son and dad

[1:01 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

After the gala, Yeonaixho brought Eli to the private library- out of habit, really. He'd been working in there before the guest arrived, and returned to his work without paying it much mind.

"Ah, it's a bit messy in here, isn't it..." He hummed as he milled about the small room, having completely forgotten to switch on the light. Yeonaixho picked up the books on the chair, and gestured for Eli to sit in it, while he took the other. @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[5:51 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

Eli followed behind him and let out a small sigh, nodding along. Eli took a seat in the chair propping his elbows up as he placed his head in the palms of his hands. "There's a lotta new people and I don't think I made the best first impression..." He frowned. "I think the guy I met thinks I'm weird."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:55 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho leaned back in his chair, and hummed in thought. "You can never please everyone. And the guests we've invited are an odd bunch, especially." He mused. "I suspect, many of them will think we're strange automatically, just because we live differently than they do." @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[10:24 AM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"I know, I know." Eli sighed heavily, "I just wanted to make a good impression. I mean, I heard them saying some things and I kinda just...mmmnbn. I don't know. It made me feel weird and upset."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:26 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I know you do." Yeonaixho nodded. "And you will, once they get to know you."

He paused in thought. "What sort of things were they saying?" @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[4:40 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"..They're saying it's a cult." Eli frowned. "And I think that's a mean thing, right?" He placed his head on the table. "That doesn't sound like a good thing."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:43 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh." Yeonaixho frowned. He thought about it for a moment. "You... know what that means?" @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[4:43 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"No." Eli shook his head. "I don't."

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:44 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Hm." Yeonaixho leaned back in his chair. "Well, it's not something you should bother yourself with. The label doesn't apply to us." @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[4:45 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"Is...it a slur?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:45 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

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

[4:46 PM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

"Oh." Eli blinked. "That's not good." Eli frowned.

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:49 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"It is." Yeonaixho nodded sagely. "You shouldn't listen to people who call us that." @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[8:39 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Knock knock knock @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

[4:05 AM]Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S:

Eli perked up at someone knocking on the door and he turned to Yeonaixho before back to the door.

"Who is it?"

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:38 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Instead of answering, Fio just opened up the door. She stumbled frantically into the room and locked eyes on Yeonaixho.

"Yeonaixho- please," She stammered. "We need you in the hopsital- some guests got into- some sort of fight,"

Yeonaixho instanty rose to his feet. "What?" He moved closer to the door, "So soon?"

"I'm not sure what happened, exactly. It looked bad."

"Sweet God..." He muttered, then moved to the door. If Eli wanted to come with, he was free to follow. @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

madbanes poetry date

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

Albanes went to the private library and waited for Madeline. She lit the lanterns illuminating the room and sat in one of the chairs, idly casting her gaze around the room. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:05 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

It was quite a while later when Madeline finally entered the library, pushing the door open as quietly and slowly as possible. She peeked her head in and scanned around for albanes. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:54 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

It wouldn't be too hard to find Albanes. She smiled as she saw Madeline, and gestured for the other girl to sit in the chair beside her. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:14 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:20 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline quickly shut the door behind her as she noticed Albanes, and quickly stepped over to her. She pulled out the chair next to the other girl and sat down, smiling weakly.

"Did you update Petrai on everything..?" Madeline started with. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:30 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I couldn't find her," Albanes admitted, and leaned back in her seat. "But I will, the next time I see her, if my father doesn't first." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:36 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline frowned, lightly.

".. I shouldn't.. skip my patrol without letting her know.. I don't wanna get in trouble- and with how crazy the guests are.." Madeline began to mumble and looked down at the table. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:39 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I'm sure she'll understand." Albanes leaned toward Madeline. "You're recovering from injury. And anyways, it's getting late. If you do get in any trouble for it, I'll take the fall."

