Tourn RP Archive

New room unlocked: ice cream parlor! To the north of the #old-barracks , a new area opened up. It was a quaint, old looking brick building that was sloppily painted over with white paint. A sign above the double glass entry doors read MAZING SCOOPS in a futuristic white font with a galaxy background. Inside of the building, an air conditioner was humming! It was actually cold in here! There were two sets of tables with four chairs nearby windows, and along the opposite wall was ice cream! There were waffle cones and bowls, as well as spoon and other toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, cookie dough, and brownie bits. The tubs of ice cream were in a freezer next to all the condiments, and each one was labeled. Juradins Jubilee: A smooth chocolate with blue marshmallow and cat shaped chocolate chips

Gourmet Goop: A.. somewhat gross looking mint ice cream. Caramel was infused in to it, making swirls of brown among the green.

Magic Man: A blue bubblegum flavored ice cream with swirls of sweet blue sauce and star sprinkles.

Lifebringer Lemon-Swirl: A light yellow lemon flavored ice cream with many swirls of white within it. Marshmallow..? Straight up sugar? Not clear.

Oni + Oat Milk: Hey, a vegan option! This is a non-dairy chocolate ice cream that's beautifully clay colored! Double-Cream Delight: a thick strawberry ice cream. It has a pleasant pink hue and swirls of chocolate.

Mind-Tingling Mystery: A... Very strange looking ice cream. It didn't have a particular color, but rather a swirling menagerie of pastels. Sometimes it would look like blurry people or places would be illustrated but it would quickly fade out in to nonsense.. Or maybe it was always nonsense and you were just trying to anthropomorphize a delectable dairy treat. If you're brave enough to take a bite, it tastes like a memory from your childhood.

Pup Cup: A dog safe frozen treat! It was pretty plain. But inoffensive. Fireball Fiesta: A sharp cinnamon ice cream. It kind of burned a little, actually, if you are brave enough to try it. (edited)

Celena appeared here. c:

…Nora had returned to the palm trees. Seeing that’s Zora wasn’t there, she took her blanket and wandered around for a bit, looking like a lost child. Eventually she found her way here, staring at the building warily before entering.

12:38 PM

@Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Celena was seated on the floor rather than at one of the tables. She used the wall to have something to lean against. The girl looked different. Her hair was shorter and seemed darker at the tips- The fire had singed it right off. Bandages from the burns were wrapped all around her body until they healed properly. Dark bags hung under her eyes that were red from crying. Celena looked utterly exhausted as she cradled her totem of Nathan’s powers close to her chest. “H-hi, N-Nora..” Celena’s voice was weak and tired. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Her breath caught in her throat as she saw her. Nora stood there for a moment, staring at her sister like some ghost. Then her breath shuddered, tears falling as she rushed to her sister, holding her close. “Zora!! I- I..!! hh..y-you’re okay..!! hh, a-alive.. you’re alive..!!” Her voice morphed into a sob as she held Zora tightly. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Zora held back a wince as her burn wounds were agitated. Right, she'd have to heal that very soon. With one hand still holding the totem close to her heart, she used her free arm to hug Nora close. "I-I'm here," Zora whispered softly. "I-I'm here, I'm a-alive.." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“I..! I was ssso.. sscared.. I- I’m ssorry.. I’m sorry..!” It still ached, their hollowed place in her heart. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (edited)

“I-it’s okay, it’s okay to have been scared, and, y-you don’t need to be sorry for anything,” Zora softly reassured her. She squeezed Nora a bit tighter. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

Nora sobs and continues to apologize- because what else do you say when you get hurt? When there was nothing you could do to stop it? What are you supposed to say when you feel the same sort of loss, only the two of you could understand? What is she supposed to say when her family is falling apart because of her promises? “’m sorry… sso-sorry.. hh…” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (edited)

“Shh, shh, it’s okay, I promise, e-everything’s okay,” Zora continued to reassure Nora. Even though she herself wanted to cry more, Zora resisted. She was too tuckered out to cry. Besides, Nora needed her. She needed to be strong. “I-it’s okay, I’m sorry that- You had to s-see all of that.. It w-was rough..” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

As her tears start to slow, Nora loosens her hold just a bit. “hh.. a-are.. are you… okay..? Th-there was.. was a b-big light and… th-then you.. y-you didn’t get up.. Mm.. d-did you… you heal..?”

9:08 PM

@Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Celena loosened her hold as well. Her teary gaze was cast downward at the totem. ".. Y-yeah, th-that-.. That b-burst of light h-happens sometimes, if I-I'm really stressed o-or scared, I c-can't control that.. I'm s-sorry if it h-hurt your eyes.." She took in a deep breath. "I tr-tried to heal, there was- Such l-little time, s-so much happened.." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“I- I’m okay… c-can you- you hheal now?” She looked down at the totem, confused. “Wh- what, um.. f-frog? What.. is that..?” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

(Heals pls)

Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

used /r

# 12
Details:[d20 (12)]

Zora gave a small nod of her head. Her light appeared over head, and her burns began to heal. It seemed like it would be a slow process with how weak and tired she was. "T-the frog-" Zora's grasp on it tightened momentarily before she held it out to Nora to see. "I-it-.. I-it ha-has half of N-Nathan's power in it.. The w-winners get the totem, the-they-.. Th-they gave me a p-piece of Nathan.." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Seeing how weak her light was, and how tired Zora looked scared her a little. Her heart sank more as Zora talked about the totem. “He’s- h-how..?” Shakily, her hands moved closer to it, afraid of breaking it somehow. “Nathan..” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“I d-d-don’t know how, bu-but-” Oh, she was really fighting back her tears now. It was getting harder to speak with the lump that formed in her throat. “I-it’s a-all we have l-left.. I’m s-sorry..” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora gently touched the totem, her hands falling over Zora’s. “Oh…” She had watched as he disappeared, holding this- it made it hurt more. This is all that’s left of him. Her sibling. She didn’t know what to do. “Wh.. why.. d-did they.. they give you th-this..?” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Zora stared at the totem in her hands. She felt absolutely miserable over their match. “J-just to hold o-onto.. All th-the winners get to h-have the other h-half.. G-guess it’s p-part of me w-winning..” Zora wanted to break. ‘Part of me winning.’ She didn’t win, she had lost. Why in the world hadn’t Nathan taken his victory? Why didn’t he take the chance to live? Why? “I m-miss him..” Zora whispered. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“..mm.. I- I mmiss him t-too… it’s- it’s sad… I- I thhought I.. I lost.. b-both of you.. I-I’m sorry…. y-you.. I w-wish you.. d-didn’t have to.. to fight..” It was hard to watch, thinking about how he begged them to let her go instead of him made her heart hurt again. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“I wi-wish we didn’t have to f-fight, either,” Zora pulled her knees into her chest, allowing herself to curl up slightly. “I d-don’t want you to h-have to f-fight.. I’m scared- To l-lose you..” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“I-“ She will have to fight soon. And if she lost, then she would be alone. Her hands rose to Zora’s shoulders, holding them tight. “I- I won’t.. I w-won’t leave you..I pr- I won’t.” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (edited)

Zora met Nora’s eyes. The tears that had been in them had finally fallen. A slight sob escaped the other girl as she nodded her head. “Th-thank you,” Zora whispered. She held the totem a bit closer. “I kn-know you can’t pr-promise that, but- You’ll try, a-and that’s m-more than enough for- M-me, thank you, sis..” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora’s breath hitched as Zora cried. “Mm i-it’s okay.. t-to cry. It’s okay..” She won’t be weak- she’ll be strong for her big sister. Even if it means killing again. “I won’t leave you. I- I’ll do a-anything, I.. I won’t mmake you b-be alone again.” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“B-be sure to- Keep yourself safe though, o-okay?” Zora nearly begged. “Don’t p-put yourself in danger, o-or- Lose yourself a-along the way..” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She nodded, but seemed a little preoccupied. “Mhm.. y-you.. you too.. p-please…” Dread was hanging over her, clawing deep into her heart and mind. She didn’t want to die, she didn’t want to rot, or disappear like- She shuddered, pulling away from Zora. Nora finally started to look around the area, not really understanding what it was. “Um.. wh-what is… this place?” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (edited)

“I will, I-I’ll be be careful..” Zora suddenly perked up. “O-oh, I remembered, I m-made you something-” As she dug into her pocket, she glanced around the ice cream parlor. “Th-this is a place where they have i-ice cream. It’s a cold and sweet treat to have, i-it’s nice..” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Y-you..? You mmade sssomething f-for me??” The ice cream did sound interesting, but she was caught up in what Zora had. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (edited)

“Mmhm, since you made me m-my bunny, i m-made you something,” Zora smiled. From her pocket, she pulled out a small, wooden cat that she had made out of wood. It was round and relatively smooth. On its underside, it read, “To: N From: Z” since there was little space to work with. Around its neck was the other half of Celena’s ribbon that she had tied into a nice little bow for the cat. With a trembling and bandaged hand, she presented it to Nora, a bit nervous as to what she would think of it. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Pushing away the dread, an immense amount of joy burst from her heart at the sight of the gift. Nora stared at the little wooden cat, her eyes wide with wonder. A smile was spreading across her face! “Y-you!! You made this f-for..!! Eeeheheehee!! I- I love it!! It’s!! It’s sso cute!!!” Her hands slowly reached towards it, shaking with joy. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (edited)

