MASKTOURN

The temple. It’s the largest building in town, and looms over the other structures. Even then, it’s pretty modest, but there’s a certain charm to the great doors, the stained glass windows, the cream-colored stone. Inside is a small entryway, a galley for church meals, a few offices, and of course, the sanctuary. The building is clearly old, and dust coats some of the less-frequently touched surfaces, but it’s pleasant, at least to anyone who finds solace in worship.

Aarni tried the door to see if the place was still open this late... @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The door was locked, but as Aarni tried, he'd be able to hear someone approaching it. The door opened, revealing a short, homely old man in what looked like some kind of religious garb. "Ah, hello. How can I help you tonight, young man?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni stepped slightly back when the door opened, and looked at the man for a moment. "Um. Hello. Sorry I'm here so late, I think I got lost.." He looked up at the temple. He was pretty sure this was the right place. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah, it's alright. It is late, so I'm the only one here, but if you seek counsel or shelter I can help." He ushered Aarni inside. "Now, I don't think I've seen you at our services recently. Could you remind me your name?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh, thank you..." Aarni shuffled inside, and brushed his hand through his hair a bit, looking around. "I'm Aarni Repo.. I'm... on a vacation here. I actually live in Finland." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh, a visitor! We don't get many of those out here." The man laughed. "Well, you can call me Elder Pilandour. I'm the local priest of this town. Are you staying at the inn?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Nice to meet you", Aarni nodded. "Oh, um, I'm actually staying at my friend's dad's house. He.. should also be coming over soon, I just got hear earlier", Aarni hummed, sounding a little sad. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Pilandour led Aarni over to the pews and sat down with him. "Ah, I see. And who is this friend? I may know them." His gaze softened as he noticed Aarni's saddened voice. "Is everything alright, Aarni?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Kallum.. he doesn't live here either, his dad moved here for retirement. His name is Persis Lancaster. He has a small farm outside the town." After the second question, Aarni sighed lightly and was quiet for a moment, thinking how to reply. "No... not really, but.. I don't think I can talk about it." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ahhh... I see. I don't think I've met Persis personally yet. I don't think he comes to worship often." Pilandour hummed. "I see. Well, if you would like some solitude to pray, I can leave you alone." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni nodded. "I would like to... but uh. I'm not sure how to. Can you, uh, tell me how to talk to the Lifebringer?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Of course. I can lead you in a few traditional prayers." Pilandour nodded, and led Aarni closer to the altar, where he knelt. "I assume you don't know any Laecrish?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni followed suit, and knelt by the altar as well, slightly blushing from awkwardness. He had always felt a bit shy in churches. Like he was constantly watched and he could embarrass himself at any moment. "Hm, no, I don't. Is that.. like old Loucari language?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Pilandour nodded. "Yes, it's the language used in our religious services. But I can easily say them in the common tongue. What is it that you'd like to pray for?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni nodded. Then, he turned to look down with a sigh. What did he want to pray for? "...I... I feel stuck. And like everything is confusing and unknown. My friends are in trouble, too, and I wish they could get to be safe, and... I hope for some kind of guidance. I want to know if I can help them in anyway. That sort of thing.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Pilandour considered Aarni's troubles. "The divine can offer guidance. Would you like me to recite the prayer? If you wish to pray alone, I can simply show you where in the prayer books the verses most suiting your needs are located." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni thought for a moment, looking at Pilandour in contemplation. "Hmm... I think I'd like to pray alone, but yeah, if you could show me the verses." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Pilandour nodded, and got up. He returned with a prayer book, and began flipping through it as he kneeled back down next to Aarni. "You'll find the most basic prayers for guidance here, at the front, and some more specific ones back in this section- the fourth book." He marked each section with a bookmark, and handed it to Aarni. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Thank you", Aarni said while taking the book. He held it for a moment, almost shy to open and read it in front of the priest. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Once Aarni had the prayer book, Pilandour got up again. "I'll be in my office, if you need me. It's just beyond that door." He gestured to a door, which he quietly left through. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Okay, thanks", Aarni smiled slightly, and watched Pilandour leave. Then, he turned his attention to the prayer book and opened it to read the first prayer the priest had suggested. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Each prayer was written both in the original Laecrish, and in a common-tongue translation. The first prayer read as follows: O, divine God, I place in your hands my trust and my being. Take me wholly and show me the way Remove this burden from my shoulders, I implore you, And I will be in your debt eternally. Peace. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni read the prayer first in his mind, but blushed when he tried to say it out loud. It felt... weird to say something like that to Albanes. His friend. He sighed a bit and decided to come back to this one after reading the other prayers. He flipped to the fourth section of the book to see what he could find there. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The fourth section seemed to be entirely prayers for guidance- there were ones for every occasion imaginable. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Was there one for when you're dead and your friend is in the wrong afterlife, and your other friend doesn't remember important things about his life? Or when the Lifebringer is having a death tournament and people are dying in vain? @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

