Potter

Avalia

Belladonna

Time: Evening
Location: River Port
Interaction: @princess Malachi & @helo Valok

Belle sighed in relief once they made it to the port. Her side was burning, though she refused to show pain. Beside her, Avenger waddled and she occasionally had pet his head. She scowled when a large rottweiler came bounding up to her, heaving with excitement. Belle raised an eyebrow and then noticed the slip of paper on its head. Before she could take a look, Malachi had taken it. Belle rolled her eyes and sighed loudly, although he showed them what it said soon after. Her attention turned back to the Rottweiler and eyed its' droolwith a grimace. She ignored the dog and turned back to her companions. ”What a non-inconspicuous way to get the message out.” She gestured to the paper. Belle turned to the direction of the Healing Center and moved forward toward it, regardless if the others followed.

---

Lucia

Time: Evening
Location: Beach
Interaction: @Helo Leon, @AliveFalling Vaeril
Inventory at home: 2 Dresses, adventurer outfit, 8 mood bracelets gray coat, 2 spheres, 1 travel shelter, ruddy apple, round rindley old cheese, flask of cider, round of dark bread, 1 hoverboard, blanket, 1 cooking pot, flame starter kit, flask and water purifier, stream water, 1 hairbrush, pillow, and 1 of each cleansers, 2 wayfinders, honey comb
Inventory on her her: 2 mood bracelets, 1 backpack, 1 location sender, 1 darksight glasses, and eye protector; her bow and arrow, magic staff and its' holster

After the shopping extravaganza ended, Lucia had found Elleta and given her the heavier objects. The elf had given Lucy an inquisitive look but remained silent. Morgayne had come to assist as well and then off they went. Lucia had continued their new adventure with new friends, and eventually they found themselves at another bar for drinks. The strange elf, Orland and his demon companion, Nur proved to be interesting company. The idea that they had found another human was exciting to her. How many more were hiding?

Lucy had decided to sit on the beach and let themselves relax. For now, it was them, since Vaeril had stepped away. She had laid a blanket out for them to sit on and some snacks to eat. Her gaze was fixated on the ocean waves. Finally, she turned to Leon and kept her voice low. ”How are you? What’s on your mind?” She stretched her arms out and glanced at him. ”What happened at the cafe? I could tell you looked uncomfortable. Was it Vaeril?” She glanced around to make sure he hadn’t been in earshot or close to returning. ”I’m sorry if I am causing you any stress. I know you offered to buy drinks and I want to know that you’re comfortable and not acting. I’m not a great liar myself or that cunning, but I can compensate with my bubbly personality.”

A loud horn echoed and reverberated throughout the Port. Lucia rolled onto her feet, grabbing her bow and stringing an arrow simultaneously. She glanced around for the source of the noise and noticed it had come from the square. With a growl, Lucia stood up and lowered her bow. Narrowing her eyes, Lucia set her darksight glasses on and looked at Leon. ”Do you want to go check that out or stay away? I'm not sure who it came from and I don't want you in danger.” She glanced upwards at the sky then back down to him. Her body language didn’t leave much to the imagination in terms of her response. She kept a firm grip on her bow. Her mind went to the rebels but why would they be so loud? She gritted her teeth.

Avalia

Lucia

Time: Afternoon
Location: Gadgets and Conveniences
Interaction: @Helo Leon, @AliveFalling Vaeril, @dreamingflowers Nur, @Funnyguy Darius

Lucia smiled as Nur introduced herself and agreed to drinks. As she was looking at her, she couldn’t help but notice something seemed off. The irises of her eyes, her striking beauty… Where had she seen this before? That was when Nur locked arms with Leon and it clicked in. She was clearly not an elf, fairy nor a demihuman. This was a demon and Lucia had a hunch of what sort she was and she did not like it. However, she had to play nice. It wouldn’t do well to make enemies or come across a potential foe. Orland’s expression revealed enough as well, and she wanted to cheer him up. She went to speak, then his comment on Frodo’s caused her eyebrows to raise. He recognized Leon’s fake name? That meant he was also a human. She couldn’t believe her luck and managed a grin.

Then unexpectedly, he began playing his instrument and singing a loud, unfamiliar song. Lucia found the music pleasing and applauded him enthusiastically. ”Wow, Orland that was amazing! That’s going to be stuck in my head!” She exclaimed and immediately began to hum the song under her breath. She glanced at Vaeril with a cheek grin. ”Who knew we’d meet such an awesome elf like you, huh? Lucky us!” She led them out of the shop while keeping a peripheral vision on Leon in case of anything.

Her luck turned up once again when a dog came bounding up to Leon and split him away from the possible soul-sucking demon. She was glad she did not have to start something. Keep your friends close but your enemies closer, Lucy-Lou! Her mother used to tell her. She eyed the dog with a sad smile. Was it a stray?

The dog handed Leon a paper and she figured she’d ask why when they weren’t around so many strangers. She perked up and smiled at him at his question, ”Well of course! You’re handsome and delightful.” She smiled and linked arms with him and offered Orland to take the other if he chose. The poor lad had seemed sad when Nur had left his side. She gave him a comforting smile. ”Onward to the next big adventure, gentlemen and miss!” She beamed as if nothing were wrong and there hadn’t been a strange demon getting uncomfortably close to her human. Lucia was dimly aware of the girl grumbling and assumed she wasn’t a dog person. Dogs were great though, and if a dog didn’t trust her, then she didn’t either.

Avalia

Belladonna

Time: Afternoon, Day 2
Location: By a spring, closer to River Port
Interaction: @princess Malachi & @helo Valok

Belladonna considered Valok’s statement to give it a strong name as his words pulled her out of her head finally. She had flashbacking during most of their conversation. She was at a loss for a moment, before she finally stated, ”Okay. I’ll name it Avenger.” She had been a big Marvel fan and of Iron Man specifically, but she knew naming it Iron Man would raise a few eyebrows. Superheroes had always been idols for her. After having no strong parental figures in her childhood, she always yearned for a protector or to be strong enough like them. She had enjoyed sneaking into theatres to watch the movies. Even more enjoyable was the free food Gaia had provided for them.

Malachi’s voice made her look over her shoulder. Belle turned to face him and hadn’t realized she’d been expressing her pain visibly. ”Peachy,” she replied and looked at the owlbear. She tried to set it down but it whined. She sighed and gently moved it beside her. The owlbear clawed at her and raised its arms, but Belle ignored it and beckoned it to walk with her. The owlbear huffed and began to walk alongside her. ”I have some friends I made in Roshmi. I’m hoping to reunite with them. I can describe them to you when we get there I suppose.” Belle attempted a smile, though it never reached her eyes.
”Thank you.”

She glanced down at Avenger and watched him waddle. She managed to snicker and ruffled his head like Gaia had done to her. Avenger looked up at her and pecked her hand gently to show affection. You’re definitely not going to be used in war, little Avenger. You’re going to have a long, happy life from now on.

---

Belle’s Flashback

Belle sat in her classroom quietly drawing on a piece of paper. Her eyes were glued to it. If there had been a bomb, the girl wouldn’t have flinched. She bit her lip in concentration. How did people make flowers look nice? She didn’t understand. What was the point of drawing something she could see outside? Why couldn’t she draw something else? Her mind wandered to the fantasy tales she’d heard in English class. They had been reading a fantasy novel, depicted with warriors and demons. She had been fascinated by it and had gone to the library to find the other books in the series. Though Belle drew the damn flowers outside, she found it boring and her mind wandered, no longer caring for the stupid rules in this dumb art class. She hadn’t seen the teacher, Ms. Booker, step out briefly.

While her classmates learned how to draw stupid plants and faces, she was learning how to shoot, steal, and the art of martial arts. Gaia, the ever kind leader who took her in and Belle’s savior, had started teaching her something called “parkour.” Belle hadn’t understood what it meant, being four years younger than the crowd, but had become determined to learn it anyways.

”It'll help you evade the bad guys, Blue. Can't let them get cuties like you can we?” The tall-haired brunette with vivid brown eyes had ruffled her hair and walked away. Belle had giggled in agreement. ”Do well and blend into school, Blue, and I promise you, you’ll go far. A bright mind like yours can’t go to waste. We need smarties like you. And think of it, you could afford to keep the dog you love huh? We could make it a member of our group! Our mascot if you will.”

Belle grinned at herself and hadn’t noticed she zoned out; not when Tommy, the annoying class clown, took her paper. Belle gasped when she hit air and turned to see him running away with it.

”Loook what I found!” Tommy yelled obnoxiously, waving around her drawing. It featured a dog and vague stick figures with the names Gaia, Embry, Louise, and Samuel - all the leaders of the Hunters. There were little hearts around Embry’s name. How could someone not like the dark hair and blue eye mix? Her eyes widened and she ran after him.

”Hey! That’s mine - give it back!” Belle angrily chased him as the kids began laughing. A few of them passed around her paper, having been taller than her. Her expression was wild with anger as she watched helplessly. Tears filled her eyes.

”Who are these people, Belle? Are they your imaginary friends? And Embry your crush? What kind of name is that! Tommy taunted as his friends, Billy and Jean looked over. They began laughing. ”I bet these are her imaginary friends she talks to when she goes home and cries herself to sleep.”

”Yeah! Probably imaginary. Don’t tell me these are real people, Bell, no way someone’s your friend.” Billy taunted as he continued to hold it out of her grasp. Belle kept jumping for it and her frustration was becoming palpable. Finally, Belle lost her temper and kicked him in the shin and punched Tommy in the face. Both of the boys cried out while Jean jumped away with shock. Ms. Booker walked in and stared with shock and indignation at the scene.

”BELLE! She yelled as she came over. Belle hastily took the piece of paper and shoved it into her pocket. She was red in the face from anger and humiliation. ”Say you’re sorry to the boys. You keep acting out and it’s becoming troublesome to have you in class.”

Belle glared at her and put her hands on her hips. ”Why should I lie?” She snapped as she pointed at them. ”They keep bullying me and nobody will do anything about it. So I’m not sorry.”

The class was watching with fascination as the scene had played out. A few ‘’ooos’ were made which made her grin inside. The teacher glared, reddening with anger. Belle glared right back and held her ground like Gaia had taught her to do. ”Stand up for yourself Blue, or nobody else will, ya hear me kiddo?”

Then the unexpected happened: the teacher slapped her.

Belle had fallen back a little from the impact and shock. As she processed what occurred, tears filled her eyes. The bullies roared with laughter as the teacher smeared, ”Don’t make me discipline you again, Belle, or Mr. Burns will have to talk to your mom again. Didn’t go well last time did it? Now go sit down and don’t make any more fuss.” She sat back down at her desk while Belle stood there, frozen.

Had that really happened? Weren’t teachers supposed to protect her from the bullies? The kids settled down and began to continue drawing. The trio of bullies were sitting together and snickering. Belle hadn’t moved. Kids kept peering at her and whispering, but none of them came to aid her. The teacher had tried to ignore her, but finally couldn’t do it anymore. She glared at her. ”I told you to sit down, Belle.” Her voice was exasperated and cold.

Belle glared at her and contemplated her choices. Sit down and let the bullies win, tell Gaia later; or, face a possible discipline from the principal and get kicked out. This meant she wouldn’t have any more regular meals; breakfast and lunch were often missed. Warmth; although the school was a shitshow, it had heat. Her studio apartment didn’t, and she was tired of sitting with other residents, sometimes overly friendly ones with heat in their apartments. She wasn’t sure how the cockroaches managed it either. With tears in her eyes she sat back down and didn’t look back up. She tried to ignore the stares and giggles from the other students.

Her mind kept racing over the incident throughout the school day. She hadn’t spoken a word after that and had sat by herself at lunch as usual. She couldn’t wait to go home and leave this dump of a school.

Avalia

Lucia

Time: Afternoon
Location: Gadgets and Conveniences
Interaction: @Helo Leon, @AliveFalling Vaeril, @dreamingflowers Nur, @Funnyguy Darius

Lucia made a silly face in reply to Leon and stuck her tongue out at him playfully. The female she had spoken to was greeting her and she felt a wave of joy wash over her. To her surprise, she even came up to Lucia while letting her know she liked her style. Though Lucia might have not come off as the smartest, it was quite easy to catch on to what Nur’s body language insinuated what the compliment really meant. Lucy grinned sheepishly, though there was a knowing gleam in her eyes. She tossed her hair over her shoulder with a smirk. ”Well. It’s not a frequent style of mine. Usually I’m spoiling others, like my great friend here! I think everyone deserves a nice treat once in a while, don’t cha think? Well anyways. My name’s Lucia! What are your names?”

She eyed Leon and purposely allowed him to introduce himself instead, in case she called him by the wrong name. Her smile was kind and genuine, yet her eyes were holding a caution to them. If he could read her mind, she would be telling him to be cautious and play it cool. This woman, although she didn’t judge, was a demon and not an ordinary one either. She was going to keep a close eye on Leon.

She handed her items to Jordo to get paid for by Vaeril while they were talking. She made a quick mental note to thank him later and help pay for drinks. Maybe she would even hug him if he let her. She turned her attention to the elf who spoke of leaving for the next store. However, she felt rude just leaving this sweet girl mid-conversation along with her male companion, Orland.

”Oh yes! Let’s go check out Odds and Ends maybe. Would you and your friend like to join us, sweetie?” Lucy waited for a reply and shrugged the back off for a moment. Next, she adjusted the sling over her shoulder containing her staff. It briefly poked out and she sighed as she pushed it back in. No way would she lose it! Lucy then pulled the backpack on and grimaced momentarily. It was heavy but she wanted to train to become stronger for the rebellion and refused to complain. They couldn’t have a small fry on their team now could they? ”And we met Vaeril over at the Surfside café, who is such a nice man. Do you know one another?” She eyed Orland and studied him. Red eyes. Her gaze shifted to Leon as she tapped her temples, a mental note of saying: Play it cool but be cautious.

While Lucy appeared calm and bubbly on the outside, on the inside, her mind was racing. Nobody did such nice gestures for others without something in return. Whatever the price may be, she was going to make sure no harm came to Leon and would go down fighting for it if she had too.

---

Belladonna

Time: Afternoon, Day 2
Location: By a spring, closer to River Port
Interaction: @princess Malachi & @helo Valok

Malachi and Valok both had answered that the owlbear preferred meat. Pricey little thing, she thought and glanced down at it. However it would be the least she could do for the orphan. It was their fault unfortunately. Belle sighed and scratched its head gently, which made the owlbear hug her tightly. She rubbed its back and looked at the Elves. What said next made her eyes widen in surprise.

Belle stared at Valok, tilting her head to one side with wide eyes. That request had been surprising for her. She could count on one hand the amount of times she’d heard it. Belle reminded herself of the past he spoke of and quickly became neutral. Inside her head, she could hear Gaia talking to her prior to her betrayal…

”If I had to choose between getting caught or dying, I’d choose to go down fighting. Ain't nothin’ death can do worse than snitchin. Do you know what happens to rats, Little Blue?” Belle zoned out as the memory replayed in her mind. As if she’d been stabbed, her breathing became sharp and she fought to stay present. She looked frozen, as if she’d been drenched with ice. "Blue! It’s your fault! You dumbass! Who do you think you're thinking you can just walk out on us and living normally after this? It’s a lifetime Belle it ain’t a pastime. The fuck you think we made you a leader for? You’re gonna be ar at! We told you we’d kill you if you left! Remember what happens to snitches, Blue!”

Belle’s expression fell as pain filled her eyes. She abruptly started to move forward without a word which allowed Malachi to respond. Belle moved Valok off of her gently and to Malachi fully so she could focus on the owlbear and herself. She gritted her teeth and narrowed her gaze.

”You're a rat, Blue! I hope you rot in hell!”

Tell the devil I said hello, bitch. Belle adjusted her grip on the owlbear and continued forward relentlessly.

Avalia

Belladonna

Time: Afternoon, Day 2
Location: By a spring, closer to River Port
Interaction: @princess Malachi & @helo Valok

Belle sighed in relief when the invisibility wore off. She turned to the elves and smirked as she gestured behind them. ”Good times.” Next, she looked at the owlbear who pecked her cheek gently with its beak and whose eyes were filled with grief. The owlbear stared at her while its stomach rumbled and she raised her eyebrows. Belle gently removed herself from Valok for momentary rest and to focus on feeding the owlbear.

”What do they eat?” She adjusted her grip on the owlbear and looked at Malachi and Valok. They would know the best and hopefully could help her care for it. As for Malachi, Belle knew he was likely pissed, but wasn't acknowledging it. She refused to apologize for using her magic or regretting her actions. After all, she had saved his life.

Next, Belle leaned against a tree for a momentary rest. Using her magic in such a large quantity had been difficult. She gritted her teeth and thought to herself, Toughen up, bitch. She readjusted her grip with Valok and moved away from the tree. A smirk painted her lips after Malachi spoke. ”Yeah, hang in there. Don’t die on us, big guy.” She then added with a wry tone and a faint smile. ”Don’t let that bravery be our last memory of the Valiant Valok.”

Avalia

Belladonna

Time: Afternoon, Day 2
Location: By a spring, closer to River Port
Interaction: @princess Malachi ⋆ @13org Myra ⋆ @helo Valok ⋆ @Eviledd1984 O'ner

Belladonna watched as the bear began choking on her water. She felt pity rise inside of her. To her surprise, Myra came up behind the creature. Myra began viciously attacking it and she raised an eyebrow. ”So you’re cute, but not innocent. Imagine that.” She rolled her eyes and turned away as the owlbear began to die. She wished she hadn’t used her energy to shield the creature now. Clearly she could take care of herself.

Malachi moved to her side and began disinfecting her wound. He put a bandage on it and whispered in her ear to stay close once they started walking. She wondered why, but wasn't able to to wonder long. A cub appeared and began nudging one of the owlbears. Belle sighed heavily as realization dawned on her. ”It’s the lion king all over again,” she muttered and shook her head with dismay. ”It was protecting its territory and cub…” She pinched the bridge of her nose.

Belladonna’s eyes followed Malachi’s gesture, while he was helping Valok. She stared at the owl bear and felt a heaviness fill her chest. Giving a deep sigh to relax herself, she bent down and stared at the owlbear. ”Hi there.” She offered her hand and the owlbear sniffed it. Slowly, the owlbear cub put its paw in her hand. She smiled softly at it. ”This is all scary and new and I know you can’t understand me, but I’m going to take care of you.” Her voice was gentle and soft as she moved her arms toward it. The owlbear tensed; then grief overwhelmed it and it ran up to her. She sighed and picked it up gently, much like a child. The owlbear wrapped its arms around her neck and its claws laid on her back. Belle didn’t know whether or not to laugh, ”It’s okay. I got you, little one.” She moved next to the Elves and smiled faintly, though her eyes were holding a sadness to them.

Belle was grateful for the owlbear, since it allowed her to hide her joy of leaving the wizard-assassin. She pet its head gently and glanced at Myra. The creature, whatever she may be, could take care of herself. Hell, the thing could turn invisible or camouflage. Belle’s worry melted and she nodded to Malachi. ”Thank you.” She whispered to Malachi only for him to hear. Belle moved over to help Malachi with Valok, putting the owlbear down for a moment as she readjusted. It scampered after them as they moved into the woods. Belladonna recollected it in her arms once it moved back up to her and held it in one arm. She did her best to stay quiet as Malachi had asked. Belle kissed the owlbears’ head to help soothe it more and was thankful she had maintained her strength after her gang years. She needed it right now.

---

Lucia

Time: Afternoon
Location: Gadgets and Conveniences
Interaction: @Helo Leon, @AliveFalling Vaeril, @dreamingflowers Nur, @Funnyguy Darius

Lucia heard Vaeril state they could browse freely so she followed his instructions. Her gaze moved over the different objects. She kept close to Leon in case he needed help. She gazed at the grumpy storekeeper and frowned. What was wrong with him? She would need to ask him later. Her gaze moved to the more expensive items and grinned.

Lucy eyed the spheres and grinned. It was what princess Risa had used. She took two of them in her arms, a white and a black, and then took one of the standard backpacks they had. She stuffed them inside the bag and grinned as she slumped it over her back. Her gaze went to the location sender next and she picked it up. These would be useful with the rebels coming. The wayfinder would be helpful, so she bought two. Then, she grabbed the travel shelter. She grinned to herself; then squealed with excitement when she found the darksight glasses.

”Oh my gosh!!! I lost one of these YEARS ago and I’m SO glad I found another!” Her voice was louder than usual as she turned to Leon. ”These are the most amazing things in River Port. I know it’s been hard to get here lately but it’s SO cool!” Glee filled her eyes as she turned to the hoverboard. Childish joy filled her as she snatched it quickly. ”Ooooh I love these!!” She jostled the bag onto her back and grinned, despite the weight. It would be good training for her. ”Don’t worry, I got this.” She smirked and patted Leon on the shoulder. ”What say you, handsome?”

She then bought a few necessities; cooking pot, flame starter kit, flask, and water purifier. She bought eye protectors and smirked at Leon. ”Gotta protect these gems, y’know? Can’t shoot blind now can I?” She smirked at him and continued to shop, unaware yet of the others in the shop. Her gaze only saw the items. She bought a hairbrush, pillow, blanket, and the various cleansers. Lucy panted a bit from the weight of her bag but ignored it and grinned like a child on Tirrus. ”This will be all. Thank you!” The total would be 1666 amas. Her gaze turned to Vaeril as both sympathy and joy filled it. She was filled with regret, yet her mind was on the rebels. Perhaps he’d prove to be useful with them then they could share. Next, she turned to Leon with a grin. ”Need help? Don’t let me rush you. Take. Your. Time.” Her voice became soft and earnest for him to only hear.

Lucia then noticed the two other customers in the store. Were they a couple? The woman was gorgeous and Lucia began noticing her features. She waved to them. ”Hi there!! Don’t forget to use birth preventers!” She then started to laugh. ”I’m only kidding. How are you? I LOVE your outfits. Amazing!”

She turned to the shopkeeper and tilted her head to one side. ”Why so sad? Turn that frown upside down mister.” She grinned at him and tickled under his chin, which he blushed at and scowled quickly to try to mask his initial reaction. ”Tell me what’s wrong and who am I beating up?” She kept her gaze focused on Leon and Vaeril as she waited for a response.

Avalia

Lucia

Time: Afternoon
Location: Surfside Cafe
Interaction: @helo Leon & @AliveFalling Vaeril

Lucia noticed Leon drumming his fingers, but said nothing of it yet. However, he didn't verbally oppose Vaeril's offer. She nodded when he asked if they wanted to go to Gadgets and Conveniences, returning his smile. Once he left for the washroom, she turned to Leon.

"I know he's weird, but if he's someone to worry about we should find out as much information as possible. Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. Play it cool and we’ll discuss it later. I won’t let anything happen to you, I promise.”

When Vaeril returned, she smiled at him and nodded excitedly. ”Sure. I know the way. Follow me." She then led the group around the boardwalk and back to the road. Lucia hadn’t noticed the fairy and demihuman fox.

---

Artemis

Time: Afternoon
Location: River Kingdom
Interaction: @princess Helio @Tae Azriel @FunnyGuy Umber
Music

Artemis watched Helio with wide eyes. The vines he created were going to go through her. She braced herself for the pain and swallowed. This would hurt unlike anything else, especially coming from Helio. His words and pinch of her cheeks sent waves of fear coursing through her. She shut her eyes so she wouldn’t have to see it. Then, an unexpected noise made her reopen her eyes. Shackles rattling against the ground hadn’t been the sight she expected. It spoke and chills ran down her spine. The voice that spoke belonged to that of Aklenroth. She hadn't thought she’d be thankful for the bastard's intervention, yet here she was, thankful.

Artemis inhaled as she was thrown into her cage. She cursed at the pain, but knew it was better than what had been planned initially. The demon - Umber, telekinetically crunched her cage to make it uncomfortable and cramped. She sighed as she pulled her legs up to her chest. She smoothed her hands over her outfit and sighed. How long would this go on? What had he meant about Azriel and Darius? She couldn't let her mind race and decided to worry about it later. She felt the demon staring at her and stared back at it. Her eyes narrowed but then she turned away. Right now, it had the upper hand and she’d have to play it safe. Artemis sighed and kept her gaze to the floor of her cage. She took several deep breaths and began to think.

---

Corvina

Time: Afternoon
Location: Forest outside River Port
Interaction: @helo Cade @Tae Elsea @Alivefalling Ezeri
Mention n/a

Cora listened to Cade, and nodded. He was right. Maybe part of her couldn’t admit she had lost control. She didn’t want to believe she had been careless. The illusion had been too real and raw, and drawn out her worst memory. She sucked in a deep breath and felt Cade’s unspoken words. She remained silent as he continued to speak.

”I’ll be okay for now. The idea of more food sounds delightful… I can’t say I’d eat another rat.” Cora grinned at Cade playfully as she turned to begin walking once more. ”And your friends seem great, Cade. It’ll be great to meet everyone there.” She quickened her pace and began walking with determination and excitement toward the port. Her mind buzzed as she began thinking of her friends and food.

Avalia

Belladonna

Time: Afternoon, Day 2
Location: By a spring, closer to River Port
Interaction: @princess Malachi ⋆ @13org Myra ⋆ @helo Valok ⋆ @Eviledd1984 O'ner

Belle watched as Matthis’ staff turned into a scythe and raised an eyebrow. There was something off about him. She couldn’t place it. If she sensed it then surely Malachi would as well, judging by the glance he had. Whatever; that was a problem for another day. She began to eye her comrades. Her gaze flickered to Malachi who glared at her and she returned it. She wasn’t going to sit here and watch them battle; nobody fought for her but herself. Besides, she was used to being in danger and fighting. If he wanted to bitch her at her, she’d only return the favor.

Next, she watched Valok summoning dark energy and watched with fascination. He answered her on what the creature was and nodded. She eyed it and defensively began raising more shields around the group. Her mind rattled for ideas on how to use her magic. She wished she had her gun. Ugh! Her eyes then turned to Myra who surprisingly vanished from thin air. That was a cute trick, she thought. It didn’t take long to figure out why; another owlbear appeared. The second owlbear grabbed Valok into a bear hug, pecking at his head. Belladonna stared in horror. Malachi took her shoulder and told her to hold the first one off then moved to go rescue Valok.

Belladonna turned to the owlbear in front of her. Her eyes widened as it swiped at her and wasn’t fast enough to move out of the way. She scowled as she held a hand onto her side briefly. It came back red with blood and she glared. This dress was a gift. Anger boiled to the surface as she menacingly glared at the owlbear. She began forming spheres of water around it and focused on one around its head. Her intention was to begin drowning it. Her concentration hadn’t been higher; she wasn’t even sure she was blinking.

Multiple spheres began forming around the owl bear, encasing its hands, legs, and head. The water began to pressurize around it to begin making it difficult to see, hear, or breathe. Drowning was the worst and she knew the agony of it well. She felt herself draining from the effort but refused to give up. Adrenaline was flowing through her veins and God, did she love the feeling.

An idea formed in her mind, though it was reckless. Belle raised her hands as the sound of rushing weather filled the air. She began creating a small wave and ran toward the owlbear. When she was too close in range, she sent a blast of water flying toward the owlbear. Knowing she was close in range for attack, she concentrated on using her water magic to propel herself out of the way. Still, it had taken her a few seconds, despite concentration. Rushing water was the only noise she could hear; she could feel it vibrating around her. She felt every water droplet flowing through her. It was if she was one with the water. She allowed it to graze her side and clean away the blood. She’d have to patch that later and live to hear it from Malachi.

Belle stared around at herself in awe. Water flowed from her hands. Her gaze turned out the owlbear as she glared at it. ”It's a shame you’re cute.” Belle then intensified the pressure of water around it as she stumbled back onto the ground. She stood up with a slight wobble and hadn’t noticed her panting until now. She tried to begin catching her breath. She then raised her arms and formed water spheres around herself for protection.

Belle then turned to watch her results and smoothed her dress down. She couldn’t wait to change into proper fucking clothing and drink mead. Her attention turned to the group and her eyes widened as she kept an eye on the owlbear also. What she saw horrified her and she quickly shouted,”MALACHI! Watch out!!” She turned and shot a blast of water to force Malachi out of the way of the scythe. Belle then turned and created a shield of water around herself protectively with her eyes on both groups. The spheres of water returned, this time protectively shielding Malachi and Valok.

Avalia

Artemis

Time: Afternoon
Location: River Kingdom
Interaction: @princess Helio @Tae Azriel @FunnyGuy Umber
Music

Artemis watched the interaction play out. She watched Helio turn to face her. She froze briefly, and wondered if she had triggered him. She didn’t have time to ponder it; the demon had started speaking. His words caused her to grit her teeth and scowl. Unexpectedly her cage flew open and she was forced to levitate in front of Helio, her arms out to her sides. Horror didn’t describe her emotions. For a moment, she was frozen and unable to breathe. As he twirled her, she began pondering what exactly its powers were. Clearly it had empathy and could it see memories? If so….

Her eyes met Helio’s. She took a deep breath and tried steadying her racing heart. The wails and sobs of the fairies was something she worked to drown out. She couldn't help them, and their deaths would likely be agonizing but swift. They weren’t used to torment like she was. She swallowed and began to compel herself to relax. The sooner this was over with, the better, and not only for her sake. She stared at Helio, not allowing herself to tear up or show her emotions. Despite her breathing, she was scowling.

This demon - no, atrocity… It was going to force Helio, despite being out of his mind, to torture her. And if he messed up…. Artemis shuddered, then took another deep breath and fought off looming traumatic memories. She stared into Helio and blinked a few times to clear her mind and then compelled him.

’You will make sure to do a good job, enough to prove yourself. Do not let my reaction deter you. Do this, Helio.’ Artemis shut her eyes to hide her pupils dilating and reopened them once they were regular again. She swallowed and braced herself for pain of any kind. Whatever they threw at her would be hideous. These were Aklenroth’s goons after all, and this demon seemed to specialize in torture. She had to survive long enough for….

Artemis felt the corners of her mouth twitch and awaited whatever hellish fate would come.

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Corvina

Time: Afternoon
Location: Forest outside Roshmi
Interaction: @helo Cade @Tae Elsea @Alivefalling Ezeri
Mention n/a

Cora turned to Cade as he apologized to her. Her expression lit up and she felt tears forming in her eyes. She stopped petting the unicorn and came over to Cade. Once there, she pulled him into a gentle, unexpected hug and then let go. ”Thank you Cade. I am so, so sorry. I didn’t lose control. I thought I was fighting off someone and got carried away in the illusion. I promise I won’t let it happen again.” She paused and wiped her eyes, then continued. ”I’m going to make sure I master my control though.”

She moved away from Cade and stared at Ezeri. She laughed with amusement. Ezeri had climbed onto the unicorn and her imp on its head. She petted the unicorn once more and began heading forward. She wasn’t sure how to respond, so she instead allowed Elsea to reply. Thankfully her response was elusive yet honest enough. She nodded in agreement and turned to glance over her shoulder. ”How close are we, Cade?” She felt joy rise inside of her. She was one step closer to reuniting with Kenia, Malachi and Rei! Cora’s eyes were bright as she added, ”And plenty of other people too, Ezeri. All kinds of people you can befriend.”

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Lucia

Time: Afternoon
Location: Surfside Cafe
Interaction: @helo Leon & @AliveFalling Vaeril

Lucia listened to Leon and folded her hands. He seemed nervous, but why? She would have to find out later. She listened as Vaeril spoke. He grew up there too? She wondered if she had run into his family. Silence followed after a brief pause while she was deep in thought. Then, she offered a friendly smile.

”Works for me. Thank you so much! What about you Frodo?” She glanced at him and nonchalantly taped her fingers against her temple. It was a secret code she had developed with him asking if he was okay. She turned to glance at Vaeril as she adjusted her grip on her staff. ”Very nice of you, sir. We appreciate your kindness.” Lucy waited for Leon’s confirmation. Her gut was telling her otherwise and she knew to trust it. However…. Her gaze flickered to Vaeril. From the corner of her eyes, she saw Elleta appear and disappear as quickly as she’d come. For a moment, Lucy hadn’t been sure she had even been there. She resisted the urge to chuckle.

Avalia

Lucia

Time: Afternoon
Location: Surfside Cafe
Interaction: @helo Leon & @AliveFalling Vaeril

Lucy smiled when he joined them. She studied his expression and body language. Her eyes narrowed, but she maintained a pleasant expression on her face. ”I am from the Moon Elf Kingdom. It’s quite beautiful." Lucy smiled as she ate in between answering. ”I lived with my f-... parents... and uhm, I had your basic Light Elf childhood. What about you?” She hesitated, then continued as if nothing had happened. She kept her eyes on him.

”Did you attend the Roshmi ball?” She stacked her plates together to indicate she finished her food. She swallowed as she mentioned it. Elleta and the others had told her of the horrors they had witnessed; including the death of Rosemary. Lucy chewed her lip for a minute and processed her emotions. Leon needed her right now, so Lucy took a deep breath and steadied herself. She prepped her brain top pronounce his false name. It sounded foreign to her, but she didn't let it show. ”Frodo, how’s your food?” She turned to her companion and took his hand to gently squeeze it reassuringly.