Author: Ramla, Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2016 6:00 AM, Post Subject: Land of the Blue Sun

Excluding the slight hostility that Ramla has towards Holly's mother, the women actually got along quite well, especially Holly and Aisling became close. While traveling the Haza Savannah they all got to know each other a little better. The girls got to know who Ramla really was, or specifically 'what' she was. The question came up one night when they wondered how exactly she was going to protect Holly other than following her around and why her mother accepted the bet unless Ramla wasn't just an 'old' mortal.

Well, the girls knew the basics, Ramla was a creature of the void and like her absent companion Nihr she had powers of a darker nature and that was that. Ramla was relieved though that Holly and Aisling still trusted her and didn't fear her. So when she went ahead to Ataiyo they knew they had nothing to fear because one way or another Ramla was watching over them. She not only had to look for an Inn for them but she also had to look for work. The girls made a living with music, Ramla made a living with mercenary work. (*cough* cold blooded murder *cough*)

As soon as she got a place for them to stay she quickly handed over the keys to Holly and Aisling and then disappeared again doing her thing. After meeting a client near one of the infamous brothels of Ataiyo Ramla decided to do some shopping to spoil herself and the ladies. She had bought two silk kimonos that she felt might suit them and then bought one for herself. A purple and blue one with a black sash around her waist. She decided to pin her hair up like the natives, decorated with combs and pins.

As she walked the streets she noticed how the shadows around her seemed to shift in an alley nearby. Without hesitation she turned into it and waited for the bundle of blackness to take shape, taking care to not dirty the kimonos that she carried. A silhouette of a tall man, the figure was pitch black except for the eyes which glowed purple. "How are things in Canelux?" She asked the figure. "Good, interesting, busy. It's more 'medieval' than Parvpora, less adequate in magical power. They make up for that loss by being backed up by deities. Faith in the divines is deeply rooted there." The figure said as it admired Ramla's new look. "Been shopping?" He asked with a hint of a smile. Ramla smiled back and nodded, "Mhm, felt like spoiling myself and the girls. The Savannah was rougher than we thought. The more I hear about Canelux the more I feel we should stay in Parvpora. It has more potential in my opinion. Easier to handle. Besides, I discovered that the gods have almost no influence here. The people even call it taboo to speak of them. They are definitely weaker here than in Canelux."

"Oh, I have something for you." He said proudly as he produced a small box on the ground. "I finally found the time and the materials to make the goggles for you. It should help with your eyesight during the day." Ramla bend down and picked up the box and opened it. It contained a pair of goggles with dark purple tinted lenses to shield her eyes against the sun and bright lights. Attached to the side of the goggles are an extra pair of lenses, smaller in size and in a bluer tint that could be flipped down and in front of the bigger lenses. Looking more closely she saw they were enchanted. "Enchanted?" 

Nihr nodded, "Yes, to help find magical residue onto objects or people. Since we can already sense those trails, but now we can actually see it. Took me a while to get it right…" Ramla thanked him and stored them away. "I have to get going now, we'll meet again soon." Nihr continued to watch her until she turned the corner before the shadows dispersed and returned to normal.

Ramla made her way to the center of the town, where the music played. She figured she might find her companions there. And she did, she watched them from the sidelines at an elevated porch. Holly was enjoying the music, watching a couple dance. Aisling and a young man. Ramla frowned and pondered, where had she felt this 'radiance' before. She carefully leaned against the railing, making sure not to crinkle the kimonos that she had yet to deliver. Her purple gaze turning to Holly… "Ah…Another child." The two shared the same type of…what's the word… 'Signature' in power. Their mother's power. "Busy little bee, Angela. How many more do you have?" She chuckled to herself.

But there was something else she thought as the man tossed a bouquet to Holly. It was on the tip of her tongue but she couldn't figure it out. What was that familiar vibe about this man? She knew she'd seen it before but…"Curse my goldfish brain, ugh…" Bah, it's one man. Not important. She shook her head and decided to head back to the Inn. Take advantage of having the room all to herself before they came back.

She placed the kimonos on each bed, draping them out to show off their colors and patterns for the girls when they returned. From her pocket she took out the goggles and placed them on the dresser. Since they were going to stay here for a while she might as well unpack and make herself comfortable. So first thing she did was write in her journal while she waited for the others.

Author: Melianme, Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2016 8:04 PM, Post Subject: Land of the Blue Sun

Aisling was grateful her back was to Ash, for he would have seen just how deeply she blushed at both his words and his touch. She gasped slightly as he slipped his arms about her waist and hugged her to him, his forehead coming to rest on her shoulder. She let her hands rest upon his, for a moment as he spoke. Most women might have found these sorts of affections uncomfortable after meeting a man merely hours before, but there was something about Ash that Aisling couldn't help but like. His attentions were not unwelcomed, and he was cuddly without being terribly clingy, and she liked that. She giggled as he rubbed his nose against her ear. "I am glad that I was able to cheer you up."

"Well, Holly are performing partners. IF we want the coin to be able to travel more, you'll have to relinquish me now and again," she replied as he released her. "But she is your sister. She is supposed to be, is she not? I thought that was what siblings were supposed to do. I wouldn't know, since as far as I know I am an only child," she smiled at him. "I believe we are to be in Ataiyo for some time though. We should have plenty of time to spend together."

Author: Ash, Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2016 7:23 PM, Post Subject: Land of the Blue Sun

Ash smiled at her and brushed her blonde hair back.  “They would scare you too if you were on my side. For gods sake, my aunt makes a hobby out of scaring the crap out of her husband. I couldn’t even imagine my wife being like her.” 

Soon he had her flipped onto the bed and he was pinning her. Her yelp entertained the young paladin. Her blush was enthralling as he brushed a loose strand of her hair back with a smile. Though Ash wasn’t the type of man to even take advantage of someone like Aisling, he was glad that she was still there with him.

He got himself dressed and nodded. “Thank you for that Flower. I couldn’t have gotten out of that slump without you. Truly you are a wonderful maiden. Any man would be lucky to have you by their side.” He walked up behind her and hugged her waist. He put his forehead down on her shoulder and smiled. “I think it would be wonderful if I traveled with your group for a while. Like you said, strength in numbers. I would like to get to know you more Flower. I still have plenty of questions to ask you.” He leaned up and gently rubbed his nose against her ear.

“Though Holly might not let me keep you to myself the entire time.” He let go just to give her space back. He ran his fingers through his hair and sighed gently. “She is a real pain in my ass.” He laughed lightly.

Author: Melianme, Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2016 6:55 PM, Post Subject: Land of the Blue Sun

"I wouldn't think you would have a guilty conscience. What you have told me is truly noble, and nothing to feel guilty about," Aisling replied simply as she set the cleaning cloth aside. She couldn't help but notice how soft his eyes were, revealing the gentle but strong soul behind them. 

"They scare you?" Aisling asked incredulously, but then remembered that Rosenite or even Arriese women were the ones in charge, often acting as soldiers or in the roles that among other cultures would be filled by men. She didn't blame him for being intimidated. She yelped slightly as she found herself being flipped over onto the bed, with Ash pinning her down. Her heart jumped into her throat out of surprise. She certainly hadn't expected this from him. Though he did not act upon her, she blushed furiously as he told her he would rather settle down with a 'soft' woman, much like herself. She closed her eyes as he leaned in again and kissed her forehead, and proceeded to tell her how he wanted only a few children and not the dozens he might have been expected to provide had he chosen, or been chosen by, an Arriese woman. She raised an eyebrow and gave him an almost suspicious smile as he winked at her and got up off of her. 

She sat up and looked at him as he threw his shirt back on, and deep down she found herself a little disappointed. 

"Have your spirits lifted a little then?" she inquired as she too stood up and returned the wash cloth to the basin. 

Author: Ash, Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2016 4:51 PM, Post Subject: Land of the Blue Sun

“Flower, I can tell just by looking at you that it wasn’t your intention.” He bopped her nose softly once more and his gentle voice came back if just for her. “ When she left his side Ash tilted his head as he watched before almost gaining a blush himself. The wet cloth certainly was more soothing in her hands than it had been in his moments ago.

“I think, I forget that. A lot.” He laughed a bit as she washed him down. “It is sometimes a really lonely life and other times I find myself surrounded by others. Depends on the job or the mission. Or if I am at home with a hundred siblings breathing down my neck.” Another laugh left his lips. “If anything my mother would smack the shit out of me if I ever rushed into anything.”

