KENOMA // voice+memory

[devilmancrybaby]

[ This takes place the evening after the first event described in the Event Wrap Up post, the entity having withdrawn its influence from Venera.

Binghe is in a bit of a bad mood, having had to haul Makoto's unconscious body out of the street when he would have preferred to drop him in the ocean, and as things are currently he can't really be bothered to pretend that he's not. There's some attempt to be polite, but mostly he sounds kind of tired and cranky. ]

My apologies for the interruption. I am Luo Binghe. No doubt many of you have heard at least a little of what has happened lately in Venera. I was there for the event at the heart of it, so I thought perhaps it would be of some use to share a few of the details.

I am sure it will not come as any great shock to learn it seems to have been the fault of that dog Estinien Wyrmblood. The spirit that seems to have been responsible for what has been happening was so angered by his death that it appeared to smite anyone who tried to keep it from... I don't know, I think it wanted his shard. I don't know what it would have done with it. Kept him as a pet, perhaps, in one of its illusions.

If I am honest, whatever this thing was it seemed rather simple, like the ghost of a child, but it clearly possessed immense power. The Aions of Pleroma who were there, their unconvincing promises about—taking care of him in its stead, that kind of thing. That was enough to convince it to retreat.

I think it did something to them, though. I'll show you.

[ He shares his memory of this moment, when the mass of wings demanded that those gathered keep their promise, grasping onto those closest to it with its ethereal hands.

The image fades and Binghe's voice resumes: ]

So the problem has been solved, but only temporarily. The spirit was not destroyed, and it seems if these Aions fail to fulfil its whims it may return with something worse. It might not be so easy to persuade next time.

Comments

[gravings]

No. This will sound silly... but I think we hurt its feelings.

[lachtara]

It's feelings. [ There's a bit of idle amusement. ] Given how many of the city natives crumbled to dust from its affliction, I would find it ironic if it were insulted by one single Aion meeting their end. Perhaps, instead, it reflects the sentiment given we refused its "gift".

[gravings]

Well... I think that's part of it. The other part is that we, the Aions of the Innocent Legacy, couldn't agree with its methods either. We tried to get it to understand that the disease is like death to the people... but that only made it upset that we weren't on its side. It seemed especially hurt that Meteion and I are Kenoma.

[ That's what "darkness" seemed to imply, anyway. ]

It seemed to place much more importance on Aions than the common people. It called us its sisters.

[lachtara]

I see.

[ Hm. This is a lot to consider. It will take some puzzling over it to think of where to go with it next. In the meantime, there's he gives a light sigh and his voice changes from the previous business-like tone to something lighter. ]

Where are my manners. I've asked you several questions without the courtesy of a formal introduction. Would you do me the pleasure of providing a name?

[ While he knows the girl's name distantly, it is always preferable to get introductions from the person themselves if they have not met. ]

[gravings]

[ And here she realizes she forgot step one, which was to identify herself to begin with... She flusters as she responds with embarrassment. ]

Oh... yes! My name is Gray. And, um... I recognize your voice, Mr. Emet. It's nice to meet you.

[ Or should it be Mr. Selch? ... It's a bit complicated navigating people's odd names. Either way, she remembers him speaking at length at the welcoming party. ]

[lachtara]

Emet-Selch.

[ Not annoyed, just a simple correction. ]

You were among the newer members of the Kenoma. How have you been settling in?

[gravings]

[ There's a brief pause, her surprise at him bothering to ask poofing briefly across their connection. She considers how an answer like "it's been fine" would probably be both unbelievable and unsatisfactory. On the other hand, bleating about the excessive attention and worship would just be annoying. ]

... Everyone's been very gracious. Truthfully, I'm not used to having so much free time. I was probably closer to a retainer in my... former life.

[ If the Regent needs their shoes polished, she's free... ]

[lachtara]

Yes, overly gracious in some cases.

[ It's said with a sigh. He's certainly not beyond complaining about the mentality of the citizens of the city. ]

Be that as it may, you are no longer a retainer. You are an Aion. Be sure no one tries to treat you otherwise.

[gravings]

Um... what does that entail, exactly? Being treated like an Aion, I mean.

[ Has she been violating Aion protocol without realizing it? She decides not to mention that she's been trying to conceal her Aion status in public as much as possible. ]

[lachtara]

An Aion is an important person of power and of responsibility. Others should treat you with the regard befitting your station.

[gravings]

[ Gray is thoroughly tired of special regard... but she understands that her esteem as an Aion is the same as the esteem of her Aion peers. If she has to act the part of a dignified idol for their sake, then she will. ]

... Okay.

[ She can't quite keep the weariness out of that thought, but she'll do her best. ]

Were you an important person in your homeworld too, Mr. Emet-Selch?

[lachtara]

I was, yes.

[ No point in trying to dull that point with humility. ]

Which counts for naught here, other than providing me with a keen understanding of the responsibility we have.

[gravings]

[ She thought so. Only people who have lived with power are conscious of it on a such a complete level, moderating its health in not just themselves, but in the people incidental to them. It's politics in a softer form, but politics either way. ]

I think that still counts for something. But, um, either way... thank you for looking after me.

[ Even if he was just asking if she was settled in. That's more consideration than she was expecting. ]

[lachtara]

Indeed.

[ He quietly leaves it at that, and let’s the link between them cease. ]