dreamcrystals | S'mores! And a Request

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S'mores! And a Request

Sender: Oriphi
To: All
Subject: S'mores! And a Request

Hello, everyone!

Since there are so many new dreamwalkers who've just arrived, I thought it might be nice to encourage everyone to get together and meet! There is a communal firepit in a clearing just outside of the residential area where I've got a fire going, and I have plenty of supplies to make "s'mores," which I only just learned about recently. (Thank you, Miss Tifa!) If you haven't had this before, please come and try it, it's delicious!

Additionally, I have a request for everyone to please keep an eye out for a few individuals... I realize that this may be in vain since their names did not appear in the directory, but just in case...

Colin
He is a tall, half-elven man with long, dark hair. He is very charismatic and funny and likely to be found busking with his lute somewhere or telling stories!

Aerie
Also tall, but fully an elf, very pretty and intelligent, also with dark hair (but not related to Colin!). She usually has three wolves with her. Extremely competent hunter!

Mellon
Also tall, also fully an elf, he usually does not wear a shirt. He loves to drink and might try to clear out any supply of alcohol... Please do not get into a tavern brawl with him.

Dae
Also tall, and also fully an elf, with white hair and red eyes. He is very good at magic and possibly would want to spar with you! Would likely have an owl familiar with him.

Cibark
Even taller and very very strong! He is a half-orc with green skin and usually wears armor and wields large weapons. He has a very dashing and heroic aura about him!

Sian
Not tall! They usually wear a cloak and a mask. Usually quiet but very sassy. They might be flying around, but they also don't usually remember that they can do that.

[ Ori why are you always surrounded by tall people ]

If at any point in the future you come across anybody who seems to fit these descriptions, please let me know!

(( ooc: Naturally open to these moving into or starting as an action thread! Come get s'mores! Or not. I can't tell you what to do. ))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Oh! Before you come, you should know to look out for me - I have purple skin, horns, and a tail! I'm the only tiefling here so when you see someone with those features, you'll know it's me right away.

[ And with that, Ori will dutifully wait at the communal fire pit, where she's currently standing around waiting for people to gather, purple skin, horns, tail and all. All the while, she's muttering to herself: ]

I didn't know Childe was from there, too... How come I never realized this until now? Ah, Ori, you're so... ugh.

["Tiefling"? Aether has certainly never met one before, so he is even more curious now. Just like Ori said, it's easy to find her due to her distinct features and Aether slowly makes his way towards her.

As he's close, he catches her muttering and blinks. Nobody told her that Childe was from Teyvat, too?]

Um, hello.

[Aether waves to draw her attention. He doesn't want to listen in on her or startle her.]

[ Nobody told her!!

But in any case, his voice and his gesture are certainly enough to catch her attention, even despite how frazzled she is about this revelation. Goodness, she needs to pull herself together. She would really like to make a good first impression on everyone from Teyvat, even when apparently, she has no idea she's known more than two people from Teyvat this whole time. ]

You... You must be Aether. I'm Ori. It's nice to meet you in person! Come, let's sit together!

[ She gives a polite nod of her head and then gestures at the many logs and seats situated around the fire at the center, near all of which she's laid out roasting sticks and bags of marshmallows and other supplies! She goes ahead and takes a seat on one of the logs and hopes that Aether will come and sit next to her. ]

There, ah, there really are several of you from Teyvat, aren't there? Now that I think about it, I also met Venti, and... General Gorou?

[Aether can't help but wonder why Ori takes this much interests in Teyvat and its residents. Maybe it's just sheer curiosity. He can imagine Thoma talking about his home or... his traveler, so maybe it's just natural that some would like to hear more.

Aether smiles in greeting.]

It's nice to meet you in person as well, Ori.

[As she goes ahead, Aether doesn't follow right away, looking at the fire first, then shifting his gaze to people slowly gathering. The smile on his face turns warm before he finally joins Ori, taking a seat right next to her.]

Yes, that's right. [A small grin.] Venti and Gorou are my good companions, but there's even more of us here. I'm sure you'll meet them all eventually.

[ Ori has found herself with a genuine curiosity around most everyone she's met and befriended here in Reverein - and hearing people talk about themselves and their worlds sure does beat her having to talk or even think about herself.

That said, though, she would be remiss to think that her interest in Teyvat is casual. She is, after all, in a relationship with two people from there. And, apparently, friends with another.

His greeting smile is returned as he takes his seat, and she turns away momentarily only so that she can grab a roasting stick and then tip it with a marshmallow - after which she holds it out to Aether. ]

This is for you!

