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ELORA ESKILDOTTIR

thirty looking | she/her | 153 cm | Elf | Nord

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Many times you were spared, oh, I did my best Every night you would call for me with your steps I was trying to sleep I was trying to sleep for you Under perfection I woke As you protected your home Oh, I just kept getting stronger I did my best to control The growing unrest in my soul — Wolfie's Just Fine

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

CW: Drug use

~ Flashback

In a dusty corner, the sparse light barely makes the woman visible, buried beneath scrolls and books.

She slams another book closed, frustration eating at her every bone, while dark circles beneath her eyes seem to grow by the hour.

"Another dead end." She lets herself fall back into the chair, eying the scattered information in front of her. Nothing of value was found.

If only she would find an answer to her many questions, find a good lead to know how to continue. When frustration makes its way through, she starts to doubt her own decision. She chose this very topic of research, but perhaps it was never meant to be brought into the light. An answer never to be found.

She lifts her hand, pushing her sleeve up to reveal blackened veins running down towards her hand. It had been there ever since she was a child, she had read in the many books, that it was supposed to grow until it covers the whole of her body, but it had never changed. Not for her.

If only she could remember that day she got the black veins - but it was so long gone and she had been but a child.

Then by chance, her eyes landed on a detailed illustration in a book to her right. A mushroom, dried, used to clear one's mind. If she couldn't remember, perhaps that could force her memories.

"I need something very specific." Elora interrupted the cook. Her red flaming hair as passionate as her request.

"Don't you always." The cook didn't even look up from her work,"Found something interesting in your books?"

"It's research. Everything has the potential to be interesting, but only worth the goddesses' time, until I tested and studied it."

"What you need?"

"Dried mushrooms."

The cook lifted a skeptical eyebrow. "Just any mushroom or a specific one?"

"The one that will give me answers about my own mind." The woman explains, dark circles beneath her eyes.

"By the gods, you better be careful with stuff like that. It can smoke your brains out, I tell you." Then the cook sighed, "There is no stopping you, however. I know what you need. Follow my instructions and you might be fine."

"I'll take the risk."

"You Heralds are crazy."

The smoke made her face heat up, cold sweat trickling down her neck as slowly her mind started to swim.

She didn't notice it kicking in, or so she thought, but as she started to stand up, everything was spinning and she was smiling.

"How could you do this to us!"

She knew that voice.

"You only ever think about yourself, so selfish and unruly. Is it my fault you turned out to be such an ungrateful daughter?!"

She remembers that memory. It was the fifth pursuer her mother had send after her and Elora had refused his advances bluntly so. Again.

"I will miss you, Élie'rel." 

Her sister. She could never forget her voice.

"Don't ever change, no matter what anyone says. You will find your answers and surprise everyone. I am proud of you."

It was the last time she had seen her, had it already been too long to remember? 

She shook her head. Focus. She was here for answers, not to feel guilty.

Back then Eyrier Lay, the white Valley, was prosperous and lively. The grand elven city En'ayn Mun stood proud and beautiful, the eye piece of the whole area. Lush forests and fields covered the valley. It were merry times.

She remembers the smell of the baked goods sold in the streets, the softness of her bedsheets, the warm sun on her skin when she drank her favourite tea atop the balconies.

She could feel it now. Her mother was smiling at her, her face younger, carefree. Elora can't remember a time her mother had ever smiled in her life. It was a foreign sight.

Everything around her was bright, she couldn't make out the details, but she felt her mother take her hand, they started walking down a copple stone street. Then suddenly, the light vanished, it was suddenly utter cold, the sky was black and she thought that black snowflakes were falling from the sky. Ash?

Then screams, her mother grabbed her small frame, hefted her up into her arms. Elora didn't see them coming, but she knew they were there.

Her mother only stopped when they reached their home. She locked the door, before asking Elora questions, she couldn't make out anymore. Perhaps even back then, she didn't understand them.

Then suddenly her mother was ripped from her view, she looked around, but her house was foggy, she couldn't clearly see. It was like a dream, no a nightmare.

"Mother!" She shouted, her small heart beating wildly in her chest. Then something gripped her wrist, tightly, she cried out by the pain, it was painfully cold, it was freezing her arm solid.

Then it let go and everything went dark, as she sunk to the ground of the library.

ELORA ESKILDOTTIR

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Prompt from @oc-tober2023

[ I am not following the same order ]

~ Promise

"My Lady?"

Elora groaned, the voice an unpleasant disturbance. She kept her eyes closed, not willing to wake just yet.

"My Lady, Herald? The All-Seeing wants to speak to you."

That snapped her awake in an instant. Blue eyes now wide awake as she sat up from the floor. Why was she lying on the floor?

The Library Assistant flinched back, looking at Elora with hesitant eyes. She was one of the lower devotees. Granted a glimpse at a few pages of Iesis grand library, when she did her duties well. Elora barely ever talks to the others living and working in the tower. Iesis does not tolerate distractions. Thus she never learned their names.

It was clear that the Assistant wanted to leave as soon as possible.

Elora pressed her fingers against her temples, a thick headache starting to take root. "I will be there, you are dismissed."

The Assistant bowed once, before departing with hasty steps.

It didn't take long and the all familiar voice echoed through Eloras mind.

"You are slacking." It chided, "I have been calling you for awhile now. You did not react. Come to the secret library. I am waiting there for you."

She seems dissapointed.

Elora got up right away, albeit slower as her mind started spinning. The memories still fresh in her mind, as she pulled up her sleeve, the black veins running down her arm were still visible. What did it all mean?

She hasted up the steps of the winding tower towards the secret library of her goddess. It was locked behind a magical door, only those who were granted the key by the goddess herself, could enter. As Elora stood before the golden gates, they opened upon her approach.

The room was bright. The curved roof was built of glass, expensive and skillfull work. A craft lost with the last elves. The All-Seeing goddess created it out of memories that Elora had provided and whenever she entered the secret library it overwhelned her with a longing for a time long lost.

"Don't make me wait again, Herald. When I call you, you are to answer immedietly." 

Elora's attention was quickly on the figure standing at the end of the library, her back turned towards her reealed her owl wings sticking out of her back. If not for the wings, her height was a good indication for her not being human. Her tall body wrapped in scriptures, pages stuck to her body, with scribbled texts and sigils that only herself can decipher. Where the pages end, the text continues on her skin.

Pages were floating around her freely while she read in a thick and dusty book, long elegant fingers turning the pages.

Elora bend one knee, averting her gaze.

"I am at your service All-Seeing." She greets, hearing the goddess smack her tongue.

"You are one of the last of your kind. Are you not?"