“You like it?” Zora’s smile brightened a bit more. “Really?” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

This little cat was worth a thousand hugs to her. She loved it! “I- eheee.. I r-really really like it!! Y-you- you made it!! Ehee, ffor me!! Thank you!!!” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"O-of course, Nora," Zora smiled. Her light went away. Most of the burns healed, but a few remained. She'd have to heal more when she was less tired. "Mmhm, I made it all for you! It's yours, a-and you can give it a name if you wanna, a-and then the ribbon is from the one I wore, so- You have a-another little piece of me with you.." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora took the little cat in her hands, feeling how smooth it was and admiring Zora’s work. “Eee..!! Y-you did, um.. a- a really good work!! I, hee.. I really like it..! Mm, th-the ribbon.. mhm, a-and you.. um, I made.. it all so you.. you have me, w-with you!” She smiled, poking at its little ears and tail. “Mm, name… ummm…mmaybe um, W-Woody?” She wasn’t super creative with names it seemed, still she smiled brighter as she said it. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Th-thank you," Zora smiled. "I-I worked hard on it, and tried to be quick before you woke up from your nap.." At the mention of the ribbon, Zora nodded and touched the ribbon that was on her wrist. "Woody! That's a good name!" Zora nodded her head in approval. Woody, just a lil meow meow. 10/10 name. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Wooody, eehee..! Umm.. you said, um, b-before.. th-there’s ice.. cream? Um, what- what is.. that?” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Oh yeah- ice cream! It’s a really sweet and cold treat, it’s super tasty to eat and really nice,” Zora nodded her head. “You have to eat it slowly though because then your head might get hurt from how cold it is.” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mm.. d-do you wanna.. um, eat ssome? With me?” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"I'd love to, it'll taste super good," Slowly, Zora pushed herself up to her feet. She wobbled slightly but managed to stay standing. God, homegirl was tired. But, ice cream was a very big motivation. Yum. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She stood by her sister’s side, holding out her hand for her to take. “Umm.. have you.. um, are there.. um.. p-places like this where.. where you, um, you live?” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Zora took Nora's hand, thankful for the support. "Mmhm, we have these all around. Except there's a lot more flavors of ice cream to eat. It's a lot of fun to try!" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She smiled at Zora, walking over to the ice cream area. She investigated the toppings first, unsure of what any of it was. “Is- is this… um, what are.. these?” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Zora followed after Nora. She smiled. “These are toppings! You put them on top of the ice cream to make it more fun and tasty.” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Oo..” She picked up a little chocolate chip, eyeing it before trying it. Oh wow it was sweet. She let out a little giggle, rocking on her heels. “Eeee, Z-Zora what- what is th-this one?!!” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“It’s a chocolate chip! Chocolate is really nice and sweet,” Zora smiled. She plucked one for herself and ate it. Ah, delicious. “They’re really tasty! Chocolate is nice!” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Choco!! Eehehehehee..!! Mm, um, so.. wh-where is the, umm.. the ice c-cream?” She ate a few more chocolate chips, and tried a brownie bit, prompting another happy squeal. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“It’s over here!” Zora pointed to the row of options. “They all taste different- I might try the ‘Magic man,’ it sounds fun and looks pretty!” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora followed her over, still snacking on the toppings. She looked over them all with excitement in her eyes. When she saw the cat shaped chocolate chips she squealed again, pointing at it excitedly. “ZORA!!! Ehee, it’s!! It hhas cats!!!! Eeeeee!!!” Nora looked around, trying to understand how you were meant to eat it so she could try it immediately. “I- mm, h-how do- do you eat it?!” She was rocking with delight. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“We need a scooper to scoop it up- Here’s one!” Zora spotted a scooper and picked it up. She went about serving herself and Nora ice cream within the little containers. She presented the scooped ice cream to her sister with a smile. “Then, we use a spoon to eat it! Remember, we gotta be kinda slow with it because it’s super cold!” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora bounced on her heels excitedly, taking the ice cream and spoon with shaking hands. It already felt nice and cold. She smiled and took a little bite as Zora said. After a life deprived of so many joys, the sweetness of the ice cream, mixed with her excitement from her gift, made her heart feel like it was about to burst from happiness. Nora swayed cheerily, humming as she ate the sweet treat. “It’s ssoo yummy!!! Eehee, th-thank youu!!” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Of course! I’m glad you like it.” Zora beamed. She took a seat at one of the tables and bit back a wince as she moved. Yup, definitely still sore and tired. Didn’t stop her from enjoying her ice cream, though! @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora followed her to the table, rocking and she ate her ice cream. “Um, do- do you like.. you like your- your ice cream?” She noticed the little wince. “Oh, um… a-are you.. um, h-hurt still?” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Mhm, I like it,” Zora smiled. Her smile lessened at the question. She couldn’t lie. “A-a little. I wore myself out to heal myself all the way, so- I’ll get some rest soon..” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mm.. y-you can- you sshould take a- a nap! It- it helps when.. when I’m, um.. t-tired.” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“N-naps do help,” Zora admitted with a chuckle. She paused. “W-will you be okay if I do nap?” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She nodded, setting down her ice cream for a moment. “Mhm!! I- I won’t l-leave you, um.. or I- I’ll tell you ffirst.” She got up for a moment and brought over the blue blanket she had set on the floor. “Y-you can.. can have.” She hugged it for a moment before holding it out to her. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (edited)

“O-okay, if anything happens, wake me, please.” Zora smiled. She looked to the blanket and gave Nora an appreciative look. “Thank you so much, Nora.” It seemed that she didn’t know the true importance of the blanket, but knew that it meant a lot to Nora. She appreciated being able to use it. Zora took the blanket and curled up on the floor. In an instant, the girl was fast asleep. She was utterly drained and exhausted still. A good nap would definitely go a long way for her. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

“Mhm, um.. good night, Zora.” She smiled softly at her sister and returned to eating her ice cream. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Not much time passed, before Riki stumbled into the building. Who knows where he'd been after the last fight, but he didn't look much better than he had before it. He was in face a little disheveled; some tufts of loose fur floated around him, still hanging to him by a thread, and the bright white was a little duller now, and the fur seemed very ruffled and a bit patchy. e hung his head low and was hunching, panting heavily with his mouth open, but when he felt the cool air of the building, his head popped up, and he closed his eyes to enjoy it. Thank Goddess, he could breathe again. Maybe his head would stop hurting soon. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (edited)

Nora seemed excited to see him again! That was until she saw how he looked, and her expression turned to worry. “M-Mister Riki! A-are you- you okay?” She walked over to him, trying to see where he was hurt. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki opened his eyes, and his eyes lit up with a kind look when he saw the girl. His ears perked up slightly and his tails swayed a little. "Hello, little Nora, it's good to see you. I'm... as fine as I can be in this weather. I'm not made for hot and humid environments..." he sighed, and tugged off a bit of fur. "This place is a relief... they have ice cream here, huh?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Ohh, he was just warm. She looked a little less worried, smiling at him. “Mm, you look.. bad. Mm, is- is your.. your fur too, um, warm? Oh, th-there’s ice c-cream, mhm!! It- it’s really yummy! And- and cold!” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Yes. Remember how I told you on the other side that my fur keeps me warm? Well, now it's working against me", he sighed. "It is? I would love some ice cream to cool down my insides, heh.." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She could see some of it was coming off. “Mm, d-do you.. need a- a hair-cut?” She nodded, pointing at the area with the ice cream. “Yeah! I- I like the, umm.. the chocolate one!” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki brushed a strand of his long mane over his shoulder and tangled it around his fingers. "That could help a little, but I mostly need to get rid of my undercoat. It's what's warming me the most. It's hard to get every part of me on my own, though. And I wish I had a comb..." he sighed, and walked up to the ice cream bar. "Hmm, I'm not a big fan of chocolate, but I'm glad you found something you like", he said kindly, browsing the different flavors. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Comb… comb! “Oh! I- I have one!! Um, I could hhelp you!” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Zora, in the corner: sleepy7

2

"Oh, could you? That would be much appreciated, thank you so much", Riki smiled to Nora with a little brighter expression and swayed his tails. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She smiled back. “Mhm! I- I like helping, hee.. Umm, do you.. wanna, um, h-have some… some ice c-cream and- and then I.. I help you?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

