shard-Bearers, but it might be a confusing process for them.
The roots all start to look the same, to the point that youâre sure that youâve already been through this passage. You turn around, and most of the people you had come here with are gone, if not all of them. Itâs confusing and unsettling, and strangest of all.. Youâre starting to feel ill, even if that wasnât something normally possible for you. But continuing forward, you do eventually find an unfamiliar face of a new Shard-Bearer. They look no better than you feel.
Before introductions, however, roots around you shift suddenly until youâre enclosed in a room together. From the roots, a face forms in the wall. It speaks in a creaking, uneven tone, as if it werenât used to speaking at all.
Give to take. A sacrifice. To live.
Characters can pick one of the following options, but the decision must be made unanimously. If one character takes a drastic action (such as murdering another), itâs counted as a failure for the group.
This can be done in groups of 2 to 4 players, and Loremasters recommend three if you can swing it! Itâs more fun when you get in philosophical debates, right? Regardless, when your group comes to a decision, please record it here. These donât have to be fully threaded out to be recorded, so the conclusion can be discussed OOC if you prefer. Actions can be submitted until October 21st, after which groups will be informed of what comes of their choiceâŠ
When a group receives the antidote, they'll be released from the tree's thrall... But will have a hard time waking up. It feels like something has grabbed onto their spine.
The roots all start to look the same, to the point that youâre sure that youâve already been through this passage. You turn around, and most of the people you had come here with are gone, if not all of them. Itâs confusing and unsettling, and strangest of all.. Youâre starting to feel ill, even if that wasnât something normally possible for you. But continuing forward, you do eventually find an unfamiliar face of a new Shard-Bearer. They look no better than you feel.
Before introductions, however, roots around you shift suddenly until youâre enclosed in a room together. From the roots, a face forms in the wall. It speaks in a creaking, uneven tone, as if it werenât used to speaking at all.
Give to take. A sacrifice. To live.
LET'S PLAY A GAME...
As the Dryad will explain, characters are now trapped in a room and have been poisoned by the spores that the lichens underfoot release. An antidote lays beyond the roots the dryad has curled around you, but to access it, you must make a sacrifice.Characters can pick one of the following options, but the decision must be made unanimously. If one character takes a drastic action (such as murdering another), itâs counted as a failure for the group.
- Each of you must offer up a personal/treasured memory. The memory will be shared in Communion with all characters assembled, and then will be destroyed. No character will retain the memory or memory of its Communion.
- Each of you must offer up something physical. A finger, a toe, an ear, itâs your choice. The dryad will offer a knife if this is chosen that will sever the body part of choice cleanly and immediately stop any bleeding.
- Offer up another. Kill one person in the room.
- Refusing is also a valid option. Characters will get more ill as they debate until they start to find it difficult to breathe, and theyâll die quickly after.
This can be done in groups of 2 to 4 players, and Loremasters recommend three if you can swing it! Itâs more fun when you get in philosophical debates, right? Regardless, when your group comes to a decision, please record it here. These donât have to be fully threaded out to be recorded, so the conclusion can be discussed OOC if you prefer. Actions can be submitted until October 21st, after which groups will be informed of what comes of their choiceâŠ
When a group receives the antidote, they'll be released from the tree's thrall... But will have a hard time waking up. It feels like something has grabbed onto their spine.
III. DREAMING OF HOME
You may wake with a start from your deliberations (or arguments) with a jolt of pain from the base of your spine as something is pulled away rapidly. A dark-haired man who looks to be in his thirties or so holds you carefully, but as soon as you start to regain your senses, he sets you back and holds up his hands.
Woah— Woah there, itâs fine! The tree was, uh, trying to take you back is all. Youâre fine now.
As long as youâre not going to attack him, he offers a friendly smile and a hand to shake.
Nameâs Cyrus. Sorry about the rude awakening. Letâs get your friend here unhooked too.
And indeed, glancing over, you can see the person you met in that room laying nearby, and it looks like a vine has snaked underneath them to exactly where something had just been pulled from you⊠Best not to think about it, maybe. Or if you've been unlucky enough to be one of the last people rescued, you might find vines and roots starting to grow into your skin. It's fine!
