[center][h1][color=92278f][b]Menzai Isanami[/b][/color][/h1] [url=https://imgbb.com/][img]https://i.ibb.co/znsWTsR/11zon-cropped-1.png[/img][/url] [color=gray] Time:2 days later; Morning Location: Gaurav Interactions: Cyrus [@Helo], Phia [@princess] Darius, Dante [@Funnyguy] [@Alivefalling] Mentions: Equipment: White Haori, Gauravian luck charm bracelet, Steel Chain Shirt of Deflection (3 uses per day), Disguise ring [/color] [/center] [hr] [color=gray][center][h1][color=92278f] [b]Gaurav[/b][/color][/h1][/center] The stoic wolf quietly sat at the dining table, the chatter, much like the mood had been low. The somber, soft rain outside occurred with poignant timing. Two days have passed and things have not been pleasant in the slightest. The incident from the other night; a nightmare placed aside, though the events of the following day proved no better. Leaving Menzai at the table, but out of familial obligation, his plate sitting uneaten saved for a single bite of toast, done to keep from worrying the other diners. And even that had proven too much for his current overly sensitive appetite. More precisely to say he had none. Or at least, that had been yesterday; this morning, however, everything seemed repulsed him. Whether it be sight, sound or smells, like the freshly cooked meal his mother and Phia put so much effort into for them all, the sweetly scented flowers and fruits, the clinking and clattering of utensils or cups. The low chatter from whatever brief conversation that was had during this dreary morning. Sickening. All of it, for each that he looked at, would only gain him glimpses and flashes of the execution. The acrid pools of blood drowning his senses, netting another revulsion in the pit of his stomach. A stench he was well accustomed to and normally would be unbothered, but what he witnessed and the fears that came about that recording. A viewing kept private for the elders and select few eyes; appropriately decided with the village already narrowly avoiding an attack just days prior. He, much like his father knew of its contents, and it was one Menzai both detested and regretted, yet his oath left him no choice but to bear witness. And now, much as the brothers, who for their own understandable reasons struggled to look at or talk to comfortably, was now shared by the wolf. A cruel irony and one he could not escape; being their teacher and having to observe them through training and such. Through it all, Menzai could only picture them sharing Zora’s fate. Even as they sit at the table now, eating and jesting, to him they appear misshapen..broken. And not only them, but all the humans. Averting his gaze gave him no comfort nor escape as their scents were a constant, unavoidable reminder that only made it more real; a boon to his canine senses in such circumstances. It was by no fault on their end. There was seldom any comfort at this table or even in his own home. For just as it was difficult to see the brothers, his parents served no better. The two, who did their best to be their usual hospitable selves, were struggling, his mother particularly so. The incident was still all too fresh in his mind; mother’s sorrowful, yet thankful wail at learning her son’s fate reverberated in his head at random times. A painful and shameful reminder that burned more harshly from personal reasons. Then there were the fairy siblings. His horrible handling of that night’s situation and the request, which the two have so far, kindly agreed and kept. The wolf was grateful for this, though it made none of it easier and it greatly saddened him that he allowed his relationship with Phia’s blood family to start so poorly. No matter where he looked; Menzai would merely see those currently in some form of conflict. Trapped. In a room, surrounded by judging eyes, the reek of blood permeating from them and everything. Never had he cursed a candle’s brightness; illuminating their faces. Reminding him. And just as his appetite went, so too did his desire to sleep. The onslaught of nightmares made sure of that. All these thoughts, fears and worries plagued Menzai’s exhausted mind, leaving him little else but to stare into his cup of water. Only there could he avoid their gazes, instead seeing his reflection. Staring down at the mostly smooth surface, a visage stared back, those violet eyes normally sharp looked faded and a bit glazed over while heavy shadows contrasted starkly against the nearly sickly pale complexion. The sight of his own disheveled visage staring back, the only distraction he had and as his mind filled with questions and uncertainties to the point of flooding, the realization came that this place..his home no longer felt…right. His home. A place once of safety and comfort, now felt suffocating and small. It was then that he would take notice of the shadows. Like mere flickering wisps as first, but each passing secondly seemed to grow and envelope the room, almost as if a living mass. Even with the crackling flames, the shadows encroached, swallowing up the surroundings slowly. Masses of thick tar like ink dripping and oozing across the table, down the floors. Eventually spilling over those surrounded by the table. Phia banged her spoon over and over on the table with an enthusiasm that bordered on excessive, effectively halting all conversation in its tracks A familiar raspy laugh started alongside a sudden pounding sound his head, his reflection rippling as the world around him was being swallowed up. With each pound heard had the laugh become harsher and louder and constricted his breathing more and more until he felt like his chest and ears were going to explode when- [color=f745aa] "I have an idea." [/color] Phia's words pulled him from the mental storm that had threatened to engulf him as his breathing returned to him. With it, shortly came recognition; remembering that they were merely eating breakfast. Remembering as well that there was one at this table he could bring himself to look at. For while faces of those around him carried those wisps of shadows, Phia's alone shone bright like the candle, and much like the small fire, it was her trying to lift up the mood. He would offer a smile were that he had the strength to or actual reason to do so. Still, he was thankful for any reason to not be left in his mind, where only confusion reigned.   [color=f745aa]"I think we should bring the fliers we made to River Fairy Kingdom to help Cyrus find his family. There are many fairies there, and rumor has it they have riverfruit slushes."[/color] [color=f49cd0]Phia had longed to visit there more often, only successfully sneaking over there once or twice. Menzai always dragged her back and she had never been certain why. Nonetheless, her proposal hung in the air. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she continued, [/color][color=f745aa]"Plus, Dante and Darius have been putting in so much effort during training sessions lately. It's high time we showed them a bit of fun."[/color] Listening as the excitable Fair detailed her idea with an enthusiasm perplexing to have in this current mood. Seeing her speak confidently was uplifting. The wolf spent the next minute doing some contemplating, his right forefinger gently tapping his cup at intervals as he did so. The idea of venturing to the fairy kingdom following the execution did not sit well with Menzai in the slightest. " [color=92278f]Hm, yes I suppose-[/color]" Cutting short as his voice came out rough; only now realizing just how badly parched his throat was leaving him needing to take a sip." [color=92278f]Apologies, mhm. As I was saying, perhaps it is time we, as Phia suggests, pay a visit to the fairy kingdom. There, perhaps we may be able to help our guests.[/color]" Motioning in their direction as he stated so. His attention then turning to Dante and Darius as he thought over what Phia said regarding their training. Said training had become more intense, made harder by the banning of footwear and socks. As they were earth mages, Menzai sought to help improve their connection to the planet and to toughen their soles. As with the looming threat now hovering all the more, meant their growth needed to improve. And training alone was not enough. They needed to gain experience that this forest, while could offer would be too slow and each passing day made the risks of attacks to the village all the more feasible. As much as he wished to keep them all in Gaurav where they could be safe, it would only ever be temporary, just as it is keeping the full extent of the recording from the group. That, he knew keeping to himself would only serve to make friction, but for his mother and Phia's sake chose to wait until a better place and time to do so and this trip was just the opportunity. Most of all, however, it was simply that Menzai could not feel comfortable being in the village. He needed to get out. " [color=92278f]And I do agree. Sir Dante and Sir Darius have been making exceptional progress. And as I'm sure our guests are probably ready to set off as well. So I see no reason to allow some..as Phia kindly put it...fun.[/color]" Pausing to read the reaction, taking note of his mother's excused absence, the sound of dishes being washed coming from the kitchen. A small bitter sigh left his lips. Clearing his still somewhat throat."[color=92278f] However, I must state one condition. If we are to make this trip and with the reports from yesterday, things may still be a bit...tense. As such, I must ask that we stay as a group upon reaching the kingdom, or in the case of separation to stay in pairs. If there are no qualms with this condition and whatever issues that may arise shortly that can be discussed, then the only thing left would be to prepare.[/color]" A nod of his head, his piece done, leaving the table open to see what the others had to say. Now he could only hope the River Fairy Kingdom was currently safe. [/color]