BlackRoseSiren

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Aurora Halliwell

Eye of The Beholder
Outside the Inn

---

In her moment of sadness, Aurora felt a gentle touch that she initially overlooked. It wasn’t until the monk’s hand settled under her chin, lifting her face to meet his gaze, that she became aware of his presence. A rush of warmth enveloped her, and she instinctively felt a blush rise to her cheeks. As he started to speak, he removed his hand, allowing her space but leaving her slightly disoriented. When he spoke about her name and of the northern lights, a sense of connection sparked within her. She smiled, and when he finally introduced himself with an array of titles, she couldn’t help but giggle, a sound that felt foreign yet pleasant. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Gadez Paladice. And yes I am named after the northern lights.”

As he continued to speak, sharing his thoughts with warmth and wisdom that captivated her, she listened intently, feeling an unexpected warmth emanating from his presence. Her cheeks flushed deeper when she noticed his thumb softly stroking her cheek, an intimate gesture that embarrassed her. Apart from her parents, no one had ever shown her such tenderness, and it left her feeling both vulnerable and curious. Yet, despite the rush of emotions, she was not afraid; instead, she felt a curious sense of comfort in his company. When he finally announced that he had to take his leave, a pang of disappointment struck her. She waved goodbye. Once he had gone the gentle glow she had felt slipped away, leaving her feeling lonely yet again.

With a sigh, she decided to seek solace in the tavern’s stables, longing to see her beloved horse Storm. As she stepped inside, the familiar sounds of the stable, hay rustling and the contented neighing of horses, greeted her like an old friend. When she spotted Storm. The majestic mare’s coat gleamed in the dim light, and Aurora’s heart filled with affection. “There’s my beautiful girl,” she murmured, placing her forehead against Storm’s. The horse nuzzled her affectionately, sensing the melancholy that lingered in Aurora’s heart. “I’m ok girl. Just remembering mother and father.” She confided with a soft sigh, the weight of her emotions pressing down on her.

As she embraced Storm, a flood of cherished memories washed over her, particularly the times her mother sang sweet lullabies that always made her feel safe and loved. Aurora took a deep breath, allowing the scent of hay and her horse’s warmth to ground her. Inspired by those cherished memories, she began to sing a song that her mother had taught her, her voice rising softly into the stillness of the stable, weaving a tapestry of love and nostalgia that filled the air around them.

“Lavender's blue, dilly, dilly,
lavender's green,
When I am king, dilly, dilly,
you shall be queen.

Who told you so, dilly, dilly,
who told you so?
Twas my own heart, dilly, dilly,
that told me so.

Call up your men, dilly, dilly,
set them to work
Some to the plough, dilly, dilly,
some to the fork,

Some to make hay, dilly, dilly,
some to cut corn,
While you and I, dilly, dilly,
keep ourselves warm.

Lavender's green, dilly, dilly,
Lavender's blue,
If you love me, dilly, dilly,
I will love you

Let the birds sing, dilly, dilly,
And the lambs play
We shall be safe, dilly, dilly,
out of harm's way

I love to dance, dilly, dilly,
I love to sing
When I am queen, dilly, dilly,
You'll be my king.

Who told me so, dilly, dilly,
Who told me so?
I told myself, dilly, dilly,
I told me so”

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Aurora Halliwell

Eye of The Beholder
Outside the Inn

---

Aurora took a cautious step back, positioning herself slightly behind the monk to grant the princess the space she needed. She stood silently, her attention focused intently on the princess’s words. When she heard the princess express her worries about her legs, a gentle smile tugged at the corners of Aurora’s lips, a silent gesture of encouragement and empathy.

At that moment, the monk beside her spoke up. His voice was calm and soothing, attempting to reassure Aurora that the man they were helping would be fine. Aurora’s mind churned with thoughts, her brow furrowing in concentration as she silently thought, I’m not worried about the stranger; I’m worried about the princess.

Suddenly her train of thought was interrupted by the monk’s unexpected comment, calling her “kitty cat.” Aurora’s eyes widened in disbelief-she had never anticipated that a monk would say that, especially in such a situation. The surprise left her momentarily speechless, and she could only listen to the conversations that were taking place.

After a moment, she gathered her composure and replied with quiet determination, “I will stay here as you said to my Lady.” With her voice steady, she turned her gaze to the stranger who stood nearby. A feeling of suspicion settled within her as she scrutinized him closely; something about him felt off to her, but she couldn’t place what it was. The unease lingered in her mind, a puzzle she was determined to solve.

