April | Event: Skybound Travelers

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Skybound Travelers↲ OOC Plotting

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As everyone settles into a routine in Nippon, newer refugees may find that visiting the Western Kingdom is something of an undertaking. Although considerably faster than traveling by airship or on foot, the underground train that connects Tokyo and Kyoto still takes at least five hours. And not everyone enjoys the roller coaster-like experience of the Sunday-only time surge that shortens that ride into ten minutes. But lucky for them, the NRL are finally ready to release a special new travel system!

Developed in part thanks to the refugees for gathering the necessary etherblossoms back in March, refugees will now find teleportation terminals available at the NRL in Tokyo and MRU in Kyoto. These terminals only connect to each other, with plans to expand to other cities in the future.

Or at least, that's what they're supposed to do.


Nippon Traveler

With the announcement of fast travel between kingdoms quickly spreading among the refugees, many of them are clamoring to be the first to take advantage. After all, the train is rather inconvenient for those with friends and family in both kingdoms, and even more so for those who wish to work in one while living in the other.

Thankfully, the NRL took this into consideration, and made sure to add additional platforms and a timed queueing system to make things run smoothly, essentially creating a small station on the top floor of the NRL's main building. And with exclusive elevator access on the outside just for traveling refugees, it's certainly built for convenience.

Ready, Aim... Kyoto, Western Kingdom
Despite the fact that the NRL has been using these teleporters just fine for transferring between Tokyo and Kyoto for the past few weeks, the sudden inundation of users is causing the system to overload ever so slightly. As a result, the teleporter hasn't been sending people where it should, occasionally redirecting them to random areas throughout Kyoto.

On the one hand, magic is so commonplace in the West that no one really thinks anything about the Refugees popping in and out of existence, with most natives just assuming they're teleporting using the local magic. But on the other hand, this assumption means the natives will think it's intentional, resulting in a large number of refugees finding themselves in both literal and metaphorical hot water after teleporting straight into a public bath, fully-clothed. Hopefully it's a mixed bath, or they might find themselves being carried away by the patrolling samurai guards for questioning.

In addition to becoming a public nuisance for the natives, some may find themselves teleporting into the homes of fellow refugees instead. They may wind up as an uninvited dinner guest, or perhaps they'll appear during a private or intimate moment between lovers. Some may even end up appearing in a closet, giving them ample opportunity to hide until they can make their escape!

Thankfully, this bug is discovered quickly enough that it only creates a few days of chaos -- so don't let that put you off the technology forever!

Here Comes a Thought Higashiyama, Kyoto
But of all the locations the teleporters are sending people to, perhaps the most common one is Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto's Higashiyama neighborhood. As one of the most famous temples in Kyoto, its already a popular tourist destination, with beautiful gardens, a veranda overlooking all of Kyoto, and is home to a magic school that specializes in the Mizu Element.

Those who are lucky may simply find themselves suddenly standing in front of a very tall pagoda, or overlooking the view of Kyoto. But most refugees will instead find themselves standing before the Tainai Meguri, a dark underground passageway beneath one of the many shrines in Kiyomizu-dera. Naturally, it'll be assumed they want to go in, and they may find themselves ushered down by a shrine maiden or two who don't want them holding up the line.

Blanketed in an inky darkness, the Tainai Meguri is composed of a single hallway and a rope along the wall to help guide visitors down to the lowest part of the passageway, where a mysterious stone can be found. Glowing with a mysterious power, the stone is the only source of light in the tunnel. And those who touch the stone with a clear mind will see the carving in the center change, showing which magic element they have an aptitude for: Tsuchi, Mizu, Hi, or Kaze.

However, those who touch the stone without a clear mind will witness something different. Because the stone in question is a Memory Stone, an ancient magical artifact capable to creating illusions of a person's memories. Once the stone is touched, the light of the stone will jump out into the darkness, projecting illusions of their past on the walls around them. Whether these illusions appear as text, an exact replica of one's memories, or something more abstract, varies by the person.

