Potter

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: Danrose Castle
Interactions: @princess Charlotte @Oso Cassius
Mentions: @FunnyGuy Lorenzo & @princess Edin

---

Before the three of them could enjoy their evening, everything changed. Clearly, they were not allowed to have any fun–no, life had to fuck them right over. Shouting could be heard from the other side of the throne room. Olivia’s head turned as she recognized the fury in Lorenzo’s voice. She froze as the words made their way to her ears. Was she hearing right? There was absolutely no way….

But the words were there, replaying in her mind. The absurdity of his words, the disgusting vile actions that were being announced, were out in the open for everyone. Olivia could see people freezing, much like her, as they processed it. Before she could even react and see if Lottie had heard, the girl was on her feet swifter than a bunny in the woods escaping the cruelty of a fox’s jaws.

White hot rage boiled inside Olivia like the fire that consumed her home. It was astounding to her that the entire ballroom hadn’t erupted into it. Had the vile King truly thought he could lay a finger on Lottie, like she was some prize to be won in a contest? And then just like that, it dawned on her that Alibeths’ seat was empty… because she was gone--dead for being a witch.

Olivia’s chest tightened so hard she wondered if she was having a heart attack. They had executed Alibeth that morning and the king was leering at Lottie? Was he leering at any other of the noblewomen here? Bile rose in her throat and choked her, causing her throat to burn. She rushed forward after Cassius who was beside Charlotte, looking as enraged as her.

Olivia had never been this furious in her life. If she could cast dark magic and murder Edin now, she would have. And by God, she began mentally preparing the most atrocious spell she could recall. Seeing the King shriveled up or in excruciating agony would have pleased her, but it would not have been enough. He needed to suffer a thousand lifetimes over or be reborn as a peasant in the slums. Hell was not even hot enough for him and his fucking disgusting sins.

Her expression twisted into rage, her eyes nearly burning holes through Edin’s crown. Being this close, this bloody fucking close and not killing him, caused Olivia grief. Her childhood swam through her eyes and then the accusations Lorenzo slung at him like a frisbee, and the death of the almighty queen caused Olivia’s chest to rise and fall rapidly. Her hands hook and she clenched them so tightly she drew blood. She took several deep breaths because she knew if she used magic, she’d be gone like dear Alibeth.

Lottie, sweet and gentle as a doe, was never ever being touched by this sorry excuse of a human being. No, he’d ruined enough lives. Olivia moved in front of Cassius, Charlotte and Lorenzo, with a look of absolute seething loathing and rage and daring the king to make a move; and if he moved a fucking inch toward their Lottie, he would burn like her parents had.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: Danrose Castle
Interactions: @princess Charlotte @Oso Cassius
Mentions:

---

[color=lightgray]The more that Charlotte spoke, the more Olivia’s suspicions grew. As she spoke, Olivia examined her body language closer. This was clearly a spell–was it the fearless one? Lottie seemed to ignore the repercussions of her actions and was far more bolder than she had seen. Thai was a far cry from the girl with ribbons and soft and unrevealing dresses. Had she stolen one of her own books? Liv frowned, though she didn’t interrupt her friend.

The story she explained was downright outrageous–Olivia knew Lottie had not gone to throw herself off the balcony. Liv also knew that was her first time meeting Lottie from afar and knowing that Calbert had told her something horrible. As her mind replayed that night in her mind’s eye, Liv swallowed hard. That night had changed her life in a split second–she wondered if she hadn’t gone to the ball, where would she be now, starving and hiding in an alleyway? The smile that Lottie provided her was not met with her own. Her gaze could’ve killed had she seen Calbert, or burned holes into him.

Still, Olivia’s stomach churned, and bile rose in her throat. Not only did Calbert’s dad spew shit, there was even more shit regarding Lorenzo. She could not imagine having scandals and rumors written about her on a daily basis. Sympathy rose deep inside of her, and she took a deep breath. Regardless of her magic use, the news was horrible.

”Oh Charlie, I am so sorry.” Liv whispered and scooted her chair forward in order to pull her into a fierce hug she didn’t let go. Olivia owed Lottie her life and she was not going to forget it. Liv ensured warmth was forced into the hug. She let go once Lottie spotted a server and allowed them time to have their exchange. Liv bit her lip as she studied her more and turned to Cassius with a split second decision.

Olivia pulled her hair around her face to block anyone from reading her lips. She moved so close to him so that they were nearly touching for a brief second. Her skin crawled at their proximity. Not that he was disgusting, but this was Lottie's beau, and she felt painfully awkward because she barely knew him; however he had helped save her life.

”It’s a fearless spell,” she whispered to him. ”The after effects include overwhelming anxiety and fear, and sometimes cause panic attacks or hallucinations. Even the smallest of things can provoke fear–she’s going to need us.”

Olivia moved away, because being this close to him made her uncomfortable. The clock was ticking on the time left on the spell and the fall out would be rough. Olivia decided this was her time to guard her and protect her in the same way she had when she had needed shelter. She turned to her and smiled.

”We will have fun and enjoy our evening.” She pulled the food and wine over with a wide smile, including her own platters. ”I don’t know what the fuck this is but I’m going to try it.” She grinned at Lottie and Cassius with mischief in her eyes. ”We could play a drinking game, gossip, dance, chat about random bullshit, or maybe all the above? Any pranks we can pull on people?"

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: Danrose Castle
Interactions: @SilverSpring Violet
Mentions: @oso Cassius

---

Kira set her hands on a chair and gestured to it to ask permission if she could sit beside her. She smiled pleasantly, but not overly.

“It’s nice to meet you.” Kira curtsied and then straightened up.

She then noticed the look behind her eyes and frowned. “Is there something wrong? You look a little upset, and I’m here for you if you need it. Between that and your beauty, I wanted to come check on you. After all, this should be a fun event, yes?”

She caught the eye of a waiter and gestured for him to come over. The server obediently came over and held out the tray for her. She smiled and took a plate full of sweets and set them in front of Violet. “Although... Balls can be a drag, too, right? they don't have to be though! I guess it depends on how extroverted you are. I feel a little out of sorts here. Maybe we can watch people together.” Kira grinned playfully, gesturing to the crowd. “Totally up to you though! I am fine either way.”

Kira waited for a reply and glanced at her politely, ready to read her, but not in a rude way to make her think she was staring. The scar across Violet’s eye, mixed with her red eyes and deep black hair, was a striking appearance. The poor girl stood out like a sore fucking thumb. There might as well have been a beacon screaming vampire to her. There was a sliver of sympathy for her. The poor girl was cursed like her.

Although the resemblance to Cassius made her skin crawl. She refused to look elsewhere in case she somehow made him materialize. The same night replayed in her head on repeat. Pain shot through her veins like whiskey. Regret was buried deep; too deep for her to think of it now. The fury and heartbreak over his betrayal rushed through her like a waterfall more strongly, ready to flood and overtake everything else instead. None of it showed on her face, and her body language was warm and friendly. Kira seemed as threatening as a kitten.

The dam would break eventually, and Kira would leave hell in its wake. She would ruin his life like he had ruined hers.

Kira took a deep breath and waited patiently for her reply.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

oop

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: Danrose Castle
Interactions: @princess Charlotte & @Oso Cassius
Mentions: @samreaper Kazu

---

The conversation between Cassius and her was a beautiful sight to behold. To see Cassius, a man she considered a possible threat, to be jovial and accepting was a relief. Olivia had been holding her breath, waiting to see what he did in reaction to her. Now she could finally let it out and allow her tense shoulders to slump and her jaw to relax. The tension within her body began to ease. It was like watching her mother’s cookies baking in the oven. Olivia smiled, one that genuinely reached her eyes and showed her teeth. It was as though the apple had fallen farther from the tree than she had first anticipated. Though he was starting to make a good first impression, Olivia remained wary.

Once Charlotte approached, she studied his reaction closely. It was as though she was reading or trying to, anyway, one of Charlotte’s novels, or a puppy finding its’ person after being lost. The clear longing between them and the need to be together was overwhelming so much that Olivia wondered if people in the ball might suffocate from it. It was as though a fog had lifted and the two were seeing each other for the first time in forever. Something was off with Lottie, but the man’s reaction told her enough–it was raw, genuine, and a fire ready to blaze into a firestorm should anyone try extinguishing it.

