festivals and mur--ahem, investigations 🎊🔍

[beleos]

COMMUNION WITH YIMA

After given some time for recovery and for Yima to hear reports of what transpired at the Tree of Life last month, a Communion message gently flows through the minds of each Shard-Bearer. They will have to choose to accept this message, and once they do, they will be greeted by Yima’s voice resonating pleasantly in their heads. She first apologizes for their harrowing experience with the Dryad, and that she hadn’t anticipated such a violent reaction from the Tree; she believes that their experiences point to an imbalance within the Tree itself, most likely brought about by the soon-to-come arrival of the Oracles.

She has spoken with Cyrus, and they have jointly decided that an investigation into the matter - and potentially the destruction of the Dryad - may be required to purge its influence from the Tree. Yima requests that any who would willingly seek out the Dryad volunteer to do so and will be outfitted with a ward against any tampering to prevent them from falling into the creature’s clutches a second time. It will take her a bit to fashion enough of these wards - but she anticipates being ready toward the end of the month.

She concludes her message with another heartfelt apology for your suffering, that she would not have sent any into such a situation she believed were truly dangerous. That being said, she takes responsibility for your ordeal and asks that if there is anything she can do in recompense, you have but to ask.

Yima will be available for Communion chatter here!

FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE - HIGHSTORM

Takiltu is a month cycle the natives of Kenos regard with some amount of reverence and a hearty helping of excitement: the first part of the month (November) is spent reflecting on and celebrating the differing cultures and worlds each Kenosian represents. The second part of the month (December) is spent celebrating unity and togetherness, to come together with friends and family, to be kind to others and share in one’s wealth - whether that comes in the form of knowledge, monetary gains, or the exchange of gifts and one’s time.

Each city celebrates differently, the flavor of their festivals a reflection of their people.

In Highstorm, the first thirty days of Takiltu are spent in Remembrance. The city is decorated with string lights, paper lanterns, candles, and torches to illuminate the streets in beautiful colors and shimmering magical illusory shapes. The focal point of the festival takes place in The Court, where the reflecting pool has been especially decorated with arrangements of flowers and lights. Festival stands erected around the Courtyard peddle paper lanterns as well as refreshments, fanciful decorative items, and enchanted jewelry that is said to make one’s recollections of the past temporarily clearer.

The pool itself is the main attraction, here; citizens who approach its waters and gaze into its depths will find its normal abilities to reflect memories enhanced. The images are surreal for their clarity, vivid - and normally, one is requested to look into the eyes of those most precious to them whose souls remain lost, to pay homage to their memory and sacrifices, and to wish them rebirth in the new world to come. A purchased lantern is then lit and sent skyward where it floats into the moonlight, joining the others hovering above.

But this year, there is an addition to the usual fanfare. Emet-Selch has been asked to assist with the festival; as long as he is given permission, he can recreate the memory displayed in the reflecting pool. Yima has granted him a temporary blessing which enhances his natural creation abilities - a gift for their people she is grateful for. Your character can choose what it is they see in the water - whether it’s a place, a person, or the feelings of a certain point and time, he will temporarily recreate it around you. Everyone will be able to see this conjuring and interact with it while it is functional. It will last between 15 to 30 minutes before dissolving into beads of light that slowly trickle skyward before disappearing. You’ll be told to light a lantern, send it adrift, and that this will give peace to the part of you and your Shard that surely aches. But does it…?

Elsewhere in Highstorm, the High Theater has been painstakingly decorated and aglow with magical floating motes of light; the interior has been transformed into something of an Art Gallery. The pieces within are dedications to parts of worlds long gone, as well as the people in them; some are beautifully painted landscapes of exquisite, far-away places beyond the imagination. Some are more mundane and familiar snapshots of life in a home world not too different from your own. There are portraits of families, loved ones, and those the Zenites long for most. This is their time to mourn, to grieve, and to appreciate their pasts - the pasts that will lead them to a brighter future, one day. They must move on into the future, but treasuring that which came before is equally important to them.

Should you touch any of the motes of light that are around the art pieces decorating the Gallery, you will find yourself able to feel, hear, see, and taste a piece of the world the piece represents. Some of these are warm gatherings over a dinner table with family; others are heart-wrenching expressions of loss and bitterness and pain. Be cautious which you choose. Oh, and do be careful not to stand too closely with someone else when you touch one, or one accidentally touches you - the experience is absolutely contagious through Communion.

