Video | UN: Thrown4aLupine

[lupus_borealis]

WHO: Varka and you unfortunate souls!
WHERE: Gemini and Libra Networks
WHEN: Some nebulous time after the Smash or Simp post
WHAT: Varka's had some time to settle in, so it's time for him to more properly introduce himself to the network at large.
WARNINGS: None for now, but will update if anything comes up

[The video feed comes on to show Varka in what looks like a home office. It all looks clean and orderly with bookshelves lining the back. It's a little hard to read the titles on the spines, but it looks like they're collections of folklore, some foreign language dictionaries, and atlases from various periods in time. Twin swords, a claymore and a heavy long sword, rest on a wrack nearby.]

Some of you might know me already, but allow me to formally introduce myself to all of you. The name's Varka Kenway. Yes relation. Heh, ah, good one.

[Yeah, that's a dad.]

I'm one of The Unbroken, a leader of The Black Order that got sworn in after the rebellion. Been with them for almost 30 years, and in my past life I was the Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius in Mondstadt and the Knight of Boreas. Still am, I guess. I've been away on highly dangerous missions that needed urgent attention, but things have quieted enough that I've taken up a post here in Kaisou. I've still got my own duties to attend to from here, however you can count on me to hold the line if necessary.

[Varka pauses for a moment and then waves his hand.]

Alright, enough formalities! I leave an open invitation to join me for drinks and stories, nonalcoholic if that's your preference, as well as sparring matches or lessons in swordsmanship when I've got the time. I look forward to getting to know everyone!

Feel free to ask me anything. I'm mostly an open book.

Comments

video; un: silverrose

[fionnuisce]

...Fuck d'you mean, Kenway?

[Incredible first impression.]

[lupus_borealis]

[This is going to be a fun day for Waver.]

Captain Edward Kenway is an ancestor of mine.

video; un: captainkenway

[jackdawvision]

You see why I called you and Dia to get me home from the pub yesterday night? Christ my skull.

voice | un: kissmyash

[switchaxe]

You forgot "man who broke the horny post".

[Thank you Jun for actually telling him this, holy shit.]

[lupus_borealis]

A proud accomplishment! By the way, Jusis sends both his fatherly love, pride, and a prayer that you've been staying out of trouble.

[Maybe not in so many words, but y'know. A translation.]

UN: hikari-vi | Video

[whiteshroud]

[He's already met Varka, so most of this is old news to him. The Kenway part though-]

Ohhh, you're one of Edward's grandkids? That explains so much!

Congrats Edward! You must be so proud!

[lupus_borealis]

[Varka grins proudly.]

Sure does, doesn't it? I heard about him through the grapevine, and it just felt like it tracked for how I ended up.

Text - un: soliel

[myriadeclipse]

What is your connection to the lightkeeper Kyryll Chudomirovich Flins?

[lupus_borealis]

Flins, huh? That's easy. He and I met in our past lives and became close friends. I was in Nod-Krai to help handle a disaster brewing there, and we hit it off.

As for this life, we didn't get a chance to reconnect until now. I'd sent letters to him through the Lightkeepers when I was younger, but it looked like he never received them. At the time, I just thought maybe he hadn't been reincarnated yet.

video: un: hotgoss

[bebest]

Wait! Waitwaitwaitwaitwait Kenway!? YES relation??

Ed's like one of my BESTIES! This just makes your being bestie-assinged by me even BETTER. It's FATE! Destiny!!!

Ooooooooooh~ And you're a knight, too? Fancy. I totes knew a warrior in my past life, her name was Horse and she kicked all the butt. You don't have like, a refusal to show your emotions and everything too, right? Because oh boy can I wear THAT down if I need to!

[lupus_borealis]

Haha, our friendship was absolutely written in the stars, then! Captain Kenway is my ancestor. A many-times-great-grandfather that we're proud to be descended from.

[Horse? ... Well, he won't question it.]

Hah, nah, I'm pretty open with my emotions! About the only time I'm not is when we're in the middle of a crisis, but I make sure to feel properly afterward and do some self-care.

[Holy shit, someone in The Black Order who's emotionally healthy. What the fuck.]

Text ; UN ; BossLady

[clawsomeproprietress]

[Cifera only glances at the video at first, busy with planning and renovations after all. But when she sees the swords and offer to sparing her attention is grabbed.]

Oho, that open offer to spar is pretty tempting. These past few months have shown me that my fencing skills are rustier than I would like. So my defense has been significantly better than my offense, aka this kitty is good at running. Anyways so yeah might take you up on that offer when I’m not busy.

[lupus_borealis]

I'd be happy to spruce up your fencing skills, then. Normally, I'd agree with you on running away being better if you're not interested in fighting, but sounds like you've been running into situations where that's not a realistic choice.

[After a moment of consideration, Varka decides to add something on top of that.]

To sweeten the deal, I'll treat you to some food after every sparring match.

video: un: bar_cat75

[wiseoldbartender]

So, not only are you settling in just fine, but you're also complicating the already really fuckin' complicated family tree in this nightmare city?

[He says like he is not one of the primary causes of all the aforementioned complications. ]

But sure. I can come catch up, got your letters and all, but it ain't the same as spending time in person. It's been a while.

[lupus_borealis]

Haha, just as Barbatos intended. [Venti didn't intend—actually....] Ah, but it's habit at this point. Getting settled in quick, I mean. The quicker I can unpack, the faster I get to be comfortable. Or as comfortable as it gets when you're in the middle of the mountain range hunting for whatever's terrorizing the nearby village.

[Ah, but he's very glad to have a chance to properly catch up with Husk. It'll be like old times.]

I'd welcome the chance! I've always regretted that part of the job keeping me away from friends, but at least the letters were something rather than nothing. Anyway, I've got a lonely bottle of something special I need help getting through at the very least. Can't think of a better way than by drinking it with you!

[Varka's aware that Husk is cutting back, and he suspects it's more than his letters have suggested. So, the "something special" is most likely some Martinelli's sparkling apple cider.]

video, un: shifu

[qingxi]

[ from the looks of things Yixuan has perched herself up on a rooftop overlooking Kami State Park, in the distance there some of the local dromas population seem to be wandering about. ]

Quite the introduction, concise and to the point. I see you have already managed to find a place to settle into.

[lupus_borealis]

I figure any details can be given when I'm asked about them. Best not to do an information overload where it's unwanted.

[Varka grins at his old friend.]

Yeah, it's a nice neighborhood! I plan on saying hi to some of the neighbors later, since I'll be here long term.

text; un: antiva

[mmmleather]

[Look there were like 7 different comments he wanted to make here. But something stands out as he’s browsing the post. And the cold creep of dread hits again. Thanks Hugo!]

You know the lighthouse man? The - one with the lantern?

[Why is everyone hot connected to his sleep paralysis demon???]

[lupus_borealis]

[:)]

You mean Flins? Yeah, he's a close friend of mine from my past life. We reconnected and cleared the air with each other over a misunderstanding. Excellent taste in vodka and a great drinking buddy on top of it!

text; un: lycaon

[paraselenic]

[Now that he's free from dinner prep--]

I have a couple of questions, if I may.

1. The Black Order has made great strides in turning over a new leaf thanks to the hard work of those who overthrew the Unyielding. However, there is still cause for apprehension. Can you verify for all of us that you will be doing your utmost to ensure the new vision is upheld?

2. These Knights of Favonious. We are talking about standard medieval knights? Or metaphorical titles given to those who have made contributions to society?

3. I am a bartender by trade. What is your drink of choice?


I apologize if the first one comes across as curt. I have important people in your Order, and we have just come back from a very harrowing ordeal. I hope you understand.

[lupus_borealis]

['Lycaon,' huh? Sounds like he's about to have some wolf-to-wolf communication.]

Nah, don't apologize for that. I'd be asking the same thing in your shoes, and I don't blame any of our Guardians for the ordeal. Anyway, I'll answer in the same order.

1. My soul originally came from a nation of freedom. Our creed has always been to fight against tyranny, no matter where or what it is. If fate itself is a tyrant, we'll tear it down with our own hands. I'm not here for glory or pride. I'm here because I believe I can help protect the people of this city. Coming together with the other major factions here will only strengthen not only our cause to defend the people from magical threats, but also to strengthen our bonds of friendship so that we can all more easily come together in times of crisis.

2. The Knights of Favonius were unique to the nation of Mondstadt on the planet of Teyvat. We were defenders of the nation's borders, upholders of the law, and one of the two governing bodies. So, I suppose it was more medieval in that way, but we didn't have feudal lords to bow to. Let's just say that Barbatos wasn't too keen on a noble class system.

3. Generally wine, bourbon, and vodka drinks, but I love trying new recipes! If you need someone to critique a new recipe, or for someone to just shut up and enjoy the fruits of your labor, I'm your guy.

text; un: lightkeeper

[lanternae]

[It's him! It's Varka! Flins is so happy to see someone from his past life here, especially one as renowned as Varka, Grandmaster of the Knights of Favonious.

How will Flins officially greet him on the app?]

Do I know you?

[He has to give him a little shit, honestly.]

[lupus_borealis]

[WOWOWOW.

You know what, you little shit?]

I dunno, mysterious stranger, do you come here often?

Voice ★ un: Shepard

[earthborn]

Drinks and stories. Sounds good to me. I'm interested in hearing more about this Black Order business.

[She is doing no small amount of partying on leave, this time around, and Shepard is living for it.]

I'm Shepard.

video, un: mallemok

[mauks]

[ to the surprise of no one: ]

What's your number?

[lupus_borealis]

[Varka is not in the least bit surprised. However, he does text Molly his number privately. If nothing else, it'll probably be good for the guy to have a way to reach him outside of the app.]

That's my main cell number, but I've got some burners that I take on missions. You wouldn't believe the amount of times a phone will break because of combat. Not that I can complain since sometimes that's what saved my life.

voice; un: snowy

[kaio]

...So you know Flins- which means you'll probably be hearing about me at some point or another. I'm Phainon, it's good to meet you, Varka!

[ALERT, ALERT, THE DOGS HAVE MET.

I REPEAT: THE DOGS HAVE MET.]

[lupus_borealis]

Pleasure's all mine, Phainon. Glad to see Flins has so many people he's close to!

[Varka sounds truly genuine in that sentiment.]

So, tell me, how do you know him?

text (specifically via libra); un: bakusatsuou

[hotheaded]

tl;dr

[Bakugou that was a viDEO]

sparring matches, huh?

[lupus_borealis]

[Varka takes it completely in stride, at least.]

That's right. After a sparring match, I'll also pay for food following it. You interested?