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[h2][color=f26522]Aurora Liesma[/color][/h2]
[sub]Interacting with: [color=fdc68a]Kuki[/color] [@Melody00][/sub]
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The delivery carriage was more cage than actual wagon, obviously designed in order to keep the cargo contained. Cargo… Aurora hated that word with a burning passion. It meant they were seen as nothing more than property, objects to be bought and sold at somebody else’s convenience. They were far more important than a few exotic spices or fabrics and clearly far more valuable than any of the gemstones forged beneath their feet. For Drakka, the Gemmenite people were a future, one would think they could be treated with a little more decency.

Alas, no amount of brooding was going to change the reality of the situation. Aurora tried to take solace in the fact that at least she would not have to make the journey alone, but such a thought was of no comfort either. Each passing face was another family torn apart, just like her own, broken hearts and lost friendships were just a few things that should have been expected by this point in their lives. Perhaps she should have known that not all of her Gem sisters would have come to terms with such a reality, for far too many tried to bury their heads in the sand these days.

Glancing around, Aurora took note of the glazed eyes and muffled cries, and for a while could only wonder if this had been what it was like for her elder sister the year prior. Had such a strong woman been reduced to such pitiful displays of weakness and humility? Somehow she doubted it, Kasari didn’t seem like the type. She did have to be dragged away by the Reapers after all, such a personality would never had cracked so easily.

Aurora shook her head. These memories and speculative thoughts were not going to get her anywhere. She and her sisters-in-chains had a long journey ahead of them, and if they were going to survive… They were going to have to be strong. Inhaling deeply, Aurora pushed herself to a standing position. She wasn’t able to reach full height due to their rolling prison, but it was enough for her to gain the attention of the girls she was to be traveling with.

“[color=f26522]For shame, the lot of you. You sit here sniveling out of fear, noses running like children. We are Gemminite, pick your heads up and act like it. Your tears are likely to bring you nothing but more pain. These Drakkan scum want to see you cowering before them, quit giving them the satisfaction.[/color]” The young fire Gem turned to each of the huddled groups one by one, a stern look on her face. Her voice caught the attention of a nearby guard, who glanced over with a scowl. She hadn’t done anything to cause trouble so he couldn’t crawl in after her, but it didn’t stop him from slamming his hand against the side of the carriage with an order to take pipe down. Huffing out her nose, she glanced around at her fellow Gems before retaking her seat, maintaining a stoic expression that betrayed none of her internal fears.

~~~

By the time her group had pierced through the Spine, the sun had already begun setting. Already cold temperatures dropped to dangerously low numbers, so much so that even Aurora was beginning to feel the chill. She couldn’t imagine how some of the others must have been feeling, but it was often difficult to tell what was actually causing their shaking.

Before they were allowed to take refuge inside an actual building, which she doubted would help all that much, all the arrivals were forced to gather in a courtyard while a loud mouthed Drakkan spouted his rehearsed speech. Aurora figured it was the same one he gave every year, it’s not like any of them would return to hear it a second time. She felt a shiver run through her spine at several points, but never once did she cower. The longer he talked the sharper her expression got, quickly growing bored of the man’s threats. Instead she turned her gaze to a man standing somewhat off to the side. 

He didn’t seem like the rest of the scum standing around, taking sideways glances at this year’s crop. The Drakkan she looked at exuded an aura of power and of absolute authority. Clearly the one speaking was in charge of them, there was no mistaking this… But if she had to guess, she would confidently bet that the man standing in silence was in charge of a whole lot more.

Any thoughts she had on the manner were quickly interrupted as the group was ushered away. They were finally allowed inside, but her assumptions were pretty much spot on. Stone walls offered little in the way of heat, used simply to keep the winds off their backs. She found herself shoved into a small room with very little in it. A single bed, ancient vanity, water basin, and a fireplace. Door slamming shut behind her, the girl got to work settling in for the night.

Laying back on her bed, she stared up at the ceiling blankly. Already she could feel such drastic differences between here and home. It wasn’t about the hospitality, for obviously they weren’t going to find any out here… But there was something about the atmosphere that felt off to her, heavy almost. The fire that kept her room above freezing didn’t feel as welcoming as the flames she performed with. They were hostile and difficult to control, not that she had been trying all that hard. The very air she breathed felt like icy fingers reaching down her throat to strangle her, though she began to wonder if she was just overthinking things.

With a heavy sigh, Aurora rolled over and went to sleep, the sounds of her neighbors crying echoing into her dreams.

