Helo

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Noon Sola 23, 1739: Callum & Quack & Riona Part 1

Callum & Quack & Riona

---

Callum managed to sneak unnoticed from the tea party and back inside the palace without an unwanted entourage. Not that it helped him shake that constant surveillance feeling any. He reminded himself that today, right now, was the best time for a secretive and dangerous meeting. Today, he was a lucky duck, the tea party had all gone better than he expected, and he was going to ride his luck out. He frequently checked his surroundings, never quite sure he wasn’t being followed. He heard his heartbeat thumping away and wondered if anyone else could hear it too.

Cal knew the palace, knew all the twisting and meandering routes to get to places he didn’t belong. Knew all quiet corridors and tucked away rooms where it was desolate enough to know when one was not alone. As he walked, he practiced his excuse for being down in the servant’s infirmary, just in case he got caught. I felt lightheaded and confused and went to the wrong doctor. That was believable, right?

Once he finally got to the servant’s infirmary, Cal paused just outside the door. Double-checked over his shoulder once more to make sure he was alone. Then he knocked on the door. Doctors always seemed busy and he didn’t want to interrupt if Quack was busy, but a quick peak through the narrow window built into the door suggested the doctor had some downtime. Was Quack trying on shoes? It wasn’t quite the sight Cal had been expecting and he awkwardly waved through the small window to try and get the man’s attention and an invite into the room.

After pacing around in what had once been Lordling Smithwood’s shoes, Quack plopped down on the bed and yanked them off his feet. “I’ll be takin’ these.”

Riona arched an eyebrow at the polished dress shoes. “And wear them where, exactly?”

“Ya ken? One of ’em fancy soirees. Can’t rightly show up wearin’ those,” he gestured flippantly at the only pair of shoes he owned, crusted with the remnants of his work—bodily fluids and cemetery soil alike—“can I?”

Riona fished the last pair from the sack and held them up to Quack. “Do you even own any fancy clothes to match?”

“Eh,” and a shrug was his answer. As soon as he saw the embroidered slip-on shoes, he wrinkled his nose in distaste and waved them away. “Even if I don’t ever wear ’em, quality shoes fetch a pretty coin.”

“If you’re selling, why not take them all?” She shoved the slip-ons back in the sack and cinched it.
“And wind up dancin’ at the end of a rope fer peddlin’ piles of shoes? I prefer my neck unstretched, thank ya very much.”
“I told you, they aren’t stolen. That sanctimonious a**-hat Smithwood wanted me to throw them out because they got ruined.”

Quack looked genuinely confused, even disgusted, that anyone would discard well-made footwear over superficial, nonexistent flaws. Then a thought lit up his features. “But they ain’t.”

“They aren’t. So, instead of wasting perfectly good shoes, I’m handing them out.”
He eyed the stuffed sack. “Let me guess. Staff ain’t too keen on takin’ ‘em off yer hands cause they’re scared of bein’ accused of pinch’ ’em off some rag-splawger?”
Riona nodded with a sigh. “I’ll drop them off at a sanctuary.”

The mention of a sanctuary reminded her of a friend who could really use one. “Have you seen or heard from Darryn?” At his head shake, her heart sank. Darryn vanished without a trace after that day. She feared the worst, but without any clues about his whereabouts or fate, she could only hope he was okay.

“Look, lass—” Quack’s voice pulled her mind away from Darryn. Before he could complete the thought, a rapid rapping sounded at the door. He jerked to his feet, glowering past her.

She followed his gaze to the door and saw Cal peeking through the window, waiting. He came! Excitedly, Riona rushed over to let him in. “What are you doing out here? Come in, stranger.”

Callum entered the infirmary with one last glance behind him. There was only the empty hallway, the door closed behind him, and he made sure to step out of view from the door’s window. “Oh, I didn’t want to intrude, if this was a private conversation.” He looked from Riona to the man he assumed was Quack. He tried to relax some, at least he had a friend here, which made this space feel a little less lonely.

The doctor not only looked unfriendly but outright annoyed by Callum’s presence; a familiar look on an unfamiliar face. A new problem arose; how was he supposed to address Quack? Because Quack felt the sort of nickname that was for friends, not for everyone, certainly not for people the doctor disliked. Was Doc too casual? Maybe he should let Riona handle most of the talking.

No, he could do this, he’d done mostly the same thing this morning. Be polite, smile, introduce yourself, and don’t sound stupid. If he could spend the morning convincing new people that he had a plan worth backing he could keep it going through the afternoon and try and convince Quack he was no dead duck, he could be helpful, useful.

“Physician Cryer, good afternoon, nice to officially meet you. I’m Callum.” A mostly automated, way too formal, greeting came out. At least he didn’t bow but he wasn’t sure if he smiled. So he looked at the only person in the room who was happy to see him, smiled from the warmth of that, and kept it as he looked at Quack once again.

Riona could tell Cal was nervous, a fine thread of tension weaved through every gesture and word. His eyes flickered with uncertainty, his attempt to smile contorted his lips into a rigid curve, and the subtle twitch in his fingertips hinted at a silent battle waged against his harshest critic: himself.

Just as she wondered if she should step in, his eyes settled on her. All at once, the knots of tension that tangled themselves into his facial muscles unraveled; the strained smile softened into something more genuine. She returned his smile, silently reassuring him, and felt a spark of joy knowing her presence brought him comfort.

