TDM + GAME OPENING 🎉

[beleos]

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

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.

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.

---

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.

The following is OOC knowledge that will not be known IC: The consequences of this game are about intent, and thus are not real. When characters are freed from the tree’s thrall, they’ll have their memories/body parts/life intact.

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, 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.

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. ♥

NOTES

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!

FOR NEW PLAYERS:

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! 🌈

FOR OLD PLAYERS:

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

Comments

[cutlery]

[ I’m just making sure you stay true to ur type <3 ]

[ Sebastian hums thoughtfully in response, since he knows the answer is technically no… But he’s also pretty sure that he’s just as good as your average doctor in 1889 anyways. Like, it’s not a high bar to pass when you’re still in the era of figuring out that washing your hands before surgery is probably a good idea. ]

I do not know if I would personally consider myself one, but I have the skills of one, I would say? [ luckily one fucking weird way to word something is returned with another. they're very normal. ] I know a great deal about anatomy, medicine, and disease, though my knowledge is more from literature than practical. I have been getting a bit more practical experience in the last few years, though, as I have been taking care of a boy with a rather weak constitution.

[ somewhere in the universe ciel is screaming in objection ]

[sanguinary]

[you making a clown hat to put on me when my back is turned

Good thing these are two completely normal people having a very normal conversation, though! Matsui nods, like that's a perfectly reasonable thing to say regarding a person's doctoring skills.]

I see... You must be an avid reader, then. [Though he says it like that much was already obvious. It's the shared library goth nerd vibes...

Matsui, who cannot hear Ciel screaming in objection somewhere from the depths of oblivion, furrows his brow a little at the mention of someone with a WEAK CONSTITUTION.]

That's a terrible thing. Have you considered taking him to a shrine for good constitution so that he can make more healthy blood?

[WHO WOULD.]

[cutlery]

[ normal cr between us bc I know at some point you’re coming for my ass and I’ll be a wailing pile on the ground :/ ]

[ Sebastian nods to assert that, yes indeed, he is an avid reader, but Matsui’s suggestion makes his expression lighten in mild surprise. He may be an ancient, powerful, well-read demon, but. He also has no idea how to take care of a athsmatic and murderous preteen? ]

Oh, is there such a thing? [ In reality, this is a case not dissimilar to when Agni had described Shiva and Sebastian went “wow I better be careful if I go to India”, which does mean he’s taking this absolutely seriously. ] I was not aware. Shrines are not so much a thing in England, or at least not for such purposes…

[ Though a thought does come to mind, and with a light ah, he adds: ] Oh, dear, a saint, perhaps? I suppose that is not far off, but it had not occurred to me to perhaps get him to ask for such a blessing.

[sanguinary]

[STOP yeah. at least sebastian is immune to feelings even if you aren't]

There are many shrines for many purposes, as Japan is a land of gods. [Like he himself! Good ol' Shintoism.

His expression somehow?? seems to grow even more somber at the mention of saints, though. Saints.]

...Perhaps such a thing could be of help, yes. [Imagine how full of tiny furies Ciel would be if Sebastian arranged for a priest to come bless his asthma away, absolutely hilarious.] Though in my experience, I believe their focus is more on defeating an "evil" that may be manifesting in ill health. This is not so much the case if you choose to pray at a shrine. You may speak to any god among the many and ask for their blessings in health, wealth, happiness, wellness - even the smallest of things, down to fortune for tests in school.

[cutlery]

Ah, how interesting! I have never been to Japan myself, or really the East at all... My work has kept me largely in Europe. Though I have been learning a bit more about Japan in particular, as of late. There is a great interest in its culture in England. [ a beat, then, ] Or, well, was, technically.

[ He doesn't even get into Mr. Tanaka, though this is largely because I, Christy, still do not know how to explain Mr. Tanaka??? YANA PLEASE EXPLAIN ]

Certainly shrines sound like a more agreeable way to consult divine powers. I do not believe his asthma is the result of "evil", after all...

[ since he had it before he met sebastian. lmao. ]

[sanguinary]

[MR. TANAKA IS TRULY JUST FUCKING THERE DOING WHATEVER THE HELL.]

Is that so? May I ask... what year it is, for you?

[There's a bit of hesitance in the question, not because it's a weird fuckin question to adjust to asking but because it was a Forbidden Question for time travelers in general. All their worlds are dead though so it's fine, probably!

As for the shrine thing, he just nods.]

It is likely because of something within his body - a purely biological thing. Structure, perhaps, or having a poor immune system. One's blood can easily grow weak and ill depending on where they live, as well.

