FunnyGuy

Ember Grove - Reboot

Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Alexander's Private Quarters, New Paeonia
Interactions:

Alexander sat comfortably on one of his sofas as he watched Maeve's video message with a grin of amusement. He adored her performance so much so that this was his third time watching it as he sipped on a tall glass of fresh blood. Straight from the farm. Maeve's mention of Vivian was the only unpleasant part of the video. He was sure the witch had eyes on him. It was the nature of her kind. The more knowledge they could gather, the more formidable they became. Vivian was his very vulnerable human teacher. He had thought on how to respond each time the message ended. Killing Maeve came to mind only once among the different actions he thought of taking.

I shall make amends this time. I've come to enjoy the game of billiards… and Vivian has turned out to be good company despite being a human. He chose not to risk the life of Vivian while it still held some value.

A sigh escaped him as he had to put thought into how he would apologize to Maeve. Unfortunately, his thinking would be interrupted by Olivia's silent entrance. He did not have to turn to her to know she was unhappy. He could hear it in her shallow breathing and her tightened hands.

"Alexander… is it true you walked into the enemy's ambush alone?" Alexander barely turned his head to look at her with a small grin. He knew she and many in his clan might have been worried. An ambush was what eliminated his siblings after all.

"Walk would not be the best word to use. I ran." Alexander stood up from the sofa with his glass still held in his right hand. His expression now neutral. At the same moment, Olivia loosened the grip in her hands as she felt a tinge of intimidation in herself. There were moments when she knew Alexander was capable of anything. His relaxed nature that could hide his intentions made him all the more terrifying. "I needed to show Trotter that despite my recent activities, I am not an easy target. I understand that you might be worried about my recent antics, but I must get to know the place I plan to conquer." Alexander made his way over to Olivia and handed her his half-drunk glass of blood. She accepted it but did not drink it until he nodded towards the glass. She would be foolish to refuse. Once she drank the quality beverage he continued.

"It is exactly how Rokstova established his sanctuary of a bar. Such a disgusting establishment, yet no one would dare break the pact made there by the powerful within the area. He knew the players and he knew what they all wanted. A safe haven from the hunters. All were welcomed as long as there was peace. Breaking that pact resulted in your demise. I could do that, but a whole settlement… How could I be subtle in that? Hmm?"

"I do not know Alexander. Perhaps, opening multiple establishments based on what you know the local population would cling to. It would hide your hand and appear legitimate." She caused Alexander to smile once more.

"What a fine idea, but that would never be successful. Keep thinking about it, my dearest warden. Let us move to a topic that has recently piqued my curiosity. The child." Olivia gulped and gave a swift nod.

"I will need to show you. I think you will be more than satisfied with what we found after interrogating our newest prisoner."

Avalia

Time: Midnight-ish
Location: The River Fork Between Orc Landing and Illuminata Kingdom
Interaction with: Elthrael @Dezuel, Kenia @Tae, Bowyn @Helo, and "Vaeril" @Alivefalling

Confusion. That was the perfect word to describe Darius' initial reaction to waking up in his bed… in the middle of a forest… again? This had to be some kind of dream, but it seemed too much like that night. The cool breeze between the trees and the earthy smell of the forest was too vivid. What was this?

"Hmm." Darius sat himself up and took a moment to admire his long lost bed and thought about how he had parted with it and never saw it again. The natural sounds of the forest filled the air, but he didn't pay them too much attention this time around. The chirping of birds, the buzzing of insects, and even the uneven rustling of trees behind him...

It was the continued rustling that snapped Darius out of his nostalgia and remember what came after the rustling in the trees. He reached down to grab his sneakers to slip on and sprung forward from the bed. Not this again! He thought as he turned towards the trees where he knew the cave troll would come from. Like before, the large figure was attempting to navigate through the trees whilst making a sharp sniffing sound. Bye! Darius wasted no time running in the opposite direction as fast as he could. He already knew the drill.

He ran through bushes and branches and even when he heard the loud crash of his bed, he continued on. The sound of the creature rapidly breaking through the forest was heard just like before, but this time Darius had a greater gap in distance from the creature.

Despite feeling fearful, he knew exactly where he was going. Straight to Skar. He just needed to reach her so things would play out just like before. That or he would run until he woke up from this dream.

