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Fantasy Aether: The Dark Age

Avari

Avari

Four Thousand Club
AETHER: THE DARK AGE RP
Cast
Avari Avari - Lissa | A Billion other characters and possibly a dragon.
Prrrgadilly Prrrgadilly - Markku Elof Cainhurst
Pai Chan Pai Chan - Aurora | Lilith Van Der Veen
MouseDuke MouseDuke - Alexander Von Klein
Keidivh Keidivh - Belegor Ironhammer
MagicPenguin MagicPenguin - Arryn Blacksmith
Drunkle Qrow Drunkle Qrow - Ronni Redfist
southkovenz southkovenz - Chiyoko of Hinokah
Lekiel Lekiel - Mitsuru Hinokah
NUSKI NUSKI - Saeros Eli Limion
The Gunrunner The Gunrunner - Glazist Toten
Rusty of Shackleford Rusty of Shackleford - Marcel Brightwood
caYabo caYabo ??
Aura Of Twilight Aura Of Twilight ??
Dalamus Ulom Dalamus Ulom ??

If you haven't yet submitted a character and are no longer interested in the RP, please let me know ASAP as I have several waiting to join on backlog. <3

Rules n Dat
1) Decent post length is expected, I don't need 5,000 word essays, don't spend a week writing a post to some crazy high standard just put some decent effort in. If you don't feel super confident with descriptions - pictures are A-OK, just keep em leaning towards realistic fantasy.

2) Time skips and major events will be mentioned WAAAY in advance. Character agency is encouraged, feel free to offer your own quest ideas and plot lines. Love to see that stuff.

3) If you can, please stay active in the OOC. Even if it's just to let me know you're waiting for a certain moment or something.

4) If you'd like to write a proper conversation with another writer, I can happily recommend Pirate Pad!

5) Keep it realistic. Fights tire, magic has limits and casting times (some very advanced spells can take hours or days of preparation). Obv no killing other characters.

6) Have fun, and I'm always here to help! <3

Quests and Expeditions
At the start of every chapter, numerous side-quests, story prompts and long-term adventures will be made available. Many of these will be designed with particular characters in mind. All offer rewards, all could...potentially kill you. That's half the fun. More detail in Chapter 1!

Action Prompts
My posts - and this will usually be introduction posts - will occasionally include action prompts, that look a lil like this: [INSERT WORD HERE] these prompts can be investigated or ignored by characters.

If you want to investigate a prompt, notify me in the OOC and I'll tell you what happens next and what you need to roll to achieve success.
Sometimes it'll turn up nothing, sometimes it'll give new lore or a reward. Prompts can be checked repeatedly by different characters. then you write your post with that in mind. Action prompts are kinda a work in progress, if they don't work out or get confusing I'll dump em for something else, I just wanted to introduce something a bit...RPGish to proceedings.

Important LinksRP OOC
RP CS
RP LORE
RP LOCATION GUIDE
PIRATE PAD
RP NPC GUIDE

Prologue introduction will be live either later today or tomorrow. It will be a short introduction for players to ease into their roles with no risk or worry and will take place just after the coronation of Severa Cainhurst and Akio Hinokah. Expect lots of market based hijinks, parties, music and a bit of political intrigue. Everyone will be in Alcamoth - if you're directly linked to either the Church, Hinokah or Cainhurst - best to check in the OOC with me first to figure out the best place to start.
 
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PROLOGUETHE AETHERIAN EMPIRE


NEW LORE: "Origins" In ancient times, the world was one of peace. A land of verdant forests, bountiful fields, and clear waters. The races of Aether were mighty in their power, but shared it willingly. It was a time of prosperity and abundance.

But then the Dragon Gods came. Invited to our world by those who worshiped death.

Crosis, who came to be known as the Dwarvesbane.
Dromoka, the Tyrant of Hunger.
and the greatest amongst them - Kolaghan the Black, sworn enemy of all.

The powers of the Dragons were terrible to behold, and Aether shuddered and wept beneath their untold might. For a millennia the races of the land suffered and lived in fear and despair that corrupted even the bravest of souls.

But then the heroes came.

History teaches us that the cries of the dying became so great, that the very Gods that had birthed Aether were moved to intervene from their golden thrones. Three great warriors arose from the ash to challenge the Dragon-Gods, each wielding a weapon of divine strength.

Upon the highest mountaintop of Ash, Erebor - Warrior of the Dwarves, smote the Dragon-God Crosis with a hammer of fire.

Within the nest of Corruption in which he made his home, Mipha - Scion of the Elves, slew the Dragon-God Dromoka with a staff that embodied the might of nature.

and it was overlooking the ruins of the dead that Meyneth, hero of Humanity did challenge Kolaghan the Black to combat with a holy blade, and the last Dragon-God was purged from our world.

Aether was at peace, but her wounds were terrible and beyond number - but the survivors began to rebuild.

The Dwarves had suffered much at the hands of Crosis, and many of their kind had perished to his terrible hatred. For a time the mountain-folk attempted to rebuild - but were then confronted with a new and feared enemy - the Orc. The City of Magruhdul fell, along with Erebor who stood against these beasts of the deeplands, and the the few that survived fled west.

The Elves, once immortal and all-knowing, now lost and filled with sorrow found themselves drifting around the wounded land, their lifespans significantly shortened. Many Elves chose to stay with their human and Dwarven allies, but many retreated to the last great forest of Aether - Merluminal. Those that left isolated themselves from the world and became known as the Lumen; even now they are an enigma spoken of only in rumor and song. Even today, Elves find themselves inexplicably drawn to the Forest - and those that leave never return.

Humanity was scattered and forever torn.

Those that marched with Meyneth sealed themselves away in the last fortress of Aether - Alcamoth - believing one day that the Dragon-Gods would return. They named themselves the Church of Light, and swore to forever follow the ancestors of Meyneth.

Those that had lived in the Northern lands were said to have been corrupted by the dark magics that infested the area. They retreated to the dark lands of Blackrock and perfected their mastery over the arcane and grew in strength so that they could survive. They became known as Cainhurst - The Moon Tribe.

Those that lived in the south survived the war through their mastery of both mind and body. These War tribes banded together and farmed what little earth had avoided the corruption from the war. The lands bloomed, and the lords of these lands became known as Hinokah - The Sun Tribe.

But jealously and greed poisoned even the soul of the most noble soul, and these two tribes did fall into terrible and bloody conflict. For decades the two great remaining remnants of humanity fought over the scraps of land that remained - with no end to the war in sight.

But then five years ago, dreams began to manifest in our minds.

Nightmares of a Black dragon, bathed in fire and blood.

Kolaghan.

The Church of Light - sworn enemy of Dragons - opened the great white gates of Alcamoth and intervened in the war between the two tribes. Hinokah and Cainhurst agreed to join their houses into one - Astora - and Alcamoth would be the seat of their new Empire.

An Empire preparing for a War of Cinder.




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PROLOGUE Alcamoth is in celebration! For the first time in almost 70 years, the west of Aether knows peace. Akio Hinokah and Severa Cainhurst have taken their vows as husband and wife at the Grand Chapel (though if one was close enough, they might have noticed gritted teeth and a suspicious lack of eye contact) with Sentinel Cereza overseeing events with a small nervous smile. Thankfully, the ceremony was completed with no incidents. Later today, the noble families of Hinokah and Cainhurst will make their way to the Royal Palace to swear fealty to the new royal couple - as will nobles and leaders from the surrounding towns and villages. For now however, political unease can be put aside for enjoyment - the Markets of Alcamoth have been packed with visitors and attractions that haven't been seen since before the War of Cinder. For many, this is a rare opportunity to visit Alcamoth and see the interior with their own eyes.


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PROLOGUE INFO
LOCATION: Alcamoth Markets | Early Afternoon

PROMPTS
[Arryn's Forge] - Rumor has it that one of the blacksmiths attending the wedding is actually the one who crafted Severa Cainhurst's crown, and has a stall at the Market.
[Archery Competition] - Roll up roll up and win a prize! Never again will ya have the chance to put your archery skills against such a wide range of fine Aether citizens!
[The Markets] - by the gods, have you ever seen such a wide range of exotic wares? Shame most of it as so expensive...but I must buy something!
[The mysterious bard] A crowd is gathering at the center of the Market place - rumor has it that a bard is about to play in an hour or so...they say her music is practically enchanting.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Hinokah and Cainhurst family members must attend the Royal Palace to swear fealty to the new King and Queen. You will be summoned when it is time.

GENERAL NOTES : Security is at an absolute max, with Paladins patrolling every which way. Weather is warm and comfortable.The residential district of Alcamoth is restricted to all but Alcamoth citizens, and only the Market is currently available. Hinokah and Cainhurst characters must do their very best to avoid each other, you'll get a chance to glare at each other at the palace.





 
A warrior's blade is only as sharp, as he is wise in knowing when to draw it.
~ Hinokian Proverb

She sat at the elaborate dressing table, a large mirror before her... Her reflection... Deep green orbs, usually filled with lustre now near vacant and unfocused, stared back at girl with alabaster skin. Dark raven black hair, slightly damp from an earlier wash draped about her round shoulders, their curtained tresses hinting at the toned planes of her back. The girl sat straight on the cushioned stool, the rise and fall of her physique as she breathed barely perceptible, she was very still... almost too still. Except for the occasional flutter of her dark lashes, she did not move, and it would seem that the petite woman who stood behind her was combing the hair of a life sized doll. The woman had equally porcelain skin, though in some places was marked by ink. She spoke as she braided Mitsuru's hair, but she might as well have kept silent, for Mitsuru heard nothing. Lips moved and chatted, but there was no sound. Mitsuru's formal dress, a kimono as her people called it, draped loosely off her shoulders, their pink and white floral motifs accentuating the transluscent softness of her skin. Over by the side in a piled heap on the floor, was a mass of dark cloth. Black as the deepest night.

Mitsuru gazed curiously at the mass of fabric, she had no idea she had packed it with her; the clothes she had worn the day they sent him off. Her attendant had arrived at her chambers early that morn, only to find Mitsuru standing by the window, dressed in her mourning raiments. She could not remember what Chiyoko said, only that she had slipped the black garment off, and was now dressed in a different outfit. One that contrasted sharply with her mood. Chiyoko tugged and pulled at her hair, causing her to tilt her head back, but something caught Mitsuru's eyes.

She swore there was something, at the bottom corner of the gilded mirror infront of her. There it was again! A jagged crack. It streaked out across the polished surface with a low crack. Then another... and another..!

"Chiyoko-san"... her voice was soft, too soft. She sounded like she was eight again. Young, weak... afraid

The cracks continue, streaking wickedly across the once smooth surface. "Chiyoko-san!" She called again, but the grey-tinged haired woman did not seem to hear her. Instead, she began to talk more animatedly. But as before, no sound passed her lips, ruby red lips that even now seemed to be opening wider than was humanly possible. Chiyoko tugged roughly at her hair, and a flaring pain radiated from Mitsuru's scalp.

