snowtourn

After leaving the chapel, Zeydein went to the library- where he'd been before going to the chapel in the first place. He perused the section on gardening, gathering a few books to study. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Eben was currently browsing the library shelves, specifically the ones that carried books about the church. He had about three books under one arm already and was picking out another, like he was some college kid about to pull an all-nighter. He spotted Zyedein and recognized the clothing as part of the church, and started debating in his mind whether or not to approach and ask questions. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Zeydein noticed Eben's presence, but didn't acknowledge him other than giving him an acknowledging glance. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

At last, Eben decided to talk to the other in the library, it's not like anything too awful could happen if he did. He placed his books down on a table to read in a moment, and approached the stranger. "Hello. Are you affiliated with the church in any way?" Perhaps he was missing the fact that people normally didn't go to a library to conversate, but it didn't matter much to him. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Zeydein breathed out a sigh through his nose. "Yes. I serve as a dedicant." He seemed less than pleased to be talking to Eben, and kept his eyes on his gardening books. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

It didn't seem to deter him in the slightest that this individual didn't wish to speak to him. "Would it be alright if I asked you a few questions?" At least he had the decency to ask. He was certain he could get his answers elsewhere, but he'd rather get it straight from a source first. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"... fine." Zeydein said through gritted teeth. He turned to face Eben. "I do have to be somewhere soon, though, so make it quick." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Eben nodded, then paused for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts. "How did you first come in contact with the church, and what made you wish to join?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I would prefer not to answer questions about my personal life." Zeydein replied curtly. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Eben nodded apologetically, though did not apologize, moving right on to the next question. "What are a few of your duties as a dedicant?" For his part, Eben did seem genuinely curious and not the least bit put off by Zeydein, but also insistent. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"We take care of the island facilities and care for its inhabitants." Zeydein's answer was as dry and sour as his face. He didn't seem to care that the answer he provided offered exactly no notable information. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Eben raised an eyebrow. He could tell he was going to get no where really, and he wasn't particularly certain he felt like doing this now if it was going to be this much harder than just looking through a book. "... Do you know where the guest living areas are." Last question. Probably. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Yes. If you head down the stairs to the main floor and out the doors to the courtyard, take the path to the left. The long building is where the guests are staying." Zeydein seemed slightly relieved at the possibility of being left alone. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Eben found it mildly funny that the longest sentence this person had spoken to him were under the assurance that he was leaving. Not that they blamed him, much. "Thank you." He picked up the books he'd selected, walking out with them, off to his execution(finding out who he's roomed with, which he'd since been putting off). @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Eben found it mildly funny that the longest sentence this person had spoken to him were under the assurance that he was leaving. Not that they blamed him, much. "Thank you." He picked up the books he'd selected, walking out with them, off to his execution(finding out who he's roomed with, which he'd since been putting off). @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Zeydein didn't even say goodbye, but turned back to his gardening books.

After the gala, Ekmeros felt inclined to read. Shocking, I know. He headed to the library with the expectation that perhaps he could read up about 'the Hand of God', or maybe he'd find something interesting about the flute, or lute, or any other instrument regardless if they rhymed. Anything would have been good to read, and it gave Ekmeros reason to head to the library. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Luuk was already in the library, sitting at one of the tables, surrounded by books. He seemed fairly engrossed in his studies. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Ekmeros paid him no mind, at least for now, as he admired the bookshelves and the library itself. He kept to the age-old library law of silence as he scanned the shelves for any interesting names. They said to not judge a book by its cover but could the same apply to its spine? @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Luuk looked up at Ekmeros's arrival, and watched as he scanned the shelves for a moment. "Do you need help finding anything in particular?" @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

A little surprised that someone broke that cardinal sin, Ekmeros looked up from his browsing to see Luuk. Someone on the staff, it seemed, since he didn't recognise them from the docks. "Ah, hello. I'm just looking around, getting my bearings." He paused very briefly before hurriedly continuing, "And looking for just anything to read. That is what a library is for after all." He nodded his head politely to Luuk. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Alright. If you need any help, feel free to ask." Luuk said, and returned to his reading. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Great chat guys. Ekmeros continued to browse the shelves. A few minutes passed before he did in fact, albeit very awkwardly and after much inner debate, ask Luuk. "Do you have any... recommended reading? I would like to learn more about this place, or perhaps your Hand of God, Yeonaixho." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Luuk didn't seem the happiest to be interrupted a few minutes after he'd returned to his reading, but he looked up. "If you'd like to know more about the church, I'd recommend the religion section. It's over there, by the front." He leaned back in his chair to point to it. "Though, most of what you will find there is prayerbooks and church records." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Ekmeros bowed his head apologetically once Luuk gave his answer. "Thank you very much." And there he went to the religion section. This isn't foreshadowing anything bad for him whatsoever. He scoured through the books there, not wanting to pester Luuk any further. Great talk guys. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Of course." Luuk said, and returned to his own reading. Great talk! Masters of conversation. Like Luuk had said, the majority of the books in the religion section were church records and prayerbooks. The prayerbooks were organized by edition, the records by date. It seemed this church had existed since the early 1990s. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

"Not a very old church," Ekmeros muttered to himself absentmindedly, picking out one of the records at random. Just something to read, really, and it was where he'd been directed to. Anything would have satiated his need to do something. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

He'd selected the logbook from 2004. It was divided into sections based on subject- agriculture, inventory, personelle, events, and developments. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Ekmeros found a place to sit and began to read. Yep. This would work for him. Old man got weird interests (he is thirty six and just wants to to know more about the island). @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The first section was on agriculture. It detailed the church's crop yields from that year, as well as any blights that had affected the crops, or other events that'd affected agriculture on the island. They seemed to grow a lot of root vegetables and berries. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Ah, agriculture. He read through this section extra slowly, expecially interested in it. Looking over the things that they seemed to grow, he paused and lingered over that thought. Root vegetables. Yes. He used to grow those too. Glancing up away from the records, as if to root - Ha. Ha. - himself back to the present day, he continued to read. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The second section was on inventory, and consisted of mostly the same information as the agriculture section, with added information about how much fish they'd caught that year- it hadn't been a very good season- as well as information pertaining to what the island imported- mostly luxury goods, and books. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Ekmeros continued to read through the records quietly. Sorry Luuk he was supposed to talk to you but now he's reading. He did take some fascination in what they imported, curious about that aspect if this church was so... concealed, but he figured that they worked around it. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

It seemed the church imported most of their goods from the Loucari. The personelle section followed, and simply listed everyone who worked on the island, as well as their duties. Almost none of the names would be familiar to Ekmeros- Yeonaixho and Petrai were there, as well as Zeydein and Desmondus. Teya was also listed, but didn't have an occupation listed due to being 7 at the time. Curiously, no head dedicant was listed, only the head guard, whom at the time was Desmondus. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 (edited)

Well. He knew Yeonaixho and... Petrai was that woman at the docks and who claimed to see all. No one else was familiar, however. It was more than likely he would meet the others listed but until then, he was content to just know the names of strangers. A child, isolated from the world... Hm. Ekmeros shifted in his seat but continued to read. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The following section listed events. This encompassed descriptions of how the year's various services and holidays had gone, as well as any births, deaths, or church additions. ... There were a lot of deaths. Especially for a church this size. Almost all of them had unmarked causes of death. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Ekmeros stared at the section. He flicked the pages back and forth as if to make sure that they truly were there, not some figment of his imagination. How... so much death. Ekmeros debated setting the records down and pacing for a bit but he decided not to. It was just death, he convinced himself. That was all. Nothing unusual. He wasn't so much as reading that section as he was awkwardly skimming through it. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The deaths were all there- one name after the other. Some were frighteningly young- the youngest, only 13 at the time. No cause listed, only names, dates, and ages. The final section was on developments, and listed new infrastructure on the island. They'd renovated the bathhouses that year! @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Yep. Nothing unusual about that. Focus on the bathhouses. Don't think about the implications. Considering what else he had read before, it all could make sense. Still. It was a lot of death, as natural as it was. Once he finished the last section, Ekmeros put the church record away in its proper place and stared at the bookshelves that it had come from. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Luckily, the record included enough bathhouse-renovation related information to distract Ekmeros for a while. They even had before and after photos! The bookshelf still contained the same books. Records and prayerbooks, and even a few hymnals. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Lovely! Lovely nice before and after photos. Ekmeros just stared at the bookshelf for a solid five minutes, standing in front of it but not browsing through its books. Man was just standing and staring. In shock? Maybe he was still appreciating the bathhouse pictures? @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

... the books were still books. And Luuk was too preoccupied with his own reading to even remember Ekmeros was there. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Good for Luuk! Otherwise he'd see Ekmeros just standing there. I'd say menacingly but it's Ekmeros we're talking about. Eventually, he reached a hand to one of the prayerbooks. Should be a nice change of pace? @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The prayerbook was lighter and thinner than the record book, but was still quite hefty. Full of prayers. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Full of prayers that Ekmeros was going to read through as he quietly prayed his own prayer: 'please don't be ominous, please don't be ominous, please don't be ominous'. Was this blasphemy? No. Unlikely. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The prayer book was indeed, not ominous! The first prayer Ekmeros opened onto was a prayer of joy. I thank the Divine Light for this gentle morn, Joy! Joy! I praise the Bearer of Life for It's predestined victory, Joy! Joy! I sing for the Watchful Gaze sings of truth, Joy, Joy! It continued on in the same pattern for a few more stanzas. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Aw, that's nice. Much nicer than... some things. Ekmeros hummed in quiet appreciation of the joyous prayer, reading over the repeated joy over and over again. He wasn't a man of religion, maybe generalised faith at best, but he could understand how this could have been a comfort to some. Of course, not him. He wasn't swayed easily. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Most of the other prayers were similar- prayers of thanksgiving, prayers of devotion, prayers of admiration and healing and love. Pretty standard stuff, given that this is a prayerbook for a faith dedicated to a god of healing. One of the prayers was labeled 'Prayer of Belonging' Thanks to my God, my Light for this home, Where the lost are found I see you Where the ragged are clothed I hear you Where the hungry are fed I feel you Where the sick are healed I am with you. My most beloved, you are with me and have made this my home, my final resting place. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 (edited)

Ekmeros quickly flipped the page as soon as he'd finished the prayer but it stuck to his thoughts and he was unable to read the next one from how it jumbled into the previous. He turned back to the Prayer of Belonging and read through it, again and again. Where the lost are found. Hm. He read through it a couple more times, unconsciously murmuring it to himself the last couple times. Even as the words blurred together and he was no longer reading the prayer, he lingered on the page, as if struggling to flip to the next. To move on. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The prayer immediately following the Prayer of Belonging was one of celebration- something to be said during a specific harvest festival in the autumn. Not that it mattered much to Ekmeros, evidently. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

It didn't really, soz. He decided to just shut the prayerbook entirely and look for something else to read on the shelf. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

All the books were the same as the last time Ekmeros had looked at them. Luuk was gone, though. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Sorry Luuk. Ekmeros stared at the shelf, and the prayerbooks and the records, before he just sat back down without a book. Man pondering. Most boring guy alive. Mental distress. List of things. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The library was still. As Ekmeros sat by himself, he heard the ghost of a whisper- the slightest hint of something being said to him. He couldn't understand the actual words, and of course, no one was even there with him. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

1

Ekmeros practically leapt out of his seat as he heard the whisper. What. He looked around the room, worried but putting on a cool face as he looked around. Spooky. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The room was still. Everything was where it had been. It was silent. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Perhaps it was just the seat. Ekmeros decided to walk to another part of the library. Man ignoring the problem. Me coded. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

For a while, the library was still. Perhaps, Ekmeros had imagined it. Perhaps, there was nothing there. The voice returned, cold and sharp like a breath against his neck. It was still inaudible, and it dissapeared into silence only seconds later. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Ekmeros whirled around immediately, rubbing his neck. What the... He just stared at the space behind him, confused. This time he didn't move from his space, just looking around from where he stood, covering his neck. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The library remained silent. It remained still- though, it was dark, and those dark shadows fell into infinity of pitch black, and the cold of the night seeped in through the stone walls. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

It surely wasn't this dark before. Hm. Ekmeros began a slow, careful walk toward the doors. Spooky ass library whispering at him. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Just as he got to the doors, Ekmeros would be stilled by the presence of a voice. This time, he could hear what it was saying. Look at what you've done to me. Look at what you've done to me. Look at me! It was a woman's voice, though not one he recognized. Hot and unsteady with rage, shaky and breathy, but incredibly real. There was someone behind him. Somebody was behind him. And she was touching his shoulder with a cold, bony hand. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Ekmeros froze. What the fuck. Uh oh. He didn't turn around, didn't dare to move, only able to stare forward at the door that would have been freedom from this spooky situation. God. What the fuck x2. Should he... speak? What would he even say? 'Hello'? 'Are you okay'? 'No thank you I'd rather not'? No. No, he shouldn't say anything. Ekmeros took a deep breath and just tried to take a slow step forward, away from the bony hand. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Look at me!" The voice repeated, speaking at such a loud volumn that surely, the people next door would be able to hear her. Look at me, look at what you did to me. Look at me. She stepped forward with Ekmeros, keeping her hand on his shoulder. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 (edited)

Ekmeros shut his eyes. Why him? He'd been to libraries before, they weren't usually like this. They were quiet, peaceful, with normal books that didn't detail mysterious deaths or have prayers that hit too close to home, and certainly didn't have ghostly women demanding to be seen. "Ah, uh, no thank you," he tried to placate her, regretting his words immediately but unable to stop. "I don't think I'm the person you're talking about." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Look at what you've done to me! She repeated, more insistent and somehow more angry. Her grip over Ekmeros's shoulder tightened. Look at me! @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Ekmeros slowly rose his hand to his shoulder and tried to pry her hand off his shoulder. He did not want to look around but it was looking like he would... mm. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Her hand was cold, and held a firm grip over his shoulder. Look at what you did to me. Look at what you did. Look at me. She repeated, over and over and over again, practically shouting at this point. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

"Okay. Okay." Ekmeros took in a deep breath of a man who already regretted his future actions. He slowly turned around. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The hand disappeared from Ekmeros's shoulder as he turned around, and once he was finally in view of whoever was behind him... ... he'd find the room completely empty. There was no one there. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

"Oh... that's good," Ekmeros muttered through a breath of relief. He immediately turned around and started for the door, hurrying slightly. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The library remained cold, still and silent. Ekmeros left without any interruption. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

"Thanks for your time," Ekmeros said (to the library??) as he left.

Having no where to really go, Titania wandered the halls of the building for quite a while. The click of her heels and rolling of her suitcases were the only things that kept her company—sounds she would take over the annoyance of a certain bird man. Her steps came to a halt however, when she came to a library. Their eyes widened and she practically ran inside. Her earlier sour mood was completely rid of when she saw how massive the library was. She rested her things against the side of some tables and darted off towards one of the bookshelves. @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

Valerie was pretty bored if she had to be honest, so, why not explore this freaky weird cult island? It could be fun, right? Valerie wandered into the library before she looked around and spotted Titania. Oh! This was the girl that Kass mentioned, wasn't it? Valerie smiled a bit and knocked on the wall, signaling to the other that she was here. "Hey there." She greeted with a smile. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania had her head buried in a thick black book, already a few pages deep when she heard the knocking. Their head tilted towards the sound and they gave Valerie a curious look. "Oh, good evening. Do not let me bother you. I know it is late, but I am just going to be reading here. I will not make any noise if you are worried about that," Titania said, assuming Valerie must of been another guest passing through. @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

"Not worried at all." Valerie shook her head. "I was pretty bored and was exploring the place." She shrugged it off. "You're...Titania right? I spoke to Kass earlier and she mentioned you is all. I figured I'd just double check." Valerie laughed. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

The princess' expression seemed to light up a bit at the mention of Kass and she nodded. "That is correct," they replied and stood up, giving Valerie a small bow. "I am Princess Titania Anasah. You know of Miss Kass? Are you a friend of hers as well?" She asked with an excited rock of her legs. "I would love to know more of Miss Kass' friends if you are!" @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

"I do, and yes. Kass and I became friends. She's quite lovely." Valerie grinned. "A friend of Kass is a friend of mine, you know?" Valerie wandered over to her and extended her hand. "Pleasure is all mine." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

"Yes, yes! I agree. Miss Kass is nothing but amazing," Titania grinned and rocked happily on her feet. When Valerie extended her hand however, the princess looked down at it curiously. "Oh, this is one of those.. Western greetings, is it not? I will have to respectfully decline. Casual touch is something my kingdom does not practice with those not close," she rejected politely. "How did you and Miss Kass meet? I remember she was a little worried others would not enjoy her company, but I do not understand why. She is kind and interesting. I am glad to see someone else seems to agree with me." @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

Huh. Valerie blinked her eyes for a moment before she shrugged. "All good. You ain't from here, I assume then." She hummed. "You're fine." "I met her on the docks." Valerie explained. "I thought her hands looked pretty badass. So I was curious. Our powers are similar in a way, which is pretty nice." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania shook her head. "No, I traveled very far to get here. My kingdom is quite well hidden in the forests of a far away land, so not many know of it, nor have even I traveled much outside of it. This is my first time outside the kingdom.. Everything is quite new and different, but for the most part, I am enjoying myself," she gleamed. The princess listened closely as Valerie continued and her rocking slowed. "Ah, I see. You have similar powers? I never quite got Miss Kass' abilities, now that I think of it. We were simply discussing horror and books, that I never thought to ask," they giggled. @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

"How lovely!" Valerie grinned. "Really, so you're likin' it out here? That's all good." She clapped her hands together happily. "Yeah, it's quite spooky being outta your comfort zone, I get it." Honestly, despite them just meeting, Valerie was pretty happy to hear that Titania was enjoying herself. "My power is..hm. I can show you, if you'd like." She said. "But also horror books? Oh?" She grinned. "I love me a good horror story." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania nodded. "Yes! Everything has been so interesting! Surrounding myself in human culture is quite fun, if I say so myself. Most of the people I have met here have also been lovely.. Well, except one, but I do not have time to waste thinking about vulgars like him," the princess stated matter-of-factly. Their eyes lit up for a moment as Valerie offered to show her power and she eagerly nodded. "Ohhh, I would be honored to see something so close! And yes! We were talking about the genre because I am a writer, myself. I absolutely adore the genre and the other themes that often accompany it. If you have the time, I can speak of it for hours." @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

Valerie hopped onto the table behind her as Titania spoke and she looked up at her. The gears were slowly turning in her head but she didn't need to think about all her possible theories on Titania right now. "Ah." She frowned slightly. "Someone's been bothering you? Ugh." She rolled her eyes. "But aside from that..you're a writer?" She asked. "Oh wow. Fascinating." She smiled and placed her hand on the table. "I'd love to read something of yours then if you have the chance...as for my powers.." Slowly the wood on the table began to change into marble. "Tada~" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania groaned lightly, giving Valerie a small nod. "Yes, unfortunately. If you run into someone named Peregrine, feel free to give him a good kicking for me. I did not resort to such violence myself because that is below me, but I believe most others would be happy to do such a thing," the princess nodded. "But I did make it a bit more inconvenient for his stay here, so I hope it makes him miserable." Seems like the princess was a bit ruthless in her own right. "But yes, I am! I love writing books on psychological horror and thriller like stories. I find the human mind so fascinating, so I tend to lean towards the genres. I am currently in the middle of a draft, a little bit in a rut, but I am hoping to find some more inspiration here," they explained. Though, Titania's rambling came to a pause when she noticed the table was changing colors. The princess bent down, carefully examining the material with wide eyes. "How interesting...! You have the power to change things into this sort of material?" She asked and knocked on the table. @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

Peregrine. Valerie kept a note of that name before she smiled and winked. "I'll gladly give him a kick. Don't worry about it." She reassured. Was that the guy she and Kass were talking about before? Maybe. She didn't know for sure. "Ohh interesting...I always loved a good thriller..." They looked down at the table before they looked back up at Titania. "Mmm. Yes and no. I can change the chemical makeup of any solid, liquid or gas as long as I know the chemical makeup I'm changing it too." "Example, wood is 50% carbon, 6% hydrogen, 44% oxygen, and trace amounts of several metal ions. Or, as a chemical formula, C6H12O6 + Ca. Marble is 38–42 percent lime (CaO), 20–25 percent silica (SiO2), 2–4 percent alumina (Al2O3), and 1.5–2.5 percent oxides (NaO and MgO), and 30–32 percent water (MgCO3 and others). In simple terms. CaCO3 is marble. Basically; C6H12O6 + Ca into CaCO3." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

"I appreciate it. I am sure anyone who has the misfortune of coming across that half-brained bird will also appreciate it, Miss Valerie," Titania nodded in approval. When Valerie began explaining the chemical makeup of the table however, the princess had quite a hard time understanding all of it. They tilted their head curiously, the expression on their face slowly getting more and more twisted in confusion. Even when Valerie finished explaining everything, Titania didn't look any less confused than before. "I apologize.. But I was lost from the first set of letter and numbers you listed. I trust you must be incredibly intelligent to have all of that memorized however, Miss Valerie. That is quite impressive! I know who I shall come to when I need to know what something is made up of," Titania smiled. "Incredibly smart and pretty, you have it all it seems, Miss Valerie!" @capisnotonfire (edited)

"Gross." Valerie scowled. "Heard the guy was a weirdo." They rolled their eyes before they shook their head. "No you're okay. Chemistry is a lot. It's...complicated. Chemical makeup of things are weird." They laughed, shaking their head. "Aww shucks." Valerie waved her hand, turning away slightly. "You too, you too, you know. Writing isn't the easiest thing. Takes a lot to be able to write and be able to make it coherent and good, you know?" She pointed at her. "I gotta read some of your stuff, Titania. I've always loved horror." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania nodded vigorously. "Not more so a weirdo, but much so a nuisance and an eyesore to the public eye," she mused. "You will understand immediately when you come across him, unfortunately." The princess giggled a little as Valerie waved her hand. "Oh, you are being too modest, Miss Valerie. I appreciate the compliment, however. I only have my one draft with me at the moment, and sadly, I do not think it is in the beta read stages just yet. I most certainly can tell you more about the kind of stories I have written, however. I told Miss Kass about my most favorite I have written, but I have several others I still really like," they smiled bright. "It is late, but if you would indulge me, I absolutely am itching to talk more about my books and the horror genre as a whole to someone again." @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

Valerie kept a mental note of that. Nuisance and an eyesore. Perfect. She'd have to updated Kass on all of this when she had the chance. "Yeah. I'd love to listen. You wanna grab breakfast tomorrow morning and chat?" She suggested. "That way we can catch up on some sleep and then enjoy a nice breakfast." She hummed. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania hummed in thought for a moment. "I think I am going to be in the library for the rest of the night.. Probably the rest of the morning as well, so perhaps we can have breakfast in here?" She offered. "Apologies, I simply would like to indulge in all the material here for as long as possible. I will also have to gather my own food, so it takes a bit more time than the normal consumption humans have." @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

"Works for me." Valerie leapt off the table. She quickly turned to it before she restored it back to wood. "I'll meet you back here around 9am? Sound good?" She offered. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

The princess nodded, a bright smile on her lips. "Yes, mam! I shall see you in approximately nine hours," they replied. As soon as Valerie would of stepped away, Titania's head was once again buried in her book. @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

.... Once it was morning, Valerie made her way back to the library. If Valeire was being honest, she wanted to checked out some of the books they had here. Investigate a bit, per say. This island was already weird enough, why not explore it and see what was up? @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

The library was quiet as Valerie came back in. If she went back towards where she had left Titania, she would slowly see a pile of books start to build up from the ground up. Everything was neatly laid out, all the books stacked in about ten to fifteen book towers before comigrating into a huge round circle around a few tables and chairs. In the center of said circle, was Titania. She was sleeping on top of a table layered with what seemed to be her own clothes, evident by how fancy and sparkly they all were, and a book still in her hand. There was another book laying underneath her head, supporting her like a pillow. Even with someone approaching, the princess was dead asleep. @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

Valerie blinked slowly as she saw a pile of books in the distance. Did someone forget to clean up? She let out a small huff of air before she took a sip of her drink and headed over to the scene. What she didn't expect was to see Titania. She stared for a moment before knocked on the table. "Titania?" She asked quietly. "You fell asleep here, is everything alright?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

The knocking made Titania groan, obviously still tired from the night prior. She rubbed one of her eyes while the other slightly peeked open to look at her surroundings. "..Miss Valerie?" She quietly asked, slightly rustling from her self made clothe fort. "What.. what time is it?" Titania hummed. @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

@Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

Valerie offered a small smile. "Hey," She greeted. "Its about...8am, I think? Last time I checked. Did you fall asleep here? Shit, you could have asked to maybe stay with me and my friends or something." She frowned a bit. "You sleep well..?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

The princess yawned into her hand and finally sat up, sitting on her knees as she continued to rub her face. "I did indeed sleep here last night.. I just could not put any of the books down. My back and hips hurt a bit.., but I refuse to go back to the rooms provided to us. Not only is one of the choices of a roommate awful, but simply sharing such close boarders with strangers is unbecoming of me," Titania replied. "I appreciate the offer... but again, I would like to not share quarters with anyone." @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

"Sometimes you just get that lost in a book.." Valerie hummed softly. She frowned slightly and glanced around the area before she thought for a moment. "If you can grab some spare materials i can kinda craft a bed with my powers, per say. Give you a comfy place in the library.." She suggested. "But that fuckin weirdo lady is "always watching" what a creep." Valerie scoffed a bit. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania smiled warmly at Valerie. "I appreciate the offer, Miss Valerie, but I think I would be more of an inconvience if I built my own personal room here. I simply slept here last night because I did not want to bother asking for my own room so late, but now that it is day time, I can ask someone about it," she replied. "...And I suppose it is strange that elderly woman said that, but perhaps that is simply her power? It would not surprise me if someone in her position had such a gift. It is quite useful, in my opinion, but also quite an embarrassing thought... And an invasion on privacy." @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

"Sounds like a plan." Valerie nodded along before she scowled a bit. Already she hated the idea of constantly being under supervision. It was annoying to her and creepy. Not to mention and invasion of privacy. The idea made her shutter. "Totally. God I don't even feel comfortable like sleeping or anything if that lady is watching me." She huffed. "So uncool." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania nodded and stretched her arms a bit, a subtle cracking to her back as she did so. "I suppose the phrase, 'out of sight, out of mind', applies to this situation. I simply try not to think about how there is someone watching," the princess shrugged. "It is not like we are doing anything inappropriate... it is simply strange." @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

"Mmhm." Valerie looked at her nails with a small sigh. "I suppose. She just...mmm." She pursed her lips. "I don't like her vibe. She reminds me of a stuck-up church woman. Or well. She is. But like to the worst degree." "...You don't know what a Church is, do you? You said you aren't exactly from her." Valerie clapped her hands together before she smiled slightly as she thought of something. "Question. You know who Jesus is?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania smiled curiously. "No, I am not personally familiar with churches and the such. I have heard of them in stories, but my kingdom only has one religion, and it is something only practiced in private... We have nothing similar to a typical church back home," she answered with a shake of her head. "...So, no, I am not sure who this 'Jesus', is." @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

@Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

Valeire grinned before she laughed. "I see..well. It's complicated. But I have to tell yopu one thing, he's kinda a total fraud. Aside from the fact he can turn water into wine which where I think my powers come from." She explained. "Isn't that neat?" (edited)

2:14 PM

@Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania still didn't look any less confused by that explanation, but she gave Valerie a nod. "How interesting... Humans are quite odd in their religions, but I respect the job this scammer must do to get so many followers," she nodded. "Well, now that I am awake and you are here, Miss Valerie, do you mind waiting a bit while I go hunt?" @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

"Waiting while you hunt?" Valerie asked. "Hell, I'd join you!" Her eyes lit up. "But yeah. Respect the hustle. You know how it goes. Amen." She winked. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania smiled a bit brighter and clasped her hands together. "Well, if you would like to join me, I will not be against it! I helped hunt with another contestant on the boat earlier, and it was quite fun!" They giggled. "Do you also enjoy consuming raw game, Miss Valerie?" @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

"Mhm." Valerie nodded her head. "Yeah. Due to my job I don't often get to hunt or eat raw meat very often but I do enjoy it. I think of it a special treat. And I do love to treat myself..." She placed a hand on her chest with a grin. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania's eyes sparkled at that and she got closer to Valerie's personal space. "Wah! Really?? You enjoy the consumption of raw meat as well??" She said with an overjoyed expression. "Miss Hannah was one person, now you as well, Miss Valerie?? This is too good to be true," Titania gleamed. "If that is the case, yes! We shall hunt together then! I would be honored to, actually!" @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

Valerie looked up at Titania before she nodded. "Miss Hannah...hm. I'll keep a look out for her as well." She nodded to herself. "But yep, I haven't really eaten it in a bit but I'd love to go for a small hunt. I don't see what the problem is." "Sounds pretty fun. Let's get a move on then." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

"Oh, Miss Hannah is such a dear! She hunts with another partner of hers, and they are both animals of prey! It was so very enthralling to help them," Titania smiled bright as she pushed herself up. They quickly put their clothes back into the several suitcases she brought and neatly tucked it away. With a small wave of their hand, Titania put an illusion on the area she had stacked her books in. Now, it looked just as clean as it was before. "Alright, let us go! I am sure the surrounding area will have something for us!" @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

Valerie watched Titania curiously before they laughed a tiny bit at Titania changing the scenery. Hopefully nobody would get hurt by that or anything. They have a small nod and headed out towards the door, humming. "Let's see what we can get our hands on." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

