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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
All she can do is heave out the most tired sigh possible, because what does she even say to the absurdity of it all? Her shoulders slump as she stares into her empty mug before eventually mustering a reply– ]
It doesn't make sense at all, but that doesn't mean I don't believe it happened.
[ She's gotten pretty good at parsing Kaeya's fictional claims from the real ones by now, and for as far-fetched as it all sounds, she can read the faint tension lines in Kaeya's posture and expression. Can pick up his hardened gaze and the way his normally exaggerated gesticulations have sombered. ]
Do you believe this world is also on the brink of the same dispute? Because I didn't come to Highstorm to be conscripted into fighting anyone's wars for them.
[ Not that she'd come up with a plan yet on what she'll do for the long-term. She's mostly been concerned with her immediate needs in terms of finding a bed to sleep on and a steady paycheck. ]
no subject
To be honest with you, I don't know. It doesn't seem as though the two opposing sides of this world are at each other's throats compared to how it was back at Horos. [ Right here, he wonders if he should order another drink. He's already looking over at the bartender but doesn't quite try to catch their attention just yet. ] However, who knows how long that will remain the case?
[ The rest of them could have arrived right before something (someone) snaps and then it'll just be a repeat of fighting someone else's war all over again. ]
Yima, Zenith's figurehead, she... She was adamant that I'm free to choose which side I'll go to. She wants me to learn all I can about Zenith, and Meridian too. So far, all I know is that both sides are saying two very different things: that our worlds have all been destroyed, and that they can be saved from oblivion.
I'm trying to figure out which one of them is lying.
[ Unless they both are, which is a possibility he's considering too. ]
no subject
She'd only come to Highstorm because the constant sunlight in Springstar had been too much for her to bear and because Cyrus already ticked her off with his overzealous pedaling. No deeper reason than that. The free room and board were another incentive, but she's not going to pretend she isn't already having a mountain of second thoughts about even leaving her grave at this point. ]
What if they both are? You said outsiders were viewed as almost gods in this other world. Naturally, both sides would be inclined to have as many as possible in their ranks... it would explain the unexpected generosity of strangers. The real question is whose faults we can bear to overlook.
[ Mondstadt hadn't been without its own messy history, especially when it came to the noble houses and some of the knights. Kaeya knows that just as well as she does, but the few that were good and kind, intent on truly bettering the region, had been enough to outshine the bad. ]
You've been here longer so you must have gauged the sentiments of the people in Highstorm well enough. Are they blindly loyal to this Yima?
no subject
There are too many people from Mondstadt who deserve to be here as much as he is right now. ]
That's one of the things I'm working on finding out. Even if I've been here longer, I'm afraid I spent most of those days bedridden. I will keep you in the loop— unless, of course, you'd like to split the efforts?
[ Two shred fellows are better than one, after all. And he can trust Rosaria, which already puts her opinion above any of the others'. ]
no subject
[ Kaeya is a lot of things, but lazy isn't one of them. He had to have been seriously injured or ill to stay down for longer than an evening, if that.
Her gaze rakes over his form, searching once again for any abnormalities. If there are any, they aren't immediately apparent, which doesn't really quell her concern one bit. She has to imagine resurrecting a second time had taken a lot out of Kaeya, especially if he also had to deal with a sadistic sentient tree upon waking. Maybe he hadn't taken the easy route and yanked a simple body part out... ]
I was planning on investigating this place deeper anyway. We'd just be adding an information trade to the mix.
[ Not much different than how they operated in Mondstadt really, and she does ache for the familiarity more than she cares to admit at the moment. It's almost enough to make her seek out the nearest church, but she's not that much of a masochist (yet). ]
But if you're not healed up all the way yet, you can leave the seedier parts of the city to me.
two shred... two shrewd****
[ It's true: one of the last things Kaeya isn't is lazy, so leave it to him to keep attempting to be productive even when his entire body wasn't cooperating. Not that it got him very far considering the lack of energy, but many attempts were made at least. And he isn't even going to talk about that encounter with the dryad...
Moving along. ]
And while I appreciate your concern, [ he wonders if Rosaria will hit him for that small tease ] I'm doing much better now. We can split it evenly— we'll cover more ground that way, and it won't be too suspicious.
[ Easier to make yourself a non-entity when you aren't the only one snooping around the same shady areas. ]
I'll buy you a drink for the trouble.
no subject
It wasn't concern. I was being practical.
