Fantasy The Calm After War (Always Open and Accepting)

[Kallo]

Alison Foster​

Alison watched from the sideline, conversing with the other guards while sipping wine. Official guards weren't allowed to drink. She wasn't though. Ari forbade her to get drunk though, which was just fine to her. "Xonrot, what made you become a guard for the Elven Monarchy?" Seemed too restrictive for her taste. She got a lot of freedom as a maid and guard for Ari
Kallo

He was still standing on the sides he looked over as he was talked to. Giving a quick bow as he seems to think for a moment. Shrugging to himself as he chuckles slightly. "Well...Lets just say those of my kind aren't respected in other areas...And as for an indication of what that would be." He sighs. Pulling his sleeve up slightly to show golden scales along his arm. Before pulling the sleeve back down. Then pointing to scales on his neck. "Those...Are my skin."

 

[Paint The Wind]

Arabelle was not nearly as good a dancer as Elaina, but she was still having fun. She hadn’t seen her stepdaughter since she was twelve. “Elaina, I can’t believe how much you’ve grown,” she said with a smile, still talking as they danced. “You’re just…you’re an adult now!” Arabelle teared up from happiness. “I can’t believe it. You have your dad’s eyes, they’re so beautiful,” she said. She was so overwhelmed.

Kylesar1

 

[Tetro]

Quinn felt very nervous and out of place, but extremely happy at the same time. The experience of being connected to Arabelle was an odd one so far. They were hiding behind Bailey, using her shadow to remain hidden. Their glowing white eyes could be seen though. They watched the party in silence while they thought to themselves. "..." What was Quinn's purpose now? Arabelle didn't need protecting, she wasn't going to command Quinn any time soon, and the group was doing just fine by themselves. If anything Quinn would only cause concern if they showed themselves openly around here. "What should I do?" They asked Arabelle, sounding almost desperare as they spoke into her mind quietly.​

P Paint The Wind

 

[Scarlett-Wulf]

Raven, having followed Xonrot around, stood watching the nobles and the children as they danced and mingled. Laughing a bit at what some of the noble children were doing “To be young again, children truly don’t know how easy they have it.” Talking to himself more or less as he asked a waiter for a cup of wine, wanting to taste what the locals had to offer. “So Xonrot, What is that you do here at this illustrious place? You don’t look like a simple a guard or foot soldier”
Kallo

 

[Kallo]

He looks on over to Raven as he hears him talking towards him once more. Looking the man over as he nods for a moment. Shrugging as he simply sighs. "I am but a guard here." He returns to the seeming noble talking to him. Making sure to cover his arms and hands with gloves and the like as he watched Raven. "Why don't you go along and make some...Acquaintances?"

 

[Bakuyoshi]

Ballroom

Selra was on the sideline. She never liked the idea of these. She wasn't Nobility she had no real sense of proper manners. All she had the company of guards. But as a Precaution she had dropped her weaponry outside. She did not want to give her company reason to believe she meant anyone harm. But she had no armor and was in normal clothing, yet she felt completely naked. "So you guys enjoying the party? No, OK, just making conversation, not used to these situations."

 

[Scarlett-Wulf]

“I suppose I could greet the queen, this is quite a lovely event, so many snacks” Raven making a joke about feeding on the guests. Making his way through the crowd, stopping to speak to those who had attended, reminiscing about the festivals that were held in his kingdom all those years ago. After gathering some information on who the queen was he surprised to learn about how young she was. Making a straight line towards her with a glass of wine in hand. Raven planned his hand over his chest, his fingers outstretched, bowing to the queen. “It is a pleasure to see your kingdom prospering your grace. I am Raven Crost, The Black Rook of the North. Your dress looks as elegant as you are beautiful” standing up after introducing himself and a few compliments.
FireMaiden Kallo

 

[Jeda Teq]

Uriko found himself to be incredibly bored at the ball. More annoyed than bored. Allison had slicked his hair back with a gel his nose didn't quite approve of and stuffed him in a suit that he felt restricted his movement. The leather soles of his shiny shoes made it hard to walk without sliding on nearly every surface. His sour mood was only intensified by the fact that he hasn't been getting much sleep; he's been having nightmares after events on the airship.

