[open]

[pathofsacrifice]

Who ⬤ Artemy Burakh and you!
What ⬤ All around the place.
When ⬤ Throughout the month.
Where ⬤ Lots of places.
Content Warnings ⬤ Drug use. Will add as needed.


i. dumpster diving;

[ Despite not having to struggle so much for coin and food, Artemy still can be found buried halfway in garbage cans throughout the city. He digs around to see if there is anything particularly useful in the trash or even if there's half-eaten or thrown away scraps to eat.

Pulling himself free, he does not seem at all embarrassed or troubled to have been caught. Instead, he hesitantly holds out what he's found. The hesitation is that he isn't sure he wants to give it up, but he also finds no worth in being too greedy. ]

Would you like some?

ii. high definition;

[ He has tested out his own medication on himself so it doesn't seem strange to him that others request help in the same manner.

If it will benefit the population in some way, he is willing. Of course, he wonders how effective the drugs can be to someone who is relatively healthy. Relatively being the key term.

He is still recovering from twelve-days of exhaustion, starvation, dehydration, and a wide variety of issues. So, actually, maybe these drugs are good to try on him.

'Course he ends up feeling more like he has downed multiple bottles of twyrine. His senses both feel deadened and awakened; he feels like he can actually hear the city around him. It leaves him speechless that to come with the awareness that the city is just as alive as his town once was. ]

It's calling.

[ It's what he says as he staggers around the streets. ]

The city is calling.

iii. kappa kappa;

All right!

[ It is what is heard before his hand snaps out to grab the back of the shirt of someone sneaking around the tunnels. ]

What are you doing here?

[ Artemy draws himself up to his full height; his arms cross as he stares at the person with a look of absolute disappointment. Didn't the Sutoku Alliance say that this area is closed off? ]

A group asks to be left alone and you have to come bother them? Where are your senses?

iv. wildcard;

[ Throw whatever. I don't mind. If you want to check with anything, you can PM me. No worries. ]

Comments

ii

[psionicmolotov]

[ He's not one for mind-altering substances or intoxicants. Even if he had been so inclined, the fall of his House had made him even more vigilant towards possible attempts at intrusion.

So he steers clear of the places where the gyokuto are recruiting test subjects, not wanting to deal with that sort of thing. Inevitably, though, one errand or another takes him close. ]

Speaking nonsense again? [ He is unsurprised to see a familiar face. He doesn't try to steady him - he's not nearly that nice - but he does slow his walk a little. ]

[pathofsacrifice]

When have I ever spoken nonsense?

[ His words are lacking any sort of irritation; he smiles at seeing a familiar face instead. ]

... This will yield little means for immunity, but it lets you hear the city.

[ He once told someone that they were fools to think that twyrine could do anything. It may be because he did not want to believe the town accepted them. Artemy opens his mouth to breathe in deep. ]

[psionicmolotov]

You have before, both times we met. And it's happening again now.

[ Hearing a city - what a foolish notion. The buzz of people's ambient thoughts in his head seems to rise for a moment at the thought; his head throbs for a brief and painful moment.

Who would want to hear any of this? The clamor of so many voices, all thinking the same banal and often ugly things, day after day. He'd learned to close his mind to Menzoberranzan's psychic noise as a child; it frustrates him that he can't do the same thing now. ]

Why would you want to hear it? There is nothing of value in it.

[pathofsacrifice]

[ Artemy hums low and long, like he is attempting to recount the conversations that the two of them have had. He does not think in any of those encounters that he said anything particularly nonsensical.

But he takes it as a light barb in telling the man to live a life with a little more trust. ]

There is value in it. [ He decides to focus on that instead. ] I did not think -- [ A pause; he chooses not to get into that point and instead moves onto another. ] -- this is where we are to live.

If we do not listen to the city, to where it wants us to go, to how it hurts and how it speaks, we will only be struggling until the end of our contracts.

