princess

Avalia

Time:Evening
Location:45 minute walk from River Port
Mention:@Tae@Helo@HowlsOfWinter
Outfit:This outfit, but imagine the cape is down to her ankles and the skirt is shorter.
Inventory:Ama pouch, map, dead iPod, a knife, wyvern scales some rope, and a blanket.

The stars sparkled above them as they weaved through the woods toward River Port. Once Bowyn and Kenia had finished up their harvest, Clara had taken on some of the weight of wyvern scales in her bag and they had moved on. She soon ended up telling them the story of her arrival into Avalia and what her week had been like at some point that afternoon. That had been quite a story to unpack, even for herself. Sometimes she still found herself questioning if this was all real. But Clara knew it was all too real and she had to make the sacrifices her friends had made count. She couldn't let the same happen to anyone else; no one else was going to die for her.

Clara had been quieter than usual after her story, besides the occasional humming of songs no one would recognize. At least, she was pretty sure that an elf and two fairies had no idea of Mambo Number 5. She had briefly wondered if it would get in their head anyway.

She paused to take out her map, squinting one eye as she glanced between the map and their surroundings. "We're almost there, guys!"Clara called to them before quickening her pace.

The Arrival of the Cheerleader

The sound of music from a pair of earphones was audible as the young girl walked home from her high school. Her wavy brown hair was tied back in a red ribbon and she wore a red and white cheerleading uniform, along with a pair of Nikes. She had a matching pom-pom in each hand, along with an iPod Classic in one of her hands. She adjusted her grip in order to look down at the iPod and change the song playing. She flicked her finger upward on it, scanning through the list until she found a song: My Boo by Usher and Alicia Keys.

Clara quite liked the song and they had just won the game, so she was in a great mood. To make things even better, James, one of the players on the football team, had asked her out finally. She had been giving him her winning smile every game from the sideline and she knew it was bound to work eventually.

Crickets filled the air. The street happened to be more empty than usual at this time. However, she hadn't noticed at all. The girl sang along to the song, completely unaware of her surroundings as she got into it, her eyes shutting as she sang the chorus. She was oblivious to the portal opening a few feet in front of her and walked right into it. "It started when we were younger, you were miinnee, my bOOOooooo-"

The concrete sidewalk beneath her suddenly felt a lot like grass. Her eyes snapped open as the portal shut behind her and her pupils dilated. Her gaze slowly moved around her surroundings. She was in... the woods? There were massive trees that seemed to go on for ages. It was still dark out and she was pretty sure she saw two moons in the sky. Crickets chirped and she stood there, dumbfounded, her reaction delayed for once. A couple of lights started to circle around her head as if coming over to inspect her face. Clara initially thought they were fireflies but closer inspection revealed tiny little legs and dresses made out of leaves.

"Huh?"

Clara clumsily took out her earphones and took a step back. She took a deep breath and relaxed.

You're dreaming Clara. Duh.

She was glad she was a decent singer or she could have almost embarrassed herself in front of a bunch of pixies in her dream. All that choir practice had come to good use. Normally, she'd love to enjoy a lovely fantasy dream, but it felt more real than usual and it was starting to creep her out. With a shrug, she pinched her arm. She batted her eyes but nothing happened.

Clara frowned and pinched herself harder, "Ow!" She rubbed her wrist as mass confusion set in. She glanced around, doing a full 360. She was actually in the middle of the woods. "Oh we definitely aren't in Kansas anymore, Toto."

"What's Kansas? Who's Toto? Why are you hurting yourself?"

Her eyes locked on one of the pixies speaking to her. Her music was still dimly audible out of her iPod, as if taunting her with the reality of this situation.

Was she having a psychotic break? Maybe one of the muffins she ate earlier had acid in it or something and she had just wandered too far into the woods. She had to be tripping.

"Uhh! Okay. Okay. Clara, just ignore the hallucinations!"She said nervously to herself and turned away from the pixie and began moving forward. Maybe she was in the park and just needed to walk a little to get back into town.

Avalia

Time: Evening
Location: River Port; Healing Center --> Behind the Convenience Store
Interactions:@Helo@Potter
Outfit:Outfit from the Ball
Inventory:Sword that's sheathed, Bow and quiver of arrows. Then: 2 hankerchiefs, liquid body cleanser, wayfinder, toothbrush, travel-size hair and teeth cleansers, small round of rope, small amount of disinfectant and bandaging: all in a fanny pack that's facing behind him, hidden behind his cape.

Malachi was startled out of his focus by the sudden horn. He paused hearing the horn, his gaze slowly moving in the direction of its source. He was thoughtful for a moment, listening and glancing around before he decided if it had meant something big, the effect did not seem immediate. It could have meant anything. He wondered if Risa was stupid enough to do that for a moment and then sighed. As long as a war wasn't breaking out, his goal was to get these two the medical aid they needed and he wasn't going to break away from that. He glanced Valok's way as he made his way up to the healing center, "No idea what that was. I am going to investigate it after I make sure you two are getting healed."

The healing center was nice and clean on the inside, with a small front desk right when they walked in. It was pleasantly a lot quieter inside. A male demihuman looked up, his ears twitching. His gaze simply made a trip over the three of them before getting up and gesturing them to follow. He led them to a room and opened a door. Two fairies, in red dresses, were seated on beds inside, chatting to each other. The sound of the door opening made them halt their conversation. They turned their heads and offered smiles toward them.

"Well. Come on. I'm gonna check outside for a moment then I'll return."Malachi gave the two of them a gentle push inside. "Let them heal you up and rest on those beds a bit." The gentleman who had led them there shut the door behind them to give them privacy. Malachi pointed to the two of them, glancing at the fairies. "I'm fine. The young man is in critical, bad head injury, and the girl has a wound on her side." The two girls, their hair up in tight buns, moved to each of them and took their hand gently, leading them to sit on the bed if they were cooperating. They got to work, their hands starting to radiate a soft glow as they kept a gentle grip on Valok and Belladonna.

Malachi made his way out of the room and down the stairs. Once back outside, he jogged around the healing center. He was sure the sound came from right near them, either in the town square or surrounding area. He paused as the sound of the gushing water of the fountain reached his ears and peered into the town square. There were two big dragonborn males, a drake and ...Risa. She looked different, her hair much shorter and her clothing unusual for her, but he recognized her face, all the same, having been up close with her not so long ago. He watched one of the dragonborns pat Risa's head before the other one addressed him.

His gaze zoned in on the horn in the blue dragonborn's hand and sighed. I do remember them being dramatic.
He thought. If they were Risa's allies, then at least Risa had done possibly better than he had considered with reaching strong allies. Still, he knew he had to talk to her at some point. There were things she had got very wrong. He leaned against the wall of the convenience store and decided to watch the situation for a moment, see who else showed up to investigate the sound and if a more obvious reason for it could be understood. It would take some time to heal a wound like Valok's, so he knew he had at least a few minutes to watch the encounter.

Time: Evening
Location:Port 10; Town Square
Interaction: @Alivefalling@FunnyGuy
Outfit:What she's wearing
Inventory:Bag for her belongings(It's along her belt behind her cape and not a backpack). Inside that bag: ama pouch, small water flask, plant seed pouch, small bag of berries, small flowery perfume, small knife, thin nightgown, and Risa has transferred some of her hygienic supplies into small, portable bottles: hair and teeth cleansers, hair softener and armpit fragrance.

Risa had almost shrunken back when his big claw reached for her head, but when she received a gentle pat, she smiled wide. She liked head pats. "Hi! I'm-"She broke off. Could she just give her name so easily now? Valaeon stepped in front of her as if confirming that it was a bad idea. She could tell the two were good friends from the words they were sharing with each other, so she decided to be quiet and let them speak to each other without interruption. Risa pulled her hood up and then moved to sit on the side of the fountain, dipping her hand in the water to poke at the bubbles.

She felt wary being in the middle of the town like this after such a loud sound had alerted this occasion. It was very probable that others were going to show up.

Avalia

Time: Evening
Location:Port 10; Town Square
Interaction: @Alivefalling@FunnyGuy
Outfit:What she's wearing
Inventory:Bag for her belongings(It's along her belt behind her cape and not a backpack). Inside that bag: ama pouch, small water flask, plant seed pouch, small bag of berries, small flowery perfume, small knife, thin nightgown, and Risa has transferred some of her hygienic supplies into small, portable bottles: hair and teeth cleansers, hair softener and armpit fragrance.

Risa nearly jumped out of her skin when an absurdly loud war horn was blown. She stumbled and immediately began to hover, her wings fluttering her feet left their place on the ground. She whipped her head around wildly. Valaeon's voice grew in volume and startled her a second time, letting out a yelp. She had always been very skittish! With rising panic, it took her a moment to take in what he had actually said as she was simply alarmed and confused. There were no sounds of heavy footsteps. No sounds of weapons or magic. There did not seem to be an attack, but there were indeed some screams.

Valaeon's words did offer some clarification. He seemed to be identifying a he somehow. Err... Okay. Let's go." She followed him in flight, catching up quite easily. Her wings slowed as she began to land in the square. There was another dragonborn on a drake in the middle of the square. He was blue and held the source of the madness. Still, she supposed she shouldn't be rude to Valaeon's friend by standing there and staring so she offered a smile and wave, "Hi there! I hope that horn didn't mean you're in some kind of trouble."

Avalia

Time: Evening
Location: River Port
Interactions:@Helo@Potter
Outfit:Outfit from the Ball
Inventory:Sword that's sheathed, Bow and quiver of arrows. Then: 2 hankerchiefs, liquid body cleanser, wayfinder, toothbrush, travel-size hair and teeth cleansers, small round of rope, small amount of disinfectant and bandaging: all in a fanny pack that's facing behind him, hidden behind his cape.

