[open] some Kenoma come up to Godsblood the other day...

[baltimores]

WHO: Amos, Gen, Eustace, Childe, any Pleroma
WHAT: Amos wants a gun, Eustace wants to make a portal, and in order to make it happen they go to...
WHERE: Godsblood.
WHEN: Towards the end of Visoseri/start of Soviseri
WARNINGS: None, unless you count bullying of various Pleroma; will add as necessary


The content of this entry is intended to be an OOC explanation of what's going on to keep everyone up to speed; any characters who may be in Godsblood during this time period are free to top level or tag out. This is not an event and simply a unique instance that some characters are kinda sorta technically in enemy territory, which opens itself up to thread opportunities that would not otherwise be possible.

Basically: four Kenoma are journeying up to Godsblood, albeit not all together and through different means.

Amos and Gen will be arriving via a boat directly from Achamoth, and accordingly, will be outed as Kenoma Aions right from the get-go — the populace should know who they are, and word of their arrival would likely get around. Amos is there because he wants to build a higher quality gun than what they have in Achamoth and Godsblood is the place to do it; Gen is there to serve as backup/moral support/because they're friends, okay. Story plotting link here for more details.

Eustace and Childe will be sneaking in via carriage from the Artisan shrine/a portal and will therefore not be known as Kenoma Aions upon entry to Godsblood — unless there are characters there who already know who they are, that is. Eustace is setting up a portal to facilitate travel between Achamoth and Godsblood. This is not public knowledge and non-Kenoma Aions/NPCs are unlikely to know about this. Story plotting link here for more details.

The mods have also provided some guidelines for how interactions could go between characters so that any Pleroma wouldn't necessarily have to out themselves as Aions when it comes to interacting with Amos or Gen, who are publicly declared as such. Highlighting what was said further down in Amos' plotting comment:

It wouldn't be unreasonable for a visiting Aion to be chatting up people within Godsblood so sharing a meal ... wouldn't be a dead give away, but it might tie them to the Aions on the rumor network if they do it in public. Whether they are just strangers Gen and Amos are dining with or whether they are connected to Achamoth won't be clear, but it would definitely have implications ... It's definitely a risk, at any rate.

As for meeting in a busy street or a public park the connection is still possible but a lot less likely, since the odds of them chatting up some rando in the park is a lot more likely than sitting down for dinner with them. It'd also be a lot more obvious if someone was spying on them, unlike a closed environment like a pub or eatery, so that'd probably be the safest option without going somewhere deserted or private.

Comments

QUESTIONS

[baltimores]

Not a mod! Just someone who wanted to facilitate a space for inter-sect interactions whilst in Godsblood, but if you need further clarification on something not elaborated on above I'll do my best to provide. Otherwise, please run wild and free.

childe } Firebrand

[vapour]

It's an interesting place, Childe supposes, but from what he's gathered so far. Visually and audibly it reminds him of a massive den of thieves. He supposes that type of atmosphere isn't at all surprising in a place that is begrudgingly under the Regent's rule but prefer taking pot shots in commentary and behavior compared to a full-out rebellion and its consequences... which means, in Childe's book, they're really just a bunch of petty cowardly blowhards.

He's very used to these types of people, at least, this type of behavior from the various places he's been and the missions he's been sent on back home. Considering all circumstances—Godsblood's belligerent behavior towards the Regent's rule, the public presence of two Kenoma aions, and this being a generalized best gateway in to the Regent's empire for the Pleroma aions—Childe presents himself incredibly differently than what both his allies and enemies have seen him as. He isn't overly chatty, isn't drawing attention to himself like usual in some form or manner.

The aion's gaze wanders —searches and retains— every face, every name he overhears and can connect a face or an occupation (—the local butcher, the fishmonger, the head of a guild, the secretary of another, a group of sailors under a same Captain—) to, but it's done so discreetly that's it's impossible to notice short of being a professional spy oneself or hyper-focusing on him specifically. To the average eye, he seems to just wander and take in the sights as any person new to an area would. He doesn't ask questions that glean any "interesting" information— but they're useful to him, all the same. Directions to direction places, where to avoid as a stranger, where to shop, who not to piss off (which, honestly, seems like everyone and yet everyone seems to actively work to create proactive assertiveness no matter what. )

When he's not walking around the streets or checking the shops, chances are he's in a tavern in a corner kicked back and looking as if he's resting with his face covered by a travelers notebook that he's picked up to doodle notes and layouts the general area. Unfortunately, it will be impossible to decipher for most as it's written not only in his homeworld's alphabet, but in his country's language. On top of that, he wears a travelers cloak, the hood deep enough to generally conceal his features from any passersby. Of course, any Tier 2 Pleroma will be able to realize he's a Kenoma without visually identifying him. Occasionally he is "awake," procuring more drinks or some food for himself while he observes the people in the bar or tavern quietly, and will only pause if he sees a Kenoma. Even then, the pause of recognition is fleeting and he continues on his business as if he didn't notice them at all.

