MASKTOURN

A private bathhouse for all Bird contestants. There is a small area at the front where guests can disrobe and store their belongings. Further in the bathhouse are warm and cool pools of water for both bathing and relaxation. Fine soaps and bathing oils are provided. The bathhouse is furnished in black tile, and the bottoms of each pool are decorated in mosaics of birds and sky scenes.

Kyrie wandered into the bathhouse after her conversation with Invo. Well, since she was already here, she might as well make use of the space. She undressed, but kept a towel around her waist, and found a spot by one of the pools to sit and preen her feathers. @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

After Darcy had so cruelly abandoned him in the fields, Peregrine had taken to flight for a little longer until he decided to return to the rooms. He didn't find interest in returning to his room - with any luck, he would spend little time there - and instead found his way to the bathhouse. Peregrine shrugged his robes off, more familiar with this state than the frankly pitiful outfit he had been given, and furthered into the bathhouse, curiously wandering the room. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Kyrie looked up as Peregrine entered, and curiously eyed his pale wings. She gave him a friendly wave, not too put off by nudity. "Hey there." She greeted, and got back to tending to her own wings. @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

Peregrine stretched his wings out as soon as he became the centre of attention. However, with a quick glance to his 'admirer', he struggled to stifle a frown seeing her wings. "Hello, darling, a new face. Seems these things can still surprise me," he chuckled, turning to hide his face. "Am I to assume you come from a different tournament or is this entirely new for you?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh, I've never been to one of these before, it's all new to me." Kyrie hummed, laughing awkwardly at being called 'darling'. "Met some others that have been to them, before, though. I presume you're part of that category?" @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

Peregrine turned once he was smirking. "Oh yes, luckily for you I have experience in this. And plenty of other things too." He ran one hand down his side to his waist with a grin. "I've already reunited with someone I met before, though he was no less... prudish, shall we say?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Things such as..?" Kyrie was curious exactly how Peregrine's experience made her 'lucky'. "Oh. Well, good for you, I guess? Or not good, if you're into him, or something." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Things such as..?" Kyrie was curious exactly how Peregrine's experience made her 'lucky'. "Oh. Well, good for you, I guess? Or not good, if you're into him, or something." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

@soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Anything to be dreamt of~" Peregrine chuckled to himself, running his hand back up his body, turning his arm to flick his hand back flirtily. "He's just a fun game to play, you understand? All hot and bothered and yet refuses to give into pleasure. No, he'd read- and not anything I would read." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"... whatever you say, dude." Kyrie shrugged. She tended to her wings for a bit more, before glancing back to Peregrine's. "Hey, by the way- what kind of bird are you?" @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

Peregrine ran his hand through his wing as Kyrie tended to hers. He shook his head lightly. "I'm no bird, darling, I'm the Angel." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Huh? But you have bird wings." Kyrie frowned, clearly kinda confused. @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Oh darling, I really don't. They're angel wings. Hence the name." Impatience grated at his voice, no matter how much he worked to hide it. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Angel wings, sure." Kyrie rolled her eyes. "Well, I'm a crow." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Ah, well, crows... I hear they're quite noisy," he flirted. He moved closer but now had the decency to wrap a towel around himself. "I wonder how loud we'd be." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Now, who said anything about a 'we'?" Kyrie lifted an eyebrow that was far more challenging than flirtatious. @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Well, it takes two to tango, darling, and we're in a pretty good spot for dancing~" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I don't 'dance' with random strangers I meet in communal bathhouses- at least, not when I haven't even learnt their names." Kyrie retorted. "Besides, the whole 'death murder tournament' kinda kills the mood." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Well, isn't my title of Angel enough?" Peregrine teased, sitting down beside her and leaning close. "Au contraire, darling, I think it's the perfect setting. One last hurrah, no?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It really isn't. Means nothing to me." Kyrie rolled her eyes again. "Eh, maybe. Maybe I'm just more into commitment. Plus, what if we get put against each other in the arena. That'd be awkward." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Commitment is boring," Peregrine practically spat. "It gets so samey, don't you think?" He put his arm on her shoulder and leant his head there, teasing his fingers against the bare flesh. "I think that makes it far more interesting, darling, a real lovers' quarrel." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Not if you're committed to someone interesting enough." Kyrie shrugged. As Peregrine leaned over her, she extended her wing out so it whacked him in the face- not enough to hurt, but enough Peregrine would get the message. "Hey- I didn't say you could touch. Besides, I like my relationships healthy." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"No one is as interesting as me-" Peregrine spluttered as Kyrie whacked him with her wing. Once he recovered from the slight, he hummed laughter. "I've never been on the receiving end of that," he said, eyeing her wings. "Though it does bring up the question of positioning." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I don't think we're far enough along for that, Mr. Angel Wings." Kyrie laughed. "Never met another bird person before? What about your family?" @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Well, let's see how far we can go," Peregrine continued to flirt, leaning in so his head hovered over Kyrie's shoulder, certainly invading personal space - but did not touch. "Mm... I was adopted, alas, and my twin did not share my wings." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Kyrie subtly moved away from Peregrine- though the motion could easily be disguised as trying to get a better look at him. "Really? Never heard of that before. Your twin is just a normal human, I guess?" @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"He had his own powers. Not that it matters anymore, he died." Peregrine grins. "Truly a mystery. You may even call it a marvel." He held his hand out. "Peregrine Marvell, at your service." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh. Sorry for your loss." Kyrie frowned, and was caught off guard by how quickly Peregrine moved on. "Huh. So you do have a name. A bird name." Kyrie hummed. "You know, I was always told never to mess with falcons." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Old news, darling." He waved his hand dismissively. "Luckily, I'm not a falcon, darling, I'm the Angel. Focus more on the Marvell, because that's what I am.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"The name suggests otherwise, Peregrine." Kyrie replied. "And what do you know? Maybe I've been advised against getting involved with angels, too." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

Peregrine just laughed. "Then you'd be missing out." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Really? What makes you any different than any other horny twink I could meet at any bar?" @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Well, most horny twinks don't have wings, do they? And usually, where I am, no one else does either." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"The wings aren't special, I have wings." Kyrie rolled her eyes. "Everyone I knew from birth til when I turned twenty has wings. Gotta think of something more creative there, bud." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Well, wherever you are is certainly different from where I am." Peregrine grinned, leaning back in. "Are all of them like yours, or are there wings as pretty as mine?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"What, plain and white?" Kyrie asked, rolling her eyes again. "No. We don't all look like doves, thank you for asking." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Excuse you." He pouted playfully, then outstretched his wings, wrapping the one closest to Kyrie around her, gesturing to the other wing. "You can't ignore the pretty silver and gold tips, they make me glimmer." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mine are iridescent. You can't beat that." Kyrie laughed, and stood up, getting out of the way of Peregrine. "But really, you expect to win me over with a little vanity contest? Tsk-tsk, not very charming...." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"What a pretty combination our wings would make intertwined. Gaudy, perhaps, but I've seen worse things." He didn't stand, watching her get up. "Who said anything about charm? Much too difficult, I prefer to just flirt and flirt until the job is done." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Flirting doesn't work if you're annoy-" Kyrie said, but cut herself off when she heard the announcement in her head. "What the fuck- did you hear that?" @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

(tw pere being weird abt drinking and. mental health issues. spoilering just to be safe) "Seems to work pretty well for me, last tournament I fucked a god." Though he refused to not finish his sentence, Peregrine did in fact hear the announcement announcement ring through his head. Certainly different to the kind of thing that ran through his mind, trying to sleep or trying to get black out drunk. Far more lucid. Far less hateful. Boring. "I did, darling. You know what they say about hearing voices?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Wh-huh?" Kyrie didn't have time to process.... any of that. "I'm gonna go check out that gala." She declared, and started back to the front of the bathhouse to get her stuff. "I'll see you later, Falcon-man. Bye." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

Peregrine had something to say whether Kyrie wanted to hear it or not. "Means more people to watch~" He said as Kyrie left the bathhouse. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

~~~~~ Levi was relieved there was a space he could take off the stuffy clothes - that were literally just the robes he was given - and sink into the warm waters of the bathhouse. He had never been in one before. Still doesn't completely know what it is. The most water he had been in had been ice cold, mainly when they were doing specific 'check ups' on his vitals as he grew. Yet even that cramped place felt right. So it was no surprise how much more enjoyable it was to fully stretch out in. Well. Mostly.