“The best of the afternoon to ya, Prince Callum,” Quack bowed, bending low as protocol demanded for a man of his station. But there was no mistaking the shards of icy resentment when he regarded the son of the man responsible for ruining his sister’s life. “What brings the divine son of the exalted crown to a place like this?”

A cold chill blew through the less-than-sterile room with the doctor’s words. It wasn’t so much what Quack said but the way he said it, the way hate seeped into words like prince and crown, that just blew the need to put on an act away. This was a trial; his title would earn him no leeway, it had to be just Callum and whether he could be deemed worthy of Quack’s flock. Be bold, no one respects a coward. If he could convince Riona that he could be useful, he had a shot at convincing the doctor. Cal just hoped it wouldn’t involve any attempted strangling.

“Divine son?” He almost laughed at that one, but instead just shook his head. “I’d say you’ve got me confused with one of my brothers, but I think everyone here knows there is nothing divine about any Danrose. But I’m not here to talk blasphemy.” Callum approached Quack as he spoke, and once close enough that the other man would be able to hear a hushed voice, he continued.

“I’m here to talk treason. I want to see an end to crowns, titles, and everything else that serves the nobility and never the people. Heard a rumor we might be birds of a feather on that.” He kept his answer short and straight to the point, doctors generally liked direct answers, and no one liked listening to long speeches given by people they already disliked.

What followed happened in the span of a heartbeat, but felt like an eternity. The icy glare meant for Cal froze Quack instead, sapping the color from him before the primal instinct for survival ignited in full force. Riona didn’t think. She lunged forward and grabbed Cal, wrenching him out of reach just as Quack’s hands came crashing down. When he tried to grab for Cal again, she slipped herself between the two. Quack’s ferocity redirected itself to the obstacle in his way. He seized Riona, bringing their faces inches apart.

“Ya told him!?” he thundered, betrayal and fear underpinning the anger in his voice. If the Prince knew of the anarchists’ plot to overthrow the aristocracy, everything was in jeopardy. “Have ya lost yer bloody mind!?” His grip on her arms tightened further.

Riona flinched but held her ground while her heart hammered in her chest. “Sexton. Get a grip. Pay attention. Think. He wouldn’t be the one here if the Crowns knew.”
“Unless it’s a trap.”
“Then harming him now won’t improve the situation.”

Bold, was a mistake. Was Callum’s first thought as Quack went from ice cold to exploding forth with the fury of a drake. What was it about him that made people suddenly want to strangle him? That thought floated through his head as Riona flung him backward just out of Quack’s grip. Cal stumbled into a mayo stand, knocking it, and the few instruments on it, onto the floor with an echoing clatter. Shit, this much noise was going to draw attention. His eyes flickered to the door, praying it didn’t swing open, as Riona tried to calm the doctor down.

“If you’re going to kill me, at least do it quietly, or you’ll have bigger problems.” None of his pre-thought-out excuses for being down here would explain away what was going on now. He looked back at Riona and Quack, once he felt sure no one was coming through the door.

“I wouldn’t lift a finger, or waste a breath, to protect Edin. I’d give you my word, but I don’t think that would foot the bill here. But I can give you a secret, seems fair, I got one of yours, you should have one of mine. One that can ensure my death.” He offered, keeping his eyes locked on Quack as he spoke to him.

“All in or nothing right?” He looked at Riona for confirmation that he could say it. “It’s a big ask for him, even to trust me a little, gotta offer something big in return.” An equivalent sacrifice, a fundamental law of magic, it just made sense.

A weighted silence filled the room. No one moved; all caught in a standoff, waiting for someone else to break the stillness. Even the air seemed to be holding its breath. Finally, Quack released Riona and marched to the door, bolting it shut. He then slid the privacy cover into place to prevent anyone from looking through the vision panel. “Backroom, now. The both of ya,” Quack commanded. Without waiting for a reply, he disappeared into the backroom.

While rubbing the lingering ache in her arms, Riona gave Cal a quick once-over. “Are you okay?” He didn’t look hurt, but the question wasn’t limited to the physical.

“Are you?” Callum returned the question as Riona rubbed her arms.

She nodded, “Yeah.” She almost added that she’d had worse. Luckily, she was quick enough to stop herself. He didn't need to know that.

“Sorry. I messed that up. I think I’m bad at first impressions. Anyway, thank you. Again. Guess you’re stuck adding another tally to the Riona did a good deed board.” There wasn’t much else he could do besides try to make the situation a little lighter. But a darker thought slipped in. Maybe she doesn’t count this as a good deed. He didn’t like how much sense that thought made either. Was that why Riona seemed so convinced she was a bad person? Hanging around him, helping him, saving him; a Danrose, the enemy. Cal wouldn’t ask that, no, that thought was staying locked up in his head.

Instead, he answered her question, “I’m fine,” with a smile because it was true enough. He was just shaken up, and clammy, and his heart still raced. Petty complaints, there was nothing worth voicing there. The backroom Quack had disappeared into loomed up ahead and Callum couldn’t see into it. It just sounded ominous. “Am I fine?” And by that he meant is the backroom code for the place people get murdered? Or is the backroom more of an amicable meeting in a secret liar?

He glanced at the now locked door, then back toward the room Quack had disappeared through. He reached into his jacket pocket. “Guess I’m going either way.” He pulled out his flask and unscrewed the lid before taking a long drink. Just a sip. To wet his beak. He tipped it towards Riona, “for nerves?” He offered as he started to walk.

