eyemind | In the dark (dark)

Entry tags:

In the dark (dark)

WHO: Kankri & People who hate themselves enough to talk to him
WHAT: Just chilling with his tea and human food to get away from this tag thing he DNW le marker tag. The only tag they should be playing is tagging their triggers.
WHERE: In the kitchen (or around if it doesn't fancy for you, feel free to contact me or just drop a wildcard at me, I'll roll with it. Texting him if you've talked to him previously is alright too.)
WHEN: End of Januaryish
WARNINGS: None just yet but I'll edit it if I need to! Kankri is a non human but I doubt there's going to be something else more crazy than that unless someone gets him talking about his species lol.

There were few people here Kankri really felt like talking to or seeking out. Not because they were strangers, that was the main reason, but because he had a feeling none of them would get along with him and he was Too Old™️ and Too Tired™️ to care about it. If it meant what they were being told was real, that was all that mattered. He would help where he had to, get done what he had to and go back to being... whatever it was he had been before coming here. That, or this place really could take him back to his home and he'd have a second chance at saving everyone. ...A chance he wasn't sure if he would take.

All those thoughts were private for the most part. He had told some of it to his partner, someone he was supposed to trust as far as he knew. Surface level things that anyone from the Game would know just to prove that there was an afterlife and that he was, technically part of it.

If anyone was brave enough to turn the lights on to find out what the light faint, animalistic glow when the very low, very natural ship light hit just right, they are the ones to happen across paradox space's most unwanted. The troll was clad in a bright red, turtle neck sweater with otherwise painted on pants that seemed to run well up past the hidden sanctity of his modest attempt at keeping his sweater at his thighs. Holding a mug of tea in his yellow taloned hands, he sighed while looking down onto a notebook, every so often writing down a thing or two when his mind came up with them. If these books had come with him, maybe they could go back as well. Anyone who wanted to sit down wouldn't be told no, but his red irises follow anyone who came in. He didn't trust them not to try to play this dumb game, and he really wasn't about to play it as much as get angry because of it.

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Oh if Kankri only knew about the local crew of Too Old™️ and Too Tired™️, they might as well make a club at this point. Speaking of club 'desperately trying to avoid the infuriating tag compulsion' Murmur had once again wrested command of his faculties long enough to try to flee and also tea himself into submission.

Strangely it would appear the darkened kitchen was not empty, and while at first his hand had instinctively drifted toward the light he paused, noting the presence lurking there. Strange, unfamiliar, but by now that was simply par for the course. It wasn't as though the dark were any hindrance to him, so he chose for the moment to stay his hand.

"Would you prefer the light stay off?" He asked as he moved in to busy himself with making a fresh pot of tea. Thankfully, for the moment, Kankri wasn't "it" and therefore the compulsion could be ignored.

Murmur was decidedly displeased and strongly considering cocooning himself in ice until it was all over. But first, tea.

Edited 2021-01-24 04:28 (UTC)

Maybe they should start a club. Their activities could include 'No you' in vain and useless effort to stop people from trying to do idiotic things around them. You know, like have fun. Which would have been fine if a couple times he almost wasn't made involved by accident.

His pointed ear twitched at the sudden sound of a voice and readied himself to be chided. ...Pleasantly that was not the case. "I would, if at all possible. I don't mind the light, but I'd prefer for the natural light instead." Natural as the ships dull glow here or there got at least. Kankri turned around, one arm over the back of his chair to help him do so with ease. "If you require it on to do what you need, please do."

The club could also include 'No, don't, stop' in an equally vain attempt to stop the younger individuals from rushing headfirst into certain destruction as they are so very wont to do.

It wasn't Murmur's place to tell someone whether or not they should be sitting in the dark. Clearly he didn't have much trouble with it, given that he appeared to be writing in his notebook without issue. Murmur offered a faint shrug in response, moving without any evident trouble in the exceptionally dim light.

"I am not troubled by the dark," Which might be odd for an apparent human to say, though again Murmur had no way of knowing if this being were even familiar with the species. "Perhaps this will serve to disguise our presence for a time." So the infernal game didn't catch up to them.

