[hider=The Handmaiden][center][url=https://fontmeme.com/shadow-effect/][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/240502/13eef30b0ccbcbb7ba6e1cf63306e878.png[/img][/url]

[img]https://image.tensorartassets.com/cdn-cgi/image/anim=true,plain=false,w=2048,f=jpeg,q=85/posts/images/659801204225753018/4d1de49d-6cab-4cc5-ba2d-dc760ad76cae.png[/img][/center]

[b][color=royalblue]Age:[/color][/b] [color=silver]23[/color]

[b][color=royalblue]Appearance:[/color][/b] [color=silver]Elara has a subtle beauty about her, with long silver hair cascading like a waterfall and eyes reflecting the moon's pale luminescence. Her skin is fair, almost translucent, with a soft glow that seems to emanate from within. She is slender and graceful, moving with the quiet confidence of one accustomed to the silent halls and shadowed corners of a royal residence.[/color]

[b][color=royalblue]Race:[/color][/b] [color=silver]Human[/color]

[b][color=royalblue]Kingdom:[/color][/b] [color=silver]Lunaris[/color]

[b][color=royalblue]Role:[/color][/b] [color=silver]Handmaiden to the Princess of Lunaris[/color]

[b][color=royalblue]Magic:[/color][/b] [color=silver]Elara’s mastery of lunar magic is deeply intertwined with her Lunarian heritage. Her ability to manipulate light and shadow is not merely a matter of illusion, but a profound connection to the ebb and flow of lunar energies. She can bend light to create pockets of darkness or areas of bright illumination, which is invaluable for navigating the palace’s dim corridors or for creating a strategic advantage during nocturnal activities.

Her control over shadows is equally impressive; she can cast them as tangible extensions of herself, using them to fetch items from afar or to gently cradle an injured bird back to health. The shadows respond to her emotions and intent, becoming playful or solemn as she wills them.

Elara’s healing magic, while not as potent as a dedicated healer’s, is a vital skill in the harsh Lunarian landscape. She can soothe pain, accelerate the healing of minor wounds, and reduce inflammation with a gentle touch and a focused mind. Her healing extends beyond the physical, as she can also calm troubled minds, easing the stress and fears of those around her.

This combination of skills makes Elara a valued member of the royal household, not only for her service but also for the subtle security she provides. Her presence is a silent guardian, a watcher at night, ensuring the safety and well-being of her charge, the Princess of Lunaris.[/color]

[b][color=royalblue]Short Bio:[/color][/b] [color=silver]Elara was born and raised in the capital of Lunaris. From a young age, she showed a keen aptitude for magic, which caught the attention of the royal court. She was trained as a handmaiden and quickly became one of the Princess’s most trusted attendants. Elara came to Dawnhaven at the behest of the Princess, to serve and support her in this new and challenging environment.[/color]

[b][color=royalblue]Misc:[/color][/b] [color=silver]Despite her reserved nature, Elara has a warm heart and a gentle spirit. She is fiercely loyal to the Princess and would do anything to protect her. In her free time, she enjoys studying ancient texts on magic and practicing her skills by the light of the full moon.

[center][b][h1]RELATIONSHIPS[/h1][/b][/center]
[hr]
[b]Friends[/b]
❖ [b]Ramona[/b]  
➤ They weren’t friends back at the palace, but Dawnhaven changes people. Or maybe it just reveals what was always there. Elara saw her grief. Held it. And something in her cracked open, too. There's trust now. She’s not sure when it happened, but she’s glad it did. 
  
❖ [b]Amaya[/b]  
➤ The princess. Her heart. Her ruin. Elara would raze empires for her, but lately… she’s no longer sure if she’s a confidante, or just another loyal shadow cast too long.

[hr]
[b]Acquaintances[/b]
❖ [b]Flynn[/b]  
➤  She's never disliked him. That would be easier. He's perceptive, composed, and carries his title with more grace than most. But he is Aelios-born: golden, confident, impossible not to look at. And Amaya looks at him now. Listens to him now. Elara tells herself it's rational. That, of course, Amaya would lean on her husband. But the truth? It stings. And it shouldn't. And it does. He's not the problem. He just reminds her that the roles are changing, and she's not sure where she fits anymore.
 