Riona accepted the flask and raised it as if to make a toast. “For luck,” she said, bringing the flask to her lips. The liquor burned as it slid down her throat, leaving a fiery trail that ended in her stomach. Lowering the flask, she let out a small breath, savoring the way it warmed her from the inside. With her nerves settled, she handed the flask back to its owner.

He glanced around the room, paused, and then struggled to hide a smirk. He glanced at her, “Are we about to get Quacked” He whispered as quietly as he could, and prayed to all the gods Quack lacked a hawk’s hearing. But he couldn’t, not say it.

Just as much as she couldn’t, not laugh. Riona did her best to stifle it and ended up snorting for her efforts. “Gods that’s so bad… Keep it up and he will,” she playfully jabbed his side. “Do you want your epitaph to say ‘Here lies Callum, he who told one too many duck puns and died quacking for it?’”

“That’s exactly what I want. How did you know?”

Recollections: Who Is Eleanor Black?

-

Recollections: Who Is Eleanor Black?

_{Location: Swamp Cabin
Interactions: Neko @Atrophy, Olivia, Jordan, & Nori @NoriWasHere, Blake/Maggy @Punished GN}

---

Even though Maggy shot down his attempt to separate her and Blake, Neko’s honesty worked anyway. Whether it was wise to ask these questions around prying ears, well the time to worry about that had passed. Blake’s answer contained a whole lot more things to worry about; everyone who’s turned up looking for Eleanor Black was dead. Or missing and presumed dead which wasn’t much better. Weird. It wasn’t much better to realize the whole town was likely aware of this and just pretended that a whole lot of dead tourists weren’t worth investigating. Suddenly this felt a lot less Scooby-Doo and a lot more Wicker Man.

“Got many families here in Quintin named Black? Cause, otherwise, would be strange for so many people to come down here looking for an Eleanor Black in the middle of a swamp. Almost as strange as having such a small town with so many people going missing. A well-connected man like yourself must have some guess about all that.” Wyatt asked, looking at Blake, and everything about the butler seemed to say he wasn’t hiding much. Not in that robe at least.

“And these missing folks, all out-of-towners? No trouble here for any locals?” He looked only at Maggy as he asked that one. If anyone was going to have the details on dark going-ons in town a working gal with no filter was a good place to start. “Any creepy characters lurking around dark alleys?” He asked.

Recollections: Who Is Eleanor Black?

_{Location: Swamp Cabin
Interactions: Neko @Atrophy, Olivia, Jordan, & Nori @NoriWasHere}

---

“She really wasn’t kiddin’ about the hospitality. This is the warmest welcome we’ve had in Quintin so far. And I sware we’ve done nothing to ril’ up the locals.” Wyatt took the opportunity to peek inside the cabin. Nothing looked suspicious, neither Blake nor his company felt threatening, but Wyatt still felt like he was watching some scary movie, just waiting for the jump scare to happen. But nothing happened, and tension just kept solidifying.

Wyatt glanced at Neko, who wore that same tragic expression as mothers on the nightly news asking for the safe return of a missing kid. A look like that was almost enough to break a fella’s heart, and it’d probably work wonders on a kindly old butler, but maybe not on a jaded hooker.

“I gotta pass on the water, just came from a little coffee shop up the road, stuff’ll run right through ya. Think I could use your bathroom?” Wyatt asked Blake, before turning his attention to Thornton’s paid company. “Maybe you could show me where that’s at? I’m Wyatt. I think I missed your name.” He almost offered his hand out as he introduced himself, but thought better of it and tapped his chest instead. It seemed like a good plan, to separate the two, and maybe make Blake easier to question.

Recollections: Who Is Eleanor Black?

_{Location:
Interactions: Neko @Atrophy, Olivia, Jordan, & Nori @NoriWasHere}

---

They did not have a cohesive plan. Olivia and Jordan were both in favor of pretending to be dumb tourists, and sure that was simple up until the questions caused an eyebrow raise from the butler. Then, old man Thornton would have questions of his own and five girls went missing after poking around. But a fake podcast on spooky swamp tales or shady small towns would raise those same sorts of questions. Neko suggested winging it, and maybe she was right; who didn’t love talking some shit about a past employer.

Nori seemed more focused on a flock of crows. Had those crows followed them from the coffee shop? Weird but birds were weird creatures, and the group's bird enthusiast was feeding them. “Someone’s having luck making friends with the locals. If anyone’s got a pocket full of butterscotch candies maybe the same trick’ll work on Thornton.” He said, to no in particular, but Jordan was already up at the cabin peaking into a window and Neko was knocking at the cabin door.

Wing it and hope they weren’t the next set of five to go missing. He headed up the porch steps to the door right as it swung open. Blake greeted the group and was quickly joined by paid company. Wyatt knew it was ridiculous, but he had imagined the man answering the door would be in a suit with white gloves, but this guy looked like he’d be right at home at the Playboy mansion. If there was a worse time to interrupt an old man, he struggled to think of one.

Wyatt cleared his throat. “At ‘ease general, yer private’s still salutin’.’” He said giving the haphazardly robbed butler a casual salute before using that hand to gesture towards the man’s robe. “Sorry for the interruption. We’re hoping for a quick chat.”

Avalia

Time: Morning’s are for rescuing Malachi!
Location: River Port; Liar of the Spiders
Interactions: Malachi@princess, Jun@JJ Doe, Kenia@Tae
Equipment: A halberd, (always with him) hunting knife, and half-plate armor (left in the room).

---

“The point is safety in numbers Jun, and we cannot leave you here all de- all alone.” Zion was going to say defenseless, but that wouldn’t help Jun’s confidence. To look at the frail human, defenseless wasn’t exactly incorrect. The human had no discernible natural advantages, no claws, and very unimpressive teeth, but perhaps being ridiculously hard-headed provided the human some small protection. While Zion could appreciate Jun’s dedication to eating breakfast, Malachi would not want the human left alone, and arguing with the human would only waste time.

So Zion simply lifted Jun with one hand, tossed the human over his shoulder, and followed Kenia out the door. “Aim a bit higher, got a knot in my shoulder.” The lion chuckled Jun’s attack, it was about time the human showed he had a bit of fight in him after all.

He kept pace with Kenia, who moved with surefooted grace that appeared as intuitive as it was for any fully feline huntress he’d ever hunted with. Jun even offered his voice to aid the search, and Zion was counting that as participation, though he had to why Jun referred to a forest as green stuff. “Jun, that is called a forest. Do they not have forests, or trees, in your world?” He asked with earnest confusion.

Zion surveyed the green stuff that was the thriving forest around River Port. Tindles of silken webbing hung around the trees. The lion's ears twitched as they listened intently, rotating toward the nearly imperceptible sounds of the slight rustling of a branch and the movements of serval pairs of legs. As Kenia rushed toward both Malachi and the frightened elfen child, Zion hung back for a moment to avoid throwing Jun into immediate danger.

“Giant spiders. Dangerous but just barely.” He said it with the grin of a predator who simply knew his prey would be no match for him. This would be good training for Jun, a perfect opportunity to sharpen his skills against a very mild threat. Zion shrugged Jun off his shoulder and placed the human firmly on the ground. He then removed a large hunting knife from his belt, grabbed Jun’s hand placed the handle against the palm, and forced Jun’s hand closed around the knife.

“You are Avalia’s greatest hope, do not let them eat you. They are vicious.” He added before letting Jun’s hand go and giving him an intense stare and nod. He sincerely hoped Jun did not just drop the weapon and run. Again his ears twitched in the direction of the spider’s movements, the beast was heading towards the elves.

Zion took off in a sprint before leaping forward, covering a great distance with feline skill, and landed squarely on his feet between the trio of elves and the spider that had dropped down to greet them. As the spider reared up, exposing its deadly fangs he swung the halberd with all his might, his left side twisting toward the spider with Zion’s swing. The spider hissed as a scalding torrent shot forth from the creature's exposed maw. The lion too, opened his mouth to counter with a deafening roar that came.

The boiling liquid splattered down his left arm and shoulder. Zion could only assume it was boiling because nothing had ever burned half this bad before. It was as if his entire arm was on fire, with flames that sought to burn deeper, to sear a path through the flesh to the bone.

The mighty lion threw his head back, and from his mouth erupted not a gallant roar but a yowl of deep, unforgiving, agony. The screaming would only continue for as long as the arm burned.

Zion crumpled, halberd slipping from his hands, and there was no thought to even check if he had wounded the spider in return, there was only agony and instinctual panic. The lion rolled onto his left side, feet pushing forward in a desperate attempt to scrap the boiling liquid from his useless outstretched left arm. Even as bits of flesh sloughed off against the ground, the liquid only seemed to burn deeper. Hints of bone and stretches of tendon sat exposed amongst widening, sizzling wounds. Zion could smell it; dissolving meat, acrid venom, fresh blood, scents mixing together, telling his panicked mind what was happening.

The spider’s caustic venom was burning through everything it touched, it would make quick work of Zion’s arm. Knowing it only heightened the panic, his screaming only grew louder. He knew the spider would attack again, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

Recollections: Who Is Eleanor Black?

_{Location: Webb Family Coffee House
Interactions: Neko @Atrophy}

---

Wyatt mouthed a quiet thank you to Jen, who gave him and the other stragglers a quick summary of the group and the details of the goings-on in Quintin. His eyes lit up at the mention of a haunted swamp they weren’t supposed to enter. It was like Jen was trying to make that swamp sound more exciting than just a breeding ground for mosquitos. With exploring the swamplands off the table, the options all involved trying to interview someone who probably didn’t want to talk to them. Splitting up to search for clues while a haunted swamp lingered in the background, sounded a whole lot like Scooby-Doo, and made it all seem less like a bad idea. Why there were so many missing Eleanors from one tiny, barely worth marking on a map, town still made no sort of sense.

“I can help talk to the butler.” He chimed in to volunteer once Neko made a joke about the butler. The one who lost a daughter. Oof, now that’s gotta be a mindfuck. He got up to look at the location on Jen’s map. “Looks like it’s right near the swamp, very least I can give you some backup if the creature of the Black Lagoon pops out.” If this was a Scooby-Doo situation it would only be the butler in a costume. He could handle a butler. Seemed a better option than poking around asking about missing girls or chatting up spoiled teens.

“Looks like it’s gonna be a long walk unless you brought a car.” He added, grabbing his stuff.

