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

[cutlery]

Oh, absolutely. It is the very normal sort of human concern, though.

[ They've already established that they're both fucking weirdo non-humans, so there's no need to even bother with the pretense. Even so, Sebastian offers his hand with the lightest of bows to fit the convention of the gallant dance partner as he continues to speak. ]

I was simply controversial because it was a bit improper for a gentleman and a lady to be so close to each other other without being wed. [ With the tone on "improper", it's clear it's not a view he holds, but that's not surprising... ] Which of course made it very popular in turn. There is nothing so delicious as the lightest of scandals.

[sanguinary]

[TWO FUCKIN WEIRDO NON-HUMANS they really are out here. Matsui will take his hand in return, and it's very funny because i'm realizing that they both wear Forever Gloves. Though Matsui's is only on his left hand - the right is uncovered, showing off his very fashionably painted nails. Kashuu is here in spirit...]

They do find a way to keep themselves amused, don't they?

[Though he says it with more of the fondness of a benevolent alien god who genuinely loves to see its funky little companions doing their wacky, wild things. Somewhat idly, as they move onto the dance floor, he adds:]

I have wondered before how humans from days long past would react to things that come far beyond their time.

[Like Sebastian with his moon trip honestly.]

[cutlery]

[ forever glove, ]

[ Sebastian leads the way with the same formality of his bow, and though the people in the vision do give them glances, it’s mostly just the court interest of another couple entering the dance floor. It’s all muted reactions, since this being a vision conjured from Sebastian’s memory, there’s very few people in this room who are worth noting, of course. ]

As I? [ He laughs gently, since he’s definitely thinking the same there ] I am the opposite, funnily enough. It is not so bad now that they have thoroughly mastered writing, but there is so much of their history that they have forgotten or has become more fanciful story than how things truly were. For someone of 19th century England to look back to, say, Greece in its antiquity, they would be shocked, I would think.

[ And now, the waltz itself. Sebastian takes Matsui’s gloved hand and raises it so their arms are held out, then directs him to place the other on his shoulder. His hand will come to rest on Matsui’s back instead of the waist as is traditional with some other waltzes. ]

This waltz is only six steps repeated, and you will simply mirror my footwork. It is a simple one, but elegant as it weaves around the floor, so we will move around quite a bit.

[sanguinary]

[FOREVER GLOVE...

Matsui doesn't seem to note the interest of the people around them, but again, for him, that probably isn't surprising. It often looks like he doesn't take note of much at all, which contrasts the way his attention will zero in on things sometimes. Normal people things.

He adjusts to the set-up Sebastian lays out quite well. Even though he's not exactly used to the whole being human thing, the tsukumogami granted bodies by the saniwa also have an inherent understanding of how they work, and the sort of elegance you'd expect from spirits of war and art.]

Only six steps will be easy enough to remember. [Especially compared to IDOL DANCES. With a little quirk of an amused smile, he adds:] I'm sure that you will find my ability to mirror your footwork more than adequate.

[He's a sword, after all, so he's an excellent partner to lead.]

oh whoops this got lost to the inbox hole

[cutlery]

Very good.

[ Sebastian does seem pleased indeed at Matsui’s confidence in picking up the dance! It’s nice to teach someone that’s good instead of Ciel’s sad attempts, but, y’know.

He listens for the beat of the song briefly, and once it loops back, starts to lead Matsui along with careful, deliberate steps. It is indeed fairly easy to pick up as it’s only a few steps repeated on specific beats, but it’s an elegant and winding waltz. It quickly becomes apparent that they’ll move through most of the ballroom at this rate! He’s quiet as he allows Matsui to concentrate on the steps and learn, but once he seems to have it, Sebastian laughs with a warm delight. ]

Why, you were correct! You are a quick study.

[ thank god (lol) ]

someday notifs will work again

[sanguinary]

[HELP I FORGOT CIEL SUCKED AT THIS

Matsui is indeed the exact opposite... He's a natural-born good dancer and takes direction well, so between that and the fact that it is a pretty simple dance, he's definitely got it nailed in no time flat. It's easy enough for him to hold a conversation while they sweep through the room, too.]

There are many things that come easily to me.

[This doesn't even sound like a brag, it truly just sounds like A Statement. Probably because he knows that the things that don't come easily to him far outweigh these, and they're more important things like "knowing how to process human emotion".]

You're an easy teacher to follow, too. That makes it just as easy to see why such a dance would become popular among them.

[cutlery]

[ ciel is truly only good at 1) running a business 2) ruining lives (his included)

It truly is a pleasant change to have a student that has a good aptitude for dance, since it truly is something Sebastian enjoys, but it’s been rare to indulge other than teaching when it came to his contract with Ciel. So, seeing as Matsui has this down easily, his steps and posture do relax as he slips out of being especially precise while demonstrating. ]

Well, thank you very much.

[ Praise… Always welcome. ]

It is fun one! I do like the trend of dance where it’s getting a little less regimented as well. The court dances of the 1600s were fun in their way, but there is something more delightful about the capacity for improvisation and elegance that something like a waltz allows…

[ Such as a more whimsical turn that sends them out of the way of another pair whisking by! ]

You are a good student as well! My last one was a very poor dancer, so this is very much a relief.

[sanguinary]

[HELP real though, damn.

But there they go, swooping around that pair! Matsui, who's about as attuned to his surroundings as most of the swords are (i.e., very), had of course noted their presence, but wasn't expecting the elegant flair of a turn that he's led through. Granted, that doesn't upset his balance or make him less capable of following... Truly the anti-Ciel.]

Ah - thank you, too. Though surely with a good teacher's skill set, even the poorest of dancers would see improvement over time. [He underestimates Ciel's lack of still and also lack of desire to learn.]

--Is this your favorite form of dance, then? Or can you narrow your choice down to only one?

[Having been through even more time across the board than Matsui and all... Surely that opens a lot of favs to choose from.]

[cutlery]

Ha ha ha, you would think, but my previous student saw only the most minor of improvements over three years.

[ Again, the “ha ha ha” laugh of a shithead… It’s appeared so much when Sebastian it talking shit with Matsui… ]

Though picking a favorite for myself… Hm, that is a difficult question! I do enjoy some of the lively dances such as this or the gigue lourée, but… [ He hums thoughtfully as he considers the many dances he’s picked up over the centuries, then nods. ] Perhaps not the Viennese, but I do believe it is the waltz. It is indeed a more intimate dance, and there is a fun to that kind of scandal.

[ This is only because dancing hasn’t gotten truly showy yet, though. If Sebastian ever learned swing dancing, he’d be insufferable. ]

[sanguinary]

[HELP... Matsui isn't even a shittalker (usually) but he does truly bring that energy out. Maybe it's the tiny little sparkle of amusement in his eyes at the idea of someone making only a small amount of improvement over three whole years...]

Oh... [Yeah Matsui is definitely thinking of the many, many ways that dances have gotten progressively more scandalous since the ye olde time of waltzing.] I would like to know a little more about some of these other types of waltzes, but I also hope that you get to know a few of the dances that have grown more popular over the years, too. I feel like a number of them would suit your tastes, if it is scandal and intimacy that you enjoy.

[cutlery]

[ aki why do your characters teach Sebastian THE WORST THINGS??????? ]

[ Which is to say, Sebastian looks pleased at the idea! ]

In that case, we should exchange our knowledge! I would be happy to teach even ancient dances in exchange for learning some of those in the future. It sounds very fun, in fact.

[ He says it so genially and evenly that there’s no way that this could be a menace, right? ]

[sanguinary]

[IT'S NOT MY FAULT.

Anyway yeah no menacing auras here! Just a lil funky dude who likes to dance! Matsui is familiar with relatively ancient dances, himself, but they're localized to Japan and certainly don't date back quite as far as "before humans even kept track of time", damn.]

