The Muse

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Location: Hot Springs

As Orion stepped in front of her, Kira’s fiery orange eyes stayed locked on the nobleman, her glare searing as she continued to bare her fangs. Ayel’s face was flushed, red with both fury and embarrassment, his trembling body betraying his barely-contained rage. His eyes locked with hers, and Kira could see he was on the verge of exploding, his arrogance fueling whatever bravery he thought he had. For a moment, she considered striking first, ending it quicker than he could even raise a fist.

But then her gaze shifted to Orion, the wall of muscle now standing between her and the nobleman. His crimson eyes met hers, calm yet firm, silently urging her to back down. His posture was commanding, as if he intended to intercept any blow she might try to deliver.

Kira narrowed her eyes, the tension tightening in her muscles as her mind weighed the odds. She knew Orion was no pushover; he was trained, capable of handling himself, and put in a position close to the Prince for a reason. While she had the power to easily handle the sniveling Aurelian behind him, going through Orion would be a different fight altogether—a fight she wasn’t eager to start.

Kira’s lips twitched, pulling her fangs back ever so slightly as she reined in her desire to lash out. She could feel the heat of her anger simmering under her skin, her instincts screaming for her to rip into the nobleman’s throat anyway. Who would even miss him?

Without saying a word, Kira forcibly tucked her animalistic side deep within. It fought to keep itself on the surface, clawing at her insides, but she was stronger—for now. The fight wasn’t worth it.

Her eyes flicked back to the buffoon behind the wall of muscle for a moment. Clearly, he was completely unaware that Orion had likely saved his little miserable life. Luckily for him, Kira had respect for Orion—and she had no intentions on getting kicked out of this safe haven.

Watching Ayel begin to fumble around, Kira’s expression dripped with disdain. The nobleman was a spectacle of delusion, drenched and babbling to himself about Aelios as he ascended the stairs. Had he hit his head during the fall?

Unsurprisingly, the pampered fool couldn’t even walk without stumbling into a wooden post. Kira’s lip curled into a faint smirk, her eyes still narrowed. It was too bad he hadn’t hit the post hard enough to knock himself out.

Hearing Sya begin to sob again, Kira glanced at her and shifted uncomfortably, unused to such raw vulnerability. Thankfully, the snake woman began to gravitate to the Priestess for an embrace. Sya’s emotional unraveling was far too much for Kira to handle in an appropriate manner. At least Tia would have a soothing presence, something Kira knew she didn’t have.

Sympathy did manage to stir in her chest as Sya explained how she had been treated for being a blight-born, though. Kira knew all too well what it was like to be treated as less than human for simply existing as they were. Truthfully, however, she hadn’t protected Sya out of pure compassion. Her instinct had been to put that insufferable noble in his place. The entitled, arrogant way he had spoken and looked down upon Sya had opened old wounds within Kira, igniting anger in whatever was left of her soul. Still, the outcome had been good for Sya, and that was something, at least.

Trying to distance herself from Sya’s emotions, Kira’s eyes found Ayel again, her eyes following him as he darted behind a tree. Confusion settled on her face as he attempted to hide, yet stood out like a sore thumb. How daft could one person be? It would have been a mercy to put him out of his misery. It almost seemed cruel to continue letting him fail through life like this. Obviously, the only thing he had going for him was his family name. It was sad, really.

“Pathetic.” Kira muttered to herself, shaking her head as she followed Ayel’s gaze to see what it was that he was hiding from. Another blight born had appeared at the top of the stairs, her eyes set on Tia. Kira glanced at the Priestess, who seemed to recognize the blonde woman too.

Annoyingly, the hot springs were becoming far too active for Kira’s liking. The peace she had been seeking was utterly shattered.

Letting out a quiet, frustrated breath, she willed herself to calm down. No matter how much she would have liked to put Ayel out of his misery, it wasn’t the time or the place. She had to be on her best behavior here. For now, she would do as Orion asked.

Shifting her gaze to him, Kira raised a curious brow, taken off guard by the faint hint of smile lingering on his lips. She had rarely seen him display much of any emotion, let alone fighting back a smile or a laugh. Somehow, the sight of it was endearing, softening the serious edge he usually carried himself with. It felt like a rare peek behind the walls he hid himself behind, and it was oddly disarming.

At Orion’s remark, Kira smirked, her gaze flicking back to Ayel who still pitifully attempted to hide behind the thin tree. “You’re right. Too boring.” she agreed, her voice carrying a quiet but playful edge now.

Behind Orion, Kira noticed the Priestess beginning to ascend the stairs to approach the blonde woman. Briefly, she glanced at Sya, wondering if her mental breakdown had finally subsided and if she would—hopefully—leave Kira in peace here. Or at least share the alcohol.

Taking one final look at Ayel, she watched him peek around the tree trunk and narrowed her eyes again. “May the next puddle drown him.” She whispered with cold disdain, only partially joking as she returned her attention to Orion.

She could feel the knot of frustration in her chest loosen, almost as if Orion’s dry humor had helped to ease the tension that had built there. Now the only person still inside the hotspring, Kira let out a slow breath and sank down until the warm water reached her shoulders, her fiery eyes still fixated on Orion.

For the past two months, she had always known who he was. It was hard not to, given his closeness to the Prince. People spoke of him, fascinated by his stand-offish aura. Humans were scared of him, she could tell. And what better protector for the Prince than to have someone people were scared of without having to lift a finger?

Surprisingly, he had a calming presence she hadn’t expected, and humor she hadn’t realized he was capable of. From the outside perspective he had only been stoic, emotionless, quiet and unreachable. Then again, was she much different?

“By the way,” she said casually from her seated position in the steaming water. “I’m Kira.”

---

_{Interactions: Orion @Qia
Mentions: Ranni @Queen Arya, Sya @PrinceAlexus, Ayel @Dezuel, Tia @c3p-0h}

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Location: Eye of the Beholder | Collaboration with @Dezuel

Flynn forced a warm smile as Eris gathered up her notes, her enthusiasm still palpable as she turned to leave. She paused at the door and gave him an encouraging smile. He gave her a reassuring nod, but once the door closed behind her, the silence in the room felt heavy. He slumped into his chair, letting out a long, exhausted breath.

The weight of everything was crashing down on him—the discovery, the possibility that they could track the blight, the hope that maybe, just maybe, he and Amaya weren’t completely doomed to the prophecy’s fate. It was a flicker of light in what had seemed like a dark dead end.

But even as that hope flickered, his mind kept drifting back, irresistibly, to Nyla. She was here.

His heart ached with the thought, a hollow pain that echoed in his chest. The music from the common room grew louder, laughter and voices blending together in celebration, but all he could focus on was the woman who had haunted his dreams for the last two months. He had never expected to see her again, least of all here, in Dawnhaven.

Why now? Why her? And what was he supposed to do?

He knew one thing for certain: he couldn’t just sit here. He was bound to Amaya, by oath and duty, but Nyla’s presence brought everything to the surface again. He had to find out why she was here. He had to talk to her. Whatever turmoil her presence was stirring, he couldn’t ignore it. He needed answers.

With a deep breath, Flynn pushed himself out of the chair, finding the willpower to rise despite the exhaustion settling deep into his bones. His legs felt unsteady as he crossed the room, but his determination kept him moving. As he approached the front of the tavern, the music slowly began to fade and he expected that the bard would begin playing another song soon enough. He was glad someone had taken it upon themselves to entertain the masses and lift their spirits.

As Flynn stepped back into the common room, his eyes immediately scanned the crowd, searching for her. His heart hammered in his chest, and within moments, he found her—exactly where she had been before. Nyla.

She looked up, and their eyes met across the room.

Just as he took a step in her direction, a voice rang out, taking advantage of the break in song, demanding the room's attention.

"Ladies, gentlemen, children of any ages, the first act of the puppetry show shall begin shortly within the Eye of the Beholder!”

Flynn paused, his gaze catching the blonde man as he made a theatrical announcement for a puppet show—the same unsettling figure who had blocked his and Amaya's path home before the blizzard, and the same he had seen with Nyla earlier. Flynn raised a brow, eyeing the man curiously. He had never gotten the man's name, but he gave off the same eerie vibe as before, his presence prickling the edges of Flynn’s instincts. He had never been against bards, but something about this man set him on edge.

Flynn was about to brush it off, refocusing on Nyla, but the beginning of the tale grabbed his attention, pulling him into a story about a Prince with an eerily similar name to his father - King Auric. Reluctantly, Flynn shifted his attention to the small stage, his brow furrowing as the story unfolded.

As the story went on, Flynn crossed his arms over his chest as a growing discomfort settled in. This was no ordinary story. The man was telling a thinly veiled, fictionalized version of Flynn’s life—and his father’s.

The details, at first, seemed harmless—another story about royalty, kingdoms, and secrets. But as the tale unfolded, Flynn couldn’t help but notice the similarities. And then it became personal—too personal. Gadez’s words danced dangerously close to his own life, and even Amaya’s.

The mention of the fictional Prince—the King—with a secret child caused annoyance to rise in his chest. Was this stranger implying that his father, King Auric Astaros, had sired a child out of wedlock? Flynn’s jaw tightened. How dare this man spin such tales about his family? If his father had been here, he would have had this man reprimanded for such slander. But Flynn was not his father—he had to handle things more carefully.

As Gadez’s voice rang out, calling him on stage, Flynn felt every pair of eyes in the tavern suddenly turn toward him. He tried to keep his expression calm, relaxing his face as best he could. The children began cheering for him to join the act, their innocent excitement impossible to ignore. At first, Flynn shook his head, raising his arms in protest. He had no desire to be a part of this absurd charade.

But soon enough, even the adults—emboldened by mead and music—began joining in, encouraging him with playful cheers. The energy in the room shifted, and Flynn realized he couldn’t just walk away.

Feeling the weight of their expectations, he sighed heavily. He couldn’t let them down, not when morale was already so fragile in these dark times. He was their leader, and sometimes that meant doing things he wasn’t comfortable with. Reluctantly, he weaved through the crowd, making his way to the stage.

As he approached Gadez, the tension in his chest grew. Standing beside the puppeteer, Flynn felt like a child again—paraded around by his mother for show, expected to perform for the sake of appearances. His neutral expression belied the nerves swirling inside him, but he refused to let them show.

Meeting Gadez’s pale blue eyes, Flynn leaned slightly toward him, his voice low but controlled. "What exactly is this about?" Flynn asked, keeping his tone even. What game was this man trying to play?

"That's the spirit, that's our brave prince, not dreading any challenge!" Gadez spoke out to the crowd as Flynn made his way up.

The blue-eyed man mused and then softly replied to Flynn as he had leaned in. "A tale of the past and possible futures, Red Star. Let's see how you can handle the pebbles along the way…" He smiled and backed away in a butler-like manner, before reaching up his hand.

"So tell us, oh brave Prince Ruddy! Are humans and those who have taken the extra step to become something more all equal in your kingdom? For what else could this place be than just that? It is the people which makes a place a home, and it is people which makes a king a king. Are you prepared to defend your small kingdom against any seeking to cause it harm?" The blue-eyed monk turned jester asked aloud, as he began to wander across the stage back and forth.

As Gadez paced, Flynn watched him carefully, listening to the ongoing monologue. Though the man had posed several questions, it became clear that he wasn’t expecting Flynn to answer—he swiftly shifted from one point to the next with barely a breath in between. A subtle prickle of irritation rose when Gadez referred to Dawnhaven as Flynn’s “kingdom." That was a claim he didn’t dare make. The Lunaris King would never stand for it for such an insinuation. Dawnhaven wasn’t Flynn’s kingdom; it was a project, a mission to bring people together. But that didn’t make him a King.

Gadez’s odd references—“Red Star”, “Prince Ruddy”—left Flynn baffled, but he did his best to keep his expression neutral. He wasn’t about to let a stranger visibly rattle him in front of half the town. Despite this man’s manic state, the crowd seemed to eat up every word he uttered, their eyes bright with enthusiasm. Flynn’s mind whirled as he tried to make sense of what was happening, and briefly, he wondered where Orion was should he need to apprehend this unnerving individual.

"Let me tell you, Prince Ruddy. The cure you seek for the ones whose changed their form is already here! Within all of us. It is called acceptance. For there is no other cure for death, but accepting that all things one day will go down that path. But do not worry children, death isn't the end, it is just another transition, another door we all must open. Perhaps all you've ever wished for lies behind that door? We ought not to hurry towards it however, just letting it greet us like an old friend when the time finally comes.”

Amidst the theatrics, there was one thing Flynn found himself agreeing with: the value of acceptance. Pride welled up in him as he reflected on what Dawnhaven had become—a place he had built to foster equality, where humans and blight-born, Lunarians and Aurelians, could coexist safely.

Then, a strange thought slipped into his mind, almost like a whisper. Amaya is beautiful. the thought seemed to pulse. The memory of her striking eyes, a sharp contrast to her dark hair, flashed in his mind as he recalled whispering in her ear, trying to soothe her.

It wasn’t an unfamiliar thought, he agreed with it, but it felt strange and intrusive. Why now? In the middle of all this chaos, why was he suddenly thinking of her beauty? And why did it feel as if the thought wasn’t entirely his own? If he were not so overwhelmed at the time, he might have recognized it for what it was—Psychic magic being forced upon him—but for now, he brushed the distraction aside, believing it might’ve been his own guilty conscience.

“And to have people close to you is an important thing! Especially for a prince! But what Prince can go at it alone? He needs a Princess! And thankfully we have that here! No, no. Not you two. You are special guest-princesses." Gadez motioned to the two children by the stage. “And an honorary prince." He pointed at the boy.

"But we need someone a bit older! Someone like- Ah! There we have her!" Gadez proclaimed and pointed straight at Nyla. "Come up, come up, upon the stage of history and destiny!" The blue eyed man began to clap his hands to try to get the crowd to urge Nyla to get up on it.

"Come up here, princess Maise. Come and join your prince of dreams, the Red Star himself." He said in an enthusiastic voice, trying to get a rise out of the crowd.

When Gadez motioned to Nyla, Flynn’s heart sped up as he locked eyes with her from across the room. He saw the hesitation on her face, the light flush rising on her cheeks as the crowd urged her to come forward.

Nyla’s pulse quickened as Gadez pointed straight at her, the word “Princess” hanging in the air like a bad joke. Her? Up there, on stage with Flynn? The sudden attention made her feel like the walls of the tavern were closing in. She quickly glanced around the room, half-expecting to see the real Princess glaring at her from the corner, offended. Surely, if she was here, it would be an insult to not allow her on stage instead. But no matter how hard she looked, there was no sign of her.

The room around her grew louder as the crowd began clapping and cheering. Every eye seemed to fall on her, urging her to step up. Her face felt flushed, warmth creeping up from her neck to her cheeks as she glanced at Flynn—already roped into this strange show—and then back at Gadez. She was no stranger to performing in front of an audience, but this was a far cry from the controlled elegance she usually commanded on stage.

Flynn glanced back at Gadez, his eyes narrowed slightly. What exactly was this man playing at? What did he know? How did he know? Why had he dragged Nyla into this spectacle, out of all people? Was this all just a coincidence? If so, then surely the Goddess was toying with him.

Swallowing her nerves, Nyla hesitated for a long moment. The pressure from the crowd built with each passing second, and, reluctantly, she gave in. Taking a deep breath, she began to make her way through the crowd, her stomach in knots. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she approached the front of the room, where Flynn and Gadez waited. When she finally reached the stage, she threw a brief glance at Flynn, feeling more out of place than ever. What in the world was happening?

"Now all here are no doubt curious, Prince Ruddy! Do you truly love the Princess?" Gadez asked, his hand outstretched towards Nyla, his palm facing upwards.

Flynn took a breath, keeping his cool exterior despite the growing tension. His patience with the man was wearing thin with every passing second.

"I believe you have me confused, sir. I'm no thespian..." He flashed a playful smile at the crowd, slipping into his charming Princely self as best as he could despite everything. “My rigid stance up here speaks for itself, I’m sure.” The crowd chuckled, agreeing with him as he attempted to lighten the mood. He did not want to engage with whatever narrative Gadez was trying to write. “I think someone else would be far more fitting for the role of Prince Ruddy.” He glanced around, hoping to spot someone willing to step up and take his place. “We want to give the people a good show, don’t we?”

Gadez laughed and held out both his arms. "As we can see, his highness is certainly humble and truthful. But this is why you, your highness, is the best possible choice to act the role of this deceived prince. For Prince Ruddy is someone who has been carefully tended to like a rose in the garden, surrounded by other roses, to just one day be plucked and tossed on what some may regard as a coffin. A sacrifice. A fallen star. Whose entire life has been shaped by the one behind the state of this land of fairy tales. However dear people, this story isn't over just yet! For what do all who are ill desire? To be healthy. What do all bearing chains crave? To be free. There is more than one path along the labyrinth! The best show is the one which has a mix of truths and lies, the important part is being able to discern which is what, your highness." Gadez bowed his form to the crowd and then moved over to Nyla, giving Flynn a look which was clearly sly and with a slight upturn at his lips.

