MASKTOURN

On the south side of the village, close to the outskirts, is Sieandes’s home. It’s a decently sized family home, with two stories. The first story has a small kitchen, a living room, a dining room, and a laundry room. On the second story are three bedrooms- a master suite, and two bedrooms for the four boys. There’s a third door, but it’s been boarded up, and it’ll take a lot of effort to get through. There’s also a master bathroom on the second floor, as well as a bathroom used by the boys. The entire household has an air of country homeliness- the walls are decorated by family photos and embroidered samplers, the shelves hold old china plates and more dust than seems possible. It’s a quaint little home- it seems almost out of a dream, or a distant memory…

(Moving here for now) Persis ran up to Sieandes' home, and before knocking, made sure to dust himself off a bit. He cleared his throat before knocking gently on the door. "Hello, good evening! It is Persis," he said through the door. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The door was opened by Sineclaer- Sieandes's mother. She was wearing her apron and had her hair tied back in a scarf- she'd probably just stepped away from preparing dinner. "Oh, hello, Mr. Lancaster. You're a bit early, I haven't quite finished cooking dinner yet." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis smiled warmly as he saw Sineclaer and he shook his head. "Oh, no worries, Ms. Shairoun. I did come a little earlier than expected, so I hope it is no trouble to you," Persis replied. "I do hate to bother you even more than I am, but I happened to bump into a lost man on my way here. He seems to live around here, but cannot seem to remember who he is. I was wondering if you or your family may know him," Persis explained and took a small step aside so Sineclaer could see the tall, blonde stranger in the distance. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Sineclaer peered around Persis to try and look at this stranger... Suddenly, the stranger let out a sharp, shrill cry of pain, and collapsed to the dirt ground. He held his head in his hands, and kept whimpering in anguish... @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis cringed as he heard the sudden shriek of pain. He immediately put down the items he was holding onto a nearby perch before heading back to the stranger. "Sir! Are you okay? What is wrong? Are you in pain?" Persis asked him as he knelt down next to him and gently placed his hand on his back. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Sineclaer followed Persis over to the man. His pain was slowly easing as Persis approached, though he kept whimpering and covering his head. "Ah- it was so sharp and sudden... I felt like I was dying..." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis frowned and he quickly examined over the stranger for any external injuries. "I do not see anything physically wrong..." He concluded and turned to look at Sineclaer. "Miss Shairoun, is it possible we can lay him down inside? I want to make sure he is not injured, but there is only so much I can do out here." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Sineclaer was hesitant, but nodded. She helped the stranger up, though his hands didn't leave his head. "Let's get you inside..." She huffed, and began to bring him inside.. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis immediately moved to help Sineclaer carry the man, taking a bit more since he didn't want Sineclaer to strain herself. "Steady breaths, sir. We are bringing you inside for a moment. Focus on my words," he instructed.

