MASKTOURN

Close to the top of the clifface, though not fully at the acropolis, is a small, round building with a domed roof. It’s the observatory, a perfect spot to do some birdwatching, some stargazing, or any other activity that generally involves looking at the sky. The inside of the observatory is one great, round room; its fine marble floors and columns untouched by the ruin that seems to permeate the rest of the citadel. One side of the room is bordered by rocky cliff-face, but the other side faces the great vastness of the sky and sea. A simple telescope is set up here for stargazing, next to a few tables covered with star charts.

It took a while for Lacey to get here. Grunting some now and then as her muscles were still sore from laying on the ground for who knows how long. But as she did, she couldn't help herself but marvel at the sight before her. Almost spinning around on her feet as she looked to see the untouched beauty of the observatory around her. Brushing some of her hair behind her ear as she looked up towards the vast expanse of the sky and sea. "I wonder how many of the others are exploring.." Lacey muttered to herself.

Staring at the views, Lacey would soon get the creeping feeling that something was watching her. There hadn't been anyone in the observatory when she'd got there, and she hadn't heard any footsteps... who could it be? @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

She whips her head around, instinctually making something in the vaguest shape of a bat out of light. The slight green tinge to it matching the brighter part of her irises. "H-hello??" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Directly behind her, standing about six feet away, is a woman. She's of average stature and a slightly heavy build, with dark curly hair and black-feathered wings. A black mask covered her eyes, but it was clear she had been watching Lacey. She seemed slightly... surprised to hear addressed. "Hello. I wasn't expecting any of the contestants to come up here so quickly." @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

She gives a slight sigh of relief. "Sorry- sorry um. I just noticed it didn't look as uh.. like the rest of the place." As quickly as ot was made, the object disappeared. Looking like a swarm of fireflies for a moment before quickly fading. "Um... its okay that I'm up here. Right?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The woman contemplated for a second. "Yes. You are allowed to be here." She stepped up to the edge, and looked out onto the sea. "I like to spend my time up here. It offers... good views." @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

"Yeah... it really does." Lacey looks back out to the sea again. The distant sound helping her calm again. Once more brushing some of her bangs gently from her face. "So..." She pauses. Figuring it would not be the best move to ask about how the woman felt about the whole thing since this was the first ever interaction between them. "Is it okay if I know your name? Or at least what you prefer to be called by? " @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I am Kairas." The woman answered flatly. Her face was neutral, and especially hard to read under her mask. @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

Yeah this would be harder since literally half her face was covered. At least Lacey's was as well. "Well you can call me Lacey." She kindly smiles as she says this, unlike the others neutrality. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I know." The woman said. @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

"Ah... of course you know. " She awkwardly chuckles. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The woman didn't say anything for a while. She seemed very content just to... look at the view. @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

Annnnnnd Lacey had no idea what to say next. So. She just enjoyed the silence as well as the view. Likely this would be one of the rarer moments of peace she'd have, since she had no idea what the other competitors were like. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

... Kairas would remain silent til Lacey spoke again. @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

"....so." She made a little popping noise a couple times as she tried to start the conversation again. "What do you typically do around here?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Reagan and I have been preparing for the tournament for the past few days." @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

"I suppose that does make sense... wait so only two of you have been preparing the last few days?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"No. We've been here for months. Preparing." @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

"Right. Right. Well- then it's only been you two for months preparing this? That's still pretty impressive." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"No. The Lifebringer has been here as well." @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

"Oh yes. The Lifebringer. Well that is a relief. From my conversation with them, they did seem... kind? Considerate? No that's not the word..." She mumbled a bit to herself as she tried to find the right wording of what to refer to Lifebringer as to someone else.@innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"The Lifebringer is all powerful." Kairas supplemented. @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

"That too." She chuckles. "Though I'm not surprised, given they are a deity. Though it was surprisingly easy to talk with them." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Kairas nodded in agreement, but didn't have much else to say. @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

"So... it may seem stupid for me to ask, but are you a follower or a deity as well? I mean, I don't sense any specific thing coming from you, but I am mortal so I could be wrong." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I am but a mortal servant," Kairas said, "Blessed with abilities useful to the Lifebringer." @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

"Okay good to know." She nods. Making another mental note of that. "Have you served them for a long time?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"As long as I can remember." @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

"Oh wow. So really long then." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Yes." @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

"....I'm sorry if I'm annoying you wirh all the small talk." She said jokingly. But a part of her was a bit worried she was being annoying. She knew the other likely just wasn't talkative, but she couldn't help bit wonder. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It's fine." Kairas replied flatly. @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

"Alright..." She allows the silence to consume them again for a moment before finally deciding that Kairas might wish to enjoy this alone. That was the excuse she made at least. "Well... I'll try to look at the other places around here. It was nice enjoying the view with you." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. I'll be seeing you." Kairas said with a nod. @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

