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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 🎉
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 don’t 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, they’ll explain that this happens sometimes, since not every soul has a strong tether to Kenos and sometimes return to the Timestream. They’re fine and may even return to Kenos one day, but for now weren’t 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! 🌈
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. You’re in your favorite place, with your favorite people. It’s 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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 aren’t people from Horos, after all, so they’ll have many, many questions. As Yima explains, the roots of the tree rise up to create caverns underneath, and it’s there you’ll 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 you’re sure that you’ve 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. It’s confusing and unsettling, and strangest of all.. You’re starting to feel ill, even if that wasn’t 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 you’re enclosed in a room together. From the roots, a face forms in the wall. It speaks in a creaking, uneven tone, as if it weren’t 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), it’s 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! It’s more fun when you get in philosophical debates, right? Regardless, when your group comes to a decision, please record it here. These don’t 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 choice…
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 you’re sure that you’ve 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. It’s confusing and unsettling, and strangest of all.. You’re starting to feel ill, even if that wasn’t 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 you’re enclosed in a room together. From the roots, a face forms in the wall. It speaks in a creaking, uneven tone, as if it weren’t 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), it’s 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, it’s 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 they’ll die quickly after.
This can be done in groups of 2 to 4 players, and Loremasters recommend three if you can swing it! It’s more fun when you get in philosophical debates, right? Regardless, when your group comes to a decision, please record it here. These don’t 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 choice…
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, it’s fine! The tree was, uh, trying to take you back is all. You’re fine now.
As long as you’re not going to attack him, he offers a friendly smile and a hand to shake.
Name’s Cyrus. Sorry about the rude awakening. Let’s 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, he’ll explain that he knows it sounds like something overly optimistic. It’s fair to be skeptical. He’ll produce a small glass bead from a bag he’s carrying. It looks like the necklace he wears, though not lit up. He’ll 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 he’ll hand to you.
Taking the bead into your hands, you’ll take a bird’s eye view of your home world as if your consciousness is split, since you’ll still perceive standing in front of Cyrus at the tree. Rather than a vision, the view of your world is absolutely real, you’re certain. It’s a glimpse at the world that you thought destroyed, and if you focus on a particular place or a particular person, you’ll 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.
That’s an iliachtida, a sunbeam, and when infused with Meridian’s 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 can’t entirely disappear, so eventually, they can go home. It’s a gift he’ll allow anyone that wants it to keep it, but indeed, they’ll 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, it’s fine! The tree was, uh, trying to take you back is all. You’re fine now.
As long as you’re not going to attack him, he offers a friendly smile and a hand to shake.
Name’s Cyrus. Sorry about the rude awakening. Let’s 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-Bearer’s from the Tree, so he’s not going to be inclined to explain too much right away, since he’s on a mission, but he’ll 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, he’ll explain that he knows it sounds like something overly optimistic. It’s fair to be skeptical. He’ll produce a small glass bead from a bag he’s carrying. It looks like the necklace he wears, though not lit up. He’ll 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 he’ll hand to you.
Taking the bead into your hands, you’ll take a bird’s eye view of your home world as if your consciousness is split, since you’ll still perceive standing in front of Cyrus at the tree. Rather than a vision, the view of your world is absolutely real, you’re certain. It’s a glimpse at the world that you thought destroyed, and if you focus on a particular place or a particular person, you’ll 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.
That’s an iliachtida, a sunbeam, and when infused with Meridian’s 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 can’t entirely disappear, so eventually, they can go home. It’s a gift he’ll allow anyone that wants it to keep it, but indeed, they’ll 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, αιώνιος ήλιος
After your ordeals at the Tree of Life, perhaps you’re drawn to Springstar, the city of eternal sun and the seat of Meridian.
It’s currently (and fittingly) Spring in Springstar, and the bustling city is coming back to life after finishing up winter. It’s not as if the winters are especially harsh here, but you’ll quickly get the sense that the people of Springstar are vivacious and happy to celebrate. You’ll find the Entertainment District to be the liveliest, whether it’s at a rowdy bar or a brothel, but no matter what, you’re welcome with open arms and without question.
Of course, if you’d just like to use the chance to explore the city alongside your fellow Shard-Bearers, that’s fine too. It’s easy to get lost in the crowds of Springstar and see all the city has to offer.