9:14 AM

@innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The man kept breathing frantically and heavily as he was brought into the house- though, it seemed more from panic than pain now. "Go get some water," Sineclaern told her son, Harlen, who had been sitting on the couch. Harlen nodded and did so, and Sineclaer, with Persis's help, laid the strange man out on the couch, which he was almost too tall to do comfortably. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Once the stranger had been laid down, Persis examined over him once more. "I still do not see anything that could be causing any pain.." He commented and then put his hand to the man's forehead to check for any fever. "Breathe with me, sir. One... two.." Persis inhaled and exhaled. "You are safe. It will be okay." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It came on so suddenly...." The man said, "Like my head had been split clean open- is there any blood? I couldn't have hit it, or anything-" He fell silent, and breathed in accordance to Persis's instruction. He didn't have a fever, and there was no sign of any physical damage... Harlen quickly returned with a glass of water, which Sineclaer set on the coffee table til the man needed it. "Do you know much of medicines, Mr. Lancaster?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis shook his head and removed his hand as he felt no fever. "No, no blood. No visible wounds at all, for that matter. It must be an internal injury in some way, if at all.." He frowned. "I know of basic first aid and some stitching. Nothing more complex than that.. Is there a doctor in town, Miss Shairoun?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The man put his hands up to his head, as if he could somehow feel if he had sustained an internal injury. "The closest doctor's about an hour, hour-and-a-half south from here." Sineclaer frowned. "If it's a concussion, we should keep him as awake as possible." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"That is much too far for any of us to travel to.. I suppose we will simply have to make do," Persis sighed and gently picked up the glass of water Harlen got them. "Thank you, young Harlen," he commented to the young boy before turning back to the stranger. "I am going to dab a wet rag over you for a moment, sir. Would you like any water?" Persis asked as he took out a rag from his pocket and sprinkled a bit of the water onto it. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Harlen nodded, but stayed back to let the adults handle this. "Water- yes. Yes please." The stranger propped himself up on his elbows to drink. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis held the cup to the man's lips and helped him drink the water. "Slowly now... Do not drink it all down at once," he instructed with a gentle voice. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The man drank slowly, only a few sips at a time and only about half the glass in total, before he laid back down. He put a hand over his chest. "My heart's still beating so fast..." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Once the man laid back down, Persis draped the damp cloth over his forehead and turned to Sineclaer again. "I apologize, Miss Shairoun. I do not know why this is happening, but do you by chance know who this man is? Or does anyone in your family?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The man seemed to relax as the cool, damp clothe was placed over his forehead. His eyes fluttered shut, and his breathing eased. Sineclaer pulled Persis slightly away from the stranger, as if to shield the blind man from seeing their conversation. In a low voice, she told Persis. "That man is the hermit. No one really knows who he is, so that's what we call him. He's not from here, he just showed up one day a few years ago, with no idea of who he is or where he came from. He's not... well in the mind, but he seems to fare well enough on his own." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis was slightly surprised when Sineclaer pulled him away, but he remained quiet as she spoke. The 'hermit'? That's what the town's people called him? So it seemed like the strange man had been here for some time already. Persis frowned as all of her words sunk in and he sighed. "I see... So.. no one really knows who he is," Persis stated quietly as he glanced towards the hermit. "I am not sure if he is.. out of mind, but there is something odd about him, for sure. He seems harmless, but.. I do not know how to explain it, but my intuition is telling me there is something about him that is.. different," Persis frowned. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"We don't know. He doesn't know to tell us." Sineclaer sighed, and glanced back to where the man was resting peacefully. "I feel bad for him, I suppose, all alone out there... but I don't know. He usually keeps to himself. Once he's better, you can help the boys or I to walk him back home, so you know where he lives. If you ever come across him again, you should just get him back to where he lives. Best to... leave him alone." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis nodded at that and let out another small sigh. He was a little disappointed, he couldn't lie, but another part of Persis was relieved the stranger wasn't someone troublesome at least. It seemed like he was at most, an oddball. "Very well. I told him I would escort him back, so if any of you already know where his home is, that is great. Perhaps young Sieandes would not mind showing me." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Sieandes is probably still out with his father- but he'd be the best guide out of the boys. I should finish up supper. Would you still like to join us tonight?" Sineclaer asked. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis thought about it for a moment before shaking his head. "No, I believe I have already stayed my welcome. Of course, those flowers I rested on your porch are for all of you, so please enjoy them, but I believe it best I get this gentleman home before late," he replied with a kind smile. "If not young Sieandes, I have already bothered him enough today, perhaps young Harlen or Pietre can help me to the man's home instead?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh, you shouldn't have, Mr. Lancaster. You're too kind." Sineclaer sighed, though her tone was affectionate. She turned back to her son. "Harlen, you take Mr. Lancaster over to the hermit's house once he's ready to go." Harlen nodded, but kept his gaze on the ground. Sineclaer turned back to Persis. "Is he ready to go now?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis smiled a bit at Sineclaer and Harlen before turning back to the hermit. He stepped to him and gently rested his hand onto his shoulder. "Sir..? How are you feeling? Are you able to move?" He quietly asked. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The man's pale eyes fluttered open again. "Oh- ah, yes. I am feeling better now. Are we going home?" He began to sit up. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Yes. One of Miss Shairoun's son will also come with us. He apparently knows where your home is," Persis smiled and he gently removed the wet rag on his forehead. "Here, let me help you up.." Persis said as he helped the hermit up. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ahhhh, alright. Hello and nice to meet you again, son of Miss Shairoun!" The hermit greeted Harlen as he sat up with Persis's assistance. "Uh. Hey, Mr. Hermit." Harlen replied. "Are you guys ready to go?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis nodded and put his hand on the hermit's shoulder to help guide him out. "Yes, let us head out, little Harlen," Persis replied. "Apologies for dragging you out this late. I brought you all some cookies, so hopefully you can enjoy it as a treat later." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The hermit leaned heavily on Persis at the start, but seemed to get his footing quickly and only held onto Persis for guidance. Harlen led them to the door, apathetic at first but perking up at the mention of cookies. "Aw, sweet! Thank you, Mr. Lancaster!" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis smiled warmly at the little boy as he helped the hermit outside. "Of course. I tried a different recipe this time, so it should be better than the last. How far out is this Sir's home from here?" Persis asked with a light voice. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It's only a short walk. He lives on the edge of the woods, on this side of town. That's why he's always hanging around our place." Harlen said. The hermit followed wordlessly, carefully ducking under the doorframe. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis continued to hold onto the hermit as they followed Harlen. "I see. That makes a lot of sense," Persis hummed. "Do you know if the sir here has a walking cane of some sort? He said he had forgotten it somewhere... So I am hoping maybe it is back at his home or on the way there." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah, he uses one of those long canes, cause he can't see." Harlen explained. "That is true. I believe I left it at home, though." The hermit offered. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Ah, one of those white canes?" Persis commented. "I see. Hopefully it is there when we arrive. I imagine it is difficult to obtain another cane like that being all the way out here.." He hummed. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Yes, I would hate to loose it..." The hermit sighed as they walked along the paths, leaving the family's property. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis simply nodded and continued to follow Harlen out towards the fields once more. It was after a couple minutes did the farmer speak up again. "Young Harlen, how have you been? Your older brother spoke a little to me about you earlier. Have you been doing well?" He asked the younger boy. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I've been alright." Harlen replied, with the distant nonchalance of a teenager that didn't quite want to be asked how he'd been recently. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis didn't mind the nonchalance, he was more than happy to fill the time himself. "That is better than being bad! I am glad to here it," he smiled at the boy. "Have you been up to anything interesting lately?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Not much. Just the usual." Harlen replied. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Ah, helping with the farm and such? That is good. You know, I found a few more sweaters in the boxes I have at home. I was wondering if you would like any of them," Persis suddenly remembered. "I believe they used to belong to my youngest son, but he has grown out of them long ago. I know you tend to wear baggier things and I think they would fit your preference." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. I do a lot of chores for mom around the house, too." Harlen nodded. "Oh, nice. Can I come look at them sometime?" It'd be nice to have new clothes that weren't just Sienande's hand-me-downs. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis nodded, smiling. "Of course. I should of brought the box over, but it completely slipped my mind until now. My youngest also liked a lot of grays and darker colors, so I thought it would interest you more," he chuckled softly. "Are we almost there to the house now?" He asked and glanced around the fields. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

