titania and astrid

[8:52 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Well, the departure from the boat to the introduction given to everyone in the chapel was quite interesting. Titania found everything to be new and exciting, so the moment she could leave the welcome speech, she took off into the open. She still dragged her suitcases around, humming to herself as she wandered the open areas. They eventually find their way into the flower garden, her attention caught on the statue overshadowing the dead bushes and empty flora.

"Woah... how beautiful.." She quietly admired the statue. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:56 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Astrid, like many of the other temple staff, was running from place-to-place preparing for the gala. She'd stopped by the greenhouse to pick up some flowers for table centerpieces and cut through the gardens to save time, but paused upon seeing someone else there.

"Oh, hello there." She waved to Titania. "You're one of the guests, aren't you!" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:09 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Titania was surprised to hear another voice so suddenly, jumping a little as she whipped her head around. "O-Oh! Yes. I am," she nodded, an awkward smile forming on her lips. "Apologies, I just got very side tracked on getting to my room. I was just admiring the work on the statue here. Who sculpt it?" She asked. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:12 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Ah, no problem! Y'all are allowed to explore around the island." Astrid shifted the weight of the box she was carrying so that it rested on her hip. "Y'know, I don't actually know that. It's been here since before I have, I know that much. You like it?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:20 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

The princess nodded, turning back to look at the statue once again. "I very much do. It reminds me of some of the statues back in my kingdom," she hummed. "It must be quite old if you do not know of its origins... What a shame," Titania commented as she stared at the details.

"..Oh! I forgive me. Where are my manners," the princess quickly turned back to Astrid after a few seconds of admiration. "I am Princess Titania Anasah. It is an honor to make your acquaintance. May I know your name as well?" They bowed. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:40 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Astrid nodded along. "Yeah... it always kinda freaked me out, if I'm being honest, but I get it."

Astrid laughed lightheartedly, and bowed as much as she could while still holding the box. "I'm Astrid Shiryoku- but you can just call me Astrid. I'm one of the guards here on the island." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[7:23 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Astrid Shiryoku.. What an interesting and pleasant name," Titania smiled as she raised her head. "A guard, hm? Does a church require such manpower like guards..? Forgive me for the ignorance. I do not know much of religion and churches outside in the human world." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:26 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Astrid decided to ignore the 'human world' comment. "Well, it's good to have us around, in case we're needed. Especially with the tournament coming up." She shrugged. "Mostly, we're here to do heavy manual labor" She patted the box she was carrying. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[7:31 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Titania tilted her head, looking at the box with a faint smile. "Ah, that makes sense. Manual labor workers are important to have," she nodded before focusing on Astird more specifically again. "Does this church hold tournaments like this often..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:32 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Nope! This is new." Astrid hummed. "I don't think there's been this many people on the island since... ever, I guess." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[7:37 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

That made Titania tilt her head even more. "Is that so? That is quite interesting. Are the only people on this island typically just the church members?" She asked and slightly rocked her feet. "If this is the first time, is there a reason you may know of why?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:42 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yup, it's only us here." Astrid nodded, glancing idly to the temple complex. "I'm pretty low-ranking, so I don't know everything, but from what I get, it's our way of giving back. Charity and genorisity, and all that." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[7:55 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

The princess hummed, thinking before giving Astrid a nod. "That makes sense. I hear churches are meant to be places of charity," they smiled a bit. "How long have you been working for the church, Miss Astrid? It sounds like quite a while with the way you spoke." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:57 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Astrid paused a bit, doing the math in her head. "I've been here about... nine years now? My brother and I came when I was seventeen." She nodded. "Though, if I'm being honest, I'm one of the newer ones. A lot of people here have been here much longer.' @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[8:29 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Nine years?" They repeated with awe. "That is quite some time, yes. Even if you are one of the newer ones, you have almost spent a decade here... And your brother is here as well?" Titania asked with a faint smile. "Apologies for all of the questions. I simply am curious about a lot of things. I have never been so far from home before.. everything is simply fascinating." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:36 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yup," The guard nodded. "My older brother, Shino, works as a dedicant around here. You might see him around sometime- he looks a bit like me, has a beard, wears his hair in a bun." She gestured to her face and head. "And you don't have to apologize! I don't mind answering questions." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[8:47 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Titania hummed as she tried to picture this 'Shino' person in her head. She couldn't help but giggle a little as she did. "He must be quite a pretty man if he looks like you," she commented with a smile. "And thank you for answering my questions. I feel I can be overwhelming at times with them, so if it ever starts to get irritating, please feel free to stop me," the princess urged. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:50 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh- uh- thank you?" Astrid laughed, and covered her blushing face with a hand. "Alrighty! But I really don't mind, it's fun to tell someone about my life. It's been forever since I've met anyone new." She laughed again. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:07 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Of course," Titania smiled before turning back towards the statue that captured her attention earlier. "Why did you come to this church, Miss Astrid? I am sure your home must of been quite different from an isolated community." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:08 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It wasn't that different, really. I grew up in a pretty small mountain town." Astrid hummed. "Anyhows, I came cause I needed some desperate medical attention, back when I was a teenager, and the people here fixed me up. I just... stayed." She shrugged. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:34 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"A mountain town..? How interesting," she hummed and slowly turned back to Astrid. "Medical attention? You were ill? Hurt?" Titania asked with a tilt of her head. "The people here must be quite skilled in healing then.. I believe when we were picked up, we were offered medical attention by one of the women. Is that same person who helped you?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:41 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Something like that," Astrid said, avoiding actually answering the question. "They are! Yeonaixho - the Hand of God- performs miracles, that's the only way I can describe it." She nodded. "Oh, that must've been Albanes. She's Yeonaixho's prodigy, she is. They both have healing powers, like nothing you've ever seen before. Albanes was only a kid when I came here, so I was healed up by the Hand of God himself. I owe him my life." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:48 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Titania seemed to think deeply about the information Astrid gave her. Her gaze fell to the floor for a moment before finding its way back up to the face of the statue. "Do they heal anyone if they come asking for their aid?" The princess asked. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:53 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Anyone who needs healing, they'll help." Astrid nodded. "Same for if you come here needing any other type of care. Genorisity is one of the tenants of our faith." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[10:01 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"There must be some sort of cost that comes with it.. What sort of price do they seek when someone comes for help?" Titania asked her, her smile now faded. "I am willing to pay any price if it means someone here could possibly help me.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:03 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"There's no price. I can assure you that, the Hand of God gives only out of the generosity of his heart." Astrid furrowed her brow. "You... need healing? Are you alright?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[10:10 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Titania frowned a bit and looked back to the ground. "No... Not myself," she sighed. The princess messed with her fingers for a moment before turning back towards Astrid. "For my father. He is gravely ill, and I came here in hopes of finding a way to cure him... But if I simply could ask for the help, I do not need to participate in this event. There must be a price for such generosity. No power that great would be used without some sort of gain." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:13 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh. I see." Astrid frowned. "I'm sorry, about your father. I'm sure if you spoke with the Hand of God, you'd be able to make some sort of arrangement to heal your father." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[10:50 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

The princess' eyes turned a bit hopeful at that, but her worried expression stayed. "Would I be able to be exempt from the event if an arrangement is met? I only came for the prospect of a wish to be granted, but if this is something that can be granted otherwise, my interest in this island is depleted.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:53 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I'm... not actually sure," Astrid confessed, "That would be something to be settled with the Hand of God. I can definitely help you set up a discussion with him, I'm sure he'll be happy to help." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[11:05 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Titania nodded and she forced a small smile on her lips. "I would appreciate that dearly, Miss Astrid. You do not know how much this can mean to me." The princess clasped her hands together and bowed her head to Astrid.

"Please, the sooner the better that I can speak to the Hand of God. I will always be prepared for a conference." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:07 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Of course!" Astrid nodded. "It'll probably be after the gala, since we're all a bit busy til then, but I'll try to get something set up for you guys soon." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[11:17 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"I appreciate it so very much, Miss Astrid," Titania nodded, her head still bowed. "I await with waited breath, then... I understand you all must be busy, so please, go about your business. I have held your time for a bit. I do not want to get you in trouble for being away longer than planned," she said with a faint smile as she straightened herself. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:18 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Aw, thanks! I do actually have to deliver these flowers to the grand hall." Astrid patted her box again. "I'll get back to you about the meeting with Yeonaixho, yeah?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[11:26 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

She nodded, her smiling growing a bit more genuine. "Mhm. I wish you well, Miss Astrid. Thank you once again. I look forward to hearing from you," Titania replied. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:27 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Thank you," Astrid smiled, and began to go on her way. "I'll see you later!" She waved. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[11:31 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Titania gave Astrid a small wave, smiling and watching as the other woman left. A mixed feeling settled in her chest. A mixture of doubt, anxiety, and dread.. but also hope. Perhaps things would go her way more than she expected. The princess could only be so optimisitc.

roque and inu

[3:58 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

Inu let out a small shaky sigh as he stepped into the garden. Everything was going to be fine. That's just what he had to tell himself, right? Or well. Something told him Everything was not going to be fine. He had to meet Roque. In the middle of the night. God knows where. And it stressed him out! Inu felt anxiety bubble in his chest and he placed his hands on his cheeks, squeezing his face. "Calm..down..Inu.." He mumbled.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:02 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Oh Inu, so scared.."

A faint rainbow of colors lit up the flowers and ground around him as the voice spoke.

"Scared I'll hurt you..? You really think I'm that bad..? Ouch." @capisnotonfire

[4:07 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

Inu jumped slightly and turned around before he looked over at Roque. He opened his mouth for a second before he shook his head. "N-no." He was more..scared of a blood sacrifice? "I-I don't think that. I just..know Roy and Eben are nervous and..mm..you..you mentioned blood before...? As I mentioned uhm..chemically...blood.." He looked at his arm.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:16 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

The only thing about Roque that was visible were her bright red eyes, and the white diamond pupils inside.

"Eben and Roy are nervous..? And you're letting that rub off on you?" Roque sighed, her hair illuminating her silhouette. Something glinted in the palm of her right hand, hardly visible as the light faded out again. "I think I may know something that you don't, Inu." @capisnotonfire

[4:30 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

Inu looked down at her hand before back at her. He pressed his lips together tightly. He couldn't really see her so well and that made this all worse, didn't it?

"..Ah.." He clasped his hands together nervously. "Uhm...I..I erm." He looked around. "..I..what..do you..know..?" Wow. Good job. He is very good at...questions.

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:37 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Let's take this somewhere more private, hm..? It might be a bit hard on you to hear this..." Roque hummed, stepping closer to Inu. @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[4:38 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

Inu just..blinked once. "A-Alright." He nodded. "L-lead..lead the..the way..?"

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:41 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Mhm, I have a place in mind.." Roque gave a small nod. She placed her hand on his shoulder, gently tapping her fingers.