CELEBRATION OF CHERISHMENT - SPRINGSTAR

While Highstorm’s Festival of Remembrance is a more demure and reflective time, Springstar takes a much different approach to the season. In true Meri nature, the Celebration of Cherishment encapsulates celebrating life in all forms - and that means parties! The Psychagogía is the main hub of excitement considering, but festivities can be found in almost every single district of Springstar. Wherever you go, something is happening and someone is trying to rope you into having a good time.

The city has been decorated with bright and colorful multi-purpose magical ivy-like vines that sprouts buds that bloom over the course of the month into gorgeous flowers. These flowers are considered sacred, and their blooming is a momentous time of joy and good fortune. Each flower is left intact; disturbing one is tantamount to a war crime by the natives, so don’t get observed if you try to pluck one!

The Psychagogía is incredibly lively, teeming with people and events; almost every venue is peddling some kind of ‘Cherishment’ celebratory sale or discount. The first portion of the month includes what the locals call “the meri-ment” (and seem quite chuffed about that pun), in which Kenosians are encouraged to go bar hopping and taste the wide variety of specialty ales and liquor unkegged only around this time of year. Participants are highly encouraged to share stories of their worlds and cultures, to tell those they mingle with tales of the worlds they will one day return to and why they’re special, unique - to celebrate their one-day return.

Alongside this comes a great deal of outdoor grilling, fresh meats and vegetables sending tantalizing scents everywhere you go once the evening hours arrive. Some of these food and drinks can cause… interesting… effects if you consume them in excess, especially at the Emotional Damage - so try to show restraint. It would be a bit embarrassing to find yourself strangely infatuated with the first person you lay eyes on after your fifth night out on the town, or feeling compelled to express warm feelings aloud you wouldn’t normally commit to another. Luckily, it only lasts a short period of time - but beware the wicked hangover afterward. Strangely enough, if you’re suffering, you feel oddly compelled to seek out a little TLC from someone else - someone with whom you might have some unresolved feelings toward, positive or negative. Is it longing? Anger? Jealousy? Unspoken affections? Love? Whatever it is, you're more likely to seek them out for some care.

At the Coliseum, nightly brawls between Meris take place and the usual assortment of monsters are temporarily taken out of offer. This part of the festivities is one where each Kenosian is encouraged to settle any differences or misgivings with others and to get it out of their system, cleansing them of bad mojo - “leave it in the ring,” as it were. Despite beating each other bloody at times, most combatants willingly stop before it gets too serious and fighting to the death is not permitted. You must embrace your adversary before you leave, and your ‘bad blood’ will be considered purged and settled so you can start anew.

The Empório district is celebrating consumerism, because of course it is! All the usual goods are on a considerable discount, and for a brief time, gardening tools and supplies are free! The reason for this is that Springstar’s citizens are encouraged to plant one seedling in the gardens in Katoikitikós once the flowers lining the city have gone into full bloom. It is said this honors gods across cultures and time as well as invites good fortune. You are encouraged to plant a seedling in a group or pairing, as space is limited - and there are superstitions regarding this togetherness resulting in more favorable results. Should you plant a seedling with someone else, you might indeed find that something is beginning to blossom between you… Based on your Aspects, you might find yourselves feeling closer and more connected - or repulsed depending on your compatibility. This effect will last through the month after planting. Should you check on the seedling later, its health will be reflected in the state of your relationship. Friends will find the little plant thriving; enemies will find it is sickly and dying.

For those Shard-Bearers who have already harmonized with the Meridian or who have quarters in Heliopolis, you will find the communal meals much more lavish and indulgent than usual. There may even be a taste of home waiting for you among the spreads on offer, or some comfort food you haven’t had in a while. It is encouraged to share anything to your taste - or even to share why it is meaningful to you via Communion. Or you can just eat. You do you, man.

Once the flowers have bloomed and the festivities reach their peak, one might find the city loud and boisterous and sleep a little more difficult to come by. Springstar is absolutely thriving and alive - and you, too, feel more invigorated and energetic despite any lack of zzz’s. Should you leave the city, however, this effect will vanish and you might find yourself unnaturally fatigued and in need of more rest than is customary. Returning to Springstar will slowly build up your stamina again. This effect lasts until the end of the month.

