The Muse

Emerald City

@GoreLore Hey! Your sheet looked good, feel free to post it/make a post in the IC.

The RP has been rather slow lately - mostly my fault, my life has been really hectic over the last few months. But I'd still like to keep it going as long as everyone else is in still, even if it's slow paced. I need to work on my 2nd character to drop in on @TootsiePop's character. Should be able to get around to that soon!

Holidays are ramping up and I know that's a busy time for everyone. Hopefully everyone is still interested though! I've still got lots of plans that I'd like to play out/reveal if I can :)

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

Nylah Aldaos

Nylah scanned the crowd as quickly as she could, standing at the edge of a sea of people moving to and from the wide variety of shops. "This is useless... Ah, screw it."

Her plan of being more discreet was immediately thrown out the window. She needed to find the group if she wanted to make any money. Standing here she wouldn't be able to tell anyone apart, especially not at her average height. With her decision made, she pushed her way through the crowd and made her way toward the docks. One of the ships sails ought to provide her with enough height for an aerial view of the whole marketplace. Perhaps she could even figure out which ship belonged to the outlaw.

"'Scuse me... 'scuse me... pardon..." Nylah muttered under her breath as she maneuvered her way through the crowd, not exactly sorry about pushing people out of her direct path to the port. "On your left..." She slid herself in between two burly men as she reached the other side of the crowd of people, her eyes suddenly catching a group of men sitting around a table for a game of dice. Lo and behold - there was her bounty! She grinned, relieved that she hadn't had to climb a sail just yet. Time to put on the facade again.

"There you are!" She exclaimed in her most girlish tone, hurrying over to his side. "You're a hard man to get a moment with, aren't you?" She refrained from saying his name out loud to be heard by so many ears; you never knew who exactly could be listening. The men around the table looked up from the game, eyeing the elf up and down with curiosity. "I was hoping you would just give me a chance. I promise I could be of use on your crew!"

Emerald City

_changes

Mentions:@BeastofDestiny@TootsiePop Interaction:@Allycat@Jun

“We’ll get through this my dear, a day at a time. You know where to find me if you need me, take care now.”

Elizabeth forced a smile as Ollivander took his leave. His words were what most people said when they didn't know what else to say; she remembered hearing similar things when her mother died. It was time for another round, it seemed. Nonetheless, she knew that everyone meant well when they said them and she had been just as guilty at saying these cliche things. It didn't necessarily help, but everyone had to find a way to move on... somehow.

"Thank you, Mr. Clarke... I'll see you around."

"Kiddo," Her fathers gruff voice came from behind, a hand lightly grasping her shoulder in a reassuring way. Elizabeth turned to face him, fighting the urge to cry at the tired sight of him. "I'm gonna get the boys home... I don't want them running off to the fire, you know how they are..." Johnathon's dark eyes moved to Elliot, a boy he trusted to take care of his daughter. He met eyes with the younger boy, giving him a knowing look.

Elizbeth nodded, "I'll see you at home a little later." She glanced over at Elliot, who she could tell her father was putting responsibility on without even saying the words; they had all known each other long enough to read facial expressions. She didn't want this for Elliot, or anyone. No one should have to take care of her or worry over her. She was supposed to be the one taking care of other people. "Get it together..."

"Come on, there can't be many places open today. I don't want to wait forever, I think my stomach might end up shrinking."

She smiled at his comment, but did not reciprocate his light laugh. She just couldn't bring herself to do it. "I can drive u-" Shoved to the side, the red head stumbled forward, glaring green eyes darting up to see who had just pushed her and her last remaining best friend out of the way. "Hey!"

"Shit, sorry!"

Clattering to the ground, a gold plated walkman fell out of the man's pocket and bounced a couple times off the floor. She looked down, noticing the initials plastered for all to see. D.A.D. "Damon?" She looked back up, watching the man move anyone out of the way who was between him and the exit. The celebrity was clearly disguised in some awful outfit which barely accomplished anything. Her mind sent her back to the last night she had seen Lily. One of the last things Lily had said to her was that she was going to Damon's house... A shiver ran through her body, eyes staring forward as if into an empty void while the memory flashed images through her minds eye. Throughout these brief flashbacks, Elizabeth completely missed Kei making an exit from the community center.

Heart racing once again, Elizabeth dragged herself out from the memory. She blinked a few times before stepping away from Elliot, quickly scooping up the Walkman and holding it close to her chest. She would return this to Damon... at some point. She had not talked to him since Lillian went missing. Did he have something to do with this? What did he know? What did Lily say? Where did she go afterwards? She hadn't reached out to him previously because she had been too afraid of what might have been said when Lily went to visit him in the middle of the night, worked up from an argument.

Shoving the Walkman into her orange hoodie's front pocket, Elizabeth turned back to Elliot. "I was saying - I'll drive. Let's get some pizza."

2:00 pm | Mario's Pizzeria

Elizabeth wasn't exactly sure what to say to Elliot on their drive over, which took a little longer than expected due to traffic coming out of the community center. The roads were not prepared for that sort of influx confined in one area. Most of the media crews trying to hurry their way out to the "big fire" had not made anything any easier. Still, Elliot's presence was appreciated and even comforting. They didn't have to say things just to fill the empty air and that was nice.

When they had first entered the restaurant her phone had buzzed to indicate an incoming text message.

Kei Aiba
"Can we hangout?"

She didn't find it odd that he wanted to be around other people, just like her. It helped to numb the pain of Lily's absence a little bit. She knew that he had been friends with Lillian as well, hanging out from time to time. She quickly wrote back, "Of course. Elliot and I are at Mario's Pizzeria. About to order, want me to get you something?"

While standing in line to order, Elizabeth turned to Elliot, "I invited Kei to come meet us, I hope you don't mind." She gestured to her phone, "He just texted me." She knew that Elliot probably wouldn't mind, he was always such a sweetheart.

Ten minutes later, orders made, the pair sat down at a booth fit for four people. Elizabeth sat opposite of Elliot and quietly awaited their small pizza orders to be brought to the table. Settling back into her chair, she searched her mind for a topic and glued her eyes to the stained ceiling tiles of the restaurant. Something in her mind told her to make small talk, avoid the elephant in the room, keep things light and happy. However, the thought of making small talk made her skin crawl. She had to address it, and who better to talk about it with than Elliot? She could trust him.

"When was the last time you talked to Lil?" She met her eyes with Elliot again, surprising herself that she had asked without hesitation.

Distracted by the sound of rattling bells attached to the pizzeria door, Elizabeth looked towards the entrance. At first she smiled, realizing that Kei had already made it to the pizzeria. Then she noticed the way his face looked even from afar, along with the sheriff moving quickly to catch up with him.

"Kei?" His name escaped her mouth as she began to slide out of the booth, giving Elliot a worried look. Hurriedly, she walked out of the pizzeria and held the door open, locking eyes with the sheriff. "Is everything okay?" Her eyes moved back and forth between sheriff Spade and Kei, lingering on Kei's face. "Kei, what happened?" She went to touch his cheek in a motherly way before stopping herself, not wanting to press too hard and hurt him in the process.

"Afternoon, Ms. Baker." The sheriff looked over Kei, just now seeing that the boy looked a little beaten and blue in the face. "Kei's bike, which was registered with us, was found near the Turner's house. I just need to know why it was left there. Are you okay, son?"

Elizabeth's face was ridden with confusion. She looked to Kei again, "Did someone hurt you, Kei? While you were there?"

"Ms. Baker, please go back inside. This will only take a few moments. He is not under arrest." His voice was stern as he looked at Elizabeth, no longer wanting her to possibly influence the words that Kei would have answered.

Elizabeth paused, staring down the sheriff. The anger simmering deep within her over Lillian threatened to boil over, even though this was not the time or the place. She bit the inside of her lower lip, as if to physically stop herself from saying anything stupid. Why did she feel so much more impulsive than usual? Sheriff Spade did have this towns best interest... didn't he?

After what seemed like a good five minute stare down, fire in her eyes, Elizabeth took a step back into the restaurant, "Fine." She removed her angry gaze from the sheriff and looked to Kei. "I'll see you inside, okay?" Finally, she re-entered the restaurant and slowly made her way back to the table.

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

Nylah Aldaos

"That damned elf... I knew she wasn't what she pretends to be!"

Nylah quickly glanced back and forth between two alleyways on her right and left. Both had the group of three trying to leave the vicinity; an obvious illusion. The only thing that didn't appear obvious was which one was reality. If anything, the other elf was good with her craft. This spell appeared to be very convincing.

"Shit..."

With nothing to go on, Nylah followed the group heading west. "Wait! I swear I can be of use to you. I just want to travel and see all the wonderful things I've heard about!" She called out after them, though there was no reaction from anyone. This was suspicious, but it was too late now. She had to follow this through or be left with absolutely nothing, the other group would have made their way down several different pathways by now, if they were smart. It seemed like the were, unfortunately for Nylah.

She began to walk faster in an effort to catch up to the group. Raising her voice to make sure she was heard, she called out again. "I'll do anything!" That line typically peaked the interest of filthy pirates like Dalious.... and yet, nothing. Not even a side-eye.

"If you'll just give me one momen-" Nylah reached out to grab Dalious' hand, intending to stop him from being dragged away by the other two. Her hand fell right through the illusion.

"Of course..." She'd been bested by magic. Silently she cursed under her breath and swiveled on heel, bolting in the other direction. She'd have to see if she could catch up to the group that she'd lost track of. The price on Dalious' head would be worth the trouble of tracking them down.

Upon entering the alleyway that she had seen the other group leaving from she began to search for higher ground. Without a birds eye view, her chances of spotting them were slim to none. A few blocks in Nylah found a wooden trellis covered with ivy that would allow her to scale the side of the building to reach the roof. Carefully, making sure that it would hold up under her weight, Nylah made her way to the top of what seemed to be another pub by the sounds coming from inside.

A few minutes in she reached the roof, breathing a sigh of relief that the trellis hadn't crumbled under her. Now was the hard part...

Her emerald eyes scanned the area feverishly, looking for the strangers but finding mostly buildings obstructing her view and more dark alleyways. Further east was the market and she could see that it was buzzing with people. "Blend in plain sight..." Words that had been told to her over and over echoed through her mind. If they were as smart as she was beginning to suspect, they would be there. It was going to be difficult to find them in the crowd, but she had to try.

Quickly, Nylah made her way back down to the ground. Best not to be seen jumping from roof tops. Once on land again Nylah began to run as fast as her feet would take her towards the market. They had to be there... somewhere.

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

@Cyrania I rolled a 10. I'm new at this dice roll thing, I'm guessing that means Nylah will fall for it? Let me know and I'll get a post up asap. :)

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

Nylah Aldaos

"I...am Captain Dalious Durendail, Sailor of the dark seas, king of the storms and tides, slayer of the krakken, master at arms."

Nylah did all that she could not to let her facial expression show the utter shock she was feeling inside. Instead of giving herself away she held the innocent, naive smile on her face as she dropped the silver coins into Dalious' palm without hesitation. Had this man really just revealed himself to her without her having to hold a knife to his throat, pretend she would sleep with him, or covertly raiding his personal belongings? What luck! The mercenary gods certainly had her in their favor today. How, exactly, had Dalious avoided capture for so long? As soon as one female showed the smallest kindness to him, he offered up his identity. He had to know that he was a wanted man... right? Was this some kind of trap? It was too easy...

"THE Dalious Durendail?!" She exclaimed, wide eyed and grinning at him in delight. "I have been searching for you! I'd love to join your crew... if.. if you'd have me, of course. I have some experience on the open water, and -"

"We appreciate the act of kindness..though we are in quite a hurry, so we must be on our way.."

This man was, perhaps, smarter than the infamous sailor. He was wise to be wary of her, though it was rather annoying.

"Yes, wesa most away. Thank yes for thes! I hoop ya hav nah truble wit thee man whoose purse ya stoole"

Nylah turned her gaze to the womans voice, getting a closer look at her now. It was typical to hear that dialect here, but what was unusual was the hear an elf speak in that uneducated sort of accent; even in this part of town. Another interesting aspect of this group.

With her best act, Nylah began to pout. "Oh, won't you please let me join you? Dalious, I've been looking for you for so long...." She frowned and began to follow as the two mysterious people began to pull Dalious away from the alley way; clearly trying to keep their distance from Nylah. Perhaps the Gods hadn't dropped an easy bounty into her lap after all...

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

Working on a post now! Should have it up in a bit. :)

Emerald City

_{Hurts Like Hell}

@Aviaire@Allycat

"Hey, uh, don't worry. It's fine, I'm fine, just... keep it together. Cool? Right, I'll be on my way now. See you 'round."

Elizabeth nodded in acknowledgement, though she refused to look up from the ground as the Lily look-alike left the vicinity. She was too embarrassed and didn't exactly trust herself not to burst into tears the moment she met the woman's gaze.

"Keep it together?" She pondered on that sentence, wondering what that was supposed to mean. How was she supposed to keep it together? Was that supposed to be reassuring? To help her in some way? She had been trying so hard to keep herself in check, but...

Feeling Elliot place his hand over hers caused her trail of thought to break. She looked up and gave him a small smile, trying her hardest not to look as sad as she actually felt; a futile effort. Gingerly she interwove her fingers with his, grateful for his offered support. "I'll be right here Liz" As he squeezed her hand, Elizabeth leaned over and rested her head on his shoulder. "Thank you." She whispered back in response, closing her tired eyes and focusing on the clean smell of Elliot's clothing. It was a small comfort in a time where she felt so chaotic.

Hearing a hush come over the crowd aside from camera shutters, Elizabeth snapped her eyes back open. Those few moments of serene tranquility with her friend was instantly shattered as she was dragged back into her miserable reality. Heart pounding, Elizabeth sat up straight and locked her eyes on the sheriff as he approached the podium with the Turner family. Unconsciously she gripped Elliot's hand a bit harder when the sheriff began to address the audience, anxiously awaiting any sort of news.

"Within the next few days we will be sending out a few teams to conduct interviews with many of you. Please don't be alarmed if police show up at your door. We ask that you please cooperate with them."

The police had already spoken with her a day or two after Lily had disappeared, though she vividly remembered them not taking anything seriously. A bitterness toward the Emerald City police department had settled in her that day. Maybe they would actually ask important questions and stop cracking jokes this time around. Despite her hopefulness, to her this only meant that they had failed in their search for the past week. Had they even taken it seriously during the most important hours? If they had taken this as a real case, would Lily be here right now?

As the Turner family took the stage, Elizabeth shifted uncomfortably in her seat. Her heart ached seeing them. They all had their own "quirks" but she knew they loved Lillian in their own way. Seeing how distraught Mrs. Turner looked hit her the most. Jacqueline typically looked so well put together, but today...

"Please, someone find my baby! Tell me where she is!"

Elizabeth grimaced and her eyes welled with tears as she listened to the plea. That was undoubtedly the most emotion Elizabeth had ever heard in Mrs. Turner's voice. Taking in a deep breath, Elizabeth wiped her eyes with her free hand. "Keep it together." She reminded herself, echoing the Lily look-alike.

Impatiently, Elizabeth waited through what the mayor had to say. It all seemed so irrelevant and it was making her more anxious. She just wanted answers! Something, ANYTHING.

"In her honor, we have decided to keep the fair going. All of the proceeds are still going to be going back to the town, specifically to help fund our school systems."

This felt strange to Elizabeth. She eyed the mayor suspiciously, glancing at Elliot briefly to try to read his reaction. How could anyone enjoy a fair during a time like this?

Finally, the sheriff was back at the podium and began to take questions. Eagerly she waited, glancing from journalist to journalist as they fired off questions. While the sheriff avoided the important questions, anxiety built higher within Elizabeth. How could they host this press conference and give the public absolutely no information? They hadn't found ANYTHING? How? She bit her lower lip, almost as if she was physically trying to stop herself from screaming out the questions running through her mind.

"Is it true that an article of clothing was found within the forest not far from Opal lake?!"
"This is an open investigation, I cannot confirm or deny any information that may or may not help a suspect in getting...."

Suddenly all Elizabeth could hear was a high pitched buzzing in her ears, her mind zoning in on what a journalist had just asked. An article of clothing had been found in the forest not far from Opal lake. An article of clothing... an article of clothing?? Everything being said on stage began to sound like white noise, drowned out by her own thoughts. The question repeated in her head over and over again. Opal Lake? Who had found it? What type of clothing? When was it found? Did they search the area?

Her green eyes stared forward, seemingly at nothing. A cold chill began to spread throughout her body despite the weather outside. Something inside was telling her that this was not good news.

"My WHAT? MY HOUSE?!"

Elizabeth was jolted back into reality by the mayors voice. She glanced around, looking to the sheriff and then back to the Turner family. What had she missed? As Lily's family, the sheriff, and the entirety of the police department left the stage, Elizabeth looked to Elliot in confusion.

"Fire! There's a fire at the mayor's house! Quick, lets go!" A nearby journalist yelled, excited about his new "scoop", and hurried into the news van with his camera crew.

"A fire?" She frowned and looked around, watching all the news stations pour out of the community center. Even curious townspeople began to hightail it, wanting to see the disaster for themselves. This was all too much. How could there be a fire? Did they leave the stove on? Was this done on purpose? Thoughts bounced around her head again.

Nervously, she looked back to Elliot. "They... didn't tell us anything.. did they?" Her voice struggled to stay strong. "And the fire? What do you think happened?" Her heart couldn't take another tragedy. She wanted to rush to the scene, but she didn't think she could physically allow herself to see it. Her mental state couldn't handle it. Sighing, Elizabeth removed her hand from Elliot's so that she could place her face in her hands. She felt so defeated, fatigued and confused. Today was supposed to give her answers. Instead she felt more lost than before.

Without Elliot's hand to hold, Elizabeth realized her own hands were shaking. "I just..." She sighed again, not even wanting to finish the sentence. She leaned back, taking her hands away from her face and looked to her friend once again. "Do you want to go eat?" She had been too nervous to eat anything this morning and she was at a loss of what to do, but knew she didn't want to be alone right now. "I saw Mario's Pizzeria was open..."

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

Nylah will have fun with that Haha!

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

@Spiffy Aw thank you! I wasnt too sure how I felt about that post so I appreciate it Haha :)