[Plot] Praise be Her Name

[Aethyrium]

Doya Yama

Ocareena de Min Uet Foarist

Velvet Smoke

S T O R Y T E L L E RJanuary 17th, 7:42pm | Onyx Prairie - Western Quarter
Chee, Dariaq, Thessa
Dariaq w/ Ocareena…
Ocareena’s message to Dariaq had been brief, just a few lines. She had recently crossed paths with another elf from his Oasis. Someone who, in the course of their conversation, had asked about Dariaq, and whether a meeting might be possible. Talking about the Oasis has pulled a string in them, something about a past that had never been fully let go. They wondered if Dariaq, too, might want to look back for a moment.

So Ocareena had reached out.

She had arranged a time that worked for them both. The house on the western edge of Onyx was modest, and not far from the city gate leading to greater Johtan. From the small deck attached to the front, you could look right into the great open space where the elves of Cordes sur-Ciel had gathered before being ferried off to Tabor. Now, as the last rays of light began to vanish, casting stretching shadows across paving stones, Ocareena stood waiting outside the house. Her posture was composed, but not rigid.She leaned slightly on one hip, hands folded in front of her, the loose sleeves of her robe stirring in the breeze. She had tied her hair back in a simple knot, the wind occasionally teasing strands loose to brush against her cheek.

The house behind her bore the gentle disrepair of abandonment - not neglect, exactly, but the pause of a place waiting for its next chapter. It had once belonged to a fellow elf from Onyx, someone who, unlike her, had chosen to leave for Tabor. In the days that followed, the transition had been quiet. No one protested when Ocareena remained behind. The door was left unlocked, the key never reclaimed. Whether by silent agreement or unspoken kindness, the home had become hers. She hadn't changed much within it. A few personal things moved in. A plant or two. A cushion she preferred. But the spirit of the house still belonged to someone who believed Tabor held a better future. Ocareena lived here not as a settler, but as a keeper of stories, and a shepherd to her people.

As she saw him approaching from the dusty curve of the road, she straightened, lifted a hand in greeting, a warm smile on her features. The child of Syvanios was a fine young man. In another life perhaps… “It fills me with happiness to see you again, Dariaq.” The priestess of the Jade Summer said to him, looking down the two-step elevated small deck at the front of the house, “I hope you are well. How is Hulta? You’ll tell her I miss her, I hope.” She stepped away from the railing to meet him near the stairs, “We should sit together sometime, the three of us. Thessa, and Lyreilynn too.”

Chee w/ Velvet…
The good work that thrived in the eastern quarter of Onyx seldom had reason to stretch so far west. It was a different rhythm there - quieter, older, and often without such needs. And yet, today, Chee and Velvet found themselves weaving through the winding lanes of the western edge, a small handcart between them laden with parcels of food, linens, and carefully packed supplies. Two separate drop-offs lay ahead, not far from each other. Both had been arranged under the coordination of the elven priestess, Ocareena.

It made sense, in a way. Though most of the elves from Cordes sur-Ciel had continued their journey onward to Tabor after arriving in Onyx, a small handful had chosen to remain behind, staking a fragile claim to life in this in-between place. These elves were still in transition, their roots half-formed and uncertain. The decision to stay had not been easy, nor without cost. They bore the weight of survival without the structure of a true home, and in many ways, they were still finding their footing. Luckily, they hadn’t been left entirely adrift. When their kin - those who had gone on to Tabor, but had been native to Onyx - departed, many had done so with grace, offering up their homes, belongings, and quiet gestures of goodwill. What they left behind had become a lifeline. But such fundamentals did not answer every need, and the act of settling, truly settling, required more than walls and furniture.

Their work with Esther’s community programs had always focused on the overlooked: the ones in between, the ones quietly struggling. And now, with Ocareena acting as a steady bridge between Onyx and Tabor, a network of care had begun to take form. The priestess had maintained a constant line of communication with Esther ever since the elven arrival. It was a mutually beneficial relationship, born not of politics or obligation, but of quiet, consistent trust. With a considerable pool of resources at her disposal, Ocareena could support Esther’s actions, whereas Esther had the connections to provide on-the-ground support for those staying in Onyx until they could support themselves.

“I haven’t heard back from them either,” Velvet said with a grimace, her heart in her stomach. The news that Seabreeze had been attacked still gnawed at her. She wanted to go there, of course, but there was no time. No space. The idea that anyone might have been hurt, or worse, nagged her daily - hourly, more. A lack of communication could mean anything, though, she knew that. Something as simple as a series lightning or sonic resonance could disrupt the communications tower signals and prevent it. “I’ve tried everyday.” She’d never wished her shimmer took her further than she could see until this moment.

Ears twitching, she looked back at the cart they were hauling. Most of the stuff was for her drop, one a little earlier than Chee’s. No more than armload for him to continue on with, meant to be delivered to Ocareena personally. “This is nice, though,” she said, finding a small smile, “With everything going on in Onyx with Red Fang, it’s nice to see people working together.”

Thessa w/ Doya…
Running into Thessa had been a thing of chance. A small fate-arranged collision that came without warning. But Doya hadn’t minded in the slightest, if anything she welcomed it. What began as a brief hello had quickly become a meandering conversation, and before anyone realized it they were walking through the city together, unhurried, wandering as freely as the conversation itself. They had talked about nothing in particular.Half-finished stories, passing thoughts, a strange dream, and even a joke or two that spiraled off into laughter. But also somehow everything - recent frustrations with Koko and Chee, and the understanding because Doya had to deal with Artanis. Time slipped around them like water. The sun, once high in the sky, was all but out of view now, tucked behind the horizon for the night, and lamps began to flicker to life in quiet intervals along the roads of Onyx.

They were nearly at the western gate now - a long way from where they had begun. Doya hadn’t realized they’d walked so far until the familiar curve of the avenue appeared, revealing the walls and quiet buildings that marked the city’s edge. This part of Onyx felt like a different world at this hour. Gone was the hustle and bustle, the calls of vendors, and the echo of cartwheels and crowds. Over here, the city had settled into a hush. Sometime ago, behind them, they had passed through the brief, chaotic surge of workers heading home - but here, now, there was only calm. Still, the streets weren’t empty. People moved around them in slow but purposeful motion - lone figures, quiet pairs speaking softly, small clusters of friends making the most of the last gasps of daylight. There was no urgency anymore. Just transition. Just the city breathing out.

Not unlike the last time Thessa was here, when the elves of Cordes sur-Ciel moved to Tabor.

“I have heard stories of people talking to weapons,” She said. Doya was familiar, at least in name, with the Scorched Seven. A run in with them was a bad time. “It sounds to me like you did the right thing, giving Guillotine back.” Doya crossed her arms over her chest and thought about Excalibur strapped to her back. If it had been taken, she’d move mountains to get it back. She supposed there was an interest in keeping weapons away from enemies, and she had no doubt that Ruby and its agents could certainly qualify, but there was something honorbound in her that said Thessa had made the right choice. “Even if it might be used against us, it wasn’t ours to keep.” Though she was certainly no fan of the Scorched Seven, at least in theory, it was hard not to be intrigued by an organization that honored swordsmen - as one herself, such a thing certainly appealed.

Of course, Doya didn’t necessarily want anymore fame and attention on her. In fact, not at all.

“I wonder what she was doing here. Surely she didn’t come all this way, just for Guillotine,” Doya said aloud, “So quickly after Gaoden?” No, that didn’t feel right. “You know, Rose is from Ruby. She probably knows more about them then the rest of us combined.”

[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: 01.17.1323 | 7:42pm
Location: Onyx Prairie - Far Western Quarter by the Gate
Wearing: Ripped Jeans, t-shirt, green light jacket, Hoodie Under Jacket, and Shoes. Weapons/Gear in a bag
Tagging | Mentioning: Dariaq, Thessa, Velvet |
Notes: Odd One Out
Chee didn't get out this far very often. Not that he'd been to every part of Onyx. Far from it. Most of the Southern Quarter was a mystery to him and he'd seen less than one percent of the northern quarter. But he'd seen most of the east and a lot of the central and western sections. Still, he'd never been this close to the western gate without the intention and focus of going through it. It was quiet.