It’s currently (and fittingly) Spring in Springstar, and the bustling city is coming back to life after finishing up winter. It’s not as if the winters are especially harsh here, but you’ll quickly get the sense that the people of Springstar are vivacious and happy to celebrate. You’ll find the Entertainment District to be the liveliest, whether it’s at a rowdy bar or a brothel, but no matter what, you’re welcome with open arms and without question.
Of course, if you’d just like to use the chance to explore the city alongside your fellow Shard-Bearers, that’s fine too. It’s easy to get lost in the crowds of Springstar and see all the city has to offer.
IV. HIGHSTORM, луны-близнецы
Or maybe Highstorm, the city of twin moons and the seat of Zenith is more to your liking. It’s certainly the quieter of the two cities and is a relaxing, meditative place if that’s what you prefer. The chill in the air is constant, since it’s Autumn in Highstorm and the eternal night doesn’t help keep things warm, exactly. Snow isn’t out of the question at this time of the year, but it’s beautiful in the moonlight.
Because of the cooler weather than Highstorm is prone to, you’ll find many of its delights inside rather than outside. Libraries and museums are popular in the more introspective city, though it’s easy enough to find something that might please you. For example, the indoor hot baths are popular at this time of the year too. You’ll find the people are kind, if cool-tempered, though if you mention the fact that you’re a Shard-Bearer or allied with Zenith, they’re 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, it’s best to stay in the city. Wandering out into the marshes and forests isn’t advised. Of course, if you do, just contact a Loremaster to find out why. ♥
Because of the cooler weather than Highstorm is prone to, you’ll find many of its delights inside rather than outside. Libraries and museums are popular in the more introspective city, though it’s easy enough to find something that might please you. For example, the indoor hot baths are popular at this time of the year too. You’ll find the people are kind, if cool-tempered, though if you mention the fact that you’re a Shard-Bearer or allied with Zenith, they’re 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, it’s best to stay in the city. Wandering out into the marshes and forests isn’t advised. Of course, if you do, just contact a Loremaster to find out why. ♥
NOTES
no subject
That much more so now that she looks like she's feeling better, too; they can both afford to give each other way more than a barely-perceptible nod this time around, and he will immediately stop to talk with her, or even fall right into step beside her. Let her drive the bus again — that's always worked well for him, hasn't it? ]
Hey. Yeah, this place isn't half bad. Not sure about how bright it is all the time, but can't complain about this part of the city.
[ He's very used to living without natural sunlight, but the entertainment district is kind of a whole vibe, so it's easy to see him being a rather frequent visitor.
And then Amos tilts his head a fraction, regarding her. ]
How're you liking it here?
[ The entertainment district, Springstar, Kenos as a whole — whichever, really, because come to think of it, he's not sure where she's been staying, or how often she comes out here. ]
no subject
You could always duck back to Highstorm for a nighttime break, haha. It's nice that getting around is so convenient now, but when you think about having two places you can travel between at will where one is eternal day and the other eternal night, it's almost like we get full control of how long we want our days and nights to last. That's neat, isn't it?
[Wait, he did space travel back home, right? Then would that affect how Amos sees the passage of day and night? ...Ah, she's probably overthinking it. They both spent months in that last world that ran on a normal day and night cycle, and he didn't seem to mind then. He's the adaptable type anyway, that she already knew quite early on since they first spoke.
His simple question does take her a moment to answer. She tilts her head aside with her hands folded at her back to glance down the street they're standing in, busy as always as it is at all times of the day.]
It's peaceful here, and there's... so much. [This street, Springstar as a whole, Highstorm, or Kenos? It applies to all of them, honestly.] But it's a good change of pace, everyone seems happier and more relaxed. [Not just the natives, but all of them 'Bearers', spirited here right before the collapse of the old world they were pit against.
She hasn't harmonized either, it idly occurrs to her. But if what she's heard of the Zenith's matron is true, then... Amos probably already has, hasn't he?]
no subject
Huh. Hadn't thought of it like that, but you're right. [ He does take on a contemplative tone, like he's made a mental note to shift his calendar around later — because he can. ] With natural daylight too, nothing artificial. That's really different.
[ Because he could technically set his own hours on the Roci, but it's just different when the (a) sun is beating down on you, warming your skin, getting you that vitamin D.
The time it takes Ciel to answer him is noted — or rather, the lack of specifics is. It's maybe not that important, he figures — certainly not now, when there's so much and it's so peaceful, she's right on the money there — but considering where they'd both stood before... ]
Yeah, it's good being here. [ With absolutely no consideration for where they just came from; he's already moved on. ] I'm setting up shop in Highstorm, but it's nice to know I can just pop over here, too. They got more of the things I'm used to here, but Highstorm is...
[ She's met Yima, hasn't she? He figures anyone who has probably gets it. And while he's appreciative of the bars, the brothels, the general presence of debauchery Springstar has to offer, there is something so novel, so relaxing, so perfect about Highstorm that maybe makes it better for something long term. Longer than long term. ]
... It just feels right.
[ Harmonization didn't take long at all. ]
no subject
[She reminds gently with her arms crossed, that the seasons on Highstorm and Springstar contrast similarly to how the northern and southern hemispheres did back on Earth is also a novel detail. Can't teleport from one island to another too quickly without changing, or one could literally walk into a snowstorm in their shorts. Now wouldn't that be something?]
Yes, the lack of restriction over travelling is very much appreciated. I'm more used to how things are handled on this side myself, there's also much more to familiarize with here on Springstar. [Not clapping on Highstorm
yet, but with how the districts are divided and how much there's going on in each of them, Springstar plainly wins when it comes to quantity.But "feels right", huh? That's as good as saying he's already Zenith aligned. Oh, Amos (fond).]
How do you see yourself managing your free days? Come here to relax, and go back to Highstorm to sleep?
[It's half joke half suggestion, and maybe more than just half from her putting off again the question of which faction she's going to ultimately align herself to. Being unharmonized hasn't been too bad, honestly...]
no subject
Maybe that'll be one of the ways in which magic will be helpful... either way. He hums in agreement, contemplation. ]
I'm more used to the way things are here, too. I grew up somewhere kinda like this. Didn't know a place like Highstorm was even possible. [ His language is plain, but there's a sense of wonderment to his tone. ] I think I might want to spend more time there, actually. I can come here whenever I need to, but there it's...
[ The words are hard to find; Amos finds himself trailing off, looking at an unspecified point in the distance. It's somewhere where he can just breathe. Exist. The best years of his life were spent in space; more specifically, with just a handful of people he loves, and nobody else — and Highstorm feels more like that than somewhere like Springstar ever could. ]
... I wanna know what it's like being there long-term.
[ He turns back to Ciel, something of a lopsided, apologetic smile on his face. It's probably stupid, but oh well. ]
Guess being here's like being on shore leave for me. [ A beat, and, ] What about you? Are those your plans?
[ Of course he was going to ask on what a friend was thinking, their evasiveness irrelevant. What, like he's just gonna talk about himself when someone he cares about is right there?? He's an Exalt for a reason. ]
no subject
I see, so that's how it makes you feel. [It sounds a little ominous when he words it that way, she's not sure if she can really place that look on his face either, but... Mm. It's not her place.] Would you give me a heads-up if anything interesting happens in Highstorm? I'd appreciate it. I don't really have any solid plans yet, but I do foresee myself spending more time here in Springstar, I think.
[She jokes lightly with a small smile, stating the plain truth she doesn't have much reason to hide. It'll just be easier for her to eke out a living on this side, that's all.]
no subject
Ciel is his people, but he remembers what Yima told him — her protection will only go so far, and it might not end up including Ciel.
But it's also not his place to decide for her. It takes him a second to come back to himself, and when he does, his smile broadens a little. It's genuine. Whatever comes — she's been there for him; he needs to be there for her. ]
Sure thing. [ It's a real answer; pay no mind to the way it occurs to him that he might be able to convince her down the line. Keep them together. ] More here for you to do, huh? See if you can tire yourself out one day?
[ That really is just genuinely friendly teasing. Because she's right — it's a good change of pace, being in Kenos, whichever island you might end up choosing to call home. Why not enjoy it for once? ]
no subject
[Nevermind the fact that there's a lot of trading and bartering on this side too, and the same jobs would probably pay way more in Highstorm if one can meet the requirements for hire. Ciel isn't picky though, so she doesn't mind for several reasons.]
Things will probably pick up eventually, but for now, it shouldn't hurt to live a little. [She smiles back at him at that, and leaves the rest unsaid, hah. More importantly:]
Speaking of which, what were you planning to do now, if you don't mind me asking?
[Like, now now. They're supposed to be relaxing and living it up, after all!]
no subject
Though it occurs to him — if they do end up having to fight one day — at least they both know the lengths the other will go to.
And then it's out of Amos' mind, just like that, because it's not a concern right now. Ciel is here, still a friend, no reason to think she'll ever be anything but. And they did work well together. So, it's with that first thought in mind — being recruited to make and knead so much dough — that he glances up and down the street a little. ]
I could eat. You know of anywhere good? [ By now? He figures she's gotta. ] Or anywhere you're eyeing working at...?
[ His voice trails off in question; if Ciel's going to be picking up work anywhere, it's probably gonna be a bakery or something, right?? That seems like it would be her element — and while they're living it up a little, why not lean into that.
He really should be checking out the industrial district one day... ]
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The mention of food does have her perking up. Oh yes, one can never go wrong with a hearty meal.]
Yes, there's a few places! It also depends on what you're in the mood for, of course. I've been eyeing some European, Asian, and Middle-Eastern style restaurants, do any of those tell you anything?
[She knows he's been to space, but how much does he know of Earth food, which varies so greatly depending on the region? Though thinking back, she doesn't recall him ever being much of a picky eater. What kind of food does Amos like? He seems like he would enjoy anything hearty, though considering what establishment he just stepped out of...
...A filling and nutritious meal would be good to replenish energy, hm?]
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But that's hardly where they're at now; certainly not when he really could use a good meal considering what he was just doing, and certainly not when the two of them are both on the same page just like that. Food's great. Why not get food?
Amos brightens as Ciel perks up, as she lists what she knows of already. ]
Tells me they got a lot of stuff here — [ obviously — ] but that maybe fusion ain't as common as I'm used to. Huh... maybe European, if you know anywhere with something really filling. I know it's been something like half a year already, but wasn't exactly a whole lot of baking being done up in space. Can't get enough of it now.
[ He really is game for whatever, but sometimes it's truly the little things, an ongoing process of rediscovering foods you thought would never be a part of your regular diet but here they are... ]
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I don't know about that, but the only way to make sure would be to eat your way around the entire distrcit, haha. Maybe you could, with enough time?
[Food tourism... She's done it back in Godsblood, but there's So Much More in Springstar! It's honestly kind of fun to think about, even if the dishes aren't 100% authentic.]
How about Polish pierogies and kopytka? Or Italian pasta and pizza? I've seen a place that advertises a variety of quiches and meat pies, too. They're all close by as well, we're definitely not hurting for options!
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... Maybe with enough time, though. Yeah. Yeah, he's pretty sure he'd be up for that. But for now, he's actually gotta think it over, and... ]
Y'know, I haven't had real pizza in decades. [ He says it like he's only just realizing it since she brought it up. ] I mean, in space I got to have some kind of it, but it was basically all soy and tofu, so, you know. Not real pizza. [ All of those different ingredients but in one dish... Amos has enough dignity so that his mouth doesn't start watering then and there, but. ]
Fuck, pretty sure I'm going to have to take you up on eating my way around the district one day, but since you brought it up, I feel like I'd be doing myself a disservice if I didn't get a pizza again as soon as I could.
[ He's ready, he's eager; by all means, please lead the way. He's so ready. ]
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I don't think I could ever bear to live in space over food alone, haha. Soy and tofu can be very good, but they really shine the most in Asian cuisine. What was the last pizza you had, and what sort of topping do you like? Should I point out to you the other places too, for future reference?
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Their mutual depression from earlier — their zombie-like states in which they'd merely existed, had to eat something, did that and nothing more because who had the energy — is so far from his mind, but the contrast between then and now does jump out for a second.
And then he's immediately keeping pace with her, keeping his eyes out for the businesses lining the streets. ]
Yeah, you had to be loaded to consistently eat good up there. And I mean, my crew had money. But not that much money. That's where spice usually came in; Belters — people who lived in space their whole lives, probably never had anything naturally grown — had to get flavour somehow. Had a friend who could make a red kibble that'd make your eyes water.
