MASKTOURN

Rolling, sweeping swathes of farmland take up most of the space in the valley. A variety of plants are grown out here- sweet potato, tomatoes, squash and wheat can all be identified. Sections of fields are separated by barbed-wire fences to keep out wild animals and designate which crops belong to whom. It’s common to see laboring townsfolk out here, working the fields.

The sun was setting across the valley's high peaks, and the humid air was cooling, but that mattered little to him. He wandered the fields aimlessly- he'd come there with a reason, he was sure, but he couldn't quite remember what it was. He got lost remarkably easily, and found himself in the squash and pumpkin fields, crouched low near the produce and tapping lightly upon them to test their ripeness. Yes, this seemed like something he was supposed to be doing right now. It was something he had done before, something he could almost remember teaching to someone.... But that thought was gone before it could fully coalescence, just like all the others. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

It had finally come time for Persis to visit his neighbors. He walked with a small happy hum on his tongue, and plenty of goodies and flowers under his arms. All in all, Persis was in a rather good mood this evening. The sunset made the sky bleed a beautiful color, only adding to his chipper attitude. It was on this walk to Sieandes' home did he notice something strange. No, someone strange. Persis hadn't been in this town for too long, but he thought he had met everyone in it already. The person in the field didn't look familiar to him at all. Well that wouldn't do! With a smile, Persis waved to the stranger and slowly approached. "Hello there! Good evening! Still working on the fields? You are quite dedicated to be out so late," he greeted. "I do not believe I have seen you before. I am Persis Lancaster, and you, friend?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

He perked up as he heard someone approaching, and waved in the general direction he thought the newcomer had come from. "Oh, hello! I don't know who I am, either! It's good to meet you, Persis Lancaster!" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis raised a brow as he heard the stranger's reply, but the smile stayed on his lips regardless. "Oh.. that is quite unfortunate. Are you lost, sir? I would be happy to help if you are," he offered earnestly. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah- I believe I am. I know where I am, I think, but I'm not exactly sure why I'm here!" He stood up straight to his very tall full height. His pale gaze never really met Persis's, instead staring off into nothing. "Quite a predicament. Hm." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis looked up as the man stood. His distant daze, pale expression, and harmless demeanor all seemed to indicate a fragile person. Persis wondered how someone like that could be here. "Well, this is the farmland of Shairoun Village! Everyone who is here is here for a reason, so maybe the reason will come to you eventually," Persis chuckled. "Do you not remember anything at all about yourself? Age, sex, place of birth..?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (edited)

"Hopefully so!" He laughed, seemingly pretty unphased by his strange predicament. "I- hm. I'm a grown man, I know that for certain. I don't know... where I'm from, or what I'm doing here- I have a house, though, on the edge of town, so I can't be visiting. I must live here, right?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Hmm.. that is rather strange. You have a home here? Where is it exactly?" Persis asked as he readjusted some of the flowers under his arm. "To remember you live here, but not sure how or why.. that is quite odd, yes." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah- on the edge of town, by the woods. I believe it's on the west side of town, because I can feel the sunlight coming through my windows in the evening." He hummed. His logic... didn't make the most sense, even to him, but he was trying. "Is it odd? I mean- I do try to live as normal a life as I can, here. I have a garden." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis nodded, though he had a feeling the stranger in front of him wouldn't be able to see it. "It is a bit odd, yes. I am rather new to the village myself, but everyone has a reason why they are here. To not remember why.. or your own personhood.. it is strange," Persis hummed. "My home is just further down this trail. It is surrounded by a field of flowers I grow. Most of us live rather mundane lives, so I am sure you are doing as you say. Perhaps I can take you to meet some of the other villagers? Maybe someone who has been here longer than me will know who you are?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah.... hm. Do you think something happened to me, that made me forget?" He thought out loud. "Oh, that's good to know! I'll admit, I don't have.. the best idea of where everything is around here." He hummed. "Oh, that sounds like a good idea! Someone else might know who I am!" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis thought about it for a moment. What could possibly happen to make this man have amnesia of just who he is? "Perhaps. There are many mysteries to this world... I have a few possible theories, but let us save those for after introducing you to the others," Persis replied. "I am going to my neighbors' home right now, actually. Perhaps one of them would know of you. It is a shame to not even know yourself," he commented. "Is there.. anything else you possibly know about yourself? Any family?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hmmm......" He thought long about what Persis had said, but came to no conclusions himself. "Ah, do you think they'd have me over? I don't want to intrude." He laughed. "Oh, uhm, hm. Well, I'm sure I had family, at some point... I think I had a wife. I can remember her by her voice, almost.... and maybe a daughter. But they aren't here, I don't think." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Well, you do not have to come in or anything, but I am sure I can ask if any of them recognize you, at the very least," Persis replied. Though, he did take another moment to think about the stranger's comment. A wife and a daughter..? It sounded like the stranger's family wasn't around anymore.. perhaps they were separated? "I see.. Would you like to see them again? I am sure they miss you if you are simply lost," Persis hummed. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah, okay! I hope one of them does." He hummed. "Oh.... I do miss them, really. I don't know where they are, exactly, but... they aren't here, and I wish I was with them." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

