The Muse

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Location: Alchemy Chambers

Eris stirred, her body aching as she slowly awoke, heavy blankets wrapped around her like a protective cocoon. Every muscle throbbed with exhaustion, the aftereffects of healing the Princess still weighing her down. Even with Ranni’s help, the strain had been immense, leaving both of them utterly spent. Amaya had been healed, though. It had been worth it.

Her breath came slow and steady, her limbs reluctant to move as she blinked open tired blue eyes. The world beyond her window was swallowed in a never-ending storm of heavy, drifting snowflakes. The moon’s glow was muted behind thick, unbroken clouds. The air in the room was cold despite the warmth trapped beneath the covers, and Eris barely had the strength to move under their weight.

Her eyes flicked toward the bedside table, where her journal lay open, pages filled with hastily scribbled notes. She blinked slowly, once, twice, struggling to piece together the fragments of her memory from the night before. It was all hazy, disjointed. She knew she left the royal cabin to find that guard—Charlotte Hawthorne—waiting for her amidst the snow. Charlotte had gladly walked her back to the Alchemy Chambers, but during the walk over… her mind had faded, memories getting lost along the way.

Her gaze lingered on the journal for a long moment, her thoughts sluggish, her head beginning to throb with the steady formation of a headache. A quiet groan escaped her lips as she shut her eyes, pulling the blankets over her head and curling in on herself.

Just a little longer.

But the thought was fleeting, and guilt crept in almost immediately. There was still so much to do—things to study, people to check on, problems to solve, a journey to prepare for. She couldn't lie here forever, no matter how heavy her limbs felt. With a weary sigh, she exhaled against the fabric of her blankets, knowing she couldn’t afford the luxury of staying in bed. Not today. Not ever.

Slowly pulling the blankets away from her face, Eris pushed herself upright, wincing as an ache traced its way from her palms to the back of her neck. Her gaze wandered back to the journal on the bedside table, and after a moment’s hesitation, she reached out and picked it up.

She didn’t remember writing them, but it must have been right after she returned from the royal residence—scrawled through the haze of exhaustion while the memories were still fresh. The pages detailed the healing process, noting the presence of ice and psychic magic in the Princess, and on Ranni’s troubling lack of control over the psychic abilities she must have gained through her transformation.

“Thank you, past Eris,” she muttered, begrudgingly swinging her legs out from under the warm cocoon of blankets and planting her feet on the cold wooden floorboards. With a shiver, she grabbed a soft, fuzzy grey blanket and wrapped it around her head and shoulders like a makeshift cloak.

She padded out of her room, moving slowly toward the living room. The air was freezing, and she needed to stoke the fire to return warmth to her weary bones.

As she rounded the corner, Eris froze, her heart skipping a beat at the unexpected sight—a figure sprawled out on her couch, buried beneath a heap of blankets. She gripped her own blanket tighter, breath catching as her eyes flicked to the familiar shield propped up against the couch. A strand of dark black hair peeked out from beneath the covers, and recognition set in.

“Charlotte?”

---

_{Interactions: Charlotte @SpicyMeatball}

Realms of Sun & Shadow

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_{Current Moon Phase: Waning Gibbous | Current Weather: 20F (-6C), heavy snowfall, complete cloud coverage | Current Time: 10am}

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Overnight, the snowfall grew heavier, blanketing Dawnhaven and the surrounding forest in a thick layer of white. Storm clouds moved in, swallowing up what little light the moon could offer. As the snow continued to fall, snow piled upon rooftops and buried the paths carved through the streets, erasing footprints as quickly as they were made. Though the wind remained gentle, it never relented, carrying a biting chill that settled deep into the bones of those caught outside too long.

Amidst the storm, the guards retrieved the unidentified body from beneath the boulder, carrying its disfigured form through the snow-laden streets to the temple of Seluna. There, it was laid alongside the fallen guard from the blight-born attack. Judging by the victim’s clothing, they presumed he belonged to her and would see him off in accordance with Lunarian tradition.

As people awaken, Dawnhaven is quiet, muffled by the weight of snowfall and lingering dread that the blight-born attacker remained unfound. Though the streets had been reopened to citizens, security tightened. Heavier patrols swept the streets, and checkpoints stood as quiet sentinels, their watchful presence a constant reminder of the danger still lurking.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Location: Northwestern Watchtower > Royal Residence

Eris exhaled a quiet laugh at Charlotte’s introduction, her lips curving into a small but genuine smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Hawthorne. But please, you may call me Eris. Truly, there's no need for such formalities.”

Hearing the familiar Aurelian accent in Charlotte’s voice struck something deep inside, a quiet ache she hadn’t realized was there. Home. She hadn’t known how much she’d missed it until now, standing beside someone who felt familiar in the smallest of ways. It was ridiculous, really. Charlotte was a stranger. And yet, something about her presence already made Eris feel a little lighter, as though the grip Aliseth had held over her had begun to fade.

But then came the reminder. They still hadn’t found the blight-born who attacked the Princess.

Eris’s heart sank, the weight of reality crashing back onto her shoulders. She wasn’t home. Nowhere near it. She was in Dawnhaven, surrounded by death and danger, with the pressure of the world’s future pressing suffocatingly against her chest. She'd wanted this. She'd asked for it.

Refocusing, she gave a stiff nod and turned to lead the way, shoving her hands deep into her coat pockets. Her fingers found Tia's hairpins once more, absentmindedly toying with them as she attempted to ground herself. Tension slowly coiled around her heart all over again—constricting, stabbing.

