MASKTOURN

The square has been decorated for the gala- large banners hang across the open area, and torches light the area with a warm, inviting light. In the corner, a few white-dressed, masked figures have set up a small band- there's a lute-player, a flautist, someone on a harp. The music is lively and charming, and easy to dance to.

Kal made his way onto the gala square, he looked around at the decorations with awe written on his face. They really spruced up the place! Nice and pretty looking, he loved it. And the music was perfect to dance to. Soon, he found himself dancing and enjoying himself, moving perfectly on beat and fluidly to the music. Homeboy was thoroughly enjoying himself. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

A lithe, white-dressed figure wearing a snake mask approached Kallum on the dance floor. Reagan had done up their hair for the event, revealing the pale-blonde highlights in their hair, and was wearing a dress that revealed their snake tail more than their normal clothes. "Mind if I join you for a dance?" Their tone was more playful than flirty. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Don’t mind one bit!” Kal grinned as Reagan approached. “A dance’s always best when it’s with another person!” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan smiled, and began dancing with Kal. Their movements were fluid and lively- clearly someone who had experience dancing. "My name is Reagan," They said. "You are..?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Nice to meet you, Reagan!” Kal grinned. He continued to dance, easily matching Reagan’s flow. “The name’s Kal Valdez, it’s great to meet you!” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"The pleasure's all mine, Kal." They flashed a smile that didn't reveal their fangs. "You're one of Kairas's contestants, aren't you? On the bird side?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Mmhm, I am,” Kal hummed. “I’m on the bird side. And you’re on the other side, right? What’s that side like?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Yep! I'm one of the snakes- the side leader, actually." Reagan smiled proudly. "And it's great! We have a lot of fun, or at least that's what I'm going for." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Wow, the side leader? That’s cool!” Kal beamed. “I’m sure you guys are gonna have tons of fun! I’m not even on your side, and I’m havin’ a blast already because of you! Your side members are gonna have a good time!” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Yep!" Reagan smiled. "Aw, thank you! I really am trying to make this nice for you all. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask Kairas or I about it." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Thanks, I appreciate that big time!” Kal chuckled. “I’ll be sure to swing by if I need anything. If there’s anything that I can help out with, lemme know! I’d love to give a helping hand anywhere I can.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Of course!" Reagan smiled. "I don't foresee us needing much help from the contestants, but thank you for offering." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Yeah, no problem!” The young man grinned as he continued to dance. “Always happy to help out. So, what’s it like working here? Lifebringer stuff’s pretty wild, isn’t it?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It's definitely something." Reagan laughed. "Kairas and I have been hard at work preparing for the tournament, but it's exciting now that all you contestants are finally here." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Have you been working on it for a long while now? It really shows! All the planning and the decorating and the rooms and stuff- You guys are doing great!” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"We've been at it for a few months now, yep." Reagan hummed. "Thank you! We tried to make sure it felt as nice and classy as possible, within the constraints of the citadel. This place isn't the most homey, but we tried." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I think you guys did a pretty good job!” Kal smiled as he gave Reagan two thumbs up. “Ten out of ten!” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Thank you!" Reagan smiled again. "Have you checked out the refectory yet? That's something I put a lot of effort into, trying to get the menu right. I'm not a great cook, but Kairas is worse so I had to step in." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Oh man- That was you? I’ve checked it out, it’s one heck of a menu! Had a lot of good food. Thanks for that!” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'm glad! I'll admit, it's been... a while since I've had what I'd call a normal human diet, so I'm glad I was able to pick out some options you liked." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“What kind of things do you eat, if you don’t mind me asking?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh, I eat a lot of fish! Sometimes frogs too. Usually raw," They laughed awkwardly, "But I don't have to eat too often. Side effect of being a snake person, I guess." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Ohhh- Makes sense! Fish and raw stuff, makes sense, makes sense,” Kal nodded. “If I had to be part animal, I’d definitely wanna be part bird. Flying would be so cool.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You're on the right side, then! Kairas is a bird person- she's a crow, and she's got these huge impressive wings." Reagan hummed. "You'll have to get her to show you someday, it's very cool." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Kal perked up. “Think she’d be willing to show me?” Kal asked eagerly. “That’d be so awesome if she could!” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I think she would, as long as you're polite about it." Reagan hummed. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Then I’ll be as polite as I can possibly be,” Kal hummed. “Thanks, Reagan.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Of course! Do you have any other questions I could help you with?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Nah, I’m pretty good on questions for now,” Kal chuckled. “Thank you, though! If I come up with any, I’ll be sure to swing on by later and ask them.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Of course," Reagan hummed. "I guess I'll be seeing you around, then?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Oh- Yeah, for sure!” Kal grinned. He gave Reagan a dramatic, silly bow. “Thanks for this awesome dance, Reagan!” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan mirrored the bow with a bit more elegance with Kal. "Of course! Enjoy the feast!" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Thank you! Appreciate it big time.” Kal grinned. With that, he continued his dancing. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Aarni shuffled into the gala square, tugging on his robes and glancing around. He had changed to the fancier clothes he'd found, but wasn't wearing any of the gold accessories provided. The only jewelry on his person was the small platinum medallion he had gotten from Daeryn, and it rested over his shirt whereas it was usually hidden under. The boy honestly had some trouble wearing these clothes, not really knowing how to properly put them on. Thus, he looked a little messy even though his hair was groomed and his skin was spotless. The sash and the belt were a little out of place, and the fabric was folding weirdly. He had wrapped a black strip of fabric around his left hand and arm, but even that felt a bit badly put together. Aarni felt uncomfortable, andthe fact that he had to wear the mask didn't help. He tried to stay to the side and not attract attention. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (edited)

