Dezuel

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Gadez Paladice

"Hnn...hnn... I do not judge a book by it's cover, neither by the title, the condition of the pages or how reviled or praised it is by others. What matters the most is what it contains." Gadez said in a soft tone, walking up close to the bars that separated the two and looked into Zeph's hazel eyes with his own ghostly blue.

"A bastard of Auric hm? I am certain there are others which would make such a preposterous claim, but why in the world would someone like -that- man repeat his mis-steps of the past? When that little thing has no doubt kept him sweating at nights. Did that child perish in the fire... or did he light it himself to elude him?" The blonde man chuckled, his gaze and body unflinching.

"The truth is often sought, but once presented with it, could you tell it apart from fairytales? A bastard. What makes one such? Is it because of a birth outside of wedlock?" Gadez asked as he allowed his blonde hair momentarily fall over his eyes, shade falling over the top part of his face.

"But there's another meaning of the word." He leaned in closely to the bars and lowered his voice.

"Hybrid." He said in a hushed, if not abit dramatic tone of voice.

"You are too harsh on yourself, you are not daft, but are clever enough to see the truth and aid yourself? We shall see..." He looked upwards, his hair moving away from his eyes momentarily.

'So that foolish boy decided to attack Amaya? As I suspected, he couldn't take no for an answer. But she is now missing? How you spoil a prisoner with the latest news, Zephyros.' The gardener thought to himself as he lowered his voice.

"Indeed. If there would be an attack upon the princess, I would think he'd be the one. As to our connection? I tried to have him unhand the girl, much to his displeasure. But the princess in her youthful pride decided to lead said boy away, arm in arm If my memory serves me right. Accompanied by her palehaired female friend, two guardsmen by the looks of it and... a little kittycat." He chuckled at the last part before blowing some air out of his mouth.

"Looked like they were heading away from the inn, towards the outskirts perhaps? Not to worry, I already alerted my younger brother, Flynn of her situation. That was before my rather eventful meeting with the champion of folly. Hahah... but now we are here, right where the pathways in the maze of life has led us. Fortunately for you Zephyros, I have something you need, and you have the key to this cell and may have me released from here. Question is, are you willing to make such a bargain?" The blonde man smiled and went over towards the wall, looking up at the window far above.

"Get me some parchment and some coal, and I may draw the face of that boy upon it. To be able to provide the face of the princess attacker so early on by a guardsman like yourself may earn you not only prestige. But perhaps a rise in rank amidst your peers, but the favor of the prince and princess for aiding in capturing that young fool too. Coming to think of it, it's very...convenient of said... self-proclaimed champion of Aelios to seal away a man who knew about all of this, wouldn't you say? Perhaps you've ought to bring her here just to be safe that she didn't orchestrate this attack I hear the adjacent cell is even more welcoming than this one. No better place to make ones prayers in neither. Such solitude. Barring the temples." He spoke in a shrewd manner, but couldn't help but snicker at the end, while tapping his temple with a finger.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

"Fortune favours the bold, and our darkened world needs all the fortune it can get. But I am, what I have to be. Zephyros then? Curious name. But I suppose the wind has guided you here for a reason. Each soul within these walls play a part in a grand play, which shall determine the fate of this world. You may think it mere ravings of a madman, or you may indulge yourself in the possibility…" Gadez softly spoke as he walked slightly closer towards the bars separating him and Zeph.

"Guts hm? We all have them. When it comes to self-preservation though, none is more adept at it than the King of Aurelia. I pray that Prince Flynn has inherited that part, but not his heart. There's many curious traits in that bloodline though, sometimes the apple falls very far away from the tree. Perhaps to someday become a tree itself with apples of it's own? The prophecy isn't quite what it seems to be. Then again? How many things are? Could you discern the truth from the lies?" The blonde man chuckled, and dragged his right index finger along the bars as he walked.

"Despite how well barred something is, even at the smallest of gaps, things can slip through. However, you need not worry that I would somehow break out of here. I put myself here at my own discretion. I'll let you in on one of a few reasons, as you seem to be a good listener. Earlier this day a boy approached the princess. Darkhaired and dark-eyed, hungry and with quite the gaze. One can only wonder what intentions he had in mind. I know his ilk, the kind whose overly eager to prove their mettle against other wolves, but what if said wolf was growling at a bear? A very sly bear." Gadez allowed himself an amused smirk as he pointed his finger at his forehead.

"That boy will no doubt come looking for me, and what better place to trap a wolf, than in a cage... with a bear. If said boy will not give chase, then I am not at a loss. For I have free lodgings and my other reasons keeping me well placed in the chapter which we all find ourselves, Zephyros the breeze. Including people who seeks the dangerous knowledge which some would label as... truth." He momentarily turned around, his gaze over his shoulder as he walked around the cell, throwing a momentary glance at the small barred window of the cell far above.

"Now to your question... what is Dawnhaven? It is a trap, but also a staging ground. To the two kingdoms, a loss of an heir would be reason enough to wage a just war. But what if you could in the same stroke as you lose your golden beacon, also have the opposing kingdom attack the place to subdue the growing threat. That is the blightborn. Neither kingdoms' citizens would feel at ease knowing there's a wolf den in their backyard. Would you let your children out to play, knowing fully well what's out there? People can easily be ruled by fear. It has been a thing of the past, and will always sadly be a part of human nature, to fear that which we find foreign... obscure... anomaly." He blew some air through his mouth and stretched his arms slightly.

"If Lunaris attacks Dawnhaven and Prince Flynn dies, then Aurelia will not only have remnants of Dawnhaven on it's side and a weaker Lunaris, they will also have a reason to see the kingdom of ice and snow… burn. Aurelia however will not attack Dawnhaven unless Dawnhaven itself manages to eclipse Lunaris. Thereby becoming the larger threat. I find it highly ironic that the weapon which Aurelia relies upon, the blight, is the same weapon which may cause it's undoing." He allowed himself a laugh and set his blue eyes on Zephyros.