Those whose memories are being projected may find themselves completely overwhelmed by the emotions they felt at the time of that memory. For this reason, no one is allowed into the Tainai Meguri alone, so those affected better hope that their partner in the darkness is prepared to drag them out of it.

Into the Unknown

As the technology powering these terminals is still quite new to the scientists at the NRL, actually releasing these to the public is still a way off. Although there's zero risk of harm coming as a result of using the terminal, they have noticed that occasionally the terminal registers another point of travel, as if another terminal exists. A reverse transfer always brings them back just fine, but little is known about where these objects are ending up.

To that end, the NRL is asking brave enough refugees interested in exploring to take the teleporter to these unknown locations and report what they find. But don't worry, they're not asking they do this for free! All participants will receive a moderate sum of money, as well as a week-long stay at the Ōwakudani Hot Spring Resort in Hakone, to be redeemed whenever they like.

Cold Cuddles Sapporo, Hokkaido
For the first mysterious location, volunteers will be bundled up in warm clothes, as objects that come back always arrive very cold. And indeed -- upon teleporting, they'll find themselves in the midst of a snowstorm, an ancient version of the same terminal below their feet, and strange ruins all around them. And stranger still, the walls of the ruins appear to be covered in dark blue ice that won't melt no matter how much heat is applied.

It seems this teleporter is somehow connected to Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Nippon. Due to an ancient curse, the land is perpetually snowy and plagued by unmelting ice called everfrost. And while those who visited the region prior may recognize their surroundings enough to know they're actually very close to the city of Sapporo, others may not be so lucky, nor willing to take the risk of missing their return window.

Worse still, they're just far enough away from the city that their magi-comms won't work! With no way of activating the terminal from their side, and two hours before the NRL reactivates it on their end to bring them back, it looks like they'll need to huddle together for warmth to ensure they don't freeze.

Thankfully, the terminal is located in a covered area, and the remains of an old campsite nearby even has some blankets and supplies. And upon their return, they'll be given hot drinks and no shortage of apologies for not considering the risk of giving them such a long window to explore.

Party in the Dark Jigoku, Shitaya
The second mysterious location is by far the most intriguing, as it's clearly somewhere that people have access to, and yet no one has tried coming back through the terminals. Instead, empty cans and half-finished drinks sometimes end up on the terminal, with no explanation as to who was drinking them prior. And as this phenomenon only occurs late at night, that's when the volunteers will be sent.

Upon arriving, at first they'll find themselves blanketed in a perpetual darkness, surrounded by some sort of stone tunnel, with the sound of music echoing from further in. They'll still be able to contact the NRL, leading the scientists to suggest that they may be in Jigoku, the catacombs of an abandoned subway system below Tokyo.

Should they be brave enough to follow the source of the music, they'll stumble upon what appears to be a secret speakeasy in the dark, run by the Hanyo who live in the neighborhood of Shitaya. As many Hanyo still possess the Yokai ability to see more clearly in the dark than Humans, the lack of lighting is more a feature than a gimmick.

Still, for having made it all the way down here, they'll be offered free drinks and a playful atmosphere -- so long as they promise to keep their illegal supply of Uki-based drinks and snacks a secret from the authorities. A popular recreational drug in the West made from the naturally sweet Uki Weed, Uki is highly regulated in the East, and causes lowered inhibitions, feelings of calm or euphoria, and even functions as a mild aphrodisiac.

Which might just be why many patrons are taking advantage of the dark and inviting atmosphere for romantic trysts in the dark, with futons set up in nearby tunnels for all your sensory deprivation needs. The Refugees can contact the NRL to return at any time, so why not let loose and join the fun?

Castle in the Sky

After a week of using the teleporters, Refugees will discover a new warp point is now listed alongside Kyoto and Tokyo: Tengoku, the nation of Tengu, comprised of dozens of airborne cities that float high above Nippon. According to the NRL, the technology used for these teleporters was developed thanks to the Tengu of Skytower, as a much belated thank you for the refugee's help back in March 1921.