Darcy wandered up to the observatory after speaking with Roman. He still wanted to figure out more about this place, and had planned to go up to the acropolis, but got sidetracked by the observatory. The views offered were pretty nice, even if he did get vertigo when he stepped too close to the edge. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki found the moutain curious, and the round building even more so, and made teir way up here. Seeing that there was someone here, Seki smiled brightly and waved. "Yo!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh, hello." Darcy waved. He couldn't make out most of the newcomer's features from a distance, but they didn't seem familiar, and they were on the same side as him. "What brings you all the way up here?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Who knows, perhaps the mountain is calling me", Seki chuckled. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hm. Maybe. I've been trying to find out more about this place, myself." Darcy's gaze shifted to the open sea. "Haven't found out much..." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"That's too bad. What do you think this place is for?" Seki asked, reaching th building and tapping one of the columns. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I think... this building seems like an observatory of some kind. What with all the open window. And the telescope." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Huh, didn't take the cultists for space nerds", Seki tilted their head, looking at the telescope. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Maybe there's different constellations here." Darcy mused. Any recognizable constellations might mean they could locate where they were- but he didn't know enough about that to be useful, and doubted they'd even be that lucky. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Hm, that's interesting. If this place is in the Lifebringer's imagination, why would they bother looking at the stars and constallations they made up? Seki mused, looking at the sky. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"The- huh? The Lifebringer's imagination?" Darcy glanced to Seki curiously. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah, something like that", Seki shrugged and looked at Darcy. "It said that if it died, this place would disappear and everyone in here would too. So I kinda took that as like, we are in their little imaginary world, or something." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Huh. I didn't get any of that." Darcy frowned. "Did you speak to Albanes? Or the other one?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Err, the other one, I think. Pale guy, white mane and golden eyes." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hm. I spoke to Albanes, and she doesn't match that description." Darcy hummed. "Though, the more I learn about this other Lifebringer, the more I think I'm glad I didn't meet them." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Well yeah, they were a total bitch", Seki huffed, crossing their arms. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I've gathered that." Darcy hummed. "Did they tell you anything else? I didn't get much from Albanes, honestly." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"That we'll fight each other to death and the winner gets anything they want, even immortality", they grumbled, looking around the room. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. That's about what I got, minus the part about immortality. Good to know that's on the table." Darcy nodded, then sighed. "I can't believe I'm at another of these..." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Heh, wanna live forever?" Seki smirked. "Hm? You were at the other one as well?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"No. But it's good to know that's the sort of thing we're dealing with." Darcy glanced to Seki. "You know about that? I attended another tournament run by the Lifebringer, about four years ago. It was... awful. A handful of people who went to that are here, so... doesn't surprise me you've met some of them." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Four years? I guess it's not the same one then. I met someone named Ryu who had been to one of these, and it had only been like a week or something... a short time, anyway." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Huh- Ryu was at the one I went to." Darcy frowned. "Unless it's a different Ryu. But I suspect there's some sort of... timeline mess at play here. One of my friends, Isi, said it's only been two years, and I trust her judgement." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh, damn. Yeah, yeah, Ryu tried to explain that to me. The Albanes that's here is apparently a different Albanes that was there... but if you and Ryu are from the same world, that makes it even weirder if it's been a different time for you both. I don't get it. None of this makes sense to me", Seki huffed. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm, yeah. There was an Albanes at our tournament... but this one seems different. Older." Darcy sighed. "It's all so... confusing." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeaah, sucks a lot", Seki nodded. "I'm Seki, by the way. Who might you be?" They smiled. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah, I'm Darcy. Darcy Sterling." He hummed, but didn't return the smile. "Nice to meet you." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah, nice to meet you too. What were you up to before you ended up here?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Well, I work as a professor at the Verend Royal Academy. I teach linguistics." Darcy hummed. "I'd just gotten off work and was visiting my father when I was... taken." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh, you are an academic. Good to know we have some brainpower on out side", Seki grinned. "Though I dunno how much language is going to help us here. Everyone has been able to underestand me so far and vice versa", they hummed. "Did your pops see the fire thing?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Well, I'll try to be as useful as I can. I have language powers, so that's something." Darcy hummed. "Oh, no. I was in the washroom, and he wasn't there when I was actually taken. I hate to wonder what he thinks happened to me... he'll be furious." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Language powers?" Seki tilted their head. "Oh yikes, did it catch you on the toilet?" Seki grimaced. "Well yeah, I think all our lived ones would eagerly beat up the Lifebringer for this." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. I can cast spells based on wordplay, and the like. It's a bit hard to explain, but I could give you a demonstration, if you'd like." "Oh, no. I was just washing my hands- my father is very ill, and I didn't want to risk any contamination." He explained. At Seki's second comment, his gaze grew distant and worried, before turning away- the slightest suggestion that it maybe wasn't the Lifebringer he was worried about incurring his father's wrath . @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Ohh, like puns and stuff? That sounds awesome! I'd love to see if you'd like to show. "Oh, I see..." Seki replied, and looked at Darcy's expression, reading it incorrectly. "You must be very worried about him?" they said with a softer voice. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy was hesitant. "... yes. I am." He seemed eager to change to the subject of his powers. "Puns, idioms, all the like. I've been working with homonyms a lot- words with double meanings." He paused. "What's a good one to demonstrate, hmmm...." Abruptly, he straightened his posture, and called out the word "Grogam!" At his incantation, the observatory filled suddenly with an incredibly thick, cold fog. Seki wouldn't be able to see past a foot infront of them. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki let out a surprised sound, and waved his hand in front their face, blinking. "Holy shit, that was fast! What is this? Just fog? Should I hold my breath?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It's just fog. It'll disperse soon." Darcy hummed. Seki couldn't see him, but by the sound of his voice it was clear he was still close. "I figure it might be useful confusing people." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah! This is like some ninja technique. If you can move without sound, you can do a sneak attack or slip away. Really cool!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ha, I don't think I'm agile enough to pull off any ninja moves." Darcy said. The fog was slowly dispersing, leaving the observatory bare and warm again. "But it might be useful in a crowd, or something like that. I could at least buy some time to run, or something." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah, yeah, or you could throw a rock to a different direction to misdirect your opponent", Seki grinned. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hah! Maybe. Lots of potential." Darcy hummed. "Do you have powers? I assume most the people here do, if this is anything like the last tournament I went to." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Sure I do! Say, do you wear jewellery? Or do you have a friend who does?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I don't wear any, and I don't think any of my friends do, either." Darcy hummed, a bit confused by the apparent nonsequitor. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Ah, hmm. Then, do you like any home decor? Figurines, paper weighs, stuff like that?"

12:30 PM

@innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Uh- I guess I like paperweights? They're pretty useful, when you deal with a lot of paper. Which I do." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Alright, any designs or themes you like on them?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hmm..." Darcy was still pretty confused. "I guess... could you do a deer?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh, okay, deer it is!" Seki smiled. They shifted their feet a little and hunched slightly, like they were going to catch a baseball. They rubbed their hands together with a concentrated furrow of their brows, ears tilted back and tail moving. They closed their eyes, still clasping their paws together. After a moment, a pinkish-purple glow shimmered through their fingers and palms, and they slowly brought their hands apart. Darcy would see a mass of pink-and-purple crystal morph between Seki's hands like play dough, glinting and glowing a magical light. It was still just a mostly featureless lump, but had a clear main mass, and a secondary shape sticking out of it. At this point Seki opened their eyes, and started using their other hand to stroke and pinch the crystal clump, while it rested upon his ither palm. Soon it started to take shape, and after about ten minutes, there was a plump, stylized deer, lying on its side, head up and alert, antlers full of little flowers. "Tada! It's pretty simple because I made it fast... but do you like it?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy watched intently as Seki formed and shaped the crystals, and marveled at the little statue of the deer when it was presented to him. "Oh- amazing! You've got quite a talent!" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Aw, heh, thank you", Seki smiled, their ears slightly lowering and their fur mildly bristling over their blushing cheeks. "It would be better if I had reference! But if you like it, you can keep it", Seki said, offering the amethyst-like crystal deer to Darcy. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy took the little statue, and tucked into a pocket of his robe. "Thank you. So... you have crystal powers?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yup!" Seki winked. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy didn't quite understand why Seki was winking at him, but shrugged. "Seems more straightforward than mine, hah. Bet you'll get some use out of that, here." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"You could say that, but yours might be more versatile." Seki nodded. "Haha, making trinkets might at least make the atmosphere a little lighter, but sure, crystals have their combat uses as well." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. More versatile, but more risky. It's good to have people with reliable powers, too." Darcy nodded. "Crystal weapons... now that's an idea." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"I suppose, you're right about that", Seki hummed, linking their hands together behind their back and swaying in thought, tail slowly swinging. "Sure is, although I don't enjoy using my powers to harm people." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I don't think we'll have much of a choice- it seems violence is the purpose we've all been brought here for." Darcy sighed. "And I don't think the Lifebringer will be willing to negotiate peacefully." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki sighed and closed their eyes. "Don't I know that... I just hate to see people bleed by my hand." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I can respect that." Darcy's gaze drifted to the open sea in front of them. "I just... I don't think we'll have the fortune of choice in this matter." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki hummed and nodded. "...Would you rather die in a match and have the Lifebringer's goal fulfilled, or destroy them and die with them?" Seki asked after a while, following Darcy's gaze. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Does it make a difference, when I don't know what their goal even is? I don't want to die at all." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Well, they said something about preventing the world of the living and the world of the dead merging or some shit," Seki grunted. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (edited)

