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From the moment Lady Morrigan swept into the guesthouse, the Alidasht servant found themselves captivated by her presence. The allure of her movements commanded their unwavering attention. Their eyes traced the contours of her body, acutely aware of how her garments artfully accentuated her every asset, as she approached servants who had been present for the Alidasht dinner party. While most didn’t seem to mind talking to her, some eager to engage in gossip, a select few Danrose servants avoided eye contact.

Lady Morrigan bloomed with delight when she spotted a dinner guest. She trotted over to Lord Smithwood and brushed his arm with her fingertips, drawing his attention to her. He, though momentarily taken aback by the Lady’s sudden appearance, soon composed himself into a polite smile.

As members of the aristocracy in the Northern Kingdoms, they exchanged customary pleasantries. Foreign protocols guided the ensuing conversation. Distance between the two nobles and the Alidasht servant muffled their voices, but the occasional melodious laughter that spilled from the Lady traveled through the air easily enough.

However, as the conversation progressed, a subtle shift tugged at the corners of Lady Morrigan’s face, transforming her once-joyful expression into one of grave concern. Suddenly, her hands flew over her mouth, aghast at the Lord’s words. Based on how focused she was on the Lord’s feet, the source of her distress had to do with his shoes. How this, in turn, warranted her profuse apologies, remained an enigma in its own right. Footwear must be serious business in the North.

For the first time since they started talking, a hush fell between them. Lady Morrigan’s eyes fell, her cheeks tinged pink. The servant thought they detected a shimmer of moisture in her eyes. After a solemn reflection, she summoned the strength to lift her gaze and revealed her thoughts, which caught Lord Smithwood off guard once again.

Initially, Lord Smithwood appeared reluctant about what she said. In the end, when the Lady’s face clouded at his response, he relented, either accepting her request or promising to consider it. Whichever the case, her face brightened upon hearing his answer. She clasped his hands and shook them.

With a decision reached, the nobles bid each other farewell. Lady Morrigan, accompanied by her loyal knight, who clung to her like a shadow, drew close enough for the servant to eavesdrop on the latter half of their conversation.

“Are you sure that was wise?” he asked.

“Well, darling, we shall see how much the cub takes after his dear old daddy, won’t we?” she replied with a hint of amusement.

“Besides, as long as she’s breathing when all’s said and done, he can go on ahead and do as he pleases—chop her into pieces, sizzle her over a grill, earn extra coin as her procurer for the rest of the season. Gods knows, it’s none of my concern.”

She spoke her next words with chilling clarity, the cold steel of an executioner’s ax. “Dead men do not suffer… and she still has much to atone for.”
In Avalia 2 yrs ago Forum: Casual Roleplay



Time: MORNING
Location: EXT./INT. MAMA MALACHI'S SUMMERHOUSE - RIVER PORT
Interactions/Mentions: The guy cosplaying as an elf @princess; the lady in a purple dress @Tae; the golden lion furry @Helo; the other guy who’s also cosplaying as an elf @GingerBobOh
Equipment:







Eyes, being the window to the soul and all, were a constant challenge for Jun. His weak soul made every gaze feel like staring into the scorching sun. Anger, disappointment, or shame transformed the sunrays into sharp chisels, chipping away at his spirit.

Encountering those kinds of gazes wasn't new. Malachi never missed a chance to shoot him a look filled with some flavor of anger or disappointment. Now, the purple-dressed stranger mirrored that all-too-familiar glint.

She hid it well under that smile, but that's what most socially competent people did, wasn't it? Tolerate people like Jun.

They all tolerated him because they needed a human for the story campaign. LARPing was supposed to be escapism. Why would anyone want to be a vanilla human, when that only reminded players of reality? And here was this damn idiot ruining their fun. Why can't he just play along? Inconsiderate ass. What a waste of space, a waste of time. Useless, even in a world of make-believe. Pathetic.

The surrounding conversation buried the whispered, "... I'm sorry."

A cancerous ball, the size of a marble, lodged somewhere between his heart and throat, began to spread. His breathing picked up speed as his body made a head start to that dark place where his mind always went.

"I'm sorry." He should've listed what he was apologizing for, but he could barely squeeze out two simple words before he rushed back into the house. He didn't even dare look at Zion or Enstille, too afraid to see what he might find reflected in their eyes.

When he reached the dining table, Jun was wheezing like he completed a marathon as an asthmatic. He slumped into the chair at the farthest end, clutching his backpack against his chest as negative thoughts continued their invasion.

Such a drama queen. It's not that big of a deal. Come on dude, man up. What kind of adult couldn't handle a little eye contact? There are people out there who dealt with a lot worse than you ever have or ever will. Get over it. Why does it always end up being about you? Snowflake. Stop wallowing in your own self-pity. People don’t have time for your fragile ego and your constant need for reassurance. You're such a disappointment. So worthless. You know they don't actually need you, specifically, right? You're replaceable. Nobody will miss you when you're gone. Not here, not back home. They probably haven't noticed you've been missing the entire week—...

A violent clatter jerked Jun out of the quicksand. The wind hammered against the window, demanding entry. He held his breath. When nothing else happened, he exhaled sharply, releasing the pent-up tension, and inhaled deeply, surrendering to his body's need for oxygen. The sensation of his lungs expanding and contracting grounded him.

As his breathing settled into a steady rhythm, Jun's attention drifted from the window and landed on a bunny-shaped stain on the table. He chose the cute blotch as his point of focus.

Inhale. Exhale. Repeat. With each breath, the window-rattling and invasive voices quieted down, until both faded into silence.

Lost in his task, Jun remained oblivious to the fact that the wind knocked only the window nearest to him—while all others stood silent.



◆◆◆◆◆ "△△△" ◆◆◆◆◆◆
Time:Evening
Location: Sorian Park
Interaction(s): Lukas Larsen/Sir Mathias Larsen/Lady Zarai Lesdeman @Rodiak; Dr. John James Williamson @Conscripts

A deep rumbling emanated from the dragon’s throat, building in intensity until it erupted into a malicious laugh. “Fool! You dare order me, a mighty dragon? Our kind will never submit to a puny human.” His massive maw revealed rows of razor-sharp teeth that glistened in what little light the night provided. “Your words shan’t stop me from executing my diabolical plans!”

“After I rid myself of the bothersome Grand Healer and your father,” △△△ gave both Dr. Williamson and Mathias a wink as he unveiled his nefarious scheme, “I shall snatch your beloved prince and princess away. Condemn them to a life full of daily vegetables, with extra servings of onions and broccoli, and boring studies!” The horror of a nutritionally balanced diet and proper education drained the color from the knight’s face. “And you’ll be utterly powerless to intervene!”

“Long have I slumbered, biding my time, gathering my strength, and now the hour of reckoning has arrived!” With a majestic sweep of his massive wings, the dragon loomed over the knight, casting a foreboding shadow that enveloped him. “So revel in the spectacle, humans, as I lay waste to your kingdom. Bear witness to the chaos I bring, and tremble in the face of true power!”

The air was punctuated by the dragon’s laughter—an unhinged, maniacal cacophony that heralded suffering and brought promises of ruin.

But as his eyes fell upon the knight’s sword, his mirth came to an abrupt halt. “That sword… It cannot be! That sword was shattered and scattered to oblivion! How is it here!?” Disbelief widened the dragon’s eyes. “Unless… you’re the fabled hero of prophecy.”

“... No,” the dragon’s initial shock gave way to a renewed resolve. “You may wield the sword, but you will never defeat me! Prepare to meet your end, human!” On cue, Lukas lunged forward, his wooden sword aimed at △△△.

As the warm breeze tousled their hair and peals of laughter mingled with the night air, the pair danced around the picnic blanket that doubled as a battlefield. Lukas swung his sword valiantly at the scales of the dragon, doing his best to dart away from the deadly tickles which rendered him a squealing mess. △△△, in turn, roared with mock fury, swiping his claws inches from the knight’s armor or countering incoming attacks. Their make-believe skirmish was both playful and earnest.

In the heat of the battle, the knight’s muscles strained as he delivered a powerful and decisive blow. The legendary blade struck the dragon’s midsection, its razor-sharp edge cutting through scales and sinew, causing the monstrous creature to stagger back from the force of the impact. △△△ exaggeratedly clutched his injured side, grimacing. He slowly withdrew his claws from the gaping wound and stared down at the lifeblood coating it. “Impossible,” he uttered. The triumphant boy stood tall, his chest puffed out with pride.

Gagging for dear life, △△△ collapsed dramatically into the nearest mound of plush pillows. There, amidst the feathery comfort, the mighty dragon lay motionless; its reign of terror ended… at least for now.

Behind lidded eyes, △△△ waited for the jubilant cheers of victory to subside and the little knight’s excited voice to recede into the distance before cracking one eye open. “Is he gone?” he asked Luz sitting next to him.

He opened both eyes to look up at her. A constellation of nerine flowers, the very ones he gifted her, adorned her flowing locks. A tender warmth spread across his chest at the sight of them. “You’re still wearing these? I thought the Princes’ Court ended.” His fingertips gravitated toward the petals, “I’m glad you like them so much,” then something beneath her expression arrested his hand in its pursuit. “Please tell me the reason why you’re looking so bummed out is because all the royal children want to marry you and you can’t decide which ones you’ll have to turn down?”
◆◆◆◆ "△△△" ◆◆◆◆◆◆
Time:Evening
Location: Sorian Park
Interaction(s): Major General Lyra Carris @Blizz; Dr. John James Williamson @Conscripts; Lord Roman Ravenwood @ReusableSword; Lady Violet Damien @Tpartywithzombi; Sir Mathias Larsen/Lukas Larsen/Ms. Mary @Rodiak

A peculiar sensation tugged at the very essence of △△△’s being as his gaze collided with the woman with striking crimson eyes. At first, she paid him little mind, her attention consumed by Lady Damien, relegating △△△ to the periphery of her awareness. He would have remained an inconsequential figure had her focus not momentarily shifted.

Indifference dissolved into a dawning realization. Recognition danced with emotions he struggled to decipher in the depths of those red eyes. Though, it could have been a figment of his imagination. After all, he could not recall ever encountering this woman before. No matter how deep his mind groped for memories, he found no traces of her. Yet, there was an undeniable familiarity in the way she regarded him.

When △△△ failed to mirror her expression, the woman’s eyes burrowed deeper into him, searching, questioning.

On any other day, he would have offered a proper introduction to dispel any uncertainties. Unfortunately, since this was the one thing △△△ could not do without someone’s aid, he had no choice but to substitute the introduction with a friendly smile and a graceful bow.

"Oh yeah, now that we're both here, Lord Ravenwood. Is it alright if I can see you later tonight? There's something I want to discuss with you."

Dr. Williamson’s words drew △△△’s attention. The good doctor appeared markedly less inclined to conceal his suspicions of △△△, a departure from the guarded countenance he had worn during their last conversation at the Vikena Estate. Given the circumstances, △△△ understood his apprehension.

“What a coincidence! I too have something I wish to discuss with you, Lord Ravenwood. Could you spare me a moment of your time later as well? But for now…” He faced both Lord Ravenwood and Lady Damien. “Enjoy your time together.” △△△’s voice dropped a few octaves as he placed his hand over his heart. “Truly.”

Leaving the two nobles, the count trailed behind Dr. Williamson, ever mindful of his steps or breaching the bounds of the doctor’s line of sight. △△△ positioned himself in the man's shadow, then waved at the onlookers who noticed him. A finger pressed against his lips, silently asking them not to alert Dr. Williamson of his presence.

While the adults graciously complied, young Lukas bubbled with irrepressible giddiness. His smile spanned from one ear to the other, glee sparkled in his eyes. The boy’s restless form betrayed his eagerness to pounce △△△ as soon as the opportunity presented itself.
Ríoghnach "Riona"
Time: 6PM
Location: Guest House Dining Room
Interaction(s): Mayet @13org; Leo @Helo; Charlotte & Raif @princess

Tension-laden seconds inched forward with an excruciating sluggishness. Riona found herself trapped in an anxious limbo, waiting for the pivotal juncture when the Shehzadi would expose her as Reohg Knock. To her great relief, those seconds glided past without incident, releasing her from the grip of anxiety that held her captive.

"You are... different from these people, aren't you? Not only the other servants, but the Caesonian nobles as well."

Was she? Riona’s gaze swept across the room, taking in each servant and Caesonian nobility until her eyes finally came to rest on Prince Auguste. The answer came to her effortlessly. “Hardly.” She murmured, “Sometimes I wish I was… then things might have played out differently.” She was as guilty as they were, and she knew her excuses of powerlessness and inopportune timing only went so far.

"Don't hesitate in approaching me in case you need something or want to tell me something."

When Shehzadi Mayet broached the idea of accompanying her back to Alidasht, Riona brushed it off as a passing fancy. It sounded like the sort of proposition people tossed around without thinking, much like the one Shahzade Munir made about sending his personal clothier to her. Such fleeting remarks were sparked by the thrill of finding something shiny new, only to be dropped and forgotten once the novelty lost its luster. For some reason, this time, Riona was still shiny enough for this Shehzadi to be willing to meet the maid outside of work.

"...in case you need something..." SNAP!

“Young miss,” the Sultan said, “Please make sure Lord Smithwood gets something to drink and feel free to help yourself to some as well.”

The maid dipped her head and pivoted on her heel. “Your tutelage,” she breathed, her voice a whisper that brushed against the air surrounding Shehzadi Mayet.

The cup placed in front of the Varian Lordling barely held enough beverage to moisten a parched throat. Nevertheless, Riona had given the man a drink as the Sultan requested. “Should you desire more,” she stared down at him with her dark eyes, “all you need to do is ask, milord.” She only broke eye contact because the jolt from his neighbor forced her to redirect her attention.

Lady Charlotte sprang upright from her seat, on the verge of tears and ready to run out the doors. Lost in her distress, she didn’t realize that Riona could hear her say, "...I'm uncertain if I can endure this... Should I excuse myself momentarily or would that make it worse?"

Visions of the ebony-haired child crying in a dim room, far away from the adults, flashed across her mind. His body convulsed uncontrollably while he swallowed his sobs, desperate to remain unheard. Ríoghnach’s tiny hands rubbed his trembling back as she told him what her parents told her. “It’s okay to run to fight another day.” Riona didn’t realize she spoke aloud as she knelt down to press a handkerchief into Lady Charlotte’s hands. “A tactical retreat holds merit, My Lady.”

She performed a slight bow and stepped back just in time to catch a glimpse of Shehzadi Layla’s facial expression. Riona frowned in thought, her fingers rubbing the brooch adorning her neck. She then resumed her retreat to the sequestered corner, where the rest of the servants huddled together.

After dumping an assortment of random ingredients available into a tinted bottle, Riona gave it a good shake. For extra measure, she labeled it so that it wouldn’t get mixed up with any other bottle. Satisfied with her clandestine creation, the maid faced her fellow servants. “If Lord Smithwood doesn’t say ‘please’ when he orders refreshments, serve him this, will you?” The servants gave her puzzled looks. “It’s code.” Riona said, which elicited a chorus of whispered ahhs and nods of understanding.

“If he complains, just say it was me. I sometimes forget what the secret word and drink of the day are.”
In Avalia 2 yrs ago Forum: Casual Roleplay



Time: MORNING
Location: INT./EXT. MAMA MALACHI'S SUMMERHOUSE - RIVER PORT
Interactions/Mentions: The other guy who’s also cosplaying as an elf @GingerBobOh; The guy cosplaying as an elf @princess; The lady in a purple dress @Tae
Equipment:





As Jun sat there on the floor, blinking, his brain struggled to make sense of what had just happened. But before he could fully process it, Jun vaulted up to his feet with a beaming smile. "Holy cow, Enstille!" He exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement and wonder. "How'd you do that?"

Without waiting for an answer, he grasped the magician's slender hands and flipped them over and over. Finding nothing that could've activated the magic trick, Jun nudged Enstille a few steps to the side. He tapped the floorboards with his feet, wondering if one of them was secretly a floor switch.

He raised his gaze, and his eyes darted about the space, scanning for the stage light that blinded him. But he abandoned the search in favor of finding the hidden mechanism that had encased him in a sphere. He couldn't find it, obviously. Every gimmick and gadget required for the illusion was seamlessly integrated into the environment. The sheer ingenuity of the design of it all blew Jun away.

Jun was inspecting the floors up close when a sudden sense of impending doom ran down his spine, sending shivers throughout his entire body.

It wasn't until he heard a spray bottle being refilled with fresh ammunition that he understood the source of his unease. Shoot! Jun scrambled for the entrance, never daring to look back. The doorknob rattled as he tried (and failed) to open the very locked door. C'mon, c'mon, c'mon!

"Where do you think you're going?" Malachi's voice, sharp and cold, felt like a knife pressed against Jun's back. His heart stopped beating, and a bead of sweat trickled down his forehead. The other man's footsteps jolted Jun into action. He frantically jiggled the door handle, pulling and pushing with all his might. By the time the one brain cell reminded the rest of the brain that doors don't open if they're locked, it was already too late.

As the door swung open, the first shot found its mark, striking the back of Jun's head. Ice-cold water soaked his hair and ran down his neck. He yelped in surprise and stumbled out of the house, barely registering the woman in the flowing purple dress standing in his path in time. Without thinking, Jun twisted his body to dodge her. While that achieved the desired result, he collided with the basket she held instead, sending its contents flying in all directions.

Despite his best efforts to regain balance, Jun's legs became tangled, causing him to crash to the ground under the force of gravity. The merciless onslaught of water spraying followed soon after.


Ríoghnach "Riona"
Time: 6PM
Location: Guest House Dining Room
Interaction(s): Mayet & Nala @13org; Auguste @Inertia; Munir @Infinite Cosmos; Lorenzo @FunnyGuy; Charlotte, Hafiz, & Raif @princess; Layla @Potter; Nahir @Rodiak; Farim@Lava Alckon; Ariella @Tpartywithzombi

Riona blended into the dining room walls, her back straight, her face a mask of practiced neutrality. Beneath the surface, however, her nerves were on edge. Every time Shehzadi Mayet or Prince Auguste directed any amount of attention to her, her heart hammered against her chest like a wild animal trying to escape its cage. When she thought there wouldn’t be more reason to be anxious, Shahzade Munir swaggered into the room. She could have sworn her heart jumped out of her mouth.

Thankfully, Riona’s intuition proved correct; the Shahzade appeared to have forgotten all about the maid after their brief encounter on the dance floor. He breezed past her without a second glance, claiming a seat between the Sultan and the Prince. With a measured exhale, Riona allowed herself a quiet breath of relief.

Maybe, just maybe, she would make it through the evening unscathed. But her hope was short-lived. Duke Lorenzo “stole” Grand Vizier Hafiz’s seat at the head of the table. Riona braced herself for the inevitable trouble that would follow. At the very least, she took solace in the fact that any attempts to shift the blame onto the servants for this debacle would need some impressive mental gymnastics.

Riona watched the Duke and Grand Vizier exchange barbs and jibes at each other across the table with mixed fascination and frustration. Where had this version of the Duke been hiding all along, and what was he doing here bickering with Alidasht royalty instead of confronting the real enemies at his doorstep?

While the other dinner attendees did their best to calm the situation, Riona turned to a nearby servant and whispered a few words. The servant nodded and hurried off to gather the items she requested.

As the first course was being brought in, Riona discreetly slid drinks onto the table, positioning them within easy reach of the attendees’ drinking hands. It went against proper Northern Kingdom dining etiquette, but this wasn’t a Caesonian dinner or a typical Alidasht dinner either. It was why, after serving the Alidasht guests their drinks, she changed plans and provided the Caesonians different refreshments, hoping to ease some of the tension building up.

Lady Ariella’s polite smile was delicate as a lace doily, too thin to hide her discomfort. Riona’s heart went out to the poor woman. She looked like she could use a stiff drink to dull the razor-sharp edge of the awkwardness that permeated the room. Though Riona was no expert in the art of fancy cocktail making, she knew that mixing vodka with vermouth was a solid option. She presented the concoction to Lady Ariella with a reassuring smile before moving on.

She didn’t need to ask what Prince Auguste wanted. She knew his preferences like the back of her hand, having served the Danrose family for years. Riona poured him his usual brand of light wine he drank at least once during dinner. As soon as her fingers released the crystal goblet, the maid retreated with a quick, almost imperceptible bow. She knew better than to linger and risk any unnecessary contact or conversation.

Crimson liquid sloshed in the decanter, allowing the vintage Riona’s father claimed paired perfectly with Alidasht cuisine to breathe before filling Lady Charlotte’s cup. Although it wasn’t her responsibility, Riona didn’t want the Vikenas leaving this dinner with a bad impression of Alidasht, compelled to honor her grandmother’s cherished memory of the land. If Lady Charlotte couldn’t enjoy the company of its people, at least she could leave knowing its food was good.

Riona advanced towards Duke Lorenzo with the decanter. However, as she drew closer, her steps slowed and eventually stilled. She gave the older man a critical appraisal, then retraced her steps to retrieve a jug of water. The sound of water cascading into the cup hid words meant for the Duke’s ears alone, “Is there a reason you cannot be as bold as this with Edin or Calbert, Your Grace?” Setting the glass down, she continued in a hushed tone, “They would not trample over you as much if they knew you could bite,” before blending back into the background.

For the last guest, Riona poured the rest of the water into a bowl. She approached Shehzadi Mayet and dipped her head. With a fluid motion, the maid bent down and placed the bowl beside Nala, who was lying at the Shehzadi’s feet. She wasn’t sure of the tiger’s appetite or preference, but she also offered a piece of meat. Riona felt that the patient companion deserved a reward for putting up with all this human nonsense.

As she rose, Riona mentally patted herself on the back for taking care of all the dinner attendees with quick efficiency.

The Varian?

He had plenty of air to drink around him: he didn’t need her to serve him anything.
In Avalia 2 yrs ago Forum: Casual Roleplay



Time: MORNING
Location: INT. MAMA MALACHI'S SUMMERHOUSE - RIVER PORT
Interactions: N/A
Mentions: The guy cosplaying as an elf @princess; the golden lion furry@Helo
Equipment:







Jun gingerly tucked the letter into an envelope and slid it into his backpack, making sure it was nestled safely amongst his array of useless belongings: electronics that he kept turned off to save what little battery life they had left, a pair of headphones now reduced to mere earmuffs, a wallet containing cards and money that were about as useful as Monopoly money in Avalia, and a key that might as well have unlocked a door on the moon. Even the cursed plastic bag that had nearly suffocated Jun to death and caused him to fall down the stairs found its way into the backpack. He should throw the bag away. He really should, but he couldn't bring himself to do that.

He wasn't going to leave anything behind, not a single thing. They were a symbol of his old life, a reminder of who he really was, and he needed that reminder now more than ever. He had to keep himself anchored to reality, and that meant not getting lost in this fantasy like the LARPers who were fully immersed in the roleplay. Hopefully, these items would be enough to keep him grounded until he could find a way back home.

Jun twisted the doorknob and cracked the bedroom door open just enough to peek through the narrow gap. The hallway was empty. He breathed a small sigh of relief and eased the door open a little further.

The hinges let out a soft creak. Jun winced and froze, holding his breath as he listened intently for any signs of movement. After a few tense seconds, he exhaled slowly and continued to push the door open, one inch at a time.

He slipped out of the bedroom, closing the door as quietly as possible behind him. His heart raced as he tiptoed down the hallway, eyes darting back and forth. Every creak of the floorboards seemed to echo through the house. But Jun pressed on, determined to escape.

Just as the exit loomed into view, Malachi's morning call echoed through the halls. The water-spraying man was clearly in a foul mood, a sharp contrast to Zion's irrepressible energy that made the whole house tremble with excitement for breakfast. The giant furry's hollering overpowered Jun's hurried footsteps toward the door that stood between him and his freedom.
◆◆◆◆ "△△△" ◆◆◆◆◆

△△△ emerged from the confines of the psychiatric institution, his gaze fixed upon the copy of Duke Vikena’s medical notes cradled in his grasp. His eyes honed in on the diagnosis scrawled across the page: narcolepsy. The doctor’s notes indicated that the affliction had manifested within the duke in the past year, a consequence—they conjectured—of the profound trauma wrought by the loss of his beloved wife.

With trepidation, △△△ inquired if the medical staff recognized the list of herbs and, perhaps more importantly, if they had prescribed the opium found in the duke’s room. Unfortunately, his fears were confirmed as they shook their heads in response. The pharmacist explained that the list of herbs included a mixture of seasonings and a handful of medicinal herbs, the effects of which were known to induce an altered state of mind. As for the opium...well, the implication hung heavy in the air, left unsaid.

A heavy-hearted sigh escaped △△△ as he carefully tucked the notes into the depths of his coat pocket, feeling their weight against his chest before he set off down the bustling city street and to Sorian Park. The throng of people excited for the evening festivities quickly engulfed the raven-haired wayfarer. Bodies coalesced around him like a thick fog.




The Lost Traveler & The Guide from the Other Side

Once upon a time—or perhaps in a time yet to be—, there was a traveler lost in a dense fog. The traveler roamed aimlessly, disoriented and unsure of how long or far they had been wandering. They had been walking for what seemed like an eternity, with no clear direction or destination in mind. As they stumbled through the misty veil, they chanced upon a mysterious guide who appeared suddenly before them.

“Are you lost, traveler?” the guide asked. When the traveler replied with a desperate nod, the guide offered to take the traveler across the veil as long as they paid the price: one gold piece.

The traveler eagerly handed over the coin. “I want to go home,” they pleaded. “Take me back home.”

The guide’s lips curled into a smile, though whether it was one of sympathy or malice was uncertain. “Oh, I am sorry, poor traveler… you will need to pay more than that if you want to return home.”




Violet & △△△
Time: Evening
Location: Sorian Park
Interaction(s): Lady Violet Damien @Tpartywithzombi; Princess Sadie Camille @Potter; Prince Felix Camille @Mole; Lord Roman Ravenwood @ReusableSword; Dr. John Williamson @Conscripts; Sir Mathias Larsen/Lady Zarai Lesdeman @Rodiak

What was the price to bring you back, Violet?

The fog of people thinned as they parted around the two wanderers with pallid complexions and dark hair. △△△ leaned in, peering intently into her face. In the black mirrors of his eyes, a profound hollowness stared back, creating a loop of infinite nothingness that seemed to swallow all light and life around them.

To say that △△△ was utterly taken aback at the sight of the late Lady Violet Damien drifting about as though someone had not axed her in the head was an understatement. Initially, he thought she was a figment of his imagination, for her apparition seemed too otherworldly to be tangible. Yet as he continued to observe her ethereal form, the truth became undeniable. The ghost of Lady Damien was not a mere apparition, but a tangible presence, firmly rooted in the realm of the living.

Well, that throws whatever Peter’s plans were out the window. △△△ wondered if his companion was aware of Lady Damien’s unexpected resurrection.

“Are you lost, Lady Damien?”

Violet's eyes shifted to the speaking figure that at some point in time appeared in front of her. Her eyes appeared to be unable to focus on him, moving around the shape and color of what appeared to be a faceless man.

Her eyes darted like that of a blind person, glazed over and didn’t seem to focus on anything. One thing that the stranger would likely notice would be the large gash from the center of her forehead moving down her face as it traveled over the bridge of her nose and settling under her eye. It would likely be distracting and send a sense of fright to anyone who may see such a nasty looking wound, but Violet was unaware of it.

When Lady Damien did not respond, △△△ tried again, “You don’t look too well… are you all right? Do you need help going home?”

Her face remained blank as an untouched canvas, devoid of any discernible emotion. However, as her eyes drifted towards a certain direction, he thought he caught a flicker of light, a hint of life, in the once vacant countenance.

A burst of color again shot up into the sky, exploding the tiny sparkling stars that caught Violet's eye. Looking back up and over to display she felt a sense of draw being pulled over to it.

△△△ followed her line of sight and saw none other than Lord Ravenwood standing some distance away. “Or perhaps you’d like to join the picnic dinner? Princess Sadie invited every Varian who attended the ball, but I’m sure she wouldn’t mind other people joining.” The golden cuff buttons shone like coins as he offered his hand to guide his fellow wayfarer past the crowd.

Violet looked down at the gold flicker from the cuff of his button as she stood there for a moment. Her mind slightly confused as to what was expected. She could see his arm gesturing towards her as she reluctantly held up her own.

She rested her hand on his arm accepting his offer. Violet felt some sudden relief as her balance was steadied better then her cane. Falling slightly into him as her balance shifted, he would feel her weight pressing into him for support as their first few steps it would become apparent that she was struggling to walk. Her legs would still shake slightly, almost buckling at times as the once elegantly moving lady resembled that of a toddler just learning how their legs worked for the first time.

While it may not have been the most socially acceptable comparison to make, likening a lady to a toddler seemed to him to be the most fitting analogy. If it had not been obvious before, it was clear to him now: this was a new woman, taking her first tentative steps in a world that was both new and achingly familiar. △△△ watched her carefully, observing every move she made as she struggled to adjust to this unfamiliar existence.

A surge of protectiveness welled up within him, an urge to guide her through this strange and uncharted terrain. Though △△△ was aware that she would need much more than just his assistance to navigate this new life, he resolved to do what he could at the moment. At the very least, he could help her reach the picnic safely. With a gentle touch, he rearranged their positions, making sure that she had a secure grip on him and that he could catch her if she were to lose her balance.

Violet was largely unaware of her issues until she was walking alongside the stranger. Her slow pace and issues with her legs became frustrating and that frustration was very clear on her expression even though she had said nothing to him.

Trying to take one step at a time she tried to mask her struggle as much as possible. To the eye it may just appear that she was strolling with a gentleman enjoying the festivities.

What should have been a relatively short distance from their current position to the picnic site stretched out into a trek as they ambled along at a leisurely pace. Every step was slow and measured, with △△△ offering words of praise and encouragement to her. Whenever she seemed tired from the exertion, they paused for a break, soaking in the surrounding festivities while he made idle commentaries on this or that. Although he was not entirely certain if Lady Damien comprehended any of it, she would have to become accustomed to people conversing with her.

“You’re doing excellent, Lady Damien. At this rate, you’ll be speed walking in no time.” He did not expect to receive a response, so continued his one-sided conversation. “Are you enjoying the fireworks?”

“..Fireworks..” she repeated, her voice slightly hoarse and raspy sounding. “The explosion of stars?” she questioned as she looked up to the sky to see it void of any at that particular moment. “ As much as I am able I suppose “ Violet continued to put one foot in front of the other as the strolled to their destination. Her mind seem to start playing catch up “ I was lost..” she said responding too his question “ I think I am still …” she wasn’t sure what those words meant but they slowly seemed to just slip out. “ You know my name Sir, but I am afraid I am unfamiliar with yours.”

△△△ smiled, pleased to hear Lady Damien’s voice. He was ready to introduce himself like he had done many times before, only to come up short. A haze obscured his name from himself, and his throat constricted as if something was ready to choke him out if he dared to utter a name he could not even recall. This time, △△△ was the one who needed to take a break.

Violet stopped in her steps as the man appeared to be struggling himself. Her eyes looked in his direction, not fully making contact but she seemed to relax when he spoke.

After taking a few breaths, he turned to Lady Damien. “Apologies. I’ve been having trouble thinking today.” He cast a quick glance around them before leaning in to share a secret that he felt she would understand. “Truth is, I can’t recall my name or face right now. When I try to, it just comes up as a jumbled mess. I know it’s there somewhere. I just can’t retrieve it. So I mean no disrespect when I say that I cannot give you my name. Hopefully, someone will say it when we reach our destination.” His gaze fell upon the remaining distance they needed to cover, and he noted with satisfaction that they were getting very close. With a nod to Lady Damien, △△△ signaled that they should resume their walk.

Feeling him lean inward, his breath tickling her ear. It felt like a cool mist that got caught in the wind while the tide was pulling in. She felt the hairs on her skin rise slightly in reaction as she tried to listen to him carefully. She was a bit surprised at his response, but she trusted in the fact that he knew her name and that was enough for her to continue walking.

“Maybe you’re still lost in the fog.” △△△ said once they took a few more steps. “Are you also having trouble thinking?”

“ Was I lost there before?” she asked curiously. How could she still be lost somewhere when this is all she really knew. “ I …” she paused for a moment. She still didn’t understand herself what was going on , she had no prior memories only feelings. Still, she felt like she was on a wooden boat, sailing in the middle of blackened waters—the sky above her was black, void of any stars or signs of life. The water reflected the dark sky as the mist formed around the boat, floating above the black liquid as she continued to move forward. Or was she moving at all? She still didn’t really know. Her legs were moving but she felt stuck. “ It’s hard to explain, I - Today is…” she stumbled on her words “ I don't remember “ She finished.

△△△ gave her a reassuring squeeze to pull Lady Damien away from the murky beyond. “Don’t worry, you’re still here.” His voice was crisp, in an attempt to anchor her to the here and now. “As long as you keep going, you’ll find your way.” He urged her forward—a breeze pushing a boat along calm waters. “At your own pace.”

“What’s been done, cannot be undone. I don’t know if you had any choice in the matter or if you even wanted this, but… please, wake up, enjoy your second chance at life, for those who had to pay the toll for you, if not for your own sake.” He knew not if Lady Damien would ever comprehend the meaning behind his words or if they would fade from her memory, but he spoke them nonetheless, praying she would keep them close to her heart.

Violet stared down at her feet as they walked, his words sounded muffled and inaudible too her. The only thing she was really able to make out was “Please, wake up..” Everything else just seemed to be words strung together in an incoherent sounds. She felt a sudden stop as she looked up to the unusual stranger.

Once they reached the picnic area, △△△ brought Lady Damien to a halt and stood directly in front of her before lifting his palms. He rotated his wrists a few times, showcasing their emptiness. Suddenly, a glimmer caught the light and a gold coin materialized out of the ether. △△△ twirled the coin between his nimble fingers and, as he did, the number of coins multiplied—once, twice, thrice. Just as his hands threatened to overflow with gold, he flipped his hands over in a fluid motion and the precious metals vanished.

Raven-black tresses swayed against her as △△△ raised a hand and sought for something nestled behind Lady Damien’s ear. The sharp chime of a bell rang when he withdrew his hand, revealing a solitary coin. Taking her hand with great care, he pressed the gold piece into her open palm, its metallic surface catching the light of the fireworks above and shimmering with a muted glow.

She felt the cold metal place in her hand her eyes catching the glimmer as she raised her other hand to feel the edges of the coin. Her touch painting an outline in her mind of what the coin looked like.

“For luck,” △△△ smiled. “May this journey be kinder to you than the last, and, when you depart once more, may you leave with as little regret as possible.”

She closed her hand around the coin and held it tightly in her grasp as she looked up at the stranger. Her eyes were still void of anything, they were glazed over and bright red very different from her eyes prior to all of the events. No longer did they show any sign of the beautiful green they once held.

The reflection of the fireworks exploding off her eyes as they tried to focus on the blur of the man but still couldn’t. Looking back down at the coin in her hand Violet finally spoke after some time of silence. “ Mortem Theloneo..’ she said softly. She didn’t know what that ment or why she even said it but she could feel some kind of significance of the coin.

He chuckled weakly as his mind’s eye drifted to the scattered heap of corpses that lay strewn across the path of time. “If only coins were enough,” △△△ said, more to himself than to Lady Damien. “But if ‘every coin counts,’ I’m glad this helps.”

Looking up at the stranger again she nodded in appreciation “ Thank you.” She couldn’t find the ability to smile, it was as if her face was frozen in time. She couldn’t seem to manage it however she hoped her words were enough. “ It’s lovely.”

… Unlike the man before her who smiled with practiced ease, a countenance as familiar to him as breathing, for better and for worse. “You’re very welcome.” His eyes lingered on hers for a beat longer before spinning around to face those who assembled for the picnic.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! I apologize for the late arrival.” He accompanied Lady Damien for a few more strides until their path led them to the royal siblings. △△△ bent at the waist in deference to their hostess, Princess Sadie. “I offer my sincere gratitude for the invitation, Your Royal Highness. I am elated beyond measure to be present in this gathering.” With a graceful turn, he addressed the prince, “Prince Felix, it’s a pleasure to meet you here.”

He twisted his frame and directed a subtle gesture towards Lady Damien. “By chance, I crossed paths with Lady Damien en route, and found myself unable to resist extending an invitation for her to join me. I pray an additional guest is not an inconvenience to your hospitality.”

Violet stood beside him her appearance resembling that of a apparition. Her pale skin contrasting sharply with her black gown her hair hung limply around her face, framing her features.The red orbs that were her eyes stood out like they were rubies in the night sky. However they weren’t as promnate as the large partially healed wound on her forehead that traveled over the bridge of her nose, landing under her right eye would likely startle the group.

She placed her weight back onto her long black cane. Scanning the group of colors and blurs unable to distinguish one from the other. She could tell by the words of the stranger that there were at least both men and women in the group.

Violet simply smiled back but it seemed to hold no true emotion behind it. “Yes, if my presence this evening is too much I dont mind taking leave.” Violet said her voice still void of any tone, sounding as if she were reading from a book.

Her blood colored eyes moving over towards Roman. She couldn’t make out his face or who exactly the person she was looking towards was but something told her she knew him in some capacity. “I don't want to be a bother.” She stated simply.
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