| Without warning, the silvery light that appeared to bring new people from other worlds and old items from home appears once more, and this time it lingers, forming portals as tall as an average human near each of the three Ingress shrines. The location does not appear to be a coincidence; this time, the portals are translucent, revealing the destination on the other side. Instead of taking Avagi's residents to the future, it will take them to another world.
If they step through the portal, travelers will find something far different from where they've been living this last month: Kaittos, a peaceful world containing one large land mass and a scattering of lived-on islands across a clear blue ocean. On the mainland, a large city-state occupies the central region and southern coast and resembles what some travelers from some versions of Earth might know of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
Bustling and lively, the city is clean and well provided-for due to the temperate climate and the bountiful natural resources found on its northern side; orchards, farms and forests extend into the distance, butting up against a small mountain range. The technology level is low compared to Avagi, with carriages and candles in place rather than cars and electric lights, but the craftsmen of the world have managed some very impressive mechanical feats.
Kaittans, the local residents of the world appear somewhat humanoid, but the bipedal race has hooves rather than feet, silvery skin and three eyes with vertical pupils. Although there is no sign of any other sentient species in the world, the locals are nonetheless excited to meet their guests, rather than suspicious or afraid; for some reason, they are not surprised that aliens exist, merely that they are here.
In the weeks to come, the stabilized portals will provide a respite from the more confined lifestyle aboard Avagi. Travelers are warmly welcomed and encouraged to explore the land. Some things they'll find include...
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With all their material needs taken care of, the civilization on Kaittos has come to highly value cultivation of the mind. The city itself is full of what can only be generalized as culture. Theaters, art galleries and sizable libraries can be found on every tier, but what they offer is not contained by their walls. Street musicians appear on every other corner, artists are easily found sketching at beautiful viewpoints or interested passersby, and people are as likely to find themselves pulled in to participate in a scene or improvisational performance as they are to witness one. Public debate and rhetoric are also valued, with credit given for style and clarity as much as substance. At the center of the city, a large conservatory teaches lessons in many fields to anyone who cares to study.
This love of culture is so encompassing that visitors who wish to acquire items or resources will find that culture is also the main form of currency. To get something, they will have to give something. Those with skills that fall into traditional arts and culture could offer a piece of art, a music lesson or participation in a debate with other philosophical scholars, perhaps. But visitors will also find that the locals have a deep hunger for information and wish to learn about other worlds; if they can offer nothing else, sitting down with a scholar to record a tale of folklore or an adventure from their own. Lessons in whatever skills they possess are likely to be eagerly sought after, although the aptitude to learn them may not be there.
For those who wish to gain resources or make purchases, a bartering economy does exist to a degree, but it is difficult to break into, as there is little that the locals would truly need from their visitors. The exchange of knowledge is much more prized. Keep in mind, though, that while the Kaittans are not ungenerous, they have an eye for value—the more precious something is, the more travelers will have to offer to earn it, and individuals have their preferences. What might be just the thing desired by one could be pooh-poohed by another.
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While many on Kaittos see food as the fuel that keeps their bodies going so they may better cultivate their minds, others see cooking itself as an art. This is especially prevalent in this section of the city, located deep in the heart of the city, where chefs toil over new recipes and experiment with new ingredients, serving meals free of charge—unless you consider sitting through a lengthy survey afterwards to be a payment, of course.
Although some meals are unpalatable or even dangerous to human bodies, most can be enjoyably consumed. However, around one in five chefs make extensive use of a particular herb that is incredibly delicious—and somewhat addicting. Those who begin to develop a dependency will visit again and again, and the more they consume, the more they may not want to leave at all...
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Spoken of in hushed voices, this section of woods is regarded with great caution. A space of around ten acres is home to many natural springs that form natural pools between copses of trees, many of which hang dropping branches with deep blue leaves over the surface of the water. If asked, the locals will say that this place is where some very old Kaittans—which are an extremely long-lived species—who have decided they've studied everything available in the world and mastered every skill they can, go to "renew" themselves. They prefer to speak of it in vague terms, as specific discussion of this choice is seen as something of a faux pas. If greatly pressed, it is possible to learn the details ahead of time—but difficult.
The truth is that the water of the springs, when mixed with a chemical secreted by the fallen blue leaves, represses memories of those who drink it. Not to the point of complete amnesia; a sip might do away with the recollection of a particular book that was enjoyed, while multiple glasses might hide the memory of a longer period of time. However, there is no control over what is forgotten, or how much is too much. The Kaittans who grow too frustrated with what they view as stagnancy drink to forget so they may have the joy of learning all over again, but the lack of control makes it a risky choice—and some continue to return to drink after they otherwise would have, as they have forgotten what they wanted to forget.
(Of note to those of the psychic persuasion: memories affected by the spring water are not utterly obliterated, but merely deeply sublimated. It is possible to retrieve them, but it would be a challenge, especially if the placement of the memory gaps are not obvious.) |
| While Kaittos’ architecture and culture includes plenty to admire, a few points of interest stand both literally and figuratively above the rest. Three large pyramids tower over the landscape, shining the brilliant metallic blue of a local ore. Over the coming weeks, these structures will be adorned with temporary murals and hangings—apparently, a yearly celebration is approaching.
What kind of celebration? The kind, fortunately (?), that visitors are welcome to join in! November 23 marks the anniversary of what they call the Great Awakening: a visit by a powerful spirit that opened their people's awareness to worlds and cultures outside their own. For the next few weeks, the temples offer welcome to anyone who wishes to participate in their trials. On the day of the Awakening, all who succeed will experience a remnant of the spirit's gift. While descriptions of the process vary, all center around heightened awareness: of each other, and of worlds and places far beyond their shores. Those who decide to make this attempt may choose which temple—and which trial—they would face.
Trial of Life
A test for warriors and scouts, this trial is not recommended to the casual. On entering the temple, participants will find themselves in a maze of obstacles and passages, struggling for survival against dangers both mobile and environmental. To succeed, they must pass inside with no more resources or weapons than can be carried in two hands, and survive for a period of five days. The attackers and hazards within the space are phantasms generated by the temple: solid enough to harm or kill, but prone to re-appearing even once a region should be cleared.
Needless to say, extensive warnings will be given to those expressing interest in the trial. Most who attempt do so in groups, and teamwork among participants is readily encouraged. Those who need to leave early are welcome to do so, but fleeing does count as a failure.
Trial of Communion
The inside of this temple is divided up into a series of open booths. Participants are assigned a station, and will be approached by members of the local population with various disputes that require arbitration. The purpose of the trial is twofold: to assist others with their problems, and to test those making the attempt—in patience, debate, and their skill at resolving conflict through the use of words.
No authority is granted to those taking this test. None of those who come before them are obliged to listen. The participants will be presented with conflicts that have been saved up through the year, and required to work out a solution. This can include anything from property disputes to marriage arguments to literal children's squabbles. Breaks are allowed for food and basic rest, but otherwise, those taking the trial will need to spend five days in continual discourse for the sake of others. Those who give up on any problems brought before them or resort to violence in solving them are considered to have failed the trial.
Trial of Healing
The third temple presents no dangers, whether to one's life or to one's sanity. Instead, it serves as a medical center. Those stepping inside will experience a strange peacefulness and sense of comfort—one the full-time staff confirm has helped many patients to recover. While this temple is open throughout the year, the weeks preceding the Awakening are nonetheless a time of gathering: when healers of all disciplines will come together to assist those in need.
While doctors or healers are welcome to share information with their peers, no special skill or training is required to attempt this trial. Instead, participants are asked to spend a period of ten days doing whatever work is required to assist the sick. While most of the ailments brought to the temple are longer-term in nature, it also functions as a triage center for those harmed in the Temple of Life. |
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thisavrou_log2017-11-09 08:50 pm
this is the cutest shit
A strange emotion fills her chest. It's akin to pride, but not the kind that comes from winning a bout or finishing a project. No, this is a pride that stems from someone showing clear admiration--though Diana doesn't know it as such. In her mind, her deeds do not yet warrant such esteem; she had only done her duty in the war, as any true Amazon would have in her place.
The moment of stillness passes, and a gentle smile lights her face. Though she doesn't know how he knows her name, she responds kindly nonetheless. "I am," she affirms. The Amazon tilts her head slightly, placing one hand on her hip and gesturing to him with the other. The Lasso of Hestia glows faintly at her side, and the round edges of her shield peek out from behind her shoulders. "But I am afraid I do not know who you are. What may I call you, young one?"
diana with children is heart melting. diana with eddie is obliterating.
God though, her kindness and goodness radiated from her and Eddie felt so settled. His hands clutched at the chest of his shirt, his shyness still wrapped around him like a second skin despite his excitement.
"You're my hero," Eddie confesses quietly, in a voice that trembled at the edges. His eyes catch that lasso, and he almost wants to ask to touch it. It was the lasso of truth! The Lasso of Hestia. And was that her shield...?
"Oh! I'm...I'm Eddie Kaspbrak," he says, lowering his hands down. He was filled with an urge to hug her, to see if she was real.
no subject
Diana moves forward, letting her arms fall to her sides. "A hero, hm?" She likes the sound of that. "Well, I am glad to meet you, Eddie Kaspbrak." And she really, truly is. She had been the only child to ever exist on Themyscira, and never had anyone her own age to interact with. In many ways, she is still a child--finding joy in the simplest things, getting into things she shouldn't. But Eddie is a real child, young and in need of protection, and it's easy for her to recognize that. "What are you doing out here in the woods, Eddie?"
no subject
"It's. I'm happy to meet you too," he finally manages, and he wants to clap himself on the back for not sounding completely stupid. Eddie Kaspbrak certainly was in a little bit of need for protection. The kid wasn't exactly built to last.
