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video ( username: kamisatoayato )

{ it’s later in the day after the guilds have opened, giving him enough time to firstly speak to the power holders, but then assemble his notes into what could be considered concise enough to share with the public. olwen had clearly had worries of overwhelming people on arrival, but without information in place it’s impossible to actually assess the situation and make their own choices on what to do. }

Greetings. { and at first glance, it seems as though the man who appears partially in the camera doesn’t know how to use it. only part of his face shows, along with the tell tale sign of someone holding onto papers in their hand. his voice, at least, will be recognisable for anyone who has met him before. } I have information to share regarding our situation, since I imagine many of you are rather busy, I’ll try to keep this as short as possible. For any of you who may have doubts about my sourcing of this, all the information I will present here is free for anyone to search for themselves in the library or by asking the power holders themselves.

According to the history books Amberfall library has on this world, no one can remember the world being anything but the seasonal segments and the neutral ground in the centre, though they have obviously adapted and grown over time. As for the seasonal powers, they appear to be blessed to humans who entered a particular segment, though not everyone was blessed with these powers. Magic differs from these powers, and people here can learn that with practice.

Now, the topic of interest is the ‘Tragedy of Greed’. This describes a group of people who were overly eager for more and wished to have the powers of all the seasons. They would absorb powers from others, essentially murdering them, until one day one of them was able to possess all four. It’s quite extraordinary how grotesque this next section is, so I’ll save the commentary, though a warning of how their powers went berserk and caused destruction will hopefully be enough to deter those of you who may have been considering this. I should note, this happened to all of those in that group who managed to steal powers from others. For those who hear this message and fear the worst, I can confirm that Olwen ensured that there was magic involved with our summoning that will stop any of us from doing the same.

{ he takes a pause, and a sharp smile is visible on the camera - still partially obscured but it’s there } We wouldn’t want anything bad to happen, now would we?

Next, the Darkness that inhabits this world now has been sealed to stop it from spreading, but obviously that is not enough to restore balance. Anyone who has been curious enough to step further afield has likely seen for themselves the state of the segments, which is why we have been brought here to help.

As you may have noticed, many of the locals are apprehensive of us being here and fear the worst. For the time being, it may be best for those willing to help them feel more comfortable, aid them however you can. Time is likely the only means we have for their unease to fade.

Unfortunately, as they have said, the summoning itself is entirely random and there is recognition that there are many of you { not ‘us’ } will never have experienced danger like this before. I’d like to recommend that a support group be created for those that are worried about what they can do to help or how their safety can be ensured going forward. Experience in battle should not be the only skills that are honed, after all.

Meanwhile, I’d like to suggest that those of us who are able to explore the segments do so in groups to ensure safety. From what Olwen could tell me, there are still a lot of unknowns there and concerns of how we can proceed until more resources can be built. Please do not listen to Sawyer if he encourages you to go alone to show your bravery, if anything that would only show your foolishness.

Ah, goodness me, this was awfully long. There are more details I uncovered about the Fairies, Sirens and Mermaids of this world, but as they seem less important at the moment. Feel free to contact me if you wish to learn more. Of course, you can read all about this yourself at the library if you would prefer.

{ ooc: details were obtained through reading through many books from the library and speaking to the power holders

TL;DR: anyone who wants to try and steal powers from others won't be able to. let's help those that are worried/scared as they aren't used to this danger i'm so sorry this is so long skdjgdg }

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{ oh, definitely understandable. it's why he left it still sealed to begin with, his own is open, and he's already been sipping at it prior to cyno's arrival. }

Since the devices were given to us from our summoners, I rarely use it. In fact, if it weren't for it being used for monetary transactions I would have just left it at home.

{ but he wanted milk tea... }

I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that my name would be recognised, though that is precisely why I preferred to stay mostly out of the camera. Did you have anywhere in mind? I think currently one of the few places I think would meet that criteria would be either of our homes. Unfortunately, I haven't managed to acquire an office yet.

A good exercise in caution. It's unfortunate how much importance is placed on these devices. And the fact there are people who seem to trust them implicitly only adds to my own reservations on them,

[Honestly, he would not be surprised if Ayato knows of his own title. The General Mahamatra was a well-known figure in Sumeru, and someone as smart as Ayato would be rather knowledgable in many things.]

I'll trust your judgment on this. Lead the way.

