❪ event ❫ khalo? can you hear me?

[natha]

In normal circumstances, this would have been near the time in which you're called upon to greet the newly awakened. Unfortunately, I speak to you to inform that we must postpone that — there is trouble on your horizon. What, I cannot see for sure. We shall continue to monitor the situation, however — we - ... we — [feed cuts off.] OLYMPIAN PRESERVATION     The city of Olympia is preparing the send-off of its most prized artifact: the heart of the ancient dragon, Ysverai. In doing this, they've transformed the palace court into an exhibition detailing the centuries-old war between Wyver and Olympia. Sculptures of Nithor the Exalted and his men and women in clean, white marble, while their armors are polished in perfect gold. Among Nithor are the sculptures of stallions in all shapes and sizes that also aided in the great war. Further in the exhibition, one may also find other artifacts of much older weaponry, rusted by its time in the earth, and items found from a time when humans feared the dragons. The Royal Guard has increased its numbers in wake of such a public event, particularly because the heart will be in display also. The heart is not what one might expect it to be: about the size of an average human, the heart's core is surrounded in stone, a red glow emitting from its still beating core. If that were not unsettling enough, one might also find that lingering around this particular exhibit will have undue affects on one's inhibitions. You'll notice your heart has fallen into sync with the organ, and your more selfish desires will come forth. Things that have long been buried will rise up and place you in a state of unease, encouraging paranoia about your companions intentions. Allow it to fester, and one will carry this feeling with them long after you've left the scene. It's probably a good thing this is leaving Olympia — perhaps it's a source of so much conflict you've endured. It's easy to become mesmerized by all the historical artifacts that are present in Olympia's exhibition. Some even seem mystical or, like Ysverai’s heart, to hold unspeakable powers. Others are just a little eerie. Either way, Olympia prides itself in its generosity and their grand displays, and so refugees are urged to learn more about their artifacts by spending the night in Palace Court. Though, someone should probably mention that there are rumors of strange, almost occult things happening around these relics at night. People speak of armored soldiers casting shadows that have the ability to walk on their own, or gemstones that catch the moonlight in a certain way and show you visions. But those are just silly ghost stories, right? TALL TALES OF KHALO VILLAGE     Because of Khalo's proximity to Wyver, it's no surprise that they would catch wind of the peace talks between Wyver and Olympia. In response, for the first time in centuries, Khalo Village has willingly granted passage to outsiders — but visitors will immediately find out that one cannot just simply walk into the village. Visitors will need to inhale the smoke of a fyrra herb in order to enter the premises without falling into slumber. Khalo is notably different than what refugees are used to. Visitors, specifically refugees, will find that they are exceedingly accommodating. The Khali are very intrigued by the outsiders, thus they're treated with much respect and given instant access to some of the best lounges and fyrra the village has to offer. In exchange, the village is interested in hearing about your journey thus far. Whether it be through a conversation with another individual or the Khali themselves, they'll very likely to have been eavesdropping and recording the tales of their exploits. Why, exactly? Perhaps it will not be immediately clear, but if you happened upon a venasou, a tamed Khali creature, it may have guided you to their Enchanted Library. Upon entering the library, visitors will notice that it is quite the happening place — but not because it's occupied by the Khali, but because there seems to be an assembly of magical quills seemingly writing on their own. The quills are mostly undisturbed by the intrusion and will not stop writing even if parchment is taken from it; it will simply produce another piece of paper and continue its tales. If you happen to read the parchment, you may notice that there is a daunting similarity between your story and the ones being written here. Tales of Thesa birthing new races and sending them from the sky, for example, are very popular in Khalo Village. They mark July 15th as the day in which the Moon Goddess, Thesa, created more people in her image and brought them to El Nysa as saviors. The coincidences don't end there: specifics about your home world might be found in the writings if you search deeply enough — but it's not without its exaggerations. These stories are given all sorts of poetic and literary forms, from short stories to limericks, biographies to something similar to haiku. If asked, the Khali will inform visitors that the enchanted library has access to vague parts of your memories, and thus it is duty-bound to record. The Khali have not seen stories as strange as the ones being made by refugees, which is largely why they are interested in them. NOTE: This is entirely optional! You may make up your own "stories" (fanfiction) and it could be as accurate or inaccurate, or as serious or silly as you'd like. While tales of the Thesa's descendants are still being written, visitors of the Enchanted Library might find intrigue in the more complete works — KING AND KIN. If one is willing to delve deep, they may also find parts of Wyver's past that have been removed from their own archives. These pages will recount the tales of Shanrian and Rasyc. Though a lot of the narrative seems to divide at certain points in the story, it becomes obvious with some quick reading that Rasyc is not only the son of Shanrian, but that he glorifies the Wyver of old, more bloodthirsty and brutal than it is today. Unlike his father, he does not take kindly to Olympia and the threat they will always pose for their people. He has not forgotten Olympia's past sins and he believes that, in his foolish quest for peace, the king has gone soft and no longer possesses the real will to fight. His present voice in affairs of state is not a loud one, as he chooses to speak in whispers and move in the dead of silence. In these quiet murmurings, he boasts of his unwavering belief in the power and dignity of his people. Of how they should all return to what they once were — the kingdom, its citizens, and naturally the father who he had once admired greatly. Though perhaps it can be argued that any estranged son would wish the same. It's difficult to pinpoint what becomes political and what is and always will be more personal for him. But, it hardly matters. It's clear that Rasyc will stop at nothing to achieve his objectives, even if it means never returning to place he calls home. Even if it means turning his back on his own father, Shanrian, King of Wyver... DRAGONFIRE. While tales of the Thesa's descendants are still being written, visitors to the Enchanted Library might find intrigue in the more complete works. In particular, tales of Ysverai, the last of Wyver's great high dragons. Ysverai is most commonly known for being slain by Olympia’s past king and legendary hero, Nithor, but here in Khalo he is depicted in another light. Ysverai is known to the Khali people as a wise being, old as the first inhabitants that walked El Nysa. The creature spoke in the common tongue to the early settlers, guiding them to refuge when his kin began to dominate the land at the cost of its own isolation. It ultimately becomes a tale of sacrifice, for its stand with Nithor became a testament against the Olympian Empire's long reaching influence. At the bottom, there is a quotation: Your hearts will fill with greed and malice the moment my own stops beating. Take care in the Eye of the Storm. Find strength in one another, before it is too late. It seems to end there. Refugees are naturally allowed to question the natives. However, keep in mind that many of their replies will seem more like speculation than fact. But maybe that can be fun too? If you have no interest in the library and the tales they've woven, feel free to explore any of the other areas of interest. Khalo Village is thrilled to be open for you all. THOSE THAT SEEK PEACE, AND THOSE THAT SEEK --     The morning of the 20th is marked by fairly dismal weather. The sky is overcast and a downpour seems imminent. Regardless of the poor forecast, those who signed up to assist in this mission will be required to come early in order to receive their briefing. Members of Group A: ▸ Jon Snow (song_of_ice) ▸ Daenerys Targaryen (dorzalta) ▸ Loras Tyrell (triplerose) ▸ Terra (earthy) ▸ Alisaie Leveilleur (adelphoi) ▸ Solider: 76 (personalwar) ▸ Ardyn Izunia (daemonized) ▸ Mai(maipokerface) ▸ Olivier Armstrong (wallsofbriggs) ▸ Atsushi Nakajima (gekkajuu) Members of Group B: ▸ Kale (kaleorbekaled) ▸ Diana Prince (wondie) ▸ Pheonix Wright (objectionattourney) ▸ Revolver Ocelot (shashka) ▸ Frederick (pebblestone) ▸ John Sheppard (impavid ▸ Ianto Jones (torchwoodteaboy) ▸ Lena Oxton (quevarly) ▸ Allura (quintessent) Due to the rain, members of Group A will have to immediately stop by the checkpoint at the East Watchtower. Additionally, the Royal Guard and Knightryders are well-prepared with extra cloaks for those who may require it. They also will provide basic refreshments such as water and bread. People are encouraged to take what they need prior to their departure on this mission. The checkpoints are a bit far between, after all. Members of the envoy will also be encouraged to utilize this time to become familiar with one another. Maybe some introductions are in order? You never know who will end up having your back... For both groups, the paths will be relatively straightforward with evenly spaced checkpoints along the way. The only issue seems to be the downpour, really. The rain is unforgiving and the roads easily become unstable and increasingly difficult for the carriage to be drawn through. Hence, there may be more than one occasion where you will be expected to lend a hand in prying out its wheels from a particularly pesky (and muddy) pothole. Or perhaps you will be called upon by a fellow guard to assist in getting a particularly stubborn creature out of the path ahead of you. Seems like it may be a longer journey than you expected. Dirtier, too. While weathering the conditions may have been a bit tiring, this journey isn't too bad, right? Well, maybe not. GROUP A. Once the carriage gets through the worst of the terrain and finally manages to depart from the watchtower, it won't be long until the group is met with a physical roadblock. A large tree trunk will be set down the center of the road, acting as a blockade. But, before the group can react or begin crafting a plan around this obstruction, the carriage will be attacked without warning. At first, it's unclear where the attack comes from or from whom, but you don't have the leisure to deliberate this. You hear one of your fellow guards mention something about bandits frequenting these parts, but maybe there's more to it? Either way, your task is clear: protect the artifact, Nithor's skull, and fight the bandits off. You'll be encouraged to try and capture them so that they may later be turned and questioned by the authorities. GROUP B. With clear motives to restock and collect a few more materials for the carriage, it's evident that the envoy will appear restless to arrive at the second checkpoint. However, despite their unspoken delight at seeing the South Outpost from a distance, it's clear something has gone awry. There will be several hooded figures awaiting them right where the mud path meets the cobblestone of the Outpost's road. Soon, several more of these figures will come to flank them from both sides. While they seem like bandits, at least from their physical appearance, there is something far more polished in their movements. They will be attacking the envoy in concise, practiced formations. For those who are more perceptive, it becomes obvious that they are moving around and acting as decoy to one central figure. This member is likely the "leader" of their group, but no matter how one may try to close the distance between themselves and this mysterious leader, someone will constantly get in the way of that. The fighting also seems to act as a distraction since by the time everything is cleared up... only two things are missing. The leader of this group of bandits and more importantly — Ysverai's heart. NOTE: Those RNG'd to thread out the capture and questioning of the bandits will have starters below. For everyone else that signed up, you will still have the opportunity to capture the assailants even though they were not selected to thread the interrogation; you are free to make up your NPCs with the same basic guideline: they will not reveal their motive or their organization. You may turn them in to authorities (Wyver or Olympia or otherwise) or find creative ways to get rid of them. FINAL OOC NOTE     To reiterate: you may use this log as a general mingle for everything from the May Outline, including all Khalo Village activities. In other words, your top-levels don't necessarily have to be related to the prompts written here. An AC-eligible thread in which your character participates in anything mentioned in the May Outline and/or Khalo Village location page may be submitted for 2 REP POINT FOR EITHER OLYMPIA OR WYVER. SUBMIT THE THREAD FOR OLYMPIA OR WYVER HERE OR HERE RESPECTIVELY BY June 10th 11:59 PM EST. For those who participated in this month's plot-related portion, to receive IC recognition for it, a summary of the thread must be submitted HERE by June 8th 11:59 PM EST. Please direct all queries to the question thread below. Thank you, and have fun! QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● lore ● map ● npcs ● bestiary taken ● atp/emp ● application ● rep/acp ● quest bulletin calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

Comments

mikazuki augus | khalo mingle | ota

[sparsity]

I. ENTERING KHALO | d...rugs

[ It's impossible to escape the buzz surrounding the city at the exchange that's slated to take place soon. A heart for a skull. Mikazuki has no interest in the act of goodwill and diplomacy, so his attention fast moved to the news of nearby Khalo openings its doors instead. He lives on Wyver's outskirts, closer to Namarak than to Khalo. Still, in the jungles, he often sees paths overgrown in their disuse leading that direction.

It's just that now there's an actual destination at the end. Granted, it's shrouded in literal smoke that an eager native Khali had to so kindly help him with, and the trek through the fungi is a little — vivid. And weird.

Not weirder than Mikazuki though, who's made a pit stop to, what, eat? He looks pretty relaxed for someone sitting so close to the giant man-eating mushroom. In fact, he has a piece of it in his hand and he's munching away on it. Luckily there aren't any fleshy bits on it, mostly because he dislikes meat in general.

Whoever passes by, he knows what it looks like, BUT TO BE FAIR: ]

It tried to eat me first.

II. TREE GUARDIANS

[ Even Khalo's ground level is something to behold. It's lively and everything smells slightly sweet and earthy, like the thick vegetation surrounding his home. And the villagers are in no shortage of hospitality and high spirits. Mikazuki is hungrier than usual and they're quick on the uptake, which is how he's managed to get sandwiched between a bunch of rambunctious Khali kids enjoying an outdoor picnic while a storyteller goes on in the background. Maybe he's not the only one?

Whatever the case, his attention is only torn away from wolfing down food when a heavy rumble and thud shakes the ground they sit on. A few natives break away and go fluttering and laughing into the woods. Overhead, a giant appears from the canopy, benevolent footsteps booming through the village. Its limbs are woven with vines, moss, and bark, full of light. Khali and various birds flit alongside it, hitching a ride.

Mikazuki is starstruck for a long moment. ]

Amazing... [ 3, 2, 1, aaand ] Do you think we can catch up with it?

III. ENCHANTED LIBRARY

[ At some point, he finds himself in the library. Because following the incandescent jellyfish creature seemed like a sound thing to do when he encountered it. But it doesn't lead him astray — he's actually pretty taken with the vision of the library, ghost quills and all. Writing, real ink and real paper, is still something of a novelty to him, having gone without all his life. It's only when he finds one of the ancient texts that he approaches another refugee, blunt fingertips trailing down the title: Dragonfire. ]

Can you read this?

[ He doesn't know if he's a fair enough reader to get through it on his own. ]

IV. CRESCENT

[ All things lead to the water, it seems like. Truthfully, Mikazuki just likes the name of communal pond crowning the village because he's simple like that, but the sight is another thing entirely. Blue, crystalline waters full of flowers and reflective of the starry canopy above, just like another sky.

You know, despite the fact that it's also covered in naked Khali. And Mikazuki's gonna join them, stripping down with no reservation, because he's not a coward. ]

What? [ Don't give him that look. ] They said this is how you do it.

[ #culture ]

V. ACCOMMODATIONS | possible nsfw

[ His own home is cozy, but pared down to essentials when it comes to comfort. So being treated to one of the lounges is a whole different level of excess for him, when he's used to so little in the first place. Everything is soft, for one. The carpets beneath his bare feet, the clothes that pool at his harsh angles, the draped fabrics catching and holding the light in the room. His metabolism works at high speeds, but the cure for the enduring sleepiness in the air had been to burn it away with the fyrra.

Though now it just feels like he's burning when he sits among things that are almost too soft for someone like him, arms squishing around one of the large decorative pillows. Strips of muscle highlight on him, slightly strained. ]

This feels really... [ how to put it... ] Rich.

VI. TAMING FIELDS

[ Strangely enough, he's most comfortable out here. Mikazuki does this kind of thing every day now in the Fields of the Exalted, more or less. Granted, the creatures are pretty different this time: a whole field of lumbering beasts coated in moss and flowers, sunning themselves happily. Giving a low hum, Mikazuki rubs his fingers over a dragon scale pendant looped around his neck, his other hand perched on his hip. ]

Well, this works on the dragons. We should be fine. Probably.

WILDCARD

[ want to do something else or get a personalized starter? grab me here or at rivalry! ]

II

[thetaintedsorrow]

[Khalo village really is beautiful, and the Khali have been nothing but welcoming since Chuuya had arrived. After a trek through the forest he’s indulged in some local cuisine and lazed around smoking a bit of Fyrra in one of the lounges, and he’s nice and relaxed as he wanders outside.

Just in time to catch a glimpse of one of the giant tree guardians passing through the village. Hitching a ride looks fun as hell, and he flashes the guy talking to him a roguish grin.]

Hell yeah we can. Grab my arm.

[There’s a point to this, Chuuya swears. He’s not just being a weirdo.]

