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open | a merry meri mingle

Who: Meridians new & old!
What: Cookout mingle
Where: Alenroux
When: Mid-March, after Vander's rescue
Warnings: Potentially alcohol consumption and violence, for the rowdy

After the initiation of Springstar's invasion plans for Alenroux, tensions among the Meridian-aligned might be a bit strained. The move comes as a surprise even for many of the shard-bearers within the faction itself, to say nothing of those whose livelihoods depend on the farms here. It's not yet clear what Highstorm's response will be, but one will certainly be coming; when that happens, someone is going to come out on the bottom, and their blood will be at least partially on Meridian's hands.

At times like this, the importance of maintaining morale can't be understated. A call goes out to the newest generation of those harmonized with Meridian's light: it's time to have a party!

PREPARATION:

Those who can are invited to help with the set-up. There are drinks to procure, foodstuffs to acquire and prepare, canopies to erect for shade, entertainments to organize. It's not meant to be a grand affair — the gathering is private, intended to foster camaraderie among the shard-bearers after long days and nights of work — but it will be a comfortable one, with edibles and enjoyments to offer to those taking solace in the company of their fellows.

It takes one of Alenroux's long days to make all the necessary arrangements — and then, late the following morning, after the night's monsters have slunk back into the woods, things are made ready. All that's left is for the guests to arrive.

THE EVENT:

Spring is still in the midst of taking hold over Alenroux, so a tall bonfire at the centre of the gathering place offers a toasty place to linger and chat throughout the day. Hot drinks and a variety of fire-roasted foods are on offer, including an entire deer helpfully supplied and prepared by Liem. Logs and stumps provide simple seating, and nearby canopies provide shade around the tables of food and drink. A little further away, sturdy tents provide more private gathering places for those wishing for a break from the hubbub.

And there will be hubbub. To break the ice between unfamiliar faces, a variety of contests have been set up over the course of the gathering. These range from simple arm-wrestling competitions, to three-legged races, to friendly sparring matches for those so-inclined. Gathered Meris are encouraged to spectate and bet amongst themselves on contest outcomes — and better yet, to volunteer to participate themselves during the next round.

For those who have already had a chance to relax and let off some steam, the gathering is a perfect opportunity to get to know one's fellow sect-mates a little better, and to reaffirm why Meridian called to them in the first place. Those gathered are encouraged to take the chance to tell a few tales about the place they came from, and to share the visions inside their Sunbeam with those from other worlds. A favourite place, a cherished person, an unkept promise, even an old enemy: all could be worth revisiting for a moment with new comrades in arms.

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[a meridian-only meetup means there are less people, and that means less faces to memorize. he recalls seeing vander meandering about the party much like himself, and nods back before returning his attention to the two arm-wrestling, though not truly paying them any attention.]

I'm not one for these festivities in general. But as a newcomer, familiarizing myself with my fellow faction members is of utmost importance.

[he glances at vander, arms crossed.]

You don't seem to be the type either. [from all your skulking around the event.]

[He’d heard there had been another influx of fresh new faces during the time he’d been… indisposed—and that was part of what had ultimately convinced him to make the effort to join the party. This one in particular seems to be taking it quite seriously, but perhaps that shouldn’t be a surprise from someone willing to throw their lot in with Meridian right off the bat.]

Normally I would be.

[He shrugs a shoulder and pauses just long enough to take a sip from his drink.]

Haven’t been in too much of a festive mood, but I didn’t want to miss out on meeting new folks like yourself.

[he raises one eyebrow, now giving vander his full attention, turning to face him completely. he looks significantly older than diluc himself, and looks oh so weary. this is how diluc imagines himself to look like in x amount of years, too, honestly. he relates.]

Hm, I appreciate you coming to meet us newcomers. The sooner we get to know each other, the sooner we can cooperate in our mission.

[a sort of awkward beat.]

If you are feeling unwell, though, perhaps it's best to get some rest.

[Vander can’t help the short, almost quiet laugh that rises up as a knee-jerk response to that advice. His attention turns back to the younger man beside him, a tired smile cracking his previously neutral expression.]

Been getting that a lot lately.

[And it was fair, honestly. He’d been through some shit and needed time to bounce back. Problem is, he quickly found that the peace and quiet that accompanied proper rest proved to be a bit maddening.]