"Yes." Elora saw no need to lie, it was a known fact.

"You promised me knowledge long lost and forgotten, valuable insight into your peoples culture. It had entertained me for awhile, but it seems others are eager to take your place."

Elora frowns, she knew for a fact that she was the only elven follower Iesis has, most of the elves preferred hiding, blending in. She had never been good at sitting idle.

She flinched, as the heavy book fell to the ground in front of her. The heavy cover breaking in half.

There were drawings of architecture and furniture. Elven furniture. Her interest piped Elora scooted closer turning the pages, these were things long forgotten. Memorial places, the crafts of building them. Where has this come from?

"Lando or should I say Tin'avel used to be a craftsmen of your people. He has been most forthcoming that I am considering him as my Herald."

Elora swallows. He could have the means to replace her.

Suddenly the pages dissapear in front of her, they start to dissipate and looking up she saw the goddess towering over her, her one eye all that her face posessed inhaling the contents of the book.

It then snapped towards her, unblinking, attentive and all seeing. It was not an easy gaze to hold.

"I have watched your progress on your new topic of interest. I like your dedication, your thirst for answers."

Elora averts her gaze again, nodding. "I am on the right path, I can feel it. There is more to the dark creatures that attacked my home. I just need a bit more time."

"No." The goddess voice was harsh, almost making Elora look up again, "Time will not get you what you need. The knowledge you seek is not hidden in my library, if so, I wouldn't need you looking through it. I have read each book you find on these shelves, I know every content inside of it. What you seek lies elsewhere."

"Where?"

"The northern Kingdom of En-Ar."

En-Ar. The land of Kings. Once her homeland.

"Travel to the fortress Skaeld in my dear brother's domain, the god of mountains. Be wary of him, all he knows is the mindless instincts of an animal. There will be no reasoning with him. He will prevent you from entering the city, should you be discovered as my Herald."

The last standing fortress of En-Ar. "Win'av El. The never falling refuge." Now occupied by humans, who rebuild the ruins of her people. She always wantesld to see it. If she could spot the changes done to it - find familiarities. Answers.

"It is time for you to return to your roots and fulfill your promise to me. There you will find out more on the creatures of the night, how they came to be and how to defeat them."

"Defeat?" She thought she was there for knowledge alone.

"Ulgrim's followers are Warriors. They prefer raw violance over reason. Don't expect a warm welcome there. My brother can be quite unreasonable, but I know he hides valuable knowledge from me. You are to bring it to me without raising his suspicion. Can I count on you, Herald?"

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

She thought to hear her goddess smile.

"You will leave at the break of dawn, I will bless you with the swift wings of my owls. And remember that I will be watching you, Herald. I know the sight of a new city can be tempting, but you shall not fall for its allure. Don't break your promise to me or you will regret it." 

[ ~ 1083 words ]

Prompt from:@oc-tober2023

[ I am not following the same order ]

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~ 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.

RALOF REILIFSON

Thirty | he/him | 182 cm | Human | Nord

The self is not so weightless, nor whole and unbroken Remember the pact of our youth Where you go, I'm going, so jump and I'm jumping Since there is no me without you — Gang of Youths

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

~ Found Family

Chirp, chirp.

Ralof was awake even before the birds had sung their first tune. The floorboards creaked as he quickly reached the end of his small room, throwing a simple shirt and trousers on. The bed groaned as he sat back down to squeeze his feet into his way too small shoes. It was a simple life, but he did not mind, because looking up, hanging on the loose nail opposite of him, was his leather armour.

Reaching for it, he drew a tentative hand over the fabric, it too wasn't much, worn and a little too small for his broad frame, but it was his and he is going to wear it with pride.

Running down the stairs, he was now fully dressed, passing by the kitchen, he already saw his father prepare some breakfast.

"Morning, dad. You're early." He noticed, as he pressed himself next to his father to steal a stale slice of bread, biting into it.

"You won't leave the house without a proper breakfast." His father chastises, making Ralof halt in his quick escape, "And you need to take something with you for lunch."

He held out a small package, the breakfast he had been preparing all wrapped up in a clean cotton cloth.

"You got up this early to make me these?" Ralof was touched, usually his dad was more than grumpy about his sleep.

"I was awake anyway. Couldn't sleep. So I made use of my time." He deflects and it draws a smile on Ralofs lips.

"I couldn't sleep either, so I thought I will get there early." He gently takes the package from his fathers outstretched hand.

"Thank you." He leans forward to give his father a kiss on the cheek. "I'll tell you everything tonight."

"May Fate favour you today."

Ralof was out of the door with a light skip to his step. The air was stuffy and it had recently rained, making the path muddy and dirty but he did not mind. It was his home and he liked it here very much.

"Good morning, Ralof." He looked up, seeing his elderly neighbour throw the night pot out the window, "You're early today."

"It's the first day at my new job!" He shouted back so she would hear him.

"A new job? I thought you would take over your father's smithy. How strange."

"As of today, I am a recruit guarding the outer Walls, so if you have any concerns regarding your safety, I can be of help." He pushes his chest forward, presenting his new leather armour.

"Oh, my door has been giving me troubles lately. I fear it will fall off its hinges soon. You father had crafted them for me when he was learning under your grandfather. If you could take a look before it falls open? I am afraid of having to life without a door in these dark times."

He could surely spare the time.

"I can take a look, no problem."

She smiles brightly. "You are a darling. Thank you, Ralof."

It turned out, the hinges were just slightly loose and he walked back home to get the right tool to fix it. Then she invited him for a small cup of tea, when she took out the baked loaves, he declined and instead took them with him as she insisted on repaying him.

Now, no longer as early as he was, he resumed his walk towards the outer walls of the fortress, his little lunch package, a little fuller.

His path had him walk straight through the daily market. He liked the market very much, so many different foods and items to look at and people that came from all around Aestricca just to sell their things here. The stories he had heard them tell, always captivated him, but at the end of the day, he was still glad to be where he was.

"Ooh, look at you all dressed up." He stopped at the sound of the familiar voice. Turning around he saw a young woman with a headband wrapped around her head, standing behind a small stall selling vegetables. She was the daughter of one of the farmers living outside the walls.

He instantly stood a little taller, showing off his new armour. "I am on my way to my very first day."

"Never thought you would be the one joining the other side. Be careful not to forget us little folk here when it gets to your head." She quips, pushing her chin out.

"It's only a trial today, but I'm sure I will be taken in as a recruit. I do it because I want to help us here afterall. If there are any concerns for your safety, you can let me know. It's my job now."

She chuckles. "Careful not to say that too loud while wearing that armour. Someme might take it you feel the fortress is not a safe place to be."

He frowns. "But thats why we have the guards, to make it safe."

"All I'm saying is, that this armour gives you authority. All kinds of people will turn to you just because of ehat you wear. Use that power wisely. Saying the wrong thing to the wrong person can get you easily killed and not all take kindly to the guards."

Ralof was quiet for a moment, stunned she would think so. He had never been very good at reading situations, at least that's what he'd been told. His father always said, he better stay away from jobs that require smarts. Politics make too much troubles, and do something with his hands. He was no longer a blacksmith apprentice but is being a guard so different?

"I didn't mean to scare you. Just wanted to give you a proper warning, in case no one did. I'm sure you do fine though, you've always been enganging with the community anyway, if anyone, you will give the position a better name. You're one of the good ones, Ralof."

"I dont think there are bad guards." He shakes his head, "They follow a code, you know. I had to learn it too, the preservation of the community comes first. We need to act for the greater good. That's what I intend to do. Help people."

She gave him a weak smile. "Sure you will do great."

He nods, no doubt he will, he wasnt sure why she was so worried. Why everyone seems to want to warn him. First his dad, now her too. Then he gets it. They were afraid he'd be too busy for them. "I will still be able to help you out with setting up the stall. Don't fret, I might be more busy than usual, but I will be here if you have to carry a prized pumpkin again."

She laughs at that, "You almost dropped it last year insisting on carrying it all on your own. I'm not sure I will entrust my prized pumpkin to you again." She winks at him.

"But I will be training harder than ever now. So give me the biggest pumpkin you have and you'll see I will carry it for you with ease." He grins and she matches it easily.

"I will hold you up to that. Now I think you should be on your way. The sun is already rising above the walls." She points into the distance, where the high stone walls of the fortress loom over them all. "Dont think you want to be late to your first day."

"By the gods! I forgot the time. Let me know about the pumpkin!" He shouted the last words, already jogging down the street, dodging shoppers and merchants alike as he easily navigates through the masses of people.

A few more greet him, call him by name, but he excused himself, not having the time to stop and chat this time. He liked this city. Many speak bad about the lower district of Skaeld but he wouldn't be anywhere else. It's where he grew up, it's where everyone knew him, everyone was family to him, if blood or not. Here he would always stay and being a guard won't change that.

He had found his home, his family and choose to keep and support it as one should.

[ ~ 1.387 words ]

RALOF REILIFSON

Prompt from @oc-tober2023

[ I am not following the same order ]

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~ 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.

THAMAYA ATIYA

Twenty-four | She/her | 170 cm | Human | Ghlaesian

Love, it will get you nowhere You're on your own Lost in the wild So come to me now I could use someone like you Someone who'll kill on my command And asks no questions — Muse

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

CW: Torture, blood She is a little crazy. It's fine.

~ Charm

"He's not coming."

Thamaya ignored the woman now dangling upside down from the trap she had set up for someone else. A minor setback. The boy was her target but having his mother would surely lure him out of his hiding spot.

She started to pace, waiting wasn't one of her strengths.

"I don't know why you're doing this, but he is just a boy. He did nothing wrong. Let us go and nothing will be lost."

Thamaya spinned the knife in her hand skillfully. One foot tapping impatiently on the wet forest floor. The words of the Queen did nothing to sway her, the boredom was more pressing. Whenever she gets bored, she does something rash and then there was no stopping her. A gleeful smile crept over her lips. My, it wouldn't be the worst losing control now. No one said anything about keeping the former Queen fully intact. Barely alive is still alive.

"You're getting paid for this, aren't you?" The former Queen keeps on talking, "I have valuable belongings hidden away. They can be yours, if you let us-"

With one swift movement Thamaya throws her knife. It hit the tree only inches away from the babbling woman's head.

"Bla bla bla." She leans down to retrieve her knife, close enough so that their noses touch, "I'm not interested in your riches. I do this for the thrill."

She rips the knife from the bark, returning to her pacing, knife swinging in her hand, "It's most fun if they run, the fear in their eyes, their careless little feet. When they think they have a chance, think they can get away."

She laughs, a deranged sound echoing through the dark forest. "Their screams when I let my knife do the talking. Mmh. Music to my ears."

When her dark eyes snatched onto the former Queen she saw the onsets of the fear she had described only moments ago. Her bravery was waning. Thamaya grinned excitedly.

"That dagger." The woman starts, putting on a brave front, "It looks like something special."

"Just a tool." Thamaya shrugs, "I don't need it to rip you open. I could use my bare hands too."

The former Queen swallows, "It's got a pattern on it. Does it have a meaning?"

"We shit-chatting now?" Thamaya stared at her blankly. "Save those charming words for your servants, Queen."

She drags the last word out mockingly. Then she halts, inspecting her nails, "Besides, I was told to be quite charming myself and if not for my personality, then I still have my Lucky Charm that can convince anyone." She grins, looking at the captured woman, "Do you want to see it?"

"I-" The former Queen had no time to speak, as Thamaya suddenly sprinted over, pushing the woman against the tree, knife pressing against her nose. 

"Can't you tell how lucky it is? Look at it real close, you will feel pure Luck touching you. You should feel honoured." She pushes her knife closer, drawing blood deliberately, but the captured woman didn't even blink. 

Annoyed, Thamaya steps back, licking her knife, she tastes her blood. 

"You're working for the old gods? I've met Fate once, they are fickle, you shouldn't trust in their motives."

Thamaya groans, loud enough so the woman will get the hint. Does she never stop talking?

"I stole this dagger off of a fat arse who said it was blessed by Luck." She turns the knife around in her hands, "He called it a Lucky Charm first, but to me, it's just a knife. It does the job as good as any other would. If you don't believe me, why not test its Luck and see if it would hit you when I throw it your way. Dare to wager?"

The woman shook her head, words all so nicely left her. What a waste of time. This was turning into a real buzz kill. She had been hunting these two for weeks and this is what she gets for her efforts? Waiting? Talking?

"It looks like…" she steps to one side, "That your little boy…" she steps to the right, "No longer needs his mommy."

She gives the former Queen a mock pout, "Have you been a bad mother?"

"I have taught him to keep himself safe first. He won't come for me, because he knows it would endanger us both."

"How boring." Thamaya walks over to the tree behind the trapped woman, "Then you have to entertain me until he learns that you should never listen to your mother. I already have a few ideas on how we can pass the time."

She cuts into the tree, cracking the bark open, piece by piece. "I think we should test the theory. See if this truly is a Lucky Charm. I always wanted to know. Come on. A little Luck won't hurt no one."