Reagan noticed the presence of a newcomer, and approached them. "Hello! Welcome to the gala!" They smiled. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni almost flinched, and looked up at the person. "Mmhm. Thanks..." he mumbled. Though his face was half hidden, his ears and neck were flushed from embarrasment and discomfort. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Are you doing alright? You look a little... uncomfortable." They frowned, their voice wary in concern. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh, uh, jus'm not used to these clothes..." Aarni replied, shifting and gripping his wrapped wrist. He blinked, and looked Reagan a little closer. Though they were wearing a mask, something in those features, and the physique, even the voice... it was extremely familiar. He was about to call them "Sadihak", but when he opened his mouth, he noticed the tail and paused, confused. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh, that's alright. They do look nice on you." Reagan hummed, though they faltered as Aarni looked over them. "Uh- is everything okay? Did I say something wrong?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni nodded and mumbled a thanks. "Uh, no, I just, uh, you have a tail. Uh, I mean-" smooth talking, Aarni. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh, I do! I'm a snake person," They laughed. "I figure you've never met one before?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah, I, haven't..." Aarni replied, and blinked, puzzled. "Uh, what's your name?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'm Reagan, the leader of the snake side!" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh..." Not Sadihak. But, almost identical? Or maybe he was mistaken... Sadihak wasn't a snake person. "Nice to meet you, Reagan. I'm Aarni." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It's nice to meet you, too! You're technically on Kairas's side, the birds, but I've been trying to meet as many of the contestants as I can." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

He nodded again. "I met Kairas too... Didn't talk much", Aarni hummed. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah, yeah, she's not the most sociable." Reagan laughed. "But she's very good at what she does." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Hm", Aarni nodded. He could relate to that. "What does she do?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh, same as me! We deal with the more day-to-day interactions with you contestants, helping you solve problems that don't require the Lifebringer's intervention. We also did most of the planning for the tournament, like writing the letters and preparing the rooms!" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh, I see," Aarni nodded. Nodding boy. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"... yep!" Reagan nodded back at him. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni shifted. An uncomfortable introvert trying to think of something to say while this person who has a snake tail looks weirdly like the person who gave you a camera to record stupid YouTube videos. "Do you watch YouTube?" (Aarni internally:

