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“So kiss meeeee, I’m shitfaaaaaced, I’m soaked, I’m soiled, and br--”

“Melchior!”

Mel stopped singing, but didn’t stop strumming. Leaning back in his chair, his feet propped on a barrel, he stared at Angeline, who stood cross-armed and scowling not three feet away. ”Any requests?” he mumbled flatly.

“Do you know a single song that isn’t about alcohol?”

“Oh, sure.” Mel cleared his throat and began playing a different tune. “There’s a place your mother goes when everybody else is soundly sleeping--” He stopped as Angeline’s hand shot forward and caught the neck of the instrument.

“We are almost in the harbour, and your voice travels on the wind.”

“And everyone loves a good shanty.”

“Melchior!”

Mel stared at the woman, clearly disinterested in what she was saying. He waited for her to finish her lecture, telling him about how important this trip is, how important it is that he doesn’t screw this up, how if he does screw up he won’t have a home to return to, and everything else he’d heard a thousand times over the past few weeks.

“Do you understand?”

Mel blinked.

“Melchior!”

“Yeah, got it.”

She released the instrument and started walking away. He began strumming again.

“Cause the gentlemen are calling and the snow is softly falling on her p--”

Angeline spun on her heel and once again seized the instrument, this time ripping it from her son’s hands. As she stormed off, she hurled it over the side of the ship into the water below.

Within the hour they were disembarking in Exodus. Angeline went first, demanding the first official-looking person she saw tell her how to get to the palace, her sickle twirling between her hands. A nervous guard escorted her as he welcomed her and her kin into the kingdom.

Mel emerged quite a bit later, after he was certain Mother was long gone. He stretched widely, as if he hadn’t the space to do so on the ship, and asked the nearest official-looking person where he could find a cheap drink. Another guard pointed him in the direction of the Frozen Candle, but cautioned him that, as a member of foreign royalty, it might not be the best--

Mel didn’t bother to hear him out as he made a beeline in the tavern’s direction.

The Frozen Candle

"No coin, no play," a blacksmith said, he was a large man with a long dark beard and a quick temper. He crossed his arms across his chest and grunted as Dalious Durendail approached the table. There sat four of them, playing a game of pirate dice. The majority of the winnings seemed to be in the blacksmith's favor.

"Listen lads, I have a horse," Dalious assured the working men of Exodus. "There, notched just outside. Black as the night and as swift as a sparrow. I call her... He winced his eyes in thought briefly. "...Night Sparrow. Uhm. Winner takes all, savvi?" Dalious pointed through one of the windows to the horse, of which he stole from someone and somewhere else.

The blacksmith and the others went just outside to take a look, all agreeing by shaking their heads and nodding. They sat back down at the table, pulling up a new chair for the newcomer. Each man put five dice into a mug, shook them all up, then slammed them down on the table upside down. They got quiet as they were in thought, but upon the ending of every round became again loud and drunk. By the end of the hour, the last two men of the mini tournament were Dalious and the blacksmith, the largest pile of coin on Dalious' side.

"Three sixes."

"Exact!" the blacksmith spat. He had two dice left, one being a six and the other a three. He was confident Dalious had two sixes, plus his own six would justify his claim. They showed their hand. Of Dalious' three dice, he had zero sixes, leaving the blacksmith's six as the only one. "Damn you outlander! You've won every single damned game since we started!" His face was red and heavy in sweat.

"You've one dice leffft, mate,"he slurred. Everyone was either wasted or passed out. The drinks kept coming regardless.

They shook the cups of dice again and slammed them down. At this point Dalious was incredibly drunk, and realized this was not only a game of dice, but also a game of who could hold their liquor longer. Shot after shot they took, seemingly almost with every turn.

"One four."

"TWO FOURS!!!!"

"Three fours."

"Ahhh, lies!!"

They revealed their hands again. The blacksmith had a single four, while Dalious had two fours and a five.

"Three fours, I win," he said and smiled.

"Ahh cheater!!" the blacksmith yelled and nearly waved his drink off the table. He put his hand near his sheathed blade, but did not draw it out. Instead he stood there hesitant and drunk.

"Only if you catch me!" Dalious spat back. He actually had not cheated this time, so he took offense. He eyed the blacksmith suspiciously, his wooden club hanging from his belt was a quick first defense for him. However looking around the room he noticed that others were siding with the blacksmith's drunken ways and demeanor. "No need for murder so early into the festivities, gentlemen. I trust we can get behind this in a civilized manner, we are all here together." he spoke as he began transporting his earnings into his pouches along his belt.

"I'm pretty sure no one would miss your kind," the blacksmith replied and laughed, he sheathed his weapon completely and cracked his neck.

"Nonsense we are all the same kind, the coming togetherness of kingdoms," Dalious continued. "We are all fighting on the same side, mates. We are all brothers and sisters. Devine's bless us, one and all. All for one, or something like that. Who's with me?"

Someone punched Dalious square in the jaw and a fight broke out.

Avidan had been out of the loop for years, knowing nothing of the comings and goings of politics throughout the Kingdoms. He cared little for them to be honest, but he was no fool to know that many of these 'nobles' would be far more informed then he ever would be. Speech-craft and flattery were not his forte, this was true, but what he lacked in all things nobility defined themselves with, he made up for in other ways. Traits he could guess very few now possessed. For now he would play it smart, no need to bring any more attention to his title of Father.

What a surprise it had been to hear that the Freyja people were openly inviting all of the Kingdoms to some festival or another. Avidan was also told that it was the first time that anyone could remember such an event happening. In his lifetime, there were no such pleasantries to be had with other people, even his own kind. It seemed wrong to him, but for Luthra to ever obtain glory, the festival might just be a chance to assess the other kingdoms and what they could offer. Strategy was everything when it came to these little games, hopefully he could think of one without becoming too aggravated.

Once the Luthra entourage had arrived at port, the large man exited the vessel on shaky legs. In his years of travel he knew two things to be most dangerous, the desert and the sea. He avoided them at all costs, but this time he was assured the trip would be safe, as long as a storm didn't come crashing down. The trip had been smooth for the most part, but Avidan still didn't like boats. When he turned his gaze towards Exodus, he visibly grimaced. The city was too much for his tastes, blatantly flaunting wealth like it was some sort of disease. In Luthra, such a display would leave you dead the next morning, your house as empty as your cold corpse. This place, Exodus, it made Avidan sick.

He kept his demeanor blank however, following Angeline a ways back behind her. Avidan did take note that the young prince was not accompanying them and he wondered if mommy and son were fighting again. Only time would tell to Avidan, and he had plenty upon this night. For he was in the home of the rich, and the rich seldom cared for the poor.

As Mel approached the Frozen Candle, he heard the sound of skirmish from within. He couldn't help but laugh. "Just like home," he said, turning toward the guard who had insisted on following him. "Yes, this will do just fine. Carry on."

"Your Highness, I really don't think--"

Mel threw open the door, took two steps in, and thew a left hook at the first guy he saw, immediately entering the fray. The other fighters thought little of the new face as they continued their wild brawl, those on the edges of the tavern cheering wildly for their friends and betting on who would go down first. This went on for not more than another minute before a voice boomed through the tavern.

"INTRODUCING HIS MAJESTY'S ESTEEMED GUEST, PRINCE MELCHIOR OF LUTHRA."

The brawl stopped. Everyone began looking around wildly, and gazes quickly settled on the one-eyed newcomer. Mel froze; his face went red, partially from embarrassment and mostly from anger. He turned his attention to the guard, who had climbed up onto the nearest table to the door before making his announcement, and was now staring Mel down.

"And what a grand welcome I've received. Thank you for your kindness." He kept his tone as regal as he could, but couldn't prevent bitter sarcasm from leaking through. "Now, if you don't mind--"

"His Majesty requires the attendance of all foreign royalty at the palace."

"Of course. And I will--"

"Immediately, so that he may welcome you personally."

Mel inhaled sharply. Glancing around, he spotted someone who looked a lot like his friend Dalious; thinking quickly, he grabbed the man's arm. "I mean no disrespect. I am simply here to meet up with my personal bodyguard, who required alternate travel." He glanced at the man, Mel's eye begging for him to play along. "Now that we are reunited, we shall be on our way."

“Thy!” Large man wobbled towards her and gave her a tight hug, squeezing nearly all the air out of her lungs. “It’s so good to see you again!”

Thyrri gasped for air and smiled. “S.. Seran. I was literally here two days ago.”

“And it had already been too long,” he winked at her. “Since all the people arriving to the city, I’ve been having more and more patients. Just hour ago I had to stitch up one Levonian guard who had gotten into a fight with some of that Luthra scum.”

Thyrri just rolled her eyes. Like most of the Freyja, Seran was always quick to jump to conclusions and judge people. But he was a good healer and she loved him anyway. “What do you know, maybe the guard was the one to blame. They are known to be hotheaded as well. Do you have any messages for me?”

“Hotheaded…,” Seran grumbled. “If I were the king, I would never invite this filth into the city.”

A loud giggle escaped Thyrri’s mouth. “No, if you were the king, you would spend all the wealth of Exodus on luxury food and courtesans.”

“And by that I would support local economy. Speaking of …er... economy, Mahita wanted you to come and visit her and help her with a problem.”

Thyrri sighed. Mahita only had two kinds of problems – being pregnant or catching something from her patrons. “I’ll stop there on my way to the palace.”

“You are so lucky to be able to attend the celebrations in the palace. It must be very… extravagant.”

Thyrri sneered, but knew it was pointless to make any comments on the matter. As she made her way towards the Mahita’s house, she noticed the increased number of strangers on the streets. There had always been outsiders in the city, but most of them were easily noticeable traders from Primfira.

One of Mahita’s servants lead Thyrri to a beautifully decorated living room. Mahita appeared a moment later, wearing an intricate bathrobe, her hair still wet. “Oh I am so glad you could make it today! I have one unnamed royal coming in later and was hoping the problem could be solved by then?”

“I’m not really sure about that,” Thyrri shook her head. “Let’s take a look.” ‘The problem’ was visible at first sight, but fortunately it wasn’t anything serious or contagious. Quick look around the huge bathroom revealed the cause of red itchy rash. “Where did you get this?”

Mahita glanced at the half-empty vial. “Ah, this was a very expensive gift from lord ‘very rich’.”

“Well either one of your maids stole the original content, or your lord ‘very rich’ is ‘very fake’,” Thyrri laughed. “This is basically itching powder in oily solution. I’ll give you something for it, but I’m afraid the rash will stick at least till tomorrow.”

“Oh no! I was hoping to hunt some fresh meat today,” Mahita gasped for air and laughed. “I heard those Luthra barbarians are something to look at.”

“Such words from a lady, scandalous!”

Thyrri giggled all the way to the palace, but the stunning display of wealth in the hallways wiped the smile off her face. And it was nothing compared to what was waiting for her in her chambers. No one with a sane mind would even call it a dress, it looked more like entire jewelry shop randomly sewn onto layers and layers of precious fabrics. “Yea, there is no way I’m wearing that,” she mumbled. “How would I even lift such weight off the ground?” The maid had already prepared a bath for her, fortunately she knew not to even mention the possibility of bathing in blood. Choosing something more ‘normal’ out of her wardrobe, a simple pastel dress and only a few of her favorite jewels, she quickly got dressed and headed towards the courtyard.

The soft sound of music and chatter was audible from a great distance. Thyrri took one last deep breath before leaving the relative safety of an empty hallway. Groups of people were promenading in the gardens, talking quietly and hiding behind mostly fake smiles. The servants carried plates full of all kinds of food, both local and foreign, as well as various beverages. Grabbing a glass of wine (and making sure there is no blood mixed into it) Thyrri stood in the corner, watching the crowd and looking for some normal people to talk to.

Ultfic was finishing his preparations for the royal trip to exodus. He wasn’t exactly happy to be going on the trip to the land of supposed blood drinkers and back stabbers but if the King was going so was he. He had heard that all Kingdoms would be present which of course meant that Luthra would be there and only the good lord knew what would come of them being present. Putting the last of his things in his pack he strapped it shut before throwing it over his shoulder. He took one last glance around the room to make sure he had forgotten nothing. Turning around he walked towards where the horses would be waiting for the party. As he passed the various people that worked in the “palace” he greeted them with a smile and a small bow which many gave back.

Stepping outside Ultfic saw the stable boys making the final preparation for the journey. He had arrived just in time to see his shield being fitted to the side of the horse a sleeping bag being strapped to the back. Taking Ultfics bag the stable boy quickly added it to the horses load. “Your horse is ready lord Ultfic.” the young boy had said with a bow. Ultfic quickly put his hand up stopping the boy from continuing “please don't refer to me as a lord for I am not one and most likely never will be.” Adding in a smile “but I appreciate the gesture.” he fished after tossing the boy a couple pieces of gold as payment which was far more than most of the stable hands were giveing if they were given anything.

As he turned around he saw his King and Queen had just arrived each wearing the best they had obviously trying to impress the royals of the other kingdoms. Giveing a small bow he greeted them “My lady and Lord” before getting onto his horse. He had already instructed his men on the formation they would be in for the trip. It was fairly simple one, on each side of the cart with two behind and Ultfic taking point in front of the caravan. As they continued on he could be heard humming a quiet little tune and perhaps even a whisper or two of some lyrics.

As they neared the city he could hear the loud music and yelling of what sounded like a city wide party was happening. Ultfic had to admit he was excited about what would come and who he would meet while in the palace. Though if he was being honest he still didn't trust anyone outside his kingdom which he was trying to get over for the Kings sake and for the sake of his land. When they finally reached the main gates he left his horse, after making sure to grab all his belongings, to the servants at the gate who would take them and keep them in the stable until there departure. Sliding on his shield he walked behind the King and Queen at a respectable distance, enough to give them space and not to intrude on them but close enough that he would jump in and intervene in any problems they may have.

A cheery tune whistled through the forest as a colossal warrior marched his way through the neighbouring woods. Solveig Faermoor was asked to join the Royal Earthican entourage as a bodyguard for King Klaus. Of course, he gladly accepted with a huge grin on his face. Any opportunity to explore the world is one that should be taken. New sights, new food, new ale and new faces. However, it was that last point which made the Bear weary of Exodus. While he never visited the place, anywhere that was brimming with riches meant only three things. Thieves, mercenaries, and hired killers. Anyone looking to make their largest paycheck ever were going to have a field day. Every royal family all in the same place. Pigs to the slaughter, much?

Solveig shook it off. He took his promises very seriously, so anything that threatens his promise to protect Earthicans were something to be wary of. But Levonians were a hardy folk, no matter where they come from. King Klaus made his reputation through joining the very men he commanded on the frontlines. Paired with the captain of the royal guard, Ultfic, and the Ranger Laurel, it was already a mighty force to try and hurt... let alone kill. Hell, even the Queen and Princess have been known to use a weapon or two. Solveig knows all too well the begging of Princess Eve, desperate for another training session.

The roar of the city was new and exciting. Many bustling people, which Solveig towered over, as he remained in the neighbouring streets. With his axe resting on his shoulder, Solveig took in everything. Every food cart, tavern, entranceway and exit. He might need a bite to eat and know an escape plan in case something happens. It was then a curious poster caught his eye. "The Festival Brawl. Come watch the daring feats of fisticuffs to celebrate the Exodus Festival." He grinned heartily and immediately made his way to the entourage. As people avoided the large man, he walked up to the royal guard and saw Ultfic (@sly13) leading his men. Solveig raised the poster and showed his friend.

"What do you say, friend?" He laughed. "Why don't we show them how pure blooded Levonians fight!?" Solveig grinned.

Thyrri stood in the corner watching the crowd. The colors swirled around, disrupted by brief flashes of light reflected by the expensive jewels. It was mesmerizing. Thyrri had tried some… not so legal substances before and the feeling she had back then was very similar, everything was bright and shiny, and the world turned around her at a nauseating speed. Leaning back against the wall she closed her eyes for a moment, concentrating on the soft music, which was barely distinguishable under the noise the people were making. She managed to regain her composure, or at least enough to look at the crowd again.

She didn’t see the queen anywhere near, which was probably a good thing, Thyrri was a bit too tired for a lecture on proper appearance and behavior for a member of the royal family. ‘Perhaps she is trying to find me a proper husband amongst our highly esteemed guests, so she could finally get rid off me. Ideally marry me off to some hellhole in Luthra.’ Thyrri had to suppress a very unprincess-like giggle, imagining the queen bribing a Luthran cutthroat to kindly marry her niece.

On her way to get her wineglass refilled Thyrri noticed Aamaya. She had to admit that while the extravagant display of wealth might have looked tasteless on other people, Aamaya wore it with graceful elegance, looking more beautiful than ever. Thyrri’s cousin was just talking to a Levonian girl who looked even more underdressed than Thyrri herself. A smile played on Thyrri’s lips when she headed to the princess and her guest. Finally, someone to her liking.

While waiting for them to finish their conversation, Thyrri had to hide her face in her palms when Aamaya asked about the blood baths. ‘By all the gods, cousin, do you really have to make us look like some illiterate barbarians in front of strangers?’ she thought, trying not to let a loud moan escape her lips. When Aamaya left Thyrri approached the princess. “You have to excuse my cousin, she has worked very hard to make sure that every tiny aspect of the festival is perfect, and she is a bit exhausted. You must be princess Evangeline Townsend. Welcome to Exodus.” Thyrri gave a perfect curtsy. ‘Too bad the queen isn’t here to see me behaving like a true lady,’ a quick erratic thought ran through her mind and she smiled. “My name is Thyrri. I hope you are enjoying the festival.” Somehow Thyrri doubted that. Princess Evangeline looked like she would enjoy a lot of things, but this classy party probably wouldn’t be one of them.

Dal and Mel

Dalious paused his fist and he huffed when he heard the loud guard announcing the arrival of an old friend, the prince of Luthra. Everyone stopped fighting, though Dalious still held up a nearly unconscious gambler by his collar. Wincing at the guards voice, he looked at Mel and smirked. He hadn't thought the prince would show to the festival, but then he remembered there was free booze.

Turning away from the grand entrance, he bawled his fist and went to punch the guy he was holding up when Melchior grabbed his arm and pulled him aside to other matters. The gambler he released fell limp to the floor as Dalious turned and nodded with everything the prince had to say. He gave him a wink to the patch and then picked up a nearly full bottle of whiskey from one of the tables.

"Aye, that's right you meesley vagrants, I'm with him," Dalious informed, kicking a downed man for good measure as he tossed his earning pouch to the bartender. "In the name of Luthra, drinks on me." He then tapped his cheek to feel the wounds he suffered, and after spitting out some blood he made his way back out of the tavern. "Come dear prince, you heard your man servant, best not to keep them waiting. Or, best to be drunk while you keep them waiting." He discretely pointed to the bottle of whiskey.

Mel couldn't help but laugh as he realised the man was, in fact, his good friend. "Indeed. Let us meet Exodus's esteemed King and Queen, and celebrate their beautiful daughter's coming of age." He bowed and made a motion as if tipping an invisible hat. "It has been a pleasure meeting all of you fine people." Then, quickly straightening himself, he strolled out of the tavern with his head held high.

"The father's not around is he?" Dalious wondered as he gave a few glances this way and that. The man was a mood kill and he felt in no state to be around such. After realizing they were free from any family members, Dalious was able to relax and soak in the festival. The colors and designs were all around them, and it was hard enough not to get sidetracked by something.

"No, I think Father is with Mother. You really think I'd be with them if I could help it?" Mel laughed as he grabbed the bottle and swigged generously. "By the gods, I needed that."

The guard, still lagging slightly behind, cleared his throat. "With all due respect, Your Highness, I can--"

"Holy shit, please stop calling me that."

"I can assure you that adequate protection will be provided. I don't believe that bringing... with all due respect, your less-than-refined bodyguard into the palace is--"

Mel stopped and scowled at the guard. The man stopped speaking, and they continued walking as Mel swigged again.

"They started it!" Dalious spoke toward the guard, then turned back to his friend. "Anyway, how are things? Havn't seen you in forever! Last I saw you, I was sailing away on my pirate ship with my very best in crew." He paused for a moment and sighed. "They were all brutally murdered and my ship sank to the bottom of the Black Water. I was stranded at sea in a rowboat for days! Best not talk about the details I'm not quite over it. More interested to hear why you're here, and don't tell me it's because you were invited. That's boring." Dalious rolled up some dragongrass while they walked and talked, taking a few hits of the weed before he continued. "If we're robbing this fancy lot, I'm with you until the end. However, if we're just hear to drink and have a good time, you have some catching up to do mate."

"Holy shit, man." He handed off the bottle to Dalious and gave a sympathetic look as he talked about his ship. "I wish I was here to rob them. No, trust me, I ain't here because I want to be. Mother thinks this thing will be... good for me. Whatever the fuck that means." He took the bottle, and swigged a couple times as he glanced around the street. Everything here was so... different than what he was used to. All the colours and extravagance... it was a little overwhelming.

"She keeps talking about a 'marriage of convenience,' like it's gonna solve all our problems. Pretty sure the only problem that'll solve is getting me out of her hair." Swigged once more, then handed the bottle off. "Not that I'd mind that. Bitch threw my lute off the gods-damn ship. How does she expect me impress foreign princesses without my lute?"

"Your lute playing was quite lovely," Dalious said and took another swig, smiling as he remembered a few of his old melodic songs. "Anyway, I suppose I'd have to see this princess in person before I could give off any trustworthy advice. Perhaps I might also find some work out here in the meanwhile, rich folk always need people dead."

Dalious had to pause for a moment when he saw the palace up close, as he had never seen it before. Once they reached the entrance he looked around and admired the structures built around them, but his attention shifted as people were now seemingly everywhere. He felt slightly underdressed.

"Whatever happens tonight, I want you to know that as your personal bodyguard, I will stay by your side this entire evening," he informed him. "I'll be your second eye. I'll protect your life with your life as if it were my own, savvi?"

Grabbing some wine from a passing server, Dalious followed as they moved closer toward the people. All of them fancy-like and ripe for the pickings, however tonight he would have to force aside his pickpocketing urges and pretend to be a bodyguard. The last time he was a bodyguard it was for some noble and another assassin murdered that noble while Dalious was passed out piss drunk in some barn. Needless to say he didn't receive many bodyguard jobs thereafter.

Being a bit lost in his own thoughts, as well as drunk, Dalious found himself walking amongst groups of people he didn't know toward the palace. The ground seemed to sway this way and that, all around him people from different parts of the world enjoying the festivities. There were so many passing people that Dalious took a wrong direction and found himself alone again. Melchior was nowhere in sight, he had lost him already.

"Mel?" he asked and turned to look. Not wanting to draw too much attention toward himself, he paused from searching and just continued walking. Ashing out his dragongrass and tossing the empty bottle of whiskey away, he kept toward the palace. "Well shit. I've got to be the worst bodyguard ever..."