"My loyalty lies with Dawnhaven ultimately. Regardless of what it may think of me. Because the blight, despite the pain and suffering spread across our world, has done the unthinkable. It has allowed people to see past the two sides of the coin and realized that there's an edge to a coin too. And now we are standing upon it, hoping that it will grant us the future, that neither warring goddess would let us have willingly." He held his hands behind his back as he gave another smirk, taking a moment to pause before continuing.

"If the sun returns to how it were, with either kingdom as the ultimate victor, we would be all thrown back into the endless loop. The wheel of time. Only difference is that all blightborn would be destroyed, either by the return of the bright skies or by people who will not accept them. They claim they seek a cure for the blight? The cure is already here under their noses. Acceptance. Like one has to accept that nothing in our world is truly eternal. Not even the divine. What does matter in the end, is what you lived for... or died for. In my case, I am here to make certain that Dawnhaven will prevail, no matter what ending that is awaiting. But that is what makes life thrilling isn't it? Not knowing the truth from the lies." He quickly turned around, his hair swaying in the air as he almost took on a sinister facial expression.

"The lynx in shadows silent, keeps a hidden truth… it softly weeps. The heart of alchemy it holds, the secret turning stone to gold. With eyes that shimmer brighter still, It guards the key with iron will. An oath written in ink upon the skin, a mark of death and father's sin, an olden secret kept within. For all whom lay eyes upon it, has the knowledge to turn the stone to gold." The gardener almost chanted, like he was reciting some text from an old tome.

"Hahah… ahh… now imagine if someone like yourself were to simply drop a key. Now that would be a certain way to make a particular champion very, very sour. Quite tempting isn't it? Well… accidents do happen. I am certain my younger brother would understand once he finds the time. Hopefully he found the princess in time." He chuckled and went over to sit on the bed in the cell, crossing one leg over the other.

@The Muse

Realms of Sun & Shadow

It was with amusement that he watched how Dyna's eyes displayed clear disdain for his words. He had seen eyes like this before back at the monastery whenever he openly mocked the fellow monks for their faith in Aelios. It felt like a lifetime ago since he had first stepped inside those stone walls, the jail he was now finding himself reminded him abit about it. It even had it's resident faithful follower of Aelios.

'Guard your heart better girl, lest your true enemy shalt rip it from you, and none other be to blame for it than you for displaying it so clearly, knowing fully well you tread a pebbled path… I suppose I've ought to know.' He closed his eyes momentarily, then opened them as someone else entered the vicinity.

A guardsman by the looks of it. It had been awhile since he had the pleasure of conversing with one, seemed like things were going quite well indeed.

"Hnn...hnn… Cold? Not as cold as some other people in this darkened world of ours. Yet even the coldest of things can melt when subjected to the right kind of tincture. I also have no interest to impress that girl, it's more about leaving footprints where the lynx has strayed. For sought after it is, for the secret held within it's paw. To turn stone to gold." The blonde watched as the enchanter entered the vicinity aswell, casting some magical runes. Soon enough he felt the difference all around and even within him. An anti-magic field. Gadez allowed his finger to trace the outline of his tattoo before reaching for his shirt and starting to slowly put it back on.

"Ahh yes, Aelios granting such radiant strength! Especially to your sister which has to put up with you. In addition to her... condition." Gadez gave a mocking smug smile to Dyna. Then he waited until Dyna had left before addressing the newly casted warding spell.

"Oh? My my… it's been awhile since I felt that little tingle. Would had been a shame if someone lost their temper and threw a spell in here indeed. You are wise to ward it from such things. But there are far more dangerous things in our world than a spell or two. Though I must say I find it curious to ponder just how that ward interacts with magic that is abit more… primal. But I am certain we'll find out once a blightborn steps within this place. A pity you cannot put up a ward against folly, for that champion seems to carry it like a torch, to be blinded by the shimmer light is as dangerous as being out in the darkest of night." The blonde chuckled softly and brushed off his pants as he rose to his feet, walking over to one of the stone walls of the cell, leaning against it.

"I do not deal in threats however, but promises. A threat can be made by anyone and people typically tend to not follow through on such, a promise however is something people are more inclined to keep. Regardless of where the path may lead. Hahah...hah... Ahh... but the girl is correct on the other thing, I do like to converse. I would however like to add that it isn't just me whom you should be wary of, for the world which we live in is quite overflowing with honest looking smiling men, eager to place a dagger in your back when it is most suitable. Learn peoples true nature and you will be a king amongst pawns. Unfortunately for the girl which just left, she is one whose only able to step forwards, she has unwittingly gifted me three boons aswell. Said boons however, I am afraid I cannot share with you." Gadez placed a finger before his lips and smiled with his eyes closed.

'A book deemed to dangerous, for the grim truth kept within is usually hidden and locked away. For what seeker of truth could ever resist the temptation to look for it? Now when someone has left crumbles upon your doorstep, leading you towards the hidden glade where the lynx has strayed. Go fetch the Prince, little champion of the goddess, lead him right to me. Let us hope that he found his precious other half and the wolf did not prevail. Oh said wolf will no doubt come looking. So many guests and no cake to offer. Oh well, cake just make you fat anyhow.' The gardeners eyes wandered over towards Zeph.

"There is no man more wicked, than a man who may tell between the truth and lies of this world, and choosing to either do nothing at all, or help spread the lies. King Auric dons this mantle well as does the clergy. Pray tell, what is your name guardsman? What has driven you to this haven of the damned? Do you realize what this place actually is? Most of the populace here does not seem to know..." The blueyed mans eyes set right at Zeph's. "I go by the name of Gadez Paladice. A humble gardener and occasional performer. An obvious danger, as you can see." He pressed off the wall and made a butler-like bowing motion towards Zeph, his almost ever present smile on his lips.

@Queen Arya

Realms of Sun & Shadow

He was pleased. As usual this was the most favorable result.

