#cc: talila

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Chosen of the Sun | | dawn // fifteen

| @maladi777 | @amuhav | @catamano | @poisonedsimmer | @mangopysims

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ASTER: Look, Titania, isn’t he superb? TAYUIN: My name isn’t— ELVEN COURTESAN: Were you looking for some company? TAYUIN: I… ASTER: Why, yes he was! Come, come, sit! We were just about to start our game! ELVEN COURTESAN: I’m Ryll. TAYUIN: Tayuin. ELVEN COURTESAN: What a beautiful name for a beautiful boy. TAYUIN: That’s sweet, but… I utterly pale in comparison to you. ELVEN COURTESAN: You’re too kind, my lord. TAYUIN: I’m not, but I’d feel awful having you dragged all the way over here for nothing. Would you like to be my Fours partner? ASTER: And then tonight you can have him on all fours— ouch! EIRA: Stop being vile. ASTER: You’ve a mean kick, Witcher! I’m but a humble bard! ELVEN COURTESAN: What a rowdy bunch. TAYUIN: You don’t know the half of it. ELVEN COURTESAN: My lord, I could better see your hand if we could sit a little closer? TAYUIN: Right, o-of course. ELVEN COURTESAN: It’s not troublesome, I hope? TAYUIN: No… No. Why would it be? TALILA: The two of you look adorable together! I expect it will be a lovely wedding! TAYUIN: We’re not getting married! TALILA: Well, why the stars not? You’re spending all that money! EIRA: She doesn’t understand what a brothel is, does she? ASTER: Not at all! It’s funnier that way. EIRA: You’re cruel. ASTER: Precocious. I prefer “precocious”.  ELVEN COURTESAN: Everything alright, my lord? Are you uncomfortable? TAYUIN: No… no… ASTER: Your turn, Faerie Queen! ELVEN COURTESAN: My lord? TAYUIN: I’m sorry. I can’t. ASTER: Oh, I do so love coming here. THERION: That trick never gets old for you? ASTER: Of course not! Making people uncomfortable is endlessly entertaining! EIRA: Gods above. ASTER: Come now, Witcher. Don’t tell me you want to save him, too? ASTER: What a spoilsport! He brought it on himself, you know! EIRA: And if His Grace had left you high and dry with the consequences you’d brought down on yourself, where would you be right now? ASTER: Hum… EIRA: Give me that. THERION: Yessir.

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Chosen of the Sun | | dawn // fifty-two

| @rollingsim | @catamano | @keibea | @maladi777 | @poisonedsimmer | @amuhav | @sani-sims | @mangopysims | @izayoiri | @thesimperiuscurse

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THERION: What do you mean “King”? ELION: Yes, pray tell, what do you mean? TAYUIN: Why should we discuss anything in front of you? Can’t you wait outside? KYRIE: Tay… ELION: Rest assured, Prince of Faeries, I’ve no love in my heart for the Church. I won’t betray you to the clergy. I’m just here to keep your sainted priest safe and sound. KYRIE: He’s true to his word. At least, he’s kept it thus far. EIRA: What happened to your respect for authority? ELION: Darling, the only authority I’m interested in is in this room. EIRA: You really need to evaluate your priorities. KYRIE: Enough. Can we please focus? Lord Tev’us, care to explain? TAYUIN: I wouldn’t. We have no idea who this guy is. SARAYN: And why should I care either way? As far as I can tell, no one is trying to murder us. To these so-called vigilantes, the Chosen Ten must look like helpless victims drafted into a merciless battleground. If they’d like to bring the fight to our front, I am more than happy to accept the challenge. EVE: Let’s not be unreasonable. I’m sure most of us here would prefer to avoid violence. At least we should all be fully aware of all the stakes. So, if you will, please proceed. Let’s put everything out on the table here and now. SARAYN: Very well. It’s no secret. When the Valkyrie and I were transported into the past— thanks to your charming display of self-control— EVE: That’s so unnecessary! ASTER: If this whole magic tradition thing falls through, we ten would excel as a theater troupe! KYRIE: Lord Tev’us, do continue. SARAYN: We were witness to, what I assume to be, some sort of cover-up. One of the Chosen murdered by elves of the royal guard. KYRIE: Are you certain this is what you saw? SARAYN: Without question. ÅSE: Deathling is not wrong. It was all very confusing. Though, it seemed that all were familiar. They knew each other. Still, they killed him all the same… SARAYN: Before he was slain, the elf, Castien Thallan, alluded to having angered his father. The ambush seemed to be the escalation of a particularly long-standing conflict. Either Thallan’s father had substantial pull in the royal sphere, or was one who could command such an attack. Someone like the King. THERION: Killing his bastard and hiding the evidence? That’s low. SARAYN: Perhaps. In any case, the guard made it clear that Castien was not the first.

