1415/Flying Under The Influence

Flying Under The Influence
Date of Scene:	25 January 2015
Location:	Galianda
Synopsis:	Souji and Artyom enjoy some Tanuki Sake while discussing various things.
Cast of Characters:	627, 665

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Souji Murasame (627) has posed:
Amidst the functional accoutrements of the Ame-no-Torifune, there is also a meeting room and relaxation facilities. As the flagship of the Murasame Zaibatsu, the ship is constantly staffed and kept in existence using its ancestral summoning matrix.

One of these relaxation areas is a small zen gardem, kept impeccable through the efforts of both the staff as well as those who use and respect it.

At the moment, Souji sits within the middle of a sweep of fine gravel, the faint circular ridges created from the smoothing rank lending themselves to deep meditative thoughts. The walls hang with scrolls of old wisdom and soft landscapes, along with a small pool kept with colorful, peaceful native fish.

It is an excellent place for rest and relaxation.

Artyom W. Valodjn (665) has posed:
    Artyom has spent many weeks away from home since Galianda threw open its gates to the multiverse at large. Since then, he's seen places beyond his wildest imagination and travelled to lands very much like his own. He has met with warriors from all across the many worlds, and learned a great deal. But now, he's home for at least a short while before he goes off again, and it's time to kick back and relax for a little bit- and to fulfill a promise to meet that he had made a little under a month ago.

    The Ame no Torifune is home to a private garden, because of course it is. Its landscaping is what someone from Earth might describe as vaguely Japanese, with strong Zen influences. Artyom is quite fond of the garden- it's the one major green-space aboard the great airship. It's here that Artyom joins Souji for their meeting.

    He's finally out of his travelling leathers- which is good, since they were briefly on fire just a few days ago. Instead, he's wearing a simple button-down shirt and a pair of dark pants. There's a discolored patch of skin on his cheek that leads down his neck where hardened magma needed to be peeled away. The burn has been healed, but it seems to have left a bit of a scar.

    More importantly, though, there's a pair of rather large bottles dangling by leather straps clutched in his hand, each one made out of chalk white ceramic. Upon each bottle is the Japanese Kanji for 'Sake,' painted in jet black ink. They dangle next to a small but well-packed cloth sack. In his other hand, he carries a broad, laquered saucer with him as well, with a smaller set of fine porcelein dishware resting at its center.

It seems like Frank has brought out his Good Alcohol tonight.

    "Souji," he rumbles as he arrives, inclining his head in greeting. He takes a moment to remove his shoes, then, taking advantage of his geomantic skill, walks along the carefully patterend sand rings without disturbing them. Instead they seem to flow around his footsteps as he approaches. "It's been a while," he says, settling down near his boss, "I brought the drinks, as promised."

Souji Murasame (627) has posed:
There is a moment in which Souji does not move. Perhaps he has been meditating that deeply.

Or perhaps it is something else? Who knows. The Murasame heir stirs, looking up from the sand to regard the Titanic with his perennial stoic gaze. "Valodjn." He greets. "Events have made it difficult to associate of late. There is always more to do, especially with the advent of the multiverse."

His gaze switches to the sake jugs. "It will be a good night for it." He nods, sighing. "So tell me of your travels, Valodjn. What have you been up to lately?"

Artyom W. Valodjn (665) has posed:
    Souji's odd tendencies are not so strange to the Titan. He's known the Murasame Heir for many years now, after all. If he were once bothered by such things, he's since grown used to them.

    "Exploration, primarily," Artyom answers with a slight grin. "The many worlds hold great wonders. People, places, it is rather extaordinary." He sets his baggage down and uncorks one of the bottles. Vapors, powerful but thick with the rich scent of some foreign stock waft from the sake when he pours its contents into the larger dish and one of its smaller companions. "I procured this brew from a creature known as a Tanuki during a particularly interesting jaunt."

    "Incidentally," he says, passing the smaller cup toward Souji- he uses the larger only because it actually fits properly in his hands, "I may have located a particularly rich, but temporary vein of meteoric material. But we can discuss business later."

"And you? I've heard of some... interesting rumors regarding one Mister Murasame and a Miss Jinx as of late," Artyom chuckles, "I find myself wondering if there is any substance to them."

Souji Murasame (627) has posed:
Souji does not begrudge Artyom using the larger dish. He does not drink to excess. Inebriation is vulnerability, and Souji cannot allow himself to be vulnerable. He takes up the smaller dish and inhales, sampling the aroma. "Hmm." He says noncommittally. "A Tanuki. They are known for their alcohol brewing, then?" He samples the liquid, drinking it slowly to savor the taste.

Artyom's comment causes one eye to open and look towards him in the midst of drinking, but he does not comment immediately.

He puts the bowl down and exhales. "... Powerful." He says quietly. "But good."

He goes quiet for several seconds, and shakes his head. "They are just rumors. Miss Jinx is a valuable associate to the Zaibatsu, no more. You know anything else is impossible."

Artyom W. Valodjn (665) has posed:
    "The Tanuki appear to be a people who greatly appreciate their alcohol," Artyom explains. "It seems that many people of their world- of Gensokyo- are of the same mind." He takes a moment to draw in the vapors of his drink. The scent conjures memories of his visit to that strange land. "It was certainly a... lackadaisical kind of place," he goes on, pausing briefly to sip at his sake, savoring the flavor for a moment. Smooth, but fiery on the way down, with hints of spices and woods that are both unfamiliar but deeply flavorful, "Almost storybook, you see? But I understand that these Tanuki have been brewing for centuries. They make fine liquor."

And so it is a fine place indeed.

    His eyes shift towards Souji at his denial. Artyom gives a slight nod, "Of course. Never one to let romance get in the way of business, yes?" He shrugs a bit at that, then takes another sip of his drink. His great size means there's little risk of inebriation from such small amounts of even Tanuki Moonshine. "Though I do not believe such associations would prove... overly troublesome."

He leaves the subject at that, however.

    A moment passes where Artyom says nothing, only staring into the depths of his sakezuki. Perhaps out of thought, perhaps out of respect for old memories. Only he could say for sure. "You seemed like you had something on your mind," Artyom says, then, "When I arrived. Have the recent... events weighed heavily?"

Souji Murasame (627) has posed:
Souji pauses for a moment, and looks back towards the decorative rocks and sand. He doesn't pursue the subject of his relationships (or lack thereof). "It sounds like a fascinating place." Souji replies.

He goes quiet for a short time. "There is much to do, and much to consider, Valodjn. The Multiverse both makes some things easier and some more complicated. The landscape is changing and we must be ready to accept that change."

Artyom W. Valodjn (665) has posed:
    "Indeed," Artyom nods, taking another sip. "I plan to return there soon- there is much to see in that place. The one who sold me this alcohol has offered to guide me." Hopefully it won't end with Artyom somehow owning a Tanuki Brewery, though it's certainly not outside the realm of possibility.

    He goes quiet as Souji speaks- then nods. "Yes," he agrees, "There is... Much that is different now. Much to get used to. Out there, I have seen wonderful sights, been to fantastical places- but there are also great threats. Terrible threats. We must adapt to all of these." Artyom shakes his head, "Regardless, no matter how the multiverse must change, it is vital that we maintain our center, yes? So long as that is done, then we can advance without fear."

Souji Murasame (627) has posed:
"I wish you profit and fortune in the venture." Souji replies. He takes another sip of his alcohol. He isn't showing signs of being knocked on his ass yet, but then he's only halfway through a single bowl. "Anything you discover can possibly bring a new turn in our fortunes."

He stares ahead, then, his gaze focused on some invisible point in the distance. "There is no fear. There is only consideration for the steps that must be taken to achieve the best solution for the Family."

Artyom W. Valodjn (665) has posed:
"Mm, I have a number of potential ventures in mind that may prove profitable. This place I speak of is home to a vast underground network as well, which could prove valuable," Artyom explains. "There is the previous meteoric deposit as well as potential quarrying elsewhere. But I disgress." Business creeps in as it is wont to do, but this is not a business meeting.

