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

[sanguinary]

[HELP me opening the first one in my inbox and losing it

But yeah, peaceful is sure something that a sea of tranquility sounds like it'd be, huh? Matsui, who had already been looking this stranger's way, continues to stare for probably just a second too long, just barely long enough for a normal human to find it a little uncomfortable. But his gaze drifts back toward the painting after - a lovely scene of a moon reflecting off the surface of a quaint lake.

After a moment or two of silence:]

It is a sea on the moon, by legend. Some would say that it's a place of peace and safety, and others even believe it to be where the dead go to rest... But both the moon and the ocean are deep, cold and unknowable things.

[Dire! Granted, the air about him in general is pretty morose and somber, so maybe viewing it that way isn't a surprise coming from him.]

[impiety]

[ Truly, the most sentence -- just "no."

The stare bring him a bit of pause as he wonders what the man is analyzing about him. He doesn't quite sneer, but his lips curl a little and he flattens the expression to a simple, placating smile instead. ]

Ah. [ Yes, he remembers that now. ] Indeed, they are. And so you look upon these paintings and think of cold, unknowable things? How interesting. [ A slight pause as he turns to face him and offers a wider smile. ] Me too.

[sanguinary]

[me @ archangel like same

It's the water, really. The moon at least has a light side to it, but the ocean is unfathomable below a certain point. How many tons of blood and individual bodies could the whole vast sea hold?

Matsui doesn't smile in return, but it's only because the expression doesn't come to him often on its own. There's something about the openness of his posture that indicates his curiosity, even so.]

Why is it that you're reminded of such things?

[impiety]

I believe it is because of how my world was.

[ An easy enough answer, but he decides to elaborate. ]

For every happy face, there is one that was in pain. For all these memories that people share of joy, there is someone that was living in fear and agony. [ He lifts his hand up toward the painting in front of them, using it to cover up the face of one of the painted individuals. ] There is someone that goes unremembered.

The vastness of space and the emptiness that it embodies within that sea... is it not like how those who are forgotten must feel when there is no one to paint their portrait or love them as dearly as these people were?

[sanguinary]

[It reminds him of something, for a moment - this man's words. It reminds him of tens of thousands dead, and two survivors instead of one, as if one single person saved could make any meaningful difference.

For a second, he's quiet and considering, looking at the covered face and the hand over it.]

...I believe many worlds are like that.

[Is what he says first. It's a human thing, he thinks. It's more than a human thing, most likely. It's something that afflicts any world with a finite species that has too much of itself to remember.]

There will come a day when all things are forgotten, no matter how enormous or beloved they were in their time. But it is certainly uneven... The balance between those whose names history remembers and those that it doesn't.

[impiety]

Yes, unfortunately, that is true.

[ Archangel agrees that too many worlds are like that, and it is a sin for them to be that way. It is a sin that he hoped to wash away, but it seems like he will be unable to do so -- for the moment, anyway. ]

Indeed. [ Is what he says at first, and it seems like he may leave it as simple agreement, but he starts again. ] However, we cannot save ourselves if this is what we continue to do. We have a new world and a new life with it... it would be depressing to have us repeat the same mistakes here, as well.

[ Of course, humanity cannot be trusted. It will always make the same mistakes, but he, at least, will spread the word to force change. ]

[sanguinary]

[It's a nice thought - a world rebuilt in a way where no one is left behind or forgotten. Matsui doesn't think such a thing is possible, but it rings like an interesting little consideration, anyway - a what-if game to him.]

It would be expected.

[Rather than depressing - or maybe in addition to being depressing. He does unfortunately love humanity in all its flaws and ugliness, so even if there's exhaustion and exasperation in his view of it, he doesn't speak scathingly.]

But do you think such a world is possible?

[impiety]

Of course, it is.

[ If he had acquired the Absolute God's power, he could have made such a world. He'd remove all thought that made people turn against one another and force a paradise upon them. They would live happily and safe without anyone wanting or needing anything.

