Fantasy A World Untamed

[Killigrew]

Ludovic of Hyr


The Outskirts of a Northwestern Town, Upolo

​

You either got better or you died. That was the way of it in a climate so ruthless as the Sky Fingers. Hyrians had not the patience or time for tending the wounded; the world was fierce and unforgiving, and the barbarians of Hyr both knew and exemplified this.


But Ludo, in seeing his friend's life steadily seep away, could not in being be a Hyrian.


For it was fear and panic that opened his eyes wide, that colored his face an uncanny red, and it was not bravery or fury that caused his fingers to curl into tight, closed fists.


The wild way was an abjured companion, worry an intimate stranger.


"Wha..t." Seurn's breath hissed through his teeth. "It... tickles." Through the tear in his chainmail shirt, the wound bulged. His stomach had swelled unnaturally large, and from the tear a yellow-white goo oozed foully out.


Ludo wiped it away reflexively, even roughly, on sight, it smearing across his hand in slick, thick quantity. The rough motion had Seurn gritting his teeth, his arm coming up to stop Ludo's own. But his strength was waning to the point of being worthless, and Ludo felt less than the pressure of a touch.


A strange restlessness came over the barbarian then, and Ludo sprang to his feet, turning towards the village. He could not see the merc, Bernard, that he'd sent. Ludo's gaze turned dark. If the man proved treacherous, the hunt would not cease until his spear cleaved vengeance.


Catching movement, his eyes snapped to two approaching elves. The pale ones came towards him in front of the other, their faces indistinguishable, and hovered at a wary distance. Ludo spat to the side, scowling at them.


At their words, Ludo took a step towards them, his voice guttural. "You're a healer?" He thrust his arm back towards Seurn, and his glower did not waver even slightly. His voice turned threatening. "Why only stand there? You speak uselessly! Work!"


@Auren @Syrenrei

 

[Syrenrei]

Just Outside a Lavish Lake House- Jenna


"Trust me, you want to save now. Once you pass through that door you're gonna be in a boss fight. Did you make a healer or a melee character? ... What? That's the hardest one to start with! Okay, well, just kite it around the edges of the room and shoot it. If the boss catches you he can squash you in two hits," Jenna informed her brother. Fortunately her phone was on speaker, but that didn't mean she was listening to her brother so much as yelling at him over the voice of her phone giving directions. The younger teenage boy was exasperated by her advice and let out a beleaguered sigh that one might expect of an old man. Before he could debate the finer issues of his RPG, Jenna had pulled into the driveway of what she could only assume was the promised lake house. "Oh, I'm here. I gotta go! You'll do great!" A yelp of protest was cut off abruptly as Jenna leaned over and ended the call. Her excitement about the celebration she had been invited to was simply too overwhelming for her to notice anything else. This was the sort of thing that happened in novels, in games, in movies, and on TV shows! A real high school party! Would there be plastic red cups? A riveting game of Twister? Truth or dare?


The vehicle she drove was an older Honda Accord with dings, dents, and scratches plentiful on its exterior silver finish. It had no doubt be handed down several times before coming into Jenna's possession. It was a rite of passage for those that were firmly planted in the middle class: a car that operated but had no real value for when the inexperienced driver treated it unkindly. And Jenna did value the car. When she went to college it would be passed to her brother and then her sister. Jenna was, however, a truly horrible driver. She daydreamed often, regardless of where she may be and where she might be going. The innocuous green sign that she had passed on the way here had made her daydream about the distant city mentioned on its face. Who lived there? What did they do? Was it the setting of any novels she had read in the past two years? What were the chances of its survival in the event of a zombie apocalypse like those detailed in recent publications? Her cell phone's navigation had repeatedly 'yelled' at her to make turns that were missed on account of the lovely little mental excursions she had taken and one person had honked loudly when her lapse into imagination made her go five miles-per-hour under the speed limit.


As much as she believed she knew about parties, she had not dressed for one. She still wore the slightly battered Adidas sneakers, a pair of dark wash jeans, and a grey hoodie that brought comfort when the air conditioning was too high. Fortunately, she had also thought to change into a saturated purple blouse with a draped V-neck. Her mom or someone with fashion sense had gifted it to her over a year ago in the hopes it would make her wear something other than T-shirts on a day to day basis. No such luck.


Jenna bounded up the driveway and up the stairs before knocking energetically on the door. It would be rude to walk in without knocking, even if it was a party- right?


@L u n a

 

[minusultra]

Molly, Lake's house.


Molly could feel her cheeks warm at Lake's touch. She had been startled when he had wrapped his arms around her as she didn't hear him approach. But she quickly relaxed at the sound of his voice. Lake's voice did that to her. Molly wrapped her arms around his and basked in his warmth. She could stay like this forever.


"You're back!" Molly said pulling away to face Lake. She made it a point to pull away first. Molly always felt a ping of jealousy whenever Lake did. Her mind always wondered to all the reasons why. Was he thinking of a another girl? Was she prettier then her? Did he love her!? In puling away first she could avoid all of this. Molly's eyes glanced to the clock on the wall. "And so soon, I'll assume the affair with the doctor went well."


Molly grabbed the dishes and began to set the table. "Was the pay to you satisfaction?" Molly never went along with Lake to his games. In fact, she rarely ever left the house. Molly laid the last fork on the table. "I'm happy of your early arrive. I really hate it when the food cools before you can taste it."


Molly gasped as realized something.


"I should have drawn you a bath, It's rather cold tonight. And who's doesn't like a nice soak before dinner? I'll do it right now if you wish Lake," Molly said as she took his cloak, laying it over a chair.


The fluttering of wings drew Molly's attention to the floor and she fell to her knees to pet Vis. "I almost forgot. I've made myself a new pet. Isn't he the cutest thing you have ever seen?" she asked with the same emotion a mother would have when speaking about her baby. "I think he's just lovely," she said sweetly as he nuzzled his fur. "I've named him Vis. He'll be a great addition to the house, don't you think?" Molly asked looking up at Lake.

@JellyFish​

 

[Kaine]

Serriah - Upolonian Plains @VainRochester


The boy had been ready to lose his fingers for his crime. This punishment was quite common and when it was fingers or his head, he knew which he needed to expect. It was surprising for Serriah. Men, especially boys rarely showed such honor.


