( After an eventful several hours, Mishka had been making peace with the setting and vegetating on the couch. More genuinely, being out had so nearly given him heatstroke, he'd had to reluctantly resign to rest. Years of experience of night without trace of day left him woefully unprepared of the effects of heat and exhaustion beneath the sun's rays.
He seems quite exhausted despite seeming fairly physically fit. So this was the occupant of the other bed, he thinks, when Amber arrives. At a quick glance, she seems like a startlingly cheery girl. He doesn't think he's seen one of those before - not one who wasn't vampiric, he supposes.
He lifts a hand in a friendly wave. )
I'd been wondering when we'd meet. It's a pleasure meeting you, Amber - I go by Mishka. You'll have to forgive me for not rising; my home doesn't have much by the way of sun or heat, but I'll adjust.
( He always adjusts. He pulls himself into a proper sit on the couch, at least, clasping his hands gently together. )
You know, I've never really had a roommate before, nor have I ever really farmed. Would you enjoy a game of 20 questions? It's on my little sheet as a suggestion, and it might be nice to get to know each other better that way.
( His bingo sheet, that is. This is his first encounter with the concept of bingo, but it seems like it's to the benefit of them both if they play it, and he is genuinely curious enough to pick at the brain of this nice-looking girl, so hey. )
Hey, that's okay! It's your living space too, so do whatever you need to make yourself feel comfortable and at home, okay? I've never had a roommate before either, back home in Mondstadt it was just me living on my own!
( she sits herself down on the couch opposite to him, visibly beaming at his suggestion! )
Ooooh! That's a great idea! Let's do that! Would you like to start?
( Wow... She's so nice... Of all the alternate homelands out there, the ones that produce individuals like these must be akin to a fairytale, he figures. )
Then I believe I'll have to indulge you on that kindness and continue my lounging.
( He relaxes a little against the backrest, though he's still mostly sat up. Thankfully, he's been drinking a good amount of water - from the waterskin at his belt and not from a cup, but still. )
Let's see... Why don't we start with this Mondstadt? What was your homeland like?
( immediately, her face brightens into a smile when she reminisces over her home city. she explains the details with enthusiasm and vigour - and lots of hand gestures. )
Oh, wow ... where to begin! Mond is amazing! It's sooooo beautiful. It's called the "City of Freedom!" We're protected by Barbatos, the God of Wind! Mond has gorgeous cobblestone streets and several huge windmills overlooking the horizon. They're so fun to climb up, you can glide right off them! The people are so friendly, the taverns are lively, there's a great big cathedral and a library! And there's a gorgeous lake, and a coast! It's got everything! I wish I had some way to show it to you, words don't do it justice!
( phew! that was a lot! )
Sorry that I got carried away there. I just love my home city so much! So, my question back at you is the same! What's your homeland like?
( There is a curious expression on his face as Amber describes Mondstadt. At first surprised, and then indescribable. Intrigued, yes, but it's the sort of fairytale he couldn't have even dreamed of, because each and every one of those things are so strikingly new. )
No need to apologize, really. It's a wonderful thing, I think - loving whence you hail. I've never known a place beloved by its god, nor known a place whose right to freedom is so firmly defended by its patron.
( In fact, the only reality he knows is quite the opposite - but how to describe Ostoya without bringing down the mood? She seems so excited, he hates to disappoint her. )
Well, my homeland isn't quite so exciting, I'm afraid. It's known as Ostoya, and it's...
( How does one describe Ostoya in more neutral words? He holds his words on his tongue for a moment. )
... You could call it a series of ruins, I suppose. Unattended to by the deities; left to grow over. All manner of predators have taken up residence in it, which makes it a difficult place to live. Still - for all its challenge, it's produced some especially hardy occupants.
It's made the relative peaceful living of this place that much more novel - and myself all the more intrigued by homes like yours. Should this land's goddess ( question mark ) ever allow us the chance to visit other locations, I'd very much like to see your Mondstadt.
( it's difficult for her to visualise Ostoya, since Mond is all that Amber has ever known. but she pays attention as he explains, before his final sentence makes her smile. )
If there's ever a way I can take you there with me, you can guarantee I'll take you on a tour of Mond! I'd be happy to show you the surrounding areas, too. Like the beach! And the lake! And oh, we can go gliding! You're not really supposed to do it with more than one person, but ... I'll find a way. ( she giggles. )
Yeah! But not just Mondstadt! People glide all over the place! I just love to go to new places, find the highest point I can find, and jump right off it!
( but despite her enthusiasm, she does know she's been hogging the conversation a bit. she steadies her breath and calms a little, deflating into a more reserved posture. )
Sorry I've been talking so much about my home. I know you only spoke briefly about yours. Are you sure you don't have more to tell me?
If you'll allow me this indulgence, I quite like hearing you talk about your home. Your experiences are that much different than mine - and that much more fascinating.
