Ping list:
Bluepearl13, Orcastration, Whiterosealliance, Luminousheart
Signup:
https://www.sylestia.com/forums/?thread=85811
Characters:
Avalee Rinehart / 23 / female / human / BluePearl13
Veles / 31 / male / Half Dragon / BluePearl13
Meinke / 18 / Male / human / Orcastration
Arlena Octavia / 19 / female / human / Orcastration
Mercy Chords / 25 / female / elf / Luminousheart
Hisaka Percival / 28 / Male / human / Luminousheart
Horace Memoriae / 26 / Male / human / Whiterosealliance

It was a normal day in the kingdom of Solanara. Well, almost normal. Many people were traveling to Ala city for the Queen's festival that would be beginning in a few days. The town buzzed with excitement. Inn keepers hurriedly prepared their rooms and shops stocked their shelves. It was to be a momentous occasion.

Avalee set her stuff down in a little corner of the street. She pulled out her guitar and sat down. She gently strummed it as she slowly began to think of what she would play. The words began to flow from her lips as she played a little harder. "I won't forget you, I won't forget you, for my love will always be with you." She began to sing. At first, people walked quickly by, visibly anguished, as though it was painful to avoid it. Then, as the music picked up, people caved and Avalee soon found a small crowd listening. As the little crowd grew, she jumped up and began to dance as she played. The crowd grew larger still and people began to give her money. She giggled and pulled more people into her dance.

Veles walked slowly through town. People seemed to be in high spirits, but why wouldn't they? They were celebrating their queen's rule. What was greater? He smiled occasionally at people as he passed by. Most people smiled and waved back. They all had a general idea of who he was. He stopped by a stall and but a cookie, then kept walking as he bit into said baked good.

Horace was sitting on the stiff seat of a carriage. The sound of hooves clicking against stone, wheels squeaking as they swiveled, and the chatter of people around filled his ears. He rolled the marbles up and down his fingers while looking around. The carriage's pace slowed as they got closer to where the shops were. "...Stop," he said to the coachman. The horses slowed down and stopped with a sniff. He stuffed the marbles in his pocket and took his case filled with notes and observations. He opened the door and readjusted his clothes. He paid the coachman (what do you even do?) and went off into the crowd. He was out of paper and ink... and milk. He heard the faint notes of a guitar and noticed one of Arim's children walking around. He looked around him, trying to find what he needed.

(Wow I actually had time to post...and now I shall leave)

(*no time to read, yipes)

Meinke was simply quietly staying out of sight, deep in the castle. He sti didnt trust that the bandages hes just been given by the Queen wouldnt disintegrate on him, in his nervous state. He wasn't used to so many people, even after all these years....

Arlena had her hood up, as she ventured into the town. Shed fiured now would be a perfect time to find out he latest news-nkt there ever was any. Just because she was a rebel didnt mean she couldnt have some fun sneaking around either. Plus....maybe she could get a little something to help her dream of crossing the endless desert or ocean.

Hisaka wrote at his desk, tapping his foot nervously as he scribbled out a letter. It wasn't often that he wrote to his father, but he tried to make a habit of doing it at least once a month. His father hadn't spoken a word to him ever since he made the move to Ala City to continue his "career" in magic, but he felt the need to write him, because they hadn't spoken face to face in years, ten years to be exact. He didn't even know if he opened the letters or just tossed them out, but... he felt bad leaving his father all alone for so long.

Dear Father,

I don't know if you read these letters or not, but I will continue to send them anyways. I know I disappoint you with my choices, but I feel like I'm truly who I am for the first time in a very long time. I will always miss your guidance, even if I claimed to despise you. I said some things I regret, and I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me one day, because I forgave you long ago. You were protecting me, but sometimes the bird needs to be let out of the cage to thrive. That is all, I hope things are going well for you at home.

With all respect and love, Your Son.

The blonde male sighed softly, leaving the paper on his desk to mail off at a later date. He stood, and when he went to go open his fridge, he found it was completely empty. A frown tugged at the corner of his mouth before snatching his jacket off his chair, walking down the creaky stairs to exit his study. When he opened his door, he almost forgot the celebration that was going to take place in a few days. The streets were even more crowded than usual. He frowned at all the commotion, before closing and locking his door behind him.