Darius gasped as he broke through the treeline and into an open plain that he greeted with a smile. Only a matter of time.

He covered quite a distance before he heard the creature break through the treeline. He glanced over his shoulder to see the troll.

"Yup, same thing."

"Now where is she? Skar?! I should see her by now." Darius' eyes filled with concern as the orc was nowhere to be found. "What the hell is going on?" Darius was perplexed. Skar should have shown up already. He finally looked back at the cave troll who had finally closed the distance. Wasting no time, It swung a strong palm at Darius.

Everything went black.

When he opened his eyes once more, a shocked expression took hold.

Confusion. That was the perfect word to describe Darius' initial reaction to waking up in his bed… in the middle of a forest… again? This had to be some kind of dream, but it seemed too much like that night. The cool breeze between the trees and the earthy smell of the forest was still so vivid. What was this?

The rustling started, and he placed his shoes on again. This time there were no distractions. Darius simply ran. He pushed through to the clearing. And again Skar had not shown. And again the troll caught up to him. This time he was snatched up with the troll's hands clasped around his body. Darius screamed in agony and his bones crunched from the strength of the monster. The pain did not stop as he coughed up blood and felts himself shrink and fold under the pressure. Again, everything went black.

He opened his eyes again. On his bed. In the middle of the forest… Darius ran again, but this time he forgot his sneakers. It was too late now, he had to keep going. Then he stepped on a sharp rock.

"Fuck!" Darius waled. He hobbled through the forest, but he was nowhere near fast enough to outrun the troll. It grabbed him by the head and forcefully smashed his skull against a tree. Again, everything went black.

Do you no tire of dying to this creature? You cannot outrun it. Skar will not come to slay it.

Darius awoke in the bed again.

"Malgormuun… You can't keep me here!" Darius shouted into the sky as he got off of the bed.

I can and I will until you show me you can fight… that you can do what needs to be done. If you cannot slay this troll, how will you ever hope to kill her? Fight Darius! Kill!

Darius breathed heavily as the troll came through the trees. He gathered water in front of himself before shooting a blast of it at the creature. Like a powerful firehose, the pressure caused the troll to stumble back some before it shifted to the side. It gripped his head.

CRUNCH

He woke up again, in his bed. He gritted his teeth as frustration took hold of him. He wanted this to end, but it would not cease. He would continue to relive a nightmarish version of this night over and over again without end. When he ran, he was caught. When he fought back, he was defeated. And it all ended in death. Sometimes it was painful, while other times it was so quick he only felt the initial twinge of pain. He just sat there, scowling at the ground in front of him feeling both anger and defeat. The rustling in the trees and the sharp sniffing became louder as the troll approached. Darius didn't budge. He didn't care anymore.

"Huuuman... Huuuman…" The troll spoke, unlike previous times. Its rough unpleasant voice sent a jolt through Darius, which only pissed him off more as it seemed like Malgormuun was baiting him.

"I refuse to play this fucking game! Fuck you! Fuck this troll! Fuck this bed! I just can't…" Darius shouted as he hopped off of the bed and faced the direction of the troll.

Huuuman… Huuumansss… thissss is my promise to you. I will do... whatever it is in my power... to get you home and safe. Thissss is not a war you assssked for... Anyone elsssse with bloodied palmsss should also treat them with this respect... Putting another race in danger in chasing our hope makes us as evil as the dark elves. Force no one against their will. Choose better.

Darius' distraught face went neutral as he stared coldly at the troll who finally emerged through the brush, stepping on his bed and crushing it as it did. Despite his calmer exterior, he was filled with the same fury as when he had first heard Risa spout those words at the ball. Darius' left arm began to morph as a black substance seeped from his very pores just as the troll reached out to snatch him.

"NO!" Darius roared as he jumped backward to dodge the troll outstretched hand before swiping downward with sharp serrated claws, removing segments of the troll's fingers. It recoiled its reached out hand and looked at its remaining digits as it cried out in pain. Unfortunately for the troll, its cry had become nothing but gurgling as a sphere of water surrounded its head. It whipped its head around and even swiped at the water that was like a deadly mask that would eventually drown it. Distracted, the creature hadn't paid much attention to Darius' movements… sharp pain from the rear of its ankles was accompanied with two audible pops. Both tendons were cut.

