princess

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location:Beach near Roshmi
Interactions:@Dezuel@Tae@Alivefalling@MissCapnCrunch

Risa was excited to see her friends again. Even though she saw them all the time, she felt a surge of happiness whenever her friends were nearby. She tilted her head, her smiling fading once Kyran joined, looking very unhappy. He began a tirade of questions for Elthrael, some of which Risa had wondered about as well. It had perturbed her that he hadn't mentioned Jean-Luc's death. She wondered if he had been chased off and hadn't seen it or only distracted some of the pursuers perhaps. As much as Risa felt a bit bad that Elthrael was being greeted in not the friendliest manner, she understood it was important to establish trust as the situation was confusing.

Kyran beckoned her over with his hand. However, he didn't look so friendly and she was afraid he'd scold her so she hesitated a moment. Eventually, she did move to his side, his fluffy fox tail curling around her like a coat being draped around her. His tail was so fluffy and he knew she liked to touch it. Risa petted it, distracted for the moment as she was delighted to touch fluff. She looked up only when Dionaea joined and she beamed at her. Risa had been putting extra effort to be there for Dionaea as much as she could this week. Elsea joined as well, looking excited at first to see Elthrael. Another surge of excitement filled her as yet another beloved friend was now present. A troubled look overcame Elsea's beautiful smile and Risa wasn't sure what had happened there. She ended up, glancing over at her, continuing to pet the foxtail and hold it. The look Elsea gave Risa made it seem like she wanted to ask her something. Risa gave her a look of confusion back. Elsea moved on to begin questioning Elthrael as well. Both of them were now suspicious of Elthrael. A bad feeling earlier had also filled Risa's gut that she had ignored.

Risa reminded herself that they needed to try to see the good in others, so she elected to stay silent until Elthrael said his piece, and then proceeded to ask "Why don't we all chat over breakfast or something?" Kyran did not seem to trust him and it was rational for them not to force him to let Elthrael in his home where his family lived. Kyran had been kind enough to let them all stay there and it was asking too much to make him house people he did not trust. Tensions seemed high at the moment and it would be best if everyone sat down to a lovely meal. Besides, Risa was hungry. Her stomach grumbled audibly and she smiled like a child caught red-handed.

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location:Beach near Roshmi
Interactions:@Dezuel@Tae@Alivefalling

Risa landed on to the ground in front of Kyran's home, her once wet hair mostly dried from the wind. She waited for Elthrael before moving to the door. Once there, she turned around and looked at him. "Elthrael, I am just going to go tell them. Please wait here." She told him softly and then moved inside. Risa was careful to tip-toe, aware that her friends or Kyran's parents may be sleeping. They'd all be so surprised to see Elthrael. It was a miracle he was okay.

There was a part of her that felt kind of skeptical, however. She was trying to ignore it as it seemed unkind to consider it. It was best that she always thought positively and saw the good in others. There was no need to look for evil.

Still... Something felt off. Where had Elthrael come from so suddenly? Had he really distracted the others for them to escape and that was why he had been absent? But then, why did Jean-Luc get killed? Elthrael hadn't seemed to mention that. Risa shrugged it all off. It was all in her head and she was being paranoid. Besides, Elsea had trusted Elthrael and she was very intelligent. There was no reason to distrust Elsea.

She moved up the stairs, finding Kyran and Elsea speaking. It was obvious she barely noticed them discussing her. "Hey guys! I'm back. I brought a surprise!"She gestured for them to follow with a giddy smile, running down the stairs and out to Elthrael once again, hovering over the ground with fluttering wings to be on his level. She threw one arm around Elthrael and the other up in the air ceremoniously, "Taadaa!"

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Roshmi
Interactions:@Potter@Tae@Inertia

Summary of the Week

Malachi had spent much of the day after Terneus had left filling in the blanks for Rei and Corvina. Telling a bunch of humans, or most likely any species, that you had a hand in ripping them from their comfortable lives and bringing them into a war-torn dimension would not go over well. He decided to leave out the part where he had a large part in summoning them here. He explained to them the situation and what Aklenroth had been doing to their people, telling them that rebels had desperately summoned humans in hopes of helping them, due to the abilities humans have in this dimension. The only way to go home would be the DROMs which were probably destroyed or within Aklenroth's grasp, and that they'd have to defeat him probably in order to go home as he was lying and would kill any human that actually made their way into his lair. Malachi presumed he would anyway, figuring Aklenroth wouldn't take chances.

Malachi had to leave out that he had personally probably summoned them and that he knew where the DROM was, otherwise they'd probably want to go home, rendering it all pointless. Deep down, he knew it was wrong to lie and manipulate them into helping, but so many had risked so much and so many lives were on the line. He had lost and risked much as well; the mission was all that mattered to him at the moment, so he buried his pesky feelings of guilt for now.

Kenia ended up taking them to her father's home in Roshmi. It had been a while since he stayed in such a lavish home, so he expressed gratitude to the father immediately. He understood the risk he was taking by taking humans in and still helped them. Kenia left them for some time so he decided to give Rei and Corvina some time to themselves while staying nearby if they needed him. When Kenia returned, she brought them elven ear-tips, which was a blessing. Going outside would raise a lot less questions since Kenia and him were also elves. She had brought them some clothes as well. Malachi decided to trust Kenia at this point. Though, he'd probably buy them some more clothes. No way would he let them recycle the same few pairs of clothes.

They had the humans train during the week. Kenia didn't seem to understand that they needed to learn fast. There wasn't time to dilly-dally. He had to pressure them to keep them motivated. However, it became more than that. Malachi found himself always looking out for them, making sure they were well looked after. It was a nostalgic feeling that he was trying to shove back to the place it came. People were usually temporary in his life and he had enough of love and loss.

Kenia's father, Nym, also kept trying to push interactions between the two. Malachi found it amusing and went along with it, joking with her since it seemed to bother her.

Present

"Humans. Let me acquaint you with your new friends."

