Helo

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Myriamor Plaza
Interactions: Slick@FunnyGuy
Equipment: The clothes on his back, glaive, lockpicking kit, small knife, and a pouch of amas.
Purchases: Lockpick kit, Glaive, and a knife

---

The blacksmith outing proved to be an exciting trip, a welcomed distraction from the gruesome display the group had witnessed earlier. Leaf, much like a child in a store full of dangerous and expensive things, felt the need to touch and try out just about anything he could get his hands on. As a proud cat, confident in his ability to defend himself with tooth and claw he’d never felt the need to have a weapon constantly by his side, weighing him down. But the war changed things and Leaf would not let feline pride make him foolish.

Many of the weapons the blacksmith had were far too cumbersome for the cat, he knew he didn’t want some great heavy sword or ax slowing him down. Many of the smaller, lighter weapons were barely an improvement to his own claws but even so, he picked out a knife to keep by his side just in case. Maybe he’d get bored and could whittle himself something with it later. Bows and even crossbows were simply not for him, and he had little patience to stand around learning to shoot things from a distance. Eventually though, long after the others had picked out their purchases, Leaf found what he considered a thing of beauty.

A glaive with red and gold along the staff, decorated with ornate designs that reminded him of Myriamor, with a long sleek and sharp blade atop and a smaller spear-like tip at the bottom. This was what he needed, something that was light enough that it would not slow him down but added more opportunities for him to strike when claws and teeth were not ideal. It complimented him, its design reminded him of home, a piece of the desert beauty to carry with him on his travels. He toyed with it for a bit and the glaive felt right in his hands. Leaf did not hesitate to hand over the amas to call it his.

Following the trip to the blacksmith, rooms were secured for the others in the group at the inn. Slick kept insisting on traveling what the human referred to as the more scenic route but what Leaf would call the wrong way unless one really enjoyed back alleys that pretty much led nowhere. He supposed that maybe cats and humans just had very different ideas about what was scenic. He popped out briefly as they settled in at the inn to pick up a couple of other things. He returned later, just in time for dinner, with another purchase that he didn’t mention to the others; a lockpicking kit. During his time apart from the group he’d tracked down his cheetah and sent Star to keep watch over the inn and she continued to do so even after he returned. Following dinner, he headed out with Slick to scout out the best places for the humans to train.

“And you do have a taste for that ‘flavor of life’?” Leaf asked after Slick had spoken. He tried to get a better understanding of Slick the human, who was neither an elf nor bounty hunter, but who seemed skilled in lying and pretty comfortable with lawbreaking. But Slick did have a point, acting outside the law was not something he could see Aurora being comfortable with, and the other two humans seemed to be made of far softer stuff than Slick, a quiet break after what they’d seen today would be better for them. If there wasn’t a lion imprisoned in a stable he’d have wanted nothing more than a quiet night as well. But it wasn’t something he could just forget about, and it would seem, neither could Slick.

“But, I agree, we shouldn’t bring the others. Could be a one cat job though, if you ain’t tryin’ to end up in trouble here, being what you are and all. And, well, lions can be awfully ornery and I’m bettin’ the one they got caged up won’t look too kindly on anything elf-like.” Leaf offered Slick an out if he wanted one as they headed back to the inn. Breaking in wasn’t a big concern of his, and neither was getting caught; it was how things would go once the lion was out that held the most danger. Leaf could at the very least outrun a lion in the open, but that was assuming that freeing the lion didn’t end with him getting mauled. And that was a big if.

Avalia

Time: Night
Location: River Fairy Kingdom
Interactions: Yuka@princess, Aiko @CitrusArms Xavier @Potter
Equipment: Sword, bow and arrows, small knife, wayfinder, fire kit, a pouch of amas, transmission bracelet

---

Orias gave an immediate eye roll the second the phrase ‘your highness’ was uttered by Yuka and further shook his head as she bowed as well. “You know what, you’re right the whole prince thing was a big fat lie. Forget all about it.” He said quickly though he doubted very much that Yuka was going to forget about it now. The rest of what she said, despite how distastefully worded it was, was true enough. The fairies remaining silent about the war was deeply concerning, and it was almost certainly not because they were too busy procreating to make an announcement. So then why were they not jumping to avenge their fallen son? Tension in their family? Maybe, and maybe he could use that. A plea for aid from a disgraced prince just might tug the right heartstrings of the royal family after what happened with their eldest son.

“Yuka, swear to me on Zidur’s mighty mane that you will not speak of Prince Helio when we meet with his parents, nor say anything vaguely insulting.” Orias voiced this as a request, knowing full well Yuka would not respond well to orders and wondering if in his own youth he had been this exasperating. Probably, was the conclusion he came to on that. “But yes, mingle with common folks, sounds great.” He added, and although sleep sounded better, getting to know those he traveled with better would prove more useful.

“Aiko, now seems to be the time where we let go of secrets within this group. Anything you would like to say?” He asked of the shapeshifting fox, and while he had his suspicions about them Orias only waited to see what they would choose to reveal.

Avalia

Time: Night
Location: Aboard The Harem
Interactions: Tigerlily @Potter, Tesoro@Infinite Cosmos, Barboda @Alivefalling, Helio @princess
Equipment: A cutlass, 2 knives and a dagger strategically hidden, a spyglass, a wayfinder, a pouch of amas, and various jewelry.

---

Nym felt more like a shark now than he had when he’d ripped pieces off a dark elf with his own teeth. If he stopped moving, stopped working, slowed down for even a second, it was over. So like a shark he circled the ship. After they had returned Lizzie to the sea and after the crew had voted him in as captain, he had spent every second in motion. Checking, rechecking, then triple checking, everything aboard The Harem. His mind kept threatening to float away, to places so often left unexplored and only constant effort anchored him where he needed to be; he needed to think as captain now, needed to think of his crew before himself.

“Death, she follows ya ‘round like a jilted lover.”
Have I cheated death one too many times? Was death now, simply toying with me? It felt true enough, death circled him, taking those around him, leaving him to scrape by time and time again. Nym inspected for any signs of imminent damage to The Harem from the battle. Despite Tesoro having already inspected the cannons, Nym rechecked them once he was done, and ensured they were secured, maintained, and ready once more for any signs of threats. He found Tesoro’s work to be flawless, and any remnants of a grudge or doubts against the elf began to dissipate. Death would come again, they would need to be not only ready but able to work as one without any doubts.

“‘Ain’t a pirate left who’d want to sail with that luck about.”
No one from Vanarosa, that much was true. Maybe if Lizzie knew what most of the native pirates did she wouldn't have chosen to sail with him either. Maybe she'd have been better off, or maybe things would've gone worse. Either way, Nym wasn't sure. He pushed further doubts from his mind as he checked the rigging, focusing his mind back to work. He paid careful attention to the wind and the sails until that was all that existed. Grief and guilt still hung heavy in the air around him. The skies grew dark to match the somber mood as night fell. No one sang as they worked, mostly the sounds of waves and birds kept them company this night. He had to leave nothing to chance, he would make his own luck if he had to but he would not let his crew down.

“Yer luck’s gone sour mate, best make peace with that for it's too late.”
Maybe that one was true, luck's as fickle as the sea. So do something different, change course, and change my luck about. Nym looked over the charts, kept his eye on the stars, and manned the helm until The Harem’s course was set.

Helio’s request had lingered in his mind for most of the day; sail to Roshmi City and help Helio rescue his friends. It was a big request, but the fairy had asked with such a sense of desperation evident in his eyes. It was clear that those who had been captured in Roshmi City mattered to the lad more than life and more than amas. To honor the request would certainly earn a great deal of loyalty from the dark fairy, and Nym wanted to keep this rare creature as one of his crew. A dark fairy was something he had that Ardyn did not.

On the other hand, there was the bounty Barboda had spoken of, thousands of amas for Ardyn's head, and proper vengeance for Lizzie. Gods he wanted that; one job that would truly set up his ship and crew for great success, while taking out the most famous pirate around and avenging their fallen captain. The story that would make, and it would mean wealth and fame; everything he wanted sat just within his reach at the end of that quest. But The Harem was a crew of five, one of them already lost in a mere scuffle with a fraction of Ardyn’s crew. These were not good odds, and while all aboard his ship had the courage for it he did not have the will to gamble their lives with such poor odds.

He could return to Port Vanarosa, it was the best place to recruit true pirates, but there he didn’t like his odds either. Word of his soured luck had reached the ears of just about every sailor there, to return and speak of the death of yet another captain he sailed with, and no great prize won for it, would only confirm such rumors as fact. Two is a coincidence, three makes a pattern.

Now was not yet the time to hunt for Ardyn, Port Vanarosa might not be the best place for him to recruit more men, so why not Roshmi City? It was a city with a well-known criminal element, he could find men there willing to kill for the promise of freedom and coin. A rescue mission in Roshmi City was likely just as dangerous, but a voluntary one for the crew, whereas to sail for Ardyn now would leave no room for choice. Maybe it was a mistake, maybe he just had a soft spot for both pretty-faced fairies and anyone with a reckless sense of loyalty. That was probably true but maybe it was also the right call.

“The sea’s turned against ya.”
Now that could never be true. Of all rumors Nym had heard of himself back in Port Vanarosa, this one he knew to be a lie. He might not have luck, he might have even gotten himself on the wrong side of death’s wishes, but the sea would always be his home and she would always love him.

“We sail for Roshmi City, not to abandon our vengeance against Ardyn, but a detour ‘long the way. We pick up more crew, better our chances against him because we must not fail. An’ Helio, he’s got some recruits picked out for us already. Thing is they need a bit of liberation first, got themselves locked up. Now a rescue mission ain’t a requirement, no shame in not wantin’ the risk, and plenty o’ other things gonna need takin’ care of when we dock. Then, once we’re stocked up, fully manned, we take everything Arydn’s got. Anyone’s got a disagreement with that now’s your chance to be heard.” Nym announced his plans from the helm of the ship and gave a nod to Helio who watched the seas from the crow's nest.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Night
Location: 420 Wicker St; Rave Warehouse
Interactions: None

Callum was convinced that they were all going to suffocate in the cramped carriage. They were packed so full of people that every breath of air felt like it had already been breathed in by half the occupants of the carriage and surely they would run out of breathable air before they even made it to the warehouse. He decided not to say anything because any conversation would only make the air problem worse and his sister seemed keen on picking up more people off the streets. Why hadn’t he walked? That certainly sounded like a much better idea now but he was trapped in the carriage.

The discomfort was only amplified by the presence of several of the Alidasht royals, none of whom Callum knew, and he spent most of the carriage ride trying not to stare and study them as if they were some sort of museum exhibit. Even without really looking at them his mind was filled with questions that all felt too rude to ask of those who hailed from the strange and mysterious desert lands.

Did they really drink the blood of camels? Was it true that women danced on the streets of Genasea barely clothed and uninhibited? Was it really a land of vice and debauchery and barbarism? Of course he knew that with all Caesonian rumors one had to take them with a grain of salt but there had to be some reason Edin was so clearly on edge about them.

Was it only Alidasht wealth and military might that made them so intimidating? There had to be something more to it, Edin wasn’t easily intimidated. Was this group of royals truly so cold that they would slaughter each other to be the next to wear a crown? That the last question troubled him the most. It was often said the custom in Alidasht was for the royal siblings to kill one another off in order to prove their worth for the title of Sultan. It was hard to imagine; for all the flaws he could see in his own family, he couldn’t imagine any of his siblings would kill any of the others in cold blood like that. That seemed a level of callous only Edin was capable of sinking to and, as far as Cal knew, even Edin hadn’t killed his own kin.

Callum was immediately thankful the second the carriage finally came to a stop near the docks and even more thankful when he finally got out of the carriage and was able to breathe fresh air and move freely again. Somehow his feet remembered exactly where the right warehouse was without much looking around. Although he’d been to these parties before he couldn’t for the life of him remember much about them, a sure sign of a good time, certainly worth risking his life being packed in a carriage just like cargo. Walking through a dark and dusty warehouse didn’t feel the least bit out of place, nor did the masked man who led them down the stairs. Everything felt familiar even though he remembered none of it.

Callum slipped on one of the masks that were being handed out without thinking much about it. Strange music thumped and beat loud enough that he felt the vibrations in his chest, sounds so unlike anything he was used to and he didn’t question it. Lights and haze danced around the room and the unmistakable presence of magic could be felt in the room. Cal didn’t acknowledge the magic out of a fear that to mention it would make it all disappear. He only spent a long moment taking it all in, noting how much better and brighter a bit of magic made everything. How because of a bit of magic and a dingy warehouse now felt like an amazing dream.

Leo wasn’t entirely sure what he’d expected this after-party to be like but the sights and sounds that greeted him upon his descent down the staircase were so far from what he could’ve ever anticipated. He looked around the warehouse with a sense of awe and confusion. Strange music that thumped like the beating of a heart but in a way that sounded unnatural, unlike any instrument he’d ever heard before, and seemed to be coming from the back of the room but still, he held no understanding of what made the sound. Upon the ceiling, mystifying lights of all colors danced around the hazy room, and an unnerving whisper of unnatural forces filled the room. He accepted the mask offered by a man at the bottom of the stairs and continued forward. His first thought was of how much Thea would’ve enjoyed all this, and he hoped this would not be a one-time occurrence.

“Amazing indeed.” Was all he said in reply to Anastasia as he continued to glance around the room. A boxing match in one corner and pole-dancing in the other, a large bar serving odd-looking drinks, and a smattering of triangle-shaped tables. Leo wasted no time in continuing to take in the sights, like a child at a fair he wandered off towards the first thing that caught his interest, tonight it was the boxing match at the far side of the room.

This side of the room held the faint scent of sweat and blood and the sounds of cheers, jeers, and the impact of fists could be heard just over the music. Leo melded into the crowd around the match, noting quite a few people holding the colorful cocktails where things moved inside the glasses. Some glasses contained rainbows or hearts, some glimmered and shone, while others had strange creatures swimming about in the drinks. One man must have noticed his interest in the cocktail as Leo found it impossible not to stare at the drinks.

“You simply must try one. Careful though, they pack a punch.” The man said with a laugh.

Despite his interest in the boxing match, the beat of the music made it impossible to hold still. Like a siren’s song it had a compulsion to it, told his body to move, and while every good noble knew several dances suited for a proper ball he had learned nothing for music such as this. Still, he moved through the warehouse, his eyes now drawn to the other side of the room where people danced. This was clearly not a place where one’s movements had to be precise and practiced, this, so unlike the ball they were just at, was a place of freedom.

Soon Leo found himself at the bar, eyes glancing over a drink menu that listed the names of the odd-looking cocktails. He had originally planned to keep his wits about him at this strange after party, but Thea staying at the palace altered his plans a bit, he didn’t have to keep an eye on her, tonight he could be as witless as he wanted and that was welcomed break he’d admit to only himself. One name jumped out at him, Conquer the Mountian, and liking the sound of the name he ordered one for himself. He watched as the bartender mixed it up, his head bobbing independent of his control to the music that filled the room. Once the drink was set in front of him he watched it, entranced, as clouds floated about encapsulated in the blue liquid. He carefully picked it up, moved away from the bar, and briefly brought the drink to his nose, noting its smell before drinking a sip. The sharp taste of alcohol was cut through by the sweet taste of berries and a gentle swirl of the glass only made the clouds float faster rather than mix them into the liquid. How strange. He thought as he wondered if the drink really was as strong as people around here said it would be. Leo then shrugged and downed the rest of the drink that looked like a pleasantly cloudy sky.

Avalia

Time: Night
Location: River Fairy Kingdom
Interactions: Yuka@princess, Aiko @CitrusArms Xavier @Potter
Equipment: Sword, bow and arrows, small knife, wayfinder, fire kit, a pouch of amas, transmission bracelet

---

“It’s just Orias, feel free to drop the title.” He corrected Yuka once again, the use of a title only made him more uncomfortable even if Yuka meant it only in mockery. “You’ve made it clear you think I’m lying, fair enough I’ve told many a lie, and it is not you that I need to convince. But in front of the fae here, I only ask you to play along, we need them to believe me if we are to have a hope of winning this war and freeing Roshmi City.” While his words were blunt he spoke them calmly, pausing to think over her question. He looked around the River Fairy Kingdom, it was a slight relief to see this place still untouched by war, even though he doubted it would remain that way. For now, they were safe here.

“We should seek an audience with the Millinia family,” Was his immediate first thought despite the low growl in his stomach and the exhaustion the rest of his body felt. The hour was late, he wasn’t sure trying to meet with the fairy royals so late in the evening would start the meeting on the right note. More than that he was still unsure of what he would say to them, and he was sure his successful meeting with Augus had been a stroke of dumb luck that would be difficult to repeat. “But it might go better in the morning, once we have rested.” He added. That might be better, it would give him some more time to think over what to say, rehearse it, and sound more polished. Maybe even run it by Yuka first, knowing she’d be the real test to see how convincing he sounded.

Avalia

Time: Night
Location: Inn by the Sea
Interactions: Rue @Potter, Raven @Tae, Kharne @Kazemitsu, Ismael @Th3King0fChaos
Equipment: 1 hunting knife, a flask of alcohol, a backpack, small tent, blanket, waterskin, rope, fire starting kit, lightmaker, cooking pot, a bar of soap, some drugs; skaula (8 grams) and zemak (a bit less than an ounce), rolling papers, and 191 amas.

---

Bowyn found their new traveling companions acceptable and was proud of Rue for having chosen so well. One only had to glance at the dragonborn to see he was a clear warrior, and Kharne’s companion, Ishmael, carried himself similarly, another obvious warrior. There was the obvious wild card, the girl who chose to sit on the roof, and the Raven the human. He now understood Raven’s strange stance on the war, she wasn’t of this world and this war was likely not a responsibility she wished to bear. He could understand this, and the other two being warriors likely would not hesitate to fight when needed. It was only the lone wild card he worried about.

So Bowyn sat on the floor, half-listening as Rue spoke, mostly just enjoying the sound of her voice, as he methodically broke up some of the zemak he carried with him. He looked up briefly after Rue had introduced herself and Moony.

“Bowyn, winter fairy,” he said introducing himself before rolling the broken-up zemak cradled in a rolling paper between his fingers. He worked carefully, gently rolling the zemak and paper until the shape was right and licking the edge to seal it. “Anyone know where we’re heading next or are we all at the whims of the elven princess?” While his question was directed at anyone he mainly looked at Kharne as asked, the dragonborn giving off a clear aura of authority.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Night
Location: Caesonia Palace Guest Rooms/Callum’s Room/Stables
Interaction: Anastasia@princess
Mentions: Lady Thea, Lady Zarai, Lord Roman, Lady Crystal

Leo had left the ball for the guest house following King Edin’s announcement but his time in the guest room was brief. A loud banging on the door to his room, followed by the familiar voice of the Danrose princess grabbed his attention. It was time for the after-party which promised a far more relaxing vibe than the ball; no worries of intense rules of what is proper and appropriate, just an opportunity to unwind, indulge, and let go. As he accompanied Anastasia to collect the others he was surprised to find Thea would not be among them. Strange, as this was the sort of party he knew his sister rarely missed. Most of the time sudden declines in Thea’s mood were easily blamed on his mother and her off-putting lover, but this time he had the sinking feeling the blame lay on Prince Felix. He was liking the Varian prince less and less any time he thought of Felix. Leo followed Anastasia without his sister, giving her the night to settle some and planning to check on her in the morning.

They set forth the princess inviting the often unconventional but always interesting Lady Zarai, and Lord Roman, who despite being respectable often spoke of manual labor as if such a thing was an interesting way to spend one's time. Leo only offered a brief but amicable greeting to both of his fellow Varians.

Next, the princess headed toward the rooms which housed the royals from Alidasht. Discretion was certainly not Anastasia’s strong suit and Leo ducked into a doorway the second he saw the sultan peak his head out from his room not wanting to be associated with the disturbance. Once the sultan had returned to his room Leo popped back out from the doorway, the Danrose princess was certainly brazen and he could see why she and Thea got along so well.

“Very secretive, I’m sure no one will decipher that one Stas,” Leo spoke shaking his head. Despite his curiosity about the mysterious party Leo asked no question; he craved the unknown and being able to see it all firsthand rather than ruining the surprise.

Soon, Anastasia began knocking on the door of her younger brother Prince Callum. Leo found the youngest of the Danrose siblings to be insufferable; to be born a prince and use his time only to create a mockery of all the nobility stood for only served to insult the rest of them. It seemed that four children had been too much for the Danrose family, all the admirable qualities had gone to the three eldest leaving nothing of worth for the youngest to inherit. Still, Anastasia’s voice mocking him through the door gave Leo an amused grin.

"Psst. Heyyy it's Lady Crystal. I got more smoochies for you Callum. Better open the dooooor..."

Callum rolled his eyes, of course, his sister had seen that, and now he was doomed to never hear the end of it. Still, remembering Crystal and their conversation from earlier made him smile a bit. It was a rare occurrence to speak with anyone in court who felt like breathing in fresh air on a perfect day. Not even his sister’s teasing could really spoil that memory, and to Ana’s credit at least she hadn’t said anything in front of their brothers.

He had used the distraction he’d helped create to slip out of the ball a little early and change into a far more casual set of clothes. No more tightly tailored suit or noose-like tie adorning him at least left him feeling more comfortable in his own skin and looking much closer to a commoner than a noble.

“Ana, you seem confused, unable to recall your own name, should I send for Helga to keep watch over you? Or perhaps you’d prefer Wystan?” He offered, returning the mocking tone and following Anastasia as they headed towards the stables. He was a bit surprised to see Leo was going with them and he doubted the Varian noble would be able to forgo his precious title for any length of time.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Leo & Charlotte

---

Leo smiled and took Charlotte’s hand, leading them both towards the dance floor. Having parted ways from Wulfric, Leo let out a breath and relaxed more. When holding an audience with a prince, even one he considered a friend, he had to stay guarded; he represented not just himself, but his house and his country, and weakness in himself would reflect poorly on that which he held most dear. Similarly, when dancing with a shehzadi he had to remain a proper gentleman; collected, chivalrous, kind, a worthy representative of Varian. Now, with just Charlotte, he could be much more of himself. The music, and the steps of the waltz, were slower this time, which only put him more at ease.

“Looks like someone has managed to turn their night around rather stunningly. Tea with the crowned prince, dinner with the sultan, and the best dressed Caesonian in the room. Tell me, Lottie, how do you manage to be so fabulous?” Leo asked with only the slightest bit of teasing as he pulled Charlotte into a dance. Muscle memory allowed the simple box step to fall into place with as little thought as walking. Throughout countless balls and dances what remained true was that it was always the people that made these events most engaging rather than the events themselves. Leo’s words, partially meant to lighten the mood, were also true, and he found himself impressed at how well Charlotte had turned an unfortunate situation around so quickly.

Charlotte set her hand on his shoulder and her other in his his as they began moving in time to the music. Her shoulders relaxed as he spoke and she smiled at his words. It was a lucky thing that Prince Wulfric wanted to have tea on her. Women were always clamoring with each other for time with the well-esteemed crowned prince. Though, she had no idea why he had expressed interest in spending time with her of all people. She had initially thought perhaps Wulfric wanted friends, but she also wondered if he just pitied her.

When it came to the notion of eating dinner with the Sultan, she did not feel so lucky. Charlotte had a feeling they weren’t getting away with what happened as easily as it had seemed. ”Well. What can I say? Drowning in all this charisma over here. “She replied teasingly with a smile. ”Maybe it’ll rub off on you and you too can be fortunate enough to sit down with Sultan and his ever-so-friendly offspring for supper.” Her tone grew a bit sarcastic with this statement, but it remained playful nonetheless.

“And here I was counting myself fortunate to have merely danced with one royal from Alidasht, and you’ve already secured dinner with the entire family. I am so filled with envy I fear my eyes have turned green.” Leo replied with a grin. He could understand Charlotte’s reservations, some of the Kadir’s had publicly called for the spilling of her step-father’s blood, and expecting an amicable dinner after all of that probably seemed far-fetched.

“I can’t speak for the rest of the siblings, but Shehzadi Nahir holds a warm and adventurous spirit.” Leo spoke with full confidence on this one, though a single dance was not long enough to know much about a person, he believed his first impression to be accurate. “I believe I also spotted one Lady Blackwood having an engaging conversation with the younger Shahzade, she seems to like very few people so maybe he’s not so bad as well.” Leo continued, offering a bit of his optimism about the situation. “What an experience the sultan has granted you, to get to dine with his family, I’m sure very few here have had such an intimate view into their culture. To get to learn from the experience rather than to only read of it holds so much value.” Leo held a dreamer's look as he spoke before lifting their clasped hands to beckon Charlotte to spin.

Charlotte spun around slowly in tune with the song and smiled once she came to meet his eyes again, ”Oh my. They are indeed green just as they always are. You must be constantly envious then. But they’re a very nice green at least. ” She had not interrupted and waited until Leo was done speaking to comment further.

”Oh yes, I am envious of everything I have yet to experience for myself. It is what propels me forwards.” Leo answered, half a joke, but having said it he found it truer than he had realized.

It was great to see Leo get so excited about Alidasht and their culture. Seeing her old friend happy after knowing what he must have been through the last year made her smile. Charlotte herself loved reading books about Alidasht and the other kingdoms, dreaming of one day exploring the world. It was easy to relate to the longing in his eyes. She had been so busy being afraid she had gotten how excited she had initially been to meet the Alidasht.

”It should be quite exciting to be so up close and personal with them. Their culture is rather extraordinary. I’d actually love to visit there someday-Oh I have a book!” Her eyes lit up as the memory resurfaced, ”It’s called the Sun-Kissed Alidasht and it has all these lovely paintings of their land and architecture. It would be so amazing to see it in real life…Maybe I can ask them questions at your behest?" She paused then with a little gasp, she said excitedly, "Better yet! Maybe you should come with me to the dinner!”

Leo’s eyes immediately lit up, both excited and surprised by the offer. He opened his mouth to immediately accept the invitation, only to pause.

“Hmm,” Leo frowned as he thought more about the offer, “I’m not sure if it would be proper to show up uninvited by the host. I wouldn’t want to cause further trouble for you or make an ass of myself by, oh pardon my language Lady, by showing up uninvited. But that is very generous of you.” Leo grimaced slightly at his slip of using improper language in front of a lady. Such things might’ve been easily shrugged off as children, but now they only showed that he’d spent a little too much time away from official events like these.

She had heard enough curses in her lifetime to not even flinch at the sound of one. ”Oh and introducing yourself in the midst of chaos was not making an ass of yourself? Thought you were feeling adventurous tonight. ”Charlotte teased. She had not been too certain of his motive for going into the fray as he had, but it had been comforting to not be alone up there. ”... But not to fret, I will find out if I can bring a guest and get back to you so you feel more at ease.“

“I could only imagine that it must have been rather terrifying to stand before all those people, alone, during such a volatile situation. The alone part was the only thing I could alter. My deepest apologies if I appeared like an insufferable donkey, maybe it made you seem better by comparison? But if they grant you a guest, I will gladly attend, and I will find a far nobler animal to imitate.” Leo replied with a smile to show her words had inflicted no wound.

Charlotte was quick to assure him otherwise, replying, ”No need to apologize; it was simply a jest. You did great.”She then said genuinely, ”I wanted to thank you for coming up there. Things were a little less scary with you with me.”

“Glad I could help. How did your first dance fair? I didn’t catch who it was with.” Leo asked, making an effort to keep the conversation on more positive topics to keep Charlotte’s mood up.

”I danced with Sir Matthias, a royal guard of the Varian Kingdom. Perhaps you know him? He is a very sweet person.” Charlotte replied. Her gaze was stolen momentarily by the sight of Matthias and Crystal happily dancing together. She giggled before turning her attention back on Leo. ”And how was your dance with the Shehzadi ? You said she was warm and adventurous?”Charlotte gave Leo a playful look, grinning, ”You seem fond of her… Perhaps you’ll get to see the Alidasht Kingdom before I do.”

“I am familiar with Sir Matthias though even in Varian he remains a bit of mystery, a true gentleman though, any time I’ve encountered him, and a good father.” Leo said, keeping his words respectful towards Captain of the Varian royal guard. Of course, anywhere there was mystery, normally there was rumor to try and fill in the gaps, but the rumors around Matthias were scarce, and Leo found that a bit strange.

“Shehzadi Nahir was both a skilled dancer and stunning conversationalist. We did, in fact, exchange offers to host one another in our respective lands, and she expressed a love of travel and adventure. Kindred spirits, maybe, but both very much tied to our own homes. However, I did offer to help make her time here a memorable one, maybe you help. We can find some Caesonian adventures to embark on and maybe you’ll have made a friend for dinners. That is if you’re not too busy having romantic tea parties with Wulfric.” Leo did smile a little brighter as he spoke about Nahir but as always kept himself practical in his thoughts and words.

”Oh I doubt those tea parties will be romantic in the slightest. He is just trying to be nice...”Charlotte had told him though she was distracted.

His words had said much but his smile as he spoke about the Shehzadi Nahir had said more. She too had smiled though her eyes had saddened as she had felt a sharp pang of something that she did not expect to feel. Perhaps it was the remnants of the free-spirited child who had run amuck in costume wings and had proclaimed herself to all that she was a butterfly princess. She had longed to encase the younger Leo at the time in a pair of them as well to be the butterfly prince, though she could not recall if she had ever summoned up the courage to ask him to do so. As for part of her that was the adult now, she knew what she wanted was for him to be happy. Charlotte put on the biggest smile she could as she said, ”Of course I can help! You simply must come to the dinner and then we can make sure you sit by her. Distance cannot separate kindred spirits!”

“Distance, responsibility, limited freedom; that is future, for most of us. Something, recent events, have made far clearer. It is time for me to start practicing putting the needs of Stravy before my own. But it is always good to keep powerful friends, and I appreciate your help in making a new one. Speaking of, Wulfric is never just being nice, and don’t get me wrong, I hold the prince in the highest esteem, but he has little free time, and he does not waste it. If he wishes to meet with you he finds you worthy of his time.” Leo noted the forced smile he caught on Charlotte, as he had the momentary distance in her eyes as she seemed to drift away from the conversation a moment ago. Clearly, he had committed the gravest of ballroom sins; he was being boring.

Charlotte admired that Leo strove to do good for his family and his people. One day she could become the Duchess of Veirmont. Despite the awful start to the night, she had experienced positive conversations with two princes of Caesonia and with two heroes of the Varian Kingdom. Maybe it was time she started taking responsibility as Leo was.

The sight of Lorenzo in her peripheral vision made her briefly turn her head as he had approached. She mirrored his smile and let go of Leo’s shoulder to open her palm up to meet her father’s as he passed them. The smile fell as she saw who his choice in partner had been. Nonetheless, her gaze turned back to Leo as he spoke once again, her hand returning to where it had been.

“I have to admit, mingling is not the main reason I’m here. An event, lasting all summer, with every important noble and their guardsmen, seems the ideal place for investigating. Surely there is at least someone here who might hold a clue in solving my father’s disappearance.” Leo spoke barely above a whisper, and despite the difficulty of the topic, he knew Charlotte would not be bored by a mystery in need of solving.

Charlotte was surprised by his words, but she was quick to answer. ”It is quite possible, but if your father disappeared in the Varian Kingdom, I do believe more answers may lie with the Varian people…” She mused softly. After a hesitation, she met his eyes, whispering, ”I saw the body of my mother after she supposedly took her own life, but I always felt in my heart she was much too prideful a woman to do such a thing…” She could not recall ever voicing that opinion out loud before. Charlotte drew in a breath before continuing, ”I have also made it a goal of mine to find out the truth… So perhaps we could work together.” The two of them had both lost a parent around a year ago, but it was fortunate that Charlotte at least knew her mother was resting in a graveyard currently. Not knowing whether someone dear was dead or alive… She could not imagine how stressful that would feel. She squeezed Leo’s hand gently as she said with firm resolve, ”Either way, I promise I will help you find him.”

Leo’s eyes fell as she mentioned answers probably lay in Varian, where investigations had already been extensive and fruitless. With all the secrets held by the nobles here, he was sure one of them held a clue that could at least point in the right direction. He was about to simply agree with her and just ask her to forget the matter, but she continued to share her own suspicions about her mother’s death.

“I don’t think your mother would have ever chosen to leave you, her greatest source of pride. It would be an honor to help.” Leo said with sincerity. He was glad to hear Charlotte was still as interested in solving mysteries as she had been when they were children. “Consider the Vikena and Smithwood detective agency back in business, a slightly more important pair of cases than the missing cake caper or still unsolved mystery of who put all those toads in my mother’s shoe trunk. Well, the toad one was me, I thought we need some more exciting cases back then, and I suppose I should own up to my criminal past.” He added with a grin, remembering spending summers solving silly mysteries where more than a few of them had been orchestrated by him just to have something exciting to do when the palace got boring.

Charlotte was grateful he had voiced he had felt that way about Emina. She knew most others had simply believed that Lorenzo had been so unbearable that her mother couldn’t take it any more. His next statement made her laugh and she gave his shoulder a playful poke. ”Oh I can’t believe that was you! You had us on a wild goose chase for so long over those toads.” She shook her head, smiling, ”Ah nonetheless… If we are opening the Vikena and Smithwood detective agency back up, we will need to share what information we have so far.”

Charlotte then made a fist with her hand and moved it up to her face, pretending to hold a magnifying glass in hand as she widened one eye, ”You looked disappointed over my initial statement of the Varian Kingdom, so I can infer that you’ve already scoured it clean, but perhaps you might know more than you think. ”She returned her hand to where it belonged as their dance slowed in time with the decrescendo of the music. ”Probably best we discuss this not out here under other eyes and ears. We have yet to know the nature of all this…We’ll need a safehouse to convene.“ She then reminded him before he made the next possible joke, ”Better than a makeshift tent with a sheet and the dining room chairs… My house might be ideal?”

Leo chuckled as Charlotte poked his shoulder and shrugged. “I can’t believe you didn’t figure it out, who else had the motive? But it was a fun wild goose chase, along with a few others. Though perhaps I made a better criminal mastermind than I do a detective because I have,” Leo paused and made a zero with his hand, “nothing. Or Almost nothing which isn’t much better. But I have a good feeling about this, we won’t let them down.” He added with a smile, barely noticing how soft the music had gotten.

“And I think you're right, your house seems best. If we were seen trading secrets beneath a tablecloth tent, folks around here might get suspicious. Plus, your house always has the best snacks.” He said releasing her hand as the dance ended, and offering a formal bow. “Thank you for the dance, I look forwards to meeting with you soon, Detective Vikena.” Leo added, smiling.

”I have a good feeling about this too! Come over tomorrow afternoon and I’ll make sure we have the best snacks ready.” Charlotte then gave him a curtsy, ”Enjoy your evening, Detective Smithwood.”

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Avian City
Interactions: Yuka@princess, Augus IV @Funnyguy
Equipment: Sword, bow and arrows, small knife, wayfinder, fire kit, a pouch of amas

---

Orias cringed at the sarcastic titles Yuka began to address him by. “Just Orias is fine.” He insisted, as the demihuman bounded off looking like a child with free reign in a confectionary store.

“She is joking, we are not married,” Orias said, clarifying the situation to both young Augus and the store clerk. “Merely friends.” Though he didn’t know if that was really true but, it was the simpler way to phrase it. He walked directly towards the transmission bracelets first, grabbing one, before looking through the store that somehow managed to be arranged the same no matter the town or city it popped up in. There was little else here he thought they truly needed, and Orias had no plans to waste amas. Eventually, he found Yuka unraveling the rope in the store like a kitten might with a ball of yarn.

“I don’t think the plan is to propel out of Avain City, what is all this rope for?” He asked eyeing the pile that gathered at the ground, hoping he wasn’t about to regret asking.

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: River Port-Inn
Interactions: Rue @Potter
Equipment: 1 hunting knife, a flask of alcohol, a backpack, small tent, blanket, waterskin, rope, fire starting kit, lightmaker, cooking pot, a bar of soap, some drugs; skaula (8 grams) and zemak (a bit less than an ounce), rolling papers, and 191 amas.

---

“A fluffy hat? I don’t know I think Moony might be rather upset if you turned him into a hat.” Bowyn joked back, ruffling Moony’s ears a bit to show he didn’t mean it. He was more than ready to leave the inn; it was probably going to be one of the first places anyone looking for humans would check and he certainly didn’t want to be here if dark elves or demons decided to show up. He made sure to crave his belongings before they left the inn, feeling much more comfortable carrying all of his stuff than leaving it behind anywhere.

Once his backpack was returned to his wingless back Bowyn was ready to leave. Finding the food stalls was easy, their smells all permeated the air and after using magic to help protect a bunch of ungrateful elves he was hungrier than he’d been before breakfast. “So, what do you want to eat?” Bowyn asked Rue. He remembered Arn had said she should eat something, and intended to make sure she got food first.