dreamingflowers

Avalia

Time: Late morning
Location: Roshmi city
Interactions: @Dezuel
Ambiance: Rescue operation

---

Ilan was enjoying his performance. It had been some time since he had played his lyre in front of a crowd. Thankfully he still possessed the guts to be the center of attention for a song or two. Something rare for the usually timid and shy faun. His enjoyment was abruptly cut short. A tall light elf barged up to him in a fit of rage. His anger didn't fit his beautiful countenance. In a way it made him even more frightening. He stared at Ilan with icy eyes, angry for a reason he didn't understand. He wasn't doing anything wrong...
When he tried to grab his lyre Ilan snapped out of his thoughts. Despite the fear coursing through him he wouldn't let go of his precious instrument. The man was too strong and Ilan was scared his lyre would break. But if he let go the man would probably destroy it regardless. He felt hopeless. Why was he doing this? He was having such a great time just moments ago.

"Please let it go Sir.."
He tried to reason with him to no avail. Tears were starting to well up in his eyes. Ilan quickly glanced at the crowd, to see if there was a familiar face who could hel....

An arrow flew past the head of the governor. Ilan immediately ducked down scared there would be more. Ilan watched wide eyed at what happened next. A tall centaur came to his aid, addressing the Governor in his loud booming voice. Ilan recognized that voice! It was Regulus. Creatures of the forest began to attack the governors soldiers. They were here to rescue him! A lot of things happened at once. Regulus shielded him from the Governor. Ilan had by now let go of his lyre, overwhelmed at everything that was going on around him. He watched the tall centaur who stood between him and the light elf. It made him think of the way his older brother Vanasi sometimes got him out of trouble.

Regulus flung a honey cake at the Governor to which Ilan had to stifle a laugh, despite of everything that had just happened. He allowed the centaur to lead him away from the commotion, holding onto his hand tightly. He glanced over his shoulder once, just in time to see a distorted cloaked figure fly up into the air, carrying something which looked like his lyre. He silently praised the Gods as he struggled to keep up with Regulus. Hopefully they could hide out somewhere safe.

Ossvien

Time: Evening
Location: The Mermaid Fortune, balustrade of the main deck.
Interactions: No one
Ambience: A troubled mind

---

In a rare moment of self imposed solitude the young witch allowed some of her more troubling thoughts to re-enter her mind. She made her way over to the edge of the ship leaning on the wooden balustrade, looking out at the sea. The zephyr winds attempted to blow away the shawls she had tied over her skirts. A set of cleverly sewn on trinkets fastened at the bottom of the fabric weighed them down. Constructed of fine metalwork and precious stones, they sparkled in pale light of the moon and stars.

The faces of the people she'd left behind crossed her mind, one by one. The women who raised her, taught her many values and skills and the men who protected her, ever vigilant of her chastity. She had been so quick to leave, feeling betrayed. Trapped in a marriage she didn't want. Nur believed marriage to be curse and she would not submit to it. She was a powerful woman, done her wedding day everything she owned would become the property of her husband, including her body. She would not owned by anyone.....

Nur had seen it happen many times with her cousins. The consummation of the marriage left the female members of her family powerless, stripped of their magic for the rest of their lives. Why they would ever agree to that she could never understand. Some agreed to marry for fear of being cast out, afraid to speak up. Once her cousin even convinced her she was in love...

In love with the man who would control you for the rest of your life. Nur had laughed at her saying she it was the stupidest thing she’d ever heard. They talked about marriage during many sleepless nights. Nur reluctantly helped her prepare for her new life. Even though her community had a very backwards way of thinking and living she missed them.

“A penny for your thoughts….” One of the crew mates stumbled into her direction. He swayed on his feet, his pace unsteady. Drunk…..
Nur rolled her eyes and turned towards him, ready to tell him off. She was not in the mood for festivities tonight. He flicked up a penny into the air, in effort to impress her, but failed to catch it, almost falling face forward onto the deck. When he got closer to her she could smell the rum. She wrinkled her nose, she hated the smell of strong drink, having come to associate it with tiresome men such as this one.

“Don’t even try it” Her tone was serious, and her usually pleasantly smiling lips were drawn into a firm line.

The crew member regained his composure and she recognized him. He was one of the men who had a serious case of sea sickness earlier this morning. Through his drunken haze he seemed to remember the same. He put down the bottle of rum on a crate next to him. He passed his hand through his hair, attempting to fix himself up. It didn’t do much good in her opinion. With glazed over eyes and rosy cheeks he could mistake even Malek for a woman probably.

“You were so nice to me…..and you’re s...so pwretty” He tried his earnest to not sound as desperate as he really was. Nur was keeping a close eye on him, so when he tried to take her arm, she stepped to the side. It caused him to stumble down hard onto wooden deck with a dull thump. She shook her head.

“Next time you try to sweet talk a girl, try to be less drunk…” Nur sneered at him with more venom in her tone then usual. Really it was not the sailor who was to blame for her sour mood, but she didn’t care. She lifted up her skirts and stepped over his sprawled out body.

Nur walked slowly alongside the balustrade, the sound of music and laughter in the distance only made her more irritated. She let out a frustrated breath. With so many drunk crew mates she would have to brew up some hangover remedy come morning. Things would have been much easier if she could just use her magic. It was what frustrated her at her core. The young witch did not understand why her power was slipping away from her. It was, as far as she knew unheard of in her community. Every page of every book in her cabin she had consulted. Reading tomes upon tomes from front to back, searching for an answer…..

She was just sooo…. ….ANGRY!

Thump..
Thump….

Her fists made a dull sound every time they hit the wood of the balustrade. It hurt, the pain stinging through her hands, but she kept doing it. Again and again. When she finally cooled off, her smooth hands were a bruised mess. Tears welled up in the corner of her pale eyes. She wiped them away impatiently. There had to be something else she could do. She turned to the company of pirates on the main deck, taking note of her fellow crew.

Adrielle was leading in the festivities with an inspiring speech, most of which was lost on the troubled young woman. Malek was standing off the side, stern as ever. Katurah was in her element and had surprisingly followed her advice, even though she didn’t quite mean it so literal. Elenei was missing in action, but knowing her she would soon abandon her maps in favor for a good bottle of wine Winifred was handing out pieces of bread, hardened cheese and cured meats. Nur paused at the Mermaid’s fortune sharp mouthed cook.

There were rumors going about the ship Winifred had a knack for fortune telling. They failed to say if she was any good or not. As far as she knew Winifred was no witch, even without her magic she could have sensed that. Besides she could not claim the woman for bragging about hidden talents she didn’t have. She did the same.

Nur was desperate enough to try her hand at it. There wasn’t a doctor to figure out what was wrong with her, she was the surgeon on this ship. Apart from Aharuhn who would more likely steal what magic she had left, Winifred was the best next thing. Hopefully she knew what was wrong with her.

Avalia

Time: Late morning
Location: Roshmi city
Interactions: @Dezuel
Ambiance: Roshmi

---

Ilan walked beside Baraian in comfortable silence. They were heading towards the marketplace of Roshmi. The dark elf believed it would be a place where humans could likely be gathering. Ilan didn't know much about humans yet. He had learned they were not as different as he expected. Like any who lived in Avalia they had hopes dreams, the need for food, shelter and safety. Ilan listened to Baraian's kind words, delivered in a toneless voice, something Ilan had grown accustomed to. He listened to his words, not in the manner he chose to deliver them. The faun was touched by what he said. He hoped one day he could play his music in times of peace. Until then, he would use it to ease the pain of war.

The walked through the gates of the immense demi-human city. Ilan always needed a few minutes to adjust to all the overwhelming sights, sounds and smells the city had to offer. Once he'd settled he grew less weary of the loud noises and bustling crowds. He was grateful he'd visited Roshmi often when he was younger. It was less threathening, and he could enjoy the inviting atmosphere of all the city sights. The marketplace while still very well visited and appreciated by the city folk was not what it used to be. As the war intensified it slowly spilled into the city too. Ilan remembered his grandmother telling him about some of the beauty of Roshmi, which now sadly was no longer there. Even he could remember the market had seen better times.

Luckily some of his favorite stalls were still there and offered everything to his heart content. The scent of flowers made him happy and gleaming honey cakes were stacked on top of each other, creating golden towers of sweet delight. He walked over to the bakery stand and looked at the cakes, smiling at the many memories he had of eating them. Next to the bakery stand there was a modest flower stand. Ilan inspected their wares from a distance. He could tell they sold less well-known flowers, the ones who were only popular with the people who knew what they were. Ilan loved stalls like that one. There was always something to find he didn't expect.

Baraian suggested he would play his lyre to draw the crowd. Ilan turned and looked up at the dark elf.
"Yes that is a great idea!"
He exclaimed with enthusiasm, his voice getting a little higher. Afterwards he got a little closer to Baraian and covered part of his mouth with his hand, whispering to him. Ilan failed to realize his gesture was anything but covert, in fact his attempt at muffling out his words made him look all the more suspicious.
"It will give you some time to sort through the crowd, once they are all in one place"

There was an empty stand next to the flower stand, the vendor most likely having a day off. Ilan swiftly jumped on top of the wooden boards, with the ease of a deer. He took the lyre from his back and slowly people started to turn their heads his way expectantly. Ilan felt the familiar butterflies in his stomach rise through his entire body, as eyes from all over were looking at him. He smiled kindly and started to play a joyful tune, his notes smooth like water flowing from a fountain.

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Ra Monde
Interactions: @Dezuel @Hide on mana
Ambience: Ra Monde

---

Ilan was relieved Baraian agreed with his opinions. The faun listened to him attentively, taking in what he was saying. The dark elf moved towards him and placed both hands on his shoulders. For a split second, his senses tingled, ready to make him dart away to safety. His ears perked and his tail shivered. There was no need to be afraid. At first the dark elf had scared him, but he found there was nothing to fear from him. The tension left his body and he looked up at the man, flinching inwardly at the harshness of his red eyes.

Baraian's words moved him. It'd been a while since anyone had spoken of him with such words of praise and kindness. It reminded him of the encouraging speeches of his late grandmother. Ilan smiled softly, looking down at the ground, feeling embarrassed at the amount of attention he was receiving all of a sudden. It was good to know his contribution hadn't gone unnoticed and his strengths were appreciated. His purpose was clear now. To create unity and watch over the rebels who were in need. He was determined to give it his best shot. Ilan stood a little firmer on his feet and took to his new task with renewed energy and spirit.

"I will try my best to keep the rebels united in kindness." "If we save the humans from the dangers of Avalia, maybe they will help us fight the Lich king"
He was speaking more confidently. Ilan started to see a new future. The rebellion was going to be their first step to a better world.

"I'll go and ask Kuroi if he can help us with our search in Roshmi"
Ilan said, repeating the request Baraian gave him. The dark elf wasn't confident in his ability to persuade the fan wielding demi human. Ilan didn't set out to talk Kurio into anything. He hoped the vulpine would see the value of searching for other humans. Ilan was confident he would, Kuroi was equally as observant and intelligent as he was skilled in combat. He came to Belladonna's and his defense in the infirmary, a gesture neither of them would soon forget. Ilan had never properly thanked him for protecting them, without even knowing either Belladonna or him. This would be a great chance to do so.

The faun made his way through the camp, trying to recall where Kuroi had chosen to place his tent. After a while he found it, situated up a little higher, to create a vantage point. It gave Ilan a sense of security, knowing there was always someone watching over him. The faun did not find the vulpine in his usual abode. In fact he wasn't by his tent at all. One of the youths who was under Kuroi's tutelage pointed out he'd already gone into the city with Belladonna. Best to catch up to them soon!

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Ra Monde
Interactions: @Dezuel
Ambience: Ra Monde

---

Ilan was caught of guard by Baraian and his questions. He hadn't expected him to exit his tent. The faun composed himself and cleared his throat, looking up at the dark elf hesitantly.
"I wanted to know what our plans are for the rebellion." If there was any other way he could help Ilan wanted to know. Undoubtedly there was much more to do than just take care of the sick and injured. Finding other humans had been on his mind for a while now. Maybe that was something he could do. Although that would mean venturing outside of Ra Monde.

"There must be other humans in Roshmi..."
Ilan started a little unsure. Having other humans join the rebellion would inspire morale. Also it would give the humans a safe place to hide. Roshmi was a large city, but this world was new to them. It was easy to get lost, meet the wrong people. At the worst end up like the first human Ilan had met.

"Maybe we can go look for them."

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Ra Monde
Interactions: @Dezuel
Ambience: Ra Monde

---

After training Ilan returned to the safety of Ra Monde, as was his custom. Mr Alburn was needed elsewhere so the faun was left to his own devices for the remainder of the day. He was unsure what to do with himself. There were no patients to care for at the moment. It wasn't easy to relax, play a joyful tune, eat some honey cakes. There was this perpetual atmosphere of tension in Ra Monde. Belladonna's arrival had lit up the spark inside the hearts of the rebels. Everyone seemed anxious to spring into action. Ilan wasn't the only one training, every capable person had taken up weapons and other means of self defense. The prospect of war made Ilan very uneasy. He remembered what little he'd seen of it. Actual battle experience he didn't have a lot of. He only got involved in the aftermath, when he took care of the wounded.

The young faun wandered around the grounds of Ra Monde with a frown on his face, accompanied only by his troubled thoughts. Belladonna was now the leader of the Golden Death. Ilan knew little about them, the stories varied and up until he'd seen Baraian he didn't even know they truly existed. They weren't as scary as he initially thought, at least Baraian seemed to have their best interest in mind, despite of the circumstances during their first meeting. Ilan hoped Belladonna would do well as a leader. The rebels really wished for it, so maybe so should he.

During his walk he passed by Baraian's tent. He heard the dark elf laughing hysterically. Ilan looked at the entrance of the tent with a questioning look, the corners of his mouth drawing into a involuntary smile. He was pretty sure he'd never heard the man laugh like that before, or rather laugh at all. He hesitated to go inside. The faun didn't really have any business to discuss, on the other hand being Belladonna's advisor he might have some plans on what they should do next. He stood outside of the tent, fidgeting with the hem of his sleeve. The laughter started to die down.

Ossvien

Time: Dawn
Location: Mermaid's fortune deck
Interactions: @Legion02
Ambience: Calm sailing

---

Nur was rudely interrupted by the sea witch Aharuhn. A day would come, sooner rather than later where she would find some curse to instill some manners into this wretched excuse of a man. He was bad mouthing the men she was tending to. They made an effort to ignore Aharuhn much to her satisfaction. The sailor whom she'd helped recover from his seas sickness was intimidated by the presence of the sea witch. She could tell by his body language. He was trying to excuse himself from the scene rather awkwardly. Before he had the chance to fully scurry away however Nur took his hand once again, asking after his well being. Having ensured he would not faint on the spot Nur felt it was alright to let him leave. She just wanted to make it obvious he left on her terms, and because she told him to. Not because Aharuhn was threatening him. Nur would not let him treat her patients like that.

He shoved a crumpled piece of parchment into her hands forcefully. She put down her basket with tea and held the parchment with both hands, so the wind wouldn't fold it every which way. Her eyes wandered over the crude attempts at some sort of glyph. She realized it wasn't ink he'd used, the faint smell of iron made her wrinkle her nose in disgust. Nur began to recognize certain markings, while others didn't seem to make much sense, remaining a mystery. Aharuhn was hovering over her and it filled her with a sense of discomfort, displeasure evident on her face. She knew glyphs of this kind were used in a rarely practiced magical tradition, one in which her clan dabbled in. It was rumored to drive women who commanded such magic insane.

Merely holding something of such gravity made Nur weary and at the same time also somewhat scared. She hated to admit Arahun was the one on the ship who scared her. She could not disarm him with her charms which disturbed her. It was the only weapon at her disposal to protect herself, since her magic was unreliable and fading. Nur was determined not to show her fear. She pushed the parchment back into his hands, glad to be rid of it.

"I've never seen this before in my life" She lied poorly. Her tone was unconvincing, the fear of the dangerous magic having seeped into her voice despite her best efforts.

Nur turned to face him. She picked up her basket and held it between them like a sort of barrier. If he was going to attempt something she had no trouble splashing his face with boiling tea.
"Now stay out of my way, I'm tending to the crew." She spat at him, her voice was on the verge of trembling. He had really caught her of guard with that parchment.
"Don't you have some cloud to interpret" Nur sneered, pointing up at a mostly cloudless sky. She whirled around, hastening herself to be away from the man. The confounded witch took refuge near a group of sailors who were polishing the woodwork. She offered them some tea, needing some herself to calm her fluttering heart.

𝔸 𝕋𝕚𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕌𝕟𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨𝕟: 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕆𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝔹𝕦𝕤

Heey
I´m already involved in two other roleplays, so I am going to stay out of this one. Sorry!

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: A forest close to Ra Monde
Interactions: None
Ambience: Trees and lanterns

---

Week summary

It had taken Ilan a day or two to get used to small amounts of daylight in the rebel hiding place of Ra Monde. The times he ventured outside were few and far between. Multiple reasons made the faun remain underground, sometimes against his will. The rebels advised him not to go outside on his own. He had been seen with two humans already which made them fear for his safety. Ilan wholeheartedly agreed, not being the bravest soul known to man. A protector had been appointed to him, a stern and unforgiving grey monk Mr Alburn who also insisted on him staying safe. Staying safe however in Mr Alburns book didn't simply mean hiding out in Ra Monde. The both of them awoke at the crack of dawn each day to train outside in the surrounding forests. He showed Ilan how to hit moving targets with his slingshot and instilled some much needed life lessons into the young faun.

Ilan found Mr Alburns countenance difficult to stomach at times, his outlook often clashing with his own. Yet there was something there, within their disagreements as opposites in life. Young and old, soft and hard, weak willed and steadfast, they came to a middle ground. Mr Alburn was despite his age not unwilling to learn. Ilan taught him about the subtle strength of kindness, gentleness sometimes without even realizing it.

The faun had taken up his old occupation as an apprentice healer. He wanted to make himself useful to the rebel forces. After they trained he would gather herbs under the watchful eyes of his mentor. The man claimed to have been a healer at the infirmary to win his trust. Ilan however soon found out that wasn't true. He couldn't tell one plant from the next, let alone their healing properties. He didn't make any mention of it. There was no need to attack the man for not telling the truth.

Ilan and Belladonna had the chance to get to know one another. Ilan found her to be kind and a little withdrawn much like himself. At times she was difficult to read or understand. They spend time together in between Ilan's training and healing sessions. Together they cooked up an idea to figure out her natural affinity for one of the four natural elements. Surprisingly it did actually work. It took a few attempts to get it right. They found out Belladonna was connected to water. Ilan tried his best to teach her how to use her magic with his own limited experience. It wasn't easy for either of them. Ilan didn't have any magic of his own, he drew it out from his lyre. Belladonna had to draw the magic from herself. By trial and error they found some techniques which worked out well.

Present time

"Put your back into it boy, don't hold back because I'm old!" Mr Alburn barked at the young faun. Ilan was trying to hit the old monk who was running in between the trees. They were using bundles of weighted fabric, tied together with strings. A piece of clay was added in the centre to add weight. It felt different to stones. Still he was hesitant in using them. Mr Alburn made him aim for his head. He had to forego his lyre and rely more on his slingshot.
Always go for the head...
Everyone could hit a motionless target.

He loaded up his sling and took his time to get a good shot. Ilan ignored the taunting remarks of his mentor, trying to predict where he would go next. The round ball soared through the air, going for the monk. Before it could collide the man snatched it out of the air with impressive dexterity, considering his age.
"Very good Ilan!" He said in rare praise to the faun. If he hadn't stopped it the ball would have definitely hit him square in the head. Near to the temples just like he taught him.

Ilan smiled and moved his focus on the floating lanterns which were moving about in the breeze. Mr Aburn had tied them to the trees below. He had four shots left and there were exactly four lanterns left. Each one would have to be perfect.
No pressure. He thought to himself. Ilan placed another ball into his sling, rotating his wrist to let it gather some momentum.

Ossvien

Time: Dawn
Location: Mermaid's fortune deck
Interactions: None
Ambience: Calm sailing

---

Nur was laying comfortably between her collection of pillows and blankets. Her raven hair fanned out behind her and she looked at the charms and bundles of herbs hanging from the beams above her head. She traced their shapes in the air, trying to call out their magical vibrations. It took her more effort than usual, something she was still getting used to. The charms trembled, moving in the opposite direction of the swaying ship, as if controlled by some kind of unseen hand. Wisps of iridescent light only she could see emerged slowly from within them. They were faint, barely noticeable and faded as quickly as they appeared.

The fact that her magic was slipping away frustrated the young witch. It also scared her, more than she liked to admit. There was no logical explanation why this was happening. She'd run across every scenario in her head. It just didn't make any sense. She sat up straight, brushing her hair out of her face. There was no use dwelling on it, besides she was determined to find a solution, and she always got what she wanted. If her books didn't know the answer, the magic on the Shadowmount isles surely would.

There was a mixture of loud yelling coming from up on deck. She couldn't distinguish the voices, but she didn't need to. Nur knew who would be yelling the loudest. It was time to start doing her job and take care of the crew. There was one thing she firmly believed in. Prevention. Nur hadn't always been the best student, mainly because witchcraft wasn't the only thing the women taught her. There were endless chores to be done, cooking, cleaning, sewing. Most of which she despised.

She removed the pot from the stove and put on her teapot, along with a muslin bag filled with dried chamomile flowers. Arms crossed and with her foot tapping on the wooden floor Nur waited impatiently for the water to come to a boil. She realized she should have done this sooner, but how could she have known they were suddenly setting sail? Whatever the reason, she would be the one having to take care of the vomiting new crew members. Something she wanted to avoid at all costs. As soon as the first bubbles appeared Nur snatched the pot from the stove and placed it into a basket along with a set of cups. It could steep further when she was making rounds.

The prospect of a cabin full of green faced men tied her stomach in nervous knots. She rushed through the hallway, holding up her skirts as she went up the stairs. On deck she was greeted by the salty sea air and the crew, new and old alike working hard to please the Mermaid's Fortune and her captain. She leisurely strolled across the deck, the basket with the hot tea in her left hand. The sun was rising higher into the sky. Nur studied the crew, walking past them, while subtly looking for the signs of sea sickness. There was this one young man, looking particularly miserable, a little green around the gills even. He was manning the sails, or that's what he should have been doing, looking at the men next to him. Instead he was holding onto a barrel and probably also his breakfast.

She gave him a pitying smile, her eyes creasing in concern. Tea at the ready she walked over to him and touched his arm lightly.
"I have something that will help." She spoke calmly. Nur poured him a cup of tea, handing it to him. He took it with trembling hands, barely keeping his footing. Nur bit her lip, tea really wasn't going to be enough.
"Stand up straight for a moment." She helped him steady himself and they faced each other.
"Now look at me, lock your eyes on something." The something would be his choice.
"Hold out your other arm please." She instructed, keeping a steady eye on him. Nur started to gently press down on a spot below his wrist. She continued this for a while until he started to feel better.