| 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
Eddie has some doubts about that, but he'll do his best to trust Shiro when he says that they're wanted in this place to help out. He was pretty sure that they didn't mean kids. Those things usually did, but he doesn't point this out, instead bobbing his head up and down.
Maybe he would at least try something to see where it got him.
Though he does snort-giggle a little bit, brows furrowing up together.)
Wow, you sure have faith in me.
(That was weird.
When Shiro touches the scar on his face, Eddie blinks at him rather slowly. He had noticed the scar, sure, but facial scars on soldiers and warriors just seemed to be a thing. Like old people having grey hair or something.
So Eddie shakes his head. Maybe it's rude. It's a passing moment of poor judgement, really, but Eddie reaches out and very gently pokes his finger into the metal of forearm.)
No, I mean this.
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[But he doesn't say that out loud. He just laughs lightly at the kid's own laugh, grinning at him, a little lopsided.]
Just calling it like I see it, man. And really -- if they didn't want someone in here to help out, they'd have said so.
[He blinks.]
[Without thinking about it, his fingers curl away, shoulder twitching the arm back. A little bit. He doesn't realize he's even doing it.]
... It's -- it's all right. Don't worry about it.
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Yeah, I guess you're right. Adults are pretty good at yelling at kids too.
(They definitely didn't have any shame in it. Eddie was pretty sure that it was even considered an Olympic sport or something.
The motion away from Eddie doesn't go amiss. Eddie's hand quickly closes into a loose fist and he puts it against his own chest, a frown already on his face. It hadn't been a hostile enough reaction to get him fully upset, but Eddie has a bit of a darker look on his face, unnerved. A part of him was convinced Shiro would yell at him, while another part of him felt discomfort for a reason he didn't fully comprehend yet. Maybe it was because it was his first time really initiating willing physical contact with an adult that wasn't his mother, that wasn't some forced hug for an aunt or a handshake with some weird neighbor who smelled like cat piss. That trust was a shaky thing and Eddie's quick to make a mental note to not touch Shiro.
Of course, it was Shiro's arm, but Eddie's just sensitive enough to take it a bad way.
Shiro doesn't yell at him though, and a part of Eddie does relax.)
...Okay...
(He stares again at the arm before clearing his throat.)
You should decorate it. Or have it signed. That makes it easier having a bad arm, I think. I could be the first person to sign it if you want. Um.
(Stupid boy. Hadn't he just jerked away from you? Why would he want some dumb kid's signature on his arm? He frowns and fusses with his hands.)
Well, I mean, never mind. Sorry.
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Yeah. It's not my favorite thing to do, to be honest with you.
[For his part, Shiro tends to only shout at Lance. Or Darin, lately. Sometimes Chara. But for the most part, he's always aware of how he should be "in control". Which includes his tone of voice.]
[He actually winces a little, when it's clear his flinch was... not the right thing to do. He can't tell what's all going through Eddie's head, but the change in demeanor doesn't entirely go unnoticed. He blows out a breath, rocking back on his heels.]
Sorry. It's -- I'm not that used to people reacting like that. First time anyone ever saw it, they weren't exactly thrilled.
[There's a weary, weak smile there. Apology in every line of his face. "Weren't thrilled" is an understatement. "Treated it like an atomic bomb" was way, way more accurate.]
You think so? I don't know if anything'd stick... maybe a magnet?
[A shrug. Still weary. But more amused. If he feels any kind of irritation at the suggestion, it's not on the surface.]
no subject
(It was almost difficult to imagine Shiro yelling. Not entirely though, if only because of Eddie's personal bias towards adults. He could imagine it might be pretty scary having such a big guy yell at you. His question isn't accusatory though- just. Curious.
Why did adults yell so much?
Eddie tucks his thin arms over his chest to do something with them instead of fidget around nervously. It was also a little bit to help against the urge to grab at his inhaler. Not that Eddie felt like he had to use it, but to some extent, it was a bit of a mental crutch whenever he floundered.
His thoughts come to a slow halt though because what? He actually tips his head to the side, confusion plain as day on his face.)
...Why? I mean, yeah, it sucks losing your arm, but that happens to people in battle. That's a lot better prosthetic than the ones I saw on the guys who came back from Germany and stuff.
(Was it because it was so realistic looking? No, that didn't make sense.
Eddie snorts at that and shakes his head.)
No. You're not a fridge.
(Even though Shiro kind of had the bulk of one, in Eddie's humble opinion.)
