THE SOOT OF IGNORANCE: RISING ACTION

[beleos]

BETWEEN UNCONTROLLED ESCALATION & UNENDING PASSIVITY

The moonlit city of Highstorm has always been a tranquil location.

Its people, passionate about the steady leadership of Zenith's leader — Lady Yima — begin their movements slowly and deliberately. Following the lead of their most trusted Shard-Bearers and the word of their Lady, activity in Highstorm begins to increase in the vicinity of Yima's Manor. The Court, the town square outside of it, becomes a hotbed of bustle and voices. Personnel and attendants rush around with documentation, stirring others to action. A select few figures gather the full force of their long-standing houses, calling on family bonds and their own castellans to assist the efforts that build over the course of a few days.

For the tranquility of Highstorm is only ever punctuated by its decisiveness, its faith that their path is the correct one — and now, they will prove it.

In a trickle-down effort, from the most loyal Zenites to the newest, the news unfolds for them: Amos Burton has been tasked by Lady Yima herself to turn the tides back in Zenith's favor. He is to end the life of the 34th Tribune, Cyrus Marcius Germanus Kokkinos, alongside the fortune who have found their way into Zenith's graces. In the earliest hours of the invasion, the figure of Yima herself steps out onto the balcony of her quarters — the highest point of the Manor — with her robes soft around her body and hands extended to her people. Her silence is punctuated by glowing feelings of pride that flow through the hearts and minds of every last sworn Zenite, bolstering their resolve and encouraging them with the cool, ever-flowing might of the people who look to Zenith's Shard-Bearers for their victory.

She sees them off with unspoken sentiments of love, confidence in them — the whispered promises that she knows they are ready to see the war through. And perhaps none of them will know that it is the last time they see her.

For in the sun-dappled sprawl of Springstar, their target awaits them.

The bustle of the city has always been without reservation; the bright and airy attitudes of militant citizenry look on with confidence and celebratory warmth as their Shard-Bearers have brought them to a marginal advancement over their enemies. While Tribune Cyrus's popularity has waned, there are alternative avenues they have begun to explore — the figure of Agapitos Voreen has become deeply popular, with savvy statements, an easy confidence and a willingness to deny Zenith any room to breathe, he is a shoe-in for future Tribune, whenever the next elections are held.

Which is why, in between one moment and the next, the city is rocked by the efforts of their opposition. Zenite-aligned Shard-Bearers and the small house armies of Yima's most loyal core families fill the streets with chaotic distractions, ranging from duels with the Helios Legionnaire to direct attacks on civilians. ( Where does your character draw the line, if they care to? Will it matter in the long run, do they believe? ) Appearing from several Cornerstones hidden within the city's confines from missions long past, tracking the movements of Legionnaires and Shard-Bearers alike from the placement of listening gems and tracking spells, even rising from the bowels of Kowloon to trap the city in a pincer movement — Highstorm goes on the offensive.

Springstar puts up a valiant resistance in return; however, within twenty-four hours, Zenite Shard-Bearers will have hunted down, cornered and slain the Tribune. In that moment, Meridian-aligned Shard-Bearers will feel a splitting pain: the suddenness of having an integral element of their power ripped from them, the sensation akin to being crushed, gasping under the weight of Zenith's swell. The last trickle of emotion from Cyrus for them is a gentle warmth, fondness and forgiveness and the purity of his confidence in them. He believes in them, he always has, and he prays and hopes for their victory even though he will not be around to see it become reality, now.

His death is announced the following day by his assistant Cetina, the deer-morph girl choking back angry tears as she — with a furious and tearful General Ayo Zaman and the somber, mournful figure of Hieropoios Natalia at her side — lambasts Highstorm for the act of aggression, attempts to rouse the city and Meridian's hope, and pledges that she will not let her best friend's murderers escape her vengeance.

Hours after Cetina's message, in the far corner of Highstorm — following the people's celebrations and rejoicing in their strike, the delight in the might of their Shard-Bearers and the renewed passions of their people in pursuit of their victory — a brilliant, golden beam of sunlight pierces the eternal night of the city.

In an instant, the balcony upon which Yima had stood and the rooms beyond it — in fact, the entirety of the Manor, is engulfed in fire and light. The Manor falls, crumbling in upon itself as debris cascades into the living quarters of Shard-bearers and partially topples into the Court beyond. While the Tree of Life, the Reflecting Pools and many businesses around the Court escape extensive damage, the Manor itself is in shambles. And in the wake, many Zenite Shard-Bearers will feel the suddenness of having an integral element of their power ripped from them, the sensation akin to being crushed, gasping under the weight of Meridian's swell. In the wake of the strike, there is a deep silence within them.