THE MYSTERY OF ALENROUX

Once celebrations are in full-swing in the cities, some characters (i.e., any characters that choose to participate in this prompt) will be contacted by Cyrus or Yima, depending on their faction or whichever they feel a stronger inclination towards if they are currently Unharmonized. Both will explain that there’s something that they’d like you to investigate, but also to prepare and be careful, since this request doesn’t come without danger… A Shard has been lost in Alenroux, and they both hope you’ll be able to retrieve it.

MERIDIAN

“I’ve gotten word that a Zenith Shard-Bearer was sent to Alenroux a little bit before you arrived, and they haven’t come back yet. Normally, none of our business, but based on what some of the farmers have been saying, I think they’ve gotten hit by Discord. If it gets high enough, well… You don’t really have your mind anymore. We can help them through Purification. Even if it’s just for long enough to calm them down, it’s better than them being trapped in madness. It might be easier to dissipate them first, though, then Purify their Shard. They were last seen heading to the Northern forests. Let me know what I can give you to help, and make sure to help each other. Good luck.”

ZENITH

"Please heed my request, though I do not ask this of you lightly... One of the Zenith's children has been lost among the fields of Alenroux come nightfall and I fear the worst has befallen them. There are dangerous elements attracted to the presence of a soul, and the likelihood our brethren has been lost... it is great. Seek out the Shard - and if you are able to retrieve it, please do so. If it has suffered corruption too great to be saved or would place you in too great a danger to take back, then... I trust you to make the merciful choice. I place this in your hands and will give you whatever you require to see it through. Look out for your fellow Zenith and work together, as I do not want to lose more of you. Be well."

Both factions will offer their recruits access to standard weaponry and armor/protective clothing. If a character asks for more, they’ll be given a weapon or a piece of armor with minor magical properties which would normally cost 1 AC token to purchase. Magical weapons are on loan however. If your character takes these and/or chooses to keep it, please note this in your Committed Actions! If they choose to keep standard weaponry, Cyrus/Yima will just be disappointed in your dishonesty. :(

When you arrive during the day cycle, you’ll also find horses and magic hoverboards to use (they go the same speed tbh), because heading North to the forests is a bit of a trek, and you might not make it there in time on foot! As the sun starts to set, you’ll see the people in Alenroux start to leave, going clearly your opposite direction. Once night falls (Nov. 9th OOC), it doesn’t take long for things to change.

There’s just a sliver of a crescent moon in the sky, which makes the rolling hills and forests much more ominous than they were during the day. And as the stories say, it only takes an hour or two before you start to run into strange creatures. Closer to the Cornerstone, there are indeed strange creatures, and while they may not all look scary, they might present different kinds of dangers such as…

• A light in the dark looks like a fairy, but stare at it too long and you’ll find yourself hypnotized by a ghastly fish will lead you to a body of water to drown you.
• An innocuous puddle may form up into a mass of corrosive goo, complete with the bones and items of the last person it came across. When you slice it, it simply creates a copy of itself, so hopefully you realize this before you’re surrounded.
• A strange straw poppet (sans pins, of course) that possesses you once you touch it and will use your body to try and fight anyone else while your consciousness is trapped inside the doll. To be freed, you only have to destroy the doll, but you’ll feel the pain of how its destroyed even if you don’t bear any injuries from it.

However, as you get closer to the Northern forests, they become significantly more fearsome…

• With a roar, a massive, multiheaded beast descends, and each of its mouths is perfectly capable of taking a bite out of you. Watch out for the snake’s head in particular, since its venom will cause you to hallucinate your worst fears.
• As you come face to face with an odd creature, bioluminescence lights up on its skin, and the spins on its back quiver with a sound like a rattlesnake’s. As the spines quiver, you find it exceptionally difficult to take your eyes off them and move as it stalks closer slowly. You can fight blind, right?
• Diving in and out of larger shadows like its water is a slimy beast that’s incredibly fast. Its teeth may be small, but its tail is a razor-sharp whip that could remove a limb if you’re not careful.

These are just examples, however. There are many creatures lurking the wilds of Alenroux, so feel free to create your own monsters with unique effects.

It's a difficult trek North, and you may be tired from hours of running, fighting, or both… But eventually, a few people do find what they were looking for. They might have even missed it, if not for how their Shards suddenly felt like they were burning. From the shadows, a twisted creature of roots and lights which what looks like many crystals in a glowing mass appears and one of its eyes locks on you. It looks like now is your chance.

NOTES

Weather summary for the first 30 days of Takiltu (NOV & DEC):

Highstorm is in late fall, early winter season. Some flurries may occasionally fall and it is getting considerably cold out there! Bundle up!

Springstar is in the throes of early summer; the weather is climate and pleasantly warm for outdoor celebrations (but not sweltering). There are occasional afternoon showers, but they don’t last very long.

Notable city changes:

If you wander the Markets in Highstorm, you might notice some of the peddlers seem a bit wary of you. Hm, guess something happened around here! Probably totally unrelated, but Silco and Vander (or anyone with them) will be treated with nervous suspicion.

Similarly, if you're traveling with Set (or you're Set) in Springstar, you might occasionally find yourself getting strange looks. Ask Set why.

Faction updates:

There are no explicit changes in faction behavior at this time. This will be a staple in all future event write-ups to catalogue the fluidity of the conflict as it progresses, though, so we're including it here for posterity!

Event Notes:

The Reflecting Pool in the Courts of Highstorm can be observed normally with no addtional effects or can bring your memory to vivid life thanks to the help of Emet-Selch (and Yima). If you grant him permission (which can be handwaved), he will breathe life into whichever memory you have chosen to view! If this includes any NPC’s or interactive elements, you will be responsible for playing them out in any tags until they disappear. Please see Emet’s toplevel for any interactions you’d like to thread out with him as a part of this.

For the Gallery in Highstorm, the art depicted in and scenes experienced through the pieces are up to you to create! Feel free to go wild with any associated NPC's in the scene and worldbuild as you see fit. Highstorm holds a variety of citizens from across the multiverse, so you could feasibly go fantastical places, or experience something distinctly profound and beyond your imagination...

The drinks and refreshments in Springstar can be enchanted in just about any way you’d like, including bringing upon minor physical changes of the cute, fun, and flirty variety! Feel free to get creative (as long as you get permission from your thread partner), the Meris would also merrily insist growing extra fluffy, scaly, etc bits during the celebration will only help you party harder! 🥳

As reminders for Alenroux, once night falls, a character is not able to leave until sunrise, which is 24 hours later. If your character is dissipated, you can have a PC retrieve their Shard or the respective Faction they're allied with will send out a search party to find it. Remember to report character deaths!

CODING

Comments

Barnaby Brooks Jr. | Exalt | Zenith

[hundredpower]

I. HIGHSTORM - GALLERY

[Barnaby is drawn to the gallery. It's like being in a graveyard where one pays respects to the departed, but instead of cold headstones and fading flowers, here, the art is full of life. Every piece bursts with sentiments so cherished to those who must still remember them, that it hurts to look. So many here have experienced loss, just as he has, and though it wrenches at his heart, it also moves him to see the love and care placed into every single piece.

The landscapes catch his attention first, from verdant fields with a single farmhouse in the distance, to rugged mountaintops showing a stunning vista of the land below. All beautiful, but he doesn't know them himself to know what significance they hold.

Instead, he's more interested in portraits, smiling faces where every wrinkle is captured down to the last detail, depictions so vivid he can guess what the person might have been like at a glance. He also appreciates the depictions of everyday life: one is a snowy scene of two children, bundled up in scarves and gloves and making snow angels together while their parents look on. Another painting, a companion piece, is a snowball fight, the children playing with their parents, the father being pelted while the children laugh.

He doesn't know if this artwork was put here by one of the surviving parents, perhaps, or one of the children. But he looks at it for a long time. After everything he's endured to arrive here, what would his own parents say if they could see him now...?]

II. SPRINGSTAR - EMOTIONAL DAMAGE

[Or perhaps you can find Barnaby trying to slip out of a bar in Springstar one evening. For some reason, he has his jacket pulled over his head, and he's keeping his eyes pointed down like he's doing his damndest not to make eye contact with anyone and draw attention to himself.

However, a certain someone (you) is in his way, trying to enter the bar while he's hurrying out, and he's forced to look up and do an awkward sidestep.]

Sorry -- you go first. [Please don't ask him why he's acting weird, he's silently begging you. (Also: do NOT look at the fluffy white tail peeking out from the bottom of his shirt.)]

III. THE MYSTERY OF ALENROUX

[With the news about a Shard that needs retrieving, Barnaby decides to do what he can to help. Maybe, even with his memories as muddied as they are at this point, he still wants to live up to whatever vestiges of his heroic past he can scrape together. Maybe he just wants to repay Yima for her kindness by paying it forwards to someone else in need. Regardless, he's determined to do what he can to get the Shard back.

He won't be recognisable at first -- clad in his red hero suit from home, armour he'd been sorely missing in Horos that would surely make combat easier in Kenos -- with the visor and glowing blue eyes obscuring his face. As the sun begins to set and he prepares to enter the forest, however, he realises he has company. Zenith, Meridian, or neither, he'll flip up his visor to reveal his face, regarding them curiously.]

Are you sure you want to do this? Lady Yima warned there are dangers ahead.

IV. WILDCARD

[Anything else here! For the second prompt I'm happy to play around with various drink affects for either Barnaby or your character, so if you have any particular ideas, hit me up here and we can plot. All prompts icly take place on or before the 9th, after which Barnaby will be dissipated.]

i.

[impiety]

[ Even in the far reaches of space, it seems like life is simply life.

He walks along as he admires the paintings that have been created. Archangel cannot help but wonder how many people were trampled upon for the happiness that was depicted. He cannot help but wonder how many people were unable to smile so warm and happy. That is the way that his mind always goes.

But he pauses as he sees a familiar face -- one that looks to be entranced in a different way with the paintings. ]

Life is just life no matter where you go. [ Archangel decides to share his thoughts -- well, the carefully doctored version of his thoughts, anyway. ] There is something comforting in that, don't you think?

[hundredpower]

[Barnaby casts a sidelong look at Archangel, surprised; evidently he'd been too distracted to notice his approach. To his question, he frowns and looks back at the painting, not sure how to consider it.]

We've all lost most of the pieces of our lives. Maybe that's comforting, in a way.

[It means none of them are alone in their grief. But all the same-- his next remark comes sharp, angry.]

It would be easier to accept if much of that loss were not the work of one being.

[impiety]

[ Archangel is about to give some vague statement on how he agrees, but halts at hearing the sharp, angry reply that follows.

He blinks; he hadn't really thought the oblivion was something alive. Rather he assumed it was just some force instead of a being, but he supposes he's been distracted by quite a bit of things as of late. ]

Yes, I suppose that it would be. [ His tone is soft. ] If it is any consolation, I don't believe that being has much higher-function when it comes to thought.

[hundredpower]

It's gone now, too. [At least, if what Yima says is true, and he has no reason to disbelieve her so far.] So I would be surprised if it still did.

[That's still not much consolation after everything that's happened, but there's no point in taking it out on an acquaintance when they're all in the same situation, so he bites his tongue on that much.]

Truthfully, the only consolation I have is that Lady Yima's actions have allowed people to build new lives here, and that all of this can be remembered.

alenroux wildcard

[exhound]

[Vander’s made a decent push into the forest at this point, trying to keep his eyes peeled not only for any sign of this mysterious missing Zenite, but also any members of the sizable rescue party that has scattered itself amidst the northern part of the island—whether it be to lend his aid or compare their findings thus far. Word is getting around about various monster sightings, but no luck on their real objective so far.

And it seems he may have stumbled into another mysterious creature of his own. Vander is crouched at the top of a low, sloping hill to keep watch for it when he catches sight of someone approaching in some rather eye-catching armor. He straightens up to his full height, raising one gauntleted fist to catch the stranger’s attention as he calls out.]

Watch your footing. Think there’s something burrowing in the ground around here. Damn thing nearly tripped me—

[And as if on cue, the ground at the foot of the hill begins to shift with an almost urgent speed.]

[hundredpower]

[Barnaby's helmet tilts toward Vander, not having spotted the man at first until he stands. He looks down the hill to where he indicates the danger.] Is that it? --It's coming this way!