---

_{Location: Blake Thorton’s creepy swamp cabin}

Looming on the outskirts of both town and swamp, sat the home of Blake Thorton. The sound of insects buzzing, frogs croaking, and faint splashes from whatever lived beneath the swamp’s murky waters. It almost looked like a nice comfortable cabin, secluded enough to be peaceful. But it also looked like the sort of place where people get murdered with no one around to hear all the screaming. Especially in a small town where folks didn’t like outsiders poking around.

“Welcome to swamp cabin; come for the ambiance and never leave cause the butler fed ya to the gators.” Wyatt joked as he looked up at the cabin. Probably not the most helpful thing to say, given that there were already five missing girls in addition to the Eleanor mystery, but it did help shake the creepy feeling.

“Well, lights are all on, someone must be home. What’s our story? Guessing a straight-up ‘Have you seen any Elenaors around recently’ or ‘What’s her family hiding’ is gonna get that door slammed in our faces. Pretend we’re working on a podcast about Quintin?” He suggested to whoever else was on team butler.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Sola 22; time skip collab Ari & Cal part 2

Ariella & Callum

_{Part 1}

---

Ariella shook her head softly “ No she hasn’t said anything, Actually I haven’t seen her since she left. I think she was at the Dinner the other night but I can’t remember, It was such a mess of an event that I kind of zoned out and didn’t really pay attention.” She shrugged ”I only wanted to check in, make sure you were doing alright. I’ve heard alot of little whispers that you were seen around drinking alot…I was worried.” she admitted. She didn’t want to make him uncomfortable with her questions, but she also wouldn’t feel like a good friend if she didn’t atleast try to get him to open up.

“Whispers? About me? Sorian must be having a gossip drought. Drinking is just my version of not wearing shoes.” Cal brushed over the topic, tried to make sound like a harmless escape, and simply move her attention elsewhere. What good magician didn’t know a bit of misdirection? And all he’d have to do is just shift the conversation back a bit without her noticing.

Ariella turned her attention back to the telescope with a coy smile on her face.” You’re lucky we don't have telescopes watching our all moves…” she said “ Because someone may see through the lies.” She said softly as she pulled back and looked at him, hoping he sensed she knew what he was trying to do.

“Lies? Only when I have to. Mostly I just stretch the truth.” He admitted.

However, even with his evasion of her concern she wasn’t going to push him. They both were constantly being scrutinized for everything and she wasn’t going to add to the list of names he likely already had doing that. Instead she offered him a friendly smile. “ You are the prince afterall… I doubt much of what you do isn’t whispered about. “

“Do you think I was wrong about Ana? I mean I don’t think anyone else could’ve told, but I also don’t know for sure it was her. And she accused me first, like I would, and I think I’m mad about that too. I don’t know what to do, just been avoiding her, but I can’t do that indefinitely. How did she seem at the dinner?” This was a less messy problem than how much, and why, Callum drank so much, and he needed to figure this one out anyway. He wondered if Ana was mad at him too.

“Hmm..” she said outloud while adjusting herself to lean over a railing. She peeked down over the edge to see just how high up they were. “ Well, Just as I have the pleasure of not wearing shoes, you have your own version and I assure you she has her own as well.” she spoke softly. “ Ana’s cheerful demeanor seems to be a mask uncertain of its cause but its strange she seems to get really down. She disappears for a moment and returns as if nothing happened. As someone who has become the master of faces I can assure you its not that easy to switch it off and on. “ she paused as she flicked a pebble off the side of the building watching it drop to the trees below. “I always felt it strange, like something bigger was going on.” she took a pause.

“ I think you were hard on her…Few people may actually understand your situation and she is one of them. I think you two are very similar in alot of ways and because of that butt heads. If I were to place a bet, Just as the whispers that spread for gossip it can come from any corner we never really know where it starts…who’s to say this situation is any different.” She said leaning into the ledge more.

It wasn’t the first time Callum had wondered about Ana’s coping mechanism; was spending all day acting any worse than spending all day intoxicated? He didn’t have an answer for that. Was it impossible that someone else had whispered Marek’s name to Wulfric? Probably could’ve been a lot of people. He nodded to himself first, and then back at Ari. Did he have to apologize to Ana? He already knew the answer to that, he didn’t want Ana to feel as bad as he always felt.

“Are you saying I remind you, of my sister? I don’t know if that’s an insult to me or her.” He tried to lighten the mood. “But you’re right, I guess I was probably a jerk, again.”

“So what’s your new outlet, now that your feet are imprisoned?” He asked, needing to change the subject again.

Ariella let out a short laugh and a smile as she shook her head “ Don’t misunderstand Callum, your reaction was understandable. I dont think your a jerk, just human. “ She shrugged her shoulders “ I dont really have one, nothing has really been holding my interest except for the book club. I’ve been reading alot more since … What sort of outlets do you enjoy? I could use some inspiration.” she smiled.

“You do not want my outlets, that’s just a long list of vices. Eating onions, carving up the walls, being in places I shouldn’t, I think I just like trouble.” He’d rather admit to that than list off all the vices he’d collected.

Ariella looked out towards the view ” well I would love the opportunity to see just what kind of trouble, if you ever feel like having company” She once again didn’t push him for more. He certainly had a knack for knowing how to change the subject but she certainly didn’t mind.

“You know, once there was a time when all this was very much illegal.” Callum abruptly changed the subject, as he looked around the observation tower and its contents. “When trying to understand the heavens was unnatural, punished even, as if it were an act of treason. Maybe they thought it dangerous to imply that not everything revolved around kings, that all these stars, and moons, and other planets, moved freely without direction from a king. Now it is a celebrated science, and that gives me hope that it can happen for other things, things like book clubs.” He said, finally reaching the point of both his tangent and why he’d wanted to come here in the first place. Callum found just enough hope in knowing that minds and laws could be changed.

“You’re right, it very well could.” she looked back towards him with a smile. “ Thankfully for you, you have the position to be that change if you wanted. Obviously there are a few hurdles but it’s not an impossible task.” She then changed the subject lightly herself. Something had been weighing on her mind and she really could use the advice. “ You obviously have much more experience with reading and being in the book club. I was wondering…well maybe hoping…” she beat around the bush slightly trying to find out how to explain her idea “ That maybe I could read a book about losing memories, I always find those types of tales interesting” She hoped he understood.

A brief look of concern crossed Cal’s face only to be overtaken by a grin. Memory spells were dangerous, and there was a soft voice in the back of his head that whispered some lines shouldn’t be crossed. That wasn’t the voice he ever listened to because a louder voice wondered about the possibilities, and his brain itched for ways it could be done.

“I’ve got a book I could lend you.” He offered, and while he could infer Ari’s request was because of her parents, he didn’t bother to ask her plan; an opportunity to use magic, or at least help another do so, against nobles, against parents, was not something he would turn down.

“It has to be, read carefully.” Callum wasn’t going to tell people what they could and couldn’t do, but he knew he had to at least offer some warning. A memory spell was delicate work, it required the magical equivalent of a surgeon’s hands. Cutting out a memory while ensuring it wasn’t deeply linked to something vital. One misstep and the mind unravels, or a core memory is destroyed. Too many easy ways to slip up and destroy a person.

“I’d be happy to help, if you’d like, might even know a guy who’s studied that subject.” Cal added, thinking about how he was pretty sure Marek had used magic to make everyone forget those parties.

Ari felt a huge sense of relief. She felt her shoulders relax as she greeted Cal with her own grin “That would be so great if you could” she stuttered on her words slightly as she could feel her body quivering with excitement as she tried to hide it.

Perhaps she could use this spell to wipe her mothers memories about information that she had received. Her father was easy enough to convince but her mother on the other hand was a whole other story.

Ariella knew that she wasn’t going to stop until any sign of magic or things she deemed unlady like was removed from her possession. On top of that to threaten the one thing that brought her any type of joy was going simply too far. In truth her mothers antics and rude behavior not only towards Ariella but the staff and guests always caused a certain distaste for Ari.

Sometimes she thought that there was no way she was even related to the women. How could Ari be born of something so cruel. “ I would be more then happy to accept your help anyday. It gives me an excuse to see you more often.” She smiled at her friend. Callum had quickly become a bit of an antidote to her day to day concerns and she was quite grateful to him for that.

” Well with that settled, it seems that the sun is about to break across the horizon. Should we find a good spot for star gazing?” She looked around the large building as it seemed most of the people had cleared out accept for a few random people who didn’t seem to pay much attention to them. She saw the stairs that led up to the very large telescope on the upper floor. “ Should we go up there? Are we even allowed to use it or is it normally offlimits to the public?” She wouldn’t be surprised if it was held for astrologers only.

Callum looked to the upper parts of the tower and shrugged. “Hmm, don’t know, but do you really think anyone here wants to tell a prince where he’s allowed to be?” Even least important, third princes have some perks. And I’d bet daughters of dukes get some leeway as well.” He nodded toward the staircase, and not a single person in the tower felt emboldened enough to order around the children of two of Sorian’s most important families.

“And if you’re looking for excuses to see me, I always make time to cause trouble.” Cal said it with mock sincerity, but it didn’t make it any less true. He waited for Ari before heading up the staircase.

Ariella smiled “ I suppose your right … and either way , as you said, can always make time to cause trouble.” She headed towards the large stairs that appeared to loop around in a spiral as it ascended to the large telescope at the top of the tower.

As Ariella began her ascent up the stairs, she quickly became aware of the discomfort caused by the ill-advised decision to wear those excruciating heels. Each step was accompanied by a wince of pain, prompting her to realize that these heels were more trouble than they were worth. However, amidst this discomfort, a mischievous thought crossed her mind, like an invitation to rebel against her mothers wishes. As Cal had said Make time to cause trouble.

With a soft smile curling on her lips, Ariella finally decided to free her feet from the torturous heels. The instant she slipped them off, a sense of relief washed over her as her bare feet made contact with the cool, refreshing touch of the steel staircase. Her newfound sense of liberation fueled her, and she wasted no time, nearly sprinting up the stairs with her shoes now clutched in her hands.

Upon reaching the top, a sight awaited her that would forever leave an indelible impression on her. The room was a marvel, constructed almost entirely of glass, stretching upward to dizzying heights. Ariella had to tilt her head back, the glass walls extending so high that it almost strained her neck to look straight up. The dome, a seamless 360-degree enclosure, offered a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city of Sorian.

Overwhelmed by the awe-inspiring sight, Ariella couldn't resist running towards one of the walls and pressing herself against the transparent surface. Her nose almost squished against the glass as she firmly pressed her hands beside her, trying to immerse herself in the magnificence outside.

