Welcome to Alfea, the academy for witches located on the planet Magix. Red Fountain’s Academy for specialists is situated a stone throw across the river. This is a contest that has a universe built around Winx but magic from w.I.t.c.h, every world has a “quintessence” (heart of that world).

Welcome to the co-hosting two-round event to tide us over until January! On planet Magix, you all get to play in your bubble! This means you will not interact with other players as you are not existing in the same universe. You might also choose the same place at the team, but get different results, or different missions - personalized plot to the fullest.

Rounds will be short and the entire contest, including the casting, will wrap up on the last day of this year.

There isn't much time, so, let's get started!

Casting form
Name:
Age: 19-21
FC:
Element: soul, air, fire, water, earth - pick one!
Traits/Personality:
Interests: up to 3
Relationships: pre-existing relationships are up to you!

Outfit: arrival outfit

Casting story: snippets of key moments from last year at Alfea with pre-existing relationships

Casting ends on 25th of December

Last edited by Zaralee (23/12/2021 at 22:40)

Extras

Note: should you choose, for example, the element of Air, it means in your bubble (universe), Layla does not exist!


Layla
FC: Willow Smith
Element: Air
Powers: Air manipulation & invisibility
Age: 19
Connections: TBA in round 1
Traits: confident, artistic, loving, extraverted, spontaneous, reckless, self-critical, perceptive (good at reading the room), procrastinator. 
Fun fact: adores technology, goes hiking on weekends, never misses a chance to snap a photo of a sunset 


Arabella 
FC: Terra Juana
Element: Earth
Powers: Earth manipulation & intangibility 
Age: 20
Connections: TBA in round 1
Traits: goofy, affectionate, carefree, indecisive, creative, selfish, astute, sly, curious, irresponsible, dreamer, confident, naive, optimistic.
Fun fact: has an ear for music, only eats trash food, night person.


Marina 
FC: Jenna Ortega
Element: Water
Powers: Water manipulation & mind control
Age: 19
Connections: TBA in round 1
Traits: smart, observant, assertive, outspoken, bossy, manipulative, secretly insecure, loyal, candid with her opinions, gives good advice.
Fun fact: full of idle knowledge of pop culture, lyrics, etc; hates driving, adores sweets but never enjoys making them


Nuraya
FC: Hamel Patel
Element: Fire
Powers: Fire manipulation & telepathy
Age: 20
Connections: TBA in round 1
Traits: passionate, conscientious, generous, impulsive, spiteful, supportive, prideful, chaotic, good listener, intelligent, regretful.
Fun fact: reckless driver, always at a party, knows everyone.


Nova
FC: Florence Pugh
Element: Soul
Powers: Telekinetic abilities & empathic abilities
Age: 19
Connections: TBA in round 1
Traits: bold, intuitive, over-emotional, big softie, explosive, unfinished projects, thinker, loyal, easy going, realistic.
Fun fact: often makes sudden out of the blue movements, loves travelling, loves deep talk and listening to people. 


Adeline, the headmistress
FC: Kerry Washington
Element: Soul, heart of Magix
Age: 44 
Traits: just, driven, merciful, strict, impartial, compassionate, effusive, gregarious, messy, impatient at times, courageous. 


Orube, the martial arts instructor
FC: Yeeun (CLC)
Element: none.
Age: 23
Traits: fierce, independent, temperamental, athletic, sensitive, envious, meticulous, high-minded, humorous.


Elif, the element instructor (for whatever element the contestant picks - if they play Air, it’s Air) 
FC: Beste Kokdemir
Element: same as yours
Age: 30
Traits: dedicated, clever, protective, down to earth, jealous, demanding, conceited, fair-minded, headstrong, idealistic, kind. 


Maximus 
FC: Bruce Herbelin-Earle
Age: 19
Connections: TBA in round 1
Traits: good-hearted, opinionated, cultured, noncommittal, nerdy, athletic, confident, reliable, tenacity, jovial, amiable. 
Fun fact: in love with the idea of love, art lover but makes crappy abstract art, goes for a run every morning. 