"That's very sweet of you, I would be very grateful. Yes, let me take some with me and we can sit down." After another moment of choosing, Riki scooped up a pile of lemon ice cream, and then looked for a place to settle down. He now noticed Sora on the floor. "Oh-, look, there, do you know if they are alright?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Eehee, yay!” Nora swayed happily and returned to her own ice cream. At Riki’s question she looked over at Zora. “Mm? Oh, um, that’s m-my sister, Z-“ She trailed off as she remembered Zora’s request. “Umm.. that’s C-Celena..she’s okay! Mm, she’s.. she’s tired.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Ah, I see. This is a nice and cool place to rest, that's for sure. I'm glad she's okay." Riki walked to Nora's table and sat down, smiling to her and tasted his ice cream. "Mm, it is delicious. I think I could eat the whole tube of this." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She watched her sister sleeping soundly with a worried look before returning to her ice cream. “Mhm… um, M-Mister Riki? Um…” She fidgeted with her spoon, finding her words. “..if- if someone is.. um, sad… h-how do you.. mmake them.. not sad..?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki paused and looked at Nora, then glancing at Celena. He sighed lightly. There were plenty of sad people here. He turned to smile sadly to Nora. "Unfortunately there is no magic word to make someone's emotions change. Other people's emotions are out of our reach. The best thing you can do is to be there for them. Listen to them, give them comfort in any which way you can, and if they are ready, bring happy things in their life to balance out the sad. When people are very, very sad, when big, bad things have happened in life, it takes long time to recover, and sadness can make them ill..." Riki's eyes glazed over as he looked over into nothingness. "But you can remind them that there is life outside the sadness, outside the bad things. And you can prevent them from doing silly things when they are sad." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora listened carefully, thinking over his words with a focused look. She leans onto the table, resting her head in her arms. “Mm… s-sometimes.. um, she looks sad e-even.. even when she’s- she’s happy.. looks tired.” The little girl sighs and picks at her ice cream again. “Mm, I- I know it’s- it’s.. r-really sad w-without papa o-or Nathan… but I- I don’t.. want her to be sad.. I dunno.. w-what to do..” There’s a bit of a whine at the end of her voice. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Yes... I'm sorry, Nora. This is really not a healthy environment for any of us. Once we get out of here, then we can start to heal. While we are here... I think the best we can do is to hold onto any good and happy things we can, share each others burdens and help each other. We need to stay strong... You are already doing well, Nora. Nobody could ask you for more", he smiled gently, and continued eating his ice cream. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She was… already doing her best? That was good to hear! She wasn’t sure what else to do… She still had a hard look on her face. “Mm, th-thank you.. Um.. h-have you.. talk to m-my.. um, my mom?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Miss Jymaiyri? Yes, I was with her after... that fight. After the most recent fight I haven't seen her." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She frowned a bit more and fidgeted. “Mm.. um, i-is she.. okay..? A-and Minnie- is sshe okay, t-too?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Oh, little Minnie. I believe she was left with Sovran after the fight, but I'm sure she's reunited with her mother by now." Then, Riki paused, looking at his bowl of ice cream for a while, before setting his spoon down and looking at Nora seriously. "Your mother is a very strong woman... but what just happened, it would break anyone's heart. Yeonaixho meant the world to her. I can only speak from my experience, and from what I've seen of her, but she loved deeply, and I can tell if I lost my spouse..." he paused again and swallowed, before sighing. "The pain would be horrible. The void they'd leave behind would feel like a hole in my life. Something like that, it, it makes an impact. She is grieving, and she might never be as happy again as she used to be with him... But she will be okay. Eventually", he spoke in a soft, low and steady voice, and added in his mind: "I hope..." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

A broken heart that can’t be healed… She must’ve known him for a long time. Longer than her. Her breathing was shallowing. “W-what do I- I… I wanna help..! I don’t kn-know what to- to do..” She could barely remember Jymaiyri’s reaction past the awful scene- just thinking about it was enough to force a sob out of her. Her hands covered her face as she tried to force the tears and awful memories back down. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Shh, Nora, darling, it's alright..." Riki slid his paw across the table, closer to Nora if she wanted to hold it. "I know, it's hard. I also wish I could help, to take that pain away. But that kind of pain is too deep, it's out of our reach. As much as it hurts, as much as it frustrates us, we can't help beyond listening to her and being there for her when she needs. This is hard time for her, and so it is for all of us. I'm sorry, Nora... She has to get through those feelings alone, but we can be here for her when she needs help and support, someone to lean on, someone to listen." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

Nora wiped away a few tears before moving to Riki’s paw. She brushed over it, pulling some loose fluff as she went. It helped distract her a little. “Mm…mhm.. is hard..” She sniffled a bit, pulling out her toy to comfort herself. “It’s… it’s hhard… I.. I mmiss him…” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

(If yall don’t mind, I might dedicate today to my final essay that’s due but tomorrow if it’s okay, maybe I can wake zora up and have her join the interaction if that’s okay

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(All good!!! Good luck!!

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(Thank you so much WAHHHHHHHHH

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(yeah all good! :3

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12:22 PM

Riki smiled gently, though his eyebrows remained in a soft frown, as Nora picked the loose fur off of his hand-paw. Then, his eyes turned sorrowful again. "Oh, Nora..." he hummed. "I know... he didn't deserve this, none of us do. But... it will get easier, in time. Loss is part of life, even if it's not easy. If I can help you to feel better in any way, just ask." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She was starting to make a little pile on the table, tears still rolling. “Mmhm.. he- he was.. r-really nice to me.. I- I never… um, mmet anyone so… so nice before.. made me… ffeel safe.” She sniffled again. “Mm.. I.. I dunno.. mm, c-can I.. I um.. do your.. fur?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

Riki nodded a couple of times sympathetically. He offered his napkin for Nora to wipe her tears. "I hope you'll feel safe again one day, darling. There are more nice people out there than you probably know. You will be alright, if we just make it out of here." He smiled a bit and nodded. "Yes, that would be lovely. Should I sit my back turned towards you? Maybe I should sit on the floor so you can reach better..." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora takes the napkin. A moment passes as she wipes her face. “I- I don’t feel ssafe… I don’t kn-know when I.. I have to fffight.. I don’t- I don’t wanna fight..!” His question distracts her, thankfully. “O-oh… mm, um, c-can you.. ssit on the floor?” She felt around for the comb Jymaiyri gave her. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"I know..." Riki hummed. "Yes, of course." He stood up and came to sit next to Nora on the floor. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She pulled out a handmade wooden comb (which smelled much like Jymaiyri) and turned to him. She decided to start on his neck fluff. As she pulled fur out she started a pile on the floor. “Oh, umm.. your… your fur feels r-reallyy warm… mm, that.. it musta been.. r-really really hot for you..” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"It is. Very uncomfortable", he sighed. Each pull of the comb brought a little bit of relief to him, easing the itchiness and letting a bit more of the cool air closer to his skin. "Hmmh, thank you, Nora. This already makes me feel better." He smiled. "Did Jymaiyri give you that comb?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

The repetitive motion was helping distract her a bit. “Mm, good..! I-I was really hot out so.. you musta been bad.. ohh um.. mhmm. M- my hair is… really bad..” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki glanced over his shoulder. "Your hair? Have you tried tying it up? That could help a bit." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She continued to pull out fluff. “Um, w-well… she made it.. sso I could, um… b-brush my hair..” She frowned. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Oh, I see, I see. I thought you meant the heat. But that's really nice of her. I didn't know she could make things like that", he smiled. "I hope you aren't getting your hands all dirty from my fur. I haven't been able to wash it for a moment." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Sh-she made it, um… on the cold side. I- I don’t.. like brushing it… it hurts.. mhm, was nice..” She never got around to doing it.. maybe it would also feel nice, like Riki’s fur. She looked at her hands, they were a bit dirty. “Mm, it’s- it’s okay.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Zora, still asleep, rolled over and snuggled deeper into the blanket. She was sleeping nice and cozily. sleepy5

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The fox nodded. "Keeping a long mane beautiful takes a lot of work. I have only been here for about a day and mine is already in tangles", Riki mused, took a strand of his silky mane between his fingers and started idly unraveling the knots. "Did she show you how to comb your hair in a way that doesn't hurt too much?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Oh, n-no.. um, s-she tried..” Nora continued to pull off his loose fur. “Mm… um, do you know?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Of course." Riki took a bunch of his hair into his hand, and turned slightly so she could see. "Start brushing from the very tips of your hair, and hold your hair with your other hand like this, so the comb won't pull on your scalp when it gets caught on tangles", he explained, and tugged the tips of his hair to demonstrate. "Work slowly higher in the strands once you have combed the tips. If you run into very tight knots, untangle them with your fingers like this." Riki demonstrated by unraveling another knot from his mane. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora listened carefully as he demonstrated, watching as his silky fur untangled easily. “Mm, like.. like that?” She dusted off her hands and copied with her own hair. It worked! “Oh! It- it didn’t hurt..!” She smiled a little. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki smiled warmly and nodded encouragingly. "Well done! Just like that. When you get home with Jymiayri, she can probably also help you find hair products that make your mane softer and easier to comb." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Home with.. Jymaiyri. She would like to be with her, but.. “Would she.. want me too..?” Her voice was quiet as she stared down at the comb in her hand. J.K.N. ’You’re a Naido, too.’ She was smiling then. Would she still smile at her, after everything? @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

Riki frowned slightly concerned. "Why would she not?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Her voice started shaking again. “I… um, if- if… papa is gone.. I- I don’t know if she- she sstill w-wants me…” @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

