Helo

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Roses and Daggers - Romance

Interested

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Myriamor-Plaza
Interactions: Slick@FunnyGuy, Aurora@Mole, Sophie@princess, Caelen@Alivefalling,
Equipment: The clothes on his back and a pouch of amas.

---

Leaf nodded in agreement as Slick not only spoke highly of the Myriamor mix but went on to add that everything here was tasty. The young cat beamed with pride and his tail swished with excitement to hear Slick speak highly of Myriamor. Leaf held a deep love for the city he called home, it held few flaws, and when compared to anywhere else he’d been Myraimor bested all of them. Sophie and Caelen also seemed to be enjoying the city as well, and Leaf chuckled at Caelen’s slip up. If Alette was still intent on playing matchmaker the little pixie would have a lot more work to do.

“No offense to the elven kingdom but Myriamor is Avalia’s hidden gem, every day spent here is truly a special occasion and reason to celebrate. But if swimming and drinking aren’t your thing then I must also recommend the markets here, stocked with just about anything you can imagine, from shiny trinkets to the rarest of spices. Or The Grand Domed Greenhouse, a botanical wonder, not only a sight to behold but a delight for all the senses. After our friends have cooled off in the swimming hole, of course.” Leaf agreed that it was best not to split up the group too much but offered some suggestions he thought might appeal to the more reserved elf, Aurora.

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: River Port-Beach
Interactions: Rus@Potter, Eris and “Valerie”(Raven)@Tae, Annya @princess
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.

---

When given the choice between lounging around the beach and spending the day smashing slime with a mallet, Bowyn had found the choice an easy one. Despite the easy amas, running around getting splattered with slime guts in the sweltering heat was an easy pass. While this left him stuck with an elven princess and her cohorts at least Rue was there as well.

Bowyn had no idea what made the beach so appealing to others; the air had a foul tint of brine and fish, it was hot and even the occasional cool breeze only served to assault him with more of the ocean smell, and then there was the sand that covered everything. The beach was the complete opposite of home. His village where the ground was covered in soft, fluffy, snow, and the air was always crisp and clean. He couldn’t be entirely sure whether the nauseating feeling in his stomach was the foul beach air, the oppressive heat, or his own homesickness. Probably all three, but Rue looked so happy that Bowyn kept all his complaints to himself and managed to contort his face into a smile every now and then. He didn’t even mention the flying squawking rats that Bowyn personally found more of a nuisance than the slime, which was at least quiet.

As the slime day extermination began Bowyn only found himself more sure of his discission. Even from a distance the absolute fervor that swept the crowd as they mindlessly lost themselves in violence was a terrible sight. Sure, the slime was thought to be a mindless creature, but it was also harmless and just trying to follow its own simple nature. Only to be pulverized by others motivated by coin and given permission to unleash unbridled aggression. Most unsettling of all was how much easier the scene was to watch as he imagined the slime to be dark elves instead, and for the ooze to be blood splattering from slashed skin.

Bowyn’s upbringing had been entirely traditional by fae standards, taught to respect all life no matter how simple the creature. When an animal was slaughtered it was out of necessity, for food and survival, but respected even in its death. This was just slaughter for fun and profit, and it only reminded him of how eager he was to do the same to dark elves. Despite the unbearable homesickness that never faded, he knew he no longer belonged in his village. He was no better than those out there smashing slime, worse even, as dark elves were more complex than slime. He was sick, infected with the same rage and appetite for violence as the very race he hated. His home was no longer a place for someone like him.

With every smash of a mallet, he thought of how he would spend the rest of what remained of his life away from his home, far from the only place he wanted to be, and felt a dread so overwhelming it threatened to crush him.

Then there was Rue handing out seashells with a kind smile. He accepted his gift, grateful for a reason to look away from the slime slaughter. Bowyn turned and twisted the shell in his hands, eyes fixed on how it reflected the light of the sun and how at just the right angle the glittering sheen matched the faint lavender in Rue’s hair. Then Eris spoke up asking Annya about her plans, but phrasing it as if it were simply optional to share details with the rest of them.

“Or seeing as how many of us are offering to risk our lives in this elf conflict, feel free, obligated even, to share any grand plans.” He added after Eris had spoken. He had yet to see any evidence of these all-powerful humans the light elves were said to have. If they were following the wrong elf he’d rather know sooner than later.

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Avian City
Interactions: Yuka @princess, Aiko @CitrusArms, Xavier@Potter
Equipment: Sword, bow and arrows, small knife, wayfinder, fire kit, a pouch with 107 amas

---

None of the stories or paintings of the Avian City did it justice; the small islands that floated above Roshmi City were more spectacular than he could’ve imagined. The magic that kept the city aloft was almost palpable in the air and, with reverence, he realized that up here he was now closer to Solaris than he’d ever been before. Closer to the sun, its warmth, its light, served to make the experience feel almost sacred. Orias was grateful that Yuka took the time to pause and let them enjoy the moment. He took the moment to close his eyes and turn his face towards the sun with the hope that channeling the light, closer than ever to its source, would be the spark needed to reignite his fading magic. His hands clumsily formed a small orb of light, a concentrated expression of his magic, that he released as an offering towards the sun, towards the mighty Lord Solaris.

Here the light of the sun was brighter, the magic around him felt stronger, and yet his own magic felt no different. It struggled to shine, an unworthy offering to a god so powerful one had to close their eyes to look in his direction. There was the thought that maybe more time here could leave him more fully restored, that there was some secret to his own magic to be gleaned in this city that floated closer to the heavens than any place below. And, he was here with near strangers, it would be so easy to simply part ways here and focus instead on taking in the magic that settled here and revitalizing his own power. He lingered on that thought, of staying in a place that felt hopeful and sacred.

But he’d been spared in the execution of princes, his fate passed to one who hadn’t deserved it, and to linger here would be an insult to that. Orias couldn’t spend the war thinking of himself while his sisters carried the burden of the fight down below. He wondered how the Avians kept perspective when everything down below looked so insignificant this close to the heavens. Based on the information from Yuka, the Avians were doing all they could to provide aid rather than secluding themselves in their floating sanctuary. Which lead his mind to another option, one that could at least leave them with a bit more time spent amongst the heavens.

“While we’re here, this is as good a place as any to make some allies, Avians have the reputation for being bold and noble, and clearly aren’t so willing to bow down before dark elves.” Orias suggested.

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Aboard The Harem
Interactions: Tigerlily @Potter, Tesoro@Infinite Cosmos, Lizzie @Tae, Barboda @Alivefalling, Helio @princess, and a rival ship and her crew @FunnyGuy
Equipment: A cutlass, 2 knives and a dagger strategically hidden, a spyglass, a wayfinder, pouch of amas, various jewelry.

---

The sea began to grow agitated, Nym could feel it in the rocking of the ship, although the clouds had spoken of no storm on the horizon. The sea wanted violence, and she was the only god he bowed to, and her request would have to be honored. If Ardyn was lying in wait somewhere with another ship, as Lizzie expected, getting rid of this first ship seemed the best way to even the playing field. It was Barboda who first answered the call for violence, shooting the fairy from the sky, and filling the briny air with a hint of metallic blood. His nostrils flared taking in the scent, feeling the charge of excitement rush through him. The bit of magic his heritage granted him hardened his skin, no longer smooth but sandpaper course and tough enough to withstand a blade.

He didn’t wait to hear the end of Lizzie and Tigerlily’s conversation. As Tesoro ran off with a stolen dagger to wait for the enemy to board the ship, Nym took off towards the storage area for the powder and a firestarter. Upon his return, Nym caught sight of Helio who sprang up from the crow’s nest and shot an orb of dark energy at the enemy ship. Funny, he’d always thought that was a strictly dark elf sort of ability. And every second the fairy prince gets a little more interesting. He thought before he returned his focus to his own task of loading a cannon with grapeshot and preparing to fire it. He would wait for the right moment, when the rest of the enemy would emerge from the belly of their own ship, to ensure as much damage as possible. He had no guns, no crossbow, and no magic orbs to fire, so until the enemy boarded a cannon was his best bet.

---

Time: Morning
Location: Myriamor-Bed and Breakfast
Interactions: Slick@FunnyGuy, Aurora@Mole, Sophie@princess, Caelen@Alivefalling,
Equipment: The clothes on his back and a pouch of amas.

---

Leaf followed along with the group, eyes kept watchful for any sign of danger, believing this entire day was going to be a very long job interview with Slick, bounty hunter extortionate. And it was important to watch for danger as this group was made up of traveling companions that were friends with not just one, but two princesses. There was Sophie, owner of the pet pixie, who was an alleged excellent cook and sweet on Slick. Caelen, who did in fact smell a bit like zemak, which meant the pixie’s information was probably accurate. So he kept a healthy distance from Aurora, who Alette had claimed had contagious blindness and Leaf didn’t want to catch any strange elf illnesses.