(Coming back here) Persis walked Harlen back to his home and while back outside, picked up the flowers and treats he had put down towards the side. "Here are the cookies I spoke about, young Harlen. Oh, and some flowers as well. I made sure to pick pieces you all would prefer," Persis smiled as he handed Harlen the flowers. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Thank you, Mr. Lancaster." Harlen nodded and took both the cookies and the flowers into his arms. "I bet the whole family will like all these a lot." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis smiled at the young boy and gave him a thumbs up. "I hope you all enjoy. Young Sieandes quite liked them. Have the cookies with some tea and it will be perfect." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Harlen returned the thumbs-up as best he could with his hands full. "Thank you! Safe travels going home!" He said, before turning to go back inside. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"I will! Goodnight, young Harlen!" Persis bid farewell with a smile and wave, before turning around and heading back home.

... Asha took about half an hour to cool off before heading toward the house. But she did eventually get there, just as it was starting to get dark out. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Sineclaer was standing outside the house, talking with two men around the same age as her. Both seemed like farmer types, and one (the one that wore glasses) bore a bit of a resemblance to Sineclaer's sons. "Oh, hello, Asha." Sineclaer waved as she noticed her approaching. "No luck with the hermit, I assume?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Asha waved back, putting a slightly strained smile on to her face. "Good evening!" She said. "And no, he's.. pretty hard headed. He wouldn't listen to anything I had to say.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm... I kinda figured that might happen." Sineclaer sighed. "Anyways, this is my husband, Deveus, and our friend Saul. Saul's gonna be the one taking you up to Alveta." "Good evening, Mrs. Issa." Saul gave her a respectful nod. He didn't seem like the talkative type. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

'Her husband's name is devious?' "Hello, Deveus, nice to meet you! You got a lovely wife, you know." Asha chuckled. "And Saul! Nice to meet you too, thanks for taking me, I really appreciate it." "What do you want? I have a few rings, my necklace, my earrings.. I don't have any currency from this country to give, but you could sell it off for a good amount of change in the city, I'm sure." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Thank you, she treats me well." Deveus gave a slight smile. "Of course, ma'am." Saul nodded. "I'll take whatever you offer, anything to help a stranger in need." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

If she was home, she would have made a comment like 'well yeah she must, because you have so many kids!', but she wasn't sure if this was the type of town where you should casually make a joke at how much sex someone has when you hardly knew them. Probably not. "That's very kind of you." Asha said. She slid off two of her gold rings with emerald inlays, notably not her wedding ring, and held them out to Saul. "I'd imagine that these would go for a few hundred, each." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Saul delicately took the rings- it was clear this was not a man used to handling such expensive, delicate objects. "Thank you, ma'am." He carefully put them in his cleanest pocket. "I can bring the truck out here if you're ready to get going. We'll be able to stop in Lusthaut for the night, but that's a few hours out and it'd be best to make use of what daylight we have." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

'Lust-haut?' She made a slight face, but quickly corrected it. Sineclaer probably wouldn't okay her going to some weird sex motel, so.. Must have just been a strange name. "Mhm, I'm ready to get headed out now.." It felt weird to not eat right before a trip, or even bring food, but she didn't feel hunger. A weird quirk of this place she was ready to be rid of. "What time is it exactly, by the way? I don't have a watch." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Deveus checked his watch. "Seven-seventeen pm." He reported. "Safe travels out there, Asha. I hope you can get home safe." Sineclaer gave a slight smile. "I'll go get the truck." Saul said, and walked to the back of the house where he had, presumably, parked. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Hah, they'd probably pass by that stupid merchant on the way out. Looooooooserrrrrrr. "Thank you, Sineclaer. I hope so too. I'll be sure to send some kind of reward for helping me out when I get back home." Asha bowed her head slightly. "I hope you and your family prosper, mungu akupe kheri daima." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh- thank you." Sineclaer wasn't expecting any reward, but she wasn't going to say no. She visibly didn't understand the Swahili Asha had spoken, but returned it with parting words of her own. "Blessings of the Lifebringer upon you and yours." Saul soon returned in an old-looking but still functional pickup truck. He opened the passenger side for Asha, and stood by it to help her in if she needed. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