I would very much enjoy that. My team is always looking to incorporate new things into our routines... I am certain that Kotegiri would be happy to have something so unique to work with.

[Except Kotegiri is DEAD and all, apparently, but it's fine, if he doesn't look his problems directly in the eye then they don't exist.]

[cutlery]

Wonderful! I imagine I can provide a wealth of knowledge in that arena, at least.

[ He does have a thought to himself that’s not so much concern as idly noting that Matsui speaks of a friend in the present tense… He’s a bit surprised, considering Matsui’s general temperament is a bit closer to his own, but ah, well. It’s an interesting curiosity to note. ]

There are the rigid sorts that are more ceremonial or courtly dances, but there are also those that were a bit more freeform… They are not difficult to learn or teach, necessarily, but more that they provide a healthy amount of improvisation. It is more that you learn the general ambiance of a dance or perhaps a few dramatic flairs to identify them. Which sounds a bit more of interest, out of curiosity?

[sanguinary]

[He's a weird alien full of weird quirks... Sometimes you are simultaneously capable of letting things go too quickly and also clinging onto them forever at the same time, somehow.

But!! He seems genuinely interested in talk of these different types of dances, and takes the question seriously as he ponders.]

I see... I must admit that I am not entirely well-versed in improvisation. [Being an idol doesn't leave a lot of room for it, and the other dancing he tends to do is innately ingrained in swords in some weird cult-like spirity way that's never fully explained, after all.]

But I suppose that between them, something freeform would be of more interest, since I know very little about it. I do many ceremonial dances, of sorts, but nothing that I believe would count as improvised.

[cutlery]

Well, then you are perfect as my student, since improvisation is also my weak point, I will admit… The creative flair required is not quite something I have, but I am very good at copying others!

[ So is that really improvisation… He’d say no, honestly. But with the one he has in mind, it’s not as if people can get upset about him stealing their moves, considering, ]

There is a Babylonian dance that was a good bit of fun that I think would fit well. It also included using a sash as a part of a connection between the dancers more than their hands, so it is a rather unique one as well.

[sanguinary]

[Jury's out on whether Matsui even knows what Babylonia is, but it's fine because he's just nodding regardless. Props are great! That's something he knows how to work with in dance!]

I would not mind starting there, if that is the case. Though I'm a little surprised to hear you say you don't find yourself creative...

[At least insofar as dance improv goes. A lot of the work he did sounds like it requires a lot of creativity??]

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian laughs a bit, since he’s told a few people this and gets the same reaction every time… But it’s not an unfair one, at least. ]

It sounds like a bit of a contradiction, yes? But it is quite true. I am excellent at copying things, but true creativity is beyond me. As a different example, if I were to see a painting, I could likely recreate it perfectly. But given a blank canvas and simply being told to paint something? I could not.

[ The song shifts in its rhythm slightly, but smoothly, Sebastian’s steps shift to match it ]

Some do consider it semantics, since I am able to combine things I have seen into something new… But I still think of it as different. True creativity is something rather uniquely human. Ah, or, I suppose now in Kenos I should simply say something like it is uniquely not something demons have?

[sanguinary]

[bruh he's dancin with a demon

Which is to say, there's a little look of surprise that briefly flashes across Matsui's face as they sweep into a new rhythm, though it - as with all of his expressions - seems to be relatively mild in nature and show.]

Oh? I had thought you a spirit of sorts, but I have yet to know a demon in my time... Beyond oni, that is. [It's Kaoru all over again. BUT ANYWAY since his Catholic background doesn't extend to actual Catholic beliefs, he's generally like "okay I guess" about the entire thing and moves on to other curious matters fairly quickly. Like, for one--]

Is such a thing unique to the demons of your world? Beyond never having met a demon before, I do not think that I know of anything from the spiritual world I am familiar with who could not create something new...