FunnyGuy

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Morning
Location: Public bench with a view of the Royal Curd
Attire: Alexander’s attire
Interaction:
Mention: @Helo Callum Danrose, @Silverpaw Wulfric Danrose, @TpartywithZombi Violet Damien, @princess Charlotte Vikena, Marek Delronzo, Count Calbert, King Edin, and a Countess

---

Alexander Deacon seated himself rather comfortably on a bench with a view of the Royal Curd’s grand opening from a distance that kept gathering the grossest of details. Fortunately, the man was only spying for the highlights of the comings and goings of the new establishment. More specifically, the status of his impoverished associates’ entry. He now grasped a newly purchased umbrella in hand to avoid spotty drizzles of rain that had come on later in the morning. In his other hand was half a loaf of freshly baked bread. Food like this did nothing to satiate him but he would never rid himself of tasting even the simple things he once hungered for. As long as he still had the choice, he would choose bread over blood. He raised the loaf to his mouth to take a bite but suddenly looked toward the large tree beside the bench.

“Hmm, I guess you’re proof I might not need the umbrella… but I don’t quite trust the branches and leaves to keep me dry.” Alexander shrugged, lowering the loaf to his lap and returning his gaze to the Royal Curd.

“Today has been quite interesting, let me tell you.” Alexander glanced at the tree with a smirk. He figured he could have fun while playing stakeout in the rain. “Not as interesting as last night with Lady Violet and stable boy Darryn… at least not yet. Do you know that she’s still missing?” Alexander took a small bite of his loaf. “Mmm… I had nothing to do with her not returning by the way. I don’t need you spreading rumors to others, especially to Marek,” He sighed and shook his head thinking about what the young woman could be doing.

“Her extended absence isn’t all bad, however. For one, we are not charged with keeping her from her home, and two, the goal was to make her father squirm. If squirms longer than planned, that’s even better. A win-win… plus one. A win-win plus one. Sounds good huh?” Alexander chuckled like a fool. It was a good thing the dreary weather kept most inside, leaving the man talking at a tree with no witness to what might be perceived as madness. “You lack optimism… but it makes sense considering your position.” Alexander frowned. “But if she does not turn up in a few days, I will personally go searching myself. And a few days is fine. She just fed, so it’ll be several weeks until she needs to sink her teeth into something.” Alexander squinted his eyes and leaned forward as he focused his sights on the Royal Curd.

“Look at that, my tattered-clothed associates are making their way into the restaurant. Another win… Then again. It was either this or King Danrose further ruins rapport with the impoverished community within Sorian… Right, the latter would have been more promising. Prince Callum, the hero, presents an opportunity to the peasants only for his father, the villain, to smother that opportunity. The prince looks good either way, but perhaps this shows that he is capable of influencing his father to favor peasants. More trust toward Callum.”

“I do wonder if we should consider Prince Wulfric more. He’s the crowned prince, seems capable, smart, and… I guess he would be difficult to manipulate. Perhaps it is something to be discussed during the next meeting with Marek. He knows the board of the game we play better than anyone.”

“Speaking of which… The next move in our game is the Countess… and Charlotte?”

“Leave Lady Vikena to me.” The cold tone emitted from behind the tree quite forcefully this time.

“Sure, Marciano… but no promises. She is an interesting one after all.” Alexander smiled as he took another bite out of the loaf only to grimace slightly. It had lost much of its warmth thanks to his colleague of the Black Rose showing up.

Avalia

Darius by@FunnyGuy and Dante by @Alivefalling

Time: Morning
Location: Gaurav Village
Interactions: Phia, Cyrus, Menzai
Equipment: 2 shot glasses, 1036 Amas total, Flowers from Phia, Dante’s cellphone, Dante’s knife, Cobalt splint-armor, Cobalt Half-plate-armor (Weightless)

---

Dante had narrowed his eyes at Darius but refrained from escalating anything, identifying his brother was just lashing out. Dante knew he had the luxury of not remembering when the group was nearly at the mercy of the roc’s wrath. Sure, he had his own troubles thinking how he lost control of himself but Darius had been there to see it all. A human who had known nothing of real monsters and magic until his short time here in Avalia.

