Who ⬤ Azem + FOLKS What ⬤ Catch-all for July, various dates and stuff When ⬤ shortly after Ember 2.0 launch Where ⬤ Around the city Content Warnings ⬤ will update as needed
Ah, no. That magic hasn't been returned to me. I can create bigger and better things now, though.
[ And she's been given a potion to replace aether so she can use it more. But it's still not enough, it's not the same. ]
I see. [ She frowns a little before smiling. ] At least you're making a little more money, right? Though, if you don't mind asking, how is that only fair?
[ He can't help but give her a bemused expression, unsure of what that means. ]
Yes. I'm making more than I have in awhile. [ His head tilts to the side; he remembers how he had to make money before and glad things have not gotten so dire. ] It's fair because I did something unforgivable back home.
I should not be rewarded by regaining what I lost simply because I have done good by my leader here. I do not believe that is how it should work. [ Not for him, anyway. ]
Mmn! [ She bobs her head in a nod. ] Before I could only create small things, like an apple or a knife. Now, as long as I have a few other objects no one will miss, I can create larger things.
[ She'd be glad to demonstrate later.
She tilts her head a little and gives him a curious look. ]
That's quite the talent that you have. It may not be healing, but it will still save people.
[ However, it will be something that he'll need to see for himself. Hearing about it, it makes his head hurt trying to imagine what it is or how it works.
Artemy pauses; his expression becomes complicated. There is a mix of uncertainty and guilt, like he is unsure it is wise to share and not wanting to hide what he has done. ]
I don't. [ It doesn't quite sound like a lie. ] I killed the miracles of my town. You can think of them, I suppose, like the yokai that live here. There were many. They were all wonderful and precious. They were something the world would never have again once they were gone, and I killed them.
It's a talent that everyone back home possesses. It's some of the first magicks we learn as children. Though some are better at it than others.
[ It's really not a talent as far as she's concerned. Just an everyday part of her life that was taken from her.
Azem remains quiet for a moment, frowning. ]
I see. Was there a reason? [ Not that a reason justifies such acts. Back home she often had to cull creatures, miracles created by their magics, because they were causing problems for people. It didn't make the act feel any better knowing that she was helping people. ]
[ He gives her a smile; it is one that says that he has heard her say it before. He feels like she downplays what she is capable of simply because others were capable of the same where she came from.
But he digresses. ]
There was. [ For a second, it seems like he may not say what that reason may be. ] A plague came to the town. It was a miracle. It played a cruel game with the lives of the people. It was a means to see who could survive. Be strong enough to survive.
[ Artemy clenches his fist. ] It was unreasonably cruel, but I cannot call it evil. It cannot be named as evil. Not by me. Even with the visions it -- [ He quiets and continues: ] The only way to stop it was to destroy all miracles.
[ Azem's frown deepens as she narrows her eyes at him. ]
You call a lot of things a miracle but I would not call something a plague one. That is a blight. Something terrible that takes the lives of people.
And what you did... [ She trails off as she tries to find the words. ] It sounds like you did what was necessary to preserve life.
[ She sucks in a breath and drops her gaze back to the menu that she's been toying with. ] It doesn't sound so different from what the rest of the Convocation decided on to deal with the End of Days.
It was a miracle. [ He smiles; it is the same sad one that twists his face to look just a little more ugly than it was before. ] It was born from the Earth's pain during the construction of a man-made miracle. Still, it spared those that remained true to the Earth.
[ His eyes close. ]
They also chose destruction, did they? [ A sigh. ] Destruction for the sake of a future. For the sake of humanity moving on. [ He opens his eyes. ] In any case, I should not be rewarded for what was done.
Yet I was in many ways. I was able to live in the town. I was able to see a future after the plague descended. I have children willing to call me theirs as much as I call them mine. I was rewarded ten times over for all the blood that is on my hands.
[ Yet another sigh. ] Dear cousin, I deserve to regain nothing in this world. I already was given more than I deserved.
We must pay for our sins whether they are necessary or not. We must pay for them.