The troll fell to his knees and then caught itself from falling face first with the hand lacking most of its digits. The blood spilled onto the forest floor. The other hand was used to swat the water from his face while it also attempted to consume the water as well. Anything to keep from drowning so miserably.

"This is what you wanted! Right?!" Darius had circled around the hulking beast, both his hands were large sharp claws with blood dripping from them. "Right?!" He slashed at the back of its arm that was being used to hold itself up. The troll's body fell on his limp arm. "Are you choosing better this time?! Huh?! After so many of us died already?!" Darius rounded the troll's body until it could see him as it drowned to death. "How's that Malgormuun?! How's that Risa?! How's that for better!" Darius yelled as Malgormuun could be heard laughing.

Yes, better! This is not who you are Darius, but this is who you must be! Again Darius! DO IT AGAIN! Fight! Kill! Don't hold back… Don't… hold back...

As his voice faded, so did the scene. Everything went to black.

He woke up again, in his bed…

------

A silent night for most was a night of unhinged violence for the man who opened his eyes. Relief filled him as he finally did not see the night sky, his bed, the troll, or even… her.

As he sat up and looked around at the others, he was surprised to be the only one awake so early with how long his nightmare seemed to be. What Malgormuun put him through felt like days. It had been on the cusp of torture until he succeeded the first time. It became easier to strike first and feel the warm blood hit his skin. Sadly, killing the troll was not the endgame.

Darius pointed a finger to his open mouth and shot fresh water into it. He swished the liquid around, gargled, and then spit it out on the ground. The splatter of the liquid on the ground caused him to wince as he remembered the first time Malgormuun made Risa appear before him instead of the troll. He had spit blood from his mouth in a similar fashion when she entangled him in vines and caused enormous thorns to jut out of them...

Next in his morning routine, he washed his face by cupping his hands together and generating water before splashing it onto it. He took a breath and started walking a few feet from the camp to warm up his body for the day. Again, he thought of his nightmare. Risa's twisted smile haunting him.

The troll had been easy. It was a monster. Looked like one. Behaved like one too. It had a humanoid body, but it lacked enough humanity that Darius did not mourn it every time he slew it. He did not hesitate to deal the final blow. Risa… Risa was different. She was kind and soft-spoken. She was delicate and gentle. The first time she appeared, they actually shared a dance within the wilderness with all the critters of the woods watching as a delighted audience while the songbirds sang a melody. Even within a dream, it seemed unbelievable. It was like a ballroom within the forest. She claimed sharing the dance was the only way the dream would end. She had promised… and kept promising many things. Happiness. Home. Peace. But sadly… very sadly, at the conclusion of the dance, when the audience vanished, and the melody ceased, she killed him. A warm and friendly smile was plastered on her sweet face. It was as if she was gifting him his own death. As if he should appreciate her fatal gesture.

He took a deep breath of the fresh morning air as he started making circles with his arms. First forward, then back. He felt stiff from how lousy the ground was in comfort. Comfort... That was far out of reach for him as he thought of how he had killed the fae princess for the first time.

She pleaded with him not to. She begged for mercy. For compassion. Something she had done previously that allowed her to kill him. Both fauna and flora were her murder weapons, but her delicate voice was perhaps the deadliest. He gripped her throat to silence her, then turned away slightly as he dug claws into her throat and snatched what he could out. He did see her die that first time, but he was sure she did. He did not want to do it. He had to...

He started performing lunges and eventually moved on to pushups, and then burpees. He normally went for a run when he was this bothered, but it was not only unsafe, but even that would remind him of the nightmare. Instead he moved onto his magic, surrounding both his hands in their own membranes of water. He then focused on condensing the water, making it tighter around his hands and appearing as a thinner layer. He relaxed his arms before causing the membranes to pull his hands outward and manipulated the membranes to make circles with his arms once more.

He tried to appear fine, but he was clearly disturbed.