There weren't any like that, the closest thing Aarni would be able to find was a prayer for guidance while traveling in unknown lands and another for guidance in helping a friend suffering mental strife. @Twig | Seki / Aarni (edited)

Aarni read both prayers in his mind, but they didn't feel much more natural to him. Eventually, he closed the book, and put it on his knees, sighing. He lifted his head to look at the altar, then looked even higher to look at the windows and ceiling of the temple. He stayed quiet, and tried to sense any divine presence. "...Albanes... can you hear me?" he eventually whispered, lowering his head. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Aarni would feel something like a divine presence.... but he wouldn't be able to place it. There was no answer, and the temple was silent. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

He took a deep breath, and continued whispering: "I know you're probably super busy... but... I just wanted to say... thank you, for saving me. I don't blame you for not stopping Naiyta from killing me. No matter what Asha says, I still think you did what you could, and I'm.. grateful for being here. But Asha... she has kids, and a community that needs her. If... if there's a way, I hope, that you can bring her back, and maybe everyone else too, maybe even me... But, if you can't, could you help Asha to her afterlife, so she could see her kids once they die? She's really sad about being in the wrong place..." Aarni was quiet for a moment. "...Albs... I'm... so confused... why did you take Persis' memories? Why did you take our powers? I... I just want to understand... Please, when you have time, can you please come talk with me?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

... There was, once again, no answer. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"I miss you, Albs... please, help me understand... what am I suppesed to do...?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

... there was no reply. It seemed Aarni might not be getting one tonight. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

He sighed, and slowly got up from his knees. The took the book with him and went to knock on tye office door. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah, come in! The door's unlocked!" Pilandour's voice could be heard from the inside. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni entered, and nodded a greeting. He seemed like praying hadn't really brought him a peace of mind. "I think I'm done for today.. Here's the book back." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Pilandour's office was cozy and warm. He took the prayerbook back, and rested it on his desk. "Ah, alright. If you ever want to come back, well, now you know where we are." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yes, thank you..." Aarni looked around a bit, before looking back at Pilandour. "Um. Can I ask a few things about the Lifebringer?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Of course," Pilandour gestured to a comfy looking chair across from his desk, and sat behind it in his own chair. "I can't gurantee I'll have all the answers, but I should be able to help." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Okay, thanks", Aarni nodded and sat in the chair. He cleared his throat softly. "Um. Who's the current Lifebriner?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Well, the Lifebringer has been away from the throne for... ah, about twenty or so years, I think? Maybe closer to thirty. But it's Yeonaixho Sehwolh, still, even though he's taking a break from his reign." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yeonaixho?" Aarni's surprise was apparent, though subtle. "Okay... do you know what he looks like?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Pilandour hummed, and took a book from one of his shelves. He opened it so it showed the portrait of a tall, pale man with long blonde hair and cloudy blue eyes. "Here, this is his most recent portrait. I believe this one was done in the 1970s. Recent in Lifebringer time, I suppose." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni leaned to look closer, and nodded. This might be the same picture of Juno he had seen before. "Mhm, I see... Don't you think the... man who lives alone here looks a lot like him?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Which man? Persis? I don't think Mr. Lancaster looks like him at all." Pilandour frowned. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"The blonde one. I think people here call him 'Hermit'." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh, him." Pilandour frowned. "I haven't ever seen him myself, he never comes to worship. I don't know what he looks like." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh, okay..." Aarni hummed. He was quiet for a short moment. "Um. Where's the Lifebringer if he's not currently ruling?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"No one knows." Pilandour shrugged. "He's in hiding, I suppose. Somewhere. Most think he went off to the south, he's got some history there." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Huh... do you think he can still answer prayers even though he's absent?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I would assume so. He's still our faith's religious leader, even if he left his governmental position." Pilandour hummed. "He can still bring you guidance, and peace." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni nodded. "Hm.. when do you usually have, uh, the, religious.. events.. at the temple?" Aarni asked. Religious vocabulary wasn't his strong suit. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Our regular services are on Monday mornings. We also hold smaller prayer services on Thursday and Saturday evenings." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Okay. Uh... ...what day is it today...?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It's Wednesday night." Pilandour nodded. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh, so tomorrow evening is a smaller service.. I should probably leave you in peace so you can go rest." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah, it is getting late..." Pilandour hummed. "Is there anything else I could help you with before you go?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"I don't know... I don't think so.. but thanks. I'll be on my way. I might come tomorrow again", Aarni said, and took a step towards the door. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Alright. We'd be happy to see you." Pilandour smiled. "Blessings of the Lifebringer upon you. Have a good night." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Thanks.. you too. Goodnight", Aarni smiled slightly and left. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

