MASKTOURN

After that minor interaction with a man Invo didn't even know the name of, he walked into the refectory to get his own meal. It also helped that it would keep him out of the storm outside. He sneaked into a shadow and grabbed a plate, doing the same thing consistently until he got the food he wanted. Unable to eat in his shadows, he instead chose to sit in a lone corner by himself, hoping to keep away from anybody else. @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

As she walked with a bowl of pomegranate seeds and a stew, she noticed someone sitting in the corner away from other people. She couldn't help but tilt her head curiously. Even though she wasn't surprised people may want to sit away from possible competitors.... something about him seemed different. Curiosity got the best of her as she went over, her footsteps light as she reached the table, setting down her tray. The skirt of her dress swaying a bit. "Hello." She says, still standing as she leaned over the table. Tucking some of her bangs behind an ear. "I don't mean to be rude. But would it be okay if I eat here as well? I'll move somewhere else if it bothers you." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo could sense someone approaching him, but he figured it would be more suspicious if he snuck off before they could reach his table, so he stopped mid-bite and looked up at the stranger. Her question was odd to him, as Lacey already had set her tray on the table. That was basically saying she was going to sit here regardless of his answer. His brows furrowed and he shrugged. "Do whatever you wish," Invo replied with a gruff voice and went back to eating. This lady had some nerve approaching him out of all the empty tables, but perhaps there was a reason as to why she did. Invo wasn't one to turn down a route of information. @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

She only nodded before sitting down, quietly eating her stew like a mouse. It was mainly out of habit from years of having lunch in the library while finishing up last minute work(or being the only person to actually do the work...). The mask she wore hid her glances up to the man before her. Taking note of his features that she could see still even with the mask and his attire. What could she say to him? He obviously seemed a bit annoyed she asked to sit with him at the table, yet she was too curious not to. Lacey wouldn't be surprised if she mistook him as his own shadow with how gloomy he seemed. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Even if Invo couldn't see Lacey glancing at him, he could definitely feel it. He ate just as silently as Lacey, if not quieter. If she wasn't paying too much attention, it could be mistaken that he got up and left. After what seemed to be the third or fourth time Lacey looked at him, Invo huffed and looked up at her. "Is there something you want to say? I doubt you would come over here to bother me specifically if it were not to talk." @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

She gives her usual smile. "I suppose I'm used to not eating alone is all. You just seemed... interesting. Is all." It seemed so simple with how she chose her words. Stirring her spoon in her stew as she leans her head on the back of her hand. Plump lips seeming to be a bit more playful in the smile she gave. "Though I know better than to force a conversation. Though if you need a random segway to ignore I do like your earrings. " She said with a bit of a giggle. The ends of her hair slightly brightening as she did as a slight give away to her mood. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo raised a brow, clearly scrutinizing Lacey with every word she said. So she approached with no real reason? That was odd. Maybe there was some hidden meaning to her words.. something he wasn't understanding. Invo frowned and looked back down at his food. "You came to talk about earrings? Very well," he huffed. "I was gifted them from the Great Hmarab Herself. Thank her for choosing something enjoyable to gaze upon," he simply replied. @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

She chuckles, nodding. "Is that a title of a guardian or whatever of yours, because I understand if so, my earrings were from my great grandmother." She pauses for a moment before continuing. "Unless they're a religious figure or something. I just want to ensure I don't misspeak with my assumptions on matters like that." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo blinked as he stared at Lacey, his hands still on the table beside his plate. "No. The Great Hmarab is the Great Goddess. Perhaps lower humans would simply follow Her in the name of religion, but I follow Her as a servant," he described. "It's nothing as simple or mundane as a grandmother," Invo huffed, a hint of offense in his words. "Though I suppose not everyone is as lucky to know of Her, so I don't blame you for not knowing."

10:22 PM

@Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

"I see. She sounds wonderful if you're able to serve her directly." She twirls a piece of her hair as she continues to speak. "The goddess my family worships technically doesn't even have a name. We just call her by titles like 'The Wandering Wisp' or 'The Traveling Light.'... anyway." She quickly changes subject to be back towards Invo. "Whats it like serving Her? Does she require daily prayers or something like that?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo exhaled through his nose and shrugged. "Gods come and go, but the Great Hmarab is forever," he commented slowly. "The Great Hmarab is to be served by tasks. She is forever growing and yearning, and she needs more and more servants to carry out her will. She is Great, all knowing, and..." Invo stared intensely at his bowl. "..And powerful. An awesome being. A human like myself cannot begin to even describe how it is like to be in her presence." @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

Part of Lacey wondered if The Great Hmarab can still peek into what Invo is saying if she can do that. Because while it is fascinating listening to him talk about Her, she can't help but feel a bit like he was being held at gun point. Or he didn't really know what he was saying. Which honestly? Fair. "Yeah. It's mainly humans that just go 'oh this god is the god of water, or earth, or free taco Tuesdays because of this one event we assume was them centuries ago.' I that's why while I wish it was under different circumstances, it's nice hearing about other people's gods. Especially someone like you who seems to have a lot more personal experience interacting with Her." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske (edited)

