Time: Morning Location: Myriamor Interactions: Slick@FunnyGuy Equipment: The clothes on his back and a pouch of amas.
Leaf nodded along, fascinated by the way the stranger who called himself Slick spoke. He wasn’t entirely sure he’d seen a horse that looked half as interesting as a revolving crossbow but then again horses never seemed to like him enough to let him get a close look. Most shifty prey animals always seemed to be on edge around him even after he’d had a good meal.
“Leaf on the Wind, or just Leaf if ya like.” He said introducing himself before happily bounding after Slick as he continued walking towards Sturdy Stables.
“Can’t say I’ve ever seen a horse look even half as nice as the ladies of the Love Longue up in Roshmi. Not that I spent a lot of time there, just uh, you know passing by the place. Then again horses don’t tend to like me much. Apparently, I spook ‘em.” Leaf offered a large toothy grin to show how ridiculous that fact was, but such an expression really only showed off his sharp teeth.
Slick had quickly turned the conversation towards the big war, asking why Myriamor seemed less concerned with it all. He’d figured the man for an elf as Leaf couldn’t spot any demihuman traits about him and he didn’t quite smell animal-like either. He also figured Slick must be new in town, maybe trying to stay out of the big mess of a war brewing between the elves.
“Up to? Not much of anything so far today. I went for a run, ate some breakfast, and now I'm talking to you. And as for the war, I can’t speak for the whole city but I guess I just figure the light elves got this handled. Never really seen a war before, occasionally some trouble with the orcs around here but Myriamor’s a pretty easy-going place.” Leaf said with a shrug. Dark elves were a nasty bunch but he’d never seen one this far south, he doubted anything that spent its time in the cold northern mountains would find the desert hospitable. He was more than confidant that the light elves would have the war won in no time, they did have humans on their side after all.
“Plus the light elves got humans, and I heard they’re taller than orcs and can move entire mountains on a whim. I’m sure your side will send them crying back to Daka any day now, doncha think? Now whatcha gotta really worry about down here are orcs and giant spiders. Though the giant spiders are pretty tasty if ya cook ‘em up right.” Leaf continued talking about as fast as he walked.
Time: Morning Location: River Port Interactions: Rue@Potter Mentions: Equipment: 1 hunting knife, a flask of alcohol, a backpack, small tent, blanket, waterskin, rope, fire starting kit, lightmaker, cooking pot, a bar of soap, some drugs; skaula (8 grams) and zemak (a bit less than an ounce), rolling papers, and 191 amas.
One moment Bowyn was thinking of warm, flaky, honey-soaked bread and the next he felt a cold panic as the door clicked and began to open. He felt his chest tighten as Rue walked out and greeted him. He hadn’t quite figured out what he was going to say. At least she didn’t seem angry with him, not even frustrated, which only made him feel worse. Rue with a friendly smile and cheery greeting. He managed a smile at her joke as Rue suggested breakfast.
“Breakfast sounds great.” Bowyn nodded but again felt awkward tension seeping in. Rue was his oldest friend and yet she still felt so far away. And there were no dwarves or elves or anyone else around to explain why he still felt so unsettled. The blame only lay on him. He searched for what remained of his nerve before stuttering out his apology.
“So, yesterday, I’m sorry, ya know, for what I said. I don’t think you should change.” Bowyn spoke with his eyes studying the floor as they walked. He meant it, knowing that Rue trusted people so easily because she still all the things that were good in people and in the world. He would never wish for her to lose that, and he would never want her to be more like him. “I know I’m not really alright, not like who I was, but I am glad you’re still here. You are exceptional company.” Bowyn glanced at Rue for a second to try and catch a glimpse of what she was thinking before setting his eyes back towards the hallway.
Bowyn knew it was selfish to want Rue to stick around. This was a dangerous place and they were only headed further into danger from here, but it was nice to feel a little less alone.“So, uh, what's for breakfast." He added just in case he'd made the conversation too awkward.
Time: Morning Location: Myriamor Interactions: Slick@FunnyGuy Equipment: The clothes on his back and a pouch of amas.
Leaf stood, inconveniently, in the middle of where folks were walking, as he went about finishing off the stick of grilled meat that was his breakfast. He was just at the end of his meal when someone bumped into him causing him to drop the stick. The young demihuman gave a slight frown of disappointment as his last bite was quickly snatched up Star, who slammed a paw on the stick and, pulled the final piece of meat free from the stick and swallowed it.
“Welp, since I’m not blind I’m guessing I must be stupid.” He answered the man with a chuckle. “But my head never does much work before breakfast. And the cheetah there is well fed, no need to worry. Right Star? Say hello.” He added as he turned to look at the stranger. Star had other ideas, however, and the cheetah barely glanced at either of them before wandering off on her own, likely to find a nice spot in one of the shaded gardens for her post-breakfast nap.
Leaf took a lot of notice of the stranger, mainly the very neat hat the man wore and the shiny new crossbow slung across his back. The feline demihuman circled the man once, then continued to eye the repeating crossbow with wide excited eyes.
“Now that is a thing of beauty.” He added nodding his approval. His quick study of the man, made him think he might be some sort of hired muscle. Except the crossbow looked all shiny and new, which made him guess that maybe he was about to set off on a hunting trip or some type of grand adventure.
“No need for an apology. So where ya headed in such a hurry?” He asked, hoping for an exciting tale from the stranger.
Time: Dawn Location: Roshmi City Interactions: Nabarra @nasty, Yuka @princess, Aiko @CitrusArms Equipment: Sword, bow and arrows, small knife, wayfinder, fire kit, a pouch with 217 amas
Orias answered Aiko’s question, sharing his chance meeting with the dark elf and Nabarra’s subsequent fight with a mysterious assailant on the rooftop. He shared with the demon a few details of his life, holding back just enough so that he was not thought of as a prince but rather a disgraced noble who left his home rather than further bring shame to his family. He shared his dream, why he’d come to live in Roshmi City, a hope for a fresh start and a simple and peaceful life far away from past sins. It was true enough that he felt his new ally would understand him without having to reveal his full identity. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Aiko, but rather that Biren was now a name that did not belong to him, that prince was a title he could never earn back even if he wanted to. He’d done his family no good, nor his people, the only good that could’ve come from him being linked to the Biren family had passed when he had failed to die alongside the three other princes the night before. So he kept that secret guarded, but shared his fear for sisters whom he did not name, and mentioning only that they held significant roles within the Light Elf army.
They had done all they could for Nabarra and now her fate was left to the whims of the gods. Before he slept he said a prayer to Solaris to look out for the dark elf, to light her path back to health, and one for his sisters and his home, so that they would be kept safe and that the God of Light would aid them in war. Night gave way to morning and at first light, he repeated his prayers sending them towards the heavens as Solaris’s first rays broke the night sky.
At early dawn, he left the room and headed to the tavern below moving quietly so as not to wake anyone who still slumbered. Roshmi was a city that was always bursting with life and energy, even during the darkest parts of the night and the earliest hours of twilight. Today was different; few signs of life could be seen outside the windows of the tavern, the early crowd was slow to shuffle in, and even the air felt heavy today. The Twin-Headed Dragon was due to arrive in the city this very day, and despite the incompetence that King Kasai ruled with, a heavy tension accompanied the coming regime change.
From the handful of patrons that collected in the tavern for an early breakfast, he was able to catch bits and pieces of events from the night before. A young weasel-like demihuman shared what he had learned from his portable solar box of the battle the light elves had fought all through the night.
“All through the night, they fought, beatin’ back them damned dark elves with all the force of the Sun Elf army they did. Killed a big mess of ‘em. Course the light ‘uns lost a few too. Said they lost a good bunch of supplies too. But…I mean your folk ain’t gonna let ‘em win right? Your folk gonna set this all right, right?” The nervous weasel demihuman stared at Orais expecting an answer.
Elves lived long lives, other races knew that they also tended to confuse age and wisdom as being one and the same. So even without knowing a thing about him, here this young demihuman sat looking at Orias as if he had an answer. The truth was that he didn’t have an answer to anything much less this, but that wouldn’t help anyone. If the light elves were sure of an easy victory they wouldn’t have gone so far as to have summoned an alien race for assistance. But the truth wouldn’t help the weasel demihuman soothe his fears.
“You can count on it. The best of my folk are, no doubt, out there right now shaping those humans into elite warriors. I’m sure you’ve heard tales of what humans can do.“ Orias said, his face remaining stoic so as not to betray any hint of his own uncertainty. Their collective fates all hung on a creature of myth and story.
