princess

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Olivia

_Persephone
&

Charlotte

&

Fritz/Ryn

---

Olivia’s expression wavered from Charlotte to the memory. She wasn’t sure what was real, and for a moment, she saw the five men unconscious in the alleyway. The next, she saw Charlotte in front of her. Charlotte’s voice, mixed with Asher’s sinister expression and howl of anger when she’d sedated the dogs flashed through her mind. What was happening? Music, laughter, drunken conversations; yells, screams and dogs barking. She clutched her head as pain exploded inside of it. Alleyway. Ballroom. Alleyway, ballroom, tough tavern, ballroom… The scenes kept flashing through her mind and she gritted her teeth and closed her eyes in agony.

”Olivia….” …. ”Persephone..?” … Who was speaking to her…? She focused on it harder. The words echoed again and she struggled to pinpoint the speaker. ”Olivia….” …. ”Persephone..?”

”.....” She was silent as she decided to focus on the ballroom. The struggle dissipated, and she looked at her friend with tears in her eyes. Briefly, her memory lapsed, but she held onto reality. ”.....Olivia.” She confirmed quietly, and then looked at her. ”...Sorry... He’s very dangerous and we need to keep away from him at all costs. Okay?” Her voice trembled as the memories continued trying to pour through but she ignored them.

Charlotte frowned and picked up her head to look around the ballroom. “Who is he…?” She began to ask.

We need to leave.” She glanced around and then gripped her friend’s arm gently, and hugged Charlotte tightly. ”Where one is, the rest will follow…” She shook her head and the headache dulled to a rumbling. ”Do you need to do anything else or are we okay to leave?” She craned her neck and noticed Count Fritz approaching. “Let’s get Fritz and go.” Urgency filled her voice and her voice choked up briefly, until she regained control, and let go of Charlotte.

“I need to talk to him privately for a moment, then I have something I must do… But I promise, we can leave as soon as possible. Do you want to stand outside and wait or maybe accompany us?”

Olivia listened to her friend intently and nodded. ”That’s fine…I’ll wait outside of it. Charlotte… What are you doing after?” Her expression wavered and her eyes widened with concern.

She gave her a guilty smile, “ Honestly… It’s for the best I tell you afterwards.”

”CHARLOTTE.” She snarled. Her voice became uncharacteristically waspish and her expression darkened like an oncoming thunderstorm. Her eyes briefly flashed a reddish-purple hue. This wasn’t a game. What was her friend doing? What would Calbert do to Charlotte? What if she lost Charlotte? Her stomach squirmed uncomfortably and a chill unrelated to the evening fell over her.

She recoiled, her gaze fixed in stunned silence for a prolonged moment before she mustered a response. “ … Very well… If you must know… I am certain that Count Damien is planning something. I think I have a way to figure it out. It’ll all be done swiftly and I promise I’ll be okay.”

Olivia remained silent, and studied her friend’s demeanor. Guilt for accidentally scaring her crept in, and she took her hand gently. ”....Sorry. I didn’t mean to snap…” She bit her lip and then fidget uncomfortably on her feet. ”Am I able to come along and hide invisibly? So I can protect you if I need to?” She paused and her vision swam with tears she blinked away forcefully. God, could she stop crying? ”...I don’t want to lose you to this snake infested jungle.”

Charlotte smiled tentatively. It seemed that somehow she had that effect on the people in her life lately. Her mind wandered to Lorenzo, a fleeting sadness overcoming her eyes briefly. “... It’s alright. The reason I am going to insist you do not join me is because I am almost certain that he wants me alive. The Count is fixated on controlling Duke Lorenzo, and by extension me. If he is angry with me, he will not harm me. Trust me… But as for you or Kazumin or anyone else…” Her expression softened, “Does that make sense?”