[Perhaps it was attracted by their voices, or simply the vibrations in the earth at Barnaby's arrival, but regardless, the earth is shifting and heading uphill towards them. Barnaby leaps back out of its path, tensed and ready to fight. Perhaps they can bait it out of the earth somehow, if it doesn't emerge of its own accord first.]

[exhound]

[Vander doesn’t know what to expect of this thing, considering what he’s seen out in these woods so far. Something about this feels almost animal-like—at least at first. It seems like almost no time at all until it burrows its way right on up the hill and between the two men. Vander moves to step back, quickening his pace when it seems to only draw its attention. It barely affords him the space to dodge the sweep of slick ink-black claws that spring up from the earth after him.]

It ain’t happy, whatever it is.

[Stating the obvious, really, since that described just about everything in these woods. The slender, eerily-long hand slips back into the dirt and for a moment everything around them seems to fall still.

Voice somewhat hushed—] Don’t fancy the chances of outrunning it.

[hundredpower]

[Barnaby's straining his ears to listen, but even the wind in the trees seems to have fallen eerily silent. It's surely trying to lull them into a false sense of security before it strikes again. He looks from the ground and over to Vander.]

I can.

[Outrun it, that is. Unless the monster is capable of the same absurd speeds he is, though that seems unlikely, if tunnelling through the ground is its preferred way to get around.]

With that in mind, why don't you go ahead and get to safety? I can distract it and catch up with you soon.

iii

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian’s reasons for participating were not so altruistic, naturally. Lady Yima had asked it, so that made it a simple enough decision (so long as it didn’t conflict with another, new obligation), since he’s nothing if not a suck-up. Though it’s also fine with him. This sort of job was the one he had no problem agreeing to, since it suited his skillset well.

He’s looking at Barnaby’s suit with open curiosity, since it’s far, far beyond the technology of anything he’s seen. When the visor flips up, Sebastian’s expression is almost delighted, since his love of technology just means that he thinks it’s neat, though it does also brighten with recognition. ]

Ah, Mr. Brooks! Pardon me for staring, as I did not recognize you.

[ It’s a bit of a joke, since of course, how could he… ]

But I am quite sure, yes. This is the sort of thing I am well suited towards.

[hundredpower]

My apologies. This is equipment I used back in my own world.

[Barnaby smiles. He's not surprised he would be unrecognisable, since the hero system and their suits seem to be a quirk unique to his own world, from all the others he's learned about so far.]

This suit is extremely durable, so you won't need to worry about me. [Certainly not compared to the last time they fought together.] If you're ready, shall we begin?

[cutlery]

No, no— [ Sebastian shakes his head gently to dismiss the apology, but at least now his interest is much clearer ] No apology needed. It is a very interesting piece of equipment indeed! I look forward to seeing how it works.

[ Though it does make a bit of a contrast, consider Sebastian looks… No different than normal. It at least won’t come as much of a surprise for Barnaby compared to the rest of the people he might be fighting alongside. He gives Baranby a pleasant nod, then looks out to the dimming scenery before them. ]

So, indeed, let us get to work.

[hundredpower]

[Barnaby nods and clicks his visor back down, the better to improve his vision, particularly with the daylight fading fast.]

I'd be happy to explain its functions at a better time. [But some of it is self-explanatory, so Sebastian can also learn plenty from observation in the meantime. He leads the way into the forest, where it would be difficult to lose track of him in the gloom, the way the blue eyes of his helmet glow as he looks around.]

Lady Yima suspects that all that's left of the one we're searching for is a Shard... It might be difficult to narrow down the search for something so small. Do you have any ideas?

ii (i can't resist)

[galdorleod]

[ Perhaps it will be some small comfort to Barnaby to look up and see that the person he nearly ran into is Howl. And, on top of that, that Howl has clearly had a few drinks already himself, judging from his watery eyes, and his flushed cheeks... and the tips of his blond hair starting to turn white. Howl blinks at him as the fog in his brain clears just enough for him to place this familiar man, but once he does, a wide grin spreads across his face. ]

Barnaby! Don't tell me you're leaving, just as I found you? [ He reaches out to clamp a friendly hand on his shoulder. ] How have you been? Stay just a bit more! Or is this establishment a bore?