He had, begrudgingly, admitted to Slick that not only had the pixie offered up much more information than he’d been able to gather, but what she said had checked out with the bits he’d overheard. So, even though he was a bit annoyed to be outdone by a pixie it was hard to hold any sort of grudge against Alette, especially after she flew off and returned with a fella offering drinks.

“Absolutely!” Leaf said to the man offering the colorful drinks. He didn’t think twice about enjoying the drink while technically working as Slick didn’t seem like the uptight sort. “A must-try during your visit here, if you want the full Myraimor experience.” He added before thanking the man with the drinks. Caelan mentioned playing games, which was entirely agreeable, and then swimming which sounded terrible. He’d already had his unfortunate tumble into a fountain earlier that day and he did not want to repeat the experience.

“Seeing as how I am not a catfish I’ll have to pass. But the oasis here is the finest water in all of Avalia.” Leaf said with his signature toothy grin. He found playing tour guide much more enjoyable than looking for orcs.

---

Time: Morning
Location: Roshmi City
Interactions: Yuka @princess, Aiko @CitrusArms, Xavier@Potter
Equipment: Sword, bow and arrows, small knife, wayfinder, fire kit, a pouch with 117 amas

---

“Excellent. I’m ready to go.” Orias said, a bit surprised that they’d all come to a unanimous agreement so easily. He had no interest in lingering in Roshmi any longer than they had to; it would only make leaving harder and nothing he owned was worth risking a confrontation with dark elves. He would leave with what he carried with him, from the brief conversation Yuka had with a random man at the bar it sounded like dark elves were already making it hard to leave the city.

“A round of shots for the road.” He said, flagging down the bartender and gesturing to the group. Once they were poured he held up the small shot glass of liquid courage. “Here’s to Roshmi, and to us.” He said before downing the shot and hopping off the barstool.

“So what’s the plan Yuka? Got some potions that grant flight? A stash of hoverboards perhaps? Or, did you really snatch us up a dragon after all?” He asked, curious as to how she planned to get a group of four non-flying folks up to Avian City. At least, he had assumed none of them could fly, then again Aiko had the surprising ability to shapeshift. “Unless you can grow wings as well?” He added glancing at the shapeshifting fox.

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Roshmi City
Interactions: Yuka @princess, Aiko @CitrusArms, Xavier@Potter
Equipment: Sword, bow and arrows, small knife, wayfinder, fire kit, a pouch with 117 amas

---

“A well-trained dragon, if your offering.” He replied to Yuka as she asked him if he wanted something from the black market. While the rest of what she said mostly danced around his question regarding her new tagalong, it was enough to show she might even have a plan of some sorts or at least the idea of a plan. He noted the way she kept looking at Xavier, winking, and referring to him as key to their success. Orias failed to note anything particularly special about the quiet stranger at Yuka’s side.

Orias nodded towards Aiko as they approached with a sleepy greeting. The strange shapeshifting fox creature went on to ask if Nabarra was with them. To this, Orias shook his head. On the one hand, if she had taken off it meant she was probably fine, that the antidote supplied by Yuka had worked out alright after all. On the other hand, he’d been down here since dawn so if she had left, she’d snuck off and that was a cause for concern. Had the dark elf had a change of heart, maybe deciding that turning the rest of them in would earn her favor with The Twin-Headed Dragon? While it made just as much sense that Nabarra, who seemed like a loner anyhow, had simply chosen to go off on her own, it was safer to assume the worst-case scenario.

“With Nabarra gone it does seem best to recruit elsewhere. Both Ironhold and River Kingdom would be fine choices, both of them lost a prince the other night and will likely seek retaliation. Myriamor and RIver Port are closer but may be more difficult to find recruits.” Orias offered a few suggestions, although personally, he favored Ironhold as dwarves were known to be excellent soldiers, having spent years battling orcs, as well as being a reliable bunch. He made no mention of his own home, Sun Elf Kingdom, which would likely be a major target for dark elf attacks. “But there is no place as grand as Roshmi.” He added as the thought of not only abandoning another home but leaving it to darkness, felt like an overwhelming failure.

“And you’re sure Nabarra is gone? If so we should leave quickly, just to be safe.” He added addressing Aiko directly, curious to hear where the fox creature would suggest they go.

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Aboard The Harem
Interactions: Tigerlily @Potter, Tesoro@Infinite Cosmos, Lizzie @Tae, Barboda @Alivefalling, Helio @princess, and a rival ship and her crew @FunnyGuy
Equipment: A cutlass, 2 knives and a dagger strategically hidden, a spyglass, a wayfinder, pouch of amas, various jewelry.

---

Off in the distance a schooner approached from the east, from her mast a black flag with signature golden skull waved proudly in the salty breeze. They had sailed into the waters patrolled by Captian Ardyn and just like clockwork here the ol’ bastard was a coming to collect the tax he thought was owed. Now, if Captain Lizzie was truly was a pirate worthy of the title she carried he expected her to have seen this coming, any sailor familiar with these seas knew Ardyn by reputation. Paying the other man's tax would likely be the simplest and peaceful resolution to their meeting, but Nym hoped for a bolder captain than that.

Captain Ardyn was by all accounts a truly great pirate, having built himself a fortune and fearsome reputation. The man ran a tight ship, had engineered a solid business plan on the slavery market using sirens for compulsion. He could be certain Tigerlily would have strong opinions on that matter, but seeing as how Ardyn kept his exploitation of sirens limited to those Nym neither knew nor cared about, he only ever saw the beauty of a well-orchestrated racket.

The potential for a battle against someone he could truly admire, someone who embodied all that Nym could respect, flooded him with excitement. His eye scanned the faces of lesser twins and the little fairy that accompanied them. From what he could see of the other crew they held under a dozen, but still easily outnumbering The Harem’s own crew, which was about as bare-bones as a crew could get. A fight here would be a glorious challenge, and to Captain Lizzie’s credit she returned the schooner’s offer to come aboard with a pretty smile and a ‘fuck off’. It was Tesoro’s offer to go aboard in her stead that surprised him.

“If ya plan to gamble with your life I hope ya have a card hidden up yer sleeve. Otherwise, thinning out our sparse ranks and allowing them the first strike, seems a poor choice.” Nym didn’t much care for the light elf but he was crew now and Tesoro had mostly kept to himself and his work after his original dramatic outburst, which at least upgraded him to agreeable in Nym’s mind. He offered his two cents and simply awaited the captain's orders.

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: River Port-Surfside Cafe
Interactions: Rue and Saoirse@Potter, Arn @Omni5876, Kaleb@FunnyGuy, Eris and “Valerie”(Raven)@Tae, Kharne @Kazemitsu, Annya @princess, and Ismael @Th3King0fChaos
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 nodded as Rue made it clear that avoiding the war was not in her wishes. Although the other fairy was gentler with words and far softer spoken than he, Bowyn could hear the resolve in Rue’s words, and he had never known her to falter in her determination. It would be a fool’s errand to attempt to sway her mind. He didn’t ask for reasoning, he had done so once already, and he trusted the other fairy to tell him when she was ready to do so.

“I think we might have more pressing concerns than Slime but, if there’s time, getting paid to clean up a beach might not be so bad.” He said, following Rue into the Surfside Cafe. It was the towering mass of muscle that was a Dragonborn that first caught his attention, then the few familiar faces from last night that surrounded the reptilian man that drew his attention. He spotted Kaleb, Eris, and the demihuman, Valerie from last night. He also spotted Arn, another demihuman male, and two female elves, one of which he was sure was Princess Annya. It was a large group, but he’d expected an elven princess to have a far larger entourage, and with far more elves. This group, however, was less intimidating than he’d expected, with the obvious exception of the Dragonborn, none matched the sense of danger that had rolled off the mysterious trio he and Rue encountered in the inn.

As Rue introduced herself he caught the shy reservation in her tone and an uncertain glance sent his way. Bowyn stepped forward and wrapped an arm around Rue’s shoulders, a reminder that he had given his word to have her back. “Nearby? I’m sure our friends here wouldn’t mind a couple more faces at breakfast. Name’s Bowyn, and you're in luck, you’ve got a pair of winter fae very interested in joining your cause.” Bowyn said with a forced smile as he introduced himself to the few he was unfamiliar with. He held none of Rue’s social reservations, they were here to meet a princess and he had no plans to be shy about it. “Kaleb, Eris, and now was it, Valerie? Last night was a bit of a blur huh? Glad we ran back into each other, I know I could use a bite to ward off this hangover.” He said, greeting the members of the group he was familiar with and finding it easier to be friendly with the trio that had at least been good and entertaining company the day before.

“Arn, have a good night? I’m guessing you found a better offer for lodging, maybe someone warm to share a bed with?” He asked with a smirk as his gaze found the dwarf, he did his best to keep his tone friendly but his eyes were cold as they met the Arn’s. He wondered if he’d get more of the same bashful dwarf act from Arn or if he’d finally see the man’s true nature. It was about as close to amicable as he could be with Arn.