KENOS INBOX

[erbe]

COMMUNION

Reaching out to Rin is like stepping into a moonlit parlor. Everything is quiet, muted, and neatly tucked away. Almost like a "lobby," of sorts to keep visitors away from the rest of what goes on in her head... and her heart. This space is cool, and placid. Much like the surface of a lake in winter as it reflects the pale glow of the celestial bodies hanging above it in the sky.

A reflection of serenity rather the true thing. A mask of elegance to hide anything that may be unsightly. Anything that may betray her.

✧ Specifics

✦ Unable to block out: Harbinger
✦ Compatible with: Iconoclast | Advocate
✦ Discord Accrual: Exalt

(CODE)

Comments

[hauntedking]

He... collects fears? Something like that. I don't recall his last name.

[ LOOK... ]

[erbe]

Oh, I remember him. No, I am nothing like him. Though I do look after a young man whose world is so ravaged his people lived in walled off castle-cities threatened by hordes of the undead.

[hauntedking]

...that sounds terrible.

[ Dimitri frowns - or, well, there's the sensation of frowning. ]

So... do you simply not think it worth the effort to try and go back? Or are you afraid that it would be just that - a reflection and imperfect? Or are there things you would rather not bring back into existence?

[erbe]

A bit of most things, actually. I don't trust Meridian to be able to bring back whole worlds completely as they were left. Somethings in the world, or some worlds entirely, shouldn't be brought back.

[hauntedking]

[ There's a low mental sigh from him. ]

Even so, I cannot turn away from it. I have a duty as king and as a leader.to try and restore them... if it ends up being imperfect or incomplete, then I will deal with it.

[ It's very much a determination. Something like a rock that anchors him. ]

I continue to wonder at why we must be set at extremes.

[erbe]

That sounds like a question you should ask your great, benevolent leader.

[Because she doesn't really... care. Okay, yes. She does care. But the apathy of Zenith's discord covers her emotions like a weighted blanket.]

[hauntedking]

And not Yima?

[ Dimitri makes a little 'hmm' sound (or rather it's the concept of the sound translated into thought). ]

I've asked him. His answer was vague.

[ He doesn't like that. But he still believes in his own personal cause. ]

[erbe]

[Why would he ask Yima? He's not interested in the outcome Zenith has to offer.]

Of course it was. I don't put full faith in Zenith's promise, but I feel like Meridian's goal is out of reach.

[hauntedking]

I suppose that is where we differ. I think it is in reach. Or possible, at the very least.

[ But they've established that. ]

...may I ask you something?

[erbe]

I make no promises to answer, but feel free to question.

[In fact as a mage it's her inclination to tell everyone to question what is around them.]

[hauntedking]

...why give me the gift in the first place? Did you truly feel grateful for my help or was that also an act?

1/?

[erbe]

[ FUCK ]

[erbe]

[HOW COULD SHE FORGET ABOUT THAT?! HOW?! AFTER ALL OF WHAT SHE HEARD! AFTER ALL OF WHAT HAPPENED!!!!]

[erbe]

[AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGH!!!!!!!]

done

[erbe]

[And then, almost like flipping a light switch, the panicked frustration that leaked through their communion disappears. Gone in an instant and replaced with tired guilt.]

Both. The shield was true, but... it also was a spying device.

[hauntedking]

I... see.

[ There's a flare of disappointment. Sadness, even. But also a hint of resignation. The anger over her perceived betrayal burned out in that dingy chamber. ]

I don't know why you felt the need, but I suppose I do understand wanting to gain an advantage.

[ Another sigh. He's... very tired. ]

[erbe]

I wasn't lying when I said someone like me always needs any advantage she can get. If you want I can dispose of it for you if you return it to me. Otherwise toss it or get someone else in Meridian who knows enough magic to dismantle it.

[hauntedking]

I... think I'd prefer to keep it.

[ For various reasons. ]

But I'll find someone to take a look at it.

[erbe]

Hm... have you learned anything? Will you continue to blindly accept people the way you did with me?

[hauntedking]

Trusting people is no vice. Especially when they have given you no reason to distrust them.

[ He sighs. ]

And I still wish you would have trusted me. To go through life treating everyone I meet as a potential enemy... that seems such a distressing way to experience life.

[ He has a bit of an experience with that. ]

I spent too much of my time hating everyone, despising them, angry with the world and myself.

[erbe]

You don't have to hate everyone to justify protecting youself.

[hauntedking]

Don't you? To be suspicious of everyone you meet, fearing that they will harm you if given half an opportunity...

I don't want to do that.

[erbe]

No. Something must be wrong with you to equate a lack of trust to be on the same scale as hate.

[hauntedking]

[ There's a ripple - a bitter laugh, almost. ]

...perhaps. I have not known peace since I was a child.

[ He's lost a lot. ]

[erbe]

Well, you should probably fix that.