snowtourn

Kal let out a huff as he struggled to understand the book. He was understanding a bit more, but it felt like his brain was forgetting everything. The dots and letters got mixed up in his brain, but he understood a few. He knew what his name was in braille, which was fun. When he heard the sounds of new voices, he perked up. “Hellloooo?” Kal called out. “Who’s new here?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"It's Astrid and me." Teya said, then added, "I'm Teya." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Aw snap- Tell Astrid I said ‘hey!’ She helped me out big time with climbing that volcano,” Kal grinned. “Nice to meet you, Teya! I’m Kal.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I'll tell her." Teya nodded. She said stiffly, "It's good to meet you, Kal."

2:44 PM

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Good to meet you, too! Kinda stinks that I can’t actually, y’know, meet you face to face, but it’s nice to hear you!” Kal grinned brightly. The smile could be heard in his voice. “You seem and sound nice.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"It's a safety measure. Some of you prisoners are... violent." Teya hummed. "Thank you." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Yeahhh, I get that. Especially with Roque, she’s-.. Pretty horrible,” Kal made a face, as though his own sentence was an understatement. Kal chuckled quietly. “But no problem! Just bein’ honest.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Horrible is an understatement." Teya sighed. "I'm just glad we're not on shifts by ourselves any more. Having more people down here seems to have shut her up a bit." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“I noticed that- That’s real good! She was saying all of this stuff, really gross, real uncomfortable.” Kal shuddered. He paused for a moment. “Hey, Teya, can I ask a question?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Teya hummed in agreement. "Sure. What is it?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Are you good at-” He dropped his voice down to a whisper. “Reading?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I mean, I'm decent at it. Was always better at math, if I'm being honest." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Oh.” Kal paused before he perked up. “Say, I’m not good with numbers. Would ya mind lendin’ me a hand?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh, are you the one Yeonaixho let have some books?" Teya asked. "I can help, I guess. What are you struggling with?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Yeah! He gave me a few,” Kal hummed. “I dunno, I’m kinda strugglin’ with everything. I heard that I got the ‘dyslexia,’ but it’s all good. Just gets in the way a lot when I try to read, even with just Braille. But if we’re talking numbers, I know a bit more about those, but I still struggle big time with it.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Mhm, yeah. I might not be able to help you with the reading- I only have a passing knowlegde of braille. But I can help you with the numbers. What sorts of things do you struggle with? Addition, subtraction, multiplication, or is it more complex subjects you need help with?" Teya was very direct- not in a necessarily rude way, but just direct. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Kal didn’t mind direct. Direct was probably what his brain needed. “Uh- If I’m honest, a mixture of all of that. Addition’s okay, I got my fingers to help, but subtraction, multiplication, and division? Got me lost, and then they throw in letters into math? Got me real lost with that.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Well, you can use your fingers for subtraction the same way you do with addition. Start with the amount of fingers of the first number up, then put down as many fingers as the second number, and count the remaining finger you have left." Teya offered. "With multiplication, you can think of it as sets of things, like boxes of eggs. If each box has 3 eggs, and you have 4 boxes, how many eggs do you have total? Division is similar- it's taking the total amount of eggs, and putting them into evenly-sized groups." That was... a lot of words. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Most of the words went over Kal’s head. He did his best to remember those words. “.. R-right, that- That makes sense,” Kal nodded. He didn’t answer the question about eggs. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Do you understand the finger subtraction?" Teya asked. She got the feeling Kal hadn't exactly injested everything she'd said. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Kal looked at his fingers. With how dark it was, he couldn’t even see his fingers. “.. Not entirely..” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I can lead you through a quick exercise- six minus four. Put up six fingers for me. Then put down four. How many fingers do you have left up?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Kal put up several fingers. He didn’t know how many to put down. How many fingers were four? How many needed to go down again? What- “I.. I don’t know..” Kal answered with full honesty. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Teya sighed. "You should have two, but... you're probably too stressed for math." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Yeah, maybe,” Kal sighed. “Bein’ in a cell and bein’ underground’s real stressful for me. I swear though, I’m tryin’ my best.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"We can't let you out today, but we'll let you walk a bit in the staff building tomorrow. Yeonaixho's orders." Teya hummed. "But don't stress yourself out too much about it." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Yeah, I get that, makes sense,” Kal nodded. “I’ll try not to stress myself out too much.” He paused. “Can you give me another math question? I’ll give it one more try and then stop for the night.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Do you want another subtraction one? Or something different?