If someone did come across Titania's seemingly clean space in the library, then that will be a problem for a later time. She walked to the door along with Valerie and nodded excitedly. ( wanna move to #volcanic-fields ? Only open space I think would make sense lol) @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

Off we go! Val followed her out. (works for me!) @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

After studying in his room for a bit, Darcy decided to venture to the library. Stacks of dictionaries and grammaticas in hand, he wandered about until he found a quite corner to settle down in, finding peace in the familiar comfort of a library. He spread his books around him, flipping through different tomes as he worked on his translations. @em | enya + mallon

Enya had spent most of the day so far just exploring the complex, so it was relatively soon enough that her path led her into the island’s massive library. She wasn’t expecting much, but the size really does catch her by surprise as she walks in. She’s not really looking for anything in particular, but it can’t help to poke around for a bit. When she gets closer to one of the corners, she’s a little surprised to notice both the person and the pile of books spread around them. “You writing an essay over there or something?” She asks as she strolls over, hands in her pockets. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Darcy looked up to Enua as she approached him. He smiled welcomingly. "Oh, hello there! I don't believe we've met before, my name is Darcy Sterling!" "I'm not writing an essay, no." He laughed. "I'm working on a few translations- I'm a linguist, by the way. I translate." @em | enya + mallon

“Don’t think so,” Enya agrees, caught off guard for a moment at the quick introduction but quickly recovering. “Nice to meet you. I’m Enya. Hayes.” She raises an eyebrow at that, intrigued. “Linguist, huh? Y’know, I like writing, but honestly I’ve never been good at pickin’ up other languages. Anything interesting you found there?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Wonderful to meet you, Enya!" Darcy smiled. "Say, I don't think I've ever met someone with that name before! Do you know its origin?" "Ah, yes." Darcy laughed again, this time a bit bashfully. "This particular text isn't too interesting, just some old Tang Dynasty trade records. I'm working on it to polish up my middle Chinese, not everything can be interesting. You're a writer? What sorts of things do you like to write?" @em | enya + mallon

Enya blanks for a moment, frowning. “Uhm… I’m not sure, actually. I’m pretty sure it’s Irish? Don’t know for sure though.” “I’m sure there’s something interesting in there,” she shrugs, “just the fact that you can read it on your own is interesting enough.” She seems a little embarrassed at Darcy’s questions though. “I wouldn’t really call myself a writer—I just took a few creative writing classes in college, that’s all.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh! My name is also of irish origin! Darcy comes from the Irish term 'dorcha', meaning dark." Darcy beamed, clearly feeling some sort of kinship with Enya based on this fact. "Sometimes! But most often, trade records are quite boring. And thank you!" Darcy hummed. "Ah, that's alright! I know there's someone else here who enjoys writing, Titania. Perhaps you could confer with her about the matter, and get back into the hobby!" @em | enya + mallon

“Huh. Good thing you didn’t ask me to guess ‘cause I don’t think I would’ve ever guessed that,” Enya chuckles, leaning her forearms on the back of one of the chairs. “Titania? Don’t think I’ve met her yet, but maybe I’ll ask if I run into her at some point. What’s she look like?” Something else nags at her interest too. “So, what brings a linguist to an elemental tournament, huh? Unless you’re not telling until the fights, which—respect, honestly.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"It's not very commonly known." Darcy laughed. "I think you two might get along! She is fairly tall, has darker skin, and wears her hair in braids!" "Oh, my powers are related to my career! I have language-based powers." Darcy nodded. @em | enya + mallon

“Gotcha, gotcha, I’ll keep an eye out, then,” Enya replies, smiling. She then raises an eyebrow at Darcy’s brief powers explanation, propping her chin up on one hand. “Language-based powers? That’s definitely a new one if I’ve ever heard. Care to spill your secrets a little?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Yes!" Darcy smiled. "It's a bit hard to describe to those who aren't already familiar with the dynamics of language, but I can essentially cast spells from idioms and untranslatable phrases in different languages!" @em | enya + mallon

Enya whistles lowly, clearly a little bit surprised. “Woah. That’s pretty damn cool,” she says, a small chuckle escaping her. “Heh, remind me not to get on your bad side unless I feel like getting cursed.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh, you shouldn't have to worry about anything like that." Darcy laughed. "Most of my spells are simple party tricks, if I'm being honest." @em | enya + mallon

“Nah, don’t sell yourself short like that,” Enya says with an eye roll, loosely waving one hand in dismissal. “If you just had party tricks I’d bet you wouldn’t be here right now. At a fighting tournament I mean. You just gotta get creative with it, yeah?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh, thank you! I certainly will try!" Darcy laughed. "Fights aren't typically my thing. Though, on the topic of powers, what are yours?" @em | enya + mallon

“You might just surprise yourself,” Enya says with a grin—that only grows at Darcy’s question. “As for myself, I usually like to go for a little demonstration intro, but…” She spares a glance to all the books around them, then chuckles slightly. “Bit too much of a hazard in here I think. I call it hellfire.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh. Oh!" Darcy lit up in realization. "Oh, that would be a terrible idea. I trust your abilities are strong, and would not want to harm any of the books." He put a hand over his own reference materials, as if to protect them from Enya's powers. @em | enya + mallon

Enya snorts a faint laugh at Darcy’s reaction. “Don’t worry, I’ll let you know if I start feeling particularly combustible.” That is sure a normal sentence to say ever. “They might be strong, yeah, but I’ve had them basically my entire life so I think I’ve gotten pretty decent at keeping them under wraps. Nothin’ to worry about.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Darcy nodded, reassured in this. "Ah, that's good to know. Did you check the announcement board in the grand hall this morning? It listed the fights we're meant to have with one another." @em | enya + mallon

“Yeah, I passed by it on my way around earlier,” Enya affirms, shrugging slightly. “That and the rules we apparently have to follow too. But yeah, I’m up against someone named Isi. Haven’t met ‘em yet. You?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh, I do know Isi! We're roommates, they're quite nice. A shame you two have to fight..." Darcy hummed. "I've been put against Kal, another friend of mine. It's rather unfortunate, since we've been getting along so well, but... alas." @em | enya + mallon

“Well, I’ll take your word on that I guess. Probably shouldn’t meet them beforehand though, now that I’m thinkin’ about it. And y’know, funnily enough, Kal’s actually one of my roommates. Must’ve missed him though, we haven’t met yet either.” She pauses, then adds wryly, “Maybe I need to get a little better at that.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh! That's such an interesting coincidence!" Darcy laughed. "Kal is very nice, I hope you get the chance to meet him while we're here!" @em | enya + mallon

innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh! That's such an interesting coincidence!" Darcy laughed. "Kal is very nice, I hope you get the chance to meet him while we're here!" @em | enya + mallon

@em | enya + mallon

“Guess we’ll have to pick and choose who we’re cheering on in the fights later,” Enya smirks, though it’s lighthearted. “I hope so too. I actually haven’t met any of my roommates yet, believe it or not. Maybe I missed them when I knocked out in the middle of the announcements, haha.” (sorry i have. been in Packing Hell mb

) @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) (edited)

"I suppose so." Darcy laughed. "Oh, really? I've met all my roommates by now. I actually had a bit of trouble with one last night..." @em | enya + mallon

Enya’s eyebrows raise at that. “Trouble? Jeez. It’s barely been a full day here, what kinda trouble?” she asks, and though her questions are genuine there’s a faint hint of amusement lingering as well. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"One of my roommates, Peregrine, keeps harrassing my friends and I." Darcy confessed. "I don't know why he dislikes me so... why I'm the target of his malice when I have commited no sin against him." @em | enya + mallon

“Oh. Shit.” Enya winces faintly, amusement disappearing immediately. Evidently the situation wasn’t the kind of trouble she was expecting to hear. “Sorry to heard that, man. Are you able to switch at all?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I'm not sure. I've been meaning to speak with someone about it, but..." He sighed. "I don't mean to give them any more work, when they're already doing so much..." @em | enya + mallon

“Fuck that,” Enya says instantly, shaking her head. “They invited us here, I doubt they didn’t have an idea of how much work they were gonna be getting themselves into. Besides, don’t you think they’ll just have more work to do once the fights actually start? Now’s your chance, dude.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"It's really not that much of a big deal. And besides, they already know, since we had to go to the hospital last night. I don't know... I don't believe Peregrine is in the good graces of the church, anyways." @em | enya + mallon

“If you say so…” Enya doesn’t quite seem willing to accept Darcy’s reasoning, but she lets it go for now. “I hope things can improve a little, at least.If not than maybe his fight can knock some sense into him. Though sounds like you’re saying the staff already got involved, huh?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I hope so too." Darcy sighed. "He had to go to the hospital after my roommate kicked him, and I accidentally poisoned myself...." He yawned, cutting himself off. "My, it's getting a bit late.." @em | enya + mallon

Enya blinks in surprise—that sure is a sentence that Darcy just said—but doesn’t really comment on it beyond, “Well, maybe that’s enough for some sense for him then.” She holds back a chuckle at Darcy cutting himself off, and straightens up from where she’d been leaning on the chair. “Guess I’ll leave you to your books then. Lemme know how the roommate sitch’ goes, yeah?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Yes, I suppose so..." Darcy hummed. "I'll see you again soon! Goodnight!" @em | enya + mallon

Enya waves goodbye as she leaves the library.

Zeydein was in the library even before the morning announcements and lingered there for the remainder of the morning. He was too busy with his gardening books. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Taisto sauntered in with his small laptop under his arm, a charger in his one hand and two books, notebooks, and a ballpoint pen in his other hand. He looked around the library curiously aftre entering, and his tail slowly moved from side to side. Neat place! Nice atmosphere for studying. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

As Taisto settled down in the library, he'd soon notice the hot discomfort of being glared at. Seems the other person in the library wanted to be left alone. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

If looks could kill. Taisto's ears ticked, and his neck fur bristled. He looked to the way of the meanie waves, and noticed Zeydein. The spirit smiled brightly and waved, his tail swishing appeasingly. "Hey, good morning!" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) (edited)

"Good morning." Zeydein replied flatly. He turned back to his gardening books, hoping Taisto would get the message. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Taisto grinned. Zaydein, honey. Taisto cannot read people. The spirit's tail swished a little more, and he made his way to the dedicant. He set his things on the table, and looked at the book the other man was reading. "Oh! You do gardening?" he asked in a friendly manner. "My name is Taisto, what's your name?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Zeydein grimaced as Taisto neared him. "Yes. I garden." He waited a long while before answering the name question. "My name is Zeydein." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"What a coincidence, I do too!" Taisto smiled brightly. "It's nice to meet you, Zeydein! Are you planning for spring already?" he looked at the book again. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Zeydein did not return the smile. "If you would be so kind, I would like to work in silence. What I am doing is very important, and I can't deal with your incessant questions while I try to focus." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"Oh! Of course, I'm sorry, I'll be quiet", Taisto said ad his brows raised, and he put his fingers on his mouth. He nodded, and smiled apologetically. Instead, he drew a chair, sat down, and opened his laptop. He dug a pair of earbuds from his pocket and put them in his ears. Soon, he was reading his essay on his screen and listening to some music from his saved albums. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Zeydein seemed more relieved to be left alone. He continued his work silently. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Taisto had written all he could think to write, but now the essay was several pages too long. He would have to try and condence it generously. He sighed lightly and opened his notebook to revise his outline for the essay. Hm. Maybe he could combine a few paragraphs and move them around... but he should probably make another outline to plan out a good new order for everything he wanted to still say in his essay. He turned a new page, but it was full of drawings. He flipped a few more pages, but there were no clean pages left. He took his other notebook, even though he was pretty sure there was no space left either. He pouted. He opened another document, and started to try and write an outline in a digital format, but it felt stiff and unnatural, and he couldn't properly concentrate. He needed paper to get his thoughts flowing. He sighed. He looked at Zeydein anxiously. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Zeydein was busy flipping through various gardening books and writing down numbers in a small, hand-held notebook. When he noticed Taisto staring at him he looked up and made eye contact with the guest for a stagnant moment, then returned to his work. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Taisto's ears shifted back for a moment, and he stifled an anxious whine. He didn't want to bother Zeydein, but he really wanted to ask for help. He remained quiet for a while longer, before he spoke up softly and timidly. "Um, I'm terribly sorry, but is there somewhere where I could buy a new notebook? Or even get just a sheet of paper or two? I'm sorry I'm bothering you.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Zeydein glared up at Taisto as he approached. "There should be extra stationary at the desk over there." He pointed to a small desk that had a few spare notepads on it. None were very big, or looked all too fancy, but they were there. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Taisto, who looked like a dog who knew he did something he was not allowed to and was sorry for it, perked up now like he had been promised walkies. "Thank you, thank you, thank you..." he mumbled, even while silently scurrying to the desk. He grabbed a notepad, and returned to his table. It was a little difficult to fit his new outline on one page, even if his old notebooks weren't big either, but he started working and could get a new plan done after a while. Then, he started editing his essay. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Zeydein had stopped paying attention to Taisto the minute he had to stop talking to him. He continued his work silently. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

He worked for over half an hour in silence, first reading the text through and marking parts he could move and merge, and then actually editing everything. Once everything had been moved and condenced, he now had a better amount of pages written out. He sighed contently and leaned back in his chair. Good! He would have to make sure he still had all sources in place, and that the text wasn't all too clumsy after all the cutting and glueing parts together, but he should take a break now. He stretched his arms up and arched his back, before relaxing and looking around in the library. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Zeydein eyed Taisto as he stood up, but didn't say anything. He wasn't going to invite conversation. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Taisto's attention snapped to Zaydein when he noticed the other looking at him. He smiled kindly and swished his tail slowly. He remained quiet, though, not to bother the man further. For now. He started walking around at a leisurely pace, looking at the books in the shelves and seeing what they were about. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Zeydein quickly looked away from Taisto and returned to his work. The books Taisto were looking at were all about history- seemed he was in the library's history section. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Taisto hummed, smiling curiously. History was interesting, and important. You'd think Ekmeros would have found it at least a little interesting too. Taisto ran his clawed fingers lightly across the backs of the books, skimming the names to see if anything would catch his eye. Zerada's suggestion to look for any information of his kind from this library remained in the back of his mind, though he doubted he would find that from the history section. Unless there was anything about Elkland, but war history especially tended to be incredibly biased. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) (edited)

Other than the large, hefty books about world history, most of the books detailed Loucari history, though there were still a lot that were about the history of other nations. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Taisto picked a random book of Loucri history. He didn't plan on reading it thoroughly, but since he knew nothing about the nation where the Lifebringer religion originated from, he thought he could flip through a few pages to see what he could learn from it. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The first few pages of the book gave him a brief overview of what the Loucari was- an archipelago nation far north of Ninjago, with strong isolationalist policies and a theocratic governing system. The author of the book seemed not to be Loucari themself, but a scholar who had traveled there to study it. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Taisto hummed to himself quietly, looking at the maps and seeing of he could find something about the religion as well. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