"As if that means anything to any of us." Darcy sighed. "I'm not going to play along with their game, and I don't think just... murdering the Lifebringer is the solution, but we can't just sit and do nothing. That's why I'm trying to find out more information about this place. There has to be some way to get out safely." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Mhm, I'm glad you think so", Seki smiled slightly to Darcy. "I'm all for a more peaceful solution. That said. I heard there's two Lifebringers here. Do you think the other one would be more interested in getting us home? Because the one I spoke to wasn't going to send me back to save its life." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Albanes... wasn't very helpful. I think she's more sympathetic than the other Lifebringer, but she mostly just seemed... apologetic. Apologetic, and powerless. Though, if we're going to negotiate with either of them, she'd be the one." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Hm, okay... then we need to convince her. Maybe empower her. Somehow. You're right to research this place. We won't find our way out by just guessing and twirling our thumbs", Seki nodded. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy nodded. "That's a good idea. If you find her, you should talk to her. I'll do the same. She's a bit taller than me, about middle age, long curly brown hair. You'll probably know her when you see her." Darcy hummed. "I think... I'll get to exploring some more. I don't think there's much more of interest up here." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki nodded with a smile. "That's our plan for now, then. Good luck exploring, and stay safe", Seki said and waved, stepping to the telescope to look at it closer. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki nodded with a smile. "That's our plan for now, then. Good luck exploring, and stay safe", Seki said and waved, stepping to the telescope to look at it closer. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy nodded, and went on his way.

As far as murder tournament islands go, this one at least had a knack for neat buildings. Isi couldn't say she was a fan of just how completely open and huge the observatory was, but she couldn't help gazing at the views around her. She stayed close to the wall as opposed to walking directly to the center of the space, but gazed around in wonder nonetheless. Her hoof-steps were loud and echoey against the marble floors, which made her cringe a little. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki was looking at the telescope, and turned around when they heard the hoofsteps. "Oh, hi!" they smiled with a wave. @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi's ears perked up when they heard a voice, looking up to see who it was like she's been startled. "Ah- hello!" She waved back, a bit relieved at the friendly greeting. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki's tail swayed gently, and they straightened from the telescope. "I'm Seki, nice to meet you! You're one of the people that got nabbed here, right?" @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi smiled. "Isi. Nice to meet you too, Seki." she made her way to the telescope, finally leaving the wall to walk across the open space. "And yeah, I'm guessing you did too?" She asked. Seki sure didn't look like the type to be working for a tournament. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yup. Snatched right from the comfort of my home", they huffed. @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi wrinkled her nose in understanding of the frustration. "I got yanked from the forest." she replied. "not a fan of fire." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Aw man, yeah, hopefully the forest is alright. Was it dry when you left?" Seki tilted their head. @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi shook her head. "Thankfully no, but once I get back I hope I don't find any damage, just incase." she sighed, then tilted her head at Seki. they reminded her of someone, just a little. "I like your ears!" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah, for sure", Seki nodded. At the compliment, they smiled brightly. "Oh, thank you! I like your ears too!" @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi grinned, and said ears raised a little. They then looked towards the telescope, and the sky, and back at Seki. "sorry- am I interrupting any cloudgazing?" she asked genuinely, head tilted. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki glanched back at the telescope, tail leisurely swinging. "Nah, I was just checking if there was anything interesting in here. It's too bright to use this at the moment, though. And I don't dare to change the angle in case I break it..." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi frowned. Yes, that is infact how telescopes work isn't it. "Maybe I'll come look when the stars are out, then." She smiled. "Did you find anything interesting around here?" She asked, a little bit more serious. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"I bet it'll look super pretty at night, yeah! There's no light pollution here, I'd think. Man, one good thing about this place. Although, hm, I wonder how the stars will look like", Seki wondered aloud. "Ah, not really", they shook their head apologetically. "I've only met a few chill people, but not found anything useful about this place. What about you?" @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi shook their head sadly. "I've found a whole lot of weird but not a whole lot of useful." She stated with a shrug. "The people are pretty nice though, you're right" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Ah, well, that's alright. We haven't been here for long, after all. Did you hear we have a party tonight?" Seki smiled. @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi nodded evenly, then their shoulders dropped a little. "I did, yeah-" she frowned. "Same as the other time. We should probably go to that, right? Could be helpful." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh, you have been in a tournament before too? Damn. Am I the only newbie?" Seki mused, one eyebrow scrunched and one raised, tail idly twisting behind them. "Hmm, yeah. If nothing else, this could be our final party, and I wanna live it", Seki smiled, though not entirely happy. @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi snorted a little. "Nah you're not the only one, I met someone else who hasn't- but it's weird hearing that my tournament wasn't the only one that happened- that will happen" she frowned. Isi glanced back at Seki. "I don't think it'll be our final party," she said firmly, "but I do think there's no harm in having a little fun with it" she shrugged, meeting Seki's smile with a similar one. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah, it is weird... I mean, I get that fight rings happen and shit, but like, this is way on another level." "Heck yeah, that's the spirit", Seki grinned and brought a fist up for Isi to bump. @sketti | Isi 🦌

"yeah! And there's other weird goals mixed in- and no choice either" Isi nodded again. Her ears lowered a little in confusion at the fist, but she figured it out after a few seconds and grinned sheepishly before fist-bumping Seki. Been a minute since she'd done that. "You gonna be heading off to the party soon, then?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh yeah? Hm. Confusing stuff..." They tilted their head. Seki beamed and swayed their tail in a friendly manner when Isi fistbumped them. "Yeah, I suppose it's getting late, so I could go clean up at least. I might see you at the party, then." (I'm imagining this was before the announcement `:3 ) @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi's sheepishness dropped into just a regular happy grin when Seki did so, then she stretched her arms out a little, noticing the darkening sky. "Yeah, I hope so! I've got another friend who should be there too, I hope" she remarked (Hfksbfkd yeah) @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Alright, have fun at the party, and stay safe!" Seki gave Isi a thumbs up, before waving and turning to head back down to the dorms. @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi gave Seki a little wave back, deciding to stay in the observatory a little longer herself before also heading back to the dorms. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Kyrie led Gale away from the lights of the gala and through the winding, narrow streets up to the observatory. Once they were a good ways away, she took off the bird mask that covered her face, revealing her dark sclera and warm gold irises. "I saw this place earlier, when I was doing a fly-around of the island," She said as they approached the observatory together. "I wanted to check it out." @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Gale on the other hand took their mask off the second they were out of the main area. Her eyes shining with delight as they held hands through the empty streets. Her breath caught once more as Kyrie took off her mask. Her eyes were darker than the night, two shining stars, aimed at her. It took her a moment to respond to Kyrie, seemingly preoccupied. “Oh- so you’ve already looked around, huh? Seems pretty neat.. y’can see most of place from here.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (edited)

Kyrie stole more than a few glances at Gale as they walked together, happy to finally be seeing her face and expressions. "Well, I haven't actually been inside yet, I just saw it up on the mountain, and I thought it looked cool." Kyrie laughed as they stepped into the main observatory chamber. Even as they stepped in, she kept ahold of Gale's hand. "Yeah... you can see pretty much the entire island up here. And a whole lotta ocean." @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Gale caught those glances a few times as they tried to steal their own. Each time she’d blush just a bit more, her pale cheeks shifting to a soft pink. “Heh, yeah.. lot of ocean. It’s kinda. Weird looking at night all.. dark like that. Lakes don’t do that. It is a nice view though.” She gave a light laugh before looking to Kyrie. “Not as nice as this one, though.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Yeah, it doesn't get this dark in the cities I've lived in. I haven't seen a sky this clear since I lived out in the mountains..." Kyrie whistled. "I missed it. And the sweeping ocean views certainly aren't anything to complain about." At Gale's compliment, it was her turn to blush and smile awkwardly. "That so?" She glanced towards Gale. "You're pretty good-looking yourself." @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Oh thank god she didn’t think that was super corny aaaaaaaaaaa She grinned. “Well I try, ha..” Gosh she had pretty eyes. “Yeah. I’ve never seen anything like this.” Was she talking about her or the view? This was really nice. Maybe she could afford to forget about her stress for a bit. Relax for the first time since… Since before the sobbing phone call from her mom, before all she could think about was home, before she lost her job- Maybe not Forget. Pretend. Push it all back for a night. “…The sky was never this clear- not that I’ve seen. Not even flying.. ah, speaking of- you wanna get a closer look? Or admire the view a bit longer?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (edited)

Kyrie took a moment to just soak it all in. Even though she couldn't get over the whole 'death tournament' thing... she couldn't help but feel simple awe that there were such beautiful things, even here. A glance back to Gale- Beautiful things, indeed. She took a step back, and stretched her wings out a bit- taking extra care not to hit Gale in any way. "Mmhm, that depends. What do you want to do? I bet it's even easier to see the open sky out there." @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Gale watched as her wings unfolded, admiring their shine in the moonlight. “Hm.. I dunno, I might be too distracted looking at you to see the sky..” A finger twirled through her hair as she spoke. “Heh, well, I’m down for some flying.” She kicked off her sandals and closed her eyes. Taking a moment to stretch and take a deep breath. When they opened their eyes, a slight green light shone in them, and a sudden gust of wind blew around them. The wind twisted around Gale, raising her off of the ground. “You ready?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hah, well, if you fall, I'll be there to catch you." Kyrie winked with a bright smile. When Gale stepped into the air, she breathed out a simple, "Wow," a look of amazement on her face. "Hah, yeah, I'm ready." She stepped closer to the open window and extended out her wings, hesitating only a moment before taking off. She took a moment to right herself in the air before coming to a bit of a hover, her wings beating heavy on the air. @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Gale’s powers were colorless, the only indication were debris floating in the wind and the slight bobbing to her hover. They watched as Kyrie took off, then glided to her side. “Well, since you’ve already had a fly-by, wanna show me around?” She offered a hand with a wide smile, joy clear in the crinkles of her eyes. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hah, of course," Kyrie smiled, and drifted with the wind further from the observatory, holding out her hand for Gale to take as she followed. Her flight was less hovering, more of a slow midair glide aided by the rhythmic beating of her wings. "Now, I'm no tour guide, but there's something up there-" She gestured up at the acropolis, further up on the mountain, "And the city down there. And then there's some fields, and then... ocean. Far as I can see, at least." @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hah, of course," Kyrie smiled, and drifted with the wind further from the observatory, holding out her hand for Gale to take as she followed. Her flight was less hovering, more of a slow midair glide aided by the rhythmic beating of her wings. "Now, I'm no tour guide, but there's something up there-" She gestured up at the acropolis, further up on the mountain, "And the city down there. And then there's some fields, and then... ocean. Far as I can see, at least." @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

@Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Gale floated alongside her, drifting along weightlessly like in water. She held Kyrie’s hand and let her wings guide them. They laughed lightly as Kyrie spoke. “Yeahh, you’re no tour guide for sure. You gotta add a little flair in it, Kyr. Like…” (What does she see?) @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Kyrie intertwined her fingers with Gale's and held her hand tight, not wanting wind or gravity to pull them apart. The vastness of the sea was the most present thing in Gale's vision- it stretched out as far as the eye could see. Compared to that, the rolling fields of the island and the mountain behind them seemed tiny- the citadel's delapitated buildings and winding, dark streets even more so. Still, many of the windows in the city buildings were illuminated with the faintest sign of life "Hah, I guess I'm not." Kyrie hummed absentmindedly. @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

She smiled and gave her hand a light squeeze. “Heh, it’s all good. It’s like.. look at the streets and buildings below us. Birds eye view they’re tiny, y’can’t see any details. It feels big when you’re walking in it, but from here it’s just an island. Biggest thing around.. is the ocean and sky. Melding together into dark ink.” Their smile had shifted to a softer look as they gazed out into the sea. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (edited)

As Gale described the scenery, Kyrie wasn't looking at the views, but at her. "Hah.... you're much better with words than I am..." She smiled, affection the only emotion her voice carried. "It's like we're the only people in the world, up here..." @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

As Kyrie spoke, Gale turned to her. Without the mask, the flush of her face was clear in the moonlight. The crinkle of her eyes with a smile. The way their eyes flickered between her eyes and lips, to their interlaced hands. Gently, they lifted Kyrie’s hand to their lips. “..May I?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Kyrie's blush was apparent even in the low light. Still, she smiled- just as warm and bright as before, but quieter. Reserved for Gale alone. "Of course," She lifted her hand slightly closer to Gale's, and pivoted midair so she could better face them. @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

It was taking Gale so much focus to not float away from giddiness. She kisses her hand, lips soft and warm. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

After Gale kissed Kyrie's hand, she cupped their face in it, holding her close and dear. Despite everything, they could find something beautiful here. That was the only thing Kyrie could think of. "I'm probably blushing like an idiot, aren't I..." She laughed. @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

The night air swirled around them as a huge smile spread across Gale’s face. Too caught up in love to have a coherent thought- Gale’s response to Kyrie was, “You’re so beautiful..” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You're the beautiful one." Kyrie smiled, angling her wings to twirl them both in circles across the night sky. @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