(Moving us here for convenience sake lol) Persis gave Aarni a nod, relieved that his shoes still fit Aarni. It had been so long since they had a situation like this come up. The last time was probably when Aarni first came to Laputa... "Alright, out to the temple we go," Persis nodded and started walking along with Aarni. ... It only took a bit of time to get to the temple, but hopefully it was open still. Persis gazed up at the temple's structure, analyzing it with a careful eye. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni went to the door and tried to open it. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

The door opened, and when it did, Aarni and Persis would be able to hear the repetitive chanting of prayer. @Twig | Seki / Aarni @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis' attention turned to the chanting, his brows raising a bit. He had never been to a church like this before. "Who did you talk to last time, young Aarni?" He whispered to him as they walked inside. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"The priest, I think his name was Pilandour", Aarni replied quietly, and looked around to see if anyone was in the hall or nearby so he could ask if they could still join in. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

There was a young woman tending to an infant in the entrance hallway. @Twig | Seki / Aarni @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis spotted the young woman and slowly approached her, waving his hand a little. "Excuse me?" He quietly asked her. "Is the worshipping still available to attend, miss?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni followed Persis and gave a small smile with a nod to the lady. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh, yes, you can go in." The woman said softly, and nodded to the door into the sanctuary. @Twig | Seki / Aarni @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis gave the woman a small bow of his head before walking deeper inside with Aarni. It was his first time here, so he was unsure what to expect. He glanced over to Aarni, as if to see if he knew what they had to do. @Twig | Seki / Aarni @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Aarni smiled again and mouthed "thanks", before quietly moving further into the temple and towards the chanting. It made him a little uneasy, like church services usually did. He looked to slip into the first unoccupied seats and follow quietly what everyone else did until he would get some sort of idea of what to do or say. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

There was a small gathering of townspeople in the pews. Some were reading and reciting from prayerbooks, others were praying silently. At the altar, Pilandour was reading out a call-and-response prayer from the book. @Twig | Seki / Aarni @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis sat along with Aarni, a few feet away from the next closest person. He had never been interested in the church or religion, so this was his first time ever genuinely being in its presence. The language was also something Persis wasn't used to—But in an odd sense, he felt like he had heard familiar sounds here and there. "...Shall we pray?" He quietly asked Aarni. @Twig | Seki / Aarni @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Aarni nodded, and crossed his hands in his lap. He followed the prayer Pilandour was reading out for a moment, but then focused his attention on the altar and started blocking out all voices and sounds around him. He focused on feeling the atmosphere and trying to find a connection to Albanes. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Aarni wouldn't be able to feel anything. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

2

Praying wasn't an act Persis had done much before. Perhaps the last he did, he did it out of respect of culture in another country he had visited. This felt no different. He clasped his hands together, closing his eyes as Aarni did the same. Who exactly should he be praying to..? Persis wasn't sure. He simply sat and hoped he would be able to feel the same blessings everyone else was here for. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni sighed. "Albanes.. please..." he whispered quietly. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

There was no reply, to either of their prayers. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske @Twig | Seki / Aarni

After a moment of listening to the hums and prayers, Persis opened his eyes and stared up towards the podium the priest was standing at. He wondered how hope could be given so easily. "..Did you feel anything, young Aarni?" He quietly asked. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"No", Aarni whispered bitterly. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis hummed, his gaze dropping to his folded hands. "I did not either. Perhaps I have not dedicated myself enough to any holy spirit, and that is why I have no response," the farmer shrugged. "...Perhaps your friend cannot hear you in this world either, though. That is a bit disappointing." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni didn't respond. He stared at the altar. His facial features were tense, but his slightly narrowed eyes seemed hazy. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Persis frowned a bit and gently put his hand on Aarni's shoulder. "Young Aarni..?" He whispered, concerned. @Twig | Seki / Aarni (edited)