“Am not sure. He had ah many merchants come here. Men fat and tall, black ta white. I.. I.. I.. just dun know sir. Dey always came wit horse n carts, de supplies in de back, shadowed by linens and sheets and fabrics of many likes. It was always dear’ent guys but de merchandise and dem carts was de same. Dough dem was cheap irons. I’d seen oder members shatter dem when fightin each otter and sometimes dere would be bags of tings wit embroidered emblem on dems side. It was always de sames as teh carts!”


Serriah wrapped hands around the boys neck and pulled him back. His fingers slid out form under the axe’s razor edge as it carved into the table. She turned him around and herself to face their new guest. Though Serriah didn’t much have the patience for either of them.


“Master,” She eyed new guest, “We can’t discuss details with, she may or may not be a justly concerned citizen.” Though she had an idea that this place with carts and linen’s might be a front. A factory like that would not be scrutinized much within the city, and if it was on the outskirts, it was guaranteed that it had never been checked for legitimacy. She leaned over and whispered quietly in his ear.


“If your words hold truth, you will be free, if not, you pay with your life.”


The boy nodded softly, whimpering in his voice.

 

[Killigrew]

Meredith Hall


Earth: Following Graduation




​

Mereth squeezed Daniel's hand warmly, watching the group disperse after Jenna left.


"There's nothing keeping me here any longer." She said wistfully. Her eyes followed the retreat, witnessed the lessening of the crowd, considered the slow trickled emptying of the auditorium, of the school, and of this youthful era.


A smile curving the ends of her lips, Mereth breathed in deep, opening up, as if waking from a dream. The embrace of Daniel's hand became a more dismissive pat. "Yes... It's time we left."


And they did. She bid farewell to him as she stepped out into the parking lot, for father's car awaited her there; silent, yet her eyes were drawn to it immediately.


The flowers and diploma lay crossed in the back, father watching her, hands tapping the driving wheel. Mereth plopped down in the passenger seat, and father ruffled her hair once she'd settled in.


"My present's waiting for you at home." His voice was even, almost monotone, but Mereth felt the excitement in his touch. "We could stop by there first."


Mereth nodded, her brief smile a passing light.


Father smiled in return, and started up the car.

 

[Auren]

xBoldan - Just Outside Hyr - Zaria L’instxxxxxxx






As the man flew past them, his expression that of a man that either feared for his life or for another’s, Zaria narrowed her eyes. Ahead of them was a man leaning over another, and it looked like one of them wasn’t going to live much longer. She didn’t trust anyone outside of Iesti, especially the barbarians. She knew that they treated her kind well enough, but that didn’t make her believe any sincerity in their truce.




When Arcden commanded that they helped, she wasn’t sure if it was to protect them from the barbarians, or that he really intended good will. Either way, his decision was final. She knew better than to contradict him. Keeping behind Arden, she stood to his right, just a few feet behind as she examined what she could from a distance. The injured man would was past the need for anesthetics. She would be surprised if he lived past the next hour.




Zaria glanced rom Arcden to the barbarian and his friend. She sighed, resigned. He said they would help, and she would oblige whether she wanted to or not. She pulled a needle and thread from her pocket. She did not carry around alcohol, but she had herbs on her person for every occasion. The herbs would mostly serve for spicing up their otherwise bland meals at night, but when her mentor taught her how to use them for cooking, he also taught her their healing or poisonous qualities. Pulling a pinch of a green herb from her pocket along with a damp cloth, she rubbed the herb into the cloth. It gave a faint minty smell before she wiped the needle.




After tying the thread to the needle and snapping it off with her teeth, she handed it to Greyden.

”Your turn,”

she said, letting him take it. He may not like it, but orders were orders from Arcden. And he was the best of the three of them at sewing up wounds properly. Once he had taken the needle, she walked off in search of a certain herb that usually grew in the wild, near the edges of the road. To others it would appear as a weed, but it held healing properties that were effective for deep cuts. She found a few batches and came back to the men while holding the plants in her inner cloak.

 

[Sol]

Lazarus, Upolonian Plains.


"Good lad, you deserve a less severe punishment."


He lifted the axe blades away from the fingers and pulled the boy up until he was standing at full height. A broad boy and quite tall, he'd make a fine member of the Talons or even of the Guild of Grains. However, he had cast his lot with these departed corpses on the ground. He couldn't exactly walk away from that and needed to pay the price. If he wanted work, the Guild of Grains would have a nice job offering for him as well as a plot of land for him to work on for the wealth of Upolo.


Lazarus smiled at the boy who promptly smiled back, although nervously. He nodded at the lad and threw a punch across his face, a light hook but it would still hurt to the normal mortal. It barely even carried any force behind it and yet the boy was forced to the ground. Lazarus was tempted to do more, but then he would be breaching the contract with the boy since he may as accidentally crush a vital organ. He was allowed to keep his life and fingers in exchange for information to which he would be severely beaten.


"Serriah, you should know that every citizen of Upolo is a concerned citizen. We have had this conversation many times before and don't you go changing the terms of a contact if you say he is losing his finger, he will lose his finger not die."

 

[Syrenrei]

A Road Just Outside Hyr- Arcden & Greyden


"Oh, I'm not a healer," Greyden quickly corrected with a brilliant smile. "Actually, my brother and I are assassins." It could not be a big surprise to Ludovic given that one of them carried six swords and they were both the pale complexion of Iesti. Who had ever heard of a virtuous, selfless Iesti elf? Neither of them moved in an aggressive manner, however, and Arcden's expression had not wavered from that of stoicism. Had the twins truly wished ill they would have already taken the opportunities to gift death upon the road's travelers without any warning. "Maybe you've heard of us. I'm Greyden and this is Arcden." Greyden took the needle and thread from Zaria before she departed and began digging in his pouches for a few more supplies: some flint, a container of water, a smaller knife that was used to make more careful incisions like removing splinters from flesh.


"We shall help you." Arcden gave no explanation or justification for their actions, but his voice carried an authority and finality that might assuage Ludovic's doubts. No emotions played across his visage yet his body language had relaxed. He spoke little but Arcden had a healthy respect for life and death both. His profession had a greater purpose in his own mind- cleansing the world of the sort that would do harm if not unchecked. The sight of Ludovic carrying Seurn, who only slowed down the barbarian and was in the coldest sense was not worth the effort, had struck him as worth of his attention. It was rare for people of this world to do something noble that was inconvenient or detrimental to themselves. They would linger only so long as to make their difference before continuing towards Hyr; there was a kidnapping rapist that must pay the price for his crimes.


