Potter

Avalia

Corvina

Time: Morning
Location: Forest outside Roshmi
Interaction: @helo Cade - @Tae Elsea - @FunnyGuy Umber
Mention Fire

The voice startled Cora so much she nearly fell over with shock. As the illusion disappeared, she stared with shock. Her eyes widened. Crackling and burning filled her ears and fire filled her vision. Flames licked the grass, the trees, and animals who had been too close. Distantly, she heard another voice speaking, this time familiar. She didn’t immediately register it though. Her knees unbuckled and she found herself gripping the grass around her. The forest began to spin around her. Realization was hitting her harder in the face than Linnet’s punches.

It had all been an illusion. From the voice in her head, it sounded like the light-elf-turned-demon from the ball. As she watched the forest burn, she felt frozen. How had this demon known about her past? It had occurred moments after speaking about her family. More importantly, how had he followed them? Who else knew where - the familiar voice from earlier interrupted her reverie.

"Cora! You need to snap out of it! Something is playing with your mind, there's nothing there! You need to put your fire out otherwise you're going to burn down the whole forest and alert others to our location!"

Cora heard faint footsteps and tensed as a result. Her mind was spinning. The grief, fury and rage she kept pent up over the years had come bubbling out into destruction. She had never felt so much rage in her life. The voice came closer, this time softer and more pleading. Cade. Cora’s eyes widened more. Elsea. She felt a hand on her shoulder and her instinct was to bat it away; but when she looked up, she saw Elsea. Cade. She set her hand over Elsea’s and then stood up. With tears streaming down her face, she turned and faced the fire. She pulled her hands away and raised them facing towards the fire. Narrowing her eyes in concentration, Cora began extinguishing the flames. Quickly the forest began returning to itself, though with smoke continuing to billow. She stared at the deer she had injured and felt guilt rise. It would be a tough pill to swallow.

She stared at her friend, then pulled her into a hug. ”I’m sorry.. I’m sorry…” Her voice choked up and she felt herself shaking. Cora let go and looked around for Cade. Her mind porcessed blood on Elsea's face. She gawked at her. What the hell had happened to her? ”Are you okay? Where’s Cade - is he okay? We need to go before someone finds us. Do we have everything we need?” Her words came out calm, yet she felt chaos inside. She took a deep breath and shoved it aside. There was no time for self pity or loathing now; they had a situation they needed to address. Cora rolled her neck, shoulders and cracked her knuckles. Cora then stepped forward and heard a small hiss.

Looking down, she watched as flames emanated from her footsteps. She took another step and glanced forward. The demon had its share of fun, but why? What had happened to the other two during her illusion? This was something she needed to know; they both appeared fine. Judging by Elsea’s voice, her illusion had been over sooner. Cade wasn’t too far now either she noticed, after glancing back at the campsite. Cora turned back and smiled wickedly to herself before becoming neutral.

One day… I’ll have my fun with you too. Sparks crackled and hissed around her wrists but didn’t land on the ground.

Avalia

Belladonna

Time: Morning
Location: Forest near Roshmi
Interaction: @princess Malachi | @13org Myra | @helo Valok | @Eviledd1984 O'ner

Belle watched the Dark Elf approach her. Tense, she readied herself in case he was a threat. Instead of being one, he offered her food. Skeptical, she watched him take a bite to show it wasn’t poison. She watched for any signs of distress, but found none. Sighing, she managed a sweet smile, then accepted the food. Hell, it looked disgusting; however, she had eaten worse on Earth. There had been times she’d gone days without eating. Here in this dangerous world, she needed her strength.

”Thank you.” She glanced at Malachi with concern as she began to nibble on it. Belle pulled it away from her face and managed a genuine smile. It reminded her of the scene from the Lion King. She fought to keep her expression neutral and not give away too much. Did Elves regularly eat these things? ”Slimey, yet satisfying. Thank you.”

She glanced at Myra and the wizard, but remained silent. For now, the company seemed pleasant and not threatening. Not wanting to get involved in too much chatter, she silently followed Malachi and kept pace with him. Whether or not they were allies was their decision to make. She knew well enough that true colors showed themselves on their own. The white creature seemed innocent enough. The Dark Elf and wizard though were in her peripheral vision. They’d gone from two carry on travelers to three now. What a lucky group they were. She knew there was strength in numbers too.

Belle looked at Malachi and tapped the bow this time and raised her eyebrows. Her expression briefly showed her thoughts; concern and anxiety briefly. She glanced back at the bow and tilted her head to one side, silently asking for it. She glanced sideways at their companions quickly then let her expression become neutral once more. Despite her prior thoughts, she knew she’d feel more comfortable with a bow. She remained silent and kept her neutral expression up and her eye on her comrades.

Ember Grove - Reboot

Time: Late Afternoon > Evening
Location: Boardwalk
Interactions:
Mentions: @Helo Noah

Shivers ran down Shay’s spine as a familiar voice filled the air. She tensed and glanced over her shoulder. Noah was creeping up behind her like Slenderman. She remained silent and took several deep breaths to steady her breathing. He was killing witches now to find her? What a psychopath. She gritted her teeth. Too many innocent lives were being taken, yet she knew she couldn’t give up her freedom. She had fought too hard for it. When he finished his monologue, Shay managed a smirk. Amusement crept into her voice despite her racing heart. Her voice was low as well. She noticed his eye patch and couldn't help but wonder what had happened. Still, she kept focused. If there were other vampires, she was in trouble. She couldn't risk using her magic and revealing herself.

”You need a new hobby, one without murder. I wonder if your parents would be proud of who you have become?” Shay turned to face him more and smiled menacingly at him. Her grey eyes held a storm in them she was dying to unleash. ”Tell your Master if he keeps hunting me down, his secret is out. Run home like a dog with your tail between your legs, Noah, because I’m not going back.” Shay didn’t wait: she pepper sprayed him in the eye and let out a scream. People turned to look as Shay allowed her panic to fill her face and voice. It wasn't entirely acting either; this man had bullied her for months at New Paeonia. ”HELP! He’s trying to hurt me!” She kicked Noah in the groin and took off running.

She heard people yelling at Noah and coming to defend her. She ran to her car and climbed inside. Stuffing the keys in the ignition, Shay took off like a bat out of hell. She was gone within minutes, shaking from head to foot as tears threatened. Her mind was racing.

Ember Grove - Reboot

Time: Late Afternoon > Evening
Location: Ember Grove Mall > Boardwalk
Interactions:
Mentions: @Helo Noah

The mall escapade had been successful; mostly. Shay had bought new clothing, mostly hoodies and jackets and loose clothing she could run and fight in. She had also bought nice clothing in case she needed it. Shay had her haircut to the middle of her back and dyed a dark brown. She’d also put in highlights as well. Shay had also taken to buying perfume. Although the vampires could still smell, it would help distort it. She had taken care to also buy pepper spray, an alarm, and a couple of knives she planned to use for self-defense. She had left the mall with Aunt Annies’ pretzel bag and lemonade. She had her hood up and hair in a braid to help conceal her face. Shay had also replaced the battery in her phone with another to help stop Charles’ phone from being tracked.

Once out of the mall and into town, Shay began noticing missing posters. At a stoplight she had read it and felt fury rise inside of her. The bastard had Missing posters of her now? She gritted her teeth. She couldn’t stay here. No, she had to leave. Where would she go, and how would that benefit humanity? Lost in reverie, Shay missed the green light to a chorus of honks. Growling, Shay turned and drove forward. She turned down an empty street and parked the car. She buried her head in her hands as emotions rushed through her: frustration, helplessness, confusion, and of course, a desire to withstand her opponents. She sighed heavily.

Shay began to assess her options: turn herself in and lose her freedom or life, possibly become a vampire. Not a good option; she loved her magic. Her other option was to go to Operation Humanity, but what would they do to her there? Angel’s apprehension of her being in that parking lot told Shay enough. Next, leave Ember but go where? If she stayed, how did she know that the Holy Saviors wouldn’t recognize her either? There was the witch Maeve and her coven, but wouldn’t she be punished for using Dark Magic? Did it matter if it was self defense? Shay angrily punched the steering wheel. There was nowhere to run. Hiding would only work for so long. She stared at her phone and contemplated texting Angel. What would that do - another array of questions. Sighing, Shay knew she had to clear her mind. Going to the docks and staying by the ocean had usually helped. Shay had noticed it upon her arrival in Ember Grove. She turned and began driving there, eyes narrowed with frustration.

Once at the boardwalk, Shay parked the car. She left it and rubbed her temples as she went towards the beach. The crashing of the waves began to ease her. Shay began to feel her frustration dimming, though she didn’t let her guard down. Shay kept her hood up, while being armed with the knives in her jeggings and pepper spray. She kept her head down and hood up to help conceal herself still. Shay stopped close to the boardwalk, blissfully unaware of Noah’s presence.

Avalia

Artemis

Time: Afternoon - Evening
Location: Forests near River Kingdom > River Kingdom Healing Center
Mood: Lazy Afternoons
Interaction: NPC: Asher and Flower

After finishing the fish, Artemis painstakingly crawled into the bloody river. She groaned in pain and began applying pressure to the wound. She wanted to remove the knife, but knew she would only bleed out. Scowling, she looked ahead to the forest. She was close to the kingdom. All she had to do was swim another mile and be there. It sounded easier said than done. Sighing, Artemis swam forward slowly and painfully, not caring to clean up the mess she had left.

After what felt like eternity, Artemis arrived in the River Kingdom. She could hardly breathe from the pain in her side. Her vision was blurry and she felt like vomiting. She crawled out of the river onto her hands and feet, gasping for air. She collapsed onto her side and watched as nearby fairies turned to stare. Her tail transformed into legs in which she pulled up to her chest protectively. The kingdom spun around her sickeningly. She watched as a few of them flew towards her, yelling for help and aid. Her wound began bleeding once more, soaking the mermaid in it. Artemis whispered Risa’s name and watched as everything turned black.

---

Artemis finally came to consciousness but didn’t open her eyes. Instead, she listened to her surroundings. Had she made it to the kingdom? Was she with fairies or Dark Elves? Had River been alerted to her location? She felt something warm around her and could feel it was a blanket. The hub of voices sounded through the air, as did footsteps. She heard distinctly familiar voices but couldn’t make out what they were saying. Artemis peeled her eyes open a few inches and found a black haired fairy standing beside her. She went to close her eyes, yet the maiden had seen her and smiled. It was rather bitter looking nonetheless and also filled with concern.

”About time you woke up, missy. I was beginning to wonder if you were going to die on this bed.” The woman spoke up in a strangely familiar voice. Artemis peeled her eyes open and groaned from the light. The nurse-fairy glanced up and fixed it so it wasn’t in her eyes. Artemis sighed in relief and looked around. The fairy healing and mending her wounds had dark black hair and vivid brown eyes. Artemis recalled her name being floral, but couldn’t pinpoint it. Artemis felt a pit in her stomach. She had made it to the River Kingdom and brought it to the Healing Center. She was in a public room for now, although she wished she wasn’t.

As she glanced around, fairies glanced at her left and right, whispering amongst themselves. She was sure she heard someone whisper “treacherous whore” under their breaths. She gritted her teeth but pretended not to hear it. Artemis glanced at her Healer and sighed quietly. ”Ignore it, sweetie. You look like you’ve been through hell.” Artemis smiled faintly, a wickedness entering her eyes. That was saying it mildly.

She began to chuckle. ”My dear Flower, you’re right.” The fairy smirked, mirroring her emotions. Artemis couldn’t help remember her name, but the fairy seemed to accept the name and recognize it.

”You can tell me all about it in the private room. C’mon.” Flower helped Artemis up and onto her feet quickly. She winced at first, then glanced down at her body. She was wearing fresh clothes; a t-shirt and loose pants with a jacket. She touched her side and smiled faintly upon seeing the wound had been healed.

”You’ve always been one of the best healers.” Artemis smiled faintly and leaned against Flower as they walked her into a private room. She collapsed onto the bed and sighed in relief as Flower shut the door.

”Sorry, you weren’t put into a private room first. Nobody knew who you were until Ilia and the rest arrived. I did, and fought for it but they wouldn’t let me until you healed. Worried someone might kill you I guess. The Dark Elves were in the room too and so I had to wait and pull the blanket over your head.” She shrugged it off as she sat her chair up against the door. ”So Arty, what brings you back here? I take it you were at the ball, judging by your dress. Where have you been all this time?” Her voice held a sudden edge to it that made Artemis frown as she pulled the blankets around herself. She had forgotten how inquisitive the fairy was. It didn’t make her smile as it normally would have. As her mind began processing everything, she felt ready to explode.

”I’m here seeking refuge.” The lie came out of her mouth faster than she could process it. She didn’t want anyone to know that Risa had been here recently. She hadn’t seen her yet. Hopefully she was safe. It tugged at her heartstrings that she didn’t know Risa’s location. ”As to where I’ve been, I was in the Black Market, owned by River until recently. I escaped, that’s all you need to know.” The tears filled her eyes as memories threatened to overwhelm her. ”And yes, I was at the ball. I went outside before the …” Artemis couldn’t stop the tears filling her eyes.

”I abandoned Darius and Myra! I don’t know where Risa is and I was just nearly murdered by Four Dark Elves and I don’t know what to do or where to go! If River is hunting me down then what am I supposed to do?” Artemis broke down hysterically, overwhelmed. Darius and Myra had they lived? Was Risa kidnapped? Did anyone even see her arrive? Knowing the fairy, she’d have been inconspicuous. Still, the anxiety and knowing she’d have more Dark Elves trailing her was too much.

Flower’s eyes widened with shock. She rushed to her side and pulled her into a tight hug. Her voice became gentle, no longer holding the hostility it had moment’s ago. ”I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you, Arty. We don’t have to talk about any of this. You’re safe right now, and I won’t let anyone come attack you. I’ll ask Asher to bring you some food and water. Okay?”

Artemis sniffled and wiped her eyes. She trembled as she gripped the blanket in her fists. She watched as Flower went to the door and beckoned a male fairy. Artemis sniffled. His dark hair and topaz eyes sent pangs through her. He stared with shock, confusion and a hint of anger as well, but didn’t speak. He nodded to Flower’s words and rushed out. Flower shut the door until he knocked three times and then once more after five seconds. Flower opened the door and pulled it open; Asher snuck inside and the two shared a brief, hushed conversation. Then, the fairy stood by the door as Flower came to her side and shoved a warm glass into her hand. Food entered it next, and Artemis slowly began to eat. She didn’t know if it was poisoned, yet at the moment she wasn’t sure she cared. The weight of the emotions filling her threatened to crush her beneath it. It was quiet as Flower began speaking quietly about her garden, the forest she tended to, and other woodland creatures. Artemis ate and drank as she listened and grew more and more numbed.

Finally, she managed to calm down and stared at them both. ”Thank you both. I’m sorry… I’m-” She began speaking, but Asher shook his head.

”No, we’re sorry. We should have been there for you more. It’s really good to see you, Artemis.” A genuine smile filled his face as he met her gaze. He came over and sat on the other side. ”We missed you.” Artemis managed a ear-to-ear grin as they both embraced her on each side. She hugged them both back.

”So did I, Ashy and Flower.” Artemis smiled as tears streamed down her face. ”I have loads to tell you.”

Avalia

Corvina

Time: Morning
Location: Forest outside Roshmi
Interaction: @helo Cade - @Tae Elsea - @FunnyGuy Umber
Mention n/a

Cora watched Linnet and surrounded herself with fire. The flames danced and flickered amongst the shadowy forest. The canopy of leaves above was illuminated by the flames. She snarled at Linnet’s words. Rat breath? Who was she to talk to? The woman was as ratty as they came! Cora gasped with shock as Linnet walked through the flames. She took a step back and bristled with anger. Growls emitted from her as she glowered with hatred and rage. How had she done that? Is it something Cora herself was capable of doing? She didn’t understand. However, she also didn’t have time to waste as the bitch herself threw a line of flames at her. Flashbacks of the dracolich filled her mind’s eye. She hesitated as the line of flames fired at her; then reacted quickly. Cora counted the flames with her own, but a few managed to singe her dress. She scowled and let out a yelp of surprise and pain. She raised her hand and removed the flames with her magic and scowled. Then….

Cora cried out as Linnet’s hand smacked into her face unexpectedly. Alarmed, she pulled her arms over her face to shield it. Her words cut through her like a knife. Each punch made her grit her teeth. Cora didn’t want to hurt her yet… No, she wanted to defend. Still, the idea that she could hurt, or even maybe seriously injure Linnet, crossed her mind. The woman had ruined her life, her self-esteem and worth, her mind…. Cora stumbled, trying to withhold her fury and hatred, though it was becoming unbearable. She scowled as the bitch backed away and continued speaking.

Glaring, Cora lowered her arms from her face but kept them up in case of another attack. Dumpster baby? No. Cora studied her next move. Her jaw dropped as Linnet had set herself safely on fire without harming herself. How was this possible? Did this woman get taught by the Lich or something? Her mind reeled from the insults. Then suddenly, Cora couldn’t help but start laughing. The woman could only insult her birth status, nothing more. It was clear who was truly the superior sibling.

”You sound like a broken record, Linnet. You can’t insult anything other than my birth status. You’re nothing more than a backstabbing jealous slut, who achieved nothing on your own. You’re a lowlife scumbag with a heart of coal. I wonder if if the shoe had been on the other foot, what would become of you? It’s a shame really that all you’re good for is your pretty face. I wonder though if it got carved up, what else would you have? Nothing. You’re a selfish, arrogant, worthless, good-for-nothing bitch. I feel sorry for you. I recall that you were the lonely one in school, and didn’t have many friends, longingly chasing after Gale, till I came around. Sad for you, Linnet, but it ends here.”

Cora then focused on the flames. She could use fireballs, but risked burning the forest. She glared. She wouldn’t burn down this forest like Ayita’s home had been. She had to be better than that. Instead, Cora glanced at her body and stared at Linnet. ”You’ll never be better than me Linnet.” Cora tried to focus on the flames surrounding her to begin pulling them away from her foe. She began making a protective shield form around herself and concentrated hard. Cora stared at her and shook her head with disappointment. She braced herself and did her best to control her anger.

”You’re nothing but a shame, Linnet. I think Mom and Dad once told me you were a whoopsie.” Cora then took a few steps forward and formed fireballs in her hand. If she hit the trees, she’d focus on putting them out. ”But you’re nothing without me.” Cora stepped forward and reached through the flames herself. She then shot fireballs at her accurately and set the ground beneath her on fire. The flames burned brighter than Linnet’s and were hotter. She scowled as she began throwing fireballs repeatedly and didn’t relent her attacks. Each one came faster than the next and stronger as well. A wall of fire encircled the two as Cora began allowing her rage and grief to fuel her flames. The clearing around her was illuminated by flames and may have been visible. Their shadows danced across the trees, briefly illuminating a figure she couldn't quite focus on, nor was able to truly see.

Avalia

Belladonna

Time: Morning
Location: Forest near Roshmi
Interaction: @princess Malachi | @13org Myra | @helo Valok | @Eviledd1984 O'ner

Once safely away, the trio stopped. Belle quieted her panting and wiped sweat from her forehead. She felt 14 again and on the run from the police. She fought the urge to snicker. Malachi and the creature shared discourse over the sea. Belle couldn’t help but find it surprising she could smell it already. To Bell’s surprise, she watched as the creature spoke. Blinking, Belle stared at her for a moment and then smirked. Her tone was less icy than usual. The creature seemed to be trustworthy, yet Belle wasn't letting her guard down. "Nice to meet you." She provided a curt nod and faint smile.

Then she watched as Myra became alert and semi hostile. Thinking it may have been Terneus, Belle remained alert and poised. Then, as the figure came into view, she hissed under her breath. There stood a Dark Elf, one of the last things they needed. His reasoning was innocent enough yet she didn’t trust him. Belle cursed herself for speaking her name and glanced at Malachi, then stepped behind him. If this Dark Elf was a soldier hunting rebels in the forest, they were screwed. While out of view, Belle tucked her hair nonchalantly over her ears. Next, she watched as the wizard rejoined and remained impassive. She remained silent and allowed Malachi to reply to him instead.

”Now what?” she whispered under her breath to Malachi. It was only audible for Malachi and Myra. Belle remained poised and on her toes. Her fight or flight was kicking in once more. Belle couldn't wait to leave this godforsaken forest. Her skin was crawling, and she felt her stomach rumble. If she didn't eat soon, she'd cut a bitch.

Avalia

Artemis

Time: Afternoon
Location: Forests near River Kingdom
Interaction: n/a. Is alone and remains alone until further notice.

The noises of the forest were music to Artemis’ ears. The chirping of the birds and scurrying of the animals made her smile. The forest fauna was colorful as usual. It was a stark contrast to their hellish world. She sat on the edge of the river with fish in her hands and berries lying next to her. Artemis had found a stick and sharpened the tip to become a makeshift spear. As a result of the near decade of enslavement, her stamina was lower. She needed more breaks than Risa and was farther behind. She had her short indigo hair tied back into a seashell clip. Her tail was wagging back and forth idly in the stream. She hadn’t felt the need to keep her legs. God, she missed this; being able to hangout in the forest and be on her own. Her dress was beginning to soak up the sun too and dry. She hated swimming in wet clothing.

”Well well well, boys. What do we have here?” A gruff voice caused Artemis to jump. She turned around to find four Dark Elves soldiers staring at her ten feet away, armed to the teeth. The one speaking had an array of knives and swords, and she could see blood dripping from one of them. Her stomach became queasy as worry filled her for Risa. She began recalling his name - it was Cadmus. He had been in the black markets, she recalled, torturing fairies. ”A mermaid, so far south. So unusual and alone.” Artemis dropped the food and pushed herself into the stream. Once safely in the water, she whirled around to face them. Scowling, she bared her teeth and glowered vehemently. Her temper was high now. How dare they interrupt her?

”Whoa, this one is feisty.” The balding one next to him said. He was armed with swords and a bow. If Artemis recalled correctly, his name was Cherish. What a particular name for a Dark Elf. Artemis scowled and eyed as the four of them began spreading out. Next to him were female Dark Elf twins, Jetta, and Harmony. These two were particularly brutal and treated other species horribly.

”Well well well,” Artemis finally spoke, mocking them as she watched them. Four against one; she liked those odds. Still, she was weakened. No matter, it would be considered training for her. Why were there so many soldiers and who had sent them? Was it River and Shade? What the hell would Shade care? That left River being the culprit or even Aklenroth. Was he on her trail? Would he really send them after her? Maybe... ”All of this for me? I am flattered." Her stomach churned. Was Risa safe? Had she made it to the fairy kingdom? She had to stall and fight them off to figure it out. She gritted her teeth. True fear was beginning to rise. What would happen if she lost? Her mind was racing as she assessed the situation. She'd have to be precise, quick and unpredictable. ”Can’t let a girl eat, huh? Shame for you. I’m rather vicious when I’m hungry.”

”I think we have enough for you, Artemis.” Cadmus spoke with a grin as he twirled his sword. Artemis knew she could win in the water as well, but they would be smart enough to stay away. This meant it would have to be on land until she could. There were too many for her to compel, too. She’d need to pick them off one by one. Artemis flashed a malevolent grin and pushed herself up onto the land. The cracking of her bones was audible as she adjusted her bra. She smoothed her dress down and watched them take a step back, stunned. She had to capitalize on this.

”You should have sent more.” Without wasting a beat, she let out a powerful sonic scream. The four Elves jumped in surprise and covered their ears. Hastily, Artemis grabbed a fallen branch and hurtled it at the nearest Elves, Jetta, and Harmony. Jetta made it out of the way in time however, her sister had not. The force of the branch knocked her backwards. The clumsy ox fell into a bush and became entangled, judging by her muffled grunts. Jetta glared and ran at her. Artemis picked up her spear and blocked her oncoming attack with it. She glowered and knew she couldn't fight too much on land, or else she’d become too fatigued. It seemed the Dark Elves were allowing one on one, thinking she was easy prey. Little did they know that wasn’t the truth.

Jetta grinned, thinking she had the upper hand. Artemis wasn’t completely defenseless on land. She pulled the stick away and caused Jetta to lean forward from the momentum. She moved out of the swords’ way and maintained her safety. Using this to her advantage, Artemis twirled the stick and stabbed her in the stomach. Jetta's’ screams echoed, although she managed to punch Artemis in the face. Tears blinded her but she didn’t allow it to slow herself down. She stumbled, but quickly regained her balance. Her face began aching tremendously. It would definitely bruise over. She felt as if her nose had been broken from the pain. Artemis yanked the sword from her grip and smacked her in the head with it, causing the woman to topple over. Artemis jumped on her and pinned her down easily. She focused and stared her down. The stick was next to her and she viciously pulled it out. The woman's screams were palpable. To the siren, it was music to her ears. ”You will quit fighting.” Artemis compelled while Jetta tried to kick her off but Artemis wouldn’t budge. Jetta stared at her and finally stopped fighting. With a grin, Artemis leaned forward and ripped her throat out. Jetta’s guttural scream rang throughout the forest.

At the same time, Harmony had entangled herself from the bushes. She watched as her sister’s throat was ripped out and the mermaid stood up. There wasn’t a sound to describe her grief and fury. The noise she created was music to Artemis’ ears. Blood dripped from her face as she kicked Jetta aside roughly after taking her weapons. She grinned, twirling the sword in her hand. ”I just love the way Dark Elves blood tastes.” Artemis taunted Harmony and glanced at the weapons floating down stream. She would collect them later. Her gaze snapped back to the trio. The Elves were staring with horror and shock. Their reactions only fueled her fire. She was enraged she was being attacked. This slowed her travel to the kingdom. Risa needed her.”It’s not as good as the prey I’ve had in the past, but it will do.” The blood from her mouth was running down her body and dress, staining her. Good - it was a warning to others if more came. More likely would, as this was a squad of Dark Elves. She had to prepare for that.

The three Elves rallied and now began to circle her. Not wasting anymore time, she let out another sonic scream. ”You stupid bitch!” Cherish roared out as blood began trickling from his ears. His comrades were in an equal state but not giving up. She saw dark energy beginning to foam and knew it was time to jump in the river. She took several steps back and was unexpectedly blasted into the stream. She cried out and lost control of the sword as it clattered into the river. She landed in the river as her legs didn't have time to transform. She fell to the bottom of the river, winded. She heard their muffled speeches and watched them stare at her. She grinned at them, despite her situation, and focused on her tail transforming.

As it did, she took several deep breaths and clutched the sword. She swam quickly out of the spot and to the right, further into the forest. She stayed right under the surface and watched as the trio tried to find her. Drunken almost from the sonic screams she’d produced, they were stumbling. She watched as Cadmus fell into the stream by mistake and capitalized on it. His friends tried to grab at him, but they were stunned from the screams. Artemis swam towards him. Once in reach, she smacked him with her tail repeatedly. The Dark Elf cried out in fear and pain, trying to reach the surface. Her tail bashing caused him to hit the river’s edge, repeatedly banging his head. Blood pooled as she smiled maliciously. Cadmus’s eyes were wide with terror as he tried conjuring magic. It didn’t work though, as his brain was too stunned. Artemis grinned as she grabbed him by the scruff and began shaking him. He was terrified now and unable to react well. On top of that, he was drowning. It didn’t take long for the scurrying of the man to suddenly loosen. She watched the light leave his filthy, dark eyes and grinned with amusement.

Artemis released his body to float up to the surface. His comrades screams of fury and anguish only made her grin widely. The river was now filled with blood. She stayed under the water and watched as her opponents' fury only increased. Their expressions only caused her glee. They hadn't expected this fight out of her. Artemis broke the surface and smiled broadly. ”Like I said,” Artemis wiped the blood from her face and twirled her hand in the bloodied water. Her other hand held the sword, despite not truly being a swordsman. She’d have to figure it out. ”You should have brought more.”

The Dark Elves stared with fury, hatred, and fear. They glanced at one another and then took an offensive stance. Dizzy herself and filled with adrenaline, Artemis let out a third, powerful sonic scream and caused the two Dark Elves to collapse. She stuck the sword in the ground and pushed herself out of the water. With pure hatred, Artemis stepped towards them and halted a safe distance away. She studied their expressions and began concentrating, allowing a near decades worth of anger and devastation to rejuvenate her. Harmony was livid but didn’t move to attack her. She glanced at Cherish and maintained eye contact with them both. Her head began aching from the adrenaline, fight and concentration. She was able to compel them both to feel grief. This would aid her in her next move. Their expressions began to fill with grief and sadness, mixed with confusion. They hadn’t known she could compel them to feel certain emotions.