The same goes for any encounters on the street. Anyone can approach him and they won't be ignored, but he doesn't seem in his usually chippery social mood— it's just how it is when he's working. He can't afford distractions like being obnoxiously overbearing to everyone he meets.

Which is just a terrible thing to have happen to you, said no aion of either sect, ever.

(ooc: Any Pleroma is welcome to see him and identify him without having to actually interact with him, especially tier 2 Pleroma. Any tier 1 Pleroma might also be able to do so if they overhear him speaking and know his voice. They can approach him and have a conversation with him, but he will not actively engage. The best you'll get is maybe a cheeky little wave if he sees them gawking, but otherwise there's no need to deal with him in order to notice/recognize him. He may or may not treat them like like a stranger depending on how they approach, but he will absolutely not cause any trouble unless someone else starts it.

Amos, Eustace, and Gen he will treat normally.

There are two instances that you can encounter him on the streets involved in a particular situation: one is giving food to some of the elderly or children that are clearly going hungry somewhere in the more secluded streets, poorer areas or at the fish market negotiating prices for some specific cuts of fish he likes.

If you want me to write a specific closed starter, feel free to ping me on discord or pm this journal, whatever is best for you C:! )

reaches out with paws

[snakeandfangs]

If there's any place that Robin needs to visit while in Godsblood, it's the fish market. Someone who normally speaks using onigiri ingredients needs to find the best and most fresh pieces of anything fish, especially if he's going to go about and making his own when he can. The rice situation is easy enough. It's this next part that isn't, and that's why he's idly browsing, eyes flicking back and forth at all the commotion. The liveliness! It's refreshing and takes his mind off of all the Bad that has happened as of late...

And then he sees--- no, watches--- Childe at work. Does he have experience with fish, is what Toge is curious about...

So silently, he slides up next to him. Looks at the fish. Looks at the man.

"Salmon."

Is he talking about the fish or is he agreeing with a price that he's heard? A mystery.

touches the those cute paws with love

[vapour]

Childe glances to the other, a small smile on his face despite having no clue what the other is referring to. Still, not one to be rude when it's obvious the stranger is speaking with him, he parrots the word back along with a follow-up question.

"Salmon? Haha, seems like you got that right. Is that your favorite fish or...?"

As far as his own knowledge of fish, he's certainly most familiar with the true cold-water fish that can be found when ice-fishing, but hed like to say he's pretty okay at his knowledge of fish in general. Still, that doesn't mean he's not interested to learn from someone more informed, especially if they have any news about the type of fish present in Horos, as this is his first time getting a chance to take a look.

Besides, this individual has come up to him and initiated conversation(...ish?), Which is pretty rare in this place so far unless they are pushy street sellers.

wildcard

[lockedon]

[ At some point, they agree to meet up in the marketplace. Partly because there are supplies Eustace still has to get, but partly because he's heard tell of a certain someone's birthday, and even if the calendar in Horos doesn't fully match up to the calendar he's used to, a birthday is still a birthday.

So here they are, ambling down the street like true tourists, gaze wandering every which way as Eustace tries to puzzle out what a fifteen year old girl might like. It's not going so well.

Thankfully, he is not alone on his journey today. ]

You said you're used to picking out gifts for other people?

[ Truthfully he'd believe it anyway. They might not have interacted much in Achamoth outside of a few passing greetings, but he's seen the way Childe speaks to others: good-natured and jovial, with an easy charm that he himself distinctly lacks. ]

[vapour]

You bet! [ Childe beams at Eustace's words, as if Eustace were directly praising him rather than simply making a comment, although he's quick to admit an added detail to that. ] Admittedly, I'm usually buying for my younger siblings, the oldest is fourteen, but I like to think I can totally help with just about any gift.

[ He likes helping, and besides... !? He wants to know who Eustace is buying something for. This seems like a pretty special thing for someone like Eustace to take his mind out of work to get a gift. Albeit, it could be a .. . work ... gi.. ft...? Someone needs to give Eustace the benefit of the doubt, though, right? ]

Who are we buying for?

[baltimores]

[ What Amos had been prepared for as their boat had come up to Godsblood: somewhere lower class with either veiled or outright hostility directed towards him, none of which he minds.