Cyrus will gladly introduce himself to everyone, and will further explain his position in Meridian and Springstar (see the NPC Page) and the goals of Meridian itself (see the Faction Page, save for the italicized section). But most importantly, heâll explain that he knows it sounds like something overly optimistic. Itâs fair to be skeptical. Heâll produce a small glass bead from a bag heâs carrying. It looks like the necklace he wears, though not lit up. Heâll explain that the force of Meridian is a gift and can be a tether to your home, if you let it. As his fingertips light up, the energy is infused into the bead, which heâll hand to you.
Taking the bead into your hands, youâll take a birdâs eye view of your home world as if your consciousness is split, since youâll still perceive standing in front of Cyrus at the tree. Rather than a vision, the view of your world is absolutely real, youâre certain. Itâs a glimpse at the world that you thought destroyed, and if you focus on a particular place or a particular person, youâll find the view shifting rapidly to it. No one you watch is aware of your presence, but simply continues about their daily life, whatever that is. But after about a minute, the view will fade as the light in the bead also fades.
Thatâs an iliachtida, a sunbeam, and when infused with Meridianâs light, allows someone Harmonized to it to check in on their world, he explains. It also acts as an anchor that tethers their soul to their world in the Timestream. With it, their world canât entirely disappear, so eventually, they can go home. Itâs a gift heâll allow anyone that wants it to keep it, but indeed, theyâll be unable to use it again without first Harmonizing to Meridian.
To help manage threadload for the Loremasters playing Cyrus, we ask that you only tag him with the character you are most likely to app. Similarly, new tag-ins will not be accepted after Monday, October 17th.
Woah— Woah there, itâs fine! The tree was, uh, trying to take you back is all. Youâre fine now.
As long as youâre not going to attack him, he offers a friendly smile and a hand to shake.
Nameâs Cyrus. Sorry about the rude awakening. Letâs get your friend here unhooked too.
And indeed, glancing over, you can see the person you met in that room laying nearby, and it looks like a vine has snaked underneath them to exactly where something had just been pulled from you⊠Best not to think about it, maybe. Or if you've been unlucky enough to be one of the last people rescued, you might find vines and roots starting to grow into your skin. It's fine!
CYRUS, THE TRIBUNE
Cyrus is the NPC heading up the Meridian Faction, and is available to thread with under this header. Cyrus has come to the Tree of Life to help rescue the Shard-Bearerâs from the Tree, so heâs not going to be inclined to explain too much right away, since heâs on a mission, but heâll stick around once everyone is successfully freed from Prompt 2 to speak with anyone that wants to. The following is just an OOC summary of information in case you do not need to thread with Cyrus:Cyrus will gladly introduce himself to everyone, and will further explain his position in Meridian and Springstar (see the NPC Page) and the goals of Meridian itself (see the Faction Page, save for the italicized section). But most importantly, heâll explain that he knows it sounds like something overly optimistic. Itâs fair to be skeptical. Heâll produce a small glass bead from a bag heâs carrying. It looks like the necklace he wears, though not lit up. Heâll explain that the force of Meridian is a gift and can be a tether to your home, if you let it. As his fingertips light up, the energy is infused into the bead, which heâll hand to you.
Taking the bead into your hands, youâll take a birdâs eye view of your home world as if your consciousness is split, since youâll still perceive standing in front of Cyrus at the tree. Rather than a vision, the view of your world is absolutely real, youâre certain. Itâs a glimpse at the world that you thought destroyed, and if you focus on a particular place or a particular person, youâll find the view shifting rapidly to it. No one you watch is aware of your presence, but simply continues about their daily life, whatever that is. But after about a minute, the view will fade as the light in the bead also fades.
Thatâs an iliachtida, a sunbeam, and when infused with Meridianâs light, allows someone Harmonized to it to check in on their world, he explains. It also acts as an anchor that tethers their soul to their world in the Timestream. With it, their world canât entirely disappear, so eventually, they can go home. Itâs a gift heâll allow anyone that wants it to keep it, but indeed, theyâll be unable to use it again without first Harmonizing to Meridian.
