The Kingdoms

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Era Kodes, Sorceress of Dunmarr

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Era started to make her way back into the palace, her walk and made her a little more tired than she was before. Except it still was not enough to sleep, that was for sure. She made her way into her chambers only to find herself pacing before making her way into the library. She had always gone to the library when she grew impatient, and this was another one of those times. After making her way into the maze of shelves, Era started to toy with her abilities. Cojuring a large dark purple mass of ice that had a rounded top to it, with two arms that had cuffs of armor around the wrists. It seemed to hover slightly, but the creature soon melted and soaked into the wooden floor only seconds later.

It was a new spell she had been having trouble with, and she frowned when it once again failed. Era started digging around on the shelves to find the spell book she had used to create the spell in the first place.

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Katrin Bade, Queen of Arvale

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"So my dear shall I clear the rest of my schedule and walk through the garden with you. We can do like we did when my brother was king and we were just courting each other." Katrin smiled at his words, flattered. A small blush surfaced on her cheeks as she took in his smile and nodded at his mention.

"Let us stroll. I cannot remember the last time we had done such a thing." She said as she reflected on the warm memory, taking it in and enjoying it. She had moved her arms up to twine around the nape of his neck after some moments. Katrin stepped back slowly, one of her hands slid down onto his shoulder, then down his arm all the way to his hand, taking it in hers. She started to lead him off to the gardens with steps that seemed to hit the ground a lot lighter and with more bounce.

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Ice Kiran, Queen of Elvae

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It had been a nice roam about the castle, but night was growing on the area slowly and she started to worry. It was coming close to the time that they would go out and search for her, which she had hoped wouldn't have come to happen. Biting her lip as she made her way back to the front of the palace, Ice let out a small sigh. Deciding to stall a little more on time, Ice made her way towards the stables to have the horses readied.

As she walked rather slowly, she made sure to keep an eye out for their daughter. She hoped in the back of her mind that Ice hadn't seen her come home and she was already back and safe. Although it was rather doubtful since the guards would have alerted her if she had returned.

"What are you intentions with the Princess Mage?" A voice called out, apparently belonging to a wood Elf. What Princess? "What kind of monster are you really?" OK, that drew the fucking line. You wake up and say, What am I willing to put up with today? Not this shit.

"Look! I have no intentions about anything or anyone! I don't even know who you're talking about! All I wanted to do today was possibly eat for once and ta a blighting nap! Then that ball of giggles," Felix said, pointing to Anna."tripped on me, just in time for Spike over here to try and run me down for his own amusement!" Felix exclaimed, referring to the grazing Unicorn.

Felix then motioned to the young Elf on the ground. "Finally, this girl came running down the road, absolutely exhausted, so I gave her some water....which ended spraying her in the face. Sorry about that, again. Then she stared at me like I was a Demon! Not that I'm not fucking used to that! It would just be nice some time to...." Felix, stopped himself. He was tired, he was hungry. A lot happened at once for him to fully process. He wasn't used to this much interaction, being in prison for the past two years. He needed to calm down.

He just gripped his hands and tried to focus on his breathe. He was concentrating when he found the young Elf girl standing near him. "Human Mage." she called, "We seem to have similarities in our pasts. Most of the kingdoms look upon us with distaste and hatred as well." She pauses and a very slight smile lit her face, "I do not wish you to retreat me." She walked over to Felix, then paused, turning back to the male Elf. They started to speak to one another in their language.....which Felix did not speak. Always wanted to, though.

The Male Elf then looked at him and spoke. "I apologize but you see she is our princess. I meant no offense." Felix gave a half hearted smile. "No problem, I understand." Wait.....what? She was the princess? Like....THE Princes of the Elven Lands? Wow, that means.........shes a princess. And she had the gall to say that their lives were similar.

He turned to give her a piece of his mind, opened his mouth and.......stopped. He had locked eyes with her, and for some reason, was dumbfounded. He just stood there, mouth agape. Like a moron who had forgotten how to breathe. Her eyes held such innocence and longing in them. She knew nothing of the world, but wanted too, so badly. He didn't know how, but he could just tell that.

When he finally regained himself, he had decided to rework his speech a bit.

"While that's kind of you to say, I don't believe our lives are very similar. Being a princess, your family must love you and want to keep you safe. Even random passing elves jump to your aid, I have been assessed no such fortune. Though, your heart is in the right place, I can tell. So I take no offense." He even managed a genuine smile. Though....he now started to wonder how she knew that about him.

Felix then just stood there for awhile contemplating until he composed himself, he realized he had been staring. He cleared his throat, then thrust his hand out towards her. "Let's start over shall we? I'm Felix. What's your name?"

Smiling when the man laughed Roxy relax her whole body, people who were evil couldn't laugh like that.
"I'm a werewolf but you have nothing to fear miss." He said smiling down at her, before continuing looking a bit perplexed about her comment on ents, "The Lady of the Forest is a beautiful woman who protects the kingdom of Morinae and the surrounding area. I think it would be best if I take you to her."
"Well if she could help me than that's cool and I like pretty people, they are really pretty!" Roxy said before taking Con'Kens hand and pulling herself up, "Thanks!" She said again before she began to follow the man.
They walked in relative silence but Roxy was to busy looking around at everything that she didn't really notice. Finally they arrived at some kind of place which was when she spotted a man and a... A... 'A UNICORN!!!! OMG YAY!!!' Was the thought going through her mind.
"Greetings from Pale Crystal Hallow. I am Faramir Elessar, Prince of the Unicorn Keepers. This is Eldeen Lord of Unicorns. Please grant me audience with the Lady of the Wood, for I much desired to speak with her.” The man walking along side the unicorn said to Con'Ken.
"Greetings Faramir. I am Con'Ken guard of Morinae. If you truly wish to see The Lady then go this way" He said while pointing to the east. "She should be there in the castle."
"My names Roxy and that unicorn is really pretty can I please touch it?!" She asked without thinking, her eyes sparkling as she looked at the creature with an awed expression.