Greyden crouched next to Seurn and used the flint to create a small patch of fire on some tinder. He then carefully doused his hands in water to quickly cleanse them of any obvious grime. The needle and knife were also quickly washed and passed over the flame to dry and disinfect. It was truly the best he could do with such limited circumstances.


He set to work.


It was clear from the very unseemly ooze that this wound was seeping things that it should not be. Greyden leaned over (his hair thankfully tied back) and examined the extent of the damage with a frown. Well, he had seen worse- but usually on corpses, not on people still struggling to live. Using the knife and some cloth ripped from the edge of his tunic, he cleaned as quickly and efficiently as possible so that the internal organs and edges of the wound could be seen. There was an obvious tear in one of the long tubular organs, so he quickly stitched that up as there was no better option. His dexterity only aided his efforts as it took less than a couple minutes for the tear to be stitched together. With no experience on colons in particular he was not certain that stitching would be sufficient to permanently close the rip, but Greyden was wary of trying to singe the hole closed. Another moment was taken to clean any remaining pockets of signs of infection and discharge (this time using some cloth that Arcden handed over), before he set to stitching up the exterior portion of the wound.


The normally chatty man was completely silent as he worked. His movements were calculated and skilled, his eyes focused in analysis rather than horror at the grim sight. He did not object if Ludovic hovered nearby, checking over the efforts that were being extended on his friend. So long as there was no weapon aimed at his throat he would continue. His needlework was tiny, tight, and as uniform as someone could hope for. Hopefully this good deed would not bite them in the ass.


@Killigrew @Auren

 

[Killigrew]

Ludovic of Hyr


Northwestern Upolonian Outskirts

​

He viewed the distrust in their shifting gazes and spat again. They were hesitant, and strangers in an unknown land. No matter. He saw the merc he had sent emerging from the village gates with a man of cloth behind him. The man wouldn't be used to treating battle wounds in so small a village, but violence could inspire a man like little else.


Ludo tapped the throwing axe on his belt in anticipation.


But he hadn't needed consider such actions. With one of the replicates stepping forward and giving low-voiced commands, the three began to act all at once.


The lady elf first, doing something with green things. Ludo followed the small, sharp metal tooth she passed to the replicate, the very same that had spoken out earlier.


"...Assassins?" Ludo bristled at the words. Not healers, but killers for coin. His arms folded over his chest as the elf went for Seurn, but the newfound hostility was lost on the chattier one. "You there. Halt. I'm not so keen on your killer's hands."


Then the second replicate commandingly informed Ludo that their role was to be of assistance. The barbarian snorted, and he pointedly watched the female of the group wander off. Professed assassins, here to help save a life.


They were either the proudest group of killers he'd ever met, or the most honest.


Rather than push the issue and perhaps edge Seurn closer to death's door, Ludo stuck like glue to the needle-wielding elf and examined every twitch of motion.


Ludo hovered close, crouching over the elf's shoulder, his eyes squinting as he tried to make out the blurring hands and confusing actions. Finally something was being done, and with any luck it would save the man. Seurn was a man of grit and stubborn strength. There was no way this flesh wound was getting the better of him. Ludo watched with fierce, pointed attention as the elf's slim bands dexterously looped the needle through folds of weeping flesh. Any groan or utterance of pain from Seurn brought out a low, threatening growl from Ludo. The barbarian seethed more than frequently during the course of the treatment that should this elf be the cause of Seurn's death, Ludo would cleave his head from his shoulders.


As the last pull of thread was done and tied, the elf snipping the thread with a knife and tying the knot, pulling tight the blonde man's folds of skin, it seemed the treatment had come to it eventual end. All things did.


Seurn had fallen silent and still. As pale as the moon and quiet as the night, breath still drew from his chest, slight and hesitant.


The woman returned first, something bundled in the folds of her cloak. Ludo squinted, nostrils curling as he considered this.


"You were of use." He informed the nearest elf, the barbarian grateful within but stiff-faced without. "Leave if you like. Or were you expecting payment?"


@Auren @Syrenrei

 

[Babel]

Chickadee looked around as she rode towards the cabin. It was a longer ride than she had anticipated actually. She didn't mind that much anymore. As already said, she enjoyed riding her bike. Chickadee whistled as she rode along wondering how many people were attending the party. Hopefully not too many. Big crowds were uncomfortable for her.


After a while she soon got on the driveway to the cabin. She saw some people already there and smiled a little bit when she recognized them. She got off her bike and grabbed her bag out of the basket of her bike before going up to the door. The girl was smiling slightly as she went up to the others.


"Hey guys!" Chickadee greeted the others in a happy tone. she put her bag on her shoulder s she looked at them. Her feet shuffled a little bit as she stood there. She was happy, but was a bit nervous too. Chickadee hugged her bag close to her as she stood and shuffled.

​

 

[Sol]

Marc Orwell, Lakeside Cabin.


He didn't exactly expect Jenna to reply to his message this early, still it was a good thing to know when and where the party was going down. A cabin overlooking a lake courtesy of Miss Lily Valdez another graduate who apparently is the heiress to THE Valdez family fortune. Which meant that he should arrive in something more presentable at least presentable enough. It may be a cabin near a lake but there was always that chance that the gathering is more formal, there could be nothing less for the daughter of a prestigious and wealthy family.


Marc mulled over what kind of clothes he would wear as he returned to his family's house. Hopefully there was still something from his high school days that looked decent enough. As much as jeans and a shirt along with his favorite sneakers was enough for him, he was compelled to present himself better. It may or may not influence him getting a job in the IT department of a division in the Valdez enterprises; however, having the daughter vouch for him could open up a few dozen doors that were bolted shut on him a few years back.


In the end he had settled on a smart casual outfit at least by his standards and as well as what was available to him from his old wardrobe. A dark red long sleeved polo shirt buttoned up, with the sleeves rolled up over a plain black t-shirt tucked into his dark jeans as well as some black canvas sneakers. It didn't look like much but he didn't have a choice in the matter, this was the best he could come up with under the circumstances.


It was a good feeling that he got to see his parents again, that was another reason why he wanted to come back and found Charleene's invitation to her graduation as the best excuse. He could see her and his parents again, even though the former was a no show. His parents were surprised he was home and chowing down an afternoon snack with them like when he was younger, back when days were peaceful and lax. Of course, he couldn't have dinner with them tonight. He made plans after all, well dragged into a plan that may positively influence his future. Marc would go to the grad party, it was the hard choice but it was the one that might land him a job on graduation. It hurt more when his mother had tried to bribe him with her signature recipe bacon, but he had to be the better man.


However, they did offer to bring him to the venue and he was happy to accept. It had been quite some time since he had ridden in the old family sedan with his parents, the only one lacking was Claire and then it would really be like the old days. A little bit of jazz played on the car's stereo courtesy of his parents.


"So...Marc, how are things in your course? Any failed subjects yet?"


"Not yet, dad. Everything is going fine."


"Good. So how is Charleene then? Have you spoken with her at all today?"


"Yes, sweetie, do tell us all about this Charleene girl. I swear, she must be quite the girl if she could make Claire worry."


"D-dad, m-mom, she's just a friend, I didn't see her during the graduation. What's this about sis?"


"Nothing you need to worry about, son. Shame you didn't see her, I would have loved to know when you two intend to give me a grandson.....I mean whoops."


"Now don't rush them, honey, I'm sure they'll get there. We both would love to meet her one of these days, sweetie, you will bring her to the house right? I would love to meet my future daughter in law...I mean whoops."


Thankfully the distance from their house to the lakeside cabin wasn't that long. Marc had lost track of time just trying to find a way to respond to his parents who were obviously entertained. He had turned too many shades red after all, but it still warmed his heart that his parents haven't changed much in the years he and Claire have been gone. His father had opted to drop him off a little bit farther from the entrance so that Marc could look like he broke no sweat in the marathon that it took him to arrive at the party venue.


"Just call us when you need a pick up, son. Actually.....even news of a granddaughter would be good too."


His father laughed that hearty laugh that he was so known for, at least in his social circles. At age 50 and 48 respectively, his father and mother still do their best to bring life to everything around them. They've had their marriage for as long as Claire had been around, well a year older than Claire, who was three years older than Marc.


He dusted off the imaginary dust off his clothes and mentally prepared himself for this social gathering. The first one he'd been invited to since his the beginning of his college days. What could go wrong right? Maybe he'd even get that job security if he played it right later. Then maybe Charleene would know how he felt about her, it was two years overdue after all, maybe longer. That's assuming she would show up at all.


There were already people, he hoped he'd know some of them. Most notably Jenna and Charleene, one of which was responsible for dragging him in here, the other was responsible for dragging him back to his hometown.

 

[Kal]

Alli Vorona, Post Graduation/The Cabin at the Lake


Alli returned to her home after but a short walk from the school. Her first instinct had been to hang around on school grounds with whosoever remained until it was time to go the Lily's cabin, then hitch a ride with someone, but the prospect of losing either of her gifts kept tugging at the back of her mind. She wasn't the best at keeping track of her things, and she really didn't like the thought of misplacing items that other people had specifically bought for her. Now home, Alli let herself in and stepped through the living room into the familiar hallway, following it back to her room.


The room was but a typical square of a girl's room, minus any posters. Alli never quite became fond of posters, they were so flat and crinkly... but her bookshelf and desk were all decorated with little knickknacks. Just cutesy things she'd accumulated over her many years of living in this one house. She shifted a few things around, then placed the snowglobe atop the cleared out space on the shelf above her desk. Alli smiled, satisfied at its placement. Just as soon as she'd set it down, she grabbed it by its pine trees and snow base and angled the globe away from herself. Her free hand turned the silver key at the bottom of the snow globe. Kirrk. Kiirk. Kiirk.


The inner gears whirred. When set back down, it began its slow spin as the music box chimed its time. Alli peered at the scene inside, a happy little smile playing on her lips. A small congregation of pine trees bent along one side of the concave glass. A small frozen lake took up the majority of the inner globe's floor, the lake bordered by a ring if white snow. In the center of the ice lake was a girl frozen in motion. She wore the appropriate gear for the temperature portrayed, knitted sweater with matching gloves and cap. On her feet were ice-skates, only one leg touched the ice with its blade, the other bent at the knee, pointing to the sky. Her arms, too, were out stretched to the same, unseeable sky. Peeking out from the bottom of her knitted cap were two orange pigtails. She had her head tilted to the sky, smiling a large, toothy grin. Such a small figurine looked so fully of joy. And so free... though, a little lonely... Where were her parents? Or at least her dog- Alli jumped away from the globe suddenly, diving into her bed. Fishing through the blankets and pillows, she finally found it! Grabbing the blond beanie baby, she placed it on top of the turning globe.


"There he is!" she beamed at her handiwork. The little girl within the globe now looked like she was reaching up to the doggie, and the doggie, with its little upside-down v mouth, looked a tad upset, like he had no idea where his young master was. "She's right there, you doofus!" Giggling delightfully, Alli patted the globe through the dog's bean filled body and finally pulled her self away from the musical snowglobe, whose tune was coming to a slow stop. "What to wear, what to wear," she hummed to herself, tossing shirt after shirt out of her closet. She'd clean it up later, later as in whenever the party let up... if she felt like it. "This one!" she smiled brilliantly, content at her choice. A fitting, long-sleeved red shirt. She chose a pair of shorts with a unbelievable amount of pockets, called it a fabulous outfit, and donned it on before bolting out with whatever essentials in her many many pockets.


In the driveway of Alli's house was parked an older, low-to-the-ground car. It had its problems about it, but nothing that couldn't be worked around. The car had once been a burgundy, when her dad had bought it for her on her sixteenth birthday. From there, Alli had saved up enough money to buy the little car a fresh new paint job, to a more bright color of red. It was in this little machine that Alli chug-chugged her way to Lily's cabin. Parking in the lot that was a ways away from the cabin itself, surrounded by large trees that Alli couldn't help but admire with a bit of awe as she locked her door and got on the path towards the cabin. This whole place was so beautiful, and smelled so fresh! What a shame they'd not used this cabin more often!


Upon nearing the cabin, Alli saw the familiar little two-wheeler leaning against the raised porch of the cabin. Chickadee was here! Lily had to be here already, she was the host. The teen wondered who else was already inside, already feeling tingles in the tip of her nose and the ends of her toes. Bursting in through the door, she bounded inside, "Hey guys!"

 

[Auren]

xBoldan - Just Outside Hyr - Zaria L’instxxxxxxx




Zaria watched as the barbarian loomed over Greyden as he finished up the stitches. She paused for a moment, assessing the man’s mistrust. She narrowed her gem-green eyes, but only slightly, examining him. Then, she stepped up beside Greyden and squeezed ooze from the leaves onto his wounds. She covered it lightly before placing the rest of her collection into an empty pouch. Tying the string around the opening, she held it out to the Hyr native.




”It will help with keeping infection at bay. I suggest applying frequently,”

she said. She wondered if the man thought of her as an assassin also. While the boy’s didn’t mention her name, or occupation to him, perhaps he was an assuming sort of person. She was just a gatherer of information as far as the boy’s were concerned. She held back her snort when he suggested that they might ask for payment.




”If we wanted payment we should have requested before we helped,”

she paused,

“But since you offered, in trade it would be of great help if you could spare some information.”

She watched teh barbarian’s expression before she continued. When he didn’t seem to be the non-compliant type, she continued.

”Do you know of any tribes of Hyr that would welcome strangers without question within Hyr? I’m not quite clear on most of Hyrian’s cultural values.”




Hopefully he could help her limit the amount of tribes they would have to search on their travels north. If not, they had a long journey ahead indeed.

 

[Syrenrei]

A Really Uninteresting Road in Near the Upolo/Hyr Border- Arcden & Greyden


Now that he was no longer focused on a life-or-death situation, Greyden rolled back onto his heels, stretched, and stood. He frowned slightly and edged his way back to Arcden once it became clear that Zaria was going to negotiate a fee on their behalf. With the little lady taking control of the situation he was free to give snarky commentary in the background as his leisure. "Did you hear that? Killer hands? I bet that guy didn't take a blow to the chest dancing with nobility," Greyden grumbled as he glanced towards the caught bandit. The barbarian was the authoritative figure that was no doubt paying for the services of most, if not all, of these swords. Why all the effort to take out some bandits? The one that had been tied and dragged along did not look exceptional in any way. Did they believe because they executed men in the heat of battle they were any less of 'killers?'


Arcden gave Greyden a stern look. "He needed the help," the elder twin asserted as he motioned towards Seurn. Both of their eyes alighted on the poor fellow that struggled with each breath. Undoubtedly the warrior was in substantial pain and moving him would not be pleasant for anyone involved. The brothers both knew yet another reason they had stopped- their father had raised them as assassins and their mother had raised them with a conscience. The world at large could see them only for the death they left in their wake and the profession that exchanged gold for lives. That was how things often were: perceiving the world in the most simplistic terms of black and white. Peasants and kings alike scorned the idea of murder for hire... until they required one themselves. It was evil, contemptible, and without morality until the hirer justified themselves as an exception.


But the world is not that simple.


They were compelled to stay assassins for much more complex reasons. Likewise, they were compelled to aid others, to indulge in more mundane hobbies, and to partake in silly rituals because they were complex people. It was irritating, grating even, to have their existences summarized by 'corpse creation.' So they refused to allow it to be when the moments seized them- as it did now. Saving Seurn was as selfish as it was selfless. Perhaps one singular person from this event would realize that 'assassin' no more describe them than 'fighter' described them.


"You know, it's kind of sexy when she takes control like that, don't you think?" Greyden asked with an abrupt turn of the situation. He was obviously teasing, to which Arcden could only sigh. Hopefully the others were distracted by Zaria's words and would not hear that of the often absurd male Iesti half-elf. "Oh come on, I'm trying to see her as a woman. You don't think she's going back for some sort of... matchmaking thing, do you?" he asked with his voice at a whisper.


"We took a job to dispose of a rapist kidnapper," Arcden reminded before folding his arms and brooding silently. Greyden looked at his sibling out of the corner of his eye and likewise crossed his arms. While Arcden was consumed with thoughts turned inward, Greyden tried to assume the role of the imposing silent one for a few moments.


@Killigrew , @Auren

 

[Jays]

Thane


Arriving at the lake cabin

​

Thane paid minimum attention to the road as he drove. It was a few hours after the Graduation, enough time for him to go back to his house, take a shower, change his clothes and much more. He didn't. Instead, Thane drove around the city aimlessly, turning and switching roads without giving it much thought. He still wore the black suit from the ceremony, although it was crumple due to rough handling. The book, his gift, was left carelessly on the passenger seat next to him, its wrapping ragged from the torn. His car, a BMW that he got for his 17th birthday, zipped past deserted streets of the entirely wrong neighborhood it should be in, barely below the speed limit. His face was impassive and unreadable, his posture relaxed.


Below the calm surface, a storm raged across his mind , thoughts after thoughts whirled around in his head, discarded even before they truely formed any definite shape. Ideas and images, totally unrelated whatsoever, came together then dissolved again. It was like that most of the time. Thane on the surface was nothing but a cover, a shadow needed only to keep up the appearance. But he wasn't there. Not really. Not since the day he gave up the flashy but meaningless life that was chosen for him from the moment of his birth. Under the thin layer of ice covering the top, the water bubbled and boiled, his mind racing non-stop, contradicting and negating itself, 2 sides of the same coin trying to twist around to strangle the other. Some would call it madness, insanity, broken. To Thane, it was merely something to pass the time. No one ever noticed, except for may be Lily. He could never tell anything from the way she act.


Even in auto mode, he did have enough of his mind to know where he was going. Reluctantly, Thane pulled his car away from the mad drive around the city toward the location of the party. Everyone should be there by now. Hopefully they had started already so he can sneak in unnoticed. No such luck. Apparently his drive wasn't long enough, as others had only just arrived. He parked his car a few blocks away and walked back, returning greetings with hesitant waves and forced smile.

 

[Sol]

Sol updated A World Untamed with a new update entry:


Lore 1.3

I have finished partial work on fixing Upolo's lore. Ituro will come after and then Hyr. Sernn has been left to VainRoche's hands while Iesti is under the collective influence of Killigrew, Auren, Syrenrei, Minusultra and JellyFish.
I will expand more on the world and Theran once the prologue finishes.

Read the rest of this update entry...

 

[Sythril]

"It's perfect!"


Lily peered out one of the windows hurriedly, rushing to one of the many comfort rooms to simply change into a party-worth outfit. Or at the very least, it was party-worth enough for her. It wasn't so much though, just maroon leggings, a white crochet blouse topped with some beige coat with knots and zippers, and plain black doll shoes with ribbons embedded on each--she had come to like that (looks a little something like this). When she was done, away she went, eyeing the whole (inside of the) cabin and making sure that everything was set before she'd open the door and almost burst outside for no apparent reason.


"Heya guys!" She exclaimed, running to basically each person who managed to get here just in time, and hugged--not just a sly, shy hug, but the ultimate-super-tight-but-seemingly-comfortable-Lily-hug. She barely even cared if any of their clothes would get ruined or wrinkled or whatever. Not that she would intentionally want that. "Looking good!," she said to specifically no one but all of them, and excitedly kicked the door open, not so much as to ruin it, of course. That was just to let everyone know that they were definitely welcome inside.





"Where's Charleene and Meredith and..." She shook her head, her back leaning at the wall in between the door and one of the windows, forgetting a name--most importantly probably even the name she just forgot earlier--yet once again. "I hope they're just late," she added in her mind optimistically. When everyone, or at least most of them were already inside, she looked at them one by one, searching their faces for at least a small reaction. There were streamers and ribbons and banners and party decorations everywhere, along with the Congratulations, graduates! (Thanks to Rialda!) on large text, hanging atop tables and trays of food and sweets and drinks and lots of other things people might want to bring with them when they got home.





The cozy fireplace and comfortable seats and beanbags and neatly placed mats everywhere that surely suggested that sitting anywhere would be fine, were surely and hopefully, unmissable. "Whaddya all think?" She asked no one in particular, and how grateful she'd be if at least one would answer or respond. Being ignored was never her zing. Either way, she was happy enough with the fact that people attended this gathering.





(Guess who's sorry for the very late reply? *raises hand* :c)

 

[Babel]

Chickadee hugged Lily back just as enthusiastically as she had with a smile. Hugs were alway appreciated with her. Unless a stranger was hugging her. That would be weird.


"Hello!" Chickadee greeted her in a chipper tone then went into the cabin. She was stunned at how decorated it was. She had expected maybe balloons and a banner. Perhaps a cake and some chips too. This was way more than what she thought. And look at all the food! Perfect.


"It looks amazing in here!" She told Lily as she clapped her hands together and hopped up and down a few times. It all made up for her parents weak attempt to congratulate her for graduating and then trying to make her be in the same room as her aunt and cousins. Chickadee pushed those thought out of her head and began wandering around to look at the decorations closer, and to see what kinds of goodies were on the table. By the end of the night she would probably already had a taste of everything on that table...three times over.

 

[Syrenrei]

Lakeside Cabin of Part-tay- Jenna the Underdressed ((Does anyone read this stupid shit I put here?))


Jenna returned Lily's hug just as enthusiastically as she received it. They might have stood there, all day, squishing each other with congeniality and bubbling over energy had there not been a party about to start. Even if she was not a graduate, Jenna was thrilled beyond words and had even left behind a few novels in the backseat of her abused vehicle. (Worry not, for there was still a Gameboy and phone loaded with games in her pockets.) While the others greeted other and milled about she drifted to each smattering of decoration and stared at it intensely, taking a mental picture. The cups, the streamers, the placement of chairs, and every imaginable nuance were noted for future reference and compared to her numerous fictional recollection of parties.


This was it! She was cool and hip and something amazing would happen tonight! Would there be wayward hearts leading a couple (Mereth and Owens perhaps) to a closet to act out a moment of passion? Of course they would quickly be discovered, their cheeks ablaze with adoration of each other and embarrassment at being caught. No matter how unlikely such a thing seemed, she was a scholar of these affairs and knew there must be truth in the repeated scenario. Would the calm and reserved Chickadee reveal a dark secret of her past in a consuming game of Truth or Dare? Luna could discover a mysterious secret passage that would lead them underground to find strange symbols carved into the masonry of the building, indicating an occult connection to the rather mundane dwelling. And Thane and Marcus! Would they quietly compete for the attention of Red, trying to lure her to visit each at their respective colleges due to a deep-seated rivalry of which no one was aware?


Suddenly all her friends were strangers and foreigners, full of secrets and personality changes that were waiting to be revealed. Jenna had been staring at a stack of cups near a punch bowl, lost in her thoughts, when she let out a squeal of joy at what she knew was on the horizon. One day she would write a book about how tonight her life had taken a dramatic turn that would make readers salivate at the intrigue to follow.


Yes, she was certain that's how it would be.


"We should play a game!" Jenna said as she whirled around, giving absolutely no context to the other attendees. Heavens help them if they asked her for suggestions. There was an avalanche bursting at the seems of her mind, threatening to drown them in the delusions of the eccentric brunette should they indulge her.


@L u n a , @Jason Rorstiel , @VainRochester

 

[Killigrew]

Ludovic of Hyr


Northeastern Outskirts of Upolo

​

Ludo eyed both the elf and the strange substance she'd obscured in the pouch with equal discomfort and distrust. She said something about an 'infection', but Ludo couldn't see the value in rubbing vegetables on his wound -- it seemed to him that such actions would only cause further pain, and do little good.


"Yeah... Sure." He grumbled, glancing over at the other elves. Taking the pouch, and tying it to the belt at his waist, he maneuvered around the she-elf to crouch over Seurn and eye the wound. It seemed more bulbous and swollen than before, yet the rush of weeping red before had slowed into a slin trickle down the edges of the treated area. Ludo drew his thumb over the scarlet liquid, eyeing the thick brightness of it. Death was still close, hovering at the edges of Seurn's blurred sight, but he had not won nor, if Ludo could do anything about it, would it win.


The she-elf spoke out to him again. Rather than simple coin, it seemed, these knife-ears desired a more difficult form of payment. He frowned, thinking. That they were killers put the hairs of his neck on end; the answer he gave may cause harm or gain towards their end, but the effect it may have on his people put a wary hesitancy unto his reply.


Ludo rose to his feet, stepping over Seurn to loom over the woman.


"So you're that sort." Ludo said, thick arms folded over his bare chest. "The way you look, you wouldn't last a day. No tribe in Hyr accepts outsiders without them having proven themselves first. But..." He ran his tongue along the inside of his mouth, scraping it across his teeth. "But there are cowards, ones I would not say are tribes of the Sky Fingers. They crawl beneath the mountains, hide from the call and judgement of the spirits. If anyone up there would, they would accept your kind." His hand reached out to slap the she-elf's thin arm. "And by that, I don't mean elf. I mean... small."


It took some restraint to keep from calling her weak. A quick survey of the male elves' belongings made it clear that they were made for a different kind of fighting, one a Hyrian would sneer at. As for the woman, he saw little capability besides perhaps herb gathering, a skill which impressed him little.


But no matter his thoughts, Ludo had stayed his tongue. This uncharacteristic restraint tethered him because such was the way the spirits and his own mind had shown him. Ludo had known power in the weakness of a cripple, and no matter the look of these tiny people, they might be no less worthy of his respect. And besides, her companion had lent his healing art to Seurn. That alone indebted him to them, assassins or no.

