- ̗̀ 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).

[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.

[astrxls]

open to : members of the aurelion inner circle or other monarchs

helion  found  he  walked  far  more  these  days,  exploring  places  of  their  home  he'd  long  forgotten  existed.  staying  busy  was  difficult,  but  each  night  he  returned  to  a  wife  who  was  doing  far  more  than  he.  the  addition  of  their  new  guests  had  come  at  more  of  a  shock  than  he  cared  to  admit,  and  the  consort  would  be  remiss  to  say  he  trusted  their  new  guests.  the  decision  made  was  still  the  best  in  his  mind,  but  the  sinking  feeling  that  they  had  invited  snakes  into  their  home  to  root  out  another  problem  refused  to  let  his  stomach  settle.  guards  stationed  at  every  turn,  they  had  no  reason  to  trust  these  creatures  and  his  protectiveness  over  his  people  and  his  children  was  at  an  all  time  high.  as  the  sun  sat  high  in  the  sky,  the  king  found  himself  sitting  on  a  bench  that  overlooked  one  of  their  most  popular  gardens,  seeing  how  people  acted  and  practicing  his  ability  to  block  out  their  emotions.  it  took  quite  the  toll  at  a  time  like  this.  when  a  shadow  casts  over  him  the  fireborn  does  not  startle,  none  would  likely  walk  upon  him  with  such  boldness  lest  they  were  someone  he  already  knew.  "  sneaking  up  on  someone  today  is  a  questionable  act.  "  he  says  lightly  without  turning.

[ofheliacal]

✧˚ · . ─── So many could fret over these vampires, Aerun operating on a more toxic positivity route. He could worry and pass judgement when they proved to be something worth brooding over; though it was fair to say such nonchalance had got him in a fair amount of trouble over the years. His wisdom resided with the sea and if they were to dare attempt to terrorize the waters, Aerun would be far more fiery in opinion about their sudden sprouting from nowhere. He grinned even though Helion did not turn to fully regard him, " Your hearing must be going with old age , Helion , for I lumber about as though I have the stars themselves weighing down my pockets . " Inevitably, Aerun invited himself to sit in the empty spot on the bench next to Aurelion's king consort, " Have I interrupted your brooding time ? " He had already broken Idalia from a similar stupor, offering vague wisdoms as though it would be a comfort to his fellow monarch, " Expectations only lead to trouble , my friend . "

[fluctivagant]

players: eaerundil valerius & idalia cataegis valerius || @ofheliacal place: their assigned quarters, the castle, aurith time: a few hours after the letter went out

The only sound breaking through the silence that had blanketed their quarters was the sound of tapping. Standing over the desk nestled in the corner of the room, Idalia kept her gaze on the most recent map finished by their mapmakers. A light frown marred her features, and it had been that way ever since the royal couple had received word from the High Queen of Aurelion. The delicate balance between the courts is shifting with every second that passes, the entire map thrown into disarray by the appearance of a race that they had long believed to be extinct. Concern did not even begin to describe what she was feeling, the information on the letter far too weighty to make her anything but restless. Were they back home, Idalia would not be inside looking at a map and wondering what routes their naval fleet failed to chart. She would be in the port, coordinating a new expedition. Or she would be at the shore, releasing her concern on the waves lapping at her toes. 

Neither option is available to the High Queen at the moment, so all she can do is frown and wonder. Neither a particularly proactive solution, and the thought alone rankled her. They have to be careful on how they move, though, so she cannot approach the vampires too rashly. Not when their status as allies remains so very tentative, and the truth of their story has only been confirmed by the Aurelion monarchs. There is no reason for High Queen Adelina to lie, yet they have to confirm the vampires’ story for themselves as well, if only to make absolutely sure of the facts. Max will have to meet with the vampire delegation, she thinks, but Idalia does not feel comfortable at the thought of her son meeting a tentative ally alone, even in a secure location. 

“How did we miss an entire country?” She asks, finally breaking the silence with more than tapping. Sighing, she turns to face her husband and rests her hip against the desk. “And if we missed this, what else did we miss?”

[ofheliacal]

✧˚ · . ─── Aerun often did not find it prosperous to focus on their stumbles nor mistakes; if he were to do that each and every time, one would likely find the valerian high king to be completely inept for the title. Still, where Aerun often lacked the sobering wisdom and worry for their courts, Idalia often met him in the middle. She'd always been a touch cynical, this tenebrous bit of her that remained a conspicuous weakness; it balanced Aerun's chronic mirth. A scavenger of the more illustrious and strange in life, the fae did not often tempt worry to his mind. " Oh maoinín , you've always been a wretched theorist . " Death would embrace them all one day, it was only a piece of the grand adventure; in spite of their longevity it would circle, a buzzard waiting in the rafters. This did not unsettle Aerun , but if he entertained the possibility of the vampire's intentions, he too would go mad with inspired theories that would paint them as cruel. He would do his best to remain amenable, which for one of his ebullience should not have been a difficult path to adhere to. Aerun approached where Idalia stewed, a warm hand squeezing the top of her shoulder, " I'm certain my great-great grandfather was once coined batty for swearing he'd stumbled into one on the high seas , " he still thought this a humorous memory despite the truth sitting alongside them within Aethara now. " They're crafty if we've assumed their extinction all this time . . . " it was the only worry Aerun would offer Idalia in this moment for he wanted to venture towards good reasoning for their obscurity that didn't end with trouble for his family and the rest of the fae. " . . . but there's little progress to be made starin' at that map , you know . " He offered a smile in hopes she'd busy herself elsewhere for the map would reveal nothing of truth if the vampires had warded themselves off within it for so long.

[atdawn]

MERLIN | 3.04 Gwaine

[ofheliacal]

* app.

✦ ( eoin macken, cis male, he/him, 454 ) — descending upon the court of aurelion, we announce the arrival of EAERUNDIL VALERIUS, HIGH KING of VAELORIA. amongst the whispers they are known to be ADROIT + CAPRICIOUS, which is reflected by the sense of the eternal gaze of history's eyes upon you, the fine line between destiny and doom, standing on the precipice of change, and the cruel knowledge that nothing lasts yet everything lingers. when they approach. at the age of maturity, the goddess blessed them with CELESTIAL, WEATHER + SHAPE-SHIFTING. they have arrived as a SPONSOR of the ancient games and are currently FOR the era of peace aethara has maintained. ⋆ written by gus

background.

name: eaerundil 'aerun' valerius nickname(s): 'aerun' (to family and close friends exclusively) age: 454 height: 5’11” pronouns: he/him position: high king of vaeloria sexuality: pansexual abilities: celestial, weather, shape-shifting loyalty: to vaeloria

history.

this was not originally a tale born of the salt spray from the ocean nor an adventurous prince turned high king. it began first with a lazy prince, louche and coddled - undeserving of the name eaerundil. the name is his fathers, and even his grandfather's before that. it speaks of the tenacity of the ocean, of a boy born to love the sea as any within vaeloria would. aerun did not seem to understand the role he was born unto nor the sacrifice his predecessors had granted when it came to truly giving themselves to the mercy of the sea. the relationship between court and ocean is how vaeloria stands so true; jagged coastlines and engulfing cliffs, a harmonious union which some claim to have been gifted to the valerius helm by the goddesses themselves.

on paper, aerun was skilled in the understanding of boats and fleets. glory and stature proceeded him, exalted by the sacrament of the sea, the sea incarnate was meant to be his study. aerun was a slacker first and foremost, one who laughed at responsibility and would not dream of having his clothes drenched in salt water nor blistered from sun. his parents would never wish him harm, but they would indeed pray for a lesson.

it was tradition to set out on the sea when one reached maturity in vaeloria, and though aerun was not of invested interest, the prince was planted on a ship anyway and meant to take charge. clumsy leadership and fickle hands; where he could fluently read the map of the seas when sat comfortably in his room, the thrashing and merciless tide made for a cumbersome ally. if the sea were to take him, it would only be what the stars above had warranted and there had been no miraculous salvation to his laziness, only a woman who was far better at him in crafts he was meant to be proficient at.

to have been saved by not his crew, but another ship should have wounded his pride, but it only shaped him to the example of the high king he'd later on become. idalia was seasoned in the language of the sea, more than it's ally, she was a close friend of the tides. aerun had never been devoted to the sea, but at the site of idalia's own infatuation with it, aerun allowed himself to spare a glance at his legacy.

that glance stretched to a lingering stare. there was more than mere salt and brine here; there was loyalty, adoration, adventures unseen. the spoiled prince opened his eyes for the first time and indeed was smitten with what the high seas presented. the royal ship meant to be under his command was sent back to the shores of vaeloria, but the prince remained at sea. within idalia's ship, aerun was no longer spoiled prince but an earnest learner.

their affinity as two who were stormborn grew together, a unification of their own special touch. idalia had a less refined relationship with the sea; where his own childhood was riddled with listless indifference towards what could be learned through books and storytelling, living through such experience with idalia proved rife with zeal for the craft. years at sea were a scant amount for a fae and yet soon aerun blinked and the adventure was over.

returning to the ports in vaeloria, aerun had tried his best to convince idalia to stay; but her plans went far beyond vaeloria, stretched farther beyond even the limitless expanse of the sea. the prince who returned to vaeloria was a far cry from the one who had left it and though he could have reasoned to abandon all which was meant for him here, aerun returned to his home with the promise that if the sea had been apt in Her teachings, that idalia and aerun would see each other once more.

returning home meant he had completed whatever silent trial was meant for him; it had not been a perfect show of what he was expected to do, but the sea had not engulfed him, he had survived it's wrath and was more than ready to drift further towards leadership of their court. commanding the naval fleet, practicing his swordsmanship; soon aerun was ready to head out again, no matter how often the tide forced him to return home.

whispers of a hello through their own affinity for weather (and water) allowed he and idalia to communicate for many years without ever sparing a true glance at one another. it was idalia who had halted their story, but it was aerun who persevered to strengthen it. despite vaeloria's hardiness, idalia was not a woman wooed by the idea of the courts and it was through many adventures and hardships where they came to rule together over aerun's birthright.

they did not settle within their rulership over vaeloria until it was time for the crown to truly rest upon aerun's head. hundreds of years spanned between their first meeting and this moment - presented as high king and queen consort, it was the first time in many-a-year that the two were not beholden to the sea. even within this time, though they had slowed, the two had not stilled, welcoming the first of their children which would follow the legacy which had been finetuned and built to their image.

idalia and aerun have been seasoned through the sea but hardened by the politics of their world. if anything is to threaten what they have built, they are ready to face it, but they often find it tedious to ever dare discuss true politics. aerun is one who can be easily plucked from a crowd; a thunderous laugh and one who always feels keen to lend a hand in teaching someone something, the image of high king eaerundil is a far cry from the lazy, uninspired child he once was.

[marketofstars]

Evangeline felt like a trapped bird, she had always been able to travel wherever she desired and it's made her quite spoiled as a result. There were certain advantages to being royal, to being the spare and not the heir and it's allowed her to satisfy every passing whim and desire, so being held in the palace that is not her own caused a source of vexation that she had no choice but to swallow down and smile through. She entered the games because she wanted blood to spill, for all to see the viciousness and skilled warriors that Eryndor produced and she wanted Eryndor to have the crown at the end of the games. She heard Aurelion were known for their vineyards and beautiful sunsets on the flat horizon, so if she was to be trapped, she would certainly enjoy the view. Finding a pitcher of red wine, she found a balcony solemnly travelled too and hitching her skirt, she purchased herself on the ledge and kicked off her pinching heels. She was a few glasses deep when Esai found her, the back of her head rested against the column and her throat was exposed. A smile hitched upon her lips at his words and the irony of her being scolded by her sisters for dancing too close to revealing how little she cared for the cold body of others. " my sisters don't take too kindly to being cold to the news of death and dismay but if you ask me, fae are born and die every day. In between the eternal sleep, it's just borrowed time. how do you feel? "

[ofheliacal]

✧˚ · . ─── Esai delighted at the sight of princess Evangeline for the court of Eryndor was certainly notorious for their reckless abandon. They were his favorite to talk to despite how macabre Evangeline seemed out of them all and he was rather certain the wine she'd procured did not currently help her case. " You speak as though you suffer this great loss immensely and personally, lady Evangeline , " Esai painted a horrified carapace on his expression, a false frown present. Jaded, solemn, Evangeline sat upon the balcony as though it was the precipice to the gaping maw of the center of the earth and she were helpless to fight any pursuit to fall within it. So much for what he thought would have been amusing from their normal lack of courtly decorum. Esai bit back a sigh, holding out his hands as though she were to resign her hold over the near empty pitcher of wine. " The stars above should have stopped you on this pursuit , hmmm , say three glasses ago ? " Considering the circumstances of their world now, he felt little reason to adhere to his own diplomacy when it came to referring to Evangeline in her current state. " Many pay a lump sum to hear my opinions , " Esai brushed off her question with ease and a teasing lilt.

[duskomens]

If there was one thing Esai loved to do, it was sober Alistair to the point where the conversation had to get dreadfully serious. The bodies had been turning up, and he'd purposefully believed his father in the idea that there was nothing to be worried about. Clearly, circumstances had changed, and the prince had to take a deep breath before he threw himself off the balcony and flew away to do something – anything – but have this conversation.

"Yes, I know. By the stars, Esai, what do you want me to say? That there's something killing fae? What if it's not a fae? What if it's something else that wants us dead? Really great conversation topic." Alistair put his hands on the stone rail of the balcony, looking out down towards the gardens. "It's not like I can do much about it."

[ofheliacal]

✧˚ · . ─── Esai stilled for a moment, a small piece of himself near pleased to have been granted any genuine reaction from the prince. Most fae danced around the truth, wove it to their own image, but Alistair frustrated him most incredibly compared to anyone else when it came to the carapace tightly woven around his true self. In spite of this reveal, Esai bit back a mild laugh, " I often send my thanks to the stars above that you're not often delegated as a problem solver . I was simply checking you had not abandoned all your feelings, your majesty , " he'd rather dreaded titles and drawled out the moniker rather obviously as a result. Esai mildly acquiesced to whatever scant bit of truth he could offer in turn, " Though I'm most relieved you're still here to badger . "

[duskomens]

"Don't sound so upset about seeing me, Esai. You'd think I brought doom and gloom everywhere I went. I do bring the sunshine, you know. I've heard it's my winning personality and sparkling blue eyes." Alistair didn't need to change the weather at the moment, but he wasn't exactly above doing so. It was easy enough to tease the other, who always sent him on his way with a sigh. The other was a tough one to press, but every now and then, he got something akin to amusement out of the handsome fae.

"I can focus on the most important. Besides myself, I guess. What do you want to talk about?" He paused, like he was thinking about it more and more. "How was your day? Mine was great, thanks."

[ofheliacal]

✧˚ · . ─── " Do I appear upset to you ? " There is a quizzical show as his brow is raised but Esai does not let the rest of his countenance paint any readable picture for the prince. He would venture to call the other fickle but knew Alistair would take it as a reprehensible offense to be called out. " Sunshine would be most helpful this time around , if not somewhat inappropriate , " there was a mild twitch of a smile as Esai noted this for any positive attributions to what has unfolded seemed an impossible feat to accomplish. The expression vanished just as quickly, the smallest hesitation as Alistair prattled on, expectedly, selfishly. " You'd venture to call your day great because you still stand to live it, no ? " Esai eyed him carefully, he could claim the other to be most shallow, but he'd never claim him to be heartless to an extent of mocking others at their demise. Esai willfully ignored the volley of such question for he knew Alistair could come to his own conclusions.

[wrathgaze]

with  the  disappearance  of  several  of  the  nobility  from  each  court  now ,  daelan  was  ever  more  on  high  alert .  entire  families  gone  with  a  singular  night  without  sign  or  evidence  of  where  they  had  gone  or  what  he  happened  to  them .  the  castle  was  bustling  every  day  with  activity ,  anything  that  the  nobility  did  not  see  then  surely  members  of  the  guards  and  servants  would  see ...  and  yet  they  had  nothing .  how  had  several  fae  just  vanished  out  of  thin  in  and  who  was  the  cause  of  it ?  questions  like  these  plagued  daelan's  thoughts  and  he  only  felt  relief  when  he  caught  sight  of  alexia  each  morning .  if  she  would  disappear  alongside  them ,  well  he  would  never  forgive  himself  for  it .  the  games  could  continue  to  be  postponed  for  all  he  cared  until  they  figured  out  and  hopefully  found  those  that  had  gone  missing . daelan  acknowledges  the  diplomat  with  a  brief  bow  of  his  head  as  he  comes  to  stand  beside  him .  " good  evening  lord  esai . "  it  was  refreshing  in  a  way ,  the  prospect  of  pushing  past  what  was  easy  to  talk  about  and  instead  offer  the  truth and the catharsis of it .  " if  i  am  honest ,  i  am  unsettled.  how  not  even  the  staff  have  seen  what  has  happened  to  those  missing  is  disconcerting .  servants  and  guards  see  everything  the  nobility  does  not  and  yet  even  they  are  at  a  loss . "

[ofheliacal]

✧˚ · . ─── Esai briefly dipped his head in greeting; he shied heavily from the violence between courts and worried greatly of inevitable wars which would likely stem from these age old tensions. A diplomat could dance around the violence all he wished but it was still present, nestled in the cynosure of truth and Esai could only hope the combativeness between houses was not the cause of these disappearances. But - and it would pose an even worse question - if one of their fellow courts was not responsible, then what was ? " As a protector within this court , it would make sense that this plagues you , " though Esai offered little to his own thoughts, his expression was clearly perturbed in equal measure. " It would offer you no further comfort but there has been nary a whisper from other courts on such madness . It seems what lurks lacks an origin which can be traced , which makes this all the more dangerous . " Dangerous not only when it came to life and limb but in the sake of the courts and how it was only a matter of time before rumors would swirl uncontrollably.