Fandom 𝕯𝖎𝖗𝖌𝖊 𝖔𝖋 𝕯𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖔𝖓𝖘 | Fire Emblem

[Marlowe]

mentions: none.​

Even though the golden sun had recently disappeared behind the Windless Range and the sunset had painted the city an array of deep violets and blues, Kyou still found it frustratingly hot.

Moisture gathered beneath Kyou’s furs as she wandered down the cobblestone pavement in the very heart of Sunfall. She swiped the back of her forearm across her greasy forehead as she trudged past ornate food stalls that produced wonderful aromas of cooked and seared meats. Her eyes exhaustedly scanned the storefronts, taking in the smiling faces that handed out sweets along with spiced skewers of beef and pork. Children, each of them wearing smiling, brightly hued masks or waving around shimmering ribbons, bounded around and around the circular city center as they giggled and chased one another. She raised a brow at them in curiosity.

”Everyone’s so festive,” Kyou mumbled to herself as she continued across the hub and past another set of jovially-decorated stalls. ”Must be something going on…”

”Ah, yes!” an old man at a stall to her left shouted at her. ”That would be the Winter Solstice Festival, my dear. It’s a celebrated tradition in Sunfall.”

Kyou raised a wary brow at the man, but was ultimately beckoned over to his storefront. A variety of jeweled the table in front of him– blood-gemmed necklaces, earrings that hung heavy with blue stones, rings that glistened with rocks as clear as water– and Kyou couldn’t help but be drawn to their sheer beauty.

The man twirled his mustache at her quizzically and his small blue eyes glistened as he acknowledged her curiosity. ”My wares come from all over Zefir, love. Rubies from Cael, sapphires from the mountains of Reine, onyx from the depths of Yelm– I even have rare gems from across the Ganais Strait. You name it, I have it.”

Flustered, Kyou raised a hand to stop him. ”I’m not yet interested in buying jewelry,” she told him. ”What’s this Winter Solstice Festival..?”

”Oh dear, you’re not from around here, are you?”” The old man’s face was lined with even more wrinkles than before and the ridge of his nose bunched together. ”Your clothing not only gives it away, but everyone as far as Yelm knows of Solans’ tradition of celebrating the longest night of the year.”

It was Kyou’s turn to pull a face. The vendor chuckled again.

”Many travelers are confused when they hear that Sunfall celebrates the darkest day… but to us, it means that spring is on its way, and our hope shouldn’t waver just yet. Many people mark the occasion by buying pretty knick-knacks like jewelry or other such wares. It brings good luck. And for you, my friend, I will give a most valuable discount. What do you say?”

Half an hour later, Kyou left the vendor’s stall with her coinpurse lighter than before. As she walked, she lifted a delicate-looking silver necklace up to the dying sunlight. Twilight’s hues melted together with the pale metal and glinted on the icy blue gem that hung from it. She sighed as she mentally kicked herself in the rear end.

”I don’t even know why I even bought this…”

 

[EmperorsChosen]

Raina made her way through the busy streets with a huff, wheeling a cart of items behind her. "Excuse me! Pardon--Hey! Careful where you're running!" It was always especially crowded this time of year, with most of the citizenry taking time off to indulge in the festival and the tourism making the city especially bustling. Still, that's what made this such an important time for her, especially since her family's smithing business began to decline. Each year, her father and her would make specialty weapons, mostly ornamental, as well as masks and other, more ostentatious items. These weren't for combat, of course, but such good luck products and other inventory did particularly well with both the local populace and those visiting. With her family's business more and more on the decline, more and more of the dwindling business was from those out of the city who hadn't been told of her snubbed reputation.

That was a frustrating thought, one that still grinded Raina's gears. It was even more depressing to think that this was the first year it was her, and not her father, who worked on merchandise for the festival...

Which is why she wouldn't think of that, only of what could be done by her.

As she reached her stall, Raina leaned the wagon back to sit on its rest. She wiped her forehead with her forearm before she began opening the trunks that sat on her wagon, removing various items from their confines. She strew them along the stall in various places, putting on display knives, blades, letter openers, crowns, circlets, and masks of various materials, some mimicking gold, bronze or silver, possessing gemstones or crystals in their designs or with ornate inscriptions along the blades.

And with that, she was ready. Unfortunately, she still had to receive scornful gazes from a few, but there were quite a few visitors that were attracted by her inventory. On top of that, Raina wasn't shy, regardless of how some distrusted her family name. "Come one, come all! Beautiful trinkets and ornamental blades, perfect to take on the coming Spring with! Look at this craftsmanship!" She called to various passerbys, even going so far as to hold out various items on the stand to accentuate them.

Raina acquired quite some business this way, but unfortunately, not all who scorned her name were content by simply whispering falsehoods or sending a glare.

"I want the crown!" A child decreed, their mother urging them to calm down. "I know, I know~ I'm sorry. He's quite exciteable when he sees something he wants," The woman said with a small chuckle, setting some coins down on the table.

"Don't worry! I'm flattered that my work makes someone this excited," Raina replied with a smile, taking the crown and sitting it on the boy's head. "There ya' go!"

"I wonder when that'll break." A voice came from behind the pair, of a couple men dressed in luxurious clothes.

Raina withheld a scowl, simply smiling at the mother and boy. "I'm sorry about that... I hope you have a wonderful Winter Solstice!" However, as soon as they were gone, the woman's face turned and her gaze narrowed. "It won't break even if I were to smash it against your thick head."

One of the men laughed in an arrogant fashion. "Well, I suppose it's better that you're selling knick-knacks instead of real blades," He stated, pinching the corner of one of the masks and lifting it to eye it with disdain. "At least then someone isn't likely to die relying on your trifles."

At that, Rain grabbed the mask and smacked it none too gently back onto the stall front. "My weapons and armor are completely reliable. If anything broke, it was improper use, technique, or withstood for as long as it was meant to!" She chastised.

The offense taken by her seemed to give the men some amusement, as they chuckled and sneered in response. "Argue as much as you'd care to. Most already know of you and your father's faulty work, and once everyone does, you won't be able to indirectly kill anyone with your inadequacy," The man said, shifting slowly from arrogant entertainment to spiteful before the group strolled away.

Raina watched them go with a stern look before it faltered. Hands sitting against the stall, she rested the weight of her body against it as her head hung down, letting out a long, frustrated sigh.

Interactions: N/A

 

[RedArmyShogun]

Freya Lowell - Sunfall
​

Walking around in full armor with her mix of fur and gambeson, the redhead with brown eyes, casually rested her left arm upon the hilt of her sword, setting in its scabbard, shield resting on her back, the Knight conducted her patrol of the Capital, with her helmet tucked under her right arm, she had to admit she would rather be out in the field, or back in Mistreach. The Capital was nice, but always so very, very busy. More so tonight than many others.

Though she wouldn't say the capital didn't need security, not too mention Knights were a visible presence, one of pride and martial valor. Playing the part of toy soldier, Freya smiled at a small child off to her left, gripping the hand of his mother, a boy with blonde hair, likely no more than seven, with a wave of a nod of her head, she continued onwards, studying the people she could see, those that seemed foreign, or a center for trouble and attention.

Keeping the peace is what she was here for, be that in helping those clearly lost, or keeping a brawl from breaking out... A shame, the later could be rather amusing and this night was perfect for a cup of Ale. Maybe one of the winter blends with the spices and cinnamon in it, a dash of apple cider. The first thing that caught her notice was a woman in far too much fur for the climes here, while she could see her own breath, and a chill was in the air, that woman was clearly from much further in the north. As she held a small trinket and repeated words of regret, the woman of Solans chuckled in passing. A sucker every minute was it? These Festivals always did it to someone and she would not be the first or last being talked into a purchase they would come to regret.

Harmless fun. There was an earnest looking redhead much like herself trying to sell some metalwork wares. With the purchase of one it was not long till a local came to exchange words with a few "friends", goons more like, and judging by the change in postures, how brief it was, it was not a good discussion. She didn't know much about Sunfall, she normally kept to the Interior, the rural areas, and Mistreach itself. Sighing a bit in kind with the woman, this was one of the things that demanded her attention. Walking to the Stall, she eyed over some of the pieces, unfortunately she didn't have the time off now to buy any souvenirs. Though she might could get something kept, he craftsman's mark upon these pieces was familiar to Freya, and she could not remember why. She was sure it was something she purposefully forgotten, told to her from some snob or another.

"Hello there, merchant? Or no, smith?" Flicking the mask she had, Freya sat her own helmet down upon the counter, picking the mask up with he armored right hand. "Huh... Seems to be good enough quality. Mind if I ask why that crowd was giving you a hard time, or rather just leave it be? Got anything here a knight would like? Not me, my father."

If she would buy something was another matter altogether, her main purpose was to help out the lass, get her at least not looking at the flat of the stall counter. From here, she would likely seek out a crepe, or something else sweet, baring more problems happening.

Interactions: EmperorsChosen

 

[Landsharks]

Valeria Almiran​

She'd give the Solans this: the energy of the city was certainly infectious. Valeria found herself humming a cheerful tune as she strolled through the streets of Sunfall, a knapsack filled with supplies on her back and a tome cradled in her hands. The nun had only just arrived within the city walls, and there were issues of groundwork to consider: where to sleep, where to establish herself, et cetera, et cetera.

Room and board were simple enough, at least. The rosary she bore ought to verify her position as a sister of the church well enough to afford shelter at a local parish or chapel for long enough to get started performing priestly services. From there, she'd build trust with the locals and listen in on their woes. If those confessions and grievances revealed truths and vulnerabilities the crown of this land would rather keep secret, well then, all the better. It was how she'd operated across more than a few cities and towns over the last few years, after all.

Still, it wasn't as if she'd be getting any work done today. There was a festival going on, after all. Perhaps Valeria would show up on the parish's doorstep in a few hours, if only to secure lodging. But for now, well, it'd simply be rude to try to get anything done on a day of celebration, wouldn't it? Who would listen to a foreign priest during what was apparently one of the greatest regional celebrations of the year? Why, she had no choice but to follow the local customs and indulge with the rest of the population~

"What to do, what to do..." Valeria had enough coin saved up that she could afford to splurge a little, but why spend her coin when someone else could be oh so generous? Charity was a virtue, after all. Best to find a tavern or a celebration with free ale before anything else, then. Worst came to worst, she could challenge someone to a drinking contest. They always underestimated her, to the detriment of their coinpurses and their stomachs.

"Beer, beer, where are youuuu~" She hummed quietly to herself as she continued to walk through Sunfall's streets, taking in the sights.

 

[Serei2477]

Volo
Interactions: Merchant [ EmperorsChosen ]
​

Volo Valcroise was one of many within the crowd of the Winter Solstice Festival, watching as the joy and merriment spread from the children that could barely walk to the elderly with a cane. Volo, of course, was no different. The energy of the festival made him feel like he could stay up all night dancing, and if he hadn't been told to wear his armor in case things went awry, he just might have! On top of that, Volo had gone through the pleasure of decorating himself with necklaces and rings he'd purchased from an older gentlemen~ He didn't want to accidentally ruin such beautiful gems!

His friends and comrades who had accompanied Volo on this trip seemed to have disappeared as well, leaving Volo to his own devices (as well as his coin purse in danger). Volo's hunger for pretty and shiny has yet to be satiated; now he was on the prowl for something he could decorate his hair with~ A circlet or some sort of jeweled veil would suit him well, he felt! And he could use the accessory for one of his everyday or dancer garbs! It would absolutely not be a waste of money~

And lo and behold, what did we see here? Two short women (sisters maybe?) standing with a table of beautiful trinkets, weapons, and other crafted items for purchase in the middle. From the merchant's view behind the knight, Volo popped up with his hands clasped together, a look of awe, and a starry gleam in his eyes. It was apparent that unless she totally blew it, the merchant was going to make a sale.

"Pardon the interruption~" He said. "How much are you selling your circlets? Do you have any more? I need all the options I can get~"

-------------------------------

Hati
Interactions: N/A
​

She was aware that there were individuals who did not take kindly to Laguz guarding the Winter Solstice Festival, specifically around the outskirts and some within. To them, it was entirely possible that bloodthirsty Laguz would come and try to turn the festival grounds into a graveyard. After all, if the Laguz wasn't domesticated, then they were no better than wild animals... That meant Hati would have to find a way around the festival... But if she tried to go around, it would add possibly days to her trip and Hati might not have enough resources for it. If she took to the skies, the archers could point her out and make a game of shooting her down...

So, it left her with one option. To go through the festival.

"Festivals are always a good place for cover."

Or at least, that's what one of Hati's old friends had told her before the resistance camp was destroyed. For a Laguz with concealable features, that might be true. But for someone like Hati, whose large and protruding wings were a good two heads taller than her, it forced her to dig through many piles of trash before finding a suitable enough disguise to hide her wings.

What she found was a comically large fairly used merchant's bag that she had to fill with various broken trinkets and torn sheets from multiple trash sites in order to have something large enough to cover her most prominent Laguz feature. Aside from how large it was, the bag itself was virtually useless for anything else. The fabric near the bottom had thinned out from usual wear and the fabric in different locations seemed to have been scratched open. Was this bag used to defend a merchant from a wild animal? Regardless, it would make use.

Of course, it wouldn't do her well to go to a large and crowded event smelling like a horse's ass cheeks. So Hati stopped and washed all the trinkets, the merchant bag, and the fabrics to rid them of the smell. She even patched it up a little to try and make it look presentable enough that no one would bat an eye at her.

She just hoped there would be merchants with bags bigger than hers... Well, so long as they remembered the bag itself and not her, she'd be fine.

And so, with her fists white knuckling the straps of her bag, Hati moved forward into the joyous crowd. With the cloak she wore and her tattered clothing, she looked no more than a merchant down on her luck.

So far so good; the crowd seemed too distracted by the celebrations to give her a second glance. Maybe she could slip through and be on her way after all?

 

[AI10100]

B A L C H T , S U V I
Interacting with: Colorless Spectrum Castello Bloody_Death
Location: Solans​

Suvi was uncertain about what she, and the rest of her co-workers, had done to deserve the kind of odd punishment that was traveling with Miss Evelle. A series of unfortunate events that she personally blamed on Vini's incredibly horrible luck had led to them accompanying— or rather escorting— the Pegasus Knight to Solans with little pay. It had seemed like a bright idea at first, really. Miss Evelle had been lost on the way to Solans and they had been the ones at fault for having them run into bandits after an unfortunate air crash. So, in hopes of earning karmic justice, some gold, and experience, the group decided to help. It wasn't like they were on any active missions anyway.

What they didn't count on was Evelle's predisposition to tearing into their abilities and places of origin at the drop of a hat. Of course, Suvi didn't hesitate to return the insults to remind the Pegasus Knight of her own inability to travel to Solans. She seemed more of a sheltered noble than a messenger but Suvi wasn't going to question whether or not Miss Evelle was hiding some sort of identity from them.

In any case, after a week, they had finally arrived in Solans with little issue. It wasn't the first time Suvi had ever visited Solans after her impromptu travels but it certainly was the first time she had visited during the Winter Solstice Festival. She had heard hearsay about it even when she was still stationed at Glaise. Some of the chattier merchants would speak about how they had obtained certain items from the festival that they had brought over to Glaise. Suvi would have lied if she had said she hadn't been curious about the festival so she stuck around to listen to their stories for far longer than necessary. To think that she would finally be able to attend one in the flesh.

Suvi led them to the stables so they could stow both mounts before entering the city proper. It was unfortunate but bringing a mount around in a crowded city, especially during a festival, was not ideal. Antonio was well-trained and he wouldn't cause a ruckus intentionally but rules were rules and Suvi had no choice but to follow them. She ran a hand across the neck of her wyvern, letting out an amused huff as Antonio bumped his snout onto her forehead. "I'll bring back some food for you later. For now, stay put and don't cause a ruckus." She reminded the wyvern. Antonio seemed unwilling to allow his rider to go too far from him but relented nonetheless. With another bump of his snout, the wyvern huffed and settled down in his own stall.

With that done and over with, Suvi returned to the group.

"Well then, Miss Evelle, we will see our mission to the end. Lead the way."

The Dracoknight looked intently at their employer. She may have been insufferable at best but Suvi was not one to leave her missions half-done.

 

[EmperorsChosen]

Hearing the clatter of metal growing closer, Raina tilted her head up, half expecting it to be another slanderous individual. Instead, it was a woman the smith hadn't seen before and she perked up, quickly straightening herself up brushing off any signs of irritation from the last encounter. Adorning a shopkeeper's smile.

"Yes, Ma'am. All forged by yours truly!" She said with pride that could make one wonder if that interaction from before was a figment of the imagination. However, as the knight inquired about it, the way the merchant's smile faltered made it clear it was real. "...That's... uh... a story."

Getting a bit solemn at that, Raina didn't like telling the story, but if the woman had heard the interaction she deserved to be aware of it even if it was a bunch of wyvern crap. She had integrity, unlike those layabouts.

"Reputation has taken a bit of a turn lately, I'm afraid. This is my father's business I've been apprenticing in. Local blue-blood commissioned a blade-an absolutely spotless one-and got one. Went on some travels and was ambushed, so I hear, and somehow got the sword broke," Raina explained with an irritated scoff. "They spread the word it was poor craftsmanship that almost got'im killed, but that isn't possible. I saw him craft the thing, test it. It was pristine! I don't know how he used it or what happened, but it wasn't poor quality. Those were a few 'o his friends--or sycophants."

The woman spoke confidently and matter-of-factly if not with a bit of spite. It wasn't the blabbering of an insecure girl trying to make excuses or pine off responsibility, but one who genuinely believed in her craft and, by extension, the craft of her father.

"You heard all that, so you should have some explanation before I try 'n sell you something," Raina expressed as another man approached and she shone her smile toward him.

"Yess'ir! 2 for the bronze, 4 for the iron, additional 2 for the ones with gemstones," Raina says, stepping over to her cart and procuring one of the chests from it before bringing it over to the stand and opening it for its contents to be displayed. "I have a few silver circlets too that're 10 and'd suit you quite nicely~"

With that pitch, Raina glanced back to the knight. "As fer you, if you're still interested, most of my stock here is ornamental or utility on account of the festival, so if you'd like to give him a classy blade for decor or status, I got quite a few. Otherwise, I've got various letter openers and smaller knives. If you're lookin' to gift him something he can keep the peace or make war with, I have quite a few options back at the actual shop."

Interactions: Serei2477 RedArmyShogun

 

[RedArmyShogun]

Freya Lowell - Sunfall
​

Listening to what the smith had to say, Freya's eyes narrowed in, as if testing the woman for falsehoods as her tale came to a close. Tapping one of the pieces with her armored glove, they didn't seem inferior. Or at least what was claimed by that confrontation earlier. "It is not so easy to break a sword, even one made of bronze or pig iron. It would break in the quenching if it were weaker than that. Though blades differ in quality against one another. I've neither time or inclination to seek out this Lord and match your father's craft against others in the realm, that is something you must do." She says matter-of-factly.

It was soon that a new customer had arrived, eyeing the man, he seemed on the taller side of things, and sure as her hair was red, he was not native to these lands, a tourist? From where? Well, it was only natural that people from across the land would gather for the festival. It was a highlight of Solans after all. Giving the man a nod, the Knight steps to the side, picking up her helmet from the counter. "Welcome to Sunfall, if yah need some knowing on where to go, give me or another Knight a question or two. Now as for you, or me..."

She said, shifting her attention back to the smith, Freya gave a once over at the items at the stall, she decided to voice her thoughts. "The swords are out of the question, my father is a practical man, and most of our swords are forged by smiths connected to the clan, if a sword was to be made, it would be for myself. Still, I've not much gold on me right now, I'm on Duty still, patrol'n the Festival. No one's drunk enough to cause trouble yet. But if yah got the time, I can swing around later, or just pick him up a nice letter opener now. Or maybe I'll just get myself a knife... Still, see to your friend here, I can take a couple minutes to look around. Name's Freya Lowell by the way."

Interactions: EmperorsChosen Serei2477

 

[Bloody_Death]

» Kouki Chibana

『 TAGGED 』 AI10100 || Castello || Colorless Spectrum

Kou never would have imagined his life would lead to this. Ex-lieutenant now turned mercenary along with some other misfits he ran across the road during his travels. Everything up until then wasn't all too bad honestly. It's their new employer. If you can even call her that. The best way to describe this lady...was an edgy teen in an adult body. Even the strictest drill sergeants don't start randomly tearing into people for the simplest things like she does. It was so harsh and uncalled for that it was honestly kind of funny. Kouki couldn't even take her seriously because of this trait of hers. And it was obvious by the way he spoke and responded to the insults. If she was going to act like a brat she was going to be treated like a brat. It's as simple as that. Kou never took her words seriously and treated her more like a kid than an adult. He'd laugh at the insults hurled at him. Speaking to her in an almost tauntingly babying voice. It's hard to tell if he was teasing or being genuine. But it was probably a mix of both.

At the end of the day, they were just supposed to take her to Solans and they get paid. Sounded easy enough. Even if this was practically a scam. But he'd come to Solans for free. He honestly considered this payment for babysitting Miss Evelle. After a week of travel, they finally arrived at Solans. He totally forgot about the big winter festival they held each year. He's been to Solan before but never during this time. It was like an entirely different place! The bustling streets and the decorations. It was really amazing! It's been a while since he's ever gone to a festival. "What a lucky break." He commented with a smile. Watching as Suvi dropped off Antionio at one of the mount stables. When she returned he turned back to their boss as well.

"We're almost done, right? I want to hit up some of the shops before everyone else buys up all the good stuff." He spoke while reaching into his bag to pull out his coin pouch. It's a good thing he saved a lot over the years. He really wanted to try some of the food. Maybe he can manage to get some free samples instead though. If not...he hopes two gold is enough to pay for everything he may want here.

code by @Nano

 

[Raiden]

Sunfall — Kingdom of Solans
The Winter Solstice Festival — Around Noon, Earlier That Day​

Drink always tasted better on his day off.

The workaholic within Rogier surfaced solely to earn times of respite such as this-- he'd taken it upon himself to tackle extra details across the last month as per usual to gain the general's permission. The Knights of Solans were a busy bunch as any Zefiran with the slightest awareness knew, and proving himself the busiest pair of legs was paramount if he wanted to request downtime on one of his country's most important holidays. Granted, it was quite a grueling prospect, to work more in order to work less. Not like he had many other options as a knight, anyway; he was only sworn into servitude for life. It is what it is.

The Wobbling Wench was evidently a lively place on the day's occasion as the swill of drink permeated the dimlit barroom. As a regular patron of the establishment, Rogier had answered the keeper's immediate recognition with a nod, wedging himself between a burly sellsword and a dapper fellow for a seat at the bar. "What the hells are y'doin' here, boy? Ain't you knights s'posed to keep the peace and like fer the festival?" spoke Waylon Merric from the other side of the counter. The barkeeper was a lanky middle-aged man with an unusually stubby nose that Rogier likened to an arrowhead.

"You see any sub-humans bitin' out any throats around the parts?" The knight huffed in response as the barkeep slid him an empty tankard. Waylon scoffed to contain a chuckle, his hands at the hip as Rogier flicked a gold piece to the edge of the bar. "None as me good eye can see, aye." Rogier stiffened a laugh as he caught the creases of a smile forming on the barkeep's lip, shaking the tankard with impatience. "No? Then pour, cousin."

Several rounds of ale were warm in his belly by the hour, though Rogier was one to handle his drink well as he encroached upon only the edges of whole intoxication. The Wobbling Wench had a steady rotation of patrons as the time drew on, and many different faces had come and gone as the festival seemed to pick up on the outside. For him, it was the usual-- drink, recount whatever stories he had with Waylon, and drink some more. The barkeep always seemed especially involved with his tales, whether it was where the wind blew for his knightly responsibilities or the stuff of legends that he read from the palace's library. Waylon seemed like a lonely man with few regular patrons, as he'd picked up over the years. The two of them shared a laugh as the knight wrapped up his story. "And that, is why wine is the worst of them all."

This statement seemed to rouse one of the clientele as a finely-dressed man rose from a table situated just behind Rogier. The man sported an extravagant tunic of bright colors with a flowing black cloak and sharply-tipped boots. His thin, long mustache cut through the pudgy features of his face, where a few drops of sweat beaded from his round forehead. Raising a grubby finger, the man seemed to address Rogier directly. "Utterly preposterous, young man. I will have you know that it is those with the absolute finest palettes in all of Zefir who may appreciate the diverse, rich, immaculate flavor of wine!"

"Can't say I enjoy cow piss," Rogier slowly wheeled around to deflect the man's defense of wine.

"Why, I never!" The noble recoiled with utter repugnance, quite offended from the slight as he waved his arms. "Even Rogier the Intrepid was an enjoyer of the finest spot in the realms! Though I suppose a lowborn such as yourself is cursed to ignorance, never to truly appreciate the tastes that only gentlemen may afford."

Rogier's right eyed twitched. Everything about the man pissed him off-- the flowery speech, the quest to preach wine, the lack of hair which made his forehead so prominent. So much so that his body almost acted on its own when he took his tankard full of ale and doused it all over the man's proud expression. "Your taste is shit," The knight watched the man clawed at his eyes, having been caught totally unawares as he crumpled to his knees and cried out in dramatic fashion. "But by all means, don't let me stop you from enjoying the drink."

Quite pleased with himself, Rogier turned back around to face an appalled Waylon with the empty tankard, setting it between them. Though, before he could demand another refill from the barkeeper, there was a sound of shuffling chairs and rumbling woodwork as a large hand planted on his shoulder. "G-g-GUARDS! Make the brat kneel!"

The raspy voice of the man was the last thing he'd heard before the brawl ensued.

---

Sunfall — Kingdom of Solans
The Winter Solstice Festival — Present Time
Interaction(s): Hati Serei2477
​

What a shitty turn of events.

The slighted man had turned out to be a foreign noble visiting the capital for the festival with a retinue of escorts. Rogier could handle a couple fists, and so he did, having knocked the daylights out of two of them. But, of course, there was very few people in the world who could fight six people at once, and he was not one of them. The brawl at the Wobbling Wench had come to a halt after a patrol of knights put an end to the conflict, surprised to see that one of theirs was involved in the matter. He'd been knocked sober in the obvious numbers disadvantage, and outside of the healing that the barracks sister could provide, he'd met his superior with a fresh bruise under his right eye. Rogier would have been more severely punished for the matter if it were not for the fact that the nobleman's retinue struck first-- instead, the knight's 'punishment' was reinstating him on patrol duty for the festival.

Now clad in the familiar steel plates of armor, Rogier was quite dismayed with how his day had turned out as he patrolled the festival grounds. It only seemed to grow more packed as the day drew into the later hours, and after patrolling the streets and square for hours, the ruckus served to give him a headache. His metallic boots clanged with the pavement as he hefted the unwieldy poleaxe with ease, giving only half of his attention to the patrol at hand. "Ugh, could use a catnap right 'bout now..." He grumbled to himself, running a steel-plated hand through his hair.

The knight strode into a particular busy center of the festivities where many games were being held. The sobbing of a child caught his attention as Rogier turned to the source, seeing that it belonged to a young girl who was clutched by whom he presumed to be her father. "Seems yer daddy can't throw an axe straight, honey. Don't be sad, not even a knight could do it," A voice belonging to a games operator laughed from inside of a nearby tent. Beside the operator was a table where numerous hand axes were strewn, and to his right were three wooden dummies. Rogier knew this sort of game-- land a hand axe on each target, and where the axes struck determined your prize. It wasn't your usual festival game, in that whoever was running the game intended to take advantage of the typical festival-goer with no martial experience.

"Call it," Rogier approached the tent, prompting the young child to cease her cries and startling the operator. "S-sir, I didn't-" Rogier promptly slammed his gauntlet down against the table, interrupting the man as he left a couple gold pieces. "I said, call it."

"F-f-fer you, sir, three heads," The operator meekly stated his win condition, cautiously handing Rogier three hand-axes. The knight briefly tested each of the axes, seeing that they greatly varied in weight. Not that it matters for me. Walking into position and setting aside the poleaxe, his eyes trained on each dummy as he landed each hand-axe at the center of their wooden heads with relative ease, rousing a series of cheers from the immediate passerbys. The games operator begrudingly trudged over to Rogier with his gold in return, along with the grand prize; an oversized stuffed animal in the form of a griffon. Pocketing his gold, Rogier wordlessly knelt to the level of the young girl and practically shoved the oversized stuffed animal into her arms, quickly whisking himself away before she could make a scene.

Though the young girl and her father would likely call it an act of charity, Rogier had simply acted upon the fact that it would be the single most exciting thing that had occurred to him throughout his entire monotonous patrol. His bored face resurfaced upon the resumption of his duties, ever unchanging as he lumbered through the crowd. Just at that moment, he felt a presence bump into the armor at his chest. Though he was unmoved by the collision, he reached out a hand to ensure that whoever would fall did not. It was a girl who was about a head shorter than him, who had an entire mix of clothing that juxtaposed her shorter stature. He presumed her to be around his age, but without a surefire way to tell, he wouldn't ponder-- folks in the capital seemed offended by the question, unlike the ones at home.

"Sorry, lass, didunt see you there," Rogier apologized with a bow of the head, which was the moment he noticed that the girl was barefoot. Must be a vagrant or the like. He briefly gestured towards her comically oversized backpack with the top of his weapon, seeing that it was in quite the state of disrepair. "What's with all them scratches and 'oles? You fit a sub-human in that bag?"

 

[Serei2477]

Volo Valcroise
Interactions: Raina [ EmperorsChosen | Freya RedArmyShogun ]
​

If there's one thing Volo knew, it was the patented salesman smile. He'd become the recipient of it so many times that he'd lost track; even more so when he'd given the merchant a sale or two. There was something about the happiness, disingenuous or not, that tugged at his heartstrings and his wallet more than it should. Did it make him a fool? Maybe. But did he get to look more beautiful as a result? Absolutely.

He gave the products a look, even picked one of them up to get a closer inspection in search of cracks or wear and tear. But all he saw in the metal was proper craftsmanship. Or rather, proper craftsmanship to him looked like something that wouldn't break after 5 uses. And even then he was very careful with what he wore (usually).

"Then I'll take all of them~ Oh, assuming the nice knight isn't one to accessorize. And thank you for the warm welcome~" He said with a pleasant smile, though had a feeling she would say no. After all, she did say she was looking for something for her father. It was a shame though; any shade of metal would look good with her and the merchant's red hair. Not many could pull that off, you know!

Still, the knight seemed to be thinking aloud as she thought about what to get; be it for herself or for her father. Seemed...Freya. Seemed Freya preferred something more practical than fashionable. A shame, truly. But not everyone could understand the art that was making oneself look stunning~

"I'm not sure my browsing would take longer than a few minutes Miss Freya, unless the lovely seller has more wares that would befit a graceful knight like myself." His gaze went from Freya to Raina. "Is there more or am I to leave with a weighed down wallet Miss...?" He trailed off, letting Raina introduce herself if she wanted to.

-------------------------------

Hati
Interactions: Rogier [ Raiden ]
​

As a noble or a sellsword would say, "what a shitty turn of events."

Hati was content to ignore the cries of the little girl, the cheers of the people doing whatever it was they were doing, and to continue on her way. She had much bigger things to worry about than whatever festivities was going on in the game tent. But, the more people that got curious and started to press closer, the harder it was for Hati to navigate the crowd. She was careful, even uttering an "excuse me" here and there to try and push past, but all that effort ended up becoming for naught. A little clang sounded as her cheek met metal and she was forced to take a few steps back to see that she'd run into a knight. A tourist or even one of Solan's citizens would have been much more preferable than a damn knight!

She'd been lucky enough to get this far, but it seemed like her luck was starting to run out.

"M-My apologies, sir!" Hati returned with a bow of her head, though it seemed the knight wasn't content with leaving things as is. He seemed to want a conversation.

Damn these knights and their chattiness. Didn't he have patrolling to do?!

"Just m-misfortune. That is all."

All it was was a simple switch of a question she was taught to say. "Is that all?" But saying it out loud, diverging from the norm... It did not sit right with her. She almost wanted to correct herself. Had Hati not bitten her own tongue, she might've done just that. On top of that, her pronunciation of "misfortune" might've been off due to it being a word she rarely if ever used at her former owner's home.

"Will that be all, sir? I must go..."

The sooner she could escape this conversation the sooner she could get out of this damn festival. She was a fool for thinking this would work... Desperation might've just costed her her life and her freedom.

 

[Colorless Spectrum]

Sacha Evelle De'Ark

Evelle was conflicted. She made it to Solan, the hard part of her mission done, all because of a trio of buffoons colliding with her during her daring escape from bandits. Admittedly had they not pointed her to the right way she would have been lost and would probably die from it too. She was grateful for it, but should she show it? No, they were beneath her, she needn't appease their undeserving egos further. That's what she was taught, that is what she stood by all this time she had been away from Reine.

Alas, while she was fortunate enough to arrive at Solan quicker than she thought she was not unfortunate with her companions. Perhaps this was the universe testing her, maybe it was Naga's way of swaying people to the right path but she was no preacher. Her skills were better suited in battle than they were in swaying minds, given how much she had pointed out their flaws. They don't even respect her or her words, especially that Kouki Chibana, who always treats her like a child. She'd have Alexander kick him but her pegasus was far too majestic for such an action. (Disclaimer, Alexander would not do it either way.)

Leaving Alexander at the stables bore a heavy guilt on Evelle, she did not like the idea of it but such is the rules and she was not a rebel by nature. "I'll be back as quick as I can, Alexander with some treats in hand." She claimed as her hand moved to caress his neck. The pegasus then neighed softly and urged his companion to go, he was very excited at the thought of eating apples and carrots for a change. He was getting sick of those green pastures he nibbed during their time on the road. "Okay, okay. I'll get going." A quiet laugh escaped her lips as she walked out of the stables with Suvi by her side.

Once back with the others, there was only silence met to the two's words. "What are you guys looking at me for? I don't know where to go." She admitted shamelessly, her brows furrowed as her only instructions were to arrive at the Festival and wait. "Whatever, let's just go around the Festival." There was a bit of excitement in her voice. She'd never been outside of Reine, and arriving in Solan with the Winter Solstice Festival in motion was a treat for the eyes. She shouldn't be. She was a De'Ark, a Pegasus Knight, a devotee of Naga who should be stoic, alert, proud, elegant, and strong, and yet she was excited to venture at some mere Festival with crowded stores and children everywhere. It was conflicting.

Interactions: AI10100 Bloody_Death Castello
Locations: Solans, Stable

 

[Aura Of Twilight]

Yurick​

Though the sun had long since set, the heat bared down upon the young prince as if he was in desert at midday. Moisture clung to him like a dejected lover, and not for the first time Yurick was missing the snowy tundra of his homeland. His waterskin was empty again as well, only further souring his mood.

Scowling slightly, Yurick wiped his brow to focus on the crowd passing by. Though his current mercenary company had opted to rest in Sunfall for a few days he found himself unable to stay idle, instead offering to guard a merchant’s stall until the current festivities had concluded. The company had happened upon the stall owners being attacked by bandits, and though he could’ve easily left them alone once they entered town he still worried about the small group, one of the merchants having gotten his arm broken while attempting to fend off the attackers. Some wares were damaged and the stall had to be rebuilt, which thankfully hadn’t taken too long. Coin was also always in short supply, which provided some much needed distraction for the Glaisian as he attempted to endure the weather and lookout for suspicious individuals.

Still, the humidity was absolutely abhorrent.

Though Yurick tried to hide his discomfort, the stall owner, a woman named Summer, must have sensed his unease, walking up to him with another waterskin in hand. Emerald eyes peered up at him in concern as she said simply, “Pardon my bluntness but you look like shit. Here.” Yurick nodded in thanks, bringing it to his lips to soothe his parched throat.

He snorted. “Believe me, I’ve been through worse. I just..haven’t gotten acclimated to this weather is all.” A pause. “How is your produce by the way? The food isn’t in danger of spoiling?”

She shook her head. “Nah, everything is good thanks to the ice you got earlier. Steady sales so far.” Clearing her throat, she added, “We’re doing good here. Why don’t you go take a little break? Go see the festival in all it’s glory.”

“I’m not one for crowds. Besides—"

Summer held her hand up. “Don’t give me that. You’ve done so much for us already and it would be wrong to make you miss out on the fun. Now that we’re in town we merchants got this.”

“I told you I’m fine, trust me.” He appreciated the woman’s generosity but he had a job to do. “There’s a large crowd about. What if someone tries to cause trouble?”

“Then we’ll find someway to deal with them.” She put her hands on her hips, the expression on her face suggesting she wasn’t going to drop the subject. “Take a few hours off, don’t think I haven’t seen the longing in your eyes.”

He had to give the woman credit where credit was due. The festival reminded him of the celebrations back at Karai, civilians and soldiers alike ready to browse wares and partake in the goods brought back from another Hunt. He could remember having to drag his sister back to the castle infirmary after she ate too much, grinning from ear to ear despite looking like she would be sick at any moment. Her blue eyes always did sparkle whenever he bought her something, hugging her older brother with as much force as she could muster.

“A new book that isn’t supposed to be out until next year?! How on earth did you manage to get this brother?”

Yurick would always chuckle. Her enthusiasm was contagious. “I have my ways.”

Midori rolled her eyes. “You always say that. I’m beginning to think you like antagonizing me.” A pause. “But thanks Yuri. I mean it.”

“Anything for you princess.” He said, ruffling the girl’s hair. Then he smiled. “But, you can’t read it until your face stops having the shade of those vegetables you hate so much.”

“Brother!”

The nostalgia hit him like a kick in the gut. He suddenly wanted to be anywhere but here.

Noticing the look on his face, Summer’s voice lowered. “You’re homesick. Here’s some of your payment. Go buy yourself something and have fun for a few hours.” She said, dropping a coin pouch in his hand.

“But—”

“No more buts. Get going.”

Before he could protest anymore the older woman went back to front to help her fellow merchant currently being swarmed by customers.

He sighed. Just great.

“That’s my daughter for you. As mule headed as her dear departed mother.” Turning around, Yurick saw a familiar face, the old man walking towards him with his arm in a new sling. “Best to listen to her I’m afraid.”

Yurick sighed again. He just couldn't win could he?

--

Roughly half an hour passed as Yurick went past various stalls. From weapons to gems and blankets to freshly cooked meat, the Winter Solstice was in full swing with no signs of stopping anytime soon. Laughter and yells of merchants selling their wares filled the air, the smell of food causing the young man’s stomach to rumble once again. It was fairly easy to zone out in the crowded area but sadly his body had thought of other ideas, snapping him out of his daze.

In the end Yurick bought a chocolate éclair from a nearby stand. Delicious as it was he opted to take small bites in an effort to make the treat last. It had been a while since he had been able to procure some sweets. He was already feeling a little better even with the homesickness. Perhaps he’d have to buy some more later. First however came the vulneraries. Last thing he needed was bleeding to death from a shallow cut after all.

It was at that moment he caught a rather odd scene out of the corner of his eye. The mage turned to look, his gaze landing on what appeared to be a knight talking to a bare footed girl with a large backpack behind her.

How curious. Still, it was none of his business. He planned to continue walking until he caught some of the conversation.

"What's with all them scratches and 'oles? You fit a sub-human in that bag?" He heard the knight say.

Though the man sounded like he was merely curious Yurick felt uneasy. The word sub-human was hardly a new word to the prince as he had heard it plenty even while he was living in the capital, but something about the ugliness of the word made him pause. Though they were often addressed as such, the laguz didn’t deserve such a clear insult in his opinion. The afternoons Yurick had spent reading in the royal library had alerted him to conflicts between humans and laguz throughout history, the atrocities committed therein enough to make him feel ill, especially when slavery came into the picture. Either race had their share of bad apples but the laguz had definitely gotten the short end of the stick, now regarded as little more than animals. On more than one occasion he had wondered what the brand imprinted on his hand meant for his place in the world. Neither fully human or laguz, he was an oddity that some found to be a blight on society. Perhaps because of that his heart went out to the laguz as they were all, as a civilian would say, weridos.

As it was the girl in front of him looked uncomfortable. She was talking low enough that Yurick couldn’t hear her exactly but he could tell she wanted to run.

Perhaps because of that he decided to stay nearby in case anything went amiss. Not wanting to make himself stand out more than he already was, Yurick turned to a nearby stand, pretending to look at the wares as he carefully watched the knight and girl out of the corner of his eye.

Raiden Serei2477

 

[EmperorsChosen]

"That's what I said, but anythin' to hold onto one's pride," Raina said with a scoff and a scowl, leaning on the stall with one hand to prop herself. "Already ahead of you on that, believe you me," She added with a confident smirk and wink. Clearly the young smith had some inkling of a plan with regard to proving the lord wrong, though it was much less of a concrete plan and more general.

Waving her hands, Raina didn't take what the woman said to heart. Rather, she seemed understanding somewhat. "No worries! I get it. If you want to, ya' can come by the forge. Faerberg forge, couple roads down. Or you can pick up one of the other items like ya' said. No pressure." Whether she believed the woman was hesitant in part due to the information imparted on her or for the other reasons stated, the merchant didn't seem intent on pressuring her.

Instead, she turned her attention to the other, more casually dressed knight, her eyes lighting up as he said he wanted to purchase all of them. "By all means!" She cheered, offering up the circlets she had by pushing the small trunk closer to him. Even though she clearly had the 'shopkeeper's smile', the woman seemed genuinely gleeful at the idea of selling all of these. While a good boon to be sure, this was perhaps a hint that income wasn't that good for the reasons iterated before. "Raina Faerberg, and I've got plenty! Crowns, masks, bracelets, bracers. Take yer pick, Ser! Where ya' visiting from, by the way?"

RedArmyShogun Serei2477

 

[RedArmyShogun]

Freya Lowell - Sunfall
​

As the interaction played out between the two, with a few words said to herself, Freya chuckled lightly. "I rather not have something I don't wanna lose if the enemy is too good. Though maybe a new clasp for my capelet here... Still... For what it's worth Raina, I don't much care for a few of the nobles, so I would do business with you just to piss some of them off. So, take care of things here with Ser, huh... You never shared your name did yah? Still your coin to do with what you want, just don't be surprised if any dishonest sorts come your way with all that coin you may be flashing, though a knight you may be, come find me if anyone is dumb enough to rob you. Still have a good day, Sera." With a low bend and putting the helm back atop her head, with a flow flourish as she bent down and clasped her right gauntlet.

"Unfortunately, I do need get back to patrolling, you two take your time, though if you do have a good clasp or pin for me, I may take it. I'll come back around soon enough." Freya offered via promise, the question would be if the smith took her at face value or not. Still, mattered very little ask she went about to see if any more trouble was yet to be happening.

With a sigh she did leave some parting words. "There will be an ale house fight or someone stealing, of another cheating, then there is the chance a Laguz or more can show. I don't mind them; good folks mostly that slave away and had bad luck. Children of the Goddess as much as we are.... Though more than a few would be tasting my fists after they start the fight, anyways you too have a wonderful night, I'll see you later on if you are about.... Raina, wasn't it?" With that she lingered just enough to hear any farewells and she almost immediately seen some trouble brewing up, and woman in a cloak and a rather problematic fool grabbing on to her for having pumped into him. It would take her a bit of time to reach there, and it seemed others were taking into this sideshow.

Interactions: EmperorsChosen Serei2477 onwards to other situations.

 

[Landsharks]

Valeria Almiran​

As she expected, a city in the midst of a festival was such fun! Valeria practically skipped as she perused the stalls to her heart's content, purchasing a very reasonably-priced skewer of roast pork for herself to nibble at. A festive mood making vendors generous enough to have affordable meat was a wonderful thing indeed. Of course, something she overheard very close to where she was threatened to sour the mood.

A knight, looming threateningly over a rather unfortunate girl. Valeria's lips thinned as she beheld the situation. How distasteful. Sub-human was such an ugly word in the first place. After all, man and laguz both were child of the Motherwyrm alike. Would that such an attitude was more prevalent, but such as the nature of the two spoken races that one always found reasons and justifications for division. As much as she didn't care for these overt shows of advantage and prejudice, Valeria held no illusions the reverse wasn't the same in the homeland of the laguz. Without strict adherence to some sort of creed or cause, preferably Naga's, the majority would always punch down against the minority.

Still, that didn't mean she couldn't do something about what was going on in front of her right now. That knight really was dampening the mood of everything around him.

"My, my." She let a brief giggle loose as she strolled up towards the two, her holy tome still tucked under her shoulder. "I was under the impression that the knighthood were supposed to hold to a certain standard. And yet here you are harassing this poor young girl, and with such ugly language, no less! There is a festival going on right now, you know. It wouldn't exactly kill you to simply let things be, for the enjoyment of everyone else around you."

A lazy smirk up towards the man. She took one last bite of her skewer, slowly, mockingly chewing before continuing to speak.

"Why not simply enjoy the festival? Unless you've been so unfortunate as to draw lots on guard duty today. In which case, it would be rather uncouth of you to take out your frustrations on the innocent~"

With that said, she turned to the girl, offering a far more sincere smile.

"My apologies. I'm rather new in town, and I've been searching for the local chapel. Would you be a dear and direct me there, if you've the time?" An obvious offer of escape from the man. She extended a hand.


Raiden Serei2477

 

[Castello]

Vini
Interactions - Bloody_Death
Mentions - Colorless Spectrum AI10100

---

---

What remained a well-kept secret for most was the excruciating pain that accompanied riding a Wyvern. Picture a relentless wedgie that grates against the scales of a winged lizard, steadily worsening with each jostle. Now, multiply that discomfort by three, and throw in the sensation of the worst hemorrhoid you could imagine—that was the precise agony of sharing a saddle on Antonio. Vini's once-dreamy aspirations of soaring through the skies were swiftly dashed by the harsh reality of this experience, all while serving as the reluctant guide to an insufferable noblewoman.

Had Vini's luck been better or his pockets not so dismally empty, he would have never agreed to this ordeal. However, he'd been raised on tales of gallant knights aiding damsels in distress, and while Evelle might not be entirely defenseless, she was undeniably lost on her journey. Vini held a firm belief that guiding her to her destination would surely serve as a redemption for his rapidly dwindling karma.

As the distant sounds of festivities reached his ears, Vini's mood took a nosedive. Just this morning, he'd possessed a modest bag of gold, the hard-earned fruits of his labor as a mercenary. Fate, however, had decided that his trousers would develop a gaping hole that day, resulting in his precious earnings being scattered into the endless expanse of the sky, never to be recovered. The thought of it was enough to bring tears to his eyes.

Vini cast a beseeching look in Kouki's direction, fluttering his long lashes in a desperate attempt to coax his comrade.

"Hey, Kou," Vini all but begged, his stomach emitting a chorus of ravenous growls. "Dinner's on you tonight, okay? Just one condition: no meat! The last time I tried festival meat, I'm pretty sure I almost puked up my Appendix."

---

---

 

[Marlowe]

mentions: Serei2477 [Hati], Raiden [Rogier], Landsharks [Valeria]​

Some time passed. The skies became dark as pitch. Kyou raised her eyes as torches were lit on every street corner and crook in the stone-and-brick walls. Their light poured over the stalls and people alike, their faces aglow with the warmth of flame. Sometimes, the light would flicker with the chilly wind; shadows danced on the outskirts of the crowds that soon gathered upon even the most narrow of streets. Her nose twitched as the aroma of spiced meats became more pungent. Bard songs rose in near unison– one chanted a jovial shanty down the street and to her right, while another, a woman not far from where she currently stood, dipped and swayed her head as she strummed a gentle tune on her lyre. People gathered around her as they cheered at the end of one of the bards’ songs before they dispersed and gathered elsewhere. It was an ebb and flow of people, almost like a dance, and Kyou never felt so out of place until then.

A long-winded sigh escaped her lips. ”Might as well get some food,” she pondered out loud to herself. ”Can’t hit the road again on an empty stomach…”

She did what she was best at– wandering. Up and down the streets she went, searching for the source of the most savory of the spices that drifted through the night wind like an irresistible aroma. Her stomach grumbled in complaint. Damn it, she should have eaten before. At least it was cooler, now. Sweat no longer sprouted up beneath her furs, and she allowed the beginnings of a smile to tease the corner of her lips as she relished the cool winds. She sucked in a breath and passed a hand through her locks in an attempt to flatten any strands of hair that had gone awry. Her gaze flicked from side to side. Now, where should she… ah, there.

A food stall all of the way down the street produced such a delectable aroma that it made her mouth water right there and then. Kyou felt her bowels stir as they croaked in complaint. When was the last time she had a warm meal? Two days ago? Three? Wyvern jerky and red berries from the forests couldn’t compare to the food she caught sight of as she approached the stall. Honey-brown meat, glistening in the firelight and delicately slipped onto skewers… she had to hold herself back from buying five right there and then. For now, she settled for three. She coddled them close to her chest as she slipped down the street once more. If she could find a way to eat these in peace, then all would be well. But her stomach couldn’t take it– she found herself taking a premature bite of the soft, fluffy meat. Sweet, savory, tender… her spine gave a shudder as she let out a hum of ecstasy. Oh, Grima, she never had such good food!

Just as she was about to take another hefty bite, she collided with something– or someone – that had been standing still as a rock in the middle of the busy street. Huh, a Solan knight, a strangely dressed woman, and what appeared to be a bird beastwoman. How curious.

”Not a bright idea to be standing in the middle of the road like that, sir knight.”

 

[Serei2477]

Volo Valcroise
Interactions: Raina [ EmperorsChosen | Freya RedArmyShogun ]
​

Both Raina and Freya seemed to be good natured in their own way, though the thing that caught his interest the most (aside from Raina's crowns and shinies), was the knight's parting words. As nice as it would be to buy all of Raina's stock and maybe get to know the girl, he was still a knight. It was the job of the Solan knights, but... it didn't sit right with him to at least not see what was going on. After all, a Laguz was going to be here? It wasn't uncommon to see them as servants, but... who would bring one with them to a festival? Freya also said there was going to be some other ruckus. Hmmm...

Raina chipperly introduced herself, offered more of her wares, and asked where he came from. The look Volo's face read "I'm glad you asked" as he flipped his long hair, the gems and accessories that decorated his hair giving off a little array of sparkles.

"I am Volo Valcroise, soldier of Thysk. If you are a connoisseur of performance, my surname might sound familiar. A pleasure to make your acquaintance Raina Faerberg."

Though Volo was eager to buy more, he had to ask. "What that knight said, do you believe it's true? That there'll be trouble and maybe a Laguz running around?"

He wasn't a Solan knight, and technically it wasn't his job, but he was a soldier nonetheless. It'd go against his oath and principles to just ignore trouble.

-------------------------------

Hati
Interactions: Pretty Lady [ Landsharks ]
Mentions: Rogier [ Raiden ] | Other Pretty Lady [ Marlowe ] | Depresso Espresso [ Aura Of Twilight ]
​

It was difficult to keep her bearing when one person turned into three. The next person to come into the conversation was pretty woman dressed in an outfit foreign to Hati. Since the raven had never stepped foot outside of her owners' property, she'd never seen other cultures or even people of faith. Was this woman a noble? She looked like she could be one... Her clothes were prim and proper, but she'd never seen a noble wearing something like that. Was she not? Was she one of those foreign nobles? Could she even trust this woman?

The book the woman held was familiar though. It resembled some of the books that the Head of house would have on his desk, but... Hati couldn't read. She'd no idea what it was about. Not to mention Hati felt another gaze on her, which prompted her to look around and see where it might have been coming from. Was it another knight watching her? Ugh... She couldn't win, could she?

Well, between her and the knight, Hati wasn't going to turn down Valeria's offer of escape. She gave the other girl a few nods, hearing another woman speaking to the knight. Was she scolding him? She wasn't even sure anymore, nor did she care. Hati just didn't want to be in the middle of this anymore.

"Okay, follow me please." Hati gave the other woman a bit of a bow and waited for Valeria to start walking with her.

She really wanted to grab that girl by the wrist and start moving but... that would make her look even more desperate, wouldn't it?

 

[AI10100]

B A L C H T , S U V I
Interacting with: Colorless Spectrum Bloody_Death Castello
Location: Festival Grounds, Solans​

It would seem that their disagreeable client had no idea why they seemed so hyperfixated on what was to do next— or rather what to do next. Suvi tampered down a huff of annoyance as she turned her attention to Kouki and Vini. She noted Vini's general discomfort and the rip in his pants from riding the wyvern.

"Your next purchase should be some riding pants." Suvi raised a hand to her chin, humming as she looked towards the festival. "Though, I suppose we don't quite ride on Antonio as a group as much as we have this past week thanks to Miss Evelle's preferred method of transportation."

However, if Vini was asking Kouki to buy dinner then perhaps their friend didn't have the means to procure gold for a new set of riding pants. What an interesting debacle they had found themselves in. It was true that, for the most part, they weren't exactly a mercenary group that was rolling in money but Vini always seemed to get the short end of the stick. "In any case, perhaps we should turn to more pressing matters such as finding an appropriate tailor for you to purchase from so that you are not walking through the festival with ripped pants." Her tone was far from mocking, not even disappointed or berating, but rather one who seemed to just be stating facts.

She turned to the noblewoman and nodded. "Hopefully, we find whatever it is you are attempting to find, Miss Evelle. It would be disastrous to have made such a long trip for nothing."

With that, the wyvern rider took point to lead them into the festival. Time passed by quickly as they walked around through the stalls, finding various trinkets and clothing that fit the festival spirit. Suvi wasn't entirely sure what the reason for the festival was but the mood was uplifting and certainly a welcome change from having to share the skies with Miss Evelle.

"Find anything you fancy?" She asked the group in general, her hand never moving to her own gold pouch to buy anything. It seemed she was far more amused to simply window shop than actually buy anything from the stalls.

 

[Raiden]

Sunfall — Kingdom of Solans
The Winter Solstice Festival

Interaction(s): Landsharks Serei2477 Marlowe
​

His left brow raised at the girl's succinct distress, his mouth partially ajar as the knight took a moment. It was quite clear from her dialect that she was not from these parts-- not that the prospect was foreign to him, given that the capital already saw her fair share of travelers even outside of the Winter Solstice Festival. Rogier's curiosity primarily piqued at her choice of words, or the brevity thereof; not even the most posh of nobles would label their troubles as theatrical as 'misfortune', and it was clear that the girl was not of regal station. From personal experience, everyday people called on their misfortunes more plainly.

"What's the rush? The festival's 'round these parts, nowhere else," Rogier set down his poleaxe, the bottom of the weapon sat against the ground as he shifted his weight and leaned against it. Though, his question was interrupted by the arrival of another woman, who bore the look of a sister. His eyes immediately rolled at the expected holier-than-thou sentiment that was promptly thrown his way, sagging his head sideways with both hands rested atop the fluke of the poleaxe.

"If doin' part of my job is somehow short of your arbitrary definition of our standard, then by all means, wash me sins away," Rogier bit back in a flippant manner, his metallic boots tapping against the pavement below. "I see you're quite a busy body as is, disrupting and meddling into a constable's charge uninvited and like. For that, I reckon a dungeon cell's quite unforgiving," he leaned more into his weapon, dropping his shoulders with a heavy sigh as his thumb traced against the remnants of the bruise under his eye.

