Take Back the Crown

Lilith looked at Alo and sighed. "I suppose we should... But first." She turned towards Svetlana and the princess. "Yes. Alo and I are riding this boat across the lake." She smiled weakly. She bent over and picked up Jinx. The cat meowed and pawed at Lilith's long braided hair. "Now why in Algoran have you two formed together? I'm sure there's quite a story there, since neither of where you live are close together." She asked.

​
 
Oceana looked over at Ayda who was scowling after Hjalmar's feet clambering up the roof.


She didn't care much that he,


a human, stole things from human towns. That was human business that she refused to be a part of.


"You should just let him be, Miss Ayda. You cannae convince someone to change lifestyles over night. Surely all it will do is put you both in a foul mood."


The elf's lips quirked up a fraction. She reached her hand out towards the girl.


"Would you like to come along with me to search for a smithy?"


@QueenSaiko
 
Surrounded by the bustling activity brought about by the town, Nameen leaned against the supply wagons, tapping her foot in a repeated twitch against the ground. The quaint coastal town was more of a place that Nameen was used to, as opposed to forests and the smouldering ruins of lost kingdoms. It was a place where a nomad such as her would commonly travel through from time to time. It was also one where any person could easily slip their fingers into the wagon and take what they pleased without a lot of notice. Hence was the reason why Nameen stayed with the wagons, glaring at any passers by who might eye their possessions.


The only other in their company who had stayed behind was Yaroslav, who stood guard silently next to the opposite caravan.


@Lo Alyssa
 
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Foxrun wasn't too far from the caravans after lingering away from the previous conversation. He had planted himself away from foot traffic, enjoying the solid ground while it lasted. He then noticed the woman guarding one of the carriages. He couldn't recall speaking to her much, other than their first meeting. He abruptly stood up, dusted himself off, and made a bee line straight for her. "Ah, hello!" He waved as he stepped up, "may I?" He pointed to the spot beside her


@Rydellius
 
Nameen titled her head in curiosity when she spotted Foxrun, the fae who had evidently decided to tag along, making his way straight for her. In politeness, she nodded at his greeting and his request to take a spot next to her.


Small-talk was definitely not one of Nameen's stronger areas. Since Foxrun hadn't left a lot of a lead for conversation, she continued to stand silenty with her arms crossed over her chest. She eyed him sideways, difficult since he was on her scarred side, wondering if she should say something.


@GalacticRam
 
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Phaedra returned the smile, laughter sparkling in her eyes, and shook her head.

"Maybe if you turn green, you will be just as strange. I think we fit right in with our little group, though."

Sensing the watchful eyes of the shopkeep on them, Phaedra guided Bo through the small store, looking from shelf to shelf, and glass case to glass case. There were a wide variety of things in the store. Mostly pottery, but there were certainly a few items of interest that could have caught their eyes. For example, a hazy light green vase formed - or perhaps painstakingly carved to perfection - from sea glass was a centerpiece on one of the top shelves, filled with an assortment of seasonal flowers. Phaedra had no idea if it held any true value, but it was beautiful. Another striking piece was a fist-sized geode that shined like the sun reflecting off the water's surface at sunset - a kaleidoscope of colors from every angle.

Eventually, Phaedra's wandering eyes settled upon one item in particular. A near colorless stone that hung from a leather cord, wrapped securely on the cord. Gently taking it in her hands, it took on an almost "three dimensional" depth of color with a shimmery silvery-blue that diffused from within the stone. Quickly, she purchased the stone. Given the look of it, it was almost surprising that it wasn't more expensive as it appeared high quality, though Phaedra's expression showed that she was none too surprised. It helped that there were several more similar to what Phaedra had chosen, but the depth of color wasn't nearly as vibrant and the white stone was more opaque.

She brought the stone to Bo, presenting it to him.

"I'd like to gift this to you. It comes from the water, so I hope you don't mind.." She began. Phaedra took on a more shy persona, uncertain, nervous. Not to mention the fact that she didn't know what Bo even liked. "Much like moonstone - you don't show much on the outside, but there is a whole world inside of you that shines so brightly. I hope this shows my appreciation for the past few days. You've been a good.. ally. A friend, even."

Phaedra cleared her throat. It was unnecessary, but the words felt almost awkward coming out. She wasn't used to having a friend. Noticing his discomfort of the water, however, she was unsure of how well the present would be received. It almost seemed a fitting acknowledgement of his fear without outright saying it, but putting a positive twist on it. It was very difficult to gauge other's reactions and she hoped this gift wouldn't give him more anxiety when it looked like he had just calmed down.

@soundofmind


(sorry for the essay, everyone)
​
 
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Alo looked surprised. "We're riding the same boat as them? Ugh. Great. If someone in this group turns out to be an assassin and kills me, I'm blaming you. And then I'm going to haunt you." He grumbled.


@Queen of Fantasy
 
His face was burning but he felt so happy. He took the moonstone from Phaedra's hands, the grin on his face growing into a wide smile. It was rather unusual for anyone to show him such a kind gesture (normally, he always ended up scaring people away somehow), but this was a more than welcome display of appreciation and kindness. He turned the stone over in his hand, feeling it's smooth surface and looking at the colors it showed as the light reflected off of it in different ways. He looked down at Phaedra, smiling ear to ear. "You've been a great friend too," He replied with a similarly more timid approach. "...Thank you. I will keep this." Even more than that, he would treasure it. He couldn't recall ever receiving a meaningful gift from a friend, but now this stone became his most valued possession. "I like it. I like it a lot."


Now he only wished to return the favor with some equally nice expression of kindness. He didn't know, however, what to get or buy to... I don't have to pay her back. It is a gift after all. For now... I'll just... take it. But now he had a friend - which was honestly, the greatest gift that he was getting at this moment, even more so than the stone. So he would be kind to her as well! Because that's what friends do!

 
Svetlana raised an eyebrow at the curious boy, very unimpressed with his attitude. But she didn't bother him, "Princess, I will go back and get the others. I trust--" she paused for a moment, glancing at Alo again, "Well, I trust Lilith so you do not need to worry about being left alone."

​





@Danika
​







It didn't take her long to get back to the others, as she was no longer inspecting boat by boat. "Alright everyone!" She said that a lot, sometimes it almost seemed like she was in charge of the expedition instead of the princess... perhaps that was the case, "I need your help loading the caravans onto the boat I have chosen!" She smiled, excited to ride on the sea once again after so many years of being grounded. She noticed that some had gone off to do their own thing, "Tsk tsk, no one can stay still for a moment, can they?"


"You were gone for an hour and a half, grandmother." Yaroslav retorted. She probably didn't notice. She shrugged, and nodded, "Well, can someone go round them up please?" She asked.
​



 

Phaedra felt her cheeks grow hot, flushing to that familiar deep shade of purple - she was deeply embarrassed that she had even thought that Bo would treat her show of appreciation coldly. Deeply grateful for the acceptance of her friendship, she was visibly ecstatic that her gift had been well received.

"I'm very glad to hear it, Bo. Thank you." She smiled softly. She began to hover her way to the door. "I think we've spent quite a bit of time here. Shall we go rejoin the others? If you're ready to, that is."

The last bit was said with a trace of concern. She knew he didn't like the idea of riding the boat across the expansive body of water, but Phaedra had a feeling it was going to be time to leave soon. She had hoped that their time here would have allowed Bo enough time to mentally prepare himself. The unique nature of her abilities didn't really allow her any reason to fear water. She could manipulate air, after all.

@soundofmind @plasticlizard022 @GalacticRam @Rydellius


(tagging all, for whomever decides to come round Bo and Phaedra up)
​
 
Oceana saw Svetlana and the princess returning out of the corner of her eye and tsked, slightly annoyed she wouldn't get to get new armor polish.


But knew that this journey certainly didn't revolve around her whims.


So she looked back to Ayda meaningfully and strode off back to the wagons.


"We should go. They're ready." She called behind her, clenching the hand she had offered to Ayda in frustration.


@QueenSaiko @Lo Alyssa
 
Valeiah had been standing and admiring the view, when she looked over and noticed the princess and Svetlana talking to some new people. A woman and... "Oh my god." Valeiah grumbled and marched over.


"What are you doing here?!" She yelled at Alo. Alo furrowed his brows together. "Hey! I never said you could wear my clothes! Give them back–"


Alo was interrupted by the girl smacking him in the side of the head, which he responded to by putting her in a chokehold and grinding his fist into her scalp. Noogies. The worst torture imaginable.


"Uncle, uncle!!" Valeiah shrieked and slapped his arm.
 
A wave of realization swept over Bo as he was reminded of the seafaring journey ahead of them. His smile faded, and he clutched the the stone close to his chest. He stared at the door for a moment, trying desperately not to be too dramatic but still feeling like stepping out of the shop was the difference between life and death. He took in a deep breath, taking control of his breathing before it had a chance to speed up (although there wasn't much he could do for his pounding heart rate). With a look of determination he nodded. "Yes." He did not want to keep them waiting, so he followed Phaedra, staying close as they rejoined the group.


If anything, he could take comfort in knowing that he was going to be facing his fears with a friend, and not alone.

 
Foxrun wasn't the best with this sort of thing either, but he aimed to at least try. "So, you're Nameen." He stated, once again only knowing names by overhearing them. Yet just as he was about to finally ask a question, Svetlana asked them to fetch the others. "Well Oceana went that- er never mind, she's headed back, with someone else." He turned to Nameen "I've got a couple of questions, but first I'm going to grab Bo and Phaedra." He then hustled in the direction the two had gone. He nearly passed the small shop, then waved through the glass "you guys, mother bird says it's time to head out!" He only left once he saw the two head for the door.


He jogged back up to the group "they're right behind me." He then went back to the very pale skinned woman, immediately going into what he had meant to ask before. "Now then, You pointed that pretty sword at me. Didn't you say it was made of silver?" He asked, genuinely curious. "Or did I confuse it with one of the other weapons that had been pointed at me?" He laughed slightly at recalling how poor his timing had been.


@Rydellius @TeeKay @soundofmind
 

"Of course. We will be there shortly." She nodded at Foxrun, starting out the door. As soon as he seemed to be out of earshot, she chuckled softly. "I guess I was correct in my assumption."

Phaedra floated a little higher beside Bo, just so she could put a reassuring hand on his shoulder without looking like she was hanging off of him as they walked side by side to the docks. While she couldn't understand his fear, she would be supportive. It was the least she could do, considering the amount of support he had shown her already.

Once they reached the dock, mostly everyone was there. It just seemed that Oceana, Ayda, and Hjalmar were missing from the group, though a brief scan of the village revealed the Elven woman stepping out of an alleyway, her head turned - perhaps talking to others in that same alley? What were they all doing there? What a strange place to spend time is a beautiful town like this.

Deciding not to follow this train of thought too deeply, she just listened quietly to the sounds of the water ebbing and flowing along the shore. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. While the air was quite different here than from the mountains - damp earth and sand, humid air but with a gentle breeze that washed over them from the water, grass and wildflowers - she still deeply admired her surroundings. This was what she started this journey for years ago. New sights, sounds, smells. New people and places. It was pleasant to now find that she would have new friends as well to share this with as she opened her eyes to see everyone regrouping.​
 

From his rooftop view, Hjalmar noticed the old woman returning, and he realized this was a sign they'd be moving on. But he had also heard Oceana's comment about going to the smithy, and he felt slightly sorry she couldn't tend to her arms. He would go and grab what she needed, if only he knew.


But this journey wasn't going to be easy. Tending armor and weapons would soon be the least of their problems. Beyond the body of water before them, was a hot, scorching desert, already treacherous by itself, but they were heading to a particularly bad part of the sand dunes (more like doom) where a piece of the crown lie hidden. He doubted getting it was going to be an easy task, and he could only imagine the place would be well guarded. It was extremely powerful and valuable after all.


He deftly vaulted off the roof to the ground, jogging to catch up to the rest of the group, intent on helping them load the wagons.
​



 
"I said uncle! Let go!" Valeiah screeched and Alo let go of her. Valeiah crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. "Seriously though, why are you wearing my clothes? That's rude. You didn't ask." "Well you weren't exactly around to ask, and my skirt got soaked in blood." "You didn't bring extra skirts?" "Yes, I did but I don't wanna wear a skirt."
 
Nameen gave a quick glance at the sword's hilt peeking up over the top of her shoulder.


