Dezuel

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Ayel Raunefeldt

This was his bestest friend for certain. Ayel felt the urge to do a little jump on seeing Flynn wave over a guard to take the discarded torch. It was symbolic. Let the lowlife lowborn take away the things the blueblooded nobles had discarded. He wondered at first what Flynn was doing, bending down to pick it up. But it was only to show just how well he had trained the brainless louts, like teaching a dog to play fetch. He had wanted to show off.

Ayel felt a twinge of loss, he would have loved to show his best friend how well behaved Faldrin, his servant had become. Just like a hairless dog.

Then Flynn had thanked him. Ayel felt pleasure. No doubt Flynn knew how irreplacable a nobleman he were, like a limited edition of a rich piece of chocolate.

"Aha aha! I am happy to be of any assistance my dear friend." Ayel smugly curled his lock of hair with his free hand, he bit his lower lip softly. He didn't want to scrape his delicate looks. But his friends praise had made him think about himself again. He loved that subject, he could talk about it for hours.

He snapped out of his lustful self-reflection on hearing Flynn aptly order the guard away. He felt a twinge of proudness, to watch the heir of his homeland command a lesser creature with some ease. It reminded him of King Auric.

'Never show weakness, Flynn. It does no good for anyone, to have the lowlife peasants see a royal hesitate. They look to you for admiration because they are all thickheaded.' Ayel thought of the words the king had spoken to Flynn and him in their youth. But perhaps some of the words had been lost to the annals of history.

To Ayel it didn't matter. Auric had a good head on his shoulders. The sooner the blight could be removed and for him and Flynn to be hailed as heroes the sooner they could resume the just war against the barbarians.

Ayel then thought back on the day when they had explored the old abandoned home of that one lord who never came back from his fishing trip. His mansion had been the perfect playground for their epic escapades, as the area under the castle was forbidden to explore. Who wanted to explore damn dark holes anyhow? Holes were for badgers and peasants.

Ayel couldn't help but mentally chuckle on recalling how Flynn had tried to explain to Ayel's idiotic brother that giving stones to girls would never work. Ayel sighed softly as he thought of his brother Andros, he felt more stupid knowing he shared blood with the man. Andros was the kind of man who would be more interested in teasing a monkey with a banana than listen to threehundred years of Raunefeldt family history. It irked him!

Ayel once agqin snapped back to reality on hearing his best friend say something that made him shudder. He addressed that big oaf of a guardswoman by her name. Why in the world did he do that? Names were for proper educated servants, horses and dogs. Not for -this-.

But at the very least he was commanding her. Thank Aelios he was at the very least asserting ownership over the brute and... by all that was sacred she had a lightly dressed fellow with her. Her mate? They were breeding. Just like rats. He knew it. He knew it! Give those un-nobles free reign to do as they please and they will multiply.

Horror.

Then Flynn had affectionately, yet again called him by his name, showing that there was only one man, one bestest friend to lead the way, with such confidence. Ayel felt a moment of self-appreciation again. How in the world had the goddess allowed such a being of perfection to grace the world? Her generousity knew no bounds.

"Of course, I shall lead you to the gruesome scene so these... can pick up the scent and aid us in tracking down the barbaric culprit." Ayel pointed in the direction of the scene and moved as fast as he could. But he was panting after ten metres. He wasn't built for running. But it dawned on him that Flynn had brought the two barbarians along akin to how they hunted deer in their youth, with hounds. This was just like it, except the dogs knew how to behave. But he did miss his horse.

"Your highness, this would go much faster if you allow me to use this one as a mount." He pointed at Daphne, thinking that he could use her as a temporary mount. Simply sit on the back and direct the witless beast-woman. Not only that, but it would help her know her place. It was a reasonable request.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Anora had managed to get her way around the gathering of people, doing her best to not bump into anyone. Even though people seemed quite keenly aware of her, sticking out like a sore thumb with her yellow wintery coat and attire. She had perhaps overdressed abit, but her foster mother had taught her that looks were important and to always present oneself as best as possible. There was of course truth to that, but Anora wasn't always abiding by every rule put into place, she would evade them whenever able. It usually helped to not go to all those noble parties in the capitol, that had been more her mother and Ayel's thing.

The young woman would much more prefer to read some storybooks, mixing various concoctions, baking and making new kinds of tea-flavour.

The young noblewoman stopped upon reaching the stables, hearing someone singing, she took a few moments to just listen to the melody before entering the stables herself, her steps carefully placed to avoid slipping or stepping into something which would have made her older brother yell to the high heavens. She allowed herself a soft smile as she closed her eyes, before opening them again. The singing had made her want to sing abit herself. And thus she did

"Words carried on the wind, blowing in this darkened world~'Tis song of dawn to welcome the daybreak, a fair melody laid unto memory, there's no time to waste, can we succeed?~ To return to the place where we all belong?~" Anora sung brightly, her voice echoing slightly down the barn. Her voice was light and smooth. She held her free hand at her chest as the other held unto her umbrella that rested on her shoulder.

"There are those reborn by the blighted storm, so that they may find the truth of their heart.~ There's so much we seek to have answered, but in one life there's not enough time.~ Underneath a smile, there's a hidden truth, tell me now of a story of a faraway land.~ I sing along, so that I will remember… that the tale still must go on.~" She smiled softly and held out her free hand towards Aurora in a greeting.

"Forgive me, I couldn't help but sing aloud on hearing your song~ Pleased to make your acquaintance~ I am Anora Opal Raunefeldt. Whom might you be and who is this gentleman?~" She looked at the horse. She now regretted having left her carrot bucket behind. This horse could have used it.

@BlackRoseSiren

Realms of Sun & Shadow

The nobleman snapped out of his blissful state on hearing a name which bore a certain elegance to it. It was his own. Of course it were. But it was uttered by none other than his bestest friend ever. The prince had arrived on the scene.

Ayel casually tossed the torch to the ground on hearing Flynn. He was correct. Holding unto a torch wasn't very noble-like, but those thickheaded commoners wouldn't probably know how to assemble a proper lynch-mob without his guidance.

"Your highness! My dear friend! It is a disaster! It is not my intent to spread fear or incite violence, I am a lover, not a fighter! But we are being attacked! A northern barb- A northern migrant whose also a blightborn has attacked and killed some guardsman and the girl you have married has been taken! She is missing! I just couldn't stay idle when my dearest friend's woman has been taken! That precious, innocent… uh...lovable…

'Digusting filthy barbarian bitch of a woman…' He thought. "Northern girl." Ayel dramatically pulled at the ruffled area of his shirt, as if he was in physical pain.

"West of Dawnhaven! Near the forest! Close to the winter-witch temple! A northerner lies without his head! Oh I tried to follow her footsteps, but those lousy guardsmen had trampled the snow so not even I could find the way. So I did what was within my power, arranging a rescue party! But alas... you see the people I have to work with your highness?" He gave the nearby commoners and blightborns a look of dislike.

"Fault not the man for his virtues but for his character, but even then, can I truly be blamed for the actions of things currently not under my gentle grip. If your highness would bestow unto me a small token of control, I could arrange an orderly search, your highness willing of course." Ayel bowed. It was required. But he hated bowing. His back was made for far gentler things. Bowing was a thing for servants. Not for almost-royals like himself.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Ayel raised his right eyebrow, which by his reckon was the more noble looking of his pair. The lunarian man with the beard, Adonis had at the very least addressed him properly. They were learning. The apes were learning.

'I suppose one can still learn an old mutt to sit. Somewhat.' He mused in his head, perhaps all of this could be pinned on that old fool? The aurelian nobleman thought of all manner of benefits it would have, the more he could drag those already dirty barbarians in the mud the better. The more the gathering spoke however, the more it made Ayel himself think. Although his thoughts were naturally more clear.

'These creatures are not intelligent enough to properly co-ordinate this well, could it be that there is some infighting between these savages? Between the blighted ones and the non-blighted ones. Not like there's -that- big of a difference, both are abberations, abominations in the eyes of Aelios.' He thoughtfully stroked his shirt as he listened and tried to make sense of the barbarians and their horrible accents.

"A civilian? I am noble. You make it sounds like I am some insignificant peasant person. That is hardly appropriate. But then again with your limited education, I certain such things are abound to happen. You are fortunate that I am in a merciful mood today. Guard camp? I will certainly not spend my time in such a place. And what is wrong with rare steak? Except that you clearly cannot afford it?" He scoffed and then set his always scrutinizing noble gaze on Aliseth and Katherine.

The younger guard then told him things which stopped him in his tracks. They had been attacked by blightborn? Peasant upon peasant! They were infighting! Ofcourse they were, they all stem from the same root! But this was such a golden opportunity, to finally prove to everyone just how widespread the issue was. It wasn't just a blightborn issue, it was a matter of class. The peasantry had to be suppressed, new regulations and laws would have to be made. Why were those new-aged nobles in Aurelia so oppositional to slavery? There were benefits to be had. These uneducated and dull creatures would have a much more fullfilling existance where they wouldn't have to do any thinking of their own. Besides it was thinking that often landed them in trouble to begin with.

But this guardsman, in his clear inferior-barbaric ways had spilled words, which by the sounds of them had to be taken as true. Peasants were not clever enough to lie about intricate things. The blightborn attacking and the princess of those unruly barbarians had been taken! Ayel suddenly turned around, tightened his fist and made a low victory arm-pump motion. He couldn't have planned for a better opportunity, the goddess was smiling upon him as always. This was his destiny. To purge the world of those unfit to grace it! And now even the princess had, if all had gone well kicked the bucket aswell! Which would mean that his bestest friend would be free once again from the ball and chain that was marriage, but also from having to deal with some illiterate, toothless and elderberry smelling barbarian woman.

'Aelios! Thank you for granting this blessing upon your most favored child! I will not let the opportunity go to waste!' He mentally chanted as he looked up at the dark sky, before turning to face the gathering again.

Wait a moment. Had those two just uttered a heathen prayer? No matter. It was a minor offense for now, he had to get out of here and tell everyone! His eyes looked over Katherine, she looked at him as he looked upon the snails while out walking. He didn't like it at all. This kind of woman was the absolute worst. Children was to be heard but not seen, women was to be seen but not heard. Wasn't that what it had said in the Aurelian noble eqiquette tome from fourhundred years ago? His thoughts momentarily fell on both his mother and sister which enjoyed to talk. Alot.

He suddenly felt a sense that they had lost their way.

'Maybe if I speak really slow these dull barbarians would be- No. Do not open yourself up for such liberal possibilities. Only disappointment lies ahead on that path, your grace.' He reassured himself and then coughed. He simply shook his head in denial to hearing Katherine calling Coswain a lord. A lord? Him? He was a barbarian! They could not be lords. It was a sham! Shameful mimicry! Faux!

"I, in my vast understanding of the world, shall momentarily set our BIG differences aside! You go and track the trail for your-" Ayel shivered, he didn't want to use the word princess, it felt like he was sullying the title. "Chieftain." The nobleman finally added. That was way more appropriate.

"A blightborn attack? Ahhh- Ahh I knew it! You three will go to whatever barn it is that the lunaris guards are using for a home after tracking down what remains of your chieftain, I shall go and inform the prince at once! You are dismissed!" Ayel made a dramatic twirl on his boots and hurried as fast as he could towards the middle of the town, he needed to find himself an elevated stage to announce that they were under attack, that the peasant plague was taking over and now they had even attacked their own chieftain! This was a dream coming true!

He couldn't believe it. He was moving at a faster speed than before. Like when he was a younger child. He was running? The good news had seemingly affected him to such a degree that it had overridden his years of training in how to gracefully move. But for now he had to ignore it. He had a mission. He had to remain calm and collected while spreading the message.

"We are under attack! The blightborn are attacking! There has been murder most foul! Barbarians at the gate! The lunaris… princess is missing! Oh woe! Oh cruel fate! Over by the forest! They are starting to eat each other! I saw a barbaric ritual in the making! I saw it with my own noble eyes! Go look for yourselves! Grab your pitchforks! Torches! Find the culprits! Hide your children! The monsters are real! Everyone calm down! I shall protect you! Find the blightborn murderers and I shall pay for your drinks for the next three days at the inn! I told you they couldn't be trusted!" Ayel yelled as he ran into the more crowded area, arms flailing, his voice loud, his coat flickering as he ran, trying to find an elevated enough spot to stand on. He pointed towards the area of the dead body and then all around.

"Prince Flynn in his goodness has tried to shield them! And they have exploited it! Spread out! Look for the lunaris princess! Leave no peasant home unturned! Find the guilty blightborn monsters! With me!" The nobleman reached and pulled out a torch from a nearby house wall. "Find the bloody savage!" He yelled out, not clarifying if he meant the blightborn responsible or the princess herself. As he tried to lead, whereof anyone would follow or not. No one was going to ruin this Aurelian outpost on his watch. His bestest friend will surely be proud at the end of the day. Ayel smiled softly. He might get promoted.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Ayel Raunefeldt

Scene of murder

It was a pleasure. Ofcourse it had been. When had meeting him not been?

Ayel smugly stroked his ruffled shirt with his eyes closed as he drank in the atmosphere of accomplishment, that seemed to follow him like an obedient servant.

When next he opened his eyes Eris and Nathaniel were gone.

He was impressed in their etiquette, and seems to have not dared to bother him in his self-reflection. And there was alot to reflect.

Perhaps they felt underequipped in his presence, and couldn't find refined enough words to bid their leave. Perhaps it was his natural magnetism being so strong that they couldn't think. Ayel momentarily considered marriage with Eris, if she was able to make a breakthrough in wiping out the peasant plague he would get credit too. A business marriage might be suitable. He would have to arrange for an official proposal ceremony. None could say no to him, else they were stupid!

'Well, Lord Stormlight certainly was raised better than his peasant-influenced sister.' Ayel shook his head softly, as he began to walk, deciding to take the more scenic route around his new area of governing. After all once the blight would be defeated and the sun restored, whom better to put in charge of the newly established place? He was more than perfect for it.

'The Marquess that defeated the blight.' He mused in his head before he snapped back thinking about Nathaniel's sister. What had been her name again? Isolde? Isarrel? Elsebeth? He had forgotten, after all it had been a few years, and many were the villains which tried to ruin the life of this noble hero.

But he clearly remembered her face and what she did to him. First off, some of the servants, he couldn't remember whose it were. But to his recollection, it had to be hers.

They had put out the wrong kind of spoon for the rich soup served with duck. He shuddered at the idea of mixing cutlery and showing no respect to the dishes. It was like nobles and peasants mixing. It was wrong!

But when he had stood up and berated the servants for their mishandling of the cutlery, in order to save face for the host, which had been Nathaniel's older sister, if his noble memory didn't fail him. When had it ever?

The wicked witch had then punched him. Punched. Him.

Of all sins available to commit, she had gone for one, if not the worst. Nobles never punched. That was a peasant thing. Nobles would slap or in severe cases, where peasants were it the wrong, which was quite often. A backhanded swing across the face was well deserved. He could still feel the sting on his face, she had been lucky that it didn't leave a permanent mark. He dreaded the idea of bearing a scar. That was something for thugs and soldiers, not refined gentlemen. Instead a beard or mustache would have been far better.

But Ayel wouldn't get neither, perhaps it was Aelios wish for him not to cover up his delicate features. He blushed for a moment as he thought about it. If he would have been a drink he would have likely been illegal. Few things were ever allowed to be just this good.
As his thoughts continued to dwell on himself,as they often were, his perfect imagery was shatteree by a scream of agony.

The nobleman froze and raised an eyebrow. That wasn't a very distinguished noble cry. It reminded him more about the mating sounds of those apes of the north. But it was an anguished scream. Had someone run into his sister? No. She was certainly a menace, but typically when it came to her, you wouldn't know you were in trouble until you would eventually wake up.

What if it were some barbarian attacking a pureblood Aurelian? This would be the perfect opportunity to get some leverage against them.

Ayel ran as fast as he could, which was around normal walking speed for most people. He had to be swift and hasty, but graceful as an eagle, no...even more graceful. Was the sound coming from the forest? His noble frame wasn't built for such terrain.

Then as he made his way over he felt something.

He thought he could hear a womans voice, but the wind was being a bother, he couldn't make out much of it. Was it the same priestess that Aelios herself had saw fit to possess to pull him out of the hotspring? Could it be that the scream he heard was a barbarian attacking? Aelios was calling on him to go and aid her chosen hand! This had to be it!

Wasn't the temple of the winter witch closer? Could some of the jealous followers of that cold bitch be messing with his goddess? Not on his noble watch. Forest or no forest. A noble hero such as he would have to risk it.

Even if the idea of the furry little tree terrors still were etched into his memory. They not only ate nuts, they were nuts. It only made sense that his sister had kept some as pets.

Upon arrival at the scene he already found other people there. The culprits or?

His noble gaze fell on them.

Rugged. Grim. Unrefined. The style of armor easily distinguishable. A beheaded bloodied body amidst them.

It was those goddess-forsakened barbarians again! And this time they had sacrificed one of their own to appease their bloodthirsty goddess. It was revolting, but he couldn't look away. Their behaviour was certainly more animal than man. His uncle had been right to make that book comparing Lunarians to mountain apes.

'A ritual sacrifice on my best friend's land of influence, the nerve of those uneducated and thickheaded louts!' He lamented, but he couldn't take them all on himself, they would try the typical peasant thing and cry foul, and then -he- would be in trouble. Because of those goddess-damned border-region treaty-huggers having spread their mental illness to otherwise clearminded Aurelian citizens.

'Wait... I recognize that raisin looking man with the beard, that was the man who was daring to question me! I knew he was up to no good. Aelios thank you for granting me the clarity to see everything for how it truly is.' He looked inwards momentarily, but not too much, he couldn't afford the pleasure right now. While he couldn't likely strike them all down without getting the blame.

He could use his refined skills at diplomacy and coerce them into surrendering. Even though they were little more than animals, even they wouldn't be stupid enough to oppose him.

"By the great trust invested into me, by the true future sovereign of Aurelia and land to come, his highness Flynn Astaros of Aurelia, I, Marquess Ayel Raunefeldt hereby command you to cease with your ape-like sacrificial ritual, and throw down your arms. Your swords, you dimwits! So that I may have justice delivered upon you for staining Dawnhaven with heathen rituals! Go on you rats, drop them weapons and form a line. I shall personally take you into custody. Do not tempt me to use my mastery of magic on you! I might even like it! You hear me?, raisin-face. Drop it." He threatened in as high a voice as he could, raising up one of his hands towards Coswain.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Gadez's eyes wandered over Aurora abit further, she was certainly putting on a brave face. This was something that the blonde monk could appreciate. He made note of her holding unto the pendant. Something of importance to her for certain. A trinket which reminded her of someone dear to her? He felt a strange feeling in his chest that he had not felt for years. Loss. He had lost not only someone, but something aswell. But perhaps it was for the better, what use was there to dwell on a past you couldn't change?

"Aurora... the name of the northern lights in the sky. Ahh, we certainly could use more of you in these darkened days. I go by the name of Gadez Paladice, I am a simple gardener, performer, snake-charmer, monk, warrior, puppeteer and if we are including things said upon stages... a golden star lost to time." He said softly, having turned to face her again, walking up close to her, and reaching out with his hand to try lift her chin up with his index finger.

"Keep your head high, fair light. The skies may have gotten dark, don't let your heart become like it. So keep that chin up, smile and approach the morrow believing it will be better than the day before it. People may be lost along the path, but are they truly fully gone when you carry them with you always? In your memories. As long as you remember, in a manner of looking at it, they never truly die." He offered a reassuring warm smile to Aurora and then tried to place his hand on her cheek, and use his thumb to stroke across it.

"Make sure you'll get something good to eat and drink, you need the strength, not only for yourself, but for the sake of those who still need you. Be certain to visit the Aelios temple and the hotspring once you have the time, I would have loved to take you there myself, but I have something I need to take care of which concerns Dawnhaven as a whole. As much as I may disagree with many others, Dawnhaven is indeed one of the last hopes for our world. Which is why I intend to make certain that it succeeds. Stay clear of men like the one who approached the princess or that slimy bard inside the inn, those kinds of men care for nothing but to have others be enthralled by their lies. The sweeter the melody, the more poisonous it typically is." Gadez said softly and walked over to get a bowl with some food and a wooden spoon, plus a little wooden plate as a lid for the food to keep warmth.

"Even priestesses have to eat. Even special ones." He said and winked, before giving Aurora a butlerlike bow. "Til we speak again, light of the north." He waited just long enough to hear any replies then politely excused himself as he headed towards the Aelios temple with slightly swifter steps than usual to make sure the food would remain warm. His eyes would look around to make sure he wasn't followed or spotted. Then upon reaching and entering the main door, he shut it behind him. Stepping inside and spotting two blondes, these were the same ones he had seen earlier by the inn. He sadly didn't have the time to converse with either one of them for the time being, he had to speak with Tia.

On his way however he was met with a familiar sight, it was Prince Flynn, without the girl which he had taken off the stage with him. What business did he have in the temple? Curiousity killed the cat, but this monk was no cat. A little prying was in order. But first...

"Red Star, you may wish to hurry to your princess Maize, she is being preyed upon by a hungry wolf. Seek the prints in the snow left by a grimalkin, a feline and you may find her. Hopefully in time. Make haste if you care for her." He said in an hushed but urgent tone to Flynn, the seriousness on his face unmistakable, there was no hint of jesting at all.

To follow footprints in the snow would be difficult, with so many humans about, but cats were less common. And he had taken note of that particular cat deciding to follow the princess, her maid and the two guards on escorting that young man away. Who did it belong to? He wasn't certain, but if there was any truth to sayings, curiousity may have possibly killed it. Either way there wasn't anything further he could do to aid the prince nor the princess. A bird which never would leave it's nest would never learn how to soar, or even fly.

He gave Flynn a nod and then moved towards Tia's personal door.

He moved with swift steps towards her bedroom door, assuming she would be there when not in the main temple chamber. If not, perhaps the hotspring would be the place?

The blonde reached out to knock on the door.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Gadez gradually had his serious expression turn more into an amused one. The young man before him clearly was displeased, if one would judge by his tone of voice and overall body language alone. This was a good sign to the vexing warrior-monk, it meant he could get under the skin of the seemingly younger man.

"If you have difficulty to discern a sober man from a drunk one, or what is what, upon the great stage of life, then you are way in over your head already, boy. Perhaps you are already neatly wrapped into a silk cocoon, but like my spoken words, you are unable to understand it." He said in a teasing tone, his words were picked to prod at the younger man. The whitehaired girl from the inn had something in mind, but before it could be fully put into action, Amaya had already spoken up.

"There's not much to devour when it comes to you wightling, like a book with empty pages, whose only use may be found in an outhouse." He said softly but in a taunting manner to Vellion, a smile on his lips.

Gadez had intended to follow wherever the gathering was heading to, but Amaya's words had made him reconsider it. She was displaying control, not just with her words but actions as well. She was trying to lead the man away from the gathering? Were she worried of causing more of a spectacle or potentially getting onlookers involved? No matter which were the case, he thought it was probably for the best. Two guards only to accompany her.

That Amaya was now comfortable enough to lead this man away, even holding unto him was enough telling that she seemed to have things in order. She was being more sly than people surely gave her credit for.

"Of course, my appologies." Gadez said softly, offering a butlerlike bow before he withdrew from Amaya, his gaze however was fixed on Vellion, an amused look in his ghostly blue eyes now, he was enjoying to mock the young man. He even went as far as to give the man a wink.

This man was the kind to likely hold a grudge, he would surely appear before him again. Providing Amaya would not dispose of him. She was after all from one of the two most dangerous families. Ahh, how some traits would be passed on to the next generation, although… not always the things one may suspect. He broke his gaze momentarily with Vellion upon leaving them abit of space, stepping closer to Aurora and trying to place a reassuring hand on her shoulder. They were leaving. The other whitehaired girl. Elara was seemingly going with them. The ghostly eyed blonde gave Elara a knowing look, following by a slight upturn at the corner of his lips. He didn't need to say anything to her, a simple nod was all that was needed.

"That'll do, little kittycat." He said softly to Aurora. "She will take good care of him. Do not fret." His voice was softer now, as he tried to convince Aurora to let Amaya, the two guards and Elara deal with the matter at hand.

"Though do take good care of yourself missy. There's more danger here than just the cold and a mangy mutt. Not talking about the malkin though." He chuckled softly and nodded in the direction of the cat following Elara, his eyes kept landing at Vellion.

He gave the man a knowing mocking smile back, as if daring him to try something.

'A puppet without strings, is not a puppet at all, but a piece of wood... for the fire.' He scoffed slightly and then tried to ruffle Aurora's hair.

"Let me know if that drunkard or anyone else pesters you, lil grimalkin. Afraid I have some unfinished... divine matters to attend to." He softly smiled and gave her an applogetic look, waiting just long enough for any replies before setting out towards the temple of Aelios.

@Qia@Fetzen@Dark Light@c3p-0h@BlackRoseSiren

Realms of Sun & Shadow

The vexing blonde watched and listened, but he couldn't wait for Aurora's reply.

The man which the gathering had crowded around was not wounded in the way that he had initially wondered, it became clear to the blue eyed monk that the man before him was no doubt trying to con the beholders. It reminded him of particular kinds of animals which would feign weakness, to draw in predators before setting it's teeth into them. Like a spider trying to make itself look like an ant, to lure out other spiders. Or a venus flytrap trying to lure in things with it's reeking promise before shutting it's jaws shut.

To many young and naive people, or old and too trusting, this kind of person was a threat. The kind which would prey on other's kindness, or to have them feel like they are doing a good thing, inviting a hungry wolf to the shepherd's flock. He had dealt with these kinds of people before, they could be found in all different places, from nobles, to thieves and beggars. Like the alcohol he had sworn to never consume, like the sweet poison it were, these individuals would use flattery and try coat their words in the same poison as their weapons.

There were a couple of kinds of people that he couldn't stand the sight of, those who saw themselves as wolves and everyone else the prey, those who sought to rob others of their free will and those who enjoyed causing suffering upon others for no other sake than to qwell their own miserable existance. These things reminded him of the Aurelian king, that detestable man, who had been a major reason as to why he had come all this way.

His objective had not changed at all. All his training and existance was for this purpose alone. A choice he had made still. It was surely better a fate than having no choice at all. In order to see Aurelia and Lunaris both fall, Dawnhaven and it's leaders, and it's blightborn inhabitants had to be protected no matter what. Would Flynn die and be no more, then the kingdoms would begin to war anew. If Amaya died. The same result. The coin had been tossed up into the air, with the goddesses watching and when it landed… it landed on the edge. And it is upon that edge which they would all have to tread. His task was simple in theory, but difficult in practice. How would he be able to keep both of the heirs of the twin kingdoms 'alive', and at the same time prevent them from undoing the source of the blight.

As terrible a plague as the blight was upon the world, with many people suffering under it's effects, whereof they died to it or were changed forever. Was it any different from living in a world that would never change? Where those two kingdoms and their pitiful warlords would fight til the end of time on behalf of things out of the mortal world.

Would Flynn set out to find a 'cure', then he knew that he too would have to go and make certain the blight would continue, and if necessary have Flynn become one of the afflicted. A dark fate, but not a fate uncommon. Leela. Kira. And many others had fallen prey to that very fate. Their hopes and dreams likely snuffed out like the feeling of being alive. Would Flynn ultimately chose the wrong path, and go down the same bloody path as Auric. Then the blue-eyed monk knew, that he would have to stop him and seize his place. It wasn't just to see the Aurelian king dead, but to unify the land that had since the beginning of time been divided and never changing.

The blight was a unifier, it was likely never meant to be. Like Dawnhaven was never meant to be a kingdom come. Unless he had an ally hidden in the shade. Time would tell. As it always did.

So would Tia. Soon.

The blonde smiled softly, he lift his head slightly and stepped forwards towards Vellion and Amaya.

"A fly may think a venus flytrap's rotten scent is sweet and inviting, yet upon landing upon it, finds itself consumed. Tread upon the web carefully, the slightest tingle may alert the spider that dinner is ready." He said softly with a smug smile, he raised his right hand and tried to trace his index finger along Amaya's arm towards Vellion hand. His ghostly blue eyes setting on Vellion.

"The cricket sought to drink the morning dew. The mantis stalks it, unaware of the bird behind it." Gadez said in a slightly poetic manner, his voice still soft and with a smile upon his lips, before it completely began to fade away and the blonde's voice took a turn, he spoke in a lower voice, but just enough for Amaya and those near to hear it.

"Unhand the girl." The blonde man said coldly, his ghostly piercing blue eyes staring right at Vellion. There was no smile this time. "...or I will unhand you." He finally added, his gloved hand ready to grab unto Vellion's wrist if he wouldn't comply.

@Dark Light@c3p-0h@Qia

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Ayel Raunefeldt

Honey. This man's words were honey.

Ayel was almost displeased that he was in fact not a useless commoner, because it was words such as these which could see you employed by someone like himself. The marquess could almost taste the aroma of truth in the air, it struck him that Lord Stormlight was a shy man. Choosing now to refer as Ayel as a 'dear nobleman' likely he felt embarassed about refering to him in such a familiar manner prior, after all, it wasn't every day a god in mortal form passed by and looked amazing. Nathaniel did bring out valuable points.

Sophisticating the tavern?

'Hmm. Like that tamer was cleansing the beasts at the hot spring. Perhaps that ill constructed abomination could be salvaged. What if I build a large walkway from my future home over towards it, it would give me a splendid overview of my best friend's border project. Of course the tavern section of my new home would have to be completely cleansed of any signs of peasants, rats and other beings of lesser standing.' The nobleman thought to himself, his gloved hand reaching his noble chin as he thought heavily on the subject.

"Now now. Don't sell yourself too short, Lord Stormlight. You are no peasant after all. But you do bring up a fair point. I do have this immense charm about myself don't I? Thinking of it, I don't think there's an angle that does me any injustice. And commanding the attention? I like that." He chuckled in evil joy.

'Bribing the peasantry? What a devious idea. Have the fools think you are… ugh… donating things, when you are in fact taking things from them. Like their liberties, land and rights. Marvelous. Lord Stormlight seemed to have experience in dealing with the peasant issue.' Ayel seemed to momentarily be caught by bliss as he answered Nathaniel without looking at him.

"Royalty hm? I would hate to intrude on my best friend's domain, but who am I to deny the people from what they want? I mean, look at me? I am simply…" He made a chef's kiss motion with his gloved hand.

"Alchemic chambers? Oh you should have my dear sister join you, she is overly interested in that sort of thing. She wears yellow dresses a lot, she just arrived in Dawnhaven. In fact I must insist you invite her along. That reminds me, I need to be elsewhere NOW." He said in a slightly urgent manner, as if reminded of something terrible looming nearby. "If either of you need any funding do let me know, I think we can come to some fine agreements. Perhaps there's some cure to remove the blighted ones -permanently-." He said dreamily as he moved his troublesome lock of hair out of his face.

@Echotech71@The Muse

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Ayel Raunefeldt

'Ofcourse I am correct.' He mentally rolled his eyes at the remark, when had he ever been wrong? To commit errors was for the poor and uneducated, like his servant Faldrin. The mention of the prince, his bestest friend possibly partaking in a contest of beauty had made Ayel blink quickly. Lord Stormlight had tried to joke that the prince had an actual chance to compete against him on a matter of beauty. It caused Ayel to give off a genuine chuckle. His bestest friend was royalty, rich and had a way with seeing obvious talent, but to outshine -him- of all people in a contest of being stunning? Poppycock!

Nathaniel seemed to however be in some hurry, needing to act fast? Was he trying to pretend to be quick, or was he trying to be a speedy performer, whichever of the two, Ayel couldn't decipher. It didn't matter. He wasn't much for theatrics, those plays drew attention away from things that truly mattered. Himself. He did have a fond memory of a play though, where he had placed himself with his large hat in a location that he would be in constant view by the onlookers and make the performers seem like mere background characters. Then again. Weren't they all?

His thoughts snapped back to the present as he heard his first name being uttered by Nathaniel. He was feeling so close with him already that he started to use first names? Ayel felt satisfied. He was so charismatic that people would befriend him at first meeting, just like that. He truly had an excellent hand with people, if only the prince would let him aid in expanding and correcting Dawnhaven, there would be wonders to be had. He could already imagine the fountains and statues depicting himself and with his bestest friend, the prince standing on a statue next to him. Albeit abit shorter. Power could corrupt people. He had to carefully make sure that his good friend the prince wouldn't get out of hand with his choices, like having a charity day… or peasant day. That would be awful.

The noble before him was such a refreshing change from the common leech and filthy vagabond he had met so far, he had even gone as far as to respect his personal preferences and made a handshake of invisible magic. Impressive. Lord Stormlight did indeed seem schooled in the right ways to treat someone of his worth. This was how he should be treated. But the nobleman got pulled out of his thoughts again as Nathaniel yelled for someone called Eris.

Eris? He recalled someone being named that. Was it some scandalous new-noble or someone of actual importance? He didn't have to think for long before a young lady approached them. She had heard of him aswell. Now this was more like it. Ayel produced a satisfied smile as he straightened his back and raised his chin to make certain she could admire all his noble features, an almost impossibility as there was so much of him to go around. But he knew he had to offer the best view for possible admirers.

"Aha ha ha! Hah… ahh.. Oooh yes, I do have a habit of being bold, adventurous and leading the charge so to put it! Aha hah hah." He offered some obnoxious laughs as he stroked the ruffle at his shirt, fondling the little broché depicting his own face in profile.

"Lady Hightower? Truly? Charmed I am sure. I do recall your family name, ahh such fortune meeting fellow highborns here." He said before the word she had uttered finally landed in his mind. Donated? DONATED?! A large sum. He felt lightheaded as if he was going to faint any moment. He could see stars in front of his eyes.

He felt a chill down his spine, then how a sweatdrop was trying to form at his forehead. His shirt suddenly got alot more humid and warm. Was he having a panic- No definitely not. He was a calm and collected nobleman. He was just abit startled. He felt a sudden sense of relief on hearing one of his safe-words.

'Ahhhhhhhh! Funding! Ofcourse!' He mentally chanted to himself as he felt the burden fall off his shoulder. The very idea of donating things for some charity, 'noble cause' or to... the poor. He would have none of that! He had a reputation to think of.

"Ahhh yes! The funding, well ofcourse. Yes, it lies in both of our families interests and that of our noble Aurelian kingdom! Remind me again, what was this research about? I have so many.. uhmm… funding projects." He said as he tried to think about what manner of other things he had funded. Most of the things he was funding was groups intending to make the rich richer and the poor get in line. The good and noble stuff.

"This is the second time I hear about this feast, is it true then? My best friend, his royal highness is the host of this… peasant festival? Ohohoho. Oh no, no no no. I will not go into that place. It's like a menagerie no doubt. I saw the inn had it's own… what do you call those again? Performers tend to have monkeys dancing while they play their noisy instruments. This inn seems to have some snake-woman creature. She even tried to convince me that she were the owner. As if my dear friend would allow that abominable creature waltz around and looking awful like that to begin with. I saw her pale-looking chisel-faced tamer at the local hot spring, he was in the middle of trying to clean her and some other mistake-looking woman with orange eyes. Best be on your guard here my fellow highborns, these opportunistic lowborn will try -anything- to get us into trouble. Give them a single apple, and soon enough they ask for the entire tree!" Ayel said in an upset manner, but he was clearly trying to make a point. He tightened his hand as if trying to squeeze and imaginary thing.

"They'll bleed us dry if we'll let them. Also is it true that the prince has truly married a barbarian? I find this truly unbelievable." He shook his head in disbelief and seemed actually hurt by the fact.

@The Muse@Echotech71