Without a word he stepped away from Ari's story telling, making his way towards the stage where the band was playing. He looked up a the troupe with half open baggy eyes, "This not funeral. Kau Ma say this party. You [music] weak. Uriko show strong [music]" He yawned then climbed on stage, grabbing a drum and a pair of mallets. He took a deep breath pursed his lips together then blew. Three piercing whistles came from him before he shouted, "eeeYA eeeYA eeeeeeYA WOOOO!" He then slammed the mallets on the drum twice, paused for a second then slammed them twice more, pausing for another second. After the second pause he began to beat on the drum with a lively rhythm, shouting and whistling when he deemed fit. The sound was very tribal and rough.

 

[Kylesar1]

Uriko found himself to be incredibly bored at the ball. More annoyed than bored. Allison had slicked his hair back with a gel his nose didn't quite approve of and stuffed him in a suit that he felt restricted his movement. The leather soles of his shiny shoes made it hard to walk without sliding on nearly every surface. His sour mood was only intensified by the fact that he hasn't been getting much sleep; he's been having nightmares after events on the airship.

Without a word he stepped away from Ari's story telling, making his way towards the stage where the band was playing. He looked up a the troupe with half open baggy eyes, "This not funeral. Kau Ma say this party. You [music] weak. Uriko show strong [music]" He yawned then climbed on stage, grabbing a drum and a pair of mallets. He took a deep breath pursed his lips together then blew. Three piercing whistles came from him before he shouted, "eeeYA eeeYA eeeeeeYA WOOOO!" He then slammed the mallets on the drum twice, paused for a second then slammed them twice more, pausing for another second. After the second pause he began to beat on the drum with a lively rhythm, shouting and whistling when he deemed fit. The sound was very tribal and rough.

The ballroom went silent as Uriko beat on the drums, the elves looking on in horror. Once it was over, he heard a single solitary voice. "Uriko, dear?" The tone of voice was motherly, soft, and sing-songy, as if she wanted to join him. Eyes turned to look at the one who spoke. Uriko would feel a cold stare emanating from across the ballroom. A heavy disturbance was an understatement for what he just caused, and not in a positive way. If he looked out in the crowd, he'd see her, eyes blazing with her weapon in hand, ready to knock him out cold. Who? Uriko knew who.

I love Uriko. I really do, she repeated to herself. If anything, it was like she was trying to convince herself that she did. She had to get him off the stage fairly soon before the guards showed up to do something to him. Ari would be certain to dissociate himself with Uriko if questioned. Luckily, she didn't need to do much thinking, not that she could anyways. She had only one thing on her mind............

"You want to die here in this ball, don't you?" she said, sounding eerily like Ari as she closed the distance a bit between her and the child at the drums, her mace swinging in her arm. She was walking, not running. "It's either me or my master. I don't know which one would be worse, honestly." The feeling a mother got when a child embarrassed them in front of an entire ballroom full of nobles could only be compared to how Ari felt on that airship when he was slaughtering all those pirates. Pure, unbridled rage. Rage that could only come when you're a dedicated loving maid and your master's household name and reputation was about to be dragged through the mud. Rage that not even the biggest of orcs would want to fuck with. Rage that would come if someone's actions could cause your demotion and they just royally fucked up. Uriko was HER responsibility. Anything he did fell on her, and this was most certainly demotion worthy. This was Alison and pissed was an insulting understatement to what she was feeling. About a million thoughts ran through her mind......about a million of them were about how she was gonna rip Uriko apart for this.

Shit was about to hit the fan with Uriko. The threat level was well past red, heading into black. The sea of elves moved to let her by, scared at what would happen if they got in her way.

 

[Paint The Wind]

The ballroom went silent as Uriko beat on the drums, the elves looking on in horror. Once it was over, he heard a single solitary voice. "Uriko, dear?" The tone of voice was motherly, soft, and sing-songy, as if she wanted to join him. Eyes turned to look at the one who spoke. Uriko would feel a cold stare emanating from across the ballroom. A heavy disturbance was an understatement for what he just caused, and not in a positive way. If he looked out in the crowd, he'd see her, eyes blazing with her weapon in hand, ready to knock him out cold. Who? Uriko knew who.

I love Uriko. I really do, she repeated to herself. If anything, it was like she was trying to convince herself that she did. She had to get him off the stage fairly soon before the guards showed up to do something to him. Ari would be certain to dissociate himself with Uriko if questioned. Luckily, she didn't need to do much thinking, not that she could anyways. She had only one thing on her mind............

