Debora
"Years of work," The man explained, somewhat proud. "Many years cooking brings me here to Pacifica."
"Is the family business, cooking kebabs. Has been two decades now, counting Bulgaria."
"Eeh, what can I say? They are my calling!"

*Lamb souvlaki — a Greek dish cooked to utter perfection, right here in Pacifica! *
Paracelsus could remember fresh the distinct Bulgarian accent of the deep-voiced kebab-cook, and his wide, toothy smile as he sent him off with a water and a kebab. He was a personality as instantly recognizable and memorable as was his food was itself: foreign, but just as welcoming and familiar as home. The taste of the souvlaki was also just as excellent the man had described it: tender, very tender, yet with an equally satisfying chew. Marbled slightly and fatty all throughout, each bite into the meat packed a delicious, juicy taste, the unique texture and flavor of lamb brought out and complemented strongly by its marinade and seasonings. As far as stall chefs go, the man may well be a culinary master indeed!

`- -`

Delicious as it was, there were more important matters ahead of them. Souvlaki in-hand, the Exalted approached the group of magicians, and his presence was in no way left unrecognized by the members amidst the inner circle of Cantum sorcerers encompassing the host of the Festival, Lueur d'Étoiles. Paracelsus' approach seemed to inspire equal parts of caution and curiosity from the retinue. Their eyes, aglow with mana, were collectively set upon the Exalted, ever-so-slightly on-edge.

*They could sense the Exalted's **Soul**.*
Guadalupe
Hands and minds grew restless within the circle of mages at the strong and closening presence of the Exalted in approach. But as the mage motioned with her outstretched hand, beckoning the Exalted to approach, she, in a moment, quieted these rousing concerns.

She was no more easy to read at close and with eyes of flesh than it was to read her by the image of her **Soul**. Perhaps with no veil her brow might have been seen moving as Paracelsus addressed the group; perhaps not. Lueur was as composed and impermeable as her Vessel showed her to be, and yet still... Their ability to tug upon the strings of magic and soul and speak to her directly brought her a deal of surprise. Her mouth opened slightly as the mage impressed a message upon her **Soul** Itself...

```
"It is wonderful indeed," she agreed, now smiling — fully composed. "A wonderful reminder of how astonishing and wide a world we live in."
"Have you been enjoying yourself?```

***`"We may."`***
***`"I will begin: who are you?"`***

The tone of her **Soul** Spoke to Paracelsus' own, her tone cutting and concise — a certain contrast from her pleasant greeting, yet neither aggressive nor severe. Her composure was firm and no longer allowing itself to show signs of shock nor the signs of the unspoken conversation shared between the two. She smiled, and yet her **Soul** Flared, a latent intent hidden within the changing fire of her gemlike `Vessel`. Beneath the veil that descended from her wide-brimmed hat, mana flared all across her eyes, her irises flaring with an appreciable arcane presence that permeated both spirit and mundane realms. It, too, was of a latent intent and nature: a subtle spell of a kind one could not entirely discern.

She cautious, perhaps. Or perhaps not.
Nathan
No doubt the Exalted would provoke suspicion upon themself, waltzing up to the host with such a nonchalant attitude. They had no idea the woman was the host of the festival itself, only deciding to talk to her due to her prominent SOUL. They took another bite of their lamb souvlaki, the juicy meat alighting their taste buds aflame with intense euphoria. It truly was a magnificent dish—if only they had decided to inquire as to where the operator of the stand normally worked; they would've most definitely visited again to relish in the man's culinary genius. Perhaps after finalizing matters with this woman they would be able to.

_"It's been wonderful; have you had the chance to taste one of these?"_ They referred to the kebab in their hands, _"I can't lie, they're delicious!"_

By now, the announcement of the Medeian King's arrival had rung out through the streets of Sanctum Mesa, Paracelsus' gaze turning to face the Custo Regni that had now populated the area. "I didn't quite know what to expect at this festival outside of delicious food and games. I did not know such high royalty would be here," They commented on the king's triumphant arrival. Maybe it's possible the king could be the source of Paracelsus' allure? They pondered on this possibility for a moment before their attention returned to Lueur.

_`My name is Paracelsus; I am nothing more than a skilled arcanist you could say.`_
_`Now, I wish to prod your mind a bit. For some reason, there's a strange allure that surrounds this festival, is there not...? Something... Yearning me to be here. I do not know why; I am hoping you may be able to shed some light on this phenomenon? If not, that is alright."`_

Paracelsus spoke with Lueur via their SOUL, hoping to gleam the truth behind the strange nature of this festival.
Guadalupe
```
"The food?" —she mirrored, motioning toward the stand nearby. "Once, yes; but not this night. Still, I am wholly certain it is delicious as food can be."```

Lueur folded her arms behind her back, nodding lightly toward the white-haired sorcerer in approach. That mana still glowed faintly below the surface of the veil of her hat; the subtle spell she continued to cast was still in effect. Her associates — though unaware of the conversation currently ongoing between Lueur herself and the Exalted opposite them — seemed to take note of her caution, her scrutiny careful, composed and pleasant as her appearance seemed.

```
"The King of the Medei—" she commented, giving it some pause — his title full of weight. "It is, indeed, one of the greatest honors to see him here."
"Alas, I can feel no surprise in the triumph of his arrival. The Academy has prepared fastiduously to make ourselves, and the Festival also, ready to meet the King."
"Sometimes, I wish to return to the crowd: to revel and to be dazzled by the simple wonder of festivities once more," she laughed lightly, placing a hand to her mouth, where it after it lowered to rest beneath her chin. "But there are still many smaller joys to be found even where there are no surprises."```
_ _

***`"You yourself are a surprise, Paracelsus."`***

The words of her **SOUL** Rang clearly and again in a contrast to her physical speech.

*`"I do not mean to make assumption, nor do I intend to steal from you the benefit of the doubt."`*
*`"Yet I know few sorcerers who possess such intimate understanding of soulcraft. And fewer yet those who do and exist outside the Academy,"`* Her head visibly tilted, though wordless she was. *`"You are much more than just a 'skilled arcanist'."`*