[psionicmolotov]

[ Kimmuriel is just grouchy and has different ideas of 'nonsense'. Sorry, Artemy. ]

You speak of it as if it is alive in itself. [ Despite his initial reaction, he can't help but be a little curious about it anyway, entertain this train of thought from someone who's clearly in an altered state instead of shutting it down completely. ] Is this common for you?

[ Whether he means personifying a city, or hearing its voice, or whatever else...he doesn't clarify. ]

[pathofsacrifice]

[ His expression falls at what is said next. ]

It is most likely not the same. [ Kneeling down, he rests his palm against the dirty street. He presses down on the concrete, like that would help him see beneath the stone into the earth. ]

But I've heard it before. It's not common anymore.

[ A pause follows. ] Without people, a city cannot live. [ It's not quite a response to what was said before. It is more like he's trying to convince himself of something. ] It lives because everyone is here. There are things it wants to accomplish and save because of that... probably.

[psionicmolotov]

[ That stirs a memory in him, a sentiment he'd often heard expressed by many members of his band. The idea that if Menzoberranzan had a soul of any kind, it was as mean and terrible as the people who embodied it - but theirs, all the same. They were tied to it, bound to its defense with a chain as inexorable as fate, as unyielding as a noose. ]

If this city has a voice, I doubt it is one particularly favorable to mortal ears. [ He's...making an effort to meet Artemy on his own ground, though he honestly doesn't think much will come of this conversation when the man is clearly not in his right mind. ] If you try to understand it, it may very well break your mind beyond repair, which would be somewhat of an inconvenience for you.

[ ...though he seems to have enough experience with stumbling about that maybe it won't be such a barrier after all?? You don't have to be an observational genius to tell that Artemy's been through Some Shit. ]

[pathofsacrifice]

No, it probably is not. [ But still, his tone is fond as he talks to the gravel and the street. ]

Even so, I would like to hear it. I don't want its voice to go unheard.

[ He curls his fingers into a light fist. Opening his mouth, he closes it soon after, uncertain what it is that he plans to say next. Breathing out slow, he finds some of the words that he wishes to use. ]

Isn't that worth something? To still hear it even it hurts? To let it know that its wishes aren't going ignored, that uh, even if we might not be able to fulfill all of them?

[psionicmolotov]

[ It sounds somewhere between a religious ramble and a spiritual one, though in truth those things may very well overlap.

But he finds some strange kinship with the sentiment, or maybe he's just overtired from an unfamiliar place. ]

....I suppose there is worth in communicating with something that nobody else bothers with. [ He can't help but be reminded of the hivemind. Illithids were infamously insular creatures, but they had accepted him, in their own way. ] Though I am not certain something so large would care overmuch about being heard or not.

ii.

[enterthe]

[Oh, the absolute pang of protective guilt Ydris gets when a human is in some manner of distress. Artemy looks like he's been through the wringer and still isn't out the other side. His mutterings don't give Ydris much hope, either.

But they can't just walk off, they have to help, it's in their nature- So? Something to placate him?]

Wh... What is it saying? [nailed it]

[pathofsacrifice]

It says that there is something of interest --

[ His arm shoots out to point down the street. ]

-- it's there. We go to the end of the street then turn ... right, left... go up, then down... it's against a building.

[ As he gives directions, his eyes drift around like he is trying to get a map of the city and seems to have one in his mind. ]

But you -- did I see you? [ Artemy shifts his attention back to the person that spoke to him; his dilated eyes trying to fix on their face. His confusingly spoken question was that he thinks he may have seen them at the welcoming party, or it might just be more nonsense. Whoops. ]

[enterthe]

[This man is going to walk into traffic if he's not supervised...]

Right, left, go up, the go down, against a building. Got it. [Ydris is excellent at recalling directions. Of course, they do think this is the ramblings of a man a bit too fucked up on something. They also think it's probably best to gentle guide him through this as an indulgence, because trying to pull him away might just set him off or cause him to spiral.]

See me? I'm not sure. Are you a Lost Soul?

[pathofsacrifice]

You've got a good memory.

