SpicyMeatball

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

Realms of Sun & Shadow

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_{Interacting with: @PrinceAlexus, @Echotech71}

“You will continue the rite, Sorrowind.”

The wind was ripped from her lungs as she felt a man’s foot slam into her stomach, sending her into a fit of coughing. The damp cobblestone floor rushed up to meet her as she collapsed under his boot. The taste of copper flickered across her tongue as splinters of pain shot through her lungs with each breathless wheeze.

And even in her current state of physical and mental exhaustion, Katherine looked up to her assailant with a weak grin on her face.

“Is this--” She let out a deep, raspy cough. “Is this how you get off… … beating o-on women until t-they bend to your w-will?”

Her comment was met in reply with a bucket of ice water from somewhere behind her, before the man in view knelt down fully into her vision. A hand reached towards her and rested on her abdomen, the pain disappearing almost immediately as she felt the all-too familiar sensation of healing magic. She’d learned to hate the feeling. Katherine had lost count of the time they’d spent in this dance. Hours, days, perhaps even a week. The darkness betrayed her sense of time. The routine had not changed at all, though how much longer her mind would last was a mystery to her.

It was a form of torture that she’d been taught about before. A particularly wicked method involving bringing the subject close to death before healing them just enough to do it all over again. A particularly cruel specialty of the Inquisition, it seemed.

Her limbs shook violently as she pushed herself up, from both physical exhaustion and what was likely early hypothermia. The two shadowy figures stood motionless, now in her peripheral vision. Though she couldn’t see him, she knew her father was also watching from somewhere. It was his sick and twisted ambition that had put her in this position to begin with.

Before her, visible through the hair that had matted itself to her face, the corpse of her mother was laid out on a table.

Fire ran through her veins as a different voice echoed from the darkness. Her father’s voice.

“Again, Katherine.”

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The gentle flicker of the fire danced in her eyes as Katherine laid on the wooden floor of her chambers. The memory had faded away as quickly as it had come, though leaving her feeling just as helpless. The same feeling of weakness she’d felt before was ever-present now, though lacking the accompanying pain. Her body was almost completely limp as Daphne began manipulating her arms through her fur-coat sleeves, letting the warmth of the flames reach her much more easily. Katherine felt a familiar weak grin spread across her lips as Daphne spoke to her, cheeks gently flushing at her final comment.

“Katherine S-sorrowind… a-at your s-service.” Her voice was barely louder than a whisper. “Everything I own… … in the crate. Behind you.”

Katherine’s eyes wandered up to Daphne’s face as she worked, then to Nathaniel behind her. She watched him for a moment as he tended to Persephone, her eyes following his movements as he seemed to conjure water from nothing and dismiss it just as easily.

Her eyes then settled once again on the rippling flames of the fireplace. Relaxation finally began to set in, and her breathing and heart rate followed suit. The spots that had lived in her vision for what felt to be a veritable eternity had finally gone away.

Only one thing remained at the center of her attention. The body. Katherine hoped that the sage’s close proximity to the body during their walk back hadn’t revealed any remnants of her… talk. This entire situation was getting more complicated than intended. She needed to figure out a way to control it, and fast. One person being suspicious was enough, especially because that certain someone happened to be the Prince. She didn’t need a sage reporting back to him with more damning information.

With a gentle breath, she drew on some of what little energy she had left to speak just loud enough for Nathaniel to hear her.

“Thank you both for your help.”

Realms of Sun & Shadow

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_{Interacting with: @PrinceAlexus, @Echotech71}

Katherine was just about helpless as Daphne fussed over her. The nausea and weakness that had taken her to the ground was starting to wane, but there was no denying that she still felt like shit. The consequences of necromancy were all too familiar to her and yet she never seemed to come prepared for them. With every beat of her heart, she could feel a dull ache just behind her temples. With every movement, she could feel her body still trembling despite the fur coat that Daphne had made sure was tight around her torso.

Before them, Katherine watched Nathaniel collect the body through spotty vision. Even now in her state, she was weary of an Aurelian sage helping transport the deceased. She didn’t inherently dislike the Aurelians, but it went against every bit of what she’d been taught. The clergy would not have allowed it.