{ certainly in passing, but given how little they had to do with other nations for a while, it is mostly just that. high level knowledge, nothing too in depth as there was no need for it. he was already too far deep into his own nation's politics and people to really worry about what was going on elsewhere. }

In that case, I apologise if my sister interrupts, but it is a safe place. { and then he sighs } Truly though, some people have become too reliant. { even by the time ayato arrived thoma was pretty much using it for everything????? }

It should be alright. So long as it is secure.

[He doesn't know too much about the Kamisato Clan other than their political standings, but he believes that she would understand the need for confidentiality at least. If Ayato claims it to be safe, he will go along with it.]

Truthfully, it reminds me too much of the reliance on the Akasha Terminals in Sumeru. And those were proven to be more of a detriment than benefit in the long run.

[By his point in time, the Akasha Terminals were completely rendered defunct by Lesser Lord Kusanali's efforts. It is still taking some people some efforts to adjust, but it was a shocking wake-up call how many people relied upon them.]

You needn't worry, Ayaka is well aware of how important confidentiality is. Though, I admit I have only heard of the Akasha Terminals in passing, I'm rather curious as to how that is the case.

{ they'll need to use a teleporter to get to the free apartments, but it shouldn't take too long at least. ayato will keep sipping his drink in the meantime, wanting to finish before the ice melts and waters down the taste. }

Though if you'd prefer to go over those details at the apartment instead, I can wait.

{ partly because his meetings with lumine since arriving here have been more focused on learning her time in a different world altogether. a place that had weighed all the more heavily. he hadn't really had much of a chance to ask about how her travels to sumeru had been. }

I can explain the details to you later, but as for what happened, it was quite simple. People relied upon them to the point where they would even believe lies as truth.

[It's a simple explanation, though there's a lot of weight behind it. He can fill Ayato in once they get to the apartments.]

[Cyno follows Ayato's lead, and while Ayato sips the drink calmly, Cyno's remains untouched. Whether or not he'll end up drinking it is up in the air at this point, but he doesn't want to be rude and just throw it out. But after using the teleporter, it's not long before they get to the apartments. Once they're inside, Cyno will move to sit down at a table.]

Thanks for agreeing to meet with me. This is a much better place to share information.

Sadly quite often those who are much more uneducated will believe anything what they're told.

{ it isn't even just lack of education, but it's certainly a part of it. he'll open the door and let cyno inside first, there's the sofa or dining table, though the dining table isn't quite cleared away after he'd left his notes there before going out to meet cyno. }

Those in power are often well versed with using their words to appeal to their wishes, after all.

{ and given his position--he is very much speaking from experience. }

The difference is that many of those in power are often willing to abuse it. I imagine that is what you were referring to in this case?

{ while he does lock the door, he makes a show of where he puts it, on a hook off to the side. }

I'm a little over cautious myself, so I understand. Speaking of which, if it's distrust I put something in that drink, I can always pour a little out and taste it first if you prefer? I wouldn't want it to go to waste.

{ it doesn't go unnoticed, and the offer comes as he makes his way to sit down opposite him, the same small smile on his face. }

You're not wrong. Even those who are educated can fall under such a ruse if they are led to believe in the absolute truth of something.

[Ayato speaks with wisdom of one who has experienced much, and given his position Cyno doesn't doubt it. He nods in confirmation of the other man's question.]

That's right. The people of Sumeru believed in the infallible nature of the Akasha Terminals, to the point where even false information would be believed should it be given through them.

[They had managed to use this tidbit to their advantage when it came to overthrowing the corrupt sages, but the fact that such a loophole still existed was not an easy reality to accept for some.]

[Cyno makes a note of where the key is hung, and a note of Ayato showing him where it's hung; something his overly-cautious nature appreciates, even if it is just for show. His attention turns to the other man, before glancing at the drink before him, now covered in a thin layer of condensation.]

...Hm.

[It's a small hum, but one that will probably clue the other man into the fact that he hit his assumption right on the head. But after a brief pause, he nods again.]

...If that's something you're willing to do.

Truly, some people are just very impressionable.

{ which is a polite way of saying naïve or gullible, really. }

Though it is concerning that a device was given that level of trust to begin with.

{ and he steps away for a moment, disappearing into the kitchen just behind the living area, bringing a small glass back with him. }

Of course, I understand the concerns, and would much rather it not go to waste.

{ and he makes a show of this too, peeling a small edge of the cup's plastic away to tip some of the tea into the glass. he has nothing to hide with it, to the point he even ensures to empty the liquid by drinking it all in one go. }

Ah, pineapple may be a flavour I will have to try again in the future. It's rather refreshing.

It was originally a device granted to the people by the Dendro Archon. But over time, its use was corrupted, and when the Dendro Archon was reborn, those in power took matters into their own hands..

[There's a bit of bitterness in his voice as he says it. He still can't believe the audacity of the Sages, and how self-righteous they believe their actions to be...]

[But he pushes that thought aside as Ayato returns with a glass of his own. He watches Ayato pour himself some of the boba, and drink it down. Admittedly, a part of him does relax a little at the display.]

Hm. Pineapple, you say?

[He glances at the drink before reaching forward to pull the remaining drink closer to him.]

Know that it's not a matter of not trusting you. But my line of work dictates that I have to be cautious.

{ he's quiet to what cyno first says, noting the bitterness in the tone of his voice, trying to fill the gaps of what happened in his head. }

Pineapple, yes. { now that's done with, he'll return to his own drink } And you needn't apologise. You know of my title, I assume that also means you understand a little of Inazuman politics to realise I have to be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers myself. { yet he says it with a smile on his face.

but that quickly drops as he gives up the small talk, he's learning to try and use it here to ensure people feel more at ease, but they came to chat together for a reason. now they're behind closed doors, there's no reason to not get on with it. }

And, as for the question you'd asked on the device, I'm not interested in following what plans they have for us either. They're withholding information, so with that in mind why would I trust them? When I was speaking with Olwen regarding the Frozen Falls, he cut our conversation short. I plan on making a trip there sometime soon, though I'd rather ensure I have the right provisions first.

I do know a few things of Inazuman politics. It was something I remember studying during my days as a student in the Akademiya, before I became the General Mahamatra.

[In case Ayato hasn't figured out who he is, he might as well lay his own title on the table there. That way they're both on equal footing, somewhat. But as he listens to Ayato speak, he lets out a disappointed hum, resting his elbows on the table as he crosses his hands before his chin in thought.]

I'm not surprised to hear that. Some friends of mine went to ask The Wisdom Tree some information, and even it seemed to not have the proper information they were seeking.

[Then again, Kaveh also went and tried to tamper with the tree, with... interesting results. The two were stuck rhyming for a while.]

And though it's written that the ones who were responsible for the original tragedy were killed, I still find it hard to believe that not a single member of the group survived. There's too many holes in the story they're telling us.

[He does look up at the mention of a trip.]

To the Frozen Falls? On your own?

Ah, so that's why the name was familiar. { and hopefully cyno doesn't take offence to that. sumeru is, after all, incredibly far away for inazuma. mondstadt and liyue was much more common for trade. he has enough to remember as it is, he can't hold everything in his head. }

It does make one wonder if perhaps there is more to this than meets the eye, if even its plant life refuses to cooperate. { then again, not everyone has a way with words to get someone or something to comply. }

With my retainer. { his lips curve into a small smile. } Though perhaps it would make more sense to gather a small party to venture there.

I don't doubt it. And the only way that we're going to find out is if we look for ourselves.

[Cyno is usually tasked with hunting down those who seek illicit knowledge, or who try to use information in harmful ways, or even those who engage in risky business. That was the law in Sumeru, and with the Akademiya. But this isn't Sumeru, nor is it the Akademiya. It's a completely new world which he arrived in completely against his will. Which means Cyno is more inclined to want to look into this secret knowledge even more, if it's a means of getting back home.]

[Cyno nods slowly, considering Ayato's words. He pauses for a moment, contemplating in silence for a few beats before he speaks again.]

Is that an official request? Or something most likely kept off the network?

Exactly. Most of the information I shared today was from sources from people from this world, so it likely contains biases. I'd much rather gather information by exploring myself where possible.

{ from what they can gather here there's a very high chance it isn't the same as forbidden knowledge at least. though he keeps only getting tidbits of what is going on back home from lumine. he's mostly in the dark on sumeru's problems, he's been in deep in his own country's problems, after all. }

Something kept off the network. I've met a lot of people here who would likely be curious but prepared for such a difficult journey. As we'll be heading into unknown territory, I'd rather keep it with people I can have confidence in. Given your position, I wouldn't mind extending that offer if you're interested. There is safety in numbers, after all.