There was a relief in having not heard a mention of either sister, they likely were far from the front lines of battle. Had anything happened to them he held no doubts that it would be public knowledge, The Twin-Headed Dragon were fans of spectacle after all.
“Yeah, my dad always loved to tell the story of two sisters of fire who could summon a big ol’ phoenix to vanquish their foes.” The weasel’s eyes lit up with hope as he recalled the story.
"My grandmother told me one about a dashing lad who swept his enemies away with the force of a hurricane.” An elderly wolf woman spoke up and soon the handful of demihumans ate and shared tales of mythical humans and their mighty feats.
Orias picked at his plate of eggs and toast and hoped the stories held at least a bit of truth, that humans were enough to make difference in the war. Eventually, he turned back to the young weasel seated near him to offer some advice.
“Perhaps now is a good time though, to cut your trip in Roshmi short.” He suggested quietly.
“You know I have been meaning to visit my parents, they retired down in Myraimor, keep on tellin’ me how much they love that desert heat. Maybe I ought to trek down there.” The demihuman weasel replied in agreement.
Orias continued to spend his morning in the tavern below, chatting occasionally with those that had news to share. He was more willing to let Aiko have their rest if they chose to do so and waited for Yuka to return as she had promised the night before.
Time: Morning Location: River Port Interactions: none Mentions: Arn @Omni5876, Rue@Potter, Kaleb@FunnyGuy, Eris and Raven@Tae Equipment: 1 hunting knife, a flask of alcohol, a backpack, small tent, blanket, waterskin, rope, fire starting kit, lightmaker, cooking pot, a bar of soap, some drugs; skaula (8 grams) and zemak (a bit less than an ounce), rolling papers, and 191 amas.
Bowyn awoke to find himself laying on a wooden floor next to a small puddle of drool and a disappointed empty bottle. Immediately, he tried to jump to his feet but the room felt like it was spinning from his sudden movement. The dizzy fairy slowly sank back down to the floor with his back pressed against the wall for support. Through squinted eyes, he tried to look around the room, which was filled with a horrible blinding light from an open window on a wall across from him. His head pounded, he could hear a bizarre ringing in his ears. No, that’s not in my head. He thought as he realized the awful sound was a cacophony of seagulls shrieking as they flew around outside. Stupid, loud, fucking birds. He thought as he began to remember where he was.
A room, in an inn, by the beach in River Port. At least he knew where he was and he groaned with annoyance as he realized he was now terribly hungover and sober. Everything hurt, his back especially, from the weird way he’d passed out on the floor near the door, sleeping in such a way so that if anyone did enter the room he’d notice. His stomach was nauseous and tied up in knots that kept making him feel like he needed to vomit all while having nothing in his stomach to vomit up. A terrible headache and dizziness made standing up feel like a near-impossible task. But nature’s call rang and the need to piss eventually overrode the desire to crawl up into a ball and wait for death.
On his way out of the room, he noticed that Arn’s bed was empty and unslept in. The dwarf hadn’t returned to the inn all night, yet another instance of strange behavior from Arn. Eventually, Bowyn found a bathroom in the inn and used the sink to give himself a makeshift bath as well. He smelled significantly better and the sunlight became almost tolerable as he adjusted to being awake. He still felt like shit so he rifled through his backpack until he found rolling papers and zemak. Slowly, Bowyn began to break up the dried plant and did his best to roll it up despite his shaking hands. He sat beneath the window and took a long slow drag on the joint which burned unevenly as he did so. The earthy taste did little to improve his dry mouth or the taste of bile that lingered in his throat but he held the smoke in his lungs for as long as he could, then let it out with a light cough.
Bowyn thought back on the parts of last night he could remember; drinking with two elves was enjoyable, even he had to admit he liked them both better than expected. Eris had been quick to ensure the mead never stopped flowing, and both elves had a way about them that made it easy to feel relaxed with them. He remembered someone else joining them, Val, a feline, who had a lot to say about this Princess Annya. From the bits he could recall, the elven princess sounded much worse than Arn. The trio shared many of his same fears and reservations, they had even treated him like a friend, and without a need for secrecy between them all, he had let his guard down a bit.
The only problem with last night was the absence of Rue. He continued to wonder if she bailed to avoid him or to get away from the elves. He couldn’t fault her for either; elves generally were an insufferable lot but a feeling in his gut told him it was more likely the first reason. He signed as the zemak joint began to burn a bit too close to his fingers and slowly stood up, flicking the end out the window. Bowyn changed into the clothes that Rue had given him the day before and felt another pang of guilt for having upset Rue.
Bowyn then paced back and forth down the hallway outside of the room. He almost knocked on Rue’s door a couple of times, he wasn’t sure if she was still there or not but decided he didn’t want to wake her if she was asleep. Eventually, the pacing only made him feel dizzier and the sound of his footsteps began to grate on his nerves. He tried to think of what he would say to Rue, the best way to apologize, only to have his mind trail off on him and his thoughts drift to food. Bowyn started thinking about honey toast and his stomach growled.
Time: Morning Location: Myriamor Interactions: none Equipment: The clothes on his back and a pouch of amas.
As Leaf awoke to greet a new day he had but one thing on his mind, breakfast. The day before had been filled with tension; the promise of a great war upon Avalia’s horizon, humans summoned by light elves to battle the dark elves, and the horrific broadcast of the murder of several princes. It wasn’t so much that he thought breakfast was more important than yesterday’s concerns, but he had faith that light elves could handle all that. And breakfast was a very important meal, one couldn’t expect to have a great day without it.
Trouble was his most loyal companion, Star, an aging cheetah, still slept, and without intervention, she might very well snooze right through breakfast. Now, what sort of friend would I be if he let her miss breakfast? Leaf studied the sleeping cat for a moment before making his move. He lept across the small room towards the bed where the sleeping cat lay. Then in a burst of impressive speed and reflex, Star was gone and Leaf tumbled forwards and into the wall next to the now unoccupied bed.
“You test my patience cub,” Star growled as she stretched, claws digging into the wooden floor.
Leaf, who now laid on the bed, feet propped against the wall and head dangling off the side of the bed, grinned. “Breakfast time?” He spoke and his stomach then growled to emphasize his point.
The cheetah’s ears twitched at the thought of food and Leaf spun and jumped from the bed landing feet first on the floor. It was absolutely breakfast time. “Race you to the market.” He added before he shot towards the door. He grabbed a pouch of amas off a table, knocking the table over in his clumsy haste, and headed out into the desert from a small home on the outskirts of the city.
The only thing better than an excellent breakfast was starting the day with a good run before breakfast. Leaf ran, feet occasionally slipping in the sand but never quite losing his balance, and for just the briefest of moments, he almost believed he could fly. The warm sun beat down upon the city in heart of a desert oasis, and despite the handful of other places Leaf had seen, he knew no other city was as beautiful and free as Myriamor. He loved the way the air smelled here, the sand on his feet, and the wind that blew through his fur.
Star quickly caught up to him, the agile cheetah easily matching his speed but moving more gracefully than he ever could. Inside the main part of the city was a collage of beautiful sandy-colored buildings decorated with splashes of greenery that blurred together as the pair ran. Leaf weaved around people, jumping over the occasional obstacle in his path, as the scent of the various food stalls drew closer.
When he was almost at the stopping point he glanced around for Star and didn’t catch sight of the cheetah. Today was finally the day he bested the old gal in a race and Leaf couldn’t be more excited about his near victory.
“Loser eats a sal-” A flash of gold moved from behind a fountain and between his feet causing the feline demihuman to lose his balance and tumble forwards, landing in the shallow water. Leaf lept with all four limbs, higher than he really thought himself capable of, and threw himself out of the water. “A rotten trick.” He said as he tried to shake the water from his fur and clothing.
“Loser eats a salad?” Star asked with a sound that was somewhere between a purr and a laugh.
“I was going to say salmon.” He lied and leaned against the fountain dipping his paw in and splashing some of the water at Star. “Maybe you could find me one?” He asked with a toothy grin. Star then let out a soft growl of annoyance and shook the water from her own fur.
Now wet, a little tired, and very hungry, Leaf made his way to a butcher shop and purchased a few fresh cuts for Star before heading to a food stall where he purchased some sticks of grilled and spiced meat. Despite the dreadful encounter with the fountain he was now content with a full belly and ready to wander the city for a bit.
