Fantasy World of Gea: The Greatest Adventure [IC] [CLOSED]

[joshuadim]

After visiting the nearby apothecary that Jackson had directed them towards, with Gsera picking up a few herbal mixes and roots available in stock, they now found themselves aimless for the moment. Shopping was done, and so the druid pondered what next they could possibly do. But then she remembered that Kastalli had ventured over towards the Temple that she seemingly didn't know the purpose of. "Ah, Tate!" Gsera said with a smile, "We should check on our friends at the Temple. See how they are faring, no?" she asked to her shopping buddy. "I would like to make sure everyone is alright."

Interacting: Tatum ( SilverFlight )

 

[Beann]

Kastalli was happy to hear that their conversation wasn't an inconvenience, and she did make a mental note to visit the priest again before the company left. However, his flirtatious nature brought a deep shade of red to her cheeks, causing her to look away as soon as he winked at her. Without making further eye contact, she bowed her head in farewell before leaving the immediate area. She intended to leave the temple to get some fresh air as the aroma in here was proving to be a bit overwhelming for her senses. Unfortunately, she didn't get far when she heard a familiar voice.

Her tail went stiff at his voice, and her fur puffed out when her eyes found him. Captain Jager. While he spared her life in Waterham, she didn't forget about his involvement in the events leading up to that fateful night. Kastalli's eyes flickered from one side of the room to the other, searching for any other member in the company that could be of assistance should things go south. However amongst the intertwined bodies, she could not spot a single one.

To her surprise though, she wasn't met with hostility. Instead, she was met with a formal greeting — one reserved for someone of high status. Kastalli shared the same confusion as the elves felt, quirking an eyebrow in response. It wasn't until he addressed her as the daughter of Thane did her eyes go wide. "What…?" She let out a nervous chuckle, unsure if this was some kind of joke. "I am afraid I do not understand. The last time we spoke, my father was the Lawspeaker."

"...What has happened in my absence?"

 

[SilverFlight]

Tatum Aurani-Fafner of Abertsleigh

Tate trotted at Gsera's side, his bag heavy with new herbs and reagents for his potions, a smile on his face like a child who had just spent their entire allowance at a sweet shop.
He did so love his work, and now he had the means to carry out so much more of it! In the shop he had barely stopped chatting about the effects of this plant when combined with that, or how the scales of this cured so many things depending on what gem you used. It was only after a while that he realized he might be talking too much.
"Sorry," he apologized sincerely. "I just get so excited about alchemy!"

Now as they walked the cobbles of the bustling city, Tate could think of nowhere he would rather be.
"Erm," he began awkwardly after a moment of silence. "I should thank you. You didn't have to accompany me, I know I'm rather knew to your party, but I'm glad you did. I...I'm not used to having too many friends, but I hope in the future, I can count you as one of them."

Gsera then mentioned the temple. Tate had heard only the name and it had not inspired any comfortable feelings in him, but, he had just called Gsera a friend, and he wasn't about to refuse her.
"Well, I don't see why not. Lead on! It's a temple yes? How much trouble could they really get into?"

joshuadim

 

[joshuadim]

I...I'm not used to having too many friends, but I hope in the future, I can count you as one of them."

Gsera had enjoyed Tate's company and time thus far, but when he opened up about his struggles to connect with others it made the druid all the more happy that she had gone along with him on their little expedition. "Back home, the only friends I could make with were... limited. Don't get me wrong, I love them still but ever since journeying here I had met so many different people from so many places. I always enjoy making friends, and I would be glad to be your friend as well!" Gsera said with a cheery smile. She was glad she could make someone feel better amidst their struggles.

But she also stifled a giggle when it became clear that Tate also didn't have an idea of what the Temple actually entailed. "Ah.... well..." she started to say before shaking her head, "You'll see. Come now!"

The druid led Tate along as they walked through the streets, occasionally asking for directions from any passerby that would aid them as they drew ever closer to their new destination. It was then that a particularly rowdy group of mercenary adventurers who vocalized their intentions in boisterous festivities that gave a visible marker to follow. Trailing them from a decent distance brought them in view Temple at last, as well as the various smaller places of worship that lined the street. The Temple itself, with its Lykossian pantheon and Isudan architecture made it stand out when compared to the rest of the city's architecture.

But what was also noticeable was Hazel and Joy being left outside now in what appeared to be a slight stupor, which brought some visible concern for Gsera. "Are they alright?" she asked Tate, "They both look... confused."

Interacting: Tate ( SilverFlight )
Mentioning: Hazel & Joy ( AriAriAbabwa )

 

[Breadman]

After their business at the blacksmith was done, Sentry and Nora would leave the shop. Along with the armor, Sentry had secured better tools for hersels, material or equipment upkeep and a few rarer items used for rune crafting. Once they entered back into the busy streets, they were met with a torrent of people making their way through the city for their daily needs. With their chores done for now, maybe it was time to go back to the temple.

"Hold on a second there." The barbarian motioned to Nora to wait before they joined the sea of people. She then grabbed the smaller woman and placed her on her shoulders. "Hope you don't mind. Figured it be easier for you than to dodge all the crowds. I can use someone looking out for the way back too." Sentry certainly didn't mind carrying someone like that or both their items for that matter. The two navigated through the crowds easily with Sentry making way and Nora "steering" where they should go. The city was alive and bursting with color as the many shops proudly displayed their own spin or modification of a common product or service.

Eventually the two would make it to the grand temple. Wasn't hard to miss given the large gathering around it. The priests must give a great sermon in there. Sentry allowed for Nora to safely disembark and gave her belongings back.

"The hells are they bragging about?" Sentry raised an eyebrow as she looked at the proud mercenaries.

 

[Vexumin]

Nora breathes in the fresh air after a while. Finally she was free from the heat and the sweat was starting to evaporate from her skin. She soon found that it was one discomfort to another as both she and Sentry encounter a wave of people flooding through the streets. Nora breathes a sigh. At the very least she could handle all the people. It would be easy, especially for Sentry. Nora would just skip through the crowds. Simple as ducking and slipping through the cracks made in the constant shuffle. Nora lowers slightly, ready to jump through and she goes for it... only to find herself grabbed.

"Hold on a second there."

She squeaks as the hands wrap around her and hoist her up and onto a pair of shoulders. Nora looks down at the back of Sentry's head and her face brightens in a light purple blush. 'What... What am I, a child?!' Nora only thought this because there was a crowd of people and she was simply a bit embarrassed, already seeing a few folk looking their way. This would not be good for work if she came back here for jobs and the wrong person saw her. Nora places her hands over her face and nearly buries her shame on top of the tall woman's head. However, once Sentry began moving, Nora looked up from her hands.

"Hope you don't mind. Figured it be easier for you than to dodge all the crowds. I can use someone looking out for the way back too."

"Uh... Uhm... I suppose I don't mind... too much." Nora's face was still aglow with a blush, but something changed. Her eyes wander over the tops of peoples heads, as if she was hovering overhead. This had some significance to her that wasn't all too apparent. Nora's mind eventually returns to the present. She was worried about touching people, but Sentry didn't seem quite effected by the energy from her heritage. She decided to trust that being on Sentry's shoulders wouldn't be a bother, so she decided to do as she was asked and help navigate her through the crowd. She could still remember the way back to the temple. She had already been getting a lay of the land as far as she had come so far.

She points aloft, aiding in the journey to the temple. When they finally make it, Nora remembered just what kind of temple this was. She paled. When Sentry off loaded her and returned her bag, Nora accepts it and took some steps away from the place of faith. This is a dangerous place for her. Love. Passion. It would rile her up. She would not endure it on her own, so she steps back.

"Thank you for your aid, Sentry, but..." Nora's eyes lock onto the front entrance of the temple and dread descends upon her.

"I'm... not sure how well I'll do there," she muses to no one in particular.

 

[Breadman]

Sentry looked away from the mercenaries, who were now getting to talking about their genitalia for some reason. Very odd for those who want to visit a temple, even if there is an altar for a fertility goddess. Her attention was now solely on Nora, who seemed rather dejected.

"What makes you say that?" The barbarian nodded her head to the side. "Did you run afowl of one of the gods?"

