[Kaveh is... outside today! Why is Winter outside? Who knows. Maybe he isn't! Maybe he's seeing this through a window? That's not my business.
Regardless, Kaveh is out there, and whenever--however--Winter spots him, he'll notice that Kaveh seems to be writing, or drawing, in a notebook of some kind! He pauses every now and then to study the hotel, then goes back to what he's doing. He also keeps stopping and shivering, which makes sense, because he's dressed down and has his hair pinned up in a bun. Why is he out here like this.]
[ Winter is indeed outside, but he likes to spend time on the hotel grounds for the unobstructed view of the stars and the asteroids. It’s a favored pastime of his.
It’s not often he spots someone else, though, and he can’t help but try and peer over Kaveh’s shoulder as he approaches. ]
[The stars are comforting, in their own way. Kaveh doesn't come outside much, himself--the immediacy of deep space still a bit overwhelming for someone from a land that doesn't even have aircrafts or trains--but his nights of insomnia are often spent tucked against the window with a cup of hot tea, eyes trained on the sky.
Right now, though, they're fixed on the hotel. He's not so absorbed in what he's doing that he doesn't notice Winter's approach, though he only glances over his shoulder and greets him with a quick smile before he turns his attention back to his notebook. As Winter approaches, he'll be able to see (canon voice) beautiful illustrations and some notes in equally gorgeous handwriting. More specifically, they're sketches of the hotel at different angles, along with various complicated architect notes and long strings of complicated math, probably.]
A futile investigation, of sorts. I was hoping to learn a bit more about this place from the outside, but I don't think it will tell me anything that's of use right now. [He sketches a little bit more, then lowers his pencil with a sigh.] Hello, Winter. How've you been?
[ He spends a moment studying Kaveh’s notes, and while he understands the basics of some of it, the rest goes right over his head. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth remembering, of course. He owes a giant space cephalopod knowledge and the novelty of something new. Winter is no architect, so this certainly counts. ]
I truly feel there are forces beyond our comprehension in play when it comes to how the hotel operates.
[A cephalopod that eats knowledge is basically just Kaveh's roommate-- /thrown out
He laughs, though the sound is a tad wry, and closes his notebook to face Winter instead.]
I suspect you're right, but I had to try. Especially after that business with the shadows. [God.] I'm alright, though, beyond happenings like those. Ah, and I'm getting better at walking around like this! [The low gravity, he means.] It's actually rather fun once you get the hang of it.
The shadows… that was rather concerning, wasn’t it?
[ To put it mildly. He’s really not sure what to think of the happenings around the hotel sometimes. They had been mostly innocuous up until the fiasco with the shadows, and now he’s unsure if there are yet more dangerous situations on the horizon. ]
As for the gravity, or lack thereof, you should come to the 24th floor more often. It’s an excellent way to get your practice in without the threat of floating away.
Mm, it was. I'm going to meet with Mr. Bennet later today to discuss it.
[Kaveh's of the same mind, after all. It was one thing when these incidents were more-or-less harmless, but after what he heard, what he saw with his own eyes, this hotel no longer seems so innocuous. It's not like he fancies himself any sort of vigilante or hero, but he can't just sit back if people are being hurt--turning a blind eye would be completely antithetical to his nature.
That makes him smile, though.]
And risk you catching me bumbling around a second time? I see you want to rob me of my remaining dignity.
Were you? Do you think he’ll have anything useful to say on the matter?
[ Winter had been kind of writing Bennet off as nice, but sort of useless, since all of these strange things were happening on his watch. The residents have mostly been left to their own devices, with little help from him or the staff. ]
I have no idea, but I can't think of anything else to do about it. The way I see it, even if his answers are useless, I can at least secure his permission for a site scan--or his rejection, which is another sort of answer.
[So it's. Something, maybe. Who knows? Really, he should be leaving this to Cyno, but... well. He can't help himself.
[ Still, he has to commend Kaveh for being so proactive. It’s a good idea, if only to see where Mr Bennet truly stands on the hotel’s antics. ]
Ah, well, the older I get the more I realize that I have nothing to prove to other people. If someone wants to pass judgment on me without knowing me, then that’s their own problem.
[ And frankly, the people who are quicker to judge are often the easiest to manipulate. ]
Just a closer study of the building and its properties. I've done structural renovations back in Sumeru, so Mehrak--ah, that's my toolbox--is programmed with some features that allow me to examine preexisting sites and buildings in greater detail. I don't know if it'll tell me anything useful, though, since Teyvat is quite different from this place.
[So if it doesn't follow the rules of Teyvat, then... well. Mehrak can't do anything with that.
He shakes his head a little at Winter's words.]
You sound like someone I know. [His tone is wry; his smile fades a little, then, and he looks away, turning his gaze out towards the stars.] ...It's not always that simple, you know. Sometimes the judgment of others makes all the difference--for better or for worse.
[The difference between destitution and livelihood, between loneliness and companionship--all of which are critical concerns within his own life.]