To help manage threadload for the Loremasters playing Cyrus, we ask that you only tag him with the character you are most likely to app. Similarly, new tag-ins will not be accepted after Monday, October 17th.
III. SPRINGSTAR, αÎčÏÎœÎčÎżÏ ÎźÎ»ÎčÎżÏ
After your ordeals at the Tree of Life, perhaps youâre drawn to Springstar, the city of eternal sun and the seat of Meridian.
Itâs currently (and fittingly) Spring in Springstar, and the bustling city is coming back to life after finishing up winter. Itâs not as if the winters are especially harsh here, but youâll quickly get the sense that the people of Springstar are vivacious and happy to celebrate. Youâll find the Entertainment District to be the liveliest, whether itâs at a rowdy bar or a brothel, but no matter what, youâre welcome with open arms and without question.
Of course, if youâd just like to use the chance to explore the city alongside your fellow Shard-Bearers, thatâs fine too. Itâs easy to get lost in the crowds of Springstar and see all the city has to offer.
Itâs currently (and fittingly) Spring in Springstar, and the bustling city is coming back to life after finishing up winter. Itâs not as if the winters are especially harsh here, but youâll quickly get the sense that the people of Springstar are vivacious and happy to celebrate. Youâll find the Entertainment District to be the liveliest, whether itâs at a rowdy bar or a brothel, but no matter what, youâre welcome with open arms and without question.
Of course, if youâd just like to use the chance to explore the city alongside your fellow Shard-Bearers, thatâs fine too. Itâs easy to get lost in the crowds of Springstar and see all the city has to offer.
IV. HIGHSTORM, Đ»ŃĐœŃ-Đ±Đ»ĐžĐ·ĐœĐ”ŃŃ
Or maybe Highstorm, the city of twin moons and the seat of Zenith is more to your liking. Itâs certainly the quieter of the two cities and is a relaxing, meditative place if thatâs what you prefer. The chill in the air is constant, since itâs Autumn in Highstorm and the eternal night doesnât help keep things warm, exactly. Snow isnât out of the question at this time of the year, but itâs beautiful in the moonlight.
Because of the cooler weather than Highstorm is prone to, youâll find many of its delights inside rather than outside. Libraries and museums are popular in the more introspective city, though itâs easy enough to find something that might please you. For example, the indoor hot baths are popular at this time of the year too. Youâll find the people are kind, if cool-tempered, though if you mention the fact that youâre a Shard-Bearer or allied with Zenith, theyâre more likely to warm up.
Though much like Springstar, it may just be more interesting to explore the city with a fellow Shard-Bearer. And as a resident may warn you, itâs best to stay in the city. Wandering out into the marshes and forests isnât advised. Of course, if you do, just contact a Loremaster to find out why. ♥
Because of the cooler weather than Highstorm is prone to, youâll find many of its delights inside rather than outside. Libraries and museums are popular in the more introspective city, though itâs easy enough to find something that might please you. For example, the indoor hot baths are popular at this time of the year too. Youâll find the people are kind, if cool-tempered, though if you mention the fact that youâre a Shard-Bearer or allied with Zenith, theyâre more likely to warm up.
Though much like Springstar, it may just be more interesting to explore the city with a fellow Shard-Bearer. And as a resident may warn you, itâs best to stay in the city. Wandering out into the marshes and forests isnât advised. Of course, if you do, just contact a Loremaster to find out why. ♥
NOTES
just skipping ahead.
[Knowing she's succeeded in at least putting Ciel off balance, Caitlyn dips her head. This will either give her what she wants, or it'll tell her something new about Ciel if she does actually stand Caitlyn up. She'll see it as a win, either way. Especially because she wasn't actually hungry at the moment.
So, with that in mind, she departs, slipping back into the crowd with relative ease.
And, about two hours, maybe a few minutes late, Caitlyn returns and looks around for Ciel.]
ty, perfect! o7
And geez, Caitlyn sure is a tough customer, huh? Ciel cited 3 hours not because she was trying to run away, but because she wanted to finish the job 100% with no loose ends left. Work is definitely more important than being punctual over meeting the whims of a (checks notes) ex-foe, so alas, once it's time, she won't be found at the storefront like earlier.