The light of the port was visible from even afar as the trio had approached River Port. When they finally reached the dirt road, they entered the town on the south side. The road was filled with people moving back and forth over it and each building window still alit. Malachi did not bother even glancing over things too much as he knew he could not waste time with his injured companions. He glanced to one side and he made haste grabbing the shoulder of someone moving nearby him to ask where the healing center was.

A woman instructed them to round the bend left and find it on their right. He began to follow the instructions, only to suddenly become aware of heavy heaving. His face contorted and his gaze slid over toward Belladonna, as that was the origin. A dog was seated next to her heaving with excitement and staring up at her with a piece of paper on the top of his head.

He snatched it from the dog's head and read it: Meeting Hall at 2pm. His eyebrows raised and he showed it to Belladonna and Valok before pocketing it for them. Right where they had entered, he had noticed a big meeting hall, so that made things convenient. Going with extra care to avoid the tongue and spit, Malachi moved his arm around awkwardly to pat its head. He gave her a brief moment to interact with it before they moved on. Dogs were cute and certainly comforting to the younger folk, so he knew he had to allow both her and maybe even Valok if he so wished a moment to give it a pet.

Malachi stared up at the stars as he waited.

Flashback 3

Time: 119 years ago
Location: Sun Elf Village
OST: The facade drops under the glittering sky

Miraculously enough, the sky had been clear that night as he led Caralia to a field of flowers, his hands over her eyes. He moved his hands and smiled as she stared up at the stars in wonder. He had walked them some ways from the town, where the light pollution wouldn't tarnish their view. The sky was a blue velvet with stars strewn all across it like snowflakes caught in time. A small blue and pink moon were at each end of the sky, guiding the choir of stars in their song. The stars twinkled brilliantly as the two gazed upon them.

"Oh they're just begging to be talked to aren't they?"Caralia said dreamily, then ran forward, and began calling out to the sky, "Stars! Hi!! Give us a sign you can hear us! Hey!" She shouted. "Come on! Don't ignore me!" She looked over her shoulder at Malachi, who was giving her a look without meaning to, "Come on! Don't just look at me like I'm crazy! They can't hear us unless you help!"

Malachi glanced around. They were alone. His shoulders relaxed and he ran over to her, yelling, much more awkwardly, "Uhhh hey stars! Hello!! We have questions! Give us a sign!" Her expression lit up and she yelled with him until finally, a shooting star shot across the sky.

"They heard us!" Caralia exclaimed then spun her body around in joy as she moved, her head laid back while she swung her arms, "It's real, Malachi! Lunathea has deemed us worthy of communication with the afterlife!"

He was pretty certain it had just been convenient timing, but he let her have it, watching her with a smile.

"What are you going to ask it?" She asked him, her arms falling back to her side.

She was standing there looking at him those eyes again. He felt his heart race and himself tense up. What if his answer was disappointing? Malachi took a moment to consider the question before finally asking, "Hmm. What would you ask them?"

"I want to know why we have only two moons. Why not three? Or more?" Caralia grinned as she mused, "Imagine lots of moons, all different colors! Oh then why is the blue one bigger than the pink!?"

Malachi laughed. It was like she had all these silly questions from when she was a child that just never got answered. "It would be nice, but imagine the gravity. The waves would be too big."

She gave him a pout as per usual, "Don't ruin my fun with logic. Besides, maybe we'd get to fly since we wouldn't be stuck on the ground just like the fairies do. Imagine if we got to fly together."

His heart skipped a beat as she moved up to him and took his hands, "Wouldn't you like to?"

Malachi glanced down at her. He thought he'd be more nervous as she got closer, but something about her made him feel comfortable, accepted. There was not a thing he could do that would make her judge him. His eyes searched hers and then smiled. "I'd love to," Malachi told her and brushed a lock hair from her eyes. She had the prettiest eyes; like a pair of emeralds staring up at him. The moonlight lit them up, creating an intense contrast with everything else around them.

That night, they sat down together in the flowers and took turns coming up with questions to ask the universe, hoping to see a shooting star raced across the sky to give them confirmation again. Malachi let her do most of the talking, listening as she asked why the moons were different colors, why her ears were pointy and why elves lived so long. She never got answers to those questions but as far as he could tell, her enthusiasm never faltered.

That was until later that night, her gaze met his in a moment of silence and she smiled. But something was different this time. Her smile didn't reach her eyes the way it normally did.

She started weeping as if everything she had ever loved had been taken from her.

Caralia did not stop for a long time, seemingly not even embarrassed to be crying in front of him so suddenly. She got up on her feet and cried out, "Why do you take people away!" Her voice was anguished, tears running down her cheeks as she glared at the sky like somehow it was at fault for her all her sadness. "Why do you get decide it's okay to take people's lives and keep them up there! Just to answer these stupid questions!?"

She stared at it with darting irises as if she was searching for an answer to miraculously manifest. But it didn't. She collapsed to her knees, whispering brokenheartedly, "Why can't you at least talk to me?"

To see her so suddenly become this way, not only confused him but made his heart lurch as if he had felt the same way she had. Malachi became self-aware of himself sitting there, his hands fidgeting, unsure what to do or say. Finally, he moved over and knelt behind her. He put his arms around her and held her close and stayed with her as she sobbed.

Caralia had turned upon feeling his presence and buried her head in his shirt "Please don't die." She whispered pleadingly. He was thrown off by her words, trying to process them. What could he say to that? She wrapped her arms around him to grip his shoulders, "I know I talk too much and I disturb you. I know I'm a burden. I know you never asked for me to barge in and bother you all the time, but please don't go."

It wasn't like he planned on dying in the upcoming weeks, or even years. Malachi didn't understand why she was asking such a thing, but he was willing to tell her anything to make her happy again."... I won't leave you, Lia." He said softly and tightened his grip on her.

Avalia

River Port

Evening

---

The air was still warm in River Port as the sun set, bathing the port in a last batch of rays. The windows of homes and buildings were alit in yellow light, lighting up the streets along with quaint street lamps that lined each road. The fountain in town square could be heard gushing water as kids giggled and played around it. The boardwalk was busy with villagers, moving from stand to stand while couples sat in the sand, looking at the stars. Heads would start to turn in River Port as an adorable demon girl found her way into River Port.

All shops will close in two hours at 9pm while restaurants will remain open until 10pm. However, bars will stay open until 2am.

Avalia

Zephyrin & Clara

Kenia and Bowyn were hard at work harvesting what they could from the wyvern. Their reactions to her words had warmed her heart and she was in a relatively good mood. She was excited to get drinks with them at the port as Bowyn had suggested.

She had watched the two of them for some time out of curiosity, but eventually Clara had decided to stay out of the way since she could not be of assistance with such a task. It seemed like Zephyrin was standing by as well. Having talked to her the least so far, she figured now would be a good time to get to know her. Clara bound up to Zephyrin and smiled at her, ”Hi Zephyrin! You doing okay? Didn’t get hurt, did ya?” She asked her.

The winter fairy teared her eyes away from Bowyn's exhausted form, brushing aside the heavy feeling that weighed on her chest. Still stricken from the events that had transpired, Zephyrin forced a smile, hiding her shivering hand behind her back. "Ah.. I feel great, just a scratch!" She replied with a melancholic laugh at the edge of her voice. She sucked in a deep breath and exhaled, feeling the tension melt from her body.

The air changed slightly, the warmth in the atmosphere slowly returning. The winter fairy paused, her scarlet eyes studying the human from head to toe. Having thought she was just another elf, Zephyrin never paid her much attention until now. The earthy tones of Clara's dress matched her brown hair and brown eyes. Zephyrin nodded approvingly.

Softly, her voice gaining momentum, she fully turned to Clara with a grin, "Thank you for assisting us with the wyvern. Your abilities are nothing short of praiseworthy." The words felt stiff in the fairy's tongue; she wasn't used to giving away compliments, but she felt that it was well-deserved this time. The human could fight and dress well.

The way Zephyrin replied to her first question reminded Clara of the way she’d answer people when she was overloaded with schoolwork. “Yes, I’m fine. This is fine!” She would tell them, laughing helplessly as she awaited her impending doom. It was possible Zephyrin felt similar to her. She was a beautiful fairy in lovely jewelry and expensive-looking clothing. It was clear the two of them were both out of their element.

The fairy then commended her efforts. Clara’s head was still reeling a bit and she hadn’t really taken in fully what had just occurred. They had just fought a dragon. She had just fought a dragon. Such self-awareness led her to realize her heart was still racing. ”Thanks! I was pretty badass now that I think about it. And you were too!” Clara told her with a confident smile, ”That shield you made totally saved us big time. If it weren’t for you, we could have all got really messed up.” If that tail had swung into them, she was certain they would have all gotten knocked to the ground like bowling pins.

A wry smile tugged at the corners of Zephyrin's lips. Though the fairy was fully aware she had contributed the least during the battle, she couldn't help but puff up her chest in a smug manner. She placed a hand on her hip, while the other toyed with a lock of her platinum hair. "Ha! You have a good eye, human. Conjuring a shield of that size is no easy feat, yet I, being amazing as I am, managed." She gloated.

Clara giggled at Zephyrin’s words. "Of course you’re amazing! You’re a magical fairy! ”She exclaimed enthusiastically, "But that’s not what made it special you know. For...It is not our abilities that show what we truly are…” She paused once more for suspense, trying to deepen her voice to sound wise and dramatic, ”It is our choices.” She cleared her throat as her voice returned to its normal octave, "You could have just left us all to die and ran for the hills, but you stayed and decided to protect us. That was really cool of you!” Quoting Dumbledore to a fairy was sure to win her awesome points. She threw her hand up and made a peace sign after her words with a wide grin.

The fairy thought the human quite odd, but she found her amusing. Slowly, her gaze wandered back towards Bowyn's direction. At first there was a flash of concern on her face, but it was immediately replaced by an irritated expression. Zephyrin crossed her arms, heat rising to her cheeks. "I-I guess Bowyn fought decently, too. But nothing special..! His bird was more amazing."

Clara's eyes suddenly lit up as Zephyrin mentioned Bowyn’s fighting abilities. He had been so cool and brave! She had to stop herself from fangirling right then and there as excitement bubbled up within. Not to mention how Kenia had jumped up on the wyvern’s back the way she did and had such sick moves. 'I feel like I’m traveling with the X-Men!' She thought excitedly.

She dug herself back out of her thoughts and looked at Zephyrin, replying, ”Yeah! Bowyn and Kenia are badass. I could go on forever about all the neat stuff they did. Then Boreas was such a hero!-” Her brain processed Zephyrin’s reddening cheeks as she was speaking. She broke off her rambling with a gasp.

Clara put her hands on her hips and leaned in to grin at her. ”You have a crush on Bowyn.” She accused, lowering her voice for only her to hear. Zephyrin's eyes widened, her cheeks turning into a deeper shade of red.

"H-how could you say something so outrageous?!" She squawked, scowling. "Someone as youthful and spritely as me would never fall for a... serious and dull person!" Zephyrin objected to her absurd claims. She rolled her eyes, then used her hand to fan her face.

Clara smiled doubtfully, stifling a giggle. ”Suurre you wouldn’t…” She commented sarcastically.

The fairy composed herself and continued, "You must be young and inexperienced, so let me give you some advice!" Zephyrin cleared her throat, then began to lean in closer. "Men like him.." she pointed towards Bowyn, "..would choose to die alone. They are married to their cause." She nodded convincingly and crossed her arms.

Clara’s gaze followed her finger toward Bowyn as her expression became even more puzzled yet doubtful as Zephyin’s statements continued. After the way Bowyn had reacted to Boreas, she was sure Bowyn was not someone who wanted to die alone; no one truly wanted to die alone.

"So stay away from him, you got that? As far away as you can! Find a man who is the complete opposite of him! Preferably someone with dark hair and a stupid smile on their face! Bowyn is no good. He definitely isn't badass." Zephyrin scoffed, repeating the word Clara had used. She didn't understand what it meant, but it sounded like a compliment. And she shouldn't be complimenting him.

Clara shook her head with a smile, replying finally, ”Aw Zephy... There’s no shame in liking Bowyn. I get crushes on boys all the time.” She glanced in his direction once more. ”Brave, loyal and I think he can even be kind of sweet. Oh and he’s veeery handsome!” She mused, giggling at the end of her statement, ”You know, if you aren’t interested in him, it shouldn’t concern you whether I like him or not, right? Bowyn and I could look really cute together. Imagine our kids!”

Zephyrin's ears twitched, and she narrowed her eyes. Clara let her words sink in before adding on, with a mischievous grin and twinkle in her eye, ”You know. Maybe I should just go confess my feelings right now.”

"Y-you..!" Zephyrin clenched her fists and stomped her foot. A thin layer of ice began to form around her fingertips as she gave Clara an angry stare. Soon enough though, her expression softened, and she sighed. "..You have awful taste in men." The fairy turned around, refusing to look at Clara. She furrowed her brows and pouted childishly. "Go confess to him for all I care! You can be an idiot couple fighting the lich together! And with him as the father, your kids would not look that cute.." Zephyrin grumbled.

Clara smirked to herself for a moment. If she had any doubts that Zephyrin liked them, they were most definitely gone. There was no getting a crush past the likes of a high school cheerleader! Spending so much time with girls every day had prepared her for this moment. The idea of the two fairies getting together was very exciting to her, so she had needed to find out the truth.

Still, perhaps she had gone too far. Clara sighed once she had turned away and walked around her to face her. She then touched her shoulder gently to comfort her. ”Only kidding. I won’t get in your way and I won’t tell anyone.” Clara smiled at her warmly, ”We’re friends now and it’s against girl code to do either of those things.”

"Like I said, I don't like that bloke! And what is this girl code that you speak of?" Zephyrin raised an eyebrow in question. "Actually, never mind! Let's just get going!" She gently grabbed Clara's wrist and started walking towards Kenia and Bowyn, her face still flushed red.

The human had gotten the better of her.

Avalia

"Welcome to Odds and Ends! We have a limited supply of goods we pick up from merchants and travelers. We have great deals. Please take a gander!"
@Potter@Helo

"My name is Hanai! Let me know if you want me to tell you more about any of these items. "

Casual Full Outfits for Males(6 of them pictured) - 40 amas

Casual Full Dresses for Females(6 of them pictured) - 40 amas

Full Seaside Male Outfit(Trendy in River Port) - 80 amas

Full Seaside Female Outfit(Trendy in River Port) - 80 amas

Full Seaside Female Outfit(Trendy in River Port) - No necklace - 80 amas

Full Adventurer Male Outfit - 50 amas

Mood bracelet - 10 amas

Hair Growth Serum - 40 amas - "This instantly grows your hair at least 5 inches longer!"

Plain Dress(comes in any color) - 30 amas

Meat snacks 3 amas for 4 slices

Owl Bear Cloak - 150 amas

Avalia

Time: Afternoon
Location:Port 10
Interaction: @Alivefalling@FunnyGuy
Outfit:What she's wearing
Inventory:Bag for her belongings(It's along her belt behind her cape and not a backpack). Inside that bag: ama pouch, small water flask, plant seed pouch, small bag of berries, small flowery perfume, small knife, thin nightgown, and Risa has transferred some of her hygienic supplies into small, portable bottles: hair and teeth cleansers, hair softener and armpit fragrance.

Risa tilted her head, puzzled by his response. He had just wanted to know what she thought. Thinking back, he had mentioned he was from a militia. She considered things for a moment as Kyran spoke but the puzzle pieces soon fit into place. "Yes. We have some coming tomorrow."She watched the nearby couple depart as she spoke. They were now the only three guests dining outdoors. There was no one nearby to hear them. "So I suppose you heard about what was happening and me, and came to see if it worth getting yourself and your militia involved. If that's the case, then I think tomorrow's meeting will hopefully help you make up your mind. If I'm correct, can you please give us some more details now that it's just us three? Then if you like, I can fill you in on what's happened on our side." She then put her effort into putting a dent in her food as she allowed time for Valaeon to respond.

Avalia

Time: Afternoon, Day 2
Location: By a spring, closer to River Port
Interactions:@Helo@Potter
Outfit:Outfit from the Ball
Inventory:Sword that's sheathed, Bow and quiver of arrows. Then: 2 hankerchiefs, liquid body cleanser, wayfinder, toothbrush, travel-size hair and teeth cleansers, small round of rope, small amount of disinfectant and bandaging: all in a fanny pack that's facing behind him, hidden behind his cape.

Valok spoke of himself as if he was just a pawn on a boardgame. Dark elves truly had reached a new level of terrible when they raised their own youth to feel like their lives were not even important. It made him sick to think that they could treat their innocent youth that way. He, however, kept his comments to himself and let Valok speak his truth as he told them how he had heard Risa. Risa was young too, perhaps younger than Valok. She had given him hope just as she had done for many he was certain, but he wasn't sure putting the burden of the rebellion on a fairy child was the answer. Her youthful honesty and passion were, of course, contagious, but in the end, she would need the wisdom and experience of those older than her.

The dark elf continued to answer his questions, telling them that before the ball, his mission had been to hunt humans. He was silent as he expressed his trust back to Malachi, calling him honorable. He wasn't sure if he'd describe himself that way but still, he smiled faintly. It melted a little as he expressed his thoughts, the smile not quite reaching his eyes, "When I lost my little boy and my darling wife, I was... empty for a long time. I no longer had purpose. I found myself wondering if there was no one in the world who cared for me, did I even exist? I too felt the way you do now, that I had to fight. I had to throw myself into battle or else I'd be a waste. Even though it took a long time, I think I may be important to someone once again."

He glanced at Valok directly, "One day you will no longer feel this way and you too can be important to someone. You will find better purpose and deserve that. Even the snow someday melts and the flowers shall then bloom. "

Once he had finished speaking, he noticed Valok's gaze had moved to Belladonna, who was letting go of him. Her eyes lamented a song of pain as she made haste moving ahead of them. They seemed to be a trio of melancholy. He decided to ask her a question that been on his mind for some time now, "Belladonna, are you alright? Do you have companions awaiting you?"

Caralia 2

Time: 119 years ago
Location: Sun Elf Village
OST: Caralia's Theme

“Ever had a sand berry?”

Malachi looked up to see Caralia hovering above him after class yet again but this time with a basket of berries. It had been like this for the last few months now. She always appeared at some point with a kind smile and sweet words.

“You can only get them in the desert.”She gently took his hand and unraveled his fingers, before placing a few berries in his hand. “My friend brought them back so I brought you some.”

The berries were tiny and red, rolling into the palm of his hand. He glanced down at them curiously before looking up at her, “Caralia-”

“You should call me Lia “She interrupted and plopped herself in a nearby seat. Resting her elbows on his table, she looked at him to continue.

Malachi nodded and said, “Okay… Lia, What made you want to talk to me exactly if I may ask?” His gaze fell as he spoke, tapping his finger nervously against the desk. He had often wondered if this was some sort of cruel prank, to make him think she was interested and then make a fool out of him. He was no stranger to that sort of thing. Elves were certainly not known for their kind and understanding nature. Many had a superiority complex over those they deemed inferior or to those that did not conform to tradition.

She put a finger under his chin to lift his head, then moved her hand over his and squeezed it. Her eyes had a twinkle in them as she met his, “You’re like a star, Malachi. You shine so bright yet it's like everyone is blind! I’ve always seen you. How kind and gentle you are when spoken to, how wise you are beyond your years, yet no one has ever really taken the time to get to know you… so I wanted to. You were my mystery to uncover and I'm so glad I did. You're more than I could have hoped for.” She spoke passionately, without hesitation and without shame.