‍♂️ ) @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Huh? No, we don't have Internet here." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh. Yeah, makes sense." He winced slightly as he mentally kicked himself. "I have a YouTube channel." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Really? Thats cool. What kinds of videos do you make?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni let out a slight breath of relief. At least Reagan didn't seem too annoyed by his awkwardness. "I tell ghost stories and interview ghosts and spirits and stuff", he chuckled lightly. "The camera doesn't pick up on them, so it just seems like I'm talking to myself, but sometimes they react in ways that the camera does pick up. It's mostly comedic content with a pretend-serious vibe." He smiled tensely, hoping he wasn't boring the other. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh, spooky!" Reagan smiled. It seemed they were actually pretty interested in Aarni's content. "That sounds really fun! You know, this place is pretty haunted. Shame you won't be able to make any videos here." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh, really? Huh, I guess I shouldn't be surprised", he mused, turning to look around as if the ghost would be partying at the gala square. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh, absolutely. You should check out the weird statues at some point." Reagan nodded. "It's crazy." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Ohh, I saw one earlier. Hm, I should have looked at it closer", he hummed, putting his chin lightly in his hand. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Which one was it?" Reagan asked curiously. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Uhh, out there near the ocean." Aarni gestured vaguely. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh, the one of the lady on the cliffs? That's one of my favorites. Kairas likes the one in the stage ruins." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeah, that one. Hmm, what's the other one like?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It's of a man, and he's got this string instrument- a viola, I think? Anyways, it's pretty neat." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh, interesting." He nodded. "Who are they?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I don't know!" Reagan shrugged. "It's a mystery. The Lifebringer might know, but neither of them will tell us." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh, huh. Weird..." Aarni mused. "How many are there?"

12:13 PM

@innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Well, there's the one on the cliffs, the one in the stage ruins, the one in the other ruins, the weird one in the brook...." Reagan thought. "Oh! And the one on the mountain. So, five! And there's also a frieze in the temple with all the people from the statues on it, if that counts." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Hmm, five, okay... I'll try to remember to check them all. What's a brook?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It's, ah- you know what a river is, right? It's like that, but much smaller." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Ohh, okay. Like a stream. And what's a frieze?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"That's a staute built into a wall- you'll see if you go up to the temple." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh, cool. Okay", Aarni nodded. "Hmm. There's a lot of ruins here, huh." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"There are. We tried to house you contestants in some of the nicer buildings." Reagan hummed. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Mhm, thanks for that. What were these buildings for before?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'm not sure, honestly. They were all like this when I got here." Reagan glanced around. "It's called a Citadel, though, so maybe people lived here?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Hmm. I'm not sure what citadel means, but it makes me think of Hunger Games. Which. Huh. Ironic", Aarni chuckled dryly. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'm not exactly sure either, but it sounds like 'city'..." Reagan hummed. "Hah! It does have a Hunger Games vibe, doesn't it? I guess that is ironic." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"True, true. Maybe I'll ask the Lifebringer about it too", he hummed, and looked over to the stage. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah, that's a good idea. I bet they'd know far more than I do." Reagan nodded, and followed Aarni's gaze to where the Gods were lounging. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Mhm.. Who's that with Albanes?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh, that's Naiyta!" Reagan said, their voice faltering almost inperceptively as they said it. "They're the first Lifebringer." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh", Aarni's eyes narrowed behind the mask. "I see... Do you think I cango talk to them?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You can," Reagan said, "But they, ah, a little intense. I'd be careful." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh, hmm.. okay, thanks for the heads up." Aarni nodded. before looking back at Raegan. "Thanks, it was um, nice to talk to you." He smiled slightly. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Of course." Reagan nodded. "Have fun at the rest of the feast- and, please, be safe." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Of course." Reagan nodded. "Have fun at the rest of the feast- and, please, be safe." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni paused at the last regard, briefly wondering if Reagan said it because he mentioned his plans to talk to the Lifebringer. "Thanks, you too", he replied, waved slightly, and moved along.

