Multiple Settings 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐂𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐋 {OPEN}

[PhreakedOut]

Lorwynn leaned against the entrance to the chamber, her left foot resting on the cold wall, listening in on the conversations that were being held between all present. The invitation she had nicked from a strangler on the road had caught her attention. 'The Heart of Aether.' The name itself was mysterious enough to want to look for it. Adding the legends and tales she had heard and read about when she was training to be a Songweaver, Lorwynn was hooked. Finally something to prove her worth. The next thing she had to do was to find passage to the Floating Islands. Luck would have it that a lot of people were heading there with what she found out later was more of the same invitation Lorwynn had 'received.' So instead of paying for a ride to the Islands, she would hop onto a floating carriage that was heading towards them and hitch a ride that way.

When she arrived, it was fairly easy to find the right way to where she needed to be. A big group of rowdy Humans was trying to get into the main hall or dome the meeting of the adventurers would take place. They were trying to protest the decision of sending a group to retrieve the artifact without including a human delegation into the discussion, citing 'human rights' to get their point across. Lorwynn scoffed at the idea of protesting against a meeting like this. What good would it do but drag their heritage and legacy through the mud trying to get into every political talk? Nevertheless, while the guards were busy trying to calm the group, she slipped inside and headed to the meeting spot. One thing was for sure: she was ready for anything that would be happening inside.

What she did not expect however was a stuck-up royal, a cat the size of a small tree, a woman that looked like a very pale dragonfly, a Duskforged looking like he's falling apart soon and an alluring fish still yapping about values, sentiment, urgency and other things Lorwynn could not care less for. From the corner of her eyes she scanned the group. Then, with a hint of annoyance, she said: "I agree with the fish-lady. Are you done discussing irrelevant things?" She stood up and straightened her back. Her robes felt sturdy around her body as a shell that would protect her from dealing with these new people she had never seen before but didn't care about. "I'm Lorwynn, and I got this invitation to look for the Heart of Aether." She showed the now crumpled and worn invitation. "Can we move on and actually start doing something?" She walked up to the group and crossed her arms. "Enough chitchat about values or seeing who has the biggest ego. Tell me: where are we going, what are we going to do and how are we going to do it?"

 

[CatlikeCreature]

Mathilda sat as she read a scroll while a finely dressed man watched, eager to hear her answer.

"No." She finally spoke.

"No? But surely you saw how much my master is offering you, and for such an easy job for someone of your talent."

She glared at the man briefly before crumpling the message and tossing it back to him. "Do not think that just because I am a mercenary that I only care about money. If your master wants someone to track down his runaway daughter he will need to find someone else."

"But-" The man tried to argue but was cut off.

"I am not finished! Judging by what I have read, your master is a weak man if he couldn't instill a sense of familial duty in his daughter and he is also a foolish man for thinking he could promise the hand of such a person to someone else. I hope she's happy with the man she ran off with, if only to spite your master. Now begone, I am done wasting my time with you and your master's nonsense."

The man's face turned a bright shade of red as he struggled to find his words. "My master is not a man to be trifled with!"

"Apparently he is if a lowborn can simply leave town with his daughter."

The man quickly turned to leave, nearly tripping over a chair as he rushed out of the inn room. Now that she was alone once more, Mathilda pondered her next move. She had left home in search of glory but all she was able to find were the petty problems of the rich. Surely there had to be something worthy of tales for her to do. Before any ideas could come to her a bird swooped in through the window and landed on the table before her. She raised a hand to shoo it away but then noticed the scroll tied to it. "Surely whatever message you have to share is better than the last one." She muttered to herself as she retrieved the message.

"Varkath." Her voice tinged with hate as she spoke the name of the empire. The Stromberg family had strong feelings about the empire, none of which were positive. "I will be there, bird... Wait, the lands above? Bird, tell your masters to pick better meeting places in the future."

---

The journey wasn't easy on her finances and considering she could already hear voices ahead of her, it seemed like she was late. All the same she strode into the meeting chamber with her arms folded behind her body. Her gaze swept the room, taking in the motley appearance of the people before her and clicked her tongue, disappointed by the lack of anyone resembling her idea of a professional soldier.

"I am Mathilda Stromberg and I have answered your summons. I was intrigued but now that I am here... Surely this isn't everyone?" She made no attempt to hide the judgment in her voice but otherwise she carried herself in a professional manner.

 

[DreamRider1]

Vaerith​

Vaerith’s lips curled ever so slightly, more a flicker of irritation than amusement as Aila stepped forward to challenge him. Bold. Foolish. But not unexpected.