"You want to die here in this ball, don't you?" she said, sounding eerily like Ari as she closed the distance a bit between her and the child at the drums, her mace swinging in her arm. She was walking, not running. "It's either me or my master. I don't know which one would be worse, honestly." The feeling a mother got when a child embarrassed them in front of an entire ballroom full of nobles could only be compared to how Ari felt on that airship when he was slaughtering all those pirates. Pure, unbridled rage. Rage that could only come when you're a dedicated loving maid and your master's household name and reputation was about to be dragged through the mud. Rage that not even the biggest of orcs would want to fuck with. Rage that would come if someone's actions could cause your demotion and they just royally fucked up. Uriko was HER responsibility. Anything he did fell on her, and this was most certainly demotion worthy. This was Alison and pissed was an insulting understatement to what she was feeling. About a million thoughts ran through her mind......about a million of them were about how she was gonna rip Uriko apart for this.

Shit was about to hit the fan with Uriko. The threat level was well past red, heading into black. The sea of elves moved to let her by, scared at what would happen if they got in her way.

(that SONG)

 

[Safety Hammer]

A loud burst of laughter erupted from another corner of the room. Apparently, Tyr had been telling stories to to some of the other noblemen. So good that they hadn't really realized that the room was quiet.
"... and then he said, 'It's either me, or the beer!' Needless to say, I've been drinking ever since!"
Another burst of laughter from the group. Then they noticed how quiet it was. "What happened?" "Is someone hurt?" "Man, I wish my glass was full." "Who's that scary woman over there?" They collectively asked each other quietly. While this was happening, Tyr walked toward Ari. He probably knew what was happening.
Kylesar1

 

[Kylesar1]

A loud burst of laughter erupted from another corner of the room. Apparently, Tyr had been telling stories to to some of the other noblemen. So good that they hadn't really realized that the room was quiet.
"... and then he said, 'It's either me, or the beer!' Needless to say, I've been drinking ever since!"
Another burst of laughter from the group. Then they noticed how quiet it was. "What happened?" "Is someone hurt?" "Man, I wish my glass was full." "Who's that scary woman over there?" They collectively asked each other quietly. While this was happening, Tyr walked toward Ari. He probably knew what was happening.
Kylesar1

Ari Waesmor
Ballroom​

Ari didn't see a thing, but he did hear Alison speak. The moment she said Uriko's name, all pieces flew together immediately.
Ari drew his dagger and started towards Uriko, intending to kill him. However, he sensed that Alison was feeling FAR stronger emotions than him. When Tyr got there, Ari sighed and explained. "Uriko fucked with the musician's instruments. I hope Alison kills him or I will." Ari was not about to lose the Waesmors the Queen's respect. Uriko had the fucking Waesmor Symbol on his clothing, just like the rest of those who were with him, which also included Selra and Avery as they were Ari's +1s. Ari made it disappear from Uriko so no one knew he was associated with them.

"What have you been doing this whole time? It's about time to hit the dance floor. We just need better music."

 

[Jeda Teq]

After he finished his with one last heavy bang he held the mallets in the air breathing heavy with a wide smile on his face. He was certain everyone had loved his song and would soon cheer until they didn't. Slowly his arms dropped to his sides. He returned the cold stares of the nobles with a low growl. He looked to Alison for some sort of support, but he found none. There was sudden pain in his chest as if some had grabbed his chest. He reeled over grasping at his shirt.

"You see. It's like I told you. No one cares about you." A hollow voice whispered in his mind.

"y-your wrong... Kau Ma... she.. Kau Ma lov.." He flashed back to the nightmares he had been having; He was standing over the bodies of both his families, gorging on their flesh. He snapped out of his daze to only be smothered in Alison's malice and murderous intent. Instinctively he barked at her. The skin on his face peeled back as his head transformed too quickly revealing the skull of a wolf.

He stumbled back covering his face with his small human hands. An ink like substance covered his hands and smeared on the ivory of his face. He looked at Allison through his fingers. She was approaching quickly speaking of death. The grip on his heart grew tighter, dropping him to his knees. In that moment the rose colored glasses he wore on life cracked and faded to black. He recalled all of his experiences in his short life. The abuse he received from his siblings, the harsh words and broken bones. Then he remembered the past month with the Weasoners they took him in but for only more of the same treatment, but... he still loved them all. He threw his head back letting out a panged howl. Crimson tears leaked from his terrified eyes.

His face was in excruciating pain, but the pain inside was far worse. He had to get away. He got to his feet and ran into the garden, ripping off his clothes.

 

[Kylesar1]

Alison Foster
Ballroom​

Shit was getting worse. What he was doing snapped her out of her rage into concern. Concern for both his life and the lives of the elves around him. Even in full werewolf form, she could kill him easily.......but could she really? No, no one was dying here tonight. That was her job above all. Uphold the peace by any means necessary. Shit! He HAD to be out of sight right now or shit would get a LOT worse. She'd punish him later. For now, she had to get him. "Hermean Speed!" She shed all armor and charged at light speed to give chase to Uriko.

"WHY DID YOU MESS UP YOUR CLOTHING?!" She screamed running after him. She chased him into a maze garden. "THAT COMES OUT OF MY PAYCHECK!! YOU'RE GONNA TAKE YOUR PUNISHMENT!!"

Ari Waesmor
Ballroom​

Fuck, how to revive this? Play it off. Luckily, he knew how to work a crowd, even snobby nobles. "Avery, help me out here." They both charged up on stage, Ari and Avery in the form of a seductive woman, but not before snatching a cape off one of the elves. "Listen up, people." Avery yelled out. "What you just witnessed was the forthcoming of the greatest entertainer in these parts. The honorable Ari Waesmor." With a spin and a flourish of his cape, there was Ari, putting on a side of him only seen when he needed a diversion to assassinate someone. An entertainer
"Yes, yes." Ari yelled out, strutting on the stage looking confident with his signature cocky grin. It was actually appropriate for this situation. "Typical music for a noble ball, yes? Well, the Waesmors don't deal with typical. We're not typical people. We're extraordinary people. The Queen and the High Prophet are extraordinary people. Only the best for them." Ari was rallying support for unconventional unusual but pleasant entertainment for the peace talks. It was starting to work as people started to applause his rather unusual spectacle of an appearance.



"Uriko!" Ari's voice would pop up in Uriko's head. Calm, but firm. Telepathy. "WHY can't you play like a normal child? If you stop now, you'll get a normal punishment. If I have to go get you myself, you'll be cleaning this entire castle by yourself for the next month."
P Paint The Wind
Safety Hammer
FireMaiden
Jeda Teq
The Fabulous Emerald
Bakuyoshi

 

[Kallo]

He watched with slight confusion at first as he heard the drums beating a different tune. Looking on over as he watched the whole scene unravel. Torn between going for the child himself to possibly even help him with the murderous look the woman was giving when she approached him. And letting the woman do so. Though by the time he would have decided they both where going out to the garden. The scales on his neck ruffling for a split second before falling flat once more as he growls. Uncertain as to what he should be doing right now before returning to watch the ball taking its course.

 

[The Fabulous Emerald]

Zafiro | Toron -> Ballroom

It took quite a while reading through the archives in the Toron Great Library. Death books, pirate curses, mages with god complexes...the shelves were stacked with every type of book imaginable. Despite Zafiro's rich and noble appearance, he was secretly a scholar. He had grown up around the theories of magic - his father was the lead researcher in such matters, after all, so it almost became second nature to read when he was bored. Most people drank, gambled, fought when they were wanting to vent off steam, but Zafiro read. And read he did.

Almost for so long he forgot about his date. A beautiful elven daughter who lived in Toron, as the elven ambassador's daughter, had needed an escort to the ball in a nearby city. Of course, there were many who had offered their hand to her, but Toron nobles didn't exactly...fit. Into their trousers without a harness, that is. Zafiro often found that most human nobles tended to be quite large and snobbish, and the elven ambassador refused to allow his daughter into the company of any of those 'human pigs'. Fortunately, for Zafiro, he and the Great Library librarian were old friends, and had heard from him that the Riviera boy was coming to do research in Toron. While not noble in blood, the Rivieras, they were wealthy and powerful - his father was a great alchemist and magical theorist, and had earned his fortune from it. So, while Zafiro was preparing to head towards Toron one evening, he received mail from the ambassador explaining his problem.

Now, it was getting late. Just as he was about to dash out of the library door, however, he knocked over the pile of books he was going through to reveal a small, tattered notebook almost crushed between two huge tomes on magical theory (one written by his father). The symbol on the front intrigued him - a stitched on emblem of a white swirling mass in the centre of a circle. His father's journal referred to the symbol as the ancient mage writings for elemental air, or something to that degree. Swiping the book before anyone truly noticed it being missing, Zafiro darted out of the door.

Throwing a random gemstone to one of the carriage drivers dotting the roads, he practically jumped aboard and told the driver to get a move on towards the ambassador's house. He wasn't going to be late, that was for sure. Using water magic for the purpose it definitely wasn't meant for, Zafiro got about cleaning himself up. Even going as far as to use water pressure to crudely iron his clothes, Zafiro turned up at the large mansion fairly happy with how he looked. One thing did confuse him, though - the ball was scheduled to start in five minutes, or so the message read, yet the town was miles away.

The ambassador didn't seem to be worried, however. A tall, elegant man draped in elven silks and symbols stood before him and with a kind smile offered him a drink from a nearby servant. Zafiro was definitely confused, but he didn't refuse the drink. After being invited to the mansion gardens - elves sure did like their flowers, he noticed - he sat down next to the ambassador and took a sip of the wine. Not the strongest he had ever tasted, but certainly enough to get hammered after a bottle or three. "Erm...I apologise for being so late, but you do not seem worried? Is there anything I missed?" The aged elf chuckled at Zafiro's concerned face, and simply waved to a nearby tree. It was a huge oak, easily thick enough to hide three or four people within its bark. "Do not worry about that. I wish to tell you, though, that my daughter is more important to me that the entire elven race I represent. Do not allow any harm to come to her." Still confused, Zafiro nodded in reply. Just as he was about to question any further, though, he felt a small tug at his arm. "Ready to go, Mr Riviera?" Zafiro nearly coughed up his drink - standing before him was one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen. Of course, he immediately knew he had no chance with her - that was a trick you learned quite quickly when you travel place to place, Zafiro found. T'was a shame, too.

With a small clap of the ambassador's hands, however, Zafiro's gaze fell to the tree that had suddenly sparked to life. With no warning a small shimmering green swirl of energy had appeared where the bark once stood, and through the other side he saw the faint outline of a large building. He offered no resistance, his mind blank with wonder, as he felt himself getting pulled through the green portal by the elven woman he was escorting, and with a flash of light he found himself standing in a completely different town, with a few elven onlookers gazing with curious eyes. In the next few minutes, he found himself chatting to the woman about his adventures while sipping on a weak drink. He didn't pay a great deal of attention to what was going on around him - he was mainly waiting for the whole thing to begin.

Kylesar1 P Paint The Wind Safety Hammer FireMaiden Jeda Teq Bakuyoshi

 

[Bakuyoshi]

Selra turned her head to Ari's voice. It was an odd sight for her to see. And for some odd reason she found him dashing, Well this side of him anyways. "Why am I reminded of that Noble who burned alive due to an Alchemical fire mishap." A small thought popped into her head. "Maybe their sense for the Theatrical." She shrugged as her attention went back to guards. "So what is life like as guards? Never got assigned to a job like that when I was a soldier."

FireMaiden

 

[Jeda Teq]

He couldn't outrun her, not like this. So he hid himself away from Allison. She spoke casually of his death and now yelled at him for the clothes he did not ask for. This solidified in his mind where he stood to his Kau Ma, no Allison. He was a mere inconvenience placed upon her by Ari.

For a fraction of a second an image of a man trapped in a wall of what could be described as black mold flashed before Ari's eyes when he spoke to Uriko telepathically. "I... am normal.." Hearing Ari's words Uriko resigned to his fate and stepped out of hiding. His face now human and covered in lacerations from his imperfect transformation. His head hung low and arms draped down by his sides. Strands of the black ink that covered his hands traveled up his arms resembling that of binds. He stood and waited to be found.

 

[Safety Hammer]

He couldn't outrun her, not like this. So he hid himself away from Allison. She spoke casually of his death and now yelled at him for the clothes he did not ask for. This solidified in his mind where he stood to his Kau Ma, no Allison. He was a mere inconvenience placed upon her by Ari.

For a fraction of a second an image of a man trapped in a wall of what could be described as black mold flashed before Ari's eyes when he spoke to Uriko telepathically. "I... am normal.." Hearing Ari's words Uriko resigned to his fate and stepped out of hiding. His face now human and covered in lacerations from his imperfect transformation. His head hung low and arms draped down by his sides. Strands of the black ink that covered his hands traveled up his arms resembling that of binds. He stood and waited to be found.

(Uriko should go and get hugs from Tyr.)

 

[Kylesar1]

He couldn't outrun her, not like this. So he hid himself away from Allison. She spoke casually of his death and now yelled at him for the clothes he did not ask for. This solidified in his mind where he stood to his Kau Ma, no Allison. He was a mere inconvenience placed upon her by Ari.

For a fraction of a second an image of a man trapped in a wall of what could be described as black mold flashed before Ari's eyes when he spoke to Uriko telepathically. "I... am normal.." Hearing Ari's words Uriko resigned to his fate and stepped out of hiding. His face now human and covered in lacerations from his imperfect transformation. His head hung low and arms draped down by his sides. Strands of the black ink that covered his hands traveled up his arms resembling that of binds. He stood and waited to be found.

Alison Foster
Garden​

She sighed as she laid eyes on him, but couldn't help but smile. Maybe it was the smile you gave when you dodged a major bullet and looked back at what happened and just laughed. "Look at you. You can't be naked like this outside. It'll get us attacked by the guards. Ink, scratches, transformation. It'll take forever to get you clean." She grabbed his hand. "Let's get you back to the room. You're taking a long bath and I'm scrubbing that inky fur of yours." Alison exhaled in relief as they any back towards the castle. He was neither human nor elf. Had he transformed in the ballroom, he'd have been killed on the spot and Alison would've ravaged that entire ballroom, just like she did the man who almost killed Uriko before. "At home, you can beat on drums all day. Here, you have to do things their way. None of us want to be here either, Uriko. Least of all, my master," She lectured. "At minimum, we're away from the ball for tonight." She looked up at the sky. It was starting to get dark. Uriko was like Willow. He needed special attention. "I promised you a hunt and you can't hunt smelling like ink."

 

[FireMaiden]

Queen Anora & Bailey O'Connor
Ballroom​

"You're family sure makes things around here interesting," Queen Anora chuckled as her and Bailey watched the events unfold. Bailey just sighed, and downed the rest of her drink.

"Yep...they sure do..." She muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose. "They can also be a bit tiring, and don't be surprised if a fight or two breaks out."

"Oh that would be fun!" Then, someone approached them. Anora took a step back, with a polite smile. "Thank you Sir Raven. Uh, allow me to Introduce the High Prophet, Miss Bailey O'Connor."

"Charmed," Bailey replied with slight curtsy. "Tell, me, how did you get the name "The Black Rook?" Scarlett-Wulf

Spoiler: This is what Anora looks like

 

[Jeda Teq]

Uriko

He looked up at Alison with a distance gaze like that a child would give a stranger. There was no spark, joy, or excitement in his expression. It was a numb sullen look that had never been seen on the boys face before. He did not resist Alison when she took his hand. Her words did not reach him. They were drowned out by her earlier actions and the most intense feeling of betrayal. She could feel his hand trembling in hers as he struggled with his survival instincts and complexed emotions swirling inside of him.

"Alison..." He stopped walking and let his hand slide out from hers. He stared at the palm of left hand.

 

[Scarlett-Wulf]

Queen Anora & Bailey O'Connor
Ballroom​

"You're family sure makes things around here interesting," Queen Anora chuckled as her and Bailey watched the events unfold. Bailey just sighed, and downed the rest of her drink.

"Yep...they sure do..." She muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose. "They can also be a bit tiring, and don't be surprised if a fight or two breaks out."

"Oh that would be fun!" Then, someone approached them. Anora took a step back, with a polite smile. "Thank you Sir Raven. Uh, allow me to Introduce the High Prophet, Miss Bailey O'Connor."

"Charmed," Bailey replied with slight curtsy. "Tell, me, how did you get the name "The Black Rook?" Scarlett-Wulf

Spoiler: This is what Anora looks like

View attachment 385132

“I was given that name due to prowess in combat and my defense. Back when my kingdom existed our walls were impregnable at the time, but I’m sure as Prophet Bailey knows each defense has a weakness” Smiling Raven handed his glass off to a servant and turned his attention back to the queen and bailey. “But it was given to me by the people of my kingdom, so it sort of stayed with me, I received respect from the adults and children loved playing me” Laughing a bit at the pranks some of them would pull on him. Wiping a tear from his eye as he calmed down “Forgive me your grace, I am not laughing at you but at some very fond memories I have”
FireMaiden

 

[Kylesar1]

Uriko

He looked up at Alison with a distance gaze like that a child would give a stranger. There was no spark, joy, or excitement in his expression. It was a numb sullen look that had never been seen on the boys face before. He did not resist Alison when she took his hand. Her words did not reach him. They were drowned out by her earlier actions and the most intense feeling of betrayal. She could feel his hand trembling in hers as he struggled with his survival instincts and complexed emotions swirling inside of him.

"Alison..." He stopped walking and let his hand slide out from hers. He stared at the palm of left hand.

Alison Foster
Castle Garden​

Alison sensed it all from Uriko. It wasn't a good feeling to Alison, but she swallowed the thoughts. She grabbed his hand again and continued talking while walking. Unfortunately, she couldn't stop to talk to him due to the physical condition he was in. That was, butt naked in public. Sometimes, a mother had to play the bad guy. "Uriko. Some things in this world are too complex to understand immediately. Learning to how read people's intention is hard. If I didn't make you think I wanted to hurt you, the guards would've attacked you. Remember that pirate? It would've been much worse and we'd have been killed for trying to save you. What I made you think I would've done, I wouldn't be able to bring myself to do because I just love you too much." Alison wasn't speaking like a mother, but rather as a teacher or mentor if anything. He had a lot to learn, and she was the only one who could teach him. Arabelle had Ryan, Ari had Willow, Tyr and Bailey had their own family. That left him with Alison, and.......... despite the fact that he got on her last nerves consistently, she wouldn't want it any other way. It was a complex situation that put her in a hell of a place, and to keep control of the world around her, she had to make an executive decision.
Jeda Teq

Ari Waesmor
Ballroom​

"Hold on a sec!" An elf stepped forward and onto the stage, the entertainment coordinator. Follow my lead, Ari said telepathically to Avery. "I can't allow you to do this, Ari-" He was interrupted as Ari tapped his chest with his palm. Ari had him right where he wanted, not really physically, but in the realm of customs and courtesy. The use of his first name was all it took. Easy work, Avery said back. "I'm no English teacher, sir, but I do know a thing or two about the prrroper way to speak." He rolled the "r" sound. "A gentleman must always speak in a manner as to never offend a lady or come off as standoffish. The use of slang or shorthand for words without them seems a bit.......uneducated, yes? Using my first name without a title seems a bit........condescending, yes?" Ari was expertly doing whatever he could to not bust out laughing. Him of all people telling someone to never speak in an offending or standoffish manner? Luckily, he had done this all before. "For that, sir, you will repeat after me."

"No! I ca-."
"I SAID REPEAT AFTER ME!" Ari got in his face, interrupting him again in mock anger. He was embarrassing the Elf. To a lot of nobles, appearance was everything, both physically and mentally. It was all about what you could project, not how you really were. Ari was an expert at just that. He could disguise himself without actually being in disguise, and that's what he was doing now. He was only a noble in wealth. Every other aspect, Ari was just Ari. "I refuse to let this transgression stand. You want these people to know that you put your best foot forward to deliver the best, yes? Well you need to show that you have the mental fortitude to know when you're wrong and being willing to correct those misdeeds. A simple word test shall suffice." Pause for dramatic effect. "A man of your caliber and intellect should have no issues." Ari had him cornered, firing off a bunch of unofficial rules placed on them by none other than themselves.

A moment of pause. "Very well, if this will dissolve our little misuderstanding."
"Arrround the rrrrocks a rrrrugged rrrascal rrrran."
"Around the rocks a-"
"No no. Arrrround the rrrrocks. Roll the r. If you want to talk to nobles from other lands, you simply must know how to speak properly" It was hard to know what Ari was actually doing, but the crowd was looking on and some trying to repeat it as well. What Ari was doing, no one really spoke like that, but these nobles didn't know that


FireMaiden
Safety Hammer
P Paint The Wind
Bakuyoshi
Scarlett-Wulf

 

[Bakuyoshi]

"But I can't roll R's. How do I speak to nobles if I can't roll those?" At this point Selra actually left the sidelines. Ari at this point was an intriguing person. She didn't know if he was lying or not. But he was more wise to the ways of Nobles so maybe Ari could show her the way. Especially for those who can't roll the R.

Kylesar1