```
"The Festival of Convergence is a festival that represents crossroads, some say."
"A place where the many divergent paths of the world and the greater cosmos... Converge."
"It is a beautiful idea, is it not? That regardless of who you are, or where you come from, it draws you?"```

*`"You are drawn by a yearning of the world itself..."`*
*`"Destiny often has a strange way of working."`* 

With both words in-body and words of-**SOUL**, Lueur replied.

*`"I do not know what draws you. Yet perhaps I shall soon."`*
*`"There is nothing that the stars cannot discern, Paracelsus."`*
Nathan
Paracelsus glanced over at the duels which were occurring nearby, slightly appalled by the senseless violence, even if it was in sport. They had witnessed the duel between Gryphon and William, watching the latter's abdomen being driven through by the former's spear. It was _disgusting._ They had no right to judge though; they were of another culture than the Exalted. Their gaze returned to the conversation at hand—much more of their speed.

"A great deal of effort to celebrate one individual's existence, is it not? I've always found such endeavors to be very... _fascinating_," They spoke their mind on the grandiose preparations for the king's arrival. They were not fond of placing unhealthy faith into a singular entity, finding it narrow-minded and foolish. After all, it is impossible to know the true motives of another individual. A debate on Medei politics could be saved for later however—it would be a shame to spoil the festival. "I don't see why you shouldn't enjoy yourself as well...? Like I said," He raised his now-finished kebab, "These are to die for...!" They praised the man's kebabs once more before pitching the skewer.

_`"And I don't intend to lie. I'm no more than a self-taught, wandering mage."`_
_`"I do appreciate your high-regard for my skill in the field, however,"`_ they smiled at Lueur's surprise of their talent.

"A very welcoming air surrounds the festival, I suppose. It's been some time since I've last enjoyed myself as I have here," Their eyes faced the floor as they reminisced on their fragmented memories, unable to recall the last time they felt such emotion.

_`"The stars, hm? Perhaps you are right."`_
_`I do hope you will keep me updated. Your colleagues seem wary of me... It'd seem I'd best be going,"`_ they noted Lueur's entourage taking on a cautious stance toward them. _`"I presume we may be able to keep in contact through your magic, am I correct?"`_ They awaited a response from Lueur.
Guadalupe
```
"It is a great deal of effort."```

She agreed simply, but did not share any opinion of her own, her visage shifted slightly toward the arena and the King presiding over it, nothing but neutrality present on her face. Subtle purple roused beneath the veil over her eyes as mana suffused her irises, as the mage takes in the great sight of the **SOUL**S of those far-off — of those within the Custos Regni, of those within the King's personal entourage, and of those upon the stage.

```
"I would partake, but the duties I have been given require my whole attention."```

Her response was simple again. Something else still occupied her focus.

*`"..."`*

It was not a thought, but rather a strong-yet-vague feeling that Lueur had communicated to Paracelsus via their shared connection. An emotion that could never be told through words — it felt like two opposites pressing against one another: conflict that earnestly sought out resolution.

Her visage returned to Paracelsus as they confirmed themself once more to be no more than a self-taught mage. She sensed no intent to deceive, yet still found it hard to believe.

*`"Perhaps the times are changing again."`*

```
"It's a wondrous sensation. The world unfolded at arms-reach before you."```

*`"Wary?"`*
*`"...Ah."`*

...She briefly glanced over her companions, before nodding slightly.

*`"You're right."`*
*`"Please forgive them. They are merely cautious of your SOUL."`*
*`"It is a rarity to see one of such effulgence. I have seen some, in my time — White Souls, that is. They... Have not."`*
*`"If it does bother you, I can ask them to—"`*

Lueur paused. A presence was approaching. Paracelsus could feel it too.
Rebecca
It started first with the figments of an intense ***SOUL*** In close approach, a noticeable disruption sweeping through the spirit realm in such a way that one even basically attuned with the concept of **SOUL**S could detect.

Then it continued with the emergence of a potent essence of a shifting Vessel that seeped forward a peculiar mana, almost as though it was... Staining the realm of spirits around itself.

One's soul-scrying eyes are then brought to the form of the robed, masked, tall individual in approach, his Spirit shimmering white, clear like a star; a perfect radiance and a perfect purity not unlike Paracelsus' own. His arrival was permeated by his presence that so densely suffused his surroundings that it was made immediately evident that he was a potent sorcerer and practitioner of soulcraft — a master at soulcraft, in fact. His Spirit was of such a pure essence that it seemed almost contrived, unreflective of his inner self—

—and so pure that it made it especially startling when one saw the core of pure, crude **Black** Suspended within, as though entrapped perfectly within an outer shell.

That mana that stained the world around him — it was the chaos of the **`SOUL OF CHAOS`** Seething beyond the Vessel and juxtaposed half that kept it stable.

He approached. He approached Lueur and Paracelsus.

***`"The Mage of Starlight!"`***
*`"...How wonderful it is..."`*
*`"...To see you again."`*

He approached and he directly addressed Lueur, his words slightly delayed, as he turned to glance toward Paracelsus. Behind his mask, the Exalted could clearly sense it — bright as day, his eyes were peering, a strong soulsight openly in use.

*`"And you..."`*
*`"...Hm... You are not with the Academy, are you...?"`*
Debora
But I am once again asking for a Paracelsus post
Nathan
_`"Do not feel you need to go out of your way for me, I may be a White Soul, but for the time being... I only wish to enjoy the festivities."`_

Paracelsus did not wish to bother Lueur with his presence, understanding she no doubt had important duties to attend to; the Exalted prepared to depart from the conversation, before that same stench that Lueur had picked up on became known to them. It was one Paracelsus was all the more familiar with: a **Black Soul**.

Their attention immediately turned to face the presence that approached the group. They were not met with a Temporal Beast however, instead being greeted by a sane individual. The Exalted had heard of the concept of sane Black Souls existing, but the mere presence of one was enough to unease them. Though, nestled deep within the man's soul was a purity that raged against the corruption: the latent speckle of a **White Soul**. A shameful thing, that—disturbing the radiance of one's soul of purity with the stain of chaos.

Sotsui's use of soulsight upon Paracelsus would be met with great resistance, but would nevertheless succeed in revealing to him that they were a White Soul. The Exalted was aware of his use of soulsight, but did not openly question it—after all, they had used their own upon the man.

"Mm, I am not with the Academy—I'm self-taught. I was just getting ready to return to the festival, but I suppose I can stay and chat for a while longer," The Exalted went back on their initial plan, opting to stay with the group; this man had peaked their interest a great deal, no matter how revolting he was. "If I may, I don't believe I ever asked for your name," Their attention fixated on Lueur, "I am Paracelsus." They introduced themselves to the group, only having mentioned their name to Lueur via her web of telepathic communication.

They motioned towards the unknown man as well, "You as well, if you don't mind?"
Rebecca
A man clad in a strange mask and clad in a strange robe; a man of a strange **SOUL** And of a strange mana. Chaotic energy in increasing intensity permeated from the man as his twin-natured **SOUL** Grew closer in approach, traces of that same, dark, negative energy effervescing beyond the expanses of the white-hued cradle that was his Spirit, and the peculiar, thin, iridescent Vessel whose transparent tincture shifted with the fluctuations of uncontrollable magic that seethed beyond it. White and black; pure emptiness and pure fullness; the duality and opposition of both immiscible chromatic hues on open display in a single, cloven **SOUL**.

*`"...Hm."`*

The man's visage remained fixed, any immediate response quiet and long-delayed, together as though he was processing something — something that Paracelsus had done; perhaps their use of `Soulsight` a matter of the masked magician's question — or, instead, maybe appraising the Exalted's character from a more mundane perspective, his hand held over his mouth and a short pause following their brief greetings. The white-and-black-**SOUL**Ed man was unreadable as he was peculiar.

His hand lowers, and there is then revealed a smile on his face.

*`"...Paracelsus."`*
*`"...Interesting... Interesting."`* He repeated himself. 
*`"You may call me..."`* — he placed a hand over his chest, his head tilting back as his smile grew slightly — *`"Sōtsui."`*

*`"...Ah. The matter of names..."`*
*`"...It's been a while. I am curious as well.`*
*`"I would no longer call you by..."`* —he paused, purposefully, and motioned lightly to Lueur, as though there was something he could say, yet did not, remaining in a moment of hesitation born of a respect for her and who she wished no longer to be.
Guadalupe
```
"You may call me Lueur d'Étoiles. It is a simple title, but it has served me well as a name."
"And as I always shall be — I am the Mage of Starlight.", she, much like Sōtsui, placed a hand to her chest, introducing herself. "——But that, you already know."
"You never were one to forget."```

Both Lueur's **SOUL** And disposition were odd to read, her Vessel potently withholding any information on the fluctuations of her Spirit equally-as-much as her expression remained neutral, all as though there was an impassable level of separation between her and those to whom she spoke.
Rebecca
*`"I see."`*

His response was cold, and though he seemed in some part warm with Lueur, he did not grant her the same smile he gave Paracelsus, his response similarly curt, both as though there was something he desired to hear or find or see that he ultimately did not. 

Again, his masked visage returns to the Exalted, and sparing little more than a moment following their initial interaction, cuts imminently for the heart of the conversation in a single, unexpected stroke—

 __***`"What are you?"`***__

His words were strong, unbelievably so, as though there was a world of weight and knowledge of what should be unknowable behind it, all emplaced within a single sentence with neither a care for tact nor discretion. It was as though he was questioning Paracelsus' very *Existence.*

*`"I have not seen a White Soul in several years,"`* He departed from their collective silence upon the topic of viewing one-another's **SOUL**S, something which Lueur herself was complicit in, though much more discreetly than Sōtsui and perhaps even Paracelsus themself.
*`"...And you resist my attempt to pry further with a proficiency Eleanor herself cannot reciprocate."`*
*`"You see and pull upon the strings that bind Souls one-to-another like that of an arras' weaver."`*

And now, he departed entirely from the rule and tempo of the conversation — stating all things which once he would have left unsaid: of secrets and of names left hidden — as, though possessed, something came strongly over him.
_ _

***Curiosity.***

Unbound, unhindered curiosity.
His ***SOUL*** Shimmered brightly, its white growing effulgent, as the chaos of its blackness seethed ominously from within.

*`"What are you?"`*
*`"A blank canvas?"`*
*`"Or a light that cuts through impurity?"`* 

He honed his question, more directly casting light upon the subject of his query: the nature of Paracelsus' **SOUL**. Like his own, the Exalted's Spirit was of a unique and profoundly-potent nature. Sōtsui's expression remained neutral, yet the fluctuations in his **SOUL** Told openly of all his fervent emotion: curiosity, unbound, unhindered.
Nathan
The Exalted's gaze pierced through that of Sōtsui's at his question, them reassessing their next course of action with haste. Was this monstrosity an impending threat? Or were they merely curious? Their demeanor certainly did not help the mage discern the truth, Sōtsui's unreadable nature taking affect. They had other ways of extracting the truth behind this man's mysterious figure, a powerful form of soulsight taking root upon their SOUL. It was no doubt easily noticeable by Sōtsui, the Exalted making no effort to hide the powerful magicks that had peered into their SOUL. The information gathered by Paracelsus' use of soulsight granted them insight to the inner workings of the man's hybridized-SOUL.

The answer behind the man's intentions was contradictory—his SOUL was crying out to slaughter the Exalted, but was also fighting against that desire to maintain civility. In the end, no black SOUL can control their innate desire to destroy, but it would seem Sōtsui was capable of suppressing that desire through his white half; an interesting prospect. Paracelsus deemed that the man meant no harm truly, but they could sense the blackened half of their SOUL scratching at the seams, begging to be unleashed upon them. Paracelsus themself held a strong desire to be rid of this evil that stood before them, but would not act upon it.

_ _
"Not fond of privacy, are you?" Their eyes motioned towards Lueur's colleagues, "Nevertheless, it is good to meet you, Sōtsui." They warmly greeted the man despite their inner hatred for him. "As I have said to Lueur, I am nothing more than a wandering mage. Though, I suppose that may not suffice for someone of your ilk," Paracelsus referred to both the man's curiosity and SOUL. "I dislike my privacy being invaded—such is why I resisted your use of soulsight," They were unfazed by the man's imposing nature and continuous questions, remaining expressionless and calm. "I'm afraid I don't have much else to offer you in regards to my SOUL. I have questions of my own about your... _interesting_ SOUL, but I do not wish to burden you with them now, Sōtsui. Perhaps another time?" The Exalted remained enigmatic about their origins and state of being, not wishing to engage in a deep conversation in the midst of the festival.
Rebecca
A heart of pure chaos enveloped by a shroud of white. It was indeed an implausible thing, an ambivalent **SOUL** Of bifold nature; a pure-white integumentary shell outlaying a fully-germinated seed of chaos. They were two things that constantly existed in a state of tension against one another, the war within consuming what profound depth of its Spirit could resist what influences and inquests originated from the world without. It, in stark contrast to the Exalted's own **SOUL**, was remarkably accepting of the world around it; peering beyond and into its Vessel would be as easy as, if not easier than, peering into any other **SOUL**. And yet what intents and desires so easily found beyond that Vessel would be found self-defeating — contradictory.

Because a contradiction was exactly what Sōtsui was.
Cloven in opposition; antipodes in a volatile system of reciprocity. Dual-natured and defying all expectations.
It was indeed an *Interesting* Thing. *Interesting* And... Concerning.

*`"..."`*

There seemed a deep-seated interest within the binary-**SOUL**Ed sorcerer regarding the Exalted's presence, something of their nature prevailing as outlying existence unlike any other. Perhaps it could be said the peculiarity of the masked man's own **SOUL** Had led him to a conclusion of such a regard, his sensitivity to the individualism of certain souls honed by the two extremes colliding within his own. And as such, Paracelsus' lack of a satisfying answer had brought him some sense of displeasure. There is scarcely anything more frustrating than the concept of *Curiosity, unfulfilled.*

That is to say, he folds his arms behind his back, his head tilts, his expression shifts lightly — though that displeasure does not allow itself to surface — and his **SOUL** Flickers lightly, what chaos seething within boiling ever-hotter; what resistance of its outer prison closing ever-tighter. 

*`"I... See."`*
*`"...Another time..."`*
*`"...Yes, another time."`*
_ _

He repeated himself, and the flow of his words slowed; they were less decisive and more contemplated. Or perhaps he was merely preoccupied.

`- -` 

*`"I apologize for my indiscretion,"`* He spoke, clearly.
 In a moment, all what prior notions defined him — imminent, imposing, subtly defiant, and as one though possessed — disappeared in an instant, the light like sun that denoted the use of his **`Soulsight`** Behind his mask dying out, and the man now as composed and elegant as the veneer of its gilded form upon his face. But of the words that earlier could and can now no longer describe him, "Peculiar" Was not among those then revoked.

*`"...It is... Not my intent to treat others' privacy as an... Unsacred thing."`*
*`"Yet I often find myself testing boundaries and limits; searching for knowledge where others are incapable and unwilling of going."`*
*`"...Hm. Perhaps it is better phrased like this."`*

**`"I am just curious, is all."`**

*`"...It is a wonderful thing. This Festival."`*
*`"In what short time I have been here"`*
*`"...There have already been two who have roused my curiosity."`*

Now his smile returned, and he motioned one hand outward.

*`"I hope you do not mind if I solicit some knowledge from you. Paracelsus."`*
*`"...At a later time... Of course."`*

Sōtsui's gaze shifted to Lueur — the one whom he initially intended to speak with, and the primary reason he had even come here in the first place.

*`"...Mm. Back to the matter at hand, I suppose..."`*
*`"Mage of Starlight. I have answered your call."`*
*`"...Your intuition is... Veracious. Yet again."`*
*`"...Concerningly so."`*

*`"I will look into it further."`*
*`"...In person, preferably. I hope you will not find it unagreeable for me to venture the Festival grounds alone."`*
*`"There is something else I wish to verify personally."`*
Guadalupe
Lueur had remained an onlooker from the moment Sōtsui arrived onward; neutral, as though waiting.
Her disposition toward the two seemed to waver, as their interaction went on, though not in any manner that exceeded what tremendously-refined control she held over her outward character and overall demeanor. Her lips may have pursed, but no more than what would seem natural; her hands shifted position, but never enough to draw attention to herself; and her stance swayed softly to the side, yet not enough as to grant an overall semblance of change to her overall presence. 

It seemed she had taken a peculiarly withdrawn stance from the two's conversation. Though what subtle, but keen interest she had shown the Exalted earlier, she seemed now to return to her reclusivity, a blank expression on her face, and a gentle, though commanding air about her. She seemed an overseer to an interaction of two, greatly alike her in some manners and greatly unlike her in many others more. It was only when she was addressed by Sōtsui directly that she returned to her state of active presence, as though waiting specifically for such an address.

```
"Very well. But I would again remind you to beware of the precarious position you remain in, 'Sōtsui'."
"Many of the powers presiding over this Festival are unkindly to those of your ilk."
"I am here, tonight, on behalf of the Academy. And for them I must speak: that you are an outsider, still, and untrusted wholly."```

What tension existed in her words would seem to suggest that there was an underlying sense of regret. Yet as one placed their eyes upon her face, there was found no hesitation, no regret nor remorse; all of it was concealed, or perhaps destroyed, unable to surface beyond what seemed the infinite depth of the semblance that divided the woman, truly, and the mage — the *Mage of Starlight.*
Nathan
Paracelsus' opposition to the man's corrupted half was stowed away in light of his remaining purity, continuing to treat him with respect throughout their short conversation. They had a strong desire to learn what drove Sōtsui to allowing such evil to infest his being; no normal creature would ever think about shouldering the burden of chaos willingly. A _very_ interesting individual Sōtsui was. The two were complete opposites to each other in many aspects, but both possessed a shared interest in each other—one an open book and one closed. Paracelsus would be unable to siphon all they wished to know via soulsight alone, opting to continue conversation with him at a later date.

"I apologize as well for my own unwillingness to part with what you wish to know, but a time will come for us to chat," Paracelsus responded to Sōtsui with an apology of their own, "I take no offense to your curiosity—after all, I share that very same thing in regards to yourself."

Paracelsus' eyebrows furrowed in response to Sōtsui and Lueur's talk, interested in the situation that surrounded the masked man's presence. It was easy to see the... _problem,_ with having one such as Sōtsui freely roam the festival—not mentioning his little regard for his own privacy. Paracelsus themself were disturbed with his presence, but had dispelled those feelings for the time being, replacing them with a desire to know. Though, perhaps this was an opportunity come early for the two to be able to speak with each other.

_ _
Paracelsus cleared his throat, before slightly raising his right hand, "If you don't mind, I have a solution to your dilemma I believe," They butted into the conversation, "Perhaps I could accompany you throughout the festival, Sōtsui? We did wish to speak, after all." Paracelsus' gaze turned to Sōtsui, requesting the two accompany each other. Paracelsus would be able to keep tabs on the masked man, while the both of them would be able to speak freely whilst venturing; having a white SOUL alongside might also encourage prying eyes to relinquish any intrusive thoughts.

_`I believe this works out for you as well, Lueur. If problems arise that cannot be handled, I will be able to keep in touch with you. I wish to speak with him more as well.`_

Paracelsus spoke to the Mage of Starlight through her magic once more, assuring her that their company would be beneficial.
Rebecca
A fissure broke into the ambivalence that permeated the masked man and all the peculiarity of his character following Lueur's response and her subsequent warning. All of the twos' interaction one-between-another would reasonably lead an onlooker to believe that they possessed some sort of history together — some familiar memories of an association, perhaps distantly-past, yet still firm and set in history. Yet in that singular moment, there arose a divide even greater than the one created by the ongoing masquerade the two had been delicately dancing around — of veneers and personalities not their own; of distance created out of necessity rather than by what true desires laid beneath their infinitely-dense façades. The man's face contorted, an emotion both amorphous in form and ambiguous in nature, yet whole and true and genuine, shown: the first of its kind he had displayed since his arrival. 

Yet as Paracelsus granted their response and chimed with their thoughts, the sorcerer's visage tilted inward, and he placed a hand to his chin, nodding lightly. In a single interchange, a veil was both created and spread thick over the surface of that emerging sentiment before it could be wholly given form, and it was again made hard to find what, exactly, was weighing upon his mind. It seemed, though, that the Exalted's sensibility and open-mindedness had struck a chord with Sōtsui; thus, evading both truth and readability, the masked sorcerer smiled once more, his hand lowering to his chest and resting above his heart as he leaned back. He was an open book, indeed; yet the words upon the pages of his **SOUL** Were lain one atop another, again and again, such that it became difficult to read into the cipher of intermingling interests, aspirations, characteristics, desires, and emotions superimposed — made unreadable by the *`chaotic`* Manner withwhich they were written.

*`"...I have no reservations regarding the matter. Do you?"`*
Guadalupe
```
"It will suffice," she spoke decisively and pleasantly, though implicit doubt laced the sentiment.
"In any case, I am not one to say how two independent gentlemen should enjoy the Festival."
"And please, do," Lueur bowed lightly, placing her hand again over her heart as if to mirror Sōtsui, "⸺enjoy yourselves."```

Lueur smiled. The entourage around her, however, did not, nor did they share any *Sense* Of the pleasant sentiment that the Mage of Starlight had put on. Some openly grimaced; others remained in an artificial placation, though clearly on-edge and bordering on inwardly terrified, and the use of *`Soulsight`* Would immediately reveal the sensation of sharp displeasure that pervaded them all. They had been placed on-edge with the arrival of the Exalted alone; Sōtsui's emergence was like that of a monster — of the kind they feared someone like Paracelsus could *Theoretically* Be — granted unequivocal realization.

*`"Do ensure he does not cause you or anyone else any trouble."`*
*`"His reputation already proceeds him in ways I have long lamented to see."`*

Her visage lifted lightly up to Paracelsus as she gave the Exalted a finishing remark via her intricate web of *`Soulspeech,`* A stern expression on her face.
Rebecca
His smile grew into a full grin, and he motioned toward Paracelsus, an open hand out towards them.

*`"...Well, then. Shall we get going?"`*
Nathan
Paracelsus gave a warm smile towards Sōtsui, joyed by his openness for the idea. They were by no means wishing to befriend the dual souled individual, their entire body rejecting his presence. Black souls are and will always be a stain upon this world, but Sōtsui's unusual personality drew Paracelsus into his orbit. Their gaze switched from the man of chaos to the lady of order, her response to the idea settling it. They couldn't quite remember a time they had an opportunity to enjoy the merriment of such an event—not to mention with company. Loneliness had become a normality for the Exalted, but maybe it needn't be forever.

"Of course—we will spare no effort to relish in what you put together," Paracelsus tilted their head down as they spoke, mimicking the two as they planted their right hand upon their heart; finishing off with a light bow, they straightened themselves as Lueur's voice resonated throughout their mind.

_`"I assure you—I only wish to speak with him and enjoy what you've made;"`_
_`he will not cause any problems whilst I am with him.`_

Paracelsus gave one last smile to the mage before turning away from her and joining Sōtsui. It'd be best that the two made some distance from Lueur's followers, the Exalted easily able to discern their uneasiness towards Sōtsui and even themself.

"...Yes, let's," An immense amount of hatred began pooling in the Exalted's soul as they glared at the outstretched hand.

_ _
***`What am I doing...?`***

Their eyes raised to match Sotsui's. Their breaths became shallow—shaky—as their hand twitched ever so slightly.

***`...Is this right?`***

Their head snapped away from the soul of chaos, scanning the festival that surrounded them. The laughter of festival-goers grew louder—Paracelsus' wrist flicking upwards as their fingers began to stretch outwards. Their gaze returned to Sōtsui sharply.

***`I... Have to, don't I...?`***

An indistinguishable mumble could be heard from the Exalted, before it was cut short abruptly.

What ailed them had come to a sudden end, Paracelsus closing their eyes as they took a deep breath and grasped Sōtsui's hand, "Apologies. Something came over me for a moment, but I'm alright now," They reassured Sōtsui, Paracelsus' sudden state of almost panic being easily noticeable. Their moment of trepidation had only lasted mere seconds, but it was no doubt an unusual sight for Sōtsui. Though, Paracelsus' current state was a longshot from what it was seconds ago; it was as if it had never happened from their perspective.

"Are you familiar with this city?" Their warm smile returned, inquiring Sōtsui of Sanctum Mesa, "Do you know of any notable locations we could venture to?"
Rebecca
He was all too familiar with what Paracelsus' shifting countenance suggested.
Time-and-time again, he had seen the very same pattern.

A smile grows tired, and the laughter begins to fade
Their breath unsteady, as the lungs go shallow
They look, and deep within their eyes,
A profound animosity
Disgust, repulsion
Hatred, perhaps
And, most terrible of all
***Fear.***

His palm turned over, and his fingers furled lightly in. That outstretched hand descended along his side, where it met, twixt with the fingers of his opposite, poised hand, both folding gently together and resting loosely against his lower-center. As it descended, his smile faded, leaving nothing in its place.
_ _

```
Recognize yourself for what you are.```

_ _
The words echoed as clear as the day they were spoken.
_ _

*```
... Monster.```*

_ _
They were written there, by the place closest to his heart.

*`"It's all right."`*

A low smile returned to Sōtsui's face. Yet, now, there seemed a world of distance between the man before the Exalted and the **`SOUL`** Behind the opaque eyes of the mask, prim, upon his visage. That cloven, ambivalent thing flickered, what vestiges of chaos that once perfused its *`Vessel`* Now tightly captured within the clutches of unalloyed white: its perfect, blank, juxtaposing half.

*`"I understand."`*

It was hard to tell what he was feeling, if anything at all. But one could be sure that he was not lying when he said he understood.

`- -`

And now, everything would continue as if nothing had happened to begin with.

*`"I have not been within Sanctum Mesa for a very long time."`*
*`"But..."`*
*`"...There is a place I had in mind."`*

His visage shifted in the direction of the **`Margo Aeternitatis`**, yet not with the intent to survey the event itself; rather, something that lied beyond it. Further southward, there was...

*`"...Hm."`*

Yet the roar, the clash, the heat of it all — one had even managed the use of **`Transcendence`** (and at that Sōtsui did indeed marvel) — between him and his destination made it seem... Inopportune, at this moment in time, to venture toward. He would prefer a more peaceful environment for a more peaceful conversation, one which he sought to attain some form of enlightenment from.

*`"...But, perhaps... A detour, first."`*
_ _

Magic flickered behind the form of his mask as he seemingly cast a spell — this time, not **`Soulsight`**, his visage shifting left-to-right, right-to-left, as though, with the magicka channeled, he was surveying his surroundings. Then, with the dismissal of his spell, he set a course in mind, stepping forth into the magic-lit eventide city, making way through a longer, more discrete path through to his destination. It would afford them more time to speak.

The stage began to shift. From the orchestral harmony of **`SOUL`**S intermingling in the mainstreets of a bustling event (or a cacophony, depending on one's viewpoint) to a more humble, beautiful scene, they broke from one part of Sanctum Mesa into the next. On either side, flanking them both, were street- and mage-lights both, decorating closer, winding paths through shorter streets crossing one-over-another. Shades of light-blue and faded-yellow flickered from the distant buildings that touched the sky overhead, dimming, as they grew further from the nucleus of the celebration. And while the noise died down, the heart of merriment was no further from them than the moment they departed — banners, streamers, tapestries, and magical lights all still continued to dance on the skyline above and around them, each **`SOUL`** That passed beyond them still abuzz with the warmth of celebration.

Sōtsui did not speak as they walked.
It seemed that he was waiting for something; perhaps an initiation from Paracelsus themself, or... Perhaps something else.
Nathan
Paracelsus could feel Sōtsui's familiarity with their reaction; it wouldn't be a far cry to say the man had been met with this everywhere he went. Reacting the way they did wasn't their intention—it wasn't their choice; something truly did come over them, their _`SOUL`_ crying out to cease all niceties with the man in front of them. Paracelsus did not know why, but it felt _right_ to extinguish this man's life. They brushed aside that raging feeling though, quelling it for the time being. Even still—they felt no remorse or sorrow for Sōtsui.

They watched as his hand lowered to his side in melancholy, a great divide forming between the two. No matter what Paracelsus said, it'd be for naught; it was just in their nature, "It wasn't my intention; don't let this spoil our time together," They said all they could muster, wishing to still chat with Sōtsui now that they had stabilized themself. The Exalted was no stranger to loneliness, being able to empathize—if that word had any meaning to them—with the man.

Upon the man's smile returning to his downtrodden visage, they lent an ear to him. Their gaze shifted to mimick Sōtsui's, squinting their eyes as they spotted the effulgent gold that drifted throughout the air amongst the dueling arenas—remnants of Soren's **`Transcendence`**. Even from here, they could still hear the sounds of blades clashing and feel the resonation of various magicks; the duels were still ongoing it would seem.

_ _
"A detour...?" Their eyebrow raised in response to Sōtsui's suggestion, Paracelsus sensing the man's usage of magic. "I suppose that is fine. You know this city better than I," Paracelsus smirked, extending his right hand towards the man before the two set off, "Let's start over."

Whether or not the man would indulge Paracelsus' request for them to start over, they would follow them throughout the bustling streets of Sanctum Mesa. The murmurings of festival-goers permeated the air around them: laughter, merriment, and _gossip._ There would no doubt be whispers about the two of them, Sōtsui's prodigious presence drawing no shortage of attention. Despite the commotion that surrounded them, the two were dead silent for much of their journey together, neither speaking.

"You said you hadn't been to Sanctum Mesa in a while. If you don't mind my asking, where did you come from?" They broke the silence with a simple, lighthearted question.
Rebecca
As the mana died down behind the sorcerer's golden mask, he gave a little upward nod as he turned over his shoulder to stare at the Exalted, his head tilting back and his grin widening only slightly. There was certainly an acknowledgement, of their offer to start over, and there was certainly an emotion, of some sort, inspired behind that mask of his; yet one simply could not speak definitively of either. He accepted the offer; he denied the offer; he brushed the offer off; he had already moved onto begin with: all of these responses seemed like they could reasonably be true. Yet it was impossible to hone the meaning of his gesture to an individual one of these truths — for there were multiple, in fact, each being as contradictory as his **`SOUL`** Was itself.

It was difficult to grasp who Sōtsui was.

*`"...I"`* He spoke in response, pausing, both in walk and in word.
*`"...Came here following a visit to Medeia. I wished to investigate an object of my curiosity there."`*
*`"...Hm. I suppose that's not what you're asking about... Is it?"`*

He began again to pace slowly forward.

*`"I do not come from anywhere I would call home."`*
*`"...Merely,"`* 
*`"I am a mage who wanders the earth."`*

His hands folded behind his back, his gaze shifting slightly. Mana flickered behind his mask as he reoriented himself.

*`"I would assume the same is true of you."`*
*`"Paracelsus."`*
*`"Do you have a home?"`*
Debora
But I need my post.
Nathan
As Sōtsui turned his back to them, a slight frown came over the Exalted's face as their hope of restarting was cast aside; it was understandable though—Paracelsus could acknowledge the masked man's sorrow and loneliness. It was at least clear to them that he had made some thought of it. They only wished they could understand their own sudden outbursts.

Paracelsus listened to the man's response about his origins, discovering there was more that they were alike in. It was strange to meet someone so similar, yet so different at the same time. Paracelsus had a desire to be friends with the man, but also had a desire to be rid of the man. It had been a while since they'd felt this conflicted; perhaps even years. For the time though, they desired to form an uneasy friendship with the man.

"...A wanderer, hm?" They mumbled to themself looking down, lost in thought. They would suddenly be snapped back to the conversation upon the masked man's question.

"Do I have a home...?" Paracelsus thought on the question, it being quite a sensitive one to him, "...I suppose here is my home. _All,_ of it."

Their gaze turned to Sōtsui upon answering, "Though, I suppose I don't have one specific place that is a home of mine," They gave a slight smile, reflecting upon the two's similarities. "...We're quite similar in many aspects, aren't we? How funny."

Paracelsus kept to the man's side as they walked, sliding their hands into the pockets of their coat, "...Funny indeed."
Rebecca
*`"I see."`*

There lingered a pause between Paracelsus' words — even following the denouement of their statement — and Sōtsui reply, as he spoke simply in response. As much as there seemed to be a weight and hesitance within the Exalted's words, there seemed to be a weight and hesitance within the masked, cloven-***`SOUL`***Ed man's own. More than that, the man seemed distant — far, in a world of his own.

*`"...I was told, long ago"`*
*`"The clearest mirror,"`*
*`"— that which that reflects even the SOUL —"`*
*`"...Is... The world, itself."`*
He replied to the lattermost of their statements.

The mirror of the ***`SOUL`*** Is the world.
It was incredible how clearly one grew to understand what constitutes their self in the image of another person. The greatest mirror is the world, for one's perception of it — their circumstances and those around them — defines everything that they are. 
In them, he saw himself. In him, they saw themself. The sharp contrast between the two only served to delineate the many ways in which they were alike.

There came again a long pause.
A soft breeze drifted past them. The air at eventide was calm, and only slightly chill, pleasantly cool to the touch. It was quieter with the distance they had built from the heart of the festival.

*`"Once,"`*
*`"I had a home."`*
*`"...I learned that it was a place..."`*
*`"...Defined by a sense of... Belonging."`*
*`"The heart desires to stay in a place"`*
*`"...Where it, itself, feels desired."`*

The opposite, also, was true.
Nathan
"...Where it feels desired?" Paracelsus pondered upon the man's description of his home; it was tough to relate, Paracelsus not being desired within the place they called home. It, nevertheless, is—and always will be—their home. "I suppose we can't be similar in every aspect, can we?" They commented on the stark contrast between the two's opinions of home, "I desire to exist in this world, yet it does not feel the same about me. I can't say for sure why I possess such strong emotion towards my existence in this world—nor can I think of why my existence is dreaded. These are things I hope to one day discover for myself again," A long pause erupted during Paracelsus' elucidation upon their nature.

"...Again...?" Paracelsus repeated the word to themself aloud, "Funny... I can't recall there being a time I knew anything about myself. I wonder why I chose that word. How strange...!" Paracelsus laughed to themself—partly as a way to ease their own thoughts and to begin steering the two away from this conversation. "Are we close to this spot you wished to show me, Sōtsui?" Paracelsus' gaze turned away from the man, looking behind him, "We've grown quite far away from the heart of the festival," Their eyes returned to Sōtsui. "It is pleasant being away from the bustling festivities for a moment."
Rebecca
The Exalted's response extended a strange description of their own existence within the world and the universe itself, branching even further the endless roads of possibility behind their identity that Sōtsui had earlier wished to see explored. Paracelsus, in many ways, was an existence before him that became increasingly interesting the longer he stayed around them; the sorcerer enunciated a *`"...Hm,"`* Lightly, his visage shifting briefly to face them.

*`"No,"`*
*`"We can not."`*

He answered simply Paracelsus' earlier statement: that they could not be similar in every aspect. By the time he had agreed and thought to ask the question now burning within his mind, Paracelsus had already shifted the direction of the conversation, attention drawn away from the peculiar statement they had made.

*`"...This world... Dreads you...?"`*

...With a pause, he murmured beneath his breath. His footsteps became rhythmic as awareness of his surroundings began to fade, consumed amidst the tides of curiosity stirring intensely within his mind. If that meant what he thought it meant, that meant they, too, were aware of—

*`"...I suppose this should not come as unexpected."`*

All that train of thought was interrupted, as the masked sorcerer was made aware of a presence lingering on the horizon. A potent detection magic was in use, stood upon the horizon—someone was watching the two. More specifically, someone was watching *Him:* He could feel the burning heat of *`Soulsight`* In use, honed upon his **`SOUL`**.

*`"...Our conversation... May be cut short."`*
*`"I wished to confer with you in private of the matter of your SOUL,"`* Now he revealed his intentions simply. *`"I thought it a good idea to solicit the knowledge of you on the way to another who had roused my curiosity."`*
*`"...Unfortunately, it seems"`*
*`"That I may have lead you toward trouble..."`*
Nathan
"Garden of Eden." Sotsui is engulfed by the transcendence, turning into a sausage.