MASKTOURN

A small house sits at the very edge of the village, almost shrouded in forest completely. It's a small structure, and is visibly aged. It's not very well taken care of, with a mold-eaten roof and a broken window by the kitchen. Even the garden is overgrown with weeds and wildflowers. Whoever's living here, they might not be doing it legally. The interior of the house is simple, and consists of three rooms- a front room that also serves as a kitchen, dining area, and common space, a small bedroom, and a simple bathroom. The house is sparsly furnished and entirely undecorated- if something doesn't serve an incredibly practicle purpose, it cannot be found here. It's an incredibly simple life, fitting for a man who cannot remember who he is.

"Yeah, we're here now," Harlen said once they were a bit away from the hermit's garden. "This is his house." The hermit still lingered by Persis's side. "Hmmm... it does smell like my garden here." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis glanced around the small area, taking in any markers so he would remember how to get here. It was small enough for a single man to live in, and even though some spaces needed some work, it made sense to Persis. "Let me help you inside and we can see if your cane is around, sir," Persis said as he helped the hermit to what he assumed was the entrance to his house. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah, thank you!" The hermit smiled, and followed Persis to the entrance. Both the fence gate and the door were unlocked, and the house inside was dim and sparsely decorated. The cane leaned on the wall near the door, though, resting next to a coatrack that held one singular winter coat. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Oh, there's your cane, sir!" Persis smiled as he left the hermit's side to grab the cane leaning on the wall. He brought it back to the hermit and placed it into his hand. "Here you are, sir. Thank goodness it is safe and sound." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah, thank you! Thank God it was just here..." he sighed, and adjusted the cane to his normal hold. "Can I offer you anything before you go? I have water, tea, maybe I could get you something to eat?" While all this was happening, Harlen was waiting outside, watching some lizards that were sunbathing on the hermit's garden fence. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis smiled a bit at the hermit, but shook his head at his offer. "No, I am alright, thank you," Persis politely declined. He felt if he spent any more time with this stranger, he'd be much too awkward. "Plus, I have to get young Harlen home. I would hate for him to be late for dinner with his family. Though, now that you are back here, if you ever travel further down the fields you were at before, you will come across my own home. If you ever have an emergency, my door is open for you, sir." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah, that's alright." The hermit hummed. "It'd be best not to stay out too long before the sun sets, with him being as young as he is." He nodded. "Ah, thank you! I will keep that in mind. It was nice meeting you, Persis." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Thank you for understanding, ah," Persis paused for a moment. "Calling you 'hermit' or 'sir' is a bit impolite of me.. Is there something more proper I could call you?" He asked the hermit. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'm not sure! But you can call me whatever you like." He smiled. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis hummed as he thought. "Is there.. no name at all that you are fond of? Anything that you would prefer, sir?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I don't know my name- I can't remember anything at all relating to it." The man repeated. "Really. I don't mind, you can call me whatever you wish." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

That just made it more awkward for Persis. He was used to giving pets or adopted children names, not another grown individual. "Then I will continue to refer to you as sir, then. I feel as though the village name given to you is a bit... harsh. Stay safe, sir. Have a goodnight now," Persis bid fareell to the hermit before walking back to Harlen. "Let us head out now, little one." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"That's very kind of you- but I really don't mind," He smiled. "Safe travels!" Harlen was still lizard-watching as Persis returned. "Alright." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis offered his hand out to Harlen as they headed off together—A force of habit with most of the younger children. Even though Harlen quite literally lead them there, Persis still offered it. "The lizards here are quite cute, are they not? Did you see an interesting one?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Harlen didn't take the hand, but continued back to his home. "Yeah. I saw a green one, and one that was more yellow. The green one was missing part of its tail, though." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis retracted his hand and continued walking with the boy with a smile. "Ah, most lizards are capable of detaching their tails and regrowing it afterwards. It should be okay," Persis reassured. "Do you like reptiles, young Harlen?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Harlen nodded- evidently already familiar with that lizard factoid. "Yup. I wanna get pet lizards, but Ma says no because Miekal might be scared of them." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