“You’re much more-“ Her voice warbled into laughter as they spun through the air. Their arms wrapped around her waist as she tried to hold on. “Heh- hahahaha!! Ha.. man, I- this is.. the happiest I’ve been in a while..” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Kyrie laughed along with her as they drifted through the night air. "Hah- I am too," she smiled, and wrapped her arms around Gale. "You deserve all the happiness in the world." @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

She hummed happily. “Ehee.. ha, you too. Hmm.. how high are we now? Heh, weren’t we going to the ocean?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Kyrie let go of Gale briefly just so she could guide them both closer to the water. "If you want! We'll probably get some pretty nice views from all the way up here..." @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

“Mhm, sucks there’s not a beach or anything.. I’ll take a nice view, though, heheh.” (Want to move to cliffs?) @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

(ye!) "Ah, yeah, that's a shame. Nice views it will have to be." Kyrie hummed before taking ahold of Gale again and diving for the cliffs. @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Zhi-Yin had a relatively quiet morning, but his morning seemed to settle in the observatory. He had managed to find the place and was pretty intrigued, especially by the star charts. Luckily those star charts were not near the huge cliff face. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki didn't have any sort of plan in mind for the day. They were still pretty distracted by their worries about Evan, and found themself wandering back to the observatory. Perhaps for the view. They noticed someone else here too, and put on a friendly smile. Seemed like the observatory was a place to meet new people. "Hello there!" they waved. @Gab || Armand 🐠|Zhi-Yin 🌬

@Gab || Armand 🐠|Zhi-Yin 🌬

Zhi-Yin was a bit startled, especially with their current altitude. He let out a sigh as he realized it was just someone else. Someone who is decidedly not human. "H-hi! I apologize for my reaction, I was just... startled by the sudden presence of somoene else." He chuckled nervously. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh, hey, no worries. I'm sorry I startled you", Seki said with a bit softer voice, and looked at Zhi-Yin with an apologetic smile. "What are you up to, here?" she asked, glancing at the charts. @Gab || Armand 🐠|Zhi-Yin 🌬

@Gab || Armand 🐠|Zhi-Yin 🌬

Zhi-Yin bowed slightly in apology. "It's okay, really. The height simply has me on edge." He chuckled nervously. "I was simply looking at the star charts. I have never studied the stars, but they have always fascinated me." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Ah, yeah, that's understandable. Star charts, huh? Can't say I'm familiar with those either", they replied, and stepped closer to see. @Gab || Armand 🐠|Zhi-Yin 🌬

He moved to allow Seki to see the charts. "Naturally I can't make heads or tails of them. Especially not during the day. At night, I'm sure these would be very useful." He chuckled. "What do you think?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Mhm, I guess so. They are pretty to look at, at least! I don't seem to recognize any of the constellations, hm." @Gab || Armand 🐠|Zhi-Yin 🌬

"Neither do I... But that would require knowing constellations, wouldn't it?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"I know some easy to recognize ones. Like the Big Flipper. But that's about it." Seki shrugged. @Gab || Armand 🐠|Zhi-Yin 🌬

"The Big Flipper?" It sounded familiar to him but it wasn't quite right. The naming convention was certainly interesting. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeeah. I could show you if it was here", Seki replied, and tried to find the constallation from the maps. @Gab || Armand 🐠|Zhi-Yin 🌬

That wasn't a very bad fight. What the snake contestant did didn't look to be...explosive in any sense. The water just...rippled. It was his first time in the observatory- or any observatory, for the matter. Allegedly, or so Nathan claimed, they would have star charts and a large telescope to examine the sky with. Ah, but here was just a regular telescope. It was still interesting, though. Ace was starting to regret that climb, but was still a bit relieved to get away from...well, everything. Unfortunately, he was left alone with his very uncomfortable memories. (Was it a launch station or an observatory at the launch of Arcturus? No- that was Ouroboros. Damn.) Star charts. Those were what Nat mentioned. They began to rifle through a few, scanning over the diagrams. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Kenji had passed the observatory before, but not until now had he bothered to set foot inside. It’s not really exactly the right time for it, misty and cloudy dawn and all, but it’s at least fairly peaceful and out of the way. Last night’s sleep had been rough. He sighs quietly to himself as he leans against the nearest marble column, fidgeting with the mask in his hands. It felt right to wear, at first. Now he’s starting to question why. As far as he remembered masks had never exactly been his thing. To anyone who might be watching, he seems pretty lost in thought overall at the moment. @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

The rain was finally gone. After a day of being trapped in that temple, Carrion was able to spread their wings and flee into the cold morning air. There was a restlessness writhing within. A Hunger. The need for something more than just old fruit and bread ached within them. Saliva flooded their mouth as it sensed it- the feeling of Death. Something, finally something in the forsaken place was dying and fresh- Though another, brighter presence burned over the Death- sharp and overwhelming was the feeling of the Lifebringer. Maybe that awful thing was finally dying like it deserved. Their wings dove towards the observatory, Carrion landing onto the cold stone with a look of a starved animal as they stared at the man before them. Though their face shifted to a frown rather quickly. “You- you’re not.. that thing. Who- who are you.” His voice was light, young- though clearly attempting to be intimidating. @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫 (edited)

Kenji startles at the sudden appearance, mask in his hands clattering to the ground for a few seconds before he snatches it back up and, seemingly from force of habit, slides it back into place. A flash of surprised gold and gray eyes would be all Carrion would be able to see, though the mask doesn’t do anything to hide the old scars stretched across his face. “What do you—“ He pauses, frowning somewhat warily at the wings and their expression but not quite regarding them as a threat just yet. “Who are you?” Kenji shoots back, voice displaying mostly confusion. @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

They flinch at the sudden noise- but quickly return to their scowl, wings outstretched in an attempt to seem bigger than they were. “Carrion.” He spits out. “You ff- you feel like death, ffeel like lifebringer. What’s wrong with you. Who- who are you?!” They shout at him, trying desperately to talk over the shake in their voice. @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Kenji doesn’t really have time to question whether that’s their name or not, as what they say next is a hundred times more attention-grabbing. “Wh— I feel like death?!” He repeats incredulously. There’s no way this kid knows about his fight plan, unless he’s some sort of..grim reaper, or something. (He tries not to think about the Lifebringer part too hard—at all—right now. Though he really isn’t sure which one is more concerning.) “I… Okay, okay.” The kid almost seems afraid of him, on second glance. “My name’s Kenji, yeah?”He says slowly, hands raised slightly in a non-threatening manner even as that goddamned headache starts to creep back in. Why now? Why here? “Look, I don’t— I have no idea what you’re talking about, alright? What do you mean?” @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

