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Wonderlust King

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In Avalia → 2 yrs ago Forum: Casual Roleplay


Time: Morning
Location: Roshmi City
Interactions: Yuka@princess, Aiko@CitrusArms, Xavier@Potter, Augus@Funnyguy
Equipment: Sword, bow and arrows, small knife, wayfinder, fire kit, a pouch with 137 amas


“It is that man you have with you that requires the attention of General Maximus and perhaps even Governor Brightfeater.”

The words spoken by Captain Verencia stuck in Orias’s mind, tangled with concern for what the Avain City would want with Xavier. Were they simply concerned with the threat a human could pose? Did they want the human for their own benefit? Either seemed a strong possibility. Rather unlikely, but still within the realm of possibility was that they could use a human to gain favor with dark elves. The Captain himself was certainly not aligned with dark elves, but those above him, those who gave orders and pulled strings, Orias had not a clue what their intentions would be nor what loyalties they held. He stuck close to Xavier the entire way towards Augus’s home. He had to keep Xavier safe, Yuka and Aiko as well.

The next time Captain Verencia spoke directly to him, his words caused Orias’s veneer of confidence to crack. “Word of advice. You should probably do the talking, prince.”

That familiar sense of dread, the crushing burden of responsibility, rushed back in through those cracks. Even Captain Verencia had buckled before General Augus Maximus, sweat visible on the captain’s brow as he winced before the wall of winged stone. This alone told Orias enough; the general would be a tough man to convince of anything.

And who am I to speak for anyone? Incompetent. A disgrace to my family and people. Should’ve stayed dead. Should’ve actually died a century ago. We might be in real danger, why should it fall to me?

Yuka was better at talking, she could probably spin a thousand different tales that could get them out of this if they would only listen to her instead. Aiko had all the charm, they were disarming in a way that easily won others over, that made others want to work with them. And Xavier, he truly held power here, magic that far exceeded most anyone in Avalia, this man could turn the tides of the war. And what do I have? A title I’ve never done a damn thing to earn. A name I am unworthy of.

What did he know that could help? In his youth, he paid no attention to his mandatory studies of the other cities and he retained no knowledge of Avian culture. His interactions with Captain Verencia were brief, but what he had picked up from that Avian was that he was patriarchal, stoic, and seemed to value truth. Maybe Orias could work with that, maybe the general didn’t want a convincing story or charm, and certainly, the general didn’t want lies. At this point, all he really could offer was the truth and hope that would be enough for the general. Xavier stepped forward first, enough distance between the humans and the others that what happened to Yuka was unlikely to happen again. Orias watch Xavier as he tried to plan out what he should say. The human did better than even he’d expected, showing an impressive amount of control over his magical gift, harming neither the party nor the members of the Skygaurd, and showing that his ability to control lightning was no mere trick. Orias gave Xavier a nod of approval before he stepped forward to present the general with the truth.

“General Maximus, the tale I told upon arrival at your doors, was that the I, and my companions, were representatives of the Sun Elf Kingdom. That we sought allies and aid in this war. I ask your forgiveness because unbeknownst to my companions, I lied to your Captain.

I hold no authority to speak on behalf of the kingdom I abandoned. Before you stands a coward of a prince, one who fled responsibility and consequences for his actions. But I am Orias Biren. My intentions are to seek allies and aid in this war, for the benefit of the kingdom I have failed to serve for too long. Dark elves now occupy Roshmi, the Twin-Headed Dragon sits upon a throne just beneath your door. The Sun Elf Kingdom does not want them there. I’m sure Avain City does not want them there. And you, are not a foolish man. You know exactly what my people, my family, have brought to Avalia. This wayward human is my responsibility, it is my family that brought his kind here. The mistakes made at your gates, are my mistakes.

