MASKTOURN

Stomping away from Kal, he made his way to the edge of the crowd. His good mood had been diminished, leaving him a grumbly bitter little mans. As he made his way closer to the musicians, he spotted Sadihak. Unable to help himself, he approached. “Did you know that a son of Marco Vanth was here?” Cansu demanded as he approached. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan had been standing alone by the bandstand and watching the guests, though their posture displayed tension hidden behind their mask. "I- what? Are you referring to-" They cut themself off, abruptly, as if the name was too hard to say. "Your host body?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“No, the bumbling idiot-” Cansu motioned out into the crowd with a dismissive hand. He sighed. “Never mind, you are unaware. Forget it.” He fell silent and tapped a foot against the floor, unsure on what to say next. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

After a very awkward pause, Reagan unhelpfully added, "If they're one of the bird side contestants, Kairas is the one who handled the letters and everything. I didn't know." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Yeah, he’s on the bird side,” Cansu grumbled. Funny. Fitting. “It’s not your fault, I acknowledge that. I’ll have to take it with Kairas, then.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"... alright." Reagan said. "... what do you want her to do about it?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“.. I do not know,” Cansu admitted. “I simply want him to be dealt with. No son of Marco Vanth should walk freely, even if he’s ignorant to who he truly is.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"... she's not going to be able to do anything." Reagan said. "It's not- she and I don't have the power to simply 'deal with' contestants like that." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Then I’ll have to do it myself,” Cansu grumbled. “Will they attempt to stop me?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"If you attempt to hurt the other contestants, yes. We will be made to stop you." Reagan's voice was cold and distant. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Hmph. I understand.” Cansu didn’t say anything else about the topic. He looked out into the crowd. “.. It’s quite a sight, isn’t it?” Cansu comment. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"... Kairas and I did the decorations. Not ourselves, but we planned it all out." Reagan hummed idly. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“You did a great job.” Cansu commented. ~~Would’ve done a great job planning the wedding.~~ @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Thank you." Reagan hummed. They didn't know what else to say, so they fell silent after that. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu remained quiet for several moments longer. “.. Have you had a dance, yet?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan was clearly caught off guard. "Ah- not really. I danced a bit at the beginning of the gala, but nothing... too fancy." They paused. "Are you... offering?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu kept his gaze on the crowd. “.. Perhaps, perhaps I am.” Was all he said. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan uneasily worked their hands together. "... I am not allowed to refuse a guest's wishes." They confessed. "So, if that's what you want, it's what you'll get." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu glanced at Reagan’s hands. “.. Forget it. It’s clear you’re not comfortable with such a thing.” Cansu looked back to the crowd. “I’d rather you do it because you’d want to instead of you feeling forced to.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I don't-" Reagan sighed. "It's not like I don't want to dance, I'm honestly- ambivalent towards it. I just... wanted you to know." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“No, I understand.” Cansu sighed. “I understand quite well.” He fell back into silence. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan wrapped their hands around their body uncomfortably, unsure what to do next. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“.. What I don’t understand is how things got this way,” Cansu mumbled. “That’s what I don’t understand.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan flinched. "I- I really am... sorry." They managed out, like choking. They glanced over to Naiyta, it seemed... occupied. "I- I can't tell you here. Not in their presence." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Then perhaps, another time.” Cansu glanced at Sadihak. “Unless, you’re able to step away from this event, even for a moment?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I- hm." Reagan kept nervously glancing back to Naiyta. "I don't know. I'd have to talk- talk to Kairas, maybe, but..." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Don’t do anything that would put you at risk of getting into trouble,” Cansu warned. “There is always another time to explain.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I don't know if there will be, the fights are starting soon, and-" They cut themselves off, having noticed Naiyta's gaze. "Oh, no." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu immediately grew tense. He followed Sadihak’s gaze. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Naiyta stormed over to Cansu and Reagan, their anger written plain on their face. It adressed Cansu, barely even glancing over Reagan. "I thought I had made my expectations clear regarding your behavior with the side hosts." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu raised an eyebrow. “I am simply making conversation with a host.” Cansu stated. “Simple as that, Naiyta.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Roman also came along this way, though it took him significantly longer to get to Naiyta's side. For now he just remained silent.

Reagan kept glancing nervously between Cansu, Naiyta, ... and this new random stranger. "You think I trust you to make 'simple conversation?' You think I don't know how you feel about them? Reagan, what happened? What was he asking you?" Reagan didn't answer. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟 @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

“I was simply asking them for a dance, which is what we were going to do.” Cansu stated firmly. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Just a dance." Naiyta repeated, and looked to Reagan for confirmation. "All he wanted was a dance. Of- of course, I obliged." Their gaze, hidden by their mask, was on the ground. Naiyta looked back to Cansu. "So, why aren't you dancing?" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"We were waiting for the next song so begin, that way, we wouldn't have to jump into one halfway through." Cansu hummed. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hmph. Very well." Naiyta turned to the band, and snapped to get their attention. "Musicians! Play something nice and slow for these two..." It glanced towards Cansu and Reagan, "Lovebirds." The lead musician- the lute-player, nodded, and shifted to a slower, almost romantic tune. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"You're far too generous, Naiyta." Cansu commented. With a step forward, Cansu extended a hand towards Sadihak. "Shall we?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Well, he hadn't been acknowledged yet, but Roman could see an opportunity to get himself in even deeper.. "Well, the music is already playing, so why don't we dance too, my lord?" Roman smiled and extended his hand out to it. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"Of course." Reagan stiffly replied, and took Cansu's hand, following him out onto the dance floor. They didn't say a word, not even once they were away from Naiyta. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

8:09 AM

Naiyta considered the offer for a moment. "Hm. Oh, why not." It took Roman's hand, and pulled him in close for something akin to a waltz. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 (let's take them back to the original thread now lol)

As Cansu led them further onto the dance floor, he found a spot that was empty for the two of them. He stopped and turned back to Sadihak. “Would you like me to lead?” Cansu asked. “Or would you like to?” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Whichever you prefer..." Reagan said, almost as an act, though they added. "Though, I'd prefer if you led." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Then I’ll lead.” Cansu hummed. He kept his grasp on Sadihak’s hand and moved a hand to rest upon their hip. Pulling them closer, he began to lead them in a dance, swaying gently to the music. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan rested a hand on Cansu's shoulder, intertwining the other with his own hand. They swayed to the music, their steps were careful and perfect, though their body was still tense and their expression distant. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu desperately wanted to break the silence, but knew that it was best if he didn’t. Naiyta was already suspicious of them both, it would be best not to raise any more alarm. So, he quietly danced with them, each step and twirl a dangerous reminder of what once was there between them. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan didn't even show the slightest signs of easing up- their movements, while graceful, were tense and stiff. When they had moved slightly out of Naiyta's sight, they dared a whisper. "I'm sorry." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“Don’t be,” Cansu spoke in a quiet tone. “I’m the one who put you in danger.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Still- I could've gotten you in danger. I should've been- more careful." They were still clearly nervous. "More discreet." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I don’t care for what the Lifebringer has in store for me,” Cansu resisted the urge to raise a hand to Sadihak’s cheek. “Your well-being and safety is what concerns me.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Cansu- I know you aren't going to believe me, but Naiyta is dangerous. I don't want to even think about what they'd do if you got on their wrong side." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I’m aware of the Lifebringer’s capabilities,” Cansu spoke. “But as a deity myself, I should be able to hold my own against them if need be.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan was still very clearly hesitant, but didn't say anything. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

“I may not be capable of creating a realm myself,” Cansu sighed. “But I have strength of my own. All will be well.” @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan still said nothing, but nervously glanced back to Naiyta. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu continued to dance. He spun them around so that way Sadihak wouldn’t be facing Naiyta. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan only slightly relaxed once they weren't facing Naiyta. "They aren't going to forget this happened." They whispered. "They're going to be keeping me on a shorter leash. Especially around you." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"Then we'll have to be careful, then," Cansu sighed. "Though, I'd rather not put you at risk of getting into trouble." Or worse. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan looked like they were going to say more, then suddenly hesitated. They turned away from Cansu. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu was quiet for several more moments. He glanced away, unsure on what to say. ".. What will they do to you, if this continues?" Cansu asked quietly. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan stilled completely, ceasing the dance. "I- I don't know. The same it's been doing, I think-" They didn't give any indication as to what that might be. "I- I really can't tell you." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"Could you tell me eventually?" Cansu asked. Anger flared in his chest. What else had Sadihak experienced by the hand of the Lifebringer? @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"If I tell you, it'll get worse." Reagan insisted. "I'm- I'm already risking a lot by just telling you this-" @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"Okay, then say no more," Cansu took in a deep breath to force himself to calm down. "Say no more." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan nodded. They remained still for only a moment, before taking in a deep, steadying breath. "We.. should start dancing again." They said, in a tone that suggested they wanted to do the opposite. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

"We'll dance for a few moments longer, and then we may part ways, if that's what will make you most comfortable." Cansu suggested. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"That... sounds good." Reagan nodded. "I- should probably get back to my hosting duties soon, anyways." @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu nodded his head. With a deep breath, he began their dance once more. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Reagan's steps were slower and more cautious, but still enough to put up the performance. They didn't say anything. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

They continued to dance for a while longer. Cansu didn't say anything else. It ended when Cansu dipped Sadihak at the end of the song. Bringing them back up to their feet, Cansu let go of them and stepped back. He gave them a bow. "Thank you for the dance," Cansu hummed. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Thank you." Reagan echoed, returning the bow with a polite one of their own. Their gaze lingered on Cansu for a long moment... before they finally turned away. @Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

Cansu watched as they walked away. With a heavy sigh, he turned and walked in the opposite direction.