[hundredpower]

[Uh oh. Instead of being comforted, Barnaby looks positively spooked when he realises it's Howl -- a stranger would be less embarassing to have notice him than someone he actually knows -- and his hands clamp down a bit tighter on the jacket over his head.]

I'm well, thank you. I, ah-- forgot something I need to do, so I'm heading back for the evening.

[A vague nonexcuse, but he's panicking a little too much to be any good at improvising. Maybe Howl's too drunk at this point to notice.]

[galdorleod]

What? Already? But the night is young! [ ... wait. ] Er, the... late-late-late afternoon? Or whatever the Meris call it. It's far too early to turn in now, is what I'm saying!

[ Howl gives him a drunken "c'mon bro" sort of look and pivots on his heels so he can sling his arm around his shoulders and continue this horrible onslaught. ]

I tell you what, I know a place. It's nearby, and much quieter than this. We could catch up properly there!

[hundredpower]

[Barnaby looks like he'd sooner melt into the floor from embarassment than go along with this, but Howl's already dragging him along, so he doesn't have much choice. He'll just have to find a chance to slip away sooner rather than later.]

I have time for one drink. [It's something of a pitiful compromise, but perhaps he can get away with that much without his secret getting out.]

I

[youngprodigy]

[Barnaby isn't the only one entranced by the painting of children playing. Cid looks at it with a quiet reverence.]

...It's beautiful, isn't it? Idyllic.

I never had moments like that. I was too serious of a child.

[hundredpower]

My own childhood... was a short one.

[Barnaby admits quietly but doesn't elaborate, glancing at Cid.]

But that just makes others' memories of theirs all the more precious. It's something that should be protected.

[youngprodigy]

My father grew distant from me before I turned four-and-ten. I never knew my mother. I suppose I never had the chance to have a childhood.

[It's an admission of his own, an empathetic glance at Barnaby.]

I'm grateful these scenes are here to be remembered. Those good times, however fleeting.

[hundredpower]

That Lady Yima was able to preserve this much is a blessing on its own. [He indicates down the gallery.]

Are any of the artworks here your memories? Or is there one you like in particular?

I

[zauneyete]

[ Silco had taken to lurking in the Gallery after some time. It was to be expected. Although he had little interest in the worlds of others -- beyond what he could use -- he wasn't keen on spending much time looking at the paintings. What good did it do, to reflect on what one didn't have, and never would? Silco did not desire for the things he had missed out -- these scenes of idyllic childhoods, families at their tables... it only filled him with that sense of disgust, anger.

Some lingered at the paintings -- one he recognized.

He'd thought to leave it, but no, Silco was... feeling spicy these days. Dying had certainly made him bolder, and the blonde man staring at the paintings certainly... had a particular subject, he'd noticed. Silco slinked up from behind, soft footsteps on the ground, when he finally spoke up. ]

Interesting choice.

[ He said, and just managed to keep the disdain from his voice. ]

[hundredpower]

[Barnaby hears someone approach and that familiar voice, and he turns his head to glance over his shoulder, stepping aside slightly to allow Silco to see the painting more easily. He hadn't spoken to the man since Horos, but it seems quite a few of them made the journey over.]

'Interesting'? [He echoes, curious.] How so?

[zauneyete]

[ Silco remembered some of their encounter, many months ago, when Barnaby had been struggling with that man in his memories. He remembered that encounter, that there had been a very hated man, and that he'd been like a father to Barnaby. Silco did not forget the things about people that he thought would be of use later. That was one of them.

Now he was staring at all these idyllic paintings of families, scenes of love and care. Silco supposed that for some, they so desperately wished for what they couldn't have. It couldn't be him, of course. ]

Hm. [ He pointed upward, at the painting. A family, sitting down to dinner. All smiles, almost too perfect. ] I just wonder what makes someone stares so much at what they didn't have? Is it jealousy, or wistfulness?

[hundredpower]

[Silco does know that much about him, doesn't he? He's a sharp one. Barnaby's eyes travel to the painting.] The former. [He admits it quietly.] My parents died in winter when I was very young. So I suppose when I see a scene like this, I inevitably think of them.

[And what could have been, if they survived. He'd have a happy, normal childhood, surrounded by people who loved him.]

I can't scorn others for having what I didn't. These memories are very precious to someone, just as mine are to me.