MASKTOURN

Kairas and Reagan were sitting in the garden together, speaking quietly- at least, it looked like they were speaking. If someone approached, they'd soon be able to tell very little words were actually being said, especially on Reagan's part. Kairas sat perched in a tree, Reagan amidst the shadowy underbrush. Reagan, curiously, was wearing a light, airy scarf that they didn't have before, but which covered almost all of their neck, collarbone, and previously exposed upper chest. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu had woken up quite grumpy from how the night had ended. Blasted Armand, messing with him with the use of their abilities- Cansu would show him what would happen if you messed with a God. He'd make him regret it. He'd make him suffer, he'd- The deity came to a halt as he started to travel through the garden courtyard. The sight of Sadihak and another caught his gaze. He couldn't help but take note of the scene, the scarf, the gentle breeze. Quitely, he approached the pair. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Kairas noticed Cansu far before Reagan did, and turned towards him. Though she was masked, her gaze was still pointed and sharp. "We have a guest." "Ah, that's Cansu. One of my contestants." Reagan reassured, though their voice seemed somewhat hoarse. "Don't worry. He means us no harm. Cansu, this is Kairas. The bird-side leader, and my partner." Such a loaded term, 'partner'. One they could remember using for someone else, not too long ago. Yet Kairas was the title's only bearer now, for them. It would be wrong not to call her by it, no matter how awkward it felt. Kairas regarded Cansu. "Hm. Good to meet you." A pause. "By the looks of it, it seems you should've been put under my care." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Partner. Partner. Partner. The word made Cansu feel some sort of sensation. Rage? No, it wasn't rage. It was- Something he couldn't name. It was an emotion he hadn't felt before. What was this feeling? Suppressing it down, he nodded. "I suppose so. We both have wings. It would've made more sense for me to be on that side, but alas, I was chosen to be on the snakes side." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Kairas didn't show any emotion. "So you were. All the other bird people were selected for my side- I wonder what makes you different." "Kairas, don't harass him." Reagan chided, though their voice was still weak and quiet. More submissive than how Cansu would be used to hearing it, before. "I'm not." Kairas retorted. "I'm asking questions." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu's eyes narrowed behind his mask. "As you said, 'bird people.' I'm not a person. I'm beyond that, so that perhaps is the reason for my placement." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Kairas shifted her posture. "None of us are beyond the Lifebringer's judgement, and that which decides our fates." "Please. Stop. Both of you." Reagan interrupted. "I don't have the energy to break up a fight." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu bit his tongue. He wanted to talk about how there were other deities, some who were far stronger than the Lifebringer, but if Sadihak didn’t want them to argue, then he wouldn’t. Instead, he looked to them, and asked, “How did you sleep?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Kairas didn't press the topic anymore either. "I... slept well." Reagan said, though it was very clearly a lie. "I was up late tending to duties." Kairas said. Probably a bit closer to the truth. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Ah, I see. Were you taking down the decorations?” Cansu asked with a raised eyebrow. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I was overseeing the contestants. Making sure nothing happened." Kairas said. "The Citadel can be dangerous at night." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Is that so?” Cansu hummed. “What dangers does the Citadel hold at night?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Many find it difficult to navigate the rocky terrain, especially at night." Kairas said. "We don't want anyone falling off a cliff." "There are also snakes to watch out for." Reagan added. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Rocky terrain was easy to avoid for him. Snakes, though???? “Are they venomous?” Cansu asked. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan seemed to shrink under the attention suddenly placed on them. "Some. But most have a mild venom. If you get bit, you should contact someone immediately." They hummed. "I've- uh, I've actually got the most dangerous venom out of any of the snakes here. So... there's something." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Huh, good to know,” Cansu hummed. “Thank you for that warning.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"They shouldn't bother you if you don't bother them." Reagan added, but fell silent again after that. They adjusted their scarf. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu was silent for a moment. “.. That is a nice scarf.” He commented. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Thank you." Reagan said absently. Kairas was still watching Cansu intently, but said nothing. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“.. Did someone.. Make that for you?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Albanes gave it to me." Reagan hummed, toying with the end of the scarf. "She said she thought it matched the rest of my wardrobe." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I see. Albanes is the other Lifebringer, yes?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Yes. I... assume you spoke to Naiyta when you came here?