The Smallest Things Amuse Me

[Aria Wurud]

It was a drizzly fall day, the air was nippy everything was wet as a fine mist weighed everything down. The weather showed no sign of changing, so most were huddled away indoors or making their miserable ways down the streets. A young woman was among the few on the streets, however the lousy weather hardly did anything to dampen her cheerful nature. The red head had a blissful smile on her face as she enjoyed the cool weather. Something about rain always made her feel energetic.



The woman was short in stature and had a small frame; she had long wavy garnet color hair that was tied into a braid which was slung over her shoulder. Her attire was simple; being a pair of brown pants tucked into knee high boots, and a man's red tunic that seemed several sizes too large for her. A black travelers cloak hung around her shoulders, although it did little for warmth at the moment for it was soaked through much like the rest of her clothing. A gold chain hung around her neck, its red amulet hidden in her shirt. Bright blue green eyes scanned her surroundings through thick black lashes; they were alit with curiosity and wonder as she gazed at this new wonderful city. But probably the most distinguishing feature of this young woman was the large flame like scar that marred the otherwise angelic face.



Aria having checked in on the progress of her daggers was in the process of exploring this new city. She was amazed that everything seemed to blend into nature, while also having beautiful polished marble everywhere. She had to say she may have preferred this to the red city which use to be Feyerlun....yes her childhood home was now split into three but this new city just seemed like home. Plus her dad did say that's where there house had ended up. So she had a home here as well as in Oroun. One thing however when this marble got wet it certainly was slippery.



As she approached a hill an amusing impulse struck Aria, causing a child like grin to alit her face. She pulled off her cloak, looked left, then looked right...No one was around...so. She took a few steps back before taking a running start. Using her cloak as a mat she dove and full out belly slid down the long marbled road. Giggling like a mad woman as she spun out near the end. She liked this place!

[Deleted]

"The Threat of Toldale is upon us! Rampant monsters plague our country and infect others with a disease we cannot stop! Our treasury plundered and the artifacts of our forefathers taken! What are we to do, King Fairchild?" A menacing gaze erupted from Solomon as he sat upon the chamber of the councilmen. A group of decrepit and feeble minded elderly men that called themselves the voice of the people of Setanul. In reality they were pawns that were tallied to the strings of the King of Setanul. They neither gave any orders or placed any edicts in which tied itself to the misgiving of the poor or the rich. They merely adapted the title of Council and danced around the fiddle that Solomon played until ordered to do otherwise. Solomon snickered slyly as he looked towards the councilmen, "We shall do what we always have done. We shall survive. This country will never falter under the guise of the False King Ambrosia. We shall not beckon under the rules of beastly creatures that roam in our shadows. They may have taken a relic of this country, but they will never take our hearts of each and every one of our citizens. They are the foundation that drives this country and as long as we have that this country shall always prosper. " Solomon stood from his chair and folded his arms tightly as his gazed towards each councilmen. His crimson red eyes burned even in the in the dim lit room as it was and his golden clad armor glittered along the soft illusive light. "My father was one of the few that built this country and I will not see it falter to anyone." His words stung of a hostile tone as glanced at each elderly man. He promised himself that his fathers legacy would not be sullied by any man, woman, or creature that lurked in his midst and his sword would strike them down before they even had the chance to react. Solomon removed himself from further question as he motioned towards the door, escorted by two guards.

"Send for a escort. I wish to return to castle. No carriage is needed, I wish to walk upon my streets if only for a brief moment." The guards nodded and as Solomon stood by the door guarded by others his eyes stared into the constant streaming rain that fell down upon the land. The rain brought a illusive beauty to the city of Setanul. It brought out a alluring glow that many could never see within the normal sunny day within its busy streets. "Ambrosia...Do you really wish to end all this?" Solomon wanted to believe that if he declared war and ended the life of Ambrosia that it would change there world for the better, but that was half-baked nonsense. If he ended the life of Ambrosia, wouldn't another simply take his place? Does killing one man really change anything? A guard bowed towards Solomon before opening the door onto the desolate streets of Setanul. He took one step forward and mumbled to himself, "If I kill every man like him. That would change this world."