There was a rather large section of the book dedicated to the Church of the Lifebringer, a thousand-year old institution that seemed in practice fairly similar to the Church of Undying Light that was hosting the tournament. At least, they both worshipped a god called the Lifebringer. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Taisto decided he knew enough now, and put the book back into the shelf where he took it from. He strolled a little further, seeing if he could spot a mythology and/or folk lore section, and at the same time drew closer to Zeydein. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

There was a 'religion' section, but nothing specifically labeled as mythology or folklore. Zeydein glared at Taisto as he neared him. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Taisto inspected the religion section just as curiously as he had looked through the history section. Maybe there was something interesting here about the division between the old Loucari faith and the Church of the Undying Light? He didn't seem to notice Zeydein's glare. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The religion section was mostly just prayerbooks and church records. Not the most exciting stuff, to be honest. Zeydein just continued glaring at Taisto. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Church records could be interesting. He could learn how this place came to be. At this point, though, Taisto noticed Zeydein's hostile stare, and looked towards him. The spirit smiled innocently. "Hello! Um, did you have something you wanted to say?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The record books were organized by date, stretching from the early 1990s to the present day. "No." Zeydein said flatly. He returned to his work. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Taisto tilted his head with a confused expresdion, turned back towards the shelf, snatched the couple first record books, put them under his arm andcwalked up to Zeydein. "Are you sure? Do you need help? I work at a garden center, maybe I can help you." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Taisto had grabbed the record books for 1993 and 1994. "I'm sure." Zeydein replied, not looking up from his books. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Taisto tilted his head to the other way, and peered at what Zeydein was doing. "You seem stressed", he said helpfully. Yeah. Stressed. "If you let me helped you might get it done faster." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Zeydein drew his books closer to him so Taisto might be less inclined to look at them. "I said I do not need your help. I have not changed my mind within the two seconds it took for you to ask me again." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"Well, yes, but even if you didn't need it, it could still be nice to receive help", Taisto said with a nervous furrow on his brows, but a gentle smile on his lips. "You look like you're not enjoying yourself. It might be nicer if you shared your work, wouldn't it?" he offered. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I have left you to your work. I would appreciate it if you left me to mine." Zeydein retorted. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Taisto's smile dimmed, and he sighed lightly. "Alright, well. Feel free to ask me if you would change your mind. Thank you." He said, who knows why he was thanking Zeydein, and walked back to his laptop and books. He put down the record books on the table, but didn't start reading them yet. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Zeydein didn't even grace Taisto with a reply. As Taisto looked at the two record books, he'd notice they were both much thinner than the records for later years. Their covered were black leather, with the year and the church's name embossed on in gold leaf. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Taisto stroke the books gently, feeling the texture, and getting lost in thought for a moment, before absentmindedly opening the first book. If they were small, he could skim through them before continuing with his essay. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The 1993 record book opened with an inscription, "And to you, that undying light which guides and fulfills me, that truthful spirit that brings me peace, know that I will love and follow you til the last of my earthly days." It seemed the book was divided into three short segments- personelle, events, and migration, the last two being the most substantial. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Taisto hummed, smiling gently at the inscription, thinking of Yeonaixho, and feeling happy for his devotion to his faith and that he must be in peace with it. How nice. (´ ꒳ ` ) He continued reading. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The first section was personelle, and simply listed the names of the people who'd been in the church at the time. There were only a few names, and even less of them were familiar to Taisto. Yeonaixho and Petrai were both there. It seemed Yeonaixho had only been eighteen at the time, yet he'd already taken on the 'Hand of God' title. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

So young! Taisto wondered how he had ended up a church leader that early in life. Taisto himself had not had all of his marbles in one place at that time at all. He continued reading. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The second section 'events' and listed all the various church happenings at the time- which, for 1993, was mostly holidays and people joining the church. After that followed the 'migration' chapter, which chronicled the church's movements that year. It seemed they hadn't yet moved to the island, and instead travelled around various Loucari and South Loucari islands, picking up disciples and preaching their message to small villages along the way. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

This was interesting. Taisto read a little more carefully, and was curious to see at which point the island would enter the picture, and if anything else interesting would happen before it. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

It seemed that, despite it being the first year of the church's existence, not anything too interesting had happened in 1993. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Taisto skimmed a little more, before flipping the rest of the pages away, and he checked the second book as well. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Not much was different about the 1994 book- it didn't have an inscription in the front, a few more people had joined the church, and all their holidays had gone well that year. They'd continued traveling the South Loucari. The most notable thing to have happened then was Petrai taking a brief absence from the church that summer. The record book didn't say when she'd returned. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Taisto put the book away, and returned to his essay. After a long while, he read through everything, and sat back with contentment. The essay was pretty good. He'd read it through tomorrow and see if he could improve it in any way, but it was definitely good enough! He glanced briefly in Zeydein's way, but looked away pretty quickly. He stood up and took the record books back to the shelf where he'd gotten them from, and browsed through the rest of them. He picked a couple new books and flipped through it from where he stood to see if the church had come to the island yet. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Taisto had picked the year 1998. Even from skimming it, he'd be able to tell it had been a far more eventful year than the ones he'd looked at previously. It seemed this had been the year that the church moved to the island in the first place, and a detailed map of what the island had looked like pre-development was included. They'd moved to the island in late summer that year, but earlier in spring, a note had been made detailing the marriage of Yeonaixho to a woman named Jymaiyri ke Naido. She'd been listed in the 'personnel' sections of previous records, but the name would be otherwise unfamiliar to Taisto. Petrai had also returned, but no note was made of it. Perhaps, she'd returned earlier. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Taisto's eyes brightened. There we go! He read about the move with interest, and made a quiet "aww" at Yeonaixho getting married. But... Was there someone named Jymaiyri on the island now? Nobody had been introduced as Yeonaixho's wife, at least... Taisto frowned as worry crepet into his mind. He skimmed through the rest of the book. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The rest of the book mainly chronicled the process of moving everyone onto the island and building the temple complex there. The chapel was the oldest building on the island, and had been the only building already there when they got there. Everything else had been built after the church had arrived. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

It was interesting to him that the island, as remote as it was, had been a church island even before Yeonaixho had claimed it. He also took interest in all the other building work. Man loves carpentry! After reading everything he was interested in, he put the book back into the shelf. He stood in front of it for a moment, contemplating if he should read another record. He had already found what he was curious about, but.. heck, why not check one more. For funzies. He chose a book randomly. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The random book Taisto chose was... 2010! A far more recent year than the ones he'd looked at previously. Just by skimming over it, Taisto would be able to tell that things were much more familiar. More of the the temple had been built, resulting in a temple map that was almost identical to its layout now. The people were also far more familiar. Teya, Zeydein, Madeline, and Eli were all listed as church members, and the 'events' section listed Albanes having joined the church. Many of the names listed in the older books were nowhere to be seen, though, including Jymaiyri. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Reading the names confirmed his worry to be justified. He lifted his sorrowful gaze from the book, and looked over the library like looking for Yeonaixho's lost wife. Where was she? Dead, or just left the island? His gaze moved to Zeydein, and remained there, although he didn't dare to interrupt his work again to ask any questions. He watched the man without seeing, lost in his own thoughts. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Zeydein didn't look up from his work, keeping himself busy to not catch Taisto's attention again. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

(I... didn't send this... it's been sitting here for days and I thought i had sent it.................... hh) Good, Zeydein, you're learning. Taisto keeps zoning out for a moment, his head still turned towards the other man, but eventually he snaps out of it, and sees if he can learn anything else from the book. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

(no worries!) Most of the rest of the book was agricultural and inventory records, nothing particularly thrilling. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

( ;w;

) Taisto sighed, and put the book back in the shelf. He happened to look out a window, and noticed some snowflakes floating in the air. He perked up, and quickly gathered his things, and headed out. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Zeydein seemed relieved when he left.

Kass sat in the darkest corner of the library, though to her dismay, it was still quite lit. On the table next to her was a stack of books, all of them with rather grim titles. In her hand was a large book, simply labeled ‘Anthology of Horror’ in menacing silver lettering. Her eyes were fixed to the pages, seemingly ignoring any other activity in the library… @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania had retreated back inside after her conversation with Yeonaixho. Her head was racing with thoughts on how to get her sick father all the way out to this remote island. Would it even be possible? Titania wasn't quite sure, but if it meant even the slightest chance of healing her father, Titania would figure it out. She wandered aimlessly until she returned back to the library. Her things were still here, so it only made sense she started to pack up if she were to leave tomorrow. Though, their attention was taken by someone in the far corner of the library. Titania could only make out the blonde and dark color of Kass' hair with the faint light around them, but that was more than enough to make Titania recognize the other woman. "Miss Kass!" They called to her with a bright smile and practically ran to Kass. @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Upon hearing Titania’s voice, Kass immediately shut the book and hastily tossed it aside, her posture straightening in anticipation as she scanned the room for any sign of the princess. Upon seeing her somewhat illuminated outline, she stood up, throwing off the balance of the small table she’d stacked with books. Keeping one skeletal hand on the stack to prevent it from toppling, she extended her free hand in a wave as her lips twitched up in what for Kass was a genuine smile. “Princess- Titania,” she quickly corrected herself, taking to heart their wishes not to use titles. She couldn’t help but laugh softly at the other’s excitement. “What’s got you in such a good mood?” @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania had to catch her breath for a moment as she caught up to Kass. "I saw you! That is all," she smiled widely with a small laugh. "Are you free at the moment? I saw you reading, so I can leave you be if you are busy. I just--There are many thoughts inside my head at the moment and I would like to get them out of me if you are available. I need someone to sort of bounce some things off on right now," the princess rambled. @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“Oh, well if that’s the case, I most definitely can say the same,” Kass hummed, the stack of books beneath her wobbling in agreement. “I’m not busy at all, I was just doing… research- I think that’s the best word to use. Regardless, it’s not important, or it’s not as important as listening to you, especially if something is ailing at you. I’d be more than willing to lend an ear, and as much time as you need. I am your friend after all.” The word ‘friend’ still felt strange on her tongue- but it was not unwelcome. It felt as if she’d let a mint set on one side of her mouth for too long, something foreign yet pleasant after a few seconds. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

The princess clasped her hands together in a happy motion, her legs rocking as she did so. "Well, in that case, I have a lot to discuss with you then," Titania nodded and looked around for a chair. She picked one at random and scooted it close to Kass' seat before sitting down. "Where to even begin--Well, I suppose the most important thing I have to tell you is that I will be leaving tommorrow afternoon. I asked Yeonaixho, The Hand, for some help in regards to my wish, and he says he will be able to help me with no charge. So, I am going to be dropping out of this tournament. It saddens me that I will have to leave so soon, so I wanted to spend some time with you and some others before I do." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass nodded in approval as Titania sat down next to her, and even attempted to scoot her own chair closer in solidarity. As soon as the princess announced her sudden departure from the tournament, Kass tensed up. “You’re… dropping out?” she tilted her head in question, unable to mask the shock on her face. “And you’re getting help from that… false prophet? I suppose I just don’t understand,” she sighed and shook her head. She needed to respect Titania’s choice, as much as it confused her. The princess seemed happy, she couldn’t just shut them down. “But that is… alright. I suppose I am just disappointed that our time together is more limited than I thought. I must admit, I took it for granted.” she bowed her head before looking back at Titania and giving her a small smile. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

"I know you and Miss Valerie talked about forming an alliance together, especially since you both find this situation to be a bit odd... But I spoke to another worker on this island and she had talked about how The Hand had healed her a long time ago with no charge.. I could really use someone with such a power, and such a kind heart," Titania mused with a small frown. "I am also disappointed I cannot spend more time with you, but that is why I am happy to see you now! And perhaps when this event is over, you and I can spend time together outside of this island as well!" @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“Ah, yes, Valerie and I did talk about that, and it still rings true. There are some rather… malicious individuals on this island, not to mention deceptive. I don’t wish to trouble you, but I do not trust the man running all this. I spoke to him during the gala, and our conversation still doesn’t sit right with me. But, if you believe that leaving the tournament is your calling, I will do all I can in my to support you,” Kass still did looked worried- another expression she did not hide well. “I’m really honored that you sought me out, as I enjoy spending time with you as well. And I would be overjoyed if we could continue to do so outside of this environment. I really do value our friendship, Titania, and I only want the best for you,” her eyes lit up for a short moment as a thought crossed her mind, before she leaned in ever so slightly. “If you don’t mind me asking, is it alright now to ask your wish…?” @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania's smile faded slightly as Kass spoke of their host, small spots of doubt forming in her mind. If Kass and Valerie thought The Hand was odd... Should she also be worried? The princess fidgeted with her fingers, a small bit of stress forming on her shoulders. "What did you and The Hand speak about, Miss Kass? What exactly made you feel like he was odd?" Titania decided to ask. Though, her smile slightly returned as Kass said she valued their friendship. "I hold our relationship highly as well, Miss Kass. You are my first friend ever! I would like to maintain it," she smiled warmly. "...And I suppose it is only right you know what I came here for. My wish was to be used to heal my father. My father is ill. I am not sure what it is that ails him, but he has been in a vegetative state for the past ten years now. My kingdom is home to what is called the Great Tree. It heals those of the royal family and it is what keeps my father alive currently... But he is still unconcious. I asked The Hand to heal him, but I must bring my father here for it to happen. I am struggling to find a method to safely transport him here.." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“He and I spoke about his title, and what he believes in. To make a rather long and unpleasant conversation short, he seems too confident in his abilities. It’s… unnerving, to say the least, and I do not trust it,” Kass replied with a frown. “He is keeping something from his competitors- and even if he can fully heal the sick, I’m sure there’s a price he’s not willing to disclose.” She continued to look at Titania with that same worried expression. “I am sorry that your father has remained sick for so long… I have no doubt that has caused great stress to both you and your kingdom. I understand why you are so eager to trust the healer here… though I too worry about how you could bring him here safely. Is there no way our host can travel to the Great Tree?” she presses her lips into a thin line- clearly thinking- before she relaxed once more. “You are my first friend as well, and I suppose I am ‘looking out for you’- I think that is the right phrase. I simply want things to turn out right for you, as well as your kingdom, and as so, I want to make it my mission to fight for your wish. That way, if anything happens, I can wish for your and his safety and good health. I still do not trust our host, but I offer my winnings to you, as I do not need them.” @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Quietly, the princess listened to Kass and her words. The things Kass said wavered Titania's heart just the slightest, the ping of doubt slowly spreading further in her mind. Titania was more than aware that a gift such as powerful as Yeonaixho's should have a cost, but she was trying to be optimistic. When you're given such a bright hope after so many years, perhaps a bit of it comes from desperation. She looked down at her hands. "The Hand said it is too dangerous for him to leave this place. He even offered another boat ride from the mainland if I can just get father there..." Titania sighed. Though, at Kass' next statement, the princess' expression turned to that of surprise. "You are going to spend your wish on me..? Oh, Miss Kass, I could never let you waste such a thing on me," the princess frowned. "I am sure there must be something you dearly want. I do not wish for you to put myself in front of that goal." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“Just as much as it is dangerous for him, it sounds like your father faces the same dilemma. I will not stop you from doing what you believe is right, but I simply implore you to be careful. I wouldn’t want you to get roped into anything lest there be a loophole.” Kass then laughed wryly and shook her head. “You don’t have to accept my offer, but then there would be a wish wasted. All I want is victory. A thing such as a wish would be lost on me, as there is nothing I could possibly want. I was trained not to dwell on worldly possessions or my own physical form, and as such, there is nothing our host could give me that I want. All I want is to prove that I can win this, and that I remain useful. Since I have no need for the wish, I’d be more than willing to fight for yours. You deserve that much.” @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