"This princess is most fair, however, does she not deserve your love, Prince Ruddy? Then perhaps another ought to give her the respect she deserves..." Gadez raised his hand slightly to try to cup her chin and leaned closer to Nyla, before whispering to her. "Play well and you may get what you wish for..." Before momentarily letting go, to see what Flynn would decide to do.

Nyla instinctively recoiled from Gadez’s hand, pulling her face away from his touch. Her skin crawled at the unwelcome contact, and for a moment, she feared she might lose the illusion she was upholding to appear human. The whisper he left in her ear only unsettled her further, but she bit back any retort, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. Instead, she remained silent, standing tensely on the stage.

Her eyes darted to Flynn for some kind of reassurance, confusion evident in her expression. For a fleeting moment, their gazes met. To the untrained eye, he seemed composed, maintaining his outward calm and nonchalant attitude. But Nyla knew better. She could see the flicker of irritation in the subtle tightening of his jaw, the steely focus behind his eyes. A quiet ember stoked behind those green eyes. It was the kind of restrained annoyance only someone who had spent extensive time around him could detect.

The crowd seemed oblivious to the silent exchange, caught up in Gadez’s theatrics. But as Nyla stood there, she couldn’t help but wonder how much longer either of them could keep playing along with this absurd performance.

"But a sir? I am not. But the role which I play, was once sired. A long time ago. By a then young man with a desire for freedom and love, but later forsaken it for power. Forgetting the reasons why he wanted it in the first place. A liberator and a tyrant are just one step apart from one-another. Hnn hnn..." Gadez said in a dark tone, he twisted his cloak slightly to make it seem more dramatic.

"I am Halcyon, the untamed. A sin made flesh, a child lost to time and fire. The path you've been set upon is the path which was originally meant for someone else. A sacrifice. For the golden death. Which would see the Nova Kingdom flourish and the kingdom of the night... vanish among the light. Alongside any creations which people believe are just fairy tales." He said softly, blowing some air out his mouth as he motioned with his hand, creating a small fire in his hand before snuffing it out.

"Red Star. I am the golden star. But you simply call me..." The blue eyed man smiled.

"Brother." He said with a fierce tone of voice, his ghostly blue eyes staring right into Flynn's, walking closer to the prince, then circling around him. His blonde hair swaying as he did, the cloak flickering to every movement.

Flynn furrowed his brows as he listened to each of Gadez’s—no, Halcyon’s—words. He’d realized he had heard this tale before, and suddenly things were beginning to make sense. Flynn had seen it plenty of times before, desperate people weaving stories of connection to gain favor or influence. This was far from the first time a crazed citizen had claimed to be part of his bloodline, some distant relative vying for a sliver of royal recognition.

His gaze hardened as he continued to listen to the man's dramatic tale, unimpressed. If this stranger was trying to get under his skin, he’d have to do better than that.

"Deny it if you wish. I wouldn't want to believe it either, but unfortunately it is true. Now the question remains, will you play the role granted to you since birth, or shall you shatter all the things that bind you like I did? If you cannot remain true to your own heart, then why do you even live? For whose purpose and what cause? Be true, or begone. For this third kingdom desires a leader with a heart, not a puppet!" He kicked one of the wooden puppets on the stage.

"Two hungry wolves, one covered in fire and the other in frost seek to devour each other and this kingdom in time. When that moment arises, what will you do, Red Star? Will you fight for your people and your own cause, or the life selected for you, by the malevolent force that has set all things into motion? If you will not have the heart. Perhaps she will." He said sternly.

"Choose wisely, for no greater ally do you have for your kingdom come, than I. All you need to do is listen to what I have to say. Of the future that otherwise will devour this world entirely. Would you choose the grim truth, or the sweet poisonous lie before you, little brother?" He said softly, his smile looking less threatening than before, but he still awaited Flynn's answer.

After a moment of silence, Flynn began to slow clap. The sound echoed in the tense air as he flashed an amused smile at Halcyon. Though he was far from entertained, it was easy enough to pretend. He had been doing it all his life.

“What a great storyteller you are.” Flynn said, his voice carrying just enough enthusiasm to be believable. “Really, a performance worthy of applause. Don’t you all agree?” he asked the crowd as he turned to them, his clapping growing louder and faster. Awkwardly, Nyla began to clap along with him, forcing a smile upon her face as well.

The crowd, caught up in the moment and confused, hesitated only for a moment before joining in. The onlookers began to clap more fervently, cheering in agreement. They loved the spectacle, even if they didn't fully understand it. “Great job, Halcyon!” one of the children yelled, a big smile on her innocent little face.

Flynn nodded, still smiling, and turned back to Halcyon. "Thank you. Truly, a grand performance." he said, meticulously keeping his tone light. "But I'm afraid I have matters that require my attention, so I can’t stay for the encore."

Gadez gave a smile in return to Flynn, it was genuine, he was highly amused and offered a deep bow in his typical butler fashion. "Ah such praise! But to tell a story is one thing, to listen and understand it is another! So for playing the role of Prince Ruddy, the inexperienced and naive prince, you played it flawlessly, your highness. An applaud for the golden child, Prince Flynn." His eyes and following smile was setting on Flynn even as he bowed before clapping his hands. His eyes momentarily closing as he did and his almost catlike smile decorated his face.

Turning to go, Flynn paused just as he caught Nyla’s eyes. His heart thudded in his chest, a sudden rush of awareness flooding him. He couldn’t just leave her here. Without a second thought, he extended his hand toward her.

Nyla hesitated briefly, but then she placed her hand in his. Without missing a beat, Flynn gently pulled her away from the stage. “Thank you again.” he said over his shoulder to Halcyon—Gadez, whoever he really was—before pulling Nyla through the crowd behind him, their exit masked by the applause and cheers. Nyla’s touch made him feel so electric, he hardly even noticed her absence of warmth.

"Pleasure is all mine, your... majesty. All for the haven of the new dawn." He replied in a playful tone to Flynn, hoping his words would find its way to the prince's core. The more reactions he would receive from the prince the better he would understand him. A thing which the gardener thought was of most importance, it would dictate the near future. Or should one say... which future?

"And a thank you to all of you who came to hear this little tale, perhaps in part two, Prince Ruddy will give the answers to the questions posed. Unless fear grips his young heart! Will he rise to the call and become the saviour of all or shall he become the villain of this tale? You are all invited to witness the second part of the play when it is time, it will have battles and much more thrill. It's simply to die for." Gadez bowed playfully to the crowd, his arms spread widely as he did.

'A story is not over til the epitaph, let us play again soon, child of evil. Let us see if you can overcome your nature like many of these blighted ones have... like I did. Break free of all strings which bind you and become the King you could be. There's more than one future, now which path will you take, oh prince of gilded promise...' He thought as he watched Flynn walk away with Nyla, before they vanished in the crowd. All things considered, it had gone quite smoothly. Albeit a tad shorter than he had expected, it had nonetheless yielded him valuable knowledge about what kind of man Flynn was.

Flynn’s heart pounded in his chest as they weaved through the onlookers, the noise fading into a low hum as they slipped toward the back of the tavern. His hand gripped hers with a strange mixture of urgency and tenderness as he guided them through the kitchen and made a beeline for the backdoor.

Once they reached the exit, Flynn loosened his grip on Nyla's hand, finally letting go as he pulled open the door. A gust of cold air swept in, but he barely registered it as he met her gaze, holding it for a moment longer than necessary. Without a word, he gave a slight nod, silently urging her to go ahead.

Nyla stepped out into the frigid night, her breath visible in the air as Flynn followed close behind, quietly shutting the door behind them. The muffled noise of the tavern faded into the background, leaving them in the stillness of the cold. Flynn’s mind raced, unsure of what his next step was. He only knew that he needed distance from that strange puppeteer—and he needed to speak with her. Alone.

The blonde monk slowly moved over to pick up the puppets he used in the show and moved over to give the children one each, showing them how to use them. "Take good care of these, and remember that the best story is the one you live in. The real story that matters." He smiled softly to them, patting them on the head before he excused himself from the crowd to go and dismantle the puppet-theater and carry the pieces out of the inn, perhaps the pieces could be used as a makeshift home later. He would live like some beggar or homeless person if that was the case. Not to mention a bit cold. But surely no matter what path he would choose to take, the goddesses, if they truly were listening, wouldn't allow him to end in such a manner. No. Only a golden death would do.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Location: Hot Springs

Kira was momentarily startled as Sya entered the hot springs in a hurry, the innkeeper bringing a chaotic energy with her and disturbing the peace that Kira so desperately wanted. Kira’s eyes widened slightly as she watched her shed her clothing, seemingly oblivious to her surroundings. Sya’s top half appeared unchanged—still relatively human with that striking cyclops eye—but it was her lower half that left Kira in disbelief. The sleek, shimmering tail of a snake had replaced her legs. Had she walked into blight and changed once more? How?

From the opposite corner of the hot spring, Kira continued to watch as Sya slithered into the steaming water with a bottle of wine in hand, the ripples radiating outward. Kira’s heart sank as she witnessed Sya begin to sob, the rawness of her emotions palpable. The warm water enveloped her, but she felt cold and awkward inside, frozen by an overwhelming sense of discomfort.

Kira had never been good with other people's emotions, they often felt foreign and overwhelming, like a language she didn’t understand. Kira could hardly register her own feelings—how could she possibly comfort a stranger? Though she had known Sya since her arrival in Dawnhaven, they were far from friends.

As Sya sobbed, Kira awkwardly sank deeper into the water, hoping to remain unnoticed on the opposite side of the hot springs. She held her breath, wishing desperately that she could blend into the steam and shadows.

Thankfully, a sudden commotion from atop the stone steps caught her attention. Another figure quite literally stumbled in, pulling all attention to him before Sya had a chance to look around and discover Kira’s presence.

"Seize her!

A chill coursed through Kira as he blamed Sya for his fall, a heat rising within her chest sparked by anger. She narrowed her fiery orange eyes at the clumsy nobleman making a spectacle of himself. She could tell right away he was some sort of Aurelian, his mannerisms screaming privilege and entitlement. How dare he blame Sya for his own carelessness? It was infuriating, this ridiculous man with his fine clothes, assuming he could stride into this place and dictate as if he owned the world.

"Don't just stand there, help me out of this filthy hole! My boots are soaked!"

The way he barked orders at the Priestess and Orion only served to intensify her irritation. Kira had only seen this man for mere moments, yet she already despised everything this pompous fool stood for.

Slowly, Kira waded over to Sya’s side of the hot spring, her chest barely concealed beneath the steaming water. She locked her fiery orange eyes onto the soaking wet nobleman with a predatory intensity, as if she were the hunter and he the prey.

“I suggest you watch your mouth.” she said calmly, though her voice dripped with cold disdain. She positioned herself protectively between Sya and the nobleman, her stance exuding confidence, daring him to say another word. Perhaps she would get a free meal tonight.

“You’re unwelcome here. Leave.” she sneered, her razor sharp fangs glinting in the moonlight.

---

_{Interactions: Tia @c3p-0h, Orion @Qia, Sya @PrinceAlexus, Ayel @Dezuel}

Realms of Sun & Shadow

_{Location: Eye of the Beholder}

Nyla felt a wave of dizziness wash over her as she entered the warmth of the tavern, the familiar clamor of people, the scent of alcohol, and the hum of low voices filling the air. She quickly found a corner near a table lined with bottles of alcohol, folding her arms tightly against her chest, her breathing shallow. She focused on the wooden floor beneath her feet, her eyes tracing the worn lines in the planks as she fought to hold back the wave of panic threatening to consume her. Why did she do this to herself? What was she doing here? She knew what she’d find, who she’d find. Why had she come?

She was pulled from her spiraling thoughts by a voice—low and soft—speaking close by. She looked up, startled, to find a man watching her with an almost amused expression. His eyes, mirroring her own pale blue, seemed to look right through her. He spoke words that seemed more poetic than conversational, his gaze drifting towards the bottles of alcohol nearby. Nyla’s eyes followed his, and she bit back a retort, resisting the urge to snap at his assumption that she had come here to escape her reality with a drink. Normally, small talk came easy to her, but with her emotions so raw, she struggled to summon her usual charm.

She forced a faint, half-hearted smile in response to his advice, nodding politely. "It’s nice to meet you, Gadez." she said, though her tone was distracted, her mind still reeling. The mention of him being a "snake charmer" made her curious. Was he being serious, or was he referring to the snake woman she had seen outside? She had seen true snake charmers in the sands of Aurelia, but there were certainly no snakes this far north.

“My name is Nyla.” She introduced herself by first name only, keeping things simple. Long ago she had mastered the art of being a courtesan, and clients seldom sought conversation beyond discussing their own interests. Plus, she had no desire to be known on a deeper level.

Her eyes shifted to the wood planks balanced on his shoulder, and she couldn’t help but lift a brow at the mention of a puppet theater. The last time she’d seen one was in the capital, mostly for children, and there didn’t seem to be many of those in this frozen land. Who was he planning to entertain?

“You wear many hats, it seems—gardener, snake charmer, puppet master.” she remarked, attempting a lighter tone. Despite the strangeness of the interaction, Gadez’s presence was helping her feel slightly more at ease, a welcome distraction from the turmoil in her chest.

Just as she opened her mouth to ask him more, her words stalled in her throat. The door to the tavern opened again, and there he was—Flynn, standing just inside, his gaze sweeping the room. Nyla's breath hitched, her heart pounding even harder, her eyes locking onto his. Had he come for her? For a moment, everything else faded away. Her expression, despite her efforts to remain neutral, betrayed her longing. She wanted to go to him, to feel his arms around her again—but she couldn’t move.

Then, just as quickly as he had appeared, Flynn’s attention was stolen by the call of a brunette woman who addressed him by his first name. ‘They must be close.’, she thought bitterly, watching as the woman guided him away to the back of the tavern. And just like that, he was gone again.

She let out a shaky breath, her chest aching with the effort of holding herself together. Turning back to Gadez, she forced herself to focus on the present, on anything but the sight of Flynn. "What brought you to Dawnhaven?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady, though it was clear that her mind was elsewhere. No matter what answer Gadez gave, Nyla doubted she'd fully hear it. Her head was spinning, and her heart was a tangled mess.

Nyla’s attention was instantly pulled to the rich sound of music filling the tavern. She turned, her eyes settling on a man, clearly blight-born, standing confidently among the crowd, a violin beneath his chin and a bow gliding gracefully across the strings. For a few breaths, she stood captivated, lost in the way the tavern lit up with his song—people clapping, cheering, their spirits lifted by his music.

Nyla couldn’t help but smile. This felt like home—music and laughter filling a space, the joy of people losing themselves in the moment. It tugged at her, a familiar urge bubbling up inside to dance, to sing alongside the notes, to be free and forget her worries if only for a moment. Her heart fluttered with the memory of all the nights she had spent doing just that.

As she continued to watch, something shifted in her gaze. Her smile faltered, replaced by a look of curiosity and then sharp focus as she studied the musician more closely. There was something about the way he played—the way his hands moved, the sway of his body, the passion in his music. She knew those movements, that style, and the energy that could set a room ablaze.

Her heart skipped a beat, this time not because of Flynn, but because of the sudden realization that this bard was no mere street performer. No, this was Aldrick Corveaux—famed bard of Aurelia. Her former friend, the man who once stood beside her on stage, their flirtatious banter as seamless as their duets. The one who had teased her with a smile that promised mischief and adventure.

Nyla’s eyes widened in disbelief. How could it be him? Her heart twisted as she took in the faint glow to his eyes, the red tinge of his skin, and the horns that sprouted from his head. He had transformed, much like she had. She had not seen him in over two years, yet here he was, a changed man, but still undeniably himself. She continued to watch in awe, lost in each perfectly executed note. He had changed, but at least he had not lost the magic in his fingers or the soul that poured out through his music.

Despite the ache in her chest from seeing Flynn just moments ago, Nyla felt a warmth spread through her. Aldrick had survived whatever fate had thrown at him, just as she had. And even in this distant, snowy corner of the world, his music managed to lift her spirits.

“Keep it PG, least until later, no Kissing booth ok. Maybe after the kids Done, got some odd idea's.”

Nyla’s attention was pulled to the tall brunette woman speaking to Gadez, her words ringing out with a confidence that couldn’t be ignored. She was clearly a Lunarian guard, judging by her attire and subtle accent. Nyla raised a brow at the comment, a mix of amusement and curiosity crossing her face as she wondered why on earth this guard would think that she and Gadez wouldn’t keep things "PG." People in Dawnhaven certainly had no reservations about speaking their minds—perhaps it was the Lunarian way of things.

She stole a glance at Gadez, gauging his reaction to the notion, half-expecting some witty or dramatic response given the way he’d been talking to her earlier. Feeling her spirit somewhat rejuvenated, Nyla smirked, "No kissing booth? That’s a shame. I thought Gadez was going to show me how he charms all those snakes he mentioned earlier." she said, giving Gadez a playful look.

The jab felt good, lightening her mood even further. It was like stepping back into the performer’s role, where every quip and laugh was a way to help people mask whatever turmoil churned below the surface. At least for now, the music and banter made her feel almost like herself again.

---

_{Interactions: Gadez @Dezuel, Daphne @PrinceAlexus
Mentions: Aldrick @SpicyMeatball}

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}