That was basically what Asha had said, but referencing a specific God. And one she didn't really like, at that. As the truck arrived, Asha straightened up her dress and made sure she had her purse before heading over to the truck. She did manage to get up on her own, using the handle as some leverage. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Saul closed the door and got in on the driver's side. "You all settled in? These country roads can get a bit rough." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Mhm, I'm ready. The road out of my village isn't great either, so I'm used to that." Asha chuckled and made sure her dress was sitting right before folding her hands in her lap. "Again, thank you. I really appreciate this." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"'Course." Saul hummed, and started the engine. He drove slowly getting off the dirt farm roads and onto the more gravelly main road, then onto the paved road out of the town. He didn't say anything as they drove. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Asha didn't have anything to say either, though she did look out the window to try to see if they'd pass by the merchant.. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

They did indeed pass Idaine, though he was busy bargaining with an elderly woman. "What's that crook doing with Mrs. Belfreit...." Saul muttered as he caught attention of the scene. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I offered him way too much in exchange for driving me this way, and I'm sure he's realizing I'm not coming. Must be trying to recoup his stupid loss." Asha laughed. "But I hope she doesn't give him anything, he doesn't deserve it." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm." Saul hummed in thought. "Mrs. Belfreit is too smart to let him cheat her, I'm sure she'll be alright." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I hope so. I'm sure he's desperate. He really took joy in feeling like he was taking advantage of me. Hah, now he gets nothing. Serves him right." Asha grinned and leaned back in her seat. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm." Saul hummed in agreement, but said no more. They were nearing the edge of town, now, but there was still a bit before they'd leave the valley. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Asha was shocked this fake reality even lasted this long. Wait, were they going to drive off the plane like when Asher would glitch out a video game? What would happen then? "When's the last time you left town, Saul?" Asha asked, casually. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Not in a while. I work as a blacksmith, so most of my business keeps me in town, but occasionally someone calls me out to work on something somewhere else." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Not in a while, huh.." Asha sighed. "But you're a blacksmith? What do you usually make?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Tools. Household objects. Machine parts. Whatever people need me to make. I usually make whatever people need, rather than making a whole lot of everything someone might need." He shrugged. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Ah, that makes sense for a small town." Asha nodded. "A silversmith back home made all my jewelry, but we usually just import tools and the like." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. We're a bit far out here, as you know, so it's easier to just have me make all the tools and whatnot when they're needed. Same reason I go to the other towns that don't have a blacksmith- easier for them, too." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Mm, our tools we need for manufacturing are a bit expensive and complicated, so it wouldn't make sense for us to dedicate a big chunk of our small population to manufacturing the parts when we need them working in other places." Asha said. "What's your favorite thing to make?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. Makes sense." Saul nodded. "I like making anythin' pretty. Little flowers and coils and stuff, always nice to make metal look delicate and flowery and all. Like... candlesticks, or certain kinds of fences." They were climbing uphill now, getting close to the valley threshhold. There'd be a glare from the setting sun as they traveled. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Awww, a softie at heart." Asha chuckled, though her light hearted attitude seemed to be fading as they headed up the hill. She went silent, and just kept a close eye on the terrain.. It surely couldn't be this easy. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

As they crested the hill, the glare only grew brighter and brighter, til it was like they were staring into the sun itself. The truck's engine sputtered to a stop at the top of the hill. "What the-" Saul grumbled, and took a step out of the truck, having to shield his eyes with his hand as he made his way out to the front. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Wasn't it supposed to be getting dark out? As the truck stopped, Asha was filled with a sense of anxiety. Partially because she worried the truck would roll down the hill with her in it, and partially because she knew this was her fault. Of course it wasn't this easy. Asha decided to get out as well, and didn't have to shield her eyes quite as much, but still put her hand up anyway. She walked up to the front with him. "Wh-what happened?" She asked nervously. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Don't know..." Saul grumbled. He paused by the good, but instead of opening it kept his attention on the light. He began to reach his hand out towards it... @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

... They shouldn't touch that, right? Right? She should say something. She should offer to touch the light, since this was her fault. But instead she just took a quick step away and stood behind the open truck door on her side, watching what would happen through the glass window. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

As Saul reached his hand into the light, it stopped- like he was touching a wall. He had only just made contact with it when he let out a pained gasp, and collapsed onto the ground. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"SAUL!" Asha gasped.... But waited a moment to make sure he wasn't going to explode before she went to him. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

