𝓕𝓞𝓡 𝓘𝓓𝓡𝓘𝓛𝓐!

With the onset of summer comes more missions, more cleanup, more justice to enact and beauty to admire! As a Quanta muse, Argenti is capable of taking on the Quanta prompts on this mission board, but he will need the assistance of a Teyvat muse to do the Teyvat portion. Here are some specific prompts he's interested in.

🌹 Argenti (here):

The Tsurumi expedition sounds downright fascinating, despite what Argenti underwent in Empyrea. Perhaps it's different enough that he doesn't mind plumbing the mysteries of the strange island. He'll need a tour guide (or maybe someone who wants to use him as a test subject) in order to fully dig through Tsurumi's secrets! Teyvat! (claimed: n/a)

A story with multiple different endings? Sign him up! Argenti personally doesn't think the novel has anything to do with the Destruction... but he's going to need to get his hands on several copies and read them first to be certain. Does your muse think the two subjects are related, or are they skeptical of the novel's role in the impending unrest? Quanta! (claimed: n/a)

Does Yaruf deserve acceptance, to be treated like any other sapient being? Or should he be regarded with suspicion and mistrust? Argenti doesn't know, but he does believe that kindness can go a long way, whether it be validating and assisting an innocent or persuading an evildoer to change their mind. Your muse is absolutely welcome to hand him the bandages and ointment (maybe they're actually the one doing the majority of the healing?) or act as devil's advocate and identify all the ways this could go wrong. Quanta! (claimed: n/a)

As one of the tourists caught up in the Empyrea debacle, Argenti, much as he is attempting to assist everyone else involved, also needs help; and even with his blessed armor, there's a high chance he's already contracted the pathogen abundant in the park. Is your muse also attempting to leave, or are they part of the rescue efforts? Either way, those post-Revelation need all the aid they can get! Quanta! (claimed: n/a)

"Caelus is quite worried about you all, you know." Little heads perk up, and Argenti gives a sad sigh and clasps his hands over his heart for extra measure. "The poor man's been pulling his hair out trying to track you all down—"

…disappointing.

He sighs, shifting his grip so that his walk is steadier when they move.“Alright…Little Bud,” If the Black Tide is finally amassing new soldiers,” Mydei isn’t an idiot – the endearment is a particularly common endearment in Ohkema too. Little buddy, though he’s always thought it made children sound less like people and more like pet chimera. Names and nicknames were earned among his people – things that were given deliberately in honor or disrespect. “…lets go find the ocarina.”

Penacony’s dreamscape is vast and crowded, growing even more-so now that he maneuvers with a child on his arm. As they wade through a street lined with games and food stalls, Mydei lifts the boy to his shoulders. “Look from up here. Higher vantage points mean you see more. Hold on or you’ll fall.” At any rate, he’s grateful to have his hands free, on edge any time a passerby stops to look at them.

They wander. Like any endless maze, there seem to be more obstacles than anything else. Troupes of dancers that appear out of thin air, crowds that close in on route to nowhere, and dozens of shops that seem more catered to nonsense than anything useful. No weapons, no ocarinas. Eventually, he’s painfully aware that one of them should be talking over the swell of muted noise around them. “Tell me about the home you hope to build.” A question, though the blonde follows it up with an answer of his own. “Where I come from, a lot of people have to travel to find…home. Maybe you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for. What then? Will you keep looking, even if that place doesn’t exist?”

Eventually, Sir Midday's questions draw his attention back to the task at hand. What kind of home I want...? It... seems simple enough what should go into it, really. A sturdy and cozy shelter that keeps out the weather and keeps him safe and warm and dry; plenty of good food and clothes and maybe a couple toys; and a nice guardian who cares for him and whom he loves and trusts, so that he can grow up into a great man, maybe a hero like this guy! Oh, and maybe some nice friends too. He can't remember the last time he had friends, or played with any of the kids his age, and—well, it's war.

He hopes they're okay.

They'll get closer to the kidnappers' hideout before too long - but there's more than enough time for a brief history lesson, and the Aranara will warn her if anything dangerous approaches. And so, as she leads the way though the depths of Mawtimya, she reaches for both Irminsul's records and the instinctive knowledge that comes with being who and what she is, and begins to explain. "Long ago - to briefly summarize, as the full history of these lands would take a very long time to explain - all Sumeru was a lush and beautiful rainforest, all life within living at peace under the protection of a mighty dragon. Yet...it could not last, as war swept the world, and a weapon fell from the sky, turning the once-verdant land to a storm-scoured desert. Life remained, congregating around oases, and for a time, a grand civilization arose under the guidance of the Three God-Kings. Though even their dream could not last, and after the death of one, the remaining two went their separate ways...and one of them traveled eastwards, to these lands, and created these forests as a home for her people."