Any attempts to contact Yima are met with the same silence a Shard-Bearer feels when reaching out to another who has left the world entirely. And with that, both sides are left to pick up the pieces and weigh the consequences of their actions.

ADDITIONAL MATTERS

During ( and in the wake of both assaults ), there is plenty for any Unharmonized Shard-Bearers and more moderate Meris/Zenites to partake in. Damage has been wrought to both cities at differing times, and there is a degree of life lost no matter the best efforts of those who value innocents over the price enacted by acts of war.

In Springstar, the citizenry has been ravaged by attacks stemming from the depths of Kowloon: as monsters in the form of both individuals with unusual appetites (cannibals and vampires, for example) and heavily-drugged, superpowered addicts have been finding their way into the city, slaughtering civilians indiscreetly, picking fights with the Legionary, and engaging in general criminal mischief and violence. Following Zenith's assault and subsequent assassination, the city will be on high alert and be deeply hostile toward Zenith-aligned Shard-Bearers, as well as mistrustful towards any Unharmonized ( for good reason: they might still Harmonize with Zenith! ). After the day of the attack, the attacks drop off significantly, but do not vanish entirely, for now that some have gotten a taste, it will take time for Yura to reign them in once more.

The people of the city turn to their Shard-Bearers in the wake of their Tribune's murder; even though his popularity had waned, it isn't as though his death doesn't affect them! Deeply concerned and frightened for their future, they demand information about what will be done to protect the city from another assault like this? Some civilians will turn to the church, or perhaps community leaders, but it seems very few turn to the legionary, after they were so focused on the attacks that they missed the forest for the trees. Their trust in their military leaders is waning, and they’re looking for answer. Some community leaders have tried to soften the hurt and anger of Springstar’s people, but they look toward those whom were not a part of the current establishment to answers.

In Highstorm, Yima's Manor lays in shambles, but the rest of the city is unharmed. Shard-Bearers who were living in the Manor will find that their living quarters suffered from the collapse and subsequent fires, but any precious items/belongings they had in their rooms can be recovered after sifting through the rubble. One of Yima’s most trusted, Florence, seems to be taking the reigns of control, and while there are still pockets of the manor that remain on the outskirts of the building itself, she encourages any Zenites who had not moved out to move on quickly, since what is left should be used by any newcomers who need shelter, and not those whom have had the opportunity to make bonds, and have allies that they can rely on.

The main issue now plaguing Zenites is the sudden, overwhelming crowd that begins to gather in the Court, demanding information from them about Yima's safety — they are frantic, and rightfully concerned about further assaults of that incendiary degree from Meridian. The city will be on high alert and be deeply hostile toward Meridian-aligned Shard-Bearers, as well as mistrustful towards any Unharmonized ( for good reason: they might still Harmonize with Meridian! ). The Manor itself is almost entirely destroyed, with only a shell of the outskirts left, and though those who are left are already trying to sift through the rubble, they are often overcome by their sorrow, and it is not uncommon in the wake of Meridian’s destruction to find some of Yima’s most loyal in distress, for the loss of their leader.

A LIGHTHOUSE AGAINST THE ENCROACHING STORM

A few months ago, all current Shard-Bearers experienced a mass dreaming event, full of teeming darkness and a pervasive sense of terror. Following the death of Cyrus and the "presumed loss" of Yima, all Shard-Bearers will receive yet another dream.

This one is a simple, direct thing: rife with a haunting sense of being watched, observed as if from the reeds and brush by a hunter. Whatever your power level, however skilled you are and confident you are in your place, your decisions, your heart will quake before the severe impression of something prowling at your heels. Just out of sight, but never out of mind. Every Shard-Bearer's shard will wrench free of their body upon waking, falling from their physical form as if to flee this sensation of something waiting, patient, for the right moment to pounce.

Echoing in the back of their mind, a wordless, shapeless promise lingers: Forward, or back. Back, or forward. Dart and weave, flit and flutter, scamper and scurry. We are here, now. In the back of every mind, what was in the process of coming before is — it is here, now. Looming right above, waiting for the outcome, watching for which way the last lives at the end of existence will flee.

Upon awakening from the mass dream-become-nightmare, Shard-bearers will slowly become aware of the exacerbation of previous events that have been persisting since October. These events are no longer subtle, and will impact everyone regardless of faction allegiance, with purposefully targeted strikes:

— Darkness has spread within Springstar. Wherever there is shadow cast by person, object or building, it has deepened, darkened, and grown in size. Walking through any shadowed area or touching a darkened shadow will fill a Shard-bearer who enters that area with feelings of dread, of something lingering just out of sight, of danger prickling along their spine, and entice them to run and flee. If they are not quick enough, an unseen entity savages them — aiming directly for wherever their Shard is hidden and held. They are being hunted.

