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

soft grandpa 🥺

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian, on the other hand, has largely kept his distance for the day. It’s not out of disinterest (far from it), but more that the festival itself really wasn’t one that suited him. It’s the realm of emotion that’s simply out of his grasp because he has nothing to mourn. It was exactly what he had struggled to convey to Emet-Selch and still hadn’t been quite satisfied with in his explanation. As far as he was concerned, there was nothing to be lamented about his world(s) lost. It makes the whole thing largely a curiosity to be observed from afar rather than something to be participated in.

What does interest him more is Emet-Selch himself. He hasn’t been hanging around all day nosily watching peoples’ recollections, but simply coming and going with the various matters he kept himself busy with. Each time, he would take a bit of a wondrous look at the memory being crafted, but he’d always move past. It was simply impressive, since even at his full ability, crafting things like this was beyond him… Though he did imagine that his grandest of conjurations may have lasted longer. Without chatting about it, who could know?

It's as he’s returning from a study session in the Tomes with more books in hand to study “overnight” (when most people slept is what it really was) that he sees Emet-Selch taking a rest. Perhaps more importantly, he catches the faint smile, though this is at least something that Sebastian recognizes as perhaps a private moment that he’s intruding upon. Not wanting to startle him into ire, he does speak up gently as he approaches: ]

Finished with your busy day of work, I hope?

😔🥺

[lachtara]

[ He has sat on his own for quite a while. Long enough to lose himself in the inky canvas of the night sky dotted in distant lights. So it's legitimately a surprise when someone approaches. Emet-Selch blinks and looks toward them. Ah. Sebastian.

It would be easy to regard the faint yellow glow in Emet-Selch's eyes - a residual effect of dabbling in the light of conjuring magic for so long. It could strike some as unsettling in the dark. ]

Indeed. So many piteous faces asking for me to return to them what is lost. [ He sighs and looks up once again. ] Do you know how many asked for conjurings of a loved one they had lost? Whatever your answer, I wager it would be low.

[cutlery]

[ The light glow of Emet-Selch’s eyes does surprise Sebastian, but it just pulls out a fraction more of a smile than anything close to being startled. It’s a very common feature of his kind, after all, so it’s more just interesting to him than anything.

The question and comment get Sebastian to laugh, though it’s soft and a bit playful. There’s sympathy in his expression, but it’s absolutely for Emet-Selch’s sake rather than any of the people he conjured such memories for. ]

Without knowing how many “customers” you had today, oh… Hundreds, perhaps? Many, certainly, as it is a very common wish.

[ He speaks of it with certainty since returning people from the dead was a wish that he was asked for not infrequently. It’s also one of the rare ones he’s not able to grant at all. ]

Is it difficult work to do?

[lachtara]

[ A good guess, all things considered. ]

Not in regards to magic, no. Even though the aether of this world is still new to me - and it takes significantly more effort to conjure - I will manage well enough.

[ Emet-Selch stretches tiredly and stifles a yawn with one hand. ]

But in regards to being on my feet all day, it is exceedingly difficult.

[cutlery]

It is still most impressive. I admit, I am capable of something similar… Or, well, was is technically more accurate, as I would not be able to create anything so elaborate as your recreations today. But creating a stronghold or two is a bit different than recreating a whole memory.

[ Though saying that, it does occur to him that now when the area is quiet, perhaps it could be the time for a memory that’s a bit more honest than the whimsical fancy that Sebastian had indulged in. But it does feel like something that needs a bit more leading up to. Besides the fact that what he has in mind was a lot for most, it also simply feels rude to bring it up as Emet-Selch is resting. So best to help with the rest before he brings it up, he decides. ]

Well, if I am not disturbing your relaxation… Do you like wine, Mr. Emet-Selch? I am a bit of a sommelier, and I can conjure a most excellent bottle. And besides, it would be interesting to hear if the wines of Earth differ from yours if so.

[lachtara]

[ Mildly interesting that he could be capable of that much. Or perhaps that 'interest' is peaked only because of his woefully low standards for the people of today?

Regardless, the idea of some nice wine makes him hum with interest. ]

I would hate to refuse such a generous offer. Conjure as you will, and we shall see how your Earth compares.