As they walked, silence stretched between them, but Eris wasn’t sure she had the energy to fill it. Her thoughts pulled her in too many directions at once. Her mind too full to think about asking Charlotte menial questions about herself. Eris' mother would have scolded her for the lack of poise, the lack of noble grace. Dawnhaven had clearly sucked out all her manners.

As they neared the royal residence, the door suddenly swung open. A guard rushed out, voice urgent as he addressed the one standing watch at the entrance.

"Where did the fuckin' S—" His words cut off the moment he spotted them, and relief washed over his face. "Oh, thank Aelios."

Eris hesitated for a moment, glancing between the two male guards nervously. Had they been waiting for her long?

"Miss Hightower. Please, get inside." One of them said, holding the door open for her.

Turning back to Charlotte, she gave the taller woman a small but deeply grateful bow. “Thank you for the escort, Miss Hawthorne…. and for…” Her words trailed off as she straightened to meet Charlotte’s steely blue eyes.

“For what you did.” A faint smile touched her lips as she held Charlotte’s gaze for a beat longer. Whether or not Charlotte would understand what she meant didn’t matter, though, a small piece of her hoped she would.

Without another word, she turned and entered the royal residence.

The guard holding the door looked at Charlotte, giving her a firm nod of acknowledgement. "Good work." he simply stated, before disappearing inside with Eris, shutting the door behind them.

---

_{Interactions: Charlotte @SpicyMeatball}

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Location: Northwestern Watchtower

Eris’ breath hitched as a firm grip curled around her wrist, guiding her hand down to her side. Her blue eyes snapped up in surprise, meeting the piercing gaze of a dark-haired female clad in Aurelian armor. Completely focused on Aliseth, Eris had hardly noticed the other guard approaching. She held the woman’s gaze, momentarily stunned. The woman’s expression was unwavering, yet there was empathy in her eyes. And a silent command to stand down.

As the woman released her grip, Eris’ attention lingered on her for a heartbeat longer, her pulse pounding in her ears. The gesture was a kindness, yet it left her feeling lost and helpless. As though her very purpose had been stripped away. It was her duty to de-escalate conflict—to bring reason where tempers flared.

Wasn’t it?

“I—” The word barely left her lips before it caught in her throat. Her protector had already turned away, her shield rising as she faced Aliseth. The moment had passed, leaving Eris adrift in the wake of something she couldn’t quite name.

Then the ground shifted.

She barely had time to react before the cobblestones rolled like waves beneath her feet, instantly sweeping both her and the Aurelian guard apart. A startled breath escaped her as she stumbled, her hands snapping out instinctively to steady herself against the tide.

Her eyes settled on the stone mason as he moved forward, unbothered by the earth he commanded. He moved between the two women like a force of nature, magic thrumming through the very ground itself. He didn’t spare them a glance, didn’t slow his stride. His focus was set entirely on Aliseth, and the air between them tensed like a bowstring ready to snap.

Eris felt magic build and crackle at her fingertips, cold and sharp, instinct screaming at her to prepare—to intervene. But her feet felt rooted in place, even as the ground settled. Her heart pounded as Elio’s fist rose, and she braced for impact.

But the retaliation never came.

Instead, an eerie stillness settled between the two men. Silence stretched unbearably, taut and electric. She flicked her gaze between them, breath caught in her throat. Waiting for the inevitable snap.

Eris bit her lower lip as her eyes darted to the Aurelian guard, an unspoken question lingering in the air. Should they interfere? Magic still hummed within her, eager to be unleashed, to freeze them both in place before it escalated further.

But then, Elio lowered his fist, and she exhaled a quiet breath.

His features were tight with frustration, but his voice, when it came, was low, edged with something deeper than just anger. Something Eris wasn’t privy to, but she could hear it in his tone. Could see it in the way he looked at Aliseth.

As Elio began to walk away, she watched him go, a mix of emotions tangled in her chest—relief, wariness, curiosity.

Just as she was about to turn her attention back to Aliseth, Elio’s gaze caught her. Amber eyes met blue in a way that felt different. A fleeting glance, barely enough to register, but it sent a jolt through her. His stare burned through her, sharp and assessing, leaving her feeling exposed. Heat rushed to her cheeks and she quickly tore her eyes away, desperate to focus on anything else.

She didn’t have time to dwell on it. Aliseth’s voice rang out—sharp, bitter, taunting. Anxiety coiled in her chest all over again.

Silently, she willed Elio not to turn back, her eyes locked onto his muscular back as Aliseth hurled insults his way. ‘Just keep walking…’ she thought, ‘Please…’

To her surprise, Elio continued away and something washed over her. Beneath all the bluster and fire, he had chosen restraint today. He had been provoked, but he had not struck.

She would remember that.

Pulling her gaze away from Elio’s retreating form, her attention shifted back to Aliseth just as he finished instructing the Aurelian guard to accompany her instead. Relief unfurled in her chest, as if a thorned vine loosened its grip around her heart. Aliseth had made her entirely too uneasy.

Still, she couldn’t help but wonder, did Aliseth truly have the authority to command this guard in such a way? Their armor alone revealed their allegiances to different nations. Had the guards already settled their ranks among themselves? Perhaps it was a matter of seniority. The woman looked younger than Aliseth—maybe she did fall under his jurisdiction.

When Aliseth gave her a parting bow, Eris returned it with a small, polite nod, murmuring a soft, “Thank you, guard Kain.”

Taking a steadying breath, she closed the small distance that had formed between her and the Aurelian woman due to Elio’s magic. The cobblestones no longer shifted beneath her, yet her steps still felt unsteady.

"Thank you," she said again, this time directed at the woman, her voice quiet but sincere. A small, hesitant smile crossed her lips. There weren’t words to fully express what the woman had done for her—how much that simple gesture had meant. Did the guard even realize? Likely not. Eris herself still wasn’t entirely sure how she felt about it. She only knew she wasn’t supposed to feel relieved about being stopped.

Her gaze flickered once more to Aliseth, his form vanishing into the dark, then to where Elio had disappeared down the street in the opposite direction. It felt safer already. Exhaling, she turned her gaze back on the guard and offered her hand. “Eris Hightower, Lead Sage of Dawnhaven.” Her name felt strange to say aloud after the tension of the encounter, but formality called.

With a small motion, she gestured to the royal residence behind them, its presence a reminder of where she should have been all along. “Guard Kain was to guide me back to the royals before… well, before this happened.” she paused, suddenly feeling awkward and foolish. “But I—I can make it back myself. I wouldn’t want to disturb you, if you have other duties.” she trailed off, glancing toward the large home in the distance.

It was right there. A short walk, maybe only five minutes away. She could manage.

"I was only trying to distract by asking him to continue escorting me," she admitted, her voice soft. “But really, it’s okay.”

She glanced toward the street again, then back to Charlotte, as if testing the logic of her own words. “It’s not like I’d be nabbed by a blight-born in such a short walk… with all the guards around… right?”

She meant it as a light hearted joke, to call herself out for having child-like fear. Or at least, she wanted to. But as the words hung between them, she wasn’t so sure.

---

_{Interactions: Aliseth @Dark Light, Elio @c3p-0h, Charlotte @SpicyMeatball}

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Location: Royal Residence

Flynn hesitated by the door after stepping out, lingering in the dimly lit hallway. Doubt gnawed at him—was he making the right decision by leaving them alone? He wanted to stay—wanted to make sure Amaya was all right, to keep Elara in check. But his sisters had always just needed time. Surely, Amaya and Elara would be the same. Given space, they’d work it out between themselves. They’d come around.

Exhaling softly, he nodded to the guard stationed outside the door before descending the stairs, his boots heavy against the wooden steps. Reaching the front door, he pulled it open, the cold air biting at his face and stealing away the last traces of warmth Amaya had left there.

Outside, an Aurelian guard stood in gleaming silver and gold armor, turning at Flynn’s arrival. The man inclined his head in a respectful bow.

“Your Highness,” he greeted.

Flynn returned the gesture with a nod. “Any updates?”

The guard’s expression remained hidden behind an expertly crafted helmet, “Nothing yet, but the entire force is combing the area. Lunarians included.” He gestured toward the outskirts of the forest, where torches flickered between the trees, casting long shadows as the soldiers scoured the terrain.

Flynn’s lips pressed into a fine line. The news was disappointing, but he tempered his frustration. His gaze drifted down the pathway leading into town, where darkness swallowed the road.

“There is one other matter,” the guard continued. “A prisoner has been taken in—thought you should know.”

Flynn’s attention returned to the guard, brows lifted slightly, waiting.

“A man was arrested for treasonous words against the crown,” the guard elaborated. “One of the champions of Aelios detained him.”

That caught Flynn’s attention.

The guard hesitated for a beat before adding, “I hear it was a…. puppeteer? Apparently he held a show at the Eye earlier?”

Flynn sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. Of course. The man had been brave enough to insinuate treasonous words right to Flynn’s face—of course he’d be even bolder in front of others. Flynn would have to deal with this at some point, but not now.

He gave a small nod of acknowledgment. “Thank you.”

Stepping back inside, he paused before fully closing the door. “When the Priestess and Lady Hightower arrive,” he instructed firmly, “send them up immediately.”

The guard bowed his head in acknowledgment then resumed his watchful stance, scanning the dimly lit streets. Flynn closed the door behind him and exhaled, steadying himself.

For a moment, he lingered in the entryway, his mind racing. What if they never found the creature who attacked the princess? His heart clenched at the thought. Surely the guards could track the creature… couldn’t they?

Suppressing the building anxiety, he moved toward the living room, where the fire crackled in the hearth. The warmth was welcome, but it did little to ease him. He grabbed a nearby log and tossed it into the flames, watching as embers curled upward. He took his time, letting the minutes stretch to give Amaya and Elara more space upstairs, but his thoughts spiraled.

How could he better protect the town? How could he protect Amaya? What was one man to do against beings they barely understood—beings infinitely more powerful than them?

His hand raked through his tousled blonde hair as he stared into the fire, lost in thought. He needed to speak with Orion.

Minutes passed before he finally turned to leave, but as he reached the living room entry, nearby footsteps echoed down the stairs. He paused, glancing toward the staircase just as Elara appeared, stone-faced and formal as ever. She descended quickly, her posture rigid, and without a word, she swept past him and out the front door.

Flynn frowned as his gaze followed her. He hadn’t expected her to leave. Elara had rarely left Amaya’s side in the months they’d been here. What had shifted?

His gaze lingered on the closed door for a moment before he finally turned, ascending the stairs. The guard still stood outside Amaya’s door, standing at attention as Flynn approached.

Reaching for the doorknob, he froze at the sound of the front door opening again.

Flynn exchanged a glance with the guard before stepping toward the banister, peering down to see who had just entered.