Olivia listened to her friend’s explanation. Charlotte’s sadness wasn’t lost on her, and she wanted to console her friend however the topic changed. In the back of her mind, she decided to treat Charlotte at her home instead. Calbert’s obsession with both the Vikenas puzzled her; why was he hung up on them? Why did he want them alive? The questions raced through her mind like a cat chasing a laser toy. This man was insane and unhinged, that much was certain. She nodded and smiled consoling at Charlotte. ”Yes it does and I won’t. Scout’s promise,” she teased, and saluted her friend. She paused and then giggled.

Charlotte giggled as well and saluted her back. “Ay, ay, captain.”

”For now, let’s not lose each other in this dismal crowd.” She remarked quietly as she watched the crowd thicken.

“I see Fritz coming toward us actually.“ Charlotte told her. She waved him over, trying to catch his gaze.

Even from a distance, Ryn could tell Ms. Persephone was not doing well. Whether it was due to sickness, magic, or mind altering substances, he could not tell. But he did what he always did when he saw Wayra in that state. “Excuse me,” He stopped a server, “may I have a cup water and a damp towel?” The staff did not ask questions, they simply nodded and disappeared into the crowd.

While Ryn waited at the spot, he cast a concerned gaze toward Lady Vikena and Ms. Persephone. He was worried for their wellbeing, of course, but there was also a question that had been floating in his head since he saw them attending the party. Why were either of them here, at Damien Estate, after what happened?

The “A glass of water and a damp towel, sir,” turned Ryn’s attention away from the question and to the servant. After thanking them, he accepted the items and walked over to the women. “I hope I’m not intruding on anything.” Ryn glanced at Ms. Persephone, “You look a little under the weather, ‘Ms. Mary.’ Would you like some water?” He offered the cup and damp towel in her direction.

Olivia watched as Count Fritz approached and smiled broadly at him. That is, until she noticed he was not empty handed; she raised an eyebrow. She didn’t have time to inquire as to why; he spoke quickly after he approached. His words caused her to flush with embarrassment despite a smile plastered on her face.

”No, no intrusion, we were waiting for you.” She replied. ”Oh.. Do I?” She accepted both items and sipped the water, while her mind churned with humiliation and fear. Would Calbert notice? She had to be tougher and laughed gently.

”No, I’m all right. Thank you.” She swallowed and glanced at Charlotte and him. ”....We were talking about leaving soon. Would you be interested in joining us?” Doubt filled her mind with the notion, however she would offer despite any rejection. Fritz had been there for her and she felt as though she owed him.

A nagging thought trailed in her mind as she considered him. She studied Count Fritz inconspicuously. What had Peter and he been discussing? What heist was coming up? Was Charlotte involved…? Concern gnawed at her, and she sipped her water again in order to keep it together at least on the outside.

Charlotte squeezed Olivia’s hand subtly. “ Yes, I wanted to speak with you, Count Fritz, for a moment as we had planned… I have something I must take care of, then Olivia and I are going to go home. You are always welcome. I will be passing the memo to Lord Leo as well of course when I can as it seems we are in poor company tonight.”

Olivia returned the gesture to Charlotte’s hand and took deep breaths. She had to trust her friend.

“Oh, why thank you for asking. Yes, I would like to accompany you both when you leave. But…” Ryn’s head inclined in a quizzical tilt. “Considering the risk to come here, I assumed you two had a specific purpose in mind. Was it successful?” Though Peter might be enamored with Ms. Persephone, Ryn could not imagine him forcing her to attend the party. If he did, well then, there would be more than a few words Ryn would have to exchange with the naughty boy.

Olivia smiled when Fritz commented that he’d like to accompany them both when they left. The next sentence caught her off guard and the encounter with Peter entered her mind. She glanced at Charlotte then back to Fritz. Her tone became quieter, and was nearly impossible to hear over the ballroom noise.

”I didn’t want to leave Charlotte alone nor did I think he would recognize or approach me.” She admitted quietly. ”Not after everything she’s done and is risking.” Olivia’s voice became light and teasing. ”Besides, a ginger thief temporarily took my shoes. I got them back though, almost like Cinderella.” Her gaze met Fritz and a smirk flashed across her expression.

