wakey wakey [ @all ]

[kenosnpcs]

This is a post where you'll find a header in the comments for Aetós, Agapitos Voreen, and Florence Deshayes respectively.

As a reminder from our course correction, your OOC understanding of their places in their factions should not influence IC reactions, especially to Agapitos and Florence. Aggressive threats and demands are likely to be ignored, because this would be very out of the blue to them! ( You can be mean to Aetós, though. They're a dick, and they just won't respond. )

Timewise, Agapitos and Florence's posts are shortly after Shard-Bearers awake after the repose (roughly a day to give people a chance to get their bearings/go get a haircut/etc), and Aetós's portion is later in the month.


Please note, new tag-ins will not be responded to after April 23rd. However, tagging each other throughout this post is welcome. Threadjack to your heart's content!

Comments

tribune agapitos voreen

[kenosnpcs]

[ Vibrant Red, the sight of a new dawn rising after a long, chill night. Like a too-warm sun, burning off the chill. It is like waking in the dawn, with the earthy smell of dew dissipating into a summer's morning, with unspeakable potential and promise the only thing before you. It is looking toward the future, Agapitos very clearly feels the youngest amongst the group, but also the sharpest and the most... active. He is no child, but in Communion, he feels something like it, compared to two timeless creatures. ]

Ah, bearers, I'm afraid we did not have much opportunity to talk before everything went south before your repose. I am Agapitos Voreeen, and I am very happy you all have woken up and returned to us. I am sure that it is a surprise to see this world so changed, but I think you will find that Skysong is far more prepared for an eventual Zenith attack once more. We are grateful that we were able to find the way to do so, but now that you are here, we may not have such desperate a need, huh? You bearers are the light that shines our way to victory, so of course, if you find that there are unsavory elements, well. You have my blessing to do what you think necessary, to ensure Meridian marches its way to victory.

I know we have not had the time to know each other, but I promise you this: I will never allow Zenith to so thoroughly step onto our streets with such confidence as they have done before. They coordinated a lucky strike, but I lost far too many friends and loved ones that day to allow them to ever do so again. I am sure you all felt losses as well, and perhaps learning what deceptive creatures the Zenites are will remind you that they see no hope before them, no possible chance for life. They believe that everything that is lost is forgone, and I refuse to accept that. I fight for you all, as I have fought alongside you in the past.

[ A flash of memory sent to the bearers, of Agapitos alongside his long-time bodyguard Delyphyne squaring up against one of the drugged monsters that had invaded Springstar's streets. A coordinated attack that left the creature beheaded and bloodied in the street. ]

I will continue to do so, as long as we look toward our future, and your future, in your worlds. May Meridian's Light illuminate your path toward victory, and eradicate Zenith's darkness from the corners of this, and all, worlds.

That being said, I am a pragmatic man, and I am sure that you have questions. Please, if I can answer them, I will do so.

[a_noble_flame]

Skysong is quite prepared, yes, but what of Old Springstar?

[A simple question, not meanly spoken. She simply sounds curious, her own communion not half as warm as Voreen's own. It's a welcoming hearth to all after a long, cold night. The Repose didn't change that about her at least.]

[kenosnpcs]

I am only in charge of Skysong, and that is what I will protect. Those who wish to join us can, but Old Springstar has chosen to deal with those whom attacked us and raided our streets, so perhaps they should look to Kowloon, given how much they seem to work in tandem.

Those who want our protection are welcome to join us where we can protect them.

[ In short! He has no power down there, and they aren't going to be marching in the streets of a place they don't run anymore. ]

[a_noble_flame]

[Ah. That puts a proper damped over the warmth of her communion then.]

... I see. I had expected as much. Thank you for clarifying your stance for me.

[cyfaredd]

Ah! You! Yes, I've been waiting for a chance to speak with you!

[ The wizard sounds upset about something. Huh! Is someone about to confront Voreen for Answers™️?! ]

You're rather well-connected to the Emporio District, aren't you? I woke up after a hundred years to find that my likeness is being used to sell handbags and cologne!

[ ...nope, sorry. ]

Now, I'm quite happy to know that I was appropriately appreciated while I was gone, but I can count on receiving some of the proceeds extracted from the populace using my image, correct?

[kenosnpcs]

[ There is the slightest impression of hands being risen, as if to placate him. ]

I hear you, I hear you, and to not offer? [ A soft tut. ] That's rather rude, isn't it?

I once owned a business there, though my family is in charge of it now. However, I still maintain a reputation among the businesses. If you are interested in such recognition, I am sure that they would be happy to facilitate for you.

[cyfaredd]

[ This answer appears to placate Howl immediately. His overheated bluster simmers down into a pleasant, fizzy bubbling, like a freshly poured glass of overpriced mineral water. ]

Yes, I am interested. It's the least they could do, after a man's woken up a hundred years later with nearly nothing to his name.

