MASKTOURN

Great, rolling fields occupy most of the island’s expanse outside the citadel. Though they are hilly and uneven, the terrain is far flatter and easier to cross than the uneven streets of the citadel and the sheer cliffs and crags that lead to the acropolis. These fields are that of a pastoralist paradise- an expanse of greener as far as the eye can see, cut through by a babbling brook and dotted with small herds of goats. It’s a wonderful place to run wild and free, or to compose some poetry about having one’s heart broken.

After speaking with Asha again, Darcy wandered out onto the fields. He wanted to explore more, and figured it'd be good to see what was outside the citadel. So far: goats, and a lot of nothing. @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

Peregrine had taken flight, brief air and peace to himself. But there was a little speck underneath him, close to his shadow. A familiar speck, he realised as he began to glide down, his wings aching. Such a busy day he'd had after all, even before this. Mostly gracefully, only tripping over one foot, Peregrine landed closely behind the speck, which had revealed itself to be Darcy. A very different Darcy, but Peregrine never forgot a face. "Looks like all those books have aged you," he called from behind him. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy stepped back in sheer surprise as Peregrine approached him. He ran a silverish hand through his probably-prematurely graying hair. "Wh- Peregrine?" He stammered. "Didn't you die a year ago?" @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

Peregrine raised an eyebrow. "Did I what now?" He stepped closer, tilting his head. "Look at those greys... you ought to take care of yourself, Darcy." He'd left an opening for himself. He grinned. "Or, rather, let someone else take care of you, like myself," he teased, flicking Darcy's chin. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Shut up." Was Darcy's immediate response. "I don't have time for this- I definitely don't have time for you again. Like I ever did." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

Peregrine cackled gleefully. "There you are, still the same Darcy. Despite your..." He trailed off, but his eyes looked back to Darcy's hair. "You've really let yourself go, darling." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"And you haven't changed a bit. What, did the last four years somehow manage to treat you more kindly than anyone in your life?" Darcy scoffed bitterly. @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

Peregrine raised his eyebrow again. "So much time with your head in those books, you've forgotten how to count. It's only been a few months. Not even one year, let alone four." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Or maybe you spent so much time under the influence, all the days blended together. It's been four years since the tournament. That glass lady died- I almost certain you died too." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

(tw reference to being high) Peregrine chuckled. "If anything, being 'under the influence' as you put it made me more aware of time. Counting down the hours between my next hit." He inspected Darcy's hair, then ruffled it. "Four years to go grey, oh darling. What a sad little life you lead. No, dear, I'm positive, only a few months for me. You're the one more likely to lose track of time than me. Does make the grey hairs sadder." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (edited)

"I'm not your 'darling'. Don't touch me." Darcy forcibly removed Peregrine's hand from his head. "I don't need your commentary about my life. Not when yours is even worse." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

Again, Peregrine cackled, grinning. "That I won't argue with, sweetheart, though my life is certainly much more fun." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy only scoffed. "And look where your 'fun' life led you. Right to the same place as me, again. If I believed in fate, I'd think it had it out for me." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Clearly they wanted us to have a happy reunion." Peregrine winked. "You look like you need it." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Believe me, there's nothing you could offer that'd make me happy." He scoffed again. @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

(nsfw

) "Not even a blowjob? I've gotten quite good at those again," Peregrine mused, eyes flickering downward. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Wh- I don't even have-" Darcy's face scrunched up in disgust. "I'm not your little 'Hand of God.' And I'm not interested. In anything you're offering." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

Peregrine grinned. "No? I suppose your four years were very pent up. Still a virgin, I presume." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy scoffed, and didn't reply. @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"I'll take that as a yes," he teased. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"What's it matter to you? I really don't believe that you're honestly into me." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

Peregrine's grin faltered. Didn't quite fall, rather it shifted. "Darling I'm not into anyone. I'd just like to sleep." He forced a playful tone. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Then sleep. Find someone else to do it with, or do it alone. Just not with me around. Because I'm not interested." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

Peregrine smiled, more to himself. "Oh, Darcy, so naive." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Naive? Like I can't read through an innuendo?" He scoffed. "Peregrine, I know what masturbation is, and I'm absolutely certain you do too." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭 (nsfw)

"Shocking that you do," Peregrine teased. "You should be honoured I turn to you in my time of need." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It's ridiculous you find that shocking. I'm a grown man." Darcy rolled his eyes. "I'm sure there's plenty out there who'd appreciate the honor more than me. For some reason." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"I'll say." Peregrine flicked some of Darcy's grey hair. "And sure, but I already have such a connection to you. The person who brought us here surely thought the same in any case. Maybe this Lifebringer is our biggest fan." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Well, you're just a bit too insufferable for me to find you attractive, so that ends that." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"So if I was less insufferable you would find me attractive?" Peregrine raised his eyebrow again. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"No. You're not my type. Because you're also very pathetic, and annoying, and irrational- I can go on." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

(nsfw. masktourn needs a hr department) "Please do." Peregrine grinned. "I'll be thinking about it later when I try to 'get some sleep'." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Use your imagination." Darcy said bitterly. "But again- I doubt you really mean that. Believe it or not, I can tell when you're trying to get under my skin." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

Peregrine fake pouted at the denial, though he quickly recovered. "Can you really now?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Yes- because, again, you're not that interested in me to use me as 'inspiration material'." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

(NSFW PEREGRINE he's so awful) "Are you so sure about that? Maybe after I went home, all I could think about was-" He moaned and then, in a voice I can only describe as orgasmic, he cried out, "Daarcy, Darcy, DARCY~" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy only glared at Peregrine through that whole... performance. "You're not even a good actor." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Contrary. I'm quite the good actor." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Of course you'd think that. Do your partners find your act convincing? Because I don't." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Whether they do or not, they buy into it regardless." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Well, again: I don't." Darcy replied flatly. @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Awww," Peregrine cooed. "Still so bitter." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Bitter? And what am I so bitter about?" @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"You're repressed. And you can't handle me, so unrepressed," he teased. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'm not repressed. I know exactly who I am, and what I want." Darcy replied. "Maybe you're just bitter that picture doesn't include you." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"And what do you want, exactly? To reeaad your life away? You're certainly doing a good job at that." Peregrine punctuated his words as he flicked Darcy's hair. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Better than 'sleeping' my life away." Darcy took Peregrine's hand off his head again, but instead of letting it go, simply held it there. @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

Peregrine grinned and wrapped his hand around Darcy's. "I'd love to sleep more than I do, darling, but alas." He then tugged Darcy's hand up and twirled him in a circle. Weirdo. "All I do is dance." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy shoved Peregrine, quite forcefully, away. "And that doesn't seem to be treating you any better, does it? Honestly, Peregrine, for it only being 'a few months' from when we last met... you look like shit." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"I look wonderful, what on Earth do you mean?" He leant forward. "And I feel even better. As if you're one to talk. Four years... you look more like it's been forty. What book aged you, darling?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You're either lying, or you haven't looked in a mirror recently." Darcy frowned. "For four years, I look fine. You look like you're on the verge of collapse." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Most people like me that way. Makes me irresistible" Peregrine shrugged. "I beg to differ, darling, you look awful. Grey hairs, snappy and..." He glanced to Darcy's arm. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Irresistible'. Yeah, right. Unable to resist, maybe." Darcy moved his arm back with a sudden jerk. "And? Use your words, Peregrine." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Same thing, no?" Peregrine chuckled. No, Pere. "Your arm, darling, you're awfully defensive of it." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"No. Believe it or not, words do have distinct meanings." Darcy rolled his eyes. "Maybe I just don't want to be manhandled like you." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Of course, you'd know petty differences between words." He chuckled. "Not necessary for me to know." "Do you want to manhandle me? Most do." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Maybe that's why you misuse terms all the time." Darcy retorted. "No. I really don't." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Apparently I'm fun to manhandle," Peregrine mused, almost absentmindedly. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Probably because you don't resist. But I don't want any part in that." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"No? Are you suuure?" He leaned closer. "Darcy, darling, have you ever done anything fun?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I don't think we have the same definition of 'fun'. And I don't think you enjoy what you do, either." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

Peregrine tilted his head. "Don't I?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Maybe if you actually enjoyed it, you wouldn't have to keep saying how wonderful it all is." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"I'm just an enthusiast about my work, darling, like you are." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Tell yourself all the lies you wish. At least I don't lie about what my work has done to me." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

And what has it done? Aged you?" Peregrine wordlessly gestured to Darcy's arm. "What has your life given you? Certainly not peace. Only *words. That's all you can ever have." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I never implied what it did was good. All I said was that I'm honest about it." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"If it's not good, why do you do it?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I think you of all people would understand why someone can't simply stop doing the things that hurt them." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

Peregrine smiled softly. "It's cute you think we're on the same level." His eyes settled on Darcy's arm again. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Don't call me cute." Darcy said. "I'm an adult, just like you. Don't infantilize me." He met Peregrine's gaze. "And if you're going to stare at me, at least have the decency to say what you're thinking. I don't have time for allusion or innuendo." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Older than me," Peregrine said flirtily. Oi. "Well, then, what's wrong with your arm? Didn't quite feel right when I twirled you." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy didn't reply to the age comment. "It's really none of your business. It's fine." He retorted. @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"I'm making it my business, darling. I'm quite interested in the body, after all." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Well, this body isn't your business. I think I've made that very clear." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"As much as I'd like it to be~" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It isn't. My health concerns are certainly none of your business." Darcy said dismissively. @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Well then I guess any of mine aren't yours to question," he teased, flicking Darcy's nose. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Don't touch me." Darcy stepped back. @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

Peregrine pouted. "Oh, so cruel, Darcy, I'm just concerned about you." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You can be concerned about me without touching me." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Never heard of that." Peregrine waved a hand dismissively. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Well, now you have." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Doesn't make much sense to me so I will elect to ignore it." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"That's not very respectful is it? Not that you'd be one to understand boundaries." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

Peregrine grinned. "The whole point of me is that I have none, darling. For someone supposed to be intelligent, you're really not living up to it." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Just because you might not have boundaries doesn't mean the rest of us don't. Not everyone can be 'the Angel'." He scoffed. @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"No." Peregrine stepped closer. "Some of you are stuck being... well, whatever you are. Nerd, virgin, old... and whatever is wrong with you remains some wrong, not something desired." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"If being 'desired' would make me anything like you, I'll think I'll stick to being a nerdy virgin." Darcy stepped back as Peregrine stepped forward. @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Such a mean nerdy virgin." Peregrine stepped forward, as if in a dance with Darcy. "Too afraid to tango?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I don't dance." Darcy replied stiffly. "Especially not with the likes of you." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Trust me, it's obvious. Not even a waltz?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'm an academic, not a performer." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

Peregrine rolled his eyes. "Have you read books about dancing then?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Yes. And? It's made me less inclined to try the activity." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Must not have been a good book then. Though, to be fair, action speak far louder than words~" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy rolled his eyes. "I'm not indulging you in this. Any of this." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"You already are, darling." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy simply began to walk away. @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"Awwwww, boo." Peregrine pouted but let Darcy go. Shocking. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy didn't look back. @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

From the brook to the fields, Cansu continued his exploring. He couldn’t help but admit that this was a fairly nice realm that the Lifebringer had built. Too bad they were an asshole. The deity hummed as he looked over the surrounding nature. It truly was a lovely sight. @Cap | Eremurus + Valerie

After everything, Eremurus was relieved to finally find an area he can relax in. Fields. Beautiful, peaceful and quiet. It was quite a surpsie when someone else decided to come to the fields. Perking up, he looked over and stared at the stranger. The flowers that surrounded his antlers shifted. Marigolds. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu sighed as he took notice of someone else being here. He was hoping for some alone time. “And what might your name be?” Cansu asked as he glanced over to the other individual. Immediately, his antlers caught Cansu’s attention. Huh. Interesting. @Cap | Eremurus + Valerie

"...I did not expect another person to be here." He replied. Ah his name. Right! Eremurus stood up and dusted himself off, bowing his head slightly. "Eremurus." He introduced himself. "And you?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I am Cansu,” Cansu puffed out his chest. “Deity of water and lightning, Thunderbird of Cerau. Are you a deity as well? It is uncommon for humans to have antlers.” @Cap | Eremurus + Valerie

Eremurus blinked. "...Ah." Was it that obvious? Did the antlers truely give it away as well as the crown? "Chensevia, godess of nature." He nodded. "Uhm. I suppose other deity's can tell..." He laughed anxiously. "It is an honor to be among you then, Cansu of Cerau." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I suppose that it’s more of a sensation we can feel when we’re in another deity’s presence,” Cansu hummed. “It is interesting to be in your presence, we have yet to meet after all of this time.” @Cap | Eremurus + Valerie

"Perhaps we can." Eremurus bowed their head. "I've never met another diety, merely heard about them." They reached up to their antlers. "When you approached my flowers turned to Marigold. Would you like one?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟 (edited)

“Some deities aren’t keen on showing themselves. I, on the other hand, don’t mind a bit of attention,” Cansu hummed as he looked to the marigolds adorning Eremurus’ antlers. “Perhaps I will take your offer on a Marigold. They are one of my favorite flowers.” @Cap | Eremurus + Valerie

"The flowers that grow on my antlers respond to my emotions, the environment and other factors..." He gestured towards his antlers briefly, then stood up, gifting the flowers to Cansu. "Very well. I'm glad you enjoy them." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"Is that so?" Cansu hummed as he took the flowers. "What do Marigolds represent for you, then?" @Cap | Eremurus + Valerie

"It depends. They might have formed since you came by. Marigolds are believed to represent the sun's warmth and light, they are also a favorite snack of several birds." They gestured to his wings. "Goldfinches love them in particular, as well as chickens." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"They are a delicacy that are greatly appreciated," Cansu hummed. The deity plucked a petal from a marigold and plopped it into his mouth, chewing on it. "Your offering pleases me." @Cap | Eremurus + Valerie

"Glad it does." Eremurus smiled weakly. "Have you be brought here to fight as well, if you don't mind me asking of course." He shook his head. "These circumstances are truly not ideal." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Yes, I was invited to participate. However, I do not plan on losing.” Cansu hummed. “I can sense that you’re not quite fond of this situation.” @Cap | Eremurus + Valerie

"Indeed. I'm not fond of...violence." Eremurus' face scrunched up slightly with discomfort. "Mainly I am a healer and aid support to others but...I suppose my powers can be use to do some harm." Bending down, Eremurus touched a small patch of grass. As he touched it, it instantly lost its color and died...before becoming restored. "All life, including plant is important. At least where I am from." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I see,” Cansu hummed. “Life and death do go hand and hand together, it makes sense that you should be able to take life as well as give it.” @Cap | Eremurus + Valerie

"Hm." Eremurus hummed in agreement. "Do you have any reason as to why we were summoned here? Surely, there must be a reason why to dietys are here..." Eremurus summoned a small vine and began to play cats cradle. "I do wonder. I hope you do not mind my curiosity, Cansu." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“It’s natural to be curious,” Cansu hummed. “Are you able to feel it? That there’s something wrong? There’s problems with this realm that needs repairs, and the competitors will be the ones to fix it with their deaths.” @Cap | Eremurus + Valerie

Eremurus continued to play with the vine, their gaze narrowing slightly as the thought. "I can tell something is wrong. That much was so when I spoke to who is in charge. But..." Their gaze flicked upwards. "Problems with this realm..?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Mmhm,” Cansu looked up as well, putting his hands into his pockets. “There’s something that’s tearing this place apart. It’s damaged.” @Cap | Eremurus + Valerie

"Damages in what sense?" He asked curiously. "Like the earth- or the world is dying? Aching?" Eremurus turned his gaze back to the ground. "I can regrow plant life..." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I don’t believe it’s damaged in the sense that it could be repaired that easily,” Cansu sprouted his wings from his back and stretched them out. This was a good place to finally spread his wings. “It may be damaged in a way that’s beyond what you and I are capable of doing.” @Cap | Eremurus + Valerie

As the announcement rang through their minds, Cansu grinned with intrigue. An event, huh? That was something he was interested in. "It looks like our presence is required elsewhere." Cansu hummed as his wings retracted. He gave Eremurus a nod. "I will perhaps see you at another time." With that, Cansu made his leave from the fields. @Cap | Eremurus + Valerie

Roman hummed a little tune as he walked through the fields, occasionally stopping to pet an especially cute goat. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

He was not alone in the fields. Naiyta sat upon a rock near the brook, a long shepherd's crook propped up beside them. It played on a bone-whittled flute a light and merry tune, the very picture of the pastoral fantasy. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Subconsciously, the tune Roman was humming mirrored the song Naiyta was humming. He wasn't especially in a rush to get to the Lifebringer, but his meandering path was definitely heading in it's direction. When he was about halfway to them, he took a break from walking and sat in the grass, still humming along. He moved his hands across the blades of grass, and picked any especially strong ones, as well as small prairie flowers. He wove the grass and flowers together in to one long, continuous loop. He had a certain skill at this, maybe it was something he did often back home? Once he finished that, he stood and continued his walk. He maintained that same casual pace, just enjoying the pleasant temperature and slight breeze. When he arrived to Naiyta, he was still humming along, and placed that crown of flora on it's head. "You play a beautiful song." Roman smiled and crossed his arms behind his back. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

As Roman approached, Naiyta opened one half-lidded eye to glance over him, but didn't stop their song for a moment. It only did stop when Roman placed the crown upon its head. With a breathy, abrupt silence, they ended their tune and lowered the flute from their lips. It looked to Roman. "Thank you. What brings you out to the fields so early this morning? I'd think you'd want to sleep in after last night." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman took a seat next to it, sitting on a smaller rock that was probably too small to function as a chair. He looked up at Naiyta, still smiling. "I was too excited to get breakfast to sleep in." Roman said. "And you're up as well, and I can't help but notice you never called me back in.. Do you like sleeping alone?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. Understandable." Naiyta didn't quite let their gaze meet Roman's, instead gazing out onto the scenic horizon. "I don't often sleep. And when I do, it's always alone. It's something I've gotten used to over the years." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"That's sad. I don't like sleeping alone. I don't like being alone." Roman hummed and looked out over to where Naiyta was looking. "Well, you don't have to be on your own while I'm here. I appreciate your company." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It doesn't bother me to be alone. I quite enjoy solitude, if I'm being honest. The presence of others has always been... bothersome at best, aggravating at worst." Naiyta shrugged. "But, thank you." Notably, it did not return the compliment. "Ah, change of subject," it said, "A little birdie was telling me you were... speaking with Reagan." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Oh, that's alright, the only time Roque ever complimented him was in bed too. But man, word travels fast. "Oh, yes I was. I knew you weren't done with them last night, so I went and harassed them some more for you. They should stay in line now." Roman said. "Not much actual speaking happened. It's just easier to use my powers in my dimension, I could make it hurt more. So that's why we went down there. I'd love to show you around if you wanna see! It's a nice little spot, I would sleep in there if I couldn't get a client for the night.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta finally turned to face Roman as he spoke, its brow furrowing in disgust and concern. "You needn't not. I have no interest in your... blood dimension." They said, almost chidingly. "And you need not interfere with mine and Reagan's business. It's not your place to judge just how much suffering they deserve. That's my job." They leaned close to Roman, and with no affection to their tone, "Do not interfere with my matters again." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Well, it bought that that's why he actually did it, which was good.. But getting scolded like a child didn't feel great either. Still, better than Naiyta not believing him.. His smile fell away as he listened at full attention. He remained perfectly still until Naiyta leaned toward him, at which point he suddenly startled and slipped off the little rock he perched himself on. He only fell a few inches to the next stone, but it was enough to hurt his bony ass. "O-oh um- alright, my lord. I'm sorry." Roman said and bowed his head. "It won't happen again." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta leaned back, and looked over Roman. Its gaze was cold, judging. "Good." It inclined its head slightly. "I would not like to have to punish you too." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman kept his eyes averted, except for one momentary glance back. As soon as he saw how Naiyta was looking at him, he looked away again. ".. That won't have to happen, I promise." Roman said. "You can trust me." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hm. Good." Naiyta said, and lifted their flute back up to their lips. The tune it played was now melancholic and moody. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

'.. drama queen

' Roman didn't say anything else, or join in in humming this time. He just sat beneath Naiyta with his legs crossed, staring down as the brook went by. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta's song went on for a while- they likely would not stop until Roman said something more. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 (edited)

Roman couldn't think of much else to say, other than trying to finish his quip about flute players from last night. .. but now didn't really feel like the time. "Could you say something nice about me?" Roman asked and nudged a pebble down in to the water with his foot. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta lowered the flute from their lips again, and did not look to Roman. "And what occasion is it that you deserve praise for?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Well, I say nice things to you.. It would feel nice if you could do the same." Roman said. ".. Maybe just once, about something that doesn't involve torturing or fucking me? Maybe not even right now, just at some point." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I am not of the mind to give out praise and compliments like pittance. When you do something worthy of my nice words, you will be rewarded with them." It said simply. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. Alright." Roman said and looked back out at the brook. He was silent for a few more minutes until he stood up. "I'm gonna go eat more. Have a nice morning out here, Naiyta." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta hummed in acknowledgment, said a simple, "Alright," and watched Roman leave. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Without saying anything else, Roman stepped away from the brook. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Salikatt! Look'at the goats!" Ellie stood in the field, a hand raised over her eyes to shield herself from the light of the sunrise. "Aw, this looks beautiful," it sighed, able to momentarily forget it's worries. It really, truly did look wonderful. Rolling hills, greenery and a cute little brook- and off in the distance were little flocks of birds. Though, she couldn't really tell what they were from this far off. "Ooh, and the birds! Huh. I think there's more goats than birds here, but look! There's some over there!" "You holdin' up okay?" it asked, turning around to check on the youngster. "That was a pret-ty long walk, 'specially this early." There was a little guy- two little guys, standin' right there. Evan, and a little goat kiddo standing not too far away. It was staring. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟 (edited)

"Goats!" Evan smiled brightly at the sight of them. They had a few in Roston, but it was always a delight to see a goat. "It does look nice- There's so much greenery.. There's so much more here than there is back home, it's so nice." Evan gave a nod of his head. "I-I'm doing okay! It was a long walk, but I d-don't mind it! The weather's nice for it, too." @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Mhm! It's all so green and vibrant and peaceful, huh?" Ellie asked, laughing a little bit. The little kid was inching closer now, hooves lightly crunching the grass. "And the weather's not too shabby either. Nice and refreshing- especially good for a walk!" It was stretching a little, one arm crossed over the other as it shuffled a bit in place. "Do you wanna keep going so we can take a photo of the birds, or did you want to take a little break first?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Mmhm, I like it here. Nice for a walk.” Evan smiled as the goat approached. He desperately wanted to give it some pets. “Even the goats are going for a walk, t-too.” Evan looked to Ellie. “W-we can keep going, I’m okay with that.” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

The goat just. Stood there, staring at Evan. It's tail was wagging all the while. "Looks like it's walkin' time for everyone," Ellie laughed, ending her mini-stretch with a little 'hmf'. "Little guy looks like he might be tagging along for the ride. We can keep going, but just let me know when you need a break, yeah?" At that, Ellie continued walking on, eyes trained on the flock in the distance. It seemed like they were starting to settle down not too far away from where they were... The goat just continued to stare. It shook it's head around, ears flopping around a bit. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Mhm, I-I’ll let you know.” Evan nodded his head. His gaze was mostly still fixated on the goat as he walked after Ellie. “.. I wonder if we could pet the goat..” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

As Evan began to walk, so too, did the goat. It walked after Evan, still staring at him with it's...goaty-eyes. "Hm, well. I'm sure they wouldn't mind!" Ellie said, oblivious to the mini-conga line. "I mean. If we weren't allowed to, I'm sure they would have told us, yeah?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Mmhm, that’s true,” Evan nodded his head. “Maybe.. I can give it a try- But also, what if it winds up biting me..?” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Ellie slowed down a little, turning to peer over her shoulder. The goat was still following along. "Hrm. Eh...maybe wait for it to come up to ask you for contact, maybe?" it suggested, a little bit unsure itself. "If it wants you to pet it, it might like. Nudge you or something? But if you're worried it might bite, that's alright, too!" "You like dogs, right? What would they do when they wanted you to pet them?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Mmmm.. Yeah, maybe it’ll nudge me.. I don’t really know how goats work,” Evan hummed. “The dogs usually just- Come right up to you and kind of demand attention. Dogs are kinda easy to read.. Goats, on the other hand, are entirely different..” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

The goat. He approacheth faster now. "Oh, yeah. Dogs are very demanding," Ellie laughed. "Goats are pretty different, huh? They want a lot of attention, but they. Just stare at you. I think they're kinda like...cat? Dogs? I'unno." "Oh, but goats also scream and yelp a lot! I think it's yel- bleat! Goats bleat a lot when they want attention, too." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I haven’t interacted much with cats.. Or goats..” Evan tilted his head at the goat. “It’s not bleating, so- Maybe it doesn’t want pets?” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Aw, that's fair! I love cats, but I'm allergic as ever." At least, she was pretty sure she was? She kept sneezing like Hell whenever she saw a stray cat on the street. "But, goats...mm, I wouldn't say I've interacted with them much, but I have done so much more than with. Cats." The goat continued to approach, still staring up at Evan. It didn't scream yet, or anything, but just. Stared at him. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“You are? Oh- I’m glad there aren’t any cats here, then,” Evan hummed. “Yeah, I haven’t- Had any interaction with cats.. I guess if I see one, I’ll find out if I’m allergic then..” Evan, now slightly anxious, looked between the goat and Ellie. “.. D-do.. Goats always just.. Stare?”

6:12 PM

@Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Ah, cat allergies," she woefully sighed. "How miserable- such a curse on such a cute widdle baby. I'm not sure if there's cats here, though. I guess? That's a good thing?" "Hm, well." Maybe thinking of Nathan as a reference point of a goat wasn't a good idea. "I guess goats would stare because they want to learn more about what's happening. Honestly, they're kinda nosy, too. Cute! But super nosy." After getting close enough, it peered up at Evan with his. Big ole' goat eyes, staring for a moment more before letting out a bleat. He was stanced. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I’m glad I’m not allergic to dogs. I’d b-be sad if I couldn’t be with the sledding dogs back home,” Evan hummed. “Oh- They’re nosy? I guess that makes sense-” The boy let out a yelp as the goat bleated loudly. He stumbled backwards, looking anxious once more. He wasn’t too sure what to make of its behavior, so he looked to Ellie for help. @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"That would be unfortunate if you were," it agreed. "But hey, it's good that you aren't! It seems like you care a lot about the sledding dogs at home-" The goat stumbled backwards as well, shaking it's head a little bit from the surprise. Ellie quickly made her way over to Evan, standing a little closer to him as the goat continued to shuffle around. It's tail was waggin'. "Are you alright?" she asked, reassuring yet cautious. "That was loud, huh?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"Y-yeah- Startled me a l-little.." Evan looked a bit rattled. "It w-was pretty loud.. D-do you th-think it's a friendly goat?" @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Aw, that's okay!" Ellie reassured, kneeling down a bit to his level. She held out a hand for him to take if he wished to, checking Evan over one more time before glancing at the goat. "Hm...I'm pretty sure he's friendly; do you see the way his tail's all wagging? It's kinda like a dog's tail, right?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Evan took her hand, nervously looking over the goat. "Y-yeah, kinda- It's k-kinda like a dog's tail.." @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Mhm! So like a dog's tail, it can mean a lot of things- so you'd also have to look at the rest of their body language, yeah?" The bast way to calm someone down was to provide information! Though, uh, she didn't know much. "So, the little guy's tail is wagging, and his ears are also pretty relaxed. What d'you think those two things mean- if you think about it like dogs?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Evan took in a deep breath. "Th-they're calm, th-then- They're in a g-good mood, and are friendly.." @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Mhm! So going by that logic, this little fella's probably friendly, too," Ellie said, nodding along. "My bet was that he was staring 'cause he hasn't seen us around before, and decided to make some noise when he saw that we were chill, and just walking around!" The goat let out another bleat, about as loud as it was before. He seemed to tell that they were talking about him. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"Yeah- Yeah, that- That makes sense, that makes lots of sense." Evan nodded. "He was- Just curious, just like we were.." Evan gave the goat a tentative little wave. @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Just curious," Ellie repeated, squeezing Evan's hand lightly with a smile. "You did good!" The goat, seeing his movement, began to shamble on over to him, though a bit more careful than before. He seemed to be sniffing the air...or doing whatever goats do. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Evan offered Ellie a smile. "Th-thanks.." He looked to the goat once more. Hesitating, he reached a hand out to the goat.. @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷 @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (is there a type of animal handling roll I should do or hgjsdkfghjk)

(AHJNKMF . EHH. WELL.)

8:47 PM

@innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (goat bless us all)

(yall can roll wis)

(Evan come on lets gO)

Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

used /r

# 17
Details:[d20+4 (13)]

(HOORAY)

(PRETTTYYYY GOOOOD)

(do i roll for the. goat or just leave it there)

(I mean if you wanna roll for the goat for funsies you can ghjsdfk)

Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

used /r

# 15
Details:[d20 (15)]

(c-c-c-critical goat pet)

8:51 PM

The little goat sniffed at Evan's hand, seemingly trying to figure out what this thing was. After a moment or so, he eventually pressed his head up against Evan's palm, tail wagging all the while. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Evan's expression lit up with joy. He looked at Ellie with excitement as he began to pet the goat. "H-he's letting me pet him-!" Evan whispered. @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

The goat tilted it's head this way and that, finally deciding what was the best angle for pets from this strange not-goat thing. Ellie lit up as well, flashing a thumbs up at Evan. "It's awesome, huh?" she whispered back. "Does he feel soft?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"Mmhm, mmhm, very soft!" Evan whispered with excitement. "Do you- Do you wanna pet him, too?" @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

It laughed quietly at Evan's excitement, not wanting to startle the little fella away. He was still havin' the time of his life. "Yeah, I expected him to be pretty soft! It's alright, though- I can wait! It looks like he's enjoying this a lot. The both'a you are!" Ouu, such a cute widdle baby. Nat would love this. "I think he might be a kid," it mused. "His horns are a biiit smaller than most adults." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"Th-this is nice," Evan smiled. He looked back to the goat and continued to give it pets. "O-oh, so it's a little goat, then. A baby goat." @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Mhm! A baby goat- and then when they're older, they can be 'billies' or 'does'," Ellie said, digging up the information from frickin'. Years ago. "I'm pretty sure kids can start walking within like. A few minutes of them being born, actually! But he seems a bit too big for a newborn. He's just a little guy." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"Huh! I didn't know that goats could be called that when they're older." Evan smiled. "That's so interesting." @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Billies are for the male goats, and does are for the female ones," Ellie explained, releasing Evan's hand as he continued to pet the goat. He seemed pretty content with all of this, eyes now closed as he basked in the attention. "It is pretty interesting, huh? That's...the extent of all my goat facts, though- oh! Goats are ungulates- so like. Any sorta animal with hooves- deer, horses, uhh,. . Sheep! Yeah, now that's the extent of all my goat facts." The flock of birds in the distance seemed to be nearing...hopefully they'd land somewhere nearby! "Hey, there's a flock of birds over there!" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"Thank you for the goat facts!" Evan smiled. He turned away from the goat to look at the birds. He perked up. "Oh-! Maybe we can take pictures of them." @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"And thank you for listening to the goat fact!" "We could, if you want! They're a bit far off right now, but it wouldn't hurt to show you how it's done. Hopefully they can land somewhere a biiit closer, so you can actually see what they look like." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Evan nodded. He took off the camera around his neck and extended it out to Ellie. "Here you go." @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Thank youuu," Ellie said, taking her camera into her hands. "So! Before I do anything else, I'm gonna press the power button up here and remove the lens cap. It's just to keep my lens from getting damaged or scuffed up or anything. While the lens aren't...too fragile, they're made of glass and will break if there's any shardage around." "This silver button next to it is the most important one; it's the shutter button, and it lets you take photos. If you press down on the button justtt a bit, without pressing fully, I can focus on my subject. Do you see that little box in the center of the display? I can focus on that spot to just make it a bit clearer." All the while, Ellie was using the little goat as a subject, who was standing and staring at the new thing. "But say, 'hey. My subject's moving around, and all the photos are blurry.' What I do is rotate this little dial here and look at this little fraction on the display. The number just means how long of a second the camera shutter will stay open for. The higher it is, the better it tends to be for faster stuff. Like birds!" "I'm going to a pretty high number for this, but not too high, since the birds aren't too fast," she explained, lifting the camera up to the sky. "So now, I press a little bit, focus...and then snap!" ...The flash didn't go off, though, which kind of looked a bit like nothing, but she seemed satisfied enough. "Ta da! I just took a photo!" Ellie said, showing Evan the camera. On the display was the newly taken photo of the birds. It wasn't incredibly detailed, but hey- it was a photo! @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"Thank youuu," Ellie said, taking her camera into her hands. "So! Before I do anything else, I'm gonna press the power button up here and remove the lens cap. It's just to keep my lens from getting damaged or scuffed up or anything. While the lens aren't...too fragile, they are made of glass and will break if there's any shardage around. "This silver button next to it is the most important one; it's the shutter button, and it basically lets you take photos. If you press down on the button justtt a bit, without pressing fully, I can focus on my subject. Do you see that little box in the center of the display? I can focus on that spot to just make it a bit clearer." All the while, Ellie was using the little goat as a subject, who was standing and staring at the new thing. "But say, 'Hey. My subject's moving around, and all the photos are blurry.' What I do is rotate this little dial here and look at this fraction on the display. The higher it is, the better it tends to be for faster stuff. Like birds! The number just means how long of a second the camera shutter will stay open for." "I'm going to a pretty high number for this, but not too high, since the birds aren't too fast," she explained, lifting the camera up to the sky. "So now, I press a little bit, focus...and then snap!" ...The flash didn't go off, though, which kind of looked a bit like nothing, but it seemed satisfied enough. "But, tada! I just took a photo!" Ellie said, showing Evan the camera. On the display, was a newly taken photo of a flock of birds. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟 (ARGH. i thought i hit send,)

Evan listened intently to Ellie’s instructions. He took mental note of everything that she said, desperate to recall everything for future use. Maybe he’d ask his father for a camera for his birthday.. He’d know how to use it. When Ellie showed him the picture, his face lit up with a bright smile. “Whoa! It looks so good,” Evan beamed. “It looks so nice! The picture’s perfect!” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Picture perfect!" Ellie chirped, holding the camera back out for Evan. "I'd teach you about light balance, exposure, aperture- all that other stuff, but I thiiink that'd be a bit too much for a first try. They're all pretty important though! I already have my settings set to perfection for daytime photos, so I can take photos whenever I want." "I think they might be landing soon," Ellie said, peering up at the birds. "But I think we have a bit of time before they come down. It's much easier to shoot your subject if they're still." (edited)

10:31 AM

@Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Evan took the camera and held it close to get a better look at the image. He was completely in awe of it. “O-okay- I’ll be sure to remember everything you said!” Evan nodded eagerly. “Thank you for showing me everything you have so far!” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Hey, no worries!" Ellie reassured, taking a seat on the grass once Evan had taken the camera. "It's alright if you forget anything- just ask me for any tips or help!" The goat nudged a bit at the camera strap, sniffing it curiously. Not a clue what this thing it. It smiled at his awestruck expression, leaning back a bit on it's hands. "I started taking photos of the Ninja at first," she said, "which. Kinda was a pain since they were almost always moving. But when I figured I could use my powers to catch up to them at a distanceee...well, it made it a lot easier. Kinda like how your metal powers can help you with your engineering stuff!" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Evan took a seat beside her, still looking at the camera with a bright smile. As the goat came closer, he reached back out to pet it. “I’m glad that your powers could h-help you take pictures and help you do stuff that you’re passionate about,” Evan smiled. “It’s nice that our powers can help us with stuff we like..” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

The goat bumped his head up against Evan's hand again, no longer interested in the camera. Pets were better. "Mhm, it's pretty nice," Ellie agreed with a similarly bright smile. "Sometimes our powers are such a helpful thing when it comes to doing stuff. It pretty much becomes another extension of ourselves, and so we can do the stuff we like better, and with more skill 'n stuff." It was really, really important to learn as a kid that your powers weren't just a hinderance, but a part of you. Though, eh, she wasn't the best at explaining power-magic stuff. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Evan continued to pet the goat. “Mmhm, that’s kinda what Ace said about our powers a bit. I definitely have to take the time to practice more with my powers..” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Oh! Hm. Guess I stole that from him, then," she said, laughing a bit. "But, hey, since we're on the topic of them..." "Did you want to practice using your powers a bit? You don't have to if you don't wanna, of course!" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“O-oh- Sure! I could- I could try practicing yeah,” Evan nodded his head. “I have some metal on me I could try and work with..” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Sure! That's smarttt, carrying metal around for your powers- I uh, wouldn't have been able to help you with it in that department." Ellie sat back and let Evan take the lead on the powers thing, occasionally keeping an eye on all the birds up there. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Evan took out his little sack of metal and set it on the ground. He took out a few pieces and held it out to Ellie to watch as the metal liquified as he used his abilities. Evan shifted it to form a little bird, which he motioned for Ellie to take. @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Oh!" Ellie gasped, watching Evan with rapt attention as he started to use his powers. It looked so smooth! "Oh! Oh, what?!" "I- you just turned that bit of metal into this!" Ellie exclaimed, taking the little bird carefully from Evan's hands. "Aw, thank you! I- wow. Just. Wow! That was so smooth! And like, precise, and practiced!" It was a tiny metal bird! It held it up to its eyes to look at it better, blue eyes shimmering with awe. "I don't even know what to say- you just made this! Evan, it's wonderful!" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"I-I'm glad that you like it-!" Evan smiled. "I'm not- Good at using my powers in other ways, but- I like making little figures like this.." @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Are you kidding? I love it, it's so cute lookin'!" It looked. So teeny tiny and adorable. "And hey, it's alright! It takes a lotta time to get used to doing stuff, and by my guess, you spent a lot of time perfecting these little guys!" "You...earlier you said you didn't see many birds before, right?" she asked, looking up at Evan with intrigue. "Like...how many. 'Cause this bird looks really good." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Color rose to Evan's cheeks as he received praise. He laughed a little and rubbed the back of his neck. "MMhm, I like making little animals. It's fun." He cleared his throat. "I-I've seen birds in books, but- I also had your p-picture to work off of.." @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Ooh, that makes sense! Still, it's pretty impressive- actually, even more impressive- that you went and made this just going off of still images! That takes skill, like. A lot of skill!" "It looks pretty fun, too! Especially when you're finished and they just look so perfect and tiny and cute." Ellie balanced the little metal bird in the middle of it's palm, still smiling at the thing. So frickin' cute. So adorable. "It's perfect- I- did you want the metal back?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"Th-thank you- I- Kinda h-have a decent memory, but- You know- It w-was helpful- The picture," Evan laughed a little. "O-oh- You can keep it!" Evan smiled. "It's a bird. Birds fly, and- You fly too, and we took pictures of birds, so- It felt right to make you a little bird.." @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Aw- aw, thank you!" Ellie gasped. "That's so sweet, that- aw! Aw, well, thank you so much, Evan! I'll take good care of this lil' guy! Really, it's perfect, like! On point!" "While I'm not...the best, with making little figures and stuff, I am pretty handy with little br- ahf, no spoiling. I'll make a little gift for you too, how's that?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I-it’s okay!” Evan quickly said. “You don’t gotta make me anything- Y-you showed me how- How to use a camera, that’s more than enough!” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"It's alright! Think...of it as an exchange! Like, trading trinkets and whatnot! If anything, I like makin' stuff and teaching people how to use a camera! It's not an issue making a gift for you in return for this little guy," she assured. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Well- As l-long as it’s not a hassle, then- We can do a trinket exchange,” Evan smiled a little. @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"I promise it isn't! It's fun making stuff," Ellie said, returning his smile. "Hrm. I can't really use my powers to make stuff, buttt- what're your! Favorite colors?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“It’s fun making stuff, mmhm,” Evan nodded in agreement. “Well- I like blue a lot..” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Blue, hey! I like blue, too! As one could guess," she said, flipping her light blue hair playfully. "Any kinda blue in particular, or just any?" Right. Dang. How was she gonna get string. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Uhm- Any blue.. I like lighter shades of it..” Evan chuckled before running a hand through his own blue hair. “Guess it’s both of our favorite colors..” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Light blue, light blue- mhm! I will keep that in mind!" Ellie laughed. "Blue's a pretty calming color- and it's just a nice color overall! Hey, is that a natural blue or a dyed blue? Mine is dyed-" Ellie's sentence trailed off after a moment as it squinted at something in the near distance, before gesturing a little bit for Evan. "Oh- oh, hey, Evan! Look over there-" In the grass was a passerine- a grackle, to be precise! Or was it a zanate. zanates had longer tails- it- yeah, that was a grackle. It seemed to be pecking at the grass not too far away. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

(GRACKLE!)

“I-it’s natural,” Evan nodded. “People in Roston have- Have different hair colors like this..” Evan squinted as he looked at it. “What.. What is that..?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

8:19 PM

(OOP MY BAD INNSJO)

1

8:19 PM

@Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

(GRACKLES AND ZANATES AND CLAY FIGURES AND IM ILL)

8:24 PM

"Ooo, that's pretty cool! Especially having blue hair, that's like. Thuh sickest." The little grackley baby was hopping around! Fluttery shiny and cute. "So, like, there's a buncha bird types and breeds and whatnot, and that one in particular is a grackle!" Ellie grinned, pointing at it. "Not to be confused with zanates, which are also considered grackles, but have longer tails. They're both pretty shiny, though!" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Huh,” Evan tilted his head as he looked at the bird. “It’s- Really pretty.. I didn’t know birds could be so colorful like that..” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Mhm! Most birds tend to be colorful so they can show off to other birds, camouflage, and make it easier to keep track of each other!" Ellie explained. "Birds of Paradise are the most colorful, because their colors are just. So saturated and vibrant. They're incredible." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Evan’s eyes were wide as he watched the bird. “Birds of Paradise?” Evan asked. “Is that- To describe a group of birds?” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Mhm, ayup! It's 'cause they- they. Huh. Wait, I actually dunno why they're called Birds of Paradise." "I'm guessing...that all the birds in that group are pretty vibrant birds, so they're considered Birds of Paradise because of their...colors? Their vibrance, yeah." Buh. She didn't know. Ellie fell silent, sitting back with a smile as Evan watched the grackle. She didn't mind waiting- it was his first time seeing a bird in person, after all. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Evan remained focused on the bird. For a moment, he forgot he was there with Ellie, not until he snapped out of his trance. “It’s pretty,” Evan looked to Ellie and smiled. @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"It is, isn't it?" she asked, grinning. "There's just so many birds in the world, and all of them are. Are just so breathtaking, y'know?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"Mmhm.. I hope I can see a ton of them," Evan nodded. "They look nice in pictures, but in person's- Different. Really different." @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"That's fair- photos always manage to capture some sorta feeling, but it's not the same as seeing them up close and in person," it agreed, looking out to the little grackle. "It's just wonderful." "Hopefully y'can get to see more of them, too! I'm sure you'll get a bunch more chances to go birdwatching. There's a lot more birds here to see and observe, y'know? Like. A lot." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Mmhm. But the pictures are still really nice!” Evan smiled. “Really? There’s a lot?” Evan’s eyes lit up with excitement. “I hope I can see as many as I can b-before-.. You know, m-my match..” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Ellie's smile fell a little at that, brows pinched in sympathy. Right. Despite all this peacefulness and the mundanity of just watching birds, they had to remember where they still were. There was a child. Here. In this- this death tournament thing. A child, here, on purpose. "You're gonna see all the birds here," Ellie said, voice bright and strong again. "And you're not gonna fight. We're gonna get a way out of here before you do. I promise you that." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Evan looked down at the ground. He scuffed his shoe into the dirt as he bit his lip. “Mmhm.. I’d l-like to see all of the birds..” He took in a deep breath. “I d-don’t wanna fight.. My o-opponent said he’d fight, so- I g-guess I gotta if my m-match happens..” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Brother, his opponent said he'd actually fight a kid? Brother. "I- um," Ellie quietly said, not sure what to actually say about all this. "I- Evan, there's...um." What to say? What to do? How do you reassure someone in this situation? "Evan, I know you don't want to fight, and I promise that you won't have to," it said. "There's, there's people who have a plan to get everyone out of here, and hopefully before anyone has to fight." But if his match happened before then, then what? "We can go and see all the birds here, and when we get out, I'm sure you're gonna see so many more. Metalonia doesn't have many, um, birds, but on the way there, there's so many forests and plains, like these!" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Evan looked relatively unsure at her reassurances. He shifted on his feet slightly. “.. Y-yeah, it’d be- Nice to leave b-before anyone has to fight..”The boy took in a deep breath. “.. I’d l-like to see more birds.. I wanna- Someday see a penguin..” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"It'd be for the best, for everyone," she assured, smiling a little bit. Poor kid. "A penguin, huh? You're in for a treat when you see them. They wobble around on their feet and slide around on their bellies, y'know? They look a bit silly, but pretty cute!" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Evan managed a small smile. “Y-yeah, I read that they k-kinda wobble.. They’re nice..” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"And they keep their eggs warm by putting them on top of their feet and waddling around with them!" Ellie didn't actually know these things. She was just going off the memory of elementary school documentaries. "And the baby penguins look really small and fuzzy, and waddle and fall a lot. I'm sure when you get to see them, which- you will, you'll see what I mean by them just. Being fuzzy." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Mmhm, the fuzzy babies are- Really nice to look at. I like them a-a lot..” Evan nodded. “I like th-that they’re really adorable.. My e-eldest brother had gotten me a plushie of a baby penguin, it was nice..” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Aw, really?" Ellie softly said. "A penguin plush? That's really sweet." (Right, his brother. He mentioned it a bit earlier, but he didn't seem too happy to talk about it.) @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Mmhm.. I n-named it Ollie.” Evan smiled a little. @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

(ollie.....)

(Ollie still exists though in the tamagotchi evan has on him c: )

"Ollie the Penguin?" Ellie said, smiling a bit as well. "That's a very fitting name- it just feels, right, y'know?" "I really do hope you get to see penguins," she said, a bit softer now. "And I'm gonna do everything I can to make sure you get home, yeah? You have your family waiting back at home for you, and Ollie, too." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Mmhm, it just- Felt right..” Evan smiled. “Th-thanks, Ellie,” Evan looked back to the camera. “I h-hope we can get you home, too- I’m sure you have people, a-and you have tons of more great pictures to take..” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Mhm. More great pictures to take with you, silly!" she lightly said. "I have people too, yeah, but let's focus on you first, yeah?" "It really sucks now, but it's gonna go by in a breeze. Of wind. And time." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“M-maybe I’ll get myself a camera, and then- We can both take pictures t-together..” The boy took in a deep breath and let it out shakily. “Mmhm, it’ll go by q-quick..” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Ellie extended her hand for Evan to take, nodding along with his words. "Mhm! You're gonna get through this, and we can take pictures of birds, of Metalonia, and penguins- and, whatever else you wanna take photos of." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Evan took her hand, smiling a little as he thought about the future. “M-mhm, we can take l-lots of pictures of everything that we want to..” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Yeah! We can start a little collection of bird photos if you want, too! I have a bunch of empty scrapbooks at home. Do you remember how to take a photo?" she asked. "It's alright if you forgot!" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Oh- Uhm- Y-yeah! I kinda remember,” Evan pointed at a button. “This one takes the picture, right?” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Mhm! That's the one to take a picture, and that's- well, that's pretty much all you need to know," it laughed. "All the settings are primed 'n ready." "D'you wanna try taking a photo of the grackle there?" she asked. "It's been standing there for a pretty good time." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"I-I'd like to, but- I'm worried about messing it up and ruining the film.." @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"That's alright- photography, like most other skills 'n hobbies- like, all hobbies, really, is all about messing up and trying again," Ellie assured. "And besides, I have enough film even if you did make any mistakes. Just go for it!" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"Mm, o-okay, I'll give it a try.." Evan spoke nervously. He pointed the camera at the bird and attempted to line up the shot..

10:13 PM

As he took the picture, however, his grasp on the camera slipped entirely. The flash went off, startling the bird into flying away. Luckily, Evan had the strap around his wrist, so the camera didn't hit the floor. The boy looked upset. "O-oh man- I-I'm sorry!" @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Ellie was quiet as ever as Evan began to line up the shot of the bird, though the sudden flash caused them to blink a bit. "Aw, hey, it's alright!" it said, smiling nonetheless. "It happens! Sometimes y'just lose your grip on the camera, but that's okay!" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"I wasted one of your shots," Evan quickly held out the camera back to Ellie. "H-here you go.." @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Ellie gently took the camera out of his hands, tilting her head a bit to the side. "Evan, it's alright, I promise. Messing up's just a part of getting used to doing stuff," she gently said. "You alright, Evan?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I-I’m okay, I just- Feel bad I messed up a slot of film, and th-that I made the bird fly away..” Evan admitted quietly. “I d-don’t like messing up other people’s things, that’s bad..” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"It was only a little bit of film, I promise," it said, a bit softer. "And that's alright- I get it, too. It feels kinda bad messing up stuff people gave you, huh? That- that's good, 'cause it means you care a lot about keeping their stuff safe and stuff, y'know?" "I know you feel bad for missing the photo, but I said it was alright if you did mess up- and you did! And that's totally alright, really!" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Mmhm, I c-care a lot about making sure I don’t break things, I c-can fix a lot of things with my powers, but there’s always somethings- I can’t fix,” Evan shifted on his feet. “A-are you sure it’s okay? Maybe- I can ask Albanes for more film..” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Hm, I get that," Ellie hummed. "Sometimes there's stuff y'can't fix, and it's kinda puts you down." "I'm sure- but if it makes you feel better, we can ask Albanes for some more film when we run out! How's that sound?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Mmhm.. That- That sounds good,” Evan nodded. “I’m sure she can get us some more..” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"I'm sure Albanes wouldn't mind," Ellie said, smiling a bit. "Y'feeling a bit better?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Y-yeah, I am,” Evan smiled. “Thank you..” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"It's no problem, kiddo," she lightly said, extending her hand as she stood. "We've been out here a while, y'wanna head back to the citadel? You can stay here if you want, though." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Oh- I wouldn’t mind heading back,” Evan took Ellie’s hand and got up to his feet. “I still have to eat breakfast.” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Mhm! Oh, man we were out here for a bit- it's kinda like brunch, now, huh?" Ellie held the camera back out to Evan, asking, "y'wanna keep wearing this for now?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Yeah, breakfast-lunch,” Evan chuckled. He gave a shake of his head. “It’s okay, you can hold onto it- We can try again with the birds another time. I don’t wanna risk breaking the camera if I carry it..” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Ellie tilted her head to the side a little in thought before she smiled, placing the camera around her own neck instead. "No worries," Ellie gently said. "We can try another time after we ask Albanes for some more film, yeah?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Mmhm, that sounds good.” Evan nodded his head. “Maybe then I can take a picture of the bird.” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Ellie nodded as well, before turning to the little goat and waving. "See you around, little guy!" she cheerfully said. "We'll be back another time." The goat was sitting where Evan once was, tail still wagging. It bleated in response to being talked at. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Bye, Ellie!” Evan smiled and waved. He looked to the goat and waved at it too. “Bye, goat!” With that, he made his leave. @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Ellie waved farewell to Evan, smiling all the while. "I'll see you around, Evan! Let's take photos together another time!" She gave the goat a little scratch behind the ears and wandered off, whistling all the while. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Ellie was still wandering through the fields, though now, she'd found a nice little rock to perch herself on! For a good while, she'd been switching from looking at her camera to looking at the tablet, quietly considering if she could send photos through the tablet that way. (It would make sense, but maybe it wasn't capable enough for...greater things.) But despite wandering through the fields, it wasn't as lonely as one would think! It was comfortable, relaxing, and being surrounded by goats really cleared up any bad feelings about this place. (Though, uh. They were still here, just y'know, uh, quieter.) @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

A sudden gust of wind blew through grassy fields, ruffling Ellie’s hair. Looking into the wind, there was a person floating through the air! Gale paused in the air as she noticed Ellie. With a smile, they landed a few feet away from it and walked over with a wave. “Ellie! How’s it going?” @kipology (edited)

Ellie gasped a little at the gust of wind, though it quickly broke out into laughter. It looked like someone familiar was there! "Oh!" Her hair ruffled a bit as Gale landed, and Ellie stood to greet them with a grin. "Gale!" she said, waving as well. "It's good to see you! I've been good, I've been good! I've kinda just been wandering around here since sunrise." "But that's enough about me, what've you been up to?" @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Kyrie had left Enya's fight early, and was pretty sick with worry. She couldn't stand that arena, though. She couldn't witness any of that. Being outside was helping, though. She could stretch out her wings, and enjoy the cool rain on her skin. Instead of flying, she remained on the ground, walking the fields... @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄 @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Whenever it got stressful, it was always a good idea to just walk around. Fortunately, the fields were great for walking- and it was perfect weather for it, too. The smell of the rain on the dirt reminded her just of home. Petrichor, that was the word. Ellie let out a sigh of content, stretching it's arms as it walked throughout the fields. She could grow to love this place...if it weren't for the awful context of the looming citadel. In the distance, there seemed to be someone also walking throughout the fields. Someone a bit unfamiliar, but...were those wings? Oh, yeah, those were wings. Ellie started to walk a biiit faster now, and she lifted her hand to greet the stranger. "Um- hey!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

(If yall wanna let them talk for a min before Gale comes along I’m cool with that :)

1

"Oh, hey! How're you doing?" Kyrie waved to Ellie. @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Hey- hi!" Ellie grinned, slowing down once it got closer to her. "I've been good! The weather isn't too bad for a walk, y'know? Could be muuuch worse." "I, um- I don't think we've met before! I'm Ellie!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hah, yeah, it's really nice out. I love the rain." Kyrie smiled. "Oh, I don't think we have! But I recognize your name, I must've heard about you from someone. My name is Kyrie!" @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Yes! Someone else who agrees that the rain is great! It just smells all earthy and cool, too- and a lot like plants, for some other reason." Ellie snapped her fingers at that, grinning. "Right! I had a hunch you were Kyrie! Eh, Gale mentioned you, when we last chatted! It's nice to finally meet you in person!" At that, Ellie extended her hand, continuing; "Gale mentioned that you had wings- and, that you liked to fly too!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Yes, it's so nice! I sometimes feel like I'm the only one who likes it." Kyrie laughed. "It smells so good, it cools everything down- and all the worms come out!" Of course you'd say that you crow woman. "Oh, Gale talked about me? I still need to get these lemons to her..." Kyrie laughed, a slight blush forming over her features. "It's nice to meet you too!" "Ah, yeah! I'm a corvi crow- a bird person." She extended out her wings so Ellie would be able to see her full- admittedly pretty impressive wingspan. "You fly too?" @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Yes! Worms! I don't see them much where I live, but finding them in the forests is always a treat! Such little guys." Ellie nodded in affirmation, braids bouncing with each shake. "Mhm! She mentioned you were a corvi crow, too!" she added, her smile seeming to widen slightly more. Maybe she noticed the blushing, maybe she didn't. She wasn't gonna snitch. "I don't think I've ever met one befoh woah!" At the sight of her very big wingspan, Ellie clapped a little with delight. "Oh, that's amazing!" she gasped. "I- uh- yeah, I fly! I don't have wings, or anything, but- oh, it's so pretty! They look so shiny and smooth! Wh- oh, wow!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Yessss... I've been looking for worms out here, but I haven't seen any yet." Kyrie hummed. "Oh, did she! That's cool." Kyrie smiled as Ellie complimented her. "Hah, thanks! I try to take good care of my feathers. Do you have powers like Gale's?" @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"I do, indeed! Yes! Wind powers all around," Ellie laughed, managing to compose herself again. "Sorry about that- I just...wow. That's a pretty impressive wingspan. And it just looks so- so incredible!" "But, yes, I do have wind powers! Kinda like Gale's but, ehh, not quite? It's a bit different how they manifest and everything. And- and I haven't seen any worms out here, either. They might be scared of all the goats around- or something. I'm not really an expert on worms." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh, cool! That's really neat! I met someone else with bird wings, but he was an asshole. But that's great!" She laughed, somewhat awkwardly, and blushed a bit. Must be an easy blusher. "Hah... they have to be pretty big to get me off the ground!" "Ohhh, I see.... can you show me? Only if you want to, of course. I'd love to see." @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Aw, bummer. Yeah, that's not the best thing to happen," Ellie sighed, nose scrunched up a bit. "Like- here-here? Or- oh!" Mhm- Ellie definitely noticed the blushing this time around, but she clasped her hands together instead. "Oh, of course I'd love to show you! I don't mind! You showed me your wings after all, so it's only fair!" It began to back up a bit, still chattering away. "It! It actually makes sense, needing bigger wings to carry someone off of the ground. Do you glide with them, or- oh, this is far enough." It exhaled slowly, steadily, before clapping it's hands together with a sharp noise. "Stige!" Ellie exclaimed, a powerful gale beginning to rise around the both of them. In the same way it did with Gale, Ellie hopped off of the ground, and remained hovering over Kyrie with the rings of wind at her wrists and beneath her sandals. "Tada! Right, do you glide with your wings, or do you flap with them? I feel there's a word for the second one, though." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Kyrie stepped back a bit to let Ellie demonstrate her powers, and lit up at the effects and flight. "WHOA! WOW! That's so cool! The light effects- that's epic! And you can hover! I can't do that!" "I flap my wings a lot in flight, not a lot of gliding. I do this sort of rowing motion, hold up-" She stepped further back, and with her feet still on the ground, moved her wings like she would in flight, though much slower than usual, and using her arms to mirror the same actions. "Like this." @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Aw, thank you!" Ellie laughed, bowing mid-air. "I put quite a good bit of practice into this! But, hey- you got wings, Kyrie! Wings!" It lowered itself to the ground a bit, just so it could be almost-eye height with Kyrie. "Ooh- oh, I see!" she gasped, eyes wide with awe as she watched her wings flap steadily. "Huh! That's actually really cool! I guess rowing motions would kinda help you fly easier, huh? And it- it just kinda cuts through the air when you fly!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hah, yeah," Kyrie laughed. "I guess I'm used to having them- my whole family is bird people." "Yeah! Like that." Kyrie nodded. "You need a lot of movement, especially when you're trying to get off the ground. Sometimes once I'm in the air I can ride the wind wherever I need to go- that's always really fun." @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Ooh- oh, I see!" Ellie hummed, before grinning at Kyrie. "That's actually really fascinating!" It was quiet for a moment before a. Slightly mischevious, yet curious look broke out on it's face. "...Soo, Kyrie, do you think you could, say...ride a wind current up into the air? Or." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Haha, thanks!" Kyrie smiled. "Oh- maybe! It'd take some pretty weird wind to- Oh! Oh! That sounds awesome!" @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Yeahhh!" Ellie cheered, lifting it's hands with a grin. "Yeah! Some pretty strange, and- and peculiar wind, that's kinda strong- yeah- we can pull this off!" Ellie began to stretch her arms and legs as she spoke. "So! How do you wanna go about this? Do you wanna do as you normally do when taking off, or? Uh, just like, extend your wings?"

1:05 PM

@innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Usually I jump off the ground and take off that way," Kyrie explained with arm motions. "Oh! I could turn into my crow form if you'd want. That way I'd be smaller, easier to carry on the wind." @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Hm, I see, I see," it said, nodding yet again. "That could wor- work- whuh- you have a crow form?" she gasped. "What- huh- really?" "Could- If you don't mind, could I...see? Only if you wanna!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Yeah! All corvi do- well, not the ones that aren't crows, but you get my point." Kyrie laughed. "Hold on, I'll show you." She stepped back, and in a dark flash, transformed into the form of an American crow. She fluttered up to Ellie's shoulder and let out a few loud 'CAW's. @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Ellie gasped again as Kyrie frickin' transformed into a crow- though, a bit louder this time, and quietly clapped her hands. "Oh!" She never had a bird land on her before! Whadda hell! Ellie's face absolutely lit up as Kyrie perched on her shoulder, and she couldn't help but laugh a little. "That's amazing! What the hells! I- Kyrie, that's incredible, lookit you!" She lifted her hand up to Kyrie, but didn't quite touch her just yet. "You look so cute and shiny! Is- is that weird to say?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

1

Kyrie inclined her head towards Ellie, in inviting it to gently pat her feathers. @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Awww!" Ellie cooed, lightly patting her feathers. Oh. It felt really smooth and nice. "Oh, First Spinjitzu Master. I've never pet a crow before," she softly said. "I will treasure this moment for all time." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Kyrie seemed to appreciate the pats. After a while, she flew back out to where she'd been before and transformed again, into her human form. "Haha, thanks! I don't think it's weird," She said, still blushing. "But thanks!" @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"You looked incredible!" Ellie laughed, her own cheeks a slightly pink tint. "Aw, and absolutely adorable, too! Man, transformations are always just- just so cool!" "If you wanna be in your crow form, I don't mind- whichever's easiest for you, of course," it reassured. Maybe she just wanted to see the crow form again. Who knew. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Kyrie laughed. "Hah! Thanks! I think it's pretty cool myself," She smiled. "I think it might be easier for you to lift me up when I'm in crow form- and then I might be able to go even higher up!" @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Ooh- so, like- holding you in my hands...and. Kind of lightly tossing you up into a current?" Ellie asked, looking a biiit worried. "What if you get hurt? I don't really know the strength of my winds when it, um. Comes to crows. Or birds. Or other small fellas." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

(Want Gale to come in soon?)

(yeh after my next Kyrie post is good w me!)

7:46 PM

"Ahhh.... I'll be fine, I'm a pretty hardy bird." Kyrie shrugged. "If I think it's getting dangerous, I'll transform back into my human form and make a landing. Or land as a crow. It'll be chill." @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷 @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

(sure!!! idm!)

7:54 PM

"Mmm," Ellie hummed, considering it for a good bit- "Well, alright then, if you think you'll be safe doin' it! I'll- I'll try to catch you if you do fall, too! I've been told I'm a pret-ty good catcher. Uh- ball and person wise." "So! I toss you up and make a gale- and, well, we see where it goes!" it said, seeming a bit more confident in this plan. She cupped her hands together and held them out for Kyrie, kneeling so it would be easier for her to hop on. "Ready whenever you are, Ky!" she grinned. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄 (edited)

@Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄 (whoops. forgor the edit doesnt work)

"Yeahhh, I think it'll be great!" Kyrie waved, somewhat dismissively. "Catch me gently if you do- my little crow bones are pretty delicate!" She laughed. "Yeah!" Kyrie nodded enthusiastically again, and jumped into the air, transforming mid-air into her crow form. She landed in Ellie's cupped hands, and outstretched her wings. @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷 @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Huh! Kyrie did a little hop-jump for dramatic effect, too- that's kinda endearing- Ellie caught Kyrie- little bird form Kyrie, that was -in her hands, and carefully stood. She was grinning like absolute mad the entire time, havng now experienced the wonders of holding a crow in your hands. So cute. "Alright, ready?" Ellie asked, lifting her hands to look Kyrie in the eye. "When I count to three, m'gonna toss you up, alright?" A smaller gust of wind- she could do a smaller gust of wind this time around. The wind slowly began to pick up around the two, florets steadily beginning to form. "Alright- alrighty. Hoo- I've never done this with someone else before! Okay, hoo." She was pretty much weightless in her hands- how would she fare against her winds? "One, two- three!" At that, Gale (very carefully!) launched Kyrie up and into the air, and stomped it's foot against the ground. "Stige!" The gust of wind around the two would very quickly cease- before a new column of wind would burst out right beneath Kyrie. With a sharp whistle and a scatter of dandelions, it would push Kyrie much higher into the sky. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Kyrie let out a shrill, excited screech as she was lifted into the air, her wings spread out to catch the most air as possible. She transformed again midair, and slowly glided back down towards Ellie, laughing cheerfully. "That was EPIC! I went so high up! I couldn't see much of anything- but it was still so cool!!" @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷 @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

"Whoo!" Ellie cheered, throwing her hands in the air as Kyrie caught the breeze. "Aw, hell yeah! That was nuts!" "That was amazing!" she squealed, extending her arms to catch Kyrie if she needed to. "You, like shot up into the sky, just like- like bam, just like that! That was amazing! It worked!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Gale was out flying once more, taking in the wind- as a familiar bright gust blasted up with a little dark blob in the distance. Their face lit with a smile as the blob shifted to a more human shape, and Gale took her cue to glide on in. “Heyy, Kyrie, Ellie! Looks like y’all are havin’ fun, how’s it going?” The grass blew lightly beneath her as she landed, grinning at the two. @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷 @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG :.3

)

"Yeah, it was awesome! It was crazy! You're awesome!" Kyrie nearly missed landing on Ellie as she noticed Gale approaching. "GALE!" She beamed, a warm blush forming on her face. "We're having a great time, thanks! You should come join us!" @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷 @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

"You're awesomer!" Ellie laughed, stepping back juuust in time. "Aw, the way you like! Caught the wind 'n glided! Man, that was beautiful!" "Gale!" it exclaimed, looking at the direction where Kyrie was. "Hey, it's so good t'see you again!" Oh, yeahh, Kyrie was definitely blushing now. That was cute! At Kyrie's offer, she gasped, clasping her hands together. "Yes- yes, join us! We were messin' around with wind and flying and stuff! You'd love it!" @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Gale was back to wearing her jacket, the rain lightly soaking the denim. A rush of joy lit her heart as the two exclaimed her name, her light grin shifting to a huge goofy smile and blush- which they attempted to hide behind their hand as they walked closer. “Heh, glad y’all are getting along great. Flyin’ together. Heheh, I would be honored to join.” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷 @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Kyrie laughed cheefully as Ellie complimented her. "Haha, thanks!" "Yeah, it's awesome!" Kyrie said, and ushed Gale closer to them. "Ellie lifted me way high up in the sky, it was amazing!" @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄 @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"We're getting along awesome-ly!" Ellie beamed. Aw, and Gale was blushing too! These two lovebirds. (Ehe. Birds.) "It was such a scuffed plan, but it worked just like a charm! It was absolutely incredible!" "Join us! I'm sure we can figure out a way to launch you up, too! You were just flying before you came over here, huh?" @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄 @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Gale followed the ushering and got close enough to place her hand onto Kyrie shoulder. “I saw that! That was a nice one Ellie. You two were great.” They put a hand to chin thinking for a moment. “Hmm. Hey, you think if we did it together- like me and Ellie lifting you up, we’d probably get you even higher, yeah?” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷 @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

As Gale neared her, Kyrie wrapped her wing around her in a casual embrace. "Hah, thanks!" "Ohhh, that sounds epic- you should probably try to lift me in this form, then, instead of my crow form. I'd be less likely to break any bones that way." She laughed. @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄 @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"I- oh, oh, wait, that could be amazing! We could make the wind current much stronger that way!" Ellie laughed. "It's gonna be so cool! But- but we should probably avoid the whole broken bones part," it added, nodding a little. "I think with the both of our winds combined, we can definitely lift you up in this form!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"I- oh, oh, wait, that could be amazing! We could make the wind current much stronger that way!" Ellie laughed. "It's gonna be so cool! But- but we should probably avoid the whole broken bones part," it added, nodding a little. "I think with the both of our winds combined, we can definitely lift you up in this form!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

@Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Gale cringes at the ‘breaking bones’ talk, rubbing Kyrie’s arm lightly. “Aie, yeah. Don’t worry Kyr, we’ll be careful. You ready?” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷 @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Yeah, let's do it!" Kyrie positioned herself so she was in between Ellie and Gale. "Step back a bit, I don't wanna whack you guys with my wings." She laughed. @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

"Mhm! We'll be careful, promise!" Ellie reassured, stepping back a good bit. "So! Gale 'n I just make a gale- ehe, gale -of wind, and you do your wings thing! Easy peasy- we're gonna be great at that. Saying this, Ellie lifted her hands again, now balled up into fists. Easy peasy. "Ready whenever you are, Ky, Gale!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Gale smiled wide, giving Kyrie some room to stretch out. Taking a deep breath, they give the two a nod. “Heheh, alright! Give us the cue when you’re ready Kyr.” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷 @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

As Gale and Ellie stepped back, Kyrie extended her wings out to their full span in hopes of catching as much breeze as possible. She gave a double thumbs up. "I'm ready! Give me a countdown so I can jump off!" @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷 @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

"Mmhm!" Ellie hummed, eyes lighting up at the sight of her wings again. Wow. Pretty. "R-right! Countdown!" The wind began to pick up around Ellie- Kyrie, in the middle, would just barely be able to feel it. She pressed her palms together, shifting into a lower stance. Just another launch- just like before! "Three, two- one!" At one, when Kyrie would jump, Ellie would stomp it's foot against the ground- just like before. The wind would drop away, before bursting out from beneath Kyrie again. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Her smile shifts to a softer one as Kyrie shows off her wings. At the thumbs up they take another breath, focusing on the air within. At Ellie’s count down, Gale exhales, throwing her arms up in a lifting motion- air rushing up to Kyrie’s wings. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

At one, Kyrie jumped off the ground, the combined force of Gale and Ellie's winds propelling her upward- a bit higher than she'd flown up the first time. She let out a cackling, exhilarated scream, and glided down like she had before. "Haha, that's awesome! It was so fun!" She beamed as she descended. "You guys are the best!" @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷 @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Ellie laughed loudly as well, clapping her hands with delight. "Hell yeah! It worked, it worked! FSM, that was amazing!" it squealed, crossing the distance to grasp Gale's hands. "Gale, you were wonderful! That was awesome! You were awesome!" It looked back at Kyrie as she hovered in the air, waving with their intertwined hands. "Kyrie, you shot up so high!" she exclaimed, shuffling eagerly in place. "You're the best, that was- that was sick!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Gale laughs as Kyrie screams excitedly, beaming at how high they got her. “WOOOO!! Hahah, how’s the view, Kyrie?!!” Gale turns to Ellie, just about to ask what fsm meant before it holds their hands, catching them mid thought. Any comprehensive thoughts end as their fingers intertwine, her brain only focusing on the excitement on its face, smiling at her, calling her wonderful, her soft hands, the small scars on its palms brushing against their own- The jostling as Ellie waves up to Kyrie knocks them out of it, and as they stare up with rosy cheeks to Kyrie shining in the sky, Gale knows they’re screwed. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @kipology (edited)

As Kyrie descended, she wrapped her wings around both Gale and Ellie, pulling them both in close. "The view was great!" She said in response to Gale's question, though she's still looking at them and Ellie. "You guys were awesome! Thanks!" @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄 @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Ellie couldn't help but burst into another wave of laughter as Kyrie hugged- hugged? Them both with her wings, and she threw her arm around Kyrie's shoulder in some almost-hug. "You were so cool, Kyrie!" Ellie gushed, beaming all the while. "That was incredible!" She was still holding onto Gale's hand all the while, too...oblivious to realize anything. Either that or the adrenaline was still a pumpin' through it's veins. It squeezes Gale's hand just a little more, continuing to prattle off. "Both of you guys were just- just awesome! That was such a strong gust, and we just! We just launched you up! Arrgh, that was so fun!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

As Kyrie’s wings bring them even closer together, their blush and the warmth in her heart only grows. “You were great. B-both of you were wonderful..” Kyrie would feel the slightest lift on her wings, and Ellie a light tug on its hand as Gale started to float, seemingly unaware of it. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"I know! You guys got me so high up in the air!" Kyrie beamed. For a bird woman who had literally spent her entire life flying, she still found being thrown up high extremely exhilarating. Get this girl on a roller coaster. Being in close proximity to both Gale and Ellie, a warm blush spread across her features. Her expression only shifted from pure glee when she noticed Gale beginning to float. "Whoa, Gale! Don't float off on us!" @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄 @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Ellie grinned as Gale spoke, cheeks tinged a warm pink hue. Gale looked so frickin' cute when they were blushing. Her mind was starting to race with the other cool moves they could do- maybe she could pull off that Ee-ly. Eelytra. Thing that she saw once. It was kinda like flying, but with bursts of wind! Or something? (Aw, man, what if they put all their powers together someho-) It only seemed to notice that they were starting to lift off when Kyrie mentioned it, and Ellie let out a small cackle- "Woah, hey!" she laughed, playfully bumping her shoulder into theirs. Oh, wow, she was gettin' a bit high up there. "C'mon, Gale, don't leave us down here!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

“Buh- oh- hah, sorry I’m- I’m just really happy, it- ha, it happens..” Somehow her face turns even redder as she notices. “Just, ah, gimmie a sec here, ha..“ Gale was leaning pretty close as they tug lightly on Ellie’s hand in an attempt to ground themself. @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷 @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (sorry again for slow replies splat

)

(No worries!!!) "Aw, you're all cute when you're flustered." Kyrie smiled, and wrapped her hand around Gale's other hand. She laughed. @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄 @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

(nwnw!!!) "It's all good!" Ellie said, grinning up at Gale a bit. It's hold on their hand grew a bit more in turn, and it shuffled onto it's tiptoes. "Your face is all red and adorable, y'know?" she lightly asked, cocking her head to the side. "Aw, wait! Your hair's all floaty 'n stuff!" Saying this, she lifted her hand to lightly touch the floating ends of Gale's hair. @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄 @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (edited)

Gale can’t help but smile sheepishly as they compliment her more. And as Ellie brushes her fingers through her hair, Gale only rises higher into the air. “You’re b- H-hey, jeez- y’all are gonna send me flying at this rate, haa.. heh, could- could y’all help pull me down?” @kipology (edited)

12:05 PM

@innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Aw, your hair is all floaty! That's so cute!" Kyrie beamed, though she kept her hand wrapped around Gale's to keep her from flying completely off. "Oh! I had a great idea- we should all do each other's hair sometime! That'd be so fun! I love brushing people's hair." (edited)

12:07 PM

@Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄 @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Ellie intertwined their fingers as Gale rose, giggling lightly as it lightly guided Gale back down to the ground. "Aw, of course! Don't want you floatin' off anytime!" It gasped a little at Kyrie's offer, turning to face her with bright eyes. "Oh, wait, that's so fun! I love making braids and ponytails and stuff- and, and brushing hair too-" "We could have a little sleepover! Just hangin' out and combin' each other's hair and stuff!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Gale begins pulling herself down, but pauses as Kyrie shares her idea. Them? Doing their hair?? Touching her hair?? Getting to braid their hair??? It was getting harder and harder to focus on grounding herself. “Ha, I’d really- that sounds n-cool, that’d be cool, ha- ah shit-“ The two would feel tugs as Gale tried to shift around, trying and failing to bring their legs beneath themself. “Sorry, I- haa, deep breaths Gale, calm it down-” Their face scrunches in focus, cheeks still rosy. @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷 @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Don't fly off on us, Gale!" Kyrie laughed, keeping a tight hold over her hand and extending her other towards Ellie. "How about we go back to my room? Then we can all do each other's hair! If you guys are up to do that, I mean. No pressure." She was still beaming and smiling. @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷 @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Sleepover at Kyrie's place! That'd be so fun. Ellie beamed at Kyrie, cheeks feeling the sliiiightest bit warmer as she extended her hand. "Ooo, we can totally go to your room! And- and we can get some snacks and stuff from the big dining hall, if you two want! I- wauu-" It looked up at Gale as they appeared to struggle with getting down, unable to stop that stupid grin from widening. "Aw- hey, it's all good! Take it easy! We won't let go, promise." It lifted it's other hand off of Kyrie's shoulder to hold hers instead, tugging at Gale's hand in an attempt to lightly guide them back down. "D'you need a hand there, Gales?" she asked. "Or- er, well, a few more?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

The evening air was cool on Invo's skin as he walked out onto the field. He had been wandering once again, unsure what to do with his time until his fight. He glanced up at the stars, staring at the small aurora that appeared before turning his attention towards the herd of crows that came in soon after. What an odd night... @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"The crows are funny tonight." A voice said from right behind him. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo startled as he heard the voice, taking a step in the opposite direction of it. He turned around and assumed a defensive stance. "Who's there-" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

The person standing directly behind him was.. Well, a walking corpse, maybe. A woman with patchy green hair and a half sunken in face, a giant void of a hole over her heart surrounded by melted flesh and bone, and only one eye.. The tattered hiking gear she wore really completed the look. "The crows. They're acting weird now." She repeated, looking off toward the enraged corvids.. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo's eyes widened behind his mask as he saw the ghoul—No. This was one of the ghosts, wasn't it? Invo tightened his fists and he stared at the woman with a hardened uncertainty. "Who are you? Where did you come from?" He demanded, not caring for the birds anymore. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Who am I?" She asked right back to him. "I don't know. I'm just here to find frogs. And there's none. So now I'm looking at weird birds." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Here to find... frogs?" Invo repeated. What... Slowly, his fists fell and he peered over the ghost with a scrutinizing gaze. Ghosts don't really have reasons to lie... But why was this one in particular being held here? She didn't belong here—in multiple senses. "We are in a field. Unless there is running water, I doubt there will be many frogs around here. Why are you.. looking for them?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"There could be toads. Also some frog species go further up on to land, like some leopard frogs. Plus, there's a stream not too far away." She said. "I'm looking for them because I like them. Do you?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo blinked at the rotten woman, unsure what to make of this conversation. "..I am more into aviary creatures than amphibians," he admitted. "Which stupid Lifebringer are you tied down to? I didn't think some.. frog obessessed woman would be important to any of them.." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Well amphibians are better." Maddy said, objectively. "And.. hm. Al.. alb.. someone. I don't like Lifebringers." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Albanes?" Invo huffed. That was the only person with a name that sounded like what the ghost was saying. "So Albanes is the Lifebringer tethering you here. How unfortunate," Invo said with a roll of his eyes and turned back towards the sky above them. "I hate insignificant gods, so I suppose you and I agree on that. If you don't like Lifebringers, why are you stuck here?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Yes. Albanes. Albanes." Maddy repeated the name back, like it had just come back to her. She glanced up at the sky with him. "I don't like the Lifebringer. It hurt Albanes. She doesn't want it." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo tilted his head. This ghost seemed to have a personal relationship with Albanes. How interesting. "Well, she is a future Lifebringer, but regardless of who it is, the Lifebringer brings not much worth to the title of 'God'. They have fanatics, and that is about all.." He huffed. "You must know of Albanes from before her current self. What is your relation to her?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I agree.. not much worth." Maddy said. As for his question, she paused. She looked down at her left hand like she thought there might be a reminder there, but her hand was pretty melted away. "I don't remember." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Hm... must be another one of the Lifebringers' tricks. Your poor soul is trapped here, yet they can't even give you a reason why," Invo shrugged. "How long have you been stuck here?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Albanes is.. is.. important. To me. I think." Maddy said, squinting down at her hand again. "Stuck here for.. a few months. Stuck in the acropolis for all of it. Until yesterday. Other Lifebringer released me." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Important to the Lifebringer? You must also be one of their fanatics, but simply cannot remember. How unfortunate," Invo commented. "You have been here for a few months? Hm, that is much longer than any of us contestants. I wonder why they would bother to keep you here.. they don't even seem to interact with you spirits." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I am NOT a Lifebringer Fanatic!" Maddy scoffed, leaning in slightly closer to Invo, just to glare at him with her one good eye. "And I came here with.. um.. urgh. Someone from home. They're here. I see them. The snake person. But they're different." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo leaned back from Maddy with disgust, not fear. "A rotting corpse needs a three feet distance," he huffed, taking a step back. "And what snake person? There are a lot of things that could mean." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Maddy just continued to lean in further, to the point where it was impressive she had not fallen over. "The person with the snake tail, you idiot!" She huffed. "Ssss... sad.. eeee.. Someone! I forget their name." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Again, Invo tilted his head in a confused manner and folded his arms across his chest. "As far as I know, there is no one who fits that description with a name like that," he huffed. "The closest I assume you are speaking of is Reagan. They're the most.. 'snake-like' person here." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Rea...gan.. Yes, that's what Naiyta calls them. That's not their name." Maddy said, still standing oddly just to be closer to him and glare. "I came with them." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo blinked. "What do you mean that's not their name?" He frowned. "I'm sure most of the people trapped here came at a similar time. What does it matter they came with you or not?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Name is.. sad... eeee... sad.. something something." Maddy said. "I'm saying to prove I'm not a Lifebringer Fanatic. I did not come with one of them." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Well, if the Lifebringers chose to bring you here before us contestants, you must be a fanatic of some sort. You share a relationship with Albanes, correct? A god needs their followers... I imagine she kept you around because of that," he huffed. "...Unless you are from before her reign. Every Lifebringer has a life before they become a host." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"STOP CALLING ME A FANATIC!" Maddy cursed, and shot her arm through him as she took ragged, deep breaths. Obviously nothing happened, and that seemed to make her even more mad. "I don't know when I'm from! I- I don't know!" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo flinched momentarily, but when he felt nothing, he relaxed and gave Maddy a look. "Whatever. You are clearly not well of mind, ghost or not. Does the Lifebringer know you are out here mingling with the contestants? I would think they would want their worshipper closer to them." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

She kept her ghost arm through him, even though it was achieving nothing. "The Lifebringer let me out. The twink one. It knows." She grumbled. "I do NOT worship ANY Lifebringers!" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

If Maddy wasn't going to move, Invo was. He stepped aside, getting her rotten ghost arm out of him. "The first Lifebringer let you out? I thought you said your connection was to Albanes? Why exactly would it let you out for?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

She didn't move back to impale him again, but she would probably do so soon. "Hah. I made it mad. It wanted me out of the acropolis. So it let me out." Maddy chuckled. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"You.. upset the Lifebringer?" Invo asked, cocking his head. "It seems like there are many of you who are capable of doing that here.. what did you even do?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I started talking about it's ex that it murdered. They're also stuck in the acropolis. As a ghost." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Ex..?" He repeated with squinted eyes. "You speak of a past lover of sorts? The Lifebringer is quite the emotional sort if it gets so easily offended..." He faded off for a moment, seemingly connecting some dots. "...The first Lifebringer keeps their dead lover trapped here. Do you perhaps think that is what the newest Lifebringer is doing to you?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Yes. Rrrrr...Rai.. Something." Maddy said, then paused as well. She looked down to her melted hand again. She squinted at it, then looked over toward the acropolis. ".. Maybe. She is important to me. But I haven't talked to her since.. Not since I've been here." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo hummed, metaphorical gears turning in his head. "I see... A fanatic via lover. That would make sense," Invo nodded as he moved away from Maddy's most likely second attempt to hit him. "Why do you not speak to her? Does she not hear you?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Just as Invo expected, Maddy went for a second hit. She only grew more enraged that he so easily predicted her next move, and angrily kicked her foot on the ground. "Shut it!" She hissed. "I don't know! Whenever I'd see her I- I just leave! I don't know why!" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo blinked, unsure what that meant. "You simply vanish..? Hm, perhaps the Lifebringer wishes to keep you, but not see you? Like an exotic pet of sorts," he nodded. Again, if Maddy went to hit him, he stepped out of the way. "I am curious as to why the Lifebringers would hold their past lovers hostage here. Perhaps they fear being left alone, so they force your souls to stay." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"No- I CHOOSE to leave!" Maddy huffed, then froze as he called her a pet. She didn't go to attack again, and instead laughed as he stepped out of the way from nothing. "Look at you. You're scared of a ghost. What do you think I'm going to do to you?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Ghosts in many cultures are capable of many things. If you're a beloved item of the Lifebringer, you may have abilities I am unaware of," Invo simply shrugged. "...If you want to see the Lifebringer, why would you leave?"

10:57 PM

@Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

(Oop sorry) "Oh, I have abilities.. it just seems like they can't interact with people. So it's not worth it." Maddy said. She also had that odor, but it didn't seem nearly as bad outside as it did when she was cooped up inside the acropolis halls. "And like I said, I don't know. I just get an urge to leave. I don't want to see the Lifebringer. I want to see.. a.. albanes." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo raised a brow, but didn't seem too surprised at this point. This ghost was strange. "Albanes is the Lifebringer. You can't get one without the other. The sooner you are able to accept that, the likelihood of you talking to her increases." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Albanes is planning something. Obviously. She is going to take down the Lifebringers." Maddy glared. "She wouldn't do this. She wouldn't abandon everything we worked for." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo hummed, clearly not believing what this ghost had to say. "Why would she take down the other Lifebringer if she is one herself? Would that not be redundant?" He questioned. "Clearly... you do not know the Lifebringer as much as you believe you do. Whatever plan they have going on here, I doubt any of us know for sure." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Albanes... she.. had the Lifebringer removed. Once. Heart transplant." Maddy said slowly. "She does not.. want it. She hates it. Hates it." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Yeah.. you tell that to the Lifebringer named Albanes," Invo nodded. "The Lifebringer lives for quite some time. The Albanes you knew is no longer here. You will know peace the sooner you accept that." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

For a while, Maddy's only response was to glare. "Find her. Tell her.. To come talk to me." Maddy huffed. "She will agree with me." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo tilted his head a bit at that. "And how will she come to you? You always leave. If anything, I should bring you to her," he hummed. "Unless you are feeling the urge to run away at the thought." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I don't want you there. You're an instigator." She huffed. "I'll stay this time. Just. Just tell her to come to the brook." It was likely she'd forget she made this promise the second Invo left. Very likely. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo rolled his eyes at that. "I'm sure if the Lifebringer wanted to speak to you, she already would of. I have little doubt the Lifebringer doesn't know where you are either," Invo huffed. "How far have you traveled? Have you gone into the citadel yet?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I came down the mountain.. From the acropolis. And I've stayed outside." Maddy grumbled. "I don't want to be stuck inside again." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Well.. The Lifebringer most likely would be somewhere in the Citadel or the Temple, if you really want to meet her. I spoke to her once, but she didn't seem interested in conversation," Invo huffed. "If I see the Lifebringer again, I will consider speaking to her about you." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Good. Keep it considered. Or don't. I don't care." Maddy said and turned to look back across the fields. "I'll be outside somewhere. Enjoying nature." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo tilted his head, both confused and annoyed this ghost was so strange. "Right..." Was all Invo said in response. He carefully examined Maddy once more before simply sinking into the shadows, disappearing into the night... @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Maddy had no strong feelings about that guy besides a lingering feeling of annoyance. Soon after he was gone, she forgot what she was even mad about, and went back to walking the fields. ... but there was nothing at all here for her.

Madelyn had kept running, until her mind began to swim again, and she forgot why she was running in the first place. She paused in the grass and began to look through it casually. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

It took Albanes a while to catch up to Madelyn, and when she did, she didn't say anything to make her presence known. She simply stood near Madelyn, waiting for her to notice. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

And she did notice. Pretty quickly. And all those memories came flooding back. "I said leave me alone. I don't want to talk to something who pretends to be my wife." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'm not pretending. I am Albanes." Or at least, she used to be. "Can I take you to the Fold now? I think you'd be happier there." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"And you're a liar, too." Madelyn said. "You can't make me do anything. I'll just keep running." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You can't run forever. This citadel isn't big. You'll just run out of land." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I can run forever. I'm faster than you are. You'll lose me." Madelyn said. "Naiyta told me it could put me in a place you'd never find me. Maybe I'll go ask it to do that." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You trust Naiyta over me? They're the one that wants to see you cleansed and puried and burned out of existence!" Albanes let out a heavy sigh. "Please, Madelyn. All I ask is that you trust me. I don't want to have to take you there unwillingly." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"At least Naiyta is honest about who they are. I don't know what your motives are, Not-Albanes." Madelyn huffed. "Why should I trust you. Why should I trust anyone. Everyone always ends up betraying me." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"My motives are to keep you safe, from people like Naiyta." Albanes reitorated. "Even if you don't trust me, I want to keep you safe." She reached out her hand, and touced Madelyn on the shoulder. Her hand didn't pass through, instead resting firmly against Madelyn's body, like she was real. A bright, warm light enveloped them both, and Madelyn would be unable to move from the area. "I'm sorry. I really am." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Madelyn was just about to run again, when Albanes grabbed her. That- she didn't expect it. "LET GO OF ME!" Madelyn screeched and grabbed on to Albanes wrist, with both her normal and skeletal hand. The tendrils shot up and tried to get Albanes off as well. "DON'T FUCKING TOUCH ME! GET OFF!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Albanes held firm, and put her other hand on Madelyn's shoulder. She couldn't bear to look at her. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Madelyn would feel herself fading from the realm. It almost felt as if she was falling into a deep sleep... @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Madelyn kept pulling against her, as hard as she could. But nothing seemed to work, not even when she directed her powers toward Albanes body to try to just straight up attack her. There was nothing she could do. She collapsed down to her knees as the tiredness washed over her, and slumped against Albanes' leg. She could hardly keep her eye open once her hands slipped off of Albanes' wrist and hit the ground limply. She couldn't even muster up enough strength to utter any final words, whether they be aggressive, romantic, remorseful.. Her only word was the singular tear that broke free from her eye as it closed for the last time. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Albanes kept repeating apologies, til they dissolved into soft, meaningless murmurs. When the light faded, Albanes was alone. She kneeled down in the grass, and cupped her face to hide her sobbing. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

As if Albanes' day couldn't have gotten any worse, a shadow joined her as she sobbed in the grass. It appeared beside her as a small circle at first, before suddenly, Invo's head sprouted from the ground. He had come back to check on the ghost he met earlier, but instead, he found the Lifebringer. Well, that saved Invo some time, he supposed. He stared at Albanes as she cried, waiting for a moment. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Albanes's crying had subsided by the time Invo arrived, and was simply kneeling in the grass, not moving. She noticed Invo's presence, but did not acknowledge him in any way. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo tilted his head as watched Albanes, wondering why she was just sitting there now. He stepped fully out of his shadow and approached the Lifebringer. "...Did you meet the ghost?" He asked simply. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Albanes drew herself up to a more presentable position, but remained sitting. "Does it matter if I did?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"A little. The ghostly woman asked me to tell you to meet her around here. Judging by your attitude and gloomy expression, I assume you already did," Invo nodded. "Was she a worshiper of yours? She was obsessed with wanting to speak to you. Well, 'you'. Not the Lifebringer." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Albanes turned to face Invo, a neutral expression on her face. "I am telling you this once, so you'd be best to internalize what I am going to tell you. It is not your business or problem who that woman was. I am not telling you." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

He tilted his head a bit at that. So the ghost woman was important to this Lifebringer after all. The ghosts here must of held some sort of importance, just like how Yeonaixho's statue was specifically destroyed. He hummed, a small smile forming on his lips as he shrugged. "You sure love to keep your words tight to your chest, Lifebringer. I assure you, I have no delight in knowing who you are as a person. Whoever that fanatic was, you seem to have taken care of her already. I haven't seen her around," Invo replied. "How long do you plan to stay out here?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Knowledge has power. I'd think someone like you would be keenly aware of that." Albanes shrugged. "Not much longer, if you intend to stay out here." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Knowledge on certain topics only makes you a fanatic, however," Invo corrects and looks up towards the sky. "How much longer do you suppose you and the other Lifebringer will keep us here? It has been rather boring with just fight after fight." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I... don't think that's how it works." Albanes scoffed, but was glad to drop the topic. "Until you're all dead, I suppose. That's something you'd have to discuss with Naiyta." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo raised a brow at that, turning his attention back to Albanes. "I find it quite odd how you Lifebringers carry the same god, yet do not even speak to one another on basic things such as this.. must be quite annoying, hm," he comments. "Do you have a favored victor?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Albanes ignored the first comment. "My favored victor has already lost." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Oh, that piqued Invo's interest. "They have?" He asked. "Who was it?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Aarni." Albanes said simply. "He was an old friend." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"An old friend.. From before you were Lifebringer then?" Invo inquired. "I met him shortly before his match. He was... interesting. I can see why you would of liked his company." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (edited)

"Yes. From before." Albanes nodded, and didn't say any more. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo stared at Albanes, unable to quite read the God. "Do you like being the Lifebringer's host?" He suddenly asks. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Albanes was caught off guard by the question. "Well... it doesn't really matter if I like it or not." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"That didn't answer my question," Invo blinked. His tone wasn't snappy or childish, but more so genuine curiosity. "Unlike the first Lifebringer, you don't quite seem happy. Or at least joyful." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I don't think Naiyta is happy." Albanes said. "And no, I do not like it. But as I said, that does not matter." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Well, happy in the sense that they want to do what they are doing," Invo shrugged as he stared blankly at Albanes. "Hm.. intriguing. You may not be my god, but you can be fascinating in different sorts of ways. I pity you, Lifebringer." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Fulfillment in one's goals does not necessarily equal happiness." Albanes said plainly. "I do not need your pity." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Do you speak from personal experience when you say that?" Invo asked, nosy as ever. "Whether you need it or not, I do. Pity is a human emotion, after all." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Not necessarily. But it is clear to me that Naiyta is not happy." She shrugged. "Human emotion, hm. I was meant to divorce myself from that four hundred years ago." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo blinked again. "Gods are meant to be above human spirit and intuition, but I find they tend to imitate humans if they find them interesting," Invo replied. "How have you been with trying to let go the part of you that is still human?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"The Lifebringer is not a god imitating humanity. It's a human imitating a god." Albanes said simply, in response to both questions. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

That made Invo chuckle. "Well, I always said the Lifebringer was a lower God, so that makes sense," he commented with a shrug. "I suppose you have had over four hundred years to linger on that fact--Pretending to be a God. Must be a lonely journey." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Albanes didn't seem offended. She shrugged in turn. "Immortality is a lonely way of living." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo glanced over at Albanes, thinking for a moment. "Do you miss your days being human?" He asked. "Are there people you miss too?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

That elicited a dry laugh from Albanes. "All I do is miss being human." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"What do you miss about it?" Invo hummed. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Albanes paused for a moment. "The... ability to connect with others. It's one of many things I've lost in my Godhood." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

He raised a brow, looking over Albanes with a curious expression. "When Aarni died, did you feel nothing?" Invo asked. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Connection and grief are not the same." Albanes said. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Then what do you mean?" Invo tilted his head. "Connecting with someone.. grief is one of those factors." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I wouldn't expect you to understand." Albanes said dismissively. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Is it because I am human?" Invo asked further. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Yes." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo hummed, turning to the sky once more. "Do you wish to be understood, Lifebringer?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Albanes took in a deep breath, and let it out. "I wish I had taken a more understandable form." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Hmm.." Invo simply responded. "How long do you foresee yourself as the Lifebringer? Your predecessors all had mixed spans. Do you hope to reign long?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I don't plan on reigning long. I don't think I'm suited for it." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Why is that?" He asked, again, his curiosity piqued. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Because I don't think I'm suited for it." Albanes said vaguely. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo blinked. "I see. Then why were you chosen?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Well, somebody thought I'd be a good lifebringer. Or maybe, he was just desperate to die." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo cocked his head. "Your previous incarnation?" He asked. "The one with the head you blew off." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I didn't blow his head off. But yes. Yeonaixho Sehwolh." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"You.. didn't?" Invo asked with a scrutinizing gaze. It was true that Albanes didn't say she was responsible for it the last time they spoke, but they way she acted indicated to him that she was the culprit. "So it was the first Lifebringer that did?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"No one did it. It simply happened." Albanes shrugged. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"It.. simply happened?" He repeated, still not quite believing Albanes. "Why were you so secretive about it before if it simply happened?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Because you don't need to know." Albanes maintained. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo rolled his eyes. "I suppose you are right about one thing.. Being a God doesn't quite suit you," he commented. "Have you found someone worthy of becoming the next Lifebringer?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Albanes wasn't offended. "Not yet. What, are you volunteering?" She smirked. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo scoffed, narrowing his eyes down at Albanes. "Don't be ridiculous. As I've told your predecessor, my whole belongs to the Great Hmarab only. You can force one of your own fanatics into your position for all I care." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It was a joke. Does the Great Hmarab not care for humor?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Jokes are meant to be funny. Clearly the Lifebringer doesn't care much either," Invo retorted. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'll take that as a no." Albanes shrugged. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo rolled his eyes again. "The Great Hmarab doesn't have the luxury for mundane mockery. Perhaps learn better jokes and I will humor them." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Perhaps it is a relic of my humanity, then." Albanes shrugged. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"You must of been quite the boring human, in that case," Invo huffed. "Speaking of which, what time do you come from? My knowledge of the Lifebringer ends around your direct predecessor... What sort of life did you live before becoming the Lifebringer in your world?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Since you come from a time before I was the Lifebringer.... I'm probably from about four-hundred years in the future for you. Give or take a few decades." Albanes reported, not answering the second question. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Four hundred? That was still some quite away, if that was true. Though, Invo made a face as Albanes very noticeably only answered half his questions. "Have things changed quite a bit in the future?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"The role I play is one steeped in tradition and characterized by its stagnancy. News of the developments outside my temple walls rarely reaches me." Albanes shrugged. "But I've heard there's flying cars now." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo hummed at that, staring off towards the sky. "It takes basic humanity that long to achieve such simple things. I am fortunate to live within the reigns of the Great Hmarab," Invo says with a somewhat disappointed look. "If you are to pass on your reign, what sort of ruler are you hoping to find?"

11:54 PM

@innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Someone better at politics than I." Albanes hummed. "Someone who's willing to give everything up for godhood." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"And where do you plan to find someone like that? One of your fanatics?" Invo asked. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"My predecessors took apprentices. I'll probably start that way. Once all of this is over." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Invo hummed at that. "Once we're all dead," he commented. "Is there some sort of purpose for all of this? Is it to test your powers? For some sort of short pleasure?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Again, questions for Naiyta and not I." Albanes said simply. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"So you simply go along with no goal of your own... your Lifebringers are quite messy," Invo sighed. "Tell me, when we die here, do you simply keep our souls?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I don't have much of a choice." Albanes shrugged. "When you die here, you'll go to the immaterial fold." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"The Immaterial fold?" Invo repeated. "Is that the Lifebringer's equivalent of the afterlife?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Albanes nodded. "Yes. It's a domain I have... more power over." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

wordbird reunion

gods in the field

naiman in the field

goatwatching

ellie and gale

sky girlfrirnds!!

invo meets a gross nasty ghost

to have and to hold, to find and to fold

invo is mean to old women