"The Hand is already doing me a big favor for not asking for anything in return for his help... I do not want to push my luck with it any further with him.." She admitted with a small frown. Titania sighed a bit before giving Kass a faint smile. "I appreciate the sentiment, Miss Kass.. I really do... But I am sure there is something you want. Perhaps you just do not know it yet," they said with a faint chuckle. Titania couldn't help be a bit curious about Kass' wording, however. "...Remain useful? What do you mean by that, Miss Kass?" @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass exhaled. “If your mind is made up on the matter, then all I can do is wish you well. I do not trust that man, but I have to trust that he will be good to you. All I want is your safety,” she left out the part where she’d tell Titania that she’d fight the fake god on their behalf. “But I do mean it wholeheartedly; if you would like it, the wish is yours- no strings attached. I’ve spent a duration of this tournament mulling it over, but there is nothing I want, and I’d feel a bit more at peace knowing a friend would find better use of it. As for why… I suppose it’s only fair that I tell you something important about me, after you’ve shared so much about yourself.” She offered the princess a small smile, before stiffening her posture completely. “I, like you, was raised in a kingdom, under a strict set of rules dictating what I would later become. However, I wasn’t trained in the gentle poise of being a future ruler or attendant. I was to fill the role of what you would call an executioner, used as a tool by the ruling family,” she held up her hand and solemnly wiggled her fingers. “For years, I only knew decay, as that was all I knew. Nothing more, and nothing less- and I was at the forefront, doling it out as if it were nothing. I haven’t been on my own for long, so I am still learning how to be… human… I think that’s the word. But even with my freedom, I still wish to prove my mettle, and demonstrate that I’m not weak, even without direction.” @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

A warm feeling spread in Titania's chest as she both listened to and looked at Kass. Titania found her to be so inspiring. So amazing and so selfless. How could such a wonderful person be a friend of hers? Titania considered herself blessed to have a friend like Kass. "...If I am allowed to make a wish for you, my greatest wish would be that you find what you are looking for, Miss Kass. To find the happiness you seek. I do not know if someone can give you that, but it is truly what I want for you. Promise me, that even after we part ways, you tend to yourself kindly. Do not think you have to be doing something to be worthwhile. You are enough as you are," the princess firmly reassured her friend. Listening to Kass' story, Titania couldn't help but feel empathy for her friend. Their gaze softened and she looked over the gloved hand Kass held up. Without even thinking about it, Titania cupped Kass' hand in her own, giving it a tight, protective, squeeze. "You are not weak, Miss Kass. You are so, so strong. Not everyone can admit something as deep and personal as you just did. It is not easy to say out loud and acknowledge that you are still learning. Being human is something only you, yourself can define. No one else has the right to. I know you will find it someday, Miss Kass. The image that you want to see of yourself is closer than you may think." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass blinked slowly, finding herself in the now familiar position of being unsure what to say next. Thank whatever gods above or below (excluding The Hand of course) she’d chosen to wear gloves today. And upon realizing she would cause the princess no harm, she squeezed her hand back with the same vigor she’d received. How Titania treated her with such grace, such care- she’d never experienced such feelings from another individual before. She… liked it. Even more so, she silently hoped she could treat her friend with that same new, good, nameless feeling. “I’ve… never had someone treat me with such care. You… you’re one in a million, Titania, and you only deserve the best. And I will keep looking for whatever I seek, for perhaps you’re right- I do not know where I’ll end up, but there is happiness to chase. From knowing you, I understand that now, if even just a bit more,” she smiled, keeping her hand in between Titania’s. “Like you, I do have so much to learn, and though very different, I deeply value how well you treat me, despite all I am and was. I’m more than honored to call you a friend, and even if we must part ways, I would very much like it if you were part of my journey, as I’d be just as happy to be part of yours. I will keep seeking a better version of myself, as you keep looking for inspiration to strike once more.” @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

The brightest of smiles spread on Titania's lips as she scooted just the slightest closer to Kass. "I am happy we found each other, Miss Kass. I feel the same way. I only want the best for you, even if you do not know how to achieve it just yet. It will come. I can see it in your eyes that you are a truly lovely person," Titania said with a warm gaze. Slowly, almost dreadfully so, Titania removed her hand from Kass'. "I think you have become my inspiration, Miss Kass," Titania admitted to her. "Even if you cannot see yourself in the light that I do, I think meeting you must be a magic of fates of some sort. Even if we cannot see each other, I think the course of my life has been altered by meeting you. That is how much I value you. If we are to meet again after all this, I hope that it would be soon. I do not know how much my heart can take, yearning of the distance between us." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“I… I really appreciate you kind words, Titania. More than I can ever express,” Kass replied softly, her face tinged with red. As Titania released her hands from Kass’s, she slowly lowered it, her fingers still curled slightly. “Wait… I’m your inspiration…?” her lips parted in disbelief. “…I’m beyond honored. To been seen in such a light by such a kindhearted soul- I cannot agree more that I’ve been forever changed after meeting you. I can even confidently say that you’ve inspired me to give things another chance,” she gestured to the pile of books- all horror- with different makeshift bookmarks jutting out of each book. “I would not like our future reunion to be an ‘if’, I’d really like for it to be a ‘when’. After meeting you, I don’t think I can take too much distance, and I’m flattered that you agree.” she paused. “Perhaps you’ll give me the honor of escorting you to the boat? It’s the least I can do to ensure that you’re safe, as well as give you a proper goodbye, as much as it pains me to think about.” @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania smiled so much, her cheeks were beginning to hurt. "Yes, you are, Miss Kass. Perhaps what I was missing was someone like you. Of course, some of the other people I met here have also helped, but you were the starting point. I cannot thank you enough," the princess confirmed with a nod. She glanced at the books Kass gestured to, and somehow, her smile spread even wider. That strange warm feeling in their chest continued to spread as Kass spoke, and they began to rock slightly back in fourth in glee. "Yes! I would also like it to be only a 'when'. I would prefer if that when is much sooner than it may be, but if we managed to meet here of all places, then I am certain our paths will merge once more soon," Titania hoped. "Escorting me to the boat? I am sure that will be no issue. The Hand said it will be ready tomorrow afternoon, so until then, I have been given the time to spend with those on the island. I wish not to part with you, but I know our bond will defy the time and distance. Until then though, I wish to spend some of the remaining time with you, Miss Kass." They turned to the books Kass had out and picked one that didn't have a bookmark yet. "Perhaps we can read this together?" @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“I can confidently say the same, Titania,” Kass agreed, smiling as well. “Your gratitude continues to touch me, but it’s you that deserves all the thanks. I suppose we both bring out better versions of ourselves because of the other. That’s… very nice. I’ve never heard of such a thing until knowing you,” she breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m glad we still have a bit over a day, I was worried you’d be gone in a matter of hours,” she admitted with a small smile. “I’d want nothing more than to spend whatever time we still have with you, though you are completely right- you and I are not bound by distance.” she glanced at the book and nodded. “I would very much like to.” she hummed. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

'Better versions of each other...' Yeah. Titania nodded, completely agreeing with that. "You are too kind, Miss Kass. You truly are my inspiration," she smiled fondly at the other woman before holding the book up between them. Titania leaned closer to Kass' personal space, their shoulders nearly touching as she flipped the book to its first few pages. "I assume we read at different paces... so just let me know when I need to flip the page, Miss Kass," Titania informed her as she got to the prolouge of the story. @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass smiled, then shuffled closer to Titania, and if anyone asked, it was so she could read easier. If Titania asked, well, then she would get the full truth. “Regardless of pace, I’m sure we’ll still finish the story before you have to part. It doesn’t seem very long…” she hummed as she turned her attention to the book, and as she finished reading, she gave the princess a gentle tap to their shoulder with her gloved hand. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

With every tap, Titania flipped the page. She was quite the fast read, so she kept pace with Kass the best she could. As the other woman said however, the book was rather short. It was full of gore in descriptive detail, painting quite the explosive picture, however. It was an interesting read, to say the least. Every once in a while, when Titania finished reading before Kass, she stole glances at the other. They were so close, it was hard not to look at the other woman. At least, that's what Titania chopped it up to. @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass would quickly skin over the pages, tapping Titania with the same amount of care each time, as if she were afraid that if she became careless, her powers would somehow seep through her gloves. She had grown so engrossed in the story that she didn’t quite notice the other woman’s glances- save one moment- as the two of them had nearly finished the book, and she looked up, locking eyes with the princess. Oh… She opened her mouth to say something, then closed it, simply holding her gaze for a moment more, before looking back down at the book, and pretending to make sense of the words on the page, and hoping that Titania would be more focused on turning the page than looking at her now red face. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

In the morning, Petrai went into the library to find Titania... @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania ( @Morgan | Kass + Ren in case u also want to be a part of this)

Titania was already up and about the next morning. It was hard getting to sleep with so many thoughts in her head (mainly about a specific woman on the other side of the library), but none the less, all her things were packed and ready to go. She walked over to an open space with her things and smiled a bit when she saw Petrai. "Good morning, Miss Petrai!" She greeted. "I assume you must be here to help me to the boat. Miss Kass is going to escort me there, if you do not mind. She should be around here shortly." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) @Morgan | Kass + Ren

It was as of simply saying her name summoned the other woman. As soon as she heard Titania’s voice, she was up and at their side, eyeing Petrai warily, simply nodding in agreement at the princess’s statement. “Good morning, Titania.” she said quietly, offering the princess a small smile. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Good morning, Titania, Kass." Petrai nodded at each younger woman in turn. "Before you are escorted off the island, the Hand of God would like to have a private word with you." Looking at Kass directly, she added, "I'm sure you understand." @Morgan | Kass + Ren @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Kass sudden appearance didn't surprise Titania, if anything, it made her feel more secure. "Good morning, Miss Kass. I hope you slept well," she said with a small smile before turning back to Petrai. "Oh? The Hand wishes to speak to me again..? I wonder if he has anything else to add from our previous discussion.." They thought out loud with a nod. "I will be right back then, Miss Kass. It should not be long," Titania hummed as she settled her bags on a near by table. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass made a face at the mention of The Hand, but tried her best to remain relatively neutral, mostly for Titania’s sake. Her eyes narrowed at Petrai, though she once again only offered her a stiff nod. She looked back at Titania. “I did sleep fairly well, yes. Just… promise me you’ll be safe while you speak to him. Of course, I will stay right here until you return.” @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Very well." Petrai nodded stiffly, not reacting very much to either woman's reactions. "Titania, please follow me." She gestured to the library's exit. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Titania nodded once more at Kass. "Of course. I will be back before you know it," she chuckled faintly, giving Kass one last warm smile before following Petrai. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass held her hand up in a wave, and kept her eyes fixed on the pair until they were out of sight. As soon as they left, she sat down next to Titania’s luggage, and after looking around the table for a piece of paper and a pen, began to write. When she finished, she folded it up and slid it into the princess’s bag, and opted to simply wait for their return.

It took Zerada a while to actually arrive to the library. She was honestly on edge and cautious of her surroundings after experiencing that ghost time. Spooky, fairly spooky. Might as well relax and unwind in the library and try and relax. Zerada grabbed a book and sat at an empty table, propping it up to try and read. Her gaze was dancing across the page, but she was hardly processing the lines. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Glass wandered into the library a few minutes after Zerada did. She didn't immediately approach the other contestant- Zerada definitely seemed like someone who didn't want to be interrupted- instead browsing the shelves, looking at all the church's library had to offer. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

(Sorry I’ve been suffering) Zerada lifted her head to take note of who entered the room. Luckily, it was just someone who wasn’t a ghost. Just a bit- Different, but not a ghost. Hopefully. She looked back to her book and focused on it. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Glass turned around as Zerada noticed her, noting the weird double-take the woman did. She approached Zerada and sat down directly across from her. "Hey. Whatcha reading?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Oh- Uhm-” Zerada looked rather surprised that Glass decided to join her. She tried to hide her discomfort and slight annoyance at just being approached as if they were long time friends. “.. It’s a book about-” Zerada looked back down at the book. She actually hadn’t noticed what she had grabbed, but it turned out to be a book on herbs and plants. “Plants..” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Plants? Neat. You do gardening or something?" Glass asked. "I'm Glass, by the way." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"A little bit. I used to, anyways." Zerada nodded. "I'm Zerada." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Neat. I've always killed plants, myself." Glass hummed. "Nice to meet ya, Zerada." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Maybe this book can help you take care of plants, if that's something you're interested in? Plants can be tricky." Zerada suggested with a slight shrug. "Nice to meet you, too." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Eh, I think I'll be fine. Thanks for the offer, though." Glass leaned back in her chair a bit. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Yeah, that's fine," Zerada glanced back to her book. "So, what brings you in here? Just to chill, or is there something that you wanna read..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Eh, just decided to check it out. I haven't been here yet. It seems pretty nice." Glass shrugged. "You?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Figured I'd just unwind and read something, I'm not too sure," Zerada sighed. "Just kind of- Found my way here, if I'm honest." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"That's chill. It's been kinda hectic lately, what with all the fights starting and whatnot." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Yeah, tell me about it," Zerada sighed. "I'm sure mine will be coming up eventually. Do you know who you're fighting against?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I don't, actually. I keep meaning to figure it out and then I keep forgetting." Glass shrugged again. "What about you? Who's you're opponent?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"You should get that figured out soon. Maybe you can find something out about them before hand before your match to lend a hand?" Zerada hummed. She shut her book. "My match is again Su-Ji, he's a friend of mine, actually." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Yeah, I know I should. Like I said, I just keep forgetting." Glass said. "Oh, that kinda sucks that you gotta fight your friend like that. Sorry." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Yeah, right, right. If you want, we can go check out the board, maybe?” Zerada suggested. “And it’s okay. Su-Ji and I know better than to go all out or anything like that.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Yeah, if you don't mind leaving your plant books, I'd be up to." Glass shrugged. "That's good, guess it's not all bad having to fight someone ya know. Maybe I'll be in the same boat." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“I mean, I wasn’t all that invested in it, if I’m honest. I don’t mind checking the list.” Zerada shrugged. “And maybe. Have you made a good amount of friends so far?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Nice!" Glass smiled. "Yeah, I've met a ton of people! One of my buddies just lost his fight, though, so it's probably not him." She stood up. "Do ya wanna go now?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Really? Who was your buddy who lost?" Zerada asked. "Kal?" She stood and grabbed her book to put it back. "Yeah, we can go now." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Taisto, actually. He lost the most recent fight." Glass hummed as she left the library... @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Right, Taisto.. I was fond of him, if I'm honest." Zerada sighed as she put the book away. She followed after Glass.. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Back into the library they were! "Alright, 1998, that shouldn't be too hard to find, right?" Zerada asked. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Glass nodded. "Pretty sure. That's the year they got married, I think." She scanned the shelves. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Taking a look around, she spotted the section where their records were at. She immediately went over and scanned the books, taking a look for the years. 1995, 1996, 1997.. 1998!! "Bingo," Zerada grinned. She grabbed the book and looked to Glass. "Got it!" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Nice!" Glass beamed. She'd been distracted by the section on birdwatching. The record book was slightly hefty and only labeled with the year and the words 'Church Records'. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"It's a pretty thick book," Zerada hummed. "It shouldn't take long to go through it, if I'm honest." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"All we need is a name." Glass hummed. Luckily enough, there was a section labeled 'personelle'. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Just a name- There's a lot of power in something like that." Zerada hummed. She went to that section and looked upon the pages. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

