[Sandbox] Onyx Prairie - Western Quarter

[Aethyrium]

Stats

Strength: 5
Stamina: 3
Speed: 2
Shimmer: 3
Soul: 1
Brawl: 5
Melee: 0
Ranged: 0
Preparation: 0

Terrain Affinity: Forest, Mountain
Terrain Weakness: Desert, Aquatic
Element Affinity: Earth
Element Weakness: Water

Weapon Bonus: 12+2

Character Name: Marlowe Ashe
Date | Time: 01.02.1323 | Noon
Location: Rook’s Down Park
Wearing: Green long-sleeve crossover dress w/ heels and hat
Tagging | Mentioning: Hulta
Notes:
By no means had Marlowe ever considered Hulta an under-interactive participant in their affections. But there was definitely something different in the way Hulta was behaving now. A firmness in her touches. A subtle desperation in the way she pawed at Lolo. An assertiveness in the way she grabbed. A need in how eager she was. Lolo couldn’t place it firmly as belonging to any specific thing - but she wasn’t thinking about it very hard either. It was nice. If this was another way to apologize, she accepted it. If this was a neediness born of their separation, Lolo wanted more of it. Or maybe it was just Hulta finally learning to speak through physicality, and that too Marlowe approved of.

She peered at the bangle on her wrist, following Hulta’s eyes. Her hand moved to press it into Hulta’s, but the truth was she was greedily hoping those slender digits would touch her wrist as well. It was lovely - more beautiful than she would have imagined wood could be. Though if that was because she was appreciating the material or the sentiment of the object and what it represented she couldn’t decide. “Did you think I wouldn’t?” Lolo murmured. She smiled, able to understand that perhaps in the midst of their fight why she might be worried about that. “Home matters,” Lolo said, reaching out and folding her hand over Hulta’s fingers, squeezing them between her palm and the smooth surface, “Thank you for giving me part of it.” For letting her be part of it - that’s what Hulta had been saying, wasn’t it? That meant something, because home mattered to Hulta. “You’re going to have to teach me more words, so I can impress your parents next time we meet.” Lolo didn’t know how to make them see that Hulta was important to her. She couldn’t promise to understand. And she didn’t quite understand why they didn’t like her - her guesses aside. But those things had never stopped her before.

Her nostrils flared with exhalation. “Nothing felt right, after we fought.” How much of that had been Haymurk, and how much of it had been the falling out she wasn’t sure. It was a terrible combination, regardless. “You were embarrassed,” Lolo said with a small nod, accepting the explanation. She didn’t like it, but Hulta would hardly be the first to say something in embarrassment, “I understand.” Lolo twisted her hand around, letting her fingers dance idly over the back of Hulta’s knuckles, “Forgiving you was the easiest part,” she laughed a little, breathily, “I wanted to. Even when I was mad. I would have… That night, you know.” Lolo frowned and furrowed her brow at the sight of their hands, “There was just so much… Noise.” In her head. There still was. But it was quieter.

And more drowned out by watching her hand be taken high. She focused on Hulta, a grin spreading across her lips. Kissing sounded much better than confronting whatever was in the back of her head. Easier than dealing with failures at Pinewatch. More enjoyable than anything else she could come up with too! And fulfilling that want in Hulta? Lolo all but dove back into the woman, crashing their lips together. This felt like how things were supposed to be. Why worry about anything, when they could just do this instead?

[Eye of Horus]

Stats

Strength: 1
Stamina: 3
Speed: 3
Shimmer: 2
Soul: 3
Brawl: 1
Melee: 4
Ranged: 1
Preparation: 1

Terrain Affinity: Desert
Terrain Weakness: Aquatic, Swamp
Element Affinity: Lightning (black arcanite)
Element Weakness: Earth (green arcanite)

Weapon Bonus:12

Character Name: Dariaq Syvanios
Date | Time: 10.01.1323 | Evening
Location: Onyx western quarter -> Bristlewood
Wearing: Casual clothes
Tagging | Mentioning: Thessa Almentis
Notes: By Invitation Only
The look Thessa gave Dariaq was both disbelieving and judgemental. “Does the General know of this?”

Dari nodded. “We gave a statement to the OES and then went straight to her about it, after Robyn drove the salopard off.” He left out the part where he and Hulta would have been as dead as the two locals if not for their mentor’s timely arrival. Ellie had been equal parts shocked and livid that she hadn’t been there to help them too, he recalled with a pang. “No-one’s seen him since, so far as I know.”

Perhaps someone like Scarecrow would be able to track the murderer down, but Dari was already deep in the broker’s debt, with no more capital to leverage. He looked ahead, and saw the light winking through the distant trees.

“That has to be them.” he said, glancing at Thessa.

As they crept closer, cloaked by the gathering dusk, Dari was able to make out a voice coming from the trees. It was a strong voice, passionate but clear, and the accent was local - not the deceptively soft Hoenian lilt that Ocolos had projected. Dari was not relieved. He slowed to a cat-like stalk, each foot carefully placed as he and Thessa crept unseen through the trees towards the gathering. The small knot of Onyxian citizens - some Silenus, some elven - had their backs to them, their attention on the pair who stood at the middle of a small clearing. The young man stood atop a rotted tree stump, one side of his face illuminated by the arcanite lamp held up by his companion. A battered rickshaw stood nearby, an open crate next to it half-hidden by the tall weeds. The man looked like a fighter, his youthful face nicked by scars. He was preaching sedition.

”Where you reckon they get all that dust?” Thessa whispered to Dariaq. She was right behind him, close enough for her breath to tickle his ear.

Dari clenched his jaw, but didn’t reply. The young man’s words carried weight, and his charity even more so, but the context was all wrong. If the Benefactors wanted to help those who were struggling most, why did they need to travel so far outside the city to do it? There were surely less reckless places to hand off black-market arcanite.

Dari’s eyes found mister Khan among the knot of Onyxians huddling up in their winter coats. The rangy silenus had been frowning, his arms crossed as the man spoke, but when the woman produced the cylinders of glittering powder his eyes creased, and now he was cradling his share with a complicated expression on his lined features.

Thessa crept forward another half step, level with Dari. “Do think we need ta get all these fools outta here, not just Mr. Khan.”

“Exactement.” Dari whispered in agreement. He straightened from his feline crouch, and stepped out from the shadow of the trees.

“Keep watching.” the young man urged his captive audience. He didn’t notice Dari at first, even as he stepped into the light of the woman’s lamp. “The rot won’t last forever and once it is cleansed, we will inherit what comes next.”

“And what comes next, sir?” Dari asked, halting a short distance away from the group. He stood with hands resting quietly in his pockets, head tilted, as twenty pairs of eyes whirled towards him and Thessa. There were sounds of alarm, a few muttered curses. Dari heard mister Khan blurt his name aloud. The young man stiffened, his eyes flicking to the separated glaive sheathed over Dari’s shoulders, and the bladed shield slung over Thessa’s. Only one kind of person as young as they carried weapons openly.

“Squires.” the man identified them. He offered a smile, but there was frost on it. “A late patrol, is it? Or did the OES send you? We’re breaking no laws by being here.”

Despite his claim, the woman edged protectively closer to the crate of arcanite. The circle of citizens shifted uneasily, and Dari saw mister Khan look away, as if ashamed.

“The law isn’t our business.” Dari replied. It was true, though it felt like a lie. “Hollow are, though. This isn’t a safe place to be after dark.”

“Nowhere’s safe anymore.” a woman in the circle of onlookers muttered scathingly. A smile tugged at the bearded man’s lips.

“The Hollow hold no terror for me, young squire.” he stated without irony. Before Dari could call him a fool, he spread his arms and beckoned to Thessa. “Come, join us. The Benefactors wish for friends, not enemies. What should we call you, young lady?”

[Envious]

Stats

Strength: 3
Stamina: 2
Speed: 0
Shimmer: 4
Soul: 4
Brawl: 2
Melee: 1
Ranged: 0
Preparation: 2

Terrain Affinity: Grassland, Desert
Terrain Weakness: Aquatic, Urban
Element Affinity: Lightning, Fire
Element Weakness: Earth, Water

Weapon Bonus: 12+2

Character Name: Thessa Almentis
Date | Time: 1.6.1323 | Morning
Location:  Hammer Crater Base -> Western Quarter
Wearing: Uniform
Tagging | Mentioning: Koko
Notes:
Thessa let the silence hang between them as she considered her options. Koko had been annoyingly persistent in attempting to make amends for what she had done. Her constant presence had been irritating at first, but the persistence was having an effect. Thessa crossed her arms and grumbled quietly, ”might as well see it through to the end.” It wasn’t complete forgiveness, but it was a small step towards accepting Koko in her space without that black cloud of memory hovering over them.

She nodded towards the shelves of knick knacks. ”Why them folks turn ‘n run? This just a bunch of spare parts by mine eye. Don’t understand what me seein’ here,” she said curiously. ”Who them folks? This there place or was they robbin’ it? We could head out ‘n ask questions.” Her arms moved to her hips. She had been about to comment that she didn’t take Namid for a thief, but it seemed a poor conclusion to voice aloud considering she had assumed the same of Koko not so long ago.

”Thought it’d be yer pa that gave this thing a looksy,” she said conversationally. ”Considerin’ the work he done did with you.” And Estelle. Really, the little roboto was probably rudimentary compared the kinds of circuitry he was used to tinkering with. ”How’s the-” she tapped on her own face where the new piece of tech had been installed on Koko, ”-whatever that is?”