Instead of returning the smile, however, Ryn looked back at her with a shocked expression. “Someone tried to rob you? Thank goodness you’re alright…” Ryn rubbed his chin. “I thought Lord Smithwood’s missing pocket watch may have been a prank of sorts, but if people are getting mugged, then the situation may be more serious. I’d suggest reporting it to the authorities, but…” He trailed off, letting the obvious unsaid. “Maybe I should do it instead?”

Fritz’s shocked expression caused Olivia to blink. She had been kidding. Those two were familiar with each other. Had he not caught on? Liv tilted her head to the side and folded her arms lightly. ”No, I was kidding. That won’t be necessary.” Maybe there was something she didn’t understand. Where was Peter, anyway? She glanced around but could not see him. Nerves gnawed at her stomach and she bounced her leg as she waited for the next move from her friends.

“Actually, Fritz, I was hoping we could have our discussion now if that’s alright with you,” Charlotte gestured to the entrance to the foyer.

”I’ll wait outside it.” Olivia replied promptly, and nodded as she stepped backward to grab a few drinks randomly from a passing waiter. She took a few snacks, downed a couple shots, and then grabbed another. If she were to wait here, she’d make sure to look preoccupied.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Night
Location: The edge of Lover's Lake
Attire:Dress, A crown of various flowers
Interaction: @Lava Alckon Farim @Helo Callum
Mention: @Tae Mina/Torvi @ReusableSword Roman @Infinite Cosmos Munir

---

"Mhm. Violet is Count Damien's daughter. She's well known here. Calbert Damien makes a name for himself in this country, trust me." Anastasia had explained to Farim. Her gaze then shifted to watch the entire situation escalate from zero to a hundred in no time flat. Her brows lifted in shock as Roman, who she had always seen as a sweet teddy-bear of a man, was charging at the guards like a ferocious beast. "What the—!" she exclaimed, her disbelief evident in her wide-eyed expression.

Then, of course, Callum threw himself in the middle. Fearful that he'd get hurt, she charged to his side without a second thought. While she struggled to comprehend Callum's rationale, she didn't want to see Roman hurt or in trouble... and it was adorable watching her little brother act so official! There was no way she wasn't going to support him. As he concluded his speech, Anastasia lightly placed a hand on his shoulder. Leaning in, she whispered softly, "You sounded really cool just now."

Emboldened by Callum's stance, Anastasia decided to add her own voice to the chorus of defiance. She declared, "Go on and get, guards! We're too high for your shit!"

But the chaos was far from over. A random woman speaking demon-tongue emerged from the shadows, seizing Lady Mina Blackwood with blade in hand. As Munir sprinted after them, Anastasia rubbed her eyes in confusion, wondering if she was hallucinating everything happening before her.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

The Ceremony for the Summer Solstice

Sorian Guards

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

---

The city guard, undeterred by Erik's attempts to dismiss them, maintained their stance with an air of authority.

"We understand your concerns, Erik," the guard replied, their tone firm. "But we have a missing person's report for a high-ranking noblewoman, Lady Violet Damien. We must locate her, especially given the circumstances."

As they spoke, the other guards fanned out into the crowd, their eyes scanning the faces of the partygoers in search of any sign of Violet. "It is our responsibility to prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals within the city."

However, then they actually noticed Lord Ravenwood bounding toward them. A sense of urgency swept over the city guards as they realized he was going to attack them. Their instincts told them to flee as the sight of the incoming bear of a man sent shivers down their backs. Yet, duty bound them to stand their ground.

With hearts pounding and hands trembling, the guards braced themselves,. The sound of steel scraping against leather pierced the air as the guards swiftly drew their weapons.

Avalia

The day after Zora died, a palpable shift rippled through the air of Avalia. A dead human had been delivered to King Zanithel's court, triggering a tightening of reigns.

In a chilling declaration to his subjects, King Zanithel proclaimed the arrival of humans as a dire threat to Avalia. With a flick of his finger, tendrils of darkness ensnared the corpse, lifting it for all to see. Through a cast sphere, King Zanithel broadcasted his message, branding humans as terrorists and offering rewards for their capture or demise. The kingdom was put on high alert, with authorities tasked to eliminate the perceived threat at any cost.

