- Writing Levels
- Adept
- Advanced
- Preferred Character Gender
- No Preferences
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[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]Chapter 1[/BCOLOR][/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]Year 1498 of the First Era, Season of Spring, Day 58[/BCOLOR][/BCOLOR]
[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]Chapter 1[/BCOLOR][/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]Year 1498 of the First Era, Season of Spring, Day 58[/BCOLOR][/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]
[/BCOLOR][/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]
[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]The [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Spring [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Season was always stifling in Ecksoh[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] even with its dry heat[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit], especially as Summer threatened the worst.[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] Crossing[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] the Barrens was harsh for travelers and merchants. While highwaymen were more [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]rare, they[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] had to contend with [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]harsh [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]temperatures, de[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]hydration[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit], and t[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]he Dust Wargs. There were other Wilder Beasts out there that were just as keen on human [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]flesh, but[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] only the Dust Wargs [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]actively hunted such prey.[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]The travel from [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Neunyor[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] would be met with dangers upon the flat [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]wasteland, and[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] it wasn't uncommon for those who must journey through it to hire [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]guards or carry weapons of their own.[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]The airships made it far more easy to avoid the Barrens if one could afford the fare. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Merchants especially preferred this method of transportation as their goods would be more prot[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]ected along a shorter journey. An unfortunate turn of events brought such operations to a halt. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]A Season prior an airship fell from Sabletyn and crashed into the [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Winded[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] Woods. It is rumored to be mechanical [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]malfunctions, though[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] there are a few that claim foul play. Whatever the [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]case, it[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] has not been [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]solved, and[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] thus the airways are without the humming ships above.[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]Festivallas[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] was nearly a week away, and while most of the grander festivities occurred within the main cities, even the villages would soon decorate in bright splashes of color. It was likely the only time the dust bin known as Southern Ecksoh would look so lively in the year. It was an unfortunate time for merchants and traders of [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Neunyor[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit], especially on such an important [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]event, for[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] the safest and quickest route for them to take with a cart load of goods was through the Barrens at some point. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Sabletyn[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] was an unfortunate mass of [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]mountains, cliffs[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit], and [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]quagmires, and[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] due to the rise in [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]plague, not[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] many desired to walk through its borders.[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]Tildash[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] rested upon the border to the ocean right on the Faltak Curve where King Houdan and his six senators presided within Castle Drove. It wasn't as elegant a city as one would find [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Redden, but[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] it held its charm with its sturdy and distinct architecture that made its dusty or sandy surroundings a little beautiful in its own way. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Sheer, bright[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] fabrics were often draped within the windows to add a bit of color with the ocean winds. The city was livelier than usual as businesses and brothels came to an end with their Spring Cleaning to make way for [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Festivallas[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit].[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]"I heard they brought the Wolf of the Valley down here," grumbled a common woman as she [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]roved[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] through the market. Her [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]companion, a[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] younger [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]girl, widened[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] her eyes at the rumor.[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]"The Aegis killer?" the girl asked, wide eyed before she looked over to the castle spires above the market tents.[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]"The very one," the elder confirmed. "They should have let him die with the plague. That's all that'll happen to him once he gets to Thol anyway."[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]And so [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Geirolf[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] was held within the dark confines of Drove's dungeons, chained and neglected behind bars in a cold, small cell. He had no [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]visitors, and[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] even his neighboring criminals wished not to even look upon the man. King Houdan accepted the transfer with [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]reluctance, for[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] what if this killer brought with him the Sabletyn Plague? The guards would spare a glance his way only to check the status of the [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]man's[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] health and report it to the Royal Physician.[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]But one day the guard stopped at his cell, figure blocking what little torchlight could be seen as the thick [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]cape[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] fluttered. There came the jingle of keys and the turn of the lock in a twiny [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]groan, and[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] the cell door opened. It only took a couple of steps before the guard was right at [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Geirolf[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit], and he looked at the prisoner in thought before speaking.[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]"I'll set you free," the guard said in a low tone. "But you have to play along with me. Can I trust you to do [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]that, or[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] will you be a dick about it all and try to escape on your own?"[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]@BearEnthusiast @Shizuochan @Red Thunder @CloudyBlueDay[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]