— Light has spread within Highstorm. Starlight and moonlight seem to sear what they touch, leaving patches of bleached-white scars upon person, object or building. Being touched by the light or coming into contact with a white-scarred entity will fill a Shard-bearer with feelings of malaise, like they should simply lay down and accept what comes next. Suffocating hands waiting to pin them down. Even in the safety of the shadows, the scourging glow of any light reaches for them and rakes across their bodies, seeking the place where their Shard is hidden or held. Ravaging them with hot-and-cold burns. They are being sacrificed.

— Shard-bearers readily become lost in familiar places, as if their homes and bastions of safety and security have become strange ( estranged? ) from their minds. The route to that favorite haunt ( perhaps even their own place of business ) eludes them, and searching for it alone becomes an impossibility. It takes another Shard-bearer, at times, to aid them in breaking free of the mild befuddlement. You're just tired. It's just the strain getting to you.

— Citizens of both Springstar and Highstorm continue to speak about neighbors who have 'suddenly moved away', or the disappearance of a favored shop or cafe. Some mention favorite, useful landmarks vanishing, causing them to forget where they are coming from, or where they are going. When directly asked about this circumstance, they shrug and declare that it happens all the time these days. In fact, there's nothing to really be done about it. And if pressed, the citizenry's eyes go glassy and expressions become confused as they ask who, what, where, and why their Shard-Bearer has begun asking them such strange questions. None seem bothered by this strange occurrence, as if all is well and normal.

— Shard-bearers will begin to see familiar faces in crowds, standing on street corners, peering through their private windows, waving them down at their familiar haunts. People from their own worlds, loved and hated alike rush for them — adoring and hostile alike. Family members and friends who seem to attempt to meet their eyes before the crowd swallows them up; loved ones who should be captured in Shards try to flag them down, calling their names and asking them where have you been? what's going on?; enemies and abusers seem to advance upon them, pushing their way forth hungrily. And then they are gone, but not before leaving behind the impression, the strange sensation that, they are real. Really there. If only for a moment.

OOC & (IMMEDIATE) WORLD CHANGES

The full document for this event can be found here!

So, what does the world look like now that this has all gone down?

The world of Kenos ripples from the effects of our players!

Springstar is (mostly) physically unharmed, though the population has been reduced thanks to the number of murders and criminal mischief that has taken place during the attack. Damage seems constrained to things like broken doors and windows, looted property, and murdered civilians, though the severity is up to how many defend Springstar from the concentrated might of Ryad’s regulars, and a practical army of addicts rising from the depths below the city.

The leadership of Springstar is also shaken, though there are procedures in place for this – if one is particularly studious, they will recall that this is not the first Tribune that has been assassinated, though it is the first in a long while – and the Church and the Legionary have stepped in to maintain the peace while elections begin to be arranged.

Cyrus’s body is interred publically at the Church in Heliopolis for a week after his passing, before his body is immolated during a service, his soul returned to the Tree of Life. Those who attend will feel the light of Meridian fill them, and their Discord may be reduced by one level thanks to the warm hope that fills them, even as they despair at the loss of their leadership. Meridian calls to its most loyal, and asks them to do what they do best, show hope and unending resolve, when things look to be their most hopeless.

Highstorm is another story. The destruction wrought is more property, but the number of people who were within the manor is difficult to count until a week or two after the destruction has been evaluated, and cleanup has begun. The loss of life is not devastating compared to what was leveled upon Springstar, but perhaps the most distressing is that Yima is not present. Florence reassures those in Highstorm with her calming, but firm presence.

With few of Yima’s softer adorations to be found, Florence instead pushes the faithful to muster their will and begin the recovery efforts. After all, they have long proven to have faith in Yima’s guidance, and they should believe in it now when it is difficult. It is not the first time their fortitude has been tested, after all.

Her words fill those in Zenith with a sense of calm resolve, and they may feel their distress and discord from this destruction alleviating slightly. Highstorm’s government works smoothly without Yima, and those who are interested in history will be able to see Florence’s name throughout the annals, as one that would guide Yima’s faithful when the matron was in convalescence, or respite. What Zenith does best, after all, is build something new when faced with destruction. Consider this a primer for your new world, to help bring the faithful back from the brink of their despair.