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Chosen of the Sun | | dawn // fifty-four

| @izayoiri | @maladi777 | @poisonedsimmer

INTERACTIVE POLL | Choose two of the chosen to accompany Kyrie and Elion into the dungeons. You may vote for up to two people. Vote now!

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KYRIE: We still have unanswered questions. But there’s only way to know for certain. Elora says they have Lucien’s murderer in custody. If they’re a Knight, then this could be our only shot at confronting one on our own terms. ASTER: Mm, except, how exactly are they our terms? I mean, I’ve dealt with the guard before. Wouldn’t exactly say they’re the generous sort. Definitely not the type to allow us to go waltzing in and interrogating their suspects. ELION: Depends who you ask. Let’s say someone might know their schedules, and just how many guards will be on duty. Not least of all, he might have a certain prowess in infiltrating places and getting information. KYRIE: I have my own ways of getting information. But… the guard still poses a problem. ELION: Nothing a well sharpened blade won’t solve. KYRIE: We’re not going to kill them. INDRYR: Then, might I propose another plan? I can make a concoction of sleeping gas. Simply place the pods about the dungeons, and the guards will be out in a matter of moments. It’ll only give you fifteen minutes, but perhaps it’ll be enough time to get in and get answers. THERION: And if it’s not? Then you’ll need to be prepared when everybody wakes up. KYRIE: It’s not a bad plan. Then, suppose a small team would work best. Elion, you’ll stay with me. ELION: Of course, Your Grace. KYRIE: I can manage the interrogation, but as for getting in and out cleanly…

[simlit]

Chosen of the Sun | | dawn // seventy-four

| @catamano | @keibea | @poisonedsimmer | @amuhav | @mangopysims

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TALILA: Your Grace, you never drink much! Don’t you enjoy the taste? KYRIE: Does anyone? THERION: I’ll bet you could drink anyone here under the table. Even the Witcher! KYRIE: You’re not entirely wrong. High elves are mostly immune to spirits. ÅSE: WHAT?! WHO CAN LIVE SUCH LIFE! I WOULD CHOOSE DEATH! THERION: Nothing honorable in that. They’d never let you into Valhalla. ÅSE: There’s no Valhalla without drink! EIRA: I feel like we’ve been here before… me talking you down off a ledge. TAYUIN: Let’s hope it doesn’t end the same as last time. EIRA: I thought you were done with the whole Sad Boy number. TAYUIN: I’m not sad, I’m… conflicted. EIRA: Conflicted? TAYUIN: Can we not do this? EIRA: We’re doing it. Mercy’s sake, will you just relax? TAYUIN: And when’s the last time you relaxed? EIRA: I’m working on it. TAYUIN: Are you? EIRA: Maybe. We’ll see where the night goes. Anyways, this isn’t about me. TAYUIN: It could be. EIRA: If this is about the Priest again— TAYUIN: It’s not about him. It’s about… me. EIRA: And what’s the matter with you? TAYUIN: That’s just… it. I am. I’m the problem. TAYUIN: He’s… he’s frustrating, and ridiculous and… EIRA: You care about him. TAYUIN: I care about him. And maybe he cares about me, too. Maybe he shouldn’t. EIRA: Is that really your decision to make? TAYUIN: It’s my decision to pursue it. He’s made that clear. I’m sure he has his reasons. Maybe they’re not great reasons. At the end of the day, if I really cared about him, then I would want what was best for him. And I don’t know if I’m that person. EIRA: You and I, we’re constantly looking for excuses. Don’t you ever wonder why? TAYUIN: Why? EIRA: Why we work so hard to punish ourselves? Isn’t it completely reasonable that we might deserve nice things, too? EIRA: I see her and I wonder why it’s so easy for her to say what she wants. To be happy in the meantime. I don’t know how to be like that, but I know her way… her way is better. EIRA: He likes you, Tayuin. If you push him away— for his sake, for yours, whatever stupid excuse you use to justify it— you’re really just punishing the both of you. TAYUIN: Speaking from experience? EIRA: That’s putting it mildly.

[simlit]

Chosen of the Sun | | dawn // seventy-three

| @catamano | @keibea | @poisonedsimmer | @thesimperiuscurse | @inouvasplace | @maladi777 | @amuhav | @sani-sims | @rollingsim

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ÅSE: More drink! THERION: There isn’t anymore, Åse. This is all we could get. ÅSE: ACK! This won’t do! How can make drink contest with no drink?! EIRA: You’ve already lost once, Blondie. I wouldn’t be so eager for a rematch. ELION: Mm, your confidence is so attractive. Have I told you? EIRA: Who invited you? ASTER: Now, now everyone, calm down! I have arrived! Finally, this jamboree can begin! THERION: Hey, play the one I wrote. ASTER: See, I would do that, but there’s the whole matter about it being utterly rubbish. THERION: Eh—? TAIYO: Indryr, did you bring books to the party? INDRYR: Oh, yes. At least three. Well, it’ll be hard to focus with all the noise and distraction, but I think it only reasonable to be prepared. (TAYUIN: …fucking nerds.) SARAYN: You seem to be rather muted tonight, Lord Faerie. Suppose you’ve come down with a bout of seasonal depression? TAYUIN: You’re one to talk… What are you even doing here? SARAYN: I was invited, same as you. In fact, I thought we all were. That’s the point. TAYUIN: That’s not what I meant. [your sense of humor seriously needs some work] You’ve never passed up a chance to slip away and introvert out. What’s so different about this time? SARAYN: I’ve a matter to address with the Priest. Amongst other things. Perhaps I’m interested in enjoying the ambience. TAYUIN: Not suspicious at all… ÅSE: No brooding allowed at party, Tiny Pixie! Deathling, I hope you bring many stories! SARAYN: Certainly. And if you’re good, maybe I’ll tell you one. ÅSE: HAH?! WHY SAYS THIS? Did you hear, Monster Hunter?! Deathling is make jokes! KYRIE: Everyone is so lively… EVE: It’ll be good for you. You should try and relax a little. I know you’re probably still thinking about what happened, but remember to take some time for yourself. We will figure it out, Kyrie. KYRIE: Thank you. I’ll do my best.

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Chosen of the Sun | | dawn // fifty-one

| @catamano | @keibea | @izayoiri | @thesimperiuscurse | @maladi777 | @poisonedsimmer | @amuhav | @sani-sims | @mangopysims | @rollingsim

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TALILA: What’s going on? This all seems very official… EVE: And worrisome. Kyrie, you look like you’ve seen a ghost. KYRIE: I’m just upset… No, I’m passed upset. EVE: It’ll be alright. We’ll get through it, whatever it is, but first you need to calm down. KYRIE: I’m trying. EVE: Deep breaths. KYRIE: Right. ÅSE: Enough of this. Stop smacking around tree. What is going to be done! TALILA: Has something happened? KYRIE: Please, everyone, sit down. KYRIE: I made a promise to you all to be honest. Admittedly, I don’t know all the details myself, but the truth is… I’m alone in this. I expect some of you still see me as part of this system, and I can’t fault you for it. But with things getting so difficult, I don’t know who else to turn to but the ten of you. I trust all of you more than anyone else. SARAYN: And him? Shouldn’t we be introduced to our mysterious twelfth? KYRIE: Everyone, this is Elion. He’s been assigned to my protection, and I can go nowhere without him. You see, before you all arrived here, my sister, Lady Alphanei Loren, was taken hostage by a vigilante group known as the Knights of Dawn. They are ransoming her life in return for the disbanding of the trials. A plan that won’t work for them while I still live. They’ve already made one attempt on my life. If Lord Tev’us hadn’t been with me that night, surely I’d already be dead. ÅSE: Mm… TALILA: How awful! But… how are we just now hearing of it? Why wouldn’t they want us to know? THERION: I expect they don’t want anyone to know. Stirring up confusion and fear makes for panic. Panic is hard to control. INDRYR: And they are all about control. EIRA: So what? If we sit here with our thumbs up our asses, they’ll just send more people to kill you. Does your Priestess think she can lock you— and us— up forever? KYRIE: Lucien is dead. This isn’t something they can contain. The entire city will be in chaos soon enough. EVE: Lucien is dead? But why? Who would kill him? INDRYR: That is the question. Considering everything, it would be naïve to think the two matters were not connected. ÅSE: He is innocent child! What cares he about knights and dawn? It is absurd! INDRYR: Yes, the child was almost certainly innocent. I expect it is more what he represented. ASTER: Well, don’t speak in riddles! Not all of us grew up in libraries, you know! KYRIE: Represents… Of course. EVE: Oh… Lucien’s mother… KYRIE: The Aravae offer enormous financial support to the church. Aside from the Eveydan Crown, they’re the main source of funding. Unbelievable. The Queen of Kera was the leading supporter for the Selenehelion’s reformation… SARAYN: Then they are not at all interested in compromise. Bloodsport or not, it seems they will stop at nothing to bring the ceremony down entirely. I expect they have very good reason. EIRA: Being angry about how a ceremony was conducted centuries ago doesn’t make a great case for slaughtering children. SARAYN: But it was not centuries ago. Those that have been robbed by these trials still live. To lose a love, a purpose… a King. No, I doubt they have forgotten. And I doubt less they shall forgive.

[simlit]

Chosen of the Sun | | dawn // fifty-three

| @izayoiri | @catamano | @keibea | @thesimperiuscurse | @maladi777 | @poisonedsimmer | @amuhav | @sani-sims | @mangopysims | @rollingsim

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TALILA: But… what does that mean? EIRA: It means that the trials have been used as a veil before. INDRYR: Indeed, I was particularly interested in this matter. While all the temple archives are locked, thereby restricting any historic record of past Selenhelions kept by the church, this is not the case outside of it. KYRIE: Outside of it? INDRYR: It occurred to me that there must be other sources keeping track of the trials. And in fact, the Church’s reach did not extend to the city’s scribes. Simply put, I checked the newspaper. TALILA: Our heist! INDRYR: That’s right. I asked Aster and Talila to assist me. A charming smile and a coy look can get you awfully far. With a bit of convincing, the pagemaster allowed us into their archives. There are copies of news scrolls going back generations. I scoured as many as I could that coincided with the dates of past Selenhelions, dating back seventy years. I noticed there was an emerging pattern of strange activity. Disappearances, vanishings, unexplained deaths. Usually victims of some rapport; politicians, aristocrats, even clergy. These stories seemed to be somewhat underreported. A logical conclusion when one considers that during the month of the trials, the news cycle will be overwhelmed by festival business and stories of the games themselves. TAYUIN: You think they’ve been using the trials as a front for… what? Sweeping their dirty laundry under the rug? INDRYR: Of course, it’s only speculative. I can’t prove anything definitively with my findings. But then, the Church and the Crown, alike, seem stubbornly set in their ways. One has to wonder why they’re so resistant for things to change? TAIYO: I’m sure there’s a sensible justification. KYRIE: Taiyo is right. The ceremony isn’t just a religious tradition. At least, it hasn’t been for a long time. Since allowing foreigners to participate, attendance has increased tenfold. It’s an incredibly profitable endeavor for the city, what with all the tourism. EIRA: I’ll do a lot for money, but Indryr’s onto something. They aren’t leaving your sister out to dry for a couple gold coins. EVE: And perhaps these Knights of Dawn know it. After all, killing Lucien will sow discord between Eveyda and Kera. They’re threatening the powers that be on every front. THERION: So, where does that leave us?

[simlit]

Chosen of the Sun | | forest // thirty-seven

| @rollingsim | @keibea | @mangopysims | @sani-sims | @poisonedsimmer | @catamano | @maladi777 | @izayoichan

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SARAYN: Someone is coming. ÅSE: Hm? Guards again? We fight? SARAYN: We should leave quietly while we still can. ÅSE: They will see fire. They will know we are here. GUARD: We are already well aware you are here. It seems those of the darkwood still do not know their place. SARAYN: On the contrary; the arrogance of high elves is as renown as your skill. GUARD: Tch. I did not think the bastard’s following was so… diverse. Seems we’ve underestimated him. No matter. You will meet the same end as your ill-fated master. ÅSE: The portal! We go! EIRA: Åse! ÅSE: Witcher? What is this? You are in past now, too? Where are guards? TALILA: Guards? EIRA: You’re back now, thank the stars. THERION: Lord Tev’us! INDRYR: You’ve been shot. SARAYN: It’s just the shoulder… ÅSE: … EVE: Come and sit, let me see the wound. SARAYN: Don’t be foolish. We both know the last thing you’d enjoy is saving my life again. I am well enough. Take the banner and I’ll show myself to the clerics. EVE: You’re right. I don’t owe you any kindness. But unlike you, I don’t need a reason to act with compassion. Sit down or I shall make you. SARAYN: … My lady. EVE: Brace yourself, but I must remove the arrow, first. ASTER: Make sure to yank nice and slow, I hear that helps. TALILA: Oh! Aster… EIRA: What happened back there, anyways? ÅSE: It is… strange story. I shall tell you later at tavern. EVE: Are you well? SARAYN: I am. Thank you, my lady. EVE: Mm. SARAYN: The banner. Please, take it. EVE: You did not seem quite as willing before. What has changed? SARAYN: I should accept that I’ve been beaten. Surely it will not aid me to cross my lady further. EVE: laughing No, it won’t. TALILA: Ah! Look there! ASTER: A fox? TALILA: A think we’re meant to follow it. INDRYR: It must be showing us the way out.  THERION: You really alright? SARAYN: I am. THERION: Heh. Battlewounds make nice trophies. Embrace your new scars. SARAYN: Yes, they will be good reminders.