Had my fill of resting. Frankly, the sooner I throw myself into some work, the better I’ll feel.

[It almost sounds like he might be trying to convince himself of that moreso than this newcomer. But he barrels past it with a shrug and the broadening of his smile as he extends a hand to shake.]

Name’s Vander. Good to meet someone willing to take this mission of ours seriously.

[well, diluc can't argue with a man who knows what he wants. and if what he wants is to throw himself into work, diluc can argue with that even less because he has a tendency to do the same as well. he understands that it's hard to rest when there's shit to do.

diluc was not raised to be a rude lad, so he shakes vander's hand with a strong, firm grip.]

Diluc. Yes, it seems there are a few who are disheartened by past events. So I will show them that there is no reason to lose hope. We must move onward to achieve our goals.

[a protagonists' spirit in an anti-hero's body. there's a clear fire in his soul that burns bright and burns strong. he has taken the meridian mission and made it into his personality, that's how seriously he takes it.]

[He accepts that firm handshake and quick introduction with a nod of approval. It is honestly a relief to see someone so whole-heartedly embracing their goals here, especially from someone newly arrived. After spending months in this place, it can be easy for the more senior Shard-bearers to lose sight of what they’re working toward here if they’re not careful.

And it’s a good reminder for himself, too. Things have been bad. There have been losses and hardships, both large scale and personal, but they can turn this thing around. They will.]

It’s been a rough couple of months here, I won’t lie. But we can’t let ourselves falter because of it.

[There’s an eruption of cheers from the other spectators of the arm-wrestling contest nearby, and it pulls his attention away, though only for a fleeting moment. As his gaze drifts over the laughing and celebrating crowd, he continues.]

I wasn’t so sure about the decision to stir things up here in Alenroux at first. But now… It’s feeling like the right move. Taking action, rather than remaining reactionary.

[For him, it feels like an odd thing to admit out loud. He’d spent years prior to arriving here trying to avoid such things. Maybe recent happenings were helping him see more clearly again.]

[there are few people who are more goal-oriented than diluc ragnvindr. of course there are people who love their country just as much as diluc, but the drive and the passion and the determination with which diluc single-mindedly strives to achieve what he sets out to do is unmatched by most.

diluc minutely tilts his head when vander speaks about alenroux. at first he disagreed with those actions before he joined meridian. but after learning a few things, he's started to see the justifications for the occupation. the blight being a huge one.]

Yes, it was the same for me. I thought it unwise to rouse tensions with the people of Highstorm and Alenroux, but the more I learn about what's happened in the past, the more I understand. So long as those of Zenith are still allowed access- [because he has a loved one over there] -some tension is worth the security among those of Meridian.

And when the next race for this 'Oracle' comes around, we'll need that motivation.

That’s right. We’ve gotta look out for our own first and foremost, or things are gonna fall apart quickly.

[Tensions were going to be inevitable. He knew it, in the more abstract sense, once he’d arrived and had the situation explained to him. But after the way things shook out at the Isles a couple months back now… it became a lot more apparent. That first bid for the Oracle was only a taste of what they’ve got coming. The can’t allow themselves to get caught on the backfoot this early.]

Our last attempt at seizing an Oracle didn’t go in our favor.

[Perhaps Diluc has already gotten word of that, as fired up as he is about Meridian’s cause, but it’s worth reiterating the stakes.]

We’ll have to make sure we’re more prepared next time. And making sure things are secure for us here and in Springstar goes a long way in helping out with that.

What exactly does taking an Oracle entail? The details have been rather sparse surrounding the actions needed in obtaining it, so I'm not quite clear what to prepare for.

Someone else described it as a run, but as to whether it was a physical race, he could not answer.

[so thus, diluc finds himself wanting to prepare himself for the nebulous goal of "obtain the oracle." but not knowing what an oracle is nor how to even get one.

so he looks to vander for answers, because surely SOMEONE knows, right? and this man seems to be seasoned and experienced.]

[Vander exhales heavily, not quite eager about trying to dive into that explanation. It’s a good question, one Vander had himself at the start—and still frankly does, even now.]

I’m not even sure I could explain it, after going through the motions of it once.

