Dezuel

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Gadez Paladice

"A tax man is merely the tool, one cannot blame the tool for the wielder's use of it. Much of that which is gathered goes to the ones sitting upon their golden thrones, growing fat and fetid, yet always craving for more. Greed lies at the core yet again. Some of the gathered coin may go back to the people, yet whose gonna hear a whisper when there is a full blown parade of pompous puppets, showing off their latest material gains? But it would not suprise one such as myself, if a tax man would attempt to squeeze someone of abit more gold." He wasn't fond of the overdressed manner in which the nobles of Aurelia carried themselves, flaunting their material wealth about as if it was their banner and only thing that mattered. Perhaps he would have been like them, had fate not dealt him the cards which he still held unto. But he was appreciative to it, to not be so easily led into that pathway of endless greed and pretentious goodwill. Nothing was as sickening to him, as when the nobles, only noble by title, would pretend to care for the less fortunate to make themselves feel more elevated.

Yet was he immune to feeling good about helping the less blessed? No. No one truly was.

His mind wandered to the golden child, Flynn Astaros. Would he traverse the same wretched path of his father or would he deviate? No matter what, that young man would have quite the tough choices before him. Even more so when the the terrible truth would dawn upon him. Paladice couldn't barely contain his amusement, for he had waited for all these years for this moment in time.

But could truly the son be held responsible for the sins of the father? He knew the answer to that question already. No. He could not be held accountable. To have been forged into whatever the Aurelian king desired, a fate some might have dreamed of, not knowing what it would entail.

He had pondered on that very idea himself, would he had been any different had he'd been in that place? Most likely not. What would matter in the end would be if he would proceed on the path made for him, or carve his own. If chosing the former, he would share the king's fate. To free the world of all the chains which bind it and smash it all into dust, there was little room for hesitation. Paladice knew that he had to do it, for the sakes of all those whose already died, and for those which would come to die when the great clash would begin. He'd drive that blade of his into the king's wretched heart and look into his eyes, letting him know it was a result of his own sins. Would Flynn be alive at that point? Would he stand in the way? That part of the great story was yet to be written, even then the warrior-monk couldn't help but long for the moment. After all. What other reason did he have to even exist?

He was going to kill that man.

But patience was required. He had waited all these years, a little more wouldn't hurt. He proceeded to reply further to Sya.

"Tight purse, tight lips aswell then? Hah… good try. But can you truly tell a fake from the real thing? Can you discern what is real gold, and what is cat's gold? Both may look similar, yet only one glimmers. Were I to dress up as the prince and don a mask, leaping up on that stage over yonder. Would you be able to tell the difference, as to whom is firstborn of the sunking?" He chuckled in an amused way at that as he made a dramatic bow, followed by a slight spin, causing his blonde hair to swirl before settling down, it momentarily covered his eyes until he moved it back using his gloved hand.

"Much like gold. I certainly hope Prince Flynn is the real thing. Golden and shimmering. Many people have through the times sought a way to create gold itself, like some particular alchemists. Ever heard of their search of the stone of the philosopher? It is a legend, that there's some hidden formula out there to combine minerals to create… gold. Quite the curious subject wouldn't you say? However… would that be what people truly desire? And would they be able to tell gold made by such a manner apart from the rest? It isn't quite like cat's gold then." A soft upturn formed on his lips as his eyes wandered to the stage, a nearby torch causing his ghostly blue eyes to shimmer.

"As for gills? My my… quite the tongue you have there girl. Afraid there's no kissing booth here, nor any willing participants though to take advantage of it. But indeed I do like my pauses for a little drama, blame it on the circus for their uncanny ability to spellbind a crowd." He chuckled in a soft and amused manner before continuing on the subject that Sya had chosen.

"Tentacles? Claws? Tails? My my you are certainly a lively one, I suspect you would have made the blightborn in the kissing booth blush themselves to the afterlife. Hnn hnn. Perhaps tentacles would look good on you though. Imagine how many you could serve at the inn at the same time, providing ofcourse one can control all extra appendages. If like octopus ones? Quite the sucky grip, would never drop a glass nor lose at arm-wrestling. I prefer to be more focused myself. Hence my more limited amount in number of appendages. But don't let that deceive you, I am well armed. Hands included." He said in an even more amused manner. He hated to admit it, but the blightborn was quite the entertaining one. If not even abit unstable. Then again. He wasn't one to speak ill of the dead too much.

"So others get dirty by knowing what is in that mysterious box of yours? Either it is some less than favorable depictions of well known individuals or it's filled with mud. Just two of my guesses however. One could ponder the contents forever. Perhaps there's something in the box, or perhaps there never was? Who could truly tell when it is closed? I dare you to tell. Mistress Leela." He stepped forwards slightly and set his blue eyes at her, as if challenging her.

"While some thing are indeed part of ones past, one ought to not forget them. No matter if they are good or ill, for each things form whom you are. No matter how much one may desire a fresh start, to begin anew. To simply leave all things behind? The past tend to eventually make itself known again. There's someone out there who I intend to teach this very lesson to. That the past will catch up with you. Better to deal with it head-on with no regrets." He stepped back again, leaving Sya with more personal space.

"A kitty?" His eyes slowly wandered about for a cat, hoping he could pick it up. "A bell tower? That would be... noisy. Guh. As for the prince being just in time to be too late, that is very much a habit of those of such a standing. They grace us with their time, not the other way around." He said softly but in a matter of fact voice.

@PrinceAlexus

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Gadez Paladice

"You are armed? Yes, I can see you have two hands attached to them too. You are no fool, neither are you dull. Dead? Well that's up to debate." Paladice said in a smug manner, knowing that wasn't quite what she meant. But having been given such an opportunity, he felt the need to act upon it.