Ash gave Aisling a smile. “Call it a guilty conscious. If I had little ones I would probably stop taking missions because they would be my life’s mission right there. I do not want my future children to have to live with what Holly and I had to. I want them to have a father and a mother.” His eyes gentle on her as he spoke.

“Don’t get me wrong, the attention is fantastic but I don’t want a Rosenite woman. They scare me.” He chuckled before thinking something devious. For a moment he flipped the two of them. He was pinning her to the bed but not enough to where she couldn’t get up. “I would rather settle down with a soft woman like yourself.” He kissed her forehead. “Have a few, not a dozen, children and just be happy for the rest of my days. I may or may not have met the right woman.” He winked at her before releasing her and stood up. He grabbed his shirt and threw it on.

“I’ll know when the time is right.”

Author: Melianme, Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2016 4:32 PM, Post Subject: Land of the Blue Sun

"Part of me wants to say a lack of faith, the other part says because of occupational hazards. Serving a God faithfully as a paladin comes with incredible risks to oneself," she replied softly as she came over to sit with him. Her thoughts were validated by Ash as he continued to explain. She nodded in understanding. Paladins often became martyrs for one reason or another, but often for lost causes. 

"I wouldn't say that you aren't good, Ash. I would call you wise. It does no good to you or your cause if you rush into a situation without being prepared," Aisling reassured him. "Though, I cannot blame the Mother for wanting to keep her children safe," she added. She squeezed his hand gently as he took it and apologized for worrying her. "I am sorry for dragging up painful memories. It wasn't my intention," she replied as he leaned in and kissed her forehead. She might have blushed, but this situation was more about him and cheering him up. She let go of his hand and went to the wash basin and soaked the wash cloth that was hanging there before she went back over to Ash and began washing the dirt that had created runs down his skin as she listened to his story. She shook her head and sighed. 

"Helping people is not what will get you killed Ash. The more people you help, the more there will be to back you up when you need them. Its the rushing ahead, recklessly, endangering yourself when it is not necessary that gets people killed. It's an unfortunate fact, but many of the paladins who find an early death are those who succumbed to hubris, thinking that the Gods will keep them from death, and sometimes chalking it up to their very own power. It is they who die the tragic deaths. And once in a while, when those truly good ones do pass away, it is because they were willing to face the odds that were impossible, because they knew the will of their chosen deity, and maybe even had a glimpse into what their sacrifice would bring about," she told him. "I won't deny that many don't have the time they should have deserved, but what matters is what they did with their lives," she said, the wash cloth gliding over the back of his neck and his shoulders. 

"Fear is what holds us back, Ash. You can't let the fear of death stop you from making the bonds that can carry you through the hardest of times. You can't let the fear of leaving a loved one behind stop you from having the companionship of a spouse if you want it. Those are the things worth sacrificing for, are they not?" she asked him rhetorically.

"Are you sure that it is the fear of leaving someone alone that keeps you from finding love, or is it the stigma placed on you of being a Rosenite male? Holly explained to me that male children are rare among your people. Are you sure this all isn't just because you don't want to be forced into settling?" she asked as she washed the dirt away from his back.

Author: Ash, Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2016 2:09 PM, Post Subject: Land of the Blue Sun

Holly gave a casual shrug. She wasn’t too concerned about her older brother’s outburst as if she had seen it before. That did not mean that she knew what it was for but she had seen him get upset at the topic before. “You’ll have to ask him. Even if I knew it wouldn’t be my place to answer Aisling.” Holly gave her a smile and handed the bouquet.

Ash had his head hung before she opened the door. He was going to shut the door but went against his initial emotion, it wasn’t Aisling’s fault. “Everything will be fine.” He gave her a sad smile before going to sit down on the bed.

“What you asked did not upset me Aisling,” the rare time he said her name without being prompted. There was a sadness that hung off his voice as he thought about it more. “Do you know why people don’t become Paladins?” He let the question hang in the air for a bit. “We end up dead fairly fast. I was made to promise that I would never charge into something just for the greater good. I’m not as good as most Paladins but then again most Paladins don’t have the Mother as their mother.”