Roman walked out of Kyrie's room and over toward the bathouse.. He needed a moment to decompress before meeting with Naiyta. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (edited)

Roman would be out of luck, because just as he entered the changing area, he'd run into just the person he was trying to avoid. "Well, what do we have here?" Naiyta was unfastening their belt, their robe slipping off their shoulder. "I wasn't expecting to see you again so soon." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

.... eugh.. He took in a deep breath and turned his head to the side, to avoid looking at Naiyta undressing. "I was just trying to get a bath before I went to see you again. I.. Spoke with Kyrie." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"We can bathe together." Naiyta said, then slightly more sternly, "Look at me, my little blackbird." It hummed in thought at the mention of Kyrie. "And how did that go?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Great. He slowly moved his head back to look at Naiyta. He didn't look at all excited. "It went as well as it could have." Roman said. "She helped me to tie on the talisman on right." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Good...." It hummed, scrutinizing Roman's features. "And the bead alteration? Did she help you with that?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

He kept his neutral, if slightly annoyed, expression. Some of his stubble was coming back as well. "I decided against it. It's too old and fragile to mess with, it might break if I untie it or add much." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hm. Probably best to leave it as is, anyways." They seemed satisfied with this conclusion. By now, Naiyta had completely undressed, and showed no signs of wanting to cover up with a towel. "Are you planning to bathe dressed?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I figured you would enjoy stripping me." Roman shrugged. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"How very kind of you." Naiyta smiled. "I would." It neared Roman so that their bodies were touching, and pressed him against the wall. With one hand, it drew him into a hot, wet kiss and held his head there, and with the other it began to disrobe him- shrugging of the outer shawl and beginning to untie the various layers that decorated his body. They seemed pretty skilled at taking these particular clothes off a body. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman flinched a bit as he was suddenly pressed up against the wall. He fought every instinct in his body telling him to bite- all he wanted to do was rip Naiyta's tongue clean off. But he didn't, of course he didn't. He held himself still and didn't lean in to the kiss whatsoever, nor do any work to kiss back. His only action was a slight tremble across his body as the clothes were removed, half from fear and half from already being cold. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta only broke away when Roman was bare naked, Raikal's clothing a heap on the floor. It wrapped a hand around his bony wrist and began leading him over towards the pools. "Come along, Raikal." (edited)

8:18 AM

@Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

You'd think Naiyta would want to take better care of Raikal's clothes. Aaaaaaand seems like calling him Raikal was going to stick.. gross.. He stumbled after Naiyta, nearly slipping on the wet floor. He didn't have any comment about the name, and maintained his silence. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta caught Roman as he stumbled. "Ah, careful." It led him over to the warm pool, and slipped easily into the water, watching Roman carefully to make sure he followed. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman did follow, but he was a bit more cautious entering the water. He first sat down before pushing himself in, just be to sure he wouldn't slip. The mosaics on the floor also made it a bit difficult to decipher exactly how deep the water was, so he'd rather go in carefully. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta watched Roman intently. "Hm. Tell me, Raikal, do you ever think about your, ah, gender?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Well, he was being careful, but that random question threw him off so much that he stumbled. He fell down to his knees in the water, and caught himself with his free hand. "Eh- what...?" He asked. "Why are you asking me this now?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta moved to steady Roman. Standing, the water about reached their waist. "It came to mind." It shrugged. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman sighed, and pushed himself up to standing again. The portion of his body that had gotten soaked, then out of the water was freezing. "I- I don't really like to talk about it.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Well, I would like to talk about it." Naiyta said. "I don't see any reason not to." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I think there are more pressing issues than.. if I'm transgender or not." Roman mumbled. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Just because there might be other things to worry about doesn't mean you can't give your identity some mind." Naiyta pressed. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Obviously, Naiyta just wanted him to identify with whatever Raikal did.. which Roman didn't even have a clue what that was. "What do you want me to tell you about it?" Roman huffed a little. "I think about it sometimes, but not in much depth.. like I said, I have other things I've been more worried about." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta thought for a moment. "Raikal- the first Raikal, I suppose I should say, was Kiyeki. A corvi third gender that encompassed male, female, and other, but also stood outside it all." They explained. "Do you think that label would fit your experience?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Well there it was, that's what Naiyta wanted him to be. ... and he really didn't want to admit it, but that did feel pretty accurate. He had had a few conversations with Roque about it, and maybe done some role playing, but.. it had never been serious, right? "I-.. I guess so..?" Roman said quietly, looking away. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Then, it's all settled." Naiyta nodded, clearly pleased by this outcome. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

For a moment, Roman waited for some magical effect to go across his body or something, but.. That never came. Guess it was just a mind state thing, didn't come with a sex change. ".. Does that.. change anything..?" Roman asked. "I don't entirely know what we just.. settled.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Well, if we were in corvi society, it would change your role in society- marriage customs, that sort of thing." Naiyta hummed, their attention on a distant wall rather than Roman. "But we aren't. Though, I can start calling you by different pronouns now." It hummed. "And if you would like anything physical changed, I can do that. I did my own." It gestured vaguely to its top surgery scars. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 (edited)

Different pronouns? Hm. Roman glanced over at the scars for a moment. "Why'd you leave the scars on..?" Roman asked. Currently he was thinking about Roque's tits, since the topic was brought up. But he was pretty sure he couldn't pull off such a full look himself. At least, not at the moment. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I liked the way they look. And I'm not a man, I didn't want the untouched flat chest of one." It shrugged. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Oh." Roman said. He also didn't want to admit it, but they were pretty cool.. "For me, could you.. go back and forth, or would it be a one way thing only? My powers also made me infertile, so that's not really a concern of mine." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta thought. "Hm. Yes, I could change you back and forth. Truthfully, I find the idea rather... exciting." It smiled. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Eugh. He didn't like Naiyta saying that. "Would it hurt..?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I could make it so it wouldn't." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

So it could also make it that it would, if it wanted to.. ".. mm.. I'll have to think about it, that's a really big change to happen all at once." Roman said and sunk down a bit in the water. "I'd rather get more weight on that do that, that's my first priority." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Understandable." Naiyta nodded, uncharacteristically casual about this. "Whenever you do reach a conclusion, let me know. And I could always change you back, remember." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Yeah, it could, but would it want to? "... Would both be possible..?" Roman asked after a moment of silence. "Like- at the same time?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta contemplated that, their eyes lighting up. "I think so... I'd have to do a bit to experimentation, but... it could be interesting." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Hearing the word experimentation slightly horrified him. What if it was weird and fucked up and naiyta wouldn't fix it? "If you're gonna do that, can you promise me that you won't leave me all messed up?" Roman asked. "Like- I don't know how the bathroom situation would work out if it wasn't done right.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Of course, of course." Naiyta reassured. "If that happened, I'd fix you right back up. I promise." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

'I don't know how far promises go with this guy. GRAB

' "Okay. Okay. Maybe we can try it out- but I don't want to be asleep for that part." Roman said."I'll.. think on it before tonight." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Very well. I can keep you awake for it, too." It smiled in anticipation. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

He had a feeling this was going to go awfully. ".. Anyway." Roman sighed. "I did have something else to talk about, that's more important than whatever's gonna be happening between my legs." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta leaned against the edge of the pool. "Oh? And what could that be?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Kyrie said she could keep teaching me corvi stuff, but.. Her fight is coming up, and I won't be able to learn anything else if she loses." Roman began, and paused for a moment to see if Naiyta was going to put a halt to this already. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Well, then she'll just have to win." Naiyta shrugged causally. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

About what he figured. ".. I know, and I'm pretty sure what you're going to say, but.. If you could sway it, just a bit, in her favor.. She said you could have whatever you wanted from her. And I know how much of a liking you take to corvi.." This felt gross, but was it worse than dying..? He wasn't entirely sure. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta's brow furrowed, their eyes narrowing slightly. "She said I could take anything, did she?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Keep it vague, she said.. Was this vague? He felt like he knew Naiyta well enough now to see exactly what they wanted. Was he helping her here, or putting her in an even worse spot? She could win without the rigging, and she wouldn't owe Naiyta anything.. or she could die. She might die even if it is rigged.. He was silent for a long period of time before speaking again. "Yes, anything.. But if you are against altering the fight, don't be upset with her. All I told her is that I'd ask. She isn't expecting anything." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta thought for a while, putting their hand to their lip. "On principle, I am against altering the fights. Especially in favor of one victor over the other." It hummed. "However, if I were given... incentive... I will consider it." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Mhm, I understand." Roman said. ".. You should go speak with her, about what you have in mind. I think it'll save you two from potential conflict after the fight. I'm sure she wouldn't want to be surprised with what it is you want. 'Anything' is pretty vague, I'm not sure she actually meant it.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"If she wants a guranteed victory, she better be prepared to give me what I want." Naiyta shrugged. "Otherwise, she shouldn't have told you she'd give anything to win." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Yes, maybe she shouldn't have told me that, but.. Please, I really think talking to her is important. I don't want her boundaries crossed just because I said too much." Roman nearly begged, and moved up closer to Naiyta. "Double checking with her wouldn't take too long." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'll speak with her. Just so we're on the same page." Naiyta hummed. "Simply because I believe her to be the.... violent type of confronted unexpectedly." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Thank you, thank you.." Roman sighed in relief. "If she's against whatever it is you want, you know that I can give it to you, right? I may not have the wings but-.. In most ways, I am Raikal.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta turned to look over Roman. "Mhm. In most ways, indeed. Let's try to make that every way." It cupped his cheek, tracing down to his mouth. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman leaned in to its hand and smiled, placing his left hand on top of Naiyta's. "Mhm." Roman said, fighting all the urges to yank Naiyta's hand away. "What is left for me that I need?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta stepped back to look over Roman. "He had more body fat than you do, so we need to get that fixed." To be fair, pretty much everyone had more body fat than Roman. "And your eyes... but I don't know if I could change those without risking you ending up blind. Maybe in the future. But beyond that..." "The wings, of course. And your skin, I bet I could fix that. To get the right pattern, though...." It took his hand and looked over that. "You act a lot like them, though. That's good." "Oh, and your finger, of course." It said, as their own hand grazed it. "I can fix that one right now, if you'd like." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Gaining weight: good! Changing his eyes: no, God no!!!! He liked his eyes the way they were.. He wasn't even sure what would happen, having the white pupil seemed like a necessary thing for his powers. Wings: how would that even happen? Naiyta could just do that? Wings might be kinda cool though- he could fly away from Naiyta and they wouldn't be able to catch him.. Changing his skin: "Wait, what's wrong with my skin?" Roman frowned deeply. Fixing his finger: Oh, that would actually be nice. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta positioned Roman's hand in their own, ready to heal his finger back. "Raikal had- ah, what's the modern word for it- vitiligo. It's pretty common among rooks. And their natural skin tone was a bit deeper than yours." It hummed. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

For some reason, the skin thing was the main issue Roman was taking with that list, despite it probably being the least serious and life altering. "I-.. that's a really big change, my lord.. I don't really feel comfortable with that." Roman said sheepishly. "The other kids in the village would already make fun of me a lot-.. I don't like it to be brought up as a negative thing. I think my skin is fine the way it is." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta frowned. "Hm. We can put that off, and talk about it more later." "Now, for your hand-" It began growing back Roman's finger. The process was weird- especially to look at- but not painful. And it'd be over very, very quickly. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

That just meant it would be happening later, there was no way he could get out of it. But he was distracted from that by his finger growing back. Ew, gross.. But he was very happy that it was back! Once it had grown in, he smiled a bit, and flexed his hand. "It's strange to have it back after so long. Roque took it to track how my powers were progressing back when I first started developing them... When I was strong enough, it would have started to grow back on its own.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta smiled as Roman did. "Well, you aren't with Roque anymore, so her wishes shouldn't be of as much concern to you. Besides, why wait for it to grow back when I can simply fix it myself?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"It would have been a personal accomplishment. I've been waiting a very long time.." Roman sighed. "But I'm going to run out of people to get blood from here before I can get anywhere close to getting enough to rival Roque's amount." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhmmmm..." Naiyta thought. "I could give you some blood." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. I need two doses a day if you want me to keep on any weight that I gain." Roman said. "Who would the blood be from..? It needs to be human.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Could it be.... parahuman? Something close, but not exactly human?" Naiyta asked. Roman might be able to tell where they were going with this. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. I think so. Seki's blood was fine.." He said. But of course Naiyta had to be even weirder about this than it required. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Well, Reagan and Kairas are always around. Though I'd prefer you not to drain them to the point they aren't useful. There's also the attendants you could get blood from. All of them are human." Naiyta hummed. "And I have some of Raikal's stored away somewhere." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I don't want Reagan or Kairas' blood." Roman said, but he was surprised that Naiyta would offer. If he got Kairas' blood, he'd be able to control both of them.. He didn't even comment on Raikal's blood. "The attendants.. would be fine." He sighed. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Very well. Do you prefer to take it directly from the source? If not, I can just have it delivered to your room. Though, I could just as easly have them delivered to your room..." They thought out loud. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. It's better if I can get it straight from the body, I need less of it that way." Roman said. "So whatever that takes." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"We'll work something out. There are enough attendants here, you shouldn't run out." Naiyta hummed. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"What about after everyone goes home? What will I do then..?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"We'll figure something out." Naiyta reassured, with the sort of vagueness that suggested that maybe, not everyone would be going home. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman didn't have the energy to beg for the lives of the uncountable attendants to be spared. He was having a hard enough time trying to get the thirty or so other people out. "Alright, my lord.." He said. ".. could you get me a towel? I want to get out." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Of course." Naiyta nodded, undisturbed by the face neither of them had done any bathing at all other than getting in the water and standing around. It climbed out of the water and got a towel, which it rested on the poolside. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman shuffled out toward the edge and took the towel. He wrapped it around himself as he emerged, but still shivered the entire time. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You look cold." Naiyta said. Very observant. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I'm always cold." Roman mumbled and rubbed the towel across himself. "When I gain more weight I'll be better." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta nodded. Made sense. "If you need some blood, I can bring an attendant over." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I'd rather eat on my own." Roman said. "I'll.. be over at my room. For a little while." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Are you certain?" Naiyta asked, narrowing their eyes. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Yes..? Why do you look so upset about it?" Roman frowned. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'm not upset." Naiyta shrugged and turned away from him. "I should go talk to Kyrie, anyways." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Sounds good, could you help me get dressed again? I don't think I can do all those wraps on my own." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta smiled. "Of course, Raikal." It turned back to him, and led him back towards the changing area. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

... eugh.. Roman followed it, holding the towel tightly around himself as he stood next to the clothes. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Once they were back at the changing area, Naiyta dried Roman off with another towel and helped him dress quickly. They even tied the talisman back onto his belt the same way Kyrie had. "And, there you go. Nice and warm." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

He did feel a good deal warmer, but he wrapped his arms around his waist to help keep on more heat anyway. "Thank you, Naiyta." Roman smiled softly. "I'm going to get going, you'll send an attendant over?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"The first one I come across, I'll send your way." Naiyta nodded. "To your room, yes?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Yes, to my room." Roman nodded and headed over to the door. "See you later tonight, Naiyta." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'm looking forward to it." Naiyta smiled, and remained in the bathhouse to redress themself. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman headed out..

With Gale and Ellie's help, Kyrie got to the bathhouse. She didn't let go of their hands the entire time, even as her footing got steadier as she calmed down. Only when they were in the bathhouse and she had sat down on a bench in the changing area did she let go. "Thanks... for helping me." She hummed as she began taking out her braids- they were already unravelling, and she needed to wash her hair anyways. Her hair was curly and very thick, falling to her lower back when her braids wer undone. Though Kyrie seemed to be doing better here than she had been in the ruins, especially thanks to Gale and Ellie's presence, the bright spark of her energy was still gone, dampered by the weight of the night. @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷 @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

The longer the three of them were together, the better Kyrie looked to be doing- if only by a little bit. (A little bit was more than enough.) Even as Kyrie released their hands to undo her hair, Ellie remained standing nearby, fiddling with it's hands in the absence. Towels. Towels, maybe, and a comb? Did they have combs here? "Of course," Ellie softly said. At least it was quiet- that was good, yeah? It looked...near identical to the snake's bathhouse- though it was, of course, in theme with the other side. "It's nothin', really. We're here to help you with stuff." And Gale- Gale seemed to be doing good, too. The three of them were very clearly stressed, but most of the stress seemed to have burnt itself out at the stage...thing. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Gale stayed close to Kyrie’s side, constantly checking in on her as they walked. As Kyrie let go, they fiddled with their hands for a moment before crossing her arms. She watched quietly as Kyrie took out her braids, squeezing her arms to push down the urge to run her hands through it. “…Of course Kyr. You.. ah, would you.. like any help?” Her voice was much quieter than usual. @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷 @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Seki felt nervous as they followed Roman's scent into the bird quarters. Luckily, they didn't run into any guards, and they slipped into the bathhouse, carrying the stone tablet. "Hello? Ra-, uh, Roman?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal was sitting by the edge of one of the pools. She still had Seki's mask, which hid her dark sclera. They had washed and dried Roman's curly hair, and wrapped it up in a black silk scarf to protect the curls. He hadn't yet re-dressed, but wore a waist-wrap for modesty's sake. "Oh, hello again, Seki. I'm almost done washing up." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

