snowtourn

The boat consisted of an outdoor upper deck, and a lower indoor deck. 

The lower deck consisted of a few rooms- the mess hall, complete with the buffet Petrai had promised, and a small lounge area. It was warm and insulated, but still had large windows to offer views of the passing sea. 

The upper deck was far colder, shaded by a roof but otherwise open to the elements. It’s notably much colder on the outdoor deck than it is inside the boat. Benches had been set up around the deck, offering a place to sit and watch the horizon go by. It was still rather dark out, so there wasn’t much to see.

innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) pinned a message to this channel. 7/8/2023 10:22 AM

Ryunoske walked up to the first deck with Glass in tow. She looked around, taking note of all of their exits and interesting points of the ship itself. It was spacious enough for a fight, but how good would it be against a group of power-wielding people? Ryunoske didn't know if she would want to test it. "No, you won't have to worry about anything like that," Ryunoske nodded with a confident tone. "Though, I wouldn't try to piss off any of these church people either. They got an.. air to them." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Glass followed Ryu onto the deck, scanning the area. She didn't know much about boats, but this one seemed fancy enough. "Aw, thank you," Glass smiled. "Truth be told, I wasn't planning on messing with the church people, anyways. I don't like to get myself into fights when I don't have to." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Madeline had been standing beside Albanes, carefully monitoring the crowd. The people on this dock looked nothing like she knew. Wearing weird outfits and carrying weird things. She took a step closer to Albanes' side, standing partially in front of her. ".. I am nervous about some of these guests.. They seem.. Unrefined." Madeline said quietly. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) (edited)

Albanes kept watch over the crowd, even as Madeline stepped in front of her. She hummed in thought. "Not all of them look so bad." She replied, just as quietly. "Some of them look nice. And even if they are rowdy, we'll be able to keep them in line. Surely, they'll understand our ways of life." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

".. And what if we can't? We appear to be outnumbered.. I question why we invited more than we might be able to handle.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"My father would not have invited people here if he was afraid of them." Albanes said, confidence in her voice. "We'll be able to handle it." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"Wasn't so bad, was it?" He grinned. "Down the stairs huh? So must be around... here?" Wolf spoke as he examined his surroundings. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Yuga couldn't think of anything to say. His mind was quickly becoming overwhelmed by the smell of food that wafted from the lower deck. The fox huffed, drool quickly forming on the corners of his mouth. He followed the scent eagerly, but paused at the sight of the buffet. He looked at it hungrily and a little jittery, but hesitated. Was it a trap? Was he allowed to take food just like that? It couldn't be so easy.. and in any case he was dirty. Someone would get angry at him and chase him off the table. @Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

Wolf noted that Yuga seemed distracted by the food to get the coat promised to him. Fair enough. "You want to eat then? Yeah- we can do that." He nodded a little. "Let's go get you a plate." He began heading to the buffet. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"Fights is about all I'm good for, but even then, I rather keep my fists away from these people... I feel like they'll start preaching to me if I get within a meter of them," Ryunoske laughed, but there was a sense of dread to it. "I just hope they are not too pushy with things, because they won't like the response I'll give them if they don't take no," she hummed as she found a nice empty corner of the lounge area to sit at. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

1:21 PM

Titania dragged her four large suitcases onto the boat, giddy and excited. "Wow! This voyager is quite dainty! How adorable," she cooed as she looked around. "Where do you think they will be taking us, Miss Hannah? They said to bring clothing for the cold, but I can see you are not. Are you not worried about it?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

Glass sat down in another of the lounge area seats. "I guess that's what we get for coming to a tournament run by some weird church... gonna have to get used to being around church weirdos." She hummed. "Are you religious, yourself? I'm not." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Yuga's head ticked slightly towards Wolf when he spoke, but the words registered a moment after. He blinked, turning towards the man, and remembered the coat. He sighed, embarrassed of his greed, but couldn't help the loud groan that his stomach made at the scent of the buffet. He keeled over slightly, hugging his belly with a slight grimace, before staggering after Wolf again. @Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺 (edited)

"What's your diet? Obviously certain food as certain nutritional value. You can't eat too much- especially if you've been starving for a while. It'll just come back up. So we gotta pick what you eat carefully." Wolf put his hands on his hips, looking over the food. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Yuga looked at Wolf once again bewildered. He sure was saying words. He looked between the food and the guy, and the water from his mouth started to drop in slow strings onto his hoodie. "Um... I can eat anything. I think", Yuga said uncertainly. "I doon't have allerrrgrrreyrr.... eees" the fox seemed very displeased with his pronunciation and huffed, wiping his mouth on his sleeve. @Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

"Okay so we'll see if you can eat this..." Wolf grabbed a plate and began putting things on it. Small pancakes with syrup for the sugars and carbs, a small bunch of fruit, a cup of milk... "And the best part of the dish- protein." Wolf grinned as he slid some flavored eggs onto the plate- even including a couple sausages. He held it out to Yuga. "Go ahead and eat that and see how you feel, yeah?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga (edited)

Ryunoske shook her head and rested her arms on the back of her seat. "No, and I never plan to be," she responded. "It's not something suited to my lifestyle. If anything, it's the complete opposite of it," Ryu chuckled. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Glass hummed in thought. "I was raised religious, but I left it when I was a teenager. Never suited me." She raised an eyebrow. "Your lifestyle, huh? And what kind of lifestyle might that be?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Drugs cw/ Ryunoske hummed. "Really? You used to be?" She asked, rather intrigued. "I never would of guessed. What was the final straw for you?" She then smiled a bit and gave Glass a look. "Well, first of all, a good portion of my income goes directly into weed and alcohol. I have a bad addiction problem. Can't go without any of it for a few hours. I'm surprised you can't smell it off of me."@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄) (edited)

Yuga looked at the plate and the milk, and stared at the food with eyes comically wide. He had to use all his self-restrain not to wolf it all down there and then (hehe, wolf), and looked up at the wrestler with an inquiring expression. He resembled a dog who has a treat on his nose and who is waiting for a permission to take it. "Should I sit?" he asked. It wasn't maybe apparent with how withdrawn and wary Yuga was, but he was raised to be polite. He was afraid of breaking some sort of code and getting people angry, enough so that he could stop himself from going feral on his plate. @Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺 (edited)

"When they said it was a sin for me to kiss girls." Glass shrugged. "I've got a terrible sense of smell. Comes with all this." She gestured at herself vaguely. "So you've got your own vices, huh? Yeah, I bet the church people won't be fond of that." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania ||homophobia mention

"Yeah!" Wolf chuckled quietly as he walked toward a seat. He set the plate down at a different seat for Yuga before sitting in his own across the table. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Yuga followed close by, eyes fixed on the plate. Once they sat, he could only hold himself a moment longer before he started inhaling the breakfast. He maybe should have chewed better. @Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

"Hey, make sure you chew..." Wolf mumbled, turning his head so he wasn't watching. Yuga seemed anxious and he didn't want to make the other feel awkward from him just. Watching him eat. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Yuga didn't answer, but seemed to listen, because he slowed down enough to chew each bite at least for a little while. It didn't take long for him to clean the plate and drink the milk. Beforehand he had felt like he could eat the whole buffet, but now that he downed what Wolf had given him, he was suddenly stuffed. He leaned back in his chair and sighed, starting to feel drowsy. @Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

Wolf chuckled, "feel better? You look like you're about to pass out. Now that you've had some good food, I don't blame you for wanting to sleep a bit." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"Mhm", Yuga nodded to Wolf's question, but frowned slightly at the rest of what he said. "No... I can't sleep here. Not safe", he shook his head, blinking and trying to open his eyes wider to get the sleepiness go away. @Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

"I'm sure we could find a space you'd be comfortable sleeping in." Wolf shrugged. "A bed or- I guess if you want privacy a closet maybe? There's gotta be a storage room on this thing..." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Yuga's face scrunched up slightly as he thought, putting a sleeve-covered hand under his chin. "I could hide... Maybe if I get a big coat and hide under it in a closet? People think it's fallen on floor and nobody is under it", he pondered aloud. @Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

"Whatever you're comfortable and feel safe in." Wolf shrugged. "I can't stand guard though... I plan on doing some searching while here. Scouting the competition." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Yuga shook his head again. "You don't should. Should not. Hrm. You don't need to, stand guard." He honestly didn't trust Wolf enough yet to have him there when he slept either. "I will be fine. Thank you", he added. @Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

Wolf gave a thumbs up. "At least you ate. That's the important part." Wolf gave a small grin. "...Say, I don't... think I've gotten your name yet-" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"Oh", Yuga looked at Wolf with mild surprise, and then sheepishly grinned at him. "Sorry. Forrgot. I'm Yuga." @Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

Kass followed Valerie as the two boarded the boat, pausing to pick up a single lone bag, presumably hers. Once the two had settled on the upper deck of the boat, she rested her bony arms against the railing and peered over, looking down at the other competitors still on the docks. “There’s quite a few people here. Simultaneously more and less than I thought,” she remarked. “Hm, have you spoken to any of them yet?” @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

Wolf chuckled, "it's fine. People forget to introduce themselves all the time." Happens." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Yuga nodded, and stifled a yawn. He stretched his arms, arching his back, and his tail slipped out of the hoodie. He quickly stuffed it back in and around his waist, before glancing around to see if anyone noticed. Then he looked at Wolf again and shrugged a little, soon standing up. @Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

Valerie followed behind Kass, handing in her invite to the nearby guard as she goat aboard. She moved to the top of the deck, resting her arms on the railing as well as she peered down. "I cam agree yeah. I've spoken to one, her name is Ryu." She smiled. "Old friend of mine. Tall, has brown hair and tattoos. Hard to miss. You'll know her when you see her. How about you?" @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Wolf glanced around. "Well. I'll see about getting you a coat and then we part ways. That way you're more comfortable wherever you choose to sleep." He gave a thumbs up. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Yuga nodded again, this time more decisively, and gave Wolf thumbs-up in return. Though it was a little harder to see when his paws were still covered by the long sleeves. @Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

Wolf picked up the plate, moving to drop it off so it could be cleaned before looking around for whever the coats were being distributed. "I don't need one-I'll be fine as I am. I don't get cold easily." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Yuga hummed in response. Normally his fur should be enough to keep him warm, but now that it was dirty and unhealthy, it didn't help as much. "Hope you don't get sick", he said to say something, as he tailed the man and looked for the coats himself. @Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

"I don't get sick." Wolf waved a hand, "I have to be able to be at top performance each week for my matches." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Yuga made another quiet howl to express admiration. He tried to keep his head still low whenever they passed other people, which made looking for anything harder. He had no idea where the coats could be, and he was getting a little frustrated with it. @Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

Wolf was getting frustrated as well. Thankfully, though, it didn't take too long to find the coats. Just a little (uncomfortable) walk. But eventually, Wolf managed to catch sight of them. "Over here." He spoke up, in case Yuga had gotten lost in his head or something. "Think they have your size?" He questioned. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Onto the boat we go! Eli did a small spin and smiled. He even helped Ekmeros onto the boat. "Ta dah~" @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Ekmeros did not look any more comfortable on the boat. "Thank you," he mumbled. @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

Now that the fear was gone, Isi was so hungry, not having had a proper meal in days. They made their way to the tables with the food, finding more choice than they'd had in a while.

Darcy also ended up in the dining area, and was utterly amazed by it. He'd never seen such fresh-prepared food, in such quantities, just able to be taken. It's his first-ever buffet expirience, and he's taking the most of it by getting a meal of plain toast and eggs. "Oh, hello!" He said when he neared Isi. "I don't think we've met before." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Isi had also never been to a buffet before, and so just began copying what others did. She completely ignored the eggs and breakfast meats, going straight to the fresh fruit and basically entirely loading up her plate with that, though she did also take some toast with jam. She looked up at whomever had just spoken with a little bit of surprise, they'd been so focused. "Oh! Hello! I haven't met most people, so that's not surprising - I'm Isi" she smiled at him. She liked his clothes, though she thought she might suffocate from heat if she wore them herself. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Neither have I, to be honest." Darcy laughed. "My name's Darcy- Darcy Sterling. You're here for the tournament too, I presume?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"So I've been told! Though honestly, they could've just told me there would be food like this and I would've gone without the whole money thing-" She's only half joking. Darcy is a neat name. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Darcy laughed, somewhat awkwardly. "Yes... I've never seen this kind of serving arrangement before, so it's all quite new to me. It's kind of overwhelming, there's so many choices..." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Isi nodded "yeah, me neither. All the smells kinda overwhelmed me when I got in here-" she couldn't help it and had a few of the berries on her plate. "I also smelled that-" she pointed to a few coffee machines. "-and now I'm curious because I've never had it before either." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Mm.." Madeline mumbled. She scanned the dock, watching Roque approach Petrai. As the scythe came out, Madeline took a step forward and watched closely. She didn't look away until Roque had walked past them and entered the vessel. Madeline sighed and shifted on her feet, stepping back in front of Albanes. She waited until Roque appeared to be out of sight before speaking. "... Already a close call. Trying to intimidate Petrai right away.. We'll have to keep our eye on her.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh, that looks good! I didn't see where the fruit was..." Darcy glanced back at the buffet, looking for it. "Oh, coffee machines! I'm more of a tea person myself, really." He hummed. "Coffee's rather bitter, in my opinion, but a lot of people like it." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

8:10 PM

Albanes watched intently as Roque and Petrai spoke, keeping her hand firmly over her mace the entire conversation. She, too, didn't say anything as the conversation went on, but breathed a sigh of relief as Roque boarded. "I can't believe she'd wave a weapon in her face like that..." Albanes's tone grew cautious. "Perhaps you're right..." Hearing the conversation vaguely about her, Petrai turned to the two younger women. "I'll be keeping an eye on that one. Don't worry." She quickly resumed her work of gathering invitations. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"I've had tea before, but coffee was always kind of expensive maybe I should try it" Isi pondered. "Have you met anyone else here? I kind of want to meet everyone but people are busy and some of them are kinda scary, honestly" Isi asked him out of the blue, jumping quickly to the next thought. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"It's definitely worth trying! And it'll warn you up, since it's such a cold day." Darcy nodded. "I've met a few people, yes. I met a nice man who played the viol, and a young man who can from far away, and a very interesting princess who wrote horror stories." Darcy hummed. He didn't mention meeting Peregrine, since that interaction hadn't gone well at all. "Oh, some of the people here are definitely a bit frightening... I suppose that's the demographic for a strange tournament." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Madeline stiffened as Petrai turned back to face them. She simply nodded twice and looked her.. almost in the eye. Once Petrai had gotten back to work, she looked back over toward Albanes. Not a moment after that she suddenly reached in to her pocket and took out a dagger, pointing it in Albanes' direction. She was looking past Albanes, right over her shoulder. "Whaaaat? You think I'm gonna hurt her or something? I'm just standing here, is that a crime?" Roque laughed from behind Albanes. "Do not move any closer." Madeline spoke clearly. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Albanes moved her hand from the pommel of her mace, to its handle, taking it off its place on her belt. She didn't yet raise it, but turned around ever-so-slowly to face Roque. Albanes did a fairly decent job of masking her surpised terror with a blank, neutral expression. To Roque, she said, "Can I help you with anything?" She didn't say anything to Madeline, not yet telling her to back off. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"Help me? Nah, I just couldn't help but overhear y'all talking about me. I have a good ear for that. Or maybe I just didn't walk off very far because I figured there'd be some gossiping." Roque chuckled, taking her scythe out and resting one side on the floor and leaning on it. "Do y'all know who I am? I want an idea of how isolated this locale really is." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Albanes kept her grip tight around her weapon, not wanting to be unprepared if she needed it. She didn't argue against the allegations of gossiping, no matter how hard she wanted to- it'd just make her come off as petty and whiny and childish, and she couldn't have that. "I can't say I do know who you are, outside of your name, that you have powers, and that you were one of the selected fighters for our tournament," Albanes maintained a steady tone, "Though, I ask, should I know who you are?" She shot a glance towards Madeline, hoping to find some support from the other. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

Isi listened to Darcy describe everyone, commiting each description to memory so she could spot them later. "I've met people too- like my friend Roy, and I met these two other guys but neither liked talking very much and the taller one only really looked at the little one." She spoke surprisingly fast. She decided to take Darcy's suggestion when shed finished, stepping over to make some coffee. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Roy, hm? Maybe I'll run into him later." Darcy mused. He waited where he was as Isi made coffee, not feeling confident enough in their new friendship to follow her. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

As soon as she realized Darcy hadn't followed her, she sped up the coffee making as much as possible, even spilling a tiny bit on her way back to him. "I hope you do, he's really nice- he'll probably come to get food" Aaaaand this is Isi realizing she accidentally left him with the other two and feeling like a really bad friend. "He shoots stars from his fingers when he gets excited. I mean I know it's electricity but it looks like stars and I think that's more important, honestly" she paused. "What are your abilities? If you don't mind me asking" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Enya and Mallon are both here/chilling! Unfortunately Em is not so I will see you all Monday

Darcy raised his eyebrows at the description of Roy's powers. "Oh, my! That certainly sounds exciting." He laughed. "I have powers over language- it's a bit complicated to explain, but I can essentially cast 'spells' sourced from wordplay, or untranslatable phrases between languages. It's all a bit... complicated, if I'm being honest." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Madeline was still holding her dagger, looking straight at Roque. As Albanes looked back, she shifted her attention toward her- only for a moment before putting her attention back on Roque. "Why yes, I would expect girls of your age to know of me.. I'm Roque Rayes, of the Roqueing Rayes.. Also known as the most popular electropunk band in the world currently. Also known for some other things.. Maybe you'll get to see." "Well, we do not know you beyond what we need to for this tournament." Madeline said. "Yeesh, all you guys talk like you have a stick up your ass or something. Lighten up, crack some jokes or something, yeesh. Not a great first impression from the first three of you I meet. At least the other contestant I've spoken to is weak willed enough to be funny in a pathetic kind of way.. And the other was kind of neutral I suppose, overly nice.." Roque hummed, leaning back and picking up her scythe. "Did you bring anybody that's actually fun to talk to, or should I not bother mingling with the employees or whatever you are?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Isi listened intently. "complicated and cool- that's probably gonna be really neat in the tournament" She replied. She hoped it wasn't rude to eat while talking to Darcy. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Madeline is right," Albanes said. "Worldly matters are not of concern to us, nor is your.... various reputations." She scrunched up her face in somewhat fear, somewhat disgust. She ignored Roque's complaints about the other contestants. "If you need anything, I'd be happy to help, but otherwise I have work to be doing." Albanes excused. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

9:26 PM

"Thank you! I've prepared a few spells in advance... I hope I get a chance to use some of them, later." He laughed. He didn't seem offended by Isi eating while they spoke. "What are your powers, if I may ask?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"Talk to animals of various kinds. And I can throw a pretty decent kick." She demonstrated by lightly kicking out one of her hooves. She could explain more in depth if he asked, but that about summed it up. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Really?" Darcy lit up in wonder. "You can speak to animals? Truly? Is it like- a language of their own? How do they communicate? Is it all verbal?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Isi put down her plate because she is now full on explaining with her hands now that she has more energy. "Okay so- I haven't been able to do it for too long so I'm still rough with it but! While it really depends on the species from what I've gathered, communication is largely based on emotions, and animals have their own like, emotional languages? Like, birds of course, they sing. I communicate with them through whistles and with this" she pulled an ocarina out of her shirt, hung around her neck on a string. "It..can get a lot more complicated than that, especially if you try to talk to them instead of just listen" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Fascinating!" Darcy beamed, pulling out his notepad and pen to jot some of this down. "A communication system rooted entirely in emotion... incredible. While all human languages naturally contain some abilty to inflect emotion, I must assume that studying a language entirely rooted in it is an incredibly different process." He wrote down so much he had to flip to a new blank page. "Oh- and how does birdsong affect communication? Is it anything like how tonal languages function, in which the tone of a syllable designates its meaning?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Isi could akin Darcy's fascination to Roy's, especially with how both focused on different parts of her abilities based on their own lives. She loved it. "I'm-..not entirely sure what that means but I'll try and answer anyway! The speed and pitch of a birdsong can determine the tone or emotions of it, and different kinds of birds can give it different accents, from what I can tell- and I'm still trying to understand the songs, so I can't really give you an exact on words or specific chirp-to-emotion translation, but I'm working on that bit" She rambled a little bit, trying their best to explain what they'd learned. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh, I can explain!" Darcy lit up at the chance to infodump about languages. "So, tonality is a feature common in languages around the world, but I've always been partial to using Mandarin as an example, because of how clearly it uses tone, and because there's only four and they're rather easy to distinguish. Many words in mandarin are monosyllabic- meaning, they're comprised of only one simple syllable. This also means that many of them are said the same way when not distinguished by tone. But because mandarin is a tonal language, the pitch with which one says a word informs it's meaning. Take the word ma for example, when said in a flat tone as mā, it means mother, but when said with a rising tone as má, it translates to hemp!" "Oh, fascinating!" He said after Isi's explanation. "So, from what I gather, birdsong does have some similarities to the functionality of a tonal language. I wonder how one might document the variety of tones..." He muttered to himself, "Seems more like ornithological than linguistic work..." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Launa looked around the boat, finding a space to look out. Not noticing Critter disappear from their shoulder for a moment before coming back. A muffin held in his tail as he lifted it up to Launa. “Eat,” he said gently, Launa taking it absentmindedly as they looked out at the sea.

Ryunoske let out a small snort at that. "People still believe in that sort of stuff?" She asked with a small laugh. "Unbelievable." "I mean, they invited me here so.. I assume they know the general basis of my character. It'd be quite stupid on their part if they didn't," she hummed. "They'd be inviting a bunch of disastrous people to their lovely home. Sounds like a storm waiting to happen to me." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Isi became more excited as Darcy continued. "Yes! Yes, like that! Oh that's so neat-" she pondered for a moment. "Of course I can communicate most clearly with deer, but it's less of a language and more of a mutual understanding. There's not really words, you just know. I kinda miss it" She paused. "Sorry thats- a little off-topic, huh?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

Wolf was getting frustrated as well. Thankfully, though, it didn't take too long to find the coats. Just a little (uncomfortable) walk. But eventually, Wolf managed to catch sight of them. "Over here." He spoke up, in case Yuga had gotten lost in his head or something. "Think they have your size?" He questioned. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Yuga perked up and made his way to the old-timey cloaks. He sniffed them curiously and felt them with his paws, pulling some out to see what size they were. Soon he picked one that seemed to fit without dragging the ground, but was big enough that if he curled up, he would be completely hidden under it. He put the cloak on to try it, and walked around a bit to see how it felt. He felt a little silly in it, not really his style, but it was warm for sure. "This is good", he said. "Thanks for helping", he gave Wolf a small smile. (edited)

"No, I don't need anything.. I think I just have one more comment for one of you." Roque smiled and stepped around Albanes, now standing off to the side of both of them. Madeline kept her dagger raised, her grip tightening even more as Roque looked over at her and sniffed. "There's something in your blood that's just not right. I dunno what it is, but it's been getting worse the longer I've been standing around to bother you." Roque said with all seriousness, and finally took a step away. "Might wanna get that checked out. Smells like you're dying or something. Yuck, I've smelled dead things that aren't as bad as you a-" "Leave!" Madeline yelled, glaring as she closed the distance Roque had made when she stepped back. "Fine, fine- I was just trying to give you a friendly warning, god." Roque rolled her eyes. "No one appreciates how nice I am." Finally, she walked away from the two of them, off to do whatever else she had planned.. Madeline stood still where she was, gripping on to her dagger hard enough to make her hand shake. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"You'd be surprised at the sort of things people still believe." Glass rolled her eyes. "Yeah, s'pose that's true..." She hummed, "I guess we'll have to just wait and see, then. They don't seem too pushy about everything yet." Glass shrugged. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

7:31 AM

"Amazing!" Darcy smiled as his hypothesis was confirmed. He listened intently as Isi described communicating with deer. "Huh.... no, I don't mind. It's all incredibly interesting to me. I haven't ever met someone with powers like yours, before." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

7:34 AM

Albanes remained entirely stiff and frozen until Roque had disappeared from her sight, and even remained so for a few good moments after she left. Once those moments had passed, though, she relaxed a bit, breathing in a long, drawn-out sigh and reattaching her mace to her belt. She turned to Madeline. "I'm sorry about her, I can't believe she would-" Albanes shook her head. "The nerve..." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

Isi smiled. "I've never met someone with yours either. Kinda sounds like they could be infinitely powerful if you just had the right words, right?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Madeline kept her dagger raised until after Albanes had turned to her. She slowly moved it back down and back in to her bag, her hand trembling the whole time. She moved her hand up to her right shoulder, gripping on to it and looking away from Albanes. "I-is it that obvious that someone can tell just by being around me for a few seconds..? I-.." Madeline mumbled. ".. Can you tell too..? Can everyone?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"That's the idea, yes," Darcy laughed. "There's only so many spells I'm certain of the effects of, though, and casting takes a pretty big toll on my stamina, so... in truth, I'm not any more powerful than the rest of everyone here." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

7:45 AM

"No. It's not obvious." Albanes gently reassured, though she knew it didn't mean much, when Roque had just gone and said it like that. "It's not. No one's going to know. I think... Roque has some sort of blood-related power. That's the only way she knew." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

She nodded at his explanation, deciding to finally take a sip of coffee. Her nose wrinkled a little at first due to the bitterness and the smell (she'd neglected to add cream or sugar as she'd seen others do in her haste) but she found she didn't mind it after a few sips. "I hope I get to see your powers without being on the other end of them. I think they're cool" she replied jokingly. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Hm... I just find if a bit funny, is all. All I do is kiss women. Can't imagine not," she chuckled softly. "The people who are here to pick us up look pretty normal.. Even if the outfits are a bit uniform. Do churches have a dress code?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Darcy chuckled a bit at Isi's initial reaction to the coffee. "I hope so, too!" He smiled. "There are a few that don't function as attacks... I'm trying to think of which one would be best to demonstrate... do you know where we could find any flowers?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

8:04 AM

"You're living my dream and that specific church's worst nightmare." Glass laughed. "The church I went to didn't have a dress code, only guidelines for how much skin you were allowed to expose. And women had to wear dresses." Glass mused. "Though, two of the women on the docks had pants, so I guess these people don't believe in that one." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Ryunoske turned to Glass and playfully winked. "I can help fulfill a part of that dream for you whenever you like," she smiled, though her expression turned a bit curious as Glass went on. "Only dresses? That's awful. Skin I can deal with, but dresses are awful to move in half the time. Especially ones with sleeves. Maybe I should ask them for a pamphlet or some shit so I don't get kicked off right after we get there.." Ryu hummed. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

".. I've been on nicer boats, yeah. Dainty is a good word for this." Hannah said as she looked around. "I dunno where they'll be taking us. They said somewhere cold, Canada maybe? I haven't been there in a while. Maybe one of those countries above Canada..." She looked down at her outfit, shrugging. "I'm not too worried about the cold. My powers help a bit, and even if it is actually too cold, I brought a few changes of clothes in my bag." Hannah nodded. "I have an personalized embroidered jean jacket that I'm pretty fond of." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

8:19 AM

".. Blood powers? That seems dangerous for someone like.. Her." Madeline said. She glanced around, trying to see if Roque was still lingering somewhere. Luckily, it seemed that she had actually left. "And she said she is popular in the outside world? People like her? It must be very different out there." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"hm- I bet there'd be some in the lounge? That feels like a place they'd put flowers" she replied, very much curious about whatever Darcy might do. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Titania hummed. "I am unfamiliar with this 'Canada'.. But heading north makes the most practical sense," she nodded. "Oh.. You have powers related to endearing the weather, Miss Hannah? That will definitely be useful if you are traveling somewhere new," Titania commented. "Shall we head towards the food area now? You said you wanted something to eat, correct?"@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"Aw, that's to kind of you!" Glass playfully winked back. "I won't deny I'm interested, but maybe not here." "Yup. Only dresses. They had to be to the knee, too. I think it was a gender-separation thing." Glass shrugged. "Maybe... I know the lady in red said something about coats, maybe she could fill you us all in on this church's modesty guidelines, too." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Yuga perked up and made his way to the old-timey cloaks. He sniffed them curiously and felt them with his paws, pulling some out to see what size they were. Soon he picked one that seemed to fit without dragging the ground, but was big enough that if he curled up, he would be completely hidden under it. He put the cloak on to try it, and walked around a bit to see how it felt. He felt a little silly in it, not really his style, but it was warm for sure. "This is good", he said. "Thanks for helping", he gave Wolf a small smile. (edited)

Wolf gave a thumbs up, grinning. "Good. Sort of a... weird style but I suppose if it keeps you warm, that's what matters, right?"

"Not specifically about enduring the cold, kind of just a helpful perk." Hannah said. "And yeah, I'm starvinggggg, but I doubt they'll have food I really like.. Most people would probably be uncomfortable with it." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

"It's weurd", Yuga admitted and flailed the sleeves a little. "But good for hiding, too." @Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺 (edited)

Albanes hummed in agreement. "We'll definitely have to keep close watch of her. "I don't know what this 'electropunk' she reffered to is... maybe Demikadrae has heard of her." She paused, then shrugged. "Apparently, she thinks she's popular enough for us to know who she is." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"An added perk then," Wolf nodded. "As long as your comfortable with it, that's what matters, I suppose. Kinda nice of them to hand them out if people needed it. The food too." He glanced around. "...Im still keeping ny eye out though." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"Right, right." Darcy nodded, and scanned the area for some flowers. He eventually found some in a vase, and delicately took one blossom, hoping the church people wouldn't mind. "Alright, are you ready?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"Yes..." Yuga nodded but seemed nervous. He looked around as Wolf did, and muttered: "They don't tell us much..." @Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

Isi nodded, staring at the blossom intently. She couldn't wait to see it. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Not really... I uh.. didn't even expect it to be a cult thing..." he mumbled under his breath. "Figured the whole "Hand of God" thing was another wrestling company or whatever... The HoG, y'know?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Darcy cupped the blossom in his hands, closed his eyes, and muttered, "花より団子". As soon as he'd said the words, the flower transformed into a steaming, delicious-looking dumpling. "That's a fun one." Darcy smiled, looking sheepisly up to Isi. "It's Japanese, and means 'dumplings over flowers', or more generally, that it's more useful to have food than pretty things." Darcy has 14 stamina @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"holy shit" Isi looked at the dumpling. "That's insane- I've never seen anything like that" she bent down slightly to sniff it a little and confirm it was real. It didn't occur to her that this was not necessarily normal behaviour but it's fine. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Thank you!" Darcy laughed awkwardly. The dumpling sure was real- and smelled pretty good. "You can have it, if you like. They always have a vegetable filling when I make them. Might still taste a bit floral, though." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Isi nodded. "I don't smell any meat, and it does smell really nice- thank you" she replied, glad that Darcy would consider that kind of thing. Also, she'd eaten flowers before, the floral taste isn't an issue in the slightest. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I have no clue what 'electropunk' is either.. Is that an art form, maybe..? A sport.. I don't know." Madeline said. "I hope everyone else is a bit more normal.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Awhh.. I'm just teasing ya. I get that it's not everyone's thing to just make out in front of everyone," Ryunoske chuckled. "Maybe a bit later in private then~" She turned to look back towards where they entered from, thinking whether she wanted to speak to the church people or not. "That sounds like a hassle—The whole gender thing. I think the coats are more for those who may get cold. I'll be fine. I also would like to avoid having to talk to any of those guys for as long as possible. I'm sure they'll explain more later." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh.. Well, that is nice. What sort of power do you Osceola, Iowa, folk have?" Titania curiously asked as she looked for the food. She gestured towards where the buffet was and started walking over. "Well, you never know! What sort of food do you favor, Miss Hannah? I am a bit partial to duck." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"Rreally?" Yuga questioned with a tilt of his head. "That would be... very fancy wrrresling company. Gold on letterrs and all", Yuga smiled faintly and amused. Then he became serious again. "I am worried, but... there's many of us. Not have to be alone if things go bad." He shrugged, but didn't look too confident in his own words. @Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺 (edited)

"Of course!" Darcy smiled. "Not all of my spells are as universally useful as being able to make dumplings out of otherwise non-edible or not-very nutritious items, but that one's one of my favorites." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

8:54 AM

"Maybe... she said she was in a band, so maybe... some kind of music?" Albanes theorized. "I think everyone else is more normal... at least, no one else has tried to intimidate Petrai or anyone else." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"Rreally?" Yuga questioned with a tilt of his head. "That would be... very fancy wrrresling company. Gold on letterrs and all", Yuga smiled faintly and amused. Then he became serious again. "I am worried, but... there's many of us. Not have to be alone if things go bad." He shrugged, but didn't look too confident in his own words. @Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺 (edited)

"Someone gives you shit you come to me, yeah? I can think up a reason to help without it hurtong my reputation as the big tough guy, I think." He grinned. "Never did like bullies- even if I am one in the FFW. But a lot of those guys deserve it to begin with." He rose an arm and moved like he was going to give Yuga a playful bump on the shoulder but thought again it, lowering his hand again. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"I'd be up for something like that, later." Glass winked slyly. "It was definitely a hassle." She ageed. "That's fair. They'll probably make some sort of announcement, or whatever, once they're done getting everyone on the boat." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Isi laughed. "It seems to me like you can discover as many spells as there are phrases in every language" She tried the dumpling. Oh man, it was good. Like especially for being made out of flower. "How do your powers define 'language?' like, some people think music is a language. Does it have to be spoken word?"

9:03 AM

@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Yuga's eyes brightened a bit, and he smiled more naturally and warmer than before, his tail faintly wiggling under his hoodie. He paused to look at Wolf's raised arm, and couldn't quite figure out what the gesture was supposed to mean, before he already lowered it. He looked up at his face again and continued smiling. "Okay. Thank you a lot, Wolf sir", he said and bowed lightly. @Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

"There are certain criteria for a powerful spell, but yes." Darcy hummed. "My powers use the scientifc, anthrological definition of language, as 'a system of communication consisting of structured grammar and identifiable words', which includes things like conlangs, creoles, and signed languages, but doesn't include things like music, or braille or morse code, which are writing systems only." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"Hey, you don't gotta bow to me and all that nonsense," he chuckled. "Just- glad to help someone in a tough spot like yours." He tilted his head a little, reaching up to tug slightly at the chain around his neck, adjusting it. "Take care of yourself, yeah?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"Oh, awlright", the fox smiled sheepishly. "Yes. You too", he said, waved his paw a little bit, and left to find a nook or a cranny he could hide and sleep in. @Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

"Maybe a band... I didn't know musicians could be so scary." Madeline mumbled. "Hopefully she settles down when we get back. If most people on the island don't like me, I can't imagine how upset they'll be to meet someone like her." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Wolf watched Yuga slip away, letting out a sigh. 'That's two for two Wolf. Step up your game...' He shook his head before heading in the opposite direction.

".. You don't have to address me by the city I'm from. Please don't do that, actually. It's really weird." Hannah said. "I'm the only one in my city with powers, I'm pretty sure. I have shark powers, and that also means I'm pretty partial to raw meat. I can't really digest fruits or vegetables that well, and cooked meat usually tastes gross.. But I can tolerate it." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Albanes nodded. "I hope so... though, even if she doesn't settle down when we reach the island, we'll be better equipped to handle her then." She paused, thinking. "Luuk doesn't dislike you for any personal reason, he just doesn't like anyone." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

".. Great, one person out of everyone.." Madeline mumbled, keeping her hand over her shoulder. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

And that was three for three for Ryu. She smirked a bit before giving Glass a nod. "Yeah, I imagine that's what it'll be as well," she hummed. "Hypothetically speaking, if you won and got the wish, what do you think you'd wish for?" Ryunoske suddenly asked. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"My apologies, Miss Hannah. I will make sure to not address you by Osceola, Iowa, anymore," she nodded. Though, as Hannah continued, Titania couldn't help but curiously looked over her. "Shark powers...? I am not sure what this 'shark' is either, but if you are able to consume raw meat, then I am sure there will be something for you and I," she smiled. "Live duck is my personal favorite, as I was saying, but I would not mind a critter or two. I tried cooked beef before when a visiting kingdom came by, but it was not entirely my favorite." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"Not everyone." Albanes said quietly. "I like being around you." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

9:31 AM

"Now, there's a loaded question." Glass whistled. "All the normal stuff, I guess? Like, a fancy house, free health insurance, all that jazz." It'd be difficult to tell, especially as Ryu hadn't spent too much time with her already, but it was somewhat clear that Glass wasn't telling the full truth. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

'Something for you and I? What-' "You d-" Hannah began, but then paused, looking over at Titania with her mouth agape. ".. Live duck is your favorite? That's not what I thought you meant. That's awesome! I don't meet people who share my tastes very often, how'd you get in to it?" She was so surprised about this that she didn't even mention what a shark was. @ajjjjjjjj

innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"There are certain criteria for a powerful spell, but yes." Darcy hummed. "My powers use the scientifc, anthrological definition of language, as 'a system of communication consisting of structured grammar and identifiable words', which includes things like conlangs, creoles, and signed languages, but doesn't include things like music, or braille or morse code, which are writing systems only." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

She nodded, thinking. "I'm kinda just wondering if you'd be able to use animal languages for these spells, if we could decipher them enough, y'know?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Hmmm...." Darcy considered this for a while. "Well, I suppose if animal languages functioned similarly enough to human languages- what with grammar and rules and everything- that it would be possible. I can't make any definitive claims, yet, though, as I personally know so little about the ways animals communicate." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"If you win, you get a bunch of money though, so wouldn't you be able to get that 'normal' stuff anyways? I'm sure a wish would be more practical if you ask for something more improbable to get," Ryunoske commented. "Like, I dunno.. Bringing back a dead loved one back to life?" She randomly suggested.@innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Titania nodded, a bright smile on her face. "Oh, yes! I adore duck. It is a bit of a delicacy back home, since we do not typically see them by the kingdom, but I do savor every bite when I happen across it. My father caught one for me for my eighth birthday as a surprise, and that was the also the last I had it. Most of the time, it is deer or bugs. The forest provides enough of those on a usual basis," she explained. "I understand most humans prefer cooked meals... But I simply do not enjoy them as much as they expect me too. I can consume them just fine, they are just not to my taste." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

".. I like being around you too, Albanes.. And it means a lot that you.. Care. It's been better since we've been together." Madeline said, returning to Albanes' side. "I'll probably be with you more since.. You're at a higher risk with all these new people.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"There's no one I'd want to revive." Glass laughed. "I don't know what I'd use a wish on, honestly. I probably won't even get that far in the tournament." Again, her voice was ever-so-slightly hesitant. "What about you, though? Since you do plan on taking home the prize?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Isi nodded in understanding. "Well I guess I better figure out how to decipher it better then" she replied. "I only know enough to communicate basic requests or questions right now, but I've always been learning more these days" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

“An old friend? What are the odds…” Kass raised an eyebrow. “I’ll keep an eye out for this Ryu,” She paused for a moment, her lips curling up into a wistful smile. “I’ve met just one person as well. Clad in all purple… very extravagant gown and heels… she’s a Princess. I do hope she’s boarded the boat without struggle. It’s… fascinating how many different people from many walks of life are here. I’ve been lucky with the two I’ve met, but I’m sure at least one competitor must be hostile…” @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

A quiet smile grew over Albanes's features. "Right... we'll have to look out for each other even more carefully, with all that's happening. But I don't mind." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

9:53 AM

"Then, that'll be a project for the both of us!" Darcy smiled, "only if you'd be interested in that sort of thing, I shouldn't assume. We've only just met, and I don't know how research-inclined you are." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"There's ducks alllllll over Iowa- but you're supposed to have a license to hunt them or whatever.. I can't really get my hands on live stuff very often." Titania had seemingly found one of the few people that took this information positively. "Raw fish is my favorite, since, sharks live in the water and stuff. Sometimes I can go fishing and get some decent sized ones. My mom hateeeeeees it when I eat raw stuff, I try to keep it in the fridge but she always takes it and cooks it first. I wrote my name on it and everything! Ugh- she just gets on my nerves.." @ajjjjjjjj

Isi grinned. "Yeah! I mean, I'm not sure if I'm any good as a researcher but I want to figure this language out and I would love it if we could help each other out with that" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Madeline smiled back, moving her hand down to her side. "I'll make sure you stay safe. Regardless of what it takes." Madeline nodded. "Hopefully this isn't too long of an event, and we can get back to peace and quiet soon enough.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Darcy lit up. "Perfect! I'd be honored to help you figure out your powers more, especially since it's so related to my own field! Thank you!" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

10:17 AM

"Thank you. I know I can trust you to keep me safe." Albanes nodded. "I don't think it'll take too long, and once it's over, everything will go back to normal." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

Isi was so very glad to hear that. "The honour is mine!" She smiled, the whole interaction had left her excited about the possibilities and she ended up resisting the urge to hop from hoof to hoof again. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Oh, thank you!" Darcy smiled. "Honestly, it's hardly work for me. I love trying to solve a good linguistic conundrum." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"You seem to know a lot about it, which is really neat- how'd you get interested in it?" She asked, taking a few bites of fruit again. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"My father works as a linguist in Verend's Royal Translation Corps, and taught me the trade." Darcy explained. "I've been studying it for as long as I can remember, honestly." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Time for Isi to pretend that she knew what a verend royal translation corp was. "That sounds like a really interesting thing to study." She paused and smiled a little. "Man, everyone I've seen has been so interesting so far-" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Thank you! It's a very important role in my nation's government, so it's a position I'm honored to hold." He smiled. "That's wonderful! Most of the people I've met so far have been interesting, too. There's so many different people here, of all different backgrounds!" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"I know, right?" Valeire shook her head slightly. "I never expected to see someone I would know at a place like this, but, I suppose it is a small world." She chuckled a bit. "I see..I'll keep a look out for her then. Perhaps all four of us can be friends then?" She suggested. "With so many people there's got to be a bad apple or two in the group..from what I've gathered it seems to be that woman." She pointed towards Roque. "At least from the little glimpses I've seen. I haven't kept an eye on her. Just glance in the direction and sometimes I see the strangest things.." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“Hmm, friends,” Kass clicked her tongue, then nodded. “I… wouldn’t be opposed to that. ‘Been a while since I’ve had anything of that sort,” she mused, then looked to where Valerie was pointing. “She looks like trouble. I noticed her when I arrived,” she scoffed. “I wouldn’t mind taking someone like that down a peg.” @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

"I am sooo glad we are on the same page, Kass." Valerie grinned. "On the friends thing and how someone might need to be knocked down a peg. But we'll keep that to ourselves for now, I say. Don't want to cause or draw too much attention to ourselves this early on." She brought a finger to her lips with a small wink. "We gotta hold our cards close to our chest at the moment." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Friends… that was nice. Odd, but a new, comforting word. However, the moment Valerie started talking about possible targets, Kass was funny invested. Fully invested. Kass let out a dry laugh in amusement. “I won’t tell a soul. I like to gamble, but not until I’ve fully gotten to understand my opponent. That way, I know just how much they’re willing to put on the line,” she leaned a little closer to Valerie. “Come to think of it, there was this man on the docks, seemed to be showing off a set of wings he had. Another target of interest, I’m sure.” @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

Zerada had really wanted to ease her way onto the boat. It felt like whiplash being from one spot to the other. She couldn't help but feel her heart pound as she was practically carried onto the boat by Su-Ji. Christ, this was going to be an eventful time.. "Nice boat.." Zerada cleared her throat. "Real nice, isn't it?" @Sam | Su-Ji 🐯+ Wolf 🐺

As soon as he heard the commotion, Ren eagerly picked up his backpack and boarded the boat, using the sounds of both the boat and the people on it to find his way around. Eventually, he settled in what seemed to be a relatively quiet area. However, the ever-so-quiet sound of fabric shuffling would put him back on alert. “Heeey, this is pretty neat, isn’t it?” he asked casually, thinking he was talking to just another competitor, and not the Second herself. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Indeed," Petrai replied dryly, scanning the man now infront of her. "You are Ren Kimura, correct?" @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Ren’s jaw dropped in awe. “Hoooly shit, how’d you know that?!” he wracked his brain, trying to recall the specific voice he was hearing… finally coming to a realization after a very long 30 seconds. He fumbled through his sweatshirt pocket to find what he was looking for- his crumpled invitation, which he held out to Petrai. “Th-thanks for the invitation, ma’am! Sorry, I didn’t know it was you at first.” he laughed quietly to himself. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Ohh some gambling sounds fun." Valerie hummed thoughtfully before she nodded. As Kass leaned in closer she leaned in as well before her eyes flashed with interest. "Ohh...how intriguing." She gasped softly. "Wings? Would be a shame to ruffle some feathers.." Valerie joked. "Do you know anything else about him?" @Morgan | Kass + Ren

"It's fine," Petrai replied blankly, and took the letter. She checked over it before tucking it into her pocket. "I presume you heard the announcements, then. You're free to board now, unless you require anything else." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Ryunoske didn't pry with Glass, even if she did pick up the fact there seemed to be more the bassist could say. Instead, she rested one of her hands on her chin in thought. "I told Pere I'd want to use the wish on my sisters, but I don't necessarily think I would. It was just the easiest thing to think of at the moment... I'm not sure what I'd choose until it's time, I think," she responded honestly. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Titania did a little happy tap with her feet as she listened to Hannah. "There are ducks native to your home? Oh, how envious I am of that!" She exclaimed. "And I see.. So these sharks are Aquarian creatures. I do not see those kinds of animals very often due to the placement of my kingdom. It is a shame your mother does not share the same taste as you. I feel as though most humans are missing out on the delicacy.," she replied with a shake of her head. "Hopefully there is something here fo= you and I.." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

Glass hummed in thought. "Well, I guess you'll have some time to think about it." She concluded. "We don't even know what all this church is capable of, anyways, so it's probably best we don't all go into it with grand ideas about how we're gonna use the wish." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

"Aquarian is a word I haven't heard before.." Hannah said. "After we get breakfast, I can show you my shark! I brought him with me- or I could turn in to one too, I'm always looking for an opportunity to do that." @ajjjjjjjj

Isi wondered at his explanation, really just wondering why he'd do this competition if his role was that important, surely he wanted for nothing? But isi didn't say anything, knowing it could come off as rude. "I wonder what everyone's different powers are- I'm a little worried honestly since some people look dangerous- but it should be okay" From Isi's understanding, churches normally preached non-violence, so it was likely no one would really get hurt, right? @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I actually haven't been asking too many people about their powers..." Darcy realized. "Hm, but I suppose that's something to look out for. Surely, they'll provide medical care after any fights. The woman on the docks, with the white tunic said so." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"Well, the fact these church people managed to send all of us strange individuals a personalized letter, I figure they're capable of more than things than normal people can do," she hummed. "Either way, I'm more concerned about the money. Maybe I'll just ask for more money," Ryu chuckled. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Titania's eyes sparkled and she nodded excitedly. "You shall show me a shark? I would love that! And you can turn into one as well?? Can you do both?" She asked with small hand flaps. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"I hope so, some people here look very ready to hurt each other, which is fair? It is a tournament but- well, y'know." She replied. "I'm glad there's going to be medical care, just in case." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"True... that reminds me, I wanted to figure out how they got ahold of all of us." Glass hummed. "And more money sounds like a good plan, in my opinion. Can't go wrong with that." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

"Yes... it surprised me, how much violence there was even on the docks." Darcy frowned. "I hope the tournament itself is more structured, so that it's not just a violent free-for-all." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"Fuck yeah I can do both!" Hannah smiled, showing off her sharp teeth. "Wait- let's ditch the breakfast here, I can go get us some live fish if you want! Shouldn't be too hard with me and Bonaparte- that's my sharks name by the way." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

"I mean I don't plan on holding back really but, I do hope it's structured. I just don't want to get sent back to the city until it's over when I don't win, so I hope they don't eliminate people like you see on those reality tv shows, y'know?" She replied, pondering. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"True.... I suppose we'll have to wait and see what the fights are like when we get there." Darcy said. "It'd be unfortunate, if we couldn't stick around after we lost." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"how long do you think it'll take to get there? I've never heard of this church, so I'm assuming it's not very close-" Isi asked, messing with her braid in her hands. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Hmm... a few hours at least, I assume." Darcy shrugged. "I assume they're taking us somewhere a bit distant..." He idly watched all the drama happening on the other side of the room, having been distracted by it. "I wonder what's going on over there..." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Isi frowned, the drama she could spot was the little vocal spat between three people . "Me too..it smells like blood over there, I can't stand it. I didn't want to go over there unless Roy looked hurt, but- I am curious, a little." The smell was bothering her, to a normal person it probably wouldn't be too strong but she had a really good nose, probably a deer thing. She didn't want to say that the blood smell came from a specific person, it felt rude. She figured Roy could handle himself but she'd absolutely go over there if she'd thought the smell was coming from him, or someone who looked hurt but..no one looked hurt, unless we are talking about feelings or egos. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Blood?" Darcy repeated, agast. He looked back to where Roy and Eben were, worry painted over his features. "Do you think everyone's alright? I didn't think there was any fighting..." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"no! No, no one's hurt, that's a different smell, this blood is..stagnant? Still? I'm not sure how to describe it" Isi replied. "I don't think anyone's hurt, I would've said something, or an attendant would've seen, maybe?" She looked a little anxious, now distrusting her own judgement a little despite being certain originally. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Darcy's frown deepened. "That's strange... I think we should go check with them, just in case somebody is hurt." He suggested. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"It's fine," Petrai replied blankly, and took the letter. She checked over it before tucking it into her pocket. "I presume you heard the announcements, then. You're free to board now, unless you require anything else." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

@Morgan | Kass + Ren

“Oh! Thanks, Petrai! Hmmm… Is it okay if I ask you a couple questions?” Ren asked politely. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"It depends on what kinds of questions they are, but I should be able to provide some answers." Petrai nodded. @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Kass shook her head. “I only saw him on the docks, though he appeared quite boastful, just like that woman you were describing. I think if we play our cards right, we could figure out what exactly makes those two tick, and eliminate them from this competition as soon as possible…” @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

9:06 PM

“Gotcha, gotcha,” Ren tapped his foot on the floor. “I was just wondering, were you the one sending out the invitations?” @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"They were sent out by myself, and by the head of the church, the Hand of God." Petrai said. "All the handwritten invitations were written by myself, but yours was personally prepared by Yeonaixho." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Ren gasped. “Personally prepared?! No way!” he said in awe. “Can you let Yeonaixho that I really appreciate it? Oh, and also thank you for preparing the other invitations, I’m sure they all looked real nice as well.” he quickly bowed in gratitude. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Thank you." Petrai's tone remained neutral, but there was the tiniest hint of pride behind it. "You can let Yeonaixho know yourself, if you'd like, as he will be on the island when we arrive. I'm sure he'd like to know how his work is appreciated." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

"Ugh people like that get on my nerves." Valerie scowled. "If you have power you can flaunt it, sure, but don't put others down while doing so." She rolled her eyes. "Sure I run a crime family but do I go bragging about that to everyone? No." She placed a hand under his chin. "When will people learn.." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Ren smiled. “Oh! I’d love to thank him myself! Didn’t know if that was an option or not…” he laughed quietly. “Well, thank you, Petrai- I’ll let you keep doing your thing. Take care!” he gave her a little wave before scurrying off. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Of course. Enjoy the trip," Petrai nodded to Ren, "Blessings of the Lifebringer be with you." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Ren stopped and quickly walked backwards at an astonishing speed. “You too! Hope that Lifebringer sends you lots of blessings!” he flashed Petrai finger guns before disappearing just as fast as he’d backed up. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

9:28 PM

“Mine too,” Kass agreed. “There is a time and place for flaunting your abilities. It isn’t wise to simply expose yourself from the get-go,” she sighed. “I’m glad we share that sentiment as well. On the bright side, we’ll know what we’re up against sooner than they do.” @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

Kal took a look around as Gerald and himself got onto the boat. He took a look around and whistled. "Damnnnn, this is one hell of a boat. Love it," Kal nodded his head as he set his hands on his hips. He turned his whole body to get a good look. "Real cool, ten our of ten!" @James | Omnipresent eye

After escaping one conversation, he attempted to find a part of the inside boat that was less occupied, stumbling on the lounge. Glass was there, and while he wasn't going to talk with her he could at least be in the vicinity of someone familiar now that Roy and Inu were both nowhere to be found. He ended up somewhat in the corner, the only other occupant being a mildly intimidating man he had not yet met. He was not one for conversation but he did note how unusual this particular person looked, and ended up doing his socially-awkward stare thing. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Ekmeros....... was not keen on boats. As he'd said to Eli, he wasn't afraid and while he'd heard that some could feel sick, he wasn't that either, but there was just something tangibly wrong about being on a boat for him. Perhaps it was because he'd never been on one before. Yes. Likely that. In all honesty, he had no idea what to do with himself - there were people and there was the slight improvement of food but neither really called him, and so he stood in the lounge, away from the two people talking. Then there was that familiar feeling of being watched, stared at, and he shut his eyes and sighed. Again? Really? He didn't think he was that unusual... Ekmeros turned slightly to better see the stranger socially-awkwardly-staring at him and quietly met his gaze. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Ryunoske hummed. "I suspect it most likely has to deal with someone with a specific ability. It's not unheard of scouting-esque powers. Those who can find anyone, even if the information they have is close to none. I know someone personally with a similar skill," she shrugged. "Money makes the world go round. Maybe I can get everyone here doped up and that's how I'll make even more money." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Titania gasped, as if Hannah's suggestion was the most creative and intuitive idea ever. She hopped happily and nodded. "Yes! I would absolutely love that! If you need assistance in rounding up any of the fish, I can serve as a distraction for you and your shark partner! I am quite good at leading pray." She suggested. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

Fuck. Not part of the plan. Eben still looked a little pissed from the interaction earlier which probably resulted in looking accidentally pissed at this stranger, but that barely registered to him. It felt like he was in some kind of staring contest, typically people just looked at him in little darting-eye-ways. This guy was just staring back. Eben didn't want to lose the contest. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

"Hm. That'd be interesting, I've never heard of people with powers like that before." Glass mused. "I suspect it might be hard to market your product specifically to the weird church people, but I respect the grind." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Ekmeros took in Eben as they stared at each other - the other two people he'd talked to had, well, talked to him. Not this person. While Eben saw this as a competition, Ekmeros saw it as uncomfortable and quickly glanced away, digging the tips of his fingers into the viol case strap. At least that was there. Then he glanced back. "...hello." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"Information based powers are scarier to me than others with physical powers, honestly," Ryunoske commented with a shrug. "Strength I can depend on, but those who are intelligent are unpredictable." She then threw Glass a playful wink and smile. "I don't think I'll have to market to the church too much to make a profit. Some of the folk here are some of the city-life types. I might be able to make a few deals if I play my cards right... though, I don't think those in the church here would be entirely against my products either. There's always a weak link somewhere." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Assistance, huh? Usually I work alone but- what powers do you have that will be able to help out?" Hannah asked, beginning to lead them over to the side of the boat. @ajjjjjjjj

Glass considered this for a bit. "Yeah, I can't say I disagree with you, there. Physical powers can be intimidating, but at the end of the day, things like fire or lightning or whatever can be achieved through non-power means. But mental powers- well, sometimes those are just straight-up supernatural." "True... though, tell me- is Peregrine one of these potential clients?" She raised an eyebrow curiously. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Eben broke the gaze as Ekmeros spoke. He felt mildly uncomfortable, trying to figure out how to best not offend another person- he'd prefer not to make enemies here if he could help it. "..Hello." ... "I like your instrument." Great. This is fine @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Social interaction would be a necessary evil here, and yet it always seemed to happen to Ekmeros when he was least expecting it. He relaxed his shoulders slightly at the mention of the viol. A simple conversation topic. "Thank you. It's a viol." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Eben nodded. "I used to play piano." He replied. Currently he was using his corner vantage point to study everyone else in the room as he talked to ekmeros. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

"The piano is a fine instrument," Ekmeros said with a contemplative hum. "Not one you could easily travel with, though." He kept his gaze down around him, though he'd occasionally look up to study the others as well. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"You're correct. I wasn't able to keep up playing when I moved." He replied. He was glad that he successfully found a smalltalk topic, somehow. "A church feels bound to have one. I think." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

"A shame." Ekmeros went quiet, then shifted his viol case again. "...I am lucky my viol is a smaller version, that way it's easier to travel with." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"It is indeed an impressive vessel! Haha! Like the great Odysseus, we too email on a journey of grand proportion! Cawhaha!" Gerald was in high spirits along with Kal taking in the whole scene. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"I'm not sure I've ever heard a viol. I'd assume it sounds similar to a violin or viola. I don't think I've ever seen one before." Eben admitted. It dawned on him that this was the point in conversation where whoever he was talking to gave their name, though Eben wasn't sure that would happen here. Perhaps he'd wait a little before giving his, just in case. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

"...a viol is not a violin, or a viola for that matter. They were created entirely separately from violins." Ekmeros' voice sharpened slightly but he didn't sound mean about it - tense would be a better word. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Eben was a little intrigued by the change in tone. "I was unaware. What does it sound like, then?" He understood at least a little that the tension had more to do with this man caring a great deal for the Viol and less about Eben. He could appreciate the the honesty at least. After all, it took a good amount of attachment to take an instrument to a fight tournament. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

"I guess some people are too dense to understand that." Valerie rolled her eyes. "So we got wings and...weird ass blood stuff? We do have a bit more of an advantage here then..if her powers is just blood stuff I can most likely change the chemical makeup..and with your powerful hands you can easily beat someone with wings." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

Ekmeros hummed, turning his face away. "It'd be rather the lengthy explanation, I will not put you through that. Musical instruments are... interesting. Plenty of history." He pursed his lips tightly. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"I don't mind a lengthy explanation, it's going to be a lengthy boat ride." Eben replied, pulling a little bit at his gloves as a way of fidgeting. "I won't force you to tell me if you aren't inclined." Not that he could, this person was one of the first he'd met that actually felt like he may be more difficult to fight, if Ebens being honest. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

"It'll bore you," Ekmeros firmly decided. "There are better conversations to have." And certainly better people to have conversations with rather than him, Ekmeros thought but didn't say. In fact, he didn't say anything more after that decision. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Titania followed and she gave Hannah a small smile. "I can create illusions. I can draw the fish to a corner and you and your partner may come for the final ambush," she explained. "Hunting in a group makes things so much easier and simpler." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

Ryunoske nodded and leaned back against her seat. "Mental powers are much harder to defend against. If I get put into a ring against someone like that, I would say odds would be against me," she hummed. She then gave Glass a small smirk, chuckling a little. "He is. Why, does that make you feel a little jealous?" Ryu joked. "I'm just messing with you, but yes, he's been a interested in my wares." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"So far, the only people I've met have had physical powers, myself included, but it'll definitely be something to keep an eye out for." Glass hummed. "Speaking of, what are yours?" "Nah, I was just curious." Glass hummed, perfectly relaxed. "He seems like the type, y'know? As much as I'm sure he'd love to make me insecure, in no world am I jealous of somoene like our darling bird boy." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

"I'll leave if you want me to but I assure you I won't find it boring so long as you actually know what you're talking about." Eben replied. He did mean that, too. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

“It’s exactly like that!” Kal agreed, even though he had no idea what ‘Odysseus’ was. Though, it sounded pretty cool, and sounded like nothing had gone wrong ever with it. “I’m so hyped- I’ve only ever been on just a few boats, but nothing as cool as this.” @James | Omnipresent eye

Ekmeros continued to hold back, eyes scanning the other people in view before he turned to Eben. Best get this out the way. "My name is Ekmeros." He held out his hand to shake. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"Illusions? Yeah- that could work. This is exciting, I've never been hunting in a pack before!" Hannah rushed over toward the side once it was in view. She gripped at the rail, just about ready to jump over the side before she looked back. "What are you planning on making? Just so that I don't accidentally try to get it." @ajjjjjjjj

Eben hesitated before shaking Ekmeros' hand, but when he did he seemed to concentrate a little on the task as if it was difficult, his hold was hard and he made the shake as short as possible. "Eben." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Ekmeros' handshake was gentle but still firm but he noticed that Eben hesitated. "Hello," he repeated, now they were formally introduced. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"Hello" Eben replied. Formal introduction successfully completed. He was silent for a moment, as if not knowing how to continue. "Ekmeros is an interesting name." He remarked, he meant it as a sort of compliment but he's not great at giving those. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

..........these two are great at conversation. "It's more... usual, I suppose, where I used to live, for tieflings at least. But I've been told it's interesting before. Eben is also an interesting name." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Eben hadn't heard of a tiefling before, but he supposed the concept was self-explanatory by looking at Ekmeros. "How did you come to Ninjago?" He decided to not ask questions about the Viol for a little if Ekmeros didn't want to answer. Surely asking where he came from was a harmless enough question, right? Ebens trying I swear @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

"I walked. I travel," he said very plainly. For a few seconds that felt much longer than that, he didn't elaborate. Then Ekmeros glanced down at Eben and asked, "What about you?" He is so good at small talk guys I promise. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Eben nodded at Ekmeros' explanation, I mean Ekmeros sure did look like a traveler. Eben heard Ekmeros question after a moment. "Refugee. I've been here a few months." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

"I see." He did see. ...yup. Great chat. Ekmeros ran his finger against the strap of the case quietly, brow furrowed as he looked out over the people in front of him. Then he spoke, softly, almost too quiet to hear. "You're quite young... and to be a refugee." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"War doesn't discriminate." He replied just as quietly, almost brushing it off. "I find it a lot nicer here, it doesn't bother me much." The being a refugee part didn't bother him, at least. But we don't have time to get into ALL that. He wasn't very sure how Ekmeros could tell his age but he didn't question it. "Have you been in the city a while, then?" @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

"I see." Ekmeros' tone dipped into apology. He shuffled on his feet in quiet thought, then answered, "No, I haven't. I am only here for the tournament, I don't see myself staying in the city for long once it is over." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"I understand." Eben frowned a little as Ekmeros seemed to feel the need to apologize in some way, and decided to change the topic as fast as possible to avoid that. "Do you have a job of some kind? I'd imagine traveling makes that sort of thing difficult" Mildly out of the blue, but you know. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

"I play the viol for money. I travel from place to place and offer my services. A city like Ninjago... most cities aren't interested in that, so I don't stay," he explained. Again, he rearranged his viol case. "Travelling is part of the job." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Eben nodded in understanding. "I think you're right about that. You must be fairly good at playing to make a living off of it." Eben guessed, evidently bringing the topic of conversation back to where it started. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Ekmeros nodded as well. "I've been playing for most of my life, and there has been plenty of time during my travels to further hone my skills." Yep. Good convo guys. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Listen it's working fine everything is totally fine "How did you first learn to play?" Eben will keep asking you shit no matter how vague your answers are. Be warned /j @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

There was a reason Ekmeros' answers were vague. As Eben pressed further, even if it was slight, Ekmeros tensed more noticeably and pursed his lips. "I was taught," he said, even more vaguely than before. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Huh. Well yes, one would assume. Eben did get the hint about the vagueness though, and stopped asking questions in that vein. "I see." He did not see. It was mildly frustrating. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Yep. Ekmeros sure was taught. He didn't elaborate and didn't even seem to be considering it. Instead, he was slowly letting his shoulders drop from their tensed, sharp stance. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

He was a little unsure of what to say now. Social stamina had officially run out. He was still a good bit tired as well, but he did not feel at all safe sleeping on this boat now that he knew certain parties existed. It showed a little on his face while he tried to find out if he wanted to continue the conversation. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Ekmeros knew he needed to talk to people, because if he didn't know he'd have to do it during the tournament. He couldn't be the stranger on the side who never spoke to no one and had no alliance. And yet, he couldn't think of a direction for the conversation to go. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

“It’s exactly like that!” Kal agreed, even though he had no idea what ‘Odysseus’ was. Though, it sounded pretty cool, and sounded like nothing had gone wrong ever with it. “I’m so hyped- I’ve only ever been on just a few boats, but nothing as cool as this.” @James | Omnipresent eye

"I was on a few voyages back when I was a younger man, but not for a long time now. I say, I rarely do get out anymore at all so this is very exciting indeed!" Gerald stepped up to the starboard side and peered off to the horizon, letting the breeze ruffle his feathers. "The world is vast, and all together fascinating!" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Eben was used to painfully awkward interactions, and half the time didn't notice they were happening. He liked existing in silence but that usually didn't happen easily. Still, he did like Ekmeros, the calm was welcome after literally every other interaction he'd had thus far. Finally, he spoke. "I appreciate that you are calm. Some here haven't been. I can leave you be now if I've made things difficult." That all was possibly the most awkward and indecipherable way he could've phrased anything ever. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Ekmeros was just a painfully awkward guy, and was mostly content to stand in the silence. Mostly - he knew that he was supposed to be filling the silence with conversation. When Eben spoke, he was surprised. Pleasantly, probably. "I have heard there is at least one person who is... unsavoury," he said, repeating Darcy's specific term. "Calm is always preferable, I've been rather lucky to not run into... not calm people here." @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

“Really? You did trips on the sea- Like, a captain?” Kal asked, quite intrigued. “Did you have a giant boat, too?” Kal’s smile grew. “EXACTLYYYYYY!!! The world has so much to offer, and I try real hard to see it all whenever I go traveling around. It’s cool as well, I love seeing everything, I love seeing as much as I can!” @James | Omnipresent eye

Eben nodded. "Unsavoury is a generous term, I think. It is good that you haven't had to deal with that. Yet." Eben leaned against the wall, arms folded, feeling a little more relaxed now. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

"I figure your powers must be related to your appearance. As for mine.. wouldn't you like to know, sweetheart," she teased with a wink. "A man of mystery is always more attractive, and I tend to like it that way." She couldn't help but laugh as Glass continued and she smiled. "It's good to have confidence in yourself. Pere is a silly fellow. Overly confident, but I think that is something more of a shield for him." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Titania hummed as she looked down at the water below them. "I can create what seems to be a rock barricade around them. The fish would think they have come to a dead end and try to circle back towards the open water, which you and your partner will then appear to trap them at their one and only exit. Would that work?" She suggested with a small smile. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

This was not giving Ekmeros confidence in talking to the people on this boat. He made no move to relax from his standing posture, looking around and then, briefly, out the window. His brow furrowed and his nose scrunched up before he looked back at the ground, fingers tapping against the strap of the case. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"Not quite the captain, but I did work on in the shipping industry and back in that time vessels such as these were the main way to move goods from other countries, alas I was tired of moving around all the time and wanted to settle down. That's when I found the library! I stumbled into it on a trip in the east, and I knew I had found a new passion! To know everything as best I can! The person of learning all there is!" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Eben watched Ekmeros for a moment, currently not caring to speak. He looked around a little as well, making sure no one else was approaching, hopefully. He did like Ekmeros and he didn't much care if the feeling was mutual since he couldn't control the actions or perceptions of others anyway, but he also wasn't leaving unless asked. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

"You got me there. Pretty hard to hide it," Glass hummed, then sent Ryu a playful smirk. "Aw, not gonna tell me yet? Guess I'll just have to stick around you and see if I can find out." "He's got issues, that's for sure. I wouldn't be surprised if his entire persona is just a mask for his own insecurities." Glass shrugged. "He's just a funny guy." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Thank you. I know I can trust you to keep me safe." Albanes nodded. "I don't think it'll take too long, and once it's over, everything will go back to normal." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

@Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

Ekmeros continued to quietly watch the room and its people, feeling Eben watching him in turn. Then he inhaled and turned his head toward Eben, though didn't make eye contact. "Who are these people who you ran into before? Who haven't been... great?" @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"I saw some fighting on the docks, but I did not get their names. One I have personally encountered is a woman named Roque." Eben replied. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

"I will keep an eye out for her," Ekmeros muttered, more under his breath as his eyes pierced slightly as if indeed keeping an eye for Roque, though he had no clue who she was. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"I've been told she smells like blood." He remarked afterwards, as if that wasn't concerning at all. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

"...........................oh." Oh indeed. He blinked at the people around him. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Ryunoske looked Glass up and down for a moment, seemingly thinking about something before glancing away. "I'd be happy if a girl like you wanted to stick by my side. It won't ever be boring if you do," she laughed. "A funny, silly, sad, guy, yes. I'm quite fond of patheticness like that in men, despite not liking them. Something about them is just so interesting to watch and examine. Like looking at an ant with a magnifying glass, almost," she mused. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Eben just nods. Bros doing his best. "...I don't think she's here right now." Very helpful @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

"That is a relief, though blood is a very fam- recognisable smell. We would certainly notice it." Bro is also trying his best. Just two guys trying their best. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Oh he noticed that slip, but at least had the mind not to press on it. "My sense of smell is worse than most, but I trust that you'd smell it if it where here." Definitely just two guys trying their best yeah @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

"That should work- I'll just have to know that I can go through the wall." Hannah was about to jump over, before once again pausing. "Wait, can you put an illusion on me and my buddy? Or is that not how it works?" @ajjjjjjjj

Ekmeros glanced at Eben at the slight admittance about his sense of smell but said nothing about it. Or at all. Great. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"I can most certainly put an illusion over you two, but what sort of illusion would you two need?" Titania asked with a raised brow. "One that would make you covered in the water? So that the fish do not see either of you coming?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"I can't promise I'll be able to stick around for a long time," Glass said, "but a good time's better, at least in my book." "It's fun to watch them humiliate themselves. Something I bet's coming for Pere one of these days." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

".. could you make us look invisible?" @ajjjjjjjj

4:53 PM

".. Hopefully." Madeline sighed, deeply. Things seemed relatively calm on their level, up until lightning cracked across the sky. Madeline jumped, accidentally bumping in to Albanes. "Sorry- sorry.." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Albanes caught Madeline, and helped her regain stability. "Wonder what that was..." She said as Petrai rushed into the boat. "We should head in, though. It'd be bad if they left without us." She chuckled lightly. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"Yeah- but I'm sure some people wouldn't be losing their minds if I were to be left here." Madeline said, heading up on to the boat. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Ryunoske chuckled once more, smiling a bit warmer. "Well, I can agree with that, at least. As I said, you won't ever be bored if you hang with me. Being the life of the party is sorta my thing," she replied. "He humiliates himself every time he tells people to call him an Angel. I don't think he needs to do anything more." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The princess nodded. "I very much can.. Though, it would be difficult to put up two illusions at the same time. Would you prefer I simply make you invisible?" They asked with a tilt of their head. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"Being invisible alone should work great. Do you need to see my buddy to put the illusion on him? I can have him surface." Hannah said and swung one leg at a time over the rail. @ajjjjjjjj

"Still..." Albanes said, but didn't have anything to follow it up with. She followed Madeline onto the boat. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline "Then it seems I've picked the right person to spend time with," Glass smiled. "God, he does... it amazes me he has the confidence to do that in the first place." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania nodded once more. "Yes, I need to be able to see whatever object I am creating the illusion around or on," she explained. "Once I see both of you two down there, I will put the illusion up." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"You did," Ryunoske said quite confidentially. Look at the pot calling the kettle black. "I find it quite funny. It reminds me of very lame pick up lines guys would use on girls at clubs or at bars. I've had my fair share of cringy comments and stories from my past girlfriends." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I don't know how long this boat ride is going to last, I want to know what this church looks like." Eben wondered aloud. Man the memes where right people really do be out here telling ekmeros things. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

"I hope it's over soon," Ekmeros replied, near immediate. People love to tell Ekmeros things but he does not love to tell people things. He bit his tongue slightly realising that he revealed something about himself - that he wanted the boat ride to be quick, ig. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"Oh, god, it is like that." Glass pushed her hair back from her face in realization. She let out a cackling laugh. "It's like he think's saying it automatically makes him interesting. I used to have guy come up to me with pick up lines like that, but I always gave them the same treatment I did Peregrine." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Again, Eben noticed. He was definitely keeping track of anything accidentally revealed, not for any nefarious reason, just because he liked knowing. "I suppose we will find out." @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

"Yes." Ekmeros continued to just people-watch, settling into the sort-of-uncomfortable silence. It wasn't terrible but he knew that there was supposed to be conversation where there was none, preferably good conversation. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

smoking/ "Did you punch that guy too?" She asked with a joking laugh. Ryunoske then put her hand into a jacket pocket, fiddling for a moment before taking out her packet of cigars. She pulled out a stick before lighting it, taking in a deep whiff. "Want a hit?" Ryu offered Glass. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Only once, with him." Glass laughed, then shook her head, declining the cigar. "Nah, that sort of stuff doesn't do anything for me. I don't mind if you partake, though." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Eben on the other hand felt comfortable in silence, though he could never shake the feeling that Ekmeros would rather listen than talk, at least if there had to be conversation, which was something Eben found difficult to make happen unless asked of his opinions, of which there were many. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Ryunoske nodded and happily kept the cigar to herself. She had been sharing too much of it with others lately, anyways. "Hmm, I see. I don't think I've gone a day without half a pack since I was... Nine? Ten?" She commented as she rested the stick between her lips. "But good on you for punching that guy too. Am I wrong for assuming you're not seeing anyone right now then? Much less some guy?" She chuckled softly. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Yep. Two guys standing there. In relatively comfortable silence depending on who you asked. They might become found family /j Ekmeros sighed and finally chose to sit down, finding a suitable place to. Best not to think about it. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

"Great, see you then!" Hannah saluted and leaned over the edge sideways- letting herself fall however many feet straight down to the water. It was still dark, so it was hard to see anything beneath the churning of the waves. Despite that, about twenty seconds later two sets of giant black eyes were looking up from the water at Titania, waiting. @ajjjjjjjj

SPOILER

Hm. Sitting sounded nice. Except Eben didn't really want to move, so he just...sat down on the floor, a similar distance away from Ekmeros as before. What do you call it when you feel like being around a person for prolonged periods of time without it feeling like a massive drain. Eben would have to think on that. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Yep. Two guys sitting down. In relatively- not doing that again. Ekmeros had taken up a chair and was now focusing on reorganising the placement of his viol case for it to sit more comfortable, his eyes taken away from Eben. They're just vibing. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Eben watched him reorganize the case, trying not to make it look like he was staring a little more successfully this time. In his opinion this went well. @soul | peregrine 🎭 + ekmeros 🎻

Ekmeros just didn't acknowledge the staring this time, so fixated on the little task. @sketti | Eben 🕶 + Isi 🍁

Glass hummed in thought, but didn't coment on Ryu's confession. Instead, she answered the question. "Nah, I'm about as single as they come. Haven't dated in a few years, actually. But hey, that's what attending weird mystery tournaments is for!" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

A small gasp escaped Titania's lips as she saw Hannah fall in. She didn't think the other woman would just fall in. A faint sense of worry filled her chest when she didn't see anything resurface, but a bright smile spread on her lips as she saw these 'sharks'. "Awhhh! You two are so adorable!" They giggled. Titania then raised her hand, slowly waving it down. The sharks would of saw a faint shimmer of pink and purple light glow over them, before completely fading from sight. "There you go! I have the illusion up!" She called to them. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

Ryunoske laughed at that. "You make it sound like you see this as an upgraded blind date," she joked. "But I understand. I haven't had a partner in a while myself." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Who says I don't?" Glass joked. "Really? I'd assume you to be quite popular with the ladies." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Glass's comment made Ryunsoke smirk. "Thank you, but being popular doesn't equate to a relationship," she hummed, blowing some smoke in the opposite direction of Glass. "I've had my fair share of dates and flings, but nothing serious since my last. I don't particularly do that anymore." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"That's fair. I mean, I can't say my expirience has been much different. Sometimes it's easier to be single." Glass shrugged. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

The sharks showed no reaction to her speaking. They just kinda looked sad with their giant, sopping wet eyes. If it wasn't for the splashing, it would be impossible to tell that they had disappeared beneath the waves. With the boat moving, and the choppy waters, it was hard to tell what was happening at all. A few minutes passed, then ten, then twenty... And finally, thirty minutes later there was commotion at the surface again as the two sharks launched themselves upward. They managed to soar high enough to just barely make it over the railings, tumbling down on to the wooden deck. The one on the left vanished in a flash of light, remaining only as a small glowing orb that floated over and in to the other shark. That shark soon morphed back in to Hannah in a somewhat horrifying display of body parts moving around. Once she was finally stable, it was pretty clear that she was soaking wet and her hair was all over the place. A short fin was still jutting out from her back, right below where her shirt ended. From where the sharks has been, two fairly sized, and still living, tuna were beginning to wake back up and flop around. "That was great! Yeah- I haven't got to hunt like that in- in- ever!" Hannah smiled widely, even more pointy teeth showing now. @ajjjjjjjj

Ryunoske was quiet for a moment longer than usual, but she then gave Glass a nod. "It is, yeah," she simply replied. It didn't seem like she had much more to say about that topic, as she quickly asked Glass, "On a scale of 1 to 10, how do I compare to the others you've dated, look-wise?" Ryu chuckled. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

The longer Hannah was gone, the more Titania grew concerned about the sharks. Did hunting fish usually take this long for these animals? That would make hunting quite time consuming if they needed to feed several offspring. Or perhaps animals of the shark variety hunted right after birth? That would make more sense. Titania's gaze never left the spot where Hannah and her shark disapeared. They held the railing as she looked over it, counting the minutes that passed. When she noticed the change in motion under the water, her eyes lit up and she backed away from the railing. They gasped with excitement when she saw the sharks and ran over to where she thought they would land. "Miss Hannah! You are safe! And you have such nice game! That was fantastic!" Titania cheered with glee, flapping their hands. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"On looks alone?" Glass chuckled, then thought about it for a bit. "Hmmm... maybe an eight, eight-point-five? I'm a bit biased, though, cause you're kinda my type. I'm into more masculine women." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Ryu chuckled. "I feel you're being generous with the rating, but it flatters me you rate me so high," she smiled warmly. "Most women approach me because they think I'm the next stoic man they can fix. It's funny, actually." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Thanks! You couldn't see all the action down there- it was BAM- Bonaparte hits one tuna and sends it spinning- then KACHOW- I whip the other one and send it in to that first one! Ha! Eaaaaaaasy fish to get- here, take one!" Hannah scrambled over on all fours toward the tuna her shark had dropped, which was now trying to flop its way over toward the edge. She pounced on it and gripped on to it with claws that had formed in her hands. She hopped back over to Titania and held it out, still trying to flop out of her hands. @ajjjjjjjj

"Maybe I am," Glass hummed. "That's funny. I assume not many of them follow through on 'fixing' you." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

body horror(?) cw/ Titania listened to Hannah's explanation with great delight. "Wow! That is amazing, Miss Hannah! I wish I was there to see it all in action! We must hunt again together in the future!" She gleamed and did some small happy taps. Titania then watched as Hannah grabbed the fish, happily taking it from her claws into her own hands. The fish still wiggled and struggled, but for a princess who claimed herself to be very weak, she held the fish with little issue. "Excuse me for a moment, Miss Hannah. I just have to stop its struggling," the princess smiled. If Hannah watched, she would of noticed the same pink and purple film that had covered her earlier, appear in front of Titania's face--specifically around her mouth. The bottom half of her face seemed to unhinge like a snake, cracking and jutting until it bit off the face and head of the fish. With a loud crunch, Titania chewed and ate with a happy smile. The film then disappeared, returning her face to normal. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

6:57 PM

Ryu snickered and shook her head. "No. What's there to be fixed, after all? I'm quite wealthy, emotionally intelligent, and physically strong," she hummed. "I don't mean to brag, but I make quite the partner. It's usually the people who need help who are drawn to me, rather than the other way around." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Glass laughed a bit, and nodded. "That's the way to think of it. It's good to be stable about your life." She hummed. @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

"Stable as it can be, yeah," she let out a breath of a laugh, green and red smoke fuming from her mouth. "Coming out here is the most out of my way thing in a while.. I hope it doesn't fuck my family over." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Woahhhhhh, I wish I could do that!" Hannah said and grabbed the other tuna she had captured for herself. She bit in to it, though with much less theatrics than Titania. The struggling stopped, and she went on eating it piece by piece. "How was it?" @ajjjjjjjj

Glass watched Ryu intently, making note of the colored smoke. Yeah, that was probably supernatural. "Hm." She leaned back in her chair. "You mentioned sisters before?" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Titania chewed in big bites, her cheeks comedically big before swallowing. "It is delicious! I do not get this type of fish often in my kingdom, so it is quite delightful, actually," she replied. Despite her unorthodox ways of eating, Titania was careful to not get any of the fish on her dress. "That shark you and your partner was--You two make quite the pair. Have you always had him?" Titania asked between bites. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

Ryunoske nodded, glancing at Glass from the corner of her eye. "That's correct. I have two of them. All younger," she replied. "They're both green behind the ear, but one day, they'll be even stronger than myself." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Mhm." Glass hummed. "I was an only child, myself. Don't know if I ended up better or worse because of it." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Hannah wished that she could eat so epicly. She had to eat normal sized bites. Like a loser. She wasn't quite as tidy as the other, since her clothes were already a mess. "I haven't always had Bonaparte-" nom nom nom. "I wasch like.. scheven.. Crazy schtuff happened." She finally swallowed her food. "Long story." @ajjjjjjjj

"Hmm, an only child huh?" Ryu hummed. "This isn't an insult, but you do give only child vibes," she teased with a small chuckle. "Nothing wrong with that though. Are your parents still in the picture? Yknow, with the whole church thing, I imagine you all had your differences." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Titania didn't think she was a loser because of her normal bite sizes, so don't feel bad, Hannah. She listened intently as Hannah spoke, taking more bites in between as she did so. "Well, I love stories! Would you mind telling me more about it?" She asked with a bright, curious smile. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"It's not an insult if it's true." Glass shrugged, then shook her head. "Nah, my mom passed when I was young, and my dad and I never got along too well. I ditched home when I was... sixteen or seventeen, I think." She shrugged nonchalantly. "Haven't seen him since." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

"You really wanna hear the whole story? It's a little sad- my mom always says that it's.. Depressing and weird.." Hannah mumbled, moving the fish back from her face. @ajjjjjjjj

Ryu continued to smoke as Glass talked, the woman having her full attention otherwise. She tapped the left over ash onto a nearby coffee table, not really caring it wasn't a proper ash tray. "Hm, I see. You're a runaway then," she commented. "Sorry bout your mom and sorry that your pop's an asshole. When did you join your band if you left home so young?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Titania nodded eagerly. "Yes! Even if it is a little sad and odd, if you would not mind sharing with me, I would like to hear it still. I will not force you if it is difficult to speak about, however." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"You don't have to apologize, but thanks." Glass hummed, and leaned back in her seat. "My friend Max took me in after I ran away, and we formed the band shortly after. I don't always agree with her on everything, but she's a good friend. I'd probably be dead without her." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

"Well if you really wanna hear.. I can try to condense it down to the important parts." Hannah said. "So I was seven years old, and still living in California- Cali is like.. warm and has beaches and stuff. I was surfing this big wave, the biggest I'd ever seen. And then a storm started- and the water got really rough." "I got knocked off my board and fell in.. And just didn't come out. Not for a week." "Everyone assumed I was dead, obviously. A little kid who fell in to the water during a storm, there's no way I could have just been lost all that time, y'know?" "But I don't remember. I don't remember anything that happened in that week. My earliest memory is waking up in the middle of the night on the beach- tired and cold and with a shark tooth sunk in to my arm." She reached her hand up to her choker, which had a few different shark teeth on it. "And whenever I held the tooth, I could summon Bonaparte. I didn't know that was his name- I picked it out a while later. He was Sharky for a while." @ajjjjjjjj

"It's good to have a good friend. I'm glad you have someone like Max and your band to support you," Ryunoske replied, blowing out more smoke afterwards. "How'd you two meet?" She decided to ask to keep the conversation going. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Even if the way Hannah explained her story was a bit vague and convoluted, Titania scooted closer to her to listen even more. She didn't know what 'California' was, or what 'surfing' is, but Titania followed along for the most part. "Woah... You survived in the ocean that long..? I do not have much knowledge on humankind, but I do understand most humans are fragile. Being alive for a weeks time with no oxygen is quite impressive," Titania said once Hannah finished. She looked at the choker Hannah held, examinging it with curious eyes. "He is summoned via tooth..? Can you communicate with him otherwise? As you can now turn into a similar looking shark as he is?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"We went to the same high school." Glass shrugged. "Her family moved out of the Houston area a few years before I left, so I was able to just drive up to her place in Baton Rogue. It wasn't too bad. I'm lucky to have her, and Gwen and Tara, I don't know where I'd be without them." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

"Oh, I see. That makes sense," she nodded. "It's nice to hear you guys are still close. I feel every group of close people I meet somehow break apart in the middle of it all, so this is a nice change in pace," Ryu said between smokes. "Do you guys think you'll make it big some day?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Yeah, we're really lucky." Glass nodded, the considered Ryu's question. "Nahhh, I don't think we will. But 'making it big' isn't really the reason for making music for us- at least not for me. I play because of the message, and because I like to, and because it's art. That's enough for me. The only good thing about making it big would be the money, but I don't know if I'm willing to corporatize my music for that." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

Wow, how poetic. Truly. "I can respect that," Ryu smiled. "When people don't chase fame and fortune, they tend to love their work even more because it's a reflection of who they truly are. Don't ever lose that part of yourself, Glass." Ryunoske put out the butt of her cigar against the coffee table and put the stick into a different pocket from where it came. "Don't let nobody own you guy's message either. Being a cog in the machine is worst than death most times." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"To be honest, I dunno if I died and came back to life, or something weirder happened- either way, none of it makes sense." Hannah said. "And no, i can't really communicate with him beyond body language. I've also taught him a few tricks and verbal commands. He's like a dog- but I think he tries to protect me. I can't take him out very often because we moved to a place without an ocean." @ajjjjjjjj

"I wasn't planning on it," Glass laughed, "But thank you. I really try to put myself into my work, it's something I'm proud of." "Too much of music- punk music especially- is all corporate today. It sucks, it goes against the values." She shook her head. "When I started making music, I made a promise to myself that I'd never sell out. It's something I'm proud of never having broken." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

"That is quite fascinating.. so you were not born with your powers then, Miss Hannah? And received them with your partner, all without your knowledge. I am sure that was quite the spook for you and your family," Titania hummed. "..A dog?" She then repeated with a tilt of her head. "I apologize.. these are all such new creatures to me. Never have I been so exposed to so many new things all at once before.. at least, this is my first time in quite some time." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"I'm not quite sure what the values of punk are, but I believe you when you say that," Ryu chuckled. "Stick it to the man. I always love rebellion against the grain. It's nice to see someone who thinks the same in that sense." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Thank you!" Glass smiled. "Likewise, it's always nice to see someone supporting the movement." @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

"The main way? Man, now and days, it's mostly by plane. Boats definitely take a while to get around, espcially when you wanna get from point A aaaaaaall the way to point H. It's rough, but fun!" He grinned. "I'm glad that's where you found the library, though! It's always real good to find your passion. Sometimes you find it in places you didn't really expect!" @James | Omnipresent eye

“Hmmm, you’re very right,” Kass hummed, then once again lowered her voice. “Because we’re now aligned, I’ll let you in on what exactly my powers can do. My hands radiate decay, meaning if they come in contact with someone, they immediately inflict harm. If my opponent is within arms reach, they don’t stand a chance.” @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

"Fascinating.." Valerie whispered quietly. "You are quite the powerful opponent then, Kass. I'd hate to get on your bad side." She commented. "Later on we'll try and speak with those buffoons...I have a feeling bird-boy is gonna be a bit more of a easier target to get rid of.." Valerie smiled, flashing her fangs a bit. @Morgan | Kass + Ren

“Lucky for you, it seems we’re on the same team, Boss,” Kass tried her hardest to wink, which was… partially successful. “The more intel we gather on those two, the better. Though… that really goes for anyone that could be a possible threat to the competition.” @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

"Yeah, I don't think I was born with them. I definitely didn't get them from either of my parents that's for sure- they freaked the fuck out about it." Hannah glared toward the ground. "And you've never seen a dog before- wow.. How do I even describe them.. Have you seen a wolf before?" @ajjjjjjjj

"No need to call me Boss, deary." Valeire hummed. "We're friends, aren't we? Val or Valerie is fine." She drummed her fingers on the rail before she glanced around. "The more intel the better...perhaps we could split up and then talk again later?" She suggested. @Morgan | Kass + Ren (edited)

Kass blinked. “Ah… apologies. It’s always been customary that I address those higher up than me,” she said both quickly and vaguely. “I do like the idea of splitting up and gathering intel… that way when we meet up again, we can exchange information.” she hummed. @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

Ryunoske smiled and ran a hand back through her hair for a moment. "Mhm.." She glanced over to the open sky for a moment, pondering what to do next. "Well, it was nice talking to you, Glass, but I think I'm gonna go roam for a bit. I'll catch you later, alright?" Ryu told her with a wink. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I think most normal parents would be confused about their child turning into an animal. I do not think most human children can do that," she commented. Titania then hummed, thinking if she did know what a wolf was. "I think I have read about them in books before... Picture books, at least. They talk and can walk on two legs, correct?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"It was nice talking with you, too." Glass hummed, and stayed where she was. "I'll see you later!" @Aj | Ryunoske+Titania

"See ya, gorgeous," Ryunoske smiled before getting up and walking to a different part of the deck. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

".. No, not quite. They run on all fours.. What kind of wolf were you reading about? A werewolf?" @ajjjjjjjj

"Oh indeed! I am quite fortunate to have found a life I can enjoy, I know there are many who spend most of their time searching. I can only hope that one day they too can stumble into what will bring them joy." He turned to Kal again, "Tell me of your travels, what places are the ones that stood out the most to you?" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Taisto tsood in the bows, leaning on the railing and watching the gloomy sea up ahead with a serene smile on his face. Occasionally he followed what other people were doing on the deck, but didn't bother paying too much attention. He hummed to himself, perhaps the tune of either one of the songs that Ekmeros had played, and enjoyed the boat ride. He didn't often travel by water like this, and it was interesting, fun feeling the salty air on his face and hair, but he wished he could feel it in his fur... There was so many nonhuman people here, why couldn't he look a little nonhuman as well? It wouldn't hurt anyone, would it? He hesitated for a moment, before shaking his head and chuckling lightly. What the heck, why was he worried after everything he had witnessed on the docks? His ears traveled up from the sides of his head, and grew pointy and fluffy wolf ears. Pied fur poked out from his skin and covered it from head to toe. A fluffy tail flopped out from under the back of his jacket, and his nose tip and lips turned black, as did the corners of his eyes. He smiled brighter, now that the wind played in his fur, and he could smell all the fish and algae, in the salty air much better. Fascinating!

10:22 AM

After a moment of admiring the views, Taisto thought he should perhaps talk with someone again. Just to see how they would react to his outlook, and if he should shift back to his human disguise. He walked around the deck, looking for a lone person he could meet, and finally approached one of the church very own people. "Hello!" he greeted Demikadrae with a friendly wave and a nervous smile. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Huh.. on all fours? That is nothing like the depictions I read growing up," Titania hummed. "I read about wolves in a story called Little Red Riding Hood. They are scary creatures of disguise and deceit," she explained. "...But what is a werewolf?" @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

Demikadrae had been wandering the outside of the deck, watching the scenery pass by, when she was approached. She startled, not having expected the new voice, and startled again when she saw his... wolfiness. "Oh, ah- Hello!" She smiled, and waved back, her nervousness mirroring Taisto's. "How are you enjoying the voyage so far?" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Taisto's smile turned into an even more nervous pout as Demikadrae flinched seeing him, and his ears lowered slightly. "Yes... I haven't been on a boat in the sea many times, it's nice..." he started, wringing his now clawed hands a bit. "Um. Are you scared? Should I look more human?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"It is nice! I like it much more than flying on planes. I get airsick, but I don't get seasick. It's weird." Demikadrae rambled, then jumped to defense. "No, no- you're alright, I don't mind. Plenty people here look nonhuman, even on the island too. I don't mind. You just startled me, that's all." She laughed awkwardly. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga (edited)

Taisto's ears perked up, and his smile returned. "Oh, really? That's great, I never get to look like myself in public like this", he chuckled lightly and his tail swished a couple of times. "I don't like flying on plains too much either, my ears feel weird." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Mine too! It's so annoying...." Demikadrae hummed. "But I haven't been on one since I joined the church, we do all our travel by sea. It's pretty nice." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"No need to apologize, dear." Valerie shook her head. "But splitting up for now seems like a good idea. We can meet up again once we get to the island," She smiled. "It was lovely talking with you, Kass, I look forward to speaking with you again in the future." @Morgan | Kass + Ren

"That is nice. Where do you travel?" Taisto asked with a small tilt of his head, linked his hands behind his back and let his tail slowly sway from side to side. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"We don't travel much, honestly. We came down to Ninjago for this, and we're obviously going back up north. Sometimes, a few of us dedicants will travel off-island for a missionary project, or something, but that doesn't happen often. I took this boat to the island when I first joined." Demikadrae rambled, putting one hand over the railing as she looked out onto the horizon. "Generally, though, we stay to the island." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"Oh, I see. Well, it's a short way to the Church if you live on the island" he chuckled. "Your church doesn't seem awfully keen on recruiting more people, or at least your website isn't helping much with it. How did you join?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Yeah..." Demikadrae hummed. "I found the church a few years ago, and they helped me get back on my feet. I was a refugee, and needed some medical attention, so they helped me out. I didn't have anywhere else to go, so I stayed. I don't know about any website, but most of us found out about the church through word of mouth, or chance." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"That's interesting", Taisto nodded with a thoughtful impression, but then realized Demi had told him something sad and added: "I'm sorry you were in that situation." "Still, I guess if it's that much based on chance, you aren't doing any big campaigns to get people involved. Oh, well, apart from this one, I suppose", he gestured to the boat with a little grin. "Do you invite people like this often?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"It's alright. I've left my old life behind, and have a new home and family here." Demikadrae smiled. "No, we prefer to keep to ourselves. We don't often do things like this, honestly. It's all really exciting." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"I see, interesting. Maybe you are trying out new methods to find followers?" he smiled. "Can you tell me about your faith? I have never heard of the Church of the Undying Light before." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Something like that!" Demikadrae smiled. "We are the followers of the Lifebringer's True Earthly incarnation, the Hand of God. We follow his teachings of healing, genorisity, service, and compassion, and uphold his way of life by striving to help everyone we can. Especially us dedicants, as our job is to care for others." She nodded proudly. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"Lifebringer? That sounds nice", Taisto smiled amicably. "That god I have not heard of before. The ideals sound great. What do you do on daily basis in your religion, then?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Well, we have chapel every morning, and pray before dawn. Then we eat, then we do our daily duties and chores- cleaning, gardening, cooking, that sort of thing. The guards do heavier-duty work, especially in the summertime, but we all follow roughly the same schedule. We eat again at noon, then have chapel again and sometimes a sermon. In the afternoons we usually have a bit of free time to relax, and then more chores. There's one more mass in the evenings, and then we all go to sleep!" Demikadrae recounted. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"Ohh, I see, I see. Sounds like the typical monastery life to me", he nodded and tilted his head. "You seem to enjoy it", Taisto said, only on the basis of seeing Demikadrae smiling a lot. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I do! It's nice to have that sort of purpose and routine in life." Demikadrae nodded. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"That is nice. What does the head of your church do? The Hand of God? That must be pretty cool to have him there physically." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"He's very wise, and benevolent." Demikadrae nodded in agreement. "Oftentimes, he works in the hospital, and teaches us dedicants about healing and medicine. Other times, he handles things like organizing our festivals and keeping track of all our bookkeeping- though, Petrai helps him alot with that. He also leads us in worship, of course." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"Mhm, that's nice..." Taisto hummed. "Do you pay any entrance fees?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Entrance fees? No, I don't think we have anything of the like." Demikadrae shook her head. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"Oh? It seemed to me like your church is pretty wealthy. At least the invitations promised a lot of money for winning the tournament. I wonder where you get the money then", he pondered, putting a hand on his chin and tilting his head. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Demikadrae paused for a bit. "We have our resources." She shrugged. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"Alright", Taisto smiled with a serene expression like there was nothing shady in what Demi just said. "I assume people need to live on your island to join the church?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Demikadrae nodded. "Yes, because of our remote location, all the members of the church live on the island." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"It makes sense... But you never thought to make other worship places, monasteries et cetera, to other places so people in faraway places would also be able to go?" he tilted his head to the other side. "Though, if your goal isn't to grow very big I suppose it wouldn't make sense." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Our church is still quite young, and there's not very many of us...' Demikadrae hummed. "I'm a rather low-ranking dedicant, to be honest, so I don't know too much about the inner workings of the church. I assume the reason we've remained limited to our island is simply becasue of resources." She shrugged. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"That makes sense", Taisto nodded. "I didn't think of it being young. Is it about as old as the island base?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"I think we've been on the island for about twenty-five years, but the church has existed for about thirty." Demikadrae hummed. "Of course, all that was long before I got there." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"That is very young for a church", Taisto nodded. "What about the Lifebringer? Do you know if there was or is any other faith that follows them?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Well, the people of the Loucari archipelago have historically worshipped the Lifebringer for centuries," Demikadrae mused, "Though, the faith taught by the Church of the Loucari isn't true. They've distorted the message." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"That's interesting. I'm not familiar with Loucari", Taisto hummed with a thoughtful expression. "How do the faiths differ?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Well, the Church of the Loucari places the word of the old scriptures above that of the Hand of God, in terms of importance." Demikadrae said. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"Ah", Taisto tilted his head all the way to the other side. Confusion. "Alright. Well, I suppose he knows better than some old texts?" he nodded a bit. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"He does!" Demikadrae nodded. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"Yeea", Taisto smiled warmly. "I'm afraid I can't join the church, though. I'm needed home." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"That's perfectly alright!" Demikadrae hummed. "All we ask is that you participate respectfully. This life isn't for everyone." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"Oh, I'll try my best to be respectful. I have long sleeves on all my shirts, and I have a hat, though I don't know if it's proper", he pulled his beanie out of his bag again and pulled it over his ears, flattening them against the sides of his head. "If there's anything I should keep in mind, please tell me! I was raised Lutheran, and I'm not aware of every other religions' rules." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"As long as you don't wear the hat in the chapel, you should be fine!" Demikadrae smiled. "Just act respectfully- don't speak out during prayertimes, don't act to garishly, all that sort of stuff. What you have on looks good, though you might want to grab a cloak. It's pretty cold on the island." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

Taisto nodded at every point. "Oh, I don't think I'll be cold. I packed a bunch of woollen jumpers, woollen socks, woollen underwear, and I have my fur! I'm not going to be cold", he smiled and swished his tail again. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Still, it's good to be safe." Demikadrae said, "The coats are there if you need them." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"I'll keep it in mind", Taisto gave Demikadra a single thumbs up. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Alrighty!" Demikadrae smiled. "Did you check out the breakfast offerings, too? It's gonna be a bit longer til we get to the island." @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"I didn't, but thank you for reminding me. I don't need to eat, but maybe I'll see what you have to offer", he nodded with a smile. "Say, what was your name? I'm Taisto. You can say Tasu or Tapsu too, whichever is easier." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"You should check out the scrambled eggs. I made all those myself!" Demikadrae said proudly. "I'm Demikadrae, but you can just call me Demi!" @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"Did you? Well in that case I'll have to try them" he chuckled warmly. "It was nice to meet you, Demi, take care now", he swished his tail and waved. @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Enjoy the rest of the trip!" Demikadrae smiled, and waved goodbye. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Enjoy the rest of the trip!" Demikadrae smiled, and waved goodbye. @Twig | Taisto + Yuga

"Thank you", Taisto replied, and made his way to the lower deck.

Glass wandered around the boat for a bit after parting with Ryu, eventually spotting someone who caught her eye. She approached Val with a smile. "Oh, hey there." She said, "Enjoying the trip so far?" @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

Kass bowed stiffly. “You as well…” she opened her mouth, then closed it, tempted to call Valerie by her title. “Valerie,” she smiled. “I agree, this was lovely, and I hope we cross paths again soon.” @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

Valeire glanced over her shoulder as Glass approached and she offered a smile in return. "As much as I can, yes." She said with a laugh. "The boat view is quite nice, what about you? Enjoying yourself?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Glass leaned on the railing, looking out onto the sea. "It's nice. Never been too much of a boat fan, if I'm being honest, but this one seems nice. Even if it is a bit cold." She briefly glanced to Valerie, "I'm Glass, by the way." @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

"It is nice. I like the breeze." Valerie took in a deep breath before she let it out. "Names Valerie." She pointed at herself. "What brings you to a place like this, hmm?" @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Nice to meet ya, Valerie." Glass hummed. "Would you believe me if I said I came for fun?" @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

“Honestly, I’m pretty lucky I found mine young, too!” Kal laughed. “I found mine when I was little, so it’s literally all I’ve been thinking about for as long as I can remember. I hope other people find it soon- The sooner, the better!” “Man, best travels? I can hardly pick one,” Kal chuckled. “I love every place I’ve gone to. The more remote the location, the better, if I’m honest. Nothing beats a clear night sky when you’re out and alone with no one in sight. One of the best feelings out there. Greece has a bunch of untouched rocky areas. The weather’s usually great all year round, so it’s awesome to go there. Some of the top rock climbing places in the world are there.” @James | Omnipresent eye

"... That's a fairy tale. It's not real." Hannah said slowly. ".. where are you from?" @ajjjjjjjj

"Eh, I'm kinda the same." Valerie shrugged. "I wanted to see what this whole thing was about. Struck me as odd and pretty specific so. Figured I'd peek around." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

Glass hummed in thought. "I had nothing better to do, so I wound up here." She said, "Though, now I'm curious. What's your impression of this place been, so far?" @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

"Greece! Oh what a wonderful place with so much culture and art and history! You reply have the best of taste my good sir!" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Aw, thanks, man!" Kal chuckled. "You got great taste, too! Maybe next time I'm out there, I'll do my best to check out some of the museums and things out there. I didn't get to do much of it." @James | Omnipresent eye

Titania raised a brow. "A fairytale..? I had assumed it was based upon real events," she hummed as they took another bite of her fish. "I am from the Kingdom Ekimuli ky’omwezi. It is directly northwest of here," Titania smiled. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

"And what real life animals do you have there..?" @ajjjjjjjj

"Everyone seems nice enough." Valerie shrugged again. "Though I think we have a few fuckin' nutcases. Not my problem though, They wanna fuck shit up? Let em." She laughed. "This whole thing is so fuckin; fishy. I just can't help but be curious. "Hand of God?" Yeah- okay. Sure. I will totally think a random-ass person is the hand of "god" themself." @innsjo (glass🎸+ darcy🖋+ npcs❄)

"Yeah, I hear ya. Had to knock a sense into a guy on the docks." Glass hummed. "Whoa, we haven't even met the guy, and you've got some opinions on him." She laughed to herself. @Cap! | Valerie + Inu + NPC'S

🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Aw, thanks, man!" Kal chuckled. "You got great taste, too! Maybe next time I'm out there, I'll do my best to check out some of the museums and things out there. I didn't get to do much of it." @James | Omnipresent eye

"Of course! And I can try to do a hike or such and really take I'm the natural beauty!" Gerald had enjoyed Kal's company but he also knew there were more people to meet. "I don't want to keep you too much longer, there are many wonderful people here I'm sure so we should talk again perhaps once we reach out destination! For now let us enjoy this vessel and it's many amenities! Go forth and spread this wonderful joy you have built up!" @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

"Hell yeah, man!! Definitely recommend a hike, you have no idea how great touching some grass and breathing some fresh air can be." Kal laughed. At the suggestion of parting ways, Kal nodded his head. "Sounds great, man! Take it easy and make some buddies, go share the excitement with others!" @James | Omnipresent eye

"Indeed I will!" Gerald gave one final bow of his head and extended his hand for a handshake. @🌙Vanessa🌙 | Zerada⚡+ Kal⭐

Kal reached out and shook his hand. "Hell yeah! Go for it! Have a good one, bud!" @James | Omnipresent eye

"Normal mammals such as deer, bears. Birds like ravens and crows are also common," Titania listed a few. "Oh, then there are the occasional gnomes and goblins.. Sometimes the chimera come out at night, but I do not see them very often anymore," she said and shook her head with a frown. "I miss when they would come visit the castle. They were always so much fun." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline (edited)

Hannah nodded along through the first part, it seemed normal enough. Her nodding instantly stopped when 'gnomes' was said, and she blinked when she said 'goblins'. "Gnomes and goblins and chimeras aren't real." @ajjjjjjjj

Titania tilted her head at Hannah's response, making a face of confusion. "Oh, they very much are real, Miss Hannah. Some of them are a bit shy at first, so they will hide in their homes in the forest, but most of them are intelligent creatures. The chimera can become quite violent if you intrude on their territory, however." @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

The sky had gone from pitch black, to dull, overcast white as the boat neared a small, grayish island. Fog shrouded the cold sea, hiding the island from sight til it was right by it. The air was far colder, too, especially out on the upper deck. The boat docked with a low thud, swaying a bit as it stilled. Petrai left Roque and Peregrine, and turned to everyone else gathered on the lower deck. “We have arrived on the island.” She announced. “Your rooms are currently being prepared, and you will have time to explore the island shortly, and attend a ceremonial gala celebrating your arrival here on the island. But first, the Hand of God wishes to speak with you all.” The church staff members aboard the boat formed all the participants into two rough lines- one led by Albanes, the other led by Elijah- and began leading them off the dock and onto the island proper… @everyone

"Those are just stories-" Hannah paused as she heard Petrai speaking. "We can keep talking about this later I suppose?" She shivered, rubbing her hands over her arms. "After we go see whoever she's talking about I'd like to head to my room- so I can dig my jacket out of my bag." @ajjjjjjjj

Titania also turned when Petrai spoke and nodded, quickly wolfing down the rest of her fish. "Mhm!" She agreed with a stuffed mouth before swallowing. "I shall see you some time later then, Miss Hannah. Thank you for the fish once again!" The princess smiled and bowed her head. They grabbed her suitcases and headed off the ship with everyone else. @Mads|Roque🩸+Hannah🦈+Madeline

Hannah gathered up all of her things and headed out as well...