Dezuel

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Gadez Paladice

Sya had provided some good replies verbally and physically, she was indeed a bold one. Scaly and bold. Yet despite her skin condition and view on things, she was behaving quite human. Like all blightborn however, they nourished themselves of things quite different from people like himself. The former circus girl which had used the kissing booth was seemingly feeding off emotions. Gadez almost felt envious at the thought, for emotions were all around, almost everyone had them. Save for the most dull individuals.

But there seemed to be a shortage of dull ones in Dawnhaven, to the point the warrior-monk felt refreshed. This place had indeed drawn the extraordinary ones out. Snake tail or not. He had chuckled at Sya's words, they were promises or threats, it all depended on how you viewed them.

"Ahh but, Leela. I might not be the hero of the tail, but the villain behind the veil. One with possibly cunning linguistics enough to elude such a ploy, I also know that in order to not get bit, one ought to grab a snake behind the head... and hold it firm. No matter how much it may wriggle... Lest you may find yourself imbued with poison which can leave you shaking before finally being paralyzed. But I can see you having plenty of things to wrap up, but you would only keep me til the morning? How cruel. The blizzard held me for a week. Tsk tsk." He grinned in an amused way to Sya, he did find much amusement in trading words with her.

"Oh and for the puppetry show? That will be free. I do not think charging the children to pay for it is going to earn me any favours with anyone. So fifteen percent of zero… is still zero. Ack, what a pity! Lest you meant the idea of a kissing booth? But whom would pay for such?" Gadez smiled softly with his eyes momentarily closed, he was highly amused at this. Ofcourse he had no intentions of putting up a booth.

Sya had done more than speak with him though, she had used her tail as an extended hand. Some people had no respect for personal space. Gadez had smirked as a reaction. 'Playful little python heh. Embrace your humanity more. Resist the blight as much as possible, yet even you must feed like all others. Perhaps the sun being shrouded is how it should be? The blightborn may or may not be a natural occurance, but to have the sun return and possibly destroy all of them outright? Where is the justice in that? There's no justice in that. They never chose this path. Not like me. No matter what, you do not deserve to be destroyed for what you are. Hold unto your humanity til the very end Leela. You and all others wronged by the world.' The blonde man thought to himself, his expression looking calm and as if he was being resigned to something.

The clumsy woman which had fallen into the snow, aswell as the horned girl had both decided to go into the inn and get changed. It was likely for the better, yet she had rejected taking his cloak. Perhaps purple wasn't her colour.

The blonde wrapped the cloak around himself again as a result. She had clearly called out the name of Flynn. The more he thought about it the more he wanted to laugh out loud, but he held back the urge.

'The curse of having golden hair I suppose... yet our eyes are not the same. Nor the upbringing.' He mused in his own head, and was intending on speaking more to that peculiar woman later. A researcher. But of what? The blight? How to make the grandest entry? He would have to wait for answers til later. The coat she wore also intrigued him.

Of those present, the blonde non-horned twin seemed to not pay much attention to him, seemingly favouring looking after her twin, and the whitehaired one was keeping to herself.. eating? No wonder people would get fat if Leela would stuff them full of confections and the like. 'Well at least she isn't a glutton by the looks of it. Like that one man at the circus whose role was to roll...' He smirked as he recalled the famous 'Rolling Roy' performer who was usually the one to do any trick involving making water splashes or slipping on things. Gadez thoughts momentarily landed on Eris, perhaps she was good material for the circus. If it was still around that were.

One in the current company which had paid him attention however was Katherine, which the blonde man took great note of. She was seemingly intrigued, the willingness to listen and learn was something he valued highly. But alas she was one of the devout goddess followers. It seemed like there was some cruel jest put forth, to hurl every priestess or the like in his direction. But then again… who better to lead them away from that mental cage than someone who rejected the goddesses with his very being.

He had offered her a final nod and smile after following her gaze as it wandered over him, he did the same to her, but only after having gotten eye-contact. Making sure she saw him do it. 'Hmm.. a curious kittycat.' He thought, for some reason she reminded him of such.

But this was going to no doubt be a long day, and as pleasant as the company were, albeit a tad too crowded, he had some things to do.

The man wandered over to where he left his wooden planks, linen and things he had recently procured from the locals. He picked them up and gave everyone present a nod in farewell. "If you know anyone young or willing to hear a story or two, do have them come to the inn. I shall set up some little… storytelling." He smiled softly, his eyes being playful, if not abit foreboding.

That's when he saw someone in the corner of his eye. The lunaris princess was approaching.

He allowed his head to sink abit, taking on his hood and he smirked, even though he tried to hold it back. He waited til she got closer then looked directly into her blue eyes with his own. Then spoke in a quiet smooth voice.

"You have her eyes. But have you her heart? What of your own heart? Love is a double edged sword, it cuts both ways and deeply. Relentlessly. Do you truly love that boy? Love cannot be created artificially. Neither can gold." He said the last word with emphasis as he blew out some air through his mouth, then began to chuckle softly, eerily softly to himself as he backed out of her path. Staying just moment long for hearing any reply if any before he began to enter the inn. Glancing over his shoulder to Amaya then giving a wink each to Sya and Katherine. He then walked past another whitehaired woman. Just how many whitehaired women were there in Dawnhaven? And much alike any other woman he had seen, this one was goodlooking aswell. 'My my...'

Upon further going into the inn he was met with the sight of yet another woman, one which had seemingly snuck into the inn before he did when he had his back turned.

'Well, at least there's no lack... of rack. Except ones where I can hang up my cloak. Guh.' He gave a soft grunt and approached Nyla.

"When you compare the miseries of real life to the joy of the imaginary one, you will never want to live again, only to dream forever..." He said in a soft voice as his eyes wandered over the young woman, then his head beckoned over towards the alcohol. "Ahh, but let not me dissuade you young lady, for life throws many curious things ones way. You'll never know what may happen next, quite unlike waiting for the next drink..." He softly chuckled. "Whom might you be then? I am Gadez, the local gardener and occasional snakecharmer." He said the last bit with laughter in his voice.

"Also… do not mind the wood. I intend to use it for a little puppet theatre for the people here." He added and motioned towards the planks leaning against his shoulder.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Ayel Raunefeldt

Ayel had held his head high, like a conqueror traversing the land he had just rightfully subdued. But then again he sat on a horse and most others did not, and he was just unmounting to inspect the construction which would be his home.

While his carriage was luxorious, it was not truly befitting of a man of his stature. He missed his extra wide bed, with all the gold lining, his paintings of himself, all the mirrors... especially the large one just above his bed. He missed being able to look at himself before falling asleep, even if he sometimes felt bad about falling asleep while beholding such a stunning view. But every morning was pleasant, he would look up and see himself looking down on him, like a god. The nobleman's cheeks turned abit rosy as he thought about it. He however was not disliking busts. Statue busts ofcourse. Of himself.