Once again, the monk drew Aurora out of her thoughts. She heard his calm voice making a statement to the stranger, and in a gentle gesture, he ruffled Aurora’s hair. This simple act brought a rush of memories flooding back to her memories of her father, who would do the same gesture whenever she got lost in her thoughts and worries or when she stared into space, deep in contemplation.

The warmth of nostalgia filled her heart, but it was quickly overshadowed by a wave of emotions. Tears began to form in her eyes, and she instinctively looked down, focusing her gaze on the ground beneath her. Her hand clutched tightly around the pendant that hung around her neck, the one that held a small, cherished picture of her parents.

As she stood there, absorbed in her feelings, she noticed that the princess, her lady-in-waiting, the stranger, and the guards had quietly walked away, leaving only herself and the monk behind. The silence hung thick in the air, punctured only by the muffled sounds from the tavern. Taking a deep breath, Aurora felt the heaviness of her heart but resolved to break the silence. Slowly she lifted her head, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, and mustered the courage to introduce herself.

“Hello, I’m Aurora Halliwall. Who are you?” she managed to say, her voice steady despite tears threatening to fall. She fought to maintain her composure, hoping to shield her emotions from the kind-hearted monk standing before her.

Gadez @Dezuel

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Aurora Halliwell

Eye of The Beholder
Outside the Inn

---

Aurora felt an unsettling tension in the air as she watched the injured man rise. Something was extremely captivating about the way he fixated on the princess, his gaze holding an intensity that made Aurora’s skin crawl. His eyes stayed on her like a predator studying its prey, and his hands wrapped around the princess’s as if he were trying to weave a bond that felt both sinister and unwelcome. Aurora’s instincts screamed that he was weaving a trap, drawing the princess closer with false charm and hidden intentions, and she was determined to thwart his plans.

Just then, the monk, who had been silently observing the unfolding drama with a frown etched across his brow, finally intervened. His voice was firm as he commanded the stranger to release the princess. In that charged moment, Aurora’s mind sparked with inspiration, an idea began to form.

Gathering her courage, she stood up with an exaggerated grace and then pretended to lose her balance, as though her leg had gone numb from kneeling for too long. In an instant, she grasped the stranger’s arms with both her hands, her touch gentle yet firm. She hoped that this would cause the man to let go of the princess’s hands. Aurora seized the opportunity; she steadied him with a kind smile and feigned concern. “Oh my goodness, I am so very sorry! Are you ok?” She asked, her voice laced with sincerity.

Turning swiftly on her heels, she cast a glance at the monk to ensure his support and then focused her attention back on the princess. With a graceful curtsy, she spoke softly. “Forgive me, miss. It seems that my leg has indeed fallen asleep from kneeling for too long. I hope you are unharmed.” Straightening up, she continued with conviction, “May I accompany you as you escort this man to the temple? I wish to ensure that he receives the proper care he needs.”

With that declaration, Aurora hoped to divert attention away from any dangerous agenda and keep a protective watch over the princess, all while placing herself in a position to safeguard the princess from the stranger’s potentially deceitful intentions.

@Dezuel @Dark Light @c3p-0h @Qia

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Aurora Halliwell

Eye of The Beholder
Outside the Inn

---

After she had finished asking her questions, a thick silence surrounded the space as she patiently waited for the man’s response. The stillness stretched on for a few moments before he finally broke it, murmuring that he was fine and that the discomfort was merely a result of a wild dog bite. However, his casual words triggered a flood of memories in Aurora’s mind, dragging her back to the haunting day she discovered her parents’ bodies.

The vivid image of them, lifeless and covered in gruesome wolf bites, swirled through her mind, stripping the colour from her cheeks. She felt her breath quicken, transforming into shallow gasps as an overwhelming tremor coursed through her body. Her heart pounded violently in her chest, each beat a painful reminder of that traumatic experience.

The desire to forget those horrid memories became a desperate plea within her. Amidst that turmoil, Aurora tried to remind herself Aurora, pull yourself together. This man needs your help. She drew a deep breath, wrestling with her emotions as she tried to regain her composure.

Just then, the soothing voices of the princess and her lady-in-waiting broke through the fog of her thoughts. Listening to their gentle conversation with the man seemed to anchor her, stopping the residual tremors and restoring a sense of calm. She concentrated on their words, allowing their supportive banter to ease the anxiety gripping her heart.

When an opportunity arose in their dialogue, she seized the moment, her voice steady and earnest “If you won’t allow me to heal you with my magic, please heed the princess’s advice. You need rest” She urged, her tone soft yet firm. “However, let me at least clean, treat and bandage your wound to prevent any risk of infection.”