Despite how my family may feel about my actions, they are reasonable, they need this human, and they will meet with me. And that is how I can be of use to you. If you wish to offer any aid, I can bring your terms to my siblings, elves with more say and power than I have. If not, I humbly request safe travel away from Roshmi, and I will ensure my family hears of the kindness of Avain City, ensure that you are rewarded for it. They will know how this great city helped keep safe one of the humans with the power to sway this war in our favor.” Orias spoke with his head held high and eyes never fleeing from the cold gaze of the general. His voice cracked in places, sometimes from the shame of his past, sometimes from trying to grasp at faltering confidence, but nothing short of his best effort would do.
In 🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕 → 2 yrs ago Forum: Casual Roleplay

Time: Early Evening
Location: Caesonia Castle Ball Room
Interactions: Lady Thea@Tae, Prince Felix@Mole
Mentions: Pretty much everyone in the drama

Leo, despite the tension that surrounded him, felt no real sense of danger, even as Mayet reprimanded him. He nodded his head, accepting it, but hearing his own name spoken by a Shehzadi was victory enough. He was comfortable, not because he thought the Alidasht were weak or simply being dramatic, but Leo lived under the assumption that danger could only truly touch him if he wanted it to. The young lord grew up with every imaginable privilege and comfort, danger was always something he had to seek out. Sure, the court could offer a scandal or two, hits to one’s reputation, but life or death, for a Varian noble, that was rarely seen in civilized society amongst one’s peers. The situation went more or less as he expected, Alidasht called for the Duke’s head, but they settled for a lesser punishment. Beheading, in the middle of a ball, in front of so many northern noblewomen, would have caused mass fainting spells and ruined the festivities.

The honor of having spoken to one Shehzadi only to have his name uttered by another one paled in comparison to having caught the glance of the third Shehzadi in the room. A quick glance but her gaze was not one that saw him as something more akin to an insect the way the other two Shehzadis’ seemed to, but one that held a mild interest. He resisted the urge to smile, now was not the time but the night was young, and the chance to speak with the royal would have to be revisited. Of the two Shahzades in attendance, one was very clearly, and understandably, entranced by Lady Mina, and the other seemed entirely collected and spoke of mercy. The elder of the two Shahzades seemed more easily approachable as well.

What he hadn’t expected was the intervention of so many notable people of the court. Prince Wulfric stepped up to demonstrate exactly how well prepared Caesonia’s prince was to one day hold the mantle of king. The man with the unsightly cowlick he’d seen earlier offered a story to the sultan, which was truly bizarre. Then Lady Mina, with her confusing words encouraged the Kadirs to accept Lottie as a servant. He had trouble pinning down her intentions; was she another wolf that roamed the court looking to extinguish any competition by any means available, or trying to spare Charlotte another loss? Mina had certainly always struck Leo as a bit of a mystery. His thought interrupted as more of the dramatic scene played out, only for Prince Felix and his own dear sister to approach as well. Why on earth did Thea look so deeply upset? Maybe he did need to keep a closer eye on the young prince.

Seeing Lorenzo reduced to such a weeping puddle of a man stopped any thoughts Leo had of the man’s questionable honor. It was embarrassing to watch as the man threw out what remained of his own dignity for the sake of his daughter. But to go to such lengths to protect one’s family, was an act of honor, a sign that Lorenzo deserved some credit and Leo was glad for the sake of that family that Sultan was a merciful man. The drama that began the evening began to subside, the music played once again and so Leo turned his attention to Thea, offering a small grin.

“That was thrilling. Did you hear, one of them even spoke my name.” Leo whispered to his sister before offering a bow to Felix.

“Your highness, a pleasure, I look forward to the day I call you a brother.”He added towards Prince Felix. “This season is sure to be anything but dull. What an exciting group of people.” He continued to speak to the both of them but kept an eye on the puzzling look of distress Thea wore. He also noticed how, although Lottie had claimed she did have time for him tonight, she quickly headed off without another word towards the feast. In all fairness, he doubted there was anything that would keep Charlotte from a feast.
In 🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕 → 2 yrs ago Forum: Casual Roleplay


In 🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕 → 2 yrs ago Forum: Casual Roleplay


In Avalia → 2 yrs ago Forum: Casual Roleplay


Time: Morning
Location: River Port Beach
Interactions: Rue @Potter, Eris and “Valerie”(Raven)@Tae, Annya @princess,
Mentions: Inori@Shard
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 listened to Annya speak just as intensely as she had for him. His mind combing over her every word, weighing them, desperate for common ground, for reassurance that this war would go the way he needed it to go. He saw the fire that sparked behind her eyes, a sign that this fight had a personal resonance to her as well. Their goals were the same; keep safe those around them, protect humans, kill dark elves, and that was all he needed to hear from her. At this point, diplomacy was a waste of time, but she had her hands tied by those above her. He could understand that and he could work with this elf.