Dean
FC: Reece King
Age: 20
Connections: TBA in round 1
Traits: creative, impatient, vicious when angered, honest, romantic, affectionate, self-doubting, materialistic.
Fun fact: talks to themselves, crazy sleep schedule, easily influenced, slow on understanding jokes. 


Eladio
FC: Cole Monahan 
Age: 21
Connections: TBA in round 1
Traits: resolved, adventurous, open-minded, tactless, hedonistic, courageous, nihilistic, zany, extroverted, even-tempered.
Fun fact: lives for the moment, loves horror movies, doesn’t take anything seriously.


Jan 
FC: Win Metawin
Age: 20
Connections: TBA in round 1
Traits: restless, rebellious, easygoing, organised, persuasive, dishonest, humorous, possessive, unintentional abrasive.
Fun fact: big-big-big-dreams, history buff, always late, superstitious.


Soe
FC: Paing Takhon
Age: 20
Connections: TBA in round 1
Traits: sociable, impulsive, detached, indulgent, charming, hedonistic, reckless, shallow, vain, avoidant, intelligent
Fun fact: comes from a rich background, grew up lonely;  if he can avoid problems instead of resolving them, he will absolutely avoid them.

Last edited by Zaralee (22/12/2021 at 21:53)

Questions & Answers

Bubble universe
What we call your character's universe, they have their own worlds and can create their own story— without the limitations of clashing with another writer.

Picking an element
Means the girl with that element (Layla, Arabella, Marina, Nuraya or Nova) won’t be in that universe— the character you create will take her spot on the team. Basically that character never existed in your universe, they are all there so you can choose whatever path you’d like.

Alfea
Real life Killruddery House for reference.

Heart of Kandrakar
You are protectors of the veil— a barrier between two worlds/realms, put in place due to malignant forces. This is what you’ve been choose to protect and ensure the veils are upheld or taken down when needed. Usually every world will have their own set of protectors as well, sometimes they’ve been killed due to the malignant forces.

Rounds are 72hrs


Feel free to ask us any questions, and we’ll put some answers up here at times! And we hope you just have an amazing time!
Sorry if anything is unclear, but it’s nothing we can’t work out!

Last edited by Mimira (24/12/2021 at 10:53)

Form

Name: Yeon Ma-ri

Age: 21

FC: Bae Suzy

Element: Water

Traits/Personality: Soft-spoken, well-mannered, romantic soul, trustworthy, helpful, book lover, unassertive, scaredy-cat, indecisive,  overthinking, insecure, clumsy

Fun Facts: sometimes reads books more than once, loves to wear soft colors, wants to write her own story one day, bites her nails when she is feeling nervous

Relationships:

Nova

Ma-ri's roommate and always felt the closest with her. It isn't unusual for them to spend hours - even during the night - just talking with each other.

Arabella, Layla & Nuraya

Good friends with all three of them; Nuraya is usually the one helping Ma-ri out of her comfort zone; likes to take hikes or just walks in the nature with Layla; enjoys night talks with Arabella and often seeks her advice regarding music

Maximus

Ma-ri meet him during one of his morning runs which soon developed into a little routine. Their conversations started out superficial but she felt more comfortable as they spent more time together... over time Ma-ri developed a crush on him.

Dean

She met him at a party during the school year soon finding out that they have a few interests in common. They catch up whenever they run into each other.

Interests: Maximus, Dean & Nova

Outfit: arrival outfit

Moments to remember

A book balanced on Ma-ri's knees... the cover and the pages well-worn and a few dog-ears. It didn't matter how often she had read the story before because it still managed to bring a smile to her face. A soft wind moved through her black hair and she lifted one of her hands to brush back a strand when she spotted a movement in the corner of her eyes. It was Maximus dressed in his usual sports gear. Ma-ri's heart fluttered once she realized that he was jogging in her direction... she took a deep breath before she lifted her arm to wave at him.

"Ma-ri... Good Morning." he smiled slowly coming to a stop in front of her, "How are you good?"

"Good and you?" she replied in a soft voice before she closed the book pressing it against her chest.

