The moment Alder's shoulder was touched, he recoiled instantly. In his heart, was a primal fear which raged inside off him. The image of the man who touched his shoulder flickered with that of the one who had attempted to grab for him at the canal. His breathing became heavy, and his vision clouded. He was terrified, so utterly terrified of that figure. The figure of a slim older man draped in jewelry, extending towards his body. But no, the intent was different this time, and Alder could feel it. He forced himself to relax his body and curb the panic that had begun to build. "A-Are you a prince?" He asked meekly. When he asked that question, there was no particular intent behind it, no focus nor meaning. It was simply the first thing he could conceptualize with his innocent, simplistic mind. He uttered the words shakily, uncertain of the response it would bring. To his relief, the man smiled, a genuinely warm smile, and took back his hands so Alder could lay eyes upon his face. I

It had always been a joke amongst Raymond's friends back in the old days, that he was no different from a mage. He'd had always an abnormal eye for details, so much so that it seemed divine. Every coin traded, every bottle drank, every breath those around him took. He perceived it all at once, constantly updating and accounting for the changes around him. He acted careless, but that act simply served as a veil for him to observe every movement around him. When he walked into the Jumping Snake Bar, he made sure to pay attention to every order that was made, every movement those around him made, and every time a glass was raised to someone's lips.It was not something he had been born with, but a habit he had accumulated due to years and years of observation and experience. His skepticism had been sharpened over decades by the whetstone known as trauma, and left in its wake a man who questioned every thing he saw. Scars still ached on his body to this day, and their presence could be fe

After meeting with Lysander, Aurelia had spent the rest of the day relaxing with Alder in a new home he had secured for them. It was a full two story house on the edge of the underground, and was made of oak. The polished exterior revealed a very homely interior, with a cozy little fireplace, two sleeping quarters, and a basic kitchen made of stone. Aurelia had lived in a house once, with her parents, before they were killed. But she hardly remembered it, so by all means this was the first time she had truly lived inside a house.The pillows were stitched with flower patterns and seemed to stay consistently cool, allowing the rest of her body to embrace the warmth of the woolen blankets. Aurelia slept for the day's entirety, letting her body melt into the mattress and revel in the bed's embrace. Not a care passed her by during those moments of comfort, for she was enamored with the bed. Not the idea of the bed, or the feeling of sleeping, but the bed itself, in which she was able to f

Lysander commanded respect with every step he took. He had changed into a white coat with a flaming red Phoenix embroidered on the back. He looked truly like a savior, one prepared to rebirth this city from the ashes and reform it anew.Yet, despite his appearance the presence he seemed to cast in Aurelia's mind had become slightly clouded due to doubt. She still had faith, but part of her was skeptical. She had been told very minimal information about what Lysander's plans entailed, and she had simply chosen to trust him due to the salvation he promised.'Stop it. You've always been easy to change things up. These last several days have done nothing but solidify that. Just show a little follow through goddamit! Have some faith!' she followed this thought with a spit, and by doing so cast out all doubts she had from her mind forcefully. 'Besides, you can ask him about the specifics after the speech. Just do your job and get moving.'"So, Aurelia...what happened to your contacts?" Rans

The sound of cheers disrupted Alder from his spiral of thoughts. They came suddenly and with great force, a sledgehammer to his ears and a liberator from his mind. He sprang up instantaneously, afraid for where such sounds came from. Outside his window was a massive gathering. At least a thousand or so odd ruffians, bordered by several well dressed individuals comprised the crowd.They were all clapping and cheering at the sight of a singular individual atop a stage. The man appeared rather unremarkable. His clothing was of high quality and his appearance quite polished, but that came with a rather average build and appearance. His face was not even showcased, for he hid it under an ornate mask. What could be so praiseworthy about a man behind a mask?But yet he was celebrated all the same, and with great intensity too. It was remarkable...as if he were some sort of god amongst men. Just looking at him was enough to dispel all Alder's doubts and fears. He wished the moment could last