[ Is that what was happening with Ehtierys? Was the star turning against them for their hubris? Had they gone too far in their belief that they'd been doing what was right for the star? ]
Sacrifice half of the population to create an entity to stop the spread and repair the damage. [ Her tone is somber. She still believes that was not the solution. But she'd been outvoted and unable to find a better solution. ]
I can't say I agree. But I do not think I will change your mind on the matter.
[ His eyes can't help but widen in horror at the idea of so many lives being lost. He understands that they, too, sought the future but so many lives to be sacrificed for that sake.
Well, he had his reasons, as well. His expression shifts to something equally somber; it seems the two of them will not agree on the matter. Perhaps, that is the other reason he refuses to leave the apartments they were first given.
Penance that no one asked of him. ]
No, this matter is decided for me.
[ Softly, lightly as he tries to joke with her: ] I am too bull-headed to be able to change.
[ A sigh follows. ] I interrupted you finding what you wanted to drink and eat. No matter what it is good to still do those things. [ He has his own questions for her; his expression is apologetic, like he stole away what happiness could be brought from their conversation. There will be something lingering in the back of it now, and so, he can only offer his apologies. ]
[ The lives would be returned sometime later. But Azem didn't like the idea of so many lives being suspended for who knows how long. And how many more would be needed to sustain Zodiark until that time could come? And what would it even take to return all those lives?
No, it was not a price she was willing to pay. And that's why she's here. She hopes to find a way to save her world without the need for Zodiark. ]
That sounds like someone I know. [ She chuckles softly. ]
Ah, you know this place better than me. Perhaps I should let you choose something for me?
[ The question is one he attempts to sound idle; he does not wish to push more than he must. He looks over the menu to find something that she might like. He thinks that is a kindness that his eyes are elsewhere rather than looking at her face.
[ Artemy lets out a small noise. It’s thoughtful and a little sad, but in that brief pause, the subject has been dropped. ]
Let’s see… [ The mood still feels off but he joins her in a light sounding voice. ] The kara-age is always good. One can never go wrong with meat.
[ A beat. ] Their beers are good. Probably best to have rather than anything too hard. [ The expression he wears is one where he’s thinking of Azem rather than what he could handle as a light drink. ]
That sounds good, then. [ She smiles and nods, agreeing one can't go wrong with a little meat. ]
Beer also sounds good. I've found I do like some of the beers here. Though I've also found something called umeshu to be quite tasty. I'm told it's made with plums.
[ Her eyes seem to brighten as she mentions the wine. She'd only ever had wine made from grapes before arriving here so she finds it to be rather neat. ]
[ Something other than the unfortunate talk of before. ]
I was curious to learn more of your magic -- of your healing.
[ He reiterates something he said of the past: ] There was a girl I knew back in my town. I thought that she was telling stories of healing people with her hands. But I came to know, at the end, that she spoke true. This was because she possessed a miracle -- was a miracle.
[ No need to double-back on talks of miracles and sins.
He presses on. ]
Such is the only way I know of how healing can be. But the way you talk of it ... almost makes it sound mundane in your world, so I cannot help but want to know more.
[ She listens with interest as he speaks of the girl from where he's from. She wishes to know more but worries it might result in them slipping back into an uncomfortable conversation. ]
Oh, you mean the white magic I utilize from time to time.
[ She smiles and nods. ]
It's common enough magic. Anyone that puts their mind to it can pick it up, though some are more gifted than others.
Myself, for example, am not nearly as gifted with it as others. I only picked it up because I spend a lot of time traveling on my own and such magic comes in handy.
[ Artemy nods his confirmation – though, he does pause when she says “white magic,” as that means that there are different forms of magic. He puts a pin in his follow-up question. ]
I suppose that it would.
It’s the same as any traveler that goes long distance. They have to learn some means to make sure they can make it to the next settlement, and not every road is a safe road.
[ He nods along. ] I find it interesting that magic is chosen to be picked up, though. I suppose it is because it is something that requires no supplies to maintain or concern oneself with while moving about?
[ Quite a few different forms of magic, all of which Azem will be happy to explain the basics of. Unfortunately, a friend of theirs, who isn't here, would do much better at explaining magic. ]
Exactly. [ She nods. ] One never knows what kind of dangers they might run into while on the road.
