kenoscomm | open | an alenroux press release

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open | an alenroux press release

[A couple weeks after the conclusion of the Exalt Oracle trial, a communion message goes out to all Kenos’s shard-bearers — at a brisk mid-morning hour for Springstar residents, and evening for those night owls in Highstorm. Surely an agreeable enough time for all, yes? The voice will be familiar enough to anyone who listened in on the ambassador talk a Kenos month ago; it’s Liem, ~~mayor of Alenroux~~ Meridian’s resident straight man.]

Greetings, everyone. I have some updates to share regarding efforts to make Alenroux fully and safely inhabitable, which I hope you will be pleased to hear.

Last month, prior to the events surrounding the Oracle, a contingent of Springstar military overseen by several shard-bearers launched a multi-pronged expedition north into Alenroux’s forests, in order to locate the source of the monsters that continue to infest the woods. While I’m sure those of you who frequent Alenroux will have noticed that the flow of especially dangerous, augmented creatures mostly died off after the dismantling of Aetós’s underground facility, we have not been able to expunge the general monster population from the forest despite ongoing efforts, so this was an attempt to remedy that.

These expeditionary forces succeeded in locating three separate cornerstones and portals that were previously disgorging monsters. At this time we think it likely that they were connected to the timestream in some way that allowed creatures from other worlds to come through, but the portals themselves proved extremely hazardous to life attempting to breach from this side. All three have now been destroyed, and while we cannot say with certainty that there are no further portals out there, we are optimistic that this will allow the danger to those living in Alenroux to be further reduced by the joint forces still stationed there.

If you have further questions, you may direct them to me, or to Hayame, Akua Sahelian, Keitaro Miura, Gray, Byleth Eisner, Link, Kim Dokja, or Dee. [He means D.]

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[ A soft laugh. ]

I am sure you can guess, dear. Think of it as a... hazardous one-way trip.

At least that is what I gleaned from observing the traces of magic that lingered upon it.

[ Familiar magic, though she does not say that. She has observed this before. ]

Well... To some extent, but not perfectly. I will be the first to admit that my imagination is often lacking, and especially so with magic. I do not really understand it, so I find it difficult to predict.

[ He can be honest about that, at least! The fact that he doesn't have a good understanding of magic doesn't give much away. It might even be expected for a demon. ]

Did they seem to be simply for bringing foreign creatures to Alenroux?

[ It is to be expected, and yet. She certainly does pack that away. Sorry Sebastian (not sorry) 💖 ]

I do not think there is a simply that could be applied here. That seems to be what they were used for, yes, however...

[ She hesitates, to think of how much to share. ]

I do not think the creator of these portals would be so short-sighted as to create something so limited.

[ Her vision, to her, says that there are deeper purposes, left untapped. Then again, she would not expect senpai to simply do one thing. Her estimation of their creator is quite high. ]

Perhaps... Were they well guarded?

[ Since in his mind, being guarded would definitely support the idea that they were indeed a more lucrative project. But he's still very much out of his depth here. Ironically, he's better at piecing together very concrete, mundane things more than the supernatural. The former are very predictable, after all. ]

Ah, and since my conversation with Mr. Talbott is making me second guess my own supposition, I must ask—Who is their creator, do you think?

Quite so. We found ourselves stuck in a loop, where our steps were repeated, over and over, and yet over again.

We had to find the key to unraveling the magical trap before we could even find it.

[ Though, her amusement holds, when she says: ] It's obviously Aetós. I would know the signature of their magic anywhere, by now.

Ah... That does indeed sound like him.

[ don't mind the misgendering he's victorian and doesn't know better, ]

Well, if that is the case, I would be inclined to agree. Simply from our little... excursion to the Scorching Isles a second time, I confess that their motives are confusing to me. [ Even though Sebastian has actually met them in person, this is still perfectly true. It's why he's so interested, after all. ] Well, not that you need the warning, I am sure, but I would stay aware, if I were you. I imagine that losing three of those portals is hardly something that will be taken lightly.

If it were me?

[ She says, with an over-confident laugh. ] I would have a way to track those that were present, and I would ensure that a sequence of... rather dire tragedies were to befall them — or in the case of we shard-bearers, I would be certain to find a case for revenge at the most opportune time. Perhaps in the middle of a battle for an oracle, perhaps.

Personally, I would start with a swarm of devils, and perhaps end with them trapped eternally in a pocket-sized realm of their own. Perhaps they would prefer leaving one of us stuck in a time loop for an eternity.