He stayed quiet as Rue spoke next. A small and tired smile crossed his face as Rue’s arm wrapped around his shoulders.

Rue's embrace was both welcoming and painful. Like days so cold the chill crept into his bones and everything inside felt impossibly numb and going home and standing too close to a fire. When even though the fire was uncomfortably warm and the heat stung, it also meant life and warmth and sensation once more. A fire that fought away the kind of cold so brutal it forced life to fade. Rue was like that, like a fire that hurt in the best possible way, the way that kept things alive and that reminded him of everything he missed and had lost.

Bowyn would do anything for people like that, to keep them whole and safe from what the world was capable of.

And Rue had always been like that, someone who brought the type of energy that made the world brighter, more beautiful. She saw good in people, in the world, and while it made her too trusting, naive even, it was also why being around her made the world seem brighter. Fire like Rue spread easily, it lit up the world.

Maybe he’d been like that once too. But it wasn’t physical pain or losing his wings that was the worst that the world, or dark elves, had done to him. It was the loss of being able to see beauty in the world; to see the good, dreaming of possibilities, of trusting people, of hope.

So even as every part of him disagreed with her words and the sentiment they held, they sounded like the last piece of beauty left in the world. And it meant everything that made Rue, Rue, was still there, and he had no heart to argue with her, to try and smother a fire. Bowyn only leaned towards the warmth that was Rue, resting his head against her. For now, Bowyn was content to find comfort from Rue.

Eris then spoke and Bowyn found himself liking this elf much less than he had the night before. Even though her words echoed Rue’s, they didn’t sit right with him. Maybe it was that she lacked Rue’s gentle sincerity, maybe it was the emphasis she placed on the pain of the Twin-Headed Dargon, or maybe it was just the fact that she was just another elf to him. Bowyn couldn’t find it in him to care about why the twin rulers of the dark elves were the way they were, only that they encouraged the malevolence of their people.

Raven, who never looked away from the ocean as she spoke, went so far as to claim pure evil didn’t exist. A point he could sort of see, maybe the dark elves treated each other just fine but that changed nothing. They were still the purest source of evil he had seen in the world and at the end of the day they had to be dealt with. Even with good and evil subtracted from the equation, Avalia would be a better, safer, place without dark elves. Fairies, light elves, demihumans, dwarves, and orcs; all had their faults, but it was the dark elves who declared war.

Bowyn moved away from the comfort that was Rue before he spoke again.

“Evil will creep into those who let it. It is a choice, and dark elves have made their choice overwhelmingly clear for centuries. Light elves banishing dark elves was a mistake. They should have shown no mercy. Avalia would be a brighter place had they cut the rot when it was first discovered before it could fester and infect.” He spoke coldly, but honestly. He saw no need to soften the bluntness of his thoughts.

"I guess our goals align as much as they can, for as long as that is true, I will follow your lead.” He added, addressing Annya, and that was true. Bowyn could take orders and he could respect the elf princess enough to trust her lead. He had no problem protecting humans and those who traveled with them, even Arn if the dwarf could behave himself. He had no doubt that diplomacy with dark elves would fail. He’d at least be around to try and lessen the damage. After diplomacy failed, he’d also be there to feed his need vengeance, to kill dark elves, and leave Avalia a better place.

Bowyn was not as oblivious to his own hypocrisy as he might sound, he knew his own hatred, desire to kill, towards the dark elves made him just as bad as his enemy. The fairy was aware of just how much of his empathy and kindness had been stripped away. But he also believed that his darker nature could be used for the greater good, and that was enough for him. After the war, if there even was an after the war for him, Bowyn had no idea what he’d do, because he also knew the darkness he carried wouldn’t just vanish. Would it redirect towards something else? Would it eat away at him from the inside? How long would he be able to struggle with it before he too was a monster? Mostly he wished he wouldn’t have to find out.

“But maybe the rest of you are right, maybe’s it better to kind than to be right. I really don’t know. What I do know is that I could use a drink right about now. Anyone else?” Bowyn stood up; he no longer found any comfort or desire for warmth. The unrelenting sun of River Port was growing worse by the second and more than anything he wanted to feel numb again. He waited for a moment to see if anyone else wanted a drink or a walk before heading off. It was right about then that Bowyn noted the blue floating creature that seemed to be watching them. So, he did what he usually did, met the other man's gaze, and eyed him with suspicion.
In Avalia → 2 yrs ago Forum: Casual Roleplay


Time: Morning
Location: Myriamor Plaza
Interactions: Champ the horse
Equipment: The clothes on his back and a pouch of amas.


Leaf kept a good grip on Champ’s reins and wondered for a bit what exactly he was supposed to do with the horse. He supposed pets unusually needed some walking so that’s what he settled on, walking around with the horse and keeping an eye on the elves, well elf, and the humans. Then he started thinking all about how everything he had thought he knew about Slick wasn’t true at all. Not an elf, not a bounty hunter, heck he’s probably not even the princess’s bodyguard. When he really thought about it, humans were in a lot of danger here in Avalia. Dark elves wanted them captured, probably even killed, it was no wonder why Slick wasn’t honest about who or what he was. Despite how well he lied, Slick still seemed like a good guy.

“Hey now, I bet it’s really those lovely princesses who are bodygaurdin’ Slick.” Leaf whispered to the horse. Leaf had a good chuckle on that one, imagining a guy like Slick needing protection. The horse continued to stare with blank, flighty, eyes that showed little signs of intelligence. Then Leaf worried that humans might have super hearing and gave a quick check to make sure Slick wasn’t glaring daggers at him. He wasn’t.

Leaf wasn’t exactly paying close attention to Champ, his mind occupied with thoughts of humans, dark elves, war, and what that all meant for him. So he wasn’t sure what set the horse off but before he knew it the horse was stomping. kicking up sand, and making all sorts of huffing and puffing noises.

Great. He thought. Slick had asked one thing, not to scare the horse. And Leaf wasn’t sure why he was worried about letting Slick down, he definitely wasn’t getting a job from Slick now. Leaf tried to keep the horse from hopping all over the place, speaking calmly, petting the creature's long puffing nose.

“Easy there Champ, I bet your a wonderin why I gone off and left ya with some big ol’ cat. Don’t go a worrying yer purdy empty head there Champ. He ain’t gonna eat ya. I just found me some real purdy womenfolk that need looking out for is all.” Leaf did his best interpretation of Slick, even tipping an imaginary hat as he spoke. The horse did not seem amused. In fact, it just stared at him with those flighty, empty, prey eyes.

Now when it came to prey animals, Leaf found their eyes a bit unnerving, something about the expression and the eye placement just prickled his fur. He could never really tell how they’d react, they just weren’t rational the way a predator was. Now Leaf had met centaurs and similar creatures of Avalia and they were loads smarter than their animal counterparts, always had a story to tell too. Maybe Champ the horse had a story to tell but Leaf couldn’t speak horse, which made finally getting the horse to calm down some quite the challenge.

Never again would he agree to horse sit.

Once Champ had finished his tantrum Leaf stopped to buy the creature a snack. Maybe it was just hangry. Eventually, he found a stall nearby, The Fresh Stall, selling all sorts of fruit, vegetables, and worst of all salads. None of this was what Leaf would consider real food but it would do for Champ. He traded a handful of amas for some apples and carrots and went ahead giving the horse some snacks. This at least seemed to help some as Champ seemed calmer, but it left a bit of slimy horse saliva on his hand.

Gross. He thought as he stared at the foamy slime on his hand.

"You know I could best you any day in a race. Leave you right in the dust ol’ Champ.” He said as he wiped the horse’s slobber from his hand onto the horse’s fur. Champ only shot a puff of air through his nostrils as though he disagreed. Disrespect from a horse. Just what I wanted.
In Avalia → 2 yrs ago Forum: Casual Roleplay


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


As he expected both Aiko and Xavier aided Yuka while he spoke with the Skygaurd Captain. For a moment his own heart sank as he heard the lioness's cries of pain. Except these only proved to be another show of dramatics, and he had to bite down on his tongue to keep from smirking. Such an expression would not help their tumultuous situation with Captain Verencia. The Avian’s stonefaced expression had dropped a bit, the disbelief clearly written across his face. Orias didn’t expect his claim to go unchallenged, but it had at least given pause, the risk of harming elven royalty was not a risk a Skygaurd Captain would want to take. At the Captain's request, he retrieved his own weapons from the ground and fastened them back to their rightful place. This was not the man he needed to convince, and they were now being escorted to someone with the authority to speak for Avian City.

“I can assure you, Captain, that much of what you think impossible is already a reality.” And this was true; humans again walked Avalia, dark elves controlled Roshmi City, and the honorable Captain was indeed speaking with a dead prince. “And I thank you for your generosity in helping Yuka.” He added as he followed Captain Verencia. Orias’s own serious expression broke into a smirk as Yuka played the part of an injured maiden who needed to be carried. He felt a pang of pity for young Xavier, the kid was in way over his head with this one.

“Do your best to a calm head, that will keep your magic in check. I’ll address any questions or concerns you have once we are alone.” Orias spoke placing a hand on Xavier’s shoulder. The kid seemed level-headed enough that Orias hoped Xavier would be able to keep from unleashing any more magical attacks.

What Orias understood now was that his first priority had to be keeping Xavier safe, even more so than attempting to free Roshmi City. Even without speaking with his sisters, he knew that was what they were doing, protecting and training these humans. Why Xavier was not with his sisters was a puzzle he’d have to solve later. Rosaria was one of the few elves with the capabilities to even bring humans here, and somewhere out there both she and Annya were risking their lives for this cause. How could he live with himself if he gave anything less?
In 🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕 → 2 yrs ago Forum: Casual Roleplay


Time: Early Evening
Location: Caesonia Castle Ball Room
Interactions: Lady Charlotte@Princess, Shehzadi Layla@Potter
Mentions: Lady Thea@Tae, Prince Felix@Mole


Leo only gave a slight nod to Thea as she spoke of their mother, he didn’t discuss such things around prying ears, but his mother really ought to know better than to try and control Thea with such a strong hand. He waved and smiled as Thea left to disobey their mother, and Leo could see no harm in enjoying wine at the ball tonight. He paid no mind to her request to tell Prince Felix she had died, a strange joke he chalked up to some cold feet regarding the pair’s arrangement. Leo had paid some rather unsavory men to search for any sort of dirt on the young prince shortly after his mother had spoken of the arrangement. Nothing had been found. Felix, by all accounts, was a good and kind man, someone whose station could only improve Thea’s life, and found this to be one of his mother’s few discussions he found no fault with.

The intricate display by the Alidashti royals continued, Thea even clapping alone as the glorious tiger roared. This only made him smile with pride as many in the court looked at the tiger with fear, his sister only saw the great beast with wonder. Truly a brave and remarkable woman, it would likely be Prince Felix who would be kept on his toes. Soon his sister’s lone clapping was joined by Felix’s, quickly followed by many from Varian, including Leo, to show how marvelous the introduction to the Alidashti was. All clapping, and most conversation, stopped abruptly at the entrance of Duke Lorenzo.

Leo supposed he should be thankful for the presence of Duke Lorenzo, his absolute display of buffoonery ensured no one would have to worry about making a fool themselves now. It would now be tough for anyone to compete with the level of scandal and embarrassment that man had just put forth. In Leo’s mind, Duke Lorenzo was a perfect example of why the noble class must steer clear of those beneath them. He lacked both the bloodline and upbringing that were necessary to conduct oneself in these situations, and would only ever continue to embarrass the house he’d married into. This also happened to be one of the opinions he held that was known only by those within his own family. Despite his low opinion of Duke Lorenzo, he held only the highest respect for Lady Charlotte.

Now it appeared Charlotte was placed in a position where she would again suffer the brunt of repercussions for her guardian's mistakes. Lottie had been a dear friend of both he and Thea’s, caught up in her own family's tragedy in recent years, and was now thrown to the wolves that lurked in court without any elder siblings or even her true family to look out for her. If the fates had been crueler to his own house he would hope someone would watch over Thea, and so Leo intended to look out for Lottie as well, no one should face these wolves alone.

But buried beneath such chivalrous ideas was the interior motive, as Lottie’s proximity to the Alidashti royals provided an opportunity for an introduction. He approached with little hesitation, armed only with a charming smile amongst uneasy guards with their hands near bladed weapons. Fortune favors the bold after all, and all he’d seen of the Alidashti made him think they held a similar sentiment.

Leo presented the very same bow that was Alidashti custom; arms crossed at the wrist, thumbs facing the floor, and bowing his head low to the foreign royals. He had spent the days before practicing in front of a mirror, ensuring that his movements would be flawless and second nature. It would not do to disrespect a people known for their grace to approach them with awkward movements and flawed signs of respect.

“Your majesty, royal highness, and esteemed royal serpent, peace be upon you. Tales of your magnificence wane in comparison to the visions before me. It is an honor to be in your presence.” He spoke, addressing both the Sultan and his daughter who had a charming snake wrapped around her. He was careful to not let his eyes linger too long on any one of them.

“I must say never before have I seen such unparalleled beauty and power displayed with impeccable grace, a shame the servants have over-polished the floor. It is difficult to find competent help.” He added with a smile towards Shehzadi Layla. An attempt to worm the idea in that it was more the servant's fault than anything.

“Lady Charlotte, delighted to see you in court once more, I hope you have time this evening for an old friend.” He continued, offering a modest bow to Charlotte as well.

“Leo Smithwood, Heir of Stravy.” He added, introducing himself to the Shehzadi. And now he had cemented his place, as among the first to greet these royals, a bold introduction and far less embarrassing than Caesonian’s Duke had done. Even if they chose to dismiss his presence he hoped he had been memorable.
In Avalia → 2 yrs ago Forum: Casual Roleplay


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


Orias studied the posture and movements of Captain Verencia, the winged man was visibly displeased with the four of them. The elf only listened as the other man spoke, his face neutral, thinking over the words. He did his best to match the other man’s posture, to look more the part of an ambassador, holding his head high, keeping his eyes fixed on the captain without a glance towards the Avians that circled above or any acknowledgment as the landed behind the captain. Orias made the effort to seem dignified and not appear intimidated, to give weight to his earlier claim. This wasn’t exactly helped by Yuka who began tickling Xavier. Aiko at least seemed composed.

He nodded as Yuka insisted they would turn over their weapons, focused on readying a reply to the captain but unsure of how to word it. Orais struggled to find a tone of authority to speak from, and the mere thought of doing so filled him with a sense of dread. The thought of being without steel, only his failing magic, as protection compounded that dread. There was so much uncertainty, and the images of those executed by dark elf hands replayed through his mind. All he could think of was how this situation would have been handled so much better by the late General Joxalim. The elven general would have known exactly how to speak with this captain, know the best approach to diplomacy, would have already had a plan in action to rid Roshmi of the dark elves.

And what did Orias know? How to make a situation worse, how to hide from any shred of responsibility or duty? How to disappear and watch from the shadows as others died in his place. A liar and coward would gain no respect from a man like Captain Verencia. He had to offer truth, that was what the Avian had wanted. Before he had a chance to speak the entire situation took a drastic change.

Orias heard the deafening crack before he noticed what was going on with Xavier. Saw the tendrils of silvery lightning returning to Xavier’s body just as his head snapped to the side to look at the man. The rest of his thought dissipated as he looked at the confused and terrified face of what Orias now knew to be a human. And the human had just unleashed a powerful display of magic in front of the Skyguard Captain of Avain City who already looked at them with suspicion.

“Calm yourself and see to Yuka.” He spoke to Xavier with an even tone, trusting the man to do as he said. As he spoke he quickly unfastened the sword at his side, removed the bow and quiver from his back, and dropped them to the ground. They could not afford to have the Avians think this was an act of aggression, so Orias returned his full attention to them.