[TheFluffyOne]

Stats

Strength: 1
Stamina: 2
Speed: 3
Shimmer: 5
Soul: 2
Brawl: 0
Melee: 3
Ranged: 1
Preparation: 2

Terrain Affinity: Forest
Terrain Weakness: Aquatic
Element Affinity: Air
Element Weakness: Water

Weapon Bonus: 12+2

Character Name: Hulta Elderfond
Date | Time: 01.14.1323 |
Location: Onyx Fair Grounds
Wearing: Dark green jumper, brown skirt, heavy boots and a belt holding her satchel to her waist.
Tagging | Mentioning: Koko Gero
The gentle gesture of a kiss on her forehead made Hulta forget a little of the sadness that ate through her. It was similar to what her mother did and Koko’s act of doing so without prompting made Hulta’s shoulders slump slightly. The heat of the soup curled up to caress Koko’s nose as she blew on the hot spoon. Hulta didn’t let her eyes leave the blonde woman. She wanted to see her reaction. To see how the chestnut soup made Koko feel. Her nose scrunched up with glee as Koko showed immediate appreciation. She would need to start making meals more often for their squad. Perhaps, it would help with the home sick feeling if she brought a little bit of home to them all.

Hulta cupped the bowl of soup, bringing it slowly to her lips. Not even using the spoon as she drank heartily of the soup. It was just like home. The soup that made her ribs tingle and her whole body flood with warmth. It was like her mother had made it herself. With a gentle sigh, she laid the empty bowl back down. Amber eyes flicked from the bottom of the wooden bowl to Koko. “Not really. I miss aspects of it.” She tried to explain as sweetly as she could. It was always difficult navigating these kinds of conversations. Hulta had been prepared for her life truly changing when she entered Hammer. It would never go back to the way it was. She would be a Champion, a teacher, a wife, a mother…and those started to feel like they would carve parts of her until there was no true Hulta left.

There was something heart warming to hear Koko talk about Chandra. Someone that ensured her childhood was full of life and happiness. Especially now knowing the exact sort of childhood that Koko truly had. “You will need to make us some of her old recipes….some of our squad could do with some more meat on their bones” Hulta plucked up her own spoon and stole a spoonful of the risotto. “I can not imagine a Koko-less life. It would be like living in a grey world. Not a single burst of colour.” She stuck her own tongue back out at her friend.

“You are right…as always….that I wouldn’t have met so many new people….tried new foods, been to places that I had never thought about visiting before…seen so much…if I hadn’t come here. I think I need to bring a little bit of home here…would you like it if I tried to make some food from home?” She gestured to the empty bowl that held the soup. “Perhaps some more soup?” Hulta shook her head lightly as she tried to select the next thing for them to try. Salmon would have to be next. They couldn’t jump from sweet to fish. “These are salmon…parcels.” She told Koko as she plucked up a thinly wrapped crispy parcel. It held a rich salmon, cream cheese and lemon paste. It was light and yet so very filling.

[Envious]

Stats

Strength: 3
Stamina: 2
Speed: 0
Shimmer: 4
Soul: 4
Brawl: 2
Melee: 1
Ranged: 0
Preparation: 2

Terrain Affinity: Grassland, Desert
Terrain Weakness: Aquatic, Urban
Element Affinity: Lightning, Fire
Element Weakness: Earth, Water

Weapon Bonus: 12+2

Character Name: Thessa Almentis
Date | Time: 1.10.1323 | Evening
Location: Bristlewood
Wearing: Jeans and gray hoodie over tshirt
Tagging | Mentioning: Dariaq |
Notes:
”I is named Thessa,” she said, extending a hand from heart to speaker in greeting. ”We is here as friends. You is…?

”Leev, and this is Bea. Beneficiaries, just as we want these good people to be,” said the man. Thessa studied his face. It wasn’t the demeanor of a man looking to swindle people; there was something secure in his expression, as if he knew that his path was the path to take. That confidence gave Thessa pause. It wasn’t aggressive like the Freebirds. It wasn’t violent like the Red Fang. It was something else altogether.

”Ain’t but ten days past that me ‘n mine partner,” she tilted her head to Dariaq, ”come face ta face with a horde in these Bristlewoods, but not soon ‘nuff. We was sent ‘cause Pinewatch was-” She hesitated. She didn’t want to terrorize these people, but it wasn’t safe here. ”Them people was destroyed in most unpleasant ways ‘n we ain’t wish that on anyone. We ain’t here ‘cause we worried ‘bout ya. We here ‘cause we worried fer ya.” Her golden gaze swept across the crowd. She lingered on Mr. Khan before her attention was drawn to Bea.

”See?” the woman said, one hand on the crate as she stood a little taller. ”See how she uses the Hollow?” With her free hand, Bea pointed an accusatory finger towards Thessa, confounding the elf. Using the Hollow?

”When will we stop blaming the Hollow for all of our misery? The Hollow are not the problem. They are the distraction!” Thessa’s mouth opened to retort, but she was too shocked to reply. She had been accused of many things in her brief lifetime, but never had she been accused of using the Hollow as a scapegoat. Her brows furrowed in anger and she shook a fist at Leev.

”What in the Bla-” He spoke right over her, stealing the heat of her thunder with his bold voice.

”It is not Hollow in Onyx participating in hate crimes. It is not Hollow in Onyx arresting your loved ones. It is not Hollow in Onyx taking away your resources. It is not Hollow that are the problem. It is the people in Onyx who would wish to do you harm. You were invited to Bristlewood to prove to you that Hollow are not the issue. You are kept behind walls, fed lies of resource scarcity, and raised to fear Hollow as a method of control. Pull the veil they have placed over your eyes, Thessa. Reach for enlightenment.” The word choice made Thessa freeze, her mind turning to Adir. She felt her neck prickle in discomfort at the memory of his hands burning the skin at her throat as they squeezed the air out of her. ”You and your friend are most welcome. All you need to do is want a better Toil. A safer Toil.”

”What foolishness! You actin’ as if-”

Beyond the darkness, she sensed more than she saw movement. The academy had spent months drilling survival skills into her brain and something was activating at that moment. ”Dariaq.” He noticed it, too. Something was in the woods. She reached behind her back and pulled her shield to her arm. The mood of the crowd shifted immediately to weary fear. They may have been brave enough to enter the Bristlewood during the day and content enough to watch the argument between these representatives of the Benefactors and Champions-to-be, but they wouldn’t diminish the sudden alertness of warriors.

”So much for surprising them.” An older man stepped into the light, an amused expression on his face. He wasn’t the only one, though. Seven others stepped out, forming a semi-circle around the gathering with weapons drawn and pointed towards the civilians.

Marauders!” A dirtied, green handkerchief was tied around the left arm of each Marauder with a broken tree stitched in white on it. Leev raised his hands in surrender, but he still looked calm.

”Not a Hollow threat,” he said, more to the gathering than the Marauders as if using the moment to prove his point.

[Rainbae]

Stats

Strength: 0
Stamina: 0
Speed: 0
Shimmer: 5
Soul: 0
Brawl: 0
Melee: 2
Ranged: 5
Preparation: 5

Terrain Affinity: Urban
Terrain Weakness: Artic
Element Affinity: Lightning
Element Weakness: Fire

Weapon Bonus:12

Character Name: Koko Gero
Date | Time: 01.14.1323 | Late Evening
Location: Onyx Fair Grounds
Wearing:  Shorts and Suspenders, Light Croptop with Rolled Sleeves, Heavy Black Boots, Cap
Tagging | Mentioning: Hulta, Lyra
Notes: N/A
Koko laughed audibly as Hulta poked fun at their team. It was true and not, truthfully everyone’s fitness was superb. Whether or not they needed a bit more on their bones was really a preference at this point, they were squires, they had to be in pretty peak shape. That being said, the idea of someone like Lyra chowing down on a massive steak like Chandra might make did cause Koko to lean forward a bit and shake with laughter. She wiped a tear away from her eye with a smile, using the back of her spoon hand as she extended the one holding the risotto out towards Hulta a bit more to hold it in the middle of them. “Yea maybe we oughta eh? At least with Mares gone we can make meat dishes more often now.” Koko offered a sort of pity smile and a shrug. She was still sensitive on the topic of Maria but making light of it here felt good rather than hurt. She wanted to be happy for her friend, even if that was a feeling she would have to learn to feel. She smiled at Hulta’s compliment but also rolled her eyes.

“I ain’t ever gonna complain ‘bout more of this soup, or any of this food so far. I wonder if we can’t get the rest of our folks to make things too. I bet Thessa knows a recipe or two. Y’all from a different place right?” She asked inquisitively as she placed the empty bowl of risotto back on the counter, making sure to scrape up the last little bit clinging to the sides. “I mean all Elven stuff ain’t the same yea?” Picking up one of the salmon parcels Koko eyed it for a moment, she wasn’t usually a fan of fish. The briney taste just made her skin crawl in a really unpleasant way. She trusted Hulta though and she was basically a human garbage disposal as it was. Most anything with sustenance she’d down. She took a bite and was pleasantly surprised. The flakey texture of both the fish and the pastry worked lovely together and the cheese gave a tang that offset the flavours in the fish she didn’t like. She groaned in appreciation and quickly took another few bites. “Damn maybe Elves are magical, what in the hell is that made of, pure joy and happiness?!” She took another bite greedily.