She grins sinisterly. "Oh, but silly me. I guess this one will hurt badly."

[ ~1387 words ]

NULBURNAD THORN

thirties? | they/them | 180 cm | Half-Dragoneer | Bullmarian

Facts hold your feet to the ground

Mind wanders off, chasing the sound

Of the storm clouds that whispered of home

From in between the truth and what we see

The thunder calls out what we choose to perceive

Echoing the size of our world

Ooooh, time will pass, and reduce to ash, our bones

— Will Cady

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Prompt from:@oc-tober2023

[ I am not following the same order ]

~ Souvenir

Nimble hands ghost over the neatly folded papers and books that lie on the extravagant desk. The scribbles on it told her nothing, but the pictures intrigued her. The broom along with her duties long forgotten as she curiously bends over the desk.

"I’m certain there are more pressing matters you should attend to."

The sudden voice spooks her, nearly dropping her broom as she spins around to the speaker.

"I am so sorry. I didn't mean to, it's not ever going to happen again. Please." Her pleading eyes met Nulburnad casually leaning against the doorframe, one eye was glowing yellow and the other was black. "Forgive me."

The servant dips her head low, shivers running through her fragile body. She was properly scared.

Nulburnad had noticed it rather early. Those not opposed to showing their dislike for them openly, were afraid of them. It's nothing Nulburnad personally bothered to correct or diminish, perhaps they even found some kind of delight in it. Reminding them of better times, when others still had good reason to fear them.

Nowadays there is little reason to fear them at all. It was an unnecessary struggle in their eyes, trying to hold onto the past.

"Stealing is a fairly good reason for someone in your situation to be replaced." They enter their study room, a dark green silk robe billowing behind after each step they take. Nulburnad ignores the whimpering servant and instead goes over to check if all was still in place. It was.

"It appears your only crime today is slacking off on your work."

The young servant breaks down properly now, tears streaming down her face as she crashes to the ground, weeping as she presses her face onto the floor.

"Thank you, Your Highness. Your kindness is too much for me to take."

They lift an impatient eyebrow. "I can punish you, if you'd prefer." Before adding: "And its Sovereign."

"I no!" She sits upwards in an instant, eyes wide, "I-I mean no, your eh, Sovereign. Please don't eat me."

Nulburnad rolls their eyes. Their ignorance is a constant thorn in their eyes. 

"I don't eat people." That was the truth, but they couldn't hide a small smirk accompanying their next words: "Too many bones."

Her eyes widened further. "I- I did not mean to disrespect you. It's just the rumours-" she bit down on her tongue, looking to the side.

"They are just that. Rumours. You should make up your own opinion." Nulburnad pushes their coat skirt over the chair, before sitting down at their desk. "No one from the east is eating human flesh. We are not so different from you as you may think. Check the facts first, before you believe what others tell you."

"Ooh." She clutches her broom tighter as she gets back to her feet, clinging to her Sovereigns every word. "So you can't breathe fire either?"

Nulburnad lifts a skeptical eyebrow, silently questioning her intelligence. "I cannot. No." It seems necessary to clarify.

She nods, one hand wandering to her chin, apparently there were more questions wanting to escape her.

"If that is all, you may leave-" They were about to dismiss her, when their eyes wandered to an empty spot at the corner of their desk. There was certainly something missing there. Something very valuable.

"Where is it?" Nulburnad jumps from their chair, pointing at the empty corner of their desk.

The servant blinks, following their finger. "I don't-"

"I have placed something very valuable right at the corner of my desk. Don't tell me it hasn't been there. I memorised all my prized possessions, you can't fool me."

She stutters, the tears once more daring to fall. "I-I was just cleaning. I didn't take nothing. I swear."

"Cleaning?" Nulburnad walks around the desk and right where it was supposed to lay, they bend downwards, looking below. There it was, fallen beneath the table, reflecting the light off the fire, it almost looks like it was calling for them. With relief they take the small trinket into their hands, dusting it off with careful hands.

"I-I didn't see it. I must have knocked it over by accident. It wasn't my intention to steal."

Nulburnad sighs, keeping it close to their person, shielding it from the servant's eyes.

"Do your task more properly next time. Now leave." They waited until she was out of sight, closing the door behind her.

Only then they walk closer to the fire, revealing a small silver ring in their palm. It had a very simple engraving on its top, lacking the elegance their currently worn jewelry exhibits. Silver too, wasn't a material they wore often.

Yet they clung to it, like it was the most precious item they possessed.

Turning it towards the light, the engraving reflected off the fire revealing the weak image of a wingless dragon. They smile at the memory attached to it. It had been a merry festival held in the east, to celebrate their dragon god Lim. Nulburnad had never gone to one before, but after relentless nagging, his friend convinced him to go and while there, brought this little souvenir for them, as a keepsake of their time together. A gift. A memory. 

Nulburnad took off one of their golden rings and put on the silver one instead. It looked very out of place on their long fingers, but they did not mind the incompatibility.

Afterall, it did reflect Nulburnads relationship with their friend perfectly. He had been charming, warm and carefree. All qualities Nulburnad had been told they lacked. Nulburnad always knew what they wanted and they were good at getting it. That was just a fact. Emotions and needs of others played a very little role in it. Sometimes even his own were left behind. How else could one achieve their goals? How else could one keep their promises?

Looking at the ring, it seemed almost like yesterday when he had given them the souvenir. When Nulburnad's ambitions had cost their friendship. And yet they have no regrets. They are closer to their goal than ever before, and that tells them it was worth it. That was all the jewel was there to remind them of. The past can fade into the back of your mind. A souvenir cannot.

[ ~1050 words ]

THAMAYA ATIYA

[ 1 ] [ 2 ]

Prompt from @oc-tober2023

[ I am not following the same order ]

CW: Violence, bloody fight, biting limbs off

~ Free choice

"No, wait! You-you like to cut things, right?"

Thamaya closes one eye, licking her lips as she aims her knife at the dangling woman not far in front of her. Perhaps that will shut her up.

"Why not save your skill for the Underfolk, they will come when they smell my blood. You better not attract them."

"Never heard of that." Thamaya narrowed her eye, it was dark in the forest but she had never missed her target yet. Perhaps this knife truly was lucky.

"If you throw that knife, they will come."

She ignored the woman, her need to draw blood bigger than whatever that woman was talking about. She gets ready to throw, but just as she was about to let go, a sudden flash of light blinds her and she has to shield her eyes.

"What the-"

She didn't get to voice her surprise, as one of the ugly fuckers crashed through the thicket, ready to pounce on the former Queen.

Thamaya grips her knife tightly, teeth pressed together. "That is my bait! Find your own."

