Dark Light

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Aliseth

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Guard Tower

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As Elio approached him through the snow, an unexpected figure since Aliseth left him in the tavern during lockdown, Aliseth's gaze briefly flicked up to the guard who only just now was visible in the tower.

He need do nothing to express his disappointment or frustration, it made clear in the tone of his short sharp call
"Soldier!" He beckoned the guard to him while eyeing the out-of-place mason.

As Elio approached and started taunting him, Aliseth only offered a growl as the man start to poke him."Don't touch me!" He hiss softly in an ignored warning.

As he took the berating his face was statuesque, stoic, an unresponsive mask. Except for the calm, cold anger that seemed to always be burning in his eyes. Jaw clenched, he listened to Elio's words, letting him speak, he listened to his breaths, watching his eyes.

There it was, a shifting in glance over his shoulder. Aliseth followed his gaze adding a slight natural twist to his form. Quicker than his lips could form a satisfied smile, from the other side of his body Aliseth drove a fist up at Elio's strong jaw. A short sharp hook. Despite not leaning into the attack or even pulling back for momentum, doing nothing that would give away his intentions, the guard still mustered a surprising amount of force and speed, striking like a viper.

"Your antics were cute before but now you're just being rude and intolerable." He kept his eyes on the mason but flicks his head towards the tower, gesturing in the direction of the other guard. "I wonder, was it rejection or an inability to perform that has you so worked up." He taunts, knowing Elio has not been here much longer than himself.

Standing tall, Aliseth was not in a fighting stance but his weight had shifted and he slightly angled himself towards Elio. "I'm on official business and if you hinder me any further I'll be forced to have you arrested." He informs him loudly, that sharp authoritive confidence echoing in his voice along with perhaps just a hint of arrogance.
"As if you even could." He whisper with a sly taunting smirk to Elio and Elio alone.

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_{Interactions: Aliseth Kain @Dark Light, Charlotte Hawthorne @SpicyMeatball, Eris Hightower @The Muse Elio @c3p-0h}

Realms of Sun & Shadow

@The Muse

Aliseth

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Town

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He raised a calming hand and offered a soft smile. "Lady Hightower, a pleasure to serve you." He said, before giving a quick sharp bow. "I ask you take a deep breath and slow yourself down. You are safe." He assures her, voice confident and soothing. His eyes remain locked on hers. There was a subtle intensity to his gaze as he search for secrets in those deep blue pools.
At mention of the princess his heart wanted to skip a beat, his muscles wanted to tense with anticipation, his face wanted to show his concern... but none of these things happened. He was a master of nothing if not himself. He would get an update in due time.

"To the temple and back." He muses aloud. "That is some distance. It will take a time, a time not on my path. I'm sure if the priestess is there, she will be safe." he commented. A steady pause filled the space between them as he seemingly continued to asses her, noting the desperation. "Hmm." He murmur as he further contemplated the request. His will to aid weighing up against his duties.

"For what reason does the prince and princess require the priestess so urgently? What cannot wait until after lock down?" He enquire. His head ever so slightly tilted to the side as thoughts weighed by the curiosities within it and his voice soften just a little along with his features. "Why ever would they put such a beautiful, intelligent and important creature in harms way.." The question seemingly more to himself. "Do you carry any proof of this royal errand?"

Realms of Sun & Shadow

@The Muse

Aliseth

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Town

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" "

Soft gentle flakes of snow drifted down from the dark heavens above. Aliseth could feel them melting against the bare skin of his up-turned face.
The sky was extra dark this hour, while he knew it likely due to the clouds he could not see, it felt more as though it was because the doors and windows of heaven had been closed off to them. The gods and their messengers were not watching, no help was coming. They were all alone.

Aliseth was not an overly religious man and put little faith in the divine, but the feeling was real and the loneliness hit him hard like a physical force. It took the air from his lungs as it seeped through his body like a poison. Multi-layered, it sunk to his core. He was not unacquainted with this feeling but familiarity did little to dull its bite.

Blaming it on the ale, he took a deep breath and swallowed it all down. It had been a day and fatigue was undoubtedly setting in. He smirk at the sky, condescendingly mocking himself for his moment of weakness, and just as he turns his head down a single bright star births to life in the sea of darkness above.

Turning his mind to duty he look down the road. It had mostly been cleared as the other guards ushered off any remaining stragglers. Flittering through distant torch light Aliseth noted a figure hastily drawing near. Moving to meet the suspicious female he noted she wore a fine dress under her coat and by all accounts had the appearance of nobility.

