kenoslogs | open | a merry meri mingle

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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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Byleth...

[ Dimitri's voice is soft and it breaks the stillness. He had no desire to surprise his friend or make him shy away - so this was his way of announcing his presence. He'd gone looking for him, in point of fact, wanting to share some of the good cheer with him. Perhaps evidenced by the pair of mugs he has in his hands. ]

Are you alright? I know such events can be a little overwhelming at times.

[Byleth twitched slightly at his name, and wiped his expression clear of whatever melancholy had made its way there. Realising it was Dimitri, however, the tense line of his shoulders relaxed from it startled hunch.]

Dimitri. I'm... fine.

[A poor lie, and Byleth grimaced faintly at how badly he delivered it. He stowed his Sunbeam back into his satchel, where it belonged.]

Just a bout of homesickness, that's all. Were you looking for me?

[ Dimitri decides not to pry too hard. Especially with the way Byleth stuffs his Sunbeam back into his bag. Instead he sits and offers a mug to him. ]

I just wanted to talk a little and perhaps enjoy a drink with you. We've both been busy.

We have. You, especially, with this military campaign.

[Byleth accepted the mug and sat down with Dimitri. They were a little aways from the main gathering, but he preferred it. He was a little too... emotionally rattled to wade back into the fray right now (not without a bit more alcohol to numb the feelings, in any case).]

Zenith will not take this incursion lightly. With your position within the military, you're a target they may pursue. I hope you remain cautious, in light of that.

There is that possibility, of course... but I don't think I need to walk around looking over my shoulder all the time.

[ Dimitri smiles. ]

I appreciate your concern, though. Thank you.

You're a close ally. It stands to reason that I'd be invested in your continued health.

[Byleth sipped his drink, before letting his mug rest on his thigh.]

I wonder what'll happen now, with both Zenith and Meridian. Many within our faction were rattled by the invasion.

Agreed. It... was a little unexpected. I agree with the need to secure food, but... an invasion seems like it might be an overreach.

[ He sighs. ]

And it makes actually talking to Zenith more difficult.

...

[Byleth recalled his conversation with Yima, how he questioned her desire for cooperation when it was inevitable that conflict would spawn between them. In retrospect he found a glimmer of humour in it: he had asked her why she didn't simply conquer Springstar to consolidate power and gain an advantage, and it turned out Meridian had already had plans in motion for something similar.

He saw nothing wrong with it. The early bird got the worm, as they said, and Zenith had been too complacent. Whilst he disliked unnecessary conflict, Meridian needed an edge for the trials to come. For their worlds to be returned to them, for Jeralt to return, for Byleth able to live his life at his father's side once more...

...]

What do you wish to speak to Zenith about? Are you attempting to convince them of our point of view, or tempt possible defectors?

...I want to find a way to stop another war, in all honesty. Although I'm beginning to believe that it's impossible. Not with they way they act. Not with the differences between us and the limited resources available. And I admit the thought isn't pleasant... but I don't know what else can be done.

[ Besides fight. ]

Conflict is inevitable. The Oracles have determined that.

[A finite resource that they'd be reduced to fighting over like starving dogs, because losing would mean an end to their greatest wish.]

I conversed with Yima about this during the Manon debate. I asked her why she preaches cooperation when our conflicting interests cannot coexist, but she gave me little satisfaction in her answers. Claude contextualised it for me as 'noble bullshit', but the fact remains... one way or another, Zenith will become our enemies eventually.

[Another sip of his drink.]

If I may be honest, this invasion is something of a relief. I understand territorial expansion, securing resources, and aggressively claiming an advantage. This... politicking and subterfuge.. I dislike it more than conflict.

War is an extension of politics, of course. Simply a more violent mode of achieving political goals... in this case, securing resources.

[ Dimitri sighs softly. ]

Although I do feel the same way. I wish there were a better way, but as I said... I think when it comes to it, we must do what is best for our own worlds. For our own success. If our futures are truly irreconcilable, then we have no choice.

Yes. We can't hesitate due to misplaced... compassion.

[Spoken like a true Ashen Demon, and Byleth hated it. He hated how this place was making him harden his heart even as he tried to open it. He's done awful, unforgiveable things before, of course - wiped out entire mercenary groups, killed knights only fulfilling their duty, ignoring their pleas to leave their land and to spare their countrymen. Jeralt had ordered him to advance, and so Byleth obeyed... but joining Dimitri's army had shown Byleth that camaraderie was something he could achieve. There was a space for mercy, compassion, compromise...

Then he was pulled here, and it was as if this place was trying to warp the lessons Byleth had previously learned. He preferred easy categories: enemies, allies... but the lines were getting blurry at times, and the cause Byleth championed was something he only half-believed in. He didn't trust Meridian as far as he could throw a demonic beast, but desperation made strange bedfellows.

So he shared Dimitri's frustration, but instead of expressing it he just swallowed it down and sat on it, like it was a foul egg just waiting to hatch into something far worse.]

...but this topic is something for our future selves to ruminate on. For today, we're to improve our morale, are we not? Have you been enjoying the gathering, Dimitri?

Hesitate? Perhaps not. But maintaining that compassion... that's important. Because one day we will have to stop fighting. War cannot last forever.

[ Dimitri is acutely aware of what happens when one loses one's self. He fears that. Loathes what he was. But he also knows he can't bury that past forever. Even if he wishes it had never happened. The change of subject is probably welcome. He takes a little sip of his drink, looking thoughtful. ]

It's a bit of a relief to be around those we're meant to be allies with. To meet them and speak to them. To find out where we all stand. It's been... pleasant. Yourself?

Interesting.

[There's a long pause as Byleth redirected his gaze to his drink instead, as if seeking something at its very bottom. More than interesting, the gathering had made him feel rather... twingey? Inside? Was that an emotion? He lacked the words.]

...the weather has been nice, and the ambient atmosphere has done well to ease whatever tension I felt over this invasion. The alcohol, as well, has taken the edge off.

[He looked up.]

So, pleasant... yes. I'd say it has been pleasant for me too.

[ Dimitri actually laughs softly. That... reminds him of the Professor in his early days more than anything. ]

The company has been pleasant, too. I find quite a few of our fellow Meridians to be worthwhile to speak to. And... you, of course. I always enjoy hearing your thoughts.

[ He has to resist the urge to call him professor, because... well. He isn't the professor, is he? ]

I hope this helps you find a bit of peace, regardless.

Peace is a strange concept to me. My life has ever been defined by conflict.

[Chased after it, even, because that's where the money was, and funding a mercenary company required lots of it. Money for food, for supplies, for weapons and maintenance, for their mounts, for the men themselves... it kept Byleth busy, always leaping into battle, determined to fulfil the mission, because failing would mean no pay, and no pay would inconvenience Jeralt.

That didn't mean Byleth craved conflict. Peace was a lovely concept, if fanciful, but now that there was a semblance of it - Byleth could go for weeks at a time before having to fight something here before the occupation - he found himself aimless at times. Peace was to be enjoyed, but how did you enjoy it? He couldn't spend all his time getting drunk.]

...in all honesty, the long stretches of time between combat has me unsure on what to do with myself. These moments are pleasant, but what do you do when they occur so frequently? It feels like an indulgence.

I would rather peace than not. Conflict has dogged my steps all my life. I've embraced it at times and fled from it at others. But... finding a place where we can build and help others rather than spill blood on the battlefield... that's my hope. My dream.

[ He glances at Byleth after a moment, his brow furrowed. That was honestly a good question. One he couldn't entirely answer. ]

When I was king, I was busy, regardless. But... there's training. Upkeep. Maintenance. I suppose... well. What do you enjoy doing, Byleth? What is it you like to do when you aren't preparing for war or fighting?

Hm...

[Well, there were a few things.]

I enjoy fishing, of course. It's a productive use of your time, and it can be relaxing. But if there's no river or lake to cast my line, then I pass the time reading romance novels.

[Yes, you heard that right: romance novels.]

Or listening to stories in general. Then when it grows too dark to read, I stargaze. The vast expanse with their countless stars is endlessly fascinating, especially if you find entertainment in creating your own constellations amongst them.

[Something about Byleth's expression seemed to light up fractionally at the talk of stars and... wasn't this a little familiar? Didn't he talk at length about how amazing stars were with someone at the masquerade?]

Stargazing!

[ That does tickle his memory, honestly. He wonders if it's a coincidence. ]

I knew about your love of fishing, of course, but you're right... there isn't much of that to be done here. Although I'm sure we could find something for you to read...

[ He pauses, debating on whether to follow this line of questioning. ]

...I met someone a little while ago who was likewise enamored with the stars. Your words made me think of them.

Oh?

[Byleth seemed intrigued. Was there another person fascinated with the stars like him? The few he spoke about to had only mild interest, and only because Byleth had brought it up... and it had been at the masquerade. If there were others who shared his love of the night sky, then maybe he should lead in with that in conversation from now on.]

I'm always happy to hear of a fellow stargazer. Are they in Meridian?

I can't say for certain. It was during the masquerade, so... you understand I didn't know their identity. We talked about the constellations they might have known at home and how different the stars are here.

[ He sounds rather fond speaking of this mysterious stranger. ]

The masquerade...

[Wait.]

Ah. Um, out of curiosity... did this mysterious stranger say that their favourite star was the North Star...?

[Because while Byleth had mentioned his love of stars to at least three people at the masquerade, only one he had spoke at length about constellations back home, and that was the one he had told his favourite star to.]

Oh, now that you mention it...

[ Dimitri hasn't quite put it together yet. ]

I believe he did! A fortunate guess.

[ Dimitri.... ]

And... did they scold you for not getting enough rest...?

[Hm. What was this curious emotion Byleth was feeling. The thought of Dimitri being the one he had shamelessly gushed to about stars made him feel hot around the collar. It would've been fine if it had been a complete stranger, or someone he didn't know all that well, but the idea of it being Dimitri or Claude...

Was this what it meant to feel flustered?]

...I think they did.

[ Oh no.

He gives Byleth a slightly embarrassed look. ]

...was that you?

III

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