"Ow! Chiyok-" Whatever protest Mitsuru had, died quickly in her throat as the cracks by now, had covered the whole mirror. Then with an audible SNAP that sounded eerily like the breaking of bones, the mirror crumbled into a thousand pieces, revealing an open portal. Eyes wide with terror, Mitsuru gazed at the scene before her.

A tall broad shouldered man, garbed in the finest formal wear of his kingdom was stood at the altar of a church. Rows and rows of people in regal garments stood by their long benches, witnesses to the matrimony. The man's eyes, the kindest eyes Mitsuru had ever known. She knew him. AKIO! Mitsuru screamed her brother's name, but he seemed not to hear. Instead, he turned to a figure beside him. A woman of exquisite beauty, though her eyes had a coldness that chilled Mitsuru's heart to the core. Walking behind Severa, Akio carefully placed a finely crafted crown atop her head. The crowds reacted, whether they cheered or murmured Mitsuru couldn't tell. Her ears were filled with an unnatural rushing noise, as if standing at the edge of the Razor Cliffs, staring out at the broad expanse of the White Sea. Then it was Sevara's turn. She walked behind Akio, as if to place a crown atop his head in return. The rushing noise grew in intensity as Severa reached behind her and produced a long gleaming dagger.

"No.. NO! AKIO NO!" Mitsuru screeched in terror. Severa stepped up to Akio, whose gaze seemed preoccupied with the crowds. "NO! She wanted to run to her brother's aid. But her limbs would not obey her. Instead she could only weep forlornly, her twisted fingers trying to cover her face as if she could not bear to see, but at the same time felt that she should at least witness. Stop... She cried inwardly, with all her might. Then, as if she was the only one who could hear her, Severa's head turned in Mitsuru's direction. Their eyes met for the briefest of moments as the Cainhurst's lips twisted into a wide grin. With a flick of her hands, she grabed Akio's face and slit his throat. Mitsuru only saw red.

. . . | . . . ​

"AAAAARHH!!-"

"EXCUSE ME-! M'Lady?" A rather annoyed looking dwarf interrupted her. He stood before the Hinokian princess, a rather annoyed but quizzical look on his face. With a start, Mitsuru was brought out of her reverie. Everything returned with a rush of sound, and she began to remember. She had prepared for the wedding. Chiyoko had helped her dress. They attended the coronation and wedding. Akio and Severa exchanged their crowns and vows. The market. She was at the market at Alcamoth.. No, they. Chiyoko was with her. Mitsuru turned to glance at the woman whom she had many fond memories with. Then she looked back at the dwarf who still stood before her, though his expression was now one of concern. Then she looked at the bustle and roar of the marketplace, as if just getting her bearings. Other than the dwarf, no one else seemed to have heard her choked scream, the din of the crowds probably drowned out her voice. She breathed out a sigh of relief and waved at the dwarf to indicate that she was fine.

"Chiyoko I-" Mitsuru began to speak to the woman, but a sudden memory flashed before her eyes. Akio's vacant eyes stared at her as blood spewed out of his slashed neck. "-I'm going to be sick-!" Mitsuru yelped as she felt her insides churn. Rushing off to the side between two market stalls, Mitsuru clutched against a stone pillar and puked into a gutter. Her bowels heaved, but since she had not had a meal, there was only bile.
 
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The marketplace of Alcamoth was bustling with activity, throngs of people moving in all directions, musicians and bards playing for coin near seemingly every stall, and the vendors of those stalls selling all manner of goods to anyone passing by. The smell of cooking meat pervaded the air, wafting from the variety of food carts dotting the square, and the atmosphere seemed positively alive with the excitement of nobles, merchants and smallfolk alike, all here to celebrate the opening of the once closed-off city of Alcamoth and the fantastic wedding that marked the occasion. The excitement was contagious; Arryn had never seen so many people in one place, not even in his hometown of Cloudtop, and, uncomfortable though he usually was in large crowds, even he felt a jubilant sense of glee at all the wondrous sights and sounds this festival had to offer.

He did not fail to note, however, that this general sense of excitement was tempered by feelings of tension, suspicion, and unease in equal measure. Though today was a day of celebration—the end of centuries of warfare between two endlessly warring noble families—old wounds still festered and ancient grudges were not so easily forgotten. Natives of Cloudtop and Blackrock glared suspiciously at one another when they thought the victims of their glares weren't paying attention, as though expecting some sort of vile treachery from their counterparts. Some of them chatted and smiled and treated with one another amiably, but their shifty eyes screamed mistrust while their mouths spoke empty platitudes of peace and behind those polite smiles hid razor sharp daggers ready to slash at their ancient foes at the first sign of betrayal. Vigilant paladins, dressed magnificently in the splendorous blue and white armor of the Church of Light, roamed the streets in droves looking to break up fights between factions and make sure the peace treaty was adhered to by everyone in attendance. They seemed to give everyone they passed the same withering glare, whether commoner or noble, male or female, young or old, as though they thought any or all of them would be the one that finally broke the hard earned treaty and rekindled the flames of war.

Arryn Blacksmith, apprentice to Hogan, the most skilled Dwarven blacksmith in Cloudtop, if not the world to hear him tell it, pondered all this from his seat near his weapons stall at the entrance to the festivities. He was placed just near the entrance to the Marketplace from the royal palace. Anyone coming from the wedding ceremony could not possibly have missed him, meaning everyone at the festival would almost certainly encounter him at some point in the day. It was the kind of exposure most salesmen dreamed of. Hogan had made the central placement of the stall part of the deal with the Hinokah family when he agreed to craft the Cainhurst crown that Akio had placed atop Severa's head at the wedding ceremony. His hope had been that all the higher ups from Cainhurst and the Church of Light would take note of the high quality of his wares and want to make long term contracts for Hogan to craft arms and armor for clientele in Blackrock and Alcamoth, cities previously inaccessible to him before the peace. In accordance with this hope, the sign that introduced the goods of Hogan's Forge did not indicate that Hogan was a native of Cloudtop. No matter how good the weapons, those from Cainhurst lands might well be stubborn enough to abandon all interest in any kind of economic deal the moment they learned the Forge was a staunch supplier of the Hinokah royal family, as well as the Hinokah military.

The central placement of his stall was complemented by Arryn himself, who was larger than just about any other person present at a height of 6'10” with the powerful, stocky build granted to him by his training as a blacksmith. Most people who stopped by weren't interested in the weapons at all. They just wanted a close up look at the giant of a man who ran it. One small boy even asked him if he was related to an orc, to be so large. Arryn simply shrugged and laughed when the boy's mother apologized for her son's rudeness.

Those who knew weapons and warcraft, however, soon lost interest in Arryn's size after they saw the wares he had on display. Most men would never see arms and armor so finely crafted as long as they lived and anyone with an eye for quality knew that. Expensive though the merchandise was, ranging in price from 4-10 gold, the goods were worth every bit of what they cost and then some. The onlookers with cash to spend, usually the nobles and knights or even the occasional Church paladin, sometimes bought something while they had the chance. Others, hedge knights and wandering mercenaries and commoners without much wealth, could only glare jealously at those lucky enough to procure the Dwarven crafted masterpieces.

Among the wares were equal numbers of arms and armor used by all three groups present at the festival so that the Hogan's Forge would not seem partial to one faction over the others. There was the samurai armor, katanas, throwing stars and naginatas signature to the armament of Hinokah affiliated warriors, the double edged broadswords, longswords, spears, axes, and full steel plate favored by Cainhurst warriors, and the blue and white uniforms and armor favored by paladins emblazoned with the sunrise symbol associated with the Church of Light. All were made as well as or better than what was typically worn by warriors affiliated with each faction.

For common folk, there was also a fine selection of knives and daggers for general use or for self-defense to be kept on one's person as well as well-crafted horse shoes and even some jewelry in style in each region for the fashionably minded. These items were usually cheaper at 1-2 gold so as not to be outside the range of the typical spender.

Arryn was quite pleased to know that he himself had crafted many of the items on display under Hogan's watchful eye. The ones he made were nearly indistinguishable from Hogan's to any but the most practiced eye. The imperfections in his own works still gnawed at him, but the fact that Arryn had come to a point in his training where his items were almost on par with those of a Dwarven master smith of Hogan's caliber made him more proud than he could say. With a smile at this thought, he sat quietly on his stool near the goods on display and continued to observe the sights and sounds of the festival. His size and the placement of his cart meant that he didn't really have to say much to attract attention, as other vendors were doing, and the quality of the wares spoke for themselves. He answered questions when asked and made sales when buyers expressed interest, but other than that, he was content simply to take in the festive atmosphere that permeated the marketplace.
 
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Alcamoth's Market
The young hedge Knight let out a nervous sigh, he knew what he was risking by coming here. If the Cainhurst's caught whiff of him then Alexander knew his body would be missing his head. Though the temptation of riches and the chance for glory pulled him in like a dragon to gold. Calming his nerves and taking a quick survey of Alcamoth's market for any danger before pushing his way through the crowd. Alexander took glances at the shops and the attractions as he walked by, one hand near the handle of his sword. Just in case of any Cainhurst's. So far nothing in the market interested him, it's wares too expensive and the attractions boring and useless in Alexander's eyes.

One of the few attractions that caught his attention was a sparring match against a Paladin of the church. Intrigued with the chance to prove himself to the church Alexander was eager to cross steel with the warrior. He then waited in line and watched the other contestants ahead of him. Of course the Paladin would go easy on children and even go as far as to help them with fencing when it came to more skilled warriors such as Mercenaries or other hedge knights the Paladin showed his ture skill. Alexander was starting to doubt his chances of beating the Paladin, but he still had a spark of hope in his gut.

Now reaching the front of the line Alexander was given a wooden longsword, just a safety measure so that no one got seriously injured. To be honest Alexander never liked wooden swords, usually their weight was different to that of a steel sword and usually it's balancing was also off, though this sword was better than some of the other ones he held. Anyways Alexander stepped out into the makeshift ring, his right hand was gripped right below the cross guard and his left hand was right above the pommel, the flat edge of the blade was resting across his chest and across his collarbone, though once as the duel began the sword itself was erect and ready for battle.

Once as Alexander saw the Paladin move into a straightforward slash, the hedge Knight threw out his own and the wooden blades clashed together into a binding. In the end Alexander was at a disadvantage, his blade was close to the cross guard, meaning that he had little leverage to manipulate the paladins sword and make an opening for himself. The Paladin however took advantage of this, forcing Alexander's sword down before quickly cutting upwards. Luckily Alexander was narrowly able to back peddle away from the tack before countering with a thrust. The Paladin parried the thrust and went straight into the riposte, though Alexander was able to anticipate the attack and the two went back into a binding, except this time Alexander went onto the offensive. Reaching out with his off hand Alexander tried to grab onto the paladin's wrist, if he could Alexander had a chance to disarm him. Unluckily the Paladin was too fast, dropping his wrist down and guiding the wooden blades right into Alexander's thigh, one of the only places where he lacked armor.

With the duel over a few spectators clapped, the Paladin praised Alexander's swordplay, saying that so far he'd lasted the longest against the Paladin. Politely Thanking the Paladin for the compliment and for the duel Alexander went back to the crowds of the market, occasionally rubbing the place where the Paladin had hit him. It was a good strike and it had started to bruise. It didn't really bothered him though, he's had far worse injuries in the past.

The next attraction that caught his eye was an archery competition. Alexander has competed in competitions like this, his skill with a bow was far from his Swordplay, but that never stopped him. Handing over the required 5 silver the elf, which for a simple archery competition felt like a little much, but hey Alexander's just a poor hedge knight. After paying Alexander picked up the bow and a single arrow, nocking it and aiming it at the target. Finally Alexander let go of the string and felt as the arrow shot out from the bow, hurling itself at the target...


 
LOCATION: Alcamoth Market | Archery Range | Alexander von Klein

Alexander felt a hand gently pat him on the back.
"Hey, don't feel so bad. That's not the...worst miss I've seen today."

The elf-girl who had been overseeing the range smirked as she pried the bow from his hands. "I have to say...not many good archers in this neck of Aether. I suppose it's not much use out here, what with all the mages and high walls and all..."

She grinned as she shook a rather full sack of coin at him. "Care to take another shot?"

MouseDuke MouseDuke



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LOCATION: Northern Alcamoth Market | The Cainhurst children

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"Oh isn't this all simply adorable?" Narcissa Cainhurst gushed as she admired the controlled chaos of the market with a large smile. She glanced down lovingly at the young girl who was holding onto her left hand for dear life, eyes as large as dinner-plates as she took in her surroundings. "Don't you agree, Eleanor darling?"

Eleanor nodded, mouth agape. "I've never seen so many colors..."

"It is rather tacky isn't it?" Narcissa agreed, before turning her attention to the individual holding her right hand - or rather, she was holding onto him, and she did not seem to be willing to let go.

"What do you think Marrku? Do try to smile sweetie, you look so cute when you smile. You look as morose as Severa did at that silly coronation. Poor girl."

"Can I go look at the runes over there, big sister?" Eleanor piped up, pointing at a stall manned by a rather nervous looking dwarf who had obviously been doing his best to avoid catching their eye.

"But of course..." The scarlet haired woman glanced behind her, to smile warmly at the other woman of the group.

"Lilith, would you be a darling and take Eleanor for a moment? Let her have anything she likes."

Pai Chan Pai Chan Prrrgadilly Prrrgadilly
 
Location: Alcamoth Market | Attached to Narcissa

"We both know that she had every right to look "morose", Cissy. Besides, she was having a blast and you know it; Vera is most alive in the thick of it." Markku replied with a verbal eye roll before easily adopting a jovial expression, and winking shamelessly at some passing maidens. He supposed he should indulge Narcissa as she was obviously worried about Severa. Though, it wasn't as if he wouldn't indulge her anyway; she's his sister. "And I'm not morose, just lost in thought for a moment." Markku gave Narcissa's hand a reassuring squeeze.

To say the coronation had been stressful was the understatement of the century. Somehow, they'd all managed to get through it without killing each other. Markku remembered watching Ulfric reaching for the non-present Ninniel every single time he saw a Hinokah so much as sniff suspiciously. For once, Markku was glad for the Chruch's overbearing presence. The last thing they needed was for his Father to go on a rampage wielding that legendary blade; it just wouldn't do to have gotten blood his special coronation suit, even if it was Hinokah blood.

"I must admit that I am the tiniest bit jealous of Vera, though. That Akio fellow looked... entertaining. Don't you think so, Cissy?" There was frigid gleam to Markku's eyes for a second.

Avari Avari
 
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Alcamoth's Market

It was clear that Alexander wasn't content with his shot, and it seemed like the elf noticed as well. Feeling her hand on his shoulder and her words of encouragement, Alexander knew what she was doing which was drawing out the little coin that he had. Maybe it was her words, or Alexander's stubbornness that made him hand over another 5 silver coins. Now he was running low on them.

"I'll take the shot," he said before taking the bow from the elf, nocking yet another arrow and aiming it at the same target. "this one better hit it," he grumbled before letting go of the arrow again.
Avari Avari
(Sorry for the short reply, going out to dinner with my family in a few minuets)


 
Name: Belegor Ironhammer
Location: Deluge Wetlands
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Thirteen days. Thirteen days since Gulorum's Seekers had entered the Deluge Wetlands. Thirteen days since they last saw the shining sun, choked out by a sickly fog that felt as if it carried pestilent diseases through the air itself. Thirteen days of death, over half of the party having died on the journey. Delthius' throat was ripped out by a massive black spider while he slept, the rest of the party waking up to the sounds of him choking on his blood and snapping mandibles. Matthias and Vondred were separated from the main force during an attack by the undead that rose from a nearby bog, their rotted, waterlogged skin falling off their bones even as they tore off the twins limbs. By the time they cleared out the undead they couldn't even distinguish their comrades from the piles of flesh left over.

Thirteen days of madness. Whispers heard constantly throughout the night, vivid dreams of family members being flayed, their homes burnt to the ground by shadowy terrors. Alrick ran off into an unnatural mist when he began ranting about hearing his little girls screams. His severed hand was found further up the path, clutching a rotten and torn doll. His uncle noted Alricks daughter had one just like it.

Thirteen days of a hell unlike any had thought possible. This was a place beyond even the Ancestor Gods protection, yet here they stood before the decayed gates of Beneth Tha'lan. It looked as if even the strong iron gates and stone walls were eaten away by the corrosive environment of the Wetlands.

"Hard to believe we sacrificed so many Dwarven lives for this pile of of moss covered rubble." Belegor mumbled to himself as emerald eyes scanned the ruins for any sign of life. He knew horrors lurked in there, they lurked in every inch of this gods forsaken land. The question was how many were there, and did they have enough steel and shot to take care of it.

"I think after decades of exploring, you know the shittiest looking places can have the most invaluable spoils." An unnaturally calm and kind voice said to him, his deep tone helping to soothe his frayed nerves. His father Durin walked up to his side, placing a mailed hand on his shoulder. "In there you will find a relic unlike any we've seen before. Something to truly help our people. I only wish I could have lived to see it."

"What in the Ancestors names are you talking ab-" Belegors words died on his tongue as he turned to his father, his stark white beard tarnished with blood and gore, a massive blot piercing through his chainmail. Around them were the corpses of Dwarves as far as the eye could see, various horrors fighting over the dead, the sound of snapping bones and torn flesh growing into a deafening symphony of horror. His gaze fixed onto Durin, his weathered, pale skin seeming to decay before his eyes, hazel eyes losing the spark that he knew so well, that saw the Seekers to the various reaches of Aether and its treasures.

"No, not again. I'm not losing you again! Father!" Belegor's usually strong voice broke as he pleaded with his father, trying to hold on to his torn bloody armor, even as Durin began to fade into dust, a forlorn smile on his face as he grabbed his sons shoulders.

"Don't let this be our legacy lad." With that, his father was gone and an eerie silence came over the dead land. Turning back towards the ruins, it became apparent he was far from alone. Crawling out from the recesses of the ruined fort came a horror that he knew all to well. As it finally reached the outside it stood, reaching over 10 feet in height, a lifeless beast skull atop its head, its twisted body covered in what looked to be freshly skinned animal and human skin. It's unnaturally long arms were made of gnarled, decayed wood, yet even still its claws could rend through platemail. And within its hollow eye sockets were bright sapphire orbs that stared into Belegors very being. Belegor reached for Thunderer, yet his hand found nothing but air, his weapons gone.

"Do not fear Ironhammer, I'm not hear to flay your skin and drink your bone marrow. I owe you my thanks in fact." The beasts skull didn't move as it spoke, the voice emanating from seemingly nowhere. It sounded old, sophisticated almost, yet there was an unmistakable animalistic rage beneath its words, a hatred that no mortal could hope to comprehend.

Every word filled Belegors own heart with an boundless fury, his teeth grinding together upon hearing it thank him.

"The fuck are you on about hellspawn? Just kill me and get this over with, or I'll rip that skull off and shove it up your arse!" The beast simply laughed at his threat, as an adult would laugh at a young child trying to intimidate them.

"I'm thanking you for all the Dwarves you brought to me, I haven't tasted such succulent flesh in some time. Those that survived made particularly amusing playthings. You are a stubborn people, but it makes it that much more fun to break them. And I'm looking forward to who you'll bring next. I need a new skin to add to my collection. Your fathers was particularly nice." Belegor was unable to find words as the beast lifted said skin before him, some of his fathers white beard still visible beneath all the blood.

"Until we meet again, Ironhammer."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
​
Name: Belegor Ironhammer
Location: Alcamoth

"I'll fucking cave your skull in ya bastard!" Belegor bellowed as his leathery hand reached for Grudge Bearer, but rather than finding the familiar handle of his massive hammer, felt himself falling back, his body slamming into the dirt covered wooden floors beneath him, his stool crashing to the ground. For a few moments the Dwarf simply lay on his back, trying to collect his wits from that unnerving dream. If he could even call it that. It all felt to structured, to direct. It fucking spoke to him.

"I hope you're not talking to me pal, considering I let you blackout at my bar all night." Lifting his head, he saw a weathered man with greyish hair staring down at him with a bemused smirk. Had practically drowned him in ale the night previous, and drained his purse at the same time. Apparently even that wasn't enough to make his mind forget the Deluge, even if only for a night.

"Come now friend, how could I ever cave in the skull of the man who inebriated me so thoroughly." Forcing a bright smile he wasn't feeling, Belegor pushed himself back onto his feet, gathering up his rifle, hammer and pack before making his way to the door after giving the innkeeper a couple silver for letting him sleep through the night. Taking a moment to adjust his armor and brush the dust from his golden beard, the dwarf pushed open the door. Hinges creaked and Belegor had to cover his eyes with his weathered hands as he adjusted to the shining sun. The sounds of hundreds if not thousands of people milling about hammered against his ears, vendors yelling as they tried to sell their wears, taking advantage of the rare opportunity to peddle their goods in Alcamoth itself. It was a wonder to behold, even a Dwarf architect would begrudgingly admit it. It was a stark change from the grim Wetlands he had found himself in not to long ago.

He still wasn't quite sure how he managed to escape after the slaughter at the ruins, all's he remembered was being picked up by a Cainhurst patrol near the outskirts of that forbidden land. From there it had been a long, solemn journey to Cloudtop. He couldn't return to Gulorum, not yet. The death of the Seekers and his father would be a horrific blow, only made worse that nothing was gained. So he went to the lands of Hinokah, and met with his old friends, Hogan, Arryn and dear Dhalia. It wasn't the most joyous of reunions, but it did much good for him to see friendly faces, and recuperate. Now here he was, in the city of the Church of Light, witnessing the birth of a new empire. That is if the two families can resist murdering each other. Heh, I'll be impressed if the new Emperor and Empress will even be able to consummate the marriage before there's an assassination attempt.

Truth be told, none of that was what drew him to the ancient city. The opening of Alcamoth drew all manner of people from all across Aether. And with such a multitude of people came opportunity. Opportunity to rebuild the Seekers, go on Expeditions and eventually return to the Deluge. Then he could return to his people with a worthy prize. Hopefully it'll all be worth the price...

For now however, he would enjoy the festivities, the bustling markets... And some woman puking in between two market stalls, much to the horror of the vendors there. "Heh, seems I'm not the only one who had to much to drink last night. You alright there lass?"
​
Lekiel Lekiel
 
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Belphraus Krogar

  • He hated this. "One...two...three..." no response.

    He hated this soo much. But, Belphraus couldn't ignore it. Ariel kept trying, and he just sat there on a log staring at the ground unable to accept reality. "One....two....three....C'mon kid, breathe! One..two...three....." Ariel leaned in and breathed air into Max's lungs. Trying to resuscitate him, trying but failing. "One...two...three. C'MON! One, two--"

    "That's enough Ariel! He's gone. You're breathing air into a corpse that won't be coming back. Quit wasting your breathe, we need to keep moving." The party of eight grew silent at those words, but no one dare say something back with the last remaining fighter of their group. For a brief second the blonde woman's eyes glanced up at the pale man with hints of graying hair known as Manfred, and the look she gave him was filled with nothing but daggers. But Ariel didn't continue, hating how she'd have to heed his advice but hating herself even more for not being able to save this boy's life. Like Belphraus, Ariel stared at a bald man, blue from a lack of oxygen, covered in the same filth that now covered Ariel's hands. It was a sad thing also, despite Max being 24 and she being almost a decade older, the young man's chipper mood would've been entertaining for that offer of drink- now it would never happen. A group of twenty was now a group of five.

    Belphraus didn't say a word as Ariel rose from his first friend's body. Max and he had been through so much together before he made friends with Bowie, Louie, and David. They'd stolen fruit from markets, got into petty fights with other kids on the streets, got into arguments now and again whenever one of them was going to do something stupid and the other wanted to be the one to take the lead-- petty, trivial stuff that he never really thought about. Stuff that just came flooding into his mind now that he saw the way dirt, slime, and mud covered the corpse that used to be Max.

    It was sickening to see him like that. Almost just as bad as watching a harmless plant mutate and eat one of their guards alive.

    "Oi, boy." Belphraus looked up to the Dwarf addressing him. He couldn't remember his name, but at this point it didn't matter. Names didn't matter, living and getting out of this hell alive did. The half-elf raised a tired brow and the female dwarf staring at him merely remained silent for a few seconds before shaking her head. "Never mind. We need to get moving." The half-elf would've snorted, but the compassion he could sense in her voice told him she wasn't a harlot like Manfred was a bastard.

    "....Right...", His eyes drifted to Max's now bluish tinted skin and pale lifeless face. Belphraus gave a slow nod after one long stare at his deceased friend's body. "Yeah...right, let's go." And then they were off. Max's body left behind much like the others. Bowie, Louie, David- he had to assume they were dead. Their group split up into ten along the journey to cover more ground along the entrance. It was a foolish decision but a plan that wasn't meant to last this long. For five hours they'd been in the Wetlands, and every hour that passed made Belphraus feel all the more sicker.

    The Wetlands had a strange affect that it didn't have on others. Made him feel weaker, a cold sweat despite the humid temperatures, a shaky body instead of nerves made of steel. Belphraus hated this. He hated how had been his idea, he hated how he'd got his friends involved- he hated how he'd stolen this stupid map from that loyal bitch of the Cainhurst blood- and he wanted nothing more than to leave this place, pass out and wake up to realize this was all a dream. Sadly, it wasn't.

    Because minutes later he realized he'd been walking all alone down a path he didn't recognize. And for some odd reason, he found it funny. The deaths, the toxic air from the swamps, the strange and bizarre plants and animals, they hadn't even gotten that far and already he was turning back. It was pathetic, it made him angry.

    But that didn't change the cold shivers running down his spine and the heavy breathing he made as he ran blindly through a cloud of fog, trying to find an exit- and maybe if it was possible, trying to find the others- if the risk was even worth it.

 
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Glazist Toten

Everything hurt. As Glazist tries to life his head from the mattress, he could feel something like a blacksmith trying to forge a horseshoe from his skull. Groggily, he pulls his legs to the side of his mouth - A hand quickly moves to his mouth as he releases a sickly belch, his expression twisting into disgust. Gods, what did I drink? He sniffs, rubbing his temples with his palms. He shuts his eyes, massaging the pain from his head - The regrets of last night comes into growing clarity.

It was the night after he'd arrived in the city, too anxious to wait until the actual party around the wedding - one that he now won't be able to enjoy as much... though that's not to say he wouldn't be celebrating - he'd looked for something to entertain himself. Glazist nearly rolls his eyes when he remembers wandering into a tavern - Of course it was a tavern, after all. He'd made some 'new friends,' whatever their names were, inviting him to their table for drinks. They shared stories, apparently all of them from the Cainhurst-Hinokah war in one way or another, and drank - A lot. He vaguely remembers them being thrown out of the place, possible after getting and/or giving a few bruises. His knuckles did feel sore, after all. Regardless, they drunkenly stumbled about the city's streets. From there, the memory was a bit... fractured. Velvet curtains, rose petals, candle lights, and a lot of giggly wome- Oh, right. From there, he just recalls a half hour of them playing soldier and... things he sadly can't remember now. Glazist feels a solemn frown, sighing in his loss of memory towards what must have been quite a fun night.

And then he realized his pants were missing. He pushes himself up, brows furrowed. Such wasn't to say that he wasn't wearing them, but that they were actually /missing./ "Where in the..." He rummages about the place, around in his travel pack and where his clothes were piled, under his armour and under the covers of the bed. He couldn't find them anywhere. "Those sons of bitches," he fumes, dressing himself as best as he could. It was a sad and comedic sight, to be sure - The imposing mercenary with chest and head adorned in metal armour, waist brandishing his sword, equipment scattered along the body, and his hairy legs left to sit in the sun. He steps down the stairs to hoots and hollers, a look on his face deadly eager to find last night's drinking buddies. He gives a wave to the hostess before coming out the door, recoiling in pain when the sun first reaches his eyes. The cuirass and leather jacket he wore were enough to retain some dignity, but he wasn't likely to be invited to any balls today.

He sighs again, pulling a waterskin from his travel pack - The man pulls the cork free, tilting the thing back to fill his mouth with something to ease the headache. He continues, grumbling and mumbling to himself as he makes his way to the marketplace; he would have to buy some new clothes.
 
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Location: Alcamoth Residential District

Davey yawned as the kettle boiled on the stove. He fed his cat, and then made up his flask. The herbs he had been given at the chapel by one of the attendants were supposed to help with old aches and pains.
"So, anyway...I left it where I found it. Down the back alley - in my shed." He said, bringing his story up to date, "I mean...it didn't seem to wanna be disturbed. So I thought - Y'know. Doin' no harm there. I'll leave it."
He took his thick jacket down off the door-peg in the little back kitchen of his house. It was an ancient little thing. Patched and repaired so many times he wasn't even sure if anything from the original jacket remained. His wife used to nag him about spending some silver to get a new one, he hadn't got around to it. She was gone now.

He missed her.

"Truth be told, it horrified me when I foun' it. I was gonna run to the Paladins - but then it looked at me, see? And I knew everythin' was gonna be alright." He placed the empty kettle back on the stove.

"...I suppose I better check on it," He said to his cat. His cat was fairly indifferent to the whole story, more interested in licking its paws.
"You be all right here for a while won't cha?" The cat glanced up at him for a moment, then resumed its cleaning. He wasn't talking to the cat anyway. He was talking to the small painting in the hall. But he always pretended he was talking to the cat, because if you talked to pictures - well, you were crazy weren't you?

He put on his cap and patted the pockets of his old jacket. His wife used to put a bit of dried jerky in his pocket for him to eat - not anymore. She had died a few years ago. Healers couldn't save her. Said she had some sort of wasting disease. That it was complicated. He had to agree with that - as complications went, dying was probably one of the harder ones to fix. He went out into the main street.

The sounds of laughter and music. People were excited. He wasn't - he knew it'd all end in disaster. He'd seen the Hinokah and the Cainhurst close up back in his old Paladin days...bad as each other they were. There was no one down the back streets though - which was a bit odd. No doubt everyone was celebrating, or maybe they just had other places to be. It was all the same to Davey. He sighed as he passed one of the small allotments - tiny bits of land that some of the locals owned to grow some fruit and vegetables. It looked like some of the local thugs had been there again. Empty bottles on the ground. Couple of the fences were broken. Davey always kept a tub of paint handy - should they ever think to decorate his shed again.

Should never have let those louts in. Never would have done it, back in his day.

Davey waddled up to the shed and undid the padlock. He was rather proud of his shed - had built it half a decade ago. Still held up well. Had to do something with his time since he'd retired.

It was still there, where he had left it, popped up in his wheelbarrow, angled a bit if it was looking right out the grimy window with it's single bulbous eye.

"Uh...you all right then?" He asked.

It made no response. Like his cat.

"I was...uh. I was wonderin' if you had a name." Davey said. "Y'know. Just be be...civil. I'm Davey see? Old man Davey. Friends call me Nobby."

The creature gave a small gurgle.

"Daft name I agree. Had it for years. Used to serve as a Church Paladin y'see?. Fine days. Fellow lads called me Nobby - Didn't mind the nickname honestly, I was glad to be noticed."

Another gurgle. A slight change of pitch.

Davey nodded. "How about a cuppa tea?"
 
Captain Evelynn von Carstaires
Location:
(was) fort Mipha -> (Current) Alcamoth Marketplace (Tavern)
Evelynn Von Carstaires.png
"More?! There's MORE?" The paladin captain roared. "Get out of my sight or I'll impale you myself! I don't want to see your face again until I've had a chance to catch up on sleep, you hear me? Begone." she hissed as a younger, newer paladin fled from the room in a slight panic. "It feels like all I ever do nowadays is Paperwork. This is not what I'm made for.." the renowned captain grumbled in frustration, a highly-maintained Halberd with a glimmering blade and an equally as polished shield resting on the wall behind her, a fresh stack of papers lying before her on the large desk before her.

