| 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
no subject
He is disgusted with himself. But wallowing in that will do nothing to heal the rift between them. ]
Some things are.
[Magst du die Schokolade, Erik?]
However, how are we to tell? Either the evil behind it is revealed or one is simply waiting for it. Forever. [ He sighs and shakes his head. ] I am not accustomed to explaining these things. I know that how I view the world is not a common one.
[ He stops and turns to face her by a pond overflowing with water lilies, jeweled amphibians and scintillating firefly-like insects dancing among the blossoms. She is so beautiful, this place is so beautiful. And he cannot really appreciate it. He wishes he were the sort of man who could.
She doesn't know. And part of him still wants to preserve that innocence. But nothing he says will make sense without that knowledge.
it is hard to speak of, and he gives an explanation that is more brief than he probably should. ]
When I was a child, something terrible happened in Germany. And it didn't stop there. I am Jewish, and one of the things that happened because of this is that we were rounded up and put into concentration camps. They wanted to wipe us out. They nearly did. I am the only member of my family who survived.
[ He pauses, and takes the locket out of his pocket. His thumb smooths over the face of it, the ridges worn down by how many times he had done that. As if he could summon his family back just by wishing hard enough.
Nina was hope. Nina was victory against those who had tried to destroy them. Nina was a future where his family would still exist after his own inevitable death. And he couldn't protect her. ]
Like I told you, I survived because I am gifted, and they discovered it.
no subject
He's about to tell her something he doesn't want to say, and she doesn't want to hear.
Diana's lips part as if she's about to tell him to stop, but he's already speaking. The more he says, the more ill she feels. All she can see is the villagers of Veld, their bodies crumpled in heaps on the streets and in their homes. Innocent people killed not because of who they were, as Erik's were, but simply because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
They are ugly, filled with hatred, weak.
The pain, sadness, and pity she feels in her heart only shows in her eyes. She keeps the rest of her face neutral. Antiope is in her head, telling her to be the strongest, the best. To never let her guard down.
Diana exhales slowly through her nose, staring at the water lilies without really seeing them.]
What do you mean, gifted?
no subject
He sees the pity in her eyes and it makes him angry. He is not powerless, or innocent. He is not to be pitied.
He swallows the anger and looks away. He will not lose his composure a second time, or this really will have all been an exercise in pointless cruelty.
He doesn't smile when she asks him to explain, but the hard lines of anger in his expression fade somewhat. He reaches into his pocket and produces a coin. It sits on his open palm for a moment before lifting into the air, rotating lazily for a moment before lifting higher and slowly circling around Diana before coming back to rest on his hand. ]
I can control metal through the manipulation of magnetic fields. Ferrous metals, anyway. Over time I've explored how far I can use that.
[ He holds both hands out to his sides and raises into the air, hovering just a few feet in the air. There is something so relaxing about it, slipping the bonds of earth and floating on the soft hum of energy. He looks at her. He could easily lift her, the pressure would be distributed evenly across her armor. He holds out a hand to her. ]
Would you like to try?
no subject
Diana had already decided that humans were amazing, and it seems as if everyone she's met here has only reinforced that belief.
She watches in wonder, unease slowly falling to the back of her mind. She is still uncertain, and a little angry and hurt, but for the moment, she has something bigger to focus on. Diana shakes her head at his question; she may have begun to forgive him a little, but that does not mean she is ready for this.]
No. I do not need to fly. [She shifts her weight, crossing her arms loosely as she watches him float above her.] I do not like secrets, but I cannot blame you for your caution. Just know that I have never lied to you about myself, Erik.
no subject
[ The slight mirth evaporates at her oblique accusation. He should have been more forthcoming, true. It is his habit. But he is not convinced that she has been entirely forthcoming with him, either. ]
I did work at a steel mill. That was my job for the last ten years. There was an earthquake, and an accident. I saved the life of one of the others. That man reported to the authorities, who murdered my wife and daughter while trying to apprehend me.
[ He runs his thumb over the surface of the coin. Even that is not the entire story, and does not explain the time with Apocalypse, or what came after that. Or why he was a wanted man. It all feels like making excuses ]
I am a mutant, one of the more notorious. [ Probably the most notorious of his time, though to say as much at this point feels like bragging. ] This is a fact that has gotten the people I love persecuted, attacked, and killed. There are others like me on the station. People I love. I will not risk their safety.
[ He holds the coin between his thumb and forefinger, holding it tightly. He looks her dead in the eye. The next thing he has to say scares him. He fights his way through it to give voice to the words. ]
I am telling you this, because I trust you. Even though we haven't known each other long, and even though I suspect there is more to you than what you've said so far. But I do trust that you will not hurt the people I love.
no subject
She can tell from his tone, from the way he looks at her, that this is difficult for him. She cannot help but feel compassion, and she places a hand over her heart. An old Amazonian gesture, one of faith. ]
I left my island to protect mankind. It has never been my desire to harm them.