He chuckled a bit at that. "Ah, I see. Young Miekal is a strong lad. I am sure he would enjoy seeing the lizards if given a chance," Persis commented. "Have you ever seen a bearded dragon, young Harlen? It is quite the interesting reptile and makes for a good pet for first time reptile owners." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Harlen only hummed in thought about what Persis said about his brother, but perked up at the continued lizard talk. "I saw one in a book once, but never in real life! Are they really that big? All the lizards here are pretty small." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis nodded and gestured his hands to show the typical length of one. "Mhm. They usually grow to about this size in their adulthood. They can sit on your shoulder pretty comfortably because of that," Persis smiled. "I had a colleague who helped raise some for a bit. He offered some of my children some of the offspring as pets, but they were all more into other animals, so they declined." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Whoaaaaaaaaa..." Harlen marveled at the approximated bearded dragon size. "That's so cool... I can't believe your kids didn't want to keep them." Harlen thought, but didn't say, that Persis's kids were likely a bunch of weirdos. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

(dont worry his daughter just wanted deadly frogs)

Persis chuckled at Harlen's comment. "They are very interesting creatures. My children who liked animals were all into different things.. frogs, cats, dogs.. Never reptiles," he hummed. "If you had a pet lizard, what would you want to name them, young Harlen?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hmmm...." Harlen thought for a long moment. "I'd have to see what kind of lizard it's like, and give it a name based on that. It has to be a good name that suits it." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Ah, that makes sense. You are quite thoughtful, young Harlen," Persis complimented with a smile. "I hope you can have a pet of your own to love and nurture in the future. I believe it is good for many to have a companion of some sort, and a pet can be a great option." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Uh... thanks." Harlen said awkwardly. "I hope so too... I'd take really good care of it, and everything. Maybe Mom will come around, someday." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"I believe you would. I believe your mother is just doing her best to look out for not only you, but also your siblings. It is difficult sometimes balancing all of that," Persis hummed. "Do you know if any of your siblings want any pets?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Yeah... I suppose you're right." Harlen hummed. "We used to have a barn dog, but she died a few years ago... I think Sieandes wants to get another dog, though. He really likes dogs." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Ah, I see. One of my sons also really likes dogs. He has had a few of them over the years, but I am not sure what kind he has now," Persis commented as they got closer to Harlen's home. "I wish we had some spare land for a couple of horses. I know what I have is already quite a lot, but I somewhat miss raising animals." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Our dog was a mutt- I think she was mostly beagle." Harlen hummed. "Some of the people here raise chickens. Maybe you could start doing that, too." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis chuckled a bit at that. "Most dogs are not pure breed anymore, but they are all quite adorable either way," he nodded. "Chickens.. hm, perhaps. It would be nice to have fresh eggs on my own farm, but I will have to clear out some of the land I used for my plants to make room for them." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"If you're interested, I'm sure some of the neighbors would help you get started that. Ms. Belfreit, one of my Ma's friends, knows alot about chickens." @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Persis hummed. "Ah, yes. Perhaps I shall. It would be a great opportunity for me to get to know more of the village-folk as well," he nodded with a smile. "Thank you for the advice, young Harlen." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Yeah, of course." Harlen nodded. They were approaching the family home quickly. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Asha would wake from what felt like an incredibly deep sleep, to find she was… perfectly fine. No aches, no pains- nothing. She also wasn’t in the arena- she wasn’t anywhere she recognized at all. The mountainous landscape around her was completely unfamiliar, She was outdoors, in some kind of vegetable garden- though, most of the vegetables around her seemed to be in pretty poor condition. A run down house was close in sight, but there weren’t any lights on inside. And it was night- a starry, almost picturesque rural sky hung above her. A pleasant summer wind cut through the humidity of the summer night. She was back in the clothes she’d been raptured in, though. Her powers were also suppressed- not entirely gone, but not entirely there. She'd feel as if they were there, she just couldn't muster the strength to actually use them. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"- Kal-" Asha's eyes shot open as she suddenly bolted upward.. With no pain. Her chest didn't hurt, there was no soreness between her legs, she felt less exhausted.. What? Where was she? Had she been.. Kidnapped? The last thing she saw was that fiery person and then.. She must have passed out. She was wearing those same clothes. Had that all been.. A fucked up stress-induced dream? Kal wouldn't.. Wouldn't have let her die. But if she was kidnapped to this random village, she wasn't safe. She took in a few shaky breaths and began to crawl, with a surprising level of ease, to try to find her way out.. She was definitely nowhere near home. She had to find her kidnapper and her way back home. If she was all healed up, she must have been gone for a while. Her family and people needed her. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Despite the lack of light in the house, Asha would be able to hear faint sounds from within. It was unclear what those sounds were, though, or if they'd noticed her yet. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Asha crawled up to the house, doing her best to stay out of sight and as quiet as possible. The lights were off, but someone was in there.. It was so dark she only really noticed the house because of its silhouette against the stars. If there was a person in there, why didn't they have any of the lights on? She kept crawling until she got to a window. She sat up and looked just over the bottom of it to try to see what was inside.. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The interior of the house was, predictably, very dark. Asha could just barely see the silhouette of a tall, limber person sitting in the room, like they had just gotten up from sleeping on a sleeping bag. A... rather familiar voice would call out to her. "Hello? Is someone there?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Tall, probably a man.. "Wait-" Asha said quietly and sat up further. "Juno?! Why am I at your house!! Is your husband here?" Good, she wasn't kidnapped by some random stranger and left unconscious for who knows how long. Juno would be able to clear this up in no time.. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The figure neared the window, revealing his face in the dim light- it definitely looked like Juno, but his hair was different- two long strands in the front, the rest cut in a blunt, slightly angled bob. He gazed distantly forward, not quite meeting Asha's gaze, but she'd be pretty used to that from him. "Ah- what? Do you know me?" He asked. "What are you doing in my garden this late at night? Are you from the village? And, ah, who are you?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Oh man you got a haircut, looks good on you!" Asha smiled. She stood up fully at the window. "Uh, it's Asha. I know it's been a bit since I saw you, but you know me! And to be honest I don't know why or.. How I'm here. Is this the Loucari? I never actually got to visit you and your husband at your house.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah- thank you?" "Uhm. Yes. Hello, Asha." He said awkwardly, his bony hands resting on the windowsill. "Ah... I think you may have me mistaken for somebody else? Or you may not- I don't actually remember who I am. I... could be your Juno. Maybe. The name doesn't seem.... exactly right. But I don't know!" He shrugged, seeming... pretty carefree about all this. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"What? Uh, do you usually go by Yeonaixho here or whatever?" Asha asked and placed her hands on top of his on the windowsill. "And stop messing with me, you know me, June! I went to your wedding! And you came to mine! You and your husband were planning on making a visit in a few months- we were really looking forward to it." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah- I don't know, I- I can't remember." He frowned, his hands flinching away at Asha's touch. "I really don't know who I am, if I'm your friend or not. I might have known you, I just... I can't remember. I'm very sorry." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. You can't remember..?" Asha asked. That statue. The one from her dream.. His head was blown straight off. Was that some kind of symbolism? What else from there had meaning like that? Maybe deep down she had subconscious memories, memories of whatever it was that got her to the Loucari and made Juno forget everything. "Weird.. When did you get your hair cut?' Asha asked. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I really don't. I'm sorry." He shook his head. His hand went to his neck as Asha mentioned his hair. "Ah... I don't know that, either, it's been this way for as long as I can remember." Which, based on how this conversation had gone so far, probably wasn't the longest time. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Hmm.. Could I come inside?" Asha asked. "And could you turn a light on? It's pretty dark out.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh of course! Come around to the front door, it should be unlocked. I'll get a light for you- honestly, I often forget other people can see." He laughed- definitely Juno's laugh, and that was a tried and often repeated little quip Asha had definitely heard before. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I know you do." Asha said and backed up from the window. She walked over to the door, glancing over the garden just a bit. She shrugged, and opened up the door. "If you needed help with your garden you could have asked Keana, she would have loved to help out. Your plants look a bit.. Rough out here." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Even in the dim light, Asha would be able to tell just how bare and empty the house was- there was barely any furniture, no decoration at all. As Asha turned from the front room into the sparsley-furnished bedroom, she'd see the man she thought was Juno sitting on his bedroll, digging through a small box. A small candlestick sat beside him. "Ah, here!" He pulled out a small box of matches, and began striking them until he got a flame, which he used to light the candle. The flickering light it provided barely illuminated the room, but it was something. "Ah, I know, I've been meaning to get working on the garden more... who is Keana?" "Also, can I get you anything to eat or drink? I think I have some leftover bread pudding, if you'd like that." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Asha squinted as she looked around the empty house. This could not be right. "Uh- Juno.. Juno I think this isn't your house. I think you might be squatting at some abandoned house." Asha mumbled as she glanced around. She had never actually been to his home, but Juno was sentimental. His house would have been full of life and trinkets that he had collected over the years. And he'd have furniture. "But Keana is our friend, she has plant magic. She helps with that rain festival, you came and watched last year." Asha explained slowly. "And I'm not too hungry right now, but thank you. Maybe later.." The ball of worry in her stomach had kind of ruined her otherwise large appetite. None of this was right. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"What? No- this is my house, I'm the only person who lives here!" He laughed againm though he was clearly a bit off-put. "This is the only place I can remember being." "I... don't remember that. I think I was here last year. I don't..." He paused. "Alright. If you want anything later, just let me know." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