( Which is true. Amber describes such a simple activity - one that hardly existed in Ostoya - with such enthusiasm, it's fun just watching her go.
He strokes his chin idly with a finger when she prods the topic of his home again. Well... )
I could say more, but I can't promise it'll be especially heartening. Are you certain you wish to hear it?
( This seems a fair compromise, honestly. He can only sugar coat Ostoya so much, but he wouldn't hide it if she considers herself steady enough for it. )
It's not as if I mind, really; it's only that it pales to the wonder of your Mondstadt.
( AKA, it's a bit of a downer, but hey - she said she's open to it. )
... Ostoya is quite the opposite of your home. It is a country wherein predators more powerful than humans reign, and they have sectioned off their people into herds to feed upon.
Each territory within Ostoya is different, and the one I was born into was such where the soil poisoned those who walked upon it. The night hung over us ceaselessly, and the waters that mired us in swamps were black, and flowed out into a darker ocean. Churches stood tall, the few havens of lesser pollution. To walk about outside was rarely safe, for those too poisoned by the land, in time, began to lose their human shape.
( A thoughtful beat. )
But, well, life is what you make of it, yes? And despite what I've said, there is a strange attachment in me to my home. Few ever desire to travel from it, and I'm one of the few who has - for work, largely. It is a curious thing, how affection works.
( Amber listens intently, nodding along with his explanation, but she can't help wearing a look of surprise when she hears the details. )
O-Oh wow ... poisoned zones? ( damn. that's rough! her brows knit with compassion when she hears this. )
Even if your home's poisoned or not, it's still your home. I don't think it's weird that you're attached to it. ( she rubs her chin in thought. ) And while I've painted a picture of Mond as a perfect place of sunshine and rainbows, the reality is ... well, it's kinda not perfect. The entire country we live in is filled with monsters, and it's up to Outriders like myself to go out there on the field to destroy their camps and investigate where they move to. It's dangerous work for sure, but this is what I'm passionate about.
It's kind of strange coming here without anything to fight and no bad guys to capture ... so, I guess I'm sorry for speaking about only the good parts. It wasn't very realistic of me. But like you, despite the monsters, I love Mondstadt with all my heart.
( So many poison swamps... Hidetaka Miyazaki has gone too far... )
You've nothing to apologize for. When you think of Mondstadt, you think of it the way you described it to me, yes? Such is the image in your heart. That, in itself, has value.
( It's just that, you know, there's no way to put a positive spin on Ostoya without sounding like a stockholm victim. Still, )
Monsters, though, sound like a difficult thing to contend with - are Outriders hunters, of sorts? That sounds like difficult work.
I wouldn't say "hunter" is the right word. I'm part of the Knights of Favonius, an organisation who protects the city of Mond. We deal with criminals, monsters and intelligence concerning an evil organisation called the Fatui.
The Outrider platoon is one that was founded by my Grandfather. I'm the only one left in it. ( but that's a sad backstory for another day!! ) An Outrider's duty is to get out there on the field and do scouting missions. I track down bad guys, enemy monster camps, gather intelligence ... things like that.
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crescentview2023-01-03 05:56 pm
no subject
He seems quite exhausted despite seeming fairly physically fit. So this was the occupant of the other bed, he thinks, when Amber arrives. At a quick glance, she seems like a startlingly cheery girl. He doesn't think he's seen one of those before - not one who wasn't vampiric, he supposes.
He lifts a hand in a friendly wave. )
I'd been wondering when we'd meet. It's a pleasure meeting you, Amber - I go by Mishka. You'll have to forgive me for not rising; my home doesn't have much by the way of sun or heat, but I'll adjust.
( He always adjusts. He pulls himself into a proper sit on the couch, at least, clasping his hands gently together. )
You know, I've never really had a roommate before, nor have I ever really farmed. Would you enjoy a game of 20 questions? It's on my little sheet as a suggestion, and it might be nice to get to know each other better that way.
( His bingo sheet, that is. This is his first encounter with the concept of bingo, but it seems like it's to the benefit of them both if they play it, and he is genuinely curious enough to pick at the brain of this nice-looking girl, so hey. )
no subject
( she sits herself down on the couch opposite to him, visibly beaming at his suggestion! )
Ooooh! That's a great idea! Let's do that! Would you like to start?
no subject
Then I believe I'll have to indulge you on that kindness and continue my lounging.
( He relaxes a little against the backrest, though he's still mostly sat up. Thankfully, he's been drinking a good amount of water - from the waterskin at his belt and not from a cup, but still. )
Let's see... Why don't we start with this Mondstadt? What was your homeland like?
no subject
Oh, wow ... where to begin! Mond is amazing! It's sooooo beautiful. It's called the "City of Freedom!" We're protected by Barbatos, the God of Wind! Mond has gorgeous cobblestone streets and several huge windmills overlooking the horizon. They're so fun to climb up, you can glide right off them! The people are so friendly, the taverns are lively, there's a great big cathedral and a library! And there's a gorgeous lake, and a coast! It's got everything! I wish I had some way to show it to you, words don't do it justice!