⋆Cruelty ⋆Water(Can’t Swim) ⋆Failure ⋆Boredom ⋆Waiting ⋆Cold ⋆Uncontained fire
Fears:
⋆Loss of freedom ⋆Hurting people ⋆Dragons ⋆Water/Drowning ⋆What the world will become if dark elves take over
Sexuality:
Heterosexual
Personality:
An extrovert, eternal optimist, and seeker of new experiences; Leaf is outgoing and good-natured. A happy-go-lucky feline who tends to see strangers as a friend he is meeting for the first time. Leaf carries a kind and warm nature. He strives to follow the rule of law when possible and so long as the law is just, and believes in doing what is right. He will always help others, even if it is to his detriment, and cannot leave another to die or suffer if it is within his capabilities to help. He will almost always choose to protect others, even if it means risking his life, and even when it comes to his enemies he will show mercy when possible. Leaf naturally puts others first and he is quick to see the good in those around him.
Leaf is not without a temper, but is quick to forgive most things, and more than willing to set things right if he has wronged another. He is a proud cat, stubborn, and impulsive. He often fails to meet the high standards he sets for himself, and it has always been easier to forgive others than himself. He places great value on bravery, and he does not allow fear to hold him back. He carries courage not only in battle but in all aspects of his life; he strives to meet any challenge set before him, to conduct himself with honor, and do what is right. He has little patience, he hates waiting, boredom, and stagnation in life. Leaf craves excitement, new experiences, and adventure.
He is a simple cat, no great strategist, and prefers to use his physicality over wits. He is far too honest a cat to attempt to manipulate others. Lying leaves him sick with guilt over such things and he is only able to convincingly lie to himself. Leaf also trusts others very easily, often oblivious to the fact others do not share his hesitation to lie, cheat, or steal. His warmth and genuine nature draw others in, and he is fiercely protective and loyal to those around him. Leaf laughs easily, but his pride can lead him to take himself too seriously at times. When his mood turns sour he often sulks, grows quiet, or goes off alone to run. His energy tends to run high, endurance has never been an issue for him, but he also appreciates a good nap in the sun.
Background
Occupation
Freelancer
Living Immediate Family Members:
Thunder that Shakes the Mountian-Father, only known living relative, but half-siblings are possible.
Dead Immediate Family Members:
Diamond in the Rough-Mother
Current Companions:
None
Current and Past Lover(s):
None
History:
Leaf on the Wind was born in Myriamor, the oasis within Avalia’s great dessert. His mother, Diamond in the Rough, died when he was very young and he has very few memories of her. He remembers the story of his name, how his mother told him of how he always tried to run before he could walk. How she knew he would grow to one day be as swift and graceful as the wind. He remembers his mother raising him on stories of the great heroes of Avalia, tales of honor and valor, and he dreamed of emulating that greatest as well. His mother who was always full of joy and song and dance, was there one day and gone another.
Then as a cub, he was alone; old enough to feel sorrow but too young to understand it all. He knew his father through name and reputation alone, a man nothing like the great heroes of old. Thunder that Shakes the Mountian, a wanted man who stole, cheated, and killed. Leaf had not yet met his father, he knew only enough to know that he had been better off without him in his life. And even though he was well cared for in an orphanage, kept fed, and treated well, it was not a home, not a family. Against his better judgment, he spent years searching, following every lead to try and find the last bit of family he had left in the world. Once it became clear his father was not in Myriamor, Leaf left his home for the first time, working for traveling merchants in the hopes that he could find a led elsewhere in Avalia.
Leaf finally found his father in Roshmi City, at a time when the young cat was no longer a child but not quite a man. At first, Thunder was all he wanted in a father, a strong cat who taught him to fight and made him feel finally at home again. He had a family once more, he had someone to teach him, to raise him to be a man. But what he found underneath the surface was a cold and calculating man. His father slowly manipulated him, used him, brought him into a criminal organization. For a while Leaf convinced himself that it was worth it, to be with family, to think he had a home. He stole, he hurt innocent people, he wandered so far from the path he had dreamed of as a cub. He did it all to gain Thunder’s approval, truly believing his father saw him as a son and not just another pawn to use.
Then he was nearly caught, and the thought of being sent to prison or losing a hand, or even his life, became a real and terrifying possibility. At that moment he knew Thunder wouldn’t lift a paw to help him, he was on his own and had been the entire time he’d been in Roshmi City. In his desperate attempt to escape Leaf mauled a Predator, one of Roshmi’s esteemed police force, nearly to death. Horrified at both what he had done and who he was becoming, Leaf left the Predator on the steps of the healing center and fled the city the same night. He never betrayed his father, but he never contacted him again either. He had never really been a father anyhow, it had only been a lie that he’d made himself believe.
He returned to the only place that had been his home, Myriamor, and waited for bounty hunters to come for him. But they never did, no one knew what he’d done and his name wasn’t attached to any of his crimes. He convinced himself that the Predator was likely healed and fine, and he could start over, forget what he’d done. So that is what Leaf did, he set out, determined to live an honest life and bring honor to his name. He worked for traveling merchants, going anywhere but back to Roshmi City of course, and focused on every new adventure. He found himself in the company of a cheetah who became his dearest friend and who he names, Star that Shines the Brightest.
Combat and Magic:
Strength: 6 Speed on Land: 10 Speed in Air: 0 Magical Ability: 0 Dexterity: 7 Weapon Proficiency: 5 Stealth: 8
Species of Demihuman
Cheetah
Best Ability from Beast Side:
-Razor sharp teeth and claws -Speed and endurance -Heightened senses -Cat-like relfexes
⋆Cruelty ⋆Water(Can’t Swim) ⋆Failure ⋆Boredom ⋆Waiting ⋆Cold ⋆Uncontained fire
Fears:
⋆Loss of freedom ⋆Hurting people ⋆Dragons ⋆Water/Drowning ⋆What the world will become if dark elves take over
Sexuality:
Heterosexual
Personality:
An extrovert, eternal optimist, and seeker of new experiences; Leaf is outgoing and good-natured. A happy-go-lucky feline who tends to see strangers as a friend he is meeting for the first time. Leaf carries a kind and warm nature. He strives to follow the rule of law when possible and so long as the law is just, and believes in doing what is right. He will always help others, even if it is to his detriment, and cannot leave another to die or suffer if it is within his capabilities to help. He will almost always choose to protect others, even if it means risking his life, and even when it comes to his enemies he will show mercy when possible. Leaf naturally puts others first and he is quick to see the good in those around him.
Leaf is not without a temper, but is quick to forgive most things, and more than willing to set things right if he has wronged another. He is a proud cat, stubborn, and impulsive. He often fails to meet the high standards he sets for himself, and it has always been easier to forgive others than himself. He places great value on bravery, and he does not allow fear to hold him back. He carries courage not only in battle but in all aspects of his life; he strives to meet any challenge set before him, to conduct himself with honor, and do what is right. He has little patience, he hates waiting, boredom, and stagnation in life. Leaf craves excitement, new experiences, and adventure.
He is a simple cat, no great strategist, and prefers to use his physicality over wits. He is far too honest a cat to attempt to manipulate others. Lying leaves him sick with guilt over such things and he is only able to convincingly lie to himself. Leaf also trusts others very easily, often oblivious to the fact others do not share his hesitation to lie, cheat, or steal. His warmth and genuine nature draw others in, and he is fiercely protective and loyal to those around him. Leaf laughs easily, but his pride can lead him to take himself too seriously at times. When his mood turns sour he often sulks, grows quiet, or goes off alone to run. His energy tends to run high, endurance has never been an issue for him, but he also appreciates a good nap in the sun.
Background
Occupation
Freelancer
Living Immediate Family Members:
Thunder that Shakes the Mountian-Father, only known living relative, but half-siblings are possible.
Dead Immediate Family Members:
Diamond in the Rough-Mother
Current Companions:
None
Current and Past Lover(s):
None
History:
Leaf on the Wind was born in Myriamor, the oasis within Avalia’s great dessert. His mother, Diamond in the Rough, died when he was very young and he has very few memories of her. He remembers the story of his name, how his mother told him of how he always tried to run before he could walk. How she knew he would grow to one day be as swift and graceful as the wind. He remembers his mother raising him on stories of the great heroes of Avalia, tales of honor and valor, and he dreamed of emulating that greatest as well. His mother who was always full of joy and song and dance, was there one day and gone another.
Then as a cub, he was alone; old enough to feel sorrow but too young to understand it all. He knew his father through name and reputation alone, a man nothing like the great heroes of old. Thunder that Shakes the Mountian, a wanted man who stole, cheated, and killed. Leaf had not yet met his father, he knew only enough to know that he had been better off without him in his life. And even though he was well cared for in an orphanage, kept fed, and treated well, it was not a home, not a family. Against his better judgment, he spent years searching, following every lead to try and find the last bit of family he had left in the world. Once it became clear his father was not in Myriamor, Leaf left his home for the first time, working for traveling merchants in the hopes that he could find a led elsewhere in Avalia.
