- ̗̀ the pathless woods

affiliated with aetharafm only.

[ofheliacal]

blog dependent within aetharafm, dni outside this group, penned by gus (she/her)!

🌿:✧˚. ⋆ esai thalryn. sean teale. 200. lord & diplomat of aurelion. >> (intro).

⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ high king eaerundil valerius. eoin macken. 454. of vaeloria. >> (intro).

[ofheliacal]

starter for open, [0/4] timeline: in the thick of it (utd) location: in the central/main street of aureth within a local tavern. or could be closer to the aurelis castle at some royal gathering, etc. note: assume connect/familiarity or be a stranger!

✧˚ · . ─── Though he was the Vaelorian king, Aerun did not hole himself up surrounded by the other royals. Those of his brood were of the rugged seas, and not even the forced closeness while they weeded out malfeasances could contain such spirited nature. Diplomacy was not his knack, managing the banal acts of their world and needing to put on a polite smile and pretend to be inspired by such. But the king had always been a people person; something which proved to land him in great trouble or inspire great alliances. Bold and brazen, he had secured a goblet spilling over with ale for himself, a hand placed on the other's shoulder in kind, " Come , let us forget this madness and break bread like they have done for thousands of years prior . Such has always been foolproof for our troubles . " A wide grin void of guile was on his expression; he could be clever when needed, but even if such a road led to nothing but good conversation and drink, Aerun would take it as a success. " What drink will inspire you to smile at the stars above instead of grimace at them ? " The other indeed looked rather sour before he had approached them.

[celestialwhispcrs]

where - some local eatery including - anyone @aethara-starters

esmeray could have been eating with her siblings and the other royals. and she had earlier. but she had wanted to explore the local haunts, and the smell coming from inside this eatery had been too hard to resist. It was the best way to get the proper gossip as well. not only could she eat and listen to the whispers spilled over drinks, but she could read the minds of those in the eatery and pick what they really thought about the recent events. deaths. vampires. mysteries abound. she glanced up as someone slid into the open spot opposite her and offered an innocent smile that gave no hint of who she really was. " I'd offer you a bite, but this is just too good to share. "

[ofheliacal]

✧˚ · . ─── Esai was not often bound to one place for long, a free spirit who preferred to explore each and every facet of their world. His representation of the Aurelion court could only go so far, saddled with the realization that they were not going to be freed from the constraints put upon them anytime soon. As such, he got comfortable being the life of Aureth, making his face well-known in public and speaking to all those within the court; respective members or guests alike. The vampires had proved they had much to hide, but Esai still could not pin down what secrets they kept so closely. " Your highness , don't be silly, " though he touted such respective title towards her, his tone implied they were old friends, having crossed paths with the Eryndorian princess many times over the years through his travels. " I've come for a humble piece of your thoughts , not your meal . "

[astrxls]

draeven  didn't  manage  stress  well,  he  never  really  felt  it.  the  fae  would  have  plenty  of  negative  experiences  or  emotions,  but  stress  and  fear  were  entirely  new.  he  didn't  like  to  linger  in  places  like  this,  it  was  new  territory  for  the  lord  that  felt  impossible  to  navigate.  drae  struggled  to  deal  with  what  he  didn't  have  experience  with,  which  he  felt  was  something  he  had  no  desire  to  grow  in  either.  forced  growth  was  more  than  annoying,  but  here  they  were.  one  thing  that  could  be  said  about  draeven,  however,  was  his  ability  to  continue  to  at  least  seeming  like  he  was  okay.  perhaps  not  the  best  behavior  in  every  instance,  but  it  was  working  for  him  thus  far.

esai  could  probably  read  it  all  even  if  draeven  thought  he  was  hiding  it,  which  is  why  the  lord  takes  a  moment  to  relax  a  hair  and  stop  pretending  so  much.  "  the  scholars  did  claim  we  have  no  written  history  of  these  creatures.  "  he  shares.  drae  may  not  be  a  book  nerd,  but  he  did  listen  to  the  loud  cries  of  others.  "  training  is  how  i  stay  in  good  shape  and  become  less  of  a  target,  but  i  am  not  being  an  idiot  who  walks  around  alone  at  night.  "  his  brother's  care  went  a  ways,  but  drae  wouldn't  stop  what  he  loved.

[ofheliacal]

✧˚ · . ─── There's relief shared in the way his own shoulders relax as his brother seems more forthcoming with how he feels inside. Even if Draeven did not put it into words, the many years and his own ability had dressed him with an understanding of his brother. Less scholarly and emotional, but even one who poured their all into the games and training had a heart, could be wounded. That was what worried him most of all, as pride often ran so rampant in his brother, and such was the reason for Draeven to figure himself invincible despite Esai being the wet blanket to remind him otherwise. " And sometimes we lie , " he raised a brow at Draeven as though this could be obvious; whatever was published did not retain any excerpts of these creatures, but Esai was certain one had to know something. He did not elaborate or linger long on this thought, however, scoffing at what Draeven spoke next. " Unfortunately, I recall in these last hundreds of years how much of a wanderer you truly are , Drae . " Esai did not note this with callous intent, but his brother was always a .... free spirit with a spontaneous heart and this was Esai's only warning for his brother not to lead with the wrong head as it were.

[fluctivagant]

Fingers interlacing with Aerun, Idalia steps away from his warmth and twirls under his arm so she is facing him, hand on his as she looks up at him and sends him a weary smile. She cannot deny the truth behind his words, considering how she had once been so eager to follow the sea wherever it took her, always trusting on the waves to take her where she was meant to be. Yet age has brought with it a sense of wariness she cannot shake, a worry that all that they have built together can be demolished at the stroke of a pen. An overtly silly notion, for they had ensured the ship they manned remained on top condition even now, but a notion that tugs away at her subconscious every time she closes her eyes. 

“I know that if there is nothing ventured, there is nothing gained, but I cannot help but worry,” she admits as her thumb rubs the back of Aerun’s hand, the habit of seeking his presence deeply ingrained upon her after long years of marriage. Every single one as wonderful as the last. “Our children are storms of their own making, and I suspect they will find themselves in the center of the hurricane. And we cannot stop them, for this too is a lesson they must learn—  But they are our babies, Eaerundil. I know they will be fine, but I worry still.”

Fondness swells as he speaks, acknowledging her worries but nudging her to be hopeful rather than cynical. Raising their joined hands, she places a brief kiss to the back of his and nods. And just like that, they are balanced once more, dancing on the edge of the plank as they consider the risks and benefits of each move. Idalia will worry about her children endlessly, lovingly, but despite the ever present worries, there is no denying that she trusts them for their skill. Each of them are formidable on their own, so she cannot refrain from using them as they must. They are Queen and King, after all, and they are Vaeloria’s princes and princesses. It is their duty to ensure the safety of their people.

“On that we are of the same mind,” she admits. “I have been considering who is best to make first contact with Aureth’s new guests, and Maxon is the clear choice. Lord Lakith would also do well with the task, so I have been playing with the thought of asking them to cooperate with the matter.”

[ofheliacal]

✧˚ · . ─── Such moonlight loveliness exuded from her, a magnetic pull where she proved to be his North Star, a beacon in a never-encroaching darkness. Aerun was not often swayed by these turbulences, magic and monsters a tale as old as time itself. Where one threat could fall, another would crop up, and so, the dance would continue on. Within this speculation, Aerun lends a lifeline to his wife - something grounding, if not entirely unhelpful for the way her mind reels. The king dipped his queen, before she could even utter a simple rebuttal, offering a rousing kiss as his lips parted against hers; one hand clinging within hers, the other scooped around her waist. Entwined, just as the Fates and stars saw them to be. He could not rouse himself to worry, but if Idalia worried, then he would carry such inquietude for her. Stormy and wild, her mood often reflected the tempestuous nature of the sea, even if Idalia could reason with herself enough to reflect a more steely resolve; Aerun knew the truth within. Soon, he pulled away, standing her straight, though his eyes glinted with clear mischief despite revolving back to their talk of the times. " If I let myself be ate up with worry , then we would not be here standing as the voice of reason for Vaeloria , " so often both spoke in the cliche of what united them - the sea - " What shall come to pass is already written in the tides , my love , we cannot change it . " But Aerun squeezed her hand again, in that commiseration of worry which only a parent could understand. Indeed, no matter how their children aged, he would always remember each one as the small babe he once carried in the crook of his arm upon their ship, casting out to sea as though each small child would have remembered the voyage. He feels the warmth of her lips on the back of his hand, and the wild grin spreads further on his tanned countenance, untamed and unruly; like the sea kissing upon where it met the moon on the horizon. " Set them both upon the dastardly things if we must , " he shrugged after a moment; a just ruler, but one who still found politics utterly banal and uninspired. He wished it was as simple as breaking bread, but some practices and species would always conflict and the Vaelorian king could only hope that the vampires would heed their manners in this fragile time. " We'll know just how much these things conspire or how rotten their intentions if Maxon and Lord Lakith are both to nudge them . "

[wrathgaze]

for  the  most  part ,  the  fae  had  been  keeping  themselves  at  a  distance .  when  they  had  arrived  with  their  retinue ,  valeria  had  been  amongst  those  that  met  with  the  monarchy  of  the  courts .  it  had  been  a  tense  conversation  to  be  sure ,  but  for  now  they  were  allowed  to  within  the  castle's  walls  in  the  hopes  that  they  could  solve  both  their  problems .  to  snuff  out  the  rebels  that  conspired  against  their  rule  and  to  stop  any  fae  from  being  turned  into  vampires .  the  strength ,  speed ,  and  reflexes  of  a  vampire  with  the  affinities  of  the  fae ?  it  was  not  something  either  of  their  kind  wanted  to  contend  with  if  it  were  possible .  " no ,  i  surmise  that  you  were  waiting  to  approach ,  but  my  acknowledgement  of  your  presence  forced  you  to  reveal  yourself  faster  than  you  hoped . "  valeria  knows  it  to  be  true  and  it  brings  the  softest  of  a  smirk  to  her  lips  trying  to  not  seem  so  terrifying .  " we  are  willing  to  cooperate ,  but  as  i  am  sure  your  kind  is  not  willing  to  reveal  all  its  secrets ,  neither  are  we . "  the  princess  lazily  drops  her  fingers  to  the  bush  of  roses ,  delicate  fingers  lightly  brushing  over  leaves  and  petals .  " would  you  prefer  i  be  blunt ,  my  lord ? "  she  could  lie  and  say  they  were  welcoming ...  or  tell  the  truth.

[ofheliacal]

✧˚ · . ─── Her smile felt uncanny if not surreal , a wolf wearing the carapace of a lamb's skin . Esai tried not to feel so off kilter , where negotiations were typically his element , he knew little of the aspirations of vampires despite what the rumor mills within the kingdom currently churned out . As lost as anyone , all the diplomat had were his assumptions and the ability to read her , something she seemed sternly intent to evade at each remark and social cue . " I represent the court rather publicly , I am no spy , " he chided this in turn , though Esai was certain she had painted a picture which she , in her vision of their world , deemed irrefutable account . Esai nodded at this , a small smile of his own mirrored in turn , " What we may have in secrets , your lot seem to have in otherwordly endurance . You are all guests here , however , and I do figure you will need to conceded on your own pride eventually in order to move forward . " His tone was rather jovial as though they spoke simply of the weather or what their evening plans may hold . " I would appreciate your frankness , yes . " A brow rose though he expected nothing but further vaguities .

[wrathgaze]

" no ,  thankfully  there  are  not  any  that  are  bloodborn ...  instead  there  are  those  that  require  blood  to  sustain  themselves .  how  did  we  forget  that  vampires  existed ?  how  did  even  our  ancestors  forget  of  their  existence  till  now ? "  it  did  make  him  feel  better  that  those  older  than  them  whom  they  were  supposed  to  trust  did  not  know  of  the  existence  of  the  dangerous  species  nor  that  there  was  apparently  a  whole  kingdom  not  too  far  from  their  own  lands .  before  now  they  were  did  not  know  what  they  were  dealing  with ,  but  the  evil  that  had  descended  upon  them  had  a  face  and  it  was  that  of  a  creature  with  sharp  teeth  and  strength  and  quickness  that  could  best  any  of  them  if  they  were  not  careful .  daelan  knew  they  were  not  entirely  defenseless  with  their  affinities ,  but  it  had  been  a  long  time  since  anyone  had  to  use  such  against  a  vampire .  " i will  not  allow  myself  to  be  cocky  or  complacent,   i  will  brush  back  up  on  the  basics  and  ensure  i  am  in  the  best  form  to  protect . "  if  anything  happened  to  alexia  because  of  their  guests ....  well  he  would  never  forgive  himself .  " be  cautious  around  them ,  i  would  recommend  a  guard  with  you  at  all  times  when  you  not  within  the  safety  of  your  apartments .  they  may  claim  they  are  here  for  the  rebels  and  broker  relations  with  us ,  but  we  never  know  what  a  possible  ulterior  motive  they  could  have . "  from  what  he  had  seen  conversations  with  their  guests  was  still  rather  tentative ,  but  he  knew  that  the  fae  staying  at  a  distance  could  not  last .  " i  am  surprised  they  came  to  us ,  but  perhaps  their  rebels  are  more  dangerous  than  they  realized . "

[ofheliacal]

✧˚ · . ─── " It's reason enough to be further wary of them , for I'm pessimistic enough to figure they ensured our oblivescence . " So often , it seemed , it was his job to remain approachable and upbeat , but it was clear the vampiries even wrought inquietude within him . Especially if one like Lord Daelan seemed relatively unsettled by their presence within the courts . A sliver of relief is forged by Daelen's tenacity and fortitude ; he would keep sharp , a blade for the kingdom , something which they needed in spades currently if things were to sour further . " My brother would be a worthy adversary if you needed to test your skills , for the stars above did not bless me with a similar grit . " The rigorous training of any guard for their court came with its necessary challenges , but Esai offered his brother's name for he knew Drae was certainly going stircrazy since the competitions had ceased . " You are meant to be the brawns of the kingdom , you are not renowned for your brains , " it was within his fae nature to tease but the comment was not meant with harm ; each had their duties and roles to play . A grim ideal came to him as Daelen remarked his own surprise at the vampire kingdom's believed candor , " Either they are remarkably genuine or indeed they play us for fools to serve as bodies to pad this brewing war . " Neither felt like a favorable option where Esai was concerned .

[duskomens]

"I thought so. Sometimes you can be so transparent," if bothering Esai or forcing the other to remain in his presence wasn't part of Alistair's week, he felt like it wasn't worth it. Still, the prince had many menial tasks to do, which included spying on the vampires, attempting to read their minds, and hopefully not get caught. That was the best he could do at the moment, and even the thought of it made him want to lounge on his favorite fainting couch and ignore the responsibility. "That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me. Careful, don't get weepy on me."

[ofheliacal]

✧˚ · . ─── His secondary affinity was not as thoroughly practiced as his terra manipulation. Mostly, he reflected the emotions of what others bled out, but Alistair often eclipsed any genuine feelings by remaining in such an aloof and detached resonance. He liked to believe the prince was simply a virtuoso at retaining his emotions in comparison to other fae; the fear and uncertainty Esai had felt from others since the vampires arrived was overwhelming. Still, the diplomat sighed, " And perhaps if you were not of House Aurelis I'd have no reason for my transparency . " Where Alistair often ventured with leaving the door wide open, Esai could so miserably slam it shut, his own strain of aloofness different than Alistair's. " Everyone else can so clearly wear their emotions , to the point where it feels impossible for me to parse through. You - you , I can never seem to read . "

[nubivcgcnt]

players: ursula praxadas & esai thalryn || @ofheliacal place: esai’s office , aureth  time: after the letter went out 

The knock at Lord Esai’s door is more of a courtesy than anything else, seeing how the diplomat had chosen to keep his door open. A door she quietly shuts behind herself as she steps further into the room with a smooth stride after meeting Esai’s eyes. It’s meant to be brief, this visit of hers, but with things being as they are, one can never be sure one way or another. 

“I brought an offering,” she sing songs as she places a small basket with pastries on his desk. It’s just some sugar to get after the afternoon lag that tends to come after eating lunch, and mostly an excuse for Ursula to indulge as well while she gets to the heart of the matter. “It has been pointed out to me that working on an empty stomach is rather detrimental, so I thought I would provide snacks as I discuss why I sought you out outside an official meeting.”

That said, she settles on the open chair on the other side of her desk and begins tapping the chair’s arm absentmindedly as she considers how to broach the topic in the first place. It gives Esai some time to gather himself after her abrupt entrance, and it gives her enough time to consider her words carefully after discovering what she had. 

“Have you had the pleasure of talking to our new guests?” She begins saying slowly. “It seems that the walls in their castle are rather thicker than ours, on account of their acute hearing I believe.”

[ofheliacal]

✧˚ · . ─── Esai's eyes lingered on the pastries, pure indulgence for little reward, and he snorted in kind. Often they had worked in unison, albeit not typically in person, for Esai was normally off in various kingdoms, far away from Aureth, in the sake of bolstering relations for the court. " An offering is something substantial to part with . You're from Korynus, and yet you refuse to bribe me with wine ? For shame , Lady Ursula . " He offered a wicked grin at this, plucking a pastry from the basket in such capricious regard. " So , it is safe to figure their ears listen still . " This was noted with a sigh , though the fae was often found with a smile on his face, evident of the diplomatic charm he had in droves. " I dare say it feels as though they are avoiding me , though I would blame the stars above in the sake of the wrong place, wrong time, as it were . " A bite was taken as sugar fell from the pastry to the desk below. " Pray tell , why do you ask ? " Within her title as the mistress of laws, her curiosity came as no surprise, but Esai had to figure that such questioning towards him came with an idea from Lady Ursula.

[astrxls]

helion  knew  the  choices  he  and  his  wife  made  might  not  be  received  well,  but  he  was  banking  on  the  other  monarchs  in  their  castle  to  at  least  see  the  logic  and  go  with  it.  he  hoped  for  them  all  to  work  together,  worried  he'd  been  too  optimistic.  it's  why  he  remains  guarded  around  the  king  of  vaeloria  when  he  recognizes  the  other,  hopeful  the  conversation  won't  lead  to  an  argument.  helion  is  simply  too  exhausted  to  argue.  when  a  joke  is  offered  it's  like  a  hair  of  the  weight  on  his  shoulders  eases,  a  chuckle  slipping  from  the  consort's  lips.  "  you  always  have  been  the  loudest,  aerun.  "  he  teases  back.  no  protest  is  offered  when  the  king  sits,  and  helion  doesn't  need  to  look  around  to  expect  to  find  both  his  guards  and  those  of  vaeloria  stationed  about.  it's  possible  the  safest  spot  in  the  city  of  aureth  at  present.  the  thought  should  calm  him,  but  the  need  for  guards  has  him  on  edge.  "  i'm  simply  practicing  my  mental  shields  with  the  many  emotions  flying  about  today.  "  admits  he.  it  was  a  well  known  fact  what  his  affinity  was,  and  helion  found  being  honest  with  his  fellow  monarchs  was  a  good  choice  to  make.  "  i  don't  think  anything  could  have  predicted  all  of  this.  "  he  wished  seers  had  been  rustled  up  as  they  were  dredging  creatures  long  forgotten  out  of  their  texts.

[ofheliacal]

✧˚ · . ─── Boisterous but mostly neutral in opinion, Aerun spent most of his energy ensuring the seas were tailored to the rule of his family's ideal. What happened on land, and within cities which resigned in a different domain, were of little opinion for him to muster. Worry, however, was another energy pool entirely; the Vaelorian king feeling the weight of being trapped within Aureth. There was relief to know they were amongst friends when it came to Helion and the Aurelion queen, but there were times they were to clash and come together as monarchs and there were times to come forward as a friend. After the meeting of monarchs, some which were not as agreeable, Aerun figured Helion needed a hand outstretched in the tenebrous uncertainty as his wife and he navigated an entirely new predicament their world hadn't seen in eons. " Aye , many are bleeding with their emotions , " Aerun was no empath but even he could recognize the anxieties which twisted upon the faces of many in the kingdom. " The stars pull at my hair too , " his odd affirmation that, though he wore this jovial demeanor, that he was a many of worries as well. " I wish to trust what stories they have told you , as I know you wish to as well . Circumstances are ever changing and it is okay to lean on another even if wariness often triumphs . " Aerun sighed, for there was no correct answer, as each would lead to peculiar consequences. Kick the vampires out and they may be vulnerable to this continued threat which loomed. Let them stay, as they have done, and who knew the extent of their sanguinary practices? " Don't you wish we could go back to the beginnings and request the star goddess grant some of us with omniscience ? " None could be afforded such power, but Aerun still let his mind wander.

[fluctivagant]

“Better safe than sorry, beloved,” Idalia insists, tone weary even as some tension leaves her as she is reminded of her husband’s presence. No fae is an island, but they are not a singular, they have not been since they had taken their vows. Where Idalia had grown more suspicious through her experiences in the court, Aerun had remained unchanged. It is his presence that keeps her anchored to place, rather than drifting against the merciless current. Her mirror and her counterbalance, they are both sides of a single coin and that widens their horizons not lessens them. 

Sighing softly, she raises a hand to cover his, stepping back into the warmth of her chest and tilting her head to place an affectionate kiss to his chin. As always, there is the rough feeling of stubble, and she cannot help but smile against the tickle, eyes falling closed for a second as she takes in his warmth and centers herself outside her worries. 

“I think you told me about him before,” she says as she opens her eyes, lips quirking into a smile despite herself. It’s always like this, with Aerun’s warm hands dragging her away from the undertow and into the sun-soaked sand, a steady presence that rarely wavers. Where Idalia is a storm made woman, Aerun tends to present like the crystalline waves lapping upon a calm shore. Most are unaware of the hidden depths beneath, taking his disposition at face value and forgetting that he is a king because of it, not despite it. 

“But you are right, standing around and thinking the worst won’t do any good,” she admits, exhaling slowly as she begins considering their options. For now, the vampires had only had official contact with the Aurelion royals and their inner court, but they could not allow that to continue for long. Bridging the gap early would give them both more information and the opportunity to create a good rapport, both necessary if they were to deal with the rebels hiding within Aureth. 

[ofheliacal]

✧˚ · . ─── Any craftiness and wit the king had garnered was gathered up helplessly over the years. His first stint at sea, so many moons ago, he'd nearly been killed, had been tossed overboard his own ship, and nearly let the sea take him in the process. Such journey had led him to Idalia, of course, but without her he'd have likely been a wretched seahand, unworthy of the title of captain and monarch. It wasn't that he was too trusting, but Aerun was certainly always in pursuit of a wondrous time, a benevolent king who delighted in revelry and merriment. " Better a life lived than one settled in caution , " he winked then for Aerun would never dismiss her worries and theories as nothing; he would take such concerns into consideration but would not act upon them with a heavy fist unless truly necessary. Brave and bold, Aerun would never coin his beloved as a cautionary woman, but he had seen the way each fae wore their fears so heavily since the vampires had revealed themselves and it would do none of them any good to fret so intensely. A hum escaped him as Idalia leaned in and pressed a kiss to his chin, such affections could cease any inquietude in it's tracks. " The sea allowed them passage here , " Aerun stated this after basking in a moment of silence between them, falling back into reality once Idalia conceded on their worries. " And if I'm to trust the sea as much as I trust the woman who helped me read such ferocious waters , then I know She would not bring them here less it was for a good reason . " Hopeful, but not entirely foolish, Aerun stated this with a watchful eye. He could be open to what the vampires had proposed but that did not mean he trusted them wholeheartedly. " I would wager a celebration be too crude and an idea of breaking bread be out of place for their kind , however , " his nose crinkled as he reminded himself of their blood-drinking habits. " Nevertheless . . . they are guests , though if my son has proved worthy of his diplomatic status - and so often he has - then I am certain he'll bring to light any troubles that we, blinded by the stars graces , cannot see . "

[wrathgaze]

closed starter : @fluctivagant , @ofheliacal ( idalia , eaerundil ) not a group thread

" i  am  being  safe ,  you  know ." the  princess  speaks  to  her  parent  as  the  sound  of  their  footsteps  echo  against  the  stone  below  them .  there  was  vampires  amongst  them ,  ones  who  claimed  they  were  here  to  deal  with  those  that  were  plaguing  them ,  but  that  didn't  mean  any  of  them  trusted  them .  " i  am  never  going  anywhere  alone ,  not  that  avi  would  let  me ,  of  course . "  her  best  friend  had  been  her  shadow  for  a  long  time ,  but  he  was  ever  more  insistent  especially  she  had  decided  to  not  pull  her  entry  to  the  games  in  the  chance  that  they  would  be  able  to  happen .  " i  just  hope  our  guests  can  resolve  this  quickly  and  we  can  get  on  with  what  we  all  truly  came  here  for .  it's  my  first  year  competing  in  the  games  and  now  i  do  not  even  know  if  it  will  happen .  is  it  wrong  of  me  to  be  disappointed ?  i  know  we  have  suffered  loss ...  but  i  was  excited . "

[ofheliacal]

✧˚ · . ─── Aerun's hands came up in a mock show of defense, smiling widely at his eldest daughter, a hearty laugh escaping him. " So defensive , m'ulaidh , " they had a free and voracious heart much like their father. " I trust your ferocity more than his but I'm content to know he continues to have your back , " she the captain of their ship, he simply the quartermaster; an important job but Aerun trusted in the strength of his family more than anything else. Pride was not typically their vice of life but such was something he relied on currently to get through his own unease surrounding the vampires. He was not inspired heavily by the games but he knew their importance and often vouched for their continuance, nodding in a small show of support as he squeezed Aveline's arm encouragingly, " Though there is a great delay , the games will have to come to pass ; it would feel a great betrayal to our traditions to let some shenanigans stop what we've lived by for so long . " It was no disrespect to the lives lost, in fact Aerun had mourned them quietly in his own right; as a monarch, even the lives lost from the other courts, were felt as deeply as if they were from Vaeloria directly. Aerun was never the parent to go to when it came to advice, and though they hadn't asked for it, Aerun could hear his daughter's disappointment long before she announced it aloud; as such, the king would try his best to offer comfort, " We're of sky , water , and wind ; we'll pass through these troubles , too . " A pause , with a grin of mischief , " And such wait will make your victory within the games all the more satisfying ! "

[evrflamcs]

closed starter » @fluctivagant / idalia + @wrathgaze / aveline + @ofheliacal / eaerundil ( not a group thread )

the  young  prince  of  vaeloria  could  hardly  wrap  his  mind  around  the  fact  that  vampires  existed.  a  word  that  might  existed  in  records,  but  if  the  remarks  of  his  the  scholars  were  to  be  believed  that  all  of  it  had  been  wiped  made  him  all  the  more  wary.  he's  relieved  answers  came  that  shed  some  light  on  the  dead  bodies  appearing,  but  he  wasn't  sure  if  that  was  any  better.  he  supposed  the  aid  of  these  unknown  creatures  was  needed  more  now  than  ever,  but  the  part  of  him  that  was  mostly  wary  since  the  chaos  began  wondered  if  this  was  sort  of  a  trap  they  weren't  seeing  yet.  he'd  done  something  rather  unusual  earlier  that  day,  he  had  gone  to  the  library  and  plucked  out  a  few  books  in  hopes  that  it  would  shed  some  light  on  the  creatures.  those  were  likely  guarded  but  anything  even  in  fables  that  might  provide  a  clue  or  two.  he  had  been  browsing  through  the  stack  next  to  him  in  their  family's  assigned  wing  when  footsteps  directed  his  attention.  "have  you  had  a  chance  to  speak  to  one  of  the  vampires?"

[ofheliacal]

✧˚ · . ─── Eaerundil had never been fond of home until he'd built it piece by piece to his own accord. This was the first he'd missed Stormspire in it's entirety and such sentiment banked on the unknown which lingered right alongside them. Vampires; there was not much in this realm which made Aerun uneasy, over the years he had gotten himself into heaps of trouble and hardly blinked an eye at his possible demise. But vampires - they had only been tales of vagrants past, those who did not have any stake in this world, taunted as bedtime fables in his youth. To understand that, in fact, they were a tangible presence in this world was nearly alarming; only in the sense that they had no idea the truths of their kind. His restlessness was quelled only mildly at the sight of his son, a familiar face within a house which was not his own; though he had known the Aurelis monarch's practically all his life, their kindness did not replace the comfort of being within his own kingdom. " That is not my business to pry into , no , " a small shake of his head, " Many have been quite obvious with how they feel when it comes to these vampires , I believe it best they deserve their space to acclimate if their intentions are truly to help our kind . " Said space, of course, did not include Maxon as he was one of the bridges, as a diplomat, between the two species. " Besides , you trust your old man to not put his foot in his mouth ? Stars above , my son , I thought you were wiser than that . " It was often impossible for Aerun to be serious in his life and such commentary showed this often cheeky demeanor of the Vaelorian king.

[wrathgaze]

open starter : open to anyone ( 2 / 6 ) location : in the gardens of the castle

they  had  hardly  been  within  the  grounds  of  the  castle  of  house  aurelis for a few days  and  yet  the  mixed  reactions  from  the  fae  around  them  were  to  be  expected .  showing  up  when  they  thought  their  kind  long  since  gone  with  history  but  to  give  them  the  answers  as  to  why  their  nobility  were  missing  and  turning  up  with  a  bit  of  blood  in  their  bodies .  it  was  greedy  of  the  rebels  she  felt ,  to  seek  out  the  fae  and  try  and  turn  them  in  the  hopes  that  it  would  make  them  more  powerful  over  the  blood  queen,  but  that  would  never  come  to  be .  not  if  the  princess  had  anything  to  say  about  it ,  her  senses  are  strong  as  a  vampire  and  she  hears  them  long  before  the  wander  into  her  path,  she  turns  offering  a  graceful  nod  of  her  head ,  " i'm  afraid  you  should  know  you  won't  be  able  to  sneak  up  on  us ...  we  can  hear  you  from  far  way . "  she  reaches  out  to  a  rose  to  pluck  it  from  the  stem  before  bringing  it  to  her  nose ,  " you  must  have  questions ,  i  would  be  surprised  if  you  didn't . "

[ofheliacal]

✧˚ · . ─── Esai could glean little with the use of his own affinity where the vampires were concerned which made him all the more troubled at their presence. Their abilities, too, seemed to heavily impact his own; their hearing vast, reflexes seemingly quicker than any elder fae. So many within their brood, it was difficult for Esai to gain much fact of their lives and hierarchy but the Aurelis diplomat did his best with what scant knowledge was given. No matter the case he did not trust easily and would not be fooled to their attempted good graces now. " Then I must clarify that I'm not prone to sneaking , " Esai hadn't necessarily been hiding but the lord had certainly bargained on having more time before approaching the vampire princess. " Many questions , yes . But none such which you will answer in whole truths I imagine . " And Esai smiled at this for, if he were within their position, he would be of a similar lack of candidness. " Have the courts welcomed you in kind or have they exchanged their manners for wariness ? " no matter Esai's own worries, he was meant to represent the court in a favorable light.

[astrxls]

closed : @ofheliacal

the  warrior  knew  how  to  handle  so  many  things,  but  a  threat  that  was  so  long  forgotten  he  wasn't  even  sure  his  brother's  books  held  mention  ?  it  was  unsettling  at  best,  worrisome  at  most,  and  borderline  fear  inducing.  drae  didn't  make  a  habit  of  being  afraid,  he  couldn't  recall  many  times  the  emotion  entered  his  system,  but  he  would  be  remiss  to  ignore  the  slight  settle  in  his  chest  of  the  foreign  feeling.  it  felt  unreal,  and  had  his  protective  instincts  screaming  more  than  silent.  it's  why  when  he's  not  training  he's  searching  for  his  brother,  and  when  he  doesn't  find  his  brother,  the  competitor  returns  to  the  training  pitch  to  vent  out  the  things  coiling  inside  his  frame.  luckily  this  moment  was  not  such  time,  for  as  the  sun  begins  to  dip  in  the  sky  it  seems  on  turn  of  a  corridor  leads  him  to  the  face  he  is  searching  for.  "shall  i  be  nosy  and  ask  what  you've  been  up  to  today  ?  "  there's  an  attempt  to  keep  things  light,  drae  not  really  wanting  anyone  to  pick  up  on  his  reasonable  emotions  for  the  day.

[ofheliacal]

✧˚ · . ─── Their father had often told the glorious and thrilling tales of monsters and beasts, of the warriors who fought them. It had been any wonder Drae wanted to follow in the footsteps of being a valiant competitor, someone dressed in the drapes of a hero. None such stories had ever mentioned vampires and though they were all still locked within the city, Esai had done his best attempt to figure out what little he could without thus seeking them out directly. A diplomat of the courts, he was used to negotiating and bolstering what relationship he could between each court; but he was unsure of where the queen and king consort truly stood in relation to the vampires. Rocky and frangible at best was what he had gathered, much to his own chagrin. There's relief in seeing his brother; first, to know he is unharmed in the madness and secondly, his brother always offered a more facetious outlook on life. He felt the faint linings of fear rallying through his brother and frowned, though the expression was replaced with a half-smile as he came into view, " I've been chasing dead ends if you must really know . I should have known you were to be hiding out here , keeping your strengths . Though I'd prefer you to be wise enough not to train alone any longer . " Until the vampires and this otherworldly threat they too hinted at was absolved and vanquished.

[duskomens]

Once Alistair saw that Esai was happy with his answer, the prince lost whatever train of thought he had that got too close to facing reality. Easing the other down seemed to be a fun way to get them to bond. Weren't they always bonding? "Don't you agree they'll come for me next? I've heard I'm pretty irresistible." Maybe it was ill to joke of the dead, or perhaps the unknown danger that lied before them, but Alistair wouldn't be himself if he wasn't entirely sure that he'd be just fine. "So you're saying you'd miss me?"

[ofheliacal]

✧˚ · . ─── " Yes , that has become the focus of my worries recently , " he was multifaceted in terms of masks and half truths, it was not often he spoke so candidly but the prince was reckless where Esai often practiced prudence. Indeed, Alistair would be an easy target no matter the prince's strengths and craftiness. " Well ── " Esai offered a roll of his eyes, conceding only slightly, " None else in the court is as brazen as you , it would be an unfortunate loss . "

[wrathgaze]

drained  entirely  of  their  blood ,  that  had  been  the  latest  report  when  the  first  of  many  had  began  to  be  found  in  random  locations  without  the  palace.  their  skin  pale ,  sallow ,  and  the  essence  of  their  lives  gone  from  within  their  veins .  the  tideborn  could  not  begin  to  understand  what  had  happened  to  the  victims  and  for  what  purpose  someone  might  have  for  the  blood  of  fae .  he  was  not  the  most  well-read  when  it  came  to  history ,  but  his  lessons  growing  up  as  a  lord  had  never  shed  light  on  what  this  could  be .  there  were  those  who  could  spend  their  time  within  the  libraries  to  figure  out  what  this  was,  but  not  daelan .  he  needed  to  ensure  his  charge  and  the  rest  of  her  family  were  instead  safe . " if  we  do  not  know  what  it  is,  then  how  are  we  able  to  protect  against  it ? "  they  were  in  uncharted  waters  so  it  seemed  and  he  did  not  like  not  knowing  how  to  combat  this  if  the  need  arose .  " i  have  not  come  for  comfort ,  my  lord .  i  just  wish  i  knew  how  to  protect  hose  important  against  it . "  he  sighs  softly ,  " the  victim's  blood  is  entirely  gone ,  at  least  of  what  we've  seen .  i  fear  i  do  not  know  enough  ancient  magic  to  understand ,  but  could  there  be  nefarious  reason  for  the  use  of  their  blood ? "

[ofheliacal]

✧˚ · . ─── His father had weaned him on many stories of the violent history which proceeded their current world; unharmonious, fae at each others throats over liminal power which revolved more around lands and influence than it did their inherent powers. House Thalryn was one absorbed under the helm of Aurelia, he had little question to his own current loyalties to the house, but Esai witnessed through his travels just how restive other houses and royals seemingly felt. The peace within their lands had been long instated, several lifetimes of fae stretching between then and now. He had to wonder if a house had lost their way from what was expected or if the threat was a figure more of superstition than what had ever been recorded in their history books. " I don't believe there are any who are bloodborn , " he mused this in solemn agreement, for it had been clear - despite his own current sense of denial - that no fae could be responsible for this. " ── but you are quick and you are strong . Do not make them feel mistaken for seeking your protection , Lord Daelan ; you know the true might of your sword and talents . " It had meant to be encouraging for he did not need those sworn to protect the inner family stumbling through any anxiousness too. " Do not let any get too close , even those we have once trusted immensely . " He held his hands up as though the script could turn on him where all was considered, " I cannot prove my own autonomy here but trust my word that I'm of my own sound mind through these troubles . " He had no idea the capabilities of such monster, if they could wear the face of those they loved or if they were just of monstrous strength entirely.