His dearest friend, the prince was now setting a cunning trap no doubt, clearly the prince wanted to have some glory of his own. Ayel couldn't help but to nod in agreement with his own conclusion, for there was none better to properly judge his outlook on things than himself. And by some miracle aid from Aelios, the raisin-looking barbarian would be lord, Lord Coswain and the abominable cat-man had decided not to press their luck in pursuing Aelios most chosen child. Him.

He felt abit relieved, he would have hated to have gotten blood splatter on his precious coat just because of some ruffians. No, that would definitely not do. But what would do, would be to go into his new cozy home-in-progress, uncork some good wine and eat some food in the warmth whilst knowing those good for nothing guardsmen would be running around looking for the barbarian people's princess.

But this was of no concern to him. As long as he was in a good spot and his fellow nobles and the prince were well, everything would work out fine. Dawnhaven would become an Aurelian city in notime. There would be statues of him and Flynn everywhere, paintings, brands of wine named after them, instant successful songs about their exploits and riches. 'Ah coin!' The nobleman thought aloud for anyone able to pick up on it.

He was suprised however, that his return to the buildings had gotten as swift as it did, perhaps it was due to the great company he had on the way back. The best of company. He allowed himself a satisfied smirk and moved his troublesome lock from his face as he approached his mansion in the making. How grand it would be and the best vantage point in Dawnhaven once that despicable inn would be salvaged for some walls or stable.

He had hand-picked the right kind of wood, the most expensive and decorated he could find. He couldn't allow anyone to mistake his home for being just about anyone. He was an important and useful figure in the newly established Aurelian outpost.

Then he was rudely awakened from his thoughts as he heard chirping. Chirping? His eyes darted about. He knew those noises. It was those goddess forsakened small birds called tits. The kind which would fly about and chirp for hours in the early hours of the day. How he hated them. The despicable flying little primal things had the audacity to keep him from his beauty-sleep. He wrinkled his nose as he saw a bunch of them sitting at some outdoor decoration. Was his neighbour a sculptor? His eyes inspected the craftmanship of the sculptures. They were very well made. Quite exquisite. To the point he felt sweat forming at his forehead and neck despite being out in the cold. He momentarily almost felt like he was about to faint. He couldn't let his neighbour to have better decoration than him. Wait a moment?

The nobleman's eyes narrowed and he looked over the sculptures. They were statues! Depicting him!

'Well… my neighbour has certainly a talent for good taste. Hmm.. odd… that one seems abit famil-' Ayel's mouth opened wide in horror.

"AHHHH! Those are my statues! That's my limestone bust from the summer when I was twenty years of age! Get off that immediately you worm-devouring flying menaces!" The nobleman ran into his plot of land which was now filled with his precious indoor statues, and those pesky birds were now perching upon them, and making droppings, and feasting on who knew what at them! He felt dirty, and the urge to throw up as he tried to collect himself. But he knew that was easier said than done. He was a great man. There was alot to collect.

"Get off that! Away with you! Move!" He waved his hat towards the birds scaring most away but one really fat one.

"Do not tempt my patience you insufferable flying-pillowfilling!" Ayel raised his hand and channeled his light magic. A lesson had to be learnt here. He took aim and stepped forwards. The beam of light shot out at the same time as the nobleman's expensive boot, slid upon the icy patch upon which it had unfortunately found itself. The nearby birdbath was to be blamed. Those flying rascals had shaken off their feathery little disguises on the ground and deviously made a trap.

Ayel felt himself falling down into the snow with his back, seeing the fat little bird flying away chirping. It wasn't fair. But the ever-watchful, always aware and adaptable nobleman didn't have time to think about it as the arm of the statue had been taken cleanly off from his statue and was falling down towards him. It landed right next to him. A sigh of relief. And then horror. He had maimed his own statue. No. That filthy animal had made him do it. He could almost feel the snow melt below him as he was fuming, he got up to his feet quickly, cursing and cussing and grumbling, kicking some nearby snow away to momentarily vent. Then his eyes wandered up to the once flawless statue which was now missing an arm.

'Ahh.. why me? Hm? Now when I look at it. It does bring a little artistic feel to it without the arm. Oh yes! I am the right hand man of the prince! I can still salvage this. I shall take this arm and give it as a present to my dear friend, he will understand it's meaning no doubt.' He placed his hat on his head and then allowed a slightly satisfied smile on his face. This was not a time to give in to despair after all. There was much work to be done and he was in the main role. Rightfully so.

Ayel reached down to pick up the lost arm and then wandered over towards the door. "But wait a second- I clearly gave those witless idiots clear orders that all things would be put inside. To remove the critter's grime from them will take weeks. Someone will have to answer for this!" He said aloud and now with renewed anger opened the door into his home.

"Who is the thickheaded pigsty-born goatfarmer who disobeyed my-" He began as his ever judging eyes set into the main hall, where there now stood a round table with six chairs around it. Not only that but there were people sitting in them. His workers. His builders were having a pause in their labor. The sight shocked him and left his mouth gaping and his eyes widened. He had not given them permission to have that, or to defile his fine furniture with their unwashed and uncleanliness. Then to his horror he saw something which made the hair on his neck stand.

"Fair greetings to you brother dearest~"

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" The nobleman's cry was loud and he quickly went out the way he came, slamming the door behind him and he felt his heartbeat thud in his chest, his breathing fast and heavy, he grasped at his neck to pull down the collar of his shirt. He couldn't breathe. The stinging pain in his throat from his rather undistinguished cry of terror. He leaned his back against the door.

'What is she doing here?! Why now of all times?! Arghh! Wait… this is my home!' The darkhaired man shook his head quickly and gathered what courage he had in his body and swallowed deeply as he opened the door and set his eyes on the builders.

"Get. OUT! Get out all of you! Out! Out! Get out!" He moved forwards fast as the builders quickly stood up from their chairs and gathered their belongings and excused themselves to Anora and scurried past Ayel with hasty steps. The nobleman felt how his face was getting warm, had one of his veins just burst? He was erupting.

"What is the meaning of this, sister?!" Ayel yelled loudly and pointed to the builders leaving and then to the assortment of tea and cookies and- dirty plates? They had feasted in his home while he was away!