"Aw, darling. I'm sure that's not the case. You are such a sweet child, I'm sure she still loves you. She might come off colder and more distant because of her sorrow, but I'm sure she still cares about you. Have you told her about your worry?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Her breath shuddered as she tried to calm herself, not wanting to cry again. ’She still loves you.’ ‘Loves you.’ “But I- mmm… n-no.. but I’m-“ She covered her face once more, holding the comb to her forehead. Did she deserve this? Did Jymaiyri deserve to have the burden of caring for her? There she was, crying again. “I- I’m just… always a b-burden.. I- I don’t want… t-to bother her..” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Aw, honey.. who told you that? It's not true." Riki held his tails closer to Nora, wrapping one loosely around her shoulder. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“M-my… my o-old master… I- I c-couldn’t do a-anything right… I- I was- hhh… if I w-wasn’t so.. useless m-maybe he- he wouldn’t hhurt-” A sob cut her off. It was always her fault, never able to anything right. Jymaiyri didn’t deserve to deal with her worthless life. Neither did- ‘Y-you're so good.’ She could see her sister between her fingertips. ’You're worthy of so much good, y-you deserve love, a-and peace, and joy, a-and a f-‘ What did she ever do right to deserve that kind of happiness? Her hands closed around her hair, blocking out the rest of the world. “I- I’m nothing.. n-nothing good at all..!” @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

Riki frowned, and turned fully around so he could face Nora. Judging by she had flinched before when he first had held his tails on her shoulders, he was hesitant to touch her, but his first instinct was to gently take her hands in his. "Nora, honey, look at me", he said softly and steadily. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

She sat there for a moment, her body shaking with sobs. Slowly, she lowered her hands to look at him. Her eyes were shining with tears. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki looked into Nora's eyes gently but seriously. "Your old master was wrong. You are not useless, or a burden, and he should have not hurt you. That's wrong. You are a young kid, needing protection and support, and an adult like him should have given you encouragement, support and love." He sighed. "I know some old folks teach in that manner, berating and using physical punishments for failure, but I also know that's not how you teach anyone. Look at you... you poor thing, he's made you insecure and scared, when he should have made you strong and confident", he spoke in a soft, warm tone, and shook his head gently. "Now... perhaps you weren't good in the things your master wanted you to be, but you can be good at other things. Besides, it might have been his inability to teach you, rather than your skills that were the problem. Either way, did you want to be good at those things he taught you?"" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

Nora listened carefully, her shuddering breath beginning to calm. She stared off for a moment, thinking over his words. Slowly, kind words by kind actions, Salvatore’s teachings were being unraveled. She looked back to the comb in her hands, tracing over the carvings. “I-I didn’t… d-don’t like hurting.. I don’t like.. p-puppeting people...” She reached out for Riki’s soft hand, wanting the comfort. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki tilted his head at Nora's reply, his expression not showing fear, disgust or anger, only curiosity and mild concern. Then, he smiled gently when the girl reached for his paw. He opened his hand and took the small hand in his, and brushed his thumb tenderly on the back of her hand. "Then, it doesn't matter if you were good at it or not. You can find where your passion lies, and I promise you, you'll get good at it, and enjoy seeing yourself improve", he smiled warmly. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora held his hand tight, it was comforting, nothing like the hands of her cruel master. The texture of his paw pad was interesting, distracting her from dark thoughts. “Mm, I- I like… mmaking things.. um, ffor others.. I- I like.. wh-when ssomeone s-smiles when I mmake them things.” She sniffled a bit, wiping at her face. “I don’t- I don’t like.. hurting. I- I don’t want to- to hurt anymore…” @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

(Whenever its good for Zora to wake up, just lemme know!! But take your guys' time, I still got work I'm doing c: it's all good)

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(i'm good whenever :3 ) Riki smiled gently and nodded. "Like the fishing net you made me. It worked well, I caught many fish with it. Thank you." He sighed slightly. "Did your master teach you to attack people, or to defend yourself?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (edited)

Nora smiled a little at that, but it fell at his question. “H-he… w-wanted me to- to kill b-before.. before they c-could get me…” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki frowned. So it was even more serious than he'd thought. "...Who did he want you to kill?" he asked gently. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Evidently this was triggering something in the poor girl. She grimaced as she remembered, squeezing Riki’s hand tight, almost painfully. “I- h-he… he would t-take me sssomewhere.. t-to a room a-and th… there was sssomeone, and he- he told me to- I don’t know who- who it w-was..!” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Shh..." Riki put his other hand lightly on top of Nora's. "Breathe, darling, deep breaths. Like this." Riki took a deep breath, held it a moment, and breathed out slowly. "Now it's your turn. Just breathe." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

[child abuse] To a mind suddenly plunged into dark memories, the reaching hand in her peripheral was an attack. Eyes wide with terror, she tore away from Riki’s hand- the sudden motion sending her back, and her chair toppling to the ground with her in it. She fell with a sharp scream- quickly cut off as the wind was knocked out of her. Her mind could not comprehend what was happening. Falling into the depths of her memories- She was back in that house, his hand tight around her throat as she struggled to breathe. ’You are nothing without me, do you hear me?! You’re forcing my hand here- This is what I have to do to make you understand, Nora. I will make you stronger, strong enough to survive.’ Her body was shaking as she gasped for breath. She laid there, trapped by fear. @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

"Nora!" He picked himself from the floor, and quickly stepped closer. "Sweetheart, please calm down. You are safe right now, I am not going to hurt you, no-one in this room will." He knelt next to her, but refrained from touching her again. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Zora woke up with a startled yelp when she heard Nora scream. Immediately, her hands were aglow with her light, thinking there was an attack of some kind. There was someone near Nora, someone she didn’t know. Was there trouble? Was she being attacked?! “N-Nora!” Zora shouted her sister’s name and rushed over. “G-get away from her! Nora!” @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She laid there, eyes unfocused as her mind fought to understand. The phantom feeling of hands around her throat remained as she tried desperately to breathe, to move, anything- High voice, light- Zora. Safe. Her gaze shifted towards her sister, then to Riki. The feeling of her mind separating from her body returned as she tried to speak- unable to form more than a weak whine. @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (edited)

Riki's gaze snapped to the other girl when she yelled. He turned his head away and lifted his hands up to his shoulder level, palms open, and shifted back on his knees. "I mean no harm." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"J-Just- Step away from her, please-" Zora requested as she made her light disappear. She moved to her sister's side and knelt down beside her. "Nora? It's me, Zora- J-Just- Try and take some deep breaths with me, okay? Just like this-" Zora took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Just like that, okay? Let's do it together. You'll feel a bit better.." @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Can’t move can’t breathe- Her name- Instructions. Shaking, she tried to breathe. Zora’s voice was leading her out of the darkness, and with each breath the tightness around her throat loosened. She cringed as she tried to move, her entire body felt heavy. She looked dazedly at Zora- eyes filled with terror. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

Riki bowed his head and shifted back some more. "As you wish." He stood up slowly and backed away a few steps, watching the two girls sadly and concerned. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Now that Riki was a distance away, Zora felt a bit calmer. “It’s okay, Nora, it’s okay- Your big sister’s right here, you’re safe,” Zora continued to soothe as she scooted a bit closer. Her hand moved a bit closer across the floor, but it didn’t touch Nora. It was there in case Nora wanted to try and engage physical contact. “You’re here with me, you’re safe. I promise you, you’re safe. I’m here, Nora, I’m here. Zora’s right here for you.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Zora’s voice was helping her through the delusion- There was no one like her in Nora’s life, bright and comforting. Her mind was beginning to process what had happened. She finally realized that she fell, and the pain from hitting the ground was catching up to her. With a weak whine, she shifted to her side, off of the fallen chair. She stayed on the ground, though. Still, she could not speak. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki

NEW FLAVOR: Double-Cream Delight: a thick strawberry ice cream. It has a pleasant pink hue and swirls of chocolate. Yum!