.... @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

yeonaixho and ren

[9:17 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho wandered to the flower garden just as the sun began to rise, wanting some time away from the chaos and violence of the hospital. So much had happened, so early. He sat on a bench amidst the barren garden, under the shelter of the statue, and listened to the sounds of nature. @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[9:37 AM]Morgan | Kass + Ren:

Ren wandered in a bit later, choosing to go outside on a whim. To him, the entire tournament so far had been so pleasant! He’d made a few friends, ate some good food… he did still have some unfinished business though…

He continued to make his way around the garden, letting the sounds around him guide him to what seemed to be an empty bench. Once he heard slight movement from next to him, he felt inclined to strike up a conversation.

“Hey! Sorry I kinda sat down without asking- that’s totally my bad. Just needed to rest my legs for a sec, yanno?” he kicked his legs lightly back and forth, though it was all for fun instead of proving a point. “The weather out here is really nice, like the guys in charge here had the right idea!” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:43 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho shifted slightly at the sounds of someone sitting by him, and straightened his posture.

"Oh, hello there! You don't have to apologize, the garden's open to guests." He smiled, and it could be heard in his voice. "Oh, thank you! Not everyone likes it here, but I've always been fond of the colder weather." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[11:27 AM]Morgan | Kass + Ren:

Ren beamed. “Oh, right! I forget that this place is like, mostly public. Usually I miss the ‘do not trespass signs’,” he joked. “I’m a big fan of the cooler weather too! When it’s too hot, it gets all humid and sticky, though it getting too cold isn’t good for anyone either. Oh- I’m guessing you’re not one of the contestants…? From how you talk about this place, you’ve gotta have been here for more than just a couple days.” he hummed. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:56 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Ah, don't worry. I missed them too. Though, not in some time" Yeonaixho laughed. "Oh, no, I'm not one of the participants. I'm Yeonaixho Sehwolh. I've been here for... quite some time now." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[3:50 PM]Morgan | Kass + Ren:

That’s the guy from the letter.

Like, THE guy.

Ren’s mouth dropped. “Thank you!” he sputtered, forgetting any other knowledge of how to socialize. “Seriously, so far everything’s been awesome and I’ve been waiting for a time to tell you that in person… I didn’t even need to meet you to know you’re like, super cool.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:03 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh, uh, well, you're welcome!" Yeonaixho smiled. He leaned back a bit. "I'm glad to hear somebody's been enjoying this! And thank you! I'm glad to see my reputation precedes me." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[4:30 PM]Morgan | Kass + Ren:

Ren… slowly began to snap back to his senses.

“I mean, I really appreciate that you went out of your way to put together that letter for me! It was totally not expected, but you did a successful job of convincing me to come! Oh- I’m Ren Kimura by the way- though I’m sure you know that already!” he chuckled. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:33 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh, that?" Yeonaixho hummed. "That was nothing, really. I have a Perkins brailler, so it wasn't hard to type something up for you. And it's the slight but meaningful act of kindness I'd like to receive myself, it's an honor to be able to extend it to others."

He smiled. "I figured it was you, but it's a pleasure to make your formal acquaintance, Ren." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[7:40 PM]Morgan | Kass + Ren:

“I’m really glad you did, it like, made my day,” Ren hummed. “To really work to make things easy for everyone… I really commend that, Mr… Sir…? Hand of God Yeonaixho. I hope I said that right. I hope you’ve gotten all the kindness in return for everything you do! Like, your staff- well, Petrai is so far the only one I’ve spoken with- is awesome, you’ve got a lovely island with all sorts of things for everyone, and even if we’re in a setting where only one of us can prevail, you’re doing your best to make it a really memorable experience, and I really admire that!” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:53 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I'm glad it did! And you can just call me Yeonaixho, that's good enough." Yeonaixho smiled. "And again, thank you. As the head of this church, I make it my goal to live and embody all our ideals, including those of compassion and generosity, even in a competitive setting. Petrai really is wonderful, isn't she? She and I have known each other for a very long time. Might I ask what drew you to my tournament in the first place? Other than my care with the letter, I presume." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[8:15 PM]Morgan | Kass + Ren:

“Yeonaixho, you got it!” Ren gave him a thumbs-up. “It’s awesome that you put so much care into your church! Petrai seems like she takes everything pretty seriously, though she’s suuuper nice! It’s nice that you two have gotten to work together for so long!

Petrai actually kinda reminds me of my sister- just a little bit though. Just the fact that you two seem like a dynamic duo reminds me of how the two of us work together! I’m hoping maybe I’ll get lucky enough to win, and be able to take home that cash prize and buy her a new car. It’s the least I can do to thank her for everything she does!” he hummed.

“I guess, in the same vein… what prompted you to host a tournament like this? Do you and your staff do these kinda events a lot?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:25 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"We do try! We've been at this for quite a while, so I'd say we're pretty good at it. It helps that Petrai and I work so well together, eases some of the pains of leadership."

"Oh, how generous of you! Your sister must be very lucky to have someone like you looking out for her. In that regard, I do hope you win. It's a very noble goal you have."

"This tournament was hosted as part of our church's charitable efforts." Yeonaixho hummed. "In a way, it's also a bit of a memorial... though that's not as pleasant of a topic to discuss." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[7:57 AM]Morgan | Kass + Ren:

“Oh, definitely!” Ren agreed. “You and Petrai are killing it! A-and creating this tournament for charity is really nice…” he trailed off.

“I’m really sorry about whatever happened, and though I doubt anything will make better what occurred, I do hope your plans go well. A-and I really appreciate you wishing me well, I’ll do my best!”

He tapped his fingers on the bench as he paused to think. “How long have you been the head of the church here?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:02 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Thank you," Yeonaixho smiled. "While words alone can't heal all the scars of the past, it does mean a lot. Thank you," He nodded.

He titled his head up a bit as he thought. "Well, I founded the church about... thirty years ago, and we moved to the island around twenty-five years ago." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[8:27 AM]Morgan | Kass + Ren:

“Of course,” Ren hummed. “We can’t change the past, but we can do what’s best to make our presents and futures better. Though I’m sure you know that already- you’ve got… woah! Thirty years of experience with your church! I’ve never quite been a religious guy myself, but I really do admire how much work goes into keeping certain beliefs alive, and how they bring all sorts of people together! Oh, maybe you could tell me a bit about what you guys believe here? I’d be honored to hear it from the big man in charge himself!” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:35 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho hummed. "Yes... it's important to look forward to the future..." He grew distance and almost sad for a moment, before refocusing his attention to Ren.

"Ah, yes. Thirty years... saying that makes me feel old." He laughed. "Of course! I'd be happy to tell you more about our church. We inherit many of our beliefs from our parent faith, the Church of the Lifebringer, but believe in the tenants of the faith without all the delusion of thousands of years of institution. We believe in being generous, in healing the sick and injured and helping anyone who needs it. We also believe in living a more pious, humble life in accordance to our church's teachings. A life bare of luxuries and greed can open the mind to holier thought." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[9:05 AM]Morgan | Kass + Ren:

“I’m sure you don’t look a day over 27 though!” Ren paused. “I… don’t know why that number of all things popped into my head- forget it- you’re definitely not old! Going back to what matters- that’s a really noble cause! Healing definitely goes hand and hand with your Lifebringer, and that’s dope that you’re creating a more modern take on something kiiinda outdated. I also totally agree with your last statement! I’m not really big on stuff that’s real lavish and whatnot, most of the time it’s best to just… cherish what you have!” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:13 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"That is a bit odd, such a specific number." Yeonaixho laughed a bit. "But thank you! Appearing youthful isn't exactly a concern of mine, but it's nice to think about."

"It's nice to speak with someone who understands our church's values. I admit, I was worried that our message might be lost on you outsiders. Some of the people here haven't been the most respectful of our way of life, but it's nice to meet someone who is. Do you have any other questions about our faith?" @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[9:24 AM]Morgan | Kass + Ren:

“Oh! I totally get that. I’m not a huge ‘appearances’ guy myself, but I get why it’s important to some people. I dunno why I picked that number, haha, it just kinda… popped into my head. Weird…” Ren smiled.

“I try to understand what I can, especially if it’s something I’m not suuuper familiar with. The unknown is scary, but once you start to ‘get’ it, there’s nothing to be scared of! That’s how I go about things anyway,” he shrugged. “Damn, I’m really sorry that people have been causing problems, that’s really not cool. Hopefully, you guys can resolve that, that really sucks. Hmmm, as for questions… I do have some! I was also wondering about why us specifically. Like, yanno, powers and stuff. You said something about healing, so do you guys have certain beliefs about those with special abilities?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:32 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"That's an admirable trait, being able to have an open mind about these sorts of things. It's not something everyone is able to do. I've seen firsthand how stuck in their own ways some of the other competitors are. It saddens me, to think about how unwilling some of these people are to adapt to a different way of life, even for a short period of time." Yeonaixho mused. "There's been too much trouble than I would've liked, but hopefully it's all resolved now. Like I said, some people here are unwilling to accept a different way of life."

"Oh- well honestly, I thought having a tournament of people with powers would be more interesting than one without." He laughed. "It's all a bit of competitive fun, really. We don't have any beliefs about those with powers in general, though healing abilities like my own are especially prized in our faith." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[10:12 AM]Morgan | Kass + Ren:

“Oh shit, that really sucks. I’m sorry about that,” Ren didn’t need to apologize for these aforementioned other contestants, but something told him that Yeonaixho didn’t receive as many apologies per problem that arose. “I’ve been doing my best to lay low and chill out, so I’m hoping I can continue to stay that way! And you’re totally right about the powers thing- it really spices things up! I’m sure you know about mine already, but I’m really excited to learn more about everyone else’s- oh!! You’re a healer? That’s hella dope! Does that partially tie into your title?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:25 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh, you don't have to apologize. You're hardly in control of how others behave." Yeonaixho said, "But I appreciate it. And I appreciate you, and everyone else who's not caused trouble, laying low and minding their own business."

"I do know about your powers, at least a bit." He laughed. "I am a healer, yes, and it does tie into my title, and my positon in the church. Our church worships the Lifebringer, a god of healing, and of whom I am the mortal incarnation of. Since my powers come from that divine source, I hold a prominent position in the church itself." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[10:59 AM]Morgan | Kass + Ren:

“Wait- you’re a god?!” Ren’s jaw dropped. “No wonder you’ve got such a prestigious title and position! That’s totally… wow. So you really have a huge responsibility, daaaaaamn,” Ren stuttered. “How did you get your powers, if you don’t mind me asking?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:01 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho laughed. "Usually I try to sound a bit more humble about it, but sort of. I like the 'Hand of God' title, because it suggests that I'm an extension of divinity, rather than a deity myself. It's not as prideful, I don't think."

He paused at Ren's question, though, and frowned. "Ah, that's- a bit of a personal question. I'd rather not discuss it." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[12:56 PM]Morgan | Kass + Ren:

Ren nodded. “An extension- got it. That’s totally fair not to want to share,” he agreed. “It’s a cool title, though! Does Petrai have a title like that too?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:59 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Technically, she has one, but she doesn't like to use it." Yeonaixho shrugged, and didn't elaborate more. @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[1:01 PM]Morgan | Kass + Ren:

“Oh???” Ren’s interest was piqued. “Oh, why not? Does she have any cool abilities as well?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:13 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Petrai has the gift of sight- she can see things happening in places where she isn't physically present. It's a very useful ability," He hummed, @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[1:19 PM]Morgan | Kass + Ren:

“Woah, that’s awesome! Hmmm… does that mean she can see us right now?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:19 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Mmhmm." Yeonaixho nodded. "She's watching over everything happening on the island." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[1:21 PM]Morgan | Kass + Ren:

“Daaaaaaamn!!!” Ren exclaimed, fully out of excitement rather than horror. He held up his hand and waved to seemingly nobody, and grinned.