    He nods, then, taking yet another sip. There's a slight, pleasant warmth in his chest now, but nothing that has yet affected his mind. "Mm, yes. That is good to hear," he says, chuckling. "It is important for our leader to be courageous in such things. Just remember that you are not alone, yes? You do sometimes carry a good deal more than your share of the weight. We are here for you, Souji."

Souji Murasame (627) has posed:
Ever since the Incident, Business has been Souji's life. It was almost like watching a switch getting flipped.

"Of course. No one can run a company alone. This is why I trust you and the others to attend to your work. Distributing the labor to those whoexcel at it is simply common sense." He replies, Absently, he picks up the bowl... And then he considers it for a moment, then sets it back down. "It is excellent, but I should not drink more." He replies. "It is too strong to indulge in overmuch."

Artyom W. Valodjn (665) has posed:
    Since that day, Artyom has watched his old friend collapse in on himself. It was like a star suddenly imploding, leaving behind a cold, impossibly focused remnant of what it once was. The sight was... difficult for him to bear.

It's no surprise that Souji somewhat misses the point. But at this point, it's hard for Artyom to tell if it's even intentional or not anymore.

    "I didn't just mean the company, Souji," Artyom sighs, shaking his head. He takes another sip of his drink, then casts his friend a glance- and nods. "It is rather strong, I cannot fault you for that, but--" He undoes the string tying the cloth sack he brought along, revealing stacks of soft, white pastries- mocchi. "If you like, I brought these along as well. I understand they were made by... some form of intelligent rabbit."

Souji Murasame (627) has posed:
Souji, again, simply lets Artyom's gentle prodding roll off of him like water off of a Tonberry's back. "Pastries." He comments. "Made by an intelligent rabbit? How novel." He says, reaching out to pluck up one of the mocchi. He looks it over curiously. "It reminds me of some Ramuhan recipes." He comments, as he bites into it. He chews, considering the flavor and texture. "Hmm. Very clean. Simple and pleasant."

Artyom W. Valodjn (665) has posed:
    Artyom is again unsurprised, though he does manage to avoid giving voice to the tired sigh building at the back of his mind. "Indeed, I thought you might find them to your liking," he says instead, moving on from that clearly unproductive topic. "It's interesting how much of our own culture is mirrored throughout the multiverse," he picks up one of the pastries, "Though I suppose some things are universal, hm?"

Like commerce, and greed, and valor and war.

Souji Murasame (627) has posed:
"There are a number of theories. Perhaps some facets of our existence are ingrained deeply enough that they appear in variations throughout other worlds as well. Perhaps this points to a single, common source for such things, but there is a lack of evidence regarding such, so it remains nothing more than a hypothesis."

Souji continues taking bites of the pastry as he considers things. "Some of the manifestations are more palatable and pleasant than others. Unfortunately, the Light Warriors seem diligent enough to leap in headfirst whenever they see something shiny."

Artyom W. Valodjn (665) has posed:
    "Mm, perhaps so. And last I checked, or own origins were... Relatively well known," though he had to admit that there was some inherent ambiguity in the legends of the First Gods. It's still hard to argue with the fact that those of Galianda are all living on the static husks of their great progenitors. "Unless all these foreigners are themselves living on Plates and simply do not realize it... But even I find that idea rather difficult to swallow."

    Artyom takes a bite of a mocchi, and washes it down with some more drink. There's some redness on his neck, now, but his constitution score isn't so easily bested by a single dish of sake! "It's hard to deny their enthusiasm," Artyom agrees with a slight chuckle. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he remembers a time when Souji was not so different from them. "But at least their exploits seem... Beneficial to the perception of Galianda as a whole, hm?"

Which is, in turn, good for business.

"And their zeal does make them rather useful, if one is careful about what one tells them."

Souji Murasame (627) has posed:
Were it a simple sake, Souji would not be worried himself. But this is no mere peasant sake, and he can tell. "Impossible. I have seen far too much variation in landscapes, geography, and fundamantal underpinnings of the other worlds to believe that any of them have any direct relation to our world besides happenstance."

He shrugs slightly at the mention of the exploits. "Perhaps. The people are of two minds. Unfortunately for them, the troublemakers are louder."

