Potter

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: Castle Dining Hall
Interactions: @Rodiak Nahir ☁ @princess Hafiz
Mentions: @CitrusArms Stratya
Aesthetic: ☁ Hair ☁ Dress ☁ Necklace ☁ Shoes

---

Kira smiled as Nahir addressed her. The sands of Alidasht had blessed her with this beautiful and perfect woman who Kira was honored to sit next to and enjoy her company. Before Nahir could finish her sentence, Hala’s giant dog came barreling over. Kira stifled her own yelp and shielded her face and arms. Unfortunately, the food and wine went flying all over Nahir and herself, due to their proximity. The relentlessly slobbering, while cute, was not welcomed. Nahir attempted to fix the situation, even allowing a shriek to escape her, which was bound to attract everyone’s attention. She scowled and went to help push Nadim off of Nahir, when the latter sent the dog flying towards Hafiz instead. Laughter bubbled up inside of her, and she suppressed any amusement.

It was an understatement to categorize Hafiz’s rage. Kira could feel her blood run cold, but amusement reflected in her topaz eyes. Nahir attempted to salvage the situation, as though it were an accident. Kira wiped the contents of their dinner off her hair and dress as she listened to them. The knights came due to Nahir’s beckoning and removed the dog. Hafiz’s words, while unheard by others, were audible to Kira and her eyes narrowed. Before the guards arrived, however, Hafiz smacked the dog. Newfound rage boiled up inside of her and she made no effort to hide it. She leaned in to listen as he spoke to Nahir, too quiet to say it louder.

His words were icier than the lake frozen in the winter. It was a familiar sentiment, and one that caused her skin to crawl and fury to rise. He continued chastising her and Kira could not remain silent. This man needed to be put in his place and she wasn’t afraid of doing it. In the background, however, one of the female knights came over and yelled at him, and then called Nadim off to walk him. The knight continued glaring at him, daring him to respond. Deep inside, Kira applauded her. What a good ally she would be to have. Kira winked at her and turned back to the situation.

”Her, disgrace you?” Kira retorted. She stood up with her own cold fury and channeled her own anger into it. When Kira wanted to be serious and scary, she was capable. She leaned over Nahir’s shoulder and her long black braids gently tickled her back. ”There have been more rumors and talk of you than her.” Kira glared at him. While she didn’t know who he spoke of, she knew it had to be someone close to Nahir and a low blow. ”Throwing that in her face is rude and unnecessary. It goes to show everyone who you are inside. I’m sure the talk of you hitting a dog will be in the paper, so everyone in Caesonia knows who you are,”

When he stepped closer to Nahir, Kira took a half step forward so they were even and met his gaze. It was clear that she didn’t have any fear. If the definition of boldness were in the dictionary, it would be Kira. If he dared to move against her, she was ready, though she doubted his commitment to acting. She could tell how much rage he was holding back. ”Nahir is ten times the person you will ever be,” Kira’s words sliced through the air like a knife cutting an onion. ”Looks like you’re the one flailing in this dinner. How many scandals are you involved in now? Nobody is like you because they don’t want to be; you’re cold, cruel and lonely. The sands of Alidasht have told tales of your misdeeds, Hafiz, and they’re not good. Nahir will always be better than you.” She allowed her words to hang in the air.

Now, Kira turned to the subject of their lovely discourse. Her words were gentle and her expression softened. Kira gently set a hand on her shoulder for comfort. ”Dear Nahir, would you like to go clean up?” Kira gestured to where the bathrooms might be. ”Maybe some fresh air will do some good.” While waiting for her answer, she kept her body positioned in front of Nahir and kept Hafiz in her peripheral vision.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Olivia

_Persephone

Time: Evening
Location: Castle Dining Room
Interactions: @samreaper Kazu
Mentions:
Aesthetic: ♞ Dress♞ Hair ♞Shoes

---

Aqua-Mirror Illusion

Once they were alone on the balcony, Olivia turned to face Kazumin. She could feel the dark magic flowing through her veins. There was a slight shimmer in the air and she struggled to see beyond it. All she could see was black and red. Olivia raised her hand and the shimmer began to curl around her hands. She turned to Kazumin, and took a deep breath. It was not perceptible to Kazumin–she didn’t dare let anyone else be able to see it, lest she be murdered then and there. She ensured she couldn’t be overheard, either.

”From the time I was born, I could always feel this… This urge, this dark magic calling to me.” Her voice was hushed, as she looked away. She couldn’t bear to read his expression. ”As a kid, I never knew what it was–there was this lingering feeling that something, something was missing. This hunger, unsatisfied by food, was always there. My parents started showing me magic when I was a little kid. I didn’t really understand it. It was something cool that could happen–summoning fire above your palm, shooting ice out of your hands, talking to animals, affecting emotions, changing your hair color; all sorts of things. I wasn't allowed to talk about it to others, even you. My parents told me they’d know if I did, so I never could.” Olivia took a deep breath, and then continued.

”We didn’t swell on it alot. My mother, though, was always using it around the house, and sometimes I’d see her with dark shadows around her. I didn't think much of it. I didn’t know. I was too young.” Liv laughed bitterly. Every time we tried to do something else, or whatever, bad luck would happen. My mother seemed like she was a magnet for it, then me too. I just figured we were dealt bad cards in life. I kinda got used to just havin’ bad luck everywhere.”

"It was just the norm, till my dad got fired from the castle–he was a mess, a mixture of fury, disgust, desperation, and insanity. He was rambling a bunch and shielded whatever it was from me. My mom was grief stricken that he was fired because that was our income. Then, as you know, I disappeared from life. We tried and tried and tried to make money otherwise and it just wasn't happenin. The magic usage in our house increased by tenfold. Our bakery was struggling cause we didn’t have ingredients to make anything out of. The paranoia from the magic was suffocating. My mom and dad began using dark magic and forced me to start it too. Then, it was like the lightbulb went on–my hunger was becoming rapidly satisfied and unsatisfied. I finally realized why I was so, so, hungry all the time, even after eating all the food out of the fridge.”

”And so, you know, the bakery burned down–I was trying to sneak some bread, was starvin, losin weight and not bein able to do nothin about it. I was bein all sneaky and shit, till Asher’s crew came and spooked me. A fight broke out and I used fire magic, something I seem to have an affinity for using…” Liv gulped and wiped her teary eyes. A laugh escaped her slightly insane and sarcastic. ”...And I accidentally burned down our bakery, and ended up with no food, and now enemies on the street. I ran, ran like the wind, to get the hell away, but when I came home all sooty and ashy, even with washing out in the river, my parents punished me–by forcing me to use more dark magic. I became obsessed with it over time. Using it once was too much, ten times was never enough.”

Olivia turned to Kazumin now, and for a moment, her pupils briefly turned black. ”Do you know,” her voice came out in a low hiss. ”How hard is it to sit in that room, listenin to that pig of a king belittle and criticize people? The dumbass has had a silver spoon up his arse entire life. These despicable royals sit there, with all this food that’ll get tossed and never given to the poor, the poor who suffer all the time and starve? The fuckin’ poor who eat acorns and dig through the trash–the person I was before meeting Charlotte?” Black tendrils began visibly wrapping around her. ”They sit on their high fuckin’ horses, mocking and fighting each other over fuck knows what. Those Danroses.. They expect us to kiss their asses because they were born with a silver spoon up their asses. And Calbert? He sits there actin like he never did nothin to us this entire fuckin’ feast. Fuckin’ asshole.”

She clenched her fists and visibly began trembling. ”He ruined my family’s fuckin’ lives, that bastard of a king. Why? I have no idea, but I’m going to fuckin find out. And you know somethin, too? Asteroth. He fuckin’ wouldn’t let me see you after my parents died. Did you know that? Did you know I was shooed away by him with a broom like I was some fuckin’ stray cat? Yeah, Kaz–that arsehole kept our friendship apart,” Olivia dug her nails into her hands, almost hard enough to draw blood.

”Time and time again, life has told me I’m not wanted here, three, nowhere. Always shooed away, always denied the pleasures of life. Sleeping in a tree, or in a barn with my horse who got more food than me, always. The only good thing goin for me is this stupid facade I can barely hold down. Actin all prissy and noble, with manners. Pretending to be someone I’m not and you know what? People already fuckin know who I am–some masked dick at the ball. Who the fuck was he, I don’t fuckin know. I bet Calbert does know too. Who fuckin cares when there’s people starvin, getting murdered the slums, beaten up cause they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Getting kicked outta places, unable to make a livin and barely livin, and hopin they aren’t killed in their sleep. Y’know how many times I had to evade Asher’s gang, only to come home and listenin’ to my parents yellin’ and fighting using magic and drugs and alcohol to get by? There is no hope in this world. Everywhere fuckin’ sucks.” The black tendrils weaved around her like ribbons, curling this way and that. Fortunately, it was only visible to those two.