~~~

Morning came all too quickly, and the Drakkan far too loudly. She nearly growled as her door was thrown open, a menacing glare manifesting with her annoyance at having been awoken in such a manner. Clearly this didn’t please the man too much as he took the extra effort to stomp over and force her to her feet by her hair.

Aurora decided it was better to keep her mouth shut, but her face didn’t seem to want to follow suit. She made mental note that she would have to work on that. It would be a struggle for her, as she had never once been taught to censor herself. Expression was important to her village and even more so to her family… She wanted nothing but to stay true to them, however she knew her reality. In order to prevent even more heartache to her family, she had to do better. Anything it took to survive, no matter how much it hurt her.

She didn’t bother trying to hide while she changed her clothes, stepping forth from her room with full confidence. If she had to be honest, Aurora would not have expected the Drakkan to put together any kind of breakfast for them. Sure, they had to be fed… But it surprised her how they were all being gathered into a hall for eating purposes. It was social, and unexpected. Aurora wouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth, but she marched onward skeptically.

Along the way, several faces she recognized from her carriage had apparently wandered the wrong way. A few of the crankier Drakkan had held them up, scaring them to the point where they could no longer move or respond. Shaking her head, she marched over and grabbed the pair by the arms.

“[color=f26522]I apologize for them, they clearly have no sense of direction. I will see them to the banquet hall myself if it pleases you.[/color]” Her words were phrased in a fashion that made it seem like she was catering to the man, however, her action displayed that she cared little for what he thought. She didn’t wait for his response before she started pulling them away, considering herself lucky that he didn’t deem it necessary to pursue. Shaking her head, she glanced at the two girls to make sure they were okay before pulling them along the route they were supposed to have taken.

The girl made sure her two charges found tables and began eating before she left them to find her own seat. There wasn’t all that much room for her by the time she arrived, so she picked whatever seat she could find. The girl she was sitting next to didn’t seem to have much of an appetite, having not filled her plate with anything other than some kind of fruit she did not recognize. She wasn’t one to judge, after all they had all been through some kinds of rough journeys, but it was imperative they keep up their strength otherwise they would break all too soon. A picture of her sister’s face flashed through her mind as she looked at this red headed Gem, hearing her sister’s voice preaching something about looking out for one another even if there is no relation.

“[color=f26522]You really should eat more than that if you can. There’s no telling what these guys are going to put us through. You should stock up on as much strength as you can.[/color]” Aurora couldn’t manage a smile, but her features did soften a bit as she picked up a food from her region that she knew to be good. Offering it to the girl, she nodded her head as if to assure that the food would bring no harm.

Not much of a conversation could occur, however, as the men from the previous night entered the hall. She was suddenly reminded of her suspicions as their warden introduced the terrifying behemoth behind him. Now that he was closer, she could see quite a few differences between him and the others that lined the walls. He was everything that the stories said about the Drakkan kind. Somehow it didn’t surprise her in the least when their warden introduced him as the crowned prince of Drakka.

Her awe at the creature delayed her stance, unable to tear her eyes away from the man in what she could only describe as terror. Pulled from her trance by the movement around her, Aurora pushed herself up to her feet strongly and stood at attention. It was in these moments that she really got to see how far the Drakkan could reach, each individual bowing in a manner that was common to their region. She herself bore no such habit, and thus remained mostly upright though not without a sign of respect. Lowering her gaze to the ground, she tilted her chin down in submission and crossed her right arm to rest across her chest while her left tucked behind her back.

[hider=Summary]
Spicy salt… Very spicy salt. Stand loud, stand proud. Arrived and offered some kind hands to a few before having to stand and bow… Not the best, but clearly respectful.[/hider]


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[h2][color=8493ca]Azilon Dantanath[/color][/h2]
[sub]Reluctant husband of: [color=98fb98]Rya[/color] [@Ellion]
Interacting with: [color=98fb98]Rya[/color] [@Ellion][/sub]
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Azilon’s eyes narrowed as the prince took his leave from the pair, he and his men cutting through the crowd like butter. He, however, could not relax just yet as they were not completely out of the woods. With so many men flocking to the city for the events that took place surrounding the Reaping, it was only a matter of time before some grew antsy enough to try and pick a fight. Now that he was stuck with this troublemaker of a Gem, not to mention the very public confrontation he had with the prince, the target painted on his back just got a whole lot bigger.

While Rya’s eyes seemed to stick to the retreating prince, Azilon’s shifted outward to the groups of men that had stepped aside to watch. He assessed each one in turn, figuring out which ones were most likely to start swinging and which ones were more likely to observe first. Luckily, none of his assessments turned out to be necessary as they quickly dispersed and carried on with their days. It wasn’t until each one had turned away that Azilon allowed a small sigh to escape his lungs, eyes falling to meet those of the Gem he still stood over. He let his hand be removed from her face, but he was sure to keep it close to her figure to maintain his protective stance over her while she spoke. 

“[color=98fb98]When I first came here, there were Gems who thought he was kind because he was prettier than his brother,[/color]” She said, continuing on to give her own personal thoughts about the bastard. Azilon couldn’t help but to laugh a little, keeping his chuckle quiet but clear.

“[color=8493ca]Well you’re not wrong, I’ll give you that. He might not be the next heir to the throne, but he is not someone to be taken lightly. Any of our kind that look as he does are to be feared twice as much, for they are a hidden threat. Many of your kind look upon his face and think the same as your friends, however, I have no doubts he has had to prove himself time and time again. That being said, he doesn’t particularly concern me. It’s his brother I would prefer not to deal with.[/color]” He stated, picking his eyes up and looking around the area while Rya made her realizations about her current situation.

[color=8493ca][i]Married, huh?[/i][/color] Azilon thought to himself with a raised eyebrow. Marriage was a strong term for his kind, something he was sure she fully understood. Not that it bothered him, but he would have to keep in mind to teach her the differences later. She was a bride stolen from a corpse, that was all. And had it not been for the meddling of Ehkota, Azilon would have found a buyer for the girl so that he could return home. [color=8493ca][i]Such a pain.[/i][/color] Suddenly, he found himself being pulled from his own thoughts as Rya began speaking up once again, only this time she was… chastising him?

“[color=98fb98]You shouldn’t have lied for me… you don’t even want one bride. Or at least not me as a bride,[/color]” She started, pausing only a moment before barreling on. 

“[color=98fb98]And now you are getting a second one? But… I promise I’ll make this right. She could stay with me… the cabin might not be so bad with a friend. O-or I guess you could still sell us, later. I’m sure the prince….the prince wouldn’t notice-[/color]” He had to hand it to her, she was a bold one. It wasn’t yet clear whether or not this would be a good thing, but it was an interesting change of pace to be certain.

She wasn’t wrong, he had absolutely no interest in taking on brides. But the situation was as it was now, thus he would find a way to make the best of it. If he was to have the one, it might not be such a bad idea to pick up a second in order to give the first company. That way they could annoy one another and leave him be, a win-win situation. The idea of selling them off anyway seemed like a feasible idea as well, but there was something about it that made him uneasy. With the prince’s eye on him the way it was now, there was no telling how he would take such an action. Azilon didn’t want to push his luck too far, so if that meant keeping the brides even though he had no use for them, he would do so.

Once again lost in his thoughts, Azilon was pulled back to the present by a small little voice that was starting to push her own luck on the matter. The second ‘Salazar’ left her lips, Azilon’s lip twitched into a grimace, his hand shooting up to her neck as she completed her question. His grip was not enough to bring harm, but his intentions were clear that even she would not be safe for speaking of the man. The question still hung in the air, however. He couldn’t just leave it. Releasing his grip on the girl, Azilon returned his gaze to their surroundings.

“[color=8493ca]No, he is not. The man that Ehkota mentioned is no sibling of mine. He is the lord that sired me, and a man I try to have little to do with. It would seem, however, that I’m not being given much of a choice in this matter. He is the owner of the Dantanath estate in the capital and with the Reaping ceremony being just a few days away, I have no doubts he’ll be there. Come along kitten.[/color]” Without giving her any time to respond with more questions, Azilon snagged the girl by the back of her shirt and began dragging her down the street with him.

~~~

The pair walked through the various streets, Azilon setting the pace so that Rya wouldn’t be tempted to stop at any of the market stalls. It had been years since Azilon had stepped foot near the capital, let alone the estate, however he found that he remembered the way quite clearly. He figured it was one of those things that one should always be able to find their way back to safety, though the term was used rather loosely in this context.

Not much time passed before Azilon spotted the building, slowing down before they reached the entrance to pull Rya as close as he could manage.

“[color=8493ca]If you thought the prince was bad, you would do well to keep your mouth as shut as possible. My father is, how shall I put this, somewhat traditional when it comes to certain things. It is in your best interest to just stay quiet and make yourself as invisible as possible.[/color]”

“[color=ed1c24]Not exactly your specialty now is it, Azi?[/color]” A hissing voice sounded from behind the pair causing Azilon to tense up. The voice was familiar, and he knew it brought no harm to him or his new companion, though this did not change the fact that he wasn’t particularly looking forward to dealing with its owner.

“[color=8493ca]Morganna. What are you doing here?[/color]” He questioned her, full of suspicion due to the events that had unfolded just a little while before. Azilon remained stationary as the the woman known as Morganna came circling about.

It had been quite some time since Azilon had lay eyes on his elder sister, the woman having grown up even more so in that time. She still had a fairly slender frame, but he knew better than to assume her weak in any fashion. Morganna had proved on many occasions that she was built for speed and quick maneuvers. While she could not physically overpower most warriors, she was more than capable of taking down whatever enemy stood before her.
Cold green eyes snapped between Azilon’s face down to Rya’s, only to snap back up blankly.

“[color=ed1c24]Our dear elder brother has earned a third bride and with Gorrak now of age, father thought it best to allow him to participate in this year’s festivities. He thinks it will inspire him to go and earn some brides of his own…[/color]” Morganna explained, confirming a concern of Azilon’s before he had a chance to ask. His elder brother, Tarkylian, was his father’s pride and joy. He set the standard for the rest of the family, and was a shadow he could never quite live up to. It wasn’t as if he cared all that much, but he was too similar to Salazar for Azilon’s liking.

He had also forgotten that his younger brother had crested over the 100 year mark some time in the last decade. If he was anything like Az remembered from before he left, the boy wouldn’t take very long to start trying to prove himself for the honor of a bride. Simply sounded like any excuse to get the whole family together in the capital as a show of force. Azilon thought that it might just be better to find shelter elsewhere, but Morganna had already seen him… and there was no escaping her.

“[color=ed1c24]That is all beside the point though. Of all the people, we weren’t expecting you to show up here. What are you doing in Železna Kri?[/color]” She asked, eyes narrowing suspiciously. 

“[color=8493ca]It’s not like any of you ever bother to invite me anyway, so what does it matter to you? If you have to know, it seems Tar isn’t the only Dantanath to be claiming a bride this go around. Figured I would cash in on at least one that I’ve earned.[/color]” His response was a concealed growl, just as much a warning as it was information. Morganna paused for a few moments before nodding and turning around. She didn’t say anything further and Azilon didn’t expect her to, it was just something she had a tendency to do when she was satisfied with an answer. 

“[color=8493ca]This is going to be interesting.[/color]” Azilon mumbled to himself, glancing down at his Gemmenite companion. He didn’t say anything, giving her the opportunity to get any further ramblings out of the way before they dived head first into the lion’s den.

At this point he wasn’t planning on staying long, just enough to grab something that would tether the Gem to his side so he wouldn’t have to keep such a close eye on her while they were out. He had more important things he could be doing than spending a day going at it with his family.

[hider=Summary]
Answers Rya’s questions, goes to introduce her to his father…. FAMILY REUNION, kinda. Almost, we’re getting there. That’s one sibling down, only three to go.

[img]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/71/94/73/719473e4d48c1b41e81f9ee0768f411f.jpg[/img]
~Morganna~
[/hider]

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[h2][color=82ca9d]Sorrin Lucielle[/color][/h2]
[sub]Interacting with: [color=bc79cb]Adorabella[/color] [@eclecticwitch][/sub]
[/center]

Despite disbelief to the possibility, Sorrin’s smile grew even bigger once the other girl responded. If she was going to be honest, she had been slightly afraid that this other girl was going to brush her off like a few others had on the trip down. She would have understood, after all, with everything going on it was clear than many had countless worries on their minds. This one, however, not only responded but did so with a smile of her own. Putting her fork down for a moment, Sorrin reached over and gladly accepted the extended hand before returning back to her meal.

“[color=82ca9d]Aw, they’re not so bad.[/color]” She exclaimed dismissively, enthusiastically taking a bite only to freeze wide eyed. Slowly she swallowed the lump without bother to chew any more of the food, quick to follow up with a goblet of water. 

“[color=82ca9d]Yeah, ok… Maybe you’re right. That one was pretty bad.[/color]” Sorrin made a face before cracking up, unusually high in spirits for someone in her position. This earned her a few wayward glances but she didn’t seem to mind or even notice for that matter. Even she didn’t really know why she was doing as alright as she was. It wasn’t like she didn’t miss home, she did… So much so that it physically hurt. She wasn’t without fear either, the drakkan guards scared her stiff whenever they drew near. But for now they kept their distance and Sorrin had food to focus on. 

“[color=bc79bc]What part of Gemmenia are you from?[/color]” Her newfound friend asked after a moment, pulling Sorrin from whatever internal pondering she had sunk into. She even went on to give a location first, making light of the future that terrified more than a few. Sorrin had to laugh at her comment, nodding in agreement.

“[color=82ca9d]I hear you there, not too keen on the cold either. Then again, I did live at the base of a mountain for a while so it’s not completely foreign to me. Most of my life I spent in one of those older communities that dot the meadowlands. It was pretty warm there for most of the year too.[/color]” She replied, swinging her feet beneath her chair merrily.

Suddenly, a commotion off to the side caught Sorrin’s attention. A man had entered the dining hall, a face she was pretty certain she had seen before. It took a moment for it to click, but she finally caught on that the face belonged to the mean guy who gave the scary speech the previous night. The other man she did not recognize at all, not that it mattered, he was introduced anyway… Well, sort of. The mean guy who was talking said something about him being their prince, but there was something wrong about the introduction.

“[color=82ca9d]Does he not have a name?[/color]” She pondered out loud, too distracted by her own thoughts to realize that they had been given and order. It didn’t seem like the others getting out of their seats caught her attention either, the lack of a name was really going to bother her.

[hider=Summary]
More cuteness from Sorrin. Stuffing of face, slight regret of food choice. Conversation stuffs… Too distracted to bow. Somebody should give her a nudge.[/hider]