Vala Nonda, The Morning Star

Vala lay quietly asleep in a lesser traveled area of Liridale, a small and humble Elvan home a top a mountain. This is where Vala made his home. He had a dream of the boy, the one that came to this realm long ago. A great conflict was brewing one that he was destined to participate in. Vala woke up from his dream and took a deep breath. His body glowed warmly with a golden light. He rose from his bed and walked to the window. “I’m positive Liridale’s self-proclaimed leader will have a large role to play in this upcoming time of confusion.” Vala said quietly to himself. Vala thought of Lolindir, he was sure that Lolindir had a reading from the stars about the impending conflict and wondered what his lover predicted.

Vala walked outside of his small Elvan home that overlooked most of Liridale and spread his wings wide. With a big flap of his majestic wings Vala was launched into the sky. As he flew over Liridale a bright and warm light surrounded him. He was easily noticeable in the dark skies of Liridale. He could feel the presence of someone foreign to Liridale, it was unmistakable. Vala was curious but decided to remain focused on the task at hand. Vala was more concerned about Lolindir. Who knew what challenges and dangers the upcoming events would bring for his love as well as for himself.

Lolindir Fefalas

Lolindir left his tower after a long night of star reading. He decided to travel to the great library. He was looking for a road map as he would most likely begin to investigate a few of the things he foresaw in his star readings. He walked the streets of Denmarr, passing by it’s many magical human citizens. He was a minority amongst them, an elf. He had gain quite a reputation as a powerful and wise mage and earned a place in Denmarr. However it was not without great adversity.

Lolindir reached the library and was allowed entrance to the great building. The many halls and rooms filled with towering shelves of books were frequented by mages of all walks of life. Lolindir made his way into a room filled with atlases and maps of places all over the world. He asked the Atlas Keeper to help him find what he was looking for and the old man scurried off down the aisles to find the maps Lolindir needed. Lolindir smiled at the Atlas Keepers excitement. This room of maps was his pride and joy. Moments later the old man scurried back toward Lolindir pulling a small cart carrying maps behind him. “Here you are master elf, maps of Morinae, Arvale and the roads between them. Oh yes, and a map of Liridale. Although I haven’t the slightest idea why a respectable mage such as yourself would want to go to Liridale! Please master elf, please tell me you’re simply studying the world’s geography and not taking a trip to that dark place.” The gentle old man asked.

Lolindir chuckled a little, “Well I may or may not actually go. Let’s hope that I only need to refresh my geographic knowledge. Thank you my friend. I shall come back later to pick up copies of these.” Lolindir shook the man’s hand who was much shorter than Lolindir.

“Right then I shall have the scribes work on those copies right away then.” The old man then called for his apprentice who was a young lad of 15 years. “Author have these copied immediately. And remember to be neat and precise! We shan’t have master elf getting lost now.” The Atlas Keeper turned toward Lolindir once more toward Lolindir. “Now master elf if you would be so kind as to do me a favor. If you would so happen to travel the lands depicted in these maps and run across something that has changed, would you please note the change and inform me later? I would be most grateful.”

Lolindir’s smile only got bigger. He was much used to being called master elf by the people of Denmarr. He didn’t find it disrespectful when it came from those that might not know his name but know of him. However had it come from someone that should very well address him by name, Lolindir would indeed have taken offense. “I would most certainly keep you informed sir.”Lolindir replied.

“Oh thank you very much!! I shall be sure to have something special for your trouble! Now your Atlases will be ready by the twentieth hour. Please come to pick them up after then.” The Atlas Keeper replied in excitement.

After Lolindir left the Atlas Room he saw the Sorceress of Denmarr in another room filled with spell books casting spells. He wasn’t sure whether or not he should approach her. She was seemingly deep in concentration. Lolindir paused for a moment and decided that he should simply go his own way. He walked down the halls of the building pondering on the vision the stars had bestowed upon him.

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Era Kodes, Sorceress of Dunmarr

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The sounds of footsteps had Era on edge, she hadn't heard someone in the library for a while now. She was in the public area of the library so it shouldn't have been of surprise, but her lack of sleep was starting to get to her nervous system. Glancing over her shoulder, out of the corridor she saw someone standing there for a moment before continuing to walk off. She had been in the middle of the spell she'd been working on when she saw him. Stopping the cast, she turned to follow after him. It was in fact someone she hadn't seen before, so it was of some interest to see what he was up to. Era was always intrigued by new faces roaming the palace. And of course, she had every right to. She rounded around the corridor, making herself look as though she had somewhere to be. Except Era's stare was straight on the person in front of her as she walked about the same pace as him, keeping distance.

As Aleiia and Keiran spoke in the dark depths of the waters of Liridale, one of them would perhaps notice a large creature silently slinking its way through the water. It was a rather large sea serpent. It wasn't even close to being big enough to destroy a ship, but it could easily swallow a human nearly whole. It approached them both with hunger in its glowing eyes. It got very close, opened its toothy jaws...........

And spoke in a rather deep Oxford English accent.

"Well well well. What do we have here? Why...if it isn't two proud citizens of the great kingdom of Atlantia! Wait a moment, if these old eyes do not deceive me...." It angled its head where one glowing orb was hovering in front of Aleiia's face. "Why.....yes. It is she! Aleiia-serria Nethunus, Princess of Atlantia! Ruler of all the seas! Beg pardon for my informality, milady. I hope this old sea serpent did not offend." It curled up it's body and bowed deeply before her and kept it's head low.

"I am called Barthulax, and if I may be so bold, I believe I can be of assistance." It then moved it's head back up to look at the two. It then looked about, to see if anyone was listening, then moved its head closer to the two. "I couldn't help but over hear your conversation, sound traveling in water an all that. I heard you are looking for your friend, which I assume to be a mermaid. You see, I have seen a mermaid not so long ago. Her hair was very light, as was her skin, I don't seen in color like you lot do." It paused, looking worried. "Though, I hesitate to tell you where she is, now knowing who you are. You are destined for great things, milady, and I couldn't knowingly endanger you. Oh, what to do!?" It said, whining a bit and looking conflicted.