"It isn't silver," she answered, turning her eye back to Foxrun. "I don't actually know what it is. The blade is made of an alloy of some sort, and the recipe is only known to the creator. It's extremely light and it's strength and durability impresses me every time I use it." The corners of her mouth turned upwards in a slight smile.


"I've always been curious about what it is made of." She paused, staring down at her boots. Throughout her time with the group, this was the most she'd spoken at one time. For her the experience was very different, and she took a second to process.


After a breath or so, Nameen looked back up again, a joking smirk on her face. "For all I know, it could have silver in it, it could not. Just don't give me a reason to point it at you again, and you'll be fine."


@GalacticRam
 
Thora quickly grew uneasy again as everyone began to return to the caravans. She knew she would have to begin sailing soon and it made her feel queasy all over again. That's when she remembered what Foxrun gave her and she began to furiously rub her thumb in the divot of the stone. It provided momentary relief as she waited for boarding instructions.
 
".... You're right." Ayda said to Oceana , hurriedly following her to the others. Once again, her dark eyes spotted Oceana's frustrated act and winced.


'Is she angry?... It's probably my fault....' Ayda thought, regretting not taking her hand when she offered.


"Hey , m-maybe in the next town we can go to the smithy's together? It would be nice... To see something new...."


@OlKaJa77
 
Lucasta nodded and let Svetlana go get the others. Lucasta was about to ask Lilith about how she knew Svetlana, but before she could Valeiah came bounding up to Alo and tackling him, aggressively. Lucasta went wide eyed and did nothing, as the two acted like siblings. Lilith just started laughing. "That's what you get you big oaf!" She cackled, and wiped a tear from her eye. "Valeiah, what are you doing?!" Lucasta asked, worriedly. "Ah, relax Princess." Lilith pat her shoulder. "They're siblings. Alo would talk about this little fiend here, often." She said, crossing her arms and giving a look at Alo.
 
Valeiah started snort laughing. "Aw, did my big brother miss me?" She teased. Alo flicked her forehead. "Ow, okay! I won't make fun of you." Valeiah rubbed where he flicked her, then looked at Lucasta. "Meet my only living sibling, Alo."


@Queen of Fantasy
 
Lucasta smiled. "Nice to meet you, Alo." She greeted, once more. She looked at Valeiah then back at Alo. She could definitely see the resemblance now.


Lilith helped the two siblings up from the ground and crossed her arms. Jinx sat on her head and purred. "Now, why are you two traveling together? Honestly that seems quite strange to me." She asked Valeiah and Lucasta.


"We're going to retrieve the gemstones for the crown of Algoran." She responded, clutching her satchel. "We met along the road and she decided to come to help us." She left out the part of her attacking out of the explanation.


Lilith smiled. "How interesting. We seem to be heading that direction as well. We could tag along if you'd like." Lilith looked at Alo, to see what he thought of the idea.
 
Valeiah rolled her eyes. "Actually, I attacked them, and right before that big guy over there exploded my brain we were attacked by imps. And then one of them asked me to stay so I did." She explained.


Alo nodded in approval at Lilith's suggestion. As long as he wasn't killed by anyone on the way.


"Alo, did you bring Mapiya?" "Yes, but I left her somewhere while we came down here to look at the boats."
 
Oceana was slightly frustrated, but more with not getting armor polish than anything else.


She felt guilty about making Ayda worry and tried to think of a way to apologize.


Oh Oceana you really shouldnae... She told herself in her head. But the rest of her had other plans it seemed.


The elf hesitantly reached out her hand toward Ayda's. She shook her head once and decided to just hurry and do it.


Her normally graceful fingers flicked over to the human girl's hand, squeezed once reassuringly, and then let go quickly.


The elf maiden was blushing up to her ears now, but forced herself not to bolt off. The point was not to scare Ayda anymore, after all.


She overheard the tail end of Foxrun and Nameen's conversation as she walked towards the wagon. Her curiosity was certainly piqued at hearing about the girl's sword. She wished to see it. To study it...


But I've never even talked to her before...


Resolving herself, reluctantly, to get to know her companions better, she approached the albino woman, and much to her annoyance, Foxrun.


@Rydellius @QueenSaiko @GalacticRam
 
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