Malachi had placed a mop in Corvina's hand and a broom in Rei's. "We're guests here. The least you can do is clean up after yourselves. The floor up on the second floor needs mopping and someone left crumbs all over the kitchen floor. I don't care which of you. Just clean it. Use your hair instead of the mop if it suits you. " Corvina and Rei were probably used to him being a bit too upfront and also too stingy with keeping things clean. He was also used to them being sassy little shits so he decided to explain further ahead of time. "I am also aware training will begin soon. Even more reason for you to make haste." If either of them tried to mock him and repeat what he said, he had a few retorts prepared.

He turned to leave them to it, but ended up turning back to look at them once more sternly, "Make sure it's spotless."

The sound of a female voice had made him freeze in his tracks. He would shush the two humans if they proceeded to talk over it, curious to the noise. The tone was melancholic and haunting. There was grief in her sound but it was beautiful in its own way. His heart lurched as images of his wife flashed in his mind. Her voice that he thought he'd forgotten serenaded him in his mind, layering itself over Kenia's. Blurry images of a beautiful brunette singing to the baby in the crib, brushing her hair back to smile at him as she noticed him watching. Though the lullaby his wife had sung had a more cheerful tune, it was hard to hear it any other way now. The heavy emotion in her lamentation felt like a manifestation of what was buried deep within his heart. He shook his head, moving out of the reverie. It was best he reburied these feelings.

Not today, emotions.

Malachi glared over at the humans, making sure they weren't distracted as he moved after the sound. It had to be Kenia singing. It honestly shocked him such a lovely sound could come from someone so argumentative. He found himself rushing to get to her for some reason he didn't want to figure out. He finally found her looking at a family painting as she lamented in her song, presuming she hadn't noticed him join her. Malachi moved to stand beside her and moved his glance over it. The blonde in the picture was clearly Kenia. He could put two and two together and figure that the babes were the offspring of her and the male. The portrait was old. It had been a long time, but it seemed to have held up well regardless. The hallway seemed to be filled with portraits of elves, many dated as well.

Kenia and him were more similar than he would have thought. The two of them had been alone a very long time and suffered their losses. She had her father still with her and he felt grateful for that. Losing children was a cut that no amount of years would heal. He knew that from experience. Malachi touched her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. He wasn't really sure how to comfort her, but he wanted to. It was probably the most he had ever touched anyone all week. His expression was softer than usual as he said, "They're beautiful."

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location:Beach near Roshmi
Interactions:@Dezuel

Risa was surprised to say the least by Elthrael's action. She recalled that he had claimed to hail from somewhere that greeted with cheek kisses previously. This time, he was trying to kiss her on the lips. She allowed him to, in case it really was true. Fairies were often very affectionate. She kissed the cheeks of those she first met and hugged in previous times. However, lip-kissing was usually reserved for lovers. Though she had no shame in her body, it would also be considered something lovers do for him to kiss her in such a state. Suddenly, she felt a bit shy.

She figured questioning him could potentially hurt his feelings, so she decided against it for now. She moved away once the kiss was done and and kept up her smile as she spoke, "...Yes it's quite nice to see you again. Occupy them, you say? That sounds dangerous. How did you do so?" Risa picked up her dress and began to pull it over her head.

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location:Beach near Roshmi
Interactions:@Dezuel

"...and then he found the princess, as she bathed in the morning sun. Such boldness..."

Risa glanced up from her story-telling to smile at the speaker, recognizing him immediately. "Elthrael! I'm so happy that you're here and safe!" Elthrael had been missing the day of the incident, according to Kyran. They had feared the worst. It was such a relief to see him alive and well. What had happened to him was unclear, but it was nice to see that he was alright. How he had ended up here with her was peculiar. She wondered if he had followed them. That was very kind of him if that had been the case, to make sure they were all alright. Elsea would be so happy!

Turning back to the fishes, she gently dismissed them, "Darlings, I am afraid storytime is over for today." The fish began to disperse as she spoke. Her long hair was collected to the front of her body. It was quite heavy to have hair at such length wet and she yearned to dry it at this point. She moved toward the rock, figuring it would best to take her things and move to the sand to dress, then formally speak to Elthrael. "Shall we move to the land to speak?" Risa inquired as she began to retrieve her dress and hair bottle.

Avalia

TIME SKIP
APPROXIMATELY A WEEK LATER

Time: Morning
Location:Beach near Roshmi
Interactions:N/A

Summary of the Week

Telling Dionaea about her family had been very difficult. However, it had been even more difficult for the group to find Risa's and Dionaea's houses burned down. The corpses of two of Dionaea's brothers had been found and it had been so heartbreaking. Risa had cried and hugged her friend, devastated for her and promising that she'd do anything to help save her family with her. There was evidence that the elves had rummaged through the entire living area. Her mother had always told her that unkind people became that way because they were not shown kindness in their lives. They didn't know how to be kind since they were never shown it. Risa tried to remember that as she felt anger towards the elves that had done this, reminding herself that they too were victims in their own way. A kinder world was necessary.

Though Dionaea's situation was much more devastating and important, Risa also grieved to find her own house burnt down. She had lived there her whole life. Though their family owned property in the Flower Fairy Kingdom, this had been her home. All her childhood memories, all her memories of Helio and even some of Cloud... They all had happened in that home. She took a few pictures and anything she could scavenge and said goodbye to that home. Her family and Pearl were safe and that was all that truly mattered. The memories would live on with her and she knew she couldn't let this get her down. She had Kyran and Dionaea safe and sound with her and she was so grateful for that. Elsea was now her new friend who she couldn't have asked to have stumbled upon a better human to befriend. She was so brave and strong. Risa hoped one day she could be like her. As they left, Risa had shared her positive feelings, encouraging them all to be grateful to be with each other and have hope towards a better future. Saving Dionaea's family would be a big priority for them, but they also had to consider not endangering Elsea in the process. It was probable that Dionaea's family was alive and being kept to bait them, so running into that situation currently would be a death trap.