Artyom W. Valodjn (665) has posed:
    Indeed, one must not take supernaturally puissant sake lightly. Especially when that sake was brewed by raccoon-spirits infamous for drinking particularly heavily. Artyom's dish is empty, and he has yet to fill it again. It would... Not be a good plan to do so at this juncture. "Indeed. It is fascinating though, isn't it? Their worlds are not monolithic- the elements bleed into one another, mingling and seperating in such frequencies that simply do not exist upon the plates. Some worlds even have elemental forces all their own." Though many of the ones he's experienced so far: Radiation, undeath, are not particularly pleasant in the least.

He nods, then, color now lightly filling his cheeks, "Louder, perhaps. But noise can be useful. Let the loud draw attention, there is much opportunity to be seized in their wake."

Souji Murasame (627) has posed:
"Some of those forces may be useful to us. Make sure to notify us when you come across something of note." Souji replies.

He considers his next move. IT doesn't seem to involve sake or mocchi though. "We will see what happens. I have several plans prepared for if things destabilize further, or if they do not. Either way, we will be ready."

Artyom W. Valodjn (665) has posed:
"Of course," Artyom answers, fighting back the terrible, inebriated warmth creeping through his veins. He's a Titan, he can do this! Probably. "You know my eyes are always open," he says, nodding.

"You need only to give me the word," he continues, popping another mocchi into his mouth to try and staunch the flow of alcohol into his bloodstream. "Until then, I think I might continue my travels. Knowledge is power after all, yes?"

Souji Murasame (627) has posed:
"Indeed." Artyom's reassurances cause Souji to nod. "Knowledge is power." Souji sighs for a moment, a bit of the tension leaving his shoulders. Could the booze finally be getting to him? "Artyom... What do you think is going to happen? If the Shivans get into a direct conflict with the al Cids, it could cause some... chaotic events."

Artyom W. Valodjn (665) has posed:
    Well, that's something that only happens once in a blue moon: Souji is actually letting some of his worries slip through. For once in a long time, Artyom sees Souji's mask slip even just a little bit. At least he knows that Souji's still in there, somewhere.

    Artyom pauses to think- he's not lost his faculties just yet, thankfully. A few moments are spent munching on- and swallowing- one of the mocchi. "If you want my honest opinion," Artyom answers, a... concerned note in his voice, "I... Do not believe the Wolf-Lord is going to settle for peace. He seems a particularly warlike individual among a particularly warlike people." He frowns, shaking his head, "I would be foolish if I believed he would take the rational course. I see it as... A power grab, yes? Unite Shiva under his flag, and if he takes Ramuh, then..." Artyom closes a fist tight, then opens it wide, "Then he will be King- of everything, everyone. The crown achieved in the Shivan way. This is what I think he is thinking."

    "Al Cid cannot take this challenge lightly. They will try to delay the conflict, attempt to resolve it without bloodshed. But this kind of person... Blood and battle are the only things he speaks." Artyom frowns, taking another bite of his mocchi. "We must prepare," he says, swallowing. "Much is at stake. Not only the loss of trust and profit among the multiverse. If he truly goes to war, I do not think he will stop at decapitating Ramuh- there is far too much opportunity available to him if he gets to that point."

"I pray I am wrong," he finishes, ruefully pouring a bit more alcohol into his dish. "I hope that there are those within Shiva who realize the foolishness of this conflict. But I fear that is not the way the wind blows now."

Souji Murasame (627) has posed:
Souji nods at this analysis, and then forms back up. "We're of similar minds on this. A storm is coming, Valodjn." He finally stands. "We have to be prepared to ride it, or else we might be scoured along with it." He turns away, then. "... Thank you, Valodjn. I will need to go. Good luck."

Artyom W. Valodjn (665) has posed:
"Mm, and you as well, sir," Artyom answers, giving a parting nod. The fact that Souji is even willing to bring up 'luck' sincerely is a... good sign. "This was good, we will have to meet again the next time we are both free," which is basically never. This is one of many the problems with being Souji Murasame. Artyom takes a sip of his drink, "I think I will remain here for a while longer, yet. Finish this dish, then go and take care of paperwork."

"There is much to be done," he says with a sigh, "Before it is too late to do anything."