kenoslogs | 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

...do we not? We have decided to align ourselves with Cyrus' cause and as far as we know, we have no other way to restore our homes.

[ Dimitri frowns. ]

If Zenith wins out, we may lose whatever chance we had to get them back. So... what is the alternative?

[He can't help but be somewhat amused, though it's not tauntingly so.] Just because our goals align doesn't mean we have to agree with the methods of the higher-ups, right?

[Whoever those are. He doesn't really believe Cyrus is the one pulling the strings, merely where the strings converge, with a pretty political bead for everyone to see.]

No, I suppose not.

[ He offers a half-smile. ]

One can follow without agreeing. Or even decide to go one's own way, in the end. Although forging our own path would be difficult... at least unless we can find some way to compete with the Zenith on our own.

[Mamoru doesn't acquiesce or nod; the acknowledgment comes in a roll of his shoulders that's not a shrug, but a mere shake off the seemingly permanent weight that lays on them, the wear of someone who hasn't taken a break for ages.]

Have you wondered, though? [His lip twitches.] About what would happen if we pushed back?

Against Cyrus?

[ Something in him roils at the idea. But he beats that down with a little frown. ]

...occasionally. The people who are native to this place seem to approve of him, though. And we're a handful.

You think Cyrus is the decision-maker here?

[An actual honest question. He does want to know what other Meridian's take on their leader is, after all.]

Who else is there? Do you think there's someone behind the scenes?

You think he's the only one who calls the shots here?

[Really? Someone alone being so powerful while in a public position? That always boded badly where he comes from. Though to be fair, if that's true, it could be an indicator that they would see Cyrus' true colors soon. Who knows.]

He's at least the one who appears to do so. I would be foolish to think there isn't some sort of group or organization that isn't interested in running things... but they haven't shown themselves openly to us if they exist.

[ It's a mystery! ]

I feel this is too big for him to handle alone. [He's seen smaller rulers, execs, and even leaders of gangs or military troops, lose their own sense of things, of what was right or wrong, what was best.] Don't you?

In a way, yes. But... a single city may be held in one person's grip.

[ Although... ]

Then again, even a ruler needs confidants. People he can rely on. There must be more to it.

And confidants can also have a hand in influencing their ruler.

[There are wards, consultants, and people in charge of certain things. And yet, Mamoru has watched nothing but Cyrus decreeing nothing but a conflict that they still almost know nothing about.] You're not concerned, that we're fighting against people who just wish to move on?

That does bother me. I don't want to force them into anything...

[ He looks a bit distant. ]

But I also have a responsibility to try and restore what has been lost. I cannot turn away from that.

[That actually brings up a question that he had been mulling on for a while.]

Was there any information that these were mutually exclusive? Technically, the Zenites are already living in a new world, aren't they?

Only from Cyrus, although almost everyone else seems ot believe our goals are mutually exclusive.

And that's enough? [He understands that sometimes, faith comes down to believing in one thing and sticking to it.

But other times, he wonders if that's the right thing to do.

Not that he spends that much time lingering on that.]

Maybe not. But do we have any other choice?

[ Dimitri seems... a little resigned. At least for the moment. ]

Unless we can find some way to step away from either Yima or Cyrus and forge our own path to restore our worlds... all we can do is trust.

Maybe the choice just hasn't shown up yet.

[It's a matter of opportunity, really.] But I hope you're right.

Then all we can do is wait and see. Which is... not the ideal situation. But we'll simply have to do our best.

open | a merry meri mingle

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