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I did,” Cansu nodded. “The Lifebringer is just as I’ve imagined.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Albanes is... kinder." Reagan hummed. "If you find yourself having to do business with the Lifebringer, she's the one to seek out." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Cansu nodded. “I have yet to have her introduce herself to me. Perhaps I’ll make an effort to seek her out later today.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"She might be busy today. The fights will be starting soon, and she and Naiyta will be busy making preparations." Kairas interrupted. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Is that so?” Cansu glanced towards Kairas, not entirely interested in what she had to say. “Who is fighting first?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You don't need to know yet. It will be announced when it happens." Kairas said. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Alright,” Cansu shrugged. Pausing, he looked between both Sadihak and Kairas. “So.. Partners..?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Yes, ah- in a few different senses of the word." Reagan admitted awkwardly. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I see.” He glanced towards Kairas, unsure on if they’d add anything. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Kairas might've been glaring from beneath her mask, though Cansu wouldn't be able to tell. "Our personal affairs are really none of your business." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Color me curious,” Cansu’s gaze narrowed under his mask. “After all, I myself had a partner as well.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Did you?" Kairas asked. Reagan remained silent. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I did. Do. It’s quite uncertain on where we stand,” Cansu said. “Affection is a rather complicated thing. A weakness to some, a strength to others, a mystery to most.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hm." Kairas leaned slightly forward, but showed no sign of falling out of her tree. "And who is this lover of yours? Are they here?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Elsewhere.” Cansu replied. “For the moment, at least.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hm." Kairas leaned back. Seems she didn't have any more questions, at least for now. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Without turning his head, his gaze flickered to Sadihak. The sensation from earlier that he couldn’t describe welled up in his chest once more. He kept his gaze locked on them, desperate to read their thoughts. If only he had that ability. So much that has been unspoken would come to light. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan's gaze was masked and distant. They inclined their head slightly up as they noticed Cansu's attention on them. "... Can I help you with anything?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“… Perhaps at a later time,” Cansu sighed. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"... alright. If you do, you can message me. Or come find me." Reagan said, and shifted awkwardly, but had no more to say. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I will keep that in mind, thank you.” Cansu nodded his head. He looked between Sadihak and Kairas. Partners. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

There was no affection shown between Kairas and Reagan- they weren't touching like lovers normally did, they weren't even looking at each other. But there was no mistaking the term Reagan used to describe their relationship. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Still, Cansu was suspicious. He didn’t trust anyone with Sadihak. “.. So, are there more events similar to the Gala that are scheduled?” Cansu asked. “Or are we simply going into the fights now?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Each fight will be followed by a smaller feast for the side that won." Kairas explained. "And a small memorial ceremony for the looser." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I see. I suppose that’s kind of the Lifebringer to offer memorial ceremonies for the losers.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. None shall die without the proper rites given." Kairas said simply. "The Lifebringer takes funerary rites very seriously. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Will the bodies be burned?” Cansu asked. “Or just simply buried?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Burned." Kairas said. "Though it's not traditional within the faith, the ground is too rocky here to really facilitate burial. The ashes will be spread into the sea." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I see,” Cansu nodded. “I suppose that’s one fine way to lay someone to rest.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Are bodies laid to rest differently within your traditions?" Kairas asked, sounding genuinely curious. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu thought back to the methods of Cerau. Often, it was done through cremation. Or, they’d just have mass burials. They weren’t very particular when it came to how they treated their dead when they focused on their treatment of the living. “.. No, not entirely.” Cansu spoke slowly. “Cremation, for the most part, was the preferred method.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hm." Kairas seemed mildly interested in that fact. "I find it interesting, to think about how certain groups treat their dead." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I do as well. Humans are fascinating with their various cultures and methods.” Cansu hummed. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You mentioned before that you don't consider yourself human. What are you, then? You don't look Corvi." Kairas asked. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I simply am using the body of a human to present myself in this form, but I am a deity.” Cansu hummed. “I am beyond humans.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hm." Kairas's neutral expression didn't change. "So you are. What are you a god of?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I’m the Thunderbird of Cerau, Cansu, deity of water and lightning.” Cansu puffed out his chest slightly. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hm. A storm god, then." Kairas said, still seeming to have an extremely subdued reaction. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"Yes, I am." Cansu nodded. He waited for something.. More. It wasn't often people were presented with a deity. Maybe it was this human form that brought on a lack of a reaction.. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Kairas didn't seem too impressed. Maybe she talked to gods regularly. She glanced back towards Reagan, who was looking at the flowers. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

".. Have you.. At all heard of me?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"No. I can't say that I have." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"I see. Well, I am quite a rare deity," Cansu hummed. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hm. Perhaps that's why. I also doubt your worship is all that widespread in the Loucari." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu's eyebrow twitched. "I could care less for Loucari. I've been worshipped in other places of the world." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It's just as well. The people of the Loucari have always and will always only worship the Lifebringer." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"And that's fine with me." Cansu shrugged. "They could believe in whoever they want to believe in." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. That's very gracious, coming from a deity like yourself." Kairas commented. "Not all are so accepting." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"No. Others can be destructive at the thought of groups of people worshipping another deity. I could careless for it." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Do you value the worship of mortals? Or do you simply not care for it at all?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu gave a slight shrug. "The worship of mortals brings extra strength to the deity, so it should be at top of my mind. However, I don't mind not having it." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hm. You really are a curious one." Kairas said, a hint of amusement to her tone. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Is that so?” Cansu hummed. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You're not quite like any deities I'm familiar with, that's for certain." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Which other deities have you met?” Cansu asked with a raised eyebrow. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Well, the Lifebringer, for one." Kairas listed. "As a Corvi Crow, I'm blessed by birthright by the Nightwatcher. And I've had a passing awareness of the Ficus Lunaris." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Nightwatcher, huh?” Cansu hummed. “The name is unfamiliar to me.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You are unfamiliar with She Who Observes Us All?" Kairas said in the lightest of mocking tones. "Hm. I suppose you wouldn't be. I don't believe many outside of the Corvi are aware of her." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu suddenly smirked. “Ah, actually, now that I hear that title, she comes to mind clearly. She does prefer to stay away from other deities, that’s why I was faintly able to recall her at first.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"She only interferes with matters that require her immediate attention. Most matters do not." Kairas shrugged. Reagan was getting pretty lost in all this god-talk, and took the opportunity to lay down in the shady grass- somewhere between awake and asleep. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“So she’s staying out of the way of this Lifebringer tournament, huh?” Cansu hummed. “She doesn’t find it necessary then.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"The Nightwatcher knows better than to interfere with the Lifebringer's plans." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Does the Nightwatcher fear the Lifebringer? Or does she feel as though they’re stronger than her?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"The Nightwatcher simply does not have an interest here, and no reason to step in." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I see.” Cansu hummed. He looked off at some of the flowers in the garden. “Quite an interesting deity.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"If keeping to one's business makes them interesting, sure." Kairas shrugged. As the two talked on, Reagan quietly slipped out of the garden. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu watched as Sadihak left the garden. Great. Well, at least he had no reason to stay here anymore. “Well, I better leave you to your duties,” Cansu spoke. “Best not to keep you back.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Very well." Kairas said, and remained in her tree. "Good luck in the tournament." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Thank you.” Cansu nodded. “I don’t need luck, though. I will get through it.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs