MASKTOURN

Behind the Small Door lies a great and open Bedchamber. Each wall is lined with ornately carved pillars, the reliefs on which depict snakes and birds, and the wall directly opposite the door is taken up almost completely by tall, open windows overlooking the vast and immeasurable sea and sky. A small door on the left wall leads into a private washroom- one with a large tub, big enough for at least two people- and another door leads to a small balcony overlooking the citadel. The majority of the space in the room is taken up by a round, lowered depression at the center of the chamber. Steps lead down into the depression, and at the center of it is a large round bed. The low bed is surrounded by sheer curtains, and blanketed by smooth, white sheets. The sheets are slightly mussed up, and long black feathers can be found tucked between them, but there's no other sign this room has ever been lived in.

Reagan lay, weak and spent, on the bed they shared with a woman they didn’t quite love- not really, not anymore- but relied on nonetheless. Kairas was out- she had to perform twice the duties, with them incapacitated like this. Reagan knew Naiyta would’ve made them continue despite the injury, if it wasn’t so blatantly apparent they were hurt. Cansu had already learned too much- Naiyta would not risk him learning more. So, for now, Reagan was allowed the brief respite of their bed, and their solitude. The solitude almost made it worse. Though they now had creature comforts- a warm bed, a more clear idea of when their next meal was coming, something to look at that wasn’t plain white walls and plain white tiles. It was why they cared so much for Kairas- it was not romantic love they felt for her. They did not think she deserved their cruel, wretched love. They had done so much to hurt her- and yet, they needed her so dearly. They could not be alone again. The night was dark, and in the acropolis, so cool, Reagan had spent kinder nights watching the distant sea from the bird’s nest of their quarters, with Kairas in their arms. Now, they could not bear to move from their bed. Their skin was frigid and cold, their hair still damp and tangled. They tried to ignore the aching in their throat, or the bruise forming in the back of their head. Was it another concussion? Naiyta wouldn’t be pleased if it was. That would mean it’d have to heal them, or they couldn’t perform like it liked. Reagan thought back again to the man Naiyta had brought to their chambers that night- that scrawny, gullible, worried man. What did Naiyta want with him? Reagan wondered, uselessly, whether it wanted him for the same reasons it wanted them. If he had gone through anything like what they had gone through. They wondered what he thought of them- so weak and complacent, but now knowing what it did to them. They wondered, with more hope than they usually allowed themself, if he somehow would be able to help. They tried not to think about that too much, because hope was always such a temporary euphoria. The small door opened with a grating rumble, and Kairas walked in. Reagan knew it was her without looking up- they knew her footsteps, and it would never have been anyone else. They flinched away from the harsh light of the hall, but Kairas said nothing. She simply sat on the bed beside them, unflinching. Unmoving. More out of habit than thought, Reagan slipped into Kairas’s mind. Tethering to her was so easy, after all the work they’d done on her. Her mind was as open to them as a book- they could write her impulses and pull her strings like a master puppeteer. They could make her tend to them, make her leave, make her run to Naiyta and try to assassinate it- but they didn’t. They didn’t make her do anything. It was simply so nice, to be out of their own body, their own mind, even for a second. It was so nice, to match their heartbeat in time with hers. To breathe through her lungs, instead of their own. The sky was lifting from a midnight pitch to the cool indigo-gray of the pre-dawn. It was so late it was becoming early. Reagan willed Kairas lean over them- willed them to see in that dim light what had happened. “Again?” She asked in a whisper, of her own volition. And Reagan nodded. Again.

Raikal's flames did do a good job of illuminating the dim, empty bedroom. They walked around, surveying the limited amount of furniture and gazing wistfully out the windows. (edited)

10:30 AM

@Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman looked around the room as Raikal lit it up. Wow, this place was intricate.. Did Naiyta just create this from nothing, or was there something like this back in the real world? He needed to lay down, but he didn't really want to lay on Kairas' bed, so he stumbled over toward the washroom and collapsed down in to the tub. He was tempted to turn on the hot water, but he knew that'd just make him more cold when he eventually had to leave.. unless Kairas could bring him some new clothes. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal followed Roman into the washroom. At least she brought the warmth with her. "Would you like me... here?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I-i don't want to be alone in a dark bathroom.. so I'd like you here." Roman said. "Sorry I took you away from the window.. I-i didn't want to lay in front of it all naked and cold." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal nodded understandingly, and sat down in front of the tub, close enough for their fire to warm Roman. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman closed his eyes, and waited on something to happen.. Either Kairas would show up, or Naiyta would... @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

As Roman rested, Raikal took the opportunity to look around the washroom a bit. They wandered around, and pointed to one of the cabinets. "Clothing in here." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Hm. Yeah, that would be good. Roman tried to push himself up out of the tub, but his arm buckled under him and he collapsed back down with a grunt. "Owww-" He winced and put his hands on his side where he hit the tile. "I-i can't get back out.. she's gonna need to d-dress me when she gets here.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal nodded, and looked like they wished they could help Roman more. They sat back down across from the tub. "Rest. You are- weak." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. Hah. Yeah.. my partners usually like to keep me that way.." Roman mumbled. "My first ex cut my stomach out so I'd depend on her to let me eat more often and get smaller, and Naiyta.. Well, I-i think they just continue to see the benefit from that. I-i used up whatever I had left to grow this hair in.. st-stupid.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal looked at Roman with sad sympathy, but had no immediate comment. Their own hand went to their hair. "Like mine." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. Naiyta said it'd like it if I grew it out to this length.. I-i didn't know why at the time.." Roman mumbled and gripped a handful of his hair. "M-maybe I'll braid it later or something.. If I cut it all off and they make me grow it back again, I think that might kill me.. th-there's nothing left to give." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal nodded sadly again. "Naiyta.... never let me change." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Hah.. all they wanted me to do was change in to you.." Roman mumbled. "How.. did you two meet?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal took in a breath to prepare. This was a bit of a long story, and they needed to make sure their words were coherent. "Back in- my time. Naiyta was a warlord, conqueror. Expanding its territories northward through- slaughter, violent force. Into the Corvi lands." She explained. "Ravens sent me as a diplomat, a peace-bringer. To deal with the empire so there would be no more bloodshed. Naiyta- took me captive." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

... That made a lot of sense. ".. D-did that make peace at all..? O-or did they take you and keep killing everyone..?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal nodded. "A deal was made. My life, in Naiyta'a hands- for the lives of my people. An exchange. I stayed with them. I never went home." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Wasn't Roman putting himself in this exact same situation..? He wanted to get everyone out of here, and he had told Naiyta he'd stay with them after.. For eternity. Stupid. "D-did you ever regret doing it? E-even if it helped everyone else..?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal remained silent for a long while. They didn't have any real answer. "I did my job. For my people." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"If it was just your job, why were you insisting that you loved them..?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I did love them. I think." Raikal frowned. "They were all I had." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"What about- Odalia..? A-and Anore..?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Only had them for- the brieftest of times." Raikal sighed. "And then-" He wrapped his hands around his body, and gestured to the flames. They didn't say a word. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

She didn't have to say it. It was pretty clear. "W-was Anore just a baby when you died..? Or would be remember you at all?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"A child. Fourteen secret years, I had with him..." She looked like she might start crying, if she could. "Never enough time." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Fourteen years was old enough to remember your parent. ".. yeah, never enough time.." Roman sighed. "How did you meet Odalia..?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"My lovely Odalia...." Raikal sighed. "She was- a noblewoman from the south. Same as I, trying to procure peace. Naiyta brought her into their court." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 (edited)