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As Lolindir walked through the halls in contemplation, a figure appeared leaning on a pillar he was just now at. It was tall, rather tall. Standing over 7 feet tall, but very slender. It was adorned with a blood red cape and hood and a very odd mouthless mask. Glowing orange-yellow shone through the peepholes of the mask. "Master Elf.......don't you ever get tired of hearing that? Though you know they mean no offense by it, but doesn't that just make it worse?" It rose from the pillar and approached him, hands behind his back, it's walk more of a stroll. "It means that they don't see you as a fellowMage or even his own being. Your just an Elf. Thats all they see you as, so they adress you as such. Not Master Lolindir. Not Master Fefalas the Wise and Respected. No. Master Elf.

Speaking of respected, how can you be? They only see Ears, not your lifetime of achievement. They might as well be calling you Master Knifears, I see no difference." It then paused and stared at the Elf for a time. "Though, I'm wasting my time, aren't I? You care little for the thoughts and motives of the every day's about you. No, you look more towards........The Morning Star? Am I wrong?"

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Aleiia-Serria

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Aleiia took in a great deal of water, in a gasp as a large sea serpent approached her and Kerian. She grabbed on to his hand with one hand and on to hee tonfa with the next.

Until the sea seperant spoke.

Aleiia's eyes were wide as he went on, He could probably out talk her and that was saying alot. She listened and as he mentioned Nerine, her face brightened. "Yes. That is the one, where is she?" She said exciting, absent mindedly gripping Keiran's hand in hers. The old sea serpent went on and Aleiia gave a pitifully sad frown. "You must tell me, Barthaux, you must. She is very close to my heart. She is my best friend. I will do anything to protect her, even at the risk of my own life. Princess or Not." Aleiia said, her eyes pleading now. "Please. Master Barthaux," She begged respectfully as he was an older wiser being, usually a title reserved for Knights and Scholars. "If it makes you feel better you can come along with us, but we must hurry, I fear for her greatly."

Keiren Ogygia

Beren listened to the Midgard Serpent, in awe despite the current situation. He had never seen such a creature in all his years under the Sea or outside of it. He listened as Aleiia spoke with it, though it appeared to be hesitant in putting the princess in danger, which was understandable. He may well have felt the same in its place. Perhaps a little charm was in order. He bowed.

"Oh, Great Midgard Serpent! We are thankful for your concern about our lives, but we cannot abandon a friend and ally. For, what is a future ruler of a kingdom if she will not risk herself to save even a dear friend? I, of course, pledge to defend Princess Aleiia-Serria with my life, but maybe you can be of some assistance as well. Great Serpent, will you not lead us to Miss Nerine? Surely you are more protection than we will ever need."

As he spoke, Beren allowed a little of his magic to seep in his voice. Not enough to dominate it, but make it more inclined to listen.

Beren Kiran

As dusk approached, Beren gathered a retinue of his royal guards. His daughter was still not home and he was determined to find her. He nodded at his wife as she approached. His expression softened, if only for a moment.

"Do not worry, my Queen. I am certain our daughter is well," he told his wife. He kept to himself the promise that if Maedwen was threatened, no force in this world would stay his hand from punishing those who would harm her. When Ice sat upon her steed, he signalled the others to follow him as he urged his own steed to canter in the direction of a section of the forest that was near Elvae's borders, the place Maedwen most often frequented.

The Great Serpent listened to the Princesses words carefully, seeming to contemplate them thoroughly. When it heard what she called it, it chuckled a bit. "None have called me Master ever, milady. You do an old Serpent honor." It's smile disappeared when it heard the great concern she had in her voice for her friend. It was about to speak, when the male spoke up.

It smiled a bit when it mentioned Midgard Serpent, though it's countenance was suddenly filled with iration. The end of it's tail swirled up and began to poke Keiran in the chest harshly. "I come here with intentions of help and aid, and you try and CHARM ME, boy! Such arrogance!" Its voiced boomed throughout the water, causing some fish and other creatures to scatter about.

It then seemed to calm. "Though, I know you only did it to aid your friend, therefore I forgive you. Besides, you named my race, I have not heard it's name in quite a time, you must be a learned fellow." It then turned back to Aleiia. "Milady, you really should better inform your betrothed on how to deal with allies, but you are both young..." It stopped and thought more. "Though his words were tipped in magic, they still ring true. I will tell you where I saw your friend, this, Nerine. Though, if I was to actively aid you, then you would be in my debt, Princess, by Law of Nature do we Midgard Serpents take our debs highly. I would love to help you of my own free will, but it would fight my very nature, and this is something I can not do. So.....so you agree to be in my debt?" It asked cautiously, the end of its tail raised in front of her, like an out stretched hand.

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Ice Kiran, Queen of Elvae

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"Do not worry, my Queen. I am certain our daughter is well," Ice nodded in response just moments before hopping onto her horse. She had pulled herself up in one full motion. When Beren started off, Ice followed in a canter with ease. She was a good rider, which aided her well in circumstances like these. She figured the first place that they would check would be the area their daughter had gone most often, but Ice couldn't help but wonder the other places she might typically go.

Theodred smiled and let his wife lead him into the garden. He walked behind her watching her body and thinking of days long past. He laughed softly about his wife's walk and the bounce in her step. "My Dear I have not seen the lightness in you step in many moons. Tell my love does the life of a queen been so unhappy." He picked an apple for her and handed it to her as he sat in the gazebo pulling her next to him.


Thanks to a few friends he had that knew magic, Casper's traveling to the outskirts of Dunmarr was fast and simple. Sadly though it always left him slightly sick to his stomach. He looked around and saw he was on the outskirts of the city. He began to move from shadow to shadow moving closer to where the scroll sad the object was most likely to be. He made it to the castle or town hall or whatever they called the building where their leader slept. He found a door to the side and picked the lock heading into the house.

He found the artifact laying on a table in a dining looking area. "Hmm simple enough." He checked around for traps and begins his entry to the room.

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Katrin Bade, Queen of Aravale

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"My Dear I have not seen the lightness in you step in many moons. Tell my love does the life of a queen been so unhappy." At his words, Katrin slowed her walk to meet his pace and continue alongside him. She thought for a moment, taking the apple from him and biting into it. She smiled a thank you as she savored the taste in her mouth. After swallowing the bite she took, Katrin licked her lips and let out a small sigh.