The next twenty four hours were marked by a reign of terror characterized by public floggings, stringent curfews, and invasive searches. Those suspected of rebellion faced swift and brutal public executions, casting a dark shadow over the land.

Amidst chants of "ALL HAIL KING ZANITHEL," the once vibrant kingdom of Avalia now stood on the precipice of darkness, its future veiled in uncertainty.

• Zora is dead
• Public floggings, whippings, arrests, and executions are more prevalent.
• Increased guards in large cities.
• Humans are considered national terrorists and have bounties on them.
• Enstille and Malachi are called to work closely with Vaeril upon rising tensions
• Zion and Jun are relocated to the pirate ship with Tanithil, Amisra, Arlen, Sirena, and Ismael.
• A replacement water human has been summoned to join Aurora and Barrock named Vasco.
• After leaving to assist Mari and Thraash, Scathael's village is attacked. He no longer has anything to return to.
• Extermination of known rebel settlements and groups has begun.
• Propaganda has been showing up for and against humans in many of the larger cities.

Wardens

Illuminata - Verneus Talven: Verneus Talven is a dark elf who puts the pompousness of light elves to shame. It's not known whether he does this to spite them or if he truly believes he's the greatest of Halastra’s children. He mostly allows other elves to do his dirty work in instilling order and discipline to Illuminata. On the surface, Illuminata is not so different than before the war, except for when Verneus demands something on a whim. Sometimes he raises taxes to ensure a new building can be quickly raised or an old one torn down, parades and observances to remind the citizens of the outcome of the war. Though he is extremely vain, Verneus is no fool. He desires those beneath him to nearly worship the ground he walks on but if given this, he only uses his elevated position for further manipulation and even humiliation. The life of Illuminata nobles is that of a viscous political game while the commoners suffer from the very real societal aftermath. Banning of books, removal of historical monuments, and deterioration of combat-focused light-elven practices.

Warden Verneus Talven was given his position due to his perseverance in the war, specifically in strategizing against the Illuminata Kingdom. It’s rumored that he never had to raise a weapon during the war yet was awarded every merit that came from the campaign against the light elves. He maintains an overconfident demeanor except when he is reminded or made known of any of his failures, even those that may have been out of his control.

Aquaria - Garl Snagnazog: Garl, an orc who attained his orc Rite of Dominance by shamelessly eating a surviving member of the Aquarian Kingdom royal family rumored to be sparking talks of rebellion. It was this very act that made him the most suitable for the second appointment of Aquaria’s Warden. Garl governs Aquaria just like an orc chieftain would, rewarding displays of dominance over others while caring little for those exuding any form of weakness. He laughs at the failures of his foes and allies alike considering these shows of vulnerability. To secure his place of power, he constantly plays the strong against the weak, creating an environment where bullying those beneath you secures your status.

Being so far from other settlements allows Garl to abuse his power much more often. He frequently deals in the black market due to the rare demihumans residing in his area of control. It is rumored that mermaids that refuse his advances vanish while those that accept become members of his secret collection of concubines.

Warden Garl Snagnzog is the warden entrusted by King Kyros Zanithel to govern the Avalians of the underwater settlement of Aquaria. He is widely known as the second person to bear the title of Warden of Aquaria since King Zanithel’s initial decision to only entrust dark elves with the responsibility of governing over the cities that were substantially resistant during the war. This was changed with the need for more oversight and those who could endure the environments of those they governed.

River Bloom - Theron Vesairus: Of all the wardens, Theron Vesairus appears to have the most to prove. He acquired the position after the previous warden failed to manage a rebellion led by River Kingdom's royal family and has the least time served as a warden.

Theron had been a complete stranger to River Bloom until the day he was tasked with extinguishing the rebel threat. Theron assisted Zalthraxis in committing chemical warfare against the rebels, and was personally responsible for killing defiant members of the royal family and ensuring enough young fairies were available for Zalthraxis' later experiments. It was through this successful operation that Theron was appointed, replacing the previous warden who was deemed unfit by King Zanithel.