"You are a curious one, mistress Leela, you need coin, yet when it is offered you decline. There's quite some pride in you. As for being a blacksmith's daughter? Well, then you are a scholar of a more material kind, providing you learnt your father's craft. As much as I despise to say it, I think I picked up a few traits of my own creator too." As much as it displeased the gardener, there was little use in denying the truth. No matter how grim it would be. As an advocate of the truth, he wouldn't lie unless left with no other option. Even then a lie upon his tongue would feel ill. Like slowly becoming that thing which he truly hated with all of his being. He couldn't allow that to happen, nor fall into the same pathway. Greed was something natural, yet it was also something which Paladice couldn't adhere to. Those who grasped for treasure would often go down with it. He couldn't allow himself to share the fate of those fools.

"Ahh as for the kissing booth, it was not I who was involved with that mind you. But some unfortunate seeker of love. Passion. Lust. Or whichever label one prefer. The blight is a creation of mankind. It is like any other poison, it attacks mind and body alike. The end results and the effectivity may differ, yet it is at the core... a kind of poison. But while it is indeed a danger, so to are more subtle forms. A single man or woman, with a chosen set of words can sway the world if chosen well and the poison is sweet enough for others to devour it. It's how commoners rise to become kings typically. Or remain as such." He held up one of his hands as if feeling for raindrops, then he tightened it into a fist.

"And we'll do what we have to do, in order to continue onwards. Ahh and you've done your share of not nice things? Pray tell, did you switch out the holy book of Seluna with that of Aelios for a priestess? Such a thing would have been quite lively I'm sure. Or perhaps you decided to wash a cat when it profusely declined such a thing? Well whichever it may be, I am not one to pry. Yet a secret is a heavy burden to carry alone, eventually it'll eat you up from the inside lest you share it with someone." He smiled softly, and he readied himself to walk away from their conversation, as the more he had spoken to Sya, or mistress Leela as he knew her as. He had begun to understand just what kind of person she were. A dangerous one, but in a different kind than Kira. This one-eyed perceiver was the kind of person who would make up their mind in the present, never looking too far ahead or back. She could one moment shelter someone, and the next moment toss them out. He was certain of this. She was a much more unpredictable person, prideful, confrontational, wary and at the same time displaying signs of opening her core to strangers.

He was certain she would no doubt play a part in the great play, but what role? Now that was yet to be decided. She could end up being an ally, or a foe. It all would depend on if she would be willing to aid others commit regicide. The entire board had to be shattered, and all the pieces would have to reveal who they truly are for the game to end.

'When will you reveal yourself, golden child? Let me gaze upon the visage of the golden bird, handfed by -that man- since the start. Let's see if your wings will take you away from the future that has been decided by others for you, or if you will simply go with the flow… and accept it. Though some things are truly hard to accept, one may deny it with all ones being. But unfortunately… the truth is sometimes not as kind as the song which the skalds echo. One part of your destiny is to walk beside them, equally cursed and blessed. It is tragic, but it is required. You must die and be reborn as one of the blightborn, only then will the southern kingdom be unable to assemble their army. For whom would do battle against the shining son of the sunking? Perhaps such an affliction would even create acceptance. Yet the princess must not share your fate, for the one upon the icy throne must not be given a reason to move forth with the fear of his people aiding him. No king will win this game. But a prince just might. Even one whose unpure.' His eyes gazed over to the stage with determination as he thought to himself, he would make sure that no matter what neither kingdom would win. The stage had been set, rigged and the chessboard was ready and his role had been decided for ages.

'Watch goddesses, if you even exist. Behold as I play this world like a harp, until all strings are broken. And all illusions fade away and the prophecy comes full circle. Dance puppets drawn in by death...'

@PrinceAlexus

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Gadez Paladice

"The eye of the beholder. Where truth lies. Though perhaps you've ought to consider it as the beholden instead, as those whom stay there are no doubt filled with gratitude. Among other things. It would however be most kind if you were to check the availability of your establishment." Paladice said in a soft, yet playful tone of voice.

"You desire to be accepted by the people, yet ask for no trouble to come to your door? There will be a day when trouble come knocking either way though. Will you then be willing to aid those being hunted?" He asked as he drummed his cheek with one of his fingers, before stepping abit closer to lower his voice.

"If so build a haven underneath the haven, a temporary shelter with a tunnel that leads outside of here. Let none but your own kind know of it's existance in it's creation, for there are those within these walls which seeks for Dawnhaven to cease and your ilk to be hunted down and destroyed. Every last one. Gaze no further than to the ruler upon the frozen throne, for fear drives his herd. Would you allow your children out to play on your fields, when you know where is a den of wolves near? That is how these people view your ilk. And they would never understand what you see and feel, because people can only truly understand what they've experienced. An attack upon this place is unavoidable. Look upon the guards here already, no doubt they can feel the tension in the air. Dawnhaven is however a haven, a beacon for your kind. But it is also a well laid trap, a trigger for calamity to come." There was no doubt in his voice, his words chosen as if they had been forcefully fed to him from birth. Like it was the most natural thing to say. The blonde reached for a pouch by his belt, taking out ten coins and holding it out towards Sya.

"Yet like you say, people would like to start anew if given the chance. Providing they could. The labyrinth of life is a curious thing, where all traverse seeking that precious treasure in the end. Then there are those whom walk it, even though they know there's nothing for them in the end. Yet one cannot help but hope..." He paused and changed to a more jesting tone.

"I hear in some places they place coins upon the eyes of the dead for their travel into the afterlife, but in this case… that would be too many a coin. No offense ofcourse. But they are not for that, but a contribution towards making sure that the puppeteer beyond these walls will not have his wicked dream come true." He smirked in an almost sinister manner as his mind settled on someone he didn't like one bit. Nothing would even come close to comparing the satisfaction of ruining the master plan with one of his own. His mind settled on the chessboard in the distance. Fate had dealt him a bad hand, but all the more reason to backhand destiny across the face.

"Err… all the parts you need -right now-? Well, that is certainly making me much more at ease. As for how you are now stuck in a conversation with me? Must be my... undying charisma. A particular gardener secret." He chuckled softly, clearly showing he was jesting. Then he gave a slightly thoughtful expression to her question about the blightborn.

"I have seen many blightborn indeed, fought and slain some too. Albeit not within this place. My former associates were attacked by some feral ones and then sometime after my former associates returned from being dead into... dead and walking. Then dead again. Well, no need to feel discouraged by every little occurance I guess? I also knew one which was part of the circus travelling troupe, well that is before the unfortunate incident with the kissing booth. But that is a tale for another time. As for the current day? I've seen a fiery eyed lady here, quite sharp too. And then there's ofcourse that wandering torch over there and the girl with the serious fungus infection. No doubt there is... mushroom for improvement. Ahh.. and there's a guardsman with some afflict- No. He's just old. Then there's yourself ofcourse. The sightborn. I think that's all... -right now-." He added in a mixture of what could be seen as overly dramatic, threatrical and amused manner.

@PrinceAlexus

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Gadez Paladice

He kept his smile smug as he listened to Sya, quite a stark difference from Kira whom he had met earlier. Much like humans were. But that wasn't necessarily a bad thing, for the greater play which was about to begin, all manner of actors would be required before the final curtain would come down.

"Ahh.. the innkeeper. Well most surely your services are much appreciated by those coming to this haven. Afraid I will not be inspecting your drinks however I'll take your words for their quality, I prefer to keep my body and mind clear of any poisons. If you have any rooms available however, I may indeed seek such. Providing ofcourse you do not object. As for what you do in your private chamber? That is not for my perusal." He smirked at that, shaking his head softly, then changing his facial demeanor to a more serious one, his smirk disappearing completely.

"Loss shapes a person quite the bit. I would know that too, although I wouldn't dare to compare it with yours. Still you were given something despite the loss, that is more than many others can claim. Perhaps I find enjoyment in kindred souls? Or perhaps merely to converse with those whom wander the world. People are after all quite amazing." His face momentarily grew still as his memories of his old family home being lit ablaze, his mother's voice calling out to him and his father walking away as it was engulfed. Etched into his memory of the future that could have been his, but never were. There were no regrets to be had, for there was never a choice to begin with. At least that part was comforting.

"You are most likely right about the guards. Mistress Leela." He softly smiled again, but shook his head to the encore idea. "If a song is grim, ought it to be sung twice though?" He asked softly, his hand reaching up to his cheek, stroking a single gloved finger along it.

"Hah.. afraid the parts you speak of is not yours for the taking. Even with that height of yours. I do not doubt that you can defend yourself neither. A gardener such as myself is always needed as long as there's a garden that needs tending." He politely nodded with his head, his mouth still having a slight upturn at the corners.

@PrinceAlexus

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Gadez Paladice

"Hahah… oh my. Does my gaze unsettle you? I am surely not the first whose gazed upon your visage? Well, I didn't mean you were an orb, just that you possessed a quite big one. Your eye that is. It is not uncommon to have an eye refered to as such. Mistress Leela? Pray tell what are you a mistress of? A lover? Household? An animal? Well, whichever the case, you need not share that with one such as I. Unless you wish to. I value the sanctity of peoples minds." The corners of his lips turned slightly upwards on hearing Sya's words, he couldn't help but feel some amusement by her response. Not in a taunting way, but the bite in which she delivered her words was something which he found great pleasure in. This was someone he could surely bicker with. He choice of words also made the warrior-monk feel that she was surely someone with a more scholarly background, or perhaps someone in theatrics? That was something to be appreciated in a world currently drowned in darkness, he should know having been traversing the land with the circus years prior.

"Ahh vex you? Oh you've certainly caught me with your discerning gaze." He said in a playful tone of voice, placing his left hand by his waist after letting go of the chair. "Well, I suppose both of us are not exactly tall trees, I would consider standing on the chair myself, however I might just break it and I have no intention of woodworking another one as a replacement. Not as light as you no doubt. But yes. Petite. That wording may do. Oh and worry not, people can be upset about many a thing, the weather, the lack of sunlight, the closing times of the local inn… and so forth. Doesn't make people want to curse the sky or light the inn ablaze though. Though I expected you to be abit more thickskinned than many of the humans here, considering your unique trait no doubt drawing attention from those without the curse. Or gift. If you prefer to label it as such. Both could be correct. People are after all always wary and unkind to things they do not understand, because they've not experienced it themselves. As for court jesting? Not just yet. I believe the Prince is currently the one about to don the stage, albeit without the customary attire and likely not very jovial, if this mere gardener can part his opinion freely. Though I may consider performing some jests to you at a later point, would that be something you like to behold." He offered a butler-like bow to Sya, his eyes soon looking up from his bowing position to her.

"I'm Gadez Paladice, a gardener and traveller. Pleasure is all mine, mistress Leela. I take it you find Dawnhaven to your liking? It is certainly... unique." He straightened his pose as he ceased to bow.

@PrinceAlexus

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Gadez Paladice

Paladice had mused to himself as he left Kira's herbal store, the girl had proven to be quite the curious one. Her ability to listen, to perceive and to remain calm and not bewildered nor upset was telling him plenty. She was no ordinary herbalist concerned with making a living, then again could she really? All blightborn were dead after all.

Dead yet lingering, specters or shadows of themselves. Yet their curse was not a choice but thrown upon them, and the source which had defiled life had to pay dearly for its part in that. Deep down he knew who was most surely to be blamed, and he would rip out that ones corrupted and greedy heart with his own hands.

The stage had been set for the opening act, where people would begin to receive their initial roles. The performance of the play would ultimately be decided by the final act, and which one would wear their mask the best. No matter what hand which they had been dealt, what mattered the most was how they played their cards.

The presence of the guardsmen from Aurelia and Lunaris made him draw the parallel of having let in wolves amidst the sheep, yet with everyone knowing what they were. Those whose hearts had been swayed by coin or blind faith in either royal family, were just pawns on the great board, with no minds of their own, enslaved by their own doctrine. Caught in their own webbed coocoons spun for themselves, those people could not be reasoned with, nor saved.

Those whom would look upon either kingdom and state. 'This is fine' were equally guilty to the downfall.

Before the stage however stood many others. Some seeking a sanctuary, others seeking a cure. But there is no cure to death. If that is a fair label to put upon the blight.