( phew! that was a lot! )
Sorry that I got carried away there. I just love my home city so much! So, my question back at you is the same! What's your homeland like?
no subject
No need to apologize, really. It's a wonderful thing, I think - loving whence you hail. I've never known a place beloved by its god, nor known a place whose right to freedom is so firmly defended by its patron.
( In fact, the only reality he knows is quite the opposite - but how to describe Ostoya without bringing down the mood? She seems so excited, he hates to disappoint her. )
Well, my homeland isn't quite so exciting, I'm afraid. It's known as Ostoya, and it's...
( How does one describe Ostoya in more neutral words? He holds his words on his tongue for a moment. )
... You could call it a series of ruins, I suppose. Unattended to by the deities; left to grow over. All manner of predators have taken up residence in it, which makes it a difficult place to live. Still - for all its challenge, it's produced some especially hardy occupants.
It's made the relative peaceful living of this place that much more novel - and myself all the more intrigued by homes like yours. Should this land's goddess ( question mark ) ever allow us the chance to visit other locations, I'd very much like to see your Mondstadt.
no subject
( it's difficult for her to visualise Ostoya, since Mond is all that Amber has ever known. but she pays attention as he explains, before his final sentence makes her smile. )
If there's ever a way I can take you there with me, you can guarantee I'll take you on a tour of Mond! I'd be happy to show you the surrounding areas, too. Like the beach! And the lake! And oh, we can go gliding! You're not really supposed to do it with more than one person, but ... I'll find a way. ( she giggles. )
no subject
( Genuine question! And one of his twenty, he supposes, but who's keeping count (hopefully not the goddess). )
no subject
( but despite her enthusiasm, she does know she's been hogging the conversation a bit. she steadies her breath and calms a little, deflating into a more reserved posture. )
Sorry I've been talking so much about my home. I know you only spoke briefly about yours. Are you sure you don't have more to tell me?
no subject
( Which is true. Amber describes such a simple activity - one that hardly existed in Ostoya - with such enthusiasm, it's fun just watching her go.
He strokes his chin idly with a finger when she prods the topic of his home again. Well... )
I could say more, but I can't promise it'll be especially heartening. Are you certain you wish to hear it?
( This seems a fair compromise, honestly. He can only sugar coat Ostoya so much, but he wouldn't hide it if she considers herself steady enough for it. )
no subject
Only if you're comfortable sharing. You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to, though.
no subject
It's not as if I mind, really; it's only that it pales to the wonder of your Mondstadt.
( AKA, it's a bit of a downer, but hey - she said she's open to it. )
... Ostoya is quite the opposite of your home. It is a country wherein predators more powerful than humans reign, and they have sectioned off their people into herds to feed upon.
Each territory within Ostoya is different, and the one I was born into was such where the soil poisoned those who walked upon it. The night hung over us ceaselessly, and the waters that mired us in swamps were black, and flowed out into a darker ocean. Churches stood tall, the few havens of lesser pollution. To walk about outside was rarely safe, for those too poisoned by the land, in time, began to lose their human shape.
( A thoughtful beat. )
But, well, life is what you make of it, yes? And despite what I've said, there is a strange attachment in me to my home. Few ever desire to travel from it, and I'm one of the few who has - for work, largely. It is a curious thing, how affection works.
no subject
O-Oh wow ... poisoned zones? ( damn. that's rough! her brows knit with compassion when she hears this. )
Even if your home's poisoned or not, it's still your home. I don't think it's weird that you're attached to it. ( she rubs her chin in thought. ) And while I've painted a picture of Mond as a perfect place of sunshine and rainbows, the reality is ... well, it's kinda not perfect. The entire country we live in is filled with monsters, and it's up to Outriders like myself to go out there on the field to destroy their camps and investigate where they move to. It's dangerous work for sure, but this is what I'm passionate about.
It's kind of strange coming here without anything to fight and no bad guys to capture ... so, I guess I'm sorry for speaking about only the good parts. It wasn't very realistic of me. But like you, despite the monsters, I love Mondstadt with all my heart.
no subject
You've nothing to apologize for. When you think of Mondstadt, you think of it the way you described it to me, yes? Such is the image in your heart. That, in itself, has value.
( It's just that, you know, there's no way to put a positive spin on Ostoya without sounding like a stockholm victim. Still, )
Monsters, though, sound like a difficult thing to contend with - are Outriders hunters, of sorts? That sounds like difficult work.
no subject
The Outrider platoon is one that was founded by my Grandfather. I'm the only one left in it. ( but that's a sad backstory for another day!! ) An Outrider's duty is to get out there on the field and do scouting missions. I track down bad guys, enemy monster camps, gather intelligence ... things like that.
But I do like to hunt for food!