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian laughs a little as he gestures generally outward, and from dark shadows that flit up from the ground rapidly, a small table simply takes shape. Normally, he’d just settle for conjuring the basics in his hands, but. To properly serve wine, there are a few more accouterments needed. So similarly, two glasses, a bottle, a serving cloth, and a corkscrew appear. He’s at least one to do things properly! ]

If you find that it is not to your taste, then I shall claim no ownership over Earth. [ He’ll at least tease a bit as he takes the bottle and wraps it with the serving cloth and begins to uncork it. ] …But as we’ve no grapes in my realm, alas, it is all I can offer. Our equivalents are not so palatable.

[ Don’t ask, you don’t want to know, truly. Which is why he continues smoothly with his sommelier presentation. ]

A Clos Vougeot pinot noir, which is among one of the best producers, so I shall at least put a solid foot forward for Earth’s offerings. Normally, I would give its vintage as well, but I hardly know how much it matters if it is only aged by my memory of it.

[ And once uncorked, he pours just a splash into the glass for tasting, which he hands down to Emet-Selch. His presentation is all perfectly elegant, and he also definitely seems to be enjoying doing it. Sometimes you end up a rude brat’s butler and then find out you actually really enjoy all of the flair that entails. ]

[lachtara]

[ Emet-Selch quietly observes. The explanation and presentation of this wine are peerless, but there is also something else here that he values more. Something that he looks on with a contained delight as the table is woven from the shadows.

It remains unremarked upon until he takes the glass of wine that is offered to him. When he finally takes it, there is a small smile on his face that is certainly not because of the wine. The wine, the table, the glass - they are all to be appreciated in equal measure.

He can't help but speak with open fondness. ]

Creation magic is a gift that my people once used to better our star. I did not think I would find someone with a similar gift in this place.

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian is surprised that the creation is what Emet-Selch focuses on, and it shows clearly in his expression. It’s a pleasant surprise, but he had simply assumed that it wouldn’t be so remarkable if only because of Emet-Selch’s work for the day. Clearly, he was capable of something similar, so it wasn’t exactly the wonder of someone seeing such a thing for the first time.

No, it’s the surprise of similarity, but it’s one used so differently. It’s never something he’s personally thought of as a gift. For demons of a certain caliber, it simply was. And there was no using it to better themselves, or at least not as a whole. Demons had little conception of such a thing. Sebastian turns the bottle in his hand idly, like he’s uncertain of how to respond, and in a way, that’s precisely it. ]

…Do pardon my surprise. [ He starts with that first since even if it's only a moment, it feels like a lapse in the usual composure he likes to comport himself with. ] It is simply a surprise to hear it described in such a way.

[ And something to think about, perhaps, but that’s left for latter. For now, he simply laughs a little sheepishly as he shrugs. ]

It is a rare ability, I will say. Less than a hundred demons can simply will things into existence so completely as this.

[lachtara]

[ Is it so surprising to appreciate such a talent? It is more surprising to him that it would go so unremarked upon. It is a valuable and wonderful thing and should be treated as such.

Emet-Selch turns the wine glass around in his hand as he examines the contents. ]

Creation Magics was one gift commonly shared among my people. It was used to create miracle after miracle across the face of the world, be they forests, beasts, winding cities, or something more.

[ He takes a small sip of the wine he's been given. He gives a small hum of approval. It's strange - he's certainly tasted nothing quite the same - but it seems like something he could find himself craving on a chilly night. ]

It became nigh unknown as the years passed and the world was overtaken by those much less skilled. Three of us shared that talent in the end - Three which eventually became two.

[ His expression lifts. ] Imagine my surprise to come across another with the same skill after an age of thinking we were the last. And to hear there are yet others who have shared the same...I dare say that is more of a gift than wine.

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian listens with interest as Emet-Selch explains, since when they had last spoke on a similar topic, he had been the one talking more. It wasn’t something he’d minded, of course, as thinking of demons as a people had been thought-provoking, odd as that may seem. But it does make it more intriguing to hear about Emet-Selch’s people in return. First, he can’t help but make a wry little joke as he starts to pour a glass for himself. ]

Well, who knows? Perhaps our people are something of spiritual cousins across worlds.

[ It’s clear from the playful tone that it isn’t something he seriously thinks, but it is an amusing coincidence with what he knows of how their abilities overlap. He’d find it funnier if he realized it extended even to things like seeing souls since that’s something he has to consciously choose to do while in a human form.