 

[SilverFlight]

Tatum Aurani-Fafner of Abertsleigh

Tate grinned back at her, his offer of friendship accepted. he gave her an odd look at the "you'll see", yet followed her dutifully as she started on her way.
He tried his best to take in the sights around him, only half-listening to the boisterous banter in front of them. The temple's front facade was intriguing, looking out of place in the square where it sat.

Gsera then spotted two companions that Tate recognized, standing at the temple gates, in some sort of conversation. He remembered Hazel appearing with Amani when Olivier's company had made camp not long ago.
"Only one way to make sure," Tate replied, and strode up to them.
"It's Hazel, yes? We haven't had the pleasure of a formal introduction I don't think. I'm Tate, I was helping mostly with healing after that scrap with the spider. Gsera and I have come looking for you, as well as anyone else still in there, I suppose." He gave Hazel a friendly smile, and a slightly less sure glance at the temple doors.

It wasn't a moment later that an odd sight caught his gaze. Sentry, but she wasn't alone, Nora was riding on her shoulders. An ingenious way for Nora to avoid touching anyone in the vast crowds.
He waved at them enthusiastically as they approached. "Ahoy! Nora!" He seemed pleased to see her. "And Sentry too, well met."
The barbarian woman had intimidated Tate at first. He was very well aware of his thin frame and she looked like she could snap him in half with no great effort. Still, he had seen her warm demeanor and was slightly less wary now, even if they had not had much time to talk previously.

The temple did not seem to sit well with Nora friend at all. He noted her visible discomfort, and shifted to go stand next to her, offering a supportive smile as he adjusted his large glasses.
"You don't have to do anything you aren't happy doing." He reassured her.

joshuadim Vexumin Breadman AriAriAbabwa

 

[Vexumin]

Nora shivers at the thought of what temptations lie within the hallowed grounds of the temple. A temple of love. Of all the things. Her withdrawn nature grabbed the attention of Sentry and Tate and Nora started to feel bad. How often would her blood be an obstacle for her companions? She looked to Sentry as the tall woman turned to look at her.

"What makes you say that?" The barbarian nodded her head to the side. "Did you run afowl of one of the gods?"

Nora couldn't help but chuckle a little at that. If only it was something like drawing a gods ire. Although in her confidence she might say something like 'I could handle that any day of the week' she was starting to think that doing so would jinx it. So on second thought, perhaps what she was dealing with wasn't as bad as a gods curse, but it was still a curse nonetheless.

"Well, half of my blood is vile because of an incubus. So, y'know, Half-Succubus going into a place like this." Nora gestures to the temple. "All that desire. The scent of sweat and passion. The heat of love that causes my heart to race in a terrifying way, like a fat noble looking at a table filled with delicacies and sweets."

Just the thought of it caused Nora to tremble. Why did she have to be born the way she was? Where even a single intimate moment could mean the death of someone. A place like this though, it spells trouble. As she dwelled deep in the possibilities, Tate approached, taking a place at her side. It snapped her out of her funk for the time being and she looked at him as he smiled.

"You don't have to do anything you aren't happy doing." He reassured her.

Nora nods her head in response.

"You're right," she says, swallowing her worries for a moment. "Perhaps there is somewhere in the temple without all of the, well... that."

---

Breadman SilverFlight

 

[joshuadim]

Sentry and Nora had now also approached, which led Gsera to turn attention from the initial concern for Hazel and instead towards her others friends - one of whom was delivering a ride on her shoulder to the other - and waved towards them. "Nora! Sentry!" the druid said aloud with a grin, "We are here to check up on the others in the temple. Make sure they are doing well." She then noticed how uncomfortable Nora seemed at the prospect of entering and added to Tate's reassurances: "Yes! I'm sure there is a place there that isn't so chaotic inside. And, if it helps, you can try to focus your mind off it."

Gsera tapped the side of her head and smile: "Concentration is something I learned a long time ago with the Tuatha. To be embroiled so fully in something as to drown everything else out. Maybe you should think of something that is outside the moment and unrelated... like sweet rolls?"

SilverFlight Breadman Vexumin

 

[Infab]

Devereaux quietly listened to Pyotr, as he described the state of things regarding visitors and vampyr kind in general. It seemed to be that way everywhere lately. Vampyrs couldn't roam as much as they used to, unless they wished to get someone with an itch to hunt them on their trail.

