After what happened the last time I was highly agitated, I thought it best to keep to myself until I was certain the incense was out of my system. Not my brightest idea, but I made it almost the entire way alone.
How so? I'm afraid I've been 'out of the loop'. Zephyr and I slept for several days.
No, I'd say it wasn't a bright idea. But I'm glad you're okay.
So did I. Law, too, I think. That's mostly what I mean. We all survived, but I think if there was luck involved...maybe none of this would have happened in the first place.
I didn't much care at the time. Whether that feeling was born from my own heart or the incense, I can't be sure. Likely a combination of both.
Too true. Though if you look at it that way, if you'd had any luck on your side we would never have met. Sometimes strife occurs for a reason. While I'd rather none of us had to struggle, I am... appreciative of how fate brought us together.
That makes sense. The incense... it makes it hard to trust our own minds.
You have a point. I guess...if there is any luck involved, it seems to be playing the long game. [There's a brief pause, and one or two faint, scratchy marks that look like they could be the start of letters. And then:]
Speaking of luck, or fate, maybe. I don't know if you've heard, but... Shionne is here. She arrived just recently, around the same time everything in Kiichpan was happening.
A very long game, though... I do think we should acknowledge we are truly blessed to have each other here for support. So many arrive alone, and stay alone.
I have heard! The only person we're missing now is Kisara... I imagine its only a matter of time. Whoever is plucking us from our universe surely wants to complete the set.
I agree. Honestly, I'm not sure I'd be okay if I were here alone...I'm glad none of us have to grapple with that.
There have been plenty of times when I've thought "if only Kisara were here." Not that I'd really wish this place on my friends, in light of recent events, but... Sometimes you can't help missing people, I guess.
Yes. She came back to Tikal with me, but she expressed interest in joining Salamander. I guess that makes sense, with her healing artes.
I did feel bad for wishing you here, but now that you're with us... I don't regret it.
We function best as a team. All of us bring something different to the table. We were lacking your heart and determination.
That's good to hear. I too am considering a move from Viper to Salamander. I don't think I'll be returning to Kiichpan for some time. Coatepec has libraries, gardens, and a focus on healing.
I've had my fill of violence for the near future. I want to help people.
Zephyr is also here, and I'm enjoying our current living arrangement.
You're right. We work best as a team. That being the case, I would rather be here with everyone else than waiting for you all at home.
Honestly? I'm glad to hear that. I think it's going to be a long time before Kiichpan is safe again, and I'm not sure how I feel about Viper herself after all of this.
If someone had told me back home that Zephyr would be getting along with a Renan, especially someone with your background, I'm not sure I would have believed them. But I'm glad you've had the chance to meet. I don't think I would be who I am without his influence. Or yours, for that matter.
I'm glad we all agree on that. We are stronger and happier together than we are apart.
:)
I also don't know how I feel about Viper, or any of the coterie leaders. Except for Eagle. I've always had an intense dislike for him. I'll admit, I am a little smug he was forced to close his gates and reinforce his walls. I would never rub it in, but...
[He dearly wishes he could.]
At this point, I would consider us friends. He is near and dear to me.
Of course, upon our first meeting I was certain he would strangle me upon sight. We may have spent a significant amount of time posturing and arguing over the journal before agreeing to see one another in person-- initially to fight, though I would never have retaliated.
To raise a hand against Law's father would have been unspeakable, even if he attacked me with intent to kill. He had every reason to want me dead, and in some ways I would have deserved it. Thankfully, it did not take long for us to see eye to eye.
I didn't really mind Eagle so much...but I'm feeling much more lukewarm on all of them recently. None of them really seem to show leadership material.
Well, I'm glad he DIDN'T decide to strangle you on sight. It's definitely better for us all to be able to see eye to eye. Strength in numbers, right? We're all fighting for the same things -- and for each other.
I do wonder how they came to secure their positions. If they were voted in by the populace, or... other more violent means.
To become a Lord you are required to fight every eligible candidate. When violence is rewarded over virtue, only the most ruthless take the throne. To rule with an iron fist requires an iron heart, I suppose.
I'm also glad I wasn't strangled on sight, even if it may be possible I would simply return the next day with a sore neck. To be friends with the leader of the Crimson Crows... it's more than I ever imagined was possible.
That's a good question. Not every person in town belongs to a coterie, and from what I understand, most cities have a mayor who's separate from all of that. Maybe they're only leaders because they created them in the first place.
... Furniture choices? It's hard to picture Zephyr having strong opinions about that, but I guess anything is possible.
We could always ask. Do a poll of sorts. It may help us to learn more about the people and politics of this place.
Zephyr has an absolutely ABHORRENT chair that inflicts pain upon my eyes every time I'm unlucky enough to glance upon it. He says it's comfortable. I think he's afraid to taste the finer things in life.
I bought him a new, beautiful chair and he refuses to sit in it. REFUSES.
Zephyr may also be slightly annoyed that I put his chair into the trash without asking, but why would I ask when I was clearly doing him a favour? He actually brought it back inside.
I suppose we could. I'm not sure I want to draw so much attention from the leaders themselves, though. It's hard to say how much of these conversations they're able to read...or how much they care to.
It was just the chair. If you could see it you would understand. The leather looks like it's been ripped apart by a zeugle, and the wood is so dull and scuffed I can only imagine the tree it originated from would decline to know it.
[oh my god????? okay okay okay. time to channel his BEST INNER KISARA.]
You know, in Calaglia, we didn't exactly get the luxury of having things that belonged to us, especially not things we picked ourselves. Things we like. Comfortable things. So he comes here, finally finds something he likes a bit, that's comfortable. And then you...threw it away. So it's the principle of the thing. I can see why he'd be upset.
He brought it back in. The worst it suffered was a little rain, which honestly... may have improved its scent and appearance.
. . .
I didn't think of it that way. I suppose it's not the value of the item that matters, but the fact he chose it for himself after a lifetime without the freedom to do so. And I disrespected that choice over something so silly as aesthetics.
It sounds like I have an apology to make.
But I do have to say-- it really is the most ugly chair I have ever encountered across two different worlds.
At least now it's a little cleaner? Maybe that's all it needs. A little...freshening up.
That's how I would feel, at least. I don't think anyone likes having their things taken without warning, especially when things have already been hard enough for you.
Zephyr is a reasonable guy. I'm sure he'll come around if you apologize.
Just like when we were traveling, living with someone has its share of compromise. Sometimes you might have to keep the chair or eat the porridge or whatever will bring the peace, at least with little things.
I bought him a beautiful handwoven throw blanket as an apology gift. He can nap warmly by the fireside, and I can cover the chair when it's not in use. That way we both win.
Then I will fully apologize, make him a very delicious dinner, and pour his drinks for the rest of the night.
Porridge is indeed a compromise. Especially when it's Shionne's turn to prepare a meal.
Its as if she enjoys the... toothsome nature of undercooked oats. Perhaps they're more filling that way?
I'd like to think I'm quite good at apologies. A nice gift, some kind words, an expression of utter sincerity-- perhaps a poem, to truly express one's heart.
[RIP Zephyr.]
Yes... just time, finesse, and flavour.
One day she'll have mastered porridge. Or found a better recipe.
I hope so. Kiichpan had so many delicious food stalls, I hope the vendors lived to cook another day. They were good people, and I'd love to learn from them.
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As much as I want to believe it's luck, the last few days haven't exactly felt like that's in our favor.
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How so? I'm afraid I've been 'out of the loop'. Zephyr and I slept for several days.
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So did I. Law, too, I think. That's mostly what I mean. We all survived, but I think if there was luck involved...maybe none of this would have happened in the first place.
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Too true. Though if you look at it that way, if you'd had any luck on your side we would never have met. Sometimes strife occurs for a reason. While I'd rather none of us had to struggle, I am... appreciative of how fate brought us together.
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You have a point. I guess...if there is any luck involved, it seems to be playing the long game. [There's a brief pause, and one or two faint, scratchy marks that look like they could be the start of letters. And then:]
Speaking of luck, or fate, maybe. I don't know if you've heard, but... Shionne is here. She arrived just recently, around the same time everything in Kiichpan was happening.
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I have heard! The only person we're missing now is Kisara... I imagine its only a matter of time. Whoever is plucking us from our universe surely wants to complete the set.
Have you already met?
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There have been plenty of times when I've thought "if only Kisara were here." Not that I'd really wish this place on my friends, in light of recent events, but... Sometimes you can't help missing people, I guess.
Yes. She came back to Tikal with me, but she expressed interest in joining Salamander. I guess that makes sense, with her healing artes.
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We function best as a team. All of us bring something different to the table. We were lacking your heart and determination.
That's good to hear. I too am considering a move from Viper to Salamander. I don't think I'll be returning to Kiichpan for some time. Coatepec has libraries, gardens, and a focus on healing.