What he hadn't been prepared for upon docking: the sense that this place would feel like home, in the good senses of the word. It's not the same, but being in a large city that exists by the water, with a strong focus on engineering, machinery, technology... It's like what Baltimore should have been. What he'd found up in space instead, but with free air, the smell of the ocean, an abundance of fish clean water natural resources...

It's enough to visibly throw him, though he gets used to it over the course of a couple of days. Not like that stops him from lounging by the docks, casually watching the bustle, letting a hand trail over things as he makes his way through, like a reassurance that this is all real. A place like this can exist.

Except he's not here to reminisce over something that never was. Not for him, at least. He's got shit to do, and a substantial portion of his time is spent in and around the machining guild.

Inside the guild itself is one matter, but outside he'll take some time to admire the architecture — whether he's out and about on a lunch break, leaving for the day to get some dinner or a drink, whatever. It's entirely possible to find Amos at any restaurants or bars near the machining guild, the docks, or anywhere in between. He's well aware that he's not exactly wanted here, but he doesn't care. Not like there's anything anyone can do about it, and besides, he's contributing to the local economy. He tips well. Really, he's just some guy who happens to be a demigod attuned to a force that wants to bring about the end of reality. It's not a big deal.

Unless, of course, he recognizes someone attuned to the Pleroma while out and about the city. He's had more than enough time to get used to true sight to understand what he's seeing, but the white aura is... odd. Depending on how familiar he is with you, he could react in one of three ways:

If he's never met you before, at first Amos will blink, a little surprised, before approaching. He's casual enough, a blank but amiable smile on his face, with no real indication that he's up to anything. Just... a Kenoma Aion coming to say hi to you, specifically, with an accompanying sense that yeah, he kinda knows who and what you are. ]

You lived here long? [ An innocent enough question, with an accompanying tilt to his head. ] I've never been here before, but think I like this place a lot.

[ If he's met you once or twice, Amos will raise an eyebrow before approaching, showing a bit of metaphorical teeth in his small smile as he gives you a friendly little clap on the shoulder. ]

Fancy seeing you here.

[ If he knows you, though, then Amos will lock eyes with you. Won't bother with the formality of a smile that didn't mean much anyway, but regardless, there's a sense of relaxation to him: he knows he can't be touched here, and this is a rare opportunity to catch up.

... Is that what this is? Catching up? Either way, he'll gesture for you to approach him or he'll just come over to you himself, join you in whatever it was you were doing. ]

This is where you've been living, huh? [ His voice is low, soft, conversational. A pause, before a real, honest, genuinely curious question: ] How's that been working out for you?

[ ooc: arii#6412 or cadiai if you want to wildcard me on anything — and of course, feel free to play a bit fast and loose with the prompts above for what would work best for your character. he's not going to out anyone who doesn't want to be oocly outed either, so no worries on any of that, that's easy to work with. ]

[passio]

[ dextera had certaintly seen amos around when they were all miserably bound together in that cave, but time has passed, and he doesn’t immediately recognize amos for who he is upon his approach. the man easily blends in, after all, among the populace of godsblood—far better than dextera does, skittish around people even after months living among them.

it takes only a moment to recognize the question isn’t being asked out of pure geniality, though. there’s knowledge there, at the very least, and logic quickly sweeps over dextera’s mind to tell him that this is a man from the regent’s forces, here in godsblood. ]

…

[ dextera draws a sharp breath and ducks his head, like he can go unseen after the conversation has already begun. ]

[goldendeceiver]

[ The great thing about dealing in spice is that it means that Ernesto has been able to provide funding to help funnel supplies into Greentruth. Has he kept a little of that money for himself to live just comfortably enough that he's not struggling day to day? Maybe, but he's never claimed to be all that altruistic, and the majority of the profits still go to his fellow Pleroma.

The bad thing about dealing spice? He's find it makes him a very unfortunate targets for Kenoma when he can't just easily grab his wares and bolt. Not that he would, mind you, because that's just a tad too suspicious, but the impulse is there as Amos walks over.

Ernesto hides it well though, smiling at the man approaching him, cocking his head a little to the side in mock confusion. There are too many people around for Ernesto to want to have this conversation, no matter how low Amos is keeping his voice, and he's going to make that abundantly clear. ]

Sorry? I think you might be mistaking me for someone else, Señor.