"As another lover..?" Roman questioned. "Or.. Just taken to prove a point?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"A hostage, a lover," Raikal said, indicating the two weren't such separate concepts to Naiyta. "Never as favored as I was. Spared some of the pain." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Was she killed too..?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal nodded. "After me. But- Naiyta would never have let her live." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Well, it was telling enough that only Raikal's ghost was here, and not Odalia's. ".. I'm sorry your family got broken up like that. I wish it would have been possible for y-you three to escape.." Roman said. "I'm sure Anore helped the Corvi after he took over.. H-he must have been better than Naiyta was as ruler." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal's gaze softened. "I hope." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman nodded. It was silent between the two for a time, and Roman just tried to get whatever rest he could.. ".. Do you know any weaknesses of Naiyta's...?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal closed their eyes, but couldn't stop the crease of their brow. "It said- I made them weak." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Like- just from being yourself..?" Roman asked. "Because they were that infatuated with you..?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal shrugged. "I- can only assume so. I don't know." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Great, his only option seemed to be to demean himself further.. And well, maybe throwing a stone. That worked on an otherworldly god, why wouldn't it work on Naiyta? ".. Do you know what they liked about you so much..?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I was submissive. Weak. Afraid." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Ah. Familiar. Of course. Maybe he wasn't afraid before, but he certainly was now. He shifted uncomfortably in the cold tub. He wanted to run the water for more than one reason now. (Sexual assault discussion) "D-did they ever fuck you when y-you didn't agree to it..? When you knew you c-couldn't leave..?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal paused for a long while, and looked away from Roman. After a moment, he nodded. "I tried to argue about it, at first. Tried to get it to stop." A sigh. "After a while, I just gave in." (continued sa discussion) @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"H-how can it do that to us? After it went through the same thing?" Roman's eyes were burning with tears. He moved his hands off of his hair to wipe the tears away before they fell, but his nose was also starting to run. And his breathing was growing unsteady. "I-i just wanted to help it. I-i believed it.. I thought it could grow kinder.. but it can't.. it can't.. I-i'm scared.. I w-want out of here- I-i want my jacket back.. I want my friends back. I want Roque back.." "Anything but this." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal had nothing to say. What could they say? The only way she had escaped Naiyta was through death, by Naiyta's own hand, and she was still stuck here. But it pained him more than he could ever comprehend to see another in the exact same position. No one deserved to feel how Naiyta had made it feel. Raikal leaned over the tub, trying not to phase through it, and extended a warm, flaming hand out to Roman. To try and reassure him he wasn't alone- if it meant anything, coming from her. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman shied away from the fiery hand, covering his face entirely with his hands and arms. "Pl-please don't burn me.. I-i hate fire..." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal quickly retracted their hand. "... I am sorry." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman kept his hands on himself, and tried to calm himself down. Unsuccessfully. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Raikal didn't seem to know what to say, and couldn't say anything before the soft grating of stone interrupted them. The door was opening. Raikal quickly walked off, leaving Roman alone. Roman wouldn't be able to tell who it was that had entered just yet, but they hadn't seemed to notice him yet. They were still in the main part of the bedroom... @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman wanted to ask why he left, but as he too heard the door, he sunk down further in the tub. He tried to be as silent as possible, not wanting to be noticed until he could be sure that this wasn't Naiyta... The darkness of the wash room was starting to freak him out as well, but he did his best to try to keep himself silent. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The person the bedroom sighed, and walked into the bathroom.... Even in the dim light, Roman could tell it wasn't Naiyta. It was Reagan- without their mask on, with a surprised look on their face. "Roman? What are you doing in my bathtub?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman, still soaking wet but in a dry tub, let out a deep sigh of relief as he heard Reagan's voice. "N-naiyta kicked me out-.. I-i didn't want to keep laying on the floor outside so.. I came here.." He said. "S-sorry. I'm not strong enough to g-get back down the mountain on my own.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan took a moment to light an oil lamp, which lit up the room a bit more. "Whoa- you're shivering, a lot-" They frowned, a concerned furrow forming in their brow. "What happened?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman flinched a bit as the lamp was lit. "Ohhhhhh... just t-typical Naiyta stuff I should have seen coming.." Roman said. "I'm so stupid.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

