[So that he can actually get changed and look presentable instead of showing up in the Sumeru equivalent of sweatpants and a hoodie, which is very comfortable for working in but not at all suitable for his public image.
Though it's not as opulent as his usual outfit, he's still dressed nicely; my apologies to this real life person but this look is so cute I couldn't resist. He's got his hair up in a messy bun!! He's also left Mehrak behind, so it's just him arriving with a happy wave. Coffee!!]
[ dressed for a nice outing! which is precisely why Tighnair has changed into something different for a change as well.
his ears perk at the sound of approaching footsteps almost immediately, glancing in the direction and smiling at sight of his companion. he offers a small wave in return before he comes closer. ]
Hey Kaveh. Shall we then? [ gestures more onto the rest of the floor... which well, there's a lot of places to check out. but he's directing them first to a quaint comfy little coffee place. ] Made any interesting connections so far? There's quite a few guests here from all kinds of different worlds.
[Fancy!! In fact, Kaveh even reaches out to tug lightly on his sleeve.]
I can't remember the last time I saw you in anything that wasn't forest-ready. Did you bring this along, or buy it here?
[Off they go, off they go--he trusts Tighnari's tastes and he has yet to have a bad dining experience here, so he's perfectly content to follow.]
Yes, it's fascinating. I can't say I know anyone particularly well yet, but there's talk of some sort of reading group that I was thinking of attending. What about you?
[ ears flick at the light tug to his clothes, glancing down at his own attire before he laughs a little. ]
I got them here. I figured my forest-ready clothes would be better prepared for when I'm actually in Sumeru. Some staff were quite insistent on dressing nicely for this floor as well so.
[ a slight shrug. though now he wonders if maybe he should've stuck to his other clothes after all?? he keeps his pace with kaveh as they walk, keeping his gaze settled on him. ]
A reading group? That would be good, definitely a way to meet with more guests. [ a hum ] I've made a few acquaintances certainly, but like you I wouldn't say I know anyone particularly well yet outside you and Cyno.
Were they? [Hunh, interesting.] Well, they suit you. I love the cut of this shirt. [So sayeth he with the artist's eye, even if he doesn't actually know enough about fashion to describe it in detail like a professional. Thank goodness this hotel sells pants with tail holes or else that would've been super uncomfortable.
For his part, Kaveh looks between Tighnari and the floor, gazes flicking around with interest. Is he looking at the storefronts, or at weird little architecture things? Unclear. But he's listening, and he hums in understanding.]
I'm sure you'll be pleased to know I've already met a young lady intent on scolding me for my sleeping habits. [But there's humor in his voice as he says it.] Most everyone's been pleasant to speak with. Someone even brought me a mint, simply because she had extras in her room.
Thank you. I wouldn't say I have a good eye for this kind of thing so maybe next time I'll ask for your opinion before I settle on anything. [ shopping trip potentially? maybe so. and yeah, these pants came with an easy button above the tail. or maybe it's laces above it. who knows. (*me voice) fuck around and find out.
tighnari continues to be content with just observing kaveh, his lips quirking up a bit higher as he continues on. his tail flicks up with amusement, swaying a bit up and down. ]
Oh good, someone else who is in the same right mindset as myself. She would be right, you know. [ his own tone is just as light and airy with tease, before guiding them right into a cute little cafe. here it is, yay. ] That's good to hear. Mostly I've come across quite a few teenagers, which surprised me a bit but.. maybe I really shouldn't be given what this place can provide.
[ HELP THE ESPRESSO MACHINE. good thing nari makes his own tea. ]
And I'd tell you the exact same thing I told her, which is that I sleep plenty. That elevator incident was a fluke--someone even claimed it was some sort of curse from the spa, did you see that? It had nothing to do with me.
[SO THERE.
Despite his defensive tangent, he's clearly not actually bothered--he looks around the cafe with interest, and once they're led to a table, he takes a seat with a smile and thanks to the host. Wow... is it just him or are most of the other people here holding hands...