[She does not miss the way he mentions that there is more to her than she has said. And truthfully, there is. Steve Trevor had told her to hide who she was because men would not understand. But the people here are not only men. They must understand. Erik must.
Diana takes a step forward, placing herself in front of him as she looks out over the water.]
There is more. But I have never hidden who I am from you. You have just never asked.
[Diana slings her shield from her back and slams it into the soft earth in front of her. She takes a breath, and raises her arm above her head. The Amazon brings her bracer down on the rim of the shield.
A shockwave reverberates out from the site of the impact, and the flora around them bows to the force of it. Her proximity to Erik shields him from the worst of it, but he is sure to feel the power behind it. The impact lasts only a few seconds, but it is nothing more than a demonstration. Diana turns to face him, shoulders squared and expression full of conviction. Electricity sparks around her bracer, generated from the blow.]
I am Diana of Themyscira, daughter of Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons, and Zeus, King of the Gods. I am the only daughter of my people, the Godkiller. I left my island to protect your people, and I will not forsake that duty.
no subject
He isn't sure what to expect when she turns her back to him and props her shield in front of her. Whatever he might have anticipated, what he actually sees is a complete surprise. He tenses, but does not flinch, and does not miss how she has positioned herself to shield him. He also has no doubt that this is hardly the extent of her abilities.
It is astonishing. She is awe-inspiring. He is so amazed he almost doesn't hear what she says. The word "Godkiller" catches his ear, though. As well as the electricity sparking along her bracer. ]
So that's what the channels are for. [ He says quietly, more to himself than to her before returning his full attention to her. And another thing she said that caught his ear. ]
Everybody here has secrets. Maybe because they're deliberately trying to mislead others. Maybe because they're afraid fo the consequences if the truth comes out. Or maybe they're simply things about themselves that nobody's bothered to ask.
But in the interest of asking questions, let me ask you this: if conflict were to arise on the station, and those people you left your island to protect are attacking each other, what will you do?
[ He has no doubt that his people are not the ones she left her island for. If he had to, could he defend them from the Godkiller? Or would he just die trying. ]
no subject
She turns to face him, picking up her shield and securing it to her back once more. Her frown deepens at his words.
He still does not believe her. Or at least holds some other doubt. The worst part may be that she doesn't know any other way to alleviate that doubt aside from showing him what she can (and will) do to keep the people here safe. His question is a strange one, something she would not expect to hear, but she thinks honestly on her answer before responding.]
I have been to war before. And while I do not see one erupting here, if it does, I am prepared to stop it.
[It is not said as a threat, merely a truth. How she would do so is left unsaid. But now Diana rounds on him, eyes searching his face for an answer he may not give.]
Why?
no subject
He knows she is not threatening him. A threat would almost be preferable. That would make it clear where things stood. This straightforward statement of plain fact is somehow ambiguous in a way that leaves him unsettled.
The answer to her simple, perfectly understandable question is complicated. He is quiet as he considers his words carefully. It's important that he express himself in a way that is also not a threat. Not only that, but offer something of an explanation without implicating others, especially Charles, in a way that was untoward. ]
In times of conflict, I have sometimes found myself opposing those I expected to be allies. I prefer not to be taken by surprise, either by what they are capable of doing, or why they are doing it.
It is my hope that we will not find ourselves in such a position.
no subject
A carefully worded answer only deserves another. For the first time since London, Diana can see, briefly, why Steve would have wanted her to hide her abilities. It's best for the enemy to be caught off guard, to not see what you can do.
But Erik is not the enemy, she tells herself. Convinces herself.]
I hope the same.
[Her voice is soft, pensive. How had they come to this particular topic? The beauty of the glade around them has soured, everything is too bright. Still, she forces herself to look around it before her gaze lands on him once more, searching. She is still hurt and cautious, but more thoughtful in tone.]
Do you ask these questions because you foresee a conflict? Or is there some other reason?
no subject
Again he is quiet as he considers her question. This time not so much because of a desire to avoid the appearance of a threat, but because it's a complicated question. ]
There is nothing happening on Avagi right now that leads me to believe there is an imminent threat of conflict. I do see certain patterns emerging that cause concern. Whether or not those concerns are justified, only time will tell.
[ The garden changes as they go, the peaceful pond giving way to a riot of wildflowers, the colors and shapes and scents almost overwhelming in their intensity. The Kaittans' interest in experience extending to their gardening. ]
I do know that I have had my fill of loss. And if such a conflict were to occur, or our captors or their enemies would bring violence to our door, I will protect my people. Whatever the cost.
[ There is determination in his words. No pride or satisfaction, just an iron resolve. ]
no subject
Her brows draw together at his words.]
What patterns? [If she can see them too, she thinks, perhaps they will be easier to interrupt. Though her people are all warriors, they all understand the need for peace. It is in their blood to yearn for it, to protect it. Diana is no exception.
She pauses beside some tall flowers, running her fingers gently along the petals. She wonders if the Kaittans have ever experienced war. From their choice in trade and interest in knowledge as currency, she highly doubts it.]
I would as well. [She looks over the small meadow.] I was born to end wars. I succeeded once, and I do not intend to do anything else should the need arise again.
[Her hand drops away from the flowers, to the space her sword used to occupy. Though she's trained to wield all manner of weaponry, the blade has always been her preference. Without it, she feels unsettled.]
No war ends bloodlessly.
[Her voice is hushed, her words holding the same weight as her heart. Steve had known she could have survived the plane's explosion. She could have done it. He could have lived. Selfishly, she thinks that Ares could have waited one more day to die.
I can save today. You can save the world.]
But loss is the price we pay for peace.
no subject
It's nothing to act on. I am reluctant to say much more at this point, it's possible my suspicions will come to nothing. [ He looks at her. ] If that changes, I will let you know.
[ At this point, it's hardly different from his usual level of suspicion. He looks over the meadow and wonders what horrible thing happened here. The flowers carpeting over the scars, like poppies.
Her words make his jaw tighten. ]
My daughter did not die in battle. She died because of small-minded cowards who feared her gifts. If peace demands the slaughter of innocents because they threaten the status quo then I welcome war.
no subject
His vehemence over his own loss reminds her of her own. Ares had given her the opportunity to kill Maru, the woman who had created the weapons that killed the innocent people of Veld. And Diana had nearly taken her revenge, lost herself in her rage. But she had seen something in the woman's face that had stopped her. Still, she does not know what it was--but she had rejected vengeance in a way Erik does not seem to be able.
It makes her heart ache to think of him lost in his anger, unable to forgive.
Diana turns to face him, reaching out to place a gentle hand on his shoulder. She does not know if she can guide him away from the enmity in which he drowns, but she knows she must try.]
Small-mindedness is the enemy, then. Peace demands nothing but understanding among peoples. I am truly sorry for your daughter, for your wife. But more killing will not bring them back, and it will not bring you peace, or comfort.
no subject
Listen carefully, my friend. Killing Shaw will not bring you peace.
It's no easier to hear now than it was twenty years ago. To be so starkly reminded of his own brokeness. Of why he can never be with Charles. Why is position among his own kind will always be on the outskirts. Why so many of them will never be able to accept him as one of their own. He has come to accept this for himself. To use it as a tool, something to help him keep others from sharing his fate.
The one time he had allowed himself to listen, to lower his guard and stop fighting was with Magda. ]
Peace has never been possible for me. The men who are responsible for that are dead.
[ All of them, even Apocalypse. ]
This is the life I have.
no subject
That is not true. I see the potential for peace in you, Erik. When you are in your workshop, when you talk about your projects. [A heartbeat passes.] When you asked me to dance.
[The way things can change in a single moment will never cease to amaze her. In a whirlwind of words, the friendship they had been building had been fractured, and she hadn't known if she'd wanted to repair it. But seeing him now, convinced of his own damnation, she wants only to help him see that there is more for him than what he has suffered.]
How you live your life is for you to decide, not your past.
no subject
He lifts his hand and folds his hand around her upper arm. And can't help but notice how strong she is, but is not distracted. ]
Diana. Please. I understand what you're saying. But I am not a problem to be solved.
[ He slides his hand up her arm, taking her hand in his and takes it from his shoulder. But instead of letting go, like he probably should, he wraps his other hand around hers, as well. ]
I would still like to dance with you sometime. When you are ready.
[ The invitation had so troubled her last time, he would not surprise her with that again. Instead, for now, he lifts her fingertips to his lips and kisses them softly before letting go. ]
no subject
She lets him take her hand in his, but a strange numbness spoils the touch. Even the gentle brush of lips against her fingers, a gesture that might normally spark interest, for its foreignness to her, is marred.
We can't save everyone in this war.
Anger flares for just a moment, not long enough to show on her face but long enough for her to feel it so intensely that she knows she'll never forget it. Anger at Steve for being right, anger at Erik for proving him so. But it fizzles just as quickly as it had blazed, and she only feels an empty sort of sadness afterwards, penetrated only by the slightest bit of hope from his kind words.
She lifts her free hand to touch his face just briefly, a gentle brush of her thumb across his cheek. He is not ready now, but perhaps in time, he will be.]
I would like that too, someday.
no subject
Well. [ He says, finally. ] In the meantime, perhaps we could spend some time together under less fraught circumstances. I would like to know more about you, find more of those questions nobody's asked yet. [ He smiles faintly. ]
Do you play chess?
no subject
My life is an open book, Erik. But I will tell you, it is a long read.
[A few thousand years long, but she's certain they'll get to that eventually.
Diana shakes her head, returning his muted smile.]
I do not, but I could learn.
no subject
Good thing I like to read. Why don't we make a date of it? I have a board, we could meet somewhere on the station. [ He checks his calendar. ] Say, a week from today?
no subject