Now, he ventured out onto the town, looking for a store that sold cheap goods. Money was hard to come by, since his healing magic was only needed every so often. Still, when he did heal someone, he was paid well.

---

Mercy was sitting on a windowsill, glumly staring out from her room. Everyone was so busy today, and she couldn't even venture out into town like Veles was allowed to. She was slightly jealous Arim treasured him so much, but she couldn't let that bother her too much. After all, Mercy knew exactly why she was never allowed to go out most times.
"You know, we could always go have some fun together." Spite's honeyed voice seemed to break her train of thought, and the elf's gaze wandered to the mirror across her room. IN that reflection, she could see Spite sitting right next to her, grinning wickedly. She gave him a sharp glare, before resuming to pout at the window.
"No. Leave me alone. Your idea of fun is barbaric."
"Aw, don't be such a killjoy. You're never fun, you just waste away while being a dog to Arim... A pooch at her disposal. You realize we could be so much more, right? If you would just help return my soul to my body, we-"
"I said enough, Spite!" Mercy snapped.

After a few songs, Avalee put her guitar away. She carefully set the money she had gained away. A few people stopped her as she began to leave and she happily chatted with them before she was off. She made her way to the edge of town where her wagon and her dogs were waiting. "Juni! Crim! I am home!" She cooed. She pulled a box of dried steak from her satchel and gave it to the dogs. They happily scarfed it down as she pat their heads.

Veles sat down on the side of the road. He stretched out his wings. His eyes focused in on a rather colorful rock in front of him. He picked it up and turned it around in his hands. He stayed like that for a brief moment then pocketed it and ran back to the castle.

Arim quietly tapped Mercy's shoulder. "Mercy, my child, do you think you will be able to help with security during the festival?" She asked gently. This festival had to go on without a hitch. It could be very dangerous considering the rising numbers of rebels.

Mercy jumped, startled by the sudden contact, but nodded once at Arim.
"O-Of course, I'd love to help." She dipped her head, grinding her teeth as Spite continued to torment her.
"Ah, so you do want to go into town! Haha! I knew it! I need to stretch my legs, wait, I mean your legs. Maybe we could, I don't know, go steal my body? Wouldn't you love to get rid of me?"
"For the love of god, Spite. Shut up. I said no." She muttered under her breath before standing back up straight. "Is there something wrong? Normally you'd ask Veles to do this type of thing. N-Not that I'm complaining, I appreciate the chance to help."
Despite being antisocial to most people, she was very polite and held the upmost respect for Arim, so her normally scowling face was soft and genuine as she spoke.

Arim smiled. "Veles can't do everything all at once dear. The festival is a huge deal and I can't allow anything to go wrong." She said. She sat down beside Mercy. "Is your... friend, causing you problems again?" She asked. She grabbed Mercy's hand and tilted her head to the side.

"Go on, tell her what I'm saying, what I'm planning. I can kill anyone in this place if I want. You wouldn't want that, now would you? Be a good girl and make the right choice."
Mercy winced a little at Spite's words. He wasn't one to lie, or say empty threats, so she took him seriously. She looked to Arim with a half hearted smile, holding her hand a little tighter.
"Spite's just... restless, and talkative. Nothing to worry about though, he's just excited for a change of routine."
"There's my obedient little elf. You've always been so easy, Mercy. Ever since you found my soul in the woods that night. Such a kind girl for taking me in, when I was dying."
"He promises not to start anything, after all, he gets bored and doesn't want to pass this up."

Arim gently rubbed Mercy's cheek. "Thank you my daughter. I am also going to get Meinke to help with the festival. The poor boy needs to get out of the castle." She said. She stood up and began to walk away. Her walk was rather regal, the clear signs of her royal life. She made her way deeper into the castle until she came upon Meinke. "Meinke? May I talk?" She whispered.

Veles returned to the castle. He pulled out the rock and looked around. He tapped his foot on the ground as he looked around. It was so pretty, the rock. He sort of wanted to show someone.