After having devoured a good few of the salmon parcels and actually ordering a few more from the man at the counter to take home with them Koko sighed happily. “When you said aspects were you talkin’ ‘bout those specifically? Cause I’d miss ‘em too.” She giggled at her comment. “Seriously though, what is it you miss from home? I’m sure we can recreate the food like ya say. Maybe even ask the chef here where he gets his ingredients an’ all ‘at. Make it real authentic like.” Koko nodded a few times, liking her own thought process even if she was slightly missing Hulta's point. For her it was hard to ascertain those details Hulta was implying. She struggled to see what else could be missed from home. Unlike Hulta for Koko it hadn’t really felt like her life had changed when she entered the Academy, it had felt like it just started. She’d barely felt like she was living a life before becoming a squire. For better or for worse everything Koko was, was tied up in Hammer Academy and those who called it home. “Alright, alright, last things on the tray? What we got here?”

[TheFluffyOne]

Stats

Strength: 1
Stamina: 2
Speed: 3
Shimmer: 5
Soul: 2
Brawl: 0
Melee: 3
Ranged: 1
Preparation: 2

Terrain Affinity: Forest
Terrain Weakness: Aquatic
Element Affinity: Air
Element Weakness: Water

Weapon Bonus: 12+2

Character Name: Hulta Elderfond
Date | Time: 01.02.1323 | Noon
Location: Rook's Down Park
Wearing: The centre outfit
Tagging | Mentioning: Marlowe Ashe
Hulta would not lie, there had been an initial worry that Marlowe would not like the offering . That it would be too plain for the woman. That it would not match many outfits. That it would be...too homemade. She had spent hours working on it, frustrating poor Dari with her small light as she hid under her covers and plotted out the words. Both those that would be put on the bangle and those that Hulta wanted to say. The many words that needed to be said. Carving had to be done outside, Dari put his foot down. He would not wake again to wood shavings in his hair.  Even as the sun set and it became difficult to see, she put a torch behind her ear and continued to smooth down the bangle. It needed to be perfect. It needed to be the ultimate physical embodiment of her feelings for Marlowe. It could not be chipped or rough, it had to be perfect.

Yet as Marlowe asked that question, all Hulta could do was brush her fingertips over Marlowe's wrist. It had been something she had wanted to do for what felt like weeks now. She had missed holding her hand. The small gesture had made her feel tethered to this place, to her. Without it, she felt like was lost out on the open waves. "One day...I will take you to the tree that it came from." Regardless of what her parents said, she would get Marlowe to her home. One day, Marlowe would sit atop that top branch with her and they would watch the sun rise. The next time..who knew when that would be...hopefully a year down the line. WHen Hulta could temper her parents' reaction through letters. "I will teach you all the most important ones, mi flor"

Marlowe was right. Nothing felt right after they fought. No matter how much Koko and Dari helped her, she felt lost. Perhaps that was why she flung herself so violently into her need to research the dagger. Perhaps that was why she had almost eagerly accepted Professor Ares' request. The thought of him had her eyes fixed to the leaves above. He didn't make her feel like Lolo did. Yes, it felt nice. But there was something deeply impacting when Lolo kissed her. It didn't feel like she was just another person. She felt special...wanted...needed. Hulta raised their fingers higher as she watched the leaves disappear behind their clasped hands. Even this. Just the thought of her fingers made her mind still. Made some of that worry trickle free. She didn't care what her parents would say. No one had made her feel like that and there was no way that she was losing it...not again. The light flickered between their clasped fingers and she barely had time to giggle before Marlowe was on her again. A needy murmur sounded against Marlowe's lips as Hulta's fingers threaded tightly in her hair. Holding her close and almost writhing her body under Marlowe's.

It was not like their first kisses where Hulta lay almost far too still and Marlowe made her shake with gentle touches. No. There was a need this time. Hulta's other hand moved to Lolo's hip as she maneuvered herself so that Hulta's thigh rested between Lolo's. The kisses picked up their need and pace as she grazed her teeth against Lolos lower lip and pressed her tongue into her mouth. Her thigh was ground up against Marlowe as heated moans burned from Hulta.

[Eye of Horus]

Stats

Strength: 1
Stamina: 3
Speed: 3
Shimmer: 2
Soul: 3
Brawl: 1
Melee: 4
Ranged: 1
Preparation: 1

Terrain Affinity: Desert
Terrain Weakness: Aquatic, Swamp
Element Affinity: Lightning (black arcanite)
Element Weakness: Earth (green arcanite)

Weapon Bonus:12

Character Name: Dariaq Syvanios
Date | Time: 10.01.1323 | Evening
Location: Bristlewood
Wearing: Casual clothes
Tagging | Mentioning: Thessa Almentis, Bea, Leev, Marauder captain
Notes: By Invitation Only
Dari stepped forward, placing himself shoulder to shoulder with Thessa and angling his body protectively toward the gathered civilians. The marauders stepped into the clearing; folk with roughly cut hair and patchwork clothes, but their weapons caught the arcanite light - wedges of blue running down grey blades, like grim smiles. Dari’s heart began to pound. There were too many of them to watch all at once, but more importantly they were humans, silenus, even one or two elves. And every one of them looked ready to fight to the death. The Onyxians were backing up, clustering around the cart and its arcanite lamps as if the light would protect them. Only Bea and Leev seemed untroubled. Their faces were serene, certain - the whole event a joke that only they were clever enough to understand.

Dari swallowed. “Alright,” he said steadily, setting his feet as he drew the two halves of his mother’s glaive over his shoulders to join Thessa’s shield in a guard stance. “You don’t want a fight with squires. We’ve trained our whole lives for this kind of thing, and you know the Academy doesn’t send us out here for practice.”

One of the marauders, a woman with a long scar that split her lip and curled it into a sneer, let out a short, dry laugh. “You think we’re afraid of squires? We’ve left full-blooded Champions in the dirt.”

Liar. Dari thought. Almost as big a lie as his own. He snapped the two halves of his glaive together and swept the tip of the blade around the circle, catching every face.

“I don’t believe you.” Dari countered, and summoned another lie to match it, along with his nastiest smile. “Are you willing to bleed half your number to find out?”

As he let the words hang, he focused on the leader, but he failed to see a flicker of doubt in the man’s face. The outcome would turn on him, but this one was too hard bitten or too desperate to back down from words alone. Try something else. He gestured towards the civilians.

“Besides, look around. These people have nothing worth taking.”

“I disagree.” the leader countered in his hard-edged Johtan accent. “I can see arcanite. A vehicle. Those two weapons you’re carrying. Even your lady friend’s hoodie looks pretty nice.”

He began to pace back and forth, the machete in his fist a brutal black shadow that flashed silver-blue when he turned and caught the lamp light.

“Besides,” he grinned, echoing Dari, “It’s not about what you have, it’s about where you are. This clearing’s part of our patrol route now. We let people gather like this without tribute, and soon every fool from Onyx thinks they can walk the woods without asking.”

Dari shook his head. “None of us own anything past the safe zones. The Hollow own this place.”

“That so?” The leader’s teeth flashed a half-moon grin. “You people cower behind Onyx’s walls, but out here, we’re still standing.”

The marauders edged closer. With the tail of his eye, Dari saw Bea draw a little closer to Leev. “Have faith in Her, Bea.” Dari heard the other Beneficiary murmur. But what kind of faith would avail any of them out here?

Dari could feel the situation sliding away from him, like sand shifting beneath his fingertips. He glanced at Thessa, remembering Scarecrow. If nothing else, his rival had a talent for high-pressure negotiation. He did not notice as something else beyond the clearing moved - a darker shade of black detaching itself from the shadows amid the trees.

[Envious]

Stats

Strength: 3
Stamina: 2
Speed: 0
Shimmer: 4
Soul: 4
Brawl: 2
Melee: 1
Ranged: 0
Preparation: 2

Terrain Affinity: Grassland, Desert
Terrain Weakness: Aquatic, Urban
Element Affinity: Lightning, Fire
Element Weakness: Earth, Water

Weapon Bonus: 12+2

Character Name: Thessa Almentis
Date | Time: 1.1.1323 | Evening
Location: Onyx western quarter
Wearing: Jeans and gray hoodie over tshirt catsuit, black
Tagging | Mentioning:
Notes:
Thessa tugged at the catsuit hook to be around her neck. What had seemed like a good idea at the time was quickly becoming hot. After a discreet look up and down the row she knew was empty, she grabbed the zipper at her throat and pulled it down until the valley between her breasts was exposed, letting in the cool night air. “Never again,” she said to herself before continuing to walk the rows. Exchanging the crate required a surprising attention to detail she hadn’t thought would be needed. She had pulled the first similar crate off the shelf she had seen and when she went to put hers in its spot she realized they were not exactly the same. The first one had a different lid. The second one had the longer support beams reach the edge of the crate while hers were framed within vertical supports. The paneling was a different pattern. Slightly different sizes. The material was a different wood. A natural knot in the plank. Nails sticking out. Small inconsistencies there were noticeable when looking for them.

When she finally found a crate that matched perfectly, she hesitated. She didn’t have a curiosity about what was in the box, but she did have a concern that it might not be the correct box, but she also didn’t know how she’d be able to tell. What she deemed important might not be the same as what Jamie thought worthwhile. She tried to open the lid, but it was nailed down securely. She placed a finger on one of the fasteners and gave the gentlest of yoinks and felt resistance. She could do it, but it would take time that she might not have. She pondered what to do and then gave a shrug. She’d have faith that this was the right one, but she’d also put in a little effort to verify it. She continued going down the rows to double check if any other box looked better, but none did.

By the time she was zipped back up, hood back on, and outside, she could hear the music playing. All was right. She disappeared into the shadows back towards the hanger.