"You know, it's a tough job ruling. And Theodred, you know how I can get. Always wanting to be a few moves ahead of an opponent." She started, then took another bite of her apple. After the brief pause, she went on. "It gets worrisome, you know? You can't help but to anticipate when the next issue will arise." She finished as she glanced off into the gardens. She rose from where they sat in the gazebo to stand at a railing and look into the garden further. She noticed a few monarch butterflies congregating around some milkweed just a couple feet away.

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Era Kodes, Sorceress of Dunmarr

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As Era followed this stranger who's ears were as sharp as knives, she figured he was born of the Elvae kingdom. Immediately, she was even more curious than before. Except now, Era remembered seeing a man with ears like his before. Somewhere in the kingdom, she recalled. She was about to speak when she noticed another figure come from what seemed like out of nowhere and walk alongside him. Her steps fell shorter and slower at the sight, this figure however, was extremely strange to her.

Is this my lack of sleep? Am I dreaming? Hallucinating? She squinted her eyes trying to figure out what exactly was going on. She was feeling paranoid now, one of very few emotions she still felt. She was about to demand the two to stop on their stroll so she could investigate this further, when something tugged at her heart. Someone was after her staff.

A spell she had cast on the weapon connected her to the small dark red gem that hovered in a small circle at the top of the staff. She let out a loud gasp, "Close the gates." She ordered to nearby guards and took off running towards her private quarters. It wasn't too far, but far enough to have her in a full blow sprint. Shoving the door open to her quarters she rushed into the room to find a man in her presence.

"One more move, vermin, and I will have you dead!" She shouted as she moved into a stance showing that she was ready to cast.

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Aleiia-Serria

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"None have called me Master ever, milady. You do an old Serpent honor."
Aleiia smiled graciously just as Kerian spoke.

"Oh, Great Midgard Serpent! We are thankful for your concern about our lives, but we cannot abandon a friend and ally. For, what is a future ruler of a kingdom if she will not risk herself to save even a dear friend? I, of course, pledge to defend Princess Aleiia-Serria with my life, but maybe you can be of some assistance as well. Great Serpent, will you not lead us to Miss Nerine? Surely you are more protection than we will ever need."

Aleiia looked over at Keiran with a bemused expression. He pledged his life in her defense? He was not a Knight, or ever a Squire, he needn't make sucha pledge. Her expression dropped as the serpents tail whirled around and poked Keiran hard in the chest. "I come here with intentions of help and aid, and you try and CHARM ME, boy! Such arrogance!" He boomed causing Aleiia to grip on to Keiran's hand a little harder. She relaxed when the serpent did.

"Though, I know you only did it to aid your friend, therefore I forgive you. Besides, you named my race, I have not heard it's name in quite a time, you must be a learned fellow." He said and then turned it's attention back to her. "Milady, you really should better inform your betrothed on how to deal with allies, but you are both young..."

Aleiia's eyes went wide. "B-betrothed?" She looked over at Keiran and saw her hand, and pulled away bashfully. "We are not betrothed, Master." She said, she was a princess and to most the mistake wouldn't have caused such a reaction, but since she knew soon she would have to take a mate, A King. The idea scared her. She felt her life would no longer be hers once the mate was chosen, and it would be chosen for her, rather then a choice of her own. Though his word were tipped in magic, they still ring true. I will tell you where I saw your friend, this, Nerine. Though, if I was to actively aid you, then you would be in my debt, Princess, by Law of Nature do we Midgard Serpents take our debs highly. I would love to help you of my own free will, but it would fight my very nature, and this is something I can not do. So.....so you agree to be in my debt?"

"A debt." Aleiia frowned. She knew of trickery, she once made the mistake of crossing a Fairy ring in Morinae, she was stuck answering riddles and evading half truths until dawn. " How do I know you have even seen Nerine? you described her well enough, but it isn't hard to describe an Atlantian? Most of the women match that description." She said, proudly. She may be free spirited but she wasn't a fool. She was to be queen some day, her father made sure would make a good one. "Prove yourself, Master, and perhaps I shall take you up on your offer."

Lolindir Fefalas

Lolindir then heard a voice in a particular accent speak to him. "Master Elf.......don't you ever get tired of hearing that? Though you know they mean no offense by it, but doesn't that just make it worse?" a figure appeared leaning on a pillar he was just now at. He was tall, rather tall. Standing over 7 feet tall, but very slender. He was adorned with a blood red cape and hood and a very odd mouth less mask. Glowing orange-yellow shone through the peepholes of the mask. It rose from the pillar and approached him, hands behind his back, his walk more of a stroll.

“Perhaps so” Lolindir replied. Lolindir had never seen this man before. He was quite strange and intimidating. Lolindir wondered where this man came from and whether or not he had been watching him for some time.

The mysterious man continued, "It means that they don't see you as a fellow Mage or even his own being. You’re just an Elf. That’s all they see you as, so they address you as such. Not Master Lolindir. Not Master Fefalas the Wise and Respected. No. Master Elf. Speaking of respected, how can you be? They only see Ears, not your lifetime of achievement. They might as well be calling you Master Knifears, I see no difference." The mysterious man then paused and stared at the Elf for a time. "Though, I'm wasting my time, aren't I? You care little for the thoughts and motives of the every day's about you. No, you look more towards........The Morning Star? Am I wrong?"

Lolindir’s eyes widened as he was shocked that this strange man knew of Vala, the morning star. Had he met Vala before? How much did this stranger know? Lolindir focused his gaze on the man and replied, “Who are you? How do you know of the Morning Star?” Lolindir replied in a serious tone.

Lolindir could sense that he and the stranger were not alone. In fact it seemed that the sorceress had been following them. Her gasp made Lolindir turn his head slightly to acknowledge her presence. However she rushed off before she could be addressed. He quickly turned to look at the crimson stranger again. “What business have you with Vala the Morning Star? What business do you have with me?”

It looked back and forth between them when the princess mentioned they were not betrothed. "Oh, apologies milady. It's just, the way you look at one another. There is a glint within your eye when he speaks, and he looks at you with a deep affection, anyone would've guessed so." The Serpent stated casually.

The Princess then began to question whether it was lying about the information it had said about their friend, especially about the debt. It's tail came away from Aleiia and came up to it's jaw, it then began to do a motion that would be the Sea Serpent equivalent of stroking a beard. "Hmmm. Well, as I mentioned before, I did not know she was your friend, in fact, she may not be. I just saw a young mermaid of light hue who swam through some tunnels that lead to some dangerous parts of Liridale. You stated you were looking for a friend, being mers yourselves, I simply assumed it was she. It very might not be." The serpent stated in a very conversational tone.

"I also wonder why you question me, in fact. If these old ears hadn't deceived me, I believe your tone was very accusatory. I should be very offended! I only offer assistance in the custom of my people, only to be accused as a charlatan and a trickster!" It turned away from them and began to slither away at a slow pace. It then turned back to them. "Offer kindness to strangers as you would to your friends, and what do you get? Treated as if you were a Sea Witch offering pearls and power to the ignorant! Some fine ruler you'll make! Treating kindness with suspicion and aid with doubt. " It then continued to swim away slowly, it seemed to be mumbling to itself, like an old man would when miffed.

Just as it was about to leave conversation distance, it stopped and turned back to them, it's expression.....reminiscent. "You know.....I met a young human once......what was her name? Ah, damn this addled mind! Well, anyway, she was set adrift on the open ocean on a small plank of wood. You see, I thought her an enormously fat mantath, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take a bite. Though, when I got close, I heard a scream, and I realized she was not a mantath, but a woman.

She shrieked in horror at the sight of me, but after minutes of coaxing I calmmed her and she began tot ell me what had happened. Apparently her lover and her were on a jaunt around the coastal isles Xindu'atha, when a powerful and fierce storm hit. They had survived, but the ship had not. They were floating together on the raft, when a Sea Witch emerged and offered them aid. Her lover exclaimed 'Yes, anything for food and water!' She then grabbed the mans hand stated it was a deal. She took his love for her and made it her own. She then dragged him to the bottom of the sea, where there was plenty of food and water." The serpent now had a lazy smile on, eyes half closed from reminiscing.

It then caught the two staring at him, he then readjusted himself. "No, wait. I shouldn't be telling you stories of my past. I'm angry with you......wait. Why was I angry? Damn this salt addled brain!" The Serpent then began violently shaking it's head. It swam back forth as if pacing. "Something......something to do with a deal, no! A debt! The debt! She didn't like my debt.....what was my debt? I don't believe we decided....OH OF COURSE!!!"

It then moved from where it was, to it's head being right in front Aleiia as if in a flash of lightning. "You were questioning me not because you thought me ill-willed, the debt was too open. You weren't being rude, you were being shrewd!! Easy how I can mix those two up, ha ha!" It bobbed up and down in a happy fashion. "Well how about we hash it out right now? Lets see.....how about......oooh! How about you come visit me and sing for me when you find the time! Ive heard tales of your voice milady, and it would be a privilege. Then perhaps we could have a chat or something? I get very lonely in these waters, but it's the only place where I am not hunted actively. So, would that be alright? Or am I asking for too much?" The Serpent seemed rather excited now, even eager.

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Aleiia-Serria

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Aleiia watched in shock, mouth agape as the old Serpent slithered around lost in his own mind. She thought, at once, to apologize for her cynicism but she heard tale of the people of Liridale weren't of a very helpful mindset.

"My apologizes, Master I-"
Aleiia tried, but the serpent moved away going on to himself about a tale he'd heard. She was no longer afraid of the old creature, his scatterbrained rants and far off expression. He reminded her of an old scholar of hers, one long since passed on to Xi'balba. The old Master would ramble on and on about things irrelevant to the subject or matter at hand, Aleiia didn't mind, she always enjoyed stories. Although about half way through his, her mind wandered to Keiran. For a brief moment, she wandered if what the old serpent said was true about the way he looked at her....Could he-"You were questioning me not because you thought me ill-willed, the debt was too opem. You weren't being rude, you were being shrewd!! Easy how I can mix those two up, ha ha!" Aleiia stiffened straight when the serpent appeared before her, jolting her from her thoughts, stealing her breath. The serpent bounced up and down, happily and Aleiia allowed herself to breathe. "Well how about we hash it out right now? Let's see...how about...oooh! How about you come visit me and sing for me when you find the time! I've heard tales of your voice, Mi'lady, and it would be a privilege. Then perhaps we could have a chat or something? I get very lonely in these waters, but it's the only place where I am not hunted actively. So, would that be alright? Or am I asking for too much?"

Aleiia smiled brightly, one of her signature smiles. The expression on the serpents face was heartwarming and she felt so bad for the old creature, to whom must have great tales and no one to tell them too.

"Of course, Master, I would gladly come to visit you and to sing for you as well. " She said, with a prideful nod, her smile never leaving her lips "My company and a concert for your assistance. Seems like a fair price, I think. It is a deal, Master Barthaux." She said holding out her hand for him -or his tail- to shake.

Faramir the Unicorn Keeper

"My names Roxy and that unicorn is really pretty can I please touch it?!" She asked without thinking, her eyes sparkling as she looked at the creature with an awed expression.

After Con’ken and Roxy introduced themselves, Faramir and Eldeen headed in the direction that Con’Ken had pointed them in. “I am most grateful Guardian Con’Ken. It is a pleasure to meet you both.” Faramir was somewhat tickled at Roxy’s reaction to Eldeen. It was easy for Faramir to forget that others seldom see unicorns. The unicorn keeper giggled a bit. Faramir replied, “You may ask Eldeen himself. He can speak to you.” His face bore a gentle and amused smile.

Eldeen’s horn began to glow slightly. The unicorn looked at the young woman and his voice began to resonate in the hearts of everyone present. “Hello young one. As Prince Faramir said, I am able to speak. Unicorns speak to the heart. I am truly flattered that you find me pretty. You may touch me young one. It is alright.” Eldeen said, his voice warm and wise. Afterward the four went into the presence of the Lady of the Wood.

