For the majority of the afternoon, Tigerlily worked beside Nym. She kept her distance from the rat. If someone needed help, she would pitch in then continue her own work. The solitude was comforting when Nym was helping the others. Éliane had left the ship and Tigerlily was thankful her purity wouldn’t be stained by their criminality. It felt weird to be on a ship with this mixed crew; a fairy, demihumans, light elf and whatever the captain species' was. The truth would come out and she wasn't going to question her. Lily's past crews she’d been in consisted of orcs (how could something so dumb sail?) It was mind boggling, dark elves and filthy demons. She shuddered as she thought of the succubus she had worked with and greeted her teeth. Helio’s voice, calling her a sea succubi, rang through her mind. It wasn’t his fault, he didn’t know, he didn’t know….

Finally the night came around. They were headed to the dreaded isles. Barboda had filled the cannons which she found wise. This dreaded area was one she knew well. Tigerlily sighed as the captain’s voice rang through the air. She looked up and grinned upon the mention of alcohol. While it was dangerous and reckless, she didn’t mind indulging. Between the flashbacks she sought to repress and the constant reminder, Lily hoped there was enough. "Aye captain! This girl's in!" Helmet head and the rat both denied the offer of indulgence while Helio did not. While it wasn’t exactly safe around the bastard rat, she knew Nym would have her back. Out of everyone, she trusted him the most. She joined Lizzie and Helio with a grin and took the bottle he had shook. Lily took a generous sip and grinned when finished. She looked over at Nym as she inquired, ”What say you, mate? Interested?” Lily resisted the urge to drink more and was eager for her turn again.

Anything to forget…

Rue listened to the two men while she unpacked her belongings. It wasn’t much, but it was important to her. She slid the knives into her boot carefully, then took out a few rations. She found a small cloth in the adjacent bathroom and set her rations on it for Moony to eat from. She then examined the room to make sure it was safe and secure for them. After all, traveling here only to get mugged or worse would be disastrous. As she cleaned and tidied up the room, she vaguely heard the two men discussing something. Rue watched Moonlight finish the rations and turned to face them. As she did so, she noticed a trio of girls; two female light elves and a demi-feline. For a moment she became distracted and watched curiously. Then, her attention snapped back to the two.

Their words replayed in her mind and she frowned at them. It clicked and her eyes widened. Arn was the prince of Ironhold and hadn’t known until after the murders. Bowyn was mistrustful and cold, and Rue found herself becoming uncertain. She felt Arn staring at her, hoping for an ally, but Rue remained lost in thought. Bowyn’s and Arn’s fears were both valid concerns. He was the prince and was worried about finding out and needed to see Annya but wasn't sure what he'd do; and he had not been up front about his status. Still, as a result of the murders, Rue couldn’t blame him. Furthermore, Bowyn was worried they’d be used and discarded when they burned out. Arn didn’t seem hostile, and nor did he seem hostile. His words and earnest tone didn’t betray any deceit. Rue found herself taken aback by the bitterness and coldness of her fairy companion. He was more different than she had anticipated. She sighed as the silence intensified and Arn was starting to leave. The stress made her tear up and she found herself wanting them to return to the moment they were getting along.

”Can we stop whatever tension it is we have?” She asked quietly as she looked up with a frown. ”We all have reasons to be distrustful. Arn’s head is on the line if people find out who and what he is, and us fairies - winter fairies to be exact - have a history of being used and abused for our powers. I… I don’t see any use of us splitting up and I don’t want to either.” She glanced in Arn’s direction, unable to look him in the eye as a result of overbearing shyness. ”You're a medic, so you’d be on the battlefield helping in the fighting. Right? I don't see you being the kind to betray and use us." Rue’s voice was quiet as she waited - no, hoped for an earnest answer. She then glanced at Bowyn and added, ”I think we should all cool down and find something to eat. Maybe the fresh air and a good meal can help us.” She swung her legs over the bed side and began to compulsively eat her remaining rations.

---

Upon entering the rented room, Astra turned on the lighting and set the bag of newly purchased clothes onto the large bed. She gave the room a quick look, noticing how plain it appeared. It was what 20 amas got you here in boring ol’ Yenworth. “Could be worse I suppose… Anyway, Myra, no more hiding. Come on out so you can put your cute outfit on!” Astra honestly didn’t think the dress was all that impressive, but she needed Myra to not be in the nude while they were within an eastern settlement.

Slowly appearing again, Myra after entering, Myra made sure to investigate the room to be certain that it was safe and nobody would be able to see her. Only after completely checking everything, she fully uncloaked herself, walking to where Astra was, curiously looking at the pretty, colored pieces of fabric she had bought before.

Confused, Myra tilted her head as she looked at the clothes and Astra, unsure of what she wanted to do with the colored fabric. The moment she approached to try and touch them though, she noticed how soft the thing the clothes were on was. Surprised at first, she curiously touched the bed, putting weight on her hand, testing its softness and if it was safe to climb.

Immediately distracted from the clothes, Myra suddenly climbed the bed, circling a few times and laying down after finding a good spot. Surprised at how comfortable it was, Myra looked at Astra, almost as if trying to show her how soft it was. The dark elven woman raised a brow at Myra’s peculiar behavior. It was fitting, but Myra’s behavior still confused Astra. She’s like those Beastmen on Oak Island. Feral… but it’s not that her mind is simply gone. She understands, so perhaps she just needs some guidance. The thought made Astra unconsciously smile. She sat at the foot of the bed and let her hand run across the fabric.

“It’s nice, right?” Myra nodded, smiling as Astra sat down on the bed. Laying down with her tail around her, Myra snuggled almost as if ready to rest, happy with the discovery she had just made. “Nothing like it in the cold wilderness of Daka. It’s a bed. You’re meant to rest on it and… do other things, but we’ll talk about that once you get yourself some suitors.” Astra turned herself to grab the dress she had purchased for Myra, holding it up. “And this is what you put on your body. You probably prefer being naked, but if you want to keep eyes off you while being able to interact with others… and I know you do, Lady Curious, you have to at least cover up some.” The mention of the colorful fabric once again caused Myra to raise her head curiously as Astra held it up, showing it to Myra.

Confused as to what she was supposed to do with the fabric, Myra got up, slowly approaching the fabric as she sniffed the air a few times before taking it into her hands, appreciating the vibrant color and feeling its texture. It was only when Astra waved her hand over the front of her own clothing that Myra understood what that fabric was and what Astra wanted her to do with it. It was one of those strange second skins most dark-skins and apparently everyone in the cities wore. While the color was indeed pretty, Myra was still confused why they wore a second skin. Myra saw no reason to use such a strange thing over her skin. Not only would it probably make it harder for her to move, but the feeling of it constantly touching and rubbing against her skin as she moved didn't seem nice at all. That said, since Astra asked, she thought she could at least try it once, even though she could already imagine how much she would hate it.

It quickly became clear to Astra that Myra was struggling with the dress though, confused and not knowing which opening she should put her head into. It was actually a bit funny, causing Astra to chuckle before getting up and reaching for Myra.

“That's the sleeve, silly!” Myra looked at Astra after she took the fabric off her head, a bit distressed, due to how she felt trapped and couldn't see anything. Her curious stare towards the colored fabric had now become a wary and distrustful one, but Astra didn't give off a negative reaction. “Reach your arms up, and I'll slip this right on you.” As she instructed Myra to raise her arms, Myra decided to trust her. After all, Astra had no reason to trap her or anything and she said that it would help her to "lay low", as she spoke before back on the boat.

While she was still a bit wary about the colored fabric, she knew that it was not strong enough to withstand her claws so it wouldn't be much of an issue if she got trapped in it. With that, Myra raised her hands, looking to see what Astra would do.

Astra tried to be deliberate yet delicate when pulling over Myra's body. Myra had been surprised and almost panicked again when Astra pulled the fabric over her head, but when her head popped out from one of the openings in the fabric, apparently the correct one this time, judging by Astra's reaction, she became calmer. Astra finished up with some small adjustments to get Myra’s hair and arms through the dress.

“Oooh! It fits nicely! We just put on the shoes and…” Astra seemed to be happy with the result but Myra felt strange. Squirming as she struggled to adapt to the feeling of the cloth against her skin. She looked at Astra, clearly uncomfortable. Overlooking Myra's expressed discomfort, Astra peered down at Myra’s feet and then to the shoes and then back to her feet again.

“Actually, forget the shoes. I don’t see a world where your feet and those shoes go together. I can probably get some amas for them anyway.” She mused aloud before returning her gaze to Myra. “And now you look like a... decent lady. I can do your hair up tomorrow, but you should be able to walk beside me to get Vrexen without having to disappear. Instead of hiding from sight, you will blend into your surroundings.” The dark elf grinned confidently.

Myra tried to move herself a bit, walking around, but she wasn't used to the feeling of wearing clothes and her movements ended up being stiff and strange. After only a few steps, Myra went back to the bed again, contorting herself as she tried to take out the fabric from her body, clearly expressing her discomfort in wearing and moving around with it.

“Oh come on, it isn't that bad. You're telling me you'd rather be walking around exposing your-”

In the middle of Myra's almost comical struggle, both women heard a loud growl coming from Myra's stomach. This immediately made Myra stop, look at Astra, and then resume her struggle even more urgently than before. Astra thought twice about attempting to stop Myra. Despite being extremely adorable… She's still dangerous… but if she can't roam around with her bits just hanging o there. I mean even the whores even cover up a little… She can vanish from view though, but… Fuck it, but I'm saving the dress!

“Myra! Listen up! I just purchased that damned dress! So, you are going to wear it or you will remain invisible because I will not be forced to explain why you are strutting around like an exotic sex slave that's open for business… Wait...” Astra was devious enough to actually consider the idea and sized Myra up some.

While Myra couldn't understand anything Astra was saying and why she seemed to be so against the idea of not wearing that strange, uncomfortable second-skin, she didn't really like the way Astra was speaking to her. That second-skin seemed to be just a terrible idea for Myra. Moving around while wearing it was strange and if she got into trouble, that thing would basically make her camouflage useless.

That said, she was more frustrated than angry. Astra didn't seem to understand she was hungry and instead of helping her out of that dress, she just stood there, watching. Incredibly frustrated, Myra remembered the words Vrexen and Astra used when they wanted to eat. Maybe if she tried to use it, she would understand.

"Foo! Foo!" Myra said, trying to imitate the word 'food' as she looked at Astra with a frustrated expression.

“…” Astra couldn't believe Myra actually uttered a word. Foo?

Myra stopped struggling against the dress and pointed at it for a moment, almost as if saying that she would try wearing the dress while they were in the city if Astra gave her some food. The dark elven woman stared blankly for a moment. This time around she understood her demon companion.

“Let's go then. We can get lots of food if you keep that on, but first, we need Vrexen. I'd leave him out there but I think he would very well find me and murder me viciously… and then feed me to you.” Astra rolled her eyes.

The two left the room, entering the hall of the tavern. The woman at the desk stared strangely at Myra as she hadn't noticed the white-skinned girl with Astra previously. Astra gave the woman a smile and a nod as they left the inn.

“I know you hate the dress, but I just need you to wear it in places like this. You're a demon and most folks don't like 'em, but if I can dress you up, they might think you're a demi-human like the lady at the desk.”

Not only was it very annoying and uncomfortable for her, but wearing that second-skin that Astra called a "dress" made her feel vulnerable, as that second-skin would render her camouflage basically useless. That said, after Astra promised to feed her, Myra begrudgingly accepted to keep the strange second-skin on her for now as they walked outside of the building. Fortunately, as Astra mentioned, she would only have to wear the dress in cities, so as soon as they got out, she would be free from that odious cloth trap.

Continuing to the docks, dimly lit by hanging lanterns the two made their way to the boat. The hippocampi were awake but mostly docile. On approach, Vrexen could be spotted seated in the darkness where the light of the lanterns could not reach.

“Lord Vrexen! We have returned to retrieve you!”

---

Vrexen's eyes shifted towards both Astra and Myra approaching the boat after being gone for some time. He was seated exactly where they had left him and appeared unfazed by how long he had been left to wake. The notion of time had melted from his senses long ago. He had lived and suffered for so long within the planes of the Abyss that waiting on the boat felt like a forgettable moment in time.

However, it was not time wasted. His mother whispered to him, her message soothing yet cruel. He loved her. Vrexen could not wait to share her with this world.

Before Astra greeted him, his eyes focused on Myra wearing her dress. What is she… Clothes, yes. Vrexen remembered agreeing to the use of amas and clothes. Clothing in the Abyss was considered optional and made from parts of other demons or abyssal creatures. It usually came down to appearance and functionality.

“Astra. Give me these clothes so I may roam freely.” He ordered as he stood up on the boat. Astra would have rolled her eyes if she knew whether or not she could keep them.

“Of course.” Astra removed her backpack and stepped into the boat. She removed the outfit (left) and tossed it onto the deck. “I can assist you in putting it on. I had to do-”

“Do not insult me. I am not ignorant.” Vrexen growled as he snatched up parts of the outfit to wear. There were grunts and mistakes Vrexen would not admit to but once he was settled he stuck to wearing the brown vest and the pants secured by the belt that came with the outfit. The vest remained open but Astra was not looking for perfection. She simply wanted unnecessary attention off of them. Her face lit up with a smile.

“Look at you! Both of you are ready to really experience life! Myra, tell Vrexen what you want.” Astra winked at Myra, hoping to show off Myra's talking. Vrexen narrowed his eyes at Myra wondering what Astra was alluding to. To his knowledge, Myra did not speak.

---

Ismael watched as both Annya and Kharne talk, Ismael used this moment to get more of a feel for each person. Annya seemed like she was trying her hardest to try and make them feel comfortable and most accepting of the situation. Kharne on the other hand is trying to prepare them the best he could for the situation they are in. Ismael appreciated that there were people on both sides, which means that it would be much easier to keep both people prepared but also keep them from feeling so out of it that they succumb to mental turmoil. However what came next was Ismael's favorite time, exploring.

As Kharne and Ismael walked, Ismael inspected the things around him in pure interest in what is here. He did his best to not look like a traveler, he inspected a few things and moved on, comparing things and asking the prices of a few things here and there. He wished to also get a simple gauge of the currency system and how much is worth of it. After a bit, they made it to a Blacksmith to get some gear for him. Ismael witnessed Kharne soften up, it seemed to be in a blacksmith shop makes him feel at ease. It makes sense, Ismael felt the exact same in a gun shop, relaxed and enjoying the view. The love of weapons never fell upon deft ears, no matter where you went.

Yet they weren't here just to enjoy the weapons, Ismael needed to find a weapon, Ismael said to Kharne before he went over to start trying them, "Well, let's see if I can find anything I like. I'm more of a gun guy." Ismael expected no guns in this world, after all, magic just seemed like the equivalent to a gun in this world. Well, it matters how long it takes to master magic, but either way, Ismael started his search of a weapon. His search did take quite a bit of time, he wasn't one to know the ins and outs of melee weapons, he wasn't the most well versed in this but he knew what felt right.

Ismael moved from weapon to weapon, trying larger and smaller ones. He started with weapons far too large, and far too small, as he showed some of his skills with some very specific weapons: daggers, spears, and shorter swords. He did try other weapons as well, yet most didn't really fit his feeling, well all but one. Longer bladed swords, Ismael seemed to have quite a bit of a feel for two-handed blades, ranging from the more European style to more single-edged curved blades, yet his skills seemed lower than his other weapons, yet seemed to also be mulling something over in his head: I wonder what weapon would be the most efficient for me to use? Sure a spear is a fantastic weapon, yet facing off against many different foes in different circumstances such as enclosed spaces and the other such would make it were maybe having a spear-like that would be a bad move. But also the same could be said about a larger sword. But the uses against armored opponents would be nice, but then why not just use a halberd?.

Ismael looked to Kharne and thought why not ask the man who lived by the blade all his like his input on the situation, "Hey Big Man, I was wondering which one of these do you think would be the better choice? I'm in a bit of a pickle in determining which one would I want to take up".

Time: Dusk
Location: River Port
Interactions: Annya @princess , Saorise @Potter Raven @Tae, Caelan @Alivefalling, Ismael @Th3King0fChaos
Equipment: Cobalt Saber, Cobalt Half Plate, 1360 Amas, Map of Avalia, Lantern, Water Flask, 3x Torch, x10 Travel Rations, Washing Brush.

Kharne watched Ismael play around with weapons that didn't suit his size or build for a moment after a comment about a gun before he went to the blacksmith at the counter. "I need a pair of bladed knuckle dusters made, cobalt material." He rumbled. The smith broke out a piece of paper to write the order down before questioning about design, appearances, and size. Kharne went over the appearance, he preferred simple things, and the blades would be roughly ten inches long with a slight curve. Both sides of the claw would be sharp since there was this thing called a backhand.

Ismael spoke up again, making Kharne turn towards him. "It depends on what you're looking to do. Blades cut but don't go through armor unless it's a hefty blade. Bludgeons crush armor, and bone, but they're hefty. Axes are happy mediums. Polearms are good for light armored opponents for the most part. There are also multiple ways to handle each weapon depending on its style." He stated while the smith went off to work on his order.

The giant reptilian man approached Ismael and began to show him the various ways of using weapons. Chocking up on an axe and 'punching' with the head. Choking up on the haft of a spear for better control and use in more cramped spaces and also using it much like a staff. The longsword and claymore he showed half-swording which was a way to make it more like a shorter blade so it could be used in a hallway. He even showed off the murderstroke, a strike to the skull via the crossguard while holding the actual blade. He was good at demonstrating all the more killer aspects of the various weapons he put his hands on. But it was still up to Ismael to pick a weapon that fit him well.

Even though Myra did agree with Astra's proposal to wear the 'dress' inside the city, she was by no means satisfied nor happy with it. Moving through the city without using her camouflage already made her a bit nervous and to make things even worse, she was not yet used to the feeling of wearing clothes.

Arriving on the docks, were they had left Vrexen waiting, Myra followed astra to their boat, where Vrexen was waiting them, sitting in the exact same way he was when they left him. It seemed like he had not moved even a muscle. While Vrexen didn't seem to have a problem with wearing clothes, even asking Astra for his clothes the moment he saw her, Myra was clearly frustrated and irritated by having to wear them.

Unlike Myra, Vrexen seemed to have prior experience with those 'clothes', seeing how easily he was able to put it on. For some reason, Astra seemed quite happy to see both of them wearing clothes, with only made Myra even more frustated, not only for having to wear those annoying clothes, but because she was still waiting for some food.

"Foo! Foo!" Myra protested, irritated as she replied to Astra and Vrexen, pointing towards her mouth, the dangerously sharp teeth only barely visible inside as she did so, a very discreet signal that her instincts were starting to tell her that it was time to hunt.

---

“Foo?” Vrexen continued looking at Myra, but he was more interested than he had been just a second earlier. To hear her speak, even if it was slightly unintelligible, was nothing to overlook. So she was not one of those types of demon. The thrall that slugged about the Abyss, unable to utter a word due to their low intelligence keeping them unable to communicate with speech.

“Food! Food! I love it! She’s just missing the ‘D’ but I think you can help her with that, right?” Astra raised her eyebrows twice with a smug smile.

“Food? Your food is in the deep, sister.” Vrexen pointed out towards the sea to remind Myra of her disposal of Traven. He narrowed his eyes towards Myra as a way to let her know it was her fault she was hungry. She had made her decision and was now paying for it with the pangs of hunger. He bared his teeth that quickly formed into a toothy grin. “But let us claim what we desire in town.” Though Myra discarded the potential food that was Traven, Vrexen was all about taking what you wanted when you wanted it. It did not matter if you had it before or had more than you needed. As valuable as speaking was, Vrexen would much rather have Myra learn his beliefs.

“Ew! Those faces- I mean. You both look very hungry so let’s go to the tavern and I can show Lord Vrexen the power of amas!” The three would set off to the tavern co-located with the inn. As they entered, Vrexen found himself fidgeting his shoulders some and pulling at the crotch of his pants not being very used to the clothing he was wearing. The rabbit woman was still at the desk to greet the three with an uneasy smile. Myra was odd looking sure, but Vrexen’s appearance caused her to stare. She assumed him to be a demi-human, but could not put a finger on what sub-species he was. His third eye bothered her most, but she also knew some demihumans had unique features.

“When can we remove our clothes?” Vrexen asked, causing the woman at the front desk and Astra’s eyes to widen.

“In our room. I know you’re excited, but we have to eat first.” Astra faked a smile before leading the way to an unoccupied table in the dining area. The waiter approached the table with a basket of complimentary buttered bread rolls. As he set the rolls down at the center of the table, Astra took the initiative with a menu in hand “One order of Cheesy Prawns for me and two orders of the Roasted Pork Belly for these two. We’ll all have mead.” Astra gave the waiter a quick nod before looking at Vrexen then Myra who sat on either side of her. “And now we wait for the food, but I guess you can try the bread rolls.” She shrugged.

“I do not notice any of my brethren here. Perhaps this River Port will-”

“I don’t think we’re going there.” She casually grabbed a bread roll and took a bite while Vrexen glared menacingly at her.

---

When Kaleb had asked about the magic of humans, those on the ferry looked amongst themselves before a light elf answered.

“The forces of nature if I remember it right. Each one can have either fire, water, earth, air, or lightning. They’re naturally good at it too. It’s why the kingdom brought them over. With that kind of power, the dark elves don’t stand a chance.”

“Wow, to have part of the world literally at your fingertips. I wonder how they figure out what they have though.”

“That, I don’t know. Magic wasn’t the easiest thing for me, so I can’t imagine not knowing what I could do and being in a place where there are few with first-hand knowledge of it. How about yourself? You an adept in magic?”

“I wish. I can barely get a sparkle out. It’s one of the reasons my parents would never let me venture outside the kingdom for so long.” He continued talking to different occupants in the ferry, gathering more and more background information. It was especially easy since they thought he was a sheltered light elf full of curiosity.

After some time, the ferry arrived at the beautifully lit port town. Kaleb was a bit impressed despite its small size. Finally he could meet some more people and potentially the supporting cast types. He had the feeling that River Port was going to be a grand time. Something nice and fun before he went on to save Avalia, or so he thought.

While Nuallán kept watching over both Jomari and their surroundings, he couldn't help but be distracted for a moment as the pixie that 'found' Sophie and decided to stay with her angrily smacked Sophie's hand with the strange, stick-like snack the human girl had given her. Pixies are normally known to be very mischievous creatures and this one in particular semeed to have energy to spare and quite an intense personality. When Sophie apologized for having dragged the pixie with her, the little fairy mentioned how she was an exiled fairy and 'demanded' to stay with Sophie since she had nowhere to go and Sophie had shared food with her, just before she started flying and pointing the snack towards Nuallán and Rosaria saying she would fight them if they didn't let her eat, which made Nuallán almost lose his composure and start laughing, having actually to hold his laughter, amused by the small pixie's antics.

Just as he was about to say something though, Sophie made a very serious question, which made him immediately get serious again as he silently looked towards Rosaria, waiting for either a reply or a signal for him to aid her. Fortunately, while he did see the exhaustion hidden beneath his Rosaria's expression, she gave a brief, but confident answer, before turning towards the small pixie and smiling towards her, asking for her name and asking Sophie about the strange stick she had given to the pixie.

In order to keep the conversation going and the morale high, Rosaria proposed for everyone to talk a bit about themselves, with the arrival of a few members, such as the talkative pixie. Finishing her introduction with a sad tone as she mentioned her brother, Rosaria asked Nuallán to continue.

"As you wish, my lady." he said, with a polite bow, before he faced the little pixie and the rest of the humans.

"As most of you might know by now, my name is Nuallán Varnion and I'm Princess Rosaria's butler and personal attendant, having been so for centuries, since I was very young." he said after clearing his throat.

"The Varnion family has been directly serving and protecting the royal Light Elf family for countless generations, honoring the tradition and the oath our ancestors took when the first kings and queens took the throne and created the Light Elf Kingdom." he said as he began explaining more about him, his family and it's history.

"Every generation, the Varnion family will have at least two children. The firstborn is always the one who will take the oath to serve the Royal Family, being bound to the member of the royal family he will serve from the moment they are born, while the younger child always takes the role of managing the family's estate and continuing the lineage." he continued.

"As the eldest child, I received extensive education since I was very young, being trained and taught by the elders in the Varnion family in order to seek nothing less than perfection and excellence when serving and protecting the royal family. Be it tending to their needs, giving accurate advices and consultation in the most varied matters if requested or even fighting to protect or to eliminate threats to the royal family's safety." he finished. While it was evident that he was proud of his position and who he was, he was clearly not gloating or boasting, with his tone being calm and professional instead.

Time: 7 pm
Location: River Port
Interactions: Arn @Omni5876, Rue@Potter
Equipment: 1 hunting knife, a flask of alcohol, a backpack, small tent, blanket, waterskin, rope, fire starting kit, lightmaker, cooking pot, a bar of soap, some drugs; skaula (8 grams) and zemak (1 ounce), rolling papers, and 33 amas.

---

“Offended? You, Arn, pretended to be just a simple medic and that was a lie. But Rue makes a point, it is a dangerous time for royalty. Targets of dark elf assassins and all that. But you didn’t think to mention that traveling with you was more dangerous than alone. Because you wanted companions. What does it matter, the danger you put others in, as long as you get what you want. So no, Arn, there is no trust between us.” Bowyn paced as he spoke, agitation growing as he did so. Annoyed that Arn was acting as if Bowyn was overreacting, as if Arn was somehow the one who had been wronged here. Then Arn tried to walk out like he deserved the last word in all of this. And there was Rue. Rue who seemed to think food and fresh air were a solution to this as if that was a solution to anything. Bowyn’s cold gaze turned to her. Part of him wanted to let it go, to just get along with the both of them for Rue’s sake, because she asked, because it was Rue.

But that was such a small part, remnants who was, just a whisper in the back of his mind. Everything that he was now was so much louder, and it screamed at him. Drive wedges. Burn bridges. You don’t need them. Not Arn. Not Rue. You’re better off alone. They’re better off without you. And it felt true. He wanted to make sure Rue stayed safe, he really did, but he couldn’t. Not during a war, not when he’d been unable to keep himself safe. If Arn really was a good man who meant all he said, Bowyn would be no good to him either. Because Bowyn wanted to destroy things, to bring himself pain.

“You think you can tell when a total stranger plans to betray you? That knowing someone for a few hours is enough to trust them? That’s awfully naive of you Rue. How long have been gone from the village, out in the rest of the world? Maybe it’s about time you grew up.” Bowyn stopped pacing and took a moment to calm his tone. His words had come out harsh but he had meant them. You can’t just go around trusting people so easily. She had to know that. Had to know how dangerous that was.

“Maybe you’re right, maybe I do need fresh air. It’s very crowded in here.” Walking away from Rue hurt so that’s what he did. Maybe not the kind of pain he actively sought; not as fun as black eyes and split lips, but it worked just the same. Pain brought comfort, distraction, and it fueled the rage he needed to keep going. He needed to be out of the inn and away from things so far from his control.

Thankfully, their group managed to spend the rest of the day without screaming and running for dear life. Jomari couldn't get the awful sound of bones crunching from his head and remembering the sight of blood splattering everywhere almost made him throw up again, although his stomach was empty now from vomiting the food he hate upon arriving on Avalia. He was thankful for Sophie being kind and caring but he's not prepared to show his soft side just yet. He did have a reputation to uphold after all.

