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

[impiety]

[ Archangel pauses as he feels the anger on his behalf; there is a moment where he feels honest appreciation towards Amos. Of course, the appreciation is more toward the violence and murderous capabilities that the man has -- and he wonders if the bond can itemize the emotions that he feels. Too late to do anything about it; too little that he can do to stop himself from feeling however he feels, as well.

He pauses to look back with a half smile. ]

I know. I know why he did it. [ A sigh slips past. ] Father was ashamed and humiliated that she was distorting the way that she was. These distortions to the body means that there is something in the world, in their life, that is unbearable to endure. And the body responds to it.

[ A moment of hysteria touches him but it is gone in a second. He breathes out slow; he has a quiet, righteous anger that eats at him. ]

I would like to say that I am, but I still feel quite raw about what he did. He never faced any punishment for his crime... and I feel like being swallowed up like everyone else is far too peaceful an end for someone who could not protect and love his family. [ But even so, even a man like this, is someone that Archangel would save. ] Yet if there is a chance to grant him paradise, I would... because even the most evil deserve a chance at redemption and happiness.

[ Just that he would have them crawl on their bellies through a bed of nails first -- and that is but the first thought of punishment he would give them. ]

[baltimores]

[ All he feels is that sense of appreciation, and for what specifically, Amos has no clue. He has to assume it's for checking in on Archangel — because that's something people like, right? That's something a good person does, so for him to be in Archangel's continued good graces like this... That's probably what it is.

He frowns in thought as he listens to the explanation. It makes no sense to him, but he's gotta chalk that up to a difference in worlds. He gets that. And if someone's body reflects the pain they're in, and someone else's response is to just kill them... Amos would get it, normally. But to a child—

He misses Archangel's blip of hysteria through his own anger coming back up, his forcefulness in pushing it back down, even as he feels Archangel's own righteous version. Amos' just so happens to run hot, and there's nothing to do with that here, so he needs it to run cold again. Especially at what he says. That he would help someone who murdered a child. It leaves Amos blank, confused, stunned. ]

No, they don't.

[ There has to be a limit for what atrocities one can commit and still deserve a chance after. Surely even Archangel knows this. ]

What people like that do to others, to kids — [ Amos finds himself gesturing towards the pool, a tight and restrained violence in the movement of his arm — ] there's a fucking line there. Can't say anything about him never facing any punishment, since he's dead now. But giving him a chance? [ He scoffs as he brings his arm back to his side. Lets it hang limp. ] Where was her chance? Where was yours?

[ Or is he talking about himself here? ]

Fucker made his bed; he can lie in it.

[ Him and everyone else like him. ]

[impiety]

Hm?

[ There is honest curiosity that bleeds into his thoughts. He shifts to turn towards Amos, soaks in the anger that he has. Archangel cannot help but feel pleased and happy at the response that he is getting; it is what he wanted in the beginning. It is why he decided to force himself to relive this vision of his sister.

He had other memories of her. Though, they were brief. Like her telling him his eyes were beautiful while their parents wanted him to hide the shade they had become. It was a sign he might be distorting, after all.

But he feels real appreciation to the venom that is Amos's voice; he thinks of what he can do with it and he is able to keep himself from mentally salivating at it. ]

Where were our chances? You're right. Neither one of us were able to experience the happiness of a family. Father and Mother just wanted us to look perfect and act perfect in front of others. So long as we did those things, the world would think we were happy. [ He steps forward, walking towards Amos with a soft, sad smile. The warmth he feels for him does not change. ]

However, I recall you saying that you have also done terrible things. You were given a chance to keep living here... you were given a chance to save others and you've already done that. [ His head tilts to the side. ] If I cannot give that same courtesy and hope to others... what right do I have to say I can save anyone?

[baltimores]

[ ... The appreciation doesn't quite match up with Archangel's words.

Amos stands still as he lets Archangel approach him, trying to understand how this all fits together. It's probably just left over from the fact that Amos came to check on him, right? Maybe even from when he'd taken one for the team by killing Dextera (as though that hadn't been a simple task for Amos, it only occurring to him as a possibility now). Whatever it is, though — Amos likes it, likes that warmth, likes that feeling that he's doing something right, even if he can't quite follow how.

Can only meet it with a longing to keep it up. Keep this going, even if he doesn't deserve it. ]

Can't speak to that. I'm not much of a philosophy guy. [ His tone is almost apologetic. ] Not much of a saving people guy either.

[ A lie, even if it's an unintentional one. Amos has a better track record with saving people than he'd expect — he's just been trained to expect the worst of himself, will continue to do just that. ]

Honestly, I don't even know why I keep getting chances. I probably shouldn't. I figure there's some kind of reason for it, like there're things I can get done that others can't. [ Killing Dextera. Killing anyone, really. Someone needs something dirty done, and yeah, he can do it. Except... Amos' voice hardens. ] One thing I've never done, though? I've never hurt a child.

[ A pause. A real question after it, one desperately trying to understand where Archangel's coming from — small and almost hurt, if he looks deep enough into it. ]

How do you want to save anyone who's done that?

[impiety]

And yet you saved us.

[ Indeed, he is going to keep bringing that point up. It is good to reward a killer with praise so that they continue to kill in the name of saving others. ]

I would say that the reasons that you keep getting chances is because you are a better man than what you believe yourself to be. The universe wishes for you to see it yourself. If not the universe, then I wish for you to see that truth. [ He opens his hands to gesture to the sky above them before bringing his hand back to press it over his chest. There is some truth to what he is saying. ]

Mm. [ He gives a small nod of sympathy that Amos has never harmed a child, quietly acknowledging that hard line. ] How? Because there are reasons that my father became as twisted on the inside to think his own child was something disgusting and humiliating to know.

[ A glance back to the shadowed form of his father. ] There are those that believe people are born rotten and there may be some truth to it. But there is also the chance that they simply were not given the chance to redeem themselves. Redemption should come to those that need it and not always to those that want it.

[ His gaze drops. ] If there truly is no way to save them, if they truly are too wicked to change, then and only then will judgment be passed. [ His judgment -- and they will wish they have taken his offering of redemption when they are nothing but suffering piles of meat that he refuses to let die. ]

[baltimores]

[ He can't really argue with that.

Amos falls silent, searching Archangel's eyes as he speaks. Looking up at the sky when he gestures towards it, back to Archangel. His hand. His chest. His eyes again. He's... he's processing it, quietly and internally. It all sounds like something Yima might say. What others from his past, from Horos and from earlier than that, might have told him. Maybe they already had, and something in him is just having a hard time listening to it.

So he nods, small and uncertain, because he doesn't really know what else to do with that kind of vote of confidence. Denying it is starting to seem like less of an option, but outside of that, he isn't really sure what to do.

Gonna have to think about it. Really think about it. Amos' eyes drop as Archangel talks about his father, opting to instead stare at the toes of his boots, brow furrowed. He isn't sure anymore if they're talking about Archangel's father or him.

Finally, he looks back up. ]

How can you tell? [ His voice is almost tentative, but picks up steam as he continues. ] How do you know when someone's too wicked to change? How long do you spend on them trying to figure that out? Because I don't think I'd have the time of day for anyone like that.

[ Or certain other people from his past — if he were to somehow run into them here again he'd kill them without a second thought.

All of this has him thinking that Archangel is a good person, kind, benevolent — and has Amos wondering if, despite his earlier words, he's still one of those too wicked to change. Someone who will never be able to grasp redemption no matter how many chances he's given, because it's just not in the nature he grew into. ]

[impiety]

[ Archangel gives a small, little smile. His chin drops a little as he takes a second to really think about Amos's question. Because I am always right. That is the first thought that comes to mind; when he passes judgement on someone, he is doing it with a righteous hand and clear mind.

But he understands that if he gives such an answer that he will be thought of as an insane person. At least, right now. He feels like as the two of them get to know one another; trust one another; that Amos will come to accept that he is right on every call that he makes.

And won't that be a boon for me?

His eyes refocus on his face. ]

Look at where we are, Amos. Our worlds are gone... the people that we cherished are gone... yet we are given a chance to live. [ A point he has made multiple times. He lifts his hand up to gesture around them. ] I am certain there are those that will stumble while they are here. They cannot help but do so. They probably believe themselves trapped by how they've always been and cannot see another way.

[ Dextera.

He breathes in sharp through his nose and smiles. ]

But we must let them know there is another way. We have to give them that chance. A person can make a mistake and still be forgiven... if we cannot forgive each other here, when can we forgive one another?

[baltimores]

[ Dextera is the furthest thing from Amos' mind — rather, it sounds like Archangel is talking about him.

So he has to listen. His eyes track where Archangel indicates, the world they find themselves in, the people around them. The mourners, the court, the tree, all of it. And he tries — is trying so hard — to absorb everything he says.

We.

We must let them know, we have to give them that chance, when can we forgive one another. We, we, we. Amos is a part of this. No, more than that — wants to be a part of this.

And has no idea how.

He meets Archangel's eyes again, his own lost. ]

How do you let them know there's another way? [ How does he find that way? ] What about those that can't be forgiven?

[ He knows people like that exist — he just isn't entirely sure if he's one of them or not. ]

[impiety]

By talking to them, I suppose. By being there for them. By helping them in any way that I can.

[ His eyes close as he drops his chin. He interlaces his fingers as he takes the pose of prayer. Archangel does this as he seems to be musing over the question of those that cannot be forgiven. ]

Everyone can be forgiven. It is if they continue to ruin themselves and others that they can no longer be saved. [ He opens his eyes. ] After all, if a wicked person is forgiven but does not feel it, does not feel changed by it... I would say that is different than not forgiving them.

[ Lifting his chin up, he holds Amos's gaze and gives him a small sad smile. ]

So... for all that you have done, for everything that causes you to hate yourself, I want you to know that I forgive you for it. [ Pulling his hands apart, he holds them out to the man. ] I do not need to know what those burdens are, but know that I believe you are a man deserving to be saved from them.

[baltimores]

[ Archangel's actions look contemplative to Amos' eye, his mannerisms hinting at a compassion well beyond what Amos is capable of. He doesn't take his eyes off of him as he speaks, the sense that each word Archangel says is a sort of gospel even if he can't understand it, the importance of ensuring he hears them cemented in his mind.

A blink of surprise when Archangel says he forgives Amos. ]

Thanks. [ There's a hesitancy in his voice; he doesn't doubt the sincerity, but it still feels a little odd. There are people who can't be forgiven, Amos knows. Will never deviate from that knowledge, because there are people out there he will never forgive, no matter how dead they are by now. But that's secondary to the here, and the now. ] I didn't do anything to you, did I...?

[ He killed Dextera, maybe not as painlessly as he would've liked, but he did follow Archangel's orders there. To save others, even Dextera included. So Amos isn't entirely sure what Archangel needs to forgive him for, though there is something nice about hearing those words spoken to him — I forgive you. It's not often they're meant for him.

He wants to accept this — wants to feel every part of it — he just needs to understand. ]

[impiety]

No. [ He gives a warm, gentle smile at the question. ] You have not done anything to me. You have done a lot for me, however.

[ Because if he had been given the opportunity and okay to kill Dextera, the mask that he wears would have completely fallen off. His madness would have burned its way from the back of his mind to the front. He isn’t even sure what expression he would wear at that time, and can only assume it would be horrifying. ]

I also can tell you’re someone who is carrying quite a few burdens. [ His hand rests upon his own chest. ] While you may not have done anything against me, I want to be the one to forgive you for what you cannot forgive yourself for, Amos.

[ He curls his hand back before holding it out. ] Would you let me do that for you?

[baltimores]

[ That's good, that he hasn't done anything to hurt Archangel. It's not like Amos really wants to hurt anyone; it's just something he ends up doing more often than not. Just a part of who he is.

He'd never really thought about forgiveness before; not for himself, at least. He does something, he moves on, and other people either move on with him or they don't. It never had to be anything more than that — but maybe it should be. He's not entirely sure how that works, someone he hasn't wronged forgiving him for things, but if it's being offered... ]

Yes.

[ The answer is plain but punctuated as Amos takes Archangel's hand, his own broad and calloused from years of manual labour. He really isn't sure how he feels about being forgiven, but it can only be a good thing, right? ]

I know you said you don't need to know, but feels like I should tell you anyway. Yeah, I've done plenty of bad shit; the part that bothers me is that I don't feel bad about any of it. It's not supposed to work that way. Normal people feel bad when they do something wrong. I don't feel anything. Can't help but wonder if that's worse.

[impiety]

[ He gently holds Amos's hand, and offers a small smile in turn. His own hands are not as rough as his. They're unfortunately soft; there used to be callouses and the like, but they had faded over time. It is what happens when he was suspended in the air upon that spire. He gave up trying to claw his way off the spike through his chest and just hung in the air -- painfully. ]

Hm.

[ There is a spark of happiness in hearing what he says. It does make him happy to know that this man can do terrible things without feeling guilt for them. That makes the process of convincing him to do the acts easier. ]

I'm happy to know that you think that way, Amos, but please don't separate yourself from normal people, though. [ He rests his other hand on top of Amos's, lightly patting the top of it. ] I think it would be worse if you did not worry about not feeling bad for what you had to do.

[ And he smiles. ] You do not strike me as a man who does things without reason. If you see good reason for why something must be done, you do it, right?

[baltimores]

[ Amos curls his fingers against Archangel's, embracing the touch as well as he can. It's. Grounding? Accepting? It feels like something good, so he'll reciprocate this as best he can — the language of bodies has always made more sense to him than words. ]

Yeah. There's always a reason. [ He feels... seen? It doesn't really bother him that people have a tendency to mistake him for a trigger-happy whackjob — it's whatever — but to be read correctly is affirming. ] I don't... I don't mean I'm not normal, I mean I know most people think differently from me. I see a solution to something, and other people tend to not get it. I mean, I get why it's like that. They got empathy, and I don't.

[ Another unintentional lie; his sense of empathy is just buried, only unearthed for people he cares about. That doesn't mean it's not there, but it's hard for him to make that connection. ]

I want to. I don't wanna make people upset by solving problems or whatever, but just kinda feels like it's my lot in life. I try, but sooner or later I fuck things up.

[ Just a reality of things — he can only fight his base nature for so long. ]

[impiety]

[ His smile returns as his fingers curl around his own. There is a warm sense of pride and honest happiness that Amos has accepted his touch. Buried beneath that, there is the sick satisfaction of hopefully acquiring such a wonderful person for whatever goals he may have in the future.

But he pulls his smile back as he listens carefully to what is sad. His head giving the slightest of tilts to indicate that he's taking in everything that Amos is saying and not saying. ]

I understand. [ Archangel feels his expression soften. ] You want to do the things that other people are incapable of doing to fix what is wrong. Like if there is a threat, it is better to deal with it than let it roam free, as it were. [ He uses flowery language but they both know what he means. The image behind him is slowly fading away; he lightly tugs on Amos's hand so that he can lead him away to somewhere they can keep talking. ]

You would never upset me. I want to promise you that... because I know that your heart is good. [ So he has been saying over and over, like a mantra. Because it is a mantra that he wants to get started. He continues on, worried that he might be interrupted: ] You said so yourself... you wish to solve things for others and not hurt them by doing so. I think that makes you a wonderful person.

[baltimores]

[ He only feels the pride, the happiness from Archangel — and it's for him. Anything else is too subtle for him to pick up on; too irrelevant in this moment, maybe. What matters is that he's doing something right — or at least is well on his way towards just that.

It's nice. Little changes in Amos' outward expression, just him continuing to search Archangel's, but inward he feels a sort of warmth — a sort of optimism — that's been building the longer they've talked. They do, indeed, both know exactly what he means; the fact that it's okay, though...

He follows Archangel at that tug, perfectly compliant. Why wouldn't he? They don't need to be by the pool anymore; Amos certainly never did. Wherever Archangel sees fit for them to go, they probably should. ]

You think so? [ A bit of childlike wonder slips out in his voice. For most of his life, he's been striving towards the unattainable — be a good person, do good things — and here he's being told that's it's possible. Maybe even that it's already happening. ] I mean, I always tried, but it doesn't always work out that way. I didn't know how much that counted for.

[ It isn't just Archangel who's alluded to trying meaning something; he's heard that message as early as his original universe. But here, where the stakes are probably the highest they'll ever be, where it's getting compounded into his head again and again and again? Maybe it's time to start listening. ]

[impiety]

I think that it didn't work out because people were willing to only listen to their own thoughts and feelings. They were not willing to understand you, and so, it made you feel as though you were doing wrong.

[ It is very nice to be able to isolate and alienate Amos from that which he knew. Even if there was some positive that came from the man's relations with others, Archangel can say that those people let him feel as though he was not like everyone else. And isn't that just so cruel?

Well, he does think that it is cruel. Amos does, indeed, give him the impression that he is a good person. He may be willing to kill, but what "good person" isn't if they have "good reason?"

Actually-- ]

You may be willing to kill, but what good person isn't if they have a good reason?

[ He did like the statement he made to himself enough to share it with Amos. To give more of his honest feelings on these points. Indeed, the man seems like a useful person to him, but also someone who truly and honestly desires to look after others. The manner in which Amos does is clumsy and violent, but that is fine. Archangel thinks him better than those that simply hope and pray for evil to be extinguished. ]

That is why I am happy you were brought here. [ A sadder smile. ] As random as chances may be, I think that you being here is a boon for everyone.

[baltimores]

[ A moment of hesitation, and then softly, ] Yeah.

[ It's not a question this time. The more Archangel talks, the more Amos finds what he says to just make sense. He's used to people judging him without knowing him; used to being yelled at every now and then by someone who doesn't understand his thought processes. And it's not like he minds. Sticks and stones, and all that; what other people think is usually irrelevant. He'll just move on to the next place, the next group of people, like he'd had to do for years before he met his last crew back in his original universe, except now they're all dead and he's here—

He's here and it's a good thing. He can do what others won't. Can't. Maybe people like him are needed, after all. ]

Yima said something like that earlier. That she was happy that I'm here, that she knows I can help. [ Except... she hadn't been talking about killing anyone, but helping people. Supporting them. He can do both though, can't he? Maybe there's an outcome where they're one and the same.

He takes a moment, then nods to himself, voice more sure. ] Yeah. Okay. Sometimes some people need to die, if it's to save someone else or put them out of their misery...

[ There can be good reasons for killing. Not just efficient reasons — but good ones.

He looks back up at Archangel, meeting his eyes again. ]

Thank you.

[ For coaching him through this; for helping him. He'd wanted to see how Archangel was doing, to check in on him, especially when he'd found him reliving such a horrific memory... Amos hadn't anticipated being the one who would be helped. Didn't think he'd needed it — but he's grateful for it all the same. ]

[impiety]

It's nice that we both think the same about you, then.

[ Even if he is not yet a figure of authority, he thinks it is good to be among those that think fondly and well of Amos. It will help him in the future; this much he knows. There was a young child that he saved and showered with kind affection now-and-again. Then, that dear child became a wonderful killing machine for him later -- hunting down anyone that he felt disgraced or upset the Archangel.

His smile softens even more as he stares at Amos. ]

You're welcome. I'm glad that you're starting to see yourself as I see you.

[ Ah, he should be careful not to say too much. But he does have an overwhelming release of emotion -- it's nostalgic, warm, and honestly so, so pleased. Pleased with himself, pleased with Amos. An overall happy feeling that comes from believing that the future will be a better one thanks to an added knife in the dark. ]