Faramir looked at the Lady of the Wood and a relieved expression crossed his face. It had been quite some time since he had laid eyes on her. It seems that she had not changed a fraction since he had last saw her. Faramir felt nostalgia sprinkle down on him like a gentle summer rain. Faramir bowed at Nieve whom held a furry ferret. “Lady Nieve, it has been too long. Greetings from Pale Crystal Hallow. I do hope my lady still recognizes me, Faramir?” Faramir smiled gently as he looked at Nieve.

“I come on behave of the Great Moon on the premise of a vision bestowed upon me. I am under the impression that another human has fallen into light and thus become entrapped in our realm. I desired to ask what you knew of this. Also the Great Moon has informed me that a great conflict is upon the world and that the young man that fell into our world will be a central force in that conflict. If the world is to know trouble, what are your plans for the Kingdom of Morinae? I am most concerned with the fate of Pale Crystal Hallow. The Great Moon tells me that choice is key. Will you choose the boy? Will Morinae follow your most wise leadership if should choose him?” Faramir spoke calmly. This matter was of great importance.

“Who are you? How do you know of the Morning Star?” Lolindir replied in a serious tone. The Stranger looked somewhat satisfied with his reaction, but how one could tell the expression from behind a mask, who could say? It looked as if the stranger was about to speak, but he saw Lolindir look towards the Sorceress of Denmar. "Pay her no mind, let us instead talk."

He quickly turned to look at the crimson stranger again. “What business have you with Vala the Morning Star? What business do you have with me?” The eyes behind the mask seemed to glow a bit, as if he was smiling. "Now there's an interesting word.....business. Yes it is business that brings me to you, and it is you, and consequently your lover, that I wish to do it with. But come, these halls have eyes and ears that are too annoying for me to waste time on. Perhaps you would feel more at ease in your own home. " The stranger then waved his hand, as if drawing a curtain, then, the world changed.

It looked and felt as if the two hadn't moved at all, yet the scenery swirled with colors and motion, until not even a moment later, they were standing in Lolindir's study. "There we are, now......you know what." The stranger said with a pause looking about. "You must think me incredibly rude, coming into your house uninvited, come lets away to a place that is owned by no one, therefore none can be offended." Then, the Stranger did as before and the world changed again.

This time, they were on top of a cloud. Not a particularly large cloud, but big enough. It was high in the sky, looking over the land. what land was uncertain. Suddenly, columns and awnings morphed out of the cloud and formed a sort of half circle room around the two, the front opening leaving a breath taking view. A table then materialized with four chairs. The table and chairs both looked to be made out of a white wood of unknown origin.

"There we are," The Stranger said. "Much better. Now, down to business." He sat down across from Lolindir, hands in a pyramid. He motioned for Lolindir to sit. "Now, Master Fefalas, I know a lot about you. I know you bear the Star Rune and were banished from your homeland and condemned to the Land of Mages where you could be properly contained. I know, you've found a somewhat life in this land, but you always feel.....distant. You have friends and colleagues but you do not feel like you belong. In fact, you have never had that feeling, even with....No, especially with the Elves. But.....you have found something, in Vala Nonda, a Chooser of the Dead. To which I give my blessings onto, it's beautiful."

The Stranger then shifted in his seat. "Unfortunately, your relationship might not survive the coming days. You see......I am very familiar with Vala's kind. I actually know his forebear personally. Though, he and Vala's kin are not of this world, nor am I. Vala is alone here. And, in this world, few die. Even when they should, it seems a force here keeps death balanced. Which is why Vala has such a prominent personality and kind heart, he can afford to. But, in the comings days, war will be upon this world. War like none have ever seen. Lines will be drawn, sides will be taken and blood of all colors and creeds spilled. Vala will change. Slowly at first, he will get frustrated at the senseless death, then sadness, then, he will become tired. It always happens. And the war will go on and on and on and on and on for generations. No stop in sight......unless. Unless his heart is shielded. I can do this for you for a price. Or...with your help, I can perhaps end the war in few days. All I need......with your permission....

Have access to the Star Rune. Not take it, of course, just grant me but access to it, limit the number of times, if you wish. I need your strength to stop this, together we can save both Vala and this world.....and to you, there is no difference is there?" The Stranger then stood and appeared behind Lolindir.

"Or I could do a more direct favor for you.....such as, I don't know. Help you gain revenge. The Elven Elders that banished you still yet live. As do their spawn. In fact......the Princess is out and about right now, playing in the fields and dreaming of true love. She feels so alone, even though she is surrounded by love. Think of me as a tool. I have no thing within as a heart or morality, I am not mortal or of this world. Whatever you desire, I can give it you. Revenge, Immortality, Divinity, Peace, Knowledge, offspring of your own. I can make it happen. Just help me stop a war and give me access to the Star Rune, even if it only be once. I believe it's a good deal."

He then faced him fully. "What do you say, is it a deal? You don't have to answer now, but I'll need an anwser soon." The Stranger extended a hand to Lolindir.