[simlit]

Chosen of the Sun | | dawn // four

| @izayoichan | @mangopysims | @thesimperiuscurse | @poisonedsimmer

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THERION: What good timing. You’re just the girl I was looking for. TALILA: My, that could mean all sorts of fun things! Tell me all about it. THERION: I was hoping you could help me with something. You got a minute? TALILA: I have lots of them! INDRYR: Is that my cue to get lost? THERION: Your words, not mine. But you know, if you spent less time cozying up with your plants and holding grudges, maybe we’d invite you around. INDRYR: Oh? Like they invite you around? I was under the impression you’d been excommunicated. Something about condoning homicide. THERION: coughs There’s more than a few people around here that have their knickers in a twist. INDRYR: I imagine you think I’m one of them. THERION: Something, something if the shoe fits. TALILA: Boys, please… THERION: Now look, you’ve made me act sassy in front of the lady. TALILA: giggling INDRYR: Heaven forbid. TALILA: Let’s meet up later, okay Indy? INDRYR: Mm. TAIYO: Indryr? INDRYR: Oh, Taiyo. TAIYO: Everything alright? You look a bit down.  INDRYR: All is well. At least, as well as can be expected. Perhaps, a bit homesick. TAIYO: Ah, understandable. It’s been nearly a month already. Hard to believe. INDRYR: On the other hand, a great deal has happened. Three weeks is a short time, after all. TAIYO: I expect even shorter for faeries or dragons. INDRYR: That is true. And you? You don’t speak much of home. TAIYO: It’s a beautiful place, but suppose I haven’t formed the attachments others might. It never felt much like a home to me. INDRYR: What a shame. TAIYO: Maybe. But then, staying in one place isn’t necessarily to one’s benefit. Anyways, Lord Tev’us and I were just about to meet up in the library, if you’d like to join us. INDRYR: The library? A welcome distraction, thank you.

[simlit]

Chosen of the Sun | | dawn // eighteen

| @maladi777 | @poisonedsimmer | @mangopysims

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COURTESANS: Bye, bye! Thanks for coming! ASTER: Even when I’m not paying, they get all my money… TALILA: You were robbed? ASTER: Robbed? Yes, let’s go with that. Anyways, I’m sure not up to snuff, perhaps milady will escort me back to my room? TALILA: No, no, I think you’re better off with a different sort of escort. ASTER: Eh? TALILA: Tada! ASTER: Pass. TALILA: Oh go on. I’ll see you both tomorrow! ASTER: Little devil… who taught her this? THERION: I have an idea. ASTER: Ugh, on second thought, I’m not that drunk. I’ll head back on my own. THERION: You’re still avoiding me, then? ASTER: I told you I— ASTER: sighs Oh, alright, fine. Let’s go. THERION: I admit, I didn’t expect you’d be so bothered. I always thought you were type not to get hung up on anything. ASTER: I’m not hung up. Look, I don’t like to let things get to me. But sometimes, things get to me. THERION: It’s just a game— ASTER: I’ve played those kinds of games before. Not willingly, and it was never my turn. It’s always the ones laughing who write the rules, and those on the receiving end of a poorly dealt hand, well, it’s not that fun. THERION: I just… ASTER: If you want to go around mucking people up in trials, I can’t tell you not to. THERION: I don’t want to upset you, Aster. ASTER: Why should you care? THERION: Well, you’re my friend. ASTER: Friend? That’s… interesting. THERION: At least, I thought we were. I guess maybe I was wrong. ASTER: I don’t know if you are. Honestly, I’ve never stayed long in anyone’s lives, and they’ve never stayed long in mine. I’m sure once we all leave here, we’ll go our separate ways. Are we “friends”? Maybe, for a time. While it’s convenient. I don’t know. I’ve never had one before. THERION: Never? ASTER: Are friends people you see from time to time? People you’re familiar with that probably wouldn’t bat an eye if they saw you in a spot of trouble? I’ve got people I’d drink with. Hells, maybe even people I’d lend a silverpence, if the timing was right. But beyond that, beats me. THERION: I would say… a friend is some you can rely on. Someone who wouldn’t go out of their way to hurt you, because even if they might not say so, they care about your happiness, and they want to see you well. Maybe your ideals don’t always align, but you enjoy each other’s company, and you’d hate to see them go. ASTER: Can’t imagine anyone feeling that way about me. THERION: Well, I do. ASTER: Hm. THERION: I’m sorry… about what happened during the trial. I… it’s not the first time I’ve gotten carried away. I could make excuses and say I’ve got a knack for following bad orders; It wouldn’t be the first time “playing along” with someone’s ideas got me in trouble. At the end of the day, I was the one who agreed. And I didn’t stop them. Though, this time… I should have drawn my line in the sand. ASTER: And the Witcher? You apologize to her? She’s the one you really hurt, after all. THERION: Eira seems to take things less personally. Though, that’s probably another can of worms entirely. I’ll still talk to her. Drive the point home. ASTER: Good. Probably best. THERION: I can still walk you back to your room, if you’d like. Might not have the same, uh, flare as the Nymph and probably won’t end as excitingly but… ASTER: Ah, might as well. You never know in this city, a poor bard alone and defenseless? My gods, there’s monsters out there!

[simlit]

Chosen of the Sun | | forest // sixty-five

| @maladi777 | @mangopysims

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TALILA: It doesn’t have to be that way. Maybe you were alone in the past, but you needn’t be now. You could find someplace— someone, to run to. ASTER: I told you, Little Bloom, I’m not— TALILA: Yes, I heard what you said. You’re reckless. And not nearly as self-serving as you think you are. But I didn’t ask for permission, Aster. I like you. Maybe you’ve not met someone like me before, and you’re not used to people wanting to try— ASTER: No, that’s not it— TALILA: Well, I’m not asking you to fall in love with me, heavens and honeybees! If you’d rather I go— TALILA: Oh—! ASTER: It’s not that I want you to go, but I don’t know that I’m right for you any which way you look at it. I’m not the serious type, Little Bloom. I’m here for a good time, not necessarily a long time… TALILA: Then don’t make it any deeper than it needs to be right now. A good time is enough for me. ASTER: Yeah? Well, I could get on board with that. TALILA: Your music is back. Your curse is broken. We should celebrate, hm? Let’s have some fun. ASTER: Solid plan. I just have some… suggestions about the… methodology. TALILA: Oh, I’m sure you do.

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Chosen of the Sun | | dawn // forty-eight

| @maladi777 | @mangopysims | @izayoiri

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TALILA: That one was my favorite! ASTER: laughs You say that about all of them. TALILA: Well, that’s because they’re all my favorite! ASTER: Don’t they have music back where you come from? TALILA: Of course we have music, silly. But not like this. ASTER: An absolute tragedy. TALILA: It will be so difficult to go back home. Maybe I should learn to play before I go. ASTER: Go back… Ah. That’s right. You’ll be wanting to return to your forests, I expect. TALILA: I’m sorry. I didn’t think before speaking. ASTER: What have you to apologize for? TALILA: I expect it must be hard to hear, when you don’t have a home to go back to. ASTER: Oh, that’s alright. You needn’t worry about me. ASTER: What was it… like there? TALILA: Green Isle? Oh, it’s just as you probably imagine. A gorgeous, secret little world. Safe, protected from the outside. It’s funny, my father used to tell me a great deal about the dangers beyond our island. It's not nearly as bad as he said! Though, it’s not easy to cross between realms. You could say, my ending up here was just a happy accident. But I’ve been away for some time… ASTER: You… miss your home a lot, then? TALILA: Yes, very much. This place is strange and beautiful, but… not where I intended to end up. I didn’t mind getting swept away. All the new places I’ve seen and people I’ve met, I don’t regret any of it. But I don’t belong here, after all. ASTER: You could. TALILA: Maybe. But, well, to leave my forests, my family… I don’t know. It’s a scary thought. ASTER: No, you’re right. And you shouldn’t give it up for a lot of nothing. TALILA: Ah… right. That’s… true… INDRYR: Am I interrupting? TALILA: Hi, Indy! Not at all! Did you come to dance? INDRYR: laughs Sorry, not exactly. I was wondering if I couldn’t enlist your help again. ASTER: Hm? INDRYR: Actually, both of you would be perfect for the task. I require a certain charm. Having a more diverse ensemble might prove advantageous. ASTER: Ha! I see smooth-talkers are in high demand these days. What do you say, Little Bloom? Shall we? TALILA: Another heist? Absolutely!

[simlit]

Chosen of the Sun | | dawn // five

| @poisonedsimmer | @mangopysims

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THERION: So, I have this idea. TALILA: Oh, I like those! THERION: Last trial I kind of… well, let’s say I messed up. Made a few people mad. TALILA: I might know something about that. THERION: You’re not upset at me, are you? TALILA: laughs No. But I can see why they might be. Given the circumstances, it’s hard to see where the line is drawn between game and conquest. Maybe even I’ve taken things too lightly. THERION: I didn’t want anyone to get seriously hurt… TALILA: But they did, didn’t they? THERION: Yeah… TALILA: So, tell me about your idea. THERION: I want to make it up to them… Aster and Eira. TALILA: You’re going to apologize? THERION: Ah, yeah, well… Apologies are… I mean, it’s hard to get either of them to give me a minute to say anything, much less “I’m sorry”. TALILA: I get it. You need a way to get them around without them knowing what for. We need to devise a heist! THERION: Uhh… I don’t think that’s the word— TALILA: Let’s see, they love drinking… and winning more drinks. Oh! I know just the thing! Here’s what we’ll do…

[simlit]

Chosen of the Sun | | forest // sixty-three

| @maladi777 | @mangopysims

POLL RESULTS |​

Talila win's the Heart's Pursuit poll.

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TALILA: You’re playing again. Then, the curse has lifted? ASTER: I suppose it has. It’s slow to return, but it is coming. TALILA: Ah! I’m so happy for you. I wonder, what changed? ASTER: Funny story that… Well, suppose it’s not so funny. I uh… I went back to that temple. The one where I found the damned thing in the first place. TALILA: But how? ASTER: A little help from some err- “friends”. It was probably a stupid idea. No, it was a stupid idea. I realize that now. Even if it was the right thing to do, it was risky. And not just for me. I thought I’d lost everything. When I couldn’t play or sing I… But I realized something in that chamber. TALILA: What was it? ASTER: My life still mattered more to me. I was desperate, but in the end, I just wanted to keep going. Even if I was going on with nothing. I guess I have more than I thought I did. And hells, maybe there really are gods out there listening. Maybe they liked what I had to say. TALILA: I remember when I was still young, all sorts of folk would come into our forests. They’d leave gifts for my father. They said the druids were the spirit of the wood; That if they were kindly, and could win his favor, he might grant their hopes and dreams. A bit silly, yeah? ASTER: A bit. TALILA: Well, we haven’t the power to grant hopes and dreams, but if they believe in something, maybe it still does them good to come and leave us trinkets. Whether the gods are there or if they’re listening isn’t what’s important. Your efforts matter, too. What you’re willing to do to set things right… if you’re honest… that matters more.

[simlit]

Chosen of the Sun | | forest // sixty-four

| @maladi777 | @mangopysims

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ASTER: Do you believe in the gods, Little Bloom? TALILA: Mm. I believe in me. I believe in you. I believe in enjoying things for what they are, not what could be. ASTER: Yeah? I sort of like that. TALILA: It’s much simpler that way. ASTER: You know, it’s not my first brush with death. And not in the way these trials have been all manner of violent and murderous since we started. I’ve spent a lot of my life just trying to see tomorrow. I thought, once, it was over. It’s been a long time since then… Somewhere along the way I taught myself how to tuck those truths in dark corners. Learned to convince myself it never mattered anyways. Cuz you can’t hurt if you don’t care, right? But I do care. I did. TALILA: What happened back then? ASTER: Ah, you know what the say. Kids are cruel. I was never much liked. Growing up, humans hated me for being part elf, and elves hated me for being part human. It wasn’t my fault, either way, but they sure wanted me to think so. Blamed me for all sorts of things. Small things… not so small things. It seemed not a day went by when I wasn’t getting brought up on some kind of charge. If anything ever went missing in town, mine was the first name on their lips. ASTER: It was easy for them to blame the odd one out. And back then I didn’t have the sort of charisma I have now. A temper, sure, but fighting only ever made it worse. There was this group of… TALILA: Bullies? ASTER: To put it lightly. But it was more complicated. I… don’t remember much. I know that something bad had happened in the village. Something terrible. They’d found the body of a neighbor by the river. He was young. Maybe we’d played together once or… I don’t know. No one knew what had happened really. If it’d been an accident or… if someone had… Well, they wanted answers, and when they couldn’t find them they fell back into old habits. TALILA: Blaming the odd one out. ASTER: I was a child myself. Or I was. But that night I suppose I became a murderer. At least, in the village’s collective mind. I just remember running. Far as I could go. Wasn’t far, mind you. Little legs only have so much strength. I hid. Some old abandoned thing. No one had lived there long as I’d been alive. And I just waited. Even when they came and called, I didn’t move. Even when they stopped calling; When it was quiet and they’d gone. I was afraid, and so I stayed there in that room. I stayed. As the smoke crept under the door and the floorboards grew warm. When I smelled the fire and it was too late. I thought I would die there. And just like back in that chamber, I wanted to go on. How I managed to pull myself up and crawl out of that burning house I’ll never know. But I’ve never been able to confront it again. When the fires burn too hot… I’ll always run.

[simlit]

Chosen of the Sun | | forest // eighteen

| @maladi777 | @catamano | @izayoichan | @mangopysims

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TALILA: Aster? ASTER: Oh, what do you know? There’s still good left in this godforsaken place. INDRYR: You’re injured. I’ve got a potion that can help. EIRA: Thank you. INDRYR: What happened to you two? ASTER: Had the unfortunate luck of running into a less friendly pair. Shame you missed the show. TALILA: You mean, another team did this to you? INDRYR: I can hazard a guess which one. ASTER: Best keep away from the dark elf and his idiot lackey. They’ve taken our banner already, I’m sure they won’t hesitate to come for yours. Though, I’m sure you’d fare a good shake better, Little Bloom. I’d rather you not have to. Just to be safe. TALILA: Before this trial, I would have said we’d never fight each other. I suppose, I don’t really know the kinds of people we’re dealing with. I guess you were right, Indy. INDRYR: Cynicism and reality often go hand in hand. I find it easier to have no faith in humanity so that I can never be disappointed. EIRA: I like this guy. INDRYR: Thank you, I quite like myself, too. TALILA:  Maybe the four of us should stick together? EIRA: Fine by me. I’m not particularly interested in winning in the first place. You, Bard? ASTER: At this rate, I think I’d rather not. I’ll just be happy not to come out of this forest as a full-cooked meal. TALILA: Then it’s settled. We’ll be safer if we travel as one. And these trials are starting to make me nervous. TALILA: You’re looking better than when last I saw you. Admittedly, hasn’t been much these past few days. I was worried. ASTER: I know, Little Bloom. I’m afraid I just haven’t been myself. It’s not you I was avoiding. Hell, I wasn’t trying to avoid anyone. I was just trying to work out a problem that doesn’t really have a solution. TALILA: What do you mean? If something’s the matter, you can always tell me. Even if I can’t fix it, I’d like to be there for you. ASTER: You’re a real genuine person. I’ve not known many of those. It’s refreshing. TALILA: Oh, thank you… ASTER: Problem is, I’m the same as I’ve always been. Reckless and self-serving. I do a lot of stupid things. And win even more stupid prizes. I don’t want to drag anyone else into that, willingly or otherwise. The Witcher was right. Even welcomed in, I’ll do my best to force myself out. TALILA: Aster. If you’re telling me to go, then I’ll go. But say as much and nothing less. If you need time, I’ll give it to you. If you need space, you can have that, too. Just as long as you’ll let me come back, eventually. I can be patient and I can be right here beside you. It doesn’t hurt me to help you. ASTER: I’m… just not used to having people want to stick around. TALILA: I’m not people. ASTER: That you’re not, Little Bloom. TALILA: Will you tell me what’s going on? ASTER: I… uh… might have taken a cursed skull from that treasured up cave we found. Apparently didn’t care for being displaced, and it sort of… stole my music. TALILA: Oh! Well… that’s horrible. Was it… a very nice looking skull? ASTER: Wh— Hahahaha! TALILA: Hmm, no? ASTER: It did look pretty… distinguished. TALILA: Perfectly understandable, then. ASTER: I certainly thought so… at the time. TALILA: Well, we all make mistakes.