On the other hand, Darius was already beginning to feel a tinge of guilt as he had allowed his words to carry the feelings he had kept tucked away for days. It was so sudden and unexpected for even himself but it was the price of bottling strong emotions. He averted his gaze from Dante, feeling as if he had struck his brother with more than just words. Darius nearly slinked away into himself but Phia’s delicate touch kept him.

Looking up into her soft amber eyes, it was difficult to keep up a rigid disposition. He might later ponder upon how Menzai accomplishes such a thing but now it was just Darius facing Phia and all the kindness she felt he needed. How could he not agree with her words?

“Yeah…” He gave her a small grin. “That’s exactly what we should aim for.” He clasped his other her and against hers and mocked her tap. “No heavy hearts.” He declared to her.

“I get being cautious but we should put our best foot forward with some optimism. We need to plan our approach to this flyer thing. Like… using a third party to vet people. And who’s better at vetting than animals?” Dante smirked.

“Realy?” Darius was deeply wounded by the use of that pun.

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Camp of the misfits
Interaction: @princess Mari, @Apex Sunburn Scathael, FIVE @shiningsector

---

Count me shocked… She didn’t fuckin’ yell. Thraash thought, finding the feat rather impressive. He might have asked how she managed it but Aerlyn was right there to remind the group about the infamous manticore and his ruthless band of goblins. The dragonborn found her priorities a tad off considering breakfast was announced as ready AFTER the reminder of the bounty. Regardless, he got himself a single serving seeing as there were two more mouths to feed this time around. Taking food from Aerilyn and Mari was one thing, but hoarding food from a kid was crossing a line.

“Listen, I’m game to hit the scum that attacked the village or the band of monsters in these woods but not including his ears, Scathael has a point about the kid.” Thraash poured the contents of his bowl into his raised maw, indulging in just his meal for a moment. “Gobs’ll kill anything, so the squirt ain’t gonna be safe unless she’s close to someone trailing the group.” Thraash took one good look at each person at camp. “I have an ax and Ears got a hammer. We’ll be in close and personal. Tincan.. He’s solid but I don’t trust him with the kid.” He shrugged at Five. “No offense bud, but we can all probably agree you’re far better at killing than protecting. So that just leaves the two elves, huh? Unless you got a better idea.”

Avalia

Darius by@FunnyGuy and Dante by @Alivefalling

Time: Morning
Location: Gaurav Village
Interactions: Phia, Cyrus, Menzai
Equipment: 2 shot glasses, 1036 Amas total, Flowers from Phia, Dante’s cellphone, Dante’s knife, Cobalt splint-armor, Cobalt Half-plate-armor (Weightless)

---

Phia questioning about the Garden of Eden gave Darius a slight grin before biting into his pear once more. It was his subtle way of leaving the explanation to Dante. “It’s just some old story from Earth but with all that’s happened I don’t think it’s true.” Dante replied to Phia quickly glancing over at Darius as he caught the apple rolling towards him taking a bite.

“I can share it with you on our way to the city.” Darius stoked her embers of interest while creating yet another social distraction for himself.

Both Dante and Darius leaned slightly in when Menzai mentioned tensions being heightened outside of the village. And just as he was going to elaborate… he choked on his words.

Darius raised a brow at the sudden awkward pause before Menzai looked away from the group and to the window closest to him. Even a blind person could have detected the wolf’s unease.

“The recent incidents seem to have affected me more deeply than I realized. We can discuss this further, but for now, I need to excuse myself.”

Something's up.
Kinda sus…

As tempted as they were, the brothers refrained from making any comments concerning Menzai. One brother hoped Menzai could bounce back from whatever was ailing him, while the other wished he'd be the first person to break the ice in laying their troubles out on the table.

Cyrus answering Phia cut through the brief silence at the table. He revealed details about his family while letting the group know why the distribution of flyers was a sensitive matter.

“Then I guess we should leave the determination on who to trust to you then.” Dante nodded in Cyrus' direction.

“Ehhh, sure but if someone who was trustworthy has flipped in the time you've been away…” Darius shrugged his shoulders as he let what he said sink in. “Besides, it isn't that simple when Cyrus is a member of the family the enemies consider criminals.”

“Negative much?” Dante grimaced causing Darius' eyes to narrow back.