The four took their time traveling to Roshmi. Hades eventually accompanied them, protectively guarding them. Risa was able to get to know Elsea better, asking about her life on Earth and what happened before she was brought there. She found out that Elsea had been about to be killed before being pulled through the rift, creating a reason for Risa to admire her even more. Throughout the week, she became quite close to her, the two naturally getting along and it seemed Elsea got along with the others as well in this manner. Risa was used to being around Dionaea and Kyran a lot already, but being with them night and day with the threat of danger had only strengthened their bond. They had encouraged Elsea in her training every day. Dionaea and Risa both began working on learning to manipulate chlorokinesis a bit more offensively during this time. Kyran wanted them to all also train their bodies to be stronger. They still went outside in the woods to train even upon arriving in Roshmi, where they stayed with Kyran's parents.

Kyran's parents were kind as always, taking them in and agreeing to supply them. They stayed inside much of the time the first few days to keep Elsea safe. An acquaintance of Kyran's parents was able to supply them with elf-ear-tips to give to Elsea if she wanted to wear and disguise herself as an elf, so that she may go outside safely. It was up to her if she took them. Rebels had been creating and distributing crafted animal ears, tails, and elf ears to disguise humans. It was all about talking to the right person to obtain them.

Present Time

The gentle waves scattered the sun's rays like twinkling diamonds across the vast surface of blue water. It was a comfortably warm morning and there was not a cloud in the sky. There was the slight sea-breeze but Risa actually enjoyed that. The sound of the waves gently crashing on the shore was lovely as well. The water was rather calm and took its time on its journey to the shore. Risa was not used to trying to swim in deep or rough water, so this was perfect for her. She was able to move in until the water reached her chest and feel safe. The waves were a mere calm embrace. She had moved down the beach until a smaller bay-like area had been located. It was a bit far-off from the city and the occasional fisherman on his boat was the only being she had seen as well as a couple of merfolk she had noticed swimming nearby.

Though many preferred to bathe in tubs, Risa loved bathing out in nature, whether it be in a lake or in the sea. It was also nice to have some alone time after being with them for so long. Though she was a social creature, even she needed a moment alone once in a while. She had decided to enjoy the early hours on her own while the others were back at the house, leaving a note that she'd be down by the water. A bottle of hair cleanser she had used to wash her hair with sat upon a rock nearby as well as a long blue dress that was neatly folded. She lowered her body under the water and opened her eyes to enjoy the clear sight around her. The saltwater was a foreign taste, but she decided she liked it. Marine plant-life scattered the sand below her and she began to practice manipulating it. The long leaves of seaweed began to grow and she practiced wrapping them around rocks and such.

"Girl."

Risa looked up as the sudden voice went through her head. It was then she noticed a school of fish was moving around her. She excitedly stood up in the water, taking in the air she had been lacking as she did with a gasp. "Hello! I won't hurt you!"

The fish paused, moving around her perhaps in their curiosity that a being like her could communicate with them. They didn't seem to be able to communicate as well as land animals.

"Friends, it is a beautiful morning. It is so nice to meet you all. Would you like to hear a story?"

She had found most creatures liked to be told stories. Dionaea was probably way better than her at speaking to smaller life-forms. Even if it was hard to create a dialogue with them, she was usually able to have them understand her well enough. They answered by moving to the surface around her and she giggled. "Okay. Once upon a time..." She began, telling them all a common story told to fairy children about a fairy prince who couldn't learn to fly.

Avalia

Flashback-Risa and Cloud's story

Risa and Cloud

Risa had been frozen in nervousness for the first time in her life that day. The elaborate braids and pretty blue dress she wore could not even enhance her confidence. Her heart raced hard against her ribs and her breath seemed to be caught in her throat. She clutched the fabric of her dress as she boggled her mind for words. The boy in front of her was so beautiful.

“Risa, say hi.”

Even her mother’s urging whisper could not make budge her from her hypnotized state. She dimly heard her excusing her behavior, reminding them that she had become more reserved after their son’s death.

The two young teens were facing each other, each with a pair of parents behind them as they stood in the den of the Millinia’s home.

The dark-haired boy was not saying much either, his blue eyes stuck on her a moment. He was rather mature looking for a fifteen-year-old boy and he looked like he had been trained from a young age, almost as muscled as Helio had been. He was wearing a lot of dark clothing, which was uncommon for fairies. His wings were transparent but lacked the slight pink hue hers carried. She wondered if he thought she was pretty and that’s why he was staring. The idea of such a thing made excitement run through her and a surge of confidence went through her, a sudden smile stretching across her face.

“Hi! I’m Risa!” She ran up closer to him and reached out her hand. “Nice to meet you! Wanna go play with me?”

He looked her up and down, then proceeded to fold his arms and address his parents. “Do I really have to spend time with her?”

“Cloud. Don’t be rude.” His father chastised him. “Run along and be polite to the young lady. Stay close and be back in two hours. Don’t come back early.”

“All teenage boys act like that. It’s okay. I had my share.” Elyna mused with a giggle, the others following in giggles as well except for Risa and Cloud.

Cloud groaned and took Risa’s wrist abruptly, shoving past the adults and leading her outside. Risa supposed he was on a short fuse with his parents.

He stopped, letting go of her once outside. The sun was shining and the birds were chirping. The area was alive with the sounds of kids playing. “So, you go where you want and I go where I want, yeah?”

“You don’t wanna … hang out?” Risa asked sadly. She shuffled her feet and looked down at the ground.

Cloud softened a little reluctantly, keeping his gaze towards the other direction. “Our parents are setting us up. I know you don’t really want to. You can drop the act.” He thought she was faking it? Risa never wanted to trick people. This was terrible.

“It’s not an act. I love making friends. “Risa said to him cheerfully. “My mom just wants me to go and make friends more often since I’ve been distant lately and she’s all worried and stuff-“

He cut her off mid-ramble, “They want us to get married. Your family descends from the rulers of River Kingdom. Mine of Flower Fairy Kingdom. “

They had come to visit all the way from the Flower Fairy Kingdom. Risa knew that was a long trip but she couldn’t imagine marriage being an option at her age. She wasn’t sure she believed that. “What? We’re too young to get married. “Risa said, “What would be the point anyway if those dark elves control everything?” She didn’t put it past her parents to do something like that, but it was such a far stretch to consider marriage. They seemed to want to choose everything for her and decide her life. What she wore, who she spoke to, and what she could do were all often decided by them.

“They won’t forever. “Cloud said simply.

Risa nervously scoped their surroundings in reaction to his statement. Helio had told her so many times to never talk about them in that way. It was dangerous. Maybe he just really did not want to talk to her and was being standoffish on purpose. “Well, I get it if you don’t want to be friends with me then.” She said finally, “I’ll just go walk around and meet you back here in two hours.”

He looked at her in astonishment, “It’s not that I don’t like you. I don’t even know you.”

“But you don’t want to know me,” Risa replied sadly.

He sighed and moved over to take her hand. She looked at him in surprise as he began to lead her once again but this time into the forest. He took flight and as did she to hurry their traveling. He let go rather abruptly. “Don’t you just get tired of doing what people tell you? I’m tired of my parents telling me what to do and I’m tired of laws dictating what I can and what I can’t say. “

Risa felt like her heart was going to jump out of her chest again. Why did he make her feel like this? The sun was shining on him through the breaks of the tree and his eyes looked like sapphires when enlightened. His eyelashes were longer than usual and as black as his hair. She couldn’t stop staring at him.

“So, you just want to rebel against their wishes.” Risa was catching on to his drift. She sat down in the grass and began to coo over a nearby fox that was watching from the bushes.

“Yep.” Cloud replied and leaned against a tree finally. “Tired of it.” He took out some strange substance that Risa didn’t recognize and began to roll it up in a leaf. She watched him light it with a match and begin to smoke it. The fox moved over shyly, taking slow steps with her ears laid back before finally climbing on to Risa’s lap and curling up. Risa stroked her fur quietly for a while before deciding to ask him what he was doing.

“What are you doing?” Risa asked. She had never seen someone put a bunch of leaves on fire and try to smoke it. “What is that?”

“Zemak. It’s called drugs.” He said lamely, glancing over at her. “You live under a rock?”

“Uhh… No, I live in a house.” She shrugged, “I just haven’t seen it before. I’m very sorry.”

He relaxed and smirked at her. He did not seem nearly as stand-offish. “You really are a princess, huh. Nothing to be sorry about. It’s something people do to feel relaxed. Want to try it? “

Risa hesitated, asking, “Is it safe?”

“Why would I be doing it if it wasn’t?” He was clearly one of those people who replied to everything with a question. “What’s with the fox anyway? How did you get it to sit on your lap?”

“This is Willow.” Risa told him with a smile, looking down at her fondly, “She’s a good girl. She comes to sit with me sometimes. I think she gets a bit lonely. My friend Kyran introduced me to her. He’s a fox demi-human.”

He huffed out some smoke, rolling his eyes. “No way your parents let you talk to demi-humans.”

“Well my mom is okay with it I think but my dad doesn’t know I still talk to him.” Her dad was pretty determined that she should stay within River Kingdom boundaries and not converse with other species. He was overprotective of her for one and blamed Helio dying on talking to demi-humans. She had been told not to talk to Kyran anymore.

“Flower Fairy Kingdom’s kinda away from everything but I doubt my parents would let permit me to hang with them anyway. They are the ‘stick-to-your-own’ type of people. We’re moving here actually so maybe I’ll get to meet one.”

“Oh, you don’t seem like the type to really listen to your parents. “She found herself blurting, “Oh I’m sorry is that rude of me to say?”

Cloud laughed at her, “No, no. I never listen to them. I do what I want.”

“Well, I can let you meet Kyran. He’s really nice. You can also meet my best friend Dionaea. She’s really sweet. You won’t be alone I promise!” Risa assured him excitedly.

“So… you still hang out with this Kyran despite your father not wanting you to.” Cloud observed, not replying to much else yet. He moved over to sit beside her. He started to pet Willow as well.

Risa kept her gaze down at the fox. “Well yeah… He’s also my best friend so. I can’t just stop talking to him, but I know my parents just want the best for me as yours do for you.”

“My parents don’t know what’s best for me. Only I do. Mine rather kiss Aklenroth’s bony ass than think for themselves.”
Risa’s eyes widened and she shushed him, “Cloud! Please! Don’t say that.” The fox jumped at the sound of Aklenroth’s name and leaped off her lap, running away from them.

“Fuck him. I’m tired of the censorship. “His voice was dry and devoid of fear, shrugging it off easily, ”Why does he scare you so much?”

Risa leaned her arms on her knees. Helio had said similar things to his friends, not as openly. He never mentioned it to her, but she knew he had gotten himself in something. They had been told he had been killed in battle, but she had seen the way the dark elves had sneered and made faces at her and family as the news had been delivered.

“I think he killed my brother for defying him.” She felt her eyes begin to tear at the sound of her own words. Helio being dead was something she couldn’t swallow still.

Cloud gently began to wipe her eyes, surprising her. “He probably did.” He told her quietly. “Everyone who disappears, does because of him.”

“It seems like as long as people don’t say anything bad about him, then things are fine. I just don’t want anyone else to die.” Risa looked up at him as she spoke.

He shook his head, “Risa there’s so much you don’t understand.”

“Then make me understand it,” Risa asked of him. “Please?”

“Maybe later. You know I didn’t even want to talk to you.” Cloud told her, his voice taking a colder tone once again. “I wanted to just walk off and ignore whatever bimbo, spoiled brat my parents introduced me to.”

Risa bit her lip, her heart sinking. She thought they had been getting along okay. “I’m… I’m really sorry.” Her voice choked up without her meaning to.

“You were nothing that I thought you would be, but now it’s made this all much more difficult. “He was suddenly wiping her eyes again.

He offered her the Zemak once more, instructing her quietly how to use it. She tried it, struggling to figure out what she was supposed to do for a good five minutes. Once she managed to breathe it in, she felt herself immediately relax.

“So… Does that mean I’m not a spoiled brat?” Risa asked quietly after a few moments of them sitting in silence.

“You’re different.” He replied vaguely.

“Oh… Good different?” Risa continued to question nervously, to which he nodded. “You know, this feels nice,” Risa told him, finding herself giggling for no reason at all.

Cloud laughed along, “You’re something out of a book. You know. I need to teach you something about exaggeration. I can’t believe you thought I was asking if you really lived under a rock. “

“I don’t get it,” Risa admitted. “How could I fit under a rock? Are you trying to compare me to a pixie?”

“You know what. I change my mind. I’m going to leave you ignorant. Just do me a favor and never let anyone change you. “

The two ended up laying in the grass talking for hours, forgetting to return to the parents until night. The next day after they flew to another spot and spent the entire day talking. The next day was the same story as well as the next. It felt as if he filled the void in her heart after losing her brother. She forgot her pain when she was with him. Her friends rarely saw her and neither had her parents for that entire week. She eventually did introduce him to Dionaea and Kyran, who probably caught on to how head-over-heels she was for him.

The first few times he had moved to kiss her, Risa’s family companion wolf, Hades, had been there to growl at him and make him stop his pursuit.

It wasn’t until a few months later at night that they were sitting on the large branch of the Plaza Tree, way up high above everyone that he looked at her and finally said, “I don’t think you know how beautiful you are.” He had stopped using Zemak at this point and seemed to be relaxed just being himself.

Risa looked over at him with surprise. “You… You mean me? My appearance? Well I-…”

“Yes. Everything about you is beautiful.” He brushed the hair from her face and rubbed her cheek. “You don’t realize how horrible the world around you is and you see it for its beauty, cherishing any life that you see. “He smirked as the worst case of blushing he had ever presented itself on her face, “But yeah, I guess your appearance is pretty beautiful too. “

“I-… I never thought you would think so. You seemed so appalled by me when we met.” Risa was struggling to find words. It was always a moment to remember for a young girl the first time a boy called her beautiful.

“I fell in love with you the moment I saw you, Risa. I think I’d do anything for you.” He kissed her cheek.
She froze up and he moved away, giving her space to think. Risa had not expected him to say anything like this

“I don’t care if you don’t feel the same way. “He told her, “All I ask is that you let me protect you.”

“Do you live under a rock?” She finally asked him. He had taught her the joys of sarcasm and exaggeration, so she had decided to start testing it out. Helio had acted similarly but with less dry humor. It felt like she was keeping part of Helio alive when she challenged herself to try to dabble with the humor. It was a fun change after being so nice and polite all her life. She felt like she could be herself and say whatever she wanted around him. “I wouldn’t put up with you complaining so much if I hadn’t fallen in love with you.”
He grinned at her as she threw her around his neck and hugged him, “Did miss prim and proper princess just sass me?”

“Maaybbee.” Risa giggled and kissed him on lips passionately, to which he returned and pulled her close. This moment had solidified the relationship between the two of them, which would last for two years.

They got along beautifully for that time and he had interacted with Dionaea and Kyran often, as she liked to be with everyone at once often. However, when Risa turned sixteen and Cloud was seventeen, he started talking about the Aklenroth situation a lot, trying to educate them all about how bad things were and what he really did to people. He claimed his siblings had been taken as slaves and soon was claiming that his parents were missing. He grew to be a bit toxic when it came to how overprotective he became of Risa, acting like her father who he had previously criticized. He was always constantly afraid of someone taking her and snapping at people who tried to talk to her.

One night, Risa woke up to Cloud shaking her shoulder. “Risa, wake up.”

Risa yawned and sat up in her bed, rubbing her eyes. “What are you doing here? Are you okay?”

“Risa. I overheard something and I think you might be in danger.” His eyes were brimming with tears and he looked terrified. Risa was beginning to think he was delusional. She wanted to believe him but things were relatively peaceful and he always claimed there was danger. There was a good reason to worry about his mental health.

Risa sat up and hugged him, rubbing his back. “Shh… I promise you we’re safe, okay, my darling? No one is going to hurt me. “

“No-No-No! Risa you don’t understand what I saw-… who I saw-“He was growing a bit frantic, moving out of her embrace and taking her arms.
“Risa we need to run away. Please run away with me. “

Risa bit her lip in fear. Was he going insane? He looked ready to basically kidnap her in the name of “keeping her safe.” She took his face in his hands. “Look at me, Cloud. We can’t run away. Our family and friends are here. I will help you look for your parents. I’m sure there’s an explanation… The search parties have been going for days-“

“This isn’t about my family!” He cried, “This is about you. I can’t tell you everything until we’re away from everyone, but something really fucked up has happened, Risa. Please believe me. Just come talk to me for an hour at the least.”

Risa had been going to a healing school at this point. She had been training all day and healing was exhausting. She had pushed herself quite hard today, stumbling upon wounded animals even after the class and having heart-strings tugged enough to spend the last of her energy on them. She was sure she had bags under eyes. “I want to believe you, but you’ve gotten upset over a merchant talking to me. I don’t want to be mean to you Cloud but do you think maybe you’re just getting a bit jealous? I get jealous when girls talk to you sometimes so I understand and it’s okay… Emotions are normal-“

“No Risa. It has nothing to do with that. I know I’ve been paranoid but trust me on this. Come with me.”

She sighed, “Cloud I couldn’t possibly right now. I’m so tired. I just want to sleep. You can stay if you want.” She moved over and pulled down the blanket. “We can just snuggle, okay, sweetie? Let’s stay together and protect each other. “

“No, baby, we have to go.” He pleaded desperately in a hushed whisper, “I’ll carry you and you can sleep in my arms. I’ll do anything.”

“This is crazy.” Risa stared at him, “I’m not running away and leaving my family. Just tell me what’s happening.”
He shook his head, standing up. His fists were clenched, and he was shaking. He moved over to the window. “I can’t. I-… I’ll deal with this for you.”

“You don’t have to deal with anything.” Risa got out of bed, stumbling over to him to take his arm. She was in a long night-gown. “I want to understand this, please, talk to me…”

He didn’t look at her. Something was clearly eating at his heart.

Risa started to cry, confused out of her mind, “Cloud I love you so much. You’re scaring me.”

“Risa. If you won’t leave here, I have to do something. I told you I’d do anything to protect you, okay? So I’ll take care of this for you. Stay here and rest. I love you.” Cloud suddenly took off out the window, flying away.

Risa hurried to the window to take after him, her heart jolting in fear. What the hell was he doing? She tried to take flight only for her to fall the floor, fainting in exhaustion. Her vision blacked out.

The light poured in through the windows the next morning. The shadow of her curtains dancing in the slight breeze. The silence beside the occasional chirp of birds felt eerie.

Risa slowly sat up on the wooden floor, silently processing for only a moment. She tore into a run suddenly as her brain caught up with the events of the night prior, grabbing a cape barely as she ran out of the house and took flight. Fairy capes had spaces for wings, of course. She fastened her cape around herself as she began to fly around the area. “Cloud!” She screamed, looking around. Risa flew around looking for him for hours, her panic never settling.

She had to stop and puke in the middle of the forest at one point, she had been so scared. Once she had cleaned up at herself and go back into the sky to continue her search until finally a carriage on its way toward the plaza caught her sights. Risa flew over to as fast as she could, tumbling onto it. A crowd had formed, and they were all staring. Dark elves were the ones who had controlled the carriage and they too were staring at her. Risa looked around wildly as her eyes caught sight of black hair under a blanket.

“Hey, get off the cart! What are you doing?” She could hear an elf yelling at her but she ignored him, kneeling down to move the blanket over.

Cloud was under it and he looked awful. His clothes were ripped and he had blood splattered on his face. His chest was torn open in a mess of blood. Risa paled at the sight, her mouth going dry. This wasn't just a dark elf killing him. It had been none of them here. This was something else. Her hands shook as she took his face in his hands, “This can’t be real.” She whispered in terror. His eyelashes fluttered and he reached up and touched her cheek one last time, smiling weakly at her as the life left his eyes. His body went still. She didn’t react at first, simply shutting his eyes with her fingers and staring at him. It felt like a nightmare. It wasn’t real. There was a note in his hand so she took it and began to read it with shaking hands.

Dear Risa.
I am under capture. I have failed in my attempt to win this battle.

I’m so sorry. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. You taught me how to love and how to appreciate the world around me. I don’t think there’s anyone as kind and loving as you are. You deserve the world and more.

I will try to beat this situation with all my strength to get back to you, but it seems my fate is sealed.
It seems I cannot continue to be there for you physically but only in spirit. I promise if such a thing exists, I’ll never leave you. I’ll love you no matter what. But do please move on from me. Be happy for me and don’t let my death or anyone change you as I’ve always told you. You are a light in the darkness and if you are put out, then there’s no hope for any of us. You must continue forward.

Take back your kingdom.

Risa knew the end of the letter would prove dangerous so she began to rip the letter up. This gained the dark elves' attention and they moved toward her.

It wasn’t until the dark elves began to try to pull her off that she started to scream, bursting into tears. “No! Cloud! Cloud!” Frantically and maybe seeming as crazy as he did the night prior, she began to sob, shaking him and trying to heal him. “Cloud wake up! Please! I need you!” Dark elves began to drag her off him to stop her from healing. She continued to sob, fighting to break free from their grasps. They held her until she calmed down for a good twenty minutes as some went to go fetch her parents.

“He has been killed for treachery. It is against the law to heal him. If you continue to do so, you too will die.” The dark elf informed her callously.

She broke free of their grasp turning to glare at him with more hatred that the dark elf had ever witnessed. The dark elves weren’t used to such a ferocious reaction from fairies. Fairies were always so weak and submissive.

For a moment she felt no fear and felt only anger, stating icily, “You’re a liar.”

I’ll always love you too, Cloud. I won’t give up and I won’t let this change me.
I just hope you’re safe and happy, that there is nothing more to fear.
Knowing you believe in me will make me go forward. No matter what.

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location:Near River Kingdom
Interactions:@Alivefalling@Tae@MissCapnCrunch

Risa reluctantly stayed once Kyran had left. She didn't want him to go alone! She nearly moved after him and then stopped herself. Kyran wouldn't be silly enough to go up there on his own. He'd stay in the cave. Her heart raced with worry and she turned to Elsea and Dionaea. The reality of the situation hit and her smile had faded."I don't know if we should have left Jean-Luc and Elthrael up there. " She moved over to her best friend's side to squeeze her hand comfortingly. Knowing her family was in danger broke her heart and knowing she'd have to tell her was all the worse. She felt wrong withholding the information but making Dionaea panic right now could be dangerous.

Kyran finally returned with grave news. Tears immediately filled her eyes. "Oh no, no this is awful! We never should have left him. I can go save him maybe if I heal him... I-..." Risa stammered and began to cry. She felt so guilty. This was the man she saved and he was under their protection. Leaving him when he knew so little of the world and it's dangers while he bravely faced them to protect them was so terrible. Kyran had said the same elf was back with reinforcement. Deep down, she knew she couldn't go back up there. They'd all be killed. Her heart was louder than her mind almost and she pondered sprinting back the way she came for Jean and Elthrael whilst the others escaped the other way. She actually began to, running the other way but then thinking of the other three, she stopped. Her dear friends and Elsea needed her protection. It was a choice she never wished to make, but she had to do so. Risa sniffled, trying to stop crying as she then started to flutter her wings, taking flight after her friends in order to catch up, going through the cave that Kyran directed them to.

Avalia

Time: Late Morning
Location: Forest of the peninsula of the Sun Elf Village
Interactions:@Potter@Tae@Inertia@Dezuel

Malachi kept up his ridiculous act, staying interested in the squirrel. He listened carefully to what Terneus had to say and waited until him and his guards had fully departed before standing up. The governor wanted him caged and delivered to his state within three days. That is most certainly not happening. He thought in disgust. Still, the action made him relive a fond memory. His son had wanted him to crawl around like this as he mounted him like a horse when he was young. He smiled a little to himself as he moved back to the others.

He glanced at Kenia, "I thought he'd never leave." He sighed, running a hand through his messy blonde hair, "We all need to get cleaned up before we all actually contract diseases." Moving toward the inner part of the cave, he clapped his hands. "Come, humans. You can get off the dirty floor. I will cook you the meat and then I will show you to a spring you can clean yourselves." How much they had seen and heard was unknown to him. Kenia was sure to poke fun at what had just happened at the least and he mentally prepared himself.

The squirrel meat had been tossed aside. Once he collected it all, he began to ponder the best way to cook it. Starting a fire would probably take some time and possibly alert others normally, but his light magic could be manipulated to be radiative enough to do the trick. He dangled the meat in his fingers in one hand and began to create a mild amount of light energy in the other, cooking the meat. Using magic came naturally to Malachi at this point in his life. Emotions he had buried were easy to resurface a little at a time.

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location:Near River Kingdom
Interactions:@Alivefalling@Tae@MissCapnCrunch

Risa had leaped backward like a frightened kitten, upon her feet as the large flame erupted in Elsea's hands. She covered her face, peeking out of her fingers as the fire was simmered to a controlled state. She let out a sigh of relief. That easily could have been bad. Dionaea had added in some great advice as well but she knew to control a new power was easier said than done. Elsea was truly remarkable. The light from the flame bathed the cave, illuminating them all now. The warmth was a welcoming embrace after having their bodies half-submerged in cold water. Elsea's wonderful smile caught her eye first and she grinned at her. "I knew you could do it! It's so nice to see you smile!" She encouraged.

Her attention was quickly stolen by the crystals sparkling all around her. She gasped in adoration, moving closer to stare at them in awe. She had never seen anything so beautiful. The light of the flames danced upon the cave walls and illuminated the crystals around them, making them glitter. Jewels were a favorite of hers and she felt like she was in her element. The biggest smile spread across her face and she twirled in glee, her dress spinning around her. "Oh, it's so beautiful! Have you ever seen anything like it?!"

__________________________________________________________________________

Risa's Parents: Elyna and Cedar

When Cedar entered the bedroom, Elyna was sitting on the edge of the bed, her face buried in her hands. Her red hair was cut shoulder-length and uncombed at the moment. She was in her night-gown still. She had been inconsolable for the last hour or so according to Oribel, her father, whose home they were residing in. He moved to sit at her side and take her in his arms. He put his head on top of her head, his chin resting in her hair. A fluffy white persian cat hopped on to the bed with a mewl, sauntering over to sit on Elyna's lap. It was Risa's cat named Pearl. She had been depressed over Risa's absence.

"My love. I have spoken to some officials. They insist that Risa come home and announce her undying loyalty to Aklenroth. If she renounces all this, they will spare her."

Elyna swallowed hard. She couldn't believe her ears. "You want her to renounce the very thing you believed in? Didn't you say she deserves hope?" She asked in disbelief.

"Elyna-"His voice choked up as he tried to begin. "You know what I truly think but Risa has no place in any of this. She's all we have left. Have Hades bring her back. Please."

"You know I can't. The dark elves will follow him there. We're lucky they haven't come to this location."Elyna said softly, her voice heavy with grief. "Drawing any attention to her will get her killed."

"I just want my baby girl back." Cedar's eyes watered as he spoke. He usually was strong for his family and never shed a tear around Elyna. Losing Helio had been hard on her and he wanted her to feel secure. With Risa apart from them and nothing they could do to help, he felt like his world was crashing down. She was their only child left.

"I know, honey, "Elyna whispered and hugged the arms that wrapped around her. "We must believe that she's strong enough to do this without us. Helio always wanted us to believe in her strength."

"I... I can't..."Cedar stammered. He couldn't bear to have her hunted down like some animal like this. Not to mention, news had traveled. Their home had been burned to the ground and the Sycamores were not to be found. The rumor was that it was brutal and there had been fatalities. He couldn't imagine anyone hurting sweet Risa. They were lucky to have made it out of there before the attack. He decided against informing his grieving wife of this information for now.

He needed to do something, even if it meant begging the lich he despised so much to spare her.

Flashback Time

The house was quiet as Helio opened the door; it was seemingly shrouded in darkness. The usually spacious living area and beautiful furniture were nowhere to be seen in the thick blackness. His footsteps creaked the wood floorboards as he moved, audible in the silence.
He knew he should have returned earlier, but he did not regret it. He had taken Risa dancing in the square once the crowd had cleared, to toy stores, and he had even gotten her treats. He wanted to make it up to her. Poor thing was possibly traumatized from seeing someone get whipped in public. She hadn’t seemed too upset over it, actually acting in quite the opposite manner.

‘You should have seen his face when you pointed at those spies! Everyone was clapping for you and they loved you! And I love you! I bet you would have beat up that mean elf if you would have had the chance. ‘

Risa’s excited rambling filled his memory and he smirked to himself. She was not an easy kid to knock over, that was for sure. She had been constantly telling him he was a hero. He had pleaded with her not to mention it to their parents, but she wasn’t always a good secret keeper, so he hadn’t counted on it.

The sleeping child was now on his back, uncomfortably set between his wings with her arms over his shoulders. He began to move to her room, eager to set her down before she inevitably began to drool on his neck.

That’s when the lights switched on.

“Helio! You’ve been gone all day!” Elyna was using that shrill mother voice Helio knew all too well. She and Cedar stood in the kitchen, glaring him down. They had been waiting.

Elyna had the same fiery red hair as her son. It ran down to her chest. Risa’s face seemed to be a tinier, carbon-copy of Elyna’s. She dressed rather elegantly and was never seen without jewelry. Cedar had stark white hair and a very handsome, masculine face. He was much taller than the rest of his family. He also dressed formally as he was always involved in political matters.

“I found Risa…” Helio drew off with a nervous smile.