I've had my fill of violence for the near future. I want to help people.
Zephyr is also here, and I'm enjoying our current living arrangement.
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Honestly? I'm glad to hear that. I think it's going to be a long time before Kiichpan is safe again, and I'm not sure how I feel about Viper herself after all of this.
If someone had told me back home that Zephyr would be getting along with a Renan, especially someone with your background, I'm not sure I would have believed them. But I'm glad you've had the chance to meet. I don't think I would be who I am without his influence. Or yours, for that matter.
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:)
I also don't know how I feel about Viper, or any of the coterie leaders. Except for Eagle. I've always had an intense dislike for him. I'll admit, I am a little smug he was forced to close his gates and reinforce his walls. I would never rub it in, but...
[He dearly wishes he could.]
At this point, I would consider us friends. He is near and dear to me.
Of course, upon our first meeting I was certain he would strangle me upon sight. We may have spent a significant amount of time posturing and arguing over the journal before agreeing to see one another in person-- initially to fight, though I would never have retaliated.
To raise a hand against Law's father would have been unspeakable, even if he attacked me with intent to kill. He had every reason to want me dead, and in some ways I would have deserved it. Thankfully, it did not take long for us to see eye to eye.
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Well, I'm glad he DIDN'T decide to strangle you on sight. It's definitely better for us all to be able to see eye to eye. Strength in numbers, right? We're all fighting for the same things -- and for each other.
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To become a Lord you are required to fight every eligible candidate. When violence is rewarded over virtue, only the most ruthless take the throne. To rule with an iron fist requires an iron heart, I suppose.
I'm also glad I wasn't strangled on sight, even if it may be possible I would simply return the next day with a sore neck. To be friends with the leader of the Crimson Crows... it's more than I ever imagined was possible.
Now we only fight over furniture choices.
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... Furniture choices? It's hard to picture Zephyr having strong opinions about that, but I guess anything is possible.
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Zephyr has an absolutely ABHORRENT chair that inflicts pain upon my eyes every time I'm unlucky enough to glance upon it. He says it's comfortable. I think he's afraid to taste the finer things in life.
I bought him a new, beautiful chair and he refuses to sit in it. REFUSES.
Zephyr may also be slightly annoyed that I put his chair into the trash without asking, but why would I ask when I was clearly doing him a favour? He actually brought it back inside.
I simply cannot even fathom.
1/2
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It was just the chair. If you could see it you would understand. The leather looks like it's been ripped apart by a zeugle, and the wood is so dull and scuffed I can only imagine the tree it originated from would decline to know it.
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[oh my god????? okay okay okay. time to channel his BEST INNER KISARA.]
You know, in Calaglia, we didn't exactly get the luxury of having things that belonged to us, especially not things we picked ourselves. Things we like. Comfortable things. So he comes here, finally finds something he likes a bit, that's comfortable. And then you...threw it away. So it's the principle of the thing. I can see why he'd be upset.
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. . .
I didn't think of it that way. I suppose it's not the value of the item that matters, but the fact he chose it for himself after a lifetime without the freedom to do so. And I disrespected that choice over something so silly as aesthetics.
It sounds like I have an apology to make.
But I do have to say-- it really is the most ugly chair I have ever encountered across two different worlds.
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That's how I would feel, at least. I don't think anyone likes having their things taken without warning, especially when things have already been hard enough for you.
Zephyr is a reasonable guy. I'm sure he'll come around if you apologize.
Just like when we were traveling, living with someone has its share of compromise. Sometimes you might have to keep the chair or eat the porridge or whatever will bring the peace, at least with little things.
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Then I will fully apologize, make him a very delicious dinner, and pour his drinks for the rest of the night.
Porridge is indeed a compromise. Especially when it's Shionne's turn to prepare a meal.
Its as if she enjoys the... toothsome nature of undercooked oats. Perhaps they're more filling that way?
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The porridge isn't that bad. Really. It just needs...flavor?
... And, yeah, maybe another minute of cooking time. Or three.
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[RIP Zephyr.]
Yes... just time, finesse, and flavour.
One day she'll have mastered porridge. Or found a better recipe.
We can only hope.
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[oh NO poor zephyr]
I think you'd be fine with JUST the sincerity. Too much might get a bit...overwhelming.
We're all still learning when it comes to cooking, right? Maybe we'll find some new favorite recipes while we're here.
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I hope so. Kiichpan had so many delicious food stalls, I hope the vendors lived to cook another day. They were good people, and I'd love to learn from them.
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