STATUS:
Slight bit of depression setting in... I apologize if things are taking longer than usual. Just trying to assure the same level of quality in my posts to you guys.
6 yrs ago
Current
Slight bit of depression setting in... I apologize if things are taking longer than usual. Just trying to assure the same level of quality in my posts to you guys.
3
likes
6 yrs ago
*Has the sudden urge to come back to the Guild*.... *Guild is down*.... WHYYYYYYYY?!?!?! *Literally the story of my life lol*
2
likes
7 yrs ago
One of these days I will learn to not input my opinions where they are not wanted on social media.... TODAY IS NOT THAT DAY. >.<
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7 yrs ago
2 1/2 hours in and I'm already done with the new year. T.T
She's good to go. Move her over and you may start posting. Anything that's happened up until your next post will need to be flashback style for her, but she can be placed in the current setting with the rest of the brides no problem... Make sense?
Aryanna was quick to note her impact on the group standing before her. A few of them seemed slightly alarmed at her sudden arrival while a couple of others seemed rather unphased. If she were apart of their group, she figured she would have been with those skeptical of the stranger. People’s reactions to new situations always seemed to amuse her, this case was no different.
What did surprise her was the first arrival’s willingness to share his own supplies with someone who he knew nothing about. She hadn’t even had a chance to introduce herself yet before he was offering her some kind of shoe out of his bag. Aryanna looked down at them curiously as the boy stood back a few paces. They appeared to be made out of a material she was unfamiliar with, having seen nothing like it before in her realm. She was uncertain as to how they would feel on her feet, but she did have to wonder if they would be better than nothing. It wasn’t as if she particularly minded going without, after all, she had been chased for miles through these forests before she made it to the clearing. If she recalled correctly, the weather had been winter at the time… She wondered what season it was now.
The girl was pulled from her wayward thoughts as one of the others spoke up, the final arrival before Aryanna had revealed herself. If she had to guess, it seemed as if her slightly disheveled appearance had caused a small amount of alarm among the group. To be fair, there were dried blood stains on her clothing. She was beginning to wonder how long it would take for one of them to snap and attack her. Aryanna thought that outcome unlikely, however, considering how generous they were being with their own supplies.
“Your kindness is appreciated. I must, however, decline your offerings. Probably best if you keep your supplies close for now, no telling what you’ll need.” She shook her head politely, raising a hand in refusal. Considering their current position, it was possible that trouble could come looking at any time. Part of her concern was being ready for such a situation whatever it may be, after all, the group before her wouldn’t have any idea of what to do. They were, after all, already freaking out over their transportation… How could she expect them to fight properly. Either way, she couldn’t be bothered with adjusting to unfamiliar adjustments. She also wasn’t too keen on wearing other people’s clothing, but that was an entirely different gripe.
While the girl had yet to hand over her jacket, the boy had already retreated back to his original position. She thought it might be a little rude to make him walk all the way back just to pick them back up, so she did the polite thing and returned them to his hands herself. The only catch, she never moved from her position. Aryanna’s golden eyes sparked to life, seeming to take on an incandescent glow of the same color as she raised her arm. Scooping her hand up through the air, the shadows surrounding the shoes engulfed the items and raised them off of the ground a couple of feet. She made a motion with hand as if she was offering out the shoes herself, the shadows delivering the item back to their owner before retaking their rightful form. Without skipping a beat she turned her attention back to the group as a whole and spoke.
“Well, since we’ll be stuck together for a little while it seems, I guess a proper introduction is in order. My name is Aryanna Torre although if you find the need to shorten it, Ari will do just fine. You’ll find that a lot of things in Astoria are a little different than what you’re used to in Terra, but you don’t have to worry too much. So long as you’re with me, I’ll make sure you’re taken care of… Mostly.” Aryanna’s smile held a hint of mischief to it, a subtle curl of her lip and laugh in her eyes that betrayed her amusement. Her tone, however, left little room for doubt as to whether or not she was telling the truth.
She paused for a moment, turning her head to look out at the treeline curiously before returning her attention back to the group.
“Since you all seem to be handling the transition rather well I guess it wouldn’t hurt to tell you how you got here. It’s simple really, I brought you here. ” Aryanna admitted rather bluntly, seemingly unconcerned by any of it.
“I just won’t be sending you back. Well, if we want to be accurate here… I don’t actually have the power to send you back. That is beside the point though. What exactly would be the point in summoning you all here if I was just going to turn around and send you right back home? There’s far too much work to be done and not a whole lot of time left to do it… That’s why you were called here.”
The delivery carriage was more cage than actual wagon, obviously designed in order to keep the cargo contained. Cargo… Aurora hated that word with a burning passion. It meant they were seen as nothing more than property, objects to be bought and sold at somebody else’s convenience. They were far more important than a few exotic spices or fabrics and clearly far more valuable than any of the gemstones forged beneath their feet. For Drakka, the Gemmenite people were a future, one would think they could be treated with a little more decency.
Alas, no amount of brooding was going to change the reality of the situation. Aurora tried to take solace in the fact that at least she would not have to make the journey alone, but such a thought was of no comfort either. Each passing face was another family torn apart, just like her own, broken hearts and lost friendships were just a few things that should have been expected by this point in their lives. Perhaps she should have known that not all of her Gem sisters would have come to terms with such a reality, for far too many tried to bury their heads in the sand these days.
Glancing around, Aurora took note of the glazed eyes and muffled cries, and for a while could only wonder if this had been what it was like for her elder sister the year prior. Had such a strong woman been reduced to such pitiful displays of weakness and humility? Somehow she doubted it, Kasari didn’t seem like the type. She did have to be dragged away by the Reapers after all, such a personality would never had cracked so easily.
Aurora shook her head. These memories and speculative thoughts were not going to get her anywhere. She and her sisters-in-chains had a long journey ahead of them, and if they were going to survive… They were going to have to be strong. Inhaling deeply, Aurora pushed herself to a standing position. She wasn’t able to reach full height due to their rolling prison, but it was enough for her to gain the attention of the girls she was to be traveling with.
“For shame, the lot of you. You sit here sniveling out of fear, noses running like children. We are Gemminite, pick your heads up and act like it. Your tears are likely to bring you nothing but more pain. These Drakkan scum want to see you cowering before them, quit giving them the satisfaction.” The young fire Gem turned to each of the huddled groups one by one, a stern look on her face. Her voice caught the attention of a nearby guard, who glanced over with a scowl. She hadn’t done anything to cause trouble so he couldn’t crawl in after her, but it didn’t stop him from slamming his hand against the side of the carriage with an order to take pipe down. Huffing out her nose, she glanced around at her fellow Gems before retaking her seat, maintaining a stoic expression that betrayed none of her internal fears.
