FunnyGuy

Avalia

Time: Afternoon
Location: Surfside Cafe
Interaction: @princess Risa, [@Allivefalling] Kyran

"What the…" One of the restaurant customers seated outside squinted his eyes towards a winged creature crash landing from over town. The sun made it hard to make out, but he saw enough to make him raise off his seat in case he needed to run for his life. Before he could comment more, Valaeon's large body crashed into the sand about 30 meters away from the Surfside Cafe patio. The impact was great enough to cause sand to explode upward and out, nearly showering the diners and staff on the patio. Fortunately, the brash demihuman chose his landing location wisely. At least that's what he would boastfully say.

As the dust settled, Valaeon could be seen kneeling with his back towards the patio, his wings folded. A few guests that recognized him had differing reactions. Some sighed in annoyance and returned to their meals, while others nearly whipped out their memory glasses to capture the superhero landing pose.

"FINALLY!" His great voice boomed even at such a distance. Valaeon stood up and turned to face Kyran and Risa with a toothy grin. "Finally we meet!" He began marching towards the patio only wearing a black speedo of all things. His tail whipped back and forth, showcasing its spikes in an intimidating fashion. "I am Valaeon Shadowbane, one of the three leaders of the Sanguine Draconis Militia and I have come for you, fairy!" He pointed directly at Risa with a sharp-clawed finger. He then pointed at a waiter also watching the spectacle using his other hand so there was no confusion. "I have also come for your delicious potato cakes! And make it for three..." Valaeon wasn't playing around. He was hungry after doing so much work this morning.

Avalia

Time: Afternoon
Location: River Kingdom Plaza
Interaction with: @Princess Helio, @Tae Azriel, @Potter Artemis, @Alivefalling Aklenroth

---

Umber slightly rotated his levitated body towards Azriel who initiated the game, while also disregarding the order. His four eyes narrowed at her momentarily but he did not comment. Suffering was suffering after all. The emotions from all three victims were delightful to his palette.

Terror… Fear… Despair………. Hope. Umber's eyes locked on Artemis who remained hopeful inside. He hated it… So much he wanted her to himself. He would take his time breaking her. Stubborn hope was such a hard thing shatter, yet it was one of the greatest things Umber felt he could do to someone. Helio was a prime example. The effort it took was time-consuming, but he was a demon after all. Umber could wait forever. To dig deep into one's soul, snatch away the good from it, and watch how what remains pieces itself back together was spectacular.

Azriel's cruel performance on the fairy was risky, but something to be proud of. However, he did find the tossing of her trophy towards him distasteful. With a twitch of a finger, one of the detached fairy wings bent oddly as if to mock the Angel of Death's childhood injury.

"Now, it's perfect." Umber then keyed in on Helio. Finally, the young man would crush this woman. She would see the monster that he truly is and will always be. As the vines surrounded Artemis, Umber had the urge to grin. Sadly he lacked a mouth. The elven form he had used for the ball had seemingly grown on him. He knew he was going to enjoy every second of Helio torturing this woman. It was unfortunate that it all had to come to an end as Aklenroth using a husk to speak through interrupted everything. Umber listened silently as the Lich questioned and disapproved of their actions. Umber disagreed, but her would follow his orders.

Once the undead collapsed into bits, Umber raised a hand and Artemis was floated back into her cage. When it shut, the entire cage bent inward from several different angles, making it cramped and uncomfortable.

"So be it… If killing our enemies is a waste of our king's time, I will take my leave… these are yours, Helio." Umber dropped the two fairies to the ground, completely releasing them from his telekinetic hold. His attention shifted.

"Azriel… You should try channeling your feelings towards me into proving me wrong about Darius... Elsea has already shown me how resilient she is in the face of her own death… As I hoped from what may be my greatest work." Umber chose to remain present for a while, because despite Azriel's betrayal and veering from the path he set for her, he was still interested in how things would play out. Oh how fantastic would it be if I were the flawed one… An fantasy indeed.