Cansu wasn't sure what had drawn him to the Gala Square. Adorned in the new robes and the golds presented to him in his bedroom, he arrived somewhat late to the event. It didn't seem like it was much- He was used to grander things. It did seem like a nice little thing that they put together for the guests. Competitors, rather. As Cansu stepped through the crowd, he suddenly came to a halt. Hidden by the mask, no one would be able to see as his pupils became pinpricks as a familiar scent reached him. He knew this scent- He knew this type of blood. What had drawn him to the Gala pulled him through the crowd to an individual. A young man with dark hair who was currently dancing it up. A bright smile, tanned skin, muscular, piercings- Cansu's heart pounded in his chest as he took in the presence of the other man. "You," Cansu seethed as he approached the younger man. How many years younger was he? It had to be quite a few. "Me!" Kal laughed easily as he turned to Cansu. He continued to dance. "What's up, man? How's it going? Isn't this party awesome or what?" "Who are you?" Cansu demanded. He wasn't in the mood for fun or games- Couldn't this idiot read his tone? See the way he was gritting his teeth? The tension in his body? Still, he continued to dance. "The name's Kal Valdez! Great to meet you...?" Kal trailed off as he waited for Cansu to introduce himself. "You should know who I am." Cansu growled. "You should know me, given who you are." "Aw, snap," Kal stopped dancing. The man's smile flickered into an apologetic one. "Did we meet at a meet and greet before? I'm sorry, man, I'm usually good with faces and names, but it's a bit hard with the masks-" "I do not know what that is- That's aside the point!" Cansu huffed. "Do you even know who you are?" "I'm Kal Valdez," Kal repeated, this time, looking a bit confused. "From KalValParkour." "No, who you truly are. Do you know who's blood runs through your veins?" Cansu asked. "Tell me, on your letter when you awoke in your room, who's name was it on there?" "It said Kal Valdez-" "In between your first and last name." Kal paused as he thought for a moment. "Kal Marcoyauro Valdez. But that's a fancy title that they gave me-" Cansu let out a laugh. "That's not a title, you fool, that's the name of your father. Marco." At that revelation, Kal stilled. "M-my father?" "Yes, you bumbling idiot, your father." Cansu huffed. "There's very little that you know, and it's annoying. Learn more about yourself and who you are, there's more you'll learn from me with time." Cansu turned to step away from Kal. Desperately, Kal reached out to grab onto his arm. "W-wait- Tell me about my dad-" The moment they touched, yellow light filled their vision, blinding them both. In their chests, a light weight could be felt as their hearts pounded in sync with one another. An electrifying current, for a moment in time, connected Kal and the deity. Cansu yanked his arm away. He knew it. He had sensed it, but Kal had more of Marco in him than he did his mother. He had inherited some of the bond from Marco, something that Cansu wasn't sure was possible. Or, perhaps this was something else? This had to be something else. Something Cansu wasn't familiar with. ~~Something that frightened him.~~ "Wh-what was that-" Kal stumbled over his words as he blinked rapidly. "What the hell was that-" "Do not touch me," Cansu seethed. He held his arm, holding the spot that Kal had touched. "Do not ever touch me. You will stay away from me. Learn of your past from someone else, I'm sure you will find the answers that you're looking for somewhere." With that, Cansu turned and stomped away from Kal, who was rendered speechless. He stood there, alone, unmoving, as the crowd danced around him to the beat of the music. (edited)

All things considered, they had a really good sense of style. Ellie stood at the edge of the square, simply drinking in the vibes. She'd gotten changed into the provided clothing, messing around with the iPad- assuming that was, like, a clay version of a tablet or somethin' -and now was just kinda living it up in the death fight. It was beautiful. Ruins decorated with red and golden banners, warm torchlight dancing along the stone- a nice little band playing music- it looked and felt like straight out of a movie! Really, it was just. Breathtaking. After a moment of fidgeting with her camera, she lifted it up to snap a photo of the square, whistling lightly. Really pretty stuff. [1/40 taken.]

Ace had found a quiet corner to sit in after that whole...ordeal, quietly people-watching as the rest of the gala proceeded. Despite how their injury was now properly healed over, their skin was still absolutely crawling- perhaps from the feeling of Naiyta touching the. Agh. 'So you *can *follow instructions.' "Tch," Ace sharply hisses, tapping against their arm with irritation. That feeling only grows. "Asshole." How unsettling. Their laughter, their smile- how off putting they all were. What did it mean by all of that. Unfortunately, it's Naiyta's voice that breaks them from their thoughts, and Ace bites back another groan in favor of listening to it speak. Tournament matchups. [Darcy - Peregrine, Evan - Seki ; none they were familiar with. Maybe, if they spent less time wandering and speaking to ghosts, they might have met them. Hm, their competitor- Gale; also unfamiliar to them. Two, four, eight, fourteen contestants here so far- and the list only continued to grow.] "Huh." Ellie Halvorson. Yes, he was very familiar with that name. Ace sits there, arms still folded tightly over his chest, as that ringing noise begins to build in their ears. Ellie. Ellie Halvorson. Twenty-eight, April 22. Works with NGTV News, bikes to and from work. Currently training for the next ice skating-competition. [Across the square, there's a woman with short, blue hair in twin buns. She seems to be talking to someone else by the wall.]

soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭 started a thread. 6/13/2024 8:06 PM

sadi and kal dance buddies

a familiar face

kal valdez gets cancelled

ellie takes photos

ace sulks