...Well, it's rude to stare at people, so he turns back to Tighnari and nods.]
Yes, I was a bit surprised by that as well. [And then they vanished like dominoes and Kaveh is just going to assume they went home to school or something] The details are a little fuzzy, but... I remember something about a wish, right? That must be very appealing to a lot of people.
I'll at least give you that. I did notice when I had a teen latching onto me like an old relative whom he hadn't seen in years. Even some of these other floors have an effect of some kind. I wonder if it's due to the location where this building is built?
[ effects are certainly afoot so he will let kaveh off his elevator incident... just this once.
if tighnari seems to notice the people around him, he sure doesn't show as much, instead keeping his gaze on kaveh until he thanks the host and looks over their provided menus. ]
You'd remember right, it indeed does involve a wish. Cyno and I surmised as much when we first ran into one another. [ a hand raises to curl before his own mouth, giving a bit more thought. ] When given an opportunity to have a wish granted, not many would turn it down. It's an extremely tempting offer.
As if it's near a leyline, or within some kind of domain? I'd wondered that too, actually. [He glances briefly over the menu, but his gaze slides back to Tighnari as they talk.] I'm considering asking if I can do a scan with Mehrak, just to get a better idea of where we are.
[Which I have not done yet but. It will happen.
As for the rest, he hums, a vague sound of acknowledgment.]
That's my assumption. Of course, this is a realm that exists outside our world, but I don't think it being some kind of domain is that far-fetched of an idea.
[ with a decision made, he sets the menu aside and turns his attention fully on kaveh again. ]
It would be so easy to wish for any kind of knowledge you could get your hands on, don't you think? [ anything you can imagine.... but he shakes his head. ] My own wish is nothing like that though. It's more simpler, really. A simple desire to keep those I care about safe, if anything.
[He grimaces, putting his own menu aside and briefly lifting a hand to grab the waiter's attention.]
After everything I heard about that business with the sages? No thank you. You know how I felt about the Akasha.
[Undeniably convenient, sure, but the system absolutely contributed to the destruction of artistic appreciation. (Kaveh voice) Everyone's used to getting their information from Akasha now, so they unconsciously overlook such sophistication of technique and artistic maturity
Even if it hadn't, though, Kaveh is a person who works in concrete and tangible things. He might not reject useful tools, but he's always felt a deeper sense of accomplishment with knowledge he's gained on his own.
He sighs, then, leaning back in his seat.]
You and Cyno would have the same goals. [He says it fondly, though. THIS IS WHY HE LOVES THEM... he's constantly honored to have such noble people in his life.]
Just as I'm sure you were aware of my own active avoidance of using it.
[ information exchanged by the akasha system was not the kind of knowledge tighnari could ever appreciate. always the type of person that finds accomplishment in gaining knowledge through his own hard work and hands as well.
lips quirk up at that, chuckling at that notion. because it was of course obvious cyno would have a goal such as that - the man was always seeking to protect, holding up his idea of justice and doing as good as he could by it. ]
When I prefer gathering knowledge on my own, what else would I wish for?
[ it's a matter of fact, really. he doesn't feel lost on his goal, or like he's lacking anything, so there's really so little that he could potentially ever wish for. he peers up once their waitress comes by, requesting a hot cup of tea and a slice of pastry to accompany it. ]
[It had taken time for them to become friends, and even longer for Kaveh to acknowledge that Tighnari thought of him as one, but their shared distaste for various aspects of Akademiya politics certainly helped cement Tighnari's position as someone steadfast and brilliant in Kaveh's mind. They may live in different parts of Sumeru and work in entirely different fields, but how could Kaveh forget Tighnari's bold defiance of the norms?
He greets the waitress with a smile and orders a coffee and a small cake for himself, handing the menu over once he's done. As she leaves, he leans on the table with a sigh, propping his chin in his hand.]
You're right, of course. And I know that's the most important thing to you. [To all of them, really, at the end of the day. Even Alhaitham, for all that Kaveh complains about his self-centric perspective, can do the same when he so chooses--with his participation in the coup, the way he tends to Collei when Tighnari asks, even his clumsy and callous words of advice on message boards. At the end of the day, all four of them want nothing more than peace, safety, and prosperity for their loved ones and their nation.] And to think, I was going to waste my wish on a house.
[Unsurprising, perhaps, considering he is--in his own opinion--the weak link among them, regardless of how hard he tries to pretend he's not. But it's fine. He's changed his mind, no harm done.]
[ kaveh is right about that- regarding what's important to tighnari. though he of course takes his work as forest watcher seriously, and all of his research that comes up with it, he also cares a lot for his friends. a lot of that ties in with his friend's same wishes and connections.
however, when kaveh brings up his own - he reaches out to gently squeeze his companion's hand. fingers curling around comfortingly. ]
I wouldn't say it's a waste. Considering everything you give and do back home, I don't think your wishing for a house is a terrible thing.
[ after all, even when kaveh had money and the materials within reach, he went and donated to other causes. he's still very much a good person deep down. of course, he knows that kaveh has a bit of trouble thinking well of himself on some days, so all he can really do is gently reassurance.
eventually, the waitress returns with their things in tow and it only registers that tighnari had been cupping kaveh's hand until now. oh. oops. he leans back, allowing the waitress the room to set down their pastries and drinks. he offers another thanks before he reaches for his cup of tea, taking a light whiff of it. hmmm. smells good! ]
the way I looked at your icon too fast and thought it was a maid outfit
[Maybe somewhere in this hotel, there's a floor that could convince Kaveh to take Tighnari's words at face value, that would allow him to hear you're a good person and simply accept it for what it is. That is not this floor, though. Instead, to Kaveh, this is just another example of Tighnari's kindness--proof that he has faith in those he's chosen to care about. It never fails to make Kaveh feel warmed and ashamed all at once, though he's always been careful to hide such tangled emotions as best he can. It's not Tighnari's fault he can't take a compliment, after all, and he hates to drag the mood down.
That's especially true right now--the last thing he wants, he's finding, is to derail their conversation with his woes. It's nothing anyone needs to listen to, for one thing, but more importantly, it would make Tighnari frown, and the very idea of that sets an uncomfortable itch under his skin. No frowning foxes! Absolutely not!!
He'd rather focus on the present himself, anyway. Tighnari put this time aside specifically for him--he's certainly not going to waste it getting distracted by old, self-centered issues.
He lets Tighnari take his hand without resistance, offering him a smile before he waves the other.]
Knowing my luck, it would show up right in the middle of Treasures Street. [Absently, he threads his fingers loosely through Tighnari's.] Or it would be an absolute eyesore. I'd have to tear the whole thing down and rebuild it anyway.
[GOD. But, oh--their orders!! It's only natural to make room for them, of course, but he finds himself a little disappointed as he lets go and withdraws his hand. At least there are treats to make up for it; he goes for the cake first, thanking the waitress as well and taking a bite of it once she's gone.]
I reached out to Mr. Bennet, the head of staff. He told me that the strange events aren't his doing. The hotel is acting independantly, as well as reacting to our own actions.
Of course its up to you how much you trust what he says. You can press him for more details if you want them.
Really? I'm a little surprised, though I shouldn't be. The hospitality here is very odd.
[One minute they're having parties and being plied with free food and liquor, the next they're being attacked by their own shadows... Kaveh originally came for a vacation, but at this point, he's considering staying out of sheer concern.
As for the question--]
A lot of legwork, to be honest. I modified the core in my toolbox and installed some useful architectural functions, such as hazard detections, unstable foundation, and material analysis. With any luck, I'd be able to examine and identify some of the base materials used to build this place, and maybe even what powers it. But I'll have to take Mehrak around myself, and I have my doubts that it'll be particularly enlightening. Not unless this place operates within the rules of Teyvat, anyway.
[Maybe this place really does run on elemental energies and leylines like he's used to, but he kind of doubts it, no matter how much it reminds him of a specialized domain.]
It's very similar, yes. I'd be adapting what I do for renovations of preexisting structures, like buildings or bridges. There are some insights you can only gain with your own eyes, after all, but Mehrak has specific capabilities that could prove useful here.
Oh, yes--apologies. Mehrak is my toolbox. I built it with an automated core, so it acts as something of an assistant. It helps me with mapping, surveying... sometimes combat, if necessary. It can only understand some basic commands, but it's useful for things like this.
[Kaveh squinting at his phone like "what's a robot"]
Unfortunately, I agree. But whatever data I do manage to gather will tell us something, even if it's just a confirmation of our suspicions. [That this isn't a normal hotel, he means.]
[Kaveh's not necessarily sure he agrees with that, but getting into it would be a whole philosophical debate that he doesn't think a stranger would appreciate, so he holds it back.]
Oh, right. I'm Kaveh--my room is 0306, on the third floor, if you need me.
[Hello. I'm assuming neither of them killed each other in that mistlefoe thread, but please let me know if I'm getting ahead of myself here and I can WAIT ON THIS THREAD-
A message out of the blue(?). Or maybe it was expected, eventually.]
[Wouldn't it be funny if I was like "umm yeah actually this was my death plot? Surprise"
But no, they're fine. I'm going to make the executive assumption that at some point the mistlefight effect kicks in for Kaveh too--it doesn't actually matter if he lands a hit on Henry or not when that happens, he's going to feel terrible about it anyway. Self-defense is one thing, but getting pushed into enacting violence on his part... it's probably one of the worst effects, for him.
That's why he cringes when he sees Henry's name, until he reads the message that comes along with it.]
I owe you the same. I should've realized what was happening.
[And gotten the hell outta there when he realized it was hotel nonsense!!]
In actuality, Henry has his fair share of regrets, but all of them broad brushstrokes regarding the state of his life, the route it had taken, turns in the road that deposited him straight off a cliff. Yet beyond that? Not so much. He doesn't really regret having lashed out to hurt people, more than he's frustrated that it wasn't truly of his own volition.
And now, he has to build those bridges back up. He has to at least pretend to play at niceties to make life in this hotel more manageable.
And so!]
I guess neither of us could have, or would have cared at the time. Maybe it's best to place the blame on the ineptitude of this hotel, instead.
[ On Christmas Day, an impeccably wrapped present is delivered to Kaveh’s suite with a note: ]
Dear Kaveh,
In the spirit of celebrating these winter holidays at the hotel, I hope you enjoy this present. May it serve you well in your creative endeavors and further architectural musings. I look forward to hearing more about them.
Best wishes, SH.
P.S. I will be checking out for a few days to tend to matters at home. If you’ve need of me, please feel free to leave any messages with the front desk.
friday;
I was thinking of exploring some more floors today, maybe stop somewhere to eat.
Interested in joining me?
the way I halfway expected to see "week 0"
THE WAY I ALMOST DID
How about we start there? And see where it takes us.
[ in which idek what actual floor that is so i GUESS ASSUME HE GIVES A FLOOR. RANDOMIZES IT ]
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[So that he can actually get changed and look presentable instead of showing up in the Sumeru equivalent of sweatpants and a hoodie, which is very comfortable for working in but not at all suitable for his public image.
Though it's not as opulent as his usual outfit, he's still dressed nicely; my apologies to this real life person but this look is so cute I couldn't resist. He's got his hair up in a messy bun!! He's also left Mehrak behind, so it's just him arriving with a happy wave. Coffee!!]
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his ears perk at the sound of approaching footsteps almost immediately, glancing in the direction and smiling at sight of his companion. he offers a small wave in return before he comes closer. ]
Hey Kaveh. Shall we then? [ gestures more onto the rest of the floor... which well, there's a lot of places to check out. but he's directing them first to a quaint comfy little coffee place. ] Made any interesting connections so far? There's quite a few guests here from all kinds of different worlds.
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I can't remember the last time I saw you in anything that wasn't forest-ready. Did you bring this along, or buy it here?
[Off they go, off they go--he trusts Tighnari's tastes and he has yet to have a bad dining experience here, so he's perfectly content to follow.]
Yes, it's fascinating. I can't say I know anyone particularly well yet, but there's talk of some sort of reading group that I was thinking of attending. What about you?
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I got them here. I figured my forest-ready clothes would be better prepared for when I'm actually in Sumeru. Some staff were quite insistent on dressing nicely for this floor as well so.
[ a slight shrug. though now he wonders if maybe he should've stuck to his other clothes after all?? he keeps his pace with kaveh as they walk, keeping his gaze settled on him. ]
A reading group? That would be good, definitely a way to meet with more guests. [ a hum ] I've made a few acquaintances certainly, but like you I wouldn't say I know anyone particularly well yet outside you and Cyno.
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For his part, Kaveh looks between Tighnari and the floor, gazes flicking around with interest. Is he looking at the storefronts, or at weird little architecture things? Unclear. But he's listening, and he hums in understanding.]
I'm sure you'll be pleased to know I've already met a young lady intent on scolding me for my sleeping habits. [But there's humor in his voice as he says it.] Most everyone's been pleasant to speak with. Someone even brought me a mint, simply because she had extras in her room.
[Smashcut to the espresso machine getting stolen]
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tighnari continues to be content with just observing kaveh, his lips quirking up a bit higher as he continues on. his tail flicks up with amusement, swaying a bit up and down. ]
Oh good, someone else who is in the same right mindset as myself. She would be right, you know. [ his own tone is just as light and airy with tease, before guiding them right into a cute little cafe. here it is, yay. ] That's good to hear. Mostly I've come across quite a few teenagers, which surprised me a bit but.. maybe I really shouldn't be given what this place can provide.
[ HELP THE ESPRESSO MACHINE. good thing nari makes his own tea. ]
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And I'd tell you the exact same thing I told her, which is that I sleep plenty. That elevator incident was a fluke--someone even claimed it was some sort of curse from the spa, did you see that? It had nothing to do with me.
[SO THERE.
Despite his defensive tangent, he's clearly not actually bothered--he looks around the cafe with interest, and once they're led to a table, he takes a seat with a smile and thanks to the host. Wow... is it just him or are most of the other people here holding hands...
...Well, it's rude to stare at people, so he turns back to Tighnari and nods.]
Yes, I was a bit surprised by that as well. [And then they vanished like dominoes and Kaveh is just going to assume they went home to school or something] The details are a little fuzzy, but... I remember something about a wish, right? That must be very appealing to a lot of people.
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[ effects are certainly afoot so he will let kaveh off his elevator incident... just this once.
if tighnari seems to notice the people around him, he sure doesn't show as much, instead keeping his gaze on kaveh until he thanks the host and looks over their provided menus. ]
You'd remember right, it indeed does involve a wish. Cyno and I surmised as much when we first ran into one another. [ a hand raises to curl before his own mouth, giving a bit more thought. ] When given an opportunity to have a wish granted, not many would turn it down. It's an extremely tempting offer.
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[Which I have not done yet but. It will happen.
As for the rest, he hums, a vague sound of acknowledgment.]
Did you have something in particular in mind?
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[ with a decision made, he sets the menu aside and turns his attention fully on kaveh again. ]
It would be so easy to wish for any kind of knowledge you could get your hands on, don't you think? [ anything you can imagine.... but he shakes his head. ] My own wish is nothing like that though. It's more simpler, really. A simple desire to keep those I care about safe, if anything.
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After everything I heard about that business with the sages? No thank you. You know how I felt about the Akasha.
[Undeniably convenient, sure, but the system absolutely contributed to the destruction of artistic appreciation. (Kaveh voice) Everyone's used to getting their information from Akasha now, so they unconsciously overlook such sophistication of technique and artistic maturity
Even if it hadn't, though, Kaveh is a person who works in concrete and tangible things. He might not reject useful tools, but he's always felt a deeper sense of accomplishment with knowledge he's gained on his own.
He sighs, then, leaning back in his seat.]
You and Cyno would have the same goals. [He says it fondly, though. THIS IS WHY HE LOVES THEM... he's constantly honored to have such noble people in his life.]
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[ information exchanged by the akasha system was not the kind of knowledge tighnari could ever appreciate. always the type of person that finds accomplishment in gaining knowledge through his own hard work and hands as well.
lips quirk up at that, chuckling at that notion. because it was of course obvious cyno would have a goal such as that - the man was always seeking to protect, holding up his idea of justice and doing as good as he could by it. ]
When I prefer gathering knowledge on my own, what else would I wish for?
[ it's a matter of fact, really. he doesn't feel lost on his goal, or like he's lacking anything, so there's really so little that he could potentially ever wish for. he peers up once their waitress comes by, requesting a hot cup of tea and a slice of pastry to accompany it. ]
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[It had taken time for them to become friends, and even longer for Kaveh to acknowledge that Tighnari thought of him as one, but their shared distaste for various aspects of Akademiya politics certainly helped cement Tighnari's position as someone steadfast and brilliant in Kaveh's mind. They may live in different parts of Sumeru and work in entirely different fields, but how could Kaveh forget Tighnari's bold defiance of the norms?
He greets the waitress with a smile and orders a coffee and a small cake for himself, handing the menu over once he's done. As she leaves, he leans on the table with a sigh, propping his chin in his hand.]
You're right, of course. And I know that's the most important thing to you. [To all of them, really, at the end of the day. Even Alhaitham, for all that Kaveh complains about his self-centric perspective, can do the same when he so chooses--with his participation in the coup, the way he tends to Collei when Tighnari asks, even his clumsy and callous words of advice on message boards. At the end of the day, all four of them want nothing more than peace, safety, and prosperity for their loved ones and their nation.] And to think, I was going to waste my wish on a house.
[Unsurprising, perhaps, considering he is--in his own opinion--the weak link among them, regardless of how hard he tries to pretend he's not. But it's fine. He's changed his mind, no harm done.]
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however, when kaveh brings up his own - he reaches out to gently squeeze his companion's hand. fingers curling around comfortingly. ]
I wouldn't say it's a waste. Considering everything you give and do back home, I don't think your wishing for a house is a terrible thing.
[ after all, even when kaveh had money and the materials within reach, he went and donated to other causes. he's still very much a good person deep down. of course, he knows that kaveh has a bit of trouble thinking well of himself on some days, so all he can really do is gently reassurance.
eventually, the waitress returns with their things in tow and it only registers that tighnari had been cupping kaveh's hand until now. oh. oops. he leans back, allowing the waitress the room to set down their pastries and drinks. he offers another thanks before he reaches for his cup of tea, taking a light whiff of it. hmmm. smells good! ]
the way I looked at your icon too fast and thought it was a maid outfit
That's especially true right now--the last thing he wants, he's finding, is to derail their conversation with his woes. It's nothing anyone needs to listen to, for one thing, but more importantly, it would make Tighnari frown, and the very idea of that sets an uncomfortable itch under his skin. No frowning foxes! Absolutely not!!
He'd rather focus on the present himself, anyway. Tighnari put this time aside specifically for him--he's certainly not going to waste it getting distracted by old, self-centered issues.
He lets Tighnari take his hand without resistance, offering him a smile before he waves the other.]
Knowing my luck, it would show up right in the middle of Treasures Street. [Absently, he threads his fingers loosely through Tighnari's.] Or it would be an absolute eyesore. I'd have to tear the whole thing down and rebuild it anyway.
[GOD. But, oh--their orders!! It's only natural to make room for them, of course, but he finds himself a little disappointed as he lets go and withdraws his hand. At least there are treats to make up for it; he goes for the cake first, thanking the waitress as well and taking a bite of it once she's gone.]
Oh, that's very good. Do you want to try some?
UN: Bucciarati
I have some information.
I reached out to Mr. Bennet, the head of staff.
He told me that the strange events aren't his doing.
The hotel is acting independantly,
as well as reacting to our own actions.
Of course its up to you how much you trust what he says. You can press him for more details if you want them.
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That settles it, then. I'll ask him if I can do a site scan.
The hotel itself? Was that all he said?
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What does a site scan entail?
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[One minute they're having parties and being plied with free food and liquor, the next they're being attacked by their own shadows... Kaveh originally came for a vacation, but at this point, he's considering staying out of sheer concern.
As for the question--]
A lot of legwork, to be honest. I modified the core in my toolbox and installed some useful architectural functions, such as hazard detections, unstable foundation, and material analysis. With any luck, I'd be able to examine and identify some of the base materials used to build this place, and maybe even what powers it. But I'll have to take Mehrak around myself, and I have my doubts that it'll be particularly enlightening. Not unless this place operates within the rules of Teyvat, anyway.
[Maybe this place really does run on elemental energies and leylines like he's used to, but he kind of doubts it, no matter how much it reminds him of a specialized domain.]
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all that text, and yet Bruno only responds with: ]
That sounds more like a construction survey.
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It's very similar, yes. I'd be adapting what I do for renovations of preexisting structures, like buildings or bridges. There are some insights you can only gain with your own eyes, after all, but Mehrak has specific capabilities that could prove useful here.
Or not. Truthfully, I'm just guessing and hoping.
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[ yeah, sure. why the hell not. ]
All right.
You have a specific skill set, but it might be useful.
I doubt this hotel will read like a normal building.
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Unfortunately, I agree. But whatever data I do manage to gather will tell us something, even if it's just a confirmation of our suspicions. [That this isn't a normal hotel, he means.]
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For what it's worth, I don't think the hotel has bad intentions.
A building can't understand human feelings or culture. That's all
By the way, what's your name?
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Oh, right. I'm Kaveh--my room is 0306, on the third floor, if you need me.
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My name is Bucciarati. I live two floors above you.
The third floor is the workshop, isn't it?
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[ and he successfully remembered...! ]
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[WOAH]
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I'm living here now, so I want to know what's around me.
un: latrodectus, dn: henry
A message out of the blue(?). Or maybe it was expected, eventually.]
I think I owe you an apology.
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But no, they're fine. I'm going to make the executive assumption that at some point the mistlefight effect kicks in for Kaveh too--it doesn't actually matter if he lands a hit on Henry or not when that happens, he's going to feel terrible about it anyway. Self-defense is one thing, but getting pushed into enacting violence on his part... it's probably one of the worst effects, for him.
That's why he cringes when he sees Henry's name, until he reads the message that comes along with it.]
I owe you the same. I should've realized what was happening.
[And gotten the hell outta there when he realized it was hotel nonsense!!]
no subject
In actuality, Henry has his fair share of regrets, but all of them broad brushstrokes regarding the state of his life, the route it had taken, turns in the road that deposited him straight off a cliff. Yet beyond that? Not so much. He doesn't really regret having lashed out to hurt people, more than he's frustrated that it wasn't truly of his own volition.
And now, he has to build those bridges back up. He has to at least pretend to play at niceties to make life in this hotel more manageable.
And so!]
I guess neither of us could have, or would have cared at the time. Maybe it's best to place the blame on the ineptitude of this hotel, instead.
🎁 december 25th
Dear Kaveh,
In the spirit of celebrating these winter holidays at the hotel, I hope you enjoy this present. May it serve you well in your creative endeavors and further architectural musings. I look forward to hearing more about them.
Best wishes,
SH.
P.S. I will be checking out for a few days to tend to matters at home. If you’ve need of me, please feel free to leave any messages with the front desk.
[ Inside is a leather-bound sketchbook. ]