Fantasy Hallowed Voyage

[BugDozer73]

"What a coincidence! It is so good to see a relative of one of the original creators of the palace!" I smiled and led him past the gates, gardens and small water features, stopping right before the main entrance. "I just have one more question..."


I attempted to be very subtle as I slipped my left hand into my satchel, letting my fingers make full contact with the cold black stone, which heated up in reaction to my touch.


"Why do you hide your true identity with black magic?"


I felt Adamine awaken inside myself, and begin to focus mana. Some of the guards caught my tone and turned to get a closer look, gripping their spears more tightly.

 

[Brendanfp]

The first thing I felt was terror, and then anger. Levia's laughter roared through


my head.


"Serves you right you fool. You trusted a damn son of Aurora, and now you're going to imprisoned or even better... hung." Quiet demon, you know the only threat here is the boy, these guards are nothing.


"True, but you would never lay a finger on the innocent now would you"


He was right. I would never kill any of these men. I couldn't hurt any innocents with this angelic blade of mine, and demon magic, no that wasn't even an option. Levia was right. I was foolish, and now I would have to pay the price. I cursed my rashness.


You're too old to be making these mistakes, I thought to myself. What would Ifrit think.... I didn't hesitate in my actions. I knew what had to be done. I snatched the silver lamp from my side, and rubbed.


"Come forth Ifrit" I called.


A large cloud of golden smoke peppered with shining lights erupted from the nozzle of the lamp. I swallowed.


"ALI YOU DUMB ASS !!!" A female voice roared from somewhere in the smoke.


The golden haze begun to condense above one of the fountains, and soon instead of smoke there floated a women. She had decided to take her most familiar form. A fair skinned women with a tender face, she looked about the age of a magician graduate and was draped in golden silk clothing that covered her entire body including her less than subtle bosom. Her hair was black with strands of gold and it hung down her back freely. Her face was usually soft and pleasant, but now it was twisted in anger. She look at me with her yellow eyes that glowed with a unnatural glimmer, and her glare cut into my very soul.


"You better explain right now why the hell it took you so long to summon me" she glanced around "And why the hell are we in Akron... surrounded by guards ?"


I looked over at Thorin. "Ask him"

 

[BugDozer73]

The guards let back in surprise at the sudden display of magic. I kept a more calm demeanor, holding my ground and preparing myself for her attack. I realized what she was almost immediately afterwards: a Djinn. A classic companion of the mages of-


"Zaria"


A familiar voice came from behind the guards. It was Gideon, who swept into the courtyard swiftly, his attention directed on the boy named Ali.


One of the guards scratched his head. "Wasn't that city wiped out centuries ago?"


Gideon ignored him and focused on Ali, before muttering a few words and thrusting his hands forth. The changes to his body, maintained no doubt by the dark magic, were blown away like dust in a gust of wind, leaving the boy fully revealed to the eyes of the onlookers.


"Whats a Zarian doing here?" I asked quizzically, still subconsciously feeling the stone in my bag.


"Good question." Gideon said with a smile. "What has brought you back to Akron, my old friend?"


Gideon quickly embraced Ali in a warm manor. This day just kept getting weirder and weirder.

 

[Brendanfp]

It all happened in a instant. My demonic illusion was dispelled, the guards were backing off, and Ifrit's face soften. All because of this man who embraced me like some long lost son.


"Dammit not the old geezer", cursed Levia


His remarked sparked memories from the last time I had visited Akron to gain access to the archive. I had never actually seen them, but I had learned of their location. I was stopped then by the same old man who caught me in my plot, however instead of trying too kill me like this new son of Aurora, the man had invited me to stay awhile and even invited me to eat with him and the monks. I totally forgot about him, and I felt so stupid for not calling for him first.


"Hello, Gideon... long time no see. Say you mind releasing me ?"


"OLD MAN", shrieked Ifrit as she pounced unto Gideon, catching him by surprise and knocking him over, and I couldn't help but smile.

 

[BugDozer73]

Gideon laughed as he embraced the Djinn, tumbling to the ground.


I stepped forward in concern, but Gideon merely smiled at his "predicament".


"Im HARDLY old, my little spirit." He rose to his feet, dusting off his robes, and turned to me.


"Thorin, this is Ali. He has visited Akron before. He is a good friend to have."


I nodded, letting go of the orb and waving the guards back, who grumbled and resumed their posts.


Gideon turned and swept up Ali in his embrace, then myself, and he guided us into the palace quickly, his smile darkening slightly.


"While it is always good to see you, child, I must say you are not the usual bearer of good news. The archives must be your destination, which suites, being as it is a place that you should know about, Thorin."


I nodded. I felt much more passive these days, seeing as my new environment hadn't really given me anything else to do but learn and adapt.


How many secrets were in the walls of this palace?





It a matter of minutes, with quick paces, before we found ourselves at the end of an old tunnel, lit dimly with torches. Gideon raised his left hand and a glowing orb of light floated upwards, casting a bright glare in every direction. With his other hands, he thrusted open a set of old, rotting wood doors, which clambered open with no small amount of noise. Even before entering, my nose was assaulted heavily by the scent of musk and molds. Cobwebs were as plentiful as the tapestries, slowly eaten away by the moths. The floor was missing stones, the wood all dead, the metal; twisted and rusted: and the books! Oh, the books! They're were thousands, as well as scrolls, old journals, spell tomes. It was a library the likes of which I could only imagine. I stepped forward in wonder, taking in all the sights.


"Woah..." I said dumbly.


"Welome to the grand Akronian archives." Gideon said with his own personal tone of grandioseness, as if everything he said was world shattering. A lot of the time, it really was, so I supposed he had a right to the entitlement.

 

[Brendanfp]

Ifrit and I followed our old friend and Thorin, who finally took his hand of that damn stone. Waves of heat still pulsing from it.


What is it, I wondered


Ifrit meanwhile was expecting the wounds I bore on my chest from the last fight I had.


"I thought I told you, to sit your ass down back in Oros, and look at your arm", she complained


I looked down and saw that right arm was singed and burnt from prolonged use of my angelic blade.


"You gotta stop relying on that blade it's not good for you, she said.


Suddenly I heard I loud creak as the door flung open. I entered the archive, and gawked. I love and valued knowledge, above all else, and this room was full of knowledge. There was so much to learn in here.


"Gideon, where can I find information on the Archdemons ?" I inquired.

 

[BugDozer73]

Gideon pointed down a hall to the right, with some darker colored books. "I see your taste in literature hasn't changed much since our last meeting." He chuckled. "Let me know if you have trouble finding what you need."


Gideon quickly came over to me, snapping me back to attention.


"I apologize for leaving so suddenly before. The other monks needed to speak with me about.... personal matters. I assume you heard about the ball?"


I looked around at the books, beginning to walk into the decaying walls of seemingly limitless knowledge. Gideon trailed close behind. "Yes. I made a few revisions to guest list as well. I would much rather converse with the interesting working class of the city than the pompous fools of the "upper" ring." Gideon laughed loudly. "Yes yes, Siran was quite upset over your "revisions." Im sure he will get over them. I have news that would otherwise amuse you."


I turned, placing down the dusty tome titled "Anatomy of Nelphim" and gave Gideon my attention.


"Word has reached my ears that the Oracle will be gracing our presences this evening at your own ceremonial ball."


Interesting....


I had heard stories of her on my trips over the seas, but never seen the outlet of Tempus's power.


"I look forward to making her acquaintance. I take it that this is something of a rare occurrence?"


Gideon nodded. "She is difficult to track, and always well guarded. She hardly makes journeys to visit anyone. This is a great honor."


I smiled in response to the news. This was shaping up to be an interesting evening. And if things got boring, I could invite some of the lower ring street rabble to see what colors I could elicit from Siran's face. They dissevered the food more than most of the attendees, after all.


I felt lonely. It was an odd feeling, but being without Nylea and the crew for so long had been a subtle stinging that I was begging to notice only now through the long bouts of uninterrupted silence with which to spend in my own thoughts.


Adamine?


"Yes, Thorin, I am here. I exist through the stone, but I am bound to you. I can hear your thoughts, and you can hear mine. That does not mean I will entertain you with mindless chatter to your hearts desire."





My lips rose into a smile at her tone. I liked her already.


Thanks for helping me earlier. I don't know if you saved my life - Ali seems to be trustworthy - but still, you gave me a helping hand. Does this mean were, like... bonded or something?


"Yes, Thorin, but not as you would put it. We are most certainly bonded. I am sent from your mother to guide and watch over you, along-side Gideon. I have the added responsibility of the personal touch, however. Our consciousness's are intertwined."


So.... are you a sassy woman, or more benevolent?





There was a moment of silence, before a slight chuckle, warm and friendly, buzzed in my head.


"Who says I can't be both? You should go check on your new friend, see what he's looking for. Besides, I don't trust Djinn. They're like possessive pets. If his Djinn is demonic, it could be possessing him, and perhaps be the cause of the dark magic from earlier."





I nodded and headed over in Ali's direction.

 

[Brendanfp]

Gideon directed me to the section of Archives where demonic literature was held. I slowly paced over to the general area as I took in my surroundings. The shelves were made from some old black hardwood, and who knew how long they have stood here. The ground was a collage of cobble stones, and with every step they clacked as they bumped against one another. There were series of blue torches that lined the walls, providing rather well conditions for reading. The bookcases were lined up in series encircling a grand marble fountain in the middle of the room surrounded by tables and benches. I reached to the the bookcase Gideon had been pointing to, and grabbed as many book as I could before running over to one of the tables to place them down. A puff of dust filled the air as the books, scrolls, and documents hit the table. I sat on the bench, and grabbed the first book on the stack, but before I could read a word Ifrit leaned over me.


"Not now, I need to skim through this material for anything about the amulet"


"I know you're trying to work", she paused "I just want you to know I'm glad your safe"


"It's been centuries now Ifrit when will you start trusting me?"


"I know, but I saw you lose control in Eresenbur..."


"Stop... you know we don't talk about that place anymore, it was a mistake"


"Yea sorry", she whispered as she leaned in for a hug, her arms wrapping around my neck. "Ill go bother the boy", she said, and with that she shifted into a cat with black fur and golden gleaming eyes. She ran across the floor with the usual spring in her step, and proceeded to climb up Thorin's back and onto his shoulder.


"So what secrets are you hiding boy ?" She asked Thorin as her tail brushed up against his nose. She glanced back for a second at Ali who begun studying the first of many tomes on the desk.

 

[BugDozer73]

I felt paws scurry up my back, and a playful woman's voice in my ear. "Secrets?" I mocked playfully. "What makes you think I have secrets?" I slipped my hand into my satchel, and felt a growing agitation in my mind.


"This bitch... ILL show you a secret..."





I hesitated before my fingers touched the orb, waiting patiently to make contact. "Nice cat outfit. But if you will excuse me, I wouldn't mind speaking with your boyfriend."

 

[Brendanfp]

Ifrit's fur stood on edge, as she pounced off of Thorin's shoulder and hissed.


"Don't try anything funny, boy you're too young to throw your life away", she bluffed " and too much of a sweety to hurt me."


She became her true form of golden gas, and then in an instant recomposed herself back into her former form. She sat on the nearest bench defeated, and gestured at Ali. "Go ahead", she sighed.

 

[BugDozer73]

A satisfied grumbling in my mind left me with no defense against a few chuckles. Jealousy? I shouldn't be finding anything funny these days, but still I could laugh. Perhaps the best quality from my days amongst the swashbucklers.


"I am NOT JEALOUS! I don't like Djinn. They're tricky and flirty and bad influences. Besides, you're allergic to cats. I was helping you."


How did you know that??


"Thorin, I know everything about you. Our consciousness's are fused. I know you get sniffles from the furballs. I know that you have mommy issues. I was aware of your odd relationship with Nylea..."


Dont.


"... look Thorin, Im here to help you. You have to have some trust in me."


Fine. Look, did you check the Djinn or not?


"She's clean.. of demonic magic. She does have fleas though."





"I would never hurt my new friends. I don't operate that way." I offered the Djinn, ignoring her subtle threat.


"I wouldn't mind, however, knowing a little more about my new guests." I pointed the question in Ali's direction, in an attempt to have him speak up, and not his gassy lady friend.

 

[Brendanfp]

Ifrit, had failed me. I had only begun reading a series of many tattered scroll, with loads of information on Levia and other Archdemons. I also needed information about their ring leader, their king of sorts.


"You know i'm always here if you need to talk", said Levia sarcastically


Oh really so you would tell me all about you your demon and archdemon pals, and maybe even about how I can get this cursed rock of my neck. Well while your at it you can tell me how I can find you and rip you limb for limb ?


"And you call me the monster" he joked ignoring all my questions.





Thorin's question still hung in the air like the musty odor of the archive. I looked up at him. He had everything a young man could want in life like luxury, money, and probably streets full of girls who gawked at him at ever occasion. He didn't know what pain I held within me. Ifrit's the only one who could possibly sympathize with me.


"Look", I paused.


"Thorin you seem like a good guy and all, but after I get the information I need from this archive, I'm out of here. Trust me the less you know about me the better."


Ifrit was sprawled out on one of the tables, feigning ignorance to the conversation.


"You just wouldn't get me", I added.

 

[BugDozer73]

"I know what happened to your people." I said nonchalantly. "Im assuming thats something you don't like sharing with people. Im curious as to the nature of your power. For someone with seemingly demonic mana, its a strange sight to be carrying a weapon if angelic benediction." I leaned back against a bookshelf and crossed my arms.


"Look, your past is your past. But you already seem to know more about my own palace than I do. Maybe you should stick around. Come to this "ball" were having tonight. A lot of people will be there. Apparently the Oracle as well. It would give us some time to talk. We may be of use to one another."


In reality, I wasn't sure of what use I could be to this boy, as no knowing of his own motives left it hard for me to decide a driving motive to tantalize him with. I needed to get him to open up more. Maybe he was my ticket out of the lime light.


"You can bring your pet if you want." I smirked at the Djinn.

 

[Brendanfp]

The Oracle... he really was coming to the palace. This changed everything, however I couldn't let Thorin on to my true intentions, not after he almost attacked me no less than an hour ago.


"Like I said, I don't really fell inclined to tell you anyth..."


"The ORACLE ",yelped Ifrit. Her voice was full of excitement and joy.


"Ali has been searching forever for the Oracle, but he is a slippery fellow, as a matter as fact that probably why you're here in the first place."


"Right ALI !" She added waiting for my approval.


I sat dumbfounded. I couldn't even muster the will to be angry with my talking companion. Instead I decided to change the subject as quickly as possible.


"My demonic power you asked about them right", I said trying to avoid the topic, as well as Ifrit's look of sheer joy.


"Well it all started when my city was destroyed. I found this in one of the ancient temples around my home", I stated as I pull the amulet from under my shirt.


"An old retaliative of yours was able to snatch this away, from Levia's grasp, and I went and undid his hard work." Ifrit's face became softened up again as she look down at her lap.


"This thing on my neck has tainted me, and made me less than human, and now I'm searching restore my humanity", I dredged on "Ill take you up on that ball offer though, and I might even give your more details, after..."


"After you tell us about how a scoundrel like yourself, got into the big sun throne", Ifrit remarked smirking back Thorin.


I smiled too, "that wasn't what I was going to say, but it works."

 

[BugDozer73]

Scoundrel?


I chuckled lightly at her accusation.


"It was an unforeseen turn of events: Aurora blew me off from making contact with her by giving me a sword and a light show. Next thing I knew, I was wearing fine silk and struggling to figure out how to move forward. I still have goals I intend to reach."


I stopped myself short, avoiding the possibility of rambling. Besides, until I had a strong idea of what I was going to do, it was a good idea to keep quiet.


"The throne isn't all its cracked up to be.."


"Anyways, Ill see you both tonight at the palace. Wear something nice. I should go and pic out something for myself. and Ifrit?"


I turned comically to the Djinn. "Thanks for making me feel like a pirate again."


I turned and made my way out of the archives. Those two would be fine. Gideon was still in there to my knowledge, and I could see no harm in leaving them alone. After reaching the top of the passageway that lead to the archives, I pulled a guard aside and instructed him to cater to the needs of both Ali and his sassy Djinn companion.


"Provide them with lodging and proper attire for tonights events."


He nodded and made his way down the steps towards the duo.


I decided it would be a good idea to check on the final preparations for the event, seeing as how it was becoming more and more necessary to my plan.

 

[Purize]

Dean Howard hustled back down the steps to the palace, a fine leather messenger bag swinging at his side. Dean was the courier for the royal palace of Akron, and all important invitations, memos, letters and official documents were transported and maintained by him. After he had been saved earlier in the day by that fair Elven adventurer, he barely had time to clean up his head wound before he had to hurry back to the palace. As soon as Siran saw him, and of course, Siran had to have been in a foul mood too, he began grumbling out orders to send invitations to tonight's ball to all of the nobles, adventurer's and merchants in the city.


What an unpleasant day, Dean thought as he hurried through the streets of Akron, handing out invitations to the nobles and merchants in the first ring. Normally, only the nobles would be invited to such events... but today of all days, he knew he'd have to run all over the city to invite every merchant and adventurer as well...


Dean finished with the first-ring residents and continued along down the list. Hopefully, he would find that girl again, Fae, he remembered. He wanted to give her an invitation as a token of his gratitude. First though, he knew he should visit the Adventurer's Guild and post some invitations there...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*​

I had looked at that board for a good thirty minutes before I decided that most of these jobs couldn't be done today. Some of them were objectives like chopping wood for an elderly couple, babysitting, delivering packages to nobles... even some shady looking hit-list jobs. I wondered if these things were monitored by guards, or if they didn't care about what things were posted here. I had been so absorbed in the board too, that I didn't even realize that the Guild that the Bulletin belonged to, was standing tall and proud on the street in front of me.


That was an hour ago. Now, I found myself in a lively tavern inside of the Guild. It really was a grand place. It had high ceilings and a chandelier with candles. There was a small stage were rugged men played bagpipes, flutes, mandolins and cajon drums, and people danced and clapped rhythmically along to the music. I saw women and men, young and old of all sorts of species and races sitting and drinking, dancing, smiling and looking at wanted posters. The one thing they all had in common though, was that adventurer look. Everyone here had been places and seen things in the world that only few people get to see. I admired them, and envied them. Some looked grim and stern with tough dispositions, some looked sly and seedy and some simply were drunk off their asses... but a lot of them looked content. Free.


I currently sat at a wooden table with a bench and watched everyone and everything with utmost amusement and awe. The music was fantastic, and the drinks were good... at least that non-alcoholic ones I tried were. Further down the table another woman and man clad in rustic adventurer attire talked to each other casually, occasionally taking swigs from their hefty tankards. I wanted to talk to some of these people and hear the stories they had to tell, I wanted to socialize and fit in, but the truth was that I felt like a liar, an outsider. I had just begun my journey as a traveler and I hadn't seen or experienced much, discounting my past... but still I felt at home here.


The song ended and people clapped and cheered. I laughed and applauded the performance. The people on stage began switching instruments and some people got on and off the stage. Behind me, the large oak doors to the main Guild hall opened and I turned to look out of habit. A sort of hush fell over the room as I saw a familiar face walk in. It was the man from earlier, Dean.


He rushed in stopped in the middle of the room, holding up an embroidered envelop. "Attention Adventurers! The King formally invites you all to the Ball held at the palace this evening! His wish is for everyone interested to attend!" The people in the room practically gawked at him. I took a guess that this sort of thing didn't happen often.


The volume in the room gradually returned to normal and the next song started to play. I watched as Dean handed out invitations individually to the people who approached him and then our eyes met. I could have sworn his face lit up like a candle as he abruptly made his way over to me.


"Miss Fae!" He called as he approached.


I smiled at him and stood politely. "Hello Dean! How's your head?"


He looked caught off guard for a moment and then he chuckled nervously, "Oh it's better, thank you again for that by the way." He cleared his throat quickly and thrust an envelop towards me. "I was looking for you actually! The Champion- Ahem, excuse me, The King formally invites you, as an adventurer, to the Ball tonight in the palace!"


I took the invitation hesitantly, my eyes wide in disbelief. "Really? But I only just got here..." Dean waved a dismissive hand. "Ah, but you're an adventurer, eh? The King wished for all of the merchants, adventurer's and nobles of the city to attend." I blinked a few times and looked down at my invitation, turning it over in my fingers. "Do I need a dress?" I asked out loud dubiously. Dean nearly fell over laughing, making my blush.


"Oh my dear! I should hope so! It is a formal Ball, so the notion is to indeed dress formally." He said, a wide smile spreading across his red cheeks. I frowned, wondering were I could find a dress in time for this evening. Seeing my concern, Dean sobered and offered a gentle smile.


"Don't worry Fae, there's coincidentally a formal tailor in the first ring not far from here. It's a shop called Diana Sew's. You can't miss it." He said.


I relaxed a little and smiled. "Thank you, Dean. I appreciate it." He nodded and gave a little bow before departing. Who knew I'd saved the life of a royal courier today?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

​

The tailor shop called Diana Sew's was fanciful and petite in comparison to the other grandiose shops of the first ring. The outside was decorated in soft pastel colors and cute little window panes with freshly-painted white trim. I opened the door and a bell echoed with a little tinkling sound throughout the shop. I closed the door behind me and a head popped out from a door frame at the other end of the shop's lobby behind a counter. The woman was older, her hair already grey and pulled back in a messy bun with a pencil sticking through it. Although I noticed instantly that she had kind eyes, her wrinkled face was mostly from laugh lines, which showed whenever she smiled. She walked into the room and stood behind the counter, hand on her hips.


"Hello darling, how may I help you?" She said sweetly.


I smiled politely at her and walked up to the counter. "Good afternoon... I'm looking for a formal gown for a ball..." I said hesitantly.


The woman's smile widened and she shuffled out from behind the counter and walked to a wall of the shop that held several elegant and flowing dresses.


"Well, honey, you've come to the right place. This shop is home to the finest gowns in the first ring. You're looking for a ball gown, you said? Well let me see..." She shuffled through the hangers, occasionally glancing between me and the dresses as if to look for the perfect fit.


"Aha!" She exclaimed after a moment, "Here we are." She pulled out a long delicate dress with graceful pieces of fabric that rippled off of the sleek design like feathers in the shape of teardrops. It was a opulent mix of the softest and coolest shades of lavender, light blue, silver, grey and the lightest shade of pink. The differences in color were so subtle, though, that the whole thing looked like it was one color... you simply could decide on which exact color it was.


"Wow..." I heard myself breath the word. Awestruck was one way to describe how I felt looking at this dress. It wasn't as though I hadn't worn dresses before. No, I used to wear the most luxurious and aristocratic dresses that the maids could fit in my wardrobe. It was the fact that none of those dresses could match the simple beauty of this one.


At my reaction, the woman chuckled and nodded. "I think this one suits you quite nicely, dear. And it's just your little size." I tore my gaze away from the dress to look at the woman. "My size... but how do you-" She cut me off with another chuckle and a shake of her head. "Darling, I've been at this business for a long time. This one is practically made for you. With the right shoes and hairdo, I can say with no doubt that you'd be the prettiest girl in the gala."


I blinked at her and looked at the dress. "Can I um... try it on?"


"Well of course! The fitting room is right there around the corner. While you get this on I'll go look for some shoes for you, okay dearie?" She placed the dress in my hands and hobbled away before I could answer her. When I was done opening and closing my mouth like a gaping fish, I went off to find the dressing room.


I stared in the body mirror of the dressing room for what seemed like eternity. The woman wasn't lying when she said it would fit perfectly. The fabric hung from my skin like it was nothing more than a second layer of my body, it moved with me, sweeping in the direction my hips turned and hugging closely to my bodice. It was perfect. When I walked out of the dressing room, she waited for me with a pair of heels in her hands. She helped me get them on and fawned and fussed over my appearance like she was my own grandmother and had known me since the time of my birth. That's when it occurred to me, that I didn't even know her name.


"Diana." She said when I inquired. "I've been running this shop for a long time, you see. I used to work in the middle class ring when I was a girl. I had a passion for fine clothes, and people started recognizing my talent I suppose. Eventually, over the years they asked me to move to the first ring so I could sell clothes to the nobles. I didn't want to at first... I didn't like the way the first class looked down on the rest of us, like they were so much more special because their pockets were fuller. But in the end I did move. No one had any need for my exquisite clothing in those middle rings and I wasn't making the living I needed. It's not so bad here though. The snobs are nice enough." She chuckled.


"Well I'm glad to have met you, Mrs. Diana. You are truly an artisan and good at what you do." I said warmly. She looked up at me as she finished with my shoes and tilted her head, a sort of humbled look on her face. "Thank you child. It's nice to meet youth that still hold their manners with the elderly. I know adults that don't even hold themselves as well as you." She waggled a finger at me and laughed.


We made our way back to the counter and she walked over to her register. I fished for my coin purse in my heap of clothing and other belongings as I had to take them all off after I changed into the dress... save some hidden niceties. "What do I owe you?" I asked as I dug around the heap of things. I found my coin purse and looked up at her when she didn't respond. She seemed to studying me, looking into me. I shifted uncomfortably until she said, "Now, what are you going to do with your hair?"


I was caught of guard. "Pardon me?"


"Your hair," she repeated. "Surely you're going to pin it up or something."


I blinked at her and a hand went absent mindedly to my silver hair. "Umm... I was going to leave it down, it's been a while since i've-"


She cut me off with a sharp look. "Leave it down!? My dear girl! You're going to a formal event in a formal dress! Why on earth- No. Sit here, now. I can't have advertisement walking around in my dresses and their hair hanging limp." She said. The whole time though, she had a glint of excitement and teasing in her eyes. I wondered if she was lonely here in the first ring.


Time passed and Diana fussed over my hair, pinning it up and spinning it artfully into twists and curls.


"You know," she said, "You remind me of my granddaughter. She's much younger, of course, but she's strong and beautiful like you." She smiled, her face relaxed and content how I imagined a loving grandmother would be. "She sounds like a lovely girl." I said, offering my own happy smile.


Diana and I talked a bit as she finished up. I didn't say much about myself or my own background and past... but I did mention a lot for my own passion for traveling and exploring, and Diana talked about her family and grand kids. Eventually she finished with my hair, and when I looked into the mirror for the second time, I audibly gasped. Diana was right, the hair made all the difference. Instead of it cascading in straight ribbons over my shoulders and back, it was swirled up and pinned to make an elegant flower shape on the top back part of my head. Two wavy strands of hair fell on either side of my face in the front and framed my face perfectly.


"It's beautiful!" I exclaimed and turned to face a proud looking Diana. "I'm glad you like it dear. Those men are going to be blushing at you all night!" I giggled and bowed my head gratefully to her. "Thank you so much for your hospitality. How much do I owe you?" I held my coin purse at the ready as Diana thought for a moment.


"Two gold pieces." She said and I nearly fell over. I hadn't missed the price tags on the dresses in the widow when I walked in, or the ones on the tailored suits on mannequins. The lowest price I'd seen was 30 gold pieces... The offer she gave me now was the equivalent to a measly pebble in comparison. Only two gold pieces.





"Oh, b-but I just couldn't! Surely that's too little? I can-" Once again, I was cut off and Diana laughed. "Really dear, it's payment enough that you look so beautiful and showed me such a good time. Sometimes good company is the only payment one's happiness needs." She gave a sad smile and I nodded to her in understanding and handed her two gold pieces.


I waved her goodbye as I left the shop, holding all of my things under my arm. When Diana waved back to me and closed the door, stuffed all my things inside my travel bag, grateful that it all fit except for my sword. Then, I made my way to the palace, my new dress flowing around and behind me, showing brilliantly in the descending sun.

http://

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
​

A younger girl with short, pure white hair, crystalline blue-grey eyes and matching tattoos that spiraled over her body, stepped out of the carriage parked in front of the Palace of Akron. She was dressed in a modest, but eloquent white dress with sleeves translucent enough that the markings on her skin showed through the cloth. She had a petite and frail frame, but held an air of importance and grace. She looked at the palace before her. Internally she was awestruck. It was all so beautiful and serene, but she couldn't show her excitement. She represented something bigger than herself, so she had to hold herself to be neutral and polite.


She exhaled subtly as she repressed her emotions and turned when a guard addressed her, kneeling before her respectively. "Oracle, your grace. We have arrived." He said. She nodded to him and looked back towards the castle. Her visions and prophecies brought her all around the nation. It had her meet many different strangers in many different places. She was certain that her past reincarnations had all collectively been everywhere. Being nothing but a tool upset her deep down inside, but she'd never admit it. She was cursed as well as gifted, and she knew that right now it was her duty to meet with this newly claimed champion of Aurora. Of course she'd obey. Of course she'd follow the will of Tempus. She knew she must. And so, she made her way up the marble steps to the palace escorted by her overprotective guards that circled her on all sides.

 

[Brendanfp]

It had been and hour since Thorin had left Ifrit down in the archive with her master, and she was dying of boredom.


Ifrit like her master, lived for adventure, however she lacked his drive for knowledge and study. The thrill of discovering new places and meeting new people always satisfied her essence, and after being left in the lamp for so long what she needed right now was an adventure, no matter how small or uneventful. Luckily for her, this was the night of a grand ball, and everyone knew Akronians loved their parties.


"Ali, how long are you going to sit there and study those scrolls ?"


Ali looked up at her with the most sullen look about his eyes, "Ifrit, I could never pass up the opportunity to take in this much knowledge, but if you are feeling a bit skirmish then go on ahead without me", he looked back down at the scroll he was studying. "Don't, worry I'll be up there soon", he added without looking up.


Ifrit mulled over the choice, but it was hardly a difficult choice, stay here with Mr. SulklyMcSulkPants or go check up on her new friend. It only took seconds to make up her mind.


"Ok, Ali i'll be off then, but don't stay down here too long." With that she shifted her essence into that of a dessert fox and scurried out the door and up the stairs. Like all djinn she could only see in colors of mana, and every person had their own unique mana signature. Sun Boy, as she was now calling Thorin, had mana that burned bright red, it was pretty to look at, but it also made him easy to track. She scurried through the halls of the Palace, dodging the royal staff who were rushing to make sure everything was ready, before the ballroom door were opened up to the guest.


One of the servants shrieked and cursed at her as she ran by. Ifrit giggled and continued to a second set of stair that lead to a grand hallway, lined with a series of windows that out looked the city. She followed the glowing trail passing by rooms full of snobby nobles who were getting dolled up to impress the king. She came to a set of double door embroiled in gold, twin phoenix painted on the doors stared down at her. The glowing red trail lead inside, beckoning her to follow. "Bingo", she whispered as she pushed one of doors open and peaked inside. Her sandy colored hair all stood on end as she called out.


"Sun Boy, where are you my boy, I've come to play", she snickered.

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

​

It was all so fascinating, three whole scrolls just dedicated to this cursed Amulet on my neck, however even with the wanna be King gone I could hardly focus on the myriad of tomes in front of me.


The Oracle would be here. He was actually here, and they would meet. I had met the Oracle, once before. He had come to see me perform great magical feats when I was in Zaria. "You're going to be a great mage", he had told me, and I felt honored. What would he say now, that my magic was tainted and stained with the blood of demons. I slammed my fist down hard against the blacken wood of the table.


"Will you ask the servant of Tempus, to save you wretched soul? To give you back you humanity ?" Levia spoke softly.


What does it matter to you, I thought.


"Don't make me laugh boy, I can tell you your destiny right now... you will come to me and become the greatest weapon for the purge army, or you will die without meaning in your petty life"


I wont


"You will",he remarked.


Just then a guard opened the old wooden door, and peeked in. He glanced around astonished. "Oh my gods, we have an achieve ?" I sat in silence and said nothing but stared, and he finally noticed me. His body went ridged as he lay eyes upon me. It was the guard from before, the one from the gate and he did not seem very happy too see me.


"What do you, need boy", I mocked him, seizing this golden opportunity.


"I was told to inform you that the ball door will open in a couple minutes, please get ready."


I smiled, and got up from the bench, and rolled up the scrolls on the amulet, and put them in my satchel. I crossed the room in strides, passing the guard and the door. I ascended up the stair, "thanks, enjoy guard duty" I called behind me, and made my way up to find the dressing rooms with a smile on my face. During all my many years wandering Nymserine, this was ironically my first ball. Meeting the Oracle wasn't the only thing making me nervous.

 

[BugDozer73]

I walked through the halls for a few minutes, with a silent satisfaction at my improved navigation of my own palace.


The thought of my own palace was still strange to think.


My own palace...


"Your own kingdom. The city, the land stretching beyond the walls. All the world under the sun is yours."


Thanks, Adamine, but I never asked for it. And I'm not making any plans to cash in on other peoples hard work. Birthright or not, I know whats mine and what isn't. Im not going to use my lineage to extort people.





I could feel adamine hesitate, as if she didn't know how to respond. If I could keep the invisible voices in my head on their invisible toes, I still had a bit of that slick swashbuckling charm. Maybe this change wasn't as deep running as I had thought it to be. I was still me... For the first time in the last few days, I smiled, feeling like I had a right to.


I entered into the ball room from before, and caught my breath at the magnificence of it all. The room was centered around a massive statue of... ME! was that me? The bust seemed more heroic and muscular, but not quite as handsome.


There were magic torches glowing brightly on the polished marble pillars by the walls, encircling the large open space. Towards the back, was a large Orchestra Tuning their instruments. Ribbons were dropped in a flawlessly chaotic manor, and there were tables in a crescent shape from the door outwards, the tips just slightly creeping past the statue. There was a large space for the dancing to occur. There was even a red carpet that led in a neat line from the front of the statue right down the floor, and out of the open door to the ball room, with guests already arriving outside.


In the center of it all, unsurprisingly, was the same bag of grumpy uptightness, neatly pinned and cuffed in a new, similarly black and white suite. With a glance in my direction, I witnessed his nostrils enlarge so quickly, I imagined them attempting to disengage from his face and flee the impending doom. His pupils shrunk to pinpoints as he dashed forward, taking hold of my clothing.


"MY LEIGE! I have been more than tolerable of your...." He stopped, as if trying to swallow something disgusting, then re opened his mouth. " ... Unique... approach to staring your reign. But these street clothes shall not befit your majesty at such an event. Unacceptable!" Before I could open my mouth in protest, Siran pointed behind e and snapped. 2 pairs of arms grabbed my shoulders and quickly took me back to my own room, which had been remarkably reupholstered.


With no time to examine the miraculous cleanup job, I found myself being quickly stripped of my make shift adventurer appeal, until I was entirely naked.


"H-Hey!"


"Get your hands off!"


My satchel, including the orb, was flung into the pile of clothes on the floor, separating me from the rescue of a tethered spirit in the stone, and the two young maidens "helped" me into the tub, short of forcefully dunking me in the soapy water. I kept my struggling to a minimum, as to avoid serious head trauma, saving the majority of my effort in keeping my objections for the explosion of invasion if privacy. I wash torn from the waters and immediately dried down, and they stepped back to admire their work. I threw my hands to my crotch to hide my nudity, feeling a fire swell on my cheeks. The two women giggled to each other, and dove back in, throwing me back into the room with a yelp, where I was assaulted from the returning tornado of busy working hands. Underwear, dress attire, tight brimmed trousers, a short coat of red and yellow. They were fastened as Quickly, and seem decorative shoulder and chest pieces, with white belt straps and golden cuffs. When I was able to finally slow down, and the wind demons I had apparently working as maidens in my palace stepped back, I looked up to see a very different Thorin in the mirror. I was covered in fine leather robes, fur greaves, simple, silver chest piece, and a small golden amulet garnishing the under part. On my shoulders was strapped a long flowing thick fur robe, that became red velvet half way down. I looked... older.


They both giggled, and were blushing not so subtly.


Even Adamine offered her approval in-between curses at the two violating maidens. If separate conscious looks could kill...


"Anything else, my lord?" Offered one maiden with a hint of seductiveness, and I smirked.


"No, thank you ladies. And next time, I can quite capably undress myself."


"Oh, but my lord. You certainly have nothing to be ashamed of.."


I dismissed them quickly, but couldn't contain my smile at the sound of unbridled fury in my mind.


"How dare they impose themselves on you. You re above them! You are..."





I crunched down on my thoughts in anger, forcing silence from Adamine.


Im not above anyone. and neither are you. I would highly suggest you abandon that attitude very quickly, or we won't be having such pleasant conversations.





I felt her relent almost immediately: It took a lot to bring out my anger, but entitlement or self righteousness was the quickest way. I heard the doors behind me open, and a particularly annoying Djinn enter into my chambers.


"Sun boy?? You have no respect at all, do you?"

 

[Purize]

I walked up to the open doors of the ballroom, and was astonished by the grand room before me. Light gleamed and glowed to illuminate every part of the room and red ribbon-like tapestries hung from the ceiling. In the center was an impressive statue of a familiar face, the champion of Aurora.


That was fast, I thought.


However, what was the most appalling about the whole setup was the memories it dug up. I remembered a similar grand ballroom in a similar palace... The one I had grown up in until I ran away at 16. I was overwhelmed by a strange sense of longing and nauseousness. That place was no longer home to me, but sometimes I missed its beauty... it's familiarity. I braced myself against the door frame, as I began to feel light-headed. I could recall the last time I had danced in a ballroom so clearly. It wasn't necessarily a pleasant memory at that, and the sheer thought brought shivers down my spine.