"Ayel, brother dearest, what is wrong this time? Calm down, there's not need to yell like that.~" Anora said as she took a sip from her teacup, holding unto the matching little plate with her other hand.

"What's wrong?! Outside my home are my limited edition, my precious life-investments on display for the peasantry and used as perching grounds for some fowl flying flappers! And in here you are doing -this- with commoners?! Why must you hurt me so? Have I ever truly done anything to deserve this? Class mixing is wrong! It's as wrong as the prince marrying that vicious snake-tongued barbarian or giving some coin for charity!" Ayel lamented loudly as he put his hat on a hanger and his coat soon following. He then took a few moments to breathe and lean forwards with his hands on his knees. He had to collect himself. A noble was always to show control and refinement. And he knew that deep within he was the most refined of them all.

"It was I who told them to leave the statues out there. I was thinking you would be happy in allowing the citizens of Dawnhaven to look at them while you are not around? Don't you want to be admired, brother dearest? How can they admire them if they are in this building?~ Besides I was the one who invited them for tea and some cookies. Sadly I couldn't offer them my own brand of tea or pastries this time, I haven't had the time to make that just yet.~ Why is class and wealth so important to you, Ayel? Do you really think that coin alone makes you noble?" Anora asked and put down her teacup and plate on the table, her expression serious and with a stare so fierce it made the nobleman freeze at the spot.

"I- I- Of course I think- I know we are better, but not just because of the coin, it's heritage, it's history… it's our blood! Ahh…? Letting the commoners admire my finely made statues? Hmm… I can see how that could spark plenty of jealousy. Mmm.. yes… I think you may be unto something sister dearest. I shall pardon your mishandling of my busts and statues this time. But I will not allow any more common rabble to defile the greatness that is to be a historical building in the future. Also why are your bags in my home?" Ayel glanced around and then met her eyes and he saw her smiling. She was smiling. She was smiling?!

"Oh... oh no, no no… I will not be an inn or a shelter for-" Ayel began but was quickly interupted by his younger sister.

"Would you rather have your sister live at the inn across your home? I think word would travel quickly.~" Anora smiled softly, and took a bite out of a cookie, wiping her mouth shortly afterwards with a napkin.

"You- You… I.. I have reconsidered. You are hereby required to stay at my residence, for I will not have it be known or be part of the local gossip that one of our prestigious family would be staying in a glorified stable!" The Marquess scoffed and crossed his arms.

"In that case, I shall make myself at home. Also I will be inviting two ladies for tea soon.~" Anora proclaimed and rose up from her seat, taking hold of her umbrella as she walked up near Ayel, putting the end of the umbrella against the floor with a thud.

"Careful! That wood isn't cheap! Ladies? What ladies? Nobles?" Ayel's eyebrow perked. Perhaps he could influence the local nobles to make a petition to the prince about good changes.

"Lady Aurora Halliwell, she is of an Aurelian merchant family. Also a friend of hers. Lady Storm.~" Anora giggled slightly at mentioning her two guests.

"Halliwell? Sounds awfully familiar. Hm. Very well. I permit you to invite some ladies. Goddess knows that we need every noble about to clean up this -mess-." Ayel waved his hand dismissively. "Now excuse me, I have some very important thing to do." He grabbed one of his finer bottles of wine and a glass and went away to sit down to drink some and look at the mirror.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

A loud whistling tune could be heard down the road leading to Dawnhaven, echoing throughout the nearby woods, scaring squirrels up their trees who look on in suprise and horror. Down the icy road comes a man clad in a red wide long coat and a scarf around his neck, two blades sheathed upon his back and another pair by his belt.

Twirling a wooden walking stick in one of his four hands another gripping hold of a bottle of rum neatly corked.

"Aye, here' be me! Nothin' in yer life is free, unless ye happen ta be me! Greatest pirate capt'n' ta roam the sea, ohoi tha' also me!"

He sang aloud in a cheery manner jumping into the air, slamming his boots together. Then he reached into his coat with his third arm, fetching a stolen tomato and taking a bite out of it before spitting it out in an instant and throwing the rest over his shoulder.

"This thing cannae be chew, me rather had me crew! Yarr harr didi da di! Where's da feckin' haven be? Me wish me had me oars and steerin' wheel, me busty wooden babe on the keel! Upon the helm me spot land ahoi, but where's me hat and tha' boy! Harr yarr di dadi!" He sang aloud without a care in the world on his way down the road until he laid eyes upon it. The gates of Dawnhaven.

"Are ye bloody pullin' me great pegleg! 'S a shipwreck disguisin' as an 'arbor. Tha' place needs more rum than me got or a big left hook in the right place!" He popped the cork of his rum bottle and took a swig from it then jammed it shut with the same plopping sound it had made whilst opening it.

"Ye ain't blowin' the wind out' o' me sail that easily! Now where the feck were me? Oh ye!" He clasped his two free extra hands together as he began to clap them in rhythm on his way down the remainder of the road, resuming his loud singing and causing any nearby squirrel who had gotten halfway down the tree to scurry back up again.

"Yarr hi di darr! Where the fecks' the biggest star? Me precious jewel sank ta the bottom o' the sea, but better than ta walk the plank fer me! Yarr da di harr! Yay! Me like to plunder yer pretty chest! Almost as much as the rest! Yer evenin' went from good to bad, when ye realized there were nay more booty ta be had! Yarr hiddle di harr! Me couldn't know tha' wife were his, me made off with more than a kiss! Yarr di dadi di!" The former captain whistled loudly as he cheerily approached the gate, twirling his wooden stick made into a cane.

"Ahoi landlubbers! Fairest o' backwind ta ye good gentleguards! Captain Claret Carneylus Crown at yer service! That's four 'C's and there's a double 'V' on the Crown name! Tha' lad who scribbled down tha' ol' wanted poster should be flogged fer gettin' it wrong! Imagine if someone got the wrong capt'n, then where would me be? Either way, me came here ta tell yer highnesses that tha' famous captain, handsome, treasure seeker and seducer o' married women is now a changed man and wants ta enter the fancy haven an' be a pillar o' yer community!" The red eyed captain and men amongst men slid his bottle of rum into his coat and tossed his makeshift cane to the side.