[Aethyrium]

Stats

Strength: 5
Stamina: 3
Speed: 2
Shimmer: 3
Soul: 1
Brawl: 5
Melee: 0
Ranged: 0
Preparation: 0

Terrain Affinity: Forest, Mountain
Terrain Weakness: Desert, Aquatic
Element Affinity: Earth
Element Weakness: Water

Weapon Bonus: 12+2

Character Name: Marlowe Ashe
Date | Time: 01.02.1323 | Noon
Location: Rook’s Down Park
Wearing: Green long-sleeve crossover dress w/ heels and hat
Tagging | Mentioning: Hulta
Notes:
It wasn’t as if Lolo had wanted physical attention she couldn’t have gotten it - she wouldn’t even have had to go far to get it. Nor was it like she hadn’t enjoyed it since the fight that had split them up. But none of it had been this. The problem with everything else was that it wasn’t like it was with Hulta. Where from the outside one might only see kisses, touches, and more. Those things hit differently for Lolo in practice - there was nuance that didn’t have words, but absolutely existed for her. When she was doing this with Hulta, it meant something - or rather, it was more than just the physical action and some fun. So finally having that back soothed an ache that Lolo hadn’t acknowledged, but had absolutely been throbbing somewhere inside of her.

And of course, having Hulta honestly reciprocate was incredible.

For a moment, Marlowe was captivated by that simple truth - as she often was. It was enough for her world that Hulta was there for her, and giving it to her in what felt like a true desire for it. Marlowe moaned quietly, lips parting to take in Hulta’s tongue and wrestle affectionately with it. Breathes were stolen between messy lip breaks as she tried her damnedest to consume the elf beneath her. Feeling that thigh rise and press between her legs only encouraged her, and Lolo’s hips thrust back against it. She rolled her body, grinding herself against it - ready and willing.

She’d do it right here with Hulta. Beneath the sun. In the open. Anyone who came upon them be damned. Marlowe moaned again. Her pulse quickened. She rubbed herself on Hulta’s thigh harder, and quicker. Her lips collapsed and trapped the elf’s tongue, and she pulled on it, suckling it and then pinning it to the roof of her mouth with her own. Release only came when she made a big show of breaking away to take the first real gulp of air in minutes. Lolo loomed over Hulta, and watched her intently as she ground back against Hulta’s needy, adventurous thigh.

This wasn’t that different from the classroom, she thought. It was an insidious little thought that wormed into her head quickly. They’d been interrupted there, but would Hulta have actually let things go all the way then? There had been so many opportunities, chances, and none of them had been allowed to proceed. Why would this be any different? She saw the flicker of Haymurk, and felt that cold, creeping doubt inside of her again. She felt ruined. Like she’d never go back to the way that she had been, so confident - even foolishly so - and incapable of doubting herself.

Marlowe leaned back in, and tried to push those doubts away by nudging Hulta’s head aside and distracting herself on the elf’s pale skin. She kissed her neck, and formed a solid ring to draw on. But they wouldn’t go away. Their kiss had waited for what felt like ages - too long, in Lolo’s opinion - for the right moment. Maybe the sex was another thing like that to her. But if that was so, was this that? It was a good moment. The bracelet. Forgiveness. But was that truly special? Was this their moment the same way that the bakery had been? She didn’t think so. If Hulta wasn’t waiting for that, though, what had changed?

Her lips released with a small pop. Her hips slowed until she wasn’t moving. Slowly Lolo rose up onto her knees, stradling Hulta and looking down at her. Those red eyes trailed over the woman below, wanting, eager, and hungry. But they didn’t linger long before shooting up to find Hulta’s. Lolo bit her lip and reached up, brushing her massive mane back over her shoulders. “You… Don’t have to want this for me.” Marlowe said slowly, like the words were foreign to her. She meant it. It sort of made sense to her. This had been about an apology, and Hulta making things right. Was this just because Hulta thought this was what she wanted? That wouldn’t do. Lolo didn’t want her pity. “I already forgave you.”

[TheFluffyOne]

Stats

Strength: 1
Stamina: 2
Speed: 3
Shimmer: 5
Soul: 2
Brawl: 0
Melee: 3
Ranged: 1
Preparation: 2

Terrain Affinity: Forest
Terrain Weakness: Aquatic
Element Affinity: Air
Element Weakness: Water

Weapon Bonus: 12+2

Character Name: Hulta Elderfond
Date | Time: 01.14.1323 |
Location: Onyx Fair Grounds
Wearing: Dark green jumper, brown skirt, heavy boots and a belt holding her satchel to her waist.
Tagging | Mentioning: Koko Gero
Hulta nodded and tried to keep the smile on her lips. She knew how hard Koko had taken Maria leaving. They had been close, and it would be like Dariaq just leaving one day. Hopefully the light-hearted comment was a sign that Koko was trying to move on. Not forget about their past squad…just move into a moment where they weren’t a day-to-day part of her life. Hulta squeezed her hand gently, a small note of being in the same boat. They were the only original members left and Hulta had made a promise a while ago that she would not leave. She could not leave Koko. The future was far off but for now, her place was by Koko’s side.

Another nod as red curls danced over her shoulders. “Thessa is from a different place…She might have some recipes I have never tried.” She paused and wondered if perhaps her parents had a record of what they ate when they went to visit Thessa’s home village all those years ago. Hulta started to construct a small ‘cheese bite and salmon parcel’ sandwich as Koko happily ate the meal placed before her. It was something that always warmed Hulta’s heart. People being happy and eating something she could provide. Even if she did not make the food, she still brought it over to Koko. The woman’s reactions were watched with a careful eye. For Hulta needed to know exactly what order to make the items in. It seemed that the chestnut soup was still winning.

Hulta slipped the ‘sandwich’ past her lips and happily munched on the creation as Koko continued the conversation. It was true, food was only one aspect that she missed from home. “Well yknow…there are certain things that we like to have on special days. Birthdays, festivals, anniversaries…I wonder if perhaps.” She glanced over her shoulder at the chef that they could both see through the partial curtain. Maybe she could ask them to make certain things. Maybe she could ask for help in gathering ingredients so that she could make a truly authentic Elderfond dinner. Last thing on the tray, her gaze slithered back to Koko. A mischievous smile on her lips.

“These is sweet.” That explained the smile. Her fingers hovered over the dark purple tarts and a small pyramid of yellow and pink slices. “Sweet berry tarts.” She tapped the top of the sweet treat. “They have an almost spice to them but it warms your tummy.” Hulta pushed the treat to Koko as she started to describe the second. “Celebration stack. This is my mother’s favourite. It is a mixture of strawberry slices and marzipan…it is delicious.” One with a warm spiced berry taste and the other with a fresh kick to it. Hulta eagerly watched Koko try both, for truly after all…these were the things that she would and could easily make hundreds of if the woman liked them.

[Rainbae]

Stats

Strength: 0
Stamina: 0
Speed: 0
Shimmer: 5
Soul: 0
Brawl: 0
Melee: 2
Ranged: 5
Preparation: 5

Terrain Affinity: Urban
Terrain Weakness: Artic
Element Affinity: Lightning
Element Weakness: Fire

Weapon Bonus:12

[/center]
Character Name: Koko Gero
Date | Time: 01.14.1323 | Late Evening
Location: Onyx Fair Grounds
Wearing:  Shorts and Suspenders, Light Croptop with Rolled Sleeves, Heavy Black Boots, Cap
Tagging | Mentioning: Hulta
Notes: N/A
Koko nodded as Hulta explained more about her hometown. It was never something Koko had thought about much before. Cultural exchange hadn’t exactly been at the top of her list of worries or hobbies in her life up to this point. It excited her though to learn more about where Hulta had come from, both because it was Hulta and because it made her want to see these places. Koko had always struggled with seeing things in her mind’s eye. Hulta’s descriptions didn’t exactly evoke an image or a possible dream idea of what this place looked like, it just hyped her up. She’d have to see it for herself to truly experience it. That had always been how Koko was, see it, touch it, smell it, hear it, taste it to believe it. Right now she was getting the chance to taste it but that was only one fifth the experience. Physicality was the only way she learned.

“Yea she might, ‘though I ain’t peg her as much-a the baker type. Instead-a crackin’ eggs I reckon she’s much more inclined to crack skulls.” Koko giggled at herself as she finished eating the last bits of the lovely salmon dish. She smiled brightly as she licked a few crumbs for her fingers. She was grateful to have gotten the chance to try it. More and more it seemed that she’d gotten lucky with her squad mates. How many times now had Hulta or Dari shown her new things, opened her horizons even further. She hoped to visit both their hometowns someday and get a real taste of the little nibble she’d gotten today. A tear came to her eye for a moment. She had to make it there, to get the chance to do just that. She wiped away at it quickly. Koko stretched her back as Hulta got the mischievous grin on her face. It really was getting late and so hearing about more sweets did, of course, not surprise her considering it was Hulta. But did make her a tiny bit worried the Elf would be bouncing off the walls all night.

“Mmm warmin’ you say? That sounds nice on a chilly night like this.” Koko wondered if perhaps the weather in Tabor often got as cold as Onyx as well. She popped the tart into her mouth and chewed. Instantly the berries inside burst forth and filled her mouth with sweet syrupy sugar. The feeling was followed closely behind by a cinnamon like taste that gave the treat an almost savoury-ish warmth to it. Like a nice spiced rum. Koko moaned in appreciation and savoured the flavour for a while. She eyed the second dessert. The marzipan was not something she’d ever had before and it almost looked like cheese to her. She was a bit trepidatious of the idea combined with fruit but smirking at the joyful look on Hulta’s face shrugged and plopped the whole palm sized treat into her mouth at once. The tart fruit instantly hit her tongue and made her slap the table at how fresh it was. How this guy got these types of ingredients in the dead of winter boggled Koko’s mind. She might be an engineer but the complicated intricacies of agricultural science completely evaded her. Instead she decided to let the train off the tracks and just enjoy what she was tasting.