But that has been taken from him -- at least on his world. ]

So long as we are alive, it will be possible.

[sanguinary]

[me pointing to the brackets like IS THIS MAN OKAY

Meanwhile, Matsui who is not gifted with bracket-reading foresight just gives the painting to his left a slightly flat look, mostly so he can turn his face away from his conversation partner's for a moment.]

Life is not guaranteed to any living thing, but it would seem we're in a particularly precarious situation currently.

[Though it's not his concerns for a potential Universe Ending Collapse that makes him just a little salty, so much as the fact that he dislikes feeling singled out for survival among his better peers.]

"If the foundation's no good, nothing good will grow"... I was told this once, about farming abandoned soil.

[impiety]

[ me shaking my head no, YEAH HE'S FINE

Archangel remains going quietly nutty in his own head while his expression remains serene and calm. His voice never speeding up but remaining soothing and soft. ]

Do you believe that the soil that is here is no good? Are you doubting in those that were [ He tilts his head to think of the right phrase. ] brought here [ As opposed to "chosen." ] lack the foundation to ensure growth?

[ Because he does; he certainly feels that way. But it's all right -- the foundations may be garbage. He'll find a way to make each and every person into mulch and grow something from their carcasses. ]

I don't think that to be true. I think that while life cannot be guaranteed, we should not squander it... and we should believe in one another.

[sanguinary]

[A FINE, NORMAL LAD...

He really does have a soothing aura, though. Matsui is far from an expressive individual, and one would be hard-pressed to tell how intensely and deeply he feels emotion through his outward reactions alone. Still, even he finds comfort in well-measured, gentle speech.

When he glances back from the painting, there's another pause, thoughtful in its nature even if his eventual statement is a simple:]

I have no opinions on this soil.

[Hard to tell whether or not that's true. If it is, it's only by virtue of the fact that he's a being that exists for a very specific purpose, and that purpose isn't here, so what right or reason does he have to form a bias in any direction?]

But I do agree that one should not squander the opportunities they are given, however they may come to be.

[impiety]

Then, if you have no opinions, I hope that you will take mine.

[ His eyes crinkle as he smiles, like attempting to share a joke with someone that he does not know. In fact, he can't even remember if he's introduced himself or not. Mentally, he goes through the conversation and realizes that they had just been talking about idle things while his insanity ate away at his senses, chewing and gnawing on his rational thoughts.

There is only a small pause as he returns to the conversation to say: ]

But if you can't take my opinion, I'm glad that you at least agree with me. [ His hand rests on his chest. ] Forgive me for not introducing myself sooner, I am the Archangel. And you are?

[sanguinary]

[He says nothing in response to that first remark and doesn't smile in return, but there's a little bit of softness to his expression which is perhaps his equivalent of a smile.

Granted, the name sits a little ill at ease with him. Sometimes... you have Catholic Guilt.]

Archangel... That is an interesting name. [But he mirrors the gesture, one hand rising to rest against his chest with an elegant flourish as he inclines his head forward a little.] Mine is Matsui Gou. You may call me whatever you wish.

[Which he means in more of a "no honorifics needed, don't care about first-name last-name" kind of way, but also, people are really out there calling him Chuck and he's fine with it.]

[impiety]

It is a title and a name.

[ One that he is quite proud of, but tries to act nonchalant about it. ]

So, if I were to call you "Worm," you would accept it? [ Archangel smiles, but it is a teasing one without malice for once. It is just a little bit of jabbing to force a closeness between strangers. ]

[sanguinary]

You may call me whatever you wish, within reason.

[Said after one lonesome, single beat of consideration... It's hard to tell whether he takes it as the light little jab it's meant to be, but he doesn't seem outwardly offended, at least. Anyway, more importantly!!]

--In what sort of way is it a title to you?

[impiety]

Of course.

