Even if you spare me from it, someone else will be louder in your place.
[ That's just the nature of this weird hive mind they all have going, but she also knows Kaeya is a private sort. In spite of what he'd shared already, he likely doesn't want to put all his cards on the table –so to speak.
Setting that matter aside, she does listen. Her awareness of her shard had taken a while to manifest, but it had become an unquestionable fact after she had spoken to others who experienced the same world as Kaeya and who had been in this one longer. She's not even sure if she could describe herself as fully alive because of it, especially if she can continue to resurrect so long as the shard remains intact rather than her heart or her brain or any other vital organs. ]
So if they obtain our shards, are they able to keep it and use it themselves? Or do they grow one out of nowhere?
[ She knows exactly which of those two prospects is more alarming, and she's hoping that's not the case. ]
[ Kaeya can think of a few other people who could be much louder in his place, but again, he'll spare her from all that. His usual playful demeanour is gone as he tries to recall what he's learned. At least Rosaria is already considering the same possibilities he has in mind, so that saves him the trouble somewhat. ]
That's what I'd like to find out. I overheard two people discussing a family who made a donation to the Church of Helios, and after that, their child came back as a Shard-bearer.
[ He shakes his head, because he's already thought of the worst. ]
What if this is similar to the Fatui's Delusions? An artificial Shard... or perhaps, your first guess is right. They could be obtaining real Shards — ones that belonged to those who died, much like a Vision who lost its bearer — and they're repurposing them in this manner?
[ She must have heard about the rumours of people attempting to reactive dead Visions. Maybe such a thing is possible here too.
His arms are crossed now as he becomes contemplative. ]
... Remember when you asked me if you think you should join the local church again? Don't join this one, unless you fancy risking it to gather information.
[ He isn't entirely serious about that suggestion. ]
[ She wouldn't be surprised someone would try that with abandoned shards in order to amplify their child's abilities or safeguard them from other harms. Not only children but anyone who may have a need for the power associated with their shards. What's to even stop them from hunting and killing new arrivals to pluck the shards out of their body and re-sell them on the black markets?
Her face twists into a frown as she contemplates it deeper. ]
Gathering information would be the only reason I'd join, but they'd probably keep a close watch over their secrets if they are indeed carrying out questionable activities for the sake of delivering their blessings.
[ She was lucky that Mondstadt sanctioned her investigations and nightly activities; even encouraged them. There's no way she'd be granted that kind of freedom here with those who don't trust her and who may even want to take her shard away. ]
It'd be better to investigate from the outside and see how they're 'creating' these shards. Have you been to the Church of Helios yet?
[ Rosaria makes a good point, and it's one Kaeya himself has considered too.
There was a split-second where he wondered if it would be worth joining the Meridian just to take it apart from the inside-out, but he doesn't nearly have the same amount of resources and allies here than he did back at Mondstadt. It would be trickier to pull that off, especially when it requires inside information — something he is sorely lacking right now. ]
I plan to make a quick trip to the Church soon enough. See what I can find just by asking the odd question here and there.
[ Oftentimes, people are more likely to share things if their guard is lowered after some casual talk. ]
I'll let you know if I unearth anything interesting.
[ Hopefully, those in the Church are willing to entertain Kaeya enough to offer some information. But if they're anything like the other sisters and priests at the Church of Mondstadt, they'll probably object to any invitations for drinks or anything remotely resembling a leisurely activity.
Spending the whole day praying and reading scripture... what a terrible existence. She does not miss it even if she does miss the other sisters (secretly). ]
I might take a trip of my own during the festival. Heard they were offering samples from all the local wineries and taverns.
[ Why not toss in a little neighborly investigation on the side? ]
In the meantime, don't wear yourself out too much trying to charm them. Church types are some of the most immovable people you'll ever come across.
[ If only the people of the Church were so easily swayed by alcoholic beverages, then Kaeya thinks he'll have the easiest time extracting the information he needed. Alas, he knows that he has to employ other means — it's not like drinking is the only trick he has up his sleeve. ]
Oh, don't worry about that. I know that there are some boundaries I won't cross so they'll be fine. I'll only ask them questions.
[ She's not sure what will come of their investigations nor is she even sure why she's suddenly so invested –except for the faint hope that one of the shards might belong to someone she knows from her world. The odds aren't in their favor, but who knows? She'd rather whatever is left of them not be used as fuel for something more nefarious.
Besides, she still has her skepticisms regarding Cyrus and she knows Kaeya does too. They may not belong fully to this world, but neither of them have ever been inclined to turn a blind eye to innocents suffering.
She gives Kaeya a vague wave before spinning on her heel to go in the other direction, only pausing to call out over her shoulder. ]
And don't forget to send me a Communion message when you have that bartender job. I'm holding you to those free drinks.
