Ashden-Ryall

Ashden Ryall was an Inquistor of the hand of light until he left to join the fight against the Rifting with his long time friend Vaná

[poweratanyprice-blog]

a night at court

Silken skirts swishing around her, her jewels glittering and chiming in tandem with the sharp click of her heels, Liss traveled the ballroom floor practically oozing confidence and pride. Every step was measured, her route determined by wherever the most influential members of court would be found, exchanging pleasantries and carefully phrased compliments, inquiries and suggestions. The evening was an elaborate game of political chess, the players and their moves mostly unknown and the board uncharted. She reveled in it all, she was born for this.

Aware of a presence to her left, she turned and prepared herself for another round when she spotted a familiar face approaching her. With a measured smile, feeling the prying gaze and ears of the nobles around them she took the Warden’s arm with a warning squeeze.

“Let us dance, sweet thing. I simply cannot hear the music here.” She instructed, flashing them a warning glance as she lead them toward the dancefloor.

[ashden-ryall-blog]

He dodged his way through the crowds, nodding his head an exchanging pleasantries with those who noticed him and looked for a response. He quite enjoyed meeting new faces and could very easily spend hours talking to each of them, but he had a job to do and his eyes were set on his fellow Warden ahead of him. 

He approached Liss and bowed slightly, stretching out his arm for her to grasp. Her grip was a lot tighter than expect, he could feel her tight hold through his armour. He noticed her warning gaze as he looked back up at her. “Yes of course. Please lead the way my lady.” He responded as she took the lead “What is it that you wish to say?”

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priestoftheshadows:

vanariel:

Vaná looked between the two with twinkling, knowing eyes. Ade and Ash had truly been a formidable duo in the Citadel. Their antics had been legendary among the other students, especially the younger ones, and it had given them a celebrity status for their cunning troublemaking. Luckily, they were both very intelligent and were rarely caught during such acts. If they ever were, Vaná was always there to smooth the disagreements and save them from any truly awful punishments. She remembered how she would affectionally roll her eyes at the two on a regular basis. 

“The High Father was my mentor,” she shook her head in bewilderment and turned to Ade with a single, raised eyebrow, “and you never returned his bathrobe? How did he escape the bathing area without it!?”

She burst into rich laughter, which was rare to hear nowadays, and leant forward to stare at her two dear friends with an amused expression glowing across her features. “Although, I may not want to know the next part of the tale. How can I face the High Father again if I know he had been running about the Citadel with no robe on!? What an embarrassing sight!”

After all, High Father Salvin wasn’t exactly the youngest of men. He was at least 70! 

Ade shook his head, smile fond as he listened. He held up a finger as he took another sip of his drink shaking his head head. “No, I did return it. Later. After the High Father had been given a towel to walk around in. He “found” it outside his office, on the rack that used to be inside his office. Obviously I would have been a fool to keep something like that.”

It seemed like a lifetime ago, talking about all of the things the three of them had down as children, teenagers, in the Citadel. It was like a completely different world, one where they’d laughed, he and Ashden had plied their hand at trickery, and Vaná had always been there with a reprimand and an indulgent smile. Lips crooked into a smirk of his own, now, Ade sagged a finger at the woman, teasing, as he said: “Mentor he may have been but don’t play us for the fool, Vaná, you helped us a time or two. What was that one? With Priest Terral, the large one, with the funny voice? It was-OH,” he let out a delighted bark of laughter, a mischievous twinkle to his eye. “We’d stolen his keys one night, don’t you remember, Vaná? You distracted him with questions about the lesson from that day and Ash and I snuck in, right under his chubby little nose.” He chuckled as these memories came back, the astounded look on the man’s face and his poor attempts the return to his rooms with nothing on but his sleepwear. A pair of pants and a silk, robe-like shirt.

Ashden place his head in his hands and laughed “Well I am glad of that at least, and I’m sure you are too Vaná. Though it would have made a great prize if you could have kept it. A nice little trophy of our work.”

Ashden grinned as his memory of such antics returned to him, he wasn’t too proud of that one though, he event felt a tad guilty. “He was too easy to get, he enjoyed Vaná’s company a bit too much so distracting him was never difficult. I think we may have played him one or two more times than we should have.”

“However.” He followed “Some of them were deserving of it, and most of them were in good spirit.”

[ashden-ryall-blog]

priestoftheshadows:

( @ashden-ryall )

Ade threw his head back and laughed at the look on  Vaná ‘s face and something in his chest loosened, the harshness of something that he had been carrying diminishing. Gods, it felt so good to laugh like this again, with them. He had missed it, the both of them, so very much. 

“That we did. You seem shocked. Did you not think we had the stones? And, if I recall this correctly, it was you who said we couldn’t do it. So we had to prove you wrong, naturally.” Ade took a sip of his drink and turned to look at his other compatriot with a grin, eyes dancing. He hadn’t felt like this in weeks, years even. Ever since  Vaná left, and then he and Ashden began to drift, there had been a constant hole in his chest, one that had trouble being filled. For the first time in a long while it felt like it wasn’t bothering him, gnawing at him. 

“Yes, my friend, how did we manage it? That robe was always within his sight. It was a wonder we hadn’t been punished before that, truly, for some of the things we got up to.” 

@vanariel​

“If I recall correctly I pulled him aside asking him to explain why I needed to study so much history despite my abilities, you know how he hated that.” Ashden rolled his eyes at the memory. He had always despised wasting time reading old books which no one cared for anymore. They described priests that were clinging to students to avoid being forgotten; but he could be out there helping people or learning more useful ways to harness the light. It all seemed a tad pointless. “And then all you needed to do was grab his bathrobe that was hanging over his stool while he lectured me. I definitely had the harder job.” He continued. 

 He had missed the antics he would get up to with his friends back at The Citadel. It was a pleasant moment in a world of chaos to reminisce. “I don’t know how we got away with it, I don’t remember Ade ever returning it!” Ashden flashed a cheeky grin at his darker friend before taking a sip of his wine.

[ashden-ryall-blog]

Sea Rumours

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nonbclicvcr:

Tàm did not like ships.  Hated them, in fact.  Hated the swaying, the smell of saltwater on the air - and how it’d pervaded everything he’d brought with him on this probably futile quest.  But, alas, he’d signed up for this quest on a drunken whim, and though he highly regretted it, Tàm also hated backing down on his word.  

He’d been resting his chin on the palm of his hand, staring out at the waves (trying not to be sick), when his companion spoke.  In his short time with the Wardens, he’d come to respect Ashden.  There was something about the older man, but he couldn’t quite place it.  Maybe that’s why he’d signed up for the quest?  Who fucking knows, he told himself, shaking his head.  “Probably with a harpoon?” he suggested out loud, shrugging.  “Maybe magicked?  I don’t fucking know.”

“Well there certainly is no shortage of harpoons on this ship”. Ashden looked towards a pile of them stashed against the rigging, and another against the rails. They had clearly thought the same as Tám and wanted to bring as many as possible without sinking. The ship was rather more sluggish than he would have expected. 

“Magic will likely be our best bet here, I should at least be able to hold the beast down while you jab at it.” He said while holding a harpoon and thrusting it back and forth comically. 

The sailors of the ship had become noticeably more uneasy - They must have reached the hunting grounds of the beast. The atmosphere went from one of hope to one of utter fear in a matter of seconds as unnatural waves appeared off the port side of the ship. “Stay alert Tám.” 

[ashden-ryall-blog]

Sea Rumours

[ashden-ryall-blog]

alyaenawynn:

Alyaena raised her brows at her fellow Warden and shrugged her shoulders. “It is a creature. Sea or not. Its behavior can be very unpredictable.” She crossed her arms, stepping her feet side to side. “It can attack anywhere.” Alyaena clarified. When she heard about the details of this quest, a part of her Arcanist side was extremely eager to see what creature was causing the fuss. She wondered if she had seen the creature before. There are so many more creature back at Mylorá than in Eldris. She leaned back against the ship with her elbows holding her up on the edge. All this water…it almost made her miss her homeworld.  

“Also, do you think it’s wise to be drinking while we are supposed to kill a beast of the sea?” She crinkled her nose as she pointed a finger to the glass in his hand. “We are here to do a job. Not to relax. This is no vacation.”

“You can’t chat with a bunch of sailors if you don’t join them in a drink or two.” He replied with a smile, he wouldn’t admit that he was using it to calm his nerves, however it did have the positive side effect of making him more likeable to the company of the tavern. “We had best get aboard and some rest before we reach the beasts preferred hunting ground in the morning.” His face turned pale. “Though I can’t stand the thought of sleeping at sea. I very much doubt I’ll sleep at all.”

The two of them boarded the ship and left for the open seas. Not 20 minutes had past before the sound of waves crashing against the wood of the vessel had swept away any hopes of Ashden catching some sleep. He walked up to the main deck, clinging onto anything he could as he tried to remain upright while the ship tossed them side to side. The ship had a very large open deck and only one of 3 sails were in use, the other two had been removed before they set off. if they wanted to fight a beast of the sea, the last thing they needed was unnecessary obstacles, and speed wasn’t going to help them anyway

. 

[ashden-ryall-blog]

Sea Rumours

Open Quest: 2/3 Spaces Taken

Sipping from a tall glass of what was supposedly one of Carn’s finest wines, Ashden pondered over the tales of the sailors he had spent all eve’ listening to. Everyone of them described a wingless dragon of the sea with razor sharp teeth devouring ships and their crew. Despite these horrific tales this particular tavern was not short of sailors and shipmates willing to travel with a Warden party out to sea to attempt to slay such a beast; they had rather high expectations of the skills of the Wardens. Ashden didn’t like the confidence others had found in him, he knew it only meant the Wardens had farther to fall should they fail. Maybe they were just desperate to have their problem fish disposed of or wanted to avenge their fallen friends.

 “How are you supposed to kill a beast of the sea from the back of a ship?” Said Ashden to his companion.

[ashden-ryall-blog]

North and South

@vanariel​

“What’s the hold up Vaná?” Yelled Ashden. He was getting his final bits together and was almost ready to leave but he hadn’t seen his friend for nearly a full hour now. No doubt she had her reason, she was probably thinking of overly complicated ways to fool anyone who dared to tamper with the letters that the duo would carry or even more foolishy; attempt to stop the two on the road. 

Ashden took the two letters and tucked them in a inside pocket of his robe, close to his chest. Vaná appeared from around the corner of a charred home, or was it a shop? It was hard to tell. He had once been very familiar with this town but ever since the rift had torn through here, it was completely unrecognisable. “Let’s be on our way then.” 

[ashden-ryall-blog]

ringofpoison:

“Eh, I always leave enough behind so they won’t suspect a thing. There are only four rogues and only two are smart enough to know how to steal things without being caught.” Namely, her and Bella. But of course the Dark Union assassin would be a suspect over the cute little bard.

Valtyra sank down into the water and rinsed out her hair, shaking her head to let her long blonde locks flow behind her. “You’d be surprised, Ash. My company garners many complaints. Not about my smell or my appearance, but how I’m, and I quote directly, a ‘heinous bitch.’ Their words, not mine.” She ducked her head under the water again and came up on the other side of the bath where she leaned against the side, letting her hair partially cover her. “You flatter me. You must say that to every poor young lady who’s stuck in a bath with you.” Whether it was flirting or a compliment, Valtyra couldn’t pass up the opportunity to fluster the healer. He was much too serious and dull, anyways.

“I think you may be the first, I’m not often stuck in baths with people, at least not in such an intimate environment with someone so enchanting.” He said. He did find Valtyra to be a very attractive individual and he smiled faintly that he had been able to flatter her - he hoped the tension would pass and they could finish their bath in peace.

Ashden hadn’t realised he had gotten himself, yet again, into a situation where he was flirting, rather strongly. His old friend Ade often teased him for such things as Ashden never noticed when he was flirting and things would always go too far before it was obvious to him. 

The sweet smelling scents in the air of their soaps and shampoos; and the surprisingly romantic environment probably didn’t help him avoid the impression he was giving.

[ashden-ryall-blog]

ringofpoison:

“Huh, wonder if the mages have anything to ward off terrible puns.” It sounded like a shop worth robbing when she had the change. Valtyra had already stolen quite a few shiny things from stores, nothing that someone would miss, of course. No one would suspect the squeaky-clean Wardens when things started to go missing. “I’ve actually heard nothing about you, besides the fact that you’re a healer, a priest, and Vana’s favorite.”

Valtyra dunked her head under the water then pulled it back up, rubbing water out of her eyes. “You’re using some rather ladylike scents over there,” she commented as she grabbed her bar of soap. She turned around to wash herself, not terrible keen on being observed. If he wanted eye candy, he’d have to work for it, or at least pay for a few nights’ worth of drinks at Two Bucks. “I always knew that priests were a bit more in touch with their feminine side.”

“I doubt the mages have the humor for such puns.” He recalled trying to make them at least smirk in hopes for a small discount with no luck. “Just don’t go robbing them, I know what you’re like. I’d like them to stay in business for a while.” He raised an eyebrow at her through the steam.

Ashden covered his hands in a blue gel and brushed it through his hair and beard and ducked under the water briefly to remove it, he turned around as he did so to make sure Valtyra didn’t think he was trying to peek at anything. “If I’m going to go hiking around the place with some poor sod for a week or two, I imagine they’d rather their company is less offensive to their senses.” He smiled, “Though I imagine your company doesn’t have many complaints.” Ashden wasn’t one to flirt but his comments could very easily be seen as such despite him just trying to be polite and ease an already awkward situation.

[ashden-ryall-blog]

jenshi-tsu:

They had lingered too long. Their area was quickly becoming swamped with the nearing shapes of monstrous creatures. Jenshi’s heightened senses heard their disturbing noises and his body unconsciously shifted into a tight, readied stance. His expression was fixed into a train mask of impassive coolness; an Assassin was expected to approach all battles with an icy calmness and his Taurish training was quickly returning to his mind. Unlike Eldris, the Empire was always experiencing fierce battles between different factions, and Jenshi was no stranger to blood. 

When the monster surprised their position, Jenshi had taken a quick step back from the rising shape but Ashden’s glowing shield enveloped him in a safe cocoon of light. Elina followed the priest’s movements and followed up with an incredible column of hot, scorching heat. Jenshi blinked at the monster as it succumbed to the witch’s magic in a fit of shrieks and hisses. Ashden’s shield protected him from the monster’s oozing blood which would have splattered his chest; instead, it sizzled against the barrier like acid. His two companions were very impressive in their magical craft; where one was trained, the other was wild. It was a strangely good team. 

Jenshi outstretched his free hand and made a strange gesture with two of his fingers towards his two companions. It was an unconscious habit. It was a way for Imperial Assassins and Mages to communicate their gratitude without speaking. 

“You are right,“ he spoke softly and turned his head slightly so that he could catch a brief glimpse of his two companions. His deep glance lingered on Elina’s features, scanning for any signs of distress or pain, but it seemed like the party was in their best possible shape to move on. 

Before he could finish his thoughts and inquire about Elina’s health, his heightened senses heard a noise. Flapping. Wings? Jenshi looked up in time to see a dark shape, perfectly melded into the midnight sky so it was camouflaged, swooping down on their position with elongated claws that were dripping with hot, green ooze. His eyes hardened into a steely look of concentration and within a blink of an eye, Jenshi disappeared in a cloud of black smoke. He reappeared a bare second later in the sky where he had leapt to an impressive height with his rogue agility. The creature had no time to redirect its path and it shrieked in horror as it flew towards Jenshi’s outstretched blade. The sword cut through the hissing monster’s neck in one, smooth motion. It quickly plummeted to the ground and slammed heavily in the mud, splattering its strange green blood in all directions.

Jenshi allowed his body to disappear in a flock of shadows again and reappeared in his earlier spot. A light sheen of sweat glistened on his dirtied forehead but he seemed quite calm about the whole situation. Killing was what he was born and trained to do after all, but at least in this land he was doing it for a greater purpose than just the Great Empress.

“Let’s move. They know where we are. I will walk first so we do not fall into traps. Match my footwork.”

He turned away and started to lead their party through a maze of debris with careful steps.

“I think their blood will burn if it touches us.”

“I’ll take the rear, Elina stay between us.” Ashden insisted she was in the safest position as they made way to the centre of the rift, it was crucial that she made it there alive. He knew that she was the only hope of closing the rift and stopping this horror before things got out of hand and spread to more of Eldris. “If I’m right Elina, you can stop this and close that rift; though I’m afraid I don’t know how.” Ashden knew the powers that a Netherwalker held but not much was documented about how exactly they focused their abilities to perform such feats. 

A splat of blood had landed on Ashdens robe from the monster Jenshi had just slain, it wasn’t until he felt the burning of his skin did he realise the viscous liquid had tore through the material and seared his flesh, thankfully it was a small enough amount that the cloth of his robe had taken the majority of the reaction. 

“Jenshi, if you insist on such dramatic displays take this.” Ashden flung a ball of light towards the assassin which engulfed him, causing his skin to shine brightly in the darkness. “It’s not as strong as the earlier barrier, but it will at least stop the effects of that blood, you can go crazy now.” He looked at Elina, “We’ll just have to be careful, I can’t cover us all but I imagine we’ll be able to keep our distance.” 

[ashden-ryall-blog]

jenshi-tsu:

Relief flooded through Jenshi when Elina lowered her hands. Although her features were clearly consorted in pain, she still had the strength to try and appease his worry. It made him respect the young woman for her fierce resolve. The purple runes that glittered across her were mesmerizing to watch but it made Jenshi feel frustrated that Elina had to feel such agony because of the Netherworld’s presence. Why could fate not choose himself or even Ashden to bear the burden? Elina had suffered enough in her life, and now she was destined to suffer even more.

Jenshi stepped away as Ashden flooded his energy into Elina and scouted the area with quick, alert eyes. The battlefield continued to rage around the trio; hellish screaming screeched from all directions and they would have to keep moving to avoid detection from the beasts. Jenshi shifted his stance into a readied pose; prepared to attack at any moment if the two were interrupted during their healing. Determination seethed in the pit of his stomach; an icy focus which prompted him to prepare for the battle ahead.

When Ashden’s shield surrounded them and healed their wounds, Jenshi touched his bloodied side in wonder. The wound had completely mended and the skin was not touched by the slightest scar. He bowed lowly from the waist at the healer, as a sign of great respect and gratitude, and straightened when he heard Elina’s voice. He stared at her smiling face and nodded in return; he had always struggled with words but he hoped Elina could see the relief in his dark eyes. 

“I am well, thank you,” he replied in a cool tone and turned to the fiery horizon. It was strange that it was supposedly night but the entire area seemed brighter than it would be at daytime. The eerily glowing skies contributed to that. With a swift, practiced motion, Jenshi unsheathed his sword and held it in a strong grip. He flexed his muscles and tested his wound; the healer had truly erased all signs of the previous pain. “We need to keep moving. There are beasts ahead. We can dispatch them if we work together.”

He spoke in short, blunt sentences and started to take point in the group. He knew that Elina and Ashden were more prone to long-ranged battles, so Jenshi was prepared to be the living blade of the group.

His body moved in a low, cautious crouch and his sword was ready if they were attacked.

Ashden looked Elina in the eyes, “I’m sorry that I can not do more.” He whispered as he lowered his hands and the shield dissipated around them. His wounds were fully healed and all that remained of their existence was the torn and bloodied robes he wore. “I can explain more as we go.” 

“You are right Jenshi, it will be a tough road but we must reach the rift and the others before it’s too late.” He said sternly “I may be a healer but I’m no stranger to a fight.” Just as he spoke, a horrific green and purple being hurled itself towards the party. It’s sharp, jagged teeth showing as it spat and gurgled in it’s sprint. ”Look out!” Yelled Ashden as the monster jumped at Jenshi with great speed and as it reached him with it’s jaws ajar it bounced off and invisible wall and landed nearby.

Ashden could be seen with his palms pointed to Jenshi, he had formed a protective barrier in front of him just in time to prevent the attack, hopefully giving time for Jenshi or Elina to retaliate. He could pierce the being with holy light but it would be far more effective for either of his companions to finish the job as their blows would strike harder.

[ashden-ryall-blog]

jenshi-tsu:

The world was dark. Jenshi attempted to open his eyes but they were layered over with a crusty layer of dirt, blood and broken skin. His expression, which was usually schooled to an impassive and cool look, was different. It was clearly in pain as he winced at the shocking agony that raged in his body. He rallied his energy and managed to peel open his eyes; he expected to awaken to a cold and dark scene but the night was eerily aglow. Swords of green lightning lit up the boiling skies and a huge Rift hung in the air; faraway, yet it seemed so close because of its colossal size.

The last thing he remembered was a roaring light. Their leader had screamed over the fireworks to run and prepare themselves as she lifted a bright shield in the sky with Ashden, but the Rifting’s blast still penetrated through the barrier and Jenshi had only the briefest of milliseconds to use his super speed to reach for Elina. At that thought, he turned towards the battered witch and limped towards her. His quick eyes noticed Ashden nearby too and Jenshi bowed his head in gratitude; the two priests had saved the Wardens’ lives, after all, and the healer’s presence was a relief.

The path ahead of them was littered with bodies; some dead and charred beyond recognition, whilst others were still moaning in torment. But Jenshi was not unaccustomed to battles. He gritted his teeth and focused on the task at hand - they had to reach the others before the Rift destroyed everything. Part of Jenshi was amazed that the rumours of Eldris were indeed true but he had little time to sort through those thoughts because Elina suddenly leaned into his side.

Concern darkened Jenshi’s expression and he quickly looked at Ashden with wide eyes, “something is wrong, Ashden Ryall.” His voice was laced with urgency and he quickly supported Elina with two, strong arms. Her screams of anguish cut through him like swords and he stared at her in amazement. Glowing, purple runes sparkled across her skin. “What is happening to her?” He demanded in an uncharacteristically snappish voice but Jenshi was too distracted by Elina’s torment to worry about his manners.

He gently reached up to her hands that covered her face and attempted to bring them down. His expression was tight with worry. 

Ashden lay there, eyes still glowing from his attempt to shield the wardens. As he came through his sight returned and a sudden feeling of relief overcame him; he knew that he and Vaná had managed to save their fellow Wardens. He looked out in front of him and his sense of relief violently deserted him and fear engulfed the empty space. His visions had come true and the voice, the ominous voice he had heard from his dreams had broken through to reality.

He heard the panicked voice of Jenshi behind him. He jumped to his feet and looked around him, he could see a battered Jenshi tightly holding Elina in his arms. Ashden noticed her skin glowing and could see faint runes beginning to show themselves on her skin. He couldn’t believe his eyes, or his luck, a Netherwalker. 

He didn’t even respond to Jenshi before sprinting to her and grasping her head in his hands; pushing Jenshi to the side. “You’re going to be alright, I’ve got you.” He whispered to her, loud enough that the fugitive could here. His eyes began to glowed bright green as he held her forehead against his, he knew what she was about to experience would bring her immense pain and that he would be able to relieve most of it. “You’re a Netherwalker Elina, now is not the time to explain everything but you’re skills are awakening.” The plethora of cuts and bruises which covered her skin began to fade and the pain she was experiencing, though still horrendous, would start to subside.

A green aura surround the three and the same magic Ashden was using to heal Elina was now also healing himself and Jenshi.

[ashden-ryall-blog]

ringofpoison:

“Dive right in.” Valtyra squeezed the water out of her hair. “I hate you.” Though, like anyone, she could always appreciate a good pun. As Ashden walked in Valtyra continued to stare at the wall behind her, slowly turning around as the water began to warm up. She wrinkled her nose. “Don’t tell me you just took a piss in the water!” she snapped, backing away before she could see the vial in his hand.

