Helo

Recollections: Who Is Eleanor Black [CANCELLED]

_{Location:
Interactions: Neko @Atrophy, Olivia, Jordan, & Nori @NoriWasHere}

---

They did not have a cohesive plan. Olivia and Jordan were both in favor of pretending to be dumb tourists, and sure that was simple up until the questions caused an eyebrow raise from the butler. Then, old man Thornton would have questions of his own and five girls went missing after poking around. But a fake podcast on spooky swamp tales or shady small towns would raise those same sorts of questions. Neko suggested winging it, and maybe she was right; who didn’t love talking some shit about a past employer.

Nori seemed more focused on a flock of crows. Had those crows followed them from the coffee shop? Weird but birds were weird creatures, and the group's bird enthusiast was feeding them. “Someone’s having luck making friends with the locals. If anyone’s got a pocket full of butterscotch candies maybe the same trick’ll work on Thornton.” He said, to no in particular, but Jordan was already up at the cabin peaking into a window and Neko was knocking at the cabin door.

Wing it and hope they weren’t the next set of five to go missing. He headed up the porch steps to the door right as it swung open. Blake greeted the group and was quickly joined by paid company. Wyatt knew it was ridiculous, but he had imagined the man answering the door would be in a suit with white gloves, but this guy looked like he’d be right at home at the Playboy mansion. If there was a worse time to interrupt an old man, he struggled to think of one.

Wyatt cleared his throat. “At ‘ease general, yer private’s still salutin’.’” He said giving the haphazardly robbed butler a casual salute before using that hand to gesture towards the man’s robe. “Sorry for the interruption. We’re hoping for a quick chat.”

Avalia

Time: Morning’s are for rescuing Malachi!
Location: River Port; Liar of the Spiders
Interactions: Malachi@princess, Jun@JJ Doe, Kenia@Tae
Equipment: A halberd, (always with him) hunting knife, and half-plate armor (left in the room).

---

“The point is safety in numbers Jun, and we cannot leave you here all de- all alone.” Zion was going to say defenseless, but that wouldn’t help Jun’s confidence. To look at the frail human, defenseless wasn’t exactly incorrect. The human had no discernible natural advantages, no claws, and very unimpressive teeth, but perhaps being ridiculously hard-headed provided the human some small protection. While Zion could appreciate Jun’s dedication to eating breakfast, Malachi would not want the human left alone, and arguing with the human would only waste time.

So Zion simply lifted Jun with one hand, tossed the human over his shoulder, and followed Kenia out the door. “Aim a bit higher, got a knot in my shoulder.” The lion chuckled Jun’s attack, it was about time the human showed he had a bit of fight in him after all.

He kept pace with Kenia, who moved with surefooted grace that appeared as intuitive as it was for any fully feline huntress he’d ever hunted with. Jun even offered his voice to aid the search, and Zion was counting that as participation, though he had to why Jun referred to a forest as green stuff. “Jun, that is called a forest. Do they not have forests, or trees, in your world?” He asked with earnest confusion.

Zion surveyed the green stuff that was the thriving forest around River Port. Tindles of silken webbing hung around the trees. The lion's ears twitched as they listened intently, rotating toward the nearly imperceptible sounds of the slight rustling of a branch and the movements of serval pairs of legs. As Kenia rushed toward both Malachi and the frightened elfen child, Zion hung back for a moment to avoid throwing Jun into immediate danger.

“Giant spiders. Dangerous but just barely.” He said it with the grin of a predator who simply knew his prey would be no match for him. This would be good training for Jun, a perfect opportunity to sharpen his skills against a very mild threat. Zion shrugged Jun off his shoulder and placed the human firmly on the ground. He then removed a large hunting knife from his belt, grabbed Jun’s hand placed the handle against the palm, and forced Jun’s hand closed around the knife.

“You are Avalia’s greatest hope, do not let them eat you. They are vicious.” He added before letting Jun’s hand go and giving him an intense stare and nod. He sincerely hoped Jun did not just drop the weapon and run. Again his ears twitched in the direction of the spider’s movements, the beast was heading towards the elves.

Zion took off in a sprint before leaping forward, covering a great distance with feline skill, and landed squarely on his feet between the trio of elves and the spider that had dropped down to greet them. As the spider reared up, exposing its deadly fangs he swung the halberd with all his might, his left side twisting toward the spider with Zion’s swing. The spider hissed as a scalding torrent shot forth from the creature's exposed maw. The lion too, opened his mouth to counter with a deafening roar that came.

The boiling liquid splattered down his left arm and shoulder. Zion could only assume it was boiling because nothing had ever burned half this bad before. It was as if his entire arm was on fire, with flames that sought to burn deeper, to sear a path through the flesh to the bone.

The mighty lion threw his head back, and from his mouth erupted not a gallant roar but a yowl of deep, unforgiving, agony. The screaming would only continue for as long as the arm burned.

Zion crumpled, halberd slipping from his hands, and there was no thought to even check if he had wounded the spider in return, there was only agony and instinctual panic. The lion rolled onto his left side, feet pushing forward in a desperate attempt to scrap the boiling liquid from his useless outstretched left arm. Even as bits of flesh sloughed off against the ground, the liquid only seemed to burn deeper. Hints of bone and stretches of tendon sat exposed amongst widening, sizzling wounds. Zion could smell it; dissolving meat, acrid venom, fresh blood, scents mixing together, telling his panicked mind what was happening.

The spider’s caustic venom was burning through everything it touched, it would make quick work of Zion’s arm. Knowing it only heightened the panic, his screaming only grew louder. He knew the spider would attack again, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

Recollections: Who Is Eleanor Black [CANCELLED]

_{Location: Webb Family Coffee House
Interactions: Neko @Atrophy}

---

Wyatt mouthed a quiet thank you to Jen, who gave him and the other stragglers a quick summary of the group and the details of the goings-on in Quintin. His eyes lit up at the mention of a haunted swamp they weren’t supposed to enter. It was like Jen was trying to make that swamp sound more exciting than just a breeding ground for mosquitos. With exploring the swamplands off the table, the options all involved trying to interview someone who probably didn’t want to talk to them. Splitting up to search for clues while a haunted swamp lingered in the background, sounded a whole lot like Scooby-Doo, and made it all seem less like a bad idea. Why there were so many missing Eleanors from one tiny, barely worth marking on a map, town still made no sort of sense.

“I can help talk to the butler.” He chimed in to volunteer once Neko made a joke about the butler. The one who lost a daughter. Oof, now that’s gotta be a mindfuck. He got up to look at the location on Jen’s map. “Looks like it’s right near the swamp, very least I can give you some backup if the creature of the Black Lagoon pops out.” If this was a Scooby-Doo situation it would only be the butler in a costume. He could handle a butler. Seemed a better option than poking around asking about missing girls or chatting up spoiled teens.

“Looks like it’s gonna be a long walk unless you brought a car.” He added, grabbing his stuff.

---

_{Location: Blake Thorton’s creepy swamp cabin}

Looming on the outskirts of both town and swamp, sat the home of Blake Thorton. The sound of insects buzzing, frogs croaking, and faint splashes from whatever lived beneath the swamp’s murky waters. It almost looked like a nice comfortable cabin, secluded enough to be peaceful. But it also looked like the sort of place where people get murdered with no one around to hear all the screaming. Especially in a small town where folks didn’t like outsiders poking around.

“Welcome to swamp cabin; come for the ambiance and never leave cause the butler fed ya to the gators.” Wyatt joked as he looked up at the cabin. Probably not the most helpful thing to say, given that there were already five missing girls in addition to the Eleanor mystery, but it did help shake the creepy feeling.

“Well, lights are all on, someone must be home. What’s our story? Guessing a straight-up ‘Have you seen any Elenaors around recently’ or ‘What’s her family hiding’ is gonna get that door slammed in our faces. Pretend we’re working on a podcast about Quintin?” He suggested to whoever else was on team butler.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Sola 22; time skip collab Ari & Cal part 2

Ariella & Callum

_{Part 1}

---

Ariella shook her head softly “ No she hasn’t said anything, Actually I haven’t seen her since she left. I think she was at the Dinner the other night but I can’t remember, It was such a mess of an event that I kind of zoned out and didn’t really pay attention.” She shrugged ”I only wanted to check in, make sure you were doing alright. I’ve heard alot of little whispers that you were seen around drinking alot…I was worried.” she admitted. She didn’t want to make him uncomfortable with her questions, but she also wouldn’t feel like a good friend if she didn’t atleast try to get him to open up.

“Whispers? About me? Sorian must be having a gossip drought. Drinking is just my version of not wearing shoes.” Cal brushed over the topic, tried to make sound like a harmless escape, and simply move her attention elsewhere. What good magician didn’t know a bit of misdirection? And all he’d have to do is just shift the conversation back a bit without her noticing.

Ariella turned her attention back to the telescope with a coy smile on her face.” You’re lucky we don't have telescopes watching our all moves…” she said “ Because someone may see through the lies.” She said softly as she pulled back and looked at him, hoping he sensed she knew what he was trying to do.

“Lies? Only when I have to. Mostly I just stretch the truth.” He admitted.

However, even with his evasion of her concern she wasn’t going to push him. They both were constantly being scrutinized for everything and she wasn’t going to add to the list of names he likely already had doing that. Instead she offered him a friendly smile. “ You are the prince afterall… I doubt much of what you do isn’t whispered about. “

“Do you think I was wrong about Ana? I mean I don’t think anyone else could’ve told, but I also don’t know for sure it was her. And she accused me first, like I would, and I think I’m mad about that too. I don’t know what to do, just been avoiding her, but I can’t do that indefinitely. How did she seem at the dinner?” This was a less messy problem than how much, and why, Callum drank so much, and he needed to figure this one out anyway. He wondered if Ana was mad at him too.

“Hmm..” she said outloud while adjusting herself to lean over a railing. She peeked down over the edge to see just how high up they were. “ Well, Just as I have the pleasure of not wearing shoes, you have your own version and I assure you she has her own as well.” she spoke softly. “ Ana’s cheerful demeanor seems to be a mask uncertain of its cause but its strange she seems to get really down. She disappears for a moment and returns as if nothing happened. As someone who has become the master of faces I can assure you its not that easy to switch it off and on. “ she paused as she flicked a pebble off the side of the building watching it drop to the trees below. “I always felt it strange, like something bigger was going on.” she took a pause.

“ I think you were hard on her…Few people may actually understand your situation and she is one of them. I think you two are very similar in alot of ways and because of that butt heads. If I were to place a bet, Just as the whispers that spread for gossip it can come from any corner we never really know where it starts…who’s to say this situation is any different.” She said leaning into the ledge more.

It wasn’t the first time Callum had wondered about Ana’s coping mechanism; was spending all day acting any worse than spending all day intoxicated? He didn’t have an answer for that. Was it impossible that someone else had whispered Marek’s name to Wulfric? Probably could’ve been a lot of people. He nodded to himself first, and then back at Ari. Did he have to apologize to Ana? He already knew the answer to that, he didn’t want Ana to feel as bad as he always felt.

“Are you saying I remind you, of my sister? I don’t know if that’s an insult to me or her.” He tried to lighten the mood. “But you’re right, I guess I was probably a jerk, again.”

“So what’s your new outlet, now that your feet are imprisoned?” He asked, needing to change the subject again.

Ariella let out a short laugh and a smile as she shook her head “ Don’t misunderstand Callum, your reaction was understandable. I dont think your a jerk, just human. “ She shrugged her shoulders “ I dont really have one, nothing has really been holding my interest except for the book club. I’ve been reading alot more since … What sort of outlets do you enjoy? I could use some inspiration.” she smiled.

“You do not want my outlets, that’s just a long list of vices. Eating onions, carving up the walls, being in places I shouldn’t, I think I just like trouble.” He’d rather admit to that than list off all the vices he’d collected.

Ariella looked out towards the view ” well I would love the opportunity to see just what kind of trouble, if you ever feel like having company” She once again didn’t push him for more. He certainly had a knack for knowing how to change the subject but she certainly didn’t mind.

“You know, once there was a time when all this was very much illegal.” Callum abruptly changed the subject, as he looked around the observation tower and its contents. “When trying to understand the heavens was unnatural, punished even, as if it were an act of treason. Maybe they thought it dangerous to imply that not everything revolved around kings, that all these stars, and moons, and other planets, moved freely without direction from a king. Now it is a celebrated science, and that gives me hope that it can happen for other things, things like book clubs.” He said, finally reaching the point of both his tangent and why he’d wanted to come here in the first place. Callum found just enough hope in knowing that minds and laws could be changed.

“You’re right, it very well could.” she looked back towards him with a smile. “ Thankfully for you, you have the position to be that change if you wanted. Obviously there are a few hurdles but it’s not an impossible task.” She then changed the subject lightly herself. Something had been weighing on her mind and she really could use the advice. “ You obviously have much more experience with reading and being in the book club. I was wondering…well maybe hoping…” she beat around the bush slightly trying to find out how to explain her idea “ That maybe I could read a book about losing memories, I always find those types of tales interesting” She hoped he understood.

A brief look of concern crossed Cal’s face only to be overtaken by a grin. Memory spells were dangerous, and there was a soft voice in the back of his head that whispered some lines shouldn’t be crossed. That wasn’t the voice he ever listened to because a louder voice wondered about the possibilities, and his brain itched for ways it could be done.

“I’ve got a book I could lend you.” He offered, and while he could infer Ari’s request was because of her parents, he didn’t bother to ask her plan; an opportunity to use magic, or at least help another do so, against nobles, against parents, was not something he would turn down.

“It has to be, read carefully.” Callum wasn’t going to tell people what they could and couldn’t do, but he knew he had to at least offer some warning. A memory spell was delicate work, it required the magical equivalent of a surgeon’s hands. Cutting out a memory while ensuring it wasn’t deeply linked to something vital. One misstep and the mind unravels, or a core memory is destroyed. Too many easy ways to slip up and destroy a person.

“I’d be happy to help, if you’d like, might even know a guy who’s studied that subject.” Cal added, thinking about how he was pretty sure Marek had used magic to make everyone forget those parties.

Ari felt a huge sense of relief. She felt her shoulders relax as she greeted Cal with her own grin “That would be so great if you could” she stuttered on her words slightly as she could feel her body quivering with excitement as she tried to hide it.

Perhaps she could use this spell to wipe her mothers memories about information that she had received. Her father was easy enough to convince but her mother on the other hand was a whole other story.

Ariella knew that she wasn’t going to stop until any sign of magic or things she deemed unlady like was removed from her possession. On top of that to threaten the one thing that brought her any type of joy was going simply too far. In truth her mothers antics and rude behavior not only towards Ariella but the staff and guests always caused a certain distaste for Ari.

Sometimes she thought that there was no way she was even related to the women. How could Ari be born of something so cruel. “ I would be more then happy to accept your help anyday. It gives me an excuse to see you more often.” She smiled at her friend. Callum had quickly become a bit of an antidote to her day to day concerns and she was quite grateful to him for that.

” Well with that settled, it seems that the sun is about to break across the horizon. Should we find a good spot for star gazing?” She looked around the large building as it seemed most of the people had cleared out accept for a few random people who didn’t seem to pay much attention to them. She saw the stairs that led up to the very large telescope on the upper floor. “ Should we go up there? Are we even allowed to use it or is it normally offlimits to the public?” She wouldn’t be surprised if it was held for astrologers only.

Callum looked to the upper parts of the tower and shrugged. “Hmm, don’t know, but do you really think anyone here wants to tell a prince where he’s allowed to be?” Even least important, third princes have some perks. And I’d bet daughters of dukes get some leeway as well.” He nodded toward the staircase, and not a single person in the tower felt emboldened enough to order around the children of two of Sorian’s most important families.

“And if you’re looking for excuses to see me, I always make time to cause trouble.” Cal said it with mock sincerity, but it didn’t make it any less true. He waited for Ari before heading up the staircase.

Ariella smiled “ I suppose your right … and either way , as you said, can always make time to cause trouble.” She headed towards the large stairs that appeared to loop around in a spiral as it ascended to the large telescope at the top of the tower.

As Ariella began her ascent up the stairs, she quickly became aware of the discomfort caused by the ill-advised decision to wear those excruciating heels. Each step was accompanied by a wince of pain, prompting her to realize that these heels were more trouble than they were worth. However, amidst this discomfort, a mischievous thought crossed her mind, like an invitation to rebel against her mothers wishes. As Cal had said Make time to cause trouble.

With a soft smile curling on her lips, Ariella finally decided to free her feet from the torturous heels. The instant she slipped them off, a sense of relief washed over her as her bare feet made contact with the cool, refreshing touch of the steel staircase. Her newfound sense of liberation fueled her, and she wasted no time, nearly sprinting up the stairs with her shoes now clutched in her hands.

Upon reaching the top, a sight awaited her that would forever leave an indelible impression on her. The room was a marvel, constructed almost entirely of glass, stretching upward to dizzying heights. Ariella had to tilt her head back, the glass walls extending so high that it almost strained her neck to look straight up. The dome, a seamless 360-degree enclosure, offered a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city of Sorian.

Overwhelmed by the awe-inspiring sight, Ariella couldn't resist running towards one of the walls and pressing herself against the transparent surface. Her nose almost squished against the glass as she firmly pressed her hands beside her, trying to immerse herself in the magnificence outside.

The sky was a canvas of vibrant reds and oranges as the sun gracefully descended toward the horizon. It was a mesmerizing display of nature's beauty, with the night sky gradually creeping in, weaving a dark tapestry of stars as it claimed the day.

A hushed, awe-struck whisper escaped her lips, "Wow." Truly, it was one of the most magnificent things she had ever witnessed. The splendor of the view left her feeling small and insignificant, yet at the same time, it filled her with an overwhelming sense of wonder and gratitude for being able to witness such a breathtaking spectacle and being in the company of a friend made it all the more amazing.

Callum followed Ari up the stairs, matching her pace which began sluggish but the second she removed her shoes both Ari and her pacing seemed renewed with not just energy but enthusiasm. It only made him wonder why it was that parents enforced so many rules that existed to simply make their children unhappy for the sake of appearances. His parents, Ari’s parents, most nobles really, just didn’t seem to care whether even their own children were happy.

He was out of breath by the time he reached the top of the staircase shortly after Ari, finding her already pressed against the glass staring at a sky that struggled to match the hues of her hair.

“It’s like being on the top of the world, or at least the top of Sorian.” Cal said once his breathing settled. “The closest we can get to seeing perfection and I wonder if the sky looks down on us and all our twisted imperfections and just waits for us to match its reflection.” He spoke softly, half lost in thought, half stunned by the sky. Cal wasn’t sure if he believed the gods lived up in the sky or if the sky just reflected back a glimpse of where the gods really did live, but he knew that when he gazed up at the sky for long enough it became a quiet, humbling experience.

Ari stepped away from the window and looked at Callum with a smile. “ I hope this isn’t the top of the world. she said with a shrug “But I certainly would love to travel to find out. She fell quiet for a moment as she admired the stars that slowly appeared one after the other. “Have you ever thought about what it would be like if you weren’t a prince” she asked him curiously. “ What you would want to do with your life? Where you’d want to see?”

Callum only looked up at the stars as he thought about Ari’s question. “Only all the time, spent my whole wishing it were a different one.” The obvious answer came out first; there wasn’t a time he could remember when the prefix of prince ever felt comfortable. It loomed in front of his name like a dark shadow, a reminder that he lacked the worth to ever feel like it belonged to him. After a pause, he expanded on his answer.

“And I wonder if ‘prince’ is something I know I can never live up to, or if it’s something I was born to rid myself of. But I don’t want it. One way or another, I’ve decided I’m going to get rid of it. That’s what I want to do. Get rid of all these stupid titles if I can, and if I fail I’ll at least be rid of hearing mine. Beyond that, I have no idea. I used to think it would be enough to just get away from my family. Be a scholar or a monk or someone who doesn’t worry much about what goes on in the palace. To just have other things to focus on and forget. But that would feel like letting my family win, and I think I hate that thought more than I want to be free of them, or even happy.” Cal looked over at Ari, and smiled before whispering, “And what I want to see is a Caesonia without a Danrose king, maybe without any king, but someplace we’re all free from all these things that smother us. How ‘bout you? I’m sure you’ve got grander ambitions than a marriage your parents would be proud of.” He asked.

Ari listened to Callum, surprised at his how much he revealed too her. Taking in his words she realized that he really wasn’t much different than herself. At the end of the day they were both just two people trying their best to be happy and find their way out of a world they never chose.

She let out a soft breath as she turned to look away, her brows raise as she blinked a few times. “ It’s kind of silly...” Ari’s eyes settled on the stars as they became brighter against the night sky. She paused for a moment a bit reluctant to admit it outloud. “ I do want to be married, maybe even have my own kids but … I could never marry for titles or money “ she looked over at Cal “ I would love to find someone, fall in love and experience all the things I read in books.“ She turned her attention back to the stars “I would love a small house out in the woods. A place away from everything else with my own garden and maybe close to a ravine. Sitting on a porch with a blanket at night watching the stars.” Taking a deep breath she shrugged lightly “I would atleast get away from here thats for certain.”

“I don’t think it’s silly, to just want a normal, peaceful, life.” Cal spoke up. “I think the ravine’s a must, I’m sure there’s plenty far away from Sorian that have no formal dress code.”

Turning back to look at Callum “For what its worth… if you wanted to be a prince, I think you could make a good one. I think whatever you set your mind too you’ll be great at…but…” she paused as she tried to hide back a smile “ A monk? “ she titled her head as she continued to hold back her giggles “ I think you would hate that more than being a prince. All the rules, structure, expectations… suddenly her eyes lit up as she sat back with a look on her face as if an idea just popped into her head. ”I promise that if you ever need a place to escape too, you can stay at my imaginary house. I’ll make sure in my fantasy house that there is an extra room for whenever you need.” she grinned “So when you visit I can remind you how bad of an idea being a monk would be. she teased.

“Alright well, I didn’t laugh at your imaginary life.” He said it jokingly but still felt like he had to defend his choice. Maybe it was too much structure and too many rules. He probably wouldn’t make a very good monk at all but it still sounded better than a prince in a world where none of the rules and structure made any sense.

“Monks just always seem content. Like wherever they are, whatever they’ve got, that’s enough. I think they could teach me how to be like that, at peace. And we would talk about bigger things than petty gossip and maybe even be witch-monks. Study magic, teach it to others, bring it back, and use it to help reshape the world into something better. Something like that, something good. Royals never do anything good for people, they just make life harder for everyone else.” Callum explained it, and it all boiled down to the same wish; being a peace, being away from here, and not being what they were now.

“I’ll visit your fantasy house if you find time to visit my pretend mystical monk community.”

"Deal." Ariella smiled at Callum widely before turning back to the night sky. She leaned against him resting her head on his shoulder.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Morning
Location: Papa Edin’s big important tea party!
Interactions: Group of NPC's

Callum’s eyes followed Victoria as she left, a grin of pride almost overtook his face until the Dutchess nearly ran over Countess Liliane. “Are you alright? Nice save. I would love a sandwich.” He said as he watched for one more second, Dutchess Edwards, all out of sorts, stomping around like a disgruntled toddler. He grabbed his shoes, that the Dutchess had kicked, and sat in what had been the Dutchess’s seat.

“I was just having some fun. I didn’t know she was having such a bad day. You wouldn’t all think I’m a gossip if I just shared a bit of tea with you?” He asked, since Edwards had left the table, might as well try and win her friends over to his side. He didn’t pause long enough for them to answer that question, but sat politely and did his best to look like a heartbroken prince as he grabbed a sandwhich.

“Well, I’m sure you’ve read in the papers that Lady Ariella and I have become acquainted. Nothing crass of course, the lady is the pinnacle of virtue and I respect that, but for the first time in a long while I have found someone who helps me see the beauty in our great nation. But Dutchess Edwards has banned her daughter from taking me on nature walks, and I worry that once again, I’ll be able to see, is darkness.” Callum kept looking at Melanie, who had flashed him that look of warning, and Antionette. He figured he’d gain the most sympathy from them. He put on the puppy dog face as he weaved truth and lie together.

“And I guess I just wanted to show her, I don’t back from what matters to me. I am sorry if I’ve spoiled your fine afternoon.” He made a show of forcing himself to smile and took a bit of his sandwich. Then he looked at Count Landon, who he really doubted his act had any effect on. This was a man who wanted to talk business, and who needed a reason to care about feeding the citizens of Sorian.

“Now the charity event is really going to be something special. A silent auction with treasures beyond your wildest dreams. Courtesy of the most successful trading company in town. We, my associates and I, have also discussed auctioning off dates with some of our most eligible bachelors. I’m sure you’ve all noticed many of the young men here are in danger of developing rakish reputations. But most importantly we will be working on making sure the citizens here, will all be able to enjoy a good meal. Of course the added bonus for you, Count Monet, a dazzling evening of fun for both you and your wife. The same for all the lovely ladies here and their dashing husbands.” The smiling made his jaw hurt but even if he could reel in one person at this table, he’d have a pretty big fish with deep pockets.

Shit. Was Victoria talking to Edin? He didn’t have time for the old man’s nonsense right now. He needed to make his pitch quick and head out. “How’s that sound? A spectacular night and a good deed all rolled into one.” He took another bite of the cold sandwich. What was she even saying to Edin? That I walked over and said hello then took off my shoes? Like I can’t take my shoes off in the garden. That’s not a law. Probably. Well, Edin could just look right over here and see me getting along with all of Caesonia’s fancy pants wearers and having a nice conversation. Double shit. Who was he kidding? Edin would look over here and see his demon spawn bothering people enough that Victoria had to go around running her big mouth and bother the king.

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Southwest of Roshmi City
Interactions: Rue@Potter, Bardulf@Lava Alckon, Bridgette@Tae, Mister Luum@FunnyGuy, and Zeva@Pink Khione
Equipment:Sword, hunting knife, a backpack with supplies, and a stoat named Raze who naps in the pocket of his vest.

---

From atop the winter fae’s head, the bristled stoat let out a mighty hiss. Scampering, tiny stoat claws frantically gripped onto the fairy’s scalp as Bowyn tilted his head to the side, and the lanky creature scurried down his neck and onto his shoulder. Another hiss paired with the baring of tiny fangs.

“Stolen.” Raze believed in finders keepers and he'd found the ama fair and square. His trinket was stolen from his own teeth. The stoat was deeply offended, the elf had not bested him in sneakery nor had she sniffed out the treasure. Merely plucked it from his grasp and took it.

“You got food, didn’t you?” Bowyn pointed out, as he began walking, close to Rue’s side, toward the cafe and its promise of cheap honey toast. He readjusted the hood of his cloak, despite how hot it was in Roshmi, with the hope that it was enough to keep him hidden. The hulking warforged that scanned and passed them went unnoticed by Bowyn.

The stoat stared with longing at Zeva’s bag. The food was gone now, it didn’t matter, only the ama that had been unfairly torn from his grasp, mattered. “Had it in my teeth.”

“Steal it back later. Double steal, twice as impressive.” Tiny ears perked up as the stoat found delight in the plan.

Bowyn figured he could just give Zeva an ama later if Raze actually remembered to steal it back. But he couldn’t just give Raze an ama, it wasn’t special if the little guy didn’t swipe it himself. It was more likely that the stoat would forget as soon as something else caught the attention of his beady little eyes.

“Disguise rings are pricy.” He pointed out to Rue. “You think it’s necessary?” He asked but that wasn’t his main concern. He dropped his voice to whisper before continuing. “If we split up the way Luum wants, I think we should try and keep an eye on them. I don’t trust Bardulf alone with just the elves.”

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Morning
Location: Papa Edin’s big important tea party!
Interactions: Mina @Tae, Alexander @FunnyGuy and Dutchess Edwards

---

“You want to help me?” He asked Mina, sounding more surprised by her offer than was probably polite. “Yes, wonderful. I’ll take all the help I can get.” Callum wasn’t expecting this much help, but here was Alexander, offering the support of Black Rose with an auction, and Mina, offering to help talk to people and throwing out more ideas.

“A date auction...” Callum repeated the idea. “How about we change things up a bit, put all the control in the ladies' hands, and make it a bachelor auction?” He suggested, he was banking on Edin hating that almost as much as he hated suggesting it. Because he was going to have to participate, it was his idea, it would look bad if he didn’t participate. “And we’ll have our first backers as the hosts.” He added agreeing with Alexander. They were both charming and seemed the perfect choice for the task.

“I'll leave you to think on it, we can rally a few more and hash out the details. But I’ve taken up enough of your time for now, enjoy the afternoon.” Once he had excused himself from Mina and Alexander, he turned his attention to the set of eyes that had been glaring a hole into him. He needed to duck out of here soon, but surely he had time for one last stunt. He glanced towards where Wulfric had been sitting and saw that he was now on his way to pick up his weapons. Even better, Wulfric was on his way out.

Callum approached Dutchess Victoria’s table with a wide smile. “A collection of Caesonia’s finest, all at one table. Duchess Petit, Count and Countess Monet, may your day be as lovely as you all are.” Or as rotten He addressed everyone at the table before Dutchess Edwards, intentionally. “I’m now in charge of a charity event, and I’m looking for support from our most generous nobles. Zivitas smiles upon those who smile upon others.” He kept smiling, saying all the things he assumed he was supposed to say. He paused, pretending to just now notice Victoria Edwards among the group with a look of surprise.

“And Dutchess Edwards, I almost didn’t see you there.” He took a couple of steps closer. “The same to you, of course.” He bowed before continuing to crouch down and begin to untie his shoes.

“What a lovely day, and I can’t think of a better way to spend it,” he paused, finished messing with his shoes, stood back up, and slipped his feet out of them. “Than feeling the earth beneath my feet.” He knew he shouldn’t, but this act of chaos wasn’t for him. He took off his socks and stuffed them into his shoes before nudging the shoes close to Dutchess Edwards. “Would you mind watching these for a bit?” He asked, as innocently as he could, as if there was nothing weird about being barefoot at the tea party.

“Can I fetch anyone some cake or more tea? You really must sample what Mr. Turner brought, his cakes are truly the best in the city.” He offered. And it was a shame that Ari wasn’t here, because this was entirely for her. He was sure she’d hear about it though, gossip travels fast in Sorian after all.

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Forest; Near Gaurav Village
Interactions: Viola@13org, Phia@princess, Darius@FunnyGuy, Dante@Alivefalling, Menzai@samreaper
Equipment: A pack with some supplies, seeds (in his pockets), a small knife, a mask that hangs from his belt, a weapon with a shifting charm that is either a sickle or a glaive, and a shield/drum with an unbreakable charm.

---

Cyrus nodded once to Viola and clapped his hands together, delighted that they were all in agreement. They would walk with the two brothers back to the wolves' village and Phia and her lupin friend would meet up with them.

“The heavier a weight the more it is meant to be shared.” He placed himself beneath Dante’s arm opposite Darius and helped carry the mana-spent man through the forest. He noted the cautious look Viola wore around the two not-elves and he briefly questioned whether his nature was too trusting. Both brothers were an enigma, one he wanted to understand, and whatever Viola saw that caused suspicion remained squarely in his blind spot. He decided it all worked out perfectly; his trust would help the others trust them and Viola’s guarded nature would ensure that she was there to notice if anything was amiss.

Cyrus paused for a moment as he considered Darius’s question, there was much he couldn’t say yet. “We are from the River Fairy Kingdom, for a time life pulled us in different directions. What remains of our family scattered to the wind, until the fates saw fit to reunite us. Now, together, we ask the fates to bring us all back together. Those that still wander Avalia at least. Perhaps we are greedy, to ask for more, but family is deeply important. You understand that.” He spoke to the man who would’ve carried his brother alone without asking for help, knowing that Darius understood the sentiment. He paused, allowing Viola time to respond to the question as well, though he doubted she wished to provide a recap of imprisonment.

“I would ask you the same question, but I think it might be one you’d rather not answer. So instead I’ll ask, how long you’ve been with these wolfmen? They seem very cautious of strangers, and yet both of you and Phia seem very welcomed by them. Have we accidentally offended them or is this more a matter of time?” He asked of Darius, and Dante as well if the other man was up to questions.

Speaking of Phia, she soon caught up to them. “We are well, Phia, how about you? And your friend, the wolf who lost an arm, he is alright? That is not a simple wound to heal.” He spoke with admiration at how skilled Phia had become.

Recollections: Who Is Eleanor Black [CANCELLED]

---

Thumbing it to Quintin

“...And it’s a simple trick, the assistant goes into a box, abracadabra, some more nonsense words, spin the box ‘round, open it up, and poof, no more assistant. But this rehearsal I go to open that damn box, and out pops a clown with a hatchet. Every bit of air leaves my lungs with a scream that even made me think I was a six-year-old girl. Took a long while ‘for they quit callin’ me Wynona. Never start a prank war with a clown. Always a bad idea.”

It was a time-honored tradition; drivers offering rides, and hitchhikers providing conversation and entertainment to keep long stretches of highway from growing dull and lonely. Wyatt held up his end of the bargain even as the stories he was willing to share began to dwindle. He was careful not to mention Eleanor, it only made him sound crazy, and crazy hitchhikers got left on the side of the road. Too much swampland inhabited by gators and mosquitos around here for that. So he kept the conversation light.

He’d had gotten picked up, thumbing his way through Austin, by an older fella with a damn near immaculate old Cadillac. Unscathed black paint, an engine that purred something beautiful, and not a trace of dust on the interior; it was clear this car was loved. The only flaw, and it stood out even more against the caddy’s perfection, was the busted AC. Earl, the driver, seemed unbothered by the car’s singular flaw, the older man hadn't broken a sweat despite the unrelenting heat of the south. Earl was headed to New Orleans and Quintin, more or less, lay along the way.

Wyatt, on the other hand, found his shirt clinging to his skin and the crisp leather seat with sweat acting as the adhesive. That hot swamp air that blew in through the rolled-down windows offered little relief. It felt more like the bayou was belching on them than anything close to refreshing. He didn’t complain about it, a free ride was a free ride, and everything else was close enough to perfect. Earl was good company, an easy-going Southerner who loved three things; his car, trading stories, and the blues.

The conversation grew to a natural lull as the sounds of old-timey bluesmen flowed seamlessly into the humid air. One man howled out deep pain in a way that rattled bones. Another sang of heartache that spread out like a fog as that lonely feeling of the void a person can leave seeped out with every chord. The next song featured a harmonica that shrieked in agony, its cry cutting through the thick swamp air. As long as the stereo was singing, the oppressive heat and ominous views of swamplands just felt the right atmosphere for it all.

A sign in the distance read ‘Welcome to Quintin’.

Earl let out a disapproving grunt at the sign.

“Death don't have no mercy in this land,” a voice sang through the speakers. And then it just kept repeating that line, like the CD was skipping in a way that was just downright creepy. Earl frowned, turned the stereo off and on again and it played on.

“You sure you wanna be here? This place doesn’t sit right.” Earl spoke up.

“Nowhere else I need to be.” Wyatt shrugged, he’d gotten this far, and endless stretches of swamp and a worn old CD weren’t going to scare him off.

“Plenty of other places to be. Why this one?” It would’ve been a fair point if Wyatt was just out looking for another fresh start.

“Looking for answers and this place might have ‘em. Lost track of friend from down here.”

“Must’ve been some friend,” Earl commented but he didn’t say anything further about Quintin.

The car pulled to a stop, Wyatt tanked the driver, grabbed his duffle bag, and walked towards the Webb family coffee shop. He noticed that Earl didn’t keep driving through the town, but instead threw a quick U-turn and drove right back out of town. Quintin, it seemed, had spooked the man enough that even a short drive through a small town was out of the question. Strange, but so was everything that led to coming down to Quintin, so he shrugged that off too.

There was an unusual amount of crows lingering in front of the small coffee shop. Wyatt thought about the old rhyme, ‘one crow sorrow, two crows joy,’ and wondered what a few dozen of the birds brought as he passed them. He spotted the large group already seated within the otherwise uncrowded coffee house from the large windows. Was he late? A pair who looked out of place in a small swamp town, about as out of place as him, were on their way out as he was walking in. Definitely late, but Quintin wasn’t an easy place to get to. He headed over to the crowded table.

“This the ‘I lost my Eleanor Black’ meet-up?” He asked, knowing damn well it was and took a moment to look around the group. “Huh, would ya look at that, someone’s already got clues, impressive.” He looked at the marked-up map in front of a blonde and nodded. Spending all day in a car didn’t leave him wanting to sit down again, but everyone else was so he pulled a free chair closer to the table. The chair legs screeched across the floor for a moment and he tossed his bag next to it and sat down.

“It’s like a free sauna out there and in here.” He tugged at the front of his shirt as if any amount of airflow would help. “Anyway, I’m Wyatt, met an Eleanor Black working the circus, and like a magic trick gone wrong she disappeared without a trace.” He offered up the short version unprompted before quieting down.