…It does feel strange on his tongue though, to call demons a people. It’s technically true, but it just doesn’t feel right. There’s something about the word that implies some sense of community that he’s certainly never felt for his kind, nor does he think any other demon he’s met would. He feels no longing for it either, so it’s more a curiosity that there were indeed creatures out there that would have such ability as he did… And it would be used for noble, productive pursuits. ]

The Ascians are certainly wiser than demonkind, from the sound of it. I cannot think of a single instance where it was used so in our realm, including myself, naturally. [ He shrugs, clearly unbothered in admitting that. ] Or rather, it had never occurred to me, at least. Wonders and miracles would go a bit against the general ambiance of my realm.

[lachtara]

[ Hm. Suppose he couldn't be surprised by what he has witnessed throughout history. One could not expect that others with the same abilities would adhere to the same codes as the "Ascians" once did. They have similar abilities, but it would not make them the same.

But he does quirk an eyebrow at that less-than-flattering description. ]

And what sort of "general ambiance" would that be?

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian laughs as he finishes pouring his glass and sets the bottle back down on the small table gently after wiping off the neck. Habitually, he even pauses to refold the serving cloth, and that sort of meticulous care is very much at odds with what he says. ]

Ah, well, one of torment and misery for wicked souls cast down from their Creator’s light. It is a wasteland of fire and ash where no life can thrive, and no happiness can flourish. Very charming, as you can imagine.

[ The sarcasm is clear, but it definitely tilts to a dry humor rather than anything bitter despite the apparent inhospitable nature of his home. With the table properly reset, he gestures down next to Emet-Selch to ask through gesture if he may join him to sit. ]

Though I will say, my particular domain of it was at least slightly better, though that is only because of my preference for order. There is only so much you can do to improve the place, really.

[lachtara]

Charming indeed.

[ It's said flatly. That description does not sound very charming. ]

Although I can attest that being shielded from the "Creator's Light" is not always a bad thing.

[ He takes another sip of wine. ]

[cutlery]

[ The flat response gets Sebastian’s smile to quirk a little more as he nods ]

It is why I preferred to spend time in the human realm when I could. I would not say my realm was uninteresting… But after even a few centuries, you would almost beg for more.

[ It’s the point, technically speaking, but. He moves on, since it gets a bit difficult to explain without dipping into literature and metaphor, but they’re not ones that Emet-Selch would understand. There’s at least plenty of interest in his comment. ]

Though I am admittedly surprised to hear you say so. I assume you once had to step away from that light yourself?

[lachtara]

[ He makes an 'Mmm' sound in confirmation. ]

One could say I never had a part in it.

Mine are the powers of darkness. I have only ever used my gifts to benefit the world, though countless prattling heroes seem to enjoy blaming my gifts for their troubles.

[ A dramatic sigh. ]

Do you know how exhausting it is to have the same debate over and over? They would try to convince me that the mere presence of darkness is all that is wrong with the world. That it is evil and should be expunged.

[ He takes a sip of wine, somehow it comes off as frustrated. ]

[cutlery]

[ …Truly, he had been joking about being spiritual cousins, and yet. There’s a glimmer of surprised interest in his gaze as he looks at Emet-Selch, but it quickly gives way to a warm and easy laugh as he continues. ]

Ah, now I do believe I understand the contract I drew up for you a bit better at the very least! After countless heroes and debates, clause 3B would indeed be very necessary for your own sanity.

[ Of course he remembers which one it is. Technically, it’s the advantage of a flawless memory, but it also just Fits with Sebastian as a person, really… ]

I do know the frustration, at least in part. I would not call my experience anything so grand as facing prattling heroes, though. Prattling zealots, though, absolutely. [ He laughs into his wine glass almost fondly before he takes a sip, and it comes with a shrug and a light, dismissive wave of his hand. ] When their religion tells them that demons are bastions of wickedness and depravity, then they do indeed attempt to expunge us. We are but a blight upon their world that represents all their sins and denies them God’s grace, you know how it goes.

[lachtara]

Make no mistake I've encountered a number of zealots who had a similar speech that they would prattle off.

[ Emet-Selch throws his arms wide theatrically and his voice changes to a more grandiose pitch as he imitates those very "zealots" he's encountered. ] By the light of the crystal, we shall defeat this darkness before us with the blessing of light. Hydaelyn, goddess of all, we beseech you to grant us victory against evil on this day.

[ He slouches again and returns to nursing his wine. ] Blah, blah, blah. It's a wonder I pay attention.

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian snickers at the theatrics, since my, are they familiar! Obviously what’s being called upon is different, but the premises behind them are identical, so far as he’s concerned. Even worlds away, people are still people, after all. ]

Then I take it back! In this, I know your pain very well. Though if that is what your sort goes with as their rites, what a pity. I will at least give the exorcists credit where it is due that they have a flair for the dramatic. It is delightful to watch, especially when they are under the impression that their words and trinkets hold power.