It was not like she had much of a choice however. Whoever was keeping an eye on her from the capital had made sure of that.

Her mind was filled with rage. For a second time, the Inquisition had forced her to perform forbidden magic. For a second time, she’d almost gone too far and lost her life in the process.

Katherine threw a weak punch into the snow and ice beneath her, her fist clenched so tightly that it shook. The icy-burn radiated through her knuckles but it paled in comparison to what she had just experienced. She was so tired of being a puppet—a pawn—for the higher-ups to do with as they pleased. A slave to their every command, bound by forbidden blood magic and completely unknown to the king and court—much like most of the Inquisition’s activities.

Her blood boiled, her eyes staring daggers into the snow before her as Daphne supported her. She slammed her fist into the snow again, and again, repeatedly until her knuckles split. The burning turned to a sharp, stabbing pain, but Katherine’s mind was too clouded to care. Tears welled up in her eyes momentarily before running down her cheeks, a single thought echoing louder than everything in her head.

I… will not… … be used.

Katherine’s legs shook as she began to stand, relying heavily on Daphne’s strength and her own remaining anger in the process. She momentarily stumbled as they began to walk towards the Lunarian temple, nausea threatening to come back with a vengeance. Her eyes wandered as they walked, taking in the woman that she was using as a crutch. Up until now, she hadn’t paid attention to the woman’s appearance—there had been too much else to worry about. Now in the moonlight, Katherine was able to fully take in her features. A surprisingly soft face for a squire with equally surprising long brown hair, outdone only by stunning violet eyes.

Was that a sliver of attraction she felt?

She shook the thought away. Focus. You still need to dispel the rune before you can truly rest.

Step after shaky step, the group got closer and closer to the temple before it finally came into view. Thank Goddess… we made it back… I… made it back. Katherine let out a shaky sigh, the final steps seeming to take the longest to complete. Before them, the doors were adorned with an inky black outline of a crescent moon that almost seemed to shimmer in the moonlight. She let go of Daphne and stepped towards the door, almost collapsing against it in the process. Placing her palm against the door, a weak smile spread across her lips. “The seal remains intact, the attacker did not r-reach the temple.” Then, with a whisper, the rune began to slowly fade away and once again, the door returned to it’s completely mundane appearance.

“Come inside… w-warm yourselves. The b-body can remain in the main h-hall until I can attend to it.”

Katherine pushed open one of the doors with a hand, slowly making her way inside by guiding herself along the wall. Eventually she found herself in her chambers once again, a wave of heat radiating throughout the room and leaking into the hallway beyond.

She was just barely able to get into the room before her legs gave out once more, collapsing to all-fours onto the wooden floor. Groaning internally, Katherine willed herself forward and crawled to the fireplace before finally laying down on her side before it. Her eyes drifted towards her bed where Persephone still laid, the room beginning to spin in her vision. She’s safe, untouched.

With another wave of relief washing over her, she let her head slump onto her own outstretched arm and fully relinquished herself to gravity. The floor had never felt so comfortable. Though her heart still pounded hard against her chest, and her breathing was still heavy, Katherine could finally recover from the nightmare she had just endured.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

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_{Interacting with: @Dark Light @The Muse @Fetzen @Dezuel @Echotech71}

Katherine’s eyes flicked to Daphne as she rattled of a volley of questions, her mind barely able to keep up with them all. She watched the squire’s lips move but only muffled words reached her ears. Everything seemed to slow. Faint ringing filled her mind, growing louder and louder before it turned into the sound of Sir Abel’s scream. It repeated itself over and over in her mind, soon joined by the sound of ripping flesh.

“—hope Lady Persephone is safe, we might have need of her skills.”

Words from the squire faded back in as the ringing in her ears faded. Katherine’s eyes darted around to the other members of the group before her. Brief relief set in as she noted that no one had picked up on any of her... odd behaviours, until her eyes fell on an unfamiliar face. Golden blonde hair and inquisitive eyes that could only come from someone who was charged with protecting the rest. Captain of the guard maybe? A commander?

No matter. It was an unfamiliar face that was taking far too much interest in her. The universe really did have a sick sense of humour today.

It quickly struck Katherine that there had now been several moments of absolute silence and all eyes were on her.

“L-lady Persephone is safe, I assure you. She lays in the T-temple of Seluna, protected by a s-simple but powerful warding rune.” She turned her attention to the prince. “N-no, I was not attacked.” No sense in embellishing anymore.

A moment of silence once more as Daphne spoke a few words of respect.

But naturally it was not to last as Ayel’s voice rang out across the crowd. Katherine’s gaze shot towards him and glared imaginary daggers into his thick, pretentious skull. She knew her small frame and soft brown eyes were not intimidating in the least, but her grip on her emotions was beginning to slip. Exhaustion was taking over and with it, came a lack of control. It didn’t help that the Marquess was almost correct in his accusations either. He was getting dangerously close to the truth and it was not helping the state of her mind in the least.

Her glare only intensified as he bestowed the title of witch on her, and she felt something in her mind snap. Closing her eyes, Katherine let out a shaky breath through pursed lips. She couldn’t break down. Not yet.

Then, a commanding voice broke through Ayel’s words. The blonde-haired man. Curiosity overtook her for a singular moment and her brown eyes locked with Flynn’s green. Her blood ran cold and spots flew across her vision once more. The look she found waiting for her told her everything. He knew she was hiding something. While it may not be addressed immediately, Katherine had no doubt that she would be brought in for questioning when things finally settled down and the Princess was found. With the way he spoke, and the way Ayel obeyed without hesitation, this had to be the Prince.

It was then that a younger man spoke out. Katherine watched as an Aurelian sage approached the body and began scribbling notes. Her eyes lingered on him, now fixated on his every move as he examined the body. She hoped that no traces of her magic were left among the remains, but there was also a tinge of protectiveness about her mind now. Katherine would not allow this man—this Aurelian—to defile the body in an attempt to gather information. Eyewitness account would have to be enough for them. This was further reinforced as the sage spoke again, this time of moving the body to their Alchemic Chambers. She felt the rage bubbling inside of her, threatening to erupt.

“Abs-solutely n-not! T-this m-man—” Her quiet voice trembled even more and threatened to break, though stopped as the prince took command once more.

“I cannot allow you to take the body, it is a violation against sacred Lunarian tradition.”

You’re damned-right it’s a violation.

Her attention faltered once more, a wave of nausea threatening to bring her to the ground. Fuck. Even raising her voice was too much right now. This is problematic.

Katherine stood in silence as Flynn gave out orders to the group. This was good. It would give her time to compose herself and rest, as well as time to figure out a way out of this absolute clusterfuck of a situation she’d gotten herself into. The one thing that she had going for her was that she’d not spoken a lie. Nothing in her words was untrue, there was just a significant portion of the truth that she’d... conveniently left out. It would be something that she’d pay for down the line, without a doubt. For now however, it was the single thread of hope she held onto.

As the prince’s party began to set off, Katherine looked between Nathaniel and Daphne silently. She couldn’t hold herself together for much longer without rest. She wasn’t even totally confident that walking back to the temple was in the books for her, but she had to try. At the worst, she currently had Daphne’s limited trust due to the sigil that was given to her—a gift that Katherine would have to repay Adonis for. The sigil, along with Daphne’s statement, was likely the only reason that she wasn’t in chains right now.

Once the departing group was out of earshot, Katherine attempted to approach the body once more. She clenched her fists and stumbled as the nausea struck again with a vengeance, before succumbing to gravity and dropping to her knees. A moment later and she fell sideways from her knees onto her side. The world spun around her and her stomach threatened to let loose the little food and drink she’d had today. She slumped her head into the snow. She stared motionlessly into the faceless head that was once again before her.

Apart from the icy pool earlier, this was the first time in a long while that Katherine felt properly cold. She had nothing left.

You’re going to get me killed. What use am I to you dead?

Silence.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

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_{Interacting with: @Dark Light @The Muse @Fetzen @Dezuel @Echotech71}

A sigil and a dagger from Lord Coswain, surely that would be convincing enough.

Some words of reassurance from the guard, words that were confident but did little to calm the nerves that were beginning to build inside.

And then silence.

Nothing but the cold winter wind and the gentle creaking of the trees as they swayed within it.

Suddenly Katherine felt very alone. Exposed. If the murderer wanted to strike again, he could do it from any angle and there would be no way to see it coming. Her eyes flicked around her surroundings as Aliseth finally disappeared from her sight. There was nothing, not even a stray raven or curious rabbit.

I hope you didn’t think I was truly gone, Inquisitor. You know what you have to do.

The words echoed in her head and sent a chill down her spine.

Fuck you.

Katherine choked on her breath as the invisible collar around her neck tightened viciously. She clawed at her neck as her throat tightened completely. The silence was almost deafening, now that not even her breathing interrupted it.

Ah ah ah. That’s not the proper way to address your superior, Sorrowind.

The collar loosened and Katherine gasped in the icy cold air, quenching the fiery pain raging in her lungs.

Consider it your first official order of this assignment. Interrogate the dead man. You must ensure the safety of our beloved Princess.

The last words echoed mockingly in her head as the sensation of her collar disappeared.

Alone once more.

Fine.

With a quick twirl, Katherine removed her fur cloak and laid it on the ground, kneeling down onto it before the faceless and body-less head. Her heart pounded in her chest, knowing damn-well what she was about to attempt just might get her arrested for real. It would certainly be one way to make one hell of a first impression. She stifled a nervous laugh, shaking her head.

The priestess bowed her head at the moon in the sky and put her hands together palm-to-palm. A very traditional position for prayer that she had not assumed in a very long time. Her hope was to provide every reason for her goddess to show mercy in the judgement Katherine knew was coming. Whether or not it would work was a completely different question.

Seluna, forgive me for what I am about to do. Know that I do this for the protection of others and not for my own gain. Know that once again, I do this against my will and against my better judgement.

Katherine’s deep brown eyes flicked open and she placed her hands firmly into the snow before her. With a single thought, a sickly green mist began to escape from beneath her palms. It was slow at first, barely visible in the moonlight. Her entire body screamed at her in protest of what she was attempting. Almost immediately, her muscles began to ache and her heart threatened to launch itself from her chest.

The green mist quickly became more prominent, forming into many thin columns that approached the faceless head before her and entering it from any and every orifice it could find.

She lifted her head and groaned as the pain progressively worsened, from aches to needles.

Why is this so much harder than before…

Willing herself to do better, the priestess closed her eyes and steeled her mind once more.

Come on… let me in… LET ME IN.

Katherine gritted her teeth, the combination of pain and the knowledge that she was still on a leash bringing out a newfound rage from inside. With a deep, shaky breath, she used this rage to fuel her magic just shy of her breaking point.

And in a moment, everything gave way. The vile green mist flooded the remains of the main—both body and head—causing it to subtly convulse.

Flashes of memories whipped before her eyes. Split-second images of what was presumably the moments leading up to this man’s death, barely visible and barely recognizable. Emotions ripped through her like a knife; Suspicion, then fear, then absolute terror. Then, a final image of an almost-unhinged jaw before pain shot through her head.

Katherine’s hands rushed up to clutch her head, falling to the side and writhing in pain. Her breath repeatedly caught in her throat, her mind barely able to focus enough to keep breathing while she relived the most powerful sensation of Sir Abel’s final moments.

M-my lady of s-silver have mercy… … … make it stop. Make the pain… stop.

The sickening sound of tearing flesh and a blood curdling scream overwhelmed every other sensation she’d felt up till this moment. No longer was it the silence that was deafening.

Laying in agony, Katherine reached a desperate hand out towards the faceless head.

With a single touch, the green mist of her necromancy tore itself from her subject and rushed back to her.

And then there was silence once more.

* * *

A few moments later, Katherine found her vision filled with a view of the night sky. Clouds floated by overhead and the snow gently fell, flakes melting against the exposed skin of her face. She could feel the cold ground underneath and slowly deduced that she was laying on her back. Her heart still pounded in her chest, her breaths still shaky, but the pain was gone. The screaming, the gut-wrenching tearing of flesh, gone. The silence of the forest had returned.

With trembling limbs, Katherine slowly maneuvered herself upwards. First, to all fours, where she stayed as her head spun and spots flew across her vision. It was also here that she noticed the sensation of fresh blood running from her nose, quickly changing from warm to cold in the winter air. Then, when the priestess finally felt relatively stable, she pushed herself to her feet and wrapped herself in the fur cloak.

Voices in the distance caught her attention. She was able to pick out at least a few distinct different people before she noticed the glow of torchlight coming down the path.

Fuck.

The priestess turned her back to the nearing group before raising a hand out towards the murder scene. Her entire body shook as she focused on a silent blessing, just enough to be visible to those approaching. The silvery symbol of Seluna gently appeared, hovering low above Sir Abel’s body just as she heard Flynn’s voice call out behind her.

Her heart raced once more and spots flew across her vision, panic filling her mind.

“L-lord Coswain and I… heard a scream. We got here and t-there was only a s-single guard that remained here.” Katherine tried her best to hide her shaky voice, a difficult task considering her entire body was trembling. Whether from cold, or from exhaustion, she had no idea.

“The lord and guard went off t-that way, I remained here to k-keep the scene untouched.” She pointed towards where the pair’s footsteps trailed off into the snow. “T-they went looking for… the princess, I b-believe.”

There was no lie that she could weave in the moment to explain her current state. She hoped it would either be overlooked, or just due to the cold. She was Lunarian, so the latter was a pretty slim hope to hold. Barring either of those, she was at the mercy of whatever wicked sense of humor the universe had. The darkness would only be on her side for as long as the newfound company stayed at a distance. In the torchlight, her now-pallid skin and generally unwell-looking appearance would be easy to spot. And that was assuming no one bothered to comment on the very evident crimson stain on her upper lip.

Looking across the group, she noted Ayel’s face, which only served to worsen her already shaky nerves.

I need to sell this more or he’ll have my head.

“T-this man here…he w-was gruesomely murdered. I’ve been trying to g-give him a proper blessing while I w-waited for the guards. I didn’t want to move the b-body for final rites until they were able to see it.”

Realms of Sun & Shadow

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* * *

_{Interacting with: Lord Coswain @PrinceAlexus and Aliseth @Dark Light}

Katherine let out a sigh as Ayel ran off back towards town, undoubtedly with the goal of stirring up as much drama as possible. There was no telling what kind of story he would weave to the guards and Prince.

She considered both Lord Coswain’s orders as well as Aliseth’s input. The latter statement made a good point; The scene should remain secure, especially with the likes of Ayel and the accusations that would follow. She also knew that the priority was clearly finding the Lunarian princess and that the royal guard was dedicated to protecting her and Flynn. That left just herself and the very much out-of-commission Persephone a short distance away to protect the scene.

Katherine took a deep breath and gave herself a self-assuring nod. Well this is clearly becoming my responsibility to handle.

The priestess looked between Aliseth and Adonis before speaking in a hushed tone once she was sure Ayel was out of earshot.

“I will remain here and protect this scene until that noble inevitably returns with guards. I don’t think moving the body is wise quite yet, not until more eyes are laid on it. Though I have faith that it will all be sorted in the end, the guard will undoubtedly be suspicious of us given how the Marquess reacted.”

Besides, it wouldn’t be first time I’ve been imprisoned for something I didn’t do. She sighed quietly at the thought. That, and I might be able to get some insight as to what happened here if these two are gone.

“I trust that you both will have my back if the guards decide to arrest me, even if temporary? The Marquess will surely insist on it, given the accusations he threw at us.”

Katherine’s gaze returned to the gory display before them. Her mind pondered on how to best protect such a scene from disturbance and prying eyes. There was no structure to block lines of sight, nor doors to seal off with magical wards. Two ideas came to mind, the first of which was very much a risky and reactive approach. It would involve using psychic magic to influence any who came near and very much depended on how well they were trained to resist such tactics. The second would involve conjuring a shield of pure shadow so that none could see what lay inside.

It would definitely still attract attention, but it would be the safest bet until support arrived.

“I’m capable of holding my own in a fight before either of you get concerned about that.” She tapped the short-sword on her hip that had been hidden beneath her cloak up until now.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

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* * *

_{Interacting with: Lord Coswain @PrinceAlexus, Aliseth @Dark Light, and Marquess Raunefeldt @Dezuel}

This fucking guy...

Katherine groaned internally as the Marquess monologued for what felt like an eternity. Clearly he was an Aurelian, as he threw accusations of participating in a sacrificial ritual, and as he compared the group to apes and rats. Though generally known for her patience, Katherine found that this particular nobleman was wearing it particularly thin.

The cold wind bit at her cheeks as she rose in place and looked to Aliseth as he spoke, shaking her head in response before speaking to him quietly.

“Little bothers a person when they’ve endured the torment I have.”

Memories of kneeling above her mother’s corpse flickered into her mind, a sickly green glow radiating from her own hands as she was forced to perform a ritual of resurrection. The pain, the anguish and the exhaustion all flooded her mind for a moment, then vanished as quickly as it had come. Katherine looked down at the corpse once more before balling her fists and extinguishing the shadow magic she had been holding in wait.

Turning to Ayel, the priestess stared him down with her admittedly non-threatening brown eyes.

“Listen to Lord Coswain, Marquess.” She spat Ayel’s title as if it was poison.

“Why don’t you make yourself useful and fetch more of the guards, Aurelian. Surely you know that this wasn’t us.” She motioned between herself and Adonis, still unsure what to make of Aliseth. “And lower your hand, we don’t want to have to make a mess of things now would we?” Her face held a smile as she spoke but her tone was all but happy.

It might have even came across as vaguely threatening.

My Lady, please recognize the restraint I am demonstrating with this Marquess. My patience wears thin with the intolerant and snooty noble, but I will continue to hold myself back as long as he poses no threat. If he does, lend me your fury to put this Aurelian in his place.

Katherine’s attention turned away from Ayel and back to the gore before them, and she began walking the scene with inquisitive eyes. She examined the faceless head, using her shadow magic to turn it side to side in place of her hands. These look like claw marks or... teeth. Katherine tilted her head, looking to the body. The head was taken off cleanly, not like the face. This was done with a blade. She looked up to Aliseth, then to Adonis, holding his gaze for a moment. It was difficult to tell in the dark, but in her eyes you could see concern.

It’s a shame there are so many others here. I could find the murderer with a few simple questions to the corpse, but there would be no hearing the end of it from the local guards and... the Marquess. No. I can’t yet call on the dead for information. Perhaps once the rest of the guards arrive and document what information they need, I can convince them to let me take the body for this man’s final rites.

“My lord, from what I have seen, this man’s head was taken with a blade. In contrast, his face seems to have been torn off by claws or teeth. Like an animal, almost.” Her voice was confident with a hint of worry. Katherine stepped closer to Adonis, her eyes wearily glancing to Ayel. She stopped right next to Adonis and whispered in hushed tones.

“I know not who did this, and I do not try to command you. But I think it would be wise to bring this... mystery man—the one in guard’s armor—into custody until we know more. That man’s head was taken with a sword, I have no doubt.”

Realms of Sun & Shadow

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_{Interacting with: Lord Coswain and Persephone @PrinceAlexus, Aliseth @Dark Light}

Anyone... welcome...
Keep troublemakers at bay... obviously.
Sya... right, the innkeep. Get in touch for food provisions.

Katherine scribbled down notes with a hastily prepared quill and ink-pot as the Lord and Lady spoke, speaking to herself in barely a whisper. She wanted everything to go perfectly for the two of them. Twenty years of dedication to each-other deserved no less than her best effort. The first wedding she’d performed in the last few years, and likely the first to be performed in Dawnhaven; It was not something to be taken lightly.

Her attention only faltered for a moment as Persephone excused herself from the conversation, Katherine’s eyes followed the woman with a look of concern before returning to Adonis.

“No disrespect taken, my Lord. If there’s anything I can do to help please let me know.” She offered a slight smile, worry still visible on her face. “I will do my best to make sure that the day is as perfect as I can provide, rest assured. I will get into contact with the Prince about the guards, but you can also be certain that I will ensure the safety of the event. Personally, if need be.”

Katherine spoke with the confidence that only came from experience.

“I will see what I can come up with to accommodate those colours in the ceremony.”

Moments later, Katherine found her attention ripped from present company to scream, it’s origin shockingly close by. Her eyes flicked to the Lord as he spoke, nodding in agreement. “I’m no healer. I will secure her here and provide the best blessing I can, but if there’s something out there, you need me more than she does.”

With a grunt, the priestess carried Persephone across the temple and back into her own chambers. Katherine gently placed the barely-conscious woman onto the bed before kneeling at her side and whispering a prayer.

“Moonmaiden, my Lady. I pray for your protection. Let no evil befall this woman while she rests, let no weapon be raised against her, let no one with malevolent heart draw near.”

Katherine raised hand and gently hovered it over Persephone’s torso, a gentle silver glow radiating from her palm.

“Now guide my hand against those who would seek to harm us.”

Katherine stood from the bedside and walked from the temple. With another whisper, shadows enveloped the temple doors from her raised hand and etched in an inky black rune across them. “Let no one cross but your chosen, and the lover of the woman inside.” A simple rune, but one that few assailants would be able to break.

* * *

Following in the snowy footprints, Katherine made her way over to where Adonis had stopped. She paced up beside him, shadowy tendrils barely visible from the tips of her fingers. Her eyes first landed on Aliseth, then to the gory scene between them. Without a modicum of caution, Katherine walked forward to the body and momentarily disregarded the guard’s presence. She knelt down into the snow and peered across the remains with curious eyes. A head separated from its body, and a face separated from its head. Only, there was no face to be found.

Curious indeed. She mused to herself. I wonder how hard it would be to bring back a headless body to life... ... ... if it’s even possible.

Placing a hand over the body, being mindful not to touch it, Katherine whispered a prayer once more.

“My lady, I pray for the man before me who’s life was cruelly taken from him. Bless this soul with your silver light and guide him to the life-after.”

Realms of Sun & Shadow

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* * *

_{Interacting with: Lord Coswain and Persephone @PrinceAlexus}

Katherine couldn’t help but smile listening to the couple’s story, her eyes flicking between the two of them as they spoke. It had been a while since she’d seen true love. Not married together for political reasons or power, but for actual love.

A slight tightness rose in her chest for but a moment, but long enough for her to recognize it; envy. Not out of malice or ill-intent, but envy nonetheless. Katherine had spent most of her life so far away from any sort of relationship and only in recent years had enjoyed some more carnal desires. It was fun, sure. But there was an emptiness to it after her partner was gone the following day. A longing for more than something casual. A longing to wake up to someone every morning that she could give her unconditional love and trust.

She returned her attention to the conversation once more, the warm smile never having left her face. “It seems like you two have been through a lot together. It’s truly admirable to witness such love and devotion to one-another, our Lady of Silver would be proud.”

Katherine stood from her chair and paced over to one of the open crates in her quarters. She gently moved a few things aside and placed them on her bed before letting out a content hum. The priestess retrieved a surprisingly humble, leather-bound book branded with a crescent moon on its front. There was no title upon its cover nor any indication of its author. Returning to her seat, Katherine flicked through the pages while remaining present for the bride-and-groom-to-be before her.

“I will be the first to admit that I have not performed many wedding ceremonies in my admittedly brief time as a priestess, but I will do my best to ensure that everything under my control is executed to the best of my abilities.”

Her heart fluttered nervously at the admission. She hoped that the Lord and Lady wouldn’t mind her inexperience in such matters.

“I also understand if you wish for me to send for a more experienced clergy-member to perform your wedding rites. However, if you will have me, it would be my greatest honour to arrange such an important day."

Katherine briefly returned her attention to the book in her hands. Her eyes scanned over the words before her, in her own hand-writing. Notes of Lunarian wedding customs and several different prayers to Seluna filled the pages in an organized manner, a manner fitting of a student in study. The notebook had been her entire world during her studies at Moonrise Sanctuary. These notes would be instrumental for this wedding; It had easily been a year since she’d participated in a wedding ceremony, and longer since she’d been the one to organize one.

“As we are reminded daily, our Lady’s light and blessing is not limited to the temple. Is this wedding something you want all to witness, or would you both prefer a more private ceremony? As well, I can see if the tavern would be willing to prepare food and drink for after the wedding.”

“Please do not feel pressured to make these decisions right now. You can let me know of your desires at anytime, the temple is always open to you.”