[center][h3][color=lightseagreen]Artemis[/color][/h3][color=lightsteelblue]
[color=mediumturquoise][b]Time:[/b][/color] Morning > Afternoon 
[color=mediumturquoise][b]Location:[/b][/color] River Kingdom Forest
[color=mediumturquoise][b]Interaction:[/b][/color] [@princess] Helio ~ [@Tae] Azriel ~ [@FunnyGuy] Umber[/color]
[color=mediumturquoise][b]Music:[/b][/color] [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW-D265gMkY&t=125s]Dearly Beloved[/url][/center]
[center][h3][img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/610964561553522698/610976734258659379/up-divider.png?width=960&height=83[/img][/h3][/center][color=lightsteelblue]

Artemis sat in her cage, unable to look up. Not even when a dark elf suddenly poured water into her cage out of a bucket, filling the bottom with it. Her eyes were glued to the metal floor. She thought she’d felt despair before, but nothing could beat how bad she felt now. River had stolen her freedom and youth. This was much worse. Artemis watched as darkness overwhelmed the forest and looked up with confusion. Was Helio doing something? 

As she watched, the floating demon from Aklenroth’s castle emerged. [color=orchid][i]Oh great[/i],[/color] She thought bitterly and looked away. She had felt its four eyes watching her. [color=orchid][i]I bet this son of a bitch helped torture Helio.[/i][/color] Her heart broke as she thought of it again. She felt savage rage fill her then quickly drain. The cage suddenly rattled and she flinched, looking around in confusion. Artemis gritted her teeth as she listened to it urge Helio on to create more fear. It confirmed her suspicions. 

If the situation couldn’t become any worse, it did. The demihuman, the demon’s friend or seemed past, joined. Her greeting was rather cold to the demon. She wondered if the two of them had a falling out and wondered if she could use it to her advantage since neither had acknowledged each other yet. She sighed as she adjusted her position and watched as the insane demi threw two fairies down. With her luck, she’d recognize them too. Thankfully she didn’t, which made her feel slightly better. The boy’s tongue was cut out and then the fairies hands. 

[color=orchid][i]Fantastic.[/i][/color] She thought sarcastically as she looked away and blinked to erase the memory from her mind. [color=orchid][i]It’s as if I’m back on Daka Island.[/i][/color] She shut her eyes as tears streamed down her face which she blinked away.  Not even River’s repeated abuses or assaults had made her feel this much despair. Things seemed so bleak that she was starting to feel numb. Her only hope was that somehow she could help Helio or end his suffering at the least. 

A memory tugged at her mind, and she absentmindedly began humming the tune to a waltz. It had been her comfort when she’d been River’s prisoner. The forest around her became distant. She was quiet and lost in her memory. [/color]

[hider=Helio Flashback Part 2]
[center][h2][color=92278f]Helio[/color] and [color=mediumturquoise]Tigerlily[/color][/h2][/center]
[color=92278f]Time:[/color] [b]10 years ago [/b]
[color=mediumturquoise]Location:[/color]Roshmi Grand Hall
[color=92278f]Music:[/color][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hTvc3f83Ws&ab_channel=Ma%C3%81ngelesCaroLassodelaVega] The Second Waltz[/url]

[hr]
[color=silver]
[color=mediumturquoise]”Sir,”[/color] [url=https://i.imgur.com/PjpkToy.png]Tigerlily[/url] was grinning from ear-to-ear as the male elf bowed in front of her. She was holding back giggles unsuccessfully. There was a small crowd of fairies and elves alike, gathered around her, all seeking her validation and attention. She was used to gathering extra attention yet it overwhelmed her still. It was the curse and blessing of being a siren. [color=mediumturquoise]”I am going to go sit down-”[/color]

[color=gold]”Miss, you’re too beautiful to be on your own.”[/color] The elf replied, moving his arm to her. [color=gold]”Allow me to help you.”[/color] Her parents, Syrena and Lukov were watching with amusement, none of them intervening to aid her. They’d hoped she’d find a willing prince to marry and settle down with so they could connect their kingdoms and prosper. Unbeknownst to her, her parents didn’t have their daughter’s well being in their mind. Their kingdom was falling and they needed allies. 

[color=gold]”Miss, I do insist-”[/color] He tried taking her arm again, but she moved away with a scowl.

[color=mediumturquoise]”I dare say, there’s many other women here, my gentleman. This one is going to go sit-”[/color] She paused and turned to see a red-haired fairy coming toward her. She stared at him, unable to hear the boys calling for her attention, or trying to pull her towards them. [color=mediumturquoise]”[i]Oh who is that?[/i]”[/color] Tigerlily wondered aloud as she turned to face him as he approached her, fighting through the crowd.