As she spoke, she quickly opened her canvas bag, revealing an assortment of supplies: rolls of fresh, sterile bandages, clear bottled water, and a small jar of healing balm. Each item was neatly organized, a testament to her preparation and care. She hoped he would see the concern and sincerity in her eyes and allow her to help him.

Linked
@c3p-0h @Qia @Dark Light @Fetzen

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Aurora Halliwell

Eye of The Beholder

---

After savouring the lovely conversation she had with Daphne, Aurora stood, with a warm smile reflecting the joy of the moment. She was entranced by the performance unfolding before her—a dazzling display of music and movement that seemed to wrap the room in a magical embrace. Suddenly, her reverie was shattered by the abrupt entry of a guard, who burst through the ornate doors, his face taut with urgency. The flickering candlelight caught the wild look in his eyes as he swept his gaze across the crowd, searching desperately.

The atmosphere shifted palpably, anxiety hanging in the air like a thick fog. "We need a healer! Now!" the guard's voice boomed, rising above the melodic strains of the music, slicing through the festive air like a knife.

Aurora’s heart raced in response to his urgent call. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, she instinctively raised her hand, urgency flickering across her features as she navigated deftly through the throng of spectators, her focus unwavering. “I can help you! I am a healer!” she declared, her voice clear and resolute, a beacon of hope cutting through the chaos.

As she drew closer to the guard, a surge of determination surged within her. “Please, take me to the person who needs assistance,” she implored, her tone steady and commanding despite the whirlwind of commotion around her. Without a moment’s hesitation, the guard turned sharply on his heel and sprinted back through the doors, with Aurora trailing closely behind.

Stepping outside into the dimming twilight, the cool evening air rushed to greet them. Aurora squinted as her eyes adjusted to the gloom, following the guard to a man lying crumpled on the cold cobblestones, his condition alarming and distressing. He was pale, the pallor of his skin stark against the darkening ground, and the pain was etched across his features like a grimace of agony as if he were engaged in a fierce battle with an unseen adversary.

Without a moment's pause, Aurora sank to her knees beside him, the fabric of her gown pooling around her. "Just breathe," she murmured, gently urging him to lie back, concern etched on her face. Her hands moved with practised grace, a healer's instinct guiding her as she began her examination, her brow furrowing in concentration. Each pulse that raced through his body felt like a quiet song of struggle, and Aurora’s heart ached to mend what was broken.

“Can you or anyone here tell me what has happened?” she asked, her voice soothing yet firm, cutting through the noise as she directed her attention to the man. ” Can you tell me exactly where you are feeling pain?" Aurora's focus was unwavering as she concentrated on the ailing man before her, her world narrowing to the urgent task at hand. Just then, a flicker of movement caught her eye, and she glanced up to see the princess standing nearby, her regal presence stark against the backdrop of chaos, watching intently with wide, concerned eyes.

Amidst the healing efforts and questions racing through her mind, Aurora felt a singular clarity: this man's well-being was her paramount concern, and she was determined to do everything in her power to help him heal.

@c3p-0h

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Aurora Halliwell

Eye of The Beholder

---

Aurora listened closely to Daphne and noticed that her words had made her blush. However, she chose not to say or do anything that would embarrass her further. Aurora observed that Daphne kept glancing at the door where she had previously escorted a man, which made her feel worried. Just then, she spotted the princess through a window. Aurora's anxious thoughts quickly shifted to excitement; she had heard so much about the princess.Wow, I can’t believe the princess is here, she thought to herself.

As soon as Daphne started talking, Aurora quickly shifted her focus back to her. When she heard the question, her expression changed. Taking a deep breath, she answered, “Wolves killed my parents while they were out gathering herbs. After their funeral, I tried to continue working at the clinic and the shop, but the memories were too overwhelming. So, when I heard about this village, I decided to move here and start a new life without them.”

Aurora chuckled softly at Daphne's remark about how overwhelming this place felt. In her mind, she recalled her old village—a bustling hub of chaos and noise that had been far more intense than this relatively serene environment. With a warm smile, she turned to Daphne and said, “They are starting repairs on my house now that the blizzard has passed. However, I will need help moving all the boxes I have here when it’s finished. Could I ask for your help, if you’re not too busy?”

Aurora suddenly noticed a strange man walking toward them. She felt an inexplicable attraction to him but couldn’t figure out why. Staying quiet, she listened, her mind clouded with confusion. Once the man had walked away, her thoughts began to clear. Hearing Daphne's comment, she replied, “Yes, he is,”but she blushed upon realising what she had said. Flustered, Aurora decided to leave. She turned to Daphne and said, “It was nice to meet you. I'm going to walk around and talk to some other people. Have a nice night, and I hope to see you soon.” With that, she turned on her heel and went to find someone else to talk to.