There were a lot of names in the personelle section- over double that of the church's current numbers. Only a few were listed alongside actual titles, and even less matched what Zerada was looking for. There was a 'Jeannemarie Chaetie', a 'Jyan'ma Lyslyin', a 'Jumradi Eilsfathsi' and a 'Jymaiyri Ke Naido'. None were listed alongside titles. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Huffing slightly, Zerada looked towards Glass. "Do any of these names stick out to you?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Uhhh...." Glass stared at the list for a long time. She pointed to 'Jeannemarie'. "That one. I think." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Zerada wasn't sure if she was confident in Glass' ability to recall the name. ".. How positive would you say that you are that that's the name..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Like... a solid 40 percent. The sounds are similar. It was something like that." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Right, thanks.” Zerada hummed. She flipped through the book, hoping to find perhaps pictures of someone who looked like the lady who the statue was of. If this was anything like a year book, they often included the names of those who were in the images. Perhaps she could find something? @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

There weren't any images, but there were a few other sections of the book- 'events', 'developments' and 'settlement'. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

She wasn’t sure how useful this would be, but she figured she’d take a look into it anyways. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Zerada had picked the 'events' section. Among the first ones listed, was just the thing she'd been looking for. In the spring of that year, Yeonaixho Sehwohl had married none other than Jymaiyri Ke Naido. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Jymaiyri Ke Naido. That was the name. “You were a bit off with the name,” Zerada admitted with a soft chuckle to Glass. “But you led me in the right direction. Thank you, Glass.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh, huh! Knew it was something along the lines of that." Glass laughed as she read over the listing. "No problem! I'm really glad I could help- you seem way better at this detective stuff than I do." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“I’ve got some detective work under my belt,” Zerada hummed. “But you did a pretty good job. You could be a junior detective, if you wanted to.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Do I get a shiny sticker badge?" Glass asked very seriously. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Yes, you do.” Zerada spoke in a serious tone as well. She was dead serious.

11:24 PM

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Then I'm in." Glass nodded. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Good.” She nodded. “I don’t have any on me right now, but later I’ll grab you one.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Perfect. I appreciate it." Glass hummed in affirmation. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“And I appreciate the help.” Zerada stood and put the book back. “Now, how about we solve the mystery of who you’re fighting against?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Yeah! That should be a bit easier to find." Glass laughed. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Zerada grinned. "Should be. Come on, let's get going." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Glass followed Zerada out into the grand hall again... @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

To the library we go! Darcy was beaming as he brought Roy into the large library. "They've got all sorts of books here." @Sauce | Roy 🌩

“Oh wow. This place is big! And, ha, old. Smells like dust. Hm.” He looked around excitedly, not really sure where to start. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"It does, doesn't it..." Darcy laughed. "They have a small section on linguistics over that way. That's where I've been spending most of my time here." @Sauce | Roy 🌩

“Heh, sounds like your cup of tea.” Smiling at his own joke. He wasn’t sure how this place was organized, but figured Darcy would know at least something. “Do you know if they have any books on animals? Or maybe some mythology stuff?” He’s already met a good number of non-human people here, maybe there was a book about them? @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"They should have something like that, somewhere...." Darcy began reading various lables on bookshelves. "Medicine, history, church records... hmm. There's a religion section over here." @Sauce | Roy 🌩

Roy went for the fanciest looking book. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The fanciest book in the entire library was a huge, hefty prayerbook with a gilded cover and one of those ribbon bookmarks. It was propped up on a little lectern- probably because it was too big for the shelves. @Sauce | Roy 🌩

He opened to the front, trying to find a glossary or something like that. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

At the front of the prayerbook was a large table of contents, listing out which prayers were on which pages. "Oh, what did you find?" Darcy asked, coming over to look at the prayerbook. @Sauce | Roy 🌩

“A prayer book, hm, I really don’t know much about this place’s religion, uh. Don’t got much care for that sorta stuff.” He flipped to a random page. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh, interesting!" Darcy marveled over the prayerbook. Before Roy would have a chance to properly look over the book, Yeonaixho's announcement came over the intercom, announcing Glass and Inu's fight. @Sauce | Roy 🌩

“Oh shit- they’re fighting?? Ah, we should head over.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Right, let's go." Darcy nodded. @Sauce | Roy 🌩

Off they went! @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

After the fight, Petrai went to the library. Now was a brief time she had all to herself- nothing to be done, no duties to attend to, no one to lecture (or at least, no one she cared to lecture at the moment). Just how long would it last, though? She wandered about the library, picking up and shelving books that contestants and staff had left lying on tables. It was a simple, methodical task. Petrai found great comfort in simple, methodical tasks. It was easy not to worry when she had something to do. @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Thunk. Something hit the ground behind Petrai. There was a short bout of silent before another thunk would be heard. If the woman were to turn around, she’d be greeted by a frowning Kass. Titania’s bags were at her feet. “Forget something?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Petrai turned around and faced Kass with a blank face. "Good morning." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“I’d simply call it a morning,” Kass crossed her arms. “Why did you send Titania away without her belongings?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"She abruptly had to leave earlier than expected. We will send her belongings back to port with the next boat to leave." She said coldly. @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass raised an eyebrow. “And why was that? It’s not hard to retrieve two bags- and I’m sure the princess would want her luggage if she’s returning home.” she narrowed her eyes. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"It is not my place to divulge the personal information of our guests." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“What about…” Kass trailed off. She was not going to give Him the satisfaction of being called by his title. “…You know…” she grumbled. “Your… handler. The manager of this island. Surly he knows.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"The manager?" Petrai repeated. It was clear that she knew who Kass was referring to, but wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of an answer if she referred to him by such a name. @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass simply nodded solemnly. “Yep. The manager.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Well, then I believe you are mistaken. There is no one under that job title working on this island." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“You know who I’m talking about. Your team leader or whatever. Can’t even send off a guest without ensuring they have all their belongings.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I'm afraid I don't know who you're talking about. Again, there isn't anyone under the title of a 'team leader'." Petrai said. "And any way, Titania requested to leave early. It's not our fault she forgot her things." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“She didn’t forget them.” Kass shot back. “You told her to speak to the manager and she never came back.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Petrai's expression remained unfazed. "I do not appreciate the baseless accusations being thrown my way. I have explained to you the situation already." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass exhaled. “I do not appreciate the lack of respect for your alleged guests here. It’s almost like you want us to leave.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"We have been allocating the same respect our guests have given us. Again, it is not our fault Titania chose not to return for her belongings." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

A frown tugged at Kass’s mouth. “You haven’t given us- me any reason to respect you-“ she paused, then took a deep breath. “Perhaps you should’ve been more clear with your instructions. Regardless, something tells me that this conversation hasn’t been the worst of your interactions with said guests…” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"It is our greater understanding as a church that a base level of respect should be given to all individuals. If you do not agree with that, perhaps this tournament is not the best fit for you." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“If you’re expecting me to beg to stay here, you won’t get it,” Kass said flatly. “But… I shouldn’t shoot the messenger, if you want respect, I will treat you the same way you treat me. I’m simply just… frustrated with how sudden Titania departed. It’s been days, and with how meticulous you are, I figured a fluke like this would be caught.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"It has been a very eventful few days." Petrai admitted. "Just yesterday, an assassination attempt was made on our church leader. Some things are bound to slip through the cracks." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

He had it coming Kass wouldn’t say that aloud, though. Well, she would, but she was trying out the whole ‘respect’ thing. Call it a free trial. “Oh…Was this performed by a contestant?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"That information is on a need-to-know basis. Rest assured, the situation has been taken care of and the assailant pacified. @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“Can I at least ask why they chose to act that way?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"You may not." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass frowned. “Fine. Can I at least ask if Titania got home safely?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"She made it back to the Ninjago City ports fine." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass’s frown deepened. “I thought she was going straight back to her kingdom to retrieve her father, then return here…” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"She is. But we could only transport her back to the Ninjago City ports. She agreed to this. When she retrieves her father, we will pick her up at the ports again." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“I suppose that’s… understandable…” Kass seemed content with that answer for now. “So what exactly are you doing here, then?” she questioned, deciding to change the subject. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I was checking over the state of the library." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“Ah yes. Definitely more important than stopping assassination attacks or whatever you do. Is the library up to standard?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"As stated before, that threat has been pacified." Petrai noted, then glanced around the room. "If the mess made by your friend is gone, then it should be." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass shrugged. “I figured they would come back, so I left it as is. I do not think it poses much of a threat.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I will send some dedicants to take care of it. Regardless of your opinions, we do not appreciate having our furniture moved to create such obstructions." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“Hm, you can’t do it yourself?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I'm not lifting around furniture and risking back injury when there are those better capable of doing it. Not all of us are twenty five years old and spry." Petrai crossed her arms. @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass clicked her tongue. “Close, but not quite. I’m twenty six, might as well be one foot in the grave.” she deadpanned, smirking ever so slightly. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh, twenty-six. Such a monumental departure from twenty-five. Forgive me." Petrai rolled her eyes. "Perhaps you can clean it up, yourself." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“I’m not one of your dedicants, nor employed on your island,” Kass hummed. “Regardless, you’re forgiven. Considering I’m nearing my end and you’re by that logic a fossil, I suppose neither of us are fit for such a grueling task. My bad.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Petrai lifted an eyebrow. "Nearing your end, hm? Do you suffer from some terminal disease?" @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“It’s a figure of speech- though I can keep secrets just like you,” Kass replied as she slowly pulled off her gloves to expose her hands. “However, we’ll all fall apart and decay at some point- some sooner than others.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"A figure of speech one typically doesn't use unless they're dying." Petrai noted. "True. We mortals are all subject to decay." She titled her head slightly. "Hm. You remind me of someone." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“Perhaps it’s just my morbid sense of humor… I remind you of someone?” Kass tilted her head to the side. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Yes. Someone." Petrai said, and didn't elaborate. @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass laughed wryly. “You know some strange people then. Especially if they’re anything like me.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Or maybe, you're simply not as unique as you believe." Petrai countered. @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“Actually, I’d find that rather reassuring.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Petrai just glanced over Kass and gave her a simple, "Good for you." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass gave a small nod before falling silent for a few moments. “You remind me of someone too, come to think of it.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) (edited)

"Hmph." Was all Petrai said to that. "Well, I believe my work here is done. Good day, Kass." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“I recall seeing it in a museum, or whatever they call it. Petrai-dactyl, I think it was called, and all it was was simply a mass of bones.” By the time Kass looked up after finishing her ‘joke’, Petrai was gone. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The library was silent only a moment after Petrai had left. From behind her, Kass would here a spiteful, raspy voice. "Have you forsaken me, too?" @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass’s back stayed turned for the time being. “Oh Petrai, perhaps your age is catching up to you. I thought you were leaving the library.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

A short sound- almost a gasp, almost a laugh, almost a cry. Whoever this was, they didn't sound like Petrai. "What do you mistake me for? Have you truly forgotten me?" @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“I don’t know who you are,” Kass finally whirled around ti where the ghost was wailing. “But if you’re willing to enlighten me, I’ll listen, I suppose.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

As Kass turned around, she was faced with the sight of a woman. Or at least- what might've once been a woman. Her corpse was decrepit and decaying, midway through the most revolting stages of decay. Her chest cavity had been torn completely open, her rotting organs exposed and dripping out onto the pristine library floor. And yet, she stood, ignorant to the maggots crawling around her innards or the way her face skin sagged off her skull. Those rotting organs convulsed rythmically in memory of life. She smiled, and glared at Kass from behind her wet bangs. "You know who I am." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

10:15 PM

(tw: graphic corpse description)

And Kass smiled back, but instead of a glare, it was awkward and strained, as if she was trying to recognize the corpse in front of her. So far… nothing. Instead of fleeing, she took a step closer to the ghost. “How long have you been like this…?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Kass definitely wouldn't recognize the woman before her. Her gaze was sharp, her smile sharper. Even her fingernails were- jagged and broken, covered in dirt and grime and what looked like blood, like she'd crawled out of her own grave. "Like rot I am persistent, everchanging. I grow. I consume. You know me." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass didn’t recognize the woman, but the more the ghost spoke, she understood the feeling completely. From her cracked chest cavity to the worn, dying skin that enveloped someone who once brimmed with life… yes… …It was familiar. “I know what you are, yes,” she nodded, still surveying the decayed corpse in front of her. “You’ve been dead a long time.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The woman's eyes lit up in a kind of understanding. "Yes. Yes. You know me." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass nodded, slow and almost sympathetic. “I do know you, in a way… so I suppose you know me as well. But what brings you here of all places?” she asked, but instead of the contempt that filled her voice when she’d asked Petrai that question, it was simply that of curiosity. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The woman tilted her head to the head slightly, leaning her body back at an awkward angle. "It is my body this house was built upon," Abruptly, she swung forward. "It is I, who once inhabited this place." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass didn’t flinch. Instead, she glanced around the library before looking back at the ghost, her expression softening ever so slightly. “Did you want that?” she asked, tilting her head to the side. “You don’t seem as content anymore.” Now, Kass didn’t know the woman, but she knew decay, and from the looks of it, the ghost seemed to be withering away in the most painful way possible- though she wasn’t quite sure if the ghost could even feel pain anymore. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The woman's smile fell as Kass glanced away from her, and didn't return when she looked back. "Would you desire this decay?" @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“I did, once, yes,” Kass mused, continuing to eye the ghost. “I don’t know if I still do, but it will come for me soon enough. Sometimes we don’t have a choice.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The woman let out another sound- somewhere between an anguished cry and a laugh. "Only a fool would want this." @Morgan | Kass + Ren (edited)