Riki watched quietly, keeping his tails low to appear less imposing to the two. Hearing Nora's quiet squeak and seeing her move, Riki wanted to step closer and kneel beside her to see if she was injured, but held hemself back and let Zora take care of that. He still wanted to make sure the two of them were okay, and ignored the fight announcement this time. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“It’s okay, it’s okay, take your time,” Zora’s voice was soft and warm, soothing and comforting. “I’m right here, and I’ll stay right here. I’m here for you, Nora, and I’m not going anywhere.” Slowly, Zora formed a small orb of light over the two of them. It was a soothing source of warmth that radiated upon the sisters. Zora hoped that the warmth it provided would be comforting and a bit grounding for Nora. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

She laid there listening to Zora, her words like dawn after a nightmare. She couldn’t hear him anymore. Was he still here? Her eyes looked around frantically. Like she was searching for something. She was staring at Riki now. Weakly, she croaked out, “is..hhe…gone?“ @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Riki answered her gaze with concerned, gentle eyes. When she asked her question, his expression softened, "Your master is not here", he said gently but firmly. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Master? Whomst the hell did Celena have to beat up???? “He’s not here,” Zora repeated. “He’s not here. You’re safe, I promise. You’re safe.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora lets out a shaky breath. She shifts again, seeming to try and get up- but remains on the floor. She whines a little and curls in on herself. He’s gone. He’s gone. Safe. For now. He would be back. He always came back. Fear gripped her again, why did it feel so real? He was dead, she saw him rot away- why could she feel his hands again? She whimpered again. The sound stuck in her throat, unable to force any words out. @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (edited)

Riki frowned, watching the poor girl writhe. She was talking about his former master, wasn't she? How strong reaction... did talking about her past trigger it? The fox sighed, feeling bad for prying so much. He thought back to the early days of his spouse being in the Palace where he had been assigned to be their warden. Seki had had similar fits every now and then, sometimes for seemingly no reason, but Riki remembered one instance clearly. They had been sparring, because Riki had insisted so, and as he had backed Seki against a wall, they had reacted much like Nora now. He gritted his teeth, his heart twinging, and he glanced away. He felt awful for being the one who triggered a trauma response in others. He sighed, trying to think what he had done back then to help Seki recover... A soft, pink glow joined Zora's light. Small pink sparks like fireflies calmly hovered around the three, and the fox hoped they would help calm Nora down. "Nora, sweetheart, can you hear me? Try to count the wisps. Concentrate on counting them, okay? Come back to the present moment, in the present you are with friends." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (edited)

Upon seeing the light joining hers, Zora deemed that Riki truly wasn’t there to harm Nora. She relaxed further and scooted a bit closer to her sister. “You’re okay, you’re okay,” Zora continued to soothe. “Yeah, why don’t we- Try counting the wisps? We can do it together, if you’d like. I promise you, it’ll be okay.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She uncurled slightly, looking up at the floating lights. They were very pretty, and distracting her a little. More instructions. She was a good listener, shifting a bit more to better see the lights. Her body was still very ridged, the soft glow shining down on her wide eyes. She looked up at her sister, processing her words. “….mhm..” She nodded a little. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki smiled softly. "There you go, easy does it." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Good job, sis,” Zora smiled gently. “There you are. Great job, I’m proud of you.” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Their kind words made her heart warm. The cold fear was beginning to fade. The haze was slowly lifting from her mind as she watched the dancing lights. One was almost.. Slowly, she reached up her hand to try to hold one of the pink lights. @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (edited)

The light felt cool to the touch, and not like anything solid. It flickered like fire, and was lightly nudged by her finger into a new direction. Riki smiled softly, relieved that she seemed to be calming down. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Zora smiled at the sight. Good, things were still okay. Nora was doing better. That’s what mattered. “There you go, it’s all okay, sis,” Zora spoke softly. @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Her body was gradually relaxing. Her eyes now wide with interest, not fear. When the light didn’t land in her hands she tried to grab it- but away it went. Nora moved to sit up now. It seemed like a bit of an effort but she did it! She tried reaching up again for a light, but stopped and looked at Zora. “C-can…. I hhave.. a-a light?” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki smiled wider, his eyes narrowing from gentle amusement. "They don't hurt", he assured. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Mmhm, you can have a light,” Zora smiled. She lowered her little orb of light a bit closer to Nora. “Neither of these lights will hurt.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora took it and held it close, watching Riki’s lights float around. After a moment she looked around, seeming confused. “Um…. wh-what.. happened..b-before..?” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

9:26 AM

@Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki dared to take a step closer and bend down on one knee to talk with Nora more on her level. "We were talking about your past, and you got some sort of trauma response. You stumbled back, pushed your chair and fell on the floor. Are you hurt? Did yuou hit your head?" he asked gently. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“I can heal you if you’re hurting,” Zora quickly offered. She began to look over Nora for injuries. @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora holds the light closer, her face scrunching as she tried to remember what had happened before. “Mm.. we t-talked about…” At their questions she reached one hand to the back of her head. It ached a bit, and she cringed again. Her hand trailed down and pulled at her collar. “…it- it hurts.. I- mmy thhroat… ffeels bad..” @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Your throat? Can you describe how it feels bad? Is it sore? Tight? Would you like to drink some water?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Instantly, Zora had her light form over Nora again. This time, she began to heal any pain and discomfort that Nora may have been experiencing. She’d make sure that her sister was okay. @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mm, ffeels like-“ Nora was suddenly quiet as Zora healed her. Her head didn’t hurt! But… She frowned and pulled at her collar again, the frilly cloth untying from her neck. There was still something off in the way she breathed. “I- I don’t.. um, t-tight.. ffeels.. tight. Water.. I- um, p-please..” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki frowned slightly, concerned, and stood up. "Of course", he said, and went to the ice cream counter to see if there was water. I'm hoping there is some water bc I'm not gonna wait to ask Mads sorry Mads :'3 He came back to the girls and squatted next to Nora, offering the glass of water. "Do you often feel like your throat is tight?" he asked Nora and lifted his kind gaze to Zora. "You wouldn't happen to have an inhalator to lend her, dear?" he asked the other girl. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“My healing is something that could help take care of that, but I don’t have an actual inhaler on me,” Zora stated. @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She took the cup with shaking hands, taking a few drinks before answering. “Umm… i-it hurts.. like- like this, um.. w-when I cry.. a lot. Um… ffeels like... ssomething grabbing.. mmy throat..” She cringed again as she described it. @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Riki nodded slowly and watched Nora with that concerned but patient look. "Crying, and trying to suppress crying can often make your throat muscles contract and make it hard to breathe. It should be harmless, and calming down should help. Try taking some deep breaths like me and..." He paused and glanced up at Zora. He wasn't sure of the girl's name. He thought he remembered Nora calling her.. Celena? But it was as if she herself had used a different name of herself... "...her demonstrated earlier, okay?" he continued, looking back at Nora. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Yeah, it could just be from crying a lot. I’ve- Felt that way before, too,” Zora glanced away for a moment. Her own throat still ached from how horribly she had been crying with Rakin after Nathan- After Nathan. “L-let’s try those deep breaths again, okay?” Zora suggested with a slightly strained smile. Now wasn’t the time to get herself worked up. She had to focus on Nora. @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She nodded, fidgeting with the cup in her hands. “Mm, okay..” @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Riki nodde as well and smiled slightly. "Alright. You want to take a breath, hold it for a couple of seconds, and then breathe out longer than you breathed in. Okay? Like this", he spoke, and demonstrated by taking some calm breaths. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Zora followed along with Riki. Already, she could feel its calming effects. 10/10, loved it. @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora followed along, her breath a little shaky, but slowly calming. After a bit her breathing had returned to normal. Her throat felt better too! She took another drink of water before shifting a bit. “Mm, I feel a- a little better.. th-thank you.. mm, I’m- I’m sorry ffor… um, for that..” @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Riki smiled warmly. "I'm glad you're feeling better. And there's no need to be sorry. If anything, I should apologize. I didn't realize my questions would trigger such a bad reaction in you", he sighed. "I truly am sorry. I should have been more considerate." If Nora was this traumatized, it was pretty clear that her master wasn't only a strict teacher... Riki's neck fur bristled slightly as he thought about what that man must have been like, but he didn't let his anger into his facial features. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Zora stayed quiet, taking in a few deep breaths still as she glanced between Nora and Riki. She didn’t have anything to add presently. @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She’s been terrible at controlling her emotions since she came here, still, no one here ever got mad at her for it… “Mm, I- I don’t..: like, um.. th-thinking about it..” She glanced around the room, unsure of what to do now. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"I understand. But what happened now just strengthens my point about you and him. He sounds like an awful teacher who forced you do unspeakable things against your kindhearted nature and your will. You are a wonderful person, Nora, and you are worth of love and care, be it from lady Jymaiyri or anyone else. You have lived in unnatural circumstances, and I know it'll be hard to change the way you see yourself, but believe me when I say: you are not a burden. You are a sweet child with skillful hands and a kind heart", Riki spoke gently, and smiled warmly to Nora. He glanced up at Zora as well, smiling kindly. Introductions should be made as soon as he was sure Nora was alright. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

@Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (if you wanna have Nora reply you can, I’m currently on a walk rn)

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Her breath shuddered at his kind words, but after a moment it calmed. Nora smiled at him. “Thank you… it- it feels.. nice to- to hear that.. you’re so nice- um, b-both of you.. thank you..!” She smiled at Zora too. @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“You’re nice too, Nora,” Zora smiled. She took out her bunny from her pocket and had it nod its head in agreement. “Nice and sweet!” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Indeed you are", Riki confirmed with a warm smile. Then, he looked up at Zora again. "I should introduce myself. I am Captain Riki Icefang. I apologize for my inappropriate appearance. The weather has not been treating me kindly." He bowed his head, mildly embarrassed by his untidy coat of fur and shirtlessness. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Her own stuffed animal had fallen with her, along with Zora’s gift. Nora picked them up, cradling them close. As Riki spoke, she jumped a little. “Oh! I- I didn’t finish, um… h-helping you.. um, I can- I can.. keep brushing if- if you want!” @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“O-oh- It’s nice to meet you, too! I’m Celena, it’s- Nice to meet you,” Zora offered Riki a smile. “I’m sorry for being so cautious of you at the start, I was just- Worried about my sister..” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki smiled and swayed his tails in a friendly manner. "No need to be sorry. I understand. So, you two are siblings?" He turned to Nora and chuckled warmly. "That would be very kind of you, Nora if you feel good enough to do so, I would be very grateful. You can take your time to calm down, drink and maybe eat some ice cream if you need, though." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

“Mm, I- I think.. I’m okay. Mhm..” She stood up, looking a little wobbly. She picked up the comb from where she had dropped it and moved to sit by Riki. “Oh, um, mhm! Me and.. um, C-Celena are sisters, hee.” She smiled. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki

“Mmhm, sisters.” Zora smiled. It felt nice every time she said it out loud. It made her feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. She kept her eye on Nora as she moved shakily. Nora definitely needed to take it easy. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki held out his arm when Nora staggered, but lowered when it seemed the gorl could stand. He smiled kindly and sat properly down, crossing his legs. "That is nice to hear. It's good that you have each other's support here. I assume you are both Jymaiyri's, then?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She didn’t flinch at the hand at least! She got back to work, pulling out large clumps of fur. She hummed a little. “Mm, I… I think so.. um… mhm. W-we have a- a little sister too, Minnie! Um, she’s really cute.” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Right, they were Jymaiyri’s. Zora still needed to speak to her directly. Maybe there’d be time for that in the future.. “Yeah, she’s really- Cute. And little.” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki's tails wagged slightly and involuntarily when Nora started removing his dense undercoat. It was getting so itchy on top of the warmth. He was grateful for the help. "Oh, yes, little Minerva. She is an adorable little cub indeed", he chuckled fondly. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She looked at Zora for a moment. “Mm.. h-have you talk.. or, um, no.. no time to…” She turned back to Riki, mumbling to herself. She worked quietly for a bit before speaking again. “Um… M-Mister Riki..? What- what does… um, t-trauma mean.” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki

God, that was such a question. A sad one at that. Lowering her head slightly, Zora formed her light over herself. Time to heal the last of the burns. She remained quiet as she glanced between Riki and Nora. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Trauma? Well, it means... injuries. A trauma can be physical, like a bruise, but most often its used to describe the injuries of the mind. A person's mind can be traumatized by bad experiences, which will make them respond to different situations differently than they normally would, often causing them distress and difficulties, decreased self-esteem and self-image, anxiety and even depression, but they are treatable", he spoke. "Does that answer your question?" he tilted his head with a compassionate smile. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Okay, bad experiences, bad feelings. It made sense to her, but… That didn’t explain the hearing things, or seeing, or feeling them either. Nora frowned, busying herself with Riki’s hair. “Mhm… does it, um… mmake you see things..?” Her voice was quiet, unsure. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

“Y-yeah,” Zora responded quietly. One arm hugged her bunny close as she looked to the floor. “I-I have before- If it gets th-that intense, then- Yeah..” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki looked at both of them in turn, a sad and concerned look on his face. "Yes, hallucinations are something that can be caused by trauma. That is a sign of very intense trauma, and it sounds to me that you are having a post traumatic stress disorder. Both of you, if you have experienced hallucinations." He sighed gently. "My love, Seki, he used to have different levels of hallucinations when we first met. He was in a bad shape, mentally, and many different things could trigger the trauma. They would see, hear, and feel things, and had terrible nightmares. They would sometimes experience moments where their memories surfaced so vividly, that they relived moments from their past like they were really happening again. It was hard to watch... But, with time and care, she got better. Seki rarely experiences anything that harsh anymore, and is much happier than she was all those years ago", he smiled softly, and turned to Nora. "I won't ask what you saw, or experienced but anything that it was, I can confirm you that it was not real. Those were your own memories taking over your mind. I'm sorry you had to experience that, and I'm sorry I triggered it." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora listened carefully, it sounded a lot like what she felt. She frowned a little as Zora spoke. She didn’t want her sister to feel those awful things too. “Mm, I’ve been- I’ve had.. um, a lot of n-nightmares, mhm.. but you- you can get.. get better? H-how?” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki

“There’s- D-doctors who can help people,” Zora spoke up quietly. She hugged her rabbit a bit closer. It was clear that she had tried it before. “Th-they can be really g-good for you..” Her light flickered and faded away. The burns were all relatively healed. Both arms were now used to hug the bunny. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki nodded. "Yes. You talk with doctors and experts of the mind, and they help you through your trauma. You can get medication to help you heal, but most of it has to do with just... practice, learning how to leave past in the past and live happily where you are in the present. Once you feel safe where you are, you already can start to feel better, but it requires that you let yourself. Seki used to be very hateful towards herself. He didn't let himself heal for a long time, and only when he was able to... forgive himself, he started to really do better." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She frowned at that. “I.. mm, I d-don’t… don’t wanna take mmedicine…” Really, the thought of having to talk to a stranger sounded terrifying to her. She was starting to curl in on herself again. “Hh… how do you… fforgive y-yourself..?” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki

“It’s- Not the best, but it can help, I-I’ve tried it before,” And it did work. However, being immortal- You can’t exactly keep a psychiatrist and a script for so long. “.. W-would it make you feel better if this was something w-we did together?” Zora asked softly. She cautiously held a hand out to her sister, wanting so desperately to feel her touch. “I-I’d be willing to try it again i-if it’s with you, when we’re ready..” As for Nora’s question, Zora looked to Riki for an answer. It was something she herself wasn’t sure of. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"The medicine isn't mandatory, but it can help you feel better and heal easier", Riki assured, and smiled wider when Zora spoke. "I'm sure you both could use some good treatment after all of this." As the girls waited for him to answer, his face fell a bit, and he sighed. "I believe that is something, that is different for everybody. It will most likely take time, and require you to recognize some bad habits you have about thinking about yourself, and practicing to learn different ways to think. Seki... they had made some bad decisions in their youth, which lead up to disastrous consequences, and it haunted them. It took years and years of therapy, friendship and patience. I... heh. I remember it clearly, but it would be hard to explain... I was there for him. I helped him through those dark moments of doubt and self-hatred. I wanted him to see through the past into the present, see what a wonderful person they were, outside of all the regrettable things of his past. Eventually they could see it. It took a long time, and the doubt would still come back once in a while. But the important thing is to learn have mercy on yourself. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora took her hand, squeezing it tightly. “I… I don’t know, um.. if- if you think… it’ll be okay..” She looked up at Riki, listening carefully. Mercy… Fear was washing over her again, but her trust in the two of them pushed past it. Her voice was weak as she spoke. “E-even.. even if y-you don’t… don’t think you- you deserve it..?” Their kind words were helping, still.. it was hard to unlearn years of painful teachings. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

“I-it’d be o-okay for us b-both, when we’re ready..” Zora held her sister’s hand tightly. She shared plenty of the same doubts and concerns as she looked to Riki. Even if you don’t think you deserve it? Those words rang deeply throughout her soul. She tried to fight back tears as her doubts became vocalized by Nora. Why did things have to hurt so much? Why couldn’t- Her hold on her rabbit tightened for comfort. She remained silent. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

CW implied suicidal behavior Riki nodded seriously, with a gentle look. "Yes. Even if you think you don't deserve it." He paused and took a breath before continuing. "Seki has done horrible thinks in their past. They killed people, and caused pain and loss to many.. But she regretted it, and hated herself for those deeds, for that part of him that had lead to that point. He wouldn't forgive himself, he wanted to wither away and escape the guilt with the only way he knew... Many people would have agreed with him, many wouldn't forgive him, many didn't, many still don't. I did. "Now, I wasn't directly affected by what she did in the past, so it was easier for me than for many others, but I could see the person Seki was, and what she could be if she could leave his past behind. I was willing to give her a second chance. And it took time, like I said, years, but he finally accepted that the person who he used to be, the one who had done those bad things was in his past, and he had grown, learned his lessons, and it was better to live and work to fix what he could, than incapacitate himself with constant self-loathing." He smiled slightly towards the two of them. "No matter why you feel like you don't deserve mercy, you do. You deserve to have another chance, to be who you are in this moment, to learn and grow, and be happy. Your past does not define you. What matters is what you do in the present." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora listened quietly, taking in Riki’s words. This Seki seemed to deal with a lot of similar problems. It was nice to hear she was doing well now, despite what he did. Her past… she wasn’t in that house anymore. He couldn’t hurt her. Still, with everything happening around her, she wasn’t free from doing terrible things. She will have to fight. She will have to kill again. She frowned deeply. “But I.. I h-have to.. have to ffight. I- I don’t.. w-wanna hurt again..” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki

“I don’t want to, either..” Zora whispered. Her grasp on Nora’s hand tightened. Riki’s words were nice to hear. Comforting, even. She felt cozier. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki sighed. "Maybe, but that's not your fault. You are being forced to, and it's understandable wanting to survive. ...I hope we can figure things out before your turn comes. I hope we can break you free before that", he smiled. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Survive. She’ll survive. It’s what she’s best at. She took a deep breath, squeezing Zora’s hand back. “Mm… c-can… we, um.. t-talk about ssomething.. else?” Shaking hands that been combing through Riki’s fur for a while now, he should feel a bit lighter! @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Mmhm, ye-yeah, we can,” Zora nodded her head. “We can talk about a-anything else..” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Of course. But before we change the topic. I don't want either one of you to watch my fight, whenever it comes. I don't want you to witness any more violence, okay? Now then..." Riki shifted and looked at all the woolly fur that he had shed on the floor, glanced at Nora with a smile, and then turned to Zora. "Do you have any hobbies? I believe Nora enjoys handicrafts." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She looked distraught at his request. “But I- I…” Watching until her loved ones final moments, holding on for as long as she could to them- not doing that for him felt… wrong. “I… I don’t… w-want to lose you… pr- you’ll.. you’ll be okay..?” She almost said promise. She won’t do that again. It’ll be okay. It will be okay. She fidgeted for a moment, before petting over one of Riki’s tails to try and calm herself. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

“H-hobbies, umm.. I like- Taking care of plants..?” Zora said, not too sure on what kind of hobbies she actually did have. She simply existed. She fell silent as Nora made her request of Riki. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki cast a gentle look on Nora and shook his head with an expression that said he couldn't promise something like that. "Shh, there's no reason to mourn what has not happened. That's enough of that topic." He then turned back to Zora and nodded. "Yes, gardening is a nice hobby. I have tried it a little bit myself as well. I also enjoy cooking, and visual arts sometimes, although I am average at best. It's still nice to wind down doing something very different from my work. I also used to enjoy hiking and riding when I was young, but I haven't ridden a horse in years", the fox rambled with a reminiscent smile. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She frowned but nodded just a little. “Mm, okay…” She continued to pet his tails, and ended up brushing them as well. “Mm, I- I like.. drawing. You- you’ve ride on a horse? I never, um, never seen.. a r-real horsie before.” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki

“I’ve seen a horse, but I’ve never ridden one,” Zora shuddered slightly. “.. They kind of scare me..” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Drawing is a wonderful hobby! You seem to be a very creative person, Nora. That's a good thing to cultivate", Riki smiled. Then, he chuckled softly. "Being scared of them is understandable. They are large and strong animals, but that makes their companionship even more valuable and wonderful. Seki also used to be scared of horses, but with time I managed to get him used to them", he chuckles and shook his head. "Oh dear, I sure pushed her to do a lot of things he wasn't ecstatic about... But I was sure having a horse friend would be good for her, and I also wanted to take him for rides across the mountains. Luckily Seki ended up really liking riding and formed a bond with the pony they were riding. Heh... scaling the mountains and riding across the flowering meadows with Seki... it was a lovely time." He hummed, and then realized he was rambling about his spouse again, and cleared his throat. "But yes, I used to have a horse. Silver Stream. She was a shiny fire horse with mane and tail of silvery flames", he added. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora’s eyes seemed to light up a bit as he spoke. A horse with a fire mane!! “Um, was- was she a, umm.. a- a unicorn?” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

Zora also looked intrigued as Riki spoke. Fire horse? A fire horse?????????? “A horse with silver flames..?” She questioned quietly as she tried to imagine it. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki nodded. "Yes! I can show-" he moved his hand to reach for his phone from his pockets, but paused, realizing he didn't have it anymore. "Ah, right. But yes, she was very beautiful, and a very loyal horse. She wasn't a full-blooded unicorn, though. Those were reserved for the royals and highest-ranking officers." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

She was starting to cheer up a bit! “Oh umm, but she was.. still a unicorn! A- a little! That- that’s cool, hee.. mm, I wanna see one.. um, someday!” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki

“Huh.. I didn’t know that they were real.” Zora blinked a few times. “That’s pretty cool-!” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Oh, they are very real. I have a cousin that runs a breeding farm that specializes in unicorns. Although, I do believe I come from a different world than you two." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Oh… c-can we- we go visit..? Um, after.. this? Please? I wanna see a… a dragon too!” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Zora, meanwhile, looked slightly stressed. She fidgeted. “I-if we find a way to, ma-maybe we can visit..” Zora stated. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki nodded, smiling warmly, and his tails wagged slightly. "Of course! I would love to have you as guests. I already offered Dr. Lykos to come to my world, if we find a way to get there..." the fox trailed off. Then, he looksed at Zora with a comforting smile. "But of course, if coming to another world is not a pleasant thought, you do not have to visit. I understand that after an experience like this, anything alien can feel terrifying. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She smiled. “Ehee.. yay! I- I’m excited.. um, t-to travel! I.. I like, um.. seeing new things.” She looked over at her sister, concern crossing her face. She pulled out her little cat, walking it over to Zora where it laid in her lap. She moved a little closer to her as well. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Zora smiled at the sight of the cat stepping into her lap. She began to pet it, giving Nora an appreciative smile. “I-I like seeing new things, it’s just- Traveling to a new world, w-we’d have to travel through space, right..?” She took in a deep breath. “I don’t like space..” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki nodded. "Ah, I see. You know what? I also don't like space." He chuckled. "But don't worry. His highness has been zapping us around all this time, even from out own home worlds and into here, and we didn't have to see the space anywhere except from those.. windows. Back at home, traveling between worlds usually happens through different kinds of portals. Sometimes it requires a special kind of tea, and sometimes riding a dragon, but you don't have to see the space in either of those cases", Riki smiled. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Her smile fell just a little. She hadn’t thought about that.. But it soon returned as Riki spoke. “Ehee, yay! I- I wanna ride a- a dragon! Um, what is… what’s your, um.. home like, Mister Riki?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Zora relaxed significantly. “Okay, well- If I can’t see it or don’t have to be in it, I’ll be okay to travel..” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki chuckled an nodded. "I haven't mastered my elemental dragon yet, but otherwise I would let you ride a dragon right now", he wagged his tails. "My home? The house where I live, my country or the world I live in?" Riki asked with a smile. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora looks really excited! “You- you have a- a dragon!!?? Eeeeehhehee!!! That’s ssoo cool!! Ehee..!! Um, your- ummm.. can you- mm, all of those!” She was rocking happily now :) @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

Zora smiled lightly as she continued to pet the cat in her lap. The thought of riding a dragon again sounded fun. She missed soaring through the air, it was exhilarating. It was fun. She remained quiet, simply petting the cat and listening to the two of them speak. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki grinned at Nora's excitement, and his tails wagged again. "It's part of my powers. Every Elemental Master can manifest an elemental dragon, though it tends to take practice and you need to overcome your fears first." He hummed. "Ah, well, I live in Ninjago Republic. It's a very large land with diverse environments. It's much warmer and more diverse than my former home country. My world has various species of people, something that seems less common in other worlds, where humans seem to be most plentiful. We are all magical creatures, although most have very weak magic abilities, if any. The animals have strong magic and we often use their aid to protect ourselves against wild animals. "I live just out of the capital city of Ninjago. I live with Seki and our two children, Hoshi and Song. Our house is not large, not small. It is very comfortable and picturesque, with a little garden and garage. We live near Seki's parents and sister as well." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She giggled happily. “Eeeeheehee that’s- that’s really cool!! Um, what’s a ele… elemental.. master?” It sounded familiar! She listened excitedly, running her hands over the fabric of her dress. “Hee, magic creatures.. I wanna visit!” @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Elemental masters is pretty much each of us, we each have elements and we can use them. So, technically, we'd be able to make dragons, too." Zora answered with a small smile. She continued to pet the cat. "Y-your home sounds nice, Riki.." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki nodded to Zora's explanation. "Excactly. Heh, imagine, if we all would manifest our dragons and use them to go against our oppressors", he chuckled lightly as he indulged in that brief fantasy, and shook his head lightly. "Unfortunately, controlling one's fears is easier said than done." He smiled kindly to the girls and swayed his tails. "Thank you, it is a lovely place. Much more accepting and openminded than my old homeland. The only downsides are that the city seems to be a disaster magnet, and many people still feel negatively towards Seki because of his past. We are living our best life regardless." He wished it didn't end like this. The fox shifted, glanced at all the fluff on the floor and tried to gather it up into a ball so it wouldn't be spreading everywhere. "Thank you, Nora, I feel much better now, by the way." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Her eyes went wide. “R-really!?! I wanna dragon!!” She would just have to overcome her..! Her.. fears. She looked a little less excited. “Oh. F-fear is.. that’s hard, mhm.. b-but maybe.. um, one day?” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

“Mmhm, maybe one day, we can have dragons of our own,” Zora began to pet the cat again. “Then, we can ride them together..” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki chuckled softly and nodded. "Yes, one day. And until then, you can try to guess and imagine what your dragons would look like. Maybe even draw them?" Riki offered with a smile. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Her smile returned. “Mm, I- I hope so..! Um, do you have… or, um, know where.. drawing stuff is?” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

“Oh- Uhm, I have some chalk on me, I think..” Zora dug into her shorts and presented Nora with some broken pieces of chalk that she had gotten from Tai’Tana. “You can maybe use these..?” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"That is a fine idea. There should be serviettes here somewhere." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She smiled and took the chalk. White was a little boring, but maybe they could find more somewhere! “Sservilleta..? I think.. there’s some with the, um… over there.” She went over to the ice cream area and got a few napkins. (I’m gonna say they’re definitely here and brown for convenience) She handed a few napkins to Zora and sat back down. “Mm, where did.. you get chalk?” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Tai'Tana gave them to me. They have powers that lets them make things like this." Zora explained. She took a few of the napkins. She set it down on the floor and hummed as she thought to herself. How to draw, how to draw a dregon.. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki tilted his head and smiled curiously, watching as the two began drawing. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Oh! Mm, that’s cool!” Nora gets to work on her dragon! It seems she’s used to working with messy tools. She does her best to not rip the paper as she draws. After a bit she seems done! @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki

“I’m.. Not too good with chalk, but here’s mine.” Zora lifted up her piece of paper.