He tried that club once, it went about as well as expected and no one listened. Not even to their prophecies. Ah well, at least there would be two people willing to give a halfassed, yet heartfelt, try if it came up again.

The dull shades of grey didn't hide his notebook from the onslaught of words that he felt like putting in it now and again thanks to his experiences here. What he did know about humans was limited, but normally they couldn't see in the dark. Or, at least, that had been his understanding. The interactions that he had with any of them had been understandably brief and his learning was done mainly through bubbles and Cronus. Cronus who probably wasn't the best authority to listen to, but he enjoyed it none the less.

"Oh? Alright. I couldn't agree more. Perhaps we'll be passed over by the plague." It was alright to just come out and say it, right? That he'd rather they not come in here with their foolish, childish game. Even if it did hit a few high notes now and again. "I was going to empty the water in the receptacle, but if you're a fan of sca- tea, then there's water in there."

Oh, they never listen. The art of convincing mortals to not destroy themselves is a delicate one that typically involved never letting them know what was actually going on, lest they sabotage it.

Kankri was quite right, normally they couldn't see in the dark. However this human certainly didn't appear to have any trouble as he navigated around, either by memory or indeed sight.

"Mm, doubtful, but perhaps a moment's respite at the very least." These strange happenings were rarely polite enough to leave anyone out. He'll have to inquire with Navi if this were somehow their doing, or yet another anomaly of the glyphlink. "What was the first word you were about to say?" Asked curiously as he set about refilling the kettle enough for a few more cups of tea, just in case.

An interesting concept that a human could see, or maybe memorized the layout. There wasn't a reason otherwise that he could think of, other than this not being a human and it wasn't as though he himself was. There could be any number of beasts or peoples.

The stranger was at least well spoken and respectful. For that Kankri appreciated the company even more, despite that it may or may not be brief depending on what they were there to do. "Hopefully a few moments in chain." He could deal with less being assaulted or dodging childish games. "Pardo-Oh!"

The 'tea' word. "I'm attempting to remember my manners where human language is involved. While I understand we're hearing languages differently, that doesn't mean I can't be more considerate. "Tea" is called "Scalding leaf fluid" which I'm certain translates more literally for human language, or so I've been told." He didn't know. "Would you like to join me? Perhaps if we look an intimidating force, we'll be less a target."

Indeed he could in fact be any manner of creature that simply looked human. In the meantime Murmur was content to continue playing human, as he always did for the sake of convenience, until such a time arose where suspicions might be brought forth. He was far less concerned about the Forbidden Questions this individual might ask should he eventually learn the truth, as he was not apparently human and was less likely to have a closely related religion. If one at all.

"We can hope," Murmur confirmed, grateful that so far he wasn't being questioned on his willingness to remain in the dark.

"Ever am I interested in learning of new cultures and linguistic patterns, no need to alter your habits for my sake. Provided you do not mind the occasional question here or there." He did find the term very accurate amusing and even let out a quiet laugh. "That is certainly a literal name, though one cannot argue it is inaccurate." Something of a mouthful though. He smiled faintly and offered a light nod at the invitation. "It would be my pleasure. For the moment I have the compulsion under control, so I do apologize in advance should that change without warning."

The way he said that word definitely implied his deep disgust and disdain for this game they were forced into. Really he wouldn't have minded as much if there were a choice in the matter.

For now he was safe from the questions, but he wouldn't remain that way if anything more suspicious came about. A small chuckle in return to hoping for the best. "Sometimes hope is all someone has." Or Hope for that matter.

Regardless he also found interest in the speaking patterns being presented to him. Not many anyone spoke as proper and it was a little refreshing to know someone had a grip and an interest on language. "It seems as though we may have a very different set of cultural exchanges to make." They certainly weren't a troll and not many of them left were Beforan or any at all, really.

Kankri looked up at the time and then shrugged his shoulder. "I suppose we'll see when the hour hits. It usually gets bad right around then." He had been keeping a close eye for certain. His ship mates were usually awake when he was used to sleeping, so being woken up every hour was an obvious catch. "Are you comfortable giving me your name?"