He didn't show any signs of exploding... he just looked unconcious. Or worse. It'd be hard for Asha to tell. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

'Crap crap crap crap crap SHIT!' Asha's mind was racing. If this guy was dead, everyone was going to think she did it! Was there a jail here? She couldn't go to jail! She rushed over to him and knelt down next to him, using one hand to shield her eyes from the light and the other to feel for his pulse. "Please please please please please-" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

She'd detect a faint pulse, but Saul didn't show any signs of waking. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Good, not dead, but.. Asha's expression hardened, and she stared right in to the light. "FUCK YOU, Albanes!" She screamed out, right in to the light. "I'm going to find my way out of here, and when I do, ohhhhhh, you're gonna regret locking all of us innocent folks in here! You ass!" Her options here were pretty limited... In a few minutes Idaine would probably be passing by, and she'd rather not be knocked out unconscious like Saul here. She could somehow get Saul back in the truck and try to somehow drive it back down, touch the light, or.. Wait. She mostly decided to wait, but she reached in to her purse and took out an old gum wrapper, which she threw at the light to see what would happen. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The wrapped hit the wall and bounced off it's surface, like a gum wrapper would on a normal wall. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

The wall wasn't even invisible. Just a light wall. She glanced around for any sticks that were lying around nearby... @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

There were lots of sticks on the side of the road, near the underbrush of the forest. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Asha got up and grabbed the longest, sturdiest looking one, and charged at the wall. She had a very strong grip on it, and tried to stab it through the wall. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

It was like trying to stab a brick wall with a wooden stick. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

.. She kept trying. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

She could try all she wants but she wasn't making any progress. All her jabs were putting her hands dangerously close to the wall, though. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

She kept smacking it until she was out of breath and the stick splintered in to tiny little pieces. "URGH!" She shouted in frustration and tossed the mulch in her hands back to the ground. Not knowing at all what else to do, and not knowing how to drive, she sat down next to Saul and waited for Idaine to come by... Maybe he'd know something about this. He must be able to leave, right..? @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Saul was still definitely out. Which was probably concerning. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

... Asha was avoiding looking at him, because it was freaky to see someone knocked out. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

... the night was growing darker around them, save for the burning glow of the wall. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

That lying ass Idaine... They left less than thirteen minutes before him, right? Where was he? She glanced back at the glowing wall... What other choice did she have? She slowly raised her hand up toward it, but did not yet touch it... @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Asha would be able to feel a slight vibration as she moved her hand towards the wall. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

She squinted.. Why did it feel like that? What was this? She took in a deep breath, closed her eyes, and touched the back of her hand to the wall. Maybe, for some reason, touching it would put them back in their bodies in the real world... @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Asha would feel a slight jolt, and fall completely unconscious.... @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Eep-" Asha squeaked and then slumped over, half on top of Saul. ...

Asha walked all the way back to one of the few places in town she knew.. "Hey- is anyone still up?!" Asha called out as she approached the house. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Sieandes was working in the garden. "Mrs. Asha? I thought you left with Mr. Saul already..." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Good, time hadn't like.. reset or something. And Albanes hadn't wiped this person's memories. "I-i did! But we can't leave town, there's some- some stupid light wall blocking the way! Is that normally there?" Asha asked as she ran up to him, half out of breath. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (edited)

"Huh- what? That doesn't make any sense." Sieandes's brow furrowed. "A- light wall?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Well when Saul touched it, he passed out! And then I touched it, and I also passed out! And woke up in Juno's garden again!" Asha said in quick succession. "Are your parents here? I need to talk to them. Maybe they know what's happening." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"What- huh?" Sieandes was getting more confused by the second. "Yeah- they're just inside..." He left his gardening as it was for the moment, and walked to the door. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Asha anxiously waited outside, hoping that the other reasonable adults in town would have an explanation.. Or whenever Saul got back he'd be able to back her up, if he wasn't still sitting up there.. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

