text, un: rosaceae

[roseblooms]

You know, for all that "it was a dark and stormy night" is a hackneyed cliché, I have to admit that I really can't think of a more apt way of describing the state of affairs outside. There's already water collecting in the streets; I imagine it won't be long before the roads and walkways are covered over. And from the sound of it, this storm is going to get worse before it gets better.

Squalls like this weren't altogether uncommon in the place I consider to be my native land; it was a wild place where raw power governed, so it only seems natural that it would have weather to match. I can't deny that even now, I still find a certain raw beauty in the fury of it all. But all the same, these sorts of storms are not to be trifled with, or taken lightly — and they're far better experienced from beneath the shelter of a sturdy roof and solid walls.

If you're not already prepared to weather a deluge, I would recommend remedying that quickly. There's something that feels oddly vicious about this particular tempest, and I won't be at all surprised if trying to brave it becomes hazardous sooner rather than later.

Comments

[roseblooms]

Somewhat more colloquially known as Demon World. It's neither Dante's seven circles nor Milton's Pandæmonium, but there are comparisons that could be made, I suppose.

[penpoint]

Ah, the Demon World? They're meant to be exciting stories, not a work of non-fiction. I wouldn't anticipate anything more than the most basic similarities. If they were, I'm afraid I'd have to sing their praises.

So, if you were to use five words to describe the place, what would you use?

[roseblooms]

Well, aren't you a curious one.

Why do you ask? Surely you're not planning a vacation there.

[penpoint]

I'm an artist, so it's only natural I'm curious. Even if I wanted to vacation there, I have doubts that it's accessible to me, so I'll learn what I can from others.

[roseblooms]

An artist? What type of medium do you prefer?

[penpoint]

I'm a manga-ka so lead and ink usually. Sometimes watercolor.

I find that learning about places and people somewhere like this with such variety, is a unique opportunity. I'd be foolish to pass it up.

[roseblooms]

I see. You're doing research, of sorts.

Makai is an interesting paradox, in comparison to a place like this. It's not a barren wasteland altogether; there are cities and political territories, some with advanced technology at their disposal. But a great deal of it is also wild and barren, where strength alone rules and every creature is in it for himself.

If you're familiar with tales of Atlantis, I suppose it's a little like that. Small pockets of utopia amid the wilderness.

[penpoint]

Yes, exactly.

I've read stories and theories about Atlantis. Mythology is fascinating because it's built upon and changed with hints of truth.

But what you have described is a real place. How advanced is the technology? Are we speaking steam, oil and gasoline, electricity?

[roseblooms]

Is that the level of technological advancement where you hail from? Electricity?

Makai is capable of genetic engineering — cloning — and other similar disciplines.

[penpoint]

Electricity, internet. We don't have cloning except in science fiction.