He lounged for a moment and got up from his spot so he could took her hand gently. “I’m sorry I worried you. The question just sparked what my mother once showed me.” He leaned in and kissed her forehead. “When I wanted to become a paladin, the first thing she showed me was a mass burial of all the paladins that had died from being stupid good, as she called it. Mother has never been good with words when it comes to death. She knew that unless she showed me what stupid good got you.. that I would continue following in my mentor’s footsteps. What I didn’t know is that she had just gotten word that stupid good had just got him killed before I asked. Mother loves all of her followers so much that it hurt her to see me like that. I’ve never dealt well with bringing it up. To know that the very thing I want in life, to help people, is what is going to get me killed.”

He reached up and ran his hands through his salt and peppered hair. “Guess that is usually why she always sends someone with me. She wants to make sure that I don’t get my ass handed to me. She trusts me enough to know that I’m not in a bad situation. Truthfully, it is the reason why I’ve never really thought about settling down with anyone. I’m scared of leaving them alone if I died.”

Author: Melianme, Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 10:22 PM, Post Subject: Land of the Blue Sun

When Ash's dancing became slow and close, Aisling slowly, almost hesitantly, put her hands up on the handsome paladin's shoulders. She listened to his story, nodding every so often. She noticed however, that his cool almost jovial nature seemed to fade as he told his story, until it seemed he was barely able to control himself. 

That was when he stopped and kissed her forehead before he begged to be excused and all but ran back towards the inn. Aisling lifted a hand to call out to him, but he was gone much too quickly. Aisling moved over to Holly and collected her bouquet. 

"What was that all about? Is he alright?" Aisling asked Holly. "I don't know if I said or asked him anything I should have…" she said nervously. "I think I am going to go check on him," she said as she began jogging back towards the inn. 

Fortunately they hadn't gone too far into the city, and Aisling was back at the inn in no time and she headed up to Ash's room. She rapped lightly on his door. 

"Ash… is everything ok?" she asked as she slowly pushed the door open. She blushed bright red when she realized he was standing at the wash basin, sans shirt. Her blush was for good reason, for she couldn't remember if she had seen any man with such a physique before. She cleared her throat and tried to get herself under control. 

"I-I uh… I didn't upset you did I?" she asked him softly as she pushed the door closed behind her.

Author: Ash, Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 7:34 PM, Post Subject: Land of the Blue Sun

Ash thought on it and smiled more. “Rosenites mostly my dear Flower. Men are rare for them so they try to gobble them all up as they reach maturity.” 

The paladin smiled at her and nodded. “Oh I know, I know how much Holly lights up at the sight of someone paying attention to her. I’ve also been watching you enough to see just how much you light up at my words.” 

He loved how shocked she sounded as he held her close. He listened to her words and smiled a bit more. “They colors that would look ravishing on you Flower.” He thought about the question for a while as he turned the dance into a close one. He held her to his chest and the look honestly was the most thoughtful he had all night. 

“I once seen my mother help a man who had a heart of gold. He didn’t use his words but his kindness. He used his magic to help everyone in the temple while he was there. It brought him such pride that I could not look away. I asked my mother what he was and she said a paladin. A man of light and hope. So, I asked him to train me. When I was fifteen my mother knighted me and not long after that I gained the abilities to channel holy magic as purely as ever. I did it to help people like you and my sister.”

He stopped for a moment and kissed her forehead. “Flower, we can continue these questions later. I am quite tired from our dance. Perhaps you can go rest as well.” He departed from her as he tried to keep his emotions down. He remembered how that story ended and he didn’t want himself to end the same way. Good people always died.

He went back to the inn and took off his shirt to clean himself. The dirt ran down his toned body that he had hidden most of the time. Splashing water on his face after that he tried to calm himself down. Paladins always got themselves killed over something stupid.

Author: Melianme, Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 7:19 PM, Post Subject: Land of the Blue Sun

"Then you must have a trail of broken hearts strung out behind you," Aisling smiled. "Even if you won't use it on me, and even if you are a paladin, you don't appear to be the type to let that gift of yours go to waste," she said coyly. 

Aisling giggled as Ash spun her around again, just so he could see her hair fan out around her face. "A bard lives for the attention of others. That's how we make our living," she said. His compliments were touching, and the warm feelings returned. "I can understand why such words may have worked on the Mother. You do have an amazing way of letting a girl know how unique she is," she smiled. 

"I guess those who would turn back to the Gods in these times would be the most desperate," she nodded. She giggled at being dipped again and gasped slightly when she was pulled up again, and Ash's hands were placed firmly on her hips and his lips were at her ear, asking her favorite color. 

"The colors of the dawn… pale yellow and pink, and the clearest of sky blue," she returned with her own whisper. "Now… what made you want to become a paladin… rather than the smooth talking bard you clearly want to be?"

Author: Ash, Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 6:14 PM, Post Subject: Land of the Blue Sun

“I was taught well,” He seemed pleased by her giggled so he carried on with that thought, “Mother is a particular kind of woman. In my 25 years I’ve watched hundreds of men try to woo her with gifts and words. I’ve only picked up on what has always flattered her. She is a woman that is hard to impress with glorious tastes.” He winked at her. “Holly’s father was the sort of man who could woo my mother into bed without even having to try. I would never do such a thing to you Flower but that is what I have learned.”

Together they danced and he loved the way she lit up when he corrected her. The way her hair spun around like some sort of halo around her head. It was the right shade of gold in his eyes as well. “You know Flower,” he spun her about one last time to get a good look at her halo. “You have the most divine gold hair I’ve ever spotted. It reminds me of an angelic halo when I twirl you about. A look into your soul perhaps? Those eyes of yours are like the precious quicksilver or my favorite the clouds after a storm. I do love a good rainstorm. You make this whole area glow and I’m sure everyone is watching you.” His words were just as he spun her around once more.

He gave her a sly smile. “Oh I know, but I like hearing you speak.” Listening to her he nodded with her words. “Fair enough Flower.” He thought on her question and laughed. “I have but only people so down on their luck they have no where to go. They are my favorite people to help because it leads them to a road of redemption.” He dipped her once more and spun her around. His hands were firmly on her hips as he put his lips to her ear. “My turn, favorite colors?” It was a simple question but soon he grabbed her arm and spun her away. “I’m one for the classic questions.”

Author: Melianme, Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 4:26 PM, Post Subject: Land of the Blue Sun

"You know, I thought I had heard every form of flattery there was to hear… but you, good sir, have a particularly silvered tongue," Aisling giggled as he tapped her nose. 

"The only reason I didn't intervene is because I know better. And I didn't mean to avoid the topic, my mind was just on other things," she added as they spun around together. The flowers were suddenly gone from her grasp and she looked over to see as Ash was tossing the flowers to Holly, insisting she hold on to them and not let them be crushed. Aisling couldn't help but laugh as Ash dipped her, and she waved at Holly, a huge smile across her face. Her hair flew around her in golden waves, and she loved every movement that Ash lead her through and corrected her when she miss-stepped. 

"You know, technically, that is two questions, but I'll answer. I'm from nowhere and everywhere. My father is the leader of a traveling troupe that has made its name traveling all over Canelux and Parvpora. I have many favorite songs, all from different places. Asking me to pick one is like asking me to pick a favorite star in the heavens," she answered. "My turn. Have you been having much luck with your pilgrimage across Parvpora?"

Author: Ash, Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2016 10:09 PM, Post Subject: Land of the Blue Sun

Ash smiled at her name and laughed. “It is much better if I call you Flower. The only thing separating our names is your ling.” He nodded and gave a smirk. “I am always ready to pass on skills I’ve had since I was ten.” He loved the way her blush crossed her face. “Your blush reminds me of the prettiest cosmos I’ve ever seen.” He gently tapped her nose.

“I aim to please Flower.” He walked arm in arm with her and thought on her words. “No, you didn’t. Matter of fact you all but avoided it but yes, I would love to know more about the pretty blonde who did not save me from my sister’s wrath.” He jested as her softly. 

As he twirled her, his green eyes noticed his sister. “One moment.” He took the bouquet and threw it at Holly. “Take good care of that Little Sister. They belong to Flower, I’ll be very made if you crush them.” Holly scoffed at him but nodded as he dipped Aisling low to the music. “Alright, if that is the game you wish to play then I will gladly play it with you.”

They danced to the music well enough. Ash would stop to correct Ashling’s movements and gave her a smile as he twirled her about. “Alright, where do you come from and what is your favorite song from there?” He cheated but he really wanted to know more about her. Perhaps she would forgive him.

Author: Melianme, Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2016 9:54 PM, Post Subject: Land of the Blue Sun

"Aisling," she insisted, but smiled nonetheless. "And if you are the one who taught Holly, then I am sure I have a lot to learn. But if you are willing to teach me, I'd be willing to learn," she said as they began walking towards the town center. She paused when he left her side to collect a bouquet of flowers. She blushed when he offered the daylilies to her and cut one to tuck behind her ear. 

"Thank you. This is very sweet, Ash," she said as they began walking again. "You said you wanted to know more about me… I didn't tell you much on the road," she added. She laughed as Ash spun her around again, the sweet music of the siterns reached her ears. She was careful not to crush the flowers, even though Ash promised he had enough skill to keep them from being crushed. 

You know… if you want, we can do a little exchange. You ask me a question, and then I get to ask you one?" she suggested. "Because I want to get to know you too…" Her pale blue dress swished around her as Ash spun her around. She laughed as they moved with music. "You go first!"

Author: Ash, Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2016 9:14 PM, Post Subject: Land of the Blue Sun

Ash stared at Aisling for a moment and shook his head. “We all have the opposite problem. We would love to know our fathers. Not many stay around or even want us. I’m sure you have seen my mother by now, at least that baby will have a father. Her and Drae are practically stuck to the hips.”

He nodded. “Arri is a complete other world compared to the rest of Revaliir. You would love it. I can tell that you have one of the most free souls I have ever met.” He thought about it for a moment before smiling. “Well if I don’t know you enough to be your Knight in Shining Armor, then tell me more about yourself while we walk.”

He was smooth after they got to Ayaito. He spun her around and smiled at her. “You’ll get use to it Flower. I promise,” he chuckled a bit, “and I can do all the dancing for us. I told you, I was trained by a bard who do you think taught Holly?” He took her out of the inn and into the city. What caught his eye though was a barrel full of flowers. He let go of Aisling for one moment as he picked through them and tossed silver his way.

“Flower you are incomplete without a bouquet as beautiful as you are.” He handed her the freshly picked and blossomed daylillies. “Oh,” he took a daylilly and his dagger cutting it perfectly before tucking one behind her ear. “Perfect. It matches your hair.” He gave her a smile and took her into the bard’s music. Before long he took her free hand and spun her around. “Don’t worry about the flowers, I can have us dance without ruining them.”

Author: Melianme, Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2016 8:52 PM, Post Subject: Land of the Blue Sun

"At least she had her mother's influence," Aisling replied. "I would have liked to know my mother," she added softly as he squeezed her hand. 

"If I ever get a chance to see it I would love a tour," she smiled back when told that Ash would be willing to take her to the Gardens at some point when their travels were done. 

"It's Aisling, not Flower. And don't go making a pledge to protect me. You barely know anything about me, and frankly it may not be me who needs all the protecting," Aisling chuckled as they walked down the road together, though she knew that he meant no lie in his eyes. 

"If this place is hotter than Arri, then I would love to visit their on vacation some time," the pretty blonde half-elf giggled. "Don't worry, we should be there in just another hour or so," she said with a smile, and giving Holly one too. 

As she had said, it barely an hour before they finally reached Ataiyo, and they found the inn that had been picked out by their fourth yet absent companion. Aisling took the opportunity to wash up and put on a clean dress. She brushed out her braided hair and tied it back again, leaving it mostly down, before she returned to the main room to see about getting some sort of refreshment. She found herself again with her hand in Ash's as he came up from behind her and lightly twirled her around. 

"It's Aisling. And I would be willing to go with you almost anywhere if it meant I got to hear new beautiful music. Though, I warn you, I'm really not much of a dancer," she replied. 

Author: Ash, Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2016 8:14 PM, Post Subject: Land of the Blue Sun

Ash watched Aisling for a long while before laughing. “I actually was raised by a bard man. Holly’s father was quite impressive before he left. He couldn’t handle the obligations of having a child.” He was whispering it now. “It’s not fair to Holly that she was abandoned. Most men abandon my mother’s children. It is a damn shame for how much she sacrifices for us. Good women always get hurt the most.” He squeezed her hand lightly as if protective already of her.

His words were good enough to soothe Aisling and he was glad for it as the blush went across her cheek. “You would not believe the personalities in my mother’s garden. Remind me sometime to take you there when you are not busy traveling with my sister.” A warm smile came from him to her.

“Flower, if you are headed to Ayaito then I would gladly follow if it meant protecting you.” Holly let out a noise before the three of them began to walk. “Honestly, I mean it. I could never abandon someone in need. I would fight until my death to protect someone I’ve given my word to. A man is only worth what he is willing to sacrifice to protect the ones he loves.” He stared into her eyes with no lie hiding in them.

“I can’t wait to get to Ayaito and change out of this armor for a time. It is hot here, way more than a thousand Arri suns. I kid, Arri’s heat is way worse than this but plate is terribly uncomfortable to travel in all the time.” He offered a smile.

Making their way to Ayaito, the girls and man found themselves the inn they would be staying at. He changed out of his armor. He had on a plain and simple shirt and pant set. Making his way back to Aisling, he softly took her hand and spun her around. “You know in Ayaito, the bards are always making beautiful music towards the center of town. Would you accompany me for a dance Flower?”

Author: Melianme, Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2016 7:41 PM, Post Subject: Land of the Blue Sun

Aisling gave Ash an amused smile as he lifted her hand and pressed his lips to the top of her knuckles. "I understand full well. But trying to force Gods on those who turned against the gods so long ago… it's a battle you cannot win," Aisling pointed out. 

When compared to a buttercup, Aisling clearly did not appear impressed, and it registered on her face. Though, he did add flattery to the comparison and that made her blush a little bit. 

"With a tongue like that you could have made a good name for yourself as a bard," Aisling commented lightly as her hand was released by the paladin. Aisling raised an eyebrow as the two siblings had their little exchange before Ash's attention came back to her vowing that his powers were hers for protection.

Holly's comment about a buttercup being a weed actually mirrored Aisling initial feelings. But then Ash was taking her hand again and explaining his choice for buttercups. Aisling found her incredulity fading, and being replaced with simple warm flattery. "You are good," she added. "I never would have thought that buttercups would have been the bards of the flower world. Are you heading for Ataiyo?" she asked. "If you are, you should travel with us. There is safety in numbers, and since we are one down, we could use the added protection," Aisling suggested. 

Author: Ash, Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2016 6:42 PM, Post Subject: Land of the Blue Sun

He rolled around on the ground as Holly continued to bring the bag down on him. “Please Holly!” He begged before the mighty Flower helped him out. He took a sigh as he stared in between the two. He got up onto his feet and began to dust his armor off. “Someone has to preach over here. It’s not that I’m stupid like my sister says. It is much more than them just recognizing the gods.”

He came over to Aisling and took her hand kissing it. “I am Ash, Paladin to the Queen and Goddess Angela. You have to understand.” He put his hand on her’s as he spoke. “So many homeless and so many people going hungry. They could avoid it all if they would just let my mother help.” His eyes were full of passion as he let her hand go.

“I call you Flower because you remind me of a buttercup in the first ray of sun during the morning hours back home. Firm and beautiful you stand.” Holly rolled her eyes as he spoke. 

“Don’t let him suck you in. He learned from my mother how to speak.”

“How dare you! I would never dream of hurting this beautiful flower! Or even treating her as if she were meat. You are absolutely terrible Holly!” Ash gave Aisling a smile and bowed. “It is my duty to protect everyone around. My powers are yours to use Lady Aisling.” Holly once again rolled her eyes.

“Your comparison to a weed is hardly impressing her.”

“Buttercups, I will have you know. Are the most delicate of all FLOWERS our mother tends to grow. They sing with a voice so heavenly it would make the most gifted bards bow down. Lady Aisling reminds me of them for some reason.” Once more he took her hand and kissed it. “Do not listen to my sister. If you knew the buttercups the way I do, you would be in love with them as well.” He took a moment and smiled. "If I were to have any say about the type of flower Fair Aisling looks like, it would be the delicate Daylilly. You who shine brightest when your time comes."