[ Does he look a little disappointed? No, that is just one's imagination! ]

In what way? It is the title that was given to me when I became the leader of my organization. [ A small shrug, but he is actually quite proud of this accomplishment. ] In doing so, I accepted the weight of both responsibilities and wishes of those I lead.

[sanguinary]

[Some people are really out here ready to spread the gospel of worm. Matsui sets that topic aside entirely, turning from the panels of paintings to face Archangel more fully, now with a quiet sort of curiosity in his expression.]

I see. You are a man of power, then?

[Of some sort of power, in some way... Leaders of organizations always are, regardless of what sort of organization it is.]

Such a position sounds like a precarious place to be.

[impiety]

I suppose that is one way of viewing it.

[ He gives a small, curt nod in agreement to what he said. ]

It is only precarious if the person isn't willing to accept the burden of it.

[ He gives a small laugh. ] After all, I willingly gave up my name. I knew what I would be doing in accepting this role.

[sanguinary]

[Ah. He's met plenty of people with this sort of drive for some cause, some group of people, one thing or another. As a weapon born to be wielded, he doesn't have any grand inherent ambitions of his own, but he's spent his existence living in the hands of people who carry them.]

Then you are of firm dedication.

[It can be both a good and bad thing when someone is willing to give up a great deal for something else, but if he has any particular opinion on the matter, it sure doesn't show.]

...To which faction have you aligned yourself, if I may ask?

[impiety]

I try.

[ His head gives a small cant to the side, like he is embarrassed by Matsui agreeing with what he has said. ]

Ah… I’ve decided to go with Zenith, actually.

[ He would sooner die than allow his broken, sinful world to come back from the brink of destruction. Archangel will save who he can and give them a beautiful new future. And in their gratitude, he will seek out the power to alter reality as he wanted to before.

There are so many more people to save – and he can save them all. ]

What about you?

[sanguinary]

[There's a little beat of silence, as if he's considering his answer even though he already has one. Maybe he's just considering the way he wants to word it.]

...Zenith is also where I will go.

[Not for any of reasons Archangel has, but the destination is still ultimately the same. Even if it's not something he personally has an affinity for, it's the side that the greater things he serves would choose. That much he's relatively certain of.]

Though I would like to speak to the person who leads it before finalizing my choice. Now that things seem to have settled a little, I will do so soon. You have spoken to her already, I assume...?

[impiety]

How nice. That means we shall be colleagues.

[ A smile. ]

Or perhaps, we already on the path to becoming friends.

[ But he pauses in the spiel that he is about to vomit out. His head cants to the side even though his warm, welcoming smile has not yet faded. ]

I have, yes. ... do you have questions for me about her?

[sanguinary]

Perhaps so.

[Though he says it in the general noncommittal, detached way, as with everything else. He has his friends and comrades, long-dead as they may be, after all.

He seems to be turning the question over in his head for a moment though, simple as it is to answer. Eventually, he shakes his head.]

Not particularly. Everyone who has spoken of her speaks very differently, from the highest of affection to the strongest of spite. If she is such a divisive figure, I'm sure that speaking to her directly is the only way to form a true opinion.

[impiety]

[ Archangel flashes a small smile but does not push the subject further.

His head tilts at how others speak about her. He muses about his own feelings of Yima and comes back that he is fairly affection toward her. There is much he feels that she is doing wrong, but she's not yet committed any sins. ]

I believe that will probably be the best way, yes. Though, to be fair, I think everyone has the capability of becoming a divisive person. It all depends on when someone happens to speak to another, after all... [ A small shrug. ] Not everyone can be pleasant all the time.

[sanguinary]

No, they can't be.

[It's part of what makes humans so human, after all - or maybe, it's just part of what makes things with souls sentient and capable of existing in the way they do. The contradictions are as much a part of the package as anything else.

He sighs a little, though, looking off toward some of the lights that drift nearby.]

I have a feeling that those who spoke with the greatest disdain feel negative emotions quite strongly, regardless.

[He has no beef with Hayame but damn, lady.]