[ She says it all so matter-of-factly. Akua may be personable (not unlike Sebastian, actually) but at the end of the day... She is still a villainess. ]

All that is to say, I will be careful, dear. I would not fret about me.

[ —Oh. ~~Is this flirting? This feels like flirting.~~

Sebastian is a little surprised at first. It's not that he's forgotten that Akua was a powerful woman (far from it—she ranks at the top for those he finds to be a threat), but there is something about her being so... candid in so public a venue. Not that he'll complain, though. The surprise is quickly followed by a warm, gentle delight. It's at contrast to the viciousness of her words, but it's surely perfectly fitting for a demon. ]

Of course. I hope that it did not come off as doubtful of your prowess.

[ It's a sincere sentiment, though it's impossible to tell the difference with him. He laughs, still warm and gentle. ]

Regardless, let me change my concern just slightly. I hope that Aetós perhaps does seek you out, one way or the other, and that you emerge victorious. I doubt anyone would complain.

[ Completely untrue. Silco would. ]

[ She laughed. ~~It might be flirting~~

The thing is, engaging in villainy is... so normal for her, it truly isn't something she thinks to hide. Well, most of the time. Many here might find her acts vile, but...she has her own standard for what is too far, and anything short of that is still fair game.

Individual lives were always useful, as long as they served a purpose. That was what had taken her so long to understand — and come to terms with — It was senseless evil that had been too far. Regular evil is just fine. ]

Oh, if they do, I think that Aetós will meet their match.

I suspect that is why they have not bothered thus far, despite overtaking the Burning Gardens as we did. And now this?

[ The sharpness of her smile in the dark is the impression that flicked through the communion. Excitement, dark enjoyment, in contrast to Sebaastian's gentle warmth. ]

I hope it happens. It's been far too long since I've had such a challenge.

[ Sebastian laughs, but it’s definitely a laugh with a little darker tone to match hers. He still leans towards gentle warmth that’s perfectly polite, but Akua’s hopes aren’t exactly far off from his… At least when it comes to the select group of Shard-Bearers that he has an unsaid understanding with. They could have their fun and games, their challenges, but there were still lines that should not be crossed. Most practically speaking being a true death, of course. ]

Ah, I feel as if I should partially apologize for that… Our first and only dance was so very long ago, but we have yet to find ourselves at odds! Kenos’s conflicts are so much gentler… At least compared to the one I experienced in Horos.

[ A shame, in part, but he also won’t complain for how it’s let him do his work in the ideal way. He was a brute, but his talents were best shown as something slow and deliberate. ]

Of course, I am being somewhat presumptuous. But it was my impression that we both had a fun little row.

It was rather long ago, wasn't it?

[ A flicker of recognition, seeing a layer peel away from the veneer that left the perfectly pleasant demon facing out toward the world — but she knew — and accepted that there was something darker within him, lurking beneath the surface, waiting for the right time.

She had seen a piece of that, when they'd faced off against one another in Horos. Dangerous for her, of course. She had not been well-suited to match with him, as she would never be the type to fight in the muck with the line, but serving as a distraction had been... good, for her. Exciting. Dangerous, perhaps, but what was life without danger? And at least with a devil — sorry, demon — like Sebastian, the rules of engagement were clear. She knew he would be cruel, but he would follow the rules of engagement. As long as neither side broke... (Silco, no) there would be no reason to break it. ]

I do look on it fondly. Though our time outside of Horos has left us little time to... engage in combat like we had once. A shame, since nobody has challenged me in quite the same way.

A shame, isn't it?

Very much. I suppose I should have assumed, all things considered... But it has simply never come up!

[ That velvety dark tone is rather quickly gone, but it's not for hiding it. He just shifts more towards playful in his challenge/flirtation, since considering his example... Can it really be anything but? ]

Excuse me for not noticing, perhaps. Lord Set and I do engage in our fun, as I am sure you have noticed. [ :tired: ] If you would also enjoy that sort of challenge, then by all means, I will be happy to indulge with you, Miss Sahelian.

[ If this sounds provocative, it absolutely is. That's just as much a part of the game he plays with Set, but there's also just a very fine line between fighting and flirtation when it comes to creatures like them. ]

[ It does sound provocative, but a Diabolist was truly tempted by dealings with demons, and Akua had never been able to resist the lure of demons and devils. The Sahelians had been known for them, after all, and she had walked in the steps of her ancestors, binding and directing devils by the thousands at times. It was truly her element to play this game, and his playful tone is met by her own — matching, exciting. ]

Would you? [ Her laugh is rich, and pleased. ] I think I would not mind indulging in your games, Sebastian. I've heard quite the tale from Set, from time to time.