I straightened up again after I regained my bearings, reminding myself that those days were long behind me and I was free now. Though, while I'd attended many balls and regal dances before, I hadn't a clue what to expect for this one. I suppose I would simply hang about and find something to do...


I walked around the room a bit, taking in the details, admiring the architecture. I noticed not many people were here quite yet, and I guessed I'd arrived prematurely. Nervous and not sure what to do with myself, I made my way over to the banquet table and marveled at the impressive spread of food and drink. I nibbled on a few things, but didn't have much of an appetite for anything big, so I decided to get a drink. Hopefully more people would arrive soon, and the main event would come in full swing. I was beginning to get antsy in this place.

 

[Brendanfp]

"Respect ?"


Ifrit ran across the room, and with a powerful kick leaped into the air. "Respect is for the deserving, Sun boy", she yelled midair, and returned to her usual appearance, allowing her now dark blue silk dressing to hang loosely around her.


She looked at him, taking note of his new appearance. He was dressed like a King, and ironically the look suited him well. She would be a lier if she didn't think he was a handsome fellow.


"You look like shit Sun Boy", she yelled while rolling around on his royal bed, which was soft as a dream. She roared in laughter waiting for his to respond.

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

​

I wandered around the hall, looking for a dressing room.


Damn, that Thorin, couldn't bother telling me where the dressing room was ?





I had extensive knowledge of this palace, but why would I memorize the location of the royal wardrobes.


Just then I saw two maidens as they were descending from the stairs. I ran to, them hoping they could lead me to the wardrobe. In their hands, they held a silver bucket with a sponge and bathing oils, both still wet.


I swear, these nobles need to learn to bath themselves.


"Pardon me", I called to them. "You mind showing me where I can find a bathtub and a guest wardrobe ?"


The girls looked at each other and giggled. "Sure", one answered. "Follow us", said the other. It was wasn't a choice however, as they grabbed me by either arm and dragged me around a series of corner until we reached the reached which I was seeking.


"Thank you", I said to them as the door close behind me. I turned around ready to undress, but stopped when I realized that the girls were still there.


"Let us help you out", they said in unison and as I failed to dismiss the girls from the room, the demonic laughter of Levia echoed through my skull. Never had I been more terrified.

​

 

[BugDozer73]

I sighed at the sight of the curvy Djinn in evening attire rolling around on my bed.


"Thanks for the support." I added, and turned away from Ifrit, retrieving my satchel and other items. My sword I stung tightly to my back, well enough to be hidden behind the flowing robe, but not difficult to draw.


"Ignore the bitch. She's just trying to upset you."


I know.


I turned and made my way through the entrance, heading towards the sound of merrymaking. By now, the ball must be in full swing. Gideon had informed me that upon my arrival there would be a coronation ceremony. Best not keep anyone waiting, and I certainly wouldn't be held up meeting the adventures of the city by arguing with a Djinn.


I found my way to the door, and listened to the dull roar of merry making from within. I admit, I felt eager to meander about with the cities people in a environment without all the screaming. Gideon, dressed in elegant formal monk robes, was waiting for me at the door, holding in his hand a little box.


"Ready to meet the people?"


"No time like the present" I said, putting on a smile.


"Wait here until I say your name." And with that he swept into the room and I heard him quiet the crowd.


"People of Akron! Nobles! Adventures and merchants! I present to you, your newest champion, your king: THORIN NAHIRI!"


I stepped slowly into the room and looked upon the smiling crowd. The room, once seeming so huge, was now packed with party goers, all clapping loudly at my introduction. I smiled broadly and raised my hand steady in greetings.

 

[Purize]

Gradually, more and more people filed into the room, filling up the space and milling about chattering and socializing. When I had first arrived, it was relatively quiet and still, but now the volume rose steadily, a low mumble evolving into a low roar. Not that it was necessarily loud, but you could hear the ebb and flow of voices resounding around the room like a single chaotic chorus. The same volume and tone from several different individuals, but they all sported different conversations.


I walked about aimlessly, not talking or interacting with anyone beyond an occasional polite nod and smile when my eyes met with someone else’s. I noticed, much to my discomfort, the wandering eyes of many men and women drifting over me impassively. Noblemen especially would give me once-overs, raise their eyebrows and turn to their friends in hushes whispers. I didn’t quite know whether to me flattered or offended by the subtle attention. I did notice many different types of people too. I could pick out the adventurers, some of which didn’t even bother dressing up. I even saw the merchants among the nobles.


No one approached me though. People would walk past, hesitate by me and then continue on their way, and I began to wonder if I really stood out so much. I eventually came to realize it was my dress. The ball gowns of the other fair maidens were large and poofed at the skirts. They wore gaudy necklaces, bracelets and earrings with large sparkling gems. These women practically dripped with gold and silver, wealth spilling from them like an aura. I must appear underdressed in comparison. There was that, and the fact I still carried around my travel bag and sword sheath… Ah. I looked like an adventurer that dressed up last minute. I didn’t have any jewelry aside from my stone pendant, and my dress was slim and form-fitting, not loud and large like that of the other women.


Embarrassed, I made my way to an abandoned corner of the ball room.


Half way to my wallflower destination, a man in a suit and white gloves approached me. He didn’t look like a guest though, his suit wasn’t luxurious and glimmering. He was probably a butler.


“Pardon me, Madam, would you care for me to take your bag? I could hang it up for you during the party and you could collect it at the end of the evening.” He said. I couldn’t help note the distasteful glance he gave to my dusty leather bag and hidden sheath.


“Uh… Um, Of course. Thank you Sir.” I shrugged off the straps to my bag and my sheath and handed them to him.


As soon as he took them, his face twisted into a temporary look of surprise, and he looked a little lopsided. I watched him walk away, awkwardly holding my things like they were heavy. I tried not to laugh at his awkwardness. It’s really not that heavy…





Being relived of my things, though I was nervous being apart from them, I did feel a new sense of confidence walking among the crowd. I may not have the same fancy over-done makeup and jewels hanging from my body like ornaments, but I realized that even in my past it was the simplicity of elegance that really made something beautiful. It wasn’t the gems and gold, or the abundance of fabric. It was the little things, the pretty things that added up to something amazing. That’s not to say I complimented myself- oh no. I only felt bad for the women around me who thought that wealth was the equivalent to beauty…


As I pondered and my thoughts drifted my past… a place my mind has dwelled on frequently as of late, an older man dressed in pristine monk robes entered the room. I recognized him from yesterday, he had paraded alongside the Champion.


He walked forward into the room and called for everyone’s attention. I heard him say, “People of Akron! Nobles! Adventurers and merchants! I present to you, your newest champion, your king: THORIN NAHIRI!”


At that moment, the champion of Aurora, the newest king of Akron, stepped into the room, smiling and raising a single hand. The crowd clapped and cheered at his presence, several even bowed down.


I studied him closely. He was in an intense royal getup that reminded me of my father, which made me feel sick and uneasy, but his face and demeanor were so different. He had eyes that told of travels that not many kingly men ever saw. He was built, and it showed through the clothes that didn’t suit him. Sure, he looked like the male version of his mother and in a way, the look did suit him. But it was almost like he didn’t feel like a king should. Like he didn’t quite want it. Immediately, I found myself sympathizing with him. He had found himself in, seemingly, the same situation she had run away from… minus the whole demi-god heritage part.

 

[Brendanfp]

Ifrit remained on the bed, after Thorin had left. Her essences ached. She wasn't used to shifting so many time in one day, and for such mundane purposes. She could only, rest properly in the silver lamp she was bound too though, and while getting up to go find Ali would have been a good idea it was not what she wanted to do. The bed was soft enough, and Sun Boy had left her all alone.


He wouldn't mind, she thought, as she dozed off into slumber.

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

​

I will kill those damn maidens





I looked in the mirror at my new attire. No matter how much I hated the maidens, they really new how to dress a guy. My white linen clothing's were on the floor, and I was now wearing, a vibrant red shirt made of a silky material. Over my shirt was an pure white vest with regal patterns decorating it. Instead of baggy pants, I now wore firm fitting dress pants the same color as my vest. It was simple but bold at the same time, and in a way made my unique features seem more, like the start of a new fashion trend, rather than a demonic curse. As nice as the clothes were though they were not my style.


Just one night, find the Oracle ask her the question, then back to the archive.


I was ready to endure what ever the night had in store for me. I bent over to pick up my clothes that laid limp on the floor, and stuffed them into my satchel. I pulled the satchel strap over my shoulder, and exited the bath room promptly, leaving all memories of what the maidens had done to me inside the room. I walked briskly, down the halls and through the various corridors. As I got closer to the ball room, the wall of noise became louder and louder. The giggles, cheers, and outburst of joy made me uneasy. Finally I made it to a railing which over looked the entire ballroom. Above me was a grand chandelier, which burned bright with candles and white orbs of light magic twinkling over the room setting the mood. I looked below me, and there he was. The King in all his glory, Mr. Bigshot, attack now and ask questions latter. He was being introduced in a most grandiose fashion, and the Akronians had the stunned looks about their faces. As if the man who stood before them was Aurora in the flesh.


How long will he last, I thought.


I had seen these champions come and go. They were assassinated, killed on epic quest, betrayed by followers, and sometime the sheer magnitude of their jobs. I didn't usual make friends, due to my current state. I mean who would really want to be friends with a human who could pass for a demon without even trying. However I definitely wouldn't be friends with a man who would turn in a life of adventure for all this. I leaned against the golden railing as I waited for Oracle to be announced, and as my eyes wandered the room of stuffy nobles, I realized that among them were merchants and adventures.


That peculiar, I thought as my eyes fell upon a even greater oddity. It was a full seized bust of the man of honor himself. My hand rose to cover my face.


I began laughing profusely as I thought, The statue looks better than him !

 

[BugDozer73]

Gideon waved quickly to calm the crowds down and regain control of their attention.


He spoke up again, and I looked away from the eyes of the onlookers. I didn't want this.


"Tonight... is a SPECIAL night. 'tis a night of the coronation of Thorin."


He turned and received a small box from an approaching monk, who, beyond the action of the hand off, bowed and slid backwards out the door. Gideon raised the box and opened it, revealing a simple golden circlet of three different bands loosely braided together. It didn't much look like a kings crown. I knelt at his hand motion, and he approached me from behind. He leaned over and gently placed the "crown" on my head. Immediately I felt odd, as if a battery had been placed on my head. I felt charged and tingly. I rose to my feet, with loud clapping once again, and stood still as I felt a small explosion of power on my head. I felt the weight of the tiny circlet on my head, even as I watched its shadow lift an inch above my head, and ignite into flames, silencing the crowds minus the few surprised and shocked gasps, and the confused expressions. Gideon simply looked amused.


The crowd roared again, louder than ever before, like at the original "claiming" event on the day of the festival. I was a circus act for them all, and they seemed to be enjoying my new magic trick.


I smiled and waved very reserved in manor, while leaning into Gideon.


"What was all that?"


"I like to call it a symbol, but most would title it a prank. Go, enjoy the evening: intermingle with your guests; Try not to push Siran to commit suicide." He winked at me and turned, exiting through the door, and leaving me with the guests. Some of the people in the front surged forward to engage me in conversation, and the rest returned to their dancing and general merrymaking.


Here we go...


"Don't worry, You will do great out there. Put on the dazzling smile of yours, and lets conquer some speech craft."

 

[Purize]

I watched him as the Priest placed the crown on his head. I was close enough to see it's strange design... nothing like what I had seen before as far as royal crowns went. But when he stood up, the circlet hovered upward a few inches from his head and it ignited. I looked on in amazement, it was a rather impressive and unexpected display, eliciting another round of cheers and applause from the audience. I noticed that he didn't seem nearly as enthusiastic and amused though. I concluded that this sort of thing certainly wasn't his scene.


Within moments, he was engulfed with a swarm of admirers and people bound and determined to make a lasting impression upon his lordship. I sighed, feeling bad for him as well as disgusted at the people who crawled around him like cockroaches.


I looked at the large statue in the center of the room and then compared it to the champion it represented. Something looked different about it though, like something wasn't quite right... After a moment of staring and feeling the frustration of not knowing build my anticipation, I finally realized... The statue looked a lot more heroic and had quite a quite large and manlier chest. The thought brought an irresistible smile to my lips and I almost laughed aloud. Although when I looked at him, and tried to see the real him, as if her were some intriguing puzzle, I found that he was far different that the statue in other ways... and better for it. The grandiose chest and looks didn't fit him right. He seemed better the way he was. Rugged is a good word for him, I thought with another smile.