voidtreckermods: (train)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] middleofsomewhere2021-09-16 05:59 am

Wings of Wonder: Ongoing

"We do not apologise for acting to protect our own. But Hemla has given you their trust, and we will pay back on the debt of any harm given.

You say you are here to help - then do. We will lend out resources needed, but expect to see results. Help at the farm, help us investigate - help in whatever way your talents provide.

'Give, get back' -- this is the way of our people. Every person has a purpose, a place, a skill. In return, speak to us your cost.

If you truly have the power to help, then you will be respected. We would expect the same rules to be applied to us."
Despite rough beginnings, relations between the Voidtreckers and the sali people are neutral. They do not fully trust the Voidtreckers, will not allow mindless entry into the East village (Nossofh as they call it -- 'Home'), and visits inside the commune building in the South will be limited. However, appointments with the sage can be made for those who have some skill with crystals, magics, and energies. Those who have spoken with the Forever One on the arrival island may also be granted access, if they wish to speak.

They will have tasks for the Voidtreckers to do, jobs that are necessary. Sali will be doing the same, and will be working within the same spaces at them. They will not stop Voidtreckers from setting up camps and give permission for them to settle on the centre island, under Helma's - the Forever One - protection.

While there may be some tensions, the sali will not attack the Voidtreckers. But now, plans must be made how to proceed, as the skies from the south bleed red...


WINGS OF WONDER: ONGOING

A TL;DR notes version of event/prompts: (click to show)
EVENT BASICS:
    Contact with the sali has been made, and relations have come out neutral. The North and East bridges have been fixed by Voidtreckers, with materials sent to the South too by them.

    Ongoing runs through N8 to N11, when the finale also starts. The following is a TL;DR for what will be going on at the islands, at the time.

    NORTH: Fixing the aircraft found on top of the mountain, finding missing sali in the woods, dead and alive. Helping to transport goods to the aircraft so it can be fixed, and also spruced up/modified. Also still good for fighting characters.

    EAST: This is where you send characters who would want to work on designs, magical crafting and so forth. They won't be in close contact with the rest of the Voidtreckers, but is good for nerds. Voidtreckers who help here will be allowed to ride mounts to the central island if they leave, as the sali recognise they will be too exhausted otherwise. And so you guys can still have threads with other people.

    SOUTH: Birds will be mainly coming from this direction, so fighters can still do patrols. Mainly needs those willing to do labour, rear animals, skin dead animals and so forth. Characters can also get involved with repairing clothes, washing and cleaning, if they can't last long doing land work.

    WEST: The Reds that went this way will have found out that going through the interior or around will not get them far, and more birds showing up makes the area more dangerous. On N8, there is an operation shared with the Voidtreckers that they are doing a mass transport of goods from the West, to take North. Help fighting off the birds they attract is needed. From then on, it's better advised to stick to the other islands. Reds who like to just fight will be good in the South as patrol.


[ TASKS ]
WORK TO DO. There is much to be done. Buildings need to be fixed, places need restored after the storms. But more than that the general needs of life don't stop. Farms need tending, animals need caring for. There are jobs for anyone willing to work.

The different islands need the following:

NORTH ISLAND: Fighters, those willing to labour and repair, and those willing to search are needed.
EAST ISLAND: Those with experience in magic and energy, crafting (making designs, modifying; blueprinting is involved) are needed.
SOUTH ISLAND: Fighters, those willing to help out with farm work, meat skinning, clearing up the surrounding farm area. Also those who can push back the birds.
WEST ISLAND: Fighters, during N8. There is help needed to protect the sali as they transfer materials and the Forever One stationed there, and to rebuild the bridge. Otherwise, the island will be deserted while plans are made by N9.
CENTRAL/ARRIVAL ISLAND: There isn't much that's needed but for birds to be taken down who might hover over, or get attracted by activity. Those who can supply Hemla with energy are appreciated. The sali here will act as communicators to other sali for Voidtreckers who don't want to make long journeys.