~~~
By the time her group had pierced through the Spine, the sun had already begun setting. Already cold temperatures dropped to dangerously low numbers, so much so that even Aurora was beginning to feel the chill. She couldn’t imagine how some of the others must have been feeling, but it was often difficult to tell what was actually causing their shaking.
Before they were allowed to take refuge inside an actual building, which she doubted would help all that much, all the arrivals were forced to gather in a courtyard while a loud mouthed Drakkan spouted his rehearsed speech. Aurora figured it was the same one he gave every year, it’s not like any of them would return to hear it a second time. She felt a shiver run through her spine at several points, but never once did she cower. The longer he talked the sharper her expression got, quickly growing bored of the man’s threats. Instead she turned her gaze to a man standing somewhat off to the side.
He didn’t seem like the rest of the scum standing around, taking sideways glances at this year’s crop. The Drakkan she looked at exuded an aura of power and of absolute authority. Clearly the one speaking was in charge of them, there was no mistaking this… But if she had to guess, she would confidently bet that the man standing in silence was in charge of a whole lot more.
Any thoughts she had on the manner were quickly interrupted as the group was ushered away. They were finally allowed inside, but her assumptions were pretty much spot on. Stone walls offered little in the way of heat, used simply to keep the winds off their backs. She found herself shoved into a small room with very little in it. A single bed, ancient vanity, water basin, and a fireplace. Door slamming shut behind her, the girl got to work settling in for the night.
Laying back on her bed, she stared up at the ceiling blankly. Already she could feel such drastic differences between here and home. It wasn’t about the hospitality, for obviously they weren’t going to find any out here… But there was something about the atmosphere that felt off to her, heavy almost. The fire that kept her room above freezing didn’t feel as welcoming as the flames she performed with. They were hostile and difficult to control, not that she had been trying all that hard. The very air she breathed felt like icy fingers reaching down her throat to strangle her, though she began to wonder if she was just overthinking things.
With a heavy sigh, Aurora rolled over and went to sleep, the sounds of her neighbors crying echoing into her dreams.
~~~
Morning came all too quickly, and the Drakkan far too loudly. She nearly growled as her door was thrown open, a menacing glare manifesting with her annoyance at having been awoken in such a manner. Clearly this didn’t please the man too much as he took the extra effort to stomp over and force her to her feet by her hair.
Aurora decided it was better to keep her mouth shut, but her face didn’t seem to want to follow suit. She made mental note that she would have to work on that. It would be a struggle for her, as she had never once been taught to censor herself. Expression was important to her village and even more so to her family… She wanted nothing but to stay true to them, however she knew her reality. In order to prevent even more heartache to her family, she had to do better. Anything it took to survive, no matter how much it hurt her.
She didn’t bother trying to hide while she changed her clothes, stepping forth from her room with full confidence. If she had to be honest, Aurora would not have expected the Drakkan to put together any kind of breakfast for them. Sure, they had to be fed… But it surprised her how they were all being gathered into a hall for eating purposes. It was social, and unexpected. Aurora wouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth, but she marched onward skeptically.
Along the way, several faces she recognized from her carriage had apparently wandered the wrong way. A few of the crankier Drakkan had held them up, scaring them to the point where they could no longer move or respond. Shaking her head, she marched over and grabbed the pair by the arms.
“I apologize for them, they clearly have no sense of direction. I will see them to the banquet hall myself if it pleases you.” Her words were phrased in a fashion that made it seem like she was catering to the man, however, her action displayed that she cared little for what he thought. She didn’t wait for his response before she started pulling them away, considering herself lucky that he didn’t deem it necessary to pursue. Shaking her head, she glanced at the two girls to make sure they were okay before pulling them along the route they were supposed to have taken.
The girl made sure her two charges found tables and began eating before she left them to find her own seat. There wasn’t all that much room for her by the time she arrived, so she picked whatever seat she could find. The girl she was sitting next to didn’t seem to have much of an appetite, having not filled her plate with anything other than some kind of fruit she did not recognize. She wasn’t one to judge, after all they had all been through some kinds of rough journeys, but it was imperative they keep up their strength otherwise they would break all too soon. A picture of her sister’s face flashed through her mind as she looked at this red headed Gem, hearing her sister’s voice preaching something about looking out for one another even if there is no relation.
“You really should eat more than that if you can. There’s no telling what these guys are going to put us through. You should stock up on as much strength as you can.” Aurora couldn’t manage a smile, but her features did soften a bit as she picked up a food from her region that she knew to be good. Offering it to the girl, she nodded her head as if to assure that the food would bring no harm.
Not much of a conversation could occur, however, as the men from the previous night entered the hall. She was suddenly reminded of her suspicions as their warden introduced the terrifying behemoth behind him. Now that he was closer, she could see quite a few differences between him and the others that lined the walls. He was everything that the stories said about the Drakkan kind. Somehow it didn’t surprise her in the least when their warden introduced him as the crowned prince of Drakka.
Her awe at the creature delayed her stance, unable to tear her eyes away from the man in what she could only describe as terror. Pulled from her trance by the movement around her, Aurora pushed herself up to her feet strongly and stood at attention. It was in these moments that she really got to see how far the Drakkan could reach, each individual bowing in a manner that was common to their region. She herself bore no such habit, and thus remained mostly upright though not without a sign of respect. Lowering her gaze to the ground, she tilted her chin down in submission and crossed her right arm to rest across her chest while her left tucked behind her back.
Spicy salt… Very spicy salt. Stand loud, stand proud. Arrived and offered some kind hands to a few before having to stand and bow… Not the best, but clearly respectful.
Azilon’s eyes narrowed as the prince took his leave from the pair, he and his men cutting through the crowd like butter. He, however, could not relax just yet as they were not completely out of the woods. With so many men flocking to the city for the events that took place surrounding the Reaping, it was only a matter of time before some grew antsy enough to try and pick a fight. Now that he was stuck with this troublemaker of a Gem, not to mention the very public confrontation he had with the prince, the target painted on his back just got a whole lot bigger.
While Rya’s eyes seemed to stick to the retreating prince, Azilon’s shifted outward to the groups of men that had stepped aside to watch. He assessed each one in turn, figuring out which ones were most likely to start swinging and which ones were more likely to observe first. Luckily, none of his assessments turned out to be necessary as they quickly dispersed and carried on with their days. It wasn’t until each one had turned away that Azilon allowed a small sigh to escape his lungs, eyes falling to meet those of the Gem he still stood over. He let his hand be removed from her face, but he was sure to keep it close to her figure to maintain his protective stance over her while she spoke.