"In case ye haven't noticed! Me be now a feckin' four armed bandit! Without tha' bandit part of curse! An' ye need all the 'elp ye can get aye? Four extra 'ands are better than none aye? Heave ho! So be a good bunch o' landlubbin' mates an' let an ol' misunderstood pa o' starvin' kiddos a place ta stay? Think o' lil Slimjim who needs his pa ta send coin home ta his legless ma!" Claret placed his hand on his chest where his heart would be as he did his best acting show yet, even managing to squeeze out some fake tears from his eyes. He knew those free acting tips by ol' Shamshow would someday come to be of great use to him. Just how smart would those guards really be after all? They were guards for a reason. Besides he was now a changed man, having left his supposed criminal life behind him. Well… most of it. Parts. Some. A bit. Perhaps it was best to not dwell on it too much.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Anora had given Aurora a last smile before heading out of the stables and continued towards her brother's carriages home in progress.

'Well she was very nice. I hope my brother dearest will not mind a few guests in his home~ I wonder if Storm will fit into the doorway? Only one way to find out~ Fufu~ I wonder if there's anyone selling alchemy supplies here? I wouldn't want to wait until Ayel opens is store~.' Anora smile beamed as she headed over to see Ayel's workers carrying furniture and what seemed to be statues of her brother into the newly erected building.

"Fair greetings to you all~ I am Anora Raunfeldt~. I trust my brother dearest has been treating you all well? Oh and no need to bring those heavy statues indoors, you can put them over there by the bird bath. I am certain my brother would appreciate knowing the birds have something to perch upon." She smiled and walked closer to the workers.

"Your ladyship… huh...ahh… will do. We shall put the remaining nine statues outdoors then…" One of the workers stated with bated breath as they made their way over with it towards the bird-bath.

"Milady, your brother, Lord Raunefeldt had us work through the blizzard to complete the building… we lost one of our men during the storm." Another worker lamented and allowed his head to hang, as he wiped away some tears that were starting to form at his eyes.

"This is awful!" Anora said aloud, stepping forwards looking both determined and fierce. "Ahem. You are hereby forbidden to work during dangerous weather, I shall personally talk with my brother about giving you all a raise for your hard work. I am truly sorry for your loss, I will talk with my brother about altering the terms of your work schedule. You have my word." Anora raised her head and stabbed the tip of her umbrella into the ground as if to make a point.

"T-thank you, your ladyship!" One of the younger workers clasped his hands together and they looked at each other abit more filled with spirits.

"If anyone would be willing to help me move in some chairs and a tea-table into the building that would be kind~." She said softly, softly stroking a strand of hair behind her one ear, raising her umbrella to rest it against her shoulder.

"Leave it all to us milady!" An older more gruff worker chimed in and with seemingly renewed spirits they moved towards Ayel's carriages and began to bring in things which would normally not have been the highest priorities on Ayel's own list of things.

"Sometimes I really wonder if he really has a heart in there anymore. What happened to my smiling older brother who liked to play with his dolls and go with Flynnie on adventures? The whole matter with titles and extravagance has gone to his head. Maybe… maybe I should tell him. No... I couldn't. He would be furious. But then again if he keeps this up he won't have a single friend left in the world. Maybe I could invite some which could perhaps befriend him?" The young noblewoman pondered, and threw a look down on her golden ring.

"Family is the most important things we have after all. Isn't that right?~" She gave the ring a sad smile before going to help the workers to carry some furniture into Ayel's new home.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Ayel had nodded his noble head quickly, or as quickly as his grace would allow him. Too roughly could hurt his delicate neck. But the prince had also noticed that the big oaf was being suspicous and had left the task in the hands of the most capable person around. Him. It didn't matter that he was the only other person around, it was that his bestest of friends had carefully taken in his observations and was believing in his story. If the prince believed in it, there was no reason for him to doubt his earlier observations. All thanks to having drank the far purer water in the Aurelian homeland compared to the defiled sewage that those northern mountain apes were used to consume. If it wasn't due to what they ate or drank, then it had to be something about their blood being outright superior.

The noble allowed himself a satisfied sigh.

'Do nothing without his say so? When have I ever failed you my dear friend.' He thought as he had nodded conspiratorally with Flynn.

'Finding the princess? Not this again. I bet she put some witchy curse on him.' The nobleman nontheless gave a determined nod and followed Flynn, choosing to take a moment to bicker with Valthyr. He couldn't let some filthy good for nothing barbarian get the last word. Oh no no no.

"Well you were made to be sweating, you are a worker, I am someone whose made to direct you creatures. This make-up is of top quality, much like myself thank you very much. I also have you know this skin lotion costs more than your house, in ten years you will look like a raisin, I on the other hand will retain my beauty. Like good wine… Mmm yes. I am of a great year. I would love to have you admire my splendor in ten years time, but judging by your lifestyle and lack of… well… to be fair.. everything, I doubt you'll even live that long." He laughed softly into his hand, for he had been raised to not openly laugh at others unless helped. Especially not people like this man. He barely even considered him human.

"How dare you accuse me of being useless, you inbred ape-born imbecile- I am talking with you, where do you think you are-" He had watched as Valthyr headed behind a tree to seemingly alter his shape into a wolf.

Ayel swallowed as he watched. He knew it! He knew it was true! This was the culprit! He had turned into a wolf and attacked his own. But… why was he getting so worked up over some barbarian dying? It meant one less useless ape to feed. And if the princess would be found dead then the prince could get married to someone better.

It dawned on him that perhaps it wasn't such a bad thing after all. Maybe despite being an overgrown dimwitted barbarian, he could be of some use after all.

He followed Flynn nontheless, while keeping not only one, but two noble eyes on the wolf-man.