Our magic only requires aether, which is everything around us back home. Even our very souls are comprised of aether.
[ He blinks at that; his eyebrows furrowing as he attempts to understand what that means.
Eventually, he has to give up. ]
Such a concept is far too beyond me. The idea that the energy that is used in magic is the same that makes up your being. [ His eyebrows lift. ] No, wait... perhaps, I do understand it a little.
I had someone explain the concept of qi to me and it sounded very similar. Essentially an energy that gives life to all things. It can also be harnessed in ways that are similar to my magic.
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no subject
[ He cocks his head to the side, assuming Azem is also a healer. ]
I gained a rank, but regained nothing.
[ His face scrunches up like he is attempting to smile, but it is painful to look upon for too long. ]
That is only fair, however.
no subject
[ And she's been given a potion to replace aether so she can use it more. But it's still not enough, it's not the same. ]
I see. [ She frowns a little before smiling. ] At least you're making a little more money, right? Though, if you don't mind asking, how is that only fair?
no subject
[ He can't help but give her a bemused expression, unsure of what that means. ]
Yes. I'm making more than I have in awhile. [ His head tilts to the side; he remembers how he had to make money before and glad things have not gotten so dire. ] It's fair because I did something unforgivable back home.
I should not be rewarded by regaining what I lost simply because I have done good by my leader here. I do not believe that is how it should work. [ Not for him, anyway. ]
no subject
[ She'd be glad to demonstrate later.
She tilts her head a little and gives him a curious look. ]
If you don't mind me asking, what did you do?
no subject
[ However, it will be something that he'll need to see for himself. Hearing about it, it makes his head hurt trying to imagine what it is or how it works.
Artemy pauses; his expression becomes complicated. There is a mix of uncertainty and guilt, like he is unsure it is wise to share and not wanting to hide what he has done. ]
I don't. [ It doesn't quite sound like a lie. ] I killed the miracles of my town. You can think of them, I suppose, like the yokai that live here. There were many. They were all wonderful and precious. They were something the world would never have again once they were gone, and I killed them.
no subject
[ It's really not a talent as far as she's concerned. Just an everyday part of her life that was taken from her.
Azem remains quiet for a moment, frowning. ]
I see. Was there a reason? [ Not that a reason justifies such acts. Back home she often had to cull creatures, miracles created by their magics, because they were causing problems for people. It didn't make the act feel any better knowing that she was helping people. ]
no subject
But he digresses. ]
There was. [ For a second, it seems like he may not say what that reason may be. ] A plague came to the town. It was a miracle. It played a cruel game with the lives of the people. It was a means to see who could survive. Be strong enough to survive.
[ Artemy clenches his fist. ] It was unreasonably cruel, but I cannot call it evil. It cannot be named as evil. Not by me. Even with the visions it -- [ He quiets and continues: ] The only way to stop it was to destroy all miracles.
no subject
You call a lot of things a miracle but I would not call something a plague one. That is a blight. Something terrible that takes the lives of people.
And what you did... [ She trails off as she tries to find the words. ] It sounds like you did what was necessary to preserve life.
[ She sucks in a breath and drops her gaze back to the menu that she's been toying with. ] It doesn't sound so different from what the rest of the Convocation decided on to deal with the End of Days.
no subject
[ His eyes close. ]
They also chose destruction, did they? [ A sigh. ] Destruction for the sake of a future. For the sake of humanity moving on. [ He opens his eyes. ] In any case, I should not be rewarded for what was done.
Yet I was in many ways. I was able to live in the town. I was able to see a future after the plague descended. I have children willing to call me theirs as much as I call them mine. I was rewarded ten times over for all the blood that is on my hands.
[ Yet another sigh. ] Dear cousin, I deserve to regain nothing in this world. I already was given more than I deserved.
We must pay for our sins whether they are necessary or not. We must pay for them.
no subject
Sacrifice half of the population to create an entity to stop the spread and repair the damage. [ Her tone is somber. She still believes that was not the solution. But she'd been outvoted and unable to find a better solution. ]
I can't say I agree. But I do not think I will change your mind on the matter.
no subject
Well, he had his reasons, as well. His expression shifts to something equally somber; it seems the two of them will not agree on the matter. Perhaps, that is the other reason he refuses to leave the apartments they were first given.