“Hi, Petrai!” he exclaimed, then paused.

“…Can Petrai hear us too?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:22 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"She can't." Yeonaixho laughed. "It's only sight. Makes the two of a bit of a funny pair, if you think about it.' @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[1:24 PM]Morgan | Kass + Ren:

“It is funny!” Ren laughed along with him. “Only sight is super cool though! She’s like, a security camera of the whole island. Which is awesome- though she’s definitely gotta have seen stuff she shouldn’t…” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:27 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"She is! That's pretty much what she's been doing for the tournament- watching out incase anything happens. Saves us from having to install a security system."

"Yes... I'm sure she has. It's unfortunate, but I suppose no ability is without it's nastier side effects." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[1:30 PM]Morgan | Kass + Ren:

“It’s nice that you can trust her, too,” Ren remarked. “That’s a nice bonus. The side effects kinda suck though… hopefully she hasn’t seen anything too bad, especially in the last few days…” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:31 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I trust Petrai entirely, more than anyone else." Yeonaixho nodded. "I'm sure she has... like I said before, some of the other competitors are very intent on breaking all our island rules." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

[12:41 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

@Morgan | Kass + Ren

[12:26 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Petrai ran into the garden, in more of a rush than she normally acted. She approached Yeonaixho and greeted him with a simple nod. "Yeonaixho, you're needed in the arena." She said sternly, "Urgently."

"Oh, what now..." Yeonaixho frowned. He turned to Ren. "I fear this is where our conversation will have to end. I hope we can speak more later, though."

Instead of waiting for a response, he got up with Petrai and left towards the arena... @Morgan | Kass + Ren

zerada meets the ghost

[8:23 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada had wandered around the island for a bit of time before settling on taking a break in the flower garden. It seemed as though it would be a nice and peaceful spot to relax at, especially after so much chaos.

A part of her had hoped that she would've ran into Madeline at one point to speak to her about everything that happened, but it didn't happen.

And so, here she was, breathing in the crisp, cool air as she looked around. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:33 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

The garden was dark. Even eerier than it would've been in the fleeting light of day, there was a certain sick dread it exuded in the cold, artic night. The dead bushes rattled and shook against each other in the slight breeze, like a clatter of wooden bones. What little light eminated from the nearby staff building only served to bathe the entire garden horrid, stark shadows. One flowerbed would be illuminated in stark light, the next cast entirely in shadow.

As Zerada traveled amongst the dead garden, trampling upon rotted roots and patches of snow, she'd begin to grow colder, colder even in her winter coat. She'd see her breath fog up before her face, feel her fingertips begin to numb. She'd begin to realize many things about the garden- that its paths were labyrinthine, it's statue almost mourning. She'd begin to realize just how far she felt from everyone else on the island.

She'd also realize she wasn't alone.

It was a woman- another woman, visiting the gardens. She stood bathed in shadow, her appearance only slightly visible to Zerada. It was hard to tell in the dim light, but... that wasn't one of the other competitors, was it? What features of her appearance Zerada was able to make out, weren't familiar.

Before Zerada could, the stranger spoke. Her voice was crisp on the winter wind. "Do you know what ground you tread upon?"

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[8:42 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Ah, hell nah. This was some- Ghost shit that Zerada wasn't all about. She steered clear of ghost shit, she didn't fuck with any demon shit, she didn't fuck with anything like that.

Despite the cold, Zerada could feel her palms beginning to sweat. In her throat, her words were caught. Her heart began to beat rapidly.

Despite the elevating fear, Zerada had seen enough horror movies to know not to display fear. Fear gave entities power, fear gave leverage for control: She had to be brave. Muy brave.

"Gardens are built for various reasons. Sometimes, they're meant to be ornamental, for harvest, to cleanse and scent the air, or to be a place for peace."

Zerada didn't dare glance at the stranger. Her gaze remained fixed on the statue.

"Other times, they're meant to be a memorial. I take it that this garden is meant to be that?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:49 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

The woman stayed still as Zerada delivered her answer, waiting expectantly. At the final words, she shifted her posture.

"Do you know what grounds you tread upon?" She tilted her head to the side and- were those antlers springing up from her head? Or was it the branch of a tree waving in the wind behind her? "Do you know the soil beneath your feet? Do you know what rots and decomposes while you breathe fleetingly? Do you know death?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:03 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

'Dios te salve, María, Llena eres de gracia, el Señor es contigo.'

Her heart continued to beat wildly. The crisp, cold air was starting to cause an ache in her lungs, but nothing compared to the weight of anxiety upon her chest. She was not, in fact, prepared for this shit.

Cautiously, she spoke.

"Life typically isn't a circle: It's a line. It starts, it ends. We return to the ground from whence we came." She took in a deep breath. "However, plants are different. They're resilient, and they endure the cold and rough terrain of winter. The soil under my feet will thrive again, the plants will break through cracked earth and sprout: Life will resume."

"I know death, but I know resurrection as well."

Zerada dared to look directly at the figure. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:12 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

The woman in the shadows let Zerada speak, but threw her head up in laughter as she finished her statement. Her laughter was sharp and heavy- almost like it hurt her to breath so heavily to force out laugh after sharp, breathy laugh.

"You do not know death. You do not know rot, the way it feasts and festers. You do not know the sick ache and boil of mold under your skin, of maggots crawling beneath your eyelids. You do not know what it's like to be eaten by death itself, from skin til bone." She paused, then stepped forward, still shrouded in shadows but that much closer to Zerada.

"What a naive one. You claim to know death, but speak nothing of decay." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ (gross decomposition imagery)

[9:19 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

God, Zerada should've just fucking stayed inside. She likely wouldn't be in this kind of situation. Why the hell did she even come to this cult-ass island in the first place?

Zerada drew in a cold breath before she let it out in a puff of air.

"You're right; I have yet to experience decay. It follows death, just as ash follows fire. Decay will come for me eventually." She took in another deep breath. "I've witnessed it, but that's entirely different." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:21 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

The woman fell into silence. She was waiting for Zerada to continue, to say something more or do something more. She remained still. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:31 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

(TW: gross decomposition imagery, bug horror, fire, good ol' trauma)

Zerada definitely felt as though she had to expand on it. Given the circumstances, she would've just shut the fuck up and let the conversation end, but something compelled her to speak.

"Witnessing it and experiencing it for yourself are two different things, but I've seen what rot and ruin can do." She took in a deep breath.

"While it's not the same thing, I... I've witnessed the rotting of burnt flesh before. I don't think that scent is something that'll ever go away, no matter how many scents I've endured through these years. I've seen charred skin, bone, and flesh get mangled by creatures. I've seen insects come from pores and crevices of the human body. Those corpses of my family members had been left out for days, as a reminder for what could happen to me if I were to be captured. A promise for how my life will end."

Zerada took in another deep breath, before she let it out slowly.

"I don't know how my end will come, on if it'll come in the same way as those who had passed, or if I will go differently. Some say fire, some say ice: Either would suffice for me." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:37 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

The woman kept still for a moment longer. She let the silence remain between them for a good, long moment. The wind howled.

When she finally spoke, it was with the crackle of the wind and a new question. "Do you know what body you tread upon?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:40 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada glanced down to the floor. Was there actually a fucking body beneath her feet? Guess she was right about it possibly being a memorial garden?

"... Your body?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:48 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

The woman paused again. When she spoke, her smile was audible in her voice.

"Do you know who I am?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:49 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

If this was a horror movie, she would've expected something along of the lines of 'I'm you' or 'I'm God' or some shit like that. She was prepared for just about any kind of response.

"I'm afraid I don't know who you are," Zerada took in another deep breath. "Will you give me your name?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:52 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

She might as well have not heard Zerada's reply. In the exact same tone, the woman repeated, "Do you know who I am?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[9:53 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"I don't know who you are." Zerada repeated. She kept her gaze locked on the woman's figure. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:55 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"You don't know who I am, yet you tread on my body." The woman stepped closer to Zerada- slowly, almost shakily. Her tone was growing almost angry. "You don't know who I am, yet you insult my suffering. You don't know who I am yet you did this to me!" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:09 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Well... Zerada had a pretty high body count when it came to homicide. However, she wasn't sure who this woman was, or why someone Zerada was responsible for killing was here on this particular island.

She took a look around to try and get a better look at who the hell it was that she was talking to. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:20 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

It would be difficult to tell in the low lighting, incredibly difficult to tell, but as Zerada focused the woman's appearance would become clear.

She wasn't wearing much- just a pair of baggy trousers, gilded anklets and metallic armbands. If she'd been an actual living, breathing human, there's now way she'd be able to survive in the cold.

Though, with how she looked, she wouldn't be surviving, at all. Her bare chest was torn completely open, skin pulled apart to reveal dirty bones and rotting flesh. Her ribs were interlaced with vines, maggots crawled around her deformed, torn-apart organs. It reached from her neck to her lowe abdomen, like someone had performed a horrible autopsy on her and left her to rot. Parts of her face sagged and frayed from her skull, torn from their original places. One eye was missing, replaced by a lily flower, lilting gently in the wind.

Zerada would be somewhat aware that what she was seeing wasn't an actual living person. It didn't make the sight any better.

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ major tw: body horror, corpse description, decomposition, bug horror

[10:25 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Should Zerada have had a stronger reaction to witnessing the scene? Maybe. Instead, she remained steady. The only movement came from the breeze itself.

"How did I do this to you?" Zerada asked quietly. She briefly wondered if the ghost was thinking that she was someone else. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:28 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"You did this to me. You know." The woman replied, her voice steady but laced with thick, hot anger. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:29 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada paused.

".. Did me arriving here cause you to get into a state like this?" Zerada asked quietly. "Did someone in the staff do this to you because the guests arrived?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:02 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"You did this to me! Look at what you did to me!" The woman shouted, now anguished and shaking with emotion. She gestured widely at her chest, putting a hand to where her heart should've been. "You did this!" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[10:30 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada was at a loss of words. She had no fucking idea what to say or do. She wasn’t really scared of the ghost anymore, but rather, she was a bit frustrated with it. The ghost definitely seemed to be speaking nonsense.

“Look, I’m sorry, okay?” Zerada apologized, not knowing what else to say. “I’m sorry.”

[10:30 AM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:39 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

The woman didn't reply. She stepped back- back further into the shadow that had once hidden her grotesque form.

For a moment, it appeared as if she'd gotten all she wanted from Zerada... though she remained there. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[12:42 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Zerada felt a bit better knowing that the ghost was sated, for now, at least. She glanced around at the rest of the garden, hoping there was maybe something that could tell her just who or what this ghost was. A name, a symbol- Anything that could tie any sort of label to the ghost. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

(Can I do another perception check?)

