ryu and taisto

[9:55 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto was back in his humanoid form, adorned with wolf features, of course. He was standing in front of the greenhouse, looking at it his hands behind his back and his tail quietly swaying. He stepped a little closer, and scratched frost off of the glass to see better inside.

@Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[10:05 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

smoking/

Back on the road after saying goodbye to Kal, Ryunoske continued to wander the grounds. She didn't really have any interest in deciphering her surroundings, as she was more concerned with the fights with the others, but exploring wasn't so bad. With a cigar between her teeth as usual, Ryu walked with her hands in her pockets.

She had walked far enough to eventually come across a dead garden. She wondered if this place was ever green, considering it's location... But besides the dead grass and cold land, a different figure caught her attention. Some sort of.. wolf man? Huh... Ryunoske stopped a few feet away from the canine and smiled a bit. "Yo," she greeted. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:11 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto'svears shifter back slightly to listen to the approaching steps, but he was too deep in thought to pay attention. Only when Ryu greeted him, the ears shifted properly back, before he turned around to see who was talking to him.

"Oh, hey", Taisto smiled.

@Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[11:07 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryu glanced at Taisto's ears, curiously humming before looking him back in the eyes. "You got an interesting presence. Got a name, wolf man?" She asked with a smile. "I don't get to meet a lot of people with animal parts around here." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:12 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Ah", Taisto lifted his clawed hand to one of his ears and seemed mildly surprised. "Right, I forgot I look like this. If it bothers you, I can make myself more human-looking."

He lowered his hand and smiled back, though his sorrowful eyes always made him look mildly melancholic or pensive.

"My name is Taisto. You can say Tasu or Tapsu too, whatever is easier. I go by he/him pronouns. What's your name?" he introduced himself, and his tail swayed in a friendly manner. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[11:35 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryunoske chuckled a bit and waved a dismissive hand. "Nah, nah. You're cool, dude. Don't gotta change anything for me," she reassured the older man. Though, she seemed a bit more interested as he went on. "Taisto..? Interesting name. I'm Ryu, short of Ryunoske," Ryu replied with a faint smile.

Oddly, she neglected to lay down any pronouns like Taisto did. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:39 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Oh, alright", Taisto smiled, and his tail swished a little peppier. He tilted his head at the lack of response for the pronouns, and wondered what it meant. He could ask, but wasn't sure if it would be annoying or invasive... maybe it just meant Ryu was indifferent and cool with any pronouns?

"Thanks, it's a rather old-fashioned Finnic name. Ryunoske is a nice name too!" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[11:43 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

'Fuck around and find out', is most likely what Ryunoske's lack of pronouns meant, but she didn't elaborate. Her smile stayed on her lips and he fiddled with his pocket for a moment. "Finnic? Oh.. you are from Finland?" Ryu asked him as he pulled out his box of cigarettes.

"Do you smoke?" He offered Taisto one. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:52 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto shook his head with a serene smile. "Close, but not quite. I'm from Elkland. It's up there with Finland and Sweden and whatnot."

He glanced at the cigarette offered to him, and shrugged.

"Not really. I don't see the point. I doubt they would do anything to me", he chuckled. "You shouldn't waste yours on me, but thank you for offering!" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[12:02 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Elkland... can't say I know where that is, but that's cool," Ryu smiled as he retracted his box of cigars back. "Sometimes, smoking is more for the idea of relaxing than to actually feel something. I haven't felt anything from it in 18 years," she shrugged.

"Well, what brings you all the way out here, Taisto? You interested in the wish and money too?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[12:11 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"It's in Northern Europe, a pretty small country", he hummed.

"I see, I guess it's like stimming? I get that", he nodded, but paused. "Eighteen years? That's pretty long... how old are you?"

"Me? Well, I suppose I was curious, and the promises of money and a wish were intriguing too. What about you?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[7:04 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryunoske chuckled. "No, more like a habit now. I'm 26," she informed him with a small smile. She let Taisto talk, humming a bit as she blew out red-green smoke from her nose.