"...Why isn't she talking to me?" Aarni whispered. He just wanted answers, some solace in understanding, but his friend refused to listen to him. How was he supposed to rest in peace if he couldn't be sure his prayers were heard? He felt.. so lonely. Even with Persis here. Aarni felt isolated from the other people and this world. They were living comfortably and confidently with the belief that they were still alive, not burdened with the knowledge that this was the afterlife, or that their memories had been modified. Aarni was the odd one out. He would feel outsider as long as he had his memories. He hoped Albanes would hurry up and take his memories too, and give him some forged happiness. "Why did she make me so alone? Why did she... abandon me?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske (edited)

Over the years, Persis had grown to learn who Aarni was as a person. Countless missions and dinners together built up years of trust and understanding, but the boy sitting right beside him was not the man he knew Aarni was—Not yet, anyways. Seeing Aarni so broken hurt Persis. He wished to somehow take it all away from him, make it right in any way, but Persis knew that for once, he was helpless in helping someone in need. He doubted anything he had to say would bring Aarni any solace. So, the only thing Persis could offer was a gentle hand on Aarni's shoulder. "I am sorry, young Aarni.." Persis quietly replied, a small frown forming on his lips. "Do you want to try and stay a little while longer..?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

He was so lonely. This time he didn't even have Firefly as a companion... No, he couldn't think that way. He shouldn't wallow in self-pity. It was too early for that, anyway. He took a breath, blinking his slightly watering eyes, and nodded. "I'd like to talk with the priest, I think.." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis nodded and he removed his hand from Aarni's shoulder. "Perhaps after he is done with the sermons, he will be available," he whispered and glanced back at the priest leading the prayer. "Did he seem to have any answers to your predicament, young Aarni?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni nodded. "Well, I couldn't really tell him everything, could I?" he mumbled and shook his head. "He showed me some prayers from the book", he continued, and pulled one of the prayer books from the next pew. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis raised a curious brow, leaning over a bit to view the book Aarni had grabbed. "Prayers..? Like the kinds they are saying now?" Persis quietly asked as he looked over the cover. "Would you like to say some?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni nodded. "Mhm, Lifebringer prayers. Eh, I don't know, they feel a bit weird to me.." he mumbled, and thumbed through the book, eyeing the prayers, seeing if anything caught his eye. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Persis read over the book with Aarni, wondering if there was anything interesting. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The prayer Aarni flipped to first was titled, "Prayer of Belonging', and read: Thanks to my God, my Light for this home, Where the lost are found I see you Where the ragged are clothed I hear you Where the hungry are fed I feel you Where the sick are healed I am with you. My most beloved, you are with me and have made this my home, my final resting place. @Twig | Seki / Aarni @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Aarni's eyes welled up with tears, when he read the prayer. His face contorted, and he put a hand to his mouth, but after a while he couldn't hold back the sob that forced itself through his throat. A couple of big, salty droplets fell onto the pages. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske (edited)

What a sorrowful prayer. Persis wrapped an arm around Aarni, trying to comfort him as he sobbed. Persis assumed most prayers were meant to be hopeful and light.. but it seemed the prayers in this book were more about finding peace. Finding something to look forward to. "It is going to be okay, young Aarni.. let it out." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

It could have been a pure coincidence, of course it could. But in her world, in the middle of his loneliness and feeling of abandonment, the prayer he flipped to was the Prayer of Belonging. He couldn't help but feel seen, and heard. Maybe she hadn't forgotten about him. Maybe she still listened, and cared, even if she didn't answer him directly. His heart was aching with hope, sorrow, longing... many emotions that he couldn't keep in his chest, and he cried them out in little streams down his face, trying not to be too loud. "Y-you are.. with me, and h-have made, this my home", he whispered, and paused to sniffle and gulp, "my final resting place." He leaned lightly against Persis, shaking from his sobs. He didn't feel so alone anymore. @ajjjjjjjj (edited)