Malachi could only sit there, finding himself rendered speechless yet again. For a moment, he had to wonder if she was real, or something he had dreamt up. No one just said things like that, especially about him. "Is she an angel?" He thought in his head, or so he thought he did.

“I sure am. I’m kinda pretty so I think I could be an angel.” Caralia smiled proudly, “Now if only I had wings!” She batted her eyelashes as she imagined herself like a pretty demihuman girl with big, white wings.

Malachi’s eyes widened,“Huh! Do you mind read!?”He asked with panic, his face going red.

She giggled and bopped his nose, “No, you asked if I were an angel out loud, silly goose. And I would be doing a disservice to myself to disagree! “

“Oh… I guess you’re right.”He said and finally put the berries in his mouth. “Mmm.” They were sweet, but had a spicy aftertaste, popping satisfyingly in his mouth as he chewed.

“Yup! Just like cinnamon! Sweet like you. I’m gonna make you a cake with them.” Caralia declared. She then took his hands in hers, "Teach me about the stars some more while you build."

"Well. I can teach you something that's not in that book... Did you know that they're good listeners? If you ask them questions, sometimes you get back an answer." Malachi told her before he continued to build.

Caralia's expression brightened at that. "Yes, yes, my mother used to say that too. She'd say that if you ever wanted to know something, you look to the stars and if you ask nicely enough, Lunathea might let a fallen loved one answer you." After she said that, the conversation dwindled down to her only speaking up to ask him why he was doing one thing or another.

After about an hour, he started to put his books in his bag. He turned to her, then gently, he took her hand and smiled at her, "Would you like to go see them tonight with me?"

Her smile stretched across her whole face and she threw her arms around him in sheer joy, squishing him in the process as she tightly embraced him.

"Oh-Lia-I have to breathe-"He gasped out, stumbling under her grasp.

She let go abruptly, giggling, "Guess you do! Weird huh!?"

Avalia

Time: Afternoon, Day 2
Location: By a spring, closer to River Port
Interactions:@Helo@Potter
Outfit:Outfit from the Ball
Inventory:Sword that's sheathed, Bow and quiver of arrows. Then: 2 hankerchiefs, liquid body cleanser, wayfinder, toothbrush, travel-size hair and teeth cleansers, small round of rope, small amount of disinfectant and bandaging: all in a fanny pack that's facing behind him, hidden behind his cape.

"He's right they prefer meat. Think they're omnivores and will probably feed it most things you feed it though. You can get it something at the butcher when we get there." Malachi told Belladonna after Valok spoke. He glanced at him. It was a grim question, to ask someone you just met to be the one to burn your body in the event of untimely death. Still, with Valok's background, it was probably a daily concern. "Yeah. We will do that for you if that happens. You won't be dying on my watch."

In order to keep Valok awake, he decided to keep up the conversation,"Were you at the ball, Valok? Where had you come from when we found you?" His eyes slid to the sky as they spoke. The sun still shined down on them through the trees.

He couldn't wait for it to be night again at last.

Caralia 1

Time: 119 years ago
Location: Sun Elf Village
OST: Caralia's Theme

Malachi hadn't noticed the girl in the doorway, her bright eyes fixated on him as he hunched over in the desk, drawing something in his notebook. The classroom was empty in the late afternoon, and he had always taken it upon himself to work on his project. Books of all kinds were scattered around him: on the desks, the floor, and a bag of drawing utensils had fallen on the floor. He hadn't noticed that either.

He had been here every day Caralia could remember. Reading, building, drawing... He was always doing something in this same room. His hair, messy and unkempt, his head completely down as he engrossed himself in his work. His fashion choices left much to be desired. Whenever she had seen him in the hallway, he had walked in such a way that was very telling how unsure of himself he was. Oh and he bumped into things so often! It wouldn't kill him to start paying attention to where he was going.

Still, she found herself leaning in the doorway to check up on him often after classes had ended. She knew his name was Malachi and was the bottom of the food chain when it came to the student population at their learning center. He had always been strange. The other boys all were busy learning combat and studying light magic, but not him. He was in a lot of the science classes that were mostly female in attendance. When he actually spoke to people, which was rare, no one had ever known what he was talking about, ever since their elementary years. He used fancy words and he did not have nearly as much muscle as everyone else. Funnily enough, the reasons everyone disliked him were just the reasons that drew her to him. She smiled to herself, covering her mouth as he adjusted his elbow and knocked another book on the floor.

The book startled him and he practically jumped out of his chair, flustered. Their eyes met in that moment as he finally lifted his head in the action. His face flushed and he stared at her, speechless. The hallways were darkened but her long, wheat-colored hair and bright green eyes were lit up by a nearby lantern. She was tall and had paint splatters covering her apron, which was over her green dress. There were freckles dotting a path from one cheek, over her nose to the other. She was also the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, completely enchanting him.

Caralia lifted a brow, curious as to why he could not even muster a hello. She moved over and began collecting the books on the floor. Picking up the books, she put them in a neat pile on a nearby desk. She spun on her heels to face him and leaned in, sniffing his shirt. He flinched, not expecting she'd invade his space so quickly, “You smell like cinnamon. ”

Malachi did a double-take at her and shook his head, "Oh... Excuse me."He said softly, hesitating before he smiled awkwardly at her. "Thank you."

"Sorry if I disturbed you..."She said and hopped back up from her leaning position, "I'm Caralia. Cute name, right?"

He hung his head back down and continued his work, "Malachi." He didn't know if he could keep looking at her without staring.

It did not seem like he had recognized her. She wasn’t surprised. She had watched him from down the hall as he collected his things and not once did he ever turn her way. Now that she was face to face with him, she found herself enamored by his eyes, but then he hung his head down and her smile faltered. Pouting, she poked his arm. "What are you drawing there, Kai? Hope you don’t mind I call you that. " Leaning over the desk, she curiously watched. It was some peculiar object she had never seen before.

"Umm... I'm designing something I want to build." He told her and asked after a pause, "Were you painting something?"

Caralia's expression lit up, "Oh yes! Come see."She tugged at his arm suddenly, making him look at her in surprise. "Come, come, come!! I have been working on this for a week."

Malachi hesitated before he got to his feet in reaction to her tugging, awkwardly stumbling as he did, "Okay, okay. Please take it easy.." He had wanted to try to get some progress with his work today so he'd have more time for his studies, but he really was no good at declining anyone's requests, having been raised to be a bit overly polite and accommodating.

When she led him out into the hall, she led him around the corner to a huge mural in the works on one of the walls. It was a painting of the night sky and the moons over a dark landscape. She had put her all into making the sky an ombre of purple to blue and spent hours perfecting her stars. It was impressive, to say the least, so Malachi gawked at it for a few moments. "You... did that by yourself? It's... Wow..."

Caralia put her hands on her hips. "It's pretty amazing, isn't it!"She declared, "I don't know what I did to deserve being so talented!" She giggled, holding her own face in amazement. Then she poked his arm again, accusingly this time, "I've been working on it all week you know! How have you not seen it yet?"

"I'm so sorry. I wish I had seen it sooner..."Malachi told her and moved closer to keep examining it. He genuinely seemed engrossed in looking it over.

“I’m so happy you like it.”Caralia smiled, “I just want to add more to it. I know it’s nothing like seeing the real night sky but I want it to feel that way. Some people think it’s a bit of a downer and want me to scrap it and paint a sunny day instead but… There’s something so attractive about the night to me. It raises more questions than the day don’t you think? All those stars… How far are they away are they? Are there more?”

Malachi listened to her speak then cleared his throat after she was finished, glancing her way, “I can tell you how far away each one is, if you like that is, and there’s more than you can even imagine.”

"Oh really!?"Caralia exclaimed and moved over to his side to get in his space again. He leaned back in surprise as she got close to his face, "You swear you will? Swear on your life! I will not tolerate a single lie from you! "

His eyes widened and he took a step back, "Uhh.. Sure? I swear?"

She patted his head, "Good. Tomorrow, we'll open up your space book and you'll teach me." With a smile, she stepped back. "And you'll have to tell me about what you're building. Are you some kind of an inventor?"

"Okay... No problem."Malachi replied to her demand and then turned his head to her painting, "My mother is an inventor. She taught me everything I know. I'd like to be as good as her one day... She's really wonderful."

Caralia stared at her painting and nodded, but made no further comment.

He glanced at her, "You alright?" She hadn't seemed like someone who would stop talking to even breathe, so it was startling to hear her fall silent.

She shook her head and looked at him, smiling, "She sounds very nice, but I really should go home now but… You know where to find me.”

Caralia gave him a wink and watched his cheeks grow red again. She bit back a grin and turned on her heels to run to the doors. Once outside, she threw her arms up in the air, jumping up energetically as she whisper-yelled, “She wins again! ”

Malachi watched her depart and scratched his head. He moved back into the classroom, not expecting to see her again.

But he did, every day from then on. Every day she’d barge into the room and say all kinds of things that made Malachi wonder if she ever thought before speaking. She said whatever crossed her mind and did not seem to care who heard it. She was completely childish, jumping up on his desk at times and yelling things out, singing randomly. Everything she did was so contrasting to the other elves he had known.

She was ethereal in every way.

Once he had seen her once, he couldn't unsee her. Anytime she was in the hall, he'd spot her from the corner of his eye and glance over. She had more friends than people Malachi had ever spoken to in his life. She was loud and carried most conversations, each and every word she spoke traveling down the hallway to him.

Unfortunately, she didn't exactly ignore Malachi, waving and calling to him in front of everyone as they stared in confusion. “Kai! Smile for me!” She’d call to him unceremoniously and do that same giggle she always did.

He had always been a bit of a recluse, and he hadn’t minded it. Malachi just had so many things he wanted to do and so many things he wanted to learn. Besides, having his family had always seemed enough for him.

Yet it felt as if he'd been lonely the whole time without realizing it.