FunnyGuy

Ember Grove - Reboot

Time: Noon
Location: Alexei's, Ember Grove
Mentions: @Pink Khione Vivian

When the clock struck twelve, an older gentleman entered Alexei's wearing boots, jeans, a plain blue shirt underneath a black leather jacket, and an old black fedora. He walked in with confidence and took a seat on a barstool to order a drink from the working bartender.

"Whiskey on the rocks, please. By the way, when are you folk gonna get rid of these fancy bracelets" He held up his right hand, showing off the bright pink wristband that was required upon entry.

"I was wondering the same. They're not very comfortable." Alexander added as he had entered just in time to hear the old man's complaint. The old man turned to see Alexander in his black slacks, black dress shirt, deep red tie, and a pool cue case in hand. The enchanted wristbands had already dulled his senses some which along with the atmosphere of the dive bar made him crinkle his nose for a second. We are definitely not doing this here if there is a second time. Alexander scanned around for the woman who had been described to him. Raven hair, blue eyes, fair-skinned, and a slender frame.

Avalia

Time: Night
Location: Roshmi Grand Hall
Interaction: @Potter Artemis

Darius honestly thought Artemis was going to share something far worse than what she opened up about. First, she spoke of the first time they met and about how she had expected to die out in the wilderness as she sang her song.

“I’m just glad we found you when we did.” He managed to say with a warm smile during her brief pause. But then his smile faded into a neutral expression as she continued to share. It wasn’t what she said to him that disturbed him, it was how accurate Malgormuun’s previous statements about her were. He initially thought the demon was just being defensive and accusatory, but Malgormuun had been completely honest with him about Artemis.

Upon discovering her, why did she not reveal herself as what she truly was until you gave her what she wanted? Even now she keeps the whole truth from you… She is no typical mermaid, Darius. Her song belongs to that of a siren, slayer of the seafarers she lures in with the power of her voice… I'm sure you remember hearing it and how it grabbed your attention. Think back, Darius…

He expected the demon to pipe up, but there was no need. He and Darius both knew he was correct, and to Malgormuun, that is all that mattered now. The additional context behind her past activities as a siren made sense to him, and he couldn’t see himself holding that against her. It actually explained why she previously hid things from him. It was what she needed to do to survive…

“Don’t stress it. Darius flashed a smile. “I kind of had a hunch about the siren thing, and was wondering when or if you were ever going to tell me about it… And I’m glad that you told me, but I can’t help but feel like that’s just the tip of the iceberg. So you need to tell me what’s going on and then we’ll figure out how to fix it.”

Ember Grove - Reboot

Time: Morning
Location: Operation Humanity Base
Interaction with: @Milkman Mike and @princess Angel

---

Sean attempted to attentively listen to Mike as much as possible, but he felt like something was missing. He couldn't believe a prisoner could not just be polite, but also flattering. Sean could normally keep his cool, but this guy's demeanor put him on edge. Intentional or not, Sean would stick it out.

The way Mike answered questions kept Sean silently listening. The answers were all there, but they were sprinkled in with the rest of his words. Someone like Angel would have probably ended the interrogation, but Sean could be patient, especially with something to eat.

"If all what you say is true… Actually, I'll save it for next time.." Sean stood up and closed the pizza box. "I'll be sure to bring cereal and milk too. Nice talk." Sean nodded before exiting. He passed the guards that would enter to take Mike back to his cell who gave perplexed looks at his pizza box. Sorry guys. Saving the remaining slices for the ladies. Conveniently, Sean's phone buzzed. He took a hand from the pizza box and checked his phone, only to see there was an alert.

"You're kidding me." Angel's vehicle had just been reported leaving the lot. He contemplated sleeping but thought of how things turned out last time. Angel left without saying a word to anyone. "Nope!"

In minutes Sean made his way to the lot, this time, getting into a grey Ford Raptor and tossing the pizza box into the passenger seat. He headed towards Ember Grove while calling Angel's cell phone.

Avalia

Time: Night
Location: Roshmi Grand Hall
Interaction: @Potter Artemis

"It's been… interesting." Darius had a lot of mixed feelings in the last hour, but overall it hadn't been terrible and he could still manage a smile. Artemis however, could not. Her more serious expression was accompanied by a request to talk outside. His first thought was that perhaps she wanted to bid her farewell. He gave a nod. "Of course. Could use some fresh air."

What can the fish not tell you here?

Darius ignored the voice just as Artemis started to behave rather oddly. She explained she was spooked... but by what? He smiled as she laughed it off, but grew suspicious as she ducked her head and was obviously looking around for someone.

"Come on, let's go." He deliberately took her hand and led her through the guests on the floor. Artemis didn't seem like herself. It was as if she was hiding from someone, so if this is what she needed to share, they needed to get away from the crowd as quickly as possible. They exited the ballroom and followed the hall past the stairwell to a small balcony where they could talk privately. "Sorry for pulling you out here like that, but what's going on?" His tone filled with concern as he wondered what could be going on.

Avalia

Time: Evening
Location: Roshmi Grand Hall
Interaction with: @Tae ELSEA... and @Dezuel Lord Terneus

---

"Governor Andros." Umber greeted with a simple bow of his head. He appeared as a humble inferior in the brilliant presence of Terneus' excellence, even with the few insults thrown his way. However, no book should ever be judged by its cover.

Governor Andros… How I would enjoy unraveling you…. Perhaps even entertain your twisted perceptions… The urge to do harm tugged at his sleeve, especially he could feel the effects of the magic inhibitors mildly letting up. Maybe if he stepped towards the edge of the balcony, he could manage to…

Elsea's words and act grabbed Umber's attention. He found her acting ability amusing but was wary that Terneus would not be easily fooled. Though the elf seemed to be way too enamored with himself to focus on more important matters, Terneus had many years behind him. Enough years of experience could grace a clumsy oaf with useful skills and knowledge.

When she brought up the attempt on Terneus' life, Umber mentally braced himself for whatever emotion came bursting from him. Like Elsea, he kept an eye on the elf as she readdressed him.

"But it can be fixed… Not in the most pleasant way I'm afraid. But I can see why you might think otherwise. Our people are plagued with it. But, we are arrogant because we have always been considered superior. Would like to hear my theory on the arrival of humans?" Umber disliked Terneus' presence, but even he could prove to be useful at the moment.

Let's begin

Avalia

Time: Evening
Location: Roshmi Grand Hall
Interaction with: @Tae Elsea

---

Umber kept to himself, attempting to feel out the emotions from the faint and slowly growing instability in Roshmi. Those on the balcony were satisfyingly quiet for a good while, but then there was a hum. A sweet yet solemn tune that he nearly ignored if not for the emotions tied to it. Umber kept his eyes forward, but this individual positioned behind him had his full attention. What began as nostalgia quickly twisted into a deep-seated hatred.

Betrayal… Hate… Fear… Is this? Anger… No, it's rage…Yes… And murderous intent to top it all off. This could only be one person. One human…

Umber turned to the humming redhead woman. If it weren't for his poor ability to display expressions, Umber would have shown a face of awe. Instead, his warm welcoming smile faced her. Her, who he had been longing for since the first time he felt her. Her warmth was something he had not experienced for a long time. Yes, Azriel sought vengeance against those that abused her and her family, but Elsea was a woman who sought it against those she once sang with. Those she loved. Those who she gave her trust to.

ELSEA!

To stoke these flames of rage! No, not here. Or the plan would fall to ruin! Why?! Why must I wait?! I want to… Maybe I can… Yes… I will be subtle then. Plant the seed as Xenelith has. Plant a seed and wait and cultivate it later.

"What a pleasant tune to match the night. And a pleasant woman to match the tune. My name is Caius by the way, the greeter if you remember me. You… You seem a bit troubled."

Ember Grove - Reboot

Time: Late Morning
Location: Community Park, New Paeonia
Interaction with: Maeve @Tae

It had taken some time, but time lost meaning after a few hundred years. Besides, this time would be spent on educating someone he was currently considering to be his junior. She had fallen from grace, but Alexander would help her find her place again. No one could be perfect. Even his one kind, but Alexander worked towards making it so.

A large canopy had been set up with a dozen malnourished and ragged people lined up on their knees beneath it. These were not cattle. They were a bit lower on the totem pole. They were the prisoners of New Paeonia. Subjected to whatever Alexander deemed necessary with no questions asked. Today he wanted to make a point to his dear friend, Maeve. A very bruised vampire male held a bulky VHS camera on his shoulder as he got ready to record Alexander while wondering why his wealthy boss wanted to use such old equipment. This vampire had brought the detail up to Olivia and his current appearance is a product of questioning Alexander's desire.

Alexander simply wore black slacks, black oxford shoes, a tucked white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up above his elbows, and a pair of shades to keep things looking dim. He paced in front of the line of prisoners with his hands behind his back and a bit of a smirk on his face. He enjoyed the theatrics a bit.

"Ready?" Alexander ignored the vampire's bruised face. It was not his fault Alexander was a bit chronologically challenged when it came to using certain mediums, but he trusted Olivia had good reason to hurt him. "Let's try to make this quick. I have an appointment to get ready for. Countdown from three." He continued his pacing

"Three. Two. One..."

"Ms Brannigan." The monster faced the camera with a kind smile as he stopped in front of one of the prisoners. "Where should I start? Hmm… Oh, firstly, I am deeply sorry about your small business in town. You know how young enthusiastic subordinates can be. Well, you also know how the young and enthusiastic can be in general, but we're not here to talk about your body count. We're here to discuss mine." Alexander waved his arm to present the dozen.

"Twelve. Not the whole batch, but I just need a few to show you why you should focus less on my clan's activities and more on the state of your people. Think of it as a lesson to learn and me as your humble teacher." Alexander strolled behind one of the prisoners and pulled his head up to face the camera. "You know the closest thing my kind has to your wonderful magic. And I'm serious, it's wonderful. The closest thing we have is our ability to compel. The weaker the mind or the older the vampire, the more effective it is. Lucky for me, I have both advantages at the moment. I don't even have to look this warlock in the eye." Alexander chuckled as his prisoner started to weep.

"Stop crying." And the man did. "Now tell Maeve what your favorite spell is and why.

"Sum… Summone obsurum! It feels good when I use it. It's… it's easy to hurt others with it."

"Wow that's interesting. Dark energy does sound like it might feel good. But isn't that a bit illegal? Perhaps you'll let us know Ms. Brannigan. Next!" Alexander made his way behind the next prisoner, a young blonde woman. He made her face the camera like the man before her. "Same thing. Your favorite spell and why.

"Hanc cor.. meum, quo-"

"Good enough for me. I think that one is the love spell, right. I know my magic Maeve. Love isn't a bad thing. Not unless you're forcing someone else to love you and be your loyal slave. This girl is interesting. A mix between a slave master and a bachelorette. Next!" And Alexander went from person to person down the line over the course of several minutes

"Necromancy!"

"Next!"

"Speaking to the dead."

"Next!"

"Dark energy wielding."

"Next!"

"Hexes!"

"Next!"

Alexander continued until he reached the final person in line.

"Favorite spell and why." Alexander did not get a reply from this prisoner. "Let's give it another go. Favorite spell and why." Still no reply. As if the compulsion had no effect on this one. Then Alexander chuckled. "Silly me. He doesn't have spells. How about you tell her what you used to do for a living."

"I was a chef."

"Very nice, but Ms. Brannigan and I don't care about that."

"What else did you do for a living?

"I killed witches… The spawns of satan that created all of you wretched-"

"Hush."

"She has heard so much already… You want a war with me?" Alexander's giddy smile morphed into a scowl of near disgust. "A WAR WITH ME? You have enemies at your back. At your sides! Look at them. Look at them Maeve! Now I agree that you should stop being so soft, but these ill feelings should not be towards me. And I don't have any hard feelings. Trust me, you'd know… It's easy to make me the devil and your welcome to challenge me in war. But please get your shit together first. At least give me that respect… Cut it off." And the video ended. The prisoners returned to their hell. And Alexander got himself ready to go to Alexei's. All was as it should be. Oh, and the VHS tape was being delivered shortly by way of magic by a batch of much healthier prisoners. They lacked Maeve's skill and power, but the tape would make its way to her. Her name was written in black marker on the label. Well "Ms. Brannigan" was written to be accurate.

Ember Grove - Reboot

Time: Morning
Location: Operation Humanity Base
Interaction with: @Milkman Mike

---

When Mike turned down the pizza, Sean simply shrugged and pulled the box his way as he indulged in the slice he had grabbed for himself.

"Your loss." Sean said in between bites. He figured he could give whatever he didn't eat to Angel and Remy once he was done here. Traditional breakfast, lunch, and dinner were long forgotten to him as he failed to retain a steady sleep schedule. Should have brought steak… Nah, that's for me. "Sadly, I'm a slave to my own work ethic. I'm sure it's what will do me in at the end of things."

He was quite surprised that the file was accurate. This guy was actually oddly pleasant. Even seemed to feel bad for him having to interrogate him. Sean listened in as Mike flipped the script on him a bit. Oddly enough, Sean went along with it.

"I wouldn't say wrong. More like, weird. Unexpected is probably the best word for it. I'm pretty sure your brother might have scuffled with some bloodsuckers last night. If you can confirm his howl…" He placed a phone down on the table and let the recorded howl picked up by the Wolf Call Detector, WCD or "Wicked" for short play. It was Finn's howl. "There's that one, and then… this one. The second howl of the night belonged to the larger werewolf that was spotted by Sean. "Forensics say there were at least three wolves. So is this the Cooper Pack search party or what?" Sean wasn't very well versed on werewolves, but he was aware that howls weren't generic calls. Like voices, one could recognize a familiar howl or even one that belonged to a particular pack or region.

Avalia

Time: Night
Location: Roshmi Grand Hall
Interaction: @13org Myra, @Eviledd1984 O'ner, @Potter Artemis

Darius felt a little bit more upbeat as Myra showed that she comprehended his explanation. He was especially happy about that because he wasn't sure how else he would be able to explain her current state after drinking the wine. Also, with O'ner ordering some meat for her, things were looking up. He did not know much about the man, but he could tell he was at least a good person from what he saw so far. As he sat with the two, he realized that Artemis was the only one missing from their original seating. I should see where she is. Last time I saw her… SHE NEEDED WATER!

"Hey, uh, I'm gonna go check on Artemis real quick." He said hastily before looking back and forth between the two of them with a stern look on his face. "And no more wine."

Darius stood from the table and walked out into the ballroom while looking around the shrinking crowd using the dance floor. It actually made it easier to spot Artemis who was headed his way with a mischievous smirk on her face. He matched her smirk with a smile as she appeared to have gotten that glass of water she requested from him earlier before the dances kicked off.

"Must be fun to be back in Roshmi, right?" He still wasn't completely sure about what her agenda was. Sure, she was tagging along with her and Myra, but she also shared her distaste for Daka Island. Darius wondered if she would decide to remain in Roshmi once the ball concluded.

Avalia

Time: Evening
Location: Roshmi Grand Hall
Interaction with:

---

Focusing on O'ner surprisingly bore fruit as he was able to easily lock onto Darius' lingering emotions from his dance with a dark elf woman, or so that's what she appeared to be. The turmoil the young man felt told Umber all he needed to know about the woman who shared the second dance with the naive human. It was speculation, but what other type of would Darius engage with in such a manner?

Umber winced a bit. This was the first time he had ever attempted to take in so many emotions like this. There were delightful negative emotions, but it was also mixed in with disgusting positivity. He couldn't stomach it anymore, and so he positioned himself even further from the dancefloor and to the balcony. His irritableness was beginning to show on his face as he looked upon the city of Roshmi. Finally, a new expression forced out due to his deep feelings on this ball.

This was entertaining for a short time. A game of cat and mouse… Yet, the same result could be accomplished if we simply killed everyone in attendance... What are their lives worth? Nothing. Rebels are here… Humans are here… If only I could access all of my abilities along with both moons fueling my power… Yes... The fear and terror they'd feel from my appearance alone would be succulent…

Then he felt something in the air. It was as if something was building outside. A feeling that had a similar flavor to Darius' , except it was on a far larger scale. The cries of discontentment and hate fell on deaf ears for those attending the ball, but the emotions carried, made their way to the malevolent demon. His smile returned as he looked upon the city. Xenelith had withered so many trees, only to plant a seed in the process. A seed that would sprout a rapidly growing unrest.

Violence was coming.