At that, Persis does give the stranger a sympathetic smile. "I understand... I miss my family dearly as well. It breaks my heart knowing the distance between us," he said as he glanced down the field. "I have a daughter as well... If either of them comes to us, perhaps they could be friends? She always had such a hard time speaking to others. It would warm my heart to see her get along with someone besides myself." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh, that's sad. It's always sad to be missing one's loved ones." He thought out loud. "I hope you can reunite with your loved ones soon." "Oh! That would be amazing. My daughter, she could be so reclusive and shy... I think she would benefit from having a friend." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

(Uh huh)

Persis nodded, and slowly turned to look at the stranger once more. The more he spoke to him, the more Persis felt an odd aura about the stranger. The stranger's choice of words made Persis frowned. "Yes.. And I hope it is the same for you as well. I think someone of your daughter's personality would probably be a good balance for mine. She is very rambunctious and temperamental... I love her dearly, though," he chuckled faintly. "Well.. Shall we head off then? I would hate to keep my neighbors any longer than I already have, and I think we should seek help for you as soon as possible," Persis hummed. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

As soon as Persis changed the topic again, thoughts of family seemed to drop out of his head. "Oh- yes, it would be best not to keep your neighbors waiting. Hm- do you suppose they might be my neighbors too? Also, can you help me along the path? I left my cane at home again, I think." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Well, if you live around this village, everyone is a neighbor, yes," Persis replied with a soft chuckle. Though, he did raise a brow at the stranger's next comment. "Cane..? Ah, yes, of course. I will walk beside you then so you know where to go," Persis said, deducing the man must of been visually impaired in some way. He stepped beside the man and gently tapped his shoulder. "I will walk on this side of you. Just follow along my steps." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

He listened as Persis moved beside him, and turned his head in the direction of the shoulder he had tapped. "Ah, yes. Thank you! Lead the way!" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis nodded and started walking. "If only there were more trees around here. I could get you at least a makeshift cane while we walk. This land is quite wide.. It would be tricky to navigate without knowing the landmarks," he hummed, keeping conversation so the man could follow. "Perhaps afterwards, I should accompany you back to your home. It would be safer that way." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

He walked alongside Persis, trying to match his pace to that of the footsteps he could hear on the soft ground. "Ah, it's alright. I should be fine, as long as I have you to lead me!" "Ah, would you? I'd really appreciate that. I think I'd just get lost again if I tried to find it on my own." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"I would. It is only normal for people to help others where they can. I simply wish I could provide something more for your impairment," Persis replied with a small smile. The farmer's fingers twitched for a moment under his gauntlets as he walked and Persis glanced down at his hand. Strange. He paid it no further mind as they continued down the path, however. "I am visiting my neighbors, the Shairoun family. Does that name at all sound familiar to you?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You're very kind, still! Thank you." He smiled. "Ahhh, I think so! It sounds somewhat familiar. A lot of names sound... somewhat familiar. I guess I must know a lot of people." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis hummed. "It sounds like you must be from the area, at the very least... I am hopeful someone may know you then," he smiled. "I have only been living here in this village for about half a year now. I came out here to retire... So I am still getting to know everyone as well." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah, that's good!" He smiled. "You aren't originally from here? Where do you come from, then?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

He shook his head despite the stranger not being able to see it. "That is correct. I come from a land called Laputa. It is.. quite far from here," Persis hummed. "I was a knight then, serving my country. I spent nearly my whole life working as one, until I decided to retire to the countryside here. It is quite different than Shairoun." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Laputa...." He repeated. "Ah, you were a knight? That's very noble of you! Is that where your family is, then? Back in Laputa?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Yes, the knight commander, actually," Persis faintly chuckled. "And also yes. My family is all back in Laputa. Some of my children have moved to different countries, but my husband, my daughter, and two of my sons still live there," Persis explained. "I offered them to move with me, but they all had different duties to attend to. My husband is making arrangements to come move in with me any day now, however," Persis smiled. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