Avalia

Time: Night
Location: Sanguine Draconis Militia Fortress to Port 10
Interaction: @Dezuel Carneylus

"Risa? Hmm, Risa… Risa! RISA MILLINIA?! The pink headed child?!" Valaeon boomed as he stood up from the banquet table containing a large hearty feast. Before him a blue scaled dragonborn, Torq, who barely made it out of the events in Roshmi alive. He had been tasked with locating a contact within the rumored Golden Death, but they were not so easily found.

"Yes she's the gran-"

"Princess! She is Princess Risa Millinia! Here, we do not accept the rule of bones! Bones are either trash or given to dogs! Risa Millinia knows this, has claimed her birthright and has started what will be a glorious rebellion! Hahahahaha! A tiny fairy turned out to be the bravest of us all!" Valaeon laughed with joy as he had been waiting for such a day to come. The day when the Sanguine Draconis Militia could find an ally to rush into battle with. Torq did not appear sold on the idea, but he would leave it to Valaeon's uncle, Rexus, one of the three leaders of the militia. There was Rexus, Baerun, and Valaeon. And before the militia took any action, the three leaders had to come to an agreement.

Rexus was the more conservative of the three, not wanting to engage in the affairs of others races. He was eldest and was previously often out ruled until Aklenroth's total conquest 100 years ago.

Baerun was proud yet a skeptic. He wanted Avalia to be rid of the Lich King, yet he saw no clear path to victory. He refused to have the militia step forth to oppose Aklenroth unless there was a sizable force backing them. He often noted how Avalians complained about the Lich King, yet so many rolled over at the sight of his armies.

Valaeon was the optimist that felt the time was coming when Avalians would stand and fight. All he needed was evidence, and he believed he had it. All in the form of Risa Millinia.

Moments later…

"So that is the verdict? The Sanguine Draconis Militia will simply watch from the sidelines… Fine! I guess I will go off on my own." Valaeon frustration was on full display as he stomped away from the other leaders who had outvoted him. One of them, a red-skinned dragonborn growled ferociously. This was Rexus.

"Do you intend to defy the decision! If you drag our militia into this hint of a rebellion-"

"Quiet! I said 'on my own' so that is how it shall be. Besides, I merely wish to visit a good friend of mine." Valaeon grinned before giving a nod. Rexus scowled at his nephew while Baerun placed a hand to his shoulder to stop him from committing an act he would regret.

* * * *

Within a few hours Valaeon arrived to Port 10 by Amora. Upon arriving his eyes scanned up high. It was the best area to search for his friend. But the best way to find his friend would be to…

"CARNEYLUS! My dear friend, I have arrived! If you are here in town, it would be a joyous reunion!" Valaeon bellowed causing people in his immediate area to look upon him with either surprise or disdain. There were many that recognized the loud and boisterous dragonborn from his past visits to the port town. He heard the mumbled complaints to his shouting, but Valaeon knew these folk were not used to pride and joy under the rule of the cruel Lich King.

Ember Grove - Reboot

Time: Afternoon
Location: Sub-Level 2 Operation Humanity Base
Interaction with:

---

Sean had not slept long, but the little rest he had would just have to do. He had suspended some of his hunting activities such as planning operations and on-site investigations so he could take a look at these files Trotter had given him access to. His eyes were glued to the monitor in front of him while he propped his head up with his right hand. His face displayed boredom and a hint of displeasure, but this is how Sean always looked before the caffeine kicked in.

He was currently in the Operation Humanity Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, or SCIF, located within the base's second sub-level.

This is what he calls access? Sean frowned as he scrolled down a file that was mostly redacted. Angel Marie Beaumont's file. A family abducted by vampires and used for continuous feeding. One survivor…

His eyes stared into the eyes of the young girl photographed upon arriving here. They were almost haunting as he could just see the pain in them. A sudden commotion broke him away from the photo.

"Bruno's the only one that survived?! I thought they would have gotten him this time."

"I know! Drake's been clumsy as fuck lately… I guess you can stumble and still murder some people while you do it. I know Trotter's pissed."

Sean shook his head. He had been sure that if Angel found out Alexander had been taken out without her, she'd feel cheated, but for her to find out Operation Humanity failed to do it, might make things worse. He looked at the other tabs he had opened for viewing.

Liddell, and then Trotter. He decided he would get to those another time as he move on to view Angel's performance history as well as the ins and outs of her experimentation.

Ember Grove - Reboot

Time: Afternoon
Location: Ember Grove
Interactions:

The ambush had been laid out to capture or kill Alexander Drake. After the fiasco at the university, something had to be done about the vampire clan causing the most trouble in the area. Alexander had become more brazen in the past few days, and Operation Humanity would capitalize on it.

The plan seemed simple enough. Take out the vehicle with an anti-armor remote detonated mine. If Alexander died from the detonation, then it would just be a shorter mission.

Heather Fox was leading the mission with seven other hunters. She was tough as nails and highly skilled. She was honored to be on this mission. To finally get a chance to take the smug bastard off the playing field. The group had all positioned within the treeline, west of the road. Once Alexander's vehicle was hit, they would fire Chemical V gas grenades and then light the son of a bitch up. A large tattoo-covered man with a mohawk walked over holding a drone controller with a large screen in one hand and a can of beer in the other. He wore a woodland camo tank top and brown cargo pants. A smile showed through his thick black beard and he reeked of alcohol upon approaching.

"Ay Heather, I got eyes on him! Abercrombie Drake is about to have his whole world ROCKED! WOOO!" He hollered as he chugged what was left in the can. Heather shook her head with disapproval.

"Bruno what the fuck! We have comms for a fucking reason and drinking?! Now of all times?" Heather scolded before pointing in the direction he should be. "Get over there. Now!" She ordered while Bruno tossed the can and walked off.

"No need to get your panties in a damn bunch. I'm just pregaming for the celebration I'm gonna have tonight. Got two ladies and a promotion waiting on me after this! OH YEAH!" Bruno walked away before stopping in his tracks as he watched Alexander Drake's vehicle come to a stop on the side of the road. "He stopped the car on the road! Now he's picking something up and Ohh shit… He pointed in our direction before he took out the drone!!!"

"Fuck! How the hell… Shift your sectors of fire! He's coming from the north." Heather ordered before attempting to contact HQ. 'HQ, this is Slayer 1. Over."

"Hear you loud and clear Slayer 1. Send it. Over."

"Our target anticipated our ambush. We need…" A stone the size of softball smashed into the lower part of the woman's face, destroying her entire mouth and jaw. The next second her head was nearly torn off as a swift hand thrust into her forehead with enough force to tear the nerves and ligaments in her neck and snap her neck backward. Her attacker had aimed to remove the head, but he couldn't be perfect all of the time.

Heather's comrades saw her corpse moments too late.

"Don't let Agent Fox die in vain. Let's light the son of a bitch up!" Bruno shouted to motivate the others. Unfortunately, two more agents had been dispatched by the time Bruno finished his line. The forest was too thick. "Fuck exposure! We gotta move to the road. Move!" As other agents bounded to the road, one had bumped right into Alexander before breaking the treeline. He fell back and hit the ground

"How rude. Don't shoot me. No, we can't have that now, can we? Shoot yourself instead. Alexander stares the hunter down as they had tried to fight his compulsion. Alexander kneeled down beside the hunter and handed him his own sidearm. "I don't mind helping you doing something that benefits us both. Now do it! Alexander watched as the hunter slowly placed the pistol to his right temple. Tears ran down his face as his whole body trembled. Alexander simply shrugged with a cold expression on his face.

Bruno and three of the other hunters positioned themselves on the road. He was sure another agent had been taken by Alexander. POW! A single shot echoed, causing Bruno to nod toward the treeline. With a grunt, he sprinted forward off the road and towards where he knew he would make contact with Alexander.

"ALEXANDER!" The mine was triggered and detonated on the road with the other three agents, killing them immediately. Bruno sprinted through the tree line and immediately found Alexander standing with his hands crossed and a look of displeasure.

"What? Or was that you selling your performance before you turned them into bits?" Bruno straightened up and rolled his eyes.

"Listen up Drake! You're lucky to even have an actor as good as me! And if I didn't give you the info on this whole ambush you-"

"No. You wouldn't get your whores or your promotion" Alexander sighed. "I'll have your payment wired to your account shortly and the ladies will contact you… Now, are you ready?"