“I am most grateful Guardian Con’Ken. It is a pleasure to meet you both." Faramir said before giggling, “You may ask Eldeen himself. He can speak to you.” He smiled gently, with amusement in his eyes.
Roxy watched in excitement as the unicorns horn began to glow and she started to hear the unicorns voice inside her, “Hello young one. As Prince Faramir said, I am able to speak. Unicorns speak to the heart. I am truly flattered that you find me pretty. You may touch me young one. It is alright.”
She grinned happily as she began to stoke the unicorns soft, silky mane. She ran her finger through his hair and watched as it fell back down to rest against the unicorns back. "I love your hair! It's really silky and shinny." Roxy giggled as she walked along side the group of 3 as they made their ways towards the castle Con'ken had pointed out.
Arriving before the lady of the woods, Roxy couldn't help but gasp at the women's pretty appearence, that is before she noticed the familiar furry object being held by the lady.
Before she could say anything faramir did, “Lady Nieve, it has been too long. Greetings from Pale Crystal Hallow. I do hope my lady still recognizes me, Faramir? smiling gently at the lady before continuing, “I come on behave of the Great Moon on the premise of a vision bestowed upon me. I am under the impression that another human has fallen into light and thus become entrapped in our realm. I desired to ask what you knew of this. Also the Great Moon has informed me that a great conflict is upon the world and that the young man that fell into our world will be a central force in that conflict. If the world is to know trouble, what are your plans for the Kingdom of Morinae? I am most concerned with the fate of Pale Crystal Hallow. The Great Moon tells me that choice is key. Will you choose the boy? Will Morinae follow your most wise leadership if should choose him?” Faramirs expression was serious and even Roxy somehow managed to hold her tongue, through she had no clue what they were talking about it seemed important.
Instead she occupied herself with having a staring contest with the familiar ferret. It was fun and distracting but she eventually had to blink and therefore lost the game. What happened next she didn't really expect, victor hopped out from the women's hold and scurried across the floor until he reached Roxy's feet, looking up at her with puppy dog eyes, asking her to hold him.
Bending down she picked up the little ferret and cuddled it to her chest.
"I am glad your okay!" Victor squeaked up at her causing her to smile.
"I am, that scary man over there found me and brought me here, don't worry through he might look scary he is really nice!" Roxy responded, causing both of them to glance at Con'Ken and giggle quietly together. "We also met Faramir and Eldeen! I really like Eldeen he is so pretty and really nice! He let me touch his hair and it was really soft!" She continued in excitement towards the little ferret.
"Well, while you have been stroking unicorns I have been trying to help out!" Victor pouted up at her for her lack of reconganation towards his efforts to help her.
"I know that silly! And that's why you are my favourite animal in the world, even if Eldeen is prettier." She laughed at the little ferrets face, teasing him.

Everything was going good. He hadn't ran into a guard there seemed to be no traps and everything was just perfect. Until he touched the staff and he felt it call out to its master. Unlike most humans Casper saw magic as a tool but sadly he had none of his own. As he turned around getting ready to make a hasty escape a women appeared before him in the door. "Oh by the gods."

"One more move, vermin, and I will have you dead!" She shouted as she moved into a stance showing that she was ready to cast. He put his hands in the air droping the staff at his side. "I apologize my lady it seems I have lost my way and saw this staff and it called to me." A lie but it would gauge who this was. "Do you know who this house belongs to? I wish to issue an apology as it seems my wandering has got me into trouble again." She was beautiful who ever she was.

"There is no reason to cast miss I will come peacefully." He put his hands on the back of his head.


Theodred smiled at his wife and nodded. "My dear it can be very troublesome and with portal open again trouble is sure to follow, but if nothing else we have each other. We have our loyal people and we have our allies. As the problems will arise we shall handle them like a royals should." He pulled her onto his lap and laid his head against her chest. "I'm glad we hired that new gardener the last one was not very good at his job."


Con'Ken lead the unicorn keeper and the young female to the lady and stood behind them as they spoke to Nieve. He smiled at her and then went to take his leave but bumped into Emeror on the way out. "Evening Emeror how is the patrolling going?"
Emeror responded "Quiet in fact it seemed as though everything is still because the portal." Con'Ken shook his head and headed out of the castle and down the steps. On his way out he meet a citizen of this land a young dark fae.

"Evening Kal'xio. You seem well." COn'Ken leaned against a nearby pillar.

Emeror had been standing with the Lady when Con'ken had lead the two people to her. The male was a unicorn keeper and had brought a unicorn with him it seems. The other was human but she seemed to be able to speak to the animals around her. She seemed young in her actions which made him curious. He walked up to her and put out his hand introducing him self. "I am called Emeror, Miss traveler and might I say you have quite a special gift." He swirls his hand around and makes a small rose from shadow and handed it to her "As do all of us. You are among friends."


Patience grew bored of his current mission as he waited for his demons to come back and report to him. He smiled and drew a blade from his cloak. He cut a small mark into his wrist and using the dark greenish poison, he created a summoning circle made from his blood. "Oh granter of desires, keeper of lust and demon of excess, I call to thy Shaiyla." He didn't know if it would work but hey if it did he wouldn't be bored anymore. He laughed to himself and waited.

Her conversation with victor was disrupted when a tall, dark hair elf(?) Walked towards her and held his hand out in introduction. "I am called Emeror, Miss traveler and might I say you have quite a special gift." Emeror said before swirling his hand around and creating a small, delicate rose out of thin air causing Roxy's eyes to widen in surprise, before handing it to her, "As do all of us. You are among friends." He continued.
Staring down at the rose, Roxy turned to look at him with a happy smile, "Thanks! That was amazing! How did you just create this flower out of thin air?! Oh and my names Roxy, so just call me that!" She grinned at him before turning her gaze back to victor, "It's a bit strange, and maybe the lady of the forest could explain it to me, but I have never been able to speak to animals before. I have always loved them but I could never understand them..." Her expression suddenly turned forlorn for a second, a sad smile gracing her lips, "It's a shame it's all my imagination... That I will have to return home soon..." Roxy mumbled out quietly it was almost impossible to hear, however as soon as the sadness has come it was gone and she was grinning back at Emeror, "Your really kind Em, it's nice to meet you! And thanks, I could use some friends for once!"
She felt Victor bumb her hand and she turned her gaze once again at the small ferret, "What it Vic?" She asked him in confusion.
"Bring me closer to your face." The little ferret said as Roxy obayed his orders, looking a little confused. Once closer to her cheek, the small ferret extended its tongue and gave her cheek a quick, comforting lick. Gasping in surprise she stared at her little friend before bursting into giggles.
"Thanks Vic, I needed that!" She said between her giggles before turning back to Emeror. "Hay Em, how old are you? You look younger than everyone else for some reason." Glancing around the room to punctuate her point. "For some reason everyone here just feels older than they look... Hay you have really pointy ear Em, are you an elf?

Keiren Ogygia

Keiran couldn't help but blush when the serpent assumed him to be Aleiia's betrothed. That was impossible. He was just a peasant who made his living telling stories, singing, or playing his flute. She was a princess who no doubt was introduced to multiple suitors. No matter how he wished it to be otherwise, he would never be permitted to court her even if she thought of him that way. He listened as Aleiia conversed with the serpent and smiled slightly. This was a kind creature. He felt bad for them being so jaded.

"I will be more than happy to visit you as well, Great Midgard Serpent."