A relieved smile brightened Seki's face. "Good to hear. And Naiyta was cooped up in its room, so that's good. Did you have any trouble?" Seki sat down nearby and crossed their legs, looking at the tablet they set on their lap. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh, that's good." Raikal sighed in relief. "Not much trouble. I washed Roman's face first and made sure I did it quickly so no one would see his eyes. Not that there's anyone here, but.... I wanted to be safe." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Mhm, that's good", Seki nodded. "Has it been nice to have a bath?" They started doodling little flowers on the tablet. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It has. I missed the water...." Raikal sighed deeply. "I hope Roman appreciates it, too." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Aww.. the bath here are really nice," Seki smiled. "You can relax now, I'm keeping guard." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm.... thanks." Raikal hummed, and got up to get into the water again, before stumbling a bit. "Whoa- I think I moved too fast, I'm all woozy..." He laughed. "Kinda glad we stopped flying when we did...." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki looked up, alerted, when Raikal stumbled. "Oop-, careful!" they cautioned. "Oh, yeah, I don't think Roman has the best energy reserves.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal carefully got down again- dipping Roman's feet in the water, but not risking a more complete submersion. "Yeah.... I was thinking he might need to get something to eat soon." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah, that would probably be for the best", Seki nodded. They paused to think about how ironic it was, that Raikal might even take better care of Roman's body than Roman himself. Oh well, that was just a hunch, and they shrugged. "He also needs to drink blood every day. I don't know if he has had his dosage today yet, though", Seki pondered aloud. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh- blood. Hm." Raikal grimaced. "I think.... that's something he can do without me in his body. If that's at all possible." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah, yeah no worries. You can eat normal food, and Roman can get his fix once you leave him, if he needs", Seki nodded, and went back to doodling on the tablet. Now they drew some stylized eyes. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"That sounds good." Raikal nodded. "What are you drawing?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Just doodling. It gives my hands something to do so my ears can focus", Seki lifted the tablet so Raikal could see the flowers and eyes they had scribbled. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh, that makes sense." Raikal nodded. "Can you draw a bird?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Uhh, I can try!" Seki chuckled, and went back to drawing. They drew a very crude and goofy little drawing. It was definitely a bird! But a very generic one that had too much forehead, unshapely wings and stick legs. It's beak was open like it was singing. "Not great. I don't draw birds very often", Seki chuckled awkwardly and showed the doodle to Raikal. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Aw, it's cute!" Raikal smiled and laughed. "Hmm.... I should probably dry off and get dressed, and maybe get something to eat... and then you could take me back while Roman rests, or something." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Hehe, thanks!" Seki smiled and put the tablet down. "Sounds good, I'll wait outside the dressing room", they nodded, and stood up. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal stood up carefully, balancing themself on the wall. "Yeah. I won't be long." They left towards the dining hall and, true to their word, returned only a bit later, now dressed. They still had the mask and hair scarf on. "Do you think it's safe to go to... wherever the food is served?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki went and leaned on the hallway wall outside the bathhouse. They waved when Raikal came back. "Mm, it's risky, there's probably other people there, but I guess as long as you keep the mask on and don't talk much it should be fine.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal still supported themself with the wall. "Yeah, I guess we'll just have to risk it. Let's head over..." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Mhm", Seki looked at Raikal a little worried. "I can support you", Seki offered, stretching an arm out to Raikal. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

As Seki reached their arm out toward her, Raikal would feel a strong growl in her stomach.. And saliva pooling in her mouth. Images of blood stained fur around Seki's neck flooded in to Roman's mind, which definitely had an effect on Raikal as well. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (edited)

Raikal initially reached out for Seki, but quickly backed away as images flooded into Roman's mind. She slumped towards the wall, and took the mask off for only a second to rub at the tension forming in Roman's brow. Even thinking of eating someone's blood- of eating any part of someone- made them nauseous, which certainly didn't help the starving sensation. "Uhm, maybe you should take me back, now...." Raikal held Roman's hands out to Seki. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki's ears perked up and their eyes widened when Raikal shrunk away, seeming even weaker and a little sick. They stepped closer and nodded. "Okay, if you think that's for the better", they gently took her hands in their paws. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I... think it is." Raikal nodded, and clasped Roman's hands across Seki's paws. Seki would feel the same burning, intense feeling, and then as that faded. Similarly, Roman would feel the warmth draining from him as Raikal left, and he'd be in control of his body again. @Twig | Seki / Aarni @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

As soon as Raikal left his body, he let go and collapsed first down to his knees, and then down to his back. He stayed in that position with a line of spit trailing out of the corner of his slightly smiling lips. His eyes were rolled back, hidden beneath the mask, and his body shook with near orgasmic jitters. (NSFW) .. Seems like maybe he liked being possessed, just a little bit too much. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki grimaced and their ears pressed back again when Raikal took them over. They let Raikal easily press their consciousness to the side, and willingly took the shotgun seat, letting Raikal drive. Their first reaction to Roman collapsing was worry, but then a mix of mirth and embarrassment made their tail squirm. "Oh. Uh. Hah. Hrm. I guess Roman's doing alright...?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

