Fantasy The Children of Dawn | IC Roleplay (CLOSED)

[Hanarei]

Liala of the Eternal Moonlight
Location: The Isle of Mirth
Mood: Curious​

As one new companion moved forward so did that of the bard in stride. There wasn't an ounce of hesitation in her pushing forward wanting to see more of such a place of sheer natural beauty. Its very radiance only sparked that much more artistry in her mind. There was so much more she could imagine she might be able to see. Sights that few might ever get a chance to gander upon. When it comes to art, inspiration is always the greatest source of fueling even greater masterpieces. Perhaps though her creative side was being a bit too dominant given the situation at hand.

Her footsteps ceased as she stopped not far from Elidyr who was observing the conversation between the three and one of most fantastical origins. A fae as she might assume, granted such a guess was perhaps not all that impressive given the place they were and just how varied Fae might be known to be throughout the stories. Always taking up various forms much like nature itself of which the two seemed interlinked. It was hard to say just when fact and fiction might connect when it came to stories of old. It seemed as if there was some sort of commotion... not so bad as it looked as if a fight may start. If anything it seemed as if things had cooled down a bit though there being just enough tension in the air that a knife could so easily cut through it.

A smile filled her lips so eager to barge in where perhaps she should be much more patient and idle. The appearance of the Fae seeming to strike up a story she heard of long ago. With catching a bit of Senan's curiosity it only further fueled it more. The words slowly returning to her as she sauntered a bit closer not at all afraid. Something she recalled from long ago in her child hood from a wandering poet she happened upon on one particular moonlit night. A poem of which he had told her he heard long ago in his own youth passed down from another in a cycle that might be hundreds of years old.

"The moon doth glow for hand of the Lord of Trickery and Game.
Bless'ed by thy moonlight, her beauty poorly lacking of Fame.
Perched high above the Mirth of which she hath reigned,
Committed to the duty the lord of merriment has to her ordained.

Harken onto thee Moon Wing, wise lone child of the night,
Even as thy King of Spirits embark into distant Tavern Light.
For thy Lord's sings of you; his pillar, steadfast
Of no doubt be carved, his trust in you to forever last."

As Liala finished the poem she had found herself much closer to the trio not seeming in the least bit concerned with butting in. She lifted her hand up to her midsection as she bowed her head seemingly at the group though perhaps in part her gesture more focused to that of Peithos. It was perhaps a bit presumptive of her to assume the song was about her even as much as she felt it might be true. Given all that had occurred it was only natural for her natural childlike giddiness to cause her to get caught up in the moment.

 

[Isolus]

Peithos the Moon Wing
Location: The Isle of Mirth
Mood: Contemplative, a bit Spiteful
Mentions: Larry , Fred Colon ​

"It is not because of your ancestry, or lack thereof, that you have been brought here, young Norian." Peithos tilted her feathered head so that her ivory hues could follow where the young man now stood. "You were not chosen by my Lord's whim, but rather by the merit he saw within you and those that surround you now. I am uncertain myself of what he saw in you per say, but its light must have been tantalizing for you to win his favor. A sign that you were ready for the task set before you." Well, perhaps 'task' was not the right word. Burden. Trial. Untimely Demise. But the ivory fairy couldn't imagine these mortals would take it well if they knew the true extent of their coming And she could not risk disappointing her master by scaring off his guests before they had even met him in person! This wasn't quite like the other times where she had planned appearances for her Lord; It had been simpler times and easier needs. Mystics were far easier for her to care for than those of whom she feared. How does one exactly prepare mortals for such a thing?

But Peithos was grateful for the chance to change the subject before anyone could voice their question further, even if the latter request came in a form she had not quite expected.

"Oh, ah. You wish to know more?" The Alabaster Fae gave a steady blink before she turned her gaze upon the shimmering leaves where she could spot occasional traces of her fairy fellows as they watched the world below ever so intently. "Well I don't know the extent of knowledge that your people have come to now in these dark days, but I will try my best to quell your curiosity. And as for you, Wanderer, if your armor is what you prefer than it shall be granted. Look to where you now stand, for your armor is now fitted upon your body. Though, I may ask that it be... erm, The Fae scrunched her face at the sight of the old armor, which at the mention of its name and location had brought here. " ... Polished first."

Before allowing a pause for the knight to answer, Peithos' feathers shifted like fresh snow falling and a small, slender arm appeared from the folds of her avian wings. Her slender hand and equally supple wrist slowly motioned to the tree that bloomed within the bowels of the castle high above the mortals; as she did so, silver dust scattered lazily in a soft haze. And as this haze settled, it seemed to lay upon where the knight stood; tiny flecks that rested upon the armor and wherever they left, a shinning layer appeared in the hardened plate.

Peiths then settled upon her perch, just as a dove might settle herself upon a warm chimney hearth, and waited for the magic to finish its cleaning spell completely.

"This realm belongs to our Lord Cyphos, the Spirit of Mirth and Mischief. His mistress is the Great Phoenix herself, Enya. Before she had even shaped you and your companions within your mothers' wombs, our Gracious Lord once walked among your people. In the fire of your laughter and in the minds of the clever, he searched for merriment and mischief. But in these dark days, it would seem there is not much thought for mirth anymore. So he resides here in his kingdom, this place that is the Isle of Mirth. A city outside of your world. It is why, perhaps, it feels so unfamiliar. You are no longer in Ardunia. His people are the Fae. Or fairies, as the elf child said. And as you can see some of us are mischievous just like he who guards us."

Peithos allowed a genuine, almost apologetic smile to pass to Senán; as if she had been expected to cast some fantastical parlor trick and found herself unable to think of something clever to do. "And some of us, like myself, were never so talented in that regard. Alas, Creativity was... never my strong point. I am too serious, as my Master says. But I cannot help that I have grown to see the beauty of Enya's vast cosmos in black and white."

Her wings folded themselves about her once again, as the Fae stood glowing and stilted among the leaves. "And as for me, I carry the old name Moonwing. My people were the Alabaster Fae who guarded the secrets of nocturnal arcania. But our homelands were taken and with it, those whom I called kin. Only I... am left now. That is why these children flee in the woods upon your approach and hide within the roots of our Lord's throne. They fear you and all of what you have done." She fears them. Even now, grown up from that shivering child alone in the snow when her master first found her - the thought of those whom she had grown to despise here among what remained of the children of the Fae. Some of these Fae were too young to remember; too young to know of days in the summer vineyards where the air was sweet like Norian wine. But they would never know, she told herself; she would never give the mortals that kind of satisfaction of seeing her cower before them. Peithos would never forgive them for what they've done.

Peithos mellowed her smile as the genuineness that had appeared so briefly at the student's insightful questions had left it. Her feathers smoothed down neatly; all in an attempt to take the attention away the ice she knew she no longer hide away in her gaze. The cleaning spell should be finished. "Does the young Norian have any more questions I could answer?"

 

[Isolus]

Ariella of Avaleen
Location: The Isle of Mirth
Mood: Terrified; Panic Attack
Mentions: Fred Colon ​

A knight.

Ariella's hand had placed itself upon Marina's leg when the warrior had stepped between Peithos - drawn to the warmth that this protective fire alluded to. When Marina had turned to gaze upon her, Ariella gave her a grateful look of her own. They did not appear to be in danger. The beautiful fairy made of feathers and moonlight had said there was no reason to fear. But the little elf had felt reassured that if there had been, perhaps this warrior would been to ready to keep her and Senán from harm.

But as the softer material of her trousers melded to that of hard plate right before their eyes, Ariella saw something else rise before her too. She saw the remnants of those free days, when she had once been just as fascinated with knights as she was with bards. The minstrels’ ballads were wondrous in their own merit, but she regarded knights as possessing a more curious elegance. The mounted warriors, loyal to great kings and queens, always standing proud in their beautiful plate that shone like gold or gleamed like silver.

The little elf had first spotted them while the troupe was trading their spiced goods in Rhinefall.

As a band of paladins rode their alabaster steads past the crimson walls into the city’s heartland, the children stood upon the wall to watch them. Ariella caught a glimpse of their decorated suits. Rubies were crested into golden plate as a griffin of wondrous beautiful fluttered high upon a striped banner. Solantius had chided her sternly not to stare. At the time, she hadn't understood why he had ushered her and the other children so quickly away from the city walls towards the rest of the caravan.

Had she only known then what she knew now.

A k-knight.

The little elf quickly relinquished her palm. The look she bore her now reflected something far beyond fear - eyes widened, eyebrows furrowed; Her mouth shook agape with each stroke of the now shinning plate as the realization of all she feared was here before her. She shakily backed away, training her watering eyes to the ground as if not looking at the source of her fear could somehow make it vanish completely. Her heart clamored in her chest, rattling itself against the bars of her ribcage in an attempt to escape. She wanted to escape. She wanted to flee into the woods to anywhere but here. But the ground had begun to spin underneath her and Ariella found that her footsteps moved on their own accord, not wanting to listen to what her mind was telling her to do; She was stepping backwards as she cowered low and covered the sides of her face in the folds of her tiny hands. With each step she took, the collar around her neck jangled noisily in response.

A knight. The knight is going to hurt her. The knight is going to take her back to her Master and she was going to be punished.

The knight is going to hurt her.

 

[Isolus]

Peithos the Moon Wing
Location: The Isle of Mirth
Mood: Entranced, A Bit Disarmed
Mentions: Hanarei , Kittenpom20 ​

Peithos briefly turned her gaze to inspect the cleaning done upon Marina's armor; to her satisfaction she could see her own reflection within the shimmering plate. A good cleaning spell never hurt anyone, had it? Not that it wouldn't get dirtied again... Ah, It was the thought that mattered. She knew her Lord Cyphos would appreciate it. But what dissatisfied her now was the odd look of terror upon the elfing's face.

"Is... there something you require as well, child?" Peithos had been so engaged with the young student's curious question, so much so that she had not seen what exchange had exactly gone on between the elfling and the knight. What could have happened to bring such a look upon girl's face? She had looked away for merely a moment! It was worrying, to say the least. For it appeared that the child seemed ready to sprint away and Peithos couldn't afford to lose track of one more guest. "Child, please do not run. If you wish, I am sure I could-"

Two more had come to Cyphos' gate. Only two? What had become of the third one? She had heard them all approach from her high perch office and now, the Alabaster Fae could see them clearer now. The scholar had halted his steps just out of range of the three; evading any glance towards them that he appeared not to be hiding too well. But it was the other, so bold in her approach, who had little hesitation to make herself known.

That would not have been too surprising; it is what she spoke that stilled Peithos completely.

A poem. About... her? But who would know such things about her, the Moon Wing, that this mortal maiden would come so eagerly to speak of now? She had not come into the mortal realm for many years and yet, as the words were told to her now, Peithos felt as if she had only just graced the vineyards and taverns only moments prior.

"For thy Lord's sings of you; his pillar, steadfast
Of no doubt be carved, his trust in you to forever last."

Peithos heard chatter among the leaves. The Fae. They were... giggling. Chittering among themselves as they clapped their little hands and tiny paws together once the poet had finished her lyric and taken her extravagant bow. Slowly, among the stars of the tree's shade, lights lazily fluttered down to where Peithos was now. The silver Fae stood glow among light of gentle blues and harsh ambers, playful pinks and bold crimson. Still they did not cross from where Peithos stood between them and the mortals, choosing to peek from around the ivory fae instead. But even still the fairies had indeed been lured from their perches to spy on the maiden who knew his song. They were so quick to do so; to allow their curiosity to get the best of them. But Peithos would not be so easily swayed.

The child had finally raised her teary head and her shaky gaze was fixed on that of the bard now. As if she too, had been called to lean in to the words spoken. Peithos relented a sigh of relief; at least, she did not look as if she appeared to dash away anymore.

"Maiden. I... Where did you learn of such a poem?"

 

[Larry]

Senán Árdfeld
Locations: Isle of Mirth
Mood: Thoroughly edified.
Mentions: Isolus | Kittenpom20 | Hanarei | Fred Colon ​

In a way, what this being, Peithos, had just expounded upon the nature of this world, the ruler, whose name was Cyphos and how he was chief minister to the divine Enya, was more than what the young Norian could have hoped for upon being transported into the realm a short while ago. Her exposition as to why those beings, called fae or fairies as Ariella described them, feared the presence of mortals caused Senán to wonder whether or not any remains of fae settlements, assuming that Peithos' story of their settlements being coeval with that of humans at that time, had been found or ever studied by the university. Though the young man thought reprovingly of the idea that he be imputed the sins of other mortals, Senán realised that Peithos wouldn't have come to that conclusion if it weren't so collective an effort on the behalf of mortals at that time to dispossess those fae who sojourned in Ardunia. Goodness gracious, the young man thought to himself, to learn such an interesting aspect of theology and indeed, some history, only for it to unverifiable in an academic sense. Still, knowledge is knowledge, and with a courteous 'thank you' to the servant of Cyphos, Senán turned to the pair of Marina and Ariella, whom, while the young Norian was lost in the reverie of archaic being distilled to him, seemed to have something of a disagreement. A look of abject terror had descended upon the young child's face, the cause of it so turning, Senán was led to believe, was the appearance of the set of armour requested by Marina, if her appearance was anything to go by.

Senán didn't know how to act, or if he should act at all, to try and dissuade the child, as it seemed, from running away, despite Peithos' protestations.

Before the young Norian could even make something of a conative movement towards trying to ease the young child's doubt, the arrival of the other individuals who had followed him and the other two across the lake. A dark elf, who had the looks of a scholar similar to himself, and a woman who had the airs of a minstrel or artisan of some kind. And, it didn't take too long for the woman to prove his point, proclaiming a rather pointed form of poetry that, for some reason or another, was addressed nearly word-for-word towards Peithos, despite this woman only meeting her now, or so Senán would so suppose. The other man, who came off as being an academician of some kind, seemed somewhat enamoured with the appearance of the Cyphos' servant, which Senán, in an aesthetic and curious sense, could understand.

"It seems that we're all here now Peithos," Senán said, taking a cursory glance at the rather eclectic that seemed to arouse so much interest from Enya's chief minister, "We're prepared to meet your lord, and to see for what purpose he brought us together."

 

[Fred Colon]

Enya? Cyphos? Damn this. Gods and fairies. This isn’t what Silverheart had wanted to deal with today. And Cyphos had seen some hidden merit within them? Silverheart wanted to laugh. She wasn’t sure why the others had been brought here, but rulers were all the same be they kings generals or gods, apparently. They wanted her sword arm. Well. She wouldn’t do it, not if it put these others in danger. Whatever plan involved a bloody handed soldier like her and a poor slave child was not a plan she would allow come to fruition.

Ilverheart was momentarily taken aback when her armor was placed back on her body through, ugh, magic. Worse, it was clean. She hadn’t wanted it clean. This was Rivers old armor, each of the scuffs and marks were evidence that he had lived, once. Now they were gone. She felt an anger rise up in her, but she stopped as she felt the little elf move away from her.
When she turned to see why, she discovered a fear in Ariela’s eyes that startled Silverheart back into Marina. Why? Did the magic frighten her?

No. The girl had gotten this far, she was made of sterner stuff, despite her apparent delicacy. A bit of magic wouldn’t have frightened her.

Looking closer, it seemed that the girl was frightened of her. Did she recognize the armor? Was she from one of the towns that General Malus had burned under her banner? The armor of her order wasn’t particularly distinctive, but the Stags that adorned the pauldrons would give her away to an insightful pair of eyes. Damn the fairy for cleaning up the scuffs and scratches. This was exactly why she hadn’t cleaned her armor!

“I mean you no harm, young one.” Marina said solemnly, lifting an armored hand to reach out to the girl, but thought better of it and put her hand back at her side. She looked back to Peithos and Senan. They seemed to have noticed as well, and were at as much of a loss as she was.

But Silverheart was saved from having to make a decision when the figures she’d seen making their way across the lake arrived in the clearing with them. A pair of elves, one male, one female, one dark, one pale. It was almost funny how much of a contrast they made. The dark elf stood quietly out of the way, observing everyone and everything with an expression of concerned focus. While the pale elf had no problems joining them and on top of that apparently decided that now was the right moment to recite a poem. Despite Marina’s initial skepticism, it seemed that the song was the right move.

Marina looked to the girl again, trying to think of something to say, a question to ask, but she was afraid of rekindling that fear. She shook her head, and Silverheart was back.

The girl didn’t need to love her in order for Silverheart to protect her.

Silverheart looked up at the giggling fae in the trees, set off by the poem.
“My new friend is right. If we’re all here I’d like to get moving. See this Cyphos of yours and get all of this nonsense over with.” She turned to the others. “My name is Marina. A pleasure to meet you both. It seems were all in this together, but I’ll do my best to see none of you are hurt.” She made a curt half-bow to the both of them, and then Silverheart readied herself to move when the others did. It was time to meet a god, apparently

 

[Kittenpom20]

Elidyr Firahel
Location: The Isle of Mirth
Mood: Nervous, Irritated
Mentions: Fred Colon

When the small wood elf suddenly became terrified, Elidyr took a half-step towards her, wanting to comfort her, but Liala’s song came drifting in from behind them and she appeared to calm down. He was unsure exactly why the child would be so terrified so suddenly, but it was likely the appearance of the knight’s armor. The child had endured this far, as it seemed, without incident, and that was impressive enough. Elidyr tried to think of how his sister would have fared in such a situation as a young child, and he doubted Fenna would have even arrived at the golden shores of this island; she was always one for outbursts and defying authority at her own expense. One time he had nearly lost her at the market because she had grown frustrated at her choices of candy, which were apparently insufficient; she spent the next half hour sulking in an alley, and it took another hour for him to coax her back home.

As the poem ended and Liala bowed, Elidyr glanced up at the fairies flitting above him. Though he was curious about their origins and how they fit into the ecosystem of this world, he was eager to be away from this place. He disliked being watched at every turn, especially by creatures who had indiscernible intent.

He bowed slightly at the knight as she introduced herself. Marina looked to have the same idea about this situation as he did, and they were both in similarly irritated moods. Elidyr spied the stags on her armor but was unsure what it meant - she must be part of some sort of guild or army. Even so, her morals appeared to align, at least for now, with his. She also appeared protective of the child despite her sudden terror, and though he had met many a monster who still fiercely protected children, it was a point in her favor.

“My name’s Elidyr. I appreciate the offer, Marina, and I will do the same as best I can. I’m less skilled with a sword since magic is my preferred area of study, but I know nothing of this realm and this Cyphos, and I can only speculate as to what is up ahead.” He quirked an eyebrow, unwilling to say anything further with Peithos in front of them. Besides, now that they were all gathered, they had better get moving; Peithos was still irritated, and he worried that delaying their journey would only escalate the situation.

Elidyr nodded to the student, too, noting the tension in his shoulders, but he seemed eager to keep moving. He also glanced at the tiny wood elf but her mind was elsewhere, staring at Liala. It was one thing to bring six adults with their own agendas to this realm, but a child… Elidyr would never forgive the god that hurt children for its own gain. He looked over to Peithos, readying for whatever lay ahead.

 

[Hanarei]

Liala of the Eternal Moonlight
Location: The Isle of Mirth
Mood: Curious​

Such bliss filled her with her performance done. Her eyes focused on Peithos and the Fae who had seemed to come from hiding to get a closer look after applauding her performance. An entertainers true bliss indeed. There was no better thrill then to receive praise for those of who she performed for. It was a compliment to get... but more so an acknowledgement that she managed to stir her audience's hearts. The young woman smiled looking upon the young girl. She stepped closer not to rush in as she smiled at her. he fell to one knee a warm smile on her lips looking at Ariella.

"It's a poem I heard of long ago... when I was about your age in fact. Just outside a tavern my mother was performing in. A wise old poet with a pointy long brimmed hat. Grizzled as he appeared on a glance the smile he had was so full of youth. I could tell he was happy to see such a full moon and how it reminded him of a poem he had heard himself long ago... that very poem I just told. It fills you with a sense of awe and admiration, does it not?" She spoke warmly to the child keeping more on level with her to talk to her face to face.

Her head only turned partially still remaining upon one knee hearing as Senan spoke. It seemed he was the type to be very much about 'business' rather then bothering to really take in the scenery much longer. A little bit disappointing as she was quite content with staying there a bit longer having just arrived there herself. She wasn't exactly the type that felt any real limitations by time or worry of wasting it. In a way something that could fairly be considered a flaw on her part being aloof when it came to time sensitive things. She still didn't know exactly why she was brought to such a paradise after all.

It seemed as if the armored women was in a similar mindset though giving a bit of an introduction though in a much more... formal manner. Promising to protect them it was clear she was some sort of guard or soldier. Not quite the type she would hang around though it wasn't uncommon to see one off duty who would visit a tavern. She had to admit given her reaction she didn't very much seem the type who partake in such an activity though it was still quite early for her to judge her. It did seem if the young girl was a bit skittish of her, whether from the appearance of her armor or just the way in which their interactions had gone before they had arrived it was hard to say how much each element played a factor.

"You might call me Liala." She spoke bowing her head lightly to the armored woman and to a lesser part her words extending out to Senan indirectly knowing he could hear her. A very brief greeting but it was one that given the circumstances felt right as she turned her head back to Ariella smiling again as she extended out her hand to the young girl for her to take.

"...and what is your name sweetie?" She asked with a gentle tone staying upon her one knee/ She kept her hand held out as an offering to the young elf awaiting for her to give her name and potentially take her hand before she would stand back up and walk with her hand and hand if it might help comfort her. It wasn't as common for her to interact with kids at least given she tended to travel around from tavern to tavern, but she was comfortable enough with them she felt to try talking with her and easing her. After all, it was very much what her mother had done for her when she was little having to travel about from place to place.


Mention: Isolus Larry Fred Colon