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_{Mentions: Elara/Orion @Qia, Amaya @c3p-0h, Gadez @Dezuel}

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Location: Northwestern Watchtower

Eris stood frozen, her breath shallow as she strained to hear the muffled voices coming from the watchtower above. The first voice, a woman's, was unfamiliar, but the second, a man's voice, carried with it a distinct, rough edge that she recognized immediately.

Elio, the town’s mason. A man built like the stone he carved.

Her interactions with him had always been brief, but every single one of those had made her feel...flustered. It wasn’t just his towering stature or the way he dominated every space he entered. It was the way he seemed to enjoy making her uncomfortable. As if he took pleasure in watching her squirm.

Her hand rose to her chest, fingers trembling as she pressed them against her racing heart. Her feet still wouldn’t move. Couldn’t move.

She watched as Elio approached Aliseth with an intensity that sent a wave of dread through her. The look in his eyes was different than any expression she'd ever seen on him before—dark, cold. She bit her lower lip as Elio tapped his fingers against Alisesth’s head, her heart suddenly feeling as if it had stopped.

For a second, her mind raced. The Princess had gone missing on Aliseth's watch? It wasn't just his friend who had been involved in this? But then Elio met her eyes. She held her breath, unable to tear her eyes away.

Then, without warning, Aliseth struck. The punch landed squarely on Elio’s jaw, and Eris gasped, her eyes widening.

The shock jolted her out of her frozen state, and before she could even think, her body moved forward without hesitation, instinctively falling into the role she had played all her life—the peacekeeper.

Her magic surged to life like a sudden storm, coiling around her fingers, rippling outward in a sudden, chaotic rush. The wind bent to her command, swirling around her hands, lifting snow in wild, twisting spirals.

A burst of air slammed into both men, pressing against their chests, not with violence, but with undeniable force. It held them upright, driving them backwards and sending them sliding several feet across the snow-covered ground. They remained on their feet, but separated, the path between them fully cleared of snow by Eris’ intervention.

She stood between them now, breathless, palms raised to both of them. Her heart thudded against her chest, wild and erratic, but her voice cut through the chaos with surprising clarity.

“Stop this!" she pleaded, her eyes locking onto Aliseth’s. She could feel the pulse of her magic still flowing through her fingers, though the air that had wrapped around the two men had subsided.

“Please,” she continued, her gaze softening slightly as she searched his eyes. Where had the man gone that had been so kind to her? “There’s no need for this…”

She lowered her hands, turning her body to fully face the guard who had been both her savior and her captor only moments ago. “We should be working together,” she added quietly. ”For your friend… right?”

She took a small step towards him, her gaze unwavering. “Please, just…” She paused for a breath, trying to calm her unsteady heart. “Just take me back to the royal residence.”

Only slightly trembling, she reached out a delicate hand towards him. “Please, Aliseth?” she whispered, her hand hovering in the air, waiting, offering him the connection once more.

---

_{Interactions: Aliseth @Dark Light, Elio @c3p-0h, Charlotte @SpicyMeatball}

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Location: Northwestern Residential Area

The closer Elara and Eris drew to the royal estate, the thicker the guard presence became. Kira slowed her pace before eventually stopping altogether, unwilling to get caught up in their increasing activity. Pulling up her hood, she melted into the shadows of the treeline, trying to keep out of view. She had no interest in lingering near the royals’ home, but she remained long enough to watch Elara slip inside with the Sage—long enough to ensure nothing else lurking in the dark took notice of her first.

Only then did she shift, moving into the quiet residential streets to position herself on the opposite side of the estate.

Leaning against a tree near a flickering torchlight, Kira settled into her post. Hidden in plain sight, she made no effort to conceal herself—simply another figure taking a rest in the cold. She watched the guards fan out in disciplined patterns, carving paths through the deep snow, and lighting the edge of the forest with lanterns that sent shadows scattering. It was an impressive display of order, but one Kira had no interest in being part of. Not anymore, anyway.

Snow gathered atop her hood as time stretched on, layering itself over her as she stood motionless. Her breath remained slow, steady, visible in the frigid air.

After some time, she saw the Sage re-emerge in a rush. Kira tracked Eris' movements as she rushed toward the town square, her urgency plain. For a moment, curiosity tugged at her. Whatever was happening beyond the estate’s walls had set Eris moving with uncommon speed. But she let it pass, remaining in place, content to let Hightower reach her destination alone.

After a few minutes, the sharp sound of three alarm bells pierced through the still night air. A warning. A summons to find shelter.

Kira wrinkled her nose in distaste. The sound was a clear sign that she should probably get inside—lest the guards take notice of her lingering presence and start asking questions. The thought of being interrogated was a mild nuisance at best, but there was another thought, darker and more primal. ‘And if they came alone?’

An easy snack. A chance to satisfy the thing stirring, irritated, beneath her skin.

She shoved the thought down before it could take hold. Instead, her gaze remained locked on the royal residence in the distance. Something rooted her here, something far less dismissible than idle curiosity. Instinct. Hunger.

She had let her meal slip into that home, and though she had no intention of acting on the impulse, the knowledge of it held her in place. The predator inside was still awake, still aware, waiting to see if its prey would return into the night. Patient as ever.

Time continued its slow, steady march, and Kira remained, still as a statue. She watched not only the estate, but everything. She tracked the guards movements, the paths they created, the orders they followed. With every passing second, she committed their routes to memory—not out of necessity, but habit.

Hearing movement, her eyes flicked to her right. A guard, trudging through the snow, pulling someone along by the hand. Kira focused, narrowing her gaze. It took only a second to recognize the figure in his grip. Lady Hightower, returning not longer after she had gone.

Her brow lifted slightly. Eris’ heart was hammering in her chest, an anxious rhythm that carried across the snow. Odd. The Sage had always been skittish in Kira’s presence, but never like this.

‘Something’s wrong.’

Kira didn’t move, didn’t reveal herself—just observed, quiet as the shadows themselves.

The guard released the Sage once they reached a watchtower, stepping away and leaving her behind. But Eris didn’t move. Didn’t run. Yet, Kira could still hear her heart pounding frantically.

Her fingers twitched at her side, but her attention split the moment she heard a door open.

Her head snapped toward the royal residence. Elara.

Kira’s brows pulled together. She hadn’t been inside long, and yet there she was again, stepping back into the night. Kira tilted her head slightly, watching as Elara seemingly dismissed her guards.

A slow, disappointed exhale left her lips. Sending them away was foolish.

The predator stirred, unfurling like a shadow across her mind. Malicious excitement poured into the hollows of her chest, filling all the empty space that Elara had carved.

Her entire nervous system sparked to life, but Kira remained unmoving, almost afraid to take a single step away from the base of the tree.

Her gaze darted between the two situations before her. Eris and the guard. Elara and the darkened path leading away from the royal estate.

Her eyes found Elara once more. Pupils dilated. She took a step forward.

“Oy, you heard the bell?”

Kira went still, a sharp spike of anger cutting through her. Slowly, she turned, her fiery gaze locking onto the guard who had dared to interrupt her. She said nothing, only seared him with a glare that she wished could have reduced him to cinders.

“Get inside. That’s what it means. What you hanging ‘round for then?”

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_{Mentions: Elara @Qia, Aliseth @Dark Light}

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Dawnhaven's Best

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_{Location: Town Square > Temple of Aelios}

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Torchlight flickered across the snow-dusted streets as two Lunarian guards made their way through town, their breath curling into the cold night air. Their pace was leisurely—neither particularly concerned with the so-called "threat" that had locked the town down, nor the orders that had been given to them.

The taller of the two, a grizzled veteran with silver streaking through his dark hair, cast a glance at his younger companion.

"You catch a look at that little thing beside Kain?" he muttered, a smirk tugging at his chapped lips. “Big blue eyes, all quiet-like.” His grin widened as he elbowed the younger guard. “Wouldn’t mind keeping her warm tonight, aye?”

The younger guard, with dirty blonde hair and dark eyes, chuckled and shot the other guard a sidelong glance. "Yeah, that little thing happens to be Lady Hightower. You know, the lead Sage?"

The older man blinked. “No shit?”

“No shit.” The blonde nodded, a smug look passing over his features. “I get posted at the Alchemy Chambers pretty often.”

“Hm.” A beat of silence passed as the veteran considered this new information.

“What’s she doing with the likes of Kain?” he finally asked, his brow furrowing for a brief moment before softening with another playful smile. “You think she’s got a stick up ‘er ass like the rest of them Aurelians?”

“Probably,” the younger guard replied with a chuckle. “And speaking of—you should watch your mouth. If one of those uptight bastards overheard you talking like that, you’d be cleaning stables.”

The veteran barked a laugh. “Hah! Like they don’t think the same about their Sage.”

They both shared a laugh, boots crunching through the snow as they trudged on toward the temple of Aelios. The town was eerily quiet under the emergency order, the usual bustling streets emptied, doors barred shut.

"Y'know," the older guard mused, kicking at a chunk of frozen slush, "I don’t see what the fuss is about. If there really was some blight-born freak running around, they’d have bolted by now. What kind of attacker sticks around after that?”

“Only if they’re an idiot,” the younger one quipped.

"Exactly! Hope they call this off soon,” the veteran grumbled. “I’d rather not freeze my ass off all night."

They muttered complaints all the way to the temple, the towering structure looming over them. Steam curled into the air from behind the building, catching in the moonlight—a sign of the hot springs beyond.

Their boots clanked against the stone steps as they ascended, the warm glow of firelight shimmered behind one of the windows. A silhouette moved against it—unmistakably adorned with horns.

Both guards slowed their steps, exchanging a wary glance.

“Think that’s her?” the younger one murmured.

“Hope not.”

Reaching the temple doors, the older guard pressed a hand against the wood and gave it a firm push. It didn’t budge. They frowned, then the younger guard knocked against the wood.

Their gaze shifted to the window as they noticed movement. The shadow in the window shifted, and for a brief moment, they saw a pair of bright eyes peer out at them through the window before vanishing. A second later, the heavy thunk of a lock was turned on the other side.

As the door opened, both men stiffened at the sight. A woman clad in the flowing robes of a priestess—golden-haired, violet-eyed, with horns and a long, slender tail swaying idly behind her.

For a moment, neither spoke. Then, with a deep breath, the younger guard recovered first and cleared his throat, offering his best diplomatic smile.

“Greetings, Priestess,” he began, offering a very slight bow of his head to her. “We’ve been sent to escort you to the Prince and Princess. Your presence is required immediately.”

---

_{Interactions: Ranni @Queen Arya, Aurora @BlackRoseSiren, Celine @SkeankySnack}

Realms of Sun & Shadow

_{Collab between @Qia & @c3p-0h
Location: The Royal Home}

Part IV

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The room wasn’t large, and the sound of the door clicking shut wasn’t loud. Still, it seemed to echo through the space with finality. Amaya’s eyes were still locked on the other woman in the room. She brought her hands together in her lap, trying to hold onto the warmth Flynn had pressed into her.

The silence stretched between them like the distance.

“Elara…” Her name sounded as fragile as Amaya felt.

The muted thud of the door settling into place reverberated through Elara’s frame, an understated finality that carved itself into the room’s fabric, leaving behind a hollow stillness weighted with unsaid things. She didn’t move, her gaze still fixed beyond the window, though the reflection in the glass betrayed the way Amaya’s eyes never left her.

Elara’s throat constricted against the rising tide of emotion, her fingers coiling involuntarily against the windowsill. She had anticipated relief when he left, some return to the tenuous balance they had once shared. But instead, the absence only sharpened the edges of everything she had tried to push aside.

Amaya’s voice drifted across the space between them, the syllables of her name delivered soft and tentative. Elara considered ignoring it for a heartbeat—maintaining the fragile walls she had erected, letting duty speak louder than longing. But the raw sincerity embedded within that single name unspooled something tightly wound within her.

Her grip loosened on the sill, and slowly, Elara turned.

She met Amaya’s gaze, and for a fleeting moment, the mask she wore cracked—just enough for something tender, something weary, to slip through. But it was gone just as quickly, replaced with a measured expression, cool but not unkind. The quiet inhale that followed steadied her, and when she spoke, her voice lacked the crisp austerity she had wielded so efficiently before.

“You should rest,” Elara said. “I’ll stay... if you want me to.”

The offer was cautious, tentative—a bridge extended, though not without reservations. She wouldn’t let herself fall so easily back into the role she once held, not without some assurance that she wouldn’t be cast aside again. But for now, in the quiet space between them, it was enough to let the choice be Amaya’s.

Her eyes lingered on Amaya’s hands, still curled in her lap, clutching at something unseen. And despite herself, despite the ache that hadn’t yet settled, Elara took a step closer. Not quite closing the distance, but enough to show she hadn’t entirely retreated. Not yet.

“Just for a little while,” she added, softer still.

Amaya wanted to shrink away as Elara approached. She wanted to reach for her. She wanted to hold onto that brief flicker of emotion in her friend’s eyes (her friend, she wanted her friend) and beg her to stay, just as much as she wanted Elara to leave, if only so she wouldn’t have to fear the inevitable loss anymore.

Wanting. That was always the issue, wasn’t it?

“If I want you to…” Her voice was softer, with less distance to travel between them. Her hands grew cold. “Would that be the only reason to do it?”

Elara’s lips parted, but no immediate answer came. Instead, her gaze dropped to Amaya’s hands, her fingers twitching with the impulse to reach out. But hesitation stilled her.

“I am at a loss,” she ultimately confessed, the confession seeping from her lips with an understated, poignant candour. “Would it even bear significance?” Amaya’s eyebrows pulled together, stunned that Elara had even asked.

Elara’s tone bore no trace of provocation; rather, it resonated with the fatigue of one who has surrendered so much of her essence that the demarcation between obligation and self has become indistinct.

She inhaled deeply and then lifted her gaze once more to meet Amaya’s. “I can’t be what you want me to be, Amaya. Not anymore.”

Anymore?

But despite the resignation in her tone, Elara took another small step forward, her presence lingering within reach—within an arm's reach, suffusing the space between them with warmth, should Amaya choose to dissolve the distance.

“But I can stay,” she offered again, her voice quieter, gentler, a quiet plea wrapped in something resembling hope. “If that is your desire.”

With every step Elara took, Amaya was pulled towards her, sitting up inch by inch as her body longed to close the distance — to return to what was familiar. What was safe.

“My…” The word was little more than a whisper as Amaya tried to understand, doubts and fears creeping through her like frost along a riverbank. She shook her head, a tear finally escaping her. “What have I ever desired from you, but… you?”

Amaya’s whole life had been masks and careful control. But being with Elara had felt honest. A decade of memories flashed through Amaya’s mind. Shared smiles, whispered secrets, hands gripped tightly around each other as they weathered the palace chill… Elara had made up so much of Amaya’s world, been one of the few flowers that had survived against the haunting winter storms.

…Had it been real? Had Amaya misunderstood? Had her words been so unforgivable that she’d ruined the only love she had left?

Something fractured in Amaya’s eyes as she looked at the only friend she’d ever had.

It was learning of her mother’s death and falling to pieces, because Elara wasn’t there to hold her together. It was venturing to her friend’s home for the first time after a lonely, grief-filled week apart, only to find it empty and cold. But this time it wasn’t just poor timing or happenstance – instead it was Amaya’s fault.

“Elara, I’m sorry,” she tried again, her voice breaking on the word. It escaped her in a cloud, too small and quick to grasp.

For a fleeting breath, it appeared as though Elara would remain speechless, allowing the stillness to unfurl like a gossamer veil. Yet, in the tenderest of moments, she daringly advanced, as if testing the very essence of the earth beneath her soles. Her fingers trembled, suspended within the air, tantalizingly close to Amaya yet restrained, as she drew forth an exhalation she hadn’t recognized she had kept at bay.

“You don’t have to keep apologizing,” she murmured, each syllable laced with an ache too profound to name. “I know you’re sorry. I know.” And yet, despite the certainty of those words, the hollowness in her chest remained, a lingering spectre that knowing alone could not exorcise. “But... I need to know if you want me here because you need me, or because you want me.” The query was laden with unresolved longing, as she finally allowed her fingertips to skim across Amaya's arm.