[ He finds it quite impressive that Kaveh even has that sort of ability in his toolbox (literal and proverbial), and the thought to use it in this manner. Well, what happens from here will be up to Bennet, of course, but Kaveh has certainly earned some points in Winter’s eyes.
As for the rest– ]
You’re not wrong. I understand that I’m quite fortunate to have a place carved out for myself already, one quite untouched by the opinions of others. The world can do with me what it will. I know I’ll always have that home to go back to.
[He glances over, then, curiosity in his eyes--but after a moment of contemplation, he seems to decide against asking whatever was on his mind.
Instead:]
Then, are you here for the wish? [Both Tighnari and Cyno told him they'd like to wish to protect their homeland and loved ones, so it would make sense if Winter wanted something similar.]
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kicks down the door SOMETIME LATE NOVEMBER
Regardless, Kaveh is out there, and whenever--however--Winter spots him, he'll notice that Kaveh seems to be writing, or drawing, in a notebook of some kind! He pauses every now and then to study the hotel, then goes back to what he's doing. He also keeps stopping and shivering, which makes sense, because he's dressed down and has his hair pinned up in a bun. Why is he out here like this.]
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It’s not often he spots someone else, though, and he can’t help but try and peer over Kaveh’s shoulder as he approaches. ]
Working on something?
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Right now, though, they're fixed on the hotel. He's not so absorbed in what he's doing that he doesn't notice Winter's approach, though he only glances over his shoulder and greets him with a quick smile before he turns his attention back to his notebook. As Winter approaches, he'll be able to see (canon voice) beautiful illustrations and some notes in equally gorgeous handwriting. More specifically, they're sketches of the hotel at different angles, along with various complicated architect notes and long strings of complicated math, probably.]
A futile investigation, of sorts. I was hoping to learn a bit more about this place from the outside, but I don't think it will tell me anything that's of use right now. [He sketches a little bit more, then lowers his pencil with a sigh.] Hello, Winter. How've you been?
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I truly feel there are forces beyond our comprehension in play when it comes to how the hotel operates.
[ A small chuckle. ]
I’ve been well, thank you. And yourself?
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He laughs, though the sound is a tad wry, and closes his notebook to face Winter instead.]
I suspect you're right, but I had to try. Especially after that business with the shadows. [God.] I'm alright, though, beyond happenings like those. Ah, and I'm getting better at walking around like this! [The low gravity, he means.] It's actually rather fun once you get the hang of it.
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[ To put it mildly. He’s really not sure what to think of the happenings around the hotel sometimes. They had been mostly innocuous up until the fiasco with the shadows, and now he’s unsure if there are yet more dangerous situations on the horizon. ]
As for the gravity, or lack thereof, you should come to the 24th floor more often. It’s an excellent way to get your practice in without the threat of floating away.
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[Kaveh's of the same mind, after all. It was one thing when these incidents were more-or-less harmless, but after what he heard, what he saw with his own eyes, this hotel no longer seems so innocuous. It's not like he fancies himself any sort of vigilante or hero, but he can't just sit back if people are being hurt--turning a blind eye would be completely antithetical to his nature.
That makes him smile, though.]
And risk you catching me bumbling around a second time? I see you want to rob me of my remaining dignity.
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[ Winter had been kind of writing Bennet off as nice, but sort of useless, since all of these strange things were happening on his watch. The residents have mostly been left to their own devices, with little help from him or the staff. ]
Please, dignity is overrated.
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[So it's. Something, maybe. Who knows? Really, he should be leaving this to Cyno, but... well. He can't help himself.
He snorts.]
I envy you, that you should think so freely.
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[ Still, he has to commend Kaveh for being so proactive. It’s a good idea, if only to see where Mr Bennet truly stands on the hotel’s antics. ]
Ah, well, the older I get the more I realize that I have nothing to prove to other people. If someone wants to pass judgment on me without knowing me, then that’s their own problem.
[ And frankly, the people who are quicker to judge are often the easiest to manipulate. ]
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[So if it doesn't follow the rules of Teyvat, then... well. Mehrak can't do anything with that.
He shakes his head a little at Winter's words.]
You sound like someone I know. [His tone is wry; his smile fades a little, then, and he looks away, turning his gaze out towards the stars.] ...It's not always that simple, you know. Sometimes the judgment of others makes all the difference--for better or for worse.
[The difference between destitution and livelihood, between loneliness and companionship--all of which are critical concerns within his own life.]
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As for the rest– ]
You’re not wrong. I understand that I’m quite fortunate to have a place carved out for myself already, one quite untouched by the opinions of others. The world can do with me what it will. I know I’ll always have that home to go back to.
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His gaze softens at the mention of home; he crosses his arms loosely, tucking his hands against his sides.]
Having a home is a beautiful thing. It says a lot that you value yours so deeply.
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[ He can’t help but note the shift in Kaveh’s expression, and he smiles a little himself. ]
Though I realize I am quite lucky to have found it.
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Instead:]
Then, are you here for the wish? [Both Tighnari and Cyno told him they'd like to wish to protect their homeland and loved ones, so it would make sense if Winter wanted something similar.]