[ When Rosaria turns to take her leave, Kaeya raises a hand in return, waving his farewell just in time for her to look over her shoulder. He laughs softly. ]
Of course. You'll be the first one to know.
[ He wonders if he may have overpromised here, but ah well. A bartender's job shouldn't be too difficult to acquire given his knowledge of alcohol, and as it so happens, he does know someone who is interested in setting up a bar. Perhaps the stars will align soon enough. ]
Take care, Rosaria.
[ Not something he would usually feel the need to say to her, because he knows she can handle herself, but — their situations have changed now, given that they're the last ones left from Mondstadt. Better to be safe than sorry. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[ That's just the nature of this weird hive mind they all have going, but she also knows Kaeya is a private sort. In spite of what he'd shared already, he likely doesn't want to put all his cards on the table –so to speak.
Setting that matter aside, she does listen. Her awareness of her shard had taken a while to manifest, but it had become an unquestionable fact after she had spoken to others who experienced the same world as Kaeya and who had been in this one longer. She's not even sure if she could describe herself as fully alive because of it, especially if she can continue to resurrect so long as the shard remains intact rather than her heart or her brain or any other vital organs. ]
So if they obtain our shards, are they able to keep it and use it themselves? Or do they grow one out of nowhere?
[ She knows exactly which of those two prospects is more alarming, and she's hoping that's not the case. ]
no subject
That's what I'd like to find out. I overheard two people discussing a family who made a donation to the Church of Helios, and after that, their child came back as a Shard-bearer.
[ He shakes his head, because he's already thought of the worst. ]
What if this is similar to the Fatui's Delusions? An artificial Shard... or perhaps, your first guess is right. They could be obtaining real Shards — ones that belonged to those who died, much like a Vision who lost its bearer — and they're repurposing them in this manner?
[ She must have heard about the rumours of people attempting to reactive dead Visions. Maybe such a thing is possible here too.
His arms are crossed now as he becomes contemplative. ]
... Remember when you asked me if you think you should join the local church again? Don't join this one, unless you fancy risking it to gather information.
[ He isn't entirely serious about that suggestion. ]
no subject
Her face twists into a frown as she contemplates it deeper. ]
Gathering information would be the only reason I'd join, but they'd probably keep a close watch over their secrets if they are indeed carrying out questionable activities for the sake of delivering their blessings.
[ She was lucky that Mondstadt sanctioned her investigations and nightly activities; even encouraged them. There's no way she'd be granted that kind of freedom here with those who don't trust her and who may even want to take her shard away. ]
It'd be better to investigate from the outside and see how they're 'creating' these shards. Have you been to the Church of Helios yet?
no subject
There was a split-second where he wondered if it would be worth joining the Meridian just to take it apart from the inside-out, but he doesn't nearly have the same amount of resources and allies here than he did back at Mondstadt. It would be trickier to pull that off, especially when it requires inside information — something he is sorely lacking right now. ]
I plan to make a quick trip to the Church soon enough. See what I can find just by asking the odd question here and there.
[ Oftentimes, people are more likely to share things if their guard is lowered after some casual talk. ]
I'll let you know if I unearth anything interesting.
no subject
Spending the whole day praying and reading scripture... what a terrible existence. She does not miss it even if she does miss the other sisters (secretly). ]
I might take a trip of my own during the festival. Heard they were offering samples from all the local wineries and taverns.
[ Why not toss in a little neighborly investigation on the side? ]
In the meantime, don't wear yourself out too much trying to charm them. Church types are some of the most immovable people you'll ever come across.
no subject
Oh, don't worry about that. I know that there are some boundaries I won't cross so they'll be fine. I'll only ask them questions.
[ Cross his heart, etc., etc. ]
Do keep me updated, hm?
no subject
[ She's not sure what will come of their investigations nor is she even sure why she's suddenly so invested –except for the faint hope that one of the shards might belong to someone she knows from her world. The odds aren't in their favor, but who knows? She'd rather whatever is left of them not be used as fuel for something more nefarious.
Besides, she still has her skepticisms regarding Cyrus and she knows Kaeya does too. They may not belong fully to this world, but neither of them have ever been inclined to turn a blind eye to innocents suffering.
She gives Kaeya a vague wave before spinning on her heel to go in the other direction, only pausing to call out over her shoulder. ]
And don't forget to send me a Communion message when you have that bartender job. I'm holding you to those free drinks.
no subject
Of course. You'll be the first one to know.
[ He wonders if he may have overpromised here, but ah well. A bartender's job shouldn't be too difficult to acquire given his knowledge of alcohol, and as it so happens, he does know someone who is interested in setting up a bar. Perhaps the stars will align soon enough. ]
Take care, Rosaria.
[ Not something he would usually feel the need to say to her, because he knows she can handle herself, but — their situations have changed now, given that they're the last ones left from Mondstadt. Better to be safe than sorry. ]