Pundii

(High Casual) An Age Old Feud II

Gonna aim to get a post up after work tonight, finals seasons has kept me too busy to get one up sooner.

The Horrors of Coventry - Concluded

Darren Andrews

---

Location: Coventry Circus Grounds, Main Tent
Interacting With: Everyone in the Circus Tent, Aloise Zamora @Morose

---

Emotions swirled around and clouded Darren like a blanket as he knelt over Aloise's body. He squeezed her hand tight, his knuckles turning white as he looked down at her, waiting and watching while Eudora continued with her spell. As it came to fruition, Darren's eyes widened as he saw Aloise's eyes open and heard her voice. Misery was replaced by relief in such an instant that he remained clouded and distracted, held between grief and joy as he looked down at her, almost laughing as he finally loosened his grip on Aloise's hand for a moment.

He glanced over his shoulder for a moment, seeing the number of bodies rushing over to try and stop the Mullo. A few more moved to brighten the lights as Eudora insisted, but in that moment Darren's own mind was still too clouded by the rush of emotion for him to do anything but look back down at Alose. But he knew she was not the type to be coddled, even coming back from death, she was not one who would sit idly while all this went down, so he helped her sit up. "Next time you die, I'm gonna bring you back and kill you myself."

---

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James Murphy

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Location: Coventry Circus Grounds
Interacting With: Everyone in the Circus Tent

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James' charge bore no fruit as he saw the mullo turn to another target and begin its own charge. The creature was much too quick for James to have caught it before it got away, and he cursed under his breath as he came to a halt where the creature had stood before, watching where it went. He had been about to begin another charge along with the other bodies when he froze, hearing and feeling the buzz of his phone in his pocket as it burst to life. Reaching down to his pocket, he raised an eyebrow as he glanced down to it, knowing something had to have been going on, for what other reason would both of these numbers be calling him.

Quickly, he typed in the number for his voicemail and held the phone to his ear, glancing over to Folly and giving her an almost half-hearted shrug. He had no idea why it was that his phone had suddenly decided to work, but he wasn't going to question it at that point as he turned his gaze back to the Mullo, listening intently to his messages, determined to take in every important detail as he kept a firm grip on his handgun with his free hand, ready to react at the slightest hint of a threat.

🦄 Deeper Than The Sands - Merged With T.S.

Harry Walsh

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Location: Streets of Cairo Headed Towards Barracks

---

As the two began to ride back through the streets, Harry let his eyes wander over the crowds. They did not blend in as well as they would have before undergoing their charade, but her certainly hoped their increase in speed now that they were horseback would make up the difference as they made their way back toward the barracks. he wouldn't be resting or relaxing much until he knew that Aziza was back in a safe place, and he didn't trust the streets of Cairo at that very moment as his eyes flicked from person to person, crowd to crowd, taking in everything as if he were looking for snipers on the dunes. He had been so intent on his own focus that he had not even noted Aziza's relative silence until she spoke and brought it up.

Glancing back over towards her, he gave a reassuring smile as if to assure her that she need not be apologetic. He cocked an eyebrow at her question, noting the pause but not thinking a great deal of it. It was a reasonable question, Harry had been avoiding putting much thought into the expedition itself, with all that had happened he'd still had much more pressing matters on his mind, and he sighed as he glanced back ahead of them, thinking for a moment before he spoke, deciding to be as honest as he could with his answer. "I don't truly know, to be honest with you. Part of me I'm sure would like to have nothing to do with it. Another part wants to ensure you're as safe as possible, so I suppose I'm committed to it, so long as you are." He spoke with pointed meaning in his words, turning back to her as he gave her a gentle nod.

---

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William Drake

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Location: The Egyptian Museum

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William simply sighed as she spoke. Normally, the words that Vera spat at him would have sparked anger in him, her insistence of his motives and his character, her denial of her own feelings which, by then had become abundantly clear even to him. But this time, there was almost an exasperation to his expression, it was as if he'd finally finished a marathon and only learned at the very last meter that he'd been running all this time. He made no resistance as she went to remove herself from his arms. He found he missed the feeling of her warmth, but he was certainly not of the mind to hold her there if she wished to stand away.

He did not bother to answer his question, in his mind he knew it was more bait than anything. It would return them to their usual routine, he would argue against it, the two would snap back at one another for some time and eventually one or both of them would walk off in a huff, only to do it all again when enough time ahd passed. He kept his eyes locked on Vera, a look of what could almost be called concern in his eyes as he reached up, gently setting his hand on her cheek in a feather touch. There was no aggression behind it, and even the movement of his hand there had been slow and gentle enough that she could have easily pulled away should she wish.

"I want you to stop hurting yourself, Vera." He spoke again, that same calmness in his voice as he continued. "I don't want you to feel like you're bound by some tradition, some rule written years ago that says you can't do what your heart wants you to. And by that same logic - I don't want to stand in your way." Deep meaning carried every word from his lips as he refused to let his gaze leave her own, watching her closely as he slowly dropped his hand back to his side. "If you love Peter, tell him, embrace it, you deserve to stop holding yourself back for once." He emphasized the last few words, not daring to say any more. He still felt that he knew Vera's true feelings, but figured in that moment bringing them back up would only make things more tense between them. Shaking his head, he instead just turned back to the bookshelf he stood at, continuing to look through things. If she would speak to him longer he was there, but otherwise - he had given her the choice.

(High Casual) An Age Old Feud II

I'll probably be putting together some relationships of my own for Aedan when I get the chance (Probably tomorrow, birthday celebrations today are killing me) so if anyone has any ideas, feel free to message me!

(High Casual) An Age Old Feud II

Lord Aedan of Sliabh

_{{ ”If you wish for peace, you must be willing to fight.” }}

---

---

| Name |

Aedan Merryn.

| Nickname |

'The Lion of Sliabh' - The title Aedan earned among many of his troops and warriors of Abhainn who he faced in combat.

| Age |

Thirty.

| Gender |

Male.

| Sexuality |

Heterosexual.

| Kingdom |

Sliabh.

| Alliance |

The Kingdom of Sliabh

| In Depth Appearance |

Not the largest and strongest, nor the smallest and most agile, Aedan's physique is a firm balance between the two, though still athletic and muscular, betraying his warrior lifestyle. His wavy, black hair is often held up in a bun, fading down into a well-kept beard which does not extend too far from his face. He has a pair of dark grey, almost blackened eyes, and fair white skin. Most of Aedan's body is free of scars, though there is one particularly noticeable one which runs from his forehead down to the side of his right eye, one he received in a particularly close call with the famed "Battle-Maiden of Abhainn" during the war. Living primarily in the Northern parts of Sliabh, Aedan tends to be seen in warm clothes, fur cloaks and thick leathers as opposed to well-made or decorated nobles' dress. Generally, some refer to Aedan as looking solemn or guarded in his expression.

| Habits |

Stroking his Beard || When deep in thought, Aedan has a habit of running his fingers through his beard, scratching at it or straightening it out as he considers plans or what to do next.

Chewing his Gums || When frustrated or in any situation of particular irritation or annoyance, Aedan tends to chew on the gums in his cheeks or biting his lips. He does it subconsciously, and it generally takes for Aedan to be immensely irritated for him to do it.

| Hobbies |

Reading || Though he is a fighter first, Aedan prides himself on being well-educated. Knowing that he is lucky to be so well-educated, he spends a great deal of his free time studying history, tactics and all manner of things.

Duelling || While he is a general and strategist, Aedan still prides himself on his skill as a swordsman. He often takes the time to personally assist in the training of his men and guards, sparring and duelling with them to help them improve, as well as himself.

| Likes |

Honour || Aedan has a strong and proud sense of honour, and he respects those who similarly have such a code they follow.
Books || Learning is one of Aedan's preferred past-times, and so he enjoys books of almost any kind. Though, history in particular is a favoured topic.
Ale || Like most men, Aedan enjoys ale when it is appropriate, preferring it to wine.
Peace || Aedan may be a soldier and a warrior, but he professes an intense devotion to the attainment and preservation of peace in all forms.
Cold Weather || Aedan is mostly used to cold weather, he prefers it as it reminds him often of home, and he believes it breeds strong folk.

| Dislikes |

Traitors || Loyalty is important to Aedan, and those who abandon their loyalty to the kingdom of Sliabh, whoever they are, are sure to gain Aedan's ire.
Arrogance || People who claim titles or respect which they have not earned is one of the things Aedan can hardly stand.
Noble Expectations || The expectation that as a noble, Aedan should be primarily focused on finding a wife and making a lasting family name, is something he detests
Southerners || Though he's polite enough to keep it to himself, Aedan finds those from the south tend to be fancier, weaker, and generally more irritating than he prefers.
Murderers || Though he has debated if such a distaste is hypocritical, Aedan finds the taking of one's life which is not for proper reason the most detestable act of all.

| Fears |

Ruling || Though it would be an immensely unlikely circumstance, being a lord is already terrible enough for Aedan, who would prefer to live his life on the battlefield, rather than on a throne.

| Personality |

Hardened, strong and solemn, Aedan does not fit the category of most noble lords. Strength is one of Aedan's best characteristics, though it is Strength of Heart. An incredibly brave man, Aedan would never back down from any sort of challenge, and fears of death or injury have always been the last thing he'd give thought to. Given his rough beginnings, Aedan has also held a great deal of respect and even love for the common folk beneath him. He takes no pleasure in being considered above others, and does his best to protect the common folk, while making as little a show of his wealth and stature as he is able to.

While he is honourable and loyal, earning Aedan's trust is not an easy thing to do. An incredibly reserved and solemn person, Aedan does not make friends easily, and he is rarely even seen with a smile on his face. Considering he is the only one of his family, and many of Aedan's closest friends have died in battle, there is little people know of his history, or even of him aside from rumours, and he endeavours to keep it that way, generally not wishing to risk any sort of affection for others.

| Background |

Aedan Merryn was born a commoner, his father a blacksmith and mother a cook in the north of Sliabh. His childhood was as most common boys' was, without much in the way of education, and with its fair degree of troubles. Luckily, work was never hard to come by for his parents, with his father regularly receiving work with the war, and his mother having all sorts of travelers going between the kingdoms to cook for. Aedan's life was changed, however when an Abhainn army took over his home. His father killed in the fighting, Aedan became separated from his mother shortly after, never learning her fate, as he was eventually picked up by a group of Sliabhan soldiers retreating south. Though he was young at the time, Aedan ended up joining with the soldiers, being trained to eventually join the Sliabhan army.

As he aged, Aedan's ability and rank in the army grew, and he was eventually knighted for his valour and ability in fighting. Becoming a general of the Sliabhan forces, Aedan spearheaded a major counter-offensive in the North, retaking large areas of territory which had been lost in the war with Abhainn. It was during this counter-offensive that Aedan earned the title of 'The Lion of Slibah', given out of respect for him by some of his enemies, before the name began to spread among his own men as well. Retaking his homeland, Aedan was ordered to hold it by King George III, and given a lordship along with the land while the treaty with Abhainn was being discussed. Though he had never particularly wished to rule, Aedan accepted out of a deep loyalty for the king, and began to rule and lead his armies in the North, defending against the occasional skirmish while the treaty was negotiated.

During his lordship, Aedan made a few visits to the capital to speak with the king, becoming a close ally and even confidant for George III. As a skilled general and warrior, Aedan has held a similar relationship with the new king, Alister, and holds a respect for the man - believing him to hold true to George's doctrines. Aedan has had little argument or debate with the new king except on the topic of Julianna's betrothal. While both men share an aversion to the war, Aedan maintains his belief that it would only be a temporary peace. Aedan remains a loyal servant of Sliabh, and for now, a personal guard to the Lady Julianna.

| Extra |

I'd be hard-pressed to decide between anything Medieval or Sci-Fi.

Relations Chart

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Aedan Merryn

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T H E K I N G S

M A D D O X . A U C L A I R
"Character thoughts on relation."
Brief description on relationship here.

A L I S T E R . H A R D I N
"Character thoughts on relation."
Brief description on relationship here.

---

T H E Q U E E N S

J U L I A N N A . H A R D I N
"Gods help whomever lays an unjust hand upon her."
Aedan has grown closer to Julianna than any other member of the Hardin family. Having known her almost as long as he has held a lordship, what was once a strained effort to maintain protocol on his part has bloomed into something of a friendship reminiscent of siblings. Aedan cares deeply for Julianna's safety and honour, and often directly takes it upon himself to ensure her protection to a fierce degree.

M I R A B E L L E . H A R D I N
"Character thoughts on relation."
Brief description on relationship here.

---

T H E P R I N C E S

J A X T O N . H A R D I N
"Though he'd never admit it - that boy will make a fine king one day."
Aedan had taken up something of a mentor role for the young prince Hardin. He has known the boy since he was quite young, and spent many hours speaking quietly with the boy after dark, telling him stories of the war and careful advice against seeking it out. Aedan is mostly unaware of the affect he has had on influencing Jaxton, believing he has served mostly as a tutor. Aedan has also taken Jaxton under his wing as a pupil of the sword, believing it necessary for the prince to learn its use, even if he has always advised against it.

L U C I A N . A U C L A I R
"Character thoughts on relation."
Brief description on relationship here.

---

T H E P R I N C E S S E S

E L A I S S E . H A R D I N
"Character thoughts on relation."
Brief description on relationship here.

---

T H E L O R D S

G O D D A R D . A M B E R L I N
"Character thoughts on relation."
Brief description on relationship here.

T H E L A D I E S

A M A R A N T H E A . A S H W O O D
"Character thoughts on relation."
Brief description on relationship here.

A L I C E . A L L A I R E
"Never, and I do mean never underestimate the strength of a woman scorned."
The 'Battle-Maiden' of Abhainn has fascinated Aedan since their first meeting on the battlefield. Initially struck by her strength and prowess, it was through combat with her that Aedan learned not to underestimate the 'fairer sex'. The two have met many times on the battlefield, engaged in long, drawn-out battles usually in the center of it all, never with any great success on either of their parts. In their last fray, Alice left Aedan with the scar across his face, and he somewhat regrets never having the opportunity to speak to or see her off the battlefield, warrior to warrior.

---

(High Casual) An Age Old Feud II

@HushedWhispers

Lord Aedan of Sliabh

_{{ ”If you wish for peace, you must be willing to fight.” }}

---

---

| Name |

Aedan Merryn.

| Nickname |

'The Lion of Sliabh' - The title Aedan earned among many of his troops and warriors of Abhainn who he faced in combat.

| Age |

Thirty.

| Gender |

Male.

| Sexuality |

Heterosexual.

| Kingdom |

Sliabh.

| Alliance |

The Kingdom of Sliabh

| In Depth Appearance |

Not the largest and strongest, nor the smallest and most agile, Aedan's physique is a firm balance between the two, though still athletic and muscular, betraying his warrior lifestyle. His wavy, black hair is often held up in a bun, fading down into a well-kept beard which does not extend too far from his face. He has a pair of dark grey, almost blackened eyes, and fair white skin. Most of Aedan's body is free of scars, though there is one particularly noticeable one which runs from his forehead down to the side of his right eye, one he received in a particularly close call with a Knight of Abhainn during the war. Living primarily in the Northern parts of Sliabh, Aedan tends to be seen in warm clothes, fur cloaks and thick leathers as opposed to well-made or decorated nobles' dress. Generally, some refer to Aedan as looking solemn or guarded in his expression.

| Habits |

Stroking his Beard || When deep in thought, Aedan has a habit of running his fingers through his beard, scratching at it or straightening it out as he considers plans or what to do next.

Chewing his Gums || When frustrated or in any situation of particular irritation or annoyance, Aedan tends to chew on the gums in his cheeks or biting his lips. He does it subconsciously, and it generally takes for Aedan to be immensely irritated for him to do it.

| Hobbies |

Reading || Though he is a fighter first, Aedan prides himself on being well-educated. Knowing that he is lucky to be so well-educated, he spends a great deal of his free time studying history, tactics and all manner of things.

Duelling || While he is a general and strategist, Aedan still prides himself on his skill as a swordsman. He often takes the time to personally assist in the training of his men and guards, sparring and duelling with them to help them improve, as well as himself.

| Likes |

Honour || Aedan has a strong and proud sense of honour, and he respects those who similarly have such a code they follow.
Books || Learning is one of Aedan's preferred past-times, and so he enjoys books of almost any kind. Though, history in particular is a favoured topic.
Ale || Like most men, Aedan enjoys ale when it is appropriate, preferring it to wine.
Peace || Aedan may be a soldier and a warrior, but he professes an intense devotion to the attainment and preservation of peace in all forms.
Cold Weather || Aedan is mostly used to cold weather, he prefers it as it reminds him often of home, and he believes it breeds strong folk.

| Dislikes |

Traitors || Loyalty is important to Aedan, and those who abandon their loyalty to the kingdom of Sliabh, whoever they are, are sure to gain Aedan's ire.
Arrogance || People who claim titles or respect which they have not earned is one of the things Aedan can hardly stand.
Noble Expectations || The expectation that as a noble, Aedan should be primarily focused on finding a wife and making a lasting family name, is something he detests
Southerners || Though he's polite enough to keep it to himself, Aedan finds those from the south tend to be fancier, weaker, and generally more irritating than he prefers.
Murderers || Though he has debated if such a distaste is hypocritical, Aedan finds the taking of one's life which is not for proper reason the most detestable act of all.

| Fears |

Ruling || Though it would be an immensely unlikely circumstance, being a lord is already terrible enough for Aedan, who would prefer to live his life on the battlefield, rather than on a throne.

| Personality |

Hardened, strong and solemn, Aedan does not fit the category of most noble lords. Strength is one of Aedan's best characteristics, though it is Strength of Heart. An incredibly brave man, Aedan would never back down from any sort of challenge, and fears of death or injury have always been the last thing he'd give thought to. Given his rough beginnings, Aedan has also held a great deal of respect and even love for the common folk beneath him. He takes no pleasure in being considered above others, and does his best to protect the common folk, while making as little a show of his wealth and stature as he is able to.

While he is honourable and loyal, earning Aedan's trust is not an easy thing to do. An incredibly reserved and solemn person, Aedan does not make friends easily, and he is rarely even seen with a smile on his face. Considering he is the only one of his family, and many of Aedan's closest friends have died in battle, there is little people know of his history, or even of him aside from rumours, and he endeavours to keep it that way, generally not wishing to risk any sort of affection for others.

| Background |

Aedan Merryn was born a commoner, his father a blacksmith and mother a cook in the north of Sliabh. His childhood was as most common boys' was, without much in the way of education, and with its fair degree of troubles. Luckily, work was never hard to come by for his parents, with his father regularly receiving work with the war, and his mother having all sorts of travelers going between the kingdoms to cook for. Aedan's life was changed, however when an Abhainn army took over his home. His father killed in the fighting, Aedan became separated from his mother shortly after, never learning her fate, as he was eventually picked up by a group of Sliabhan soldiers retreating south. Though he was young at the time, Aedan ended up joining with the soldiers, being trained to eventually join the Sliabhan army.

As he aged, Aedan's ability and rank in the army grew, and he was eventually knighted for his valour and ability in fighting. Becoming a general of the Sliabhan forces, Aedan spearheaded a major counter-offensive in the North, retaking large areas of territory which had been lost in the war with Abhainn. It was during this counter-offensive that Aedan earned the title of 'The Lion of Slibah', given out of respect for him by some of his enemies, before the name began to spread among his own men as well. Retaking his homeland, Aedan was ordered to hold it by King George III, and given a lordship along with the land while the treaty with Abhainn was being discussed. Though he had never particularly wished to rule, Aedan accepted out of a deep loyalty for the king, and began to rule and lead his armies in the North, defending against the occasional skirmish while the treaty was negotiated.

During his lordship, Aedan made a few visits to the capital to speak with the king, becoming a close ally and even confidant for George III. As a skilled general and warrior, Aedan has held a similar relationship with the new king, Alister, and holds a respect for the man - believing him to hold true to George's doctrines. Aedan has had little argument or debate with the new king except on the topic of Julianna's betrothal. While both men share an aversion to the war, Aedan maintains his belief that it would only be a temporary peace. Aedan remains a loyal servant of Sliabh, and for now, a personal guard to the Lady Julianna.

| Extra |

I'd be hard-pressed to decide between anything Medieval or Sci-Fi.

Decided to stick with what I know, just adjusted the history slightly considering the new roles, so let me know if all is well!

Silver Falls

@Mike73@Nallore@FantasyChic@Morose@Zoey White@S0up

Our small hiatus is over friends. I appreciate very muchly your guys' patience with this, and counters are officially reset from now, they'll be based off the update I just made.

Silver Falls

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@Mike73@Nallore@FantasyChic@Morose@Zoey White@S0up

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The Lumber Mill: It's not too difficult for Mariana to find the entrances she's looking for. Inside the lumber yard are three buildings, two smaller offices and the larger mill itself. The mill and smallest office by the entrance appear to be unlocked, but the larger office building seems to have been barricaded from within. When Marian passes by it towards the mill she hears the faint sound of whispering from inside. Outside, the axe-wielding mill worker doesn't even seem to hear Alice as he takes a few heavy steps towards her, unaffected by the threat of her gun as he took hold of the axe to swing it again, Alice's distance saving her as the blade swung a few inches away from her through the air. The expression of the man remains crazed and intent on murder.

Outside the Community Center: The parking lot outside the community center remains relatively quiet after the car has driven off. The two girls are left alone with that strange and immense hunger. Luckily for them as Felicia has suggested,
P&W's is not far from the community center, and the two of them would be able to get there before too long, and ideally without any incident.

August Street: As Jennifer ran between the houses, screaming for help, no answers are coming, it is as if she is the only person home. However, before long the fight comes to an end. Grabbing a rock nearby, the woman brings it up to smash in the head of the man, forcing him off her as she kicked him aside and stood up, dropping the bloodied rock as she looked over to see Jennifer, waving her arms and calling out. "It's okay! I-i'm going to be okay! He's dealt with!" The woman called as she moved to take a seat beside the road, staring at the body with an expression somewhere between confusion and fear.

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Donald Baker

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Location: Silver Falls Community Center

---

Donald had been ready for Scarlett's response when he heard the voice over her shoulder. Glancing past her towards the doorway, his gaze fixed upon Richard as he took his steps into the room. For a moment Donald eyed him up and down, considering what he had said and briefly noting the information the man had provided. He had been about to question Richard when he chose to introduce himself, giving the man a nod as he shook his hand. "I appreciate the information, doctor." He was somewhat surprised that the question had prompted a legitimate answer from Richard, but he had already expected some aspect of the investigation had this aspect.

Turning his gaze back to Scarlett, he raised an eyebrow at her quip. He had not openly considered Scarlett as a major suspect, but even he couldn't ignore the clear threat she had made in his direction as he watched her. Still, he cleared his throat, maintaining a professional posture as he closed his notebook, tucking it away as he watched her. "Cult ritual murders tend to involve willing participants, there were no signs of resistance at the murder scene from your friend Lucy, so that's a lead I was crossing off." He narrowed his eyes briefly at the woman, watching her closely for any hint of a reaction to his words, or lack thereof.

"Is there anything else you needed, miss Cromwell?" He asked politely then, giving her a gentle dismissing.

The Horrors of Coventry - Concluded

Darren Andrews

---

Location: Coventry Circus Grounds, Main Tent
Interacting With: Everyone in the Circus Tent, Aloise Zamora @Morose

---

Darren went white when he saw who the blade hit. Every rational thought in his mind left at that very moment as his concerns of the mullo left too. Any reasonable course of action that he had possibly considered to assist in destroying the creature fled from his mind as he was struck with an incredible, unshakeable grief. Things were not the same with Aloise in this timeline, and indeed by now they had separated, and he was in reality, dead. However, he had still seen the woman he loved, the person he held most dear at that point in his life, fall to the ground to die.

He saw as Eudora made her way over to Aloise, and soon enough he followed suit, listening as the witch uttered her spell, he reached down and took Aloise's other hand in his own. "Don't you fucking even think about dying, you asshole. Somebody's gotta help me get back to my time, and you still owe me from the vampire incident." Whether or not that was a debt properly repaid, Darren didn't care, he was focused on the woman before him, hoping beyond hope that this would not be her end.

---

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James Murphy

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Location: Coventry Circus Grounds
Interacting With: Everyone in the Circus Tent

---

The fact that the Mullo was so close to everyone was proving to be one of the most irritating circumstances of this evening. No shots or blades had managed to hit the target, and as it continued to dive between person to person, little could be done without the risk of hurting others. He heard the shouting between everyone, all pushing Folly to say the creature's name. He knew little of the creature, in fact, nothing, and didn't quite understand how it would work. He could see most standing around, waiting with weapons drawn for an opening, aside from the angel who began to wrench the mullo off.

James decided he was done standing around. Sliding his handgun into its holster, James lowered his shoulders, going for his best football charge possible as he ran forward, sprinting across the tent towards Seraphina and the Mullo as he reached out for its own neck. He had no idea if such a thing would work, the thing likely didn't even need to breathe, but he was relying more on his force than anything as he tried to force the Mullo off and pin it to the floor, if he could choke it or just pin it down away from everyone else, it would at least be something.

🦄 Deeper Than The Sands - Merged With T.S.

Harry Walsh

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Location: Gheit el Idda

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Even before Aziza motioned towards the bag, Harry had moved to retrieve it. Adjusting his slings somewhat, he hauled it over his shoulder along with his own bag, his rifle tucked nicely between them as well as he followed her out of the room and back down the stairs. Moving into the stall with her, he glanced around briefly, examining each of the horses before he set his gaze upon Dralh. He smiled as he looked the creature up and down, letting Aziza comfort and saddle it as he stared. Horses were something Harry had grown used to seeing during the war, but a creature as fine as this one was still a rarity, indeed - only the bedouins ever had horses as beautiful as Dralh was as far as Harry had recalled. All of Aziza's praise of the creature suddenly made an incredible degree of sense in his mind.

As Aziza mounted Dralh, Harry gave her a smile and nodded, carefully opening the gate and taking a step aside so Dralh could momentarily stretch his legs. He moved closer and ran a gentle hand along the side of the beasts' neck, speaking in a hushed, warm tone to him as he walked back outside with Aziza and Dralh, allowing the horse to get used to his voice briefly as he walked along. He knew horses well after all, and knew that it would be foolish to have taken Dralh's reigns to lead the creature, or to have disrespected it in any way. Horses were noble beasts, and they demanded respect.

When they returned to Roach, Harry took a moment to climb back up into his saddle, adjusting the reigns in his hands as he glanced over to Aziza with a smile. "Back to the barracks, then." He nodded, as if to confirm that there was nowhere else she planned to visit before they returned, though for now, he began to canter through the clearer streets, occasionally glancing back to ensure Aziza was close enough for conversation at the very least.

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William Drake

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Location: The Egyptian Museum

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William was somewhat surprised as Vera chose to remain against him, but it was not an unpleasant feeling. The small, miniscule part of his conscience that tried to ensure he held himself with some modicum of respect assured him that it would be best to help her stand up straight, even if she made no effort to himself. Yet, a far stronger part of his heart had no desire to. He welcomed the closeness the two of them had then, even with the tension that still kept them separated by a miles' length. His expression made no change as she spoke originally, it had been the answer he expected, even if he knew she was not talking about a sore ankle or a bruise, but something far more complicated.

As she asked her question, William sighed. There were times he had been on a dig, locked in the darkness of an ancient ruin, puzzled by some ancient riddle or puzzle which kept him locked away from some great secret or treasure. He would sit for hours, days, even weeks, perplexed and entranced by this riddle. At that moment he realized that Vera had been such a riddle, yet there was no treasure in it, she was not a prize, as she insisted he viewed her. And in fact he knew that this was why he was drawn to her, Vera was an engima, a puzzle and a mystery which defied explanation in all ways men can conceive. "Because I don't want to pretend anymore." The answer came from his lips, but it was not anything he had thought to say. It came from the soul, and even had he attempted to stop it, there would have been no luck. His eyes remained locked on her, his hands still holding her as she stood against him, silence filling the room aside from the two of them, as he waited for her response.