[aeryn.]

ft- Enid, Bernkastel, and Zed, and some side Kalons
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“Enid you’re fifteen years old, there is no way you’re going off to save the kingdom, that’d be silly young one,” her mother said to her in a gentle yet firm tone. “You’d get hurt, or worse, killed, the monsters aren’t as easy to kill as your older friends may brag, now, could you please go into town and deliver this letter for me.” She pushes the letter over to the kit standing in front of her. “It’s addressed to Kled, you know him? Our town blacksmith. A bit crazy, but he’s a good man. I expect you to be back by 7 P.M. tops, it’s much more dangerous at night. But, you must take this.” She nudges a small knife towards Enid. “You never know what could be out there,” Enid is already on her way out, “remember, back by seven!”

Enid gives a sigh of relief as she begins walking the paved street of her town. Nothing seems that bad to her, maybe a bit more eerie than normal but she’d consider herself brave. A small rustling sound comes from a nearby bush, she immediately jumps, pulling out the knife, a squirrel runs out from the bush, maybe she wasn’t quite as brave as she may have thought. But, with good reason, it would probably be a better idea to be timid than reckless with the current state of Kalokairi. She examines the buildings, they looked so… old, chipped stone and melancholic thoughts visible through the little charms hanging out of some. Charms said to ward off demons, who knows if they really worked though, seemed like a cheap way to make money off of the fear of other Kalons if anyone asked her.

She arrived in front of the blacksmith, the familiar smell of smoke and maybe a bit of burning wafted into her nose, she’d been here many times before, when she was younger that is. Enid remembers fondly sneaking out to learn about the ways of fighting, Kled was just happy that someone was willing to listen to his antics for more than three minutes. She was happy to feel strong for once, it was a craving one could say, to feel needed, like she had a goal rather than to find romance, get rich, or whatever. Enid wanted so much more, even if the road there was rocky.

She padded in, the stone floor cool against her bare paws, no one to be seen, her stomach dropped, what was going on? What could’ve happened to- “Boo!” the azure Kalon jumped out of an empty basin. Enid wouldn’t admit to herself that she did flinch, even if this was probably the least harmful thing she could ever encounter.

“You, knew I was coming?” She inquires, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes, of course, me, the all-knowing Kled would know you’re coming, what do you take me for some run-of-the-mill palm reading psychic?” He laughed, lying through his teeth, who wouldn’t have noticed an armed Kalon walking very slowly, probably afraid, outside their window,

“Really, this, still?” Enid was so used to this sort of banter, though, she did truly believe he must be some sort of psychic. This kind of stuff happened way too often. He was always finishing her sentences for her or, even, predicting the future. Like him losing their next spar. “Anyway, I need to be out quick, mother wants me back by seven, but she told me to give this to you,” she gives him the wax-sealed envelope.

“Well, you’re to the point, also, that knife is a kitchen knife, just so you know, if you did encounter any demons it’d be better to just fight with your paws.” He laughs, looking down and shaking his head, spiky hair falling on his face. “I could, you know, hook you up with something better,” he grins as she looks up smirking.

“Like what? Your latest butcher knife, or better, some pliers you made for the doctor?” She challenges him, hoping for truly, the best.

“How would a sword do? Steel, possibly enchanted, crazy lightweight.” He goes to the back of the room, picking up a beautiful scabbard, “Though you may have to pay a small fee.” He smiles at her.

“And that-?”

“Would be you saving the kingdom.”

“Oh, I thought you would give me a hard challenge,” she strapped the scabbard across her shoulders, resting it on her back. “Thanks, Kled!” She runs out heading towards the pub. The large and probably only still-lively building in town rested atop a hill, a beacon of happiness still ever-present here. She flung open the door, peering in, a bar, tables, lots of people, the perfect place to find a party for herself.

She spied what appeared to be a mage and knight at a table towards the back, presumably young, in their late teens, perfect, a well rounded, high damage party. Ideal for slaying demons and facing the unknown. All they would have to do is buy a few healing crystals, but other than that they’d be set. She fantasized of the adventures they would have across the lands. But, she reminded herself, she hasn’t met these people yet, she may have to search elsewhere.

Enid strolls towards them, making sure to have good posture as to look strong, even if she was younger. She needed to have a good image, or else they wouldn’t want her. She glares at the two, a lively midnight Kalon with gold markings and a beautiful dress, an obvious mage, and a dark grey Kalon with a certain glow to them, and strong-looking armor, a knight.

“You two, are you adventurers? A party, if so, I’m in need, an uprising swordswoman looking for two party members who can also fight by her side with strength.” She sits down on the third stool at the table, happy to see their faces light up in excitement.

“Oh, a fighter, that’s great! Perfect, this must be destiny,” the beautiful, purple one exclaims, clapping their paws together.

“We’ve been having a few problems, with damage for our group, you see, it’s hard when a party is only healers. My friend and I... well, he’s a cleric, and I’m a battle medic...” The darker one says with a soft smile.
Enid’s eyes widen, this would be, a ride.

[vympyre]

prompt one.
kalon(s) being used: marius, dante x word count: 1,610

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> unskippable tragic backstory
xx > ugh, really?! xx > i love angst


the church was quiet these days. it was almost eerie, how silent the once lively building had become, now that the worshipers grew too sick to travel to the beloved little church on the top of the hill. sunday mornings where one could once hear the warm chatter of villagers as they mingled and supported each other, were now spent overhearing hushed whispers and the lone chatter of a morning bird. priests and altar boys appeared for work less and less as they either slowly lost their faith, or they became too weak to return to the chapel. marius pontmercy knew all of this because he, too, was a priest. luckily, the mysterious creatures that had recently invaded the village seemed to steer far clear of marius, allowing the already frail-limbed kalon to live a healthy albeit fearful life. although, the same could not be said about his father. dear alvus pontmercy was growing frail and weak, much like many of his older peers who were easily caught by the beasts that roamed the village. his once strong and menacing figure was now reduced to a bed-ridden elderly father who had to be waited on by his son, as if he were a child. it was demeaning, and frightful, especially considering the war that marius expected to come once the kalokairi citizens began to fight back.

> a young messenger arrives with a letter
xx > read it xx > throw it away


this war came sooner than marius might have expected. the letter is a short, but blunt, message from the kingdom's head guard, commanding one kalon from each family fight against the creatures terrorizing kalokairi. at the first mention of the word battle, marius immediately hands the note off to his father. after all, his father was once a talented swordsman; he was used to war, while marius tended to turn a blind eye to violence. the thought alone of violence made his stomach churn. the young kalon watches his father's frown deepen as he reads further, and by the time he reaches the letter's end, he already looks a year older. "marius," he says solemnly, catching his son's gaze, "fetch my robes". nodding, marius skitters away to his father's old training room, which has grown dark and dusty from lack of use. clutching a candlestick, he manages to find the old garments before rushing them back to his father. alvus spends countless nights training after this.

it happens late at night, startling marius from sleep at the sound of a booming crash. he gasps as he jumps up in his bed, rain pouring and hitting the roof with heavy taps. he moves out of bed to investigate the noise, shivering. had his home always been this cold? no.. he was sure something was off. as he crept through the house, he began to notice small changes. a vase toppled over, a flower wilted that was in full bloom only a day before. nervously, marius approached his father's training room. inside, the world around him seemed to grow ten times darker, as if the shadows were bending and widening to consume him. before him was one of the creatures he had tried so fiercely to avoid, and trapped within it's claws, marius' father slumped limply; unconscious.

"father!"

marius found himself moving almost automatically, much to his surprise, diving for the greatsword his father once used. although dull, it was large, and nearly impossible to hold in his frail limbs, but marius summoned his strength and turned to the beast with his newfound weapon in hand. the dark beast seems to leer at him, with a deep black pelt and almost impossibly darker eyes. marius found he may become tranced by them if he were to stare too long. instead, he padded forward, using all of his strength to swing the greatsword in the direction of the enemy's side. although it did not bleed, the monster cried out in pain, recoiling and dropping alvus immediately, who proceeded to hit the floor with a sickening thump. marius blinked once, and the creature had gone, along with the shadow that seemed to fill the room, threatening to suffocate him. immediately, marius dropped the greatsword, and dropped to his fathers side, crying out in panic as he leaned in. a heartbeat. marius let out a breath of relief that he wasnt aware he was holding in.

> alvus is too weak to fight
xx > give up xx > fight in his place


"i wont allow you to join in my place, marius."

the young kalon in question let out a frustrated noise, pacing back and forth while his father tried to swat away at the nurse his son had hired for him. even that movement seemed to tire him, and he settled instead for simply scowling at the younger kalon. marius turned to face him, crossing his arms. "but you cant even walk! how are you to fight?" at that, his father seemed defeated, huffing and looking away as if he were ashamed of his own weakness.

"i wont get into any trouble," marius reasoned, trusting himself to stay out of the fray of battle best he could. his father only shook his head. the younger kalon began to bristle at that, his voicing raising slightly, "well, what else am i to do? letting you go would be sentencing you to death!" tears began to prickle in the corners of his eyes, as marius fiddled with his robes "i've already lost mum, i cant loose you too." the utterings of his mother's passing seemed to cast a spell on the room, silence stretching onward, no one brave enough to brake it, until finally, alvus cleared his throat.

"i wont let you go. my word is final."

a sort of fire seemed to ignite in marius' eyes as he squinted at his father, clutching his pre-packed back. "no." he nearly growled, taking one step back. he knew he could not allow his father to die at the hands of those beasts.

"no?"

"i am leaving, and there is nothing you can do to stop that."

with that, marius turned and ran, trying to escape his home as quickly as possible. he was faintly aware of his father calling after him, and a large clatter, followed by distressed mutterings from the nurse, but marius did not look back; he couldnt. if he did, he wasnt so sure that he could stay true. he was already beginning to feel the pull to stay home, to stay in the confides of his fathers arms and the church at the top of the hill that he held so dear.

and so, marius left his home, and did not look back.

> you have no idea where to go next
xx > visit the church? xx > get a drink?


the bar was surprisingly full, of other young warriors much like him. some laughed, and told stories over their glasses of beer or rum, while others curled up, secluded in a dark corner. marius himself wasnt a drinking fellow; he had tried a sip of rum when he was younger and never touched it again. however, he believed this counted as a special occasion. before he could change his mind, marius seated himself at the bar, squirming up onto the high stool and clearing his throat in embarrassment when others turned their heads to ogle him. "you a troop?", called a barista from the other side of the table, snatching his attention with a start. "um, yes," he said, smiling half nervously. the barista shook her head and smiled, turning to fill him a glass. "all troops' glasses are on the house. drink up, soldier." with a wink, she slid him the glass. he graciously accepted it with a flush on his face and a slight shaking in his hands, dutifully sipping at the liquid and falling into silence.

he was shocked from his thoughts by a ruggish looking figure; a dark-pelted kalon with bright horns and a sort of natural heat that resonated from him. he had poked at marius' shoulder, a near quizzical look on his face. marius looked back at him, startled, his voice nearly cracking as he spoke, "can i help you, sir?"

"relax kid, i'm not going to hurt you." the stranger said, a hint of sour amusement in his voice. "you're pretty new to this, aren't you?"

marius let out an exasperated sigh, his body seeming to fold in on itself. "ah.. is it that obvious?"

"well, for starters, you've got your robe on backwards-"

"what?!"

"shh. no need to worry about it. i'll tell you what," the larger and frankly intimidating kalon seemed to lean in as if he were telling a great secret, his voice dead and mirthless, a large contradiction to his teasing words. "you can stick with me; we can work together on this. how does that sound?" with the question posed, he held out his hand.

marius glanced the stranger up in down. it was clear he had already seen his fair share of battles, if the various dents on his armor and his missing front limb were anything to go by. marius wasnt an idiot; he knew this was a wonderful and gracious opportunity. for that reason, he took the other kalons hand, and nodded. he murmured, almost shyly, "thank you, mister--" he faltered for a moment, flushing in embarrassment; he must look like a fool. "what shall i call you?"

"my name is dante." the name was oddly fitting for his figure. menacing, mysterious, familiar. "and you?"

"my name is marius. marius pontmercy."

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marius has joined the party.
dante has joined the party.

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MARIUS PONTMERCY ♂
paladin, lawful good

inventory: blessed greatsword, robes and
iron armor, rosary beads, first aid kit

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DANTE KING ♂
bard, chaotic neutral

inventory: mysterious viles, battle axe,
bow, metal armor, flask, photograph

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[Fallen ❤ Dreemurr]

Prompt One
[753 words]

At first receiving this notice, Ghost was not prepared with the news that he received just before nightfall. An entire kingdom in the control of some dark force? It did sound like a challenge that the three Kalons would've immediately taken, but just at a smaller scale. Ghost and his team had smaller adventures, such as getting rid of monstrosities from a nearby neighboring town or investigating mysteries. This would probably be the biggest adventure that they ever scaled in their lives!
Ghost had taken to account on how dire the situation was, and decided it would be best to carry the least amount of items as possible. This was not just a walk to the neighboring area, but a trip that would be long and possibly more dangerous. Taking more than what the three of them could handle to him was just silly. But of course... Cliff had to say otherwise.

"We should bring what we normally do anyway...." The red Kalon grumbled as he took a sad look at his blanket that he normally did take along , but was told to leave it behind because it "took too much space". Also packing beside him was Barnaby, who was putting away simple items into his knapsack he usually had around his shoulder: A drawing pad, some daggers, some pieces of jerky and of course: pudding. Ghost placed his mask around head for the time being as he rolled up a map for his own bag, reaching out for the thin string that was placed beside him. He prepared the most, with carrying bags (one handheld and one for his back) which included a medical kit, a survival manual, and a spare sword one of his friends had lended to him for the trip.

"Cliff, we went over this," Ghost sighed, looking at the red Kalon who was attempting to stuff his blanket into the bag he decided to bring,"Would you rather travel comfortably and get to our destination faster, or drag all you have an complain all the way there?"

The red kalon paused from all the shoving and pushes the bag back with his foot, folding his arms and pulls a pout face on Ghost.

"I'll be fine, you'll see...." He stated as he looks at his bag, which he now he started to notice how much he actually packed as the bag began to over flow with his own items. Once finishing his own packing, Ghost places the bag onto his back and shifted his shoulders, having the feel of the bag after a few moments.

"I can assure you that we'll be able to purchase the rest of items we'll need later on."

Cliff twitches his ears and looked back at Ghost, squinting his eyes a bit at him. There were always times that Ghost always said something and it never really turned out to be true. But, he had to admit, Ghost always kept through with his promises.

"You promise?"

"Cross my heart, hope to die."

With a deep breath, Cliff went back to his bag and unstuffed it and began to re-stuff it with items that he deemed to be more important than the rest. While he was doing that, Barnaby takes out one of the pudding cups that he had packed and whistles over Ghost to his side.

"Barnaby... what's with the pudding cups?" Ghost questioned as the monochrome Kalon took a spoon out of his bag and dug into the pudding,"Do I have to give you the same lecture I gave to Cliff about useful items...?"

The both started at each other for a while, until Barnaby took a bite of the pudding and tilted his head, looking confused. Ghost then had to explain that pudding can only really last for one day outside of the ice box they had, and it will all have to be eaten in soon before it went bad. Barnaby made a gasp and looked back at his pudding cup, looking rather upset about this discovery. The Kalon did love his pudding cups, maybe a bit too much. Noticing this, Ghost patted Barnaby's shoulder and went over to his bag, taking out the pudding cups.

"Don't worry Barnaby, I'll help you pick out what we should bring on the journey."

And with that, after a few more hours of checking bags and making sure their families were told about the journey, the three little Kalons went off on their biggest journey yet. Who knows what they'll face out there now!

[WanSham]

Kalon used in Prompt - Ivan Banenia
Art piece -

When you spend four years in a military, odd cleaning habits form before journeys. Ivan just happened to catch the shoe-shine habit rather than a clean clothes habit.

[ArizonaT3a]

P R O M P T

Every quest starts with preparation! No hero goes
on a journey unequiped. That would be ridiculous.
Tell me, for example: what sorts of things are your heroes stocking?
What class are they?
What weapons and armory do they need?
How do they feel about starting this journey?

Kalon used in prompt --> Lizard
Art Piece:

Feeling ready

[Dreamie]

prompt 1 // honestly i don't even know
lysander & morrison // 478/150 words


"wake up you rat," a voice says.

morrison is slow to wake. rays of light shine through the blinds, cracked open a peak, warming his dark fur. he lays in the warmth of his own bed for awhile before he's gently kicked and poked at. and there's that voice again, urging him to wake up already. morrison groans sitting up in bed, holding his head in his paws, before opening his eyes to stare in the direction of his companion. he wants to argue with the kalon in front of him, but it's just too early..

"don't give me that look; whatever. took you long enough to wake up; i thought you were a morning person," lysander says standing up straight with crossed arms, looking down at morrison. he turns on his heel, leaving his back turned to morrison, and looks out the door. "get out of bed! we need to leave soon."

. . .

soon the two were pushing open the doors of the old motel. it was a true blessing for them to have a roof over their heads for a night. the musty scent and dimmed lights of the motel faded and was quickly replaced with a world with a stirring purple sky and rows of buildings and homes.

the day prior, morrison and lysander had arrived to this odd village of kalokairi. they were desperate to find somewhere to stay for a little. they've been wandering for a bit too long and eventually they just wanted to find a new town to stop by. in addition, the pair wasn't in the greatest condition and saw an abnormal darkness beginning to take over the bright sky. it was hard to say what it could've been-- they both had never seen anything like it before. so it definitely was safe to take refugee elsewhere.

although, as soon as they arrived at the village, the darkness had just grown. perhaps they just made in time? that wasn't the case; they learned of the unfortunate events occurring in this kingdom through passing kalons. both were very suddenly hesitant about staying at this point, having some rather bad experiences with these depressions. but, when they found that there was an offer to go on such a journey that could solve the kingdom's problem, they found themselves making the decision to stay.

now they've spent the night and have just woken up on a brand new day to have themselves prepared for their quest. morrison had originally wanted to just steal some "small things" the store owners wouldn't miss. but, lysander had changed his mind, he told him they should do things his way-- which was a no stealing way. they decide to go around, perhaps talk to some shop-owners, look out for anything they might need in advance, such as armor and weapons-- and hey, maybe they could earn some money.

[eli ayase]

PROMPT 1
ft mimoza

A hero is always prepared... But prepared for what? While I get ready to go on adventure, I hardly need to pack much. I take into consideration, not what I want, but what I need. Things that would be beneficial, considering my strengths an weaknesses. Now, I'm no fighter. So why would I need to pack armor? No, no, no. I haven't an urge in the world to fight, but instead write. When I am preparing for an adventure, I pack my backpack with a journal and pens. I also keep tape with me so I can tape objects and plants into my journal.

A good adventurer always knows their strengths, I think to myself, looking at the letter I received in the mail. I was summoned by some higher power to fight against the darkness; to bring back the solstice. I bite my lip nervously as I tuck it into a back and duck under my bed. There, under a mess of sketchbook and makers, is my journal. I grab it, dusting it off with one hand and putting it into my back with the other. A journal holds thoughts and feelings most adventurers don't record. I sigh, appreciating the bliss I still have.

In my town, I'm just a farmer. I hardly have respect from anyone, and so, I spend my days writing and eating honey in my living room.
It's quaint and lovely in my small town. There are fiddlers daily that play at the farmers market- At least, there were. Before the Darkness did a reaping. Now, people hide in fear. My bees produce less honey than ever. If I want something to change, I have to participate in the revival of our world. This may be no time for an ordinary author, but I'm going to prove that I'm no ordinary author.

[beautea]

prompt one
kalon used: althea

⊕

❝ This is not her first journey to battle, and it certainly will not be the last. ❞

[armed with: nothing. defenses: healing magic. pouch contains: food, herbal tonics, medical supplies]

[Flowerlily]

PROMPT 1

Marilee, Eda Cassidy, and Fauna had heard of the struggles of Kalokairi, and could no longer sit idly by as the inhabitants were plagued by dark forces. They allowed none of their own warriors to risk their lives for such a feat and believed that they should be the ones to help bring down such evils. Placing their kingdom’s leadership in their champion Arphenion’s hands, they set off to the armory and the castle’s healers to get the items for their journey.

Marilee, even before becoming queen had skills with a bow and arrow, an Archer. She equipped herself with her trusted bow and quiver of arrows as well as a handful of small knives in case of close combat. To help her mobility, she adorned herself with thick leather armor – much better for archers, as it provides more mobility than steel armor. The last things she brought was some money, extra clothing, and food all in a simple rucksack.

Eda Cassidy, the strongest of the group, trained as a Paladin with warriors of her guard. She was helped by her fellow queens to be strapped into her chainmail and metal armor. In case of battle, she would need the thickest of armor to block any blows to her person. She carried with her trusted short sword as well as other various knives and daggers. In her rucksack, she carried clothing for when she could step out of her armor, money, and food.

Fauna, the smallest of them, was a gentle soul and studied as a Healer. She knew she would not be strong enough to carry large weapons or wear thick armors, so she wore on her person thick cloth armor. It was not much, but it was enough to take some blows from a dagger, or slow down the impact of arrows. In case her fellow queens were injured while out on this journey with her, she carried in one of her bags a plethora of herbs for all sorts of remedies as well as small magical stones that would help would help the most grave of injuries. In her personal sack, she carried a beautiful dress – she hoped she would get a chance to wear it in cause there was a place the group could relax, some money, and food.

All three wore upon their heads simple circlets. They were very simple in comparison to their typical crowns, but they were enough to set them apart and show their rank.

With hope in their hearts and minds, they set off on their journey.

[Quillington]

Prompt one::