"I see. I'm here for the money. The wish doesn't interest me much, but the people I've spoken to have been a bit of a mix of responses." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[7:10 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto did some quick math in his head, and his eyes widened, before his brows furrowed in concern.

"Only 26? How young did you start smoking? ... You do know that's not good for lungs, right? Unless those are some sort of, magic health cigars, or something", Taisto spoke, watching the colorful smoke. It smelled strongly like tar and ash, though.

He nodded slowly. "Yeah, money does make life easier, doesn't it", he hummed. "Though, with how different people are gathered here, I'm not surprised everyone has their own reasons to be here", he mused. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[7:22 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Taisto's concern only made Ryunoske laugh some more. "I started smoking the moment I could hold it between my teeth," she mused with a grin. "My lungs rather like the ash, so there's nothing to worry about," Ryu reassured him.

"And you can say that again. Money is what makes the world go round. Can't escape it," Ryunoske shrugged. "I think most interesting people here are those who were simply curious. What do you do outside of coming to random church fight clubs, Taisto?"@Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[7:38 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Holy shit", was all Taisto could say to that at first. He tilted his head lightly and squinted his eyes, his black nose tip wiggling a little as he tried to figure out Ryu's scent under the smoke and ash better... Most likely a human scent, but he didn't want to repeat his mistake with Peregrine and call someone a human when they didn't identify that way- uh, or, when hey weren't that way.

"Interesting..." he said instead, and for once didn't pry further. He might circle back to it later tho.

"Unfortunately", he sighed at the money comment. "Hm, I find the nonhuman ones the most interesting", he remarked. Perhaps a hint hint in case Ryu was secretly a dragon? At her last sentence, Taisto burst into a light laughter.

"Believe it or not, this is the first time! Back home I'm writing my doctoral thesis, and working in a garden center. What about you? What are you doing besides church fight clubs?" he chuckled. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[7:46 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

There wasn't much of a scent on Ryu beyond the incredible smoke and ash. Underneath that thick layer however, there was nothing but human. There wasn't anything really remarkable. "Haha, you're quite funny, Taisto. You seem more worried about my health than my own fathers," she snickered with a light tone.

"I don't think I've ran into any nonhuman people... besides you and another kid," Ryu hummed. She didn't count Peregrine in that number, sorry not sorry. "And you're a doctor? Wow.. that's impressive... As for myself, when I'm not in a church fight club, I'm usually in a much more traditional fight," she smiled, being quite vague. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[7:54 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Hm", Taisto bliked and tilted his head the other way. "Ah well, 'love your neighbor' and all that. I suppose I just try to be nice", he shrugged.

"There are a few. Unfortunately I haven't gotten to chat with a lot of them, but I have a tiefling and a 'cat boy' as my roommates", he chuckled. "Not the medical kind of doctor. I study ecology and forestry, and a little bit of cultural studies. And I'm not a doctor yet, just a master so far", he grinned.

"Oh yeah? Do you mean like, boxing or wrestling?" he asked curiously. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[1:23 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"I appreciate it, I guess. You don't gotta worry a hair on your wolf body about me though. I promise I'm a big boy," she chuckled. With another breath, she let out more red-green smoke.

"Huh... a tiefling and a cat boy..? How interesting. Perhaps the church hopes to sway others since humans are so hard to convert," Ryu joked with a small laugh. "Eh, a doctor is a doctor. It's impressive either way. Almost doctor is still pretty cool too. And yes, you can say it's like boxing," she smiled. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:39 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto laughed and his tail swished a little at Ryu's statement.

"Alright, well, I suppose you know yourself the best."

Taisto chuckled. "Maybe? Although I feel like nonhumans would already have their own belief systems and be even harder to convert, but I can only speak for myself. And thank you! It's been really tough, but I'm glad I've gotten this far", he swished his tail some more. Then he tilted his head curiously.

"It's like boxing, but it's not quite like boxing, hm?"

@Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[5:13 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Hmm, I suppose that can be true too. Does that mean you got your own beliefs then, Mr. Wolf?" Ryu asked with a small chuckle and leaned her weight onto her left leg. "Boxing in the sense that I get to punch people a lot when I feel like it, but it's not my main source of income," she elaborated.

"I'd be a pretty good heavy-weight boxer if I wanted, I think. One of my exes told me I would be, at least," Ryu snickered. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[9:21 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Weell", Taisto looked at the cloudy sky in thought, and linked his hands behind his back.

"I was brought up Lutheran since I was around ten, but given that the Christian faith doesn't acknowledge my existence, my faith is... somewhat unconventional compared to how they teach at the church and stuff. If I lived a few centuries ago, people would have reached out to me with their songs and asked for protection, game and fortune. They would have given me offerings to appease me. Some would consider me a god, I suppose. It's hard to have a fixed faith, when most faiths don't acknowledge the existence of other deities, or claim that other believes are utterly wrong. I'm more open-minded," he shrugged.

"Hmm?" Taisto looked at Ryu curiously again, with a tiny smile quirking his lips. He tried to think what her statement might mean.

"Oh boy, don't tell me you are some kind of hit man," he said in jest, grinning.

"I bet you'll be a tough opponent!" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[6:45 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Honestly, Ryunoske wasn't expecting such an honest and detailed answer from Taisto. She wasn't against it, but more so just pleasantly surprised. "Huh.. that's interesting. You're more of a straggler than a non-believer it seems. Cool," she chuckled.

Though, at Taisto's next comment, Ryunoske simply smiled. She was quiet for a moment, as if Taisto was correct about her being a hit man, but then she suddenly laughed. "No, no. I don't hit on men... but I do pack a heavy punch. I don't like having to fight pretty women, but my opponent seems to be one and I'm quite conflicted." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[7:00 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Hm, I guess you could put it that way, yeah", he smiled warmly, but yet again sorrow in his eyes.

Taisto snorted and laughed with Ryu, his tail whipping a few times.

"Surely you wouldn't do a hit on me!" he said playfully, turning sideways, stepping away and bringing his hands to his chest dramatically like defending himself against possible punches and giggled, tail swishing in wide motions. He laughed more at his own antics, before calming down enough to comment on Ryu's lady problems.

"Aw man, sorry about your opponent. Maybe you can agree on some kind of terms for your fight, so you both know to avoid hurting each other too much, or something?"

@Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[8:16 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

If Ryu noticed the way Taisto spoke about his religious belief, she didn't comment on it. She didn't really want to delve into an old man's woes. She couldn't help but laugh as Taisto began to play around, however. Ryunoske playfully winked at him and smirked. "Nah. You don't gotta worry about it too much, old man," she laughed.

"As for my opponent... I'm not even sure if I'll be seeing her again before our fight, so, I may just have to suck it up and do what I do best," he shrugged. "I care more about winning than being a gentleman right now." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[8:21 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Old? Excuse you, I am very young for my species!" he feigned offence, though very badly since he was grinning at the same time.

"Ah, well that's a pity. They did say the first fight won't be in a couple of days, though, so maybe you can figure something out. Good luck either way, I can see you're determined to win", he smiled. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[8:36 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"For your species," Ryunoske restated with a chuckle. "You're an old man in human years, so just take it as a compliment," she smiled.

"Thanks, I'll manage. I'd be more worried for my opponent," Ryunoske hummed as she blew out more smoke from her nose. "I'd hate to lose... I'm quite a sore loser, actually." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[8:45 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto scoffed and rolled his eyes, still grinning. "Alright then, child. If you think thirty is old, you're going to have one helluva age crisis very soon."

"Dang. Well, I find it hard to believe that this church would let anyone get badly hurt. They'll probably decide the winner before anything like that happens", Taisto reassured. The tilted his head and chuckled a little. "Ah, well, losing is a skill as any, I suppose. It's part of the game, someone has to lose so someone can win." Thanks for the life lesson, dad.

@Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:25 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryunoske laughed, her teeth baring. "Don't worry. I'm ready to enter my dilf era," Ryu joked. "I think it'd add some spice to my life," she added with a small smirk.

"Well, this church is rather closed minded. I had a run in with the older lady who seems to be running the place, and she was quite against the love between my wife and I. It was rather hurtful," Ryu feigned a hurt frown. Though, it quickly faded back into a smile. "I'm more of a winner. A game is only fun if I win," she commented. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[9:32 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Your what era?" Taisto asked with an amused smile.

Taisto's face fell and he blinked in surprise.

"Really? Why would any church be against marriage? That sounds absurd."

Then, he smiled ahain as well, though more in a gentle way. "I get that. But perhaps you can learn to enjoy the game itself more. That way life will be much nicer, even when you sometimes lose. Though, I understand that some fights you just have to win."

@Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[10:51 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Nsfw ref/

"My dilf era," she grinned. "Women already call me daddy. It'll finally fit when I'm old," Ryu laughed.

"And I'm not sure why either. You would think a church would be all about love and acceptance in all forms, but this church doesn't seem to think so," she hummed. Ryu quiet down as Taisto continued, listening to the old man's words of wisdom. "You sound like my oto-san. He always tells me I'm way too competitive," Ryu smiled. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:55 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Oh, you will have kids, that's nice", Taisto smiled serenely.

"Yeah, it seemed like that was their whole deal when I asked about their faith from a dedicant", he hummed. "Weird indeed..."

"Oh yeah?" Taisto chuckled softly and smiled. "Maybe you should listen to him."

@Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[2:49 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryunoske shrugged. "I dunno. Probably. My father really wants grandchildren, but I personally can't stand kids for the most part," she replied. "They're not exactly the easiest things to involve in my life style."

She then gave Taisto another small smirk. "Yep, you're definitely an old man if you're agreeing with my oto-san," Ryu chuckled. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[9:39 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Oh? But I thoght you just said you were becoming a father...?" Taisto said, confused.

Then he scoffed at Ryu's comment. "Maybe it just means I'm wise and right", he stuck his tongue out a bit. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[10:37 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Again, she laughed a little. "Dilf in the sense of the type of attitude a dilf would have, not dilf in the literal sense," Ryu elaborated. "If I had a kid right now... god, I'd be a terrible parent," she smiled.

"Hah.. Maybe," Ryunoske shrugged, letting Taisto have some leeway as she turned her head towards the some of the fields surrounding them. Her smoke wavered freely in the wind, coloring the air with a pretty red and green ash. "Do you have kids, Taisto?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:49 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"I... am not sure what that word means", Taisto tilted his head and scratched his ear, but nodded. "Yeah, I feel that."

"Ah... No. I do want to have one at some point. I need a heir, but not yet. I'm not quite ready to be a father either. Let alone, I don't even have anyone to have children with." He looked over the fields as well, with a distant look in his eyes. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[11:04 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Nsfw ref/

Ryunsoke raised a brow at that. "Oh, I thought you did since you knew it involved kids," she commented before explaining, "well, it stands for the sentence, 'dad I'd like to fuck.' If I get called daddy, despite not having children, that's the sort of vibe I'm talking about."

"Ah. That makes sense. Don't have children unless you feel ready, and even then, you'll never be ready, yknow?" She chuckled faintly. "Well, not all children need to be from birth, nor do you necessarily need a partner to raise a child well. Sometimes, being a solo parent can prove sufficient." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:13 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto blinked. "Well, you, said you'd be a daddy..." he started, before Ryu explained. His eyebrows rose and his mouth opened slightly, but he didn't say anything for a moment.

"...Ah, I see, I see. That makes sense, I guess..." He grinned slightly and he chuckled awkwardly.

He shook his head with a sad smile.