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Yeah, let’s try out a subtraction! I’m ready for it!” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"How about... eight minus five?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“.. Seven..” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Teya took in a breath through her teeth. "Close. The answer's three, actually." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Oh. Shit.” Kal’s smile faltered. “My bad, I- Man, messed up a bit.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"It's alright." Teya replied. "You did your best. That's what matters." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Thanks, appreciate it big time,” Kal hummed. “I’ll keep at it, I’ll get it one of these days.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"If you keep trying, you'll get it someday." Teya said encouragingly. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Thanks, appreciate it big time!” Kal grinned. “You sound a bit like my cousin, she’s always hyping me up.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Your cousin? Who's that?" Teya asked casually. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Zerada, have you met her? She should still be up on the surface, she’s a good kid,” Kal chuckled. “She’s always hyping me up even if my brain’s a bit empty.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh, Zerada!" Teya's voice lit up in a smile. "I have met her. She's very nice." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“You did?! Oh man- Thanks for being buds with her!” Kal grinned. “She needs more buddies- She’s real great! If she seems kinda closed off or awkward, don’t take it personally, she’s got a good heart, just a bit unsure how to show it sometimes. She’s real good, I swear it!” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"It's... the least I can do? She and I have similar powers, and I was planning on showing her some tricks I know." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Aw, that’s real nice of you! Thanks for doin’ that,” Kal grinned. The smile could be heard in his voice. “I’m sure she’ll show you some of what she knows. She’ll probably even show you some of her super speed, she can go real fast.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Again, the least I can do." Teya hummed. "Sounds impressive. I'll have to ask her to demonstrate. I've only got the lightning, but I look forward to sharing some of what I know with her, and vice versa." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“I’m sure you two’ll learn a lot from each other. She’s had her powers for a few years, so there’s probably a limit to what she knows. Still, she’d be real happy to work with someone with the same powers as hers even if she doesn’t entirely show it on the outside. You’d be helpin’ her big time.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Mmhmm. I'm happy to teach her anything she'd want to know. I've had my powers from birth, so there's a lot I know how to do. I can show off my trident trick." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Trident trick? Do you make a trident with your lightning?” Kal asked with a grin. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Not quite-" Teya was beaming, by the sound of her voice. "I take a trident, or a throwing spear, or anything like that, one made of a conductive metal like iron or copper. I charge it with electricity, through it in the air, and-" She slapped her hands together, to imitate the sound of the lightning strike. "Bang." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Bang?!” Kal lit up with a grin. “Bruh- That sounds awesome!! Sounds like a crazy cool move!” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Hah! It is- though, it's not really the most practical. It's mostly useful in extremely long-range situations, but it's still fun." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“What if you tried fighting short range with the lightning?” Kal asked. “Zerada’s got knives that she does that with. She could probably work with you on short range.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Technically, I can, I'm just not as good as it." Teya hummed. "Maybe she can help me out with that." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Oh for sure! She’s all about close range stuff, same as me,” Kal chuckled. “She’s good! She’ll definitely be up to polish up your skills.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Then, maybe we can help each other out." Teya hummed. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"For sure," Kal hummed. "Hey, thanks for bein' so nice. I'm sorry I didn't do too good with the math, but thanks big time for tryin'. I'm gonna keep doin' my best to get better with it. I hate to make requests, more than I already got goin', but is there, like, are there any math books or math things I can probably get to help me out?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Of course. It's the least I can do." Teya hummed. "I can ask. No guarantee it'll be allowed, but I'm pretty sure we've got some math workbooks lying around somewhere." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Sweet! Appreciate you even askin' for me!" Kal grinned. "I love that I can learn even when I'm stuck in a cell!" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Well, learnings a good thing to do no matter where you are." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Exactly! Every day's a learnin' experience, you can learn a bunch," Kal hummed. "Even if I'm failin' with readin' and math, I'm learnin from the failures. Keep that in mind, Teya, you can learn from failures and improve in anythin' you set your mind to!" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"That's a good outlook to have." Teya nodded. "I'll keep that in mind- I try not to let my failures get to me." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"That's somethin' I tell the kids all the time, I help out at a bunch of centers for kids and help 'em out." Kal chuckled. "As long as you keep believin' in yourself, everything should be all good for you!" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"You work with kids?" Teya asked, then laughed. "I will, I will. Promise." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“I do,” Kal chuckled. “I opened tons of centers to help give the kids a safe place to be after school, and I pay for a ton of food programs to help ‘em out. I got money, so I make sure to lend a hand where I can. And good!! You better keep believin’.” Kal let out an easy-going laugh. He seemed to be having a good time. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"That's really charitable of you. Sounds like you're doing some real good out there." Teya hummed. She was briefly distracted by all the commotion with Yeonaixho... @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“I try. There’s too much bad in the world, there’s no need to add to it.” Kal overheard bits and pieces of the chaos. “Everythin’ alright?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I don't know... something going on with Roque, I think." Teya hummed. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Oh.. D’you need to check that out?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Ehhh.... it seems like the Hand of God has it handled?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Oh- Yeonaixho’s down here?” Kal asked. “Tell him I said ‘what’s uppppp,’ just like that.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"He's already left. Sorry." Teya said. "Next time he's down, you can say hi yourself." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Aw, dang, alright. That sounds good to me, thanks anyways.” Kal paused. “Hey, how far underground are we? I know someone said we weren’t too deep, but- Bein’ underground makes me a bit on edge, y’know? I just figured I should know how on edge I should be or if I’m just psychin’ myself out.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Pretty sure he's not in the best of moods, anyways." Teya hummed. "We're about two stories deep. I think it's about 20 feet?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Kal paused. “Alright, so if I’m over six feet tall, and that’s twenty feet, how many Kals do I need to have stacked on each other to have twenty feet? Like, a few, right?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"If you were exactly six feet, it'd be just over three Kals. Three and one third. Since you're a bit over that, probably around three, even." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“.. Huh..” Kal was easily able to imagine himself stacked on top of himself. Like little building blocks. “Alright, that doesn’t seem too bad..” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Another way to think about it is, there's only one floor in between us and the surface." Teya added. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Oh- That’s a pretty good way to think about it!!” Kal grinned. “Okay, cool, cool, sounds good- Not as terrifying as it is.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"No worries. I'm not the biggest fan of being down here, either, if I'm being honest. I like to be where I can see the sky." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Same,” Kal nodded. “I miss it already- I heard you climbed the volcano, too! How was that?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh, yeah. Fio and Astrid and I climbed it last summer." Teya nodded. "It was fun- probably a bit easier than when you did it. Less ice." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Yeah, I had no idea that there was even ice on a volcano. Crazy, right? Astrid saved me big time by giving me equipment- I was just gonna climb with my shirt and my gloves!” Kal laughed. “Glad that you had a fun time!” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Mhm. I'm glad she helped you out. It's a pretty rough climb, in the winter." Teya hummed. "It was fun. We're already planning to go again next year, maybe bring along a few more friends. We're definitely gonna take more photos next time." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Man, I’d ask if I could join you guys, but I likely won’t be around for that, especially with, y’know,” Kal waved his hand around, though Teya couldn’t see it. “My powers being taken. I’d probably dip out once Yeonixaho was done with ‘em.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Mhm. Right." Teya hummed, slightly awkwardly, "Well, we'd have loved to have you with us, anyways." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"I feel like it would've been fun," Kal hummed. "I haven't climbed with a group of people in years, 'specially those who are skilled already. I used to teach climbing to beginners and teach rock climbing to the kids at some of the centers, but that's nothin' like the real deal." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Fio and Astrid and I are hardly experienced in the wider world of climbing. Outside of Astrid, we've all only climbed the one volcano. We just know it well." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Well, hey, that's still somethin'!" Kal chuckled. "I had zero experience, you guys got a lot more experience than I do in that sense, then. Either way, it would've been a blast. Would you ever consider branchin' out to see what other things are out there to climb?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Maybe, if the church ever resumes mission work. Until then, we're stuck on the island, and there's really only one thing worth climbing here." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Mission work? You guys would go out and about?" Kal asked. "Man- We could totally climb somethin' out there then!" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Back in the day- like, way back in the day. We haven't done it since I was a teenager." Teya hummed. "But we'd go around offering aide to folks who needed it- mostly by setting up small temporary triage and emergency care sites in places that really needed them. Like I said, we haven't done it in a while. But I guess if we did, we'd have the opportunity to climb more things." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Man, so that's been a while, huh?" Kal hummed. "Seems real nice of you guys to offer care to people who needed it. There's plenty of accidents and natural disasters that happen all over. Glad you guys were able to lend a hand." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"It has." Teya hummed. "Yeah... we mostly helped refugees from the war, honestly. It's just so terrible..." She didn't offer any commentary to which war 'the war' was. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Yeah, the war," Kal nodded his head. He wasn't sure what war Teya was referring to, but he was aware of one war. "That's why my Ma left our homeland, she knew one was comin'. I dunno what place that is, but it apparently started a year or two after I was born." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"You're South Loucari? I wouldn't have guessed that, based on the accent." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Oh- Maybe I'm from there?" Kal tilted his head. "I don't really know, my Ma never told me where we came from. Maybe that's the place- Is it an island? I remember her saying once that it was an island, but that's about it." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh, well.... the South Loucari is an archipelago, a group of islands." Teya hummed. "And the war began around... twenty-five to thirty years ago, depending on who you ask. I'm South Loucari, my mother's from the middle isles. It... would line up." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Huh," Kal ran a hand along his chin, as though he was stroking an imaginary beard. "That could make sense. I'm 24, and my Ma had left before I was born.. Maybe that's where I'm from." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"A lot of people here are from the South Loucari, or some are from the regular Loucari. I think it's me, Hang, and Demikadrae who are all South Loucari." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Man- I wish I could've spoken to them. I'm glad I can at least talk to you, though!" Kal grinned. "Do the islands still exist? Is it a place I can still go to?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Maybe I can bring them down here sometime..." Teya hummed. "Oh, yeah, the islands still exists. But the war's still happening, so it's not the safest place to visit." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Really? I'd appreciate that big time!" Kal's grin faltered. "Aw man, it's still happenin'? That's a shame.." He paused before continuing, "I know my dad's on that island. Or, he's supposed to be. I dunno if he moved away from the war, or if he's still there." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Of course." Teya hummed. "Yes... it's very unfortunate, but... there's no stable government, now that the Loucari's pulled out- it's a good thing, mark my words, that the Isles aren't being colonized anymore, but now no one knows who's in charge." She sighed. "There's thirty major islands and about ten times the number of different ethnic groups. It was hard to find people before the war, so I hear. I'm sorry Kal, but I wouldn't even know where to start looking for your father." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Well, hey, I’m happy to at least have a name in mind for the islands! That’s better than what I had before. Thanks a bunch, Teya,” Kal grinned. “I’m sure I’ll find a way, or figure somethin’ out. I’m happy just to have a place to start.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Teya hummed. "Just... be careful, if you ever decide to go there looking for anything. War doesn't take kindly to travelers." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"I'll be careful, promise," Kal chuckled. "I'll be so careful, real super careful. So careful, it'll be like you won't even know I was there." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Okay. Good luck." Teya Said, though she sounded doubtful. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Thanks!" Kal said, probably not understanding all that well that Teya was incredibly doubtful. Kal glanced around his darkened cell and hummed. "Y'know, I kinda like the look of this cell." He paused. "But who's your guys' interior decorator? I'd adjust the place a bit, spruce it up. Maybe put a light or two here or there." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I don't actually know who designed the island buildings." Teya hummed, then added, "Well...." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Kal tilted his head. "Oh? Who do you think designed the place?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh, uh- I don't really have any specific ideas, but-" Teya coughed into her hand. "I... figure they aren't... with us anymore." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Oh, really? Dang." Kal paused. "What happened?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"When... when I was about seven or so, a lot of... people died." Teya said, extremely hesitant to divulge this information. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Oh- Oh," Kal winced. "Oh man, I'm sorry to hear that.. That had to have sucked, I'm sorry.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"It... wasn't good. Nearly the entire church, gone..." From her tone, it was clear Teya had trouble speaking about this. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Oh man- That's horrible. How did- Fuck, I'm sorry." Kal genuinely apologized. "If it's too hard to talk about, you don't gotta, but- If you need to vent or anythin', I'm here, alright? Don't force yourself to speak, it's alright." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"They... they said it was magnolia fever, but- I know there were people there that had it as kids. They would've been immune, they wouldn't have caught it-" Teya choked out. She took in a few shaky breaths. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be speaking of this." (edited)

