"Wait, haven't you said before that you're a-" Faye frowned a little but was quickly interrupted, her thoughts drifting quite elsewhere for the time being. The girl had a surprise on her face, and she gulped as she stared at Illaya's lips. Withdrawing her hand slowly, she put her middle finger in her mouth, and then used it to wet her own stick, rubbing the tip teasingly. The girl looked up into Illaya's eyes and bursted into a chuckle, waggling once forward and back, and shaking her head. "Im really not good at this stuff." She said laughing and got up from the floor. Faye then made her way towards the balcony door and stopped, turning around. "Fair enough...we'll share the blame."

Thalia lead Faye outside onto the balcony, ensuring that the balcony door didn't make a sound as the two crept outside. Lavernius was sound asleep when Thalia took her stick of coal and started drawing random shapes on the man's face. She invited Faye to do the same. The duo spent a couple minutes drawing hearts, stars, and lots of dots on his skin. Thalia could hardly hold back her giggling until the two had made it back inside of the room and shut the door. Lavernius was going to be pissed.

Once they were back inside Thalia stumbled but caught herself. The room started to spin a bit, but Thalia could have sworn that she wasn't that close to her limit. The shadows on the wall started to leap out at her. Gods, not now of all times. I think you've ignored us long enough. Fuck. She made her way to the door rather harshly, definitely stumbling over herself and knocking anything over on her way to the door. She was starting to feel a bit lightheaded when she turned to Faye, "don't worry, dear, happens all the time." The lock turned and Thalia practically fell out of the door and into the hallway. She fished her room key from between her breasts and after three attempts she opened the door and stumbled inside. Holy shit, everything was exactly where she had left it, including the bloodied dress on the chair in the corner where the shadow man was now staring at her. The voices of the dead were screaming inside of her head when she turned around and blocked the doorway in case Faye got concerned and followed after her. She pushed the door shit and locked it. Her body felt ice cold, as if she were in the land of the dead.

You've got to warm yourself up.

Faye followed after Illaya, concern painted all over her face. She tried to help her get to...wherever she was going, as well as tried to put back anything she knocked over back at its place hoping all this noise won't wake Lavernius up. When they reached Illaya's room, she closed the door shut in front of girl's face. Faye stood there for a moment, confused, before getting closer to the door and knocking softly. "Are you okay...Do you need help? Water? Anything else?" She sounded genuinely worried. Was it the alcohol? No...It doesn't just suddenly kick in like that. Faye would wait outside for a moment, and if she got no answer, she'd open the door forcefully assuming something bad has happened.

She shuddered, "Yup, just drank the alcohol too quickly I guess." You didn't have a problem killing me. Go ahead, kill her. "No, not gonna do that." Fuck. "Sorry, just pretty messed up right now. I'll be fine though, promise." At least she managed to sound giddy before laughter took hold. Thalia moved away from the door and quickly got to the chair to grab the dress and stuff it in one of her drawers with a lot of her other clothes, burying it underneath. She also pulled out a large white shirt and threw it on the bed. Might as well let her in. "You still there Faye? I promise, I'll be fine, been through worse!" The room was spinning, "But if you insist on helping, bringing some water could help." And buy her enough time.

They're not fucking real, you're just having a bad trip. Thalia pulled out two more incense from her drawer, lit them, and placed them on the night stand before undoing the knots on her corset, something that took a lot more time and effort than it should have. She finally untied the damn thing and started undressing. She took the dress off and untied the bloody dagger from her leg before stuffing it under the mattress before going back to the dress and retrieving the other four blades she had tucked away and a small bag of bad drugs. Thalia dumped them in one of the drawers. The room was spinning quicker as Thalia stood up straight and faced her bed before closing her eyes and concentrating. Without too much trouble she managed to make it to the bed and sprawl out on top of it, putting the large shirt on. "Shut the fuck up," Thalia wailed before slamming her fist in the wall. That's a lovely view of you. Thalia ignored the voice as she managed to get under the blankets and sheets and wrap them around her body. She was still so damn cold. Bring Faye in here, she'll keep you warm. "No." Just next to the bed was an empty waste bucket that Thalia reached over and pulled close before leaning over the bed and forcing herself to vomit in the bucket several times. The room wasn't spinning as badly but her throat was dry. Most of the drugs were out of her system but she still had a pretty gnarly headache, with a side of voices and light sensitivity. She didn't bother unlocking the door for Faye.

"Oh-Okay." Faye ran down the stairs and snatched the pitcher with water off the counter, promising she'll be back to pay in a second. There were less people in the inn now, many going to their homes, rooms...or falling asleep right were they were. Faye made her way up the stairs, hastily knocked on the doors and grasped the knob. They were still locked. The girl fought the urge to just put the mark down and pick the lock that way, but eventually refrained. "I uh...I'm leaving the water by the doors!" She placed the pitcher under the wall so that it won't spill when Illaya opens the door, waited for a short while, then went downstairs again.

Paying funny money for the jar, she also paid for a room reserving it for the night. Faye picked up her key, but suddenly left the Dancing Horseman, forgetting something. Stopping in front of Atlas, the girl extended her hand, as if she tried to reach his head. His eyes popped off his head and gently landed on her open palm. On the back of the gems, there were metal plates made of mithral, just like the core, and also had tiny runes all over their surface. "Well since I'll be sleeping alone after all..." Clenching her first, the girl walked back inside, and into Lavernius' room. She entered his balcony and nudged his side, trying to wake him up trying not to laugh seeing his face. "Hey...Hey...You can go back inside. Go sleep on the bed, you'll catch cold, or back pain..." Whether she succeeded or not, Faye left taking her knapsack on way out and locked herself in her new room.

"What a day..." The girl sighed and began to undress, changing into her gauzy, slightly see through night dress. She sat down on her bed and left the two gems on her nightstand, metal plates down and stared at them for a longer while with a blank expression. She laid down on her back, gaze pointlessly stuck on the ceiling Faye remained in that position for a while, wondering, before leaning over and putting out the light. Soon after she was consumed by light sleep.

25th of Maaris 2700 AF, Morning
5 Days before The Landing of the Lords Day. The Izukani Festival

At the first rays of light, the next Realm's people began their work and by the time people had come out from their homes, the Plaza had been transformed. Gone were the Vadalian decor, exchanged with beautifully arranged shrubbery lining the edge of the plaza and huge artful sculptures made of wood, stone or both have been placed in every entrance towards the Plaza. A wooden stage had been erected at the very center, encircling the monolith while on each of its faces hung a beautiful art piece depicting Izukani life and culture. Numerous seats have been arranged, sandwiched between it and the greens. Just beyond the performer's stage lied a bazaar, filled to the brim with shops showcasing the wonderful craftsmanship of the people. Smiths have come direct from Izukani, their skill with metalwork not unheard of in the Realms, have arrived as well.

The people of Salvation Point awoke and found themselves in a new land and although this happens every year, the Izukani do manage to outdo themselves every time.

Music had filled the air and children were first to rush in, the stage at the plaza were occupied by some of Izukani's best musicians and from behind them, came forth the performers. Tales of the Master Hirakata against the Cult of Onigen were shared in fantastical plays, grabbing the attention of both child and adult. The costumes were fantastic and colorful, performances grand and insightful.

And it was only morning.

Lavernius Mylarc, Faye Petralis & Thalia Valgeiros, the Dancing Horseman
The artist woke to hear the familiar sound of Izukani music and it sounded marvelous. Then something felt odd about his face, a sort of crusty feel to it.

Inside her own room, Fate Petralis, a Thaa'nas of the Staff, slept peacefully on her bed. The music kept her dreams joyful for the time being.

Thalia on the other hand slept as much as she was allowed to by her shadows, their voices crept up even in her dreams. Visions of bones and spiders filled her dreams, disembodied calls of the damned echoed in her head, all so vivid in the first few hours of her sleep. Luckily, they all silenced at some point in the night, only popping up every now and then.

Marianna Laranis, Salvation Point Jail
Mari woke up with a legionnaire, the same one who brought her the pipe, knocking on the bars and her breakfast tray already slid towards her. The heiress sat on her bed, the sound of the chains reminding her of her predicament. When she looked at the tray, she only saw bread, cheese and a glass of water. Mari also noticed the guards that faced her had changed and she could safely assume those that weren't facing her also did. The sound of Izukani music told her it was morning, since last year and the year before, they started with the performances.

"A man will be visiting you shortly," the legionnaire told her before leaving.

Lavernius woke up with a stretch and a yawn and was unsettled by the strange pull on his face as he opened and closed his mouth. It also didn't help that he had a slight numbness in his head, a dull ache that he could only blame himself for as he had drank the entire flask. He rubbed his eyes and blinked away smudges. Confused, he looked at his hands to see the tips of his fingers to be black with coal. The artist quickly made his way to the mirror and looked with horror at what had happened to his face. The man wasted no time making his way into the bathroom where he scrubbed off the hearts and other tomfoolery with a wet cloth. He watched the black water swirl down the drain and wiped his face. As he walked out he chided the sleeping maidens. "You know one would find what you two did awfully-" He looked to not only find his bed empty, but no one had seemed to have slept there either. He felt slightly disheartened that they hadn't taken up on his offer and wondered if it was due to a lack of trust, but hoped ultimately that they had reached their rooms undisturbed.

The artist made his way to the wardrobe where he extracted the two bottles tied together from his pouch and then made his way to the bathroom where after he did his business, stripped, and showered, washing his hair with the shampoo he had created. He also rubbed in a bit of the conditioner to make his hair soft and smooth, the conditioner itself not possessing much of a scent so his hair simply smelled like flowers. After drying himself off, he wrapped the towel around his waist and padded back over to the wardrobe where he chose out a new outfit for the day. He decided on a light lilac dress shirt with a silver vest and dark grey pants. Putting on his shoes and his knapsack, the artist made his way out of the room with a platter stacked with the barely touched platter of sandwiches and the empty mugs and flask, and knocked on the room next door. He hoped Illaya would be awake and up for some breakfast. Lavernius wondered which room was Faye's but didn't want to knock on all of them so he simply knocked and waited in front of Illaya's, seeing if she was up.

Now this felt good, aside from the random panic attacks and twisted thoughts. Maybe she would keep the rest of the pills and try it again. Thalia knew more than most that sometimes you just don't get that good high that you were after. She was laying in bed being somewhat lewd when that insufferable knocking started again, but this time it was followed by a voice. Lavernius. Great. Thalia's eyes opened lazily and stared at the door with malice, but joy quickly washed the malice away when Thalia recalled the man mentioning breakfast the night before. She usually wasn't awake early enough for breakfast. The woman went to speak but whatever noise came out of her mouth wasn't coherent at all. It made her giggle uncontrollably. After a few moments she managed to roll her body out of bed, literally slamming onto the floor. Again, she giggled uncontrollably. Thalia made it to her feet and to the door. When she opened it she was upset to see Lavernius' face without her mark all over it. She opened the door wide and leaned against it with a titillating pose and expression on her face. There was only a large white shirt covering her body, and it made it just far enough down her hips to cover the important parts. She was purring at Lavernius.

Lavernius had no idea what he was getting himself into, or maybe he did and secretly enjoyed the madness of it all. As he walked around the room moving things, her things, her paranoia started to act up and her blood almost began boiling until he sat down next to her and that lustful gaze returned to her eyes. She placed both hands on Lavernius' leg, gripping sensually, and pushed her head closer to his but not that close. Reality was slipping in and out as she waited for Lavernius to make her pretty, "I feel things would have gotten pretty uncomfortable had we stayed, didn't want that." Lavernius washed away the smudged makeup on her face, which it seemed like he was taking his sweet time doing. Her high was coming down, but it was still pretty hard to keep herself from doing something too crazy. Good thing Faye wasn't here. Voices and shadows danced around, but she ignored them for Lavernius' sake. Thalia was born a killer, whose skills have been honed under harsher environments for two decades. Even plastered, she knew Lavernius would not stand a chance. So she held back. "I don't know where she is, Mr. Mylarc," she purred softly, "am I not enough for you?" She struck a pose, grabbing at her chest while squeezing his leg tighter. Was it cold in here, or just Thalia?

Her hands were a bit close and he tried to brush them back but first focused on her makeup, he had to think of something else as he dabbed some of the clear liquid onto a cloth. He softly pressed it against her face and wiped gently and slowly, getting rid of the makeup on her eyes and cheeks. Using a different cloth, he used his tongue to wet it and wiped away any alcohol residue that may be left on her face. His fingers traced the lines of her face and he couldn't help but marvel at how beautiful she was and how close the two's faces were to each other. As she asked her question coyly, Lavernius could feel his heartbeat quicken and he gulped slightly.

