FunnyGuy

Avalia

Time: Night
Location: A dream, River Port
Interaction:

As Darius slumbered, he slipped away, off to the same place he always had since meeting the demon, Malgormuun. It was always the same place, but also not. This space was Malgormuun's and he brought Darius here whenever he rested. But Malgormuun never presented the same type of setting to Darius. Always a place Darius had seen before. Some he found to be intimately familiar, while others were of places he could vaguely remember.

This time, the surroundings were that of a lush empty park where Darius simply found himself sitting on a bench across from a shadowy figure that mimicked his appearance. This setting was familiar, a park he would add to his running route from time to time.

"To succeed." He said, his voice welcoming Darius. "A waste of a wish. One that implies you are not confident in your ability to put an end to those wretched machines." Malgormuun slumped back casually on the bench with his arms crossed over his chest.

"It just seems like a lot sometimes… I'm surprised you even care though. It's the thing I want."

"Your ignorance is understandable." Malgormuun pointed to his right, to an odd piece of machinery composed of a large upright ring. It resembled something out of a sci-fi flick that was used to open a portal… a rift. This was the first time Darius had actually seen the DROM with his own eyes so close up. "I also am not fond of the DROMs, especially when they are the culprit for my lack of a body. Torn apart and physically destroyed due to my mother's foolishness and endless ambition. Torn apart due to what was my unconditional loyalty to her. I stepped through one of those as a proud and powerful demon! Only to end up formless and pathetic... Aklenroth… He pitied and saved me from my suffering." Malgormuun's willingness to share was a new thing to Darius. Listening thoughtfully, he wondered what had brought this on. What intrigued him most was the attempt at sending an Avalian to Earth. And also how it had failed.

"How much do you actually know about them? The DROMs." Darius leaned forward with his elbows resting on his thighs.

"I know plenty. I meant to wait for a time after quelling this poor excuse of a rebellion to share what I know. The omission was all done to keep you focused. Now, with Aklenroth's current plan of ambiguity and nonhostility, we must shift our objective to the DROMs. We cannot linger at this port long, but I will allow you to spend as much time as you need here. To enjoy the few luxuries you may not have once we truly get started… And Nur… She is safe by the way. A particular kind of demon, but her intentions do not appear to be harmful to you from what I've observed. On the same note, I do not recognize her, so I do not believe her to be one of Aklenroth's agents. Do not divulge too much information to her. Not yet." Malgormuun speaking so openly surprised Darius. Was this generosity? Is that what this was?

"Really? I remember you complaining all day and night about Artemis being arou-"

"You could not see what I saw in that creature! She held information back from you while trying to have you align with her thinking. A sinister manipulator, as all sirens are. She is lucky I could not strike her from the lies she told of me. The slander! I am truly glad she is gone, hopefully for good." He ranted, yet didn't seem to physically shift or move while expressing his feelings. Darius looked slightly amused by how much Artemis bothered the demon.

"Umm… Well, I guess you have a good assessment on people… Because you're probably just always watching, right." Darius tried to confirm.

"Always watching, yes. But not always observing your activities. I sift through your memories often, Darius. I know your life very well. The person you were. The people you care for. The world I might have experienced if I successfully traveled through that DROM. It's interesting. The magic there is absent. Your people are most similar to the demi-humans here, but even more resourceful. A beautiful world to want to return to… But I do believe you are better off here, Darius. In your short time here, you have found a greater purpose, a mission to call your own. You are also the only one you can trust to complete that mission. If even one DROM is left, you will have failed. You will have many in your way and few at your side… Hmm… To succeed. Perhaps it was not such a poor thing to wish for. It is you making a point that everything you aim to accomplish must absolutely happen."

Darius sat silently as Malgormuun continued to speak. He continued on about the DROMs, his own life, and what Darius should expect of their partnership going forward. For the first time, the two shared what was a more relaxed time moment. Without purpose, Malgormuun needed to adopt Darius' until the time came to follow Aklenroth's direction again. Right now, was the time to forge a weapon… Perhaps even a Wraith.

Avalia

Time: Evening
Location: Boardwalk
Interaction: @princess Risa, @Alivefalling Valamir

Valaeon had been sharing such a wholesome moment with Risa which he greatly enjoyed. She was such a sweet and emotionally strong girl. Tempted to give her a powerful hug, he controlled himself. Patience was not his strong suit as he looked her over, wondering if Risa would be willing to accept it.

The sudden awe-striking sound of a familiar horn blasted throughout River Port. Valaeon, who was contemplating whether or not to hug Risa, widened his eyes. His head whipped toward the source of the sound.

"Impossible… HE'S HERE!" He shouted before whipping his head back to Risa. "HE'S HERE! COME WITH ME! WE MUST GO! NOW!" Valaeon shouted urgently as he turned and ran forward to get some distance and momentum before outstretching his large wings. "I think it's in the square!" He flapped his wings to take flight. There was no time to waste. Valaeon needed to be where he heard the horn!

Avalia

Risa & Valaeon

The afternoon had been both pleasant and as Valaeon would say, "glorious." The night, however, would be even better as the new bonds being formed were only strengthening with time. River Port establishments lit up with welcoming lights and people of the port appeared to unwind. Along the boardwalk, Valaeon walked beside Risa, the two being a very odd pair. He hummed an unknown tune as they strode along. Valaeon had invited Risa to join him for a walk for what seemed to be nothing more than having good company.

"Ah! Isn't the port wonderful? The air! The sea! The sights before us are magnificent!"

Risa glanced at Valaeon and smiled at his words. The night set in on the two of them as the sun set and the light of the store windows lit up their faces with each step. They had spent much of the afternoon getting to know each other and his company had been very appreciated. His enthusiasm and optimism were contagious and it was much easier to remain in decent spirits having him around.

“Oh yes! I love port towns or just about anything by the sea! Used to come to Roshmi and sit by the water when I was young all the time. Kyran likes to fish so I’d watch him and wonder about how far the sea goes. My brother used to want to buy us a boat to go explore it.” Her smile threatened to falter towards the end of her words but it held up as if the corners were nailed in.

"My, that sounds wonderful. A boat so you could explore the sea…" Valaeon chuckled. "It sounds like a dream worth making a reality, dear friend!" He assured as he was aware of her current dilemma concerning her brother. "Agreed?"

Risa steered her gaze ahead as he spoke, “As worth it as it is, I don’t think everyone else would feel so optimistic about my brother. He’s very dangerous and it is not a decision I alone get to make. I, of course, can’t help but hope for such a dream.”

"How sharp of you, young one. No decision should ever be made alone. You have much weight on your tiny shoulders… And though it makes you brave, we must collaborate with others to succeed." Valaeon stopped and crossed his arms over his chest. The two were now near the end of the boardwalk, nearly vacant of people. His wings spread proudly before he grinned at Risa. "You are not alone anymore. Whether my militia joins me or not, I will aid you!"

”Thank you, kind Valaeon. This means a lot to me. I’m glad to have your support and friendship.” Risa stopped walking and turned to face him as she spoke, returning the smile.

Avalia

Morteum

Time: Sunset
Optional Read

The two demon servants that were Vessia and Zorrah walked with filled bowls and set them onto long empty tables in the dining hall of Morteum. Venison stew was the meal for the night to the dark elf royal guard standing in a tight formation just outside.

"So Kol finally stopped crying from up on his mountain, huh?" Zorrah smirked as she set a bowl down. Vessia however only made brief eye contact with her kin.

"Crying?" Vessia commented as she continued setting the tables.

"You know what I mean. Sulking about the gray bitch that came back from the dead… Or not dead. Either way he was crying about it. Then, no one could find him since he heard the news. But now he-"

"Has returned from his long meditation. With a much more powerful resolve than before…" Vessia set the last bowl in its place, the steam seemed to attempt to reach for the high ceiling. Her tone was even, and almost robotic. "Even many of our kind are conflicted on Aklenroth defeating Lilith. Just imagine if it were done by way of deceit." Vessia was now facing Zorrah who shrugged.

"I guess so…" Zorrah grimaced before turning to walk towards the doors leading outside as she needed to let the guard it was time to chow down. "Still not enough to cry about!" She called out obnoxiously as she stepped through the doors.

"Hmm… Waste of an existence." She said coldy with her soft monotonous voice.