Both she and Madeline knew that Albanes wouldn't really get in trouble for anything, but if she advocated for Madeline, they might avoid trouble altogether. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:43 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"...mmm.." Madeline mumbled, still looking down at the table. ".. did you hear any of the other staff talking about me? I'm sure at least one other person saw.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:45 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Albanes shook her head. "I only passed Fio and Astrid on the way here, and they were talking about soup. I really don't think anyone else knows... unless Zerada's spread the news around. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:48 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"I hope it stays that way. This was a really bad one." Madeline said. She trusted that Zerada and Yeonaixho would stay silent about it. Hopefully. ".. Speaking of Zerada, is she okay..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[4:55 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Me too." Albanes nodded. "Last I saw her, she was talking with Madeline. I don't think she ever accepted treatment for her injuries, seeing as I wasn't called in to treat her, so... I don't know. I hope she's okay." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:11 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Hopefully she's okay.. I figure you would've been told if something is really going wrong.." Madeline sighed. "Did you pick out any books to read yet?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Most of the books in here are my father's medical texts." Albanes looked up at shelves looming over them. "Most of them are Braille, too... but I think there's some poetry somewhere in here." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:14 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Poetry might be nice.." Madeline said. She didn't really have much interest in hearing about medical information at the moment. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:18 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah, I think so too." Albanes nodded, and got up from her chair. She examined the shelves for a few moments. "How does 'Songs of a Pastoral Summer' sound?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[9:19 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Sounded very religious.

As expected.

"That should work.." She leaned her head down on the table, yawning lightly. "Could you read it to me..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:30 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Of course," Albanes smiled, and pulled a hefty book from the shelf.

"It's in braille," She commented as she sat back down next to Madeline. Albanes opened the heavy tomb to a random page, and rested her fingers over the text.

"I lay my love on supple dew,

and pray heaven, her flesh renewed

I wait for night, I wait for day

That I may hear her yet again

Fall winds may come and lift my hair

Yet I remain, still waiting there."

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:25 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline turned her head to look at Albanes as she read it aloud.

"When is this book from..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:26 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Albanes flipped to the front of the book, where the publishing information was listed. "Uhhh... 1943. But most of the poems in it were written before then."

Before she could continue, a sharp knocking sounded at the door. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:40 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Interesting-" Madeline jumped as there was a knock at the door. She quickly stood up. "I'll get it." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Okay." Albanes nodded, and closed the book on her lap.

Behind the door was Shino. He asked Madeline, "Is Albanes here? She's needed in the hospital." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:42 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Yes-" Madeline looked back at Albanes. "We need to go to the hospital.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:44 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh, okay-" Albanes stood up, leaving the poetry book on her chair. To Shino, she asked, "What happened?"

"One of the guests broke their leg." Shino replied simply. "Come along. There's not much time to waste."

Albanes glanced back to Madeline, and followed. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:48 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline quickly followed the two out. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

goodbye roque

[11:24 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Just as they had said, Yeonaixho and Petrai led Roque through the underground tunnels to the staff building, and then through the dim halls into the library. It was dark when they arrived, and remained dark, as neither Yeonaixho nor Petrai saw any reason to turn on a light.

The Hand of God sat in one of the two leather armchairs, resting his elbows on the armrests. He gestured for Roque to take the other. Instead of sitting down, Petrai hovered by Yeonaixho's shoulder, keeping her wary eyes on the guest. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:29 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

As Roque walked, the sound of her feet hitting the ground made her hair gently glow. It only lit up the immediate area around her. She plopped down in the chair, sitting with her back against one arm and her legs up on the other. She kept her arms crossed over her chest.

"So. What's this oh-so-important conversation about?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Well," Yeonaixho began. "Simply put, your actions are grounds for us to expel you from the tournament. I'm sure you're aware of this by now." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:32 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Mhm. I'm aware. I don't see why that requires me to be down here when I should be packing up my things." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:36 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I am offering you a choice." Yeonaixho said. "I did not wish to have a guest leave this early, and truthfully, I still do not. If you truly wish to remain here at the tournament, we can arrange that, though it would not be without limitations."

"First, though, I would like to hear if you have anything to say to justify yourself." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:45 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Well, she had already been working within their stupid limitations this whole time... She had never left the temple grounds, or bit someone else in public.

"I'll hear you out." Roque said. Then she shrugged her shoulders, looking up at the ceiling as she hummed. "I suppose I was just acting in my own best interest, as I usually do. I didn't see why I shouldn't do whatever it takes to make Peregrine leave me alone." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"It did not occur to you to follow the rules of the establishment providing you with shelter?" Yeonaixho asked. His tone was light, but unreadable. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:51 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"I didn't exactly see any guidelines about how to get an annoying little freak to leave. I took it in to my own hands, like I always do." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:52 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I know you were made aware of the rules about not using your powers to negatively affect guests. My daughter told me myself how she explained them to you." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:55 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Roque was really trying to refrain from saying that Peregrine was actually doing it to himself. That probably wouldn't help.