7:10 AM

(my spoilers are just for Seki's inner voice, no CWs there)

Raikal stretched as they got used to being in Seki's body again. "Yeah...." They crouched down by Roman. "Roman? Are you doing alright?" Without Seki's mask, their eyes clearly betrayed them as Raikal. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Roman took a bit to get down from his high, and quickly rolled over to his side, away from them. "Um- yeah, I'm alright." Roman said and awkwardly pulled his wing out from being pinned under him. "I'm just.. processing everything. Give me a second." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

7:20 AM

@Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Ah, alright." Raikal said, a teasing, playful chuckle to their tone. "Well, I preened your wings and flew you around a bit, and then I washed your hair. You should.... probably get something to eat soon. Seki is going to take me back up to the temple in a bit." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Yeah I'm feeling pretty hungry.." Roman said and put a hand up to the silk scarf around his hair. ".. Back outside you were talking to someone, but it wasn't Seki. Who was that? About us being related?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"That was... mhm. You've got, uh, a friend? In your head. A god. I wasn't able to figure out very much about them- but I don't think it's something Naiyta should find out about." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"There's a what-" Roman quickly shook his head, like he might be able to shake her out or something. "Y'know- I think I'm best off to not know either. Thanks for fixing up my wings, I think I should be able to figure it out on my own now." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Yeah, of course." Raikal nodded. "If, uh, you ever need more help with your wings, or.. want me to possess you again, or... whatever, you can just come find me in the temple. I... like being able to walk free." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Huh. So that's what that was about? I swear, this man..." Seki was quiet, but Raikal could probably feel their cautious hesitance about Roman getting possessed by Raikal again. They both knew the risks, so it was useless for seki to remind them. "Oh, Raikal, the mask." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (edited)

"I don't mind either, it's kinda nice to not have to think for a bit.." Roman said and managed to push himself up to his feet. He had managed to mess up his feathers again by rolling on his back and side. "But I'm sure Naiyta is going to catch us at some point if I keep getting you from the temple. It's usually up there.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Mhm. We'd have to be careful- more than careful, really." Raikal nodded. "But... I get so lonely up there...." It sighed. "I should take the mask back to hide my eyes on the way up." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh yeah the mask-" Roman took it off and held it back out to Raikal. "... I'm sorry you're so lonely up there. I know how that is- not for like ten thousand years or whatever but.. Yeah." "If Naiyta finds out, you know exactly what it will want. And.." Roman paused for a moment to think. ".. If that happens, and you want to be with Naiyta again, just let it happen. I don't really feel time passing when I'm possessed until after it's over, it'll be.. You can have me, it's okay. I don't especially want to be conscious if I'm going to be stuck here for all eternity." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Seki's ears ticked back, and their tail lowered, the tip twitching. "...Oh man, you guys..." Seki would have given them both a hug if they could. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Raikal took the mask and laid it back over Seki's features. "Thanks." They fell silent for a bit. Did they want to go back to Naiyta? They didn't know. "I'll... keep that in mind. If... it ever finds out." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. Yeah. Let's just hope that we can keep being sneaky about it." Roman sighed and shook his wings out. "I need to go talk to Naiyta anyway, so if you wanna go back to the temple I can make sure it doesn't leave it's room." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Mhm...." Raikal's brow furrowed. "You need to go talk to Naiyta? Are you... sure?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. Yes. I'm starving, but my teeth are so dull that it's hurting people a lot more than it needs to to drink. Naiyta said it could sharpen my teeth for me again." Roman said. ".. And I need to be ready for the next fight." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Seki's fur bristled on their neck a bit, but they didn't protest. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm.... well.... be safe." Raikal stood up. "I think we're going to head up to the temple, if you don't need anything right now." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Mm, yeah, I just want blood. But Naiyta usually picks out an attendant for me.. I don't like to do it." Roman said and began to pick through his feathers, mimicking exactly how Raikal had done it to a nearly eerie level. "I'll fly up there and get to it first. It usually takes a while to sharpen my teeth, unless they can do it magically I guess.. hm.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Seki's fur bristled a little more. They really didn't want to think about teeth sharpening. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Good luck. Stay safe." Raikal repeated. Sensing Seki's discomfort, they began to leave. "It shouldn't take long for Seki to drop me off, and I'll stay by Albanes's quarters once she does." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Roman nodded, and headed off down the hall...

bird people in the bathhouse

levi in the bath

naiyta what are you doing here

wash away the blood and tears

rairai bath time