Nahida pauses to scan their surroundings for any sign of danger, and finding none, continues. "As for the other regions...this, of course, is Mawtimya Forest, home to a variety of unusual plants and fungi not found elsewhere. To the south and west is Avidya Forest, which comprises the majority of Sumeru's forests, and is considered the safest, frequently patrolled by the Forest Watchers as it is. Further to the north, along the coastline and the northern border with Liyue, is the Lokapala Jungle - where we're heading. Unfortunately, much of that area was also damaged during Fontaine's great flood last year, and there are few settlements. Vanarana, home of the Aranara, is to the northwest; and in the southwest, closer to the edge of the desert, lies Apam Woods, notable for three things: great trees that grow as tall as mountains, an artificial weather cycle...and the very device that recreated the rainforests after their destruction."

Nahida takes another look at her companion - and finds no reason to worry. He's listening with rapt attention, drinking in her words like a flower absorbing sunlight.

It truly is so very nice to be able to talk at length about her forests, but a lot of the humans she knows start to get a glazed look in their eyes whenever she really gets into it. But Argenti's still listening, and she hasn't even moved from history to more complex ecology yet!

That gives her another idea, and she points to a kalpalata vine trailing from the edge of one of the great mushrooms, its blue-white flowers shimmering in the sun. "As for Mawtimya itself, many of the plants found here can also be found across the forests if you know where to look. Such as Kalpalata Lotuses - the first plant I personally created. There's an old legend that they're the progenitors of all life in the forest, but that's simply not true. I wasn't the first to tend to this garden, after all."

Sheepish, Kallen returns her attention to the stakes anchoring the tent, and gathers a few of the remaining spares to hand over to her companion. As she gets up to circle the tent and examine it, she remembers what he had said before the increasingly-embarrassing tangent over their names. Curious to visit your home... “And, well, as for visiting my home... Not many people seem to have heard of it. I don't know if it would be all that interesting to see...”

He disagrees with her sentiment about her homeland; he's the only one who can see for himself and judge whether he finds it interesting. Furthermore, a place's worth is, he believes, not in how interesting it is, but in the beauty and people it holds. He thinks all of this and more, but does not get the chance to express it before Kallen is asking him about his own home planet. "... My home?"

It's been so long since he left, since he put his master to rest and embarked on his pursuit of Beauty across the vast myriad lightyears of the cosmos. Surely it's become nigh unrecognizable by now, though he can only hope it's in a good way after all of his fighting on behalf of the innocent and downtrodden. But... shouldn't he have visited it after all? Even when nothing remains there for him? Would that truly have been in everyone's best interests? He wonders, he wonders, he wonders (but wondering doesn't get anyone anywhere, only action can do such a thing)...

"It... it was beautiful," he eventually answers, gaze trained on the finished tent instead of her face. "There were areas that saw frequent conflict, but in peace, with the commonfolk happy... it truly shone its brightest. There were traveling musicians who brought joy to the people and valiant knights who protected them. It was where I met my mentor and began my journey of knighthood... where I first trod upon the Path of Beauty." He tilts his head at her, a small, pained smile slipping onto his face. "I haven't returned to it in so long, but... perhaps you would like to see it with me? And maybe we can visit your planet too. I'm curious to know the kind of place that birthed such a kind woman as yourself."

Maybe to themselves, their homes are ordinary, nondescript, humble...

... but to each other, those same places might just be worth visiting in order to better understand the new friend that has been made.

Just like he had once at the heart of the Grove, swordmaster clad in black robes unaware of the power that was about to course through the frail scholar as soon as that tardy titan arrived with their coreflame in hand.

He didn't have such magic tricks up his sleeve now, bereft of form and power. The scholar was capable of many great feats, both blasphemous and innocuous in nature. He could create life itself from soil or metal, walk over water upon a mere hat, leave parts of himself amongst the roots of the grove by transmutating his soul into gold, and even blend his very life with that of a god's. He was foolhardy and ambitious. He had met failure more times than success, greeting it each time with a smile and a thank for the severity of its misfortune.

But without a body, he held none that divine power within his hands. There was one thing he could do though:

Survive.

That sounded more right for their goal here anyway; now didn't it?

Why is this happening?

With all the strength he can muster, he pulls himself together, armors himself in his knightly code. The only way out is through, and he grips his lance (thankfully still with him) as he surveys the situation, ready to act. He recognizes the verdette man far up ahead and moves to join him as backup.

“I’ve been to Penacony once, actually…” she begins, trying to sound neutral, but it’s obvious when she trails off that her experience of the Land of Dreams may not have been the most pleasant. “It was a little overwhelming for me,” she finally admits sheepishly, managing, in the same moment, to wrangle a particularly difficult clip onto the tarp. Her hands move to the next one. “My home is far less boisterous compared to the sights of the Dreamscape, so I had some trouble adjusting.”

He hums as he thinks about her response to his account. “Overwhelming, hmm? Yes, I can see why that might be the case… this one section in particular, the Golden Hour, reminds me of the IPC what with all of the business and commerce going on in that area. For my part, I found the Moment of Scorchsand quite entertaining, though there’s nothing that compares to delving into the Primal Dreamscape itself. Though it’s far more wild and dangerous than the rest of the Sweet Dream, it has a unique and honest sort of beauty I haven't found anywhere else." He taps his lip in thought as he finishes wrangling the tarp. "Perhaps... ah, never mind.

He plunges forward, coming to a treacherous stop a few paces in front of one of the creatures that has been stalking and patrolling these woods. Were these the things that had made Kallen disappear? How dreadful, if so. What a frightful sight they were indeed. (Now that he could finally get a good look at one of them, that was.)

Anaxa (32) rolled 10 Energy [8 energy] Anaxa moved 8 spaces (40)

It's good thing that Anaxagoras is not scared by such paltry things. He has no reason to fear them, not with his intangible body and his most important magical prop by his side. Then again, he also has no expectation that it will be able to break through the veil of death to attack a living being, an alchemical weapon that was perhaps nothing more than a piece of the puzzle that made him someone to fear now.

[2 energy] Anaxa attacks Largeankle B (Roll: 5, hit, -1 HP, Largeankle B 3/4 HP) LARGEANKLE ROLL: 3, nothing happens

He lifts his gun, aims it as if he were to actually fire it, pressing his finger down on the trigger with an ever cocky smile. It is as much to his surprise as it is to the creatures when something physical actually collides with it.

Perhaps the power of his will truly was that strong after all. Of course, why didn't he think of it sooner! A cackle of laughter starts to escape his lips, the arrogant scholar nearly toppling himself over with glee.

Why! Anaxagoras was surely the greatest to ever live if he could accomplish feats like this despite his demise!

Roll Energy: 5. Spaces moved: 5. Argenti: 6/6 HP Roll Largeankle: 4. Summoning does not occur.

The creature heading for the camp has disappeared into the woods, so Argenti, after making one last sweep of the area, strides forward, intending to rendezvous with the group. Fortunately, he manages to reach the rearmost members before they can get too far away from him, and he purses his lips as he surveys the state of the group. We’re more spread out than I would like, we’ll make for easier targets that way… then again, speed is paramount at the moment. The sooner we can get through this place, the sooner we can find our missing lady.

The best he can offer is to forge ahead as he always does, not bothering to look back. If he comes across any misfortune, he too will thank this one for the severity of trouble it brings upon him.

Anaxa (23) rolled 9 Energy [9 energy] Anaxa moved 9 spaces (32) LARGEANKLE ROLL: 7, nothing happens

It still bothers him terribly how the woods only grow quiet ahead while behind the danger lurks - and somehow they'd had no idea it was there until it struck. And yet... it seems to have no interest in them, for now at least.

Through the trees, Anaxagoras can just barely make out the shadow of one of those creatures, unsure how far it was from them, unsure how far ahead he gone from their allies with just a glance. If he looks behind him, he can still see their "souls" faintly glimmering with his left "eye", though he certainly cannot judge how far away from them he is at this time.

Very well. Forge ahead. Do not look back, child of humanity. There was work to be done.

Roll Energy: 3. Spaces moved: 3. Argenti: 6/6 HP Roll Largeankle: 3. Summoning does not occur.

That was quite close! Perhaps, had I not been staying vigilant, I would have run into that thing… maybe I should ensure it’s gone before I continue. The others might appreciate someone keeping watch on our rear so that this doesn’t happen again. But then… why is it moving away from us? Does it have an objective, and so pursuing us either gets in the way of that objective, or else is more trouble than it’s worth?

If they went missing, perhaps then he would at least pretend to care. Because then there would be bigger worries at stake. But until then, he's sure that they're more than capable of taking care of themselves.

Anaxa (13) rolled 10 Energy [10 energy] Anaxa moved 10 spaces (23) LARGEANKLE ROLL: 8, nothing happens

And so he continues forward, keeping a careful eye on the surrounding woods, a stray hand drifting towards his greatest magical prop of all just in case. Though he is still uncertain of how exactly to use it in his current condition, the intimidation factor and sense of security was better than nothing at all.

This place, of all of them he could choose, will not spell out his second end. Not if the foolish, blasphemous scholar had anything to say about it.

Roll Energy: 8. Spaces moved: 8. Argenti: 6/6 HP Roll Largeankle: 4. Summoning does not occur.

“Fair friends! Fair friends, I’m coming! I’m right behind!” he cries out as he races along the path, making note of any signs of the group. Soon, they appear up ahead, and he breathes a sigh of relief. Vigilance is absolutely necessary, but I nearly courted disaster with my fixation on my surroundings! I must strike a better balance from now on.

It was such a shame that someone as likeable Kallen was the one that had succumbed to these accursed woods. (And he wonders what he would think were it a different person with white hair. He's still unsure if he would be devastated or relieved. He always seems to be unsure on his feelings when it comes to that boy more often than not.)

Anaxa (6) rolled 7 Energy [7 energy] Anaxa moved 7 spaces (13) LARGEANKLE ROLL: 5, nothing happens

He walks forward quietly, feet not quite touching the ground, keeping a silent eye on the dark woods around them. As his fellow apparition speaks, the scholars calls in return to him:

"Nothing yet..."

Roll Energy: 4. Spaces moved: 4. Argenti: 6/6 HP Roll Largeankle: 2. Summoning does not occur.

Though he can't sense anything amiss, the redhead keeps his lance held at the ready and his eyes and ears sharp for even the slightest thing out of place in their surroundings. Hmmm... these guided tours are, I assume, held regularly on Empyrea, but how often do instances like these occur? I would expect that if they do happen, either they're not very often, or they've been covered up to keep the peace. Certainly any kin of those involved would have to be notified that something happened to those people, right? He halts, staring ahead at the rest of the group as the next thought strikes him. But... I don't have anyone to notify. The Knights may have units, but we still function as solitary members on our own missions.

A chill runs down his back. How many of us here have people to return to? How many of us... are more likely to disappear because we don't?

Does she have anyone waiting for her to come home?

White hair. Blue eyes.

Just like someone else that he would rather not be reminded of. Whether that was out of annoyance or because he'd prefer to be spared the pain of all that had transpired was for him and him alone to know.

But that student of his... who looked so much like her... how was he doing now upon that farcical world of theirs? Had he yet to fulfill all that they had spoken of upon their last meeting? Or was he finally living up to the name given to him by prophecy?

Anaxagoras had once scoffed at his simple dream of becoming a hero at the end of another year of teaching, proclaiming it as boring. Phainon was destined for more than to be a simple hero, he alone was the one who would bear the world and its fate upon his shoulders, along with the perfect memory that would keep them all alive.

... What a burden to put on one person. But if anyone were capable of it within their gilded cage, it would be that boy.

Anaxa (START) rolled 6 Energy [6 Energy] Anaxa moved 6 spaces (6) LARGEANKLE ROLL: 3, nothing happens

Perhaps that is why he feels like he owes her something simply because she looks so much like him, owes it to her to make sure she makes it out of this alive, wherever she is now. Because the weight of the world might be too much to bear all on one's own.

So the scholar steps forth, unafraid of what might lie within these woods.

After all, it wasn't like he could die a second time; now was it?

Argenti may not have known the lady very well, but from his brief time fixing the tents with her, he came to determine that she seemed rather nice, and that he would not be opposed to furthering a friendship with her. With her gone, the group feels... off. A bit lopsided. Like one of the colors in a painting has suddenly vanished. Too, the forest is no longer safe (but was it ever in the first place?) and the tour group is obliged to go on the move. I really hope we can find her... what sort of danger might she have encountered that would leave no trace of her behind? And... is the mysterious creature connected to this incident?

Roll Energy: 4. Spaces moved: 4. Argenti: 6/6 HP Roll Largeankle: 4. Summoning does not occur.

That seems to be somewhat of a theme with a few of the latest major worlds he’s visited, artificial planet-structures born of goals and dreams of countless hopeful. Perhaps that’s part of why he can appreciate the beauty of the Reverie and the Luofu so much.

Argenti is right—it doesn’t take them that much longer to fix the crooked segments, now all lined up neatly between them. Kallen looks a little proud of their handiwork by the end of it, even though it’s only the first step of many. “Now comes the trying part. We have to connect the segments—it should be five segments for each pole…” What had Sara said about them, again? “Oh, and! You’re supposed to twist, not push.”

Moving the massive tree branch away had been somehow easier, less laborious than this. Perhaps, it was a mistake to have completely dismantled the tent—now in its component parts again: tarp, nylon, stakes, and the pre-bent poles now bent a little more out of shape—the ones taped together having snapped cleaning once again.