Time: Afternoon Day 2
Location: River Kingdom
Interactions: @princess Helio @FunnyGuy Umber @Potter Artemis
New Outfit: Outfit

---

After leaving Helio, Azriel had decided to go find herself an inn with a nice tavern somewhere in the River Kingdom as there was no sense in sleeping outdoors. She’d found comfort in some alcohol at one of the small inns located in one of the communities just southwest of the kingdom plaza. While sitting and enjoying herself, she ended up overhearing a conversation of a man and woman fairy. They spoke of a rebellion and Azriel made note of their faces and watched them head up to a room in the inn. She’d followed, acting as if she were heading to her own room and took note of where they walked into.

Now Azriel was heading to the kingdom plaza where she’d heard Helio had made his appearance and took over. She dragged the two fairies along with her, ignoring their sobbing as she did so. As she approached she noticed the darkness seeming to surround the plaza, catching a familiar scent, and she felt rage bubble up in her. She took a few deep breaths, however, and suppressed it as she had a mission. She pushed through the darkness until she made it to the center where she saw Umber, Helio, and a vaguely familiar looking woman in a cage. Seems like Helio had been busy. She merely gave Umber a glance before looking to Helio. ”Hello dear, I come bearing gifts.” She said with a playful grin as she flung the two fairies forwards. Both of their wings were shredded and the woman was missing her hands.

”These two were speaking of rebellion and unfortunately for them I overheard.” She walked behind the man while continuing. ”This one,” she kicked him forward and he face planted on the ground, ”began pleading for me to spare him so I took his tongue.” She tossed the tongue to Helio before moving behind the woman. ”And this one,” she now kicked the woman forward in the same fashion and having the same result, ”attempted to heal him after and so I took her hands. I figured you might like them for your collection.” She grinned darkly as she pulled a pair of hands out of her new satchel she’d bought and tossed those to Helio as well.

Time: Afternoon
Location: River Port, bar, allyway
Interactions: Darius @FunnyGuy and Nur @Dreamingflowers
Ambiance: Hurry RUN!

---

“It’s Nur”
There were a couple of things about Orland that just didn’t add up. His name being one, as he obviously lied. He was an elf, but a strange one at that. His red eyes were unusual, and his facial features didn’t look typically elf-like. It made him interesting and exciting. Nur however was being analyzed under a scope as well, albeit one that was far less acute. He found himself peeking glances at her peculiar slitted green eyes.

Way too nice to be an elf. A demihuman?

Guess again...

Nur looked over her right shoulder at the guards. They were shadowing them, keeping a respectable distance. She pouted and leaned her head against his arm, taking him from his thoughts. She let out a soft sigh, deciding to change the subject.

“You look very fancy for a casual day at the beach”

Nur smirked and slid her hand underneath his jacket, pinching his side. Darius jumped as a reflex from being tickled, and a sharp chuckle escaped him.

"Hey!" He laughed as he held her wrist with his freehand.

“I think you forgot to wear a shirt though, or did you lose it somewhere?” He looked at her with a grin for a moment while releasing the hand Nur had used to tickle him with

"Well it sounds like we need to find it either way, right? Where to look though?" Darius joked along as the two continued into town. The foot traffic was light at first, but it slowly became busier the further the two walked. The guards now had to weave through more and more people to keep up. "What if we got lost instead? Could make an adventure out of it for sure."

She stood on her tippy toes and held onto his shoulder so she could whisper into his ear.
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
Nur looked at the town square. Slowly a mischievous smile appeared on her face.

"Wait, you don't mean..." He looked to her, and already knew what she was planning by the look on her face.

“RUN!” She yelled gleefully.

"We're really doing this!" He was half stunned and half excited.

The succubus was surprisingly fast in her flowing silk dress, you would think this wasn’t the first time she’d had to run for her life, and it wasn’t. As a nocturnal mistress it was one of her talents to quickly disappear. Darius was honestly relieved, feeling that they really could escape.

It took awhile for the guards to realize what was happening, giving the pair a head start. The two ran through the heavy traffic of people in the town square vanishing in the swaying and ever moving sea of bodies.

"Keep going! We can get away if we go through here!" Darius pointed to a bar he remembered hopping to the night prior. There was an entrance on both sides of it, making the perfect place to walk through.

Nur rushed into the bar, not thinking twice about it. It was busy for the time of the day. A lot of afternoon drinkers.
Perfect. She quickly scanned her surroundings to look for an escape or a place to hide. Her partner in crime wasn’t far behind her, but they would spot him sooner. He stood out because of his height and the way he was dressed. Nur spotted a rather plump looking bear demi-human man standing close to a corner of the bar, all by himself. She turned to see if Darius was looking her way, so she could fill him in onto her plan. As if in sync, he placed a hand on her shoulder and nodded towards the bear demi-human patron.

Her heart was racing with excitement, as at any moment the guards could step inside and find them. To Darius, this was but another grand moment in Avalia, but for Nur, it was the most fun she’d had in weeks. A change of pace to the endless parading around on the arm of Haldir, like a pretty bag he carried around everywhere.

"Him! I know him. Sit at the bar and I'll stand on the other end of him." Darius wondered how Nur was thinking the same thing… Sadly, she had only been thinking of using the demi-human for herself. As the approached, Darius tapped the bear demi-human's shoulder, who turned to face and hide"Bran!"

"Orland! It's good to see the liveliest adventurer in all of Avalia!"

This was too good to be true. Nur slid onto the chair next to Darius and Bran, trying to be inconspicuous. Nur looked around, the bar was what you could expect of a port town settlement. Driftwood stools and tables, seashell encrusted lamps and dried starfish decorating the walls. The patrons came from all over Avalia, it was a world within a world. That would work to her advantage. There were plenty of colorful men and women. She wouldn’t be spotted as easily.

The bartender was trying to catch her attention, he was looking her way, wiping an already dry counter. Nur was avoiding him. She didn’t have any amas to pay for a drink. On second thought, it would be more suspicious to sit at the bar and not order a drink. And actually, what was the last time she paid for a drink out of her own purse anyway hah!
What a joke!

Nur waved at him with a cheeky smile, making the fish demi-human almost trip over a crate of empty bottles on his way to her. He stumbled right up to her seat, if the bar hadn’t been sitting between them he would have crashed right into her.

He chuckled nervously and tied the dish cloth onto his apron.
“Good afternoon Miss, what can I do for you?”

Nur placed her hand on the hand of the bartender. She breathed in slowly, stimulating her pheromones to activate. There was the familiar sensation, but Nur could tell it was weak. The air between them rippled. The pupils of the bartender dilated.

“I lost my coin purse…” Nur confessed with a disappointed pout.

The bartender rubbed the back of his neck, the gills on the sides of his neck opening and closing, while he fervently looked for a way to help her.
“I guess I could slide you a Riverfruit slush on the house, as….as long as you don’t tell anyone”

Nur winked, clearly pleased.
“Of course, Riverfruit slush is my favorite”

"Smooth…" Darius whispered the comment as the bartender moved to make her drink with both haste and care. Darius had just finished engaging in small talk with Bran who was enjoying the taste of sweet mead. "I would have paid for it, y'know. But if you got a gift, why not use it, right?"

He peered around Bran to where the two had entered the bar, only to return sitting straight. The dark elf bodyguard had just entered. "Why are you so important to them? Are you a slave?" Darius kept his voice hushed as the topic itself could catch anyone's interest.

Nur nearly choked on a bite of her Riverfruit slush. She swallowed the spoonful of ice too quickly, and felt it rise up to the centre of her forehead, stinging like crazy. It would be her last bite too, because Haldir’s guards spotted them at the bar.

For God's sake

She didn’t answer his question, but instead grabbed his arm and pulled him down a little. She tried to talk through her brain freeze, the excitement of being chased by the guards was only making that worse.

“We have to get out of here” She chuckled in a whisper, laughing at something she shouldn’t be laughing about. It made Darius feel like all of this was just some big game for her… but why couldn't it be for him to? What was the worst that could happen?

"What are we doing down here then? Come on!"

The guards were trying to make their way through the crowd to reach the bar. The duo swiftly ran from the bar and out the door on the other side, once again on the run. Darius held her hand in his as the two ran together… laughing. Genuinely laughing.

Nur was trying to lose the guards, by changing directions unexpectedly. Her reflexes were quick, and her eyes darted around the streets. There had to be a dark alleyway somewhere, one they could quietly slip into and….

YES

She pulled on Darius’ arm without warning, making them both stumble awkwardly. Nur pushed herself through a gap in the wooden fence, realizing too late her accomplice might not fit through there.

“Come on hurry!” She giggled, waving him over to the safety of the alley.

"I can't fit through… Fuck it." The man jumped up and quickly vaulted over the fence. He landed beside Nur who guided him a little ways deeper between two older looking properties. "This time I think we did it." He whispered before dramatically looking around the dimly lit alley. "Lost… in the sauce."

Nur still didn’t get his lost in the sauce joke. She rolled her eyes and smiled at him.

“Close your eyes” She said quietly. Nur retrieved a heart shaped slice of strawberry from inbetween her bossom. It was all she could snatch with her from the Riverfruit slush before they had to run off again. He had given her a questionable look before shutting his eyes.

“You have to bow down a little”

"Like this?" The succubus laughed softly, seeing him with his eyes closed half crouched.

“Open your mouth” She wasn’t sure he would trust her that much. They did just escape certain death together, that had to count for something.

"Wait what?!" Darius's eyes shot open as he took a half step back.

Nur quickly closed the distance between them, and popped the sweet slice of fruit into his mouth.
“It’s your reward for saving me” She looked at his shocked face, finding it to be quite humorous.

Darius silently chewed the strawberry in his mouth before chuckling. The woman in his presence had seemed to make him forget this had even been a rescue mission in the first place.

"It wasn't a problem honestly. Instead of running alone on a beach, I ran around with a beautiful woman through town." He shrugged before adjusting his jacket some. "What brings you to River Port anyway? I'm guessing it's not the food." He remembered her expression when seafood was mentioned earlier and was 99% sure that was the same face Skar made when he asked if she wanted to try a tomato.

He briefly turned to the fence they had both bypassed, albeit with different methods. Nothing. So far, so good. Give it a minute or two and-

We return to the beach. To Aklenroth.

Aw don't be a cockblock!

O'Ner Faister

TIME: Morning

LOCATION: Forest outside Roshmi

[/quote]

INTERACTIONS: @13org Myra, Malachi @princess, Belladonna @Potter @Helo Valok

O’Ner listened to Valok’s story, the thought of Aklenroth raising and brainwashing children to being his soldiers. It disgusted O’Ner that he was starting to think of ways to help the rebels without being punished by Aklenroth. “I am sorry to hear that; hearing what you had to go though makes me want to nail this Aklenroth bastard more.” O’Ner had heard of children being trained by Aklenroth, but he did not see these camps. If he could continue helping the rebels without being caught, then he could be one step closer towards his own freedom. Freedom was something he was working for a long time, one of the ways he could attend freedom was dying, but Aklenroth was keeping him alive. So the second and most plausible way was to have the rebels killing Aklenroth so he could join his late wife in the after life.

Although he was not sure he was going to be meeting his wife in the afterlife, from all the terrible decision he had made while being the general of Aklenroth. Talking about his childhood home made him feel something he had not felt in a long time, nostalgia and sadness that he ended up being undead and causing many atrocities. “I think we should continue, although i do enjoy this conversation.” He said looking over at Valok with a empathic look. He was not sure if he should reveal who he was to them, they would not be happy to know that one of Aklenroth's generals were spying on them.

The best he could do was gain their trust and see if they would accept him. But if they were trusting of one of Aklenroth's minions. Perhaps they would be trusting of him.

Elthrael Vol'Kerno

He had allowed himself to slip away from the group the past evening, going into the forest on his own. To most people such an action may seem suicidal, to walk into the dark unknown depths of a forest, where all manner of creatures could dwell. Yet to Elthrael, this was just another night like any other. Most of his life had been spent in the forests after all, he could identify the various scents with ease. To what plants, animals, people or monsters they belonged to. While many fairies possessed the ability to understand and converse with animals of various kinds, the darkwinged fairy shared none of those things. After all, what purpose was there in speaking to ones dinner? Like how it were with people, the better you would know someone the harder it would be to kill them.

The mothwinged fairy had created several hut looking structures in the forest, and surrounded them with various poisonous thorned vines. The fairy even made certain to create a few pitfalls by moving roots underground would some creature attempt to sneak up on him at night. Would something had been so foolish. Yet his night went by uneventful as he found some time to rest up in a tree, where he had masked his presence by altering the top part of the tree, adding protective bark around him and vines covered with ferns to cover his presence.

As another day dawned, the fairy simply allowed the vines to part way and he began to fly back in the direction of where he had last seen the group. Would they had left without him it wouldn't had been the end of his world, and once he arrived to the scene he saw that indeed this was the case.

'It seems you won't be able to hear the beginning of the story. No matter. You may still come to know of the ending, unless your folly kills you first.' He thought momentarily, and simply walked past where the camp had been last night. His eyes scanning the surrounding foilage, his ears on high alert for any signs of trouble. The forest was after all a dangerous place, even if he was someone very used to it. There was no use in trying to tail the four which had seemingly left him alone, they were certainly far away by the time he arrived. The darkwinged fairy was not upset however, as it allowed him yet another glimse into their very person, what kind of people they were. After all, it wasn't he who abandoned Elsea but the other way around. She chose to go with Risa and Kyran. And as a result Risa was now most likely captured, Kyran became a beast, Dionaea and Jean had died... and Elsea was amidst new strangers. But who knew how long that would last.

'How much different could it had been, if you would have followed me? But it is like my mentor once said, a path not chosen is a path that never existed to begin with. To dwell upon it serves no use, for what is, simply is.' He thought as he wandered through the wilderness, his ears picking up the sounds of various animal sounds, and his eyes wandering over the vegitation.

His travel through the wilderness came at relative peace, until he heard a plea for help which made him stop in his tracks, his ears twitching to determine where it came from and he made a slight detour to inspect from a safe distance. And once he had observed what had caused the sound he merely chuckled and approached. Before him, lodged inbetween two trees was a spiderweb and within the web a small creature was stuck helplessly, looking at him with pleading eyes. The mothwinged fairy recognized what this creature was, it was a mischevious kind of creature, whose kind was known to enjoy trickery and deception.

"Hey! Thank the dustmother! I knew some big oaf would hear me!" A small but very stingy voice could be heard, as Elthrael's eyes wandered over the unlucky creature which found itself stuck.

"A pixie... My my, it seems you are in quite the sticky situation." Elthrael said in an amusing manner, there was something highly amusing in seeing one of the michevious and slightly annoying creatures having gotten stuck.

"Help me! Cut me loose! I can show you a treasure! Pixie promise!" The female pixie nodded as much as she could with her tiny head at the demonic looking fairy in front of her.

"A treasure hm? You think a silvertongue will be effective on a fairy such as I? You are just trying to save yourself from being someone elses dinner." Elthrael said calmly, looking around momentarily for what spider had made the web or anything else lying in wait.

"Okay, okay! There's no treasure in the material sense, but I swear on my pixie pride that I will repay you! Just help me out of this!" The small pixie struggled and began trying to bite the web to save herself.

"You have nothing that I desire. But I shall free you from your suffering..." The darkwinged fairy's eyes narrowed slightly as he drew his blade from it's sheathe and prepared to make a swing ahead.

"No! Wait! I don't want to d-" The pixie's words were cut short as the blade cut into... the web. She was now free. The pixie began to quickly struggle on the ground to rid itself of the remaining web still latching unto it. Meanwhile Elthrael sheathed his blade again after wiping some web away from it. He then proceeded to walk slowly from the scene, stepping over to avoid stepping on the pixie.

"H-hey! Wait up! I am talking to you! Heeeey!" The pixie kicked off the remainder of the web, and gave it a glare before taking flight up into the air, hovering near the much larger fairy. "Thanks for saving me! I won't forget this! I can help you through the forest! Nothing beats pixie perception!" The pixie said with a broad smile and cheery manner, while she was making the fairy's left shoulder into it's landing pad.

Elthrael momentarily stopped while he noticed the dimunitive girl having landed on his shoulder, his golden eyes darted to the side to glance at her. Then he reached his right hand up to his shoulder, and flicked the pixie off his shoulder with the use of a single finger, sending her hurling through the air and into the vegetation.

"Aouw!" The pixie rubbed it's rear and peeked out from two leaves. "That was mean! You are a mean and weird fairy! But you rescued me, maybe you just need a good councious helping you to the right path!" The pixie took a deep breath and pressed out her chest before darting through the air again, hovering next to the fairy's ear.

"Listen! I am coming with you. It's the duty of the pixie patrol anyways to help lost travellers and you look pretty lost to me!" She chirped and placed both her hands at her waist defiantly.

"They didn't exaggerate the annoyance of your kind at all it seems. Fine. Follow but do ward your tongue, there are more things afoot here than spiders." The fairy explained as he thought he momentarily picked up the scent of... ogres.

"I'll be pixie perfect for your adventure. What's your name? Are you going to ask me about my name?" The pixie said and landed yet again on the fairy's shoulder, this time not being flung or swatted.

"My name is Elthrael, and no I will not ask for your name." The fairy replied shortly and walked onwards.

"Elthrael? You are a really weird fairy aren't you? I'm Pixette Silverwing Purpleheartsy Stealalltheshinies of the dusty forest pixie patrol. I also once defeated a goblin once, but it was in a dream." The pixie exclaimed cheerfully and clapping it's hands together while bowing it's head.

"I feel so very very emotional right now that I know not how to contain it. Maybe if I can find a jar with a lid..." The fairy muttered as he kept moving. Then after a day of wandering and listening to the overly talkative pixie, he finally laid his eyes on the port town. 'Now.. let us see if the chaos of Roshmi shall be sung anew...' The fairy smirked as he made it out of the forest and approached the entrance of the port. The pixie still sitting on his shoulder.

"Hold it! Who goes there? State your buisness!" A guardsman yelled out as the moth fairy approached the main gates.

"Ahh... nothing like blind guards to lighten the mood. My name is Elthrael, my buisness is..." He started and then paused.

"Your buisness?" The guard repeated impatiently.

"...is not your buisness. That's for certain. Because you have the awfully important work to watch over a doorway, just a step up from being a doormat." Elthrael said amusingly.

"Are you mocking me? We want no troublemakers here!" The guard barked out.

"Mock you? Oh I wouldn't dream of doing that..." He allowed himself to smirk amusingly as the pixie gave him a glare, as it sat perched on his shoulder looking at the interaction.

"Whatever... you can enter but you better not be causing any problems or you will have to answer to me." The guardsman explained and motioned to his friends to let the odd-looking fairy to enter.

"Oh... you are most merciful and kind, I shall make certain to keep this in mind for later..." Elthrael mused as he passed them by, his smirk allowing his cornerteeth to become briefly visible. If there was a way to unsettle the guardsmen, it had to happen.

'Good grief. What a waste of brainmatter.' He thought as he slipped into the port town.

"You know. You could try be abit more kind, it's not that hard." The pixie said in a hushed tone to his ear.

"Kind? I was kind just now. Any other day I might have considered relieving him of his guard duty. A little whack at the back of his head could only improve his thinking capabilities at this point." The mothwinged fairy explained as he walked through the port, throwing glances about and sniffing the air.

'It reeks of fish and unwashed people. Despite being so near the water that is quite the achievement.' He mused in his head before he took a leap and landed on a nearby roof to give him a better overview of the port. "I have never been this close to places like this before. It's so different from the forests." The pixie stated and held out a hand above her eyes, scouting the area.

"Yes, most unpleasing but sometimes one must tread into the mud in order to find the key which has been dropped. Providing ofcourse there is such a key..." The fairy chuckled in an amused manner, placing one of his hands resting at the pommel of his sheathed sword and the other by his waist. The pixie blinked it's eyes at him, not understanding what he was talking about.

Time:Afternoon
Location:River Kingdom Plaza
Interactions: @Tae @FunnyGuy @Potter


The dark elves had been adjusting Tigerlily's cage in her spot near the throne. He'd have them drag her to the River Kingdom dungeon under the Political Center soon and then relocate, as sitting here had seemed to run out of entertainment. However, he had been so very wrong about that. Helio tilted his head simply as the dark elves near him looked around wildly at the sudden sound of a voice, the sky suddenly becoming "overcast." He grinned knowingly. Umber soon revealed himself, emerging from the south. He listened as Umber continued to speak.

"And here I thought you would have appreciated the artwork. "Helio replied with a smirk to his first comment. Though Umber seemed distracted by Tigerlily while Helio had spoken. Amusement filled Helio as the demon seemed to recognize her. Oh this will be fun.

"Hmm. "Helio was thought of his words for a moment. Aklenroth had asked him to not cause too much chaos and just keep the kingdom under control. He shrugged finally, figuring he had thrown it out the window by destroying the village anyway, "Yeah, you're right. No wonder I'm still bored. What do you have in mind?"

Footsteps and the sound of sobbing made Helio smile. "As if on cue."He mused softly, sitting up in his throne to watch Azriel approach them. When she greeted him, he caught the tongue in hand and examined it as if he were a geologist examining a rock. It was as if there weren't sobbing fairies in the background. Whistling, he commented, "This is a nice one..."

Helio finally slapped it into a dark elf's hand who stood next to him. "Cook this. I want to eat it."

He stared at him in disbelief and Helio stared at him expectantly until the dark elf moved from his spot nervously.

Helio turned his attention to Azriel, "Azriel. You know how to win a man's heart. So glad you could join our family reunion. I was worried you had gone a little soft, saving my sister like that, but you came just in time for the review. "He told her with a wink. Standing up, he moved over to the hands and picked them up, watching the blood trickle from the wrists, "Now, Umber, shall we take a hands-on approach?" The fairies wailed beneath him.

Sudden humming made Helio glance over his shoulder at Tigerlily's cage. She was singing that damn waltz.

Why are you doing that?

Time: Afternoon
Location: River Kingdom Plaza
Interaction with: @princess Helio, @Tae Azriel, @Potter Artemis

---

Umber remained silent as Helio did his little song and dance in his jolly sadistic way. He might have found his visit short if he hadn't felt such a rich familiar feeling coming from his greatest mold to date. Even if the rage was towards himself, it was splendid. It definitely helped in washing away the caged pet's sour-tasting slivers of hope, especially with the two she had preyed upon.

"Azriel. You know how to win a man's heart. So glad you could join our family reunion. I was worried you had gone a little soft, saving my sister like that, but you came just in time for the review. " Umber didn't budge upon hearing this news of Azriel saving someone from death. As he studied what he once considered to be his masterpiece, he noticed her chinks, her uncertainty. He felt the urge to find and flay the foolish man that had infected her with her current affliction.

Helio… Azriel. Both examples of my work. The twisted and the molded. The twisted were always unpredictable in their finality. Ranging from simply blubbering the same few words for the rest of their lives to becoming deranged monsters worse than even himself in their sadistic nature. In that regard, it was always interesting to see what became of them… The molded, however… Umber kept his thoughts from the sore subject. He did not enjoy failure. He ignored Helio's joking as he found nothing in it. Just hollow bits of who he once was.

He watched Helio turn to the cage due to the mermaid's humming, and took his reaction into notice.

"She's making a fool out of you… As much I find Azriel's methods to be unfavorable, at least she knew how to put dread into the hearts of her prey… The mermaid is not even bleeding, Helio… Perhaps those disgusting emotions I felt are just yours." Umber opened up one of his hands, and the cage burst open before Tigerlilly was pulled out and locked into a T-pose as she was levitated before Helio. The male and female Azriel delivered suddenly snapped up and were levitated into locked T-poses as well. All three in a line. "One to each of us... Azriel… if you would like to join, you may have the girl missing her hands… and I shall have the man without a tongue… which leaves Helio with her."

Umber rotated Tigerlilly a few times, mocking her memories of the ball she tried to envision to cope. He stopped her facing Helio and proceeded to face the handless women to Azriel and the tongueless man towards himself.

"Azriel I am sure you recall this game, but allow me to give young Helio some instruction… The aim is to inflict as much pain as you can… without killing them or placing the victim in front of you into shock... We will take turns inflicting physical harm in whatever way we see fit... Oh and there's a catch. Well maybe a few… After all three of us have taken a turn inflicting our pain, we will rotate victims. If a victim dies after you harm them or go into shock, you are eliminated. The bodies are left to the victor whether living, dead, or unconscious… Any questions? If not, Helio should be first up since his victim seems to have some… physical advantage over ours, then myself, then the Azriel… Oh and don't worry about harsh screams, I'm keeping their lips sealed unless requested otherwise… since there are two tongues still in play " The emotions that radiated off of the three held in place invigorated Umber greatly. The demon was ready to play.

Bowyn nodded, satisfied that Kenia accepted his terms. Unlike those they had already left behind, both Zephyrin and Arwen did not seem more than capable of handling the dangers of the forests. They needed watched over, needed help, and if they were to become useful members of the rebellion, then they also needed to feel a part of this group. Bowyn would need to trust them, at least a little, if he wanted them to trust them him, and the rest of the rebellion as well. He wondered if this was the reason for Kenia’s apology, it seemed unnecessary for her to apologize for actions that while cold, were entirely practical.

“Hope you’re not going soft on us now elf, and no need to apologize for grief, that I can understand.” He said with a partial smile and continued walking, lunchtime had lasted long enough. Bowyn thought cold and practical seemed the better way to be during a dangerous rebellion, but when not alone it was far more difficult to maintain. He already knew he wouldn’t be completely logical when it came to the humans he’d already befriended. It was also clear that to gain any trust from Zephyrin and Arwen, that a cold approach wasn’t working. Arwen was still keeping the fact that she was human a poorly guarded secret. Zephyrin still maintained that she only cared about adventure and food, and he highly doubted that was the case. He turned to address both Arwen and Zephyrin before he spoke again.

“Maybe Kenia’s right though, I have been cold as well. I only wish for us to make it to our destination safely, and these are dangerous times. But to expect trust sometimes means to give it in return. I will not abandon you to the forest for anything short of outright betrayal. For Elthrael it is an inconvenience, for you two, a likely death sentence. If you have questions, or misgivings, air them now. I will answer honestly, I’ll even swear on my flower crown.”

---

Valok did not get the reaction he expected, there were no shared scar stories, or exaggerated tales of battle from this group. He shook his head at their sentiments, this was not a sad story, it was one of his proudest memories. Survival in battle was the payoff from years of training and hardwork, and in Daka, survival was an achievement. He had noticed the forests here were much more welcoming than any in Daka were, and perhaps it took less to survive away from Daka. Even so, they must train soldiers here as well, did they simply not train as hard as his people did? Malachi certainly showed the kind of traits he respected in a commander, albeit in ways far different from those he was used to. To simply wipe dirt from the demon Myra, as if the creature was a pet, must take balls of iron, and he showed no fear that he might lose that hand as he did so.

“Young, yes, but trained and prepared enough. Only the strong survive Daka. Myra must be strong too, to survive the forests there.” Valok said responding first to Malachi and then bowing his head at Myra, before holding up a fist and smacking it against his chest with a grin. He continued walking as both Malachi and Mathias had suggested, no use in standing idly around when walking and talking was just as easy. He thought more on what Mathias had said and he felt that other than Myra, the others here had little idea what it was truly like to live on Daka. While there were certainly those on Azmor who had an easier time, that ease of life was partially owed to Aklenroth. Many of his people felt they owed The Great King a debt, a debt paid for with well trained soldiers, soldiers willing to sacrifice an easy life for the betterment of all dark elves. Valok had always believed this, until recently he had seen no better way presented.

”We were banished to the north, not by Aklenroth, but by the older and long gone leaders. Daka is not a soft place, and to survive the north as long as my kind have, takes sacrifice. If you hinge a rebellion upon hatred of Aklenroth alone, most dark elves will only fight back harder. Dark elves feel we owe him a great debt, and so we offer him soldiers. To my people he is the only leader who has shown us kindness, through him we have done better. I can see it has not been the same for others, but hate will not make this world better, and it has only made my kind worse.” He added, choosing his words carefully, not wanting Malachi or Belladonna to think he blamed all light elves for the banishment.

Time:Afternoon
Location:Forest
Interaction:@Tae@Helo@HowlsOfWinter
Music:Battle music in Clara's head


Clara kept a steady gaze with Kenia as she spoke, taking only a moment or two to think of her opinion of them. She nodded to her, turning a moment thoughtfully as she addressed the other two. Perhaps Elthrael had done something worse before she had come, but he hadn't seemed to be threatening at all. Kenia's definition of being dangerous could be anything as far as Clara knew. It could mean they would ditch her at any moment too. She shrugged off her concern for now as Kenia urged them to keep going. The real heroes would be waiting for her in the port.

Bowyn spoke up, almost as if addressing her thoughts. She smiled when he stated he wouldn't abandon them, but it fell into a frown soon after when he said that if she or Zephyrin were left behind, it'd be a death sentence. "Aw. And on the flower crown too. How can I not trust you after that high a swear? I will have to swear on my flower crown too." She replied, but then gave him a sly grin, "However, stating we'd die without you is a little judgmental. Zephyrin and I are capable, strong young women. Maybe we'll be the ones saving your ass."

That was when she felt one of her ears start to drip a little downward. What?! How did it get loose? I had it on so tight. Quickly, she made a motion to give her head a scratch to hold it up. "You know. Before we get going, let me just answer nature's call real quick. Be right back." She spun on her heels and moved through some bushes, making sure to take a decent amount of space away from the group. She came to a secluded spot and stood on a rock as she adjusted the fake ear back on. Once she finished, she began to step off it, applying more pressure with one foot to step forward.

The rock made an audible crack beneath her feet. Her gaze moved down to see growing lines all along the rock. Her shoe sunk downward and she quickly pulled it backward, watching as yellow substance dripped off the heel of it. Clara climbed off the rock quickly, shaking the substance off her foot as she did. Is that... yolk?

A low growl emitted, booming through the woods. It was hard to pinpoint where it had come from.

Clara's brows raised and she slowly turned around. She squinted, but she did not see anything at first. Then the sound of wings flapping filled the air as a dragon-like creature clumsily swooped down from the sky and landed in front of her, making space for herself where there wasn't. Clara shielded her eyes by holding her arms up as dirt rained down. When she looked again, some of the trees were practically bending beneath its claws. It wasn't as huge as she thought a dragon might be, but it was large and scary enough looking to do the trick.

For only a moment, fear paralyzed her. She had never seen anything like it before.

Determinedly, she interrupted her own terror.No... No, I won't be that character that just stands there or screams and runs away. I have superpowers and I got this. Buffy has nothing on me. If she used them, she'd surely be revealed to the others. However, if the other option was to not protect them, then she would surely scream to the skies that she was a human.

Clara took a deep breath, humming the tune to Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes a bit nervously to herself as she thought about her move for a few seconds. The creature stepped toward her with heavy, loud steps. "Hungry, big guy?"She asked with a grin as she raised her hands. Dirt rapidly rose from the ground in front of her. She waved her hands as she sent it forward into the creature's mouth and eyes. It coughed on it and roared loudly and menacingly. The roar echoed and also sent enough a powerful force of wind that sent Clara soaring backward through the bushes right back to Kenia, Bowyn, and Zephyrin.

She hit the grass, a wave of pain radiating through her back. Clara groaned as she straightened up on her palms. Clearly, stating they had company would just be stating the obvious at this point. She climbed back to her feet, raising her arms again as the rocks and stones around them began to rise back into the air. Whether they'd want to fight or run, Clara did not know, but she knew she wasn't ready to back down.

---

The Wyvern had taken a moment to recover after Clara's attack, but soon had moved backward. She readied her wings as she began to rise back into the air. Flapping into the sky she made a circle as she then turned back, scouting the area only momentarily as she fixated on the group. Swooping downward at them as soon as she had a good opening, she angled herself to strike her claws toward the four of them. After her attempted attack, she swooped upward to gain back some distance from them, remaining in flight as she hissed at them.

Time: Afternoon
Location: Dimly lit ally, River Port
Interactions: Darius @FunnyGuy
Ambiance: River port


Nur eyes gleamed mischievously. It was always nice to be called a beautiful woman, compliments never got old. She brushed away the strands of hair which framed her face and adjusted the position of her braid. She moved it over her shoulder to the front, to rest on her chest. It exposed the trail of scales which started at her neck and followed her spine downward. Orland had been asking questions ever since they met, and she hadn't answered a single one. She guessed it wouldn't hurt to lift part of the veil of secrecy. Besides this may be her potential new benefactor. Without her powerful pheromones, she needed to rely on the other arts of seduction. Nur had admittedly become a little lazy over the years, finding it easier to use her powers.

"I heard the resistance is gathering here" She whispered cautiously. Underneath the dimly lit lights she looked him up and down more closely. He was really the strangest looking elf she'd ever met, but she kind of liked that about him. He was strong enough to jump over the fence too, so if they got into anymore trouble, which was highly likely, Nur could put his muscle to good use. And best of all, he was funny. He caught onto her dislike for seafood, which Haldir still hadn't figured out. He kept trying to make her eat oysters, as if she needed the aphrodisiac. She was the aphrodisiac!

Nur gave him a flirty wink.
"You're pretty cute too......Darius" She tried out the name, feeling out his reaction. She wasn't sure that was his real name, but it definitely wasn't Orland. That name didn't suit him anyway. The next time he wanted to think of a fake name, he should ask her for one. Nur had hundreds of different names over the years, one for every lover.

She turned around to the fence, and looked through the gap to the streets. Her stomach rumbled loudly, how attractive.....
Nur glanced over her shoulder with a suggestive stare.
"You still owe me a bite to eat."

"How do you feel about lucky dips?" Nur licked her lips at the thought of the chilled dessert.

Darius couldn't help furrowing his brow when Nur mentioned hearing about the resistance gathering here. He didn't comment, but his mind raced. So was the woman here to join it or sabotage it? It was an impossible thing for the man to put his finger on as Aklenroth himself seemed to be taking a more reconnaissance approach to his enemies gathering in River Port. And why did he have to do it? And who the heck was on the throne. Kol??

Nur's returned compliment pushed aside his thoughts.

"Well thanks." He smiled, not even noticing Nur purposely mistaking his name. Malgormuun did not even bother to inform him of his folly. As he saw it, Darius only needed to play the part of a human attempting to hide. Even the poorest attempt would work… at least for now. The demon was far concerned with this woman's motives. He would observe and remain quiet. Darius remaining naturally oblivious was best.

When Nur turned to look at him, she inquired about food. His eyes lingered on hers a moment before he answered. She's bad…

"Wow, I almost forgot. Food! And lucky dips? Uh… Never had them but I always wanted to try. " He lied. He had no idea what the hell those were. He just rolled with it and headed over to the fence before vaulting over it ahead of Nur and then holding out his hand if she wanted to use it to steady herself as she climbed out. "I'm actually here at River Port to find a friend of mine. We got split up in Roshmi so here seems to be the place to reunite... I'm not too interested in the resistance. Not my fight." This time he was honest.

Leon nodded as Lucia explained how slowly elves aged, he couldn’t even fathom living for over a millennium. The sheer amount of change and progresses one would see living that many years was just wild to him. He continued eating, even though he had plenty of more questions about elves, but didn’t want to risk having people overhear him asking questions he should already know the answers too. The cafe was fling up more as they ate, and he was also supposed to be an elf too after all. At least having food in front of him kept him distracted enough to stop messing with the fake ears, as another elf came over to talk to them.

”Nice to meet you Vaeril. I’m Frodo." Leon lied with absolute confidence, then realized he had picked correct source material but the wrong name. Shit, Frodo wasn’t even an elf, he was a hobbit, and now he was stuck with a stupid fake name. He could’ve said something cool like Legolas or Glorfindel but nope he had gone with the first name that popped into his head. He immediately put more food in his mouth to stop himself from saying anything else. He listened as Lucia talked about her staff, which Vaeril seemed very interested in, claiming to have made it.

Cade was more than impressed as Ezeri managed to get so close to the unicorn, the creature even allowed the devil to touch it. He knew then that she was someone they could trust, a unicorn would surely never allow anyone with an impure heart so close to it. He was more hesitant to approach the unicorn than the others, afraid that the creature would not deem him honorable enough to stand in its presence. Cade took a deep sigh, knowing what he would have to do and turned to Cora.

”Cora, I must apologize to you. I understand that you did not mean to lose control in the forest, it was a difficult day for all of us, but it seems for you especially. I only worry that you have been gifted power that without proper training, can cause great destruction. But that is not your fault, and I should’ve been kinder.” Cade spoke in a sober and genuine tone, hoping that without the burden of a grudge on his conscience, that the unicorn would not judge him unworthy. He approached the animal slowly, doing his best to not appear as a threat. Cade felt a great sense of relief once he was as close to the unicorn as the others were.

”Speak freely Ezeri, we do not mind. Unicorns are very special here as well, not rare per say, but they do not show themselves to those unworthy. Elsea is right, they are the most innocent and pure beings of this world as well. For one to trust you so easily, Ezeri, means you can only be described as excellent company.” Cade said, keeping his voice soft as he pet the side of the unicorn as well. They would need all the luck they could have with the rebellion and he was glad to have encountered the creature here.

Time: Afternoon
Location: River Port, Alleyway to Market Square
Interactions: Darius @FunnyGuy and Nur @Dreamingflowers
Ambiance: River Port

---

Never had luckie dips……
Nur´s disbelief was all over her face, her brow raised, and eyes widened in a shocked stare. She took his hand and listened to him talk about the reason he was staying at River Port, he was looking for a friend. A friend huh….?

He wasn’t here for the rebellion. She let out an inward sigh. Trying to figure out this guy was giving her a headache. What was the point anyways. They could just go out and have fun. He wasn’t part of the rebellion so he wasn’t what she was looking for. He was much better company than Haldir, that was for sure. She didn’t really want to be on her own, who knows how long it would take to find someone aligned with the rebel forces?

“I’m sure they serve luckie dips at the lost in the sauce place you keep talking about” Darius chuckled as he realized she didn't get the joke or did she and he didn't get hers? Either way, the two were ready to go get some food and maybe make a few other purchase along the way.

She locked their arms together.

“Lead the way”

"Gladly!" He exclaimed as the two walked towards the town square. There was less thrill, but the company was still wonderful. Darius kept his head a bit on a swivel as didn't want to have to run again, especially on an empty stomach.

"This place?" Darius pointed at a bakery, guessing the luckie dips might be there.

Nur looked at the bakery. It stood out from the other shops, which wasn’t all that difficult. All you had to do was not serve fish. The outside looked deceptively ordinary. The sign didn’t scream at them to come in. The colors were more muted, to draw more attention to the baked goods, sitting in the display. There were all kinds of treats and pastries. Blas buns, Fallaid bread, Bannoch biscuits, Toffee apples in different flavors.

It didn’t take her long to find her favorite. luckie dips. They were shaped like hearts, and the inside looked pink. Hopefully they were strawberry flavored, but if not she would make do. The thought of biting into one almost made her forget about Darius. She grabbed his hand and led him inside.

“Yes this is perfect!” She said cheerfully. She was definitely going to have two of them, at the very least.

"This is looks really good!" Darius stared at the slightly foreign pastries the bakery had for sale.

Nur leaned on the counter to catch the attention of the baker. She gave him her order with a sweet smile.

“Can I have two Luckie dips?, are they strawberry flavored?” She added, sincerely hoping they were. The baker confirmed with a slight nod.

“What do you want Darius?”

“Because I’m not sharing on the first date” She stuck out her tongue at him playfully. Initially he smiled but then his face went blank…. It was that face you make when you realize you left your phone on the roof of your car after nearing your destination. Darius… And I didn't correct her before! I'm so uggghhhh! He shut his eyes for a second before opening them with an embarrassing smile. He would just have to drive on.

"I'll take an order of the same… the luckie dips." Darius remembered how messed up his name when he had first introduced himself, so he figured that it was just a matter of time until this happened. He looked at the prices on the menu and dug into his pocket and took out a small sack filled with amas. After sifting through it, he placed enough amas to pay for the meal.

After a couple of silent minutes, walking through the streets of River Port, Nur had finished both of her luckie dips. They were as good as she remembered. She sighed, feeling pleased. Nur contemplated the next step in her plan. She had arranged for some necessities, behind Haldir’s back, to make her life easier once she left. Mostly clothes, but she kept it modest. She didn’t know when she could start a new life of comfort, so in the meantime she had to survive with less. Something she hated.

“Tasty right?” She said, looking at Darius who was still eating his luckie dips. He sure was slow, she had devoured hers instantly. Something was on his mind, or better yet, someone. That, plus he was arguing with Malgormuun about how he could let him mess up the name he himself came up with. Orland Legolas was no more. Darius Orland Legolas was born!

"They're pretty bomb! Declicious!" Darius smiled after finishing the pastry. He now allowed Nur to do the leading.

Unfortunately, she hadn’t been in River Port for that long, and she struggled to find the tailor. What was it called again? After passing a few bland stores, ones that didn’t sell anything of interest to the succubus, they came across a store which sold clothes, but it wasn’t the one she was looking for.

Odds and Ends

“Let’s go here, I feel like browsing for something cute.” Nur said, pointing to the front of a stall. It couldn’t hurt to take a look, she could go to the other stores later.

"Sure, as long as this isn't the only place we hit." Darius wanted to by some day to day items he hadn't had the chance to purchase before the ball when he had gone shopping with Airdan, Myra, and Artemis.

“Of course not silly, I never go to just one place to shop.” Nur said, feeling offended by the mere idea.

Once at the stall, Nur could see where it got its name from. It was a garbled mess of anything and everything, it was charming in a way. You could stumble across a hidden gem for a decent price. She greeted the clerk with a cheerful wave. The feline demi-human let the pair browse a little, before offering her help.

Utility belt - 15 amas

Rose Scented Perfume - 30 amas

Casual Full Outfits for Males(6 of them pictured) - 40 amas

Casual Full Dresses for Females(8 of them pictured) - 40 amas

Full Seaside Male Outfit(Trendy in River Port) - 80 amas

Full Seaside Male Outfit(Trendy in River Port) - 80 amas

Full Seaside Female Outfit(Trendy in River Port) - 80 amas

Full Seaside Female Outfit(Trendy in River Port) - No necklace - 80 amas

Full Adventurer Male Outfit - 50 amas

Full Adventurer Female Outfit - 50 amas

Mood bracelet - 10 amas

Hair Growth Serum - 40 amas - "This instantly grows your hair at least 5 inches longer!"

Plain Dress(comes in any color) - 30 amas

Large backpack with blanket and add-ons - 50 amas

Food items Nonmeat = 2 amas, Meats = 7 amas

Large red potion - 3 amas

Wayfinder (compass) - - 5 amas

Gray Coat - 70 amas

Owl Bear Cloak - 150 amas

Mysterious Instrument - 25 amas

Darius hadn't expected much from the stall at first, but as he looked at the stock, his eyes widened with excitement.

"Oh, I recognize that look! There's something catching your eye, huh?" The feline demihuman working the Odd and Ends stall leaned on the counter comfortably held up by her forearms. Her name was Hanai, and she was the friendly sort that practice fair business.

"That's an understatement. This… this stand was built for me! Dang, I can use a belt like this!" Darius held up the leather utility belt and slung it onto his shoulder before crouching down and seeing a large backpack with a wool blanket rolled up and clipped onto it. He held it up by the straps.

"The blanket comes with it?" Darius asked with a hopeful look in his eyes.

"Yup! Even the smaller sacks attached come with it. At the other stores, you would just get only the bag for the same amount!" Hanai shrugged with a slight grimace.

"Taking it! Oh, cool a compass!" He slung the backpack onto his free shoulder.

"A what? Oh, a wayfinder." The two raised an eyebrow at one another before Darius' expression softened.

"Right! Wayfinder! I'll take that too. Aaaaand oooh a potion I can put in on my belt. Yeah, there's a place for it right… yeah, right here! Okay… Whoa! What the hell is this?!" Darius looked up at an owlbear fur coat. "Cool looking animal, but I have a coat already. I might take this outfit though!" Darius and Hanai both appeared to match each other's excitement. Both were excited that he was buying items from the stall.

Darius was nearly ready to check out before his eyes locked onto something propped up behind Hanai. She almost thought he was looking at her

"Is that for sale? Please tell me that's for sale!" Hanai turned her head and glanced down at the peculiar looking lyre. She shrugged and picked it up before placing it on the counter with a smile.

"And one mysterious instrument for this fine gentleman!"

"Perfect! How much is it all?" He asked as she eyeballed the items and looked at the handwritten chart she used to keep track of the prices on the items on hand. Once she restocked, she simply erased and refilled the listing of whatever new items she had on display. She nodded at a number she wrote down.

"178 amas!" She announced.

"Easy!" He exclaimed before leaning over the counter and peeking at the list. "30 for that perfume... So 208?" Darius smiled at Nur as he paid for the perfume along with all of his wares. "I'm good for it." He placed the amas on the counter.

"Meee ow! How 'bout you buy me a little something?!" Hanai laughed, happy to serve such a great customer.

Casual Full Outfits for Males(6 of them pictured) - 40 amas

Casual Full Dresses for Females(8 of them pictured) - 40 amas

Full Seaside Male Outfit(Trendy in River Port) - 80 amas

Full Seaside Female Outfit(Trendy in River Port) - 80 amas

Full Seaside Female Outfit(Trendy in River Port) - No necklace - 80 amas

Full Adventurer Male Outfit - 50 amas

Full Adventurer Female Outfit - 50 amas

Mood bracelet - 10 amas

Hair Growth Serum - 40 amas - "This instantly grows your hair at least 5 inches longer!"

Plain Dress(comes in any color) - 30 amas

Food items Nonmeat = 2 amas, Meats = 7 amas

Gray Coat - 70 amas

Owl Bear Cloak - 150 amas