“The fashion designer, as you call her, along with the vulpine, are among the few in Roshmi with the courage to stand against tyrants. These two have left their home, risked their lives to provide safety to strangers. And I, I am Prince Orias Biren of the radiant Sun Elf Kingdom, asking for aid, for a meeting with your leaders. If any of you have a health potion handy, it would be appreciated. The boy is untrained in his powers.” Orias spoke with eyes locked on Captain Verencia, his tone laden with gravitas, but lacking aggression, trying not to provoke them further. No lies or half-truths, this was what the captain had wanted, he could only hope it would be enough. He said nothing of Xavier being a human, if the Avians were smart they’d have figured that out too, but he wouldn’t risk speaking such a thing out in the open.
In Avalia → 2 yrs ago Forum: Casual Roleplay


Time: Morning
Location: River Port
Interactions: Rue@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.


Bowyn listened as Annya spoke, his expression stern but engaged. Was this really the entirety of the elves' plan? Have a nice little beach vacation, then train a handful of humans, and just hope the rest of Avalia joined up. As if that could be enough? It didn’t inspire any flicker of hope in Bowyn, he wasn’t sure he expected it to, doubted there was anything in Avalia that could. Not anymore. Roshmi had already been lost. Dark elves on both sides of the continent, they’d just work their way inward until nowhere was safe. And when had anywhere been safe? Maybe before dark elves, but never since. Even worse, worse than relying on something as intangible as hope, the elf wanted to talk peace, change the violent dispositions, of dark elves. As if monsters could be tamed, could ever be something that wouldn’t maim and slaughter those they came across. Bowyn knew better, and it had been a mistake to think that even a light elf could see that truth.

The rest of what Annya said, talk of controlling emotions and meditation was lost on him. All his mind could do was spiral down worst-case scenarios. Foolish light elves who thought they could change the nature of evil, putting all this wasted effort into peace talks and diplomacy, as if dark elves would listen, as if they contained any empathy in that void he’d seen behind dark elf eyes. Then every part of Avalia would be controlled by the Twin-Headed Dragon, and how long would it be before they reached his village? Before his home was overrun by creatures that relished in torture. An entire village of people whose very nature was to be kind and they would be left to suffer just as he had. That sort of evil wouldn’t spare any creature in Avalia, no matter how kind or good, until even people like Rue, would suffer.

“You think dark elves are ever going to back down? Listen to talks of peace, that evil, pure evil, can ever be reasonable? Did not watch their little show? A dwarven prince. A fairy prince. A demihuman prince. Slaughtered. So many innocent people who had no claim of royalty, not worth broadcasting, have been slaughtered. For years. Or maybe you’re willing to forgive all that because no one from your family was slaughtered the other night. Peace will come once every last dark elf has been sent to Aklenroth. Believe me when I tell you that these creatures have no shred of anything good in them and I would rather die than let that threat linger so that others will have to one day pick up this burden once more. That is how I feel.” Bowyn spoke his piece with quiet anger, his voice even lower than usual because his words held experiences almost too painful to voice. Because how do you explain what it is to look into the face of evil, to watch a creature that kills for the fun of it, that finds joy in torture, and to feel that same evil infect you? What words even existed to explain such murky things when even after he tried it sounded so hollow to his own ears?

“Every day I live in fear that that evil will make it to my home, to my people, and winter fae are not built for such horror, no decent creature is.” Bowyn’s next words were spoken in a shaky whisper, offered more to the breeze than any member of the group. He paused, pulling the anger back out of his words because he knew he could not just rage at Annya the way he had with Arn. Annya was one of the few that held true influence on how this would all play out, and Bowyn could not afford to have that bridge burnt to ash. He could not be banished from the conversation, from playing a part in this fight.

“And I am sorry for ruining the mood here. I am especially sorry for the humans who have been forced into this. Into a world and a war that is not their own but now, this might be the only chance to fix something that has been wrong here for so long. We must not rely on hope, or expect anything decent from this enemy. Because it will be innocent, unimportant people, who will suffer anytime we fail.”
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