Qia

Nocturnal Memoirs: An Urban-Fantasy Mafia Epic

Oh, I didn't say I don't like to have my characters suffer. It's my favourite part of writing as them haha. Just the actual killing if I get attached unless it makes sense/there's a good reason.

Nocturnal Memoirs: An Urban-Fantasy Mafia Epic

I...don't have the heart. I get attached :( Edit: @Estylwen I'll consider it then.

Nocturnal Memoirs: An Urban-Fantasy Mafia Epic

Hmm I might as well depending how the rp goes with just one character to manage. Don't wanna bite off more than I can chew.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

_{Interactions:@PrinceAlexus Sya}

---

Sya’s confused words created a calm look on Orion’s face, and the corners of his smile softened into a kinder expression. “Kira, an egg?” he asked again, both curious and entertained. “A hard shell, you say, protecting her yolk from bad spoons? You’ve got a way with metaphors, Sya.”

Not that he didn’t understand what she was trying to say.

Orion pondered the comparison, discovering a surprising understanding in Sya’s tipsy insight. Kira’s stoic exterior wasn’t unfamiliar to him; it was a shield forged from pain and necessity. He understood the layers she kept hidden—the soft, vulnerable core that feared exposure, much like anyone who had endured hardship. Protecting that fragile yolk, as Sya had put it, wasn’t just survival; it was self-preservation. Yet beneath that shell, he suspected, lay someone worth knowing.

He took a quick look at Sya, noticing how her large blue eye caught the soft light from the nearby fires. He couldn't help but wonder if she understood just how perceptive she could be, even when she had a bit too much to drink. After a brief pause, he spoke up, his tone reflective, “So, you mean she’s protecting herself,” he clarified.

“Protecting herself from the outside world, from other people, and perhaps even from her own feelings,” he added slowly. “But you’re suggesting that over time, she will learn to trust again and let her defences come down, allowing her heart to open. That’s... a strangely beautiful way to describe it, Sya.” He paused once again, his eyes wandering to the sparkling snow beneath his feet, this time lost in thought.

In the background, the town square hummed softly, filled with the joyful sounds of laughter and the comforting warmth of crackling fires, creating a pleasant contrast to the serene silence they were experiencing together. Orion found himself drawn back to their conversation, curious to delve deeper into his companion’s thoughts, but just as he was about to speak, Sya took him by surprise with her bold gesture.

He softly placed his fingers on the spot where Sya had kissed him, feeling a wave of emotions wash over him like a sudden storm. This gentle touch sparked memories of his past, a time he was still struggling to move away from. As he opened his mouth to speak, the words “I—” formed on his lips, but he hesitated, caught in a delicate dance between the sweetness of this moment and the weight of his recent heartbreak. His jaw clenched slightly, and his deep crimson eyes shone with a whirlpool of feelings he couldn’t fully understand, ultimately causing him to lower his hand back to his side as if waving a white flag amidst a battlefield of emotions.

His emotions were clearly deep and tangled as Sya suggested, like many layers stacked upon one another. As Orion carefully unwound her tail from his legs, his large hand inadvertently brushed against her smaller one. The instant of contact sent a tingling sensation through him, akin to a spark igniting the quiet night. Though the touch was fleeting, it felt like an unfathomable depth he hadn’t experienced in far too long.

Intimacy, even at this small degree, had become a stranger to him, wandering far away into the past and seemingly getting lost there. Orion caught himself lingering for just a moment too long before stepping back, creating a polite but unmistakable space between them. His crimson eyes softened as he studied his companion, a possible friend, a flicker of something tender crossing his face.

“It is not my desire nor inclination to…take advantage. So…there’s no need to be sorry, regardless,” Orion said softly, gesturing for her to continue while slipping his arm back into hers.

The two friends continued on their path, the lively noises of the town square fading behind them and replaced by the soothing embrace of the inn’s gentle light. The Eye of the Beholder rose ahead, its windows shining softly like fallen stars, casting a warm glow on the snow-covered ground, which sparkled as if sprinkled with diamonds. As they drew nearer, the sound of laughter and faint music seeped through the cracks in the heavy wooden doors, welcoming them back to the heart of the settlement. Orion glanced down at Sya, his expression touched with the faintest hint of a smile.

“Your tower awaits, Lady Sya. And do promise to have Becky look out for you for awhile till you're...better. Please.”

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Location: Eye of the Beholder

Interactions: None/Open

---

The room was small but warm, with a single bed and a narrow cot, the walls carrying the faint scent of wood smoke and age. Thalia Evercrest paced near the window, brushing her fingers along the frosty glass as she looked out over the snow-dusted rooftops of Dawnhaven. The distant hum of voices drifted up from downstairs, where the inn’s common room was alive with the sounds of laughter, clinking mugs, and the occasional burst of song. The celebration had started hours ago, marking some small victory over the harsh winter storm that had battered the settlement.

Her father sat in the chair by the fire, his broad frame sinking into the worn wood as he unlaced his boots. The golden light from the flames danced across his face, illuminating the sharp lines and gray streaks in his dark hair. He let out a low sigh, rubbing his hands together to chase the last traces of cold from his fingers. The single bed stood against one wall, barely large enough to be comfortable for a man his size, while the cot—little more than a stretch of fabric on a wooden frame—occupied the opposite corner. Thalia’s lips twitched in irritation every time her gaze landed on it.

Curled up on the floor near the fire, Lark, her loyal sheepdog, let out a soft snore. His shaggy coat rose and fell in rhythm with his breaths, the warmth of the hearth clearly lulling him into peaceful slumber. Thalia’s expression softened as her eyes rested on him. For all her grumbling about the conditions of the room, Lark’s presence was an undeniable comfort. She knelt for a moment, running a hand through his thick fur, which was still damp in patches from the journey. Lark stirred slightly, his tail thumping once before settling again.

As she stood, Thalia tweaked the hem of her long, thick coat, made from a durable wool that would keep her warm in harsh weather. Although its dark green colour was a humble choice, it was a discreet tribute to her elegant past. Beneath the coat, she wore practical yet cozy clothing, consisting of sturdy boots, a thick and warm sweater, and a soft scarf wrapped snugly around her neck. The scarf, with its pale hue and delicate embroidery, was a thoughtful gift from her mother before they departed - a small reminder of comfort and security for the challenging journey ahead.

“One bed,” she muttered, shaking her head as she turned away from the fire. “This is what they call hospitality? Might as well have pitched a damn tent in the snow.”

Her father's eyebrow arched upwards, a hint of amusement dancing on his face. “You'd find fault with the finest of places if something didn't meet your exacting standards,” he said, settling back in his chair with a soft groan. “You're as particular as a perfectionist when it comes to your surroundings.”

“A palace, at least, would offer some basic comforts,” she retorted, her tone playful but laced with annoyance. She wrapped her arms around herself, casting a disdainful glance at the single bed once more. “And don't even get me started on sleeping arrangements. You're taking that tiny cot, and I'm going to have to deal with a bad back just thinking about it.”

“Generous of you,” he replied dryly. “But I’ll manage. It’s not as if we’re staying forever.”

Thalia let out a subtle sigh, her annoyance mixing with a twinge of regret. She knew the innkeeper wasn't to blame for the shortages - after all, Dawnhaven was still recovering from the storm, with people packed into every available spot. The inn itself was a patchwork of fixes, its walls adorned with rickety windows and mismatched furniture that told the story of its rushed construction. Despite this, Thalia couldn't shake off her growing irritation. Everything about this place felt provisional, unstable - like one strong gust might send it all crashing down.

Her gaze lingered on the scarf for a moment before she adjusted it. It reminded her of her mother, left behind at the family’s diminished estate. The absence was a hollow thing, one she rarely acknowledged aloud. Her mother had claimed she was staying to recover from an illness—and to restore their name, working tirelessly to secure a match for Thalia now that Flynn was out of reach.

She suppressed a snort at the thought, her lips pressing into a thin line. As if a husband is what I need right now.

Her father’s voice broke the silence. “You should go down there and mingle,” he suggested. “People here aren’t just settlers—they’re your neighbours now. Best to make a few friends while we’re all still figuring out how to survive this place.”

Thalia raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical, but she didn't immediately respond to the invitation. While she was comfortable mingling with others - she could effortlessly work a room, making new acquaintances with ease - there was a particular kind of vulnerability that came with entering a social gathering where people might already be aware of her family's scandals. The thought of being the center of unwanted attention, with strangers forming opinions about her and her loved ones based on rumours and half-truths, made her feel somewhat anxious.

Her gaze drifted back to the window, feeling its chill even from where she stood. She could easily get lost in her frustration, waiting for her father to deal with the questions that would surely come from these strangers. Or, she could take a stand and go downstairs to face them head-on, showing that despite their family's fall from power, they hadn't lost their spirit.

A small, mischievous smile played on her lips. She knew she wasn't one to shy away from challenges.

After a moment's hesitation, Thalia made up her mind and spoke aloud: “I'll go down,” she said with a flourish.“But only because I'm curious to see if this party is as dull as the rest of this place.”

Her father chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “Just don’t scare them too much, dear.”

Thalia shot him a smirk over her shoulder. “I’ll do my best to leave a few of them standing. Can’t have the whole town cowering this early on, after all.”

As she opened the door, the lively sounds of the celebration spilled out, growing louder with each step. The soft glow of lanterns cast a warm ambiance, illuminating her path as she made her way downstairs. Her footsteps echoed softly on the worn wooden floors, the creaking of the old wood barely audible over the music and laughter.

The common room was a stark contrast to the quiet of their room. Settlers crowded around tables, their faces flushed from drink and warmth, their voices rising in bursts of laughter and song. The fire in the hearth roared, casting flickering light across the room. Thalia paused at the foot of the stairs, her hazel eyes scanning the crowd.

She took a deep breath, straightened her scarf, and stepped forward. If Dawnhaven was going to be her new home, she might as well start making herself known.

On her own terms.

Umbra: The Abyssal Connection

Hopefully, the direction I took things is ok :)

Umbra: The Abyssal Connection

A

---

A’s eyes remained locked on the 3D rendering of her heart. She couldn’t help but notice how the dark, pulsing shape seemed to throb with a life of its own, as if it were a separate entity that had taken up residence within her chest. The doctor's expository words added to her discomfort, and she couldn't shake the feeling that this vital organ, once hers alone, now belonged to someone or something else.

And yet, as quickly as it had swelled, the overwhelming worry began to dissipate. The feeling didn’t vanish entirely—it lingered, distant and muffled, as though her own emotions were being held at arm’s length.

“Much easier than Umbra, I'll tell ya what,” VV said then with a relaxed smile.

A looked away from the tablet, catching sight of her partner sitting up and moving with effortless ease. VV’s calm, composed demeanor stood in sharp contrast to A’s tense posture, which remained rigid despite the medication’s effects. She nodded faintly, but her lips refused to curl into anything resembling a real smile. Instead, the faintest twitch of acknowledgment crossed her face before she turned her attention elsewhere.

Val’s voice snapped her focus to the tense exchange between him and General Solen. Their conversation felt like a verbal sparring match, each demand and concession layered with unspoken stakes. The general’s begrudging promises of dignity and respect were undercut by his insistence on determining whether A and VV were threats. A’s jaw tightened, the sting of resentment flaring briefly before the medication muted it, tamping the fire down to a dull ember. Still, the proposal that they demonstrate their powers grated on her nerves, digging into the raw memories of being prodded, studied, and treated like an experiment.

Managing to hold herself together still, she forced her feet to follow as the group moved deeper into the facility. As they stepped into the vast courtyard, the rough gravel beneath A’s feet scraped against her boots. The vast open space was almost overwhelming, with not a single blade of grass or tree to provide any cover. Her eyes darted around, taking in every detail, as if searching for a potential escape route or a way to defend herself.

Le Frey’s voice broke the silence, his tone oddly cheerful. “Ah, my favourite place. Lots of sweat shed here.”

A barely registered his words, her attention snapping to the designated corners the general pointed out. VV, as usual, appeared completely unfazed. She moved with a casual confidence, her easy stance and faint smirk radiating the kind of assurance A envied.

“Not gonna be much of a fight,” VV said with a half-chuckle, her words light and teasing as she took a defensive position. “A can have me out flat in thirty seconds.”

The comment was meant to calm A down, but it had the opposite effect. Meanwhile, Doctor Willfreed approached with an air of excitement, her eyes shining with anticipation.

“Oh, how exciting. This will be the first time I’ll have seen a new type of subjugation in action.” Her hands clasped together, her gaze darting between A and VV with an intensity that bordered on eagerness. Perhaps a bit too much.

A struggled to muster a convincing smile, her lips curling up in a brief, half-hearted attempt at friendliness. As she made her way to the designated corner, the crunch of sand beneath her boots seemed to echo her stiff and awkward movements, as if her body was resisting the situation just as much as her mind was. She took a deep breath, trying to shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in her chest, and squared her shoulders in a futile attempt to appear more confident. Meanwhile, a faint buzzing sensation began to emanate from her fingers, a sign that her power was stirring in response to her nervous energy. With a sense of resignation, she opened her mouth to begin the proceedings.

“Alright. Let’s get this over with then.” As A spoke, the words came out surprisingly level, almost convincing even herself that she was in control. VV's heartbeat resonated within her, and A focused her energy on the rhythmic pulsations, attempting to harness the hum of her own power. However, it faltered and stuttered, refusing to respond to her efforts. The tension mounted as she gritted her teeth and pushed harder, sweat dripping down her forehead as her chest grew heavy with an aching intensity.

Just when it seemed like she was on the verge of collapse, the rhythm shifted - not VV's heartbeat, but her own.

A sudden, piercing ache shot through A’s temples, making her gasp for air as blood began to trickle from her nose. The metallic taste filled the back of her throat, leaving a bitter aftertaste, and she stumbled as her vision began to blur. The world started to spin, and she felt herself falling, her legs buckling beneath her as the warm sand rushed up to meet her face.

Nocturnal Memoirs: An Urban-Fantasy Mafia Epic

Nocturnal Memoirs: An Urban-Fantasy Mafia Epic

This is my first one so help is much appreciated

Nocturnal Memoirs: An Urban-Fantasy Mafia Epic

Me right now: