samreaper

Neo Genesis: Chronicles of Eberron

Race: Silver-Wolf Shifter
Class: Arcane Mystic
Location: Bar
Interactions: : @princess Phia [oso] Bastion @Funnyguy Malik (Miris) @Lava alckon @tae Meiyu
Mentions: Corin@potter Arya/Stella @DWGjay Tommy @Apex Sunburn Scratch and Val
Equipment:

Equipment List

🐾 Special Magic Item: A magically enchanted Haori garb of snow🐾white fabric made of a mix of various creature materials and what few rare magic crystals scrounged. It enables the haori’s internal temperature to be adjusted to keep the user at the optimal temperature within a feasible degree and minor elemental resistance of the basic 4 elements imbued.
🐾Oruna tribal moon bracelet: a charm bracelet made in pairs, sharing a deep bond. Those of the tribe share them with a close friend, cherished family member, or lifemate who holds a fanged tooth, one for each of those most trusted and loved.
🐾Small pouch holding emergency dried meat and any fresh fruit picked
🐾Small pouch of freshwater
🐾Sewing kit
🐾Small tool kit
🐾Small gold pouch
🐾A partially started personal journal
🐾A personal dear drawing hidden on his person
🐾Dark Crystal Shard-left Eye
🐾 Knitted fish hat gifted by Bastion

Attire:
Gold Balance: 47
Injuries:

The trek to meet at the ship had been a quiet one; now refreshed and with a warm meal that improved their dour moods, his in particular. With Phia at his side, the wolf moved, carrying a few boxes with simple meat dishes and sides of veggies and baked potatoes held in his left hand and a small sack filled with fresh fruits he brought along the way as light snacks for the group held gently in his right hand.

At times he checked on Arya and Tommy, keeping an eye out against any dangerous individuals as Tommy still seemed a bit shaken by the bath, though sweet Phia and Lady Arya ensured nothing but warm and kind comfort. Concern etched his eye, with guilt still lingering in his wake, and he had made a mental promise to talk with the scarred little one to make amends for his rashness in pressuring him.

It was not long before they had reached the port where their ship was waiting for them. A look of disdainful disgust appeared upon laying his eye on the rickety old rust bucket of a boat Prince Dane had so kindly offered the group, and he could only imagine the young prince laughing at them with this one last gift of insult.

The Mercy, A pitiful thing that looked ready to break apart from a light breeze, let alone any potential storm. A mercy they would even manage to set off, let alone reach the island, much to his disappointment with a shake of the head, though hardly unexpected; these pirates couldn’t be bothered to risk any of their actual ships. A flick of his ears, a twitch of the nose revealed faint sounds of footsteps from within, signs there was someone on the ship, but Beckett and his two cling-on stooges pulled his attention.

A soft scowling glower aimed at the despicably crude pirate as he spoke with a relishing mocking undertone and casual insults aimed at them. These hateful sorts held no such modicum of respect or manners, and they wanted nothing more than to be free of them and be on their way. And so opted to ignore them as he could, for any words would be wasted and be met with laughter.

A large box set by them was peculiar; the sounds of something shifting and moving around, almost as if it were afraid. A most unsettling and disturbing thought, and questions answered upon having the box tipped open to reveal a rather pitiful and sad-looking goblin who stood before them in naught but dirty rags.

His brows furrowed in a mix of anger and pity at these pirates' continued demonstrations of cruelty. Was this goblin meant to be their guide? And to have him shoved and lugged around in a box- such unnecessarily harsh treatment. Such a thing neither he nor any of the Oruna tribe would stand for; such mistreatment of an individual, and sweet Phia expectedly showed her pouting distaste of the whole debacle. A sentiment Menzai easily shared.

Then his ears flicked to the sound of wooden creaking, and he saw Bastion approach Trin, his metallic size proving too intimidating as the goblin tripped and fumbled in a small fit of panicked fumble.

His brow raised at the warforged's attempt at comforting the small, trembling mustached creature with a promise not to pulverize his bones. An odd sort of manner to ease Trin’s shaky fear of them.

Within seconds, sweet Phia had joined Bastion, trying to reassure Trin as well, only to add assurance to Bastion of keeping his bones together.

A wary sigh and a slight huff of amusement at their unorthodox attempts at comfort. Menzai approached slowly, stopping two steps further than his friends, not wishing to crowd the terrified goblin and risk another frightened jump scare.” Be at rest, Trin; no harm shall befall you or your bones long as you are with us, assuming you give us no reason to distrust you. And there will certainly be no more box transport for you.” A snarling glare directed at the pirates then shook his head as he shifted his hands to reach and procure an apple from the sack of fruits and held it out to Phia.” Here, sweet Phia; perhaps offering him something to eat may help. He must be quite hungry after being stuck and cramped in his horrid transport.” Better to let her handle things with Trin, with her more kind and delicate approach for now.

And with the mention of hungry, Menzai stepped his way over to Malik, offering him one of the meal box trays.” Here, Sir Malik. I thought it best that we all ate and kept our strength up; we will need everyone at their best against the island’s unknown danger.” A slight strain in his calm demeanor, still displeased by the tanned elf, but they needed to work together and hoped this was a start that they could get along, while he still had some things to say to the man.

Next, he would make towards Corin, offering him a tray as well.” Sir Corin, for you. And my thanks for your kindness towards sweet Phia. May we work together to deal with the island….and these pirates if the chance arises.” Whispering the last bit for the gem knight’s ears only.

Menzai gave a light bow of his head, then moved on, offering Lady Meiyu a boxed meal; whether she chose to accept it or not, it did not matter.” And for you, Lady Meiyu. Your presence here is appreciated even if you had little reason for doing so.” Said with a light bow of his head.

Just then, the sound of a screaming child pulled his attention towards the ship that nearly made him motion to jump into action, thinking a child was in danger. Only to halt quickly in his step upon seeing the male dark-elf nearby the little girl, who appeared freaked out about something dead on her feet. A testing sniff gave him the unpleasant scent of dead pests; relief settled him to see the girl was in no harm, though the fact she was here within a pirate’s den did not sit well.

Satisfied, though felt pity for the poor girl having to handle dirty things. Figures, this rusty ship had pest infestations.

Menzai rummaged for another apple and held it up for the dark elf to see before attempting to toss it over to him with a nod. Studying the two newcomers waiting on the ship with a curious eye. Had they been survivors from the ship as well? He pondered as he waited for the group to make their way off, and the sooner they got away from these wretched pirates, the better.

Though it gave him little comfort having to travel aboard such a paltry offering of mercy.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Kazumin’s Joyful Reunion

Kazumin Nagasa

Time: Evening
Location: Castle Ballroom- Starry night ball
Interactions: @Potter Olivia/Persephone,
Mentions: @princess King Edin,, Calbert, Charlotte, Marina, Anatasia @reusablesword Roman @silverspring Ariella, @remram Nolan, @citrusarms Stratya, Ambrose, @tae Thea, @HylianRose Nora, Nik @lava Alckon Drake, @Funnyguy Duke Lorenzo @oso Cassius

Mr. Kazoo, the skip meister

(image credited by princess/na)

---

The cowlick blonde had stood rooted in place as various hectic and insane things happened, the way King Edin barked at the gathered group to buzz off. Saved, if only by the lucky timing of royal dignitaries arriving soon. Yet, just as it seemed they were in the clear, Duke Lorenzo had chosen a different course of action.

It left Kazumin in a mixture of stunned awe and scared fretting at the way Lorenzo jumped with an aimed punch at the king of all people. The man moved with the fury of a father unable to withstand such slander and insults to their children. An act he wasn’t sure to applaud or disapprove of, if merely for what it would have meant had it gone through, but in the sheer nick of time a sudden arrival had caught the blow intended for that obnoxious slug face.

He was unsatisfied having to see Calbert’s face of all people, his hands slightly tensing around Olive, doubting she was none too pleased with this situation. Made worse by the fact it had to be Calby who stopped Lorenzo, hated but accepted it was the right choice in the end.

It soured his tongue listening to the man prattle niceties and seeing him so effective at it. And, damn, did the guy bulk up. Kazu gave a begrudging nod of respect; props on the gains and defusing the situation. Just seeing that smug bastard face of his rankled him, however; detesting what he’s done to Char and Cass. And making his sweet Percy’s face a criminal, nothing irked him more than anyone insulting or making her unhappy. .

He fumed with anger and concern as he watched Calby carry Lorenzo away. The idea of seeing that wonderfully brave man dragged by that viper did not sit well with him.

Still, a catastrophe was prevented; gods could only know the terror Edin might have let loose. His heart still pounding with a held breath of fear that he finally let loose with a relieved sigh, the warmth of Olive against him comforted and eased his discomfort.

Just then, Char had stepped down away from the chair Lorenzo had been only seconds ago; a look of impressed awe took his features, finally noticing the unexpectedly bold midnight blue dress she wore. There seemed to be a strange bit of spice to her he struggled to pin, but she looked like a gorgeous midnight sky. He gave an admiring nod, then glanced towards Cassius, his smile widening, seeing the way he stood protective of her the whole time. To think Calbert somehow disapproved of the beautiful pair.

“Come. We need to move somewhere beyond the King’s delicate line of sight.”

Kazu frowned as the bitterness in her voice did not go unnoticed; seeing his friends in such a dour mood after finally catching up with them brought out a sad huff from his chest. He gave a simple nod, thankful this whole ordeal ended with little issue, how close a spark got to setting off such an explosive disaster.

“ Whew…talk about a pretty perilous catastrophe we all narrowly avoided, heh…” An awkward chuckle as he turned, lowering his gaze to the lovely strawberry blonde beauty beside him; a nervous gasp as he quickly averted his eyes from her pretty face, nearly glimpsing those twinkling green jewels. A part of him warned not to look... at least not yet, even as his tummy rumbled softly with longing.

“ G-guess we should follow as Char suggested; I doubt any of us are in a good mood after that. And I hope you’re holding up well too, my strawberry prettypie.” He gulped with a cherry tinting of the cheeks, unsure if she would be ok with the nickname, a bashful smile on his lips.” Some food and drink should do just the trick, ay-”

Olivia’s cheeks burned at his comment. She avoided eye contact and bit her lip to keep from grinning ear-to-ear. She quickly followed after Lottie and Cassius to hide her grin and burning cheeks.

A sweet, musical melody-like giggle then reached his ears; the enchanting sound made the tip of his ears burn with ache for more. Her soft, pink lips moved; a darkening of the cheeks was called her sunflower skipmeister. Her words hardly registered after that as his mind nearly short-circuited; an intense fluttery warmth bubbled with him, and he could feel it quickly threatening to drown him with the urge to hug and nuzzle her.

It took all he had to stop the dopey smile fighting to overtake his flushed features while his legs nearly trembled. Feeling and fearing he was about to become a flustered mess, the blushing Kazu gave her a quick adoring squeeze.” Er..g-go on ahead, all this craziness has..has left me a bit befuddled so I’ll..need a minute.” He called out to her sweetly with a slight, giddy giggle in his voice.” Check on Char and Cass and enjoy some food. And I’ll be along shortly. It will help prep for our dance.” Kazu gulped with a playful smiling wink.

With a reluctant teeth-gritting nod, the anxious blonde peeled himself away from the leafy green nature goddess and gave a little awkward wave.

After she stepped away, he couldn’t help watching her depart with an admiring longing until he realized he was starting to stare and slapped himself, snapping him from the lovestruck stupor. Kazu spun around till the ball patrons were to his back. An antsy smack smack of his cheeks, the stings settled his trembling legs.” Phew…come on, Kaz, get it together…but..ugggh she called me her sunflower.” Pressing his hands against his flustered cheeks as his body slightly rocked in pure blissful delight and a muffled giggly bout.

His mind started to wander back to his talk with Char during lunch and quickly shook his head before such cuddling thoughts infested his mind again; it would send him over in his frantic, anxious state.

Trying to think of a distraction when his mind heard Olive’s precious giggling and felt a memory well up; a day he both detested and cherished. Again he tried smacking his cheek before he’d lose himself, but the rush of emotions spinning in him started to wash him away.

His hands prepared a clap-

Kazumin’s first day: Part 1

[Kazumin’s hoppy first day-]

A clap of hands as the teacher, Mrs. Merryweather, called out to the classroom of rambunctious young kids; they were ages varying by a few years apart. With the small, rundown old Barnhouse lacking much funding and space, multiple class groups had been put together in the small, worn room. Walls painted in fading, peeling beige-green, old drawings and arts-and-crafts covered portions of the walls as the children were rowdily playing at their old, rusting desks. Some missing portions of their tops. A few were etched deeply by pocketknives by some current and previous students. They could be heard rattling and squeaking now and then.

Mrs. Merryweather was standing at the side of her desk wearing a yellow polka-dotted white dress with her dark auburn hair rolled up into a bun. Her hands with yellow-painted nails rested impatiently at her hips as she studied the rowdy group with a disapproving glint of aqua blue eyes. Besides her, the old desk sat pitifully with cracked wood and a missing leg, propped up by a small bale of hay. Some paperwork and cheap pencils sat upon it, a mug holding various slightly wilting flowers and an apple with a missing bite gifted by some sweet, mindful kids.

Behind her rested the worn chalkboard, its edges chipped and broken off. Across it, written in big white chalk letters.

- Welcome back, little sunshines! Happy orientation day-

A typical cheesy, friendly quote the sweet, bright Merryweather would often put up each morning.

Feeling her patience had reached its limits with class meant to start three minutes ago. Again she clapped, more sharply.” Now now, class, settle down!” She called out sweetly with a raised voice just enough to be heard over the raucous laughter and playful chatter.

Within seconds, the class quieted to a near whisper, a few still muttering lowly between them, a lone cough, another sniffling their nose. Once things had settled down, Mrs. Merrywhether folded her hands together with a motherly smile.” There we are, much better. Hey, you best put that straw down, Asher! There will be no spitballs in my classroom!” She warned with a wagging, pointing finger, then a gentle throat-clearing cough.” Now I know you’re excited as I am to be back here with all you cuties, but we need to get class started. Before that, I have delightful news: we have a new student joining our class.” The woman beamed excitedly with a happy clap; she adored teaching kids, giving these less fortunate children a modicum of chance at learning, though their equipment and access to knowledge were frustratingly limited with worn and falling-apart books, with the nobility keeping most materials to themselves.

With a curious hum, she looked around till he spotted the two figures at the back of the room standing off to the side beside the double-wide barn door. She gave a beaming smile.” Ah, there you are. Little Kazumin Nagasa, won’t you please join me up here and introduce yourself?”

She gave an encouraging little clap, motioning to the trembling, shy blonde who stood, hiding behind his momma’s leg, face partially buried in her faded forest-green sundress.

A somewhat portly woman with dark brunette hair (the signature trait of the Nagasa family) curled into a neat braid that stopped midway down her back, stuck with sunflowers her precious son had picked for him along the way. She had bright, puffy rosy cheeks like bowls of sweet cherries and sugary pink lips curled into the happiest, prideful smile as her lilac blue eyes, swimming with motherly love, lowered to her hiding little boy

A playful tittering giggle, finding it adorable how Kazu, who had been so hyper and excited on the walk, was all bashfully shy all of a sudden. Slowly bending down so as not to give him a start, the darling mother placed the gentlest tender hand atop his messy blonde hair, giggling, feeling that ever-persisting cowlick tickling her palm.” There there, my precious Kazzypie, everything will be alright. Come out from hiding now, ok?” She spoke softly and adoringly, feeling Kazu shake his head in a shy, stubborn manner, bunching the fabric of her dress over his face.

With a tsk and a humming, placing of hands on her hips.” Now, my sweet Kazzypie, I thought you wanted to make a bunch of friends? Hop out of hiding and show them what we practiced, hm? They will love it, I’m sure.” Smiling as she leaned in and gave him a playful tickle, rustling the timid boy free of his hiding place.” Besides, you got Froppy with you; just be your fun self, ok, my precious sunflower?” She beamed, giving him a sugary peck on the forehead, eliciting a quiet giggling from the boy, the springy cowlick bouncing.

“ A-aye, ok Mama Naga,” Kazu responded in a meekly timid manner; amber chocolate brown eyes glimmered with a nervous, filmy sheen as the anxious six-year-old peered around his mother, sensing the eyes of the class on him. It made his freckled face flush, hating the focused attention; a part of him excited to hopefully meet and befriend them, however.

His hands rose, clutching an old, dented metal candy tin in front of his face. The tin had been sloppily painted a light green with crudely shaped frog legs and hands placed into its sides. And a silly smiling frog face was etched on its top.

After a long second of hesitating and a slight reassuring nudge at his back, the boy began walking with an almost awkward waddle, unable to muster the courage to do his usual upbeat skips. His well-worn hand-me-down overalls covered with dirt and a few holes sagged almost loosely on his thin, noodly frame. A size too big on the small child, though Kazu always enjoyed how unrestricted it felt.

Slowly making his way to the front, trembling beneath the following gazes, their eyes like arrows chasing him like a bullseye.

Upon reaching the front, he awkwardly turned and slid the rest of the way to Mrs. Merrywhether’s side, who gave a delighted clapping hum, nuzzling her hands to her cheeks, finding the little blonde adorable.” Hello there, Kazumin, and I see you have a cute friend with you. Would you like to introduce him and yourself to the class?” A soft pat of his shoulder as the boy gave a quick, rapid nod, still hiding his face behind Froppy.

His small free hand shakily lifted, offering the teacher a sunflower, which made Mrs. Merrywhether coo happily, taking the offered gift.” Aw, well aren’t you a sweet one. Thank you, Kazumin. Please, go on, no need to be scared.”

At first Kazumin simply stood there, peeking around his friend at the room full of children, a myriad of curious gazes and some eye-rolling tch at his timid slowness.

“ Um..um..hello…I’m..” He trailed off with a tensing, trembling gulp. Pressing his friend against his forehead as he peeked towards his mother with an uncertain sniffle.

She flashed him her most dazzling smile and gave a little go-on motion, mouthing You can do it, sweetie.

The way she assured and smiled so proudly at him brought his shaking legs to a stop. A comforting squeeze of Froppy, and he gulped; standing motionless, thinking over real quick what he practiced.

A tinny, upbeat hum and a light bounce of his knees, Kazu began bouncing and bending his knees, swaying side to side, moving like a dancing frog, and with a steadying inhale, pulled Froppy from his face, sporting a shy, cheeky, toothy grin; a missing upper right tooth stood starkly against his slightly tanned skin, dirt speckled his freckled cheeks.

“ ~ H-Hello hello! Nice to meetcha, my name’s Kazumin!~
-A hop to the left, a hop to the right-
Here’s my tinny friend froppy who sings with a ribbiting spin!
-A playful spinning twirl-
~Here to share a fun song with a sunny grin!~
-An arm uplifting hop, flashing a wide toothy smile-
~It’s swell to see ya, we hope you’d like to be our friend!~
-An energetic forward hop-
~On this fun new day we can hop together with a can-do win!~
-A wide-spread arm finishing ta-da with a metallic bouncing clink-

The boy finished his silly upbeat jingle, panting, holding his arms spread and Froppy aloft, anxiously waiting as the room remained silent. The kids were not exactly sure what to make of what just happened.

Then a voice spoke up rudely.” Ew, bet frog boy eats flies. Who’d want to see that bug-filled grin?!” The unseen boy shouted in mocking jeer, and like a lit dynamite, the room exploded with a loud, thunderous sardonic laughter.

Their mocking laughs left Kazu stumbling back and hiding his face, sniffling dejectedly, feeling stupid and foolish; a harsh pouting bite of his lips, ashamed of his smile. It took all his effort to keep from crying beneath the cruel laughing onslaught; something that was a joy to him now hurt and cut him deeply like jagged glass raining down on him.

A harsh attention-grabbing clap rang out as the teacher pressed her hand against her desk with a chiding tsk.” Enough of that. Kazumin put a lot of effort into this cute dance; there will be no more such rude laughter, understood.” She warned with a shake of her head before turning to the sniffling sad child and giving him a soft pat on the head.” Ignore that outburst, ok sweetie? Your dance was lovely, and I’m sure you'll make great friends before long. Now go on and take your seat.” The teacher gave a sad smile, pitying the poor thing experiencing such humiliation.

Unable to muster a word and fighting the urge to sprint out of the room, Kazu reluctantly made his way towards the desk. He wanted nothing more than to sit in the back and hide, but only the desk at the very front left row was vacant. A curse on his luck as he sat down, burying his head in his arms with Froppy; muffled whimpering sniffles could be heard.

A slow clap sounded as soon as Kazumin sat down. Behind him sat a girl with unkempt dirty blonde braided messily, lanky body frame, crooked teeth and nose wearing a bouse tucked loosely into trousers with dirty boots sat behind him. ”That was amazing!” She whispered to him enthusiastically. ”You made all that yourself? Wow!” She watched as the teacher began teaching and ignored her. ”You’ve gotta teach me that stuff one day!”

The sniffling blonde heard the clap, initially thinking it was to further mock him, making him bury deeper into his arms. Then he heard a whispered, unexpected praise that pulled him to lift his head just enough to peek back over his shoulder.” I..I..really?” He muttered shyly, barely a whisper with a tinting blush, as he saw and thought the person was a boy at first, the way she was dressed in boyish loose clothes similar to what he might wear. Then he saw the long blonde hair, unkempt like his, with a messy braid that reminded him of the golden wheatfields.

As he studied her face, Kazu couldn’t help but find the crooked nose cute, but that crooked, toothy smile made his cheeks redden, which only darkened with burning ears at the way she complimented him. His eyes widened with surprise that she’d wanted him to teach her and shifted Froppy up so she could see it, blushing bashfully.” U-um…Kazu says thank you.” The boy spoke through the tin frog, too shy to speak directly to the pretty girl who was strangely nice to him.” Froppy will..will happily teach ya, and..this froggy likes your pretty braided hair.” Kazu wanted to repay the compliments, but had little clue how to talk with girls and felt himself wincing, turning away with an awkward muffled groan.

”Seph would like the frog boy,” Asher muttered, and his gang and admirers laughed.

Persephone whipped around and glared at him. ”Need me to beat your ass again?” she snarled, not caring who heard her.

The mean voice from earlier made another snarky jab, frowning with a sniffle at the frog boy nickname. Only to jerk up a bit, shocked at the unashamed foul retort from the girl and the way she said it again? He blinked, wondering if this Seph actually fought and won at that? An impressed smile crossed his lips.

”Miss Persephone! Don’t make me suspend you again! Your mother won’t be happy.” The teacher snapped. Her impatience began blossoming once more.

Persephone rolled her eyes and patted Kazumin’s shoulder. Mrs. Merryweather stared the classroom down once more and then began teaching. Once her back was turned, Persephone whirled around once more and gave Asher and his gang the most menacing glare she could muster and made a “I’m watching you” motion with her hands. Asher returned the gesture. Then, once she ensured the teacher wasn’t looking, made a punching motion and turned back around.

Kazu flinched at the way the teacher spoke impatiently at Persephone (so that was her name) and frowned at the thought of her getting suspended because of him. It sounded like she got into scraps from time to time as well. She looked so tough and strong, refusing to back down with a harsh glare that reminded him of the terrifying look his momma got whenever he got bullied. Even now he could feel Mama Naga hiding the fiercest glare behind her sweet smiling eyes, and might have rushed to hug him. But she saw no need, seeing the blonde-haired sweetie having his back and almost awed how cute they were.