'It's that crocodile woman again. Well, well well… and the wretched raisin man. Lord Coswain? This bearded mountain-raisin is a lord? Preposterous. It's like slapping a fine sticker on a bottle of mead and sell it as expensive wine! Wait a moment... these three are more or less all beasts. It's a larger conspiracy. Blightborn or not, they are working together to kill the royals! I must do something. I am too well invested to lose my friendship with the royal family over some peasant rebellion.' His thoughts had wandered, he didn't know what to do next. There could be more of them hiding around, maybe underground like rats in a tunnel!

'Situation at the temple? What situation? Is there something going on in the temple besides that beast tamer bathing his beasts? Don't tell me the clergy of my dear Aelios have been compromised? Or is his highness speaking of the Seluna sacricifial site?' Ayel's eyes wandered from Valthyr, then to Kira, then to Coswain and lastly to Flynn. It left him with a horrible realization, there was a very crucial part missing to his observations. He reached down into his belongings and pulled out his handmirror and looked into it at himself.

'Better.' He thought and then slowly put it back down again, even if it was a struggle. Now was sadly not the time for pleasurable sights and dreams but to stop an ongoing plot against his bestest of friends.

Then the prince had dropped a cart of gold on his head. The wolf before their eyes was no real wolf but an illusion?

'Impossible! I should be able to tell! I am the master illusionist! How is this possible?! ARGHHHHHH! How infuriating! How in Aelios bright brassiere has that loathsome worthless oaf of a man learnt to use that kind of magic?! How has he been able to do that sort of thing without- Oh goddess preserve me. How did it escape my notice? I am supposed to be able to tell. There's somethin clearly rotten about this, some sneaky underhanded cheating!' He grinded his teeth together as his face grew more and more red and his eyebrows furrowed, the veins starting to get visible on his otherwise pale and smooth face. Not only had Valthyr managed to deceive him, he had managed to anger him, and anger would lead to wrinkles, and wrinkles would lead to looking less graceful, and looking less graceful would lead to less praise, and less praise would lead to- It dawned on him that he had to suppress the immense rage filling up inside of his noble vessel before it would boil over.

Then Flynn set his eyes on him and suddenly he felt the prince's gaze on him. It was stern. Ayel quickly dropped any sign of anger and then as Flynn spoke, another feeling came over him. The prince had shown great care for him. Value! Appreciation! Care! His bestest of friends was worried for his safety. It always had managed to get him in a better mood when people were thinking about him. He felt the familiar butterflies in his stomach, the same kind he would get from watching peasants slip and fall, or when he had intentionally bought up all the pastries at the bakery to watch the kids look into the windows and see nothing. But… he had to make sure that he wouldn't be seen as a coward. He had a reputation to uphold for his noble family. He couldn't have anyone to spread slander that the powerful, wise and influencial Marquess was a coward. No he had to show his bravery to the less important and to his bestest of friends!

"Your highness! I am well aware of the danger of letting -rabid- and -wild- creatures roam about without leaches! But your care for your friends and family always make you stand out amidst the common rabble, truly your father's son. Fret not for me, I have been taught by the best to handle situations such as these the best, I shall go and do my outmost to keep everyone important safe!" Ayel made a bowing motion to Flynn, but gave each and everyone else a glare each, before raising his nose and swirling around on his feet to walk away in hurried steps. But cautiously looking over his shoulder.

'I need to get out of here! These wild beasts could attack at any moment! Goddess know what they would do if given the opportunity to assail me. I will not have my coat ruined because of some illusion-peddling fraud, some orange looking menace and some pretender lord who is most likely dead before summer. No no. I must return to my home and oversee the situation from there. Hopefully the prince will be able to lure these dumb creatures into a trap. He's Auric's son after all. Oh your majesty! We need your army right now! This is all your fault Faldrin, why didn't you suggest paving the road to Dawnhaven with peasant labor, the travel times would be much faster.' He lamented before he heard what Coswain said.

He wanted to escort him. Oh no no no.

'Ohohoho. I am Marquess Ayel Raunefeldt, I was not born yesterday! I know what you are up to. You are trying to gain my trust like a sneaky mountain-weasel and then attack me together with the mindless oaf. Well think again!' He gathered his courage, which didn't take much time considering the amount of it he had.

"I-I am going without your -escort-, I am a respectable and powerful mage, a highstanding and wealthy noble, I cannot be seen with t-the likes of y-you people! Away with you! Shoo! Don't come any closer to me or you'll regret it!" Ayel quickly tried to make his best attempt to make a run for it. 'These troglodytes better think again if they think me foolish enough to believe them! Hah! They are most surely the culprits! Not this time you insufferable inbreds!' He mentally chanted as he ran. But what if he was wrong and the real slayer was still out there? Nonsense. How could he be wrong? He was literally raised to always be right. Like a customer at a store. Always right.

@The Muse@PrinceAlexus@Fetzen

Realms of Sun & Shadow

The blonde man's ghostly blue eyes had opened the moment Dyna had grasped his wrist. He wasn't going to resist being led away, when he had all in the world to gain by simply following the stream momentarily. It had not stopped him from giving Tia one last glance however, softly nodding his head slightly towards the direction of the bowl of soup before giving her a wink with his eye. Then as Dyna had spoken he suppressed a laugh as well as he could when he heard her speaking about fate. He had to almost bite his lips together to not outright laugh aloud.

'My fate was decided a very long time ago. As were the fate of several others.' He had thought as he walked, giving Ivor a soft nod in greeting upon sighting the giant of a man, a slight upturn at the corner of his lips as Dyna had once again uttered Aelios name and that she were a champion. He however had to admit there was no need for a doctor, for there was no cure for folly, but the passage of time.

To be out into the cold air was not as pleasant as he would have wanted, while he had stayed for some time in Lunaris, he was Aurelian at the core. He very much prefered warmer places. But the situation had demanded him to go where he had now trodden. Dawnhaven was after all the last hope for the world as far as he was concerned. That was where he needed to be. Not only because it held the precious stone which he had been tasked to look after, but because of his own wish. It didn't take long for Dyna Soleil as she now introduced herself to some guardsman, seeking directions.