7:04 PM

@🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Hey, hey, it's alright," Kal's voice softened in an attempt to help soothe her. "It's alright, just take some deeper breaths, alright? We're all good here." He wanted to comment and ask if it could've been a different kind of disease, but he wanted Teya to relax a little bit. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Teya took in a few more breaths, slowly becoming more and more steady. She braced herself on her trident. "Thank you..." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Yeah, no problem, Teya- Why don't you go ahead and take a seat? Might make you feel even more better." Kal suggested with the same tone. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I need to remain standing. Protocol." Teya said. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Oh- Right, that makes sense," Kal paused. ".. Do you feel a bit better, at least..?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"A bit." Teya sighed. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Good, good," Kal nodded. "A bit is better than 'not at all,' so that can be a bit of a win." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Teya didn't reply directly to his words. "I... shouldn't be speaking of such matters to you, anyways." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Kal grabbed onto one of his books. He dragged his thumb across the braille bumps of the cover and took in a deep breath of his own. "Yeah, maybe not, but- I'm just a guy. I'm not gonna judge or anythin', if you ever gotta vent or just talk. I don't have much else to do.." He paused for a moment. "All I know is that that must've been terrifying for you. Sounds terrifying." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Teya sighed. "It... wasn't the most pleasant thing to go through." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"I'm sure it wasn't," Kal nodded. "You've been through a lot." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"So many people... all gone within weeks..." Teya continued. "People I knew. People I cared about, who cared about me..." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“I’m sorry that you had to experience that loss, Teya,” Kal apologized quietly. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Don't apologize. Please." Teya sighed. "You had nothing to do with it." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“I know, but I’m sorry you had to go through it. I’ve been through loss, maybe not to your degree, but- I know how much it sucks.” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I'd just... I'd rather not think of it anymore. There's nothing that can be done." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Alright, that's cool, we don't have to talk about it then, if you'd like," Kal paused. "Wanna change the subject to somethin' more fun and lighthearted?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I'd appreciate it." Teya hummed. "What about... do you have a favorite food?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Oh man- For sure! Tamales- Love them," Kal grinned. "Any kind of Mexican food is right up my alley. Or, though, any kind of food. I'm grateful to be able to eat, if I'm honest. What's your favorite kind of food?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Well, there's only so much we can make here, what with how cold it is. But I like the vegetable roasts we're able to make in the summer." Teya hummed. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Veggies are great! It's always nice- I like putting tons of veggies in a stir-fry, it's really good." Kal hummed. "D'you got a favorite animal?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Mmmhmmm, that sounds tasty." Teya hummed. "We mostly have birds and small mammals here. I've always thought the puffins that live closer to the shore were cool, in their silly little way." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Puffins? What're puffins?" Kal asked. He imagined a puffy muffin, of course, but he knew that wasn't it. Mmm, a muffin sounded nice. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"They're a type of bird, they live by the water in cold places like this." Teya explained. "I don't know much more about them. They've got webbed feet and big beaks." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Oh!" Kal snapped his fingers. "Like penguins- Those kinda sound like penguins." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Mhm, somewhat like that. They have bodies more like ducks, though." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Oh snap!! That’s real cool,” Kal grinned. He could already imagine it now. “I like-” He cut himself off when he heard Chaos™️ happening. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh- shit." Teya said, and didn't reply to Kal. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Uh- Hope everything’s okay?” Kal frowned. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Kal decided to use this time to feel along the door and the wall. He couldn’t get anything out of it with how distracted he was at the sound of chaos. Not only that, but he bonked his head and now his head’s hurty

He decided he’d listen in to whatever was happening.