❖ [b]Sya[/b]
➤ Equal parts terrifying and admirable. Elara watched her stand tall in the face of noble scorn and found herself quietly proud. She doesn't know her well, but there's a growing respect and maybe even something gentler beneath that.
➤ Also? The cookies were [i]very[/i] good. She’s still not ready for the drink, though.
 
  

[hr]
[b]Unclear[/b]
❖ [b]Flynn[/b] (again)  
➤ She doesn’t know where to place him. There’s admiration, maybe even a bit of envy. Not for his crown, but for the light he brings, and the way Amaya seems to lean toward it. Elara isn’t sure if she’s losing her place or realizing she never had one to begin with.
 
❖ [b]Aliseth[/b]  
➤ A man who might as well be a stranger who stepped beside her path without ever asking her to leave it. Their encounter was brief, but left a mark. She hasn’t returned his coat, but is looking forward to when she will have to. 
 
❖ [b]Kira[/b]
➤ “We’ve met before.” Elara had heard it and felt something twist. There was a girl once. Freckled. Afraid. Reaching for her hand. But now there’s this woman all blazing like a dying star. Too different to be the same… and yet, too familiar not to be. She'd helped. She'd sent Flynn. And Elara doesn’t know if that makes her trustworthy or dangerous. She wants to ask, but she’s also afraid of the answer.

[hr]
[b]Dislikes[/b]
❖ [b]Ayel Raunefeldt[/b]
➤ Entitled. Rude. His words toward Sya were cruel, and the apology never came. She expects little from him now, and that’s probably generous.
❖ [b]The look in Amaya’s eyes lately[/b]  
➤ It’s not a person, but it stings like one.

[hr]
[b]Enemies[/b]
❖ [b]Vellion[/b]
➤ He didn’t leave wounds. She wasn't even the one he'd fed from. But fear still found her, and it hasn't quite let go because she'd watched a man die. Heard the scream. Felt the heat of blood in the snow.[/color]
[hr]
[center][i]“Some paths claim us before we choose them.”[/i][/center]

[/hider] 

[hider=The Advisor and Protector][center][url=https://fontmeme.com/polices/police-ouroboros/][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/240506/5d86bdce280f3ac57965d1097268c775.png[/img][/url][/center]

[center][img]https://i.postimg.cc/gk40RLL5/556a3950-f724-47af-84da-8d0a6effeeec.jpg[/img] 

[color=#A9A9A9]Orion is a striking figure with a commanding presence. He has a chiselled jawline, sharp cheekbones, and intense eyes that glow a deep crimson red. His hair is a dark chestnut, kept short and often slicked back. As a Blight-Born, his skin has taken on a pale, almost marble-like quality.[/color][/center]

[b][color=#00008b]Age:[/color][/b][color=#A9A9A9]32[/color]

[b][color=#00008b]Race:[/color][/b][color=#A9A9A9]Blight-Born (Energy)[/color]

[b][color=#00008b]Kingdom:[/color][/b][color=#A9A9A9]Aurelia[/color]

[b][color=#00008b]Role:[/color][/b][color=#A9A9A9]Advisor and Protector to the Prince of Aurelia[/color]

[b][color=#00008b]Blight-Born Traits:[/color][/b][color=#A9A9A9]Orion was transformed by the blight, granting him the power to absorb and manipulate dark energy, heightened senses, and the ability to drain life force. His specific abilities are a closely guarded secret, however, known only to the prince.[/color]

[b][color=#00008b]Magic:[/color][/b][color=#A9A9A9]Orion is adept in shadow magic, able to cloak himself and others in darkness and create barriers of dark energy. His use of magic is discreet, ensuring his powers remain concealed.[/color]

[b][color=#00008b]Short Bio:[/color][/b][color=#A9A9A9]Orion Nightingale’s life was one of privilege and promise. Born into the noble House of Nightingale, he was groomed for leadership and strategy. As a young man, he excelled in the military arts and was known for his sharp intellect and unwavering courage. His family’s legacy was one of honour and service to the Kingdom of Aurelia, and Orion was set to continue that tradition.