Whatever this verse meant to Aarni, it unfortunately meant little to Persis. Any pain or sorrow was bared to Aarni only. He continued to support Aarni and rubbed his back in a soothing manner. It's all he could do. "Let it out.. I am right here," Persis continued to reassure. "Everything will be okay, young Aarni." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni nodded a little, wiping his face on his arm and putting the book away so he wouldn't ruin it with his tears. He then put his eyes on his face, and continued crying his heart out, until he slowly quieted down, and rested his hands on his lap. Still sniffling and hiccuping, he kept his had down, face flushed, damp, and salty. "Thank you..." he whispered to Persis. He felt a little better. Lighter. Though he still was lost in his confusion, he figured he needed to be patient. Maybe things would really be okay, eventually. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis felt quite hopeless as Aarni cried beside him. Any time before, Persis would usually know what to say or do. He always did, no matter who or what the situation. Now... Persis slightly frowned, his expression softening as Aarni finally spoke again. "Always, young Aarni. I will always be here for you, even if you are far away. Do you feel a little better now?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni glanced at Persis with a teary, grateful smile, but quickly turned away when he felt more sobs in his chest. "Mhm", he nodded, and dried his face on his arms as best as he could. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis managed a faint smile as he heard Aarni's reply and he offered him a small tissue. "Here.. dry your tears, young Aarni. Would you like to try to pray at least once more before we go? Maybe ask for a blessing, at the least?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni took the tissue and wiped his face on it. He thought for a moment before nodding. "Y..yeah, that'd.. be nice." He looked up with bloodshot eyes to see if the priest was free now. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Persis also looked around, wondering if the session was over yet. @Twig | Seki / Aarni @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The service had concluded, and Pilandour was talking with the young woman with the baby. They seemed to be saying their goodbyes for the night, so it'd be a good time for Persis and Aarni to approach. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni stood up and walked closer to the Priest, staying a couple of feet aside not to rush in during their goodbyes. He was feeling a little bit shaky and cold after crying so much, and his expression probably wasn't the brightest either. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis walked along with Aarni, making sure to wave or bow goodbye to those passing them. He waited momentarily as the priest spoke to the woman they had spoken to previously, waiting until she had gone before approaching. "Good evening, sir. May we borrow some of your time?" Persis asked the priest. @Twig | Seki / Aarni @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

As the young mother left, Pilandour turned to face Aarni and Persis. "Oh, of course. Hello again, Aarni. And you must be Persis, I'm glad we've finally met." @Twig | Seki / Aarni @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Hello, good evening", Aarni replied in a bit weaker voice than normally. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis nodded and gave the priest a small bow of his head. "That is correct. It is good to meet you too Mr. Pilandour. We were hoping we could get a prayer from you before we head out for the night?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Of course. Is there anything specific you would like me to pray for?" He smiled. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni kept his head lowered, and apart from sad he seemed kind of embarrassed. "Um... I'm not sure if the Lifebringer is listening to me.... Can you ask her-, him, to listen and respond to me? And to.. not leave me alone..." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis nodded along with Aarni's request and gently placed his hand on Aarni's shoulder. "What young Aarni said here. He has been feeling... a little homesick, so anything that may fall into line of that would be appreciated, Mr. Pilandour." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Twig | Seki / Aarni (edited)

"Of course." Pilandour nodded, and turned to Aarni. "May I take your hand, young man?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Aarni nodded, looked at Pilandour sheepishly and held out his hand. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis gave them a little space, watching quietly as Pilandour took Aarni's hand. He was interested to see and hear this prayer. @Twig | Seki / Aarni @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The priest took Aarni's hand into his own and said a short, soft prayer. "Holiest One, guide his path and show him the true way. Make yourself known in his heart and mind, and take him under the fold of your wing. Guide him to his very end and cherish him dearly til then. Psaerae Diyena." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni's eyes threatened to water again. He bowed his head and whispered a soft thank you. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Thank you, Mr. Pilandour. We will get out of your hair now. You must be tired from today's session," Persis said with a slight bow in thanks.

6:49 PM

@Twig | Seki / Aarni @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It is getting rather late... but if you find yourself needing more guidance, my door is always open." He smiled. "Have a nice rest of your night, Aarni and Persis." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Yes, thanks. Goodnight", Aarni said under his breath, glanced up at Persis, and started moving towards the exit. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Thank you. You as well, Mr. Pilandour," Persis smiled as he left with Aarni. Once they were out of the building, he very gently put his hand on Aarni's. "It is going to be okay, young Aarni," he reassured him one more time. "Things can only look up from here." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Aarni let out a weak chuckle, and looked at Persis with a small, sad but grateful smile. "I guess that's true." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

... Asha and Isi arrived at the temple, far after Persis and Aarni had left. Maybe she had been drinking for longer than she thought.. "Well, here we are." Asha said. @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi took in the temple, looking around and- not seeing anyone like Asha had described previously. She looked around at the stained glass. "Did we miss them?" She asked, furrowing her brow. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I guess so.. I might've been gone longer than I thought." Asha said. "As far as I know, no one's heard anything back from trying to pray to Albanes, but knock yourself out if you want." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi looked at Asha in confusion. "Can she- actually hear it if someone prays?" She seemed surprised at the idea. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Beats me. If she can, she sure likes to give the silent treatment." Asha rolled her eyes. "Aarni is convinced she means well." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi frowned. "Well if she can hear, its worth a shot- right? Maybe she can help somehow." She side-eyed Asha. "I know she- might not want to but I wanna try it at least" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 (I am so so sorry i got so busy)

"You're free to try. I just know she's never going to respond to me, or her supposed bestie.." Asha shrugged. "I'll wait outside, I'd hate my vibe to interfere." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi nodded. "Okay, I'll- probably see you in just a few moments" Isi replied. She wasn't even sure how prayer was meant to work. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Asha nodded, and headed out of the temple... @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi turned and walked further into the sanctuary, feeling a little stupid but a lot more desperate. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (isi would like to attempt a prayer to Albanes)

Isi would sense nothing and feel nothing sorry girl. @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi's shoulders dropped and her face fell a little bit. She hadn't put much stock in the idea in the first place but a little part of her had hoped. Isi turned and followed to find Asha outside the temple, with a resigned but not surprised expression. "Yeah, you were right" she shrugged. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"About what I thought would happen." Asha shrugged. "No one's heard anythinggggg, so much for being kind and benevolent.. She could at least leave us a note or something but noooooooo, that's far beneath her station... Urgh. It's so frustrating, being stuck here, but knowing we don't belong." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi kicked at the ground a bit, clearly similarly frustrated by this point. "I keep on wondering, yknow? Like this all feels like- life. LIke I just woke up in some strange village on the other side of the world. Like I'm still staring at the same sky as anyone still alive, as any of my friends. But it all just feels wrong, Everything feels so wrong. Like they're trying to give us some consolation prize for dying, and its this weird half-life." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"It might feel like it, but it definitely isn't. You don't get tired, or drunk, or ever feel pain.. It's all so fake." Asha shook her head. "I don't know if this is any better or worse than there just being nothing after Naiyta kills you. The longer I'm here, the less avenues of escape I think are possible. It's just so.. Frustrating." @sketti | Isi 🦌

"I'm glad it's not nothing, I'm glad I'm still me, but none of us asked for this in the first place and we just got pointlessly shoved into worse way to exist. I can't stay in this town forever, either. Don't think I could stay anywhere forever" Isi hugged herself a bit as she spoke. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. Yeah.. I'm not big on this place.." Asha said. ".. Can you see in the dark at all because of your, ah, deer parts? Sorry if that's rude. I just can't see for crap out here." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi hesitated at the description, then nodded. "Yeah, I can see pretty well" she replied. She'd never really thought of it that way, deer parts versus... what, human parts? She'd always just been Isi, a fawn, maybe. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Dang." Asha said and glanced around, seeing nothing but the lights of the town. Even those weren't super bright. "Do you have powers? I do, but I can't access them.. Another thing that's frustrating." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi's face scrunched a bit. "I do- I mean I did? I don't know, I can't...get to them." She exhaled, standing up a bit straighter. "I talk with creatures, animals, some bugs, some sea animals- and they listen to me, if I want them to, and I listen to them, always. But its so quiet here and at first I thought it was because there weren't any creatures but there are, so I guess I just...can't hear them anymore. They don't seem to understand me either" when shrugged, trying to play off how frankly devastating all that had been to learn before she found Asha. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Really, she took away your talking to animal powers? Those are harmless.. What do animals even talk about?" Asha shook her head. "I figured she'd only take away destructive powers like mine, but.. nope, she's being cruel to everyone equally I guess." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi considered the statement. "Well, not too harmless- I technically got the last tourn I was in shut down using them, but - I still hate that they're gone, she still didn't have to- its just all too quiet. I'm glad we don't have to sleep here because I really don't know if I'll be able to" She confessed. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. You were in another tournament too?" Asha asked. "And you shut it down by talking to a little woodland creature..? What could it have even known about anything?" @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi furrowed her brow. "You too? What was yours like?" She questioned. And oh here we go. Isi's ears lowered slightly. "It wasn't exactly a - tiny woodland creature. I mean it is tiny but, its a flesh-eating worm and it told me things that helped me figure out that Yeonaixho, the one from my world, had his dead wife in some basement lab. I found a bunch of tunnels and kinda just kept walking until I found it accidentally. From there it all just kinda fell apart, I think. He was trying to use the powers of the people who lost their fights to bring her back to life." She frowned. "I still have it, uh- had it, before I died. The worm, I mean. It originally belonged to this girl named Madeline and I think Albanes, the one keeping us here, recognized it. I don't know what happened to it after I died." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

To be honest, Asha really couldn't care less about some gross worm.. Especially a flesh-eating one that apparently knew dark secrets. "Juno did always talk about his dead wife.. But she was definitely dead-dead, and not in a basement.." Asha said. "The tournament I was in was in Ninjago, off the coast. On some island I'd never heard of. It was hosted by some guy named Chen and his homo-erotic sidekick. They promised a wish to the winners.. Me and Juno wanted to bring our spouses back- his wife and my husband. Our fight was against each other, but we refused to fight and turned against the hosts. I blew them up and everyone went home. Apparently there was some dungeon, and they were planning on bringing back some long-deceased species of serpentine..? I dunno, I didn't really care about their motivations, I just wanted to go home." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi wrinkled her nose. "Bring back serpentine? Like zombies? My tournament had a lot of zombies" she replied. "I'm so glad you got out but I'm sorry the wish wasn't true, that must've been a big let down" She folded her arms. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Well, who knows, maybe the wish was true. But the tournament ended because the hosts died before there was any real winner." Asha said and looked up at the stars. They were unfamiliar constellations. Kaizer wasn't up there- he wasn't anywhere around here. "But.. I learned some valuable stuff there. I talked to a ghost version of my husband and wrapped some things up. I.. It had already been six years since he died at that point. We were two eighteen year old kids. Talking to that ghost of him, trapped in his eighteen year old spirit.. I realized I was mourning and yearning for a guy that I had grown apart from. I kinda idealized everything I remembered about him, and forgot some of the stuff I didn't like." Asha said. "And even if I can't get home, I wanted to get to my departed realm. That's where him and my first child are, more than anything I want to see what they became. What my boy's name is.." "But my first priority is getting home to my family now. There's three kids back there, and a husband that's kind of hopeless without me." Asha sighed, and closed her eyes. "Oh, Roman.. He better be asking for help and not trying to manage everyone on his own." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi listened, nodding along to the story even as some of the words confused her. She didn't exactly know what to say, she didn't know if she had to say much with how much Asha seemed to have already figured out for herself. Isi frowned. Was this another alternate world thing, or just a same-name thing? "Roman? Like the Roman that was here?" She shook her head a bit, like she thought that might be stupid. "I want you to get back to your kids and husband too. I need to get back to my friend Yuga, we were traveling together and pretty much only had eachother to rely on most days. I don't think he has any idea that I didn't just abandon him and I need to get back and find him. I promised Darcy I'd stick with him to help him stay alive too, he's dealing with a terrible illness and I have to make sure he stays okay. I have another friend, Roy, he might be okay but he's real important to me and I don't want him thinking I just disappeared"

@Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. Kinda like the guy here. That is Roman, but a different universe one... Mine is not nearly as weird. Regardless, sorry if he said or did anything weird with you, I still feel a little responsible for him.." Asha sighed. Roy and Yuga didn't mean anything to her. "Sorry about your friend Yuga, hopefully he's doing alright without you.." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi shook her head. "He didn't do anything to me but he did hurt Darcy, so I can't say I like him at all. But that's not on you- don't worry about it" She nodded. "Yuga's strong, I'm sure he'll survive just fine. I just don't want him to feel hurt" She folded her arms. "But if we find a way out of here, then maybe I can make things better. For him and Darcy. and you can get back to your family" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. He hurt Darcy? Why would he even- yknow- I'm not even gonna worry about him, that'll just give me high blood pressure.." Asha sighed. "Yeah.. let's just hope you're right, because I don't even know where to go from here.." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi's shoulders dropped a bit. "I don't either. But I don't know what else to do if not- that" she replied with a bit of defeat in her voice. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. Maybe we can keep walking for a little bit." Asha said. "You can't really get tired or exhausted here, so you can maybe just keep walking all night." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi smiled at Asha. "I guess that beats agonizing, doesn't it? I'd like that" She looked at the sky, still pretty even if it wasn't hers. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Yeah.. This place is pretty different than my home, so maybe it'll be fun to see something new." Asha said and stood back up straight. "You said you're from woods like this, right?" @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi shrugged. "Yeah I think so, that's as far back as I can remember- running around woods like these" She looked at the forest, as much of it as she could make out. "What's home like for you?" Isi already had already taken a step forward. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Asha followed. "It's mostly shrubland, with desert out to the east. Not nearly as green as here.. Except for the rainy season when everything blooms for a few weeks. And we definitely don't have any deer, I usually only see those laying next to the highways on the way to the city." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi looked interested. "I don't think I've been anywhere like that- I'd love to see it" She paused. "-buuut maybe I'd stay away from highways. just incase" Isi looked a little contemplative after that. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 (edited)