But he still wasn't able to focus on taking it in. He was more focused on the conversation with Velvet. His ears flicked as she answered his question. His tail swished. His chest tightened. This was more important than an eerily quiet section of town. It was a Wednesday evening. Most people were settling in after a long day and supper. Here he was running errands. He grinned. It made him feel good to help Esther and Ocareena. He was protecting in a way.

He shook his head and focused. "Ya, me, too. I tink dat operator is gettin annoyed wit me." He laughed nervously. He still didn't like pushing people's buttons. No matter what Lolo said. But it was important. "Hope we hear from dem soon. I tink my stomach is tryin ta eat its way out trough my abdomen."

He scratched his chin idly and wondered aloud, "Tink if we asked Ettinus... or, one of da longterm professors or her mentor, whoever dat was, we might track down Ivy?" He frowned. They'd brought her up at the Rishi Valley when they reunited and again a little when Velvet had visited his home, but neither of them had any contact less than a year old. It worried Chee mildly. Champions were busy people though. It wasn't strange for one to be out of contact. But maybe this was a reason to look into it? "Someone ought ta tell her. At da best, she might be able ta use a Champion's prerogative ta go have a look, ya?" He smiled at Velvet and shifted the weight between them. They might also want to call Sky if they had his contact. And Dawn, Velvet had said Dawn had a greenhouse down by the water now! Chee worried his lip.

What else didn't he know? He'd reestablished contact, but there was so much to catch up on. He'd mentioned Erevan de Cobassarez to her and Velvet had casually mentioned he had been in Seabreeze for a couple years. Chee frowned at what he didn't know of his hometown. He blew out breath and absently scanned nearby buildings. Noting numbers, he knew they were getting close. It was hard to keep tabs on villages and settlements though. Communication was spotty and travel was hard. He was one of the more well-traveled people he knew, but he was also able to wield his Soul and hide well. Still, he felt bile rise up that he didn't make a better effort.

He shifted the weight once more and smiled apologetically at Velvet as she adjusted as well, "Ya, sure is. I was impressed wit da way de elves worked togeder like dat. Dat Ocareena sure is a powerful force, eh? And helpin Ester is always good." Chee wiggled his nose and glanced at Velvet. His thought of his conversation with Lolo the other day. "Speakin of important folk, how you doin, Vee? Since Meena left? Sorry I didn't reach out in da wake of dat. Not very broderly of me." He bit off a comment about how he rarely paid attention to romantic things. Truthfully, they made him uncomfortable. But Velvet didn't need the commentary just her brother's ear. He was trying to practice what Lolo had preached.

[Envious]

Character Name: Thessa
Date | Time: January 17th, 7:42pm
Location: Onyx Prairie - Western Quarter
Wearing: Uniform, Shield, no earrings
Tagging | Mentioning: Doya | Yunla, Rose, Chee
Note: "Elvish"
The last time she had been at the western gate, it had seemed so large. Elves as far as the eye could see! In retrospect, it was the moment that was big. A part of her ached to leave Onyx and all of its complications to go home to Tabor. She missed her community deeply. But she also knew that she wasn’t the same person. To leave Hammer now would be a mistake. She still had much to give and much to receive.

”Wondered mineself. Gaoden was supposed ta build somethin’ ta help make it hard fer Hollow ta come up through the river. Scorched Seven put an end ta it. Then Scorched Seven happen ta be at Seabreeze where a monster come up from the water? Don’t like it. That river an open path fer Hollow ‘n they comin’ up it. Yunla coulda killed mosta us in that fight iffin’ she’d been there fer doin’ it, so do trust the story she told - she was in Seabreeze by chance, not choice.” Thessa crossed her arms and made a grumpy sound. She was all questions and no answers. ”Didn’t know that ‘bout Rose. Wonder if she’ll be interested in knowin’ ‘bout it. Will ask later.” Or maybe she’d tell Chee and let him inquire. The history of Ruby was interesting, but it wasn’t her most pressing concern.

”Hardest part is seein’ all these things happenin’ ‘round me ‘n knowin’ that mine place is best at Hammer. Do want ta jump in ‘n help. Do it sometimes ‘n it ain’t always go well. Got too much ta learn ta be proper useful.” She was in some weird middle ground where she was more capable than the average person, but less accomplished than the trained one and she couldn’t seem to pick her battles accordingly. It felt silly to admit standing next to the Doya Yama. Outside of the classroom, it had been easy to forget that her fellow squire was the exception to the rule.

[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: 17.01.1323 | Evening
Location: Onyx western quarter
Wearing: Hammer uniform
Tagging | Mentioning: Ocareena de Min Uet Foarist | Hulta
Notes: Community
Dari’s smile was genuine as he turned off the street towards the hab, the last warmth of the sun catching the copper sheen in his hair, and laying long shadows across the building facade. He wore the two halves of Spitting Cobra crossed over his back, not because he expected trouble, but out of pride. If someone from home was here, he wanted them to see him in Hammer uniform, carrying his weapons in the open city as was a squire’s privilege.

“Madame Foarist.” he said, slowing his pace respectfully as he reached the worn decking. “I hope you’re keeping well. Your home looks beautiful.”

He help up his hand so that they could link palm-to-palm in the traditional elven greeting. It was pleasing to know that he had made himself memorable to the Jade Summer priestess - though if he was being honest it was more likely that Hulta, who was on much more familiar terms with Ocareena, might have said a few things.

Hopefully good things. His wing-partner was by no means above a sisterly prank or two. Still, the thought of her relaying his better moments to someone as respected as Ocareena lit a quiet ember of warmth in his chest.

“How is Hulta? You’ll tell her I miss her, I hope.”

“Hulta is a champion in the making.” Dari smiled, replying in his mother tongue. “Any elf should be proud to call her daughter, just as I’m proud to call her friend.”

Proud to call her daughter. He wondered what petty frustration had made him say those words to Ocareena. He glanced aside, his eyes flitting briefly toward the house. Elves had lived here, judging by the runic prayer-stone carved above the door. Ocareena had made the place her own with climbing plants by the door and windows, but the house was easily big enough for a whole family.

The Onyx district that had once been alive with his people was quieter now. In gathering places like Fleur sur la Vent the spirit still held, but on the city streets the gliding flow of Johtan elvish and the murmur of ancient songs had thinned to near silence. Most had gone to Tabor, riding the skies on Solidarity with heavy hearts but hopeful eyes. Dari had watched them go, and looking back at the house, he felt the same complicated mix of emotions.

“We should sit together sometime, the three of us. Thessa, and Lyreilynn too.”

Dari pictured the scene. Hulta with her flame-red curls, perhaps with Smidge fluttering at her shoulder. Elegant Lyra, and radiant Thessa. “I’d like that.” he admitted. Five elves from different corners of Toil, sharing food and stories. Not the stuff of history books, perhaps - but warm. Dari had thrown himself into the new experiences of Onyx with vigorous determination, but sometimes he almost forgot how much he missed the quiet comfort of a shared community.

“You said someone from home’s here?” he asked, following the thought. He had spent most of the walk here wondering who it might be. Had Mother and Mum come all the way over the mountains to see him? No, surely that was a vain thought. More likely a courier, carrying some important message. Kiralee perhaps? She was certainly firebrand enough to volunteer to brave the Hollow.

[Aethyrium]

Doya Yama

Ocareena de Min Uet Foarist

Velvet Smoke

Arrian Hala Con’Quelso

S T O R Y T E L L E RJanuary 17th, 7:42pm | Onyx Prairie - Western Quarter
Chee, Dariaq, Thessa
Dariaq w/ Ocareena…
She looked back at the plants that now adorned the wall and smiled. It was a nice place. It wasn’t home. But it was nice. Comfortable. It filled a need, and then a little more. “Truthfully, sometimes I still feel like a stranger in it,” she admitted. The Solidarity was large, but not infinitely so. The resources of Tabor weren’t that expansive. Those who left Johtan left much, most even, of their belongings behind. And for Ocareena that meant living in a dwelling that was lived in, that still smelled of a family that was no longer there. She had taken time to start packing it. Neatly arranging things for storage, and a hope that one day she could return it all to those who had left for her real home. But she was busy, and that project was not small. “But maybe no more than I do here in Onyx,” she hummed, returning her full attention to him. “This place is not like home, Dariaq. These people are…” the word that she wanted to use was broken, but that was so cynical, and Ocareena was not, “Struggling.” Her lips flattened. The word was weak for what she wanted to express.

His failure to comment on himself, and the way he replied about Hulta definitely caught her attention. Her head tilted slightly, like she was ready to probe. But maybe that was best for another time. Tonight already promised to be full. “As am I,” Ocareena agreed simply. For now. With his agreement to sit with her and the others, Ocareena made a note to make time for it. She felt she could call on all of them - and perhaps some others, even. Maybe the elves of Hammer all deserved some time together.

Her eyes lit up, and she nodded, “Oh, yes, of course, in fact he should be—” Ocareena turned as if the whole thing had been timed. Really it was pure coincidence that she looked back at the door of her home as the handle turned. It pulled back, and in a flash, there standing in the door frame was a ghost of Dari’s past.

Arrian with his polished amber eyes looked down at Dari, and his lips curled into a slow smirk. “Dariaq de Syvanios,” he said the name knowingly. The familiar bow was on his back, “Hammer Academy Squire,” it wasn’t bitterness or acid on his tongue as he said those words, but there was definitely something. Something knowing. A small flaunt perhaps, that it should have been him and he had not forgotten that.

“My good friend!” He added a moment of stillness later, a lilt of joy in his voice. Arrian stepped out of the home, onto the deck, and moved in an almost rush to Dari, arms thrown wide to embrace him and pull him close. Like a friend. Like a brother. Like a lover? “It’s been too long,” he squeezed the other man, “Too long!” he insisted

Chee w/ Velvet…
She didn’t really want to think about what such prolonged lack of contact meant. Velvet thought about them a lot. But… There was a truth to the idea of out of sight, out of mind. Velvet’s life had for so long revolved around Matilda and her siblings. Now it didn’t. It wasn’t that they were forgotten about, but she was busy. Not just with Hammer - though certainly that too - but with growing. With living her life. There were days where she didn’t think of them at all. Not actively at least. Now that gnawed at her. What if her last talk with Matilda had been her last? She couldn’t even remember the last time she’d spoken to some of her siblings. Would that be the memory she had to live with?

There was always the possibility, but Seabreeze felt so… Stable. Secure. In contrast to other villages, at least. That was Yoken’s legacy, she knew.

Chee’s suggestion dragged her back from the haunting idea that maybe she’d never hear them again - and that her last memories would be trying to remember. Maybe she needed to spend less time on herself, with others, and more looking back. It was right then, for the first time, that Velvet really understood and agreed with the notion that villages should be inside of Onyx. “Maybe…” she murmured, trying to focus on the idea. “I’m sure Ettinus was the headmaster. And I think most the professors were the same,” she mused, “Don’t know who her mentor was though. I guess it would probably be one of the squire mentors… Or no, I guess it would be one of the mentors of the adept teams.” she corrected with a nod. “Assuming they’re still here…”

To say that Velvet was a fan of Ocareena’s was an understatement. “She’s incredible,” Velvet gushed, finding in that a reason to finally smile. “We need more people like her. Toil would be a better place.”

On the contrary, Meena’s name did not brighten her mood. Velvet drooped visibly. Her own ears flicked in… Agitation probably. “Don’t worry about it,” she dismissed with a small wave that quickly returned to the cart handle she was carrying, “You’ve got your own stuff. And that was… Silly.” But the word came out certainly not sounding like it had been silly. Velvet looked ahead, and let herself wonder for a moment where Meena was. She did hope she was well. “Probably the same as you, now that Roar left,” Velvet murmured, giving him a bit of a side eye. “Confused. A little sad. I have this… This… Thing,” a hand reached for her chest and touched her heart, “And I don’t know what to do with it.”

Thessa w/ Doya…
Doya had not known about the plans at Gaoden. She looked briefly a little surprised by it - that sounded like a bold undertaking in a place that wasn’t Onyx itself. Apple’s doing no doubt. “Why would the Scorched Seven care about something built to protect Onyx?” She simply couldn’t reconcile that - though, Doya was far too humble to not acknowledge that there were a myriad of things she likely didn’t know about. “The Seven, as I understand it, are elite agents of Ruby. Some of the kingdom’s most powerful tools. Why send them across the world to attack a Johtan village?” She shook her head. Like Thessa she didn’t like it. “I wonder if Gaoden was really the goal,” she mused aloud. If Thessa believed Yunla was in Seabreeze by chance, then wasn’t it also possible that what had happened in Gaoden was the same? “Two of The Seven here in Johtan seems like a tactical mistake, unless they’re getting something out of it.” Surely Ruby needed these people to defend them against the Hollow - not everyone had the military defense that Onyx did.

Thessa got a warm smile. Doya understood on some level. She wanted to help people too. But she was here to be a Champion, and she was the embodiment of that. The squabbles of people were a problem, but they paled in comparison to the threat of the Hollow. “We only get to walk one path,” Doya said, motioning to the street ahead of them. “We can choose to change that path,” she looked down a road they were passing, then back to Thessa, “But we don’t get to choose the doors that are along the one we’re walking.” She wasn’t usually so cryptic, but it felt apt in the moment. Tucking her hands into the pockets of her cardigan, Doya looked ahead, “We can’t be everyone, and we can’t fight every fight.”

But there was something more than that she wanted to share. “I don’t think success or failure defines us,” she glanced at the elf, “It’s that when you have the opportunity, you step up. You try, and that matters more than the outcome.” Especially because they couldn’t be everywhere and fight every fight. “But your team does seem to end up in the middle of it a lot,” she said, somewhat amused, somewhat envious of it. “Ocean, The Scorched Seven. And you even have the eye of Headmaster Blossom.” She meant the team, but also Thessa individually. “All those changes around you, Savaged might be the most unique team in Battle Academy history. Maybe a new way forward for all of us.”

[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: 17.01.1323 | Evening
Location: Onyx western quarter
Wearing: Hammer uniform
Tagging | Mentioning: Ocareena de Min Uet Foarist, Arrian Hala Con’Quelso
Notes: Reeling
Dari didn’t move fast enough. Arrian’s arms were already around him before his brain finished catching up to what his eyes were seeing. The sharp, slender profile. The piercing eyes, softened by those incredibly long eyelashes. The familiar smirk. The scar on his left temple, disappearing into his undercut hair; Dari was sure that hadn’t been there before. But it was him.

Arrian.

Dari felt his stomach fold in on itself. A soft, almost startled breath escaped him as he fiercely returned the hug. One hand gripped hard at the back of the other elf’s shirt, feeling Arrian’s thick tail of brown hair brush against his knuckles. A single tear pooled in the corner of his eye, then spilled over to carve a hot line down his cheek.

“What are you doing here?” he asked when he was finally able to speak. He didn’t trust himself to say more without his voice cracking. Everything he thought he had made peace with had leapt straight back up and formed a hard knot in his throat. He swallowed and stepped back, looking at Ocareena if only to confirm with her that this wasn’t some kind of fever-dream.

“I suppose you always did like dramatic entrances.” he finally managed to joke, with an uneven smile. Behind it his thoughts were racing. Was Arrian here for Ocareena? For him?

For Hammer?

It was his right - more than it had ever been Dari’s. How dare he be here. How dare he wait until Dari was starting to get everything together and then knock the breath right out of him?

“Come on then?” he tried to laugh. “Don’t keep me in suspense. What’s this about?”

He looked at his old friend, his old rival, still trying to read past that smile and the knowing edge in his tone. He was unable to stop his eyes from glancing down at Arrian’s right hand.