Day after day, paperwork was sent her way and all she could do was deal with it. It was driving her insane, she needed a breath of fresh air, and with the screeching of a chair, the soft tinkling of armour rattling against armour and heavy footsteps, the beautiful woman strode out of her small, yet well-furnished room in fort Mipha,shield and halberd sheathed on her back with long,
well-cleaned hair drifting through the air behind her as she swept her way through the streets, not bothering to spare a glance to any of those she passed, yet maintaining a pleasant smile creating an atmosphere of reassurance around her, like she could handle anything, despite the blistering rage she held for those damn papers in her room.

Eventually, she made her way through the small clusters of people around her an arrived at her intended destination, the local tavern. She wasn't going to drink any alcohol of course, "She was on the job, drinking brings a bad name to the paladins" so she was just going to grab a few cups of fresh milk and relax for a bit.

Stopping in-front of the door, she felt a strong urge to kick the old wood open and stride in, but she was still on-the-job, so she simply opened it, only to hear the wonderful sound of chatter reaching her ears. where there was chatter, there was gossip, and where there is gossip, there are rumours, which were something she needed to help take her mind away from things. She was not a regular at the tavern, but she came there commonly enough that her name still hung around the place. With a few swift steps and a lot of metal on metal, she found herself seated. Her very presence, fully-clad in armour, was quite intimidating, and as such, voices quietened down a pitch. She was, after all, essentially a part of the militia. "One cup of milk, please." She spoke with a soft accent through sweet lips and grey eyes, slipping a few coins onto the table and letting out a soft, charming sigh as she rested her head on the cold metal of her gauntlet, keeping an ear out for anything of interest​
 


LOCATION: Alcamoth Markets

Narcissa Cainhurst | Marrku Cainhurst

"My darling brother, you do say such incomprehensible things." Narcissa purred as she relinquished Marrku's hand, only to gently thread it around his waist and pull him along. The pair paused at one of the more opulent looking stalls, taking care not to stray too far away from Eleanor or Lilith. The owner - an Elf =who smiled nervously as the pair approached - had a rather stunning selection of jewelry. Narcissa gave a little "ah!" as her attention was swiftly caught by a small but exquisite looking ruby ring. The gem was glittering in the afternoon sun, and she happily slipped it on.

"Severa is only a baby," she continued as she passed a small bag of gold to the Elf. " -the thought of that...man touching her makes me want to retch. I did suggest allowing me to cast a few little charms on him to make his personality a little more...palatable but she simply scrunched her face up in that adorable way of hers and said she could handle him. Always so independent!"

The woman laughed, but then lent over and gave Marrku a small kiss on the cheek. "They'll never take you from me darling brother. Or my dear sweet Eleanor. Father promised."

They moved on - the crowd practically scattering around them. Occasionally someone wouldn't move fast enough and Narcissa's hands would begin to glow a rather ominous purple - which certainly got them moving.
"-and didn't Severa look radiant in that crown? I heard the one who crafted that has a stall here somewhere. I simply must give him my thanks, he'll have to come back to Blackrock with me, I can't have such talent wasted to Hinokah."

Prrrgadilly Prrrgadilly
------------------

LOCATION: Archery Range

Alexander Von Klein | Elf Archer

[ROLL SUCCESS]

Applause and cheers echoed around as the arrow finally obeyed its master and struck a bulls-eye.

"There ya go! Not bad for a human!" The elf-girl chuckled as she gave him a playful nudge in the ribs, seemingly unintimidated by his size. "You should come to Arcanlux sometime, take a few shots at some goblins. Does wonders for your aim."

She reached into her bag and produced a gold coin, and pressed in into his hand.

"Only one win I'm afraid - can't have ya clearing me out now Can I?" She giggled, then frowned. "Say - you from up north? Those eyes of yours practically scream Blackrock."

MouseDuke MouseDuke
 

8yzxv7.jpg

LOCATION: ALCAMOTH MARKETS​



Avari said:
"Can I go look at the runes over there, big sister?" Eleanor piped up, pointing at a stall manned by a rather nervous looking dwarf who had obviously been doing his best to avoid catching their eye.

"But of course..." The scarlet haired woman glanced behind her, to smile warmly at the other woman of the group.

"Lilith, would you be a darling and take Eleanor for a moment? Let her have anything she likes."
Click to expand...
Upon being asked Lilith tensed up. She didn't want to leave the other two siblings unprotected. Anything happened to any Cainhurst under her watch then she was a dead woman. Eleanor took Lilith's hand with a slight tug.

"Please, do not stray far. I cannot offer you protection if you are out of my sight. And with the Hinokah all around us I feel we should have more caution than normal." Eleanor tugged at Lilith again and practically pulled her away towards the rune stand. The nervous dwarf, now, almost seemed to be panicking.

"I think he is scared of you." Eleanor said as they approached.

"And why would he be scared of me. I've done nothing for him to fear me."

"It's the way you look." Lilith cocked an eyebrow.

"I beg your pardon?"

"You always look like you are prepared for battle. Wanting to fight. When I first met you I was scared too. I thought you were going to be a cruel mistress. Now, I know you are not but you still have a scary look." Lilith nodded as she picked up a dagger with runes etched into the blade. She looked at the dwarf who visibly gulped. Lilith didn't know if his fear was inspired by her piercing stare, as Eleanor suggested, or if it was the fact that she was with the Cainhurst. It was commonly known that many dwarfs worked in the lands of the Hinokah. Lilith turned her attention back to the dagger.

"Those runes are for heating the blade." Eleanor said as Lilith handed her the blade. The young girl studied the etchings closer before continuing. "But not in a way to hurt someone. More like to use on lighter things. Like to cut bread with little effort or to cook meat as you slice. This is a dagger for practical use." Lilith was quite surprised. She didn't talk with Eleanor much but whenever the girl did speak there was much wisdom for someone her age.

"Why would a dagger be made for the sole purpose of helping with such chores?" Eleanor smiled.

"Not everything is made for battle, Lilith." Lilith nodded, yet again and placed the dagger back where she found it. The dwarf must have heard the conversation because his features softened quite a bit from earlier.

"Aye, lass." He called to Eleanor. "How about these!" The dwarf produced a pair necklaces with a pendant of a gold cross inside a circle. He handed the piece of jewelry to the young girl and she looked it over. Eleanor's eyes lit up.

"What is it?" Lilith asked, quite curious at the sudden change in Eleanor's expression.

"I've only read about these in books. They are very rare, indeed! The wearers of these necklaces have a type of link to each other. Like a telepathic bond. Only the wearers wouldn't need to be mages if the runes were charged." Eleanor looked back to the dwarf. "Name your price. I must have these!"
​
 
LOCATION: Alcamoth Market

Markku Cainhurst | Narcissa Cainhurst

"You understand my words perfectly, dearest sister. You simply choose to focus on the silver lining in this difficult situation." Markku couldn't help but chuckle as the feigned ignorance in Narcissa's voice, and he didn't even think about her arm around is waist. He'd been used to her overly affectionate behavior since day 1.

Following along beside Narcissa, Markku sorted through the jewelry as well. It was all nicely made but nothing really caught his eye, so he waited to see what Narcissa would buy. "It always amazed me how you manage to find rubies that compliment your hair color so well." He openly examined the ring on her finger and how the stone caught the light before releasing it in glittering sparkles and flashes.

"You're the only one who thinks she's a baby." Markku tipped his hat at the elf manning the stall before turning and following after Narcissa. " And she has to let Akio touch her. How else are they supposed to have a child? Restoration magic is astounding, but there ARE limits to what it can do, you know. Besides, I'm more worried for Akio than I am for her. She's the most dangerous of us all right after Father, and she doesn't even need magic to be."

Markku's smile brightened somewhat as Narcissa kissed him. He patted her hand and drew her closer to place a kiss on he head. "Yes, she looked simply radiant. I had heard that the blacksmith set up his stall near the Marketplace entrance; he's supposed to be quite the giant."

Avari Avari
 
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-- Ronni Redfist
Ronni remembered moving to Cloudtop, and how much it scared her. There were more people there than she'd ever been around in her entire life. The brave dwarf remembered her hands trembling, face creased with worry. She had nothing to worry about -- of course -- and she figured that out over time. Coming to Alcamoth, however, was like reliving that very past. It wasn't her child-like stature that made her so nervous here, but rather the large crowds and the prestige the recent events carried. She felt as if a fly on the wall, and now standing amidst the city's bustling market, Ronni felt smaller than ever. As much as she wanted to explore and browse the various shops lining the street, she knew she'd be making a beeline towards the nearest tavern. Alcohol would definitely ease the tension she felt from head to toe. Shuffling along the edges of the streets, Ronni shoved her way through people (in the most graceful, dwarf-like way possible, of course), loudly bursting through the tavern doors without a second thought. For but the briefest of moments, the tavern stood still, and Ronni smiled to herself as she caught a glimpse of a mouth agape. Surely she was a sight, she decided. Her bright red hair was wild, uncombed aside from a small braid running down the left side of her head. It could probably be mistaken for fire, she mused, grinning cheekily at the man, who quickly shut his mouth and turned away. And just like that, the tavern returned to normal, conversations continuing, gazes drawn back to their previous subjects. Glancing around at the tavern, Ronni frowned. It seemed the best seats were barstools, and man she hated barstools. With a stature like hers, it took a noticable amount of effort to clamber up the damn things. Sighing, Ronni marched up to the nearest stool, placing her thick, callused hands on the seat before pushing herself up with a hefty grunt, legs kicking to get the momentum in her favor. Having grown up in Gularum and exploring the lands, she hadn't had much experience with human sized furnishings, and as a result she was the epitome of awkward. Shooting dirty glances at the few patrons who seemed to be stifling laughter, Ronni turned to the barmaid, ordering a large mug of mead for herself. Surveying the tavern as she turned about on the barstool, Ronni was disappointed in the lack of dwarves present. It was to be expected, of course, but the outside world always surprised her by reminding her why she was here. Frowning, she absentmindedly downed the mead in a long, single swig, setting it down on the bar behind her before swinging back towards the barmaid, who's eyes were wide with surprise. While she would be happy to drink more, Ronni knew too much and she'd be wandering about the market yelling and making quite a scene. She'd learned over the years that sometimes being smaller attracted more attention. From her perch atop the barstool, Ronni watched the market outside with bright eyes. She noted the movements, the attendees, and the goods they bustled around with. Unfortunately, with the more recent move to Cloudtop and her growing interest in politics, she had little coin left from exploration to throw at the market. Perhaps this was a good time to talk to other tavern-goers though, she thought. A government, an empire, always began at it's people. And Alcamoth was the best place, with people from all over Aether having come for the marriage between the Hinokah and Cainhurst families. Ronni herself thought it was absurd. She knew it was naive to think great kingdoms were built on the foundation of love, but the good in her wanted it to be so. Ronni knew she wouldn't be up to the task of marrying an orc or something, and in reaction to the thought, her face wrinkled with distaste. While she'd never met one, Ronni vividly remembered the tales other children would tell her in the dead of the night.

Underground, it was near pitch black in Gularum. Fire dimly lit cavern walls, and in an empty cave, the wild children convened. She shivered, it was near the dead of winter and Ronni hated that Grildar still wanted to meet. Wrapped in a threadbare blanket, the children sat around a pitiful fire as Grildar spoke. He was the oldest of the young dwarves assembled, and seemed to know stories from beyond his years. Tonight he told the story of the orcs, and how they were to blame for the fall of the great dwarven city, Magruhdal.
It was his description of the creatures that terrified Ronni that evening.
"... Gnarled, clawed hands tore through our people, muscles on their backs rippling with every dwarf they ripped in half, ugly faces contorted with sick pleasure. The screams of our people were the worst, angry, mournful, all cut off before they could finish. They tell of the blood - O, Gods the blood. It streamed in rivulets from those horrible creatures and our people, staining the ground with dwarven blood, pooling between the Orc's feet. And when it was all over, they smiled. A haunting smile, one with razor sharp teeth, a smile that told those who survived this time that next time, they likely wouldn't be so lucky..."​
Ronni shivered, though this time it had nothing to do with the cold poking at her blanket, but rather the fear clawing at her head. She never returned to see Grildar and the other children again.

Envisioning the orcs in her head had given her nightmares for the longest time. These days, though, Ronni had her doubts about the storyteller's tale. He had likely made them up to scare her and the other children, and he hadn't a lick of literacy, so there was no chance he was reciting it from a book. Ronni figured she'd never know though, as she dared not crack open a book on the Orcs, for fear Grildar's tale hasn't been so far fetched after all. Frowning, Ronni ordered another huge mug of mead, this time sipping it slowly as she pulled an axe, Flora, from her belt, running a thick thumb over the dulled edge. Perhaps she'd get it sharpened here, she mused.
 
She felt utterly sick, and it was not merely in the physical sense. A gnawing discomfort deep within her combined with her lack of sleep and frayed nerves, which she immediately blamed upon the whole marriage situation without a moment of hesitation. She thought she was prepared, her conscience told her it was for the best and indeed it was; but she was not expecting how emotionally invested she was with upholding her family's honor. or perhaps pride?.

For once, she was thankful that she was wearing her traditional wear. The swaths of cloth allowed her to stash away a silken handkerchief with which she now used to wipe away any traces of puke from her bout of vomiting, she still had to do something about the vile taste in her mouth. A gruff voice off to her side alerted her to the presence of a dwarf.

"I-I'm fine! Thank you for asking." She stuttered a reply, trying just a little too hard to affirm her point. A pinkish hue of embarrassment coloured her cheeks, and she berated herself for her moment vulnerability. She gave the dwarf a tight lipped smile and reached with the cloth to wipe at her still wattery eyes and immediately regretted it as the cloth came away stained with dark paint. She had smudged her eyeliner, and probably the rest of her makeup. Deciding she could do without, Mitsuru was in the midst of wiping away the rest of her facepaint, when she felt a little tap on her shoe. It was a pebble. She followed its supposed trajectory and saw a rather willowy looking man with a scar across his nose. Upon noticing her gaze, the man offered her a somewhat mechanically challenged wave along with an equally awkward albeit friendly smile.

Urgh! Did someone else see her emptying her guts out? This was proving to be a bigger nuisance than she thought. She better steel her nerves as soon as she could, at least until she could find time to be really alone. Taking a deep breath, she shrugged at the man and waved her cloth clutching hand in a dismissive gesture to show that she was fine. Mitsuru hoped that would be the extent of it.

Keidivh Keidivh @The Regal Rper
 
The Gunrunner said:
Glazist Toten

Everything hurt. As Glazist tries to life his head from the mattress, he could feel something like a blacksmith trying to forge a horseshoe from his skull. Groggily, he pulls his legs to the side of his mouth - A hand quickly moves to his mouth as he releases a sickly belch, his expression twisting into disgust. Gods, what did I drink? He sniffs, rubbing his temples with his palms. He shuts his eyes, massaging the pain from his head - The regrets of last night comes into growing clarity.

It was the night after he'd arrived in the city, too anxious to wait until the actual party around the wedding - one that he now won't be able to enjoy as much... though that's not to say he wouldn't be celebrating - he'd looked for something to entertain himself. Glazist nearly rolls his eyes when he remembers wandering into a tavern - Of course it was a tavern, after all. He'd made some 'new friends,' whatever their names were, inviting him to their table for drinks. They shared stories, apparently all of them from the Cainhurst-Hinokah war in one way or another, and drank - A lot. He vaguely remembers them being thrown out of the place, possible after getting and/or giving a few bruises. His knuckles did feel sore, after all. Regardless, they drunkenly stumbled about the city's streets. From there, the memory was a bit... fractured. Velvet curtains, rose petals, candle lights, and a lot of giggly wome- Oh, right. From there, he just recalls a half hour of them playing soldier and... things he sadly can't remember now. Glazist feels a solemn frown, sighing in his loss of memory towards what must have been quite a fun night.

And then he realized his pants were missing. He pushes himself up, brows furrowed. Such wasn't to say that he wasn't wearing them, but that they were actually /missing./ "Where in the..." He rummages about the place, around in his travel pack and where his clothes were piled, under his armour and under the covers of the bed. He couldn't find them anywhere. "Those sons of bitches," he fumes, dressing himself as best as he could. It was a sad and comedic sight, to be sure - The imposing mercenary with chest and head adorned in metal armour, waist brandishing his sword, equipment scattered along the body, and his hairy legs left to sit in the sun. He steps down the stairs to hoots and hollers, a look on his face deadly eager to find last night's drinking buddies. He gives a wave to the hostess before coming out the door, recoiling in pain when the sun first reaches his eyes. The cuirass and leather jacket he wore were enough to retain some dignity, but he wasn't likely to be invited to any balls today.

He sighs again, pulling a waterskin from his travel pack - The man pulls the cork free, tilting the thing back to fill his mouth with something to ease the headache. He continues, grumbling and mumbling to himself as he makes his way to the marketplace; he would have to buy some new clothes.
Click to expand...
Captain Evelynn von Carstaires
Location:
(was) Alcamoth Marketplace (Tavern) -> (current) Alacamoth Marketplace (outdoors)
evelynn-von-carstaires-png.368930
Evelynn, the Paladin captain, drained the last of her cup. Relaxed, refreshed and in a slightly better mood after the countless hours of paper work she had been scribbling through. "I imagined being captain a whole lot differently..." She sizzled to herself, scraping her chair and regally walking back out of the tavern with all the grace of a noble, yet the looks of a war veteran. She didn't have all those fancy medals that some people liked to carry around, she simply had her imposing presence, and for her, that was enough. Nobody wanted to get in her way, not even other Paladin members, not anymore, anyway. She's been work obsessed ever since she took her vow of glory in a fit of honour and respect for her father after his sudden death. Even now, the thought of it still seemed quite unbelievable, she had always viewed him as this unstoppable warrior and now he was simply gone.

"Twelve years..." her heart rang out as she marched through the bustling crowds of the marketplace, a small circle of space around her at all times due to the fact that she was obviously of a high-rank due to the fact that she had her weapons with her along with her simple aesthetic. Her face was beautiful and defined, yet seemed very serious at the same time. It left most people around her terrified to be near her, yet staring at her as she walked away.

Her mind had wandered, and before she knew it, she was standing before a strangle serious, seemingly in pain, half-clothed man. Unsure of quite how to react, she simply looked at him with a mixture of confusion at his appearance, disgust at the sheer smell of alcohol dripping off him and a soft, yet cruel smile at the scenario this man seemed to have found himself in. "Excuse me sir.. But are you aware that there is such a law known as 'Public decency?'"​
 
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Collab Post w/ Pai Chan Pai Chan

SAEROS LIMION & AURORA
LOCATION: City of Alcamoth, Markets

It was the perfect shade of red but a little too soft and small for his taste.

Saeros shook his head and put the apple back down and reached for another one. He had been doing this for ten minutes now and the woman at the booth was getting impatient. It wasn't his fault he was picky when it came to his fruits. Before his hands could touch another apple, the woman hissed which made Saeros pull his hand back and look at the woman with disgust.

"Fine, I'll leave" the elf swordsman said as he turned towards the large crowds in the markets. He was never a fan of being in busy places and it usually wasn't this bad, but those humans were in Alcamoth which created a lot of buzz. He doubted anything out of the ordinary would happen today with Paladins patrolling everywhere. Nothing in the market place seemed to interest him at the moment but he didn't want to just walk back and forth; that was boring. Even so, there was not much else that could keep him entertained. He heard a rumor that the blacksmith who crafted the Cainhurst crown was somewhere in the market but his weapons were fine so there was no need to go to him. To be completely frank, he was bored. No matter how childish it may have sounded in his head, it was true.

- - -

Aurora practically had to plow her way through the thick crowd. So many people looking to buy from foreign merchants, share stories from different lands, and get to know someone that they otherwise would have never met if not for this special occasion. Aurora knew of the two warring families well enough. Everyone did. But the Church scholar could already see a positive effect they were bringing by this marriage ceremony.

In fact Aurora was in the marketplace to try and find any books on healing practices. Some of the vendors were adventurers sharing treasures that they may have found on their expeditions. Sure they charged quite the coin to part with what they found but to the right person a certain item would be invaluable to them to the point where price would hardly be a concern.

Especially, if they have the money to make it not a concern.

Aurora thought to herself. She was a member of the Church of Light. That alone put her in the higher social status. Then there was the fact that she was a mage. Being a mage puts a person above the rest and the fact that she was with the Church puts her in nobility status. Normally nobility was something you were born with or married into. But ever since the Church of Light opened its city to people that system has been altered slightly.

While thinking to herself Aurora practically walked into a tall man. Instead of apologizing Aurora got upset. That was one thing she hated about the sheer amount of people in the marketplace. There was no room to walk or think. She looked up at the man and felt her anger drain at seeing a familiar face.

"Sir Limion!" Aurora had to practically shout to be heard among all the voices of the marketplace. "What a pleasent surprise to see you. Interested in the trinkets being sold in the marketplace or are you here patrolling?"

The Paladin looked at Aurora with annoyance and tried to hide amongst the several eyes that turned their way. He knew of Aurora from the Church of Light; she was a scholar but he had never really gotten to know her on a personal level. "I am patrolling," Saeros started before continuing to walk in the same direction. "There is nothing here that really interests me. The trinkets are either overpriced or useless to me and none of these 'events' seem entertaining. How about you? What brings you to the markets?" the elf ended with a bored tone.

"I am here to look amongst the things these people are selling and see if there is any material to help me advanced my knowledge of healing." Aurora glanced towards the paladin. "You should take the time to look when you can as well. This is a rare opportunity for this many people from all over to be within our city selling things we'd never find on our own. I care nothing for the events and I rarely travel this far away from the Church itself. But like I said, this is perhaps a once in a lifetime opportunity. It's hard to put a price on that." As they were walking Aurora caught eye of a male elf selling books and jewelry. Aurora ushered Saeros with her to the stand where there were already a couple of customers. The girl quickly looked through the different items being sold before selecting a necklace of a jade pearl and showing it to Saeros.

"This here looks like an ordinary necklace, no? Something you'd give a sibling or a friend. But if you look closely there is a rune etched into this piece of jewelry. The necklace is designed to give its wearer positive energy. To help someone feeling down or even a person in mourning." Aurora placed the necklace back where she picked it up from before turning back to Saeros. "How do I recognize something that has runes? I learned it from a book that I had gotten from a vendor much like the man here. There was a adventurer whole sold me the book. I found out things I'd never have imagined! And now I can use that knowledge I gained to help me find pieces of jewelry like the one I showed you. I can tell what has runes and what they mean. Now, do you see the possibilities of what is around you?"

"Nope," Saeros said with an emphasized pop sound. Even after what Aurora said, the market still looked boring as ever but he didn't want to upset her and be left alone so he tried his best to be optimistic. "You specialize in Restoration Magic, right? Must be why you're so interested in ru-" Saeros started before he was rudely interrupted by a man who sped past him with a silver necklace in hand. Behind him, Saeros could hear the shout of a shop owner which suggested the man was a thief. The thief had pushed people left and right which left an open space for Saeros to attack. He took out one of his Gemini knives and threw it before the crowd could close behind him. The knife hit the man's calf muscles which resulted in him tripping and falling on the floor, cluthing his leg in pain. The people around had seemed to create a circle around and murmur while Saeros walked towards the man and bent down, taking a closer look at his wound before turning around to Aurora.

"Guess his parents never told him not to steal."
 
Noble Scion said:
Captain Evelynn von Carstaires
Location:
(was) Alcamoth Marketplace (Tavern) -> (current) Alacamoth Marketplace (outdoors)
evelynn-von-carstaires-png.368930
Evelynn, the Paladin captain, drained the last of her cup. Relaxed, refreshed and in a slightly better mood after the countless hours of paper work she had been scribbling through. "I imagined being captain a whole lot differently..." She sizzled to herself, scraping her chair and regally walking back out of the tavern with all the grace of a noble, yet the looks of a war veteran. She didn't have all those fancy medals that some people liked to carry around, she simply had her imposing presence, and for her, that was enough. Nobody wanted to get in her way, not even other Paladin members, not anymore, anyway. She's been work obsessed ever since she took her vow of glory in a fit of honour and respect for her father after his sudden death. Even now, the thought of it still seemed quite unbelievable, she had always viewed him as this unstoppable warrior and now he was simply gone.

"Twelve years..." her heart rang out as she marched through the bustling crowds of the marketplace, a small circle of space around her at all times due to the fact that she was obviously of a high-rank due to the fact that she had her weapons with her along with her simple aesthetic. Her face was beautiful and defined, yet seemed very serious at the same time. It left most people around her terrified to be near her, yet staring at her as she walked away.

Her mind had wandered, and before she knew it, she was standing before a strangle serious, seemingly in pain, half-clothed man. Unsure of quite how to react, she simply looked at him with a mixture of confusion at his appearance, disgust at the sheer smell of alcohol dripping off him and a soft, yet cruel smile at the scenario this man seemed to have found himself in. "Excuse me sir.. But are you aware that there is such a law known as 'Public decency?'"​
Click to expand...
Glazist Toten
(In collaboration with Noble Scion via Pirate Pad.)


Glazist felt almost honoured when he'd reached the marketplace; those who noticed him and his state tried to give a wide berth, and that clearing drew enough emphasis that most of the people there indeed noticed him. The crowd cleared as he walked through, though it was somewhat of a double-edged sword - As he reaches one stall, he's not even able to get a word in before the owner of the spot begins yelling: "Out! You thrice-blasted BUM! GET OUT!" Recoiling from such hospitality, he simply turns on a heel to the next stall. Stall after stall, and he'd received similar treatment each time. It wasn't too surprising; he certainly didn't look like he had money to spend.

As he tries to minger to the next opportunity to be yelled at, he's stopped by someone behind him - A woman who steps into the cleared circle: "Excuse me sir.. But are you aware that there is such a law known as 'Public decency?'" He groans to himself, taking a long series of gulps from the waterskin. He sniffs, stuffing the cork into the top before turning to face the woman. She had a cruel smile, and judging from the equipment she wasn't just a displeased local come to provide legal advice. "Oh." He says groggily, but abruptly - as if on a switch - he snaps into a clearer voice "Oh!" he hangs the waterskin on a hook at the waist, afterwards gesturing to his exposed legs - "And here I was thinking I looked decent enough in the natural. I'll buy some pants right away, ma'am."

The somewhat snarky reply bothered her, but that was mostly down to her already-foul temperament, so she simply frowned, maintaining her mean grin. "Need a hand?" She asked "From what I heard the shops around us don't exactly want a... Drunk, landing in their shop, and let's just say this isn't exactly an offer one might want to turn down." she 'suggested' to this hungover human, her tone implying that this was most certainly something her could just say no to. Her reasoning behind the offer? She was bored, nothing more, nothing less, and anything to get away from the pesky 'waste of time' the higher-ups kept sending her way.

He plays off a scoff, crossing his arms. "Drunk? What gives you that imp-" he stops, clearing his throat. "Fine, I get it. It's not my fault that my drinking buddies decided to take my pants though - And I can't rightly steal someone else's, now can I? Practically forced to come out here if you think about it." He sighs to himself, shrugging and uncrossing his arms. "I'm not saying no, course. I'd like a hand if one's still attached."

"Don't you have some sort of home you could head back to? Everyone here is ensured a job so there's almost no reasoning behind why you're still bare-legged." she asked as she began walking, beckoning for him to follow. "Unless.. You're new here..?" Evelynn asked as she paced quickly ahead, maintaining an average walking speed despite the equipment she wore upon her, the finely-sharpened shield and ripely-polished shield not seeming heavy in the slightest on her shoulders. "I'm sure you have money on you? Correct? Or did you leave the currency in your now-lost pants?" she cackled as they stepped ever forward, the crowds splitting now not only because a high-ranking paladin was speeding through, but because she appeared to be accompanied by someone.

Glazist steps off in a brisk manner, keeping pace with the captain. He snaps a pair of fingers and points to the captain at her guess - "Aye, ma'am. New to the city, here to mourn the peace and celebrate the wedding." He walks a bit longer with her, joining her cackle at the jest - though his a little more forced and half-hearted. "Hah... funny. No, they left that with me - You don't take a soldiering-types coin. Other soldier-types understand that. Just a harmless je- er... Just a jest, I'm sure. I'll get them back if I have the chance. Don't worry, ma'am - I'm no beggar." He watches those who part for their path, giving the ones who stare a wide-eyed look - He makes an effort to look like a drunkard, or a mercenary. Whatever seems most likely to make them take another step back.

Evelynn continued on, a particular shop she had in mind that she didn't frequent very often, not that she ever needed to go to any clothing stores, but she didn't want the drunk to make any store-owners think less of her. The depressing fact was that nobody ever got to see her clothes underneath the armour, but she didn't think about that too much, she wasn't there to look pretty, she was there to protect, not that she didn't have any ulterior motives. "A soldier, eh?" she smirked. She had never really gotten close to any other soldiers apart from those from the Church of Light and those she had killed. She swept her hair behind her an tilted her head to the side, allowing the corner of a soft hazel eye to look back at him, sharpening as she scrutinized him. "I suppose you could pass for one" she snipped, turning it to the front once again before stopping, seeming to have reached their destination, a small, run-down shop with decent-enough looking clothing, but nothing to write home about.

"Better - A mercenary." He chuckles to himself, though out of experience knows to let her gain a good one or two feet ahead. "The soldier-type everyone hates and loves, but I'm glad you think I'd pass for one. Hah, you could almost pass for a woman." It was his return snip, though knowing how guards tend to treat that sort of thing he lets her get another few feet ahead. As they reach the shop, he nods to himself and to her. "Thank you. Think they'll serve me though? Open stall keeps wouldn't even give me the time of day."

"Watch your tongue." She hissed quietly with a small flare, reminding him of who was in-charge here. "It's not too late for me to arrest you." "With me here, they would serve a child." Evelynn grinned maliciously as they entered. "Size?" she asked, hoping to speed up the process, glancing over the clothes within the store with a pleasant smile which had been fine-tuned to almost seem real, the shop-keep not seeming happy in the slightest as he forced a smile onto his sweating face, mostly because of how infrequent it was for a paladin to enter a small store, nevermind a Captain of all ranks.

He grunts, quickly responding with a "Yes, ma'am." He steps in with her, taking the woman's word for it. At the question of his size, he answers "Thirty four inches." He looks to the shop-keep then, watching the man out of mild curiosity. Glazist had a way of reading people - a necessity when you're so often being ripped off - and he didn't find it so hard to read the keeper's real thoughts. It caused the mercenary to chuckle, and he merely shrugs to what he assumes to be the next question: "I'm not picky with my clothes, just something that'll fit. Not too tight, not too open to the cold."

The keeper shuffled around, pointed to a rack of clothing and returned to his post wordlessly, not confident enough to speak just yet as the shock of such a scenario hit him. He wasn't worried, just bewildered at such an event occurring in his place of work. Evelynn slipped a pair of trousers of the rack and handed them to the shop-keep. "Pay for them yourself" she said to her captive as she stepped outside, back into the sunlight and ran a pale hand across her forehead with an exasperated sigh. "You know something's gone wrong when escorting a pantless mercenary is the most enjoyable thing you've done today.. " She grumbled. "And that wasn't even enjoyable..". This was not what she wanted, but she had heard news of something coming. What this thing was, she did not know, but the Church of Light had been stirred somewhat from it's usual mere patrols for artifacts. "This is not the way to rank up.. How am I supposed to attain what I O so desire if all I can do is wander around the city all day and growl at people." her thoughts rang aloud, as if she were wishing that something would happen, like some sort of beast would suddenly charge through to give her the satisfaction of slaying it, or some sort of witch decided to show up and cause chaos so she could put an end to that, but no. She was simply waiting for someone she didn't even know the name of to buy a pair of pants. What joy.

Glazist simply tossed the requested coins on the counter, kicking off his shoes to pull the pants on in the store grounds. "We have change roo-" the store owner begins, before he's quickly cut off - "There's no need. I'm dressing, not changing." He hops in place for a moment to get a feel for them, afterwards throwing his arms out to the sides. "Good, yes?" He can almost see the store owner's false smile crack as the man nods, making the mercenary chuckle again. "Good man." He grabs his shoes and steps outside, hopping on the way as he tries to slip them back on. Seems he's faster than what was expected, able to pick up on the woman's monologue before he's made himself known again. Evelynn would hear a chuckle behind her, as the stranger pulls off his helmet and tucks it under an arm - He gestures to her with a finger "Careful there, you're beginning to sound like a mercenary now." He steps out of the store, shrugging, "Nothing wrong with that, of course. You might be good at it, but that's only my guess."

"Don't compare me to the likes of you, I've gone through countless years of training to even become a paladin, unlike you, but whatever. You're free to go." She sighed, lightly kicking a stone into the swarming crowds that weren't bothering to pay her a moment's notice, other than to get away from her. Where paladins where usual meant danger and trouble. "I don't want to see you pantsless again, it's disgraceful for any fighter and not healthy for my reputation, but if you need anyone, although I doubt you'll want to, the name's Knight Captain Evelynn, or Evelynn the Unscathed. Whichever you prefer." she muttered, waving a hand in his direction. "Go find some other Paladin and get settled in the residential district.. And get yourself clean, I could smell you from the other-side of a battlefield." she growled, but with a slightly friendlier tone than before.

He takes the insult with a suppressed smirk - It wasn't often a good thing to be like a mercenary, he understood. He nods in response, chuckling a little at the comment to his smell. "I'll be sure to. Say, Ms. Unscathed, I'm in need of friends in the city who aren't going to steal my clothes. If you ever want to hear some mercenary's stories, you should invite me as company. It's Glazist Toten, titles are yet to be made." He nods to her, providing a wave before he steps off in the other direction to leave her to her thoughts.

"I doubt I will, but who knows, You might manage to weasle your way into one of the forts, one day, Mr. Toten." she smiled before sauntering off, whistling some noble song tune, foreign to the ears of those that hadn't seen the likes of an instrument outside of a parade. Headed in the direction of her home and workplace, the area of her anguish and place of paperwork, Fort Mipha.

Noble Scion Noble Scion
 
Pai Chan Pai Chan

Location: Alcamoth Markets | Lilith and Eleanor Cainhurst.

The Dwarf clapped his hands together happily. "Ah! My lady has excellent taste if you don't mind me sayin - Bond Necklaces are a dyin' art these days. Not many mages with the skill ya see - and those that do charge quite a lot..."

Eleanor's innocent smile widened as she pulled out her purse and the spending money that had been given to her by Narcissa. "I have...." She took a moment to count the golden coins. "15 gold! is that enough?"

The Dwarf stared for a moment, risked a quick glance at Lilith and then blinked. "Uh...y-yeah. I mean. Yes! Here - tell ya what my lady...take this too." He produced a small white stone, attached to a small gnarled piece of wood by a thread of red string.

28862c195679d7deb8f838cfb56319ed--rune-stones-stone-necklace.jpg

Eleanor's eyes widened and she made a gasp as she started pulling on Lilith's hand to get her guardian to look. "Lilith! Lilith! That's a joy rune! I've read about these in my books."

The Shopkeeper grinned as he passed the rune to her along with the necklace. "Aye, least I could do lass. Not too sure how that one works to be honest - said to bring luck I think. Take it."

"Oh thank you! I can't wait to show father!" Eleanor gushed, her grey eyes glimmering with glee as she smiled up at Lilith.

"That's all I wanted. Can we go back to the others now?"
 
8yzxv7.jpg

Location: Alcamoth Markets | Lilith and Eleanor Cainhurst.
​
Lilith looked at the object with suspicion.

"Joy Rune?" She asked. "Almost seems too good to be true. And we are receiving this as a gift?"

Why would a dwarf in these markets want to give something away? Any other place or time she wouldn't have given the gift a second thought but the city was teeming with potential buyers who would probably pay a hefty price for the same object. Eleanor's voice and bright smile shook Lilith from her thoughts and she mentally kicked herself. Maybe the dwarf was just nice. He obviously wouldn't try anything. There aren't many dwarfs around anymore so finding him wouldn't be a very difficult task. Especially, for the Cainhursts. Lilith looked back towards the young lady and held out her hand to guide her back towards Narcissa and Markku.

"I'm sure your father will, very much, enjoy the gift you have bought for him. It is both rare and beautiful. And I'm quite curious about this...Joy Rune. Let us show your siblings." Lilith led Eleanor back to the other Cainhurst who were a couple of stalls over. "We have returned. Eleanor has quite the eye for Runes, it seems. She even received a second object at no cost from the salesman."
 
LOCATION: ALCAMOTH | Royal Palace Entrance

Lekiel Lekiel southkovenz southkovenz

rei.jpg

kuze.jpg

The Royal Palace of Alcamoth was truly a sight to behold. Comprised of White stone like much of the city, the huge building shimmered in the afternoon sun. Dwarven in origin - but with architecture that matched more closely to Elven design, the palace stood proudly in the very center of the city and towered above even the gigantic watch towers that stood upon Alacamoth's great walls. Great spires of gold reached to the heavens, like a proud crown sitting atop the head of its monarch.

But admiring the palace's design was not at the forefront of the two individuals who were darting down the palace's white steps, ducking around Paladins and nobles as they went. A man and a woman, wearing traditional Hinokian garb. The man had pulled ahead, the woman shouting after him.

"Kuze!" She shouted. "Will...you....wait...you....berk!"

The man named Kuze didn't slow down, in fact if anything his pace quickened, and he snarled angrily at an unfortunate servant who didn't manage to move out of his way quite quick enough for his liking. The woman broke into a run - majestic in her speed, despite her obvious annoyance. She grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back. "Brother will you calm yourself!"

"Unhand me, we must be quick who knows where she's gone?" Kuze snapped at her - but allowing himself to be pulled back slightly, now angrily marching rather than outright running. "As if we haven't got enough to worry about today without Mitsuru just deciding to wonder off-"

"Chiyoko went with her," Rei replied quickly, her tone one of calm. "She'll stop sister from getting too far I hope. Mother has enough to worry about today..."

The pair had reached the bottom of the stairs, heading towards the great gate that linked the palace grounds to the market.

"She's our elder. She should be leading by example - not acting like a brat!"

"The wedding was difficult for all of us." Rei grimaced as she grabbed his arm, the pair grinding to a halt. "I'm worried too, brother."

Kuze sighed, closing his eyes. The twins stood for a moment, a brief second of calm. "Let's just hope she hasn't run into those...Cainhurst children. They're a bunch of freaks. C'mon...let's go."

His sister nodded, and the pair of Hinokah siblings pushed into the market, in search of their sister.
 
LOCATION: ALCAMOTH MARKET PLACE


Ban sat near the entryway that lead into the market as he watched swarms of people enter through pushing and shoving each other as if they were competing in a race for endless amounts of gold. The mere sight of the chaos made the slightly intoxicated sellsword burst into laughter as nothing could be funnier then the unruly behavior of the townspeople. It had been many years since he had last visited the market as not many huge events were being hosted and from the mere fact he was constantly hired by a number of people. However, Ban was always ready for a good time and with the mere fact that a huge event such as this brought the best kind of stalls to the market. Those that traveled across the land with distinct and flavored wine would come from even the furthest of lands just to make a killing in the Alcamoth markets. The thought of it completely stole his attention from the passing by townsfolk until the sudden voice of a little girl took him by surprise.

"This way mommy!" yelled a young little girl as she pulled on her mothers dress as a way of getting her attention.

"Okay young one just slow down mommy isn't as young as she used to be" the woman replied delivering a small chuckle as she obediently let her child lead the way into the markets. The bond between the mother and her daughter brought a smile across Ban's face almost making him a bit jealous at the same time. He had wanted to bring his own daughter along with him as a great way for him to be the embarrassing father he wanted to be, however, he had made a few enemies over the years becoming a mercenary as most of his highest paying clients often had him performing task involving important escorts and leading raids on bandit groups.

The market place had always been Ban's favorite place to visit even as a young lad. Visiting the marketplace was the first time Ban had ever felt so small as the whole market felt as if it was its own country. Ban would often let his imagination run free and wild imagining himself with the weapons and armor he would see at stalls and pretend to slay the mightiest of dragons for the old stories. As he grew older the people and prizes he met and obtained were beyond his ordinary beliefs, but nothing could compare to the delicious taste of the different kinds of mead they would sell that would make any man's mouth water from just a sudden thought of it. The market was beautiful, full of color, and a lighting from the sun that complimented the uniqueness of his inhabitants and the shows that would be done by remarkably talented performers.

Ban eventually began to make his own way into the crowded market while attempting to avoid to bumping into the quickly pacing citizens. Today was a huge celebration with a highly important event that would change the land forever. Peace was promised among the Hinokah and Cainhurst which would cause the empire to become more powerful then ever and the years of bloodshed would finally cease. However, the tensions between the two could be felt just by paying attention to their facial features and body language. The most obvious signs showed the deep mistrust and kept hatred they had for each other. None of the two tribes came unarmed anticipating even the slightest thought of deceit and betrayal. Ban was never one for politics, but the mere fact there was so much tension in the city where is daughter lived made him highly uncomfortable and anxious on what was too happen between the families should the seeds of betrayal be placed within the empire. Of course this was all just apart of the mindset they shared, both tribes had lost important people and loved ones that would ignite the eternal hatred they would have for each other. Ban sighed himself as he was actually bringing his pleasant mood down into rubble with the constant thought of the two tribes going at each others throats.

The young sellsword immediately tried to delete any bad thought he could imagine by replacing them with memories of his daughter which indeed brought a big smile across his face. His eyes began to wander around the market seeing a number of sites and events that took place almost seemingly at the same time. He witnessed a monster of a man selling weapons and armor which made him wonder what the hell they were feeding that guy. He walked past an archery competition where he ended up seeing the worst miss that he would ever see in his entire life. While he wanted to deliver the loudest and most obnoxious laugh you would ever hear from any living human, but he probably wouldn't have done any better so he managed to hold it in and just continue walking through the market. Unique faces and items constantly locked a place in Ban's head as he continued to search for the stall he wanted to visit, but at the same time he couldn't pay attention as it seemed like the entire market was a completely new place that he had never visited. Stalls had been relocated and Ban would find that he was going in circles seeing the same stall multiple times.

"Shit......I'm lost" he said scratching the top of his head as he came to a complete stop. He looked around with a confused expression across his face to see if anything had seemed familiar, but with no success in the slightest.
 
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