Zorrah found herself exiting the dining hall area and witnessing a small formation of few dozen dark elves standing out in the cold. They were equipped for Morteum's climate. Black fur cloaks and strong disciplined spirits kept them warm. Seven rows of seven is what Zorrah could see, with Kol pacing in front of the formation. It was all of the members of the guard, which meant only the undead were standing watch currently. His eyes met Zorrah who used her thumb to point towards the dining hall.

"It's all ready for everyone to eat."

"Hopefully. Hopefully that is the case this evening…" He spoke as if his words were heavy on his being. Zorrah simply sighed in response, finding him dramatic. Kol then faced his men, ready to finally address them all on what he had been seeking answers to. "The chosen few of our kind responsible for securing Morteum. I call you to attention this evening... To bear witness to my words and my decision. Firstly, I do apologize for my sudden absence, but I do not regret it as my short leave birthed clarity. Clarity for my path. For our path..." He took a quick breath before continuing.

"You are all aware of Lady Siraye Vastai's return." The sound of low gasps and slight movement spread within the formation. Some were surprised to hear the dropping of Siraye's royal title. "And you should know where I currently stand in the matter. Despite my position, I would like to give an opportunity to those wish to resign, so I can make the necessary arrangements and remove you from these grounds as your path is different than mine… Remove yourselves from my ranks! If your heart is not with Aklenroth, you need to leave Morteum this instant. Now, while I will still show you mercy!"

Wish you would have told us you were firing people before we made enough for everyone! More leftovers for me, I guess.

First it was one dark elf female that walked from her postion in the formation. Alone with her head down, she walked slowly away from her brothers in arms. But she was then followed by two more, and then several others. A total of 16 guards had left the formation.

"Remove your cloaks and armor and walk your path… Away from here." The rest of his force stood still and strong before their leader as the others relieved themselves from duty. With their armor removed, they took the first steps on their new path. To eventually meet with who they thought to be their rightful ruler, Siraye Vastai.

Unfortunately for them, they would never do so in life. Like them, she would also expire in due time. With a subtle hand wave, the shadows of the traitors and growing darkness of night bound them in place. Curling around their bodies and immediately toppling most of them to the ground. Like some kind black tar creature, it pulled them all down and muffled their screams.

"Mercy… Yes, you shall all have mercy. A second chance at serving our king… In undeath." Kol unsheathed his sword and one by one, struck down his former subordinates. It was his duty and responsibility as their commander. Once he paced back in front of those left in the formation he addressed them.

"Food is getting cold." Kol ignored the demoness.

"If there is any doubt in your hearts, I shall remove it this instant! King Aklenroth is OUR King! He is the rightful ruler of Avalia. Not to just the children of Halastra, but all who are touched by her light in the night. In the centuries since our exile, it was HE who extended a hand when no one else would. It HE who sheltered our people and showed us how to take owenership of these lands we were exiled to! Azmor Galus is ours! Malthemoor is ours! The mines! The hunt! And more importantly, victory! Aklenroth saw what we were capable of, but he also saw our weakness. Our false prophet! He faked her death to allow us to use every fiber of darkness in our hearts to strike our enemies down… And we succeeded. Our people are now found across all of Avalia! We are their guard! We are their nobles! Their superior! How is this so if Halastra's prophet was missing?! How did we feel the goddess' presence when the fraud was absent?! Yes a fraud I call her, given pity by our king so she may see what fruit her absence has bore! Supremacy of our kind and blessing from both Halastra and our one true king, Lord Aklenroth!"

Avalia

Time: Sunset to Night
Location: Cemetery, River Port
Interaction: @Dreamingflowers Nur, [@Allivefalling] Vaeril, @Helo Leon, and @Potter Lucia

Despite having to eventually split from Vaeril, Lucia, and Leon, Darius did have a good time with them while it lasted. Sharing drinks with good people, was a past time for Darius, but he couldn't help but feel uneasy about it. Something was troubling him more than he thought it should. At the bar he stared longingly in the distance a few times, though he attempted to mask it by explaining he "zones out" a lot.

After drinks with the group, Darius and Nur took to shopping again before the sunset, all while a bit inebriated. He told her about his "travels" and how Roshmi and River Port were the furthest south he had been. A true claim. Where he had gone was somewhat true as well. He had been to Crescent Village, Moon Elf Village, Orc Landing "for trade", and also Malthemoor for "trade" as well. He made all his tales a lot more elaborate as he had done at the tavern the previous night to include surviving a dance with the Angel of Death and being one of the reasons many at the ball were able to make it out.