[ He nods along with her directions, glad to have someone who can remember without having to pause to listen to the city guide him where he needs to go when he starts to forget his way. ]

I am. [ Another nod follows. ] It is funny... there are those that might say that I was a lost soul even in my old life. [ Artemy starts to stumble-walk forwards, but gestures that the person join him. ]

But I don't feel so lost here. What about you?

[enterthe]

[Ydris will reach out and offer to loop their arm with Artemy. Seems like the best way to keep him for staggering out into the street...]

I don't feel lost. I was created to be a guide to humanity, I don't feel that has changed. [they still feel quite compelled to help humans when they encounter them, including this man.]

It seems the city is trying to guide you, so let's follow it's voice. [walking off whatever is in his system is probably best, Ydris is fine being his companion for the time]

[pathofsacrifice]

That, so?

[ He does give an appreciative glance when they come to help steady his walking. His tone, rather than impressed or in awe, sounds almost melancholy. He feels his shoulders start to sink, before saying: ]

I'm sorry for any disappointment you may suffer. [ The apology is to them, but also not quite to them. ]

I wonder what is there. It usually gives some hint... well, the town gave... [ Artemy trails off from what he was saying and abruptly switches the topic back to what was said. ] To guide humans, that must mean you have a lot of patience.

[enterthe]

[The apology gets an odd, if warmly genuine laugh from Ydris. It has a strange quality, like the crackling of a campfire, beneath the more recognizably human sound.]

I have mastered disappointment. It does not dissuade me from my purpose, anymore.

[maybe it did when they were even just a bit younger, not that they are all that old and wise. They play pretend at both, though.

Ydris is a sturdy support for Artemy to lean against, moving slow and measured down the street. End of the street, take a right, that's the first part of the directions. Ydris does intend to follow them, just in case the man really could hear something. If not, it was still time spent keeping him safe, which is worthwhile]

As for patience, no. I don't believe I have all that much. If you are too patient with mortals, they indulge themselves in self destruction. That is not, strictly, a human trouble.

[pathofsacrifice]

I'm glad to hear it.

[ There is honest appreciation in his words; he is glad that they are able to keep assisting humans even when they disappoint. He opens his mouth, breathing in a small breath, audible enough to be heard. ]

Even if they say otherwise, they would be lost without you.

[ An apology is laced in his words. It may not be meant completely for them, but he means it all the same. ]

I suppose that you're right. You have to temper how you use your encouragement and sharp words. Well, you've done it long enough that you don't need me giving you advice on it.

dumpster diving.

[rainswords]

[ Intimately familiar with opulence meant he never struggled to sate his needs or wants, this is the first time in his life that Xingqiu has found the need to be frugal with his spending. Cautiously, he still treats himself knowing it's a choice between fine literature and a high-class meal. Well, there are books to be read. Yet, he too finds he isn't struggling, he can make do. Which he assumes is much the case for most people which is why he is rather surprised when he sees someone digging through literal trash.

Quietly he observes, he should be appalled and yet he isn't, rather he feels the need to aid this man if he has to resort to such drastic measures to sustain himself. Before he can step forward offering to pay for a meal, an offer is made towards him instead. ]

Excuse me?

[ Refusal comes with a shake of his head, and palms raised as if guarding himself against the offering. ]

No. That's — is that a carrot?

[ That's a definite no. ]

[pathofsacrifice]

No?

[ It does seem like it is a "no."

He glances down what he is offering, uncertain if it is a carrot or not. But just seeing it brings him an odd sense of relief. Despite the person watching him, he takes a bite of the vegetable; his eyes rolling back and forth as he chews. ]

Yes, it's a carrot. [ Is his final answer before he eats the rest of it.

After dusting his hands off, he lightly pats the trashcan. It's a good one and he'll have to be certain to come back to see if there will be more food thrown away in it later. ]

I'm afraid that anything else in it isn't worth having. [ His tone a little apologetic. ] But I could be wrong. [ And he steps out of the way to gesture for them to have their go. ]

[rainswords]

[ It most definitely is a no now, not solely due to the fact that the vegetable has been thoroughly consumed but if he thought that indescribable mush of a carrot-based dish his mother once prepared was awful then — this well — more than ill, he feels rather queasy.