“God damn Twigs, your people can make a damn good dessert! Is that what happened to ya back at home? They just fill ya with so much sugar and spice and everthin’ nice that it filled your blood stream and now you’re some kinda sugar fueled Hulta-monster?!” She laughed fully at that joke before her look turned evil and she smiled mischievously “Guess Marlowe must have a sweet tooth eh?” She squealed and laughed as she dodged a flick at her forehead for the comment. She ducked away and hopped out of her seat as Hulta chased her a bit from the stall. The pair of them laughed and dashed around the market some more as most folks were tearing down for now as the night went into the witching hours. Until eventually they found themselves at the foot of the tram back up to school, both rather worn out. Hulta fell asleep in Koko’s lap as they ascended the hundreds of feet up onto the marvel of engineering that was Hammer island. Not even bothering to use her Shimmer Koko carried Hulta back to their dorm where she plopped her into bed and immediately passed out herself as well.

- End Scene -

[Dove]

Stats

Strength: 3
Stamina: 5
Speed: 4
Shimmer: 0
Soul: 3
Brawl: 2
Melee: 2
Ranged: 2
Preparation: 0

Terrain Affinity: Urban
Terrain Weakness: None
Element Affinity: Lightning, Fire
Element Weakness: Earth, Water

Weapon Bonus:12+5

Character Name: Estelle Dawn
Date | Time: 01.01.1323 | Evening
Location: Onyx Western Quarter - Steel League Compound
Wearing: Uniform
Tagging | Mentioning: Thessa, Koko, Chee
Notes:
The music was definitely a surprise, but it probably shouldn’t have been. She couldn’t help an amused half-grin as she pulled Koko up to the jet’s cockpit alongside her. Leaning herself against the frame of the opening, she shook her head at the girl, having to tilt her head towards her so she could hear her through the bass of the drum beat. A scoff slipped past her lips at her words, nodding, “Guess he should have considered that even the Steel League can be bought.” Her brows quirked upwards, lips pursing in a ‘the more you know’ kind of look. But she nodded and pointed a bouncing finger at Koko. “I will, of course. And you do the same. Though something tells me you wouldn’t hear me screaming bloody murder with this music on,” she laughed. But with one more bob of her head, she leapt down from the jet, landing neatly on the floor below with bent knees to break her fall.

Fingers pulled down the top of her uniform, eyes scanning the room. It was mostly bare, but there was a set of lockers by the door. She started there, popping them open to find nothing but a dirty hand towel, a change of clothes, and a few other random personal items that she knew wouldn’t belong to Ocean. And even if they did, none of it meant anything. Closing them, she turned to go towards the opposite side of the room. There was a table with a simple electronics panel that she figured controlled the lights and other small bits and bobs in the hangar.

As she crossed the large width of the hangar, just in front of the jets, the toe of her boot got caught on something that left her frowning and looking down. It was a small groove in the otherwise perfectly polished floor. But it was perfectly triangular, an odd shape for any kind of natural damage that might have been done to such an otherwise strong surface. Crouching down alongside it, her fingers traced the groove before slipping into its divet. And there, she found that her finger could curl under it. A switch. Eyes widened, hesitating as she wondered what the hell it could be. What if it set off an alarm? It was a risk she had to take. This was huge, easily something they could have missed if she had stayed up in the jet for the long haul to help Koko.

So she flipped the switch, and a small rectangle of the floor sunk down before sliding open to reveal a narrow ladder going down into the dark. “Oh… shit,” she whispered, before jumping up to her feet and darting back to the jet. She called up to Koko from the ground, “Hey, you have a flashlight? I think I found something!”

[TheFluffyOne]

Stats

Strength: 1
Stamina: 2
Speed: 3
Shimmer: 5
Soul: 2
Brawl: 0
Melee: 3
Ranged: 1
Preparation: 2

Terrain Affinity: Forest
Terrain Weakness: Aquatic
Element Affinity: Air
Element Weakness: Water

Weapon Bonus: 12+2

Character Name: Hulta Elderfond
Date | Time: 01.02.1323 | Noon
Location: Rook's Down Park
Wearing: The centre outfit
Tagging | Mentioning: Marlowe Ashe
Her fingertips brush over Marlowe, like she is writing her apology through the small touches. That sweet moan that drifted from Marlowe was like a melody, it coated Hulta and powered her movements onwards. Her fingers tugged her closer, a neediness channelling through her movements. That thigh between Marlowe’s rose and pressed hard against the grinding hips. Her lips were snug against Marlowe’s. Hulta needed this. She needed to feel the affection and intimateness that somehow felt like Marlowe’s way of showing that she cared for Hulta. She knew that it was twisted, that some wires were crossing after everything that happened before.

Even kissing felt different, Marlowe devoured her in a way that made Hulta shudder. Every brush of Marlowe’s hand, grind of her hips, flick of her tongue was another stoke of the fire in her chest. Fingers curled in dark locks as Hulta wanted to feel more of the woman. All of her, melt their forms together so hard that passerbys would struggle to see where she started and Lolo ended. Those amber eyes were overflowing with lust as Marlowe broke the kiss. Hulta didn’t let her thigh drop, she kept it firm. A sturdy base for Lolo’s needy grinding.

She needed this. She needed to replace the face that flickered into her mind when she thought of her being naked. When rough hands brushed over pale skin and touched her in a way that only Lolo should have. Would things have been different if she had been with Marlowe? What would Marlowe have said if she said she was going to get help from a teacher…but only after sucking his dick? Guilt flickered through her stomach and Hulta somehow managed to keep the smile firm on her face.

Thankfully, Marlowe brushed her head to one side and those lips brushed against her throat. A heady moan of her own wormed free as Hulta let a hand slip down to Lolo’s waist. Pulling her closer, grinding her thigh up. She didn’t care that they were outside. She didn’t care that they hadn’t even eaten one bite of what she brought. Not even that people could see them. She just wanted to feel Marlowe. She wanted to hear those moans. She wanted to feel her fingers between her thighs. No. She needed it. She needed it more than the air that struggled to crowd into her lungs.

Her focus grew hazy as she tried to pull the woman closer. Only to feel those hips slow to a stop, the lips on her throat stop and then Lolo was pulling herself up. Flushed cheeks and hard nipples were the vision beneath Lolo. Was this how Lolo had felt when Hulta got her to stop last time? This was horrible! Why did she do that to her!? The words tumbled from Marlowe’s lips and Hulta felt the colour expand on her cheeks, climbing up her ears and making her skin tingle. “I…I want this.” Did Lolo think this was a pity hook up?! Hulta found herself growing more and more flustered.

“No..No…that isn’t what this is meant to mean…I know..I..I want you Marlowe.” She stumbled, her fingers reaching out for Marlowe’s hips again. There is a desperation in her voice. Not in the need for her to see her forgiveness as concrete, but to feel the woman. To have Marlowe be the one to touch her there…to have that experience mean something. “I mean it.” Her left hand slipped up to cup Marlowe’s cheek as Hulta tried to bring her lips back to Lolo’s. Only for claws to land in her hair and a sharp coo to interrupt them. Hulta froze as Smidge stuck her head down between them, staring her friend down. “S…Smidge not now.” The bird merely cooed loudly again as Hulta felt like steam was going to start drifting off her soon.

The white scroll wrapped neatly around its foot rested against Hulta’s locks as she tried to remove the bird from her. “C…Can you help?” Hulta asked Marlowe for aid as she was unable to grab Smidge without tumbling back under the other woman.

[shengami]

Stats

Strength: 1
Stamina: 1
Speed: 5
Shimmer: 2
Soul: 1
Brawl: 1
Melee: 3
Ranged: 1
Preparation: 3

Terrain Affinity: Grassland/Forest
Terrain Weakness: Arctic/Aquatic
Element Affinity: Lightning
Element Weakness: Water

Weapon Bonus: 12+2

Character Name:  Chee Tortious
Date | Time: 01.01.1323 | Late Evening
Location: Western Quarter - Steel league Warehouses
Wearing: Dark pants, t-shirt, dark puffer jacket, beanie, dark trainers. Backpack (weapons and supplies)
Tagging | Mentioning: Koko, Thessa, Estelle | N/A
Notes: Ocean and the Jets (5)
The music almost made him jump out of his skin. If his ears hadn't already been pinned against his head, they would have been then. It took him exactly a single nanosecond to know who it was. He rolled his eyes at the speculation of the mechanics. Not their fault they hadn't heard of Koko Gero.

Chee sucked in a slow, quiet breath and then released it equally quietly. He felt the focus in his form. There was a stillness to it, like a slab of concrete. Breath slipped in and out. His mind was racing a mile a minute, processing information at light speed.

The twin shadows crept past the door. Chee was still, their attention wasn't on him, but all they'd need to do was look. He might be missed in the little pool of shadow the door was throwing, but not likely.

They took another step-and-a-half.

They were near the corner he'd come around earlier now, peering toward the hangar. They could turn and look at any moment and the door was open. Anyone could be looking out. But he had to go. The moment they turned to walk back, they'd be facing him.

He swung around smoothly. His eyes stared through the door into the main building as saw workbenches with projects on them. But it seemed the workers were on alone or no one else was nearby. He darted for the next corner and got around it just as he heard feet crunching back, "It's not bad music, but why's anyone in that hangar tonight?"

"Fuck would I know? Wanna ask the boss?"

"Shit no! Lets get that assembly finished or he'll have our asses."

Chee felt his heart trying to thump out of his chest. It should have terrified him, scared him shitless, or weakened his guts. He was excited. A grin was affixed to his face. His eyes were bright as he pushed off the wall and cleared the next open area to the target warehouse. As he crossed, he looked up to the shattered moon and thanked the Wild One. He sucked a cooling breath in and counted his heart beats. Then another breath as he fought to bring his pulse down. The possibility of getting caught was exciting, but it was reckless. He could have used the outer wall's shadow instead. He had to think more carefully. He swallowed the dryness in his mouth. His hand went to check the dodecahedron in his pocket.

Squinting in the dark, his tail swished as he approached the locked door. He checked both ways and then knelt to lift the lock. It was heavy but silent. He grinned. It was the kind of lock you used inside a secure facility though. One that said no one would get this far. He quickly took out his picks and started working.

[Eye of Horus]

Stats

Strength: 1
Stamina: 3
Speed: 3
Shimmer: 2
Soul: 3
Brawl: 1
Melee: 4
Ranged: 1
Preparation: 1

Terrain Affinity: Desert
Terrain Weakness: Aquatic, Swamp
Element Affinity: Lightning (black arcanite)
Element Weakness: Earth (green arcanite)

Weapon Bonus:12

Character Name:Dariaq Syvanios
Date | Time: 06.01.1323 | Evening
Location: La Fleur sur la Vent, Onyx western quarter
Wearing: Dress shirt, dark trousers, black and white wraparound coat
Tagging | Mentioning: Hulta Elderfond
Notes: Are ye dancin’?
Dari was fairly certain he had given the game away when he met Hulta dressed in his black-and-white solstice coat, and bright green festival paint framing one eye, feathered to suggest palm leaves. He did not care though. This was less about secrets than about feeling seen.

Although it sat in one of the more dilapidated corners of Onyx’s eclectic western quarter, La Fleur sur la Vent pulsed with life after sundown. From the street, it was little more than a narrow doorway framed in curling vines and carved driftwood, but if one recognised the runes of welcome carved on the lintel and stepped inside, the world changed. Amber lanterns swung gently overhead, filtered through flower-petal shades, casting their warm glow onto walls painted with familiar elven motifs - whorls of wind, trees in bloom, constellations dancing in spirals.

The scent of citrus blossoms and aged oak filled the air, mingling with laughter and the staccato beat of heeled boots on the polished stone floor. A raised stage at the back held a quartet of musicians - bass, box-drum, elven guitar, trumpet - playing fast to spin the room into motion. Perhaps two dozen elves occupied the floor, their steps swift and sensual, dresses like bursts of flame, shirts undone at the collar, faces adorned with bright festival paint.

Elves might not keep books anymore, but they did keep story, and song, and dance. La Fleur sur la Vent was more than a dance hall. It was memory set to music. Dari turned to Hulta with a grin.

“I trust you know this one?”

[Aethyrium]

Stats

Strength: 5
Stamina: 3
Speed: 2
Shimmer: 3
Soul: 1
Brawl: 5
Melee: 0
Ranged: 0
Preparation: 0

Terrain Affinity: Forest, Mountain
Terrain Weakness: Desert, Aquatic
Element Affinity: Earth
Element Weakness: Water

Weapon Bonus: 12+2

Character Name: Marlowe Ashe
Date | Time: 01.02.1323 | Noon
Location: Rook’s Down Park
Wearing: Green long-sleeve crossover dress w/ heels and hat
Tagging | Mentioning: Hulta
Notes:
There was so much about Hulta to be drawn to. Not just in general, but in this very moment. The redness that crept over her features was one of them. Lolo had never really spent any time appreciating people’s blush, but she noticed it with Hulta. One of the most defining things she liked about Hulta - or rather, them together - was the contrasting of their skin; the dark on the pale. It wasn’t the first time it was present, but it was the first time she truly noticed and appreciated it. Hulta’s reddening was another aspect of that - perhaps because Lolo herself rarely blushed, and when she did it was so subtle in the depth of her complexion.

And then it was the touches. Lolo wriggled above Hulta. She wasn’t convinced that she should - or even wanted - to stop this. But she didn’t want it to be bad. She didn’t want it to be something Hulta was just doing for her benefit. Not after what prior attempts had led to. Marlowe leaned forward again into that touch. She nudged her cheek into Hulta’s palm. Almost convinced. If she meant it, who was Lolo to argue? “Are you sure?” She started, slowly collapsing toward the lips she was drawn to.

Lolo hadn’t even noticed Smidge’s arrival - that was one fast pigeon! She blinked, sitting back up, leaving Hulta’s hand, and stared at the birth perched on Hulta’s head. Her eyes were drawn to the little piece of paper. What could that be if not a letter from her parents? The timing. Lolo wasn’t one to put much in fate, but that sure felt like an omen. “You’re sure your parents aren’t watching you?” Maybe Hulta’s mom had a surveillance shimmer or something! Her nose wrinkled and she reached forward, “Come here, you,” Lolo said, gently cupping her hands around Smidge and lifting the bird slowly free to try and pull on Hulta’s hair as little as possible.

The ruffling of feathers between her palms was different. Lolo’d never held Smidge - or any other bird - before, and now that she was, she wasn’t sure that she liked it. It didn’t stop her from lifting her away, nor Lolo from leaning onto one knee and swinging the other off Hulta. Lolo fell back down onto her backside, sitting beside where Hulta lay, and set Smidge down between her legs. “Can you behave?” Lolo said to the bird, trying to mimic Hulta’s tutting - a poor attempt - to satisfy the creature while the redhead got situated.

Marlowe released Smidge and glanced over at Hulta. She smiled gently, but it held something reserved. The action had almost dismissed her thoughts and concerns, but Smidge’s interruption had given them time to come back. To propagate. “You didn’t before,” Lolo said, trying to find her way back to the conversation. She looked at the spread that Hulta had prepared for them. “What changed?” Her brow tightened, “I don’t understand why you were so… Resistant before.”

[TheFluffyOne]

Character Name: Hulta Elderfond
Date | Time: 1.7.1323 | 10am
Location: You Knead It
Wearing: This with a heavy green coat, large scarf and chunky brown boots.
Tagging | Mentioning: Estelle & Koko | Lolo (m)
Her feet kicked out in front of her. Hulta could see the very tiptoes of her boots from the other side of the table and wiggled them on the spot. It was not the most ‘secret’ of places but it felt a little more discreet than trying to have a ‘meeting’ in the squad bedroom or after one of their classes. She didn’t want Marlowe or Dari wondering what was happening. This was for information only…right…They weren’t planning on going full vigilante just yet.

Kim’Blee Crimson.

The name soured the taste in Hulta’s mouth. She had spoken to Koko about her but she was surprised that anyone else had a shared interest in her. There was something intriguing about Estelle’s interest. She hadn’t truly been around when Mugi was lost…so it can’t be that. Hulta wanted every little morsel of information that she possibly could. She was like the Smidge of Kim’Blee Crimson, ready to peck up every crumb.

Thankfully, Estelle had approved of the need for secrecy. Though she was certain that not many of their squad would refuse a morning trip to a bakery. Hulta knew this bakery well, it was like her home away from home which is why she picked it. She knew the faces that would frequently come there at this exact time in the morning. No new faces made her feel a little more at ease.

Enough to swing her feet again, her gaze latching to the scuffed tips of her boots. There was only one other seat at her side. The menu lay untouched on the table. She knew what she was having. She didn’t need to change the routine, the only change was coming here with new people. The last new person she brought here was Marlowe…and this meeting was definitely not ending the same way as that had.

The apology she had to give the owner was probably not needed but she still blushed violently through every word. Even now, sitting out at the front of the bakery rather than inside at that seat, she still blushed at the thought. Her feet continued to swing as she waited for Estelle to arrive, her gaze slipping from her shoes every few seconds to the street ahead then back. She had placed her directly in view of the alley that she had bounced down mere moments ago. That and the bright red hair piled up on top of her head, should be enough to tell Estelle where she was.

[TheFluffyOne]

Stats

Strength: 1
Stamina: 2
Speed: 3
Shimmer: 5
Soul: 2
Brawl: 0
Melee: 3
Ranged: 1
Preparation: 2

Terrain Affinity: Forest
Terrain Weakness: Aquatic
Element Affinity: Air
Element Weakness: Water

Weapon Bonus: 12+2

Character Name: Hulta Elderfond
Date | Time: 06.01.1323 | Evening
Location: La Fleur sur la Vent, Onyx western quarter
Wearing: This
Tagging | Mentioning: Dariaq Syvanios
Hulta was as clueless as Smidge was about their room change. Even if Dari mentioned it three times during the travels or gave hints, they passed over her like a puff of smoke from above. She got the impression from his choice of outfit that she needed to make an effort so she went for a dress that she bought within the market place a while back. When Meena, Chee, Aurora, Bri and her all went looking for outfits. The green dress was snug around her waist but allowed for a lot of movement at her thighs. Pairing it with some pale tights and a jacket that barely skimmed the hem of the dress, she thought that she at least looked the part of a ‘squire out on the town’.

She recognised the runes on the door and grinned as Dari tugged them inside. She had never been here before but it somehow felt like she was being transported back home. Hulta kept her hand gripped tight in Dari’s, even if the music had her wanting to run away from him to the dance floor. Wide amber eyes were filled with the warmth of the lanterns around them. “Pft do I?!” She declared with a grin that felt twice as large as her normal one.