The unharmonized have a choice, as they so often do. This time, however, the stakes appear even higher than before. The cities are not as welcoming as they once were, and those that have not chosen are beseeched by the civilians of both Highstorm and Springstar. ‘Do you not understand what they’ve taken from us, and what they will in days to come? You cannot let this continue, standing on the sidelines. Imagine the ways in which you could help us,’ they beg, and it feels as though your neutrality will become increasingly inconvenient, as time goes on.

What can we expect next?

As the month of Pelu ( aka March ) dawns, you will begin to feel it. Something tugs at you.

Those who have lived through more than one will feel that anticipatory anxiety rise, as the next oracle is coming. Are you ready to fight to claim it, even when it feels so dark, and even when everything feels different, and harder? Do you look to the stars, and dream of your home? Or do you gaze outward, into nothing, and dream of what you will make from the ashes?

Anticipate the oracle in the coming month of Pelu, and to learn more about those that will step into the voids left by Cyrus and Yima.

And as always!

Questions can be directed here!

Individuals less-inclined to busy themselves with either effort, or looking for a way to gain a foothold/explore the world can report here for exploration attempts. We recommend examining the Kenos Wiki's Locations for ideas, if you don't know where to start. Or! Ask someone in the Discord Server for a recommendation, we have long-time players eager to help.

Lastly, remember that Cyrus and Yima will be a little occupied this time around, but anyone who might ICly have reason to contact them regarding the brewing troubles can do so here!

CODING

Comments

Rin Tohsaka | Zenith (T2) | Harbinger

[erbe]

[Ever since the loss of the Harbinger Oracle, Rin doesn't leave Highstorm much these days. Over time she has gathered the resources to avoid shopping in Springstar, and it's not as if she gets invited to that side much anyway. Retreating back into the shadows of Highstorm's evernight simply feels natural for a mage. And yet she finds herself sullen and lonely any time she thinks of being the only one who doesn't want to see that world restored.

As such the following prompts are both within Highstorm, and one can't expect her to leave the island unless called upon. This also means not getting involved in the murder plot, but instead sticking around Highstorm in hopes of fending off any counterattacks.]

✧ 1. Aftermath

[Unfortunately the type of counterattack that Meridian launched wasn't one she could protect the city from. As such Tohsaka is put in a more reactionary position. Scrambling to the scene of the destruction to help in any way she can. With her Discord higher because of the damage taken to Sakura's shard earlier in the month, her powers are a little unstable from time to time. So, while it is unusual for her, Rin switches between utilizing her regular powers and her Harmonized abilities (amplified by the Crest that Aetos had carved into her). Tohsaka can be found:

a. Rescue efforts
Removing rubble and debris to save citizens who may have been trapped by the blast and to look for Yima. She'll spend ours scouring the mountain of dust, dirt, and death even if it means faltering from seeing some of the more mangled bodies. She may even faint a little or throw up.

b. Time & Healing
After hours of search Rin will either be unable to keep up her stamina or physically dragged out of search efforts by someone else. Following this she'll settle with helping heal the wounded and comfort the scared. While Rin isn't very good at the latter, her status as a tier 2 loyalist makes some NPCs feel as if they're in good hands despite her stilted bedside manner.

Perhaps she saves your character from the mess, heals them from some grievous wound, or maybe they're working together in the effort of trying to pick up the pieces. Either way, Rin is going to be quite noticeably exhausted. Worn thin but forging on despite it all.]

✧ 2. Generosity

[In the coming days Rin is spending half her time with restoration efforts and half her time meeting those who lost their homes at Yima's manner at her storefront. She doesn't advertise her charitable actions, but she does discreetly make sure that those who are suffering at least have hygiene products or healing salves for their trouble. And while she emphasizes that those in need shouldn't talk about it unless they're referring someone else over, there still ends up being talk in hushed and whispered tones. Her shop will be looking emptier these days, and sometimes she'll bring someone back into her solarium and they'll leave with a bundle of dried lavender or a small cloth with a little produce she has managed to grow with some magic lights.

a. Frost Burn
In the coming days one may find Rin attempting to cover up the many windows of her shop. The back of her hand already bleached white, some of her clothes impacted with splotches of mismatched color, and the like... she's taking measures to safeguard the storefront which also happens to be the lead-in to her home. Because she's already been touched by the light, sometimes one my find Rin simply lying on her cold store floor and looking listlessly up at the ceiling. Inwardly tired and outwardly motionless. As if the world doesn't even need to expend any effort to just crush her.

b. Lost in Place
Exhaustion combined with Discord. That's what it has to be. Losing her way time and time again... normally it wouldn't be an issue. With her home and her shop she really doesn't have an excuse to leave unless it's a trip to the Antiques Market However with recent events (too tired to make more product, giving away free stuff to those in need) means that... well, she needs a second job. Yeah, if she wants to afford to keep making soaps and salves and lotions she'll need money to buy the ingredients she cannot make herself. Over time she'll be trying and failing (and getting lost) at plenty of part-time jobs.

Feel free to have your character walk over her at her shop, catch her lost in the middle of Highstorm looking like she's about to cry, or anything else. If you're unsure PM me and we can wildcard it a little or figure something specific out.]

[FYI: Despite the Discord alleviation from Florence, Rin has accumulated a good chunk of it due to a bit of unrelated (Sakura's shard) stress. As such one will be able to notice a few features: black sclera contrasting with her bright blue eyes, her skin in some places will have patches of opalescent scales that - when they flake away - reveal empty shadow or the red veins of something hauntingly familiar. Oh... is her sweater not filling out at the upper arm in the same way on each side? Hm. Maybe it's a trick. It doesn't always look like that...

Rin's Discord will fluctuate and vary. She has plenty of cross-aspect familiarity with people to help lower the symptoms, but she's also close to opposing-aspect people who heighten her accrual. Not only that, but the crest Aetos had inscribed into her body holds onto Discord and cannot be expelled normally.]

2a

[fursuit]

[ Tezcatlipoca is more aimless than most at this time, but to be fair, he’d truly wandered right into the shit here. Last time he’d showed up, everything was coming up roses, at least so far as he, the god of conflict, personally saw it. Now? Now, this is more how he likes it.

…But it does leave him with some problems. Notably, now he doesn’t have a place to hang with Yima’s manor in shambles, and as much as he loves Kowloon already, there’s only so long he can be there, he’s found. So, fine, he figures. Time to get to know the local color.

So, he drifts around Highstorm enough that he finds himself outside of a shop that’s pretty, sure, but at a glance doesn’t stand out too much from any others. But to Tezcatlipoca… ]

Huh. Ain’t that interesting.

[ He can feel the difference as clear as day now that he has his abilities back. There’s magic in the shop, but it’s familiar. He can feel the subtleties in magic as a god that oversees it, and though it’s duller while he’s in this odd form that was created to break the rules of his world, it’s still clear. It’s from his. So, he wanders in and immediately looks around to take in the sights with interest, but eventually… His eyes land on a girl. Just laying on the floor. ]

Uh. [ UH??? ] You good?

[erbe]

[The malaise she feels is... too strong. Normally Rin would be scrambling up to make herself presentable, but for now she stays on the floor. Staring up at hi—

Ah. Wait. Rin stares at him long and thorough when she sees his face. It's familiar in a way she'd rather not acknowledge at the moment. However just because she doesn't want to acknowledge it doesn't mean she can just pass over it.]

You... you look like someone I knew.

[Tohsaka frowns. To tired to keep up any act of presentable behavior or propriety. Especially not with how Silco has been emo-vomiting his twisted little feelings into the Harbinger void lately.]

[fursuit]

[ The malaise hits him essentially when their gaze connects. He knows this feeling now, since he’d already reached out to Silco at this point and felt the strong connection that came with sharing an Aspect. Naturally, Silco is far different from this, though. He lets out a low whistle at first, and there’s a mean joke in the back of his mind, but. The half-recognition of familiarity holds his tongue. ]

Ah. Yeah.

[ He clicks his tongue lightly with just a little bit of disapproval, but this is no surprise. It’s been exceptionally rare that a mortal gets to meet both the Black Tezcatlipoca (that would be him) and the White Tezcatlipoca (his bird brain of a brother) in the flesh, but they do resemble each other. Their golden hair is the most notable, though his doesn’t possess quite as much natural radiance. ]

Quetzalcoatl, I’m guessing. Fair enough, ‘cause I’m his brother. [ He shrugs ] Well, her, so far as I heard, but that’s just details.

[ He also tilts his head a little bit as he gets a better look at her, since… She bears a resemblance to a Divine-Spirit-Made-Servant that he knows of. There’s not a lick of divinity on her, though. Is he meeting the vessel? Weird. ]

[erbe]

[Tohsaka pulls herself up. If only because his cool reaction to Quetzalcoatl, a family member, doesn't sit right with her. Funny enough, the little charm that Quetz had given her sits as a lone earring in her left lobe — a conch shaped pendant that she decided to alter just slightly to wear it always. Opposite of the red jasper stud — deep, vivid red in color lined with a black that is reminiscent of obsidian. Imperfections "mar" the stone. Like jagged scars and ugly wounds. The other half of the pair resting mirrored in Gen's ear as a helix piercing.