And while Skytower itself remains off-limits, the Tengu Capital of Miyazaki has decided to open its doors to outsiders for the first time in centuries.

Fly High Miyazaki, Tengoku
The Tengu cities are unlike anywhere else on Nippon, comprised of a single, massive amount of land that towers upward, and numerous smaller islands that float up and around the main part of the city. Mysterious magic-powered technology can be found all around the city, though the appearance is quite different from the more modern magi-tech.

But perhaps the most notable thing is that these cities are not designed to be very accessible to those who can't fly. Very few actual pathways lead upward into the city proper, and the entrance to most buildings are located on the top floor, with only a small balcony in front to land on. But thankfully, there's a means around it!

Upon arrival to the capital of Miyazaki, all Refugees will be offered a small backpack with a tiny pair of wings attached to it. Upon putting it on and jumping, the wings will grow larger, acting like a part of their body and allowing them to fly! These backpacks will only function in Tengoku, but they're welcome to keep them should they decide to visit again.

Of course, just because they have the power to do so doesn't mean they'll actually be good at it. Refugees may struggle to become airborne at all, or may find it difficult to control themselves in mid-air, flying into walls, other refugees, or accidentally hurling themselves over the edge of the city. Thankfully, there's patrolling Tengu who are always prepared to catch those who fall, but considering it always comes with a lecture, it's really not the best experience.

But those who persevere will be able to fly up to the very top of the city, where they'll find a beautiful garden overlooking the clouds. The flora here is far more alien than anything commonly found in Nippon, with plentiful etherblossoms, crystal-like mahougi trees, and-- is that a nuruname bloom? Maybe stay away from that one...

Liquid Happiness Miyazaki, Tengoku
Being so high up in the sky, completely isolated, meant that the Tengu cities were designed to be completely self-sustaining. Although they do conduct trade with the mainland below, almost everything they need is either grown or produced by the land itself. Which might just beg the question: where is the water coming from? Because nearly every level of the city is accented by canals and waterfalls.

But those who visit on a rainy day will get their answer. As high as they are, the Tengu cities are close enough that they can draw from the magic properties of the ring that circles the planet of Gaia, which is only visible at night. Thus, the rain that falls in Miyazaki has magical properties: in audition to a rainbow color, it can be infinitely multiplied, instantly heal wounds and certain illnesses, and seems to cause feelings of euphoria similar to Kizuna when one stands in it. For this reason, the rain that falls in Miyazaki is referred to as liquid happiness.

But for Refugees, these effects are even more extreme. Those who visit Miyazaki during a particularly rainy week at the tail end of April will begin to manifest severe Kizuna side-effects, especially the supernatural variety. While ordinarily these effects are only possible when feelings of love are present, the power of the rain will allow Refugees to share their thoughts and feelings with the people around them, whether they want to or not.

So strong are the effects of the rain that these effects will linger well after they leave, and may even become contagious to those they meet later on the surface. In the end, the NRL issues a warning for Refugees to avoid lingering in Miyazaki in rainy days until a more conclusive study on this "liquid happiness" can be conducted.

OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's April event! Please direct any questions to the Question Thread in the OOC Plotting post.

• Characters will not be allowed into the Tainai Meguri alone, and must descend in pairs.

• Sapporo is roughly a twenty minute walk away, and characters who are familiar with their surroundings will be able to go to the city proper. Magi-comms will also begin to work again. More information on Sapporo can be found on the Setting page!

• You are welcome to assume there is Uki-based incense in the underground party if your character would need an extra nudge to participate.

• Given their isolated status, the Tengu cities only contain Tengu Yokai, who range from entirely human-like with wings, anthropomorphic birds, and the traditional long-nosed variety! Although Refugees may be treated as a novelty by the people there, only elderly Tengu will treat them rudely for being outsiders.

• Characters will find that inns and hotels are both plentiful and cheap in Tengu cities, as the cities are very far apart from one another, and it's very common for Tengu to travel far from home. Miyazaki, for instance, floats above Kyushu near the Westernmost point of Nippon!

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Comments

ready aim

[haran]

[ayato's been curious about this new machinery - and well, he has the time and curiosity, so why not experience all that nippon has to offer, right? it's supposed to send him to the other city, which he's yet to visit.

he's lucky that it's midday and he doesn't have to stare down a big ol' claymore.

he winds up in someone's living room. and there's the cursory thought that this must not be what the teleportation machines meant to do, but he's instead taken in by the decoration. he should really be more wary of his surroundings, more concerned for his safety, but everything's so new and interesting that he can't help but be led by the very curiosity that led him to the teleportation machines instead.

he turns to see - ah, diluc ragnvindr. looking not too happy to have him suddenly here in his home. he smiles.]

We meet again. I don't suppose now is an inappropriate time for the promised tea?

[phoenixblessed]

[Diluc has grown resigned to this happening for at least another few days by this point and despite the displeasure on is face as Kamisato Ayato abruptly appears in his home he is, at least, relieved that this time it is not a complete stranger and that he is currently fully clothed. The various mischiefs that Nippon inflicts on the refugees can often be avoided, but this one has been incredibly bothersome so far.

The utter brazenness of the Inazuman's greeting has Diluc raising an eyebrow then, but after a moment of thought the redhead breathes out a sigh and drops a fraction of the tension from his shoulders. Gods, what would be the point in being aggravated about this, anyway?]

You can leave your shoes by the door. [He says as he pushes himself up from the couch, shooting a cat off his lap in the process and setting his book aside.] Since you're here, it seems as good a time as any.

[haran]

[ayato just smiles, like he didn't just take some unknown transportation out of curiosity and ended up in a practical stranger's home. it's good that they met prior to this, because he's sure diluc is a strong lad capable of slicing his head from his shoulders, and ayato very much likes his head where it's at.

he takes his shoes off where he's standing and brings them over to the door - he can't walk around in shoes in someone else's home, that's beyond rude! - admiring the decoration the entire way. it truly is a beautiful home, which he comments on idly as he makes his way back.]

Indeed. Though I haven't prepared anything for this meeting- [kind of a lie, ayato is always thinking and preparing] -I suppose a more casual conversation is more befitting the setting.

[phoenixblessed]

[Diluc had not spared much expense when it comes to the house that he and Kaeya live in. He could have modernised it entirely, made it look like a Mondstadt home on the inside, but he has kept many of the original features and only 'modernised' the kitchen far from the more rustic layout it had had when they had moved in. The rest of the house remains true to the local style, with smooth wooden floors and tatami mats, and sliding screens in place of most of the doors.

He studies the young commissioner's back as he walks away to put his shoes down, finding himself all too curious about how this 'meeting' is going to go. They had meant to meet anyway, so why not now? As he returns, Diluc tilts his head slightly.]

It wouldn't be the first formal meeting I had conducted here. [Dohalim comes to mind, though any formality in that meeting had quickly evaporated when Kaeya had returned home and immediately begun to tease the man.] But I didn't suggest we meet for tea so that I could cross-examine you.

[He makes a small gesture to the sitting room, the screen door already slid open. Inside there is a bright room with a couch and coffee table, and an alcove with a kotatsu sunk into the floor.]

Please, make yourself comfortable. I'll fetch the tea.

[haran]

[wow, how romantic diluc, and how very taurus of you, to get a lavish home for him and his partner...

ayato sits at the couch diluc had just risen from, humming contentedly at the comfort. truly, this man knows how to greet a guest! but 'making himself comfortable' to ayato means just sitting. he is, after all, still a guest. and he will always be ayato, who doesn't know how to relax and let himself be comfortable.]

Thank you, and apologies for the intrusion.

[he doesn't sound that sorry about it, though. but formalities are formalities, and in inazuma just suddenly showing up at someone's house and disrupting their evening can be considered quite rude.]

Hm, does that mean you intend to cross-examine me some other time? [a teasing lilt in his tone.]