[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: 01.17.1323 | 7:42pm
Location: Onyx Prairie - Far Western Quarter by the Gate
Wearing: Ripped Jeans, t-shirt, green light jacket, Hoodie Under Jacket, and Shoes. Weapons/Gear in a bag
Tagging | Mentioning: Dariaq, Thessa, Velvet |
Notes: Odd One Out (2)
Chee hummed and nodded as they walked along. He felt the wear in his shoulder like a comfortable pat on the shoulder. When he body was pushed to the edge in any way, it always felt fulfilling to him. It was like he was getting his cor's worth out of the thing. That didn't really make sense though. Maybe it was proof he was living life to its fullest extent? But he didn't really subscribe to that either. He just liked doing what he liked to do completely. 

In some ways, Ivy was the first stone on the path that had lead Chee to where he was. The way she'd always been an example to them was there in the building blocks of who he was. He watched the cobbles pass beneath their feet a moment then sighed. "Dere's almost no way ta reach Sky over in Sapphire. But we gotta try ta find Ivy. Grandma would like dat. Ya? I would, too. And I'd- well, I just got back in touch, and dis feels rotten."

There was more he wanted to say, but Vee had moved on to Ocareena and he nodded enthusiastically. It felt easy. It felt easy and good to agree with that sentiment, "Ya, for sure. She's great. Helpin people just cause it needs doin. Dat's da way. Not takin, givin, defendin, leadin. Ya." It was easy to agree the world needed more like her, but hard to see it happening. He left it as his agreement and walked a few more steps in silence with his sister.

The mood shift had been palpable and a part of Chee regretted bringing it up. But some things that had to be done weren't pleasant. And it was the right thing to do to listen to Vee and be there for her as much as she needed. At the very least, he wanted here to know he was here for her. As she dismissed her feelings, CHee almost objected. But then she dug into it a bit.

Vee's description of the sensation was good. He smiled widely and nodded enthusiastically, "Dat's just it. Good words dere, Sis." He looked to her hand and then touched the mirror spot on his own chest. "I don't know if it's harder or easier since dey bot left for good reasons. Family is important. But yeah, just cause you get it, don't mean you forget. You don't just- stop." Chee bit his lip and recalled that last farewell he'd had with Roar. He'd all but promised that he'd wait for a while. It wasn't hard for him. That sort of stuff didn't tend to happen with him. "Makes me appreciate how Dawn musta felt, maybe, a bit?" Chee still wasn't sure exactly how he'd felt about Dawn. But he was pretty sure it had been similar. He sucked in air through pursed lips and then let it go. Since that day he'd said goodbye to them, Chee had come to realize that he wasn't as over it as he'd made out. That wasn't fair to Roar though. He felt like he had a right to be angry, but not at them. He gnawed the corner of his mouth then looked to Velvet. This moment was for her though.

"I don't know exactly, but maybe treasure it for what it was? It was good, ya? What of it you got? Maybe it sucks dat ya don't get no more. But it was good, right? Dat's kinda how I feel about Roar. I hope dey found deir family." His heart quivered. He didn't want to face the facts that they probably hadn't. He pushed away the thought of the Ollowphants. He huffed again and shifted the load up a bit. His shoulder was warming. It was fine, but he felt a need to shift, "Switch sides?"

Chee held up a second, set his side down, switched with Velvet, then took it up again but using a slightly different cluster of muscles. He felt the relieved muscles relaxing. He cracked his neck and smiled wanly at Velvet. "And I know I still care for Roar. Notin needs ta change about dat. Just like I still care about Dawn. Not da same as back den, but in a different way dan da rest of our siblins. Ya? Roar will always be special ta me. Always." But Chee knew he was also different in many ways from people. He wasn't sure how he felt was how Velvet felt. People were like that, unique. Everyone processed in slightly different ways. "I don't know, Vee, but I'm here ta listen if ya wanna talk bout it. Or we can talk about Mathilda's spaghetti recipe, dat one with da hot dogs cut up in it? Or training. I wish I could get my record better in Professor Whyte's class! Chaps my ass. Pardon my language." He grinned at her then. Chee maybe wasn't the best friend, son, or brother ever in the history of Toil, but he was trying.

[Envious]

Character Name: Thessa
Date | Time: January 17th, 7:42pm
Location: Onyx Prairie - Western Quarter
Wearing: Uniform, Shield, no earrings
Tagging | Mentioning: Doya | Scorched Seven, Ocean, Apple, Beach, Adir, Dariaq
Note: "Elvish"
“Why them Scorched Seven here at all? They belong at home.” Far away from Onyx. “Agree with ya, Doya. Think of what they could do against the Hollow? They a waste here.” She laced her fingers behind her neck and looked up to the sky thoughtfully as they meandered. “Don’t think Gaoden the goal. Just a part of somethin’ bigger. That Ocean Specter connected to it, me do think. He known ta be sendin’ messages ta Ruby. But he ain’t even the big fish. He just one guy workin’ under another who workin’ under this Heiress. You hear ‘bout her from Adir? That man still gimme nightmares.” She resisted the urge to scratch her neck.

”Don’t even like fightin’,” she admitted. ”It come easy, but it ain’t come cheap. Am tryna step more lightly inta things. Talk more. Everyone ‘round me got such passion ta be the best and is eager ta show it. I ain’t got nothin’ ta prove. I is happy just ta see mine friends safe.” But Doya had a point. Thessa had become the person who seemed to be in the wrong place at the right time and too many people knew her name because of it. She saw the way some of the students at Hammer looked at her. It was like she had a black cloud over her head. ’She’s on her fourth partner.’

”Unique a word for it. Do often wish we wasn’t ‘cause there ain’t much ta show for it.” Not with the way her rag-tag team interjected itself into every problem it found. Sure, they stepped up at each opportunity, but it never seemed to be to deal with the real threat - the Hollow! “Don’t mean ta be such a-” she had no idea what the common word was and she shut her mouth and crossed her arms in consideration. “Unpleasant thing.” Close enough. ”Been in a strange mood lately. The stuff with Ocean ‘n Ruby ‘n Apple is part of it. But I also been havin’ a rough go in class. Gotta spend too much down time studyin’. You humans got yerself a mess of a language ‘n if Beach talk any faster, I is likely ta cry.” Most of her issues could be walked back to The Great War and Forward, which was an incredibly interesting topic delivered at a pace she couldn’t keep up with and books she struggled to read. ”Not ta mention that Dariaq! You see him throw hands durin’ sparrin’ ‘n flip me over? Him? Flip me?” She said something in elvish that might have sounded pretty if not for the very sulky tone she had taken.

“Ain’t gunna waste another thought on that man tonight! He done got on mine nerves ‘nuff taday.” She may have been a part of big things with notable people, but she also had a very full life as a student with its own trials and challenges to overcome.

[Aethyrium]

Doya Yama

Ocareena de Min Uet Foarist

Velvet Smoke

Arrian Hala Con’Quelso

S T O R Y T E L L E RJanuary 17th, 7:42pm | Onyx Prairie - Western Quarter
Chee, Dariaq, Thessa
Dariaq w/ Ocareena & Arrian…
There had been bitterness, for certain, in Arrian the last time they had been together. He had lost something precious, and Dariaq had gotten it instead. The congratulations and the well wishes hadn’t been false, but they had come from a place of anger. Not necessarily at Dari specifically, but not not at Dari. Arrian had been mad at the world. At the Brothers. At the Hollow. At his situation more than anything. But all of that seemed gone now. This man was closer to the one Dariaq had known growing up. That tension wasn’t in him, and his taunts - subtle or otherwise - about it were good natured. “Can’t I come see my best friend?” Arrian asked with mock offense as they separated. “Alright, you got me,” he said, stepping back himself to create more space, “I came to make sure you’re not fucking it all up. Your mom’s are really worried about that,” more teasing. Clearly.

Ocareena seemed a bit surprised, because Arrian had not indicated he had known Dariaq when they spoke. But she wasn’t bothered by it. If this was intended to be a surprise reunion, she could easily imagine him not wanting her to accidentally give it away. Dariaq was given a smile - no fever dream here.

Arrian’s eyes followed Dari’s, “You worried about this?” he asked, holding up the hand that had been marred. It was gloved, but it sure looked like it had all the digits - and he even wiggled each of them independently, “Good as new,” not impossible of course, but certainly not something that could have happened in the Oasis.

His hand dropped back down, almost like there was a low eagerness to not linger on the revelation. “Don’t worry Syvanios, I didn’t come for you,” he chuckled, stepping back a few more paces so that he could lean against the door frame and cross his arms, “Actually I’ve been here in Onyx for a while. Sure is different than back home, huh?” He thumped his head against the door.

“But I am glad to see you, it’s just… Incidental. I would have gotten around to finding you, but once Ocareena here told me that she knew you, well, like you said. I like the drama.” He clicked his tongue. “I actually came to see her, and talk about our people. I heard about the migration to Tabor. Sad I missed it, I was busy that day.” A half smile curled on his lips, “If I’m not going to be a Champion, I have to be something right? Why not an envoy.”

“Arrian wants to travel to Tabor, and has asked that I take a trip to your home to extend them the same offer that was made to the people of Cordes sur-Ciel,” she added.

Chee w/ Velvet…
On some level she agreed. Meena’s reason for leaving was good. She understood it, and she had accepted it. But the reality was a lot more complicated than that. What was she supposed to do? Reject it? Whatever had been building there had been new. Fledgling. Barely formed. There had been a certain weight to it. An interest. It was just unexplored, unrealized. Now she had this what if. She wished she could forget. She didn’t want it. The comparison to Dawn was apt, and she’d not made it before. Poor Dawn. “Maybe…” but this was different, she thought. Maybe that was in her head though. One day she might go to the Tors and find her. Did she even want that? Velvet visibly shook her head. She didn’t, because despite the understanding, she was mad at Meena.

If there was a chance for this, if Meena wasn’t dedicated to becoming a Squire, she should not have started a thing she might not have been able to finish. That was what separated Meena and Roar, in Velvet’s mind. Roar had something done to her. Leaving was a choice - a bad one, by Velvet’s estimation - but it was made based on something she couldn’t have known. Meena’s departure was not that. This wasn’t the life Meena had actually wanted for herself. It had just begun revealing to her - but the damage was already done. “Huh? Oh, sure,” As soon as his side set down and he moved, Velvet’s body collapsed in on itself, vanishing, and she reappeared where he had just been, picking it up while he got into her position.

“I don’t know if it was good,” Velvet admitted, blowing air slowly. “It was mostly awkward.” The elevator had been nice, despite the circumstances of it. “If I knew where it was going, I wouldn’t want it again.” Did that make her a bad person? No. She didn’t think so. “I don’t hope anything bad happens to her or anything,” Velvet explained slowly, trying to work it out for herself, “But I wish Ettinus hadn’t made Gravity whole.” That stung as soon as she said it, and she looked over at him with wide apologetic eyes, “With her, I mean. I’m glad he got you.”

She sighed and rolled her head around, “I just mean, I don’t think I can ever think about her the same way again. I wish… I didn’t have this. I wish it didn’t happen. I hope wherever she is, she finds what she’s looking for, but I wish it hadn’t cost me…” what? What had it cost her? “I’m glad it’s different for you and Aurora.” But she couldn’t feel that. Meena couldn’t be special to her always - she wasn’t anymore even. She felt… Dropped.

“I wish I had more to talk about, about it. But…” she shrugged and trailed off. Velvet didn’t want to think about Meena, so the offer to change topics was great. Though spaghetti wasn’t what was on her mind. “So what about that Estelle of yours? You know, when she came to Hammer I was surprised, and I didn’t like that whole special individual thing—” that was just Velvet’s competitive nature though, if such a thing existed she wanted it for herself, rather than something against Estelle, “—but she’s having some kind of effect on Artanis. Drop that girl’s name into a conversation and you can just watch it poison his well.” Velvet was quite amused. It was the first time that her partner felt like a person.

“What’s she like? How is she fitting into your team? I mean I guess how is your whole team even functioning. Eight people… Savaged is this big unique thing. You’re out there making history already, how’s that feel?”

Thessa w/ Doya…
Doya was - thankfully or not, depending on how she wanted to look at it - not in the loop on those updates. Why was the criminal Ocean Specter in contact with Ruby? She imagined it had to do with whatever Oakisoba connection that she’d revealed once upon a time. That felt pretty far removed, though. But before she could think too long about it, Adir’s name popped up. Doya hadn’t won that fight, so much as she had drawn it out until he decided to leave. But she knew that, at the end of the day, had they kept going, she would have lost. Which wasn’t something she was used to. That didn’t bother her, she wasn’t perfect, and had growing to do in her own ways, but it did speak to the power of the man. “He didn’t say much, but he did mention her. That he was here to herald her coming, and the setting right of Toil,” she’d have written it off as lunacy speaking, except his conviction was compelling. No mad man spoke with such devotion and truth of purpose. “He suggested I should join her.” But she’d stopped entertaining him at that point.

It was almost impossible to think about not liking fighting for Doya. But then she didn’t know if she liked it. She’d never thought about it like that. She did it because she needed to. It was in her blood. It was in her entire being. It had been a part of her from before she could even remember. Did it matter if she liked it? It was necessary, and she could, so she did. She was obligated, and thankful to be so. “I never questioned why Champions don’t become involved in the politics of the world, and every bad thing that’s going on. But I am starting to see it.” she voiced thoughtfully. And part of that revelation had been Savaged’s - Gravity’s - interactions with Ocean. “We have an enemy already. If a Hollow kills us, we expect that. We accept that it’s a risk. I think it’s easier to keep it from becoming personal. But if you lose someone to a person…” it was poison. “I think you’re the leader your friends need, Thessa. I’m sorry that it’s cost you what it has.”

As someone who also struggled with Beach’s talking, Doya laughed vibrantly at the quip. “I like professor Beach’s energy, but I also wish she’d slow down. Is our language a mess? Don’t you elves have five? That seems much more complicated.”

Mention of Dari caught her attention, and she looked over at her. She had seen it. Not only was Doya undisputedly the best in that particular class, she was also the most attentive. She didn’t miss anything people did, watching matches like a hawk. Glancing ahead, Doya blinked in surprise and lifted a hand to point forward, “Well, maybe you’re not as done with him tonight as you think, isn’t that…”

And sure enough, not far ahead of them, was Dariaq on some stairs, talking to Ocareena and another man, about the same age as Dari, Thessa, and Doya, leaning against the doorframe.

[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: 01.17.1323 | 7:42pm
Location: Onyx Prairie - Far Western Quarter by the Gate
Wearing: Ripped Jeans, t-shirt, green light jacket, Hoodie Under Jacket, and Shoes. Weapons/Gear in a bag
Tagging | Mentioning: Dariaq, Thessa, Velvet |
Notes: Odd One Out (3)
Chee was silent as Velvet responded to his thoughts. This had all the signals of a listening moment. His ears flicked over certain statements and details though. His heart hurt that Velvet felt that way. She was his sister and that she regretted that part of her life soured some of his good will for Meena. There were not many people in Chee's life, good and bad influences alike, that he wished he'd never met. For him, each experience was an essential stone in the foundation of who he was. Some were sore memories, like that night in the Johtan wilderness, but even those were useful in forging a better version of himself. He couldn't imagine an experience that only hurt and never helped.

No, neither Dawn nor Aurora were that to him. He valued the feelings they'd awakened in him. Even if, now, it was a phantom limb sensation, they made him better. He hated what he'd done with Paige, but he also had evolved greatly due to it. Was there anyone? No, not even Ocean Specter was someone he wished had never entered his life.

He sucked in a breath as Velvet ended. He nodded slowly, "I'm sorry ta hear all dat. But glad you were willin ta talk ta me about it. I'm here whenever."

Then his ears flicked and he frowned. The conversation turned to SAvAGeD and his own thoughts. That was not something Chee was comfortable always talking about. Generally, he wasn't sure his opinions on others mattered. Who was he to comment on how to be a person?