"The same," Maximus said as he sat down on a large rock across from her, "Remember the sketch I showed you last week?"

"Yes... what of it?" she asked head tilted to her side before she blinked a few times.

Ma-ri didn't know when their talks went from superficial small talks to them exchanging stories about what happened during the week... or her speaking about her favorite books or him showing her his art.

But she knew that she didn't mind one bit since she felt quite comfortable in Maximus' presence and actually found herself looking forward to meeting him in the mornings. The crush on him that she had developed made things slightly more complicated... mainly because she had never been in such a situation before and didn't quite know how to handle it.

"It is finally done. I made a few changes but I'm finally satisfied with it." There was a bright smile playing on his lips, "And I already started on my next work after inspiration hit me last night."

"Oh, that is great, Maximus." Ma-ri brushed a loose strand of her hair back and offered him a smile.

"It is," he agreed and nodded with his head, "Now I just need to make the actual piece look like my sketch, and then I can finally show it to you... or you could come to my next art installation," he added casually with a shrug of his shoulders.

Ma-ri pressed her lips together hoping the blush on her pale cheeks wasn't too obvious... or that he could hear her stupid heart beating like crazy.

Keep calm. I'm sure he invites all his friends to his art shows. She thought to herself before breathing in.

"That would be nice," she murmured biting into her lower lip.

Truth to be told, Ma-ri understood about arts as much as she understood about cooking or dancing which was absolutely nothing. But she liked seeing Maximus' expression, the smile on his face, and the twinkle in his eyes whenever he spoke about his newest work.

"And what are you reading this time?" Maximus asked all of a sudden before he reached over to pluck the book out of her hands.

Any protest died on Ma-ri's lips as his fingers briefly brushed against hers and she ducked her head hoping to hide her flushed cheeks.

"Nothing special." her voice was almost a whisper once she finally replied, "It is a collection of fairytales which I got from my grandma years ago."

"Mhm, I see." Maximus hummed flipping through the pages, "And which is your favorite?"

Ma-ri leaned slightly forward trying to ignore how close Maximus suddenly was... she flipped until the last story in the book, "This one here... The Goose Girls. I couldn't even tell how often I have read it over the years."

"Never heard of it before." He said before he handed the book back to her, "But it must be a special story... and well book if you keep re-reading it."

"It is but there are other books too that I have read more than once. And there would probably be even more if I had the time for it." Ma-ri chuckled softly her fingers brushing over the book cover.

"Yeah, time is a tricky thing." Maximus laughed, "And since you just mentioned it... time that I'm on my way." he stood up, "I still got a few miles to run. Have a nice day, Ma-ri."

"You too." she smiled book pressed against her chest. She kept her eyes locked on him as he started to jog away until he was nothing more than a dot in the distance.


*~*~*~*~*~*~

"You are awfully quiet today. Is everything alright?"

Ma-ri looked up from her notebook and over to Nova on the bed to her left. Her friend had an expression of concern on her face and her eyebrows were knitted together.

"Yes. I was just thinking." the black-haired young woman replied with a soft sigh before she closed her notebook. Maybe it was better since most of her thoughts and ideas weren't making any sense to her anyway.

"No luck?" Nova sat up crossing her legs before she pointed at the notebook on Ma-ri's lap.

"Not really. I guess I'm just trying too hard... or maybe I haven't found my idea yet. Who knows?" she shrugged, "Thinking of my own story and characters sounded a lot easier in my head."

"I liked the one you told me about last week... you know the one with the dragons and other magical beings. What happened to it?" Nova asked.

"It reminded me of something I had read once which is another part of the problem." Ma-ri sighed out again. She fell back on her bed turning her head to the side to look at her friend, "I think I'm trying too hard to find something that hasn't been used in a book before... and well, it is impossible."

"Mhm, I can see why that is an issue for you." Nova hummed. She got up from her bed and sat down next to Ma-ri picking up her feet and placing them in her lap, "Maybe you could try to focus less on what hasn't been used in another book before and instead, go for what you want to write about... you know since it is your story and everything."