[phoenixblessed]

[Diluc generally does not give the impression that he would tolerate an intrusion if he didn't wish to, so his decision to allow Ayato to stay in his home at this moment in time is born entirely from actually wanting him there. Or, at least... not hating the fact that he's present.

He does not sound sorry, true enough, and Diluc only lets out a small hum of acknowledgement as he moves to the door. The follow-up makes him pause, however, with his hand lightly wrapped around the edge of the screen. He glances back over his shoulder with a light glint in his bright eyes.]

I may, but I'll be sure to give you ample warning beforehand. As befits two gentlemen of our standing. [With that he leaves the room, though he can be heard in the kitchen carefully putting things together for tea. When he returns it's with a tray carrying two cups, a teapot, and a small pot of honey.

He sets the tray down and leaves it for the moment as the tea leaves steep. Heating water is an easy enough task when one can bring forth fire. His attention turns entirely to the other man then, studying him quietly for a moment before he ventures to speak.]

It would seem, [Diluc says, clasping his hands loosely on top of his knees.] that your arrival triggered the return of two others who have already been here before.

[haran]

[when he comes in with the tea, the aroma of it wafts, and ayato can't help but feel relaxed. it's not quite thoma's tea, but it's still a pyro user from mondstadt preparing tea for him and the nostalgia hits hard, bringing a fond smile to his face.]

So it has. [he puts a hand to his chin in thought.] Though Ayaka appears to have no memory of this place, while Thoma does. It's certainly strange.

[his eyes turn to diluc curiously.] Have you met either of them previously? It seems you have, with a statement like that.

[diluc has been here quite some time from his response the last time they met. and while not seeming like the most social person, he wouldn't be surprised if he and thoma perhaps knew each other back then. or if thoma had at least known of diluc before he come to inazuma.]

[phoenixblessed]

[He nods slightly, having come to the same conclusion quite easily. Ayaka remembered nothing, while Thoma appeared to have full recollection. And then there was Childe... but he does not mention that name here, when the reasons for his conflict over that young man are so personal and complicated.]

Both of them, though only briefly.

[Despite all implications when his interactions with relative strangers are concerned, Diluc can be incredibly social when he wishes. That said, his meetings with both Ayaka and Thoma had been completely by chance and he has not been displeased to become reacquainted with either of them.]

I was passingly familiar with Lady Kamisato and not quite enough to recognise her before she offered her name, and as for Thoma... despite his hailing from Mondstadt I had never seen him before. I recognised his accent when we spoke. [While the set of his Vision was Inazuman, his accent was still undoubtedly Mondstadt and Diluc would have been able to pick it out anywhere.] But he seems a fine young man. A credit to both our countries.

[haran]

[ayato smiles proudly - he loves them both so dearly, so to hear someone speak well of them while not quite knowing either of them fills his heart with love and pride.]

Yes, he speaks well of his birth nation - the gentle breezes, the dandelion wine, the relatively calmer storms. [inazuma...has such awful storms... but he's glad thoma had chosen to stay even without his family, breezes, and wines.] As you can imagine being in the electro archon's domain, the storms are quite fierce indeed.

One day, perhaps we could take a visit to Mondstadt and see its beauty for ourselves. Ayaka and I have hardly had the chance to leave Inazuma, so it will be a welcome opportunity.

[phoenixblessed]

[Mondstadt certainly had far more stormy times in its history but for these days Ayato is quite right - the weather was milder by far in Diluc's home country than in most others and the people had always prospered for it. It was part of what allowed Diluc's vineyards to bear so much fruit.]

I'm sure Mondstadt would welcome you both. [This has echoes of a conversation he had had with Ayaka before. One she no longer recalls. How interesting that both she and her brother would have such similar longings to see other nations.]

As for imagining... there's no need. I've travelled through Inazuma before. [Diluc shifts to pour the tea, being sure to pour Ayato's before his own.] But I think... you may have already been aware of that.

[His voice stays mild and polite as he hands the young Yashiro Commissioner his cup.]

