Dezuel

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Ayel Raunefeldt

"Watch your tone old crone!" Ayel hissed harshly to Persephone, how dared she refer to him as a peacock, even if a peacock was a pretty thing, he was clearly leagues above it.

"So you are indeed a guard. A mere castellan which has no authority outside the castle. Even a royal guard is still a guard."

His eyes narrowed at Coswain.

"Sir? I am the Marquess of Aurelias border region closest to Dawnhaven, I am Marquess Ayel Raunefeldt, son to the late Duke Raunefeldt. My belt buttons up over several other duties far exceeding you, Castellan Coswain. I am the grandmaster of the Aurelius emporium, a famous high quality merchant enterprise. I am also a childhood friend to his royal highness Crown Prince Flynn Astaros. Your brutish ruffians will not touch my carriages, or I'll have you and everyone starve this coming winter. I am in charge of the supplies coming to Dawnhaven from Aurelia. And if you are so concerned with fire, arrest that walking fire hazard over there." Ayel pointed accusingly and in a very irritated way towards Ashe in the distance.

"Or this drunkard serf which has threatened to do physical harm to me! Do your work guard, or do you turn a blind eye? Some guard you are! If your lack of manners were not enough to begin with! Now you greybearded rapscallion, you will get on your knees and profoundingly appologize for your misconduct! Or I swear by Aelios, and his royal highness Crown Prince Astaros, I shall have you publically whipped for your breach of protocol. Kneel and beg for forgiveness and it shall be given, I am a merciful man." Ayel said in a smug, condescending and manner which oozed of superiority. He knew that his wealth and title was making him practically untouchable. Unless someone would outrank him. The very idea made him feel sick. This bearded older man was everything wrong in the world, he was one of those reasons young and perfect rulers would be murdered by a group of angry peasants. But then again, what could he expect from some brutish northern barbarians.

Ayel held out his sheathed sword, using it as a thing to point with.

"On your knees!" He hissed, clearly agitated. "You don't wish to make more of a scene and make things worse for your princess do you? My prince will not allow you to publically upset this arrangement. Not to mention his Royal majesty the king of Aurelia and all the areas which encompass it!" The sadistic marquess pointed to the muddy ground, beckoning for Coswain to kneel before him and appologize.

@GambolMuse@PrinceAlexus

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Ayel Raunefeldt

"Everyone calm down, you will all get a chance to look at me once I have gotten the direction to the stage!" Ayel spoke up in a loud tone as he used his sheathed sword to poke and try move people to make a path for him, he couldn't afford having any of these seemingly poor people come in contact with his radiant garments. "Out of the way mushroom. Relegate yourself to the back where peasants ought to be. You might infect those with far nobler blood with your pox. Go on, shoo, get out of the way. I have a speech to make. You there, wench get this abomination out of the way." The aurelian man took up his handmirror, the sheer panic that had filled him being in close proximity to blightborn and people of lower social rank was unnerving. The sooner he could get up on the stage which they surely had erected for him against the awful looking building. At least that was what he regarded it as. How could his coming mansion and emporium be neighbours to it? He felt a lump in his noble belly and throat as he dreaded the awful view that he would see every morning, when Faldrin would pull open the curtains to reveal this blight of a building. No this would absolutely not do.

A complaint would have to be made to the prince. Since his father was a reasonable man, according to Ayel, no doubt would it be a breeze to put in some alterations and extra rules.

Such as having none of those blightborn monstrocities be outside after 8pm. It didn't matter that the sun was temporary concealed, it was more about making a statement, to show all peasants who were in charge.

He soon felt another feeling, one of disgust as he realized the building was seemingly an inn or something like that. He didn't want to listen to loud drunk peasants, they should be like peasants, seen but not heard. But from a safe distance.

But the suggestion list he would make for the prince would have to wait, for now he had to settle the problem of there being alot of people blocking HIS path, to HIS stage.

The marquess allowed himself an eyeroll as he moved his bothersome lock from his face.

"You there, old guard! Come here and pave a way, I do not have all the time in the world you know? I am rich you know." He yelled over towards an older looking man in the distance. That older man being Adonis. He didn't recall the man, but then again... all guardsmen types looked the same, barbaric and brutish. Unlike his very own graceful glamour. But he couldn't help to feel a tinge of pleasure amidst it all, for without people, ugly poor people, they wouldn't be able to see the vast difference between them and himself. How he peaked above them like a mountain overlooking a swamp.

The very comparison made him feel a surge in mood, despite having to wait while standing. How he hated that. He wasn't some lowborn guardsman with nothing better to do than guard a door. His noble body was made for sitting down, preferably on a thronelike seat, and high up to have an elevated view.

Then he felt it. The smell of... farmers. How he hated that smell. It reminded him of them having the audacity to glare at him when he would change the deal so he could earn more by selling their crops, while making sure they would be the eternal workers.

The aurelian man took out a finely brocaded silk napkin and brought it to his nose and mouth, wrinkling his nose and furrowing his eyebrows momentarily. His eyes settling on Fiona, he believed he had found the source of his ills.

It was at that moment he realized he had let these ill-minded people to affect him, he recoiled mentally in horror as he thought that his facial expression may contribute to wrinkles later down his noble life. This he would NOT allow.

@GambolMuse@PrinceAlexus@Qia@Lu

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Ayel Raunefeldt

Three carriages were going down the road towards Dawnhaven, their decoration was a stark contrast to the land around them. Packed to the brim with various items and furniture and building materials, the most fine of the carriages were the third one. The carriage much like the other ones was giving ample protection from the weather, at least if you were lucky enough to sit inside of it.

A small hatch opened up in the third and most grand of the carriages.

"Will you please drive more smoothly?! I am trying to concentrate here! Are we there yet?" An upset voice would be heard to the two men sitting at the elevated position at the outside of the carriage, the driver almost completely stopped the carriage at the volume of the voice, the other man next to him quickly leaned down to the hatch.

"My lord! Appologies! The road is very uneven here! We are approaching Dawnhaven in just abit!" The man replied in a reassuring and swift manner, he knew better than to make his employer wait. Knowing the man was someone of special temperament.

"You must take great care of my carriage, it is unlike the peasants irreplacable. There's a limited amount of these. And I happen to own the first and more foremost one. I will not have my carriage to topple over because of some peasant made road." The man inside of the carriage slammed the hatch shut even as the man outside was about to reply.

Ayel as the man was named calmly moved a lock of his hair away from his face. He has such troublesome hair. The man moved the curtains out of the way of the carriage window, sadly realizing that indeed. The sun had not the decency to return just yet. The man rolled his eyes and then lit the lantern inside of the carriage, before taking hold of his handmirror and looking into it. "Such a little bother you are." He said as he moved the lock out of his face and neatly combed it into place. He allowed an arrogant raise of his eyebrow upon seeing Dawnhaven out of his window. This was the place which he was going to make his great return to his rightful place. His father had completely screwed over his chances for dukehood by unceremoniously dying while falling off a horse.

It irked him. His father had taken the liberty to off himself while Ayel had been away from home, and then the title had befallen to someone else. It should have been his! He was the most intelligent, the most qualified, the most rich and flavoursome of all. This was an outrage. The man took a few moments to collect himself, recalling that expressing emotions would contribute to getting wrinkles. He couldn't afford that. Well technically he could, but he simply wouldn't allow his face to be compromised. He was intending on winning the contest of the most graceful Aurelian of the year.

Ayel reached for the small hatch again, yelling out to the two sitting outside.

"Faldrin!" His voice was clear and loud.

"Y-yes! Mylord!" The man straightened in his seat and the driver immediately stopped the carriage in about as much panic as he did in reaction.

Ayel almost got bumped into the expensive wooden decor. "You dimwit! Not that hard!" He yelled out in a reprimanding manner before adjusting himself in his seat and assuming a more smooth tone of voice. "Faldrin, it is truly beautiful." He began to say almost with a lack of breath, pulling his hair behind his one ear.

"It sure is mylord! Dawnhaven is quite the impressive place I must sa-" Faldrin started but got swiftly interupted.

"I am not talking about the mundane tax evasive village! I am talking about myself. Am I not beautiful? Do I not still contain the grace I held in my youth? Am I not shining as much as I did in the Sunfire Citadel?" Ayel said in an offended manner, his one eyebrow rising in an accusing manner. Faldrin knew this as a dangerous thing.

"Erm.. ofcourse mylord. You have not changed at all Marquess Raunefeldt!" Faldrin quickly explained to get the matter out of the way before his employer would have one of his special fits.

"Aha ha ha! Yes! I haven't changed at all have I? I still retain the same aura of majesty and allure. I could kiss myself, but what would all my admirers in the citadel think if I told them about having found true love?" He smiled to his own reflection in the mirror, using his tongue to polish his perfect teeth and making some smacking emotes with his lips, which had been previously given some high quality lotion.

"They would be devastated mylord…" Faldrin said as he felt the sweat starting to slide from his forehead, he had dodged getting another reprimand for now. This was surely a good sign.

"Well, since we have stopped I shall take the opportunity to- Wait is that a crowd out there? Ahh! I knew it! They've already heard of my arrival and have gathered to greet me. For being lousy and somewhat useless, these peasants have some employers who have class. Bring me my hat, the one with the big pink feather and the silk band with the inscription. I want to give them my best impression. Best impression? Faldrin, what is my best truly? I cannot quite decide. When you look at something that is perfect in all it's forms it gets so difficult. You have been trained for generations serving my family, you should be able to tell." The marquess raised his eyebrow of accusation, his eyes scanning Faldrin with judgement through the small hatch.

"You are all encompassing perfection mylord! There is none as whole as you!" Faldrin said and he nervously scratched his cheek.