I, um. I've been here for a few months now, and arrived at the same time as Thoma and Diluc—and Childe. [ Her smile goes a bit uneasy. ] But I have to be honest, Aether... I didn't know Childe was from there too, until you said so just now in the journals... I suppose it just never really came up.

[ This is surely due, in no small part, to the complications of Childe's... position, but Ori sincerely has no idea of any of this. ]

[He accepts the marshmallow with a grateful smile, then blinks at her explanations. Ah, so they all know each other for a long time.]

I see... Well, I can tell you a trick how to know for sure if someone is from Teyvat. Maybe you've noticed that Diluc and Thoma have a round, red gems attached to their belts? And Childe also has one, but it's blue instead. They are called "Visions" and they're very important. If you ever meet someone who has a gem like that on their person, it means they're from Teyvat.

[He gestures at himself.]

But of course, not everyone has a Vision... I don't have one, for instance.

[ Her expression conveys her awe and wonder as Aether explains Visions. She has, indeed, noticed Thoma and Diluc's Visions, and perhaps caught a glimpse of Childe's, but it's never occurred to her that they would be the same kind of gem, just... of different types? ]

I see... So those are "Visions."

[ She realizes, then, that there really is so much she doesn't know or understand about the world where they've all come from, and she can't escape the way that it makes her feel like she's failed them, somehow... Her brow furrows and she frowns for a moment, but— right at this moment, at least, there's a warm fire and a new friend at her side, so she can save those thoughts for later. She glances back at Aether and tilts her head, easing back into her curiosity for now. ]

I've seen Thoma and Diluc wield the power of fire, so I assume... the Visions have something to do with that? How come you don't have one, Aether?

[He nods to her, confirming her suspicion.]

The red Vision is a Pyro Vision - it grants you control over fire. In Teyvat there are seven elements: Pyro, Hydro, Anemo, Cryo, Geo, Electro and Dendro. Different colours of Visions represent different elements.

[As for why Aether doesn't have a Vision... He wonders how to answer it for a moment longer. His gaze shifts to the fire, but a smile is still on his face.]

They say that getting a Vision means you were recognized by the gods. [He shrugs.] But... well, I don't really need one. I can use elemental powers without a Vision.

[That and... an alien being such as him is likely never going to be recognized by the gods of Teyvat... even if some of the archons like him.]

[ Ori nods along and listens to him in earnest, in an effort to ensure that she'll remember these details. Pyro, Hydro, Anemo, Cryo, Geo, Electro and Dendro. If she has to guess, then Childe's seems like a Hydro Vision?

In any case, she seems a bit surprised to know that the Visions are linked to the gods. In her world, many people with special abilities have also been granted them by gods and deities. That's one similarity she can understand, at least... Her eyes go wide, however, at Aether's explanation as to why he doesn't have a Vision. ]

Oh... Then perhaps your elemental powers come from something else? Where I'm from, powers can come from all sorts of things. Like the cosmos itself, or from an ancient bloodline, or a pact... Mine comes from nature itself!

[ She plucks ones of the flowers adorning her hair and holds it out on her palm, where it blooms further, sprouting new buds and leaves in just a few seconds. ]

Like this!

[He smiles when she explains how it works in her world and shows him her powers. The blooming flower reminds him of Albedo's abilities. Creation of life, using the power of nature... it's all truly fascinating. Aether leans a little closer to get a better look at the flower.]

That's really amazing.

[He moves away.]

My own powers are a little more complicated, but it's okay. Not having a Vision has it's benefits.

[At least during the Vision Hunt Degree he was safe because he didn't have a Vision to begin with... That is, until he angered Raiden Shogun by trying to save Thoma.

...A long has happened, really.]

[ The flower gets tucked back into her hair as Aether moves away, and then she turns so that she can pick up her own roasting stick and place a marshmallow at its tip. She holds the end of it out towards the fire in front of them, turning the stick continuously to roast the marshmallow just as Tifa had taught her. With a glance back at Aether, she tilts her head as though to encourage him to follow her lead. ]

So is it a big deal, then, to be able to use elemental powers without a Vision in Teyvat? Is it possible for someone to have multiple Visions?

[He watches her roast the marshmallow over the fire, then when she indicates for him to mimic her, he follows her lead. Carefully, he turns his stick around, making sure the treat is evenly roasted on all sides. He's quite good at cooking.]

There are many beings who can use elemental powers without a Vision, but humans are not one of them. There is... a kind of technology that allows that, though. [He pauses, unsure if he should go into details about gods, wars and Delusions that one of the nations produces. Maybe she'll find out about it eventually, if she ever sees Childe using his.] It's really not a good idea to use it, because of the negative effects it can have on you.

[He's trying very hard not to remember Teppei and many others who lost their life because of Delusions.]

