There It Is!! Go Have A Read Everyone.

There it is!! Go have a read everyone.

Glad to be working on another great project with such an amazing author <3

itch.io

Beyond The Mist: Beginnings (Demo) by Intimidating Puffin Studios

A visual novel/interactive fiction game set in a world of magic, horror, and intrigue!

You are a young adult adrift in life, suffocating under the yolk of your oppressive parents. Feeling out of sync with the rest of the world, you yearn for freedom and life beyond the bounds of your prison.

You find it in the form of a ravishing stranger and a long lost city, calling out to you across space and time. Something is beckoning underneath the ancient city's glimmering white tiles, something old and powerful. Someone.

Will you resist the call beyond the veil and the promise of belonging it brings, or will you let yourself go and embrace the path destiny has set before you?

The choice is yours. Magnustor is waiting for you.

Features

2 romance options that can either be male or female (player can choose the gender of both).

3 different romance routes; 2 monogamous ones or 1 polyamorous one  (a triad between the player and both romance options).

Romance and customization focused narrative; you can play as straight, gay, or bi and as cisgender, transgender, or nonbinary.

(4?) different endings.

Set in the same universe as The Soul Stone War.

Credits:

Filopay Illustrations for all art  @filopay

Feniks for Inline Conditions

~*~

The Ren'Py demo is live, folks!!!!

I'M SO EXCITED! PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU ALL THINK, AND SPREAD THE WORD IF YOU CAN~

THANK YOU!!

(I really like where this was going and then I wanted to write their first meeting so here it is. Very long compared to the rest but it was so much fun!)

~Fun (?) 2

"Hey, you're good." Merko praised Ralof, after the training session ended, "Got me real good there for one second, if you hadn't hesitated, you'd have won."

At some point they all discarded the armour, since they only wield practice swords, they weren't too shy about a few bruises. On top of that, the armour didn't quite fit and made moving more difficult. In the end, the shirt went flying too. It was a hot day, despite the cloudy sky and a few looks from the other recruits, no one said a word.

"It didn't feel right, hitting a fellow guard. We're supposed to work together, not against each other."

"It's just training, they can't have us face off Underfolk right off the bat, we'd all be cursed at the end of the day." Merko explains.

"You think we all make it?" Salek asked for the tenth time today, "What if only one of us is being taken for recruitment?"

"Relax, Salek." Merko slung an arm around the bulkier man, "We will know by tomorrow, nothing we can do about it now. So stop asking."

"There is one thing we can do." Ralof says. "We should celebrate. We all did good no matter what the results will be tomorrow. We should have a drink together."

"Ooh, I couldn't agree more!" Merko clapped his hands together, "I know just the place, down the street is the best dwarven tavern in all of Skaeld and the prettiest ladies too." He winks.

"Ah, so is that where this Opelia of yours lives? She is the barmaid isn't she?" Salek turns to Ralof with a smile, "It's always the barmaids that gets you, you know what I mean, Ralof."

Ralof laughs. "I happen to know a few that work there. Just saying."

Salek whistles, "Merko you hear that! You got competition, you sure you can win against pretty boy when it comes to the ladies too?"

"What, you calling me unattractive?!"

Salek narrows his eyes, fingers pushed together, "Just a little ugly."

"Shut up." Merko boxed Salek and both laughed.

"Both of you are horrible friends. I won't introduce you to any of ‘em!" Merko makes a face.

Then Salek pinches his cheek, Merko pushes him off and suddenly they are all shoving and wrestling each other, laughter following their every move.

Suddenly someone clears their throat.

Seeing the old Commander suddenly stand in front of them, makes them all stand up straight right away.

"Commander." They greet in unison.

"You there." The Commander seems annoyed, pointing at Ralof with disinterest.

"Yes, sir!" Ralof answers right away.

"The Sovereign wants to see you. Right now. They're in my office." Without waiting for a reply the Commander turns around and goes back to the training fields.

"Recruits!" He shouts, "Gather up, the last one can go back home right away!"

Ralof turns to his two new friends.

"Guess drinks have to wait. You better get going." Salek says.

"They probably want to talk about me being late." Ralof bites down on his lip, nervousness spreading. Merko had said to better not raise their attention. "I'll better head there right away!"

"I doubt they noticed-"

Ralof already turned around.

"Wait! You should probably take on a shirt at least." Merko shouts after him.

"No, time! I can't be late again!" Indeed, what if they want to throw him out of the recruitment for being late! He better hurry!

"Ralof-!" He heard Merko shout after him but the Commander was already roaring over whatever he was going to say. Ralof sprinted as fast as he could to where he believed the Commander's office to be. 

There was one heavy door at the outskirts of the wall. That must be it. Without further ado and without once slowing his sprint, he burst through the door, nearly taking it off its hinges as he stumbled into the room. He quickly catches the wobbly wood in his hands as it suddenly tipped to the side.

"Have your manners lost you completely, Comman-"

The Sovereign halts, turning around to find Ralof holding the door upright.

"I'm on time!" He breathes out, getting a quirked brow from the Sovereign.

"Have you lost your manners together with your shirt, recruit?"

"I- no, I just-" He wanted to move closer, but there was still a door in his hands. "Just one second, I can fix that."

With one pull he takes the door clean off to better inspect the damage done to it. On further inspection, it wasn't too bad. One hinge was only slightly off. It's an easy fix. He grabs the end of it and with a little push, has it back in place. With a triumphant smile, he heft the door back in its place.

"As good as new." He dusts off his hands, feeling the piercing gaze of the Sovereign on him.

"New?" They raise a questionable eyebrow and Ralof remembers Merko telling him they come from the east. Maybe they don’t know the saying.

"That means-"

"I know what it means." They snap and Ralof notices irritation in their voice. He might have just insulted them.

Slightly embarrassed he scratches the back of his head, showing them a nervous smile, "You wanted to speak to me? I came as quickly as possible. I thought-"

"You thought?" They interrupt, yellow eyes watching closely, "You thought breaking the door was the most sensible way to enter a conversation with me? I fear there weren't any notions behind your actions at all."

"Ah." He wasn't quite sure what the Sovereign was saying to him, but their gaze was enough to make him feel embarrassed for barging in, "I guess I was a bit too eager. Didn't want to have you waiting."

The Sovereign smacks their tongue, "Then you'd be the first."

The Sovereign looks around the room, sparse wooden furniture and wet corners are what makes out the Commander's office. They then draw a finger over the wooden table, watching it come off dirty.

They grimaced. "New is not a word I would describe this place with. It is a mess, not just visibly." They gesture towards a few scattered pages lying on the table, "No wonder the Commander even failed to tell me the number of recruits, if there even is enough space to take on new ones."

"I can go count them for you!" Ralof points out the door, already swinging around, noticing too late that he had just put the door back in place and almost ran into it for the second time this day.

"No need." The Sovereign stops his enthusiasm, "The Commander will do his job and make the recruits count in the courtyard for me right about now."

Ralof nods but then notices. "Then I won't be in the count."

The Sovereign gives him a deadpan look. "I am able to add one recruit to the list."

"Oh, good." Ralof breathed out in relief, "I can't be erased from the list already. I haven't even finished the day." 

"Do you think you've done something to deserve to be erased?" 

Ralof frowns confused over the odd question. "You just said the Commander is counting the possible recruits right now. And I am not there to be counted."

The Sovereign was frowning now too. Then they shake themselves out of it. Moving on:

"I've been watching the recruitment process for a few days now and it seems most of them come from the higher districts. The Commander did good work to spread the word there. Hard work just does not seem to be in their bones."

Ralof just listens, not really knowing anything to add. 

"The lower district however, he seems to avoid." The Sovereign walks around the desk, now taking a seat in the squeaky wooden chair, "How did you hear of the recruitment?"

Ralof was quick to speak, happy to be of help, "The people around the market mentioned it. I heard they were recruiting down by the walls and I went there to sign up. They always like to talk about the things happening in the Fortress and the world and everything really."

The Sovereign nods, "How do you and your company like the process of the training so far? I assume you all come from the lower district."

"It's a great opportunity, I've always prefered doing something with my hands, you know." Ralof beams, so engrossed in talking that he simply took a seat opposite of them, "I've been training as a blacksmith before so I am used to long and exhausting days, but training together is more fun. Being able to share that with others."

"What would you suggest to do for someone that isnt used to this kind of physical work? How can they adjust?"

"Keep at it." He shrugs, "Getting a routine is helpful, eventually they adjust, but I'd suggest taking a few more breaks at the start to let them catch their breath. I never had the opportunity to do so, but I wish I had. It's important to notice your own progress."

The Sovereign seems to contemplate it for a moment, before they continue: "Did you hear of any other complains?"

Ralof wanted to grab is armour, realising he took it off long ago, "The armour doesn't really fit most of us. Whoever wore it before, must have been smaller." He laughs at that.

The Sovereign leans slightly forward, holding their head up with a hand dipped below their chin. Almost a smile gracing their features, as the shining jewelry around their wrist clink together, "Is that the reason why you took it off?"

Ralof shrugs, "And I was warm."

They were smirking now. "Of course."

Then they lean back again, always sitting straight as if wanting to touch the chair as little as possible.

"I've been watching you train. You're good with the sword, you have the skills to becoming a great warrior, but your compassion held you back. If you were out there, that hesitation could have cost you your life."

"Merko is not my enemy. Why would I want to hurt him?"

"He hurt you." They point out.

Ralof shakes his head, "He wanted to win, I can take it."

"And you didn't want to win?"

Ralof frowns. "No I wanted to win. I just…" he wasnt sure, it just didnt feel right in the moment.

"What if I tell you that you've impressed me today. That you can come back tomorrow. Practice as a full recruit and I promise you'll be rewarded for your hard work."

"Really?!" Ralof can barely belief it. He succeded, he had made it into the recruitment!

"All you'd have to do is tell me if there are any more complains, how the training is fairing and what you would change."

"Oh, I can do that. I like helping out and if you need someone to talk to, well, I am more than up for it." He smiles brightly, before getting off the chair, "I gotta tell the others, they'll be so happy to hear we made it."

"Not them." The Sovereign stops him, "It's not your companions I will recommend, only you."

Ralofs smile drops. "Then do they make it into the recruitment too?"

"That's up to the Commander."

Ralof was quiet for a moment trying to process that information. "So they might not make it."

"That is a possibility." They nod, "Would you decline my offer for an unlikely outcome?"

Ralof purses his lips, but there was not much to think about, "Yes."

The Sovereign seems surprised. "Don't you trust in their abilities to make it on their own?" 

Ralof wasn't sure if he once again, insulted the Sovereign, he wasn't very good at reading between the lines, but even if he did, that was nothing that bothered him right now. What made him stand up straighter was the fact that the Sovereign seems to not value the guards code. Standing together or dying alone.

"Being treated differently isn't what I want. We're a team. We should support each other and have our backs. The success of one is not important when it doesn't benefit us all."

"You could make a difference on your own."

Ralof makes a disgrunted face, "The codex of the guards says to always act as a unity. It's a team effort. I wouldn't honour it if I were to accept your offer and I wouldn't be able to carry that title with pride."

"You actually read it." They muse calmly.

"Of course." Ralof pushes his shoulders back. What a silly question.

"I didn't actually write it." The Sovereign holds their chin up, "There were parts I wanted to change, but it seems many did not even take a glance at it. So you get my surprise."

"They said it's the codex everything was built upon. What do you mean, no one read it?" Ralof was confused.

"The Commander created his own codex on how to train his guards. He found it more effective."

"What? No that can't be."

"That's the truth." They look at Ralof more closely, almost studying him, but Ralof didn't know why they were telling him that. Were they messing with him?

"Then why give out the codex? If he doesn't follow it… It had reasonable points. We are a team, we are to protect the city, why would he not support that?"

"To quote him: 'No one has the nerve to read that many pages'."

"You read it." Ralof notices.

The Sovereign nods casually. "I have."

"But no one else..."

Ralof ruffles his hair, that was world shattering. The codex was solid, it was all why he had signed up to begin with. Then he remembers the warnings. His father, then at the market. They were right and he was a fool for believing otherwise.

Should he have stayed as a blacksmith? Had he made a mistake?

"You seem troubled by that."

Ralof couldn't answer the Sovereign. He let himself fall back into the wooden chair, arms and legs spreading away from him carelessly. Did he even want to know what he just signed up for?

"What does the Commander teach instead?" He dares to ask.

"Strength, skill and discipline. He sees the guards as an army. They are trained as soldiers and he picks them as such."

Ralof let out a loud groan, letting his head fall back, looking at the moldy ceiling. He suddenly felt cold, slinging his arms around himself. "Everyone warned me of that, but I didn't listen. I thought the codex meant something here. I wanted to help people. It was all I had hoped for."

There was no answer for a long moment and Ralof nearly looks up to see if the Sovereign was even still there. Then they spoke.

"I agree with the Commander. We need soldiers, not guards."

Ralof groans again, covering his eyes with his hands dramatically. He didn't want to be a soldier. He wanted comradery, he wanted to help people, support the inhabitants of the city, like he had promised, not fight where he was unable to listen to their concerns. How would he know what he's doing is even effective?

"If you want to change that, do so."

Ralof looks up surprised - not expecting encouragement from the Sovereign.

"I am giving you an opportunity here. Become a guard, hold onto your beliefs and one day take the place as Commander and then you can handle the recruitment as you see fit." They flick their wrist, "With approval from me of course."

"Is that why you became the Sovereign?" Ralof wonders, "You wanted to change the system?"

A shadow flickered over the Sovereigns face, the confidence they displayed throughout the conversation was suddenly replaced with a placid mask.

"My motivations are nothing for you to worry about." They deflect, "You have the skills on becoming a Commander in due time. You should take it. The city is not going to get saver, we need to be prepared for when the tides turn."

Ralof blinks. "What do you mean? What else could happen?"

"What is already happening, you mean." They take a deep breath, "The Underfolk are increasing, more and more people are getting invected by the Rot. It won't take long and the whole city will be down. So, I either find a cure before its too late or we get rid of those more unfortunate for the healthy ones sakes."

Ralof was stunned for a moment. Getting rid of the sick? Why is that an option. "We can't just abandon the sick ones. You swore to protect them."

"When they become a burden to the others, that is what needs doing. To prevent that from happening, you and the other guards need to be trained to counter the Underfolk increase. That too isn't a long term solution, but I am working on an alternative."

He never thought it would be that bad a situation. "There must be more that I can do. I want to help the people in the city, they are my family. We could work together in securing their safety."

"We?" The Sovereign lifts a curious eyebrow, "I have sworn myself to the people of the north when I took the throne. That is my burden to carry - not yours. All you need to do is play to your own strengths, aim for whatever ambitions you see fit. Let the safety of the city be my concern. As I said, I am working on it and you can hold me up to that promise."

"You can't possibly do all that alone. Let me help you." Ralof inches closer, "I can ask the people if they know of anything helpful, we can find out where it breaks through. We could help to inform the people on how they can protect themselves. We can all work together. Trust me, they would want to help too."

The Sovereign frowns deeply.

"I only discuss those matters with my advisors or the very least the Commander. You have no voice beyond the information I requested from you. Know your place, recruit."

Commander? Well, perhaps he did have to become the Commander then. It sounded surreal, he wanted comradery, not a rivalry, but perhaps it was necessary if he wanted to actually help the people. At least it got him talking to the Sovereign. It seems he was at the right place to achieve all he wanted.

"I accept your offer." Ralof outstretches his hand over the scattered papers on the desk between them, "Although, can you help my friends too?"

The Sovereign just looks at his hand, not in the slightest moving to take it.

"Already asking of favours. What do you offer me in return?" The Sovereign remained impassive, as they stared at Ralof.

What could he offer? There wasn't much he actually had and he doubted whatever he had on him, the Sovereign would want. Then he remembers the conversation he had with Merko and Salek. Looking back up towards the Sovereign he still barely saw them smile.

"I bet I can make you smile." Ralof grins, inching closer again.

"That is not even nearly a viable-"

"I can also offer you a hug." He stands up, arms outstretched, "I've been told I give the best."

The Sovereign tensed, but otherwise showed no reaction. "Do you not know who you're talking to?"

"Everyone needs a hug from time to time, no matter who they are." Ralof says, still standing with arms outstretched, only the desk in his way to reach the Sovereign.

The Sovereign looks at him for a moment, eyes travelling down Ralofs toned body, an approving eyebrow lifts for one second, before they meet Ralofs gaze again. A certain shimmer was in their golden eye that reminded Ralof of their jewelry.

"I decline." They say smugly. "What else you got?"

"Ah, then I have to make you smile to be even." Ralof looks at the Sovereign, "Are you ticklish?"

The Sovereign frowns, but there seems to be less vigor behind their expression than before.

"It is a very bad habit of you Nords addressing your Sovereign so casually. I am certain there is nothing about me that encourages it."

Ralof shrugs. "Can't say I ever met the former Queen, but she never invited me for a chat before." He purses his lips, "You seem very approachable."

"I do?"

"Yeah, I don't know how to say it." They gesticulate wildly towards the Sovereign, "Just easy to talk to."

They almost smile.

This is working, Ralof thought delighted.

"I won't stop until I succeed." Ralof smiles brightly himself, a playful glint in his eyes, “See. It feels nice to smile.”

"If you want to see me smile for you, you have to do better than that." The Sovereign challenges him, studying Ralof with a newfound interest.

He had noticed it before, but there was a dangerous shimmer in their golden eye. It was almost impossible to guess the Sovereign's thoughts, but their eyes dare to deceive them. They did not shy away in the least as Ralof studied them closer, leaning an arm onto the table between them. Trying to imagine how a smile would suit them. Would their eyes crinkle?

"Is that supposed to make me smile?" The Sovereign asked, though there was a hint of amusement in their voice. 

"You have a nice smile, I can tell." Ralof grinned. 

The Sovereign's lips quirked up slightly at the corners, almost imperceptibly. 

Ralof saw it though and his grin widened. "See? I knew you could smile. It's not so bad, is it?" he said. 

The Sovereign's gaze flickered back to Ralof's face and he saw the glint in their golden eye again. He felt a shiver run down his spine at the intensity of it. 

"What is it that you want, Ralof?" the Sovereign asked, their voice suddenly low and husky. Ralof noticed that it had been the first time they had called him by his name. Ralof swallowed, suddenly feeling more than a little nervous. But he couldn't back down now. 

"I want to help the people, like I said before. And I want to be your ally in that. But I also want my friends to join me.”

"Is that all?" They stood their ground, Ralof had the distant feeling that they wanted to hear something specific, but Ralof had never been good at guessing so he had no idea what it could be.

"I will tell you everything you want to know. And, well, I've been told before that I talk too much, if you give me a free pass, I could very well talk your ears off. So you can just remind me of that and I stop."

"You'd tell me everything? That is a dangerous promise to make." They watch Ralof unblinking.

"I'm an open book." He shrugs. "What do you say?"

"You are persistent, I'll give you that."

"So, you agree?" Ralof asks hopefully, stemming his other hand onto the table as well.

"Well, what do you say? Are we even?" Then the Sovereign smiles, a real proper smile. Ralof saw sharply pointed teeth peek through and he knew it. It was a beautiful smile. 

It reached their eyes and made their stoic features so much softer. Attentive eyes never leaving Ralofs and he notices them barely ever blinking.

Ralof couldn't help but return the smile. It was infectious.

"You wanted to have a longer chat, right? I am free right now, I just need to grab my things and we can go." He turns to leave trying to remember where he had left his shirt and armour.

"I think you misunderstand our arrangement."

"You asked me to hang out with you. I got it clear as day." He opens the door, swinging it a few times to see if it will hold. "See, good as new. It will hold out a storm."

"The storm being… you." The Sovereign lifts a sceptical eyebrow.

Ralof rubs the back of his neck, slightly embarrassed. "I did fix it. I am good at fixing things, you know. I wasn't a blacksmiths apprentice for nothing. Broken doors were a common occurance actually. Now that I think about it."

"You may break the Commanders door as often as you like." The Sovereigns face showed no emotion, but Ralof could hear it in their voice - they were lighter, "As long as you do not break down my door."

Ralof laughs, heartedly, seeing the onsets of a smile growing in the Sovereigns corners as well.

Salek was wrong afterall. They can smile. 

"I knew you were fun." Ralof stems both hands into his side, he had been right about the Sovereign from the start.

"Of course, I am fun." They smirk widely, an elegant hand dipping below their chin, "I can be anything I want to be."

[ too many words ]

RALOF REILIFSON

Prompt from @oc-tober2023

[ I am not following the same order ]

[ 1 ] [ 2 ]

~ Fun

"They seem important. Are they our trainer?"

Merko, the young recruit next to him, shook his head, "That's the new Sovereign. You remember the tournament held in the city? No one expected it, but they were the one competitor that won the throne. People call them the foreign scholar."

"Don't they live in the castle?" Ralof asks, confused.

Merko laughs: "That doesn't mean they can't leave. Despite, if we become guards, we'll be under their command. I guess they just want to inspect the new recruits. Get a better picture to decide who is worth coming back."

"Oh, so they will decide who can come back?" Ralof stands straighter, trying to catch the Sovereign's attention with a wave of his hand, "I could ask them, tell them of our ambitions and maybe get a good word in for the three of us."

"Are you mad!" Merko pulls him back, making him stumble. "You don't just go and approach someone like them!"

"Why not?" Ralof frowns.

"You have to be careful with whose attention you grab. I heard they are a real snob, just look at all the jewelry. They think themselves better than us and I don't want to know what they'd do with your enthusiasm. Better to stay down, friend."

"Merko's right." It was Salek that joined them, a close friend of Merkos, all three seemingly the only ones here today coming from the lower districts, "I heard they even yelled at the merchant's guild for making their floor dirty. Made them run back out with their tails between their legs. The scholar is daring and cunning and they don't understand no fun."

Ralof frowns. "That sounds stressful."

Merko laughs, clapping Ralof on the back. "Don't break your head over it. Trust me, they don't care one bit about us either."

Ralof couldn't quite believe that. After all, they were training to become their guards, they must care about that. Otherwise, why would they be here?

He takes another look up to the walls, the Sovereign stands tall, hands clasped behind their back, speaking with the older man, their Commander, beside them. They did not smile once and maybe Salek was right. They hadn't had any fun in awhile, hadn't smiled in a long time. Ralof wondered how anyone could want to live like that. He's certain that it can't be by choice.

"Hurry, Ralof." Merko shouted, snapping Ralof out of it only to realise that everyone was gathering to line up. Damn, he was late again.

"Coming!" He ran as fast as he could, seeing Merko and Salek have saved him a spot next to them.

[ ~ 400 words ]

As a blacksmith he was used to only working with his dad and at times alone too, but he had to admit, training together was already alot of fun. If working together would be the same, he might have just found his callig. If he makes it into the recruitment that is.

He looks up one last time and noticed the Sovereign was watching them now. As if they were feeling his gaze on them, their eyes meet and with a kind smile and a little wave of his hand, Ralof greeted them. No smile from the Sovereign however. Then the Commander roared for their attention and Ralof had to look away.

ARN ARMUNDSON

sixteen | he/him | Human | Nord

Oh I'm not scared mother Can't you hear he calls my name Oh boy, the sky's not speaking And the wind will never learn your name Oh no you're wrong mother And the wind and I, I think we'll run away

— Finnegan Tui

[ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] ~Hatred

"I know it's not ideal." 

She says that every time you both set up the small little camp built out of twigs and leaves somewhere in the woods. As if it would change the situation, make it more bearable.

"I still remember the first blanket I made you." Her smile was weak, but her eyes glistened with fondness, as she tried to cushion the floor beneath your shelter, "You were so small back then, it swallowed you whole, but eventually you grew into it. You could never fall asleep without it." 

Her smile dropped then, as if realising that everything you have ever owned, every story behind it, was lost.

"I remember." Perhaps a small condolence, but for a moment her strained smile returned.

She laid out her coat on the wet wooden floor beneath the makeshift shelter, she never asked you to take off yours for the both of you to lie in. You noticed everything she had ever done, she did for you. Even if it meant, leaving everything behind. She never hesitated.

Sometimes you wonder if she regrets her decision. If she regrets having you. When will she realise that you are a mere burden to her?

"That should do it. You go in first, munchkin." 

"Where are you going?" She always leaves to make sure you are both safe. You know she barely sleeps to keep an eye on you too, you can see it in the shadows beneath her eyes. 

So far she always returned to you, you always found each other even amidst the chaos, but what if she can't find you? What if one time, she does not return?

"Don't worry." She smiles and draws a warm hand over your cheek, as if sensing your worries, "Make yourself comfortable. It won't be like this forever. Soon we'll be back in a cozy and warm bed, behind the safety of the walls and there will be no need to run anymore. I promise."

"When?" You ask despite knowing the answer.

"When we manage to have you do the proper ritual. When the God of Mountains will accept you."

"I have to perform a great hunt for that. All I do is hide."

"All when the time is right. Sleep now. I will be back shortly."

That too was something you have heard her say a lot since you both had been forced to flee into the woods. You're no longer certain that there will ever be a right time. How can you prove yourself, when she won't let you?

“You always pretend like nothing is wrong, but they took our home from us and now want to kill us. You don’t even hate them for it. Like we deserved what happened.” You scoff, not understanding how she can remain so positive despite it all not being your fault.

She halts for a moment, the smile from before is replaced with worry. “Don’t- Arn, look at me.” You begrudgingly tilt your head to meet her gaze, “We did not deserve any of it, Fate was playing against us. The people had chosen, they are afraid and think that the new ways are giving them more security, but it's not the system that is wrong. Not only.”

“So you do hate the scholar too.” 

“It’s okay to be angry, but don’t let your heart darken from it. They won, fair and just. I agreed to the rules and we would be a bad loser if we do not respect their win. So, no, I do not hate them for it. I think it was the right time for a change.”

“Why would the people like them better than us? We have been ruling over the North for generations. The scholar just arrived a few weeks prior to my coronation. It is just not fair.”

“I know the timing makes it look even worse.” She says with a tired sigh and you realise only now, that she must have been trying to appear strong for you, hiding her own frustration well, “I can’t promise you that it will all get back to how it was, that we will reclaim the throne, I think our time is over, but I can promise you, that we will no longer need to hide. That we do not need to be afraid for our lives and hide in the trees. You will sleep in safety. I will promise you that.”

You drop your head with a heavy heart. “I still hate them.” They took your big day from you, they ruined it all. How can she so easily forgive?

She hums, a sad look in her eyes. “It is your right to do so. Yet, you should try to sleep. We will discuss our options tomorrow.”

You watch as she gets up with alert eyes before disappearing into the darkness to lead any pursuers astray. She didn't even take her coat with her.

You try to do as she said. You try to make yourself comfortable, but her absence and the fear riddled with the growing hatred within your heart was making it difficult. If only you could do something to help. Make a difference yourself. But you couldn’t. You were nothing but a burden to her and powerless in a world that was ruled by power. You were only a child in the eyes of the adults around you. How can you change that?

You close your eyes, try to quiet the voices in your head. That the coat was smelling of her sweet and calm scent did help a little and soon you found yourself slowly drifting off. Afterall, it had never been about the blanket she had made for you, it was about having something of your mother close.

Even if she herself, seldom was.

[ 967 words ]

Next Part ➜

AEGON MARTYNSON

twenty-six | he/him | 190 cm | half Dryad | Nord

Maybe You mean every word you say Can't help but think of yesterday And another who tied me down to lover boy rules Before this river Becomes an ocean Before you throw my heart back on the floor Oh baby I reconsider My foolish notion Well I need someone to hold me But I'll wait for something more I gotta have faith — George Michael

~ Excuse

Over time, he had gotten used to people staring at him in the streets. They had never seen a Dryad outside of Rania's forest, so it's only natural that they are curious. Even if he was only half-Dryad, his ears turned upwards instead of down.

When he was younger it had irritated him immensely at how often the children wanted to touch his ears. Yet he let them, seeing how happy it made them.

"Next one, please." He calls forward a young woman, a poncho over her shoulder, a hood above her head.

She smiles when she meets his gaze. "I've heard of the Dryad working for that unreasonable healer, but I'd never thought it to be true."

"I'm just helping out a good friend and Elora is one of the best healers I've met." He smiles too, meaning every word, "How can she help you today?"

"Ah." The woman stands on her tiptoes, since he was by far bigger than her, "What if I just came to see if the rumours are true?" She bats her eyelashes, "What if I want to invite you for a drink?"

"Then I'd be flattered." He says a bit sheepish, scratching the back of his head, "But I would have to decline, she still needs me here."

The woman pouts, "Not even if I ask very nicely?"

"Oh, well." He looks a little embarrassed now.

"I heard you give very good advice and I was hoping you could help me out with a problem of mine. It would mean alot to me." Her smiles was still bright, hopeful eyes awaiting his answer.

"I'm sure we can grab a drink after I finish-"

"Perfect!" She beams, cutting him off, "I'll meet you at the Mountain Inn, when the last sunlight vanishes behind the walls. I look forward to it."

Before he could reply, she was already skipping out of the clinic. Aegon let out a long sigh.

"You said you were done with dating."

"Ack!" He swung around, surprised to hear Elora suddenly stand behind him.

"That you wanted a break from it all." She speaks, not in the slightest bothered by his reaction.

"I- yes, I said that, but she looked so sad." He rubs the back of his head.

She stares at him. "So, you'd rather lead her on or in the end even date her, to prevent her from being unhappy?"

"I yes, I can see how you might think that…" he didnt had a good excuse, slumping his shoulders, "You're right. I'm a hopeless cause. She wanted my help, I can't possibly deny her that."

"I can see now why you've never been in a relationship longer than a week." She moves past him, collecting the papers gathered on the table next to him.

"I will explain it to her, just- I need time to think of the nicest way to do so."

She takes the pages, shifting through them. "There is no nice way to break someone's heart. It only gets worse the longer you wait."

He scatches his chin. "You seem to know alot about that."

"My mother tried to marry me off at any given moment." She turns to Aegon, "I turned them all down."

"Then you can help me! I mean, should she even ask to date me."

"It seems the whole town does. So the chances are pretty high. They see you as a price to win and you let them." Elora stares at him coldly, before turning the papers towards him. "And you forgot to fill out the records again, how do I know which tonic I gave to which patient?"

Aegons smile widened, not having heard her last words. "Then pretend to be my date and she will get the message."

"You're just looking for an excuse to not having to reject her yourself. I am busy."

"Oh, come on, Elora, you're always busy. I've been helping you by keeping the people as far away from you as possible. You don't have to speak to a single one of them. You like that, right? Can't you do me this one favour in return?"

She didn't appear moved at all, so he grabbed her arm, pouting, "What if I am not enough, doomed to forever be alone? Why not help me let her down easy, so before rejecting her, I can see if perhaps she is the right one for me. How else would I know?"

"She isn't." Elora says bluntly, ripping her arm free, "She came her on false pretense, you can't trust her."

Aegon frowns, "That's not a reason. You can't dismiss someone so quickly just because they made an excuse to see you. You need to get to know them first, spend time with them."

"I have no time and even if I did, I wouldn't want to support your frivolous pursues, because I can already tell they will quickly end."

"You make me sound like a heartbreaker." He smiles awkwardly.

She looks at him for a moment and he wonders what she was thinking, but then she just turns around.

"Wait, please. I need your help."

She looks back at him for a moment, halfway into her office. He tries his best at showing her his puppy-dog eyes and he'd been told, they work.

Then she takes a breath, an answer is nearing.

"No." And she closes the door in front of his face. He let his shoulders hang. Damn it.

[ words: yes ]

Prompt from:@oc-tober2023 [ I am not following the same order ]

~ Education

Sael is teaching the others about stars. (Only an Image for a change)

Prompt from:@oc-tober2023

[ I am not following the same order ]

[ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ]

~ Mask

"Can I count on you, Herald?"

"Always." Elora nods, dipping her head lower in respect.

She thought to hear her goddess smile.

Iesis or Uwila | the goddess of wisdom, knowledge and healing | Animal: The Owl | Symbol: Open Eye

Sometimes she appears as a fair maiden, with long white hair and owl wings on her back. On her forehead a giant eye. Othertimes she is dark skinned, wrapped entirely in scrolls scribbled texts on body and paper. Owl wings and one giant eye for a face. Its usually her I- can't- be- bothered- to- dress- up look. She changes her look fairly often, based on whatever new powerful knowledge she consumes. The eye and the owl wings the only prominent feature that stay. Thus they became what people associate with her.