dreamingflowers

Avalia

Time: Late morning
Location: Roshmi city
Interactions: @Dezuel
Ambiance: Roshmi

---

Ilan walked beside Baraian in comfortable silence. They were heading towards the marketplace of Roshmi. The dark elf believed it would be a place where humans could likely be gathering. Ilan didn't know much about humans yet. He had learned they were not as different as he expected. Like any who lived in Avalia they had hopes dreams, the need for food, shelter and safety. Ilan listened to Baraian's kind words, delivered in a toneless voice, something Ilan had grown accustomed to. He listened to his words, not in the manner he chose to deliver them. The faun was touched by what he said. He hoped one day he could play his music in times of peace. Until then, he would use it to ease the pain of war.

The walked through the gates of the immense demi-human city. Ilan always needed a few minutes to adjust to all the overwhelming sights, sounds and smells the city had to offer. Once he'd settled he grew less weary of the loud noises and bustling crowds. He was grateful he'd visited Roshmi often when he was younger. It was less threathening, and he could enjoy the inviting atmosphere of all the city sights. The marketplace while still very well visited and appreciated by the city folk was not what it used to be. As the war intensified it slowly spilled into the city too. Ilan remembered his grandmother telling him about some of the beauty of Roshmi, which now sadly was no longer there. Even he could remember the market had seen better times.

Luckily some of his favorite stalls were still there and offered everything to his heart content. The scent of flowers made him happy and gleaming honey cakes were stacked on top of each other, creating golden towers of sweet delight. He walked over to the bakery stand and looked at the cakes, smiling at the many memories he had of eating them. Next to the bakery stand there was a modest flower stand. Ilan inspected their wares from a distance. He could tell they sold less well-known flowers, the ones who were only popular with the people who knew what they were. Ilan loved stalls like that one. There was always something to find he didn't expect.

Baraian suggested he would play his lyre to draw the crowd. Ilan turned and looked up at the dark elf.
"Yes that is a great idea!"
He exclaimed with enthusiasm, his voice getting a little higher. Afterwards he got a little closer to Baraian and covered part of his mouth with his hand, whispering to him. Ilan failed to realize his gesture was anything but covert, in fact his attempt at muffling out his words made him look all the more suspicious.
"It will give you some time to sort through the crowd, once they are all in one place"

There was an empty stand next to the flower stand, the vendor most likely having a day off. Ilan swiftly jumped on top of the wooden boards, with the ease of a deer. He took the lyre from his back and slowly people started to turn their heads his way expectantly. Ilan felt the familiar butterflies in his stomach rise through his entire body, as eyes from all over were looking at him. He smiled kindly and started to play a joyful tune, his notes smooth like water flowing from a fountain.

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Ra Monde
Interactions: @Dezuel @Hide on mana
Ambience: Ra Monde

---

Ilan was relieved Baraian agreed with his opinions. The faun listened to him attentively, taking in what he was saying. The dark elf moved towards him and placed both hands on his shoulders. For a split second, his senses tingled, ready to make him dart away to safety. His ears perked and his tail shivered. There was no need to be afraid. At first the dark elf had scared him, but he found there was nothing to fear from him. The tension left his body and he looked up at the man, flinching inwardly at the harshness of his red eyes.

Baraian's words moved him. It'd been a while since anyone had spoken of him with such words of praise and kindness. It reminded him of the encouraging speeches of his late grandmother. Ilan smiled softly, looking down at the ground, feeling embarrassed at the amount of attention he was receiving all of a sudden. It was good to know his contribution hadn't gone unnoticed and his strengths were appreciated. His purpose was clear now. To create unity and watch over the rebels who were in need. He was determined to give it his best shot. Ilan stood a little firmer on his feet and took to his new task with renewed energy and spirit.

"I will try my best to keep the rebels united in kindness." "If we save the humans from the dangers of Avalia, maybe they will help us fight the Lich king"
He was speaking more confidently. Ilan started to see a new future. The rebellion was going to be their first step to a better world.

"I'll go and ask Kuroi if he can help us with our search in Roshmi"
Ilan said, repeating the request Baraian gave him. The dark elf wasn't confident in his ability to persuade the fan wielding demi human. Ilan didn't set out to talk Kurio into anything. He hoped the vulpine would see the value of searching for other humans. Ilan was confident he would, Kuroi was equally as observant and intelligent as he was skilled in combat. He came to Belladonna's and his defense in the infirmary, a gesture neither of them would soon forget. Ilan had never properly thanked him for protecting them, without even knowing either Belladonna or him. This would be a great chance to do so.

The faun made his way through the camp, trying to recall where Kuroi had chosen to place his tent. After a while he found it, situated up a little higher, to create a vantage point. It gave Ilan a sense of security, knowing there was always someone watching over him. The faun did not find the vulpine in his usual abode. In fact he wasn't by his tent at all. One of the youths who was under Kuroi's tutelage pointed out he'd already gone into the city with Belladonna. Best to catch up to them soon!

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Ra Monde
Interactions: @Dezuel
Ambience: Ra Monde

---

Ilan was caught of guard by Baraian and his questions. He hadn't expected him to exit his tent. The faun composed himself and cleared his throat, looking up at the dark elf hesitantly.
"I wanted to know what our plans are for the rebellion." If there was any other way he could help Ilan wanted to know. Undoubtedly there was much more to do than just take care of the sick and injured. Finding other humans had been on his mind for a while now. Maybe that was something he could do. Although that would mean venturing outside of Ra Monde.

"There must be other humans in Roshmi..."
Ilan started a little unsure. Having other humans join the rebellion would inspire morale. Also it would give the humans a safe place to hide. Roshmi was a large city, but this world was new to them. It was easy to get lost, meet the wrong people. At the worst end up like the first human Ilan had met.

"Maybe we can go look for them."

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Ra Monde
Interactions: @Dezuel
Ambience: Ra Monde

---

After training Ilan returned to the safety of Ra Monde, as was his custom. Mr Alburn was needed elsewhere so the faun was left to his own devices for the remainder of the day. He was unsure what to do with himself. There were no patients to care for at the moment. It wasn't easy to relax, play a joyful tune, eat some honey cakes. There was this perpetual atmosphere of tension in Ra Monde. Belladonna's arrival had lit up the spark inside the hearts of the rebels. Everyone seemed anxious to spring into action. Ilan wasn't the only one training, every capable person had taken up weapons and other means of self defense. The prospect of war made Ilan very uneasy. He remembered what little he'd seen of it. Actual battle experience he didn't have a lot of. He only got involved in the aftermath, when he took care of the wounded.

The young faun wandered around the grounds of Ra Monde with a frown on his face, accompanied only by his troubled thoughts. Belladonna was now the leader of the Golden Death. Ilan knew little about them, the stories varied and up until he'd seen Baraian he didn't even know they truly existed. They weren't as scary as he initially thought, at least Baraian seemed to have their best interest in mind, despite of the circumstances during their first meeting. Ilan hoped Belladonna would do well as a leader. The rebels really wished for it, so maybe so should he.

During his walk he passed by Baraian's tent. He heard the dark elf laughing hysterically. Ilan looked at the entrance of the tent with a questioning look, the corners of his mouth drawing into a involuntary smile. He was pretty sure he'd never heard the man laugh like that before, or rather laugh at all. He hesitated to go inside. The faun didn't really have any business to discuss, on the other hand being Belladonna's advisor he might have some plans on what they should do next. He stood outside of the tent, fidgeting with the hem of his sleeve. The laughter started to die down.

Ossvien

Time: Dawn
Location: Mermaid's fortune deck
Interactions: @Legion02
Ambience: Calm sailing

---

Nur was rudely interrupted by the sea witch Aharuhn. A day would come, sooner rather than later where she would find some curse to instill some manners into this wretched excuse of a man. He was bad mouthing the men she was tending to. They made an effort to ignore Aharuhn much to her satisfaction. The sailor whom she'd helped recover from his seas sickness was intimidated by the presence of the sea witch. She could tell by his body language. He was trying to excuse himself from the scene rather awkwardly. Before he had the chance to fully scurry away however Nur took his hand once again, asking after his well being. Having ensured he would not faint on the spot Nur felt it was alright to let him leave. She just wanted to make it obvious he left on her terms, and because she told him to. Not because Aharuhn was threatening him. Nur would not let him treat her patients like that.