[sparsity]

Your arm...

[ Honestly, even if this guy really was just being a weirdo, Mikazuki would probably go ahead and do it anyway. But now this has gotten him all curious about what the point actually is, no thanks to the heightened effect of the fyrra, so — time to do the smart thing.

Reaching over, he takes Chuuya's arm. He's got a pretty sturdy grip as a baseline thing, luckily. ]

Okay.

[thetaintedsorrow]

Good.

[The second Mikazuki grabs onto him Chuuya activates his ability, surrounding them both in a red glow, and Mikazuki should notice himself feeling much, much lighter.]

Let’s go.

[Chuuya crouches down before taking off in a sprint, and Mikazuki will find himself pulled along behind him, as if he weighs nothing at all. The giants have large strides, but Chuuya is much, much quicker, and soon enough they’re right on its heels.]

Go ahead and jump, then grab onto it.

[His ability to control gravity will last even after their contact breaks, so now is the time for impressive, gravity-defying feats.]

iv

[chickenhearted]

[ Waver's not as carefree when it comes to stripping down (okay, so he's a coward), but he does relax visibly once he realizes who his neighbor is. It's Mikazuki...a person he's been naked in a pool of water with before. He didn't judge Waver's scrawniness then, maybe he won't now. Still, he looks a little apprehensive as he slowly tugs on the bottom of his shirt, contemplating removing it while Mikazuki is already in the nude. ]

They really said that? I don't... think I can do that...

[ Though seriously he seems like the only one around who's giving a crap about nudity at the moment. That just makes him feel more embarrassed. ]

Maybe you could at least turn around..until I'm in the water.

[sparsity]

Well... [ A glance towards the abundance of naked Khali. ] I don't think they really have to say it.

[ They did, but it's pretty obvious. Thanks to growing up in a barracks of a hundred-something other guys, his sense of decency is about as minimal as his sense of shame. It's helping out though, given the way a couple of the nearby Khali are applauding his bravery. But he's focused on Waver, which probably doesn't help his task any. ]

I'll go first.

[ If that helps, since it means he'll be turning around to climb into the pool, his footsteps even as they wade in. ]

[chickenhearted]

... I guess you have a point.

[ And oh boy that's embarrassing, especially the applauding. Waver wants to sink into a hole in the ground, and Mikazuki's intent looking at him isn't helping either. But eventually the other boy does turn and Waver relaxes a little. Those nearby Khali are probably still focused on their brave buddy here too, so that's good.

He lets Mikazuki go and quickly sheds all his clothes in one go, shoving them to the side before he too is stepping into the water. His hands immediately cross over to hide the goods as he does so. ]

iii

[eusford]

[ mom is gone so i gotta give you a depressed bi uncle

Quills aside, Crowley's interest in the library comes from the genuine desire to search and discover the unknown. Anything that he wasn't already aware of, a bleak curiosity that surfaces only because the idea of it appeals to him--which, admittedly, he knows to be just temporary.

He blinks when approached, initially surprised before he eyes the book in the other's hands. ]

Yeah. [ A quick pause. ] Can you not?

[sparsity]

[ depressed bi uncle meet lonely gay nephew ig

Book weighed in his tough hands, the cover only seeming marginally tougher thanks to its age, Mikazuki lowers his chin in thought. ]

I can, sometimes. But I don't think it's enough to read a book like this.

[ He's still learning, in other words. ]

ii.

[arcane]

[ within the halls of natha, people piloted ships and utilized a teleporter. something to travel instantaneously. in olympia, carriages seemed far more common. in wyver, dragons. here, they seem to use a different convention altogether. these small differences were subtle, perhaps, but it's still intriguing to note. much like these tree guardians who take the khaki people up to the several different tiers of the canopies.

some seem to have fun, others find it commonplace enough. even to nap atop of them. it's a speed that arjuna can't envision finding comfort or solace enough for slumber, but it's a unique proposition, he supposed. it's in these observations that he hears mika's words. "amazing." ] I suppose it is. [ it's certainly a different culture and way of life, and well... he had respect for that.

he then looks thoughtfully back towards it. ] Would you like to try?