Surprisingly, Invo listened to Lacey all the way through her tirade. Despite his looks, he was a good lisenter when he wasn't irritated or being an asshole. Which wasn't a lot of the time. "It sounds like you have quite the amount of false Gods in your presence. The Great Hmarab isn't as mundane as some taco or some water... She is the Origin of many elements of life itself. She prospers from the beginning of time until the end. I am blessed to be one of her chosen servants," Invo explained with a plain expression. Seemed like Invo wasn't interested in having much small talk outside of his God Worship. Sorry Lacey. @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

'Okay. New tactic to get him to chat... hmmmm..' She hums in thought for a moment. "So, how did you start serving your god?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo blinked at Lacey once more, a little surprised that she bothered to ask. "I was born into the position, as is all servants of Her. It is an honor to be chosen for birth," he replied with a nonchalant voice. Not 'from birth', but 'for birth'. "I did not spend my early years serving her directly like I do now, but the moment I was born, I became another one of Her arms. My own mother made sure I never strayed too far from what the Great Hmarab wished, and it has paid off for her, and for me." @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

She takes a bite of her pomegranate seeds as she continues rolling one of them between her fingers as she continues to listen to him. She smiles a bit as he seemed to sound a bit more nonchalant to her as he talked about it. "Can I ask what you mean chosen for birth? I'm sorry if I'm asking too many questions, but I can't help wanting to hear more." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske (edited)

Invo didn't really care Lacey was asking a lot of questions. Most people would consider it invasive or rude, but Invo was surprisingly nonchalant about the whole thing. "The Great Hmarab gives birth to a new line of people every generation. She chooses what powers to create and give to each one. I come from a long lime of servants," he explained. @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

"That's actually pretty fascinating. " She admits. "It's like an sculptor carefully molding their piece into shape." "So did she chose your abilities in mind of you being one of her, oh what did you say- Her arms?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo shook his head. "The process is still quite vague despite the Great Hmarab being around for thousands of years. It is typically agreed that She chooses next what She believes will be helpful to Her, but the Great Hmarab is also a collector.. She wishes to expand past Her horizons, so She most likely chooses a power for each generation to be different from each other for that purpose as well. Her hosts are the only ones who truly understand Her, so outsiders like myself can only be blessed to be considered upon for hand and feet." @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

"Huh.... a host." She thinks for a moment before glancing to at Invo again. Her earrings clinking a bit as she tilts her head with a smile. "So, what ability did she chose for you?" Maybe that was what drew her to him. His ability. Wanting to know what it was. Yet the more he talked about his creator, the more she couldn't help but want to know more. How lucky was he to have a name for Her, to know what she was to him and what her plans were. At least... she assumed. There were so many different relationships people could have with their own gods. And sadly she had to admit not all of them were good. Yet she wanted to believe Invo was happy with Her. He seemed to be. He wouldn't of humored all her questions if he didn't. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo glanced upwards at Lacey, picking up his cup of tea and drinking it slowly. So Lacey wanted information on her competition, after all. It was only natural to approach when no one knew what the multiple strangers around you could do at any moment. Though, that sort of information wasn't something Invo was as eager to tell Lacey. "If you simply wanted information on me as a competitor, you could of started with it instead of going on such a long tirade about my history," Invo started with a small huff. "If you want to know, you'll have to trade. What are your powers, first?" @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

She immediately shows it without hesitation. A ball of light showing in her palm. Green as the first day of true spring after a long winter. She rolls it around her knuckles like a marble before just letting it float between them. It was the size of her palm as it gently hovered there, tinging her snake mask in a faint green hue from the light. "Light, to put it simply." Lacey chuckles. "And just so you know, while I was curious about your powers, I didn't just ait through this entire conversation just to know that. I think it would be a bit insulting to waste your time like that, don't you think?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo let out a small huff as he watched Lacey play with the sphere of light in her hand. It was interesting to see her molding on it, but he didn't find it all impressive. Light, what a funny to contrast to his own powers. He put down his tea cup and exhaled through his nose. "Well, you are correct about that. It would of been a waste," he nodded. "I have powers related to shadows. That's all you really need to know," Invo replied quite simply. @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

"I see. We'll thank you for telling me." She smiles simply as she dispels the orb. "So, I suppose you'd rather keep talking about Her instead yourself. Unless you don't want to chat anymore, which I understand." She wraps her hair around her finger as she messes with it as she spoke. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"I have no qualms speaking about any topic not directly relating to myself as a person," Invo corrected. "If you wish to speak more about something else, I can humor you," he shrugged. @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

@Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

"Hm... I guess something simple. Is there anything you'd want to ask me I guess??" She shrugs. Not really having much else to ask him at the moment. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo blinked as he stared at Lacey. He didn't have any particular interest in Lacey, but she seemed to not care about revealing information about herself. That could be useful. "Your name," Invo asked. All of this talk, and yet neither had introduced themselves yet. @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