“If it’s just duty—if I’m merely…” Her voice faltered, and Elara swallowed against the knot rising in her throat. “If I’m just something you’re afraid of losing because it’s all you’ve ever known—” Her breath hitched, and with a subtle shake of her head, she let the unspoken words settle like dust between them. Softer now, the next words slipped out, scarcely more than a whisper,

“Then I can’t do this anymore.”

It was as if Elara had struck her. Her voice was gentle, wrapping around Amaya so carefully, but she felt the words tighten and constrict around her throat. The stark reminder of how small Amaya’s world had been – how small she was, confined to a handful of faces and the boundaries of the Moonlit Palace – was harsh, in Elara’s soft voice.

Amaya wasn’t a person. She was a doll with hollow eyes, waiting to see who would pick her up. She was a covered portrait, hidden in storage to keep her frame clean and her colors pretty. She was a shadow on the wall, silent and intangible.

She was a Princess. Not two hours ago, Elara had been the last person remaining who made Amaya feel like she could be more than that.

Amaya knew the words to say. She knew her role. She’d always been good at saying the correct thing, if only to guard herself and keep the consequences of her father’s displeasure at bay. But she’d never known how to guard herself from Elara.

They were so close – Elara’s soft fingers on her arm, her eyes clear and grieving. For a moment, she thought of other fingers – of warmth. Of holding and being held. Of wanting. Another tear slipped down Amaya’s cheek.

“I don’t think I know the difference.” The whispered confession was little more than the air shared between them now.

Stay. Please stay.

At Amaya's murmured revelation, Elara’s breath caught in her throat. Her stare melted into a tender haze. Still, her fingertips lingered upon Amaya’s arm, as if she could etch the delicate boundary between obligation and yearning within the silken warmth of her flesh.

“I know,” she said, her voice carrying with it the quiet heartbreak of someone who had spent years waiting—hoping—that Amaya might truly see her one day. “I think... I’ve always known.”

A breath, heavy with resignation, slipped past her lips as she withdrew her hand.

The chasm between them yawned open with uncanny swiftness, as if time itself had momentarily faltered - though Elara remained rooted to her spot, unyielding to the subtle yet undeniable currents that drew her apart from the inside out. Like a lotus blooming in tranquil waters, her posture adapted with an air of quiet acceptance, surrendering to the inescapable truth: she could no longer evade the role assigned to her.

“I’ll stay. As I always have,” she murmured, the words, though gentle, bearing the weight of something that had been tested by time and longing and still remained. Though her expression remained an unshaken mask, there was a shift in the depths of her gaze—a quiet transformation that could not be undone. The tender warmth that once illuminated her eyes had been tempered, subdued into something calmer, something resolute. No longer did they shimmer with unchecked devotion, freely given and rarely received; instead, they held the quiet endurance of one who had learned to guard what remained of herself.

“You should rest,” Elara intoned for the third and final time, her tone reverting to decorum that had long been forsaken in their cherished interludes.

Amaya had always known that she’d lose Elara one day, if only because she loved her. She just thought that there’d be… more to it. Her father’s oppressive presence. Screaming. A punishing grip holding her down. Something to rage against. Blood.

She had mistakenly thought that Elara would be taken, like her mother was.

She couldn’t look at – at her handmaiden. Tears flowed down her cheeks even as she tried desperately to retreat into herself. Her walls were rubble at her feet, the aftershocks sending tremors through her body. Her chin was high. Her back was straight. It all felt feeble and pointless, but Amaya didn’t know what to do but try and hide, even if she knew she couldn’t. She couldn’t match Elara’s graceful composure, even if she saw the weariness and felt the pain in the shared space between them. Ten years sat between them, echoing through Amaya with every quake that shook her. The pitcher beside her had completely frozen. Frost crept across the window behind Elara. Everything about Amaya – her body, her voice, her tears, the very air that she chilled – betrayed her.

But she knew the words.

Amaya knew her role – finally.

“Thank you Elara.” The name cut Amaya from the inside out. Her voice was tattered when it left her. Small. Hollow, like her. “But I think I’d like to be alone.” It was a lie. She wanted to scream. She wanted to cry, to grieve, and come apart because her own shattered edges were cutting into her and bleeding her dry. And she could no longer do that with Elara.

“And I’m sure I’m not the only one who needs rest,” she whispered. It was the last gift Amaya could offer her – the opportunity to leave, and see to her own wounds that she concealed better than Amaya did hers. She didn’t know if she was pushing Elara away, or letting her go. But the difference wouldn’t matter, in the end.

“Please request an escort from the guards to see you home safely.”

Realms of Sun & Shadow

_{Collab between @Dark Light and @The Muse
Location: Town Square > Northwestern Watchtower}

---

"Hmm." He pondered her words as she spoke. Eyes still scrutinising hers as though he could see into her thoughts. "A guard, my friend, had his face eaten off by a wretched blighter." He proclaimed with a heavy hint of emotion infiltrating his tone. He knew why the damned alarm was ringing.

Eris's brows knit together, startled by the sudden edge in his voice. Her heart skipped a beat, a surge of nerves tightening in her chest.

“I… I am sorry about your friend." she said quietly, guilt overwhelming her. Elara’s gruesome story flashed through her mind. Of course it was likely that he knew the guard who had lost his life.

He takes a breath and calms himself, dropping his gaze. "I'm sorry, No. What has happened to the Princess? If urgency is an issue, speak quick."

“She was involved in the attack and needs a skilled healer.” Eris said softly, suddenly feeling so very small and powerless beside him.

"She is injured!?" He asks sharply with a hint of surprise. Eris silently nodded in response, biting her lower lip nervously.