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1:05 PM

@Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Don't mind me, there's just a new flavor arriving! NEW FLAVOR: Mind-Tingling Mystery: A... Very strange looking ice cream. It didn't have a particular color, but rather a swirling menagerie of pastels. Sometimes it would look like blurry people or places would be illustrated but it would quickly fade out in to nonsense.. Or maybe it was always nonsense and you were just trying to anthropomorphize a delectable dairy treat. If you're brave enough to take a bite, it tastes like a memory from your childhood. Um.. Yum?

2

Riki's smile widened as she watched the girls draw their dragons. His tails waved and he nodded. "They both look like very friendly and polite dragons", he complimented. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

It seemed like Nora was still drawing, but she looked up to see Zora’s drawing. She smiled wide. “Eee, it’s- it’s really cute!! Um, I’m almost.. done too..” She held up her drawing, complete with her dragon and some little people next to it. @Twig | Kiran + Riki @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"I want my dragon to be friendly, my first one was, too." Zora hummed. Zora smiled brightly at the sight of herself and Nora beside the dragon. "Awww, Nora! It's a little version of us- That's so cute!" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Oh, you have had a dragon before?" Riki asked Zora curiously. Then he looked at Nora's drawing and felt his heart break a little from how weet it was. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora smiled with pride at her sister’s approval. “Mhm! Hee, I’m.. I’m glad you- you like it! But- you- you had a dragon t-too!?” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Damn, slip of the tongue. Zora cleared her throat. “Y-yeah, I did, back in-” The sound of the announcement interrupted her. She stared at Riki with wide eyes. Oh no. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki went POOF~ @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Her face fell at the announcement, turning to Riki with a look of despair- and he was gone. “Oh.. I- we should… should we sstay here..? He- he said to..” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“I-I guess we can stay here..” Zora spoke softly. “I’d like to support him, but-but if he said to stay, then.. I guess we should stay then..” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She set down her drawing, squeezing her hands nervously. “…I want to go.. I- I don’t.. mm.” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“.. What if.. We both go, but hide in the stands so he can’t see us?” Zora suggested. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Oh! Um… you don’t.. think he’ll be… mad if he- he finds out..? Mm..” She held her cat close and stood. “…let’s.. let’s do it. I- I wanna go.” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"If he gets mad, I'll take the blame. I-I'll tell him that it was my idea, because it was." Zora stood up as well and dusted her hands off of the chalk. She made sure that she had her bunny with her. "Alright, lets go.." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She held Zora’s hand and raised the other, zapping away. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Zora raised her hand as well. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

NEW FLAVOR Pup Cup: A dog safe frozen treat! It was pretty plain. But inoffensive.

The girls returned to the ice cream parlor. Zora took in a deep breath before she let it out slowly. “Th-that got intense at the e-end..” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora tried her best to breathe deeply as well. It was interrupted by a few tearful hiccups, but she dried her face. “Mhm… c-can I… hhave a hug.. p-please..” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Immediately, Zora pulled Nora in for a tight and comforting hug. She found herself in need of comfort and warmth as well. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora hugged her tight, mourning their friend. She cried weakly, she was starting to get used to losing people. That didn’t make it hurt any less. She held her for a long while, until the tears stopped. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Zora didn’t let go, not until Nora would. She held her sister until the hurt didn’t hurt as much, until it’d be a yearning ache in her chest. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She sniffled a bit and wiped away her tears. “Thank you.. mm..” ….there was a pile of fur next to them. Seeing it made her want to cry all over again. “H-he was.. sso nice..” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu (edited)

“He was, he was really nice,” Zora whispered. “I didn’t know him for too long, but-but I could tell he had a kind soul..” @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mhm…” She pulled away and took a bit of the fluff from the pile. That blue blanket Nora gave her was still here. She picked it up and folded the fluff into it. She hugged the bundle tightly, burying her face into it with a small sob. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Zora gently patted Nora's back. She used her free arm to hug her bunny gently. ".. I-if you wanna, maybe- We can walk around soon? Get some fresh air..?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Juno, Nathan, and now Riki. When would it end? When would her family be safe? She swayed a bit as she hugged the bundle, staying there for a moment before nodding. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"W-we'll go when you're ready, o-okay..?" Zora spoke softly. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora nodded again. After a moment she pulled the bundle away from her face and pulled out a bit of red string. She wrapped it so it was easier to carry around, not wanting to leave it behind. She wiped her tears once more and turned to Zora. “Mm.. ‘m ready.” @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"O-okay.." Zora stood up and lowered a hand to help Nora up. "L-let's go, then.." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She took her hand, not letting go when she stood. She seemed to be waiting for Zora to go. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Zora quietly led the way out of the ice cream parlor. She led them both out of there.. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

NEW FLAVOR (a little late. lol): Fireball Fiesta: A sharp cinnamon ice cream. It kind of burned a little, actually, if you are brave enough to try it.

Taylor hesitantly peeks his head into the ice cream parlor. He's never really been inside one before. Let alone eat anything they'd sell but well, he only really ate some things because his soul remembers what it's like to be hungry. He was tired after having to sit through another match, but he at least seemed not to be in as much of a depressive funk that he'd tend to get into after his chat with Bridge. Having someone relate to what you were did seem to help some.... But he can't help but think about those they've lost.

Isabelle ran in here, mostly to escape the heat. She was not expecting to run into someone. But run into someone she did, probably for the better honestly. "You never been to one of these before? Or is it just weird to see one here?" @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

He jumps a bit, stumbling over his own feet for a moment before catching himself. Poppy currently piggy backing his shoulders holding his head while he whips it around to face Isabelle. "Uhh..... I've never been in one. Sorry." @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"What are you apologizing for? I'm not gonna jump you or somethin." Isabelle walked past him, entering the cool room. "I'm Isabelle. And you?" Her gaze inevitably shifted to Poppy as she asked. @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Taylor. And uh. Poppy." He gestures awkwardly to her. Who waves in response with her new paws. She seems to really like being able to have technical posable thumbs now even if she's still weaker than a kitten. "Sorr- er. Nice to meet you Isabelle." @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"Likewise." He didn't appear to have fought. And Isabelle would've known for sure if she had seen him. The bunny was hard to miss. "I will warn you, the flavors are quite... morbid." @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"....I also will be honest. I've never had ice cream so I wouldn't know what to compare them to..." @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"I'm sure, but-" She probably needed to spell it out. "The flavors are inspired by people who have lost. As in they are named after people that died so far." @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"....oh." His brows almost disappeared within his bangs with how high they rose out of surprise. "I.... suppose that is indeed morbid. I thought you meant something like an odd flavor... goodness." @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

Isabelle opened her mouth to respond, but something caused her to stop. "S-sorry, I gotta-" She turned around and faced the door, running her finger across it. Soon after, Tsubari appeared on the other end, not unlike a face time. @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

He almost jumps like a startled cat seeing the image in the door. This man really is easily spoked by things he's not used to. "Wha- when did-?!" @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

As Isabelle spoke to Tsubari in #bonfire, she quickly set up the disc player. "Mind your ears, Taylor. I'm sorry if you're startled." And now static permeated the room. It was unpleasant to be sure. @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

He was lucky his soul could only mimick what it was like for his ear drums to feel like they wrte being pierced by the static. Covering Poppy's instead of his to at least protect her from the discomfort. @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

As the call ended, Isabelle turned to Taylor. "Taylor, was it? Sorry to cut your ice cream trip short, but we need to go. This is very sudden seeing as we just met and all, but plans have changed. We're gathering everyone we can into the dining hall to plan for a way to fight back and get out of here." @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

His heart soars at the idea of getting out of here. Of getting home. Though the worries of having to actually fight.... What if he accidentally did that to someone? "I'm not that useful in fighting. I can only really make dolls similar to Poppy." He lies. He could possibly make those that could hold weapons but something churns in his stomach from the thought of making Poppy fight. But.... he didn't want to be left alone. Not again. "But...but I can at least help sew anyone up if they get hurt." He offers. @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

Isabelle nods. She's not in the place to question shit right now. "That's fine. We need everything we can get. People are already disappearing, we have to go now." She ushered him back out of the ice cream parlor. @Barry | Taylor + Kevin

"Wait people are wha- ah Poppy Poppy I'm going I'm going!" He winces as the rabbit plush pulls his hair making him finally be ushered out by her and Isabelle. @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

Girlies Eat Icecream

Ice Cream for Riki

Taylor and Isabelle