If Reagan had been any meaner, they would've gone straight into an 'I told you so' spiel. Probably best for Roman's sake that they weren't. "Oh.... eugh. Yeah.... that's pretty rough." They sighed. "And, uh, you're not stupid, you were being manipulated." They began digging through the cabinets. "Let's, uh, get you dried off and in some clothes. You look like you're about to die of hypothermia." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. Th-that might be preferred over wh-whatever Naiyta has planned.." Roman chuckled coldly. He tried to move himself out of the tub, but only slipped back in again. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan didn't reply to that, but reacted with an, "Oh- careful!" as Roman tried to get up. They got out from the cabinents a few fluffy towels, and one of their warmer dresses. It was all white and built for someone with a few more curves than Roman, but it would do. They climbed into the tub and sat next to Roman, helping him into a sitting position supported both by the bathtub wall and their own body. Reagan then draped one towel over Roman's shoulders, laying the other over his lap. "You don't have to tell me what happened." They said, first. "I think... I can infer enough on my own. But if you wanna talk about it, I'm here." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman leaned in close to Reagan, and started to dry off some of his hair. He was silent for a little as he just squeezed the water out of his hair and pulled it. (SA discussion) "It.. It raped me, I-i think- I.. I didn't say no-.. But.. I didn't agree either." Roman shivered. "U-usually I fight back o-or something- bite or run or-.. but I didn't.. I-i didn't know what to do.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

As Roman leaned in closer, Reagan wrapped an arm around him. They didn't seem at all surprised by what he said. It didn't stop him from looking sympathetic- almost empathetic. "Oh, Roman, I'm so sorry." They said, uncertain what they could say, but trying desparately to be supportive. "Naiyta is just- they're awful. They're a selfish, immoral asshole. I'm, uh, not surprised that this happened." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman leaned his head against their shoulder. ".. I-i thought I could change them, I thought I could help th-them.." He sniffled. "I don't know what I can do.. Th-they're not going to just let me go.. They liked that I wasn't c-consenting.. I-if I say I want to be done, I'm sure they won't listen.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan held Roman close. "I know. And you're a really good person for thinking that was even possible." They didn't know what to say, this situation seemed pretty hopeless from all angles. "We'll... figure something out. Right now, I think we should get you to where you're more physically okay, and then get you away from the temple. You'll probably be safer down in the citadel." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