It won't take much to locate her however, as she'll immediately be spotted if Caitlyn takes a moment to peek inside the shop. She's changed out of the kimono by then into regular civilian clothing, and is currently chatting up a middle-aged woman wearing an apron by the counter. They seem to be holding an amicable conversation... Will she wait, or make herself known?]
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She is also not the sort to not make herself known. Slipping into the restaurant, she nods in greeting to the older woman, and dips her head to Ciel as well. If for no other reason than to gauge how she responds. Will she be more comfortable around other people, or shy like she had been?]
Good evening, ladies. I hope you've had a productive day.
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given upmade her mental preparations, but how is she supposed to "properly" greet Cait anyway? Besides, what's with the other woman's rather forward greeting? Is it just her...?But before she can answer, the kindly lady in apron has already piped up. Very cheerfully and warmly:]
Welcome. welcome, and good evening to you too! So you must be the friend our hard-working missus had mentioned!
Aha, um, she's more of an acquaintance--
[Ciel tries correcting to no avail, and the lady just gives her a pat on the arm and continues without missing a beat. One of those overly familiar auntie types, mmhm...]
Business has indeed been picking up, but it'll have to wait until we close to see how well we did today. Which you are here for, yes? Now take a seat, both of you! Your shift is over, Chie-chan, so make sure to get your energy back and help your friend decide what she'll get too! [That said, she turns towards the back of the store where another waitress had just finished pouring water for another pair of customers.] Kana-chan, a pair of menus here, please!
[It's answered by a "yes ma'am", and nodding with satisfaction, the middle aged lady turns towards the curtained door frame that leads to the back where the kitchen is.]
Enjoy yourselves, dearies~!
[With a wink, she disappears behind the curtains, and the waitress that was referred to as "Kana-chan" is heading their way with two menus in her arms. She's also wearing a kimono similar to what Ciel had out earlier, albeit black and less eye-catching in design.]
Would the seats here be okay?
[The waitress asks politely, gesturing towards a table for two by the wall closest the the front counter. Meanwhile, Ciel is, has been, Smiling through it all, don't mind the strangest and vaguest impression that it's one of surrender. That sure all happened Very Quickly... But the boss lady is gone, so she turns back to Caitlyn without a word. With the same smile she's wore since she's failed to correct their relationship and had been patted on the arm for her efforts. Does her friend have any objections? She'd apologize for basically trapping Cait to order something at this eatery, but at the same time, Cait kinda invited herself in first? So... 8/a]
no subject
She "Yes ma'am's" her way gracefully through the flurry of the proprietress's greetings and pleasantries, amused but also genuinely enjoying it. It's been entirely too long since she's done something like this, and there is a kind of little joy to it. Just like seeing Ciel smile, if she's being honest.]
Of course not. This is quite nice.
[She turns her attention back to Ciel and settles down across from her former...foe...turned whatever this is? Target of mischief? Friend? Victim? It's hard to really say.
She flips through the menu quickly enough, and nods to Kana.]
I'd like red-root tea, if you don't mind, miss?
[And when the girl took Ciel's order and departed, Caitlyn turned to the other woman with the vaguest of smiles. No smirk, no...gloating or anything. Just a pleasant, if somewhat impish, expression.]
This sort of place seems like it suits you quite well.
no subject
(Ciel had ordered a bowl of oyakodon/chicken and egg rice along with a cup of matcha, this is about half of what she usually gets for a meal because she's trying to appear normal here, ahem.)
So there they are, two blue haired laydees at the bar counter of a restaurant, except they're gonna be having tea. Fancy... đ”]
I'm not sure if I want to ask what you mean by that. Work is work... Having my meals covered by the labor is convenient though, so I like bartering with eateries more. That's all.
no subject
I meant simply that this place seems to suit you. You obviously like the people here.