“When I first came here, there were Gems who thought he was kind because he was prettier than his brother,” She said, continuing on to give her own personal thoughts about the bastard. Azilon couldn’t help but to laugh a little, keeping his chuckle quiet but clear.
“Well you’re not wrong, I’ll give you that. He might not be the next heir to the throne, but he is not someone to be taken lightly. Any of our kind that look as he does are to be feared twice as much, for they are a hidden threat. Many of your kind look upon his face and think the same as your friends, however, I have no doubts he has had to prove himself time and time again. That being said, he doesn’t particularly concern me. It’s his brother I would prefer not to deal with.” He stated, picking his eyes up and looking around the area while Rya made her realizations about her current situation.
Married, huh? Azilon thought to himself with a raised eyebrow. Marriage was a strong term for his kind, something he was sure she fully understood. Not that it bothered him, but he would have to keep in mind to teach her the differences later. She was a bride stolen from a corpse, that was all. And had it not been for the meddling of Ehkota, Azilon would have found a buyer for the girl so that he could return home. Such a pain. Suddenly, he found himself being pulled from his own thoughts as Rya began speaking up once again, only this time she was… chastising him?
“You shouldn’t have lied for me… you don’t even want one bride. Or at least not me as a bride,” She started, pausing only a moment before barreling on.
“And now you are getting a second one? But… I promise I’ll make this right. She could stay with me… the cabin might not be so bad with a friend. O-or I guess you could still sell us, later. I’m sure the prince….the prince wouldn’t notice-” He had to hand it to her, she was a bold one. It wasn’t yet clear whether or not this would be a good thing, but it was an interesting change of pace to be certain.
She wasn’t wrong, he had absolutely no interest in taking on brides. But the situation was as it was now, thus he would find a way to make the best of it. If he was to have the one, it might not be such a bad idea to pick up a second in order to give the first company. That way they could annoy one another and leave him be, a win-win situation. The idea of selling them off anyway seemed like a feasible idea as well, but there was something about it that made him uneasy. With the prince’s eye on him the way it was now, there was no telling how he would take such an action. Azilon didn’t want to push his luck too far, so if that meant keeping the brides even though he had no use for them, he would do so.
Once again lost in his thoughts, Azilon was pulled back to the present by a small little voice that was starting to push her own luck on the matter. The second ‘Salazar’ left her lips, Azilon’s lip twitched into a grimace, his hand shooting up to her neck as she completed her question. His grip was not enough to bring harm, but his intentions were clear that even she would not be safe for speaking of the man. The question still hung in the air, however. He couldn’t just leave it. Releasing his grip on the girl, Azilon returned his gaze to their surroundings.
“No, he is not. The man that Ehkota mentioned is no sibling of mine. He is the lord that sired me, and a man I try to have little to do with. It would seem, however, that I’m not being given much of a choice in this matter. He is the owner of the Dantanath estate in the capital and with the Reaping ceremony being just a few days away, I have no doubts he’ll be there. Come along kitten.” Without giving her any time to respond with more questions, Azilon snagged the girl by the back of her shirt and began dragging her down the street with him.
~~~
The pair walked through the various streets, Azilon setting the pace so that Rya wouldn’t be tempted to stop at any of the market stalls. It had been years since Azilon had stepped foot near the capital, let alone the estate, however he found that he remembered the way quite clearly. He figured it was one of those things that one should always be able to find their way back to safety, though the term was used rather loosely in this context.
Not much time passed before Azilon spotted the building, slowing down before they reached the entrance to pull Rya as close as he could manage.
“If you thought the prince was bad, you would do well to keep your mouth as shut as possible. My father is, how shall I put this, somewhat traditional when it comes to certain things. It is in your best interest to just stay quiet and make yourself as invisible as possible.”
“Not exactly your specialty now is it, Azi?” A hissing voice sounded from behind the pair causing Azilon to tense up. The voice was familiar, and he knew it brought no harm to him or his new companion, though this did not change the fact that he wasn’t particularly looking forward to dealing with its owner.
“Morganna. What are you doing here?” He questioned her, full of suspicion due to the events that had unfolded just a little while before. Azilon remained stationary as the the woman known as Morganna came circling about.
It had been quite some time since Azilon had lay eyes on his elder sister, the woman having grown up even more so in that time. She still had a fairly slender frame, but he knew better than to assume her weak in any fashion. Morganna had proved on many occasions that she was built for speed and quick maneuvers. While she could not physically overpower most warriors, she was more than capable of taking down whatever enemy stood before her. Cold green eyes snapped between Azilon’s face down to Rya’s, only to snap back up blankly.
“Our dear elder brother has earned a third bride and with Gorrak now of age, father thought it best to allow him to participate in this year’s festivities. He thinks it will inspire him to go and earn some brides of his own…” Morganna explained, confirming a concern of Azilon’s before he had a chance to ask. His elder brother, Tarkylian, was his father’s pride and joy. He set the standard for the rest of the family, and was a shadow he could never quite live up to. It wasn’t as if he cared all that much, but he was too similar to Salazar for Azilon’s liking.
He had also forgotten that his younger brother had crested over the 100 year mark some time in the last decade. If he was anything like Az remembered from before he left, the boy wouldn’t take very long to start trying to prove himself for the honor of a bride. Simply sounded like any excuse to get the whole family together in the capital as a show of force. Azilon thought that it might just be better to find shelter elsewhere, but Morganna had already seen him… and there was no escaping her.
“That is all beside the point though. Of all the people, we weren’t expecting you to show up here. What are you doing in Železna Kri?” She asked, eyes narrowing suspiciously.
“It’s not like any of you ever bother to invite me anyway, so what does it matter to you? If you have to know, it seems Tar isn’t the only Dantanath to be claiming a bride this go around. Figured I would cash in on at least one that I’ve earned.” His response was a concealed growl, just as much a warning as it was information. Morganna paused for a few moments before nodding and turning around. She didn’t say anything further and Azilon didn’t expect her to, it was just something she had a tendency to do when she was satisfied with an answer.
“This is going to be interesting.” Azilon mumbled to himself, glancing down at his Gemmenite companion. He didn’t say anything, giving her the opportunity to get any further ramblings out of the way before they dived head first into the lion’s den.
At this point he wasn’t planning on staying long, just enough to grab something that would tether the Gem to his side so he wouldn’t have to keep such a close eye on her while they were out. He had more important things he could be doing than spending a day going at it with his family.
Answers Rya’s questions, goes to introduce her to his father…. FAMILY REUNION, kinda. Almost, we’re getting there. That’s one sibling down, only three to go.
Despite disbelief to the possibility, Sorrin’s smile grew even bigger once the other girl responded. If she was going to be honest, she had been slightly afraid that this other girl was going to brush her off like a few others had on the trip down. She would have understood, after all, with everything going on it was clear than many had countless worries on their minds. This one, however, not only responded but did so with a smile of her own. Putting her fork down for a moment, Sorrin reached over and gladly accepted the extended hand before returning back to her meal.
“Aw, they’re not so bad.” She exclaimed dismissively, enthusiastically taking a bite only to freeze wide eyed. Slowly she swallowed the lump without bother to chew any more of the food, quick to follow up with a goblet of water.
“Yeah, ok… Maybe you’re right. That one was pretty bad.” Sorrin made a face before cracking up, unusually high in spirits for someone in her position. This earned her a few wayward glances but she didn’t seem to mind or even notice for that matter. Even she didn’t really know why she was doing as alright as she was. It wasn’t like she didn’t miss home, she did… So much so that it physically hurt. She wasn’t without fear either, the drakkan guards scared her stiff whenever they drew near. But for now they kept their distance and Sorrin had food to focus on.
“What part of Gemmenia are you from?” Her newfound friend asked after a moment, pulling Sorrin from whatever internal pondering she had sunk into. She even went on to give a location first, making light of the future that terrified more than a few. Sorrin had to laugh at her comment, nodding in agreement.
“I hear you there, not too keen on the cold either. Then again, I did live at the base of a mountain for a while so it’s not completely foreign to me. Most of my life I spent in one of those older communities that dot the meadowlands. It was pretty warm there for most of the year too.” She replied, swinging her feet beneath her chair merrily.
Suddenly, a commotion off to the side caught Sorrin’s attention. A man had entered the dining hall, a face she was pretty certain she had seen before. It took a moment for it to click, but she finally caught on that the face belonged to the mean guy who gave the scary speech the previous night. The other man she did not recognize at all, not that it mattered, he was introduced anyway… Well, sort of. The mean guy who was talking said something about him being their prince, but there was something wrong about the introduction.
“Does he not have a name?” She pondered out loud, too distracted by her own thoughts to realize that they had been given and order. It didn’t seem like the others getting out of their seats caught her attention either, the lack of a name was really going to bother her.
More cuteness from Sorrin. Stuffing of face, slight regret of food choice. Conversation stuffs… Too distracted to bow. Somebody should give her a nudge.
For a small village, easily a half a day’s ride from any major town, the day had been like it always was. The sun had set the night before, returning bright and early to share its warmth with the countryside. A cool breeze rustled through the tall grass, carrying the songs of many birds across the land with it. White, fluffy clouds rode the currents high up in the air, rolling lazily above the rest of the world, providing moments of shady relief from the sun’s beams.
A young air Gem by the name of Sorrin had awoken super early, setting to her few chores with a spring in her step. If asked, she would have stated that she simply wanted to make the day easier for her aunt, who was starting to age up a bit. While such a statement would have been true, Sorrin just didn’t want to see such a lovely day wasted inside. She tried her best to tend to as many of her daily tasks as she could think of, but her desire to go out and play eventually got the best of her.
With a giddy laugh and skipping stride, Sorrin left a brief note for her aunt to read when she woke up before setting out the door. The girl didn’t bother with shoes on this venture, after all she wasn’t interested in nearing any of the rough roads. The meadow she wanted to spend her day in was filled with the softest grass she had ever experienced in her whole life. It was how she imagined running atop the clouds might feel like. Bright colors dotted the landscape as flowers of all different kinds painted a beautiful picture-esque dreamland. Such was a normal day for the young girl; peaceful and happy.
Few could have predicted just how quickly such normality would change. The village itself wasn’t known for its particularly beautiful women. In fact, the majority of its population were actually much older in years. Most of them had moved away from the bigger cities in order to live out the rest of their years in comfort. Sorrin’s aunt had done the same when she took in the young sprite so that she could have the support system necessary to deal with such a broken child. The whole village had played some part in her recovery, which is why she tried so very hard to make each and every one of them smile. But somehow, they had lost sight of the reality of their world.
While they were not considered desirable for reaping purposes, not one had thought about the possibility of the Drakkan showing up on their doorstep anyway. Apparently, the town closest to their small wonderland had been approved for the Reaping but had not produced enough to meet whatever twisted quota these monsters operated under. Knowing of a few smaller groupings throughout the land, the drakkan Reapers had decided they would at least take a gander on their way back through. Much to their delight and, quite frankly, surprise, the men spotted the youth frolicking about in the meadow on her own.
Of the group of three, only one was sent after her, riding horseback so that she could not flee into hiding. He quickly snagged the girl by the wrist and pulled up until little Sorrin was standing on her tiptoes.
“Ouch, let go! You’re hurting me.” She whimpered, looking up with teary eyes. Neither her words nor expression were going to change a thing as the man looked her up and down. Everything seemed to check out in his eyes as he maintained his grip on the youngling.
“Quit squirming, I haven’t got all day. How old are you? He barked, his eyes all but challenging the Gem girl to lie to him. Not that she would have, she was raised to be honest. But she couldn’t quite understand why he was asking her such a question.
“I-I’m 18 this year. Turned a few months back, what’s going on?” Sorrin asked, hoping to gather some kind of clarity as to why her day in the meadow was being so rudely interrupted. It wasn’t until then that she noticed several people off in the distance, watching with covered mouths and concerned expressions. The only time she ever saw those looks were when they told stories from long ago. The days when they feared for their lives, the days when they were considered in their prime, the days where any time a man of unspeakable terror could come and carry them away without question.
Slowly her eyes turned back to the man in fear. His grin was something of nightmares, his grip changing into something far more possessive than it had been when he stopped her. As if she weighed absolutely nothing, Sorrin was yanked into the air and settled onto the horse in front of the beastly man.
“Make this easy for the both of us and don’t put up a fight. You’ll need your strength later on.” The man laughed at his own personal joke, pushing the horse in the direction of the houses. He had her point out her own so that she could gather a few personal belongings and say her goodbyes. Clearly the moment broke her aunt’s heart, but Sorrin couldn’t bear to see her cry. She was a good girl, and she was going to act as one for as long as she could. Maintaining her brave face, Sorrin gave her brightest smile to each and every Gem that lay eyes on her. They had to think she would be okay, otherwise they would be sad, and Sorrin couldn’t stand sadness.