Avalia

Time: Afternoon
Location: Headed to the Town Square from the Tailor, River Port
Interaction: @Dreamingflowers Nur

Unamused. That was the expression on the tailor's feline face as Nur paid for his services and even the expression he held as the two left the shop.

"Well now that we're looking even nicer than before… Let's head to the next shop!" Darius was all in all still in a great mood with Nur as company. He presented his arm to Nur and held his instrument in his free hand. Perhaps he needed a strap for it, but that was a solution for another time. "I think the convenience store might be our next stop. Meant to go there yesterday but… Oh hey!" Darius gave a smile as he greeted a dog that appeared to be a border collie. It approached him with a slip of paper in its mouth.

Darius raised an eyebrow and passed his instrument into his other hand before grabbing the paper and giving it a look. It was slightly wet with saliva, but Darius knew it couldn't really be helped since the messenger was a friendly canine. Getting a closer look at the slip of paper, he furrowed his brow.

Meeting Hall tomorrow at 2

Darius seemed to read over the short cryptic message a few times and even flipped it over to get something more from it. A light sigh escaped him before he smiled at the dog.

"Oh thanks buddy… but not interested." Darius patted the dog on the head and happily handed back the slip of paper back to the dog who whined in response. "Sorry." Darius apologized as he returned his instrument to his free hand. "What was I saying? Oh yeah, let's hit the convenience store. I think I saw it around the corner from here yesterday. Past the park, I think." He continued with the conversation, but kept the strange encounter in mind. Avalia is just too random sometimes.

Avalia

Time: Afternoon
Location: Odds and Ends to Tailor, River Port
Interaction: @Dreamingflowers Nur

Darius hadn't even waited a second before stuffing his backpack with the clothes he purchased. He had wanted to get moving with Nur to the next shop so fast that he even placed the perfume he had bought her inside of the bag too. He then quickly fastened the utility belt onto his waist before securing his large red potion to it and slipped his wayfinder into an empty compartment. Darius figured he could fill the other compartments as he visited some of the other stores. Lastly, he slung on his backpack and held his newly purchased instrument in hand.

Just when he going to fiddle with it, Nur locked her arm with his. He held the instrument in his free arm, ready to get going. Tuning could wait. When Nur squeezed his hand, he smiled and looked at the shop beside them.

"Oh a clothes store! I should have known this would be high up on your list." He gave a smile before nodding at the door to the shop.

Avalia

Time: Afternoon
Location: Odds and Ends, River Port
Interaction: @Dreamingflowers Nur

Darius hadn't expected much from the stall at first, but as he looked at the stock, his eyes widened with excitement.

"Oh, I recognize that look! There's something catching your eye, huh?" The feline demihuman working the Odd and Ends stall leaned on the counter comfortably held up by her forearms. Her name was Hanai, and she was the friendly sort that practice fair business.

"That's an understatement. This… this stand was built for me! Dang, I can use a belt like this!" Darius held up the leather utility belt and slung it onto his shoulder before crouching down and seeing a large backpack with a wool blanket rolled up and clipped onto it. He held it up by the straps.

"The blanket comes with it?" Darius asked with a hopeful look in his eyes.

"Yup! Even the smaller sacks attached come with it. At the other stores, you would just get only the bag for the same amount!" Hanai shrugged with a slight grimace.

"Taking it! Oh, cool a compass!" He slung the backpack onto his free shoulder.

"A what? Oh, a wayfinder." The two raised an eyebrow at one another before Darius' expression softened.

"Right! Wayfinder! I'll take that too. Aaaaand oooh a potion I can put in on my belt. Yeah, there's a place for it right… yeah, right here! Okay… Whoa! What the hell is this?!" Darius looked up at an owlbear fur coat. "Cool looking animal, but I have a coat already. I might take this outfit though!" Darius and Hanai both appeared to match each other's excitement. Both were excited that he was buying items from the stall.

Darius was nearly ready to check out before his eyes locked onto something propped up behind Hanai. She almost thought he was looking at her

"Is that for sale? Please tell me that's for sale!" Hanai turned her head and glanced down at the peculiar looking lyre. She shrugged and picked it up before placing it on the counter with a smile.

"And one mysterious instrument for this fine gentleman!"

"Perfect! How much is it all?" He asked as she eyeballed the items and looked at the handwritten chart she used to keep track of the prices on the items on hand. Once she restocked, she simply erased and refilled the listing of whatever new items she had on display. She nodded at a number she wrote down.

"178 amas!" She announced.

"Easy!" He exclaimed before leaning over the counter and peeking at the list. "30 for that perfume... So 208?" Darius smiled at Nur as he paid for the perfume along with all of his wares. "I'm good for it." He placed the amas on the counter.

"Meee ow! How 'bout you buy me a little something?!" Hanai laughed, happy to serve such a great customer.

Avalia

Nur and Darius

Time: Afternoon
Location: River Port, Alleyway to Market Square
Interactions: Darius @FunnyGuy and Nur @Dreamingflowers
Ambiance: River Port

---

Never had luckie dips……
Nur´s disbelief was all over her face, her brow raised, and eyes widened in a shocked stare. She took his hand and listened to him talk about the reason he was staying at River Port, he was looking for a friend. A friend huh….?

He wasn’t here for the rebellion. She let out an inward sigh. Trying to figure out this guy was giving her a headache. What was the point anyways. They could just go out and have fun. He wasn’t part of the rebellion so he wasn’t what she was looking for. He was much better company than Haldir, that was for sure. She didn’t really want to be on her own, who knows how long it would take to find someone aligned with the rebel forces?

“I’m sure they serve luckie dips at the lost in the sauce place you keep talking about” Darius chuckled as he realized she didn't get the joke or did she and he didn't get hers? Either way, the two were ready to go get some food and maybe make a few other purchase along the way.

She locked their arms together.

“Lead the way”

"Gladly!" He exclaimed as the two walked towards the town square. There was less thrill, but the company was still wonderful. Darius kept his head a bit on a swivel as didn't want to have to run again, especially on an empty stomach.

"This place?" Darius pointed at a bakery, guessing the luckie dips might be there.

Nur looked at the bakery. It stood out from the other shops, which wasn’t all that difficult. All you had to do was not serve fish. The outside looked deceptively ordinary. The sign didn’t scream at them to come in. The colors were more muted, to draw more attention to the baked goods, sitting in the display. There were all kinds of treats and pastries. Blas buns, Fallaid bread, Bannoch biscuits, Toffee apples in different flavors.

It didn’t take her long to find her favorite. luckie dips. They were shaped like hearts, and the inside looked pink. Hopefully they were strawberry flavored, but if not she would make do. The thought of biting into one almost made her forget about Darius. She grabbed his hand and led him inside.

“Yes this is perfect!” She said cheerfully. She was definitely going to have two of them, at the very least.

"This is looks really good!" Darius stared at the slightly foreign pastries the bakery had for sale.

Nur leaned on the counter to catch the attention of the baker. She gave him her order with a sweet smile.

“Can I have two Luckie dips?, are they strawberry flavored?” She added, sincerely hoping they were. The baker confirmed with a slight nod.

“What do you want Darius?”

“Because I’m not sharing on the first date” She stuck out her tongue at him playfully. Initially he smiled but then his face went blank…. It was that face you make when you realize you left your phone on the roof of your car after nearing your destination. Darius… And I didn't correct her before! I'm so uggghhhh! He shut his eyes for a second before opening them with an embarrassing smile. He would just have to drive on.

"I'll take an order of the same… the luckie dips." Darius remembered how messed up his name when he had first introduced himself, so he figured that it was just a matter of time until this happened. He looked at the prices on the menu and dug into his pocket and took out a small sack filled with amas. After sifting through it, he placed enough amas to pay for the meal.

After a couple of silent minutes, walking through the streets of River Port, Nur had finished both of her luckie dips. They were as good as she remembered. She sighed, feeling pleased. Nur contemplated the next step in her plan. She had arranged for some necessities, behind Haldir’s back, to make her life easier once she left. Mostly clothes, but she kept it modest. She didn’t know when she could start a new life of comfort, so in the meantime she had to survive with less. Something she hated.

“Tasty right?” She said, looking at Darius who was still eating his luckie dips. He sure was slow, she had devoured hers instantly. Something was on his mind, or better yet, someone. That, plus he was arguing with Malgormuun about how he could let him mess up the name he himself came up with. Orland Legolas was no more. Darius Orland Legolas was born!

"They're pretty bomb! Declicious!" Darius smiled after finishing the pastry. He now allowed Nur to do the leading.

Unfortunately, she hadn’t been in River Port for that long, and she struggled to find the tailor. What was it called again? After passing a few bland stores, ones that didn’t sell anything of interest to the succubus, they came across a store which sold clothes, but it wasn’t the one she was looking for.

Odds and Ends

“Let’s go here, I feel like browsing for something cute.” Nur said, pointing to the front of a stall. It couldn’t hurt to take a look, she could go to the other stores later.

"Sure, as long as this isn't the only place we hit." Darius wanted to by some day to day items he hadn't had the chance to purchase before the ball when he had gone shopping with Airdan, Myra, and Artemis.

“Of course not silly, I never go to just one place to shop.” Nur said, feeling offended by the mere idea.

Once at the stall, Nur could see where it got its name from. It was a garbled mess of anything and everything, it was charming in a way. You could stumble across a hidden gem for a decent price. She greeted the clerk with a cheerful wave. The feline demi-human let the pair browse a little, before offering her help.

Avalia

Time: Afternoon
Location: South Beach, River Port
Interaction: @Dreamingflowers Nur

Darius couldn't help furrowing his brow when Nur mentioned hearing about the resistance gathering here. He didn't comment, but his mind raced. So was the woman here to join it or sabotage it? It was an impossible thing for the man to put his finger on as Aklenroth himself seemed to be taking a more reconnaissance approach to his enemies gathering in River Port. And why did he have to do it? And who the heck was on the throne. Kol??

Nur's returned compliment pushed aside his thoughts.

"Well thanks." He smiled, not even noticing Nur purposely mistaking his name. Malgormuun did not even bother to inform him of his folly. As he saw it, Darius only needed to play the part of a human attempting to hide. Even the poorest attempt would work… at least for now. The demon was far concerned with this woman's motives. He would observe and remain quiet. Darius remaining naturally oblivious was best.

When Nur turned to look at him, she inquired about food. His eyes lingered on hers a moment before he answered. She's bad…

"Wow, I almost forgot. Food! And lucky dips? Uh… Never had them but I always wanted to try. " He lied. He had no idea what the hell those were. He just rolled with it and headed over to the fence before vaulting over it ahead of Nur and then holding out his hand if she wanted to use it to steady herself as she climbed out. "I'm actually here at River Port to find a friend of mine. We got split up in Roshmi so here seems to be the place to reunite... I'm not too interested in the resistance. Not my fight." This time he was honest.

Avalia

Time: Afternoon
Location: River Kingdom Plaza
Interaction with: @princess Helio, @Tae Azriel, @Potter Artemis

---

Umber remained silent as Helio did his little song and dance in his jolly sadistic way. He might have found his visit short if he hadn't felt such a rich familiar feeling coming from his greatest mold to date. Even if the rage was towards himself, it was splendid. It definitely helped in washing away the caged pet's sour-tasting slivers of hope, especially with the two she had preyed upon.

"Azriel. You know how to win a man's heart. So glad you could join our family reunion. I was worried you had gone a little soft, saving my sister like that, but you came just in time for the review. " Umber didn't budge upon hearing this news of Azriel saving someone from death. As he studied what he once considered to be his masterpiece, he noticed her chinks, her uncertainty. He felt the urge to find and flay the foolish man that had infected her with her current affliction.

Helio… Azriel. Both examples of my work. The twisted and the molded. The twisted were always unpredictable in their finality. Ranging from simply blubbering the same few words for the rest of their lives to becoming deranged monsters worse than even himself in their sadistic nature. In that regard, it was always interesting to see what became of them… The molded, however… Umber kept his thoughts from the sore subject. He did not enjoy failure. He ignored Helio's joking as he found nothing in it. Just hollow bits of who he once was.

He watched Helio turn to the cage due to the mermaid's humming, and took his reaction into notice.

"She's making a fool out of you… As much I find Azriel's methods to be unfavorable, at least she knew how to put dread into the hearts of her prey… The mermaid is not even bleeding, Helio… Perhaps those disgusting emotions I felt are just yours." Umber opened up one of his hands, and the cage burst open before Tigerlilly was pulled out and locked into a T-pose as she was levitated before Helio. The male and female Azriel delivered suddenly snapped up and were levitated into locked T-poses as well. All three in a line. "One to each of us... Azriel… if you would like to join, you may have the girl missing her hands… and I shall have the man without a tongue… which leaves Helio with her."

Umber rotated Tigerlilly a few times, mocking her memories of the ball she tried to envision to cope. He stopped her facing Helio and proceeded to face the handless women to Azriel and the tongueless man towards himself.

"Azriel I am sure you recall this game, but allow me to give young Helio some instruction… The aim is to inflict as much pain as you can… without killing them or placing the victim in front of you into shock... We will take turns inflicting physical harm in whatever way we see fit... Oh and there's a catch. Well maybe a few… After all three of us have taken a turn inflicting our pain, we will rotate victims. If a victim dies after you harm them or go into shock, you are eliminated. The bodies are left to the victor whether living, dead, or unconscious… Any questions? If not, Helio should be first up since his victim seems to have some… physical advantage over ours, then myself, then the Azriel… Oh and don't worry about harsh screams, I'm keeping their lips sealed unless requested otherwise… since there are two tongues still in play " The emotions that radiated off of the three held in place invigorated Umber greatly. The demon was ready to play.

Avalia

Time: Afternoon
Location: Dimly Lit Alley, River Port
Interaction: @Dreamingflowers Nur

Darius silently chewed the strawberry in his mouth before chuckling. The woman in his presence had seemed to make him forget this had even been a rescue mission in the first place.

"It wasn't a problem honestly. Instead of running alone on a beach, I ran around with a beautiful woman through town." He shrugged before adjusting his jacket some. "What brings you to River Port anyway? I'm guessing it's not the food." He remembered her expression when seafood was mentioned earlier and was 99% sure that was the same face Skar made when he asked if she wanted to try a tomato.

He briefly turned to the fence they had both bypassed, albeit with different methods. Nothing. So far, so good. Give it a minute or two and-

We return to the beach. To Aklenroth.

Aw don't be a cockblock!

Avalia

Time: Afternoon
Location: River Kingdom Plaza
Interaction with: @princess Helio, @Potter Artemis

---

"Betterr… Much better." Umber's dark malevolent voice could be heard within the plaza, despite not being seen by any who heard. The area seemed to become darker as if the sun was being blocked by overhead clouds, yet this was not the case. The plaza itself darkened, but everything beyond the location faded into darkness. The plaza became a drifting island in a sea of black unknown. From the south side of the plaza, the large figure that was Umber emerged from the darkness, levitating just above the ground. One of his hands reached out and tapped Artemis's cage. It seemed like a light casual touch, but the cage rattled as if he had given it a shove.

"Much better than the village. Then again, suffering is… suffering. I just savor it much more than most… Like what you've done with this one." Umber's eyes seemed to widen as he felt the emotions pour out of her. Her… Umber recognized Artemis from Aklenroth's throne room. She was by Darius at the time. "Wait… Helio she is… oh this is relishing…" Umber snickered as he turned back to Helio. "More fear Helio… You need more fear! Of those around you… I taste hate… nostalgia… hope… Fear will fix those. I can show you, child."