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[color=0072bc][b]Time: [/b][/color]Afternoon, Day 2
[color=0072bc][b]Location: [/b][/color] By a spring, closer to River Port
[color=0072bc][b]Interactions:[/b][/color][@Helo][@Potter]
[color=0072bc][b]Outfit:[/b][/color][url=https://i.imgur.com/E6cI2pP.png]Outfit from the Ball[/url]
[color=0072bc][b]Inventory:[/b][/color][url=https://www.renderhub.com/dmitriykotliar/fantasy-sword/fantasy-sword-02.jpg]Sword that's sheathed[/url], [url=https://i.imgur.com/fF9uExa.png]Bow[/url] and quiver of arrows. Then: 2 hankerchiefs, liquid body cleanser, wayfinder, toothbrush, travel-size hair and teeth cleansers, small round of rope, small amount of disinfectant and bandaging: all in a fanny pack that's facing behind him, hidden behind his cape.
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/o4yoa5q.png[/img][/center]

Valok spoke of himself as if he was just a pawn on a boardgame. Dark elves truly had reached a new level of terrible when they raised their own youth to feel like their lives were not even important. It made him sick to think that they could treat their innocent youth that way. He, however, kept his comments to himself and let Valok speak his truth as he told them how he had heard Risa. Risa was young too, perhaps younger than Valok. She had given him hope just as she had done for many he was certain, but he wasn't sure putting the burden of the rebellion on a fairy child was the answer. Her youthful honesty and passion were, of course, contagious, but in the end, she would need the wisdom and experience of those older than her. 

The dark elf continued to answer his questions, telling them that before the ball, his mission had been to hunt humans. He was silent as he expressed his trust back to Malachi, calling him honorable. He wasn't sure if he'd describe himself that way but still, he smiled faintly. It melted a little as he expressed his thoughts, the smile not quite reaching his eyes, [color=0072bc]"When I lost my little boy and my darling wife, I was... empty for a long time. I no longer had purpose. I found myself wondering if there was no one in the world who cared for me, did I even exist? I too felt the way you do now, that I had to fight. I had to throw myself into battle or else I'd be a waste. Even though it took a long time, I think I may be important to someone once again."[/color]

He glanced at Valok directly, [color=0072bc]"One day you will no longer feel this way and you too can be important to someone. You will find better purpose and deserve that. Even the snow someday melts and the flowers shall then bloom. "[/color] 

Once he had finished speaking, he noticed Valok's gaze had moved to Belladonna, who was letting go of him. Her eyes lamented a song of pain as she made haste moving ahead of them. They seemed to be a trio of melancholy. He decided to ask her a question that been on his mind for some time now, [color=0072bc]"Belladonna, are you alright? Do you have companions awaiting  you?"[/color]

[hider=Caralia 2]
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[color=0072bc][b]Time: [/b][/color]119 years ago
[color=0072bc][b]Location: [/b][/color] Sun Elf Village
[color=0072bc]OST:[/color] [url=https://youtu.be/UOzGMrbblBQ?t=1]Caralia's Theme[/url]
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[color=7ea7d8]“Ever had a sand berry?” [/color]

Malachi looked up to see Caralia hovering above him after class yet again but this time with a basket of berries. It had been like this for the last few months now. She always appeared at some point with a kind smile and sweet words.

[color=7ea7d8]“You can only get them in the desert.”[/color]She gently took his hand and unraveled his fingers, before placing a few berries in his hand. [color=7ea7d8]“My friend brought them back so I brought you some.”[/color] 

The berries were tiny and red, rolling into the palm of his hand. He glanced down at them curiously before looking up at her, [color=0072bc]“Caralia-”[/color]

[color=7ea7d8]“You should call me Lia “[/color]She interrupted and plopped herself in a nearby seat. Resting her elbows on his table, she looked at him to continue. 

Malachi nodded and said, [color=0072bc]“Okay… Lia, What made you want to talk to me exactly if I may ask?”[/color] His gaze fell as he spoke, tapping his finger nervously against the desk. He had often wondered if this was some sort of cruel prank, to make him think she was interested and then make a fool out of him. He was no stranger to that sort of thing. Elves were certainly not known for their kind and understanding nature. Many had a superiority complex over those they deemed inferior or to those that did not conform to tradition.

She put a finger under his chin to lift his head, then moved her hand over his and squeezed it. Her eyes had a twinkle in them as she met his, [color=7ea7d8]“You’re like a star, Malachi. You shine so bright yet it's like everyone is blind! I’ve always seen you. How kind and gentle you are when spoken to, how wise you are beyond your years, yet no one has ever really taken the time to get to know you… so I wanted to. You were my mystery to uncover and I'm so glad I did. You're more than I could have hoped for.”[/color] She spoke passionately, without hesitation and without shame.

Malachi could only sit there, finding himself rendered speechless yet again. For a moment, he had to wonder if she was real, or something he had dreamt up. No one just said things like that, especially about him. [color=0072bc][i]"Is she an angel?"[/i] [/color]He thought in his head, or so he thought he did.

[color=7ea7d8]“I sure am. I’m kinda pretty so I think I could be an angel.”[/color] Caralia smiled proudly, [color=7ea7d8]“Now if only I had wings!” [/color] She batted her eyelashes as she imagined herself like a pretty demihuman girl with big, white wings.

Malachi’s eyes widened,[color=0072bc]“Huh! Do you mind read!?”[/color]He asked with panic, his face going red.

She giggled and bopped his nose,[color=7ea7d8] “No, you asked if I were an angel out loud, silly goose. And I would be doing a disservice to myself to disagree! “[/color]

[color=0072bc]“Oh… I guess you’re right.”[/color]He said and finally put the berries in his mouth. [color=0072bc]“Mmm.”[/color] They were sweet, but had a spicy aftertaste, popping satisfyingly in his mouth as he chewed.

[color=7ea7d8]“Yup! Just like cinnamon! Sweet like you. I’m gonna make you a cake with them.”[/color] Caralia declared. She then took his hands in hers, [color=7ea7d8]"Teach me about the stars some more while you build."[/color] 

[color=0072bc]"Well. I can teach you something that's not in that book... Did you know that they're good listeners? If you ask them questions, sometimes you get back an answer."[/color] Malachi told her before he continued to build. 

Caralia's expression brightened at that.[color=7ea7d8] "Yes, yes, my mother used to say that too. She'd say that if you ever wanted to know something, you look to the stars and if you ask nicely enough, Lunathea might let a fallen loved one answer you."[/color] After she said that, the conversation dwindled down to her only speaking up to ask him why he was doing one thing or another. 

After about an hour, he started to put his books in his bag. He turned to her, then gently, he took her hand and smiled at her, [color=0072bc]"Would you like to go see them tonight with me?"[/color]

Her smile stretched across her whole face and she threw her arms around him in sheer joy, squishing him in the process as she tightly embraced him.

[color=0072bc]"Oh-Lia-I have to breathe-"[/color]He gasped out, stumbling under her grasp.

She let go abruptly, giggling, [color=7ea7d8]"Guess you do! Weird huh!?" [/color]
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