MASKTOURN

aarni wakes

Aarni wakes laying on a bedroll in a small room. It’s hardly comfortable, but it’s something. There’s no sign of the Lifebringer- or anyone, really. He'd soon realize his clothes have been changed- gone is whatever he was wearing before, replaced by a simple, robelike outfit entirely in black. He's still got the necklace Daeryn gave him. Morning light filters in from the window, casting the entire small room in a dewy haze. The room is tiny- big enough only to fit the bedroll, a small basin for washing, a chest at the foot of the bedroll, and a low, small writing desk, on which is a folded piece of paper, labeled with Aarni’s name, a clay tablet, and a porcelain face mask. The entire room is furnished in plain black tile, and opposite the window is a stone-paneled door leading out. The letter on the desk is written in small, neat script, reads as follows:

Welcome, Aarni Amosyauro Repo.

You have been invited to compete in the Lifebringer’s tournament, in this, their hallowed domain. Not only have you received this honor, you have also been selected to compete alongside the Birds, under my leadership. If you have any concerns, or anything suspicious to report, please alert it to my presence. I will be watching you. 

Please wear the mask provided, as it is part of your uniform.

Your Leader, 
Kairas Krosanyouri

The mask was of black porcelain, and would sit on Aarni’s face without falling, held there by some kind of magic. It only covered his eyes and upper faced, and mirrored the look of a bird’s face. Despite no eye-holes, Aarni would be able to see clearly even with the mask on. The clay tablet was just too big to be held in one hand, and was accompained by a small stylus for writing. Its surface displayed the #group-chat, and would update magically as more messages were sent. (edited)

@Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni opened his eyes slowly. He remembered his talk with Albanes, but was still hoping it had been a dream. "I'll message her and tell her about that..." he thought to himself, but he could already tell he wasn't home. It took him a while to sit up. He stayed still for a long time, frozen in fear, trying with all his willpower to wake up. He couldn't. Once he noticed his new garbs, he also saw his gloves, and even more notably, his vengestone bracelet were gone. He gritted his teeth and looked at his laft palm, where a delicate flower quietly glowed in his skin, like an oddly luminescent, very realistic-looking tattoo. "Onnenkettu..." he grumbled bitterly to the flower. It did not react in any way. Then he noticed the medallion. He took it in his hand and brushed the decoration on its surface. *Daeryn. He hoped she was here. Strong and determined. She had been an invaluable ally on the Island. She had helped him to better control his fear... Aarni took a sharp breath, and clenched the medallion in his hand. He had to be brave. He couldn't just lay down in the flames. He stood up, and stepped to the table. He took the note, and read it, then glancing at the other items on the table. He picked up the mask and turned it around in his hands. He frowned, finding the eyelessnes of the mask disturbing. Nevertheless, he put the mask on carefully, out of curiosity, and was surprised he was still able to see. He took the mask off quickly, still disturbed, maybe even more so. He also had a nasty foreboding the mask would somehow be able to control him, or something. He tried the door, and found it unlocked. He walked out, holding the mask in his hand. (*"Lucky fox...") (edited)