MASKTOURN

Kairas led Aarni through the winding streets, all the way to the gate closest to the mountainside path, where Albanes was coming down from the acropolis. "This contestant is injured." Kairas reported to Albanes. "Oh, Aarni." Albanes turned her sorrowed gaze to her old friend. "What happened? I'll heal you up." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Hi Albs", Aarni sighed, stepping closer, half about to wrap his arms around her, but hesitating. "It was Kallum..." The name was heavy with many emotions as it fell from his lips. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Albanes dismissed Kairas with a simple gesture, and the bird woman flew off. Albanes put a supportive hand on Aarni's shoulder, and led him to the side of the path. "Ah.... I had a feeling he'd get himself into trouble sooner or later... I'm sorry you were the target of it." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni shook his head. "I mean, I know he can be reactive, but I thought since we are friends he would listen to me", he sounded bitter, and was angry at both himself and Kallum. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"The Kallum here... isn't the Kallum you and I know. He's from a world where he never went to the tournament." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh, I... Started to think that could be the case", Aarni hummed, a puzzled wrinkle between his brows. "You didn't tell me he was here..." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I... guess I didn't." Albanes said, absentmindedly. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Hm..." Aarni didn't cling on it further. "Do you know what happened to him? He was... scared. He wasn't scared when he came to the tournament. I guess this whole abduction thing is pretty scary, but I think it's something more. Someone hurt him..." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I don't know, other than the rudimentary knowledge I have of his life before the tournament in the first place. I didn't want him to be brought here in the first place." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Hmm", Aarni nodded, although seemed a little disappointed. "I want to help him, but I have no idea how. He feels more closed off than ever, and he doesn't trust me." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"... I know. It will be... difficult to help him." Albanes sighed. "But let's focus on getting you patched up. Here, let me look at you." She faced Aarni, and gently inspected his bruise. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Mhm", He nodded, and turned to look at her. He tried to stay still, even though he instinctively wanted to blink away from any touch on his face right now. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

As Albanes's hand graced the bruise, she gently healed the injury. Her veins lit up a soft gold as she did so, and Aarni would feel the damage undoing itself in seconds. "There. Feel better?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni noticed himself relaxing slightly, as the pain faded. He sighed, and smiled lightly. "Yeah, it feels great again, thanks." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Of course. If you need anything else, just let me know. Kairas can probably help you get to me again." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Okay, yeah. Are you busy right now?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"... somewhat. I have to go prepare for tonight's feast soon." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh, we have something? Like on the island", he hummed, reminiscing. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Yes. It should be... less fancy, but there will be food and drink and dancing. The like. It's... a fancy party, there's only so many ways it can go." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Uhhuh, I guess I'll go clean up then. I'd like to talk with you later, though, if that's alright?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"That sounds like a good idea. We can talk during the feast, if you'd like." Albanes hummed. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Okay, that sounds good idea. See you later, then", he smiled lightly, and waved as he stepped away. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Okay, that sounds good idea. See you later, then", he smiled lightly, and waved as he stepped away. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'll see you later." Albanes echoed.