It traversed the world like a swarm of locusts, consuming everything in its path. While Paladice did believe the goddesses to exist, he would never kneel bwfore them, never offer them a prayer. They were found guilty aswell from their inaction, but perhaps in their divine arrogance they thought that this was a plague unleashed by humankind upon itself, and therefor something for humankind to solve themselves. That was fine to him. He didn't need to believe in any goddess, he only needed to believe in his own abilities and the rest of mankind. Even in the darkest of night, a torch can be seen far, but only illuminate for those staying close to it. As far as he was concerned, he was to play the role of that beacon, guide the others through the dark, and then rip out the source of it all.

Even if it meant bringing ruin to the goddesses and those who drowned themselved in their written word, like a calf sucking milk from the poppy, they swallowed whatever would come out of it, praising it with all of their being. 'The gullible fools. Blind faith, there's no more dangerous nor foolish thing, to allow ones brainmatter to be guided by some promise of salvation by a higher power. Save yourself from such a submission. Those who bend the knee, will never be free.' He momentarily closed his eyes, smiling as he opened them again. His gaze wandering over the crowd of people.

Was Kira there? She should be. A girl such as her would be found in the back row, leaning against something, yet within earshot to see and hear everything. To Paladice, she was a dangerous one. In the upper achelons of combatants, the kind which was receptive and aware of the world around them. An adept of the mind. What was the girl behind her mask, she was no mere herbalist. Much like he was no common gardener. A spy? No. They would dig far more when provided with bait, their greed and urgency would cause them to slip early on. She had been trained however, no common girl would behave as she did. There were benefits in approaching people as he did, they would likely see him as a danger, but also likely a fool. Either was fine, as their reactions would yield to him facets of their own.

'The man who understand and conquer the hearts and minds of the world.... claims it.' He thought to himself, his gaze momentarily falling at a table at the back, two chairs set up and a chessboard.

The warrior-monk smirked and approached it, his hand reaching out to pick up the black king, putting it at the middle of the board. Then his hand reached to pick up the white queen, placing her on the square opposite of it.

His eyes playfully wandered over the rest of the pieces, before he gently toppled the black king over with a finger.

'It shall be curious to see if the tune of the song is the same this time.'

Paladice's eyes shimmered as a guard passed by with a torch. He soon took hold of the black king and the white queen and put them back in their place. Then after some consideration he reached out and swapped place of the black king with one of the white pawns. Before turning his attention towards the crowd, his ghostly blue gaze landing on a blightborn woman who bore a single big eye.

"If you blink you might miss the announcement. Miss o' the great orb." He said in an amused tone as he stepped abit closer to Sya, his left hand taking hold of one of the chairs by the chessboard, bringing it next to her. "Standing upon this you may see abit better amidst all these people whose imitating trees with their height, and no doubt also being as thick. Perhaps one ought to branch out to receive a better vantage point? A chair is made to sit upon, yet nothing stops one from standing upon it. I doubt your weight is enough to break it, with your lacking physical...weights. I woudn't worry." Paladice smirked.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Gadez Paladice

"The princess needs alot of things, a gardener amongst them. Whereof my skills in the garden can help her chosen rose bloom. Even in this harsh land, things perservere. In some cases one could even say it causes some to excel, to distinguish themselves amidst the rest. It is the law of nature that the fit survive, yet were one to simply be guided by that law alone, then one would become nothing more than a monster. Fret not of feeling like you are lacking in my presence, I am certain your talents are up a different branch. If you care for the preservation of your kind and of Dawnhaven, make your best to keep your supply steady. Yet afraid I cannot aid you with the gathering, I plant the seeds, yet I am not the harvester." Paladice softly spoke before continuing.

"Controlling the environment hm? One may attempt to do so, but should always be prepared that something may go astray. But you are correct, one needs more than just gardening skills to make this haven survive the coming storm. Thankfully I know just the method, providing there's enough space in said garden to grow what must be grown. I know my way around to aqquire food and shelter, yet I am no ranger nor huntsman of the forest, not a druid or a shaman. As for defending myself, well I think all beings possess some form of ability to defend oneself, the result of said defense however would depend on ones might and magic, skill and will, among many other factors, including what foe one would face. But people fight to live don't they? Even you in your condition chose to eat, whatever nourishment it is that you'll consume, you chose to proceed even though the road ahead may be barren and without promise.

It doesn't stop your wish does it? I wonder though… what is your wish? That very thing which makes you eat, that thing which pushes you onwards? You need not tell me, for it is not my business. I am not someone who forcefully defile another's private chamber of though. But to answer your question, I would say I can defend myself if the need arises." He softly mused, his eyes looking sleepy for a moment as they wandered over Kira again. His hand moved up to trace a finger along his breastplate, as if checking if Kira's eyes would follow it. He moved it down abit and then smirked, before withdrawing his hand.

"You are a capable one, perceptive, a listener, direct to the point. Calm. Most people would be unhinged by my words, some angered, others mightily confused, some even weary and unable to hear them. Or refusing to. But you are different, that I can tell. Well, I've ought to be on my way, we shall no doubt meet again, Kira. Never forget for whom or what purpose you struggle. Your focus determines if you'll reach the end of the maze." He said in an approving tone, his lips formed into a more relaxed smile. Kira was proving to be quite the calm and collected individual, she was clearly not just any herbalist that much was certain. The warrior-monk suspected that she may indeed be someone whose been snooping around, not quite a spy. But someone who had attention for detail, who listened and perceived things well. A professional in her craft, whatever it may be hidden under the guise of her herbal store. Perhaps some of the other inhabitants would shed abit of light upon it, after all if he were to play the greatest play ever played, then he would need to know what roles each one would have in the tale which was about to be written into the pages of history.

'Future. Some predict it. I inflict it.' He mused in his head.

@The Muse

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Gadez Paladice

"The road to the haven of the damned is a perilous one, even more so for the unprepared. A mere gardener such as myself must be well prepared with the right tools, would there be a need for some urgent weed disposal or planting of a few seeds." He softly stated, his voice collected and with a particular coldness to it.

"A liar? How you wound me, young madam. Your doubt will serve you well in this garden we call world... despite that... miscalculation. Where silver tongued leeches seek to drain you dry...slithering their tongues in your ear, where fawning priests flatter oneanother to eclipse the rumored gods in their blindness... where the most monstrous of fiends don the face of a celestial saviour, where all merchants of death seeks to pass unto you their poison.... you are indeed right to be wary."
Paladice allowed his leather gloved hand to slide his hood back as his voice took on a more philosophical, if not even theatrical tone, as did his body language. His arms and hands following every word uttered. His ghostly blue eyes looking not at Kira's face anymore, but at her posture and her body, inspecting it and her attire. His tone of voice changed once more to a more complimentary and almost playful one.

"They say the most beautiful of flowers are the most poisonous, that shall serve you equally well in your path ahead. Fret not the man who flaunt his intellect, for it is the one who dons the mask of a fool who is the cunning one. Yet I am afraid this humble gardener is neither of the two. Blessings and curses can varie quite the bit, and this wanderer has pulled the short end of the stick... almost as short as you. Kira. Short yet effective, think that summerize you well does it not?" He offered a faint smile, his eyes closing almost fully as he did. Knowing the locals would aid his plan for Dawnhaven, even if it meant conversing with some of the afflicted. While they most likely never asked for the curse, they still would bear responsibility for their actions. The warrior-monk allowed himself a thought of satisfaction of completely ruining -everything-. The woman before his seemed sharp, not just her smile, but overall. Perhaps she would prove useful later.

"I go by the name of Gadez Paladice, a newly appointed gardener to the young princess, and judging by the mess of this place, that is sorely needed. Besides one never knows what one may find whilst planting seeds in the royals private garden." He offered a bowing motion, akin to that of a butler. "Your garden wouldn't be in need of any inspection would it? Seems your stock is quite the varied package. Seems to have grown quite well too." He blew some air out his nose as he inspected a plant from afar, chuckling softly as he did, before his eyes settled on Kira again.

@The Muse

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Gadez Paladice

A man came wandering down the pathway, a long purple cloak over his entire form, shielding his armor underneath from view, yet his rare weapon of choice was sheathed upon his back neatly. His walk was steady, his pace slow as he observed the various buildings. 'Well, at least things are not burning. Yet.' He mused in his head as he inspected the various surroundings. 'An overly pompous barn. No doubt as pretentious as they are pious.' He thought as his eyes landed on the temple of Seluna.

"Ahh, nothing like the reek of cesspool in the morning. Guh." He said softly to himself as he passed by the tavern. Soon the doors to the herbal shop opened, hitting the small bell at the top to alert that a customer had just entered.

Paladice couldn't help but ponder the possibility that the blight may have it's root in this region, and if that was the case he would have to purify it. But for now there were other priorities, which would involve the prince and princess. He would have to get closer to them. Having not met neither one in person.

'The affliction cannot be magical nor god made. The gods if they exist would not sit idly by whilst a third would wreak havoc on their behalf, it cannot be magical neither for then it could be cured by the same kind. Therefor it must be natural or by alchemy. Perhaps there is some strange plant which causes the affliction, perhaps native only to this region. Perhaps underground or the mountains? I will find the source and-' The man pondered as his ghostly blue eyes wandered over the shop interior, scanning for any sign of taint. That's when he saw it, in the form of a fiery haired woman.

"They say if a flower falls upon the earth and dies, it shall bear life anew. I suspect some of that holds true, wouldn't you say so, oh blazehaired one?" He approached slowly, walking over to take hold of a water filled can used for watering plants. "Abit of water can do one well, but drink too much and one may drown. The prince of the dawned haven may have bitten off more than he can swallow, when all manner of beings swarm to the only seeming hope… or should I say light which they can cling to? Pray tell, what is it you see with those blazing eyes, afflicted one?" Paladice put the water can down and offered a slight upturn at the corner of his lips.

"Hmmm...mm... quite the little shop you have set up for yourself here. Afraid I do not see anything in here which I require, except perhaps your name? Providing you can share such with a mere humble gardener such as myself?" He rested his hand at his waist, revealing his armor underneath his cloak momentarily.

@The Muse

Realms of Sun & Shadow

A villain? Oh don't be so certain...

Name:
Gadez Paladice

"My name is the only title I ever need. What is yours? So that I may properly arrange your tombstone. Would you have some misfortunate… event."

Theme

youtube.com/watch?v=ptIzCforlRc

Age:
37

"Age does not equal wisdom, learn this as you wither, wretched old king."

Appearance:

Paladice (catbox link)

Paladice (Imgur link)

Youthful appearance for his age, and with a well kept body, built like an acrobat. No visible wrinkles, lacks scars. Has a tattoo on his chest depicting a circle with a triangle inside it, then a square within that and lastly another circle at the core. Clean shaven. Has ghostly piercing eyes, dramatically gestures with his entire body when speaking most of the time, speaks in a calm, soothing but at the same time quite cold tone of voice when relaxed or serious, and in a taunting or mocking one when in a more carefree mood or amused.

"Looks can deceive you, but I assure you, I will not."

Race:
Human

"I chose to believe in mankind."

Kingdom:
Lunaris (Aurelia formerly)

"Where does one truly belong though? They say home is where your people are. But what if you have no people? What then?"

Role:
Warrior-monk of the golden death. (Former)
Circus performer (Former)
Gardener (Current)

"Particular talents call for particular places to work ones craft."

Magic:
Healing (Adept level)
Psychic (Advanced level)
Fire (Expert level)

"Magic is impressive, but it's worthless if you don't have the will to wield it."

Short Bio:

He was born to unknown upper class parents in Aurelia, at the outskirts of the capitol. Yet became orphaned at a young age after his family mansion had caught fire. Leaving him the only survivor of the blaze. Thus he was taken to a distant monastery to become a monk. It became clear early on that he had a exceptional affinity for fire magic, which in turn caused the monks to send him further away to a more specialized monastery, belonging to an order of warrior-monks. Within stone walls he came to learn plenty. Sparring with weapons, hand-to-hand combat, reading about philosophy and history and many other valuable things, practicing fire and healing magic under older and more experienced magic users. Whilst the order of the golden death, the warrior-monks which he now belonged with was for the most part devout followers of Aelios, he was not. He refused to offer her prayers, especially kneel before her shrine. Not all things taught are heeded.

After many years his stay at the monastery came to a halt with the appearance of the blightborn. After an attack on the monastery by said blightborn, it was put aflame and once again it seemed like he was once more the sole survivor of an inferno. The Aurelian kingdom was looking for the rumored survivor to ask what had happened at the monastery, but to no avail.

Having already displeasure of the king of Aurelia, he left for the neighbouring kingdom of Lunaris, joining a travelling circus there, being the acrobat and fire display user of the group.

His time with the circus was a chance to see more of the world and meeting people, one of the circus crew, their fortune teller, illusionist and overall psychic trickery person caught his interest. He came to learn the basics of using psychic magic, however he almost completely disregarded it offensive wise, chosing only to use telekinesis, the rest of his focus went to defend against that very type of magic, to break illusions, form a telekinetic barrier, or to prevent people from prying into his mind by magical means. Whilst his fire magic wasn't as effective as it used to be since the blight affected it, it was still a mostly offensive form of magic he wielded, to use more than one to that degree felt like a waste to him.

At a later point he was introduced to an elderly seer of Lunaris, who was impressed with his ability to resist his prying attempts and trained under said elder until the latter's unfortunate death by old age. After having left the circus, he found work as a gardener for the royals in Lunaris, yet never discarded his weapon or armor, neither did he forget the path he had trodden and his daily training. Being a gardener may have seemed like a far leap away from what he were, but it was such a good opportunity to get a glimse into the lives of the royals and those which attended to them.

It did bring back memories for him, of the royals in Aurelia and how much he despised it's king.

The king which had left the monastery without aid, the king which had wronged so many. Having heard of the foundation of Dawnhaven and that the princess of Lunaris and the prince of Aurelia would be there was too much of a chance to pass up.

"Each story has a beginning and an end. Yet it is often at the end that one realizes ones place. What matters the most then? Your epitaph. A garden must be taken care of, weeds must be tossed into the light and burn."

Misc:

- He is not using his birthname, but the name he's chosen for himself.
- Wields a sword-staff, the blade is the length of a broadsword and theres a grip long enough to equal it.
- Wears a black breastplate, leather boots (metal over top of foot), leather gloves (metal bracers), has a metal neckguard to protect his neck, has a purple cloak, black pants, carries a waterskin and a belt with some pouches with dried meat. That is when he's not being about being a sneaky gardener.

"Time to live, time to grieve."

Ayel Raunefeldt

Name:
Ayel Raunefeldt

Age:
24

Appearance:



Race:
Human

Kingdom:
Aurelia

Role:
Marquess in Aurelia (Current)
Aurelius Emporium Guildmaster (Current)

Magic:

Light magic: Ayel is a capable light magic user, while not being able to compete with true masters of the art, he is good enough that he can brag to others about it, and scoff at those who has 'Enough freetime for such frivilous things' to mastered it. His light magic is for the most part offensive in nature, and lacking finesse and control. Prefering to hurl the equalent of fireballs of light energy to explode at things, or fierce short duration beams of light.

Illusion magic: A very rare magic to possess or practice, Ayel first became enthralled by the magic upon learning that it could be used to create illusions of himself and the nearby area. Unlike with light magic, this is something which the marquess has put effort into to become better at using, he is especially fond of creating copies of himself to admire both from a distance aswell as up close. For as far as he's concerned they are perfect from any distance and angle.

Short Bio:

Ayel is the middle child to a former duke, having inherited great wealth and influence over politics and trade in Aurelia. His family have been firm supporters of the royal family and of the Aelios clergy. Ayel is a firm believer in the goddesses, but only pay his respects to Aelios, considering himself to be 'her most favored child'. To say the man is a narcissist is an understatement, he is viscious, coldhearted and haughty. Considering himself leagues above everyone, even the royals but he would never say it to their face. He shows curtesy however to other nobles and to the royals, and to some degree the clergy of Aelios. However other people are not as fortunate, often finding themselves on the receiving end of his judgemental and condescending words.

Ayel is the grandmaster for a trading company, and always on search for making more of a profit and pandering to the rich and gloating at the poor. Often relishing in causing them suffering, raising prices of something they may want just out of spite. His sadistic nature has also led the man to apply for various roles. He is very keen on being nosy and elevating other peoples suffering into a form of art. Squeezing out every last coin if need be.

The man is also a germophobe, always wearing gloves when touching door handles, items or goddess forbid… other people. He considers the blightborn to be smelly peasants and on near equal footing to other peasants. He however sees no use to kill them, not when he could legally try to enslave them or indebt them. Because where there is money involved, there must not be a lack of creativity. The man takes pleasure in making others lives miserable, a true sadist at the core. He's weak towards flattery, and the more praise hurled in his direction, the more likely he is to overlook his regular restraints.

He enjoys to decorate his home with statues of himself, paintings of himself and mirrors. He enjoys fine drinks and fine food, but is paranoid about people trying to poison him or if the food is somehow compromised by germs. He also hates mud, prefering to use his servants as makeshift bridges whenever having to cross such a landscape.

To some it may come across as the man is completely oblivious or unfeeling, as if he has not an ounce of compassion in his body. But this isn't entirely true. As the man cares about himself a great deal, to the point that when things gets dangerous he will always prioritize his own survival. Aside from his phobia for germs, the Marquess also has an unreasonable fear for poor people, children and flirty women. Often reacting in a hysterical manner would any of the three lay their UNCLEAN hands on him. He is also having nightmares about receiving scars or having someone hit him in his beautiful face. If engaged in a battle, he is eager to show whomever is on the receiving end his superiority, usually by unleashing his magic in the most flashy and reckless way possible. There is no such thing as overkill to the man.