"Hmph. Don't yell at me. I am not deaf. My hearing is very keen, you must learn to speak in a more soothing tone!" Ayel reprimanded and then looked at the carriage door. "Well? Get to it! My time is precious." He said in a slightly annoyed manner while Faldrin jumped down and hurriedly went to the door, opening it. Ayel looked down at the muddy and snowy road with disapproval, disgust starting to fill his face. "What are you waiting for? Get something for me to walk on! Get the stool." Ayel reached for his fan, which typically was carried with him by his belt, using it to wave his face despite there not being any heat to wave away.

"My.. lord.. the stool. I forgot to load it into the carriage, there wasn't enough space with all of the construction materials." Faldrin said in an appologetic tone and lowered his head and shoulders.

"Not enough space you say? Are you claiming it is somehow my fault Faldrin?" The marquess' face grew colder, his finely made boot placing itself on Faldrin's shoulder, pressing him down as he stood just below the carriage. "No mylord!" Faldrin replied and hunched down abit.

"Don't raise your voice at me! We shall have to improvise. You will take it's place. Now get on all fours." Ayel raised his head and nose towards the dark sky, he took a deep inhale and tried to make himself look as majestic as possible, as if the goddess Aelios herself were descending from the skies to the mortals.

Faldrin complied and stood on all fours in the muddy road as his employer used him as a stepping stone to get down.

"That'll do. Now go and get changed Faldrin, I will not permit any of my servants to be looking like that." He waved dismissively with his hand. "I will be waiting near the brainless blob. While you are at it, order the others to start working at my new temporary home and emporium. I expect it up and functioning today. Perhaps some noble will enlighten me of who is in charge of my welcoming committee or direct me to the prince? Don't worry your little head about me Faldrin, I am more than capable in all fields. Except the actual fields. That is for farmers." He laughed softly with a hand before his mouth.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Gadez Paladice

"Cats gold is what one calls fake gold. At a surface level they may look the same, but upon closer inspection only one shimmers as gold truly would. " Paladice explained calmly and in a matter of fact tone of voice. Taking abit of a breath and allowing himself a soft chuckle before contiuing.

"Not all masks are made of iron nor worn at masquerades. Some are able to don the mask of an honest smiling man, covering their true face beneath. But indeed you may be correct about the prince of gold. He may be genuine indeed." The blonde said, but in a reserved manner, there was alot more to it than that. But he didn't feel the desire to have Leela know that just yet. After all the game had barely begun.

"Dawnhaven however is not a creation of Flynn's making, neither is the union of the both heirs. The forementioned salvation. Two snakes are attempting to constrict this world, sinking their fangs in and applying their poison. I have a prophesy of my own. Here allow me to demonstrate..." The man lowered his voice, walking closer to Leela again, his eyes shimmering as a nearby torchlight reflected in it.

"The golden one shall lop off the head of the fire snake, karma shall burn the sinful creator. For the sake of those whose lives he oppressed and destroyed. Catalyst of the eclipse, let you be eclipsed in turn. Unmade by your rebellious sword." He snickered.

"But who would believe such a prophecy? Especially from one so vexing as myself, as you have so eloquently put it. A handy one aren't you? That bodes well for yourself and this place, my approach may be bold, but reckless it is not. As for having a silver tongue? I would rather boldly claim it is golden. Even if such more commonly be tied to those who prefer silence. Springs as in hot springs hm? Aurelia had plenty of those. Pleasant. Yet like drinks served at the inns, or the wonderous songs of a bard, such things can distance you from your surroundings and keep you from taking action. Think of all the people whose drowned their worries in drinks, and the few which instead decided to do something to change it. Rather than living under an illusion... yet it is a choice one has to make. As for mysteries and challenges, I neither seek them nor do I flee them. I however do deal with them if they happen upon my way. Rest assured you do not bore me, then again... very few actually does." He blew some air out of his mouth, the hot air mixing with the cool of the morning made it go up into mist.

"A sundial in our current situation would be very ironic. Afraid I am not the kind of man to give chase after cats though, I find it more that cats due to their curiousity find it in their liking to follow me. Though they've ought to be careful lest they'll be the ones going into the troth and get drenched." He snickered and observed the inn in the distance. "Ahh, the lack of alcohol will be good for them. Let them see things more clearly. No need for any regrets neither, for had you spent more time in said spring, we would not have met. You would have been far less vexed. But it is about time that I go and mingle with the rest, enjoy your day, Leela the beholder. We shall no doubt meet again." He gave a butlerlike bow towards Sya, there was a shimmer in his eye again and a smirk on his lips. He had enjoyed the conversation, as if he had feasted upon it. He joined her on following her song

"But the gold slipped out of his hand and fled the land! With philosopher desires set into stone, the man realized too late that he was alone. His maiden fled, upon an icy sled. True desire lost, blue fire frost, his desire and greed, to spread his evil seed. Plunged into the nearest gap, to make his trap…. golden prophecy, that defiling plea, he will meet his end at the fire land. The hand of halcyon define time to come, the gilded line will be realigned. The gleaming glee, shall soon be set free…" He sung softly until his voice couldn't be heard by Sya anymore as he walked into the rest of the people gathered, chuckling as he did, with his arms held out slightly as if he was a conductor.

@PrinceAlexus

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.