Or am I mistaken?

[haran]

Hm. [ayato takes the tea offered to him, taking in the scent and heat of it before blowing along the surface. he gives a quiet 'thank you' before sipping. ah- yes, delicious. he hums his approval.]

I have heard rumors of a man with bright red hair seen in Inazuma, certainly. And I must say - you're quite the slippery one to be able to avoid my personal avenues of gathering information.

[his smile is kind but somewhat mysterious. and boy, are his personal ninjas thorough, but diluc kept evading them all.]

It's quite a tough journey to Inazuma, even without the Sakoku Decree, isn't it?

[phoenixblessed]

I'm sure you're as aware as I that determination can get one very far if properly utilised.

[That is to say, Diluc did not much care how he got to Inazuma as long as he did, and that opened up far more avenues of travel to him than any regular person might have thought to - or been able to - use. He pours his own tea and settles back on the couch again, cradling the cup between his hands.]

And you must forgive my impudence in so doggedly evading the Shuumatsuban. Being detained by the Tri-Commission would have put rather a dent in my plans at the time. [The redhead brings up his cup and, much like Ayato had done, breathes in the scent before taking a sip.]

I've always entertained the idea of visiting again, for more recreational reasons this time. Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it to the Irodori Festival.

[haran]

Your determination is truly something to be admired, nothing to apologize for. In the end, you posed no threat to the people of Inazuma.

[a long, careful sip as he studies diluc. ayato has never met a man so difficult to read, and he's met a lot of people. he really doesn't know what to make of him, either. as a businessman, he's sure to be a reliable contact. but beyond that, ayato can't help but be a bit wary of a man who dodged the shuumatsuban.

keep your friends close and your "enemies" closer, as they always say.]

Oh? You've heard of our little festival, then? [another sip] Or perhaps you're well-acquainted with the bard or illustrator we invited?

[phoenixblessed]

[His expression only flickers mildly at that. In the end, no, he had posed no threat to the people of Inazuma... but if he had found what he was looking for in that country he would have undoubtedly drawn more attention to himself than he did.]

I dare say all of Teyvat's eyes were on that 'little festival'. [Diluc replies with a touch of an amused smile around his lips. And I am familiar with Albedo. [Not friends, but familiar. The man is a strange one and Diluc likes to keep his eye on people who do not quite fit in. As for the 'bard'...]

Venti and I... are friends.

[He would venture say more than, but he prefers to keep his relationships held close to his chest.]

I can only hope he didn't cause you too much trouble.

[haran]

["too much trouble," he says. other than being mistaken for a stowaway by kujou sara herself... no, not too much trouble at all.]

Hm, he's quite the character. [specifically does not answer the question, only sips his tea like the kermit gif.] Quite a character indeed to have won your trust and your distrust.

[he laughs a little at that.]

I didn't get to spend much time with him, however. Much of my time was spent behind the scenes, but the people of Mondstadt made quite the impression on the Inazumans. Especially the young one, Klee.

[phoenixblessed]

You misunderstand me. I don't distrust Venti at all. I simply know him very well.

[Knows him and his tendency to create trouble everywhere he goes, even if it's harmless the majority of the time. But that isn't a point to be argued over and he settles into his seat with his tea held in both hands, letting the cup warm his palms.

Diluc is very fond of Venti. Were he not, he would have far harsher words to say about him. The mention of Klee does make him chuckle, though.]

Ah... they call her the Spark Knight, for good reason. The only person I know who gained a Vision and entered the Knights of Favonius at a younger age than I did. [While he admittedly doesn't do well around children, Diluc is more patient with Klee than most would expect.] She has a talent for explosives like no one I've ever seen... but also a child's view of how they should be best utilised.

[There is a faint smile on his face as he talks about her. Though he has often found her antics irritating, such feelings have softened with distance and time.]

Klee enjoys fishing. With bombs. I can imagine how she might have made an impression.

