South of The City (Ailward Territory) - Eternal City RP2024-03-28T17:53:10Zhttps://eternalcityrp.com/forum/categories/south-of-the-city-ailward-territory/listForCategory?categoryId=6610746%3ACategory%3A212591&feed=yes&xn_auth=noThe Sandman comes ( open to Ronan and Aureus)tag:eternalcityrp.com,2023-01-27:6610746:Topic:4341522023-01-27T20:26:59.559Z✓ Ronan Wintershttps://eternalcityrp.com/profile/joediamond
<p>“3 am the witching hours” Ronan sighed as he sat up in the darkness, breathing heavily as he grabbed the light switch turning it on revealed the large room he was in the only place he had felt was home since he arrived in Evermore the only reminders of his home just memories which he felt every night, but the final blow he thought would take him to <span>Mag Mell the realm of peace and happiness but each time he awoke in Evermore not where he should be getting up quickly donning black…</span></p>
<p>“3 am the witching hours” Ronan sighed as he sat up in the darkness, breathing heavily as he grabbed the light switch turning it on revealed the large room he was in the only place he had felt was home since he arrived in Evermore the only reminders of his home just memories which he felt every night, but the final blow he thought would take him to <span>Mag Mell the realm of peace and happiness but each time he awoke in Evermore not where he should be getting up quickly donning black combat trousers shirt and shoes grabbing his batons as he walked out of his room </span></p>
<p><span>The night was clear as the full moon set itself against the city as Ronan walked past the intermittent lights of the hallways the manor was quiet he could hear his own footsteps as he made his way towards the training room a memory of his sister made him smile as she used to call him Master Tashi Ci a character from a video game she loved the silence from the training room was ery, but he did enjoy it as he walked to the CD player he pressed the play button as a heavy beat song began to play Ronan took his second baton in his hand as he sprung the sticks to live as he began to shadow duel an enemy switching between offensive and defensive moves and connecting the rods together to make the bo staff the songs seemed to play forever before he fell in exhaustion taking deep breaths to calm himself he looked at the digital clock he had been training for over an hour </span></p>
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<p><span>After 10–15 minutes, Ronan rose to his feet as he dragged his BOE staff to the CD player switching it off as he made his way out of the training room, remembering the route towards the kitchen smirking to himself remembering the first few days he got lost several times acknowledging someone as he entered the kitchen as he walked to the coffee machine As he began to make himself a hot beverage grabbing it he walked out to the terrace as he stood watching the darkness taking the occasional sip </span></p> Dead in the Dark (Cora & Ery)tag:eternalcityrp.com,2022-11-25:6610746:Topic:4336562022-11-25T16:15:02.995Z✓ Erythreus Aliwardhttps://eternalcityrp.com/profile/NewMember
<p class="p1">Warden of the dead, guardian , ruler or whatever you may call him has been given many different names in different eras and cultures. Some call him Anubis while other refer to this supernatural as Hades. The Romans god of death was named Pluto. Hel, Mictlantecuhtli, The Shinigami, Ah Puch and Kali are other names for the same person. In this life he had been named Erythreus the aspect of death and supposed to keep order and help passed souls find peace.…</p>
<p class="p1">Warden of the dead, guardian , ruler or whatever you may call him has been given many different names in different eras and cultures. Some call him Anubis while other refer to this supernatural as Hades. The Romans god of death was named Pluto. Hel, Mictlantecuhtli, The Shinigami, Ah Puch and Kali are other names for the same person. In this life he had been named Erythreus the aspect of death and supposed to keep order and help passed souls find peace.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p1">Not an easy assignment. Many would even go as far as to call it a burden. Death caused a lot of emotions and most of them not happy ones especially if the passing had been unexpected.</p>
<p class="p1">Erythreus had never been very good with feelings, he was always too much or not enough. Which had caused him to be drawn back almost always in a constant booze cloud to help tune out the lost souls haunting him or bad decisions of the past. Last night was no exception. Disappearing before any of the aliward guards insisted on coming along had almost become a hobby.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p1">The aspect had found himself at his favourite bar again, drowning two whiskey before he even was seated. The loud music conversation hard which the old aspect appreciated, he hadn’t been in the mood for chit chat. The bartender had been a cute girl who had frequently given him signs that if he made a move she’d been willing to spend the night with him. She was the type he usually fell for the typical blonde beauty, and for a second he was tempted to let her distract him from his problems. He imagined her lips on his but soon his imagination had replaced the bartrender with another blonde in another bar, and he was reminded of the pain when she had broken his heart and so the moment was over. The aspect of death took one last sip of his drink before leaving his fee on the table and then leaving. The rest of the night was a blur.</p>
<p class="p1">As usually Erythreus didn’t get much sleep, memories of the past haunted him. So he woke up with a head ache 4 am and put on hard rock music on maximum volume to prevent the thought from forming, not caring if he woke up the rest of the aliward mansion. He didn’t know why he’d been in such a bad mood lately. The weight of the world suddenly felt too heavy to lift. The grympy aliward was just about to open a bottle of some kind of liquor, he had an unlimited supply, when a loud banging on the door interrupted him. ”Go away” he grunted angrily. Not making the slightest effort to get off the bed and open the door.</p> A night Life ( Open to Venetus and Cora)tag:eternalcityrp.com,2022-11-18:6610746:Topic:4336472022-11-18T22:07:35.476Z✓ Venetus Ailwardhttps://eternalcityrp.com/profile/somebody
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It was that time of year again the days were becoming shorter the and the nights were getting longer the sky had turned a burnt orange just like many nights he had seen before as he lifted his tea cup taking the last swig of his drink before placing the china teacup on the saucer, the situations the Ailwards face concerned him and the appearance of the Aurazin concerned him greatly as he took the remaining cookie from the adjacent plate as he rose from the…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It was that time of year again the days were becoming shorter the and the nights were getting longer the sky had turned a burnt orange just like many nights he had seen before as he lifted his tea cup taking the last swig of his drink before placing the china teacup on the saucer, the situations the Ailwards face concerned him and the appearance of the Aurazin concerned him greatly as he took the remaining cookie from the adjacent plate as he rose from the steel chair and table as he walked across the concrete flooring to the waist height wall looking out at the garden as he continued his thoughts.</span></p>
<p><img src="https://i.gifer.com/U5We.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="177" class="align-right" height="207"/></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As he looked at the garden, he thought about how the current situations the </span>manor was quieter than normal guards came and went on missions apart from a few guards who were Aspects personal guard and those who chose to stay close to the manor he knew the situation concerned him let alone his siblings as he rose his hand to rub his face he thought about Cora he had contact with Reus and spent time Antiquing, and he had left messages with most but Cora he had no response as he turned on his heel Ven made his way back to the table collecting his plates and cup as he made his way into the kitchen leaving them in the sink as he Thought for a few minutes. </p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He sighed as he placed the plates in the dishwasher as he walked towards the exit of the kitchen the night had turned to night as the lights of the hallway turned on as his shadows loomed over the night the only noise he could hear was the sound of his shoes hitting the ground and the rumblings coming from separate guard rooms varying from classical music to medieval films the choices of each guard amused Venetus on how each guard was different and enjoyed different things as he made his way up the flight of stairs he stopped outside the first door he arrived at as he knocked on the door“ Cora ?</span></p> Game of Cat and mouse ( Open to Edward ,Sapphire , Lucien Venetus and Dom and any guard and aspect that wants to jointag:eternalcityrp.com,2022-11-03:6610746:Topic:4335142022-11-03T20:49:20.031Z✓ Edward Starhawkhttps://eternalcityrp.com/profile/EdwardStarhawk
<p><span>Edward stared out into the evening the nights came a lot quicker this time of year and to most hated it <a href="https://i.gifer.com/Kkoo.gif" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" height="210" src="https://i.gifer.com/Kkoo.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="210"></img></a> but not to him nighttime could be himself well at least he thought he could, but his mind still troubled him from earlier in the year he turned on his heel to look at his white wall which had pins and pictures attached including two pictures of the Crime scene investigator and the victim of course…</span></p>
<p><span>Edward stared out into the evening the nights came a lot quicker this time of year and to most hated it <a href="https://i.gifer.com/Kkoo.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://i.gifer.com/Kkoo.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="210" class="align-right" height="210"/></a> but not to him nighttime could be himself well at least he thought he could, but his mind still troubled him from earlier in the year he turned on his heel to look at his white wall which had pins and pictures attached including two pictures of the Crime scene investigator and the victim of course hand drawn as he could not take photos “where are you ?” he muttered to himself before looking at his grandfather clock it, it had been several hours since he had refreshment or at least been outside.</span></p>
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<p><span>Leaving</span><span> </span><span>his Quarters his mind went to when he had told Sapphire even though the phoenix could defend herself he had worried he put her in danger making his way towards the kitchen where he began to make a fresh pot of coffee and something to eat while waiting for the water his mind sank back into the case he was working on even though hr had no thoughts on it Edward thought about how the Aurazin felt waking up here let alone making friends he felt the same when he first joined the guard he placed a steak sandwich and the mug onto a tray a before pouring the hot water into the coffee infuser grabbing the tray he began to make his way back to his room and thoughts he stopped looking out at the darkness of the night on the porch thinking it may help his thoughts pushing the glass door he headed to the table in the corner of the courtyard sat in solitude to his thoughts </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span><a href="https://i.gifer.com/6HsZ.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://i.gifer.com/6HsZ.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="350" class="align-left"/></a>Sapphires words echoed in her head“ you should go to an Aspect Ed if you feel it's him“ Edward closed hid eye as he recalled the evidence in his like he would in his room , he wasn't certain he had requested a meeting with an Aspect, but he doubted himself that it is to do with Ivar why he had not met them, yet he opened his eyes as he pored himself a drink as he listened to the familiar footsteps and guard around the manor hearing foots steps from an angle he wasn't expecting his gaze focused not the route as he waited </span></p> We're All Out of Sorts (Aureus and Aurantia)tag:eternalcityrp.com,2022-09-21:6610746:Topic:4331062022-09-21T20:40:42.709Z✓ Aureus Ailwardhttps://eternalcityrp.com/profile/FatherTime
<p>Reus was having another night terror. His body was covered in sweat and he'd become half twisted in his bedsheets. These prophetic type of dreams were becoming unbearable. He'd been losing sleep for weeks and just like the rest of his siblings, his abilities were out of sorts. Each sibling seemed to be calling out to him in his dream for help as one by one their futures were playing out before him. They all ended in horrible deaths as a blackness was spreading over Evermore. </p>
<p>The…</p>
<p>Reus was having another night terror. His body was covered in sweat and he'd become half twisted in his bedsheets. These prophetic type of dreams were becoming unbearable. He'd been losing sleep for weeks and just like the rest of his siblings, his abilities were out of sorts. Each sibling seemed to be calling out to him in his dream for help as one by one their futures were playing out before him. They all ended in horrible deaths as a blackness was spreading over Evermore. </p>
<p>The aspect forced himself awake finally, bolting upright and nearly tumbling off the bed. He was clammy and burning up as the last image that seared in his mind still in the waking world was of his sister Aurantia who had been clutching his arm while playing a deadly game of tug of war with the blackness. Eventually their hands separated and she was consumed like everything else. </p>
<p>Blinking to make the images disperse, he took a few deep breaths and reminded himself that nothing was ever set in stone when it came to seeing the future. Especially a future that was being tainted by the happenings around the city which was in a silent turmoil most didn't know about. He untangled himself from the bedding and stood, shuffling to the shower in hopes to wash away the helpless feelings along with the sweat of the nightmares.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10821530859?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10821530859?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300" class="align-left"/></a>After making a coffee which would be the first of many since he was never getting more than a few hours of sleep a night, Aureus walked through the manor which was silent given it was very early in the morning and the sun was only rising. He was passing the greenhouse when he noticed a figure which made him backpedal to see it was Tia who apparently was also having trouble with sleep. Ironic. The horrible visions of his sister slipping away to the black began to creep at the edges of his thoughts. "Tia?" he said to grab her attention and make the thoughts of his dreams quiet. The blonde wasn't moving and seemed like a statue, staring off in thought before his interruption. He gave her a sad and understanding smile as they appeared to be in the same boat. "Morning." He took the few steps down into the greenhouse to meet her. "You been up all night, or?"</p> Escape From A Grim Reality (Venetus and Aureus)tag:eternalcityrp.com,2022-09-11:6610746:Topic:4326962022-09-11T18:20:30.630Z✓ Aureus Ailwardhttps://eternalcityrp.com/profile/FatherTime
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10808787474?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10808787474?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="250"></img></a> Reus's eyes scanned along the vast grounds of the manor from the window of his bedroom. He wasn't even sure how long it had been, but for all he knew it could've been hours now. In fact, the aspect was starting to believe it given the stiffness of his leg as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other. He did a little dance to get the blood flowing…</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10808787474?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10808787474?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="250" class="align-left"/></a>Reus's eyes scanned along the vast grounds of the manor from the window of his bedroom. He wasn't even sure how long it had been, but for all he knew it could've been hours now. In fact, the aspect was starting to believe it given the stiffness of his leg as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other. He did a little dance to get the blood flowing again and sighed, leaning against the side of the window again. It was slightly dreary out which seemed to match the mood of the manor.</p>
<p>Weeks were passing and they weren't much closer to answers for what was going on in the city. The arrival of the aurazin had confused them all and it didn't seem Venetus had answers given he was the aspect of realms and the aurazin were certainly not from this one. Their arrival had caused rifts that were unexplainable throughout the world which meant his brother was stressing from the change. Aureus knew he was in a downward spiral and all he felt was helplessness since not being able to comfort his brother. </p>
<p>With a sigh, the aspect pushed off the wall and headed out of his bedroom and into the manor where he expected it to be busy. Lately there were more and more people passing through because of the current events. Not only the aspects and guards, but now the aurazin who had taken refuge in the manor while they began to gather from their different landing points throughout the world. However, it was very quiet. He wondered if it was just because everyone was out on missions or if it was the deafening sound of people not knowing what to do next. Though he preferred the quiet usually, this was rather unnerving.</p>
<p>Once reaching his brother's room, Reus knocked on the door. "Ven? You in there? I'm in desperate need of a drive out of here for a little while to clear my head. Thought you might want to tag along too. I'm sure it might do you some good as well." He waited patiently, though there was nothing but silence coming on the other side of the door. Still, he waited, knowing it could just be that Venetus was in deep thought just as he was moments ago in his own room.</p> What in the world are video games ( open to Venetus and Helena)tag:eternalcityrp.com,2022-08-20:6610746:Topic:4328872022-08-20T21:09:36.447Z✓ Venetus Ailwardhttps://eternalcityrp.com/profile/somebody
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Venetus rubbed his temple as he stared at the back of the cupboard as he had written down everything connected to Ivar his mind wondering why each bit of clue and why the next move he lay back in his chair as he closed his eyes as he held his staff it had been weeks since he had left the manor opening his eyes he could hear Aureus’s words to get out and have fun he spans on his seat as he looked out the windows it was heavy with…</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Venetus rubbed his temple as he stared at the back of the cupboard as he had written down everything connected to Ivar his mind wondering why each bit of clue and why the next move he lay back in his chair as he closed his eyes as he held his staff it had been weeks since he had left the manor opening his eyes he could hear Aureus’s words to get out and have fun he spans on his seat as he looked out the windows it was heavy with rain“ why do your words haunt me at the wettest of times brother“ he laughed as he got up grabbing an old coat sliding it on “he thought to himself it was a good idea to go out he could go and make that shelter for the dog he fed daily as he walked to his cupboard he picked up a towel and a waterproof dog shelter as he made his way out of his room.</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">As he left the manor the rain was still heavy as he put the hood up for his coat as he began to walk down the path into the street m the road had begun to flood as he walked along the path as the rain hitting water as he looked around as he got closer to the spot he would normally meet the street dog with in a few minutes the soaked pooch waited by the fence” hey boy “ he smiled as he gently patted the wet fur as he followed him back under the fence to a small area it called home“ OK buddy lets try to get this place a bit dryer for you“ he looked around as he saw a risen tarmac as he walked overlooking around for bricks to create a wall before grabbing the metal to make a roof as he sat inside the pat the space beside him“ come on boy £ he smiled as he made the warm shelter and food for him as he sat watching the world pass by </span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">An hour had passed as he fed the dog smiling“ OK buddy I need to go and do what i need to do and ill bring back snacks“ he smiled as he got up and walked out again smirking as he heard the dog bark in his head it sounded like you better “he laughed as he walked into th pouring rain wondering what to do as he passed the shops and cafes he noticed one he had not visited before as he stepped in to the cafe it was a room full of TVs and people staring at them with hand held devices as he walked up to the counter“ erm a cup of coffee please” he looked at the environment very confused with all the extra TVs around </span></p> Checking in. ( Open to Venetus and Sapphire )tag:eternalcityrp.com,2022-08-16:6610746:Topic:4327652022-08-16T07:40:52.795Z✓ Venetus Ailwardhttps://eternalcityrp.com/profile/somebody
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The sun was beginning to set as Venetus walked out on to the patio the breeze was cooler than it had been during the day as he looked around the manor was quite apart from some on that was in the kitchen as he walked over to a stone table and chairs as he looked out into the view of the city as he leant forward grabbing a glass from the silver tray on the table as he lifted up the jug he began to fill his glass the pings of the ice cubes hitting his…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The sun was beginning to set as Venetus walked out on to the patio the breeze was cooler than it had been during the day as he looked around the manor was quite apart from some on that was in the kitchen as he walked over to a stone table and chairs as he looked out into the view of the city as he leant forward grabbing a glass from the silver tray on the table as he lifted up the jug he began to fill his glass the pings of the ice cubes hitting his glass sounded like a tune as it reacted to the warmer water as he placed the jug back as he leant back in thought .</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It had been a while since Aurantia had returned from her assignment that he had no issue with that it was the fact she refused to have a guard go with her much to his annoyance and the argument they had he was wrong to lose his Temper but Venetus knew how much danger that could be out there his mind drifted onto Aurantia’s body guard as he took the glass from the table taking a large gulp as he placed the glass down before he rose to his feet as he walked towards the stone railing as he looked at the ground then to the sky before his mind was distracted by the light from the kitchen as he decided to to see who was down there .</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Walking from the stone balcony Venetus made his way down the hallway of the manor every few walls he could see that a guard or other Aspect had made an impression on there home as h smiled gently stopping as he looked down the hall seeing a lone figure watching out of a window as he made his way closer he noticed it was Edward he was one of a few guards that stuck around the manor unnecessarily “ Edward go have some </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">fun have a drink enjoy yourself “ Edward nodded as he replied” yes my lord” , Venetus laughed as he turned on his heel as he continued towards the kitchen “ Edward i was never a lord so don't call me one “ he laughed as he ran his fingers along the texture of the wallpaper before cutting across to the bannister of the stairs as his heels echoed as he made his way down the stairs</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> The kitchen was the next door to the stairs Ventus slowed his steps as he grabbed the door opening the door stepping inside he saw no one but the light was on “ Hello anyone here ? “he called out </span></p>
<p><br/><br/></p> Welcome home ( Edward and Sapphire )tag:eternalcityrp.com,2022-08-15:6610746:Topic:4328372022-08-15T14:11:50.435Z✓ Edward Starhawkhttps://eternalcityrp.com/profile/EdwardStarhawk
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The train had clunked over the rail for what seemed the millionth time as edward looked down at the paperwork he had received he had been away from Evermore for a few weeks as he was needed back home where he was born as a human he was playing the grandson of himself so many generations down the line it was good to be home he missed the views that still remained as a lot was taken up with cities and towns Edward had been staring at the will for hours…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The train had clunked over the rail for what seemed the millionth time as edward looked down at the paperwork he had received he had been away from Evermore for a few weeks as he was needed back home where he was born as a human he was playing the grandson of himself so many generations down the line it was good to be home he missed the views that still remained as a lot was taken up with cities and towns Edward had been staring at the will for hours as he looked out the window he looked down to see his cell service had returned before looking back at the paperwork James William Starhawk that was the name for the lawyers it was fun talking about himself making up stories of great things the predecessor had done his attention was brought back to the cabin as th tannoy <a href="https://i.gifer.com/70gA.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://i.gifer.com/70gA.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-left"/></a>stated they were arriving in Evermore , Quickly Edward gathered his things as he stuffed them into a black rucksack as he rose to his feet walking through the compact isles to the trains doors as it slowed .</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> It seemed a eternity before the doors opened and the familiar smells of Evermore hit his nostrils as Chinese food Mexican you name it it could be smelt Edward stopped at the platform Dam It's good to be home” he said to himself as he walked into the cross leaving the station as Edward made the street he couldn't resist he stopped by a corner vendor and paid for the biggest hot dog he could get it was one thing home could not compete with after paying for his snack he continued down the path as he looked around taking his time to view the new stores and places that had opened while he was gone as he began to make his normal route home he decided to wait for a while on the bench up ahead .</span></p>
<p><br/><br/><br/></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It had been around an hour before Edward felt drops of rain as he looked around he could see it had been raining heavily for a while he must of got lost in thought again he sighed as he pulled the collar up on his jacket as he walked in a brisk pace only slowing as he heard his cell phone go as he began to pat his pocket hoping it wasn't important </span></p> Unlikely Shenanigans (Caleb and Malva)tag:eternalcityrp.com,2021-03-16:6610746:Topic:4256292021-03-16T21:07:06.302Z✓ Caleb Eli Segal ~Mod~https://eternalcityrp.com/profile/CalebSegal
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">After a certain amount of time in the city, Caleb had made a home there. The first people whom he'd met in Evermore were all among the Ailward family. Some of them still remained good friends and he was thankful for the help that he'd received upon just arriving to a foreign place. After four years and eleven months, the trauma of his past relationship were slowly fading. There were still bad days and nightmares, but recently…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">After a certain amount of time in the city, Caleb had made a home there. The first people whom he'd met in Evermore were all among the Ailward family. Some of them still remained good friends and he was thankful for the help that he'd received upon just arriving to a foreign place. After four years and eleven months, the trauma of his past relationship were slowly fading. There were still bad days and nightmares, but recently he'd even found the courage to move forwards. Octavia was now a close friend and it made sense to pursue what they both felt. It was her employer and personal friend, Malva, whom had overseen Caleb's first entry into the city. After many long hours in her office, she'd given him a primitive diagnosis of PTSD. They'd never remained close in the same way that his friendship with Ery had continued, but he'd always appreciated her help. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This morning, the Frenchman walked the gardens of the manor with a book settled between his left thumb and fingers. It was clear that he'd become lost in thought, however, because the pages had not moved in over ten minutes. He was a renowned introvert, so that habit of hiding himself in a book was not uncommon. What was different was the shy grin which decorated his lips. His face, being mostly hidden by the pages, was hard to read. He hadn't slept much in the last twenty-four hours. This was not unusual, but the night previous had been far different than most of his walks in the night. Instead of being alone, he'd been with Octavia.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That was different. A nice different. Caleb found a seat underneath a sprawling oak tree and attempted to concentrate on the pages of Les Misérables, but found himself often staring into the rosebushes instead. His body felt alert and nervous. The stupid grin would not leave his face. With a soft groan, the young man flopped down onto the grass. It had been a long time. He hadn't remembered how a serious case of the butterflies felt. Abandoning his book, he pulled out his mobile phone and began typing and retracting words. What was he supposed to say? Before long, the phone was also abandoned beside the book, face up in the grass. <a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/f5e90d29a8c86b1bccd06139868a257b/8d2ca38c9b2df074-2b/s540x810/fbca5730fe18214a0539acb60024706d6e7e27f4.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/f5e90d29a8c86b1bccd06139868a257b/8d2ca38c9b2df074-2b/s540x810/fbca5730fe18214a0539acb60024706d6e7e27f4.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right" style="padding: 3px;"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">His last text to Octavia had been confirming their...night of fun. He'd never suspected it would be more than what they'd originally proposed. Caleb squinted up at the sky and attempted to take in a deeper breath. As he did so, he saw a familiar face come into focus, as a younger woman peered over him. Between the raised eyebrow and intimidating smile, he easily recognized Malva. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Quelle malchance.</em> He grumbled to himself. <em>How very unlucky.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Today, of all days, he'd run into one of a few people who could probably deduce what had happened the previous night. Fairly certain that he may be getting a lecture on the protection of his new...fancy, Caleb sat up. His shirt was well-wrinkled and there was grass clinging to his soft brown hair. It was very unlike him to be so disheveled. His stomach turned in a flip as he uneasily smiled at the physician. "I assume that this isn't just some casual daily greeting." The Aspect of Magic seemed to usually have underlying plans. Whether or not she would approve of his shenanigans with her favorite guard was yet to be revealed. </p>
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