“You better be ready for some real moves, Dariaq Syvanios.” She threaded her jacket free and dropped her bag by a small table. Her hair was tugged up into a half bun as she slipped her fingers in his hand again. “You are going to witness my real moves.” Hulta gave him a wicked smirk and dragged him onto the dance floor.

Her fingers slipped up his arm to his shoulder and her body swiftly hugged his form. If this was any other place with any other music then some may say she was flirting with him. Especially how her hips swayed from side to side. Almost grinding against him as her feet started to move, the subtle dance steps starting to get more complicated as the music picked up.

[TheFluffyOne]

Stats

Strength: 1
Stamina: 2
Speed: 3
Shimmer: 5
Soul: 2
Brawl: 0
Melee: 3
Ranged: 1
Preparation: 2

Terrain Affinity: Forest
Terrain Weakness: Aquatic
Element Affinity: Air
Element Weakness: Water

Weapon Bonus: 12+2

Character Name: Hulta Elderfond
Date | Time: 01.02.1323 | Noon
Location: Rook's Down Park
Wearing: The centre outfit
Tagging | Mentioning: Marlowe Ashe
Was she sure? She was certain. She had never been more certain of anything in her life. She melted into Marlowe’s touch, her fingers trying to her closer…if it wasn’t for that blasted bird who stared at her like she knew Hulta was doing something naughty. Those pink cheeks deepened to red at Lolo’s teasing comment. Perhaps they were watching her, seeing her making a ‘mistake’ in real time and deciding to intervene immediately. What would her parents say if they knew the truth? That she had made Marlowe a special gift, called her home…asked Marlowe for another chance. It made her shudder almost as much as the thought of them finding out what she did with Ares.

Thankfully, the gentle distraction of Smidge being removed from her red locks was enough to send those thoughts spiraling back to that corner of her mind. The one where everything lingered until she felt exhausted enough to try and handle it before letting sleep claim her. Smidge seemed confused by this change in position with her head bobbing from side to side but she tolerated being picked up by Marlowe. For now.
Hulta pushed herself around so that she could sit and look at the two of them. Her favourite bird and Smidge. “She’ll behave.” Hulta told Marlowe as she let her head wriggle a little. Her mind still on the feel of Marlowe between her thighs, her chest against Marlowe’s and Lolo’s lips on her throat. She tried to push those thoughts back but they kept crowding forward. Especially when Marlowe smiled at her. Hulta matched the smile and reached her hands out for Smidge. Her fingers wiggling as the pigeon did another loud coo. Demanding payment for her services.

She didn’t before. She changed. Why was she so resistant before? “Oh…Um….I…Well I was worried that this wouldn’t last” Hulta responded awkwardly as she looked down at Smidge. Her fingers creeping around the bird and tempting her onto her lap. “I have always wanted things to be special for my first yknow...” So why did she allow Ares to take it? Even her mind was bitter with her in that respect…but she had to do something to get more information on the dagger. She had to do something to get back in her parents’ good books. To prove to them that she was not a lost cause. She could do this. She could make them proud.

“I was scared.” Hulta told her truthfully. “I’ve never really been in a relationship before.” Her fingers brushed over Smidge’s spine as the bird curled up onto her lap. Retrieving her bag, she tempted the main pocket open and pulled out her emergency snack pack for Smidge. Little pink feet tapped against Hulta’s thigh as Hulta placed a little collection of small sunflower seeds on her knee. Pale fingers unthreaded the note and she paused before unfurling it. “My parents can’t watch me from home. Don’t worry.” She smiled at Marlowe as she tugged the note out. Her fingers freezing as it wasn’t her mother’s or father’s handwriting. 

[Aethyrium]

Stats

Strength: 5
Stamina: 3
Speed: 2
Shimmer: 3
Soul: 1
Brawl: 5
Melee: 0
Ranged: 0
Preparation: 0

Terrain Affinity: Forest, Mountain
Terrain Weakness: Desert, Aquatic
Element Affinity: Earth
Element Weakness: Water

Weapon Bonus: 12+2

Character Name: Marlowe Ashe
Date | Time: 01.02.1323 | Noon
Location: Rook’s Down Park
Wearing: Green long-sleeve crossover dress w/ heels and hat
Tagging | Mentioning: Hulta
Notes:
None of that changed that things hadn’t changed. Why was it any more likely to last now? What was even lasting? And what did any of that have to do with having sex?! Marlowe kept quiet and listened. She looked again at the spread of things they hadn’t touched - too busy touching one another. Was this special? Surely, in a way, but was it special like the kiss that had started all of this? And what did special have to do with anything? Her first time hadn’t been special. In fact, she wouldn’t have called any of her times special. They were unique. Fun. Exciting. Exhilarating. Engaging. Pleasuring. But special? Not once. But then the people weren't special. Hulta was different. Was that not enough for Hulta, was she not special?

She imagined that they defined relationships differently, that wasn’t hard to believe. Hulta looked at things like what Lyra had with Azir. Lolo hadn’t had that. She’d been… A girlfriend, she supposed, but not in the way that people talked about it when they were talking about such things. “Scared?” Of sex? Well the best way to conquer that fear was by doing, but Hulta was going to be a squire, so surely she understood that. Lolo gingerly grabbed the new bangle on her wrist and gave it a slow, small twisting back and forth. “Then we’ll make it special,” Lolo resolved, looking down at the bird pecking at her seeds. She didn’t know how she’d accomplish it yet, how she’d make it that - what did special sex even look like? - but if Lolo had a knack for anything, it was creating moments.

It did mean, though, that she wasn’t going to let them get any further now. If Hulta wanted something special, Marlowe would figure that out. And she had an idea of exactly who to ask. “What do your parents have to say?” She asked, glancing up at the letter, then to Hulta.

To Hulta,

What a joy it was to hear you arrived safely in Onyx! I’ve been thinking of you often, wondering how the journey would treat you, and it gladdens me deeply to know that you are settling in well. It’s hard to imagine the great plains of Johtan and how different it must be from home. Is it a fitting place, for someone with your spirit? I hope you have found things to bring you comfort while you are away.

I had a brief talk with your parents not long ago, when they returned with the refugees. What a time to be here, I wish you could see it. The entire city is abuzz. They spoke with pride (and perhaps a touch of relief) about your future, and what you were going to bring to Tabor. Which brought them to mention that, in time, you’ll be returning home. I won’t pretend not to be thrilled at the thought. You’ve been missed more than I can rightly say, and I admit, I find myself already looking forward to that day.

In the meantime, I hope we can keep in contact. If you’re willing, I’d like to write more, and perhaps hear your thoughts as things unfold. There’s so much ahead for all of us.

Speaking of which, I wanted to tell you that I have been brought on to help with the planning of the development of our Academy. I will be helping design, and build it. Perhaps we can work together? I would like to hear your thoughts on what such a space will need, so we can best accommodate you and the others when you return. This is the kind of future that I want to be part of, one of the ways we could share it.

More soon. For now, stay well, stay sharp, and know there’s someone back home who’s cheering you on every step of the way.

Finlar

[Eye of Horus]

Stats

Strength: 1
Stamina: 3
Speed: 3
Shimmer: 2
Soul: 3
Brawl: 1
Melee: 4
Ranged: 1
Preparation: 1

Terrain Affinity: Desert
Terrain Weakness: Aquatic, Swamp
Element Affinity: Lightning (black arcanite)
Element Weakness: Earth (green arcanite)

Weapon Bonus:12

Character Name:Dariaq Syvanios
Date | Time: 06.01.1323 | Evening
Location: La Fleur sur la Vent, Onyx western quarter
Wearing: Dress shirt, dark trousers, black and white wraparound coat
Tagging | Mentioning: Hulta Elderfond
Notes: Unstoppable team Wooshed
Dari barely had time to register the challenge in Hulta’s eyes before she yanked him into the maelstrom. Good - if she was playing on his overly-competitive nature she was one step closer to feeling like herself. Not to mention she was succeeding.

“Real moves?” he laughed, “Oh, ma biche, I was BORN to improvise!”

The beat hovered for a moment, then dropped like a thunderbolt. Hulta, lithe and grinning, was already whirling like a summer storm. She fell into a syncopated rhythm that made the hem of her dress flutter around her thighs, her fingers curling teasingly over his shoulder as her body pressed into the curve of the dance. Dari took a moment to pull his brain out of the zouk rhythm of La Havre and into the more traditional step-step-slow, step-step-slow, then he let his feet take over.

He stepped into her rhythm without missing a beat, sliding a hand to the small of her back, leading with gentle insistence. They spun in a tight circle once, just a touch too fast, and he had to catch her waist to steady the motion. He snorted a laugh.

“Not a word. I’m just warming up.”

He rolled them into a tighter step, dipping to let Hulta spin past him in a pivot, her red curls flying, then caught her hand and pulled her back. She whirled into his arms like a ribbon of wind, embodying her own Shimmer. Dari guided her through a back-bend and turned her again, chasing their own shadows under the golden light of the lanterns.

“See?” he preened as Hulta slid one of her legs between his and gave her heel a cheeky little flick. Unstoppable Team Wooshed.

Dari spun her again, this time keeping her close, and let their feet find their own shared rhythm, hips rocking, shoulders loose. Hulta started layering in little Tabor-style flourishes - a slow hand roll over her head, a sharp turn ending in a flick of her heel. Dari matched each one with his own flair, and even mock-fanned himself after Hulta made an especially sultry twirl. As the familiar elven song reached its final moment, he spun Hulta away from him and willed his Shimmer-echo ahead of her, the crackling projection catching her and turning her under its arm before flinging her back. He caught her hand and the small of her back, leaving them face to face once more as the echo burst into sparks and the band flourished their final note. Around them, the crowd whooped.

“Okay, I knew you were good.” Dari grinned, breathing hard, “But I didn’t know you were that good.”

[Rainbae]

Stats

Strength: 0
Stamina: 0
Speed: 0
Shimmer: 5
Soul: 0
Brawl: 0
Melee: 2
Ranged: 5
Preparation: 5

Terrain Affinity: Urban
Terrain Weakness: Artic
Element Affinity: Lightning
Element Weakness: Fire

Weapon Bonus:12

Character Name: Koko Gero
Date | Time: 01.01.1323 |
Location: Steel League Compound
Wearing:  Her Usual Jumpsuit, Her Goggles
Tagging | Mentioning: Thessa, Chee, Estelle
Notes: N/A
Koko started in the cockpit. She swiftly began to whip out tool after tool as she deftly made pieces of the jet come apart. She worked quickly and efficiently, which was not her normal style. Usually Koko was more chaotic and all over the place, working on several different pieces of the assembly all at once. She’d jump back and forth between them so suddenly and seemingly without reason sometimes she left screw half unscrewed while her mind raced. Today was not like that. Koko had studied for today, actually seriously taken the blueprint of this thing and stuck her nose in it for days. She was making love to this machine right now, and boy did she know her sweetspots. Tools floated in the air just around her as she grabbed at them and discarded them as required. Easily she found herself pulling the entire display relay off the jet. This probably wasn’t the intended way to get at what she was after but it was definitely the fastest. And more over its not like Koko cared if the jet worked afterwards, in fact she preferred if it didn’t.

She set the display aside on the wing and dove head first into the body cavity of the jet. She was about waist deep in the guts of wires and machinery when Estelle called to her over the music. Koko had a moment of panic as she was stretching her arm out. “One sec!! Almost…got ittt. Ah!” Her hand landed on the rectangular block box she was looking for. Part of her wanted to just pry it away and get to Estelle quickly but it didn’t sound like her panic was actually warranted so she went about removing the drive as quickly but still carefully as she could. Pulling herself back out of the body of the plane she had engine grease and bit of grime on her shoulders and the tips of her hair as she popped over the edge of the plane to where Estelle was. She held the drive up for Estelle to see.

“One down! What was that? A light? Shit uhh…” She thought for a moment before just shrugging and wrenching her goggles off the top of her head and dropping them down to Estelle. “Switch is on the right cup. Roll the wheel till you hear three clicks and then press in.” She flashed her friend a thumbsup before scurrying off back to her work. If Estelle did as Koko said the lenses and clockwork mechanisms attached to the goggles would stir to whir and turn, cycling two additional sets of lenses over her eyes before the third would land and provide illumination as the arcanite crystals inside shone forwards.

Meanwhile across the yard Thessa and Chee were both infiltrating respectively. Neither of them were seen but suddenly and without warning the alarm blared. But not like either of them expected. Two loud whoops of the alarm sounded off before the PA crackled on. All the loudspeakers on the base opened. “Attention all staff, we have a code purple, I repeat a code purple by the east gate.” There was a pause that left the entire team in shock. What was a code purple?! Were they found out?! That idea went through at least Koko’s head. All until the speaker blared again. “Repeat again its definitely a purple boys, we’re spotting at least three elven babes off the east gate over. Confirmed D cups at the worst lads get your asses over here if you want a look, over.” This time the loudspeaker had hooping and hollering in the background as presumably several of the guards were cat calling a group of women passing nearby. Unbeknownst to the team there was an industrial style night club not far from the base and the patrons passed not far from the wall.

A sigh of relief filled Koko’s lungs as she tried to dive back into her work as quickly as possible. It seemed for now they weren’t found out. Either way though lots of footfalls could be heard across the base. Most at the central housing building but elsewhere too. They might not be found out but now there was a lot more foot traffic on the base in general as goons of all kinds started moving around to go see.

[TheFluffyOne]

Stats

Strength: 1
Stamina: 2
Speed: 3
Shimmer: 5
Soul: 2
Brawl: 0
Melee: 3
Ranged: 1
Preparation: 2

Terrain Affinity: Forest
Terrain Weakness: Aquatic
Element Affinity: Air
Element Weakness: Water

Weapon Bonus: 12+2

Character Name: Hulta Elderfond
Date | Time: 01.02.1323 | Noon
Location: Rook's Down Park
Wearing: The centre outfit
Tagging | Mentioning: Marlowe Ashe
The letter rolled between her fingertips as she watched Marlowe think. Hulta knew that this was different from everything else that they had done before. When she made Marlowe stop before going too far, when they were interrupted over and over again. She had been the one to initiate the more sexual element, she was the one to try and touch Lolo rather than just allowing it to be a chaste kiss. Hulta imagined that it would be like Lolo suddenly not wanting to go somewhere fancy or upscale. Instead demanding to only go to small cafes that were dingier than dazzling.

‘Scared?’ She seemed confused by that. How could Hulta not feel scared about sex with Lolo? The woman was beautiful and confident and everything that Hulta was not. She wanted so badly to make it special for not only herself but for Lolo as well. For it to not just disappear into Lolo’s memories as just another evening. She wanted to be memorable. Hulta beamed at Marlowe as she commented that they would make it special. A light pink dusted over her nose and cheeks as she took her bottom lip between her teeth. “Mhm” She nodded in confirmation. The letter continued to roll over her palm as she watched Lolo. She could linger in this moment for a while longer, the softness of the light as it caressed Marlowe, the way that her hair curled around her shoulders and the comforting clicking of Smidge picking up seeds.

“What do your parents have to say?” She pouted as Marlowe made her drag her gaze away from the beauty before her. Flicking her amber eyes down to the letter, she let a soft sigh leave her lips. The writing was wrong. The handwriting was not from her mother or her father. It was wrong. Scanning the letter swiftly, she slipped straight to the end. Finlar. She tensed her jaw and then promptly shook her head. “Just nonsense about home. They are telling me about the local bakery…they are bringing in new l..lemon squares.” She stumbled through the lie as she scrolls the letter back up and stuffs it under her bra strap.

Hulta leaned forward and rests onto her knees. “We should eat. I..I don’t want anything to get cold.” She said knowing full well that there wasn’t that much on the spread that was actually at risk of getting cold. Her mind was swimming as she pulled a small pastry towards her. Concentrate on that and the soft clicking of Smidge eating. Not the terrifying thought that her parents had deliberately told Finlar to write her. Trying their hardest to force a wedge between her and Marlowe in the way of bringing an old ‘flame’ back into the picture.

End Scene

[TheFluffyOne]

Stats

Strength: 1
Stamina: 2
Speed: 3
Shimmer: 5
Soul: 2
Brawl: 0
Melee: 3
Ranged: 1
Preparation: 2

Terrain Affinity: Forest
Terrain Weakness: Aquatic
Element Affinity: Air
Element Weakness: Water

Weapon Bonus: 12+2

Character Name: Hulta Elderfond
Date | Time: 06.01.1323 | Evening
Location: La Fleur sur la Vent, Onyx western quarter
Wearing: This
Tagging | Mentioning: Dariaq Syvanios, Marlowe and Thessa
Hulta would have continued with the tease if the beat hadn’t dropped suddenly. She felt like she was back home. That the room was full to the brim with a sweet smoky taste, that familiar faces were clapping in time with the beat and her parents were just another couple dancing on the floor. She waited until he tried to slip into the new dance, but he led her straight into a spin that made her head feel like her brain was rattling a second behind them. “G…Got it.” She giggled as he snorted and managed to get his head on right this time. He let her move as she did while also subtly leading her in this dance. When she was dancing, it was easy to forget everything and just let the music flow through her.

He had to put that small cheeky retort in there. Hulta rolled her eyes as she let her hair flick around him. “Okay, I admit…you know what you are doing.” She smirked and let herself slip into that familiar way of dancing. She even did that twirl that she normally did to get him to react in a silly way. Dari brought them to a finish and she grinned widely at him. “Oh I’m really good, Dari. I’m glad you could keep up.” She grabbed his hand and dragged him away from the dance floor towards the bar at the back of the club. Thankfully, the bartender wasn’t busy as many people were on the dance floor.

Two drinks of water and a sweet apple syrup were produced as Hulta paid with some cor that she had in the small coin bag around her wrist. “N..Next one, I lead.” She told him as she downed half the glass. “This place is amazing...where did you find it?” Hulta asked as she rested her hips against the bar. There were quite a few groups of people in this bar. Many of them were elves but they were others dotted in as well. No matter who the music normally catered to, the bar and the dance floor was open to all.

She saw a flicker of a familiar mane of dark hair and found her gaze being trained to the pair that were across the bar from them. Hulta smirked as she noticed Thessa and Lolo standing at the bar, drinking their own tall glassed drinks. Yet she was certain that alcohol was in there. Hulta slipped her fingers around Dari’s wrist. “Come on. This is my song.” She tugged him, perhaps a little violently, back towards the dance floor. Hulta made sure to twirl a little, forcing her red hair to spin and attempt to catch the attention of Lolo. She spun back around to Dari as the music started to pick up and swayed her hips from side to side as she traced her hands down his torso, over his hips as she nearly crouched before flicking herself back up. “We have company…Let’s show them how its done.”