[ If Kaeya is injured, he won't be able to do much in the way of interrogating the locals, especially the ones who are less than likely to respond well to his friendliness. She also doesn't want her only last connection to Mondstadt to waste away from whatever had ailed him recently –okay, so maybe she's a little concerned. In spite of Kaeya's general Kaeya-ness, she would hate to lose him, but she's also not going to start mothering him when he's an adult who can make his own terrible life choices. ]
But I'll take you at your word and accept your deal. Be prepared to buy me plenty of drinks. Does the stipend from Yima at least replenish to make up for it, considering we might inadvertently wind up taking out some of the trash in her city...
[ At least on her end. That just comes with the nature of her 'interrogations.' ]
no subject
Even if the stipend isn't enough, I am considering taking up a job around here. Perhaps I can finally make use of my impressive knowledge of alcohol and become a bartender.
[ He lifts one shoulder up, a casual shrug. If anyone is unlucky enough to be a subject of their interrogations, it's hard to say which one of their methods is worse, because they're both pretty awful in very different ways. This is why he loves working with Rosaria — he knows he can trust her to get the job done, no matter what it takes.
He finishes off the rest of his drink, setting the glass down once he's done. ]
That said, we don't want to attract too much attention. The locals of Highstorm might become our allies one day.
[ Which is really funny coming from him, considering how he likes to treat his own allies sometimes. ]
no subject
What? No cavalry here for you to command? I didn't think you would hang up your sword so quickly.
[ She doubts he'd settle on a peaceful, pedestrian life, even in another world absent of all of Teyvat's follies, so it would probably just be a front for him. ]
I would get bored too quickly myself if I retired now.
[ But she'll likely need a front herself to pay the bills and keep too many eyes from settling on her. Kaeya's right about not attracting attention and attempting to blend in. She's just......................really not good at anything but her nocturnal activities, a realization that makes her suddenly slump and sigh. ]
I'm going to have to join the local church again, aren't I?
no subject
I never had one to command to begin with, so this isn't any different. [ The idea of retirement is such a bizarre concept to him too. A chronic overworker such as himself wouldn't be able to remain idle for too long. ] Besides, if I was a bartender, that means I can give you all the drinks you'd like.
[ A small silver lining, but it's there nonetheless.
He glances at Rosaria. ]
You don't have to if you'd rather not, you know. There must be something else you're interested in. [ And then, after a beat: ] No one knows who we are in this world.
no subject
I'm hardly the one who needs convincing, especially when it sounds like you've already sold yourself on the idea.
[ As for herself... who's to say? She's only ever been interested in repaying Mondstadt, and now, she can't shake off the feeling she'd failed in the end. Where does she go from there? ]
Even if we're strangers to these people, that doesn't erase what we've done and where we've come from. I can't forget that.
[ It'd be too easy to wash herself of it all and start anew, but she's not interested in taking the easy path. ]
no subject
... No, I suppose it won't be that easy. And I don't expect it to be.
[ After all, he's still clinging to the memory of someone in the shape of a shard that he keeps with him at all times. ]
You'll figure it out, I'm sure. And I'm here if you ever need anything.
[ He wants to make sure she knows that. He was alone for most of his time in Horos, but at least Rosaria doesn't have to suffer through the same thing he did. ]
no subject
The same goes for you.
[ It might be a while before she musters up anything else remotely sentimental to say so to him, so he better relish this moment.
She stands up afterwards, her legs cracking from having been on the stool for so long. She's moped and drank long enough, and there's still a whole new city left to explore. Besides, Kaeya has an easy way to reach out if he wants to talk, as much as Rosaria is still adapting to the idea of psychic messages. ]
I trust you not to take advantage of the offer for petty or insignificant reasons.
[ Otherwise, she's going to leave him on read because she does not need to hear about his personal conquests or whatever he gets up to for fun when he's not investigating. ]
🎀 ties this up with a pretty bow
Not to worry, Rosaria. I wouldn't dream of it.
[ Despite the teasing tone in his voice, he means that sincerely. The last thing he wants is to waste away the good graces that Rosaria has generously given to him in return for his own. He knows what she's like, after all, and he isn't really that interested in finding himself at the other end of her spear's blade.
He'd rather keep his pretty face untouched, thank you. ]
I'll see you around, alright? You know how to find me.
[ Now it's his turn to rise up from his seat, flashing her one final smile before taking his grand exit. His expression softens once he's turned around, feeling much better with the knowledge that he has someone he can rely on in this strange, new world, despite the circumstances that brought them here. ]