"That demon had no chance against me!" He exclaimed as they rounded a corner. "A cemetery?" His tone was one of inquiry despite recognizing what he laid his eyes upon. Darius stared at the site from the path he and Nur walked, a melancholy expression now forming on his face. It took him a moment to realize why he was so affixed to the rows of headstones decorated with flowers and a combination of lit and unlit candles from loved ones.

"Hey Nur… do you mind if I have a moment…" It took a second to realize how odd his request sounded. He faced her with a smile, but his eyes held a tinge of sadness behind them. "Just in there. I won't be long, promise." Darius assured before hurrying into a jog at first, but then slowed down to a walk as it just seemed more natural. He strode around the fencing to reach the cemetery entrance.

Darius' pace slowed as he entered, as if not to disturb those who had passed on. Naturally, he felt like a stranger to these grounds, but this was as close as he was going to get. John wasn't here. Nowhere even close. A whole dimension away… and more. Darius sauntered past each headstone, the setting sun helping to display their names for him to read. A fairy grave keeper was making his rounds before the end of his shift, once the sun was absent from the sky. Darius gave him a nod as he passed and continued on to get some distance. He often visited the cemetery to speak to John. To update him on the goings on in his life. He wasn't quite religious, but he hoped his brother was somewhere nice at least.

"John... I know you're not here… Well you weren't really there either, but maybe you can hear me somehow…" He sighed, feeling stupid about what he was doing for a moment, and continued walking, reading the names he passed in his head. Might as well make something out of this, right?

Emery Rosethorn

Lucile Luminus

Brand from the Flame

Noland Marigold

Trevan Siraea

Albeda Lahkesh

Vinca Alahart

Plumeria Sprouten

Nova Mercuria

Cirrolio Petalus

Benelium Haro

Dinidi Frezelyn

Chasm of the Deep

Ophid Remora

Wendy Amaryllis

Wencel Vivran

Mina Larkspur

Eunice Zenith

Dinah Tulipius

Malin Skeever

Lyra Telera

Nathaniel Lee Worth?

Darius stopped at the headstone that was situated at the end of the row. He looked back down the line, also noticing how this headstone had no trace of anything upon it, despite looking newer than the rest. Normally he wouldn't have given the name too much weight, but the other details began to pull at him. He had to know for sure, and so he looked over to the grave keeper who was adjusting a few flowers to make them look pleasant.

"Excuse me, sir, do you know who this is?" Darius pointed at the name on the headstone to which the fairy squinted before fluttering over and landing lightly. His attentive expression suddenly turned to one bearing sadness.

"Yes… Well no. It's a wee bit complicated, lad. This person was… I guess it don't hurt to say it now. This lad here was human. A young man who ate a whole lot of deathberries from what I heard from those who brought him. Some locals found him about ten days ago, right off the road, a trail of vomit from where many know those berries grow…" He didn't notice Darius staring intensely at the headstone, but noticed he wasn't speaking. He even wondered why an elf would care anyway, but the thought seemed insensitive. He figured perhaps Darius felt guilty in some way for the arrival of humans, so he decided to fill the silence, to perhaps even comfort Darius if he was feeling guilty. "No one could have foreseen it. Not he, not I… not you. Sometimes things happen and it ain't fair, but it's life you know… and death. Working here, I've seen so many go… in a blink of an eye! Some of it inevitable and some of it, completely avoidable. For the latter, we just try to make sure it-"

"Make sure it doesn't happen again." Darius cut him off with a bitter tone to his voice. The grave keeper frowned, now noticing Darius' scowl.

"Yes, lad… we try to make sure of that. I will… will leave you to yourself for now." The grave keeper fluttered off to where he was, trying to give Darius as much distance as quickly as possible. He returned to the last of his duties while also noting the humidity beginning to rise rather unnaturally. In seconds he felt water beginning to run down his face. In all his years he had never felt anything like it.

Darius, over on the other end of the cemetery, still stood before the grave, the vegetation around him withered and dried up, while the excess moisture spread to the surrounding area. In the antithesis of an oasis he subtly created, Darius kept his thoughts on a memory to remind himself of why he was even in this very place. As if the reminder and the memory were his sanctuary. Sanctuary from the cruelty of the dimensional rift opening machines.

Flashback??? Or...

Even now as he stared at his brother's shut casket, disbelief tugged at Darius. John had been a model of what Darius thought a great man should be. He was supposed to be untouchable, but this…

During the past few days leading up to the funeral, he pondered if all the accomplishments were worth it. Did they even amount to anything if he was taken from life this early and so suddenly at that?

The answer came to him at the sight of those in attendance. Friends, family, colleagues, you name it. All of the lives John had touched and the positive impact he had on every single one of them.

And you could do the same. Something his brother had said once… maybe twice.

Yeah what's keeping you, bro? You just have to have faith in yourself!

Remember why you chose to stay. So many lives depend on you, Darius.

You can do this! Just gotta take the first step forward. After that it's easy!

Sacrifice just a little and you could save so much more.

It's easy bro. Piece of cake.

You are capable! You just need to accept it!

You have so much potential bro, and you hold yourself back…

Darius…

Look at the end… just get there. Fuck everything else!

Darius…

Make sure, it doesn't happen again!

John and Malgormuun's messages seemed to meld together in his head. Their voices blended and the flashback faded into the reality of him standing in a silent cemetery alone. Darius looked to the west, noticing the sun giving him only a few seconds of light before it sunk away into the sea along with its vibrant glow.

"John… I want to do the same. And I have a way. It's probably not the best way, but… It has to be done to prevent… This. I don't know who Nathaniel Worth was… I don't even care who he was… but someone does and they don't even know they're fucking dead… I realize it's not even the rebels or just Aklenroth. This whole place is… I just want to make sure no one can come here. If that means I have to stay fine. If that means the others here have to stay… then that's fine too. They've had more than enough time to figure out what they want. If they choose Avalia, then let it chew them up and spit them into the dirt. I choose Earth and those that still call it home. If I sacrifice myself by walking hand in hand with the devil to save countless. It's the least a waste-of-space guy like me can do. I'll get it done. Easy…" He rested his hand on Nathaniel's headstone and sighed. "Rest in peace Nathaniel… you and many others." Darius walked from the headstone, making his way out of the cemetery to reunite with Nur. He held a pensive expression, before forcing a smile. It was beginning to become dark, but the streetlights and two moons kept Riverport dimly illuminated.

But what of the man's path?

"Ready to hit the vineyard?"

Avalia

Time: Afternoon Day 2
Location: Gadgets and Convenience to Odds and Ends, River Port
Interaction: @Dreamingflowers Nur, [@Allivefalling] Vaeril, @Helo Leon, and @Potter Lucia

Darius was sure he had put some spotlight on himself and also embarrassed Aklenroth using a piece of a beloved song, but his actions bore some fruit. As Leon sang another line from the song and smiled, Darius returned it with a solid nod.

"Seems we're on the same page, Frodo!" He then looked to Lucia and Nur who both applauded the song. "One of my childhood favorites. It is an amazing song… Maybe too amazing for this guy." Darius joked, though it was honest. He should have saved it for Skar. If he ever saw her again that is. He held an upbeat attitude as he listened to Lucia hum the tune as they all walked. They get too far before something caused the group to suddenly halt.

"Whoa!" He let out when the bulldog came running in. He went straight for Leon and Nur, causing the two to split and Leon to embrace the dog with joy. Nur however was quite displeased. He had never seen her react in such a way. When the dog shook its slobber around, he chuckled as Nur squealed and stumbled while getting away. It was a funny moment indeed, but the dog carrying the paper in its mouth was a familiar thing to see. Leon appeared to dismiss quite like himself, so he assumed it was the same vague message. This advertising definitely needed some work. Once the dog ran off, Darius watched it as it went. He couldn't help but chuckle again as it grabbed a pastry on the way out.

When Lucia offered her arm, he linked his with hers with a smile. The group reached Odds and Ends stand, and Darius watched as Hanai's eyes lit up at the potential of making more amas. He shot her a smile and looked to Aklenroth who was standing on his own. Darius unlinked his arm from Lucia and took his place beside Aklenroth. He kept a hushed tone.

"What the heck kinda animal is that?" He nodded towards the owlbear cloak. "Any shop you recommend by the way? I might buy some more needed stuff while you… do this." While it was nice meeting Leon and Lucia, it didn't take a genius to tell who they aligned with and why they were here at the port town. He didn't know what evil Aklenroth had planned for them but didn't want to be present to see it.

Avalia

Time: Afternoon Day 2
Location: Gadgets and Convenience Shop, River Port
Interaction: @Dreamingflowers Nur, [@Allivefalling] Vaeril, @Helo Leon, @Potter Lucia

Upon hearing how the duo was acquainted with Vaeril, Darius raised an eyebrow. He was surprised at how charitable Vaeril had been, but also found it strange... at least at first.

Weird…

You would be wise not to doubt him!

Malgormuun snapped yet he himself was perplexed by Aklenroth's current actions. What scheme could be worth lowering oneself to such a degree? That was something Malgormuun could not understand just yet. In the meantime, he would watch events play out and keep Darius on course… The latter proved to be a bit difficult recently.

"Wow… Vaeril are you really attempting to make friends for once." He teased just before the green-haired elf introduced himself

“Nice to meet you, Orland, I’m Frodo"

"Wait what?! Frodo?" Darius gave Leon a long flabbergasted stare, completely distracted from the following comments about his instrument. He thought he had been a bit on the nose by naming himself after an elf from Tolkien's lore, but what were the chances? What were the chances he would run into someone named Frodo? Then it dawned on him. Everything made sense. Aklenroth behaving so friendly as Vaeril, despite being so detached towards the group they had temporarily traveled with. These really weird elves. No hint of being assholes at all! And lastly, the name, Frodo. Vaeril had found humans… but was that a good thing?

"Sorry for the stare, I just recognize that name... from somewhere..." He feigned like he was trying to remember by scratching his head with a squint. "Maybe I'll remember over drinks with you all" He smiled warmly as he agreed with Nur when it came to joining them in shopping. "Or I'll forget! Either works."

It was then as they were moving to leave the shop that he watched Nur lock her arm with Leon's. The very thing she had been doing with him most of the afternoon. Despite not knowing her long, Darius couldn't help but wear a hint of betrayal on his face.

We were just having fun. Yeah.

It is her nature, Darius. Do not let her distract you. You will never inherit my strength if you behave so weakly.

Darius ignored him and postioned himself with Vaeril and Lucia,remembering her previous question. He strummed his string instrument.

"I know Vaeril through a few circles of other elves. But he is also quite the face in Avalia. Even has a song about how awesome he is. Right?" Darius grinned at Aklenroth who was not prepared as Darius started to strum a simple rhythm....

"Gosh, it disturbs me to see you, Vaeril
Looking so down in the dumps
Every guy here'd love to be you, Vaeril
Even when taking your lumps
There's no elf in town as admired as you
You're everyone's favorite guy
Everyone's awed and inspired by you
And it's not very hard to see why!"

"No one's slick as Vaeril
No one's quick as Vaeril
No one's neck's as incredibly thick as Vaeril
For there's no elf in town half as manly!
Perfect, a pure paragon!
You can ask any Tom, Dick or Stanley
And they'll tell you whose team they prefer to be on!"

Avalia

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

Valaeon found Kyran to be exciting. A real firecracker! Probably not the best spokesman with the whole "step in line" bit, but he was clearly the brawn and spunk of the pair. This was all so exciting, especially since he had been waiting for days. Technically, decades. Despite how jubilated Valaeon felt, he had to keep a serious expression. The dragonborn focused on Risa, anticipating her reply.

He watched the girl react to his words as if she was mentally dissecting the contradiction he presented. Though he did not enjoy testing Risa in this way, it had to be done! As both Risa and Kyran stated, he did not know them, and neither did many others. The brave, seeking, and desperate will flock to her cause, sure, but the cowards, skeptics, and comfortable would challenge them just as he just did, and they were far greater in number. So today he had to challenge Risa Millinia's goal. He had to bring hope back to his militia.

And so, he listened quietly, keeping his expression serious as if he was ready to argue back at a moments notice.

"Quite inspiring from such a young one." He said with a slight smirk as he received the avocado. He couldn't help but let his stone-cold expression falter, he loved inspiring words and he loved avocados even more. "So you don't think you will fail? Good! Hahahahaha! And I was so afraid you might cry! Excellent!" He bellowed as he peeled the avocado using the sharp edge of one of his claws. Once peeled, he held the avocado in his claws before tossing it into his mouth. He chewed oddly before spitting out the large round seed back into his hand. "How many supporters do you have so far? I see one strapping young man here!" Valaeon showed Kyran a toothy grin, his teeth stained with green. "He just needs to smile more. The best fighters are the ones having the most fun, you know?"

Avalia

Time: Afternoon Day 2
Location: Gadgets and Convenience Shop, River Port
Interaction: @Dreamingflowers Nur, [@Allivefalling] Vaeril, @Helo Leon, and @Potter Lucia

Item by item, Darius carefully read the label of each thing he set inside his cart as if he had never seen them before… Probably because he hadn't. He wanted to make sure he picked out the correct items for what he wanted while Nur walked the aisles with him. She appeared to have all that she needed. The shop seemed to be at peace until… the squeal.

"Uh…" Darius grimaced as he heard the sound, but didn't let it stop him from browsing. Excited people were a thing after all. The same voice seemed to pop up throughout the store commenting on different items, but soon the voice's owner shared the same aisle as both Darius and Nur.

The female elf greeted them and made a joke about birth preventers, but that went totally over Darius' head. Instead if laughing, he kind of just stared at her with an eyebrow raised before she complimented he and Nur's wear.

"Thanks." He simply said, though his tone revealed the bit of awkwardness he felt. With that, he returned to his shopping. Darius felt like he grabbed everything he needed, but eyed the zoomies. They reminded him of the boots of Hermes from a classic video game series he had played. He contemplated purchasing them, but then decided against it. He had a much cheaper method of increasing his speed anyway.

As he pushed the cart to the counter he noticed a green-haired man putting sunglasses on Aklenroth… "Vaeril." He smiled, but was also surprised to see the fancy elf mingling with others. He also noticed the female with the weird jokes and high energy with them… Oh, and Nur was talking her up. Kind of an odd bunch… Maybe they're nice. Seem nice… for elves at least.

This is an oddity. What is this...

Malgormuun was easily ignored as Darius approached Vaeril with a mischievous smile.

"Hey there cool guy." Darius greeted Vaeril sarcastically before nodding to Leon as he slowly passed by with his cart. "I think it fits him too. Name's… Orland, by the way. Orland Legolas of the Crescent Elf Village." Darius said rather proudly as he felt he nailed the name this time. He gave a solid nod to Jordo, letting him know he was ready to check out.

Checkout

Teeth Cleanser
Hair Softener
Body Cleanser
Armpit Fragrance
Timeteller
4 meters of rope
8 water flasks
Portable Solar Box
Leather strap (estimated at 3 amas)
Total = 989 amas

"How about you? Tell me how you met the super interesting elf that is Vaeril." Darius said as he arranged his items swiftly. First he removed his backpack, affixed the leather strap to his instrument, and let it hang at his front. He then attached his timeteller to his utility belt and placed everything else into his backpack minus the portable solar box he tucked into a belt compartment. He would surely play with that new gizmo in due time.

Avalia

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

A grit-tooth smile and widened eyes greeted the fox demi-human. A look of excitement flashed on the face of the dragonborn as Kyran shifted form and took hold of his lance. His words were but a challenge. A challenge he would attempt to overcome by his very nature. Risa's presence nearly faded into the background, but she spoke up just in time.

With his attention now on Risa, Valaeon's expression calmed. He was not here for a battle, though it would be a nice bonus to meeting Risa Millinia. He walked forward and stopped a foot from the patio's fence. Looking downward, he stared silently into her eyes for a moment before wincing and then sighing.

"That might be a problem with so many listening ears. Besides, I'm a terrible whisperer! Hahaha!" His booming laugh could be heard by all around. "I will say this. I know who you are and what you are trying to do. You can count me as a supporter, perhaps even a friend if you are truly serious about me having all the potato cakes I can eat!" Valaeon glanced at Kyran, giving him a warm smile. "Oh and I like your bodyguard. Very brave." Valaeon gave him a nod and made his way around into the patio area. He groaned as he maneuvered around the seats. His tail knocked a chair or two over, but he continued on. If he went back to fix his mistake, he would only make matters worse.

"So, fairy, let us talk about how little a chance you have in being successful." He said in a non-joking tone before he took a seat on the patio floor. Valaeon and chairs were in a lifelong feud.