"For all da talk of why and how Ettinus was removed..." Right, he ought ta talk to that man. "She sure is making a lot of da same moves. But not all." He grimaced darkly. But pushed that line of thought away. It wasn't useful to his current goals. ]glow=violet,1]"But da circumstances around Stella's admission are beyond me. Tessa knows more about it, I tink. Must have been a pet project of da General's in da way dat Vesper and Meena were for Ettinus. Her and Eloise. Dough Eloise ended up a dud, too. I tink dat's why GRAVity had ta go. Just a dead weight on da rest. Way tings were goin, none of us woulda survived. And Onyx needs every Champion it can get, ya? Dat team ate up, what? Four, five, six Squires?"[/glow]

Chee didn't have a lot of warm emotions about GRAVity. He didn't hate it, but it was worth leaving in the past. And he loved being partners with Koko. It wasn't the smoothest road, both he and Koko saw to that, but he loved her. "It's odd. Bein in dorms far from da rest is annoying. Harder for me ta find you and Cub. Eight makes us stronger in missions and such. And harder ta manage and lead. I tink Tessa struggles wit dat part some. Dere's a lot of strong personalities dat just got trown tageder and told ta make it work. Dough, havin a kitchen has been nice!" He grinned and his tail snapped as he glanced at Velvet, "You're welcome for bacon and eggs any time, Vee. Cub's been down a time or two. Ya can even bring dat sourpuss Artanis if you want. Or Doya. I'm sure Lyra wouldn't mind Azir showin up for breakfast. Dough dat reminds me, maybe ought ta talk to Irona about Vesper? I don't know."

He waggled his head a bit thinking about the last point and then sighed and cast a wary look at Velvet, "Don't blab dis, but dat Artanis creeps me out. Da tings he says?" The man had an uncanny ability to hit right at people's deepest insecurities. And he did so cruelly and deliberately. "It's like he doesn't know how people work. Like he's tryin ta break or damage dem. Da way he talks ta Lolo makes me wanna break his nose at times. But I got no idea why Stella'd trow him for a loop. She's nice. Closer wit Thessa dan me, dough. But nice, smart. Good wit dem knives. Passionate about family." He shrugged. He really hadn't spent much time with the knife-wielder outside missions. Chee craned his neck to look around the neck turn.

[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: 17.01.1323 | Evening
Location: Onyx western quarter
Wearing: Hammer uniform
Tagging | Mentioning: Ocareena de Min Uet Foarist, Arrian Hala Con’Quelso
Notes: Tabor
“I came to make sure you’re not fucking it all up. Your mums are really worried about that.” More teasing. Clearly.

Dari felt something like his old bravado rising in response to the barb. He stood up taller, his ears pricking up. “As if I’d be achieving anything less than greatness?” he volleyed back. He held up a hand to begin counting off achievements on his fingers. “Competitor at the TNA. Acclaimed at the bull-mammoth rodeo. Legendary dancer at La Fleur sur la Vent.”

He smiled and folded his arms, but stopped short of going into details about Hammer. Somehow, the uniform he was so proud of seemed slightly gauche to draw attention to in front of Arrian. How dare he, Dari thought again, but pushed the instinctive accusation aside.

“How’s Mother?” he asked, softening. “And Mum? Are they okay? What’s been happening back home?”

Thinking of past and home, he was unable to stop his eyes from glancing down at Arrian’s right hand.

Arrian’s eyes followed Dari’s. “You worried about this?” he asked, holding up the hand that had been marred. It was gloved, but it sure looked like it had all the digits - and he even wiggled each of them independently. “Good as new.”

Dari tilted his head, a strange sensation fizzing in his stomach - part wonder and part relief, like he had shrugged off a weight he had almost forgotten he was carrying. “That’s…” he beamed, and then before he could stop himself: “How’s that possible?”

No Shimmer he knew of could restore flesh like that - at least, no Shimmer wielded by anyone he remembered from the Oasis. Here in Onyx though they could build wonders, like the artemis robots, or the mechanical arm that girl at the hospital had been wearing. Was this something similar? He tried not to stare at the glove, hiding whatever answer lay beneath.

“That’s amazing!” he said instead. “Does that mean you can shoot again?” The question seemed too pointed once he had spoken it, and so he laughed, softening it with a joke. “We’ll have to spar and find out.”

Arrian’s hand dropped back down, almost like there was a low eagerness to not linger on the revelation. “Don’t worry Syvanios, I didn’t come for you.” he chuckled, stepping back a few more paces so that he could lean against the door frame and cross his arms. “I actually came to see her, and talk about our people. I heard about the migration to Tabor. Sad I missed it, I was busy that day.”

“You were busy?” Dari echoed, shaking his head with a laugh. “Solidarity comes to Onyx, and Arrian Con’Quelso was busy?”

Whatever it was, it must have been truly important. Dari couldn’t imagine his old rival missing such an occasion. If not to upstage Dari himself, then to see all the beautiful elves - festival garbed, high spirited, and just maybe seeking one last fling to remember the city by.

A half smile curled on Arrian’s lips. “If I’m not going to be a Champion, I have to be something right? Why not an envoy.”

“Arrian wants to travel to Tabor, and has asked that I take a trip to your home to extend them the same offer that was made to the people of Cordes sur-Ciel.” Ocareena added.

“I see.” Dari replied, his hands finding his pockets. He wondered how many would take the offer. La Havre was the only home he had ever known, but like any enclave it was precarious, and temporary. Would Mother want to know that their clan was safe within the walls of a greater city? Would Mum want to see the living history of Tabor, the wonders that made Hulta’s eyes gleam whenever she spoke of them? Would they want a library, where Dari’s own, first history scroll could stay without fear of being torn to shreds by Hollow?

If Mother had wanted that, a small voice inside Dari asked, then why had she let Dad go and search for Tabor alone, and never once spoken of him?

He wasn’t sure what else to say - because he wasn’t sure what else to feel.

[Envious]

Character Name: Thessa
Date | Time: January 17th, 7:42pm
Location: Onyx Prairie - Western Quarter
Wearing: Uniform, Shield, no earrings
Tagging | Mentioning: Doya, Dari, Ocareena, Arrian | Adir
Note: "Elvish"
Adir’s strength of faith in his purpose had been a compelling thing. The certitude in which he spoke had made her believe him despite having never heard of the Heiress. Whomever she was, she was coming and if Adir was her Herald, Thessa feared what other power was acting in Her name to clear the way for a new world to be built. Through him, she saw why Champions were necessary beyond fighting the Hollow - if he had wanted to, he could have single-handedly leveled most of the military force stuck in the base. They may have all been one people whether they acted like it or not, but it was the blessings of the Brothers and not the shape of the ears or the cor in the pockets that had truly separated people into different classes.

It was the sort of conversation that would sober the mood and Thessa was having far too much fun with Doya to want to spoil it, so she let the topics drop. ”It all the same language! It just gotta lil different flavor.” And syntax and phonology and semantics… Thessa tapped her chin playfully. ”Do suppose it complex, but me do think it has muchly helped mine common. I am less badder at hearing and more gooder at saying. Reckon I can say anythin’ at least-” her fingers popped up one at a time in rapid succession as she considered all the different dialects and formalities she was aware of, ”-nine different ways. Huh.” She placed her hands on her hips. ”Think I’d be better at gettin’ mine point across.” She laughed.

Despite her earlier irritation with Dariaq, as soon as Doya pointed him out, Thessa’s posture shifted from relaxed to anticipation; for all her talk of not wanting to waste another thought on the man, she sure seemed pleased to see him. ”Keen eye, woman! ‘n he with Ocareena ‘n an elf I ain’t yet had the pleasure of meeting. Muchly exciting! You up fer a visit? When is we not up to a visit?” And that was something that set Thessa apart - it was as if those pointed ears were a blanket permission for her to insert her presence into any elven situation! She tilted her head and took a step forward, leading them over. Fingers fussed with her uniform and then went up to her hair to begin tucking errant strands behind her unadorned ears. For the first time in a long time, they felt naked. Maybe it was time to start wearing earrings again.

”Ocareena helped me send Orym home. She stay here in Onyx ‘cause she feel her work ain’t done yet. Still more elves ta make safe ‘n more history ta record,” she explained, smoothing her jacket down once more before pausing to stare as Dari shoved his hands in his pockets. Something about the gesture caught her attention, but she couldn’t quite place her finger on it. She almost slipped her own hands in her pocket to mirror him, but let them slide down to her sides at the last moment. ”Wonder if this man a priest of the Jade Summer workin’ with her. Recognize him? I don’t. Not yet!” As they came within respectable distance, Thessa raised her hand and shouted a greeting.

“Well met, friends!” She beamed in excitement and as they made their way to the edge of the home, Thessa offered a more formal greeting, hand over heart and palm extending towards the trio on the stairs. ”Many greetings. It is muchly good ta see you, Ocareena. Ya surely remember Doya Yama from that Rishi Valley.” Thessa proudly touched Doya’s shoulder as she introduced her. ”Mine fellow Squire at Hammer.” She didn’t sing the praises Doya deserved for fear of embarrassing her, but she said it to offer context as to their relationship for the new elf. ”Dariaq,” she said with a smile and a brief gaze that meant to sweep past him, but she flicked her attention back to him. Something was up, but she didn't know what so instead of calling it out, she finally focused on the unfamiliar elf.

“It does delight my ears to learn the name of an elf,” she said with excitement before switching to common. ”I is Thessa Almentis of Kantos.” She let her eyes roam freely and curiously, noting the buzz cut that showed off his pointed ears.

[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: 17.01.1323 | Evening
Location: Onyx western quarter
Wearing: Hammer uniform
Tagging | Mentioning: Ocareena de Min Uet Foarist, Arrian Hala Con’Quelso, Thessa Almentis, Doya Yama
Notes: Unexpected company
Dari was still trying to decide what else to say about a Jade Summer deputation to La Havre, when he heard a familiar voice - clear and confident. He turned, and blinked.

Dari’s face dominoed through surprise, delight, trepidation, and finally back to happy, like a picture book whose pages were being turned by a gale. Adrenaline pulsed below his stomach and sat there fizzing. He wasn’t upset to see Thessa exactly - she just had the worst timing in all of Toil.

Thessa and Doya were both walking toward them now; Doya in her signature green longcoat, Thessa in Hammer uniform that matched Dari’s own. Doya looked poised and alert as always - Thessa was smiling that magnetic smile that bent the light in every room towards her. Dari straightened subconsciously, suddenly awkwardly aware of how close he was still standing to Arrian.

“Thessa!” he managed, switching from the elvish they had been talking in back to Onyxian for Doya’s benefit. “Doya. Hi.”

”Dariaq,” Thessa said with a smile “It does delight my ears to learn the name of an elf,” she said with excitement before also switching to common. ”I is Thessa Almentis of Kantos.”

Her amber eyes flicked from Dari towards Arrian, appraising him. Wait…was she staring at his ears?

“My squad leader at Hammer.” he explained to Arrian. And then, because that seemed inadequate: “Champion arm wrestler, bringer of welcome cupcakes, and second best dancer at La Fleur.”

There was, he realised, no one neat word to describe what she was to him. Thessa had gone from stranger in the bar to competitor to something far deeper and more confusing than he knew how to say out loud. He swept an arm towards Doya instead. If Thessa had been circumspect in her introduction, Dari did not hold back the hype.

“And Doya is one of Hammer’s most promising squires ever - their words not mine!”

Then he remembered what came next, and turned back towards the door where Arrian had not moved, except maybe to smile a little wider. For the first time in a long while, Dari wished that he weren’t the centre of everyone’s attention.

“Thessa, Doya.” he began, “This is Arrian Con’Quelso, of La Havre.” He didn’t say my oldest friend, or my rival, or anything else, but he felt it like a weight. He drew himself up straighter, and folded his arms across his chest as he tilted his head towards Ocareena. “Madame Foarest and we were just, um…”

[Aethyrium]

Doya Yama

Ocareena de Min Uet Foarist

Velvet Smoke

Arrian Hala Con’Quelso

S T O R Y T E L L E RJanuary 17th, 7:42pm | Onyx Prairie - Western Quarter
Chee, Dariaq, Thessa | Lyra, Azir, Artanis
Chee w/ Velvet…
It really was a topic best left in the past. Partly because Velvet hadn’t spent the energy to sort through the feelings she had on Meena, and what it all meant. She didn’t want to confront them. Maybe that was her version of cowardice. Regardless, it was easier - and less distracting - to just wish it were gone. So she was happy to turn her attention to other problems, and other people. “Azir and I speculated on that,” she said about Apple doing things like Ettinus had, “We both thought that Ginger and Estelle were Ettinus’ plans. You know, Apple might be the headmaster, but what does she really do? Ettinus still handles pretty much everything he used to. I think that she did it and just got credit for what he was already doing.” Afterall, Ettinus had found Vesper, who hadn’t even made it to the trials for Hammer, what was to stop him from finding a military cadet? “But,” she grimaced, “Artanis said we’re stupid.” Which didn’t necessarily mean a lot, but, “And I think that was his way of saying we’re wrong. How could he know? But Artanis knows a lot of stuff.” she shrugged.

But the idea that she do something social with Artanis, something that she didn’t have to do? That made her nose wrinkle. She looked at him like he was crazy, “Brother, I’d rather chew rocks.” She wouldn’t have said that to anyone else. Velvet didn’t like disparaging people. Chee was a special case though. As far as she was concerned, she got the worst possible partner. Artanis was insufferable. “And like Azir and Lyra need any more time together. They’re cute, though. You know, she’s changed him a lot in just this time. There’s… I don’t know, something really sweet about them. It’s good for Azir.” And from what she could gather, Lyra too. “But I’ll come by sometime. I’m sure Doya will not want to impose, but I’ll drag her. And Irona too. Oh… Her and Vesper.” Velvet blew air. “Irona struggles to connect with people. She’s very… Shy. And awkward. I think she misses him, but she’s fine. I think.” Who could tell with her.

Chee’s thoughts on Artanis weren’t that far from her own. She sighed with deep, deep exasperation. “Actually, I think you’re wrong about that.” Unfortunately. She kind of wished Chee was right. “I think he does know how people work, and he’s using that to break them. It’s… I don’t know, I don’t understand. He just wants to push everyone away. Thessa clearly figured something out, but Estelle… I don’t know. I just don’t know. It’s really strange how he acts around her. Or when she’s brought up. And she was the talk of the dorm for a while there. Oh, here’s my turn.”

Velvet paused and lowered her side of the cart so they could stop. “Your delivery for Ocareena should be…” She popped out of place and reappeared on the cart, searching down below, “There,” she pointed, and looked ahead. “It’s just up ahead,” she looked down the street, “I’ll take the rest of this and get it delivered. See you back at Hammer?”

And when Chee gathered the things to take to Ocareena, and made his way, finding her wasn’t hard. Because there she was out in the open, surrounded by familiar faces - and one not so familiar one.

Dariaq & Thessa w/ Ocareena, Arrian, & Doya…
Arrian smirked at Dari, “Greatness. Sure. Of course.” It was a playful ribbing, but not without the slightest competitive sharpness. “Dancer huh? Well, I guess you always were good on your feet. I’m glad you finally found something that suits you.” He reached out and gave Dari’s shoulder a playful little shove.

Doya remembered Ocareena of course, but she didn’t know the other they were with. Her head shook, “Never seen him before,” but it was nice to see Thessa excited - and at this point, she had nowhere else to be. Even if this felt a bit like intruding. Clearly this was some sort of elf gathering, and she did not want to impose on that. Was it more rude to awkwardly excuse herself? She didn’t know, so Doya followed forward with Thessa.

“They’re both great. At least, last time I saw them.” He shrugged, “It’s got to be about as long as you. I left La Havre only about two or three weeks after you did.” He’d been in Onyx this whole time, basically. Months now. But that played into his reveal. Arrian grabbed the base of the glove and pulled it off, to reveal two center digits that were as good as before, if being made of metal and powered by tiny arcanite devices. He wiggled them around, “Apparently, they can just build fingers here. So of course I can shoot, but don’t worry,” he started to glove back up, “I’ll save you the embarrassment of another loss.”