They had nearly been walking for twenty minutes before nearing a curve. A loud noise struck his ear as it approached becoming louder and louder, "Is that gigglin-" A loud robust woman crashed into one of his guards before long as he paused and chuckled loudly at the situation, "I see someone is having fun on our streets at least." A smiled happily as he gazed towards the woman. The childish grin that ensnared her beautiful face caught his gaze as he analyzed her luscious curves. The guard angered stood up in fury ready to arrest the woman before Solomon interjected, "Let her go. She did no wrong. She's simply having fun. I wish I could do the same thing at times on a rainy day like this." The Guard sighed and motioned back into formation, "Yes, my king."

Solomon grinned towards the woman, "Hello. I'm Solomon Fairchild and you are?" The rain softly dripping down his cheek as his cloak and hood did little to protect him from the ever-circulating exposure.

[Aria Wurud]

BAM! Her body hit a very well armored leg that sent her rolling onto her back. Her giggling stopped for a moment as she blinked in stunned surprise. That kinda hurt....She looked around and realized what had occurred; which only brought another round of giggles.

"My apologies good sir"

She pushed herself into a sitting position, on arm slung around her knee. Water dripped from her hair as strands stuck to her face. She pushed some stray strands behind a slightly pointed ear. Her apologies seemed to go unheard as the guard stood obviously angered. A delicate eyebrow arched as she looked up at him; her giggles ceased for the moment. It would be truly unfortunate to be arrested so shortly after coming to the city. Wouldn't be the first time she was arrested but she doubted she wanted to see the dungeons of this new city as she had the old ones of Feyerlun....she vaguely wondered if the old emperor ever repaired his floor after that encounter....

She seemed to come out of her small trip down memory lane when a male spoke with authority. Her amused gaze looked up; a royal by looks and a rare one who seemed to be able to identify fun when he saw it. She liked that. Aria gave him a toothy grin as she stood up, picking up her rain drenched cloak and wrapping it around her shoulders with a slosh.

"Your welcome to join me; we can make a game out of who can knock over the most by standers."

Another giggle escaped her lips as she winked at the guard who she had accidently knocked down.

"But I apologize again, I'm sure it didn't feel very nice to get knocked over."

She liked fun but she wasn't completely rude, she did feel slightly bad for knocking the man over how ever funny it may have been. Aria turned back to whom the man had just addressed as king...now that was a bit surprising. But as her luck would have it she would be the one to crash into the kings guards. At least she was meeting this one BEFORE she got thrown into a cell. When he introduced himself Aria gave a low bow.

"A pleasure to slide into you my king; my name is Aria Wurud...Has anyone told you that you have the same eyes as the old emperor Zarious. Same shade of red to."

What a curiosity that was indeed...

[Deleted]

The promise of knocking over bystanders as he slide through the city with the joyful prepossessing woman was tempting to Solomon, but like many things he could never achieve such enjoyment. Even as a child he was never able to truly enjoy himself. His father wanted him ready for anything that the adversaries of Setanul threw at them. He was never able to play or frolic with the other children without being hassled by studies and training. Though he asked himself wishfully in his mind, "What was a king if did not enjoy himself if only for a short-coming?" Solomon couldn't abandon those feelings even if he wanted, because they made him the king he was today. To abandon happiness and to seek solitude would be foolish of him, because wasn't a single person in this world that could withstand solitude even if they preferred it. He knew if he abandoned this chance he would be sacrificing his own happiness and that would make him nothing more than a puppet pulled along the strings of his own misgivings.
"You know what? I accept your offer. " He snapped his fingers and placed his hand at each of his hips, "I'm sure no one would mind if I had a little fun for once right, guardsmen?" The guardsmen nodded and bowed in solace with no objections. They had there orders to protect the king and if he wished to slide down a hill on a rainy afternoon then they simply had to protect the king at all cost. He motioned back up towards the hill, "The old emperor Zarious, you say? I believe I am a distant descendant of Zarious. A cousin...I still weep at the circumstances of his death, but time moves on, correct? Yet it is a pleasure to meet you, Aria Wurud. Are you a citizen here or a adventurer that happened to cross paths with our city and took to sliding down our streets for enjoyment?" He spoke in calm and engaging tone as he looked towards the woman with a fair smile against his lips.

