Dezuel

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Ayel Raunefeldt

"The ability to speak doesnt't give yout the right to- and what did you just say to me? I ought to-"  He said in a state of controlled rage, he was fuming, his body shaking from both the shock and the audacity that Sya and Kira dared speak to him so plainly. He may have been drenched, but he was still a noble, coming to think of it. He was almost royalty. Had Flynn's family members even been remotely as attractive as his own visage, he might have considered marrying into it. The idea of wearing a crown upon his noble brow was so sweet it made him feel lightheaded.

"Ayel the graceful, Ayel the Great, Ayel the flawless." He couldn't even pick between which legacy he would end up being remembered by. But even he knew that he wasn't immortal. It was unfair. Why did someone as beautiful as he be subjected to old age and die? To die... the very idea had made him shudder in the past. But if he had to die, then he wanted to be put in a glass coffin. So generations could enjoy the sight of him, like he had done his entire life.

But now it was time to smite the wicked beasts in the bath. The nobleman raised his hand to use his light magic to blow everything to dust. When someone had the gall to grab hold of him.

'Why you insufferable Monocycloplodyte- I'll... I'll- what?'

He shuddered. It had been years since someone else had touched him without him expecting it. He had seen s tailor dragged to the dungeon for poking his noble belly while taking his measurements for a new attire.

His concentration of his magic failed as his eyes turned on Tia, the one who had grabbed him. Didn't this woman have any respect for others personal space and boundaries.

He blinked quickly, it was a shorter than average woman. A priestess? She didn't strike him as rich, and being rich meant being smart. At least thats what he had always thought.

He had for a moment wanted to chastise and withdraw his arm but he felt...calmer...he felt good.

The nobleman gasped as he tried to make sense of it all. Then it struck him. He had underestimated her. Not the priestess. But Aelios! His goddess had descended from the sky and possessed this meager temple attendant with her light, to deliver him out of the purifying pit that was the hotspring. Ofcourse! It all made sense to him now. The water was clean no matter how many of those filthy blightborn were in it. They couldn't contend with Aelios light!

She had specifically reached out to aid him, she had been watching him, it made the nobleman blush. The goddess wanted him as her consort perhaps? Now that was even beyond royalty. Had he limited himself to the boundaries of the mortal world? He could become divine! A god of grace and unyielding beauty! His eyes began to almost get teary eyed. There would be temples of him, pilgrims wandering to see his statues... he would be justly worshipped.

Before the nobleman knew it he had gripped Tia's arm carefully and helped himself out of the bath. He seemed to look right past the priestess as if he had received a vision of his own. After all, when it came to visions, he was clearly the best suited to have thwm.

"Thank you my lady of light, Aelios the eternally bright." He said in a monotone as if enchanted and completely enthralled by his seemingly divine experience. "Your most favoured child shall do your great work." Ayel said as he slowly began to walk up the stairs, his face blank as he stared out into nothingness.

Thonk! He walked face-first into a wooden pole, hitting his face, causing him to quickly snap out of it. "Ah? What?" He said aloud and then in a panic reached for his face, making sure he was allright. He was such a gentle creature, like the fabled unicorns or majestic griffons. Except that he was completely real. The judgemental nobleman looked down the stairs to the water which harbored the two wicked beasts, there was a man close to where they were. His noble mind then recalled, he had dtood next to the priestess upon his arrival.

Of course! That was it. This man was some beast handler, seeing how he quickly had risen to calm the wild beasts. Perhaps he worked at a menagerie or a circus? Or was he aiding some reasearcher by subjecting the blighted to Aelios purifying pond? Ahh, he was trying to cleanse them. Thats why they were in the bath.

He had misunderstood the entire thing. But of course he wasn't to be blamed, he hadn't been informed by his lessers. So how could he had known?

"Yes yes, keep those beasts at bay! I have to get changed!" Ayel said aloud as he nodded his head towards Orion.

'He looks abit odd. Must be using some cheap skin lotion and those eyes don't look healthy. Clearly lack of sleep. Perhaps this beast tamer could deal with my dear sister? Oh good grief... no he couldn't.' Ayel chuckled softly, holding a hand before his mouth as he did. It was improper to allow his lessers to see him amused so plainly.

But he soon grunted. His boots were drenched. Then he saw someone he recognized. It was the goat girl. That made sense. That pale looking man was definitely her shepherd. But as his eyes wandered over the blonde girl, he suddenly felt... strange again. His thoughts wandered to how Aelios possibly would look like if she visited him in his mansion-to-be. He pinched his cheeks and softly slapped thwm to clear his mind. What in Aurelia had gone over him? His relationship with Aelios were...

Relationship? The nobleman got flustered and dramatically gestured with his arms as he passed by Ranni. "Bah, bah, bah. I don't have time for some sheep business!" He held his nose high, even as the wet noises of his clothes could be heard loudly.

He had to get to his carriage and get changed before he would be spotted. Wait... was that the goat's unhorned twin getting closer?

'Chosen of Aelios my noble rear! Haha! You sister of a goat! Peasantborn!' He mentally hurled his insults as he thought of his recent experience. But he was looking like a  mess. He couldn't let her see him like this. A smug commoner was one of the worst things imaginable.

He hid behind a nearby tree which was abit too thin to fully cover him.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Gadez Paladice

The monk offered a nod to Nyla as she introduced herself, he couldn't help but notice that there was something abit more exotic about her. Were she from a distant region of Aurelia or elsewhere? Was it her accent or her appearance which made him draw that conclusion, he couldn't quite pinpoint.

"I wear many hats indeed, yet I don't allow that to go to my head." He softly said in an amused manner. "Pleased to meet one such as yourself, Nyla. As for what drew me to Dawnhaven? Would revenge be the wrong answer? Well, or perhaps I should say justice? It depends from whose eyes you see things. But I knew the moment that Dawnhaven was made that I had to go. Because this is the only place in this world that can make my wish come true." He said and offered a mysterious looking smile, his eyes shimmering from the nearby fireplace light.

'The third kingdom...'

It was then a man rudely was heard, it was a bard. Ofcourse it had to be a bard. The blonde cringed in his entire body, as if struck by lightning. How he hated bards.

'These damnable illusionists and their made up tales and songs, the real world isn't as kind as the ones in your fairytales! Wait… I recognize this poisonous tune. It's that wretched performer who saw it fit to make camp just outside the circus grounds to snatch up coins while enthralling the crowds. Aldrick Corveaux. The famous performer.' Gadez gathered his thoughts, he didn't want to be subjected to his music, but at this moment it seemed unavoidable unless he went up there and broke the man's instrument or legs. Neither would sit well with the populace which seemed quite joyous over his music.

People had the right to chose their own path, even if that path was knee-deep in poison. Like the alcohol served, bards tunes would gradually seduce, enthrall and poison peoples minds until they would simply become a spectator for their own life and live in a world of dreams. Rather than set out and make that dream a reality. It did strike the monk that Aldrick had changed, not with his music but with his appearance. The blight had a way to bring out the best and worst in people. For the case of the bard. He thought this was the best. Though if he would have been able to pick, he would have chosen to make him a mute and unable to play those songs of his. But who was he to question the fate of things. Who was he indeed?

His thoughts were then interrupted by another rude man, this one seemed to be intoxicated and saw it fit to try his luck with a whitehaired young lady in the inn. Had it not been for what seemed to be a female guard or mercenary stepping in to deal with the man, he would have done it himself. Thinking of it. This was likely for the best. He wouldn't have been as gentle. It wasn't that he lacked tact when he needed to, but to send a clear signal. The guardswoman then made a remark to a kissing booth.

"Afraid you'd miss the opening hours? Lest you'd be shy? But good to know that my words are heard and memorable." He softly said towards Daphne and made a wink, the blonde man chuckled and turned his attention back to Nyla.

"Ahh.. disappointed? Well… I could show you more than a kissing booth, however you might become snake-charmed yourself and get more lost than that bard enthralled by his own tune." He chuckled again in an amused manner, then moving closer to Nyla. "However your lips say one thing, but your eyes say another… I saw how your eyes gazed upon that boy. They say the eyes are a depiction of ones soul and heart. As long as you'd follow whichever path your heart so choses, you'll never be wrong, neither regret it." He said softly as he reached out to try touch Nyla's cheek, but withdrew before coming into touch with it.

"I've been subjected to a sweet melody all my life, yet I've warded myself well against it. No matter how loud the tune may play, it's rhythm is not the same as my heart." He said in an even softer tone, then his facial expression changed completely into a more jovial and jesting one with his head tilting to the side and his eyes closing.

"As for puppetry, allow me to teach you the important steps." The man said in an enthusiastic tone, then he changed to a more soft and smooth one, speaking abit quietly to Nyla. Gadez took out one of the puppet heads he had carved out of the wood at Aelios temple during the blizzard.
"First you need to hold firmly, grip the head. Then you slightly slide up the fabric covering up your point of entry. Move your hand under the cloth and use your middle finger. Trace about til you find a narrow crevice, move the tip of your finger around to make sure you are at the right place. This particular one has been marked by a little decal at the top to assist in making certain you are where you need to be. See this here? If it is too tight for your finger, you may require something to widen the gap. If it on the other hand feels too loose, you may easily fit two fingers. Upon repeated use, the hole may gap a bit more as a result. And wood also tend to swell when subjected to moisture for an extended period of time. But unto the rest... You press the rest of your finger in as deep as you can go. Use your other fingers to reach into the folds at the sides."

The blue eyed menace explained and showed how his fingers slipped into the cloth folds that were the puppets arms, one finger each becoming an arm.

"Then you move your middle finger creatively and the whole thing suddenly comes alive. Flap the other fingers and the arms will move. Ofcourse it must be accompanied with sounds to make it believable, but you can manage such no doubt." He kept smiling in a playful manner.

"If you want to create a moment of intensity, simply vibrate and it will look like its shaking. In exhaltation, fear or anger. Got everything so far? Sometimes you also have to press down on the head, as it may try poke out too much through the cloth. Make sure everything is held firmly in place. You may of course have all manner of wood when doing this, I specifically had mine tended to in the temple, during the recent blizzard." He added and tapped his own cheek with his hand, drumming on it with his fingers.

"When you are not using these wooden heads, it may be good to place them in a chest, or shelf. Whichever one you prefer." The sly warrior-monk turned puppeteer smirked and looked Nyla's face over.

"But I'd best get to assemble to puppet-theatre." He nodded at the long and firm wood he carried. "Do feel free to continue to converse as I assemble it." He added and then began to construct the thing. It took abit of time, but the man had all the tools he needed to put it together. It didn't need to be looking fancy. He attached some linen cloths to act as curtains.

Sometime later...

He had finished, it was looking more like the home for a beggar than a theatre. But it would have to do. The man soon quickly arranged the puppets with their respective linen cloth. Then lastly he took a piece of linen and cut two holes into it, making himself a makeshift eye-mask. He looked more a bandit than a puppeteer no doubt. Gadez then moved over to the doorway of the inn.

"Ladies, gentlemen, children of any ages, the first act of the puppetry show shall begin shortly within the Eye of the Beholder! Come and let your young hear a tale of kings and queens, of war and peace, of love and deception! Set into a world not too different from our own! A moments respite in the everyday struggle of what we call life!" He made his butlerlike bow, which was something he also did at his time in the circus. After having made his announcement he went over to set up his wooden structure and sit behind the curtains, slipping his hands into the puppets he had made. Then he waited for some people to gather before he began the act.

"Welcome all, far and wide, from north to south, east to west. Leave to me... the rest."

The curtains would slowly begin to part and a single puppet would begin to take it's stage, it was a blonde prince-like figure.

"A long time ago, in a far away kingdom, in an age where the sun shone upon the world. There was a kingdom called Nova, in this kingdom were a king and queen and their son, a prince with golden hair. His name was Lauric.

The prince was a young man, even younger than our own prince Flynn. His family had ruled the kingdom of the stars for as far as there had been books and tales, they had in times past fought against another kingdom which worshipped something called 'The orb of night'. Both kingdoms were fierce enemies, but a past war had wreaked havoc on them both, causing them to sue for peace. However this were events of the past, and Lauric grew tired of his sheltered life in his parents castle, of their rules, their constant attempts to shape him... so he set out in secrecy!

He wanted adventure and to be more than just raised to be a king, and during his journey the prince came upon... let's hear some guesses? What did he come across? "

"A sword!" A boy cried out in the audience listening to the tale, who was soon shushed by his mother.

"Ah, the prince already had a sword! It was something else!" Gadez said in a playful tone.

"Maybe a girl?" A young girl asked with a shy expression on her face as she spoke up.

"That's right, he came across a girl! He fell madly in love! Love is when two people like oneanother so much to the point they are willing to abandon all other senses for that very thing. The prince and the girl met in secrecy, unaware of the king and queens knowledge! Oh they would have been so angry and disappointed if they knew!" The puppeteer said in a raised voice, moving the puppet to make it seem like it was tip-toeing and hiding on the stage, the girl puppet moving in to snuggle with him.

"There was a fight?!" The young boy asked loudly, followed by shushes by his mother, and pinching him in the ear.

"Now now, let's not get too far ahead!" The masked storyteller proceeded.

"But one day the girl had a secret to tell the prince, can anyone guess what it were?" Gadez peeked his masked head through the curtain to look at the puppets with a look of disapproval.

"She made a baby?!" Another girl squeeked out and jumped in her mother's lap before being passed over to her father who held her down to stop her from jumping.

"Indeed! She did! But the prince didn't know! The girl had kept it a secret from him for many years! For she was worried the prince would take the child back to the mean old king and queen. The prince was furious, he wanted to take the child to his parents and the castle even if the child didn't want to. Prince Lauric came to their home with soldiers, but before they could find the child the home was burning! It was on fire! The mother and child had both disappeared! Lauric returned to his home alone.

The young mother had survived the blazing inferno, but her child was nowhere to be found. She had planned to take him to the other kingdom, to the people who worshipped the orb of night!" Gadez had the two puppets move in two different directions.

"But it had been too late. The child of prince Lauric, the gilded child was gone. His royal destiny died that day. Both Lauric and the girl returned to their own homes. Angry with each other. Unable to forgive oneanother. The prince was so upset about it all, that he married a mean wicked witch. And the girl ended up marrying a mean old badger. Many years passed and then the skies turned dark! Much like how our sky is dark, it wasn't always like this. It was once bright and the skies were blue." He softly said, as if trying to explain things to the children listening.

"The dark skies had also made some people change into what some might call monsters. They could have fur, wings, many eyes… or just one. Or they could have blue skin, two heads or perhaps even legs of a spider. They were feared for how they looked, and some of them were dangerous, especially when other people would chase them with swords! But… they were still human underneath it all. Just like all of you. Just different. A blessing or a curse? We all have them. If you think about it. You have things you are good at, and things you are bad at. No one is perfect, and that is beautiful is it not? For the ones who struggle against hardship can still make it through, and all the more impressive it is if the road is difficult." He spoke to the audience as if trying to have them make up their own mind about it all.

"Now back to the tale! In the years that followed, The prince, Lauric, had become a king, and had gotten...guess what?" Gadez said in a teasing manner, waiting for replies.

"A new sword!" The boy in the audience chimed in.

"A baby!" One of the girls called out.

"That's right! A new prince had been born Ruddy was his name, his hair as golden as his father, he was in alot of ways just like his father. But the other kingdom had also gotten a child, it was a princess called Maise, and this time they were put together! They didn't even know or love each other, but for a single reason... anyone know what the reason were?" Gadez pressed the two puppets together, with their arms folded and facing away from each other.

"To save the world." He said aloud, the both puppets shook as he said it as if they were scared.

"A prophecy was uttered. It was said that if a child was born of both kingdoms then the terrible dark skies would go away but a sacrifice was to be needed. A sacrifice is when someone gives up their own life to save others, a generally selfless act. Ruddy and Maise were not given a choice in their role, they were chosen to sacrifice their own happiness for the fate of the world. However... unbeknownst to both of them. There was a jester in the deck of cards. A jester who would set up a play, and tell them of the future! But this…" Gadez said as he allowed the puppets to fall down on the little theatre he had put up, then he stood up.

"But this part of the first act cannot be told by mere puppets alone, it requires something special, something more genuine, something more real. So I shall call up two people from the audience here to aid in the second part of this act. And whose better to play it! Than our very own…" He smiled softly as his eyes wandered about for someone specific.

"Our very own brave Prince, Flynn Astaros of Aurelia! No! Of Dawnhaven! Come up upon the stage of tales untold!" He held out his arm, his palm facing upwards but outstretched. "Give him some support, no need to by shy, your highness! The children wish to behold their saviour in this particular act!" Gadez made another butlerlike bow, his blonde hair falling over his eyes as his mouth shaped a sinister smile.

'The time has come... gilded child. But can you discern the truth from the lies?' His memory went back to the chessboard of the inn, the white king piece standing amidst the pawns. The memory of a music box heard long ago echoing in his mind, it's tune slow and sorrowful. The two porcelain figures dancing together. The blue eyed woman. Then the monastery. The circus. The girl. The fire. Always the flame.

'Each prince needs a princess...' Gadez eyes set momentarily on Nyla, his plan was devious. Wicked. Vile. But boy did he love it.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Ayel Raunefeldt

"Faldrin!" It was a noble call, it was a loud call, it was uncalled for him to yell. But the Marquess wouldn't wait.

He didn't have all the time in the world, he had to make tough decisions, even though he could help but feel the craving to look into his many mirrors.

'These disgusting gutter rats have no idea about what is beautiful and graceful. If they only knew the love that I am able to feel.' He took his handmirror in hand and pouted his lips abit, momentarily drawing the tip of his tongue over them and gave his reflection a look which in turn made him flustered.

"Why must I do everything myself!" Ayel said aloud as he put his letters into envelopes and used his signet ring on some candlewax to seal them. He allowed himself a genuine smile, the insignia was perfect. But then again. Ofcourse it were. It was an image of him in profile with a rose in his mouth.

While it wasn't a real rose, it was the symbolism that mattered. That put him high above the rest of the populace which from his point of view were weeds and wild flowers at best. But he was a refined rose. Gentle, goodlooking, inviting and with some sharp thorns to keep the unworthy away from touching it.

He liked the comparison. But what he didn't like was his servants not heeding his call, not for aid, not for assistance... but for services offered!

"Faldrin! Where in Aelios graceful glamour are you? You better not be dead. I paid for a long term service!" Ayel said in a mix of worry and threat. He abhored the idea of having to find another aide as tamed as Faldrin. And then he spotted him. He was too occupied in directing the other lowborns.

There was something oddly pleasing in seeing the workers struggle, it made him feel butterflies in his stomach and feel all cosy inside.

"Faldrin, I have some task for you. You shall be excused from leading the construction. You are the only commoner here with some level of reliability. For a commoner ofcourse. You will return to Aurelia with haste and deliver these two letters to the king and queen. I shall oversee the construction of my new mansion. I did look at an architechture book once you know. You may take one of the guards with you and while in Aurelia hire two more workers, I don't think I can find any here. This place is too infested with barbarians." Ayel lamented and wiped his forehead, the day was treating him roughly. If only he could have had the same luxury and ease of life as his bestest friend.

"Now take the letters and off you go, and don't you dare die on the trip. I expect you back here soon and with renewed faith after seeing our homeland capitol." Ayel gave a noble wave with his hand after passing over the letters, making sure to not physically touch Faldrin.

The nobleman was then left with some choices to do with his day. He could still hear the loud unruly mob in the distance, he didn't want to go in there. But he had seen a place he wanted to visit, a place which no doubt would give him the just welcome he deserved.

He felt so determined, that and going to the stables by foot was such a bother, that he decided to walk to the building.

The nobleman inspected the building, it made him feel it was lacking, a building like this deserved to look at least half as good as his home. Ayel glanced at the doors. Ooening doors was a servant's job. He felt discouraged, but the cold outdoors soon convinced him that it was probably cleaned regulary. He made a mental exception as he opened up and stepped inside. The temple of Aelios.

He took a deep inhale, the building made him feel oddly welcomed. Then again, he was blessed since birth, or so he had been told. His mother wouldn't have made that up. That's when he saw something which made him gasp in horror. It was a poor mans box.

He watched it and frowned, perhaps it were a donation box for upkeeping the temple? He hoped so. The idea of giving away coin to the poor... it didn't sit right with him. It was morally wrong! The discerning nobleman continued to explore the temple, until he found himself stepping out into what seemed to be a hotspring area.

A hotspring here? He momentarily thought of his private one in Aurelia, and how he had bought it and evicted all the commoners from the area. It was good memories. But he was struck by shock when he saw what was in this spring. It was infested with beasts, the temple was harboring those monsters. And one of them looked just like the snake he had seen earlier. Like a complete mirror image. They all looked alike. The other one looked like some other reptile. Then he spotted two others nearby, one of them had to be the attendees, this affront to the temple should not be permitted.

He gathered his vast courage, straightened himself abit and took a step forwards, holding out his hand as if making a speech.

"You there! Are you in charge of this place? There is some clear health hazards in here which must be removed! I am Aye-aaahhhhh!" He felt something move quickly under him, as he had just walked over a little pile of cloth neatly folded and put there like a devious trap. He traversed the air with unmatched grace, like Aelios herself had given him wings to fly with, but no time to practice. He fell forwards, down the stairs, but the nobleman was no stranger to danger and knew he had to shield losing his face. Both ways. He managed to grab hold off a thin wooden post which held a torch, stopping his fall. He had managed to grab hold of it in the last second with both his hands, his back facing now the afflicted pool.

He breathed out a sigh of relief. He had evaded disaster. He knew his amazing grip on reality and other things wouldn't let him down.

Snap.

The wooden post snapped in two and the nobleman fell backwards, the only feeling rivaling his surprise was that of looming dread.

'My face! Not the face!'

Splash.

He hit the water and went under. Panic filled him more than water. He reached for the surface, his hat floating nearby as he finally surfaced. His carefully combed locks now laid flatted against his face.

Ayel instinctively reached for his face with both his hands, he had to make certain he hadn't been compromised. The noble allowed a soft sigh before the realization of what had just happened hit him.

And he had been spotted. He was embarassed. But more so he was furious. His face went red as a tomato and he visciously reached out for his hat, putting it back on his noble head. He had to salvage what he could despite being covered in unclean commoner water. The hat made a soft downward turn, as if it was a depressed mushroom that had lost it's will to live.

He felt the heat, not from the water but his face. He needed something to blame. "She arranged that trap on purpose! Seize her! He pointed a finger accusingly at Sya as he tried to wade out of the water.

"Don't just stand there, help me out of this filthy hole! My boots are soaked!" He barked out towards Orion and Tia.

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