1/2 — an interlude

[dragonmount]

[ here is the thing.

rand is aware of the presence of kenoma in the city. it'd be impossible not to, at this point; they're the talk of the town, though thank the light, in none too pleased terms. he'd had some notion of godsblood being relatively safe for its distaste of the regent, but seeing it in action is kind of reassuring. he hasn't heard any names, but with as few aions on that side as he knows, hearing names or not is likely to make no real difference. he tries to stay clear of the parts of town he's heard rumors that they frequent, but sometimes an odd job will take him in a direction that can't be helped, and

and, the fact is, he's only seen amos once in his life. memorably, but once. they've spoken more recently, but that was using their shards, and it was easy to think all that initial fear and anger associated with his arrival had dissipated.

it hasn't.

he recognizes amos on sight, and he freezes in the middle of the bleeding street, like a bleeding idiot, and his first, irrational thought, is that he'd told this man that moiraine was gone and now here he is. ]

for real now,

[dragonmount]

[ the truth is, the docks are one of rand's haunts.

he goes less frequently than in the very beginning of his life in horos, but the ocean still leaves him awestruck. they're a place he likes to go when he needs to clear his mind...or, sometimes, for work. never any shortage of things for a pair of willing hands to do, and since rand's been splitting his time with greentruth for training (both for himself, and for others; the callouses on his hands are starting to resemble a swordsman's), he's kept to his motley of odd jobs over any one more permanent thing.

finding amos there, late one afternoon, is a surprise. rand's dropping something off, greeted by name by people who know him by now, and this time he manages to look less a fool. he looks different, from when amos saw him in the martyr shrine: dressed like a local, sheathed sword at his hip, offered smiles at the other familiar faces, better settled in his skin than the newly-woken boy with a mind still mired in nightmares. seems a little weary, maybe, but who isn't. seems a little wary, maybe, but

he doesn't bolt at amos's approach this time, so that's something. the hustle and bustle means that, ironically, no one pays them too much mind. a person or two offer rand a curious look, and he waves them off with a gesture meant to convey something like who even knows, with aions. the sailors, the ships coming in and out, are loud and sometimes rowdy; there's not much danger of being overheard. ]

Why are you here?

[ which wouldn't be so strange, even if it were overheard. he matches amos for tone, though, even as he disregards the questions. light, as if he'd go ahead and admit to living here. ]

[hippocarnival]

[Yuya was super prepared to just run some easy errands around town for jools, maybe buy himself an ice cream cone with it... and then he sees Amos. And Amos sees him and Yuya just freezes up like a deer in headlights. Oh. Oh boy.

Somehow it just totally escaped him that the Regent technically controls Godsblood and thus, the Kenoma could get here too. He's still grappling with that when Amos starts asking him questions and he almost misses them completely.]

It's... uh. It's fine. [He squeaks. Is he about to have his cover blown??]

[inutilis]

[ it's past sunset and the small tavern has drawn its usual nightly crowd - mostly workers finally off for the day from the docks, all the familiar faces occupying space at the bar, filling in booths and tables, raucous laughter and music drifting across the interior.

and there is one man here, one face among many, that does not belong among them.

Amos sticks out like a sore thumb. it isn't just because he is here as an outsider, a 'dog' of the Regent to hear it said by some of those who cast a look his way before averting their gaze. to Abel's eyes... what draws the most attention is the smoky aura, the deep, dark pulse of an unsettling darkness emanating outward from his Shard. this man has further deepened his bond with the Kenoma.

and for a moment, that has arrested the priest's attention where he's lingering by the doorway, his focus momentarily arrested by the interloper in his midsts. he's forgotten his surroundings so thoroughly it doesn't even look like he's disturbed by the pair of men walking in behind him, giving his shoulder a light shove as they amble by this tall, lanky obstacle in their way.

... ]

[locumstudentesquire]

[Ryunosuke typically spends the bulk of his time in Greentruth, but he's been out in Godsblood more and more as of late. There's work for him here that lines up closer to the sort of work he's used to doing: negotiating and mediating and such, versus the physical labor he's been doing his best to assist with out in the forest.

Perhaps the greatest benefit to this work is that it helps him become more familiar with this city; to better know its people and its customs. It's something he's been wanting to do for a little while now, largely out of curiosity, but... He would be lying if he said there wasn't a bit of an ulterior motive there too... A vague hope that maybe, just maybe, the people here-- bold and fierce in principle as they are-- might one day be swayed to accept the Pleroma as their allies.

But that's neither here nor there right now. Right now, he's just wrapped up a job, and is contemplating whether he has enough to barter with to maybe get himself something particularly nice to eat from one of the local markets. He's in good spirits as he steps out from a building near the machining guild's headquarters, reflecting to himself on the state of the city. Though it's a bit on the tenuous side, there's still a sense of relative safety for Pleroma here, and it's something that Ryunosuke is finally learning to appreciate and enjoy the advantages of. There's almost a sense of normalcy for him here...