When Lottie remarked about Kazumin, Lottie’s cheeks had temporarily rivaled her hair. The memory of seeing Kaz in a suit, with sunflowers poking out of his top hat and his delightful dance down the steps had been burned into her mind. The way the sunflowers and suit complemented him, and then showing off his blonde curls and cowlick, along with his figure caused butterflies to rise in her stomach.

His ability to not give a fuck and do whatever he wanted was admirable. Olivia enjoyed his performance and wished more of these insufferable bastards would let loose, but then again, nobody could rival Kazumins’ talent. She tried to hide her face with her hair and wished she could’ve seen where he had gone. She had to find him soon. Once Lottie pointed out how he must have entertained her as a child, she couldn’t help but smile and blush even harder.

”Yeah… He did.” Olivia began stuffing her face and ignoring the looks she was being given. Instead she bounced her leg and avoided eye contact before she punched these insufferable bastards.

Her mind raced as to what the hell she was going to do when Lottie turned to ask about her childhood next. The memories of her mother, Maria, teaching her how to play an old violin came to the surface. However, the period that followed their descent into magic and madness began rising up. Panic coursed through her veins like the fire she so admired and feared. She stuffed herself with more food until she took several deep breaths. Grief hung around her like water on a wet dog’s fur it couldn’t shake off.

”Yeah… I played the violin for a bit with my mom but I did not sing.” Olive replied and glanced down at the floor. ”Life is real fuckin boring without music, you’re right.” She changed the topic and turned her focus to Lottie instead. ”You played piano and sang? That’s fuckin awesome.”

She glanced at Cassius after watching her behavior. She noted the reactions to her about her parents. ”Uh, what about you...?” She glanced around, then back to Lottie. This was unlike her–where were the bows and ribbons?

Lottie addressed Cassius for being off so now they were a trio asking the same fucking question to everyone else when it boiled down to Lottie throwing them a curveball. They all had the same burning question that wasn't answered. Had she...?

"What the hell is going on with you?" Olivia asked quietly, and ensured they wouldn’t be overheard. Concern and uncertainty shown in her olive green eyes and her furrowed brows.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: Danrose Castle
Interactions: @AuthenticTomb Aslam, @RemRam Askel, @SilverSpring Violet
Mentions:

---

"Lady Kira, you look... uncomfortable. Are you quite alright?"

Kira turned to Prince Askel and smiled, though it didn’t reach her eyes. ”Never better, my dear. Don’t worry, you pretty little red head.” She patted his head with a playful grin and removed her hand. She was curious on how he’d react to that. ”But I do thank you,” she finished with a grin.

Listening to the two of them ramble on about their romances had Kira wanting to yawn.
Information was still important though, so she continued listening. She maintained her pleasant aura and remained focused on the men with her. Aslam finally left his romance reverie and turned to her. She did note the bitterness in his voice and stored it for later. While she listened, she continued indulging in her wine as though it was her life preserver.

"Is there something amiss? We could step outside if you need some fresh air?"

”Thank you for the concern. I’m fine, gentlemen, but I do appreciate your concern. I shall bid you both goodbye for now, though I do look forward to getting to know both of you more.” Kira curtsied for Askel, and then provided the traditional Alidasht bow to Aslam.

Kira smiled sweetly at them both and disappeared into the crowd. Her eyes scanned the room until she found her. Kira smiled and waltzed up to Violet with a grin, noticing how alone she looked. The girl’s black hair and red eyes stood out amongst the crowd.

”Hi there, how are you?” Kira inquired as she joined her. She made sure to hide her accent and voice as much as she could so as not to remind the girl of the night she had stabbed her brother thrice. ”I’m Malia. It’s nice to meet you.”

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: Danrose Castle
Interactions: @HylianRose Nora @Chrys Amira @princess Count Emil
Mentions:
Aesthetic: Ball Outfit & Hair

---

Oh, Gods, you didn’t hear?