He pulled back and turned his head away, licking his lips as he coughed to cover his flustered expression, his cheeks flushed. He waited for his heart to slow before he started talking. "I... I didn't mean it like that. I was just..." he turned back and tried to keep his focus on something else, not her hands, or her lips, or her eyes. He could hear the blood in his ears and his pants felt tighter. He took her hand off his thigh carefully and quietly whispered, trying to control his voice from breaking. "Your hair, let me fix your hair." Was it hot in here, or just Lavernius?

"Getting a bit worked up, Mr. Mylarc?" Her finger was focusing on one of the pointy spots on her shirt, teasing playfully, "good, I don't like them timid." Thalia turned and put her back towards him so he could better fix her hair. If Lavernius pulled her hair away from her neck, he might just be able to see the ends of a few scars and burned flesh. The voices in her head laughed and mocked her for them, some of them being the reason she had some of the scars. Her long black hair was a mess, and covered most of her back regardless. Even still, the drugs were intensifying her physical desires as she was coming down from her high. "Don't make me wait too long, dear. I'd rather you take me now, but if you'd rather wait for the shower I understand," she purred before adding, "I've been told men get off when they see water running down a pretty ladies skin, wrapping to all of her curves." Thalia ran her hands down her sides as she finished her statement, chuckling to herself. Even the rational part of Thalia was getting a kick out of this.

"I'm sorry," he blushed, "unsightly I know. But it 's just that..." He left the obvious unspoken as he turned back to his knapsack. Lavernius took from his bag a comb and slowly began working it through her hair. He was slow and meticulous, making sure not to tug and hurting her in any way. "You're still drunk... or something is clouding your judgement. I would be a sorry excuse of a man for taking advantage of you like that." He reasoned, partly to put down Illaya's advances gently but mostly to convince himself. He had to calm down and grit his teeth as he banished away the impure thoughts he was having.

His hand ran across the side of her face, around her ear, and down the back of her neck as he collected any stray strands. His fingers was like wind, playful whispers that danced across her skin delicately. As he combed her hair, his fingers played with hair, feeling like grains of sand were escaping through his fingers as he felt how soft her hair was. It reminded him of her hair and the thought made him feel more guilty about how close he was to the edge. Once finished with brushing, he began braiding it, almost unconsciously, and then he snapped out of it he dropped his hands. "Oh apologies, it was habit. You can go shower now."

Lavernius could probably feel Thalia's frown even though she faced away from him. His fingers were great, and it took a lo of resolve to not turn around and pounce on the man, but she was willing to wait for him to finish dolling her up a bit. Besides, she loved having her hair played with. "Don't be a prude, dear. I may still have a bit in my system but I'm still steering this ship." She was practically moaning, not so much sensually, but she really did enjoy his handiwork. "You don't have to be the perfect gentleman, y'know. I'm not that judgemental. In fact, I think 'blemishes' are just creative additions to one's character."

Gods his hands were fucking magic, and she didn't mind having her hair braided, not if he was doing it. "I bet all you need to satisfy a woman is your hands, Mr. Mylarc." Thalia turned to face the man as he tried sending her off, "Actually I think you're right. Everything just got a bit spinny. Do you mind getting the water started for me?" Her eyes were practically begging, and she had a sickly look about her.

Illaya's coyness and compliments made the blood run to the artist's ears, and he felt them get hot. "Of course," Lavernius smiled, "I'll be right back." Relieved for a chance to get some breathing room, he got up and as he walked to the bathroom, he took a mug. Entering the bathroom, he closed the door behind him and first made his way to the sink. Rolling up his sleeves and taking off his vest, he put it to the side and undid the top two buttons of his shirt as he splashed cold water on his face and breathed in and out slowly as he dried himself. The man then cleaned the cup and filled it with water. Placing the full mug to the side of the counter, he turned and made his way to the bath where he began running the water. The water crashed down from the faucet like a waterfall and he couldn't hear much else besides it as he fiddled with the temperatures.