[ Nothing too serious, too scandalous, but she knew that Set enjoyed bullying the demon, and she would think that sounded mighty fun.

And Challenging, which was fun all in itself. ]

Would you accept such attentions from a diabolist such as I?

Oh, have you? I cannot say I am surprised, but I hope they are all flattering, of course.

[ He knows they’re not. While Set can compliment Sebastian, he’s almost certain that it wouldn’t come up in conversation with someone else unless it was a more objective appraisal of the demon’s skills. Also known as: Set is a bully. Sebastian may be opening the door for yet another bully, but honestly? It’s fun, even so. m ]

But it sounds like a bit of fun, so why not? So long as we have a mutual understand of certain lines in the sand, of course. So long as those are not crossed, then all three of us can have a quite agreeable relationship, I would say.

[ It's true, Set is never complimentary, but she can read between the lines. Who set speaks of, whom they don't speak of at all. That Akua is a villain means that she can see these for what they are.

After all, for someone like her? The true insult is irrelevence, not insults. ]

Rules of engagement?

[ A laugh. ]

I believe we can come to such a relationship. [ No, don't call it that. ] Does this begin a negotiation?

[ That. Almost comes out as an indulgent purr. ]

Oh, it needn’t be so formal. I have no such agreement with Lord Set, after all.

[ That’s his factual answer that’s delivered smoothly, but in response to that purr, his tone does turn velvety again as he continues. It’s flirtatious, naturally, but it’s also meant to sidestep the idea of negotiation—to make the lack of one more appealing. It’s not something Sebastian engages in lightly, after all. (And besides, he’d playfully protest, how unfair to Set!) ]

To negotiate would be to erect barriers that cannot be crossed at all. Perhaps a toe across the line is fine… Thrilling, even. A spark of anger, of danger, that is not so bad as long it does not kindle the full fire, would you not agree?

[ …Or, Sebastian knows the kind of person Set is and believes he knows Akua well enough to assume the same. The idea of genuinely getting a rise out of the demon is an enticing prospect. He’d say the same. Because they’re bad people! ]

So, I prefer a bit of… flexibility, shall we say?

[ Her laugh is low, and pleased. ]

Oh, you do know how to spark interest, don't you?

[ It's expected from demon of Sebastian's caliber, truly. He reminds her somewhat of Tikoloshe, though she'd only met the Incubus once or twice — the Warlock and his husband were not the most... social of people — but she knows that they like to be as free as possible. Being negotiated into rules is as constraining as it is to people.

But there are times for contracts. And times for more... open fun.

In communion, there is that smile again, sharp, indulgent. ]

I do enjoy the prospect of... slipping my toe across the line from time to time — and having you do the same is quite exciting.

[ He’s pleased that her interest is piqued, and he doesn’t hide that feeling across Communion. It’s very easy to imagine the playfully self-satisfied expression (or: “:>” ) ]

Then I believe we can have some good fun, Ms. Sahelian.

[ And at this point, the Communion shifts away from prying eyes as his focus narrows in on her. With Set, it never had to be communicated since he had stumbled upon it rather naturally… And besides, they’re of a similar ilk, where Akua, for all her prowess, is still mortal. So far as he knows, at least. So, it’s best to be blunt. ]

Then you will find that my line is very simple, to be clear. I am patient and tolerant, so I will endure much without complaint. [ m ] However, what agreements I do strike are sacrosanct. I will not violate the terms of any of those formally struck. In some cases, I cannot.

[ She’s familiar enough with demons that he expects that this is no real surprise. However, demons strike up contracts for all kinds of reasons. So— ]

I will not tolerate any interference with my meals.

Oh?

[ Most Devils in her world (The equivalent to Sebastian's Demon — odd how so many worlds used these words differently, and yet the creatures so similar) would have such restrictions in place as well. Deals, contracts, and bindings were sacrosanct to her own devils, and she expected the same would be of Sebastian. That was almost a laughable boundary, as she wouldn't dare — and lmao couldn't — but...

To hear they were a meal makes things even more interesting.

There's the impression of golden eyes focusing in the dark, to accompany that smile, as if Akua's Knowing Eyes are directed right toward Sebastian. She may be mortal, but she is also... More in her communion. Named, and in a way immortal. ]

Fear not, I would never interfere with a Demon's meal.

[ Where the warning came with a glimmer of a sharp edge that showed how very seriously Sebastian took the matter, it’s also quickly gone. He’s back to his pleasant, playful amiability. Why wouldn’t he be? She understands, so no further elaboration is needed. ]

Then we shall have nothing to worry about!

[ But he does not miss how her focus shifts at all, though he doesn’t acknowledge it. How interesting that her demons (or at least those she was familiar with) didn’t seem to contract for meals. What would they want, he wonders, but it’s just an idle curiosity. He has no affection for his own kin, much less those of a distant world.

…But, since it surprises her. He sees no harm in offering elaboration. She may well find it interesting. ]

I labor quite intensely to make sure a soul is to my taste, after all. I would be cross indeed to have it be ruined… It is not even so much a matter of hunger as it is to labor. No one enjoys effort wasted, my kind least of all.

Oh, I understand what it is, to put a great deal of effort into making something... perfect to what you want, only to watch it slip through one's fingers.

[ Mind. That also was her folly, but! She remembers the pain, hatred, and fury of watching her magnum opus crumble before her very soul, as she was enveloped in something to take her, keep her. ]

I cannot imagine what wrath you would bring, upon one who would take what you work so hard to...cultivate.

[ A beat. ] I imagine that this one must not be your first, yes? I wonder if there have been any of such souls that were... challenges for you?

[ It's not so much wheedling for information now, as it is pure conversation. She truly can't help herself. ]

And it is something best left to imagination, hm?

[ Because in truth, even he can’t be sure what he’d do, save for the fact that it would be very precisely made. That’s the sort of slight where violence alone wouldn’t satisfy him. It’s even beyond the blow to his pride that Hayame had struck. Whoever was foolish enough to tread into that territory would wish they hadn’t, at the very least.

Though if there’s a threat there, it doesn’t carry in his voice. Similarly, there’s no need. The question is more his focus, and that makes him laugh. ]

Far from the first, correct. Though, challenges… I suppose it depends. I am hardly obligated to strike up a Covenant with everyone who asks, so I pick those who already have a natural inclination towards my taste. But they can be challenging as people as a quite separate matter. Some of my masters have made me work more difficult than others, certainly.

Oh, I can only imagine what... types would think it wise to summon and bind a demon.

[ She's thinking of her family, of course. Sahelians who bound and contracted Devils. The more powerful demons required such careful consideration and their time was so short on Calernia. Tikoloshe the incubus being the lone exception. ]

It sounds like you do not lack for boredom, in your choices, hm? Though if one was to be lacking, at least the...personalities here make up for it, hm?

Plenty of...other challenges?

Oh, not at all. Even my masters I have disliked are not boring. Any who would be willing to strike up a Covenant with me are rather inherently interesting. After all, Horos and Kenos both are interesting places that are entirely unlike the world of humans I came from.

[ And that is where the challenges came from, mostly. So his explanation serves to answers two curiosities at once. ]

For one, my kind were largely considered religious myth rather than something real. We were not able to step into the world of man freely, and what was necessary to summon us to their world required acts that a normal human would not consider. The boring are inherently pruned out by that alone. For example, my last master sacrificed his twin brother so that I may appear.

[ And in Communion, there’s a twinge of dark, hungry delight when he says it. It’s easy to attribute it to a demon’s bas personality, but it was much richer than that. “Ciel’s” circumstances had been uniquely tragic and delicious, but also irrelevant for the explanation. So, he continues. ]

And then once I am there, simply being in the human world presented challenges. I could not be so cavalier about my existence, for one, lest it inspire a religious fervor that may see a village reduced to ash. And for no reason! They could not kill me, so it just turned into a massacre, you see. So, my existence is a secret I keep tightly guarded, generally speaking. I would have here as well, had circumstances in Horos not forced my hand into honesty.

[ And clearly from his tone, he’s glad to not have to. ]

Then there are the eccentricities of my masters to tend to. I do prefer to keep them content, largely speaking. And give someone powerless a vassal who is capable of nearly anything? Why, you can guess the sort of challenges that may come up. Any hedonistic pleasure you can imagine, I have surely delivered, as the predictable example.

open | an alenroux press release

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now it's definitely flirting

smh demons and diabolists i stg

it's getting worse

worse...better... it is one and the same

no bully!!!!!

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private!

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