He ate the food given to them but Jomari still kept himself alerted to their surroundings. He refused to have a repeat of what happened to them with that ugly monster and he also refused to die because of the elves' incompetence. Jomari at least wanted to go out on his own terms but not before being able to spend a night with a handsome male specimen. Perhaps he could find some competent men in these strange lands and Jomari hoped they won't be the same as the pointy-eared loyal dog named Nuallán.

In any case, the group managed to find a carriage they can ride safely towards their destination, wherever it may be. Jomari was glad to be able to feel safe every once in a while but he was irritated when Rosaria of all people sat across from him. Not only that but Nuallán was sitting beside him too. They've been keeping a much closer eye on Jomari ever since he showed interest in a vial of poison yet they were unaware of a presence of a humongous murderous monster that was close to killing them. His annoyance on these elves only grew even more.

Jomari ignored Rosaria's question and let the others talk with her; he hissed whenever his arm made contact with Nuallán but other than that, he kept his attention towards the driver. He didn't care if he was too feisty for their tastes. He wanted to make it known that Jomari didn't want anything to do with these people and the sooner this was all done, the better. However, would he really go back to his own world? Sure, he made many memories with some of the people he held dear in his heart but Jomari wasn't sure if he would be willing to go back to a world where prejudice was rife along with murders and injustices. Would he really be willing to risk his life for the same people who looked at him with disgust?

It was already dusk when they found a carriage they could ride in and all the adrenaline from arriving on Avalia to running away from the beast was beginning to place a toll on his body. He fought hard as his eyelids become heavier and heavier, even putting rubbing and squeezing his cheeks to prevent himself from sleeping while it was Nuallán's turn to tell more about himself.

"So... annoying..." He mumbled before his head slumped forwards, snoring quietly as he fell asleep due to tiredness.

Time:7 PM
Location: River Port-Inn by the Sea
Interactions:, Rue @Potter Bowyn @Helo
Equipment:








869 Amas.

The young medic looked at Rue as she delivered her observations. What she said was true. He had withheld information on them. Perhaps that is how uneasy and frail alliances were It felt strange for him to have to be so guarded. His own race was mistrustful of other races. They were not cold or rude but few saw the genial smile of a dwarf and the back breaking friendly pats that were the common language in ale houses and drinking halls. The young soldier was used to being surrounded by dwarves that would lock shields with you and give their own life for others. There was no such thing as truly individual thinking. Only in the crafting of weapons and other things were the artistic tendencies of his people revealed. Many dwarves would not have been too wounded about withheld information. They felt that people would share when they needed. Arn had just found out that not everyone in Avalia thought this way. Unwittingly, the newly revealed prince had learned his first lesson in diplomacy.

The second lesson was to put his own feelings aside or as the white haired lass said put these tensions. It was very simple if he could still not earn their trust then they would go about their separate ways. Perhaps it was the unconscious need of the young dwarf to achieve some sort of connection where he had not had any previously that made the repulsion of Bowyn so damaging. Arn had to remind himself that this mission was not about himself but the possible survival of his people. An apologetic look crossed the soldier’s face as his eyes came across those of the lovely winter fairy. Rue’s line about splitting up made him give her a slight smile before the lass looked away.

”You're a medic, so you’d be on the battlefield helping in the fighting. Right? I don't see you being the kind to betray and use us."

The medic silently nodded. “Yes Miss Rue. I am a medic. That was no lie.” He looked at Bowyn after his statement. “As I said, I AM simply a medic. That has been my profession for two decades. It was not until two days ago that my parentage was revealed.” He said this while looking at the winter fairy lad. There was no animosity in his eyes, only truth. “It is even hard for me sometimes to grasp that I am now royalty only because some people said so. I know nothing of being a prince. I have only ever thought of myself as a medic.” He sighed.

He shrugged at Bowyn’s metion of the dangers of being a royal in the current climate. “It was easier being a medic. My sole job is to help and heal people.” He had an apologetic look when he looked at Bowyn. “It was never my intetion to place either of you in danger Bowyn. It never occurred to me that merely by travelling with me you could actually be in danger. For that I am truly sorry.” He lowered his eyes. “As you say, I only wanted companions but I would never willingly put you in danger…or betray you for that mater.” He looked at the winter fairy lad.

“ I also don’t know who I would betray you to or for what purpose. I do not own you or hold any sway over you.” He shrugged watching the white haired youth pace back and forth in obvious agitation. “You are always free to do as you please. But to answer your question, no I would not betray you. You need not trust me of course as you so plainly pointed out. That could be a sound policy but I assure you that I have no plan to betray you.” He scratched his brown and reddish beard. “As a matter of fact, it has been very well established that I don’t really have a plan. I think that fact has been firmly established.”

Arn could tell that there was some sort of battle going on inside the young man’s mind. He figured it was regarding the perceived affront. Never would he have imagined that it was due to Bowyn’s own self doubt and self deprecation. If the young medic knew, he would have tried to help in some way. The dwarf would not be able to help it. It was how he was.

Because of this, he had unconsciously stepped between the Rue and Bowyn when the latter had addressed the former harshly. Arn lifted up a palm in the young lad’s direction. He did not tell him to calm down as that seldom worked. Instead, he wanted to act as a buffer. The young dwarf was sure that the winter lad did not mean to sound harsh. Actually, his advice was wrong, not completely. “That is some sound advice Bowyn. Miss Rue would definitely need your experience if she is to avoid harm. Please, do not chastise her because of my selfish mistake.”

The young dwarf felt bad for having been the reason why such a lovely and sweet fairy like Rue had been talked to like that by a friend. He felt bad that Bowyn had been so angry at the situation and had been rude to his friend. The medic felt even worse when the fairy lad felt the need to leave the room but then again he could not blame him. His brown eyes followed the taller white haired lad leave. A long sigh escaped his lips.

“Miss Rue, I am sorry. This…” He motioned with his hand to encompass the scene. “Was never my intention. I do think that your suggestion was indeed the best policy. If I recall correctly, I was allowed to procure the next meal. I shall go and pick something from the stalls near the inn. It will serve the dual purpose of procuring food and clearing the air. I am sure you both have much to talk about. When Bowyn returns that is.” He took a deep breath. “And I believe I need to figure out how to find and meet with Princess Annya.”

He walked towards the door, fully intent on walking out. Not because he was a coward, though the whole situation made him feel uncomfortable, but because he wanted to give Rue some sort of privacy. His big calloused hand closed on the door’s handle. His grip tightened around it but before he opened it he would turn back to Rue. His voice was strained as he did something he would not have seen himself doing before. “Miss Rue, would you like to come with me?”

The young medic waited for her response. He had faced down hordes of Orcs. Had been left for dead after a mountain gryphon had attacked a squad he was patrolling with and even recently braved the Helius journey from Ironhold to River Port but somehow waiting for the response of the pretty winter fairy scared him more than he could tell. The poor door handle creaked as his knuckles whitened from the deadly grip he was exerting on it.

If Rue followed him, he would hold the door open for her walking beside her but as far as the hallway allowed. If she did not, he would probably offer some sort of excuse and sheepishly leave the room.

It was as if someone had dumped a pile of snow over her and left her outside to freeze. Rue stood, blinking, at the spot Bowyn had last been in. She had known he left, but her gaze couldn’t be pulled to watch. His words repeated in her head and she found her gaze becoming blurry. Rue touched her eyes, discovering there were tears. She blinked rapidly to clear them and took several deep breaths. Grow up. She had been told that time and time again, from many winter fae and had found it difficult. She saw them burned and cold, and hadn’t been able to succumb to it herself. Softness startled her out of her reverie. She looked down to find Moonlight at her side, alert and ready to pounce on the first thing she instructed him too. Rue patted his head as she stared down at him. Their conversation would be difficult to understand for Arn, as he could only hear her words and not Moonlight’s.

”What happened? I sense tension and a great amount of it from you. Why has Bowyn left?”

”Arn just revealed to us he is royalty which he found out two days ago when the Twin-Headed Dragons assassinated the royals and light elf general. Bowyn’s unable to trust him now and left. I suggested fresh air and a good meal to help us. I just want us all to get along… I miss Bowyn.”

Moonlight glanced at Arn then back to her. ”Royalty is dangerous so I will keep an eye on him because it is my job to look after you. I promised your parents I would. Rue, Bowyn is not the same as he was in the village; he’s colder than the snow in our village and carries a heavy rage with him. He lost his wings and survived, that was not an easy feat. You do need to be more careful though. What if it was a trap?”

”I…I...” Rue began to stutter, but came up empty handed as her lip quivered. ”I know I can’t do this alone. I know Bowyn’s different but maybe I can help him… and Arn shouldn’t be alone. I mean, that has to be horrible to find out right? We should give him a chance. Fool me once, shame on you and then twice on me. Isn’t that the saying?”

”I appreciate your kindness and will support you, Rue, but remember this is a war and the Dark Elves will not hesitate to murder anyone they think is a rebel. You know how winter fae are extremely rare outside of the North. You are a healer and not a combative or offensive fighter. You have to protect yourself first.”

Rue wiped her eyes with her sleeve and took several deep breaths. Arn’s words replayed in her mind and she was quiet and contemplative. Staying here meant not knowing where Bowyn would go, or if Arn would return. What if they both left her alone? What if Arn was assassinated and she was sold off to the Black Market? Her thoughts began to race.

Rue nodded to herself and then turned to face Arn, but unable to look him in the eyes. She began fidgeting with her sleeves and the cloak. ”That would be kind of you. Thank you. I want to find Bowyn, but I don’t want to leave you alone… I don’t know what to do. What if he doesn't come back? I.. I don't think this is your fault.” The last line rolled off her tongue with ease, but deep down, she was conflicted on that. Had she lied? Rue bit her lip, her gaze traveling now to the door and Arn. When Bowyn returned, Arn had said, but what if he didn’t? That was possible. Bowyn was a wildcard, his personality was different, and something she’d tried ignoring. Moony was right; he was colder, and held a rage inside of him.

Going outside meant she could look for him, but what if he didn’t want to be found? What if that had been their final goodbye? Rue’s heart ached deeply, making her eyes blurry again, but she wiped them quickly. She nodded to Arn and beckoned Moonlight to accompany her. Her wings ached to take flight and Rue began to compulsively bite her nails and fidget with her cloak again ,unsure if she wanted it on or off. Moonlight stared at her questioningly, so she sighed and stopped fidgeting, unable to tear her gaze away from the Inn to look for Bowyn. "Do you mind if I fly?" Rue blurted out unexpectedly, her gaze turning to both her wolf and dwarf companion. Moonlight shook his head, knowing he could trail her no matter what transportation method she used. Her gaze returned to Arn as she struggled to keep her composure together.

While Astra seemed to be happy, Myra was still frustrated, confused at why Astra was so happy with her being hungry. Still, she did promise her food, so she would try to be a bit patient. When Vrexen pointed to the sea, saying her food was there, referring to Traven, Myra immediately looked at him, with a shocked expression, before pouting, annoyed. She's wasn't hungry then. She is hungry now! Besides... What did Vrexen want her to do? To carry that old man's body with her for when she was hungry?

Fortunately, Astra soon led them back to the big building in order to get some food. While Myra was definitely satisfied that they were finally going to eat something, by the time they got there, Myra's eyes were already starting to focus on a few passersby as her instincts slowly started to get stronger. Luckily, for both Astra, Vrexen and pretty much anyone remotely close, the very second the group got close to the tavern, the scent of cooked food immediately distracted Myra. It was a relatively new scent to her but despite the spices and the unknown scents, it was still pleasant and in the end, she knew by the scent that it was still food, even if it was very different from the scent of meat that Myra was used to eat. Getting inside, Myra's discomfort with the dress was momentarily forgotten as well as her pouting, which she kept all the way from the docks to the inn, was gone as she sniffed the air around her.

Imitating Astra and Vrexen, Myra sat down near them, waiting for the food. Completely oblivious to the rather tense atmosphere currently going on between Astra and Vrexen as they talked with each other, Myra could only focus her stare on the dishes that passed by their table, being delivered to other people that were in the tavern. While there were a few who preferred to eat plants, the vast majority had some kind of meat on it, barely identifiable by the smell and the many spices.

"Foo?" She asked, turning to Astra and Vrexen, with a rather innocent, if not hungry expression as she pointed to the steak that one of the demi-humans was eating on the table next to them.

---

“Astra... “ Vrexen paused as he attempted to remain calm. He was not fond of how his new servant skirted the line of obedience. “Why are we not going to River Port?” With his tone, he demanded an explanation.

“Breecaush-” Astra tried answering with a mouthful of bread, but stopped when her eyes met Vrexen’s. She quickly gulped it down and cleared her throat. “Because Myra tossed Traven. You see Traven was only ever going to take us to certain places on the map. If we’re trying to reach that big tree, River Port is a way, but not the quickest method of getting to where your buddies are.”

“Hmm… Quicker is better. The war has already been declared and I must ensure victory for-” Astra cut him off and spoke quickly.

“Your side. Yes. Let’s not discuss the war too freely since lines are still being drawn. I don’t know Yenworth’s allegiance just yet, but I can bank on our next location being comfortable with whatever big plans you have.”

"Foo?" Astra raised an eyebrow as she faced Myra. She simply slid over the basket of warm buttered bread rolls towards Myra. Her expression was still serious from the topics being discussed with Vrexen.

“This is the best you’re gonna get until the real meal comes… Oh, but look at that!” She perked up as the waiter walked over with three tankards filled with mead. The waiter set one down in front of each of them with a smile

“Enjoy!” The waiter left the table with the patrons she was slightly wary of due to their appearances. How did they just walk around with no shoes?!

“What might this be?” Vrexen sniffed the tankard in front of him, taking in the sweet aroma. He was interested in tasting it, but there was a much more serious matter at hand. “And share what you know about the next location.” Astra grabbed her tankard and held it up.

“It’s deliciousness, BUT you can call it mead.” She took a swig of it’s contents before setting down the tankard with a smug smile on her face. “And the next stop is Aldrakh. It’s an orc settlement… Oh you both probably need a rundown. Orcs are big savage fuckers… and fighters of course. I’m not sure what they enjoy more, but those two are their main priorities. They’re very set in their ways, but they’re willing to listen to reason... some of the time. They actually might like your whole ‘we take what we want when we want’ and ‘dominance is the way’ talk.” She imitated Vrexen’s voice as she loosely quoted him.“And clothes?”

“Honestly, you can wear whatever the fuck you want over there. They don’t care and despite some of the smells it’s a good time.”

“And killing?” Vrexen had to ask which made Astra before taking another swig from her tankard. She briefly shut her eyes as if she could escape the conversation. She had always found Vrexen scary because he was always serious about the crazy shit he said. The was never a punchline with him. She leaned in so she could speak at a low volume.

“No. No killing. BUT there’s hunting and maybe they’ll let you fight and gobble up some dwarves if you ask ‘em. For you they’re like bite-sized snacks or something.” She chuckled despite how dark the conversation was getting. Vrexen was somewhat satisfied and decided to take a break from speaking so he could indulge in the mead. He grabbed his tankard and completely chugged its contents with no hesitation.

“Halastra’s cunt! Vrexen!”

In an impressive display, Yuka fended off a man who was able to resist his pheromone and remain hostile. Such ferocity and charisma, beauty and determination, all rolled into one. Aiko found himself wondering what her dreams were like.

But, back to the matter at hand. Through the now open door, and up onto the bed with Nabarra. A sigh of relief left their lips with the load relieved from their arms. "A healing potion... I might have one around. No telling how old it could be. Surely they expire eventually, right?" Aiko sat on the edge of the bed and started going through the nightstand. There were some light medicines in there. Not that Aiko often got sick or injured, but why make yourself get out of bed if you were?

"Ah, here's one. It's... Probably still good. Better than nothing? Sorry, I don't usually need healing potions, but I do try to have at least one around. Maybe the tavern master has one. If you'll excuse me." Time to flex.

Aiko left his two new companions in their room and went downstairs.

As soon as her foot hit the floorboards on the first floor, she let loose. She'd held back previously because it was very difficult to target individuals without touching them, but now that she didn't have to worry about companions being affected...

The tavern master was dealing with a few angry patrons, whom Aiko tenderly touched the shoulders and necks of, "oh, now, don't be mad. Go back to your seat and your meals, and we'll get you another drink, hmm? Don't yell at the tavern master for an issue with the king's decision making." The angry tone in the room had calmed gradually to a disquiet, a begrudging peace that was slowly settling in to satisfaction.

She turned to the tavern master. "Do you have a healing potion, dear? No? Too expensive to just carry, huh? Hehe, right..." Figured. Ah well. Aiko made a few rounds downstairs, acting as a waitress for a little bit and making sure all the patrons had been generously affected before retreating back upstairs. A lot of dreams to visit tonight.

They'd open the door to the realization that they were male when the left the room. Oops.