Author: Melianme, Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2016 6:26 PM, Post Subject: Land of the Blue Sun

Aisling was bumped and jostled as Holly pulled her through the crowd to where a young man, maybe a couple years older than herself and Holly was standing on the flat of the low wall that lined the road. She had to admit, he was rather handsome, despite the fact that he seemed to be graying prematurely, which actually did add a sense of maturity to his look. His eyes were the most striking, and she had only seen such eyes on two people; Holly, and her mother, the Goddess, Angela. 

It was quite clear that this had to be one of Holly's brothers, and it was confirmed when Holly yelled at him. Clearly he hadn't been expected, and when the knight, or paladin as that was what he was, came tumbling off his high spot to land in a heap at Holly's feet. Aisling looked on in amusement as Holly proceeded to beat her brother with her backpack in a way that could only be described as a sibling fight. 

Suddenly he was pointing at her as Holly continued to beat and berate him for being foolish for trying to preach the Gods to the people of Parvpora, and begging her to help get Holly off of him. 

"Oh no, I know better than to step between siblings. By the way, I have a name. It's Aisling, not Flower. And you should really listen to your sister. She's right, trying to preach the Gods here is just painting a target on your back," she told him with a smile. "Though I do think he's been brought off his high horse. Let him up Holly, the group is dispersing," she pointed out as the group had clearly moved on from the deific claptrap that had been spewed. She reached down and offered her hand to Ash. 

"Though, I will admit, it is a pleasure to meet Holly's brother."

Author: Holly, Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2016 4:41 PM, Post Subject: Land of the Blue Sun

Holly was glad to have her friend by her side. “I’m excited. I haven’t been to Ayaito in a long time. You remember me telling you about Naota? We fooled around here.” She chuckled and laughed with her friend as they had their arms linked. “It is a beautiful city! I hope so too, by the time we get there my feet are going to be killing me.”

Once they laid their eyes on the crowd she frowned. “I certainly hope not! That is absolutely terrifying to think of.” She let go and ran with her. For a moment or two she couldn’t hear what was ahead. Suddenly the words began to be shouted out among the crowd.

“Have you all not paid for the sins of the World Tree? The evil that was in this land has been purged yet you deny that good can still come from the Gods! Lady Angela would gift you plenty. She would give food and shelter! She would give home to all orphans!”

“Oh.. my…” Holly had a frown on her face as she dragged Aisling through the crowd. Standing up on a high spot was a particular handsome man. Holly let go and folded her arms. The man had salt and pepper hair and the grandest green eyes this side of the coast. “ASH ROSE YOU GET DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW.”

It started the paladin until he lost his balance and fell off the high spot. “Serves you right! That is so dangerous.” Holly took his bag and began to beat him with it. “Are you out of your ever loving mind? Preaching over here? Seriously? How dumb can you be?”

“Holly! HOLLY!” He put his hands up to protect himself. “You there FLOWER, please get my sister off of me.” He beckoned Aisling to get the Rosenite off of him.

Author: Melianme, Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2016 4:27 PM, Post Subject: Land of the Blue Sun

The warm summer sun was high above them herding the clouds across the sky like fluffy white sheep across the blue hill that was the expanse far above them. It would have been unbearably hot if it hadn't been for the salty sea breeze that was coming off the ocean in the distance. 

Aisling was grateful for the breeze that tossed the straggling strands of her golden blonde hair out of her face. It was nice feeling, and the half elf looked over at her companion. "I am actually really looking forward to reaching the city. I hear Ataiyo has some of the most amazing dresses and some of the most beautiful music to be heard in the world. Are you as excited as I am?" Aisling asked the Rosenite woman. "I do hope that Ramla is having luck finding a place," she added as she looked ahead. "It's festival season, so I think that there will be a lot of people coming int to visit," she pointed to a group that had gathered further up on the road. 

She let her brow furrow. "Wait a minute… why are people gathering like that? You don't think someone has gotten hurt, do you?" she asked looking at the group. She felt the impulse to run and she went with it, motioning for Holly to join her. She jogged up to where the group was gathering and tried to see over the shoulders of those gathered.