[Not that Matsui knows a lot about London but IF HE DID... he would be pointing at the air quality like "girl help".]

[cutlery]

1889. A bit behind most people I have met, I will go ahead and say. Or, at least those who seem to come from similar enough worlds.

[ Sebastian explains it lightly, as if this were a normal part of introductory conversations. In a way, it is, or it's certainly becoming a more frequent part of them here in Kenos. ]

Likely also why my understanding of his condition may sound a bit dated to you, I imagine... Medicine is, well. It is making progress, certainly! But I have never known it to be all that successful.

[sanguinary]

[1889... Damn. There's a little smile, because it does contextualize a lot of things. NO WONDER HE'S AN OFFICIAL DOCTOR truly just about anyone could learn how to stick someone with a needle and be like "I'm a doctor now" in those times.]

It will become much, much more successful in the future, I'm certain. After all, if there's one thing that people are good at, it's innovation.

[It's not "learning from past mistakes", though!! Ah, living through the many medical crises of humanity.]

[cutlery]

Oh, indeed. The innovations on that front alone in the past century have been remarkable... It is not so now, of course, but I was looking forward to what the next century could have held.

[ He sounds genuinely admiring of it, though perhaps oddly, not disappointed for it to be gone in turn... Such is the contradiction of a demon. He greatly admired humans' innovations and discoveries, but also felt extremely little for them to all be gone now, apparently. For him, it's no different than something like finishing an interesting novel and starting another. ]

Though if I may, since it is something I have been asking in turn... When are you from?

[sanguinary]

[Matsui both can and can't understand that sort of lack of disappointment, really. He's a being born from humans, whose history is inextricably tied up in their kind. All the same, he's still quite distant from his own emotions - especially in the aftermath of everything they've learned of their homes - and can't process them well. It's not a reaction or way of speaking that stands out as particularly odd to him, in any case. Plenty of non-humans would feel the same, after all.]

I wonder if you've seen many of them pass, up to this point. [Centuries, that is. He talks about the passing of time casually enough to imply he's seen quite a few.

As for the other question... Matsui hesitates, because of course he does! HE DOESN'T WANT THE TIME GOVERNMENT AFTER HIS ASS. But, like. If they're really dealing with the destruction of all worlds, or even most worlds, surely they have...other things to worry about... So.]

The year for me is 2205. There are many technological things available now that I don't believe would have been available to you, but I'm certain that you would have found it interesting.

[Except for the whole [redacted] thing that resulted in [redacted] and made it so they don't use a whole lot of technology anymore.]

[cutlery]

Oh, my! Another very far into the future indeed… [ He focuses on that first, since it’s a genuine surprise and interest, but he’ll get back to being old as hell (lol) ] Why, that much is a bit rare, at least from those I have asked. There is a gentleman I know, a Mr. Amos Burton, who is from the 2350s… Our conversation was remarkable.

[ It also leads Sebastian to the incorrect conclusion that Matsui is from a sci-fi kind of world instead of [redacted], so. It’s fine. We’ll see how long it takes for him to realize that he’s mistaken. ]

Humanity’s innovations did indeed increase rapidly, based on what we spoke of, so I would indeed been very impressed. Why, it may sound quaint to that year, but I am still amazed that man was able to step foot on the moon. It had never even occurred to me as a possibility, to be honest.

[ There’s also something a bit charmingly earnest about how he talks about it. He’d been captivated in Horos by a few people talking about and even showing him the marvels of space travel. At least the local demon can have genuine interests that aren’t born from ulterior motives… In fact, he seems to realize that his earnestness was a distraction from answering the question Matsui had asked, so with a small laugh of realization, he nods. ]

—Ah, but yes, I have seen many centuries past. So many I could not properly tell you the precise amount. I have existed longer than humans have been able to track their years in such measures.

[sanguinary]

Amos Burton... [A quiet repetition of the name, like he's committing it to memory, and then a nod.] I will have to speak with him, then, since that... is much farther in the future than even I.

[The "..." was there because Matsui was like A WORLD WHERE THE TIME WAR IS OVER IN 100 PUNY YEARS??? for a second before remembering that not every world here is related to his own. Wild, coming from a place with like 5000 alternate dying realities.

Can't wait for Sebastian to just never learn that Matsui has no idea what sci-fi tech is, absolutely hilarious.]

--Looking back on many of the things that humans achieved in their time, those moments still stand out, to be fair. Things like man's first space step, or the first successful treatment of tuberculosis.