".. Perhaps my irritation took over my common sense.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Restraint is a value of this church." Yeonaixho said. "And something we expect of all those on the island, members and staff. I do not think it is to much to ask for you to not act violently against your fellow competitor." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:06 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. I see. I will try to keep that in mind." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:08 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

At that, a short breath of a laugh escaped Yeonaixho's lungs. "Oh, I'm not giving you the opportunity not to."

Instead of adding onto the statement, he changed the topic. "How badly do you wish to remain here, in the tournament?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:12 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

... Weird thing to say.

Maybe even a little sus.

".. I'd say decently. I would hate this to be a total waste of my time." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:36 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I'd urge you to keep that in mind as you make your decision." Yeonaixho offered.

"If you do wish to remain in the tournament, you will live in strict accordance with our church's beliefs and customs. You will live on a schedule- much the same schedule as the guards and dedicants. Your personal belongings will be confiscated til you leave, and you will wear the clothing we've provided. You will, of course, be forbidden to use your powers in any way, outside of your fight against Ryunoske. You will be closely monitored by our guards, and of course by Petrai. Everything you do will be in accordance with our rulings." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:42 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Roque's hair lit up red as she sneered.

"I'm not doing all that. I'd rather go home than demean myself to that level." Roque said, moving to sit up straight. She gripped at the arms of the chair, ready to stand. "If that's the most you can do for me, well, just watch me pack up my shit and put me on the next boat back." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:45 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Then, it's settled." Yeonaixho nodded. "You have a few hours to pack your belongings and prepare to leave. When the boat is ready, I'll have some guards escort you back here. There's some final arrangements we need to settle before you leave, just some simple paperwork." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:50 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"I don't care about your fucking paperwork." Roque said and stood up. With the red glow of her hair, it was easy to see the way out. "You shits don't deserve my signature on anything. It's worth more than this Kool-Aid drinking island is." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:53 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Regardless of how much you care about it, I can't let you leave without you filling it out." Yeonaixho shrugged. "Petrai, please escort her back to her room. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:56 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Don't-" Roque growled, before pausing. She rolled her shoulders back. "Whatever. Let's just get out of this shit hole basement." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:57 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Petrai simply led Roque out of the library without saying a word. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

madbanes fight

[10:29 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

After the fight, Albanes went back to the private library, hoping to take some time to relax. It'd been a long and stressful day, and she was worried about a thousand different things. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:39 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Shortly after Albanes entered the library, the door opened up again. Madeline quickly shuffled inside and closed the door behind her, somewhat loudly.

She leaned back against the door with her eye closed, taking some deep breaths and gripping on to her shoulder. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Madeline- are you okay?" Albanes immediately dropped the book she was looking at and rushed to her friend's side. "What's going on?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:41 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Albanes-" Madeline opened up her eye. "Sorry, I didn't know you were in here.. I'm just stressed from... Everything this morning.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:43 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Yeah... I am too, I think everyone is. Here, let's sit down..." She led Madeline over to the chairs. "It's... a lot. Are you well, physically? Do you think your powers will take over? I can go get my father-" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:45 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline pulled a chair out with her foot and sat down.

"You don't need to go get Yeonaixho, I'll.. I'll be okay. The new ritual worked well, and as long as nothing else happens today, I'll be okay. Just everything with Roque and that fight and worrying all morning- I haven't felt like this before ever. Usually my stressors are pretty short events but this is.. Never-ending." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:48 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Good. Good." Albanes nodded, sitting in a chair beside Madeline. "I know... Father's been busy all day, tending to Petrai and preparing for the match and everything, so I've been left to manage all the rest of staff. I wish I knew more about what had happened this morning, so I could help, but... so far, no one's told me anything. I'm scared."

"But, at least, Roque is powerless now. She won't be able to hurt anyone anymore." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:00 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Mmm.." Madeline hummed quietly. ".. I saw Petrai after her incident with Roque-.. she told me not to tell anyone.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:02 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh." Albanes said, voice flat and distant. "Well, I'll respect her privacy, then."

"... is she doing alright, at least?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:12 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"She is... Alive. And not permanently injured, I think.. Roque messed up her head more than her body.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:16 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Albanes hummed in thought. Bodies were easy to fix. Minds, much harder. Petrai had been a mentor to her, ever since she arrived on the island. It hurt, to think of her in such a state. "At least, Roque won't be able to hurt anyone else." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:17 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"I don't.. see why Yeonaixho couldn't just send her home. She's still dangerous, she's.. Insane. He could've wiped her memories like he did to mine and sent her back and she would be out of our island for good..." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:19 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"My father needs her for... what he is doing." Albanes said. "He needs her powers, at the least." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:21 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Well, he has the powers. Wipe her memories of ever having those powers and send her back- I just don't want her here anymore.." Madeline turned to face Albanes. "What is Yeonaixho even doing..? Do you know?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:23 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Albanes didn't make eye contact with Madeline, keeping her eyes on her hands and her hands in tight fists. "I shouldn't say, you aren't supposed to know..." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:26 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"It's that bad that I can't know anything about it?" Madeline's frown deepened. She wouldn't be surprised if every single person above her in rank knew about it already, or hell, even the few people below her. If it was something so, so, so, so bad, it was pretty obvious she would literally not be able to stay calm. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"It's- it's not bad, but-" Albanes shifted towards Madeline, but kept her eyes down. "You can't tell this to anyone else- you have to promise me that." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:28 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

She was making a lot of these promises today.

Surely nothing bad could come from making the person with powers strictly tied to her stress levels the sole knower of many unknowable secrets.

"Yes. I promise." Madeline nodded. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:28 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"My father is going to cure death." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:31 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. What?" Madeline asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "And he's going to do that by.. Taking people's unrelated powers and locking them up in cells..? I don't see how it's related- the only other person here with useful powers to that goal would be you." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:32 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"He's got some sort of plan, Madeline- I'm not sure what exactly it is, but he's going to do it." Albanes said, her voice barely higher than Madeline's. "He's going to do it. I know he is." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:33 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. do you not want him to do it..? Who is he trying to bring back..?"

It was pretty obvious, wasn't it? Probably. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:35 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"No- no, of course I want him to do it. He's going to help so many people- think of everyone who dies from injury or illness before they can be healed. Think of all the unjust death." Albanes insisted. "He's going to save everyone." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:36 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. Albanes- I'm sorry but- that literally sounds like insanity. He can't save everyone.." Madeline said. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:37 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"He can- Madeline, you know that he can." Albanes insisted. "I trust my father, and what he says. I know him." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:43 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"If he can bring people back from the dead, where will he ever stop? And what- what does that have to do with keeping innocent people locked up? Like Kal? He doesn't even know what a rock is. He doesn't deserve that." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:46 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Madeline- I don't know how he's doing it or what his plan is, but I trust him. He's not going to hurt anyone, Madeline, you know him. It's for the greater good." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:48 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Do I know him, Albanes? Really..? I don't even know how many pieces of my memory I'm missing after he wiped them- I don't even know whoI* am.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"Yeonaixho saved my life. He risked his own to preserve mine. Madeline, he gave me a part of his own soul to keep me alive. I know him. I promise, I know him." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[11:57 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. Just because he's part of you doesn't mean I fully trust him. Petrai said something earlier that already made me a bit more wary. This whole thing is weird, Albanes, you can't be unaware of that.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[11:59 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"If you don't trust him, then you don't trust me." Albanes huffed, turning away from Madeline. "Really, Madeline? I don't see why you're making such a big fuss over this? When has he ever treated you wrongly? When have you ever seen him hurt someone?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:03 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Albanes-" Madeline took her hand off her shoulder, wincing slightly as she did, and reached out toward Albanes. "Th-this goes beyond what just I think and have experienced- this is about everyone.. He's been kind to me, I'm not saying he hasn't, he's been nothing but patient and kind, truly, just.. Him being nice to me and being selfless toward you doesn't- it.. it doesn't mean he can be unreasonable to other people.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:05 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Albanes flinched away from Madeline's reach. "Everything he does, he does for others. Even this, he does for others. I don't know why you can't understand that." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:11 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline pulled her hand back, putting it back over her shoulder.

".. Th-then why wouldn't he heal Petrai this morning.. He left her without finishing it up.. That's something I don't understand." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"What?" Albanes scoffed. "He- he wouldn't do that. He wouldn't. Petrai is his second, he loves her more than he does me. Madeline, don't make things up." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:15 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. You think I'd blatantly lie to you? For what- to one-up you in this conversation?" Madeline huffed slightly. "I know because when I saw her, I was cleaning the wound myself. After Yeonaixho had already left. If the trash hasn't been taken out yet, it would still be in the private infirmary trash. Petrai's blood from an injury Yeonaixho didn't fix." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:16 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Why on earth wouldn't he heal her wound? Explain to me that! It just doesn't make sense- he's a healer." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:20 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Please don't raise your voice-.. I-i don't know why he wouldn't do it.. All I know is what I saw and what Petrai told me. She said he did everything he would do, she didn't say he did everything he could do.. That's what she told me." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

"I don't believe he'd just leave her to suffer. That's not like him. There- there has to be something missing." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:24 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline took in a deep breath. She had to choose- Petrai being angry, or Albanes being angry.. She couldn't make both of them happy.

".. Sh-she said he was never very good with working on wings.." Madeline mumbled, hardly audible. She looked away toward the opposite wall. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:25 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Wh- wings? What do wings have to do with any of this?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:27 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. Petrai has wings.. they've been hidden.." She was a bit surprised that not even Albanes knew about it- it must've been kept extremely secret.. "I think Roque revealed them.. and she injured one.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:31 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Petrai has- Madeline, that's ridiculous! Petrai doesn't have wings!" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:34 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Volume-" Madeline said quickly, flinching her head away from Albanes. Some of her hair was becoming out of place.. "Why do you i-instantly assume I'm lying? When have I ever lied to you..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

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

Albanes took a moment to collect herself. "Because, Madeline, you're spouting these insane claims and ideas with absolutely no proof. They don't even make any sense." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:38 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Is me being open and vulnerable with you not proof enough to at least consider it..? I don't have any proof because Petrai explicitly told me not to tell anyone.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:45 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I just- I don't know." Albanes stood up. "I think I need some time to think. By myself." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:45 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline glanced over as Albanes stood up, but quickly looked down at the table.

".. A-are you upset with me..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:46 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"I don't know yet." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[12:49 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Hopefully that meant she would only be mad if Madeline had been purposefully lying, which she knew she hadn't done... But she was also sure it would be difficult for Albanes to know the truth, surely Petrai was dressed again by now. And she wouldn't be so quick to admit to that given the lengths she went to hide it..

"O-okay.. I'm sorry.." Madeline mumbled, her body shaking slightly as her grip increased in strength on her shoulder. "I'm sorry.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[12:50 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Albanes went to the door, lingering by it with her door by the handle for a moment longer than was natural, like she was debating what to say.

Eventually, she settled on, "Goodbye, Madeline," and left. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[4:24 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

The second Albanes was gone, Madeline doubled over on to the table.

The water that was previously absent from that mental dam was flooding back in- it had never really left, it was just held out of view somewhere.

It pushed up against the foundation of the dam- and Madeline was trying to hold it all in place. One blow after another to the bricks, and some of them were threatening to come loose.

She couldn't do this here- she would destroy the whole library. After that, who knew what would happen. Yeonaixho was busy as Albanes said, and Petrai was surely in no condition to do anything.

And she wouldn't go bother Albanes again. Not until she didn't hate her.

"Eughnngn.." Madeline groaned as she struggled to push her chair back. The lighter side of her outfit was beginning to form splotches of darkness, even as her hand was pressed against her shoulder.

She shoved her feet against the ground and pushed herself back, managing to knock the chair over in the process. She tumbled to the ground, but quickly used only her legs to get herself back up.

She half ran, half stumbled over to the door, and once she reached it she took her hand away to grip on to the handle. Dark smoke rose up as she touched it, but she didn't care about breaking that handle right now.

She forced the door open and ran off down the hall, taking ragged, erratic breaths as she did.

yeonaixho gaslights madeline

[5:45 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho brought Madeline into the private library, sitting in one of the chairs and leavening the other for Madeline. "So... you wanted to speak with me privately?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:47 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Madeline stood a few feet away from the chairs. She glanced down at the chair she had knocked over not too long ago.

"Y-yes.. I saw something while I was in the blizzard." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:47 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho frowned. "... what sort of something?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:50 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"I saw a ghost. She spoke to me." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:51 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho winced, and leaned back in his chair. "... you did, huh. Sometimes hallucinations can be caused by stress, did you know that? Not everything we believe we see is real."

He paused. "What was this ghost like?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[5:56 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Another person who didn't believe her.