Elena hid her shock at Amira’s lack of awareness. Instead, she gathered herself with a quiet sigh and turned to look at Nora who was on the verge of tears. Of course. They were all witchblood, after all. Elena’s heart shattered at the sight of her triplet barely holding it together.

Elena’s gaze shot back to Count Emil. Though he gave no outward reaction, she suspected that he was relishing their ignorance and grief. Fury rose up inside of her and the thought of smacking him crossed her mind, but she refrained. Instead, she took a deep breath and moved in front of the two girls so that they were hidden by her taller frame. If he made any attempt to side-step her, she was ready and would block him.

”Ladies, why don’t you go find us a table and bring food?” It was not a question–Nora would recognize it as her command to get out. She gave her a look that read: “don’t argue with me, go.”

Then, Elena spoke directly to Emil with ferocity.

”As for you,” Elena was close enough now for him to briefly smell the mixture of lavender and smoke clinging faintly to her. ”I’ve heard enough about you to know that a sewer rat would be more fit for your title.” Her voice was quiet enough so that only he could hear it. “That behavior is unbecoming of a Count and host to visiting dignitaries. I’m certain the Crown would expect more decorum from you.”

Elena was fine, though being this close to him was far from tolerable.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: Danrose Castle
Interactions: @princess Charlotte & @Oso Cassius
Mentions: @[samreaper] Kazumin

---

Cassius’ response caused Olivia to snort with derision. A few people turned to stare, but she ignored them despite her cheeks flushing.

”Oh, I certainly agree with you. I wouldn’t know what to do if one of them came up to me.” She pulled her chair out and sat down with a grin of amusement. There was something about Cassius; he was not a pompous son of a bitch who scorned the poor and would throw them into the fire to save their pearls. She began to eat food and paused at his question. He might have been born out of wedlock, but that didn’t mean he was a bastard personality–that was reserved for his unfortunate father. Cassius had protected and aided them after the tavern, too.

How was she? Liv paused as she considered her answer. Her mind drifted to the itchiness of her dress and the way it rubbed against her burns, the way the flats hugged her toes too tightly, the makeup caked on her face, and the godawful buzzards flocking around her. A table near them was filled with noblewomen and men, gossiping and she was sure she heard one of them mention the poor in dark light. She scowled and ignored them.

She could change her face with magic and her name to masquerade as a noble, but she couldn’t take the peasantry out of her. She should have been wearing blue because she had never felt so blue in her life.

”I’m… I’m here,” Olivia admitted quietly, and waved her hand at how to title her. ”Just call me Liv, I don’t give a shit what title you give me.” She replied with a sigh and began to eat some of the food before it disappeared. The different scents were calling to her and her stomach rumbled. For a moment, she looked like a squirrel with her cheeks stuffed. Remembering she was in public, she quickly began to chew her food and turned away briefly.

”I'm sorry.. This food is really fucking good.” She smiled at him with embarrassment, but somehow she knew inside he wouldn't judge her. ”What about you - how are you? This is a lot for you isn't it?”

Just then, Charlotte’s name was called out. Olivia had gone to drink wine and choked on it, and quickly held napkins up to her face to cover it.

What the fuck?

What was she wearing and why? She recovered but she couldn't stop staring at Charlotte. As if nothing were amiss, Lottie joined them and greeted Cassius.

“Hi, Cassius.” Olivia had barely recovered when Charlotte wiped crumbs from his face as if she had been doing it for years.

Next, Charlotte greeted her and cupped her cheek gently, causing Olivia to stare with wide-eyes at her friend. Her olive green eyes met her friend's dark blue and she searched them for an answer. Something wasn’t right. Her eyes narrowed, but she didn’t press her right now. Lottie looked powerful and as though she were ready to take on the world. What was happening? Shock and awe coursed through her and she wasn’t sure what to do.

Gone were the ribbons and shyness that Lottie held and in with the confidence she seemed to hold back. Olivia was flabbergasted.

“You look so beautiful, Liv.”

Beautiful? Olivia chewed the inside of her lip. Was she beautiful? She felt like an ugly duckling parading around in its mothers clothing.