Leaf finally found his father in Roshmi City, at a time when the young cat was no longer a child but not quite a man. At first, Thunder was all he wanted in a father, a strong cat who taught him to fight and made him feel finally at home again. He had a family once more, he had someone to teach him, to raise him to be a man. But what he found underneath the surface was a cold and calculating man. His father slowly manipulated him, used him, brought him into a criminal organization. For a while Leaf convinced himself that it was worth it, to be with family, to think he had a home. He stole, he hurt innocent people, he wandered so far from the path he had dreamed of as a cub. He did it all to gain Thunder’s approval, truly believing his father saw him as a son and not just another pawn to use.
Then he was nearly caught, and the thought of being sent to prison or losing a hand, or even his life, became a real and terrifying possibility. At that moment he knew Thunder wouldn’t lift a paw to help him, he was on his own and had been the entire time he’d been in Roshmi City. In his desperate attempt to escape Leaf mauled a Predator, one of Roshmi’s esteemed police force, nearly to death. Horrified at both what he had done and who he was becoming, Leaf left the Predator on the steps of the healing center and fled the city the same night. He never betrayed his father, but he never contacted him again either. He had never really been a father anyhow, it had only been a lie that he’d made himself believe.
He returned to the only place that had been his home, Myriamor, and waited for bounty hunters to come for him. But they never did, no one knew what he’d done and his name wasn’t attached to any of his crimes. He convinced himself that the Predator was likely healed and fine, and he could start over, forget what he’d done. So that is what Leaf did, he set out, determined to live an honest life and bring honor to his name. He worked for traveling merchants, going anywhere but back to Roshmi City of course, and focused on every new adventure. He found himself in the company of a cheetah who became his dearest friend and who he names, Star that Shines the Brightest.
Combat and Magic:
Strength: 6 Speed on Land: 10 Speed in Air: 0 Magical Ability: 0 Dexterity: 7 Weapon Proficiency: 5 Stealth: 8
Species of Demihuman
Cheetah
Best Ability from Beast Side:
-Razor sharp teeth and claws -Speed and endurance -Heightened senses -Cat-like relfexes
Time: Evening Location: River Port Interactions: Kaleb @FunnyGuy Mentions: Arn @Omni5876, Rue@Potter, Eris@Tae Equipment: 1 hunting knife, a flask of alcohol, a backpack, small tent, blanket, waterskin, rope, fire starting kit, lightmaker, cooking pot, a bar of soap, some drugs; skaula (8 grams) and zemak (1 ounce), rolling papers, and 91 amas.
Bowyn nodded, satisfied as he caught the uneasy look on Kaleb as the elf studied the wolf. It seemed the elf would be thinking twice before doing anything to upset Mooney and Bowyn liked that added sense of security. His ears caught distant shouting that echoed loud enough to be heard over the normal noise of the port town, coming from one of the nearby shops. The winter fae rolled his eyes at the continued lack of civility that ran rampant through the rest of Avalia. Wouldn’t find a scene like that back home. He thought and Kaleb went on to suggest they grab a drink rather than search for Arn. Since they’d already run into Rue, Bowyn saw no need to argue. In fact, he and Kaleb seemed to be on the same page.
“Ya know, you speak more sense than any elf I’ve met.” Bowyn said, more than a bit surprised but willing to hang around the flashy elf if it meant they were going drinking. Kaleb had mentioned earlier he was looking to party and once the elf had a few he’d be much easier to get information out of. Mainly why an elf had to travel to River Port to join an elf-led war. Certainly, the Sun Elf armies would be more than willing to take on new recruits, unless Kaleb thought himself a more valuable asset, useful to the princess herself. Was he one of those older than dirt elves who could summon humans at his whim? Hopefully, a few strong drinks could loosen some secrets from him, and to Bowyn alcohol could really only help any given situation.
Then another elf, this one introduced herself as Eris, linked her arm with Kaleb's, and offered him toast. Eris went on to share the details of the earlier heard commotion. A pair of elves had started a fight with a shopkeeper over prices, attacking the vendor and frightening another demihuman who was tired of their violence. And of course, in the midst of all the conflict, was a dwarf there eyeing up one of the elves. Wonder who that dwarf is. Maybe Arn got tired of looking for a princess and settled for whoever caught his wandering eye.