For now. Murmur was aware that the longer he existed among the mortals, the less likely he was going to be able to keep his secret. "Indeed, and sometimes it is a remarkably powerful force." Capital Hope indeed.

"Indeed, I expect we may be from distinctly different cultures." Murmur wasn't at all familiar with his new friend's physiology, he'll get around to asking in due time. It didn't seem polite to ask just yet.

"Observant," He commented thoughtfully. Yes, that would make sense it was on a schedule. "Of course, my apologies I did not do so sooner. Murmur, and you are?" He forgets the importance of names sometimes.

"In both directions." solemnly he added. Cronus could be many things but also a bane if he wasn't a pain instead. They at least agreed hope was powerful as was Hope.

A small, amused sound came from his lips and he nodded his head. There would be plenty of time, as far as he understood, to start questioning and writing down other cultures. "Kankri Vantas. Kankri if you wish. " Replied the troll readily, "No reason to apologize sometimes good conversation can slip away manners. It is with distinct contentment that I meet a conversational partner who enjoys being pleasant here. I don't feel there are many. Murmur is a very nice sounding name. Is it your first or last name? Or a nickname perhaps?"

"For fortune to go one way, it must also go the other." He offers solemnly. Hope was a powerful tool, it also wasn't discerning in who could wield it.

"A pleasure to meet you, Kankri Vantas. And might I add a rather unique sounding name." Which was entirely a compliment, unusual names were delightful! And there was a pleasant ring to the troll's name. "Have you been met with poor manners thus far? Unfortunate, the voyage thus far has resulted in some high tensions. Communication is quick to break down in such situations." Humans become very rude when they're stressed. He's used to it.

By now his water has reached a boil and he busies himself with getting his tea steeping before moving to join Kankri, an offered smile at his astute, if accidental observation. "Ah, how observant of you. It is something of a use-name. Nickname, or an alias if you will would be the closest equivalent." Or maybe pseudonym, though he wasn't as familiar with the practice.

That was a heavy line to hear and one that he had agreed on specifically. One that made him wonder if his appearance here to cheat death... If it wouldn't be a bad thing for back home. "I couldn't agree more."

Even still, it was nice to meet someone with apparent manners who didn't become problematic out of the gate. "You hadn't given me a last name, however, I will take your compliment graciously." To each their own, Kankri preferred his full first name and very few got away with anything else. "So then. Is it too personal to ask why the nickname and or alias is Murmur? Normally those sorts of things are associated with one's self."

This space-time, death defying anomaly certainly brought up a number of heavy conundrums. What effect did their presence here have back home, how would time be changed, would it change at all? And most of all for those who chose to remain behind, what would it mean for the future? Unfortunately those were all a bit out of the scope of easy knowledge, and not something Murmur was particularly keen to look into. For now he would trust the flow of time to put them where they needed to be, when they needed to be there.

He would be glad to know he wasn't immediately problematic. So far Jack hadn't had any issues with him, and while Murmur certainly held ideas that might not be the most compassionate they were mostly in regard to his own kind, and not toward mortals. They simply existed on very different wavelengths.

Oh, was it time to put on his scholarly hat? Yes it was, how delightful! "Not at all, though I must admit it is not entirely a name of my own choosing. Among those I have historically associated with I am regarded as fairly soft spoken. I believe it was intended as an insult," Evidently he didn't think it as much, as he'd embraced it as the name he'd go by. It was true, he wasn't typically loud unless he really needed to be, and even now he maintained a fairly even monotone. "I have found it fits well enough for my uses, and is both simple to remember and pronounce." The names his brethren use can be something of a mouthful.

A great many things were a great many heavy things to carry. Even if someone else could help, it didn't take the weight in some of their instances. It seemed not for himself and not for the stranger unbeknownst to each other in that construct. Time was something they both had in different ways and in similar ways. Time to be, what the cool kids call, 'chilling out', settled in and relaxing to pleasant conversation.