Voidtreckers should decide what will be a better use of their skills, and move accordingly. While faster methods may be found over time, initially, using those who can flight and walking are the only options. The North and East bridges have been patched up, and the South Island has materials for the bridge. West's bridge will be fixed by morning of N8.
[ ARRIVAL ISLAND ]

ON ARRIVAL ISLAND. Five sali will come on N7 to fix up the broken buildings here, using the cuttings of the long grass, and drying them out with their own talents. They will accept help in doing this, and will offer to show a few Voidtreckers what to do, but will expect them to fix up the rest themselves, unless they offer services for help. A few of the buildings may make a good resting point, with an enclosure to keep off the wind and a cooking hole to sit around, but Voidtreckers will find their attentions split between the islands. Still, the centre island is only of important as a crossing point, and for the Forever One that stays there.

There will not be too much activity here over the next few days. Voidtreckers are welcomed to camp here, and sali will also come through here, helping to move the leftover overgrowth, moving through the two areas. The South and West bridges still need fixing (while the East and North bridges have been taken care of).

FOREVER ONE: HEMLA. Two sali stay after the rebuilding on N7, to take care and help Hemla. Hemla is distracted, attempting to work on the energy problem for Voidtreckers, and keep the island safe. But the Forever One will take time for anyone who wishes to speak to them, and will accept help and energy.

By the morning of N8, they will have a request. The sali will explain it to any Voidtreckers who come through the island, holding out clear white crystal stones. Hemla is attempting to harmonise their energy and the world's, at least with a middleman in the form of stone. They warn there will be possible side-effects, and ask Voidtreckers to only take one at a time, and to bring it back later.
Through days N8-10, these crystals will have a variety of effects, lessening over time. Those with magical skills/who use energy are asked to take one. They will need to supply Hemla some power, and then after carry it on them. The possible side-effects are:
    - Dizziness
    - Exhaustion
    - Confusion
    - Weakness
They don't last more than a day but it might be best they find a buddy to watch over them whilst it does.

[ EAST ISLAND ]
EAST VILLAGE/NOSSOFH. It is still a treck to reach the East Village, especially for those who don't have any way to fly or cover large distances; and for those that do, they will arrive exhausted.

The village is still very wary of the newcomers, and those that arrive are stopped and questioned. Those with legitimate business are allowed in and as the days go on more individual sali will be willing to exchange information or help. There are sali who will roam out with Voidtreckers to fight the birds, and those wishing to patrol the East Island will be told to help in the North or South - the sali of the island can cover the vital areas.

The two main areas of interest within the village are:

( SAGE'S HOUSE ) The invitation to help the energy weavers comes during the call on the SCAs on the morning of N8. Within the village is the sage's house, the largest building that sits in the centre, legs supporting where it has be built out over the hill. Voidtreckers are welcomed here if they ask, and those wishing to learn means of purifying the infected sali, and to help with their crystal research are best suited to come this way.

Those needed: magical experts, those strong of mind, volunteers with energy.

They will work amongst the sages, the sages in training, and the Forever Ones. In truth, these people are all one and the same, and Voidtreckers that come here will figure out quick. The Forever Ones sit, completely stone, while the sages are in various states, with limbs crystallising. They rarely speak, though the less-formed may do so with the Voidtreckers if inclined. However, those training are the ones that provide the needs of the more experienced, as well as speaking.

Working here will be difficult, exhausting on the mind and body. The sages-in-training will communicate and explain, but much of the work is done through telepathy, and crystal work - tools that will be difficult on the Voidtreckers. But it is good for the Voidtreckers to be here, so that their reactions to the crystals can be documented, as well as a way to keep them safe during their stay, and also their companions.


( CRAFTING SMITHIES ) While the Sage House works on energy and modifying crystals, for those with experience building, designing, modifying, they will find their talents more useful in supporting the creation of prototype weapons that the salis have planned.

A request for help in this will come on the third day (N8), through the hacked SCA channel. Anyone who believes they can help make efficient blueprints - and even make them better - are asked to come on down, and those with experience crafting. The plan is to make an equivalent of air cannons and air megaphones, using a mix of air and power gems. There is sure to be a lot of backfires, especially for the Voidtreckers. The sali will also be taking crystals adjusted by the sages that will hopefully allow the Voidtreckers to use the weapons being made too.

Suggestions from the Voidtreckers will be listened to, and there are other gems around, ones that can be made for specific functions.

[ SOUTH ISLAND ]
STATE OF THE FARM. The South Island is a mess. There is a large clean-up operation in place and Voidtreckers that can help clean up and haul debris will be welcomed.

As well as the storm damage there are quite a lot of animals that have been killed, even by the storm directly or as a result of them turning and attacking the sali or Voidtreckers. The Sali are not ones to waste resources and so there is a drive to skin the animals and preserve the meat as quickly as possible. Any Voidtreckers who are willing to help will be paid in portions of meat.

FARMING, GARDENING. Here nature seems to have won the war. Many of the buildings look like they have been left to the wild for decades and not just a week or so. Buildings need fixed, plants need cut back and brought under control. Weeds need to be removed so that the plants for food can be allowed to thrive. Gardening at its most extreme, the first step is to identify which plants should be growing here and which ones are results of the Red Storm.

Many of the animals have escaped because plants burst open fences and gates. Rounding them up is one job, making sure there are enclosures to keep them is another. It's going to be a lot of hard work and of course the farm animals are not the only creatures out here, wild creatures will attack both the farm animals and any one else.

It's hard labour, but the sali will give to those that work with them. They will locate drinks safe for them, share the abundance of food, so they can see what agrees with their diets. They will answer questions about their people and their world during world and during breaks; and as the days go on, they will invite them inside to eat, or will join them at their own camp, bringing meals.


UNWANTED VISITORS. The birds still attack. Every day and night patrols are needed to fend off the constant threat of bird attack. The Sali have fighters stationed here too but there aren't enough, they need help.

The Forever One Enshala works to keep the red shroud from getting too close to the farmland but her power is still weak and so there are gaps in her defences. It is easy to get overwhelmed since the birds often flock together, concentrating on weak points and bringing the storm with them.

Keeping the storm away from the farm is vital, the Sali will share food and resources with any who join them in this constant vigilance.

FOREVER ONE: ENSHALA. There is a Forever One here, but unlike central island's welcoming Hemla, they will only speak to Voidtreckers depending on the subject. They will accept donations in energy, but otherwise they work hard to try and keep the island safe, to push back the red storms they return again through the days, birds carrying it on their wings.


[ NORTH ISLAND ]
NORTHERN. The sali will explain an expedition was taking place, to investigate the North Island in general. The group must have been assaulted by the red storm - the birds - while travelling, and crashed, scattering the survivors with the infliction of red storm.

MISSING. Help is needed to locate the still-missing sali, both dead and alive. Any Voidtreckers who offer to help will be asked their methods- the Sali want no harm coming to their own. They will hand out blow darts with sleeping powder laced bark stems and they will be asked to either bind or leave behind any powerful weapons. Especially powerful weapons that the Sali don't recognise like guns.

The sali will set up a small camp by the woods, where sali can be brought, dead or alive, to be transported by cart. There will also be one above on the mountain, trained sali using air-crystals to push back the lingering red storm from the site.

AIRSHIP, SUPPLIES. Hearing that the ship is still on ground, the Sali are keen to fix it up. Its state is no problem, and they believe it's the answer to meeting the birds head on. Initially on N7 to halfway through N8, materials will need to be transported by climbing gear and going through the forest.

However, they will then have access to carrier airships. With a crate/carrying space on the bottom, and a space on top for two people two sit, only so much material can be lifted up at a time. Voidtreckers will not be able to immediately, but by N9, and by being a familiar face, those who want to fly the ships can*. These can also be used to transport anyone from the upper mountain, to down.

Once the metal and materials are at the air ship, it's going to be all hands on deck to fix it together.

(* some of the mini-ships have a prototype attached that allows the air gems to be activated by the sound of music. singing, guitar playing - there's even an alboka and taepyeongso-esque instruments already attached on some, acting as a steeing wheel. )
[ WEST ISLAND ]
WESTERN. The Reds find that their attempts to infiltrate the mountain from the inside will not go far, with dead ends and the red shroud finding ways in. More birds come from the south and even west, spreading the shroud farther around the mountain.

Another method must be found. Fortunately however, it will not be an entirely useless endeavour, as help is needed - one that promises a fight.

TRANSPORT. The sali in the enclosure and those who come from the village to help need aid bringing supplies from the enclosures, and also extra of the metal trees (from the White Forest), repair equipment, to take to the North island.

This island is still circled by birds, so those gathering and packing supplies onto transport air carriers - small boxy airships with a lower crate area and an upper navigating section, no bigger than cars - will need fighters to take down the birds as they follow after them.

Bow and arrows can be exchanged, as the salis know how to operate the air carriers. They are also transporting the Forever One of the West Island, so the cargo is fairly precious to the sali.


OOC NOTES

NOTES: OOC info is here, map is here, info about powers/magic here. Ask questions here, submit shenanigans here, submit rewards here.

Ongoing starts on N8 and goes until around morning-noon of N11. Finale goes up on 21st September (later N11-N12).

This log gives more of an indication of what's going on, to let you play out going ons, or imply them in the background and focus on what you want for Ongoing. Consider putting in Island locations than team colours into headers.

Remember to let us know anything your character does/might want do under shennanigans! Any conversations you want to handwave with the sali or Forever Ones can also be brought up here for discussion. Actual threads can be requested here.
luckydragonsfoot: (Heckye)

[personal profile] luckydragonsfoot 2021-10-07 12:35 am (UTC)(link)
A pause, and Katsuya breaks into a grin, snickering. "PShhehehhehe...tell me about it, righ'? We don' ev'n know what th' surface is! It's like th' whole place 's held t'gether with d'termination."
myblueskies: (the world is beautiful!)

wrap! <3

[personal profile] myblueskies 2021-10-07 04:17 am (UTC)(link)
Even though they were small there was nothing they couldn't achieve with teamwork!

He grinned at her. "Okay! Let's go let them know!"

And then there would be plenty more work to do! Missions were always busy after all!
myblueskies: (Alfredo is speaking!)

[personal profile] myblueskies 2021-10-07 04:21 am (UTC)(link)
Oh! It felt good to swing! Maybe he was stronger than he thought! He swung it again and nodded seriously to Zetta's advice.

"So I got to hit them quick before they hit me."
jingyeets: (ask | we were the ones)

[personal profile] jingyeets 2021-10-07 04:33 am (UTC)(link)
Jingyi, who is exactly the kind of person who would fight gods on behalf of those he loves, will never relate. Details.

He lifts his eyebrows at the story, lips curling a touch at the corners. "Sounds scary when you weren't used to any of it. Ten, that's when you'd first been brought back through?"

Not that he really pause to force an answer out of Taiki either way.

"When did that change? When did his fire go from frightening to warm?"
jingyeets: (glance | it will always be the same)

[personal profile] jingyeets 2021-10-07 04:44 am (UTC)(link)
Jingyi continues complaining as he summons a rag from his qiankun pouch first, wiping acidic blood off himself and then summoning the sali nightgown modified for his tail's bulk, buttoning up and then leaving it at that despite the chill in the air. His reaches for his sword first, the rag back from where he'd set it on the ground, and sets to cleaning the blade.

"Thank the heavens it doesn't seem like their blood eats through metal," he says, after giving his thanks to his oldest friend. He also glances up and says, "Hey. You've burnt spots into your robes."

Enough to eat past their wards, which he already knew what was out in these worlds managed in ways that would have surprised him on their homeworlds.

Sword cleaned, he resheathes it, holding it in hand and gesturing for them to head off. "What are the chances that camp's got something to eat? ... Especially if we move fast. For no particular reason."

Just in case it turned out the spider did have allies, and allies were prone to tracking down people who defended themselves from attack with extreme prejudice.
controlsthedie: concept sketch of Thanatos (You'll be killed by what'cha don't know)

[personal profile] controlsthedie 2021-10-07 06:04 am (UTC)(link)
"Shinki?" That wasn't a term Thanatos had come across before, and he has trouble even thinking what that could possibly be from context.

"The shades do not go where they think they should go in my world. Some don't realize there is existence after death. Shades are judged by Lord Hades and his court and are placed accordingly." Thanatos shudders to think what would happen if all the shades could choose where to go. Tartarus would be empty. Asphodel would also see a decline. Elysium would be overflowing with shades. It would be lawless in death.
blitzcheer: (so i said to becky)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2021-10-07 12:50 pm (UTC)(link)
"Hah, see how it feels making Taiki feel bad?"

Is this the time to be sounding smug? Tidus knows this was all because of what Inigo said, so he can't drag him into this so easily! Granted, he should be nice to Taiki, who'll only feel worse if they keep this up, so he does follow his puffing with some reassurances:

"Inigo's right, he was just whining. Don't worry about it Taiki - soon as we get back and sit so close we're squeezing him in, he'll be happy."
wewillwewill: (ard-smug)

[personal profile] wewillwewill 2021-10-07 01:28 pm (UTC)(link)
While Elidibus has an immediate answer to Wangji's statement regarding the presence of a world's Will, he doesn't answer right away; instead he indicates that the other man should continue to the end of what he wants to say.

The Ascian listens with a politeness that might be interesting; there isn't rejection of Wangji's theories or even with an air that thinking in such a way is inherently wrong just because it doesn't completely fit into Elidibus's own view of the world. Even if the subject itself is by its very definition that very subject.

"As to the thought that this world might have a Will of its own, it's just a theory. With the world's aether so unique to my experience, I can't say for certain." He offers Wangji a faint smile. "But aether exists regardless of whether the world has a Will of its own or not. I give you my assurance that I've experienced our Star with and without the presence of Lord Zodiark. His presence changed the laws which governed our world, but it didn't dictate the presence of aether. Indeed without it, He would not exist."

As to aether itself? Elidibus pauses, looking for the best words to speak of it again in order to answer Wanji's query. Never fear, the question is taken for what it is.

"Yes, I believe that is an apt way to put it. Aether comprises what we are. Its elemental aspects, and the primordial forces of Light and Darkness, change how it is perceived in a physical sense. Who we are is shaped by our Will." There is a pause before he adds in a quieter tone. "...And mayhap our memories." The man's manner indicates that something about memories holds a personal importance.

"Make no mistake. Aether can influence what we do, by carrying with it the will or emotions of another. And if heavily aspected without physical form, it can affect great change on one who doesn't have protection against it and tarries too long. Oft times to one's detriment."

There is a last thing he adds after a faint smile. "Also, aether comes first. Then fire."
Edited (Which came first, the aether or the fire? I totally forgot to answer that.) 2021-10-07 14:56 (UTC)
longforgottenpromise: (confused)

[personal profile] longforgottenpromise 2021-10-07 05:37 pm (UTC)(link)
He nodded, it had been very soon after he had returned to his world. Tai had already waited so long that the safes hadn't wanted to delay, even if Taiki hadn't been able to bind a shirei or transform yet.

"It... A few days later I met Risai. She was also a general." Was? Is? She had been in that square. He had heard her, during his desperate run to his king. What had happened to her when he and Lord Gyousou had been spirited away to the train?

But worry was pushed down, to be dealt with later. Alone. "More... I met Hien. Her Temba um... That's like a dog. With wings. I also saw a suuguu which I guess... Think of a white tiger?" Does Jingyi's world have tigers? "But it flies. It turned out the suuguu belonged to Lord Gyousou and he was kind enough to let me visit him. It started from there... But truthfully the fire... It never went away because that is how the ouki... That is the aura of the king... That's how it feels. A fire that burns and promises warmth and safety but also terrifying and dangerous. All at the same time."

He smiled sheepishly. "I was very confused back then and didn't know anything. Even when I chose him as the king... I thought I was going against the will of the gods because I didn't realise I had felt the ouki. I just knew that when I thought about him leaving, about not seeing him anymore, my heart felt like it would shatter into a million pieces."
longforgottenpromise: (Kirin)

[personal profile] longforgottenpromise 2021-10-07 05:49 pm (UTC)(link)
He still feels bad. How could he not? But he nods, nuzzling Taiki's hair again.

"Yes. When we are altogether, you will feel better then."

And the sooner that happens the better, so he braces himself against the exhaustion and flies off into the air.
myblueskies: (Alfredo is speaking!)

[personal profile] myblueskies 2021-10-07 06:56 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh. So they got to be judged first?" And then they went where they would be best?

It sounded a lot of work for Lord Hades! "A shinki is a weapon for a god. We're spirits and we go to the heavens when we die but we forget about our lives, a god gives us a name and we work for them!"

He held out his right hand, where large red kanji marked it 小僧.
flatteries: (now let me at the truth)

[personal profile] flatteries 2021-10-07 07:12 pm (UTC)(link)
Please, Tidus is the entire reason he's even feeling grumpy in the first place right now! He was totally fine just hanging out with Taiki, sheesh.

Not that Inigo will mention anything about that, because again, it'll just make Taiki feel bad. And feeling bad is the last thing the other can use while flying all the way over to where Tidus is, especially when he's already tired to begin with.

So you know what? He's just going to have a silent protest here.

He's not talking. He's just going to sit here and eat. Have fun without him, you two!! H-Hmph!!!
the_aunt_general: cap from aromanticmara at tumblr (Default)

[personal profile] the_aunt_general 2021-10-07 11:52 pm (UTC)(link)
She nods. It seems like a good idea to her.

You have to stay hydrated - and eating regularly.

You can take the you can remove her from her universe, but not the Aunt from her nature.
the_aunt_general: cap from aromanticmara at tumblr (Default)

[personal profile] the_aunt_general 2021-10-07 11:59 pm (UTC)(link)
She can't, and there wouldn't be much time anyways. She skewers another bird with her sword, flicking it off - and just getting her shield up again as another slams into it.
marvelous_murderbot: (Default)

[personal profile] marvelous_murderbot 2021-10-08 12:09 am (UTC)(link)
She nods. "I'll do my best."

She looks back around them, shaking her head.

"Though each mission seems to get...less and less routine."
motherofresistance: (Small smile)

Re: Arrival

[personal profile] motherofresistance 2021-10-08 02:10 am (UTC)(link)
"I haven't either so far," Leia said. "Though I suspect the key phrase there is 'so far'. Given the situation, it's bound to happen sooner or later, if only due to the sheer numbers of birds compared to the number of Voidtreckers."

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it though. I don't think either of us is going to be up to much for awhile; I know I was shooed away from helping with the grass cutting after I became too much of a hazard with a trimming knife."
motherofresistance: (Small smile)

Re: Tent

[personal profile] motherofresistance 2021-10-08 02:12 am (UTC)(link)
"So could I have," Leia said. "Though even my stubbornness has to concede that pressing on would likely have cost me a finger or two sooner or later."
motherofresistance: (Small smile)