“Oh so it’s some magical priestly thing. Warm piss-in-a-bottle.” Valtyra was thankful for the rising steam that hid both of their…essentials. Well, she needed to wash, and it wasn’t going to happen while she was hiding under the water. As the steam rose, Valtyra reached for her bar of soap and began to lather it up in her hands, making a mental note to steal some richer Warden’s soaps. Maybe Soren or Lissela. Did mages even need to bathe?

“Thought it’d be empty by now but then you come marching in. Just my luck, isn’t it.”

“You’re not convincing anyone, I saw that smirk.” Ashden had already begun to relax, a good joke or two made him much more comfortable. “Please Valtyra, surely you’ve heard enough of me to know I wouldn’t do something so crude.” He was somewhat offended that she could even think he would do such a thing; but he brushed it off and carried on. “It’s actually from some mages I met in the town, they sell it just by the tailors store.” He scratched his head trying to recall ” I can’t remember the name though, I wish they would just name them plainly.”

As they both began to settle down Ashden took another vial from his robe pocket and poured a drop or two into his hands. The scent of lavender filled the air as he lathered it up and began to cover his torso with purple soapy bubbles. 

He laughed at her later comment “There are a fair few worse options to come marching down those stairs. I’m admittedly glad to have you as company than the normal inn goers.” Ashden smiled at her across the steamy pool. 

[ashden-ryall-blog]

vanariel:

There had not been enough time in recent days to enjoy her old friend’s company. It made Vaná feel oddly nostalgic as she watched Ashden enjoy the festivities with a joyous determination that echoed their earlier days in the capital. Regardless of where they were, he was still the same cheeky and cheerful man who she had befriended in their first years in the Citadel. It was a great comfort to Vaná.

Despite her warm thoughts, she could not help but mock her friend. She covered her mouth with a hand as she burst into laughter and she shook her head in bafflement. “You are definitely a part of the festivities, you are practically a walking flower pot in the parade!” She teased warmly. His latter comment made her chuckle rather bitterly and she turned to stare at her glass of wine with a small, nostalgic smile.

“Am I? I sometimes think what would the High Mother and High Father do in these situations, they were always so calm when addressing legions of people,” she paused and smiled at the thought of their training days, and how they had been chased around the Citadel by the two leaders after being quite mischievous in their lessons! “I often wonder how they are doing and if they are enjoying Springtime.”

Although their two mentors had not supported Vaná in her vision, as they were too afraid to raise it with the High King who was becoming increasingly eccentric in his actions, - and even spat in Vaná’s face! - she was still fond of them.

A lot of time had passed since the two attended their training back in The Citadel and Vaná’s talk of the past reminded him of, well not really doing anything; Ashden spent most of his training days meditating or causing mischief. His skills didn’t suffer for it, he just felt the lessons taught were a waste of time when he could be improving himself and helping others. 

“They made you one too you know,” giggled Ashden as he threw a white veil of flowers over Vaná’s head before she could react. “You look adorable.” He couldn’t hold in his laughter as she jumped back a little in her chair, unaware of what had happened.

“I don’t recall them being so calm. Every time they would address the hordes I’d feel more tense than reassured.” He said “Though I could have just been expecting them to shout at me again.”

[ashden-ryall-blog]

ringofpoison:

“Well, Ashden,” Valtyra said while keeping everything but her head tucked underwater, “a pleasure to meet you. Can’t say I’ve met too many others in this manner.” She swam over towards the edge of the bath where a towel awaited for her to dry off with. Either Ashden had to go or she did, but with Valtyra’s luck, Vana would call for a meeting or a training session or the sky would came crashing down before one or the other could have their turn.

“Tell you what, Ash. You need a bath as much as I do. You stay turned around and I’ll do the same, and we’re golden. How ‘bout it?” The fact that Ashden had stopped before entering said much about him. And besides, it wasn’t as if Valtyra had never seen a naked man or been naked in front of one. They were just generally in situations where rumors wouldn’t pop up afterwards.

“I can’t say I have either, but we can dive right into the awkward situations first I guess.” Ashden smiled proudly at his own pun, it no doubt frustrated his guest but he was trying to ease the situation.

“I can get on board with that, just give me a sign that you’re decent and I’ll pop in quickly” Ashden said, still lingering on the corner of the door. He had his towel already around him and his soaps in one hand. He heard Valtyra give him the all clear and stepped into the basement. Quickly dropping his robe as he approached the side, he slid into the water without a splash. 

“Blimey it’s cold! Let me fix that” He pulled a vial from a pocket on his robe, poured it into the water and stirred it with his hands, the water began to steam and rise to a more comfortable temperature. “I hope that’s alright”.

[ashden-ryall-blog]

vanariel:

Vanáriel stood on a high, wooded platform in the centre of town and stared down at hundreds of merry faces with a bright grin of her own. Tall, straight and regal in white robes; Vaná felt like she was a Hand of the Light again and with the heart of the people. All eyes were on her as she lifted a glass of dark wine into the air.

“… please raise your glasses in honour of this warm and welcoming man, Braus Derry, the new mayor of Miwor Town!”

A chorus of cheering and whooping answered Vaná’s yell. The village suddenly exploded into noise as the musicians blasted out a bright and merry fanfare, earning more approving cheers from the townspeople, and then it was official - Springtime had officially begun. 

Crowds of people swarmed the sweet stalls, waitresses walked through the streets with fresh brews and dancing jigs started on almost every corner. 

Vaná exhaled a sigh of relief when she was no longer the centre of attention and descended from the wooden platform to return to one of the many tables outside the Two Bucks Inn. She flopped into her seat and turned to her fellow Warden with a cheeky grin, “I thought I was going to fall from such a height up there! It looks like the town is really eager to have the best Springtime ever. Aren’t you going to join in with the festivities?”

Vaná had clearly not paid enough attention to the fool who sat beside her. Ashden had his feet on the table, a glass in his hand and a ring of colourful spring flowers upon his head. “I’m always a part of the festivities!” He said merrily as he swished his hair trying to ensure Vaná got a good look at his head piece. He wanted to give her a bit of a chuckle after her less than relaxing speech.

“You’re getting quite good at this public speaking thing y’know.” He followed.

[larkofaralune]

At last, it was Valtyra’s turn to bathe. It had only taken ages for the bath in the basement of the inn to be unoccupied and drained of the filthy water from those who had gone before. She opted to go in after the others, hoping to avoid the awkward situation of being naked in front of the other Wardens. Valtyra stuck a foot into the surprisingly luxurious bath carved into the stone floor of the basement. It was freezing, was the only issue, but at the very least it was refreshing. Several windows lined the top of the room, with curtains to block out those who might peek in, letting sunlight stream into the clear water. It was clearer than any water Valtyra had ever seen.

She pulled off her weapons, her belts, and her leather clothing, tossing it all in a pile in the corner of the room. Shivering, she dove under the water and surfaced, letting her blonde hair fall behind her. Never before had a bath felt so refreshing. The moment Valtyra rose from the water, she heard the sound of the door to the basement open and footsteps drawing near. “Ever heard of knocking?!” Valtyra shouted, rubbing the water from her eyes and slipping back under the water, covering herself. “I can’t even wash myself without someone barging in and gawking at me. Leave!”

[ashden-ryall-blog]

Ashden always took a bath in the later afternoon, he too preferred to avoid the attention of other Warden’s or Inn goers while he relaxed and cleaned. The calm of the undisturbed water was more appealing to him than being viewed by others though. The pleasure of lying there in a state of mindfulness let him forget the labours of the day and revitalise. 

As his bare feet approached the base of the stairs he was shocked to hear splashing and the angry, familiar, yell of a woman. He stopped before turning the corner. “I did not expect anyone down here, my apologies. I’m Ashden of the Wardens and don’t worry I do not come to gawk.” He replied.