Reality has a sick sense of humor, sending a horribly familiar face to shatter that illusion just as he's reflecting on it.

It's that guy from Venera... The muscular one, with the threatening aura. They make eye contact across the street; even though they'd parted on fairly amicable terms (at least, comparatively to how things had started), Ryunosuke immediately freezes up, his mind turning a complete blank in panic. Because... He never got confirmation, but he's still pretty positive this guy is with the Kenoma?? And if that's the case... What are the Kenoma doing here!? In GODSBLOOD??? THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE A KENOMA FREE ZONE, HELLO???

Ryunosuke's eyes are practically bugging out of his head as Amos approaches and greets him. He does his best not to flinch at the shoulder clap, and with his thoughts racing wildly, it takes a weirdly long moment for him to actually process what was said to him, and formulate a reply to it. His mouth hangs slightly open for a moment, before he manages to squeak:]

I--! Uh. Y... YES! F... F-Fancy seeing YOU here! Ha ha! Ha!

[Nailed it.]

eustace | kenoma

[lockedon]

[ OOC: Sticking to closed starters since my RP drive is still a little (wobble hands) right now and I also don't have internet......for a week............. 😭 but if you would like to do anything, feel free to PM me/ping me in the discord and we can hash something out! ]

rand

[lockedon]

[ The sudden ability to see the auras around shards had been a jarring change at the beginning of the month, one that had taken him the better part of a week to accustom himself to. (The implication of what it had meant on a deeper level had taken longer to accept, the knowledge still rustling about uncomfortably in the confines of his chest.) Dark gray had become the norm after so long in Achamoth, so when he sees a flare of white it's enough to stop him momentarily in his tracks, his eyes lingering on a tall young man currently being....harassed by an older woman? Well alright then.

A Pleroma then, though Eustace doesn't recall having seen him in the caves all those months ago or having run across him while in Venera, and based on the weaker aura he emits it seems safe to assume that he's either a newer recruit or one a little less in tune with the side he's chosen. Either way, might not be a bad time to fish for a little bit of information. Not to mention that the young man looks distinctly uncomfortable at whatever's being said to him. Maybe he'd appreciate a well-timed escape route.

Straightening, he ambles over, raising one hand in a small wave to catch Rand's attention. ]

Sorry, but you wouldn't happen to know how to get to this shrine over here, would you? [ With a point to the city map held in his hands. ] The streets are more confusing than I thought they'd be.

[ Maybe he still needs some work in the emotive department, but at the very least he looks suitably chagrined at his (apparent) inability to navigate the city, his lips turned downwards in a frown and the tail that he somehow still (!!!) has drooping sadly behind him. Look at this very good (???) boy who is clearly not faking how much of a good boy he is???? Help a buddy out here, Rand. ]

ernesto

[lockedon]

[ Normally, Eustace doesn't make it a habit of mingling with the Pleroma Aions whenever he spots them, especially when he's trying to make a point of staying undercover to not draw attention to himself. But he's been tasked with a number of missions while on this particular trip, and making a purchase at this particular spice stand/stall/whatever it is is one of them, once he'd informed a certain someone about its existence. The fact that it's being manned (dogged?) by someone he's had more than a few run-ins with, not all of them pleasant, is unfortunate, but surely if he's here strictly on (non-threatening) business then everything should be fine, right?

Despite the open contempt the people of Godsblood hold towards the Kenoma and towards Aions in general, Eustace doesn't seem at all bothered as he saunters up to the booth once the current small crowd disperses. Probably because he's not here on official business the way Amos and Gen are, and also because he trusts Ernesto not to reveal who he is at the risk of exposing himself as an Aion.

Eustace just wants to buy some goods, Ernesto just wants to make a little money, surely they can work out a deal satisfactory to both of them. ]

I didn't realize you were such a businessman.

[ Hi. Wassup. ]

dokja

[lockedon]

[ The last night of his stay in Godsblood is the night he feels safest venturing into one of the local pubs in town. Truthfully a simple list would have sufficed for Kaeya - after all, he's here on business and not pleasure - but he's also very much a man who puts all of his efforts into a job when he agrees to take it on, which means at least verifying the validity of at least a few of the places recommended to him to make sure the entire list isn't a sack of horseshit.

So here he is, carefully stepping his way through the populated main floor - surely a good sign if this many people have flocked to this place - and towards the bar. Not because he has any interest in being buddy buddy with the barkeep for a chance at a free drink, but because the only open seats he can spot happen to be up at the bar. Well, whatever. One drink to verify its authenticity and then he's out of here, away from this awful hellpit of noise and clamor.