Anything else. Perhaps, in spite of the origin would have been easier to witness being eaten. But what's done is done now, yet the lingering effects remain. ]

A moment, please.

[ Enough time to compose himself, not to prepare for his first excursion into a trashcan, which he realizes his words could have been mistaken for. He'll correct that. A motion with his hand gesturing refusal of the offer. ]

I'm quite all right, I have no need to search through there. But are you in need of assistance, may I offer to pay for a meal?

[pathofsacrifice]

[ His lips press into a thin line; he steps forward. He squints -- eyes narrowing in a manner that looks dangerous as he draws nearer.

Artemy notes that the young man looks a little unwell; he can't help but worry. There is regret that starts to bleed its way into his expression, like he shouldn't have eaten that carrot. No matter how hungry he may have been, it would have been better to share.

He gives him a look that asks, "Are you sure?" when he says that he's all right. Artemy mistakes the dismissal of eating from the trashcan as a response to his long stares and quiet concern over his physical health. ]

I couldn't take your coin without offering something in return.

[ He feels he has already taken a lot without asking already. Not from the person in front of him, but from the youkai that have accepted him into their group. Certainly, he is in the bottom-tier of status and power, but that doesn't mean the warmth he feels from them isn't real or welcomed. ]

We all only have so much. [ A beat. ] So, what would you like?

[rainswords]

[ A seemingly menacing approach, Xingqiu stands his ground, fearless at heart, and more importantly, he won't judge mannerism. People come in many forms, with many stories. And here is one person who seems unwilling to accept his aid. Is it pride? Is it some sense of duty as an adult?

Words are revealing. And yet. The pause isn't long enough for him to even begin to insist that he can provide help. What he hears next is a bit confusing. ]

From the trashcan?

[ For once the typically chatty and sociable Xingqiu can only stare at the man before him in dismay. He couldn't possibly think he would want something out from in there, and from previous observation, he had been made to believe there was nothing left. But mostly he doesn't understand why had his offer for a meal been turned around on him? He brings a hand up to his forehead, a sigh follows. ]

My apologies, that was silly of me to say. Obviously not from in there. But please, I do insist. You're the one most in need.

[pathofsacrifice]

No, there's nothing there.

[ He digs around in his pockets to take out what food that he has acquired from various other trash cans. There are obvious stains -- or stains that are now a little more obvious -- to his clothes from old food having seeped through the material. ]

If you're willing, I guess I can't argue too much. [ Artemy pulls his hands free from his pockets. The tips of his fingers have a little food material on it. ] I know how people can be about arguing when it comes to food.

I'll be sure to repay this kindness, then.

[rainswords]

[ Beyond appearing unkempt and giving an unappealing air, the food stains in the simplest of terms are disgusting. A whole filthy ensemble worn, yet once the stains are noted he makes it a point not to stare. He is polite enough to mind himself and make no form of disparaging comment. This poor man, Xingqiu has no idea the situation he may be in there is room for him to judge. ]

No, please there is no need for you to reciprocate the gesture, while we have all found ourselves here I think it best we lend aid to one another. So I cannot ignore your plight.

Please, come with me.

[ A member of the Sutoku Alliance, he is familiar with the many fast-food chains of their territory. No, he doesn't particularly lean towards their offerings but there is a chain that offers some affordable baked treats. ]

I suppose now would be a good time as any to introduce myself. I am Xingqiu, disciple of the Guhua Clan. [ Wow. That's the first time ever he has introduced himself under that title. ]

[pathofsacrifice]

My plight?

[ Artemy can't help but repeat those words back with mild confusion. His eyebrows furrowing as he follows after the young man. He does, at least, know better than to argue with those younger than himself, especially if what the person wants to do is "good." ]

Guhau Clan? [ Again, he repeats it. That isn't a clan that he has heard of, but he has only just come to be in Hell. ] I'm Artemy Burakh, member of the Sutoku Alliance. [ He thinks that is how he should introduce himself.

A pause chases after his words before he asks: ] What does it mean to be a disciple?