[12:42 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

(ye!)

[12:51 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

As Zerada glanced around the garden, her gaze rested on the mournful statue. It'd take a while to realize in the low light but...

That was the same woman as the one who'd just dissapeared into shadows. Her body and face were more intact in stone form, but it definitely was the same person. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[2:03 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Okay, so the statue lady was the same as the ghost lady. Fun, interesting. Zerada still had no idea why the lady was accusing her of wrecking her. Maybe fore-shadowing, for something she would do? Or maybe she was thinking too deeply into it.

Hesitating, Zerada reached out and gently brushed a leaf from the statue. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:05 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Behind the dead bushes and plants, there was an inscription on the statue's plinth. The only problem was, it was inscribed in braille rather than print.

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[2:23 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Of the languages that Zerada was familiar with, this wasn't one of them. She hesitated before speaking up.

"There isn't any chance that you'll tell me what this means, right?" She asked out loud.

[2:23 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:23 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

There was no answer. Zerada would get the sense she'd been left completely alone. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[2:30 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

"Alright then." Zerada sighed. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small pocket notebook.

She tore a few sheets of paper out and pressed it on top of the braille markings. With a pencil, she gently sketched over the markings, which created indents in the paper. With this, she'd likely take a trip into the library to see if she could figure out what it said.

Hesitating for another moment, she looked up at the statue's face. In her pocket, she was reminded that her own lily remained in there.

The ghost had a lily at one of her eyes, so naturally, she was curious if the statue did as well. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:32 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

The statue didn't have a lily growing from her eye socket like the woman in the garden did, but did have a lily blossom cradled in one hand. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

[3:22 PM]🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐:

Interesting. Maybe Zerada would swing by later and maybe test a few things out.

With that, she made her leave from the flower garden.

There was definitely a lot more to this cult island. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

titania makes a bad decision

[7:21 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

After the fight, Yeonaixho left to the flower garden, hoping to take some time to himself after the long and stressful day. He sat on a bench by himself, listening to the gentle rustling of the wind in the dead plants. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[8:28 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Today was quite the eventful day with the fight. The princess never expected that there would be such an elaborate change to the arena.. She wondered how they managed to keep all the lava there. As she pondered, they also wandered around the island, finding themself in the flower garden once more. It was there that she spotted someone familiar.

"Oh, Sir Yeonaixho!" Titania called to the older man and quickly approached him. "Good evening, that was quite the event just now. Has Miss Astrid spoken to you about my request of an audience with you yet?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:31 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho perked up at the sound of someone approaching him. "Oh, Titania, isn't it? Astrid did inform me of your request, I'm just afraid I've been too busy to attend to it. I've got nothing to do now, so why don't you sit down with me, and we can chat?" He gestured to the bench space next to him with a smile, "And you don't need to call me sir, it just makes me feel old. Just 'Yeonaixho' is fine." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[8:38 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Titania nodded, not knowing the man wouldn't be able to see her do so. "Yes, I am Princess Titania Anasah. It is a pleasure to speak to you personally," she bowed before standing straight once more. "Unfortunately, referring to anyone less than family with an informal tone is beyond me, Sir Yeonaixho. I hope you will understand," they replied with a faint frown.

"But I would appreciate a discussion if you are free." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:41 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Ah, but in the etiquette I was raised by, it was natural to refer to religious authorities as you would your own familial elders. You see, 'Sir Yeonaixho' is not my proper title. It's actually more respectful just to call me by my name, or to use one of my proper titles." He hummed. "But if you do wish to use it, I don't mind."

"Of course. I have some time before I'm needed again, though I'm afraid Astrid didn't give me many details about what you wished to discuss." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[8:58 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

The princess hummed a bit. "Would it be more proper to call you 'The Hand of God', then?" She asked. "If that is what you mean by proper title. I would be more than happy to refer to you as something more akin to your own formal titles. Just nothing short of it."

"And that is alright, I am happy you are even speaking to me now. Miss Astrid spoke of how you were able to heal her many years ago, and you asked for no price in return. I came here to ask if you would be able to do such a feat for myself, but for specifically my father. I came to this land for the prospect of a wish, which was to be used to heal my father, but if you freely heal those who are ill without charge, I would rather avoid having to participate in this event." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:03 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yes, that's one of my titles. If you wish to call me by a formal title, that is a good one to stick with. If it becomes too much of a mouthful, simply 'The Hand' also suffices." Yeonaixho shrugged.

"It is true that I heal all that are sick or injured- it's a doctrine of this church's beliefs, one I founded it upon." He nodded. "I am sorry to hear about your father, and wish to do anything I can in return. However, I do not often leave this island, even for patients. It's become rather dangerous for me lately. Would you be able to transport your father here, so I could heal him?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:36 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Very well, The Hand. I appreciate the clarification," they smiled. What an interesting formal term. Titania wondered if other human body parts were also considered formal terms in Yeonaixho's culture.

She listened quietly to what he had to say and had to take a couple seconds to think on his words. "I understand... I am more than capable of bringing my father here... But I am not sure if he would survive the trip if I were to bring him. He is gravely ill and the only thing keeping his body alive is the Great Tree of the castle. The Tree provides him nutrients and keeps his body preserved..." Titania explained with a small frown. "...But if it means I can save him fully, I can find a way to make the transportation work. Somehow... I just need some time to figure it out." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:39 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho listened intently. "His life force is... related to a great tree? Princess, I must confess, the realm of plant life is not my speciality. If my wife were still alive, I'd be more confident guaranteeing my ability to heal him, but as of right now I am cautious. Could you describe to me more of his illness?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:56 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"The Great Tree of my kingdom has ties to the first Queen of the land. She was a powerful creature who had ties directly to the earth and nature surrounding our kingdom. It is because of her that our kingdom remained hidden from the world and able to continue to be self-sufficient on its own. When she passed, the land where her bodied was buried sprouted into the Great Tree. It overlooks the kingdom and the castle surrounds its base, keeping the nature healthy all on its own. Us of the royal family are directly tied to her, so when we are injured or ill, we would go to the Tree and be healed... But my father has been with the Tree for over ten years now, and still has not awaken. He had sustained physical injuries then, which were all healed quite quickly... yet he remains in a vegetative state," Titania explained.

"...So in short, the Great Tree only heals those directly related to it. It gives us of the royal family life energy, but it seems to not be enough to completely heal my father. As far as I could tell then, his illness was more a physical factor.. but after all this time, I am not sure." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:00 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"... I see." Yeonaixho nodded. "Do you know what specifically ails him? Any kind of illness or condition? My healing is sourced from my divinity, I'm sure it functions differently than that of your tree. This situation seems... complicated, and without complete understanding of what's going on, I truly don't know what I'll be able to do on my own. It would take me quite some time to even think of a plan, as I'm sure it would for you to find a way to get him here in the first place..." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[10:08 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Titania shifted a bit on her feet, hesitant to say too much. "The basis is that he suffered too much physical damage to his body... There was a civil war in my kingdom ten years ago that left my father gravely injured. Physical injuries are usually no problem for the Great Tree to heal... So I figured what is keeping my father in his comatose state is an illness of some other kind. I am not knowledgeable on sicknesses.. We hardly experience any in my kingdom, and I would not know the differences between illnesses in humans compared to us. I am unfortunately unable to provide you with any concrete ailments, The Hand. All I know is that my father seems physically fine, but he has not been conscious in years." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:23 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho paused in thought. "Hm. That seems like quite the predicament. Without any knowledge of his ailments or symptoms, it's difficult for me to determine any sort of treatment. The only way I'd be able to properly determine what is wrong with him would be to examine him myself. If it is not a physical ailment... have you considered it might be some kind of mental condition? You did say there had been a war recently." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[6:41 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Titania nodded, though also gave Yeonaixho a shrug. "I had considered that perhaps the war's physical damage had affected his body so great, that there must of been some sort of internal damage I cannot see. Have you ever came across anything of the sort, The Hand? I do not travel nor meet many people... I have never known of any sort of sickness that could keep someone unconscious, but alive for so long." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:51 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Severe traumas can impact one's functionality, though typically not to the degree of a coma." Yeonaixho hummed. "If it is something relating to the mind, I'm afraid my powers won't be much use there, either. Does your tree not heal internal damages or disease? Or were you using the term to refer to something else?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:51 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"I am not sure.. The facts about the Great Tree are few. All of the royal family before us only document the Great Tree being about to heal injuries we can see. I have never seen any sort of writing that lists more internal injuries that deal with the brain, or any sort of injury not able to be seen by the eye," they explained. "As I said before, illness is not common within my kingdom, so the Great Tree's usage has only been used when there are great battles or fights amongst the people typically." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:56 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Hm." Yeonaixho frowned. "As I said before, I would not be able to properly determine what is wrong with him unless you brought him here, and of course, I'd need you to bring him here so I could heal him." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[11:10 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Titania nodded and a faint smile spread on their lips. "But that does mean you are willing to try, correct? Are you sure there is nothing you ask for in payment? I have never met someone with such power and skill to be so willing to treat others.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:11 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"As long as you can get me to him, I'll do everything I can." Yeonaixho smiled kindly. "And no, I don't accept payment. The only thing I ask is that you keep the location of the island, and what you know about the church, a secret." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[11:41 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Yes, of course. I have no will to spout such things," Titania agreed. "Though, again, I will need some time to think about how I will transport my father here.. Until I can figure that out, I have yet another request to make."

The princess shuffled a bit in her stance once more. "I would like to be excluded from this tournament of yours. My wish was to be used on healing my father, but if you can do so without needing me to participate, I do not have a reason to anymore. I would like to stay for a bit longer to speak to some of the other people invited here, but beyond that, I have no desire to participate anymore." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:45 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"If you truly wish not to participate in this tournament any longer, of course you can leave." Yeonaixho nodded. "The next boat off-island leaves tomorrow afternoon, to take Kal Valdez home. You can ride with him back to the Ninjago Mainland. Is that enough time?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[11:49 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Titania had to think for a moment, before giving him a nod. "Yes, I suppose it would be. Is it too much to impose that if I can bring my father to the mainland, that I may also receive another boat ride from your people to come back here?" Titania asked. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:53 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Of course." Yeonaixho nodded. "I'll give you our church's mailing address so you can send us a letter when you're ready for us to send a boat." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[3:55 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Titania smiled bright at that and nodded once more. "Wonderful! Thank you so much, The Hand. I am greatly indebted to you," the princess said as she bowed deeply to the older man.