He has not yet noticed his seat neighbor, probably because Dokja looks like any other NPC of average attractiveness (affectionate) but surely it is just a matter of time.... ]

[epiprocta]

[ Honestly, after all the obnoxious adoration that the population of Achamoth would slather on them the moment they caught an accidental glimpse of his shard, the barely-restrained hostility of the Godsblood population is almost a welcome change. It's familiar territory, after all; being looked at with mixed respect and animosity reminds him of his shitty hometown, for better or for worse. And while he does have to resist the urge to roll his eyes when some woman in the marketplace pulls her young child closer when he walks by, like she's expecting him to bite the kid's head off ... whatever.

He's just here to keep Amos grounded. After seeing how the other had reacted to the shitshow in Venera, dealing with this nonsense for a week -- even if he has to put in the effort of being on his best behavior -- just seems like the less-complicated option. Not to mention, the change in scenery does help him keep his mind off things. So when Amos is occupied with his business at the Machining Guild, Gen takes to wandering about the city. ]

i. just a little walk-about ( general )

[ Daytime periodically finds him killing time people-watching from restaurants near the Machining Guild as he waits to catch up on how Amos' business has been progressing. The fact that he's always sitting alone, mostly staring out over the streets and towards the Guild's front makes him a conspicuous presence; anyone brave enough to want to sit with him is free to, though it might draw a fair amount of attention from the citizens of Godsblood.

Otherwise, he ends up spending most of his time around the marketplaces and docks.

The marketplaces are attractive simply because they offer the most distractions -- sights, sounds, the constant bustle of people. Given the wide berth that most of the population gives him, it wouldn't take too sharp an eye to spot Gen idly weaving his way in and out of storefronts and stalls. But it might take more of a concerted effort to make out what he's saying past the din of the crowd, particularly because it's all so ... uncharacteristic? 'Show me that one please,' and ''Scuse me, I'm passing by' and 'I'll take that, thanks.' Those niceties are all offered at low drones; his tone of voice never softens to anything milder than his usual, terse deadpan. But those niceties are offered, and Gen does a surprisingly passable job at carrying himself in a fashion that's almost ... mature? Dignified? Proper?

It's only once in a while, when the constant bustle of the crowd comes to be too much for him, that he seeks out someplace quieter -- taking shelter in the alleyways between stores, leaning against the wall and watching people go by. Does he look a little exhausted and pale and harried? Nooooo, surely those dark shadows under his eyes are just a trick of the light. Don't mind him periodically rubbing a hand at his temple like he's warding off a headache.

The docks, meanwhile, are most appealing in the evenings when the activity's starting to die down and the skies are growing dark. After all, he'd expected to live and die in his landlocked hometown -- spending so much time by the water's edge is an experience he can't quite get enough of. Evenings find him sitting by the docks, sometimes nursing a drink, sometimes eating a casual meal, and sometimes simply staring out over the water (conspicuously not nursing a cigarette) from a quiet spot away from the lingering dockworkers. ]

ii. familiar faces ( pleroma he knows )

[ And while it's not like Gen's actively looking for trouble ... sometimes things just happen, huh. Which is to say: eventually, he notices some familiar faces amidst the crowd. But maybe that goes both ways? Do his acquaintances spot the odd white streaks left in his hair after the events of Venera? Just as his new 'true sight' can help him pinpoint the Pleroma, can they also sense the darker shadows swirling about his shard where it sits at his throat? ]

a. [ His lips press together thinly the moment he locks eyes with a familiar Pleroma, his brow lowering in consideration. And after a moment, Gen offers at a forced-barely-polite deadpan: ]

Your first time meeting an Aion?

[ It's both an olive branch and an exploratory poke -- a roundabout 'so how do you want to play this?' As a sign that he's really not here looking for a fight, he'll do the courtesy of acting like he doesn't know they're both Aions. Showing that he's not explicitly looking to out any Pleroma for what they are out in public. (Yet.) ]

b. [ For anyone who decides to tail him from a distance -- perhaps keeping an eye on him, perhaps waiting for a chance to speak to him, perhaps something else -- Gen ignores them at first. It's not until his wanderings bring him to an opportune spot that he addresses the matter. He ducks into a quiet alleyway, away from prying eyes ... and the moment his 'stalker' follows suit, Gen grabs them by the wrist to yank them deeper into the shadows of the alley. ]

You make a habit of following people?

[ At least he lets go even before finishing that brusque statement, leaning back against the wall, arms crossed, to give them both some breathing room. He's really, really not looking for a fight unless one comes looking for him first, after all. ]

iii. hey there stranger ( pleroma he doesn't know )

[ Figures, though, that he'd eventually spot the signature white aura of a Pleroma attached to a face he doesn't recognize. And while he's still not looking for a fight ... a little exploratory prodding should be fine, right. Gen does a passable enough job acting like his gaze just happens to fall upon the Pleroma as he ambles over, just happens to notice the way their eyes meet. Then -- ]

So you're from around here, aren't you. [ It's a neutral statement, delivered in an almost civil fashion. ] Mind if I ask you a few things?

[ Surely, the Pleroma have already heard rumors of the visiting Kenoma, and can see the way that passersby are giving Gen wary sideways glances. But hey, he's just making civil small-talk right now, so. It won't do any good for an undercover Pleroma to kick up a fuss, right? ]

iv. wildcard

[ ooc ; Open to anything else! I'm around at databomb / inktrashing#5307 / PMs if you'd like to plot something or have me set up a closed starter! Alternatively, please feel free to fudge with the above details however would be convenient! ]

ii-a

[goldendeceiver]

[ It had been a surprise then Eustace had approached him while he was selling his load of spices for the week, and it was only slightly less surprising to see Gen out and about on the streets now. He'd heard that a couple of Kenoma had wandered into the city, and while he'd been keeping all four ears out for details of the men, the details had been too sparing to really get much from them.

I hadn't mattered too much though, because Ernesto's intention was to use his fancy new vision to avoid the Kenoma, and he might have slipped away the minute he spotted that swirl of shadows.

The face had taken him aback, and brought him up short though, and question he's asked after really throws him for a loop. It'd be very, very easy for Gen to out Ernesto right now, and there's no real benefit to playing this game with the Perro...

But if Gen is going to make this peace offering, Ernesto will take it. The astonishment slips off his face to make way for a sheepish smile, as he wags his tail apologetically, like a bad dog that just got caught doing something he wasn't supposed to. ]

Ah, sorry, Chamo. Guess it was pretty rude to stare, but I'd heard some people from Achamoth were paying a visit, and everyone around was giving you some room. I was just curious.

[ His smile turns less sheepish and more sunny, though there's something still sharp in his gaze as he watches to see just how willing Gen is willing to play along with him here. This is probably the first time he's lied so blatantly in front of the boy before. ]

iii

[dragonmount]

[ so the rumors are true.

they'd been impossible to miss, of course. started as whispers amongst people on the street, swelled to disgruntled comments from people he works with, dire warnings directed his way. as a newcomer, of course. anyone and everyone knows about the regent, naturally, but rand might not be aware what a rare occurrence this is. oh, it can't bode well for anybody. why would they come and bother with godsblood, anyway?

he hasn't caught any names, wouldn't know gen's even if he had, but the cues around them right now are obvious. rand had tried to step lightly, but luck hadn't been with him. though — he has no way of knowing whether or not gen knows him. it seems unlikely, but isn't being approached by one of the two known kenoma aions in the city unlikely too? ]

What do you want to know?

[ it's direct question, but rand isn't impolite. he's had civil conversations with amos, misa. but he doesn't intend to offer up anything unprompted, including an answer to being from around here, for all that he's dressed in clothes bought locally and has just exited a shop with a box in his hands. ]

i/ii mashup

[coupris]

[While working at the docks has allowed Kim to fill almost a whole notebook with information about Godsblood and its machinations, that hasn't made it any less exhausting. He'd at least been promoted into ship repair after weeks of scrubbing barnacles from old wooden hulls-- the foremen were impressed with his technical knowledge, if not a bit leery of an outsider.

That didn't leave him any less sore after a shift, however. Kim stretches with a long-suffering sigh as he strolls back towards solid earth. His arms, though more toned from the work, are still lean as ever, and he feels every sinew reaching its limit for the day.

Back home, he would usually wait until he was home to have his daily smoke, but as of late, he's started to light up as soon as possible. Guilt dogs him less if he watches the sunset, and lets the sounds of water lapping at the shore and the creaking of salt soaked wood carry him out to sea. If he closes his eyes, sometimes he can fool himself that he's back on the insulinde.

Tonight, however, just as he strikes a match, a familiar voice hails him, and he pauses with the cigarette unlit between his lips. His pulse spikes at the sense of Kenoma, but his hackles don't raise.]

