ekmino 1st date

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

Shino brought Ekmeros into the greenhouse, having to switch on the lights with the heavy metal switch by the door.

"Well, here it is," He said, with the slightest flourish. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[2:26 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros' eyes widened at the sight. He really hadn't been lying when he said he'd never seen a greenhouse before, and was hesitant to walk further inside, as if his mere presence would risk the plants wilting. "This is... stunning. I've never seen so many plants in one place. Inside. It seems unnatural."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:28 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Shino walked further into the greenhouse, signalling Ekmeros to follow. "It is quite nice, isn't it? This is where we grow all our food during wintertime, so nearly all these plants are edible. The ones we use to craft medicines are grown further in the back," He gestured further down the greenhouse aisle, "And most of these are herbacious plants."

He peered over one in particular. "I... think this one is basil?" @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

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

"This rather puts my gardening to shame," Ekmeros muttered, sheepish though humorous. "W- I only had the basics, things that provided good nutrition. Simple vegetables that I could reliably regrow." However, noticing the plant, he nodded. "I do believe that is basil. Though not the type of thing I used to grow."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:35 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"We like to ensure we have enough food to provide for everyone on the island, which now includes all you guests." Shino chuckled a bit. "And, like I said, some of it is used to craft medicines, rather than be used culinarily."

He nodded as Ekmeros identified the plant. "Hm, it seems my gardening- or, at least, my plant-identification- skills are not as bad as I thought.' @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[2:40 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"Do you have guests often?" Ekmeros asked almost absentmindedly as he continued to admire the plants. He crouched down slightly to be at the plants' level, inspecting them and the soil and all the other parts of gardening I forgot. "Basil is a rather easily identifiable plant," he mused, maybe sort of inadvertently insulting Shino but he didn't seem to notice or mean to. "This as well as the chapel, and the other places here. It must be a lot of work." Again, there was a faint nostalgia to his tone.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:44 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Sometimes, but not very often." Shino mused. "Usually, the kinds of guests we get are patients in need of medical care. They come here, Yeonaixho heals them, and they leave as soon as they've recovered."

"Hmm, I suppose that's true." Shino said to the basil comment. "It is, but it's good work, in my opinion. I enjoy maintaining the temple spaces, and working alongside the other dedicants. It's a steady, routine lifestyle." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[2:48 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros nodded along to that explanation, not further questioning and continuing to inspect the plant care. Yep. It's plants. He was listening to Shino, that much was evident, but he just didn't have much to say back. "Yes. It seems that it would be. A routine is nice."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:52 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It is. Not all who come here appreciate the lifestyle, so I'm glad you do." Shino hummed.

[2:52 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[2:54 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros paused, and stood back up. "Yes..." He muttered, his hands now tightly clinging to the viol case strap again. "It's a good lifestyle."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:57 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yes, it is." Shino nodded, and noticed Ekmeros's instrument case. "Is that an instrument?" @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

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

Ekmeros... turned his head to stare. "...yes. It's a viol."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:58 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh, interesting! I haven't ever seen an actual viol, I've only ever read about them." Shino mused. "I play the flute, myself." He added. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[3:05 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"The flute is a fine instrument. A good instrument." He looked down at his viol. "Mine is a treble viol - or soprano viol da gamba. It's the smaller variation of the viol, they can get rather large and difficult to maneuver." Autism info-dump unlocked.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:08 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Shino nodded along with the info-dump. "Hm. I suppose a smaller instrument would be more suited to travel. I assume 'treble' refers to the treble clef?" @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

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

Ekmeros nodded very hastily. "Yes, exactly. I had someone earlier mistake it for a violin-" He interrupted himself with a laugh of disbelief. "I suppose to be fair to him, he didn't actually sew the instrument."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Ah, that's understandable." Shino nodded, smiling as Ekmeros laughed. "I'd assume it's a common mistake to make, either way. Viols aren't the most common of instruments." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[3:31 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"The viol actually predates the violin by roughly twenty years," Ekmeros retorted as he looked around the greenhouse. "And you play then in completely different ways. The violin is held to your chest-" Ekmeros demonstrated, though looked uncomfortable doing it. Yknow, typical violin hold. "Whereas you hold the viol between the legs as you sit, and hold the bow horizontal." He couldn't really do the exact position while standing but he held the viol case out very carefully so its front faced outwards, with the other hand miming a bow string. It looked like he was playing a very small cello.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

Shino nodded in understanding. "Ah, I see." He hummed. "Though, if the person you were speaking to isn't a musician, I doubt they'd have the same understanding. Ig you'd be willing, I'd love to hear you play sometime." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[3:43 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"Yes, that is true." He paused for thought, barely processing the last statement as he continued to talk, "But the viol has six strings and far deeper ribs, which produces a larger resonance chamber. They are visually different as well-" It finally processed. "Oh! Well yes, I do travel and perform, so I would be happy to be play if there is a chair I could sit on. The viol isn't made for standing and sitting on the floor will likely affect the music." Autism unlocked, he's at full force.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:51 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"There aren't many good seats here in the greenhouse, and I suspect the acoustics aren't that good as well..." Shino mused. "We could perhaps go back to the chapel, or to another place in the temple if you'd like to play now." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[3:56 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"You would know more about the greenhouse than me." Ekmeros settled the viol case back where it had been, a firm expression on his face that slowly subsided back to his previous awkwardness now that he wasn't knee-deep in autism info-dumping. "I wouldn't want to bother you- or anyone just to play some music."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"It wouldn't be a bother at all!" Shino reassured. "If not now, I'm sure we could find some time later." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[4:23 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros didn't smile but he was indeed reassured. "Yes, later. That will give me time to better prepare, at least mentally, and to make sure my viol is ready as well." He paused, glancing around the greenhouse. "...if you wouldn't mind, I'd still like to see more of the island." His voice was more hesitant again, quiet.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:26 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Of course," Shino nodded to both requests. "There's much of the island left to see, but I'm not sure what would interest you most... there's the hospital, the courtyards, the gardens, the beaches..." He trailed off. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[4:37 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"It's your home, you would know what is most interesting, no?" Ekmeros said. "I am simply a guest."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Hmmm.... I suppose that's true." Shino hummed. "We should go see the beaches, then. They're quite a sight, and we should take advantage of what daylight we have left." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[4:55 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros nodded in agreement, giving a final look to the plants before nodding again to gesture that he was ready to leave.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:56 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Shino nodded, and began leading Ekmeros out of the greenhouse

ekmeros and his kids

[7:03 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros had always been somewhat decent at finding his way around and it certainly helped that he had been here before. Armed with his cloak - not from the church, though looking rather similar to the ones they offered - his viol and a nice granola bar that would tide him over, he had left his room once morning came. The greenhouse would hopefully be quiet and he could have some peace here, even be able to explore what the island grew in more depth.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @em | enya + mallon

[7:17 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

There was no movement in the greenhouse, but there was definitely someone else there.

Eben had gone here straight after mass, deciding he was hungry. Breakfast foods were really just squishy warm shapes without taste, he preferred not to eat them, so here he was, having taken a small head of cabbage from the greenhouse, sitting cross-legged in the patch.

A loud crunch signaled his existence, though he had not noticed (or cared to announce himself to) Ekmeros.

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @em | enya + mallon

[8:03 PM]em | enya + mallon:

The greenhouse was a bit out of the way for Mallon—and somewhat random at that—but given the drastically early wake up call, they’d decided to take advantage of the day and attempt to explore after finding breakfast. They’d poked through a building or two on their way, but nothing had seemed to be enough to catch their attention until now.

They elbow the door open, one fish held in their mouth not unlike a cat, a second in their hand, and are about to walk around when they finally notice the two other people in the building and freeze like a deer in headlights. Mallon crunches down on the fish in their mouth with a drawn out snapping sound, swallowing the chunk before letting the rest drop into their hand like that somehow would hide the evidence as their one-eyed gaze slowly pivots from Ekmeros to Eben and back.“……Oh. Hello.”

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[8:18 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros paused at the loud crunch and ventured further into the greenhouse, soon finding the source - another contestant. Eating a whole cabbage. He stared at them then he recognised them as Eben - who had assumed his viol was similar to a violin or a viola. He narrowed his eyes slightly - and was about to say something before another person practically bursts in. With a fish in their mouth. He stared at them, then back at the Cabbage Kid, then down at his granola. Hm. Perhaps his dog-man-cat roommate may not have been the strangest person here? Not that he was one to talk. "......hello to both of you," he eventually said.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @em | enya + mallon

[8:31 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

....Well. he had not been planning on others in the vicinity at this time. He recognized Ekmeros, not the fish-person.

He chewed, swallowed, then finally spoke. "I did not think this was...a popular spot."

He'd finally realized how he looked, and stood up, brushing off his pants and looking more 'professional' as if he hadn't just acted as a gnome two seconds ago. There was nothing to be done about the fact that he was still holding a cabbage head.

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @em | enya + mallon

[6:24 AM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon’s still staring somewhat unnervingly at the other two, though they don’t seem very phased by either of their appearances. On the contrary, they seem to actually be more comfortable and their shoulders relax ever so slightly.

They raise the fish again, crunching straight through the head like it’s a perfectly average action to do and gulping it down before replying, “I’m just looking around. I thought most would still be asleep. I’ve…never seen a building like this before.” One of their earfins flicks.

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[11:48 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros looked away as Mallon continued to eat the fish to give them some semblance of privacy during their... meal. He glanced at Eben. At least a cabbage was... an element of a normal meal. "I was showed the greenhouse yesterday," he explained, looking between them. "I expected to be alone." Was it honesty? Was it a hint? Joys of tism.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @em | enya + mallon

[3:01 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"I often disappoint expectations" Eben replied bluntly. He was not gonna go and leave when he'd just gotten food. He did start tearing leaves off the cabbage instead of biting it though, so the sound was less invasive.

He studied Mallon for a moment, finding their features interesting.

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @em | enya + mallon

[5:51 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon, unsurprisingly, either doesn’t seem to notice Ekmeros’s hint or just doesn’t seem to pay attention to it with how the only movement from them is moving further into the greenhouse. “It’s a big island,” is their only response. “There’s enough room here.” Rude? A little! They swallow the last chunk of the first fish—bones and all.

Eben’s stare doesn’t go unnoticed, though. Mallon’s gotten their fair share of strange looks especially once they started bandaging their eye, but at least their lure is hidden right now so they offer bluntly after a brief moment of silence, “You can ask, you know.”

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[6:21 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Maybe Ekmeros felt a little left out from everyone else here biting or eating because he bit into his granola bar. Yum. He didn't respond to Eben's blunt reply but looked toward him at least. Then he looked back to Mallon, lips pursed silently. Instead of saying anything - for now, at least - he just quietly paced back and forth in a straight line, continuing to eating the granola. "It's... a sizable place," Ekmeros finally said, pausing to look around the greenhouse and inspect the plants. Nice plants.

When Mallon spoke in response to Eben's stare, he looked at them more carefully. "...are you hurt?" He asked gently. "Rather, are you still hurt?"

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @em | enya + mallon

[9:38 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben, with his half-stone face and awkward demeanor, was staring for no such reason, nor did he address their statement.

"Do the fins on your head aid with hydrodynamics, or do they improve hearing?"

He did, however, stay quiet as Ekmeros asked his question. If they were hurt, perhaps Eben could use his usually stagnant knowledge and experience to help, or something like that.

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @em | enya + mallon

[7:08 AM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon’s gaze flicks back and forth between the two of them and their questions, eventually settling on Eben first. “I don’t know what that word means. I can hear just as well underwater as I can on land though.”

The aforementioned earfins flatten back ever so slightly in what seems like a little bit of wariness when they switch to addressing Ekmeros’s questions. “It doesn’t hurt much anymore, if that’s what you’re asking. But it’s lost.”

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:28 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"That's good, I suppose," Ekmeros muttered when Mallon replied to his question. A pause. "...it's also good your hearing isn't affected." He turned his attention back to the plants - or he tried to. Sorry Eben, your cabbage eating is distracting. "My name is Ekmeros," he then said, just generally to the greenhouse, not directly to Mallon - but they were the only one who didn't know his name, after all. "...well, it's not good that it's lost, I mean, but- good that it doesn't hurt much, which, I suppose it'd be better if it didn't hurt at all." His awkward rambles were much quieter than anything else he'd said. Awkward old man.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @em | enya + mallon

[9:38 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Luckily for Ekmeros, the conversation at hand proved more important to Eben than eating. He tilted his head a little in response to Mallons statement.

"The idea of hydrodynamics would be to help with fluidity and movement in water. It is interesting that your hearing is not muffled while under, however."

It seemed that Eben also had a habit of muttering to himself, he didn't seem to notice if Mallon was listening or not, though after a moment he did look back at them.

"...thank you for your information."

Upon hearing Ekmeros introduce himself, Eben did the same, with a nod. "I am Eben."

The problem with following the social cues is that sometimes others are just as non-fluent in them as Eben is.

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @em | enya + mallon

[9:14 AM]em | enya + mallon:

“Ekmeros and Eben,” Mallon repeats quietly, almost to themself, before responding a little louder, “I am called Mallon. It’s good to meet you.”

Pleasantries aside, they shift right back to the previous topic with a half-shrug. “Better lost than hardly functioning. Perhaps the adjustment explains my hearing. It’s possible your ‘hydrodynamics’ plays some sort of role as well.” They seem to struggle with the word a little bit, but play it off decently well.

A moment or two of silence follows, Mallon’s gaze scanning over the two once again. “You both don’t look very human.” A very blunt statement, but there’s somewhat of a question hidden in there. They crunch down slowly on their second fish, still holding their gaze.

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[2:27 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros had no interest in hydrodynamics but nodded along like he did. Very cool. "Hello again, Eben," he said, then as Mallon introduced themself, he turned to face them. "Hello Mallon." More granola bar. Yum. He was content in letting the two discuss hydrodynamics - the boat had given him enough hydro for one day, even though that day was now over - but his attention was drawn at Mallon's blunt statement. "...no, I'm not human. I'm a tiefling." So good at talking.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @em | enya + mallon

[9:19 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"Removal of one sense tends to heighten other senses, perhaps losing sight did improve your hearing a little."

He nodded to Ekmeros' greeting, then turning back to Mallon as they spoke.

"I am human, for the most part." He did not elaborate, though if you looked you could see that his face, neck, and the little bit of wrist showing between his glove and sleeve were all grey, and judging by the way the light hit his face, looked a lot like stone.

"You don't look very human either" Eben countered.

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @em | enya + mallon

[11:59 AM]em | enya + mallon:

“I’ve never seen a tiefling before. Or heard of one, to be honest. Where do you live then.” Mallon is also very good at talking. This is definitely going smoothly. Fish logic: human = land, fish = ocean, tiefling = ???

They shrug in response to Eben’s statement, not really wanting to talk about their eye any longer, but their interest kicks back in as Eben counters to their question. “I’m not human.” Though they also don’t elaborate on what they actually are. “That’s why I asked. I was surprised to notice a handful of nonhumans here when the mainland I’ve seen seems so human oriented.”

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[4:57 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

'These kids are strange,' Ekmeros thought as he finished his granola bar. Or maybe this was just how kids, or people, were nowadays. Not like he would be one to know, not anymore. He spent most of his time travelling, practising, only really speaking to people for transactions whether it was a performance for a room or a simple quest for some money. Nothing that happened in big cities, where people were more abundant. Ekmeros had avoided most of the world and had avoided many conversations that were not based in bartering. And on top of that, most people who were able to give rooms or quests were not children.

Maybe these two were more on the cusp between adult and child - more accurately, adult and teenager - only recently leaving one term for the other, but Ekmeros still considered them young and thus, they were kids. That paired with either their social norms - discussing missing senses and humanity, and eating solely cabbage or raw fish - or Ekmeros' social inability, made them rather strange to him. Thus: these kids were strange.

Lost in thought, Ekmeros had to blink to fully process Mallon's questions. "Ah- nowhere, really. I'm a traveller." He scratched his neck. "Well, that's not usual for tieflings, it is for bards. Tieflings just live... in places, I suppose. I haven't seen many others around though, further outside where I used to live. Very human oriented, yes. Though I suppose it's like how I haven't seen many people who play the viol as well." Not really but sure Ekmeros.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @em | enya + mallon

[11:39 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"I will admit I have never seen so many non-humans as when I came here. I suppose it is nice to know that non-human features aren't alarming for anyone on this island." Eben did not ask Mallon to elaborate.

He looked at Ekmeros. A tiefling, he'd always supposed those were fictional, though he had the wits not to state that out loud.

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @em | enya + mallon

[12:54 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Unfortunately for Ekmeros, Mallon didn’t seem like they accepted that as an answer. Sorry. “Well you have to come from somewhere don’t you?” They ask, crossing their arms over their chest—though it’s not really confrontational. “And I’ve never heard of bards either. Or a..viol?” Their blunt tone falters a little bit at the unfamiliar word, and despite just having heard Ekmeros say it, they definitely mispronounce it.

They glance back to Eben briefly, with a small shrug. “I don’t think I would mind looking alarming to people. Better than blending in.” A slight smirk of sharp teeth slips onto their face at that.

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:38 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"One of my roommates can transform into a dog and a cat. Not sure about other species," Ekmeros added to Eben's statement. "And another one of my roommates is called a 'catboy'-" He did the little finger gestures around 'catboy'. "-though I haven't meant him. There seems to be a good number of non-humans here."

"I do-" He blinked at the bluntness but decided that it'd be a lot easier for him to explain what a bard and a viol was. "A bard is a musician, I perform music. The viol is the instrument I use." He strapped the strap of the case the viol was in. That bad boy goes everywhere with him. "It's a musical instrument."

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @em | enya + mallon

[8:01 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben tilted his head a little, considering Mallon's words. "I think I would prefer blending in." He replied finally.

He looked at Ekmeros, wondering if he was going to play them something on the Viol. That would be nice.

"Even still, there are those who look human with the most un-human abilities I've seen. Its been interesting to witness."

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @em | enya + mallon

[12:08 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Dog and cat? Huh. Mallon had kind of thought those were the same thing. They don’t mention it though, they’re learning enough new words as it is. When Eben speaks up though, they frown a little—his reply doesn’t make much sense either to them. “I will take what advantages I can,” they finally say. “Like you said. There are powerful abilities here.”

Their attention shifts away from nonhumans for now, instead focusing in on Ekmeros’s explanation. A musician, they understand. Kind of. But the instrument, not so much. Before Ekmeros might realize, they’ve moved up next to him and are poking at the case with a clawed finger. “How does it work like that.” Mallon babes that is a container ❤️.

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[12:38 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"There are ups and down to blending in... as there are ups and downs to standing out." What a true Dad Stance. As Eben spoke, Ekmeros looked toward him, nodded and then he rounded off his Dad Stance with the old good Moral Ending: "Since we all have powers here, I suppose in some way, we all stand out."

Ekmeros did not realise Mallon was beside him until he looked away from Eben and saw that they had moved. As they poked at the case, he quickly moved it away with wide eyes. "Ah!" He yelped in surprise, though he managed to do so quietly. "Careful, please, it's an old instrument. And this is its case, which... is a little newer, I'll grant you."

He stepped back as to not risk whacking Mallon in the face as he carefully opened the case and brandished the viol inside. "You play it with the bow," he continued as he took the bow out very carefully. "Across the strings. The greenhouse likely won't have very good acoustics." Yes he did just repeat what Shino had told him. "And I doubt I'll be very good this early morn."

(sorry this is still pre time skip hgfhdgff)

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @em | enya + mallon

[9:59 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Omg is Ekmeros gonna play for them?? Eben felt awkward being a little farther away from the two but didn't move.

He didn't speak either, he did eat more cabbage though, concentrating on the item in his hand. For reasons.

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @em | enya + mallon

[12:03 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon simply huffs at Ekmeros’s attempt at compromise, clearly not agreeing, but doesn’t fight it any further. For now at least. Maybe the Dad Stance got to them a little.

They seem amused, though, at Ekmeros’s reaction—a fleeting smirk across their face before quickly fading back into carefully neutrally-masked interest. As Ekmeros begins his explanation their gaze doesn’t break away from the instrument, eye tracking every movement as Ekmeros seems like he’s going to demonstrate— and then doesn’t. “I don’t know what acoustics is but it can’t be that important,” they state as if it’s a fact, despite being the opposite, and looking directly at Eben for support.

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[12:31 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben looked back. Yk what he'll take the bait.

"Glass is fairly good as a soundproofing barrier, being that it can muffle and even completely quiet human yells in my experience, and should aid in acoustics, actually." Ignore the possibly scary implications of why he would know this btw

...

"Not that I would require you the inconvenience of playing this early" he added.

@em | enya + mallon @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[1:41 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros hesitated to actually play, a tad unnerved by Mallon's never-ending state at his viol, how their eye followed every movement. "It is rather important-" He began, only for Eben to take the bait and explain. Even Ekmeros seemed a little surprised - and worried considering the way his eyebrows furrowed - as Eben spoke, and he looked around the greenhouse then back at him. Why does he know this. "Oh, I see. That is not what I was told by one of the staff." Maybe it was unnecessary to keep Shino's name out of it but, well, they didn't know him.

Ekmeros stepped a little bit back from Mallon again as he bit his lip in thought. "I would need a place to sit, and there aren't many good seats in the greenhouse," he continued. "But it would not be an inconvenience to play."

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @em | enya + mallon

[3:45 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon doesn’t really have a clue what Eben is saying, but it at least it feels like he’s backing them up so they nod along with his words emphatically. The part about yelling doesn’t seem to worry them in the slightest, compared to Ekmeros’s reaction. “Well then the staff are wrong,” they shrug in reply. “Eben agrees with me.”

Their eye snaps up from the viol to Ekmeros when he moves, but once they recognize he’s only moving away they relax a little. “We could find something,” they suggest, but immediately follow it up with, “I don’t know what greenhouses have. We don’t have things like this.”

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[6:16 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben would guess not, seeing as primarily aquatic creatures wouldn't have need for such a thing, as well as Mallons apparent lack of knowledge of various human things. Eben didn't fault them for that, it's not like he'd known anything about Ninjago before arriving.

He just watched Ekmeros again to see how he reacted, remembering how he'd been guarded before, and Eben didn't have the energy to press him that Mallon seemed to.

@em | enya + mallon @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[6:39 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"I'm not so sure the staff are wrong." He really didn't need to defend what Shino had said, but here he was. "I just doubt many people come here to perform, so I suppose they wouldn't know if the acoustics are good." Ekmeros blinked as Mallon's eye snapped up to him. "I... had not seen one of these either before I arrived here," he admitted. "So I am just as bli-" Nope, change the phrase. "...I know as much as you." Perfect, so smooth, 10/10.

@em | enya + mallon @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:06 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon slowly blinks at Ekmeros’s slightly fumbled last statement, but they almost look amused for a split second as one of their earfins flicks. “If you don’t know then why not try.” Seems like that’s a sort of belief for them, with how much they’ve been insisting. They do pause for a second, though, head cocked slightly, before adding, “Unless it explodes. Then do it outside.” Do they even know what an instrument is? Who knows at this point.

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:26 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben was, again, silent for a little.

"I understand that you play well, it would be nice to hear" He admitted.

He looked at Mallons earfin flick, finding it interesting to have total mobility in ones ear, but didn't stay looking for long.

@em | enya + mallon @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[8:43 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros looked between the two - at first unsure about Mallon's insistence, a little nervous even, then a little bit bashful about Eben's complient, as true as it may be, then blinking in complete shock at the second part of their statement. After stammering for a little while in indignation, he managed to say, "It doesn't explode- I would hope it wouldn't explode, it's twice your age!"

He looked around the greenhouse again, clearly still hesitant, and then muttered, "Well... I would still need a place to sit in the proper position."

@em | enya + mallon @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[11:52 AM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon nods at Eben’s statement, and while not entirely obvious, it does seem that beneath their insistence lies a sort of contained excitement. They blink slowly again at Ekmeros’s outburst, gaze flicking down to the viol momentarily. “I’m not that old.” Rude 💀.

They’ve gotten this far though, and they’re not about to give up now. “We can find something. Or a big rock. I guess.” I don’t know if they fully comprehend the concept of chairs tbh I didn’t think that far ahead.

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:16 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben was already on it, having disappeared further into the greenhouse. He reappeared soon enough with a wooden-stool type thing, placing it a few feet away from Ekmeros, then going back to stand with Mallon. Stares at u.

@em | enya + mallon @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[4:18 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros stared from Mallon, to Eben, to the stool. That sure is a place to sit. "No, you're not old, not at all. You're rather young, the viol is older than me," he muttered as he regarded the stool.

Carefully holding his viol and its bow in one hand, with his gaze flickering back to make sure it wasn't in harm's way (which just meant not about to touch anything or anyone), he picked up the stool, brought it closer to himself and then awkwardly sat down. Man got into Prime Viol Playing Position but still hesitated.

@em | enya + mallon @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[5:36 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon shoots Eben a thumbs up that looks..ever so slightly off, with their sharp movement offsetting the relaxed gesture. Their gaze snaps back to Ekmeros as he readies himself, and they mutter under their breath, “I’m not that young either.” Definitely sounds like it, mhm.

Despite that, though, their eye lights up when Ekmeros sits down. They honestly have no idea what’s about to happen, so they sort of just unceremoniously plop down right where they’re standing to now be sitting on the ground in front of Ekmeros’s stool. They look up at him very expectantly—the “We’re waiting” isn’t said so much as heavily implied.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[8:23 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben leans against a table, tilting his head to look at Ekmeros.

On the other comment, he certainly did not feel young, though he knew technically he was. He was used to being underestimated for his age, it didn't bother him.

He waited for Ekmeros to play, almost excited, if he was capable of that.

@em | enya + mallon @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[8:56 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros didn't reply to Mallon's returned mutter but the expression on his face showed enough doubt. To him, they were both young, and he was old. And the viol he was setting on his thighs was older than them all, a relic of the past. A past life.

As the bow touched the strings, the music that thrummed out of the viol underneath his hand continued this: the song sounded old, wistful, tired, but loud, reverberating through the greenhouse, maybe even outside. Ekmeros looked at peace, his eyes open but barely seeing- not needing to see his hand move; it was a song played over and over again, and even to Mallon and Eben, it was clear he'd known the song for a long time. Its exhaustion began to dissipate into strength, growing life again, all under his hands. Still old, still yearning, but no longer tired. Active, even, waking up and feeling once again.

The song didn't mellow out, it ended sharply, continuing in its echoes, as if cut-off. And yet, it had come to a satisfying conclusion. Ekmeros blinked himself back to the real world and stood from the stool he had been sitting on.

@em | enya + mallon @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:59 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon’s not quite sure what they’re expecting, but it certainly wasn’t anything like that. As the music builds and falls and soars through the air, they slowly close their eye. The emotion in it is more than enough for them to be swept away. It almost reminds them of whalesong, in a way, but more connected and melodious then they could have ever imagined hearing beneath the waves.

The song begins to crescendo, growing stronger, and then stops all of a sudden—snapping Mallon into the warm air of the bright greenhouse and away from the cold, dark waters in their memory. Ekmeros stands up in front of them, clearly finished, but they just stare up at him at a loss for words with their one eye wide open in awe.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[8:21 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben's eyes snapped to the Viol as soon as the song started. He wasn't one for delving into memory or imagination, after all, nothing so pleasant as this song could call up any memory of his- but it did make him glad he found himself in this greenhouse with these two.

As the song finished sharply, he resisted the urge to clap politely as he'd been taught, aware that attempting such a thing would bruise his hand. Instead, he just nodded in apparent approval, and even smiled.

"You are very talented" he broke the silence.

@em | enya + mallon @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[9:35 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Still returning from that haze where music took him, Ekmeros blinked back at Mallon's stare and Eben's compliment. "...thank you," he eventually replied. "Where did you find this stool? I should put it back." Man had his priorities straight. As he picked up the stool, he continued to speak, changing the subject back to music. "I've had plenty of time to learn that song, it's less so talent and more to do with habit. Or patience, I suppose. But thank you." Men will really just play a song on their viol and then say they aren't talented, just patient.

@em | enya + mallon @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[6:30 PM]em | enya + mallon:

“I agree with Eben,” Mallon says almost instantly after Ekmeros tries to deny the talented part, clambering back up to their feet yet never breaking eye contact. “I have never heard anything like that before.” They still seem pretty struck by the whole experience of it, in fact. Never mind it being the first time they’ve heard a viol, it’s probably the first time they’ve ever heard a string instrument above water—maybe ever.

“We’re all here because we have a talent. An ability.” Their head tilts slightly, curious. “Is this connected to yours?”

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[7:51 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Ebens eyes flickered to Mallon after they stated their reasoning about why everyone was here, frowning a little, but not commenting and instead looking to Ekmeros for a response.

Eben did not believe his own ability to have anything to do with talent whatsoever. Quite the contrary, actually.

@em | enya + mallon @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[8:00 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros stared as Eben... did not answer his question. He set down the stool and just stood next to it. Yep. "Uh... sort of. I'm a bard and so my abilities can be funnelled through it. However, I can use other means to if I wish. Speaking. Hand movements."

@em | enya + mallon @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:19 PM]em | enya + mallon:

“Eben got it from that way,” Mallon comes to the rescue, pointing vaguely in the direction the stool had come from. Not the most helpful sorry Ekmeros.

“A bard,” they repeat once he’s finished, again completely new to the term. There’s a small moment of silence while they appear to be thinking it over, then, “You can make music without it?” They have once more half-misunderstood a concept and are pretty much just thinking that music is Ekmeros’s power now.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[11:12 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben jolted out of his inaction, walking over and taking the chair.

"Apologies." He muttered as he did so. He continued to listen in on their conversation as he rounded a corner to put the chair away.

@em | enya + mallon @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[1:12 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros had been planning to put the chair back himself so he blinked again as Eben put it back instead.

"Ah- no, no, my powers aren't to make music. I have a little variety of different spells I can do. Music is just a... passion of mine, I suppose. Not my power." He shook his head, beginning to clean the viol and put it away properly.

@em | enya + mallon @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[3:10 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon actually seems a little disappointed, but it’s only there for a split second and barely visible. They simply watch as Ekmeros returns the viol to its case and wait for Eben to return before continuing their train of thought of what seems to be a never-ending stream of questions.

“I don’t know a lot of people who can use spells. Not many are useful underwater. What kind of things can you do?” @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[8:50 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben returned, and though he didn't say anything he did notice Mallon waiting for him before speaking again. It was nice. He placed his hands behind his back (the cabbage is nowhere to be seen. Dw abt it) and listened.

@em | enya + mallon @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[1:46 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"Oh just... a little collection of spells, nothing all that impressive." Ekmeros figuratively waved away the question, his actual hands full with putting the viol back in its case. "What about you two? I'm sure yours are far more interesting."

@em | enya + mallon @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[5:39 AM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon huffs faintly, evidently not quite pleased with Ekmeros’s non-answer, but they pause at his own question. They don’t offer a verbal response, instead choosing a bit of a more dramatic option.

The visible skin along their arms seems to almost ripple, then harden, transforming so quick the transition is somewhat difficult to see, until a patchwork of shells and shell-like material cover their forearms in a similar manner to a vambrace or arm guard. Then, it softens out, and it’s like it was never there in the first place.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[12:03 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben watched Mallons performance with great interest, nodding approvingly. To him it seemed like that could be very useful in an arena setting.

Realizing it was his turn, Eben looked at his hands for a moment, as if debating. His powers would be revealed shortly in the arena anyways. He finally walked to one of the flowering plants in the greenhouse, and picked one of the blooms. Holding it in one hand, he took the glove off his other (fully stone) hand and switched the flower to that hand. Instantly, the stem began to grey and harden, the effect spreading until the entire flower looked to be carved from stone. He looked back at Ekmeros and Mallon.

@em | enya + mallon @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[5:24 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Intrigued, Ekmeros watched quietly as Mallon's skin rippled, his eyes widening and his head slightly tilting at the sight. "I see," he murmured; as Eben seemed to consider, Ekmeros turned his attention back to him. His mouth opened, beginning to say something like 'oh you don't have to show us if you don't want to', but shut it as Eben just walked off.

Wincing slightly as he picked a flower - he'd apologise to someone later, perhaps Shino if he saw him again, even though he didn't seem to be in charge of the greenhouse - Ekmeros then watched with surprise as he removed his glove, revealing the stone hand underneath it, and then he stared with mixed emotions as the flower turned to stone. "I see," he repeated. "These are useful abilities to have."

@em | enya + mallon @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:14 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon seems to straighten up a bit at Eben’s nod, pride cracking into their expression for a quick second. Then as Eben begins to demonstrate his powers, their eyes widen almost impossibly wide. In an instant they’ve pulled the same blink-and-you’ll-miss-it approach as they did on Ekmeros earlier—only this time, their face hovers just inches away from the newly stone flower before they straighten up.

“You are strong,” they state, head tilting. Reaching out, shells form tightly like scales over their hand—and they gently fist bump the side of the flower. “And we are kind of similar. In a way.”

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[8:22 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben looked at Ekmeros as he spoke. "I find it a nuisance. I understand that you likely have better control of your ability"

Eben nodded again at Mallons remark, though he did step back when they appeared so close to him, pulling his hand back especially. He smiled again as the scales clicked against the flower, taking in their stone hand by Mallon's scaled one.

"It appears we are." He had certain objections to that idea that had nothing to do with Mallon, but didn't mention them.

@em | enya + mallon @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[8:39 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"I suppose I could understand it becoming frustrating," Ekmeros muttered under his breath, not impolitely, more a personal consideration, as he watched the interaction between the two. His brow furrowed with worry at the mere thought of Mallon touching Eben's stone hand, but he said nothing. He didn't know exactly what would happen but, from Eben's statement about control, he could guess. "It seems that the organisers have chosen a strong variety of people to fight in the tournament. It will be interesting to see how this plays out." Yeah man still doesn't know, soz Mallon.

@em | enya + mallon @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:29 PM]em | enya + mallon:

“Perhaps fighting will help with your control,” Mallon says in reply to Eben. They seem to have…somewhat misunderstood what Eben’s dislike of his powers is all about. “It did with mine.” What a completely non-concerning statement to make. They stand back up, retracting their hand and letting the shells fade away once more.

“It will be interesting, yes. I will enjoy watching the fights take place,” they agree with Ekmeros, even if they seem a little more enthused about watching fighting than watching for the results. They pause, though, then add, “I do not know how they found me though.”

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[9:02 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"Indeed. I am interested in seeing the abilities" he replied to Ekmeros. He placed the rose gently in the breast pocket of his coat like a corsage.

"Fighting does not seem to help" Eben remarked to Mallon. "Though I understand why it would be useful for you."

He listened to Mallon talk for a little longer, then replied again. "I'm not sure how they found me either."

@em | enya + mallon @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[8:27 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros didn't really want to know what these kids were up to before the tournament because he was pretty sure he would just be more concerned. So he stood aside, letting them talk between one another. "They'll be interesting to watch, though I do already feel bad for the person who loses the first fight. I suppose it might not be considered a waste of time as they might appreciate the chance to visit such a lovely island." Then he paused as both Mallon and Eben reflected his own... concern, as it was. "It was rather lucky for them to have sent my letter to where I was staying for a couple of nights. I wonder how they managed to post them. They do not seem to have a postal service, or I have not seen one so far." Okay old man.

@em | enya + mallon @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[10:09 AM]em | enya + mallon:

“I don’t feel bad for that person. If they want to stay longer on this island they should maybe fight harder.” That’s great Mallon, thanks. It doesn’t seem to be in a mean way or anything like that, at least, more just like a statement of fact.

“I’m not staying anywhere,” they continue, switching back to the letter topic. “So it makes even less sense. There never was anyone in the marshes at night. But it was there in the morning.”

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[6:42 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben paused before speaking.

"I was living under a false name. The letter contained my actual name, which is a little discomforting."

Eben did not speak on the losers of fights or them leaving the island. Instead, he pondered. The announcement only stated Islanders would be eliminated. There was no specifics on how that elimination would happen.

@em | enya + mallon @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[7:19 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

"Oh." Ekmeros was a little surprised at how blunt Mallon could be, which was saying something considering how he could be. "Well, I suppose it's a degree of luck as well. There seems to be a variety of abilities here, it may be that someone with... more powerful abilities may have an easier time against someone with less control." Sorry Eben he didn't mean to throw shade but he seemed to realise as he spoke that it probably sounded targeted, because he awkwardly glanced at Eben then looked away. Now it definitely looked targeted. Sorry Eben.

As the two spoke of their... living situations, all Ekmeros could say was, once again, "Oh." Long pause. "Well, that is odd." Yeah no shit.

@em | enya + mallon @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:45 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Eben’s statement sparks faint interest in Mallon’s eye, both around the contents relating to him and the implications relating to them. They don’t press further, but they do find themself wondering: how did these people know their name too? Not anyone above the surface did. Until now, at least.

They consider what Ekmeros is saying for a moment, but evidently shrug it off and they certainly don’t miss the strange look Ekmeros seems to give Eben. “Less control doesn’t mean weak. Just unpredictable and that can be advantageous. Especially if your opponent doesn’t see you or your abilities coming. Mine won’t.”They’re tempted to fiddle with their bandana, but hopefully it’s still in place enough for now. (Sorry Ekmeros. Lolz.)

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[2:40 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben only gave Ekmeros a nod as if to say 'no offense taken', though he did look a little pleased when Mallon came to the defense of uncontrollable powers.

"I'm afraid my inability to control my powers makes them more dangerous, not less. I understand the sentiment, however."

@em | enya + mallon @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[3:56 PM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Ekmeros' lips tightened like :| before he glanced away from Eben. Sorry for the implication. "Well, we use what we can, I suppose," he eventually said, his fingers idly tracing his viol's case as he looked at anywhere but the two in front of him. Out of social awkwardness rather than anything else. "What we can to win, at least."

@em | enya + mallon @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:49 PM]em | enya + mallon:

With a short nod, Mallon backs off the topic of Eben’s powers for now. They, strangely enough, seem to simply stare down Ekmeros as he avoids eye contact. It almost seems amusing to them. Weird but sure ig. “We can agree on that,” they say simply, and after a moment or two add, “I hope to see you both in the arena.” Whether opponent or spectator, it’s not exactly clear. And with that, they slip out of the greenhouse.

@soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻 @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:13 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben watched as Mallon slips out, and looks at Ekmeros.

"I suppose it is time to go. I do hope you win your match, Ekmeros." Eben admitted. He'd wish Mallon the same but, well. You know.

@em | enya + mallon @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

[8:15 AM]soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻:

Though he didn't say anything, Ekmeros nodded to both of them as they took their leave. He lingered in the greenhouse, crouching beside the empty space where Eben had plucked the now-stone flower from and stared at the empty space for some time until he also took his leave. Bye old man.

luuk and hannah

[2:31 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Luuk was working in the greenhouse today, checking over each plant and occasionally harvesting the leaves or fruit of one or the other. He seemed pretty invested in his work. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[2:37 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Hannah had decided to skip the fight this morning, instead choosing to wander the island and explore a bit more. She was a bit irritated that it wasn't her fight happening this morning, the anticipation was killing her.

She wandered around the greenhouse, not caring too much about any of the plants inside of it. She couldn't remember the last time she had eaten a vegetable without spitting it out soon after. They were nasty.

She paused her wandering as she came across Luuk, tilting her head to the side.

"Why are you in a wheelchair." Hannah asked with a blank expression. Not even a moment after she had asked that she slapped her hand to her forehead, her cheeks growing a bit red. "I mean- urgh that's a bad way to start that-..." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:39 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Luuk had heard Hannah enter, but hadn't paid her much mind until she'd approached him. At the question, he immediately sat up straight and paused his work.

"Uh- pardon?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[2:41 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Sorry I just- I thought Yeonaixho healed people-" It felt like she was just digging herself a deeper hole here. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:44 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I-" Luuk began, tone and expression somewhere between astounded, embarrassed and annoyed. "I have a neuromuscular condition." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[2:46 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"... And Yeonaixho can't fix it..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:47 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Luuk let out an annoyed sound- something in-between a sigh and a grumble. "Not easily." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[2:54 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Were you born with it or did something happen...?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:54 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It developed when I was a child." Luuk answered. "No, it has nothing to do with my scar. That was something else." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[2:57 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. What's the scar from?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:57 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"An explosion." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[2:58 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Hannah blinked.

"Oh- like- Fourth of July firework mishap type of explosion or-..." She frowned. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[2:59 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I blew up a government building." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[3:00 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Wh-.." Hannah paused to think. "So you're like- a terrorist..? What building was it..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:04 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"The Wyslard Grand Mage's University." Luuk answered. "And it's not terrorism if they deserved it. I was saving lives." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[3:09 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"... I think by definition it is still terrorism, even if you think you're doing it for a good reason.." Hannah said. "Why would you want to blow up a university building..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:09 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It's none of your business, why." Luuk scoffed and tried to return to his work. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:11 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Hannah stood there for a moment, twiddling her fingers awkwardly. Now she was too damn curious, but that question was probably never going to be answered.

".. Um.. You have horns- are you related to that other lady who I've seen who lives here? Or that red contestant guy?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:17 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Luuk sighed again. "Fiona is my fiancée. I believe that's who you're referring to? We aren't related. We're just from the same place." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:21 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

So the 'red guy' was entirely unrelated, despite also having horns.

"I'm not very good at names, and I've not spoken to her so.. I dunno, unless there's another person here who has horns I haven't noticed, it's probably Fiona. Does everyone from where you're from have horns?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:23 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"If you're talking about someone else who works here, it's her. We're the only people here with horns." Luuk said. "Everyone from Wyslard has horns, yes." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:25 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"I've never heard of that place. Is that in Ninjago..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:25 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It's not." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:26 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

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

[4:29 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"No." Was Luuk going to make Hannah go through every continent? @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:30 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Hannah thought hard about this next guess.

"Australia..? There's a lot of weird stuff down there already." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:32 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Luuk sighed. "We're north-east of the South Loucari." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

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

North... East... South.. That didn't really help.

"Oh." She said. "Are there um... Any sharks there?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:38 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"... I guess? We lived inland." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:39 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Ha, me too. It's pretty boring so far away from the ocean." Hannah said. "Do you know if any of the other staff people here know about the sea life around here..? I've already found some seals and fish and birds." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:51 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I never minded it." Luuk shrugged. "I wouldn't know about that. Hang might. From what I can tell it's mostly fish and birds." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:41 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[3:26 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Hang?" Hannah repeated, definitely not saying it back correctly despite just hearing it pronounced. "What do they look like?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[3:28 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Hang. Yes." Luuk corrected. "She's a bit tall, long brown hair, has freckles. She's usually in the kitchen, but I think she's on storehouse duty today." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[3:46 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Hm. Okay, I'll go talk to her then. Thanks." Hannah said and just turned to leave. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Okay." Luuk said and returned to his work. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

eben and mallon

[6:00 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon found themself wandering back to the greenhouse eventually, the conversation with Ekmeros still on their mind. They’re somewhat pacing back and forth and not really paying much mind to their surroundings—they probably wouldn’t notice anyone else enter right away. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[6:02 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben entered around 15 minutes after Mallon did, obviously with a few things on his mind as well. He'd taken a long walk after leaving the dorms while Roy was still sleeping, his thoughts were being very annoying.

@em | enya + mallon

[6:06 PM]em | enya + mallon:

As they turn once again to pace back the way they came, their earfins flare out wide as they freeze in surprise at seeing Eben. It only lasts a second, though, before they recognize him and relax. “Oh. Hello.” It’s almost exactly what they’d said the first time they met lol. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[6:09 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben gives them a nod, honestly not expecting to find them, or anyone here.

"Hello."

He similarly relaxed a little bit when he saw them, he wouldn't have to navigate a new person thank God. Let the awkwardness begin

@em | enya + mallon

[6:51 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon actually smiles a little bit, head tilting slightly as they say, “Funny we meet here again.” They pause, then continue somewhat absentmindedly, “I was not sure what I thought about this place before. But a lot has changed since then.” Incredibly vague, Mallon, thank you. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[6:53 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"it is interesting, isn't it?" Eben replied. "Things have changed, frustratingly enough." Eben replied, also vaguely.

@em | enya + mallon

[7:33 PM]em | enya + mallon:

“Interesting, Frustratingly.” Mallon repeats, nodding. “I can agree with that.” They seem to be debating asking something next. “Out of curiosity. If your opponent was to refuse to fight you, would you take offense to that?”There it is. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:35 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"No, perhaps they were intimidated, which is a compliment in my book. Why? Is your oponent refusing?" This is like the most normal conversation he's recently had somehow. @em | enya + mallon

[7:38 PM]em | enya + mallon:

“I agree with that as well,” Mallon nods at the intimidation comment, before their expression sours faintly. “..In a way. Yes. I was offended at first. But now I am unsure.” @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:39 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"Why did he refuse?" Eben asked. He knew who her opponent was.

@em | enya + mallon

[7:41 PM]em | enya + mallon:

Mallon sighs at that, crossing their arms. “I still do not know. He says he will not fight me, he says he has reasons, he says he has no reason to stay. Yet stay he does.” @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:42 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"There are many reasons he might not fight you. He knows you, and he travels. if he says he has no reason to stay, perhaps he's just waiting until he has to officially withdraw."

@em | enya + mallon

[7:50 PM]em | enya + mallon:

“It just does not make sense.” Mallon shakes their head. “Knowing me should not matter. Does he not trust I can handle my own, then? I have survived this long alone. One fight will not change this.” There it seems, the root of the issue. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:52 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

"So his not wanting to fight you is a personal attack on your survival skills?" Eben raised an eyebrow. "What did he say to you exactly?"

@em | enya + mallon

[7:59 PM]em | enya + mallon:

“It certainly feels that way,” Mallon mutters. “He agreed to go for the flower. A performance. And he said that I deserved a win.” Their nose scrunches, as if the word ‘deserved’ left a bad taste in their mouth. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:00 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben frowned. "He was just going to give you the win like that? Its better not to fight at that point, surely"

@em | enya + mallon

[8:26 PM]em | enya + mallon:

“I suggested that as well—“ Mallon’s cut off by the announcement, speaking over it for a few seconds, before immediately stopping in their tracks the further it continues. They don’t resume speaking. Their shock is probably the clearest emotion that’s ever been visible on their face. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[8:29 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Eben ceased listening to Mallon as the announcement went on. He didn't even wait for it to finish. As soon as it got to the "kept underground" part he was leaving.

"Inu. They have- I swear against whatever whatever God rules this place I am going to kill-" he cut off as the door shut.

@em | enya + mallon

[8:32 PM]em | enya + mallon:

They don’t even have time to consider what might’ve happened to them or Ekmeros before Eben’s disappeared. Mallon blinks once in surprise, then immediately books it after him. “Eben?” @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁 (up to you if you want mallon to come with lol)

kids in the greenhouse

[7:27 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Yuga entered the greenhouse with Isi. It was such a huge contrast to the cold and colorless outdoors. Everything here was green and warm. He took a moment to breathe in the fresh, oxygen-rich air and marvel the gentle warmth.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:39 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi had no idea why she hadn't come here before, it was so nice. Everything smelled fresh again, instead of stinging or dead. But they needed to focus on the current task.

"Storage area, bottom shelf" She repeated, starting to walk further in.

@Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[7:42 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Hmm, right..." Yuga turned to look at Isi, and followed after her, looking around as well. He picked a couple of tomatoes and popped them into his mouth. Hm. He should probably actually gather food to save for later... Did the church robes have pockets? He looked down at his robes.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

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

(The church robes do have pockets)

[7:57 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Seeing Yuga eat, it struck Isi that she hadn't actually done so since at least a day ago. She went for some cherry tomatos on the way to the storage area, as well as some various berries. She wasn't wearing any robes, so she'd just have to eat what she could now. she would feel bad except for the fact that soon enough, none of this produce would get used anyway, at least not by anyone worthwhile.

When they reached the storage area, it was easy enough to spot the soil, and she walked up to it.

"He said something about a sunlamp too, right? Is there one of those in here?" she looked around.

@Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[8:04 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Yuga stuffed his pockets with this and that, whatever vegetable seemed like it wouldn't explode in his pockets, and munched berries and other softer fruits on the side.

Yuga followed Isi to the bags of soil.

"Yeah. In the storage? Maybe. There's probably some with the plants there", he pointed back to the greenery.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[1:51 PM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi nodded. "I can get the soil, if you wanna get the lamp" She replied. She looked around for a wheelbarrow or something, knowing full well she can't take bags of soil back with just her arms.

@Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[11:34 PM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Yuga nodded, and stepped further in the storage area, looking around, and quickly spotted a big lamp, similar to the ones that were lighting the plants in the greenhouse, except this one was turned off.

"I found one", he announced, and grabbed the lamp, dragging it to Isi.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[5:48 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

While Yuga did that, Isi briefly looked around, sporting a wheelbarrow and pulling it over to the bottom shelf where the soil was. She loaded a few bags into the wheelbarrow, having no clue how much Zeydein wanted- better safe than sorry.

She turned back to Yuga. "Great, we can get this all to Zeydein now"

There was a little room at the top of the wheelbarrow for Yuga to put the lamp if he wanted.

@Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[5:54 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

"Mhm", Yuga nodded. He hoisted the lamp difficultly onto the dirt bags, and balanced it into a more secure position. He glanced at Isi with a faint smile that didn't reach his eyes, and started for the door.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:07 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi paused a little, feeling something a little off with Yuga's expression. She lifted up the wheelbarrow handles with some difficulty, following Yuga to the door.

"You doing okay? It's been a rough few days" she asked uncertainly. She wasn't moving as fast with the wheelbarrow, but it was getting easier.

@Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[7:09 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Yuga didn't look back at Isi, but his ears clearly lowered. He didn't reply, just shook his head.

@sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

[7:12 AM]sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁:

Isi's shoulders dropped.

"I don't know if you want to talk about it or not, but you can. I..."

Isi didn't know what, actually. She was sorry? Disappointed? What?

She didn't finish the sentence, and it slipped off into awkward silence unless Yuga spoke on their way back to ⁠dining-hall .

@Twig | Taisto + Yuga

[7:27 AM]Twig | Taisto + Yuga:

Yuga didn't reply...