[He pauses for a moment, trying to turn the words over in his head as he rubs thoughtfully at his beard.]

The whole thing seems to be surrounded by magic, and I’m not exactly an expert when it comes to that. Maybe other opportunities will be more clear cut… but our first run sent us to another island and had us pitting against the other faction for a resource, in a way. We had to decide what to do with it, and that dictated the sway of the Oracle. Like a… test of us, I guess.

[He frowns and gives a slight apologetic shrug of his shoulder.]

Not the most helpful explanation, I know.

[he puts a hand to his chin in thought. he's not quite an expert at magic either. the magic in his world is limited to elemental magic mostly, at least the magic able to be performed by regular people. he has a much better understanding now about how these 'races' work, though. they're like... trials. like legends of the hidden temple or something.]

On the contrary, it is quite helpful. I understand at least the gist of it, which is more than before.

[he looks up (and he means UP, which is such a rarity because diluc is not a short man) at vander.]

It gives us an idea of what the next one will be like. Another test to appease the Oracle, whatever it may be. The gods back in my world were somewhat similar - we were granted elemental power only after demonstrating we were worthy of such a responsibility. [he taps the newly reacquired vision at his hip, which glows bright in response.]

Well, at least it sounds like you’ve got a bit of an idea of what to expect, then.

[Which is probably better than most who wind up in this place. There’s any number of possibilities that might be waiting for them when it comes to the Oracles. Vander’s not entirely unconvinced that they’re fickle things, coming to their verdicts on a whim… but with only one experience there so far, he doesn’t have much to base it on.

His gaze turns to the glowing vision Diluc gestured to, curiosity clear as he regards it.]

Must be quite the power, if you have to prove yourself for it.

[diluc hums thoughtfully. visions do provide quite a bit of power, especially in combination with other vision holders of different elements. but he's not on the same side as the others in teyvat... he just hopes he's correct in his theory that archons and oracles are similar in what they want.

...or maybe not, considering what kaeya had to go through to get his vision.]

Some would say so, yes.

[it's clear that he's a bit distracted with whatever thinky thoughts he's got running in his mind. and he seems to waffle a little, not used to discussing these sort of things especially with a stranger, but he supposes it's an innocent enough question.]

Are there other people from your world here? Did they join Meridian as well?

[An innocent question indeed, and one Vander isn’t averse to answering. That said, he does exhale sharply, almost a laugh, as he considers it.]

There had actually been a handful of us here from Runeterra a few months back, including my two daughters. [His lips quirk into a slightly rueful smile.] Been a while since they up and disappeared, though.

[He’d be lying if he said that didn’t eat at him a little bit still. Outside of hoping that whatever whims of the timestream might bring them back here, his best bet for seeing them again is to put in the work to bring their home back. Thus, his resolve to serve Meridian.]

Now it’s just two of us, and the other man is… a very steadfast Zenith, let’s say.

[Probably the most polite thing he could bring himself to say about Silco at this point.]

[ah, a father. diluc's expression softens. he isn't one to make quick judgments like this without getting to know people, but man, this guy seems like a kind father. a loving father. and to see his salt and peppered beard, he hopes him and his daughters lived long lives together.

(oh if only diluc knew the truth)

(if only he knew that their stories resembled each other)]

I'm sorry to hear that they've since disappeared. I, too, understand the anguish of being separated from family. [archons!!! that just fires him up and makes him even more determined to bring back their worlds. all these families!!!! sundered!!! he can't have that. even if he's one of the lucky ones with his only family member here with him.]

Is it someone you know? [j digging deep for that lore]

[Funny, the way similar people almost seemed to be drawn to each other, isn’t it? Whether they knew it or not.

It’s a shame that Diluc is familiar with the feeling, even if it is some small comfort to be able to share it with someone who understands. Vander, too, has seized the tragedy of it as a galvanizing force. If he can help his people here in bringing back what is lost to them… maybe he can fix things. Maybe, maybe, maybe.

It’s enough to keep him going, at least.

Vander’s expression shifts from one heavily sympathetic into almost a grimace at the question that follows, though he’s quick to smooth it out into something more… maybe not quite sad, but it’s close. Just disappointment in that things had to end up this way.]

He and I had been like brothers, once. Now we’re lucky if we’re not at each other’s throats as soon as we cross paths.