"I need a biological child. They need to inherit my 'power', and my connection to my forest in order to protect it properly. Although, perhaps you are right, and maybe one day when I'm old enough and know enough about my abilities, I might be able to create a child on my own, like how some plants can reproduce asexually. Frankly, I don't know what all I'm capable of." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[7:51 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Another chuckle escaped Ryu's lips as she how awkward Taisto became. "It's fine. Suppose an old man like you wouldn't be caught up on all of the 'kid's' lingo," she teased with a smile.

Though, as Taisto continued, her smile slowly faded. "Huh... I see. You have to protect your forest? Not to sound rude, but can't anyone do that as long as they're properly trained to? Why does it have to be your kid?" Ryu asked. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[8:10 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Tch", Taisto rolled his eyes with a slight grin.

"Hm, I forgot to tell you what I am, I guess. I'm a haltia, a guardian spirit, and my ward is my forest. I have a power over everything in that forest, and through me, it maintains its balance and vigor. I can't exist without my forest, and without me, it will suffer. I won't be around forever, and I need someone to take care of it when I'm gone. A forest without a haltia is like a body without a soul. I can keep it healthy even during the chaos of the climate change. No human can protect it the way a haltia can. That is why I need a heir, a child of my own," Taisto explained, now quieter, and more serious, and the sorrow in his eyes twinkled like a lonely star. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[9:38 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Again, Ryunoske wasn't expecting such a long and detailed explanation of Taisto's life, but she wasn't gonna be against it. She found it rather interesting, actually. "Huh... A forest guardian spirit..? That's not what I expected, but.. Cool, I guess?" She offered with a slanted smile.

"Sounds like an important job. Hopefully you can figure things out for yourself and your forest. Do you want to have a typical family unit? Yknow, you, your kid, and your partner? Or is it more like you just want your heir and don't really care for a close bond to the other parent?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:08 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto smiled faintly and sheepishly, his ears bending back slightly. His tail moved slowly from side to side.

"Thank you. I hope so too", he continued with that quieter voice, which now sounded a little strained.

"I would like a partner, yes. I am.. very lonely the way things are now, if I'm honest. I was kind of hoping that, since I was invited here, other haltias might be invited as well. That's one big reason why I came, but so far I haven't met any. And I can tell this island itself doesn't have a guardian spirit", he gazed over the cold landscape.

"Well, if we don't count mr. Sehwohl, but he tends to people, not the nature." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

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

Ryu felt a little sorry for the old man as Taisto spoke and she moved over to give him a solid pat on his shoulder. "I'm sure you'll find somebody soon. Just give it some time. You may be old, but you're not gonna die anytime soon. I'm sure there's someone out there who'd love to have an old wolf nerd man," she chuckled, but her words were earnest.

"If you could choose, what kind of partner would you want? Man? Woman? Either or?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:30 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto granted Ryu a grateful smile, though his ears drew back and he stcuk his tongue out again when Ryu called him an old wolf nerd man, but laughed after.

"Thank you... hopefully."

He hummed, and watched birds cross the cloudy sky, considering the question.

"...I don't think gender would matter. If only we got along well together, enjoy each others' presence, and want to be there for each other through thick and thin, that's all I could ask for. Reproduction wouldn't be a problem either way." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[11:42 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Hmm. A bisexual old wolf nerd man. What an interesting combination. Ryunoske smiled and retracted his hand from Taisto's shoulder. "You're definitely the sappy type, huh?" He teased lightly as she turned her head and blew out more smoke from her lips.

"Have you even dated anyone before, Mr. Wolf?" Ryu asked, sounding like she 100% believed Taisto had never. Sorry, Ryunoske doesn't believe anyone has game besides herself. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:45 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto glanced at Ryu, bemused. "What do you mean?" he asked genuinely. He didn't see anything sappy about his statement. Wouldn't anyone want that in their life?

The spirit shook his head.

"There's no haltia where I live, anymore", he hummed sadly. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[11:48 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Yknow, the whole stereotypical meet someone who fits you, wants to settle down with you, and would do anything for you kind of stuff? Total sap," she chuckled, also completely genuine. Ryunoske couldn't imagine ever being like that, or ever doing anything of the sort.

