Qia

Nocturnal Memoirs: An Urban-Fantasy Mafia Epic

Probably taking Highfair

Nocturnal Memoirs: An Urban-Fantasy Mafia Epic (Cops and Robbers)

<Snipped quote by Qia>

Salutations once again, Qia. I didn't recognize you at first, your profile picture has changed.

<Snipped quote by Estylwen>

Goodie. Four is a lovely number. I hope Nocturnia and you receive even more interest. :)

@The Savant

Yes I do that sometimes hehe :p

Nocturnal Memoirs: An Urban-Fantasy Mafia Epic (Cops and Robbers)

@The Savant omg 😲 yayy

Nocturnal Memoirs: An Urban-Fantasy Mafia Epic (Cops and Robbers)

Count me in as well :)

Realms of Sun & Shadow

_{Interactions/Mentions: @c3p-0h Amaya, @The Muse Kira}

---

The way the woman tossed her name around was incredibly disturbing because, for the life of her, Elara could not recall who she was. It was like she was naming a casual acquaintance instead of someone the handmaiden hardly knew—no friendly greeting or ounce of respect in her tone, just the flat, offhand mention of “Elara” as if they shared years of inside jokes and secrets.

But this was no Amaya at all.

Elara's mind raced, grappling with the possibility that this could be a ghost from her past, someone who had slipped through the cracks of her memory, maybe someone she’d unknowingly buried deep down.

“I—” she started, her voice wavering as she sensed the woman's unsettling gaze darting past her, peering into the depths of her home. The mention of blood sent a cold wave over her, and she blurted, “Everything’s fine,” far too quickly, the words tumbling out before she could think. Despite her calm facade, her hands gripped the edge of the door frame with a tension that betrayed her, as if she were bracing herself against an unseen force pushing her back. “I’m...seeing to the Princess myself.”

The woman’s gaze latched onto Elara's like a hawk zeroing in on its prey, an intense scrutiny that made Elara feel utterly exposed as if the very fabric of her being was laid bare for some kind of ruthless examination. The sensation was almost overwhelming, like every heartbeat and shudder of breath was being documented and scrutinized, leaving Elara struggling to maintain her composure under that burning intensity.

“Thank you for the offer,” the handmaiden managed to say after a moment's hesitation. “But I have it under control.” Yet something in her couldn’t look away from those fiery eyes. There was pain there, barely concealed beneath the surface, intertwined with something darker that she couldn’t place.

“Do I...know you?” The question tumbled out before she could rein it in, her tone soft and almost sheepish, like she was afraid of how bold she sounded. “ It is only…you just seem….” Her voice carried a cautious hope as it trailed off, though the pit in her stomach warned her not to wish too hard for an answer she might not want to hear.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

_{Interactions/Mentions: @c3p-0h Amaya, @The Muse Kira}

---

The knock at the door sliced through the silence that had wrapped around the cottage, a jarring intrusion that instantly made Elara’s heart race. It was such an unexpected sound, such an unwelcome one, that shattered the bit of tranquility she’d built up like a dropped glass. Who on earth would dare to knock on her door, while most of the village was gathered at the morning feast, blissfully unaware of everything that had just occurred? The unsettling thought crept into her mind before she could push it away: could this be more than just a random visit?

They weren’t followed…were they?

Gritting her teeth, Elara dared a quick glance at Amaya sprawled comfortably by the fire, her face aglow with its warmth. Then, taking a deep breath to steady her racing thoughts, she steeled herself and made her way over to the door, half-dreading what lay beyond it and half-hoping that it was some form of help for them. With every cautious step, heat radiated from the crackling fire, yet a chill coursed through her veins. As she reached for the door handle, the cold wood sent a sharp jolt through her fingers, sparking nerves in her belly. Yet, with a gentle push, the door creaked open, her heart gradually finding a steadier rhythm as she finally spotted the figure waiting outside—not a beast or a threat, but a person.

The figure stood motionless just beyond the threshold, framed by the silvery moonlight spilling through the trees. At first glance, it seemed as though a stranger had found their way to her doorstep—a tall, wiry woman whose hooded cloak did little to hide the tension in her stance. Yet something about her felt...off. The stillness of her body was unnatural, predatory, as if every muscle was poised for movement while also unnervingly still.

Elara’s gaze drifted across the woman, each detail sinking in as if she were savoring every bit of the scene. Her angular features were nothing short of captivating, framed by a cascade of ashen hair that flirted with shades of red—like the glowing coals of a fire just before they die out, subtly shifting in the dim light of the moon. Her skin held a ghostly pallor, pale as it was nearly translucent, with a sickly undertone that reminded Elara of delicate porcelain left to brave the frosty embrace of winter too long. It was eerie yet oddly beautiful, and for a moment, she felt a strange urge to reach out and touch it, as if she could confirm the authenticity of such an otherworldly presence.

But it was those eyes that truly captured Elara’s attention. They were deep and haunting, pulling her in with an intensity that felt almost like déjà vu.

The woman shifted ever so slightly, a nervous energy radiating off her that Elara could almost feel in the air. Her jaw was tense, locked, as if she was holding back words or thoughts that were desperate to spill out. And those fists—clenching and unclenching in a steady rhythm—told a story of their own, hinting at some kind of internal struggle that Elara could only speculate about. It made her curious, almost wanting to find out what was really going on behind that intense facade, but she held off, sensing that some battles were meant to be fought alone.

Instead, Elara choked back her nervousness, tucking a rebellious strand of hair behind her ear, hoping the gesture would buy her a second to gather her thoughts. She cleared her throat and finally mustered up the courage to speak.

“Can I help you?”

Realms of Sun & Shadow

_{Interactions:@PrinceAlexus Sya}

---

Sya’s confession about being tipsy came out with such genuine honesty that it caught Orion off guard, and he couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at her bold declaration. Still, as Sya looped her smaller arm through his, he shifted his weight just a tad, making sure he was solid enough to support her without either of them toppling over.

“I’ll be careful,” the blightborn man reassured his companion, his voice taking on a gentler note. As the corners of his lips threatened to betray him with a smirk, he added, “Though I believe your dear Becky has likely granted you her forgiveness long ago for your little escapade. If not, well, perhaps she is simply biding her time.” There was a warmth in his gaze as he watched her, hoping to see a bit of laughter in return. Yet, it wasn’t long before that warmth dimmed, replaced by the weight of her sudden change in mood.

The tear sliding from Sya’s single, large blue eye reflected in the moonlight, and Orion felt a pang of empathy as she spoke of old memories and long-lost happiness. The way her voice faltered when she asked, “Will we be happy again?” left him a little perplexed and unable to answer immediately. Could any of them truly hope for happiness after all they had endured? After what they had become?

“I think… happiness isn't just something we stumble upon randomly,” Orion finally said, shifting the weight of his thoughts into words. “It's more like...a game of chess. Victory we achieve with the right steps taken. And honestly, Sya, you’ve already made some strong moves. Just look at The Eye and the way you're nurturing that community—it’s definitely something noteworthy.” He looked down at her, the corners of his mouth curling up as his gaze softened. “I get that it might not seem like much at the moment, but believe me, it’s way more significant than what a lot of folks can even claim for themselves in these times.”

Sya’s giggle then lightened the mood, and his worries, as she shifted topics with the fluidity only wine could provide. Her jest about his bedtime and her return to the “snake tower” elicited a quiet chuckle from him. “ I’d hate to keep the Prince waiting. He’s likely counting the hours until my return,” Then, he shook his head. “Well no..that’s not quite right. I imagine him to be quite busy trying to make a kinder world with this place. No small feat that.”

As they moved through the snow, Sya’s scales brushed against his leg when she stumbled slightly, but he steadied her with ease, his hand briefly resting on her arm to ensure she didn’t fall.

“Careful,” he murmured. “You’ve got me as your escort now, but let’s not give Becky another story to tell.”

Umbra: The Abyssal Connection

A

---

The desert stretched out endlessly, its vast, dry landscape slowly transitioning into a patchy scene of desolation, marked by a few scraggly trees standing on the horizon. These gnarled, weathered trunks reached towards the sky like ghostly fingers, longing for something just beyond their grasp. It was hard not to notice the handful of green leaves stubbornly clinging to life on some of the branches, like a small flicker of hope in the harsh environment. As Inu soared lower, A caught sight of a massive, triangle-shaped structure appearing out of the haze, its angular silhouette stark against the pale, dusty canvas of the sky. The building itself was a strange sight, a jarring blend of concrete and sleek glass that seemed almost too polished and sophisticated for the gritty backdrop of the surrounding wasteland.

A’s lips pressed together.

Who would even think to build something like this out here in the middle of nowhere? The amount of resources that must’ve gone into constructing such a place had to be mind-boggling. It made her head spin trying to wrap her brain around the sheer audacity of it all, and for a moment, she was left with more questions than possible answers.

Regardless, the moment the dragon touched down and the armed guards emerged, forming a relaxed perimeter around them, a prickle descended A's spine, making her hyper-aware of every subtle shift in the air around her. She kept close to VV as the guards approached, her attention snapping to the stretcher being brought for Wren. She watched as his limp form was transferred carefully before Le Frey spoke up.

“Best not to keep ‘em waiting,” he chimed in. “This won’t take long.”

A doubted that.

---

The walk into the building was uneventful, A staying silent though her heart pounded against her ribs. When the double doors slid open, the lab beyond confirmed everything she’d been dreading.

This was likely to be a very unfun and unwanted trip down memory lane for her.

Inside, the white room was lined with rows upon rows of gurneys. Ancient machines surrounded them, their metal frames buzzing softly. The rhythmic hum of the equipment mixed unpleasantly with the hurried steps of scientists in white coats, who scuttled about like human pinballs, immersed in their own urgent conversations. A million snippets of jargon floated through the air, blending into an unintelligible noise that heightened her sense of anxiety. But right in the thick of it all was General Solen, standing like a statue yet effortlessly drawing the eye as he engaged in serious discourse with a nearby researcher.

A’s stomach twisted when his gaze finally fell on her and VV.

”My sincere apologies for bringing you out here,” he began. “My name is General Solen. I’m aware that you two,” his sharp eyes flicked between her and VV, “are from Above, yes?”

A met his gaze without saying a word.

“We will need to run some tests in light of some… information we received,” Solen continued. “Your cooperation is appreciated as we ensure the safety of Dust as a whole.” The way he said it felt like an assurance but landed more like a threat. A could sense that the tests were not just routine; they were probably veiled in suspicion and distrust, all directed at her and VV specifically.

As the scientist stepped closer, A’s body went rigid, a reflexive instinct to take a step back almost taking over. The woman radiated cheerfulness, with a bright smile that could easily warm the chilliest of hearts. But despite that sunny exterior, the redhead could feel a wave of suspicion creeping in, making her want to question everything.

“Hi there, my name is Doctor Willfreed,” the scientist chirped, her tone light and quick as though this were all perfectly routine. She reached for A’s hand. “I’ll be looking after you today. Now, tell me, have you been feeling any pain, anything abnormal since falling from the sky?”

“No, I’m fine,” A shot back, her tone a bit rougher than she really meant it to be. It was like a reflex, snapping at the question before really thinking it through. Deep down, she was pretty sure her feelings were more tangled up in her powers than anything going on around her right now. After all, this place was strange enough without throwing in her own complicated and mostly unknown baggage.

A watched, unable to take her eyes off VV as she was escorted to a nearby gurney. It felt so surreal, seeing someone she had shared conversations with now being rolled away for who-knows-what, and all A could think about was how desperately she wanted to ask VV what to do next.

“Is…am I supposed to feel something?” A finally managed to whisper to the scientist, her voice barely rising above the sounds of the facility. A flush of embarrassment washed over her, making her feel small and silly for even voicing the question, as if everyone else in the room already had their emotions neatly figured out.

How was she supposed to process all this?

It felt like she was trapped in a twisted game, being experimented on in the Above, shipped over to this grim place, and witnessing the unravelling of those she had bonded with one by one—all while feeling powerless to change anything.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

_{Interactions/Mentions:@The Muse Kira, @PrinceAlexus Sya}

---

As Sya turned her attention to him, Orion noted the subtle shift in her compared to times before when he’d seen her. Despite her obvious tipsiness, or perhaps because of it, the genuine honesty in her actions made her seem more human in her blightborn form than most humans he had ever known. When she stuttered, struggling to articulate her thoughts, the conflict in her voice was unmistakable.

“I…” she began, her uncertainty palpable. “I probably should go back. I have to face it, I cannot run away.”

Orion inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment of her words. He understood all too well the burden of responsibilities that couldn’t be shirked, no matter how heavy they became. For a moment, he debated offering some reassurance. But he stopped himself—Sya wasn’t asking for platitudes; she was working through it in her own way, as they all did.

The blightborn man couldn’t help but crack a faint smirk at her quirky phrase. It was so unpretentious and straightforward. “I’ll try not to be,” he replied, his tone even but not without warmth.

As Sya started to rise from her spot, it was like watching a dance that had hit a slight snag. Each movement was a mix of fluid grace and a bit of wobble, a clear sign that the drinks had done their job, and a good one at that. Orion, with his keen eyes, tracked her every subtle shift, taking in the way she moved with an effortless charm that somehow made her clumsiness almost cute. It was fascinating to see how, even while teetering a bit here and there, there was an undeniable elegance about the woman—like she was a creature that had found a way to blend all her attained oddities into something beautiful.

When Sya finally reached the bank, the scene turned almost comical as she tried to put on her clothes. Her fingers fumbled with the buttons, looking like she was battling against the fabric rather than simply dressing herself, and something was endearing about her struggle. Orion couldn’t help but let out a soft exhale at the sight—not quite a sigh, nor was it a chuckle; it was that middle ground where amusement and light affection lurked. As she wrestled with the knife strap, nearly dropping it a couple of times, he felt a warmth in his chest because, despite her awkwardness, she was owning every moment of it.

Orion himself stretched out his legs, feeling the last bits of warmth from the steaming spring slip away like an old friend saying goodbye. The steam had wrapped around him like a soft, fluffy blanket, coaxing him into a state of utter relaxation that he was now reluctantly shaking off. He glanced at his boots, a bit scuffed and worn from all the wild adventures he'd thrown them into, but still as sturdy as ever. As he eased his feet back into them, he couldn’t help but pause for a moment, soaking in the last remnants of that cozy atmosphere, almost convinced that the springs had put some kind of magic spell on him that made breaking away feel like a crime.

With a decisive tug, Orion finished lacing up his boots and stood tall, brushing off the lingering steam like he was shaking off a dream he didn’t want to end. His crimson gaze instinctively darted toward the stairs Kira had vanished down just moments ago, the unease in his gut growing tighter as he stared. That little crease forming between his brows was a telltale sign that something wasn’t sitting right with him. He held onto that fleeting moment a bit longer than he probably should have, scanning the empty steps as if waiting for her to reappear. Finally, he drew his attention back to Sya, reminding himself that the larger issue at hand was the unsteady woman in front of him.

With a hesitant smile, he cleared his throat trying to lighten the mood. “Do you…require assistance?” he inquired. “The prince may already be at the inn for the festivities, and if my further company isn't a bother…” He allowed his voice to trail off, the message clear.

Umbra: The Abyssal Connection

A

_{Interactions/Mentions: VV-@Estylwen}

---

The sight of the Ravager collapsing under her attack sent a jolt of grim satisfaction through A, but there was no time to dwell on it. His agonized whimper, a haunting sound of defeat, was nearly drowned out by the relentless staccato of gunfire—twelve shots erupting in rapid succession. She flinched instinctively, the sound too loud, too close.

“Die, you black heart!” one of the Ravagers spat, venom lacing his words as if poison dripped from his tongue.

A’s jaw clenched, her teeth grinding together as the insult registered. But before she could react, the battlefield shifted again. VV’s power erupted like a tidal wave of shadow that swallowed the Ravagers in a living void. The inky mass moved with a serpentine grace, curling and coiling as though it had a will of its own. A shiver crawled up her spine at the sight, the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end. She’d seen VV’s power before, but its cold, alien quality always left her unnerved, a primal instinct warning her that it was something unnatural.

The irony, however, was not lost on her.

“That was awesome,” VV said then. “But we really gotta get outta here.”

A, her face pale and drawn, didn’t need any further persuasion. “I know,” she replied hoarsely, pressing a trembling hand to her temple to feel the relentless needle of pain embedded deep behind her eyes. Her head still throbbed slightly from her earlier attack, but there was no time to stop.

Summoning her strength, her muscles reluctantly obeyed as she stumbled forward toward the great dragon. The faint smell of scorched wood and the coppery tang of blood hung heavy in the air, every step a fight against the exhaustion threatening to drag her down. A cast a fleeting glance back, her eyes locking onto the forms of the Ravagers beginning to stir, their heads rising as they awoke to realize that the immediate peril had momentarily passed.

There was no time to spare.

A quickened her pace, her heart pounding in rhythm with the frantic rush of her breaths. As the two reached the dragon, the sheer size of it stole her breath for a moment, its emerald scales gleaming with an almost unnatural brilliance. Hoisting herself onto the dragon’s expansive, scaly back, every muscle in her body protested, her movements stiff and jerky.

“Let’s get the hell out of here.”