[haran]

[oh, how soft. ayato wonders if diluc is good with children or if he simply has a fondness for this one. it's just the tiniest of smiles, but a smile nonetheless.]

Klee, yes, that was her name. Bright and carefree with quite a bit of passion. I did not get a chance to see her explosives, but I can imagine how useful such a little knight would be for the Order.

[a little chuckle, and he sets his tea down. he looks over to see a curious little board with pieces on top, separated into black and blue. chess.]

Ah- do you enjoy strategy games as well, Diluc?

[phoenixblessed]

I think she creates as many problems for them as she solves.

[And dragging a certain calvalry captain in with her more often than not, but he supposed it gave Albedo a break from having to watch her.

But the Knights are no longer his concern, for as much as it's far easier to speak of them now without the name turning bitter in his mouth. He's glad for the distraction as he looks at the chess board.]

I do. They keep the mind sharp. [Diluc and Kaeya, having grown up together, were often on equal ground when it came to chess... but they could get somewhat competitive, so it was a game best enjoyed sparingly.]

I used to play chess often with my butler, at the winery. I don't get too much opportunity here though. [He doesn't ask if Ayato enjoys such games too. The answer is clear already.] Do you know how to play?

[haran]

[he smiles at the question.]

It isn't something that is commonly played in Inazuma, but I do enjoy my fair share of strategy games as well. Shogi is more popular. But I do know the basics of chess from Thoma.

[he takes a piece and twirls it in his hand.]

Perhaps we ought to play sometime.

[phoenixblessed]

I did pick up shogi while I was in Inazuma, though I'll admit I haven't played it in a while.

[Diluc studies the man a moment, in a way that Ayato is undoubtedly familiar with by now. He leans forwards slightly, plucking the piece from the other man's fingers and setting it lightly back on the board.]

Some time?

[The redhead stands, moving to the opposite side of the table and kneeling down neatly on the tatami mats covering the floor.]

Why not now? Unless you have something more pressing to attend to, Commissioner Kamisato.

[haran]

I would not dare to presume your time was available for such things. But since you've offered, I will gladly take you up on it.

[he gets up primly, sits across from diluc in just the same fashion. prim, proper, with his sleeves swept to either side of him, legs folded neatly underneath him.]

Well then, Diluc. I believe white goes first.

[phoenixblessed]

Correct. And given your comparative lack of experience, it seems only fair that you take white.

[Does he have the time? Certainly, or he would have asked Ayato to leave a while ago. Diluc is a master of propriety when necessary but in a place like Nippon he has no obligations to try and ensure anyone likes him, even when that person is the Yashiro Commissioner.

He keeps the other man's company right now because he wants to, and nothing more than that. With the board oriented correctly, he gestures politely for Ayato to make the first move.]

After you, and don't forget about your tea. It's far better when hot.

[haran]

Your kindness will be remembered, Diluc.

[he moves a pawn - simple, easy. it's just the start of their game, but ayato finds he's already enjoying it. he may not have as much experience with chess, but he's sure to learn. and once he picks up on a few strategies, he's sure he'll master it in no time.

he takes a sip of his tea.]

I haven't complimented you on this brew yet, have I? It is a lovely flavor, and the perfect temperature.

[phoenixblessed]

Mm? Thank you. Though I can't take all the credit.

[He keeps his tone mild as he replies, and he reaches over the board to move a pawn in turn, setting it down in front of the one moved by Ayato. Diluc has no intentions of taking it easy on the man just because he's inexperienced.

In Diluc's mind, nothing is learned that way.]

I frequent a particular tea shop in Gion that doesn't mix uki into most of their blends. [He won't touch the stuff willingly, though it has been pushed on him once or twice without his knowledge.] I dare say I might be one of their best customers.

[haran]

[ayato brings up another pawn. while he is inexperienced, that doesn't mean he wants diluc to take it easy on him nor that he will make this an easy game for him, either.]

Uki? Is it an ingredient you're not fond of? [he has no idea what it is as of yet, but he likes interesting sounding things, and this certainly sounds interesting.]