"Halt." He spoke with a measured balance of authority and respect, calling for her attention as he drew near. He offered her a kind smile. Her blue eyes an easy point of focus.
"Sorry m'lady. I must ask you return to your lodging. There has been an incident and a short curfew enacted as a precaution for everyone's safety."
After a moment allowing that to sink in he followed up with a question, mentioning nothing of the bells she surely heard or the rush she was in but leaving that curiosity unsaid yet clear in his gaze.
"May I enquire as to your destination and the matter of business that takes you there?" While still standing tall, his voice was softer now as if in casual conversation.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

@c3p-0h@enmuni

Aliseth

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Tavern

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Aliseth was striding towards the exit of the tavern. A slight sway to his rigid careful steps. His path following that of a large barbarian who conveniently cleared the way. Aliseth had seemingly misjudged this Elio. Where he thought he saw concern, worry and a need to know of his friends fate, those indicators quickly dissolved into nothingness as he instead sat and talked to that monstrous looking blighted. She was more monster than human and had the nerve to hold herself with a sense of aristocracy. He recalled the way it had spoken down to him, taunted him. Aliseth had seen street rats beaten to near death for less. He knew he could have, should have, and probably would have punished her if it wasn't for Zeph. And where was Zeph anyway? Yet another of this creatures victims?

Before he reached the door, the bards made an announcement and began entertaining the tavern. Aliseth's thoughts were too dark, heart to cold, feelings too numb, to embrace or enjoy it. Sadly, there was a time not too long ago where he would revel in such things, a time not in uniform, when princesses weren't missing and a hunt wasn't out for a murderous blightborn. He watched a nearby table dissolve into drunken merriment as they were caught up in the tune on the air.

Aliseth let out a sigh and carried on to the door, never looking back. Before leaving, his hand balled into a fist as he clearly yet softly articulated a sentence no normal hearing could pick out amongst all the noise. Despite its discreet softness it was filled with venom. "Nesna, the slightest slip up or hint of trouble and your head will end up a trophy my wall. I promise you that."
With that said, Aliseth threw open the tavern door, the rush of icy wind that hit him a welcomed awakening to his senses as he walked out into the soft snowfall.

The echoes of a bell toil in his ears and the remains of a dispersing crowd linger, chatting with heavy concern. He straightened his back, lift his chin, and for most part deliberately went out his way to be found by questioning eyes, sure to inform any curious, worried citizens that a blight-born was eating people.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

@c3p-0h

Aliseth

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Tavern

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Aliseth crumpled back onto his seat, the momentary shock turning into a flash of anger as realisation set in. It took a bit slower than usual due to the alcohol but it was definitely there, along with the faint hint of a promise 'You will be sorry for that'.
The anger however never manifested, instead transforming into a cold amusement as he gaze at Elio with a subtle smile. Intrigued eyes studied the masons face as silence stretched out. He took it to the cusps of Elio's tolerance before making a show of looking about and leaning forward to cautiously whisper.

"I.. I can't say any more. But maybe... Yes. I can help you find out for yourself. Go to the temple. Tell them I sent you to help identify the body. If you are quick, that should do it."

He nod solemnly as he let out a sad sigh, acting as if he had just done Elio some great big favour. "Wait, could you identify him based on his body alone?" he add in earnestly. "Oh never mind. You must get there quickly if you want to know." The sense of urgency real on his whispered words.

Again, he went to stand, watching the placement of his stool this time.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

@Theyra

Valgo

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Tavern

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Once again the barbarian was slow to reply, his sharp eyes remained trained on Desmond but his focus was seemingly elsewhere. There was a slight shake to his head as if he was disagreeing with something unsaid.
"Aye." He suddenly reply on a deep breath. A presence in his eyes once again.
"Some 'blight born'-." he mimicked the way Desmond said it as he looked down at the plate. "well they can eat food just like you 'en' I."

Looking over his shoulder his gaze flittered across some of the obviously blighted patrons. "It won't... it won't." He look back to Desmond with a puzzle look on his face, fingers twirling in the air as he flicks through words in his mind.
"Keep them going and alive." he eventually blurt out, opting to use a sentence in place of a word he didn't know.

"Not all need food either." He says knowingly, dropping his knotted muscular arms on the table as he gets comfortable and ready to school his new business acquaintance.
"Sure some eat blood or flesh. Others, they'll drink your 'veska' soul. And...." He raises an eyebrow and gives a little grin. "You find a hungry hakdeesha, well, then you a lucky man." He chuckles softly to himself before pushing off the table and coming to stand to the sound of his chair grinding across the floor.

With a soft genuine grin he looks down and says.
"Good to meet you. I will see you again soon. Yes?"

A new guild

Balenof’s scowl deepened as his gaze locked onto Gabs, her words hanging in the air like a gauntlet thrown. The room seemed to hold its collective breath, the tension palpable.

"Fair ladies?" he barked with a derisive snort. "I see one with a sword drawn and another with a mouth sharper than any blade. If you're looking for courtesy, lass, perhaps don't start by swinging steel in my tavern!"

He jabbed a finger toward Galen, his voice rising. "And you, golden boy, flappin’ your lips like you’re untouchable, stirring these louts up with your prissy insults. You think your words won't get you hurt? A man can only take so much before he forgets who’s who in a brawl."

His attention snapped back to Gabs, his tone harsh but not without a hint of begrudging respect. "As for thugs, these fools don't speak for me or this tavern. But if you're looking for trouble, you're bound to find it with words like those. Now, sheath that blade and settle this with fists, or I’ll settle it myself—and trust me, you won’t like my way."