It was a guilty pleasure of his, to walk around in his thinking room in the capitol. All those busts of himself at different points of success in his life. There was something truly special in admiring the statues, walking around them and appreciating the art which were what they depicted. Even if the sculptor had to be corrected more times than the noble could remember. His features were delicate, they shouldn't be overlooked, but rather looked upon twice.

Yet it was in this moment that Ayel snapped back to the reality. He was in Dawnhaven and had to write some letters. Having left his horse at the stable, making sure his noble stallion was kept far from the non-purebred horses. He wondered if the peasant women, probably even the men looked upon him like those common horses looked upon his steed. With longing and admiration.

It made him smirk, just for a little bit. He didn't want to give rise for any wrinkles just yet.  The nobleman made his way over to his carriage and sighed. No servant in sight.

How bothersome. Ayel looked around, to make sure no one saw him, then he lowered the little stool for the carriage door himself. He felt dirty.

It was so unnatural. To expend physical effort for something so mundane. Ayel quickly took off his glove and threw it into a nearby barrel. Another glove ruined. But he had more.

He seated into the carriage and unfolded the desk table in it, grabbed his expensive feather quill pen and started to write.

Letter for king

To his royal majesty the king.

I, Marquess Ayel Raunefeldt write to you with outmost haste, for upon my arrival to the future Aurelian enclave of Dawnhaven is being assailed upon all sides by the viscious barbarians of the north. They have infested the place, they are in the walls, like conniving rabid rats. My dear friend, your son, the highly respected crown prince Flynn Astaros has been struggling, despite his valiant attempts to subdue the unruly bloodthirsty mob. He has shown these ungrateful ingrates far too much kindness than they deserve, but is it truly the prince's fault, when these brutes and their heretical shamans cast their curses and spells all around them.

I fear the prince, in his good nature and great heart has left himself vulnerable to these viscious snakes. I saw one of them even bearing her true form. A snake of a woman, scaly as she was wicked. Your majesty, I fear Dawnhaven is gradually being run over, I urge you to send reinforcemrnts, for I fear the barbarians may attempt to lay claim to it otherwise.

While we possess greater intelligence and larger hearts than these dirty barbarians, we must not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of. I also fear the Lunaris princess is having a bad influence on the prince, she convinced him to feed the ungrateful barbarians with his royal heritance. This is exploitation your majesty, we must not allow these barely human things to dictate our way of life. I implore your majesty, send a special inquisition detachment and guards, so that we can ensure the safety of this ancient Aurelian landscape and ferret out the worst of these Lunarian lunatics.

Your loyal subject, Marquess Ayel Raunefeldt.

Your royal highness the queen

It pains me to be the bearer of ill news, but how could I possibly withhold the truth from someone as graceful and insightful as yourself. Your son, my dearest of friends have fallen prey to the most vile of witches in the form of the Lunaris 'princess'.  But even though the prince is well educated and showing these unworthy barbarians our superior way of life, I fear that they are affecting him with their vile bewitching magic. One of these blight-things even tried to do it to me. But rest assured your highness, I am always thinking about myself wherever I am at.

I urge you to use your motherly wisdom and remind the prince that a ruler's hand must be as swift and powerful, as lightning! These peasants are scheming something nefarious, but do not worry, I shall guard the prince as well as I mediate with these brutes. If your highness can send any aid, I shall do my outmost to see it put to good use.

Your greatest admirer, Marquess Ayel Raunefeldt.

Ayel sighed in a weary manner. It was soo tiresome to care. The nobleman began to think back on the past, when he had been a child, how he, the prince and less important people had played games. It had been simpler times.

The prince however had always put him as his right hand man. Whenever they were going somewhere, he would be the one chosen by the prince to watch the back while the others went ahead with whatever they were doing.

He could still almost remember how the prince used to phrase it.

"Ayel, you'll stay behind and keep watch."

The prince had put alot of faith in him, often being away with the others for hours before returning. Sometimes he didn't show up until the following day, so great was his belief that he could handle matters on his own, and ward off their route for the young court girls which were chasing the prince.

Obviously they must have known that, he, not the prince were not interested in people of titles one or two levels lower. So in their desperation or folly they tried with the impressionable prince. Even his plague of a younger sister had chased the prince.

Ayel's older brother however was never part of the games, he was too busy looking at his pet crickets that he kept in small cages.

It disgusted him. He wasn't certain what was worse, the noisy crickets or his idiotic older brother. Why was his beloved dear late mother favouring the oldest child so much? There were not an ounce of talent, charisma or grace in him. He was tarnished since birth, it almost made Ayel think the worst, that his beloved mother had...

He dared not even ponder the filthy idea of his mother being with a peasant man before his birth.

While the Marquess was aware that his younger sister was in fact adopted and not related to him by blood. But at least she was of noble birth. At least that's what the documents had said, as did his mother.

Ayel swallowed abit. There were three people he trusted would never lie to him. His mother. Prince Flynn and lastly himself.

Surely the ptince had heard of his arrival by now, perhaps the prince had been caught unaware, and thus been unable to prepare an official reception ceremony for him? No doubt the prince was heavily burdened by this guilt. But the Marquess smiled at the idea, a little burden wouldn't bring the prince down. Besides he knew that his bestest friend saw him as a calm, understanding and eventempered man. The calm center of a storm, the old reliable rock, no diamond mine to hold unto.

Ayel blushed. That was it. He was one of the cornerstones which the crown prince relied upon. Perhaps he was awaiting his council right now? Yes! He wanted someone to tell him to discard that ice witch of a princess and marry someone of purer blood. But who would marry him? His sister? The very thought made him almost want to gag. No. He couldn't stand that idea. That's it! He knew now what to do! He needed to find a noble Aurelian lady in Dawnhaven, and then get rid of that damnable ice witch.

Then they could both live as kings, legalizing slavery and even more expendable serfs. Lunaris could be turned into one giant dungeon to keep the enemies of Aurelia within. As ideas flowed into his noble mind the Marquess couldn't help but offer a dr
eamy sigh.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Gadez Paladice

Gadez eyes became slits as he smiled to Sya, he was highly amused by her selection of words. It made him remember the members of the old circus troupe, just with alot more tail-telling and wordplay. He had to give it to the snake woman, she had a good tongue and she knew how to put it to good use. She had quickly become more open and less guarded aswell compared to their first meeting, all in all that was good. The blonde warrior-monk was still however prone to act on his intuition and whenever a moment would present itself he would lunge at it. Gadez placed down the supplies he had purchased from the merchants, hoping none would steal the planks, the nails and linen. Then he stepped closer to Sya, reaching out with his hand to try place it at the middle of her chest.

"As long as you remain the same within, It doesn't matter what form you take, you are still Leela. Your actions determine who you are, not your… " He softly chuckled in a teasing manner before saying softly. "Extra weights."

He withdrew his hand to himself, grabbing unto his own waist as he leaned in closer to Sya, taking on a jesting tone.

"You certainly have a leg up on me, perhaps you may want to scale down at some point?" He tilted his head and smiled, his eyes momentarily closed. He was enjoying this too much. More than he would let on.

"Scandalous indeed, but it's not on a kissing booth level. Ofcourse I wasn't the one which… erected it. That time. I have a more firm stand on those kind of things." He snickered and then changed his voice to a softer tone.

"Your evil lair is at the very top? I thought yours were further down. It does make a lot of sense to have a high ceiling in your personal cozy spot though, so I can see why it is where it is. Oh and trapping me in your coils? What if the harmless hart has left traps of his own? Worse yet.. what if he's a snake-eating mongoose?" He smiled more broadly as he took his right glove off, reaching out to try lift up Sya's chin abit, his gaze intense and his smile soft, he blew some warm air out his mouth towards the side of Sya's neck.

"Flexing for the one whose vexing? Curious. I think you'll have to show that off sometime. Must be one of those acrobat anacondas in a more petite package. Not that there's anything wrong with that ofcourse. I think you can squeeze in quite the performance. Rattle the opposition perhaps?" He softly asked, his eyes wandering over Sya, taking in her new form further. He couldn't help but feel that she might hold some answers to how the blight worked. She had been the first to show signs of a second stage. Was it something that had been in her ever since she was turned, or had something triggered it. Or someone.

No doubt he would find out more later. The more Sya spoke the more he came to feel fond of her. The world had dealt her an odd hand, yet much like Tia... she was moving forwards. Admirable. She did deserve respect for whom she were, he only hoped she would remain true to it and not become like the feral ones.

His face having gotten momentarily serious, he quickly assumed his more jesting facial expression. "So a vexing gardener is treated differently and offered a special deal at your establishment? How underhanded, mistress Leela! But pray tell what do you do with your bears? Take them fishing?" He leaned in to hear her answer, before chuckling softly and giving her abit more space. His attention now on Katherine which had introduced herself.

The blonde man walked up very close to Katherine, his hair flowing almost in a bouncy manner as he got up face to face, his non-gloved hand reaching to softly take hers, lifting it up slightly before placing his other hand on top of it, sandwiching it between them.

"Pleasure is all mine, Katty of the mourning gale. Another priestess? It's almost as if the goddesses want to send me, whose their greatest foe, a challenge or two. But we are both here for the same thing, to serve this place and have it prevail. What manner of services do you provide? I am a gardener myself as stated earlier, I plant seeds and make sure things grow and get proper amount of moisture. With abit of time, a thick tree may stand as a result, some may even bear fruits which can be turned into something drinkable. An important thing for any place which needs abit of nourishment. And to avoid having to drink alcohol to qwell ones worries or dreams." He said softly, his lips slowly forming each word carefully, his eyes setting directly into Katherine's, then down to inspect her attire and form. "Never a dull moment when there's people with wit as sharp as knives afoot. As for Aelios treating one well? I have warmed up to the idea…" Gadez said in a chuckling manner, his smile soft as he slowly traced his middle finger of his ungloved hand against Katherine's palm, he made a few caressing strokes before he withdrew his hands. Letting his un-gloved thumb slide over her fingertips before parting fully.

Another priestess. This one seemed to be quite different to Tia, in that she sought eye-contact with him, instead of looking away. Abit more bold perhaps? He would have to speak with each and everyone of them, he had yet to meet someone disappointing.

"I hope your stay shall be long and fruitful, Katherine." His eyes assumed a more relaxed look as his eyes landed on Ranni. "You've ought to go into the inn to change- Hm?" His sentence was cut off as a voice was heard, the word was something he reacted to with haste. Prince?

A woman had come forth, like a whirlwind of chaos, slamming into Katherine and then seemingly stepping on the extended rear of the horned twin, before falling on her rear in the snow which melted and seemingly drenched her. A magical piece of attire? Was that what did that? Or some kind of jewelry? Was there a rare magical talent within Dawnhaven?

"Well.. that's one way to dampen an impact, with ample rear suspension." He said in a manner of fact way, as his gaze fell on Sya's tail end. He took a few steps over to relocate near it to also give Eris some space. But also to show his gratitude for Sya's earlier conversation. He swung his cloak a little bit, to envelop the end of her tail, then he reached out with his ungloved hand to snatch hold of it. Away from everyones gaze. The cloak acting as an effective barrier. It was all about sending a message. 'One... two... and got you!' The monk snatched the tail like a frog sniping a fly in the air with it's tongue.

He allowed his hand to slide along it's elongated shape, each finger tracing up and down along the scales, he found the texture to be curious. Not exactly similar to some snakes he had killed and eaten. But there was no room to get into a research-like mindset. This was abit of revenge. He smirked and squeezed his hand around Sya's tail, then moved his hand along it's shape more, up and down, then circling the tip of it with his fingers, almost as if teasingly tickling it.

His blue eyes looking over at Sya, there was a clear mischief in his gaze. This was payback for mentioning the kissing booth aswell. The story he had told her where he was innocent. The warrior-monk pulled the snake-woman's tail a slight bit more, then squeezed his hand... one… two… three times… then gave it a final jank, then he let Sya's tail roam free and he withdrew his cloak stealthily as if nothing had happened and began to undo the top part of it to offer the cloak to Eris.

"Ahh, your attire is quite… drenched, here take my cloak it will ward off the cold abit and offer you some concealment from prying eyes. A benefit of having cloaks." The blonde said softly, smiling to Eris then throwing a teasing glance to Sya, a smirk on his lips just for a moment before going back to Eris. "Did you mistake me for someone you knew? Miss? Well, either way… you should get inside and change to something abit more dry. Room four was free right? Leela may you bring some spare clothes for her and possibly this horned little missy, I mean… you have.. err.. outgrown yours anyhow." The warrior-monk tilted his head and smiled towards Sya. He didn't think his visit to Dawnhaven would bring him this much amusement.

@The Muse@PrinceAlexus@SpicyMeatball@Queen Arya@Qia

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Gadez Paladice

It had worked, his subtle movements had caught the gaze of the perceptive Kira. He wasn't certain if she would recognize the symbol that he bore, and even if she did, would she had been able to figure out just what it meant? The woman came across to him as collected, perceptive and reserved. There was something about he which made him regard her as a dangerous adversary, or a potent ally. Depending on which side one would happen to stand upon.

Gadez closed his eyes and smiled on hearing Kira's words, they did amuse him alot. He wouldn't ofcourse deny or confirm, that would take away all intrigue.

"You do look like you could use abit of...heating up. Your eyes look abit tense too, perhaps they aren't the only things that are tense. Afraid I will not be joining you for a talk nor offer any warm cuddles in the hotspring... as I am all out of cuddles…" He chuckled. "Ahh, not quite. But... I do have some matters I must attend to. Tia, would you be so kind as to join the blaze-eyed beauty? Company is always good. Like yours." Kira did strike him as a curious type, but a very reserved one at that. Very different from those he had known, which often asked when they wished to know something. It made him remember one of the old monks at the monestary… so long ago.

Gadez threw a glance over his shoulder as he opened the door out of the temple, throwing one last glance over his shoulder towards Tia. His mouth moving as he made out some words, not spoken but they were clearly words. Then he smiled, tilting his head to the side and closing his eyes. Before striding out of the temple, the door closing behind him. The blizzard was over and the sound of people in the distance reached him, they were out resuming their daily lives, the scent of food traversing through the air. Yet Gadez mind was elsewhere. In another place. Another time...

Flashback episode

"Gadez, why are you still being so defiant and insolent towards the goddess? It is rare to possess such a gift as yours with her fire. Which again makes me wonder why are you defying her in her very temple and the holy halls?" The older monk asked, his long white beard being carefully stroked before his hands would be neatly clasped behind his back.

"Abit of fire can keep you warm, too much and you'll burn. Like water bear a ship it can also sink it. If Aelios and Seluna exist, then they are both lifegivers and deathbringers. Neither greater than the other. But both are flawed, two sides of the same coin, but unable to accept oneanother. Can the world truly unite when the goddesses they praise with all their being stand for dividing and distinguishing?" Gadez asked not expecting an answer that would be satisfactory, it was more like a challenge to the older man. As if testing his faith. Prodding it for gaps.

"The mysteries of the world and what lies beyond it, and the actions of the goddesses are beyond any mortals understanding. We do not have to understand everything, just keep faith in the things greater than our own mortal shells." The elder monk replied, his hands moving in front of him now, a single finger held out as if warning the younger man.

"I chose to believe in humankind, we who walk along the edge of the coin. We who have a choice, to define our destiny, despite the goddesses attempts to lure us to either side of the coin. Only by treading upon the edge can you see both sides and mend this divided world. That the goddesses have failed in doing." The young blonde man said almost in a mocking way, making his stance known, his defiance obvious.

"This is heresy! Sacrilege! You are putting yourself on the same level as Aelios herself! A being beyond comphrehension! How dare you utter these profanities! Do you see yourself as a god?" The elder monk said in a flustered manner, his reprimand flying through the air, echoing along the hallways to the old library.

"There are those who gaze into the light, and there are those which covet the dark. Both are blinded by the belief one is greater than the other. Much like each goddess, providing they do exist, they each praise their own nectar, and label the other one as poison. I am human, as long as I have the free will to chose my path, I will reject theirs to my dying breath. Because I believe that fate is not tied solely to the whims of a goddess, but that each living thing has the wish and potential to forge their own future. No matter what design another may have put upon it!" He raised his voice at the older man, his eyes shimmering as if it had momentarily gotten the better of him. The blue-eyed man soon assumed a more relaxed position again and softened his voice.

"You are a such an audacious child, have you none who you look up to as someone greater than yourself? Like a parent? Your father perhaps? What is it that drives you Gadez? Some self gratification? You want to be some kind of famous hero or known as the most insufferable affront to the clergy imaginable?" The bearded old monk asked, clear agitation in his voice, but he did his best to remain calm despite how their conversation had made everyone else vacate the library.

"To a child, a parent is a god. But in that regard my god is wicked and severely flawed. He killed my mother you see. He ripped her heart out. I guess love is blind indeed. A more dangerous poison than love... there is not." Gadez said in a smug manner, he truly couldn't admit he had ever felt love for anything, save possibly his mother.

"Do you not love anything in this world? Why are you this way? What is it that you hate so much? I have seen you in the sparring, you fight with a ferocity of a bear mother defending her cubs. But from where comes this strength? Where is your motivation coming from?" The old man said in a mixture of curiousity and confusion, it was obvious that this younger man was indeed testing his patience with his antics.

"A long time ago a sin was made in secrecy, a seed was sowed and deemed as evil and had to burn. Yet it eluded to be scorched, it festered and became a tree. A tree which blossoms in winter as in summer, the leaves falling from it's hidden crown tells many things. It shall bear fruit in time. Whereof it is poison or something sweet? Depends on who you'd ask." Gadez had smirked, taking enjoyment in being as cryptic as possible to further test the older man's temper.

"You have a penchant for being cryptic. Try be more plain. Like an open field." The older man rubbed his forehead, pinched the bridge of his nose and then sighed.

"Then how about revenge? For all those whose lives has been destroyed?" Gadez said in a flat tone, there was no movement of his body, no emotion to the sentence. Unlike all his other lines spoken, this one had been dead serious.

"On whom? The goddesses? Aurelia? The world?" The elder man asked with a grunt, crossing his arms in front of his chest, before adjusting his beard.

"You wouldn't like my answer..." Gadez had merely smiled, slamming the book he was reading shut.

[Many years later]

Theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VQ8clO4o8M

"Gadez... I am dying..." The now far older man was bedridden for a long time, age having finally caught up with him. While his body was giving in, his mind remained the same.

"I know." The blonde had said and nodded his head, leaning down and placing a hand on the elderly man's shoulder.

"Tell... tell me... what... Who are you..? Really?" The venerable man wanted to know. That much was plain. Like so many others before having wanted to know if the goddess was real or not, this man sought an answer to a question he had carried for a long time.

"..." The blue-eyed blonde said nothing, his eyes shimmering from the nearby candle-lights.

"Dead men tell no tales... Indulge a dying man .. before he goes to meet his goddess." The man sighed and rested his head further, he was growing weaker by the moment. But he wanted to know.

The blonde nodded then leaned in and whispered into the dying man's ear. The elder monks eyes widened and flickered, before looking pained. It was something he had never imagined. Something he never could have considered.

"What? I-impossible... It cannot- How? No.. no...? Goddess forgive me... why didn't I see the signs... they were all there.. in the.. stars..." The elderly monk began to cough, his eyes growing teary and his vision becoming more blurry.

"I... I see why... why you wear that smiling mask now… like the duality of comedy and tragedy. You are both… and you have the right... I hate to admit it... but you have the right... you… bastard..." The old monk said in a gasping manner a faint smirk on his lips before his arm went limp and fell down on the bed.

"You are right, I am that one bastard whose going to quench the biggest star. Rest well now in the embrace of the goddess you believed in. For I will not. I enjoyed our talks, I shall miss them dearly. Til all become one anew, rest well old man." Gadez had placed his hand on the elder man's face, closing his eyes as he had passed on. The blonde allowed a soft smile to decorate his lips as he stood back up and turned around. There had always only been one path to go. Forwards.

Alone. Always alone.

The sounds of his footsteps echoing down the long stone pathway of the monastery until he reached a balcony overlooking the valley and the starry night sky.

'This land deserves to be set free. I shall smite the star which scorch it. Sit atop your gilded throne whilst you can you wretched sun king, feed your daughters, sons and your new golden child with all of your lies. All the harder will the fall be...' The blonde had grabbed the railing of the stone balcony, slumping slightly against it, his grip upon it loosening slightly. His mouth giving way to a wide grin. His eye shimmered as the light of a star reflected back into it.

The memory faded and Gadez found himself approaching the local carpenter, buying some planks of wood from him along with a small hammer and some nails. That would come to great use with his newly 'borrowed' tree-cutting knife that he had aqquired from the temple. Well it was surely not a ritualistic or ceremonial dagger. Was it? Well, it had a new purpose now. As he went to another which was selling some crude looking pieces of linen, Gadez bought those and asked the woman to help him sew them together slightly. There was some noise in the distance what sounded like a confrontation as some loud would-be-noble tried to wade across the gathering of people on some beast of burden.

"Guh." He said aloud as he carried his newly aqquired things towards the inn, hoping to run into Mistress Leela. And sure enough further ahead he spotted her. And he spotted more than he had bargained for. She had changed her form? Evolved? That was a first for a blightborn.

"Well, I knew you were expanding the inn, I didn't know you were expanding yourself too, Leela. I suppose you have snaked off your boots? By the way. Fine coat. I know snakes coat their fangs in venom, but this might be abit too much." He smugly said as he inspected Sya's new rear. "Just don't ask to sit on my shoulders, that would be even too much for one such as I. Just how far does that thing go?" He chuckled and then let his eyes wander over Katherine, then to Elara, then to Dyna and Ranni. Before finally landing on Daphne and Ayel which were furthest away.

The blonde gave a butlerlike bow to Katherine and Elara, then gave a glance to Dyna, Ranni, Daphne and the nobleman which had his back already turned. His blonde hair fell over his eyes as he smiled. "Gadez Paladice, gardener at your service. Do not mind the wood. It's for a fine display. Speaking of which, Leela. May I set something up within your inn? Ever seen a puppet theatre? I think the young ones would appreciate that in this harsh place. A little storytelling to temporary put aside the hammering… yelling.. and the people making their insides go outsides… because.. that's what alcohol does to people." He said in a grumpy tone as his eyes wandered to someone in the distance.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Ayel Raunefeldt

The nobleman raised his equally noble eyebrow as his gaze fell on Elara as she spoke to him, but at the very least she did address him by title. It would have made him feel giddy, but that was before the woman had the gall to try reprimand him. Him? Whose done no harm!

Belittle the commoners? What kind of petty man did she take him for? Ayel gave Elara a deep glare, he would try his best to remember this one. How dared she think that peasant labor and some false impression of respecting these… useless commoners was more important than his birthright! He could feel his face growing warm, the veins popping up all over it, almost like a teapot boiling over. The urge to use his precious horsewhip at Elara was rising, he mentally already saw the thing slapping her across the face, but before he had a chance to act on his rightious impulse and put the common commoner in her place the snake woman had once again started to say something.

'The audacity!' He tightened his hand around his horsewhip. She was no lady, she was a malady! He would rather die than treat her like one of the rich people at court. He frowned at the very thought and tried to shake off the very thought, as if it had manifested on him in a physical manner. He felt a chill down his spine. What was that he heard from her? Was that the awful accent of those living closer to the Lunaris barbarian lands? Some sub-Aurelian speech. Not only were she a blightborn peasant, but one which was even more vile with her disgusting accent and now it was even hissing.

If only the head inquisitor were here, he would have known what to do. The nobleman felt a sense of loss. All the sensible people were in the capitol. Why had he come to this accursed place to begin with? Then he recalled. Fame and fortune. He would become the Marquess who not only defeated the blight but also found a cure, he would be famous and richer! And the king would make him a duke! No! He'd abdicate for certain!

Ayel's gaze momentarily phased out as his thoughts fell on himself, the sounds of Elara and Sya and everyone nearby became but buzzing noises, or the sounds one would get by listening to a conchshell. They were like the sea, and his own thoughts of himself was now caressing him like a soothing song, or the finest pure Aurelian wine being poured up into a glass. He had to speak with the prince soon, maybe by sacrificing alot of peasants somehow the blight would be ended. The goddess had to be unhappy about them defiling all other things which were beautiful. This was a trial! And he was going to pass it! Whilst he was preoccupied with himself he suddenly snapped out of it as he heard a voice.

"Pompous peacock?" He said out loud and looked around, first in a panic as if it had stirred some dread in him, but upon seeing the tall woman nearby he set his noble eyes on her. His eye twitched as he heard the wicked speech of the woman. She was one of those northern barbarians for certain. "How dare you, I will not eat or drink amongst the peasantry. What do I look like? Some vagabond or brigand. You dullwitted thickfaced brewbarian! Her property? Don't be absurd, a peasant cannot own their own land. That is reserved for us of the nobility." Ayel stroked the ruffles at his neck, his finger caressing his expensive brooché depicting himself in profile with a rose motif.

"This peasant whereof blighted or not is still a peasant, she should kneel in my presence as should you, you overgrown wash-maid that looks like a man. And who is this Lady Coswain? Not anyone I am familiar And trust me, I am in all the important circles with people who are almost as important as myself. Now off you go, I have some very important paperwork that needs to be done. I don't have time to bicker with every barbarian in here! Good day!" He raised his nose high enough that he felt like he could take a deep breath without potentially breathing the same air as Daphne. He began to turn his horse around and started to lead it in the direction of his carriage and home-in-progress. "Out of the way! Don't touch me!" He called out to anyone near him.

Those peasants would just wait until he had sent his letters. Then they would pay. They would all pay for their disrespect!

@PrinceAlexus@Qia

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Gadez Paladice

Gadez had watched Tia as they moved towards the front of the temple, his ghostly blue eyes wandering over her entire form.

During his stay with her, he had done what he could to not ask too much which she had to reply in long sentences or about her past. Her throat had after all been injured. He couldn't help to draw a parallell with her and a canary, a canary which could not longer sing and with broken wings. But even with that, she still seemed to marsch onwards. She was strong, perhaps not in the sense most would regard as powerful physically. But resilient and headstrong. She perservered even though the world had done it's seemingly best to end her.

Was it Seluna which had sent the blizzard to attempt to kill them both or destroy Dawnhaven? It wouldn't be surprising to him, after all it stood for something that both she and Aelios resented. Peace. The two goddesses had been fighting each other since the beginning of time, and humans had been the pawns in the great game. But a new player had entered the scene, which had sent their time-long struggle against each other to a halt. Now the old world would clash with a rising new world led by humans.

If the goddesses were unable to make peace, yet humans could. Did it mean they had now surpassed the very gods themselves? Aelios had possibly also attempted to use the situation, in an attempt to qwell his hate with that other dangerous feeling.

Now however… the blizzard was over, they stood on the front steps of the temple, just past the door, looking out at the scene before them. The cool wind traced along Gadez's bare chest, his blonde hair flickering in the wind. His eyes wandered over to Tia as she seemed to look up at the sky above before turning to face him. He also took a brief look at the sky and gentle snow falling. Tears of the snow queen.

"It is I whom should thank you, Tia." He reached up his bare hand, seeking to place it against her cheek and stroke it with his thumb.

"Even if a star is concealed, doesn't mean it's not there. Besides if you keep that smile, you might surpass their sparkle. Have faith in yourself, Tingara and the things dear to you, that is how you'll find your way home. Awaken that part of yourself still slumbering, what kind of world do you want Tia?" He asked softly, knowing she may not give him the answer, but he had to mention it nontheless. "You've sheltered the greatest enemy of Aelios and Aurelia... that takes alot of heart and bravery. You are quite the star in hiding yourself aren't you? Don't worry… I'll can keep a secret." He gave a soft smile as he nodded to her throat, then his eyes would look directly into hers, leaning in abit closer to open his mouth to- say something more?, but then he seemed to slam into an invisible force field that pulled himself back abit.

"Now let's get dressed properly shall we?" Gadez led her inside the temple again to the door to her chamber, before he went to get to the place where he placed his gear and clothes. Including the small wooden figurine heads he had carved from the firewood in secrecy. Was it theft? Debatable. They would come in handy later for what he had planned. He could always return them later. Or never.

As he leaned down to pick up his shirt, he spotted a familiar face entering the temple. He allowed himself a smirk, flinging his shirt over his shoulder and then his hand trailed down his tattooed muscular chest, before landing by his belt, his thumb playing with the top of the belt. "Good morning blazegazed one! I just finished with priestess Tomae. She'll be with you in abit once she's gotten dressed." Gadez smiled and took on his shirt slowly, almost as if he intentionally was taking his time.

@c3p-0h@The Muse

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Ayel Raunefeldt

The nobleman in his vast patience and understanding raised an arrogant eyebrow as Sya had had the gall to explain to him. HIM of all people. Who had attended the most prominent academy, achieved the most praise for his skills in everything. Despite having been set up by those jealous good for nothing second-grade nobles of the academy which had changed his answers somehow on the tests. It irked him still, how the guilty could escape rightious judgement. And now this serpentine horror had the audacity to stand before him on his elegant steed and attempt to make him seem a fool. How dared she.

"You dull thing, I know fully well of the difference between all things that slither. But what point is there really to differenciate things which are equally filthy? Hmm? You see, you dim dolt, I do not memorize every single ant I happen to stumble upon, naming them or having the time to do so. I have important work to do. And you being clean? Do not delude yourself. What? You have defiled some pristine spring with your wicked scaly slithering slime… " The nobleman was so upset he was spitting out his words, momentarily even causing a slight drool which he quickly tried to conceal with a swift grab of his napkin.

The nobleman's eyes were twitching, why in the world had every woman within Dawnhaven come to pester him? He knew that no doubt his noble features would attract admiration, even from the good-for-nothing peasant cast, but that they would be so rude and try defend the slithering beast before him. He couldn't understand it. The first to have gotten his noble gaze set upon them was Elara, he could see that she was pretty. For a peasant. He suspected she might have possibly even claimed bronze at the beauty contest in Aurelia. But that was from all the common peasant blob and their biased votes. He was still leagues above her.

"I am giving this abomination the respect she does deserve, which is none. I am the Marquess, Ayel Raunefeldt, and I deserve respect. For I am rich and I am influencial. This creature is more animal than human, she cannot own an establishment." He explained in a slow manner, as he knew that peasants were abit slower in the head. He would have to put in some effort to make them understand, in a sense he couldn't help but feel a slight admiration for those nobles in Aurelia that had to converse with them every day. No wonder his ilk worked themselves to death. These people were as dumb as they were dirty.

His focus soon shifted to another woman, this one blonde which had moved to put herself in the way. The audacity!

"Champion of her divine goddess, Aelios? Do you know who I am? I am the chosen of the goddess, look upon my grace girl. This face didn't shape itself out of the void, it was finely crafted by the goddess herself. As for hospitality, that does not give her the right to slither about in these parts and looking horrible-" He spoke up and his face grew more red by the seconds, the more Dyna spoke.

Her options struck him like bolts from the sky, they were crazy, was this woman insane?

Appologize and show respect to that disgusting serpent? Never. That would be like having a king kneel to a snail. He couldn't even entertain the idea. Then came the second option she provided, being civil? He was being civil enough by not ordering the affront to be dragged off. But then again the guards seemed to be against him. Those bigoted Lunaris barbarians. The woman proceeded to mention option three, which involved said guards. That was out of the question, they were barbarians only fit for outhouse duty. The last option she gave was that she would have him leave. She? This misguided servant of Aelios.

But what if Aelios would have given her some blessing? It surely wasn't as great as his own. But what if she would be displeased with him in reprimanding this woman? Fighting amidst the followers of Aelios would not be good. He wanted to whack her with his horse whip, but he withdrew the idea. Perhaps she would be more useful after his dear friend the prince had taught her to respect him. Perhaps she would be somewhat useful to him even? While the nobleman considered his options another blonde woman came into the scene. The nobleman gave out a sigh, then adjusted his hat and took the bothersome lock away from his face so that the newcomer could see his face and feel enthralled with it. Like everyone else no doubt felt.

Ayel raised an eyebrow on seeing the first blonde and the newcomer embrace. He couldn't help but wrinkle his nose at the sight, then he noticed the horns on Ranni and her other traits.

His face which had gotten slightly more calm was still riddled with disgust at the sight before him.

"Very touching. A reunion between yourself and your twin, the goat." The nobleman stroked his frilled shirt, his judging gaze looked over at the two blondes. Oddly enough the horned one made him feel odd. He felt like all of a sudden he had to pull out his mirror, and look at himself. A sense of dread overcame him, why had this disgusting goat-girl reminded him of himself? He wanted to go and clear his head. Perhaps this was a result of bad wine? But wasn't possible, the wine he always drank was good. Unless someone had mixed his drinks with those from the border region. He wanted to throw up as the thought struck him, of dirty barbarians using their feet to crush grapes and make wine.

"Unghh.. I- I have places to be.. ohh… uhh.." He reached his napkin to his mouth, to attempt to block out the smell that didn't come from his perfume and the idea of dirty peasants being without their attires. He quickly shook his head to rid his noble mind of these indecent visions. What in the world had made him think of these dirty things? Ayel felt something he had not felt for a long time. Shame. He had purify his mind as soon as possible, he closed his eyes and thought of himself and the statues and paintings of himself which would arrive with the next caravan. He blew out some air and tried to collect himself. Did the horned blonde look all of a sudden better than the one without? Impossible. Just a moment ago she were the less of the two peasants. The nobleman froze as if a horrible realization came over him. He was trying to compare potatoes with other potatoes. Was the blight thing getting to him? He had to rush away and curate himself!

The nobleman turned his horse around ready to leave, giving Sya a glare then shaking his head to Elara. Had the word gone mad? He was a Marquess? Why were they not bowing to him and praising him? He was dressed his best and his manners left nothing to be desired. He missed Aurelia and the noble circles already. He couldn't help but turn his head as he was leaving to look at the horned woman and her twin. Why did he just do that? He shook his head again. Must be some after blizzard cold. He couldn't help but feel dirty. He wanted to clean his hands.

@PrinceAlexus@Queen Arya@Qia

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Ayel Raunefeldt

Ayel's face grew more and more wrinkly with each words Sya uttered, his hands tightening into fists, the urge to lash out with his horsewhip was rising.

"Do not hiss at me you revolting reptile!" He almost spitted the words out, then adjusted his collar and pose atop his high horse.

"The prince gave it out all for free? You believe I would trust in the words of a one-eyed worm? I care nothing about your low quality barbarian brews, it's like serving bile on a bottle! My taste is much more refined and rich." He spoke in a angry manner, his noble nose wrinkling the more he thought about it.

Why in the world would the prince feed these lowlife workers for free? It seemed so foreign to him. Were he truly the son of the great Aurelian king? His friend which he had grown up with and played in the royal gardens with. Even if the prince's favorite game was hide and seek where Ayel was always left to do the searching. It irked him. Had some peasant or that wicked witch princess of the north ensnared him? He had to talk some common- No.. some noble sense into the prince. Unless… The noble took a moment to think more deeply, what if the free food was a way to ferret out the weak? Could the prince have added some poison to the supply to thin out the herd's weakest members? The Marquess' eyes seemed to widen and then his expression turned to a more pleased one.

The prince was a genius. Ofcourse it had to be some reason like that. Or having the otherwise thick-headed louts do what he needed them to do. Like feeding things to the dumb ox to plow the fields, as long as the serfs were kept in check and dumb enough, that was good to him. They were after all living for one purpose alone, to serve their betters. He mentally moaned to himself, almost wanting to raise his gloved finger to his mouth to taste it. So delicious was the imagery he was provided with.

Ofcourse the prince knew these barbarian serfs better than him, he likely knew just the right way to make them somewhat useful. But still.. there remained that one problem with the barbarian princess, She had to be taken away from the prince by some means. She was a bad influence on him, she might even convince the prince, who was noble in his heart of rebelling against his esteemed father. The very idea of a civil war made the noble frown, he didn't want to get dragged into a battlefield, he was a lover not a fighter. But then again it could have been a good way to make a profit or thin the dumb working herd.

The noble phased back into the scene and his eyes fell on the building, which was seemingly the Eye of the beholder. Some kind of inn. He hated it. It was bigger than his home in progress, he couldn't let the presence of that vile structure ruin his view out of his bedroom window to be. It had to be demolished somehow. What if there was an accidental fire? The noble chuckled in his mind, the very idea made him feel giddy inside. But soon he set his eyes on Sya again.

"No matter how much pillows you throw into a pig sty, it is still a pig sty, no matter how big it is. And no matter how much you fabric you strip on a repulsive reptile it is still slithering and- disgusting!" He grimaced and adjusted his seating on his horse, giving Sya a condescending look. "How dare you look at me with that disgraceful gaze? Bow your head if you wish to keep it. I happen to be a Marquess and a friend of the prince. I am rich you know. Now creature, you may kneel… or curl or whatever your ilk does. I take it your master has at the very least taught you that? I am Marquess Ayel Raunefeldt, you silly serpent, I am here to ensure that QUALITY is kept within Dawnhaven. I am the guildmaster of the highly esteemed Aurelius Emporium. It wouldn't suprise me if you ill informed thralls wouldn't even know -that-. And I AM the man of honor. Look upon me and tremble at the display of grace, you meager maggot." He said in a self-indulging voice, clearly proud of all his titles. How they clad him magnificently.

@PrinceAlexus

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Ayel Raunefeldt

The Marquess was pleased, it was the most important mission of the day to the nobleman. His solitude with himself had been a trial, not because he found himself to be awful company, but because there had been no opportunity to display himself before everyone else.

It wasn't that he would admit he loved being looked upon in jealousy, in praise and worship. At least that was what he told himself. It was to display his higher standing in life to all manner of people under him.

He couldn't afford some peasants to start planning some revolt or put forth some request to impose restrictions on his noble class. The very idea made him shudder.

Yet for now he had eaten his breakfast and was saddled atop his favorite white horse, with enough fabric covering the horse to keep it warm and make sure that the noble rider wouldn't get any horse-fleas or hair on his fine garments. Not like any of his horses had any fleas, he had specifically instructed his workers and Faldrin to keep them clean and far away from other horses.

Even with horses things had to be separated by class. He loved it.

As Ayel rode in on his horse into the middle of Dawnhaven, he expected them to greet him with waving and saluting. But as he had not announced his arrival to the prince, there were no trumpets. But it soon became clear to him there would be neither of the things he expected. He recoiled in shock to what he saw, serfs lining up for food, and not having to pay for it. The nobleman felt the sweat building at his forehead despite the cool air.

'Who is the business disaster that has made this affront?' His eyes scanned his surroundings with scrutiny. Were there some other noble present? One of those 'new times' nobles which spoke up in favor of the peasants. He hated those class traitors.

He grew more and more concerned as he heard the chatter of all the commoners, their faces lit up with hope, their dirty clothes and faces stuffed with food. They were happy.

The noble felt a big lump in his stomach. This was wrong. So very wrong.

'His royal majesty must know of this right away... there's some rebellious activity in this place. Perhaps my dear friend the prince could stop this display of wasting resources to the unworthy.' Ayel adjusted his large feathered hat, pulling his bothersome lock of hair from his face.

He looked over the crowd from his elevated position on his horse. At least he felt good about looking over them, like one would watch an anthill with all those workers serving their leader. The momentary thought put him in a better mood as he moved closer with his horse.

"Make way. Out of the way. I don't have all day." He said aloud. Directing people to make a path for him, the people giving him glares. Him of all people. How dared they. One of the serfs even had the gall to sneakily slip his horse a carrot.

"Stop that at once. My horse is on a strict diet, it must not eat low quality- where do you think you are going? I am talking to you-" He gritted his teeth as the serf eluded him and vanished into the sea of serfs. Once lost in there, he felt unable to tell it apart from the rest. They all looked and smelled the same.

He thought he could see the guardsman which had pestered him a week ago. His face was more memorable to the noble. Having made sure to memorize the people whose wronged him. He also could smell... farmer stench. But he couldn't tell from where, it was as if the odour of all the thralls had created a mixed miasma that was even overpowering his expensive perfume.

Ayel's eyes landed on someone with a fancy coat. A fellow noble? Perhaps she could enlighten him where to find the culprit behind the free food ploy.

"Pardon me milady, but would you be so kind and direct me to whomever is responsible for this waste of resources?" He said, putting on his best smile, he had it practiced and nailed down perfectly after hours upon hours of mirror talks.

The Marquess smile completely died soon after as he saw the persons face and the rest of the body. A large eye slammed right into the middle of her face and a reptilian lower body. It wasn't a milady, it was a malady.

'By Aelios noble grace! A monster!' He thought, his eyes widening in horror, then he looked around for the nearest torch. This monster was sneakily pretending to be a noble, hiding in the midst of the witless vagrants and surely plotting something. Was this the culprit? Ayel felt almost paralyzed by fear. What manner of diseases were this -thing- carrying into the place. There had to be laws against it. Someone had to do something.

The monster appeared to be female. It troubled him further. What if it would spawn more of its kind? Animals and monsters were supposed to be in cages or arenas. Or put down. Why was this thing free?

"You there, what are you doing here, speak up beast but watch your tongue. Did you arrange this gluttonous serf feast?" Ayel asked in a stern voice, he was still nervous. 'This creature shouldn't even exist. Where are the menagerie keeper when you need him? This wicked abomination should burn by the stake.' He mentally told himself.

Then again. The price for snakeskin had gone up. There could be profit to be had.

@PrinceAlexus

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Gadez Paladice

To most people being confined to a building for as long as the blizzard lasted would have been a challenge. But for someone like Paladice it was something he was very used to, having been more or less raised within a monastery. He wasn't one to grow bored. There was always something to do, something to ponder upon. Or in this particular case. Someone to talk with. But that may have been quite the understatement as the person in question, Tingara wasn't one who spoke alot. This did however not stop the man from doing it himself, but not encouraging his companion to speak unless she wanted to. The scar upon her neck was a sign enough for him to know that it was likely both painful and difficult, that she was still walking about was good enough on it's own.

She was a priestess, and they were both now in a temple. Two things he absolutely despised, yet despite that… there was something about her which beckoned to him. Something strange. Something foreign. Who in the world was this girl? Which the goddess had sent out to seemingly die in a blizzard? Or had she? What if it had all been an elaborate ploy to slowly draw him into the temple.

Whichever the case. It couldn't be helped. But worst of all... he had enjoyed the stay.

She was a good listener, if abit shy and reserved. But not only that, she was a beauty too. He couldn't help but notice that she seemed to feel embarassed about her scar somehow, as if that mark was all there were to her. The blue eyed man didn't press her for how she received it, she had already been through quite the ordeal with the blizzard and then being locked up in the temple with him of all people. Such would have worn down just about anyone. He knew as much. Still it didn't stop him from occasionally teasing her.

Training about shirtless in the great hall with the brazier, swinging about his swordspear like he usually did every morning. But perhaps he enjoyed causing her to fluster. Or how he was sneaking up next to her as she was arranging the books and blowing some air into her ear. Or intentionally misunderstanding what she would be saying and twisting it to the point she would feel frustrated. He did enjoy these things, especially when someone gave as good reactions to them as she did. But he didn't only tease her, he also told her some stories of what the old monks used to do or the circus performers. Or that one particular blightborn woman and the kissing booth incident which he was not involved with but came to witness. Or the old story about the prince which rose up and fought his father the king? Or the dumb ideas people had on what could be the cause of the blight… there were so many stories to tell if there were listeners.

While he could have asked Tia alot of things, he knew that her answers would be short and she might not be able to do it well.

Their time in the temple had however, with all things considered been a pleasant thing. Even if she had seemed surprised on seeing him join her in the hot spring without a notice. To him such was not a big deal, as the old monastery had that very thing. Albeit without a priestess like her present. She seemed to take it well as she didn't leave the water until after he had. Curious.

He had also noticed how she had stared at his tattoo, whereof he informed her with a hint of mystique in his voice.

"This is known to some as the... tincture. A symbol in alchemy. A mythic thing which was told to be able to turn base things into… gold. Others believe the secret formula would yield the key to immortality. Ofcourse no one knows what the formula is. If it even exists... This is just the symbol which has come to represent their search." He had smiled as he traced his fingers along the shape of the tattoo, as he explained it to Tia.

Their time together had passed by swiftly however, too swiftly for his liking. He still had much he wanted to say and ask her. But there was a time for everything. When the blizzard-free morning finally came, when the blizzard had finally gone away. Paladice had gone up, wearing no shirt as usual, he peeked out the temple door and saw the clear weather.

'It's about time. I was almost spreading roots in here. Well I suppose we are even goddess. I saved your priestess and you provided me with some reprieve. Don't get carried away however.' He scoffed and slammed the temple door shut, he wanted to get his things and get dressed properly. But it wouldn't be right to do so without letting Tia know about the blizzard being over, and bidding his leave. The blonde man went all the way over to her bedchamber.

He stopped for a moment, considering if he should knock. Knowing that Tia was a shy, nervous and likely slightly traumatized. From the blizzard. The monk-warrior decided that this called for abit more of a special approach, he softly opened the door and walked in. Spotting Tia lying in her bed. He slowly walked over with quiet steps, then he leaned down by her bed to look at her face. She was sleeping well by the looks of it, and not snoring. He didn't suspect such a small woman would be able to snore very loud either way. She looked alot less tense and more at peace in her sleep, at least from what he could tell.

He smiled softly, as his eyes wandered over her smooth looking skin and landing on her lips. She was stunning… for a priestess. He had however met four women within Dawnhaven and all four were beauties in their own right. But there was something with this one… He couldn't help but feel something, as if something about the moment in time. Almost as if time itself stood still. What in the world was happening? His eyes wandered about. He wasn't being affected by an illusion, his heartbeat was however growing more loud and he felt a drop of sweat on his forehead. Were someone watching him? Aelios? He felt warmth? As if that would make him kneel! He shook his head softly and then raised his hand, stretching out one of his fingers to poke Tia on her cheek.

"Awaken Tingara. Tiiiin...gaaa...raaa… awaken." He said softly, trying not to startle her as he attempted to wake her up.

"The blizzard is over... come look. My my, if you sleep any longer the bears will wake up before you do..." He said softly, hoping she would wake up. Well at the very least she wouldn't scream at him. Cause she couldn't? Right?

@c3p-0h