Kass paused, for a long moment completely unsure of herself. Finally, after a long inhale, spoke once more. “You never answered my question… did you want this?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The woman leaned back again, exposing fully the damage done to her chest and torso. "Do you dare ask if my end came at my own hand? Have you truly forgotten me?" @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“I’m not asking about your end… I remember,” Kass didn’t, but once again, the ghost was in pain, and not quite focused on Kass herself it seemed. “I’m asking about how you felt- the decay continues to linger here. You know a thing or two about that.” she held up one of her hands, letting it catch in the light. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Only a fool would desire this," The woman leaned forward again, stumbling towards Kass. "To be shaped into a half-formed, half-living malignancy such as I, to persist like mold within the walls of this house. I am pained, beloved. If you are to end me again, end me swift this time." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass took a small step closer to the shambling specter, her expression softening. “This house- this island- should have been kinder. It is a pain that you, so beloved, must decay where everything else flourishes. I understand, and that’s why I’m not here to end you- unless that is why you’re here, for if you ask, I must obey and do so. For I understand the resentment, and as so, it pains me that you are to suffer.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Beloved, what reprieve could you give me but the sweet, swift hand of Death?" The woman's tone became gentle, cooing like a lover. "Feed me to the cremation fires, my love. Place me gently on the altar." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass paused, frowning slightly. “Isn’t that… how you ended up like this? I won’t deny you, but I will warn. Further destruction cannot fix what wishes to be whole again, if that’s what you’re after.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Beloved, for years I have toiled in this horrid, rotting state. I do not wish to continue in it. I beseech thee, beloved," Her brows knitted. "Have mercy on my poor soul." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass nodded. This felt more familiar- once comforting- now filled her with an twinge of… regret. Could this ghost even be freed? Well, Kass had never been asked to kill a ghost. “There is only mercy in these hands I lay upon you,” she took a step closer to the ghost, and placed her had as close as her could to the exposed chest cavity. If this were to happen to a body that was alive, it would wither away in seconds. “Nor will you ever be forgotten.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

As Kass's hand neared the woman's exposed organs, they would at least appear to wither and decay. The woman gasped, then shrieked, then closed her eyes. She relented. Mold grew from beneath the woman's feet, permeating through the floor. It was followed by denser lichen, and then actual grass. Vegetation sprouted around her, vines twisting and coiling around her limbs and body. They pulled her down, and she let them, only daring to look up at Kass when she was laid flat on her back. "Thank you, beloved. You finally listen to me." Suddenly, she was pulled bodily downward- into the vegetation and beyond it. It shouldn't have been physically possible, but... she was gone. Kass was now standing in an overgrown library that had all but turned into a lily garden. @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass’s eyes widened in awe as the ghost seemed affected by her powers, until she decayed and then… brought life to where she’d been pulled away. That was… very new- but then again, so was seemingly killing a ghost. The entire library now bloomed with lilies, and as not to disturb them, Kass slipped her gloves back on to gently touch them to confirm that none of this was in her head. Her fingers slipped around a stem, and firmly plucked the flower from the ground, thumbing the petals in her palm before tucking the lily behind her ear. The flowers were very much real… …Petrai was going to be pissed. After her initial bout of awe, Kass looked back at where the ghost had once been, and gave a small smile at the vegetation that had taken over the spirit. “Listening is the least one can do. I’m honored that I could fulfill your request.” she said to nothing- though to her, it was the ghost of a ghost. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Petrai stood in the library, glaring over the mess that it had become. She didn't even know who to blame for this. She just had to deal with it. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

Hannah walked in a while after petrai had started standing around. "I'm ready to go now." Hannah said as she entered. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh. You." Petrai turned to face Hannah. "The boat isn't prepared yet." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"Yeah. Me, sorry." Hannah rolled her eyes. "How much longer until it's ready then. I want to get out of here." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"A few hours, most likely. However, I can alert the Hand of God that you'd like to leave sooner." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"Yeah, I'd appreciate that." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Very well." Petrai said, then... left the library. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

Aaaaand Hannah waited around. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

A bit later, Petrai returned to the library. "We have made arrangements to expedite your departure." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"Cool. So now? Should I go get my bags?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Yes. Then, return here. The Hand of God would like to speak to you before you leave." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"If he has another lecture to tell me about my behavior or whatever I don't really want to hear it." Hannah rolled her eyes again. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"We can't let you leave without attending this meeting." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"Urgh... Whatever, fine." Hannah huffed and left. She came back a bit later with her dufflebag and surfboard which she never got the chance to use. What a bulky item to bring and never touch. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Once Hannah had returned, Petrai led her out of the library ... @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

Hannah followed along. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Petrai yet again ended up in the overgrown library. The weather was too rough to go out and test her wings again, and her own quarters were to risky. She wouldn't seek out Yeonaixho, not now. So she was here, contemplating the library that had become a garden. The plant life had not withered yet. It was almost quaint. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

It seemed like someone had been following her.. Ever since she had left the dining hall, there were footsteps following her. Occasionally they'd stumble, but never fall. Finally, they arrived at the library. "Petrai." Roque said, her voice dripping with venom as she gripped on to the entry way to the library. "What did you do with my fucking eyes." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh." Petrai turned to face Roque, her voice cold and sour, but steady. "Yeonaixho took them. I don't have any uses for that sort of thing." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"Well what did he do with them. And my powers. The ones I earned myself. That he stole for his fucking scheme." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Ask him. I'm not his messenger." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"Sure seemed like you were." Roque said. "Aren't you going to try to arrest me or something. I escaped from the dungeon. I know the cat's out of the bag and all, but surely you can't just have given up already." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh, I have. It's not worth it anymore." Roque couldn't see it, but Petrai shrugged lightly. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"So what now." Roque asked. "You just giving up? Letting me go free? When I get my powers and eyes back, I'm not going to be as laid-back as you are." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"You'll be dead before that happens." Petrai shrugged. "And maybe, I will be, too. I can't imagine these new revolutionaries will be that happy with me." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"Why would I be dead. It hasn't happened yet, and I sat in that dungeon for how many days? Who do you think will kill me. The staff or the other guests, hmm? You already saw what I did to Teya, clearly I can handle myself just fine even now." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I will," Petrai said with odd lightness, "because I still do hate you. Or Yeonaixho will, when you try to take back your powers and interfere with his plans. He did speak often of wanting to make use of your corpse." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"You will? Ha- that's funny. I do recall the only way people continously took advantage of me down there was knocking me out first. It won't be so easy now that I'm not literally chained up in a cell." Roque took a step away from the wall and toward Petrai, her foot brushing against a few vines. "Why don't you do it now then, hmm? Kill me and desiccate my beautiful corpse. Make me a martyr of my own success." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"You sound a lot like Peregrine, and that's not a compliment. You lot really are pathetic." Petrai scoffed. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"I do not sound like Peregrine!" That seemed to have been the first comment to actually set her off. "He thinks he's worthless. I think there's value and beauty in me even as a rotting, disemboweled, disgusting corpse. Literally quite the opposite of what he thinks." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"It's the same to me- you're both so preoccupied with beauty." Petrai hummed. "He begged me to kill him because he doesn't think he's worth anything, and you're begging me to kill you, why? Because you think you're only useful dead, at least that's why I hear. It's almost the same." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"What a fucking reach. You're always trying to psychoanalyze me." Roque huffed and kept approaching Petrai's voice. "Do you want to know what I really feel? So you can stop having to keep fucking guessing, hm?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Petrai began moving in a circle, forcing Roque to move along with her. "Enlighten me." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

Roque noticed that she was circling, but that didn't stop her. She changed course, following Petrai's footsteps along the greenery. "I'm insecure. I fear that one day, people will forget that I ever existed. And that would have happened if I stayed in my shitty little hometown. Growing up to do nothing and be nothing and achieve nothing. Maybe I'd have some shitty kid with some shitty husband, and my memory would be lost after a generation after I die in some lame ass hospital alone." "That fear wasn't helped when my shitty, idiotic cousin moved up to the highest authority in our village, leaving me behind in the dust to wallow in my own jealousy." "My second fear? Being controlled. Specifically, by men. I won't bore you with all the details of how I developed that little phobia, I'm guessing you can fill in the details yourself." "So I made a decision to change my life. I forced my parents to move me out of my hometown in to a music school. And once my sister finally kicked the bucket, I got her powers I had always craved. I got a taste of that fame when me and my boyfriend performed. The screaming crowds and adoring fans.. It was intoxicating. And so what if they were hypnotized in to being that way? Felt all the same to me." "Then my boyfriend had to go and betray me, saying he'd not lend us his hypnotism powers anymore.. So I killed him and developed my own to make up for it. And I got everything I ever wanted." "Fame. Women. Control. Power." "And there's nothing you can do to take away my legacy. Even if I die here, that won't change anything. I'll live on forever through my music and my fans, and there's nothing you can do to change that. Killing me here, in such a dramatic way, only adds to my stardom." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Petrai listened to Roque's entire ramble, not interrupting but to occasionally scoff or laugh. "You really are pathetic." She began, mocking, "It speaks volumns that you'd care so much about being forgotten. What a laughable, childish desire." Petrai was laughing- actually laughing, with her whole chest, at Roque's confession. "You care so much. That's your downfall, it's what makes you so insufferable. And it's funny, that you'd think I'd care that killing you 'adds to your stardom'-" She audibly chuckled at 'stardom', "Such a stupid concept. I'm not going to kill you because it'd make you feel any way. I'm going to kill you because I hate you, and my life would be better if you were dead." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

Roque showed no reaction to her laughing. "Really. Childish. What's the point of living if your life ends when you do? That your soul and your spirit fade away in to nothingness. After we kill you, what will your life have equated to? Who will care? Maybe Yeonai will get a few mentions in the history books for being so insane, but do you think his right hand woman will get mentioned at all? Probably not. Dedicating your life to this.. Truly pointless." "After we kill all your little cultists, none of this will matter. Maybe I'll spare some extra time on Yeonaixho's weird little daughter, really make her suffer for his sins too. And her freaky little girlfriend too. Picturing them dying- just out of reach of each other, so upset.. It really makes me smile. All those panicked feelings right before death really makes the blood all that sweeter." "I can't see anymore of course, so I'll just have to make sure that whatever I'm doing really makes them scream to make up for it. That's almost as satisfying as seeing the life drain from their faces." She suddenly lunged at Petrai, tackling her to the ground. She sat on her waist, only a bit further up than she had sat on Teya. She forced Petrai's hands to the ground and leaned over closer to her face. "And I'm saying you should totally go for it, girl. I don't care if I die here. And it's not in a Peregrine kinda way where losing my powers, or my hair, or my eyes, is making me feel worthless. I'm just as amazing and sensational as I was a month ago." Roque chuckled and licked her lips, which were now clear of Teya's blood. "Let me add to some of your passion, then. Make you hate me even more. I already know I'm going to be in your head until the day you die, but giving you such a vivid mental image to remember me by.. Hah, that would be great. Sadly nothing can be as theatrical as my little blood dimension, but I think I can still leave another mark on you." She sunk her teeth in to Petrai's neck, much like she had to Teya earlier. She eagerly sucked out any blood that came, savoring the flavor that came with it. Ah, it felt like it had been forever since she'd tasted this. When she removed herself from Petrai's throat, she smiled, showing off red teeth. Lines of saliva and blood still connected the two of them. "How much more do you hate me now, hmm?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Though Petrai grunted in pain as Roque tackled her, she didn't give her the satisfaction of a scream or a protest. "Please. Who's the one psychoanalyzing who, now? I don't give a damn about my legacy. Especially not now." "Yeonaixho will kill us all before you even get the chance- especially Albanes. He's already prepared her for it, he did that thirteen years ago. Law of proximity. Those closest to him are bound to fall first." Even as Roque savored her blood, she remained flat on her back, face neutral. "You already tried that in your stupid little blood hell." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

Roque was clearly irritated by Petrai's total lack of care. She was supposed to be screaming like she was before! Begging and pleading, even.. Ugh. "How exactly is Yeonai gonna kill us. He's a healer. Unless he's gonna put all of us to sleep at the same time and shoot us in the head or something, I find it highly unlikely." "And yes, I did do that in my blood hell dimension, thanks for remembering ♡ What's the view like in there right now? I do so hope it still exists. Would be quite a waste of blood and souls otherwise." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

As Roque spoke, Petrai pushed herself up from the ground, wrapping her arms around Roque as she brought them both to a standing position, then lifted off from the ground, flying straight to the library's ceiling. There she hovered, holding Roque from under the arms. It'd be about a twelve-foot drop. "Hah. Been a while since I've pulled this off." Petrai hummed, not answering Roque's question. "Shame you can't see, the visual element really adds to the effect." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

As Petrai was flying up, Roque gripped on to her arms from pure instinct and adrenaline. She couldn't tell how high up they had flown, or how far down that drop would be. Her grip loosened as they hovered in place. "I see you embraced the wings. You're welcome." Roque huffed, notably quieter than she had been before. "And I think I'd rather not exactly see how much you're exactly holding my life in your hands, thanks. I'd rather find out when I land and crack my head wide open." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Seems we can add heights to your silly little list of fears." Petrai mocked. She loosened her grip on Roque, just a bit, to toy with her. Make her think she might fall. "Aw, but I thought you said you looked forward to me desecrating you? Do you think a fall won't make a pretty corpse?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"Letting gravity do the dirty work for you is a little impersonal, don't you think?" Roque said, ignoring that thing about heights. "I was hoping for something much more theatrical. But I suppose splattering all over the ground would be interesting as well." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Rather, I think it's about as personal as I can make it. There aren't to many people who could pull something like this off- not regarding Peregrine, who's useless now anyways. It's my own special touch." Petrai hummed. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"I could suffer the same fate by working as a construction worker and wandering off a steel beam. Not as special as you think. The impact on the ground looks the same no matter what the cause, dear." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh, you want something more interesting?" Petrai asked, and, not giving Roque a chance to reply, dove for one of the library windows. Not loosening her grip on Roque, she crashed through the glass and brought them both out into the howl of the storm outside. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

And now, here she was, in the library. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Darcy was already in the library, looking over the overgrown shelves and the broken window. He glanced to Zerada when she entered, and offered her a slight smile. "Oh, hello. I don't believe we've met before. I'm Darcy." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“We haven’t met, but I know you.” She couldn’t help but huff slightly. “You’re the guy who beat Kal and nearly knocked him into the lava.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I didn't mean to let him fall in the lava-" Darcy's brow furrowed. "I truly did not mean for him to be hurt. Kal is my friend- we were just put against each other. He wanted a fair fight." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“I know, I’m just- Bitter about it, he’s family, I’m sorry,” Zerada sighed. There were more important things to worry about. “He’s fine, at least. The prisoners underground broke out, so you might be seeing him very soon.” Hesitating for a moment, Zerada held out a hand. “I’m Zerada.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh, Zerada! He spoke of you kindly." Darcy smiled, and gave Zerada a nice firm handshake. "I'm glad to hear he's out... maybe once I'm done here, I'll see if I can find him." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Did he? I’m almost nervous to ask what he could’ve said,” Zerada chuckled quietly. “I’m sure you’ll find him eventually, he’s probably camping out somewhere.” She looked at the books. “.. What are you working on?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh- I'm actually looking for more information about this." Darcy said, and took from his bag the wad of papers that had once been the journal. "This is a journal on necromancy that belonged to Yeonaixho." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Necromancy, huh?” Zerada frowned. “Well- Yeonaixho succeeded in doing some of that. He brought back to life some zombies.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Yes... I saw." Darcy frowned. "From what I can tell, he is aiming to do something a bit more... complex. The announcements said he was trying to revive his wife..." "I can't help but wonder if that's the person who wrote this journal." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Jymaiyri Ke Naido,” Zerada spoke. “That’s the name of his wife. Maybe she did write it.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh- well, the book is inscribed with the initials 'JKN.'" Darcy's eyebrows lifted. "It's probably her." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“I think it is,” Zerada paused for a moment. “Say, do you- Want to speak with her? She’s spoken to me a few times as a ghost, I think we can use this book as a way to contact her. It was something she owned, after all.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Darcy's eyes widened. "I have heard.... rumors, about the ghost. I didn't know it was her..." "Perhaps, we could hold a seance of sorts..." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“It took me a while to figure it out, took an interaction or two and some hunting through the yearbooks.” Zerada raised an eyebrow. “A seance? That sounds like a horrible idea,” She paused. “But we should do it anyways. It doesn’t go well in horror movies but it’ll go well for us.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh, this is exciting!" Darcy smiled. "I'll do some more research, so we don't mess up and summon anything we shouldn't. There should be a book about that somewhere in here." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Of course Darcy was excited for a ghost seance. "Okay, that sounds good. Is there anything I can do?" Zerada asked. "Help search for books, find supplies- Things like that?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Could you get some candles from the storehouse? I think this is the kind of thing that requires candles." Darcy was already searching the shelves. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Candles. Okay, okay, I can do that." Zerada nodded. "Anything else, or just candles?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Some incense, if you can find it!" Darcy said. "Good luck!" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Thanks, good luck to you, too!" And with that, Zerada headed out of the library. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

“I’m back.” Zerada announced as she returned to the library. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Darcy had cleared out an area on the ground, and had found an assortment of books. "Oh, great! Did you get the candles?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“And incense, too.” Zerada took both from her pocket. She approached Darcy. “I also ran into the ghost. She was acting out a scene from before she died.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Great!" Darcy smiled. "I found a few books on how to perform a proper seance. I think I can lead us through this." He tilted his head. "Oh, curious! Does she not normally do that?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Nice. Just tell me what to do, and I’ll help.” Zerada nodded. “And- Not really. Things were different this time, it was like she was living out a memory.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Hmm. That's interesting. I wonder what she'll be like if we can summon her." Darcy mused. "We can start by putting the candles in a circle shape. You'll be on one end, and I'll be on the other reading out all the summoning whatnot. Once she's here, you can read out from the journal. That should aide her communication- at least according to the book." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Zerada nodded and began to do as she was told. She began to place the candles to form a large circle. She took a spot at one end while she looked to Darcy to see what he would do next. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

As Zerada placed down the candles, Darcy systematically lit each, going around until the circle had been completed. Not once did he step foot inside the circle, even while it was still open. When it was done, he sat on the opposite side of the circle to Zerada, and reviewed his books. The library was dark in the morning dim- and it was cold. The chill of the outside seeped into the room, threatening to extinguish the candles. The tiny, warm lights were the only ones lighting the entire room, especially after Darcy turned off the lamps and drew the curtains closed. Shadows danced ominously across the walls and Darcy and Zerada's faces. Carefully, Darcy lit a stick of incense and held it up in the air. "We invite to this circle the spirit of Jymaiyri Ke Naido." Suddenly, as soon as the name had been uttered, the candles flickered out- first one, then the one opposite it, and then in pairs until they had all flickered out, leaving Darcy and Zerada in complete, oppresive silence. Through the pitch, a distinct, pained wailing could be heard. Darcy had at first thought it Zerada, and then thought it could be himself. But it wasn't either of them- it was coming from inside the circle. As suddenly as their light had died, the candles flickered to life again- ressurected with sickly, ghoulish green light. The green lights were dimmer- they barely illuminated the form of the woman that'd taken refuge in the middle of the circle. "What have you done to me..." She said through gritted teeth, her voice distinctly pained. "Why have you brought me here..." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Zerada glanced to Darcy before looking back to the entity. “We invited you, Jymaiyri, to speak of your untimely death.” Zerada spoke. Figured she’d start with something like that. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Why torment me with such memories..." She wailed, wrapping her body over itself. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Because you deserve justice,” Zerada stated. “You deserve to be at rest.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"No justice can be awarded to me. It's too late. I have toiled too long." Meanwhile, Darcy was gesturing to where the necromancy journal sat beside Zerada. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Oh, right. The book existed, that's why they were here- She picked up the book and opened it up. The girl began to read. "Section A-1, Outline Soul Theorem. Yeonai and I have continued speculation of the inner residence of the soul, as detailed in previous journals. When discussing the Bodily Soul theorem, the question of the soul's ability to change was brought up. In accordance with the theorem, the soul is housed in an organ of the body, yet its possition within the body is unknown. If the organ is removed- such as eye or tongue, both of which Yeonai is a strong proponent for, I rather believe it is housed in the heart- does the soul remain? In what part of the body is the soul better housed?" "Furthermore, we aim to discover what transformation the soul undergoes at TOD. It has been suggested- principally by myself- that the soul remains partially tethered to corspe for some period of time until decay sets in. What stage of decay removes the soul from the body, I have yet to discover. This also provides the question if properly preserving bodies tethers the soul to the body for a more substantial period of time. If so, frozen bodies should be selected for necromatic expiriments. It should be easier to find those than fresh meat." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

As Zerada began to read out the journal, words that had once been Jymaiyri's, her posture shifted. She began to stand. Facing not Zerada nor Darcy, Jymaiyri looked up into some distant gaze, swaying slightly as she did. She spoke over Zerada- melancholy and longing, distant but full of emotion. "The honeybee to my lily flower. My love eternal. My darling, my starlight, my dear." She breathed in, "I have loved you eternally, because to me you are love and love unadulterated. You are love absolute, and I can do nothing but love you." "My devotion to you will not dull or die. It will shine eternal, the undying light in your heart and mine. Beloved, I will never leave you. Strife, nor pain, nor death will part us. At your side I will eternally remain." "Beloved, our union is a sacred one. We are more than each other. I will become you, and you will become me. Separation will not exist between us. I vow this." "With thee I thrive, with thee I rot. In spirit, I join thee." "Bodily, I become thee." As the last syllable was uttered, the green light from the candles suddenly grew into a great, all-consuming pillar of light. The woman screamed as the light overtook her, and continued screaming- painful, horrid howling, like her insides were quickly becoming outside. This went on for minutes, til her screaming faded into liquidy gurgling, then silence. The light faded, and Jymaiyri was left- her wounds repaired her body fresh. Yet, she was frantic. She looked to Zerada with a recognition she hadn't previously displayed. "Who- who are you?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"It's okay, it's okay," Zerada got up to her feet, holding out her hands in a harmless manner as she spoke to Jymaiyri. "Everything's okay, I promise you. My name is Zerada. It's good to see you, Jymaiyri." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Jymaiyri was visibly distressed, but Zerada's nonthreatening stance seemed to calm her nerves at least a bit. "You- I recognize you, but- how do I know you? You were in the- How do you know my name?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Seeing the state of Jymaiyri, Zerada shrugged off her hoodie and held it out with one hand. “Here, put this one,” Zerada encouraged. “And I know your name from the year book. It showed when you and Yeonaixho got married.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Jymaiyri didn't take the hoodie, and turned away from Zerada. She ran her hands through her hair. "Yeonaixho... where is he? We were in the marshes, we were-" "No. No, no no..." She shook her head, then put a hand to her bare chest. "Hanishadria..." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Zerada kept the hoodie extended out. “Is that- Is that the person who harmed you?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"He murdered me!" Jymaiyri exclaimed, still raving instead of taking Zerada's hoodie. "He- he drove his sword into my stomach, he- I'm going to slaughter him!" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"He murdered me!" Jymaiyri exclaimed, still raving instead of taking Zerada's hoodie. "He- he drove his sword into my stomach, he- I'm going to slaughter him!" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"OKay, okay, we can do that, we can get to that part, but just- First, please put this on," Zerada was still avoiding looking at Jymaiyri. "I know it's not the biggest deal, but- Please just put the hoodie on. We'll get to your killer very, very soon." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Jymaiyri took in a few heavy breaths, but eventually relented. She took the hoodie, and slipped it over her body, clearly at least kind of annoyed at how it fit her. "I need to kill him." She repeated. "I need to kill them all." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Who are the others?" Zerada asked. She glanced at Darcy to see how he was doing. "Who else deserves to be killed? We already have Hanishadria, who else?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Darcy was doing... alright. A bit freaked out, but fine. He gave Zerada a thumbs-up. "I'll slaughter them all. Hanishadria. His kin. His clan. That idiotic son of his." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"May I have names, please?" Zerada asked. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Jymaiyri was visibly annoyed, but relented. "Ilfther Hanishadria. Ilfther Iryene- that's his wife, and the son's Thoryne. Auglef Shirshen. Jiyrka Nuumai. The entire Ilfther clan, actually." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Zerada had no fucking idea who any of these people were. Still, she nodded her head. "Alright, alright, we'll add them to the list of people who deserve to die. Are there potentially any others?" Hopefully, some people who Zerada actually knew. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Shouhai Henme. Ulvrette Tjoralki. Kiana Bekrainyouri. Kelmeida Ku Yaeman. Tyrea Ku Yaeman, too. And their stupid sister, I forgot her name." Jymaiyri listed off. "Idaine Teleus. Namai Sek Syyndai. And, of course, my father. If he hasn't croaked yet." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Right, right,” Zerada nodded. “First, we need to do a few things, okay? Before we handle those people? Because Yeonaixho has really gone off the rails. Could you help us in settling him down?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Jymaiyri's expression shifted as Zerada changed the topic of conversation. "Yeonaixho is trying to bring me back. He's completing our work." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Was raising an army of the undead actually part of that plan? Because they’re just lifeless beings.” Zerada huffed. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"He actually did it? Necromantia Minora?" Jymaiyri asked. She didn't seem very upset about this. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“.. Yeah, he did- Why was this a goal?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Hah! And here I was, saying he was too much of a coward." Jymaiyri laughed. "Why was it a goal? Why wasn't it a goal? We were trying to raise the dead, you have to start somewhere." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Hah! And here I was, saying he was too much of a coward." Jymaiyri laughed. "Why was it a goal? Why wasn't it a goal? We were trying to raise the dead, you have to start somewhere." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

(SORRY HGJKSDHJKG) "I mean- Just amuse me, alright? Why was this something you two were so fixated on?" Zerada asked. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Does it matter?" Jymaiyri challenged. "Who are you to tell me what's right and wrong? You don't seem like the philospohical type, and even if you were, I'd trust you less for it." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"I'm not trying to judge you, I'm just trying to understand." Zerada spoke, trying to hide her irritation. She preferred Jymaiyri as a wailing ghost for fucking sure. "I've never considered raising the dead. Just mark me as curious." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Well, just becuase you never considered doing something doesn't mean others haven't." Jymaiyri shrugged. "It doesn't matter, anyways. None of this will matter, soon." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"What do you plan on doing with the dead, anyways?" Zerada asked. "Take over the world?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"When he revives me," Jymaiyri said, "I will slaughter him. And we will die, together." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

(Can Zerada insight check that? @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

(she can :3)

That sounded quite believable to Zerada. "And what will happen to the test subjects? Would we have to reslaughter them?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Jymaiyri shrugged. "I don't know. That's the fun part of all this." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Alright, respectable, I guess," Zerada nodded her head. She glanced to Darcy to see if he had anything to ask, or just see how he was doing. He was a little guy, after all. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Yeah. It is." Jymaiyri nodded. Darcy, meanwhile, was still doing alright. He was visibly nervous, but alright. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Zerada hummed and looked back to Jymaiyri. “Out of curiosity, can you describe how the person who killed you looked? Names, I’ll remember, but I’d like to put a face to a name.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Jymaiyri rolled her eyes, but relented. "It's been twenty years, so he's older now. But sure. He had dark skin, and he always wore his hair in dreadlocks. Had a really square face, too. At least when he killed me, he had a beard. And his eyes are kinda amber colored. He's about my height, a little shorter. Really buff, though." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ (edited)

“Well, thanks,” Zerada stated flatly. She looked to Darcy. “Well, I’ve had enough. Is there anything you wanna ask our lovely guest?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Well..." Darcy asked cautiously. "You wrote the necromancy journals, didn't you?" Jymaiyri turned to face him. "Yup. Yeonai kept some of his own, but of course his were all in Braille." "I see..." Darcy hummed. That was all he could think to ask. All this made him... uncomfortable. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Zerada took note of his discomfort. She leaned closer toward Darcy and whispered, “Are you about ready to end this?” @

9:59 AM

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Darcy nodded. "Yes..." He flipped through his seance books to try to find how to end one, "We thank the spirit of Jymaiyri Ke Naido for-" "That won't be necessary. See ya." Jymaiyri said, and dramatically threw herself back onto the ground. The minute she fell, the green-lit candles flickered out, leaving the library in darkness. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Well, her personality was different than I was expecting,” Zerada huffed. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Really?" Darcy asked. "What did you expect her to be like?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“I dunno- Not like that,” Zerada made a face. “That kind of personality annoys me. Guess I shouldn’t be too mad, since she’s dead and all.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Mmhmm. She was.... strange. And we got some information, too." Darcy nodded. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Yeah, we did,” She sighed. “So, it was pretty worth it.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Yes." Darcy nodded, then, deferring to Zerada's previous experience with ghosts and mysteries, asked, "So what do we do now?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Well maybe we should-” The flashing of light from outside the window drew Zerada’s attention. Little did she know, Yeonaixho succeed. “What the hell was that?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Darcy's attention snapped to the window. He went over to it, peering out the frosted-over panes. "It looked like it came from the graveyard..." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Zerada stared out the window for a few moments before she looked over to Darcy. “You don’t think- Do you think it happened already..?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I'm not sure..." Darcy frowned. His worry was evident on his face. "There's people around the graveyard, I think..." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“We should head out there,” Zerada stood up. “There might be trouble.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Darcy stood up with her. "Oh- okay, alright." He nodded. He was worried, yes, but it looked like some of his friends had been down there. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Let’s head over, now.” Zerada was already starting to head to the door when she paused. “You should bring the necromancy book along, too.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Right." Darcy grabbed the necromancy journal, and followed. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Zerada made her exit with Darcy.. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

eben and zeydein

ekmeros in the library

girlbosses in the library

darcy and enya

tree folks

gal pals in the library

goodbye titania

zerada and glass

darcy and roy

kass and petrai

kass and the ghost

goodbye hannah

roque and petrai

seance time!