The towering man in the background crossed his arms, a faint grin playing at his lips as the crowd shifted uncomfortably. Balenof’s presence alone seemed to temper some of the chaos, but the threat of violence still lingered in the air.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Aliseth

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Eye of the beholder

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Aliseth wasn't sure how he was supposed to respond to this unruly man. His taunting words light and filled with a familiarity that Aliseth couldn't reciprocate. He felt those Amber eyes on him, and the scrutiny in them. The thought of explaining why he couldn't remember him was even more tiring than the strangers antics. Besides, he wasn't quite sure who he should be trusting with that information just yet, but it definitely didn't feel like it should be this sly character before him.

He reach a gloved hand out to squeeze Elio's shoulder, as if he could physically halt the man's thoughts, while with his other hand he tip back his mug and finish off his drink in a few large gulps. He took his time, let out a little gasp, ran his sleeve across his mouth and then finally turned and locked eyes with the mason, even offering him a soft little smile.

He gave a firm little squeeze before thoughts finally formed into words upon his lips. "Just what are you running from... what are you so afraid to face?"
His hand slid from the masons shoulder and came to cup his cheek.
"We all have to grow up eventually. Even handsome devils like you. Grow up while you still have the chance."
With that he pat the man firmly on the face, something between a nurturing tap and a firm slap. Instantly turning away back to the barkeep, Aliseth leant over the counter so he could speak softly to Sya, but not so softly that Elio and Nesna couldn't here him.

"A guard was murdered earlier, I'm sure word will find your ear soon enough though. We have reason to suspect a blood-sucking, psychic, blight-born. I trust in these dark times we can put what ever grievances we have aside and think about what's best for the town. If you here anything, anything at all, bring that information directly to me or deliver it in writing to box two two eight at the messenger post."

He then sat back and straighten his armor. "Thank you for the drink." He gave a nod to Sya and then Elios before standing.

@c3p-0h@PrinceAlexus

Realms of Sun & Shadow

@Theyra

Valgo

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Tavern

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"It's a DEAL!" he almost roars excitedly, bringing his big meaty hand in to seal it. But just before clasping his iron grip upon Desmond, he first looks down at his open palm and spits in it, creating a slimy little pool of saliva in the grooves of his tough leathery skin. "Don't you worry, I'll to right by you trator if you get me my things." The words like a promise, spoken seriously as he tightly grip Desmond's hand.

Sitting back once again he glanced around, noting many with obvious blightborn features. His thoughts ran away as his eyes set absently upon the bat and the snake. It almost seemed ha had forgotten about Desmond but just before he could say anything he turned back to him.
"How about you Desmond Wafen the Trater, are you -" his voice goes softer, and his eyes grow focused.
"Tal'kasha khol'vra dohan?" ...
"Or as your people say it, Bighted? I don't have the words, you use so many... Rat? Walker? Shell? Leech?" He sounds and looks a little bit genuinely confused. He scratches at his thick beard as he rolls his lips a bit.
"Too many strange words for those on Gifted soul path of warrior." he decides. His gaze going curiously back to the interaction at the bar.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

@PrinceAlexus@c3p-0h@enmuni

Aliseth

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Between a rock and a hard place

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""
A low tired groan escaped from between the guards dry lips. He didn't even turn to acknowledge the Lunarian mason beside him. Impatient fingers drumming across the bar as he spoke. With pursed lips he remain silent, choosing not to engage in that verbal sparring match. Instead his eyes were focused on the serpentine cyclops behind the bar, unable to keep his inquisitive gaze from examining her peculiar form. He had heard of the tavern owner but never had he met her before, not that he could remember anyway. He had seen people transformed by the blight, but never to this extent, and yet somehow, she moved around so casually, freely, carefree.

Letting out a soft sigh he reply with a kind smile. "One drink will not see me drunk." He assured her with a little nod, "And you have my word I'll all too gladly arrest this man at first hints of a fight." There was a faint hint of joviality to his voice, even as his eyes finally veer away from Sya and land on Elios, carrying with them the weight of a promising threat.

Aliseth understood clearly what the blightborn meant when she said the commander didn't like her. It was likely an understatement. Surely the bias man had subtly done all he could to harass and even rob her of this dwelling. It was likely the same reason none of the guards had explored the avenue Aliseth was about to.

Drink in hand, he took a measured sip of the dark ale and was just about to call for the inn keepers attention when another caught it first. 'Her....' The sudden displeasure evident on his face and in the roll of his eyes. The blightborn's mere voice inciting a heavy grimace. With a quick glance Aliseth scanned the tavern expecting to see someone else, but not finding them he turned his back to the four-eyed, winged blightborn and unintentionally gave the smug stone mason his entire attention.

"Sorry, you were saying?" Aliseth hadn't enough groans or sighs for this situation and raised the drink to his lips once again. There was no measurement to his next gulping sip.