A few minutes later, Sineclaer and Deveus walked ino the garden. "Asha, what happened?" Sineclaer asked. "Siean is telling me these tall tales about you not being able to leave because of a glowing wall? And waking up in a garden?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Good, Albanes didn't disappear them or something! "He's not making it up- that is what happened." Asha said. "I'm not crazy- we were driving up the hill out and the truck stopped, and it was just so bright.. Saul got out of the truck and touched that light, and he passed out! I tried to break through it with a stick, but it wouldn't budge. Then when I touched it, I passed out too! A-and then I woke up in Juno's garden and-.. I have no idea what happened." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Asha, that doesn't make any sense. That sounds... impossible." Sineclaer chose her words carefully." "I'll go to Saul's house." Deveus suggested. "Maybe he's there, too, and can back up your story." "That sounds like a good idea." Sineclaer nodded. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"That's a good idea, thank you.." Asha said. She knew what happened. It was clear in her head, and she knew it was obviously Albanes' doing. But how would she possibly explain it to them in a way that made sense? The only thing they could possibly rationalize out about it is maybe they got hit by on incoming car as they stepped out to see what was wrong with the truck, but Asha's total lack of injuries would suggest otherwise.. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Deveus left, and Sineclaer led Asha inside. "Here, come in... can I get you anything? Water, tea...?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Asha followed her in, but she clearly looked uneasy. "Um.. Tea, tea sounds good. What kinds do you have..?" Asha asked. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Sineclaer led Asha to the living area and let her sit on the couch, before heading to the kitchen. "We have mint and chamomile. Regular black tea, too, but it's a bit late for that much caffeine, I would think." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Keana always had the best tea.. Would she ever have it again? Even if she got moved to the proper afterlife, she wasn't entirely sure what Keana believed.. As someone from the ocean. And Ariana was one of those amphibian people.. Genesis was definitely going to the same place though. "Chamomile sounds nice." Asha said, having taken way too long to answer that simple question. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Alright." Sineclaer said from the kitchen, and began heating up the water. The house was quiet. And quaint. There were lots of family photos on the walls. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Well, while she waited it didn't hurt to snoop a little... She looked around at the photos. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The two kids she had met already appeared in a few of them, alongside two other, younger boys. There was also a girl in many of the photos. A girl that looked a lot like Albanes. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

... God damn it. Albanes would go through all the work of making this place, but wouldn't do any quality control and cut herself out of the photos?! Also, everyone here was dumb. Probably not their faults, though. She sighed deeply, rubbing the side of her face with her hand. If Sineclaer would react in the same way Persis had, it would be best to not comment on the photos until she was seated and the tea was safely in Asha's hands. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

A few minutes later, Sineclaer returned with a steaming cup of tea. "Here you go." She handed it to Asha. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Thank you." Asha said and took the tea. Once it was safely in her hands, she asked, "I noticed in your family photos there's a girl, that's definitely not you.. Who is it?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"What?" Sineclaer looked to the photos. "There's... I mean, some of them are of me when I was younger, but that's not- it's just our family photos." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"But that one-" She pointed with her free hand to a photo featuring the parents, all the boys, and also not-albanes-but-definitely-Albanes. "Who's the girl standing in front of you? Who looks like she could be your daughter?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"There's- there's no girl? There's me, and Deveus, and all our sons. Sieandes, Harlen, Miekal, and Pietre." Sineclaer pointed to each one, her finger never landing on the girl. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Asha sighed, and gently pushed Sineclaer's finger to point at Albanes. "This one. Can't you see her? She's also in pictures at Persis' house. She's friends with one of his kids, or something." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"There's no one there." Sineclaer's brow furrowed, and she drew her hand away. "Asha... I think you should sit down..." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I'm not crazy-" Asha huffed, but took in a deep breath and stopped. That was not helping her appearance. She sat down, and took a small sip of her tea. "Persis can at least see her, I know that. I don't know why you can't." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I... I think we should just wait for Deveus to get back." Sineclaer sighed, and sat on the couch. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. Good idea.." Asha said, and took another sip. This one felt passive aggressive, somehow. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Sineclaer waited in silence. She was clearly anxious. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Asha was also anxious, but also slightly annoyed. Why didn't Albanes just make this easier on everyone and remove herself from the pictures? Or make the losers just as oblivious as the townsfolk? What did she possibly gain from this? @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