He nodded along with everything Persis said. "Ah, I see... well, I hope your family comes to visit soon! It sounds like you miss them a lot." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"I wish the same. I have been here for a while.. so I thought maybe, perhaps, one or two of them would of come to see me already. But they have not..." Even if this stranger was blind, the frown on Persis' lips was evident as he spoke. "They must be simply busy.. I am sure if it. I can at least look forward towards my husband joining me soon. Sorry to have dampen the mood," Persis said with a half-hearted chuckled. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah, it's no burden. You're helping me so much, it's only fair I listen to what you have to say." He shrugged. "If it helps you feel any better, you can tell me all you'd like." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"How kind of you, good sir. I promise I am not usually this much of a downer. I suppose being alone is not something I am used to," Persis replied. He then let out a small sigh as he shook his head. "I do not think there is much to say that I have not already. I just wish my children would come and see my every once in a while. I know they are busy... but it feels like I am being forgotten in a way. It saddens me." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I try to be kind." He shrugged idly. "I really do. And it can be hard being alone- but you have so many others around you to form new relationships with." "Ah, it's alright. I'm sure they'll be here to visit sooner than you know it. It sounds like you care very much for them- they won't forget you." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis nodded, an appreciative smile on his lips. "I know... I suppose it is just strange to me to not only be alone, but also have to build new relationships all over again. I lived in Laputa all my life.. moving out to the middle of nowhere at fifty is a little absurd," he chuckled. "And I hope they do not forget about me... I sometimes worry I was not good enough of a father to them all, and that is why they choose to not visit. It sounds ridiculous to worry, but I cannot help but think like that sometimes.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah, I suppose it is.." He hummed. "But it's not too out of question- I'd think its rather typical for people to move somewhere new when they want to retire. Enjoy the world while you still can, yes?" "Hmm... I can't really judge how you were as a father, as we have just met, but you're certainly a very kind man! It's always easier to see our faults than our virtues when we look at ourselves, I'm sure that's just your anxieties." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis chuckled. "I suppose you are correct. I am not sure if exploring the world is exactly what I am after, but a change in pace is nice. I believe if I did not retire on my own, my body would of gave out for me," he mused. "...You are right. I would always tell my children similar things. That I can see all the good in them despite what they may feel. I suppose my old age is catching up on me," Persis lightly joked. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm.... it is quite peaceful out here. I hope you find whatever it is you're looking for." He smiled. "Ah, it's no matter! We all need reassurance every once in a while. Are we getting close to your neighbors' house?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis smiled at the stranger before looking down the road. "Mm, just about! Hold on, let me go and greet them and explain the situation. Wait right here," he instructed the man before jogging towards the upcoming farm and home. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh, of course!" He stilled his steps, and waited for Persis to return. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Aarni woke from what would feel like an incredibly deep sleep, to find he wasn't where he was when he- fell asleep? Passed out? Died? He was outdoors- in some kind of farm field, with a starry night sky above him. The summery night air was thick with humidity and the buzz of insects, and if the heat got to him, he'd quickly realize he was back in the clothes he was wearing when he had been raptured. He wasn't home though- the mountainous, rural landscape around him would be completely unfamiliar to him. His powers were also surpressed- not entirely gone, but not entirely there. He'd feel as if they were there, he just couldn't muster the strength to actually use them. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni remained still and quiet. There was a million thoughts he could have had, his heart could have been racing and he could have been frantically checking his breathing and surroundings to make sure he was there, everything was there, but there were nothing in his mind. He looked at the stars with a calm, yet melancholic face, and remained there, quietly breathing, not even attempting to move, just taking in the humid air, the beauty of the sky, and the soft grass beneath him. He was at peace, and he didn't want to disturb himself. Those restless, frantic thoughts poked and prodded in the back of his mind, but he didn't pay them any attention. The stars were brilliant, and he let them fill his head with their shine. The only thing he eventually thought, was an old story he remembered his dad had read him when he was a child, The Brothers Lionheart, a book about afterlife, and the adventures there. He found himself idly reminiscing the plot, and it brought him comfort.

In the distant reminiscence of the story Aarni recalled, a voice began to call for him. It was inaudible at first, until it slowly got closer and closer, and there were footsteps accompanied by said voice. The long golden grass and the wind of the evening carried a faint charming smell, as well as a pleasant sound of soft crunches. "Hello? Young sir, are you okay?" The voice asked Aarni, now only a few feet away. Soon hovering over Aarni, would be a familiar, yet somehow different, person. Older, wiser, yet somehow still as soft and fond as he always was, Persis Lancaster was staring down at the young man. He had a beard and unlike his usual getup of metals and sword, he was wearing an old worn plaid shirt, straw hat, and some brown slacks. The only things to indicate he was ever a knight, were the armored gauntlets and boots he still wore. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

It had almost felt like dreaming, lying there, carefree, away from the world and life he knew, but the boy snapped out of his memories when the man was right next to him. He turned his head slightly to look straight up at him, and when he did, his eyes widened. He took in a long, shaky gasp, and stared up at him. His heart started racing. (Did he still have a heart in here?) "P-Persis?" he asked huskily, hesitantly, not believing his eyes. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Against the man's intentions, Persis raised a brow as Aarni said his name. It took a few moments of silent staring, but clear recognition washed over Persis as he reached out to help Aarni sit up. "..Young Aarni?" He asked in return. "Young Aarni, that is you, correct? What.. How..?" Clearly, Persis was equally as confused as Aarni was about this situation. @Twig | Seki / Aarni (edited)

"Yeah, yeah, it's m-me. I- I'm h-here, n-now..." Aarni's voice trembled more, and even though he tried to fight it, his face twisted in a sudden wave of grief- and relief. As Persis helped him sit up, water was already building up in his eyes, and once he sat, he pulled the knight into a desperate hug, holding his breath to block out the sobs in his throat. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Even through his shock, Persis hugged Aarni as tightly as he could. He rubbed Aarni's back and gently hummed. "Hey, hey.. It is okay, young Aarni. I am right here. It will be okay," Persis reassured the young man. "Breathe... You are safe here." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

He didn't remember if he had cried when he was raptured, or when he found out Kallum was his opponent, or even when he had lost and Naiyta came to kill him. He felt like he hadn't. Something about seeing the familiar, kind and wise knight made the tears flow unrestrained. He nodded, but couldn't stop trembling, and soon enough he sobbed into Persis' shoulder. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"There, there... Let it all out," Persis said and patted Aarni's back. Persis wasn't sure how or why Aarni was here, but he was going to be here for the boy regardless. Plus, there was something off about Aarni... Once it seemed like Aarni had calmed down, Persis gently pulled away and took out a handkerchief to wipe his tears. "Here you are, young Aarni. What is wrong? Why are you all the way out here for?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni took some deep breaths, a little lightheaded from crying. He felt very vulnerable and childish crying like that and being comforted, but it also felt like he really needed a shoulder to cry on. He gulped and sniffled, and started talking quietly. "I... There was a... a tournament, again... The Lifebringer arranged it, a-and pulled us from different times and worlds... A-and.. if you loose your battle, they kill you. I, I, I lost my fightt, a-and... they killed me", he explained shakily. "Albanes is the new Lifebringer... she didn't want this to happen, but her pre-de-cessor forces her to go along with it... she promised she'd keep me safe even if I died, a-and, that's why... I'm here, I think.. where.. where are we? A-and, how are you here?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Well, whatever Persis was expecting Aarni to say, it surely wasn't all of that. He listened quietly to the young man, nodding and wiping any more tears that formed. "Another tournament..?" He repeated with a deep forming frown. Persis took a moment to take everything in, glancing between Aarni and the handkerchief in his hand. "I am not sure who this Lifebringer or Albanes is, but you cannot be dead if you are here, young Aarni. You are in Shairoun Village. I know this may sound odd to you, but.. You are about twenty-five years younger than the last time I saw you. This is.. very strange, indeed," Persis sighed. "I think we should move inside to speak more. It is late and I saw you on the way back to my home. Come, we can talk over tea." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni's eyes widened once again, when Persis said he didn't know about Albanes or the Lifebringer. He opened his mouth a bit, trying to say something, but couldn't form coherent enough thoughts to do so. At Persis' suggestion, he nodded, and began to stand up, ready to follow him." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Peregrine woke from what felt like an incredible deep sleep. He did not wake in the arena, or in his room- instead, he woke in what looked like a farm field. Memory would slowly come back to him- and an aching pain would form in his throat. I'd be the only pain he'd feel. All his physical ailments were gone, like they'd evaporated in the movement between life and death. He'd feel, mostly, incredibly fine. He was back in the clothes he'd been raptured in. He still had his wings, but he wouldn't be able to fly. The landscape around him was completely unfamiliar. @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

Peregrine didn't want to open his eyes. He waited for it all to come back, all his pain, and he was certain that it would return if he opened his eyes. He laid there, in spite, trying to remain dead. But soon confusion leeched in, and he finally dared to peel his eyes open- nothing returned, and nothing was familiar. Peregrine pushed himself to kneel, looking around the field for sign of anything, then gradually forced himself to stand fully. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

There wasn't anything in the field but, well, crops. And the occasional scarecrow. There were some small buildings in the distance... @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

This would have been so much faster if he could fly. Hmph. Whatever. Peregrine, instinctively acting as if the pain was still there, hunched slightly with a hand to his chest, began to move forward toward those pitiful buildings. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Well... he sure was heading that way. @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

Yeah. He was.

who is this strange man

peregrine wakes

aarni wakes