He didn’t seem to understand- could he not feel it? Now that they were closer it was easier to sense it- not the feeling of something dying, but the feeling of Death itself. The heavy miasma in the air, the companion to them and the flies consuming fresh rot. He wasn’t dying, and he wasn’t dead, and there was this strange, almost fake feeling of Life around him.. Was he like him then? He did not carry himself like Cansu or the- that Thing. It was almost as if- [‘HE IS NOT AWARE OF IT. IT IS HIDDEN FROM HIM.’] He spoke his name, and their hackles settled slightly. “K-Kenji. You- you don’t.. don’t you ffeel it? It- it’s like.. y-you’re not.. There’ss- you have.. Death. And- and Life inside. What- what are you?” They sounded confused as they tried to explain. @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫 (edited)

“I—would hope I have..life inside me? Given that I’m..alive and breathing and all that..” At least for now that is. (And as far as he knows, anyways.) It comes out a bit more like a question than Kenji intended, though. “I’m just— me.. I.. I really don’t know what you mean about feeling something, I—“ He cuts himself off, because there is something, and he knows it, but how he knows it and what it is are two entirely separate questions. The more Carrion tries to explain, though, the deeper his headache begins to pound again, and he clenches his jaw in an attempt at holding back a wince. “I’m— Is- Is this like a power of yours, or..?” @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Carrion stared at him hard, clearly confused by Kenji’s lack of understanding. “What are..? W-well you’re not.. dying so then it sh-should be..” They stepped closer, wings lowering. “..Do you- don’t you ff- feel.. anything looking at- at me? At Us? You’re like me, I- I think. A vesss- v-vessel. Gods can.. ssense each other. Did you forget or ss- or something?” @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Kenji takes a step backwards, slowly. Why would it— He can hear his heartbeat pounding in his ears, why would it be a question if he’s dying or not? …Could that be what Albanes had meant about an illness? That train of thought gets pushed to the back of his mind, though, as Carrion continues and Kenji glances furtively around the area as if expecting someone to literally be looking at them. “I— I don’t..see anyone?— A vessel, gods, no—“ Repeating the words just sounds more insane, even as his headache splits and he can’t help but remember what that fox spirit had snapped at him. “The- The only gods here are the Lifebringers; I…talked to Naiyta yesterday? Maybe you’re sensing that?” He sounds almost desperate to believe that. It makes more sense than anything Carrion’s saying, at least. @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Carrion frowned, wings folding behind them- then completely disappearing as they seem to shrink into their back. “…I know I’m r- I’m not.. not wrong. Why don’t you- you don’t remember..? Don’t know, how do you ff- mmh..” The frown grows into a scowl as Kenji talks of the Lifebringer. “That Thing isn’t the only one. It’s here too but.. There are.. there’s more than just- just them. Cansu is a god, and- and I.. It c-can show you. I’ll show you.” He stepped closer, closer. His right hand lifting, palm showing a large black gash- the wound beginning to seemingly bleed out some black liquid. It pools within their hand, small white eyes opening inside of the darkness, staring at Kenji. Looking at the thing emerging from Carrion’s hand brought the feeling of looking at something molding, rotting. “There’s- there’s something in you. Another ssort of god. I know there is, I’m- I’m not wrong.” He insisted. @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫 (edited)

Kenji seems to relax a little bit when Carrion’s wings disappear, but with a shake of his head and a sigh he runs a hand through his hair as they deny his reasoning. “I— I think I would know if I was a god,” he manages with a disbelieving half-laugh. Every instinct is screaming at him to deny, deny, deny. There’s no way. And then Carrion says he’ll show him, and Kenji’s headache spikes so badly it sends him stumbling another step backwards. His vision is blurry when he looks up and sees the black bleeding liquid and it takes a moment to process but when it does, every inch of him is screaming wrong. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Kenji repeats, gaze hidden behind the mask but locked in on the eyes blinking from Carrion’s hand. Forget the headache, something is clawing his mind like the fox spirit trying to speak and it hurts so badly but he can’t tear himself away from looking at it and just trying to think of her—(Her?)—name enough to ask makes his chest burn and— Kenji backs away further, thudding into the stone wall behind him. “Stop it— Stop it, stop it stop it— I don’t know what you’re doing but stop—“ This has to be them; it wasn’t like this before, not this harsh. @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄 (edited)

Carrion steps back slightly as it clicks together. The way he recoils, he insists that they’re wrong- he was hurting Kenji somehow by trying to show him. “I- I’m not doing- I’m not hurting you, I’m t-trying to- don’t you want to know? Is that- Did the Lifebringer make you forget??” They spit out the name, hate clear in his voice. More of the eyes are staring at him. @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

They very clearly are hurting him, but Kenji bites his tongue back before he can snap out something along those lines. Don’t you want to know? Of course he does! But… But maybe Naiyta was right. Maybe it wasn’t doing him any good. Maybe she should just give up and let Them win and— What? Kenji blinks back to the present, woozy and seeing spots and bracing himself against the wall. What was Carrion asking again? The Lifebringer? “Albanes says she’s helped. Naiyta says she’s lying,” he says after a moment, each word painfully grating in his throat. “They both won’t tell me what’s wrong with me.” Those eyes are staring at him still. It’s wrong. Staring through him. He’s wrong. “What… Wh-What the hell is that?” @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Sympathy softened his features. There was no need to try to intimidate anymore, Carrion didn’t want to hurt him. It seemed rather obvious to them. “They’re what’s- the Lifebringer is wrong. It’s h-hurting you, made you ff- forget.” Carrion looked down to their hand with Kenji. “It’s Yoli, my ffriend. It’s a god. God of- of rot and dec- decay. Um, it has a.. a longer name but it’s- it’s hard to ss- say it.. D-do you wanna see?” He offers the hand, inching closer. @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Kenji shakes his head slowly, but doesn’t verbally deny it any further. How can he really be sure, with the both of them lying to him? He sucks in a deep breath through his clenched teeth, slowly, and closes his eyes for a moment behind the mask—half expecting flashes like he’d seen with Aarni, half terrified of the thought, but there’s simply nothing until he opens them again. A god. A friend? Those two words didn’t seem like they could possibly go together. It’s enough to make him dizzy again. Rot. Decay. Creeping and spreading and eating away and— ….He doesn’t pull back, but he also doesn’t make any attempt to get a closer look. “I don’t.. I don’t think I should,” he finally manages to get out, after too long a moment to be just hesitating. @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

“Oh- o-okay.” Kenji’s stress seems to finally get through to Carrion, and he stops pushing. The hand retreats, though the mass continues to stare at him- part of it seeps through Carrion’s fingers, keeping its eyes on Kenji- but he closes the hand and brings it close to his chest, fidgeting. It holds its stare through the cracks in their fingers. “Ssor…W-we can t- let’ss t-talk about ss- something else, haha! Um..” What do people like to talk about normally? “..ha, um.. the- the weather is.. weird here, r-right?” @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫 (edited)

That thing—those Eyes—are still staring, Kenji’s own gold eye still burning under the weight. It’s all he can do to tear his gaze away, and it takes a good amount of effort. The pain relieves but doesn’t vanish. “The— The weather..” Kenji repeats, processing for a moment, and voice sounding a little bit strangled. It’s somewhat of an abrupt shift, but he at least appreciates the effort. “I…suppose I wasn’t expecting all the rain…” @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