Within the hour she was returned to a much larger grouping of people or both Gemmenite and Drakkan origin. They tossed her into the back of a wagon with the rest of their stock and continued on their way toward the great barrier between realms; The Spine. Sorrin would know home no longer, though what was to come, she could only imagine.
~~~
The journey had been rough and a lot colder than Sorrin had ever been in her life. She, along with more than a few other girls, huddled together to keep warm. It was comforting being close to so many others, it helped ease the anxiety of not knowing what was to come. But all too soon, even that came to an end as they reached their destination. The setting sun cast terrifying shadows that caused Sorrin to jump at nearly every turn.
Their welcome was harsh, and more of a warning than a welcome. Sorrin found herself unable to take her eyes off of the man giving the speech, fear rooting her to the spot even after he had finished speaking. It took the guards corralling the girls onward for her to finally move, getting tossed into a small room to spend the remainder of the night alone. There was no way she was going to get any sleep in such a room, it was too small and there was nothing in the way of warmth. Turning around, she slammed her fists against the solid door as it was closed in her face.
“Please let me out of here! I don’t like small spaces, at least open the door. Please!” She cried out, banging as if the door would give up and let her out. It didn’t. All she received in response was a stronger thud back, and barking orders to shut up or face the consequences. Morning couldn’t come fast enough.
~~~
At some point Sorrin must have passed out, finding herself unceremoniously awoken by loud banging and the face of a complete stranger. She was instructed to get dressed and gather in the dining hall for what she assumed would be breakfast. The clothes left for her were simple, but not entirely uncomfortable. She was used to wearing whatever was available, and the material was far warmer than what she brought.
Leaving her dirty cloth on the ground of her room, Sorrin quickly exited the space, thankful to be allowed out now. She took her time wandering toward the dining hall, finding herself among a few others who had continuously found themselves turned around. Each time though she corrected course as asked, not wanting to find out what happened if she didn’t.
Eventually she did make it to the dining hall where loads and loads of food had been left out for their consumption. Many she did not recognize, however that had never stopped the girl before. She would follow her nose on this one.
Plopping down in a chair, Sorrin quickly filled her plate and began stuffing her face with anything she could get her hands on. Some of the dishes were tasty, others not so much, but in her excitement she forgot which ones were which and thus had to fill her plate to figuring it out once again. She was slow to notice the girl sitting somewhat opposite her at the table, but once she did, she found herself unable to look away.
Her pale complexion mirrored Sorrin’s own, but it was her hair that really caught the young one’s attention. She found herself slightly envious of such a vibrant color, quickly peeking at her own plain locks before looking back. Figuring she shouldn’t forget her manners, Sorrin finished swallowing the large lump of food she had stuffed her mouth with and smiled broadly.
“I’m Sorrin, what’s your name?” She called across the table to the girl, hoping she would realize who had spoken… After all, it looked like she might have been lost in thought.
“Isn’t the food tasty?”
Sorrin is cute and likes to play in meadows. Play time is cut waaaay short, where she in promptly delivered to Shadow Worth and now attempting to make friends with a certain other water Gem while simultaneously stuffing her face.
Castle Shadow Worth; a fortress built with its back to the Spine, its only way in or out a bridge connecting the isolated outpost to the main road leading from Gemmenia to Drakka. The large crevice served as a barrier to keep any outsiders from invading, though in more recent history, insiders from wandering away. As the sun began to set, the valley the keep was tucked away in sunk into the shadows, any warmth the day brought vanished along side the dying light.
Numerous brides had already arrived, their delivery staggered throughout the day, yet the keep remained as cold and silent as ever. Small voices that dared to speak out remained at a weak whisper while their captors’ echoed off the stone halls.
“The last of the girls will be here shortly.” The gruff voice of Sek Leon pulled the eldest of the princes from his thoughts. Glancing over his shoulder, Gaelnesh took in the familiar sight of the keep’s master. “Ten more than last year, as requested. We had to clear out the west wing to make room for them all… Sir, if I may ask, will our king be joining us this year?” Gaelnesh crossed his arms, shaking his head in response.
“No. His attention is needed in the capital.” Just as it had been for the past ten years. Rarely did the king make public appearances any more, his health unbefitting of a Drakkan ruler. His presence was a formality any how, seeing as it was left up to Gaelnesh to oversee the important tasks. And anything that did not require such strict and direct supervision was left up to his younger counterpart Ehkota.
In that moment, another guard approached and whispered into Sek Leon’s ear. Nodding his understanding, the Keep Master turned back to his prince with the news.
“It seems the last of the girls have arrived, my prince, shall we go see what our thralls have sent us this year?” The prince allowed the man to lead the way, despite knowing the path by heart by this point. Their destination was a large, barren courtyard lined with guards whose only jobs were to maintain the stock they had just been delivered. Dead trees occupied every corner, the fading light casting eerie claw-like shadows through them.
Waiting off to the side, the prince watched on with satisfaction as Sek Leon addressed his temporary wards. Even he had to resist the urge to jump as the man’s voice barked out a well practiced speech, sharpened eyes quick to note more than a few girls shivering at the sound.
“There was a time when your people were unable to defend themselves due to your inherent weaknesses. Were it not for our kindness, you all would have been slaughtered at the hands of your foes. And, as it stands, you are the only thing of value to us that your country could provide to repay such kindness. In three days time you will be given to your new lord husbands. You will bear their children. You will tend to their every need. And you will obey them for they hold the right to do with you as they please.”
Pausing to allow the message to fully sink in, his well practiced eyes flickered across the crowd. He made sure to note which eyes shone with tears, and which ones did not. Seemed that more than a few would require… extra attention.
“We Drakkan are not kind as you know kindness. Your lords do not care that you have just lost everything, and neither do I. I only have three days to train the lot of you, know… that is not nearly enough time. Learn as much as you can and pray to your heathen gods that it is enough to get you through.” Turning his head slightly, the keep master nodded his head signalling the wardens to step forward and take position around the Gems.
“You will now be taken to your rooms where you will remain until morning. The doors will be locked to ensure your compliance and your safety. Any attempt at an escape will be seen and dealt with as high treason, so think very carefully. There will be clothing set out for you in your rooms. Try not to get them dirty, it is all you will be given until your arrival in the capital. Sweet dreams little song birds.” The man’s snickering laughter carried about the courtyard as the group was led away to their rooms. It would be the last sound, aside from their own sniffling tears, that they would hear until morning.
At first light the following morning, the Gems were roused by the hammering fists of their designated guards. Heavy thumps fell against the solid wood, Drakken throwing open doors and barking orders for the girls to dress quickly and head for the dining hall. Additional guards made their rounds about the hallways, stopping Gems that had managed to wander off in the wrong direction; awaiting all too eagerly for a girl who refused to obey. While each and every Drakkan posted at Shadow Worth were under strict orders not to leave visible bruises anywhere it mattered, that still left a lot of the Gem’s body to work with for punishments.
The dining hall itself was a long, rectangular room with three fireplaces lining either side and four long tables filling the space. Each table was filled with simple, a mix of dishes familiar and unfamiliar depending on who was looking at them. Clearly, the more colorful foods belonged to the Gemmenia side of the spine, the duller ones belonging to the Drakka side.
Keeping watch over the girls while they gathered to eat were guards that seemed rather content on letting the girls be, giving them plenty of space to grow used to their surroundings so long as they didn’t step out of line. They kept watchful eyes but for the most part made sure to keep their distance, posted in each of the corners and by any of the exits… Including the windows.
You can include anything about the less than comfortable ride to Shadow Worth, so long as by the end, you make it to breakfast. Keep in mind we only have one posting cycle (give or take) to make it through 3 ‘days’ of events. So have fun but be mindful of GM posts moving you guys along.
Drakken: Morning 1 (Arrival/Festivities)
In more recent years, Železna Kri had taken on a new air of importance despite its long history as Drakka’s reigning capital. The air was filled to the brim with an excitement and a restlessness that came about each and every year. It was almost as if the streets themselves were alive, lying in wait to be soaked in the blood of fallen challengers. A common occurrence to be sure when it came to the Reaping. Massive bodies pushed past one another, an unusual sight any other time of the year, packing the streets to capacity as Drakken of all standings gathered for the festivities. For many this was a yearly opportunity to prove themselves to one another, and most importantly, to their royal family. Lords from all over the land would be staying within the capital as they awaited the arrival of their prizes, giving some of the lessers an opportunity to gain favor with a more powerful family if they were able to impress.
The streets were not made up of just the Drakkan, however, for the edges were lined with market stall after market stall selling goods of every kind. The scents of various foods, both domestic and foreign, wafted into the air. Bright colors drew in the eyes of wealthier Drakkan, servants in charge of selling beautiful cloth and jewels meant to ornament the very brides being delivered this just a few days. So many people, so many distractions, it would have been easy to miss the occasional glimmer slipping between the darkened forms of the Drakkan population. Previously reaped Gems were dragged through the crowd by their masters, the sunlight reflecting beautifully off of their shimmering skin.
One such creature was a small earthen Gem whose shadow consisted of a rather lanky fellow who looked like he would rather be anywhere else. With each step forward, the girl grew more and more timid, no doubt remember her time spent in the city when she herself was delivered to its jaws. Such a time seemed so long ago by this point; a different time, a different Drakkan. Now she found herself forced to return, led by the scowling force behind her.
“I’ve changed my mind.” The small voice barely carried over the bustling noise of the overcrowded streets. Had it not been for the man’s attentive nature, the words would have been easily missed. “This isn’t a good place. I need to go back. I need to… not be here.” Stopping at an invisible line, the Gem looked into the shifting crowd before her. She kept her voice mellow as if she were stating a fact rather than her own emotions despite the fact that she bore no power in this realm. “I’m sorry. I will take myself back.” The small earth Gem turned as if to walk away only to find herself running face first into an unmoving torso.
Slowly shifting his eyes downward, the Drakkan raised an unamused eyebrow. “And where exactly is it that you think you are seeing yourself back to, missy?” While Azilon had long since learned the small one’s name, he chose not to call her by it. A creature, once named, often became an attachment and he was not so inclined to keep Rya under his care longer than he had to. He had agreed, after quite a bit of pestering from a certain servant of his, to at least bring her back to the capital in order to have her rehomed. He figured it would have been an easy task considering the influx of Drakkan entering the city for the Reaping and related events. All he had to do was find somebody to sell her to, and he would be free to return home. Or so he thought.
“Well, well, well… What do we have here? Is that you Az?” Azilon didn’t turn to face the voice that had called him out, his eyebrow twitching with his annoyance. Of all the people he would have rather avoided running into, this probably topped the list. “It’s been such a long time, I almost forgot what you looked like. If hadn’t known better I would have mistaken you for Sala-” Before the newcomer could finish uttering his sentence Azilon’s left arm had snapped out, fingers wrapping tightly around their neck to cut off the sound, his body calmly turning to face the youngest of the reigning princes.
“A long time indeed if you are mistaking me for that bastard Salazar. I look nothing like him.” He hissed in response, maintaining a lack of facial expression in response to Ehkota’s devious smirk. The few guards he had about him tensed up at the interaction, prepared to jump forward at a moment’s notice. They were, however, waved off as the young prince effortlessly knocked Azilon’s arm away from his neck.
“I see. My mistake.” He mused, eyes shifting ever so slightly to the Gemmenite standing at the smaller Drakkan’s side. “Congratulations on your bride by the way, but I am curious as to where you acquired this particular beauty. After all, she looks quite familiar, I just don’t remember handing her over to you.” The prince’s words carried the hint of a challenge despite the fact that his eyes had yet to leave Rya’s small form.
“I found her.” Azilon responded shortly.
“Found?” Ehkota questioned, eyes shifting back to the Drakkan warrior.
“Found.” He repeated, not backing down in the slightest. The pair locked eyes for a few brief moments that seemed to stretch on for ages before the prince broke away.
“I take it you won’t mind us taking her off your hands then? A ‘found’ Gem must have plenty of stories to tell. I’d be particularly interested in hearing the one about how you ended up so far away from home, my dear.” The girl looked up at the Drakkan prince alarmed, drawing closer to Azilon as she opened her mouth to respond. Azilon growled internally as the guards drew closer once again, wrapping his right hand around the girl’s mouth to silence her while using his cloak to take a defensive stance over her. The air began shifting around the pair, cycling about them as a silent threat to those seeking to step closer.
“The man was an idiot. His death was of his own carelessness.” The prince’s face fell at these words, seeming to be taking in the information and judging its validity. It looked as if he were going to say something else on the matter when one of his charges stepped forward to whisper something into his ear. Nodding, the Drakkan prince tilted his head in the direction of the messenger.
“Good, good. Tell the young Kinner that I will meet him there shortly.” The messenger bowed his head in understanding before taking off to deliver the message, meanwhile the prince had returned his attention to Azilon. He gave the man a sly smile with a shrug of his shoulders.
“Finders keepers I suppose, after all I trust you know how to handle your own affairs. I do, however, recommend you stick around for the festivities. I’ll see to it you finally receive a bride. Don’t want people getting the wrong idea about your motives now do we?” At this point, Ehkota had talked the man into a corner. While he doubted the full truth was being told, he would have been lying if he said he cared at all about it. What mattered to him was getting Azilon to finally play the same game he was expected to. He did, however, have other matters to attend to and couldn’t afford to spend much more time teasing the lord.
“I take it you can see to your own housing arrangements as well, or will your relationship with your father have you seeking secondary settlement with the rest of the unestablished guests? You might get a few wayward looks for choosing not to stay at your estate like a proper lord, but hey, that’s none of my business now is it? We’ll be expecting your presence at the dueling pits later on with the rest of the Drakkan receiving their brides. I suggest you keep your… findings… close to you.” Without another word, the prince turned his back on the pair and sauntered away to see to more important matters.
Drakkan warlords will already have estates in town. Lesser lords may or may not. Drakkan without a title will not. You can be arriving in from out of town, or have already arrived previously, keep these facts in mind when choosing. Designated rooms are already set aside for the lesser so your character wouldn’t have to pay for anything.
Consider this a few day long festival. Buy some things, enter some tourneys, take some secret meetings. Go be free!
Bright golden irises scanned her surroundings as the fog of sleep cleared from her mind, a rather large yawn escaping her lips while she stretched her stiffened limbs out. There was nothing particularly dangerous that caught her eye, but the once familiar setting now bore a hostile aura. She shouldn’t have been surprised, after all, whatever it was would have most likely been drawn in by the stone that shielded her. Glancing down at the shard around her neck, the young woman assessed her current situation.
“It seems we have been asleep for quite some time, my friend.” The stone around Aryanna’s neck, much like her, had remained untouched by the passage of time. It still felt as lively as ever, which was a good sign, seeming to have only refreshed itself over the years. Unsurprisingly, a minuscule tug of energy linked the pendant to the towering obelisk, a now very permanent mark upon the landscape. Though it served little purpose now, the magic used in both its creation and maintenance were far too great for it to simply vanish. The pair had spent plenty of time recuperating, so the impact would be almost nothing, but they would forever be linked to this particular clearing.
The air about her churned, magic shifting visibly throughout the clearing as it opened the way for her summoned guests. Withdrawing to the very edge of the treeline, the mage melded into the shadows to observe the incoming personalities. While her consciousness had been present for a good portion of their lives, there was only so much she could determine from their circumstances. This would be the first time they were ever introduced to magic so she couldn’t help but be a tad curious as to how they would react.
At first there was just the one, Alec if she remembered his name correctly. His arrival was fairly controlled which was a good sign in her books. He had a strong aura and an even stronger survival sense, but that would not prevent his way home from being sealed behind him. A path between realms was no easy feat after all. Aryanna watched as he gathered his bearings, much as she had when she first awoke… But, alas, his efforts were unsurprisingly in vain.
Eyes shifted to another arrival, a girl this time, whom she remembered distinctly to be called Lucy. Everything about her was bright; her hair, her smile, even her aura shone brightly. She was impossible for the woman of darkness not to notice, though she was quite sure yet if that was a good or bad thing.
It didn’t take long for the other three guests to arrive, seeming to fall through the veil much quicker now that it had been pierced multiple times. The young woman didn’t care too much for the words spoken between them as one by one they realized that they were far, far from home. Of the arrivals, the warrior Isabella had to have been her favorite. It was blunt, and it was honest, but it was without apparent fear. She held herself high and approached the strangers with confidence. A small snicker escaped the dark haired woman, and she almost felt bad for the other two, as Morgan and Damien’s arrivals were a tad on the more jarring side. She considered apologizing to them for such a sudden summons, but she didn’t particularly see the point either. Exhaling slowly, Aryanna decided that she had seen enough and would make herself known before the group ended up wandering off.
“Indeed, you were.” Her voice rang clearly as she stepped forward, closing some of the distance between her previous position and where the group had gathered. The clothing she wore had seen better days, the hem of her skirt still torn from battle and a mixture of blood and dirt stained the white blouse. Long since had she forgotten where her shoes had been left, though she highly doubted they would have still been there should she ever have returned.
“Clearly you are no longer. You’ll find your previous locations a bit out of reach at this point, so allow me to welcome you all to Astoria.” Aryanna bowed into a curtsy before righting her posture and looking at each one in turn.
“It pleases me that you all have arrived safely, we have much to discuss.”
Race: Gemminite Age: 18 Element(s): Air Height: 5'5"
Bio: Despite her early hardships, Sorrin is an incredibly sweet girl who has been raised by her aunt since she was the age of six. Having lost both her parents in a tragic accident, it was up to her father’s eldest sister, and neighbors of course, to look after the youngling in their absense. While she might not have been the sharpest kid of the group, she was certainly the kindest, not to mention her ability to light up anyone’s face with a smile.
Easily distracted by the world around her, Sorrin had a nasty habit of getting lost, running into things, or even leaving something behind. She never failed to remember the important things about another person, and would do her best to ensure the happiness of those around her… Even if she couldn’t do the same for herself.
Unfortunately, her greatest flaw would undoubtedly be her caring and selfless nature. Incredibly gullible and quick to forgive, it is any wonder how she hasn’t been severely taken advantage of. Hurt an animal or a child, however, and you will meet a much different Sorrin indeed.
While she does her best to keep up a brave face for her loved ones, there are times where her trauma can be seen clearly through the cracks. It had been a particularly rainy season the year it happened, and the ground had grown too soft to support its own weight; so much so that it came rushing down the mountain side with the force of a river freed from its dam. The landslide damaged the house and trapped the family inside for several days until help arrived, though it arrived too late to save the gravely injured couple.
Sorrin did not make it out of the event unscathed, covered in cuts and bruises all over, but for the most part was okay physically. The same could not be said of her mind. Aside from underlying depression, Sorrin is afraid of the dark and is absolutely terrified of small, enclosed spaces. Whenever the nights get too dark for her liking, Sorrin’s only source of comfort is a song that her mother used to sing to her when she awoke from nightmares. And on moonless nights she can be heard humming or even singing it to herself in private, much too timid to ever sing in front of others.
Other: N/A
Adult Content Preference: I am smutty and have no boundaries. You may do with her as you please. ;)
((BTW, wings not included with this model. XD At least not naturally grown.))
Azilon “The Wraith” Dantanath
Race: Drakken
Age: 150
Element(s): Water and Air
Height: 6’11”
Bio: Azilon isn’t what you’d call a typical Drakken warrior. His love for war and battle is present but it is the method of which he chooses to go about it that differs so greatly from the others. It is because of these methods that he earned his title of ‘The Wraith” in one of several battles with a nearby nation, his name infamous among the warriors present at the time. While he has done more than enough to earn a bride in the princes’ eyes, Azilon has yet appear to collect on his prize.