As for one person having multiple Visions... Each person gets one Vision as far as I'm aware, but I know someone who managed to use two at the same time, if only for a short moment.

[A moment that saved Aether's own life.]

[ Ori keeps her eyes on Aether as he speaks, and if not for the fact that she's made countless s'mores since the time that Tifa taught her how to make them, she'd probably have let hers burn to a sad crisp with the way she's focused on her current company.

Like this, though, it's not difficult for her to notice that he's picked up on the marshmallow thing rather deftly, but more importantly that their current subject certainly seems to be more complex than Ori first thought. Although she's curious... this is a gathering to get to know people and feel welcomed, not one to bring up painful memories, so at length, she gives him a reassuring smile and says, ]

I see... That really is fascinating. I'll have to ask you and the others from Teyvat more about them sometime. But for now... I promise to show everyone how to make s'mores, so that's what we'll do!

[ She reaches into her s'mores supplies with her free hand retrieves some crackers and chocolate for the both of them. Then, she does her best to assemble the fixings before she deposits her roasted marshmallow into the sweet sandwich, holding it up for Aether to see. ]

Here! This is how you make one. Want to try?

[ She holds the chocolate and crackers out to him! ]

[Although the subject is difficult and connects to many sad memories, Aether doesn't find it uncomfortable. If anything, he understands Ori's curiosity and the wish to know more about worlds so much different from the one she's familiar with.

The change of subject is a little unexpected, but he nods to it and observes her actions as she assembles the treat.]

Oh. So that's how it's done.

[Aether grins and nods.]

Of course I want to try.

[Always. He's always up for everything. He reaches to take the chocolate and crackers from her, then mimics her previous actions. Once he's done he compares his sandwich to the one that Ori has made.]

I think it's not too bad. [He mutters, looking at his creation, before he shows it to his new friend with a small, but proud smile.]

[ In Ori's mind, there will be plenty of time to talk to him more about Visions and Teyvat and the like. The very careful timing of s'more-assembly dictates that they must put a pin in their conversation, lest the mallows burn. And she hopes, after all, that she'll be seeing more of Aether from now on.

Ori is delighted as she watches him assemble his s'more rather expertly! It's gone much more smoothly than her first couple of times making one, that's for sure, and she smiles brightly at him when he shows her the finished product. ]

I think that's pretty good, actually! I've made some huge messes trying to make these before. But now that we have our s'mores... it's time to dig in!

[ She will go ahead and take a bite out of the warm, gooey delight that is her s'more. Ah, it's just as good as the first time, she thinks, and she hums approvingly as she looks over to watch Aether to encourage him, saying with a mouthful of melty marshmallow and chocolate: ]

— Ish weally goo!

[Aether has a lot of experience with cooking and he learns fast, so he's confident in his skill. Happy with the praise he's getting, he gives Ori a grin, then watches her enjoy her treat. She doesn't have to encourage him too long, before he takes a bite from his own s'more. The sweetness and warmth of marshmallow along with melting chocolate really is a combination he will remember for a long time.

He chews and swallows before speaking.]

It definitely is very nice. Thanks for showing it to me!

[He's truly grateful for the invitation. Ori herself is so kind and welcoming, she must be getting along well with everyone.]

What other kinds of food do you enjoy?

[ There really is something special and precious about sharing good food with somebody, and this moment is no different. It's a gesture that has brought her closer to a great many people throughout her life, but especially so in this realm. The smile on her face only grows broader at the sight of Aether enjoying his s'more.

Thankfully, she's managed to chew and swallow her own treat as he thanks her and asks her a question, lest she try to respond with her words all muffled by sticky sweets, so she nods readily and responds, ]

You're very welcome! As for other foods... I really like things like soups and stews. It reminds me a lot of adventuring and cooking food in a little pot over a bonfire... Oh! You know, Thoma showed me how to make miso soup. I think that one's especially good!

[ She is, of course, biased - but Thoma's recipes being good is probably just a universal, inter-dimensional truth at this point. ]

[Hearing that, Aether nods with a smile.]

The miso soup that Thoma makes is definitely one of the best.

[One can really feel the heart put into preparing the meal when they taste Thoma's miso soup. It's just that good and Aether can't imagine anyone would be able to argue with that. Surely, following his recipe, Ori would be able to make something just as great.

But that aside...]

So you're also an adventurer? I've been travelling quite a bit before getting here.

[He knew they'll be good friends.]

[ Hearing that Aether shares the same opinion about that special soup just brightens Ori's smile even more, so much so that the flowers in her hair perk up, unfurling just a bit more as warmth blooms on her cheeks. It had been the first thing that Thoma had ever cooked for her so many months ago, a warm memory of warm soup shared with someone who, back then, was a wonderful new friend from another realm, someone she would have never met outside of this strange crossroads of dreams.