Before it could jump on her captive, she slashes its leatherly skin open, it wailed, tattered wings flopping behind it like a dark coat.

If it can bleed, it can die. Thamaya smirks, adrenaline rushing through her veins, she mocks the creature, excited by the thrill of a possible fight.

It turned its attention to her fully, jumping with bared teeth. Thamaya was quick, she dodged, slashed its legs, landed another hit on its back. Then it swung around too quickly, long arms hitting her making her skid over the moss below. She could feel blood running down her nose, as she crouched, never once losing her footing. She licks the blood off, delicious.

"Cut me loose. I can help you." 

Thamaya groans, she should have let the babbling woman die. "Shut it."

Then she sprints forward, quick feet leaping into the air, knife at the ready as she let out a battle cry. Landing on the blind creatures back, she cut into its flesh, cackling, as it spun around confused, arms unable to reach her.

Then she grabbed its bald head, only a few loose strands of hair remaining, before she placed her knife on its throat and sliced it open. It trashed around wildly, fighting the inevitable, it held its bleeding throat. Thamaya jumped off of it and as she did, she watched it stumbling back into the woods.

"So, where were we." She spins around towards her captive, flicking her knife once to get rid of the inky blood.

"That's not going to stop it. It will be back. Cut me loose and I'll help you."

Thamaya scoffs. "You wish-"

Something heavy slammed into her, knocking the breath out of her. She flies to the ground, ungracefully this time, it was hard to breathe.

"Cut me down. It will curse us both. Quickly!"

Thamaya gets back on her feet, this time slower. "Would you just fucking shut up!" Her shout was loud, the creatures blank eyes on her in an instant. She had never lost a fight before, only that once, no, no she won that too in the end. It didn't count. She won't loose against this creature either.

It seized her, Thamaya could still see the cut she had left on it, but whatever had made it run before, seems to have vanished. If it can bleed, it can die. She tells herself once more, gripping her knife tighter, she roars as she swung herself at it.

She cut into its shoulder, then a sudden pain running through her own. She gasped, it was biting her.

"No!" She swung her head forward, hitting its own ugly face with her own, then she bit down too, teeth catching its nose. It came off easy.

It let her go, hands trashing through his face. She used that moment to sprint forward, knife at the ready, but this time, it saw her coming and caught her mid-sprint, slamming her back into the ground. It held her down, its face forming into an O as it starts to inhale. She struggled beneath it, but suddenly all her strength left her, she felt cold all of a sudden - weak.

"Its cursing you with the Rot! Cut me loose, I'm your only chance!"

That blasted woman again. Thamaya didn't need anyone saving her, she could cut it down herself… she can. Her eyelids started to get heavy, daring to close. What was wrong with her?

"Do it! Quick!"

Biting down on her teeth, she gribs her knife tighter, she has only one chance, it needs to hit. She gets ready to throw it, aims, and watches it soar through the air. One snap and the rope holding the false Queen upright, is cut in half. Lucky Charm indeed.

She met the womans eyes for a moment, there was hesitation. She could just run and leave her here. Thamaya let out a hollow laugh. What a cursed choice it was.

Then the blinding light made her shrink away, closing her eyes on instinct, but with the light, the warmth returned to her limbs and suddenly she was back to her old self.

As the light subsided, the creature was nowhere in sight and all that remained was her captive, that was no longer caught in her trap.

Thamaya jumped to her feet, knife still in hand.

"You could have run."

The woman meets her gaze, her former confidence fully restored, it made Thamaya grimace. "You could have left me hanging."

Thamaya didn't say anything, but studying the woman more closely. Why did she not run, why wasn't she running now? She wanted to cut her open, used her for bait to capture her son. She had been very clear about her intentions towards her. Why did she stay?

"How about we call it even. We chose to help each other in a dire situation. Truce for a moments time, to honour our decisions." She held out her hand and Thamaya just looked at it enstranged. 

"I still want to cut you open. See your insides." She watches the woman attentive, not trusting her intentions at all. Perhaps she had gone mad.

"In the eyes of the Underfolk we all look the same. It would have devoured us both. With a common enemy, we chose to stick together. What happens after is on us."

"So I can chase you down once more?" That doesn't sound too bad actually. The chase is the most fun.

"You have my word." She extents her hand a little further, reminding Thamaya of it.

She licks her lips, weighing her options. Cutting her down now and possibly being yelled at for damaging her or having the thrill of a chase all over again? Yeah, why was she even thinking about it.

She grabbed her hand tightly. "Agreed."

The woman smiled. "Perfect."

Then a fist came flying towards her face and all went dark.

[ ~ words 1160 ]

NULBURNAD

[ 1 ] [ 2 ]

~ History

The wind was ice cold so high up on the mountaintops, the path snakes along through the gaps of the rocks, unsteady and loose. 

Nulburnad was cold when they arrived at the top, another reminder of their mortality.

There stood a statue, the image of a giant wolf with long teeth and three eyes looking down at the fortress below. The people of Skaeld had built it to honour their god, but knowing the god of mountains, its size did nothing to his real image.

"I need a favour." Nulburnad throws the dead rabbit they had carried onto the stoney ground in front of them.

Suddenly, the rock before them moved, it leaped into the air and landed only inches from them. Now in the form of a gigantic wolf, blaring its teeth.

"Not even polite enough to grant me a reaction, sibling." The wolf smacks his tongue, backing away disappointed at Nulburnads absence of a reaction.

"And all you bring me is a tiny rabbit." The wolf pushed the dead body with his paw, watching it flop over, "Should I eat you instead?"

"I am here on serious business."

"Why not chat with me first? I've met Arcos the other day, they said they wanted the items back they gifted you." The wolf cackles, a strange sound coming from a giant animal.

"You told them of me?" Nulburnad frowns displeased.

The wolf just walks around them, wagging his tail as he does, "I told them that you supposedly died. Thought you both were quite close to each other back then. Guess I was wrong. They were more interested in the lost treasure that you hid away. I still wonder, why did you come to me for help and not them?"

"I had to finish what I had started." Nulburnad says, serious.

The wolf flops down next to them, inching closer to the small Sovereign.

"You've made yourself quite cozy in the fortress have you not? Didn't the former Queen help in killing you? Sounds to me like you're after revenge."

Nulburnad scoffs, "I am not so petty. It's just a bad coincidence."

"Coincidence." The wolf muses, lifting his paws to draw the Sovereign closer to him, "Your heart tells a different story."

Nulburnad turns away from the wolf's penetrating gaze, his nosiness nothing they enjoy.

"I want to open mines into your mountain. Help the north support itself." 

The wolf didn't seem eager to talk about business, as he flops down on his side with a huff.

"Whatever you want to do, you always have good arguments for it. Do what you must." The wolf yawns, scratching its chin, "I'm glad you came actually. Heard alot about you stirring up trouble with that one mortal. You're rather fond of him, aren't you? Ralof, isn't it? He is one of my most loyal followers. I could tell you what he thinks of you too." The wolf smiles a toothy grin.

Nulburnad heard their heart beat faster, daring to deceive them. "I came here to discuss the mines. The Nords respect you greatly, Ulgrim. They wouldn't let me proceed without asking you first. I wouldn't be here otherwise."

"What are you afraid of? You know I can read your thoughts." Ulgrim smiles delightedly as he plants his giant head flat onto the stone, one yellow eye looking closely at the small person beside him, "Oh, he reminds you of someone. He is not so different to Ral the sun god, your former friend. Both are very positive and honest personalities. Wearing their emotions on their sleeves. How very human of them. You do have a type, don't you? I can see the resemblance now."

"Get out of my head." Nulburnad hisses, irritation in their movements as they pierce the wolf with a warning glare.

"Then you shouldn't have become my follower, you know. I always wondered what was going on in your head. Even back then when we were racing through the lands. You were so distant, so cold, but I liked your ruthlessness." The wolf then lifts their head again, placing one leg over the other, thinking, "Wasn't Ral there with us? I've barely ever seen you two apart. He was always a delight, wins everyone's hearts so easily, doesn't he? I never thought he could melt yours too. You have a lot of history together. Don't you wonder how he is doing today? If he regrets killing you or do you think he would try again?"

"There is no need to think about what is no longer important. I came to you for matters that impact the present." Nulburnad stared at the wolf, daring him to say anything else about the topic.

The wolf hummed, Nulburnad knew he would have liked to say more, but at least he knew when to stop. It seems the respect they both had for each other, had remained.

Ulgrim walks to the edge of the mountain. Below them sleeps the fortress of Skaeld restless and vulnerable. After a while Nulburnad joins him.

"There are many that disapprove of your arrival. They fear the changes that you will bring, the ones you already made. The Nords value tradition very much - threaten their beliefs and they will cut you down."

"They wouldn't be the first." Nulburnad crosses their arms in front of their chest, looking passively down onto the city, "I am not playing their parent like the former Queen had, there is no need to coddle them. The situation is getting worse, change is inevitable."

The wolf snickers. "You always loved stirring trouble, speaking words no one wants to hear. Don't make it sound like you had no other choice. You're enjoying it, I can tell. It's why Ral cut you down too, there are only so many rules one can break without angering a few."

"Let them be angry then." Nulburnad says, "Someone has to say how is it. I wouldn't want to remain ignorant either. Besides, never thought you interested in the politics of mortals."

"Despite what our siblings say, I am not a feral beast like Shlaegor." The wolf growls, "I have my reasons."

They were silent for a moment, enjoying the night air, the blackened starless night sky pressing down on them from above.

"It's not so much the mortals that worry me. Some gods have become aware of your presence." The wolf was serious now, "Uwila has always been meddlesome in human affairs. She had asked me to investigate you and give her information."

Nulburnad looks at the wolf, the one confidant they entrusted their circumstances with and the one they had asked to keep it a secret.

The wolf cackles then. "I told her to suck it!"

Nulburnad found no amusement in it. Uwila was nothing but persistent. If they had raised her interest, she would soon send someone to investigate them.

"Even the old gods seem to take an interest in you. Seems like the old days, doesn't it? You are only here for a month now and already stepping on everyone's feet." The wolf speaks, restlessness making him stand back up on his paws.

Then he gets serious, head tilting downwards to better perceive Nulburnads small form.

"What I am concerned about is their constant presence. The old gods are lingering around my domain. They never cared for it before." The wolf fletched his teeth for a moment, a nervous habit perhaps, "I can live with you stirring up trouble with the mortals, but you are starting to attract the old gods, endangering my followers. Fate had watched Ralof rather closely as of late. I fear your meeting with him was entirely made by Fate themselves. So tell me, what have you done to get the old gods so interested?"

"Fate had sent the former Queen after me before, in an attempt to stop me. I am not going to fall for the same trick twice. If Fate wants Ralof to stand in my way, I will not be moved by it. The darkness has gone out of control and I will stop it."

The wolf tilts his head. "In all our history together, I never thought you had gained the title god of ice for your personality but I am starting to believe it now. Do as you please, but I draw the line at dragging my followers into your mess. We do not want the old gods here. If you keep antagonising them, I feel forced to act."

Nulburnad almost smiles at Ulgrims threat, it meant very little to them.

"Every god had turned a blind eye to the increasing darkness. As gods, mortals swear on our protection. Who else should be responsible for the misery that has befallen mortality if not to us. Your domain is said to have the highest increase of Underfolk, that should be something you worry about and not the interest Fate has in me."

"We were doing just fine hunting those bastards." The wolf bared his teeth, "It keeps them at bay and it will keep doing so. You're just holding onto your misplaced heroism because you're afraid that Ral has been right in stopping your madness!"

"Fighting them won't help the situation." Nulburnad remained calm, "You can't kill what's already dead. Don't you see? You're just avoiding the inevitable The darkness doesn't spare gods and if you keep eating them, you'll be the next to fall. They will devour you from the inside."

"Ral had killed you for overstepping all the boundaries there are. You are doing it again!" The Wolf barks, "I protect my domain as I see fit. Your criticism is not welcome here!"

"I am doing my responsibility as a god. I promised my followers protection and I will not let them down."

"And see where that has taken you. You are no god any more, dear sibling. Your influence is limited. Give up now, before it's too late."

Ulgrim looks down at Nulburnads small form. Mortal and fragile, but they refused to believe they hold no power. They had seen this coming. Friends and siblings turning on them, it was to be expected when Fate was on their game, but something they can look past. It's not their fault to not see clearly.

Nulburnad knew that they can succeed in their goal. No matter the cost. To achieve it, they could not waver, especially not when they want it the most. Even when they have to stand alone, facing friends and foes alike. Fate was nothing but persistent, but so could they.

Ral had caught them off guard once, it won't happen again with Ralof.

History will not repeat itself. This time, Nulburnad will be prepared and they will defy Fate and cure the darkness for good.

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 ]

AEGON

[ 1 ] [ 2 ]

~ Weapon

Aegon had never been a fighter but he can respect a good made weapon if he sees one. Perhaps it was that or sheer curiosity that brought him down towards the lower district where it was said, the best blacksmith of all Skaeld resided.

Surprising enough, the people still looked up to stare at him, but that could also be because of his well-made clothes Elora had provided for him. And as quickly as they had looked up, they were looking elsewhere again.

He was starting to like it down here. Why does everyone always say to avoid this place? The market was held down here too. Everyone seemed to enjoy that.

Then suddenly someone bumped into him, due to his tall frame it barely made him stumble, but the moment he wanted to see if the person was alright, they already vanished into the next alley.

They seem very hurried down here. He thought.

"The weapon you described is expensive. I usually only add embellishments for the crown."

"Not a problem. That is why I brought…" it wasn't there, he was sure he put his purse right inside his inner vest pocket, but it was empty. Just in case, he checked the other side but there was also nothing to be found. 

Looking a bit embarasses he met the blacksmiths solemn face. "I must have dropped it. I am sure I put it in here."

"Robbed." He said, snifling once, before continuing hammering on his anvil.

"What?!" Aegon had to shout over the loud noise the man was making.

"You were most likely robbed. Happens." They shrug like its the most common occurance.

"Oh, I didn't notice." Then he remembers the person running into him, it must have happened then. He let his shoulders hang, that were all the earnings he has gotten from Elora. Now it was all gone. 

"I'm afraid I have to come back another time for my request. Is there anything you can tell me to prevent it from happening again?"

The man mumbles something under his breath, before meeting Aegons gaze beneath bushy eyebrows. "Eyes sharp. Weapon at the ready. You're tall also. Keep valuable things high up where they can't easily reach."

That makes sense. "Thank you. You are a very kind soul, sir. I shall recommend you to my friends. Then I will come back to pay you for your good services."

The man just huffs as an answer. Not much a conversationalist, but Aegon didn't mind that.

"I heard there are other things that one can do to entertain oneself here. Any suggestions?"

The man hummed and Aegon understood it as the sign for the man thinking.

"My son likes to go to the market often. Helps them out. Othertimes he visits the dwarven tavern at the very outskirts of the district. Its cheap. But I wouldn't recommend you going there. They eat you alive."

Aegon blinks at the vivid image the man was painting for him. "Then if I were to go there would your previous advise apply to it too?"

"Absolutley not!"

Aegon raised both eyebrows surprised about the mans sudden outburst.

"If you show up with a weapon into the dwarven district, you better know how to use it. Because you will need to use it."

"Oh." Aegon scatches his chin in thought, "You said your son would go there often. What would he say about inviting a few other people over."

The mans steely gaze suddenly turned ten times more darker, if that were even possible and Aegon shivered underneath it.

"Listen here, rich boy." He lifted the smeltering hot iron and Aegon takes a careful step back, "You came here to make business with me. Don't ever drag my boy into your affairs, treat me all you like, but leave him out of it."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disrespect you. I will drop it, never going to mention it again."

The man huffs again, seemingly a common way of dismissing Aegons words.

"Why do you want to go anyway? Don't you have enough stuff up at your own fancy district?"

"Well, a dwarven tavern sounds like a good time."

"Not if it costs your life."

"Then, do you know where I could possibly learn to wield that weapon you are going to craft for me?" Aegon smiles, hoping to not having bothered the man too much yet. He was just the only one willing to talk to him down here.

"Once you pay me. I ain't working for free."

"Yes, of course." Aegon nods.

"Well, then." He seems to be thinking, "The guards around the walls are still recruiting. They can teach you."

Aegon frowns, before lowering his voice, "Aren't they awfully violent?"

The man looks at him, his patience visibly running thin.

"Never mind." Aegon waves the question off. "I already have a job anyway. Can't really leave it. I'll figure out how that weapon will work another way. Thank you for your patience, good man. You will hear from me again when I have earned back the money I lost."

"Stolen."

"Well, we don't know that for certain."

"I do."

Aegon presses his lips together at the stubborness of this man. He doesn't even seem to like to humour a different mindset, a possibly more creative conclusion. How to know anything at all, right? Maybe they are all just guessing.

Yet, he kept his phylosophics to himself, knowing he had taken up enough of this mans time already. "I will see you again in good time for my weapon."

With that he bids his farewell. He truly did not know why so many avoid this place. There hadn't been one person asking to touch his ears since he was here.

He felt a little bit lighter.

[ bonus image at the end ]

~ Halloween

"Oh, I know what this is. I've seen one of those done before." Aegon says being the first to snatch a pumpkin from the table and takes a seat.

"What do we do, exactly?" Nulburnad asks skeptically.

"Hollow it out, then carve scary faces into them. We will put a candle in there which will light it up by night." Elora explains.

"That's what the knives are for! To take their brains out! Ha!" Thamaya is quick to grab her own knife, swinging it in her hand, "Luckily I always come prepared."

"In case you need to take a brain out? Does that happen often?" Ralof asks confused.

"Not as often as I would like." She sighed, taking a pumpkin, smashing it onto the table to instantly bury her knife inside of it - wildly poking it.

"Losers will take the last one." Lorna pushes past them, taking a pumpkin of her own with a knife from the table. 

"It's a competition?" Ralof looks alarmed, "I want to win!" He takes a pumpkin and knife and follows Lorna to the table.

Now only Nulburnad, Sael and Elora remain. 

"It's not a competition." Nul comments.

"No." Elora sighs, "There is nothing to win, I just wanted them to help me with the decorations."

"Meaning you're not participating?" There was a smile wanting to snake onto Nulburnads lips.

"I can't let them out of my sight. They will mess up somehow. I just know it."

"It's not easy gaining your approval, Seeress, now is it?" They were smiling now.

"It's not something anyone should aim for. I am not their god."

"Ah, for a moment I thought you were going to say their mother, but I think both imply the same in a way."

She frowns, "If you want to insult me, you'd have to do better than that."

"You'd know if-"

"No matter what you say, you're helping too. No getting around that." Elora moves forward and grabs a pumpkin, shoving it into Nulburnads arms.

They make a grimace. "It looks kind of messy…"

"Not if you do it properly." She moves to take another pumpkin to place it in Sael's hands, before taking her own, her eyes already scanning the starting works of the others. 

It was cozy, it was chatty, everyone was working together and it was a merry time. 

"Done!" Aegon announces as the first, turning his pumpkin around to show it to the others.

It was beautifully carved. Not a face, but a tree with different shades of depth, it will only really be visible at night, but the details were already quite visible.

"Oh, how did you do the branches?" Ralof says with awe, leaning on the table to better see.

"Don't take too much pressure with the knife."

"Bullshit." Lorna snorts, before turning her own around to be shown. It wasn't bad either, it simply lacked the finer details. Instead, it had a scary grimace, hollowed out completely, it looked proper scary.

"You need to think of the person you hate the most and with that anger inside you, you carve."

Aegon swallowed. "It seems you really do hate them."

"A knife is there to cut." Thamaya provides, licking her lips. She didn't even have to turn her pumpkin around, because quite frankly, it no longer resembled one. It was a mess. She cut all pieces wildly into parts, apparently still eating the insides. It looked like it exploded.

"I don't think it's edible raw." Nulburnad provides, with a raised eyebrow.

"And that was not the task! You ruined the pumpkin, do you know how expensive they are?" Elora fumes, ruffling her hair.

"Calm down, pointy. This one was halfway rotten already, someone tried to fool you. So its worth right now probably resembles the one you brought it at."

"Why are you eating a rotten pumpkin? You know what, I don't even wanna know." Elora waves her own comment off, turning away from Thamaya to show her own. "Perhaps I should have shown my own first, as a reference."

Hers was neatly carved. No odd edges, nothing looking out of the ordinary. The face she carved on was bordering on the scary, up to the point where you know what it was supposed to be, but by far not as scary as Lornas. It was normal, average at best. You could sell it, but its nothing special.

"Oh! Mine next!" Ralof exclaims excited, waving into the round, before lifting his carved pumpkin into the air with a big wide smile.

Everyone squinted their eyes. It wasn't badly carved, but at parts he had dug in deeper and other's he seemed to have failed to do so. It could resemble a face, but it could also just be random holes poked into the thing.

"What exactly… is it?" Elora asks.

"A troll." Lorna provides confident.

"I think it looks more like a- a- like a-" Aegon trails off.

"Repeatedly stabbed pig." Thamaya finishes for Aegon, making everyone grimace at the mental image.

"Oh, but I like it." Aegon tries to remain supportive, "It could mean something different for each of us."

"What, no, I thought it was obvious." Ralof frowns, looking at his own carving now, "That's Nul."

Everyones blinks, the room quieting down.

"It doesn't even remotely resemble me." Nulburnad says, leaned back casually in their chair, back straight.

"What of course it does. See." Ralof points at a hole in the pumpkin, "Those are your eyes, that's your frown and your scales."

There were stifles laughter around the room.

Nulburnad frowns at the offending object. "Then let me rephrase my question. Why would you put my face on a decoration meant to scare people?"

Ralof seems surprised. "Oh, I just, that was the first thing that came to mind when Elora said to carve a face. I didn't mean your face is scary to look at…"

"She said to carve a scary face." He deadpanned, "And you got the scales on the wrong side."

"We need to put it up the front door!" Lorna was laughing loudly, "I would even buy it off you, Ralof."

"We are not having people associate that grimace with my face." Nul disagrees.

"But, I did put alot of effort into it." Ralof sighs, shoulder slumping down. 

Aegon pats his shoulder in sympathy. "I really, really like it. I can see the resemblance."

"No!" Nul jumps from their seat, making everyone look up surprise, they never raise their voice, "I will not tolerate people misconceptioning me. I am not scary."

Everyone was quiet, too surprised or intimidated to say anything.

"Then what you got? Must be a masterwork, eh?" Lorna says, not in the slightest affected by their outburst.

"If you're not finished yet, you can have a little bit more time." Aegon says kindly.

They seem to quickly gather thenselves, clearing their throat. Before with one swift movement, the pumpkin was turned around to show…

nothing.

"I am done." They cross their arms in front of their chest, "It's the sun."

Elora squints, "It's a pumpkin."

"Place a candle atop it and it shines like the sun. What you all staring at?"

"Are you afraid of the sun or what?" Lorna seems amused, dangling in her chair.

"It's bright." Sael adds to the conversation and Nulburnad looks at him for a moment, before he addresses the group again:

"Pah, we got two people scared of the light now, and once I thought I am crazy for being scared of the voiced in my head." Thamaya barks.

"You're still crazy, my dear." Lorna comments drily.

"Aww, you're adorable when you try to be mean." Thamaya grins.

Lorna just huffs in response.

"I am not afraid of him."

"Him?" Elora frowns, "You know the sun-?"

"You just said, it has to be a scary face." Lorna interrupts with a bored wave of her hand. "So that means Ralof thinks your face is scary and you are afraid of the sun. Simple."

"Ah, no I dont think them scary." Ralof shakes his head, "I actually think it's nice to look at-."

"That was the task Elora gave us, but…" Nulburnad seem to hesitate, staring at the empty pumpking for a moment, "I just didn't want to get my hands dirty."

An onset of groans and sighs went through the group.

"Does that mean I win?" Thamaya says with a sinister smile.

"We haven't seen Sael's yet." Aegon says, looking at the Saelethir, sitting quietly to his right.

"Sael, what did you do with the pumpkin?" Aegon asks him, propping his head onto his hand.

Sael seems to be looking into the room, seemingly surprised to being adressed, before he takes the pumpkin and turns it towards them. It was bank as well, just like Nulburnads, but his hands remained on its surface. Then he closed his eyes and his hands suddenly glow bright like the stars. That very moment, the pumpkin seems to grow, vines swirl out of the top of it and when it had doubled in size, he let go again.

Everyone blinks, baffled and amazed.

"That was sick." Lorna comments.

"Does that mean you can repair mine? Then I can take out its insides twice!" Thamaya says excitedly jumping up.

"Why not just use Nulburnads?" Lorna provides.

"Oh, no, no. I won't let you ruin another pumpkin." Elora was quick to snatch Nulburnads pumpkin away.

"Careful." Nulburnad says, as they watch Elora take their pumpkin. She frowns.

"Then let's place them all outside and wait til night to see them glow." Ralof exclaims. 

"Race you." Lorna says already up on her feet with her pumpkin, running down the hallway.

Ralof was quick to snatch his own, pushing the chair over as he stumbled after her.

"Don't ruin the rest of the decorations!" Elora shouts after them, but they were already gone. "Or the house for that matter."

"Told you." Nulburnad starts, "Festivities go up in flames more often than you think."

"I'm starting to see why."

[ Bonus ]

@oc-tober2023

SUMMARY

All of ARN | ~Hatred | ~Saviour | ~Ritual

All of SAEL | ~Home | ~Choice | ~Education

All of LORNA | ~Foreigner | ~Food

All of ELORA | ~Flashback | ~Promise | ~Mask

All of RALOF | ~Found Family | ~Fun

All of THAMAYA | ~Charm | ~Free Choice

All of NULBURNAD | ~Souvenir | ~History

All of AEGON | ~Excuse | ~Weapon

~October