"I was just exploring," he confesses easily. Most adults, as far as Eddie was concerned, were unnerving to him. But Diana? No. Diana he felt he already knew, he felt he could trust. That Lasso alone was proof of that.
"I like forests. They're- I know they're dangerous, but I like them." A pause. Eddie hadn't really paid too much attention to the springs, but now he does, staring over at them with a curious look on his face for all of a split second before his eyes went back to Diana. Why was she here alone after all? Kids wandered aimlessly by themselves all the time. Adults? Not so much.
"What are you doing here?"
no subject
Diana inhales a bit sharply, hoping he doesn't notice. She does not want to lie to him, but she knows she also cannot tell him the truth. It would be impossible for her to explain to him why she's here, since she can't even really explain it to herself.
A deep breath, and she says as much as she can. "I wanted to see the springs." She looks over to them, crossing her arms and leaning back against the tree. "I heard some stories about them, and wanted to see if they were true." So far, she hasn't seen anything to point to the rumors being real, but perhaps that is for the best.
She considers his words more closely, and offers a smile. "You need not worry about the dangers here." Not while she is around, at least.
no subject
He doesn't clarify this simply because he doesn't think to. Eddie doesn't notice her sharp inhale, still a little too wonder struck by her to notice much beyond the fact that it was her at all.
"Oh, yeah, I heard they were weird springs or something," he says a bit absently, looking with Diana over at the springs. The kid already had magically implanted amnesia- not that he yet realized. But even without knowing about the springs, he had a feeling it was best to keep away from tehm.
"Who knows whats in the water though. Water is practically a breeding ground for bacteria and that's just on earth." Even though this place seemed clean- he wasn't about to take a risk.
"Are they?" he asks about the rumors, because surely she would know by now. Again, he looks at the springs, this time with some wariness in his expression.
Eddie is distracted by the spring by Diana's promise. If it were any other adult in the entire known universe, Eddie would have maybe felt like scoffing. Would have just looked down and mumbled an 'okay' without really buying it. But this was Diana of Themyscira. If anyone could promise a safe place, it was her.
So Eddie actually relaxes, his shoulders slumping and he smiles more completely at her.
"No, probably not. You'd just kick their as- uh, you'd show them what's for." He was definitely not about to swear around her. Jesus. He had to make a good impression.
no subject
"Truthfully, I do not know." Even though something in her stomach tells her that the rumors are indeed true, she has yet to see anything to prove them so. And she isn't about to test them herself. Not yet, anyway. Her mind has not been made up, after all.
A short laugh escapes her--she knows what he'd been about to say, but appreciate that he's censored himself for her, though he didn't have to. Diana had heard all manner of swearing while on the Front, hearing many words and phrases for the first time. Not that she's about to repeat any of them in front of a child, of course. "I would indeed." She casts another glance towards the water, and then turns her full attention back to Eddie. "I will explore with you for a little while, if you like." She doesn't want to stand here brooding any longer.
no subject
That was a philosophical question leagues beyond him.
Eddie would have heard ten times worse. He might have limited vocabulary in general, but boy did this kid have a shocking mouth sometimes with some seriously questionable comebacks for someone his age.
"It's okay," Eddie says, seeing her look back to the water. He doesn't know why he's reassuring her or of what exactly, but it just felt right, somehow. Though her offer full-on shocks him enough that Eddie gapes silently at her.
"You-. You'd want to explore with me?" He has to point at himself to clarify. Again. Because why on earth would Diana want to hang out with some lousy kid? Not only that but adults didn't usually like spending their free time with kids. "You don't have to if you don't want to. I know a lot of adults like to try and be friendly but you're- you probably have way more important stuff to do."
no subject
Perhaps that is why she feels the need to return the favor to him when he sounds so shocked by her offer. Diana crouches so she might be at eye-level with him, and smiles. There's but a hint of mischief in her voice, leftover from her own experiences as a child. "I would like nothing more, Eddie. Children always know all the best places to explore, after all." And if he really is going to explore, she'd rather be around to watch over him.
when you thought you responded to something...but then didn't....sorry for the delay ;o;
It's jarring having an adult crouch down in front of him. Not the first time here, no, adults here were oddly kind and generous with their words, their time. Still, it was something Eddie couldn't quite get used to.
But he definitely catches that mischief and it draws a little bit out of him as well, his eyes brightening.
"...There is a whole forest to explore. And I was thinking of finding stuff to build a fort with, maybe." Not that he was a particularly talented architect, but he kept thinking it'd be fun to have an area like that for his friends and himself.
np! i'm behind on a lot of tags because of irl things so don't even worry about it
Diana straightens, and sweeps an arm across the forest around them. "Choose a direction, and I will follow." She would much rather spend her afternoon exploring with Eddie. She thinks for a moment, and then adds: "What kind of fort?" Because he cannot possibly mean a structure as large as the one on Themyscira. Perhaps there is some other, more modern definition that she doesn't yet know of.