Penance that no one asked of him. ]
No, this matter is decided for me.
[ Softly, lightly as he tries to joke with her: ] I am too bull-headed to be able to change.
[ A sigh follows. ] I interrupted you finding what you wanted to drink and eat. No matter what it is good to still do those things. [ He has his own questions for her; his expression is apologetic, like he stole away what happiness could be brought from their conversation. There will be something lingering in the back of it now, and so, he can only offer his apologies. ]
no subject
No, it was not a price she was willing to pay. And that's why she's here. She hopes to find a way to save her world without the need for Zodiark. ]
That sounds like someone I know. [ She chuckles softly. ]
Ah, you know this place better than me. Perhaps I should let you choose something for me?
no subject
You did not help to make that choice, did you?
[ The question is one he attempts to sound idle; he does not wish to push more than he must. He looks over the menu to find something that she might like. He thinks that is a kindness that his eyes are elsewhere rather than looking at her face.
Aloud he muses: ] Let's see...
no subject
[ She tries to keep her own tone light, wanting to move past the subject and focus more on food and drink.
She waits patiently to see what he's going to suggest for her. ]
no subject
Let’s see… [ The mood still feels off but he joins her in a light sounding voice. ] The kara-age is always good. One can never go wrong with meat.
[ A beat. ] Their beers are good. Probably best to have rather than anything too hard. [ The expression he wears is one where he’s thinking of Azem rather than what he could handle as a light drink. ]
no subject
Beer also sounds good. I've found I do like some of the beers here. Though I've also found something called umeshu to be quite tasty. I'm told it's made with plums.
[ Her eyes seem to brighten as she mentions the wine. She'd only ever had wine made from grapes before arriving here so she finds it to be rather neat. ]
no subject
Ah, looks like they have your favored drink.
[ Artemy dips his chin in a quick nod. ]
Let's share a glass. I am not one for wine, but for you, cousin, I would like to try it.
[ It's the least he can do with such gloomy talk before, too.
With that all squared away, he makes his orders for them both. ]
no subject
[ She claps her hands together and smiles brightly at him.
Once the order is in her attention is fully focused on him. ]
So, you mentioned something you wished to speak about.
no subject
[ Something other than the unfortunate talk of before. ]
I was curious to learn more of your magic -- of your healing.
[ He reiterates something he said of the past: ] There was a girl I knew back in my town. I thought that she was telling stories of healing people with her hands. But I came to know, at the end, that she spoke true. This was because she possessed a miracle -- was a miracle.
[ No need to double-back on talks of miracles and sins.
He presses on. ]
Such is the only way I know of how healing can be. But the way you talk of it ... almost makes it sound mundane in your world, so I cannot help but want to know more.
no subject
Oh, you mean the white magic I utilize from time to time.
[ She smiles and nods. ]
It's common enough magic. Anyone that puts their mind to it can pick it up, though some are more gifted than others.
Myself, for example, am not nearly as gifted with it as others. I only picked it up because I spend a lot of time traveling on my own and such magic comes in handy.
no subject
I suppose that it would.
It’s the same as any traveler that goes long distance. They have to learn some means to make sure they can make it to the next settlement, and not every road is a safe road.
[ He nods along. ] I find it interesting that magic is chosen to be picked up, though. I suppose it is because it is something that requires no supplies to maintain or concern oneself with while moving about?
no subject
Exactly. [ She nods. ] One never knows what kind of dangers they might run into while on the road.
Our magic only requires aether, which is everything around us back home. Even our very souls are comprised of aether.
no subject
Eventually, he has to give up. ]
Such a concept is far too beyond me. The idea that the energy that is used in magic is the same that makes up your being. [ His eyebrows lift. ] No, wait... perhaps, I do understand it a little.
Like how all things come from the earth.
no subject
I had someone explain the concept of qi to me and it sounded very similar. Essentially an energy that gives life to all things. It can also be harnessed in ways that are similar to my magic.