Rumors surrounding the man spoke of a warrior who strayed from the main force to terrorize a smaller village a little out of their ways. When they had finally caught up with him, Azilon stood calmly among numerous bodies belonging to the villagers. Not a single drop of blood marked the Drakkan or his blades, rather it appeared as if the villagers had taken up arms and had attacked one another before killing themselves. Not very much is known about what actually happened and most don’t bother to ask, however, many agree that he is not someone to mess with lightly.
According to outside speculations Azilon’s patron god is Krenta, the Drakkan god of death, though it is unclear if he chooses to honor any of the others. That which is known about the man seems to indicate a complete lack of interest in cashing in on his rewards, caring little for his status and public appearances. He quite clearly displays a strong thirst for blood and love for killing, which is all really people care to know.
While there is plenty of rumor and speculation to go around about the young Drakkan, very little of it references his history. Most assume a strict but fairly common upbringing, others don’t care enough to think about it at all, but the reality of his childhood weaves an intense tale to say the least. Azilon’s disinterest, reluctance even, stems from a childhood spent under the thumb of a ruthless father. The boy was born to a water Gemmenite his father had earned, a survivor of a particularly harsh Reaping. Like most Gems, she had been ripped from her former life only to be thrust into the arms of a man that saw her as not much more than a toy, and took great pleasure in playing with her as such. It was while she was pregnant with Azilon that she attempted to flee but made little progress before she was caught, dragged back to her master to be chained in a dungeon even after Azilon had been born.
Being the son of a ‘traitor bride’, Azilon was regularly beaten to ensure his loyalty to his father. As he grew older, it became quite clear that he had inherited a more Gem-like physique than Drakkan leading his father to lock him away with his mother to avoid bringing shame to his name. Unable to escape the constant shrieking and crying of a woman slowly losing her mind, Azilon’s boredom and natural ferocity eventually got the better of him. In order to pass the time, which was nearly impossible to tell in the constant darkness, the boy resorted to torturing his own mother for entertainment. He eventually killed the woman which earned him a renewed place in his father’s eyes.
Despite this development, as soon as he was able, Azilon struck out to live on his own. He took up residence in one of the few forests Drakka owned, a twisted and hostile place known as Svartálfar Forest. This level of seclusion mixed with his sadistic killing methods added to his air of mystery, further fueling the rumors about him.
For the longest time Azilon had nothing comparable to a bride, having avoided most Reapings and rejecting the few his father did attempt to gift to him. Azilon did however fill his home with plenty of servants, nearly all of which came as a result of war conquests and the occasional Drakkan duel. Much to his disappointment, it seems his days of seclusion and near solitude have come to a close as a new face has wormed its way in. Having stumbled across a Gem whose husband befell a rather… unfortunate end… Azilon now finds himself the charge of a particularly odd girl by the name of Rya, whom he has agreed to her company for the time being.
Other: Azilon, at present, still has no official wives and no brides as he has not claimed Rya in any fashion. He also requires his household to pray to one or both of two gods: Krenta (god of death) and Norric (bringer of darkness/servant of the gods).
Adult Content Preference: This guy will deff go to the PMs with willing parties. He bites.
Aurora (“Ro”) Liesma
Race: Gemmenite Age: 18 Element(s): Fire Height: 5'7"
Bio: Full of life and brimming with energy, Aurora's family was known for their bolder than average personalities and the fire behind their eyes. A lively bunch, she grew up surrounded by love and laughter, a sentiment readily spread to their neighbors and community. For the most part they were able to keep themselves in check, however, the Liesma family could be too bold for their own good and had pulled the eyes of a few Drakken passing through on more than one occasion.
Youngest of the Liesma children, Aurora was a much calmer soul than either of her brothers, and her sister especially. While Kasari would tustle and work alongside the boys, Aurora would cook and clean with her mother. It wasn’t as if she were a timid girl, for she could be just as stubborn and fierce as the rest of them, but she found herself quite content with her chores and busy work. She found them to be calming and at the end of the day, was happy enough to put a smile on her family’s faces.
Known for their performance arts, their town was filled to the brim with dancers and entertainers of all different kinds. Some would travel far from home to show off their skills, even representing their community at events held in the capitol. But once a year, they would all flock home in order to celebrate their elemental god, Pyrus. It was often a grand celebration for them and the town’s best performers were at its head. Among them every year was Aurora’s sister, moving so gracefully, exhibiting such strength… She was everything a daughter of Pyrus should have been, and Aurora couldn’t help but admire her. She couldn’t help but to envy her. Aurora was no slouch herself at their town’s dances, but she never could compare to his sister’s beauty and often wished to herself that she could grow up to be just like her.
It was only a matter of time before their town would be chosen for reaping, and when that day came, so did the Reapers. She watched in horror as her sister was literally dragged away, fighting them the whole way. Their mother was crying, father attempting to console her, but it was her brothers that stood up. It didn’t do much good as they simply knocked the one down, the other quickly putting himself up as a shield before the youngest. Aurora was two years younger than her sister, not yet old enough to be taken but that fact would only save her once.
The following year their town would be chosen again for the Reaping, and Aurora would be among those torn from her family. They hadn’t even finished grieving the loss and death of their previous daughter and here they were being told they had to give up another. Fear and sorrow struck Aurora, rooting her to the spot. She was not quick enough to comply and had to be carried away in her shocked state.
Looking back as she was taken away, the image of her family in tears was the last thing she would ever see of them. Her mother collapsed on the ground, her father embracing her, and one of her brothers struggling to hold back the other from rushing after her. Such a sight broke her heart but she knew that if she were going to survive, she would have to stay strong… She couldn’t be like her sister… Aurora would have to be better.
Other: Aurora is the younger sister of Kasari, a former (now deceased bride) of Zakroti.
Adult Content Preferences: Take her to PMs, see what happens.
Good luck with the move if it does indeed happen. Seems like everyone is shuffling around these days. Hopefully all goes smoothly, and I'm excited to see your post. ^.^
No problem. Friendly nudge is still friendly. Moving can be super tough so make sure to take care of yourself first. That's the important thing. I sincerely hope that everything going on right now ends up working out soon so you have less to worry about. <3 Looking forward to your post.
She was, but I can roll with just about anything. Just so you guys don't have to go messing with your posts, because I really do like their reactions to suddenly being thrust into a new environment... We'll just say that she close enough to watch them, but hidden by the shadows of the trees. #StealthMode
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