[table][row][cell][img]https://i.imgur.com/VgbuqO2.png[/img][/cell][cell][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/240522/49791553b35fa05b88864f9127dc2df9.png[/img][/cell][/row]
[row][cell][sub]Location: Residential Area - Outside[/sub][/cell][/row][/table]Eris trudged through the dark, icy streets, the frozen ground crunching beneath her boots. The torch lights flickered faintly along the path, guiding her toward the residential area on the west side of town. Wrapped snugly in her flaming coat, she barely felt the biting cold around her. The magical warmth from the coat radiated out, a protective barrier against winter.

Still, her thoughts refused to settle. Despite her best efforts, her mind kept wandering back to the tavern, back to Daphne, who was no doubt charming Nathaniel with her confident words and striking presence. What flirtatious words might be passing between them right now? Eris clenched her jaw, pushing the image out of her head. There was no point dwelling on any of that. She had more important things to think about.

She shifted her focus, mentally listing everything she needed for the expedition. Number one was this coat, of course. But what else? She wished she had Aurelian-made clothing that were better suited for winter, something sturdier for the harsh elements. Perhaps there were some warm Lunarian imports she could purchase in town. Or maybe Ivor could hunt down a fur pelt for her. That would help.

Then there was the matter of food. They'd have to ration carefully, especially if the group was large. How long would they be out there? What would they even find? Her thoughts flicked to weapons. She’d never been trained with a sword. She knew both defensive and offensive magic, yes, but without the sun, it would be extremely risky to rely on it. 

A dagger might be a better option—lightweight, easy to carry. She could buy one from the local blacksmith and at least try to defend herself, if it came to that.  But even the thought of wielding it made her nervous. Could she really stab someone—or some[i]thing[/i] if it came to it? Her breath fogged in the frigid air as her heart raced a little at the thought of combat. She had never been much of a fighter. The uncertainty of it all made nerves bundle in her chest, but she forced herself to stay calm. She would manage. She had to. 

Just then, her thoughts were interrupted by a voice cutting through the chilled air, calling her name. The sound startled her, and she stopped in her tracks. She glanced around the dark streets, eyes squinting as she peered into the shadows. The torches barely illuminated the area beyond a few feet, and most of the surrounding landscape was swallowed in darkness. Was she imagining things? 

But then, in the distance, she spotted two figures standing beside a carriage. One of them... was that Nathaniel? She focused on them, trying to make out their faces. The silhouette seemed to match his stature, at least. Her heart fluttered unexpectedly. Had he really left Daphne to come after her? A foolish move on his part, but the thought brought a small smile to her lips.

She watched as the shorter figure—Nathaniel—called her name again, a conjured magical hand extending to shake the hand of the other person beside him. She hesitated for a moment, her mind reminding her of the work that awaited her in the Alchemy Chambers. But it would be so rude of her to keep walking away… 

[color=B1E4FC]"I'm here!"[/color] she called back to him, carefully making her way over the icy road. She was determined not to slip and make a fool of herself again—especially not in front of Nathaniel.

When she finally reached them, she stopped, her breath catching slightly as she recognized the other figure standing with Nathaniel. [color=B1E4FC]"Oh!"[/color] she exclaimed, surprised. She quickly bowed, instinctively respectful. [color=B1E4FC]"Lord Raunefeldt. I wasn’t expecting to see you here in Dawnhaven."[/color]

She straightened, meeting Ayel’s gaze. She didn’t know him well, and they had never interacted directly, but his reputation preceded him. His family was renowned, closely tied to the royal family. Their connection to the royals was often discussed in noble circles, and her own mother had always held a complicated, if not cold, relationship with Ayel’s mother. Eris, however, maintained a polite facade, knowing the importance of such connections.

[color=B1E4FC]"My name is Eris Hightower, lead Sage here. I heard your family recently donated a large sum to the Research Academy,"[/color] she continued, offering him a sincere smile. [color=B1E4FC]“Thank you so much.  Your family’s support means a great deal to our efforts here, and I’ll do my best to ensure that the funds go to good use.”[/color]

She bowed again, deeply, showing her respect for his family's generosity. When she rose, she stole a glance at Nathaniel, who didn’t seem particularly thrilled, a slight frown tugging at the corner of his mouth. Was it Ayel’s presence that bothered him? She had heard about Ayel’s rather abrasive nature, so it wouldn’t surprise her. Had Ayel said something to upset him? Or was it her that upset him? Her mind raced, but she pushed the thoughts aside for now.

Turning back to Ayel, she offered a small smile. [color=B1E4FC]“There’s a feast at the tavern, hosted by the Prince. You should join everyone inside for food and warmth before you catch a cold out here.”[/color] She gestured toward the tavern, hoping to steer the conversation in a lighter direction as she tried to gauge the undercurrent of tension between the two men.


[hr]

[sub][b]Interactions:[/b] Nathaniel [@Echotech71], Ayel [@Dezuel][/sub]