They smile weakly, clearly trying to seem cheery. “Y-yeah! I- I don’t like the rain.. I, um, I don’t like g-getting wet. And it- it rained.. all day yess- yesterday.. that wasn’t ffun.” @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

“Oh…” A small frown slips onto Kenji’s face, but at least he seems a little bit more conversational. “I’m sorry..about that. It seems better now though. Does..the rain affect your flying?” @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

They fidget with their fingers as they talk, the dark eyes watching Kenji through the cracks. Though after a moment, it seems to disappear. “Ha, yeah, in.. y-yeah it- it does.. It just- I don’t r-really.. Um, hah, it- it hurts. Th- the rain, ss- so.. yeah. I’m.. I’m happy it’ss gone.” “Um, d-do you.. what k-kind of.. weather do you like?” @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

11:33 AM

(sorry for taking like 2 days to reply

)

(all good!!) “I’m glad it’s gone too, then,” Kenji says, a little concerned by that statement but keeping it in the back of his mind for now. His headache is starting to recede, little bit by little bit, and luckily his vision seems to have fixed itself by now. Carrion’s following question takes him a moment to think about, and his voice is a little quieter when he does reply. “I.. I like snow, honestly. Winter’s always so peaceful at home.” @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

“Ha, y-yeah..” His face twitches, and for a moment his smile falls- though it is quickly returned to its place. “Oh, I- I’ve never… ss- seen ssnow before.. Wh- what is- is it, um.. What’s it like?” @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫 (edited)

Kenji seems a little bit surprised, but smiles. "I've always liked that you can almost smell the cold," he chuckles faintly. "Sometimes when the snow is heavy enough it turns into slush or crunches when you step on it, but we tend to get more lighter snow. Like a powder, kind of." @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

They tilt their head like a confused dog. “Ss- smell the..? What- what does.. that ssmell like? Um, is- snow is.. it’s crunchy? ..C-can you t-tell me more?” He steps a little closer, clearly interested. @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

"It's.. Hm. Kind of hard to describe, but it's sharp, or..crisp, maybe. Fresh." It's hard to tell with the mask, but Kenji's gaze shifts to the horizon ever so slightly as he recalls. "And when it's cold enough outside sometimes the snow can freeze more solid, so it gets crunchy on the top." @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Carrion’s mind was doing its best to wrap its head around the idea. A white blob that was sharp- no, crisp?? Like.. burnt crisp..?? But it freezes (what) and it’s cold. …They looked even more confused, though they were attempting to smile for him. “..I- um. Th-that’s nice! Maybe- maybe it can- maybe there.. will be ss- snow. Here.. somet- ssomeday. Or- or we’ll get.. out of h-here and- and I’ll ss- see it..” @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Man, he's really not doing a good job at explaining this. Kenji's half-tempted to try and keep going, but he really doesn't want to confuse them any more. "Mmm, maybe. It's been fairly cold the past day." He offers Carrion a smile in return. "I hope you get to see it. Definitely after all this." (That last part sounds...duller. Less believable. Even though he tries to keep sounding hopeful.) @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Man, he's really not doing a good job at explaining this. Kenji's half-tempted to try and keep going, but he really doesn't want to confuse them any more. "Mmm, maybe. It's been fairly cold the past day." He offers Carrion a smile in return. "I hope you get to see it. Definitely after all this." (That last part sounds...duller. Less believable. Even though he tries to keep sounding hopeful.) @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

@Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Carrion smiles wider as Kenji does, though he quickly breaks eye contact and looks down, fidgeting with his fingers. “Y-yeah, I- it would be nice.. I really.. I want t-to.. um.. t-travel to- I wanna ssee the world, a-and.. ss-see things like- like ssnow and ff- forests. Stuff that.. I c-couldn’t- that weren’t.. um, that- that I’ve never ss-seen before.” “Do you- um.. h-have ss- something you- you’d like to see?” @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

3:23 PM

@em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫 (whoops)

“That sounds really nice,” Kenji nods in agreement, chuckling quietly. “You would probably like the island I used to live on, then. I haven’t really been back to stay in a little while, but we had a decent amount of both of those.” He glances out over the horizon again, briefly. “I think… If I could go anywhere, I’d like to go somewhere warmer, though. Maybe tropical. We—my husband and I.. We haven’t been in some time.” @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

An island.. weren’t islands warm? But snow was cold.. maybe some islands were cold too. He’d like to see them. They were about to ask more when the words ‘husband’ came out of Kenji’s mouth. “Y-you- huh?” Husbands were- ’Never home, out doing fuck knows while he sticks me here with you bastards-‘ There was a hard look on their face. Confusion, mostly, but there was that fear from before. “..you have..? Is- um..” Their hands wandered towards the hem of their robes, pulling and twisting the fabric as they tried to find the words. “…Do you.. miss him..?” His voice was quiet, unsure. @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Carrion's reaction is a little bit worrying, but Kenji can't really help the emotion that overwhelms him suddenly at the question. "I..." He swallows, managing to squeeze the words out past the lump in his throat. "I do. I really do," Kenji murmurs, expression visibly softening even with the mask blocking his eyes. "We've.. We've been together a very long time, and.. a-and I never expected anything like this to happen..." @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Carrion's reaction is a little bit worrying, but Kenji can't really help the emotion that overwhelms him suddenly at the question. "I..." He swallows, managing to squeeze the words out past the lump in his throat. "I do. I really do," Kenji murmurs, expression visibly softening even with the mask blocking his eyes. "We've.. We've been together a very long time, and.. a-and I never expected anything like this to happen..." @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

@Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

@Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

(SORRY MAN I WILL TRY TO GET IN A REPLY TOMORROW I’ve been sick this whole weekend and now I gotta do a bunch of physics homework before midnight splat

sowwy)

Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

(SORRY MAN I WILL TRY TO GET IN A REPLY TOMORROW I’ve been sick this whole weekend and now I gotta do a bunch of physics homework before midnight splat

sowwy)