The pat to his shoulder had felt nice; why she seemed to protect this frog dork he had no clue. A part of him wanted to see her eyes, but he decided against it and turned back to his huddled arms holding Froppy.” D-did ya hear that, Froppy? She said we were amazing.” He whispered hushly to his metal friend with a faint, giddy blushing giggling.” And she can kick butt, isn’t she cool?” Nuzzling the tin to his forehead, hoping to be friends with her.

Class carried on then with little issues save for some jeering snickers and pointing in his direction, and some he noticed flinched and avoided looking at Persephone with fearful gazes, but Kazu ignored them. Just happy he might have made a friend, his legs kicking playfully under him as he quietly played with Froppy.

“ Alright, everyone. Class is dismissed. I do hope we will have fewer interruptions next time. That goes for you two, Asher, Miss Persephone.” She gave the two a reprimanding pointed look, then smiled warmly.” Have a wonderful day of sunny weather, my lovelies, until tomorrow!” She hummed, raising her hands with a-

[Part one End]

Clap Clap of his cheeks, finally jostling himself free of his reminiscing with a pained groan.” Nghn..I was such a dumb dork that day…darn it, Mama Naga.” He said with a small, annoyed puff of his cheeks, trying to be angry, but could never be mad at his dear mother, and it did help him meet Percy.

He’d never forget the way she smiled enthusiastically and protected him. It nearly made him swoon all over again. Shaking his head and tapping at the sides of his forehead.” Ack, stop it. We’re just friends, don’t let it get to your head.” He mouthed to himself, not wanting to mess up their friendship on a fruitless hope, his brows furrowed sadly.

Feeling that he had his composure under control, Kazu stood up, with some fixing adjustments to his suit and a nudging push of the hat settling it upon his head once more.” R-right. I’ve tarried long enough. Best not keep my friends waiting.” With a humming tug of his bowtie, the dapper-dressed blonde spun on his heels and began strolling his way with an upbeat swing of his arms and a bouncy pace, making the sunflowers atop his hat bounce as he went.

In doing so, he would take notice of several pairs of beautifully and handsomely dressed folks who had broken away in the midst of enjoying their dance or finishing it.

There was Sir Drake, in a nicely distinguished dark blue dress suit with golden-trimmed patterning, dancing with Lady Thea; he smiled at the way her dress matched his and how they embraced each other, lost in each other’s closeness. Reminded of the letter the man kindly sent him, how it eased some of the misery of this past week, knowing he and those at the tavern were ok. A need to thank him the next time he ran into him.

Then he spotted General Stratya, dressed in a black dress with gold lining decorations and fur shoulder midriff that made her look like a graceful knight dancing with a matching dressed knightly handsome dark-haired man he didn’t know. The woman had left him with mixed opinions, the way she tried to forbid Olive from using her gift; despite it and her exhaustion, Olive healed her hand and hoped the hand had no lingering pain. He was a bit angry, though understood the woman was simply doing her job and helped cover for them when she had no reason to. A soft smile curled his lips, happy to see the two enjoying their casual, disciplined dance.

And, ah! There was Sir Roman, a man hard to miss with the stylish and rather cool formal wear, dressed almost more like a soldier with the rich green fit lined with dark blue and a long matching green cloak that had him jealous, wanting to wear that; he had to admit. The armored pauldron upon his shoulder had a neatly detailed bird, a raven or a crow, perhaps. He beamed at the giant man; his kind gesture and permission to excuse himself were not forgotten; he hoped to amend with drinks and become good friends with the gentle gentleman.

It delighted him to see him dancing as well with a lovely lady garbed entirely in a vibrant ruby-red flowing dress matching the cute rosy cheeks and lips, leaving her dark brunette hair to contrast nicely with the aesthetic. Their size difference was amusingly cute and soft, and gentle Roman was with her.

A raise of the brow noticed the long, fluttering light purple dress Arialla wore, purple flowers decorated along parts of its fabric, and a matching flowery crown adorned her fire-red curly hair. He chuckled, thinking back to the silly and hyper drunk manner she had been at the tavern. A shame the invasion had to spoil the fun mood. She danced with another whose face he did not know, with a dark black suit lined with soft colored floral patterns. The way they danced almost appeared a bit clumsy, but the man danced with patience and smooth adjustments, avoiding stepping on each other as they circled with a fun, sweet closeness.

Kazu let his eyes roam across the room a little more, searching for a familiar bubbly princess, only to frown, failing to find her. He hoped to see her dancing joyously, as they had, though after what she went through this morning, he could hardly blame the poor being anything but in a festive mood. His fist clenched in great disdain and distaste towards King Edin; how he cruelly forced his daughter to endure such a hell, and doubted the fugly bastard made any attempt to comfort or care for her. Duke Lorenzo was a real father and man willing to let the world burn to protect his daughter, while Edin would rather burn his wife to protect his world. It nauseated and sickened him to his core that such a man sat on the throne.

Shaking his head with an agitated huff, detesting the rotten slug in his mouth as he caught sight of rich red wine hair folded into a neat bun. A curious raise of the brow, finding it felt familiar, with a brief warmth felt in his palm, though his poor view made it hard to get a good look. She wore a lovely black laced dress that accentuated and contrasted nicely with her soft pale skin and rich vibrant hair, dancing with a man garbed in an elegant white goldened buttoned shirt lined with golden intricate decorations, a dark-green decorated cloak draped and fluttered about his shoulder that made the fair pale skin stand out more, a peculiar light brown color he couldn’t name rustled gently.

As he watched the pair who appeared to have had a small stumble, let out a small, amused, and impressed chuckle at the way the guy expertly maneuvered into a smooth dance. A strange sadness that felt all too familiar lingered about him, but the woman brought a fun atmosphere that seemed to put him at ease; the sight helped rid him of the sourness on his tongue.
Both looked like someone he would most like to befriend soon.

Having gotten his fill of checking the dance floor, each pair making his heart swim at all the sweet and romantic moments, a brief window into such flourishing bonds and love. It made his swelling heart grow more and more envious to feel Olive’s hands in his.

A satisfied huff of his nose as the blonde turned his anxious gaze towards the table where his friends sat. There, he saw Cassius fixing Char’s laces, making him smile warmly, thinking back to his breakfast talk with Char, which brought a reminding heat to his cheeks. The love in even the tiniest of acts was felt and adored; it gave him all the more reason to want to be close friends with him.

As Kazu observed the pair, he noticed a pair of glasses being slid over for them. His heart skipped even before looking to know whose hands they were. A caring and protective kindness he knew and witnessed all too well, and each time made him bounce with joy.

There you are!

His eyes roamed slowly along the leafy, forced-sleeved arm, a trace of the burn scar hinted beneath that made him ache with sadness, but he pushed on, unable to wait another second longer; expecting to see her smiling at him, but found himself coming to a momentary halt in his step. Standing in awe, the way she was smiling and blushing giddily at him stole the breath from his lungs.

How her face lit up like a vibrant strawberry blending with her luscious, silky strawberry blonde that almost glittered beneath the starlight, her leafy crown nestled atop it as her leafy dress rustled like the morning forest dappled with dew. It was as if gazing at the beauty of Mother Nature herself.

The way she looked at him, it didn’t feel like the gaze of an excited friend but more…

He gulped with a bite of his lip, a nervous hat-tilting of his head, trying to shield himself from the blinding gem, wondering if... could she really? Welled-up eyes blinked with a sharp gasp, suddenly remembering how to breathe. How long had it been since he could truly breathe again?

For so long, since she vanished, he had felt as if suffocating in darkness, trapped in an endless fiery nightmare.

Every time he blinked, he would see her bright smiling face.

Each time he inhaled, he’d smell her sweetly golden wheat and strawberry scent.

Whenever a breeze tickled his ears, her giggling chimed like a wondrous melody.

When he would reach out, the warmth of her hand was felt.

Kazu stood afraid, fearing this all a dream like all the lonely nights, that she would disappear were he to look; another hallucination that ripped his heart into smaller pieces with each passing day, until the sun in his smile had left him. And the stars lost their glowing brilliance as he hugged himself to sleep atop the roof, wishing to feel the embrace of her fingers in his, just once more.

Then she appeared, like magic, at that balcony that jarred him from his dark hell.

Time and time again, she always managed to show up when he needed her, when he felt his life forfeit since he lost her. Slowly, lifting his head, waking from a dream to see her still sitting there, gleefully happy to see him with a crooked smile that lit up the sky.

He had been content being friends; a silent, hopeless dream he pushed and buried deep bubbled and swam, breaking free from deep within his heart. He wanted to believe, to hope that the woman whose eyes stole his heart all those years ago shared in such feelings.

His heart pounded furiously like a crescendoing orchestra, sweat stained his pits ceaselessly as if her glowing presence burned like a gentle fire, much to his annoyance. Freckled cheeks flushed red as cherries taking in her adoring visage. A pull of his chest that had never stopped persisting since as long as he could remember pulled at him with the intensity of a sun.. A tug he no longer wanted to resist, to deny, and it took every ounce of effort to fight, peering into her eyes, fearing once he did he would not be able to escape, yet he was tired of running away, wanted nothing more than to run towards her, to hold her, to spin her around till she was lost in a childlike giggling fit.

Kazu gulped, swallowing the doubts that always held him back, and gave a dopey laugh and small finger-wiggling wave towards her with a side-tilting gush of his head. Raising a slick black dress shoe foot, he took the first step, feeling the ground begin to give way beneath him.

Kazu’s first day: Part 2

kazumin’s Perilous Quest

His beaten, worn sandals crunched against the dirt road beneath the child who hopped and skipped with a gleeful childish laugh. His small hands swung the metal tin froggy with a whoosh and a whee.” Ha-ah! We must jump away from Froppy; we must make haste for our quest. Mama Naga has great need for the bread!” Kazu giggled, hopping along.

The misery of the class now put behind him, he was now off on his way to the bakery. A task only he could handle, given by his mama, sensing him still upset at the classroom ordeal, had permitted him to get bread; a first to do so alone, as his prior trips were with her or an older sibling.

Nothing elated the boy more than getting to be helpful, to do things for others, and it was just the thing to uplift his spirit.” Kihehehehe we gonna get to enjoy Mama Naga’s yum soup when we get back! Think she will call us a good boy and give head pats?”

He stopped turning the tin, asking his friend who gave a ribbiting.” Aye! Soup and head pats for us!"

Kazu hummed delightledly, then tilted his head side to side in a silly pondering, a snap of the fingers.” Oh! Maybe she will let us bring Percy some soup tomorrow? Would be fun eating lunch with our new friend, aye?”

A croaking uplifting hop of his froggy friend.” Froppy agrees, sharing is much fun! We must skip along and quick!” Both nodded in agreement, a cherry tint to his giggling freckled cheeks.

With a hum, he carried on until he came upon a wide puddle still freshly laid; leaves and a few bugs sat atop its surface.

“ What ho? Look, Froppy! We happened upon a mighty pond. Think we might find treasure?”

“ Ack, but what about the quest?!” Froppy exclaimed with a disapproving croak.

“ Aww, just a little splash and dive then we can carry on.”

“ Hrm hrm, aye just a wee quick splashing is fine, let’s hop in!”

A jumping yippee as the pair hopped into the puddle with a playful splash, soaking the pants of his overalls, the puddle reaching nearly up to his knees as Kazu waded Froppy in the water.” Dive dive! Try to find treasure then a bugsy treat for my good Froppy kihehehehe.” He hummed carefree and unbothered at the watery mess he made.

A quiet rushing whirl came from behind, a harsh thud smacking the back of Kazu’s messy blonde head. His hand shot up to the spot with a pained.”Owwww! What?”

He turned around, still crouched in the puddle, rubbing the back of his head, seeing a rock clattering on the dirt road as sounds of vicious laughter rang out, three fingers pointing jeeringly at him.

“ Hah! Did you feel that, frog boy? What’s da matter? You gonna hop away to your mommy?” Asher’s voice called out with a mocking, cruel sneer as his two cronies, Jared and Kevin, laughed stupidly along with him.

“ H-hey! What was that for?” He winced at the mommy remark and shook his head as he held up Froppy with a proud little grin.” N-no, if ya must know. Me and Froppy are on a grand quest, and it doesn’t involve mean nasty trolls like you.” Pushing up his frog friend with a tongue sticking out mlem.

A derisive scoff while picking up another rock, lightly tossing it up above his palm with a snort.” Oh, a quest is it? Where’s da wittle baby froggy going? Bet it's off to your slimy swamp nest. Us nasty trolls will help get you hopping along then, get him!” Asher jeered in a mocking baby tone as he tossed his rock at him.

A flinching, teeth-gritting ow as it struck his shoulder, sending him falling back onto his butt in the puddle. Before he could react, more rocks were flung at him by the other two; one nicked his cheek, the other dinged off Froppy.” H-hey! Quit that!” He shouted with a whine.

“ What’s the matter, frog boy? Where’s all that jumping energy of yers go? Hop whittle froggy!” The bully jeered again as the three moved to grab more rocks.

A sniffling huff of his nose, Kazu glared at the trio, deciding to take their advice and sprang up onto his feet out of the puddle.” Hmph! Ya cheaters, I’ll show ya hopping!” The blonde challenged, seeing another rock fly towards him and at the last second ducked to the right, narrowly avoiding it.

Again, a rock flew, but being better prepared, Kazu dashed to the left, skimming past his shoulder, and another, but he bent and curved his body like a flexible noodle whirring past where his bendy arm was just prior.

As rocks flew, Kazu continued dodging and hopping like the slippery frog they taunted him as, all the while finding himself giggling and sticking his tongue at them, all the while Asher gradually got more agitated.” Quit wiggling around, you noodle frog freak!” He spat out with increasing anger.

As the next rock tossed by Jared flew, Kazu hopped and spun around, then bent forward, giving his butt a taunting wiggling slap at them.” Ha-ah! Ya missed me, buttface! Mleeeeem.” He teased in giggling jest, then jumped back up with a spinning twirl, hopping side to side with his raised frog.” Ya can’t get this slippery froggy and froppy. We can hop circles around ya, kiheheheheheh!” A tongue sticking, right eyelid tugging taunt.

Asher, his face burning red with embarrassed fury, grabbed a rock nearly as big as his palm and chucked it with aimed great force.

-Smack-

A fleshy smack, a crying yelp followed by a loud pained scream as the cowlicked blonde collapsed to his knees, Froppy tumbling to the ground with a soft metallic ting. Kazu knelt there with his damp, slightly muddy fingers clutching at his left eye, stinging horribly with an already swelling nasty bruise forcing the eye mostly shut.” Aaahh owwwwwie, n-no fairrrr…my eyeeeee.” The boy whimpered and sniffled with runny snot, trembling from the intense pain aching from his face.

A burst of wicked, gleeful laughter broke out from the three.” Hah! Nailed that cocky frog shit! Awwww, poor froggy gonna cry?” A mocking rub of his eyes mimicking tears as the three clapped and high-fived each other in cruel enjoyment.” Now you got the puffy eye matching that ugly frog face of yers.” Asher returned the taunting mlem with a pbbhting laugh while pointing at him.

“ S-stop it…it..its not funny….*sniffle* *whine* ya..ya caught me off-guard!” Kazu tried to rebuke the bullies, but it only made them laugh harder at his pitiful, weak plea.

“ Awwww…too bad! Now go hop to yer mommy, or next I’ll make the other eye match. Hmph, once we’re done here, we should find Seph; maybe we’ll make that muddy-haired bitch’s crooked nose match her precious frog boy’s eye, not like she can’t get any uglier!.” A sneering guffaw as he mimed a rock hitting his nose.

Kazu’s body tensed, his cowlick bounced rigidly, pulling his hands from his tear-spilling eyes as he felt his chest puffing with a sudden boiling rage; the pain of his eye went forgotten, overtaken by hot red fury the boy could not explain, but hearing the horrid jerk not only insult his new friend who had called him amazing and dared call her ugly?

His sniffling nose wrinkled like an angry dog as he hastily searched and picked up the largest rock, fitting neatly in his sweaty palm.” D-don’t talk about my friend like that!” Snarled Kazu with a contempt he had never felt before till this day, and with a wide winding, he chucked the rock with all his might with no real aim, just wanting to hit him.

-crack-

Pain howled out from Asher, who stumbled back a step with his dirty hands flying up to his nose, spewing a fresh bout of blood.” Gaaah! My fuckin nobe! Yuh Fukin shibheath hith mah nobe!” The wicked bully screamed out as his two friends moved to his sides trying to help, but he just shoved them away with a vicious snarl.

All the while, Kazu watched with a bit of guilt and impressed awe at how well he threw the rock, feeling pleased he managed to stand up for his friend and threw his arms up with a victorious cheer before he could stop himself.” Aye! Hah! Take that Assy! That’s what ya get for mocking my friend, buttface! Kihehehehe, now we’re even!” A smug chin-raising nod.

Hearing the eye-bruised little shit mock his name and cheer so stupidly brought a dangerous glowering glare to his eyes.” Even? Like hell we are!” He snorted, pushing the blood from his nostrils, clearing the pathways and nose-cleaning wipe of his arm.” Yer dead, you slimy frog shitstain. Jared, Kevin, hold him down. Time we taught this mouthy frog boy what happens when they run their trap!” He barked the order with a punch of his fist against his palm.

A shocked and panicked look overtook Kazu’s previous grinning, smug face as he waved his hands in a panic before him.” W-what? Wait, no..I..I didn’t mean..” He tried to plead while crawling back, but the two burly boys who were nearly twice his size were on him in seconds.

He flinched and cried out, feeling their rough hands grab and tug his arms in an upward, outstretched pose as Kevin, on the right, grabbed a handful of his blonde hair, forcibly holding his head back.

“ Hmph, that’s it. Hold him like that; I want to see his expression as I kick his teeth in, yer gonna regret fightin back dweeby frog boy.” He approached the pinned child with a threatening gait and repeated fist punching palms, when his foot thunked against the fallen frog tin.” Pfft, look at this dumb junk, like it was scrabbled together by a toddler. First I’ll deal with junky here, then you’re next, you wimpy little toad.” Asher goated as he gave a testing stomp, more to teasing torture, leaving a small dent on the tinny frog.

A frantic cry.” Nooo!” He wiggled and strained, trying to free himself to no avail; the grip on him was too strong, and he only felt it tighten with a bruising hold in his struggles.” No! Please! Leave Froppy alone *sniffle* beat me up, I don’t care just don’t hurt him!” The boy screamed pleading, having accepted the beating was unavoidable; hardly the first time.

But he couldn’t stand losing his only friend and flailed desperately, pulling his head free, leaving some tufts of hair behind, hardly feeling the pain; his fear of seeing Froppy crushed was all he could think about.

Persephone came tearing around the bend, nearly out of breath from hearing the sudden scream. She took in the scene quickly and acted fast.

”Leave him alone you dirtbag.” She snapped at Asher.

He laughed at her and ignored her, and raised his foot. Persephone’s fist collided with his face and knocked him backwards. She snatched Froppy from the ground and shoved it into Kazu’s hands and whirled around to face the boys holding Kazu down.

The terrified cowlicked blond sat stunned on his knees, flinching initially at the voice suddenly speaking out. Next thing he knew, he saw the fluttering messy blonde braid and Asher stumbling back with a fresh bout of blood spilling from his nose.

He blinked with confusion, having Froppy shoved against him as he lifted his head to see Percy scowling at the two brutes holding him down.

”Let him go.” They hesitated and stared at Asher for instructions. She didn't waste any time and kicked one of them in the groin and caused the other one to jump back before her foot collided with his knee. She pulled Kazu up.

Just then, her hair was pulled, forcing her to go with it, and onto the ground. Asher began kicking her frantically with the other boys and Seph cried out in pain. She glanced around and found a stick–she managed to grab it and smack the nearest boy with it. He cried out, giving her an opportunity to roll out of the way and back onto her feet.

Kazu could do little else but stand there on trembling legs which still felt numb from the shock and pain. He watched in stunned awe at the way she fought the bullies at him, hugging Froppy against his chest, wincing slightly at the groin shot, but found himself letting out a cheer.” w-wow…hey! S-stop that?!” The boy timidly barked out angrily at the cruel bullies ganging up on her and tried to rush over to help, but his legs refused to listen.

With a heavy nose huff, Kazu bent down, grabbed a rock, and flung it, hitting Jared at the back of his head. The jolting distraction gave Percy an opening.

With blood pouring out of her nose and a fat lip, Perspehone ignored the pain and glared at them. ”We can do this all night or you can go.” She snapped at them and picked up another stick. ”Don’t make me shove this where the sun doesn’t shine.”

The boys glowered at her. Asher hesitated, then took off with the other boys. Persephone huffed and sat down tiredly onto the ground and looked at Kazu. ”You two okay?”

The blonde glared at the fleeing trio and held up Froppy, making a rude gesture with its wooden arm at them.” That’s what y’all get, buttface cowards.” He spat at them with a cheeky mlem.

At the taunting words, Asher turned partially with an angry jerk of his head, aiming a venomous scowl at the pair still clutching his bleeding nose. A deadly glare that said this wasn’t over before turning to catch up after his cronies, his face red with rage and humiliation.

Once they were gone and out of view, Kazu let his body sag, hugging Froppy close, surprised at himself for saying such bold things. Inside, he was terrified and trembling and barely holding back tears, which only made the bruised eye sting more.

His head lifted up warily, hearing Percy asking if they were ok.” I..um..a-aye. We’re ok..t-thanks to you. I..that was..” He gulped, unsure where she came from or why she came to his defense, but he appreciated it immensely and thought it incredible the way she handled them.

Kazu lifted his lowered eyes to the messy blond-haired girl to see her sitting exhausted. Then his heart dropped with a woeful gasp at the sight of her bleeding nose and busted lip. Tears welled up in his eyes, hating the sight of her being hurt because of him.

Without thinking, Kazu had gently placed Froppy down on the ground, then with a testing jerk of his leg, had rushed over to her side.” Agh! Your cute nose! A-Are you ok?!” Kazu exclaimed in fretting panic as he gingerly reached down, cupping her cheeks.” I..I’m sorry..you got hurt…and it…its cause of me.” He frowned, feeling awful.

He sniffled guiltily, fighting back tears as he scrambled in his pocket till he found the napkin he kept on hand. Finding it partially damp from his tumble in the puddle, brushing his misgivings aside.” H-here, let me.” It was the least he could do after she saved him and his friend.

Gingerly, Kazu dabbed at her busted lip first, then carefully rubbed the blood from her nose.” T-there, hope it feels a little better. I-” The blonde, trying to think of how to comfort Percy, would catch a glimpse of her deep green eyes and found himself staring, the blood-stained cloth slipping from his fingers.

For a moment it almost felt as if he was falling; a strange, fluttering warm sensation bubbled in his tummy. A sensation that was foreign and almost scary, though he could not explain or put into words what it was he was feeling. Confusion etched his battered face, and for a moment he nearly smiled, but panic overtook his expression realizing what he was doing and quickly pulled his hands away.

The panicked Kazu stumbled back a few steps, face tinting.” S-sorry, I didn’t mean…I was just worried and…and…” Suddenly feeling stupid and sheepish about touching her face the way he did, it was his first time being that close to a girl.

Turning on his heels to rush over, picking up Froppy, he spun in place, holding the tin in front of his bashful face.” I..I didn’t mean to bother you like that…I um..should go ..finish my quest.” He started to turn, but caught himself biting his lip.” And…and Froppy wanted to say Thanks too…w-what you did to those bullies.” A shy nod, trying to get the words out and with a sobering airy huff of his nose.” What you did was... was amazing!” Kazu had whispered till the last word, which he shouted bashfully in Froppy’s voice.

Then, with an unintended frantic haste, the cowlicked blonde ran off down the dirt road, nearly stumbling and tripping a few times as he went. Struggling and grappling with what just happened, a part of him wanted to turn back as if something tugged at his back, though he felt nothing there; he could not help but hold a small, sad smile.

As he ran, his sandaled feet struck the ground with a-

[ Part 2: End]

Soft crunching thud against marble as Kazu blinked away the sentimental daze, befuddled at himself, wondering why these memories kept being dredged up. With the stressful and terrible morning and the near-scare with Edin and Lorenzo, he left feeling more shaken than he thought.

Yet, the sight of Olive sitting only a few steps away from him now made the discomfort that memory’s day wrought dissipate. She had always brought him comfort in a way none other save for Mama Naga and Char could, but she was different.

Special.

Shaking his head to shake off the drowsiness, he caught sight of Char now in the midst of a hug with that smooth maneuvering gentleman. He blinked in surprise as he saw the way she hugged him, similar to how she hugged him, and it brought a warm smile to his antsy lips.* Oh, is he friends with Char? All the more reason to be friends with him.* Kazu thought fondly, hoping to meet with the guy soon. Though seeing Cassius seeming a bit amorous at the sight of him, almost as if a bit impatient at the interruptions, made him chuckle a bit.

An impatience sentiment he shared with the man, figuring he was eager to dance with Char, which made him chuckle a bit as he gave the trio a bright, friendly wave with an apologetic nod.

Much as he wanted to introduce himself and check on Char, her friend seemed to have it covered, with Char’s mood improving much to his relief. He made a mental promise to talk with them soon, but his own impatience reached its limits.

A soft little thump to the front of his shoe pulled his attention forward. His eyes and face widened and lit up gleefully at the sight of Olive sitting before him. For a moment he paused with a nervous gulp; his shaking right hand started to reach towards his pocket, but he caught himself and decided against it.

Not yet, Kazu thought with a dismissive head shake.

Instead, lifting his left hand to grip the brim edge of his hat and, with a gentlemanly lift of the hat, he bowed low, crossing his left arm across his chest.” Ah, my dear Olive. You look divinely lovely, as if the nature goddess herself has graced these halls with her leafy radiance.” He spoke with a genuine hum, delight in his every word.

Lifting his bowed head to look up at her with a wide, cheeky grin.” I do hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long, though I’m glad to see you enjoying the food. I’m disappointed I could not eat with you but…” Gazing up at her cute, blushing face, his belly rumbled with hunger.” The sight of your pretty, blushing face is a wondrous treat enough to fill me up.” A playful cheeky wink with a darkening of his freckled cheeks.

Kazu wanted nothing more than to ask to join her and eat before they danced, though he feared that if he did, he would not want to get back up.

No, he had a promise to keep; one that he couldn’t nor didn’t want to wait any longer.

“ Would you do me the honor of joining me in a dance?” The blonde asked, the springy cowlick bouncing joyfully as he gave a playful twirl of his right hand, plucking the largest sunflower saved just for her and held it aloft to her.” And for you, the prettiest sunflower for my sweet prettypie.” He offered with a small giddy kihehehehehe.

Then, with a curious blink, noticed a loose strawberry blonde hanging over her ear.” Oh, ya a loose strawberry strand there, allow me.” With a featherlight lift of his finger, he delicately tucked the strand behind her ear and took this chance to tuck the sunflower between her ear.” Aye, there we ar-”

Starlight green eyes glimmer, Kazu in falling awe

Kazu pulled his hand back only to find how close his face had been to hers. Before he could stop it, his amber chocolate eyes met those glimmering green pools of starlight.

All the peeking glances the two shared; Char’s words of the two stealing nervous glances.

Ba-bump

The way she always smiled at him, never made him feel dumb or ugly.

Ba-bump

How she came to his aid time and time again, even when he didn’t know her.

Ba-bump

How her face shone bright and warm as a strawberry, dazzled him like the star-lit night sky.

Ba-bump

How she would make him give chase in the golden fields, each day thriving to get closer to her side.

Ba-bump

How, since the moment she spoke to him, he longed to know and befriend her.

Ba-bump

How, since that day her eyes crossed his, had he felt like he was falling slowly, bit by bit, day by day, night by night.

Ba-bump

How she giggled like nature’s sweet melody made his heart bubble like a sunrise.

Ba-bump

How she carried herself proudly and fiercely, it made his chocolate eyes swoon like melting hot chocolate.

Ba-bump

How she carried and hid so much pain and sadness, it made him ache to help lift her shadowy shroud.

To show her she was not alone. That he would always come to her side through high or low. That he would carry her when things became too difficult.

The faint rustling thump of the hat dropping from his raised left hand; a gloved finger brushed at her heated cheek with an adoring soft touch.

A tender little sliding stroke, tickling her small chin, gingerly lifting her face to have her gaze at him, eyes boiling with love.” Hey there…” He said with a shy gulp. A nervous little lick of the lips to ease the dryness of his mouth, feeling his face slowly fall, inching towards her.

“ Are you ok, my cute sweetiepie? You gave me quite a scare the way you were stamping towards that vile slug king.” Biting his lip, momentary concern filled his eyes, but as he envisioned Olive stamping in reckless ferocity, it made his smile widen, picturing her punching that fat nose where Lorenzo nearly had.

Just as she had to Asher, how it made his heart roar.

How it frightened... and excited him to no end the way she always stepped up with fierce determination to protect innocents.

To protect her friends.

To protect…him, even when he never felt he deserved it, deserved her caring heart.

His melting eyes welled up with admiring awe.” But, damn, I can’t help but find your fierce, unbending tenacity…unbelievably hot.”

A voracious rumble of his tummy as his face sat inches from her, their nose almost touching.” And…I’m sorry…I lied….I’m…starving.” A slow inhale, her strawberry sweet scent tickling his nose with a fluttering rush in his drum-pounding chest.

Ba-bump

How last time, her face was filled with grief nearly breaking beneath the weight of her darkness, a kiss given in desperation, fearing losing her more than anything.

Not again. Never would he let her be alone, to view her as a weapon, a monster. Because her gift was nothing more than a miracle that those envious coveted and the ignorant fearful ostracized.

But to him, she was and always has been and always will be….

“ Gods….you’re magical.” He whispered with pure affection, unable to help himself.

No longer caring where he was, who saw or who knew, for all that mattered was he loved her.

And gently pressed his lips to her with the lightest, soft brushing touch. Just enough to feel the warmth, to sample a taste of those strawberry pink lips.

The world exploded around him into a starry galaxy, lost, adrift in the sky. The ball patrons turned to fireflies, each with their own dazzling color and soulful dance.

Before him sat the most dazzling, blinding sun that burned his lips. Pulled the air from his lungs and made his heart pound in exploding musical cacophony.
A kiss that lasted but for a moment, filled with all his affection and adoration, but for him it was an eternity. And gods, he was still hungry.

With a reluctant, happy sigh, Kazu pulled away just a little at first, his face burning as it had been near fire.” I..um…promise I won’t make this a habit…I just couldn’t…wait any longer.” A slightly guilty look in his swimming bright eyes and wide brimming toothy grin.

Yet he did not regret it.

A satisfied rumble in agreement.

Inevitable. Char’s voice echoed in his frazzled mind, nearing the verge of shortcircuiting.

Slowly, he pulled back, bending to pick up the hat, gave it a dusting pat, then nestled it atop his hat with a settling tap tap. An extending of his right hand towards her in anxious, excited waiting.” S-shall we..t-that is if you’re..still up for it?” Kazu tilted and turned his head in a nervous, bashful manner, his feet shifting and rubbing together shyly.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Kazumin Nagasa

Time: Evening
Location: Castle Ballroom- Starry night ball
Interactions: [@reusabblesword] Roman @authentictomb Sylvia @potter Persephone/Olivia
Mentions: @princess King Edin, Charlotte, @oso Cassius

Mr. Kazoo, the skip meister

(image credited by princess/na)

---

.“ARE YOU MAD?! Do you think I would ever entertain my daughter ever being with you?

The cowlicked blonde had been adrift in savoring the cupcake when the familiar voice of Duke Lorenzo had called out. His shouting words, the mention of Charlotte being with King Edin, caused him to cough and gag on the last bite; the mere idea of such insinuation nauseated him to his core.

He was forced to cover his mouth with his off hand while his other hand patted at his chest, attempting to dislodge his throat, but Lorenzo’s voice carried on with a fiery bluntness.

“A man who had his wife killed for all to see?! FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO SEE! “

The man’s directness in the face of the king pushed Kazu into a small, panicked coughing fit, having him turn away, unable to catch the rest of what the man said, but he heard enough to know that this could potentially lead to some very bad fallout. His heart skipped erratically with worry and rage at the thought of Edin so much as looking at her, and if he had enraged him, then he feared how Percy would react.

Such worries had only caused the coughing to worsen as his eyes scrambled for something to drink. In his desperate search, he caught notice of a passing servant and all but flailed his hand, waving to catch their attention.
A frantic wave that gave the servant a startled pause as they looked to the choking blonde man with an uncertain waryness. With a cautious step, they approached, offering the serving tray of drinks.

A relieved huff of his nose at the approaching servant, and he offered a silent thanks as his right hand shot out, grabbing the nearest glass and took a big gulp without checking what it was he had grabbed due to his desperate haste.

A shocked, gagged snort followed, having hoped for water, but felt the burning taste of liquor rush down his clogged throat. His eyes watered with confused disbelief.” Ugh, what is this…” He wheezed out, looking at the glass of sharp blue liquid, brows furrowing.” Of all the..a cocktail? Ya see a man choking and bring him- Gah! Doesn’t matter.” Kazu spoke through wheezes and gulps for air, deciding it didn’t matter since it got the job done.

In trying to catch his breath, Kazu returned his attention towards the king to spot Charlotte running towards Lorenzo, and his eyes widened.” Oh shit?!” The blonde exclaimed harshly under his breath in abject befuddlement and concern, and the surrounding crowd made it difficult to get a good view of what was fully going on.

Only a glimpse of his friend’s back had been enough to get him determined to move as he then quickly guzzled down the rest of the cocktail, feeling that he was gonna need the fire in his step as he placed the empty glass back on the tray.” Ahem, might be just what I needed after all, my thanks!” He uttered to the servant with an appreciative pat on the shoulder.

With his other hand reaching and pulling the napkin from his shirt collar, he turned back to Roman and Sylvia, wiping his face with a practiced gentleness.” And I must apologize to you two, my wondrous new friends. For it seems some dear friends of mine may have encountered some potential trouble, so I must depart. Woe as it pains me to cut our snacking chat short, know I much look forward to our plans..er….” His gaze sneaking back to the king's situation, where he could now see Cass was following not far behind Charlotte, causing him to let out a nervous gasp, which he tried to cover with an awkward chortle.” Feel free to seek me out soon, and we’ll figure out the details later, aye?!” He had spoken hurriedly, pressing the tips of his forefingers together, realizing how poorly he handled his composure, fearing them thinking him a spazzing weirdo.

But his time was short, and little time to explain as the situation with Lorenzo was worsening with each second and could explode at any moment. His face paled at the thought of how much worse that could be were Olive to reach the king, a thought that terrified and made him tremble; flashes of this morning stung his watered eyes.

He furiously blinked the dark images away as he gave a small lift of the hat and a nervous smile. Then the next Kazu had spun and practically sprinted off into the crowd, making his way towards the king’s throne.

After making his way into the crowd, however, Kazu recalled where he was and suppressed the urge to run or shove his way through, as he had no wish to be rude or cause any further trouble accidentally bumping into anyone, and certainly not such sensitive folks as these nobles were known to be.

With a reluctant muffled growl, he had slowed to a walk, but moved with a burning haste to his every step. Using his nimbleness, Kazu managed to weave, slide, and spin around any passerby he came upon, narrowly avoiding bumping or brushing any with an offered.” Pardon me.” Or an.” Excuse me!” With breathy huffs as he went.

At intervals where he could allow it, his attention would turn to the king and Lorenzo, who he saw being hugged by Char and Cass, who was now only a few steps behind. The sight brought a sharp, concerned inhale, scrabbling to make sense of what was going on, then shoved the thoughts aside as they would only slow him down.

Returning his focus to those around him, finding the effort to avoid stepping on feet or bumping shoulders tiring, but still the cowlicked blonde manuevered with an almost dancing gait, his long arms and legs seemingly wiggling widely, but there was aim and control to their path despite the franticness to his posture.

As he went, a woman wearing a glittering white dress had noticed his approach and jumped back with a gasp, spilling her own wine over herself. The surprised woman had Kazu come to a skidding stop with shame coloring his nervous eyes, and was about to search for a napkin as an apology, when his eyes peered around past the woman fretting and bemoaning about her ruined dress.

Her words fell on deaf ears, for his gaze had caught the familiar sight of strawberry blonde. His widened with a mixture of relief and fear at having found her…stamping her way towards the king.

His heart skipped erratically, feeling the dread in his chest worsen as he could sense the burning rage emanating from his best friend. He started to envision the burning bakery and shoved his eyes closed with a trembling sniff.” Please..no…not again…” He whispered to himself, a furious fervor spurred him on as he gave the wine-soaked woman a quick apologizing bow, then kicked off his heels to rush through the last stretch of the crowd, yet the woman, infuriated at the pitiful offering of apology made to grab at his arm demanding proper compensation, but with a skillful spin of his heels, he had spun his body, twisting his way around the woman narrowly slipping by the hand that aimed to deny him his way forward.

Spinning to a stop past the woman with a steadying hold of his hat to prevent it from flying off, then glanced back over his shoulder to give the stunned woman an apologetic tilt of the hat before regretting the mess his haste had caused her.

With the way nearly clear now, Kazu rushed into a near sprint to make his way through, where a small group of four nearly blocked the way. A gap opened, which he wasted no time moving for, his last hurdle just a few steps away; an unexpected turn of one of the individuals just as he reached them. With no time to stop this time and cursing his reckless rush, Kazu had little choice but to jump his way through or find himself tripping and stumbling into them. Holding his breath and a slight twirl of the body, he barely slipped through and landed on his left foot after two near-stumbling hops and came to a skidded halt with a faint thump of the hat tumbling down, his body outstretched nearly horizontally with his arms waving about trying to regain his balance.

For a moment, his body stood in place while ahead he could see the sideways figure of Olivia, only a few steps ahead of them, and further past her, the ominous form of King Edin, seen looming tall and foreboding with rage over the hugged Lorenzo, Cass standing at her back.

He gulped at the strange and uncertain situation before him; a flurry of feelings and thoughts threatened to envelop him. Yet, as he looked at Olive’s slender back, her vibrant green leafy dress fluttered like a giant, beautiful tree caught within a furious storm.

With an understanding nod, Kazu bent and reached to gingerly scoop up the hat, then casually slid to a standing pose; a dusting check of the hat ensuring the sunflowers were safe before softly placing it atop his head. A fixing tug of the hem of his shirt, a pull of the collar, all done nonchalantly as if all of what just transpired never happened.

A final fixing pull of his sleeves, Kazu began walking, each step carried a weighted purpose, his gait slow and purposeful, his gaze trembling in struggling emotions. Quietly, Kazu walked forward, ignoring the judging eyes, past the burning visage of Alibeth, a reminder that held him steadfast on what he intended to do.

5 steps away

He could not help but admire and adore the way she stood against any threat without fear, ready to jump to her friend's aid, no matter the opponent.

4 steps away

He felt and shared in her rage and disgust at the King, who stood falsely proud and in sham glory. How he wanted nothing more than to cheer her on; to see King Edin knocked from his throne, humbled

3 steps away

Fear gripped his heart with the realization of a missing queen’s presence, her chair gone. Saddened eyes, mournful of the way his beloved friend learned the cruel truth unprepared.

2 steps away

She walked with a fire barely contained, a fury that threatens to overwhelm and burn all away, a wickedness that aimed to make her fall, to turn her wondrous gift into the monster her parents and the world heartlessly saw her as.

1 step away

He stood, towering behind Olivia, reminded again of her small size, and yet she always stood so tall and unrelentingly herself. Refusing to take shit or stand any harm to those close to her..and yet be so gentle and kind; to others she was a dangerous fire, too hot-headed for her own good, to him she was a bright flame that soothed and comforted and only burned those deserving it.

And her fire, here, felt deserved but…but this was not back at home or the streets. Here, before the king, her ire could only spell doom for magic…for her.

He peered down at her hair, like fields of strawberries, both thankful and frustrated that he couldn’t see her face in this moment; afraid of how he might react were he to look into her eyes. A distraction he desired but could not afford, not now.

Right now, just being here and close had to be enough. Calming her down, stopping the dark rage, was all that mattered at this moment.

His gloved hands lifted hesitantly, unsure if it was right or ok to do so, here before everyone. A tinge of embarrassment touched his freckled cheeks as his hands gently moved until they felt gloved fingers grip her arms, and, with a delicate grip, he slowly lifted Olivia until her feet were just off the floor. He held her with a soft, caring, protective caress as memories of a lullaby tune filled his mind; one he thought to ignore, to forget, for they were painful, sad memories, but the song had held in his heart, had made enduring the darkness of the world bearable, one that he wished to share with her.

Then, resting his chin in her silky soft hair, feeling the warmth and sweet scent, and with it felt the world, his fears, his hesitations all melt away around him, with only the touch of Olive in his arms.

And softly, Kazu began to hum the lullaby for her, the words forgotten, a singing voice foreign and yet familiar, beautiful as a nightingale and comforting as a mother’s love. Losing himself in the lost memory, a dream shared

-On a cloudless night, the sky bloomed with a galaxy of stars. A lone maiden glided her way through the dark forest with a babe held close in a protective embrace of her arms, the moon glowing lusterous blue at her back, guiding her through the dark. She walked with bare feet, a red trail left in her wake and tears in her eyes; pain bore through her, yet she sang, a lullaby for her giggly child who peered up at her blurry face that had long left his mind, her words forgotten, but the emotion and love were felt, etched into his heart. The babe giggled, reaching for her night-black hair, swaying like twinkling stars, a babbling smile peering up at amber eyes bright and warming as the sun that shed rain, a sweet kiss of the cheek as she sang of dreams, a melody to keep the darkness away, to soothe the heart when feeling sad, to comfort when alone. A promise he would never be lost as long as he dreamt of smiles, of the stars that would always light the way, and the moon would always be with him. A dream to be shared even when it could not be remembered.-

With a quiet sigh, the memory faded away as if he had just awakened; the humming and soft rocking of their bodies slowly ebbed to a stop. Blinking away the welled-up tears, a nervous gulp as everything flowed back into view, and with a shaky exhale, Kazu gently placed her down, hoping he had calmed her down, though he was prepared to be smacked or laughed at. But it was worth it to keep from losing Olivia to this wicked kingdom that vilified magic, or to the dark flames that threatened to destroy the sweetest sunflower.

As he put her down, he did not move to pull away just yet, wanting to savor the caress of her hair just a moment longer. A chance he took to hide his words meant just for her.” It’s ok…Percy..it’l be ok. I know..I know you can't stand that slug bastard.” His hands briefly squeezed her arms in a steadying grip, a flash of this morning, the horrid stench of flesh, then a soft inhale of strawberries washed the disdain and anger away.” But not here..not like this..please.” Lightly shaking his head pleading, struggling to find what to say, his hands gave her arms a tender rub before letting them fall to his side.” …I know it's hard to hold it in, but I..we are here for you.” A momentary glance towards Char and Cass, grateful for the two being her friends.

“ For now, it’s best we hang back and let them handle it, but I promise you, the king, Calbert, and all those fuckers that have hurt you..hurt Char, will get their just desserts, the day you can be free will come.” He whispered through strained lips, uncertain if it was possible, but he would fight tooth and nail to find a way.

Then he gave a gentle, reassuring smile.” Once this settles down, we can all go back and eat together to fill our bellies and mood. And…maybe..maybe a dance too? How does that sound?” Kazu hesitated at the last bit, holding out hope that he managed to convince Olive to back down, difficult as it must be to let the king’s disgusting behaviour stand. A spark of his eye showed, though if he made any attempt or move on Charlotte, then all bets were off, but a conflict here was the last thing he wanted.

With an accepting sharp exhale of his nose, the cowlicked blonde reluctantly stepped back waiting for what his dear friend would do and turned his gaze to Duke Lorenzo, taking in the deep weariness and sadness that lurked in the man’s eyes; they held a deep hurt from a grave loss, though where he thought the man broken, a fire still burned buried beneath it all. And the source of it embraced him in a loving hug only a parent’s child could give.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Kazumin Nagasa

Time: Evening
Location: Castle Ballroom- Starry night ball
Interactions: @reusablesword Roman @authentictomb Sylvia
Mentions: @potter Persephone/Olivia, Elena @princess Marina, King Edin Charlotte, Calbert, Hafiz, Emil, Anastasia @oso Cassius @Lava Alckon Farim, Drake

Mr. Kazoo, the skip meister

(image credited by princess/na)

---

The interruption to find his friends had proven to be more needed than Kazu initially thought. Finding his feet burning from all the dancing and hopping he had just done, some of it he struggled to recall doing, as his body simply moved to a beat with his heart the instrument. And for a moment, he had been able to make himself forget the horrible events of this morning, where fun had taken him.

Only to be met with the thunderous laughter of King Edin, which left him wholly conflicted and added to the whirlpool of confusion and terrifying trauma that had been threatening to drown him this past year. He wanted to enjoy and take satisfaction in the fact that he could make the king of all people laugh so boisterously; the laughter appeared genuine, as if entertained, but there was an unsettling edge hinting at a more insidiousness behind the sound meant to demonstrate and express joy.

From him, it felt wrong and made him feel partially dirty having to dance for such a cruel and disgustingly unpleasant man. But he kept to heart that it was not for his sake, but for those suffering this suffocating dark cloud that the king and other nefarious individuals had blanketed the kingdom with.

A dour heaviness hung like a poisonous smog that had lessened within these halls. An effect he hoped his dancing had brought; a joyful respite, if even only for tonight; a fun night he intended to have shared with his friends, whether they be newly made like the lovely lady before him or Sir Roman, whom he feared had possibly ruined after a fumbled attempt at a joke to lighten the mood.

"We were simply discussing our favorite sweets presented at his ball."

A Delighted raise of the brow upon mention of sweets.” Sweets, you say?!” The cowlicked blonde momentarily turned his attention to the table previously obscured by Roman. A single whiff of cream and fruit had him nearly drooling with anticipation, his belly rumbling in agreement.

He returned his attention to the woman before him and was flashed with a sugary bright smile waiting for him. Seeing her in an uplifting mood and enjoying the flower brightened his once hesitant smile with a quick inspection revealing some cream stuck to her cheek.” It appears I’ve interjected upon snacking time, a most unfortunate, but also fortunate timing to be able to share such sweets with you, two delightful treats. And from the looks of how much you two have eaten, perhaps with fellow connoisseur of sweets?”

"Hmpf, I suppose I can forgive such a imposition on our very important discussion." A touched hand on his chest at the lady’s forgiving kindness, the smiling blonde prepared to bow, but paused at the way she gave an exaggerated motion, her tone sarcastic and playful as she carried on with introductions. "I am Princess Sylvia Camilia, happy to meet you Mr. Kazoo the mighty skip meister."

Kazu attempted to finish the bow.” My thanks, La- wait..did you say, princess?” His partially bent body remained awkwardly in place while his head shot up with wide-eyed surprise and quickly scrambled to give a more appropriate bow.” A most gracious pleasure to make your acquaintance, Princess Sylvia.” He started to reach out as if to give her hand a gentlemanly kiss, but was uncertain whether it was okay for one of his stature to touch the princess. His lessons with Lady Agatha mainly consisted of noblewomen, as she found the thought of him interacting with any royals a mocking laugh.

And here he was about to befriend his second princess, potentially.* Hah! Suck it, ya old saggy spinster!* He thought with a light, smug little bouncy titter of the head.

He could not help being reminded of Princess Ani with the playful manner she greeted him, and figured her the fun type not to mind and gently gave her hand a soft, respectful peck.” The skip Meister Kazoo gives his thanks for the princess's mercy for his rudeness.” He finished with some small hopping skips, easing the stiffness in his legs as well as doing so.

“ And he hopes it wouldn’t be any trouble to join and share in these scrumptious desserts together? The more to share with the merrier, I say. A good night to splurge free with glee beneath these wondrous stars, aye?” The blonde chuckled, feeling his hungry gut growing increasingly anxious at the promise of desserts.” How does that sound to you, Sir Roman-”

"Forgive me, I did not realize we were in the presence of the great Skip Meister himself."

He turned, expecting to see the towering figure either annoyed or agitated, but instead found the giant offering an exaggerated bow and a kindly sweet greeting that left him feeling touched, he started to return the bow, but had noticed the displeased stares of some nobles aimed their way; some snickering mockingly. He then waved to them all friendly-like with an unperturbed raised brow and cheeky grin.

"It's good to see you again, friend. I hope you are doing well."

Turing back to Roman with a lifting tap of the hat, adjusting it back on his head.” Please, such praise is too much, and if any should be asking forgiveness…” Again, he paused, taken off guard by the man seeing him as a friend, then to wear the flower proudly and unashamed had him clutch at his heart, immensely touched and foolish at his unwarranted fears. The man detested him after the way things ended at the tavern.

With a sniffling rub of his nose, Kazu jumped forward, placing his gloved hands on Roman’s shoulders with excited patting.” It’s a joy to see you as well, my friend, though it's only fair that I must apologize for how poorly our last encounter went. Let’s start anew with sweets, aye?”

He then leaned in close with the left hand sliding down to cover his mouth from Sylvia and prying eyes.” And by the way, I’ve little clue of what exactly went on that night, but you were magnificently brave, my good sir. As were all those who fought that darkness.” A coy wink in hopes he understood, as he could only do but to be vague, and while scary, whatever Roman had done exactly, it was undeniably cool.

He gave the man’s right shoulder an assuring pat with a hint of sadness. Regret touched his eyes briefly for mistaking the gentle blacksmith for a bad person. Thoughts of his horrid attitude toward Violet, while amidst such terrible tension, blinded him; unable to explain the reason or cause, but such a friendly exchange and the tavern proved him a good man.

Kazu wondered then if it had been someone forcing him to act so reprehensibly, and hoped to discern the truth of it. But such unpleasant talks were better shared over a drink.

Just as he thought suggest they meet up for drinks, had he realized Charlotte’s name had been called and whirled on the spot in hopes of seeing the last of her descent, only to find her already passed.” Ah, what?!” Clapping his hands to his forehead in disappointed disbelief.” Nooo, damn it! Darn you, distracting me, ya big bear.” He muttered half-annoyed and half jokingly with puffed cheeks, then let his arms sag with a defeated sigh.

The dissatisfied blonde tried searching the crowds but had little luck without a starting point. The closest he had was a trail of people with astonished expressions, possibly hinting at her passing, though to leave them in such shocked states left him curious and somewhat concerned about what kind of fit could cause such a reaction. Knowing her, she might have gone to Cassius or Olivia; if they were already together, then it only made him mutter in unfair jealousy.

Starting to feel a bit deflated when hearing his name mentioned and turned back to them, his arms waving with a sad wag until Roman mentioned him to be trustworthy, bringing him to tilt his head with a hidden bashful blush.

"If my memory serves me right, I do believe Kazumin here is a mighty slayer of all things pudding-related."

Lifting his head, bright-eyed and smiling widely with both hands grabbing the brim of his hat, he lifted it joyfully above his head.” Aye! You have a stout memory, indeed, Sir Roman. No pudding is safe before this skip meister’s hungry wrath! Pray hide the chocolatey goodness, but little good it will do for this nose is as wily as a hound for em.” The blonde exclaimed in giggling jest. And with an excited settling pat of his hat, like an upbeat cat, he bounced over to join the chat.

Sliding to a stop between the two, taking a moment to roam his eyes over the many plates of sweets, wringing his hand with drooling eyes. A low rumbling hum of his belly, encouraging him to dig in as his hands snatched like primed snakes holding pastries in each hand. Moving to scarf them down, but caught himself short with his mouth hanging inches from the creamy treat in his left hand as his eyes shifted back and forth between Roman and Sylvia, nearly forgetting their presence in his excitable haste.

Lowering the pastry with an awkward chuckle.” Oops, nearly forgot my manners there.” Setting the one in his right hand down, then grabbed a napkin and gave it a wide flicking fluff before delicately tucking it under his collar.” There we are! Here’s to a joyous night of fun.” Then leaned over to whisper to Sylvia.” And to reckless pigging out..the only proper way to eat with friends.” A playful wink before pulling back, where he scooped the set pastry and shoved one after the other into his mouth with audible pleased hums and groans from the high-quality sweet flavor.” ogmahgosh! Tis is soh delichious!” His body trembled and wiggled side to side in pure childlike bliss.

Again and again, his hands shot out over the table, swiping cookies, strudels, cupcakes, and whatever other scrumptious choices were offered. His hands moved with skillful precision and delicate touch, ensuring nothing was squished, ripped, or broken apart before vanishing into his eager mouth with giddy gulps.

Before long, his cheeks were puffed and covered in crumbs and cream. He paused only after overdoing it a tad and had to pat his chest as the thought of wiping his cheeks, instead, an amusing joke came to mind.” Hey, may I offer you two some cream puffs?” Pointing at his cream-covered cheeks, he then puffed up his cheeks with barely contained snickers.

Only managing to hold it a few seconds longer before letting out a sputtering laugh while lifting the napkin to clean off his cheeks.

“ Mhm, whoever the chef was that made this gorgeous spread deserves a kiss.” Miming a chef’s kiss of his fingers with a hum, then moved for another but halted, recalling the thought.” Ah right, it slipped my mind. I’ve had a thought, Sir Roman, to ask if you would like to join me for a drink sometime in the next few days. I’d greatly enjoy spending the night chatting about blacksmithing and whatnot..er, that is if the idea is fine with ya?” Giving an awkward nod and friendly pat to his big arm.” The offer’s open up to you too, Princess Sylvia..though if drinking the night away isn’t to your fancy, you could hit up the bakery and eat them out of stock.” Kazu laughed boisterously, feeling a bit of sugar high, and though his tone was silly, his every word was genuine.

With a satisfied nod, Kazu grabbed a small cupcake, but decided against eating it at the moment, letting his gaze wander about to get a lay of the hall. In doing so, he would take notice of several familiar faces like Drake, whom he hoped to thank for the letter; it brought comfort to know the folks involved with the tavern were well and safe. Prince Farim, who had a small group gathered and was just barely catching one departing, the familiar Alidasht that had blown up at Lorenzo. The man gave off an unpleasant vibe, and from the stifling, discomforting air hanging around them, he guessed something must have happened to him.

Letting his gaze carry him on to take notice of a red-haired man, well-groomed and in a gentlemanly dress. They held a wide smile that at first glance seemed harmless. Yet, something about the way he smiled unnerved him, making his skin crawl, and he hated that something lovely as a smile could instill such a chilling feeling. He could not help but feel for the two women stuck interacting with the guy, as the one in the back appeared uncomfortable, while the dark-haired woman, who did not seem to balk at the man’s foreboding grin.

A part of him wondered if he might spot the lady who helped him this morning, but with such a brief meeting, he doubted his chance of recognizing her, and he had little wish to recall the evening so soon.

Brushing the dark image aside as he made the mental note to thank her if they ran into each other. Then there was Princess Ani, but she had little luck finding her, which elicited an agitated huff in failing to find his friends.

Still, he was determined to meet with them soon as he was able..and done stuffing his face. He needed the energy after all.

A disappointed shake of the head, having him catch sight of Calbert, only to find himself doing a double-take.* Whoa, hang on? Does he..look bigger?He stared with narrowing eyes in befuddled disbelief; the surrounding crowd made it difficult to get a good look.

After struggling to check, Kazu decided to put it aside and wait till he was closer, though the thought of a ripped Calby was a harrowing and terrifying prospect.

With an unsettling shudder, the cowlicked blonde returned his attention to the cupcake held aloft a short distance from his face. Atop it sat a vibrant, plump strawberry, and he found himself gazing with a wistful longing at the sweet fruit.

He gulped as if ready to eat, but seeing the strawberry brought images of lush strawberry hair, and he felt as if deep emerald eyes peered back at him. With a nervous gulp and pinkish tint to his cheeks, unable to help but envision a kiss as sweet as strawberries.

The rising heat of his cheeks was soon noticed, and with it, his eyes went wide in embarrassed realization of the fact that he was staring at a cupcake and confused at the strange bubbly sensation he had just felt. With a hasty, awkward waving of his off-hand as if to brush away the spectral visage with the pretense he was taking a whiff of the dessert table aroma.” A-Aye, such beautiful work these cupcakes are…so good ya just got to take a moment to admire. Hahahahaha….” Kazu let out a nervous, forced raucous laugh before clumsily stuffing the cupcake whole in his mouth, both reveling and cursing in its enchanting sweetness.

Neo Genesis: Chronicles of Eberron

Menzai

Race: Silver-Wolf Shifter
Class: Arcane Mystic
Location: Bar
Interactions: : @princess Phia @potter Arya/Stella [oso] Bastion @Lava alckon Corin @tae Meiyu @Funnyguy Minerva (Miris)
Mentions:
Equipment:

Equipment List

🐾 Special Magic Item: A magically enchanted Haori garb of snow🐾white fabric made of a mix of various creature materials and what few rare magic crystals scrounged. It enables the haori’s internal temperature to be adjusted to keep the user at the optimal temperature within a feasible degree and minor elemental resistance of the basic 4 elements imbued.
🐾Oruna tribal moon bracelet: a charm bracelet made in pairs, sharing a deep bond. Those of the tribe share them with a close friend, cherished family member, or lifemate who holds a fanged tooth, one for each of those most trusted and loved.
🐾Small pouch holding emergency dried meat and any fresh fruit picked
🐾Small pouch of freshwater
🐾Sewing kit
🐾Small tool kit
🐾Small gold pouch
🐾A partially started personal journal
🐾A personal dear drawing hidden on his person
🐾Dark Crystal Shard-left Eye
🐾 Knitted fish hat gifted by Bastion

Attire:
Gold Balance: 34
Injuries: Exhaustion, intense hunger, dehydration, body aches/soreness

Menzai walked quietly to the table with Arya, where he kept a close pace behind, careful not to encroach too much, understanding the tiefling to be scared and mistrustful still. Whatever terror chased her, time and patience would ease the stalking shadow into a slivered whisper where she may trust herself to breathe and open up. For now, he merely kept an alert, watchful eye, much as Stella did in her hidden perch, a trustworthy bound companion seldom seen with an animal. The curious signs of conversations he noticed proved it deeper than initially thought, as he was able to understand the fascinating conversations he may share with the elegantly brave eagle.

Upon reaching the table, he gently pulled out her chair, keeping to the manners read from books; a strange custom of outsiders and one of many that earned him strange looks from his fellow tribesmen, even as he carried on despite the fact.

Once assured Arya was settled and safe with the group, the wolf briefly studied the table, taking note that everyone was now gathered; pleased to see Bastion was unharmed nor showed signs of embarrassment, more so likely due to a lack of understanding of such concepts. A machine built for war and bloodshed was now free to a whole new world, both of sights and concepts, something shared by him and Phia, who only knew of the dangers of the jungle. A boundless unknown now awaited before them; deadly as it was, curiously intriguing, and he hoped they could all share and learn together.

As he scanned the faces of the group, a lock of still-damp hair brushed his cheek, reminding him of the sour stink of beer soaking his hair. With a slight agitated huff, the wolf lightly bowed his head, excusing himself momentarily, and quietly departed. In turning his head, he had peeked out the window, finding the sun beginning its descent toward the horizon, where he had a better view of the golden glow reflecting off the sea. A rare hidden beauty that graced this run-down and gritty pirate’s den scant a few times a day.

With a quiet, practiced stride, the snowy-draped wolf stalked towards the bathroom, with a cautious alertness to his posture. Here, danger lurked all about with thieves and pickpockets, or an overcock-sure drunk may get too bold with a knife; a predatory warning emanated against anyone foolish to attempt any such attacks.

Soon reaching the bathroom, however, there he would encounter an unexpected threat, one he could not fight or intimidate, and instead found his sensitive nose trembling in uneasy trepidation. A single glance at the door, old and peeling with small jagged splinters, waiting for any unsuspecting hand with a misplaced push. Yet, seeping from the corners came a hint of a most foul aroma built up from years spilled from the cracks of the door like putrid, thin, wispy streams; strong, concentrated scents visible to those with heightened senses.

And for a moment, he paused with uncertain hesitation. His instinct grumbled with nausea to back away, but with his only option remaining, he had to risk bathing in the sea; the wolf had little else he could do.

A grumbling inhale of his mouth in an attempt to weaken the incoming wretched onslaught, Menzai begrudgingly stepped inside. A mere peek inside nearly brought him to defeat with a disgusted gag muffled by the right hand flying to his covered mouth; barely stomaching the horrifying sights of such a horrendously uncleaned bathroom.

Unwashed grime and who knows what else stained the walls and sinks with stale urine dried into the broken tiled floor. Two of the four stall doors were missing, with toilets stuffed and almost overflowing from toilet paper and whatever else, though he kept his distance, not wishing to witness the foul abominations left behind.
He had no desire to remain in such a filthy bathroom that clearly never saw so much as a single sponge put to it. Hardly surprising for pirates; almost impressive were it not so horrifying to behold, and so, risking what he could inhale with another muffled gag, the nauseated wolf shuffled towards the nearest sink, finding the faucet caked in rust and grime, but in working order still, much to his relief and surprise to find anything working in here.

With an uncomfortable squeak of the rusted metal, which resisted with a pained groan beneath his fingers, and out flowed cold water. It flowed and sputtered in muddy brown initially and carried a funny note, having the wolf wait a minute for it to turn clear and clean, or as clean as one can hope.

Wasting no time, Menzai got to work, splashing and scrubbing his hair. He moved his hands with an impatient haste as every second delayed was another torture on his senses, one he hoped would not be burned into his nostrils, not unlike his stinging eyes that hinted of his barely restrained disgust and disdain.

Pushing to finish quickly, causing some water to splash about him until his hair was adequately washed. A testing sniff found a lingering residue of the booze before letting loose another muffled gag. It was satisfactory and would have to do for now, as he was drawing near his limit.

Another painful metallic squeak, having the running water cease, and following this, muffled voices and laughter caught his flickering ear. A glance over his shoulder to find them coming from within the two remaining stalls, having apparently missed their occupancy in his haste.

Though he wanted nothing more than to rush out, a part of him thought it might prove helpful to listen in, if only a little. He found it distasteful and uncomfortable to use his ears to spy on others' conversations, but these were special circumstances, and any intel that could help them and benefit Phia’s safety in ensuring their escape from this pirate’s nest and whatever petty squabble and war they intended. He would not have any of it.

“ Uggh, them dungeons give me da creep, hate how it always leaves us shiverin…how’s our prisoner doing?” A muffled voice drawled out in a drunken, disgruntled groan and a faint splashing plop that caused the wolf to shudder with distaste, but still his ears remained perked. The mention of a dungeon caught his curiosity.

“Bah! Being a stubborn git, that’s how. Refusing to eat and not much for cooperatin. They lucky the boss ordered to keep hands off em or I’d give them a taste of my knuckles. ‘ack pthoo’” The second voice grumbled their complaint with an audible slimy spit.

A snickering guffaw came from the prior stall with sounds of leaning.” Hah, think they tough shits, but boss will teach em, that is if da cold don’t get im. Won’t do us good if they be passin out on us, boss won’t like that. Oh!” A devious smirk etched his beer-spittled lips.” I gots a suggestion on what ya can feed em, eh?”

“ Is that so? Think you got somethin the stubborn prick might jump at?”

“ Oh aye, jus be needin ya lean in real close, can’t give away mah momma’s secret stew.”

An adjustment of the old, dirty toilet seat indicated the unknown fellow moved as suggested.

Outside, Menzai found himself leaning back, fighting back the stinging of his watered eyes.

Then, without warning, with a mischievous snicker, the man let loose a loud ppbbth that echoed and reverberated throughout the bathroom in a rancid, reminding cacophony.

“ Ah! You nasty fuckhead! That stew would have em beggin to be shoved to the sea!” Cried the unsuspecting individual, then a dopey drunken guffaw broke out into a shared tandem rebounding from the stalls.

The unpleasant sound struck the ill-repaired Menzai, who found himself momentarily stunned, shocked in utter disbelief as he bit back the urge to lose what little of his empty stomach. It was clear their chat was not finished, yet the wolf couldn’t stomach the bathroom for another second. And with the potential toxic smog sure to reach him shortly incurred a greater need to flee or find his nose destroyed.

All but nearly bursting out of the bathroom, where the wolf stopped, almost leaning against the door, where he exhaled in hasty relief and greedily drank in the tavern’s air. Where it had previously been overwhelming; now proved a comforting boon, save for the slight burn from the strong spices, but nigh anything would have been preferable for this occasion. His stomach gave a mixed gurgle of nausea and relief, and with it had set back his appetite yet again, much to the already starving wolf.

After taking a moment to catch his breath, Menzai stood up from the door and gave some adjusting fixing of his haori. Annoyance crinkled his brow for the failure of his weak constance, leaving him unable to glean more of this dungeon and the unknown prisoner. He was unsure if it would prove of any help or import with so little, nor where it could be located, and deemed it best to hold onto this until he manages to gain more concrete information.

Returning to the table, where he had left in a subpar mood, had rejoined with a displeased temperament that left the stoic wolf in little mood to talk, the memory too fresh and one he never intended to share. Ever, for none should suffer the wretched debacle or his humiliation.

Public bathrooms….never again. For the sake of his nose and dignity. A silent promise settled with a small shudder of revulsion.

Following in the snaketress approach, Menzai had moved to a corner where he could sit and observe while keeping to himself. He was content with listening to the others, not wishing to spread his foul mood and ruin the group’s much-needed respite after the perilous day they’d all shared. His attention had been split with one ear keeping to the tavern’s going on and the other on the table; at times, taking a sip of water, working to settle the discomfort of his stomach, unable to risk any more. While at times it rumbled grumpily for meat, though he could not trust to keep down a bite.

Turning his attention to sweet Phia, grateful to see her getting along and talkative when she appeared so down when talking with Lady Arya. She must have had a hard time with whatever she encountered in the ship’s bathroom and hoped to discuss it when the first opportunity to be alone. And despite what went down, she kept up her bubbly spirit with some comforting help from Arya.

He owed the tiefling his thanks and kept in mind to give his appreciation for giving Phia a friend she could talk with. Even when she was shy and wary around them.

As he inspected Phia for any possible injuries, needing distractions to help him forget his unpleasant trip. A moment of wistfulness hit, having him long for some of her soup, which never failed to warm him up. For now, he was begrudgingly content with water.

The evening then carried on uneventfully with chats about what they could do or find at the port, with little of anything of much import said, the tavern hardly a safe space to discuss openly. At some point, the topic was turned to the shards spoken in hushed tones and whispers.

A topic that captured his curiosity and intrigued, one even his testy temperament could not stifle, and he spoke up, quietly giving his thoughts and assumptions, initially believing the gem to be a simple storage of magic until learning the shards actively seeking out the hosts. This led him to think must hold some form of will and with it some intent of purpose, making them carry some form of sentience, whether fully or partially; it was too soon to say. He added a proposed reason for their lack of activity to be due to the gem using up its reserves, leaving them in a dormant state, perhaps to doubly recharge and study their hosts.

Shortly after, it would be mentioned that Minerva had shared some similar thoughts earlier, which turned the wolf’s attention to the feline shifter, equally shocked and impressed. It appeared she had sharper eyes than previously thought, the boisterous and unpredictable manner she acted; was it an act, or was there more to this? Then there was the matter of Wendel’s disappearance; something about her and the dwarf’s vanishing felt familiar, though he couldn’t quite trace why.

Impressed and curious as he was, her antics were still bothersome, and how she pushed Phia, revealing her to the port. Yet, where he had been frustrated then, but after some time of thinking started to find it may prove beneficial with potentially finding someone here that might know of her and from it gain some clues on where or what they needed to do. If lucky, they might attempt to approach themselves, though it also made her an open target, so he needed to keep an extra vigilant eye out for any showing suspicious interest in her. Discerning them from the prince’s spies would make such a task difficult.
As such, much as he disliked it, the wolf may owe a debt to the feline at least somewhat, irritating as she is. That is, if it came to bear fruit in the end. His nose wrinkled from the strong, heated smell of peaches, the thought of fruits reminding him of it. Still, easier on the nose compared to what lies behind the vile door. A side eye at the reprehensible door with another slight shudder.

Turning away back towards the table, glimpsing the snaketress who had been stalking in the shadowy corner the entire evening. Her eyes gleamed like a lurking predator observing them like future prey, toys for her to play with and break whenever the moment suited her. Her presence and the way she sat there made him uneasy and made relaxing all but impossible, his own predatory instinct warning him that she was dangerous, poisonous. She was steeped in a deadly aura with an elegant beauty hiding the poisonous fangs beneath the surface; she appeared much like a coiled snake that might lash out at any moment. Unlike he, who hunted purely for survival, killing only what he planned to eat, she was the kind who relished in toying and torturing her prey for fun. And peculiarly, the snaketress' gaze kept returning to Minerva, seemingly fascinated by the feline; a sense of curiosity he understood, though doubted hers were of a pleasant kind. A part of him could not help but worry for the feline to have caught her attention, and, if she desired the shards, then he worried for the group.

This left him wary to let her out of his sight, but staring or watching for too long would give him away, if not already with how sharp her senses were, her skills as an assassin already proved quite impressive, concerningly so. How she sat in the shadow, seeming as if she would slip away and disappear into its inky covers as if it were her home, the moment they took their eyes off her. Still, the group accepted her, and as long as she kept her fangs sheathed, there would be no issues. How long that lasted, he could not say, and hoped by then he had learned more of whatever strange magic she demonstrated in the jungle. A hunter knew to never attack their prey blindly, to learn and discern how they operate, their strengths and weaknesses. Only with assured certainty does a wolf lash their fangs.

A single instance. A single strike, fast, quick, and painless.


As the evening waned and chatter began dying out, did the topic turn to one concerning sleeping arrangements?

