The Muse

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Location: Eye of the Beholder

Flynn was mid-stride toward the tavern when Sya intercepted him. Without waiting for a reply, she offered him a cookie, a bottle of what looked like alcohol, and a curious gelatin cube. Caught off guard, he blinked at the assortment she was offering and forced a smile. “Uh—thank you, Sya,” he said as she slithered away just as quickly as she had arrived, leaving him standing there with his hands suddenly full of these odd gifts.

Trying to maintain his composure despite the chaotic energy buzzing within his chest, his eyes flickering back toward Amaya. Was she watching him? Did she notice who he followed after, the urgency in his step? He couldn't help but wonder if she could possibly know what was pulling him toward the inn. No, of course not. She couldn’t know. How could she? A tinge of guilt hit him.

Feeling increasingly awkward with his hands full, he quickly addressed a nearby guard. “Here,” he said, passing the cookie, bottle, and gelatin cube to the guard as quickly as possible. “Please deliver these to the cabin for me, if you don’t mind.” The guard nodded with a bit of a puzzled look but complied without question. “Of course, sir.”

Freed from the burden of the impromptu gifts, Flynn squared his shoulders, refocusing his attention to what had brought him here in the first place. As he put his hand on the tavern door, yet another person stopped him. A woman stepped into his view, her expression both stern and exasperated. It was Daphne, one of the Lunarian guards who had arrived unannounced with Lord Coswain. She offered a respectful greeting before launching into her complaint about Lord Raunefeldt.

The name struck Flynn like a jolt of lightning, and he almost winced at the sound of it. "Raunefeldt?" he echoed, his tone flat with disbelief. ’Ayel is here too?’ He thought, feeling the beginnings of a headache starting at his temples already. Of all the times and places for that man to show up... He bit back the groan that threatened to escape him. Flynn had known that a Raunefeldt would be on their way, but by the sounds of it they had sent Ayel, and not the eldest brother whom Flynn had been hoping for. Just thinking about Ayel brought a flood of memories—haughty arrogance, biting remarks, and an unyielding lack of empathy for anyone but himself. Of course he was already stirring up trouble.

Flynn clenched his jaw, his patience thinning as his sense of urgency grew. This was another complication on top of everything else, another problem to add to his ever-growing list.

"Yes, yes," he said quickly, waving his hand in a gesture that was both dismissive and decisive. "If Lord Raunefeldt gets out of line, detain him. Handle it as you see fit."

For a split second, he felt like his father. Deciding someone’s fate without a second thought. The realization was uncomfortable, but he shoved it aside, his focus returning once more to the task at hand. "I have urgent matters to attend to," he added, his eyes darting back toward the tavern door. "But find me if Lord Raunefeldt gets out of hand. I will speak with him soon."

Finally, Flynn pushed open the heavy wooden door of the tavern, his heart thudding with an intensity that made him feel dizzy. The thought of Nyla being here in Dawnhaven sent a thrill coursing through him, but he forced himself to push it down. He was no oath-breaker; he had made promises to Amaya, and he wasn’t the kind of man to take those vows lightly. Still, despite his loyalty, his heart ached. Why was Nyla here? To torment him? To remind him of what could never be?

His eyes scanned the dimly lit room, taking in the flickering candlelight that cast dancing shadows on the walls. People filled the space, drinking, eating, talking, their laughter and chatter creating a hum that seemed distant to his ears. Flynn's gaze darted from face to face, desperately searching for the one he both dreaded and hoped to see.

And then he saw her.

Nyla stood near a table lined with bottles—more strange alcohol, by the looks of it—speaking to a blonde-haired man Flynn didn’t recognize. His stomach twisted at the sight, the world narrowing to just her. She was real. Not a trick of his imagination. There was no mistaking her raven hair, those piercing blue eyes, and those lips that… A cold shock jolted through his veins. His feet felt rooted to the floor, heavy and unmovable. He stood there, awkwardly lingering in the doorway, his breath caught in his throat.

Before he could will himself to move toward her, a high-pitched voice rang out, slicing through his daze. "FLYNN!" He turned to see Eris jumping up from a booth and gathering a stack of notes in a flurry, forgetting to address him by title. He nearly cursed out loud in frustration—once again someone was interrupting the mission he was on. She rushed toward him, eyes alight with a mixture of excitement and exhaustion. Flynn's eyes shifted to the coat of flames draped around her shoulders, curiosity flickering in his expression as he took in her disheveled appearance.

Before he could say anything, Eris blurted out, "I need to discuss something important with you, and it can't wait. Can we find somewhere private to talk?"

"Of course." Flynn said, though he couldn’t help but steal another glance at Nyla. Their eyes met again for a heartbeat, a flash of connection that made his head spin. But he forced himself to look away, forcing his feet to follow Eris to a back room. Each step felt like agony.

The room they entered was dark and cold, clearly unused for some time. It was a staging area for performers before they stepped out onto the tavern’s small stage. Flynn, still trying to steady himself, reached for a candle, cupping his hand around it as he summoned a thread of magic. The wick flared to life with a small flame, casting a warm glow that chased away the shadows.

He turned his attention fully to Eris, his voice calm but tinged with concern. "Are you alright?" he asked, holding the candle to illuminate her face.

Eris nodded, her focus entirely on the papers she began to lay out on a nearby table. "Look here," she said, pointing to a rough diagram she’d sketched. Some of the writing was smeared, like the paper had been exposed to moisture. Flynn leaned in, trying to make sense of the chart that showed a list of reactive versus non-reactive elements. The non-reactive list was extensive, but there, on the reactive list, was a single entry: Light Magic

He glanced back up at her, his confusion clear. Eris took a deep breath and began to explain, her words tumbling out in a rush. "Before the blizzard, I met with the Priestess Tingara. She told me to look into the blight-born Willis's blood," she said. Flynn raised an eyebrow, still trying to follow.

"I didn't get it either," she continued, "but I got a sample of Willis's blood anyway and did all sorts of tests on it. Nothing worked." She pointed to the one item listed in the reactive section. "As soon as I infused his blood with light magic, it reacted. It—well, it acted like a compass. It pulled toward the blighted crop I brought back from our journey from Lunaris. It’s like the blood is drawn to the blight."

Flynn’s mind raced as he processed the information. The whirlwind of emotions from the day left him reeling, but for the first time in what felt like ages, he felt a spark of hope. This was progress. Real progress. Eris had found something tangible, something that might help them in their fight against the blight.

"Willis’s blood could be used as a tracker," Flynn said slowly, glancing back at the diagram. "We could pinpoint blight before it reaches Dawnhaven. This… this could save lives." His heart pounded again, this time with excitement. While it wasn’t a cure, it was a significant step forward. Tracking the blight would allow them to keep the town safe, to protect everyone from walking straight into disaster, or ingesting something tainted.

"Exactly!" Eris exclaimed, a large smile spread across her face. "We need to test it further, but… it’s... it’s something." The excitement in her voice made Flynn smile, easing a small bit of his anxiety.

“How did the Priestess know this?” Flynn asked, but Eris only shook her head and shrugged. She was as puzzled as he was.

Deciding that was a problem for another day, Flynn placed a hand on Eris’s shoulder, his smile warm and encouraging. "You’ve done wonderfully, Eris. This is incredible. I’ll gather a search party, and we’ll put this to the test as soon as we can."

Eris beamed, her own exhaustion momentarily forgotten in the rush of shared excitement. "Agreed," she said, nodding eagerly. "This needs to be studied further.” she paused for a moment, contemplative. “I hope Willis will cooperate."

Flynn nodded, his thoughts already shifting to how he’d handle that conversation. But for now, he allowed himself a moment of hope, feeling lighter than he had all day. At least some things were moving forward—even if his personal life felt like it was spiraling beyond his control.

Their conversation was interrupted by a sudden sound, they both paused and turned their heads toward the door. Music, lively and melodic, echoed through the wooden walls. It was a cheerful tune, accompanied by the rhythmic stomp of feet and the occasional burst of laughter, signaling that someone had taken up an instrument to entertain the crowd.

Flynn's brow furrowed slightly, a hint of curiosity sparking in his eyes. He glanced at Eris, who met his look with a similar expression. For a moment, they just stood there, sharing a silent exchange—a mutual question of who might be playing and what had stirred the festivity into full swing.

Eris broke the silence first, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Well," she said, her voice light with a hint of amusement, "seems like the feast is going great."

Flynn gave a slow nod, the faintest hint of a smile playing on his face despite the turmoil of his thoughts. "It does sound like they’re enjoying themselves." he replied, his tone softer.

“Come on, Flynn,” she said, gesturing toward the door with a hint of playfulness as she gathered up her notes. “We should go celebrate. For once, we actually have some good news to toast to!”

Flynn managed a smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. The thought of stepping back into the crowded tavern now, knowing that Nyla was out there, made his pulse quicken in a way that had nothing to do with celebration. He felt a surge of nerves, twisting like a knot in his stomach, knowing that seeing her again would only complicate things further.

But he couldn’t let Eris see that hesitation. Not now.

“Yeah,” he said, his voice steadier than he felt. “Let’s go celebrate.” He forced himself to take a deep breath, straightening his shoulders. As he reached for the door, the music and the hum of voices grew louder, and with a final glance at Eris, he braced himself for what was to come.

---

_{Interactions: Sya/Daphne @PrinceAlexus}

Realms of Sun & Shadow

_{Location: Eye of the Beholder}

Nyla slowed her pace as she approached the town square, taking in the sights around her. A small smile crept onto her lips as she gazed at the quaint village of Dawnhaven, so different from the grandeur of Aurelia. It reminded her of the eastern sands of her homeland—smaller, with fewer people—but here, the air was bitterly cold, a stark contrast to the warmth of those distant dunes.

Her eyes drifted to her left, where a man lingered on the outskirts of a group deep in conversation, his demeanor casual yet tense. She noted the dagger in his hands, the way his eyes glowed subtly despite his otherwise human appearance. Her attention moved past him to the group he was watching—a striking collection of people. A silver-haired woman, three blonde women—one of whom was unmistakably blight-born, her horns mirroring Nyla’s own hidden ones—a blonde man, and a brunette woman with a single large eye and a snake’s tail. Nyla felt a pang of something unnameable as she observed the blight-born among them, openly displaying their traits, unafraid and unapologetic. It was a stark contrast to her own illusion, which masked her true form to appear human. Then again, perhaps they had no choice. She had heard that blight-born traits varied greatly, and she wondered if her own ability to shapeshift was unique to her alone.

As Nyla’s eyes roamed the path ahead, they suddenly froze in place. There, just down the way, stood the Prince of Aurelia—Flynn. Her heart fluttered at the sight of him. He had changed; his face now bore a rugged stubble, no longer the clean-shaven man she’d known in the capital. His hair was slightly longer, though still as unruly as ever. And he looked… tired. Something in his eyes had changed, a spark lost.

Her gaze shifted downward, finding a woman in his arms, as Flynn spoke sternly to a large man standing before them. Nyla’s heart twisted painfully, her eyes lingering on the woman. She was gorgeous, fitting perfectly against Flynn’s chest—the same place where Nyla had once nestled, where she could almost still hear the echo of his heartbeat and smell his cologne.

Her breath grew shaky as she watched the two of them, the way their eyes met, and the way Flynn’s gaze softened as he looked at the woman in his arms—so gentle, so tender, the way he used to look at her. Nyla bit down on her lower lip, fighting against the wave of emotions threatening to break free.

Just three months ago, she’d told herself that what they’d had was nothing more than a long-term fling. Nothing ever lasted, she knew that. She’d always known they could never be together; she had told him that for years. He was the prince of Aurelia, and she was just a wandering vagrant. But seeing them like this—seeing him with her—it still hurt, deeper than she’d expected. She knew he had been forced to marry the princess of Lunaris, but it didn’t make the sting any less painful. Had Flynn already found love within the Princess, despite their circumstances? Had it been so easy to leave Nyla in the past? She knew what to expect when she decided to come here, but she hadn’t expected it to be so soon.

As the woman in Flynn’s arms stepped away, Flynn began to look around. Nyla’s heart raced, panic rising in her chest. She wanted to hide, to disappear, but she couldn't tear her gaze away from him. It was like watching a disaster unfold, something she couldn’t look away from. And then, suddenly, their eyes met. The breath caught in her throat, the energy between them electric and wild as they stared at one another. Flynn’s face seemed to freeze, though Nyla could see the pain flickering in his eyes. Her own vision blurred with unshed tears, threatening to spill over.

Before they could, she tore her gaze away, her heart aching as she turned sharply and headed into the tavern. She didn’t want to face him, not now. She knew Flynn’s duties went beyond her, that his responsibilities stretched far beyond their past, but that knowledge didn’t dull the pain. As she stepped inside, memories flooded her mind—images of Flynn whispering sweet nothings in her ear, holding her close as if nothing in the world could pull them apart. And yet, something had—the goddesses, the church, the prophecy.

As she pushed open the door to the tavern, the warmth inside hit her, but it did nothing to soothe the ache in her heart. She just needed a moment to gather herself, to forget the man she had once loved… if only for a little while.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Location: Eye of the Beholder | Collaboration with @Echotech71

Eris's cheeks burned as she glanced back at Gadez, feeling his eyes on her. His strange fixation with Sya’s tail and his overly familiar manner unsettled her. The way he smirked, almost as if he was relishing some private joke at her expense, sent a shiver down her spine. How could she have mistaken him for the Prince? A mix of discomfort and annoyance twisted in her gut.

When the man offered his cloak to her, his gaze lingering in that sly, teasing way, Eris glanced down at her own clothing that was already beginning to dry under the warmth of Ashe’s fire coat. "Thank you, but I'll manage," she said quickly, her voice tight, keeping a wary eye on him. Her instinct was to put as much distance between them as possible.

As Sya spoke to her, Eris shifted her attention to the innkeeper, though she found herself struggling to hear the words. All she could pay attention to was Sya’s new tail, flicking around and shimmering underneath the moonlight. A shiver ran down her spine and she shook her head, rejecting Sya’s offer of freshly baked cookies. The thought of eating anything at this moment made her sick. “I—n-no, thank you. I, uhm—”

Hearing someone ask if she was okay, Eris quickly turned back to face the man she had bumped into. She looked up, her blue eyes meeting those of a man with a kind expression, his presence far less unnerving than the blonde man outside. The flush on her face only deepened at the concern showing in his expression, suddenly making her hyper aware of how frazzled she appeared. When he assumed she was just another apprentice rather than the Lead Sage herself, she grimaced in regret for not putting herself together before leaving the house.

"I'm..." Eris stammered, her fingers tightening around the damp notes, wishing she could disappear. "I—yes, I'm a researcher." She forced out the words, cheeks still flaming. She wanted to correct him, to say that she was, in fact, the one running this whole operation, but somehow the words stuck in her throat. She was too mortified to reveal the truth.

‘Of course he doesn’t know it’s you,’ she scolded herself. ‘You look like a lunatic.’

She nodded mutely to his advice to take a deep breath, feeling entirely too self-conscious in front of him. "Thank you." she mumbled to the man, whose name she didn't even know yet, desperately trying to salvage what little dignity she had left. "I'll... I'll be okay." She took a shaky breath as she stepped further inside the tavern, closing the door behind her and freeing herself from the prying gaze of Gadez. As the door shut, she caught a quick glimpse of Sya’s eye staring at her with a sad puppy-type expression. A hint of guilt washed over her, but she shoved it down, trying her best to focus on the task at hand.

“Have you seen the Prince?” She asked, her eyes flicking around the tavern, wondering where Flynn was so that she could escape this awkward encounter.

Nathaniel flashed a kind smile at her, relieved to learn that she was a researcher. He had been contemplating her profession, but when she said that she was, it eased him. ”You are. Great.” he exclaimed, but his enthusiasm waned as he noticed her body language, indicating that she had something else on her mind. There was something about her expression that struck a chord with him. She bore a resemblance to someone he had either met or seen before.

To avoid causing her further embarrassment, Nathaniel shifted his focus back to the tavern. As he stepped through, he heard her voice once more. It was a simple thank you as she closed the tavern doors. A gentle clunky was made from the lock joining. ”It's no trouble, Miss,” He began, intending to address her by name, but he realized he didn't know it. It would be best to introduce himself first. Clearing his throat, he spoke again, ”It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Nathaniel...”

His words trailed off as his gaze met hers. The various light sources in the room allowed him to observe her features more closely; even with her hair a mess, she was still undeniably beautiful. A true, noblewoman of Aurelia. His focus shifted when the loud crash of a shattering glass drew his gaze away in a different direction.

When she mentioned the Prince, his attention went back to her and Nathaniel responded, "I haven't seen him, I'm afraid. But I can assist you in searching for him.” He began scanning the tavern for any sign of the Prince. It had been a few weeks since he had crossed paths with the Prince, who had granted him permission to research the blight. ”May I ask you something?" He inquired to the young woman. "You work for Eris Hightower, correct? What is she like?"

Eris froze mid-step as the name left his lips: Nathaniel. Her heart skipped a beat. Nathaniel? Her mother’s voice echoed in her head, reminding her of the countless times she'd been pestered back in Aurelia to meet a Nathaniel—a young man who shared her love of knowledge and magic, someone who was supposedly a perfect match for her.

Her mother’s attempts to set up meetings between them had been relentless, and Eris had managed to dodge every single one. She'd always dismissed the idea of settling down or even humoring her mother's matchmaking attempts. The idea of it had never appealed to her, no matter how much her mother wished for it.

And now, of all times—drenched, disheveled, and making a complete fool of herself—this was how she would meet him for the first time? If her mother could see her now, she would’ve fainted from sheer embarrassment.

Eris bit the inside of her lower lip anxiously as her eyes looked him up and down, taking in his features. Taller than her, handsome with inviting green eyes, calm, and far more composed than she was. She almost groaned aloud.

Nathaniel’s question hung in the air: What was she like? Her stomach twisted as she pondered his words. 'What am I like?" A mess, scattered, far from the picture of elegance her family represented. Sure, she was smart—brilliant even—but clumsy, unrefined, and worlds away from the noble persona her family expected of her.

She began to respond almost automatically, "Well, she's... I mean, I—" She stopped herself, taking a deep breath. There was no point in pretending. She wouldn't be able to hide from him any longer, especially not if he would be working with her now.

With a sheepish smile, Eris shifted her notes to one hand, letting out a small, nervous laugh. "Actually... I am Eris Hightower." She extended her free hand toward Nathaniel for a handshake. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Nathaniel."

Looking up at him, she hesitated for a moment before adding, “Is your last name Stormlight, by chance?” She couldn’t help the curiosity in her tone, wondering if he really was the same Nathaniel her mother had tried to introduce her to for all those years. The absurdity of meeting him here, like this, seemed like a cruel joke the Goddess was playing on her. She couldn’t believe how mortified she felt, but there was no turning back now.

Nathaniel's stomach twisted suddenly, despite the warm surroundings of the elegant main room of the tavern. A cold chill ran down his spine as he realized that the young, pretty woman he had mistaken for an assistant was none other than Eris Hightower herself, the renowned researcher and expert in Blight studies. He silently berated himself and wished he could turn back time to avoid this embarrassing situation by mistaking her for someone else.

Standing before him was the very person he was supposed to collaborate with, and his heart raced with nervousness. His throat felt dry, making it difficult to speak. "I'm so sorry, Eris. I didn't mean to be disrespectful." he blurted out, almost biting his tongue. Then he began feeling the heat of embarrassment creeping up his face.

Memories of his mother arranging meetings with Eris when he was younger flooded his mind. He had always admired her from a distance, but now, here she was, in front of him. Gods, My mother would slap the back of my head for this awkward moment.

As he shook her hand, he noticed how soft and fair her skin was. When she mentioned his surname, he nodded.

”Yes, my surname is Stormlight." after a few seconds have passed he felt he needed to ask her as he was curious about what she had been doing out here. With a kind smile, he tried to move past the awkwardness. "I look forward to working with you, Eris.” he said, attempting to steer the conversation in a less uncomfortable direction. "So, how long have you been out here in Dawnhaven, researching the Blight?"

Eris's heart beat a little faster when Nathaniel confirmed her suspicions. Stormlight. As she caught a tinge of pink creeping up his cheeks, Eris softly smiled, finding a bit of comfort in knowing she wasn’t the only one embarrassed by this moment.

Shaking her head lightly, she said, "Oh, don’t worry, it’s fine. Honestly, I don’t quite recognize myself either." She let out a soft laugh, trying to ease the tension between them. "I’m just glad we finally get to meet in person after all the stories my mother told me about you in Aurelia. It’s a pleasure. I’m looking forward to working with you as well."

Eris glanced around the room, her eyes settling on a nearby booth table. Gesturing toward it, she asked, "Would you mind sitting with me while I wait for the Prince? I could use a break." Her legs ached from powering through snow drifts, and in all honesty, she felt a bit dizzy from lack of sleep and food.

Taking a seat, Eris tucked her dress beneath her and set her notes into a tidy pile on the table. The moment she sat down, a wave of relief washed over her. She hadn’t realized how much her body needed the rest. It felt like ages since she had properly rested.

“I came here with the Prince and Princess about two months ago. After they were married in the Lunarian capital, we made the journey to Dawnhaven.” she said, recalling that time. Traveling from the Aurelian capital to Lunaris, and then on to Dawnhaven, had been both exhausting and exhilarating. Along the way, she encountered sights that filled her with wonder, as well as others she wished she could unsee. Somehow, it already felt like a lifetime ago.

Her expression grew more serious as she locked eyes with him. "Have you seen the blight in person yet?" Her tone was somber, a quiet curiosity and a touch of sadness behind her words. She studied his face, wondering what horrors he might have seen—or if he had yet to witness them at all.

Nathaniel couldn't help but notice a faint flush of pink in Eris's cheeks as she spoke. Sharing her thoughts for the collaboration between the two warmed his heart and her lighthearted joke drew a warm chuckle from him.

When she suggested they find a place to sit. ”Of course. Lead the way,” Nathaniel replied, following closely behind her, ready to lend a hand if she needed. As they walked, he noticed that Eris seemed a bit fatigued, and he made sure to stay close in case she needed any assistance.

Once they settled into a cosy booth, he took a seat opposite her, eager to continue their conversation. The soft lighting of the tavern created a perfect setting for their discussion, even though there were plenty of other patrons laughing and drinking, all that fell silent as the two engaged in conversation.

As they conversed, a waitress approached and offered them water. Nathaniel took a sip and handed the other one to Eris as she recounted her journey to Dawnhaven. He listened intently, asking questions and showing genuine interest in her experiences. He admired her adventurous spirit and the determination she had shown in pursuing her research.

When Eris shifted the conversation to the topic of the blight, Nathaniel felt a sudden tension grip him. Although he had never encountered the blight in person, he was acutely aware of its destructive potential. His thoughts briefly drifted to his older sister, who had vanished after visiting a town on the border of the Aurelia kingdom while investigating the Blight.

Shaking off the troubling memories, Nathaniel responded somberly, ”Unfortunately not. I've delved into extensive research. Even read the investigation that you made all those years ago. That was a fantastic read. Anyway, I have formulated a few theories to explore, including the potential influence of magic on the blight. However, I'm unsure if that's even feasible,” he added with a wistful sigh.

Eris felt an intense urge to blurt out everything she’d discovered, the excitement practically buzzing beneath her skin. Nathaniel was so close to the truth, and he didn’t even know it. Her finger twitched, almost reaching for the stack of papers she’d been scribbling on for days, desperate to show him her notes and confirm that his theories were on the right track. She sucked her lips in, a small tell that betrayed how much she was holding back, the words she wanted to say trapped on the tip of her tongue.

With a controlled breath, Eris forced herself to nod at his words. "You’re definitely on to something," she said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "I have so much to share with you soon—just as soon as I speak with the Prince." She took a sip of water, the cool liquid grounding her as she tried to calm her racing mind.

Her gaze flickered toward the door, and for a moment, she considered leaving to search for the Prince again. But then the memory of that strange blonde man and Sya the snake made her hesitate. The thought of facing them again sent a shiver of unease through her. Right now, sitting here with Nathaniel felt far more comfortable. She allowed herself to relax a little in the cozy booth, grateful for the chance to share this moment of connection with someone who seemed to understand her passion.

Nathaniel noticed that there was something that she wanted to say to him, about his theories. When she mentioned telling him later at another time. He felt happy. ”Thank you, Eris.” He said kindly to her as he took a sip of cold water. Seeing her face change as if she felt uneasy, uncomfortable about something, it was when she looked at the door. Could it be from the people she encountered outside? He wanted to help. "You can stay here with me.” He spoke softly to her. "I mean, until the Prince turns up, you are welcome to stay in this booth with me. I would like to get to know you better."

---

_{Interactions: Gadez @Dezuel, Sya @PrinceAlexus}

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Location: Hot Springs

From her place in the hot springs, Kira watched Orion and Tia with a keen gaze, her eyes half-lidded as she slowly sank deeper into the steaming water, leaving only her glowing orange eyes visible just above the surface. Like a crocodile lurking just beneath the surface, she observed them intently, listening to their exchange with her enhanced hearing—eavesdropping was unavoidable when every word reached her so clearly.

When Orion’s eyes locked with hers, there was a moment of silent acknowledgment between them. His nod to her was subtle, but she understood it well enough—it was a gesture that communicated understanding, recognition, and perhaps a hint of respect. Kira held his gaze, not shying away from the eye contact and even continuing to watch him even as he pulled away to address Tia.

The familiarity between the two intrigued her, sparking a hint of curiosity. She wondered if Tia had taken a piece of Orion in the same way she seemed to have with Gadez. The thought of that meek little priestess entwined with someone like Orion entertained her in a way she hadn’t expected, a small smirk forming on her lips beneath the water.

As she shifted in the water, Kira’s attention drifted briefly to the moon, its pale light cutting through the sky. She leaned against the smooth stone edge of the hot spring, her thoughts turning inward. What was Orion doing here, she wondered—seeking respite, just as she was? Or perhaps he had come for Tia.

Despite being no stranger to others viewing her body, a sudden pang of vulnerability washed over her. It had been a long time since anyone had seen her like this, laid bare and exposed in such an intimate way. Supposedly, this was more natural to an Aurelian, but she had not been an Aurelian for a long time. She could hardly even recall it.

With a shake of her head, Kira pushed those thoughts aside. She took a deep breath and then dunked herself fully into the water, holding herself beneath the surface. The warmth enveloped her face, and for a moment, everything was blissfully muffled—the distant noises, the echo of conversations, all silenced in the comforting embrace of the hot springs. It was a rare moment of peace, where the outside world ceased to exist. If only she could stay here forever…

When she resurfaced, Kira slicked her fiery hair back from her face and wiped the water from her eyes. Her senses returned in a rush—the rustling of leaves, the subtle movements of animals in the forest, the distant hoot of an owl, and most importantly, Orion and Tia’s conversation drifting back into focus. She caught the priestess’s question about another Priestess in Dawnhaven, her interest piqued once more. Kira wasn’t aware of another, but it wouldn’t surprise her if the Prince had brought in reinforcements for Tia. The temples usually required more than one person to tend to that cursed eternal flame, after all.

---

_{Interactions: Tia @c3p-0h, Orion @Qia}

Realms of Sun & Shadow

@Dark Light we're definitely still accepting! I'll shoot you a DM so we can work out the details on what you have drafted.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Location: Outside Eye of the Beholder

Through knee-deep snow, Eris clutched her notes as if they were a lifeline, trying her best to move swiftly. Her legs grew heavy, each step an effort as her days of sleeplessness became more apparent. She grit her teeth, silently cursing the snow under her breath. There was no joy in it anymore, only frustration. A week of snow—three feet of snow—was far too much for this Aurelian woman. She was barely taller than the snow she was trying to get through! How could Lunarian’s live like this?! She huffed with each strained step, lifting her boots clear of the snow only to have them sink right back in, the cold seeping into her bones. For a moment, she wondered if Ashe would be able to make shoes out of fire as well.

When she finally reached the point where the guards had cleared the snow from the path, she felt a moment of relief. She stumbled onto it, her boots sinking into the hard-packed snow beneath. She took only a few seconds to catch her breath before rushing off toward the tavern again, picking up speed much easier this time. The guards continued their work, barely looking up to greet her as she rushed past, and she didn't bother to acknowledge them either. She only had one mission—find the Prince.

Nearing the tavern, Eris scanned the growing crowd of people, her heart racing as she searched for the Prince. The smell of the food made her stomach growl, reminding her that she hadn't eaten much for the last week. As she searched the crowd, she wondered for a moment why she even brought her notes with her; she could have shown them to the Prince later. He would believe her without them, wouldn't he? But she shook the thought away, clutching the papers tighter.

Suddenly, she spotted a blonde-haired man in the distance. Her heart leapt. He was facing away, but the height and the build... it had to be him! Without hesitation, Eris broke into a full sprint.

“Prince! Prince Fly—Wah-AAHH!”

The snow beneath her feet was slippery, and before she realized it, her foot hit a patch of ice. Her arms flailed wildly in a desperate attempt to regain her balance, but she stumbled sideways, colliding with one of the three blonde-haired women _{[Katherine @SpicyMeatball]} and stepping on some poor creature’s tail in the process. _{[Ranni @Queen Arya]}

Eris squeaked as she bounced off the taller, more sturdy, blonde woman, losing her balance entirely. Stumbling backward, she fell butt-first into a snowdrift, her fire-woven coat instantly melting the snow underneath her. Water seeped into her dress, but worse—her notes went flying in all directions. Panicked, she scrambled onto her knees, desperately gathering the scattered pages before the snow or water could completely ruin them.

"I-I’m so sorry!" she gasped, utterly frazzled, as she snatched up each precious page. Her hands trembled from both embarrassment and anxiety, desperate to salvage her work. In the back of her mind, she could almost hear her brother laughing and see the way he’d cross his arms and shake his head. Classic Eris. Always messing things up. Except this time, the fate of the world could very well rest in her clumsy hands.

When she finally looked up, her heart sank as she locked eyes with the blonde man she had mistaken for the Prince. He wasn't the Prince at all! The man’s blue eyes stared down at her, different from the Prince’s familiar green. Her face turned a deep shade of red, embarrassment flooding her senses.

"Oh, I... I thought...I.." Eris stammered, words failing her. “I’m so sorry.” She repeated, her cheeks flush as she scrambled to her feet, clutching the slightly damp notes to her chest and scanning the group of strangers.

As she tried to formulate words to fully explain herself, her eyes met a familiar figure—Sya, the cyclops woman who ran the tavern. Relief momentarily surged through her. Sya had always been kind to Eris, despite being a blight-born, and Eris had grown to be rather fond of her over the last two months.

“Sya! Have you se—” Eris froze, her breath catching in her throat as her gaze drifted down. Instead of legs, Sya had…. a snake's tail?! A cold shiver ran across Eris’ entire body as she took in the sight. Glimmering, blue scaled, and far too large for comfort. She let out a small squeak in shock, taking an instinctive step back. Was she having a nightmare?

Eris’ phobia of snakes hit her like a brick wall, her skin crawling at the sight of Sya’s new reptilian form. Snakes. She hated snakes. Why, of all things, did it have to be snakes?

“I—uh...” she began to back away slowly, aiming herself for the door to the tavern. “I-I’m sorry, I think I… I must be going.” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper, eyes glued to the snake tail. She let out a nervous laugh, backing away from the group with trembling hands.

As she continued stepping backward, her backside suddenly came in contact with something solid. She flinched, spinning around quickly. Expecting to see the tavern door, her eyes widened in shock—it wasn’t the door. She had bumped into a brown-haired man, who had been just about to enter the tavern, but now she had startled him. _{[Nathaniel @Echotech71]} Her face burned brighter than ever, feeling utterly mortified over the last five minutes.

"Oh! I—I'm so sorry!" Eris said again, her words coming out in a rush. Desperately, she hoped he would just go inside so she could follow him in, away from the awkward stares of the crowd and the unsettling presence of Sya’s tail. And, most importantly, hopefully the Prince was inside too.

---

_{Interactions: Gadez @Dezuel, Katherine @SpicyMeatball, Ranni @Queen Arya, Sya @PrinceAlexus, Nathaniel @Echotech71}

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Location: Temple of Aelios / Hot Springs

As Kira entered the temple, she hadn’t expected to be greeted by a shirtless Gadez, of all people. Her steps faltered briefly as her gaze settled on the familiar man from a week prior, his muscular tattooed chest illuminated by the glow of the eternal flame in the center of the room. She raised a brow at his words, taking in the sight with mild amusement as he greeted her with a smirk.

“That’s one way to keep warm during the storm.” she remarked, a slight smirk tugging at her lips now. Her tone was playful, but the implication wasn’t lost on her. He had slept with the Priestess. It was only slightly surprising—Aurelians had always been known for their looser sense of sexual boundaries—though Kira hadn’t been aware that Priestesses were allowed to dabble in such frivolous acts. Nonetheless, Kira couldn’t blame her. Good for them, she thought.

Kira’s fiery gaze lingered on Gadez for a moment longer, her eyes finding the intricate tattoo sprawled across his chest. It was unlike any symbolism she had encountered before—a curious design that piqued her interest. At first glance, it appeared simple—just a series of geometric shapes—but the longer she stared, the more it seemed to hold purpose.

Kira's brows furrowed as she studied the design. She had encountered many symbols in her time—glyphs of ancient magic, runes tied to forgotten rituals—but this one was foreign to her. There was something almost ritualistic about it, like it carried a deeper meaning—something hidden.

What was its significance? A natural curiosity pulled at her instincts, but she resisted the urge to ask. Whatever that tattoo meant, it wasn’t her business. Still, it stuck in her mind.

Kira’s attention shifted as the Priestess emerged from the back rooms, fully dressed but looking much more frail and delicate than Kira had imagined a Priestess of Aelios to be. The woman looked tired, her steps light, her presence meek. She had never met a Priestess of Aelios before, and frankly, she had expected someone... stronger.

In the back of her mind, she heard her commander, the Dreadmaster, reminding her not to underestimate anyone.

"Priestess." Kira greeted her briefly, her tone polite yet detached. Her eyes flicked back to Gadez, who seemed to be in no rush to clothe himself, intentionally taking his time as if to draw all attention onto himself.

“I need some warmth as well.” she said as she began to walk across the temple. Her boots echoed lightly against the wooden floor as she passed the eternal flame—a symbol she had grown to despise. Aelios’ guiding light and warm embrace seemed to have forgotten her long ago.

“Not all of us had a partner to keep us warm.” she said dryly as she neared the back door, half-joking. Without waiting for a response, she opened the door and stepped outside into the cold once more, making her way to the hot springs.

The warmth beckoned as she descended the stone steps to the larger, lower-level public bath. She longed to shake off the lingering chill and, for a moment, escape the isolation that had pressed down on her throughout the storm. As she reached the edge of the spring, Kira quietly shed her cloak and clothing, folding and placing them neatly on top of a nearby boulder. The cool air sent a shiver down her spine, contrasting sharply with the warmth that rose up from the spring. Her skin, pale against full moons light overhead, bore the marks of her past—small scars scattered across her chest, torso, stomach and hips, some barely noticeable while others stood out more prominently, each one telling a silent story of her struggles and survival.

Stepping into the hot spring, the heat wrapped around her, instantly soothing her tense muscles as she sank deeper into the water. Yet, even as it eased her body, the weight of solitude remained. Somehow, she found herself isolated again, by her own doing, as if she had forgotten how to be around people altogether.

---

_{Interactions: Gadez @Dezuel, Tia @c3p-0h}

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Location: Alchemy Chambers/Eris' Home

During the blizzard, Eris quickly became a woman obsessed, barely stopping for sleep or food as research consumed her. Tia’s words about Willis’ blood echoed in her mind, urging her to research it. She had no idea why a Priestess of Aelios would be interested in such things, but Eris wasn’t one to question the word of a Priestess—not openly, anyway.

On the second day, bundled in Ashe’s fire-woven coat, she braved the storm and hurried to the tavern in search of Willis. She needed that blood sample, and no amount of snow or cold was going to stop her.

Inside the tavern, she found construction workers huddled by the hearth for warmth, their faces lit by the fire’s glow. Yet it was Willis who stood out, creepily seated by himself in a dimly lit corner, his red eyes glowing as he stared at the workers. His blank, unblinking gaze had sent a chill down her spine. His demeanor made her nervous, but she reminded herself of the mission she had come here with. She couldn’t hesitate now. The risk had to be taken.

Summoning her courage, she approached him and, in a quiet voice, explained her request: a few vials of his blood for research. To her surprise, Willis agreed without question. Eris thanked him profusely as they found a private room upstairs. Something in the back of her mind screamed as she followed the man into a room—was she insane?! Being alone with this creature once again?! Surely he would take the opportunity to kill her this time.

Nervously, Eris laid out all her tools on a dresser top. She had come prepared, her satchel packed with vials, needles, and everything she needed to collect his blood. With hands that only slightly trembled, Eris extracted the samples as quickly as she could, though she couldn't help but feel uneasy as she drew dark, purple-tinged liquid from him.

For a moment, she thought it might be the blight itself and she had just made the biggest mistake of her entire life. Her heart had jumped into her chest, and she was sure Willis could hear it, but thankfully nothing seemed to happen after she drew out the first vial of blood. It was thicker than human blood, which made the process take longer than she would have liked, but as soon as she had enough, she thanked Willis again and hurried home, eager to begin her work.

The next few days blurred together. She hardly slept, barely ate, and rarely left her study—she was completely and utterly fixated on finding what was so special about Willis’ blood. She analyzed each vial carefully, noting the purple hue, unusual consistency, and how it interacted with other objects, though she didn’t dare touch the liquid with her own hands. For days Eris worked for hours on end, her eyes burning from lack of sleep, jotting down every observation in a rapidly growing pile of notes. Frustratingly, no matter what tool she used to test it, the blood refused to react any differently than a human's blood. It had all been predictable. It was perplexing, but Eris refused to quit.

By the fifth day, desperation and curiosity pushed her to try something new. Against her better judgment, Eris began experimenting with magic. Without the sun to fuel her mana, she knew this was a dangerous endeavor, but she cast aside her worries. She could not call herself a researcher if she could not explore from all angles.

The first few tries had yielded little to no results. Fire, water and air magic did nothing unique to the blood sample. She could feel her own life force being pulled with each new experiment, but she pressed on.

With trembling hands, Eris infused the sample with light magic, her own energy encompassing the blood and lighting up the room in a purple glow. To her astonishment, the blood reacted almost immediately. As if it were a living thing, it shifted and pulled itself toward a sealed bottle that contained an old, withered carrot crop—a sample she had taken from blight-infected fields. Thin, purple veins ran through the crop, faint but unmistakable. The light-infused blood seemed to sense it, though it struggled to reach the tainted crop through its glass vial.

Eris began moving the vial, and every time, the blood twisted and leaned, always pointing toward the blighted crop like a compass drawn north. Her heart raced at the discovery. Tia had been correct. There was some connection between the blood and the blight. How did she know? How could she know? What else did she know?

Eris’ mind raced with possibilities, but maintaining the light magic was draining. She could feel her strength ebbing away with each passing moment, but she pushed herself to keep going. She documented everything as fast as she could, until her body could no longer take it.

On the morning of the sixth day, exhaustion overwhelmed her, and she collapsed, the vial slipping from her hand as she passed out.

When Eris awoke on the floor of her study, the shattered vial lay beside her, yet the blood had vanished. Her gaze shifted to the blighted crop, and her eyes widened in shock. Dried streaks of purple liquid coated the top of the glass jar containing the blighted plant. The blood had clearly attempted to envelop the crop, but the jar had held it at bay. Now, without the infusion of light magic, the blood had lost its gelatinous form, leaving only the remnants.

Weak and feverish, Eris was forced to put aside her research. She barely had the strength to move, her body aching from the toll the magic had taken on her, but she eventually found the way to her bedroom. On her bed, she curled up in Ashe’s coat, the magical garment the only thing keeping her from freezing in the cold room. It was the only comfort she had as she drifted in and out of consciousness.

When the blizzard finally broke on the seventh day, though still fatigued, Eris forced herself out of bed. Her limbs felt heavy, and her thoughts were clouded, but her determination had not wavered. Slowly, she made her way downstairs, making a beeline for her study, but she hesitated when a knock came at the door. Through the closed door, a guard informed her of a feast being held at the tavern, but Eris barely registered his words. There was no time for feasts or rest. She had something far more important to do.

Disheveled, her hair in disarray and her blue dress rumpled underneath Ashe’s coat, she quickly gathered her notes, undeterred by her appearance. She needed to tell the Prince—he had to know what she had found. It wasn’t a cure, but it was something. Something important.

Clutching her notes tightly, Eris stumbled out of her home, her eyes scanning for the guard who had just come to alert her of the feast. Spotting his footprints in the snow, she bolted after him, nearly tripping and falling twice as she struggled to keep her balance. "Wait!" she called out, almost losing her footing on a patch of uneven snow. Her breath came in quick, visible puffs as she finally caught up.

“Have you seen the Prince?” she asked breathlessly, her voice urgent and tinged with exhaustion, the dark circles under her eyes hinting at her lack of sleep. She gripped the notes tightly, as if afraid they might slip away. “It’s urgent—I need to speak with him right away.” Her words came out in a rush, and she barely paused to breathe, eyes darting around in search of any sign of the Prince.

The guard blinked, surprised at her frazzled appearance. "A-... Are you quite alright, Miss Hightower? Are you... wearing fire?”

Eris narrowed her eyes, impatience flickering in her expression. She didn’t have time for this! “Yes, yes, I’m fine! Have you seen the Prince or not?”

The guard hesitated for a moment, his gaze shifting briefly to the notes she clutched, before answering. "I believe he’s gone to the tavern for the feast. Should I send word that you’re looking for him?"

“No." Eris shook her head, “I’ll find him myself. Thank you.” Without waiting for a response, she turned swiftly, heading towards the Eye of the Beholder, haphazardly rushing off ahead of the guard.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Location: Eastern Town Gate

Through knee-deep snow, Nyla willed herself to take another step. Her body cried for rest, but she trudged on, her gloved fingers trembling as they pulled her teal and gold colored cloak closer to her body.

Another step.

A large fur-lined hood veiled her face, keeping her tanned skin safe from the bite of this goddess-forsaken land. Despite buying the warmest clothing she could find in the capital’s market, it wasn’t enough. The cold seeped through her thick layers, chilling her to the bone. Her toes hurt beneath her boots and she actively daydreamed about the warmth of Aelios’ sacred hot springs, enveloped by her grace’s warmth.

Just one more step…

Her breathing became labored as her legs shook with each high step into the pristine white snow that covered the entire trail to Dawnhaven. She silently cursed it with every step, hating it for everything it was and wishing for Aelios to melt it all away.

This journey had been excruciating from the very beginning. Her decision to flee the capital had been impeccably timed, leading her right into a blizzard as soon as she entered the mountains. She’d never experienced such ferocity from nature before. She had traveled far and wide in Aurelia, but this landscape was unforgiving. Growing up in the heat of the desert lands made snow feel unnatural and hellish. If not for her new transformation, she surely would have frozen to death by now.

The horse she’d stolen hadn’t lasted long, either. One night, while Nyla sheltered in an abandoned home, a blighted creature tore the poor animal apart. The rest of her journey had to be done by foot or flight. She flew when she could—transforming into a butterfly made of light or shrinking down in size so that her own wings might be able to carry her weight. However, with the blizzard winds, flying seemed more difficult than walking. And it drained her. Made her hungry in ways she couldn’t explain. If she lost too much energy she’d become mean and devoid of emotion. Feral.

Just yesterday she had come across a weary traveler, taking shelter in the same abandoned home she had sought out. She had tried… she really did. She made conversation with the man, helped him make a fire and tried to suffice herself off the bread he offered to eat. But her own needs had won. By morning, the man was dead.

Pausing, Nyla leaned heavily against the rough bark of an oak tree, pressing her icy gloves into the ancient wood. Her raven hair, the ends slick with melted snow, clung to her face as she shut her eyes, just for a moment, letting the cold air fill her lungs as she tried to steady herself. Luckily the blizzard had broken by this morning, but exhaustion still settled deep into her bones. She’d need to find somewhere to rest for the day, though she didn’t want to stop. If she pushed herself much further, she’d need to…

Opening her pale blue eyes, she looked ahead, her breath catching as they settled upon a wooden gate flanked by familiar Aurelian guards. Their polished armor gleamed beneath the full moon overhead. A plume of ghostly mist escaped Nyla’s lips as she exhaled a sigh of relief, the warmth of her breath meeting the cold of the air. She had never held any love for Aurelian guards in the past, but they were a welcome sight now. A small flicker of renewed energy surged through her. Dawnhaven’s gates were just ahead, and beyond them, warmth! She had finally made it.

Just as she was about to move towards the gate, she froze. Her heart skipped a few beats as she remembered how she would immediately appear to them. Skin glittering with golden flecks, sharp pointed ears, monarch wings attached to her back and black horns sitting atop her head. She bit her lower lip in thought, staring at the guards who took notice of her then.

“Who goes there?!”

Despite her horns and wings being covered by her cloak, the thought of revealing her true nature to strangers was unsettling. She knew Dawnhaven was a sanctuary for people like her, but… her heart ached. She did not want to reveal anything at all. Not yet, anyway. And what if Flynn…

Nyla closed her eyes, drawing a deep breath as she focused on the familiar sensation of transformation. She reached within herself, tapping into the energy she had consumed yesterday, channeling it to shift her appearance back to her former human self. The change was instantaneous, and only a tad bit painful. Her head was free of horns, her ears human, her back no longer bore wings, and the shimmering golden skin that defined her blight-born identity had faded to a more familiar shade. For now, she felt a sense of relief, wanting to blend in, to be seen as she once was. She knew this transformation wouldn’t last forever; the energy it required would eventually drain her, forcing her to reveal the truth beneath the facade. Yet for the moment, she embraced the comfort of her humanity, the warmth of familiarity.

“Identify yourself and state your business, traveler!”

With a surge of excitement, Nyla moved forward, her heart racing as she approached the guards. The cool air brushed against her face as she removed her hood, revealing her human self. “Please,” she called out as she grew nearer, “My name is Nyla Zafira. I’ve traveled through a blizzard and come from the capital. I seek a warm bed and a hot meal.” She forced a smile, though the ache in her body gnawed at her with every movement.

The two guards exchanged a glance, their eyes assessing Nyla as she drew closer. After a moment, one of them stepped forward, his expression softening for a beautiful woman. “You’re fortunate to find Dawnhaven then, miss.”

He gestured for her to enter, his tone becoming more welcoming. “You’ll want to head to the Eye of the Beholder. The Prince is holding a feast there. They’ll have beds and plenty of meals to share.”

Nyla’s heart caught in her chest at the mention of Flynn, the Prince, her ex-lover. A mix of longing and apprehension gripped her, twisting like a knife in her chest. Part of her wanted to avoid him, yet the other part ached to see him again.

“Thank you.” she said, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling within. As the guards stepped aside, permitting her to pass through the gates, Nyla offered them a grateful nod before heading in the direction they indicated. Though she had been dreaming of a warm bed for weeks, her thoughts were now consumed by what she would say to the man who awaited her here.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Boop :)