[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]The [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Spring [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Season was always stifling in Ecksoh[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] even with its dry heat[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit], especially as Summer threatened the worst.[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] Crossing[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] the Barrens was harsh for travelers and merchants. While highwaymen were more [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]rare, they[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] had to contend with [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]harsh [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]temperatures, de[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]hydration[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit], and t[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]he Dust Wargs. There were other Wilder Beasts out there that were just as keen on human [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]flesh, but[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] only the Dust Wargs [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]actively hunted such prey.[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]The travel from [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Neunyor[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] would be met with dangers upon the flat [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]wasteland, and[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] it wasn't uncommon for those who must journey through it to hire [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]guards or carry weapons of their own.[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]The airships made it far more easy to avoid the Barrens if one could afford the fare. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Merchants especially preferred this method of transportation as their goods would be more prot[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]ected along a shorter journey. An unfortunate turn of events brought such operations to a halt. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]A Season prior an airship fell from Sabletyn and crashed into the [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Winded[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] Woods. It is rumored to be mechanical [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]malfunctions, though[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] there are a few that claim foul play. Whatever the [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]case, it[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] has not been [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]solved, and[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] thus the airways are without the humming ships above.[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]Festivallas[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] was nearly a week away, and while most of the grander festivities occurred within the main cities, even the villages would soon decorate in bright splashes of color. It was likely the only time the dust bin known as Southern Ecksoh would look so lively in the year. It was an unfortunate time for merchants and traders of [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Neunyor[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit], especially on such an important [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]event, for[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] the safest and quickest route for them to take with a cart load of goods was through the Barrens at some point. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Sabletyn[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] was an unfortunate mass of [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]mountains, cliffs[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit], and [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]quagmires, and[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] due to the rise in [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]plague, not[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] many desired to walk through its borders.[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]Tildash[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] rested upon the border to the ocean right on the Faltak Curve where King Houdan and his six senators presided within Castle Drove. It wasn't as elegant a city as one would find [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Redden, but[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] it held its charm with its sturdy and distinct architecture that made its dusty or sandy surroundings a little beautiful in its own way. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Sheer, bright[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] fabrics were often draped within the windows to add a bit of color with the ocean winds. The city was livelier than usual as businesses and brothels came to an end with their Spring Cleaning to make way for [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Festivallas[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit].[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]"I heard they brought the Wolf of the Valley down here," grumbled a common woman as she [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]roved[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] through the market. Her [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]companion, a[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] younger [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]girl, widened[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] her eyes at the rumor.[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]"The Aegis killer?" the girl asked, wide eyed before she looked over to the castle spires above the market tents.[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]"The very one," the elder confirmed. "They should have let him die with the plague. That's all that'll happen to him once he gets to Thol anyway."[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]And so [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Geirolf[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] was held within the dark confines of Drove's dungeons, chained and neglected behind bars in a cold, small cell. He had no [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]visitors, and[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] even his neighboring criminals wished not to even look upon the man. King Houdan accepted the transfer with [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]reluctance, for[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] what if this killer brought with him the Sabletyn Plague? The guards would spare a glance his way only to check the status of the [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]man's[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] health and report it to the Royal Physician.[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]But one day the guard stopped at his cell, figure blocking what little torchlight could be seen as the thick [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]cape[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] fluttered. There came the jingle of keys and the turn of the lock in a twiny [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]groan, and[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] the cell door opened. It only took a couple of steps before the guard was right at [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Geirolf[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit], and he looked at the prisoner in thought before speaking.[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]"I'll set you free," the guard said in a low tone. "But you have to play along with me. Can I trust you to do [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]that, or[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] will you be a dick about it all and try to escape on your own?"[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]@BearEnthusiast @Shizuochan @Red Thunder @CloudyBlueDay[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]
[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]
[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]
[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]Redden was not as merry as [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Tildash[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] this time of the year. It hadn't been long since Winter when the first insignia cropped up and started a bit unrest, and now nearly ten citizens from Redden, Jaster and Lavengrove have disappeared mysteriously. Just two days prior[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] High Queen Jashyr decreed that anyone given the insignia [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]should[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] seek asylum in the nearest castle or fort, and that all Royals are to welcome these unfortunate souls and to provide them with protection. There has yet to be a victim to come, [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]though[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] no one has been reported missing either in these two days.[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]And in another two days would be [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Festivallas[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]. The soldiers began to set up posts throughout the waterfall city to watch the streets both high and low. It didn't help with the fizzling spirits the citizens already carried. They were [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]worried, and[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] rightfully so. Too much was happening in their joyous lands of Thol, and it made it a tad difficult to enjoy a holiday.[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]"Pixie Wick!" c[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]alled a merchant. "Get your Pixie Wick right here!"[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]"What in the void is Pixie Wick?" a commoner asked. The merchant grinned a toothy grin that spread his groomed moustache to his dimpled cheeks.[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]"Why, it is the only[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] remedy for the Creeping Fog!" he answered bombastically. A bony finger jutted up into the air with a twist of a flare. "And we all know that nasty fog's gone and left its home. 'How does it work?' y[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]ou wonder."