'Oh goodies. It seems our dear champion is in need of a guide. Hm. I suppose Aelios isn't in a fond mood to enlighten her of the way. How very unfortunate.' He thought and then couldn't help but smile as she mentioned her status as Aelios' champion for the third time.

'Threats against king Auric. Well… it's more like a promise but fair.' He mused in his head as he was being led away.

"Thank you for finding the time to provide me with a room, dear guardsman. Free of charge too. How generous." He said in a soft tone of voice, which had a hint of teasing to it. He left it at that for the moment and inspected the cell room. He had seen worse things. Most of them had been temples or graves. Paintings of Auric. Bards.

"My my, you seem abit weary and thoughtful girl, I take it the little walk didn't exhaust you?" He said as he looked out from the cell at Dyna.

"Do you even know what cause you claim to champion? Like a noble flaunting their wealth, title or social standing, you wrap yourself in that banner like a blanket, believing as long as you wear it you can ward off any attempt to simply show. That underneath it, you are bare and afraid." Gadez gave a smug smile and unstrapped his breastplate in the cell, carefully placing it on the floor.

"How many have voiced their desire to see Auric dead? How many have wanted the same for Jericho? Believe what you wish, but there is no way to avoid the truth that those two men and the clergy are the two biggest reasons why those like your twin are hunted down like beasts. Don't believe me? Take a trip to either capitol and find out what happens when a blightborn waltz into it." The vexing gardener chuckled and pulled his hair back with one of his hands, before inspecting his wrist, as if looking for something.

"But worst of all, you do their bidding like an obedient puppy, just whose life do you think you are living? The life these puppeteers made for you or your own? How long have your mind been clouded by the milk offered by the clergy as the only truth? Whatever oaths you may have sworn, you are relieved from them the moment a king, order or priesthood behaves dishonorable. I wonder, will you bring the clergy your twins head if they asked you for it?" He asked as he leaned softly against the cell wall, his smile momentarily not there. His expression now serious, as if he was speaking about matters concerning the very fate of the world itself.

"I may be caged indeed, but this is a physical cage. I was born and raised in one. But as for you girl, your cage is a mental one that you have forged for yourself, and the only one who can free you is the one which put you in there to begin with. Yourself. So what is it you see in your reflection? Perhaps you've never even dared to look, dreading what you may face. Better face it sooner than later, time can sometimes be... unforgiving. When it comes to fate, mine was decided upon before you were even born. Perhaps I closed that one door to open another, but if I did, would you even be able to tell? Little eavesdropper. I am a gardener, it is my work to plant seeds, nurture them to grow out of whichever ground they are planted beneath. Then someday they may grow into a tree which shall yield fruit aplenty." He spoke now in in a slightly more mocking manner, his disdain with the goddesses and the clergy showing. As was he now with his chest, as the man unbuttoned his shirt and took it off, putting his muscular chest on display with the dark red tattoo over it. The circle with a triangle within it and within said triangle was a square which held another circle. The blue-eyed man traced his finger along it's circular outer form before going down his abs, his middle finger tracing down to his belt, before his hand rested at it. His thumb on the inside. His other hand found itself resting on his waist, he gave Dyna a mocking smile before he reached down to the floor and began to do push-ups, followed by some sit-ups as he continued to talk.

"Congratulations are still in order, little girl. You successfully managed to temporarily swap guard duty at the temple for guard duty at the jail! Well done, well done! Must be for the view hm? Aelios must have wanted to reward you for your blind devotion, you need not look further than your sister to see just how much she truly appreciate her faithful. Maybe she will gift you the elusive ability to smile next, I think you'd be quite cute in it..." He offered a smug smile to the side as he did his sit-ups.

@Queen Arya Dyna Soleil

Realms of Sun & Shadow

"I am glad to hear you are feeling more light of heart, the best way to ease a heavy heart is to speak from it~." The young woman said in an encouraging manner and followed up with a slight tilt of her head to the side.

"A precious pendant then. Keep it close to your heart, family is important after all. The most important thing to many~." She held up her hand, looking at the golden ring on her own finger. "Yes, ever since I received it, it has never left my finger. It is my only memento of where I truly come from. I appreciate your willingness to lend aid, but such information is very difficult to come by. You'll be careful too okay?~" Anora courtisied to Aurora, softly raising her skirt a slight bit with her free hand.

"Please to where may I send the invitations to? I shall be staying at my brother's residence it is by the looks of the carriages and the workers just straight ahead of the inn. At least that is what I believe it is. The feeling is mutual Lady Aurora, I will send you a letter as soon as I have informed my brother~." The black and blonde haired young lady smiled, her dual-coloured hair softly flickering from the doorway to the stable.

"Til next time, and to you aswell milady Storm." Anora smiled softly, her intense blue eyes setting at both Aurora and Storm, before she turned around to bid her leave. Lingering just long enough to hear Aurora's replies. She now had to find her brother and bring him the good news that his establishment would be hosting a tea-party. Whereof he wanted it to or not. Perhaps she should invite a few others? Perhaps some of the less fortunate inhabitants? Her thoughts fell on how her brother would react to such news. She did vividly recall the last time when he had thrown a big tantrum about family history, Aurelia and... she couldn't even remember the amount of words spilled from his mouth. It had been like a fountain, a very angry fountain.

@BlackRoseSiren

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Fortune favours the rich and beautiful, Lord Stormlight having joined them was making Ayel feel more at ease. Like three wise men seeking to educate the thickheaded. Prince Flynn, Lord Stormlight and the humble but still the greatest, himself. Nathaniel did bring up some valid points which Ayel nodded his head quickly, making the good Aurelians living in Dawnhaven feel worry would not be good. Ayel had giddily rubbed his hands on hearing Lord Stormlight so aptly mention morons screaming about those disgusting blightborn attacking.

If there would be any gossip, it would have to come from a reliable and noble source. From three Aurelian men of refined class. Not some moronic tribal creatures. Who knows what manner of damage those Lunarians would allow to befall Dawnhaven if they would look away for a single moment.