[Aria Wurud]

Surprise and joy alit on her face, she had not been expecting him to accept her offer. FINALY! A noble who wasn't such a stick in the mud! She liked this man, making this city all the better! She clapped her hands, obviously pleased by his acceptance to her offer...It also meant she had a slide free card now. No one could get mad at her if the king was roped into doing it as well.

"Wonderful!...Do you think we can borrow a couple of your guards shields? I would imagine they would do wonders for the speed down the hill. That or they can join us more the merrier, we can make a race out of it!"

She was shocked to hear that Zarious had a cousin; distant as he was. But that would explain the shared eye color.

"I apologize for your loss; his masquerade balls around this time were always such fun. To answer your question I'm both. I hail from Oroun, this is my first time in this city. I'm quite impressed with it and the temperature agrees more with me then the intense heat that is Oroun. But my birthplace has found itself here so here I am enjoying myself by sliding through the streets of your city."

She looked back up the hill then back at the King with a mischievous grin.

"Race you to the top?"

With a bounce she took to sprinting up the hill with long strides. As she ran she called out to him, running and talking was never too much of a difficulty for her.

"So do you have events like the masquerade ball here?"

[Deleted]

A soft radiant light surrounded Solomon as he mumbled the incantation, "Porta di Babilonia..." The markings of his fist began to ignite a scarlet red light that blazed like any other star in the sky and a veil of light slowly enshrouded his body for nearly a second before it vanished within thin air. Solomon stood there honestly and held two iron shields within each arms, "No need I have two shields." The King looked towards his guards, "Are you sure you all wouldn't want to join?" He shot a cheerful smile towards the guards, yet they each declined his offer with a hefty, "No."

"I guess its just me and you." Solomon knew that each would decline his offer yet it was worth a try to see one of his guardsmen smile for change. It had nearly been decades since he had ever seen any of them smile even once. They had watched him grow ever since he was a small infant and never stopped to think of anyone, but Solomon. Solomon greatly appreciated each and every last one of his guards. "You're a long way from home. I've never been to Oroun, but I hear tales of mysteries and relics that lie within that desert. I hope to one day venture out and explore the world. When I'm not tasked with piles of paper work that is..." He ran forward as she raced him to the top only one guard pursuing them behind the two as he smiled brightly, "We haven't held a masquerade since the days of Zarious, but now that you mention it. I believe the city and its people could go for a festival in these times of strife. I'll make sure to arrange it upon my return to the castle. I hope you'll be there then since you came up with it, Lady Wurud."

[Aria Wurud]

Her eyebrows rose high; a king that did magic...they allowed magic here? The shock was enough to make her pause as she looked at him with wide eyes. She looked around at everyone's reactions...it looked like it was a normal thing.

"Wait....you're not afraid people are going to think you're a demon for using magic?...or that people are going to hunt you down for it?"

She had never been in a situation before where magic wasn't considered taboo, at least not unless they were magic users themselves. Aria looked at the shields with curiosity looking for any markings that were similar to one of her own spells that she had invented. It certainly was a lot more flashy but she had invented her spell to be subtle. It was odd to see someone use magic so casually in a public setting. She looked back at the guards with a slight disappointed look when they all declined to have a little fun....but that just meant they'd be the unlucky bystanders.

Aria let out a laugh when he mentioned that she was far from home.

"Nonsense, I'm never far from home. My home is where ever I fancy it."

She groaned and rolled her eyes at the thought of paper work.

"OH how I hate paperwork..so boring. I own a tavern in Oroun....there was so much paper work whenever I get back from one of my little adventures. I have still yet to find out who the hell decided changing my precious Bloody Mary into the Sleeping Lamb"

Her face scrunched up in disgust; really Bloody Mary sounded so much more fun...Sleeping Lamb what sort of name was that? When she got to the top of the hill her cheeks were a healthy pink. She wasn't a bit out of breath but the exercise of sprinting up the hill was always a nice one. It reminded her of old times running up the hills of the old city back and forth between the districts. The mention of bringing back the masquerades again obviously pleased Aria a lot. She hadn't had a chance to enjoy the last one that was thrown...she had pervious engagements that occupied her time.