[This isn't a Shinsengumi member so it's fine, probably!! Moreover, this is clearly not a human, so he probably falls outside of the scope of "BE CAREFUL AROUND THESE PEOPLE, TIME TRAVELER" rules that he generally has to follow... The earnestness is also familiar, in a sense. Sometimes, non-human things just find genuine interest in human things! Like furries.

As for his actual apparently age...]

Ah... I see. I see. That is much older than I had expected. [He's really just out here like "old" about another mostly immortal being.] But even the year 1889 must seem incredible, if you've watched humans grow since before they began to track their time.

[cutlery]

I am sure he will have no problem with that. He was very candid when we spoke of it, though that is just his personality in general, I do think. He is a good man, though, at least from what I know of him so far.

[ Unbeknownst to Matsui, this is actually a pretty glowing review of Amos, though… Considering Sebastian’s general view on humans as a whole, getting praise like this was a bit rare. He appreciates Amos’s pragmatic nature, and much to his own surprise, they were sometimes on the same page. A rare thing, by Sebastian’s measure.

…Though, it’s probably worth noting that most of this opinion also comes from the fact that he and Amos forged a death pact for Sebastian to kill him if he goes berserk. Too bad Sebastian will not, in fact, note that! ]

But yes, it has been very interesting to watch humanity as it has grown. They accomplish so much in the little time they are given. I find it admirable, in a way. [ Sebastian nods sagely, but he breathes out a laugh after a beat ] Though I admit, even so, I would have very much liked to see them go to the heavens! I shall always be a bit disappointed that I will not, I think. There is something about that feat in particular that makes it one of the most impressive to me.

[sanguinary]

Mm - I appreciate people who are candid.

[Unsurprisingly, since Matsui himself is a very candid individual. It helps out his weird alien understanding, too, to deal with people who are straightforward... Just makin' a little mental note to go find this Amos dude at some point who has managed to receive a glowing demon review.

Matsui looks a little thoughtful as to the rest of that, though. He can understand being disappointed, even though he of course comes from a time where humanity's path forward had already been essentially decimated.]

When starting anew, humanity will still likely find the same paths forward that they did once before... Perhaps you will still be able to witness such a thing, even if it takes some time. Though I suppose seeing it after being here will lessen some of its impressiveness.

[When you've been to the cosmic end of all realities, man flying to the moon will probably pale at least a little.]

[cutlery]

It may. There are a great many wonders to be found here, and indeed, through Communion, I was able to experience what it was like to stand on the moon myself.

[ His smile turns a bit soft at that, since he regards the entire conversation that brought that about rather fondly, if also like a stupid weirdo alien… Sebastian had been surprised by Emet-Selch’s genuine interest in demons, not as the creatures they were, but as a people. It was a rather novel consideration, and while he didn’t feel his kind were necessarily deserving of it, it was a kindness not lost on him. It was just also one he didn’t know how to consider, honestly.

Though as he thinks of that for a moment, it does bring something else entirely to mind, and with a small laugh, he brings a hand to his chest. ]

My goodness, here I have been chatting away, and I have yet to even introduce myself… My apologies even more for disturbing you, but my thanks for your kindness in being so willing to chat. [ He smiles genially, then dips into a light bow. ] Sebastian Michaelis. It is a pleasure indeed, sir.

[sanguinary]

[Matsui's Catholic-adjacent ass like THROUGH THE WHAT NOW.]

That such a thing is possible here is wonder enough all its own...

[His curiosity is piqued!! But oh yeah right introductions, that's a thing that's polite. Fortunately this is the one thing all swords are born knowing what to do. Also sing and dance and stab. What a skillset.]

There's no need for an apology; this discussion was just as interesting as my book. [A high compliment given it's a blood book... He'll raise his free hand after that, lightly resting it against his own chest in a much less rigid form of elegant self-introduction.]

I am called Matsui Gou. Is it "Sebastian" or "Michaelis"? [WESTERN NAMES. No one gets any honorifics though unless the whimsy strikes him, the perk of being fuckin ancient.]

crawls back after halloween... akiween...

[cutlery]

[ Sometimes you’re just talented! Sebastian understands! ]

Whichever you prefer, honestly. [ Sebastian laughs gently as he straightens back again, since there’s a tiny joke for himself and himself only in there… When it’s not really your real name anyways, truly, he doesn’t care. ] I am still getting used to Eastern names myself, so do pardon me if I have it backwards, but… Would it be Mr. Gou?

[ EASTERN NAMES… Truly two aliens struggling ]

Ah, but I am glad that I can at provide a good conversation. It is high praise indeed, since I am rather bookish myself.

also crawls back after akiween..... wild times

[sanguinary]

[HELP this really is how it is sometimes, damb.

Anyway since the private Sebastian joke for Sebastians only naturally flies over his head, he just focuses on the rest of that normal statement, holding up a gentle hand in polite dismissal.]

That would normally be correct. [Except swords are fucking weird and most of their names are just Two Last Names™. More importantly:] You may simply refer to me as Matsui, or Matsui Gou. Whichever you prefer. [There are so many gotdam Gous on the loose.]

I have found bookish people to be capable of very good conversation, in any case. They have much to talk about.

places down two pumpkins in ur honor

[cutlery]

[ He nods agreeably, since at least luckily this isn’t Victorian England where he’s pretending to be a butler, so. He has no problem with being a little more informal, at least by such standards. ]

Matsui, then. It is a pleasure.

[ Sebastian’s polite smile warms again as they move past introductions to return to a nerd’s real passion: books ]

So indeed. Especially so when we have diverse interests, yes?

[ Which, pick one and Sebastian probably knows which is exactly why he turns the question back to Matsui ]

Well, other than matters of blood and medicine, is there anything else that catches your interest, speaking of?

bongos them with my remaining halloween energy before i hibernate for another 365 days

[sanguinary]

[His butlersona...

He really is out here being the biggest of all nerds though huh. Matsui just inclines his head forward in a gentle show of agreement at the first comment. The question being turned back is a surprise, though; he's not entirely used to talking about himself. At least, not in the context of a Person™ rather than a mere Person Shaped Thing™.]

My interest...? [Like he's never had to consider this before in his entire dingdang life.] ...To be honest, I don't know that I have a good answer to this question. I did like the haiku from a competition that I heard about, and the idol lessons that Kotegiri hosted were enjoyable...

[MORE IDOLS.]

ah now your vampirecore self makes sense

[cutlery]

[ The rather detached start of the answer surprises him, since Sebastian had imagined that they were of a similar mind on this. Two non-human creatures interested in humanity’s marvels, that sort of thing, as it made Sebastian a voracious reader and student. He’s getting more and more of a sense that Matsui is indeed rather new in interacting with humanity, but.

Before he can think about that further, the last bit gets Sebastian’s expression to lighten in surprise. ]

Ah, is that so? What a surprise. I was a taught idol lessons myself for a bit.

[ He says it so casually like this is normal and not absolutely insane ]

yeah creaks my coffin lid shut

[sanguinary]

[THIS IS SO STUPID HELP. Matsui doesn't seem to think it's weird at all, though. Like, all sorts of people are apparently into idols?? It's anachronistic but who pays any mind to that! Time is fake.]

Is that so? I admit, that's a little surprising... [Not because of said anachronicity, but rather:] You do not seem to be the type who would enjoy the "idol scene". Outwardly, I would expect to see you at an operahouse or a playhouse instead.

[cutlery]

I admit, it is certainly my preference… Though such choruses are very new. In fact, I would say that our rival was perhaps the one to create the concept?

[ There’s a question in his voice since he’s not sure, but he simply shakes his head dismissively. No need to worry about who did it first, since as with everything Ciel sets his mind to, his ruthless business acumen had crushed the competition thoroughly. ]

Well, my master demanded that such a thing be created, and so it was my job to make sure the group was up to the task, to put it simply. I had to learn a lot very quickly, I admit, so my understanding of the “scene” may be far from complete.

[sanguinary]

I had not known the concept to be such an old thing...

[At least in Sebastian's world, which is truly hilarious. They really said yes to idols in the 19th century and good for them.]

It's a lot to take in, that much I can understand. [CAN HE REALLY THOUGH considering he was spat into existence with an ingrained knowledge of swordfighting, singing and dancing...] But there is something invigorating about being able to liven up an audience, isn't there?

this thread is going to make me lose my fucking mind

[cutlery]

[ iT'S NOT MATSUI DON'T LEARN ANYTHING FROM HIM ]

[ Which, to that point... Sebastian nods with a serious, but thoughtful expression. He may be a bit better at blending in with humanity than Matsui is, but if there's any wonder if he's just as weird as Matsui when it comes down to it, well. ]

So indeed. I was very impressed when I heard of the performances. [ His wording does imply that he got into the scene a bit on a whim, which isn't totally inaccurate, but. He's being vague to avoid explaining that he was technically kicked out of a concert and then learned more about it from prostitutes. You know! Normal things! AKI WHY IS KUROSHIT DOING THIS TO ME, PERSONALLY, ]

Song, dance, and poetry has always been a way to convey stories and information, but this was an impressive development. It is much more cohesive, if I had to pick a word for it? An idol performance sticks in your mind far more.