Tae

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Night
Location: Deep in the forest
Interactions: @ReusableSword Roman @Lava Alckon Farim

---

As Roman burst into the clearing, his fury palpable in the air, Torvi's heart raced with exhilaration. She stood her ground, her eyes fixed on the approaching behemoth, a wild grin tugging at the corners of her lips. This was the moment she had been waiting for, the clash of titans in the heart of the forest.

But just as the tension reached its peak, a shrill whistle pierced the air, drawing Torvi's attention away from the impending confrontation. Her gaze fell upon Farim, who had arrived at the scene, his presence disrupting the intensity of the moment just as she was about to charge and meet Roman in the middle.

Torvi's brow furrowed slightly, her excitement momentarily dampened by the interruption. She hadn't anticipated another player entering the fray, especially not at such a critical moment. She cursed to herself in the old tongue as she tried to control her irritation. However, she quickly composed herself, her determination unwavering.

"Careful now, boy," Torvi warned, her voice sharp with disdain. "Do not underestimate him. One wrong move, and he will break you like a twig."

She took a step closer, her eyes flashing with defiance. "As for me, I do not break so easily." With those words, Torvi took off at an alarming speed as she hoped Farim’s appearance may cause some distraction. She dodged around Roman at the very last second before spinning and attempting to leap onto his back with an unnatural strength of her own. He may have been possessed by the spirits tonight, but she drew her own strength from her ancestors as well as Fenrys’ ancestors. The blood of the mythical dire wolves coursed through her body.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Night
Location: Edge of Lover’s Lake
Interactions: @ReusableSword Roman @Lava Alckon Farim @Tpartywithzombi Ariella, @Helo Callum @Infinite Cosmos Munir

---

As Torvi slowly began to disappear into shadows of the treeline, her heart raced with excitement at the success of her plan. She watched with a mixture of thrill and awe as Roman unleashed his brute strength upon the unsuspecting city guards, his primal fury unleashed in defense of those at the party.

Quickly, she sheathed her dagger, her movements swift and fluid as she scooped Mina up. With practiced ease, she threw her over her shoulder in one swift motion. Mina let out a startled gasp, clearly taken aback by Torvi's unexpected strength.

Without missing a beat, Torvi took off in a surprisingly speedy run, her muscles fueled by adrenaline, determination, and something almost unnatural. Mina's protests were drowned out by the pounding of Torvi's footsteps as they darted through the forest, the sounds of pursuit growing fainter behind them.

After a few minutes of rapid movement, Torvi slowed her pace, her muscles burning with exertion. She glanced over her shoulder to ensure they were not about to be caught before releasing Mina, albeit keeping a vigilant eye on her.

"Sorry about the dramatics, but I needed to get his attention," Torvi explained quickly, her voice low and urgent. "You will be safe soon, I promise."

Mina's expression was a mix of confusion and anger, her eyes darting between Torvi and the surrounding darkness. She seemed to understand the gravity of the situation, albeit reluctantly.

Torvi's attention shifted momentarily as she let out a soft, melodic howl, calling Fenrys to her side. She had instructed the dire wolf earlier in the night to keep close, but remain hidden so as not to frighten others. Soon enough, the massive dire wolf emerged from the shadows, his golden eyes fixated on Torvi with unwavering loyalty.

"Fenrys will take you from here," Torvi reassured Mina, her tone softer now, laced with a hint of concern. "He will ensure your safety and guide you away from danger. Perhaps back to that man that was frantic about you. A lover?"

“That’s none of your damn business!” Mina snapped at Torvi as she hesitantly moved towards the wolf. Torvi simply chuckled at the woman, her outburst being all the answer she needed. With a gentle hand, Torvi helped Mina onto Fenrys' back, the dire wolf offering a comforting nuzzle before bounding off into the depths of the forest, his powerful form disappearing into the darkness.

Turning her attention back to the direction from which Roman would inevitably come barreling through, Torvi's wild grin widened as she prepared herself for the impending encounter. The thrill of the chase coursed through her veins, anticipation building as she braced herself for the exhilarating clash with the formidable bear-man. “Now we let the fun really begin…”

---

Mina

Meanwhile…

As Fenrys bounded through the forest, Mina's breath was taken away by the sheer speed and power of the dire wolf beneath her. For a moment, fear gripped her heart as she realized she was alone with this seemingly wild animal, her mind racing with thoughts of survival.

Am I going to survive this? I’m pretty sure this thing could easily kill me and eat me… she wondered, her voice barely above a whisper as she clung to Fenrys' fur, her fingers trembling with adrenaline.

Just as panic threatened to overwhelm her, Fenrys slowed his pace, his massive form gradually coming to a stop in the path of a frantic man. With a soft whine, he turned his head to reveal himself and a trembling Mina to Munir.

Mina's breath caught in her throat as she saw him, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of his familiar face. “Munir…” she murmured softly, her voice filled with both gratitude and vulnerability as she slowly slid off of the wolf who bowed respectfully to the prince.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Night
Location: Edge of Lover’s Lake
Interactions: @ReusableSword Roman @Lava Alckon Farim @Tpartywithzombi Ariella, @Helo Callum @Infinite Cosmos Munir

---

Torvi observed the ceremony from the shadows of the treeline, her keen eyes taking in every detail. She recognized the subtle magic woven into the ritual, a faint echo of the ceremonies performed by her own tribe. It amused her to see the Danrose family allowing such practices, considering their staunch opposition to magic. Perhaps they didn't realize the truth of it, chalking it all up to a drunken celebration? Clever, quite clever indeed. Nevertheless, she decided to keep this observation to herself for now, finding it harmless in the grand scheme of things.

Her attention was piqued when the city guards arrived, searching for a Lady Violet Damien. Torvi made a mental note to potentially aid in the search later; it could lead to something interesting. But her thoughts were quickly interrupted by the chaos that ensued as Roman went berserk.

As the towering figure of Lord Ravenwood charged toward the guards, Torvi's thrill and intrigue heightened. A dark grin crossed her features as she watched some begin to panic and even heard a few screams of horror. To her, though, this beast of a man was absolutely beautiful, perfection even. She realized she might be one of the few equipped to stop him and truthfully she wanted to know all of what he was made of. Finally, Torvi stepped out into the open, her tall figure clad in dark fighting leathers. Her silver hair was braided back and shone in the moonlight, the firelight danced in her golden eyes.

In a calm yet commanding voice, Torvi called out to Roman in the old tongue, hoping to catch his attention. "Come now, big bear, don't you want to dance with someone who can keep up with your wild side?” But as she approached, it became evident that he was essentially being possessed by the natural spirits, his focus solely on protecting those at the ceremony.

Realizing that her words alone wouldn't suffice, Torvi assessed the situation quickly. With determination in her eyes, she approached the exhausted Mina and grabbed her, causing the woman to struggle and yell. ”Let me go, you…you brute!” The red haired woman yelled, but Torvi paid her little mind. As she was doing this she took note of the other young man a who had stepped out and started yelling at the guards. So this was another one of the Danrose children? She would have to meet him at a later date, for now she had other matters to attend to. Pressing a knife against Mina's throat, Torvi whispered quietly, ensuring only Mina could hear her.

"I do not wish to harm you, but I need to draw the beast man's attention. If I must spill some of your blood to do so, I will not hesitate," Torvi murmured, her grip firm yet controlled. ”Now do me a favor and call for that man. I wish to draw him away from this crowd to get them out of harms way. Help me with that?”

Mina took a split second to think, unsure of what this woman's true intentions were, but if she did wish to help get Roman out of the situation then perhaps it was wise to go along with her. For a brief moment she glanced over to Munir, praying he was out of harms way, before turning her attention back to Roman. ”Roman! Roman, help me! Please!” Mina screamed as loudly and frantically as she could.

”Good, that was good.” Torvi praised the woman and simply got an eye roll in return. With a sense of urgency, Torvi began to pull Mina toward the treeline.

Avalia

Time: Afternoon/Evening
Location: River Port, Medical Center
Interactions: Zion @Helo
Mentions:
Equipment:
Song: Nothing You Can Take From Me

Kenia lingered in the sterile white hallway outside the medical center, her gaze fixed on the closed door behind which Zion's fate hung in the balance. The medical personnel had ushered her out briefly, citing the need for privacy during the procedure to remove the poisoned arm. Reluctantly, she had acquiesced, though every fiber of her being urged her to stay by Zion's side.

Restless, she decided to make use of the time. The image of Zion's pained roars still echoed in her mind, and the urgency to ensure his comfort clawed at her. With a determined stride, she ventured into the heart of River Port, heading straight to Seafood Sensations. The door's chime announced her entrance as she stepped into the warmly lit eatery, inhaling the comforting aroma of grilled fish.

A quick exchange with the chef, and she left with a carefully wrapped cheesy tuna sandwich. A small offering, but one she hoped would provide even a modicum of solace for the mighty lion in his time of recovery.

Returning to the medical center, Kenia found herself once more outside Zion's door. She eased it open, and her eyes met the sight of him lying still on the bed, his once-majestic form now marred by the absence of an entire limb. A pang of sympathy and sorrow washed over her. She approached quietly, settling into a chair beside the bed, the wrapped sandwich cradled in her hands.

The quiet hum of medical equipment formed a somber backdrop as she waited. Her fingers began to tap a small beat on the chair, then came the humming, and before long she was softly singing as she leaned her head back and closed her eyes waiting.

“You can't take my past
You can't take my history
You could take my pa but his name's a mystery
Nothing you can take from me – was ever worth keepin'...”

Avalia

Time: Evening
Location: Saltrunner
Interactions:
Mentions: Arlen @SilverPaw, Tanithil @Lava Alckon, Ismael @Th3King0fChaos, Sirena @Tpartywithzombi
Equipment:

Amisra emerged on the deck, her movements a bit slower than usual. Her ribs twinged with each step, a constant reminder of the recent brawl. Ignoring the dull ache, she headed towards the ropes, her hands moving to assist with hoisting the sails. Tanithil's proclamation about the Captain's map and their new destination had stirred a sense of anticipation in her, overriding the pain.

As she worked on the sails, her gaze flickered toward the mysterious woman who was now part of their crew. Amisra had managed to learn a few things about her. The woman was skilled in healing arts and she guessed she had a story as complex as the knots Amisra deftly tied. With a wry smile, she couldn't help but marvel at the intricate web of lies they had spun to keep Sirena onboard, with Arlen playing his part to Amisra’s relief.

She glanced over at Tanithil, who stood confidently at the helm, and couldn't shake the worry that tightened her chest. He may have addressed his concern for her before, but she was well aware of his tendency to shoulder burdens alone. It was her best friend's heart to protect, and it was something she understood all too well.

Amisra pushed through the discomfort, working harder than she probably should, a distraction from the ache of her broken ribs. The Saltrunner began to glide through the water, the anticipation of a new adventure mingling with the salty breeze. In the end, she was a pirate, and no injury, no matter how painful, would keep her from sailing towards the promise of treasure and the unknown.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: The harbor
Interactions: Sjan-dehk @Apex Sunburn
Aesthetic: Dress, Mask (one on right), and Hair

The night unfolded like a tapestry of dreams as Kalliope stepped out into the Sorian evening. The sky was a mixture of deep velvet hues, the darkest bits beginning to be studded with stars that shimmered like diamonds against an inky backdrop. The sea whispered its ancient secrets, and the sounds of the bustling dock added a melodic layer to the enchanting symphony of the night.

Her dress, a masterpiece of craftsmanship, draped around her in cascading waves of blues and teals, reminiscent of the ocean depths. It hugged her form in a mermaid silhouette, a siren's attire that whispered of mysteries hidden in the ocean's embrace. The dress played with the light, the golden accents reminiscent of sun-kissed waves glistening in the setting sun. Her hair, a flowing cascade of fire, was artfully arranged over her right shoulder, courtesy of Riona. The strands wove into intricate patterns, held in place by delicate pins that sparkled like stars in the night sky. It framed her face, leaving the other side open to the night, creating an illusion of untamed beauty.

The masquerade mask she held in her gloved hand was a delicate creation, an ethereal extension of the ocean theme. Gold filigree adorned it, and a hint of mystery lurked behind the azure and white mask. Kalliope, the siren of the night, was ready to immerse herself in the dance of shadows and secrets.

As she strolled toward the waterfront, she marveled at the exquisite surroundings. She gave little attention to the array of looks she was receiving from those she passed. It surely was unusual for someone so dressed up to be strolling down the Sorian harbor in the evening. She cared little what they thought, however, and anyone stupid enough to give her any trouble just might meet Hubris and Avarice who were artfully hidden beneath her dress against her leg.

Her steps quickened with a mixture of excitement, nervousness, and curiosity. The rendezvous with Sjan-dehk promised an intriguing evening, and the blend of sea breeze and anticipation stirred something enchanting within her. She wondered how he would react to her after the slight awkwardness from earlier in the day. She wasn’t naive enough to not notice the slight change in attitude towards her, but if she were honest she wasn’t sure what had caused it. She only hoped that whatever it was she could make up for it this evening.

Spotting him at the edge of the passing crowd, she approached with a grace that echoed the rhythm of the waves. The dress swirled around her ankles as she closed the distance, and a playful smile graced her lips.

"Captain," she greeted, her voice a velvet murmur infused with the melody of the night. "I hope you don't mind a siren's company for the night's festivities." She offered him a curtsy, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Shall we dance in the realm of arrogance and pompous asses?"

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: Summer Solstice Celebration at Lover's Lake
Attire: Outfit
Interaction: @FunnyGuy Alexander, @Lava Alckon Farim, @ReusableSwordRoman
Mentions: [@InfiniteCosmos] Munir

Mina stood before the polished mirror in her temporary dwelling, her eyes reflecting a mix of excitement and apprehension. The white linen dress she wore clung to her frame, its simplicity contrasted by the deep red face paint that adorned her skin. With precise strokes, she had marked her cheeks and chin in patterns honoring the customs of this sacred ceremony.

Her eyes, normally a bright blue color, were now rimmed with coal, giving her gaze a mysterious intensity. Stag horns, beautifully adorned with intricate carvings, crowned her head, their curves echoing the grace of nature's own creations. Her hair, a wild cascade of curls, was left untouched, the untamed locks flowing around her shoulders like a fiery waterfall.

Her mind traveled to earlier that day when she had been engaged in conversation with the enigmatic Alexander Deacon. “I'm far more concerned with how you're doing. Something troubling you? Are you comfortable, Mina?" He'd asked her, her heart having skipped a beat briefly, before he continued. “If you like, we could schedule something. Just you and I. No distractions… No discomforts.”

She'd began giving him a reassuring smile, finding it flattering that he was so concerned for her well-being, whether it was genuine or not. "I'm quite alright, I promise. I'm a big, tough girl. I can tie my own heels and everything." There was quite a bit a cheekiness to her words and she was getting ready to banter more when she'd noticed her uncle looking her way shortly after he had given Munir's bodyguard a letter and she let out a soft sigh. "That sounds like a lovely idea, perhaps we can arrange a time to have some tea. I'd also like to meet your wife. However, it seems my uncle is in need of my presence." Indeed, the older man had seemed to be beckoning Mina over with his gaze. She'd dipped into a curtsy while informing Alexander she'd be in touch and then bid him farewell before heading over to her uncle. The rest of the day had been uneventful after that, spending it preparing for this moment right now.

Taking a deep breath, she felt a mixture of anticipation and reverence settle within her. This was not just a celebration; it was a connection to something primal, something deep-rooted in the earth beneath her feet and the vast sky above. She adjusted the horns on her head one final time, ensuring they sat securely amidst her curls, and then turned away from the mirror.

The air outside was alive with anticipation, carrying the scent of earth and pine. As she made her way towards the gathering, she felt a sense of unity with the land, with the people around her, and with the ancient spirits that they would soon call upon. Her barefooted steps were purposeful yet light, her heart echoing the beat of drums that resonated through the forest.

The setting sun cast a warm glow over the assembly, painting the scene in hues of amber and gold. She found herself drawn to the fire pits that would soon be lit with flames, the thought of it already whispering secrets of the night to come. As she approached, her eyes met Roman's, and in that moment, she felt an unspoken understanding pass between them.

With a steadying breath, Mina moved towards her friend, ready to embrace the ancient traditions that awaited them. She passed Munir's cousin, Farim, giving him a brief nod of greeting as he left Roman. The weight of the stag horns on her head seemed to anchor her, grounding her spirit in the midst of the mystical energy that surrounded them.

The night was young, and the forest held its breath in anticipation of the rituals yet to unfold. And amidst it all, Mina stood, a living embodiment of the sacred connection between the earthly realm and the divine, ready to embrace the mysteries of the solstice celebration. "You chose a beautiful spot, Roman. This place is perfect " She complimented him with a smile.

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: River Port
Interactions: Zion @Helo, Malachi @princess, Jun @JJ Doe
Mentions:
Equipment:

Kenia was already ahead of Malachi, having made herself and the child invisible while leaving an illusory form of them in the same spot they were. She knew it wouldn’t last long, but she only had to get them far enough away for the little one to be safe. But before they could get far, she watched in horror as Zion was hit by the spider’s acid. ”Shit!” She cursed as the gruesome reality of the situation hit her like a tidal wave. Her mind raced, swift as the coursing river, assessing the situation and calculating her next moves. "Run towards that man there, stay close to him!" she whispered urgently to the child, her voice carrying the weight of a hundred promises to protect as she glanced at Jun as her invisibility dropped. She knew he likely wasn’t the best option for protecting the child, but she knew they had little choice with Zion now down. She swiftly turned her attention back to the unfolding nightmare before her.

Rage, hot and fierce, engulfed her as she saw Zion writhing in agony. She had come to actually like the demihuman in the hour she’d known him and to see him in such pain like that pissed her off. The protective instinct that had spurred her into action blazed into an inferno. Without a second thought, she unleashed her concealed fury upon the giant spiders.

She moved with the grace of a shadow and the ferocity of a storm. Her hands, infused with the power of light, became deadly weapons. She struck like a viper, swift and precise, aiming for the vulnerable spots on one of the spiders' bodies. The other one she sent a bright flash of light towards its many eyes, attempting to blind it to some capacity. Her movements were a dance of death, each strike calculated to incapacitate her enemies swiftly and efficiently.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Location: Tea Party—->Edge of Lovers Lake
Time: Morning—-->Night
Interactions:@Infinite Cosmos Munir
Mentions: @ReusableSword Roman

---

Count Sebastian Blackwood, dressed in the finery befitting his station, had been enjoying the company of several lesser noble women at the tea party. His charismatic demeanor and penchant for witty banter made him a favorite among the ladies. He had been regaling them with tales of his travels and adventures, his eyes occasionally wandering around the garden, keeping an eye on his niece Mina as she mingled with the guests.

It was during one of his charming anecdotes that Hakim approached him, discreetly delivering a small folded note. Sebastian excused himself from the conversation with the ladies, his curiosity piqued. He unfolded the note and quickly scanned its contents.

A subtle furrow formed on his brow as he read Munir's message. It was not entirely unexpected, given their last encounter, but Sebastian knew that addressing this matter was necessary. Besides, it was best to handle this discreetly.

Sebastian penned a brief reply, carefully choosing his words. The message read:

Prince Munir,

I shall honor your request. Let us meet after the Summer Solstice celebration tonight. Come and join us for our celebration, I feel you’ll find it rather interesting. After it is complete I will find you and we can step aside to talk. Until then, enjoy the festivities.

Count Sebastian Blackwood

He sealed the note and handed it back to the servant, instructing them to deliver it to Munir. With that done, he returned to the group of noblewomen, his charm and wit undiminished, though his thoughts now turned toward the upcoming meeting and how best to handle it.

---

Later that evening…

Count Sebastian Blackwood stood amidst the tranquil, forested setting chosen for the Summer Solstice celebration. The scent of pine and earth hung heavy in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of burning wood from the small fires scattered around the gathering site. Dressed in black leather pants that clung to his lithe form, he stood shirtless, revealing the intricate designs of black ink that adorned his skin, symbolizing wisdom and transformation. The rays of the setting sun played upon these markings, causing them to glisten with an otherworldly quality.

Adorning his left shoulder was a pauldron crafted from an array of raven feathers, each one shimmering with dark iridescence. These feathers rustled softly with his every movement, giving him an ethereal air, like the spirit of a raven given human form.

On his face, he wore a dark wooden mask intricately carved to resemble a hauntingly beautiful raven. The mask's ebony eyes seemed to gleam with an uncanny intelligence, and its beak held a mystic quality, suggesting a connection to the spirit of this enigmatic bird. The mask concealed his features, adding an aura of mystery and reverence to his appearance.

His bare feet pressed lightly into the forest floor, connecting him to the earth beneath. The leather pants he wore were practical for the occasion, allowing for ease of movement as he prepared to play the hauntingly beautiful melodies of the northern territories. He adjusted the raven mask on his face and the feathered pauldron on his shoulder, ensuring they were secure as he glanced around, taking in the preparations for the ceremony.

Amidst the murmurs of the gathered crowd, Sebastian's keen eyes flickered across the attendees. As Roman spoke, explaining the rules and the events that would unfold that night, Sebastian's gaze shifted purposefully, his curiosity piqued by the absence of one particular individual. He scanned the faces, his eyes narrowing slightly as he searched for any sign of Munir, the enigmatic man who had been intertwined with his beloved niece…in more ways than he wished to acknowledge.

He wondered if Munir would muster the courage to attend such a deeply traditional and spiritual event. The Summer Solstice celebration was a far cry from the grand balls and political meetings of the court, a raw and ancient communion with nature that might not align with Munir's usual circles. Yet, there was an inkling of hope within Sebastian that perhaps Munir would show up, that he might find solace in the embrace of nature, away from the constraints of noble life. Perhaps he could prove he was more than the impression he’d left on Sebastian.

As the sunlight waned, casting long shadows across the forest floor, his eyes continued their search, lingering on the faces of the crowd. Whether Munir appeared or not, tonight's ceremony was a chance for everyone present to step away from their titles and roles, to embrace the primal connection between man and the earth. He also searched for his niece whom he’d left to finish getting ready for the night, an ever present worry gripping at him when she wasn’t near as of the last few days.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Morning of Sola 22, The Blackwoods Sitting Room

Roman & Mina

Time: Sola 22, Morning
Location: The Blackwoods Sitting Room

---

The sun's warm rays filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a gentle glow across the sitting area of Mina's quarters. Soft cushions adorned the plush couch, inviting relaxation and comfort. Mina reclined on the cushions, her petite frame sinking into their embrace. Her eyes closed as she listened to the soothing melodies of birdsong outside, letting the tranquility of the morning wash over her.

The events of yesterday still lingered in her mind. Fainting during the execution had been unexpected, but Mina attributed it to a momentary lapse in her usually composed demeanor. Her uncle, ever the doting guardian, had insisted she rest in their quarters, demanding she regain her strength and vitality after running into him in the halls as she’d left with Munir. He was always overly concerned for her well-being, worrying about her more than she believed necessary. She’d tried to argue that she was fine, but he was having none of it and even gave the Alidasht prince a disapproving glance. Now she’d been confined to their quarters since yesterday.

As if on cue, the door creaked open, and two servants entered the room, each carrying a tray adorned with delicate teacups and a plate of freshly baked scones. They placed the trays on a small coffee table in front of Mina before bowing and silently retreating.

Mina's eyes fluttered open, her attention drawn to the enticing aroma wafting from the cups of tea. She took a moment to savor the fragrant steam rising from the cups before delicately picking one up. The porcelain felt cool against her fingertips as she brought the cup to her lips, taking a small sip of the warm, comforting liquid.

Just as she set the cup down, her gaze turned to the plate of scones. They were golden-brown, still warm from the oven, and adorned with a dusting of powdered sugar. The sight of the delectable treats brought a flicker of a smile to her lips. She picked up a scone, breaking off a small piece and savoring its buttery sweetness.

A momentary pause filled the room as Mina's thoughts drifted to her uncle's concern. She couldn't help but find it unnecessary. Fainting was not uncommon, especially in the midst of an execution by fire. Her own strength had always surprised her, and she knew she could handle more than others anticipated.

As she indulged in another sip of tea, she pondered on how to persuade her uncle to let her stay in Caesonia instead of returning to Kolonivka. She knew she had to be convincing, to make him understand that she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself.

Roman had woken up late, the actions of the night before proved to have taken more energy out of him then he had liked. Sleeping almost through the entire morning was not exactly something he wanted to do. At least the others had good news as he went about getting his attire in order after quickly washing himself off. The shaman Maja, an older woman intrusted with the health and wellness of the others while also keeping up with the wishes and celebrations of the gods. Maja was akin to the mother of their group.

She had found a place to the western most portion of lovers lake that would make due for their summer solstice ritual. She was actually there right now with a few others making the necessary arrangements. The other guards did not report any unusual circumstances in the area and Erik had acquired the updated list of varian nobles that were still in the city for the summer.

These were all things that made him breathe a little easier but he still wanted to check in on the blackwoods before the afternoon blacksmith lesson. Mina had fainted the other day and her father was never one for bright sunny days. He could only hope that they would be interested in his offer as well to help him with the ritual, those two were the closest thing to blood related family that he had here.

It wasn't long before he found himself at their place of residence for the summer. He knew where all of them would be staying after all if some kind of emergency came up. Taking a moment to make sure that he looked presentable enough the large man knocked on the door to their portion of the guest spaces. He was well aware that they wouldn't mind him just walking in but he still found it respectable to knock first.

Mina's maid paused her task at the sound of the knock, but before she could make her way to the door, Mina interjected with a warm smile. "I'll get it, thank you," she said to the maid, who nodded and resumed her work.

Making her way to the door, Mina found herself wondering who it could be. Moments later, she pulled the door open to reveal Roman standing there, looking as handsome as ever. Her eyes lit up with joy at the sight of her friend and her heart skipped a beat upon seeing her secret childhood crush. "Roman! What a wonderful surprise!" she exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement. "Come in, come in! You’re just in time for some tea if you’d like to join?"

She stepped aside, inviting him into the sitting area where they could relax and catch up. The sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room. "Please, have a seat," she said, gesturing to one of the chairs. "How have you been? Did I hear whispers that there is going to be a summer solstice ritual here this year?" She couldn't help but ask him excitedly.
He was quite surprised to look down and see his old childhood friend at the door, expecting a maid to answer instead she caught him off guard for a moment. “Err um yes I would love some tea.” he didn't hesitate to step inside and follow her over to the small table. For a moment he felt a little awkward as her sudden appearance derailed his train of thought. “Uhh yes i uh i am well and i did, that was one of the reasons i came by today.”

answering her question about the ritual, his smile quickly returning. “The main reason I came by was to see how you were doing? I heard you fainted at the execution the other day.” his smile dropped slightly as he mentioned the event did give him some worry for her health, it wasn't normal.

He smiled as the maid poured him some tea, “Thank you.” taking a sip of the pleasant warm liquid and setting the small cup down again, “the second reason was to tell you that I will be taking my fathers role for leading the ritual this year…” he trailed off for a moment and rubbed the back of his head.

Mina always made him flustered when she stared at him like that, “well I uh, I wanted to ask you to be my Echo this year. I know, I know, its a position normally held for the leaders wife or betrothed but i don't have either of those right now and i really do believe that you would be a great fit for the roll…” he couldn't keep eye contact with her and instead inspected the cup of tea again, he didn't know why but it felt to him like he was back in his younger days asking her for a dance. Mina always had the ability to steal his confidence but he wasn't sure why, he wasn't sure why he always showed her this side of him in private.

Mina couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement mixed with nostalgia. Though the feelings from her childhood had somewhat evolved over the years, there was still a lingering fondness for him. She tried to maintain her composure, not wanting to show her slight fluster at his presence.

Her heart sank a little as he mentioned her fainting at the execution. She didn't want him to worry about her as well, but she appreciated his concern. "Oh, it was nothing serious," she said with a reassuring smile. "Just a momentary lapse, though Uncle Sebastian would like to believe otherwise. I'm perfectly fine now."

As he informed her about taking his father's role for leading the ritual, her eyes widened in surprise. She knew how important the role was, and it was an honor to be chosen for such a responsibility. "Oh, Roman, that's wonderful news!" she exclaimed, genuine excitement in her voice as she gently placed a hand on his arm. "Congratulations, I know you'll do an amazing job."

But as he stammered and stumbled over his words, asking her to be his Echo, Mina couldn't help but feel her heart skip a beat. She had always admired Roman, and being asked to hold such an important position for him made her feel special. "I'd be more than honored to be your Echo," she said with a warm smile, her eyes locking with his for a moment before she looked down to hide her slight blush and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear.

She knew they had always had a special connection, and it seemed that even after all these years, that connection was still there. Roman had a way of making her feel both excited and shy at the same time. She certainly acted differently around him then she did most other men. Her confident, flirtatious manner almost seemed to fly out the window…almost.

But for now, she pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the present. She was happy for him and honored to be a part of such an important event in his life. It was a chance for them to spend more time together, and Mina looked forward to supporting him every step of the way.

He gave her a quiet sigh at her dismissal of her health concerns with a look that said he did not truly believe her. Yet he did not press the issue further, believing that she would tell him more information about it when she was ready. The mention of her uncle reminded him of another thing he wanted to bring up to her about the man as well. He held his tongue in anticipation of her reaction to his proposition.

The reaction was everything he hoped and gave her a toothy grin, the fireflies in his gut slowly subsiding with her answer. He sat the cup of tea down and reached for her hand cupping it gently in his calloused hand. “Thank you, you have a beautiful singing voice. I can't wait to hear it again. You shouldn't need to prepare as I chose four of some of our more common songs. I uh, i was also hoping that you could talk to Sebastion about joining as well.” he let her hand slip from his regaining his composure and leaning back into his chair in a more comfortable fashion.

“I know he has played music with my father in the past and it would bring me great pride if he would play with us.” he fondly remembered seeing the man play an instrument or two when his father led some of the rituals back home. “So the plan right now is Maja found a spot on the western edge of Lovers lake and some of us are out there now setting up the bonfires, setting the stone patterns, and cooking pits. We plan to begin tomorrow night and you should get your official invitation tomorrow. I plan on running the ritual with the four seasons in mind, similar to how my father has run them in the past. Speech first explaining the rules for those present, call to the gods and ancestors then begin to sing while the others give offerings and dance. Four smaller fires around one large one…” he paused for a moment as he realized he was rambling and dumping information to her again.

It was a nervous tick that he had around her and he felt like it had ruined some moments between them in the past. The fireflies began to make their way back out into his gut as he thought about those memories. When they would wander the forest as kids and he would tell her stories or talk to her about his craft for hours until they were called away. He really did like his friend but he could never really tell just how much she cared about him or if the voice in his head was right and she really didn't like him and was just being nice or polite.

Mina found herself swept up in Roman's excitement and passion as he talked about the upcoming ritual. She listened attentively, her eyes shining with genuine interest. His words painted a vivid picture in her mind, and she could almost feel the warmth of the bonfires, hear the songs, and sense the reverence of the moment. She was truly honored that he had chosen her to be a part of this significant event in his life.

When he mentioned her talking to Sebastian about joining the ritual, Mina's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Sebastian playing music? Now that's an idea," she said with a chuckle. "But I'll do my best to convince him. I'm sure he'll be intrigued by the idea, especially if he remembers the times he played with your father." Besides, it would be a good way for her to start the conversation again to convince him to let her stay. In fact, all of this would be a good way to convince him.

As Roman rambled on, Mina couldn't help but smile fondly. His nervousness and enthusiasm were endearing, reminding her of the times they had spent together as children. "You know, Roman, you don't have to worry about overwhelming me with information," she said with a teasing smile. "Besides, I could kiss you for helping provide me with more ammunition to use against my uncle since he wants to send me back to Kolonivka even though I don’t want to go home." Mina's eyes widened in slight panic as her words spilled out without her usual filter. She bit her lip, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. "I-I mean, not that I want to kiss you, I mean, you're my friend and I didn't mean to imply anything, I just...uh, forget I said anything," she stammered, her attempt to backtrack only making her embarrassment more apparent. She wished the floor would open up and swallow her whole.

She let out a nervous laugh, attempting to lighten the mood. "You see, I have this habit of saying things without thinking when I’m around you, and well, sometimes I just can't help myself," she rambled, waving her hand dismissively. "But, yes, I'll definitely talk to Sebastian about joining the ritual and see what he thinks. It's a great idea, really, and I'm sure he'll be thrilled... not about the kissing part, obviously, but about the music."

Mina mentally cringed at her own awkwardness. She had managed to make things even more uncomfortable, all while desperately trying to smooth over her slip of the tongue. "Anyway, yes, the ritual sounds fantastic and I'm really looking forward to it. And I promise, I won't mention kissing again unless you wanted a kiss, I mean, not that I'm suggesting anything, I just, oh gods," she groaned, covering her face with her hands for a moment before peeking out with a sheepish smile. "I should really just stop talking now."

Roman’s heart beat only quickened as Mina kept talking. She was stammering out sentences while his face kept blushing through shades of red one would find in a forge. He wasn't sure what he should do and his fight or flight response was growing in his chest with every word. The way she could put his body into the same feeling as going into battle amazed him. So he did the only thing he thought would be appropriate to soothe both of their minds for the moment.

Slowly he turned in his chair and held her hands gently. Now that he had got this far he wasn't sure how to proceed resulting in him hesitating as he looked at what was likely one of his oldest and dearest friends. The urge to kiss her and bed her was strong but he didn't want to ruin the friendship that he coveted. A friendship that he adored almost more than his hammer.

He found himself staring at her hands in his, staying stoic for a moment longer before speaking up. More of a whisper than anything, words just for them, as he looked her in the eye’s “the light of the moon failed in comparison to the light of her soul.” he leaned forward to tell her this and in doing so the crystal necklace dropped from under his shirt.

He took a moment longer to speak again, his face still red as he controlled his breathing and heart rate. “Please don't, I've always enjoyed your company, your jokes, your smile. I um i would like a k-kiss but not right now… how about after the ritual? After our songs.” his smile softened for a moment. His hesitation once again prevalent until he remembered what she had said, “wait, Sebastian wants you to go back already?”

His eyebrows furrowed in concern as he tried to think of how he could help with the situation, “i uh i could take responsibility for your safety… if it helps i did bring two extra ships worth of people and supplies just for the summer. I probably have more men and guards here than some of the royalty.”

As Roman reached out to hold her hands, a calming warmth seemed to envelop Mina. His touch was reassuring, and she looked into his eyes, finding a familiar sense of comfort there. His whispered words, like a soft breeze on a summer night, had a soothing effect on her. The comparison to the moon's light and the light of her soul was both poetic and endearing. She felt her heart skip a beat as she absorbed his words, her embarrassment momentarily forgotten. And then came his request, delivered with a mix of hesitation and vulnerability. Mina's cheeks flushed once again, but this time it wasn't from embarrassment; it was from a different kind of excitement.

Then her eyes landed on the necklace and she couldn’t help but stare for a moment. There was a strange aura coming off of it, something she hadn’t experienced before, and the whispers of the spirits seemed to surge for a moment. Since she fainted they hadn’t disappeared completely, but they’d become bearable at least. Now, though, they were momentarily distracting, yet she continued to try to ignore them as she went back to focusing on Roman’s words.

"After the ritual... our songs... Yes, that sounds lovely," she replied, her voice soft, her heart fluttering in her chest. The thought of sharing a kiss with Roman, especially after such a meaningful and beautiful event, sent a shiver down her spine. She couldn't deny that she felt a strong connection with him, something beyond their childhood friendship.

As he mentioned her uncle's desire for her to return to Kolonivka, Mina's expression turned a bit more somber and it seemed to bring her back to reality. She sighed softly and nodded, her fingers still entwined with Roman's. "Yes, unfortunately my uncle insists that I go back. He believes it's for my own good, but... I don't want to go back just yet," she admitted, her gaze dropping to their intertwined hands. "Your offer of protection means a lot to me, Roman. I'll have to speak to him about it and see if he's willing to consider it. Maybe it will help change his mind, at least for now."

She glanced up at him with a small smile, the vulnerability she felt mirrored in her eyes. "Thank you for being so understanding and for always being there for me, Roman. You truly are a dear friend, and I'm grateful to have you in my life." The soft whispers in the background seemed to grow stronger for a moment again, but Mina pushed them to the back of her mind, focusing on the present moment with Roman.

He smiled at her softly memories of times long past sifted through his mind and he found himself stuck on one memory of the two of them stargazing. The warm summer night air and the smell of the forest drifted back to him for a moment. Mina was and continues to be a close friend who he always wished he could confess his secrets to. His thoughts shifted and he felt a pull from his necklace that reminded him of all the things he has done. All the reasons why he will never be worthy of her heart.

The pull grew stronger for a moment, the smell of fresh blood and something burning growing in his senses. Men and women screaming in his mind, children crying. For a moment he was back in that town, back in that battle. A moment to her seemed like hours to him reliving the killing and bloodshed that he brought down on those poor people. In a place that does not exist on any maps anymore, with people that were erased from the records.

He did snap out of the thought, pushing the influence from his necklace back down and quickly hiding the crystal back into his shirt. He stood quickly and gave her a smile, “I apologize I forgot I had another meeting that I have to take care of. Thank you for accepting my invitation, you and Sebastian should be receiving your official invitations sometime soon. I truly do hope you are able to stay for the summer.” he opened his arms offering her a hug before he left, his heart still racing.

Mina's attention was briefly drawn to the strange aura emanating from his necklace. It seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy, and the whispers of the spirits around her grew louder and more insistent. They were demanding her attention, their voices a cacophony of accusations.

"Murderer." "Killer." "Blood on his hands."

Her breath caught in her throat and she could feel her heart pounding in her chest. At first she thought they were talking about herself, but then she realized they said his hands. She looked at the spirits and realized they were staring at Roman. The once-familiar presence of the spirits had taken on a sinister and accusatory tone, and it sent shivers down her spine. She had never experienced anything like this before.

She tried to focus on Roman's words, his offer of an invitation, but the voices in her head drowned out his words. Panic welled up within her, and she struggled to maintain her composure. She felt her head spin once more and she feared she was going to faint once more, but she shoved the feeling away as best she could as she tried to give Roman a smile. She was hesitant at first, but she moved and gave him a hug. She felt so small in his arms and for a moment, that panic she’d initially felt faded and she wondered what the spirits actually meant. How could Roman be any of those things? ”Thank you, Roman. I’ll see you at the Solstice then.” She finally managed to say to him before letting go. ”Now I think I should maybe go lay back down for a bit. I’m still a bit tired, it seems. Thank you for coming by.” She gave him a soft smile before turning and heading towards her room.