"She seemed nice, at first. Then she started talking about all these weird things about love- things about hurting people and hunger and.. I told her I didn't agree with any of it. She said she always hated it here.. A-and all around her it was warm and there were nice plants.. If I hadn't been in her light, I would have been frozen before anyone could have gotten to me." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[5:58 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Love and hunger..." Yeonaixho repeated. "Alright. Okay. So supposing this ghost you met is... real. What then?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[6:05 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. i-i just thought you'd like to know that there's a ghost on your island.. I've seen her before too- but she usually looked.. More dead.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:07 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"A ghost that typically looks more dead." Yeonaixho said. "Thank you for informing me of this."

His tone was flat- it'd be hard to tell if he believed Madeline or not. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[6:12 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

".. D-do you think I'm crazy too..? That I'm lying..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:14 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"... I honestly don't know what to think, Madeline." Yeonaixho sighed. "Because if there is a ghost on the island... well, that makes everything more complicated. It's much simpler to just assume we're all insane. I mean, it makes more sense."

"But if it is a ghost... well, that not only means I've been lying to all you, it means I've been lying to myself. And I don't think I have the time to deal with something like that right now." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[6:19 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

... him and Albanes really were alike.

"Sorry for wasting your time, Yeonaixho. I just don't know what I'm talking about." Madeline mumbled and started walking back toward the door. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[6:47 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"You don't need to apologize." Yeonaixho sighed. "Is... that all you wanted to discuss?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:03 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"..." Madeline took in a deep breath, thinking. What else could she say? She could ask about the wings, she could ask why he didn't finish healing Petrai, she could ask about his plan.. "No, I think that's all." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:09 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho noticed Madeline's hesitation, however brief. "... are you sure? You know I'm here for you, Madeline." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:15 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Mmmm..." Madeline shifted uncomfortably. She had already exposed Petrai's secret to someone who didn't know, telling Yeonaixho wasnt that bad. ".. Why didn't you finish healing Petrai's wing..? Could you really not do it..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:18 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho abruptly changed postures. He raised his shoulders, he tensed. "How did you learn about that?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:20 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"I went to go check on Petrai after I didn't hear anything about her. I was worried she was injured somewhere. I.. Saw her wing still injured even after you had healed the rest of her so I.. I assumed you purposefully left it out." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:23 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Oh, well..." Yeonaixho pressed a hand to his temple. "This makes me look bad, doesn't it... you can't tell anyone about this, Madeline. You have to understand that." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:26 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

Her track record for that wasn't looking very good at the moment.

"Why did you do it..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:28 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho sighed. "Because Petrai asked me not to."

[8:28 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:32 PM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"She- she asked you not to do it..?" Madeline asked. That didn't entirely line up with what she knew, but she definitely couldn't go and ask Petrai about it again for clarification... "Why would she do that..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[8:52 PM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"There is... a lot of nuance to this situation that would be beyond your understanding. Things you could not possibly understand as intrinsically as Petrai and I do." A polite way of saying 'that's none of your business'. Yeonaixho leaned back in his chair. "Essentially, while you might see those wings as nothing more than added appendages- or, if you were Peregrine, something to flaunt- Petrai sees them very differently. There is a weight to them." He laughed, though it was clear his heart wasn't in it. "There's a lot of emotion there. When it comes to Petrai's wings, I do exactly as she asks me. It's not my place to overstep." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[8:54 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Oh.." Madeline said, after a time of thinking. Something about that seemed off to her. Why would she be okay with her cleaning the wound but not Yeonaixho..? But she really didn't have a clue what was happening.. "sorry for.. assuming.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[9:04 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"You don't have to apologize. I'm not offended." Yeonaixho sighed. "This is just... a very sensitive topic, especially for Petrai." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:05 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"I see that.." Madeline said. "So if she asked you to fix her wings.. You'd do it?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:05 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"In a heartbeat, I would." Yeonaixho nodded. "But only if she asked." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:06 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"That's.. Good." Madeline nodded. "I think that's the only other thing I wanted to ask about." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:08 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

"Alright." Yeonaixho nodded. He gave Madeline a weak smile. "Remember, if there's ever anything troubling you, you can always come to me." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:11 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

"Of course." Madeline nodded her head slightly. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:12 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho stood. "I'm relieving you from your duty for the rest of the night. You need rest. Would you like me to walk you back to your room?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

[10:14 AM]Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline:

That was fair, even if she hadn't nearly died out in a blizzard, her stress levels were still off the charts.

".. I would appreciate that." Madeline nodded. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

[10:15 AM]innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄):

Yeonaixho put a hand over Madeline's good shoulder, and led her out of the library...