Signs of the connections she has made along the way.]

Does that make you a Servant, too?

[Or is he something else? His signature doesn't quite match Quetzalcoatl's, so she's not sure what to think.]

1a

[diegeticmusic]

[Grace has been here helping, too, for hours now. She's not particularly strong when it comes to lifting things, but her godly constitution means she doesn't get tired easily, and the threat of rubble or toxic dust is minimal to her.

She's unharmonized, but she can't just ignore this; so she's been here, sifting through rubble and looking to help anyone trapped.

That's when she sees the young woman flag, and she abandons what she was doing to come over and help.]

Hey, are you... oh.

[Wow, that's... yeah, that's a lot of gore. As a mortal, Grace would probably be gagging too. Now she just looks at the scene with a mix of disgust and sadness before turning her attention back to Rin.]

Maybe you should step back for now... There's not much you can do to help them.

[erbe]

[Rin cups her hand over her mouth to stop her from hurling over the brick and debris. She also has to just... find a piece of rubble to rest on because her knees are feeling weak. Only after finally resting her weight does she feel grounded enough to breathe without worrying that her next breath could exhale the contents of her stomach.]

Th... thank you. I'll need just a minute.

[diegeticmusic]

It's alright. Don't push yourself.

[Grace debates for a moment what to do, then leaves for just a moment to fetch something. There's some other from Zenith handing out water to workers, and while it takes her a moment to convince them to share with her, Unharmonized as she is, she eventually makes it back with a flask in hand.]

Here. It's just water. [Despite appearances.]

[erbe]

Really? Disappointing. I could use a drink.

[If she were "back home" she would be in London right now. Studying at Clock Tower to be a mage. Probably going out to a pub with classmates to discuss assignments. Instead she's here. Struggling not to double over and add to the mess in between all the debris.

Despite her attempt to keep things light with her remark, Rin accepts the flask and tilts her head back. Attempting to force her body to take in the water it's likely to need more than anything else right now. When she's done Rin caps it and offers the flask back to Grace. There's still some left after all.]

Even so... thank you.

2a

[umurice]

[Although it took a lot to pry the answer from others, Hiiro had managed to hear rumors of a shop that may have helpful products to aid the people. Hiiro would try to make his own salves, but he only knows those from home, and even then, he doesn't know it completely. He's never had to make it before, not when the village shaman and other people are more familiar, and Hiiro had only needed to focus on being a good aide.

So he thought of getting supplies from someone with expertise, even if he knows that everyone is running out of those because of the damage on both sides. It is difficult to choose a side in this environment, because he had witnessed that both sides have people who abhorred what happened. They may share the same beliefs, but it seemed not everyone condones the action.

In any case, once he finds the shop, he tentatively opens the door, surprised to see it unlocked. With the windows covered, he'd wondered if it was to discourage customers or a rush patch job, but it seems to be the latter in this case. It gives him the confidence to push the door wider open, looking around as he steps forward, trying to find any signs of life.]

Hello? Is anybody her--- Whoa!

[He hadn't looked down, the girl's presence so faint it was almost like she had no life, and Hiiro foot snags into her side before he falls, just narrowly managing to shift to a forward roll in order to avoid kneeing her in the stomach.

When he gets to his knees, her turns around, looking at her in alarm.]

Are you all right!?

[erbe]

Is anybody alright?

[Her sardonic reply is so heavily weighed with lethargy that it can be hard to parse the tone. Lazily her eyes peel away from the ceiling to look at him. The combination of apathy from the Discord and the malaise from the harsh light means she's not her usual self, but who could be in the aftermath of all that destruction?

The shop owner wears a long sleeved and turtlenecked sweater dress. Her legs are covered by leggings stylized to look like pantyhose, with loafers at her feet. Honestly, not too out of place with Highstorm's cool evernight and its current winter temperatures. Behind her, Rin's hair splays out like dark tendrils on the floor. Obscuring a few parts where the moonlight bleached the tiles.]

Are you here to buy something?

[umurice]

Um...

[Is that a trick question? Hiiro isn't sure, but unlike Meridian and Zenith, Hiiro was Unharmonized. He didn't feel the devastating effects of the loss of their leaders, may not do so until he harmonizes, so he's just confused at the question.

In any case, in comparison to her, he seems spritely and energetic. So he crouches down beside her, since she doesn't seem to be planning to get up anytime soon.]

Umu! I wanted to buy medicine for the people. I heard I can get some here, but it seems... like you are not in business? Should I look for a doctor for you?

[erbe]

[When he mentions a doctor is when Rin finally peels herself up off the floor. Sitting up with great effort — as if there had been an anvil on her chest trying to keep her pinned to the ground. Typically Tohsaka likes to present herself more professionally, but exhaustion, Discord, and the effects of being hit by the searing moonlight in Highstorm have just piled on.

Dismissively she waves a hand before pinching the bridge of her nose.]

No, no. That won't be necessary. It's just been a very long week. What type of medicine are you looking for?

2b

[bakedapple]

[ Part-time jobs have been Link's salvation ever since arriving in Kenos. Usually metaphorically, but sometimes literally. One of Springstar's defining features was its inflated population, and so, it was easy to find work when he had been living there; providing services to that population will probably always be the simplest way to score some extra cash. Highstorm is different, though. Quieter, fewer people, and overall less in need of so much of everything. Finding part-time work had been difficult for the first few months Link lived in Highstorm, to the point that he gave up and resigned himself to living in the woods of the Beyond as he tried to collect his thoughts. That didn't work, of course. It had only driven him deeper into the Beyond, with Drizzt, to investigate what had started as a rumor and ended as a crisis. And now here he is, back in Highstorm, the Manor destroyed and their leader dead. What had it all been for?

But that was then, and this is now. He needs to work, if only for the way it helps him maintain his sanity. Throwing himself into some task or another can (sometimes) prove enough of a distraction to silence his thoughts. And now is a good time to work, as Highstorm is in dire need of many more things than it usually is, even now, almost a week after the attack.

Link walks down a dim street in Highstorm, dressed in cheap, simple cotton clothes. The wind blows right through them, but he's found that the winter cold hasn't bothered him as much since he awoke under the Tree. Nor is it so difficult to see in the eternal night anymore, as his eyes had darkened since coming back. In Link's arms is a large basket, filled to its brim with herbs and mushrooms, freshly picked from the Beyond. This is his chosen "work" for the moment: the city needs things, and if he can help provide them, he will.

He carries a large wicker basket in his arms, filled to its brim with herbs and mushrooms collected from the Beyond. This, it turns out, is lucrative source of income at the moment, especially in this area around the Antiques & Baubles Market. Whenever he sees a sign for a magic shop or apothecary, he stops inside and offers to sell them any of what he has collected. Once he's done, he moves on to the next shop. And the next, and the next, slowly exchanging his foraged goods for gold staters.

He sees a sign reading Edelstein Aroma-Thaumaturgy a few buildings down. The next place for him to stop, it seems. But as he's approaching the front door, he watches it open, and a small young woman steps out. She looks... upset.

Wait. Does he... know her? Despite being a Zenite for three months now, Link has spent most of that time isolating himself, and he still hasn't met most of his new "allies" as a result. But he's pretty sure he recognizes her... ]

Um, excuse me!

[ Calling out to her, hoping it'll stop her from walking off, he quickens his pace to catch up. ]

You... You're a Shard-Bearer, right?

[erbe]

[At least if she's just stepping out of her shop and not yet lost her way for the umpteenth time, Rin is less in despair and more a victim of apathy (Zenith Discord) and malaise (from being caught under moonlight). One of her part time jobs is at Denny's, her most hated establishment, so she'll be unhappily wearing the uniform as he flags her down while Rin locks up shop.]

I am.

[Her eyes lazily give Link a once-over. She's been in Highstorm a long time, and usually gets her own seeds for her solarium sourced from the Greenwood Yards, but she has heard of a supplier hitting up other merchants. Hm.]

What's it to you?

[bakedapple]

[ Link slows to a stop in front of the vaguely familiar Shard-bearer and stands motionless as she looks him up and down. He is staring at her at the same time, of course. Yeah... she is familiar, but only just. He's seen her before, probably during previous Oracles.

But what is she doing? From the way she's dressed... does she work at Denny's? He glances up at the store she just walked out of. It looks closed, so she can't be an exiting customer.

He clears his throat. ]

Are you the proprietor here? [ gesturing to the store. ] I'm selling reagents. Um, I can come back, if you're... leaving.

[erbe]

I am, and I prefer to independently grow my own ingredients if possible. I'll pay extra if you're willing to bring back stock I can replant or propagate.

["Pay extra" means she probably shouldn't be standing here letting herself be late at her shift, but there are other places to get her part time work if Benny's gives her the boot (don't look at my last tag we don't talk about Denny's I'm sorry).]

2

[tattooism]

[Much has happened in the past weeks. So much, in fact, of the pesky little things that played out in war and when the balance of powers shifted, that Kiritsubo had not had much chance to address something she, personally, cares very much about. There had been a favor she agreed to do, a life stolen, and that task needed seeing through even after she had provided information and access to the tragically slain Tribune if she wished to be able to rely on the form in the future...

But it means Kiritsubo cannot return to Highstorm for some time. When she does...

Rin will recognize the woman who comes into her shop. It is the same one who had once inquired about renting a room, and who had wanted her perfume unusually customized.]

Good evening, Miss Tohsaka.

[Casually, as if it was a completely normal and not at all alarming thing to be doing... The woman turns the sign in the window from "Open" to "Closed"... and smoothly locks the door behind her.]

[erbe]

[When Kiritsubo enters Rin isn't... doing much of anything. The windows are all patched up with the paper she uses to bag her bar soap. There are spots bleached white from the light of the moon and even some patches of her skin are scared in that color. Her eyes take note of the way the woman locks them in for privacy, but Rin doesn't comment. Her current apathy is too deep for her to kick up a fuss about it.

Instead she replies coolly:]

Welcome back. I assume you're not here for perfume?

[tattooism]

I am not.

[The answer is smooth and it might sound at first to be delivered casually, but closer inspection or a keener mind would reveal that there is no flirtation, no lightness at all to the words that Kiritsubo is saying. The eyes of this shape she uses in Highstorm are a burnished gold, but as opposed to the last time she had come to visit, playing customer and potential renter... they do not sparkle or shine with amusement. Nothing about this is funny.

Sign flipped, she turns to face the young human woman, her hand... drifting almost protectively, almost maternally(?) to her belly, fingers stroking subtly as if to soothe something within.]

I have come because it seems we find ourselves in... similar situations.

[erbe]

[At first she takes it with stride because of how even and severe Kiritsubo is with her delivery. Rin is ready to discuss anyth—

Wait.




Why is her hand over her abdomen?!]

S-similar? What are you implying?!

[SHE'S NOT PREGNANT]

1b

[baltimores]

[ Yeah, Amos has gotten himself shooed away from the heart of the disaster zone, too. You faceplant from exhaustion and a stray bit of rubble one time...

He's dirty and dusty, but uninjured — and as someone with healing magic, now spending time among the actually wounded. Broken bones and cuts and scrapes are about all he can handle, but it's better than nothing. Better than his attempts at comfort because he's bad at it, too. It's all he can really do but murmur No, I'm pretty sure Yima's still alive to someone as he sets their arm right, but even this is getting exhausting.

And yet there's still so much to do. Amos looks up from his just-finished patient — physically he fixed them, but emotionally? who the fuck knows? — when he spots Rin helping others nearby. ]

Hey, Rin. [ She's maybe running more ragged than he is, and he is already feeling not great. ] You doing okay?

[ Does she need someone to tend to her too?? ]

[erbe]

[Tohsaka turns to face him. Exhaustion clear on her face as she pulls away from returning a few supplies she just cleaned up. Her typically square shoulders sag and slope, and the visible signs (like darkening sclera) of Discord show.]

Better than some of the rest that are here.

[Her shop is closer to the Market, and her housing is just above it (having taken the idea from Amos' book). Not having to deal with the immediate blow or the ruckus in Springstar means Rin certainly thinks she's doing better than anyone else.]

[baltimores]

[ He's managed to expunge most of his discord. It feels like the first time in a while — since the Harbinger Oracle, maybe? — that he doesn't really feel any symptoms from it. Maybe some light ones, but he isn't really any worse for the wear — and certainly not like Rin is.

There is immediate concern flashing across his face, but... she's right. Others do have it worse off. Amos looks out at where much of the wounded have gathered; the others helping them out. ]

Yeah. Think I know what you mean. [ Though his tone indicates he doesn't think Rin is doing that much better, but. Not going to push it right now. ] Felt like I was fucking dying when we got hit, but I was at home. Not like anything on my side of town is falling apart.

[ Somehow, it makes him feel even more useless? Helpless? It's better than feeling like he was dying, but shit still sucks. ]

Gonna take a while to get all of this fixed up, isn't it.

[ The wounded, handling the dead, the manor... all of it. Life's going to go on, but it's already leaving a hell of a scar. ]

[erbe]

[The bulk of Rin's Discord, at least, lies with the fact that her sister's shard is harmed. Rather than being impacted by things she didn't have a hand in. Either way, with Amos stopping to chat she decides to let her feet rest, and sit against a large pile of rubble.]

I don't think we'll be cleaned up in time for whatever might be next. This is one of those things that will be an issue for a while, I think. Not only that, but...

[The optics are bad. Zenith will continue to dwindle until naught but fanatics are left, she thinks. Oracles will be more difficult to obtain.]