...A lot has changed since then.

Including the fact that Ori readily nods at Aether's question. Diluc, too, had asked her if she was an adventurer when they first met, and she hesitated to answer. "Adventurer" felt like such a grand thing to call herself back then, when she simply felt like dead weight in a troupe of talented adventurers on a quest. But now, she knows that she's ever bit an adventurer as her friends. ]

That's right! I was traveling with the friends I mentioned in my message. We were trying to find a missing princess at first, but now there's, um. A lot more going on. But now this dream self of mine is here... What were you traveling for, Aether?

[A lot more going on? He knows something about that. His journey also turned out to be a lot more than what he thought it would be.

As she asks him about his travels, Aether keeps on a smile, but his eyes seem a little less bright than before.]

I was travelling to find my sister.

[He did say before that he was looking for her. Except, he was looking for her even before arriving here. There was no end of his journey in sight either, but the thought that one day he would be reunited with his sister kept him going.

And now she's even further than she was ever before.]

[ What Aether says hits Ori with a pang of recognition, stronger than she's really anticipating in the moment. She remembers that Aether asked her to look out for his sister, but the fact that his entire journey, up until winding up here, had been in search of her...

They seem to have more in common than she'd thought, but that's when it hits her— Lumine is the Traveler that Diluc and Thoma have spoken so highly about. ]

Wait, so Lumine... Thoma and Diluc have mentioned her before. She was traveling, too...

[ There's a missing piece, here, that she's not quite getting, but perhaps she'll ask one of her partners later. For now, there's a sentiment that she must express to Aether, and it shows in the sympathetic smile that she gives him, something bittersweet and tinged with the pain of recognizing that feeling of wanting to find your family. ]

But I'm sorry that you two were separated in the first place. I was adventuring in hopes of finding my sister, too.

[So Thoma and Diluc spoke of Lumine to others before. This makes Aether smile fondly. He's glad his sister has people that care for her and talk about her travels.]

That's right. They are her friends. [There's something more to his tone, a soft pang of loneliness. Maybe in the ideal world both Aether and Lumine travel through Teyvat and meet all of those wonderful people together. Maybe that world could be the "home" they both long for.

The traveler doesn't explain to Ori that there are two Teyvats out there and the only difference between them seems to be which one of the twins is travelling in search for the other. He doesn't think it's important, not now at least.

...Especially when Ori speaks of her own reasons for journeying.

Aether's eyes widen.]

...I see.

[For the moment he doesn't know what to say, but soon he smiles.]

I hope the two of you will be reunited soon.

[He's never thought they would have this much in common.]

[ Both of them have spoken of her before, and both hold her in very high regard. Ori has been delighted to meet others from Teyvat as a whole, but to meet the brother of someone who is important to Thoma and Diluc feels special - even if she has no idea how complicated this all really is, beneath the surface. It won't even occur to her. She simply thinks that Aether and Lumine must be far apart on the same realm and not... in alternate universes altogether.

She at least senses that there must be something more to this, given his silence, but she doesn't want to ask about it. After all... this topic is difficult for her, too, and much like Aether refrains from explaining the issue of there being two Teyvats, Ori refrains from mentioning that she had found her sister... just that she was very different, and had gone down a path that Ori was horrified to find her on.

(Surely, Aether couldn't relate to that, right?)

In the end, she smiles back at him. ]

And I hope you find Lumine soon, too. Who knows? Maybe she'll get pulled into this realm, as well. And it would be fun because there are already so many of you here! She'd feel right at home.

[It's a shame he doesn't know just how much they have in common, that both their sisters became someone completely different. Aether didn't tell anyone about it. Only Paimon knew about his meeting with Lumine, the Abyss Princess.

He casts those thoughts aside, focusing on the happier possibilities.]

If she ever gets here, I'm sure everyone will be overjoyed to see her. [His smile is soft.] Especially Thoma and Diluc... and Childe probably, too.

[He can imagine Childe asking her to fight him.]

I hope you'll see your sister soon, too.

[ Ah, right, she's still bewildered about the fact that Childe is from Teyvat, too. So he knows Lumine, too... ]

I... I hope so, too. And then all of us can be happy and meet each other's sisters!

[ Despite the fact that she's not quite sure if her reunion with Valphi here would be a happy one. With a sigh, she shakes her head and smiles at Aether again. ]

... So... how did you meet Thoma and Diluc? They've told me that they were far apart back in their world, so you must have really adventured across Teyvat to have met both of them! I'm a little curious to hear what they were like back home.

S'mores! And a Request

> action!

action!!

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