At the suggestion to share rooms, Menzai had been quick to shut the idea down, finding it improper as they were all still barely but stranger and after some more discussing finally earned his approval to split with the woman sharing one and initially one for the men, but Bastion did not sleep, being a warforged and he did not require a bed, preferring to keep watch alongside the bronze giant.

While not the most preferable choice, leaving Phia in a room with the snaketress and Minerva. Knowing Arya and Stella were there to keep an eye out, and the two being just outside had him relent and accept, albeit begrudgingly.

When all was set and decided, the group had departed to get the room, and there he briefly paused Corin with a soft hand on the shoulder.” Sir Corin, pardon for a moment, please?” Feeling bad at the thought of leaving Corin to sleep alone, he sought to assure him that he and Bastion would keep a vigilant eye so he could rest well, and if he needed anything, they would be just outside.” .”And perhaps, after some proper rest and a place where we can all talk more freely. That we may discuss more on the topic of magic gems. Curious things this fragmented artefact.” He spoke in his usual dry tone with a tired, strained, and a hint of wariness to his face.

An understanding, light nodding bow of the head, the wolf tiredly strode his way following the others, feeling the growing exhaustion weigh his every step.

Upon reaching the rooms, before any were able to get themselves settled in, Menzai had requested to let him inspect the rooms out of cautious concern. Several minutes were spent scouring the room in search of anything shady or unwelcome until he was satisfied.

Finished with his inspecting, the wolf had moved to wish Phia good night and received a small tackled hug from the half-elf.” Rest and sleep well, sweet Phia. May the moons glow bless your dreams.” He muttered his nightly prayers with a protective squeeze to the hug. Standing back with the hug broken and turned his head to the tiefling.”May you have a restful sleep as well, Lady Arya, Miss Stella.” He paused, seeming as if to say more, but decided against it, not wishing to disturb the two.

Menzai then made his way to the door and was only just a step from the doorway when Minverva’s voice rang out behind him.

“I’ll keep Phia safe for you, Menzai.”

He spun halfway on the spot to see the feline grinning cheekily and winking back at him; a glowering huff was his response. Her words did little to assuage his concerns, playful and cheeky as they were. He shook his head with a begrudging sigh.” My…thanks. May you and the snaketress rest well.” Nearly forgetting himself and made sure to wish Minverva and Meiyu a peaceful night, albeit in a strained tone and slight air of annoyance.

As he left, hearing Minverva shout to Bastion and Corin, giving them their own silly night message that left him rubbing his forehead in exasperation, exhaling his agitation. As he did for the women’s room, he would do with Corin’s and once finished, bid him rest well before making his way into the hall, where he found Bastion sitting by the door, a trustworthy guardian and a mighty wall none would dare to make their enemy.

He all but slumped against the wall to the right of the door, his legs barely able to carry him any longer. The day’s trek and near-death had taken its toll; any longer, and he feared himself passing out, an irony to wish them restful dreams, but for him, sleep was no friend, and the dreams long since vanished with only nightmares in their wake.

No, for him meditation was his way of respite; a method taught to him by the elders to enable him to recharge. And though it could not offer the full rest of sleep, it allowed him to adjust the tranced state to recover what he needed and to replenish his magic reserves. Having only managed to eat a few bites before his stomach gave out, left him needing a deep meditation. Something he might have had to forego under these circumstances had it not been for Bastion’s presence.

He brought an unexpected added security, one he could trust to handle the heavy-duty watch, if only for this night. A trust he seldom gave to so very few, and was grateful for the warforged's quiet, gentle nature. For this night, he would let some comfort take him and so shifted into his meditative pose, pausing briefly to turn his head partially towards Bastion.” Rest well, Sir stout Bastion, though sleep eludes you; may your new life be a dream.” He thought to speak aloud, but found the words whispered as he proved more tired than he assumed.

Before he could let sleep take him, the wolf slipped into his meditative state with lidded eyes and head slightly tilted downward. Done to appear as if still awake to those from a distance, while any observing up close might mistake him to be asleep with the slight lowered tilt of the ears, ever listening with partial alertness. This kept him semi-conscious of the surroundings, normally able to encompass more of the area, but exhaustion forced him into a deeper trance than intended, only barely aware of the few passersby of the night.

The night passed quietly by on this tumultuous and taxing day, the wary travelers adrift in sleep with fellows none expected to meet or break bread with.

Come morning, the peaceful rest would be disrupted by an unexpected new visitor. Most queerly, Minerva had vanished without a trace or any sign of her leaving. It alarmed the wolf at first, but taking in the lack of the women’s reaction, save for a look of unease from Phia. A sentiment he shared with the subletist of nods. Turning his attention to the strange new guest, Malik, as he named himself, and who seemed to know Phia or know of her when he could not recall any such chance of meeting. A tanned-skinned elf who seemed to wear hunter-like garb, akin to an archer’s, and from the toned body lacking visible scars hinted at the elf’s expert skills, he carried a disciplined and restrained manner not too dissimilar from his own.

An intriguing being that continued to confound him on what exactly they were or the method used. But, taking into account Malik’s and Minverva's lack of concern or worry led him to think it transformation; thinking back to the odd wistful sadness the feline held at the table also had him believe she, wendel, Malik or whoever they are, were perhaps unable to control it; a concerning and inconvenient prospect, but until he witnessed a change, he could not be sure.

A peculiar start to the morning that quickly took a dour turn when stepping downstairs, only to be met with the familiar grating face of Beckett standing there with that smug grin of his, unbothered by the fact of interrupting any chance of breakfast. His stomach almost gave a snarling rumble at the sight of the unpleasant greeters.

This could only have meant one thing. The prince was ready to see them and perhaps was an impatient one…or to purposefully leave them disgruntled with better hope they might make mistakes.

With a reluctant, drowsy sag of his shoulders, the wolf followed, trailing at the back where he could keep the group in his sight. His head moved like a rader, ears tuning and shifting as he scanned the port's pathways in ever relentless search for any possible ambush or approach; ignoring the looks of curious passersby stopping to gawk or mock them amongst each other.

A boon, the trek did not prove nearly as long or perilous compared to the jungle and with the same scant rays of the morning sun at their backs, felt almost soothing with the crisp winds carrying salty sea spray on every gentle breeze. The sound of waves crashing against wooden beams and rocks mingled with the cry of hungry gulls flapping their shadows overhead, hunting for scraps of food or a wayleigh fish skipping from the roiling waters just below, where boats creaked and thumped in place.

Before long, they had arrived, and what lay before them was wholly unexpected. The base was barely more than a hovel clumsily put together, made from scrap metal, broken ship parts, and any other junk they managed to get their hands on. It was all amateurish and hardly befitting a ‘prince,’ but it was also impressive and showed the man’s ingenuity and ability to accept living in such squalor, if only by necessary virtue and patience for whatever they planned.

Around its perimeter were guards well-armed and geared up...concerningly so, hinting somewhat of their battle-ready capabilities. He eyed them with an auspicious gaze, noting these pirates to be better equipped than most crew could hope for. The man has means, that was sure.

Without words, the group had been brought to a throne room, or more a shoddily recreated attempt at a throne room, with a chair that looked downright miserable to sit in; cobbled together with broken junk matching the patchwork room held and reinforced by beams and..bones, massive bones that were fascinating as they were ominous to behold.

And there, sat on his throne, was the prince who observed them lazily yet with intention as light spilled almost eerily around him from crooked glass panels, almost seeming to dance off the man’s ocean-deep blue skin. Scars adorned him with history and experience, yet the prince’s young face gave a confusing clash of what to make of him.

How he appeared almost a teen, but the way he spoke was that of a man with aged wisdom. He had a confidence to his cadence and an aura of kingly ambition, the way he stated claim of them and all that entered his island. A claim he stated as if truth, as if fact that could not be refuted or refused, as strands of his dark dreadlocks slid as he leaned forward with his elbows on his knees, almost like a bored child ready to play with his toys.

“Let’s keep it simple and begin with introductions. I wish for each of you to stand before me and tell me who you think you are.”

He stated it as a wish as if there were any choice, but they knew it to be a demand. A test to try learning about them. How to manipulate him to his own end with an outrageously bold claim of ownership.

A claim he knew none of this lineup accepted.

And like the prince, he would observe him, search and seek any snippets or clues of what the man, or boy, was about. Difficult to discern, and it unnerved him, as if something was off.

While he did so, one by one, each would speak their piece; each careful to only say as much as needed without revealing too much. And each did not hesitate to deny being any such property or being treated as the boy-prince’s plaything.

Malik’s had been straightforward with pride and respect and an underlying edge.

Phia’s was simple, short, and blunt with abject refusal; hearing the half-elf proudly claim herself a member of the Oruna filled him with pride, seeing her stand in brave defiance.

Sir Corin chose to challenge the prince in a more bold manner to demonstrate his refusal to the Prince’s claim. One he respected and mentally applauded, for only each may decide their own fate to live or die, and though normally a battle to quickly put an end to things would be a good choice. The many unknowns of the prince made things risky. And the unfortunate fact he held the lives of the ship hostage made acting all the more risky.

Then Arya stepped forth on hesitant, shaky steps; she appeared to struggle with what to say beneath Prince Dane’s intimidating gaze. He did not fault her when trauma and fear still gripped her too strongly, but then he took notice of the efforts she went to hide Stella and found the way the two cared so deeply was moving.

Up next stamped Bastion, who stood, towering with an upfront and honest defiance, ready to fight and defend with all his metallic fury were any harm befall them. Where others only saw a weapon crafted to kill, he saw a protector with a kinder heart than most made of flesh.

And the snaketress, Meiyu, went about coyingly playing in the prince’s games, trying to tease and antagonize in hopes of getting into his head and finding any cracks, throwing the mind games back with a dangerous edge. With a promise of the sleeping fangs he may find were he to act recklessly or greedily.

As they spoke, Menzai kept his attention focused on the prince, preparing to glean something of him; only fair, seeing as the prince decided to cheat, but he had to be careful not to give himself away. And with his left eye off-limits due to the shard, meant careful adjusting to ensure he pooled magic only in the right. Something he had yet attempted and without knowing what might occur were he to flood the shard now, proved to be too risky, particularly so with them potentially linked, as it might cause a reaction.

Clearing his mind until only the prince and his right eye were all that encompassed it, while slowly, drop by drop, magic was poured into his right pupil until it held a lavender pink glint.

-Artemis eye!-

With a faint crackling hum, Menzai cast a partial artemis, enhancing and pushing his right eye’s sight, the pupil shrinking and honing in on the prince like a zoomed-in scope.
[Artemis Eye’s result (gm)]Menzai uses the heightened senses of his eye of Artemis ability and sees the sinew of the Prince's muscle and the weight of experience that he carries in his eyes.

Despite the Prince looking young enough to be a teen...this is no child or young man. This is a veteran, someone whose skin shows the wear and tear of decades at sea. You're not sure why he looks so young, but it's not natural.-

The diluted pupil trembled from the increased strain of balancing with only one eye, but from it had found the cause of the age discrepancy, or at the very least knew it was magical in nature. What exactly the magic was, its source, or the full effect and purpose escaped him, unsure if it simply affected age or held more secrets. Discovering this made any chance of fighting simply not an option, not until he could figure out it’s secret, especially in case of any counterattack capabilities. Magic was dangerous, unknown magic extremely so.

Reaching his limits, still tired and hungry from yesterday, made maintaining far more taxing, and with a slight pained groan turned his head with a hand placed over it, feeling a few dying sparks; the pupil burned as if he had stared straight into the sun without pause.

A slow, long inhale, easing the magic from his overloaded eye, then a few testing blinks until the blurriness of the world came back into focus to see the prince waiting expectantly with a scrutinizing gaze.

He rubbed at his forehead, passing it off as a headache, then pinched the bridge of his nose to finish composing himself.

With a steadying exhaling hum, the snow-draped wolf let his hand drop back to his side and made meticulous, slow, and precise steps, purposefully delaying to test the kind of temperance the would-be king held.

Coming to a slow stop while lifting his hands to fold them into the sleeves of his haori, a ray of light bounced off the fabric like glittering snow.”.” I am Menzai of the Oruna tribe, a hunter of magical curios and artefacts, a shadow protector whose fangs fight for those who have need of it or harm those innocent., The wolf will fight with bloody ferocity to his dying breath, none collars this beast, a bloody dread upon those who earn its ire.” With a quiet, elegant bow of his head, Menzai stood, turned, and strode back to where he had stood prior. A lax, unimpressed gaze loomed.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

The morning's fiery nightmare, The night's starry dream

Kazumin Nagasa

Time: Evening
Location: Carriage->Castle Ballroom- Starry night ball
Interactions: @princess Marina, King Eding [@reusabblesword] Roman @authentictomb Sylvia
Mentions: @potter Persephone/Olivia, Charlotte

---

This morning, there was no sun, only heavy clouds that left the kingdom covered in a grim and dreary overcast. There were no smiles or laughter; joy slept in shadows while fear and anger roared rampantly, freely, amidst the massive gathering of the courtyard.

The bell rang with haunting clangs made to spread all throughout, heads turned to or away from the harrowing sound. A signal of dark cruelty draped as justice and righteousness; a churchly figure who spoke of assurance, of order to purify an evil that threatened the kingdom’s safety.

People shuffled close together with murmurs of unease, discomfort, and some whispered excitement and curiosity, those who agreed with the execution, but all waited anxiously in nervous quiet, unable to do little else but be silent observers to the queen’s last moments of disgrace and shame.

And all for what? Over a minor and harmless demonstration of magic with a purpose that carried no ill or capability to hurt. Yet, there on the balcony, the king stood by while the woman he touted to love was dragged and humiliated, her dignity given no quarter or mercy as the queen stood, waiting, condemned to burn; what little sense of order, of normality would die with her, and so would the love of magic, made the scapegoat amongst all this unjustified folly.

And with them, any that carried such a wondrous gift unfairly were cursed to follow in her grim fate, were they to be discovered, hunted down like rabbits abandoned by the very laws meant to protect them.

A harrowing thought that burned through Kazumin’s mind as he stood with trembling hands balled up into such tight fists the knuckles poked visibly through the gloves, threatening to rip through with barely restrained rage.

He stood there, forced to endure witnessing the despicable display, dressed in black funeral garb; despite the looks and Asteroth’s concerns, he didn’t care for him; this was a funeral, and to treat it as anything else would be an unbearable insult to their queen.
A harsh hand pressed about his shoulder, prompting the cowlicked blonde to lift his gaze to his left, to Asteroth’s stern bearded face, his expression cold and difficult to read.” Enough. How long do you intend to shy away, Mr. Nagasa? Lift your head and watch. Our job is to bear witness till the condemned is tried and finished to its end.” The baron demanded in strained words that hinted at his own misgivings, but he gave nothing else away.

A firm shove of the hand sent him forward a step, which Kazu partially resisted; burning daggers at the man, he glared with flared nostrils, his mouth curled in rage, lacking the cheeky grin that tended to accompany him wherever he went. Here, beneath the suffocating bleakness, he could feel nothing but disgust, and his face displayed it with visible fury.

Kazu glowered at the man, detested him for dragging him to this farce of a trial where no truth or justice were present, and now they, the people, were made to be complacent in this innocent damnation.

Staring back, unshaken, Asteroth leaned closer.” Hate me if you must, but for the sake of your friend's safety, you will watch. Think what the king will think were he to see you expressing such clear disdain…do you wish to lose what little favor you have garnered from him?”

Hearing those words had Kazu reluctantly relent his fuming glare, the disgust still unmistakable in his gaze.

“ And do not forget, however furious or ill you feel, think of the princess…look.” An upward jerk of his head, which Kazu turned towards the balcony, and felt a rushing pang of great sadness upon taking in the sight of Princess Ani, who appeared to be barely holding herself together.” Think of what pain and grief she must be experiencing. If you wish to be able to help her, to be there for her as a friend, then you must bear witness, to share in this if you wish to hope to understand her grief.” The aged gentleman advised in a hushed, cool manner, then once more gave a shoving nudge of Kazu’s shoulder.

A frustrated grunting huff was the blonde’s response, though he did not resist this time as he let his sight linger on Ani through welled-up eyes; catching the moment she broke, attempting to claw and plead for her mother with woeful wails filled with an impossible sorrow that would break him to his knees were they not lost to the harsh howling winds as if the air cried with her or perhaps to cover her pitiful state.

An image equally unbearable to Kazu, who did not wish to see the amazingly kind princess in such dismay, and tore his eyes down to bear the fiery hellish visage of crackling orange flames enveloping its writhing, veiled victim within seconds.

There, he could do little else but stand and stare in horror and disgust as the shadowy outline writhed and a scream. The howls of the wind caught the worst of it, though, and did little to ease the horrific sight playing out before him. That, however, would pale compared to the smell. Gods, the smell made his nostrils and eyes burn as sounds of hurls merely added to the vile smog of burnt flesh and ash drifting off the crackling flame like sorrowful snow. Never had he had to battle so hard to fight his stomach back; a stubborn refusal to give in tore into the glove of his fist; crimson droplets dripped with silent pain and vitriol from his lip and squeezed hands, his stomach roiled in sheer disgust.

Just as the scene became suffocatingly hot while his body felt chill as ice, a touch to his trembling hand was felt; the gentlest of a warm caress that had him sharply turned with a surprised huff. He initially started to glare, startled by the unexpected sensation, but then a soothing squeeze signaled the unknown young lady’s intent.

Kazu felt the furious shivering of his body melt away as the deafening pounding of his heart lessened, which had gone unnoticed until now. Realizing how close he had been to a panic attack and simply stared at the woman in confusion, studying her dark red hair like rich red wine and vibrant violet eyes with a starry twinkle that had him curiously vexed as he hardly saw many violet eyes. Most peculiar was the stark horizontal streak of freckles across her pale face, unbroken, almost as if a ray of sunlight had been etched across her cheeks.

He had no clue who she was or why she had chosen what she did, but he was immeasurably grateful she did. He wanted to thank her, to tell her he was there for her too, but his words turned to ash on his tongue, and he found himself unable to muster the strength to speak. And as his heavy breathing eased, he would see the disgusted grief etched on her face. An understanding sentiment to forego words for now was shared as his balled fist relented to return the soft squeeze to her hand.

Kazu gave a small nod and the weakest of smiles; all that he could manage then turned away with a sad huff, hating to see such another pretty face in such painful sadness, and doubted it would be his last this day.

He failed to learn the woman’s name at the time, though the striking features of her face would make recognizing her easy. An unfortunate place to have met another potential friend, he hoped that when he did, he could give his thanks.

Turning back to the gruesome burning, to find it was almost finished. All that remained was the remainder of the pole and the dying embers. Just a little more and they would be free of this, but his mind, cruel in its worry and fears, with his mind exhausted from plagued nightmares, found himself envisioning two different figures in his eyes. A nightmarish sight he loathed picturing, Charlotte on his left and Percy in his right eye; the potential hellish vision burned in his mind with agonizing concern. His hand squeezed tighter around the stranger’s, needing the subtle warmth to ground him, fearing the ground would give out beneath him.

Unable to bear any more, Kazu shut his eyes with the last of the embers dying in a dismal puff.

Silence followed in a shaky huff. An icy tear trailed down his cheek.

---

“ - gasa…”

A faint voice spoke, barely perceptible.

“ -Gasa.”

Again, the voice spoke, with a subtle gruff huff, familiar.

“ Mr. Nagasa!”

With a startled gasp, the darkness left his eyes with a blinding flash, giving his eyes a momentary sting. Blinking his eyes to clear his aching eyes, only to receive a second sting from Asteroth’s glowering bearded face appearing abruptly inches from his own. Kazu elicited a surprised yelp as he reeled back, smacking the back of his head against the closed window of the carriage that continued to rock and roll onward beneath him.

A grumbled huff was Asteroth’s response as he sat down with an indignant sputter.” Really now, Mr. Nagasa! Is it not enough that you have once again caused us tardiness? I do not care to tolerate such lateness due to your indecisions, but I shant have you sleeping through the ball. And certainly not while dressed in such paltry garb.” The grizzled man grumbled his disgruntlement towards the blonde’s failure to be dressed in proper wear and shook his head at the overalls sloppily covered up by the plain blue dress shirt sloppily thrown on.

Kazu groaned as he sat back up, rubbing the back of his head and wincing at the sting. All the while having to endure Asteroth’s berating onslaught, going on like a braying pissed mule.” Oww…urgh, I wasn’t sleeping, you grizzly-haired old mule!” The cowlick blonde muttered as he rubbed his head, easing the dazed fog clouding his mind, only realizing the disrespectful slight afterward and biting his tongue in regret.

A cold lift of the brow and a harsh, stern gaze.” Pardon?” He said cooly with a clear warning in his tone.

Wincing beneath the man’s fiery glare, Kazu let out a meek, awkward chuckle with an apologetic tilt of his head, hand still rubbing the messy blonde locks.” Er..heh, I…I’m sorry… sir.” He apologized with a tired, ashamed sag of his shoulders and head.” uh meant I wasn’t sleeping…Guess I must have zoned out for a bit.” Kazu said with a half-hearted chuckle as he grappled to recall where he was, as things had mostly become a blur since this morning.

Asteroth studied his ward with an exasperated sigh as he shifted in his seat, hands adjusting around the tip of his cane with a relaxing grip.” Hmph, no matter your remark, though I advise a tighter hold of that tongue of yours. At least for the night, think you can manage that?” A dismissive wave of the hand with a tsk of the teeth.” The more pressing matter is that of your fit. I do hope you were able to find a suit? And one I dare hope proves nothing so gaudy as that obnoxious candy eye-sore you last wore.” Shaking his head, demonstrating his distaste.

Unpleasant memories of the day flooded in with the baron’s words; how he spent an hour sick in the bathroom when it was all done and over. He had refused to budge from the room during that time, and were it not for the damned ball, he may have spent the day there.” The ball…right..right. Ugh, cut me a break, not like we were given much of a heads up with only a few hours to get something together.” Kazu grumbled, rubbing at his temple, working to shake off some of the exhaustion and drowsiness.” And excuse me for hardly being giddy or excited to go partying the same day as the queen’s….” He started sarcastically but quieted as he went, struggling to finish, not wishing to relive this morning’s event any more than he had to. A brief respite, for he knew the kind of nightmares sure to plague him tonight.

The past week had been nothing but difficult days and restless nights, whether awake, where he spent keeping watch over Charlotte’s house, fearing witch hunters showing up at their doorstep. Or the endless nights with various horrid dreams; at times, it was returning home to find his family dead, pinned in place much like the dolls, or forced to watch Char and Percy dragged away in chains as he was held down by chains surrounded by shadowed witch hunters closing in, and all he could do was choke and gag, dragged to his knees. The worst of it had been of Percy bent over a dead body with black flamed tendrils writhing all about her, their crackling thrums obscuring her face; at times when the flames passed, he would see Persephone’s face, then Olivia, shifting constantly, and through it all her face was hidden by the dark shadows, twisted. Dread covered him like a deathly veil as he tried to grasp whether she was crying or laughing, but the fiery tendrils burst out wildly whenever he attempted to get close, ending the dream.

There were more like those concerning the tavern incident, but he didn’t wish to dwell on them too long. His visits to Charlotte’s, when he could manage them, were the only comfort he got, as Asteroth’s estate had since become a cold and unwelcome space, his garden having been destroyed and desecrated, and growing colder with each passing day.

Shaking his head of the dreary thoughts and doing so, found himself thinking of his lunch with Char, a time they were able to forget their trouble with some fun competition and light-hearted chat. Brief as it was, it renewed his strength and reasons to carry on, hoping to share more experience with her and Olive. Though they had been recovering this past week, and Char had become busy with some unknown project which he didn’t pry into, understanding she needed some time alone. And Olive, she had overextended herself too much, leaving most of the time spent in bed rest. Kazu was happy enough simply staying by her side, ensuring she was as comfortable as possible before inevitably needing to leave, not wanting to overstay his welcome nor be improper for the duke to let some unknown man over too often lest unsavory rumors start. There were times she declined his visits, which saddened and pained him, but he respected her space and kept lookout where he could.

Kazu slid his hands from his temple to rub against his face, expelling one last tired yawn, then gave his cheeks two smacks, dispersing the dark memories and exhaustion, and with it returned some color to his pale face, careful not to smudge the concealer. He hardly wanted to go around with shadowed eyes and visible bruises; thankfully, they were mostly faded by this point, making it simple enough to do without Sasha’s expert skills.

“ Agggh..whew, alright! No more moping about!” The blonde stated aloud to himself, turning his gaze towards the gruff baron across from him, sporting a look of indignant impatience.” Oi! No more of that, cause much as I’m against this whole thing, hardly anything is worth celebrating this night, but far be it from me to be a wet blanket, so I prepared something special.”

As he said so, Kazu leaned down to grab and lift a medium-sized briefcase that had been sitting on the floor beside him up onto his lap with a slight, strained grunt.” Seeing as I don’t really have a choice, thought I’d do something interesting to go along with the starry theme.” Nodding his head and patting the case with a pleased grin.” If I got to dance for the king’s farce of a celebration, then I’ll have fun my own way. And this one, I’m quite proud of…course it wasn’t easy with the short time given.” Coughing awkwardly against his closed fist, feeling bad over the delay brought about by his refusal to leave without the suit’s finishing touches.” B-but, the wait will be well worth it, I assure you, with the surprise I have in store!” Kazu assured with a pump of his arms, feeling some of his old enthusiasm returning.

At this point, he needed to focus only on the ball, and if the king expected him to sit back and let his bullshit decrees ruin and criminalize the splendor of magic, then it was only right to show these boring, stuck-up prudes the real magic of dance!

A curious tapping of the cane, Asteroth let loose a long, slow sigh, then lifted his off-hand to rub at the bridge of his nose.” So it seems some of that…reckless spirit of yours has returned. Hard to say this is a good thing when it concerns you, Mr. Nagasa.” His eyes lowered, scrutinizing the cowlicked blonde and his case.” Though I cannot help but be concerned by whatever surprise you may have concocted, knowing the foolish antics you get up to.” With a twisting lift of the cane, Asteroth had pointed the hawk-tipped cane at his face in warning.” Do anything to disgrace my house or insult the king’s honor, and know this will be the end of our arrangement.” The gruff older gentleman stated matter-of-factly, a promise.

Having the cane suddenly pushed in his face had him reel his head back slightly as he went cross-eyed, staring at the sharp metal beak of the hawk inches from his nose. Taking in what was said, Kazu sputtered, using his right index finger to subtly nudge the hawk a few inches from his face.” Disgrace you, moi?” Placing his other hand across his chest offended by such an accusation.” I’m wounded, my lord, I’m fine humiliating myself more than well enough, but another? I’d never dare dream to disgrace you nor the king….no need with the king having disgraced his wife and throne plenty and all before evening at that.” Shaking his head, fighting back a bitter chuckle before having the cane shoved against his nose, letting out a muffled wince.

“ Cease such talk, unless you wish to find yourself in a cell or the next live demonstration, you will keep such jabs to yourself and hold that tongue of yours. I will not warn again.” He glowered at the farmhand, staring back with a challenging gleam, pressing the cane further against his face till he received an understanding grunt and reluctant shrug of the shoulders showing he got it. A lingering second before satisfied, the lord drew the cane from his face to rest back in his grip.

Once the cane was pulled away, Kazu sat forward, rubbing at his nose.” Fine, fine, ya won’t hear such talk from me anymore, promise.” He said begrudgingly as he slid the case from his lap onto the seat beside him.* But ya can’t stop me thinking it, you stony cold bastard.* The blonde gave a small, defiant huff of his nose.

“ Good.” Leaning back in his seat, making himself comfortable once more.” You may disapprove of all that has taken place today, but to speak it freely will only bring harm to you and your friends. Difficult as it may be to believe, I aim to protect you...even if it means from yourself and your stubbornness. A most troublesome trait you peasants seem to share, which may get you by in the country, but here? It will only lead to an early, pitiful demise, one of which I will have no part.”

Kazu sat there listening and scratching at his nose, indeed finding it difficult to believe the man, but kept it to himself, not wishing to argue with him. Too much to say and poor time to do so with tensions still high and emotions sensitive, especially when he has only just improved his mood for the sake of the ball.

Again, Asteroth studied him with subdued curiosity, expecting another biting remark or sarcastic comment; when none came, the gentleman shifted and turned partially to reach for a stack of newspapers set beside him, the papers rustled softly in his hand.” Seeing that some of your spunk has returned, perhaps now serves to show you this. It might do to give further reasons for you to participate in this event, an unpleasant rumor better learned in private than overhearing whispers from unknown strangers.” Extending his hand, holding it up for his ward to take.

Kazu’s brows raised with a quizzical, queer look as he glanced at the papers offered him.” Unpleas- What are ya talking about?” He stared suspiciously at the baron, whisking the papers from his hand with a quick swipe, where he scanned through their contents with a nervous scrutiny.” I don’t know what you’re on about, it's mostly stuff about this morning and the usual fluf-” Trailing off upon finding a portion mentioning Charlotte.

Many witnesses all agree they saw Lady Charlotte Vikena almost throw herself off the balcony at the first ball of the season. Luckily, Count Damien was there to stop her.

His eyes widened reading the snippet, and he felt a weight drop in his stomach as he suddenly jumped up in shocked disbelief, shouting,” What?!” A harsh thump followed by a pained yelp rang out as he bumped his head against the carriage ceiling, leaving his eyes watering and his head swimming. Dropping back onto his seat with a pained grunt, the papers sat crumpled against his left knee while his right rubbed the freshly stinging bump.” Gah damn it! that smarts! And what the hell is this?! This can’t be true, can it?! No way Char would attempt such a thing..Would she?” He frowned with uncertainty, wanting to believe this to be like Asteroth said, a mere rumor, but it was hard to be sure; did Olive know of this? Trying to think if she’d bother to read the paper and considering her lack of reaction to the execution, he had to guess she hadn’t. He couldn’t help but gulp, disturbed at the prospect, and the only way to be sure was to ask Char about it and posthaste before a possible misunderstanding spread, and like wildfire it might. Gods, if Olive heard of it unprepared or without her friends around, she could take it poorly; this only compounded the horrid news he would have to break to the woman, but she was in a sensitive state as of late and worried that hearing it randomly might cause unintended trouble.

His foot began tapping impatiently as he leaned forward with anxious energy, crumpling the newspaper between his hands with an antsy bob of his knees.” Damn it, and here I went and wasted too much time…come on, we got to get this rickety old thing mo-” As he prepared to ask Asteroth to command the driver speed up, did he catch notice of a flower shop in the corner of his eye and without warning had jumped to his feet.” ]Oi! Stop the carriage!” The frantic blonde shouted in haste.

Despite the order not given by the lord baron, the sudden loud shout spooked the driver to abruptly pull the rolling vehicle to a stop, with an annoyed nicker from the horses who were stamping their hooves with agitated huffs.

A frustrated huff rushed from the disheveled Asteroth, nearly knocked from his seat.” What in the bloody blaze are you doing?!” The Baron growled, pushing and shuffling his way back onto his seat with a displeased scowl.” Have you lost your mind? Prattling about making haste, then next you bounce about demanding we stop? There had better be a good explanation for your erratic behavior, or so help me..” The man fumed at the blonde, wielding his cane in a threatening manner, clearly not having any of this nonsense.

Kazu cringed with guilt as he started stepping backwards towards the door, waving his hands in apologetic prayer.” Sorry, sorry, I know I’ve delayed us enough, and believe me, I want to get there post haste! But..but uh there’s something I need to get, the last piece I sorely need, without it my suit won’t be complete.” Turning partway towards the door and kicked it open while continuing his pleading.” I’ll be super quick. Just gotta grab one thing, in and out, then we can race off to the castle with no more delays, promise!” Kazu then rushed out of the carriage before the baron could respond, hearing muffled curses behind him as he all but sprinted into the shop with a determined, frantic haste, nearly knocking some potted plants over upon entering, and just barely grabbed them before they could topple over.

A surprised gasp came from behind the counter where the woman, who looked to be in her early 40’s, possibly late 30, was running the shop, had been tending and preening some daffodils when the strange blonde-haired man burst in with a loud clang of the doorbell. A startled hand rested on her chest in fright, afraid she had nearly broken pots. Relief softened her worried expression, seeing the young man prevent his own tumbling at the last second.” What on earth?” Was all she managed to get out.

Kazu gave a sheepish laugh as he fixed the pots back in place.” Er, sorry about that, miss. I’m uh, kind of in a rush, so I don’t want to take up too much of your time.” He stood up quickly, adjusting the overshirt while walking in awkward haste towards the counter, where he stopped with a cough into his fist.” I just need to make a quick order, then I’ll be out of your hair…by the way, your flowers all look stunningly gorgeous. Oh! Mind if I have one of those flower cards and a pencil as well? Got a note I need to make out.” Nodding his head in unintended overzealous fashion as he stood there, flashing his most charming smile, his fingers gently drummed against the counter.

---

The herald’s voice rang out with a simple orchestra that briefly broke through the chatter.” Lord Baron Asteroth Hugonin!”

The man strode in with a casual practice pace, the soft thunk of a cane with every other step, as it came to a halt just before the steps. Asteroth stood with a dignified pose, his chin partly lifted as he scanned the star-dazzled hall with a raise of his right hand, giving a quick, practiced wave done countless times. Wearing a simple buttoned dress suit with minor elegant blue trimmings. His dark black dress shoes shifted subtly as he peered back over his shoulder with a faint, irritated huff.

Maintaining his stern expression had increasingly proved difficult; quite irate beneath the surface, as he could only hope that the blonde oaf wouldn’t tarry too long at the carriage, the fool only now getting change. A mercy their carriage was one of the last few remaining, gods forbid anyone saw such an undignified sight.

A wary sigh left his lips as he made a steady, semi-quick pace down the steps, where he stepped forward into the twinkling ballroom, pausing before King Edin and giving a respectful bow with his left arm placed across his chest.” It is an honor to be here, my king. A most wondrous theme befitting the celebrations, in your grace …and my condolences.” Asteroth offered the sentiment to the king with a small forced smile; the words tasted unpleasant on his lips, but little else but to bear the indignity of a tragedy so quickly dismissed. Standing upright with a slight nod, he’d quietly strode his way from the center, turning his gaze, seeking till he caught sight of Calbert with a look of silent consternation, taking in the man’s bulkier state.

Just as Asteroth had first stepped through the heavy set doors, back at the carriage, the aforementioned blonde had poked his head through the carriage door window. An impish grin plastered his face as his head turned to and fro until he spotted two burly guards standing and keeping guard off to the left of the stairs. Shoving the door open, he hopped out and coyly strolled over to the guards, making sure to stop short upon seeing them peer at him with cool eyes, a slight tension of suspicion in their postures.

A flicking raise of his hands up in front of his chest to both show he meant no trouble nor had anything in his gloved hands.” Pardon me, good sirs, and please know I don’t intend to waste your time long.” Nodding his head while shooting his right hand into his pocket, the act caused the two to stand alert, expecting some form of weapon or contraband.

In a blink, a white card with a big sunflower design would appear held between the forefinger and middle finger of his right hand.” I’ve come bearing a card for our dear king, oh, I get this must be strange and certainly suspicious, but I assure you, this is merely a token to, hrm..bring him a small sunny smile on this most grimly dour day. Ah, tell him it's from his favorite amusing puppet. Simply say that, and I’m sure there should be no problem.” He held the card out to them, flashing them the biggest goofiest grin.

The next minute was spent by him holding that smile, fighting back nervous sweats as the two guards scrutinized him, some hushed mutterings were shared between them without taking their eyes off the odd blonde, his manner of attire only adding to their suspicions. However, the mention of an amusing puppet appeared to register in the talks.

After nearly another painful minute of intense hazing stares, the left guard held his hand out palm skyward, waiting expectantly.

A relieved chuckle exhaled from Kazu as he moved forward with a cautious step and delicately placed the card on the man’s hand with a gracious bow of the head.” My thanks, my good man. You won’t regret this, I assure you. And may I say you guards are doing an absolutely splendid job, keep up the good work.” Stepping back with a nervous laugh and double thumbs up, a gulp as the guard holding the letter stepped forward without a word, his blank face giving nothing but a harsh stare.

A soft, acknowledging grunt before the man made for one of the side entrances that the servants and guards used.

Watching the man go, Kazu let his tense shoulders sag with relief as he turned his attention to the remaining guard and gave a friendly side salute.” Don’t let me keep you any longer, you have a good evening, sir.” Departing with a bouncing bob of his body, whistling in a happy, carefree manner

Making his way back towards the open door of the carriage, receiving a warning glare from the driver, who didn’t much care, having his door shoved open, he offered an apologetic wave. His arms dropped at his sides in a deflated manner, exhaling the stress from his body.” Whew, those guards know how to grill ya with just looks, thought they were gonna tackle me for a second there.” A sputtering huff of his nose as he scratched at his head.” Right then, best get dressed!” Springing his body back up with fists pumped in front of his face and let loose a hard whoo.” It’s just about showtime, and if I got put up with all this noble pretense shit, then I’ll do it to my own beat, their snobbish judging be damned!” He exclaimed with a determined pump of his fist.

Next thing he was jumping into the carriage; seconds later found it to be slightly rocking as muffled curses and grumblings flew. The farmhand quickly discovered the carriage cabin proving to be an ill and uncomfortable place for putting on these fancy folks' suits; too many clothes articles, but he endured for this suit he made special with fun in mind.

---

Waiting by the entrance, the herald watched as the doors swung open, where a caped figure walked through, but on closer inspection, he saw the person almost skipping his way along, a black-gloved hand lifting to grip the hem of their hat which sat strangely partly crooked atop his blonde locks and gleam came off the odd shades adorned with golden yellow trimmings sat at at its base, yet it was the vibrant bouquet of sunflowers bouncing nestled to its side that momentarily caught the herald’s attention.

A curious shake of the head, the herald turned after glimpsing their face, preparing to announce.” Ka-” Before they could carry on, he had noticed Kazumin coming to a stop, while from behind a servant had rushed past, hustling to the herald’s side, who leaned close, whispering something that left the man confuddled and confused as the two glanced over auspiciously at the blonde who stood where he had halted with a dumbstruck look of awe.

The cowlicked blonde intended to bounce unabated to the stairs, but upon taking sight of the hall had found himself at a loss. Where he expected the typical brightly lit ballroom, instead saw stars..countless beautiful stars, a starry spectacle that felt magical to behold. It was as if he had drifted off into a dream, pulled to a forestry landscape where the night sky shone brilliantly; a breathtaking painting that dazzled with colorful allure. In this moment, it was as if the world had melted around him, stripping the painful memories that weighed in his body like lead until he felt light as a cloud. Gone were the nightmares, forgotten, slowly drifting forward, allowing himself to be whisked within the dream.

Quietly passing the arguing herald and servant, his gaze transfixed by the dazzling stars pulling him into their lustrous shine, reminded of his nights staring up at them, envisioning seeing them dance like thousands of fireflies, a blinding sun dancing amidst them in the figure of a female, her every step graceful as a delicate princess, yet moved with a fiery flurry tempo so fast it would burn your feet in attempting to follow. A passionate dance that crackled with a heat of danger, a flamed hand extended towards him in beckoning longing.

A blinding smile that watered the eyes, a musical giggle like the sweetest songbird pulled at him with a mesmerizing hum, an impossibly beautiful dream he could not resist, one he never could forget, but ever always was out of his reach.

Walking along the misty path, reaching the waiting hand, he came to a pause, ready to reach out, but in a burst, she was gone, vanished into the night sky like a shooting star.

For a moment, he merely stared in stunned sadness, an ache burned in his chest as his head lowered, the rim of his hat obscured his face; standing short of the steps, left there with the stars beneath their eternal sparkling dance.

There, he closed his eyes, and around him the world dropped away; the chatters and laughters, the chink of glasses and cutlery all faded away into a tranquil silence.

To the side, the herald had let out a frustrated huff of defeat and shooed the servant away, then stepped forward with a reluctant cough of his throat, hardly pleased with what he was about to say, and in a bellowing singing tune.” Mr Kazoo…the. Skip Meister!” His voice rang out with a slight hesitation, his face red with shame.

Mr. Kazoo, the skip meister

(image credited by princess/na)

As the name was called, Kazu showed no sign of moving, his head still turned downward even as the music swelled, for he heard none of it. The pounding in his chest filled his ears with a musical beat.

A song in his heart

A bob of his head, the bounce of his knees, shoulders shifting side to side in a slow, building crescendo, his body dancing to its own beat, began to slightly slide in place, swinging his arms in a carefree, energetic rhythm.

More and more, his body swayed, bobbed, bounced when his left hand suddenly rose to gently grab the rim of his hat.

a joyful lift of the head, a gleeful smile that had spread.

A thousand fireflies dancing in his vision, a flurry of tapping of his feet with silly precision.

A hop with a bop

A skip with a dip

A slide with a glide

Down the stairs, he danced with a joyful abandon

A turn and a spin on his landin

All the world around him was a blur, on he danced, lost in the starry grandeur

A thousand blurry faces spurred his giddy pace, his burning legs moving without disgrace

A hop with a bop

A skip with a dip

A slide with a glide

Music was his guide

The beat of his heart kept up his stride

Across the world’s stage, his feet skipped

Into the morning, where he reached the dream’s end

Before the king, he spun into a bend

Lifted his hat as if to greet a friend

Down his head went with a graceful bow

With a grand smile, he greets with a playful ciao

Opening his eyes, and in a rush, the world returned around him. The cowlicked blonde found himself in a deep bow before the king, his breathing heavy with heated pants, sweat slicked his brows, and his feet burned beneath him; his hat was hoisted gently in his raised left hand. Sliding his right arm across his chest in a twirling flare, he finished his bow with a tilt of the hat, sunflowers bouncing delightedly atop it.

“ Your majesty and eminence, King Edin, by your grace…may the light of the sun bless this kingdom and the stars illuminate us from this day’s darkness. A grave loss has been felt this day. A prayer for Queen Alibeth, may she find peace in these trying times and solace for the grieving royal family.” The words were spoken to King Edin, uncaring if it might earn him some ire, offering kind words to a condemned criminal.

Yet, the words were not meant for him; never could he muster to wish Edin peace for his dark deed. He hoped his words carried to the sweet princess, her tear-filled face etched with sheer grief, burned through him into his hand, fingers squeezing the hat’s fabric with a trembling grip, channeling the fury and sadness before it could consume him with bile upon laying eyes on the King’s wicked face.

With a spring in his step, he bound back upright, adorning the hat back on his head, giving the top of it a patting tap of his hand. And with a quick, brief light bow of his head, sporting a wide, toothy grin, albeit with a forced twitch of the corner.

Then, spinning on his heels, he strolled off, shaking off a cold shiver as he left the king behind. From there, he turned his gaze, scouring the crowds until he spotted a glimpse of familiar strawberry hair lost amidst the surrounding, fancifully dressed nobles. Though he could only make out the back of her head, the flutter of his heart and a tug of his legs were signs enough to make his way off in the direction, the smile turning warm and true at the thought of seeing Olive.

A meeting he would find more difficult than intended, as the way was currently blocked, much to his annoyance. With a disgruntled groan, he attempted to find a gap or path he could push his way through with no luck.

As he did so, coming upon a giant figure whom he failed to get a look at initially due to trying to keep his friend in sight until he inevitably relented and thought to just try the straightforward method, and gave the giant gentleman a tap on the arm, the shoulder a tad out of reach. In doing so, he would take notice of the bear-sized blacksmith with wide eyes.

” Roman!?” He exclaimed in abject surprise, throwing his arms up in happy fashion.” Er..I mean, ahem. What a delightful surprise it is to run into you.” He laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head; not the run-in he was expecting, but figured this was a good chance as any to make amends with the man after leaving things on a poor note. Hardly one to pass up such an opportunity, and thought it fine to delay for a few minutes, a good chance to try seeking out Char as well while he tried to make a new friend.

Or make that two.

As he then took notice of the woman he had been chatting with beside him, her crimson hair stood a stark contrast against those sharp, crystal blue eyes, the pale pink skin that left her face with a soft, warm glow as if touched by a gentle snowy breeze. He gave a sheepish cough into his fist, realizing his rudeness.” Oh! My apologies there, this big fellow seemed to have obscured you in my blind spot. I do hope I didn’t interrupt anything.” And before either could say anything, Kazu plucked two small sunflowers, offering one to each of them.” Here. A Token of apology for my rude interruption.” He finished with a greeting lift of his hat and a bright smile.

Neo Genesis: Chronicles of Eberron

Race: Silver-Wolf Shifter
Class: Arcane Mystic
Location: Bar
Interactions: : @potter Arya/Stella
Mentions: @Lava alckon Corin @tae Meiyu @Funnyguy Minerva (Miris) @oso Bastion @princess Phia
Equipment:

Equipment List

🐾 Special Magic Item: A magically enchanted Haori garb of snow🐾white fabric made of a mix of various creature materials and what few rare magic crystals scrounged. It enables the haori’s internal temperature to be adjusted to keep the user at the optimal temperature within a feasible degree and minor elemental resistance of the basic 4 elements imbued.
🐾Oruna tribal moon bracelet: a charm bracelet made in pairs, sharing a deep bond. Those of the tribe share them with a close friend, cherished family member, or lifemate who holds a fanged tooth, one for each of those most trusted and loved.
🐾Small pouch holding emergency dried meat and any fresh fruit picked
🐾Small pouch of freshwater
🐾Sewing kit
🐾Small tool kit
🐾Small gold pouch
🐾A partially started personal journal
🐾A personal dear drawing hidden on his person
🐾Dark Crystal Shard-left Eye
🐾 Knitted fish hat gifted by Bastion

Attire:
Gold Balance: 34
Injuries: Exhaustion, intense hunger, dehydration, body aches/soreness

The snowy-robed wolf followed the group into the tavern from the rear, his footsteps slower and more sluggish than the usual precise steps. The aftereffects from the long trek under hot conditions and no breaks, combined with the recent resurrection, left him weak with exhaustion.

A sandy dryness in his parched throat made breathing somewhat difficult while his stomach rumbled at the scent of food, yet roiled from the hints of intense aroma of spices and grouped up dirty patrons.

Parts of him sought a way to remain outside, but quickly brushed the foolish idea aside as it’d only leave him exposed in his woeful, weakened state. Nor did he intend to separate far from Phia for long, as they resided in this port.

With a steadying, slow, deep inhale before raising the right sleeve hand over his mouth in hopes of muffling the overstimulating effects. Following his way into the tavern, he lagged behind a step before the group, finding himself assaulted by a wall of noise that struck his ears like brick walls. The jumbled chattering of countless voices, followed by the mingling heavy spices, booze, and cramped, unwashed pirates.

Within seconds, his head felt as if plunged in boozy smog, the mind swam and drowned amidst the unpleasant enclosed atmosphere; suffocating for his unprepared senses dulled by the stacked fatigue.

He took a minute’s pause, taking small, gentle, controlled breathing through his sleeved hand until the swimming became manageable with a faint lightheadedness as his blurred vision eventually focused somewhat to take notice of the group having found a table, though Phia had pulled away towards the bar counter, taking Arya along with her.

Turning back to the table, curious about what they were discussing, he attempted to catch some snippets, but the effort merely tired and irritated the swirling nausea.

Menzai shook his head, deciding it was best to deal with the nausea and dry throat before joining in any discussion. His concerns for Phia still weighed on his mind, though he thought this was a good chance to let her have a nice bonding moment with her new friend. A friend was what the half-elf needed with how perilous this unknown journey would prove. Arya looked to have a need, especially for a comforting hand.

Menzai then quietly stalked his way to the counter, but short upon reaching the stool he intended, a heavy crash echoed out in a splintering boom. The loud abruptness, along with the sense of something brushing his left side, caused his body to react instinctively as his clawed hands rushed out, grabbing at the random bystander by the shoulders; his claws dug into their shirt.

“A-Ah! W-wait, m-my bad! I slipped there after the crash and..meant no offense there..” The unknown patron stammered out with raised hands in nervous surrender and sporting a fretting face, sweating profusely, finding himself partially lifted by the glaring wolf’s grip.

At first, Menzai glared at the male with a defensive scowl, but then the scared voice spoke up, and after a few seconds, his body relaxed and gazed at the confused stranger’s fearful expression. Blinking then closing his eyes as he lowered the man down from his lifted tiptoes, followed by quick, meticulous adjusting tugs and smoothing of his shirt.” My apologies…the sound was unexpectedly alarming. I meant no offense or harm.” Bowing his head, affirming his apologies after his inspections showed no harm, a slight, shameful tilt of the ears for allowing himself to be so easily startled.

Giving himself a self-chiding tsk seeing the person hastily walk into the crowd fearing a follow-up attack. With a small shake of the head, he turned his attention towards the sound’s source to find Bastion, who was standing prior, was now sitting on the floor. Peculiar as to what happened till he spotted the broken wooden bits of chair beneath his large metallic form. Concern etched his lowered brows; he felt for the warforged, unfortunate attempt, unlike his skills with walking, sitting still seemed to elude the kind machine.

The recent incident caused a brief quiet reprieve for his pounding head, when laughter where before would have gone unnoticed, muffled by the rambling cacophony. The sound, almost mocking, pulled his attention to see Minerva laughing, a disapproving scowl etched the corners of his tired lips, though seeing her follow with a warning to the bar, talking as if only she could laugh at the machine’s understandable misread weight distribution. A queer thing to do, and he heard no insult or cruelty in said laughter. With an uncertain huff, he turned back to see Bastion had found his way back to his feet, assisted by Corin; an admirable attempt, though he doubted much the man would help and worried for the gem knight’s back. He knew and intended to join with them shortly, after settling his immediate issues.

Making himself settled on the stool placed two stools to the left of Phia and Arya; enough to give them their space, but close enough for him to easily check on them. A warranted worry for he saw how the sweetly naive half-elf was enamored by the colorfully vibrant drinks, but none she was ready to imbibe, certainly not among this untrustworthy band of riffraff's. He began to shift, but fought the urge as he witnessed Arya watch over and convinced her against the liquor and did so through her fears, nervousness draped her much like the robe adorned for obscuring.

An appreciative sigh of relief, seeing the two enjoying themselves while chatting with the barmaid, likely taking their orders. A surprisingly towering orc woman at that, she appeared gruff with a big presence, yet under the harshness, there was a caring touch. Then there appeared a moment of disagreement, but he felt no need to intervene. Sensing no ill intent from the barsmaid, he trusted Phia to handle it; she had a way about her that swayed others, little help with the types here, yet this showed some decent individuals lived here.

Seeing the barsmaid preparing to make rounds, he sat up with a quiet, subdued anticipation. The act made his head swim and pound as a blurry towery figure pulled up, her tusked mouth opening, though he only heard muffled ringing. Figuring she was asking for his order, a grumble of his stomach made the prospect of food tantalizing, but the lightheaded nausea, however, appeared to overpower his hunger.

Inhaling down the urge to unload his stomach, which lurched, empty.” A-a glass of water..please.” He spoke in a scratchy, dry manner barely above a whisper, gulping the cottony taste from his tongue.” Perchance include a pitcher of water at that.” The wolf added, clear that one glass would not suffice.

After some muffled words and a shuffling grunt, a glass was set with a soft chink, the slight sloshing water catching his flicking ears. With an almost desperate lunge, he hastily grabbed and downed the glass, almost inhaling it in one gulp. Immediately, the water’s soothing effect was felt; his body shuddered in delight at the abrupt coldness flushing through him, alleviating the intense dryness and thirst, and following it, he sensed the nausea ebb after one last swirling bout from downing the water a tad too fast.
A satisfying sigh, feeling his tense body relax, though one glass proved hardly enough, and he poured himself a second glass. This time, he ensured taking deliberate, controlled sips to better savor the refreshing water, as well as to prevent upsetting his body until it could adjust.

With each sip, he could feel his mind clearing, swimming his way out of the muddled depths that threatened to choke his senses.

As Menzai carried on quietly with his glass, a set of three footsteps strolled up to his left, where a grimy hand smacked onto the counter, causing any nearby glasses and tankards to jostle and clink. Despite the rude interrupting introduction, the wolf gave no acknowledging reaction and simply took another sip of water.

The three appeared nothing special, small-time drunks that played pirate and failed to do anything of note. One of the three, slightly shorter, pudgy, and squat bodies who had taken a step around to partially cover his right as if to block his way, his roughly round, pudgy face slick with heated sweat, munching on some meat kebab or what seemed like meat, whatever cheap product his gnarly teeth gnawed on.

A mocking snicker hissed out of the other, who stood to the leader’s other side, his lanky body leaning casually against the counter, twirling some old dagger, trying to act intimidating, but the blunt edge gave away the meager ploy as his ratty face was scrunched in an undeserved cocky smug grin which made his large ears stand out, nicked at parts of the earlobes either chewed by rodents or close brushes with blades.

Standing uncomfortably close to Menzai’s left side, practically leaning over him, leaving the unpleasant squat face of their supposed leader. He had a body of average build, slightly skinnier than a man his size should be, but not as much as his lanky friend, with fair, decent muscles from his roughed-up, hairy arms. A wicked snarl twisted the man’s face as his right hand moved to rub at his whiskered chin, which scratched like dry chalk beneath the man’s grimy fingers, nails crusted with dirt.” Oy! What’s this letting in some wild mutt? Don’t know who yer owner is, but they'd best learn that dirty pets should be leashed outside.” The guy rasped out a crusty chuckle, his breath seeped in booze, and his friends much shared the hot odor.

Save for a slight twitch of the ears, Menzai made no motion, sitting there idly holding the glass, refusing to acknowledge them.

An annoyed scoff came from the disgruntled, drunk brute who let out a hacking snort, spitting into the half-drunk glass.” Hmph, so the mutt’s thirsty, is he?” A rolling thump as the guy holding the blunt knife knocked the glass over.” Yer got it wrong, miss Grelda, yer forgot to get yer finest bowl for this dirty dog, dressed all fancy like as he is. Guess the owner got some money…waste of pretty clothes.” shaking his head with a round of mocking laughter from the trio, expecting to get a rise out of the stoic wolf.

Again, however, he gave no indication of their presence, merely folding his hands across the counter and quietly waiting.

The lack of reaction or provocation served well to irritate the big guy who pressed in close again, hitting the wolf with a foul whiff of rank bile spitting from his teeth.” Do those fuzzy ears work, or are they just for show? Don’t know how to respond when spoken to, but I guess yer not trained properly, seeing how you go assaulting poor..Liam was it?” He paused, looking back at the other two who gave uncertain shrugs, agreeing, giving doubt to the name.” Hmph, bad mutts like ya need to be punished and seein how no one else’s is stepping up. Now, why don’t ya give a nice bark for us as an apology?” The man’s cruel words rambled with drunken wicked abandon, eying Menzai like some easy mark.

Menzai sat there quietly, unmoving, almost akin to a statue as the verbal insults prattled on.

A muffled gasp, aha! came from the pudgy squat one who forcibly gobbled his latest bite.” Maybe he’s still thirsty, boss, mhm, poor thing has been whimpering for water.” Suggested with a mock whimpering, waving his kebab stick around to tease the wolf’s hunger.

A nodding scoff from the boss.” Too right…too right he is. Can’t expect a dog dying of thirst to speak, though I think the mutt deserves more fitting swill.” Smugly, he reached over, swiping a nearby patron’s tankard of beer; a surprised hey from the stranger, his complaint quickly cut down by a threatening small shove upon prying it from their hands as they lanky one snarled in their face.” Here we are, this should cool the mutt down.” Guffawing as the tankard was tilted over, pouring the contents over Menzai’s head, soaking the vibrant dark violet hair and dripping down the white haori with no resistance given.

A small huff of his nose due to the coldness of the reeking liquid, yet again, he did not move. Only when the pouring finished did Menzai lift his head, blinking the droplets from his right eye; the left kept close as he did so, more so to check on Phia and Arya, but was taken a bit aback to find the half-elf had gotten up and felt a spritz of panic as his gaze rapidly searched through the crowd/ Eventually settling onto the bronzed warforged, where he noticed Phia besides him, possibly comforting him knowing her.

With a wary sigh, his attention returned to Arya, frowning at the prospect of her being alone and without warning had burst up onto his feet, sending some sprittle of loose beer droplets flying about.” My apologies for the mess, Lady Grelda, was it? May I request a towel, madam?” The damp wolf asked politely, ignoring the three who jumped back in guffawed shock, half expecting him to maul them, and were instead left confused.

During the brief window of their confusion, he would take the offered towel to dry off his hair as best he could; little it would do for the smell, much to his displeasure, though he gave no sign of such. When finished, he then leaned forward, wiping up any spillage on the counter with an unperturbed expression.

Upon finishing cleaning the mess, Menzai procured a gold coin and set it in front of Grelda.” My thanks, this should do for the water and for the patrons' next drink to make up for the spill. Your service is impeccable, and I can imagine the dishes will equally match. After my stomach has appropriately settled, I will be sure to request a proper order, one that is hearty and meaty.” An appreciative bowing of his head to the barsmaid.

“ What- H-hey! What, are ya deaf ya dumb mutt? Think you can ju-” A casual toss of the damp towel flew into the drunk boss’s face with a wet smack, cutting off his biting words. Angrily peeling it away to see the white-robed wolf walking away, which had his gnarled face redden with insulted fury.” Ya Damn beast, don’t think we just gonna let yer walk away?” The boss took a step forward, reaching for the tankard with dark intent.

A grubby hand gripping his left shoulder by the lanky, knife-twirling one as the pudgy one placed his hands on the boss's side, his nervous face peering over at the table.” U-uh, think we should back off, boss…” The squat man stammered with nervous head bobbing.

“ Y-yah boss, gettin a funny feelin from dat table of there.” The lanky rat muttered out, adding to his friend’s suggestion.

Seeing the two acting all shifty and scared had the boss scoffing with a shoving toss of their hands, pushing them off.” The hell with yer two? Just a bunch of freaks is all. Now git, no way we letting the mutt stalk off all smug and pridely.” Scowled the pirate who again tried to make for Menzai’s direction.

Again, he was met with resistance by the two.” B-But boss, ain’t he one of them tagging along with that..big fella over?” The pudgy male gulped while pointing over the table, each with their own presence certain to catch the eye, though it was Bastion's intimidating size that seemed to have left the pair trembling, the sight of a crushed chair to be precise.” We ain’t want to find ourselves like that chair boss. Think we'd best stop for now, yah?” The pudgy one stammered with pleading eyes.

“ Tch! Bunch of limp spineless twats you two are. If you think I’m backing off like you pansy bastards then…” He made to push past the pudgy squant one blocking his way, catching a glimpse of Bastion and gulping as he felt an air of foreboding from the table, but stubbornly turned away, scowling at Menzai’s white back with a heated look. Then, for the briefest of moments, a single quick glinting glance peered from over his shoulder; from it a terrifying cold dread washed over him, sensing as if a snarling wolf hovered behind him, a hot musty breath huffed against the back of his neck, rustling the raised hairs.

In a blink, the sensation was gone as he found his body shaken and his companions about ready to run off.” Fuck it! We got things to do, but don’t think it's over, mutt!” He spat in the wolf’s direction with an ugly scowl, bitterness in his words.” Yer to do better with who yer serve, Grelda or this place will be beast cesspool before long.” Grumbling his disdain, spitting onto the floor, and after knocking over some stools and tankards out of drunken pettiness, they stalked off.

Putting the unpleasant incident behind him, Menzai would stroll his way over to Arya, where he stopped, albeit a few steps further than needed, not wishing to bother her or Stella with the smell of beer now sticking to him. A murmured assurance to get himself washed up shortly, but he wanted to accompany the star-speckled tiefling to meet up with the group, doubting she wished to be alone in these parts. Phia's penchant to help tended to override attention to pull her away, a pull shared by food if hungry enough.

“ Miss Stella, Lady Arya, If you and sweet Phia have ordered, then would you wish to accompany me to join with the others? They should bring the food to the table before long.” Nodding his head before giving a small tuft of his hair a testing tug, finding it still somewhat damp.” And apologies for my current state. A minor spillage incident, but nothing of concern, nothing to pay mind to. Shall we?” Stepping and turning to the side, offering for her to walk with him if she wished.

Neo Genesis: Chronicles of Eberron

Race: Silver-Wolf Shifter
Class: Arcane Mystic
Location: Bar
Interactions: : @princess Phia @potter Arya/Stella @oso Bastion
Mentions: @Lava alckon Corin @Tae Meiyu @FunnyGuy Minerva (Miris)
Equipment:

Equipment List

🐾 Special Magic Item: A magically enchanted Haori garb of snow🐾white fabric made of a mix of various creature materials and what few rare magic crystals scrounged. It enables the haori’s internal temperature to be adjusted to keep the user at the optimal temperature within a feasible degree and minor elemental resistance of the basic 4 elements imbued.
🐾Oruna tribal moon bracelet: a charm bracelet made in pairs, sharing a deep bond. Those of the tribe share them with a close friend, cherished family member, or lifemate who holds a fanged tooth, one for each of those most trusted and loved.
🐾Small pouch holding emergency dried meat and any fresh fruit picked
🐾Small pouch of freshwater
🐾Sewing kit
🐾Small tool kit
🐾Small gold pouch
🐾A partially started personal journal
🐾A personal dear drawing hidden on his person
🐾Dark Crystal Shard-left Eye
🐾 Knitted fish hat gifted by Bastion

Attire:
Gold Balance: 35
Injuries:

Silently listening and observing the elegantly dressed elf’s every action. His relaxed demeanor and charming allure swere killfully expressed through flamboyant presence and mannerism. The lightly sea-colored themed fit spoke of a prestigious taste, an expensive one at that. His voice changed to a pitch lower, still maintaining a fun flair, matching the wide smile, while his words were carefully chosen. Telling only what he was willing to tell; stingy with giving away anymore or anything past vague tips regarding the port.

“As for Prince Ravic Dane,” An acknowledging flick of his left ear to the velvety coo around mention of the prince’s name, combing each word to discern the lies from the half-lies.“He’s no fool, and not prone to flattery unless it comes with leverage...but he loves a show. If you walk in quiet, he’ll overlook you. Walk bold, and you just might earn his attention... or his gun, if the gods are feeling humorous. But whatever you do, don’t bore him.”

The wolf was hardly surprised and nonplussed with the elf’s friendly act despite his tips and wide jester-esque smile, hinting him no better than the rest of the sharks. A charmingly clever one, undeniably. Some grains of info were given with the prince; signs of some professionalism, the fretting over Phia’s outfit demonstrated evidence of passion, when it came to fashion at least.

“ I give my thanks for the tips you offered.” Said with an offered light bow of his head.” And given with a dashing smile. An expertly crude shark serves as a great merchant with excellent fabrics that express a taste for the arts.” Though Menzai did not care for the slight jab at Phia’s wild and feral, cute style, despite its rudimentary and overly revealing look.” I may seek your patronage at a later time, when things have…died down some.” Glancing around, still feeling several eyes; unsettling, but the lusious gazes had mostly vanished with his half-elf companion’s disappearance into the changing room.

A semblance of relief in this port sea of anxiety and dangers lurking all about.


“ Until then, tailor.” Another light bow, the wolf then stepped aside to think over what he had just learned regarding the prince. Pausing before the train of thought began, for he spotted Sir Corin perusing some hats, initially checking out a gem-embroidered hat. Quietly, he observed, curious if the gem-knight desired it, but unexpectedly appeared drawn to a simpler, yet regal hat sporting a feathered plume. Intrigued by the man’s choice, a note of the knight’s Character; it was no wonder he and Sir Bastion proved to be friends.

Leaving the knight to his shopping, as he had several things to discuss, and these stalls made for a poor place to discuss them. And with Phia to return at any moment, he saw it best wait for now; better to have a meal to deal with their rumbling stomachs first, doubting any planning would get done till then.

There was also the intel on the prince that the group needed to know.* Prince Ravic Dane. An ambitiously driven man, to be sure. One that seems to prize those useful or interesting though, with very high taste, most like. And one that detests boring things….but an unexpected ship with unknown patrons and cargo crashing at his doorstep, easily interesting enough, but those that were gathered and brought seemed by that captain’s whim.* The wolf mused, wondering if the prince knew of the gem or that it was aboard the ship.*Hard to say, and by the fact they’re allowing us free roam, doubtful they know we hold the shards if they do. Good chance we are being watched to see what we may do or are capable of, perhaps.* Menzai rubbed a finger between his nose and mouth as his eyes turned over the area, the stalls seeing crowds of people; a sea of strangers, each a shark garped in fish scales. Were there spies, it was impossible to pick them out, not without magic, which he was sorely low on and needed to conserve what little strength was left to him for any potential attack.

As he pondered over ways they could get the Prince's attention and in his good favor, a large shadow loomed over. A familiar, gentle, heavy thump and bronze glint caught his attention, lifting his head to see the back of Bastion standing a few steps from him and another voice.

”Bastion… I, wow. Thank you,”

Catching Arya’s voice on the other side.* Hm? Had he gifted her something?” His brow slightly raised peculiarly, only to turn to confusion, seeing the warforge turn towards him, holding something delicately in those metallic fingers, momentarily taken aback by their craftsmanship, the small dents and scratches that spoke a snippet of their battles.

“And this for you, brave companion. You both deserve nice things. Enjoy to your heart’s content.”

Menzai found himself blinking, caught off-guard by the unexpected kind offering, but more so by the floppy finned fish hat staring back at him. The wolf stood stunned and rooted to the place as he peered at the knitted hat, and the glassy eyes stared back.

At first, he hesitated, unsure what to think, let alone say, and this frustrated him. He brushed it aside with a hitched sniff as the piercing alertness in his right eye softened; reaching out where he tenderly grasped the hat, wrapping his fingers like it was a fragile flower, and with a purposeful, delicate ease lifted it from those metallic, battle-worn hands. Careful not scratch him, not wishing to tarnish his work unnecessarily.

For a moment, Menzai held the hat aloft, transfixed with a wistful sadness. The sounds of chatter and metallic clangs became splashing water and sounds of giddy laughter. Cool water rippled and waved around his feet; a clear blue lake that almost appeared to let off a pinkish glow beneath the sparkling sunrays. Standing at its banks, the young wolf pre-teen watched a rambunctious and excitable child, Phia, bursting from the water, jumping, all hyper excitedly hugging a fish nearly as big as she was. He could hear her cutely giggling and shouting about her new fishy friend and the games they were gonna play.

He could hear her call his name amidst the sound of splashing and flapping fins and felt a warm rush as he took a step forward. In that instance, he felt the cool water ebb away back to solid ground, the fresh lake water now once more that of the port’s miasma of variable stenches, with scarcely any pleasant to the senses, yet it served to wake him from his little sentimental episode.

“ I-...For what..” Shaking his head, deciding against asking, it didn’t matter.” Sir Bastion…my thanks. I shall cherish and carry this gift with me, always.” A crack of emotion in his voice as he gently hugged the hat in his hands. To others, it was simply a fish cap, but to him, a treasure, one he might not have chosen normally, but to refuse would spit on the warforge kind heart. A machine for war, but amongst this sea of backstabbing hungry sharks, he was the one most human.

A part of him felt guilt for taking the gift without any to give his own and more at his conflicted thoughts of whether to wear it or not. The idea did not exactly sit well with him, given how goofy he would appear and surrounded by pirates with no qualms of manners.

As he stood conflicted, he soon took notice that Bastion had carried on and was interacting with Corin. Curious about what he gifted Arya and turned only to find she was gone, and for a moment tensed up; ears flicking and nose alert in search, only to see her behind a nearby stall. What for he could not say, but she was safe and felt himself be at ease once more.

Just then, a rush of curtains pulled his attention towards the changing room to see Phia twirling out into view in her new dress. Taking in the floral-patterned light reddish skirt and white top and found it instantly more approving than the vines outfit, albeit preferred the mid-drif and upper parts a tad more covered. Though for its intended purpose, it was satisfactory and more importantly, it still felt like her wild style, just a tad more refined.

”I’m... froggy.”

Before he could think to join her, Arya had stepped back over sporting a knitted frog cap, prompting him to place a sleeved hand over his mouth, covering the small snicker he nearly let slip due to the unexpected image. Not often did one see a starry constellation wearing a froggy hat.

Seeing the two share a conversation, unable to make out what they were discussing, though from the way Stella ignored her friend, implied it to be something amusing.

Following that, the tiefling brought up the mention of food, setting off another rumbling, this one almost feral.” A kind offer there, Lady Arya, but I fear some appetites may prove too much for one person.” Taking a moment to glance at Bastion, then Corin, finishing with Phia, who he could see motioning him over.” Perhaps we can share the handle regarding the bill? There we can share a meal and information.” Glancing down at his hat.” As I dare say, Sir Bastion has given me an idea on how to get our curious prince’s attention.” Nodding as he partially turned towards the half-elf.” By all means, perchance to get a table, and we shall join shortly after a word with sweet Phia?”

Assuring they would be along shortly, he moved off, draping the fish-cap atop his head as he went, feeling the fish flop and eyes bounce. Rounds of guffaws and laughter broke out here and there as he went. The wolf ignored the mocking laughter as he approached Phia with hands folded in his sleeves, with a light bow of his head in greeting, nonchalantly, as if nothing out of the ordinary.

“ How strange to find here amidst this sea of rats and rabble, a garden of floral beauty?” Menzai said, softly brushing his right hand along the skirt, admiring the needlework and various flower patterns.” You look lovely in your new dress, Sweet Phia. A lovely bouquet of nature and colors..it is difficult to say which flower’s beauty best embodies you, but to know that wherever we go, flowers will bloom is a comforting thought.” Said with a small curl of a smile.

“ Now that we have dealt with the issues of clothes, shall we join the others? I suggested they find a table, so we need but join them and…” Trailing off as he could hear sounds of shocked cries and gasps from further down the path. A commotion had appeared to break out, but the crowd surrounding them blocked their view.

From the mutters of the crowd, a fight appeared to have broken out, with some scuffling happening just out of view. His ears twitched with the inherent thought to go check it out, but he saw no wish to possibly risk drawing Phia into whatever trouble and needing to conserve his energy. Still, to ensure it was nothing that could explode into something worse and started probing with his senses.

Too tired to strain too much, and the crowd acting like a wall made it difficult to get through. Yet, after some efforts, his nose picked up two vaguely familiar scents.

A scoff of distaste wrinkled his nose as he doubted the feline’s scent at first, but with each inhale confirmed that blasted cat to be involved. Her irritating, sickly sweet smell of peaches that’s been cooking under the hot sun was impossible to miss. The familiar sugary trouble that was Minerva, the overpowering aroma almost overpowered the snaketress mixed with a third, though he couldn’t make any of it out save for the fact that it was elven.

Finishing his probing, Menzai deemed no interest in getting wrapped up in whatever mess Minerva had found herself in. Sensing no real danger or malice save for a brief flash of murderous rage, a blink-or-miss-it moment, gave little need to intervene.

He was simply too tired and hungry to put up with likely to be exhausting antics.” Come, sweet Phia. The situation over there seems to be contained, and I sense no dangers. Let’s find the others and eat to regain our strength. We have much to do and figure out.” Wrapping his left arm over her shoulder, the wolf guided her towards the foodstalls.

Peering back over his shoulders with a ruminating huff.” We may have those that split off join with us shortly, so best we order extras as well..” Figuring they would be hungry as well, at least he could have some food ready for the two…or possibly third, depending.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Kazumin Nagasa

Time: Evening, 2nd
Location: Tough Tavern
Interactions: @potter Lady Olivia/Percy, @Lava Alckon Drake
Mentions: @princess Charlotte @Tpartywithzombi Ariella @Tae Kaliope @Reusablesword Roman

---

The cowlicked blonde felt the uncomfortable quiet overtaking the tavern when he spotted Charlotte and Drake standing just by the door having seemingly just reentered. He nearly lifted a hand to wave in greeting, but the loud thud of the door slamming beind them warned him against it.

His eyes widened in shocked disbelief upon taking notice of the massive bald brute leaning against the door, locked, no barred by the imposing manner he stood just behind his friends leaving the color to drain from his face.

Before he could think to process what he saw of the huge oxen sized intruder; the silence had drawn over instantly like a cold veil. The dreadful quiet was shortly interrupted by another set of heavy thuds of footfalls from the stairs to the next floor.

Turning his wide eyes trembling with anxiety and near confused panic as he saw the crossbows held in the arms of those standing at the stairs while the other lazily lounged on the railing beam treating the whole thing like an amusing show.

“Hands on the tables!” he shouted, voice pitching. “Palms down, fingers spread where we can see ’em—now! Now!”[

The sudden pitching shout made his body jolt in place and his lax grip on the spoon tightened till his knuckles stuck out sharply white. With a gasped huff through his nose he then relutctantly slid back down onto his seat and placed his hands down against the hard wood; rough and old against his sweat slicked palm, some flakes and bits of crumbs and droplets of booze stained his hands as he sat there staring down bitterly with a nervous chewing of his lip.

He could do little else but sit there and try to focus on his breathing as the horrific situation continued to unfold around them. More and more of them kept creeping out from the shadows, revealing that this was no small time group of punk gangs or small times thieves. These guys, whoever they were came prepared…planned this for them to have been lurking this whole time…what made them choose now?

A loud booming bang of a pistol cut his thoughts shorts replacing it with a pained ringing and a shocked panicked gasp. A flash struck his eyes following the reverberating shot forced to feel as if he was back at Calbert’s dining room and for a moment swore he felt a burning pain in his forehead.

Fast as it came, the memory flickered away, falling away to see his trembling left hand clutching at Olive’s wrist. He had been squeezing gently seeking comfort. He gulped as recognition dawned and gently peeled his hand free to rest back on the table. The ringing of his ears soon faded only to be assaulted by his somewhat haggard breathing before being muffled by the panicked breathing shared by plenty others giving the tavern a thickly air of despair that dwarfed that of the feast.

Taking a moment longer to get the frantic beating of his heart while having to hear the greasy skinny shithead mock them about listening.* That lanky stick-twat!* Kazu fumed wanting to punch the trigger happy bastard.

Turning away from Marius not wanting to look at the greasy trigger-happy rat face for any longer than necessary. In turning he would hear laughter coming from the bar and found himself gritting his teeth with a harder grip on the spoon still in his right at the sight of the poor barmaid held personally hostage.

Kazu’s body sat rigid trembling between rage and fear as the woman further goaded them to do as told.

Just then a roaring blast of heat filled the room drawing attention to the hearth where a mighty fire had burned. There, another woman stood nearby the crackling flames, the air about her body whirled about almost wickedly.

What happened next made little sense as the world around the tavern appeared to fade away; darkness blanketed the windows, no more like a black curtain akin to theater curtains. Shifting to study over the windows, where he could once peer out only saw emptiness and any sounds without were muffled.

They were not only held hostage, but trapped.* You..you got to be kidding?! They got a got damn magic user too?! Fucking cheats!* The blonde scowled as he glared back at the magic caster as he understood that she needed to be dealt with before anything else.

Sounds of chairs scraping called his attention to see Charlotte and Drake had joined at the table giving him a bit of relief to see they were unharmed even if unsettled by the wicked enjoyment their kidnappers were displaying.

Shifting his gaze to Olive where his furrowed brows soften, the sight of Maelen’s dark magic reminded of those dark tendrils. He feared their use of magic might have her think the only way to fight back was to use hers, but he didn’t want her to risk it. Not with witch hunters on the prowl now.

He wanted, no needed to think of a plan. Something to at least help her if convincing her against wasn’t possible.

As he mused, a rather plain and unassuming man had stepped forth from the shadows of the center pilla amidst hushed sobs and terrified whispers. The man hardly appeared much, but his eyes..his eyes screamed danger. Each step he took was slow, deliberate and each footfall caused those nearby to flinch fearing a possible lunge.

While he had done that, he failed to see Marius make way for the dockman and only till he heard the pained scream of the man that he shifted, nearly having to turn away from the table to do so.

An action he came to regret as the spine chilling crack of fingers snapping echoed cruelly mingled with the poor man’s pleading screams.

On the tortuous cracking screams and gurgling pops went; all the while the sick lanky fuck savored and relished in the dockman’s suffering. All just to demonstrate why they should keep hands down.

The acrid stench of piss soon filled the air from unknown patrons mingling with the coppery blood now freshly spilled.

Yet, the worse was far from over for a terrified male had foolishly stood up. A mere glimpse of the guy’s face told him enough of what he was thinking.” Wait stop ya id-” Kazu tried to rush out the call, but too overwhelmed by terror the man had sprinted.

For a moment he expected another gunfire to ring out and ducked his head wanting to be prepared this time. But no such bang came.

What befelled the guy would prove far worse as the sickening cracking crunch of bones rattled out. A spine tingling shuddering gasp as his eyes widened with stunned horror witnessing the man held up in the air, his body folded and bent in ways no human reasonably should have been.

The visage of the man’s contorted face forever wrought in painful terror burned into his eyes as he watched the lifeless body get flung to the side like a sack of spoiled potatoes. It took all his efforts to gulp down the sickening bile threatening to bubble its way up. Unable to cover his mouth left him gulping through his mouth as the nauseous smells was almost too much for his roiling stomach. A mercy he had yet properly eaten.
Glancing the corpse as it sagged and dropped with a meaty, gross thump feeling fury and disgust at the aloof manner of disposal. Unable to stomach the sight any longer and turned away and laid eyes on Char; the sight of her fear struck face streaked with tears pushed the sick ill from his stomach, enraging him in its place. And after she had recently endured being hex, now this? As if whatever dark things plaguing her hadn’t been enough.

Then his worries went to Olivia who witnessed a dead body once before though this time doubted any chance of a revival.

Gritting his teeth so tightly causing a bead of blood to drip from his bit lip hating his uselessness.

It irked him having to listen to the man who announced himself as Garren prattle on about stealing goods and belongings while acting like this was just a silly little game and to carry on with their drinking merrymaking.

A sentiment that had since been lost though one individual managed to hold onto the drunken energy. Lady Ariella whom barely could sit still, the huge tankard proved too much for the young woman, evident she wasnt’ accustom to drinking.

Were it any other night, he would have cheered and joined in her drunken antics and for a moment was able to almost forget the vile things witnessed. How he wanted nothing more than to continue the merriment and games like drunken day was intended.

Instead, all he felt was frustrating and horrified disgust. Then a burst of shivering discomfort overcame him as he caught Moira muttering something while studying in his direction. What she said he failed to catch, but it gave him a cold shiver down his spine.

“Ignore her. Do not respond."

Olviia’s abrupt words cut through the discomfort to which he would respond with a weak nod gulping nervously.” Ya said it..got no inkling too.” He whispered softly with a nod averting his gaze to the barmaid, frowning at the whimpering fear she expressed beneath her captor’s hold.

Shaking his head, pity in his eyes for the barmaid when yet another figure stepped out further increasing their numbers frustratingly so. And another larger male this time at that, while not big as the Ox, this guy seemed to be built in power and his eyes showed a smarter gaze than the bulkier one. His nose curled hearing the man tease and heckle the table over drinks.

Here they had come to drink, but even in that this group found a way to enjoy whatever cruel, sick game they were up to. For it wasn’t enough to use magic to seal them off from the world, but to force them to drink as well?

Kazu couldn’t believe his ears and wanted to think this whole thing to be a dream. A nightmare a more apt description and there seemed no end to the terror in sight.
A heavy swishy thump of tankard plopped before him, the same done to each patron. The blonde stared down at the rippling reflection of his face contorted in defiant fury.* Those…..fucking….bastards…as if their toying with us wasn’t bad enough…to besmirch the memory of drunken day?!*

This was one insult too many; after putting up with Calbert’s bullshit apology meal and his family threatenened..his friends terrified and innocents killed.

Then to defile the fun of drinking by forcing them?

Even as he felt the squeezing pressure around his neck and gasped out from the initial shock, Kazu still refused to budge. Glaring down at the mug, at his own reflection where his nose flared and huffed through muffled gags.

His throat burned, his hands clenched, his face reddened, his chocolate brown eyes frothed as the beating of his heart drummed louder and louder through his resistance.

“Everyone,” she murmured to the group, barely moving her lips, eyes fixed dutifully on the scarred wood, “hands flat. Do what they say. That mage owns the room—no heroics yet.”

His head shifted partially to show he heard his best friend taking charge like he knew and was afraid she would do. Yet, hearing her gave him confidence that they could get through this, but the thought of denied enjoyment of drinking for them..for everyone in this bar.

Hadn’t everyone here already had it bad enough? This was suppose to be the one night…the one damn time that folks could let loose..to forget their qualms and problems, the bullshit forced onto them by spoiled rotten nobles.

It was absolute horse shit and he refused to let these monsters have their way completely. He had never been one to tolerate others telling him what to do well especially when it was done merely for superiority and flexing.

“Drink,”

* Drink? H-how…can I be expected to drink..this..this isn’t right….drinking and sharing was meant to bring folks together..not…not this….* His nose curled and wrinkled as if he couldn’t stomach the tankard before him.

Tears filled his eyes, whether from the invisible choking or from his great disdain for holding drunk day hostage as well. Thoughts of Olivia and Char getting hurt plagued his mind and with the way his friend spoke, she was probably working up some plans with her magic but not yet…not as long as they’re working together so closely.

Closing his eyes fighting through the choking discomfort and for some idea or plan..anything that could distract them if even a few of them it could increase their chances.

As he ruminated over what to do, just then Kali had chimed up with an attempt to convince them to let her handle the serving. His head perked up at this prospect seeing the potential ways this could help them slip each other things though that’s assuming they accepted her little game.

Game? Scratching at his chin in a pondering manner.

”If I may.” Drake paused, his hands fully stretched back onto the table as requested. ”The bravado and theatrics are plenty enough proof that you all control the room. While such games are entertaining I cannot help but bring to light one major flaw in this arrangement.”

Again a voice spoke up; this time it was Drake and the way he managed to maintain his composure had been impressive as it was surprising. The man’s training in discipline were something to praise despite its risky bravado to do so in its own right.

What he said was true as well. If this were all meant to be a robbery then what need for all these theatrics and going through the trouble of this magic kidnapping? It made the killing of the man running a clear sign of malicious fun since there was no way of escape either way.

”Killing or maiming us is the same as taking the key to a treasure vault and throwing it down the river. Unless your goal isn’t riches, but something else.” Drake continued. ”Some powerful connections lie beyond this room. Something that some poultry spell cannot snuff out…So I just wanted to kindly request we settle things amicably. For all your sakes and ours.”

The things Drake said he agreed and wanted to cheer the gentleman on were it not for him still gagging due to his stubborn refusal. Yet, as Drake spoke of settling things amicably and Kali attempt to suggest a game that he had a feeling these folks wanted entertainment much as whatever their goal was.

Taking this to mind, Kazu wrestled with what he was going to do. There wasn’t much he was good at, but drinking was his one thing hardly any at home or in the kingdoms that could match him. Shifting his gaze briefly to Drake, his request of whiskey demonstrating his tolerance proving him perfect to partake in his game then to Roman who by size alone would surely be a great boon.

Still, fear gripped him, his lower body trembling. Yet, it was not towards the kidnappers but the person besides him that scared him especially so. Giving a side eye in Olives direction with a nervous gulp doubting she would approve or care for him putting himself at risk.

But…looking down to his hands where he saw the gripped spoon and released it to reveal stinging red grooves left from the metal digging from squeezing too relentlessly. Peering at the marred palm and saw in it his determination.

With stubborn ferocity, Kazu grasped the handle of his tankard giving a firm grip using the stinging pain to push down his fears. And with a grunt lifted it mightily bending his upper body back and with three hearty gulps

*Gulp*

*Gulp*

*Gulp*

He had drained the tankard in seconds then slammed the tankard down with a hearty belch let loose.” Ahhh! Hear hear to that, Drake! A mighty fine brew this joint’s got too!” Kazu guffawed with a chuckling hiccup sending some beer spittle from his unwiped lip.” Aye, why else would they choose this fine establishment..and to go to all these efforts just for us patrons? Guess we know where the real party’s at.”

The blonde nodding turning his tankard in his hand watching it as if it was the most fascinating thing int he room while leaning against the table in a relax manner.” Though, to handle things amicably like our good friend here suggests…well hardly fair if we’re the only ones doing the drinking, no?”

Tilting his head with a click of the tongue.” Since we’ll be stuck together for a while and if the aim’s to keep us calm and docile.” Tapping a finger against the handle pausing to peek his friends for worry of what they might be expressing before carrying on.” Why not add to the lovely lady’s suggestion and have us some drinking games to pass the time?”

A thudded thunk of his empty tankard dropped forward in offering for refill.” Do mind I know y’all be busy but no sense to having all of you stuck bored and the hard work while we drink blissfully away.” Sitting back up and leaning forward.” By the way, one pence coin, two..er three balls of lint, a half-eaten bag jelly beans and a coupon to pudding palace.” Kazu stated with a cheeky grin.” That’s the contents of my pockets for any of you curious. Feel free to check and take what ya want..though I do ask to leave me the coupon, just one more spot away from a free mega bowl!”

Shaking his head laughing trying to maintain his casual composure.” Doesn’t matter who really and since you’re our dear hosts the games can be up to y’all..so..who’s game?” He asked with a raised brow of determination; gulping down the overwhelming trembling of his legs hidden under the table.

The game didn’t matter and more how many he could hope to rope in and if lucky can manage to get a few them tipsy or drunk. And with Kali serving, the chance of creating opening may increase.

He just had to hope their need for thrills and overconfidence might get to their heads…and even surviving this he might have to survive Olivia’s anger afterwards. Best he get wasted before anything else went down.

Neo Genesis: Chronicles of Eberron

Race: Silver-Wolf Shifter
Class: Arcane Mystic
Location: Bar
Interactions: : @princess Phia @Lava alckon Corin
Mentions: @potter Arya/Stella @oso Bastion [@Infinite Cosmo] Elithar
Equipment:

Equipment List

🐾 Special Magic Item: A magically enchanted Haori garb of snow🐾white fabric made of a mix of various creature materials and what few rare magic crystals scrounged. It enables the haori’s internal temperature to be adjusted to keep the user at the optimal temperature within a feasible degree and minor elemental resistance of the basic 4 elements imbued.
🐾Oruna tribal moon bracelet: a charm bracelet made in pairs, sharing a deep bond. Those of the tribe share them with a close friend, cherished family member, or lifemate who holds a fanged tooth, one for each of those most trusted and loved.
🐾Small pouch holding emergency dried meat and any fresh fruit picked
🐾Small pouch of freshwater
🐾Sewing kit
🐾Small tool kit
🐾Small gold pouch
🐾A partially started personal journal
🐾A personal dear drawing hidden on his person
🐾Dark Crystal Shard-left Eye

Attire:
Gold Balance: 35
Injuries:

"I did not trust him too fast." The half-elf insisted with furrowed brows. “I did much better than the other times.”

Just as Menza had sought to ask his questions, the half-elf had interjected with pouty cheeks and furrowed brows. An angry rumble further demonstrated her displeasure with impatient tapping. The wolf could not help but pause with a slight sag of his shoulders and ears in shame as he saw he may have been the hasty one jumping in too rashly.” I-”

"I looked at him very carefully. I saw the shining shard on his collarbone—the one we all have—which means he is from the ship, like us. That is a fact. I made a good decision." She tapped her foot impatiently as she processed his next words. With a pout, she leaned in and informed him: "You may ask your questions."

He tried to speak up, but Phia barreled through stating mentioning seeing the shard, which he might have noticed had he not rushed. Despite the half-elf's impatient tapping and irritation, he could sense that the anger was more due to the angry grumbling of her belly than his accusation

Still, he could not help feeling guilty and foolish while pinching the base of his nose, feeling his own belly rumble. A tired, wincing huff of his nose, taking a moment to brush off the exhaustion and fatigue weighing down his body and senses.* Get yourself in order, can’t afford to let this place get to you..not here.* Chastising himself as he pressed the tips of his claws to his nose, using the jolting sting to get his senses to focus within a smaller area of the group before he overworked to short-circuit..

Pulling his fingers from his nose to find the half-elf smiling sweetly at him. That warm smile brought him comfort, though a part of him believed him undeserving of the precious gift.

With his nerves under control, Menzai shifted with a quick rub of his forehead, intending to ask, when another voice had spoken up in the stranger’s stead.

“Do not fret, Menzai…Phia is right to trust this man. He is no mere knight. This is Sir Talmor, Gem Knight of Cyre, a hero…and a brother to me.”

He partially turned in the warforge’s direction, hearing the graceful giant vouch for the knight. Revealing that they had a history and clear signs of familiarity further backed the claim.* A gem knight? Peculiar timing.. Yet, this run-in of Phia’s may prove very fortuitous. Sir Corin’s expertise on gems may serve as a great boon.* Menzai mused, observing the knight take hold of Bastion’s metallic hand in a firm handshake shared between brothers.

A puzzling tingling was felt behind his closed left eye, reminding him of the shard’s presence. The doubts he held vanished; curiosity and questions replaced them, and though he wished to bring it up to possibly discern some answers.

But such talk was better saved for later, having delayed enough, his companion’s boiling near tantrum was evident of that.” It seems I have forgotten myself and made unnecessary accusations, even in my tired state; there is no excuse. Forgive me, Sir Corin, sweet Phia.” A light bow of his head, offering his apologies to the group.” The group appears to agree. Pleased to make your acquaintance, sir knight.” He stated in a calm demeanor with a slight strain to his words.

Hoping this amended his accusation, the wolf quietly stepped back while Corin detailed what he had experienced back on the ship.

As he did so, moving to join back at Phia’s side.”Now you must trust me with deciding who is safe to interact with.” Her little brag to Arya was certainly undeniable as it was cutely amusing..

”It is as your small protective friend says. I was on the ship falling to my death before I collided with a tree and used what little sense I had while I was spinning to crack my shield into the dirt and soften the blow. My arm isn’t too happy, nor are any of my ribs….I also have a rather persistent headache since the crash. But other than that…I think I made it out well.”

A hint of concern furrowed his brows after learning the man made it through collusions. The man’s armor appeared to have done its job, thankfully with no visible signs of injuries or bleeding. Pondering over the man’s physical state and this mysterious elf with orange eyes with dreadlock hair; one he couldn't recall seeing, only to flinch upon seeing the half-elf massaging Corin’s scalp.* Urhgk…not again!* This was hardly the first time she had spontaneously tried helping someone injured, the number of times he tried reminding her to ask for permission.

“ Sweet Phia, please keep in mind to as-” Menzai attempted to remind the woman of her manners; without warning, she had spun and charged off. Whether it was some interesting object or scent, something had pulled her attention.

With flabbergasted huff, he started after her, halting a step after to turn towards Corin, giving a hasty apologetic bow.” A-apologies. She can get a..bit overzealous around those injured or..new things exciting things.” Bowing his head again in a somewhat frantic manner, then spun to give chase on her heels once more.

He pushed through the crowd with an agitated huff, disliking the idea of letting his charge out of his sight. Moving past the various stalls where all sorts of unique dishes and spices swirled in his nose, eliciting a rumbling tummy fit. Exotic aromas that nearly made him drool while almost proved too potent or spicy were it not for continuing on his way, refusing to let himself be distracted.

Shaking his head dismissively as he shoved his way through, eventually spotting her at a nearby stall, where she was chatting with an aqua-haired elven male.

A quick observatory glance at the sign to see it was a tailor shop and its owner, with their stylistic fashion of clothing, showed them to be a skilled one at that.

He approached to find them discussing clothes, and though the man’s comments regarding Phia’s taste did not sit well with him. He couldn’t disagree that the half-elf’s clothes were..less than ideal. The wolf had long since wanted her to adjust her wardrobe, but her obliviousness made doing so awkwardly difficult. The oruna tribe had little access to fabric materials, and fur pelts never felt comfortable.

It was concerning venturing out knowingly with her dressed in only leafy foliage and plants, and with the wicked eyes ogling her from the shadows, and all about made his worries warranted.

Then the Mistpetal Skirt caught her attention. “This one has flowers.”

“ A most wondrous choice. Pretty petals befitting such a sweet wildflower.” Nodding as he gently brushed the fabric, testing it between his fingers.” Since we have found our way here, please shop to your heart’s content.” His hand moved from the held clothes to give her shoulder a comforting squeeze.

Turning to the snap of fingers to find the tailor keeper recommending the changing room. Once Phia resumed her perusing, Menzai placed a gold coin on the counter with a purposeful clack.” Whatever the young miss and her friend, who will be joining shortly, require, and only your finest.” He stated cooly, then checked to make sure she wasn’t looking before leaning in to whisper for his ears only.” And I wish to ask if you have any tips regarding this port or this Prince Dane you may be...willing to part with?” Pausing to study the man before clacking a second coin on the counter.” This should serve to loosen the tongue as well as your stock?”

Here, information was vital, and among a den of rats, the only king on this island was greed. Spill the coin and the secrets spilled with it.