”It's only a matter of time till I’m kicked out of here too. I should just back to the fuckin slums and deal with life on my own before I fuck this up too. Only a matter of time till the bad luck train comes back. You should save yourself and stay the fuck away from me. All of you. I’m going to jinx your fuckin lives at some point. Kaz, you should stay away.”

Olivia slowly, and finally looked up at him, her eyes searching for a trace of him denying her desperation and pleas. Tears welled up in her eyes and began sliding down her cheeks. As soon as they rolled off her face, they disintegrated into black wisps. Her pupils kept switching from their normal green to flecks of black. She grabbed her head and squeezed her eyes shut.

The dark magic was not relenting its hold on her.

✨Beyond The Veil✨

Tessa Verren

__________________________________________________________ Tessa Verren __________________________________________________________ • Name: Tessa Verren • Nickname(s) Patches, Tessie & Tessiebear • Age 26 • Gender Female • Birthday March 13th - Pisces, baby • Race Lycan • Rank/Status Omega/newblood Appearance __________________________________________________________ [+] • Height 4’11 • Build Petite | Muscular | Scarred • Eye Color Blue • Hair Color & Style Light red/auburn • Skin Tone Pale • Notable Marks Scars all over face and body, eyepatch on left eye • Typical Clothing Style T-shirt, tucked into jeans/leggings, boots and leather jacket. Simple is as simple does. • Aura/First Impression A fucking delight • Voice Musical and higher pitched

Psychology ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ • Hobbies/Interests ✦Drawing✦ Baking ✦Cooking ✦Martial Arts ✦Shooting ✦Helping others • Likes ✦Thunderstorms ✦Outdoor ✦Reading ✦Fire ✦Stealing ✦Friendships • Dislikes ✦Violence ✦Backstabbers ✦Boredom ✦Injustice✦ • Fears ✦Being alone ✦Losing control ✦Dying ✦Her reflection✦ • Habits ✦Cooking ✦Baking ✦Reading ✦Fire • Vices ✦Pyromaniac ✦Kleptomania ✦Adrenaline Core Motivation To never be powerless or helpless again. Personality Overview The first impression of Tessa is that she's hyperactive, bold and outspoken. Some people have threatened to tape her mouth shut. She has limitless energy and enjoys talking to anyone who will listen. She doesn’t buckle under stress and remains a calm and steady force. Despite this, she’s polite and sweet. She doesn’t enjoy being mean and often will upset her in the end more than the other person. She doesn’t like to back down or back off, and is therefore quite stubborn. During these moods, someone needs to bring her back down to Halcyon and remind her to live another day. She’s hard-working, often training until she passes out, and needs to be told to stop. Her loyalty is “ride or die”, although if someone pisses her off enough, she might leave them. Tessa doesn’t forgive or forget, and can be cold to those she no longer cares for. Her mercy is not limitless. Tessa’s greatest weapon is her mind. She likes to think through situations. She is clever and often surprises people. Her ability to be level headed has come in handy. Her calmness is an unbreakable force at times. Her heart is big, and she often has to ignore it for her own sanity. She is often underestimated and found to be a bubblehead. Tessa enjoys lying and spinning tall tales for fun to people she doesn’t know. She also is mischievous, enjoys playing with fire, and stealing from other people. This causes her a dopamine rush she craves in order to ignore her trauma. Tessa’s trauma is buried deep beneath the surface. When she’s alone, she often becomes emotional and breaks down. Her selflessness is high. She’d throw herself in front of another person to save them rather than save her own life. Tessa is a daredevil, often enjoying adrenaline based activities. She hates the wardens who abandoned her and has vowed to never become helpless again. Tessa’s need for control and distraction often pushes her into danger. Underneath the bravado, she is sensitive and cries when alone. Relationships __________________________________________________________ [+] • Openness to Friendship 5 • Openness to Romance 4 • Romantic Preferences Open • Current Romantic Interests Herself • View on Forbidden Relationships Life is a slice of cake, you might as well try it • Biggest Turn-ons ✦Compassion ✦Empathy ✦Humor • Biggest Turn-offs ✦Evil ✦Rude ✦Unempathetic • Known Friends Luther • Known Enemies The Wardens who threw her to the wolves… literally • Known Family Commander Dane Verren is her father.