“I thought you had just said broken things were useful.”

His silver gaze locked onto her, sharp and unyielding, dissecting every subtle shift in her expression. So, she had decided to take a stand. He had wondered how long it would take.

For the briefest of moments, his wings tensed, an almost imperceptible twitch of reaction. He didn’t care for the way she spoke of urgency as though she could read him, nor did he care for the innocent smile she offered as if daring him to acknowledge her as something more than the omen she was.

And so, he didn’t.

Instead, he let her turn away, let her believe she had won some small battle, and addressed the room instead.

Then, as if the gods sought to test his patience further, Lorwynn spoke.

“I agree with the fish-lady. Are you done discussing irrelevant things?”

Vaerith turned, slowly, his silver eyes settling on her with all the warmth of a blade drawn in dim candlelight.

“How fortunate,” he said, voice smooth but utterly devoid of warmth. “Another opinion I did not ask for.”

Lorwynn continued anyway. Of course, she did.

“Can we move on and actually start doing something?”

Vaerith exhaled through his nose. “You tell me. It seems everyone here has something urgent to say about absolutely nothing.”

His wings folded tightly behind him, his patience wearing thin. This was already teetering on the edge of a circus. He turned away, ready to put an end to the nonsense and finally get moving.

And then another voice rang out.

“Surely this isn’t everyone?”

Vaerith stilled, his expression unreadable as yet another new arrival strode into the chamber. Mathilda.

He let a slow, deliberate pause settle between them, watching her with that same dispassionate gaze he had turned on everyone else.

“No,” he said at last, voice even. “I expect more fools will find their way here before we leave.”

His tone was clipped, but not entirely without amusement.

This was already shaping up to be a complete disaster.

---

Liriel​

Liriel had watched Aila’s challenge with a hint of pride, the faintest flicker of a smirk ghosting across her lips. The girl was learning.

But, as always, Vaerith refused to react the way anyone expected him to. He would not rise to meet her defiance. He would let it hang in the air, ignored, like a puzzle piece left just slightly out of place.

It irritated Liriel more than she cared to admit.

And then, as if sensing her thoughts, Lorwynn’s voice cut through the tension with all the grace of a shipwreck.

Liriel turned, watching as the Eldrin strode in with all the arrogance of someone who had never quite learned the art of reading a room.

She sighed. “We’re off to a brilliant start,” she murmured under her breath.

Then, another new arrival. Mathilda.

This one, at least, had an air of discipline about her, though it was laced with blatant judgment.

And yet, Liriel wasn’t annoyed.

No, she was watching Vaerith.

Even if he didn’t show it, this was not how he had envisioned the start of their journey. Too many egos, too many distractions. He had wanted to leave already. He wanted control.

And Liriel?

Liriel wanted to stall.

She stepped forward, smooth as the rolling tide, letting her presence settle between Vaerith’s cold impatience and the new arrivals’ brash introductions.

“Well, if nothing else, we certainly aren’t lacking in confidence,” she said, her voice pleasant, measured, a delicate balance of amusement and control.

Her ocean-deep eyes flicked to Lorwynn, one brow raised just enough to be playful.

“I do hope you’ll be able to endure just a little more chitchat before we start throwing ourselves toward certain death,” she mused, the weight of the words light enough to be teasing, but sharp enough to remind her that words mattered.

Then, she turned to Mathilda, offering a small, knowing nod. “This is everyone so far. You know how these things are—more people always find their way into stories like this, whether we want them to or not.”

She could feel Vaerith’s irritation, but she kept him from moving just a little longer.

After all, if someone else was coming, better they arrive now than catch up later.

---

Varok​

Varok watched all of this unfold with deep amusement, arms crossed over his chest, the low rumble of a chuckle vibrating in his throat.

Aila’s defiance? Good.

Lorwynn’s impatience? Amusing.

Mathilda’s judgment? Expected.

Vaerith’s growing irritation? Delicious.

The noble’s thin patience was fraying by the second, and Varok had half a mind to keep pushing just to see how far it would go.

Instead, he let out a short, approving huff, glancing toward Lorwynn with something akin to a smirk.

“I like her,” he rumbled, golden eyes gleaming. “No nonsense. Straight to the point.”

Then, to Mathilda, with absolutely no regard for her obvious disappointment in the group before her.

“Looks like you were expecting more… soldiers,” he mused. “That’s too bad. You’re stuck with us.”

He grinned, all fangs and challenge.

Then, finally, his attention returned to Vaerith, who looked one heartbeat away from snapping.

“Come on, noble,” he said, utterly unfazed. “Don’t tell me you’re second-guessing already?”

He glanced at Liriel then, realizing what she was doing.

Stalling.

Smart.

So, Varok played along.

“Yeah, yeah. Let’s make sure the whole damn world doesn’t have a last-minute straggler before we get moving.” He cracked his knuckles. “Gives me more time to watch everyone size each other up like we’re in a gladiator pit.”

He grinned again. “Entertaining as hell.”

 

[Solarem]

Aila returned to where she had left Nessus on the edge of the gathering. She hadn't expected Vaerith to reply to her, but she didn't mind. Not when she could see her words had reached him. She'd noticed the slight shift in his body tension, the barest hint of movement from his wings. He could try to pretend she didn't exist but that's all it would be: pretending. She reached up to scratch Nessus under the chin, knowing he got antsy in unfamiliar groups. She didn't blame him, it wasn't often that they found themselves among others, but it was worth it. Finding the Heart of Aether was worth it.

The Wingless watched silently from the griffin's side as latecomers appeared, voicing their opinions on the situation. She admired the courage Lorwynn must possess to walk into a room of strangers, strangers that included an Aetherborn noble and someone as imposing as Liriel, and express disapproval for how things were going. A second person arrived, a human, and Aila was intrigued, wondering what would draw a human here, one who, as far as she could tell, was not connected to the Aether. She watched with her quiet perception as Mathilda questioned the make-up of their group. It was not the most impressive of sights, she had to admit. Still, to come in and immediately judge the people she was going to work with was certainly a bold choice.

She caught Varok's eye and smiled slightly at his veiled taunting. Aila could appreciate someone who also wanted to push the limits of Vaerith's tolerance. "If it comes to an actual gladiator pit, I will sit that one out," she replied cheerfully.

 

[PhreakedOut]

Lorwynn shook her head. Patience was not her strongest suit. Hearing the siren speak about waiting even longer angered her a little, but she bore with it. The different figures entering the chamber intrigued her, though she was too stubborn to admit it to herself. "Fine then. We'll wait a bit longer." She walked back to the wall she had been standing next to and leaned against it again, her back touching the cold crystal. Her eyes darted from person to person, resting a little longer on the pale Aetherborn. Something was off about her. Whether that would be good or not had to be determined when Lorwynn had gathered more information about her.

Lorwynn felt the fire inside her burning as brightly as always. It had been a while since she had been in such a big group, and she didn't like it a single bit. More people meant more opinions, more mouths to feed when traveling, more parties to split the treasure with if they found any and perhaps the worst, more liabilities to take into account. It would mean that if a fight would break out between the group and a different party or between themselves, she would have to hold in some of her power to not burn everyone beside her. She thought back for a moment to the memory of the first time she went with a group in search for a stolen relic. The one fight they had really showed how dangerous her flames actually were. In a fit of anger she had used too much of her Flame, almost melting one of the members' face off and scarring them for life. From that moment on she would only accept jobs alone or in pairs, blaming the others for being too close. Deep down, however, she was afraid to lose control again.

Lorwynn snapped out of her train of thought again when she noticed she was staring at the pale woman. She quickly looked away and to the ground and crossed her arms, hoping the woman hadn't noticed her staring.

 

[B E A R]

"Oh my, what a gathering we have in here!"

An Aetherborn who was not born in Sylvaria seemed to have appeared out of thin air. In reality, she had been hiding in one of their shadows—Lorwynn. A sickly sweet voice echoed as a hand gently rested against her cheek, while her brilliant green and pink eyes danced, taking in the surroundings. The gathering of so many different races in one place was an odd sight indeed. Tucking her hood away from her head, revealing a head full of pale gold strands and distinct features. The new addition leaned her head against Lorwynn's shoulder, as if she knows this stranger, Seline was merely just being annoying to test out the waters of how everyone is like in this room.

How did she get here in the first place? Long story short, this Aetherborn had stolen some stuff and amongst the stuff apparently there was this scroll that talked about some relic. Blah, blah, blah. All Seline got out of that was there was a relic and what is a relic if it's not wanted by many? Of course she would somehow find herself lurking around places that would have some sort of treasure.

"Man, for someone who wants to get moving and be a leader of the group -- you are not doing the best job getting toyed around by a lovely mermaid and a fluffy cat. Also kind of a weird move to be talking down to your own kind, don't you think? But aye, what do I know?"

With her hands up as if she was surrendering, in case the noble Aetherborn decided to talk. Seline could tell he was not of regular backgrounds, look at his attire and the materials... Maybe she can get her hands on something of his later..

Finally backing away from Lorwynn, in case this fiery female decides to strike her due to an invade of privacy -- Seline held her hands behind her back as she walked around the group as if she was exploring what they have hidden away from the naked eyes. The infamous Aetherborn who was simply not born in Sylvaria, a mercenary, assassin to some, or just a plain simple thief. She doesn't recognize who this noble is nor does she care, she only cares about what expensive thing can she get her hands on -- all these rules are just such a bore to her. In her left hand she twirled one of the daggers as she continues to walk around.

"We are sending this amount of people to their death for a relic?"

The winged lady said with confusion before giggling a little bit, if she had to be honest -- Seline feels like this will just be simply an amusing quest to tagalong and see how everyone will fall apart..

location:

a little gathering in sylvaria

outfit:

interactions:

PhreakedOut Solarem DreamRider1 CatlikeCreature Gigglecake

winter's

rose

 

[CatlikeCreature]

Mathilda kept her rigid posture as her eyes darted from speaker to speaker, impatiently waiting for what she wanted to hear and when she realized she wasn't going to get it, she raised her voice.

"Proper etiquette suggests that you would introduce yourselves, especially after I already did so. But I suppose I could instead just yell out 'Hey you, look out behind you' and hope the correct one reacts when I see a foe ready to run someone through." Once again, she made no effort to disguise her disappointment in the group. Choosing to address the Skarn, she peered at him from the corner of her eye. "Yes, one would assume that a dangerous mission of such importance would call for disciplined warriors capable of working together."

"Thank you." When addressing Liriel, Mathilda showed her the courtesy of actually facing her directly. "Do we know how many people were sent these missives? Or the reliability of those invited?" It was then that Mathilda noticed the Eldrin walking back to the wall of the chamber out of the corner of her eye and without looking she pointed at her with her right hand and snapped loudly three times with the same hand. "I'm sorry, are you bored already?" She turned her gaze towards the girl, ready to launch into a tirade but was caught off guard by another person next to her. Her eyes narrowed as she stared at the new arrival and then she jerked her head towards Vaerith. "I assume you are the leader here, could you please do something to direct this discussion towards an actual... Discussion?"

 

[PhreakedOut]

For a moment Lorwynn stood in peace leaning against the wall. Then she felt something soft resting on her shoulder, something warm. She looked to her left and saw the face of another stranger resting on her shoulder, suddenly talking to the rest of the group. Lorwynn stepped aside, startled from the sudden touch. "What the-?" For a moment she was confused, not sure what to do. Then she sighed and crossed her arms again. Another one of those stuck-up and winged fairies trying to be the best. What else did she expect? She was in the capital of those winged creatures, of course there would be a lot more!

Lorwynn looked angrily at Mathilda when she taunted her. "What did you just say? Who are you anyway? You're not my bloody mum!" She shakes her head and exhales through her nose. Puffs of smoke leave her nose, as if the fire inside her had been stoked a little hotter again. She then looked at the newest arrival and said: "Do you think so little of me that I would fall over and die for a bloody artifact? Not in a million years!" She lit fire in her hands and grinned. "I got some power to work with, lass. I ain't going to just fall over without a bloody fight!" She then dismissed the fire in her hands again. "But you have spirit, I can tell. Tell me, what's your name?"

 

[Solarem]

Aila watched the exchange between the members of the group, eye brows slightly raised. The egos of several of the people rivaled that of Vaerith, which would surely lead to new and interesting problems as the quest continued on. If they could even make it out of this room.

She noticed the Eldrin woman staring at her from across the room and studied her face. It didn't seem as though she was staring in judgement, though even if she had been, it wouldn't be the first time Aila had receive negative attention from someone. She simply met the stare with a neutral, if slightly questioning expression.

After the taunts continued for a few more minutes Aila stepped forward once again. "For a group that seems so concerned about departing, and remaining alive, you seem to be focusing a lot on the areas you deem unworthy. You haven't bothered to assess the actual skills anyone possesses, which might be a helpful step to take in keeping each other alive," she said smoothly, her soft voice again carrying over the arguments.

She didn't know why she bothered to try to take a stand, no one ever cared what she had to say, or what her opinions were. Perhaps it was because Liriel and Varok had spoken to her as if she were a person of value, for the first time in her life. Maybe others would see her similarly, and maybe that was why she was inserting herself now. Her pale blue eyes scanned the group expectantly, waiting for a response whether it be more irritation, or a more reasonable discussion.

 

[DreamRider1]

Vaerith – Cold, Calculated, and Unmoved

Vaerith stood utterly still, his silver gaze scanning the room, taking in each new interruption, taunt, and arrival with increasing detachment. The moment stretched, his unreadable expression betraying nothing but an unwavering patience—one that teetered on the edge of something dangerous.

Then, slowly, he turned.

First, to Seline.

“Man, for someone who wants to get moving and be a leader of the group—you are not doing the best job getting toyed around by a lovely mermaid and a fluffy cat.”

Vaerith’s wings twitched. A singular movement, almost imperceptible, but there. His silver eyes locked onto hers, his face a mask of passive disdain.

“You must be very accustomed to not being taken seriously,” he said, his voice smooth and impassive, “if you believe that words—especially yours—carry weight here.”

His gaze flicked to the twirling dagger in her fingers. A thief. Or something worse. Wonderful.

“Also kind of a weird move to be talking down to your own kind, don’t you think?”

Vaerith’s expression did not change.

“I speak down to those who deserve it,” he replied simply. “What they are is irrelevant.”

Then, as if dismissing the very concept of her existence, he turned away.

Next, Mathilda.

“I assume you are the leader here, could you please do something to direct this discussion toward an actual… discussion?”

Vaerith’s gaze flicked to her, as if only now acknowledging that she had spoken. There was something about her rigid posture, her sharp tone, her expectation of discipline that would have been almost admirable—had it not been directed at him.

“I could,” he said smoothly, “but then I would be indulging the illusion that this is a democracy.”

Finally, his eyes settled on Aila.

“For a group that seems so concerned about departing, and remaining alive, you seem to be focusing a lot on the areas you deem unworthy. You haven’t bothered to assess the actual skills anyone possesses, which might be a helpful step to take in keeping each other alive.”

The Wingless spoke again. How bold she had become.

Vaerith exhaled through his nose, a slow, measured breath that was not quite annoyance—but not far from it.

“You assume I care,” he said simply. “If they are truly so eager to prove themselves, they will have plenty of opportunity once we leave. If they fail, we will leave them behind. Simple.”

He turned to the group.

“If you are here, it is because you think you are worthy. If you are still here by the time we reach the relic, then you were right.”

The weight of his words settled over the chamber like a blade.

“Now, if we are finished wasting time,” he said coldly, “then we are leaving.”

---

Liriel – Cool Patience, Unshaken but Watchful

Liriel had been watching the exchange unfold like a storm brewing on the horizon—too distant to be immediate, but inevitable nonetheless.

She had let them all speak. She had let Vaerith wield his silence as a weapon. She had let Varok enjoy himself far too much.

Now, though, it was time for her to step in.

“Not quite yet,” she said, her voice calm but deliberate. A measured interruption.

She stepped forward, placing herself slightly in front of Aila, not protectively, but as if reinforcing her words.

“I happen to agree,” she said smoothly, nodding toward the Wingless. “If we’re throwing ourselves toward certain death, I’d at least like to know what skills we have at our disposal.”

Her ocean-deep gaze flicked to Mathilda. “As for numbers? That remains to be seen.”

Her eyes lingered a moment longer on the human. This one would demand order. Would not take well to Vaerith’s brand of leadership.

Interesting.

Then, her attention slid to Seline.

This one, however, would demand chaos.

Liriel’s smile didn’t falter, but it was knowing.

“I’d rather not see this turn into a competition of egos,” she continued, her voice light but pointed. “We’ll learn what we need of each other soon enough.”

Then, finally, she looked at Vaerith.

“You can wait another moment, can’t you, Lord Solastra?” she mused.

A challenge, but not quite. Not yet.

---

Varok – Amused, Unbothered, and Enjoying the Chaos

Varok chuckled, the deep rumble of it rolling through his chest like distant thunder. Oh, this was good.

First Aila had spoken up. Then the little thief. Then the self-righteous human. And now the siren was openly prodding the noble’s patience.

“You’re all starting to grow on me,” he said with a toothy grin.

He met Aila’s gaze briefly, smirking at her response to his earlier taunt.

“If it comes to an actual gladiator pit, I will sit that one out.”

“Shame,” he rumbled, “I’d bet on you.”

His golden eyes flicked toward Lorwynn, watching as she leaned against the wall, silent but still burning. He’d seen warriors like her before—ones that held their fire back, not because they lacked the will to use it, but because they feared what would happen if they did.

He wouldn’t press her. Not yet.

Then came Seline’s arrival.

Varok’s ears flicked slightly, golden eyes sharpening with something between curiosity and caution. He knew exactly what she was the moment he laid eyes on her.

Trouble.

And yet, he grinned.

“You’re bold,” he remarked to her, watching her twirl her dagger. “Stupid, maybe. But bold.”