The sky was a canvas of vibrant reds and oranges as the sun gracefully descended toward the horizon. It was a mesmerizing display of nature's beauty, with the night sky gradually creeping in, weaving a dark tapestry of stars as it claimed the day.

A hushed, awe-struck whisper escaped her lips, "Wow." Truly, it was one of the most magnificent things she had ever witnessed. The splendor of the view left her feeling small and insignificant, yet at the same time, it filled her with an overwhelming sense of wonder and gratitude for being able to witness such a breathtaking spectacle and being in the company of a friend made it all the more amazing.

Callum followed Ari up the stairs, matching her pace which began sluggish but the second she removed her shoes both Ari and her pacing seemed renewed with not just energy but enthusiasm. It only made him wonder why it was that parents enforced so many rules that existed to simply make their children unhappy for the sake of appearances. His parents, Ari’s parents, most nobles really, just didn’t seem to care whether even their own children were happy.

He was out of breath by the time he reached the top of the staircase shortly after Ari, finding her already pressed against the glass staring at a sky that struggled to match the hues of her hair.

“It’s like being on the top of the world, or at least the top of Sorian.” Cal said once his breathing settled. “The closest we can get to seeing perfection and I wonder if the sky looks down on us and all our twisted imperfections and just waits for us to match its reflection.” He spoke softly, half lost in thought, half stunned by the sky. Cal wasn’t sure if he believed the gods lived up in the sky or if the sky just reflected back a glimpse of where the gods really did live, but he knew that when he gazed up at the sky for long enough it became a quiet, humbling experience.

Ari stepped away from the window and looked at Callum with a smile. “ I hope this isn’t the top of the world. she said with a shrug “But I certainly would love to travel to find out. She fell quiet for a moment as she admired the stars that slowly appeared one after the other. “Have you ever thought about what it would be like if you weren’t a prince” she asked him curiously. “ What you would want to do with your life? Where you’d want to see?”

Callum only looked up at the stars as he thought about Ari’s question. “Only all the time, spent my whole wishing it were a different one.” The obvious answer came out first; there wasn’t a time he could remember when the prefix of prince ever felt comfortable. It loomed in front of his name like a dark shadow, a reminder that he lacked the worth to ever feel like it belonged to him. After a pause, he expanded on his answer.

“And I wonder if ‘prince’ is something I know I can never live up to, or if it’s something I was born to rid myself of. But I don’t want it. One way or another, I’ve decided I’m going to get rid of it. That’s what I want to do. Get rid of all these stupid titles if I can, and if I fail I’ll at least be rid of hearing mine. Beyond that, I have no idea. I used to think it would be enough to just get away from my family. Be a scholar or a monk or someone who doesn’t worry much about what goes on in the palace. To just have other things to focus on and forget. But that would feel like letting my family win, and I think I hate that thought more than I want to be free of them, or even happy.” Cal looked over at Ari, and smiled before whispering, “And what I want to see is a Caesonia without a Danrose king, maybe without any king, but someplace we’re all free from all these things that smother us. How ‘bout you? I’m sure you’ve got grander ambitions than a marriage your parents would be proud of.” He asked.

Ari listened to Callum, surprised at his how much he revealed too her. Taking in his words she realized that he really wasn’t much different than herself. At the end of the day they were both just two people trying their best to be happy and find their way out of a world they never chose.

She let out a soft breath as she turned to look away, her brows raise as she blinked a few times. “ It’s kind of silly...” Ari’s eyes settled on the stars as they became brighter against the night sky. She paused for a moment a bit reluctant to admit it outloud. “ I do want to be married, maybe even have my own kids but … I could never marry for titles or money “ she looked over at Cal “ I would love to find someone, fall in love and experience all the things I read in books.“ She turned her attention back to the stars “I would love a small house out in the woods. A place away from everything else with my own garden and maybe close to a ravine. Sitting on a porch with a blanket at night watching the stars.” Taking a deep breath she shrugged lightly “I would atleast get away from here thats for certain.”

“I don’t think it’s silly, to just want a normal, peaceful, life.” Cal spoke up. “I think the ravine’s a must, I’m sure there’s plenty far away from Sorian that have no formal dress code.”

Turning back to look at Callum “For what its worth… if you wanted to be a prince, I think you could make a good one. I think whatever you set your mind too you’ll be great at…but…” she paused as she tried to hide back a smile “ A monk? “ she titled her head as she continued to hold back her giggles “ I think you would hate that more than being a prince. All the rules, structure, expectations… suddenly her eyes lit up as she sat back with a look on her face as if an idea just popped into her head. ”I promise that if you ever need a place to escape too, you can stay at my imaginary house. I’ll make sure in my fantasy house that there is an extra room for whenever you need.” she grinned “So when you visit I can remind you how bad of an idea being a monk would be. she teased.

“Alright well, I didn’t laugh at your imaginary life.” He said it jokingly but still felt like he had to defend his choice. Maybe it was too much structure and too many rules. He probably wouldn’t make a very good monk at all but it still sounded better than a prince in a world where none of the rules and structure made any sense.

“Monks just always seem content. Like wherever they are, whatever they’ve got, that’s enough. I think they could teach me how to be like that, at peace. And we would talk about bigger things than petty gossip and maybe even be witch-monks. Study magic, teach it to others, bring it back, and use it to help reshape the world into something better. Something like that, something good. Royals never do anything good for people, they just make life harder for everyone else.” Callum explained it, and it all boiled down to the same wish; being a peace, being away from here, and not being what they were now.