He shoved a crumpled piece of parchment into her hands forcefully. She put down her basket with tea and held the parchment with both hands, so the wind wouldn't fold it every which way. Her eyes wandered over the crude attempts at some sort of glyph. She realized it wasn't ink he'd used, the faint smell of iron made her wrinkle her nose in disgust. Nur began to recognize certain markings, while others didn't seem to make much sense, remaining a mystery. Aharuhn was hovering over her and it filled her with a sense of discomfort, displeasure evident on her face. She knew glyphs of this kind were used in a rarely practiced magical tradition, one in which her clan dabbled in. It was rumored to drive women who commanded such magic insane.

Merely holding something of such gravity made Nur weary and at the same time also somewhat scared. She hated to admit Arahun was the one on the ship who scared her. She could not disarm him with her charms which disturbed her. It was the only weapon at her disposal to protect herself, since her magic was unreliable and fading. Nur was determined not to show her fear. She pushed the parchment back into his hands, glad to be rid of it.

"I've never seen this before in my life" She lied poorly. Her tone was unconvincing, the fear of the dangerous magic having seeped into her voice despite her best efforts.

Nur turned to face him. She picked up her basket and held it between them like a sort of barrier. If he was going to attempt something she had no trouble splashing his face with boiling tea.
"Now stay out of my way, I'm tending to the crew." She spat at him, her voice was on the verge of trembling. He had really caught her of guard with that parchment.
"Don't you have some cloud to interpret" Nur sneered, pointing up at a mostly cloudless sky. She whirled around, hastening herself to be away from the man. The confounded witch took refuge near a group of sailors who were polishing the woodwork. She offered them some tea, needing some herself to calm her fluttering heart.

𝔸 𝕋𝕚𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕌𝕟𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨𝕟: 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕆𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝔹𝕦𝕤

Heey
I´m already involved in two other roleplays, so I am going to stay out of this one. Sorry!

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: A forest close to Ra Monde
Interactions: None
Ambience: Trees and lanterns

---

Week summary

It had taken Ilan a day or two to get used to small amounts of daylight in the rebel hiding place of Ra Monde. The times he ventured outside were few and far between. Multiple reasons made the faun remain underground, sometimes against his will. The rebels advised him not to go outside on his own. He had been seen with two humans already which made them fear for his safety. Ilan wholeheartedly agreed, not being the bravest soul known to man. A protector had been appointed to him, a stern and unforgiving grey monk Mr Alburn who also insisted on him staying safe. Staying safe however in Mr Alburns book didn't simply mean hiding out in Ra Monde. The both of them awoke at the crack of dawn each day to train outside in the surrounding forests. He showed Ilan how to hit moving targets with his slingshot and instilled some much needed life lessons into the young faun.

Ilan found Mr Alburns countenance difficult to stomach at times, his outlook often clashing with his own. Yet there was something there, within their disagreements as opposites in life. Young and old, soft and hard, weak willed and steadfast, they came to a middle ground. Mr Alburn was despite his age not unwilling to learn. Ilan taught him about the subtle strength of kindness, gentleness sometimes without even realizing it.

The faun had taken up his old occupation as an apprentice healer. He wanted to make himself useful to the rebel forces. After they trained he would gather herbs under the watchful eyes of his mentor. The man claimed to have been a healer at the infirmary to win his trust. Ilan however soon found out that wasn't true. He couldn't tell one plant from the next, let alone their healing properties. He didn't make any mention of it. There was no need to attack the man for not telling the truth.

Ilan and Belladonna had the chance to get to know one another. Ilan found her to be kind and a little withdrawn much like himself. At times she was difficult to read or understand. They spend time together in between Ilan's training and healing sessions. Together they cooked up an idea to figure out her natural affinity for one of the four natural elements. Surprisingly it did actually work. It took a few attempts to get it right. They found out Belladonna was connected to water. Ilan tried his best to teach her how to use her magic with his own limited experience. It wasn't easy for either of them. Ilan didn't have any magic of his own, he drew it out from his lyre. Belladonna had to draw the magic from herself. By trial and error they found some techniques which worked out well.

Present time

"Put your back into it boy, don't hold back because I'm old!" Mr Alburn barked at the young faun. Ilan was trying to hit the old monk who was running in between the trees. They were using bundles of weighted fabric, tied together with strings. A piece of clay was added in the centre to add weight. It felt different to stones. Still he was hesitant in using them. Mr Alburn made him aim for his head. He had to forego his lyre and rely more on his slingshot.
Always go for the head...
Everyone could hit a motionless target.

He loaded up his sling and took his time to get a good shot. Ilan ignored the taunting remarks of his mentor, trying to predict where he would go next. The round ball soared through the air, going for the monk. Before it could collide the man snatched it out of the air with impressive dexterity, considering his age.
"Very good Ilan!" He said in rare praise to the faun. If he hadn't stopped it the ball would have definitely hit him square in the head. Near to the temples just like he taught him.

Ilan smiled and moved his focus on the floating lanterns which were moving about in the breeze. Mr Aburn had tied them to the trees below. He had four shots left and there were exactly four lanterns left. Each one would have to be perfect.
No pressure. He thought to himself. Ilan placed another ball into his sling, rotating his wrist to let it gather some momentum.

Ossvien

Time: Dawn
Location: Mermaid's fortune deck
Interactions: None
Ambience: Calm sailing

---

Nur was laying comfortably between her collection of pillows and blankets. Her raven hair fanned out behind her and she looked at the charms and bundles of herbs hanging from the beams above her head. She traced their shapes in the air, trying to call out their magical vibrations. It took her more effort than usual, something she was still getting used to. The charms trembled, moving in the opposite direction of the swaying ship, as if controlled by some kind of unseen hand. Wisps of iridescent light only she could see emerged slowly from within them. They were faint, barely noticeable and faded as quickly as they appeared.

The fact that her magic was slipping away frustrated the young witch. It also scared her, more than she liked to admit. There was no logical explanation why this was happening. She'd run across every scenario in her head. It just didn't make any sense. She sat up straight, brushing her hair out of her face. There was no use dwelling on it, besides she was determined to find a solution, and she always got what she wanted. If her books didn't know the answer, the magic on the Shadowmount isles surely would.

There was a mixture of loud yelling coming from up on deck. She couldn't distinguish the voices, but she didn't need to. Nur knew who would be yelling the loudest. It was time to start doing her job and take care of the crew. There was one thing she firmly believed in. Prevention. Nur hadn't always been the best student, mainly because witchcraft wasn't the only thing the women taught her. There were endless chores to be done, cooking, cleaning, sewing. Most of which she despised.

She removed the pot from the stove and put on her teapot, along with a muslin bag filled with dried chamomile flowers. Arms crossed and with her foot tapping on the wooden floor Nur waited impatiently for the water to come to a boil. She realized she should have done this sooner, but how could she have known they were suddenly setting sail? Whatever the reason, she would be the one having to take care of the vomiting new crew members. Something she wanted to avoid at all costs. As soon as the first bubbles appeared Nur snatched the pot from the stove and placed it into a basket along with a set of cups. It could steep further when she was making rounds.

The prospect of a cabin full of green faced men tied her stomach in nervous knots. She rushed through the hallway, holding up her skirts as she went up the stairs. On deck she was greeted by the salty sea air and the crew, new and old alike working hard to please the Mermaid's Fortune and her captain. She leisurely strolled across the deck, the basket with the hot tea in her left hand. The sun was rising higher into the sky. Nur studied the crew, walking past them, while subtly looking for the signs of sea sickness. There was this one young man, looking particularly miserable, a little green around the gills even. He was manning the sails, or that's what he should have been doing, looking at the men next to him. Instead he was holding onto a barrel and probably also his breakfast.

She gave him a pitying smile, her eyes creasing in concern. Tea at the ready she walked over to him and touched his arm lightly.
"I have something that will help." She spoke calmly. Nur poured him a cup of tea, handing it to him. He took it with trembling hands, barely keeping his footing. Nur bit her lip, tea really wasn't going to be enough.
"Stand up straight for a moment." She helped him steady himself and they faced each other.
"Now look at me, lock your eyes on something." The something would be his choice.
"Hold out your other arm please." She instructed, keeping a steady eye on him. Nur started to gently press down on a spot below his wrist. She continued this for a while until he started to feel better.

Avalia

Time: Late morning
Location: Roshmi city infirmary
Interactions: @Potter @dezuel @hide on mana
Ambience:

---

Ilan silently watched the situation unfold in front of him. He listened to the words of the dark elf and narrowed his eyes, trying to comprehend what he was saying. The elf spoke in partial riddles. It started to dawn on Ilan that he may be attempting to assist them.
But....why?

He spoke of opposing forces, rebels who were going against the lich king. Ilan already knew there were more humans. The idea of a force of operating rebels was something great. It meant the humans would not stand alone. Avalia was rising up to support them. If it was true it meant Ilan was no longer alone. He weighed his options. If the dark elf wanted to kill them both he and the human would already be dead. Fleeing with the girl was an option, but they wouldn't get very far. At the least they needed a disguise. Yet there was something about that plan that did not sit right with the faun. There was too much that could go wrong, he didn't want to go through the same thing he went through mere hours ago.

Going with the dark elf would be dangerous, he didn't know if he could trust him. His actions were questionable and his motives not completely clear. The fact that he hadn't killed them or turned them in for hiding a human was admirable. What would stop him however from doing so later? The uncertainty troubled him deeply, and a frown settled on his face.

They needed a safe place and come up with a plan. Would this old forgotten temple be such a place?

Ossvien

Time: Dawn
Location: Surgeon's cabin
Interactions: @helo
Ambience: Preparing medicine

---

Nur was planning to go to her cabin when she crossed paths with Aodh in the hallway. The sight of the tall fiery haired djinn made her smile. He had these piercing green eyes which stood out even more against his bronze skin. He wanted to know where she´d left the new girl.
Ah of course, they´re already asking about her......
Nur frowned, trying not to show her displeasure, but failing miserably.

She lifted her hand, pointing towards one of the living areas.
"Over there..." Nur answered in a deadpan delivery, her lips pursed.

The surgeon turned on her heel and hastily made her way to her cabin, frustration evident in her steps, her robe billowing behind her. She pushed open the doors to her cabin with excessive force, making the doors slam open and crash into the walls. The cabin was in a state of complete chaos. Books were spread about everywhere, all opened on various pages detailing herbal medicine and healing ointments. Jars, bottles and bowls filled with half made salves, poultices and the like covered most of her workspace. It was hard to tell the poisons from the medicine. Jars left with open lids. No visible label or writing to discern their contents.

"Unbelievable...." Nur said to no one in particular. The fact she had not killed anyone yet, working in these conditions was sheer luck. If Malek would be here to see it, he would throw her off the ship. The mere thought was enough to make her start cleaning up. Nur locked the door and went over to her dressing area. She slipped out of her robe and changed into her regular clothes. It didn't take her long to get dressed, even the lacing of her corset was done in the blink of an eye.

The surgeon strolled over to the center of the room, eyeing her surroundings. A lot of medicine needed to be restocked, the cupboards were near empty. Most of it she made herself. Just thinking of the work it was going to take gave her a headache. Despite her reluctance she got to work, soon falling into her familiar routine. Nur went from one corner of the room to the next, putting away books, cleaning out jars and bottles, throwing away spoiled herbs. She put on a pot of water on the single stove which was connected to the kitchens. She threw in a bunch of herbs balancing bundles of it, while simultaneously reading a recipe, smelling the herbs to make sure she had the right ones.

The cabin was staring to look presentable again. The scent of boiling lavender filled the air, the vapor rising from the copper pot. It made her sleepy. This was too much hassle this early in the morning. Nur stretched out and gazed longingly at the bunch of pillows and blankets close to her bed. Maybe just a couple of minutes...