His lips press together and he nods knowingly. "I, royal guard Aliseth Kain, would not risk you another step more than is necessary. If you truly value urgency then allow me to take you back now and send multiple guards in your place. It is safer for them, and they will move more quickly."

Eris pressed her lips together, fighting the urge to argue against his suggestion. Logically, she knew he was right. It would be safer to send guards in her stead. And yet, she felt conflicted. Was it not her duty to handle this? To fix this? She had told the Prince she would go and yet…

Lifting his gaze, Aliseth tilted his head to catch her eyes face to face. With an ever-gentle hand he placed it on her shoulder, offering a gesture of comfort and promises, whilst also subtly redirecting her to face back the way from where she came. The heat in Eris’s cheeks rose, unable to do anything but move with him when he turned her.

"Besides, you are after all, exactly the sort that these vile monsters would pursue and take advantage of. It would be too great a loss to us all if the blighted beast return, swooping down from the sky and stole you away. Please, obey the curfew, leave this for those trained and simply let me take you home."

Eris blinked a few times, her gaze following the path she had just traveled. “Well, I…” the words caught in her throat, worry reflected in her eyes. The firmness of his hand on her shoulder freezing her in place.

After a moment, she shifted her weight, looking up at him again from under her hood. She searched his eyes, hoping to find reassurance in his calm confidence. Turning back felt like failure. How could she return empty handed? Would the Prince understand?

“Can I… can I at least accompany you to relay the message to the other guards?”

"You may." He offered firmly with a warm voice and soft smile. A rush of relief—or was it excitement?—swept through her. This, at least, felt like a small victory.

"You can stay by my side until you are satisfied that the Prince’s order will be carried out in full, now let us begin." He nods down the road to where he could see some other guards slowly moving about in torchlight trying to appear busy.

Exhaling softly, she fell into step beside him. “Thank you, Aliseth Kain.” she said, glancing up at him and offering a warm smile before shifting her gaze to the flickering torches ahead. “You are very kind.”

He gave no words of reply, the faint hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he began walking through the snow towards the guards. With Eris by his side, his steps were purposeful and stride fair paced. "I commend your bravery Lady hightower." He offered without turning his head or diverting his gaze. "They are lucky to have someone like you in their circle."

Eris glanced up at him, surprised. She felt anything but brave. “I—” she paused, pulling her gaze away and swallowing the urge to disagree. “Thank you.” she said instead, uncertainty creeping in. It wouldn’t do for her to belittle her own status, even if she felt that people tended to be more unlucky with her around.

As they neared the guards, Eris slowed her pace and kept close to Aliseth. Although she knew little of him, it felt safer to be near him while in the midst of total strangers (men)—most of whom appeared weathered and like they’d rather be anywhere else but here. She glanced up at him nervously, hoping he’d take the lead.

With a gentle touch he paused her movement as he took a final firm step forward toward the guards. "Attention." He called sharply, allowing a hint of anger into his raised tone. His eyes deliberately scrutinized the poor form and posture of the guards before him. He showed obvious impatience as he waited for the proper attention. Eris stood motionless, her gaze fixed on him, captivated by the way he effortlessly commanded the group.

One by one, they fell into line, their focus wholly on Aliseth. With firm authority Aliseth relayed their new priority orders. The task of finding the priestess and accompanying her to the royals home with utmost urgency. Of the three men, he directed two to the new task and one to remain at his post to update his superiors and watch the street.

"It’s ok, we will send more men." he offered Eris softly as he stepped back beside her. "The next can search any other areas she may be. They will find her." Eris smiled, feeling reassured. “Thank you again.”

Moving on suddenly, with the haste and urgency Eris had shown earlier, Aliseth almost left her behind. Reaching back he grabbed her by the hand and pulled her beside himself. Eris let out a small squeak of surprise, stumbling slightly into him. She grasped his hand instinctively to steady herself, but allowed him to pull her forward, her heart racing as she hurried to match his pace.

For some time, Aliseth moved without talking, continuing to lead the way while maintaining his grip on Eris’s hand. The sage remained quiet, completely lost in her own mind. Frozen.

As they entered the residential area, his eyes flicked up to a nearby watch tower, noticing the dance of shadows within and the softest hint of conversation escaping it. He let out a soft little growl as whoever was in there didn’t seem to be doing much watching.

"There." he said to Eris as he gave a slight nod to the tower. "We will send them too." With that he released her hand and started to make his way to the wooden structures base.

Eris stood still, suddenly aware that her heart had been pounding against her chest the entire walk. She blinked, her eyes trailing up at the watchtower as Aliseth stormed away. What was she doing here?

The walk had passed in a blur, like she was detached from the world around her. Her eyes flicked back towards Aliseth, processing what had just happened—the slightly painful grip he had on her, the tense silence, the sternness in his tone, his general aura of irritation. Her heart sped up again and she shoved her hands into her coat pockets, clutching Tia’s hairpins for comfort.

Aliseth shifted so fluidly between kindness and anger. It reminded her of her father. A sharp pang went through her chest.

Taking a steadying breath, she glanced around, wondering if she should leave. For the moment, Aliseth’s focus had been pulled from her and he seemed enraptured by whoever was inside the tower.

He had likely wanted her to follow, but…

She bit her lower lip and focused her gaze on the royal residence in the distance, lit like a beacon by torchlight and guards patrolling outside. It was only a short walk away.

She could make it before he returned…

---

_{Interactions: Elio @c3p-0h, Charlotte @SpicyMeatball}