He crossed his arms, glancing at Mathilda as she snapped her fingers at Lorwynn. A mistake, that.

Varok chuckled again.

“Oh, this is going to be fun.”

Then, finally, Vaerith spoke again.

“If you are here,, it is because you think you are worthy. If you are still here by the time we reach the relic, then you were right.”

Varok rolled his shoulders, unfazed.

“Well, at least we’re finally moving.”

He grinned at Liriel’s little challenge, waiting to see if Vaerith would actually indulge her.

And if not?

Well. Then things were about to get very interesting.

 

[CatlikeCreature]

Mathilda raised an eyebrow at Vaerith's words, slightly puzzled at what he was getting at.

"So you're making sure people know this isn't a democracy by... Letting everyone babble on and say nothing of use? Isn't that the true essence of democracy?"

Finally letting her stiff stance relax a bit, she shut her eyes tight and rubbed her temples. She was unsure if her lack of understanding came her being affected by the thin air or if the thin air had affected the Aetherborn generations ago, but she decided to drop it. Luckily for her, the leader decided to start leading.

"They might think they're worthy, but I know I'm worthy. I am a Stromberg after all."
Mathilda was eager to finally set out, but something she had momentarily forgot popped back into her mind as she followed Vaerith towards the chamber exit.

"Other than Commander Solastra, I don't know anyone's name..."

 

[Solarem]

Aila gave Varok another small smile at his acknowledgement, though she doubted it would be wise to bet on her in a fight. She didn't voice those thoughts, however, and instead turned her attention back to those still speaking. She was growing more confident knowing that others here did not see her as broken, despite that being an indisputable fact. If anything, she was more determined to prove them right, to show herself that she was more than she'd been told.

Vaerith's words of worthiness hung in the air, and she avoided looking at him in that moment. She was not on this journey because she believed herself worthy, and Vaerith more than likely knew that. She was on this quest because she had nothing more to lose. The Wingless also understood Vaerith had not extended the invitation to her out of kindness, rather he almost certainly had another reason, though Aila did not yet know what it was.

"I am Aila Wranven," she said, addressing Mathilda who had just spoken. "Being a Stromberg means you are inherently strong enough to challenge an unmaking?" It was a slight challenge, if only because Aila doubted a family name was an indicator of strength. Perhaps there was truth to the statement though; she would gladly hear what Mathilda had to say.

 

[PhreakedOut]

Lorwynn sighed deeply. "Are we going to need to do this over and over again?" She shook her head. "Bloody hell. Alright, from the top again: I am Lorwynn, I have received this invitation and I want in. You'll see what I'm good at when we get there. Now, again, I want to know what we are going to do, where we are headed to do what we need to do and how we are going to do it. Let's just hurry these 'formal' things up and get to the meat of the meet-up, shall we?"

Lorwynn then turned to Mathilda. "Oh, and just so you don't forget: I don't care for the slightest who you are or where you came from. Just do your thing that you're good at, and I'll judge you based on that, not just a family name."

 

[DreamRider1]

Liriel ​

Liriel exhaled slowly, pressing her lips together as if holding back laughter. Not outright mocking—no, she was better than that. But there was something deeply entertaining about watching Mathilda and Lorwynn snap at each other, neither willing to back down.

Still, the introductions needed to happen sooner or later, and she’d rather avoid the inevitable bloodshed that might occur if this continued unchecked.

"Mathilda, Aila, Lorwynn," she repeated smoothly, as if filing away each name like a song verse. Then, she glanced at the rest of the group. "That’s three down. Anyone else want to get their names in before we all get moving?"

She looked toward Varok first, knowing full well he was probably enjoying this chaos far too much to care.

Varok​

Varok snorted, arms still crossed over his chest, golden eyes glinting in amusement.

"Wouldn’t want anyone forgetting me," he said with a slow, fanged grin. "I’m Varok. You’ll either be glad I’m on your side, or you won’t be around long enough to care."

He shot a look toward Mathilda and Lorwynn, the lingering tension a source of endless entertainment for him.

"But hey, if we’re lucky, you two will have killed each other before we even reach Varkath. Saves us all the trouble."

He winked at Liriel, who simply sighed.

Vaerith​

Vaerith had heard enough.

Mathilda’s earlier words about democracy were already discarded—not worth engaging. Lorwynn’s growing impatience was expected. The petty ego clashes? Annoying, but predictable.

But when Aila spoke again—challenging Mathilda’s belief in her own worth simply because of a name—his silver eyes flickered toward her.

And this time, he acknowledged her.

For a brief moment, he studied her, the quiet defiance behind her words, the way she seemed to hesitate only slightly before speaking.

Interesting.

Then, he turned away, uninterested in hearing Mathilda’s rebuttal.

He took a step toward the chamber exit, his wings shifting behind him as if to shake off the conversation entirely.

"We’re going to Varkath," he said flatly, his voice cutting through the tension like a cold blade.

No flourish. No explanation. Just finality.

"That is the first step. If you do not already understand why, then you should not be here."

He turned, his silver eyes scanning the group one last time, his patience clearly gone.

"We’re finished here. If you’re coming, keep up."

And with that, Vaerith led the way out of the chamber, not bothering to look back.

 

[Solarem]

Aila noted Vaerith's growing irritation with no small sense of amusement. A group of people who didn't look down on her with disdain because of her very existence was a refreshing change, and it was very rarely that anyone dared to give attitude to the noble Aetherborn, let alone Vaerith. She hid a smile as she turned back to collect Nessus.

The Wingless slung herself smoothly up onto the back of the griffin, settling into her familiar space. She scratched the beast gently on his neck before urging him forward to follow Vaerith as he departed.

Though she remained slightly behind him, Aila spoke up to her fellow Aetherborn. "Was this not the group of strong, capable heroes you were expecting to answer your summons?" she asked, her gentle voice no louder than usual, but somehow more bolstered after interacting with all the newcomers.

 

[CatlikeCreature]

Mathilda frowned briefly upon learning that her traveling companions had apparently not heard of her family. "No." She replied calmly to Aila. "Being a Stromberg means my childhood was devoted to turning me into one of the greatest soldiers of our time. I am standing before you because I have been separated from the chaff." She closed her eyes briefly and mouthed a small prayer to herself before continuing. "My family values its strong martial traditions."

Mathilda shot a glare at Varok. "Killing an ally, and during a campaign at that, is something a Stromberg wouldn't do. Is that common among your kind?" She didn't expect him to give a response, so she instead turned her focus to the other person doubting her family. "I had thought your kind understood the honor and tradition behind family names. Have I misjudged your people Lorwynn? Or is this just a you thing? No matter, I'll show everyone when the time comes."

 

[PhreakedOut]

Lorwynn felt her anger build inside her, but remained calm towards the outside. She didn't respond to Mathilda's taunts and followed Vaerith outside. A strong breeze blew through her hair. She looked ahead and towards the edge of the island. The sun was setting far in the distance, painting the sky in different shades of red and orange. Beneath her she saw the cloudy expanse the islands was floating above and fragments of the lands beneath them. The comfort she felt when she was standing on firm ground was not as prevalent as she would've hoped for. It had been the first time visiting the floating islands, or to fly up towards them for that matter.

"Tell me, Vaerith, how are we going to get to Varkath? Not everyone has wings like yours to fly towards it. Did you prepare transport for us to use?"

 

[DreamRider1]

Vaerith didn’t answer immediately.

He walked ahead of the group as though the sun itself were waiting for him to set, the crimson and copper light glinting off the edges of his silver pauldrons and cascading like fire over his wings. It made him seem almost sculpted from metal—polished, elegant, and utterly cold. But when Aila spoke behind him, her soft, mocking edge curling like smoke beneath her otherwise gentle voice, he did pause.

Only briefly.

Not enough to turn, not enough to give her the full satisfaction of attention.

But just enough for her to know he’d heard her.

“Was this not the group of strong, capable heroes you were expecting to answer your summons?”

“I expected bodies who could hold a blade without impaling themselves,” he said flatly, never breaking stride. “I see now I may have been too optimistic.”

Still, there was no bite to his voice—just a dry, searing truth so stripped of emotion it cut deeper than anger ever could.

When Mathilda’s clipped response followed, detailing her martial upbringing and her family's values, Vaerith’s eyes flicked to the horizon.

“Then your worth should speak for itself, shouldn’t it?” he said idly, as though testing a blade’s edge without much interest in whether it was sharp. “You’ll have the opportunity to prove you’re not just another soldier who mistakes rigidity for discipline.”

He didn’t look at her, but his tone landed like a challenge laid across the floor—subtle, exacting, and inevitable.

---

Liriel walked several steps behind the two Aetherborn, her gaze drifting between Aila and Mathilda, then ahead toward Lorwynn and the vast, burning sky.

She caught the tail end of Aila’s question to Vaerith, and despite herself, smiled faintly.

Aila was coming into her own. She might still walk softly, but she was no longer walking unseen.

Then came Mathilda’s retort, all cold legacy and clipped diction. And the glare she shot at Varok.

Liriel clicked her tongue softly.

“A shame your upbringing didn’t include tact,” she murmured, barely loud enough to carry. “Or an appreciation for nuance. Not everything is a battlefield.”

And then came the question from Lorwynn, crisp and to the point.

“Tell me, Vaerith, how are we going to get to Varkath? Not everyone has wings like yours to fly towards it. Did you prepare transport for us to use?”

Liriel raised a brow in curiosity, turning her gaze to the noble Aetherborn. He’d better have thought of that, or they were going to get very acquainted with cliffs and falling.

---

Varok didn’t even blink at Mathilda’s glare. If anything, his grin widened, sharp teeth gleaming in the golden light.

“Killing an ally, and during a campaign at that, is something a Stromberg wouldn’t do. Is that common among your kind?”

“Only the ones who deserve it,” he said easily, tossing the words over his shoulder like they weighed nothing. “But you’re safe. Probably.”

He gave Aila a sideways glance and a gruff nod.

“You keep getting bolder,” he rumbled, half-approving, half-challenging. “Good. Keep going. Maybe the rest of them’ll learn something from you.”

Then he looked to Liriel and Lorwynn, then back toward Vaerith’s back.

“...Assuming we don’t have to carry them to Varkath. Because I don’t lift anyone I don’t like.”

---

Vaerith finally stopped at the edge of the isle. The wind whipped around his coat, his wings folding back tightly against his back as he looked down at the drifting layers of cloud and the distant, jagged outlines of land far, far below.

“Tell me, Vaerith…”

He turned slightly, enough for Lorwynn to see his profile, his expression carved from marble.

“There’s a transport prepared,” he said crisply. “Griffins, skybeasts, aether-sails—whatever you need to keep up. The nobles insisted we arrive discreetly. No grand entrances.”

Then, for the first time since they began, he faced the group directly. His silver eyes passed over each of them, stopping briefly on Aila, lingering for just a breath longer than necessary.

“This isn’t a parade,” he said. “It’s the beginning of a war.”

His wings extended behind him, catching the last light of day.

“Mount up. We leave now.”

 

[CatlikeCreature]

Mathilda eagerly awaited for Lorwynn's response, but quickly gave up when she remained quiet. Oh well. Vaerith's comment about rigidity versus discipline didn't surprise her, she had read about her family's work under noble houses and no matter the generation or race they always acted the same. It could be seen as something profound if one were to take a positive look at it, but Mathilda just wondered how she was meant to interact with people that had such an alien upbringing. So she simply smiled at him, a small act of politeness from her... That unintentionally could easily be taken as a sign of smugness.

However Varok's comment quickly erased her smile. "We have countless battles ahead of us and you're ... Gleeful at the idea of cutting down allies? Save it for the Varkathians. They've deserved it for too long." Once the group arrived at the transportation, she was fully frowning. "I hate flying." She grumbled to herself as she weighed the options before her, eventually settling on a griffin. "At least the worst part of this will be over soon."

 

[Solarem]

A small hint of a smile flickered across Aila's face as she heard Varok's comment, her pale blue eyes meeting his for a brief moment before she turned away to continue walking. His immediate encouragement and support provided a warmth Aila was unfamiliar with, and she found herself wanting to earn more of it.

At the edge of the isle, Aila peered over into the clouds below. She had flown on Nessus plenty before, but for some reason had never ventured beyond the familiar floating islands of Sylvaria. She noted the quiet complaint of Mathilda, and turned to look at the woman. She had so proudly claimed her skills, and yet now she seemed to falter when faced with the skies. Interesting, as Aila had always longed for the ability of flight she had been denied. "Griffins are not so bad," the Wingless remarked, nudging Nessus toward Mathilda and her mount. "They will not let you fall. Unless you wrong them in some way."

 

[PhreakedOut]

Lorwynn chuckled. "The great Mathilda, afraid to fly? Come now, lass. It's nothing to be afraid of for someone your name!" she said mockingly. Lorwynn herself picked a griffin to ride. She held her hand to the beak of the griffin to let it sniff her scent. The griffin approached cautiously, took a whiff of her scent and took two steps back, shaking its head. Lorwynn looked at it surprised, then softly smiled at the beast. "Ah, right. The smell of fire. I mean you no harm." She reached out and softly touched its beak. The griffin snorted and shook its head again, but let her touch its beak. "There now. It's alright." Lorwynn patted the griffin on the side of its neck. She whispered: "Only your kind still accept me. I thank you for that and will take good care of you." She then ascended the griffin, ready to take off. She looked at Vaerith for the signal to go.