[ The 17th century was great fun for demons of Sebastian’s ilk, what with the panic about possessions and demons that caused enough of a spike of interest to allow him to witness at least a handful. The irony had been delicious, considering none that he had witnessed had anything to do with demons. And yet, a demon had been watching the work…

And so, Sebastian draws himself up with an appropriately dour expression as he matches Emet-Selch’s mockery with a bit of his own. His accent even changes smoothly from his posh British English to Italian, since he feels it gives a bit of a better impression as to the Latin in which he heard it. ]

“Begone and stay far from this creature of God. For it is He who commands you, He who flung you headlong from the heights of heaven into the depths of hell. It is He who commands you, He who once stilled the sea and the wind and the storm. Hearken, therefore, and tremble in fear, Satan, you enemy of the faith, you foe of the human race, you begetter of death—” [ With another sly laugh, his accent switches back ] Oh, and it goes on like that for ages. A true exorcism takes hours, which I do find deeply funny. Were they ever actually speaking to a demon, we would certainly get bored at a certain point and simply kill them all for simply wasting our time.

[ ha ha good times talking casual slaughter, you know, ]

And you had to deal with that sort of nonsense countless times, really? You are either a very patient or a very merciful man, Mr. Emet-Selch, for I could only stand the once in which I was curious to witness it!

[lachtara]

[ As soon as Sebastian is done with his little imitation, Emet-Selch sets his drink aside and gives a dainty little golf clap in appreciation. That is certainly a delightful - and quite nostalgic - impression! ]

Oh, I wouldn't call it merciful. [ He shrugs and continued with an amused tone. ] All of them perished afterwards. A shame, really.

[cutlery]

[ Ah. Well, consider him surprised, but delightfully so. Just because of the tenor of their conversations so far, he had assumed a level of what Sebastian would call rectitude. It was nothing meant negatively and was more in the realm of casual observation of how Sebastian tended to categorize the people he met… But he certainly would not have guessed that this sort of topic would be spoken of with amusement. ]

…My, my! It does sound it. [ Sebastian’s tone also carries amusement and just a hint of delight. It’s a rare thing indeed to stumble across such understanding, at least in his experience. ] Well, I do understand it. My work tended to send me on more… individual pursuits, shall we say? There are no heroes amongst thieves and sinners, that sort of thing. But when push came to shove, I could hardly call myself merciful.

[lachtara]

[ He sips his wine again, then holds out the glass as if to ask for another helping. It seems that this has moved from a formal conversation to a casual chat between like minds. At least he's having a good time! ]

Come now, you cannot say something like that without elaboration.

[cutlery]

[ With a nod, Sebastian reaches for the bottle and pours another glass for Emet-Selch with the same amount of formal elegance as he explains. ]

Well, it is related to why I find the use of your skills of creation rather admirable. I certainly do not use it on behalf of my people, true, but it is indeed something I generally use for others’ sake.

[ He sets the bottle down next to them since it does indeed seem that they’re pleasantly in the realm of interesting conversation, so he doesn’t expect to leave soon, at least. ]

In short, I granted humanity’s desires, though my work and power came at a high price. If a human had the means and the want to summon me, then I would give them anything they wished. They could become a king, win the heart of an unrequited love, live in luxury for the rest of their days, take revenge upon those who had wronged them… [ He trails off on that last one, but it does come with a slight quirk of his smile ] Things of that nature. Sometimes my master’s wish requires nothing more than clever words, but other times, spilling quite a bit of blood is necessary.

[lachtara]

Summon that which they place their unyielding faith. All in the hopes of bending the laws of nature to their whims.

[ He takes another sip of this new glass of wine.

What a familiar concept. This description sounds similar to the thrall of a Primal. Would the price of such services be comparable? ]

And what "price" would they pay for this arrangement?

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian’s expression cools as he swirls his wine in his glass idly. It’s the expected question, but how people react to the answer is always interesting, especially here. It had once been predictable, but over the years, humans had responded to the price differently. And here, in this situation of multiple worlds… He hasn’t gotten the same one twice. ]

The highest price there is, technically. My work does not come cheaply.

[ He laughs gently and softly as he brings his glass to his lips to take a sip. As he lowers it, his gaze is on Emet-Selch’s with curiosity. ]

Their soul.