”Oh! Um, me? Wow. Thank you.” She replied, concerned with the fact many people were staring at them. Liv glowered at them and turned back to Charlotte. ”You look beautiful too.” She pulled a chair out for her to sit down and looked down at her food, considering the possibilities of why the hell Lottie had revamped her appearance. She drank some more wine and looked at her friend.

”Are you okay?” Olivia inquired quietly, so nobody else could hear them. She glanced at Cassius to see if he had an answer, then her gaze moved back to Lottie. ”Want to sit down with us?” While waiting for an answer, she continued eating a bit more hurriedly now as if someone might come and take her food.

Charlotte had taken her attention away and it was moments later she realized Kazumin had entered. His skip and dance down the steps caused her to giggle. The sunflowers in his hat made her soften. Her cheeks flushed at the sight of him in his suit. Unexpectedly, Olivia's heart began racing as if she were running through the fields with him again. She went to wave him over, but the crowd blocked it form view and she huffed with annoyance. She needed to find him--but for now, she was preoccupied wiht Lottie's new look and apparently, attitude.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: Danrose Castle
Interactions: @HylianRose Nora ✿ @Chrys Amira ✿ @princess Count Emil
Mentions:
@ReusableSword Roman ✿ @Oso Ambrose ✿ @AuthenticTomb Sylvia ✿ @HylianRose Lucian ✿ @Remram Magnus/Askel ✿ @princess Princess Anastasia, Marina, Count Emil & Edin ✿
Aesthetic: Ball Outfit & Hair

---

The clanging and banging of metal against metal was music to Elena’s ears. The heat of the fire behind her warmed her and ensured she’d never grow cold like a blanket. The grease under her fingernails was more of an aesthetic than hindrance. Her brunette locks tied back into a messy bun. Her blacksmith attire had quickly morphed into formal attire, much to her displeasure.

Neither the grand ballroom, nor the formal attire pleased her. She had been so close to figuring out something and had to be reminded of the ball by one of her family’s servants. Still, she relented, because missing the first ball since Nora and Magnus’ awful events could not be missed. She needed to be there for them–there would be no stopping her.

Elena stood at the mouth of the entrance. Her gaze swept over the sea of dresses and suits, the cacophony of chatter, the bright lights shining upon everyone, the shimmer of jewellery and the delicious trays of savory foods and desserts. Gods, she hoped there was chocolate. Ellie ruffled her hair once more to tease the locks. Her name was called and then she waltzed down the steps, her boots clicking against the steps meticulously.

Once she reached the ground floor, she began looking over everyone. She recognized the red haired royalty and Ambrose, though they didn’t all stand together, each of them was engaged in conversation with another person. However, seeing Lucian without Sophie caused her heart to pang. Lord Roman was alone with the chaos ball known as Sylvia, and she smiled faintly. Further to the right stood Princess Anastasia—Ellie’s heart sank—alongside a gentleman she didn’t recognize, perhaps a Shehzade, and Lady Ariella. Beside them was her dearest brother. She wanted to jump in, but she decided to give him some time. It would be rude to join them unless it was necessary. Then, her gaze moved from person to person until she found her sister. Finally, she found her with a beautiful Shehzadi, with… Count Emil? She frowned and her eyes furrowed. Shivers ran down her spine and it was as though she had been dunked in cold water.

She nearly forgot her introduction to the King, so she paused and made eye contact with him. Her gaze was polite and sincere, though her expression masked her true feelings of the vermin before her. How dare he. While Ellie wanted to say something, it would not do them well. The less attention their witchblood family had, the better they would be.

”Good evening, Your Majesty. The ball is lovely. May the Gods shine upon you.” She curtsied for him and gave him a respectful nod. Her smile was gracious and pleasant, masking her thoughts underneath.

I hope the Gods strike you down with lightning and save this kingdom from you. The smallest worm in the world would make a better king than you.

She straightened up and moved into the crowd, making her way over towards Nora’s group. Ellie ensured her sister could see her first so she didn’t spook her. She assessed the trio—so far, all seemed well, though she didn’t know how long it would last. She joined them with a warm smile.

”Good evening.” Ellie greeted with a radiant smile and positivity. ”How are you all tonight?” There was gentleness and warmth about it. Underneath those layers was a savagery she would exude if anyone dared mess with her dearest siblings.

Neo Genesis: Chronicles of Eberron

Race: Tiefling
Class: Ranger
Location: The Kraken's Wake ⋆ Seadragons Throne Room
Interactions: @samreaper Menzai ⋆ @princess Phia ⋆ @FunnyGuy Malik ⋆ @Tae Meiyu ⋆ @Lava Alckon Corin ⋆ @Oso Bastion/Pirate King
Equipment:

Equipment List

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

Attire:
⋆ Outfit
⋆ Hair
Gold Balance: 53
Injuries: Scars on body, old chain marks on wrists, ankles and neck, tattoo on wrist with number

Arya had been upset throughout the night.

When Bastion had fallen, she had wanted so badly to speak up against those laughing at his misfortune. But she had simply stood there with trembling legs and watched. Even though she and Menzai had eventually gone over, and she had been able to leave Bastion with comforting words, the thought that she hadn’t stood up for him lingered nonetheless. She spent much of the remainder of her time with Bastion, Menzai, Phia and then Stella before bed.

Minerva had perplexed her on multiple occasions, especially with her decision to roam nude through the bedroom. Thus, Arya kept some distance from the girl. She took a top bunk and set Stella down on the side beside her to perch and rest. Stella stretched her wings out and wrapped them around her multiple times comfortingly. Arya remained awake late at night, her eyes glued to the constellations and wondering how her family was fairing–had the captors caught up to them yet? Her stomach churned. Eventually, her racing thoughts drifted off and she fell asleep beside Stella. Her dreams were not peaceful either.

The next morning, Stella awoke early. As she sat up in bed, she looked over at Minerva. At first, nothing seemed wrong. Then, she watched with wide eyes as Minerva’s skin began losing color which caused Arya to panic. What was wrong? Had they been poisoned? Stellie stirred alongside her and chirped with confusion. Minerva morphed into an elven male, who was bigger, had darker skin tone, longer hair and was no longer a catlike woman. Arya and Stella didn’t take their eyes off him–not even when the man eventually woke up and caught them staring. It made sense then–Minerva was a changeling. Arya blinked with surprise. Then, she realized he was naked and quickly turned away to stare at her eagle.

“He’s a changeling,” she whispered to Stella. “It.. it fits.”

Stella chirped back in reply and ruffled her wings. ”As long as they don’t hurt you or the others, I won’t peck his eyes out.” Arya bit back a laugh so as to not wake the others.

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that, Stellie, but if it does I won’t hold you back.” Stella nipped her affectionately and went back to bed, though the eagle remained vigilant for noise and would occasionally glare at everyone else, as best as an eagle could.

It wasn’t long before the pirates from the day prior came to collect them. The walk was tense, and it reminded Arya too much of when she had been captive, but Stella chirped softly in her ear the whole time, keeping her as steady as she could.

When they reached the pirate cove, Arya was surprised by how young the prince looked, though the sight did little to ease her discomfort. The moment he mentioned property, her hand moved instinctively to her right wrist, rubbing at it before moving to the other.

Malik, Phia, and Corin all introduced themselves, the latter two more boldly than Arya had expected. Trembling, she took a half-step forward, then hesitated. She wanted to speak up this time, to make up for the moment she hadn’t stood up for Bastion, but instead she remained silent, her body rigid and her eyes unfocused.

Arya knew the game they were playing–she had done this song and dance for over ten years, and she was unwilling to risk herself or Stella again. She kept her hood up and her hands closer to her bow if necessary, though it was unlikely they’d escape if they fired a shot. She did her best to blend into the background. Names and tieflings were precious, and so she remained quiet. Her gaze flickered to everyone. Much to her surprise, Stella managed to hide in her hood, quiet and perched on her shoulder. She remained the silent guardian Arya needed, and for that, Arya would not draw attention to her, or the bow she was ignoring.