[Or you wouldn't put up with them teasing you and being nosy. At least, that's what she assumes.]
no subject
puffingcheek into her palm. Does it really look that way? Then again, she's well aware that she can't fault Caitlyn for her observations with context of all their other interactions prior to Kenos. Lack of a war and high tension between the sides really changes dynamics between people, who would've figured?]It's not like I don't know how to act in normal circumstances. Things wouldn't be very different if I was hired at a another restaurant, though commission based work is more profitable when you're good at being social.
[Also getting along with your employer is not a bad thing, so of course she'll follow her boss' flow as long as it's nothing outrageous? But she's not about to say that out loud, so ahem. Not that she's trying to pass off working to promote an eatery as very srs bsns either, just stating the facts! Geez... Is it really much of a deal however big or small, Perceiving her making a living in a new world free of the Kenoma?]
no subject
[Caitlyn's smile never wavers, and it's genuine enough. Honestly she'd have been more surprised if Ciel wasn't capable of normal interaction. She seemed, other than the insane despair thing, like someone that had her head on straight.]
It was simply an observation, and I meant it as a compliment. Perhaps a little bit as an ice-breaker, too.
[The drinks arrive then, Kana slipping up at that moment and setting down cups. Caitlyn nods to the younger woman, who grins back before departing with a sidelong and decidedly teasing glance at Ciel.]
It's nice to see you, up and about.
no subject
peggedtypecast... Her shoulders sink a bit, but Caitlyn is right. This is the first time they're meeting "normally", so... what's to do, other than keep things normal as they are?Kana is given a muted 'thank you' despite the Look she left with, and Ciel pulls closer the brown ceramic cup holding a dark green liquid that may actually make someone think of "mystery herb soup" without picking it up for a sip just yet. The smell of green tea is pretty strong, though.]
...You too, miss Kiramman. [How did she address her the last time they met, not in Yima's basement (because she could barely string a coherent sentence together back there, cough), but before? Not this, whatever it was, but... Manners, right? They all went through A Lot, and they're better now. So...!]
Were you out looking for anything in particular, earlier?
[She finally looks up to meet the other woman in the eye, referencing to when they met face to face when she was... working before. Of course she won't leave the burden of ice-breaking to Cait alone, she's really not trying to be rude or duck her way out of this encounter! It's too late for that anyway, she just... struggles with switching to her smiling and friendly mode now that it's just them, after everything that's happened between them. She hasn't forgotten the things Caitlyn said back in Yima's manor though, so making more of an effort is the least that she owes her. They're just two acquaintances getting dinner now, so one step at a time, starting with small talk...!]
no subject
Just Caitlyn. Miss Kiramman is my mother.
[Despite the woman maybe being dead, she never quite felt right being referred to with the same degree of formality. It simply felt wrong.
She hunches over her own tea for a moment, considering the question...and deciding for an honest answer.]
Nothing in particular. I'm just more restless, lately. I have been since the second batch of Shardbearers arrived, and I figured that I should get the lay of the land in Springstar.
[She shrugs somewhat helplessly.]
I'm still trying to decide where I should be staying. This city is very vibrant, a lot like home, but Highstorm has a pleasant hominess to it.
no subject
Caitlyn.
[But if it's what she'd like to be called, then that's how she'll be referred to as. Ciel repeats it in acknowledgement, then lifts her cup with both her hands for a small sip. The taste is... Not exactly like matcha in her memories, but close enough. Not bad, she can get used to this.]
You're unharmonized? That's surprising. [Caitlyn seemed so resolved, straight as an arrow (and shot like one also) too from the times they've had to meet under more stressful circumstances. That she's not sure...
Can't blame her, hm. Not like Ciel is any better.]
Since I found work, it's only practical to stay somewhere close by. I haven't decided on anything beyond that, but there doesn't seem to be any rush either, at least not for the time being.
[There's no need to elaborate on that, she's sure the other woman had noticed it too: that the dynamic between the two factions is... quite peaceful, someone clearly from the other side can walk around openly in the opposite faction's city without drawing much attention. Coming from Horos, it's like night and day--all the more ironic perhaps, that Highstorm and Springstar IS night vs day.]
You find Highstorm homey? How so?