 

[Auren]

xBoldan - Just Outside Hyr - Zaria L’instxxxxxxx






Zaria did not back down or wither as the man stood over her. Her green eyes met his, steady and even managed a sneer. He thought she was weak. She could see how he would assume such, her muscles were smaller, and she was much thinner than the man of muscle. He was close to her, close enough that she could feel the heat off his skin. No wonder his kind stayed to the North. They were human furnaces. When he reached out to slap her arm, she slipped out his grasp, only to take another step closer, intruding on his space.





”Oh no. I care not if they will accept me into their hives,”

she said. Her gaze never wavered. This man did not scare her, and he was much slower than her with all that muscle. She could evade him, if she needed to. He reminded her of some humans she had met previously, before she grouped herself with the twins. They thought she was a twig they could snap. Since they were not Iesti, she had no reason to play mercy with them, and they had threatened her. She was not a killer like her assassin friends, but as she had told them, she could handle herself. Being a spy meant being more than capable in such areas.




Zaria stepped away from the man, not turning her back on him as she backed away.

”Your information was quite helpful,”

she told him, keeping her eyes on him before they darted towards his friend.

”Best of luck, there.”

She was dismissive. The man’s life meant little to her, but it would guarantee their continued travel in peace for a small length of time at least.




Feeling a pinch in her arm, Zaria lifted it, revealing the armor that made up the bulk of her form under the cloak. It made her look larger, more neutral in form, not unattractive, but not beautiful. But as she adjusted a strap or two, with her cloak open, one could see a glimpse of the weight that she carried. Pouches, dozens of them, throwing knives made the cloak insides glitter, two large daggers strapped to her arm armor, the plating that covered much of her form, rolls of parchment poking out of many inner pockets, and yet she moved easily, gracefully, and light as a feather. Underneath it all, her thin waist created curves that many Iesti men desired. Without all that weight, it would a curious sight to see how fast she truly was.




After she snapped the last adjustment into place, she looked over to the assassin boys, waiting for their next decision.





https://www.rpnation.com/profile/5169-syrenrei/@Syrenrei

https://www.rpnation.com/profile/5169-syrenrei/

https://www.rpnation.com/profile/4673-killigrew/@Killigrew

https://www.rpnation.com/profile/4673-killigrew/

 

[Syrenrei]

This Shitty Little Road of the Last 10 Million Posts- Arcden & Greyden (P.S. Still in Upolo)


Greyden knew that Zaria was more than capable of defending herself and truly it was apparent that Ludovic wasn't really going to bring about any harm. "That sort," he laughed a little to himself, genuinely amused. Hyr was going to be quite the adventure if everyone was so quick with judgment. "If we're hunting a kidnapping rapist, that might be the sort of place he'd go," he acknowledged less to the burly warrior and more to his spy comrade. His mind was honed in on the blatant distrust between their two parties, the barbed words, the meaningful stares, when suddenly the very female Iesti elf was adjusting something here or there. And it wasn't often that she did such things in plain sight of the twins- she was private, discreet, and stayed to shadows more oft than the light. When the supple curvature of flesh at her waist was momentarily exposed his more basic instincts screamed at him for not realizing earlier what had been in his presence! By the gods she was less thick than several 'ladies' of the brothel he had paid for the attentions of! Looking away quickly (and very suspiciously) he cleared his throat to gain his composure swiftly. What else was obscured by all that junk she carried around.


And there was that stupid barbarian, a moment earlier so entertaining, and he noticed the bare chest. Was this some sort of competition? The Hyr native had stated that Zaria was small, but were the twins included in this vague assertion? Should he show how manly and macho he was? Sure, he wasn't some savage brute that valued strength over the wiser choice of agility, but he wasn't some schmuck either.


As Greyden contemplated some sort of ill-advised striptease, Arcden had already inserted himself between Ludovic and Zaria. Of course the latter could easily follow his movements, but the former would find him to be almost a blur. His eyes had darkened slightly and now held a more menacing glimmer that confirmed that this half-elf was truly capable of the murderous past alluded to. In the lack of physical reaction for Greyden, this was excessive in a way. Arcden was the 'shield' when it was required of him, but there was no tangible threat. Biting commentary seldom elicited this sort of departure from standing aloof.


Greyden glanced at his sibling quietly. It appeared the flash of skin had been missed by Arcden in the speedy act of defense. The more gregarious assassin quietly analyzed, knowing it was better to not speak until first things had calmed back to a more acceptable level. This barbarian sure was daft! Touching an armed woman so casually? Was he trying to press his luck? Even if she was weak and helpless, he had two corpse creators watching from no more than a few feet away. Hyr was looking increasingly less threatening.


"Do not touch the lady," Arcden finally simply stated. Greyden was even more bewildered now. Zaria a lady? Well, she was certainly of more noble birth than either of them, but he wasn't quite sure he'd call someone that knew a half dozen ways to slice you up for dinner a 'lady.' "I assure you even a half-elf can last in Hyr for a day." Closer inspection by Ludovic might reveal that their ears were not nearly so long nor pointy as those of pure heritage. With a pause he yanked down part of his tunic to reveal the scars that earlier had been uncovered during his blacksmithing. All had been healed over, with varying degrees of age and shape. This was a man that knew how to survive a dirty blade. "Use the herbs. He deserves no less than the best chance of recovery."


Greyden gathered his wits enough to grab Zaria's hand and start to lead her away towards the direction they had been initially traveling. It was not until their female companion was a more safe distance from Ludovic that Arcden turned and followed more leisurely and Greyden relieved his hand of the hostage.

 

[Killigrew]

Ludovic of Hyr


What they said.

​

The she-elf's reaction was strange. Combatitive, to say the least. The look in her eye, the spark or the flash, was near enough to make Ludo wince. Did she really think herself capable of challenging him? He thought she ought to know -- she was like the morning's frost on blades of grass; a mere wave of the foot would shatter her entirely. He rolled his eyes as she stepped in close.


"Then what are you going there for?" He demanded, chafing under her arrogant stare. "To see the sights? You're barely dressed," He gestured at her single cloak, at her slim, even obscured as it was, figure. "You look like a kid, and by the way you react, you even lack the self-knowing to manage the kind of care the Sky Fingers demand."


His hand almost brushed her cloak at the movement. She was standing rather close. The proximity set him even more on edge, and he slid his gaze from hers after an initial annoyance. Ludo knew he smelled bad -- the sweat and exertion of the day had more than stagnated his scent, and it was with this understanding that he shifted his weight, raising up an arm to scratch the back of his neck as he reprimanded the she-elf, purposefully exposing the hairy, putrid underpit in her immediate direction.


She stepped away, still challenging him with her eyes, and he snorted, about to turn back towards Seurn when another elf ghosted in between them -- he wasn't sure which of the replicates this was, the needler or the authoritative bystander, but Ludo was running on his last nerve with the whole lot of them, helpful or otherwise.


Ludovic bristled at the elf’s unspoken threat, a low rumble vibrating from deep in his chest.


"She asked for information, and I gave it." He growled, stepping in closer to the replicate, matching and even surpassing in hostility. "And I care not for your race, your species, your pride." His eyes narrowed, teeth clenching. That whole subject was a sore one for the Hyrian; creatures that brought up their species as though they should be expected to be superior or inferior simply because they were born. Idiocy. All that mattered was the strength of your arm, the capability of your body, and the will to carry on. "You face Hyr and Hyrian people. If you go there to kill," He curled his lip. "Or to stir up mischief, whatever your pay or circumstance, you'll face my people as an enemy. And they're a more terrible enemy than any; you ought to consider your life forfeit if you cross any of them in the homeland."


Seurn groaned then, shifting in discomfort, drawing Ludo's eye. The Hyrian lowered his gaze uncomfortably as his head turned back to the elf.


"I'll use the herbs." He said gruffly, raising a hand for peace. "But before you leave... I do not consider this favor repayed, so if you have need of help, any Kopis Misthos guildhouse should have me on their roster. Ask for Ludovic."


When this replicate, rather wound up and stiff-faced, finally left, the air's tension, and much of Ludo's own, went with him, and the Hyrian was free at last to turn his attention to his wounded companion.


Scratching the tufts of hair poking out his scalp, Ludo motioned that the other merc, who had been suspiciously whispering with the one holding the bandit in bondage, assist him. The stubby merc, Tress, took Seurn’s feet, and Ludo his shoulders. Though the blonde man groaned and griped as they did, he was lifted up, the median of his wound converging at the resulting sag.


Taking care, with all gentleness, or at least the most two burly mercenaries could manage, they hastened to the village below.

 

[Kal]

Alli Vorona, The Cabin at the Lake


People were here! So many people! Thane, and Marcus, and Lily, and Jenna, and Chicakdee, and PEOPLE! Alli energetically hugged Lily back with just as much enthusiasm. "You look fabulous!" Alli returned the compliment, meaning it, but Alli always thought everyone looked good. Save very, very few, rare exceptions.





"Whaddya all think?"


"It looks amazing in here!"


"What Chickadee said!" Alli agreed, "It's amazing Lily!" The inside was so cushy, the decorations eye-catching, and the food, oh Alli was quite grateful for. She had the misfortune of having the sort of stomach that wished to be fed in two hour intervals, at the least. If food was available, every fifteen minutes! There was enough food here to keep her demanding stomach satisfied. She looked around again at the people... Mmm... other than Lily, there was no other blonde to be seen. Alli's mouth shaped to a minuscule pout. Charleene wasn't here. She looked over at Marcus, intending to ask him if maybe he knew about Charleene's whereabouts. But, nah, he'd have said something if Charlie wasn't coming! The night was young, yeah, the night was young...





"We should play a game!"


Alli's ears tingled at Jenna's suggestion. Forget the food for now, this had to happen! "Yes!" she agreed happily, and as always, it didn't occur to her to ask for any of the details. It would eventually dawn on her, like when she'd responded to Lily's text and then later realized she'd never asked the girl for the time or the place or anything in regards to the party. Thankfully Lily was a prompt texter-backer, and Alli was filled into the know a few short seconds after her inquiring text. Ah well, that had all happened ages ago! Alli clapped her hands together and rubbed them together, waiting for this 'game' to begin.

 

[Killigrew]

Meredith Hall


Her Father's House




​

“Shall we?” Father asked.


The table was set, illuminated by the flickering glow of candles, whose shine was reflected against the translucent wine glasses in heavenly glimmers, dancing in gold across the white tablecloth.The meal was prepared and steaming; meat, greens, and white globs companionably side-by-side. While simple in design, Mereth knew her father capable of drawing out from the most humble of ingredients the most exquisite flavors.


The doctor pulled out a chair, hand raised in a flourish, a suggestion that she sit. She acquiesced, scooting forward to the table as an excited, pleased grin spread slow across her face.


Father sat opposite, folding his handkerchief against his lap.


“It is a long time coming, to finally see your face, to have you alone.” He said. His glasses glistened. “You are radiant in this light.”


“Oooh…” Mereth tilted her head, smile widening. “Am I, now?” She leaned forward in the light, mischief dancing in her eyes. She pat her father’s cheek, and pressed her lips softly against his grizzled cheek soon after. Settling back on the cushioned seat, his pleased look incited a fleeting simpering through her face.


She propped her chin up on one hand, the fingers on the other drumming the table until they came upon the cold slimness of her fork, which they grasped with purpose. She licked her lips, the thought of dining panging her with hunger.


Standing on that stage had been harrowing; there was no fate worse than infernal boredom.


Mereth sawed off a piece of meat, and brought it to her wide-open mouth to bite down and gnaw upon. Ungracious consumption. But it only ever ended well. With a throwing back of his head, Father belted out a bellow of a laugh, and, throwing aside fork and knife, he took to an equivalent consumption with his bare hands.


The supper was done too swiftly. Her graduation gown was splattered with a rainbow-like assortment of foods, paint on a rippling canvas. Laughter had left her breathless, and the food filled her abdomen with an uncanny warmth.


“I hadn’t expected this.” She said to the ceiling. Mereth had been ready for a basement lesson, for the entrails, for an art piece prepared before her and with her. That was the go-to for her father, she’d thought. “But I’ve no complaints.” She stirred into a seated position, urping a little and swaying. “Except that the food was too good.”


“Droll. How very droll you are.” Father chuckled. “Mereth, dear girl. This was only the appetizer.”


His hand turned open across the table, his smile welcoming. Mereth raised her head, interest piquing. Her fingertips slid by his, gliding down to touch the wrist until their palms caressed. Her skin brushed against a raised cold circular lump, and as her fingers followed, she gave it dimension, traced the a long cylinder, found its end in a narrow curve.


“You’ve still got a party to go to, don’t you?”