However, fate had other plans. During a skirmish on the borders of Aurelia, Orion was exposed to the blight. The transformation was agonizing and left him changed forever. He emerged with powers that were both a gift and a curse. His once bright future among Aurelia’s nobility was now overshadowed by fear and suspicion from those he once called peers.

The prince, however, saw beyond the stigma of the blight. He recognized Orion’s potential and offered him a place at his side, not as a monster to be feared, but as a protector and advisor. This act of acceptance was a turning point for Orion. He found a new purpose in his Blight-Born abilities, dedicating himself to the prince’s service. His loyalty to the prince is unshakeable, forged in the fires of adversity and strengthened by the prince’s unwavering trust.

Now, as the prince’s right hand, Orion uses his strategic mind and newfound powers to navigate the treacherous political landscape of Aurelia. He is the prince’s shadow, ever-present and ever-vigilant, a silent guardian against threats both seen and unseen. Despite the darkness that courses through him, Orion’s heart remains true to the ideals of his noble lineage, and he stands as a beacon of hope for all Blight-Born who seek redemption and a place to belong.


[b][color=#00008b]Misc:[/color][/b][color=#A9A9A9]A man of honor and integrity, Orion is a master chess player, believing the game sharpens his strategic thinking.[/color]

[b][color=#00008b]Limitations & Risks:[/color][/b]
- *[i][color=#A9A9A9]Energy Consumption[/color][/i]*[sub]: Using his abilities can leave him weakened.[/sub]
- *[i][color=#A9A9A9]Sunlight Vulnerability[/color][/i]*[sub]: Sunlight can weaken his powers and cause pain.[/sub]
- *[i][color=#A9A9A9]Life Force Drainage[/color][/i]*[sub]: Must be cautious not to harm others with his draining ability.[/sub]

[b][color=#00008b]Risks:[/color][/b]
- *[i][color=#A9A9A9]Loss of Self-Control[/color][/i]*[sub]: Risk of losing control over the dark energy he wields.[/sub]
- *[i][color=#A9A9A9]Isolation[/color][/i]*[sub]: His nature can lead to feelings of isolation.[/sub]
[hr]
[center]
[i][color=FFFFFF]"Monsters know monsters. But sometimes, we still choose mercy."[/color][/i][/center]
[hr]
[b]Allies & Constants[/b]

✩ [b]Flynn Astaros[/b]➔ Prince. Friend. Almost a brother, even. They trained together in Aurelia's gardens long before either of them had real authority. Flynn’s acceptance of what Orion became, that refusal to turn away, was the only reason Orion agreed to follow him to Dawnhaven as his advisor. Now, he stands behind Flynn not just because he must, but because he believes in who he could become.

➔ Orion doesn't flatter him. He counsels him. Sometimes sharply, always honestly. And though their roles have changed, the bond remains. Respect forged in blood, tempered by failure, and not yet broken.

✩ [b]Dyna Soleil[/b]➔ A Champion of Aelios, but not ruled by fire or zeal. Orion has fought beside many, but few as precise, calm, and clear-headed as Dyna. She doesn’t preach, doesn’t posture. She acts. And that’s what earns his trust.


[hr]

[b]Quiet Bonds[/b] 

✩ [b]Flynn Astaros[/b] (again)➔ Flynn’s acceptance of who he became, what he is, was the first act of mercy Orion remembers after the change. He protects him now not only out of loyalty, but out of brotherly love. Even if that word never crosses either of their lips.

✩ [b]Tingara (“Tia”)[/b] ➔  She startles easily, speaks even less, but Orion has seen her bleed herself dry to save a child, then apologize for taking up space. She reminds him of the kind of faith that holds not because it is loud, but because it endures. Perhaps, that was why he brought her bread, not to impress her, but because she looked like no one else had thought to. She thanked him without words. He understood her all the better for it.

➔ There's something about her that draws his eye. Something delicate, yes, but not weak. He’s not sure what role she’ll play in Dawnhaven yet, but he’ll be watching, and not unkindly.

✩ [b]Kira[/b] ➔ Orion isn’t sure what to make of her and that unsettles him. There’s something magnetic about her presence, something that tugs at his awareness even when she’s gone. Maybe it's recognition of something within her that he shares. Either way, she’s a living question he hasn’t figured out how to answer yet.

✩ [b]Sya[/b] ➔ Called him an onion. Called Kira an egg. She makes a mess and then cuts straight to the truth beneath it. She even kissed him once. Light. Brief. Probably nothing. And yet, he remembers it. Not because of what it meant, but because it made him feel something he hadn’t in a long while. Which is... inconvenient since he’s not sure what to do with her, what she wants, what he wants. He’s still very much connected to a past that hasn’t fully let go as well. 

✩ [b]Thalia Evercrest[/b]➔ Reserved familiarity. He’s known her since before her family’s fall, though always from a distance. There’s a bit of respect there, although he isn’t aware she’s in Dawnhaven yet. But when he finds out, he suspects it will matter more than he’s ready to admit.

[hr]
[b]Those He Watches[/b]

✩ [b]Céline Moreau[/b]➔ A Blightborn medic with a survivor’s conviction. She reminds him of what it means to choose restraint, even when hunger claws at your bones. He vouched for her because there’s something about her honesty. She doesn't posture. She just [i]is.[/i] That, Orion respects. But he’ll keep watch all the same. Even wolves with good intentions can bite.

✩ [b]Willis[/b]➔ Orion vouched for him once, too. A gamble he didn’t expect to pay off. The man has steadied, though not entirely. Less barking now. Less trouble-making. Maybe there's hope in there somewhere. Orion isn’t completely convinced. But he's willing to wait and see. 

✩ [b]Eris Hightower[/b] ➔ Orion respects her instinct to protect Tia, even if it nearly cost her life.  When she handed him that picture, it wasn’t just nostalgia. It was grace. And Orion, reluctant as he is to admit it, doesn’t forget grace easily.

[hr]
[b]Unclear / Tension[/b]

✩ [b]Amaya of Lunaris[/b]➔ The princess. The catalyst. Orion doesn’t pretend to understand her, nor her silences. He protects her because Flynn does. But part of him sees her as a storm barely contained—graceful, yet possibly dangerous. Still, she has earned his vigilance, but whether she earns his trust remains to be seen.

✩ [b]Commander Volkov[/b]➔ Orion sees the man for what he is: a test. Of Flynn’s patience. Of Dawnhaven’s fragile unity. He watches him with the cold scrutiny of someone who’s seen better men fall. He doesn’t underestimate him. Nor does he trust him.

✩ [b]Coswain[/b]➔ Entitled. Dangerous. A man sent by the King of Lunaris, not to assist, but to watch. Orion sees the political web around him and doesn’t like how many threads lead straight to Amaya. If Coswain ever makes his move, Orion will be waiting.

✩ [b]Valthyr[/b] ➔ Shapeshifter. Enchanter. Asset? Maybe. Unknown? Definitely. Orion doesn't like unknowns.

[hr]
[b]Disdain / Distrust[/b]

✩ [b]Ayel Raunefeldt[/b] ➔ Orion doesn’t remember him from Aurelia, and frankly, he’s not trying to. There are only so many preening nobles with too much money and too little spine. What he does know is that the man thinks of him as a beast tamer, and while there are worse things than being seen as a monster, being mistaken for someone who cages them was definitely one of them. 

➔ Orion tolerates him for the sake of civility. Barely. One day Ayel’s mouth will catch up to a fist or a truth he can’t wriggle out of, and Orion suspects the man’s real fear isn’t dirt or disease: it’s irrelevance.

[/color]

[hr]
[center][i][color=FFFFFF]"Titles mean little. Actions mean more. I’ll remember yours."[/color][/i][/center]

[/hider] 
[hider=Thalia Evercrest]
[hr][hr]
[CENTER][img]https://i.ibb.co/xL4NtRc/ezgif-3-0de66268e7-removebg-preview.png[/img][/CENTER]
[hr][center][i][color=#663399][url=https://open.spotify.com/track/03B2SfXuvDh1m9F4tqrX07?si=2b682d6bf9c64cb2]"I’ll play by my own rules."[/url][/color][/i][/center][hr]
[table][row][cell][center][img=250x350]https://i.ibb.co/dQX9v0t/78423519-8898-4e2f-b560-2d72ba81bd39.jpg[/img][img=250x350]https://i.ibb.co/KN572dq/4b9c6ed6-2461-4c34-ab7a-4469d647f854.jpg[/img][/center]
[color=#663399][b][sub]Key Details & Personality[/sub][/b][/color]
[color=#663399][sup]__________________________________________[/sup][/color]
[sup][color=#663399]✧ [B]Age –[/B][/color] 24
[color=#663399]✧ [B]Race –[/B][/color] Human
[color=#663399]✧ [B]Role –[/B][/color] Livestock Farmer
[color=#663399]✧ [B]Magic Specialty –[/B][/color] Earth Magic[/sup]
[color=#663399][sup]__________________________________________[/sup][/color]
[sub]Thalia is a spirited woman with a vibrant energy that draws people to her naturally. Her independent nature shines through in everything she does, and she has a unique ability to hold the spotlight without even trying. When she speaks, her voice carries confidence and clarity, making it clear that she is not afraid to express her thoughts, no matter how challenging the topic might be. Confrontation doesn’t intimidate her; in fact, she thrives on it, especially when her deeply held values are at stake. Thalia has a knack for calling out hypocrisy and injustice, with a sharp wit that often takes others by surprise and keeps conversations lively.

Raised in a noble family, Thalia has experienced the trappings of wealth and privilege, but she remains refreshingly down-to-earth. Unlike many who might flaunt their social status, she deeply respects the merits of hard work and honesty, believing that these qualities outweigh any superficial enhancements. Her upbringing has taught her the importance of remaining genuine and relatable, which helps her forge meaningful connections with those around her. Thalia appreciates the value of simple pleasures and the satisfaction that comes from earning one’s achievements through effort. This grounded perspective allows her to empathize with others, regardless of their backgrounds.

What sets Thalia apart is her fierce commitment to living life on her own terms. She is not one to conform to societal expectations or play by rules that do not resonate with her ideals. Instead, she designs her journey according to her beliefs and values, embracing paths that others might consider unconventional or risky. This open-minded approach cultivates a sense of adventure and excitement in her life, as she is always willing to explore new opportunities. For Thalia, true fulfillment comes from the freedom to pursue her passions and forge a unique identity in a world that often encourages conformity.

Though her fierce exterior may give the impression of being unapproachable, there’s an undeniable warmth in the way she looks out for others. Thalia has a natural charisma, effortlessly drawing people in with her confidence and charm, even if she doesn’t always realize it herself. However, she also has a mischievous streak, often pushing boundaries and keeping others on their toes. She can’t resist a playful jab or a cheeky comment, particularly when it’s aimed at someone who intrigues her.

Beneath her fiery nature, Thalia is deeply loyal and protective, especially toward those she cares about. Her determination to prove herself and carve out a place in the world fuels her drive, making her a force to be reckoned with. When her passions are stirred—whether by a cause, a dream, or even a certain someone—her boldness knows no bounds, revealing a side of her that’s as unyielding as it is captivating.[/sub]
[color=#663399][sup]__________________________________________[/sup][/color]
[/cell][/row]
[row][cell][hider=▼Appearance Details]
[sup][indent][/indent]
[COLOR=SILVER]✧ [B]Height –[/B][COLOR=#663399] 5'7"[/COLOR]
✧ [b]Build –[/b][COLOR=#663399] Sturdy but feminine[/COLOR]
✧ [b]Eye Color –[/b][COLOR=#663399] Hazel with flecks of green[/COLOR]
✧ [b]Hair Color –[/b][COLOR=#663399] Auburn[/COLOR][/COLOR][/SUP]
[/hider][/cell][cell][hider=▼Biography]
[sub]Thalia Evercrest comes from a once-glorious lineage known for their exceptional horses, highly prized by the royal cavalry of Aurelia. The Evercrest family commanded respect and admiration, but all of that changed dramatically when a scandal emerged, tearing down their reputation and plunging them into financial ruin. Forced to leave behind their elegant life, Thalia and her father sought refuge on a modest farmstead, far removed from the opulence of court life. Though their fall from grace was bitter, Thalia’s fiery determination refused to let their legacy be forgotten. On the farm, she discovered a natural talent for Earth Magic, channeling her energy into the land and livestock they now called their livelihood. With each passing year, she honed her skills, transforming the simple farm into a place of pride and resilience.

The scandal might have left others timid and cautious, but for Thalia, it ignited an unshakable will to prove her worth. Even as whispers of her family’s disgrace trailed her, she met them head-on with her characteristic spunk, refusing to let her name be buried by the past. Fiercely protective of her father and their newfound home, she’s no stranger to standing her ground and delivering sharp retorts to anyone bold enough to look down on her. Beneath her unyielding demeanor, however, lies a deep loyalty and a desire to find genuine connections—qualities she rarely shows openly but that drive her actions nonetheless.

As a teenager, Thalia experienced a moment that would shape her resolve. During one of Prince Flynn’s rare visits to her countryside village, she found herself captivated—not by the grandeur of his status, but by the humility and genuine kindness he displayed. Unlike many nobles she had encountered, Flynn’s curiosity about the struggles of her people felt sincere, a rare quality that left a lasting impression. Though their meeting was brief, it sparked an admiration she’s carried ever since, one that fuels her ambition to rise above her circumstances.

Now, with Dawnhaven calling for skilled settlers to aid in its growth, Thalia sees an opportunity to rewrite her story. Motivated by her drive to rebuild her life—and perhaps to one day show certain people just how wrong they were about her—she’s ready to contribute her skills and determination to this new community. For Thalia, Dawnhaven is more than just a new home; it’s a stage where she can prove that she’s more than the shadow of her family’s disgrace. Armed with her sharp mind, fierce spirit, and undeniable charm, she’s ready to carve out her place in this world, on her own terms.[/sub][/hider][/cell][/row][/table]
[hr][color=#663399][b][sub]Misc:[/sub][/b][/color]

[img]https://i.ibb.co/566DX8B/648a0453-025f-4882-8d87-d07a1158030a.jpg[/img]

- Thalia has a loyal sheepdog named Lark who is more than just a pet; he is her devoted partner in herding and a source of constant joy. With his boundless energy and playful antics, Lark has a knack for lightening the mood after a long day of work. Whether he's darting around the fields chasing after a stray sheep or playfully trying to nip at Thalia's heels, his presence adds a sense of fun to her daily routine. Their bond is evident as they communicate with just a glance, each understanding the other's needs with remarkable instinct. Thalia often finds herself laughing at Lark's goofy behavior, which reminds her to take a break and enjoy life's simple pleasures.  

- Among Thalia's most prized possessions is a silver locket engraved with her family crest. This locket is not merely a piece of jewelry but carries deep sentimental value. It serves as a reminder of her lineage and the strength she draws from her family's history, but it also represents her resolve to maintain her independence in a world that often tries to diminish her worth. Whereas some people might focus on the grandeur of noble pasts, Thalia treasures this small token for what it represents: resilience and the refusal to let external judgments dictate her identity. Whenever she holds it close, she feels an unwavering connection to her roots and a determination to carve her own path. 

- Thalia’s wardrobe embodies both practicality and a vibrant sense of individuality. She expertly combines sturdy boots and resistant materials that are perfect for her demanding lifestyle on the farm, yet she doesn’t shy away from infusing her outfits with splashes of color. Look closely, and you’ll notice her surprising accessories—a striking scarf featuring abstract patterns that draw the eye, or an old wide-brimmed hat festooned with a unique feather she discovered years ago during a memorable adventure. This careful curation reflects her personality, for even when she’s covered in dirt from a long day’s work, there’s always an unmistakable touch of Thalia’s flair, showcasing her love for bold expression in every aspect of her life. 

- Thalia isn’t just defined by her fashion; her sharp tongue and quick wit serve as tools of defense and strategies for navigating the complexities of life. With her clever wordplay and biting remarks, she has a knack for disarming anyone who dares to underestimate her or bring up the tangled history of her family.

- Thalia has a rich, melodious voice and often hums while tending to her animals or working in the fields. Although she rarely sings outright in front of others, those lucky enough to hear her often find themselves captivated by her natural talent.

[hr][hr]
[center][i][color=#663399]"I lost my title, not my standards."[/color][/i][/center][hr]

[b][color=#663399]Acquaintances[/color][/b]
[LIST]
[*][b]Nyla[/b] — Theatrical. Decorative. Entirely rehearsed.
➜ Thalia doesn't dislike her. That would imply she [i]cares[/i]. But there's pity for sure. 
➜ The woman's performance reeks of desperation dressed as charm. 
➜ Clearly carries some fixation with Thalia's past, or Flynn's.
➜ Thalia may not be a Lady anymore, but she still knows how to [i]act[/i] like one. That, to her, seems to rankle Nyla more than anything.
[/LIST]

[b][color=#663399]Pending Psychiatric Evaluation[/color][/b]
[LIST]
[*][b]The Loud Pirate Man[/b] — Four arms. Zero manners. Eight opinions, probably, to go with it. 
➜ May be drunk, or may just be unwell.
 
[*][b]Ivor[/b] — Shouted “good morning” like it was a war cry.  
➜ Built like a fortress. Smiles like he doesn’t know his own volume.  
➜ Blight-born, yes. Terrifying? Possibly.  
➜ May also be unwell, but in a friendlier way.
[/LIST]

[b][color=#663399]Mildly Intriguing[/color][/b]
[LIST]
[*][b]The Priestess (Tia)[/b] — Quiet, robed, professional.
➜ Didn’t pet Lark. Bonus points.
➜ Something passed between her and Nyla that Thalia noticed. 
 
[*][b]Sya (Innkeeper)[/b] — All coils and cryptic commentary.
➜ Thalia doesn't trust her, but she respects the control she exerts over the inn. 
➜ Lark hasn’t growled at her once, which is frankly suspicious.
 
[*][b]Aldrick[/b] — A bard with surprising harmony.
➜ Joined her in song without turning it into spectacle. She respects that.
➜ Carries himself with confidence, maybe too much of it. But it didn’t grate (possibly because of the alcohol). 
➜ Their duet stirred something she hadn’t felt in a long time: comfort.

[/LIST]

[b][color=#663399]Soft Spot (She'll Deny It)[/color][/b]
[LIST]
[*][b]Lark[/b] — Loyal. Furry. Judge of character.
➜ Best friend. Better manners than most.
➜ Has more restraint than Thalia when it comes to biting people.
➜ Officially Not For Sale. Especially to shifty performers bearing cookies.
 
[*][b]Her Father[/b] — Sardonic. Stubborn. Tired in that noble, disappointed way.  
➜ Somehow still believes in her, even when she doesn’t.  
➜ The only person allowed to out-sass her (within reason).  
➜ She pretends his practicality annoys her, but really it keeps her grounded.  
➜ Hasn't told her everything about the family's fall, and she hasn’t pushed...yet. 
[/list]

[b][color=#663399]Complicated Past[/color][/b]
[LIST]
[*][b]Prince Flynn[/b] — Once a possibility. Now a dream. 
➜ Thalia liked him. More than she thought she would.
➜ She doesn't blame him. Not [i]really.[/i] But she doesn’t chase others, either.
[/LIST]

[b][color=#663399]Watch List[/color][/b]
[LIST]
[*][b]Nyla (again)[/b] — Her name bears repeating.
➜ If Nyla keeps baiting with sweet smiles and veiled slights, Thalia [i]will[/i] stop playing polite.
 
[*][b]Elio (the Stonemason)[/b] — Swagger in human form.
➜ Too smooth. Too observant. Too something. 
➜ Slid into her space like it was owed to him. She didn’t like it… and yet.
➜ Attractive, which is the worst part. 
[/LIST]
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