"There's usually not much there for outsiders who aren't interested in business, but when you get back to your universe, feel free to come check out Mlipuko sometime." Asha smiled. "But yeah, I wouldn't get anywhere near those roads unless you're in a car, it's not really safe for anyone." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi nodded and grimaced a little bit at the last sentence but overall still just seemed interested. "If I go to the Mlipuko in my universe, does that mean I might meet a different you? All over again?" She questioned. "That would be kinda strange." She wondered what sort of conversation that would lead to. 'oh yeah i met an alternate version of you in the an afterlife bar after we both lost death matches' She started thinking about- other implications too, like with Darcy. Their timelines were different. Was that even her Darcy? Not that she would care about him any less no matter what universe he was from, but if she made it back home was she just gonna find- her own Darcy, okay enough, but still hiding things from her? Weird. weird. She decided to stop thinking about it. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Yeah, it'll be a different me.. Or maybe even not me, I dunno.. I know we're not from the same universe, because my Juno is not evil and has a husband." Asha said. "But Mlipuko is accepting of tourists, we don't get many after all. Some outside money is nice." @sketti | Isi 🦌

"I don't have any money, but I'll still visit if I can. I like seeing what's out there" She smiled as they walked, thinking now about the light barrier. Even if she wasn't dead the idea of being caged in this town forever was just as bad. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Mm, yeah, it's kinda out in the middle of nowhere.. and like I said, you shouldn't walk all the way there from the city." Asha said. "I'm sure if you made it though someone would be willing to give you a place to stay for the night. I can't make any promises it'll be me, but if it is, feel free to try to explain this scenario, hah." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi looked like she found that idea funny. "Well, if you from my world went through a tournament once like you did, maybe she'd believe some of it. Or think I was playing some cruel joke" she shrugged. "But it'd be nice to see you I think, even if its not really you- thats still so weird to me. That if we do get out of here, you'll be in some other world and- what if theres another me running around that one?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"All this universe stuff kinda goes over my head. Apparently there's universes where my husband is still alive- which I guess makes sense, but it's weird to think about. Maybe there's another one of you around, but the only animal person I know is my bestie Ariana, but she's an axolotl person." @sketti | Isi 🦌

"An axolotl person? I've never met someone like that- what's Ariana like?" Isi tilted their head. To be fair they'd never met another fawn either but yknow. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Well.. She's like a woman, but she has these gills on her head, they're pink. And she can turn in to an axolotl... And she usually has some weird rock with her. I don't usually ask too many questions about it, she came to the village to do some geology research and decided to stay a while back. She's married to one of my other friends Genesis- oh! She has squid tentacles for hair. How could I forget. Her family has been in the village for a few generations. Apparently her brother is some famous wrestler guy.. But I'm not super in to that stuff." @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi listened with confusion and interest. "I have to meet her- she can turn into an Axolotl? I've met some people who can turn into creatures but not an axolotl yet. Maybe she could help me figure out how they speak. It's a bit more difficult- trying to talk to underwater creatures. they're tricky for me" Isi seemed excited by this information, even unconsciously speeding up her walking pace a little bit. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I can't understand anything she says when she's like that- and she doesn't do it often." Asha said, and tried her best to keep up with Isi. She didn't get tired, but this was faster than she usually walked. "How do you normally talk to animals?" @sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi tugged the Ocarina hanging around her neck out of her shirt. "I normally use this, if I can. I don't even know why but it seems to make me clearer to them" she explained. "But if I know an animal- or their species well enough, I can just use my own voice, yknow, chirps, whistles, clicks. It really depends" Isi frowned. "It hasn't worked at all here. I'm not- used to them being scared of me, like they are of most people. I hate it. I hate it so much." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

aarni talks to the temple guy

persis and aarni go to mass

asha and isi at the temple