Hmm.

[Cyno hums, picking up his (now half-melted) boba drink and studying it for a moment as he mulls Ayato's words over. It certainly sounds risky, but ]

I have some people I would like to discuss this with first. As much as I would like to investigate these matters, I need to ensure that our investigation won't have unintended repercussions. But if I can be certain that the risks are worth the final outcome... then I think I could accompany you. And possibly have others who might join as well.

[He then, finally, takes a sip of the drink. And pauses, looking it over.]

...Hm. You're right. Refreshing.

Of course, I'm in no rush for an answer, it will take some time to ensure we have provisions as well. The frozen falls are fairly far into the Winter Segment, it isn't something we should be rushing into.

{ though he does smile as cyno tries the tea and seems to be in agreement. }

It would have been less watered down earlier, so perhaps another time you can go and try a new one for yourself.

[Cyno nods in understanding.]

You're right. We should plan this out carefully, especially if we don't want the ones who summoned us to this world knowing about what we're doing. But when you are ready, feel free to contact me about it.

[He hums as he takes another sip from his boba.]

You're probably right on that. Sumeru doesn't have drinks quite like this, so it's... interesting.

[He probably should try it when it's more fresh next time... But it's still good regardless.]

I would prefer using handwritten letters in this case as well. When I was inquiring about what had happened, the conversation was ended not long after the frozen falls was brought up. Even if it isn't the case, I'd rather proceed with caution.

{ it's too risky for how he's trying to make his position in this world as well, he doesn't want to be seen as backstabbing when he's merely trying to be cautious. no point in losing all the stakes before they even find anything out for themselves. }

As for the drink, Kaveh introduced me to coffee fairly recently. Admittedly, while it did have an interesting taste, I much prefer these teas.

{ coffee was much more bitter }

A good strategy. I would suggest the use of code words as well, but I'm not sure if you can get together a cohesive network together who would understand in time.

[Even if Cyno was fairly resourceful on his own, it's times like these he really does miss the Akademiya's resources. Or at least, people trained to be discreet about such measures. Still, it's better than nothing, and he can commend Ayato's caution regardless.]

You've met with Kaveh? [That perks Cyno's interest. Well then, he'll have to ask Kaveh's opinion on the man later.]

The taste can be strong if you're not prepared for it. Adding milk or sweeteners can improve the flavour. But it's useful for keeping one's alertness up.

[It wasn't uncommon for late-night scholars to guzzle more coffee than water trying to get their studies finished on time.]

Of course. It would leave too much evidence otherwise.

{ which hopefully isn't alarming to hear. }

And I have, yes. He and my sister are working on the arts festival together, I met with him to offer my support. I believe he had me try a 'mocha' at the time? I've been waiting for a good opportunity to try more flavours. Yet, somehow I always end up going back to boba tea.

I see. Kaveh is a reliable person, and when he gets focused on something he will work hard to ensure its success. Especially if he gets the opportunity to be creative with his projects.

[Which, knowing Kaveh, he will try to go for. He might get nitpicky about some details, but he's known for his work for a reason.]

If you're curious, try milk to lighten the bitterness. And you can add other sweeteners; sugar is common, but you can also use honey if it's available.

Is all boba tea like this one?

Given the funding they'll have, I'll be expecting quite a festival in that case. If you didn't have plans to already, you should attend. I imagine their hard work will be worth it.

As for the coffee, I'll try that next time then. Boba tea has many flavours as options. I've even had sour apple here.

It might be something I look into. I'll keep an eye out for it at the very least. Knowing Kaveh, he'll try to rope me into helping in some way.

Hm. Is fruit the common flavour, then? Perhaps if they made one in the flavour of Harra Fruit or Zaytun Peaches...

[He's getting off topic, but he's interested now.]

Oh? If you're rather close, that is possible. I merely got them in contact with people for sponsorship, but after that I was told to simply enjoy it this time.

Fruit is one of the more common flavours, yes. Plain milk is the standard, however.

video ( username: kamisatoayato )

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omg that should have been *but unprepared for such a difficult journey i'm a dumbass

Lol oops, that's ok!

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