[~~Maybe a little to literal there, considering what Vander did in Highstorm…~~]

If you ever come across a man named Silco, watch your back. He holds grudges like no other.

My apologies. It can't have been easy to have experienced the falling out.

[oh boy what are the chances that he meets a man with such similar circumstances. the only difference is that he and kaeya weren't quite "at each other's throats" so much as just estranged. and they have since reconciled - sort of. they haven't talked about what happened yet, but they're at least on friendlier terms now.

and he has met silco already... he just doesn't know it, since neither of them introduced themselves.]

What does he look like?

[he is imagining an equally tall and beefy man, but little does he know.]

[The apologies get a half-shrug from him. It had been rough, yes, and it continues to be—yet at this point it’s an old wound that only stings if he’s feeling foolish enough to poke at it. Unfortunately, that’s something that’s become pretty unavoidable here in this new world. If only he knew just how familiar Diluc is with that sort of thing, he’d tell him to tread carefully with his own circumstances. Letting things fall apart as much as it has for Vander and Silco isn’t good for either party.

At least the question of how to describe the man is an easy one.]

Well, you’ll know him as soon as you see him, I guarantee it. Thin and wiry, starting to go gray.

[Annnnd burying the lede a bit, but Vander then taps a finger against his left cheek.]

Scarred face with an unblinking black eye and a glowing pupil.

...ah.

[yup! that checks out, then. there can't be too many people around who are thin, wiry, old, scarred, with an unblinking black eye and a glowing pupil. the last one in particular is a rather unique trait.]

I have indeed met him, then. [a pained expression, like he'd just bitten into something foul.] He had a strangely hostile disposition toward me. [as if diluc had personally insulted silco to his face and the man was trying very hard to hold back sorta hostile. even though all diluc was doing was existing and asking around for stuff.]

I suppose he's always quite foul-tempered, then.

[Oh yeah, that expression says it all. Vander barely knows Diluc, but the glimpse he’s getting of him here and the very fact that he’s so quickly placed his allegiance with Meridian is more than enough to garner that sort of temper from Silco.

He nods, and a very brief and bitter smile pulls at his lips.]

He likes to play at false diplomacy and silver-tongued words when it suits him, but yes. Most folks just get a glimpse of the sour attitude unless there’s something he wants from them.

[So congrats/sorry, there’s really no winning there. When he continues, there’s a touch of amusement in his voice.]

I suppose at least you know what to look out for already, then.

I assume he hasn't always been like that.

[because how in the world could such a presumably sweet man like vander tolerate such a... well, they are truly opposites in every aspect. he knows he and kaeya have fairly opposing personalities as well, but they have similar goals and similar moral compasses. he knows his and kaeya's fight changed them both, surely whatever caused these two brothers to separate similarly changed them.

these former brothers, though... SHEESH.]

A man like that has suffered much. Lost many.

Maybe not quite as vicious… But years and circumstance changed he and I both. We didn’t exactly have an idyllic upbringing, you’re right. And eventually we reached a point where we could no longer agree on what to do about it.

[He sighs, gives a tired shrug of a shoulder. That was the simplest way to sum it up, and it still pains him to think about how far apart they’ve drifted. Working side by side, building up the Lanes together… and now they can’t even cross paths without trying to draw blood.]

But we’re just two old men who’ve lost our way. [He tries to summon a self-aware smile.] Take it from me, and don’t take for granted the close bonds you build up with others.

[Here is your dose of unsolicited Dad Advice.]

[sweats a little... uhhh, well, now he's not taking it for granted for sure. he's making sure to keep kaeya close, to spend time with him in between all the things the both of them need to do for their factions.

he'd just... waited until their world was destroyed. at least they didn't live in regret until they were old and grey like these grandpas? they didn't live so long with their pain that it turned into actual resentment.

he does feel some warmth in his heart at the dad advice, though. it'd been a while since he received any.]

Thank you. I'll take that to heart - truly.

[the smallest little smile. like miniscule. not because he isn't grateful for the advice, that's just how his face is.]

While we have this second chance, I won't let it go to waste. [he looks out at the sunset.] On that note, I should get going. I know someone who will skip meals if I'm not there to make sure he eats.

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open | a merry meri mingle

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