[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/zeM0eqB.png[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/EMSwzcs.png[/img][/center]
 
[color=9D4944]Time:[/color] 10am
[color=9D4944]Location:[/color] Port Vanarosa; The Ship
[color=9D4944]Interaction:[/color][@Helo]Nym [@Alivefalling] Barboda [@Benzaiten]  Éliane [@Tae] Lizzie [@Potter] Tigerlily
[color=9D4944]Equipment:[/color]Black coat with fur trim on the hood, dark-colored, plain male clothing, [url=https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/465770184003551242/806953076405174272/latest.png?width=891&height=668]sword[/url] with unbreaking and return enchantments, strength enchanted gloves, 2 medium red potions, hygiene products, timeteller, wayfinder, a flask, standard backpack, accordion, transmission bracelet and an ama pouch with 1740 amas.
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/Buw4uAo.png[/img][/center]

Helio whirled his head to look at the blue-haired woman approaching him. [color=9D4944]”Oh.. Tigerlily right? I was just warming up. But I’ll let you teach me anything,darling. What say I is [i]yes[/i].”[/color] He returned the wink with a cheeky grin in her direction.[color=9D4944][i]Still got it![/i][/color] 

He glanced behind him a moment as his thoughts caught up to the silent moment of boarding the ship. Hesitating only for a moment, he then sighed and jogged up to the ship. It struck him as peculiar quite quickly when the smell of food reached his nostrils. It smelled almost as good as the feasts he used to have with his family. But why would something be like that on a ship?

Helio followed the scent over to the stairs and crouched down, trying to get a peek as Lizzie’s voice addressed everyone. She was laying down the rules, which didn’t seem too bad so far: just fairness and equal share of things. He had always imagined pirates to be a bit more savage with each other.  When Lizzie looked at them to analyze their reactions, he gave her two encouraging thumbs up, mouthing, [color=9D4944]” You’re doing great, love!”[/color]

Unfortunately for them, marooning a man with wings was pointless. Helio had his wings folded under his loose coat, which had slits to put them through if need be. Though he was sure she’d be creative if given the opportunity, he still smirked to himself. Helio rose to his feet as she questioned them, nonchalantly replying, [color=9D4944]” Crystal clear. I have not sailed a ship prior, but I’m a fast learner. I’ll figure it out.”[/color] His brows soon raised as Nym announced he had forty years of experience. That was a long time to be sailing. He hadn’t been kidding about being a bastard of the sea.

Barboda led the way to the feast Helio had been sniffing out. It looked as good as it smelled and he gave Barboda a thankful grin. He heard something about a man being in the bottom of the ship, but it didn’t seem to alert Helio much.

Helio took a chicken wing in hand hungrily, only to feel his wrist start to vibrate. Glancing down at it, his eyes fixated on the glowing gem. He supposed it was probably Bastian, who checked in on him now and then. Turning on his heels, he ascended back up to the top deck and moved to the side of the ship to lean on it, dropping his accordion on the floor. He held down on the gem to answer as a hologram appeared.

He had been casually biting into the chicken leg with his other hand as he answered, only to see his mother’s face appear. He swallowed quickly, his laid-back position changing immediately. She was just as he saw her last: beautiful red, long hair, and sad eyes filled with tears. The sight made him sober up fast. [color=9D4944]”You okay, momma?”[/color] He asked softly. He hoped she wasn’t calling him where others could see, however, he assumed she and his father had relocated amidst the assassinations.

[color=pink]”Helio... I just needed to know you’re alright. I know you asked me not to call you. ”[/color] She said with a sigh of relief. [color=pink]” I’m okay as I can be, sweetheart. Your father and I are safe.”[/color]

[color=9D4944]” I’m glad. You two need to stay out of sight. Maybe even out of this war if possible. River Kingdom’s been through enough the last few years. ”[/color]

[color=9D4944] [i]I put them through enough.[/i] [/color]

She shook her head, [color=pink]” You know we simply cannot stay out of this. Everyone is enraged for what they have done to you and Echo. Your father especially. Roshmi is to side with them so this is going to be a nationwide war that no one will be able to turn a blind eye to. Those dark elves plan to take everything from all of us-”[/color]

Helio knew she was right. Killing a prince essentially forces the other party to have to react. It had been the goal of the dark elves to declare war on all of them afterall. Then he did a double-take as she spoke of Roshmi. He had been speaking softly to keep the conversation private between him and his mother as the others were downstairs, but he couldn’t help but yell at the news being given to him. [color=9D4944]” Roshmi! They are siding with the dark elves?!”[/color] 

[color=pink]”You know how King Kasai can be-...”[/color]

 [color=9D4944]” Oh of course I know he’s a total piece of sh-... but I didn’t think after his own son even…”[/color] Helio felt hot anger fill him and he gritted his teeth.  [color=9D4944] “There’s no way the people of Roshmi will accept that.”[/color]

[color=pink]”I don’t know what they will do. Their army is going to be loyal to their king…”[/color] Elyna then sadly stared at him before speaking again with a voice full of heartbreak, [color=pink]”Helio… Won’t you come home?”[/color]

Helio’s heart sank. He hated refusing her every time she asked. It felt absolutely awful to do this to her, especially after she had lost her own son. He knew the fairies were already frightened enough, and if he came back, they’d fear his wrath as well. It wasn’t long ago that he had been the play-thing of the Two-Headed Dragon. Now that they were declaring war, they’d probably think he’d been sent back to kill and torture again.

 [color=9D4944]”I’m sorry. I just can’t...”[/color] Helio raised his gaze and put on a big smile for her,  [color=9D4944]” But I will be okay. You know I will.  Just make sure you and dad stay somewhere secure while all this is going on.”[/color]

The disappointment in her eyes was evident, but she too put on a warm smile, [color=pink]” Alright. I love you, my son. Wherever you are, please stay safe.”[/color]

Helio watched the hologram dissolve and returned his gaze forward, his smile fading. He finished up the one chicken leg and tossed the bone in the ocean, deciding to just stay on the deck for now as his hunger had dissipated.