[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]The merchant [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]brought[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] a jar out to reveal to the audience, and from its clear confines one could see a glittering stick of a bluish substance spanning vertically from the base within. "Just light this end here at the top," he continued. "Any ol' light'll do. And close it up. It'll glow all like the stars and ward off that pesky Creeping Fog [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]soes[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] you don't [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]haveta[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] deal with it. Ever notice how the Fog don't like the light? So get your jar of light today with Pixie Wick!"[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]Alexander [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Vallane[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] passed by the merchant and rolled his eyes. He was a bit skeptical when it came to far fetched remedies, though it was likely the traditionalist in him pulling to the forefront. It was true the Fog seemed to have an aversion to direct sunlight, but the validity of the product known as Pixie Wick was still in question.[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]He loved being in the city of [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Redden[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]. The waterfalls created a constant background choir that made him feel a bit hollow when he left to quieter lands. The air always held a bit of moisture, and so in the growing Spring heat it was humid, and his brown locks stuck to his temples from perspiration even just in his small trek from one tier to the next. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]He[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] had just received his orders, and it was likely they were already served to his squire. It would be the first year he would miss [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Festivallas[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit].[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]Aegis Alexander [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Vallane[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] and [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Squire[/BCOLOR] [BCOLOR=inherit]Marnia[/BCOLOR] [BCOLOR=inherit]Belhund[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] were to travel to [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Tildash[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] to retrieve and escort [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Geirolf[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] Wolff to attend his trial in the Senate Chambers of Redden for his crimes against [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Estwynd[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]. But why now? Why couldn't it wait until after [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Festivallas[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]? The man's death was no rush, to be sure, and it was said this year would hold an exciting new game. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Marnia[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] was likely to be of a more level head about it. She always seemed to be his better and served as a constant reminder to not let his emotions run rampant whether she realized it or not. But perhaps they would reach [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Tildash[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] in time for the end.[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]@Doctor Jax @Elle Joyner @Starlighter @rissa[/BCOLOR]
[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]Redden was not as merry as [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Tildash[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] this time of the year. It hadn't been long since Winter when the first insignia cropped up and started a bit unrest, and now nearly ten citizens from Redden, Jaster and Lavengrove have disappeared mysteriously. Just two days prior[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] High Queen Jashyr decreed that anyone given the insignia [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]should[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] seek asylum in the nearest castle or fort, and that all Royals are to welcome these unfortunate souls and to provide them with protection. There has yet to be a victim to come, [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]though[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] no one has been reported missing either in these two days.[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]And in another two days would be [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Festivallas[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]. The soldiers began to set up posts throughout the waterfall city to watch the streets both high and low. It didn't help with the fizzling spirits the citizens already carried. They were [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]worried, and[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] rightfully so. Too much was happening in their joyous lands of Thol, and it made it a tad difficult to enjoy a holiday.[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]"Pixie Wick!" c[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]alled a merchant. "Get your Pixie Wick right here!"[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]"What in the void is Pixie Wick?" a commoner asked. The merchant grinned a toothy grin that spread his groomed moustache to his dimpled cheeks.[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]"Why, it is the only[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] remedy for the Creeping Fog!" he answered bombastically. A bony finger jutted up into the air with a twist of a flare. "And we all know that nasty fog's gone and left its home. 'How does it work?' y[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]ou wonder."[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]The merchant [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]brought[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] a jar out to reveal to the audience, and from its clear confines one could see a glittering stick of a bluish substance spanning vertically from the base within. "Just light this end here at the top," he continued. "Any ol' light'll do. And close it up. It'll glow all like the stars and ward off that pesky Creeping Fog [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]soes[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] you don't [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]haveta[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] deal with it. Ever notice how the Fog don't like the light? So get your jar of light today with Pixie Wick!"[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]Alexander [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Vallane[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] passed by the merchant and rolled his eyes. He was a bit skeptical when it came to far fetched remedies, though it was likely the traditionalist in him pulling to the forefront. It was true the Fog seemed to have an aversion to direct sunlight, but the validity of the product known as Pixie Wick was still in question.[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]He loved being in the city of [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Redden[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]. The waterfalls created a constant background choir that made him feel a bit hollow when he left to quieter lands. The air always held a bit of moisture, and so in the growing Spring heat it was humid, and his brown locks stuck to his temples from perspiration even just in his small trek from one tier to the next. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]He[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] had just received his orders, and it was likely they were already served to his squire. It would be the first year he would miss [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Festivallas[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit].[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent][BCOLOR=inherit]Aegis Alexander [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Vallane[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] and [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Squire[/BCOLOR] [BCOLOR=inherit]Marnia[/BCOLOR] [BCOLOR=inherit]Belhund[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] were to travel to [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Tildash[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] to retrieve and escort [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Geirolf[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] Wolff to attend his trial in the Senate Chambers of Redden for his crimes against [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Estwynd[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]. But why now? Why couldn't it wait until after [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Festivallas[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]? The man's death was no rush, to be sure, and it was said this year would hold an exciting new game. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Marnia[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] was likely to be of a more level head about it. She always seemed to be his better and served as a constant reminder to not let his emotions run rampant whether she realized it or not. But perhaps they would reach [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit]Tildash[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=inherit] in time for the end.[/BCOLOR] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent] [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]@Doctor Jax @Elle Joyner @Starlighter @rissa[/BCOLOR]