no worries dude ‼️ omfg i hope you feel better

1

A strange feeling forms in their throat- though he pushes it down, trying to focus on the fabric. Carrion turns his head, looking out to the horizon as he thinks. Kenji missed him. That was- was probably good, that must’ve- that probably meant he was good. Right? Did she miss him? Their hand reached up to their mouth, palm pressed against their teeth, biting. He stands there for a moment, before pulling away and finally speaking. “I- um. I hope.. you c-can- that.. we can go h- can.. can go back ssoon. So you can ss- see him again. It’s… it’s nice to have ss- someone to.. miss. It means you c- care a lot.” @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Kenji looks a little bit worried at Carrion's reaction, and seems like for a moment he might comment on it, but Carrion speaks again before he's able to. "I.. I hope that you can as well," Kenji replies quietly. "None of us deserve to be here." He hesitates, considering Carrion's wording, then asks, "...Is there someone you miss too?" @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Carrion nods nervously in agreement. But his question- Carrion reacts like he’s been struck. He- did he? There was someone, right? Who was it? What did she look like? She? He? Them? Who were they? Carrion stands there, achingly still as he stares into nothing, eyes frantically searching the ground below for an answer. The answer- it feels like trying to hold water in his hands, burning, slipping through him, who was it? Who? Who? Where did they go? He chokes, opening and closing his mouth to try and form a response. “I- n- no. No. Thh- there’ss no- nobody. I-“ That’s wrong that’s the wrong answer who was it who was it where are you? Why couldn’t he remember His hands reach to his face, hitting and hiding as he grits his teeth. He begins to turn away, towards the window he flew in from. @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Kenji knows enough to immediately recognize that he's either pushed too hard or said something wrong, and he quickly holds his hands up again as he slowly moves around to try and face Carrion. He's keeping his distance still, though, and not trying to reach out towards them, so there's that at least. "Hey, hey-- It's okay," he says, trying to keep his voice light. "You don't need to explain, I get it. It's alright. We can talk about something else, but if you want to leave that's okay too, yeah?" @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

[Self harm tw] Surprisingly, they don’t run from him. Carrion seems fixed in place, fingers pulling hard against his hair. Who was it? It? Who were They? There was two he knows there were two- two? Three? Remember remember stop forgetting Teeth bared against himself, with sharp breaths punctuated by small whines. ”I- I don’t- I don’t knoww! Wh- why-? mrrrgh rrRREMEMBER!! WORK!” His eyes screw tight as he hits his palms into his skull, trying to force out an answer. @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

"Carrion," Kenji says, a bit more of a worried urgency creeping into his voice. He takes another step or two closer, as if debating whether or not to intervene, but still keeps his distance in the end. He's trying really hard not to scare him off. "It's okay, don't-- You're going to hurt yourself, that's not-- that's not good, okay? We can figure this out without that, I..I promise." He bites his cheek, thinking for a moment, then slowly takes off his mask to reveal the mismatched eyes beneath. "I don't... There's things I don't remember either. It's awful. Maybe I don't really even know myself. But..maybe we can also figure this thing out together?" @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

[self harm again] Kenji speaks their name, snapping him to attention. Eye pinned and wide. Crackling breath wheezes out of him as he listens, hands slowly pulling down his hair. ’You’re going to hurt yourself-‘ Hurt? This didn’t hurt, this was nothing- the dull sensation of nails scratching into his scalp, of hair pulling but refusing to tear, his palms shaking his skull and forcing his mind to work to remember stop forgetting please please please just remember His eyes unfocus for a moment, but as Kenji removes his mask they return to attention. Carrion’s body uncurls itself slightly, turning to better face him. A hand untangles from their hair, reaching just barely towards him. ”….I- I don’t.. want t-to fforget.. anymore. I d-don’t… know.. how.” His jaw trembles as he speaks. @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Kenji relaxes a little bit once he sees Carrion's attention start to focus on him, though now with the mask off his overall worry is a lot more visible. "I don't want to forget anymore either," he agrees, voice held carefully steady and slower in an attempt at sounding calming. There's a flicker of hope as Carrion seems to reach out to him, and Kenji holds a hand out to them as well--just slightly out of reach, enough that Carrion has the option to change his mind. "We'll find a way. Does your.. Does your friend know anything that can help, maybe?" Not that he really wants the thing to come back, after before, but it's worth a shot at least. @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Kenji relaxes a little bit once he sees Carrion's attention start to focus on him, though now with the mask off his overall worry is a lot more visible. "I don't want to forget anymore either," he agrees, voice held carefully steady and slower in an attempt at sounding calming. There's a flicker of hope as Carrion seems to reach out to him, and Kenji holds a hand out to them as well--just slightly out of reach, enough that Carrion has the option to change his mind. "We'll find a way. Does your.. Does your friend know anything that can help, maybe?" Not that he really wants the thing to come back, after before, but it's worth a shot at least. @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

@Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

His hand trembles as his eye stares worriedly at Kenji’s hand. If- Kenji was like him, right? Touching him wouldn’t- shouldn’t hurt him like others, right? Slowly, Carrion reaches for Kenji’s hand. His fingers twitch as they make contact, but they hold on weakly to Kenji. His skin is unnaturally cold. “Mmy..? Oh- Y-Yoli is… t-tired, we’re t-tired.. h- um.. hungry.” His voice is still trembling, but he sounds less scared at least. @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Nothing happens. Kenji's hand is cold, too, but more so neutral--in the sense of simply lacking a temperature at all. He doesn't seem to think anything of it, and he smiles, relieved, when Carrion takes his hand. Tired and hungry... Those problems seem easy enough to start with. "How about going to the dining hall?" Kenji suggests. "They might have some different stuff in there. Does Yoli..eat actual food?" Probably an important question to ask. The name surprisingly doesn't outright hurt to speak, but still comes out a little uncomfortably. @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Nothing happens. They breathe out a shaky sigh of relief. Kenji wasn’t trying to hurt him, and he wasn’t hurting Kenji- he was so happy. A broken little laugh escapes them as Kenji speaks. “Ha- wh- what’s even.. what’s not actual f-food..? We- we like.. a-anything, just.. h-hungry.” Carrion looks around, wobbling for a moment. “Um, h-how do.. we leave here..?” @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Kenji chuckles in response, giving Carrion’s hand briefly what he hopes is a comforting squeeze. “I just meant I wasn’t sure if it ate, really. Or if it needed something other than food. But maybe we can find something you both like then.” “Oh, getting back? It’s down this way.” He nods his head over to the mountain path outside. “Are you okay with the fog? I know you said you don’t like rain, so I could go and bring something back if that’s better.” @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

They tense as Kenji squeezes, but relax a little once they realize he wasn’t trying to hurt them. “Y-yeah, it does.. I- we.. we c-can.. um, it’s better if… we eat ss-something.. um, rotting, but we.. h-haven’t ff-found anything..” They stare into the fog, frowning a little. “Um… ffog.. it- it’s okay. Um.. just- if you c-could…” He squeezes Kenji’s hand back. “..c-can you lead the way..?” @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Rotting… Well, that might be a bit more difficult. “I don’t know about rotting, but I think there was..raw meat of some kind? We’ll find something.” Kenji nods, beginning to move towards the mountain path. “Sure. It’s not too far, don’t worry.” (if u wanna move to the refectory thats chill but i wont be able to reply til after dnd

) @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

“Mm.. raw stuff is.. it’s okay. I- I want.. ssweet stuff t-too..” There were so many sweet looking things they’ve never tried before there, but he always felt bad going in there alone. Carrion followed Kenji close, stumbling a few times as they mumbled quiet apologies. (I’m good to move over! :) @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

1

lacey meets kairas

seki and darcy meet

seki and isi meet

sky girlfriends midnight flight

seki and zhi-yin

decay besties