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

[lachtara]

He busies himself with sipping another drink while his friend speaks. This one is consumed slower than the last; he can feel his cheeks begin to flush with warmth. Not a promising sign....

Emet-Selch tips his chin up in a bit of dramatic snootiness. "Unfortunately, you shan't bear witness to my creation brimming with 'excitement' nor 'practicality'. Given my victory is all but assured the only thing we shall bear witness to is your groveling."

Emet-Selch reaches across the table and places a drink squarely in front of Hythlodaeus to encourage him to continue on.

He causes for a brief moment. Without a word, he takes another glass of alcohol and places it on the opposite end of the table. It is placed there as if he were doing so in anticipation of a friend joining them. For someone who is missing from this table. He gives a small look of regard before returning his attention to happier matters. He would acknowledge their missing friend but he does not intend to take away from their time together.

His head is turned to the side - as much as he can with Hythlodaeus leaning against him - and he mutters his challenging reply. "Now, go on. Let us resume your doomed contest."

[ktizo]

He takes the drink and smirks, noting the pink in his friend's cheeks.

"Bold words for someone already slowing down. If it's too much for you, then feel free to give up..." He turns his head to grin at Emet-Selch, pulling back so that he can down his drink. Setting the glass back on the table he pushes it aside, and chuckles. He's feeling warm by now too, but not nearly as flushed as Emet-Selch.

He notes the third glass and his heart squeezes slightly- both because he misses Azem dearly, but because the gesture is also so sickeningly sentimental that he can't help the adoring look he shoots the other man. A slave to sentiment, even after an eternity. It's part of what he loves about his friend.

[lachtara]

The look Hythlodaeus gives him is met with a more subtle look of his own. Emet-Selch leans forward until their foreheads nearly meet before he proceeds to chide his friend in a low voice. "I am only slowing down so that you may catch up. For unlike so many, I know of basic courtesy." Though he has not entirely been keeping track of the number of drinks between them. A stringent tally is hardly the point.

He pulls back and proceeds to polish off a glass before reaching for yet another. It seems he does so out of spite at this point.

"At least what is provided here is tolerable. I would not soon forget the poor excuse for drink on the outskirts of Ilsabard." He grumbles. "Wretched mud masquerading as bearable."

[ktizo]

"So that I may catch up?" He laughs, as if the very idea is funny. He's since lost count too, but he's sure he's keeping up!

"Oh, don't slow down on my behalf. By all means, show me this vaunted tolerance of yours!"

Throwing back another drink, he feels his cheeks flush. He's warm, his head is starting to spin a little, but he's sure he's faring better than his friend.

"You were always a fussy one, Emet-Selch. You surely understand as much."

[lachtara]

"There is hardly anything 'fussy' about having standards." He protests in a much louder than he might usually speak. Is it because he feels so passionately about resisting the remark or...?

A few in the restaurant glance in their direction. Emet-Selch ignores them.

Another drink comes and goes. When he was younger and would partake in reveling through the streets of Amaurot, such a paltry amount would mean the night has barely begun. Now, the world spins when he turns his head and his natural glare seems to have subsided. Maybe he still appears loud and grumpy but a discerning eye could tell that he seems happier.

"In fact, be it far from me to ignore our homes lofty standards. In order to adhere to such," He puts a hand dramatically to his chest. "I shall submit to you the paperwork for my cubus creation. The requisite paperwork can be drawn up by morning so that you may approve it with your own hand." He begins to consume a (somewhat smaller) drink. "Of course, you will need your own office for such important endeavors."

[ktizo]

Laughing, Hythlodaeus shushes Emet-Selch noisily and presses his finger to his friend's lips. "You truly feel that strongly about the Cubus? Very well, draw up your concept application and submit it, and I will approve it as a personal favour to you."

Not... that his approval has any sway here. And he realises that, which is partly why he's agreeing to approve it in the first place. Removing his finger from Emet-Selch's lips, he drinks a little more with a chuckle.

"The Cubus may mean little and less to me, but for my dearest friend I would approve almost anything."

[lachtara]

The expression on Emet-Selch's face falls as he is so visibly quieted. Not in a way that he is genuinely upset, but more 'playfully annoyed' than anything else. "Pardon me! I will not be shooshed! I am speaking at a perfectly reasonable volume!" He says just as loud as before. (Maybe louder).

"Now, if you will excuse me, the deadline for tomorrow is fast approaching. I should make to complete my submission as soon as possible." Emet-Selch stands up as if to leave. It is a poor decision given that his balance seems to list to one side immediately - readily noticeable in the way he stands and begins to lean too far to one side.

He slams a hand against the table in an attempt to prevent the floor from rising to meet him. It makes a loud 'bang' that is heard throughout the bar. Oh, walking was not going well at all.

[ktizo]

"Ah," Hythlodaeus giggles in delight as Emet-Selch almost falls over. Though of course, he does get up to help him, winding one arm around his waist and holding him in a strong grip that his friend would be hard pressed to get out of unless he teleported.

Which, he hopes he doesn't teleport. When their balance is so off, who knows where they'll end up? "Come now, let us leave and have some fun elsewhere." He's not as steady as he'd like to be himself, but he's certainly more capable of walking than Emet-Selch. It's rare that he's this level-headed around the same time Emet-Selch is so drunk, since they usually end up the same amount of drunk in the end, but... well, maybe that body has something to do with it?

[lachtara]

If he wasn't caught by such a steady hand, he would surely have a much closer look at the ground. Even with Hythlodaeus having such a firm grip on him it is a struggle to stay standing.

Emet-Selch hisses to himself and puts a hand to his forehead in an attempt to steady it. "Cursed Garlean body." Surely if not for this inferior body, this wouldn't be a problem.

He takes a moment to gather himself as much as possible - which is difficult when the world is not wanting to stay still. Emet-Selch slings an arm over his friend's shoulder given he would surely not be able to make his way on his own. "And where would you suggest we have 'fun'? I have spent little time in this city." Not to mention it's difficult to think like this.

[ktizo]

"Well, first of all you owe me a creation." Grinning, he helps Emet-Selch out of the bar and into the warm sunshine.

"After all, I won." He says it in a singsong voice, pleased with himself. "So! I want to see something fascinating. Can you do that for me?"

He makes a note to ask about Emet-Selch's 'inferior Garlean body' afterwards. But for now, he's going to be bragging on the fact that he won their little contest.

[lachtara]

Emet-Selch squints and confusion consumes his expression. How did they suddenly get out into the open air? Why was the sun suddenly overhead? It takes him a moment to observe his surroundings and even comprehend that they had covered any distance.

Regardless, he would not give in so easily. Unable to stand or no, Emet-Selch protests as he always would. "You have not won. Come, return us to our table so that we may resume where we have left off." Even if it is clearly an unwise idea to do so.

He makes to turn around to...some direction. (Where the bar is located is a nebulous concept in his current state.) All he succeeds at doing is pulling Hythlodaeus with him in his unsteady gait.

[ktizo]

"You can't be serious- ah." He stumbles as he's pulled, before steadying himself and stopping Emet-Selch in his tracks.

"Now now, you know what will happen if you drink more in this state. Accept defeat gracefully, won't you?" He knows he's slurring his words a little by now but he thinks he's being sensible regardless. He wouldn't want his friend to suffer too much for the sake of trying to win.

"Or can you not think of a concept? A pity, I may have to think of a different prize in that case." Hanging off Emet-Selch in a way that makes it difficult for him to move back to the tavern, he finds himself nuzzling him with a fond sigh. Ah, his friend... his dearest companion. His love.

"Come quietly. We can find somewhere nice and shaded for you to work in. How does that sound?"

[lachtara]

Emet-Selch gives a huff of annoyance. As much as he lacks his wits about him, he can put together what continuing their game might do. That doesn't mean he is willing to verbally admit that defeat though.

"The sun is so dreadfully bright." He grumbles by way of 'agreement'. "I would have some shade so that I may..." Emet-Selch squints as he tries to focus on a word. It's remarkably difficult to do with his head so cloudy from their drinks. "...rest a while."

With one 'concession' comes another. Usually, he would admonish his friend's overly-affectionate gestures - especially in public spaces - but he's always been more tolerant after a few drinks. At that moment he doesn't only tolerate his friend's adoration, but he (begrudgingly) seems to enable them. He tilts his head up so that he may rest his head in his friend's hair, allowing him to nuzzle what he wants without issue.

[ktizo]

"Aye, we can rest for a while... come, follow me." He's stumbling a little himself, but he helps Emet-Selch make his way over to an area shaded from the sun with large awnings made of cloth, and sets him down while sitting down as close to him as possible. All sense of personal space has been lost to him, especially where Emet-Selch is concerned, and he leans in with a giggle and rests his head back on his friend's shoulder.

"Is this more preferable?" Idly, he takes one of Emet-Selch's hands and just holds it. He remembers what Howl told him- just tell him how you feel- and barely manages to stop himself from sighing wistfully. If only it were that easy. He's held his secrets for so long that even drunk he can't spill them.

[lachtara]

Stumbling into the shade turns into a welcome reprieve. It's nice to be able to sit without the oppressive sun beating down on them, and it gives Emet-Selch a break from his graceless fumbling. (Though he will insist on having been graceful enough.)

He hums in agreement. "I much prefer the shade, yes." It takes effort to keep his words clear, and it's debatable how much he takes from Hythlodaeus holding his hand, but he accepts it all the same.

A long breath escapes as he lets the feeling within him settle; The exciting, infatuating, all-consuming feeling of love for his dearest friend. The age-old feeling certainly hasn't wavered over the years, though it did lay dormant for a time - a time long ago when he had tried to drive all the love from his heart. Now he must consider how foolish it is to hold onto that feeling. He had loved his friend since they were young, but Hythlodaeus caught everyone's eye (something that still prevails here, evidently) and he would often humor them in return. Is it foolish to think these gestures now are genuine affection?

He leans to one side and lets his head rest on his friends. Perhaps it doesn't matter at this moment. Here, the noise of reckless celebration is far away and he can look out on the crowd. "So many were delighted to see the memories I conjured at the Reflecting Pool." A small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. "T'was like the days of eld where we would help who we may, and see their faces light up at the miracles we performed."

Emet-Selch had acted as though conjuring memories was of little significance. It is only his friend who would be privy to the truth of what it all meant.

[ktizo]

Stroking his friend's hair from out of his face, he hums warmly. "You did a good thing for so many. It's... one of the many things I admire about you, my friend. Your penchant for helping others."

Even if he acts as if it takes up his precious time, Hythlodaeus knows better. He smiles to himself, nuzzling into his friend again. Well, even if he can't tell him how he feels, he can tell him what he thinks of him.

"I watched you for a time as you conjured up memory after memory. I could see that it made you happy. I am so glad..." He trails off, staring off blearily into the city. He's not really seeing it, though. He's too preoccupied with his friend's presence. "I only want happiness for you."

But Emet-Selch surely understands that, doesn't he?

[lachtara]

True happiness. Is such a thing possible under the weight of his responsibilities? Even if he doesn't voice it, it's something he had long since considered.

For now, He closes his eyes to block out the blinding light of the day. It allows him to bask in the warmth and comfort of his friend and it provides a moment to feel his cold fingertips being held by a warm hand.

He mutters something indistinct in response before shifting himself to lean more of his weight on Hythlodaeus. It may not be so appropriate to do so in public, but that hardly seems of concern as he resigns himself to rest. He can't walk, her can't move about, and all that is left is to lie and wait for it all to pass.

As long as they could weather it together.

[ktizo]

Smiling as Emet-Selch leans into him, he cuddles him closer and rests against him more in turn. They must make for a sight, two drunken friends curled around each other and dozing off in public, but Hythlodaeus couldn't care less what anyone else thinks, so long as Emet-Selch is there with him.

Slowly, he drifts off. He dreams of pleasant things for once, mostly Hades, and when he wakes he's in a good mood... well, kind of. He doesn't know how long he dozed for but it was long enough that even though he's still tipsy, he can feel the after effects of the alcohol lurking.

Grunting and rubbing his eyes, he looks down at his friend still sleeping. He doesn't want to wake him, so he takes to watching the people passing by instead. A few glance their way, but many people are drunk still and don't care at all. For the best, most likely.

[lachtara]

It takes him comparatively longer to recover even with the help of sleep.

A while later, Emet-Selch cracks his eyes open and seems instantly offended by the bright light, as made obvious by a low grumble. (Did the light get brighter as he dozed?) He buries his face in Hythlodaeus' shoulder to hide his face.

He doesn't say anything right away; no 'good morning' or the like as it takes him a few moments to put together what had happened. Once he does he asks, "Why are we on the side of the street." The question is muffled by the presence of his friend's shirt.

[ktizo]

Hythlodaeus uses his hand to carefully shield his friend's eyes from the sun, smiling down at him buried in his shirt.

"Because this is where we ended up, I suppose. Walking was difficult, and the sun too bright." He nods up towards the canopy above them, shielding them from the worst of the rays.

"Hm... would you prefer I teleport us to my home? I can close the curtains for some semblance of darkness."

[lachtara]

The canopy above them is all but ignored. Looking up in the sun's direction is a horrible idea, and so he is content with his face pressed against his friend's shoulder.

"Yes, take us there," Emet-Selch mutters. "I will make your accursed concept while we rest." It's enough of a formal surrender as he cares to give. His friend has won...in so many words.

[ktizo]

Grinning, Hythlodaeus places an arm around his friend and they both disappear in wisps of blue and black smoke. They reappear again in Hythlodaeus' room, where he leads Emet-Selch to the couch and closes the curtains idly from afar with magic. A little light gets through, but not enough to disturb them.

"There we are. Sit yourself down and I will fetch you some water. You must be parched."

He makes his way to the sink for two large glasses, fills them, and returns. Then he offers one to Emet-Selch.

"Drink up. I am excited to see this creation you have in mind."

[lachtara]

His expression is mildly confused as the scenery changes so suddenly. It takes a moment for his mind to catch up to where they are.

"As am I." As Hythlodaeus had gone to retrieve some water, Emet-Selch slumps into the nearest comfortable-looking chair. It would be difficult to come up with a decent concept with his mind so clouded.

He slips a notepad out of his pocket and flips it open so that he may jot down some ideas. The ideas may look like nonsense to an onlooker - a blob of black scribbles - but they make sense to him at present. Perhaps that's all that matters.

"My thanks." Emet-Selch takes the water from his friend and attempts to drink. However, he tips it a little too far back and a little water runs down the side of his face and onto his little notepad. He makes a flustered noise and sets the drink aside. It seems that he doesn't completely have his wits about him.

[ktizo]

It makes sense that they're both still tipsy at best, given the short amount of time they had to rest. But seeing his companion spill water on himself makes Hythlodaeus giggle, reaching over to wipe at his cheek with his thumb.

"If you wish for a bath, that can be arranged."

He leans over to look at the sketch. Hm. "It needs more, Emet-Selch! I do hope it isn't another Cubus."

It looks very... blob-like.

[lachtara]

The look he gives at the mention of 'baths' is one of mild consideration. Actually, a nice bath doesn't sound terrible. Perhaps the warm water would do him some good.

But for now, he would return to this concept.

Emet-Selch lifts the notepad and brings it closer to his chest as if to say 'don't look'. "Of course it 'needs more'. It's not at all finished." So he returns back to his work.

A creature begins to take shape. It has long claws, fearsome teeth, and more than a fair share of arms. He leans back and looks tiredly at the ceiling. What purpose would it have? He hasn't done this in so long and there are so many details that creatures needed to have before submission. This process usually took weeks to refine, more for him given his penchant for perfectionism.

He turns a page in the notebook and begins to define it further. The ominous looking formless blob takes shape into a horrible creature. At the very least, it's not Cubus.