“Bowyn.” He said gesturing to himself after Eris introduced herself. “And Kaleb here was just suggesting we grab a drink, and since I’d rather not run into the local enforcements here, I suggest we head over there now.” He added then glanced over at Rue to hear her thoughts on it.
Time: 7 pm, Soller Location: Aiko's room Interactions: Nabarra@nasty, Yuka@princess, Aiko@CitrusArms Equipment: Sword, bow and arrows, small knife, wayfinder, fire kit, a pouch with 117 amas
It was decided Yuka would indeed leave to find an antidote and the lioness was soon gone. Aiko continued to tend to Nabarra’s wound and Orias, Orias waited unsure of what to do. Healing and wound care were just another one of his lessons that he had written off in his youth as useless. What did a prince need to know of medicine when they had servents for such things? One of the many mistakes of his youth, a youth spent learning only how to cause harm, to wield a blade, and of how to care for only himself. And what had changed? Sure, he now made blades for others to wield, years as a blacksmith in the foolish hope that the work of forging raw materials into something of use would, in turn, reforge him into something of use. But when the raw materials used were of such poor quality you couldn’t hope to forge anything worthwhile. The same, likely true of elves.
He could’ve helped Nabarra on the rooftop, maybe even prevented all of this, but he had left the dark elf to sort it out alone. Why? Because she shared the face of his people’s enemy. Have I changed at all? Or am I still repeating the same failures? Is this why, despite the prayers and offerings to Solaris, my magic still fails? And just like that there it was again, the looming shadow that followed him. The remembrance of so many failures; when he acted, when he did not act, either way, the same result. So he paced the room, occasionally pausing by the door to listen for any sign of intruders just in case anyone from the tavern had violence on their minds.
“So, this shapeshifting ability, not very common amongst other fox folks right? Useful though, a lot better than a 3 ama cat mask.” Orais spoke, attempting to make small talk with the likely not a demihuman as the awkward silence only served to allow his mind to wander.
Time: Evening Location: River Port Interactions: Kaleb @FunnyGuy Mentions: Arn @Omni5876, Rue@Potter Equipment: 1 hunting knife, a flask of alcohol, a backpack, small tent, blanket, waterskin, rope, fire starting kit, lightmaker, cooking pot, a bar of soap, some drugs; skaula (8 grams) and zemak (1 ounce), rolling papers, and 91 amas.
Bowyn nodded as Kaleb assured him that he had a more reliable source than Arn who confirmed Annya was in River Port. Maybe it was true, but it didn’t bring him any comfort. His thoughts still focused on Arn and everything he’d heard from Kaleb about the dwarf. That jackass, too busy ogling, not the type of guy you place your faith in, the rascal. Kaleb had painted a clear picture of who Arn really was, one that Bowyn found easier to believe existed than a truly humble and honest prince of any sort.
Perhaps Kaleb was Bowyn’s lucky charm because right as the elf offered to help find Rue and Arn, Mooney strolled up to them. Where the wolf was, Rue was never far behind, and soon Bowyn spotted her as Rue landed with enough grace that any bird who saw her would feel a pang of jealousy.
“Rue.” Bowyn grinned as the immediate sense of relief washed over him. Rue was fine, and even better, Arn was nowhere to be seen. Although Rue was smiling, her eyes were tinged with sorrow. Was he to blame for that or was this Arn’s doing? And where was Arn? Out trying to ogle a princess? Probably having a grand time exploring the intricacies of diplomacy.
He frowned as Rue announced that Mooney wouldn’t attack and Kaleb went on to refer to the wolf as a pet. “Pet? I wouldn’t let him hear that. Ol’ Mooney here can hold a grudge. And he doesn’t attack because she doesn’t want him to. Best to keep that in mind, some big, nasty teeth on this one.” Bowyn said, and he spoke calmly like it was just as a fact, rather than a threat. It was better to have strangers think Rue tamed vicious beasts as bodyguards. And it would clue Rue in that he saw Kaleb as nothing more than another stranger.
“Guess who Kaleb’s looking for? Annya. Seems like her being here is Avalia’s worst-kept secret. And, Kaleb here, happens to know Arn as well, small world huh.” Bowyn added, stopping himself from adding in that he’d heard nothing good about Arn from elf. He didn’t want to point out that he was right, it wouldn’t help anything. One elf’s words weren’t solid proof of anything and there was no need to disappoint Rue.
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