That wouldn't help. Naiyta would track them down. They were probably still mad. They wouldn't forget and forgive so easily. "M-maybe I'll sleep in my blood dimension tonight.. th-they can't find me there.. they can get in my room.." Roman said. ".. But I need t-to keep helping them. We have a plan, th-that can get all the rest of you out.. Even if I'm still stuck here, y-you deserve to go home.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan seemed surprised that helping them was even still on the table. Roman was too good for all these people. "Uh- thanks. But your safety matters too, yeah? We'll figure out a way we can all go home." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. I don't have anything to go home to, Sadihak.." Roman said quietly. "I-i don't have a house, or any money, or friends, or family that I know of.. B-before I got taken here I-.. I was on my way to kill someone named Petrai and you.. If I go back there, I don't know what happens.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"That doesn't mean you have to throw your life away and suffer for the rest of it." Sadihak said, but then paused. "You were going to kill me? What? Why?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. Roque, her last command was to kill the person responsible for her death. I-i figured it was Petrai after I learned about what happened, and.. You lived with her there, at least some version of you, so.. I figure you'd both fight me." ".. but look at me. I think trying that was a suicide mission." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh." Sadihak took that in for a moment. "Well, I don't think that was me, I lived with my partner, Enzo, before all this. I only recognize the name Petrai because it's one of my ex girlfriend's name." Not a complete truth. They sighed. "But.... regardless of what happens to you in the future, I'm not letting you die in my bathtub tonight. Okay? Are you dry enough to get dressed now?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Sorry- yeah I don't want to die in your bathtub." Roman said and took the towel off of his head. "I-i think I'm good to get dressed.. But- that's gonna be pretty big on me.. a-and I've never worn a dress before.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It's the warmest thing I have, and we can adjust and belt it so it fits you better. I think any of my clothes would fit you better than Kairas's." They hummed, and held out the dress for Roman. "And hey, first time for everything. I won't judge you. Do you need any help getting it on?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman took the dress and looked over it. "Do you.. put it on like a shirt? O-or pants?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"This one's loose enough you can put it on like a big shirt." Sadihak advised. "Probably would be easier for you that way, anyways." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman adjusted it to hold on to the bottom of the dress, and slipped it over his head. It draped over him like a poorly made sheet ghost costume. He wiggled and wiggled, but it didn't go on any further. "H-help, please.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Sadihak helped Roman pull the dress over his head, gently slipping his arms through the sleeves and his head through the wide neck hole. They brushed his hair out of the dress and adjusted how it sat at his shoulders and around his waist. "There you go," They hummed, and looked over him. The dress had a wide neck- probably a bit too wide for Roman- wide, long sleeves, and would fall to Roman's mid-calf when he stood. "There you go. I can get you a belt, and probably adjust the collar a bit too, if you want." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman looked down at himself, and picked at how the dress sat. It was the equivalent of draping a table cloth over a post, but he couldn't help but smile and mess with the end. "I-i like it- but I think it'll fall off. I need a belt." Roman said. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'll get you one. Most of my belts are pretty fitted to my size, but I think I have a few adjustable ones." Sadihak nodded, and stood up to look through their clothes some more. Roman was left alone in the tub for only a bit longer, as Reagan soon came back with an easily-adjustable cord belt, which they helped Roman tie around his waist. It definitely helped hold the dress up, and gave the dress a bit more form, disrupting that tablecloth look. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

A post with a cinched waist! Roman picked at it again, pulling up some extra material so it would flow over the corded belt. Made him look slightly less emaciated. ".. I like it." He smiled, and looked up at Sadihak. "Is- does it look good..?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Sadihak seemed relieved to see Roman smiling. "Yeah, you look nice. It suits you. You'll probably look even nicer when we can get you a dress that fits you better." They managed a laugh. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"And maybe when I can get some underwear too." Roman said. "I think I have a pair in my blood dimension, and pants.. but I don't really think they'd match this dress." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm, yeah. Maybe we can get you some new clothes of your own sometime soon-" Sadihak was caught off guard by an abrupt knocking at the door. They frowned. "Hm. I don't know who that could be." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman's smile fell, and he sunk back in to the tub. He stayed silent, not wanting whoever it was outside to hear him... .. but if it were Kairas, would she knock to get in to her own room? .. well, Naiyta wouldn't knock either. Who could it be? @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You stay here. I'll see who it is." Reagan instructed in a low voice. They got up again, and unlit the lamp before they left. From the washroom, Roman would still be able to hear most of Reagan's conversation. The person at the door had a gruff, but ultimately unfamiliar voice. "The Nascent Lifebringer requests your presence in the immersion chamber immediately." They said, "What? Now?" The fear in Reagan's voice was clear even without Roman being able to see them. "Why?" "Yes, now." The presumed attendant said. There were sounds of a light struggle, and Regan's footsteps leaving the room. The door shut behind them. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Dark. Dark. Darkness. Stress. All alone. "No- R-reagan!" Roman shouted as they were taken. Fuck. This was his fault. Naiyta was pissed. Because of him. And it was going to hurt Sadihak for no reason. Knowing he had to do something, he tried with all his remaining strength to pull himself out of the tub. Now that he wasn't wet, that was a bit easier, and he actually managed to get out. However, that just left him sprawled out on the floor. No amount of straining and pushing would get him to crawl all the way out, let alone walk. But Reagan needed help. So he'd call in his reinforcements... The bloody daggers formed in his hands, and he drew out a tiny little portal. "Radysh, Remoul- please c-come out here." Roman called out in to it. As first there was nothing, until finally, blood began to rise up from the portal. It formed itself in to quite a large, vaguely human-shaped lump in front of him, and the portal closed up. "I-i'm sorry, but I need your help to walk out of here. Please help me." Roman begged. The blood creature had no eyes, or mouth, or ears... No recognizable features at all. Just the outline of a person. It was slow to recognize the command, and even slower to move. It grabbed his arm and began to drag him out toward the exit.. Not the ideal way to travel, but it would have to do. He slid out on his back the whole way, and the blood creature left some bloody footprints as they traveled... @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

After the fight, Kairas returned to the acropolis. She was driven by singular purpose. Ryu, though now dead, had told her everything she needed to know. He’d told just enough to let her know she needed to know it all. A sip of water to stave off the thirst. The first hit that would spark an addiction. Just enough, and she knew she needed more. She needed it all. Who would she be when she remembered? Would she cease to be the ghost in fleshy, bodily shell she felt now? Would knowing complete her? She had to find out. Kairas quietly entered the bedroom. Reagan was already there- they must’ve left the fight early. They sat on the bed, naked but for their underclothes and bandages. They looked right, in their undecorated body, like that was how they were always meant to be- bare and plain and naked, honest to the world. Kairas never felt as comfortable in her own body as she percieved her partner, her other half, to be. Was it with love Kairas thought such things? Sensual affection? Would she feel them after? Would they still be reciprocated? Would Reagan ever forgive her for what she was going to do? “Reagan.” She greeted, to announce her presence. The bow she carried was heavy in her hand, even now, when she had not used it yet. Sadihak looked up- because yes, they were Sadihak, but when had she begun to know? Irregardless, she did know. The fact was second nature to her now- as true as the sky was blue and that death was inevitable. They knew her, too. But they had always known. They had to have known what it was they were taking away from her. “Kairas.” They replied. “Will you help me with my bandag-” They met her gaze. “Oh.” ... “Kairas, don’t do this.” Kairas did not move her drawn bow an inch from where it aimed at Sadihak’s throat. “This has gone on far enough, Sadihak.” They didn’t look angry. They hardly looked scared. “I didn’t think it’d come to this, Kai. I really didn’t.” “You didn’t?” She retorted, easing sarcasm into her voice and tone as easily as sliding a hot blade through butter. “Please, Kai- don’t hurt me,” Sadihak scrambled away as best they could in their wounded state. Kairas’s arrow moved with them, never straying from its mark. “Kai, you have to understand- I was forced! It was going to kill me, Kai! Please, you have to understand. Please.” What irony, that they were in the same situation yet again. “Shut up, Sadihak.” She hissed. I don’t want to hear it.” “Kairas-” They started, but when she tightened the pull of her bowstring, followed her instruction. “Kairas...” “Give me back my memories, Sadihak.” She ordered. “Give me back myself.” For a moment, Sadihak did not reply. And then for another moment, and then for another. Their gaze kept flitting between Kairas, and her arrow. Like they were afraid it might find its home in the soft, fleshy parts of their neck. Good, Kairas thought, That they should fear me.