Should I be honored?

i. bestieeeee

[salvageable]

[ Word travels fast, and Dokja, for the most part, ignores it. As much as it should be his business that the Kenoma are in Godsblood, he's been far too distracted lately to pull himself out of his thoughts. For once, it's not a chance meeting that puts them together, because when Dokja spots a crowd of onlookers glancing in a certain direction, he follows after their gaze.

Ah. Well. Maybe it is something of a chance that this particular Kenoma had been the one to visit the city.

He almost considers leaving, can almost hear the warnings of both Ciel and Ernesto like they're with him now, urging him to turn around and pretend like he hadn't seen anything. But then again... he's never really been the best at following instructions, which is why after a handful of minutes, there's a cup of black coffee being plunked down in front of Gen, courtesy of one very generous Dokja. ]

How was the trip in? [ he asks cheerily, making to move into the empty seat with his own coffee in hand. ]

ii-b

[inutilis]

[ the first thing to strike the priest was the miasma-like swirl, the curl of unnatural darkness surrounding the figure casually walking Godsbloods streets.

--Kenoma.

it hits Abel like the douse of frigid, ice-cold water trickled down his spine, settling an uncomfortable pit of anxiety in his stomach at the sight of the so-called "enemy" so close to the Resistance's stronghold. while Godsblood itself didn't betray Greentruth's existence nor location, it was decidedly uneasy - having the Kenoma so close and in a space that had felt (unwisely) safe since their arrival. ...he realizes with a sinking acuity that he had grown complacent.

he had thought they'd keep their distance, keep to Achamoth. but... it was only a matter of time before their paths took them here, even with the city's rampant anti-Regent sentiment no less fervent over the passing of months.

the second blow is the identity of this particular Kenoma - a Lover, Abel can now see, one whose face has yet another sinking feeling permeating his insides. this is Gen... Gen? why in the world is he here...? he hadn't come alone, had he? does this mean there are others? why...? had the Regent sent him?

perhaps it is the spiraling nature of these thoughts that had given him away - his too-obvious focus as he clumsily trails the boy, trying to keep close enough as not to lose him in the bustle of the city's busy streets, but not too close as to be immediately suspicious. so lost in his thoughts, he hadn't even given an idle musing to the fact that if Abel can see Gen in the swirling, mist-like shadows that hug his person--

so too could Gen see Abel in reverse.

--he blinks, and he's lost track of the boy he'd been trailing at the mouth of an alley - had he cut through...? ah, how had he managed to get so distracted?! honestly, what is wrong with him - only to find a rough pair of hands shoving him back into the alley wall with an abruptness that elicits a surprised yelp from Abel's mouth-- ]

A-- ah!! W-wait, WAIT-- I don't have any jools and my kidneys aren't worth anything on the black market, I swear to you!! Please don't do this, I-I'm far too young and handsome to die in some BACK alley like a--

[ ...he's flinching as if in anticipation of some kind of slug to the face or gut-- or worse, perhaps-- but... when nothing comes,

Abel squints open an eye experimentally....... if only to find the subject of his search right before him in all Gen's terse, moody glory.

o... oh. well, then. ]

general - docks

[lockedon]

[ The first time he sees Gen while weaving through the streets of Godsblood, he thinks he's spotted the wrong person. The tall frame looks about right, that near permanent scowl he could probably draw in his sleep, even the voice that rings out the same as the one he hears on a near daily basis. But the words? Please? Thanks? He's not sure he's ever heard those words come out of Gen's mouth.

The sight (or rather, sound) is so disconcerting that he freezes right where he is, elicting annoyed protests from the people try to pass from behind him as he stares at Gen take his purchase - something small and easily pocketed - and leave, melting immediately back into the crowd.

Was he hallucinating? Or had there been something in the food Gen had eaten on the way here to turn him into something almost resembling a respectable member of town?

-----

The second time he sees Gen, this time less happenstance and more arranged meeting, he's more composed, slightly less suspicious. Still on guard, because Gen is a known Kenoma and he's still supposed to be some tourist from Venera, but the thinning crowds at the docks and the rapid fall of night means there are fewer faces to look their way and longer shadows for him to blend into.

His pace is steady, his eyes cast out towards the ocean, feet not stopping until he's about five feet away. Close enough to be heard but far enough away to feign indifference and turn his attention back to the ocean if someone comes walking by. It's been a long time since he's seen it this close, all his rolled over vacation days resulting in a lack of opportunity to gaze at a large body of water from any distance closer than thousands of feet above.

Rippling water reflecting the last of the sun's dying rays. Gentle waves that lap up against the shore. It's not a bad sight. He still thinks he prefers the sight of blue skies all around him more. ]

Did you thank the seller for your sandwich too?

[ Turns out he is still not over this. ]