"And does your partner have to be another haltia? I'm sure there's some nice people who are just.. normal. Unless you specifically want someone who's like you?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:54 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto stared at Ryu, even more confused.

"Why? What else could you ask for?"

"I... I don't know. Technically I could have offspring with any creature, I think, but I feel like it wouldn't be right for me to date a human, for example. It's complicated. I age differently, for one, and I'd still be young when my partner would die of old age. I also don't know how my powers would work with someone who's only half haltia", he frowned slightly in thought, looking at the snow at his feet, kicking at it lightly. He had clearly been thinking about this before. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[11:58 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Being tied down to the same person or same people is so boring, don't you think?" Ryunoske chuckled. "And involve a family unit in that? God, that sounds like hell. Plus, having that urge to quite literally do anything for someone? That's crazy talk. Only sappy folk really believe in that stuff," she smiled.

Ryu glanced down at the snow Taisto kicked before giving him a shrug. "Huh... That's a dilemma. Well, hopefully something works out eventually. Beggars can't be choosers sometimes. A human is also probably easier to come by, yknow?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[12:06 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto still seemed confused, but tilted his head, nodding slowly.

"I think I can understand your perspective.. But I think it comes down to personalities and tastes? If you click with someone, it just comes, naturally, yeah? You got married too, didn't you? Isn't that a pretty big step to take if you don't plan on staying together or like each other enough to have a family?"

"Hah, yeah, there's a lot of you guys", Taisto grinned, looking over the landscape. Regardless of the smile, he sounded almost bitter for a second there.

"...There's also just the fact that people don't know I'm not a human, back home. If I dated someone, I would either have to lie to them, or risk exposing myself." He sighed heavily. "It's no good, my life's a mess, but it's not your mess. I appreciate you trying to help, though", he smiled at Ryu, shrugging lightly. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[4:21 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Married, yes, but not in the typical sense," she smiled. "Both my wifey and I are free spirits. We're more there for the convenience than all that other crap. Also, not every couple wants children. I think neither of us would make particularly good parents," Ryu explained with a small chuckle.

"Is there some sort of reason someone can't know you're not human? I mean, you just told me you weren't and I'm like, only about an hour in of knowing you," Ryunoske curiously asked as she stuck her hand into her pocket. "I'm sure if someone loves you for you, then you being non-human isn't much of a deal breaker." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[9:44 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Ohh I see... Yeah, there's no shame in that. I'm just surprised you would go through the trouble of marrying if you like the latitude, but I suppose marriage has its perks, even in modern society. And I totally get not everyone wants kids. Honestly for me it's more about necessity than want. I mostly just would like someone to spend time with and be myself with", he nodded with a soft smile.

"Well, you can tell just by looking at me, can't you?" he smiled wider, and flicked his ear, and whipped his tail. "I figured, since there are other nonhuman people here that I could express myself freely."

Then, he looked at the other, mildly perplexed. "...You think so?" He considered this for a moment, before sighing lightly and shaking his head a little, going back to replying Ryu's question.

"My country has a complicated history with the haltia. The era of respect and worship didn't last, and humans found other ways to harness our abilities. Slavery... There has been acts of violence on both sides, so the attitudes against my kind are... not the most positive? Especially wehere I live, there was a fairly recent thing that happened, so... yeah. If the word got out that I'm a haltia, I don't know what they would do to me. Even if the world is different now, and they decided to be civil, there would still be huge legal messes I would have to deal with, and I don't know how to manage any of that", he explained somberly.

@Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[7:14 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Leave it to an old man to be able to make a story out of a small discussion. Then again, isn't this what Ryu was asking for with her questions? She shouldn't complain.