"I'm a firm believer in making the best of the worst of times. Never turn down an opportunity to have a good time. For it's the happy memories you create that are sometimes the only fuel to get you through the darkest of times. Going along with that philosophy you can count on me to attend; perhaps I will drag along a few acquaintances of mine as well. Also call me Aria...I hardly act the lady part unless I have to"

[Deleted]

"My kingdom is not claimed by such ignorance unlike Toldale. My people love magic and find many uses for it. So who would I be if I outlawed it? Toldale's king dislikes magic, but controls a vast amount of crystal exports and imports that many users of magic use...Yet in he outlaws the use of magic within his kingdom. My kingdom will be home to anyone that needs it whether they use magic or dance like a jester. I will not outlaw there freedom. The one thing you granted in this world. " Solomon kindled a rousing eye as he paced beside Aria up the impending hill. She had a certain appeal to her, unlike many others. She wasn't the lady of some fancy house that simply wanted him for the title of queen and to bear him children simply for her own personal gain. She just wanted to have fun and to enjoy herself. It was a fine quality he found to be modest and genuine to a woman of her stature. Solomon never really cared whether a person was of a poor upbringing or of a established family that housed fields of gold, it was the simplicity of Aria that really made him want to have fun with her.

He chuckled as her words spun within his heart captivated by her luscious curves as they made there way up the hill, "If I ever find myself in Oroun I know where to rest my head then..." He soon came to a stop as they made it to the top of the hill. He continued to listen to her refined words of wisdom and smiled brightly as the light seemed to reflect off his scarlet red eyes upon listening to her, "Well then, Aria...I'll make sure to have it within the upcoming days and I'll hold you to your words. So don't run out of town yet. You'll always have a place here. " Solomon lifted a shield towards Aria, "Well then. Ladies first, I'll give you a headstart, because you're gonna need it."

[Aria Wurud]

A thoughtful expression came upon her features, a place where magic was welcomed. She spent her whole childhood being persecuted; terrified to use her powers. Her powers that she had tried to suppress until they overwhelmed her. It was when a life had been lost...and she happened to anger the wrong sort....that she had finally dove into her magic. A small smile graced her lips, what would it have been like to grow up without fear of a bit of magic here or there.

"What would I have given to grow up in a place like this....... "

Aria did however appreciate the information that magic was outlawed in Todale. She would take care to conceal it when she traveled there next.

" I don't suppose your magic users leave this place often then...out of curiosity would you be having a worse time with the corruptors and dusk up here?"

At the mention of him coming to her tavern she let out a laugh; oh would he be in for a surprise. Her tavern certainly was not a place for a king. But it would highly amuse her to find one there...well other then Garrett. He was a king ...of sorts to wasn't he?

"I'm glad to have a place here; especially one with hills as fun as these! Though I probably should find a place to stay for the night...got any good suggestions my king? As for me I don't plan on going very far, I may visit the falls and springs a few times. "

A wicked glint came into her eyes when he told her she'd need the head start. She like a bit of competition; this was going to be fun! Aria took the shield in hand; she handled its weight surprisingly well.

"I'm never one to turn down a head start"

She took a few steps back and took a running start. She tossed the shield on the ground and jumped upon it. Aria crouched low as she sped down the hill.....hopefully she wouldn't crash into anymore bystanders...that or at least try to aim for the same one.

[Deleted]

"The Magi of this city do as they please, but most of them stay within the confines of these walls. I have heard some use teleportation magic to move between here and the Arch of Ages, but with the lands preyed upon by the dusk and another being that seek to make a profit in this madness. I wouldn't have anyone venture to far from the gates of Setanul."Solomon took the hood from his head and scratched his head softly before staring up at the sky. A few droplets fell upon his face before he looked towards the beautiful Aria Wurud and placed his thumb upon his chin paused in thought, "Well there are taverns throughout the city in modest price-ranges, but the palace is as good as place as any..." He clapped both hands together, "Guard tell the palace we shall be having a guest tonight. I would like my new friend here to have the guest chamber!" His eyes turned back towards Aria, before preparing his shield, "Let's go then!" He took a few steps back and then leapt forward on his shield sliding down the slippery slope of the hill cheering loudly, "I won't lose to you, Aria!"

[Aria Wurud]

She laughed as they slid down the hill; when he called out that he wouldn't lose to her she looked back. A large grin spread across her face; her white teeth flashing from rosy lips.

"Just cause you're a king doesn't mean I'm not afraid to whoop your ass in a race!"

Since she was standing she gave an extra kick boosting her speed even more. She would make him regret giving her a head start. Aria always did have a tendency to push her luck with those who ranked in her in society. More so with the ones who gave her the length of rope to do so. Perhaps she was worse now than she was eight years ago in that aspect. But hey her family was made of gods, and some of her closest friends were kings or princes. When she hit the bottom of the hill the shield bounced a bit causing her to once again go flying. Her body twisted in the air with well practiced ease as she managed to land on her feet in a crouch. She slid for a few more feet before coming to a stop. She giggled that was fun; whether she lost or won she really didn't care.

"I imagine this would be a lot safer in the winter. I use to do this when I was little in the old city....problem was you were likely to be dumped in the river if you didn't jump off quick enough"

She smiled she use to have a lot of fun sliding down hills like that with her old friend before he disappeared on her. Her thoughts were turned back to the conversation they were previously having. The subject of the corruptors interested her.

"How do you keep them out of the city? I mean they seemed to be attracted to not only light but to magic as well...at least the corruptors are. I would think this place which uses magic so freely would be a beacon to such creatures. I haven't run into any dusk yet but I've seen a few corruptors up by the springs."

She wondered how much was actually known about the corruptors; from the sounds of it not many people lived to tell the tale of running into one. Though she was fortunate enough to have the company of well seasoned fighters, otherwise that chance encounter might have ended differently. Aria couldn't help but wonder where such creatures originated from; they hunted like gorge hounds, yet there eating habits were insect like and there forms were somewhat humanoid.

Surprised was shown on her face when he invited her to stay at the castle. That was an unexpected surprise.

"The palace is much grander then a place of any; do you often invite strange woman off the street into the palace? Or am I just special."

She chuckled she didn't imagine that to be the safest of things for a king to do. Yes she could care less about position but the fact was his position in the Kingdom would mean he would or should take extra precautions. She glanced at the guards; they were probably less then pleased with their Kings offer of generosity. That and she was sure to horrify the courtesans if she were to act like her normal carefree self, she sighed.

"I thank you for your generosity my king, I have not ever been given the chance to sleep in a castle before"

...Wait actually she had...sorta...there was one in the closet of doom...but that probably wasn't nearly the same. That and she didn't think the dungeons of the old palace counted...so let's just say this was going to be her first time.

"I suppose I shall be on my best behavior; so as not to cause any of your friends more trouble then I already have"

She smiled towards the guards with a nod of her head. If her presence was going to cause them more stress this night the least she could do was behave.

[Ilta Kveld]

Rain was a miserable experience. Most people chose to stick inside if they could. However, the raven haired dragonion could be spotted. Her curly hair is pulled behind her curled horns, and tied up into a loose bun to keep wet hair out of her face. She wears a dark green tunic and black pants. A black belt cinches the tunic in slightly at the waist. For some reason, Ilta always found that her number of errands doubled when the weather was poor. This time she was out to get coal, so thus began her long trek to get the black combustible rock, which meant hunting down some trade caravan from the south. As a result, she spent the last few hours being wet and cold.

So back to the shop, she walks with a heavy box through the drizzle. She’s pretty sure that she got water in her boots at some point. At least, she could get a fire started after this. The idea of warmth distracts her and she hardly notices the water sledding. Aria’s lost shield goes flying and hits the dragonion girl in the gut, knocking the daydreams of heat from her head.

“Hmmmf,” she crumbles a little, dropping the box. Now, she was wet and in pain. What a wonderful day this was. It takes her a few moments to regain her breath, and then she picks up the shield. A low whistle leaves her mouth.

[Aria Wurud]

As her shield went flying it hit a familiar dragonkin; Arias features blanked for a second. Only for a second before they perked up, an excited gleam in her eyes as her hands shot up in victory.

"POINT"

Well part of the game was to knock over innocent bystanders, and right now she had two added to her roster. After the small celebration of victory she jogged over to Ilta and patted her on the back.

"Sorry about that, you ok?"

Aria turned her attention to the box on the ground, and picked it up for Ilta. Her eyes widen in shock at the fact that it was a lot heavier then it looked. Still she managed to pick up the large box without much difficulty. She turned to the king with a smile.

"Seeing how I've taken out yet another one of you civilians I'm going to help take this back to her shop. Your welcome to join me; that or I will meet you up at the castle?"