[sparsity]

[ Mikazuki is an insular person despite his love of learning. He doesn't often want for much outside of his sphere, but sometimes he sees things that spark his curiosity in a way that can't be sated by inertness. Climbing to his feet, he dusts blades of grass from his cloak and takes his last bite of food. ]

I do.

[ Whether or not he can is a different issue, but not one he's taking into account. ]

How about you?

[arcane]

[ their first couple of meeting crosses his recollections momentarily. it's true that in a sense he "owed" him for his guidance. but maybe beyond that, he wanted to reward him for his straightforward approach to things. something arjuna never realized could be a comfort in a place where ones enemies aren't so clearly marked. in a place so far removed from the conventions of home. hence, he reaches a hand out. ]

Not especially, but I will hold your want in higher regard. [ there's something a touch formal to his speech. something that was more natural to him in a situation like this one. but he seems to catch himself, giving an almost awkward pause as he starts again. ]

Yes.

iv because i'm dangerously attracted to disasters

[versianvirtue]

[ Fyrra burns away at her attention span and transforms her into a moth released upon thousands of flames. Khalo is full of metaphorical flames, a verdant gallery of wonders for her senses to indulge in. Nothing about this lush woodland can be compared to that particular bane of a moth. The only fire that possesses her is the spark of her wandering curiosity, and the embers of starlight that have transferred upon a clear canvas of dark blue captivate her like no other pyre before.

She has long forgotten what she was originally up to, but it doesn't matter anymore. This lucid pond, the convivial energy permeating this place as the locals swim, is where she's sure she belongs. Asseylum has never been drawn to the destructive element of fire; it's life-giving water that has mesmerized her since long ago. Here is no different.

The Khali blend a little too well into their environment, especially with their clothes off. That is perhaps why Mikazuki happens to be the first person she truly realizes is naked.

It also happens to be the first time she's ever seen a boy naked before. Ever. And Mikazuki gets to be her first.

What an honor?

At first, she doesn't recognize him. Her reaction is a bit delayed; she just stares and stares like nobody's business, the shock of it all catching up to her in slow motion.]

Mi... Mikazuki?

[ OH... HER FACE IS ALSO A THING OF FIRE NOW... ]

You're...!

[ Oh, NOW she covers her eyes! And turns away, spinning so fast she accidentally falls to her knees. ]

I'm so sorry!!

[ yeah YOU REALLY MESSED UP NOW, ASSPRINCESS ]

one disaster, as ordered

[sparsity]

I'm... what?

[ Really, it's how her voice rises an octave that clues Mikazuki in to the fact that there's a problem. Moreso than the sudden flash of color that sears across her face, which he almost doesn't even catch with her hurrying to turn around. Of course he can stand here in (nothing but) his very human skin, all defiant flame and warm metallics among the calm greens and blues, and manage to not look like he feels entirely out of place.

Too bad it's a little late to grow a sense of humility.

Mistaking Asseylum's drop to her knees as a slip on the damp rock and soft vegetation lining the pool, he... he's gonna — ]

Are you okay?

[ Yeah, he's just gonna walk over. Red alert, princess. ]

[versianvirtue]

[ She hears his footsteps encroach, and her heart thrums just a little faster in her ears. Nothing could have prepare her for that, whatever... that was. The curious part of her yearns to take another peek, for science. The shocked part of her wonders if she could handle it. And besides, that would be more than a little rude!

So, instead, she bobs her head up and down like the jostle of a running engine, not looking behind her. ]

Y-Yes! I am okay... Just surprised, is all! I didn't mean to... um, intrude on you while you're... naked.

[ It's one thing to be towel-clad in front of a boy, which never bothered her. Then again, she had more important things to worry about, like almost dying. But when it's the other way around and he's wearing nothing but the skin he was born in, she feels like maybe she overstepped some boundaries! Now she doesn't know what she should do in this kind of a situation. Should she keep her back turned? Get up? ]

I.

[devilcalling]

[ Hovering mid-air with her hands on her hips, Ryoko regards the scene for a good, long moment. She looks at the boy then back to the man-eating mushroom then back to the boy, her expression slowly twisting from a somewhat hard, if bewildered stare to something... else. It doesn't help that she's forcefully retaining a certain drug in her system and that his defense feels... somewhere in the same vein as Mihoshi saying the monsters Washu keeps in her lab have meat on their bones and are thus edible in response to Ayeka telling her to go hunting at the table that one time. Boy. ]

And that makes it better? [ The answer is no. ]

[sparsity]

[ You know, a woman hovering there observing his impromptu snack ought to draw more of a reaction out of him, but as it is, his gaze just tracks upwards languidly as if this isn't out of the norm for him. ]

I don't know about better... but when it's eat or be eaten, it's obvious.

[ Survival, and all. ]

[devilcalling]

Well, I... can't argue with that.

[ She couldn't really argue with Mihoshi at that time either. It is a little curious not to be met with complete and utter surprise that she's floating, too, but then, she's been met with a variety of reactions from fellow refugees and natives alike, so perhaps not so much. Maybe.

Wait. ]

Aren't you worried it might be poisonous or something?

[ That's a normal concern for a lot of humanoids and he's... definitely humanoid. And hungry. Probably... good at handling himself since he's eating the mushroom monster, too. Hmm. ]

iii.

[fakers]

[ archer would have never taken mikazuki for the type to be interested in reading, so his curiosity is naturally piqued at the request. he holds out a hand, taking the book and glancing at its title. ]

...do you have some interest in dragons?

[ that's not really that strange, all things considered. it's one thing when they're fictional magical creatures, and another entirely when they're actually beings that exist in this world. ]

[sparsity]

Well, a little.

[ No sense in denying it, right? Mikazuki hands the book over without a fuss. ]

I see them a lot more now... [ AND come on, just say it. ] And there seems like something's going on right now that has to do with this one.

iv because i gotta

[ofseraphim]

Well, if that’s the case...

[ Naked? Heck yeah, naked! Sorey is already halfway there, himself, his oodles of leather bags and pointless straps nested atop his neatly-folded two-tone Shepherd’s cloak. Because ’when in Rome’ and all. And anyway, who could resist a dip in such a spectacular place?

Stripping off the last bits, (but leaving the feathers, always leaving the feathers, because Sorey is pointless and frivolous like that sometimes), he glances to Mikazuki, then to the pond ahead. ]

Feeling more confident about the water? Looks like you’ve come a long way from staring at the ocean like it’s about to eat you!

[ It’s the most loving dig possible. ]

[sparsity]

[ Finally, someone with no frills, unlike his clothing. Mikazuki passes a long look to the abundance of clothing by the poolside, then to Sorey. ]

Something like that. This place doesn't have any fish in it.

[ That he can see? That's very important. ]

And it doesn't smell weird.

[ofseraphim]

[ ...Well, okay. Those are fair points. ]

Actually, it smells kinda nice, if you ask me! [ Especially compared to the salt of the ocean.

With a sideward shrug, he then gestures faintly to the pond with a toss of his head. ]

Ready to jump in?

[ Not literally, of course. ]

time 4 cuddles

[colorature]

<sub>[It's not the first time she's been asked whether or not Mikazuki and her were siblings, if not twins. Some of the passerby's that weave their way through the lodgings can't help but stop and glance between the two of them with wide-eyed curiosity and whispers that soon reach her ears.

It's not like Diva can exactly fault them. They both have wide, piercing blue stares and jet black hair, not to mention they're the same height when standing. Besides, there's nothing to take offense to. Maybe if she'd had a male twin Saya would've turned out looking like Mikazuki. It doesn't take much for Diva to find her way over to Mika's side entirely, snuggling right up beside him just because she can, reaching out with a finger to give the pillow he's currently squeezing a playful poke.]</sub>

It's nice though, don't you think? _{[At least she does.]} Hey, did you know people keep thinking we're twins?

[sparsity]

[ Mikazuki more just feels movement than he consciously recognizes someone sliding up next to him on the lounge, until he has Diva in one arm and the pillow in the other. Oh, well. It's not a bad feeling. Also this stuff is making him really mellow. ]

Twins? [ Tilting his head aside in thought, he continues plucking at the pillow. ] Oh. People think we look the same?