@PrinceAlexus

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Aurora Halliwell

---

Aurora felt a wave of relief wash over her when she saw the dark-haired woman place her hand on the man's shoulder. She felt even better when the woman began to escort him away. Aurora smiled and said, "Thank you so much, Miss Daphne." After that, she returned to searching for a closer spot to listen to the bard's music. As she glanced back one last time, she noticed that Daphne had indeed made the man leave the tavern.

As Aurora found a spot to settle in, she began listening to the music and quickly joined the crowd in clapping and dancing. While enjoying herself, she reminisced about her 16th birthday, when her mother took her to their local tavern to see Aldrick perform for the first time. From that moment on, she fell in love with his music. She soon felt a wave of emotions wash over her; however, it wasn’t sadness about what she had recently lost, but joy for the memories she still held.

Aurora continued dancing for a bit longer before deciding to get something to eat and drink. She made her way to a table, where she filled a glass with wine and picked up a small piece of pie. After satisfying her hunger, she looked around the room for a small group of people she could introduce herself to. Just then, she spotted Daphne in the distance. Aurora walked toward the lady who had helped her earlier. Upon reaching her, she said, “Hello. My name is Aurora Halliwell. Thank you again for helping me with that man.”

@PrinceAlexus

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Aurora Halliwell

Location: Eye of the Beholder.

---

Aurora sat down at a small, round table, she took a few deep breaths for a few minutes to calm her nerves and gather her thoughts about what to do next. She stared blankly at a flickering candle that was in front of her when suddenly she caught the sound of a familiar tune. Her attention shifted, and she turned to the bard performing across the room, a crowd of captivated listeners surrounded him.

A radiant smile appeared across her face, “It’s Aldrick! I can’t believe it’s him.” She whispered in delight. Her heart raced with excitement, she quickly stood up, smoothing down her dress, and made her way towards the lively group gathered around the bard, clapping along to the infectious rhythm of the music. As she made her way toward the crowd, a man she had encountered a few times during her stay appeared as if out of nowhere. She thought to herself, Great, not this guy again. She managed a small smile and said, “Hello,” Before attempting to continue on her way. However, he stepped in front of her again.

“Hi, nice to see you again. Fancy joining me tonight?” he tried to sound enticing, The way he looked at her, as if he was undressing with his eyes, made her skin crawl. Suddenly, she was struck by his overpowering scent, reminiscent of alcohol with a trace of sweat. Covering her nose, she politely replied,“No, thank you.” As she attempted to escape, he stopped her once again. Annoyed by his relentless persistence, she felt a strong urge to punch him but held back. She wanted to avoid causing trouble and making a bad impression. Looking around, she searched for someone in the crowd who might be able to help her in this situation.

She then became acutely aware of the warmth of his grip as he seized her right wrist, his touch both firm and unsettling. Before she could react or pull away, he leaned in closer, a coy smile playing on his lips. “Come on,” he said, his voice low and teasing, “don’t play hard to get.” The intensity in his gaze sent a shiver down her spine, making her heart race with a mix of apprehension and confusion. If she wasn’t in a tavern with lots of people around she would have floored him with magic but she didn’t want to risk hurting anyone else.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

The Apothecary of Dawnhaven

Location: Eye of the Beholder.

---

When Aurora arrived at Dawnhaven, the village was covered in a thick layer of snow, and a sharp, icy wind blew through the streets. On arriving at her new home and shop, she was told that it had suffered damage to its roof and that with the upcoming blizzard, repairs would be impossible. However, they told her that they had sorted out a room for her at the cosy tavern.

Upon hearing this, she carefully made her way to the tavern. Upon reaching it, she parked and unloaded her cart. Aurora then took her horse, Storm, to the stable. After that, she went back to the cart and carried the boxes that were full of essential medical supplies, equipment, ornaments, valuables, clothing, and bedding.

When she entered the tavern, the owner greeted her. She would have never guessed that the innkeeper was a giant snake lady with a giant singular eye. Still, Aurora was respectful to her. She asked for help and was willing to pay for the room; they assisted her in moving her boxes to her room, with Salem following closely behind. Once inside, she began organising her belongings. First, she unpacked her clothes and placed them in the drawers. Then, she added a few ornaments on top of the dresser to make the room feel more homely. Meanwhile, Salem made himself comfortable by the fire, found a nice spot, curled up, and fell asleep.

After unpacking her medical supplies and equipment, she carefully organized a wide variety of herbs and other ingredients. She placed them on the table along with a small amount of her equipment. Aurora knew that the village would need a variety of remedies, as the coming blizzard had the potential to cause illness. She was determined to assist as many people as possible.