Elyna rushed over and hugged him tightly. “I was so worried about the two of you. “She sniffled, wiping tears from her eyes as she broke away from him, “Is Risa alright? Is she hurt?” She began brushing hair from Risa’s face to get a look at her.

“I think Risa’s tougher than you give her credit for. She’s alright.” Helio told her with a smile.

Cedar folded his arms as he came over, taking a sterner approach, “Where was she, Helio? Is she hurt?” Worry filled his voice as he continued, “The girl is probably going to be sick!”

“She’s fine. She fell asleep with animals again. Helio explained to them, “I took her to see Roshmi to try to cheer her up since she felt so guilty about it. Then we lost track of time.”

“Lost track of time! Helio, it’s been a full day my boy!” He cried, “She’s still a child! You need to understand her stamina isn’t the same as yours. She will probably be sick tomorrow.” Helio hated how they acted Risa was going to contract a terminal illness from running around outside too long. He didn’t understand the overprotectiveness of her. They hadn’t treated him that way growing up at all.

“Cedar keep your voice down; you’ll worry the neighbors. Elyna chastised and looked at Helio with a sigh, “Let’s get her in bed. We can talk more tomorrow.”

“I got it,” Helio replied, taking Risa back into his arms.

“Helio, you are staying home tomorrow… “

Helio knew the faster he walked, the harder her words would be to hear. He moved into Risa’s bedroom, which was a sight to behold to all newcomers. She had a large canopy bed with sparkling fabrics hanging down every side of it. Dolls and stuffed animals covered the floor and flowers hung down on vines from the ceiling. It was not even possible to see the ceiling anymore.

He placed Risa into her bed and began to tuck her into her blankets. Her eyelids were obviously forced shut, slightly trembling from the effort it took. “One day your hair is going to grow to the floor, and you are going to trip over it with every step. And I’m going to be there every day, laughing at you.”

Risa peeked open her eyelids, “Whyyy… Please don’t laugh at me.” She whispered. He knew she had been feigning sleeping in the last twenty minutes. He wasn’t in the mood for a parental interrogation either, so he understood.

“Nope. It’s settled. “He grinned at her, throwing a teddy bear at her playfully, “You even have bears in here for you to sleep with! Why sleep with real ones?”

She giggled, catching the bear in her arms into a tight hug. Risa yawned and looked up at him, “How did you find me anyway?”
“I’m always going to find you. I’m your big brother and that’s my job. “He told her, sitting on the edge of her bed, “I’ll always be there for you.”

“Always? But what if you’re not with me and you go away again?” Risa asked sadly. He had been away from training a lot lately. He knew she was disappointed that he often wasn’t there for her. That’s why he had been even more motivated to take her to Roshmi today.

Helio knew it would be hard to make someone so young understand why she wasn’t entitled to his presence twenty-four-seven. He began to explain delicately, “This might sound impossible for you but stop talking and simply think of me. We have all our memories together, right? So, if you think of them, in that way, I’ll always be with you wherever you are, forever.”

“I’ll do it! I promise!” Risa exclaimed with determination. She was sitting up, throwing the teddy bear out of her passion. He shushed her with rising anxiety, but she kept talking. “I will always think of you and you will always think of me and we’ll always be together!”

Before Helio could even reply, the waterworks began as she realized it wasn’t exactly what she wanted. “But Helio I want you to really be here with me!” She cried and sat up to hug his arm. She buried her face in his arm. “Please don’t go! I miss you.”

“And watch you hang out with your boyfriend Kyran? Yuck! I don’t want to see you two kissing up in a tree. I’ll pass.” He teased her, standing up to ruffle her hair. Risa was always hanging out with another fairy named Dionaea and some demi-human kid, who seemed to always be staring after her in admiration. Risa obviously hadn’t caught on to it.

“He’s not my boyfriend. Eww! Helio, shut up! Don’t be gross!” Her reaction was as he predicted. “He’s my best friend, like Dionaea!”
Helio snickered at her protest, “Aw I think you might hurt Kyran’s feelings if you tell him that!”

“No, I won’t!” Risa threw a pillow at him. He kept laughing as he left the room, pleased that he had wormed his way out of that situation perfectly. His parents were still in the main area as he moved down the stairs and found the two waiting for him. Unfortunately, he could not catch a break.

“I want a doctor to come and do a full check up on her tomorrow.” Elyna was saying, “She’s never been missing all night before like that.”
Helio shook his head in dismay at her words. She just did not get it. “Mother, she’s getting older and you are smothering her. She’s going to savor any taste of freedom she can get.”

“She’s eight, Helio. She’s not some rebellious teenager.” Elyna retorted, putting her hands on her hips. “We put her in that school to teach her to be a respectful lady, not sleep with animals in the woods.”

“Eight huh?” Helio repeated hotly. He was feeling rather grouchy after the long day. “Last time I checked people didn’t start arranging eight-year-olds to marriage.”

Elyna looked genuinely taken back by the statement. Unaware of what he was referring to, she connected the dots and glanced over at Cedar.
Helio had overheard him speaking to another male fairy the day before. He had been telling the man that some Cloud Eldan boy would be a good fit for Risa when they both aged. The man had agreed and ultimately, they wanted to introduce the two.

Cedar glanced between the two before giving in with a heavy sigh. “It was just in talks. This family moved in nearby from the Flower Fairy Kingdom. They are descendants of the royals there. The Eldan family. They have a boy a bit older than Risa. All we discussed is introducing them to each other in a few years.”

“Royals are dethroned, honey…” Elyna began in a hushed voice, moving to shut the curtains. “Fairies have no power anymore.”
“They don’t. Yet.” Cedar replied quietly, looking at his wife somberly. “You have no hope for better days?”

Helio couldn’t believe his ears. His goody-two-shoe parents were really discussing something that could get them imprisoned or killed right in front of them. Elyna seemed pretty shocked as well, staring at Cedar without a word. He clearly wasn’t the only rebellious one in the family. “Like father, like son.” He muttered under his breath.

“There is always hope, Elyna. Our children deserve that.” Cedar continued lowly. “I have heard things and I have hope.”