"I understand entirely. Its hard for our kind to trust people, given what we are and how people perceive us." he responded to Pyotr, as he spoke of being among kindred spirits. "I'm actually traveling as part of an expeditionary company. Its a cartography endeavor, you see. I thought I'd lend my archery skills. Recently I've had to reveal what I am to them, much to the dismay of several of them. A few still trust me, surprisingly, but I don't know how long that will last. The others will likely try and convince them that I'm some sort of wicked creature out for their blood."

Devereaux then motioned a hand towards Pyotr. "Speaking of blood, that's the chief reason I'm here. I'm needing to stock up a bit, as I dare not ask any of them for any and I don't think I need to start feeding on the random bandit or thug we pass either. Might stain my image with them." he said. He then hesitated to speak on another topic, but the urge was too strong to resist. "...And I have a question, regarding visitors." he said, raising a finger. "...Have any mysterious vampyr passed through here? Maybe one by the name of Radoš? Or anyone in the service of one Baroness Mariette Reverdin II?"

 

[Vexumin]

Nora seemed able to calm herself down a bit after the chat with everyone. She then looked to Gsera who joined the small group. Nora greets her with a shy smile. The druid clears up what the current plans were, meeting with the others in the temple to check on them. Nora breathes a sigh. Seems that she has little choice but to go in. What surprised Nora though, what got her mind fully off of the goings on within the temple was what Gsera says next.

"Yes! I'm sure there is a place there that isn't so chaotic inside. And, if it helps, you can try to focus your mind off it."

Gsera tapped the side of her head and smile: "Concentration is something I learned a long time ago with the Fir Bolg. To be embroiled so fully in something as to drown everything else out. Maybe you should think of something that is outside the moment and unrelated... like sweet rolls?"

The half-succubus blinks before she throws her head back with a loud, uncontrollable laughter. She nearly falls to the ground in a fit of giggles for a moment. The idea was sound if you had the will of, well, Gsera perhaps. However, Nora doubted that she would have such strength in a place where the worst thing for her health and the safety of everyone else would be. If only the druid actually saw Nora around sweets. The assassin had quite the sweet tooth. Resisting such things has always been difficult, and Nora can endure much. Torture? She could stand being picked and prodded at for a while. Exposure in different climates? She can sit in the cold for a long while before her body succumbs to frostbite. Temptation is simply not one of those things she can fight.

Nevertheless, Gsera's suggestion was a funny thought.

"Perhaps. I'll give it a shot. Just think about something so much that everything else is drowned out, yeah?" Nora says still in a partial fit of laughter. After a few moments she calms herself down.

"Sorry. I don't mean to laugh. That might just be a bit harder to do than it seems. Guess I'm just laughing the nerves away. I'm still willing to give it a shot."

 

[EdwardDewey98]

"I am afraid I do not understand. The last time we spoke, my father was the Lawspeaker."

"...What has happened in my absence?"

One more, Kastalli found herself learning of her father's ascension back home through the Captain. He, in turn, gave her an amused look as he squeezed his two elven lovers closer to his body. "Heh, déjà vu... is that what the weak Eranoirans say when something feels like it happened before?" the Skæglin sailor let out a brief chuckle while studying Kastalli's face. He noticed her obvious confusion to this new information: "Do you remember when I spoke of the previous Theng of Holmstæin's untimely departure three weeks ago? His son, Gest Hranisson, died soon after. Poor lad was only fifteen and went out on the shitter. Dysentery, you see... he will not travel with the Old Man's Host now."

Another thane dead? Right after the death of the King as well? "His little brother, Anlaf Hranisson, is the last male heir and is too young to be a thane. Since most of the Hirdmen of the Thane died because of the war, this left your father - as Lawspeaker - now as the new Theng of Holmtæin." Before Kastalli could say anything, Jager turned to the blond elf woman on his right. "We are standin' in front of royalty, my dear!" he said, which brought Kastalli curious looks from both elven women. "Her? But she dresses like a peasant!" said the red haired elf to the Captain's left.