He is often accompanied by his aide, advisor and servant called Faldrin. Who equally often ends up being a vessel of suffering and receiving the brunt of the man's temper tantrums or whatever may come his way. Ayel also has two guards with him at times, but they are for the most part left to guard his belongings and make sure that whomever he is putting to work, keeps working. He currently have six workers accompanying him and three temporary carriage drivers, although none of those are allowed to sit in his carriage or goddess forbid come into contact with him. The workers are there to build his new Dawnhaven manor and trading post.

Misc:

- Has not a single scar. (yet)
- Always carries a handmirror with him
- Wears rings of precious metals and gemstones on each of his fingers. Also has a collection of necklaces, but wearing a locket around his neck with a painting of his now deceased mother.
- Carries a sheathed rapier by his belt, about as decorated as the man himself.
- Owns three carriages and various furniture etc.
- Always sports the latest perfumes and attires.
- Has a ton of coin with him.

Anora

Name:
Anora Opal Raunefeldt
Anora Opal Malkin
Age:
18

Appearance:



Race:
Human

Kingdom:
Aurelia

Role:
Alchemist

Magic:
Earth magic (gem creation and plants), light magic (Thin beams)

Short Bio:

Anora early life is covered in mystery, as her mother died giving birth to her and her father gave her away to an Aurelian orphanage. She was only left with an odd looking ring of gold which the orphanage headmistress kept from her til she had gotten old enough. The ring was the only link to her biological family, she only hoped someday someone might recognize it and point her where to look. The inside of the ring bearing the initials C.M. Anora had long assumed the ring belonged to her birthmother, she had often asked the people in the Aurelian capitol if they knew anyone by the name of Malkin.

The answers ranged from the most outrageous to grim, but there was some who said things which made sense to her. Her mother was a noblewoman with an illness that made walking difficult, she had very seldomly been seen outdoors. She had been described as a darkhaired woman with grey eyes and pale skin. It was said she was a researcher of some kind. When asking about her father, Anora had been getting far less. Some claimed he was Duke Raunefeldt himself, and that's why she had been adopted by their family after her mother had passed away. But Anora knew this wasn't the case, as she had learnt plenty of her foster father's problems in producing heirs from her foster mother. Perhaps abit too much information than she had wanted.

As for her biological father, all other rumors and sightings pointed to that he was either a knight, a man of the clergy or some wandering bard. Perhaps she would never know. If she could only figure out what the strange design of the ring meant. It had something to do with her mother and her studies. She was certain of it. It was almost as if it were a signet ring, she knew what the markings were. Fire. Earth. Air. Water. But they were intertwined together? What did it mean?

While her foster mother was not very fond of her studies, her foster father was much more supportive even if he wasn't being present for most of her youth. Anora came to enjoy making her own tea when not blowing things up by combining elements in her study. She was also looking for some way to create a cure for all ailments, perhaps that had been what her mother had sought? A cure for her illness? But she had no idea what illness it were. There was no way she could know.

When not enwrapped with her studies, magical training and experiments, she was taught plenty of etiquette from her foster mother, but despite being reprimanded, she still wanted to join her foster brothers on their respective adventures. Despite being quite younger than both Ayel and Andros, she was intent on following them, alongside Prince Flynn and any of his other friends. Anora liked Flynn plenty, often seeing him as the ideal white knight. Although Ayel often was picked by the prince to stay behind whenever they were off to do something, and Andros often got distracted mid-way by spotting a butterfly or a cricket to give chase after.

Despite having differences with both of her foster brothers, she came to like both of them, even if she had to reprimand both of them for behaving bad. Typically it was Ayel being abusive to the old butler, the chef, the maids, the carriage driver... the more she thought of it. Most people. And her other brother had to sometimes be yelled at for blocking the road while picking up stones or poking at some dead bug with a stick.

But all things considered she felt blessed, she had gotten a lucky hand and ended up with a family that had plenty of wealth and she never had to be hungry or be in need of anything. Except the one thing she craved more than anything else. Answers.

Then the world had gone dark, the blightborn had also come forth. While she had never laid her eyes on one, she was certainly concerned. What had caused the world to drastically change like that? When she heard about the foundation of Dawnhaven, she had already made up her mind about what she needed to do. With her foster father and foster mother dead, there was no one to stop her from leaving the capitol. Her foster brother Ayel had however, despite his vast backpack and loaded carriages, beaten her to setting off towards Dawnhaven. Flynn was there too. And wherever the prince were, her brother would surely to follow. It made her think of prisoners and the ball and chain. Perhaps it would be good for Flynn to have someone like her brother to hold him back? She couldn't help but giggle at the idea, before climbing into her own carriage. Setting off towards Dawnhaven herself. She wanted to help out.

It was only partly the reason. But she had received a letter from someone which told her that what she was looking for was to be found in Dawnhaven, if she wanted to find it. The cure of all ailments? She didn't know who sent her the letter, but her foster brother and Prince Flynn were there. The adventure of a lifetime. She was certain her remaining brother Andros would be able to handle the affairs in the capitol with his four aides.

She watched as the carriages set out, her main one and the following one having all the belongings she needed for the trip. She only hoped the more volatile bottles wouldn't explode on the way to Dawnhaven.

Misc:

- Carries an umbrella with a hidden blade at the top.
- She's an able alchemist and magician, possessing a more energy conservative and clever way of using magical powers. An outside-the-box thinker.
- Makes great tea which dulls all senses.
- Lethal baker. She makes small pastries that are so sweet and full of sugar that it dulls the taste senses for the rest of the day.
- Can make poisons if required. Not her speciality.
- Usually wears a dress down to her ankles, corset and bloomers.
- Can make special potions.
- Able to identify various gemstones and plants. But she cannot identify animals as well. Thinking a badger is a small bear.
- Loves rodents.
- Can be highly jealous at times.
- Has dark and blonde hair, split midway. One side is dyed.

He's a pirate!