"I suppose I shall let you be now. I have already taken up enough of your time. I know you must be tired from today's events. Thank you once again." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:58 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Of course. It's the least I can do." Yeonaixho smiled. "My wishes of good health to you and your father. Have a nice evening, Princess Titania." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[4:01 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"You as well, The Hand. Goodnight," she smiled and waved him goodbye. What a wonderful conversation that will have no bad consequences later on! @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

bird bitches

[9:42 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine was taking some time to stretch out his wings. Really, he hadn't paid too much attention to that little ban on him flying and, well, he figured it was like banning somebody from walking. But he was back on the ground, walking around with a tuneful hum, and stopped before the statue. He mimicked its pose, laughing to himself. "What a pitiful thing..."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:48 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Petrai had come to the garden to find some peace, peace that was becoming so difficult to find these days. From the moment she saw Peregrine on the other side of the garden, she knew that peace would be gone. She lingered by herself on the far side of the garden, eyes on Peregrine and her crossbow ready. She watched carefully as he mimicked the statue and flaunted his wings, though why exactly would be unclear. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[9:52 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine spotted Petrai from the corner of his eye, his only acknowledgement of her a small smile growing across him. He circled the statue slightly before walking over to her. "Hello darling, what a lovely day it is~" He chuckled lowly, tilting his head slightly. "I would have thought you'd be the last person to want to see me."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:58 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Petrai kept her crossbow ready, and did not step away from Peregrine's advance. "You mistake yourself. I don't 'want' to see you. I am simply burdened with the sight of you." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[10:01 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine cackled under his breath. "Me?" He put a hand on his chest, opening his mouth as if gasping. "A burden? Never." He tried to put his arm around her. "What could I have possibly done to deserve such treatment?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:04 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Do not mock me with such questions, I do not have the patience for them." Petrai said coldly. She made certain Peregrine could see her crossbow. "Unless you wish for another injury to those wings you seem so fond of. Regardless, you know what you've done." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[10:11 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

(nsfw, sorry petrai)

Peregrine just smiled, glancing at her crossbow. "Is that a crossbow or are you just happy to see me?" He folded his wings back down protectively. "You may have to remind me, exactly. I've been very, very busy."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:13 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It's not my duty to remind you of your follies. You are a grown adult, after all. I assume you wish to be treated like one, and even if you don't, you will be anyways." Petrai said, raising her eyebrows slightly as Peregrine folded down his wings. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[10:16 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine bit back the little comment he could make. "Yes, yes, I am an adult, and I certainly act like one. I apologise that your little gathering can't quite understand that I simply do what adults do." He raised his eyebrow back at her, smiling slightly.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:19 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Nearly everyone on this island is an adult, yet you are one of the few that insists on harassing our staff and breaking our rules. With such evidence, it is easy to conclude that what you do is not simply 'what adults do', and is instead your conscious choice to disrespect those around you." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[10:22 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine chuckled slightly and put his hand under his chin. "It's the way I was raised, darling. Most people love it when the Angel shows interest in them." His wings fluttered on his back as if to show off without risking Petrai shooting them. "I'm quite popular back at home, it's a miracle I still have feathers to show!"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:24 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It is not my fault you've been coddled and groomed for your entire life, and are just now confronted with the fact not everyone seeks your attention." Petrai challenged. "It's much better to be useful than liked, but here you are neither. Shame." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[10:28 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"'Coddled and groomed', darling? Now what makes you say that?" He leaned forward playfully, smiling. "And sweetheart, I really am useful, just not to your type~" Brushing a hand across Petrai's shoulder, Peregrine tsked. "Well, I'm sure your dear Yeonaixho may come around..." He didn't say the very obvious joke but he did smirk at it.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:35 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Everything about you, Peregrine." Petrai stepped backwards, leaving Peregrine to lean over air. "Oh, he won't. Trust me, he thinks you're as ridiculous as I do. I've known the man for forty years, I can tell when he isn't interested in someone. And if you are not useful to God," Petrai paused, "Well, then I doubt you're very useful for anyone." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[10:43 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"You may have to elaborate, darling." Peregrine wore a shit-eating grin. "Well, the people I tend to be useful to aren't quite the godly type. Surface level, perhaps, attending church just to be seen, but not really believing in anything. Anything but me. Besides, most people who rebuke me do end up taking me on. I don't see why Yeonaixho would be any different, he's just another man at the end of the day~"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:47 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I will not. Again, it is not my duty to explain to you your faults." Petrai kept a straight face. "You have made yourself- or, been made into- the idol of your own false church. I do not care to know whether or not you believe in it yourself. Regardless, none are spared from their final judgement, regardless of their 'godliness' here on earth." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[11:35 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"'The idol of my own false church', I'm quite a fan of that description of me. The Angel and his church." Peregrine put his hand back under his neck as some sort of flourish. "Doesn't that just suit me wonderfully, darling?" He removed his hand to dismissively waft it in the air. "Oh, 'final judgement', all we ever are is judged. And really, wouldn't it be much for fun to have something than nothing? What are we here for if not to disappoint somebody?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:38 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I'm honestly surprised you hadn't thought of something like it before, what with how full of yourself you seem to be." Petrai retorted. "Indeed. We were placed on this earth to serve, and to be judged for our servitude. It's what little you and I have in common, that we will both be judged." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[11:45 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

(nsfw I GRAB HIM)

Peregrine cackled. "Oh darling, I serve every day." Shut up. "Well, I suppose I do serve, in a much different sense to you. And if your dear Yeonaixho doesn't want to take advantage of my kind of servitude, well, it's his loss. I'm quite talented at all different forms. Really, it's no different to prayer - we all end up on our knees anyway." He threw his head back and cackled even louder.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:47 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I could very easily remove you from the tournament for speaking in such a manner." Petrai pointed out. "Do not mistake my piety for ignorance- I can recognize an innuendo. And it's irreverent to speak in such a manner on holy grounds." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[12:20 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"Well, I am the Angel, a holy being, I'm sure it cancels out." Peregrine waved his hand dismissively again. "Really, I should be the expert, shouldn't I?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:21 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It doesn't. I'm not even going to waste my time explaining to you that the term 'angel' means nothing in our faith." Petrai paused.

"If anything, the wings make you less holy." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[12:34 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"Well, I'm not of your faith, so it's different rules for me." Annoying grin. "Well, I say they make me quite holy. And nevertheless, they make me quite the sight. Unfortunate that it's lost on dear Yeonaixho. In multiple ways."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:37 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yet you are on our island, on our grounds. What we believe does apply to you, especially when you attempt to use our beliefs to win our favor." Petrai commented. "They do not make you unique, holy, or even interesting. Believe it or not, you are not the only being in the world who has wings. Imagine if we worshipped every gull or puffin that migrated past our island! You're nothing more holy than every other crude animal of this earth." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[1:44 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"It's not like I'm joining your little gang, am I? I'm a temporary guest and I can't change my little habits overnight." Peregrine stepped backwards, enough to lean on the statue. "I'm the only Angel, though. Simply having wings isn't enough for that, there's a certain... je ne sais quoi to it. Something I was designed to be."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:49 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"The expectations we've placed upon you have been clearly outlined. Habit or not, you still have to follow them, or face the consequences." Petrai said. "There's nothing special about you. I've seen enough of you to prove it- and since I can already see it on your face, do not take that as an invitation for another inappropriate jab. No matter how much you've been 'designed' to be something divine, it does not overcome the sinful beast you were born as." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[2:00 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine cackled as Petrai spoke, only getting louder as she stopped him before he could even think of a jab. "A sinful beast, hm? I really think that moniker much better suits the people who I'm usually around than me. It's in the name, darling, the Angel. Who are you to deny that from me?" He tilted his head to the side and slowly lifted a hand to trace Petrai's chin, slightly lift it. "So protective of Yeonaixho's honour, whatever for? Because I really don't think you're defensive over the island, perhaps not even its people. It's all for him, isn't it? What's the point of that? So much effort..."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:12 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"You believe 'The Angel' is a better description of yourself? Tell me, does an angel bleed? Because I've seen you bleed. By my hand, no less. It's a simple name, one that doesn't even accurately describe you. Yes, I am suited to take it away from you- anyone is. Names like that can be taken as freely as they're given, because they mean nothing."

She wrapped her hand around Peregrine's but didn't apply any force. "You believe I do this for him? Your perception is worse than I believe. You shouldn't make assumptions about other people's priorities until you sort out your own." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[2:18 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine smiled. "Then what a sinner you are, bleeding the Angel. No matter your faith, I'm sure that matters somewhere." He hummed. "It's a name that's stuck for me, I've been given a good variety, darling." As Petrai grabbed his hand, he folded his fingers and rapped them against hers as if in thought. "Then what do you do it for? Come on, Petrai, don't you want to share what makes you tick? I'm very happy to share my own troubles, won't you indulge me?" And the bastard lifted up his hand, pulling Petrai's with it, and kissed the back of her hand, his eyes fixed on her with that annoying, smug grin.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:25 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It is no different than slaughtering a goose for its meat. Even if angels were important here, which they are not, you are not one."

"My motivations are not yours to know." As Peregrine kissed her hand, she reflexively pulled back, moving Peregrine's hand to her mouth. Instead of bestowing upon him a kiss like he did her, she bit into the side of his hand, enough to break flesh. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[2:25 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

(tw: mentioned animal death)

[2:32 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"Some would consider that a sin. You really can't speak for anyone, can you?" Peregrine chuckled. "And what would you know about angels? You are as plain as any human is, and you reject me out of jealousy. Jealousy because you can never be me-" He was still talking when Petrai bit him, and he cut himself off with a surprised, and pained, yelp. He forced his groan into a laugh, heaving each one out of his chest. To Petrai's mercy, he took a little time to actually speak but was still very annoying when he did. "Would it- would it surprise you if I said that that wasn't the first time I've been bitten by somebody? Not often in this context but... mm, you get the idea."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:36 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I am not jealous of you. Why would I be? You are nothing aspirational. You have nothing, you will become nothing, and when you die your bones will rot into nothing."

"Flesh returns to flesh." She replied simply, thrusting Peregrine's bloodied hand back at him. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[2:41 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"And yet, back at home, people fall all over themselves to have a piece of me. And, sometimes, to have me." Peregrine snickered. He took his hand back, rubbing where it was bitten and covering it with his hand. "All that matters is that I live, and I'm adored, at least where I'm from. It's such a shame there's no one here that can appreciate it."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:46 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yet you are not home." Petrai raised her eyebrows. "And you will never impress me with the number of people clamoring over you, especially when you also pride yourself on the fact you make yourself so available. It's no accomplishment to open yourself to solicitation, then brag about how often you're solicited. I do not envy the life you lead, a plaything to the wealthy. There's nothing to envy." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[2:50 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"Aren't you a plaything for Yeonaixho? Really, all this little religion seems like is one man in charge and everyone else clamouring over him. You can see how I feel a connection there, can't you?" He cackled. Bastard. "Well, a life paid for, only the finest hotels, full freedom. Fame. I'm practically worshipped."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:53 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I am not a plaything, I am a protector. A bodyguard. A pawn, yes, but one with purpose." Petrai tilted her head to the side. She paused, and... almost laughed. "You... expect me to be impressed that you stay in nice hotels. You expect me to care about that. I am genuinely surprised that you believe that's something I'd care about. Like I crave luxury or worship." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[2:57 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"A pawn, adorable." Peregrine sized her up and then cackled. "Yes, I could assume you didn't care about that, since you live on an island. But oh the stories I could tell... you, or Yeonaixho." Stop trying to fuck that old man.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:00 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Is that not what you are, too? The way you speak of yourself, I doubt you've made many real choices for yourself. I doubt you even built the persona of the Angel on your own." Petrai challenged. "I do not care about your stories, and I can guarantee Yeonaixho does not either." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[3:06 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"What's the shame in being a pawn when I'm useful to much more people than you?" He rolled his eyes playfully. "I've made plenty of choices and they've gotten me this far. And it's not so much the stories, it's the way I tell them. And I'm very good at telling stories."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:07 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Peregrine, I have a question for you." Petrai said. "Do you truly value your worth by the amount of people that wish to sleep with you?" @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[3:08 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine put his hand under his chin. "What else is there to value it by?" Man had to be joking. He sounded like he was, at least a little bit.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:10 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Petrai's emotion grew distant, resigned. She glanced over Peregrine, scrutinizing his face. "What a pitiful, sad way to view oneself." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[3:12 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine just cackled. "That sounds like something a virgin would say. I would have thought Yeonaixho would have done a favour for you there." Bro.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:15 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Petrai looked at Peregrine like she was a teacher of a sex ed class and he was a very unruly student. With all the confidence of someone who was being insulted by blatantly untrue accusations, she said, "That's the most immature thing you've said yet. And it's a false accusation." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[3:17 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine fake gasped and covered his mouth. "My, my, I thought you weren't allowed to copulate on this island. What a little sinner you are." He grinned. "What would your darling Yeonaixho think?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:20 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Peregrine," Petrai said, not a hint of shame on her face, "Yeonaixho and I were each other's first." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[3:22 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine's grin only widened. "I see! So you two went at it and decided that no one else could, tsk tsk." He cackled, his mouth still covered by his hand. "Is that why you're so resistant to me swooping in? You don't want a professional showing him just how pathetic you were in bed?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:27 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Hardly. We were young and foolish and it was, frankly, terrible. I care little about what partners he takes and he has never interfered with mine." Petrai lifted her eyebrows. "I would not care if Yeonaixho took you, I just don't foresee that happening. I've known Yeonaixho long enough to know that you aren't his type." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[3:32 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine just raised his eyebrows. "Are you suuure?" He leaned forward. "Oh, jealousy has never been so potent before, darling." He grinned. "And so short."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:34 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeonaixho is married." Petrai pointed out. "If I harbored any jealousy towards him, it would've culminated into something by now. It hasn't."

"I am simply telling you the truth. It's the wings, honestly. He's not into wings." She made a strange, near-disgusted face. "Honestly, I wouldn't be either." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[3:37 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"Oh, married, even more fun!" He didn't say anything more but his smile said plenty. No. "Well, I'm sure that he could find it easy to ignore better than anyone else. Most people are fixated on the wings, it'd be a nice change of pace to have someone to be thinking about something else." Stop.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:39 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Petrai looked over Peregrine, then met his gaze with a disapproving, disbelieving gaze. "I will bicker about this with you no longer. It's unbecoming." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[3:44 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine grinned at her disapproving look, his fingers tapping against his cheek gleefully. "Oh, I'm glad to bicker more, darling, no matter how unbecoming."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:44 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Then I suggest you find someone else to spend your time with." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[3:45 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"But you're such fun. And I suppose you really wouldn't want me to bother Yeonaixho."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:47 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Have Yeonaixho and I suddenly become the only two people on the island capable of conversation?!" Petrai raised an eyebrow. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[3:47 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"You're the most entertaining to talk to, is all. And Roque's mysteriously vanished." Peregrine pulled a mock-sad face.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:48 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Roque was sent home for harassing you." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[3:51 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

(heavy sexual harassment implication)

"Please, if you call that harassment you should see what happens to me at the parties I go to." Peregrine laughed to himself. "Again, it's a miracle I still have feathers."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:52 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"If you go to parties where you are harassed, you shouldn't go to those parties." Petrai's brow furrowed. "Peregrine, it unnerves me how little you seem to care for your own safety." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[3:53 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine just laughed even more. "Darling, if I didn't go to those parties, I wouldn't be here! I wouldn't be anything." He shook his head gleefully. "Like I said, darling, I've made my decisions, I'm going to stick to them."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:57 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I will say to you the same thing I said to Roque. It is better to be nothing than to have made a fool of yourself." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[3:57 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"I'm no fool. A fool would have stayed stagnant." He glanced around the garden, as if to gesture to the island. "All I do is move."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:00 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Petrai gave Peregrine another disbelieving glare, but said nothing. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[4:01 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine raised his eyebrow, entertained.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:02 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I have little idea what you're trying to accomplish here," Petrai said, "but I assure you, you will not achieve it." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[4:03 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"What do you think I'm trying to accomplish? Pray tell." He grinned at his own little joke.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:04 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Well, I know you're trying to sleep with the Hand of God." Petrai stifled a dry laugh. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[4:05 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

(nsfw again)

"Hand of God," Peregrine murmured in a sultry tone. "I'm sure he's very good at handjobs." He pressed his palm into his mouth again.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:06 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"How very original." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[4:06 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"Well, you would know, wouldn't you? Unless he was selfish as well as terrible?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:07 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I'm not answering that." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[4:07 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine fake-pouted. "Tsk, keeping all your little secrets from me. I suppose I'll have to find out for myself."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:08 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Again, I will not dignify that with a response." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[4:11 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"No cry of resistance? No begging for me to leave poor wittle Yeonaixho alone?" He raised a brow. "Is 'little' the right description? Or would you say he was rather...?" Peregrine smirked, shrugging up his eyebrows playfully. Stop.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:13 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"He's an adult. And, again, you won't be getting anywhere with him." Petrai shrugged. She just grimaced at Peregrine's suggestion. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[4:15 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"You're so certain..." Peregrine smirked. "I'm sure he'll come... to appreciate me, that is."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:16 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It would be very easy to expel you from the tournament on the grounds of what I've heard you say this afternoon." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[4:34 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"Perhaps, but where is the fun in that? Plus, you'll have to reorganise the fights again. Besides, wouldn't it be much more fun to see how far I can get in this little game?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:35 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"No, it wouldn't be any more 'fun'." Petrai frowned. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[4:50 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"I suppose you wouldn't know what fun is, would you?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:50 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I certainly wouldn't look forward to tolerating your presence any longer than I have to." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[5:41 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine just snickered. "People do always what they understand. Such a human trait."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:44 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"And yet you are human too." Petrai countered. "Perhaps, that is why you defy our church's rules, and why you attempt to mold this life to what you're used to." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[5:47 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine chuckled. "Oh, no, darling, you misunderstand. I'm the Angel. I'm no person, no human, I'm something else entirely." He ignored the rest of what Petrai said other than yet another dismissive hand wave.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:54 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"If you are not human, than neither am I." Petrai replied simply. She adjusted her crossbow. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[12:39 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine raised his brow but didn't say anything.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:46 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Petrai began to walk away. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[7:49 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"Ta-ra then," Peregrine said with a small laugh, waving by flapping his fingers over his palm as she walked off. "Enjoy whatever it is you do when you aren't ruining people's fun."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:51 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Petrai didn't even reply. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[7:52 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine cackled at the silence but let her walk away.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

peregrine NO

[11:22 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

By chance, coincidence, or some very strange coordination, Yeonaixho entered the garden shortly after Petrai had left it. He was ignorant to Peregrine's being there, and instead lingered idly by the statue, finding comfort in its presence. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[11:26 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"The man of the hour," Peregrine said with a cackle, clapping his hands. "So I suppose you and Petrai had such a terrible experience with one another that you thought no one else should be put through such a miserable experience?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:26 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho, who had not been privvy to Peregrine's last conversation and had only just realized he was there, let out a puzzled, "What?" He laughed, awkwardly. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[11:28 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine cackled at the confusion. "Oh Petrai was just here, telling me some interesting gossip. We're quite close now. You have her blessing if you give into the Angel's charm." Stop.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:31 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho remained confused. "What? Petrai doesn't gossip. I'm confused. What's going on with Petrai, and your charms- lack of, I might clarify." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[11:37 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"I gossip, darling, and I have quite the talent for squeezing it out of people." Peregrine put his hand to his face and chuckled wryly. "Other things too." Stop. "My charms work quite well on other people. It's such a shame I'm not so appreciated here."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:39 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho stared off into the distance with a look of nothing but confusion. "What are you talking about? You- did Petrai tell you about that?!" He quickly straightened himself. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[11:49 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine grinned. "Yes, sir, darling, Petrai did. How rude of her, divulging such a secret onto me, hm?" He chuckled. "Sorry, Hand of God. I suppose by the rules of your own religion, you're not as pure as I was led to believe." Peregrine fake sighed. "Luckily that's not exactly a dealbreaker for me."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:51 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"That was one time, when we were teenagers and I hadn't even ascended yet." Yeonaixho sighed. "God, why did she ever tell you that... it means nothing in terms of my current willingness to fuck you. I hope you know that." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[11:57 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine chuckled. "Like I asked before, was it that bad that you had to stop anyone else from going through the same thing? What a noble sacrifice... and perhaps it's fate that I'm here to set that right. I must be good if people keep taking me for their own."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:00 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"You misjudge our intentions- we simply don't want to have to clean up that sort of mess while you guests are here." Yeonaixho shrugged. "And, you know I've slept with people other than Petrai, don't you? I'm married, for the Lifebringer's sake. God."

He pressed a hand to his temple. "How did I get here..." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[12:18 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

(nsfw again sorry yeonaixho)

"That's why you go to hotels," Peregrine said dismissively, waving his hand. "Or at the very least hire help. And yes, Petrai did mention that fun fact. Don't worry, darling, I have experience in threesomes. And higher numbers, at which point it's no longer really a some." Peregrine grinned wickedly.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:27 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh, are you aware of a hotel on this island that I hadn't noticed in my twenty-five years of living here?" Yeonaixho teased. "Really? And what's your experience with fucking corpses? Because if it's a three-way with my wife and I you want, that's what you'll be looking forward to." It was with dry irreverence Yeonaixho said this, almost a hint of amusement. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 (nsfw)

[12:31 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"Well, there's always travel. That's what I do," Peregrine teased back, crossing his arms. "And we'll done, Hand of God, you may be the first person who's made me enforce a boundary. But perhaps, if that's what you're into, you may be able to convince me." Sorry, he's insane but he is at least joking, his tone dripping with a heavily implied wink." I suppose we might have something in common, there, though you at least have the certainty."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:38 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Well, you won't have to worry about it. That, like everything else you wish to do with me, is strictly off the table." Yeonaixho smiled, putting a hand to his lips. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[12:42 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"Aww," Peregrine fake-whined though it built up into a chuckle. "Are you sure? What's the point of rules and standards if you don't break them every so often?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:47 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It's not even so much a matter of rules as it is a matter of care. You see, I have no reason to indulge you-" Yeonaixho smiled, "-especially when it's so much more entertaining to see you desperately grasp for it." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[1:03 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"I suppose you don't have a reason... just got your own enjoyment. Or is this what you enjoy? The desperation... making me be oh so polite and begging?" Peregrine chuckled, raising an eyebrow slowly. "You're not so unique in that case."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:07 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

(nsfw. i throttle this man)

Yeonaixho let out a low gravelly hum. "I will admit, it's not something that bothers me to see." He leaned close to Peregrine- a hand on his chin, his mouth so close to his ear. "If you really want this, I want you to beg for it." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[1:13 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

(nsfw [spoiler alert I ain't writing that so it's implied])

Peregrine smiled. "Now you really do sound like everyone else." He took a deep breath and began to beg. Listen man I am aromantic I am asexual I am tired I am not the person to be write a horny winged guy begging God so pretend that this is just Peregrine begging and teasing he's a slut he's saying shit. After a bit of that, Peregrine chuckled and said, "Would you much rather me beg on my knees, Hand of God? Pray to you?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:24 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

(nsfw)

As Peregrine begged, Yeonaixho kept his face out of the younger man's sight, close to his ear, though he occasionally hummed approvingly after specific words were said.

Oh, I would." Yeonaixho said, low and gravelly. "Though that's something better done in private, don't you think?" @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[1:29 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Peregrine grinned to himself. "Much better done in private, my Lord," he teased. He brushed his fingers against Yeonaixho's cheek with a hum. "You know this island best, won't you know where best to go?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:30 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho wrapped a hand around Peregrine's shoulder. "Come with me." He led Peregrine out of the flower garden and towards the staff building... @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[1:31 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Man is following! Get fucked!

eben and yeonaixho

[1:24 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

After the fight, Yeonaixho went to the garden. He only had a bit of free time, yet he chose to spend it here, cloaks wrapped warm around his shoulders, sitting below the statue. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[1:43 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben did not take all that long to find Yeonaixho, he walked fast and had seen him around areas like this in passing anyways. He wasted no time in approaching.

"Yeonaixho." Eben spoke, more as a statement than a question.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[1:45 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Hm? Yes? That's me." Yeonaixho lifted his head toward Eben. "You are ...?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:02 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"Eben Hastings, a contestant. You'll forgive my intrusion, but this can't exactly wait. I would like to talk to you about Inu." Eben replied. He sat down on the end of the bench, placing him on more equal ground with Yeonaixho.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[7:52 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho's brow furrowed, and he adjusted the way his cane sat in his lap. "Alright. What about him, exactly?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:39 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben intended to get straight to the point.

"Inu is homeless. Since he lost his fight, when he returns to the city he'll have no where to go and no one to support him. I want to ask if it is at all possible for him to stay as a spectator."

Eben continued to stare out at the garden and not at Yeonaixho.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:42 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho sighed.

"My church has limited resources. At this point, we cannot afford to take care of every wayward soul left over after the tournament. Inu lost his fight, and thus will have to leave our island. The only exception could be made if he wished to join our church and work as a dedicant or guard here. We do not allow spectators." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:59 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben contemplated.

"I see. So you cannot afford to keep on an extra person because you only have the resources set aside for the intentionally dwindling number of contestants, making it necessary for one to leave after every fight?"

The question seemed genuine, not accusatory.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:00 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yes, exactly." Yeonaixho nodded. "Being on such a remote island, with such a hostile environment, we must carefully ration out our resources. We had planned for a contestant to leave after each fight, and had set out resources accordingly." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:07 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben looked up. "So if a contestant were to, say, withdraw from the tournament, coincidentally leaving after a fight, it should be no problem for the other losing contestant to stay in their place, since the same amount of resources would be used either way?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:12 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho contemplated this. "I... suppose so, at least in the terms of resources. But I would prefer to avoid such arrangements. This is a tournament. I do not want to get in the habit of making such exceptions. It is our policy, my policy, not to allow losers to continue." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:26 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"He wouldn't be continuing in the tournament, and you have just told me that the issue is resources, which there is a solution for." Eben straightened up a little on the bench.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but I have been lead to believe your church is a charitable organization. I don't see much point in a charitable organization denying a homeless man a few weeks' stay when they have the means to do so."

Eben paused, before adding "I know a contestant willing to house him once the tournament ends, so it would only be for that long."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:35 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho sighed again. "If I let one person stay after they loose their fight, I might as well let everyone stay. These are the policies of our church. If Inu wished to invoke the charity of our church through our service, or join us in our cause, he would be welcome to, however I do not believe that is what you are asking of me. You want me to allow your friend to remain here, simply because you believe he has this right to. And that's against our church's policies." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:46 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"Invoke your service? What would that involve?"

He intentionally ignored the last of Yeonaixho's statements. And of course he would bring up working for the church to Inu, but he's out here to get every option.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:48 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"If he were to come here while we weren't hosting such a large event. We could offer him support and sanctuary for a time. But not right now." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[11:11 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"I see. Its not that you can't keep him here, its that you won't. I wish you'd clarified that from the beginning." Eben stated, then stood up. "I apologize for interrupting your quiet. Have a good rest of your afternoon."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:13 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I would extend the graces of this church to all that suffer in this world, if only I could. Alas, the last dredges of mortality that plague me still limit my power. I must make my choices. Unfortunately, that means some things fall through the cracks." Yeonaixho stated dryly, remaining seated. "I hope you understand. Good day." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[11:30 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Last dredges of mortality, implying that Yeonaixho was now beyond that. Eben thought that was either troubling or extremely arrogant. He simply nodded at Yeonaixho and left.

jymaiyri and ryu

[9:10 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

The past 24 hours had been quite a handful for Ryu. She felt like it was all spent inside someone's bed (because it was). Outside, she could finally have a smoke that wasn't being supervised. Red and green smoke escaped her lips as Ryunoske sat on down by the statue, sitting in the shade of the figure. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:13 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Ryu would not have peace for long. Only moments after she'd sat down, she'd be alerted to the horrible, sudden sound of someone shrieking elsewhere in the garden. Whoever it was, they sounded like they were in a great deal of pain, but Ryu wouldn't be able to see them from her vantage point. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:29 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu shot her head up at the scream, trying to located where it was coming. With her cigar still between her lips, Ryu got up and looked around, her brows knitted. Was there some sort of attack happening? @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:18 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

There wasn't any sign of attack- no other voices, no sounds of violence or struggle. The only sound was the high-strung, pained shriek, and then another that followed it, and then the sniffling, coughing and whining of a pained person. It was coming from behind Ryu, from the other side of the statue. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[11:17 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

It was strange how everything was so loud, yet still. Ryu carefully walked towards the direction of the whining and sniffling, in a stance ready to strike. "Who's there?" She demanded. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:39 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

As Ryu circled the statue, she'd come across the frail, shaking form of a woman- evidently, the person who had been screaming.

She braced herself on the statue's pedestal, barely standing without it, hunched over so her exposed organs dripped forward onto the wet white of the snow. With the hand not holding her up, she wiped her mouth clean of the black, bloody ichor spilling from it. Her chest was bare, exposing her body and the ruin that had been done upon it, but she didn't look cold. She glared at Ryu with an intense, personal animosity, and coughed up something dark and slimy onto the ground before speaking.

"You...." She heaved, "You forsake me again." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[11:40 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

(tw: corpse description organs and the general, also throwing up mention)

[11:53 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Well, this certainly wasn't what Ryu was expecting to see out here in the empty nothingness, but she didn't seem frightened. If anything, she was now concerned for whoever this woman was. Her gaze remained tense, but her body relaxed just the slightest. "Don't talk, you'll just make your injuries worst. I don't know what happened to you, but you need to get seriously patched up or you'll die or blood lost—or hyperthermia, whichever comes first," Ryu said as she stepped closer and began peeling her suit jacket off, most likely to give to the injured women. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:01 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

The woman flinched as Ryu approached, stumbling away from the statue. She very clearly couldn't keep herself stable, wrapping one arm over her open torso.

"Do not feign to care for me," She spat, "I will not fall for such treachery again." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[3:38 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"I'm not pretending. Stop struggling or else you really will die," Ryunoske huffed as she finally got to the woman. She wrapped her jacket around the woman's shoulders and injuries, making sure to not press too hard. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:42 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

The woman accepted the coat around her shoulders, letting it cover the more gruesome of her wounds. She tugged it around her body and looked up to Ryu. "Oh, if only I might. Death would be a kinder mistress then what I have been made to suffer." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania (suicidal ideation? idk jymaiyri's a bit weird)

[3:45 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryunoske gave the woman a curious look, but didn't question her words. "I'm going to pick you up now. I'll carry you to the infirmary here. Please don't resist," Ryu said as she began to pick the woman up into her arms. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:49 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

As Ryu picked her up, the woman began to shake and thrash, trying to free herself. "No- NO! Let go of-" She protested, "Do not take me there. I beg thee, do not take me there. Anywhere else, please, but not there. Please." It visibly pained her to make such pleas, but her desperation overpowered any such grief. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[3:52 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

It was hard for Ryunoske to not drop this woman. God, she yelled a lot. "If I don't, you'll bleed out. I'm no doctor, but that means you'll die. Dead. The only people here who can help you are going to be there," she huffed.

"...Unless it's those people who did this to you?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:54 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"My only desire is to rot-" The woman continued aimlessly thrashing and kicking at Ryu. "I have toiled like this for years, and what I am I awarded- Time and time and time alone, they've forgotten me, Beloved!" In between shouted phrases, she occasionally paused to catch her breath. "They can do nothing for me. I do not wish to see that which has failed me." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[8:44 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

A part of Ryu was tempted to hold this woman like a fish if she kept squirming so much. With all the patience she could muster, she continued to hold the woman down in her arms. "Well, as much as I respect most women's wishes, I don't think rotting in this cold temperature alone would be ideal," she replied nonchalantly.

"If you don't want to get help from them, there's not much I can do for you.. What would make you most comfortable?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:56 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Still, the woman protested Ryu's restraint, both through her thrashing and her voice. "Respect? You think you respect me by- holding me down? By denying my basest of needs?"

"Let me go. Let me go, and I will find comfort in you yet." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:03 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu made a face and stared at the woman. "Are your basic needs to die and rot in the cold alone? Because I can definitely do that if that's how you want to spend your last moments," she replied and settled the woman back on the ground where she found her. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:06 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

The woman visibly calmed as she was set down, and braced herself on the jacket again. She took in a deep breath- the expansion and contraction of her lungs was visible in a way that was very unnerving.

"Is a Body in this state meant to sustain itself?" She tilted her head to the side at Ryu's question, then sighed. "But yet, I persist. Death has not come for me yet." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:09 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Uh, yeah no," Ryu answered. "You're gonna die... well, typically, most humans do in a state like yours," she hummed as she looked over the woman. Odd... This whole time, even with all the thrashing and such, the woman didn't seem like she was tiring.

"How long have you been.. 'persisting' death?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:10 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

The woman contemplated this. Something briefly shifted in her expression. "Twenty years." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:19 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Twenty years... Yeah, this lady definitely was not normal. "Huh. Okay," came Ryu's bland response. Guess she didn't have to worry about some random lady dying on her then. She probably already was dead. A ghost of some sort haunting this place? Possibly.

"Do you remember what happened to you before your injuries? How you got them?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:21 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

The woman's expression shifted back to the way it had been before, but far, far more angry. "You dare ask me such things?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:24 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Ya," Ryu nodded, not very intimidated by this random injured woman. "I mean, I just did.. so.. Are you going to answer?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:25 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

The woman crossed her arms. "Why would I? My matters are not yours to be privy to." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:27 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"I mean.. I guess not, but like, what do you gotta lose by telling me? Is it like.. traumatic or something for you to talk about it?" Ryu asked. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:27 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I could not speak of it if I so desired." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:28 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"So... you can't? Like, physically can't? Is it because you don't remember? Or like.. someone has done something to you that makes it so you're unable to talk about it?" God, this lady was vague. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:31 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

The woman let out a frustrated huff. "My tongue will not let me articulate about myself."

She looked to Ryu, almost pleading. "Please, you must remember me." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:44 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Okay... So she physically couldn't talk about it. Odd. That sure made this 100x more difficult than necessary. At the woman's pleading, Ryu tilted her head a bit. She didn't recognize the woman at all, but in a weird sense, Ryu found some similarities between her and...

Ryu shook her head. No, they weren't alike at all beyond the short dark hair. "You kinda look like someone I used to know, but that's about it. I don't know who you are, but if you want to find someone who might, I have an inkling you're going to need to talk to someone who works here." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:47 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Once again, the woman sighed in frustration. "Beloved, I have tried. I tire of this torment." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:48 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Beloved.. Ryu hummed at the pet name. "Can I ask, who do you think I am? Do you know my name?" Ryunoske asked her with a curious look. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:52 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

The woman looked up to Ryu, her brow furrowing as she scrutinized his face. "You are my honeybee, are you not?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:55 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Sure. Yeah," Ryu nodded. "But what's my name, beloved?" Ryunsoke asked again. "Do you remember my hair color? Am I taller than you? What do you like about me?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:57 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"What, you crave my flattery?" The woman tilted her head to the side, a near-playful smile forming across her features. "I cannot say your name just as I cannot say my own, darling. You know this." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[10:01 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"I see.. Well, what about my other questions? Do you remember any of those?" Ryu asked again. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:04 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I have always adored your gorgeous eyes..." The woman mused. "Though I still suspect this is one of your games to win my flattery. I love your hair, too." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[10:22 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

'Gorgeous eyes' weren't exactly the first thing Ryu would say was attractive about her.. same with her hair. Hm. "Do you remember our first date together? Where was it at again, do you recall?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:23 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

The woman's eyebrows lifted. "Did you really forget how we met?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[10:24 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu let out a small laugh. "Sorry, beloved. Time does that.. especially twenty years.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:27 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Darling, it's been longer than twenty years." The woman laughed. "It was the beginning of the war, don't you remember? When I had slain the Godeye, and you were fleeing straight into my trap. You and that little birdling of yours." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[10:47 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Longer than 20 years.. God, these people must be ancient. And a war? Birdling? "Right.. the war. It happened so long ago. You had me right where you wanted me.." Ryu mused. "And what happened next..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:53 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Darling, you remember this." The woman cooed. "After all, you fell for me far before I did you. We traveled together. We found ourselves in each other- don't you remember our vows?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[7:43 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Okay.. so whoever this lady thought Ryu was, they were married, she fell in love second, and they've been together for a while. Hmm. "Yes, yes.. I apologize, my own memory fails me these days.. when you said my birdling was with me.. did you mean.. my child?" Ryu curiously asked. A single parent is always easier to pin point. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:20 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

At that, the woman turned back to Ryu, a look of confusion and almost fear worrying her face. "Your- what?" She began slowly backing away from Ryu. "Wh- what are you?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[8:23 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"A child. I'm not sure what 'birdling' means," Ryu repeated, her voice as calm and steady as before. She noted the worry in the woman's eyes, but it most likely meant this couple didn't have any children. "I'm your beloved, as you said. I'm just asking some questions." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:25 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

The woman continued backing away. The worry on her face morphed into a stronger terror. "No, no- my beloved would not- why do you impose to be him?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[8:29 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

'Him'. Okay, that narrows down the pickings a lot. Ryu sighed and looked over the woman with a faint frown. "Because you said I was him. Obviously, you don't remember a lot of things, neither do I, so it seems we're at an impasse here." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:33 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"You- you lied to me," The woman continued to back away, trembling in rage and fear. "You lied to me, you made me think you were- what do you want from me?!" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[8:37 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Well, Ryu guessed the jig was up. "You lied to me. You said I was your beloved, now you say I'm not. The true question is, what do you want from me. You've been here, in this state for twenty years now.. surely, you seek something that holds you here." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:42 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

The woman continued to tremble. "Only because you deceived me did I- you horrid wretch, you..." She took in a few shaky breaths, and demanded. "Why?! I have done nothing to earn this torment. I don't even know what you are! Why?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[8:45 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Only because you deceived me first. You only have yourself to blame if you can't even recognize your beloved," Ryu huffed. "I'm not tormenting you. I'm simply here to ask you questions. I would like to help, but it seems you only seek the one you call 'beloved.' Whoever that may be. If you tell me more about him, perhaps I can help you find the real one." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:47 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

The woman didn't seem very angry so much as she seemed terrified. "I- I don't know what you are, leave me alone-" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[8:49 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu rolled her eyes. "I'm human, and probably more alive than you are right now, considering your injuries," she hummed. "Do you want to suffer out here alone for twenty more years, or let me help you? No more lies, as long as you tell me the truth too." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:51 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"What help could you give me? More deception, more lies?" The woman trembled, but didn't back up any further. "Why would you help me? You're just- you don't even know me!" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:39 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"I don't know a lot of people, lady. Doesn't mean I'm just gonna leave some vulnerable woman alone to shrivel and die," Ryu huffed. "And like I said. You're looking for you beloved, right? Maybe I could find him for you, or at least find someone who knows him." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:41 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I do not desire aide from the likes of you." The woman spat. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:41 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Riiiight. And has anyone besides me bothered to help you?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:42 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

The woman paused to think, and looked away from Ryu. She said, "Deep in the earth there is a metal box." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:57 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu raised a brow. "Okay... and?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:57 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"And in this box is a body." The woman continued. She looked back to Ryu, hoping he understood. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[10:01 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Uh huh. Your body?" Ryu asked. "Where is it exactly?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:02 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I cannot tell you more." The woman said. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[10:16 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Alright then," Ryu shrugged. "And about your beloved. Tell me what you can remember about him. You don't know his name, but you said you loved his eyes, his hair. Be more specific if you can. What color were they? What is your beloved's personality like?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:19 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Eyes as blue as ice crystal, hair like golden wheat." The woman sighed, almost wistfully. "Truly, I remember his kindness. His devotion." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[10:32 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Blue eyes, light colored hair (most likely blonde), a strange devotion of some kind, is a man on the older side.. and couple in the fact this ghost has been on this island for some time. It wasn't hard to guess who she was talking about.

Ryu sighed, a deep, almost disappointed sigh. "Lady.. I think I know who your beloved is, and man oh man, you have some.. interesting tastes," she first commented. "...Are you the jealous type, by chance? Because I think your lover hasn't been as devoted as you think he has." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:34 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I am the object of his eternal adoration." The woman said simply. "He loves nothing like he loves me." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[10:36 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Right... well, I guess that means you're not. That's good at least," Ryu nodded. "Do you want to be taken to him? He's here, somewhere on the island. Maybe getting some closure with him will heal your soul, or whatever.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:44 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

The woman shook her head. "I know where he resides." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[10:48 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Oh.. so you know where and who he is then," Ryu commented. "...Why haven't you spoken to him? Have you tried and it just didn't work?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:53 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"His devotion blinds him." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[10:54 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

(Literally)

[11:00 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"So... he ignores you," Ryu snickered. "I see. Hm. I guess he cares more about prancing around as a god than he does his own beloved. That's pretty sad. I can see why you'd be stuck on this godforsaken island for so long." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:01 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"You misjudge him." The woman tilted her head to the side. "It isn't like that." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[11:06 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Uh huh. Tell me, how long have you been here again? Twenty years, right? And not once.. not even once, has he noticed you?" Ryu asked. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:06 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"He has noticed me. He cannot forget me. I plague him." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[11:11 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"And yet, you're still here. Yearning and in pain," Ryu stated. "Him simply 'noticing' you clearly isn't enough. You miss him, don't you?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:12 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Of course." The woman said. "I miss him like I miss my beating heart. I miss him like I miss breathing." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[11:15 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Then the only thing that's going to make you happy is if he actually takes notice and speaks to you again," Ryu sighed, fed up with this woman's dramatics.

"Has anyone else spoken to you before? Besides me." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:17 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I told you. He does notice me. He does speak to me. It is not from some lack of attention that I persist here. That is not why I hunger." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[11:18 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Okay. Then what is?" Ryu huffed. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:20 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Because I have been made to remain in this purgatorial state-" The woman gestured to herself, as if this was obvious. "Because I cannot die and I cannot live. Because I still have the capacity to hate." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[11:50 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Right, I figure all of that.. but that still doesn't really answer my question," Ryu huffed. "What exactly do you wish for? Once you're satisfied, you'll be able to move on. Being stuck in such a state means there's something more emotional holding you back. Your physical form.. or I suppose lack of, is just an after effect. What would satisfy you so you will no longer feel the hate you do." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:53 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I am not tethered here because of my desire," The woman said, almost offended Ryu would assume such a thing. "My only desire is to rot." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[4:34 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Hm.. so it's your beloved keeping you here then," Ryu shrugged. "Guess he really is devoted.. to an extent. Yknow, it's not healthy for him to keep obsessing over a dead woman. If he saw how much you were suffering being stuck in your current state, he'd probably want you to hurry up and move on." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:35 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"But he would never leave me." The woman shrugged simply. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[4:37 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Maybe.. I guess that's why he keeps you here. He can't exactly have you alive, so he'll take you in any way he can," Ryu commented. "What a horrible husband. Selfish in keeping you here even though you're in pain."

[4:37 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:38 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I don't think it's selfish. I would do the same to him." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[4:39 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Even if you knew he was in pain and wanted to pass on?" Ryu raised a brow. "You both love selfishly it seems." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:39 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"That's what love is." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[4:42 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Sure," Ryu shrugged. "Well, if that's the case.. I don't think there's anything anyone can do for you.. if you're happy being a ghost on his shoulder, then no one really has the right to take that from you." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:43 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I am not capable of joy in this state," The woman said simply, "but there was nothing you could do for me, anyways." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[8:42 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"You don't feel joy even when your beloved notices you?" Ryunoske asked with a curious smile. "Regardless... I guess there isn't, if neither you or him are entirely against the current status of your.. soul, body, whatever. The blind man is probably holding your body somewhere to keep and give offerings to," she shrugged. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:44 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

The woman listened to what Ryu said, and moved as if she was going to reply, then abruptly shifted. "I have to leave." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[8:46 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Leave..? Alright. If you decide you're not happy with your current position after all, come find me. I have a feeling you can," Ryunoske nodded and gave the woman some space. "You can keep the jacket too." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:47 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

The woman nodded, and ran off into the wilderness. She, indeed, took the jacket with her. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania