SpicyMeatball

Realms of Sun & Shadow

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_{Interacting with: @PrinceAlexus}

Daphne’s hand found Katherine’s, her grip firm but gentle as she guided her toward the bench. Katherine let herself be led, her legs unsteady beneath the weight of too many emotions. With the slightest pressure from Daphne’s touch, she sank down and exhaled a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Daphne stayed close, her presence providing that familiar sense of safety despite the darkness that coursed through Katherine’s veins.

Following Daphne’s advice, Katherine resumed her breathing exercises for a moment and tried her best to let the waves of calm wash over her. With every passing moment, she could feel the tight spring of worry and stress in her chest begin to slowly unwind itself as the squire’s warm, soothing words fill her mind.

Grateful to have the topic changed, the priestess smirked at Daphne’s question with a quiet laugh. “I’ll take you up on the offer of your lap when we’re both free of our armour,” she grinned before leaning against the squire’s sturdy shoulder.

Her mind wandered back to Daphne’s original inquiry to her life in the capitol. It was a question she’d have to answer carefully, as no one in Dawnhaven knew the true nature of her presence here. “I don’t know you well enough to provide all of the details, but the clergy is the only reason I still draw breath. I’ve been with them for…” she paused, reaching to the depths of memories she’d long-since archived, “Four or five winters now. I remember the day that Seluna took me as one of her chosen like it was yesterday, though. Hard to forget being saved from death’s door.”

“I was raised in the castle, however. My family’s name is not as well-known as some, but my father is a prominent figure in the King’s Eye; Master Alexander Sorrowind.” She said the name with more than a hint of disdain. She held no respect or love for the man, not anymore.

To those who spoke his name in the King’s court, Master Sorrowind was a man of unwavering honor, a pillar of integrity whose word carried weight among nobles and advisors alike. He was composed, measured—respected. A man whose loyalty to the crown was unquestioned. But beyond the grand halls and watchful eyes of the realm, within the cold walls of his own estate, he was something else entirely.

Behind closed doors, his honor turned to iron-fisted control, his measured words to sharp-edged cruelty. He ruled his home as he did his affairs—with precision, with dominance, with no tolerance for weakness. And to him, Katherine was never simply a daughter—she was a tool, a blade to be sharpened, a weapon to be wielded in service of the crown. From the time she could walk, he molded her into something useful: trained to listen, to deceive, to slip between shadows and extract secrets from their enemies. He forged her into an instrument of espionage, carving away softness, breaking down innocence, replacing them with cold calculation and the expectation of obedience.

“He’d wanted me educated like a lady of the court, to be involved in politics and military strategy like he was,” she lied, though without falter as the practice had become nearly second nature to the Inquisitor, “And I wanted none of it. Truth be told, I don’t know what I wanted.” This time, the truth.

“All that to say, unless you were regularly in the castle corridors, I’m not sure if we would’ve ever crossed paths. Though now, I wish to Seluna we had.” She shot a cheeky grin to Daphne, her innocent brown eyes briefly showing some mischief.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

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_{Interacting with: @Dark Light@The Muse@c3p-0h}

As Aliseth called out, Charlotte found herself quickly following Elio down the stairs. The soft leather of boots landed gently on each step as she descended, her breath fogging before her in the still tower air. Remember, stay calm. Ice cold, no emotions. The recruit took a moment to tug at each of the buckles holding her half-plate chestpiece against her, before repeating the process for her shield.

With a deep breath, she dropped her facial expression altogether before exiting the protection of the tower. She briefly winced as a gust of wind caught her off-guard and its icy chill hit the side of her face, but carried on with a confident walk towards the group before her.

Ice cold.

Stopping just shy, Charlotte planted the base of her shield into the snow at her feet before standing at attentive rest. Her dominant hand rested on her belt, eyes flicking between the figures before her as they spoke. Aliseth was familiar enough to her, the two had crossed paths in the barracks earlier. Then, there was obviously the strikingly gorgeous but-still-nameless stranger. Past both of them, however, was a woman of slim-build that stood as frozen as Charlotte felt. She raised a brow internally but remained unmoving otherwise. The time for questions would be later.

As Elio spoke towards Aliseth--and quite boldly at that--she bit her tongue to hide the smirk that threatened to betray her. The amusement within was short-lived however, as her superior landed a blow against her short-lived acquaintance and likely-saviour. The recruit’s eyes widened and she stepped forward instinctively.

What the—

Charlotte’s breath hitched as she watched the blow land, the sickening crack of fist against flesh echoing in her ears. Her fingers twitched toward the hilt of her sword, her trained instinct warring with reason. This is wrong. She knew it in her gut, in every lesson drilled into her since the day she took her oath. Guards were meant to protect, not brutalize. They were meant to be the role models, unwavering despite adversity.

And yet—her superior stood tall, almost unchallenged, the weight of rank shielding him more than any armor ever could. If she spoke up, what then? A reprimand? A demotion? Worse? She was still just a recruit, barely trusted with more than patrol duty.

But Elio had helped her, given her information that had she lacked, would have probably earned herself a reprimand anyways.

I guess it was never meant to be, being a guard.

Before she could initially act, however, a blast of wind ripped the two apart like nothing she’d ever seen before. Charlotte’s eyes darted around looking for its source before landing on the slim woman. The mystery woman was a sage then, and a powerful one judging by the fluidity of her movements and the sheer force behind the magic she’d conjured.

Charlotte found herself momentarily biting back the same smirk from before.

“That’s enough!” She shouted, unintentionally in unison with the other woman’s command. Charlotte’s voice was stern, firm and commanding despite her rank. It was practiced in tone and its volume clearly meant for the louder streets of Aurelia.

With a slow but deliberate motion, she approached and placed her dominant hand onto Eris’ wrist and gently guided it down. Charlotte gave Eris a knowing look before continuing onwards towards Aliseth. Every fibre of her being screamed at her to back down, but on the surface her demeanor was unwavering. Piercing eyes locked with Aliseth’s, her shield half-raised towards him and her legs spread in a defensive stance.

“Stand down, we do not strike unprovoked.” Her loud tone dropped to a lower, not-quite-venomous one.

There was no backing down now.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

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_{Interacting with: @PrinceAlexus}

Katherine’s chest rose and fell in long, steady breaths as her emotions began to settle. The storm inside her hadn’t passed completely, but the worst of it had ebbed, leaving an all-too familiar exhaustion in its wake. She focused on the rhythm—breathe in… hold… breathe out—forcing each breath to be deeper, slower than the last. The darkness around her still lingered, clinging to the walls like ink spilled across parchment, but it no longer pulsed with the raw intensity of her fear.

She lifted her head and opened her eyes, her pulse quickening for a moment as she was met with nothing but an inky void. Her little loss of control had swallowed up everything.

She couldn't afford to lose control like that. Not over a kiss. Not with the weight of her secrets pressing down on her. And yet… when she closed her eyes, Daphne was still there. The warmth of her hand, the spark that had ignited something raw and terrifying in Katherine’s chest. The gentle touch of her lips.

Nothing she’d experienced before had ever compared. The rush of adrenaline that had shot through her like a lightning bolt, the curiosity that she could both feel in herself and see behind Daphne’s eyes.

And yet at the same time it terrified her. Katherine hadn’t torn down her walls for anyone since her father had betrayed her trust. Why did it feel like they crumbled almost immediately for Daphne?

Daphne’s voice almost seemed to echo through the darkness, despite the door that currently separated them. It was distant, yet wrapped around her like a warm blanket. It was soft and muffled, yet gave her a feeling of unwavering safety.

And I probably crushed her with a single look… a single action.

A tear rolled down her cheek as the guilt rose in her chest and tightened around her throat. She planted a fist into the floor, letting the pain ripple up her arm. Daphne hadn’t deserved a reaction like that, and she certainly didn’t deserve to be left alone immediately after.

Get up. She deserves better than this. You’re better than this, Katherine.

Her own voice was vicious in her head, likely a product of both her current state of mental exhaustion and the years of torment before it.

The darkness still flowed from her core, the room still bathed in black. Her only guide to the door was the voice of the Aurelian sage addressing Daphne. With a shaky exhale, she wiped the tear from her cheek and rose to her feet. A few soft steps and she closed the short distance to the door. She paused for a moment as her hand rested on the door handle, steadying her breathing and heart rate to the best of her abilities.

As the door opened before her and Daphne came into view, she felt the spark in her heart once more. It grew like a roaring hearthfire in her chest, threatening for a moment to rip control right back out of her hands. The raging storm of emotions was still ever present in her mind, but had calmed as she’d practiced controlling her breathing. Her breath caught in her throat as she tried to speak, to say something. Anything. Instead, she stared into her violet eyes and hoped that her own eyes portrayed enough of an apology.

I’m so sorry… I didn’t mean to push you away. There’s so much on my mind, in both the figurative and literal sense.

Goddess damn it all, why was this so hard?

After a moment of silence between them, she stood as tall as she could on tippy toes before wrapping her arms around Daphne’s neck and returning the kiss she’d been given. Her movements were slow and cautious, giving Daphne ample time to pull away if she wanted to. She pushed herself into the taller, sturdier woman knowing well that Daphne could easily resist the movement. Katherine’s touch was tentative at first, almost unsure, but when Daphne didn’t pull back, she melted into it, letting her lips linger in a silent apology. It wasn’t desperate or heated—this wasn’t a kiss meant to steal breath or set nerves aflame. It was something quieter, something raw. A plea for forgiveness. A whisper of please stay.

When their lips parted, Katherine looked into Daphne’s eyes with yet another wordless apology, before breaking the silence with a real one.

“Daphne… please forgive me.” she let the words hang for a moment, “It wasn’t you… … it wasn’t the kiss or anything between us. There’s so much more going on in my head… and I can’t put any of it into words.” Katherine knew she was toeing a perilous line with her words, one drawn in shadows and consequence. With each step closer, the tension in her chest coiled tighter. A warning from her dark passenger no doubt. It lingered just beneath the surface, watching, listening—always present, always waiting.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

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_{Interacting with: @c3p-0h}

“Of course it’s unacceptable, but fuck, I’m trying my best here!” Charlotte almost shouted, her glare ever present on the man before her, “I’ve been a good student to every partner they gave me, but I’ve yet to have anyone actually teach me the job. The only fuck ups I’ve made here are this, just now, and not standing up for myself more.”

She paced over to her tower shield and hefted it with a practiced motion, taking a moment to tighten the leather straps snugly around her forearm. The shield's face was divided into four painted quarters, alternating blue and white. At their convergence in the center, an ornate depiction of a dragon coiled around a thorny white rose stood proudly—a symbol of resilience and grace. It had been a gift from her parents when she first began her combat training as a teenager, their way of showing their support and encouragement. Over the years, the shield had collected the marks of countless sparring sessions, its paint chipped in places but no less cherished for its wear.

She let the man ramble for a moment as he commented on how new she appeared, rolling her eyes while her back was still turned. However, he caught her attention in its entirety as he began to offer up some information on the current goings-on of the goddess-forsaken town.

Her breath caught in her throat as the man spoke. An attack. The princess missing. Sir Abel... dead? The name echoed in her mind, and her chest tightened as though her armor had suddenly shrunk. Her gaze flickered downward and her eyes closed for a moment, offering the late-guardsmen a moment of her silence and respect. Sir Abel had been a steady presence since she’d arrived. Never assigned as her partner but had offered some guidance in her first hours on duty. Gone? Just like that? Her knuckles turned white against the leather-wrapped hilt of her sword.

Charlotte shook the thought from her head as quickly as it had arrived. This was a time for focus and discipline, two things she was seemingly going to be teaching herself today. The man before her had also probably just saved her at least one chewing out from her superiors. She made a mental note to buy him a drink after this mess blew over.

“Trust me, if I find Hale and he’s not dead, I’ll do it for you. And for me.” she retorted, only half-joking.

She stood unmoving as the man descended the spiraling stairs of the guard tower, his footsteps echoing faintly. When he disappeared from view, she turned to the narrow window overlooking the town. The streets below, bathed in pale moonlight, seemed more alive than before, people rushing to get back to their homes before being taken by an unknown enemy.
Her fingers tightened against the stone windowsill as she let out a shaky breath. Before she could gather herself, movement below caught her eye. One of her superiors, clad in full armor and carrying the weight of authority in every step, strode purposefully towards the tower. Her stomach dropped. Straightening instinctively, she forced her posture rigid, tugging at her armor to ensure everything was in place. The last thing she needed now was to draw attention—or worse, scrutiny—from someone who wouldn’t hesitate to question why she looked so shaken.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

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_{Interacting with: @PrinceAlexus, @Echotech71}

Moving from the warmth of her personal chambers to the yet-to-be-heated west wing accommodations was harder than Katherine cared to admit. Her physical strength was markedly improved since they’d arrived in the temple, but her muscles protested every step with a gnawing ache. She suspected that the symptoms would remain for a few days, but her biggest fear was that there would be visible marks left over beneath her dark, padded leather armor.

Though her last attempt had been significantly more taxing, the deathly pallor of her skin lasted for weeks and had left her almost comparable to the corpse she’d risen. She could tell that her current symptoms weren’t quite that severe, but there would undoubtedly be signs. Signs that would raise questions that she couldn’t safely answer.

Katherine let the thought fade into the background as she focused her energy into re-casting the inky black rune across the entrance of the temple. Her words barely a whisper as she placed both hands on the door, tendrils of night rippling from her fingertips and shaping themselves into a large, ornate crescent-moon.

“My lady of night, may the shadows protect us.
With your lunar might, smite those who seek to harm us.”

A wave of nausea swept over her for a moment and threatened to bring up the little food she’d eaten, but passed as quickly as it had come as she finished the rune. She admired it for a moment like an artist would a canvas before continuing her walk to the west-wing of the temple, following closely behind Persephone and Nathaniel, and conveniently beside Daphne.

The doors locks let out a satisfying click as the priestess twisted the key within them, before opening the doors for her present company. She raised a brow and glanced towards Daphne as she addressed Nathaniel, but shrugged and took a moment to ensure the shutters were locked into place on the windows as they spoke.

Turning around, the priestess was met with Daphne’s almost looming figure and felt her heart skip a beat for a moment. Their eyes met across the room, a quiet, electric moment that seemed to charge the air between them. It wasn’t just a glance—it lingered, like a whispered promise only they could hear. A warmth bloomed in her chest, subtle but insistent, as though her heart recognized something before her mind could name it. She felt the same warmth rise to her cheeks in exceedingly obvious contrast to her otherwise very pale skin.

Katherine clasped her trembling hands in front of her, though her eye contact remained unbroken. She’d hoped that the shakiness hadn’t spread to the rest of her body like before, but her mind was completely clouded by the emotions that were currently running rampant. Her suspicions were only confirmed as Daphne spoke to her. There was a certain comfort to be found in the squire’s voice, despite the certain tone that only came with what she presumed was at least a few years of service in the military. It was steady and deliberate, calming the veritable maelstrom of thoughts in her mind. It carried a certain strength that wrapped around her like a shield against the darkness around them. It was the first sign of light she’d felt since the darkness had taken over.

Katherine’s breath caught as the squire’s hand gently lifted her chin, and soft lips met her own. Her heart galloped like a stallion unbridled, adrenaline coursing through her veins in an intoxicating surge. It wasn’t as if she’d never kissed anyone before—those days of innocence were long behind her. But this… this was different. Daphne ignited something she hadn’t felt in any of her past fleeting passions. There was an electric current between them, vivid and undeniable. It was the kind of connection that sounded hopelessly cliché in her mind, yet Katherine couldn’t bring herself to care.

For a moment, there was nothing else. Her mind went silent. All of the urgency, worry and pain of the day disappeared. She felt so alive, every nerve alight as if her body had been starved of this connection and only now realized what it had been missing. Her senses drank in everything: the gentle pressure of Daphne’s lips, the warmth of her breath contrasting the cold air around them, and her calloused warrior’s hand cradling Katherine’s face with such care it made her chest ache.

For an instant, all her defenses crumbled, leaving her raw and exposed in a way that should have terrified her—but didn’t. She felt safe, and the feeling was very much novel.

As they parted, Katherine felt as though the air had been stolen from her lungs, her chest heavy with the weight of feelings she wasn’t ready to name. Katherine’s eyes fluttered open and stared into Daphne’s, her own filled with pure exhilaration and fear.

For a moment, she questioned whether the whole thing had been a dream.

The thundering sound of her heart gradually made itself known once more before Katherine became conscious of her surroundings again. Her head snapped to the sound of Nathaniel’s voice, now painfully aware of the eyes trained on them. A shaky breath escaped her lips and she stumbled backwards momentarily, her mind now racing in a very different way than before. The overwhelming hurricane of emotions had hit her like a tidal wave and her recovering state of exhaustion was not helping matters, mind spiraling.

“I… I…” she stammered out, looking at Daphne with apologetic eyes, “I… I need…a m-moment.”

Katherine practically tripped over herself as she half-ran from the room, forcing herself across the main hall and back into her own chambers. Her breath hitched as though the air itself had thickened around her. Her chest rose and fell in shallow gasps. No matter how hard she tried, her lungs refused to cooperate. Tremors ran through her hands, which she clenched into fists at her sides in an attempt to ground herself. She blinked away a pair of tears that dared form in her eyes, squeezing her hands tighter and tighter until she couldn’t bear the bite of her own nails.

Breathe.

She slumped against the wall, sliding her back down the smooth wooden surface before planting herself onto the floor. She drew her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, burying her face in the pocket it created. Unbeknownst to her, the dark magic she’d once had control over had taken the reins and now shrouded the room in total darkness. It swallowed the fire’s light like a black hole and crept out beneath the door in inky vines.

Breathe. Control yourself.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

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_{Interacting with: @c3p-0h}

Charlotte scrambled to her feet, heart hammering against her ribs as her hand instinctively flew to the hilt of her sword. Her bleary eyes cleared quickly and locked onto the stranger standing before her, before quickly flicking around the tower to locate her shield should it be needed. Heat flooded her cheeks as the realization dawned; Not only had she fallen asleep on duty, but she’d been found by a total stranger.

For a moment, Charlotte remained silent as she tried to figure out something--anything--to say that wouldn’t make her look like a complete fool. She opened her mouth once--twice--but no words came out.

“Who are you and why are you in this tower?” She finally managed to blurt out, though sounding much less confident and official than she’d hoped. “Civilians aren’t supposed to be up here.”

As her pulse steadied, her eyes darted over the stranger and took in the details. His long, dark hair fell in unkept waves around his face, framing soft, but strong features that seemed almost carved by an artist’s hand. His copper-toned skin looked Aurelian on the surface, but no part of him seemed to be bothered by the cold that chilled her to the bone. Though he wore no insignia of rank or allegiance, there was an undeniable air of confidence about him. He stood at ease--relaxed even--as though her presence posed no threat at all. That only made her more self-conscious.

Great, she thought bitterly, not only am I caught napping, but it’s by someone who looks like the main character of a bard’s tale.

And who is this Zeph-- oh.

The name flashed in her head, written in hasty-scrawl on a parchment in the barracks. Right next to her own name. Zephyros Hale, the guard who was supposed to take over her leading her training assignment. “He should’ve been here by now… No, I haven’t seen him.” She let out a sigh, relaxing slightly before pacing over to look over the balcony into the streets below. “Though from the sound of it, I doubt he’s coming now.”

“You never mentioned your name.” She stated as firm as her voice would let her, “Or what business you had with Hale.”

Her eyelids settled into something of a glare, “And you can cut the mocking tone, I know I fucked up. Seems to be all I can accomplish these days, especially without the likes of you to rub it in my face.”

Realms of Sun & Shadow

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_{Interacting with: @PrinceAlexus, @Echotech71}

“I’ve only arrived here mere hours ago… The intricacies of this temple are still foreign to me, though the layout is rather simple.”

Katherine’s mind wandered and explored the brief memory of the Seluna temple that she held. There wasn’t much complexity that she had noticed immediately. The main hall contained both the benches--normally arranged in a chevron--now barring the doors as well as a modest shrine to the moon-maiden herself. Behind the shrine, the circular pool she’d already experienced. On its otherwise mirror-surface, white lotus flowers floated almost motionless, somehow surviving despite the frigid temperatures. Her own chambers could be found to the right side of the temple, mirrored by currently unused chambers exactly opposite. Candles were the only current source of illumination for the temple and lended themselves to the sense of calm that enveloped each room.

Her eyes widened slightly as a memory of cellar doors entered her mind. Of course there was a cellar, it would likely contain the mortuary. Not entirely a bad idea but definitely risky, seeing as they would have to brave the outdoors once more unless an inside passage could be found.

“There’s a cellar, though the entrance is past our new barricade. We can move there if you wish but I expect a single opponent would be ill-fated to enter the premises of this temple. May the moonmaiden smite them.”

“I can conjure another rune to aid in sealing the entrance, if that would comfort you. Seluna will protect us from this assailant. Have faith.”

Katherine closed her eyes for a moment, her hand moving to grasp a crescent-moon pendant previously hidden beneath clothing. Her words were quiet--not quite a whisper--but audible to those present.

In silvery-light,
Our Lady will guide.
May fairly she judge,
And protection provide.

Shadows taunt us, hear my prayer.

Shadows stalk us, hear my prayer.

Shadows wound us, hear my prayer.

Suddenly her mind was back in Moonrise Sanctuary, lying on the marble floor as her head pounded like a hammer on anvil. The very day she’d been taken in by the clergy, the very day she’d almost lost her life. The words of her prayer repeated themselves over and over in her head, almost deafening as a dozen of the moon maiden’s faithful surrounded her. The clouds parted above them through the open ceiling and the blinding light of a full moon shone down. The clergy's words echoed through the halls of the sanctuary and slowly, she felt the pounding in her head subside before the vision faded away.

Shadows taunt her, hear our prayer.

Shadows stalk her, hear our prayer.

Shadows wound her, hear our prayer.

Katherine’s eyes opened and she found herself back in the company of Daphne, Nathaniel and Persephone. A subtle silver light would glow from the necklace as the words escaped her lips. She could feel almost immediately the gentle warmth of her goddess’ blessing upon herself, and that more of her strength began to return. A small smirk flickered across her lips and disappeared just as quickly.

Seluna is still with me.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

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Charlotte’s first week in Dawnhaven had been nothing shy of boring. It truly did feel like the punishment it was intended to be. Being the lowest ranking member of the newest arrivals, she was given the woefully exciting tasks like cleaning up the stables, and all of the bitterly cold and isolated assignments at the outer edges of town.

She couldn’t say that it didn’t give her experience however. The recruit learned very quickly that the Lunarian sections had warm clothing figured out and adapted their practices quickly. These practices were likely the only reason she survived her posts throughout the week-long blizzard, where she spent most of her time huddled around a campfire at the northern edge of town. There were more travellers than she’d expected for such a storm, but most of the days involved staring off into the vast wall of white while using her tower shield as a windblock.

Charlotte hadn’t really made any friends either. She got partnered with someone new almost daily after rumors spread around that she’d--albeit indirectly--caused the death of a civilian back home. Not one had seemed impressed about being assigned as her training partner.

So much for my fellow guards having my back, she made a mental note, I guess the only person I can rely on is me.

Her tired eyes opened, the interior of a dimly lit guard-tower filling her vision. The dying remnants of what used to be a fire glowed gently before her in the brazier, barely providing relief from the biting cold.

F-f-f-f-ffuuuuuck I’m c-c-cold… … … G-great, I can even hear m-my t-thoughts shivering.

Desperate to keep warm, Charlotte drew her legs up to her chest as she sat on the bench. The wind slipped through every crack between the brick walls, relentless no matter where she moved. She pulled her fur cloak tightly around herself and enveloped her now much smaller figure. There was no longer a care in her mind about getting in trouble on the job. Really, how much worse can it get? My own partner fucked-off like an hour ago, what am I supposed to do, really? Leaving my post will just get me more shit with the commander.

She shook her head in an attempt to rid herself of the annoyance before tucking it tightly into the soft fur of her cloak. Her eyelids fluttered with increasing difficulty, and though she fought it, the pull of sleep quickly became stronger. The cold had sapped away much of her energy and, combined with a shift now bordering on ten hours, made the lull of rest all too tempting.

No one’s gonna die if I nap for a few minutes.

And with that thought, she surrendered herself to the intoxicating darkness as her eyelids fell shut.

* * *

For a few moments, Charlotte could almost feel the warmth of the Aurelian summer sun on her face. The scents of the city, both pleasant and vile, were just out of reach. She could almost hear the hum of the bustling streets, the cheers of revelry from tipsy patrons, and the occasional cries of merchant’s haggling just down the road.

A part of her longed to be home again, away from this desolate place that seemed to hate her. She could walk back in the front doors to a hero’s welcome and a round of drinks, before heading upstairs and embracing her parents once more. Sure they would question why she was home so early. They may even be a bit upset to see her giving up on her dream so quickly. But there would always be a place for her there.

Maybe being a guard wasn’t what she was destined for.

She’d imagined something much different when she’d first signed up--the joys of comradery with fellow guards, respect and admiration from the townsfolk and perhaps even getting a bit tipsy after her shift had finished. Instead, her days had been filled by frost nipped fingers, aching feet and the feeling that she was a worthless addition to the guard force.

The excitement she’d once dreamed of was gone, replaced by pangs of regret and self-disdain. Back home, her friends had jokingly laughed when they found out she’d been recruited. Too many restrictions and too much trouble for a comparably meager pay, they claimed. Now she wondered if they’d been right all along. She missed their daily lunch-time conversations when the tavern slowed down, and the evenings spent playing cards by lantern-light.

Charlotte’s mind wandered back to Dawnhaven in her slumber. The warmth and light of the capitol faded away to the hollowness of the wind whistling through lifeless trees.

The faint ring of a bell filled her mind as the imagery before her wilted away, replaced by an inky void. Something felt wrong. A sickening feeling began to weave its way into her dreams as she saw flashes of a merchant bleeding out in front of her. In the distance, a hooded individual ran off, coin purse in hand. The scene was all-too familiar to her--it was the very reason she was assigned to Dawnhaven.

But why had her mind suddenly wandered to death?

Another chime of a bell, much more clearly audible and at the center of her attention.

And then it all came racing back to her. Guard post near the alchemy laboratory. Trying to keep warm. Falling asleep under her cloak. Three chimes of a bell.

I fell asleep. Three chimes of the bell.

Charlotte’s piercing blue eyes shot open like a bolt of lightning had struck her.

Oh fuck.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

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_{Interacting with: Anyone in the Eye of the Beholder}

_{Written in collaboration with @Qia}

For a while, Aldrick let the music-less ambience of the Eye fill his ears. There was a comfort to the gentle hum of the crowd, the warmth of the fire roaring within and the faint smell of mixed alcohol that wafted throughout. He wandered the crowd slowly with a drink in hand, his attention never stopping on a single voice for more than a moment. His eyes wandered the many faces before him, all of them engrossed in conversation and revelry that had come of the prince’s generosity.

His dance with Nyla had brought a new life to him, a new fire in his eyes. Since they’d parted, he felt a warmth in his chest that had been absent since he’d succumbed to the Blight.

And was it ever a welcome feeling after travelling alone for all of the years since.

The bard smiled as he sipped slowly at his ale. Slowly but surely this place was growing on him. Like many a tavern before, the energy in the air was familiar with its own unique personality. Each place had its own, from the dimly lit and gritty watering holes of the north to the classier and bright tap houses of the south. In Lunaris, he’d found the crowds were far more interactive in song and enjoyed singing along to the tales and hymns of their people. Many nights had been spent filling the room with the sounds of a hundred passionate voices singing in unison. By contrast, though the people of Aurelia were just as lively, they seemed to enjoy more the dancing that accompanied his faster instrumentals. In particular, his foot-stomping violin chariot-race songs were particularly popular.

His mind wandered as he finished his ale, letting the mug rest at last on the bar before leaning his back against it. What type of place would Dawnhaven turn out to be? What kind of songs would capture the audience, what would provide them with unforgettable times at the Eye?

His attention was pulled for a moment here and there by the various moments of excitement; a rather large man uttering something to a smaller but still impressively-tall woman before they both disappeared outside, what appeared to be business dealings between two Lunarian men though very different in their appearances, and the usual scene of an easy-looking man trying his hand at getting the attention of a fiery-haired Aurelian woman. Aldrick smirked at the latter, his head shaking gently as he watched the scene unfold. It was a scene that would have been all-too familiar to himself in the years prior. A scene he had played out many times himself.

With a sigh, Aldrick stood from his place and paced across the room to where he’d let his instruments lie. The lack of music was becoming too intrusive for him to allow it any longer. Picking up his lute, he took a seat and began to play a quiet tune from memory. It was a tune that would fill in the missing piece, but not overcome the welcoming hum of the Eye. Something to fill the gap while he decided what to play next.

As his fingers mindlessly wandered the strings, a brief flash of auburn caught his attention before disappearing below the crowd once more. His eyes curiously glanced around the crowd in a small effort to find its owner again. Moments later, he began to pick out the soft sound of boots on wood before the red-head slowly weaved through the crowd towards him. A lazy smile spread across his lips. Maybe this day would garner a bit more interest after all.

Aldrick’s lyric-less song did not falter for a moment as Thalia came fully into view before him. His eyes raised to meet her own but the bard remained silent, his head gently nodding with an imaginary beat. His smile only grew wider as the woman before him cleared her throat.

“I am familiar.” He spoke gently, a slight accent coming through. Aldrick leaned back in his chair and palmed the strings of his lute. “From as recent as Gimble n’ Delvin, all t’ way back to the great Orpheus and a few by Master Firebrand ‘imself.” He let his words linger in the air, his curious golden eyes fixed on Thalia’s face. There was a flicker of recognition in her appearance that he couldn’t place. Perhaps he’d crossed paths with her in the capitol in past life.

“Master Firebrand,” Thalia reiterated, her tone teasing as she allowed her hazel gaze to wander towards the lute he cradled tenderly in his embrace.“You possess quite the refined taste, then.” The delicate strains of the tune he plucked stirred memories within her, harking back to a festival of yesteryear when Aurelia's heavens sparkled radiantly beneath the golden caress of the sun. The melodies from that festive epoch had exuded a certain exuberance — yet in the current cadence, she discovered a profound connection that bridged her current existence with those illuminated days of happiness. It felt like the music might rekindle a bit of vitality within her that had remained dormant since she’d left her home.

And yet, she reminded herself, it was equally plausible that this stirring sentiment was merely a consequence of the spirited libations now flowing through her system.
“Let’s see if you can keep up then,” Thalia declared anyway, her voice just loud enough to carry above the murmurs nearby. She stepped closer, her boots tapping lightly against the wooden floor as she positioned herself beside him. It wasn’t quite a challenge—it was an invitation. The kind that came without pretense, drawn from some instinct she hadn’t yet defined. For all her calculated movements and guarded words, there was something undeniably genuine in her presence now, something unspoken but deeply felt.
Thalia took a steadying breath, her gaze holding his for a moment longer before flickering to the crowd. “Play,” she said simply. “I’ll follow your lead.”

“Master Firebrand it is, m’ fair lady.” Aldrick’s smiling eyes followed her as she moved to his side, a grin ever present on his face. It only grew wider as she seemed to challenge him.

With a quick movement, the bard stood from his chair and strummed three quick chords across the lute, the warm sound filling the tavern and drawing most eyes towards them. He let the crowd’s chatter die down a moment before addressing them, eyes dancing across all of the unfamiliar faces before him. “My good people of Dawnhaven, may I present ‘n ode to the Aurelians, and in honor to one o’ the greatest musicians to ever live--myself not included of course.” He shot the crowd a cheeky wink. “Master Cornelius Firebrand.”

And with his last words ringing out, Aldrick strummed a few gentle chords and began to sing. It was a song many Aurelians would recognize and likely know the words to. One of somber happiness that he felt fit the mood of Dawnhaven perfectly. He had to admit, the redhead had good taste.

He started slow, fingers gently strumming the lute at a lazy pace until he made his way to the end of the first verse.

Kind friends and companions, come join me in rhyme
Come lift up your voices in chorus with mine
Come lift up your voices all grief to refrain
For we may or might never all meet here again

With the last words of the verse, he slammed a foot down onto the wood and began the unforgettable chorus. With a gentle nod, the violin to his left rose gently into the air and provided a subtle background harmony to the lute, floating once again amidst gentle strands of light magic.

Here's a health to the company and one to my lass
Let us drink and be merry all out of one glass
Let us drink and be merry all grief to refrain
For we may or might never all meet here again.

Thalia felt her breath hitch in her throat as the melody began to unfurl, each strum of Aldrick’s lute intricately creating a feeling of warmth throughout the tavern. Her gaze traversed the bustling establishment, observing how heads slowly turned towards the bard, with conversations dwindling as if irresistibly ensnared by the enchanting spell of his music. A gentle smile graced her lips as the familiar refrain reached her ears, the melody tugging at the edges of half-buried reminiscences-memories of joyous festivals and evenings spent basking in the company of friends and kin. Her hand sought the edge of the nearest table for stability, though it remained a mystery whether it was the enchanting music or the earlier elixir that brought on this delightful sway to her senses.

The bard was lost in the music, his focus nowhere else but the lyrics that resonated from inside and the melodies he wove with the instruments before him. Steel strings rang with a warmth matching the hearthfire of the Eye, and the bow of the violin tempted the audience like the very best siren. Aldrick could feel that his magic would not last much longer, but he didn’t let it bother him. Regardless of whether it was confidence or arrogance, he knew that he could serenade a crowd just as well without it.

As the final chorus ascended to its effervescent zenith, Thalia felt an irresistible pull to move closer to Aldrick and, without a moment’s hesitation, she raised her voice in harmony with his own, as if her very essence had been waiting for this moment to breathe life anew.

The bard’s grin only grew wider as he noticed his newfound partner join in for the final chorus, serving only to further motivate him. He let their voices ring out without an instrumental for a single line--for dramatic effect of course--before reuniting the crowd with the violin and lute as the pair of them sang their hearts out.

Through the crowd, he could hear scattered voices singing along and after a moment, noticed a mixture of ale-mugs and wine-goblets swaying along to the rhythm. Now this was a good new first impression, one the people of Dawnhaven would not soon forget.

Here’s a health to the company and one to my lass
Let us drink and be merry all out of one glass
Let us drink and be merry all grief to refrain
For we may or might never all meet here again.

As the final lyrics of the song rang out across the tavern, a few whoops, cheers and claps could be heard in appreciative-reply. Aldrick, a grin still ever present, took a bow before them before calling out across the tavern, “My good friends, I thank ya’ truly.”

Turning to Thalia, he laughed gently as he paced over, “Well, m’lady, did I keep up to your expectations?”

Thalia’s lips curved into a sardonic smile as she pivoted toward Aldrick, her hazel gaze shimmering with the residual afterglow of their shared performance. Her posture was regal, chin lifted in subtle defiance, while her fiery tresses, catching the gilded luminance of the tavern’s flickering sconces, seemed to smoulder like embers stirred by an unseen breeze.

“Keep up?” she echoed, the timbre of her voice imbued with a teasing incredulity that bordered on playful mockery. Her arms folded in a languid, almost careless gesture, as though the compliment were a jest she could scarcely entertain. “You surpassed mere adequacy, bard,” she continued. “For all your cheek, you managed to make me feel like I was back home for a moment.”

Realms of Sun & Shadow

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_{Interacting with: @PrinceAlexus, @Echotech71}

Katherine’s hand trembled gently as Daphne helped her guide the wooden cup to her mouth. She could feel herself become more alert as she finished the small quantity of icy water, wiping away a small drop from the corner of her mouth before looking at Daphne with grateful eyes. This felt like more than just following orders. Whether it was from being in service to the Coswain’s or otherwise, Kat couldn’t tell. It made sense that the squire cared so much for Persephone. But why is she doing so much for me?

In service to the goddess, perhaps? Trying to win her favor. Katherine nodded mentally, that had to be it.

And then it hit her. Kat. She’d called her Kat. Not Katherine as she’d introduced herself, and not by her title, but by a shortened and very much more personal name. Maybe there was more behind her actions than originally thought.

Katherine moved her head to face Daphne a bit better and watched as the fire glimmered in her violet-eyes. Something about them drew Katherine’s attention every time she’d looked at Daphne, and with it, she began to pick out new details here and there. Daphne looked younger now that they were in a properly-lit room; the darkness and Katherine’s prior exhaustion had allowed it to go unnoticed until now. Long, dark hair that, unlike her own braid, was done up to stay out of the way. A certain softness was visible on her face behind the mask of a royal guard that she’d managed to keep up so well. Lastly, a build to her that few men would be able to tangle with. Katherine’s comparably small frame wouldn’t stand a chance if they ever crossed blades.

And damn did Katherine drink in every bit of it, though trying her best to hide her ogling every time the squire’s attention came back to her. Any other day, Katherine would have jumped in and contested Daphne’s promise of protection, but the squire’s smile and the playfully-mischievous look she’d held stripped any of that desire for independence away.

“What a shame indeed,” her tone was playful despite an audible weakness still present in her voice, “You might even be stuck here for hours.”

Alright, clearly I’m starting to improve if that’s where my mind is wandering. Time to make yourself a bit more presentable, high priestess.

A moment later, the priestess had managed to find the strength to sit herself up. Katherine’s back now rested against the warm stone-structure of the fireplace, letting the heat warm her to the core. She was finally starting to feel somewhat normal again despite the primal and unrelenting nature of her… interrogation attempt. Every fibre of her physical being hated the magic that she’d been forced to channel for as long as she’d shown the potential. But despite its nature, Katherine knew its potential and knew the power she held just by being one of the few people that could contain it. A small part of her liked it. It was this small part that Selune kept in check; the threat of her wrath if Katherine stepped too far over the line was all-too real.

There was also of course the threat of consequences from her fellow mortal beings if they ever found out the truth. The very reason her blood went cold when Nathaniel mentioned traces of magic on the body. The very same magic that she’d used. Unless she’d missed something, Katherine hadn’t felt any sort of magic from the body prior to starting her ritual.

He had detected her magic on the body.

Just breathe. He doesn’t know the source, and as long as that doesn’t change, you’re safe. At least until the prince comes knocking.

Silence was her best friend right now. There was no explanation she could give for her state of exhaustion that wouldn’t look suspicious. At least not one that wouldn’t be immediately disproven the moment that anyone who’d been at the scene took a deeper look into it. All she could do right now was play for time until the sage had gone. Then and only then, she could perform final rites for Sir Abel and have control over the majority of the remaining evidence.

Just like she’d been taught.

“If you control access to information and evidence, you can control the conversations that follow. If you control the conversations, you control the narrative.”

King’s Eye Handbook, Chapter 4: Control