[center][h1][color=violet]Reylan[/color][/h1]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/nawwuTV.jpg?1[/img][/center]
[right][sub]
[color=violet]Interacting with:[/color][@TaroAndSelia]
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[hider=The End of a Long Day]
Reylan wished all of the guild members still hanging out in the inn a good night as well as the two new friends he'd made as well. At last, he trudged up the wooden stairs up to the second floor and into his own room. The effect of his tired body were beginning to hit him hard as he sleepily navigated the menu to un-equip all of his gear. There was no way he could muster any energy to draw or paint something tonight, that would have to wait until much later. His legs carried him most of the way to the bed before he simply crashed upon its soft, cotton sheets. A muffled, low tone yell came from his mouth getting absorbed into the fabric his face was pressed against. It was probably a good idea that the others distracted him from noticing a very dire message waiting for him.

He slid the covers over his exhausted body, mind strangely filled with thoughts of Alisea as he drifted off to sleep. Reylan had to project everyone...he just had to. That was his final thought before falling victim to the sandman and his grip. Numerous dreams slipped in and out of his mind, never taking hold long enough to consciously remember. Suddenly, a dream claimed dominance over the others but unlike in most of his vivid dreams where he was in his own body, he was viewing this one in the third-peson
[center][img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/32/09/20/3209205c2c06f8209a05fa6f0728d134.jpg[/img][/center]

The scene was that of a playground that Reylan did not quite remember but it seemed very familiar, the sun brighter than it should be. Out of the blue, a much younger version of himself was sitting on the ground, crying, surrounded by black shadowy forms that were yelling insults at him [i]No one likes you weirdo![/i], [i]People only talk to you because you have stupid silver hair.[/i], [i]You're like an alien with those eyes! You don't belong![/i]...and many more. All of them he had heard before, of varying severity. They did not last long as another shadowy, formless figure approached the smaller Reylan from behind and stood of front of him. The voice from this new figure sounded like a little girl [color=f6989d]"I don't like what your saying to my friend. You better stop before one of you gets hurt."[/color] The voice strongly asserted, in a cocky manner." One of the trio of shadows replied with snark [color=8493ca]"Why? You're just some girl."[/color] The look in his younger self was enough to tell Reylan that what they said had been foolish.

Within moments, the shadow who were slinging insults as his younger-self dispersed. A single high, pitched cry came from one as they vanished. [color=violet]"Why do you always watch out for me?"[/color] The young Reylan asked with a bit of sob [color=f6989d]"Because you're mine silly. I don't like others messing with what is mine. Now lets go play on the swings. You push me first though."[/color] Her voice possessed an sublte coldness despite its pleasant tone [color=violet]"A-alright."[/color] Young-Reylan seemed to recover, now smiling, as the he walked over to the swings with the formless figure. There was a bit of laughter as they broke off into a run and then the dream collapsed into a sea of darkness.[/hider]

His silver eyes slowly opened, using his menu to glance at the time. A soft groan came from him at how early he had woken up. [i][color=violet]Damn Alisea, this is your fault.[/color][/i] He thought. His body had been getting used to waking up at that insensibly early time that she seemed to waked up at. He sat up in bed, the sheets sliding down to his waist, and slid the sleep out of his eyes. A hot bath immediately came to mind so he would have at least something to stimulate his body and make waking up not so harsh. When he had finished that, he noticed how tattered his clothing was now he put it back on. Without the rest of his equipment on, its poor condition was apparent.

A heavy sigh left his lips as he made his way downstairs, where Alisea was no doubt waiting for him. His guess was correct as he spotted the magess and approached her. The two went to his usual table to continue the conversation from last night and hopefully resolve any outstanding issues.

It was a familiar scene:  Alisea and Reylan sat across from each other at a small, wooden table.  Empty food plates were pushed to the side; Clarabell would clear them away next time she passed by.  The small cafe held few patrons this early in the morning, affording the pair some welcome privacy.  A light hum of background noise resonated in the narrow space, just loud enough to mask their conversation from anyone a few tables away.

Alisea was watching Reylan, wondering if he would speak first.  She was smiling, of course; this time it was a faintly teasing smile as she gazed into his wondrous, silver eyes.

The silvered hair archer found it difficult to look Alisea in the eyes when she smiling like that, though he made a strong effort to as he spoke. He did not appear to be as upset as he was last night [color=violet]“Last night you mentioned being concerned for more, what did you mean by that?”[/color] He spoke meeting her gaze, curiosity in his voice. 

Alisea shut her eyes and let her smile drift to neutral.  [color=ec008c]”I have to apologize.  I… intended to say something… wrong.  To tell you to keep your concerns to yourself.  But…”[/color]  Opening her eyes, Alisea grinned at her guildmaster.  [color=ec008c]”That would be very wrong indeed.  You worry for all of us, and you only find more people to concern yourself over.  So when I said more, I meant… well, I meant that you should always be you.  Keep worrying for us.  But Reylan… I want you to know that we worry for you, too.”[/color]

Talrae had changed for him the moment he stepped up as leader of their party. That sense of adventure he had that first day had withered with responsibility. It was his tragic flaw, always putting others in front of his own desires. Reylan looked down at the table for a few moments, before glancing back up. [color=violet]“I’m glad to hear that you’re looking out for me, it..means a lot,”[/color] he replied. [color=violet]“I’ve been so concerned with being a better leader that I’ve stopped trying to be a player…”[/color] There was nothing but honesty in his words. [color=violet]“It would be nice just to let it go for even a few hours.”[/color]

[color=ec008c]”Then let’s do that!”[/color] Alisea replied enthusiastically.  [color=ec008c]”We can leave dungeon raiding for a few days.  That fellow you met last night, Xenos, was looking for help with the iron mine quest, right?  Everyone who goes with him will be gone until the festival.  Until then, we can do something just for fun!”[/color]

Reylan seemed to perk up a little at the suggestion [color=violet]“That sounds great!”[/color] He then suddenly realized who he was dealing with [color=violet]“..Wait, what kind of ‘fun’?”[/color] he asked suspiciously. She had a habit of messing with him given the chance.

[color=ec008c]”Nothing that would threaten our lives,”[/color] Alisea reassured.  [color=ec008c]”We can start with a shopping spree using our newfound wealth.  After, I think we should check the offered quests.  Something interesting may have come up while we were preparing for that dungeon.”[/color]

A quick sense of relief came and passed. [color=violet]”We might even get lucky and get one that pays well. We should have Aster come with too,”[/color] Reylan suggested. The three of them should be able to handle anything in the quest. Plus, he enjoyed when the three of them were together.