Although I guess decorating your arm would probably make you look less tough.
no problem!
[Especially in Lance's case. And Darin's. He sounds so tired when he says it, though. Like fighting, yelling at people is something of a last resort. Shouting at each other to be heard in combat is another thing. Something he thinks is wildly different than the sort of "yelling" Eddie is talking about here.]
[That fatigue in his voice travels to his face as, of course, Eddie wants to know why. Honestly... so would he. Why did the people he'd trusted decide to use him like a lab rat? Why did they see him as a threat, suddenly? When all he'd wanted was help...? He looks down at the hand, the fingers curling into an uncertain fist.]
I don't know. [He admits. Very quietly.] I think it's... I think it's because no one knew where I got it from. Not even me.
[He's going to try and elaborate. Going to try and explain the chunks missing out of his mind. But then Eddie goes and says You're not a fridge.]
[And Shiro just.]
[Stops. Stares. Then starts laughing. Ducking his head down to his chest, his shoulders shaking. It's not a dignified laugh. It's not anything close to it. He's just wheezing with laughter.]
I -- oh man. You uh. Are you a comedian, back home? 'Cause you really... disarmed me with that one.
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(Adults were just ten times scarier yelling than a kid yelling. Probably because a kid couldn't do anything to an adult. Adults could do a lot of things. A kid yelling was just loud noise.
Eddie wasn't great at realizing situations, but he wasn't awful either. Shiro's expression isn't a good one, and Eddie wants to apologize all over again.
He supposed he wouldn't really want to talk about it if he lost an arm either. What's he supposed to say?
Thank God Eddie doesn't need to invest too much thought in it. Shiro is suddenly laughing, like, laughing from the stomach up, and Eddie's grinning before he can help himself. Maybe he can't say the right thing to Shiro to help him with- with whatever wounds he's got, but he can at least make him laugh. Wasn't that good?
It was a nice laugh, Eddie decides silently, giggling lowly because of it. One of those laughs because someone else laughing was just funny.
His giggle transforms into a full on wheezing laugh of his own though when Shiro offers him that pun. His sides begin to ache and Eddie actually can't remember the last time he's laughed this hard. It's been a while, tears stinging at the corners of his eyes.)
Oh, God, no. (Except Eddie was actually pretty funny when he felt comfortable with it. Made stupid kid jokes. And welp. As soon as he caught his breath, he gave Shiro a very intent look.)
But I gotta hand it to you... I have my moments.
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[It's odd how apologetic that comes out. Like he's trying to say he's sorry for shouting orders in the midst of chaos, without actively saying so.]
[Fortunately for both of them, Shiro's stupid, terrible sense of humor kicks in. It kicks in with the complete and utter inability to let a pun opportunity pass by. He's still laughing. He actually has to sit down right there on the floor, dragging his hand under his eyes.]
[And it only gets worse when Eddie chimes in with one of his own.]
Don't go out on a limb for me, man!
no subject
(Eddie says this in a weird sort of personal way. Even without his memories in tact, it just sounds right to him. Maybe he'd seen something on TV? He doesn't remember just then, and he ignores the discomfort that gives him.
Lord oh Mercy. Was it really that funny? It was, wasn't it? Eddie winds up sitting on the ground with Shiro, laughing every bit as hard and maybe even harder when Shiro makes a second joke. He covers his face, giggling madly behind his palms.)
Hey, I'll bet - -
(Eddie clamps his teeth down on his tongue so hard he nearly cracks it in half. He swallows the yelp though because wow, he almost made a really dirty joke at an adult. Shiro might not yell at him for swearing, but oh, he knows dirty jokes could get your ass landed in trouble real quick. He clears his throat.)
I just bit my tongue. That was hands down one of the worst things ever.
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[And it... sort of feels like the two of them could use this.]
[He pauses, raising his eyebrows at the aborted sentence. But doesn't pursue it. Again, maybe there's a better day. Or maybe the poor kid almost hit on a subject Eddie thinks is going to be a sore one. No big deal. No harm done.]
I'm so sorry. Need someone to put a handage on it?
[Okay even he has to pause.]
... that one. Was really bad.
no subject
Kids sometimes had excellent rebound reaction rates like that.
Oh no, not sore at all, just wildly inappropriate in a way that Eddie knew he'd get a detention slip for at school over. He's not always the most tactful individual, but he's got a hell of a lot better self-control than some people.
That last joke does deserve a stare though because really, Shiro?