Background ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ • Current Occupation Newblood, pyromaniac • Level of Schooling Bachelor's Degree • Past Occupations Warden | Firearms Instructor • Socioeconomic Status She was middle class, she is now poor • History Summary | Tessa grew up as a human in a family of Wardens. Her father, Dane, the commander Warden, did not shield her from the horrors. Their world left an impression on young Tessa–an idealistic view she would share to anyone who would listen. Instead of their world being a disaster and riddled with crime, she wanted to make it a happier place to live. Tess wanted to see what was beyond the veil of Halcyon and explore the world. She trained hard and was not given leniency under her father. In fact, he was rougher on her than anyone else. Whether it was natural talent, hard work or both, Tessa rose through the ranks. Her optimism and positivity was infectious, yet more contained. She was far too kind to vampires, fae and lycans, and soft on them. Tessa saw them as equals. After all, they had to share this cruel world together, why not try being friends? One of the Wardens, Declan, befriended her whether out of friendship or something else, it wasn’t well known. What happened between them stayed a secret, and a secret Tessa often hid. It was rather surprising to find out Declan and her were an item and he was tasked with protecting her. Unfortunately, some of the other ambitious Wardens did not take to her too kindly. She was too optimistic, too quiet and shy, idealistic, and simply in their damn way. How dare they be bested by this annoying little cunt? Tessa was given missions to lead in the past, but this one was important. This one was about finding a group of rogue lycans that were harassing and turning humans into lycans and left to die from insanity. The group consisted of Declan, Joan, Oskar and Minoa. Tired of being bested, they tricked Tessa and knocked her out in the abandoned building, having led her astray on purpose. Once Tessa woke, she was surrounded by the rogue lycans and on death’s doorstep. What happened next was a blur–one moment she was screaming for help at the top of her lungs, the next she was being saved by an older gentleman–Dominic. The transformation was agonizing and brutal, but not as bad as the betrayal. Dom took her into his care and protected her, saved her, and tended to her. Logan, his right hand man, also assisted. The trio grew quite close and she told them everything, and swore to them to never speak of it again. Years later, Tessa refuses to see Dane again, and is now integrated into Dom’s pack. The shell of her past life was gone–now a new girl stood, this one a lycan, and she was more determined than ever to never be powerless again. Thanks to Dom’s pack and Luther, a new Tessa has risen--one with only one eye, due to the other one becoming blind from the attack. She wears an eyepatch over it, earning her the nickname "Patches."

Race-Specific Questions ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ▸Lycans ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ • Born or Turned? | Turned • Reaction to Full Moon Fear, panic, pain and anxiety • Pack Loyalty Level High • Views on Mortals Shady, needs sunglasses' • Views on Vampires Bloodthirsty, fun • Views on Fae | Unnerving and fun Miscellaneous ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ • Theme Song Rise-Katy Perry & Whatever It Takes-Imagine Dragons • Favorite Food Pizza, milkshakes, cakes, brownies, cookies, and veggie burgers • Favorite Animal(s) Bears, hawks, elephants and big cats • Favorite Music Genre Classical & Pop • Favorite Haunt The Underground, Halcyon Pizza, Neon Dream Rink, & Sundown Diner • Signature Weapon Shotgun, handgun, fists, or her mind • Preferred Vices Adrenaline • Pet Peeve Rudeness, disloyalty. backstabbing and not caring about others • Guilty Pleasure Daydreaming, thunderstorms, nail care, stuffed animal collection, fanfiction

Neo Genesis: Chronicles of Eberron

Race: Tiefling
Class: Ranger
Location: The Bar
Interactions: ⋆ @Oso Bastion
Equipment:

Equipment List

⋆ Traveler’s cloak
⋆ Hidden daggers in boots
⋆ Longbow with etched star markings and quiver

Attire:
⋆ Outfit
⋆ Hair
Gold Balance: 23
Injuries: Scars on body, old chain marks on wrists, ankles and neck, tattoo on wrist with number

Arya lowered her bow and paled sickly. She trembled so violently she thought she might be sick; in time, she likely would be. Her arrows struck true into one of them, but nothing lethal yet, though every bit helped. Arya watched as Wendel clumsily tried attacking and failed–she admired his spirit and attempt. Then, Menzai tore viciously into the attackers, which caused her to blink a few times with surprise. Then suddenly, his shoulder was glazed with red. Worry, guilt, and anxiety rose inside of her. What the heck were they going to do? Menzai's voice filed her ears and she glanced over at him. "Excuse me, Lady Arya. I leave Madam, gears, and civilians in your care.” Arya turned and nodded, an indication she would promise to protect them.

Before she could react to anything else, pain erupted in her side and she yelped in pain. Her focus had shifted enough for her to become distracted and be attacked. Nausea rose inside of her and she paled. She looked down at the gash on her side and bit her lips hard in order not to yell. Everyone had more important things to contend with, so she didn’t want to draw their attention to her.

Stella, now infuriated, extended her wings and jumped off her shoulder. With fury, the eagle began clawing and biting at the assailant without mercy. ”Do. Not. Touch. My. Tiefling!” Stella, though unable to be understood by anyone else, was still vocalized with fury. Arya raised her arm to smack him with the bow, but the pain caused her vision to blur and pained cries to escape her. She did not deal well with pain and was struggling not to cry out loud now.

Her gaze moved up as she watched Bastion move in front of her. He was leaking fluid from his arm and for a moment, she was surprised; then remembered he was a warforged. Sadness filled her; everyone was becoming injured. “Arya,” he said, voice low, “you have my word. I will protect you.” His guilt and worry reflected in her eyes as well. She had a feeling he was worried about the girl bathroom trip.

”Thank you, Bastion, as will I. Once we finish here, we can check on the other ladies.”

"E-Everyone! Those of you incapable of fighting make your way behind the armored warforged and star-speckled tiefling; they will guard you!” Menzai shouted out through the chaos. Arya nodded and waved them over. A few hesitated, then quickly ran behind Bastion and her, and she have them an encouraging, yet pained, smile. She was glad Menzai was able to direct them over to them. A soft fluttering in her chest caused her to temporarily blush.

Then, her attention turned back to the fray. Arya straightened with pain and gripped her bow tightly. She raised her bow and aimed to bash it over the head of her attacker with all her might. If that was not successful, she moved her bow back, dizzily, and then took one of her arrows and attempted to stab them in the heart. She did not dare take her eyes off this attacker. Stella, pleased with her attack, flew back onto her shoulder and glared menacingly.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: Castle Dining Hall
Interactions: @Rodiak Nahir
Mentions: @Oso Cassius & @princess Charlotte
Aesthetic: ☁ Hair ☁ Dress ☁ Necklace ☁
Shoes

---

Kira quietly ate her food. She chose food from a variety of different dishes and busied herself with eating. The dialogue between the Alidasht and Princess Anastasia were enthralling. The diversity of the nobles around here was nearly blinding. How arrogant, naive and wildly hopeful they’d make a difference with their king still standing. Since everyone replied to Hafiz, Kira chose to remain silent. There was nothing more to be said that had already not been. Her gaze flicked to the dog and hawk. She wondered idly how much the Danroses had to ignore them in their fancy castle.

Her gaze shifted now to the clusterfuck on the other side of the banquet. A growing feud between Lord Roman, the Damien’s, and then the Danrose’s broke out. Kira watched with a stoic expression. They were being treated to a show with free dinner. How lucky was she? She watched with idle curiosity until Cassius entered the fray. Her gaze became sharper as she slowed eating momentarily. His words drew vitriol from the queen and she heard the unmistakable drawing of a blade. Then, Lady Charlotte came up and hugged him..? Kira’s eyes narrowed as she studied the exchange between them. Heat, unrelated to the banquet room temperature, crawled up her skin.

She was hugging the bastard in front of the entire banquet. Kira continued eating calmly, but tension filled her as she looked away. Finally, the situation had relaxed, it seemed, and the tension in the room dropped. She continued eating quietly and looked back over. Now he was at her side and he seemed concerned. What was going on between them? Kira ensured her gaze was always measured, and did not give away anything. Deep inside, a storm brewed inside, and Kira couldn’t help but stab her steak.

Nothing more than just a memory. Isn’t that right Cassius?

Maybe he’s right–no, he definitely is…

I should have died that night; I would feel better than I do now.

Kira turned her attention back to her Alidasht and Danrose company. With a smile on her face, she turned to face Nahir briefly. Her expression was calm and sweet, nothing mirroring the storm brewing inside of her. ”Shehzadi Nahir,” she spoke quietly with sincerity. ”You look absolutely stunning tonight. I do appreciate your generous invite here. Thank you.” With that, Kira turned back to her food and the group with a shy smile on her face.

Beyond The Veil Interest Check

Interested. :)

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Olivia

_Persephone

Time: Evening
Location: Castle Dining Room
Interactions: @princess Charlotte ♞ @samreaper Kazu
Mentions:
Aesthetic: ♞ Dress♞ Hair ♞Shoes

---

The drama that unfolded in the banquet stunned Olivia. The King’s grotesque words caused her to clench her fists. How the hell did Alibeth deal with him? Why hadn’t anyone murdered this insane asshole? Liv glanced over at the animals present in the room and knew they would make a better king. Why anyone hadn’t taken the pig out for slaughtering was beyond her. Thankfully, Charlotte distracted her murderous thoughts. She sat down rather hurriedly, with Sjan following behind her. Her gaze kept flickering to Kalliope and Cassius and her eyes narrowed.

Then, the banquet went ballistic. She watched as one person after another reacted to Victoria. Her cruel words resulted in her wine being spilled on her. Drake pleaded with his mother not to freak out. Sympathy grew inside of her–that had to be rough living with. Then Thea went outside with a bottle of wine, and then Ariella ran after her. She wanted to check in on the Smithwoods and Edwards, but she hardly knew them and there was tension. Hopefully, later she could. Why had Roman admitted to doing this in front of everyone? What was he thinking? This wasn’t the man she’d spoken to earlier the other day, was it?

Olivia’s attention shifted to Roman, as all the Damien’s, save for Lily, reacted. Violet handed herself (and Olivia wondered if she was okay) then Calbert and her stomach churned. The hatred and fury rose inside of her however she could not blame him for standing up for Violet. She watched the situation swiftly escalate, thanks to Callum’s words and then Cassius’ bold response. Shortly after, King Edin and Queen Alibeth reacted and fear gripped her heart. Unexpectedly, Charlie stood up and moved over to hug Cassius in front of everyone. Panic rose inside of her and she quickly moved to stand up if anyone dared to move against her friend. Thankfully, nobody did, and she returned back to her seat next to Sjan-dehk.

Out of nowhere, Princess Anastasia yelled over at Cassius and then Lorenzo, for unknown reasons, yelled across the room.

She rubbed her temples and stared wide-eyed at the food in front of her. Voices, not belonging to those around her, whispered to her. They weren't the joyous thoughts she’d hoped for, nor were they comforting. Her father’s words echoed in her mind as she stared at the Danrose royalty. The angrier she became, the worse the voices were, and the urge of using dark magic returned. Liv clutched the table tightly and her knuckles started to turn white. The noise level returned to a natural decibel, but it did not help her. All the yelling, fighting, and drama reminded her of her home after her father was fired from the royal palace. The downward spiral her parents experienced that subsequently sucked her into came racing back. One after the other, the memories replied in her mind’s eye.

"Imagine it." The voice, sweet like her mother's lullabies, pressed against her skull. "One word, and you could bring this kingdom to its knees. They would beg you for mercy they do not deserve."

Olivia felt as though she was watching the scenery from afar. Her body did not belong to her. The scenery became unintelligible and her body became numb. She tried to pick up her utensils and scrape over more food to fill her everlasting hunger. She picked up the food but she might as well have become a ghost. The room spun around her and her chest tightened, as though someone had reached in and grasped her heart as tight as they could. Her breathing hitched and she wasn’t sure if anyone could hear it or not. It sounded as though it was coming from the other side of the castle. The air around her thickened, suffocating and warm. Hunger gnawed at her from the inside out, worse than any mortal hunger, a starvation of power denied.

”Kaz.” Her words came out quiet and barely audible. ”Outside. Now. Please.”

Without waiting for a response, Olivia stood up. As though she was a marionette, she moved to the balcony doors. The cool night air smacked her in the face. She instantly could feel her body relaxing. Olivia fumbled around, but found a chair and sank into it.

God, I could just use it now… .. I can’t. Too many people… He’s a disgusting pig–they don’t need him. Nobody does..... I promised them I wouldn’t use it…... You always were a coward, Persephone.… bled for you to have this power. And you waste it on... promises? Use magic, Persephone, you were born for it…

Neo Genesis: Chronicles of Eberron

Race: Tiefling
Class: Ranger
Location: The Bar
Interactions: ⋆ @Oso Bastion
Equipment:

Equipment List

⋆ Traveler’s cloak
⋆ Hidden daggers in boots
⋆ Longbow with etched star markings and quiver

Attire:
⋆ Outfit
⋆ Hair
Gold Balance: 23
Injuries: Scars on body, old chain marks on wrists, ankles and neck, tattoo on wrist with number

At first, Arya only felt it: a low tremor crawling up through the soles of her boots, barely noticeable until it began to hum through her bones. Confusion filled her–what the hell was happening? Stella snapped to attention and emitted a warning call, one she recognized too well. Her hand twitched toward Stella’s feathers and she brushed them lightly. Stella poked her head and confirmed her fears–this was, in fact, real. Conversations around her faltered, and the bar shifted into a fragile silence that seemed to hold its breath just a second too long. Arya tensed so profoundly she thought she might never unravel.

Then came the blast: a thunderous eruption roared from the depths of the ship, shaking the Stormrider so violently that Arya nearly lost her footing. Stella shrieked and was nearly dislodged from her shoulder, but the eagle had dug her claws in so profoundly that she knew she’d drawn blood. Arya grabbed the edge of the bar with one hand and pulled Stella closer with the other. Light flared through the stairwell, followed by a deep, heaving groan of strained wood and metal. Screams pierced the air like a knife and caused Arya to tremble violently. Tears filled her eyes while fear and panic surged through her. Her breathing became rapid and she began struggling to catch air.

The smoke came next, and it wasn’t the kind that drifted lazily from a kitchen or crackling pipe; it slithered with intent, dark tendrils wrapping around chair legs and boots like it was searching for something. Arya’s heart pounded as she watched six figures step through it, each cloaked in crimson and masked in smooth, expressionless steel. She couldn’t see their eyes, but it didn’t matter. Their silence said everything. The moment one of the passengers tried to run, they acted. There was a flash of metal, and the poor man dropped like a sack of grain. His blood stained the floorboards as the crowd erupted into chaos.

Arya remained rooted for a breath too long. Her mind struggled to process the violence. Stella dug her talons into her shoulder and grounded the terrified tiefling. She whispered under her breath, barely audible even to herself:

“This isn’t just an attack–it’s a message.”

Stella let out a warning cry and began nudging her to attack, but Arya remained rooted in her place. Bastion moved first and placed himself between her and the danger. Shock and worry filled her, but as quickly as it had come, it disappeared. She stared at his back while the smoke and terror poured into the room. Then she watched as he became purposeful and lethal, but not cruel. She watched him unleash the chain, drag that hooded figure like a scrap of cloth across the deck, and when his voice rang out, it was enough to move Arya.

Her right moved upwards as she began tracking their assailant’s movements like prey in the woods. The other hand moved to pat Stella’s wings and comfort her eagle. She then removed the hand and strung an arrow to her bow. Arya moved away from Bastion and released the arrow. The arrow went flying toward the red-hooded figure that Bastion had attacked. She rapidly strung another arrow and sent it flying at him once more.

Then, Arya turned at the sound of a voice. The man descended as if floating on silk while his coat still perfectly in place with an expression of calm as if he were attending a dinner rather than stepping through corpses. She didn’t know his name, but she knew enough to recognize the kind of person who didn’t flinch, didn’t hesitate, and didn’t mourn. It had been a familiar sight to her and it caused her blood to run cold.

Her eyes flicked from the shattered bodies behind him to the grotesque display of magic still clinging to the air around his hands. Arya lowered her bow and reached out absently towards her eagle. She brushed her fingers through Stella’s feathers like she needed grounding. Her eagle pecked her head and unfurled her wings to give her a hug.

“Vacation,” she murmured under her breath, voice barely audible. “That’s what this was supposed to be…”

”But it is not. React to the danger, think and focus. I won’t leave your side.” Stella folded her wings and only unfurled them to make herself look more menacing if anyone came close to the tiefling.

A ghost of a smile crossed her face and she affectionately patted her leg. Arya’s hands trembled slightly, but she kept her bow steady all the same. Once more, Arya strung an arrow to the bow and rapidly fired and strung more arrows, hoping to release a volley to disperse the assailants. Meanwhile, her brain raced and began to wonder: Are Phia and those other women okay? Fear gripped her and she looked over at Gears–did the warforged bartender know how to fight? Arya moved quickly and gestured for Gears to move behind her, then focused again on the chaos.

Neo Genesis: Chronicles of Eberron

Race: Tiefling
Class: Ranger
Location: The Bar
Interactions: ⋆ @FunnyGuy Wendel ⋆ [@PapaOso] Bastion
Equipment:

Equipment List

⋆ Traveler’s cloak
⋆ Hidden daggers in boots
⋆ Longbow with etched star markings and quiver

Attire:
⋆ Outfit ⋆ Hair
Gold Balance: 23
Injuries: Scars on body, old chain marks on wrists, ankles and neck, tattoo on wrist with number

Arya felt her breath catch slightly, her gaze flicking nervously up to meet Bastion’s gentle, curious eyes. She shifted slightly, fingertips absently brushing the feathers of her companion as if drawing reassurance from the bird’s familiar presence.

“Oh… yes… she's—she’s very fun. She's… comforting. Like having a little piece of the sky with me all the time.”

She paused, feeling her cheeks warm, and shyly lowered her eyes.

“I think you'd like having a bird too… They're wonderful company when you… don’t know what to say.”

She paused, feeling her cheeks warm, then softly added,

“But… even without a bird, you’re not alone, Bastion. You’ve got us now.”

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: Castle Dining Hall
Interactions: @princess Princess Anastasia ☁ @Helo Rohit ☁ @Rodiak Nahir ☁ @Lava Alckon Farim
Mentions: Cassius/Milo, Kalli, and Hala.
Aesthetic: Hair, ☁ Necklace ☁Dress, ☁
Shoes

---

Kira’s attention was quickly diverted once Shehzadi Nahir entered. While Kira remained stoic, her heart began fluttering. She turned her head once Nahir joined and smiled fondly. She matched Nahir’s longer gaze and politely turned away when it was broken. ”Good evening, Shehzadi. It is nice to see you. You look beautiful as ever,” Her tone was sincere and her gaze soft. ”We are honored to have you Shehzadi and of course, Shezade. You look dashing, Rohit and you,” Her tone was sincere and sweet.

Princess Anastasia began talking to her so Kira faced her next. She laughed and waved her hand dismissively. Giggles rippled out from her. ”Oh dear! We cannot have that, Princess!” She leaned closer and whispered mischievously. ”Maybe you did. Maybe I am a figment of your imagination, and if so, I am honored.” She held her gaze and whispered flirtatiously, ”Say the word and you can receive whatever performance of your wish.”

Then she leaned away and raised her glass in toast. Rohit agreed, and she giggled even more. ”Agreed, to poor impulse control and chaos! I do agree, I believe this is the beautiful people side.” Kira winked at them all and allowed her gaze to momentarily linger on Nahir and smiled sweetly at her. Gods, this woman was beautiful. The sands of Alidasht had blessed her.

While the rest conversed, Kira turned to look at the rest of the banquet. It was lively with conversation and organized chaos. Then, her gaze found him. Kira watched Milo approach Cassius and raised her eyebrow. Their discussion soon became heated and it sparked her curiosity. Soon, Kalliope and Hala Sami intervened. Kira watched the scene play out. Her attention was soon captured by the radiant Danrose Princess.

Kira clapped her hands together with excitement. ”Yes, sadly I had to miss your performance, and I regret it. However, I would love to help you for the next one! That is a good idea,” Kira drummed her fingers on the table and she smiled sweetly. Rohit chimed in and Kira nodded eagerly. ”Excellent ideas. I would be happy to help. Maybe we can include Sorian and Alidasht foods. This would allow us to share our wonderful culture with the Sorian community. Maybe we can also provide them with our own recipes, and maybe teach them some of our language and include different crafts. How does that sound?”

While Kira waited for their replies, she snuck one more gaze at Nahir. Then, she piled food onto her plate and started eating. Meanwhile, her mind spun with the encounter she’d witnessed. Did the Scourge of Eisenholm have a new enemy? Kira kept her gaze focused on the group around her and ate politely.