​

"Aye, and so does her father still..." said Jager in response. At first, it felt like an insult but he elaborated quickly: "...but the people of Holmstæin always trusted him because of this. They know that he always was a hard worker and a great warrior. One who was of the land like they were, and they trust him even more now!" Jager looked back at Kastalli with a grin. "He made young Anlaf his first Hirdman, but not only that! He made the old Thegn's wife his second, never before in the history of Skæg has that happened! And then, he made every single daughter of the old thane his Shield Maidens and named his wife, her mother, the Lawspeaker.... despite being a foreigner."

He waved his hand as additional flair to describe the situation to the she-elves: "He promised he would rule fairly. Give religious freedoms. And even promise that as long as he lives and rules as Theng, there would be no slaves in Holmstæin! He already had the Thrallmasters thrown out the city gates! All of this in less than two weeks time."

Jager looked around for a moment, as if looking for any members of his crew to listen to his recounting. An act, of course, as he continued without any hesitation: "Not everyone is so welcoming of your father, of course. Most sailors and warriors thrived with the slave trade..." And after looking around once more to make sure nobody was around, he looked back to Kastalli. "Your father... always the progressive, eh?" said Jager, giving Kastalli a sly wink.

Interacting: Kastalli ( Beann )

 

[AriAriAbabwa]

#AF7D50
Tags: joshuadim Vexumin SilverFlight​

"I've become a new man," Hazel mused, righting himself up.

"I think I've become fairy mulch..." Joy flew up to his shoulder, worn out from the short venture. She was sure no fairy liked to be manhandled like that; couldn't the Djinn have carried her in a kinder way? Alas, she could only wish. Joy passed out, curling up for a nap.

Hazel, meanwhile, was caught by some members of his party. He tilted his head up, then down as recognition sunk in. He pointed directly at Tate's face. "Tater! I know you!"

Some others joined them, and Hazel remembered, "All my friends are being imprisoned in there, about to be sacrificed! We gotta save them!" Or something like that.

However, his attention was cut short by the mere mention of a sweet roll. This was his time. Hazel plopped himself next to Nora and Gsera, grinning ear to ear. "Your prayers shall be answered!" Hazel unfurled part of his cloak at that, and it didn't take long for anyone to see why.

Plastered on the inside of the cloth like a barnacle was... something akin to a sweet roll. Grey and green mold blanketed its outside like a mix of powdered sugar and moss, giving it a rock-like appearance. Hazel gave it knock with his finger, and it squished like a sponge as murky liquid from who knows where dripped out. Caught in the fluid were dried maggot bodies from eons ago. Hazel lifted it up for the two.

"I've been saving this sweet roll just for a time when someone really needs it!" he said, as eager to please as a puppy.

 

[joshuadim]

For a moment Gsera looked confused as to why Nora started laughing, but the clarification made things all the more understandable. The druid gave her a reassuring thumbs up, before being approached by Hazel's sudden entry. His recounting of what was happening in the Temple was... doubtful, to say the least as Gsera let out a chuckle. Regardless as to the veracity of the situation, it was amusing in the way that it was told. But it was then he procured - from somewhere - an incredibly mouldy and desiccated food item. Aside from the stench, which made the druid's nose curl, she wondered how he had stored that thing in the first place.

"I... no, that's... not what I meant." Gsera said in the most gentle way possible as she lightly pushed away Hazel's hand with a finger. "It was something to think about... not actually have. Or, at the very least, not have... that." She offered Hazel a half-hearted smile, partly born out of pity, before turning towards the temple entrance itself. "In any case, I'm going in." the druid announced, leaving anyone else nearby to follow her inside. With a push towards the doors, she made her way inside into the same spectacle that greeted those that had arrived before. Incense, foreign architecture, and the sights of flesh being unified.

While she was no stranger to unclothed form, as the Tuatha often walked around as such, the sheer amount in display here caught her off guard as she meekly walked forward. The amount of... love on display was something out of a story. She felt completely out of place as she was surrounded by the sights and sounds of it, but remained rather composed for the time being as she sought someone who might guide her towards Kastalli's location currently.

SilverFlight AriAriAbabwa Vexumin Breadman

 

[SilverFlight]

Tatum Aurani-Fafner of Abertsleigh

Tate watched Nora laugh, not entirely sure sweet rolls were that funny. Still, it seemed to take the edge off Nora's discomfort.
Hazel had an interesting story, but, taking his cues from Gsera, he knew he didn't have to be that worried.
Hazel was an odd one to be sure, but nothing could have prepared him for what the boy did next:
Tate recoiled slightly at the mouldy offering, trying his best not to clap his hands to his mouth.

"I don't think I could mix poisons that repulsive..." Tate murmured under his breath.
Gsera was ever polite, and he had to admire her fortitude for that. He said his goodbye's to Hazel and followed after Gsera. He would regret that.

At first, the dimly lit room made it difficult for Tate to determine what he was looking at. He soon realized though and this time, nothing could stop both hands from flying to his mouth in shock. "Merciful gods..." the whisper was harsh and muffled through his fingers. He threw a panicked look at Gsera's back.
"This is where our friends have been?"

Tate had never been exposed to so much as a suggestive show before. His studious nature and complete disinterest in anything to do with the more...carnal things, had kept him far from it, and he liked it that way. He wasn't far from it now though and felt his cheeks burning so hot he was sure they'd glow in the dim light. He fixed his gaze firmly on the tiled floors before him. Tate could have turned around right then, walked out and saved himself the discomfort, but Gsera would be left alone that meant, and he has resolved not to abandon her. It seemed doubly impolite to do so in a place like this.
No. He would bear it. He couldn't even begin to imagine how he would explain this to Olivier if his friend found out where he had been. The prince would likely never let him live it down, having been very vocal about his opinions on this sort of place in the past.

"Let's just...find who we're looking for and leave as soon as possible." Tate whispered stiffly, making a very big effort not to touch anything in the room.


joshuadim Vexumin Breadman AriAriAbabwa

 

[Breadman]

Nora being half incubus was news to Sentry. Had she really not noticed that? Nora wasn't exactly evil as the stories would suggest and she did recall that the bardic trio headed straight into the temple as well and they were very devilish looking. She had to admit, Gsera's suggestion was a bit silly, tho not that funny. Little Hazel was quick to respond as well. How many sweets did he have under there? Didn't matter, they would enter, with the druid leading them.

As soon as she entered the temple and saw what the rituals were, it all came together. It was that type of temple. Suddenly she understood why Waylond was so eager to visit. Speak of the devil. Across from them was the familiar sight of the knight, only with no armor or even a tunic. Merely a towel tied around his wais. His skin was practically oily and his hair was like a dishrag with how wet it was.

"Sentry! Sera! Tate, my good man! Nora, good to see you too!" He strode confidently towards them, shaking a few hands as he greeted them.

"So this is why you've been in a hurry to the temple, Swifty?"

"I am a pious man." Waylond answered confidently. "You will find that no temptation can stray me from the path of the gods." Sentry leaned to her right to get a look from where he had confidently strode from to notice that there were a few women looking to him. She cokced an eyebrow as she noticed a few had her build. "So, how was your shopping?"

"Very good, I have to say. Picked up some rare items and something of great value."

"Wonderful!" The knight exclaimed. "We should celebrate. Priest, wine for my friends here!"

"As generous as you are modest I see." Sentry commented as a cup was handed to her. Somehow he had convinced the priests here to assist him. She wondered if it was his piety or deep pockets.

"The gods are to be revered for their generousity, I am merely making donations." He motioned for them to go into the temple proper. "Go, find your patrons."

"I'm not sure that mine are represented here." Sentry mused as she looked about.

"You never know." He winked.

 

[joshuadim]

Tate made his discomfort known in being such a place and Gsera turned around to him: "We won't be long, I hope that we can find Kas-" she started to say until Waylond came into view in his current festivities and cheery appearance. Gsera remained entirely stoic, keeping her eyes on his face rather than trailing elsewhere. She felt as though it would sour the view of someone she had already been travelling for some time now to gaze on them inadvertently. She let Sentry do the talking at first, leading them to exchange words, until Waylond mentioned to find their own respctive 'patrons'. The druid quickly shook her head: "No. I'm just here to find Kastalli and Devy." she said in an uncommonly stern manner.

"Do you know where they went?"

SilverFlight Breadman

 

[Breadman]

"I am afraid I don't have the foggiest, lady Sera." The knight placed a hand on his chin as he contemplated on where exactly their companions could be. "I do think lady Kastslli would be near her homeland's shrines. Or perhaps some other kitsune would be keeping her company. As for our friendly jester, I lost track of him as soon as I entered the temple."

 

[Vexumin]

The sweet roll that Hazel produced was perhaps the single most vile thing that Nora had seen in a long time. The contents of her stomach rocketed up as the smell hit her nostrils, but she managed to catch it all in her mouth before she could vomit all over the ground in front of everyone. With great effort she swallowed it all back down where it belongs before placing the fabric of her cloak over her nose.

“Er, I will have to pass. I haven’t eaten today and I’d hate to- Hurk!- spoil my appetite,” Nora says, nearly throwing up once again mid sentence from the sight of the aged sweet roll. “Thank you though.”

Nora averted her eyes, trying to get the thought of the sweet roll out of her head, but eventually decided that the thought may actually help her when she goes into the temple. Certainly not a good thought to occupy her mind, but it might do the trick. It would also come in handy sooner than she thought as everyone began to move about and heads towards the temple. Nora followed along, making a consious effort to stay behind the others.

It is when they pass through the doorway that she focused hard on that horrid sweet roll. In the end it seemed like she would be taking Gsera’s advice almost to the letter. If only it was as easy as she made it sound.

Nora taking a breath in through her nose was a nightmare. She could immediately smell the lewd scent in the air of the activities within the temple. Love in its rawest, most feral form. It spoke to Nora in a terrifying way. She couldn’t help but open her eyes and see. The sweet roll had vanished, that disgusting, long spoiled food item no longer holding a place in her mind. Now she was transfixed.

Her eyes lock on a couple a short distance away romping in the dim lighting. The moaning and passion clouded her hearing, her eyes became focused, the glowing white of her irises starting to glow brighter.

When her name was called, it snapped Nora out of state for only a moment, but looking upon Waylond in the state he was in, her eyes were immediately drawn to the towel wrapped around his waist. This was a nightmare. Uncomfortable thoughts began to stir within her mind. Thoughts that she was determined to fight off, but the futility of it started to get to her. What comes next was what she feared. In an effort to stave off what comes next, she does her best to eliminate her senses, wrapping her hood over her head and placing her hands over her ears.

It did not work as well as she hoped, but it was all she could think to do in that moment. Just walk and hide from the thoughts. Endure.

 

[SilverFlight]

Tatum Aurani-Fafner of Abertsleigh

Tate kept his eyes fixed firmly to the floor, but took the offered hand, as his upbringing demanded.
"I suppose, this means we must venture further in." He concluded unenthusiastically. Then he whispered at Gsera's back: "Are you sure you'd recognize the jester without his clothes on?"

Movement beside him made him turn. Nora had a strange look in her eye. He remembered the night they had spoken. The secrets shared. This was no place for her.
Tate bit his lip, then his eyes lit up with an idea. He took out a pair of vials from his bag, very carefully pouring a drop of one into the other, stoppering both immediately.
The one vial began to glow softly, small fragments of magic-infused stone glimmering in different colours as they floated freely in the strange solution.
The colours played upon his palm as he held it out to her.

"Here, try to focus on this. It might help."


joshuadim Vexumin Breadman

 

[Vexumin]

Though entralled by the goings on around her, Nora's eyes are drawn to shifting colors of something held out to her. It was as if the magic drew her attention by force. When she follows the hand, then the length of the arm holding the vial, she discovers that it is Tate who is offering her this potential life saver. To Tate, her eyes would appear wild and near the brink, but after a moment, she takes the vial and stares into the bright contents within.

She fixates her whole attention on the vial. This was more than enough help. The magic within holding the entirety of her focus. It was a comfort. She started to wonder if she could keep this. It would certainly come in hand. But, it was more likely that the magic of it would wear off eventually. Nora's breathing calms. Did this cost much? Certainly the ingredients for such an item were worth something. Now she owed Tate again. Her eyes soften, twinkling in the dim light of the vial.

By now she was as calm as could be, forgetting everything around her, eyes locked on the vial. She seemed aware enough to follow along with the group if needed, but otherwise she was indisposed. She'd have to apologize later most likely. She breathes a small sigh that, to others, would seem to have been at random.

 

[Beann]

Kastalli’s eyes softened at the news that the late thane’s son had died shortly after. Terrible timing that could only be the valid reason as to why her father was now in power. She offered the elven women a slight flick of her tail in annoyance at their comment yet remained focused on the conversation between her and Captain Jager.

From his words, it would seem that her father was ruling as she would have expected him to — fair and with a compassionate mind. This brought a slight wave of relief to Kastalli but she couldn’t help but nod as Jager mentioned the sailors and warriors that opposed her father’s actions. “This is… shocking news…” she mumbled. The news of her father made her realize how long she had been gone from her home. It only reinforced her previous emotions of being homesick. So much has happened in Skaeg within a short time; she feared in the next weeks she would encounter Captain Jager again, only to tell her that her father is dead. “Well…thank you, Captain Jager…for the update.”

 

[Elenion Aura]

Olivier de Lyonesse

♔​

Olivier's gaze was steady as a cat’s. Though, there entered an edge to his grace, like a leopard with a headache.

"Trying?" Olivier asked, as if he did not understand the question. "Mademoiselle Delafousse," he said in carefully pronounced Eranoiran. A few seconds of silence followed, a space that lengthened.

Olivier had never needed to use force to make men obey him, just as he had never needed to flaunt his 'entitlement' in order to get his way. Olivier got his way because when men tried to resist him, they found, sweetly outmaneuvered, that they couldn’t.

Outside of Lyonesse, one could simply kill one's enemy with a sword. Or poison, if one bore the instincts of an assassin. Within Lyonesse, it was layer upon layer of constructed double-dealings, dark, polished, and unpleasant. There, as in war, Olivier triumped. He always did.

Whatever shape the battlefield took. Come whatever may, he intended to survive. He intended to beat his uncle, and he was more than willing to fight with every weapon that he could find. To that end, Olivier could stomach all the unpleasantness in the world.

"You have nothing to fear from me."

Before they could say more, a man in the blue-and-gold livery rounded the corner at speed, halting when he caught sight of the pair. He appeared to be out of breath. Olivier recognized him as the man he'd asked to look after a close friend of his once they'd reached the settlement.

"M'lor–"

Olivier gave him the kind of look a swordsman gives as he decides whether or not to slice his unarmed enemy in half.

Sensing danger and choosing his words carefully, the footman got 'out with it' as quickly as he could through deep, sucking gasps of air. Through his mumbling, Olivier made out the gist: Tate was getting up to something. His message delivered, the footman mounted a hasty retreat, bowing his head clumsily before he scrambled back the way he'd come.

Turning again to the woman by his side, Olivier flashed a winning smile and spoke. "Well, now. Seems I am off to help a friend. Would you care to join me? You can ask me all ze questions you like on ze walk over."

 

[BriiAngelic]

• Amani al Kassam || Prince of Kassemid

• 
  
  
  
  Directly Interacting With:
  Syllannan (@Roda the Red)
  
  

  ~ Guildtown~
  
  Camelia || Amani's CS File
  
  
  “The guild’s generosity having a limit that one person might reach on their own would only mean that they weren’t truly looking to be hospitable in the first place. Surely they will more than be able to cover our costs with ease. You should be able to splurge for something nice for your friend there then.”
  
  He took a look around adding one of two things of his own into the pile. All of his own choices were far more pragmatic, meant specifically to help aid their survival. Aside from himself he only purchased for Hazel and Mihret, neither of which were too materialistic compared to some of the other companions they met along the way.
  
  “This ought to be enough for myself.”
  
  He managed to get quite a few good pieces from the store so he would count this one as a win. He turned back to the one he’d had the pleasure of joining with a relaxed demeanor. Their trip had taken a bit and knowing the general attitude of the other’s as they split he figured it wouldn’t be hard to judge where the rest were.
  
  “If you’re good to leave, well there really can only be one place the others set off to with their rowdy natures. There was a temple of all gods' love in this town correct? I figure we may as well pop into there and see if the others have been wearing out the hospitality.”