Dezuel

Realms of Sun & Shadow

The warrior-monk traced his hand along the stone wall and then blew some dust from his hand, then looked back to Elio, listening to the man speaking. The blonde couldn't help but have a slight upturn at the corner of his mouth as the other man finished speaking. Gadez patiently rested his hands behind his back, his eyes turning into slits as he gradually began to offer a smile without displaying his teeth. Elio? Most likely Aurelian. But he was surely not from the same region.

"Sunspear." Gadez said in an amused tone of voice before continuing. "A stonemason ought to know in order to build a mighty tower, one require to have a sturdy base. Whilst the earth here may be cold and difficult to work with, things may still grow from it. They say the hardiest of things grows in places where none would expect to find them. So I wouldn't say that you are entirely correct on that, mason of stone." Gadez approached the bars and gave a more smug look on his face, his hair momentarily falling over his eyes.

"There are trees older in this world than any structure, one might argue that nature is stronger than any construct made by our kind. Yet nothing is eternal. But indeed, what would you possibly know of that, my dear humble stonemason?" The blue-eyed blonde smirked and kept himself just out of arms reach from the bars now, in case Elio would feel it necessary to try and grab him.

"The earth beneath your feet may not be the only place where seeds may be planted. But in hearts and minds too. You would rather not plant a seed at all, believing it is doomed before it has even had it's chance to prove you otherwise. Then I suppose you feel the same way about the prophecy child? Why even try if the odds are stacked against us? Why even rise up in the morning to eat and drink, when you don't know if the following day is the last? I find it ironic that a man such as yourself, who seems to have left hope behind, to have come to the place of hope that is Dawnhaven. No. You are here because deep within you too have that hope. That somehow this world can still be salvaged. If you cannot be honest to others, at the very least be honest to yourself.

A man who has no belief in himself, the people around him or the world is more dead than those afflicted by the blight. So drop that pretention that you seem to try feed yourself with, and believe in the salvation of this world. Civilization was not built in a single day. Neither were you. Would you look upon a newborn with the same judging eyes? Even if something may appear weak, flawed or otherwise challenged against the world. Such challenges breeds strength of many kinds. Of will. Skill. A physically weak person, who continues to strive despite their weakness. May someday surpass those who walked a smoother path, fed by silvery spoons and wrapped in silk since birth. For they have not known how it is... to rise from a seemingly barren earth."

The vexing man said in a stern voice, his gaze unflinching. Then he changed his expression in an instant and took on a more carefree one.

"As you are a good listener, Elio. I am certain you shall remember this well." He bowed to the other man in a butlerlike manner from the other side of the bars, then the blonde man turned to face Daphne which had arrived.

"Ah... the fine and tall missy. Forgotten me have you? I take it your evening was fruitful last night? As for my reason for being here? A simple reaction to an action, all choices before me, I choose to tread the path that led me here. So many paths are before us, yet we always choose a path and proceed, in the labyrinth of life. No matter what anyone else may thing. When it comes to myself? I do what I have to do. To live life bound by some law other than the law of my heart is that truly 'living'? When you rob yourself of your true desires and the path you know that you want to take, no matter how many pebbles are along the way... as you seek the chest at the end of the maze, hoping that it contains that which you seek." He said softly with a slightly warm smile as his mind seemed to wander to something.

"Word of advice, young lady. Is to take matters into your own hands when they present themselves before you, lest they may be lost forever. Seize the opportunity or it will slip through your fingers. The purpose of your life is to live it as you desire, not what is expected of you by artificial creations... otherwise you might aswell truly be dead." He smiled softly with his eyes closing into slits.
'The stone is here... my dear. I feel it as much as the blood in my veins.'

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Gadez's blue gaze set on Elio, looking over the man from top to toe, while the man in question spoke.

"Hah...hahah… if stealing a loaf of bread is ones biggest worry, then one should be considered to be lucky. Slaying a brother? Not quite there yet. But who can tell where the tale may tread, perhaps said brother will in turn try to end me? Well isn't that sort of uncertainty what makes life worth living? When it comes to coercion, I have no need to use threats, I deal only in promises." The blonde man stepped slightly closer to the iron bars, blowing some air from his mouth.

"So he was indeed a blightborn. That dark-eyed and dark haired young man. So temperamental too. As one may expect from the young. Yet he did seem to try his outmost to try conceal his true self. His intentions. The sweeter the words, the more poisonous they often be. Yet this one's eagerness seems to have indeed gotten the better of him. This boy has attempted to shake the very foundation of this place, the haven for the afflicted, trying to meddle with the great plan to properly save this world… from itself. However unlike many others, which may live and learn by their mistakes. This one will not have that fortune. Because he will be hunted down and squeezed like a lemon til there's nothing left but a dried shell for the fire..." Gadez gave a slightly sinister smile.

"By royal decree." He said in a eerie tone of voice. "I had however expected him to come by here, upon having learnt of my presence here. Boys seeking to act like men always do seek to prove themselves when faced with a challenge. Hnn.. well I suppose the guards must have kept him busy. Would explain why guardsman Zephyros of the gentle breeze, left for some coal and papers, so that I could draw the face of said boy... but the dear guardsman never returned last night. Makes one wonder... why that is? I would do a head-count, If I were the guard commander. However... I am but a humble gardener. What would I possibly know? Hah...hah...hahah..." Gadez chuckled softly, and traced his finger along the iron bars, as he slowly walked on his side of the cell.

"As for what my crimes are? Most of it is rooted in telling the truth. No matter how grim or bitter it may be. The dear, oh so rightious, and truly all-seeing... bovine minded 'Champion' of Aelios didn't find my displeasure for a peculiar King to be acceptable. After she had the audacity to eavesdrop. Shows how much they care for other peoples privacies. Not to worry, my stay here is temporary. As is all things truly. Nothing is eternal. On the bright side, the lodging and food is free 'barring' the underperforming view. Not to mention people have no choice but to talk with me here. So in a matter of looking at it, I am making the guard force slighlty more resistant to... taunts." He snickered and pulled his hair back.

"But manners. I am Gadez. A humble gardener, performer and a few other things. This place isn't all bad. It has given me the perfect place to draw said wolf to, would he seek to prove himself. With iron bars in the way. Magical wardings to render most magic unusable. One cannot help but wonder, would it work on the afflicted? Well, regardless a boy such as that mangy wolf isn't likely to try attack someone who cannot fight back. His pride wouldn't surely allow for it. So would said assailant of the princess come here, unlock this door here... then not only would I be free to leave, I would also be doing the place a favor by removing this obstacle. Even if the boy will not show up, this is an ample place to be for the prince to later visit and not feel... uneasy. Same goes for some others. I am gardener after all. I plant seeds. I water them. And tend to them. Some might even draw the conclusion that I intentionally want to be within this place. But who would be able to tell what's what? Now then... whom might you be, bronze skin?" Gadez smiled and tilted his head to the side, his eyes turning into slits, making him almost look like an overly pleased cat.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

&

Anora had woken early and eaten some breakfast, while her brother had been far too busy talking in his sleep and getting his precious beauty-sleep in his bedchamber. The young noblewoman had then spent a few moments to create invitation cards for her tea party. Only one of the invitations were signed with the receivers' name. Lady Aurora Haliwell and Miss Storm.

Anora had taken care of making sure to make her inviation personal with a miniature drawing of a horse head at the side of the invitation, with one of it's eyes winking. The rest of the invitation cards however had no names to them, but she thought she would hand them out in person. Perhaps some of the hardworking men or women of the guard force could find a moment to enjoy some tea-time? She also would have to check by the inn.

With no further ado, the young woman set out from the newly made Raunefeldt residence and traversed through the snow, peeking at the various buildings, looking for people being outside. She finally laid eyes on a man standing watch outside a curious looking building.

"Fair day sir~ May I inquire your name and the purpose of this building here?~" Anora said softly, resting her umbrella over her shoulder as she made a courtesy bow to the man.

"Good day miss... lady? I am just a simple man on guard duty. As for this building right here. This is the jail. It's currently under construction." The guardsman answered and raised an eyebrow.

"The jail? I have never been in a one. But I hear they are pretty awful. I would like to have a look. Also would you have time for tea today?" Anora asked softly as she closed her eyes and smiled.

"I am duty miss. I don't have time for such frivialities. Forgive me. I also cannot let you into the jail without a good reason. We have a dangerous person currently held in there." The guardsman explained and rubbed his gloved hands together to keep the heat.

"Oh that's a shame~ Well. I am trying to become aquaintenced with the people living here, a tea party will be held at my brother's residence today~" The blue-eyed young noblewoman said in a joyful mood.

"You'll find nothing but guardsmen and criminals in there, miss. Your brother's residence? Whose your brother?" The guard blinked and the question slipped out of his mouth before he could think of an answer himself.

"That would be Marquess Raunefeldt. I am Anora Raunefeldt, his sister. Have you perhaps met him? I can arrange for you to meet him if you wish?~" Anora said in a soft tone, blowing some air through her mouth and smiling, momentarily considering it.

"R-raunefeldt-?" The guard's tongue slipped on the name, as he felt the hairs on his neck stand up as his mind ran various scenarios of what could happen. None of them were good. Crossing that obnoxious, self-absorbed but nontheless influencial nobleman was definitely one of the five worst things one could encounter. The very thought of meeting said nobleman was enough to make him get a knot in his stomach, as if he suddenly felt ill.

"Ahh.. my appologies, Lady Raunefeldt. I didn't recognize you. I would hate to take up any of the Marquess' time, please go ahead with your business and enter but be careful." The man felt the sweat sliding down his neck and back and opened the door to the jail for Anora and motioned for the guard inside to follow and watch her while she were inside the building.

"Your concern has been noted~ You'd have my gratitude~" She said softly and tipped her head. Anora's pristine heeled boots clattered as she stepped inside the building which was still being properly constructed. She adjusted her fur-clad scarf around her neck as she proceeded to look the place over with the guardsman in tow. He didn't seem the talkative sort. Anora also felt odd. As if something very wrong was going on in the jail. Like a big hollow emptiness. Was there some strange magic at play?

"M'lady. Keep your hands close to yourself. Do not under any circumstance go near the iron bars or the prisoner held here." The guard finally spoke.

"Do not worry~ I shall keep a clear distance from the bars~. What can you tell about this prisoner?~" Anora's gentle eyes landed on the guard, she blinked a few times.

"He's been taken in for threats against the Aurelian King." The guard said after a brief moment of recollection.

"I see.." Anora nodded her head softly, as she lifted her gloved free hand to her chin.

'All these holding cells. Is Flynnie expecting this much trouble?' She thought to herself before stopping in her tracks, she could hear a voice. Someone was singing… or hymning. Normally she would join in whenever she could hear someone else singing, she almost couldn't resist the temptation to do so. As had been the case with Aurora. But this… this voice made her feel a chill up her spine… there was something very off about it. It made her almost recoil and collect herself before stepping forwards with determined steps. Now curious to find the source of the voice.

"...the stone in paws… magic that defies all laws… lurking in the midnight mist is a name... of the dead… a secret ink upon his skin... a mark of destinies… with blight beside him on his quest… the world falls to it's knees…"

She frowned, shaking her head softly as she made her steps abit faster, causing the guardsman to slightly increase his rate of speed aswell, he felt compelled to call out to the noblewoman to slow down. Then Anora stopped as she came to the cell and laid eyes on a man standing within it with his back turned, his blonde shoulder-long hair flickering slightly from the slight breeze coming down from the small jail window far above. The finely clad young woman raised her free hand to her mouth and pretended to cough into it to alert her presence, but to her suprise the man was already turning, his ghostly blue eyes setting right into hers.

"That is a very gloomy song don't you think?~" Anora said and tried to offer a smile, despite feeling a sense of dread. It was as if this man was staring right into her very core. Something about it made her feel strange inside. She couldn't quite place it. The man however didn't strike her as gruff or the type she had expected to find in a jail. He was clearly not a nobleman by inspecting his attire.

"Oh?" The blonde man said aloud, his eyes widening in what she could only describe as suprise, then moments later he closed them and tilted his head to the side and gave the noblewoman a smile.

"No doubt a gem like yourself can do it far better than I. My my, aren't you a bold one, coming to a place such as this." Gadez opened his eyes again and took in the full view before him, looking the young woman over from top to toe.

"What a fierce looking little lady. Pray tell, what brings you to this place? I doubt it's the stonework." He said with a smug smirk on his lips.

"My name is Anora Raunefeldt~ I am here to help Prince Flynn and my brother to offer my support in defeating the blight. Is it true that you are kept in here for threats against King Auric? Why is that?~" She placed her free hand on her chest where her heart were.

"Anora? A fitting name. It means precious. Did you know that? Names can reveal much of a person. As for myself… I've come to bear many a name. Some of the favorites among other people are 'Oh no.. it's you.' or 'You again...'. However you may simply call me Gadez. And defeating the blight? I wonder if that is even possible. After all. Can one defeat death? As for the conceited king, he and I have some unfinished matters. No doubt I am not alone to bear a resent for that man. I am convinced there are many who speak akin about King Jericho of Lunaris." The blonde man did a butlerlike bow towards the young woman, followed by a soft smile.

"I see. Gadez? Do you not have a last name?~ Family is important. You should not toss that away no matter what.~ And we will try our best to find the cure for the blight to make sure no one else will have to die because of it." Anora said with a slightly stern voice, placing her free hand at her waist, as if trying to make a point to the older man.

"Hahahah... Of course. Family is important... it is what makes you get up in the morning, to choose to live and go on despite all the pebbles along ones path. Is it not? I know this quite well myself. Perhaps sometimes things are... put aside in order to better safeguard oneself and the things that one find to be important. Feelings can be dangerous if left to roam freely without restraint. Can allow ones ambition... to waver. My family name is one riddled with evil. You are one lucky kittycat. To have a finer family name than I. Perhaps you were more fortunate with your parentage than I." The blonde man gave a softer smile, his eyes changing to express... warmth? Anora's eyes displayed slight concern at hearing the man's words, nothing about his chosen words were overly hostile, but the way he spoke put her on edge.

"Do you have any issue with the Raunefeldt family?" Anora asked and adjusted her umbrella slightly. She looked abit uncomfortable.

"Besides their unwavering support of the Aurelian royals? No. I would even go as far as to say I owe your family some gratitude." Gadez smirked.

The young noblewoman crossed her arms after folding her umbrella. "What is that supposed to mean?" She felt as if the man in front of her was making fun of her… or mocking her family.

"Nothing to worry of. It's a minor thing. A boon given a long time ago. No doubt there will come a time for me to repay your… family. For their kindness." The blonde smirked yet again and turned around slightly.

Anora was typically a very collected, patient and perceptive person. But this man, whomever he were, was poking at her in some way. His words were praising, but the way he delivered them made them seem like threats. She found it very disturbing. Who was he to speak of her family in such a manner. Perhaps he was locked up for a reason.

"Do not play games with me! If you have some issue with my family, you will take it up with me. Are we clear?" Anora raised her voice, it was firm and clear. Her eyes defiant. She was now upset. Family was the very thing most important to her. This man was stepping on her toes, going into a dangerous territory. She held herself back from the bars and gave the guard a glance to not interfere.

"Of course. I wouldn't dream of speaking with your non-blood related brothers about such a thing." Gadez mused softly, reaching for his waterskin and taking a sip of water from it.

"You! So what if I was adopted? Does that make them any less family to me? Do you have any idea how it is to be an orphan? Where's your compassion for others?" Anora's eyes twitched, she could feel them being slightly watery, but she held it back. She wouldn't let this provocative mean spirited prisoner get the better of her. He must have been from Aurelia and heard it from the gossiping other nobles or something. She tightened her grip around her umbrella and her other hand tightened into a fist.

"...as a matter of fact. I do know how that feels. Liberating... yet also lacking. As if there's something hollow always within. Never filled. Like a hunger for something out of reach. Abit like how this particular building seems to sap ones magical potency quite effetively. But not all magic... there's magic in this world, which defies all laws." The blonde said in a softer voice, he then walked closer to the iron bars to look the young lady into the eyes.

"Then you out of anyone should know better. You don't know me, don't speak as if you do. You don't know anything about me. I am leaving now... You... you are a very unhappy man. Gadez." Anora straightened her back, put her umbrella over her shoulder, raising her chin upwards and gave the guardsman a nod that she was ready to be escorted out.

"Good thing you came by to lighten my mood then. Til next we'd meet, little opal." The blonde man mused softly, in a playful manner. His blue eyes turning into slits.

Anora stopped in her tracks, what did he just say to her? "What did you just..?" Anora bit back with a confused look in her eyes and teeth gritted. Had she met this man before in Aurelia? Did he know her middlename or was that a coincidence? She reached up to touch her two-coloured hair, her glove reaching up to the blonde fringe of hair, moving it out of her smooth pale face. She had the same issue as her older brother. Bothersome locks.

The guardsman stepped in. "You have to leave now, miss." He motioned to Anora to leave, even though she seemed eager to rush back to the bars to continue talking to their prisoner. Gadez simply watched with a soft smile, closing his eyes and giving her a wave of his hand, before his voice echoed again as he sung on his hymn again.

"---in the ashes of the night.. a secret child was born… lost within a mansion's light… future to be sown… in silent dreams a face appears… a mother lost to time… who birthed you child my dear?"

Gadez's hymn echoed along the stone walls and she found herself more or less pushed out of the jail by the guard. What in the world had just happened? She also felt as if the hollow void she had felt within the jail disappear.

'Who in the world was that? The way he looked at me. It was the same way those friends of my foster mother looked at their newly bought necklaces.' Anora's gentle eyebrows furrowed slightly. She would have to ask Ayel and Flynn what they knew about that man.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

The nobleman found himself surrounded in his bed by pillows, to the point of finding him would be an undertaking. The various walls bearing his portraits of himself. It was indeed a good thing he had brought them with him, the room would have felt insufficient and empty without these familiar faces.

Ayel allowed himself a satisfied smirk as he cuddled his way deeper down into his bed with the various pillows and his favorite doll next to him which was made in his own image. But it was a bed companion which he did not need anyone to know about, there would be all manner of ill rumors from such. Was it wrong to feel so beholden to an object which identified everything he liked. It was having an unchanging wrinkle-free face and the head was of the most fine porcelain. The artist had made good work of making it resemble him.

But as pleasing as the sights were, even his noble eyes required to rest, he simply couldn't strain his eyesight. He had plans to be the oldest man alive, proving for everyone to see that his blood was flawless and he could walk over to his dead adversaries graves and gloat. Then again… perhaps gloating to someone which couldn't respond back was bad sport? He couldn't be a bad sport.

The darkhaired Marquess smugly arranged the cucumber slices over his eyes and adjusted them to neatly cover up the only parts his face-mask was not covering.

He took a deep inhale and relaxed. Now he could get his beauty sleep. Nothing to worry about. The prince would have everything solved by the morning no doubt, string up some lowlife barbarian and that would be the end of that. He snuggled further down amidst the pillows.

[Bells toll]

"Ahhhhhhhh!" He screamed aloud as he was rudely disturbed by the sounds of bells being rung. He sat up amidst his pillows and the cucumber slices fell off his eyes and he angrily moved his cover away and grunted as he slide out of the bed, clad only in his nightgown, which was a knee-length white shirt, a sleeping net for his hair and the face mask.

He angrily moved over to the window which his workers had very recently put in place, he looked out the glass but couldn't see anything. Why in the world were there bells being sounded?

Were they being attacked? Was the Lunaris army attacking?! Or perhaps it was just some lunatic trying to ruin his sleep. Either way the ever determined nobleman made his way over to his wardrobe, slid a morning-robe of finest quality over his nightgown. He threw away the net holding his hair in place and carefully rearranged it, slipping on one of his feather adorned hats. He was clad in blue now. The colour was surely flattering him. Then again. What colour did not?

He scoffed and walked over and slid on his boots in a quick manner, darting out into the dining chamber where Anora was trying to sleep on a couch.

"Ayel.. what's going on?" She yawned slightly, not having slept but was reading a book and gradually getting there.

"I am about to find out! This better be an attack by those lousy half-bred barbarians! If I find out it's some drunk I'll string him up myself! Now excuse me!" Ayel straightened his back and walked over to put his elegant black overcoat over the blue morning robe he had donned.

He stepped out and heard some commotion.

But before he could make his way over there, he saw someone strutting over his lawn. He had clearly claimed this site as his home. This unsavory intruder was not only intruding, he was being caught redhanded!

"You there what do you think you are doing?! What in Aelios name is going on?!" Ayel barked out towards a man he could only assume was some swindler or bar patron with a coat that looked like it had been through some rough fifteen or so years.

"Ohoi landlubber! Tha' a mighty fine dress ye get yerself there madam! Me haven' got a clue 'bout wha's up. 'Cept the sky of curse." Claret tipped his imaginary hat at Ayel, as he no longer had his mighty headwear.

"What did you just call me? I am Lord Ayel Raunefeldt, I am very much a man! And you are intruding on my home and what is that disgusting accent you have? You are not a border-region crossbreed are you? Nevermind that! Get your reeking ill-timely self off my lawn!" Ayel yelled at the man, clearly agitated mostly from having woken up. But was this man the source of the problem? He didn't look like some murderer. He knew how those looked. This man was more like a sad poverted merchant of some kind.

"Aye? Beg ma pard'n yer lordshippiness! Me be on me merry way to find meself a room, shag an' drenk. So ye can get back to..." Claret replied and then his eyes wandered over the various statues that littered the front of the nobleman's home-in-progress.

"Yerself." He made a overexaggerated bow and turned around to walk away.

"No one tell me what to do! You hear me! You do not have permission to turn your back to me! I will turn my back to you! You hear me?! I have more pressing matters to attend to anyways!" Ayel raised his chin and nose up and turned to walk back in, before being reminded that he still needed to find out why the bells was ringing. He gruntingly waited for the irritating border-region brute to leave, before he carefully locked the door and scurried over the road to assess the situation. He peeked around a corner.

It didn't look like an attack. But maybe that was just what those underhanded barbarians wanted them to think. He wasn't going to let some uneducated apes get the better of him. Perhaps the guards had caught the murderer? He would inspect and if that didn't do it, perhaps he should ask those good-for-nothing guards by the jail.

'Ahh yes, the jail. I should see about funding the construction of a much bigger one. So much work to do. So many troublemakers to lock away.' He strode up to listen in on the announcements.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

The warrior-monk's eyes snapped open on hearing the bells ringing.

'My my… for whom does the bells toll? Let us hope it shall not be to taxing for the prince.' He mentally mused as he walked up closer to the bars of the cell. It seemed like everyone was taking their dear time, no priestess in sight, no prince and no guardsman with coal and papers. If things would turn out to take too long, he would have to bid the cell his leave, but for now patience was no doubt the best key. He wasn't one to disregard laws, well at the very least not the law he lived by. His own code. Most of the other warrior-monks had them aswell, albeit very different from his own, and their dedication to Aelios.

He had not been the fastest to rise in rank amidst them, for he was refusing to kneel or pray at the small shrine within the monastery. The superiors within the order did their best to try and punish him for it, were it isolation, hard labor or some other form of punishment. To the blonde however, all these punishments just further amplified his despise for the divine and for the King, which the order was in fact serving.

The order of Golden Death. Created by the kingdom of Aurelia to train young men into becoming fanatical defenders of the kingdom and it's sovereign and hunt down any would be claimants to the throne and other threats. How ironic. An order made to hunt down people like him, yet they were completely unaware that he was right under their nose. The sin made flesh. The very anti-thesis to all they stood for. Yet they had forged him into a weapon. And despite constantly irritating the superiors, the elders and the other younger ones. He ultimately reached the apex, having issued the challenge to defeat each and everyone of the others and doing so. Any rank or title however meant nothing. It didn't mean a thing then and not now.

It was all about proving something. The mind and body had to be like one. The monks had some things correct. But often they would prove themselves unable to live up to their own mantras. How many of them had he coerced into a fit of anger just to prove a point? He couldn't remember. But he did remember how liberating it felt when the monastery finally burned. Much like his old home. Fire always paved the way. It did so in the blizzard aswell. What better element to represent his devotion to his task than a fierce fire… ready to consume whatever happens to end up standing in the way.

But fire can also be warm and keep one from cold. The fire in ones heart could be two different things and he had experienced them both, yet one of them nearly rendered him blind. Blissfully so. Had he died back then, it would still have left a bittersweet feeling.

King Auric would have to die.

But each child born into the world have two parents, a father and a mother. Who was his mother? A traveller from the lands of frozen earth and jagged spines. How had she managed to slip past all the guards so easily? He didn't know. He couldn't know. But what he did know were that she settled in Aurelia, built a mansion outside of the capitol and had her servants with her. He could still remember her fierce blue eyes. The same kind which he inherited. Yet her other traits? What else did he inherit? Her heart and mind perhaps? And the devious and shrewd side of his father.

Yet while they were different, both had the same intentions. To turn him into nothing more than a puppet. No matter what, their paths would lead to him sitting on a chair unable to live. Freedom that was life. Choice is life. To chose what to do with it. What other purpose is there to exist, but to traverse down the path you've chosen for yourself?

The father threatened the mother, seeking to lay claim on his heir and bring him with him, and the mother sought to lead him far away to be under the thumb of another. Having heard and witnessed their meeting, he had just been a young boy, but he knew what it meant. Both sides of the coin led him to the same kind of place. But what about the edge of the coin? The path between. A narrow way to go. But it was better than the other two.

The boy gathered a few belongings, a music box, a ring and a few other things. Before he took the candle and brought it to the curtains and lit the mansion ablaze. Everyone managed to get out unscathed. He watched from the bushes in the night how his mother tried her best to get back into the building, but being held back by her servants. He knew his mother had a heart. Unlike his father. Yet it wasn't her heart he needed to heed… but his own.

Besides it wasn't he who broke her heart. But his father.

Love. Such a fleeting emotion. Dangerous. Volatile. Ruinous. His father had cast away that feeling as easily as one would discard the core of an apple, yet his mother had been unable to let go and was crushed by the truth.

She took her caravan and servants and left Aurelia. A long time ago. Never to return alive.

She was likely at least ten years older than his father, having caught the attention of the much younger Aurelian man with her exotic appearance. Her piercing blue eyes. The way she spoke with that northern accent, regal and proud, yet with a soothing and calming tone. How her dark long wavy hair flickered in the breeze and her tanned skin resembling the most warm of browns.

He could vividly picture her in his mind. But he never saw her again. She died a long time ago. Yet she had offspring. He knew this.

A sister who in turn also had a child. That he would have some distant relatives who were likely completely unaware of his existence did bring him some amusement. He knew they too had to deal with wicked men. Just because the land would change under the feet didn't mean human nature did.

Until now.

The warrior-monk smiled broadly as he observed his surroundings. To almost anyone else. He was indeed caged. But this was nothing compared to the cage he could have been in. The cage someone else now finds themselves unwittingly pushed into.

'Let see what can be done to break all the cages… and set everyone free. Are you watching, my grimalkin, maker of the gem? The bells... ring of fire, water, air and earth. The time is approaching for the revelation, of a father's sin written upon skin.' He mused and waited.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

There's always a reaction to an action. Whereof Zeph would believe him or not, or nibble at what was presented before him, either way the blonde gardener would learn something. From his observations Zephyros seemed to be an able listener, yet he maneauvered in conversations akin to Kira, careful to not let anything personal slip.

A guarded guardsman. At least he had chosen the right kind of work. The scoff the man had made was telling enough about the man. He was prideful. But it didn't come off as the same kind which some nobles would carry themselves, sucking unto any chance of gaining fame, material wealth or improved social standing. No. This man clearly was prideful of his present self. A man content with what he currently held within his grasp? Perhaps time would tell.

That Zephyros would consider to arrest Dyna was met with a soft snicker from the blonde. To consider something is not the same as agreeing to something.

"How considerate. But a consideration is not akin to a promise. Regardless... I shall draw the face of the boy. Why? I'll keep that part to myself." Gadez looked over his shoulder and smirked.

'I could consider sparing King Auric. Except that I have no intention of doing so. As for the boy. If he proves a too elusive prey for the guards of Dawnhaven, then I shall have to deal with him myself. Either way. That lone wolf is a thorn which must be removed. Any attempt to sow fear amidst the populace and pin the humans against the afflicted must not be allowed to persist. He's a threat to the great plan. I shall unroot him and toss him into the fire.' Gadez thought as he gave a slight nod to Zephyros.

"Flynn will come no doubt. I know he will be unable to resist the chance to possibly gloat and ask his questions. But will he like the answers? Now that's the curious part. Hahah… ahh… and I shall do my best to not miss you, Zephyros the breeze, I seldom miss. Hahahah..." Gadez laughed aloud as Zeph left the building. The blonde warrior-monk took a deep breath and exhaled through his mouth, then made his way over towards the sad-excuse of the bed. He sat on it and rested his back against the wall.

'No matter what happens. Battle will come to Dawnhaven. All I can do is to strengthen the only side worthy to win the final battle. The edge of the two-faced coin. Dawnhaven. The state of the world, my own conclusion to it... Aelios' shell. It rests beneath the Aurelian capitol. In an old forgotten temple. Down some dark passageways. It would make sense that her corporeal form would be nested amidst her followers. Which makes it all the more ironic. That it was likely one of her own followers that plunged this world into darkness. Now here's food for thought. Was it Auric or was it the highest amidst the clergy? Where her soul went. I have little doubt. But still such power would have done what it has done to the afflicted. Perhaps to a more potent degree. Divine power flowing out. If a mortal were to wield a fraction of that power and attain the same longevity of the divine, what use would there be for heirs?' He softly mused in his own head, shaking it softly afterwards.

The gardener chuckled. It didn't matter. He would fight on, like he always had, until the day he no longer could, would he die before or during his battle with Auric. Death was beckoning. Despite the hatred that had been channelled into sheer focus. He had felt that odd tingle again. That horrible. Awful feeling. He couldn't allow himself to fall prey to it again.

He closed his eyes momentarily as he delved into his memories.

Flashback

The sounds of a pendulum swinging from the left and the right. The olden clock giving off it's ticking tune. A constant reminder that time marches onwards. The bedroom was unlit, the window casting the only light into the room, the curtains flickering slightly from the wind outside. The skies were blue, the white fluffy clouds passing by. But these things could all not be seen by the woman lying in the bed, her vision robbed of her, like her left arm. Lost to an illness incurable. Her strength faltered and her time having reached it's epitaph. A young man is kneeling next to the bed, hand upon her remaining hand. His thumb caressing the slim pale fingers of the woman.

"The world is a mysterious place, perhaps it has turned out the way it was meant to be? Destiny. I would rather live in a flicker of a moment than not at all. My love, please keep on living. If not for yourself or for my sake. Do it for the precious stone we both hold dear." The soft weakened voice of the young woman lying in the bed said.

"You always had a flair for the dramatic, but then again, were you not who you are, I would never had fallen so badly. You are quite the cruel woman, priestess." The man said in a slightly jesting tone, as his mouth formed into a soft smile, his free hand reaching over to caress her forehead softly, moving her dark hair from her face.

"Do you regret it? Knowing now where the path trodden has led?" She asked softly as her thin fingers allowed themselves to squeeze his hand.

"Never." He said in a determined tone, his blonde hair falling over his eyes as he looked to her hand.

"It's soon time for me to go. You have to let me go. Hide our precious stone and when the time is right, turn it into gold. The lynx... hides a secret truth, it guards... the key... with iron will, the secret... turning stone to... gold." The pale woman said softly in a melodic way, her grey eyes which once could behold the world, was now unable to see anything at all.

"I shall then bear the brand and watch from afar to keep it safe from hands impure." The blonde man softly lifted her hand and planted a kiss upon it, and then to his suprise the hand stroked his cheek.

"I know you will. I know you cannot forgive the hand which we've been dealt, and that you blame the divine as much as King Auric. But try find it in your heart to forgive yourself at least. You knew you could not save me, yet you tried with all your might. That is more than enough for me." The fairskinned young woman said with a soft smile forming on her lips, a single tear slipping from her left eye, sliding slowly down her cheek, only to be caught by the man's soft hand.

"I may forgive myself, but the world. I cannot, I will not forgive any cosmic force which has sentenced us to this fate, for you to fade away, and for me to continue on. Alone." The man said in a bitter tone, his blue eyes underneath his blonde hair narrowed.

"Love shall always surpass hate. It's harder to let go of something you love, than something you hate..." She caressed his cheek with her fingers before her strength began to gradually fade, leading her hand to be guided down to rest on her chest by the man.

"When you are gone, it shall be the only thing remaining. Save for the precious gem, which I must ward not only from our foes but from myself aswell lest my path shall consume it aswell. I'll create a new world. Watch over us will you?" He said in a soft tone, before leaning in to plant a soft kiss on her lips, a lone tear sliding down his cheek before falling. A soft melody of a musicbox playing in the distance and then...

[BANG] The sound of it slamming into the floor echoed in his memory, the scenery faded away and all became dark.

Alchemy is about mixing of two things.

'Love. Such a double edged sword. How it has wounded me. You made my aspirations waver. It is indeed a power, a dangerous volatile power. My heart must remain dead... '



'Just like you... my phantom serene.'

@The Muse

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Claret Crown

The two guards located upon the wooden walkway, just above the gate leading into Dawnhaven, just stared at each other.

"What did he just say? That fellows got four arms, I didn't know they could have that. Did ya? And captain crown? That's a wanted man, I saw the posters, but this fellow doesn't have a hat or a ship. I think he's trying to take us for fools. Besides his nose looks nothing like the poster." The younger guardsman explained to his senior guardsman friend.

"Shut your yapper. None make a fool out of me on my watch. Watch this." The grey-bearded guard straightened his stance, puffed up his chest and leaned over the railing.

"Hey you! Traveller! What brings you to Dawnhaven? Also we are not buying your story, if you would be some infamous wanted pirate, where's your hat and your ship?" The older guard asked, scanning the obvious pretender-pirate.

"Ohoi! Me swear on me dead offspring that aren't even born yet, that me have only spoken o' the truth (this time). Me hat me gifted away, me ship sank to the bottom o' the sea." Claret made a court motion, bowing his head while holding all four of his arms to his sides.

"Oi! Now he's doin' it again, he is no pirate, this fellow is a sham, some con-man pretending to be famous when he is probably just piss poor an drunk." The younger and more critical guard relayed to his companion while keeping his hand on his bow. He always wanted an opportunity to show off his growing skill in archery.

"Shut up! I am not an idiot, I can see when someone is trying to deceive me. Inherited that from my mother." The grey-bearded man replied swiftly in a reprimanding manner.

"'Ey are ye two done dawdlin' up there an ready to let this shipwrecked but handsome sea dog in?" Ex-Captain Crown stood patiently below and before the gates, hoping it would take ages for them to open. But then again. He wasn't an expert when it came to those kind of things.

"Look how eager he is! No eyepatch, no pegleg, no parrot... not even a hook! This fellow is trouble, we can't let in someone who lies to honest hardworking guardsmen." The more youthful of the duo made acute perceptions of the scene before them, and relayed it to his friend, whose eye-sight may not be what it once were.

"Shaddap! I dont need you to tell me that. Let's test him." The older guard grinned deviously.

" Ye know! It really is probably kind of chilly out 'ere ye know! Me would freeze my knockers off if me had any." Claret stated in a matter of fact kind of voice, the clear lack of knockers on his mind left him feeling at a deep loss.

"What? We are deliberating if we can, with good consience let you in here. We don't believe for a second that you are telling the truth." The shorter, more young of the capable duo yelled out to the patient pirate.

"Ah fer feckin' salty sam's soiled pantaloons. Listen 'ere gents... Me just wanna get in, 'ave a good drink, some booty an do abit of handiwork... aye?" Claret explained in the best calm way that he could, he couldn't afford to get into a fight the first thing he did. Coming to think of it, with his empty coin purse he couldn't really afford anything until he would find someone with a loose coinpurse.

"Shit... I had just forgotten how thirsty I am. That arse out there reminded me of how sad my belly is without a drink or two in it." The barely twenty summers old guard lamented his plight to his more experienced counterpart, who knew just what to say.

"Be quiet! I haven't had a strong one for over a week for that damnable blizzard." The gruff older guard said in a slightly irritated voice. Why was he always the one to suffer? He sure enough could bet someone fancy like Sir Abel had the time of his life at this point. And what did he get? Guard duty.

"Oh ya the snowstorm, I got stuck in the inn. Thank Seluna." The younger guard said in a slightly jovial tone, all things considered, he didn't care where he were, only that there were some food and drinks.

"Shhh! Keep your moon goddess praise out from our guard duty, it's cold enough without you asking her for more. Try pray to Aelios for once, maybe the sun will come back so I can get myself a good all over tan again." The greybearded man momentarily took off his helmet to show his pale bald spot on his receding hair.

"All over tan? I didn't know you were the sunbathing kind. Shit... thought ya knew a fellow." The young man sighed and then both his and his friends attention fell on Claret again.

"Do me need to lay siege to ye dawn town to enter?! This captain is thinkin' o' boardin' the wall. Me thought ye town would welcome unfortunate blighted souls?" The priate crossed his two upper arms over his chest and let the lower two rest at his waist, he would let them know that his patience was gradually growing thin.

"Look! There he goes again with the attitude and temper! Trouble if I ever saw it. Selfish bastard, it's all about him. He might not be a pirate, captain or famous, but he sure likes to lie and pretend he's a fancy actor. If he only lied half as good as Aldrick plays the- what is that instrument called again?" The ever critical and energic youngster turned to his father figure of a friend.

"Shush! The heck do I know. Isn't the man a singer? It doesn't matter. Allright, mister, whomever you are or pretending to be, we will not accept any unlawful behaviour in Dawnhaven. If we find you with any of your four hands where they shouldn't be. You going straight to jail." The greyhaired man crossed his arms as he spoke, this was his first shift at the gate where actually someone came by.

"What he said." The younger man chimed in.

"Ye, ye fair 'nuff. Are ye goin' ta let me in then?" Claret yelled back to them, bringing his two top hands up to his face, one pinching the bridge of his nose, the other facepalming.

"What if this fellow is here to steal our work. He got as many arms as we have together. They could hire him and then only pay one instead of two...if Volkov sees and hire this guy for guarding the gate. That means..." It was in a fearful tone that the younger of the dynamic duo relayed his realization to his solution solving friend.

"Oh shu- wait... you are right. That means we would have to do outhouse duty, cleaning the stables or be stationed in front of that nobleman's building. The obnoxious loud lord." The greyhaired man almost seemed to curse under his breath, his friend was bringing in some new angles.

"Ya! That's what I was thinking! It's in our best interest to keep the bad ones out and the good ones in. But wait a second... what if his side is the inside? If you think about it, Dawnhaven lies outside of both kingdoms." The youthful man rubbed his neck as he tried his best to try his luck at thinking.

"Are you trying to give me a headache? Who cares about that? We should test him just to make sure he is harmless." The greying old codger hit his tightened fist into the palm of his other hand.

"Me have to inform ye noble guardsmen, whilst ye were busy enrichin' yerselves, me found a lil bit o' cotton in me navel. Wish me had somethin' better ta do like shaggin' or bowin' meself afore them highnesses!" Claret poked his ear and held a hand before his mouth to try shield the duo from his yawn.

"Oi! We were discussing your potential future in our town! You should try be a little more considerate, it isn't easy being in charge of everyone's safety." The younger energy-filled guard yelled out to the ungrateful vagrant at their gate. Who did he think he was?

"What my friend here just said. Also... shut your damn mouth. I am the good talker. So we have decided to test you. To see if you are safe to let in or not. First off. Do you have any weapons? Do you know magic? Do you consider yourself reliable? How much coin do you carry on your person? What is the velocity of an arrow when fired from a fully strung bow?" The older man asked.

"Tha' a composite or a shortbow? What the quality o' the arrow? Is it fired aiming upwards, forwards or down from an elevation?" Claret quickly asked while giving a shrug.

"I- I don't.. to heck with that question! Answer the rest!" The old guard barked out.

"He's doing it again! Trying to act all smart and ejucated." The younger once again chimed in.

"Educated you idiot! And zip it!" The wiser of the duo hushed and corrected his companion.

"We'll lesse 'ere, me gots four cutlasses, alot sharper than regular lasses. Me be havin' twenty-fer throwin' daggers. Me also know abit o' magic, blow all the wind out o' ya sails. Gah hah hah! Yarr? Me be reliable as the steerin' wheel o' me ol' ship, and me even got the same impressive wood. Coin on me person? Why would me be havin' tha? Ye bury the chests with coin or ye spend it on drinks an' other pleasures!" Claret said in a more cheery tone when he recollected about all the impressive things about him and what manner of things he would hopefully be up to. Once. If. He could get past that gate.

"Oi... that arse reminded me about needing a drink again. I hate his guts, but he's right. I would have spent my coin at the inn, but my wife would kill me." The young man said through gritted teeth as his hand dug into the wooden railing.

"Sh- what? You are married? When did that happen? Nevemind! Hmm... well after careful consideration." The older guard began to explain as he stood proudly with crossed arms.

"Aye?!" Claret called out, eager to hear the next few words. But a third guardsman was heard.

"What is going on here? Let the traveller inside! Open the gate! " A third man barked out sternly to the two on the railing.

"We were just about to do that! We were!" The younger called out.

"Oh shut up already!" The older added.

"'Ell that wasn't so hard. Well she ne'er said that to me ever. Feck. Me need a drink. Bloody. Me fergot me had me rum. " He reached for his bottle of rum, uncorked it and took a swig.

"Alot more rum where tha' came from. Oh pard'n me." He bumped into one of the guards,and quickly bowed his head appologetically, brushing off the man's armor and clothes with his four hands. Then discreetly snatching the keychain by his belt, slipping it into his own coat.

"Pleasure's all mined, tha's what the golddigger said. I'm off to find meself some key people o' interest."

Claret then began to sing aloud on his way to what he assumed was the place for booze and booty.

"Salty sam had a thick big log, oh his lass was whinin' like a dog. But he couldn't know, what was next for the show, he expected shag but upon seeing her cannons sag. He knew, swaggin' didn't always lead to shaggin'. Oh poor salty sam, saltiest sailor of the stormy seas, his sail always raised, his massive wooden plank ready to deal with any skank. Oh salty sam, where's yer load of sea men, ready to serve ye at yer beck an' call. Hurry, swashbucklrrin' with flurry, he thrust his trusty rapier into a trap, and sure enough it made his confidence snap!" He whistled abit before continuing.

"Oh salty sam, saltiest sailor of the stormy seas! Nay man as hard and just, his keel into every wet wave he thrusts! Now he's a family man, and any attempt to flee is met with fryin' pan. Oh salty sam, why did ye the princess ram? Oh ye scoundrel and envy of every sea men whose out to be like ye! Oh brave the wave, or live life in marriage and be a slaaaaaaaaaaaave!" Claret sung out aloud, now in a far more cheery mood. He jumped into the air and clicked his heels together.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Gadez Paladice

"Hnn...hnn... I do not judge a book by it's cover, neither by the title, the condition of the pages or how reviled or praised it is by others. What matters the most is what it contains." Gadez said in a soft tone, walking up close to the bars that separated the two and looked into Zeph's hazel eyes with his own ghostly blue.

"A bastard of Auric hm? I am certain there are others which would make such a preposterous claim, but why in the world would someone like -that- man repeat his mis-steps of the past? When that little thing has no doubt kept him sweating at nights. Did that child perish in the fire... or did he light it himself to elude him?" The blonde man chuckled, his gaze and body unflinching.

"The truth is often sought, but once presented with it, could you tell it apart from fairytales? A bastard. What makes one such? Is it because of a birth outside of wedlock?" Gadez asked as he allowed his blonde hair momentarily fall over his eyes, shade falling over the top part of his face.

"But there's another meaning of the word." He leaned in closely to the bars and lowered his voice.

"Hybrid." He said in a hushed, if not abit dramatic tone of voice.

"You are too harsh on yourself, you are not daft, but are clever enough to see the truth and aid yourself? We shall see..." He looked upwards, his hair moving away from his eyes momentarily.

'So that foolish boy decided to attack Amaya? As I suspected, he couldn't take no for an answer. But she is now missing? How you spoil a prisoner with the latest news, Zephyros.' The gardener thought to himself as he lowered his voice.

"Indeed. If there would be an attack upon the princess, I would think he'd be the one. As to our connection? I tried to have him unhand the girl, much to his displeasure. But the princess in her youthful pride decided to lead said boy away, arm in arm If my memory serves me right. Accompanied by her palehaired female friend, two guardsmen by the looks of it and... a little kittycat." He chuckled at the last part before blowing some air out of his mouth.

"Looked like they were heading away from the inn, towards the outskirts perhaps? Not to worry, I already alerted my younger brother, Flynn of her situation. That was before my rather eventful meeting with the champion of folly. Hahah... but now we are here, right where the pathways in the maze of life has led us. Fortunately for you Zephyros, I have something you need, and you have the key to this cell and may have me released from here. Question is, are you willing to make such a bargain?" The blonde man smiled and went over towards the wall, looking up at the window far above.

"Get me some parchment and some coal, and I may draw the face of that boy upon it. To be able to provide the face of the princess attacker so early on by a guardsman like yourself may earn you not only prestige. But perhaps a rise in rank amidst your peers, but the favor of the prince and princess for aiding in capturing that young fool too. Coming to think of it, it's very...convenient of said... self-proclaimed champion of Aelios to seal away a man who knew about all of this, wouldn't you say? Perhaps you've ought to bring her here just to be safe that she didn't orchestrate this attack I hear the adjacent cell is even more welcoming than this one. No better place to make ones prayers in neither. Such solitude. Barring the temples." He spoke in a shrewd manner, but couldn't help but snicker at the end, while tapping his temple with a finger.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

"Fortune favours the bold, and our darkened world needs all the fortune it can get. But I am, what I have to be. Zephyros then? Curious name. But I suppose the wind has guided you here for a reason. Each soul within these walls play a part in a grand play, which shall determine the fate of this world. You may think it mere ravings of a madman, or you may indulge yourself in the possibility…" Gadez softly spoke as he walked slightly closer towards the bars separating him and Zeph.

"Guts hm? We all have them. When it comes to self-preservation though, none is more adept at it than the King of Aurelia. I pray that Prince Flynn has inherited that part, but not his heart. There's many curious traits in that bloodline though, sometimes the apple falls very far away from the tree. Perhaps to someday become a tree itself with apples of it's own? The prophecy isn't quite what it seems to be. Then again? How many things are? Could you discern the truth from the lies?" The blonde man chuckled, and dragged his right index finger along the bars as he walked.

"Despite how well barred something is, even at the smallest of gaps, things can slip through. However, you need not worry that I would somehow break out of here. I put myself here at my own discretion. I'll let you in on one of a few reasons, as you seem to be a good listener. Earlier this day a boy approached the princess. Darkhaired and dark-eyed, hungry and with quite the gaze. One can only wonder what intentions he had in mind. I know his ilk, the kind whose overly eager to prove their mettle against other wolves, but what if said wolf was growling at a bear? A very sly bear." Gadez allowed himself an amused smirk as he pointed his finger at his forehead.

"That boy will no doubt come looking for me, and what better place to trap a wolf, than in a cage... with a bear. If said boy will not give chase, then I am not at a loss. For I have free lodgings and my other reasons keeping me well placed in the chapter which we all find ourselves, Zephyros the breeze. Including people who seeks the dangerous knowledge which some would label as... truth." He momentarily turned around, his gaze over his shoulder as he walked around the cell, throwing a momentary glance at the small barred window of the cell far above.

"Now to your question... what is Dawnhaven? It is a trap, but also a staging ground. To the two kingdoms, a loss of an heir would be reason enough to wage a just war. But what if you could in the same stroke as you lose your golden beacon, also have the opposing kingdom attack the place to subdue the growing threat. That is the blightborn. Neither kingdoms' citizens would feel at ease knowing there's a wolf den in their backyard. Would you let your children out to play, knowing fully well what's out there? People can easily be ruled by fear. It has been a thing of the past, and will always sadly be a part of human nature, to fear that which we find foreign... obscure... anomaly." He blew some air through his mouth and stretched his arms slightly.

"If Lunaris attacks Dawnhaven and Prince Flynn dies, then Aurelia will not only have remnants of Dawnhaven on it's side and a weaker Lunaris, they will also have a reason to see the kingdom of ice and snow… burn. Aurelia however will not attack Dawnhaven unless Dawnhaven itself manages to eclipse Lunaris. Thereby becoming the larger threat. I find it highly ironic that the weapon which Aurelia relies upon, the blight, is the same weapon which may cause it's undoing." He allowed himself a laugh and set his blue eyes on Zephyros.

"My loyalty lies with Dawnhaven ultimately. Regardless of what it may think of me. Because the blight, despite the pain and suffering spread across our world, has done the unthinkable. It has allowed people to see past the two sides of the coin and realized that there's an edge to a coin too. And now we are standing upon it, hoping that it will grant us the future, that neither warring goddess would let us have willingly." He held his hands behind his back as he gave another smirk, taking a moment to pause before continuing.

"If the sun returns to how it were, with either kingdom as the ultimate victor, we would be all thrown back into the endless loop. The wheel of time. Only difference is that all blightborn would be destroyed, either by the return of the bright skies or by people who will not accept them. They claim they seek a cure for the blight? The cure is already here under their noses. Acceptance. Like one has to accept that nothing in our world is truly eternal. Not even the divine. What does matter in the end, is what you lived for... or died for. In my case, I am here to make certain that Dawnhaven will prevail, no matter what ending that is awaiting. But that is what makes life thrilling isn't it? Not knowing the truth from the lies." He quickly turned around, his hair swaying in the air as he almost took on a sinister facial expression.

"The lynx in shadows silent, keeps a hidden truth… it softly weeps. The heart of alchemy it holds, the secret turning stone to gold. With eyes that shimmer brighter still, It guards the key with iron will. An oath written in ink upon the skin, a mark of death and father's sin, an olden secret kept within. For all whom lay eyes upon it, has the knowledge to turn the stone to gold." The gardener almost chanted, like he was reciting some text from an old tome.

"Hahah… ahh… now imagine if someone like yourself were to simply drop a key. Now that would be a certain way to make a particular champion very, very sour. Quite tempting isn't it? Well… accidents do happen. I am certain my younger brother would understand once he finds the time. Hopefully he found the princess in time." He chuckled and went over to sit on the bed in the cell, crossing one leg over the other.

@The Muse

Realms of Sun & Shadow

It was with amusement that he watched how Dyna's eyes displayed clear disdain for his words. He had seen eyes like this before back at the monastery whenever he openly mocked the fellow monks for their faith in Aelios. It felt like a lifetime ago since he had first stepped inside those stone walls, the jail he was now finding himself reminded him abit about it. It even had it's resident faithful follower of Aelios.

'Guard your heart better girl, lest your true enemy shalt rip it from you, and none other be to blame for it than you for displaying it so clearly, knowing fully well you tread a pebbled path… I suppose I've ought to know.' He closed his eyes momentarily, then opened them as someone else entered the vicinity.

A guardsman by the looks of it. It had been awhile since he had the pleasure of conversing with one, seemed like things were going quite well indeed.

"Hnn...hnn… Cold? Not as cold as some other people in this darkened world of ours. Yet even the coldest of things can melt when subjected to the right kind of tincture. I also have no interest to impress that girl, it's more about leaving footprints where the lynx has strayed. For sought after it is, for the secret held within it's paw. To turn stone to gold." The blonde watched as the enchanter entered the vicinity aswell, casting some magical runes. Soon enough he felt the difference all around and even within him. An anti-magic field. Gadez allowed his finger to trace the outline of his tattoo before reaching for his shirt and starting to slowly put it back on.

"Ahh yes, Aelios granting such radiant strength! Especially to your sister which has to put up with you. In addition to her... condition." Gadez gave a mocking smug smile to Dyna. Then he waited until Dyna had left before addressing the newly casted warding spell.

"Oh? My my… it's been awhile since I felt that little tingle. Would had been a shame if someone lost their temper and threw a spell in here indeed. You are wise to ward it from such things. But there are far more dangerous things in our world than a spell or two. Though I must say I find it curious to ponder just how that ward interacts with magic that is abit more… primal. But I am certain we'll find out once a blightborn steps within this place. A pity you cannot put up a ward against folly, for that champion seems to carry it like a torch, to be blinded by the shimmer light is as dangerous as being out in the darkest of night." The blonde chuckled softly and brushed off his pants as he rose to his feet, walking over to one of the stone walls of the cell, leaning against it.

"I do not deal in threats however, but promises. A threat can be made by anyone and people typically tend to not follow through on such, a promise however is something people are more inclined to keep. Regardless of where the path may lead. Hahah...hah... Ahh... but the girl is correct on the other thing, I do like to converse. I would however like to add that it isn't just me whom you should be wary of, for the world which we live in is quite overflowing with honest looking smiling men, eager to place a dagger in your back when it is most suitable. Learn peoples true nature and you will be a king amongst pawns. Unfortunately for the girl which just left, she is one whose only able to step forwards, she has unwittingly gifted me three boons aswell. Said boons however, I am afraid I cannot share with you." Gadez placed a finger before his lips and smiled with his eyes closed.

'A book deemed to dangerous, for the grim truth kept within is usually hidden and locked away. For what seeker of truth could ever resist the temptation to look for it? Now when someone has left crumbles upon your doorstep, leading you towards the hidden glade where the lynx has strayed. Go fetch the Prince, little champion of the goddess, lead him right to me. Let us hope that he found his precious other half and the wolf did not prevail. Oh said wolf will no doubt come looking. So many guests and no cake to offer. Oh well, cake just make you fat anyhow.' The gardeners eyes wandered over towards Zeph.

"There is no man more wicked, than a man who may tell between the truth and lies of this world, and choosing to either do nothing at all, or help spread the lies. King Auric dons this mantle well as does the clergy. Pray tell, what is your name guardsman? What has driven you to this haven of the damned? Do you realize what this place actually is? Most of the populace here does not seem to know..." The blueyed mans eyes set right at Zeph's. "I go by the name of Gadez Paladice. A humble gardener and occasional performer. An obvious danger, as you can see." He pressed off the wall and made a butler-like bowing motion towards Zeph, his almost ever present smile on his lips.

@Queen Arya