[personal profile] motherofresistance 2021-10-08 02:56 am (UTC)(link)
"I did," Leia said. "And I'm doing well enough now, but it hit me harder than I expected at first. Nothing I couldn't handle, but it was enough that I was shooed away from working for awhile to rest." Which was probably a good thing, honestly; she usually wasn't too bad about getting enough rest under most circumstances, but occasional reminders still helped, especially in unusual situations.
Edited 2021-10-08 02:56 (UTC)
motherofresistance: (Thoughtful)

Re: sage's house

[personal profile] motherofresistance 2021-10-08 03:24 am (UTC)(link)
"Yes, the arrival for this mission isn't likely to count as one of our more graceful entrances," Leia said with a bit of a wry smile. They'd all had a bit of trouble finding their feet whether- literally, metaphorically, or both- on this world, though thankfully they seemed to be getting the hang of it.

"I have. I'm not sure I'd quite call it speaking in the traditional sense, or even the telepathic sense, but it is interesting. It's a bit easier now that the Sali are able to help translate though."
Edited 2021-10-08 03:25 (UTC)
jingyeets: (smile | wish i could relive)

[personal profile] jingyeets 2021-10-08 03:36 am (UTC)(link)
He can imagine the different creatures, nodding his head in thought the once. The image of fire has his lips twitch, but he doesn't say anything on it: the Wen had been fire aligned, and Sizhui was back home. The whole aura sounded like an envisioning of power, which was all those things. Warm, safe, terrifying, dangerous.

God blessed kings can turn into anything but.

He shook his head, then laugh, a light sound.

"You loved him," he said. "And don't mistake me, I'm not saying you are or were in love—people here stop hearing the differences. You loved him, and you still do. Seems like the kinder thing, though if he ever goes off course, it'll break your heart."

Things people shouldn't say, and then there's Jingyi.
longforgottenpromise: (confused)

Re: Arrival

[personal profile] longforgottenpromise 2021-10-08 04:15 am (UTC)(link)
"Ah. Then you should rest." He nodded at her.

"Um... I think I might have more blankets..."

Somewhere, he's very sleepy, his movements slow.
longforgottenpromise: (sad)

[personal profile] longforgottenpromise 2021-10-08 04:27 am (UTC)(link)
It was true. It was not a romantic love, but it could not be denied that he loved Lord Gyousou, like every kirin loved their king. He loved the people of Tai as well but that love was different, more abstract.

The last words though made him nodded solemnly. Lord Gyousou losing the way is not something he wants to think about, not something his heart will even let him contemplate. He knows they are lucky, that the gods have not judged the mess that was Tai, that they had not struck Taiki with shitsedoh.

It meant things were still salvageable, despite everything. He remembered the labyrinth in Kamakan, the fear that had brought on. Not fear of pain or death but the fear that Lord Gyousou had lost the way, that he had brought pain on Tai.

It doesn't bare thinking about. "Yes. All kirin love their king. When they are close there is a light in our hearts, a happiness that fills is and if we are parted then there is shadow, a sadness that is impossible to move."

And when a king fell, the heartbreak was absolute.
jingyeets: (ask | we were the ones)

[personal profile] jingyeets 2021-10-08 04:54 am (UTC)(link)
"Sounds like grief," he says, resting his hands in his lap, around the bowl. "You're built that you love and grieve for the person who ends up being your country's king." He lifts an eyebrow, canting his head to the side. "Have any of your friends been warmth in your heart?"
badassfreakingoverlord: (Standard Zetta)

[personal profile] badassfreakingoverlord 2021-10-08 02:09 pm (UTC)(link)
"Right. A defeated enemy is an enemy that can't harm you. Anything else and you're in danger. Let's find a bird and try it out."
onehandsomeslickninja: (by my blade)

[personal profile] onehandsomeslickninja 2021-10-08 02:19 pm (UTC)(link)
There's always time for talk during a fight -- and a fight like this, not all of it had to be about said fight anyway! Still, though he couldn't chat, Edge didn't hesitate to appreciate her technique.

Of course, that meant his sword wasn't in perfect position when a bird came swooping in from the side. Edge promptly kicked it instead.

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