Helio cut his way in between the two of them, stumbling out of the crowd. He straightened up with a sly, self-confident smile and bowed. [color=92278f]”Good evening! Ah there you are, my sweet girl. So charming and making friends quicker than a mouse scurrying away from a cat!”[/color] He raised his brows, locking eyes with the demihuman for a moment before taking Tigerlily’s hand gently, [color=92278f]”May I have this dance, fair maiden?”[/color]

Tigerlily watched as the fairy came toward her with a confident smile. She couldn’t help but grin and was glad the veil could conceal her blush. Then, quickly realizing what he was doing, beamed. She sighed in relief as if she had been waiting for him to intervene and save her. [color=mediumturquoise]”Well you know being popular is hard, as I’ve told you before.”[/color] She replied with a grin as he took her hand. She watched him bow and had to bite her lip not to laugh, [color=mediumturquoise]”You can have anything darling, I thought you’d never ask.”[/color] She curled her fingers over his and stared at him with a grin.

Helio smiled genuinely at her reply and pulled her close into a dance, matching the waltz’ tempo. She seemed as refined as he was, reigning from wealth presumably. However, what she was exactly was another question. She was no fairy or elf with those ears. [color=92278f]”I’d ask if we have met before, but certainly I’d remember those eyes.”[/color] He mused.

Tigerlily set her hands on his shoulders with a grin. She grinned as she moved in tempo to the waltz as well. [color=mediumturquoise]”We have not, I’m afraid.”[/color] Her voice was light and playful. [color=mediumturquoise]”Seems as though fate pulled us together now though. Thank you for saving me. It was a noble feat.”[/color] She told him playfully, then asking,[color=mediumturquoise]”What’s your name, handsome?”[/color] 

[color=92278f]”All in a day’s work, darling. My name is Helio Millinia, of the River Kingdom. And what do I call you, enchantress?”[/color] Helio inquired lightly, swinging her around. 

Tigerlily laughed and let out a broad smile. [color=mediumturquoise]”Nice to meet you, Helio. I’m Tigerlily, of the Watercrest Kingdom.”[/color] Her voice became hushed yet confident, as she spoke of it. It was rare to hear the name of it, as it was exclusive to only aquatic demihumans. 

Helio’s eyes lit up with intrigue, [color=92278f]”Ah. A mermaid. How mystical.”[/color] He mused, [color=92278f]”I’m almost under the impression that you may not have heard of me. That would be impossible, of course. ”[/color]

Tigerlily wrinkled her nose and frowned. Heard of him? What was he, the prince of Avalia? She frowned at him and stared at him. [color=mediumturquoise]”Sorry sir I haven’t heard of you before. You’re a little too forward for my taste. I had hopes for you.”[/color] She said with heavy irritation. [color=mediumturquoise]”The impossible has become the possible. Sorry to disappoint you.”[/color] Her tone became sarcastic as she narrowed her eyes at him. 

Helio did not seem bothered by her words, continuing on as if she had never said them. [color=92278f]”If you couldn’t tell by my famous, violet eyes,”[/color] He tapped near his eye and leaned in closer, [color=92278f]”I’m the prince of the River Kingdom. Perhaps not quite literally due to… certain circumstances… But trust me when I say,”[/color] He was whispering in his ear now, his warm breath on her neck, [color=92278f]”That’ll change.”[/color] 

Tigerlily raised her eyebrows and listened as he spoke with amusement. His breath on her neck made her nervous and she grimaced, cringing away from it, [color=mediumturquoise]”Oh I see now. I must keep this in mind for the River Kingdom should I venture to it. I won’t be forgetting this now, Prince Millinia.[/color] She retorted sarcastically, but still wasn’t entirely relenting her guard. [color=mediumturquoise]”Why so secretive, hmm? Are you a man of secrets, Prince Millinia?”[/color] She questioned.

Helio returned her personal space and playfully questioned, [color=92278f]”I have many secrets, Tigerlily of the Watercrest Kingdom. Do you want to be one of them?”[/color] 

Tigerlily retorted, [color=mediumturquoise]”I'm no one's secret. ”[/color] 

[color=92278f]”I fear neither of us could be each other’s secrets anyway,”[/color] He gestured with a slight head tilt and sway of his eyes to the side, [color=92278f]”All eyes are on us.”[/color] Some of the guests had cleared space for them and were watching them intently now. [color=92278f]” You must not have noticed since your eyes have been locked on me.”[/color] 

Tigerlily glanced around after he spoke. Surprise filled her eyes since she hadn’t noticed the ballroom had stopped to stare at them. In her peripheral vision, she saw her parents watching as well and didn’t try to inspect their expressions. She knew how they felt about fairies.
 
Helio suddenly turned her in a graceful swoop, interrupting her thoughts. After pausing to stare down at her face, studying it, he stated matter-of-factly,[color=92278f]” You have fallen for me.”[/color]He grinned smugly down at her as he pulled her back upward.

[color=mediumturquoise]”Oh my,”[/color] Tigerlily inhaled when he turned her in a swoop and was stuck staring up at him. She wrapped her arms around his neck to keep from falling. [color=mediumturquoise]”Well dear Helio, on the contrary, I'd say you were the one falling in love with me. ”[/color] She smirked at him, then gestured with her head in the direction of a nearby man, [color=mediumturquoise]”That feline demihuman looks ready to swoop in at a moment’s notice and sweep me off my feet. What do you think about that? Are you going to allow it?”[/color]

Helio smiled at her question, looking off into the distance as he continued to dance with her, one hand on her waist and the other in her hand, his touch gentle, [color=92278f]”Perhaps I am.”[/color] He listened to her speak for a moment before stating, [color=92278f]”Many men show interest yet you come with no date, I presume. And you know why?”[/color] He looked at her again and said,  [color=92278f]”A lady with a sharp tongue like yours does not allow for anyone to swoop her off her feet if she so does not wish it.”[/color]

Tigerlily held her hand over his and the other one around his neck.[color=mediumturquoise]”For a charming and arrogant prince, you’re also quite observant.”[/color] She let her grin dampen to a soft smile. [color=mediumturquoise]”You have your own admirers and yet are without a date as well. It seems as if fate has pulled us together. What do you think, Helio Millinia? Such a fine lady as I wouldn’t allow that, you are correct. He doesn’t have your charming eyes.”[/color] 

[color=92278f]”Arrogant? How presumptuous of you. ”[/color] Helio playfully retorted, [color=92278f]”But the charming part I must concur with.“[/color] His brows raised at her next statement and he leaned in closer again, his voice hushed, [color=92278f]” Because I came here looking for a worthy lady, among other reasons. Are you worthy of gazing into my charming eyes for the rest of your days? Fate is a fickle woman, after all. “[/color]

Tigerlily listened to him speak and started giggling. As he leaned in, she felt her heart flutter again. She found it hard not to smile. [color=mediumturquoise]”I would venture to say yes, I am worthy of doing so. The question now stands, are you worthy of handling a siren? A woman of the sea? Fate may be a fickle woman, but so am I.”[/color] 

Helio paused, staring at her for a moment before giving her a cheeky smile, [color=92278f]”Well why wouldn’t I be worthy?”[/color] He mused, humming the song under his breath as the song began to wrap up.

He glanced down as he felt a tug at his pant leg. Risa was staring up at him. He smiled wide, letting go of Tigerlily to pick her up in his arms. [color=92278f]”Ah! Hello little bear! Tigerlily, this is my little sister Risa. Risa, why did you run into the crowd? You know you’re not supposed to come out here with no adults.”[/color] His voice grew stern as he spoke.

[color=AC5FFB]”Mother told me you called for me.”[/color] Risa replied, [color=AC5FFB]”Are you going to find me the dessert cart yet?”[/color] She glanced at Tigerlily a little shyly and smiled softly, [color=AC5FFB]”H-Hi… You’re pretty.”[/color]

That cheeky smile sent her heart fluttering more than before. She went to speak, but then a little girl interrupted them. Smirking, she watched them and then frowned. Helio hadn’t called for her. Suspicion rose as she began to piece it together. Clearly, his family wasn’t fond of species mixing either. She turned to find her own parents scowling at her. 

[color=mediumturquoise]”Why thank you darling! You look beautiful yourself!”[/color] She laughed kindly. [color=mediumturquoise]”It appears this is my cue to leave. It was nice meeting you, Helio Miliinia.”[/color] She stepped back, curtised, and then winked at him. Tigerlily sauntered off to the food table to begin eating to rejuvenate her energy. 

Helio’s smile fell and he stepped forward when she announced it was her cue to wait. [color=92278f]”Wait-[/color] She had started to saunter off and he moved after her, setting Risa down by the dessert table and took her hand. He moved to say something but Bastian came bounding over, out-of-breath.

[color=gray]”You were right. He’s an ass. But I found him.”[/color] He huffed between statements, leaning his hands on his thighs. [color=gray]”He wants to talk outside.”[/color]

[color=92278f]”Mm. He insulted your hat, didn’t he?”[/color] Helio replied. He glanced sideways at Tigerlily a moment hesitantly.

[color=gray]”Yes, but more importantly, we need to go talk. Come on.”[/color] Bastian pressed impatiently, making motions to usher him with him. His eyes fell on Tigerlily curiously for a moment and then took off in the direction he wanted Helio to follow him. 

Tigerlily had grabbed food and started eating when Helio rejoined her. She had to hide her shy smile when he did. She opened her mouth to speak, when a man came running towards them. Alarmed, she moved back, but soon discovered it was Helio’s friend. She watched curiously as their interaction played out. Confused, she frowned and turned to Helio. [color=mediumturquoise]'' What is going on?”[/color] She munched on her food as she waited for his answer.

Helio moved to Tigerlily’s side and asked softly so only she’d hear, [color=92278f]“Does my Tigerlily like herself a little rebellion?”[/color]

Tigerlily grinned with amusement. Those violet eyes caused her heart to flutter again. She listened to him speak and her eyes widened. The prince was interested in a rebellion? She recovered and whispered back, [color=mediumturquoise]''It's as if you read my mind.”[/color] She giggled and took his hand. 

[color=92278f]”No, no. Meet me outside in ten minutes in the back of the hall.”[/color] Helio took her hand and kissed the back of her palm, [color=92278f]” I’ll share with you my secrets.”[/color] With another flirty grin for good measure, he then took off after Bastian. [/color][/hider]