”You will both climb into the water and stay there until you can't breathe. You will not fight. You will not hesitate. You will hand over your weapons.” The duo tried to fight it, unsuccessfully, and began walking towards the water. They dropped their weapons in the grass, looking horrified that they had done so. She watched them enter the water and angrily watched their slow movements. It was too slow for her and her patience wore thin. ”Oh hurry UP!” She yelled and pushed them both into the stream. Harmony lost her footing and smacked her head on the ground and face. She yelped as she landed in the water. Cherish on the other hand, managed to take a brief escape and stab her in the side. Artemis yelled out in pain. She savagely picked the sword up and stabbed him in the back. She allowed the pain to settle and then ripped it out of him. She kicked him into the water and began watching the blood pool from both corpses. He had been too shocked to scream.

Panting, she sank to the ground and gripped the grass. She sank onto it and rested her head on the ground. Shaking with fury and adrenaline, the fatigue began settling in as she watched the two drown helplessly. Artemis glared at them both and wiped the blood from her face and chest. Once the two had stopped struggling, Artemis pushed herself up onto all fours. She collected their weapons, including the ones in the stream, and glanced around for her food. Sadly, it had not survived the fight too well. Scowling, she turned and glanced at the stream. Fish were attempting to flee, but the blood-stained river made it difficult to navigate. Smiling, she snatched a fish from the river and set it on the grass. It flopped helplessly, though she ignored it. Artemis crawled over to a bush containing berries and began picking them. Once the fish stopped flopping, she began to eat it.

Artemis started to sing quietly as she continued to eat, unfazed by the scenery around her. There was a nasty grin plastered all over her face. "As I said," Artemis glanced at the Dark Elves corpses with a smirk. "You should have sent more." Then, her gaze fixated on the direction of the River Kingdom. This had wasted precious time she needed. She gritted her teeth and bit into the fish with a vengeance.

Avalia

Corvina

Time: Morning
Location: Forest outside Roshmi
Interaction: @helo Cade - @Tae Elsea - @FunnyGuy Umber
Mention n/a

Cora watched with confusion as Cade stood up. His sudden demeanor change had her on edge. What was wrong? She glanced around but didn’t have time to investigate. A familiar voice she hoped she’d never hear again was filling the air. Cora turned and felt the blood run cold. Standing by the tree casually, was Linnet. She didn’t have time to process the logistics of how she’d suddenly appeared. Instead, the words cut through her like a knife. Orphan - the one word that would set her off like nothing else. Then, rage burned inside of her and threatened to begin a wildfire. The damn inside of her was breaking. She clenched her fists and focused on keeping her flames in check. She didn’t want to lose control and accidentally hurt the Avalian forests, or worse: her comrades. Cade shouted something at them, but his words didn’t make sense. How were Ayita and Linnet here? Elsea seemed preoccupied with something else too. What was happening?

”Better than me?” Cora let out a derisive laugh. She didn’t sound like her kind self she’d shown moments ago. No; her eyes were burning like the flame in her hand. Her expression was hardened with hatred. Her words came out with their own venom. ”They picked me to live there, unlike being stuck with a bitch like you. You had to get your scores changed because you were too dumb and into your own self to have studied properly.” The alcoholism comment made her feel as if she'd been dipped ice. How did Linnet know about that? She bit her lip as the memories threatened to overwhelm her. When Linnet ran off, Cora hesitated momentarily. She didn't want to leave the others; yet, Linnet was a threat. With a scowl, Cora chased after her. ”You coward - quit running!”

She felt adrenaline pulsing through her. Her mind was too focused on confusion, anger, hurt and betrayal. Her focus had left her comrades. She began turning and glancing around for Linnet. As she did so, she formed a protective ring of fire around herself. ”Come out and face me.” She glanced around as tears threatened. She blinked them away. Instead, she summoned two fireballs into her hand.

Avalia

Belladonna

Time: Morning
Location: Forest near Roshmi
Interaction: @princess Malachi | @13org Myra | @Dezuel Terneus |

Belle didn't think twice about retreating. She was screwed if she attacked and the governor recognized it. Without her magic, she couldn't protect herself from the venom. She gritted her teeth and made her decision. Hastily, she threw the firesticks down in the pit and then grabbed the robin eggs. Next, Belle gripped Malachi's hand tightly and ran with him. She glanced at him with concern and then became impassive. If the governor followed them.... Her worry began morphing into a grin. Once Myra had stopped, she did as well and turned to the others. Turning to Malachi, she let go of his hand and quietly gave him the robin eggs with her other hand.