---

Era Kodes, Sorceress of Dunmarr

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As the stranger dropped the staff at his side, Era moved one of her hands in the direction towards it. Stopping it from clattering to the floor, she lowered the staff onto the ground with ease. Her eyes and her free hand, however, didn't leave the intruder. "I apologize my lady it seems I have lost my way and saw this staff and it called to me." A lie but it would gauge who this was. "Do you know who this house belongs to? I wish to issue an apology as it seems my wandering has got me into trouble again." As the intruder spoke, Era's hands fell at her sides gently and her head tilted upwards as she studied him.

"It called to you?" She inquired, not trusting his words at all. It was one thing she had learned quickly when she started her reign. Don't trust anyone. "I do know who this home belongs to, you must not be from these regions since you are not aware." She spoke, her voice testy as she stood in his path. No way in hell was she letting this man, who had tried to take her staff- whether it was what he said was true or not, walk out of her home so quickly. "Your wandering has gotten you into trouble again, so this is not the first time?" She went on, her hands folding across her chest as she stood before him.

At the sight of his hands moving, Era flinched a little. When they stopped to land behind his head, she cleared her throat impatiently. She was going to find out as much as possible about this man, that was for sure. Whether she had to use the aid of her abilities or not. The benefit of having lost a large amount of her emotions was proving to be helpful once again. This situation wouldn't have come at such ease had she still had them. One reason she was thankful for the loss of them. She figured that had she been in this situation, with the emotions she had lost, she would be unsteady and trembling with restless nerves, deeming her much less suitable to handle this.

---

Katrin Bade, Queen of Aravale

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Katrin turned from where she stood at the railing's edge, her attention leaving the butterflies. "My dear it can be very troublesome and with portal open again trouble is sure to follow, but if nothing else we have each other. We have our loyal people and we have our allies. As the problems will arise we shall handle them like a royals should." His words settled uneasy in her thoughts as she walked over to sit next to him once again. She rested a hand near his knee before she started to speak.

"Yes, with the portal open again there is sure to be plenty of trouble to follow." She started as she stared straight ahead and gave a slight nod with her open thought. "And yes, we have our people and allies, and thankfully each other. But we do not know what lies on the other side of the portal. What may come, what may happen. A lot of open ended questions are now unanswered." She went on as she took these things into heavy consideration. The light mood she had earlier seemed to be almost long gone. "Of course we will handle them as we should, but what if that is not enough for what lies beyond the portal? Don't you find it kind of strange that those beings can come here, and we cannot go there?" She said right before he pulled her into his lap.

At the movement, she shifted so that she was sitting sideways on him, her shoulder brushing against one of his as she moved to rest her head on it. Her breath landed lightly on his open neck with her exhales. "I'm glad we hired that new gardener the last one was not very good at his job." The hint of change in conversation went right over Katrin's head as she let out a small sigh.

"Don't you ever want to know where Demetri and the others came from? What it might look like, how it differs from here…" She trailed off as her hand furthest from the warmth of her husband came around and rested on the other side of his neck. Her fingers gently stretched across the open skin as they traveled up by his ear before her hand fell to his shoulder and rested there.

---

Nieve, Lady of the Forest.

---

Nieve turned her hand as Con'Ken arrived with a spritely young woman and the Unicorn Keeper, Faramir. Nieve smiled as Faramir greeted her.

"Ah, Indeed, I do, How nice it is to see you again." Nieve said as the small ferret made his way down her arm and off to the girl. Nieve noted the girls gift but hadn't time to think on it as Faramir spoke once more.

He went on about the humans arrival and the inner conflict between the Kingdoms.

"I will call Council in regards to the Kingdoms matter but as for the human, the portals. It seems they have opened up again. You have an OtherWorlder in your company." She said and nodded her head toward the girl with the ability to speak with the animals.

It made her wonder what OtherWorld was like. How similar was it to thier world. Some of which she knew of constant talks with Demetri but with this girl, and her ability, she was almost Fae like.

"Faramir, you are more then welcome to stay and assist in our investigation of this portal matter if you like. I will need this to be handle before we move on to the matter of the Kingdoms." She said calmly. Honestly it's been troubling her, leaving her in a state of melancholy and she sometimes didn't want to think of such things as War. The last war, eons ago, took her love from her, she was not prepared to go back to that dark time.

She looked over at the girl again, just as she bombared Emeror with questions of his hertiage.

"He is Fae, Like myself," She said, walking over with an easy smile, a quick one to Emeror. "Kin to Elves but different in ways. You, my dear, are Fae like yourself." She commented, she needed to know if she were in the slightest bit Fae, surely Emeror noticed it as well. "I am Nieve, The Lady of the Forest, What might your name be, Little one?"

Roxy looked up at the lady of the forest as she answered the question she and asked Emeror, "He is Fae, Like myself," She said, walking over with an easy smile, sending a quick one at Emeror. "Kin to Elves but different in ways. You, my dear, are Fae like yourself." The lady commented, which caused Roxy to looked confused, did the lady think she was fae? "I am Nieve, The Lady of the Forest, What might your name be, Little one?"
"My names Roxy, it's nice to meet you." Roxy smiled at the Nieve, "And what do you mean 'Fae'? You don't think I am one?" Than she stuck her tongue out at the strange thought, "No, I'm human... But than again I have imagined being another creature before... Never a fae through." She smiled up at the lady before glancing down at victor and than back again, "Do you maybe know why I can talk to victor? It's the first time I have been able to do this before, like I said to Em, I love animals but I could never communicate with them." She stroked the young ferrets head softly, smiling down at him kindly.
Her imagination really was getting wilder and wilder each day, maybe she should ask her therapist for stronger drugs... But it was nice here... She could finally talk to the animals she had loved all her life, she was living the life of a story book character, she didnt want to leave this place...
Her eyes grew meloncoly but the smile remained on her face after years of practice at keeping it there, even if she didn't mean it.
These people were kind to her, they didnt call her crazy or run away... They called themselves her friends... She really must be getting desperate if her hallucinations had gotten to this point.
What was it that her therapist said? Oh ya, don't fall in love with the world of your imagination because... It... Not... Real..
Roxy brought her said eyes to met those of the lady's and Emeror's. They weren't real... What a strange thought...