.. Was he not going to finish that thought? ".. I think you might have hit your head and forgot where your house was, and you've just been here.. Where is here anyway?" Asha asked. "Are there other people around? Your husband must be looking for you. If it's really been a year.. He must be worried sick." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

His hand went to his head. "I- I feel fine, I just- this just feels like where I'm supposed to be." His voice was rising in distress. "I don't remember having a husband- I don't know what you're talking about." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"It might feel like it, but that's because it's all you can remember. It's not right." Asha cautiously approached him and sat down on the bed roll next to him. She reached in to her purse and took out a small wooden object. It seemed hand carved, and definitely worn down over time. It was so worn it was kind of hard to tell what it was supposed to be. She pushed it against his hand. "Marin made this for me, do you remember that?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

He took the wooden object into his hand, handling it with care. It was completely unfamiliar to him. "I don't.... I still don't know what you're talking about. I don't remember that. I- I don't know who Marin is. I'm sorry." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. Aw.." Asha sighed. Of course it couldn't be this easy. "But nevermind about your memories right now, do you know where we are now? I need to get back to Mlipuko in Ninjago. Would anyone here know how to get there?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"We're in Shairoun Village." He replied- perhaps the only thing he had said with confidence yet. "There's people in the village who would be able to help you far more than I... but it is rather late, and I'm sure they're all sleeping." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Shairoun village.. I've never heard of this place." Asha said quietly. And Juno had never spoken of it either, he definitely wasn't supposed to be here. "Oh.. Well, if we need to wait until morning.. Where will I sleep? Oh- do they have phones there? Maybe I can call Roman.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"There's an inn in town, you can stay there. I'm sure if you explain your circumstance, they'll be understanding. The people here are very kind. You could also stay with me, but... I doubt you'd be as comfortable here as you would somewhere else. They will have phones at the inn, I'd think." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. Could you walk me to the inn? I don't want to go out alone in a place I don't know at night time.." Asha asked. "And maybe you should stay at the inn too, I don't think this empty house is good for you.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I can walk you there, yes. I'm not, ah, the best with navigation, but I'm sure with our combined efforts we'll get there." He hummed. "And I'm really fine here- I'd be more comfortable here." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Mhm.." Asha nodded and picked up the candle Juno had set out. ".. What do you like about this house so much..? There's nothing here, Juno.. I-it's just empty. It's sad." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It's... my home. Staying here feels right." He said simply, his voice hollow. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. Does anyone ever visit you here?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah, sometimes! Mostly, I go out to visit others. I met a very kind man earlier today, his name is Persis. I hope he comes to visit sometime." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

That name didn't ring any bells to her. "Okay, that's good.. Maybe if we're stuck here for a little while we can work on your garden together." Asha smiled and held on to Juno's hand, the one with the wooden carving. "We're gonna get out of here and everything will be... Fine. And back to normal." But everything in her dream felt so vivid.. it was hard to ignore. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. That would be nice." He didn't have the heart to tell this stranger woman that this was normal to him. "Do you want me to walk you over to the inn, now?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"That would be good, I'm.. Quite tired." Asha said. "Is it far?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It's about a mile to walk into town. If you need, you can rest here a bit longer." He offered. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

A mile.. That was a long walk. But she felt surprisingly healthy. "I think I can make it. Is there food there? I probably need to eat something tonight or-" She paused. She didn't really feel like she was still making milk- how long was she out for? There should have been months left of that. The anxious knot came back. "I'm.. Actually alright, I think. I just want to go to bed in a bed tonight.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Alright, they'll definitely have beds at the inn. Probably some food, too." He nodded, and got up. He returned to his meager chest, and pulled out a hooded shirt, which he pulled over his undershirt. "Are you ready to go now?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Mhm.." Asha said and pushed herself up, still surprised by how easy it came to her. "Thank you for taking me, Juno." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Of course." He led her to the front door, where he picked up his cane. "It's really the least I can do. How'd you end up in my garden, anyways?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I.. I don't know either, I woke up from a really weird dream. I was home, last actual thing I remember. I couldn't have slept walked all the way here.. There's a big ocean in the way.." Asha mumbled and followed him to the door. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hm... that is strange." He hummed, and led Asha out through the garden, navigating with his cane. "Strange, indeed... I guess we have something in common, though, not knowing where we came from." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Asha headed out, and watched the garden as they walked. "I guess.. But you don't know anything, that's much more worrying.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm.... I suppose so. It doesn't concern me too much. I still remember important things, like how to cook and all that." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I think remembering your friends and family is important too.. Do you remember Sehwohl at all?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

@innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"... the name doesn't mean anything to me. Is it significant to your Juno?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"It's where you're from. I think you still live around there now.." Asha said. "I'll ask the people at the inn, maybe they'll have a map. If it's in the Loucari, maybe it's not too far from here.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm...." He was visually uncomfortable with how much this Asha purported to know about him, with such certainty. "They'll probably have a map at the inn, for travelers who come through this way." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Asha noticed his slight change in demeanor. "Yeah.. A map would be good.." Asha said. She could discuss all this dream stuff with him yesterday, maybe discussing the smashed statue and ring would help him make sense of something. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm." He hummed, and continued down the path. "Ahh... that way's to town, right?" He pointed towards a group of buildings further down the path, some of which still had lights on. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Um, I think so. There's buildings with lights on." Asha said. ".. Are you sure you'll be able to find your way back home on your own..? You might get lost out here.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'll be able to get home. I'll be alright." He reassured her. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Why don't you just stay at the inn tonight..? I'll- I'll need you to help me find my way back to your house at least once again anyway." Asha said. ".. I don't want to be all alone at an inn in a place I've never been to before.. That's scary." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"... I guess I could do that. We'd have to get breakfast in town, because I won't have anything prepared at home if I'm not there to prepare it... but that's okay. I don't have any money, thought." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. You don't have any money..? How do you pay for your house?" Asha asked. "If the people here are interested in fireworks, I might be able to sell a few.. I can get some good coin for a decent set." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Hm. Maybe I spent all my money on the house..." He mused. "Oh, you have fireworks? I think the townspeople have a summer festival coming up, I'm sure they'd appreciate it." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Oh, I don't have fireworks, but I have firework powers. I can make them-" She put her hands together and slowly pulled them apart, but nothing happened. ".. What?" She repeated the process a few times, but nothing changed. She could feel those crackling powers within her, she had a strong recollection of what she felt like without them in the past, and this was not it. ".. I must need to sleep, usually this would not be an issue." Asha sighed. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Powers?" The man repeated. Ignorant to all Asha was doing visually, he just stood there for a second, confused. "Hm. Well, we should be at the inn soon, and you can rest." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Yeah, I can make fireworks like, magically.." Asha reminded him. "Usually I can do it even if I'm tired, but they're just not working now.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Huh... I've never heard of an ability like that." He mused. "I hope they get better soon. That does sound impressive." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Mhm, they're really cool looking.. I even figured out how to make blind-friendly fireworks! It took forever, so you better remember it eventually." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh, that's very kind of you. I'm sure... your friend appreciated it." He was still trying to distance himself from the person Asha was convinced he was. He didn't want her to be disappointed if he wasn't, and it... didn't feel right to just claim that identity. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. You did." Asha nodded, slowly. This had to be her Juno. There weren't other universes. That was from her dream, which was all fake. There was only one Juno, and this was him. .. If this really wasn't him, she was walking in an unknown land with an unknown man. And maybe all those things from her awful dream were real. But Kal wouldn't have killed her. So it wasn't worth considering. She shivered a bit and rubbed her arms. This place was chilly, and she didn't have her regular night time pullover with her.. "I think I see the inn, we're close." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. You did." Asha nodded, slowly. This had to be her Juno. There weren't other universes. That was from her dream, which was all fake. There was only one Juno, and this was him. .. If this really wasn't him, she was walking in an unknown land with an unknown man. And maybe all those things from her awful dream were real. But Kal wouldn't have killed her. So it wasn't worth considering. She shivered a bit and rubbed her arms. This place was chilly, and she didn't have her regular night time pullover with her.. "I think I see the inn, we're close." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh, good." He nodded. "That's good." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

... "Juno! Juno, did you make it home okay?" Asha called out as she approached. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

The man was inside, mending his spare shirt. "Uh, hello? Who's there?" He called out from inside, the door was open. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"It's Asha.. from two days ago?" She called out as she headed up toward the door. "I'm sorry, for leaving you back at that hotel. That was immature of me.. I was just really freaking out. Did you make it home alright?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Oh, Asha!" He abandoned his sewing for the moment and met her at the door. "I'm sorry, I'm rather bad with voices.... but I'm alright. The kind lady at the inn helped me home." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Even if she knew this wasn't her Juno, seeing someone that looked so much like him.. it made her feel a little better. "It's alright, Juno.." She smiled. "But I came back here with some good news for you!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Good news? What kind of good news?" He tilted his head to the side. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"We're gonna get out of here! I'm working to find some people to get us to Alveta, and we're hopeful we can find someone there to help you with your memories." Asha said. "And I'm also coming with, to hopefully try to find a way out of here too. I'm paying for everything, so don't even worry about it!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Leave? Why would we- I don't need to go to Alveta. I'm fine here." He insisted. "This is my home." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. Juno. You need to go." Asha sighed. Of course he wouldn't make it easy. "It's not safe for you to live all the way out here, with no support and no money. You don't even have anything here, Juno.. just dead plants and the barest necessities. We can get you a better, safer place in Alveta." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I can take care of myself- I'm fine. I have everything I need." His brow furrowed. "I'm staying here." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Juno." Asha said, a bit more sternly. "You need to get out of here, this is not a safe situation for you. I'll help you pack, I promise it won't be too hard." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

He moved to block off the doorway a bit more, not letting Asha in. "No- I'm not letting you just- steal me away and take me to some strange place. This is my home. I live here. You don't get to make decisions for me." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"What makes this place your home besides you living in it for a few years? With nothing to show for it?" Asha asked. "You're lost and confused, you need help, let us help you." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It's my home because I live in it, and it's mine. And you don't even know who I am, who are you to say where I go? Leave me alone!" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I do know you, Juno, better than you know yourself! Even if you're not my Juno, you're so much like him! He'd be just as stubborn as you." Asha huffed. "You'll thank me later, this is just to help you! You can't keep living by yourself out here, you'll end up hurting yourself!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Quit calling me that! You don't know anything about me! I don't even know anything about me! You don't have any right to just- come into my life and take over it! I'm happy here!" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"You keep saying that, but I do know! I've known you for so long! A decade! You came to my wedding, I virtually attended yours, you came to my kids' birthday sometimes! I know you! And I know you need help!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

He stepped back, retreating into the house with one hand on the door. "You don't know me. You know someone else who you think is me- but it's not me. Please, just leave me alone." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Asha put her foot in front of the door to stop him from being able to close it. "You don't understand what's happening here Juno, and I only do a slight bit. The town's people agree, you need more help than they can provide. Just let me help you, please.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You don't understand anything! I've been here for years, and you just- show up on my porch one day claiming to know me? Please just- leave me alone!" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱 (edited)

"Juno please, this might be your one chance to get out of here and get your memories back, you won't be able to afford doing it yourself later!" Asha said and suddenly reached forward to grab his arm. "You'll thank me later, please just come with me!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

He stepped back, further into the house. "Get out. Leave me alone- please. I just want to be left alone." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

She didn't release his arm, so he couldn't retreat too far.. "Is that really what you want? To live here by yourself forever with nothing? What about- What about Albanes? She's out there, Juno! She's out in the real world!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Let me go!" He wretched his hand out of her grasp. "Al- what do you know about Albanes?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Asha moved her now free hand to the door. "Albanes is the Lifebringer, Juno! She- she put us here, or something! She must have wiped your memories because she's evil. You can't let her keep getting away with this, we have to get out of here so we can talk to her!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

He stepped further into the room. "Wh-" He stilled. "No. No. She's not evil. She can't be. I chose her, I wouldn't have- she's good. A fair leader." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Asha was silent, for just a moment. "Juno, what do you know about her..? You don't have any memories." Asha said. "If she's not evil, you need to come with me even more then, because when I see her, I'm going to kill her just like how she sentenced me to death here. I don't care. So you better convince me." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"That's- no. No. I'm not leaving." He shook his head. His tone had morphed from frantic panic to something more determined, more sound and angry. "Leave me alone. Now." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Fine, if you want to be so fucking stubborn, stay here and fade away in to nothing." Asha huffed and moved her foot out of the door. "The moment I get out of here, I'm going after Albanes. Maybe if both of you are lucky, she'll end up here." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

He didn't reply for a while. "I'm staying here." He maintained. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Fine then. Goodbye." Asha huffed and finally left him alone..

He closed the door after her, and locked it.

.... Asha woke up in the hermit's garden. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Asha stayed collapsed for a moment.... Before she groaned and rolled over on to her side. "H..hello..?" Asha groaned and rubbed her eyes. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

There wasn't a reply for a while... @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

As Asha looked around, and noticed where exactly she was, her eye twitched. REALLY?! Back to HERE? "ALBANES!" Asha screamed out, punching the ground pathetically. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

There was a rustling inside the house, and the stranger came out into the garden. "I told you to leave me alone!" He shouted. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Oh, believe me, I didn't want to be back here either!" Asha huffed and shoved herself up to her feet. She adjusted her dress and fixed her purse, even though Juno wouldn't see it. "I was on my way out, touched a weird glowy thing, and now I'm here again!" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Then leave! I don't want to be around you, and I don't want you in my garden." He pointed away from the house and didn't acknowledge the rest of what Asha had said. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I don't want to be here either! Bye!" Asha shouted and simply walked away back toward town. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

He didn't go back into the house til the sound of Asha's footsteps dissappeared... @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

taking the weirdo man home

IS THAT JUNO?

leave me alone!