Since things simmered on down, Kal went back to his book, and proceeded to struggle to process the braille. At this point, he knew up to the letter D, because of course, he got the D, but he was stumped beyond that. He’d get it sooner or later.

It seemed that he would be 'getting it' much later than he would've liked. Nothing was sticking to his brain. He'd stumble over letters, get them twisted up, forget which dots meant what, get a song stuck in his head- It was infuriating. "Damn it!" Kal whisper-shouted to himself. In an act of utter frustration, he bonked himself in the forehead with the book. Stars danced in his vision- Alright, maybe, just maybe, he bonked himself a bit too hard. Still, those stars were the most 'light' he had been able to see in a good while, so a part of him welcomed the sight. Kal missed the night sky. He missed running under the stars and climbing. Being underground wasn't natural. It was wrong. He wasn't meant to be caged, he was meant to soar, leap, fly. In an effort to keep himself from getting even more frustrated, he set the book down and laid down on his back. His head was already beginning to pound. [Kal's, stupidly, at 19 HP]

🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ changed the channel name: Kal Chat (and Teya) 10/14/2023 1:15 PM

(Since I just put tons of Kal stuff here FHDKDBDJDJ)

( @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania this be it LMAOOOO)

🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐ changed the channel name: Kal Chat 10/14/2023 1:24 PM

What was probably only about a couple of days felt like years to Titania. It was hard to not hear, not feel, everything going on around her. Being stuck in the cell was her own version of what death must of felt like. Helpless, dark, and cold. She wished she could of at least gave Kass a proper goodbye... The princess' thoughts had been startled plenty of times before, the time it sounded like someone had accidentally hurt themselves, the time the guards and The Head came by to harass the woman who loved to talk... and now whoever was screaming in the cells. She looked towards her door, frowning. She didn't really want to know what was going on, but Titania felt like she was going to go insane if she didn't move or talk any longer. Slowly, she shifted and put her head against the bottom of her door. "I-Is everything okay out there..? It sounds like a lot of you are getting hurt.." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Oh snap- Am I being too loud?" Kal spoke from his cell in response to Titania. "Sorry, I can try and quiet down- I'm alright! Just gave myself a little smack with the book on accident-" Liar. "- But I'm fine." He paused. "Are you doin' okay? You sounded real stressed comin' here. How're you handlin' it?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania recognized the man's voice in response, though, she still didn't quite know who it was. She just knew this person was more tolerable. "Oh.. I am.. alright. You are not being too loud.. You are the one reading, correct..?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Yeah, or at least, I'm tryin' to," Kal let out a quiet, easy-going laugh. He was making an effort to be quiet, but still be loud enough to be heard and get across the friendly tone of his voice. "I'm kinda strugglin' with it, not gonna lie. I'm not the best at it." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

The princess hummed as she listened to Kal the best she could. It was hard with the new person here making so much noise. "Not the best at reading..?" She questioned. Was the person talking a child? They had a pretty deep voice if so. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Nah, not the best. The worst, actually,” Kal chuckled as he scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “Never had the opportunity to learn how to read or do math when I was a kid. I tried to learn ‘em both on my own, but it never really stuck.” @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Hm.. So not a child. Interesting. Perhaps a homeless straggler then? That would make sense. "I see.. that is rather sad. Not being able to read... You do not know the joy of reading a good story or tale. I love reading books.. it is one of the only things I enjoy, actually. To imagine not being able to..." Titania frowned. "Would you like some help..? I know you must of asked someone else already for it.. But perhaps I could? I had to learn this language.. English, from my father. I probably understand where some of the more difficult problems are." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Hah, yeah, I've kinda missed out on a lot of stories. But audio books are pretty cool! I like 'em a lot. I try to follow along with the text, but I lose track kinda easily." He chuckled. "Man, I'd appreciate some help! Yeonaixho tried lendin' me a hand, but I'm kinda- Bad at it. I found out I got dyslexia, too." A grin could be heard in Kal's voice. "But I'd appreciate a helpin' hand big time. But I'm a bit curious- What language did you learn first?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

"Audio books..?" Titania tilted her head as much as she could in her cramped cell. "I am afraid I do not quite know what those are.. Are they books that speak to you?" She asked before settling back down. "The Hand.. I do not think we can trust him to be of any help in general now.. I am sure he had the right intentions at first trying to help you, but... As where we are now, I would not want anything to do with him," the princess frowned. "As for my native tongue, it is Forykinir. It is a language only spoken in my kingdom. It was quite difficult to learn English, as only my father and I did for some time." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"It's kinda like that, yeah! Except you have a phone or a machine read the words out loud for you, and you can follow along with it. It's pretty nice, highly recommend it." Kal hummed. "Yeah, we definitely shouldn't trust the guy who took our powers. Can't believe I trusted him to begin with, I should've known that there was somethin' shady about him." Kal perked up slightly. "Oh man, I've never heard of that language. What's that language like?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Phones weren't something Titania was familiar with. Machines were only slightly less unknown to her, so Titania was left still rather perplexed. "I see.. It must be convenient to those who cannot physically read," Titania commented. "...Did The Hand befriend you before bringing you down here? It sounds like you two knew each other a bit more closely than others.." "And Forykinir is a language that consists of clicks. I would show you some basics.. but I believe learning how to read English may be a bit more important to you.." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Mmhm, it’s definitely helped me out big time, it’s real helpful,” Kal nodded his head. “Yeah, he kinda did. He really believed in me with my learning. It was kinda nice, until, you know, he had me drink tea and took my powers.” “Oh man- I’d definitely love to learn the basics of that!” Kal chuckled. “But for now, maybe one language at a time. English is real valuable for me.” @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania hummed, looking down towards the cold and gray concrete before turning her head towards the door once again. "What is your name, sir? I wanted to ask what your powers were before they were taken, but it made me realize I do not even know your name.." They asked curiously. "It will make teaching you much easier as well.." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Oh man- Sorry, it’s totally rude of me not to have given you my name this whole time!” Kal laughed. “I’m Kal Valdez, great to meet you! I had the power of adrenal manipulation, which is just fancy talk for the fact that I could boost my adrenaline to make myself faster or stronger.” “What’s your name? And what were your powers?” @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Kal Valdez.. okay, easy enough to remember, at least. And andrenal manipulation..? Even with Kal's explanation, Titania still didn't really know what that meant. "It is nice to make your acquaintance, Sir Kal, despite the circumstances. I am..." Titania paused for a moment, looking down at the form she currently possessed. She didn't quite look like a normal princess at the moment, and if she was going to help Kal read, Kal would have to see what they looked like eventually. Well, hopefully Kal wouldn't mind. "I am Princess Titania Anasah... I had powers of illusions... but without it, I am quite vulnerable." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“A Princess! It’s great to meet you, your highness,” Kal smiled. “I see- Well hey, if anyone tries anything, Princess Titania, I’ll fight them for you. Promise!” @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

The princess faintly smiled, despite Kal not being able to see it. "I appreciate it, Sir Kal.. but I think it is better in this situation to look for your own well being first over a stranger's," Titania replied. "And you do not have to call me by my formal title.. It is a bit unfitting for the moment." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Nah, Imma try to look out for you. I like lookin’ out for people,” Kal chuckled. “And nah, I’ll still refer to you as one no matter how you look, Princess. You’re one inside and out.” He paused. “Unless you’d feel more comfortable if I didn’t, but still, that’s my stance on it.” @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania's faint smile spread a bit further. "I see. You are a protector of sorts, Sir Kal. I wish there were more people like yourself around here.." She commented. Perhaps some of the humans down here weren't so bad, after all. "...And I suppose you are free to call me what you like. Princess is simply a formal title." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“I wish there were, too. Then, none of us would be in this situation,” Kal sighed. “And alright, Titania. I’ll call you by your name since we’re buds now, but in my brain, you’ll always be ‘Princess.’” @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

"Right.." Titania commented, but it might of not been loud enough for Kal to hear. Her wings shifted a bit and they frowned towards the ground. "Are we able to leave these rooms? I do not think I will be able to fit through this door without some help.. But perhaps you can? The chains holding us seem to expand a little.." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Maybe.. I can ask,” Kal wasn’t too sure if they would. “If it’s just for me to keep learning, maybe they’ll be fine with it? I haven’t been troublesome. And I think I hear Yeonaixho, so maybe I can ask him..?” @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania shifted in her cell as the voices besides Kal got louder. They weren't keen on many of the people, after all. "..Maybe, but I doubt he will bother answering. He seems to be avoiding everything." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Maybe I’ll still ask. He answered- Peregrine, I think? It wouldn’t hurt to ask.” Kal hummed. He scooted closer to the door and spoke louder to be heard.. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

(Moving back here lol) Titania sighed. "Perhaps later, we can have watched visitation.. whenever they can 'spare' man power," she told Kal after The Hand had focused her attention towards the more problematic crowd. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“That’s okay, at least we can say we tried.” Kal sighed. He smiled a little. “I appreciate you lendin’ a hand with askin’, I appreciate this all a bunch. At least we can stay being neighbors,” @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania nodded, but still sighed. "..Maybe it is for the best we do not see each other for now. I feel rather.. Inappropriate to be sharing a space with someone due to my current appearance," Titania frowned. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“It’s okay, even if we saw each other, I’m not one to judge.” Kal hummed. “If I judge someone, it’s because of how they are as a person, just as I’d want them to judge me the same way. Let them judge my morals, my views, my actions, everythin’ that makes me me. I know I get looked at as an idiot, which is, you know, pretty obvious." He tapped the side of his head. "It's a bit hollow up there, imma be real with you, but if others judge me because of how I look, then that's on them. They don't know me but if they judge me because of how I physically appear, then that's just weakness on their part as a human being, wouldn't you say? I look at people with an open mind, open heart, and work forward from there." “I’m ramblin’ a lil’ bit but any judgement that you've gotten from people, that's judgement that you don't deserve, and I can promise you that you won’t get that kind of judgement from me.” @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

As Kal rambled, Titania was more than willing to listen. If there was anyone down here she could stand to listen to, it was probably Kal. A faint smile spread on their lips and they leaned their head against the wall. "I.. appreciate that, Sir Kal. You certainly are one of the kinder humans," Titania replied. "Though, I do not think you are an idiot. You are kind and endearing. Perhaps a little under-educated, but people are intelligent in their own ways." @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Thanks, I appreciate that big time,” Kal chuckled. “It makes me happy to know that you feel that way. There’s a lot of hate and negativity in the world, why add more when you can just be nice? It’s easier than being mean. I don’t get why anyone would wanna be mean for.” The young man laughed. “Aw, thanks. That means a ton. I think I might be intelligent in some ways- I’m still Figurin’ out what ways those are though.” @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania nodded in agreement, again, despite Kal not being able to see it. "Agreed. There is no need to be harsh or cold to another. The world is already difficult navigating.. people should help others just because of that," she mused. "You are emotionally intelligent it seems, Sir Kal. You know yourself and know how to keep positive. I think people around you would be less wary just by being in your space," she smiled. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Right? We should just be able to spread positivity to one another and lend a helpin’ hand when we can-” As he spoke, he gave a harsh tug on his chains but didn’t break them. He continued to speak as though nothing had happened. “It just stinks that other people easily do the opposite.” Kal chuckled. “Aw, thanks! I didn’t think I was an emotionally intelligent kind of person, but I also didn’t really know that kind of intelligence existed. Thank you so much.” @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania opened her mouth to reply, but the announcement and sounds of movement startled her. She cowered a bit more towards the wall, unsure what was going on. Only after the guards had left, did Titania realize the sound of things breaking down around them. "W-What is going on?" Titania asked with confusion. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“Looks like the inmates are running the prison now,” Kal commented. So much for sitting and reading. With a sharp tug, he grinned at the pain that flared up when he broke his chains. “I think it’s escaping time.” @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania