kenoscomm | Open to All

[Communion begins and despite the source, it's strained. At least, in a way that perhaps it shouldn't be, especially considering that it involves Midna, who seems like one of the most nonchalant individuals in this world. She hasn't, in truth, addressed much of anything or anyone since the Harbinger incident, her death, her relocation to Highstorm, and that is beginning to bite her in the Twili backside.

Of course, if she were less prideful, she might actually address that. But maybe it all comes across in something about her, or what feels like wavering conviction, an otherwise kind of weakness she wouldn't ever intentionally display.]

Poor Springstar. There couldn't have been a better time for me to get out of there.

[Never mind that the discord a Meridian experiences in opposing atmosphere is a real contender. Perhaps Midna will turn as monstrous as those attacking the city of infinite light, except to her understanding, they aren't real monsters. No. Her discord is already manifesting in its own way.]

That said, surely we're keeping it all under control, no? The lot of us perfectly capable. If these little obstacles we go through for the Oracles don't hinder us, I find it hard to believe that a bit of chaos and murder is going to stop us. Well, those of us eager to throw ourselves into the fray that is.

[...So... people who aren't her?]

I'm sure I'll be making a little visit over there eventually, but that's not why I'm here now. Since I've made Highstorm my darling little home, I'd like to learn a bit more about it. It's beautiful, there are some nice places to eat, but I'm afraid I just don't know the area well enough. And I've been asked if I'll be decorating my home. I don't suppose there's a nice place to go shopping or some decorative ideas. Much as I'd love to fill my place with paintings, I've discerning taste.

I promise if I can get a little self-indulgence out of the way, I'll certainly be more helpful to my fellow Meridians.

[Which she may, or may not be. Either way, she thinks she's doing a great job pretending to be... well. Herself. But she's probably laying it on too thick this time.]

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Likening "a bit of chaos and murder" to an Oracle trial... As a newcomer, I must say you have me fairly concerned.

[ Concerned that he's been missing out on all this fun, that is. ]

The two things aren't so similar. Well, they could be. It's all a bunch of obstacles and things that usually aren't particularly fun or enjoyable, but a decent amount of manual labour.

[Ah, but some people seem to enjoy that.]

If you've not experienced it just yet, you can decide how the two compare. I find there's plenty of chaos in both. Wonderful for one who needs engagement and loves to keep their hands busy.

I don't mind chaos per se. If anything, I am rather drawn to it.

[ And since this is Communion, he can spare some honesty. Cracks in his mask might be more easily detectable this way. ]

Regardless, these trials are reason for concern. From what I gather, there were several casualties the last time. I would rather not be one of them, myself.

[Ah. One of those. There are plenty of people in this world that he'll get along well with.

She almost grimaces at how he continues. She was one of those casualties, though he has no way of knowing that. It still hasn't settled with her well. She doesn't truthfully know all the consequences for dying either.]

I wouldn't say casualties are normal. At least, not from my personal experience since I've been here. The last Oracle situation was complex and demanding. It was a bit different from the others that I've observed.

[ If he knew Midna's name, he might-- he's rather diligent in his preliminary investigations, you see. But would it have stopped him from bringing it up out of courtesy? Hmm. ]

Is that so? I've heard word of growing tensions between those aligned with Meridian and Zenith, and had presumed it had started soon after the trial. Would you say such animosity became prevalent during the trial itself, or was there something else at work?

Growing tensions?

[She wonders if she'd put it that way. Growing. It feels like the tension has always been there. It just differs in intensity from person to person. Some of the Zenith have been perfectly nice. Sentience, for example. Gavial. Amos. Cid.]

I suppose there was a little of that, yes. During the actual occasion. I've often imagined most are a little more inclined toward supporting their cause when Oracles are involved, however. Those who actually care so intently. There are many different kinds of people here and not all of them are representative of the entire collective.

I have not yet Harmonized, myself, but I am led to believe Highstorm citizens have been particularly hostile towards Meridian Shard-bearers as of late?

[ Which is what he means by growing tensions-- though the sheer number of casualties during the trial should be good indication that the current mood between both factions is... delicate. ]

Regardless, those directly responsible for such casualties should be names to keep in mind for the next trial. [ To watch out for... or to side with, depending on how things pan out. ] They may not speak for the entire collective, but would you not agree that they represent the worst and most dangerous of each faction?

[She considers sharing her own experiences with the Zenith, but her experience isn't likely to be equivalent to anyone else's. She knows better. Instead, it seems better to let him make his own judgements. Especially if he's not yet Harmonised. As a result, she leaves that there.

There's a weighted pause when she thinks about the casualties. She knows she wasn't the only one and she suspects that many happened for different reasons. It wasn't even a Zenith who got her. Poor Claude, dealing with the circumstances he'd been dealt. But he did the right thing.]

No. I wouldn't. It's not that simple. [She finally continues.] Everyone here wants something and some of the people here are more willing to do whatever they have to in order to gain that something, whatever it might be. It doesn't necessarily mean they should be considered the 'worst' of their faction, or even necessarily that they're 'dangerous.' I might liken it more to pragmatism. Although I'm sure there are some here who would intentionally behave in ways to stir up unnecessary hostility.

[ Oh come on, Midna, give him the tea... Honestly, he's already done some investigating of his own, so what's a little confirmation bias? ]

I admit there may have been extenuating circumstances such as self-defense, and I wouldn't expect people in this place to abide by standard humanitarian law, to begin with. However, there is a line between necessary action and cruelty. For instance, I have heard of a grown man who tossed a teenager into a portal of some sort, during the last Oracle trial. As a result, the teenager--

[ There's the sense of a queasy feeling over Communion. His stomach is surprisingly frail for a cold-blooded murderer-- but to be fair, his jobs aren't usually quite as gory as: ]

--um, exploded, is how I believe the locals described it. At the very least, a cleaner death would've been preferable.

[The thing about hearing things through the grapevine is the concept that she tends to be a bit sceptical to begin with. People can and will say anything. When tensions rise and the ever growing issues between Meridian and Zenith, there are undeniable tactical advantages to tugging on the emotional strings belonging to others. Midna can see all of the benefits to sharing information that might possibly provoke reaction in others. Especially in those who would oppose her views and desires.]

Surely you don't believe everything you hear.

[She doubts that he does, so maybe he's just testing her reaction to it all.]

Unless I see it myself, I'm inclined to take most things somewhat lightly. Who knows what's being embellished and what truly happened. I could envision someone doing such a thing, after all. Cruelty is not unheard of or impossible, especially in a place like this. But how much of that is a person's true self, and how much is inspired by the power of the Oracle? Frankly, there isn't enough information for me to start casting judgement.

Open to All | Communion

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Many, many apologies for the late. IRL emergency stuff came up.