[ There's an impression of Howl crossing his arms, but more for the sake of comfort. ]

Someplace to live would be a good start. The "Resting Room" itself is not equipped to be a living space, as opposed to a sleeping space.

[hauntedking]

I... have a few questions. Forgive me, this whole affair has been rather disorienting.

First, I understand you've aligned yourself with Aetos; he's something of a madman as I understand it. Why deal with him?

[ Which is perhaps putting it mildly, considering what he's heard. ]

Second, what problems do you foresee in your immediate future, at least in Skysong? Old Springstar seems to have quite a few of them at a glance. I'm a little dismayed to see so many people essentially left behind to fend for themselves...

[kenosnpcs]

Well, they wouldn't be the only maddened one amongst us, now would they? As for dealing with them... what other choice did we have? You were asleep, so you did not see it, but Kowloon could never fully reign in their hungriest of dwellers, and we could not simply block off access. If we did, they found a new way.

So we used what we had. Once they liberated us from being so close to Kowloon, I... [ there's consideration here. ] liberated something from them. It ensures that they stay in line.

[ A beat, before: ]

As for the immediate future, I foresee that we shall be winning more Oracles, of course! [ Dimitri will feel the force of his focus is on that, like a hot sun on a noon summer's day. ] For those of Old Springstar, they are not left behind. They will have a place back home when we are victorious, and should they fight for that goal, then they are as valued as any member of Meridian. Many chose to remain on the ground for many reasons. Some were principle, some... a fear of heights, but should they wish, there are ways to move to Skysong, but they have not wished to do so.

[hauntedking]

I understand the presence of threat, but even so... he uses people. To align with him, even if you have something over him as you say... I will not say it gives me confidence, Tribune. He's hurt several people dear to me.

[ It's a hard sell, that bit ]

I can understand not wishing to leave behind the familiar to journey to the new city in the sky. It's... overwhelming is a good word. But even if they do not wish to move, is not Springstar still worthy of our protection?

[baltimores]

[ It's too bright and too hot; it's unpleasant. Like Amos is in dire need of an umbrella and cooling towel both.

But still, the voice is in his head, and so he listens. There's the twist of a frown, a mixture of discomfort and antipathy to Voreen's sentiments. Get a load of this guy, essentially, but — ]

Sorry.

[ — delivered plainly and dispassionately, but not dishonestly. A meagre apology, because what's done is done and the past is in the past — but though necessary, it hadn't actually been a good day. So, you know. Sorry about that. ]

[kenosnpcs]

If you were sorry, you would prostrate yourself and allow us to take a pound of flesh for the crime you committed against us.

[ That bright heat feels more like an interrogator's too-bright light on Amos now. Like an angry flare of heat. ]

Apologies should be genuine, so I — we in Meridian — cannot accept the apology given. Not when it is for the gravest of crimes.

[baltimores]

[ Look, he didn't know what he'd been expecting, but yeah in hindsight this makes sense. Does the light have to be that bright though? A shudder ripples through Amos' being as he looks to draw on his own presence in communion, wrap himself in the cool, protective darkness of Zenith. ]

Yeah, so I think we both know I'm not going to be doing that. [ Still plainspoken, but there's the sensation of a glare now, too. Damn, where's a dimmer switch when you need one? ] Look, you can accept it or not. No skin off my nose. I said it; it's out there; ball's in your court. I don't really care what you do with it.

[ The way he sees it, he's done his part. He fucked up. He apologized for it. He doesn't have to go any further than that. ]

meridian locked

[warmare]

... Tribune.

[It took Hayame longer than she would like to acknowledge to respond to this. It takes longer than she would have thought to say that title again to a man she does not know at all beyond glimpses of him at rallies she had observed from the background, her only visible eye narrowed in a glare. In the first months of her presence here in Kenos, she had fought with Cyrus more than once, but over time-

And now nothing makes sense anymore. Too much has happened, everything is different, one hundred and fourteen fucking years?]

You say we are blessed.

But what do you think is necessary.

[kenosnpcs]

Necessary? Whatever will achieve our goal. No quarter for Zenites, no mercy. Every resource we have will be at the disposal of bearers and the Legionary to ensure our victory, and that Zenith will have no choice but to accept that they have lost this war.

[ It is sharp, and firm. Agapitos may be a businessman, but it is clear that within him, he holds a firm core of iron. ]

I want to fulfill Meridian's promise to you. To save your worlds. We have for too long played a game where we worked with the Zenites, let them play their backhanded plays, and tried to bait and switch our overtures of peace and cooperation. They reward us with assassinations and attacks. I will no longer allow them the right to waltz among our streets or gather intelligence freely.

Private???

[warmare]

I had longed to hear those words.

[Whatever it takes. Hayame had said that line so many times. That she would do whatever it took to return to her world, fulfill her duty, and die. But when she had said “whatever it takes”…

She had meant killing whoever was required. She had meant risking her own life and limb as dangerously as she must. She had meant debasing herself to take to two legs and spy like a coward, to swallow her pride and force her mind to try and understand magic, she hadn’t meant-]

But as glad as they once would have made me…

[How glad she would have been one hundred and fourteen years ago, if she had met this man bowing before him as he took the mantle of Tribune, vowing to take the fight to Zenith…]

I will not join hands with demons to do it. I will not call a freak who experiments on souls my ally to do it.

[Is she saying those principles would be enough to keep her from striving for victory, that if that was the choice she would rather be damned? No. The glow of Meridian is still strong in her because she has no choice for it not to be. She is tethered too close.]

Anything the despicable likes of those can offer… There must be another way to accomplish it.

[She refuses to believe otherwise.]

So what do you say, Tribune, to those who would not work with a man who willingly dirties their palm with such monsters?

[Because she was supposed to do it. Work with him. If he even remembered something he might have been briefed on a century ago- she doesn’t know. If things had not happened as they had… she had been prepared to take General Zaman’s orders, to serve… But now the general is an old woman in a rocking chair. Those she would take orders from are strangers. And one of those strangers allies openly with a thing she has despised and distrusted ever since she met the screaming husk of what had once been a shard-bearer in the dark Alenroux woods.

The impression is strong. That this reply had the power to decide something.]

[damnpire]

[A polite, but very icily reserved presence sort of just sits at the edge and listens. Someone quiet, though not indifferent.]

What are you plans for the future besides Meridian victory? Do you intend to be more aggressive in its pursuit?

[kenosnpcs]

I do intend to be more aggressive, yes. This is a matter of contention between Cyrus and I, and while I had hoped he would step down...

[ There's a simmering sensation, anger. It might be because he's recently spoken with Amos, but —

Through the impression of clenched teeth: ]

He wasn't given the opportunity. So yes, I intend for Meridian to no longer play this game of neutrality and peacemaking. Now that bearers are awake, we can begin in earnest, to ensure that there are no longer dark corners for blithe acceptance to take hold, where hope cannot thrive.

[damnpire]

[Despite standing in T3 Meridian territory, D as a person is a rather neutral party in certain things, but even so... he understands why Voreen is angry. Also? He respects the respect a little here.]

Aside from Shard-bearers, do you plan to do this on your own?

[wolfish]

Well now, since this is something like a meet-and-greet... I think you know well enough this is some dramatic change to wake to, seeing as it was just a nap for guys like me.

[ With that preface, he'll get right to it. ]

How has this last century or so treated you? The people? If you're game to answer that sort of thing.

[kenosnpcs]

About as dramatic as the first time you woke in this world, I would expect.

Our people are well, I should say. You have noticed how our technology thrives, our legionary grows, and Meridian continues to shine its light on all it touches. Further, even, than it had before.

[wolfish]

[ That prompts a flicker of wry amusement. ]

You've got that right.

[ It really has felt like waking to a wholly new world again, in more ways than one. ]

Indeed I have noticed. The technology's well beyond that of my world, now. Amazing what people have achieved here... [ To say nothing of raising a city into the sky. ] How's the morale been?

[fishfearme]

[After quietly observing the first round of public questioning from his fellow Meridians, Byleth finally weighs in. Not with any questions of Meridian's future or Voreen's intentions - for Skysong or them - but something that most would likely consider minor or irrelevant:]

Does Cetina still serve as an aide to the Meridian administration?

[kenosnpcs]

No.

[ The answer is sharp, and a touch angry. Not with Byleth, though. It's focused outward. ]

If you wish to learn what happened, I hear the theater in Highstorm shows a play about how they slaughtered her.

[ That. Leaves little room to the imagination. ]

She sought revenge for Cyrus' death, and attacked Zenith at their heart. She stepped down before the Twilight Stike happened, but I still mourn the hole she left when she was necessarily slaughtered.

[fishfearme]

...

[Strangely, he wasn't surprised. Instead he felt a sort of resignation about it all, his very soul letting out a heavy sigh as his worst fears were confirmed.

Cetina was so dedicated to Meridian, and dedicated to Cyrus. Though their contact had mostly been professional, Byleth had nothing but positive feelings towards her. He enjoyed buying various cakes in thanks for her work whenever he had checked in, and the few gifts she bestowed upon him were precious and clearly tailor made to his tastes. There'll be no more romantic books passing hands along with knowing winks, and no more thanks for the lemon cake he'd bring her, and that was an incredible shame.

But...

It is what it is. Byleth had been raised amongst mercenaries, and seen many comrades die and be buried - usually on the same battlefield as him, and sometimes half a continent away, the news only reaching him weeks after the fact. Cetina was no different: a twinge of sadness, of resignation, and acceptance. It is what it is. Such was the way of the world.]

...does she have a grave anywhere, or a place to pay your respects?