His voice shifted into a tone of boredom and disinterest, shaking his head towards the two girls. "But luckily for you, I am forgiving, so do try not to bug the next walkin' set of armour ya'll see."

As if on cue, there was yet another unknowing waltz into his space, with this thud being more evident than the shorter girl. Rogier glanced over his shoulder to see it was another woman, who thought herself coy enough to label him the transgressor. Unlike the other girl, it was easier to see that this one was a sellsword-- a sellsword walking with skewers, which made it painfully obvious to him how she managed to implicate him. First, it was the destitute looking one. Then, the one who likely attributed her knowing more than someone of his cloth to the Divine Dragon's 'enlightenment'. Now, this broad. "Ya'll girls keep comin' up, now. What's this, a brothel?" Rogier briefly turned towards the nun with a short laugh, bowing his head in a half-hearted but genuine apology. "Apologies, sister."

Fully wheeling around to face the sellsword directly, the knight straightened himself, only leaning his left hand against the fluke of the poleaxe. "I knew you mercs are a bit slow, but havin' no object permanence issa new one, I reckon," he scoffed in jest, briefly raising a finger to point towards the skewers in her hand. "Perhaps if ya paid half the attention to the road as you do guzzlin' the foodstuffs, you'd miraculously come up with the bright idea to, you know, step around like them other folk all 'round us, lass. Some food fer thought, if ya will."

 

[RedArmyShogun]

Freya Lowell - Sunfall
​

Continuing her patrol into one of the main throughfares Freya was not long to see a face she had seen not long ago, and the polearm from it. Rogier. "What in the Goddess's name did he do now... Sod it, if I hear any screaming I'll come back, now's not the time for this shit." Having only known the man by reputation and breaking up the brawl this morning, he did not know what business he had to do with the sister, a frightful woman and a mercenary by looks... Ah, it was the woman from before... "Small world. Too damns small."

With those words firmly in her mind, she immediately turned around the way she had come from, moving past a few people and being back there in a matter of minutes. Was it a very dutiful thing to do? No, Freya knew this, but she also knew her orders were to Patrol, it never said where. Waving an armored hand at the others, this time with her helmet left on, Freya was soon right back where she was. Though she could not linger in one place for long, she did want to go ahead and just make a purchase.

"I said I would be back, though this was soon even for me. Wasn't even gone long enough for you to finish. Hello again, err, didn't get your name, did I? I'll just take a letter opener for my father and some sort of broach pin for my capelet, anything you'd recommend?" The knightly fellow seemed to know a bit about fashion, and had coin to spare, and she would trust Raina to not rip her off. So, the question was open aired, aimed at both as she browsed the items on display. Tapping an armored finger upon the counter she seemed to be lost in thought as she took in each individual piece.

Interactions: EmperorsChosen Serei2477 (again)

 

[Landsharks]

Valeria Almiran​

Truly, what an unpleasant man. Threatening to throw her into jail for mere criticism? What a fragile ego he had on him. Hopefully, all of the local guardsmen weren't like this. Though if they were, her job might actually be easier in some ways. Valeria's smile thinned at the brothel comment, but she only turned and made to follow the girl. Though not without some parting words.

"Ta-ta for now then, Sir Knight. Do remember to mind your manners, else a brothel will be the only place you find women deigning to talk to you."

With that said, she started walking after the dark-haired girl, humming cheerfully. After a few blocks of whereever she was leading her, Valeria cleared her throat and stopped, waiting for Hati to notice before she spoke.

"Apologies for the deception, my dear. I was just offering you an easy way out of that little mess. Though if you do know where the local chapel is, I shan't turn down an escort there if you're willing." She tapped the tip of her chin with a finger briefly, looking at her curiously.

"By the by, if you don't mind my curiosity, what were you even doing to attract such unfortunate attention from the knight? Feel free to not answer me if it's something illegal, but if it helps, think of this as confession." Valeria winked. "As a priestess of Naga, I'm bound by word and sacrament to not reveal or judge anything you admit in confession. Some people say it's cathartic, even."

Raiden Serei2477

 

[EmperorsChosen]

The smith seemed to smile at Freya's remark, giving out a short chortle. "Then, you're a friend a mine. I can do clasps as well if ya' need it. Either way, if anyone tries runnin' off with your things, I'll just use them to test some of my stock," She joked in turn, or was she? Regardless, she gave a nod and a wave. "Sure thing, dear. Ya' know where ta' find me."

With that, she turned to the male, pondering his name as he said it held some renown, at least when it came to performance. Most of her inquiries with travelers were regarding battle rather than art, though she did recall hearing it or something similar once or twice.

"Mm... Wouldn't call meself a connoisseur, though it sounds familiar. Theater? Or dancing was it?" Raina inquired, tapping her chin as she thought before glancing in the direction the knight departed in as he asked his question. Ultimately, she shrugged. "Dunno bout the Laguz, though it wouldn't surprise me if trouble started somewhere. Sunfall's a big city and draws in plenty 'o tourists. Specially around this time of the year. Most're jolly, but o'course you're gonna have some braggarts and belligerents that had a tad too much mead or wine." Ultimately, the shopkeep seemed rather indifferent, though the sigh that followed did sound somewhat deflated or disappointed perhaps.

It was then that Freya returned and Freya smiled at her. "Well, I s'pose that's a good sign then that the trouble is dealt with," She chimed with a smirk. Bending down, she picked up a small trunk and placed it on the counter, opening to reveal an array of various styled letter openers, some more practical while others appeared to take a more artistic take. Then, Raina appeared to lean forward a bit with slightly narrowed eyes and a hum before dipping down beneath the stand again. Her head tilted up every once in a while as she dug in another container before standing up with a few in hand, holding a couple up to her to gauge how they matched before ultimately holding out two for her to see. One seemed designed after the sun, with some kind of a red centerpiece that shifted to bronze as it trailed out and another, also with a crimson focus albeit with silver or iron accents. "I have a few, but I think either of these would suit you nicely."

Serei2477 RedArmyShogun

 

[Aura Of Twilight]

Yurick​

Unsurprisingly the knight continued to make a arse of himself, soon catching the attention of another person passing by. Yurick rolled his eyes at the spectacle, watching as the woman, a nun by the looks of things, strolled up and quickly gave her two cents to the unfortunate man, a mocking smile on her lips. Her attention then turned to the bird girl, extending a hand to offer her an escape. The knight looked unamused, clearly not interested by the turn of events. If anything he seemed to be slightly irritated.

While Yurick doubted that the other man would do something rash he would rather not take any chances. Just as he began to walk however, another woman made her presence known as she promptly bumped right into the brown haired fellow.

"Ya'll girls keep comin' up, now. What's this, a brothel?" He sneered. The nun responded with a scathing retort of her own before she and the laguz left.

The knight’s violet gaze then turned to the dark haired woman. “I knew you mercs are a bit slow, but havin' no object permanence issa new one, I reckon," he scoffed, pointing towards the skewers she was holding. "Perhaps if ya paid half the attention to the road as you do guzzlin' the foodstuffs, you'd miraculously come up with the bright idea to, you know, step around like them other folk all 'round us, lass. Some food fer thought, if ya will."

First a mention of a brothel, then more or less calling the clueless woman a pig. Yurick wondered how on earth this unpleasant man managed to become a knight. Crossing his arms, Yurick cleared his throat. “Apologies for interrupting, but…speaking of being slow, you’re making quite a fool of yourself without realizing it, Sir Knight. Intimidating a young girl, speaking crudely in front of a member of the clergy, getting easily ruffled by a few passerby...” He tsked softly, briefly shaking his head. “Is your lack of professionalism a commonality among the knights of Sunfall, or just a trait only you possess?”

For all he knew, the knight could've just been having a bad day or was even a rookie. However, his mannerisms left a lot to be desired, reminding the former prince a bit too much of the capital's drunkards leaving the taverns and making a menace of themselves among the general populace.

Raiden Marlowe