She kept quiet for most of Taisto's explanation, only giving him small nods here and there before folding her arms across her chest. "Marriage is something that can be convenient to have. That's all I can really say about that," Ryunoske shrugged. "As for your home country and such... I never thought racism and slavery were a big thing still in European countries, but that's fucked up. I wouldn't exactly like being there either... I guess your hesitancy to date humans also makes more sense because of that. Regardless... if you're looking for love within your own race, I think you of all people know how difficult it'll be." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[7:28 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto nodded.

"Mhm, Europeans usually took their problems elsewhere. But yeah, Elkland wouldn't probably exist if they didn't use haltia in wars and stuff. But yes, that is a big reason why it's difficult for me. Again, I don't know how they would consider me now, but yeah, it's risky", he said gloomily and sighed.

"This is a sad subject. Lets talk about something else. How did he gala go for you?" he asked, smiling. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[10:30 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryunoske nodded slowly before giving Taisto a playful nudge on his shoulder. "Well, we're not in those dreaded countries anymore. Perhaps you could find love here on the island? I'm sure you'll find someone who has some compatibility with you," she teased lightly.

"As for the gala, I didn't get to do much. I got one dance in with another fellow. His name is Kal, which stands for, 'Knees, arms, and legs'," Ryu grinned. "I'm supposed to go climbing with him at some point. What about yourself, old man? Anything interesting happen while you were there?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[10:36 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto's ears bent back bashfully and he grinned sheepishly as Ryu nudged him and talked. The spirit chuckled.

"Hahah... well, maybe. Coincidentally, someone tried to flirt with me at the gala", he laughed awkwardly.

He perked up at the mention of Kal, and grinned happily.

"Oh you met Kal! He didn't tell me that's what his full name is, that's a funny name", he laughed. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

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

"Oh?" Ryunoske raised a brow and smirked even more. "Who? I see the old man has some charms to him," she chuckled as she teased him even more.

"Mhm. Next time you see Kal, you should call him Knees. It's technically his first name, after all," Ryunoske grinned. She figured Taisto would actually believe her. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[6:45 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Ah, I don't know if it was because of me, I figured he tries his luck with everybody. I honestly didn't realize what he was getting at before he said it outright", he chuckled more, shaking his lowered head, neglecting to say who it was who had been making advances towards him.

He grinned, and wagged his tail slightly. "Yeah! He would probably wonder how I know his real name, heh." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[6:50 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryunoske hummed at that, her smirk fading just slightly. "Let me guess, it was Peregrine, wasn't it?" She chuckled. "A pathetic man with wings?"

"Knees, arms, and legs is a funny man. I'm sure he's more muscle than brain, but that makes him interesting. I'm sure he enjoys your presence, old man." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[7:06 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"It was! How did you know?" he tilted his head and looked at Ryu almost perplexed. "I really wasn't expecting him to have any interest like that, especially since I wasn't in my human disguise", he waved his hand over his face, the fur disappearing and ears shifting down into human ears, and quickly he looked like any Very Tall Guy. There's a joke to be made about Peregrine being a furry, but that would be offensive towards the furry community.

"He got kind of annoyed when I wasn't on the same page" Taisto laughed nervously and embarrassed, shaking his head again. "Though, the way others spoke of it, he doesn't seem to be the nicest. In Kal's words, I 'dodged a bullet'. I guess being oblivious worked in my favor for once", he chuckled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his head.

"Oh, Kal is so nice! I hope he does, I had a lot of fun with him. Playing with him on the courtyard made feel a lot better after the gala didn't go the greatest, heh." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[4:04 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryunoske was about to answer Taisto, but stopped when the older man suddenly revealed his non-furry form. He looked over him, raising a brow as she saw quite the generic, yet Tall Guy. "Pere is a buddy of mine. I use that term in the lax sense. Besides, as I said, who could resist the undeniable charms of such a nice old wolf man like yourself? I think you have your own charms," she chuckled. "Pere is quite the specimen. He'd make any therapist want to charge him extra," Ryu laughed with a small smirk.

"....Though, you played with Kal? What did you guys even play? Catch or something??" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[8:58 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Taisto brightened a little.

"You really mean it? That's so nice of you to say", he said with a bashful smile.

"Ah, I see... hopefully he gets better", he hummed, wondering what Peregrine's problem might be if Ryu spoke of him like that.

"Yes! He threw me a stick and then we played tug of war!" he explained excitedly. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[2:11 PM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Yeah, of course. You seem like a nice guy, and an 'almost' doctor. I'm sure you'd be popular if you put yourself out there," he smiled. "I doubt Pere will necessarily get 'better'. He'll need to get worst before that," Ryu snickered.

Though, at the games Taisto listed, Ryunoske couldn't help but chuckle a little. "I see... how nice. It must of been fun. I bet Knees has a pretty good throwing arm." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:03 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Aww, thank you!" taisto smiled back radiantly.

"Oh, poor dude", he hummed, but didn't seem all that sad or affected.

"It was the most fun I've had in a while! And yeah, Kal's very good at throwing, but I won at tug!" he said proudly but couldn't help laughing after. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[7:18 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

"Don't feel bad for the guy. He'll just use that against you," Ryu smiled and gently pat Taisto's back. "Sounds like you two had a fun time though. I ran into him earlier. Kal said he was gonna go climb the volcano and asked me to tape his phone to his chest. I wonder if he's back yet. I'd like to see what he did." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[7:23 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Hm?" Taisto frowned slightly in confusion and concern as Ryu cautioned him, but didn't cling to the subject.

"He climbed a volcano?" Taisto asked, surprised, and turned to look at the big mountain that loomed in the distance. "Oh whoa. I didn't go there when I was exploring. No birds were flying over it so I figured it must be dangerous... I hope he's alright and coming back. It's getting dark", he frowned in worry. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[7:46 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryunoske simply nodded in regards to the Pereguine topic, choosing to leave it at that. "Yeah, I told him to be careful, but honestly, he should be fine. I doubt a guy like him would let a little injury stop him from doing something dumb," Ryu chuckled.

"I planned to check up on him soon.. Now that it's late, I probably should. It was nice talkin' to ya, Taisto. I'll see you around," Ryunoske smiled. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[7:50 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Yeah, that's a good idea. Take care Ryu! And tell Kal I said hi!" he smiled back. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

[10:35 AM]Aj | Ryunoske+Titania:

Ryunoske gave Taisto a small wave as she turned on her heel and began walking back inside. A trail of smoke followed after her.. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

noah scene

[7:41 AM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

Whelp. Noah stared upwards at the speaker before he let out a long drawn out sigh. What a joke. Noah let out a low chuckle before he shook his head. God was he tired. All of this was crazy. "Christ..." He mumbled before he flapped his wings. So the ""hand of god"" was a crazy lunatic trying to raise the dead. How lovely! How lovely. Noah was always the odd one out here. Rather it be his attitude or his appearance, he never really found himself fitting in here.

"I can keep people from dying, I can repair their bodies, fill in where their powers used to. I can heal them." Noah repeated. "Heal them? Heal them? Hey, you old coot, my wing is still fucked up you know!" Noah shouted at the speaker but he knew he wouldn't get a response. Noah extended his wings out, staring at the left one as the black...glitch. The glitch. The plague on his wing remained. If he could really heal then why was it still there?

"If you can heal, why haven't you fixed my wing, huh!" Noah let out a laugh as he threw his head back before he inhaled sharply. "Ahahaha...oh.." God. God what the fuck? Noah shook his head as he pinched the bridge of his nose before he groaned loudly. He didn't know how to feel but one thing he did know, he was annoyed. Angry. Confused. Maybe he did know how he felt actually.

He had to find the others, he guessed. Talk. Find out more. Maybe he can talk to Judas. Or someone else who tolerated him. Hardly anyone did so he wasn't really in the best position now was he? He guessed this is what you get when you have a reputation of hating the place and only being here for a free ride. Noah didn't really do his job after all.

"Alright..alright.." Noah told the ground before he walked forward. "Let's get this party fuckin started.."