Theron keeps the people in his city busy. Where one might see large families of fairies, Theron just sees a vast work force to exploit. Ever on edge, Theron always tries to know everything happening in River Bloom. He has enlisted fairies capable in zoolinguism and flight have the opportunity to be employed as members of the information gathering unit known as “The Hive.” To him, knowledge was both power and security. He could blackmail those he wasn't fond of or see threats coming a mile away. This however also makes him come across as paranoid, especially when he discovers something new or random.

Ironhold - Nistara Bryith: Nistara, a dark elf who embraces pride in her position as a warden of Ironhold. Every day of her governance reminds her that her people were the ones who impregnated the dwarven kingdom. A feat deemed impossible was challenged. Though General Zarras Malaggar was the dark elf who led the charge, it was Nistara’s bold tactic of stoking the aggression of a powerful creature to break through Ironhold’s defenses. It is common for dwarves to refer to the day the dark elves entered the city as “The Bryith’s Breach” or “The Bitch’s Breach” with either being openly understood by the citizens of Ironhold. Nistara’s governance over the people of Ironhold is calculated by influencing Ironhold’s once-stable economy. The clever warden sees that the prices of alcoholic beverages are typically much lower, seemingly as reparations for the gruff and bearded race’s defeat. All the while she increases the punishment of crimes while giving those on trial the option to servants of labor to reduce or outright remove their sentencing. Most choose the latter, working harder for much in any industry suffering, usually working for the many steel mills turned into breweries or the supervised shipping of goods.

Though Nistara doesn’t appear to be the most approachable of the Wardens, the elf is more open to speaking to the common person. She is intrigued by the new and different and doesn’t starkly look down on other races. Instead, she sees the skills and uses of every type of person and believes she understands her king’s reasons for sparing so many of them. Using the strengths of others to empower herself seems to be her way of living as she continues to use many enslaved warforged in the Ironhold mines due to their lack of need for sustenance.

Roshmi City - Ravus Solsta: The Warden of Roshmi City is the esteemed Ravus Solsta. He joins the likes of his peers who earned their position through actions performed during the war under the leadership of Verneus Talven. If the latter crafted the strategies, it was Ravus who ensured they were performed to fruition. What separates him from most other wardens are his reputation for being prodigious with dark magic and his unrivaled tenacity. He combats his enemies with a heavy hand, caring little for collateral damage until the dust has completely settled.

When he was given word that he would be appointed to warden. He requested he not be assigned to Illuminata as he would rather not be faced with sight of those who survived by killing so many of his kin on the battlefield. He is disgusted by light elves and the sight of light magic and will charge someone of any crime he sees fit if he catches sight of it. Ravus governs Roshmi with a gentle hand, ensuring the city maintains its productivity while shaping the city to look less and less like a city built by demihumans.

He often concerns himself with the affairs of Avian City, North Pass, and the Winter Fairy settlement date to the limited dark elf presence. It is said that the dark elves that operate in those territories are of his envoy rather than of the wardens that govern those areas.

Fort Keyrel - Kol Varanasi Kol Varanasi is one of King Zanithel’s most trusted subordinates and served as a general that rivaled Zarra Malaggar in his efforts in his skirmishes against his enemies. Even so, Kol’s strength is nearly dwarfed by his ability to motivate his subordinates to fight for their kingdom. Kol sought to retire after the war but was requested to govern Fort Kyros and supervise the training of new Avalian Army recruits to ensure their military remained capable.

Kol is normally an elf of a few blunt words, but when impassioned, he can move a crowd to crush the foes in their path. He has a deep pride for his people and never thought he’d see the day when his people succeeded in taking everything that was owed to them. Unlike some other wardens, Kol is ever loyal to King Zanithel, having known him for centuries.

Avian City - Gerun Myraxia: Gerun Mryaxia is the Warden of Roshmi City and is not a stranger to knowing what it looks like to lead, since his father helped govern Roshmi. Despite Roshmi Kingdom being the first to be attacked and conquered, the kingdom suffered the least compared to any others due to its reluctant surrender. Many believe the tale of Roshmi’s king and governing body surrendering in an unfair duel against a Malthemoor army general. Some say it was General Malaggar or Varanasi, while others claim it may have been Zanithel or one of his heirs. In truth, Ravus meticulously assassinated several of them including his father in cold blood until the only choice was to surrender. Gerun had heard whispers of King Zanithel’s desire to simply see the kingdom kneel as quickly as possible but knew his father and others would wish to fight off the dark elven army until the end. Ravus simply ensured both things happened sooner rather than later.

Gerun thought he would be given Roshmi but instead, he now governs Avian City. He maintains a firm and steady grasp on the small settlement, only asserting King Zanithel’s strict laws as he is ordered to. At the same time, Gerun does not take insubordination or disorder in his city lightly. He does not shy away from making public examples out of lawbreakers and rebels. It is said that he is openly against the black market trade yet he seems to profit from it more than other wardens due to the Roshmi being the most popular location for such trade. He takes advantage of this under Warden Ravus’ nose. At times, Gerun is almost fearful he may be replaced due to him only coming into power through treason. He is not sure if the King truly trusts him, and makes sure to show a good face when he can.

Myriamor - Nero Vizla: A stern elf who is not happy with being “trapped” in Myriamor. In Nero’s bitterness, he believes he deserves whatever he desires as long as it doesn't jeopardize his position. If he doesn't like your face? Get ready for a beating from the guards for behavior or even cosmetic adjustment. If he's bored? Open the arena and force prisoners, slaves, or anyone trying to pay off a debt to fight.

Nero is cut above other wardens when it comes to how far he will take punishments and how little he cares for others. His only saving grace is his willingness to provide considerably higher rewards for bounty turn-ins of living targets. If only it stopped there. Creatures and criminals captured often end up in a large structure known as “The Trophy Room.” It is here where captives are put on display like animals in a zoo. The Trophy Room does require an entrance fee to simply view the cells and exhibits. Those who arrive with heavier pockets can further interact with the captives. Of course, different things come at a different price. “Whether you believe it to be a prison, brothel, slave camp, or zoo! Here, The Trophy Room has something for you!”

Port Vanarosa and the Southern Sea - Thessia Luumis: Thessia Luumis governs Port Vanarosa and the Southern Sea but many citizens question how she does this. She rarely makes public appearances and when she does, she appears as if she's leaving or returning to go on some sort of venture. Her perceived absence is a reason why known pirates and other manner of rogues are bold enough to strut around in the open.

The idea of some leader of thugs taking charge of the place seems easy, yet those with such ambitions are found dead the morning after even hinting at the idea. Those visiting Thessia’s Mansion will find that it's possibly one of the few places with formal guards. Most won't ever find her here but if they're lucky, they'll find vast rare treasures decorating the rooms and halls. The thought of theft is tempting but nearly every citizen of Port Vanarosa knows Thessia's unspoken guidance. That crime is not weighed by its action but in the retaliation one may face. Other wardens speak poorly of Thessia’s governance, but there is a slight upside to it. Port Vanarosa may have the highest crime rate but there are few that would ever consider persisting a rebellion, for that would be a crime deserving retaliation from not just her blade in the night, but an entire kingdom.

North Pass and Winter Fairy Settlement - Brom Alberon: Brom like Gerun and Garl had to prove his worth to become a non-dark-elf warden. Brom had been one of the first demihumans to volunteer to assist Malthemoor’s forces in securing Avalia’s northern lands. Quelling resistances by both vocalizing the futility of the attempt and aggressively combating threats that refused to back down.

Brom Alberon believes he made the best decision for the betterment of Avalia, claiming that helping to end the war as swiftly as possible spared more lives and has helped to unite the previously divided kingdoms. To him, the ends justifies the means and even now he copes with any less than positive decrees by convincing himself and others that it will help improve Avalia in the long run. He does feel bad for what the winter fairies had to endure but he also just sees it as a necessary evil and assumes their kind are failing to fall in line with the order of the kingdom.

General Zarra Malaggar - Zarra Malaggar absolutely reveres King Zanithel as if he were a god made flesh. She shares and spouts his ideals more often than he does himself. Zarra being the king's most devoted is not what singles her out from the rest of her kind. Her martial prowess places her far above her peers. That combined with her intolerance for excuses and granting mercy.

Before the war has begun, Zarra has aligned herself with King Zanithel so deeply that she betrayed her own kingdom, now known as Fort Keyrel, maimed her grandson, and slaughtered the royal family she had served for many decades. Her grandson was able to escape with that royal family’s only survivor. Most would find themselves unable to follow through with even murdering children but Zarra is only pained by her failure in leaving two of her enemies alive. Even after a century with no realized repercussions from the events of that night, Zarra still desires to finish what she had started to remove such a stain from her reputation.

Zarra is not a warden and is currently assigned to eliminating any hint of rebellion wherever she feels she is needed.

@FunnyGuy

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time:Evening
Location: Calbert's Estate
Interaction: @Potter Olivia
Attire: Mask, Dress/Wings

---

As Olivia's voice faltered, and she instinctively reached out toward her friend, but the throng of guests between them hindered her efforts, drowning out their connection with a cacophony of chatter. She disappeared from view completely, leaving Charlotte with a pang of unease as she searched the room for her friend's familiar face. "Olivia!" she called out, her voice tinged with urgency, as she navigated through the sea of bodies with rushed apologies.

Suddenly, a collision jolted her, and she stumbled backward, a pout forming on her face instinctively. Before she could regain her footing, a gloved hand reached out, capturing her own in a firm grasp. Startled, Charlotte looked up, her breath hitching as she found herself locking eyes with a stranger. His penetrating gaze sent a shiver down her spine. She withdrew her hand instinctively as he suddenly pressed his lips to the back of her hand. For a fleeting moment, their gazes held, and Charlotte felt as if she were peering into the abyss itself. Then, as swiftly as he had appeared, he vanished into the crowd, leaving her staring after the figure in confusion.

Then Olivia grasped her arm, and her gaze snapped to her. Relief filled her expression and she followed as she began to lead her off the dance floor. However, her relief quickly gave way to concern as Olivia's urgent questions pierced the air, her eyes brimming with tears.

But as she listened, her expression changed and empathy radiated from her gentle gaze. “Come here sweetie,” She murmured and pulled Olivia into an comforting embrace. “He bumped into me, apologized. Then he kissed my hand and left…But there was something... off about him…” Charlotte told her softly as she stroked Olivia's hair, her touch gentle against her friend's trembling form.

Furrowing her brows determinedly, Charlotte added firmly with resolve, “ I don’t know who that man is, but I won’t let him bother you.” When she received no response, Charlotte’s frown deepened.

"Olivia..." she pressed. Charlotte anxiously tapped her foot and took a scope of their surroundings before she leaned in closer and whispered, "Persephone?"

Picky eater always takes the forbidden fruit (introduction)

Welcome! I also chock on dirt and sand.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Night
Location: The edge of Lover's Lake
Attire:Dress, A crown of various flowers
Interaction: @Lava Alckon Farim @Infinite Cosmos Munir

---

Anastasia's enthusiasm bubbled over as she enthusiastically agreed, "Yes! My hands are soft!" Her infectious energy only amplified as they approached Munir.

"Lady Anastasia... I see you have taken a liking to my dear cousin... I hope that means I would get to see you around, and perhaps one day in Alidasht. Your presence is always a welcoming sight. "

Munir had then said to Farim before she could reply, "Cousin. Yes. I saw her. She was here. She spoke to me... I...I miss her..."

"Hi Munir!" She chirped and gave him a brief hug before addressing his earlier words "Yeah your cousin's freakin awesome. Adore him! And I'd love to visit you boys in the Alidasht any time."

Anastasia wondered if that meant Munir had also hallucinated a dead person. Curiosity piqued, she scanned the surroundings, half-expecting to catch a glimpse of ethereal apparitions. But then, she noticed the kaleidoscope of colors around her as she waved her head back and forth in tune with the drums. A stupid smile crossed her face that didn't dissipate until the stern voice of a guard cutting through the ambient filled the air. She looked over with interest as he announced Lady Violet Damien was missing.

"Oh noooo... What if the people who attacked Calbert's house took Lady Violet?" she wondered aloud, her voice carrying her concern.

Avalia

Time: Evening
Location::Village on the outskirts of Roshmi
Interaction: @Apex Sunburn Scathael, @FunnyGuy Thraash
Equipment: Repeating crossbow, a bag, sword, two daggers, 3 small red potions, 1 large red potion, 1 large blue potion, hoverboard, portable solar box, eye protectors, fire starter kit, channeling gloves that turn her light magic orange, makeup, perfume, a skull she wears as a mask and a disguise ring

Mari trailed behind Thraash, her amusement evident in the mischievous glint in her eyes. "A tiny baby arm would be perfect for FIVE, Thraash!" she teased, barely able to contain her laughter as they approached the gate. With a dismissive wave of her hand, she added, "Nah I heard this guy is good. This'll be easy as pie for him..."

As Mari came to a halt before Scathael, she offered a casual wave, "Hey there! I'm Mari, and this big lug here is Thraash." Her tone was friendly but direct, wasting no time in getting to the point.

"We do indeedy do have work for you," she continued with a grin, "We've got a warforged with a fucked-up arm. Think if we lead you to him, you can work your magic and fix it up?"

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

The Ceremony for the Summer Solstice

Sorian Guards

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

---

As the rhythmic beat of the drums filled the air, the serene ambiance of the woodland ceremony was suddenly disrupted by the arrival of city guards. Heads turned slowly, curiosity mingled with apprehension as the armed guards began to fill the area, their heads turning to and fro.

A hush fell over the crowd as one of the guards stepped forward. With a deliberate clearing of his throat, he ascended a nearby stump, commanding attention with his authoritative demeanor. With a respectful nod, he began to address the gathering.

"Good folk," he spoke, his voice cutting through the remaining noise, "I apologize for the interruption to your event. But it is with urgency that I must inform you that we are searching for Lady Violet Damien." Whispers spread like wildfire as people began to pass rumors back and forth. The guard proceeded to describe Lady Violet, " She is a short female, with black hair and is most likely dressed in dark attire. Additionally, she bears a distinctive scar upon her face."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, "If anyone among you has seen Lady Violet or has any information regarding her whereabouts, I implore you to come forward. And if, by chance, Lady Violet is present among us, my lady, please step forward."

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Night
Location: The edge of Lover's Lake
Attire:Dress, A crown of various flowers
Interaction: @Lava Alckon Farim @Infinite Cosmos Munir

---

As Anastasia and Farim had been swaying under the moonlight, the princess had taken notice of a subtle shift in the music and environment. She glanced over toward Roman as he had prepared the next section of the ritual, however, as the music intensified, so did the world around her. The fire now blazed with an intensity that seemed to reach toward the very sky itself. Colors danced and swirled around the area as people moved about, merging with the rhythm of the song to create a symphony of light and sound.

Everything felt and seemed intensified around them and it was impossible for Anastasia not to notice that the current song had taken a tone she found creepy and unsettling, especially combined with the overstimulating sights. She found it strange as if the song was having some sort of an effect on her. Though her grip on Farim's shoulders tightened, she slowed her movements and met his eyes.

"I don't know what's going on. It's weird yet kinda beautiful...I love Roman and I love what's going on, but those Varians are totally into some wilder shit than me. I kinda love it. "

Her eyes then fixated over his shoulder as Munir took shape in her vision. "...Your cousin seems ..." A frown graced her features and she shifted a step backward, her hands sliding down his shoulders to his hands. "Come," She took his hands and directed him forward, moving along the outskirt so as to not interrupt the mystique of what was happening around them. Finally, they reached Munir's side.

"Hey, you doing okay over here?"