[She can't help but zone in on that though, because Ciel for one does not like Highstorm's vibes at all. Mostly because they're identical to that of what peak snobbish vampire society exudes, but that's a her problem, and she knows how to keep her opinions to herself. Still, color her curious for Caitlyn's take?]
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[A pause on her end as well, eyes searching Ciel's for a reaction. Now it's her turn to be curious. Caitlyn has already sort of made her choice, all the same, but for the moment she's not jumping in. One side presents something that can be walked back from, and the other seems rather...final.]
Are you unharmonized as well?
[As to the other question, Caitlyn shrugs.]
I've always found the night to be cozy. A blanket I can wrap myself in. Springstar's technology is more similar to home, but I always did prefer night to day, and the quiet to parties.
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[How neither of the faction leaders is demanding anything from them, content to let the Bearers choose their allegiance at their leisure. It's part of why she's unharmonized herself, Ciel is consciously aware, direct orders are far easier to handle than having to make her own decision.
But that's neither here nor there.]
Mm. The assistance they're willing to extend to newly awoken Bearers who haven't chosen is limited, so it's best to find means of supporting yourself sooner rather than later.
[And that's why she's working, of course. She takes another sip of her tea before continuing.]
I can understand that. But the atmosphere there is...
[Snobbish? Aristocratic? No, it goes far beyond that. But ultimately, after a brief pause, she shakes her head.] I suppose it's just how the Zenites are. Do you think it would be doable, to be harmonized to one side but live in the other side's city?
sorry again for the delay, friendo.
[She has made up her mind, so it won't really be an issue, she's just dragging her feet a little bit. For reasons, she has yet to really vocalize or realize, even. Some of it past trauma, some of it a real desire to work with Yima. She'd been impressed by the compassion the woman had showed.
Ciel gets a vaguely blank look when she comments about the atmosphere, before choosing to instead ignore that and simply answer the query.]
I think it would be possible. But...I'm not sure of the wisdom there. If things get heated again, like before, it wouldn't be the safest decision I think.
[The past trauma has definitely influenced her a bit there.]
For now, it's probably safe though. Keeping abreast of politics and such should head off that particular concern, at least.
NP and take care, I'm down to handwave stuff too if you'd like! o/
Mm. Whatever happens in the future, we should be able to notice the signs if tensions begin to rise. For now, things between the two capitals seem peaceful enough.
[Another silence falls between them, but thankfully, it only lasts a few moments before the waitress is suddenly there with their order: two bowls of oyakodon, or more colloquially, rice topped with chicken and egg (plus seaweed bits and other more Eastern additions, but that's the literal meat of it!).]
--Oh, thank you.
[Ciel does straighten up to offer a small bow of gratitude to the winking girl, but she doesn't linger, disappearing to the back quickly now that her work is done.
Blinking, she can't help but curiously glance toward Caitlyn as she plucks out for herself a pair of chopsticks from the condiment/utensils tray. There ARE forks, knives, and spoons there too, but what will her companion take?
I think we can keep going. I don't want to drop things, I just couldn't take on new things.
Is this place similar to restaurants where you're from?
[Food is something that can tell you a lot about a person's culture. She wouldn't pretend to know what most of it means, but it is part of a lesson her mother drilled into her. Pay attention to the little details, because they may tell you more than you might think.]
đ
...]
It was of the last place I've been, before all this.
[Not just Kenos, but Horos, too. That said, she lifts the bowl to her face and pelts a mouthful of rice, eggs, and a piece of chicken down with her chopsticks without bothering to mix anything up. She has NO idea if there's any fancy way to pack away a bowl of rice, but it is what everyday folks did, as far as she knew.
Ciel DOES know to swallow before she speaks, though.]
I traveled around, back in my world.
[She adds, almost as if belatedly realizing how suspiciously grim her first sentence sounded. Oops...!]
Late, but, here we are.
[And since they're sharing, it feels only fair to ask. And to use the opportunity to eat more while Ciel explains. She's curious, but she's also hungry.]
If I were to hazard a guess, you were some sort of soldier. But, I could be wrong.
[Just based on evidence presented, Ciel knows her way around a fight.]