A while later, the door opened, and Deveus and Saul walked in. Both men seemed very concerned. "Ah, good, you're back." Sineclaer went to her husband's side. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

So Saul was also back, good! "It's good to see that you're okay, Saul- did your truck get back too?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Wh- of course, Ms. Issa. After we ran into the rockslide, we drove back home, remember?" Saul's brow furrowed. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"We didn't drive back home-" Asha scoffed at just the idea of it. "No there was a light and you- you touched it. And you passed out, and I waited but you didn't get up. Then I passed out, and woke up at the hermit's garden again, just like I did when I first got here. Unless you're saying you dropped me off there, outside, unconscious, I don't know how it could have happened." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"No, I dropped you off here-" Saul shook his head. "Mrs. Issa, I don't know what you're talking about- I don't understand, you were there with me." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I don't understand either, because I specifically don't remember being with you." Asha said. Why did Albanes do this? Why? Why couldn't she just change all of their memories, so she wouldn't be sitting here looking like a CRAZY person? @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I have nothing to trust but what I remember." Saul frowned. Sineclaer turned back to Asha. "Are you certain of what you saw?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Yes, I'm 100% certain, you have to believe me." Asha said. "There's something not right in this town." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Sineclaer frowned, and turned back to Saul and Deveus. They shared a brief conversation, before Sineclaer turned back to Asha. "Where have you been staying?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Asha tried to listen in, but just couldn't hear.. And it would be rude to get up and- wait, she could actually hear pretty well here. Better than she could when she was alive- did Albanes make her hearing better when she got here? She fixed up all of her post partum injuries, so it wouldn't be that hard to believe.. "Why does that matter..?" Asha asked. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Because I think you should go and get some rest. It's getting very late, and my family needs to rest." Sineclaer said. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Yeah, they just thought she was insane. "No- I- I need to get out of here. If we keep talking, maybe we can find out what's happening. I can't stay here. I need to get home to my family." Asha said, shaking her head. "You have to believe me, I- I'm not crazy. Something paranormal happened, and it must've messed with Saul's head." Oh man, she was just digging her own grave deeper. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It's too late to go out again. Deveus and I will get you to wherever you've been staying. I- I think you really need to get some sleep. Please." Sineclaer insisted. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I don't have a place to go back to-.. I stayed with the hermit at the inn the first night, but I freaked out and ditched in the morning, so I doubt I'm welcome back there, and I was staying with Persis but we had an argument..." Asha sighed. "I just want to be home, where people understand me and don't question me all the time..." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Asha. You can't stay here." Sineclaer said, being firm now. "If there is somewhere in town you can stay, we can take you there. But you can't stay here." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Such disrespect from everyone here. So.. so beneath her! She set down her tea cup on a side table and stood up, fixing her dress as she did so. "If you want me gone so bad, I'll just figure out something on my own." Asha said. "I can't go back to the inn, I can't go back to Persis, I can't go back to Juno's.." "I'll find something on my own. I don't need any more help." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Are you sure we can't take you anywhere?" Sineclaer asked once more, but walked Asha to the door. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. Where else would I possibly be able to go here?" Asha asked and opened the door for herself. "Seems like I've used to most of the places that would take me." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"We could take you to the temple." Sineclaer suggested. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

.. Good, a place to curse at God! That is what she wanted to do. ".. Sure. That might work." Asha mumbled. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Alright." Sineclaer nodded, and she and Deveus led Asha out to the truck. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Asha followed, trying to think up everything she wanted to say to Albanes...

this strange man needs help!

asha says her goodbyes to this weird hell

what in the goddamn

asha in the time loop of gaslighting