“I’ll visit your fantasy house if you find time to visit my pretend mystical monk community.”

"Deal." Ariella smiled at Callum widely before turning back to the night sky. She leaned against him resting her head on his shoulder.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Morning
Location: Papa Edin’s big important tea party!
Interactions: Group of NPC's

Callum’s eyes followed Victoria as she left, a grin of pride almost overtook his face until the Dutchess nearly ran over Countess Liliane. “Are you alright? Nice save. I would love a sandwich.” He said as he watched for one more second, Dutchess Edwards, all out of sorts, stomping around like a disgruntled toddler. He grabbed his shoes, that the Dutchess had kicked, and sat in what had been the Dutchess’s seat.

“I was just having some fun. I didn’t know she was having such a bad day. You wouldn’t all think I’m a gossip if I just shared a bit of tea with you?” He asked, since Edwards had left the table, might as well try and win her friends over to his side. He didn’t pause long enough for them to answer that question, but sat politely and did his best to look like a heartbroken prince as he grabbed a sandwhich.

“Well, I’m sure you’ve read in the papers that Lady Ariella and I have become acquainted. Nothing crass of course, the lady is the pinnacle of virtue and I respect that, but for the first time in a long while I have found someone who helps me see the beauty in our great nation. But Dutchess Edwards has banned her daughter from taking me on nature walks, and I worry that once again, I’ll be able to see, is darkness.” Callum kept looking at Melanie, who had flashed him that look of warning, and Antionette. He figured he’d gain the most sympathy from them. He put on the puppy dog face as he weaved truth and lie together.

“And I guess I just wanted to show her, I don’t back from what matters to me. I am sorry if I’ve spoiled your fine afternoon.” He made a show of forcing himself to smile and took a bit of his sandwich. Then he looked at Count Landon, who he really doubted his act had any effect on. This was a man who wanted to talk business, and who needed a reason to care about feeding the citizens of Sorian.

“Now the charity event is really going to be something special. A silent auction with treasures beyond your wildest dreams. Courtesy of the most successful trading company in town. We, my associates and I, have also discussed auctioning off dates with some of our most eligible bachelors. I’m sure you’ve all noticed many of the young men here are in danger of developing rakish reputations. But most importantly we will be working on making sure the citizens here, will all be able to enjoy a good meal. Of course the added bonus for you, Count Monet, a dazzling evening of fun for both you and your wife. The same for all the lovely ladies here and their dashing husbands.” The smiling made his jaw hurt but even if he could reel in one person at this table, he’d have a pretty big fish with deep pockets.

Shit. Was Victoria talking to Edin? He didn’t have time for the old man’s nonsense right now. He needed to make his pitch quick and head out. “How’s that sound? A spectacular night and a good deed all rolled into one.” He took another bite of the cold sandwich. What was she even saying to Edin? That I walked over and said hello then took off my shoes? Like I can’t take my shoes off in the garden. That’s not a law. Probably. Well, Edin could just look right over here and see me getting along with all of Caesonia’s fancy pants wearers and having a nice conversation. Double shit. Who was he kidding? Edin would look over here and see his demon spawn bothering people enough that Victoria had to go around running her big mouth and bother the king.

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Southwest of Roshmi City
Interactions: Rue@Potter, Bardulf@Lava Alckon, Bridgette@Tae, Mister Luum@FunnyGuy, and Zeva@Pink Khione
Equipment:Sword, hunting knife, a backpack with supplies, and a stoat named Raze who naps in the pocket of his vest.

---

From atop the winter fae’s head, the bristled stoat let out a mighty hiss. Scampering, tiny stoat claws frantically gripped onto the fairy’s scalp as Bowyn tilted his head to the side, and the lanky creature scurried down his neck and onto his shoulder. Another hiss paired with the baring of tiny fangs.

“Stolen.” Raze believed in finders keepers and he'd found the ama fair and square. His trinket was stolen from his own teeth. The stoat was deeply offended, the elf had not bested him in sneakery nor had she sniffed out the treasure. Merely plucked it from his grasp and took it.

“You got food, didn’t you?” Bowyn pointed out, as he began walking, close to Rue’s side, toward the cafe and its promise of cheap honey toast. He readjusted the hood of his cloak, despite how hot it was in Roshmi, with the hope that it was enough to keep him hidden. The hulking warforged that scanned and passed them went unnoticed by Bowyn.

The stoat stared with longing at Zeva’s bag. The food was gone now, it didn’t matter, only the ama that had been unfairly torn from his grasp, mattered. “Had it in my teeth.”

“Steal it back later. Double steal, twice as impressive.” Tiny ears perked up as the stoat found delight in the plan.

Bowyn figured he could just give Zeva an ama later if Raze actually remembered to steal it back. But he couldn’t just give Raze an ama, it wasn’t special if the little guy didn’t swipe it himself. It was more likely that the stoat would forget as soon as something else caught the attention of his beady little eyes.

“Disguise rings are pricy.” He pointed out to Rue. “You think it’s necessary?” He asked but that wasn’t his main concern. He dropped his voice to whisper before continuing. “If we split up the way Luum wants, I think we should try and keep an eye on them. I don’t trust Bardulf alone with just the elves.”