Daphne smiled when she remembered Katherine from the hospital bay, she had turned up and took her being silly easily and just handed her water and helped care for the squire. Her comment about the helmet yeah but all that was kinda fuzzy like she was drunk and parts of it were not remembered. Her memory did not fully stabilise for a couple of days, Daphne had really hit her head in the attack that was for sure.

The fact she even had worked out how to make a skull mug was kinda weird? She spent her time working out how to make Katherine a skull mug? This was a weird thing, she definitely cared for Katherine in a way that was kinda comforting but also confusing how to work it out.

It was after Daphne got out when they had a mission out into the wolds and to the blight lands. Technically Daphne volunteered but after finding out her Lord, Girlfriend and other Lunarians had Volunteered. Much as she really did not want to ever go to that area, she joined on.

Honestly for a Lunarian the trip was not the worst, she had definitely been on colder ones ans the land was fairly easy going for a start with no major delays.

Lord Coswain rode along the side kicking his mount to jump as the older soldier took his turn on the flank of the convoy, he was an experienced rider and the Lord Castelian had plenty of time in the saddle on missions. They had a number of experienced guards, champions and so on with them. He did worry for Dawn Haven with how much their capacity in guards, sages and more they had drawn onto this one venture.

This had the elite of several groups present and left their home, or what had become home where his partner and everyone else's friends etc still lived.

He had to smile even to himself, Daphne bags ended up in Katherine's tent more than they did not… he decided to leave it be, no one else seemed to worry they held hands or could be found quietly talking by the fire on evenings rather close sharing blankets.

Now leaving Persephone had been difficult and they shared a rather tender but private departure, after so long apart they had got used to the idea of a little stability and it was uprooted by this venture. He had measured her multiple times he would be utterly careful, Daphne he trusted with his life and the Lunarian guards were young but steady. The sun shaggers might be reliable but he would trust his fellow lunarians first.

He scanned the distance as he paused his patrol, letting his thoughts turn back to the job. He saw no threats bar some movement in the far distance that headed away from them, they already had killed some blight animals but others had been unwilling to go near the light of fires and noise of people too. Fire was a strong protector out here, bright tall flames drive light and heat, a Athema to the cursed reborn blight kin and life.

The uneventful trip was fine by Lord Coswain, they had made good time. They were on track.

…

Daphne dropped her bag into Katherine's tent on her rounds, was it a little forward…yeah, did Daphne just like having someone to cuddle at night in this dead wasteland. Yes. 100% yes. Daphne joined Katherine and snuggled up spooning her at night and seemed like it could be a thing. That fuzzy, strange feeling this generated was… weird but Daphne did not want it to end.

Daphne did not apologise for her relationship but did not have to tell people, what the hell. The land was under an endless night? She would cuddle a blonde priestess.

…

Lord Coswain was tending to his mount, shaggy with a thick insulating coat and the large wide feet of a Launarian breed that had long adapted to a life of winter, snow, ice with a rugged and while less sneak built to ensure harsh conditions. “Easy, easy… Come on” He said as he carefully checked his mounts, feet and legs for any injury under the canvas and leather wraps that he had added to protect against harm from rocks or sharp ruins etc. It might not stop everything but some protection was better than none.

Giving the large Beasts head a scratch in thanks as he went round caring for his mount. It was simply put. His life. He could live or die by this horse so he took the kindest of care for it.

In this situation his horse came before his meal and comfort. It was better to be hungry than dead.

He wound his way back eventually to the fire after doing his tasks, dropping as he reminded Daphne in passing to not forget her helmet again. Daphne had been … suggested to wear one by Katherine and it seemed to have stuck. The rest seemed to be handling the trip well so far but as he said, this was not even hard going by Lunarian standards, this was not even too cold yet. It would get far far worse if the snows turned on them.

Still be prepared. Careful. It caught you when you stopped looking and respecting it.

“Good Morning” He said looking at the endless night wondering the difference, it seemed to be more a … thing of perspective, the only person who seemed to be utterly certain was that snake tailed innkeeper and he was sure she saw the world in a rather different frame.

“Lady Hightower, I fixed it the best I could with what we have, keep checking it.” He handed her a somewhat crude, but repaired wrap to protect her horse's leg from the cold and some of the harsh and sharp dead plants that littered the land. “No need to rush this, this is a campaign not a single skirmish. Be careful, and listen, just listen first. Youl hear anything before you ever see it.” He said looking at the ruined town in the distance, it was the broken ruin of a town, a dark place where he just had a …bad feeling about. He hoped not to offend but he also wanted to see her come out of this intact and unharmed.

He meant well, he knew they wanted to rush, get answers and leave but this place had any number of dangers. He essentially not sure how much experience or training most had in this environment.

…

Daphne yawned from her end of patrol and hung her helmet off and stretched out, reaching to check her braid and make sure everything was where it was meant to be. “Nothing major, any animals keeping distance, few to the west, seem to leave us alone.” She gestured to the horizon where saw the movement and left to head to fire, dropping next to Katherine and kissed her cheek, not worried about showing her affection. “Hey kat, please tell me you have something hot, i know you are but I'd love some tea.” She said with a hopeful look and reached over to place a hand over hers. Daphne had a Helmet… it however hung off her waist next to her twin swords, a short warhammer and other gear she carried now. Better prepared than her normal Dawn Haven routine carry.

They had cross bows on the horses, bolts, blades and various things they had not carried for excess weight about the walled town.

Daphne looked up and waved to the others who were starting their day, Lords, Ladies, sages, guards and more. Maybe it was the purpose, the company or just having some kind of mission. Daphne felt oddly comfortable right now. "Call me insane, but im happy out here." Daphne mused as she sat warming her other hand and arm from the fires heat.

Anyone in earshot might think Launarians where abit crazy. Probbly yes.

@The Muse@SpicyMeatball

Nathaniel Stormlight

---

Location: Camp

---

The Alchemist tent was cold. Nathaniel's breath came out in small amounts of mist in his face. Still, it was better than outside. He paced around the tent. The cold wind relentlessly assaulted the tent like the tide on a sandy beach. A couple of candles lit the medium-sized tent that held work for all three sages. He checked over the notes that Eris and he had made. His gloved hands flipped the sheets of parchment.

A strong, frigid breeze came through the entrance, breaking the concentration of the Aurelian.
"Shit, shit shit." he panicked. The ties that held the entrance flap had come undone. Even with gloves, the cold was merciless as he worked to tie the knot shut. After some fumbling, the flap was secure, and the room was sealed from the cold, but the wind kept its assault. Nathaniel let out a shivering sigh as he stood in darkness; the candles snuffed out, journals were opened, and parchments were scattered.

Nathaniel only relit one this time. Having to save the others for today's research. After the tents contain was more organised he went back to his task.
"Vials, where did-" he paused the small crate that had most of the supplies, was missing a few things. It was then he spotted them across the tent, with a note underneath.

"Be sure to put these back here." -Eris.

Nathaniel grumbled at this remembering the first day of setting up the tent and bringing the supplies in that they'd need. There was a little, playful banter as he and Eris were continuing to move objects to where they would like it to go. A few times they moved the same object multiple times but couldn't think of a compromise as the peacekeeper Nesna decided to just let the two of the keep going.

Brushing that moment to one side for now while he focused moving the bag of empty vials. Three satchels were made with the equal amount of Vials and other equipment needed for the expedition today. Plants and Soil. We'd have to see if there's a difference between the two if they are gathered by a Blightborn or a Human. Then he remembered going into another crate he pulled out a secure box, inside was Vials and Vials of Willis's blood. This was crucial to today endeavours. He place as few in each satchel and slung one over each shoulder and carried the third in his hands.

Stepping outside the cold was worse, the snow came down in huge clumps. He turned securing the ties for the tent so it stays closed.

"Brr...It's fucking cold." A guard said to another as they walked past.
"Lord Stormlight." The other said giving a small respectful bow. Which the other immediately did also. Nathaniel returned the gesture. "My lord. If you are looking for Lady Hightower and the others they are having conversations at them main campfire." A smile tugged on his lips. "Thank you. Be sure you two are ready for today." he said leaving the two. The two guards stood to attention even though they were shivering slightly.

"Yes sir."
"Always Lord."

Walking closer and closer he could see that important people are about ready to have a discussion. Orion, Eris and Kat were there but Nesna wasn't there that Nathaniel could see neither Ivor.
"Good morning." he said giving them all a bow of his head, the satchel gently tapping off one another.
"I've packed the essentials for today." handing the bag he carried to Eris.

---

Interactions: Eris @The Muse Orion @Qia, Kat @SpicyMeatball
Mentions: Ivor @Beard Dad, Nesna @enmuni

The light of the lantern filled the storage room, the soft steps of the boots coming down the ladder, the black long hair neatly tied up into a ponytail. The young woman's blue eyes searched amidst the various barrels, vine bottles and dried meat until her eyes finally landed on a figure walking out from behind one of the large vine stalls which housed the finest wines that a rich man like Ayel Raunefeldt could buy and brag about having. The figure moved out from it's hiding spot, the tanned man with his blond shoulderlong hair and ghostly blue eyes met with hers.

"You are quite the bold one, to harbor a man on the run. To some this would be the vilest of treason towards not only the Aurelian crown but to Dawnhaven aswell. Traits inherited by your parentage perhaps? I doubt your adopted brother would approve of such actions." The blond man said in a soft voice, his trademark smile forming on his lips as he approached the smaller noble woman.

"I simply do not want more blood spilt than what have already been spilt. I am just lending a hand to someone in need, if helping someone is a crime, then I am guilty as charged. My brother does not command me, my heart does. Prince Flynn would understand the meaning of staying true to oneself regardless how strong the wind may blow against you." She said softly, but in a proud manner as she put down the lantern on one of the barrels close to where she stood.

"You are something else..." The older man said with a chuckle as he traced his hand along one of the wine bottles in one of the racks, before picking it up. "I see your brother is fond of even some newer brands. This particular one is a fine year. The year you were born." He said softly, and slid the wine bottle back in it's place.

"The year I was born? How would you know that? You are from Aurelia aren't you? You called me Opal in the jail. Where did you learn my middle name?" The young noblewoman asked the warrior who stood before her in the dimly lit storage room.

"The ring you bear have that very stone, surrounding it are the symbols of fire, earth, water and wind. It symbolizes the fabled philosopher's stone, the magnus opus, the hidden formula to the elixir of life, to turn all other things into gold and cure all ills. The name was chosen by your mother, the ring... by your father." Gadez said in an almost ominous manner, his hair momentarily falling over his eyes, concealing them before he moved his head back, allowing his hair to fall away from his face.

"My mother? You knew my birth mother? Just who are you? Do you know where I can find my father? Is he still alive?" She stepped forwards, her eyes shimmering with determination, her pose being fierce despite her otherwise frail looking body.

"I knew her indeed. I know her still. Cymbaline Malkin. Yet time is a cruel thing, as are the divine or those whom claim to be such. As for your quest to find your father? He died a long time ago alongside your mother, I would know... because I am he." Gadez said in a soft and sorrowful tone of voice, his hand moving to his chest, placing it flatly upon it. Anora raised both of her hands to her mouth and her eyes closed slightly, tears forming and she was shaking.

"Y-you.... somehow... I knew... the moment I laid eyes on you in the jail. Your eyes. I knew them." She frowned and looked up to the taller older man before rushing up and raising her hand. The slap resonated in the storage room as it struck the man across the cheek.

"I-I've looked for you for so long.. why did you leave me alone? How dare you come back to me now? Like this?" She swallowed before reaching out with both her arms and wrapped her arms around Gadez, her head pressing against his chest. "Why? I have had so many questions unanswered... I have been so lonely..." She said in a shaky voice, upset but happy regardless. His arms softly held her in an embrace.

"Of all the beings in this world, you alone have the right to pass judgement on me. I left you in a place where I knew you could find a better life, the old woman in the orphanage gave me her word, and she kept it. I had to harden my already dullened heart to leave you there. I also gave my word, that I would destroy those who destroyed your mother. The divine. Aelios. Your mother suffered from an illness no mortal could cure, no spell nor potion could save her. And the divine just allowed it to happen. That is something I cannot forget neither forgive. So I will do what I can to send both kingdoms into ruin along with all traces of their divines so that a new kingdom can rise. One which does not distinguish, does not care whom you are, where you came from. And the only one in my eyes, that is pure enough to lead that kingdom… is you..." He lowered his head, taking a knee, something he had sworn to never do to any other, mortal nor divine.

"There's so much anger in you. Let go of it. Stay here with me. I will talk with Flynn and he'll understand I am sure. You speak of ending so many lives? Those who are left behind will seek revenge for the fallen and the cycle will never end. I do not know what plan the divine has in store for this world and it's people, but must the entire world burn for you to be content? The world isn't perfect, but we are working towards it day by day... and I could never be a leader, why should anyone care to listen to what I would have to say?" Anora asked after shaking Gadez's both arms with hers, as if trying to shake him out from whatever dream he was in.

"It has already destroyed me. What you see is a phantom of a man who died a long time ago. We humans have fought one another since the beginning of time, even the divine wage their endless war, they cannot accept one another. As for why they should listen to you? Because you will be the only one with royal blood left standing after I am done and the only one whose hands will remain clean. Dawnhaven is the only place where the people of the two kingdoms can find a common ground." The blond man explained.

"Stop talking like that! There are good people left in this world. Royal blood?" She tilted her head to the side, her eyes squinting slightly.

"Indeed. You see… King Auric is my father, but I am merely that man's bastard child." Gadez said with a snort.

"You.. are Flynn's older brother? But that would mean... I am..." She asked herself, more than the blond man before her. It hurt her within.

"...and this is why, I have kept you hidden, to shield you from harm. Both from becoming like me, but also from becoming like Flynn and the rest of Auric's accursed line." The man explained, his hand reaching out to move the blond strands of hair from her face.

"You dyed your hair to hide the fact that you were adopted by the Raunefeldt family, but it was also the haircolour that your mother had. It suits you well. Anora Opal Malkin. Precious gem of the feline. I watched you from the shade, for many years. Like a Lynx hidden amidst the trees. I was there when you celebrated your twelfth birthday. Do you remember the mime?" He asked her, and gave a soft smile.

"The mime? That.. that was you? You... gave me that book. The one with the drawings." Anora said softly in thought then smiled.

"What are you planning to do now... father?" Anora said and set her gaze straight into his, fierce determination and defiance in it.

"To set the stage for your kingdom come. Stay safe precious gem. Our beautiful Anora. Reveal not what you know of our connection, there are those here whom would use this knowledge to kill you." His hand moved up to caress her hair and then he planted a kiss on her forehead.

"What if I will not do that? What if I will go immediately to Flynn and turn myself in and tell him what you plan to do? And stop talking about that whole kingdom thing. I reject it with my entire being! I will not, cannot be what you want me to be!" Anora said in a fierce tone of voice, her hands placing themselves at her waist.

"That's my girl alright. Defiant like myself. Like your mother as well. You have her heart..." Gadez smiled softly as he began to try walk past her. "I am sorry for not being there for you. I will never forgive myself for it, neither do I bear the right to ask for it. This is just something... I have to do or I cannot bear existing." He said in a solemn tone.

"I forgive you... but you are trying to leave me again. Why can you not let it go? There are things we cannot change no matter how much we like to. She would understand that. She knew that. I am certain. I never wanted you to do this... you stubborn foolish man!" Anora held out her hand offering it to the older man, her father, the fugitive, the bastard.

"..." He remained silent and began walking towards the stairs. "Dress warm my precious Opal..." He said softly, his hair hung over his face as if to conceal what he felt as he ascended up the stairs, throwing one last glance over his shoulder at the child, his child, the one he had left behind. His heart. His vulnerability. His soft spot. It was after all for her sake that he had set out to change the world, he never had any intention of being in it. Had she not been born, he would have died back with Cymbaline or while driving his blade into Auric's core.

"I'll stop this. I'll stop all of this. I'll stop you." Anora said softly to herself, teary eyed as her eyes narrowed and looked up through her hair partially concealing her eyes.