"Turning something otherwise intended to be an insult into something more constructive. I enjoy that sort of turnaround. Something positive from the negative." Which was ...very refreshing. Half the reason he had to hide behind a mask of social justice was because of negativity hidden behind kind smiles. "Murmur is a very pleasant word to say. I can't say it's something I've heard myself. Though, quite often I did hear "Chief" and wish I didn't." That was a lie. As much as Cronus could be a pain in his ass, he would've done anything to have at least him come along.

Kankri uncrossed and re-crossed his legs, taking a small sip of his drink. "I'm not as fond of nicknames, at least for myself. As long as you're comfortable being called Murmur and if you would like to call me by my first name, I think we can both keenly continue our conversation."

The burdens were immense, but nothing was insurmountable. While Murmur was far too accustomed to working alone he could recognize the value in allies. He just never had the fortune of their assistance. It was strange learning to navigate just so many personalities. For now he found it best to stand back and observe. Besides, why not take a vacation when it's granted?

"I do have something of a reputation for being contrary when the mood strikes, I am hardly going to let heckling alter the manner in which I conduct myself." Rebelliousness was frowned upon in his circle, but Murmur knew how to toe that line. Just defiant enough to get his point across. "I appreciate the compliment." He's not used to those! "Chief? Were you in charge on something?" As it turns out he doesn't talk to enough people to be familiar with this method of speech.

Murmur was still waiting for his steeping tea to be cool enough to drink. He'll enjoy the conversation instead. "Understood, I will refrain from offering any. Mine is as much my name as the first I was given, and largely preferred." Sip... Nope still too hot. "This may come off terribly rude so far into our conversation, but may I ask by what name is your kind called? I cannot say I am familiar with your physiology."

The occasional nightmares that plagued her have only increased since Gaius' arrival, leaving her ever more reluctant to rest as Hades has quietly insisted upon these past weeks. It leaves her drained in more ways than one, and far more reliant on coffee than she knows he would approve of. But he's done much worse things that she vehemently disapproved of, so quite frankly he can go kick rocks for all she cares.

It is never truly dark when she is around, skin emitting a faint aura of light despite her half-hearted efforts to dim it. Most of the glow is snuffed out by the clothes and mask she wears, but in the otherwise pitch dark of the kitchen it is a beacon of tired movement as she puts on a fresh pot of her desired beverage. It wouldn't be hard to speed the brewing up with magic, however she would rather lean against the countertop and wait, listening to the liquid drip drip drip in a steady rhythm that helps soothe the ache behind her temples.

She is aware that someone else is in the room (which is a large part of why the lights remain off) though is too tired to bother engaging in conversation.

Perhaps after the coffee is done.

Absorbed in his writing, in the work in the dim light. However, the inclusion of a brighter light, despite most of it being snuffed out caused him to look up instantly. In fact, enough that he had opened his mouth to say a name and instantly realized it wasn't her. With the monochromatic way his sight was in the dark at least, he instead looked for evidence of horns and when he didn't see them, he decided to wait to study a moment or two. He still had to get used to being able to see with less clarity than when he was dead.

After said moment or two fled, Kankri turned himself around, resting his hands politely at his lap. "I don't suppose you would understand the term "Rainbow Drinker" if I gave it kindly to you in query." It never hurt to ask, maybe there was some tie there even if he had thought for a second it might have been his long time caretaker.

She lifts her head from the countertop and glances to the speaker. The inquisitive arch of her brow is hidden by her mask, though her curiosity is readily apparent in other ways, such as the tired slope of her spine straightening somewhat.

"I can't say I'm familiar with the term," she answers. Her voice is light and airy, youthful and ancient, and the words she speaks flows from her tongue like whalesong. "Though it sounds like an insult one might use for fae folk. If anyone would drink rainbows it would be the fae. The land they lay claim to is known as the Realm of Rainbows, after all."

It was worth a try to see if she knew the term at least. Having no other way to find out if anyone knows anything about his culture. There were humans involved in the game, after all and there was the topic of her glowing.

As pleasantly as the words sound coming from her, Kankri simply turned himself a little more sideways to have a look in full. "I'm unfamiliar with what you mean by fae folk, but I will keep that in mind certainly. Then again, any term could be taken as derogatory. At least not to my understanding of linguistics. Either way, it was my mistake entirely. I have friends who are..." How was he supposed to explain that. "Luminous." There. That was... at least not so bad.

"They are little things with wings like stained glass. Selfish, playful, and cruel in the way that small children can often be," she explains. "They are birthed from souls that never had the chance to fully form, and which became lost on their way to the Underworld. I have heard they will only accept guidance from the souls of their progenitors."

It is the first time Azem has thought of the fae in quite some time. She cannot tell if the way her stomach twists is from hunger, or from the very real possibility there could have been a small little soul waiting for her guidance.

She supposes in the end that it doesn't really matter.

"...All of my people were similarly 'luminous'." The aura to her skin is hardly as strong as it once was, though there is no denying its soft glow even now. She could rid herself of it in the common areas as easily as she maintains this smaller 'mortal' form...but enough of her kin has been erased that she will cling to whatever she can.

"Most everything about my home fairly gleamed, and the people were no exception." Azem grabs her pot of coffee, not even bothering for a mug. A flourish of her hand fills it with cream and sugar to her taste.

"What are your friends like?"

If she didn't know about Rainbow Drinkers then she certainly didn't know that talk of wings was derogatory in the right sense. For once, he held his tongue and listened to an explanation instead of just providing his own. The other day had weighed taxingly on him and he could care less to start another war. "They sound quite mystical. Fantastical in my limited scope of their existence. Limited, of course, in the way that I've only just heard of them and through your explanation." Making himself more comfortable, he continued. "If you happen to cross literature about them I would be extremely grateful if you would pass it along. I'd rather know the culture instead of accidentally insulting it."

An entire people who were akin to rainbow drinkers. That, to him, sounded like a caste. At least in his own terminology and knowledge. Really it-- Was she just...? Yes. It looked like that was the case and he made a mental note to start garnering items for this sort of thing to keep in his room. "My--" He was distracted momentarily by her just using the pot but he cleared his throat and snapped out of it. "Well they're a lot like me, I suppose. Dependant on a great many factors one could consider. Not so much social constructs or hierarchy anymore, but mainly we're the same at baser value."

Also a lie. He knew Beforus was just as bad about the Hemospectrum. "Horns, grey skin, eyes the colour of our blood when we're old enough. I would consider those 'the usual'. The glow only comes from one caste of blood but... Well that brings me to my curiosity. Why do you glow?"

"'Mystical'? Hardly. They were a natural part of the world, no matter how much we wished they were not." With her free hand she draws a line in the air. A radiant, golden string of energy is left in the wake of her fingertip that she begins to swirl between her fingers. "Neither the literature or the culture exists any longer."

It takes some concentration, but soon enough she has the shape of one of the faeries fluttering above her open palm. It shines like fading sunlight; warm and golden like the thread she spun it from. The details are indistinct beneath the light of her magic, and faint in her memories besides.

The construct's movement as it twirls and dances gives off the energy akin to a particularly impish and playful child.

Azem dispells the illusion a moment later.

"Each and every one of them was unique in colour. They were insatiably curious and playful, and what they lacked in raw power they made up for with tricks and cleverness."

She remembers always being able to tell when one was near just by the way the hair on her neck stood on end. The fae were unsettling, though that was through no fault of their own.

Her hand, now unoccupied, quickly joins her other to hold her pot of coffee. It warms her skin, and masks the way her hands have begun to shake ever-so-slightly. There is no masking the way her skin has dimmed further, though when compared to the brightness of her magic it would have seemed lesser regardless.

"I glow because I have chosen not to dim myself." She knows that isn't what he's asking, but she has ever been one to fall back on playful retorts when she hasn't yet decided upon a better response. "But the aura is to do with energy.

"I'm afraid I've no understanding of caste in the context of blood. Why would only one of them glow?"

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In the dark (dark)

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