"Legal or the one I'm going by?" Lacey smiles still, though chuckles as she lays her chin on the back of her hand. "I'm kidding. It's Lacey. Well. That's at least the name I go by that they surprisingly used instead of my legal name." She really didn't have much things to hide from him it seemed... @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo tilted his head as he stared at Lacey. "What do you mean? You have a different name legally than the one you have here?" He asked, making note that he had been talking to his opponent this whole time. @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

"Well. Lacey is a nickname after all. Where I'm from the parents decide the name and that is what legally they'll be addressed as typically unless some decide to change it later on." As she spoke she summoned a slim stick of light, almost the vaguest shape of a pencil, twirling it around in her fingers to fidget with as she spoke. She tapped it on her chin below her plump lips, playfully smirking. "I could tell you it if you're curious. But it would only be polite if you introduce yourself. That or have me give you a potentially silly nickname." She giggled softly. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo seemed to pout as Lacey spoke, clearly annoyed she didn't just outright tell him her legal name. Of course, it's never that easy. "Invo," he replied, "That is my one and only name. You would do good to remember it, too." He shifted in his seat and stared back at Lacey. "So, tell me. What is this legal name, and why do you not use it?" @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

"Well my legal name is Leticia. And the reason I don't only use that is because some people use Lacey as a nickname out of platonic endearment. Or maybe because it's easier to spell and remember. Though there's nothing wrong with having one name and being only called by that name. Invo." She says his name, playfully ensuring him she wouldn't forget. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Leticia? That wasn't very different from Lacey, in his opinion. Invo hummed and finished the rest of his meal with a silent quickness. "I don't understand the need to use a nickname if your birth name is perfectly acceptable. Whatever the case, I suppose we both now know who our opponent is." @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

"Well. It's like how you didn't tell me your name till I asked. Though, to some a nickname holds as much meaning as a birthname..." She said simply. Tilting her head as she smiled, even though she knew now Invo was her opponent she didn't seem to be worried or fearful. Flicking a pomegranate seed into her mouth, she continues. "But yes. I suppose as well. Will that cause any issues? I hope not. You seem... nice. To talk too. Or whatever would be better wording to describe it. It would be a pity if you'd avoid me after this." She teases a bit, licking the pomegranate juice from her finger. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo could only give a small hum in return. He didn't think Lacey as much of a threat after their conversation, but he did find her somewhat odd. Only idiots so casually approach strangers and start asking questions, so maybe Invo was simply confused by her. He shrugged and looked down at his empty plate. "I don't think it would be a pity. We are likely to meet in the ring, and part there as well. You should enjoy the last moments of your time here. I will just be a reminder of who will be there in the end." @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

"Wow you are totally sure you'll win huh?" She leans her head on the back of her interlaced hands again, finally letting the light she was twirling betwen her fingers disappear. "Not that I can blame you. Honestly I'd be surprised if I won between us." As if they weren't talking about her possibly incoming death, she gives another shrug. "But in the meantime. I'd at least like to get to know the person before our last meeting. Silly isn't it?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo watched with a quiet gaze as Lacey shifted her position. His own stance was stable and relaxed, a sign he didn't see Lacey as a threat at all. Was it confidence or more so doubt in Lacey? Probably a mixture of both. "It is, but I respect your boldness," Invo replied and took a sip of his tea. "I'm a trained killer. Unless you are also, I doubt you have a chance against me. I am sorry you will be stuck here in the Lifebringers' domain." @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

"Nope....though," she starts. Pausing for only a moment as she sits up more. Hands placed on the table as she looks straight at him. "...they never said they'd let whoever win this whole thing go home. At least as far as I am aware when talking with The Lifebringer when I first awoke. It might have been an implied thing but...still." At that. She finally stands, seeming to of finished her food. "Regardless. Even if things continue as they're going. Even if you end up killing me directly or by me losing our match. I'll let you know two things. 1) I won't make it easy. I deserve to at least try to win even if I know it'll be fruitless...." She looks up at him. And if it wasn't for the mask covering her eyes, he likely would of seen the slightly sad look in her eyes. "And more importantly 2) Be careful... I know it seems odd. The person you'll try to kill in the future telling you that but. I don't know. Maybe it's just something you need to hear once in a while." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo had nothing to say about the first half of Lacey's comment. Whether or not the Lifebringer would let them go home, Invo didn't care. He was going to go home no matter what. Hmarab was waiting for him, and he'd never failed any task given to him. He was going back. Invo spared Lacey a glance as she stood up, quiet and unmoving. He studied the way she spoke—Even, kind, perhaps even a bit of sympathy. Despite the way Invo had been speaking to her, Lacey's convection and heart never wavered. She was a better person than he was. Invo tore his gaze away from Lacey, his shadow growing longer. "...I'll meet you in the arena. That is where we will last exchange words," he simply said before letting himself disappear within his shadow. @Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