Name:
Claret Carneylus Crown
Age:
27

Appearance:



Claret dresses typically in a red, yellow and black pirate coat with black pants and a white frilled undershirt. He has sewed on a pair of extra arms for his coat. His pirate hat he sadly gifted away to a boy at a black market. He wears a eyepatch on his forehead, but it seldom covers any of his eyes. He got some buckled boots and a pair of leathery gloves, four in fact.

Race:
Blightborn

Blight-Born Traits:

- Has two extra arms.
- Red eyes
- Black hair which has for the most part turned white or greyish
- Pale skin
- Sharp elongated cornerteeth

Blight born type: Classical. Blood drinker.

Kingdom:
Lunaris

Role:
Pirate (former)
Pirate captain (former)
Wanted scoundrel

(Hunted by the Lunaris kingdom for: Piracy, robbery, brigandry, highwaymanship, slander, arson, theft, theft of famous jewelry, illegally kissing the late queen on the cheek after bumping into her, horsethievery, breaking into a prison, breaking out of a prison, raising the Aurelian banner in the Lunaris capitol, attempting to sell wax food as real food, vagrancy, stealing potatoes, sold the very horse he stole from a farmer back to him claiming it was another horse, and many other things)

(Hunted by the Aurelian kingdom for: Piracy, Attending a ball uninvited, kissing of a noble daughter for all to see, breaking a artist made painted window to make his escape, stealing from the aurelian temples, theft of priest attire, mimicking a priest, stealing from the Raunefeldt family home, pretending to be a guard, theft of a wagon, theft and breaking of one-of-a-kind vase from the local museum, taking four scimitars made by the local smith and then paying with stolen gold and many other things)

Magic:
Air magic (Expert)

Short Bio:

Claret was taken in at an early age by his scoundrel of an uncle after his parents had an unfortunate accident while fishing for shrimp. His uncle in question was a pirate, ladiesman and overall reliever of other people's property whenever possible. Claret picked up many of his uncle's particular personality traits as he looked to him as a father figure. He early on served aboard the Crown Jewel, the aptly named ship of his pirate uncle. His initial role on the ship was aiding the magician aboard whose main role was using his mastery of air magic to blow wind into the sails whenever there was a particular need for it. Like outrunning whomever was coming to try and stop them from their livelyhood, or catch up with those juicy looking merchant ships.

Due to his uncle's request he was taught not to kill unless truly given no other choice, and this teaching still lingers with him to the current day. He will never kill a defeated opponent unless given no other choice to solve a situation or if they have committed a truly heinous or unforgivable act.

As Claret's parents perished in a shrimp fishing incident, the man has vowed to not eat shrimp nor fish it, unless his very life would depend on it. It hits him way to close to heart.

The scoundrel of a man has a witty tongue, quick and always ready to hurl in comments whenever possible, even if the situation is highly inappropriate. He's a very capable of using air magics and has a hefty bit of endurance and great balance, especially on ships, up on wooden beams or while climbing on ropes. His swordmanship is however even more potent than his magical prowess, the man enjoys sparring and fighting, having done plenty of it aboard the Crown Jewel with or without betting. One of his favorite things to do to pass time. He also enjoys playing cardgames, dart throwing contests and the occasional drinking contest.

He's abit of a showman aswell, given the chance he likes beating up others at their own game. Even if it's a game he's not familiar with. Claret is beaming with confidence and isn't afraid to show it. The man isn't good at using coin sparingly, and often finds himself living way above his standard with things. Sometimes he 'borrows' drinks and food from other people's plates. But equally often he shares some of his food if someone else needs a little extra.

Unfortunately his days as a pirate is over, despite having been promoted to captain of the Crown Jewel, the ship ended up crashing into a reef during an intense storm despite his attempts to control the very storm itself with his magic, nothing could prevent the disaster. Lightning struck the lookout post and the greatest sail aswell, which caused the ship to gradually tilt and go under. The rowboats were launched and his crew got into them one after the other, but he remained on board to try to steer the ship towards a nearby beach. He wasn't intending on letting his uncle's, and now his precious ship and home to go down without a fight.

That's when the great wave came, it blew him into the sea, and he was hit by a barrel that had come lose and gave him a concussion, he then clung to the only piece of wood he could find. Save for his own. The steering wheel of the Crown Jewel, it kept him afloat in the stormy water. And he began to feel pain... surging pain. But he was too tired to even scream and eventually he found himself, much like driftwood on a beach.

Nearby scattered all over the beach were pieces of the ship and many bodies of his shipmates. Birds had already begun to feast upon them. He had awoken to one picking on his cheek, not realizing he was still alive. Just how long had he been out of it?

He swirled his four arms around to scare it away. Wait? His four arms? What manner of nightmare had he woken up into? His mates were dead, his ship was gone and now he could count to twenty with his fingers alone. He had always been handy with his hands, but this was crazy. He was mourning all that which he had lost, but at the same time couldn't help but admire his extra pair of arms and hands. Too bad he no longer had anyone to show them to.

It wasn't long before he felt a powerful urge, a hunger. He wanted to eat something. Drink something.

His eyes set on a white seagull nearby.

Then with a haste he didn't even knew he had he flung at it, catching it with his four hands. They stared at each other for a few seconds.

"Ye ate me mates birdy. Nay hard feelins', but ye are officially dinin' with the captain. Better say ye prayers to Seluna, heck we'd both be doin' tha'. Fly fly, birdy bye!" He opened his mouth instinctively and his newly formed sharp cornerteeth glimmered in the moonlight.

The scene then faded to black.


Misc:

- Capable swimmer
- Able climber
- Brushes his teeth after every meal.
- Carries a ton of hidden weapons, typically throwing daggers on his person. The majority of daggers are visible on his chest-belt though.
- Does not eat shrimp.
- Carries a bottle with emergency rum on his person.
- Keeps a handle from the steering wheel from his ship, the Crown Jewel in his pocket as a memento.
- Likes to correct himself as "Captain Crown" when he feels there's a need to show-off.
- Has sworn not to wear a captain hat anymore until the boy he gifted it to has come to challenge him in the ultimate pirate challenge. That and to honor his fallen mates.
- Carries a necklace with a sea-gull skull at it.