Except he is telling it to a twelve year old- maybe his only saving grace- and Eddie winds up laughing again.)
That was so bad!
(Yet Eddie is giggling his head off. He scoots closer to Shiro, his laughter trickling out of him.)
No offense, but you're way better when you're laughing than when you're trying to be - all- you know.
(Eddie swallows a mouthful of air and imitates a very serious expression. It, of course, looks ridiculous.)
no subject
[Because he's laughing even more when the boy informs him that it was, in fact, a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad joke.]
H-hey! Points for trying! Right?
[No, Shiro, not for that one.]
[Except then Eddie has to go and make that face. Help him, he tries. He really does try to calm down. To say words. But it doesn't work out so well. He's back to helpless, wheezing laughter.]
S-sorry! I'm -- you're good at this!
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Eddie splutters a little and instantly shakes his head. Sorry, Shiro, Eddie was a soft boy, but he was fully capable of roasting on site.)
No way. You're a grown-up. Your joking skills should be honed. I'm a kid. I have the excuse of having dumb humor.
(And Eddie had plenty of dumb humor to go around. Shiro? No excuse. Eddie is still laughing though so clearly it isn't a complete lost cause.
What's worse is Shiro's laughing again and it's just contagious at this point. He's feeling rather smug for getting an adult to react so strongly, and his mouth curves into a grin that says as much.)
I am, aren't I? I guess you're not awful. You're at least easy to bounce jokes off of.
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[He's still laughing as he says it, though. Laughing with a disbelieving shake of his head. Pushing the shock of white out of his eyes. He'd barely be out of college, for any normal person back home.]
[But then again... none of Team Voltron has a normal life anymore. Do they?]
Hey, man, I love a bad joke. Just ask my teammates.
[And then he adds more, in the hopes of keeping this kid amused and upbeat a little longer. Eddie seems so much different here. It's good -- seeing a kid happy in this place, for once.]
... there were a few times, in the hospital, I'd wake up and have texted them a wall of them.
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(Eddie makes sure to gape as exaggeratedly as possible. He gives Shiro's real arm a sympathy pat.)
Wow. I didn't know you had such little time left with us.
(Sometimes it was easy to forget that Eddie was actually a little shit. Still though, twenty-five was pretty old as far as he was concerned. That was ages away from himself. Shiro didn't have comparison in his favor.
Did anyone on this ship have a normal life? Ever?
Eddie was. He was more relaxed. The influence of whatever it was in the air allowed that. It was nice.
Though Eddie does take a minute with what Shiro says. It's one thing to use the device and all, but he's still catching up with new-age language and terms. But he gets it quickly enough.)
What were you in the hospital for?
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[He probably meant for there to be more sarcasm in those words than what comes out. He's too amused. There's too much laughter there. He shakes his head, pushing a hand through his hair.]
[For want of anything else to do with them.]
Hm? Oh. That... happened a few times, before we got here. Went through some bad patches on the planet we were all on.
[Which is putting it very, very mildly. But with Eddie relaxed and laughing, he doesn't want to ruin the atmosphere.]
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(He points to Shiro's arm to polish off the joke.
It was a risky subject. Eddie might be a hypochondriac, but he knows when things are serious. Knew enough from when his dad died of cancer only four years ago. So he looks a little more intense then, his eyes focusing on Shiro. Sure, they had been joking, but...)
...Were you...sick?
(His voice is terribly soft, because for all his shrieking, Eddie really didn't like the idea of people being sick. Not at all.)
no subject
[Hey, in this instance, he can definitely take a joke. And laugh about it.]
[He's quick to shake his head, though.]
No, just banged up. [More than banged up, on both occasions. But that still wasn't something you just dropped on a kid.] I don't think I've been sick in...
... in a really long time, actually.
no subject
(Granted, having his arm broken was shit. So he's not that disappointed.
Eddie looks visibly relieved. He knows injuries can be real serious too, of course, but something about illnesses were far more foreboding to Eddie.)
I'm glad you're better now. (He means it too. Shiro seemed too important and too nice to waste his time in a hospital.)
Me neither. I mean, my mom would say otherwise. I'd hope you haven't gotten sick in a while though. I feel like a leader of an entire group should probably be pretty healthy.
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[He's relieved it's over, too. And, for the moment, has no plans of returning to a hospital bed any time soon.]
[But, then again, he hadn't planned on it the first few times, either.]
Thanks, man. Maybe it's space -- hard to catch a germ when they're vaporized in a vacuum.