After she finished unpacking, she changed into something more comfortable and headed downstairs to get something to eat and meet some of the locals. She also wanted to let people know how she could help them and to ask the innkeeper if she could assist since they were letting her stay there for a long while.

Thankfully, the blizzard only lasted a week, and Aurora was able to keep herself busy, helping around the tavern and making potions and remedies to help people.

---

After the blizzard, the tavern planned to hold a feast. However, Aurora sat at her desk, making notes with a quill and ink, while she read from her parents' many medical journals and books. She was searching for new potions to create. As always, this caused her to forget about places she needed to be or things she was supposed to do.

Suddenly, she heard a knock on her door. Then she heard a voice say, "Miss Aurora, the feast is about to start. Are you still coming, or have you got lost in a book again?" Aurora quickly closed her books and answered, "Yes, I am coming. Just getting ready. I won't be long. Thank you."

She was fortunate to be only partially dressed as she prepared for the evening. Her light blue dress, with its elegant long sleeves that flared out from the elbow, accentuated her figure. The skirt of the dress stopped just below her knees, and she paired it with sleek black tights. As she adorned herself, she carefully fastened her black corset, using the mirror to ensure that she tied it securely and perfectly. Once it was tight and secure, next came her shoes.

As she sat in front of the mirror, she brushed her hair and swiftly braided two small sections from each side of her head, connecting them at the back, just like her mother had shown her. She sighed, remembering all the times her mother had helped her with her hair. As she left, she petted Salem and made her way out of her room. She descended the stairs slowly, trying to make a good entrance, on reaching the bottom of the stairs, she looked around for a table to sit at as she was nervous.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Aurora Halliwell

Aurora Halliwell

Age: 20,

Height: 5’7,

Eye colour: Sea blue,

Hair colour: White,

Build: Curvy, Acrobatic,

Appearance:

Aurora has fair skin and long white hair that cascades down her back to her hips. She often wears her hair in a long braid, half up half down or in a ponytail. She has both of her ears pierced. Her outfit is quite simple, consisting of a cloak that covers the top part of her body. For her upper body, she wears a dress with a white top and it’s neckline sits around her collar.

Her midsection has a purple corset-style design, and the bottom part of the dress is a black lace skirt. The skirt is longer at the back, extending past her knees, and shorter at the front, above her knees. She wears black tights underneath and pairs the outfit with lace-up heeled boots and lace fingerless gloves.

Race: Human,

Kingdom: Aurelia,

Role: Healer / Apothecary,

Magic: Healing, Earth, Fire and Light,

Short Bio:

Aurora was born into the Halliwell family, who were merchants known for crafting and selling potions for healing and remedies for various ailments like nausea and fevers. They also provided healing services at their small clinic, which had a connected shop. During missions and expeditions, they would offer their services to the local town. Her family consisted of her father, Alistair, and her mother, Penelope.

As a young girl, she was filled with boundless enthusiasm, eager to absorb every detail about her parents' work and their mystical abilities. Her insatiable curiosity did not go unnoticed, as some of the villagers also took notice and began to impart their magical knowledge to her. One fateful day, while deep in the woods behind her home, she fervently practised her earth and water magic, she was suddenly interrupted by a faint mewling sound. Startled, she instinctively followed the sound, searching through the nearby bushes until she discovered a tiny, injured black cat.

She swiftly and tenderly gathered the tiny bundle and brought it to her parents. They guided the frightened Aurora through the necessary steps, and with her healing magic, she nursed the small cat back to health. Subsequently, she pleaded with her parents to let her keep the cat. Though initially hesitant, after two weeks of caring for the cat and nursing it back to health, they relented. This marked the beginning of Aurora and Salem's bond.

A week before her 20th birthday, both her mother and father ventured deep into the dense woods in search of rare medicinal herbs. However, as the hours passed, they failed to return. Distraught and worried, Aurora sought the help of some villagers to search the woods. Leading the group to the area where her parents had been searching, the grim reality that awaited them was beyond anything she could have imagined. Her parents had fallen victim to a brutal wolf attack. Overwhelmed by the horrifying sight, Aurora fainted. When she came to, she found herself back at home, lying on her bed, with her loyal black cat Salem nudging her awake.

After her parents passed away, Aurora took over the clinic and shop. However, the happy memories kept reminding her of the grief she was feeling. So, she decided to gather all the resources and money she could, sell the clinic and shop, and begin a new life in Dawnhaven. She travelled there using her parents' cart and her horse, Storm, with her cat Salem snuggled up to her as she set off for her new life.