"Hell yeah! Hit me with your best!" Bruno braced himself before Alexander shoulder-checked him hard enough to send him flying and hitting a few trees along the way. Bruno then grabbed his own sidearm and shot at his shoulder. Finally, he grabbed his radio. "HQ! HQ this is Slayer 2. Drake got to us! He killed damn near the whole fucking squad! We need backup, medics, anything. He's still fucking out there! Over!" Bruno winced in pain before managing a grin.

Avalia

Time: Night
Location: Campfire, Outskirts of Roshmi City
Interaction: @Helo Bowyn, @Tae Kenia, @Dezuel Elthrael, @Alivefalling "Vaeril"

"Yeah, well I'm hoping they win out of this one." Darius mentioned softly in response to the fae, Elthrael's initial words. As the fae continued on, he spoke in a way that was familiar to him about the state of the world. Vessia, the groundskeeper of Edena came to mind. Both spoke from a neutral standpoint, complimenting and criticizing both Risa and Aklenroth. This very position caused Darius to give his attention to the peculiar looking fae. He set his memory glass down beside him and listened.

Elthrael simulated what he thought would happen should Risa be successful. A power vacuum was likely if Aklenroth was removed from his single seat of power. He had heard of the very same thing happening in countries where a dictator was swiftly removed without a proper succession to follow. It would be a problem, but would it be a problem for him to deal with? The DROMs were Darius' focus, but perhaps the two issues were related. If Elthrael's prediction proved true, only the strongest faction would prevail, and humans were the best way to amass power quickly. Their magic developed extremely fast and they were not beholden to a particular race. By this logic, the faction with the most humans had the highest chance of victory. And one way to increase those chances was with the use of DROMs. All with the risk many seemed so blind to.

Kenia suddenly piped up to mock Elthrael's words a bit. He couldn't put a finger on whether she was trying to be lighthearted to seem less offensive or if she was actually scoffing away his words. She made a point in noting Risa not intending to take Aklenroth's position before going on about each race ruling themselves like before. Darius frowned slightly in slight disagreement. He did believe each race should govern its people, but not like before. What was before had led to what is now.

Then she posed a question to Darius himself. He took a breath before he would answer, but Bowyn spoke in reaction to Kenia. Of those who spoke on the topic, Darius felt he agreed with Bowyn most and even smirked at the last bit. Darius decided to sit quietly as Elthrael spoke again. He clarified his previous words to Kenia and then spoke of his time with Risa, her companions, and two humans...

"Then he was... dealt with by the associates of this dark elf. Some large demon and a winged woman. I guess he didn't know things were... heading the way it did. What a shame. Same can however be said for that female human, Elsea. She bears the ability to call upon the flame, her temper and lack of restraint is quite similar to that element indeed. But who knows where Risa Millinia, her companions and that human is now. I shall hope you will not follow the awful trend of the other two humans... in dying or combusting into flames that is."

Darius furrowed his eyebrows, his crimson eyes meeting Elthrael's golden ones. He didn't even know where to direct the tinge of anger he felt. To Azriel and Umber for murdering a member of his kind... or Risa and her company for making such a situation possible. There was a third culprit who sat silently across from him, but he only gave him a short glance. Azriel and Umber were doing what they were ordered. Risa was desperate to the point of inconsideration. Aklenroth was… also desperate.

Elthrael seemed to pin a lot the blame on Risa and even legitimized Darius' feelings towards this entire predicament. And then finally, the fae addressed him, speaking against Aklenroth and of his false generosity. Their eyes met, crimson and golden.

"I probably wouldn't be here right now if I had considered his offer. The lich is… I hate to use the words good and evil, so I'll just say he's not the best thing for Avalia. This Risa girl might not be either, but I think we should bring any and all concerns to her when we meet her in person." Darius looked to the others. "We all agree that she's young, not very experienced, and maybe even selfish. But I think it's good that we can identify the flaws. Aklenroth will never change. He is who he is, and has been for a very long time. There's hope in Risa though. We don't have to work under her, just with her." He paused and sighed. "And I recommend not relying too heavily on us to lead after this rebellion. You all know Avalia better than any of us ever will. You don't want leaders who don't understand this world or its people. That being said, I also think the DROMs need to go. For good." Darius said averted his gaze back to the fire, failing to remember to answer Kenia's question. It was a long way to the port and he was sure there would be more than enough time to converse.

Ember Grove - Reboot

Time: Afternoon
Location: Ember Grove
Interactions:

After giving an order to send a few vampires to Alexei's parking lot to murder Nikolaus Trotter, Alexander made his exit from the parking lot with the left-leaning jeep.

He drove through the streets Ember Grove with a scowl plastered on his face. Nathaniel Trotter was on his mind. The only man who could so easily bring out the worst in him. He held hate for him and all associated with him. He wondered if Nathaniel's son being at Alexei' was planned, but could not begin to figure out his purpose. A tail? If so, he needed to be wary. Effective surveillance required a team, so he kept sharp as he circled several blocks before visiting the town hall.

The visit was short, as he still had to head in the direction of New Paeonia. He was privy to an ambush set up for him on Road 68 but decided he wanted to entertain his enemies a bit. Or did he only mean to entertain himself?

Within minutes he was on the very road, but for some reason, he pulled his vehicle over to the right shoulder of the road and turned on his 4-way blinkers. He exited his vehicle and looked around at the ground before grabbing a stone. He seemed to weigh it in his hands before he turned around and looked up to spot a drone overhead. He gave a winning smile and pointed southbound down the road before whipping the stone at the drone. He watched as it fell from the sky in amusement.

"It's been far too long." Alexander took a moment to remove his shoes and socks, then set then placed them on the floor of his vehicle. "Store these in here…" The moment he shut the door, he bounced on the balls of his feet. "What a delightful day for a run." Alexander did not waste another moment as he darted into the treeline. What a delightful time for a massacre...

Ember Grove - Reboot

Time: Afternoon
Location: Alexei's, Ember Grove
Interactions: @Pink Khione Vivian, @Helo Elias, @Potter Nikolaus, and @Tae Maeve

"Then it's settled then. I will call you to schedule a day that works for you and I... Oh and maybe Alissa too." Alexander smiled, assuring Vivian he had not forgotten about her lost friend.

When his phone buzzed in his pocket, he decided to ignore it as he assumed it was business that did not need to risk being exposed while at the bar. When directed on where to pay, Alexander gave a nod and simply walked to the register. Unfortunately, the young man known as Jimmy was having a lot of difficulties ringing him up. The young man muttered to himself at every instance of a mistake… and there were many of those. Alexander gave a look of distaste to both the young man and then shot a short glare at Elias as if he was responsible for this. The glare was short only because his eyes clearly identified a face familiar to him.

His eyes locked onto one of the men at the other end of the bar. Alexander nearly forgot where he was as he had been ready to lunge and tear out the throat of Nikolaus Trotter. The son of the bastard that caused the deaths of his brother and sister. Perhaps it was magic, or simply coincidence, but the young man at the register cleared his throat to get Alexander's attention. While turning to face Jimmy, Alexander saw a photo of a young smiling Alexei Rokstova posted on the wall.

Even in his absence, Alexei's ruling applied. No blood was to be spilled here.

"How much?" Alexander asked coldly.

"Well um, that's the thing… Can you remind me on what everyone ordered? I think I may have-"

"One hundred… Take it." Alexander sighed as he pulled a single bill from his wallet and set it down. "I owe Alexei a little something anyway. You can sort the difference out on your own time." Alexander walked away from the register, eyes forward as he attempted not to tear the colonel's son in two. Just as he reached the door though, he turned to face everyone. "Farewell gentlemen…" Alexander put a little extra charm on for good measure. "I hope to see you all again." And with that Alexander made his exit.

As soon as the door closed behind him, he snatched the wristband off and tucked it into his pocket. His face displayed both anger and disgust as he entered the parking lot.

I could kill him if I waited, but I can send others in my stead. I just have to keep him here for a bit.[/

Alexander quickly scanned the parking lot. There were only a few vehicles and only one had added itself to the collection since Alexander's arrival. A jeep. He eyed the tires and nodded some before picking up a discarded beer can from the parking lot floor. Like putty in his hands, Alexander twisted and shaped the aluminum in his hands into a sharp Coors Light branded stake.

"How unfitting…" Alexander jabbed the stake into both left-side tires and took the makeshift weapon with him into his own vehicle. Alexander had to be quick. He had an ambush to attend.

Avalia

Time: Night
Location: Campfire, Outskirts of Roshmi City
Interaction: @Helo Bowyn, @Tae Kenia, @Dezuel Elthrael, @Alivefalling "Vaeril"

After possibly one of the most silent walks he had ever experienced, Darius found himself seated at a campfire along with his company which included the somewhat scary light elf woman, the almost rude winter fairy dude, the lingering forest fairy… or was he a demon… or maybe some insectoid demihuman. Anyway, that guy was there. Then lastly, Not Aklenroth. Oh wait, and the winter fairy's bird that stares too long at the others.

All of them by the fire and all were still very quiet. They were strangers that had just dealt with a very heavy situation, so Darius didn't find it to be too abnormal. In his right hand, he held a bottle of mead he had opened, but not tasted. He was not waiting for anything to happen, just distracted by his thoughts on what had occurred at the ball and then at the inn. There was also the mental tug of war on whether to indulge in alcohol. One part of him wanted to go numb and deal with everything once he sobered up later on, while another part wanted him to remain focused as there were too many problems to simply ignore.

Myra… Artemis…

He wondered where they were. Artemis had vanished before things went south at the ball. He wanted to believe she was safe because of that fact but was wary as to why she vanished after stating she would remain with him. Malgormuun had little good to say about her departure.

Then there was Myra. His hand gripped the neck of the bottle tightly as he remembered how she sprung into action to protect him. Despite Kenia's words assuring him that she would make it out, he couldn't help but worry about her. He had to be stronger next time. Then he would never have to flee to safety while she put herself in harm's way.

He pulled out the memory glass he had in his pocket and waited for the blank reflective surface to become the image of he, Myra, and Artemis before they entered the Grand Hall. He smiled at the image and then held back a chuckle as he noticed Airdan had made it into the photo looking way too serious to be the friendly elf he knew. Darius wondered where he was as well. Knowing him, he safely made it out with his guard detail. Darius turned the memory glass towards the campfire.

"Snap." He said quietly. He thought the fire they had contributed in making came out nicely and that the tamed flames danced more beautifully than anyone had tonight. He also wanted something nice to see whenever he thought of this night. Not being separated from his friends, not the sadistic demons and their carnage, and not the deaths of the two humans. All those things would haunt him, but he would also have this. He turned the glass around and smiled at the captured image. Then the open bottle of mead was lightly set to the ground.

Avalia

Time: Night
Location: Outside of Roshmi Grand Hall
Interaction: @Helo Bowyn, @Tae Kenia, and @Alivefalling "Vaeril"

Both Bowyn and Kenia’s words of wisdom were answered with a smile and a scoff from Darius.

“Yeah, I’m sure you two approached me so you could chop my head off for amas. And besides, you two seem smarter than just that. Even an orc would know I’m worth twice as much alive than dead. I’ll heed the warning though.” Darius managed to comment after the female elf spoke of the matter. When she began to inform him of Myra, she had his full attention.

Myra…

Your weakness caused this. You are the only one to blame for her wellbeing. SHE is protecting YOU. A demon. My kin. My brethren.

Darius’ frowned as he dropped his gaze. Even Azriel had helped? Was he so weak that Azriel felt pity for him, or was she trying to help? Darius shook his head as hopeful words came from the elf. He took a deep breath and gave a single nod to her. He could tell that whoever this woman left inside, made her feel the way he felt. In a way, it made him trust that her friend would help Myra.

“We should get-” Darius paused at the appearance of… Vaeril.

“Help! Please help! I need some help!” Vaeril claimed as he limped over to the trio. “Please may I go with you it will be safer to travel and go as a group but we really need to get out of here fast.” Darius scowled at the light elf disguise of Aklenroth and shook his head with disapproval.

“You…” Darius said with disdain before hearing a crash within Roshmi Grand Hall followed by Ahzmorath’s grave message. Kenia voiced her want to leave and even seemed to have a plan and route figured out. Pit stops included “Let’s go then.” He looked determined but was a bit concerned with Kenia’s wording. Retrieve? What is he, a handgun?

And you are nothing… Unable to strike.