[ There's a degree of fondness to his voice, one that's gone just as quick as he's left thinking about pizza again. (About how much hungrier he suddenly seems to be...) ]
Last pizza I had was just pepperoni and mushroomsm, I think. Nothing fancy. [ A somewhat long pause. ] Think I'd like to try something fancy, actually.
[ He'd like to try everything, actually. Amos turns to beam down at Ciel. ]
And hell yeah, you should point out other places to me. I'm gonna have to get a map.
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He says 'good', but if she has to guess, maybe it's more synonymous to food that "uses fresh ingredients and is cooked conventionally"? Space 'pizza' is hard to imagine, not that Amos had much of a glowing review for it anyhow.]
They say everything in Highstorm is of far superior quality, so needing a lot of money to eat what's considered "the Best of the Best" is probably still be true here too. I am a little curious, but I'm no gourmet either. What your friend makes sounds more interesting to me anyway, I wonder how I'd find it!
[She sure is particular about her spicy food, in the "this will probably have a normal person die" sense... But ahem,
Smiling back just as brightly and it's totally not from wondering how hot are the jalapenos she'd be interested in having on her own pizza, Ciel is merely admiring the unifying and uplifting power of Food, that's what it is!]
That does sound quite standard, but classics are considered classics for good reason too. What do you think counts as fancy, though? Oh, how do you feel about anchovy, pineapple, and artichoke as toppings also?
[tfw about to have pineapple pizza discourse at the end of all Worlds--]
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Yeah, I heard that about Highstorm, but I mean, everything here is kinda amazing to me. [ Like it had been in a recent world, too... Every time he thinks he's used to it, something just explodes in his mouth (in a good way) and he's got a whole new appreciation all over again. ] I could probably mix you up some red kibble some day though. She shared the recipe with me; it's pretty easy to make.
[ Because... well... a lot of things up there had to be.
Either way. Amos hums a little as he muses over all of the pizza-related questions. ]
I guess anything that's not classic would be fancy? [ He really hadn't thought that far ahead — he's gonna be happy with anything. ] Anchovies sound like they'd be good. Pineapple, I could see it. [ How to have a neutral answer for the most incendiary of debate topics... ] Don't think I've ever had artichoke before, though. Couldn't say there. Probably?
[ Maybe he can just get a pizza with Literally Everything on it and figure it out all in one go?? ]
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[...cougcurrycough,
And sounds like she guessed right! Amos doesn't need truffles or lobsters to be fancy, it's good to be on the same page 😊]
If you're not put off by any of those, then we should be fine~! On a different note, are there toppings you're looking forward to having again, or any you've heard of before and always wanted to try, but never got the chance to? I wouldn't be surprised if there are kinds in Springstar totally new to us too, so it wouldn't hurt to keep an open mind!
[This is going to be the wildest and most exciting pizza trip in
rpKenos AND Horos. Who would've thought??]no subject
But it only just adds to the relatability of starting out life as a normal person, converting into a human weapon of sorts, getting conscripted by someone who could easily use you (not Yima though) and subsequently being treated as royalty by cult city, and managing to come out of that to something more... normal. Something a little closer to where you were at when life started.
Which is all to say, ] Yeah, let me know. What's the point of being able to communicate telepathically if not to point out where to eat? Between the two of us, we should be able to get everything here covered.
[ You know, if given... a while. It's gonna take that much longer considering his decision to live in Highstorm full time, but they got nothing but time, right? Of course they do,
Amos takes a second to ponder her question, because it's so wide open — the options are truly endless — before he starts musing out loud. ]
Dunno. Maybe crab or lobster? [ Sorry but he DID grow up in Baltimore. ] Or maybe even chocolate.
[ Pizza for dessert could totally be a thing, right??
It's true, though. Sometimes just talking about weird pizza is all the proof that you have Healedâ„¢ and are Betterâ„¢ now, and nothing will ever change that, ]
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squints at that parenthesis). Life is Swell at the end of all worlds, so need to look at a gift horse in the mouth, hm?]Of course, will do! Actually, speaking of communion, have you had anyone send you smell or taste through it, or have you tried it to someone else? That's a possibility we think less of, though... Given the topic at hand, maybe you'd prefer to not get spoiled and discover the flavors yourself firsthand?
[forget .txt, .mp3, and .mp4, this is .mp5!!]
Ooh, now that's getting fancy! Chocolate pizza sounds like it would make for a neat novelty dessert, but chocolate melts easily too, so the toppings would have to be put together separately. It does sound like it could be fun to make, though! --Oh, what if the base dough itself is marbré?
[...Now he's put an idea in her head and she's mulling it over, she DID used to bake quite a bit. They're still walking towards the right way! Just, gave her something to think about now. Yeah one day she's gonna come across THAT sad choco pizza and huffily think about how she could do better. Amos wouldn't mind getting roped in as a taste tester then, right,]
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[ Just because surprises mean very little to him doesn't mean that's the case for everyone, he knows... but she had brought it up, so... he's actually not sure how she wants to go about it! That's what asking questions is for, good communication and all that,
He is comfortably keeping pace, but also maybe getting hungrier by the second, as one does when thinking about food and talking about food and the whole brain is just kinda trained on food—
Amos smiles, giving her a light clap on the back. ]
See, I don't know shit about all that, [ he can make the basics food-wise and that's about it, has never needed to know anything more than that, ] so I'm glad you're already thinking about it. You get the chance to bake anything yet?
[ No he has not forgotten that marathon cookie-making session, so it's a fair question, as far as he's concerned, and YES let him taste test everything, though he'll probably be useless and just say everything tastes good, but hey good food is good food, he'd be more than happy to, ]
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Okay, everything it is. I don't mind myself, I think either way of sharing would be interesting to experience! [And sharing is caring, so!
The light pat doesn't slow her steps, but it does have her blink and straighten slightly as they keep going. Unexpected and not entirely recovered enough to be able to mask her surprise, it's... nice, nevertheless. A gesture of camaraderie, she knows. Let's just take it at face value and not dwell over it, lest she loops herself back to a place she already spent a great deal of energy getting out of.]
No, I haven't. The Japanese-style eatery I've been working for does have a bakery next door, but I've only gone as a customer so far. Maybe they'll let me use their kitchen once I've helped out more? It's still a little early for now, haha.
[But the possibility IS there, and she would like it, she can't deny. Just... give it some time, hm. New and unharmonized, securing work and lodging is more important than indulging in the fanciful dream profession of a countryside lass long past her due.
More importantly:]
Oh, there! Do you see it, the sign and the stairs leading downward?
[She's pointing towards a pizza-shaped logo that looks like it may fall off from a strong gust of wind, mounted atop a flight of stone stairs leading towards the basement level of a building that seems to host a cluster of shops. Other businesses seem to include a churros place, a lemonade booth, a fried chicken joint, and a headgear (glasses, goggles, hats, etc) shop. There sure is A Lot, as things tend to be at all times in Springstar! Which makes this pizza place a bona fide hole in the wall, but anyone who's been around a big city before has probably seen fishier spots, yeah?]
I've heard a lot of recommendations from the local Meris, shall we?
[Credit to where credit is due, the smell of cheese and cinnamon sugar are very much wafting over. Also another side benefit of actually living in the city proper: you DO hear a lot more gossip, including the people's favorite bar/restaurant/what have you. She's in a good position to leak food intel to the Zenith, definitely!]
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But there's what's unsaid and what's actually said, and at the mention of the eatery, Amos blinks. ]
You got a job?
[ It... shouldn't be that surprising. Not when he actually thinks about it; he just hasn't had to. Maybe he should be thinking about it... but the need just isn't there, not yet...
Well, either way, he isn't likely to be working in a restaurant; maybe he should be checking out this place's industrial district sometime, actually. But that's certainly not going to be today — and certainly not when they've found the place.
He perks right back up when Ciel points out the sign, already striding towards it. A hole in the wall is nothing to him — kinda homely, actually. It's nice — so there's absolutely no hesitation in his step as he makes his way to the stairs right alongside her. It's good to have friends like her, both for the good company and, well, yeah. The food knowledge. ]
Fuck yeah. [ Biiiig grin on his face. ] I'm starving.
[ Between his earlier physical activity and all of the walking now — shit, maybe a churro and lemonade after would be nice?? He'll find out just how big his stomach is soon enough. ]