"Lord Stormlight is correct, we cannot allow some fools to wave about false rumors. It might affect our plans for this settlement." The always considerate, kind and otherwise lovable Marquess then was then greeted by a noise which screeched in his ears. It was that infuriating woman again! What did she say about his mother? He could have sworn she had said something vile and barbaric. The finely clad noble wrinkled his spectacular nose with a sign of clear dislike. Well at least she was keeping a distance from him. That was good. He would hate catching some kind of ape-sickness.

They were all guilty. The oaf woman, the witch before them and the lumbering giant man. Did she just say Lord Coswain? Where had he heard that name before? He was certain someone had uttered it. But for some reason… it made him feel a bitter taste in his mouth. Then the giant of a man had the sheer audacity to disturb him in his very important thoughts. The words uttered made the nobleman blink hastily as if he was having trouble believing what was being said. Not only was he asking what the nobleman deemed to be foolish questions, but he was also having the gall to imply that he would not tolerate being interupted.

"Of course I believe in us being of far nobler blood. I am a Marquess for Aelios sake, and that's the Crown Prince, my dearest of childhood friends and over there Lord Stormlight, who is very important too. I'm sure? Of course we are superior. But do not worry, you big slob of hair and sweat, I am certain you have things you excel at nontheless. Like digging in the dirt, feeding the pigs or I don't know… rolling with them? Are you listening to- What the-"

Ayel paused and gasped as he saw the huge man turn into a little cat. A fur clad cat no less.

'Witchcraft! Dark sorceries! Evil shamanistic bonepeddlers! Not a blightborn? That's just what a disgusting lying blightborn peasant would say! Surely my noble friends will not fall for this obvious ruse.' He thought as he watched the man now seemingly turned into a cat with a mix of horror and suprise. Then he felt how his right leg was twitching. He felt an immense urge to kick the thing. It wasn't animal abuse if he was blightborn or a peasant after all. But the damnable brute had swiftly turned back into his peasant shape again. Vile witchery!

Then it dawned on him. This man was the culprit. He had turned into a beast and killed the other barbarian.. and then snuck back to his clothes without leaving a trace of blood on himself! How deviously underhanded! He felt odd for a moment. He almost admired the intelligence shown. Perhaps they had some dormant part of their brain that would sometimes wake up with a single good idea in a thousand. It left the man who had thought them all to be completely brainless in a state of doubt. It had to be luck. No other explanation would do.

The always alert, always able and always reliable nobleman then let his perceptive perception to traverse the area, spotting footprints and the cat prints next to what looked like some clear barbarian footwear albeit smaller than the oaf and not seemingly of the same design as the witchwoman's. These had to belong to the damnable ice-witch princess and whomever had been with her. He knew it! He was unto them! The cat was a liar like all of those lying mountain-mongrels!

He had to inform the prince, but then-

Ayel's mouth stopped in it's track on seeing his bestest of friends hold up his hand, his royal hand. He knew this signal, it was done by royals when they wanted to command attention. The nobleman then understood what the matter was. His massive charisma and flair had overpowered his friend's presence in the company of those disgusting barbarians. He had not taken into consideration of his best friend's needs of having to display himself to his lessers. Ayel felt a sudden feeling of pity. It had to be difficult to be near someone like himself, even for a prince of such a promising bloodline. But being the good friend that he almost certainly were, he would sacrifice some of his charisma to allow his friend to also shine.

But he had to tell his friend about the devious plan which he had uncovered. It was hard to be quiet. He softly bit his lips together. He wanted to yell out his findings and point at the culprit, but what if they would then attack them? Of course he could defend himself, he after all practiced fencing and was a true master of magic, even if he saw it as a hobby. But his friend the Prince... and Lord Stormlight would be in harms way. While there was no doubt of the purity of their family trees, he was worried they could get wounded in a potential skirmish with these reckless barbarians after their disguises would be taken off. Ayel bided his time. He had to be silent.

While he had solved the puzzle, the others had begun talking about what they were going to do with the body.

'By Aelios who cares. It's a dead ogre. Just toss him into a ditch near the witch-goddess temple!' He gasped and softly dragged his hand over his face.

'What in the world would one learn by studying these lesser things anyway? Is Lord Stormlight looking for some kind of connection to the Lunarian blood and the blight?' It did sound like a plausible thing. They were guilty the entire bunch of them.

Ayel clasped his hands together on hearing Flynn's rejection, that the dead brute would be given a proper send off near the disgusting temple. Down into that ditch with him. The nobleman felt suddenly warmer. His best friend really had gotten to the same conclusion. Great minds did think alike and all. Then came the signal. He was taking the brutish cat-turning turncoat oaf with him and then said something which filled Ayel with great joy. He needed him to join them. His bestest friend couldn't do it without him. Wait a moment? Do it? His friend had seen through the lie of the brute! He knew what was going on, of course… they were both brilliant Aurelians which had drank from the same pure springs near the capitol. It had likely kept their brains from not rotting like the tribe that lumbering fool came from.

Ayel raised his nose into the air, straightened his back and walked up close to Flynn. Together like the old times. The ruler and his trusted right hand man. But what if his friend had missed some minor detail… he had to tell his friend of his findings.

"Psst. Your highness." Ayel said in a hushed manner, looking about, trying to make a little distance between himself and Valthyr.

"I noticed cat pawprints along some other footprints, which I suspect belong to your missing- half, this troglodyte may be the culprit. Saw how he changed his appearance? Very suspect. The injury on the dead… heathen? I think he did it, it explains the lack of blood on his clothes. It was a savage killing, so it is most surely this caveman." He said in a hushed but hasty voice, making his best to convey his suspicions and share his insight with his royal best bud.

"We can take him by suprise your highness, think of the news of how your highness caught the culprit almost singlehandedly. It would raise morale." He added in an even faster hushed tone, eager to spring into motion and shoot the lumbering huge man in the back with his magical powers.

@The Muse@Echotech71@Fetzen@PrinceAlexus