5:26 PM

“My patience is wearing thin, Sadihak.” She cautioned, hoping to inspire in them will to make up a decision faster. “Fine- fine!” They stood, with a terrible wince. They cautiously approached her, never daring to move their gaze from her weapon. “Stand still. Don’t fight me, okay.” Had Kairas expected to get this far? She did not have time to realize one way or the other, til she felt the sharp, cold pain of Sadihak’s presence in her mind. She had felt it before. So, so many times before. But it was different now. This was not a will being imposed upon her, a puppet-string of hers being pulled. Sadihak was clawing into her, opening her up like a spear opened up a body. Like a hand opened a flower. Like a word opened a mind. It was something indescribable- something between religious ecstasy, orgasm, and convulsing pain. She screamed, because it was the only reaction she could muster. She held her bow tight in her grip. She fell into Sadihak’s waiting arms, clawing and screaming and crying into them. And yet it continued. Memory flooded back to her like water breaking from an ill-planned damn. Memories of pain, of loneliness. Memories of a life lived in complete devotion to a higher power that did not love her. Memories of that power being transformed into something that did. Into something she thought she might love, too. She remembered physical pain and emotional anguish. Oh, how much pain to carry over a lifetime! Oh, what pain to suddenly feel returned in a flash! And yet- she felt more than that. Had her life been all pain? Had it all been suffering? She could now remember joy. Joy that had been taken from her. The caress of a lover, the warmth of a summer’s day. The relief, of being free, of soaring tethered. How much more could she appreciate her freedom to fly now that she knew how much it had been taken from her? How much more could she chase life’s pleasures now that she remembered how they had been stolen from her? And oh, how she could remember hate. Hate that consumed entirely. Hate that drove her. Hate that had defined her out of her own shell, her own image, the version of Petrai they had made her become. Oh, they would regret turning her into this. She would make them suffer for it.

The door to the bedchamber opened as Naiyta and Roman approached it, allowing them into the dark room. Sadihak and Petrai were in the center of the room, on the bed. Sadihak was standing, holding Petrai up as she slumped in her arms. She almost seemed unconcious- if it hadn't been for the death-grip she had on her bow, and the way her gaze locked on Naiyta as it entered. "What happened?" Naiyta demanded of Sadihak. "What have you done?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

As he was told, Roman stayed silent.. He didn't think anything he could possibly say would be good at this moment, especially not to Reagan.. He just stood sheepishly by Naiyta's side, somewhat holding his wing out in front of them protectively. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Sadihak let go of Petrai completely. She stumbled forward for only a moment before catching herself. "What have I done? What have you done?! To me?! Haven't I suffered enough for you?! Haven't I given enough of my time, my body, my soul? Did you have to take my memory to?" Her voice was steeped in absolute hatred, and she looked like she might lunge at Naiyta at any moment. "It wasn't my fault!" Sadihak threw their hands up, trying desparately to plead innocence. "She threatened me! She had an arrow pointed to my neck! I had to, or she would've killed me! You have to believe me, Naiyta. Please, you have to believe me!" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman still had no comment, but he was inclined to believe Sadihak over Petrai.. Considering Petrai was the pissed off one with the bow. As Petrai ranted, Roman stepped fully in front of Naiyta. He knew the second Petrai laid her hands on Naiyta it would go downhill. If she got her anger out on him first, maybe Naiyta wouldn't be so cross.. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Well?!" Petrai demanded, brushing past Sadihak completely. "Answer me!" She brushed past Roman, knocking him to the floor violently, and looked Naiyta in the eye. "Give me one good reason you don't deserve to suffer by my hand." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman tried to enter a more defensive stance, but Petrai was able to easily toss him aside like a pile of laundry. He hit the ground on his side, and something in his fragile left wing definitely snapped on impact. He didn't really have the instinct to avoid landing like that. He gasped in pain and quickly rolled off of his now broken wing, which hung awkwardly off his shoulder. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

A brief moment of silence passed, before Kairas lunged completely at Naiyta. It yelped in surprise, and was helpless as Kairas pinned it to the ground. The back of their head hit the tile floor, and glittering blood spilled out from underneath it. Yet still, Kairas persisted, refusing to let Naiyta go. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Naiyta!" Roman finally broke his silence as they hit the floor. He tried to lunge at Petrai, but got tripped up on his own broken wing.. Ow. He fell back to the ground, but reached out toward them. He tried to manipulate their blood, but his powers had no effect. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

In the commotion, Naiyta managed to wretch one of their hands free of Kairas's grip. They pressed it cold and harshly to her forehead... and she went limp over them in a moment. Naiyta pried itself from her grip and shoved her body off of them, wings and all. It scoffed, horribly, and began picking up Kairas. Reagan stood, frozen in fear at the scene before them. They dared a glance towards Roman. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

.. What did Petrai expect to happen here? Did she think Naiyta could die of a concussion? Roman didn't even look at Reagan, as far as he knew, they still hated him. This probably wasn't going to help. "D-did you- is she.." Roman said quietly, gripping on to his broken wing. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"She's unconcious." Naiyta explained, and began to carry Petrai out of the room. "Because I need her to feel pain to properly punish her." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

To punish her. .. this was about her memories. A few hours after he had brought it up. This was another thing that was his fault, another punishment from Naiyta given because of him. He stood up, faster than anyone would have expected. He lunged at Naiyta, broken wing dragging behind him, and tore Petrai out of their arms. He held her tight, close to his chest, but clearly this was a difficult feat for him. "Y-you don't need to punish her- please-.. I-i was the one that told her about herself first." Roman begged. "I-i shouldn't have told her anything." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Petrai grunted in her sleep as she was abruptly moved, but showed no signs of waking up. "Stop this, Roman-" Naiyta demanded, tearing at Roman. "You're in no position to tell me what to do. Reagan- get him to stop!" Reagan's gaze travelled to Roman, but they didn't yet enter his mind.. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman still hadn't even looked in Reagan's direction. What the fuck was he even going to do? He had no plan. Naiyta was in the one exit, his wing was broken, Reagan could mind control him any second.. He stepped backward, away from Naiyta and toward Sadihak. His heart felt like it was going to beat out of his chest, he hadn't lost any of his stress from what he did to Ryu.. He couldn't be responsible for another. "I-if you hurt her, she's just going to go against you more! You know that!" Roman protested. "V-violence hasn't worked, y-you need to try something different!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"That's why I need to pacifcy her. To declaw her. To make her so afraid of me she won't ever dare something like this again. It's a pretty simple concept, Roman. You shouldn't have this much trouble grasping it!" It turned back to Sadihak. "Reagan. Now." It only took a moment for Sadihak to slip into Roman's mind. A coldness overtook him, and he'd let Petrai's body go. The moment he had, Naiyta took it back again. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"No, you're not listening-" Roman was cut off as Sadihak forced his arms to move. Seemingly just as instinct, his mind went blank the moment he was being controlled. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Once Petrai was back in Naiyta's arms, Sadihak released Roman. They mouthed a blank 'I'm sorry', but did not verbalize it. Naiyta began to carry Petrai out of the room... @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman collapsed once he was released, taking way too long to come back in to his own mind. He laid on the ground limply, even after Naiyta had left. His eyes were open, but.. not really looking anywhere. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta didn't wait for Roman, and was already out of the room with Petrai. Sadihak crouched down beside Roman. "Get up. We have to go follow them." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman took a few seconds, but finally shook his head and blinked a few times. Wordlessly, he pushed himself up to his hands and knees, which seemed to take a decent amount of effort on its own. He turned toward the door and got up to his feet. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan followed.... @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

... Roman had indeed went and relieved himself off a cliff somewhere, but he did not head straight back to Naiyta's chambers.. No, he hopped down in to his blood dimension for a moment and grabbed some spare blank business card from the Rayes' era. He quickly drew something out and left the note on the floor right outside the door. He pounded on it- mimicking just the way Naiyta would always do it- and then ran off back down the hall and out of sight..

between waking and dreaming

a candle in the night

doing what you can

a brief taste of freedom

naiyta crashes the saditrai party

roman leaves get well card