“Yeah. I am.” Darius snapped back, nodding several times for emphasis. “We can't sit here and act like what happened two days ago didn't happen. Phia almost got eaten! Menzai lost his fucking arm! And YOU had a mental breakdown that could have killed everyone sitting here! So yeah, sometimes I'm gonna criticize shit you think seems simple.”

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Early Morning
Location: Sorian Ghetto
Attire: Alexander’s attire
Interaction:
Mention: @Helo Callum Danrose, King Edin

---

The morning air of the Sorian slums was as welcoming as some who called it home. Alexander, looking presentable, found himself conversing with a geezer of a peasant who wouldn't stop scowling at him. Alexander assumed his very presence in a place he did not belong was offensive in a way.

“I don’t believe this. Free?” The old man's words were lathered in doubt. Even so, Alexander remained calm and easily displayed the event section of the newspaper to him.

“Clear as day on the newspaper.”

“I can’t read.” Alexander was half a second from moving on from the man but another piped up.

“I can! It says it right there! The grand… opening of the… Royal Curd…” Though he could read, he took his time in doing so. “Here attendees will have the op-… opperto-... opportunity to dine in the presence of their beloved ruler, who….”

“Graciously.”

Yes uh… graciously offers to pay for the meals of all in attendance! Free food for just showing up? Kinda like the pancake event we didn't hear about until it was all over.”

“Well, that's why I'm here to spread the good news.” Alexander rolled up the paper with a grin.

“Hmm... I wanna know the damn catch. What’s a fancy sort like you doing here in the slums handing out chances for a free meal?”

“Good point. What’s the deal?”

“I am simply supporting Prince Callum Danrose’s efforts to ensure the less fortunate have access to more opportunities within the kingdom.” The confidence in his delivery was frightening if his true intentions were known. “The prince has made these efforts a priority. And it only makes sense that he would desire to sprinkle such courtesies into his father's events. Prince Callum is the prince for the people. The real people.” Alexander flashed a grand smile. “Spread the word. The more who attend, the more frequent these opportunities will become. Now with that, I bid you farewell.” Alexander nodded quickly and continued with his rolled newspaper in hand.

“Hmm.”

“Support Callum and he supports us?”

“And all we have to do is show up… Let's round up some grumblin' bellies and see if the newspaper got some truth to it.”

Avalia

Time: Morning Meeting Time
Location: Lumineer Cottage, North Pass
Interaction: Zeva @Pink Khione Bardulf @Lava Alckon, Rue @Potter, Bowyn @Helo, Brigitte, Masako @dreamingflowers
Mention:
Equipment:Fancy Ring, Cold Ring, Oak Wood Staff, Brown Leather Fingerless Channeling Gloves (not worn), Transmission Bracelet, 659 Amas.

---

“Good ideas all around.” The elf voiced, though it was more of a scripted reply. Bowyn could have said he was going to start up a new brothel in town to help make amas and Mister Luum might have said the same. Brigitte returned to his side with a notebook and paper, already diligently jotting down what she could since Mister Luum started before she was ready.

“Thicker clothes would be nice for the Luumineers who need them… but why not think bigger than that, Rue Bear! As an elf who hates the cold almost as much as I hate illusion magic, I think we need to invest in enchanted rings to keep us warm.” Mister Luum raised his left hand to show off two rings. “Not cheap but definitely worth it. And also a good call from the brains of our group. Hunting beasties checks off all three blocks. Amas from the bounties, power from the experience, and respect from the locals in need. Take notes Lumineers, Bowyn is the one who earned himself a ring of levitation from yours truly.” Mister Luum clapped his hands together. “Lastly, Brigitte can you accompany the group going to the markets? I think it'd be best if I stayed here to ‘hold down the fort’. Also…Bardulf!” Mister Luum swiftly removed his Cold Ring and tossed it Bardulf's way. “Ugh. Halastra’s cunt… I had forgotten how this felt.” Mister Luum's tone was night and day from his usual as he rubbed his arms for warmth. He sounded… normal. As if the cold was bothersome enough to keep him distracted from being himself…

“De’ cold never bothered me much and I would love to go.” Brigitte was not just happy to get a chance to go out and shop but Mister Luum was far less strict since undertaking responsibility for Bardulf. In fact, it almost seemed like there was a distance being created between the two. Her eyes scanned the group, her only insecurity growing before she looked down into her notebook so she could pretend to read what she had written down in regards to the meeting.

He spoke to Zeva fer a long time last night… Der both elves so maybe… An’ den, “Rue Bear”? What's dattabout? An’ Bowyn bein' de brains??? And I know Bardulf is special an’ all but…

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Docks of Roshmi City → Riverport Square, Riverport
Interaction:
Mention: Cyrene
Equipment: Backpack, fishing net, fishing pole, 3 medium red potions, 3 small blue potions, 1 green potion, fire starting kit, poncho, rope, frogfly named “Beebee,” cooking pot, hygiene pouch, water purifier, wooden spear, handcrafted bow and arrows, knife, wool blanket, big fish

---

Night before the skip

“Good riddance, you murderous siren!” Eros’ exclaim was followed by a hearty chuckle as he tightly gripped the large heavy sack of amas as black market traders carried away the unconscious Cyrene.

“Didn’t I tell you to keep quiet? It’s bad enough that you just willy-nilly fuckin’ carried an unconscious woman through Roshmi,” the well-dressed dark elf trader voiced in a hushed tone. Rather than appearing as the stereotypical rogue on the Roshmi docks, Dresnik ensured he looked like any legitimate businessman in Roshmi. He sported fine dark-colored silken clothes and was always accompanied by two or three muscleheads for protection.

“Siren. Murderer. Drowner… That’s what I carried through Roshmi. What woman fetches this much amas? Hmm?”

Following morning

After his successful trade and some bickering with the black market trader, Eros felt ‘the richest Avalian on this side of the river should secure himself and his funds at an inn. Paying a full night’s price for a few hours was the least of his worries since it was a light expense and beat the chance of running into trouble on the road. Amusingly, Eros was the least worried about fighting anyone or anything on his way back to his humble tent. It was the measly sack he was concerned with due to its patchwork appearance and its size. No doubt he’d mistakenly use it as a weapon in the heat of the moment and lose it all.

When morning came around, Eros fetched him and Beebee some much-needed breakfast, the latter enjoying a dab of honey squirt onto the side of Eros’ plate. It was while eating that Eros heard the announcement made by King Zanithel. Curiosity drew Eros outside to watch in no time at all!

“...creatures also possess destructive magic over the elements of water, fire, earth, air, and lightning! They harness these elements with unnatural ease and will possess power that would even…

“Dangerous… Formidable…” Eros murmured.

“...we as a kingdom shall snuff them and their rebellious conspirators out! They may harness dangerous magic power but I show you now that they can be slain! We may not be facing an army but consider us to be at war… there will be bounty posters for these humans and these terrorists offering a great sum of amas! Offers of freedom…”

“COUNT ME IN!” Eros roared up to the visage of King Zanithel as if it would answer back. “One amas, two amas, three amas, four? Doesn’t matter because Eros wants more! Right, Beebee? I may not like the King or his way of things but if we make enough amas off his desires… Yes! We will do this! Let’s find the humans! Let’s find these tourists helping them!”

Current Morning

“Beebee, do you know why we chose Riverport?” Eros asked his tiny companion who let loose one of his signature chirps. “Wrong. Hm, and I thought you’d become more clever.” Eros shook his head while awkwardly talking to the puny pink frogfly. The two were leisurely passing through the Riverport town square. “It’s not because it is close to Roshmi. I’m not so simple. The reason we find ourselves here is because… because… Hmm… It’s not something I can state in public. We’re not the only ones looking for the humans… But we will be the ones to find them!” Eros grinned as he made his way to the Riverport bank.

Eros really had no idea what he was doing or what leads to follow. He had simply chosen to travel to Riverport only because he did not want to endure the presence of so many elves in Illuminata or Myriamor as he figured no one with a bounty would dare set foot into the home of the Bounty Hunter Guild. The monkey man was doomed. Wealthy, yes, but doomed. However, little did Eros know, he was fortunately much closer to his aims than he knew at the moment.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Morning
Location: Vikena Estate
Interaction:
Mention: @princess Charlotte, @tpartywithzombi Ariella.

Nearly twenty-four hours had passed since the incident on the beach. Yet another embarrassing moment for the books. Yet another embarrassing moment that fired another fist-sized hole into his reputation. Could he even claim to have one worth anything? If it were flesh, could it stand? Could it move? Could it breathe?

Lorenzo’s mental distress only grew worse after seeing the young Ariella off with plenty of flowers and an open invitation to his garden in the future. It was not until she left that he realized he had been trying to fill some sort of empty space his beloved Lottie was meant to be in. The lonely girl with few friends and was a homebody more than anything else. That's what the entire year since his wife’s passing had been.

Did he truly favor their year-long isolation? Was that healthier than this? Which was more cruel? Which pool would he choose to drown in? The one where everyone pointed and laughed as he sank inch by inch, flailing about trying to keep himself afloat. Or perhaps he preferred it to be slow and cold as he slowly fell deeper and into despair… alone.

It was so easy to fall into old habits. What was one sip, anyway? No one would know. Prince Wulfric was not standing watch at his door. There were no appointments to dinners he loathed to attend. And there was also that feeling… the painful stings of hindsight and regret. Twin brothers they were, gnawing at your back, reminding you of what terrible decision you left behind you.

Why not…

That's what he had thought that afternoon. He locked his door and ensured his servants would not interrupt his solitude. He was so close to the edge, so mentally prepared to grab his medicine and bask in its aimless euphoria…

Fortunately or not, the darkness of his narcolepsy snatched away his freedom of choice. He woke many hours later to find the following day’s dawn waiting for him. The strange affliction was one he could never predict and ruined his plans from time to time but perhaps the gods sought to spare him. To pity him for once. Even then, the long slumber still came with its aches and symptoms of oversleeping. However, he found the gods charitable in his time of weakness.

It may have been the reason he decided he would go to King Edin Danrose’s religious service this morning. He had asked Delilah to request Charlotte's company while he dressed himself in something conservative. He wore a slight smile, though it could remove the worn-out look of his face.

Too much sleep has made me look even more tired He sighed, looking at his reflection in the mirror.

Young Justice

Location: Kobra Warehouse
Interactions: The Team and Enemies too
Mentions:

---

Viktor hadn’t expected Daphne to charge with such haste into the fray. Her loose guidance was something Viktor wasn’t entirely comfortable with. For him, there were too many variables, even if one did trust their team. Or perhaps this was just another instance of nuance being his most formidable enemy in and out of the field.

Daphne and Vincent drew the attention of the Kobra agents with their diametric approaches to combat. The guards were either humiliated by soft petals or bludgeoned by hardened strikes as the two heroes crashed into their enemies.

“Adequate distraction… but…” Viktor didn’t want to be the guy to undermine the plan so he quickly bit his tongue. Perhaps he could just push a few things into place. “Let’s just move. Kass, aid in concealing our approach. Quiver, take point. Iceburn, get up front with him. I'll cover the rear.” Viktor gave the group a firm nod as he held his rifle at the low ready.

The cloaked four-person stealth team moved swiftly to the side of the facility furthest from the commotion Vincent, Daphne, Zach, and Cora were making for the guard force. What came next for the stealth team was simple. The warehouse's owners had briefly sacrificed secure access to the facility by having much of their guard force currently outdoors. Quiver, being the point man would be responsible for entry, something he was no stranger to. With him, was Iceburn, who displayed her ability to breach and seal entry points with her powers. Once inside, the group would find the wide corridor filled with four armed guards who hadn’t noticed them enter just yet. Interestingly enough, the weapons the guards possessed were all too familiar to the team.

The sonic emitter, shockwave gloves, hardening foam rifle, and the electrified bola launcher. These Kobra guards had at least one or two on their person while also wearing red armbands to differentiate them for some reason.

Kobra had somehow also obtained these weapons…

The four guards were the only visible obstacle for the group if they wished to continue forward. A sign above the door ahead reading “GARAGE” made this path’s destination obvious. A garage area might be where the team would be able to obtain a potent sample of whatever chemical compound Kobra was working with since there was likely to be a method of transporting the mysterious chemical compound.

On the other hand, an alternate path, a narrow corridor to their right might allow the team to avoid being spotted entirely but there didn’t appear to be any helpful labeling to show where this path led if it led to anywhere at all. The team had little time. Someone would have to either make the call or they’d all be spotted anyway.

---

Meanwhile, outside…

As Vincent found himself closing in on the meta focused on Daphne, he’d feel bolas wrap around his ankles from behind to trip him before applying its electrical shock. The guards using standard munitions were quickly reinforced by guards with red armbands. Floating high above the commotion was a bald olive-skinned man with a thick full beard with his arms crossed as he calmly observed the team engage the guards below. Another man, with short wavy blonde hair and light stubble, stood behind the hi-tech weapon-toting guards flexing his hands with a slight smirk. Like Vincent a few minutes ago, this guy was itching for a fight. Both men wore similar uniforms with the blonde’s body armor appearing to be more reinforced. His hands began to crackle with multicolored electricity of sorts as he pendulum-stepped in place.

Avalia

Darius by@FunnyGuy and Dante by @Alivefalling

Time: Morning
Location: Gaurav Village
Interactions: Phia @princess, Cyrus @Helo, Menzai @samreaper
Equipment: 2 shot glasses, 1036 Amas total, Flowers from Phia, Dante’s cellphone, Dante’s knife, Cobalt splint-armor, Cobalt Half-plate-armor (Weightless)

---

Fun? The brothers never would have guessed the food they were chowing down would be made fuel for such. The past two days of training had been especially physically and mentally grueling. However, the fault could not fall solely on Menzai since Dante and Darius had been laser-focused on improving themselves. The roc attack was a colossal wake-up call for the two as the ripples of the event continued to distort the conceptual image of the group’s togetherness. Objections and slick remarks were absent and were instead replaced with grit and innovation. Still, getting used to the new ‘no shoes’ policy took a little getting used to.

To the brothers, Menzai seemed quieter and more distant than before, something neither thought possible without outright abandoning them. At the same time, the two still felt pangs of guilt whenever either of them noticed Menzai’s missing arm, so the distance helped some. However, it was that same desire to avoid that made moments like this morning’s breakfast slightly discomforting.

“Yeah, I would think our mana pools are separate….” Random conversations between the two had been the best way to keep things normal. “... Like batteries in a remote! We both got our own juice but you need both of us to turn on the earth magic or if we keep the analogy, the T.V.” Darius smirked before he took a big bite out of a pear.
“Man, why’d you gotta remind me? I could go for some T.V.” Dante replied with a sigh. “But yeah, I think we definitely have separate pools. Since after the roc fight, I was a lot more exhausted considering what happened if we had one pool you would’ve had the same effect and exhaustion level.” He added.

“Stumbling? I would have-” The sound of Phia repeatedly banging her spoon against the surface of the table abruptly ended their short discussion.

“I have an idea.” She exclaimed while waving her spoon to gather any tiny ounces of attention she may have been unable to claim and she had just that. All eyes were on her as she presented her idea of distributing fliers and indulging in riverfruit slushes. With the rationale being the twins having a “bit of fun.”

Nice try Phia… Darius took another bite, assuming Menzai would refuse Phia’s pitch. For the moment, there was only silence from the wolf. Awaiting the answer stirred not even a small amount of anxiousness from the brothers as it in itself would be quite simple. Menzai had said “no” to less so it would come as a pleasant surprise when he finally spoke.

“Hm, yes I suppose-” What he said had distracted from how he said it. The next move was to assist Cyrus and Viola in finding their family members and having fun. Seemed easy enough, even with Menzai’s added condition. To think it was Cyrus as the bearer of cautious words…

“If I or any of my family are recognized, things will become very dangerous for us… We must be very cautious who we share those fliers with. But I would like to buy you all a Riverfruit Slush.”

“Bro, imagine a whole kingdom full of Phias. And even if they’re not like her, just imagine some huge place full of human-sized Tinkerbells.” Darius whispered with a chuckle.

“I honestly just want to see the kingdom itself, the flowers, plants, and the animals. There is bound to be lots, the real Garden of Eden.” Dante whispered back

“Gonna find yourself an Eve, too?” Darius teased. “I’ll make sure to get an apple for you both, Adam.”

“You gotta get ya head checked bro. War is the worst time to fall in love.” Dante replied.

“Come on, I’m joking… And besides, this whole thing is far from what I imagine a war to be like. Things haven’t gotten that bad yet, and they won’t if we continue to keep things under wraps.” Darius shook his head getting back to chowing down.