same kind of stardust ━━━━━ inv only

[Seokjinnie]

X║║║ 𝔴𝔶𝔫 𝔢𝔰𝔱𝔦𝔢𝔯𝔢 ║║║X

indentA soft groan escaped the boy’s lips as he rolled onto his side to avoid the sun shining through his window and onto his face. Despite having to get up as early as he did since he was a mere child, Brewyn had never become a morning person nor would he likely ever become one. As long as he had been aware of it, he had preferred night and the darkness. Regardless of his dislike of the time of day, he had no choice but to get out of bed lest he face a lecture from his mother when he arrived at the market to assist her. The redhead slid from the warmth of his blanket, letting out another groan as he sat up. Wyn stumbled over towards his window as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes; he unlatched the window and slowly pushed it open and was immediately hit by a chilly gust of wind. The small male slammed the window shut and latched it with a grumble. It didn’t take that long for him to get ready in the morning, though, making sure to have the appropriate layers was annoying. His warmer clothes always felt restricting and he always ended up wanting to rid himself of them even though he kept him warm, ‘At least it isn’t time for my winter clothing.’

indentThe market was quite some distance from the home he shared with his mother and he knew it would be better for him to hurry up, but at the same time he knew it was early enough that not many people would be at the market shopping anyway. As soon as he opened the door he was hit once again by the wind; he couldn’t deny that for almost a second he considered closing the door and just not going to the market, but his mother would most definitely not be pleased if he didn’t show up. He reluctantly left the house and locked the door behind him, taking his time walking down the winding streets. Despite his aversion to the time of day and weather, he did enjoy the emptiness of the street and the peace it brought. Those who were awake were either already working or just heading out as he was. The individuals he did see, he greeted with a soft smile and kind words. Luckily enough it wasn’t any of the people who typically gave him trouble, they wouldn’t be up and showing their ugly faces around the city for at least a few more hours.

indentGreetings followed him as he entered the market and passed many of the regulars selling goods on the way to his mother’s spot. He had known many of them since he was a small child and had greeted him the same way since then, very little about the market and its people changed as he had aged. As he approached his mother’s spot, offering her a sheepish smile as she caught sight of him. Brewyn stood in front of the woman, his eyes down and a hand rubbing the back of his neck, ‘You’re late. Enjoy the walk over, did you?’ A pout took the place of the smile on his face, “ Mama it’s never busy this early!” The redhead moved closer and bent slightly to put his head on his mother’s shoulder, noticing how quickly her face softened. The pout vanished as the smile returned at the feeling of his mother’s hand on his head. The woman sighed softly and ruffled her son’s hair, ‘Fine. Sit. Sit my son.’ She guided and gently pushed up into a chair, patting his head as she sat on her own.

indentIt felt like time was ticking slowly as two hours passed before the first customer appeared in the market. It would be another two for someone to come to their spot and another hour would pass before anyone bought anything from his mother. Most who stopped by his mother’s spot only did so to comment on his appearance or to ask his mother if he had any marriage offers. Out of all of the things that happened so far today, he disliked those comments and offers the most. Only one other thing left him more on edge than people commenting on his looks and even then that one thing still involved his looks. What he disliked the most was when one of the boys who had mocked him throughout childhood cornered him, sneering about this and that, trying to touch the soft skin on his face, or take his hand in theirs. Nothing was worse than that. Nothing. Before he knew it the sun had set and it was close to when the day market would close and the night sellers would come to take over. His mother tapped his knee to draw his attention to her, ‘Wyn you can go on and head home. Go straight home, do you hear me?’ At his nod of acknowledgment, she smiled and waved him off.

indentBrewyn felt his anxiety take hold as he walked through the streets, hours before they had brought serenity to him and now left him feeling tense. Every few minutes he looked over his shoulder, praying to the gods that no one was following him, even if he knew the gods would do nothing to protect him if something were to occur. He was almost home, he could see it in the distance and that’s exactly when he started being followed. The boy started walking faster, willing his feet to move as fast they could. Seconds before he was about to break off in a run, he felt cold fingers wrap around his wrist yanking him down an alley. He winced as he was shoved into a wall, refusing to look up because he already knew who it likely was and he’d rather not look them in the eye. Wyn tried his best to ignore their comments and avoid their touches, ‘You're acting so meek now that your saviors aren’t around to help you.’ The redhead kept his mouth shut as he tried to move past them before he was ultimately shoved against the wall again. He tried to avoid another touch when he realized that if he was going to call for help, he needed to do it now, he let out a scream hoping that someone nearby would help, “HELP! SOMEONE HELP!” Suddenly a hand roughly gripped his jaw and forced his head up just as he closed his eyes, ‘Shut up and look at me with those pretty eyes of yours.’ Brewyn tried to wriggle out of the other male’s grasp to no avail.

[skydust]

𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄 ✧
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✧ words: 1659 ✧ tags: wyn (jacen) ✧ role: wild elf/human hybrid

indentThe city streets of Avission were always bustling with people. Even at night. Luckily for Val, she had learned the quickest ways to get through the crowds pretty quickly. Most importantly, she had learned how to be invisible. Which was important whenever she became desperate enough to steal coin from those wandering to trade for some goods. She was efficient at the art of pickpocketing. Long slim fingers barely even grazing material as she snatched money out of bags or pockets. Today wasn’t the day for pickpocketing though. She happened to be late for a meeting with an impatient man with too much power. So she had to ignore the tempting group of tourists and quickly make her way to the Moonlite Bar where Alastair Whittaker was waiting for her to show up with his money.
indentWhich she just so happened to not have.
indentVal was supposed to pay him every month starting on the full moon during the first moon cycle. She had barely managed to pay last month's sum. If it wasn’t for Antares showing up when he did, she would have most likely become even more indebted to the man. That was something Val wanted to avoid at all costs. She knew the type of work he’d make her do if she managed to get herself in just enough debt that she had to sign her life away. The man was practically famous for all the people he had signed under contract after all.
indentShe would have been fine but then things kept taking wrong turns. While Antares helped her make enough money for her last payment, it was when Wyn had shown up that things started getting tricky. The man was already injured when they first met him, since getting harrassed will do that to you. Which meant buying supplies for injuries. But then the universe decided that Antares and Wyn were soulmates and caused another whole slew of problems.
indentNow getting injured wasn’t Wyn’s fault. Honestly it was probably Val’s annoying inclination to help those in need that caused her downfall because she had immediately taken him in and turned their duo into a trio. Not even bothering to ask if he could pay for his own medicine before she decided to pay for him herself. She had thought that she would have enough money to pay off Mr. Whittaker by the end of the month. She had thought her calculations would be good enough, but of course she fell short. So now she had to walk into that bar and accept what the fates decided to give her.
indentSpeaking of soulmates, that was another issue that seemed to not only plague the trio she found herself in, but the whole country of Ochoaila. Their neighbors to the north, Nosmoica, and their neighbors to the south, Rosnya, had been fighting for years about it. Nosmoica, land of those nonhuman, had decided to be mostly against the idea of soulmates. While Rosnya, land of humans, decided to be all for the idea. Which only left Ochoaila in the middle of everything for the millionth time. A mix of political views that only strummed more tension in every community.
indentValerie wasn’t necessarily against the idea of soulmates. She didn’t really care if you found the idea taboo or not. Or what you did with your own lives. It didn’t matter to her. What did matter was the idea of her own soulmate. Val didn’t need anyone else. She had been by herself for so long that having someone be by your side, chosen by fate, just didn’t feel natural to her. Not anymore at least. So you could say that soulmates were an iffy topic for her. It didn’t help that the only pair she knew of was making her life just that much more complicated. Wyn and Antares could hardly even look at one another without there being this weird tension, and Val was about to go insane.
indentFinally making it to the Moonlite Bar, Val looked up at the building. It stood out against the normal bright oranges and reds that littered the market, which was probably the intention. With deep hues of purple and bright blues that became almost luminescent with the moonlight shining down, it attracted anyones attention that happened to be wandering by. Outside hung jellyfish shaped lanterns that swam around the building, blue flames making them glow brightly like stars. Which was probably a magic users doing. Everyone knew that Alastair had a whole bunch of them answering to his every whim.
Valerie just so happened to be one of them.
indentShe probably wouldn’t admit it out loud if you asked her, but it was pretty obvious she was a half elf. Her slightly pointed ears and unnaturally dark golden eyes gave her away. She could always hide her ears behind her long black hair, but her eyes were a different story. And besides, she liked having her hair up more so it didn’t get in the way. She still wished she could hide her heritage all the same. It always left her an outsider. No matter where she went, she was on her own. Which she had figured out the minute she had been dumped on the street as a child, left to fend for herself. Just because she happened to be a hybrid.
indentWhatever. She didn’t need anyone anyways.
indentRight about now though she really wished she had someone to give her the courage to walk into the bar. She had been standing outside staring at the entrance for about five minutes now, and it was only causing the pit in her stomach to grow more and more. She didn’t have a religious bone in her body, but she found herself praying to the universe that she wasn’t stuck doing Alastair's dirty work for the rest of her life.
indentSucking in a breath of air, she bit her tongue, brushed off her dark blue tunic, clenched all the coins she had managed to gather in a small pouch strapped to her hip, and was just about to walk inside when she heard a distant yell that sounded awfully close to Wyn. Valerie turned towards the sound, a frown finding its way onto her face. She looked at the Moonlite Bar one last time, before bolting in the other direction. She got a few angry looks from people still wandering around the market, but she promptly ignored them. Instead she chose to level her breathing, and make her footsteps lighter. Quickly making her way upon an almost deserted side of town, the sounds of muffled struggling down an alleyway had her slipping into the alleyway silently.
indentShe spotted immediately what was going on. Her red headed associate was currently being shoved against a wall by some musty man. Who looked much too happy with himself for harassing Wyn for literally no reason. She walked silently up behind the man, golden eyes locking onto Wyn’s dark purple ones as she tapped on his shoulder. She shifted her stance just as the man whipped around, a snarl already on his lips. She gave a little wave.
indent“Hey,” she said before promptly punching him in the face.
indentThe man, quite pathetically, crumbled straight to the ground. Letting out a hiss of pain as he held his cheek. Val swiftly positioned Wyn behind her, silently wishing she had some kind of weapon on her. She wasn’t allowed to bring them to the Moonlite Bar. It was one of Alastair's stupid rules. So she hadn’t thought to bring one. Besides, even if she did, they'd just take it from her when they searched her. Right now though, she was regretting at least not slipping a knife down her boot. At least then she’d really be able to give this human waste a piece of her mind. For now, the heel of her boot would have to do.
indentShe smashed her foot onto his stomach before he could get up, leaning down as he started to choke and squirm. “Next time I recommend beating your own ass so someone doesn’t have to do it for you. Maybe then you’ll learn some manners.”
indent“Half-breed!” he snarled.
indentShe snorted with amusement. “Clever. Where’d you learn that one?”
indentSmashing his gut once more with her foot, satisfied with the grunt of pain he let out, she straightened up and turned towards Wyn. Already dragging him out of the alleyway as quick as possible and shooting a glare behind her for good measure. She could feel him shaking under the hand she had on his shoulder, making her mouth press into a thin line. Once they had gotten far enough away, she took her hand off his shoulder and turned towards him. Looking up and down for any injuries. She tried to keep her voice aloof as she spoke, not really caring for Wyn to notice her concern. “Are you hurt anywhere?”
indentShe gave a nod as she got his answer. “Well I don’t think I’d be able to help much anyways. I have to go meet Whittaker. Y’know, give him all the money that I don’t happen to own. Lucky me,” she paused, dark brows furrowing. She hastily looked to the sky to check the moon, wincing at its placement in the night sky. “And I’m going to be late. Perfect.”
indentVal quickly started making her way to the Moonlite Bar, not even caring if Wyn was following her or not. She rubbed her already bruising knuckles, letting the pain wash over her and give her a sense of clarity that she was going to need if she wanted to make it through this meeting. She scurried right up to the door of the bar and slipped in. Letting the music wash over her as she caught sight of a tall brown haired man. She was definitely going to have to make a deal with the devil tonight.

[Seokjinnie]

X║║║ 𝔵𝔦𝔯𝔢𝔫𝔦𝔞 𝔳𝔢𝔯𝔢𝔩 ║║║X

indentXirenia traveled silently through the forest, her long ponytail swishing as she walked. Her hand clenched the hilt of her sword tightly, ready to battle whatever threat may jump out at her. Ren stiffened at the sound of a rapidly approaching horse and carriage, dropping to the ground to remain out of sight. If she hadn’t needed to restock her supplies, she would not need to be so close to the path towards Avisson and other people. As soon as the carriage was enough out of her line of vision, she rose from the ground and rubbed off any dirt on her hands on her pants. The dark-haired girl let out a sigh as she continued to follow along the path. Some might not be able to handle the amount of time Xirenia spent alone, but she reveled in it. She had spent so much of her early life constantly surrounded by others and drowning in the noise; once she had left home and then Ire Reign, she was finally able to live her life in the way that she wanted. There were times where she wished she had someone to turn to talk to, but she realized that she didn’t need a person to fill that void. For a time that void was filled by an old cat that had followed her around. Xirenia had been devastated when it eventually died and decided that from then on she would stay alone. Nothing came out of staying around other living things but pain. And if that wasn’t bad enough, she had learned from her upbringing that if you trust and care for other people, they’ll do nothing but take advantage of you and make themselves out to be the victim if something goes awry. That’s why when she lived and trained with the Ire Reign, she kept them all at a distance in order to protect herself. The only exception being Noviuous for he refused to let anyone under his care completely isolate themselves. Even if she had trusted him enough to get closer to her, she was only with the group for years and that was not nearly long enough to undo the effects of what her parents had done for the majority of her life. So, even though Noviuous Reaver had got her to understand that she really shouldn’t isolate herself from others, she did it anyway. Xirenia had every right to avoid others and her reasoning for doing so was just. Cautious and alone was far better than being accompanied and betrayed in her eyes. It didn’t matter to her that being on her own was more dangerous because she could take care of herself.

indentShe kicked a pebble as she walked along the path, getting closer and closer to town. Ren glanced up at the sky as the sun was beginning to set, she should’ve left for the city earlier and would’ve likely made it there before nightfall. There was nothing she could do except move faster or hitch a ride on a carriage, but those well off enough to own a carriage were usually not willing to allow someone like her a ride. But, she didn’t need their permission and they didn’t need to know she was hitching a ride on their carriage. She crouched behind a tree as soon as she heard an approaching carriage and just as it was moving past, Ren darted out behind it. She ducked low as she reached out and grasped onto the back of the carriage. As carefully and quickly as she could manage, she moved under the carriage, clinging to the bottom. It honestly made her a little sick to her stomach any time she had to do something like this and much preferred to be on the horse itself. It wasn’t before too long that they arrived in the city, she held onto the carriage until it came to a stop in front of what looked to be an inn. Xirenia waited until the carriage riders had their backs turned to let go. She snuck out from under the carriage and made her way through the city, purposely bumping into a man and carefully stealing the money from his pocket as she did so. The man apologized not realizing that it had been her fault and that had just stolen from him, she plastered on a smile and accepted his apologies before quickly moving on. He wasn’t her first victim of the night, having repeated her actions two or three more times before preparing to settle down for the night.

[dami]

𝐽𝐴𝐶𝐸𝑁 𝐴𝑁𝑇𝐴𝑅𝐸𝑆
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( word count: 2.8k lmao)xxxxxx ( role: the human ) xxxxxx( tagged: val, wyn)
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xxxxxxJacen knelt in his chambers facing the entrance, his eyes closed and his breathing steady. He was in a trance-like state. "Allaria, priestess, blessed be thy name, receive my words," he spoke, his voice nearly a whisper. His hands rested on the daggers that lay beside him on each side. The familiarity of the cold metal comforted him. The weapons felt like an extension of himself after nearly two decades of wielding them. He didn't go anywhere without them. Jacen exhaled deeply and continued his prayer, "mother Eyani, my soul serves your divine purpose. I seek deliverance. Free me from this corruption. Fortify my heart and cleanse my soul. Fortify my heart and cleanse my soul. Fortify my heart and cleanse my soul." He picked up the dagger on his right and cut the palm of his hand, bloodying the knife. As a boy he detested the ritual, the pain bringing him to tears every time. His teachers explained to him that every slash represented his devotion to their goddess for the soul could glimpse the heavens during prayer. "Eyani will be pleased with you, my boy," they said when Jacen taught himself to endure the cuts. Now the pain felt like nothing at all. Jacen opened his eyes and glanced at his bloody hand. His palms were in a horrible state after the past couple of weeks. Ever since his encounter with that boy in the marketplace, his quote-unquote soulmate, he had been praying almost every night. Normally the cuts only accompanied the most intense prayer because cutting yourself to shreds wasn't very good for combat, but Jacen felt lost and desperate. He was but a young boy when he first learned about soulmates. His teachers had warned him that a day may come when he has to face a test of faith greater than anything he's faced before. He knew it was coming. He just didn't expect it to come so soon. He didn't expect it to be so sudden. So harmless really. One minute he's trying to save some kid from being harassed because it's the decent thing to do, the next his whole life is turned upside down. The voices of his teachers rang through this head. "It is a test to prove our devotion, my boy. When this day comes, you must pray to the Mother for deliverance. Remember, our souls serve her divine purpose." Before meeting Brewyn, Jacen had thought he was ready for anything but now his head was spinning and he didn't know what to do to fix it. He needed guidance. He needed all the help he could get and if that meant reopening a wound night after night, that was the price he'd pay.
xxxxxxJacen walked over to the washstand and poured a pitcher of cold water over his bloody hand before bandaging it. He then proceeded to undo the old bandage on his right hand and eyed the wound, running his thumb over the long scab across his palm. That cut had been deeper than intended but it was healing nicely. He was barely twenty-three years old and his hands were covered in scars. It was a gruesome sight, although not one that fazed him anymore. Jacen proceeded to wash his face and ran his hand through his dark hair before he reached for the black leather knife sheaths beside him and strapped them to his waist and thighs. As soon as he put his knives back in their rightful place he felt calmer. Jacen looked out of the small window in the top corner of the basement room, his only source of natural light. It was already dark outside and the room was illuminated by a single lantern on the table. Jacen swore when he realized the time. Quickly putting out the lantern, Jacen pulled his fingerless gloves over his bandaged hands and grabbed his long black coat. He was running late.
xxxxxxThe Avission guild was bigger than the guild in Kiravatos where Jacen grew up. Walking through it was like navigating a maze. There were hundreds of small rooms, hallways, and tunnels, which allowed Eyani Wanderers to travel from one side of the city to the other without being seen. Outsiders never ventured past the public storefronts and had no idea how large the Eyani network was. Some things were best kept secret and the Eyani lifestyle relied on secrecy. They were like rats. They were everywhere in the city. Unseen. Unheard. Hidden. As Jacen made his way to the nearest exit, he saw groups kneeling in prayer rooms, people walked past him like ghosts, young children ran through the halls. All the faces blended together despite the fact that he had been living here for months. This was the Eyani way. Being a living ghost. Never letting anyone get to know you. The only people who knew Jacen's given name, his amisnam as the Eyani would say, were his former teachers back in Kiravatos. They were the ones who named him after he was born to a woman whose identity he'd never know. They taught him everything about life and his purpose. To the rest of the world, he was simply Antares. A name he chose for himself when he turned thirteen years old and left Kiravatos to travel. It was a play on the phrase "in-between" in the ancient tongue of the Eyani that was now only used during prayer. He thought himself quite clever when he chose it. He was a ghost after all, perpetually stuck in between life and death. His teachers always called him "little ghost boy" because somehow he was even more invisible than the rest of the children, able to sneak up on even the most experienced warriors. Jacen remembered his youth as he walked. "Our work is sacred, little ghost boy," his teacher, an elderly man who called himself Davros, had explained to him when he found him hiding in one of the storerooms. Jacen had been crying after the cutting ritual. He didn't understand why the pain was meant to bring them closer to their goddess. "Eyani gave life to all but only some are strong enough to walk this path. To devote their souls to her cause and become her blade when time ends and the greatest test begins." Jacen knew the prophecy well. In the ancient days, before the Eyani were exiled from Rosnya and forced into diaspora, the priestess Allaria prophesized the end of all days when Eyani would appear to fashion a blade out of the souls of her most devoted followers. With this blade, she would slay the Great Betrayer, her greatest foe. Devoting one's life to Eyani was an honorable cause and yet Jacen's people were shunned and persecuted for their beliefs. "Eyani will forgive. We mustn't condemn others for their weakness. In death, they will realize their mistakes. It is our duty to free them."
xxxxxxJacen pulled the hood of his coat over his head as he exited the guild through a small spice store owned by an elderly Eyani woman. The woman watched him as he passed but didn't say anything. He was headed to the Moonlite bar to talk to Alastair Whittaker, the man who more or less owned the city and its people. Every day more and more people sold their lives to pay off their debts to him and with each life stolen his empire grew and his grip on the city tightened. The Eyani mostly stayed out of his way and did business that was beneficial to both parties. Whittaker didn't hesitate to hire the Wanderers to do his dirty work. It was hard to find people who were willing to kill and steal for you without hesitation, so the Eyani were a valuable asset to a man like Whittaker. Jacen had done a few odd jobs for him, which is how he met Valerie Saraena, the lovely yet fierce half-elf who was in over her head when it came to debt. Valerie was probably already at the Moonlite bar selling her soul to the devil and Jacen was determined to stop it from happening. He had made a promise to help her out. After all, if there was anyone who knew Whittaker's business, it was Jacen. Even though he wasn't a little boy anymore, he was still a ghost. It didn't take him long to memorize the comings and goings at the Moonlite bar. Unlike his fellow ghosts at the guild who blended in with the shadows and whose faces were indistinguishable in crowds, the kind of people who drank and gambled at the Moonlite bar was hard to forget. Whittaker's clientele consisted of the richest people in the city. Jacen had even seen one of the Ochoaila council members visit the establishment a few weeks back. That's how things worked in Avission, you either worked for Whittaker or you were his friend. The man had no enemies in sight because as soon as anyone dared to defy him, he'd make sure they never did so again.
xxxxxxJacen spotted Valerie in an alley just a few blocks away from the bar. Her voice was hard to miss and from the sound of it, she was teaching some poor fool a lesson he'd never forget. It was clear she had a handle on the situation so he hung back, watching the fight from the street corner. He would never admit it but he was becoming quite fond of Valerie. In a way, they were birds of a feather, both fierce, reserved, and untrusting, having spent their lives only being able to rely on themselves. Maybe that's why Jacen offered to help her with her money problems. Although Whittaker technically employed Jacen, he didn't owe him his loyalty. Jacen, like all Eyani Wanderers, went where the profit went, and right now screwing Whittaker over and skipping town seemed like his best option. One last job and then he'd disappear again, leaving this whole soulmate catastrophe behind. A smile crawled onto his face as Valerie kicked the guy again. He found the entire ordeal pretty entertaining. Valerie didn't seem to notice him. Then again, barely anyone did with his black clothing and silent footsteps. As the man slumped to the ground, Jacen finally noticed the boy standing behind them. Of course. Brewyn, the kid from the marketplace. Jacen's smile disappeared and his heart started beating faster. Instinctively, Jacen crossed the street, feeling comforted by the distance. The crowd allowed him to disappear a bit more and he could watch the two as they left the alley and made their way towards the bar. He couldn't hear what they were talking about, but he could read their lips. Jacen wasn't particularly good at it, but some words were impossible to miss. Whittaker. Money. He sighed and followed them silently.
xxxxxxJacen hated going to the Moonlite bar. Not because it was full of vile people, he was used to that, but because it was impossible to enter through the front door without handing over your weapons, something Jacen refused to do. He didn't go anywhere without his knives and he wasn't about to start just because Whittaker realized letting people with weapons near you when you're the most hated person in the city probably isn't the brightest idea. Unfortunately for Jacen, it meant having to find another way to enter the establishment, which usually ended with him scaling the walls and breaking in through the window. Whittaker either hasn't noticed yet or values Jacen's skill set enough to let it slide. After he watched Valerie and Brewyn enter the bar, Jacen passed the building and walked until he arrived at the next alley. Having done this a few times, he knew exactly what route to take. Avission wasn't the best city for traveling on rooftops given the fact that all the roofs were steep gable roofs and the buildings differed in height. The only features that made it somewhat possible were the balconies and the fact that the buildings were very close together. After Whittaker implemented the new security protocol, Jacen discovered that if he managed to get himself onto the highest balcony of the nearby apothecary, he could climb over to the bar's skylight without much effort. It was already dark outside which worked to his advantage as he climbed up the wall, pulled himself onto the window ledge, and up onto the balcony above him. For a relatively skinny guy, Jacen had quite a bit of upper body strength. Maybe in another life, he would've made a skilled acrobat. Jacen climbed up to the top balcony and took a deep breath, taking refuge in the shadows now that he was high enough that the street lights illuminating the street below couldn't reach him. The hardest part was over and now all that remained was crossing from balcony to balcony until he reached the roof of the Moonlite bar.
xxxxxxThe Moonlite bar was packed as he expected. Jacen's movements were hidden by the laughter and chatter of Whittaker's regulars gambling their lives away and drinking themselves to death. Jacen unlocked the window with ease and propped it open. The skylight led to a small hallway in one of the top floors that tended to be empty. Jacen dropped down onto the wooden floor with a slight thud. He silently made his way through the building, keeping an eye out for any of Whittaker's bodyguards. He hoped Valerie and Brewyn hadn't met Whittaker yet. The detour had taken him about twenty minutes. Thankfully, when he caught sight of them they were standing in front of a closed door, probably waiting for Whittaker to finish some business. Alastair Whittaker was a busy man after all and he never did business in the bar. He always made people wait a ridiculous amount of time for a meeting just to show how important he was. Jacen found it incredibly obnoxious.
xxxxxx"Fancy meeting you here," Jacen said as he appeared next to the pair of them. He did his best to avoid eye contact with Brewyn. He kept his gaze fixed on Valerie, pretending the red-haired boy was just air. It didn't work as he was painfully aware of his presence whenever he was around. "I take it you didn't get the money and are about to sell your soul to our friend on the other side of this door," he said, "how about we offer him something better?" After Valerie told him about her predicament, Jacen spent a week concocting a plan to get her out of it. He found out all he could about the man. If there was something he wanted, Jacen wanted to know about it. They needed a bargaining chip. Secrets never stayed secrets for long in the city and after listening in on a dozen conversations all the pieces suddenly fell into place. Whittaker's men were heard talking about it on the pier after their shift. Alastair Whittaker was looking for someone. And not just an ordinary person, that would be too easy. Alastair Whittaker was looking for a prince. It didn't take long for Jacen to find out who the prince in question was. That part wasn't particularly hard considering there was only one prince on the run with a huge bounty on his head courtesy of House Carthen, the new rulers of Nosmoica. The story of what happened to Prince Charles and the entirety of house Iliphine made the rounds in Ochoaila a couple of years back. The Ochoailan Council decided that they wouldn't intervene due to their neutrality, but some of the states protested and wished to challenge the usurper house. In the end, they were overruled, Ochoaila's long-lasting neutrality was preserved and that was the end of it. Nevertheless, Charles was still being hunted and corrupt Ochoailan businessmen gladly went behind their country's back to help Nosmoica. Nosmoica knew that the key to anyone's heart was money and they were willing to pay a lot to keep the horrors that occurred the day of the coup a secret. "I have a plan," Jacen said, "remember that princeling the Nosmoicans lost a few years back? Whittaker wants him. I know it. He'd kill to be the one to claim the bounty on his head. He's itching to expand and trade with the Nosmoicans. It would be a show of power. If you're the one to bring him in, he'll let you off the hook for good." It definitely wasn't the most ethical of plans, but in a world like this one had to make sacrifices. Or at least lie a bit to get out of the city and start again. Jacen was free to go as he pleased as an Eyani Wanderer, but people indebted to Whittaker would be stopped at the city limits or hunted like animals if they tried to leave. Fear was the name of the game and Whittaker knew how to play. Jacen heard steps on the other side of the door and the doorknob rattling. "Look, the bottom line is that it might be your only chance to get out of the city. I'm leaving tomorrow." Jacen paused and couldn't help but glance at Brewyn. As soon as he caught himself doing it he turned back towards Val, "come with me."

[Seokjinnie]

X║║║ 𝔴𝔶𝔫 𝔢𝔰𝔱𝔦𝔢𝔯𝔢 ║║║X

indentThe other male had his nose buried in the crevice of Brewyn’s neck and hands pressing his smaller body into the wall when he felt the urge to open his eyes. Perhaps the gods were looking out for him because when he opened his dark eyes he saw Val, one of the angels that had saved him the last time he had found himself in a situation just like this one. His eyes filled with a mix of relief and joy at seeing her, mouthing ‘angel’ when she punched the male across the face. Wyn didn’t say a word when Valerie positioned him behind her, silently cheering, despite the fear that still had him trembling against the wall, as she smashed her foot into the male’s stomach The redhead stiffened at the male calling his angel a half-breed, his mouth fell open to speak out and defend Val but quickly closed it when he remembered that she was capable of doing it herself, unlike him. He stayed silent through Val’s final kick to the man’s gut and as she dragged him from the alley, still trembling under her grasp. A thousand thoughts were running through his mind, most of them about wanting to apologize to Valerie for having to save him once again. The cool tone of her voice yanked him out of his mind, ‘Are you hurt?’ Despite the rough grip that had been on his jaw, it didn’t really hurt, nothing really ever did, he just felt disgusting and like a piece of meat, “N-no, I’m not hurt.” At the sound of Whittaker’s name he grimaced, he was a terribly cruel man and Brewyn felt horrible that Valerie had to deal with him at all let alone owing him money.

indentHe mumbled out a soft apology because it was his fault that she would be late. Wyn stuck close to Val’s side as he followed her to the bar and inside, wincing at the volume of the music, he had always been extremely sensitive to loud noises, both he and his mother had hoped he’d grow out of it somehow and he never did. Being under Alastair Whittaker’s heavy gaze had him wanting to run away to hide under his covers and never come out again, but he stood motionless behind Valerie. The redhead could barely follow where the conversation was going, his mind in an uncomfortable daze, head down with his eyes on his feet. Unbeknownst to him and others in the room, his eyes flickered to a dark shade of red before going back to natural deep purple. Brewyn’s head jerked up at the sound of the Antares voice, ‘Fancy meeting you here,’ his eyes darted to the side to stare at his other angel, the man who had turned out to be his soulmate. Though he tried to meet the other male’s gaze a few times their eyes never met. His presence clearly made him uncomfortable and it sort of hurt. And as much as it did hurt, Wyn understood because no one, especially someone who seemed extremely skilled, could want a soulmate as useless and worthless as him. Though he wasn’t sure that it was possible to fully reject the soulmate connection, he’s sure that this is probably what it would be like if it was possible.

indentEver since he was a child, everyone, apart from his mother, had made it clear to him that his beauty was the only thing about him that mattered and nothing else. The only thing he could ever do to help his mother was to become the concubine of a wealthy man or woman with his status not high enough to become the main spouse, or at the very least try to become a courtesan. He knew his mother would never let him become either or force him into an arranged marriage. Others saw him as a pretty little toy and nothing else. A pretty little toy capable of not even having a single thought of his own or doing anything for himself. Taking over his mother’s stand at the market once she was too old to run it? No, he’d been convinced that he wasn’t smart enough to do that and would end up losing everything his mother had built. No, he should leave that to his eventual spouse who would obviously be far more capable than himself. With all that in mind, it made sense to him why Antares greatly disliked him and very likely did not want him as his soulmate. Antares was not a wealthy man in need of someone to worship the ground he walked on but that’s all Brewyn could ever be and he hated himself for it. Hated the fact that his worth came down to his looks and that he was unable to fend for himself or protect those he cared for.

indentWyn stayed silent when Antares pulled Valerie aside, whispering and acting as if he was not there. He didn’t mean to eavesdrop on their conversation, but he heard a few words here and there. If he was being honest, he had assumed like most that the Nosmoican princeling was long dead even if he had managed to escape the initial attack. The redhead’s eyes widened when his soulmate let out that he was leaving tomorrow and hoping to take Valerie with him, with likely not an inkling of desire to bring him along too. This was the first time in his life where someone besides his mother had protected him and he wasn’t going to let them go when he felt like he owed them his life.

indentSigning a contract that would leave him trapped under the control of another person for the rest of his life if they failed to bring back the former Nosmoican prince sent shivers down his spine. Not just because he would be signing his own life away but he’d be giving away someone else’s if they managed to succeed. For a brief moment, he considered backing out, considered leaving the room they were in and turning his back on his angels, and never seeing either of them again. Brewyn could force himself to get over the pain just as he forced himself to accept that he was simply an object for others to view and treat as they wished. But then Val offered them the out, and his mind was made up. For once in his life, he wasn’t going to stand silently and let the world push him around, if this was the one time the gods would let him make a decision for himself then so be it. And even if he were to walk away, it wouldn’t save him from a similar fate, it would simply delay it. The redhead turned towards his one savior, a determined look on his face, “I owe you my life, in fact, I owe my life to both of you. I won’t leave you to face this alone, not when I can offer even the slightest bit of help. If nothing else, worse comes to worst, you could use me as a distraction. Throw me at a threat and save yourself.”

[skydust]

𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄 ✧
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✧ words: 2687 ✧ tags: wyn, jacen ✧ role: wild elf/human hybrid

indent“You know the rules.”
indentVal mumbled incoherently at the guards words, shifting as she spread her arms to the side. She always hated this rule. Especially since some of Whittakers personal guards could sometimes get a little grabby. But she could understand his paranoia. If she was allowed weapons in here, she wouldn’t hesitate to sneak in and kill the man before anyone heard him scream. And she was sure that others wouldn’t hesitate to do the same. He had a tight grip on the town of Avission. Practically an army of followers ready to do his bidding. But that didn’t mean they weren’t ready to turn on him the second he let anyone get the best of him. He was the most hated in town for a reason.
indentAs she was patted down for any weapons, Valerie’s gold eyes followed Whittaker as he made his way to the stairs and up to one of the tops floors. Most likely his office. Following behind was another personal guard of his, and an unfortunate pale man that looked like he was about to vomit from fright. That wasn’t ending well. Valerie tried to steady her nerves, but was quickly distracted as she spotted Wyn being patted down for weapons behind her. She quickly shook the guard off when he was done, turning and facing the young man as the guard that was patting him down found no weapons and stepped away.
indent“Stay close, Wyn. We’re currently not in the best company. And I’m not just talking about Whittaker,” She grumbled. Her eyes shifted across the many patrons. They were either laughing, drinking, gambling, talking, or even fighting. The music was loud as it thrummed through the air, and the blue lights almost hurt Valerie's eyes if she didn’t blink enough. “Let’s go find where Whittaker went. I’ll talk to him and get this over with. Stay outside when we’re talking, okay?”
indentShe’d rather not have Wyn see her selling her life away.
indentIt was a stupid decision to even seek out Whittaker in the first place. But she had been a starving teenager on the streets. The winter had hit hard and she was dying. So she did what she had to do to survive, which just ended up screwing her over now. Valerie couldn’t help but wonder if she should have just frozen all those years ago, instead of selling her soul to a man that would surely make her life much worse. Then again, she could still feel the cold in her bones. Even now, it never left her. She could feel the hunger too. The memory was almost painful. She shook her head. She had to take care of something.
indentLeading the way up to the upper level of the Moonlite Bar, she quietly shifted herself in front of Alastair Whittakers office. Wincing when she heard a scream come from inside the room. Her attention was quickly drawn to Antares’ voice. Who was making a whole show of ignoring the redhead at her side. Valerie rolled her eyes at the display, but ignored it all the same as she responded. “Fancy meeting you here as well,” Val said. Raising an eyebrow as she took in the dark haired man and shifted on her feet. “Shouldn’t you be off doing whatever secretive stuff you always do?”
indentValerie could feel her face frown as Antares guessed her predicament. Valerie sighed, turning to face Whittakers office door with a hard expression. “Well you’ve guessed correctly. I’m an absolute idiot for thinking I could get all of this in time. I should have just starved on the streets instead of making a deal with this man.” She glared at the office door, not even flinching when another yelp came from inside. But when Antares suggested offering Whittaker something better, she was all ears as she turned back to him.
indent“Something better than all of the coin I owe him? Do tell.”
indentAs Antares explained his plan, Valerie thought back to the information she knew on the Nosmonica Coup and the only prince left of the Iliphine bloodline. It was a couple of years ago. Couldn’t have been more than four when the Carthrens attacked and basically killed the whole royal family. But one of the Princes managed to escape and was pretty much on the run. When the Carthrens declared themselves the new rulers of Nosmonica, no one protested. Rosyna was too worried about their own problems, and Ochoaila had kept up it’s long lasting neutrality by staying out of it. Despite numerous protests to do otherwise.
indent“Prince Charles, right?” Valerie paused, letting the plan sink into her skin more. “That’s not a bad plan. But are you sure that Whittaker will agree? Where do you even find a Prince that’s been missing for three years?”
indentValerie turned towards the door, gnawing at her bottom lip as she heard a thump sound coming from inside. She could feel the fear coursing through her body. A million questions going through her head. Val was yanked out of her own head as Antares kept talking. Exposing his plans of leaving tomorrow, and how he wanted her to come with him. Val furrowed her eyebrows, her thoughts spinning to the redhead at her side. But if this was her only shot at getting out of selling herself to Alastair, then she was going to take it. She couldn’t let herself get closer to Wyn or Antares. Afterall, she was a loner. So if this mission was her last hurray at getting out the mess she dug for herself, so be it. “Alright. I’ll come with you. Let’s see what Whittaker has to say about it.”
indentAnd just like that, the door of his office opened.
indentEven if you didn’t want to admit it, just standing in front of Alastair Whittaker was intimidating. He was tall, built, cleaned up, with sharp and exaggerated features. His dark suit was pressed, his brown hair slicked back, and the smell of blood lingered on him. He had an aura about him that just screamed dangerous and made your flight or fight response kick into high gear. And the way that he was grinning at them, with that manic look in his light blue eyes, it definitely made you want to run away. Alastair took in the sight of the three of them, eyes lingering on Wyn for a second with a funny look in his eye, like he was realizing something interesting. Before he turned to gesture at them to come inside his office. “Well, look who we have here. Valerie, Antares, and their little friend too. Well come in, come in. I was just taking care of a little business.”
indentVal shuffled inside, grimacing at the sight of the man she saw earlier. He was dead and bloody as he was dragged away by one of Alastair's guards. Whittaker just grinned at them all the same. “Now, I don’t know why you two are here. But Valerie, you do know what time of the month it is. Do you have my money?” Alastair said, staring deep with Valerie's eyes with a dark look. “Please don’t disappoint me. I’m not really in the mood. I would hate to have to get my hands dirty for the second time tonight.”
indent“No sir, I don’t have your money,” Val paused, nervously biting her lip. She quickly opened her mouth to speak again. The words coming out of her lips before she could even think of backing out. “But I have something better than the money I owe you! We heard that you were looking for Prince Charles.The Nosmonica Prince that went missing after the Carthern’s took over? I find him for you, you forget about all my debt.”
indentAlastair raised a sharp eyebrow, taking in the information with a nod as his eyes narrowed slightly. Valerie winced, realizing she probably should have eased her way into a conversation about the prince more. Since she most likely wasn’t supposed to know he was looking for him in the first place. Valerie straightened her shoulders, trying to not let her nervousness show as she stared directly into Whittakers eyes. Determination written across her features. “Do we have a deal?”
indentShe could see Whittaker consider the offer in his head. His fingers drummed across his desk as he did. Val only now realized there was blood on his hands. She tried not to let her expression change. Something about Alastair's demeanor seemed to shift, and suddenly Val felt like she had lost before she had even got her answer. “Fine. You find that Nosmonica Prince, I’ll release you from your debt. But you’re all signing contracts holding you to that,” Alastair said, a dark smirk on his lips as he pulled out three contracts from his desk. Dark eyes skimming over the three of them. “And if you don’t find him, you’ll all be working for me. Got it?”
indentVal quickly turned to both Wyn and Antares, keeping her voice low as she spoke. Alastair just continued to look at them with a smirk on his face. Waiting for their answer. “You guys don’t have to do this for me. I don’t want you to get thrown into this as well. I’ll figure something different out. If I have to work for him the rest of my life, so be it. I don’t want to see you guys having the same fate.”
indentAt Wyn’s words, Valerie grimaced as he said that he could just be used for bait. “You don’t owe me anything. I was just doing the...the right thing. I guess. And nobody would use you as a distraction. I mean why would I save you from being harassed twice and then throw you to the wolves? But if you want to help, not because you owe me or anything, then realize you’re going to be putting yourself in a lot of danger. But, well-” Valerie cut herself off, but shook her head and continued anyway. “I’ll protect you. Don’t worry.”
indentSo much for being a loner.
indentAntares looked much less eager to sign anything from Whittaker than Wyn did. Which was understandable. Val could recognize that he was just as independent as Valerie was. He did his own thing and that was whatever he wanted. So being under a contract to hunt a prince that no one had managed to capture all these years was probably something he’d rather not be doing. He looked borderline constipated at even the thought of signing the contract. So Valerie wasn’t surprised when he refused. Alastair didn’t look surprised either. He looked like he was enjoying himself as he took in the angry look on Antares’ face for even suggesting he sign something
indent“Oh, but I think you will mister...what do you call yourself...Antares. You people and your silly naming customs. I wasn’t born yesterday as you well know and I have owned this city since you were just a little child. I’ve observed your people and I know how they work with their honesty and honor. Know thy enemy. So you’re really going to take back what you said in the hallway to my dear friend Valerie?”
indentValerie could feel her muscles tense at his words. How did he even hear their conversation? Whittaker just continued to smirk, knowing he was getting under Antares’ skin. She was about to just turn to Antares and tell him to forget about the contract and just leave, but froze when she heard the high pitch sound of a little bell. Turning back with wide eyes, she spotted Alastair ringing a tiny bell in his hand. She knew what that sound meant. He was calling his guards. “Luckily for Valerie here,” he said. Pausing to grin as four guards entered the room. “I’ll have you signing this thing one way or another.”
indentValerie yelped in surprise as Antares was punched square in the face. This wasn’t going to end well. Val dragged Wyn back as their friend was being attacked, struggling against her impulses to jump forward and help. He definitely tried to fight back, he really did. He was rather skilled too. The knives he had hidden on him definitely did some damage. But four men against one never ends well, and soon enough Antares was restrained. His knives were taken from him quickly and handed over to Whittaker without a care to Antares’ obvious protests. Alastair tutted. “Don’t you know the rules? No weapons in my bar.”
indent“Let him go. This wasn’t part of my deal. He could back out if he wanted,” Valerie hissed. Nails digging into her skin as she clenched her fist. Alastair just laughed like he had been told a funny joke, turning one knife over in his hand for amusement.
indent“Let him go? I’m trying to help you Valerie!” He exclaimed, something about him off.
indent“I don’t want this.”
indentHe ignored her with a wave of his hand, instead favoring turning towards a beaten Antares. “You’ll sign this contract, if not out of your silly little honor code, then out of me telling you I’ll burn down your peoples little hiding spot. And then kill any survivors with your own knives. You know I’m very much capable of doing that. Understand, Antares? Your friends are already ready to do it!” he said, gesturing to both Val and Wyn. “I think it’s about time you swallow your pride and do the same.”
indentWhen he got no protests, Alastair turned his head down with a pen in hand. He quickly wrote out all of their contracts, taking not more than a few minutes to do so. When he was finished, he twisted all of them around with one hand for them to see. “You can read them if you’d like. Just sign on the bottom line when you’re done, and you’ve got yourself a deal.”
indentValerie winced as she looked over to Antares, before quickly going to skim over the contract. Everything seemed to be there. Nothing more and nothing less. Valerie hesitantly grabbed one of the pens on his desk, hovering over the contract. If this didn’t turn out well, they were all screwed. What had she gotten them into? She’d already hurt Antares for gods sake!
indentValerie let out a shaky breath, and sighed the paper. Not missing the way Alastair’s eyes followed her. If he had something else up his sleeve to try and trick them, he didn’t show it. There was nothing in the contract either that would signify a trick. But nonetheless, he just looked like he was getting more than he had expected out of Valerie’s deal all those years ago. She supposed that her thinking was right. Instead of just Val, he would get two more people under contract if they failed. And instead of just Valerie's money, he’d get the bounty of a prince if they didn't.
indentValerie supposed this was the price of freedom.
indentOnce they had all signed, reluctantly might she add, Whittaker clapped his hands together. “Excellent. Well I’m sure you’d all want to get packing then. I’ll show you out of my office,” Alastair said. Gesturing for his guards. They quickly pushed Valerie and Wyn out, shoving Antares right after them without a care in the world. Val quickly made sure he was steady on his feet, before turning to glare at Alastair. Something dark washed over his features though, and Valerie almost wanted to turn and run. “Just so you know, I have eyes everywhere. I’ll know if you try to run. So if you do, I’ll have my people come after you. And you and your loved ones will be dead before you can even get on your knees and beg. So just keep that in mind.”
indentValerie only stood dumbly with her mouth parted as he smiled at them standing in the hallway. They were now contractually bound together. Doing Alastair Whittakers bidding of all people. Whittaker then closed his office door, but not before saying one last thing. “Anyways, happy hunting!”

[skydust]

im sorry charles you'll be missed v.v

[dami]

𝐽𝐴𝐶𝐸𝑁 𝐴𝑁𝑇𝐴𝑅𝐸𝑆
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( word count: 2.2k i think)xxxxxx ( role: the human ) xxxxxx( tagged: val, wyn)
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xxxxxxThe door swung open just as Valerie agreed to Jacen’s makeshift plan and the three of them were escorted into Whittaker’s office by an armed guard. “Well, look who we have here. Valerie, Antares, and their little friend too. Well, come in, come in. I was just taking care of a little business,” the dark-haired man said as soon as he saw them, leaning forward on his elbows with an unreadable expression on his face. Jacen couldn’t tell if he was surprised to see them. He just gave them an unsettling grin as he gestured them to come inside and leaned back in his chair. He was sitting behind a large mahogany desk, covered with neatly organized stacks of papers weighed down by metal ornaments in the shape of animals - lions and bears mostly. Next to his left hand, he had a dip pen with a beautiful decorative inkwell. Jacen wouldn't have been surprised if he had filled it with someone's blood to be particularly dramatic when making people sign his contracts. Whittaker scanned them all for a moment, making Jacen feel like he was under a magnifying glass, and then proceeded to turn his eyes to Valerie and asked her about her payments. Valerie didn't hesitate to suggest Jacen's plan to find the Nosmoican princeling for him. Alastair took the information in with a quizzical look. This has to work, Jacen thought. He knew suggesting such a thing would be a leap of faith, but he also knew how badly Whittaker wanted the boy. The man didn't look surprised by the fact that they knew he did, but more so by the fact that they'd even dare to suggest that they could be the ones to find him. Whittaker drummed his bloody fingers on the mahogany considering the idea with the devilish smirk he always seemed to wear on his face. It made you nervous like there was something he knew, and you didn't. A look that said: “I'll always be one step ahead”. “Fine,” Whittaker finally said, “you find that Nosmoican Prince, I’ll release you from your debt. But you’re all signing contracts holding you to that.” He pulled out three sheets of paper and placed them in front of him. “And if you don’t find him, you’ll all be working for me. Got it?”
xxxxxxValerie turned towards Jacen and Wyn, but Jacen wasn't listening. He was transfixed by the contract on the table. “I'm not signing that,” Jacen said bluntly. He met Alastair's eyes, determined to stand his ground. He didn't get to do that. Those were the rules. Eyani came and went as they pleased and didn't sign anything. It's not how they operated. The Eyani worked on an honor system as they were a very honorable people. When they made a promise, they never went back on it, that was seen as wrong and sinful. They didn't stab the people who trusted them in the back. Alastair knew exactly how insulting that piece of paper was to a man like Jacen, which is exactly why he looked so entertained. He was purposefully mocking him. Whittaker had probably been waiting for this moment. Getting an Eyani indebted to you for life was priceless. Who the hell did Whittaker think he was? Jacen did all he could to not lose his cool under Whittaker's piercing glare. The man looked like he was trying to set Jacen on fire with his eyes.
xxxxxx“Oh, but I think you will mister...what do you call yourself...Antares. You people and your silly naming customs. I wasn’t born yesterday as you well know and I have owned this city since you were just a little child. I’ve observed your people and I know how they work with their honesty and honor. Know thy enemy. So, you’re really going to take back what you said in the hallway to my dear friend Valerie?” Jacen couldn't believe what he was hearing. He now realized that had been stupid and unfocused. Idiot, Jacen thought. He had been so focused on his little soulmate problem that he made a beginner’s mistake. It was the Fool’s mate. He couldn’t believe he let himself be lulled into a false sense of security when he knew well that Whittaker had eyes and ears everywhere. It was obvious Jacen’s little investigation had gotten back to him and Whittaker saw his opportunity to strike. “You take me for a fool, boy, thinking I won’t notice you spying on me. You're not as clever as you think!” Whittaker mused as he stood up from behind the desk and without breaking eye contact reached for a tiny bell placed on the far right of the table. The high-pitched ringing was an infamous sound in Avission as it was completely unique. According to rumors Alastair Whittaker had the bell made with magic. Everyone knew what it meant when they heard it. Whittaker was calling his attack dogs. “Luckily for Valerie here, I'll have you signing this thing one way or another.”
xxxxxxFour men burst into the office and Whittaker simply nodded at them. Jacen didn't bother turning around because the loud thumping of their boots on the wooden floor alerted him when the first man lunged at him, trying to put his arm around his neck from behind. Jacen lowered himself and managed to trip him and they both fell to the ground. The man clearly underestimated him and didn’t expect that a skinny guy like Jacen would be able to get out of his bear hug and make him lose his balance. Jacen took the opportunity to stab him twice in the gut and then scrambled backward as the others approached. Once he successfully got back up on his feet, he had a split second to get a good look at his opponents. They were four nearly identical burly men with beards and all of them looked like they could snap Jacen in half like a twig if they got their hands on him. Jacen was a good fighter, but four on one were not good odds. “Come on, then,” Jacen muttered, just as the one in the middle threw a punch. Jacen ducked and slashed his knife at his opponent, thrusting his other knife. The other two didn't hesitate to join the fight, quickly surrounding Jacen who tried to keep his back to the wall, so there would be no surprises. The one he stabbed had managed to stand up despite his pretty nasty injury and had joined the rest. Jacen found himself on defense, avoiding the men's fists as they hurled themselves at him. When one man threw a punch, Jacen took his chance when ducking to spin around him and slash the back of his knee. The man's knees buckled and he lost balance when Jacen gave him a good kick. Jacen turned back towards the rest of the guards. One of them tried blocking his knife by grabbing his wrists but Jacen freed himself by slashing at his hands and with a quick motion jabbed upward into the man's eye. Maybe he could even win this thing.
xxxxxxSuddenly from the side, Jacen heard a swoosh and a fist made contact with his cheek, knocking him onto the ground. As soon as they got the first punch in, it all started going downhill. Jacen was on the ground, still holding his knife firmly and slashing at his opponent's legs. He was surrounded and when he tried to stand up he ended up getting kicked repeatedly. Two of the men grabbed his arms from behind as he scrambled backward to sit up. Jacen tried squirming out of their grip, but it was no use. He managed to kick the third man right in his wounded stomach as he attempted to disarm him. “Stay the hell down!” He growled and hit him in the face as a warning. Jacen's nose started bleeding and he could taste blood in his mouth. He was pretty sure he was on the verge of losing consciousness. The men holding him pushed him down onto the ground and the third man stepped on his hand with the heel of his shoe, forcing Jacen to release the knives. Jacen finally let out a scream for the first time that night as the heel dug into his already wounded hand. "Here, boss," the henchmen said as he handed Whittaker his precious weapons. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the fourth man sitting in the corner probably trying to figure out if he still had an eye. "Get him off of my floor," Whittaker snapped and Jacen was pulled back up and forced to kneel in front of Whittaker's desk. Even though he was completely exhausted and his entire body was pulsating with pain, he struggled. He was like an animal trying to free itself from a trap. "Don't you know the rules? No weapons in my bar," Whittaker said. "You need better security," Jacen croaked.
xxxxxxValerie tried protesting but Whittaker just laughed at her. Jacen watched as he played with his knives. The man knew exactly how to get under his skin. Whittaker turned towards Jacen again and Jacen just stared at him, full of hatred. "You’ll sign this contract, if not out of your silly little honor code, then out of me telling you I’ll burn down your people's little hiding spot. And then kill any survivors with your own knives. You know I’m very much capable of doing that. You see your people are like rats and everybody knows what must be done about rat infestations. Understand, Antares? Your friends are already ready to do it! I think it’s about time you swallow your pride and do the same." Jacen watched as Valerie signed the contract. Next thing he knew the guards threw him onto the desk. Whittaker had already dipped the pen into the ink and placed it in Jacen's hand. Jacen's heart was beating fast. He scanned the contract, but he couldn't really focus on anything. He looked up at Alastair who was grinning again. God, he really wanted to wipe that smug smile off his face. Reluctantly, Jacen signed his name and as he did, he thought he might throw up. He was going against everything he stood for. He felt disgusted with himself. "One last thing, Antares. I'll hold on to these little toys of yours until you get back with what you've promised me.” Before he knew it, Whittaker's guards had thrown him out into the hallway and Jacen landed flat on his face. The pain was unbearable, and he was pretty much in shock, but he managed to sit up. He put his face in his hands. All he wanted to do was scream. He could feel Wyn and Val staring at him. They had never seen him in such a state. Jacen wasn't going to put up with more humiliation, so he pulled himself off the ground, and without a single look, he marched out of the hallway.
xxxxxxAs soon as he entered the bar, he made a beeline for the exit. “Watch it, you idiot!” someone yelled at him as he tore through the crowd. He wasn’t looking where he was going. All he knew was that he needed to be outside as soon as possible. The world was spinning and he could barely breathe. This isn’t happening, this isn’t happening, this isn't happening. Jacen’s thoughts were racing. He was dangerously close to a full-blown panic attack. When he finally made it outside, he took several deep breaths and tried to calm himself. A sharp pain coursed through his body as he inhaled, but he ignored it. The absence of his knives on his body was almost more painful than his wounds. Thankfully, the fresh air helped clear his head a bit and he no longer felt like he was suffocating. Val and Wyn must have followed him outside because they were suddenly standing next to him again. “I’m going to kill him... I swear to the Mother and the Priestess... I will kill him if it’s the last thing I do.” Jacen wasn’t sure who he was trying to convince. Valerie and Wyn, or himself. He managed to catch a glimpse of his reflection in the window and sighed. “Crap,” he muttered. His face was a mess, there was blood everywhere, but luckily it didn’t seem like his nose was broken. His ribs on the other hand were either bruised or broken judging by how painful breathing and speaking were. Not to mention he probably had a concussion. Jacen needed to go home and come up with a plan. He didn’t like this feeling of uncertainty. He felt trapped. Most of all he needed to patch himself up. With the pain he was in he couldn’t tell the extent of his injuries on the spot. He needed to make sure he wasn’t going to end up with a pneumothorax if those bastards did break his ribs when they kicked the crap out of him. “I need to go,” he said, looking at his companions. Jacen wanted to run, but Whittaker’s threats echoed in his head. If he runs, he’ll hunt him down and make his people pay. “After that, we’ll regroup… make a plan.” His entire body felt weak, so he leaned against the wall for support. The adrenaline of the fight that carried him from the hallway to the street was just about gone.

[Seokjinnie]

X║║║ 𝔴𝔶𝔫 𝔢𝔰𝔱𝔦𝔢𝔯𝔢 ║║║X

indentWyn fought the urge to take Valerie’s hands in his as she spoke, listening intently. His one angel was one of the kindest people he had ever met, “I’ll do whatever you need me to do.” His face fell as she shook her head after cutting herself off, ‘I’ll protect you. Don’t worry.’ He hated the fact that he was viewed as someone who had to be protected, hated being someone that had to be protected because he was too weak to protect himself. The redhead bowed his head, but it quickly shot up at the sound of Antares voice, ‘I’m not signing that.’ His heart started beating faster in his chest as he watched the man destined as his soulmate refuse to bow under the pressure of Whittaker’s gaze. He should be irritated with Antares, he had blatantly ignored him and had planned to run away, but he couldn’t find it within himself to be angry. Brewyn’s hands began to tremble as Whittaker began his speech filled with nothing but threats. The redhead froze in his place beside Valerie as four men burst into the room and lunged at Antares. Wyn couldn’t move, could barely breathe as he watched his soulmate be attacked. The fight wasn’t fair but then again none of this was. It wasn’t fair that Valerie was put into the situation that she was in, absolutely none of this was okay or should be happening but it was happening and there was nothing he could do to stop it. He watched as blood began to trickle from Antares nose and as he pushed against the ground. Brewyn stood beside Valerie, trying his best to look threatening and defiant, as she protested the against the measures Whittaker was taking. The small man shot a glance at the beaten man before he quickly looked over the contract and signed it. It wasn’t long after that the three were shoved out the door and warned that Whittaker had eyes everywhere.

His dark eyes refused to stray from Antares as he marched down the hall and towards the bar’s exit. He shot one look at Valerie before he chased after the wounded man. Antares didn’t look good and he needed medical care, it had his brain spinning. His soulmate swore that he would kill the man that had forced them to sign away their lives and freedom unless they could hand over another’s. Wyn didn’t doubt that Antares could do so or at the very least try, there was little hope in his mind that the man would survive it. Brewyn stepped closer to the injured man, hesitating to reach out and take hold of him. But then as he leaned against the wall and spoke of his desire to leave, anger flooded Wyn’s body along with the concern that was already there. The redhead made sure to grab onto Antares’ clothing, afraid of causing further injury “A-absolutely not.” He forced himself into his line of sight, his eyes full of fire, “You are coming with me! Got it? Good!” He carefully took Antares arm and put it over his shoulder and gestured for Valerie to do the same with his other side, “I’m taking you to my home.”

His home was a bit of a walk from the bar, but it took even longer than usual as they moved carefully through the streets. Brewyn kept glancing at the injured man’s face, wincing inwardly at the pain Antares likely wanted to hide but could not, “Almost there, I promise.” When the trio finally arrived at his home, he struggled to get the door open. He directed Valerie to help him lay Antares across the empty table in the kitchen. The redhead scanned his soulmate’s body before he glanced up at Valerie, determination shining in his eyes, “Get his shirt off... Please.” He turned his back on the pair as he began to search through the cabinets for some of his mother’s salves. Every bit of noise he made had him grimacing, he both hoped that his mother was not home at the same time that he desperately wished she were here. The short man grabbed a few jars in his arms and lined them up on the counter. Wyn glanced behind him at his two angels and began to move faster. He grabbed a clean wet cloth and made his way back over to the table, “Lie as still as you can and I want no arguments. Not a peep out of you.”

As soon as he spoke the word, he carefully used the cloth to wipe the blood and grime off his soulmate’s body. Unconsciously a hand went to the top of Antares head, his fingers gently stroking the man’s hair as he even more gently cleaned the blood off his face. Under his breath, he whispered softly, “I’m sorry. I know it hurts.” He froze at the sound of creaking coming from the stairs, he didn’t even risk a glance as he continued to clean the body in front of him, ‘Brewyn, what on-’ His mother’s voice filled him with just a bit of relief, even more, tension melted away as she arrived at his side, he glanced at his mother out of the corner of his eyes, watching as she scanned Antares body, ‘Whittaker.’ The trio need not say a word, his mother had dealt with victims of Whittaker and his men more than a few times. His mother let out a soft sigh, ‘Keep cleaning him.’ Her eyes traveled over to Valerie, 'Young Lady, would you do me a favor and bring me the two jars farthest to the right. The one has a clear substance and the other is grey.’ His mother’s fingers worked fast as she started to treat Antares’ injuries, ‘You’re lucky that your ribs aren’t broken and are only bruised, young man.’ The redhead worked alongside his mother as she moved from wound to wound, ‘Brewyn get me the purple bottle and gauze in the middle left drawer. Now.’ Without hesitation, he did as his mother ordered and brought her both. He watched as his mother bandaged his soulmate’s knuckles and hands and then took a small herb from the bottle.

His mother stood up straight as she moved closer to the head of the table, ‘Young man, you need to suck on this, it won’t ease all of your pain, but it will ease some.’ Wyn stood to the side and out of the way as his mother checked Antares for a concussion, frowning when she let out a sigh, ‘I am unable to tell if you have a concussion, but behave as if you do. Better to be safe.’ His eyes followed his mother as she came to him, taking him by the arm, ‘Now, I’m not going to ask what exactly transpired tonight. It is none of my business, but I advise the three of you to tread lightly.’ His mother turned towards him, pointing a scolding finger at him, ‘You are going to take responsibility for your part in whatever this was then you’re gonna come back to this house, alive and safe. Do you hear me?’ He bobbed his head in agreement, he stood silently as his mother left the trio and made her way back upstairs. The redhead bowed his head as he got closer to his angels, "I'm sorry if you think I overstepped. I know my presence bothers you Antares and I'm sure my actions have probably irritated you, but I couldn't just let you walk away as injured as you are. I-I'm sorry." He kept his head down and eyes focused on his shoes afraid that if he glanced up at looked at his angels' faces that his eyes would flood with tears.

[skydust]

𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄 ✧
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
✧ words: 1180 ✧ tags: wyn, jacen ✧ role: wild elf/human hybrid

indentVal was practically shaking with anger as she stood in the hallway. She had almost twisted her ankle being shoved through the door, and she was practically seething when the already injured Antares was shoved into the hallway. Landing flat on his face as Whittaker laughed and slammed the door in all three of their faces. Valerie went to help him up but he sat up by himself, his own angry expression plastered on his beat up face.
indentShe could tell he was freaking out when he put his hands in his face. She could see the tension practically roll off his shoulders and all she wanted to was apologize for dragging everyone into this. The guilt was almost too much as she stared at Antares on the floor, but her thoughts were interrupted in a split second by her friend dragging himself off the floor and marching down the hallway with a fierce look to him.
indent“Antares, wait!” she shouted, hurrying to catch up to him with Wyn who had shot forward first.. She stared at Wyn’s back as they ran, her face wincing as she realized all her mistakes. “I’m sorry I dragged you both into this. I’m so sorry,” she said softly, her voice cracking a bit. She steeled her expression quickly afterwards, as she was never one to keep weakness in her expression for long, before speeding up so she could catch up with the dark haired man as he marched straight through the crowd and out the front door.
indentWhen they finally broke through the door, cold air enveloped them. The stuffiness of the bar left their lungs as they approached Antares who was borderline having a panic attack. “Are you oka-” Val said softly before Antares' voice ripped through her words with his anger. Yeah, he definitely wasn’t okay. Val contemplated reaching out and putting a hand on his shoulder for some comfort, but she forced herself to keep her hand at her side as she looked to Wyn, sharing a concerned look for the beaten man in front of them. Valerie frowned when Antares said he was going to leave. She certainly didn’t trust him to be all better if they did regroup. He needed first aid and fast.
indent“Maybe we should get you medical attention. No offense but you look like you’re gonna fall over.” Wyn was even more adamant on him receiving care. Suggesting that they take him to Wyn’s home. Valerie nodded as Wyn gestured for her to take Antares’ other arm and put it over her shoulder. She quickly did so, following Wyn’s lead as they made it to his home. She glared at anyone who dared to look their way. Not really in the mood for questions from curious strangers that didn’t really care at all about them. She had been a street rat far longer then she cared to count, and she knew the cruelty of strangers.
indentThey finally made it to Wyn’s home, bursting through the door after struggling with it for a minute. Val and Wyn both laid Antares down on the empty kitchen table. Both took in the damage for a split second before Val turned towards Wyn with a determined look. “Let me know what I can do to help.”
indentShe quickly took off Antares’ shirt as directed. Trying hard not to look at the wounds too closely, in fear that she might find something she didn’t like. While Wyn took to wiping off his soulmate's body, Val looked around and tried to find a pillow or something to make Antares more comfortable. Until a stranger's voice sounded through the kitchen, and she froze with a pillow clutched in her hands. She turned towards the voice, and immediately saw some similarities between Wyn and the older woman.
indentSo this must be his mother. She cringed on the inside at the thought of a parental figure here, but quickly tried to put on the most innocent smile she could plaster. Though it seemed that Wyn’s mother already knew what had happened from just looking at their friend's body. She directed Wyn to keep cleaning and then directed Valerie to grab two of the jars. She quickly dropped the pillow and grabbed both jars with slim fingers, before turning back and handing it to the woman.
indentWith skilled hands she seemed to know just what to do, and Valerie didn’t question her as she chewed on her lip and finally analyzed her friend's injuries. When she finished and scolded the three of them, Valerie found herself nodding along to her words like this was her mother. She quickly glared at nothing when she found herself doing it, and then stared at the floor with a bit too much intensity. Wyn’s mother left the room not soon after that, and Valerie found herself navigating to Antares side.
indentValerie quickly shook her head at Wyn’s words. “Don't apologize for helping out Wyn. I wouldn’t let this one go even if you hadn’t said anything. He would probably find himself passed out in a lake and we’d have to go fish him out,” she teased with a smirk on her lips. Trying to lighten the mood even if she wasn’t the best at it. She looked down at Antares, struggling to find the words she wanted to say to him. “I’m so sorry,” she ended up saying. “I dragged you into this and now you both have to face the consequences of my actions.”
indentShe turned away, before a memory came springing into her thoughts and she quickly slapped a hand over her mouth like she had just told an important secret. She quickly looked back at the both of them, eyes wide. “I just remembered something. Gods, I’m such an idiot for not remembering sooner. The prince! The Nosmoica one! I just remembered that I heard something about him. I didn’t know it was about the prince at the time but it could be a lead.”
indentShe stared pacing, twirling around the room like she couldn't keep the energy from flowing out of her. “I heard it while eavesdropping on some rich idiots while I was trying to get some money for Whittaker. They talked about an Avian with multicolored feathers spotted in the forest bordering Nosmoica and Ochoaila while they were doing a trade deal with Nosmoica. Now I don’t know if it's the prince we're looking for, but it sure sounds like it. This could be our first lead.”
indentShe turned towards the both of them, a mix of a sad and excited expression on her face, “I know I dragged you both into this mess, and I don't expect you to help me. But if you want too, this could be where we first start on the road to wiping that smirk off Whittakers face. Because after I’m free, I’ll have no problems making sure he never breathes again. And I’ll let you do the honors,” she said, turning to look at Antares. She paused to suck in a breath.
indent“What do you say?”