Arrian laughed and shrugged, “Yeah, well, some of us have things to do. We don’t get to just bum around in the clouds all the time up above the city like some people.” He teased, giving Ocareena’s explanation a nod. But Dari’s reaction took him by more of a surprise. He was just about to comment on it, when Thessa’s voice caught his attention. He looked up and saw the two approaching women. Arrian took in Doya first, but he was drawn to Thessa. His lips parted a bit and he stood straighter. Leaned off the wall. Maybe she was staring at his ears, maybe she wasn’t - but he was definitely looking at hers!

Ocareena too looked up, more at Dari’s exclamation then anything else. She smiled warmly at Thessa, standing and waving, “Well maybe we’ll get that gathering sooner than I thought,” she remarked to Dari, “Good evening Thessa, Doya,” she said, inkling her head to both of them respectfully.

Dariaq started to introduce, and Arrian moved around behind him. He slipped past Dariaq, giving his friend a couple of shoulder clasps as he did so, until he was at his side. He smiled at both girls, but he was smiling for Thessa. “You know what,” he said, after he was introduced, “I take it back, maybe we do need to spar.” Said with all the confidence in the world - Dari wasn’t the only one who liked to show off. And Arrian rather suddenly had someone he wanted to show off for.

“The future,” Ocareena added, finishing Dari’s sentence.

“It’s wonderful to see you again, Ocareena.” Doya clasped her hands in front of herself and lowered herself in a half bow, “I’m glad to hear of your successes since we last met.” And as she rose, she smiled at Arrian, “It’s nice to meet you as well, Arrian. You’re a friend of Dari’s?”

“Oh yeah,” Arrian said, sliding away from Dariaq, positioning himself between his rival and Thessa - Doya too, but mainly Thessa, “We go way back. Before he was the acclaimed bull-mammoth rodeo star, Dari was just a kid playing with a stick on the edge of a pond.” He stepped forward toward Thessa, offering a hand with thumb and index bent into an ‘O’, hand vertical - a sort of elven handshake, but a little closer than that. It wasn’t how you greeted just anyone, it was how you greeted someone you had intent for. “I suppose you’re welcome, I did everything I could to make little Dari ready for this. Unless he’s not working out for you, Thessa. In which case, allow me to apologize. I would love the opportunity to make it up to you.”

Doya definitely felt like she was intruding. She looked away. Even Ocareena blushed.

[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: 01.17.1323 | 7:42pm
Location: Onyx Prairie - Far Western Quarter by the Gate
Wearing: Ripped Jeans, t-shirt, green light jacket, Hoodie Under Jacket, and Shoes. Weapons/Gear in a bag
Tagging | Mentioning: Dariaq, Thessa, Velvet |
Notes: Odd One Out (4)
Chee had a facility with moving on. He always had. He was only just starting to realize that it was not always a boon. There were times that it was. He took a loss in stride; he accepted death easily. What was there to be done about them but learn? If anything, losses just egged him on and deaths made him even more determined to prevent others. But others times, he was starting to realize he should hold a bit tighter. That had been the case with Shir and Thessa. And potentially a lot more. It had been a serious problem with the issues surrounding that night. Chee just wanted to move on, but that was not the right action.

He bit his lip as Velvet spoke. He nodded. The speculation on El and Stella was worth holding onto but lightly. It didn't fit what he remembered of the day El was introduced nor her exit. He was less sure about Stella. And the reaction to Artanis shocked him a bit, but he filed that away. He liked that Velvet was making an attempt to be a good partner; that fit her. "No worries, Vee. But any of da oders are welcomed always. An, ya, Azir and Lyra are cute togeder. Can't say I know as much about how Lyra changed, but you've known her longer."

The other part of it bothered him though and he was silent until Velvet stopped. As he rummaged to lift the package out, he responded, "Vee, if dat's true? He breaks people on purpose? Den... Even ta just push dem away? Den..." Chee shook his head slowly and frowned. In his own way, like Velvet, he didn't like saying bad things about folks. He met her gaze and then shook his head again. He reached out and did the last thing she might expect. He pulled her into a hug. He tried to put warmth into it. It was that weird mix of comfortable because she was important to him and he wanted to make her aware of his love and uncomfortable because he could feel the textures of her skin against his that Chee knew. To Chee, it was a sign of extreme meaning to him that Velvet inspired that feeling in him. He didn't need all his fingers and toes to count the people who did. He smiled at her then picked up his package, "See ya, sis. You stay safe. Too many folks out still lookin ta stir shit up wit Silenus. Ya?" He waved and split off.

He skipped a bit and his tail snapped behind him as he walked along the cobbles. The sound of the wheels rumbling over them slowly faded and he followed the sound with his ears for a while. His eyes roamed the street. He had not been kidding about Silenus safety. Tom Katz was still a name that meant something to him. He pushed down the temptation to whistle.

Which was to the good as he rounded the corner and saw a gathering of elves. Not, not just elves. He noted Doya's hair and stance a second later. Then Thessa and Dari's presences registered and he exhaled cool night air. He hadn't expected that. But life was like that. He started forward again. Something in the air made him step quietly. There was a tension. Something in the body language was weird. Why was the one elf bowing to Thessa. Why did Dari's face look like that? Was Doya uncomfortable? Chee couldn't parse it. And it wasn't really any of his business. He was working.

Picking up his pace, he moved out of a shadow into the light coming from the porch and nodded as eyes clocked him, "Hey all. Thessa, Dari, Doya." He paused his eyes on the unknown figure, questioning, then slid them to Ocareena and smiled, "Evenin, Mrs. Foarist. I got your delivery from Ester here. And I stopped by a Hoenan restaurant a friend showed me once. Picked you up a couple tings." He held up a brown paper bag with some writing on the side, "Aloo tikki, samosas, chana masala, and a mango lassi."

But any more forward movement was arrested by the group on the stairs. He looked around unsure what to do about that.

[Envious]

Character Name: Thessa
Date | Time: January 17th, 7:42pm
Location: Onyx Prairie - Western Quarter
Wearing: Uniform, Shield, no earrings
Tagging | Mentioning: Doya, Dari, Ocareena, Arrian, Chee
Note: "Elvish"
Thessa’s entire energy shifted at Arrian’s confidence. What had started off as social curiosity transformed into personal interest as Arrian zeroed in on her with an intensity that rivaled Dariaq’s attention. His command of the moment was superb and as he slid forward with his bold greeting, Thessa felt her temperature rise. There was a moment of hesitation as she stared at his hand before her gaze swept upwards to his own and she locked eyes with him. Then she mirrored the gesture.

“Many thanks, Master, for your student has certainly worked to make you proud,” Thessa responded, suddenly very self-conscious of her common. She switched anyway for Doya’s sake. ”But do reckon he still got a thing or three ta learn before he a Champion, so apology accepted ‘n I do look forward ta seein’ it made up ta me.” She didn’t mention that Dari had just beat her earlier in the day during a sparring match. Instead, she turned her attention to her rival and placed her hands on her hips. ”But do see another who need ta do some makin’ up. How come you ain’t say ya brought a friend with ya? ‘n most important, how come it take this long fer us ta be introduced?”

There was a movement in the shadows that caught her attention and that playful look turned into something more serious before Thessa relaxed again. ”Heyo, Chee,” she greeted. Once it became clear that she was in the way, she stepped off to the side, positioning herself closer to Dari but out of the way of the path and stairs. Chee coming with his delivery was a splash of cold water that sobered Thessa up.

”Many apologies fer intrudin’. Did want ta greet ya ‘n would love ta stop by at a later time. I done had this…” How could she describe what had happened at Varanasi? “Vision from-” she hesitated to say the Brothers, but who else could it have been. She looked down in confusion and then back up. “Just wanna chat.” She took a step back and offered a respectful bow to Ocareena and a brief acknowledgement for Dariaq and Chee. But Arrian? He had her full attention. Instead of initiating a polite goodbye, she lingered expectantly with a small, but confident smile, waiting for him to determine where and when he would be making it up to her.