"I tried that but there is just too much that interests me." Ma-ri groaned out closing her eyes, "Why is this so hard?"

"Is it really hard or could it be that you are just overthinking again?" Nova asked but there was no judgment in her voice.

Ma-ri pulled her lower lip between her teeth, "You know me too well."

"Of course, I do."

"Do you think I should stop working on my ideas?" the black-haired young woman asked.

She brought one of her hands up to her lips... the habit to bit her nails like always when she was feeling nervously kicked in. But Nova took a hold of her hand.

"Ma-ri... I can't tell you what to do." She said slightly squeezing her fingers, "If it is still your dream and you are still having fun despite the latest up and downs, why stop?" Nova asked softly, "Making mistakes, learning what to do differently... it is all part of life."

"I guess you are right." Ma-ri let out another sigh, "I just thought it would be easier, you know?" she tilted her head to the side looking at Nova, "And I still enjoy it... thinking of ideas and letting my imagination run wild despite all those stupid setbacks."

"And that is what counts in the end." Nova smiled giving her hand another soft squeeze.

"Thank you, Nova." Ma-ri's lips were curled into a soft smile.

"Anytime."


*~*~*~*~*~*~

Another party and not for the first time Ma-ri stood in one of the corners with a glass of juice in her hand while everybody else seemed to be enjoying themselves. Nuraya was way too convincing and Ma-ri just couldn't bring herself to say no to her ideas... at least to most of them. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she looked around the room either hoping to see someone she knew or the nearest exit.

"Ma-ri!"

The black-haired young woman turned her head when she heard someone calling out her name. It was Dean, his lips curled into a bright smile as he walked through the crowd.

"Hey," she smiled softly, "Long time no see. How have you been?"

"It has been way too long. I didn't see you at the party last week. Is everything alright?" Dean told her, "I have been great. What about you?"

"Oh, I had a test upcoming and was way too busy with learning." Ma-ri explained before she brought the glass to her lips, "Other than that, I have been good."

"Urgh, tests are never fun." Dean frowned slightly, "I'm already looking forward to the summer break... no worrying about tests and plenty of free time."

"But there are still 5 months until the summer break?" she pointed out eyebrows knitted together in confusion.

"I know. But have you never been excited for something in your life even if it was still months away?" Dean asked after he took a sip from his drink.

"Ehm... do books count?" Ma-ri asked only to realize seconds later how silly her question actually sounded. But there was no way to take back the words.

"Of course." Dean's tone was reassuring and his smile got even brighter, "In my opinion, you can look forwards to everything as long as it makes you happy. What kind of books do you like?"

"Anything with Fantasy works for me... always have been a huge fan of fairytales since my childhood," she explained with a happy smile playing on her lips.

Talking about books had always been easier for her... it was a subject she felt comfortable talking about, even with people she didn't know that well yet.

"I know it is a bit ridiculous considering I can do magic myself but it is interesting to read how different writers interpret magic in their books... how they explain its existence," Ma-ri added, "What about you? Any kind of books you prefer?"

"I have always been more of a movie guy." Dean replied, "I watch almost everything. I guess I'm just too impatient to wait for the next part of a book series."

"That is why I re-read some of the books I own." Ma-ri chuckled, "It is an annoying feeling when you know that the next book won't come out for another year... or worse even longer." she slightly shook her head, "There was a time where I wouldn't start with a series until it had at least three books released because I was too impatient."

"Oh, I can certainly relate to that. Usually, I try to keep myself occupied with watching another movie or TV show but it is hard when you got really invested and just want to know what is going to happen next." Dean pointed out, "When a new episode or the next parts get released I rush to watch it, only to realize that now I have to wait again... it is a doom loop."

"It is." she agreed with a nod of her head, "I always tell myself to take time when I get a new book... that there is absolutely no reason to rush, and yet I'm usually done two or three days later. Guess there are just some things that I will never learn."

"Not only you, Ma-ri." Dean laughed.

Except Outfit which should hopefully come tomorrow

Last edited by schoggettchen (27/12/2021 at 00:34)

Mind Is A Prison, Alec Benjamin

FORM - DONE

Name: Roxanne "Roxie" Monroe

Age: 20

FC: Lily-Rose Depp

Element: Soul

Traits/Personality:
Confident, manipulative, bit of a troublemaker, audacious, sensitive, evasive, overthinking, high expectations, creative, fun-loving, uninhibited,

Fun Facts: Loves sunflowers, photo-bombs other's photography/selfies, allergic to shellfish, talks in her sleep

Likes: Singing, spicy food, knitting, drinking

Dislikes: bad breath, people who litter, long boring speeches

Relationships:
Nuraya - BFF, partner-in-crime, roommate, secret-keeper
Maximus - brother, loves him (loyal/supportive/protective) but they have little in common
Arabella & Layla- Friends, roommates
Marina - ex-lover, amicable but perhaps only to keep the peace
Eladio - attraction
Soe - highly flirtatious friendship

Interests: Eladio, Soe, Marina

Drowned Thoughts - DONE

I blinked and stretched my straining eyes wide trying to refocus ahead. It seemed an eternity before the fuzzy shapes transformed into identifiable forms. And the speaker’s low monotone voice wasn’t helping matters much. Inhaling deeply my eyes fluttered again, resisting the pull into unconsciousness.

It was a battle I was quickly losing. Stifling my yawn was a chore, one that drew more than one glance in response. Steely-jawed I squirmed and sat straighter.

“Pointless…”

I peeped over and had to now smother the laugh that threatened to interrupt watching Nuraya’s head lop to the side with her trigger-finger motion still hanging mid-air.

“You two are the worst!” We both turned to grin at the chiding voice to the right. “If I knew you’d be juvenile…”

“Hey… you’re the little brother, remember…”

“Hard to tell sometimes” he hissed just as the crowd stood to give, in my opinion, a rather dull applause. The three of us followed suit. “You didn’t need to come…”

“Oh please, Max… you had to know we would come to support you…”

He grimaced. “Never should have told you about it…”

I walked over, draped an arm over his shoulder, and pinched his cheek… “perhaps… but someone had to come pretend that mess you call art actually makes sense…”

“With fans like you who needs haters…?”

“Of course, we were going to give up our Friday night plans to come to your little art sho… oh… wait…” the roll of paper in the palm of her hand crinkled loudly as she rolled it out like some medieval scroll and cleared her throat before mimicking ironically, “this cultural impressionism and craftsmanship exhibition…”

“I hate you both…”

“No one hates me.” She said earnestly… “your sister on the other hand…”

“Har-har…”

Max finally shook his head with a reluctant smirk. “I’m sure there is somewhere else both of you would rather be… please do not let me stand in the way of that.”

I exchanged an exaggerated look with Nuraya who’s face lit up. “Max…” I muttered softly “I can feel how nervous you are…”

“Rox…” he gripped my shoulders and laughed, “I’m a big boy… I don’t need you holding my hand through this… fae knows you have no useful opinions on how to improve my work.” I wrinkled my nose. “Go… I’m not going to cry over a bad critique.”
“You might…” I muttered just to be contrary.

“Come on Roxie… Max’s confidence is omega-level… you’re worrying for nothing…”

“Are you flirting with me Nuraya?”

She smirked, gripping my hand and pulling me away… “just giving your nerd brain a tease…”

“If you need me…”

“I won’t… bye!”

************************************

“If you stare any longer will she burst into flames?”

I rolled my tongue across my lips to push the straw from them as I turned away, letting my gaze lock with his.

“That’s not my power… but you know that already.”

I turned to lean against the counter, waving the empty glass at the bartender. I wasn’t exactly sure which number this would be but I wasn’t about to stop just yet. If for no other reason than it muted the noises in my head for a time.

“Coulda learned something new…” he shrugged, elbows relaxed against the dark wood as he continued looking in the direction I’d just been. “Looked like you were trying to… or maybe it was just that little black dress you hoped to scorch away.”

I laughed taking another quick peek at the dancefloor, “Can you blame me? It is a pretty fine fucking package…”

He grinned, leaning closer so that his words would be unmistaken from the loud music, “not the only one in the room though…”

“Are you trying to get me to compliment you Soe?” I purred as my eyes shifted down his brazenly parted shirt.

“There can be more than just one more…” The taunt made me tingle depravedly. There was a hint of arrogance squeezing beyond the haze of mulled cider that I found entirely too seductive.

“Yeah…” I leaned closer, “Eladio was looking particularly drool-worthy tonight… wonder why I’d never tried to crawl into his bed over the past year…”

He laughed tugging me closer as he slid an arm around my waist, “you’re breaking my heart, Roxie…”

“What heart?”

“Touche!”

The fact that his lips brushed against my ear when he uttered the word only caused another flutter of excitement to race down my spine.

“You’re such a tease” I complained and squirmed out of his hold while he chuckled.

“I’m sure I’ve accused you of the same once upon a time…”

“Bullshit. If you’d ever been serious I’d have ripped your clothes off with my teeth…” I could feel his amusement, strong and clear, as I accepted my refill.

“Before or after you finished drooling over Marina or Eladio?” I stuck my tongue out at him before leaning back at his side and facing the crowd once more. He must have done the same. “Or both of them as it were…”

There was no denying that Soe’s nearness was arousing… but for whatever reason, we never seemed to make it to the breaking point. And I wasn’t exactly sure what held us back. Neither of us ever pushed the matter though and maybe that alone had me second-guessing if the attraction was only one-sided. I mean, I’d felt the attraction… lust before, so I knew it was there… but I wasn’t sold on whether there was actual interest in it. The friendship that evolved with him, perhaps, had a lot to do with the fact that he was hard to read… and that was both comforting and challenging.

Either way, whatever desire I felt for Soe did not alleviate the stark lust I felt watching Marina and Eladio grinding on the dance floor. I am not even sure I knew that they were extremely familiar with the other… and maybe they weren’t. Just a spur of the moment thing. A little too much to drink perhaps… or maybe there was something more there. Not that it mattered… and I tried to pretend that I was equally envious of each of them at that moment. But the truth was, something was nagging me about Eladio… something mysterious… a secret about him… or a memory I’d forgotten.

I tried to focus on the nagging sensation but it was like trying to catch a hummingbird, flinting in and out of consciousness impossibly fast.

Then suddenly he looked up and our eyes met over the crowd speaking volumes about his towering height. Why on earth it seemed so poignant at that moment to draw his attention, I cannot say. It wasn’t like that was the first time I’d ever seen the man. And perhaps I drunkenly imagined the whole moment. In the blink of an eye, he was steadily focused on my ex wrapped in his arms.

“Umm umm umm, Soe, you’re looking yummy as always…”

Nuraya cooed as she shimmied in between the two of us and got an equally amorous welcome. I dragged in a ragged breath and determinedly avoided looking into the crowd and focused instead on the two incredibly sexy people directly beside me. I continued to drown any possible emotions that evening and let the flirting and dancing take me where they may.

Of course, I deserved the merciless pounding when my eyes finally pried themselves open the next morning. And it was with no small measure of relief that I tugged my own bedcovers over my head to shut out the blinding light seeping through my dorm room’s parted curtains. A shiver raced down my spine as the remnants of fading dreams rushed through my mind… making out with Soe in a dark corner of the club or was that me cornering Eladio? Marina’s pretty mouth baited me before my fingers brushed over the hard ridges of some faceless man’s flexed abdomen. I groaned softly. Thank goodness it was all a dream.

“Wake up you damn lush… classes are starting in an hour…”

I groaned louder and threw my pillow at Nuraya earning nothing but bright cheerful laughter.

Outfit:



Casting-DONE

Last edited by BambiFoxx (25/12/2021 at 11:27)

⤜Credit to Schoggettchen❤️️⤛

Enlight the fire

⤜Name⤛ Yaara “Sleepy”
⤜Age⤛ 20
⤜FC⤛ Aviv Schneider

⤜Element⤛ Fire

⤜Traits/Personality⤛
• Generous, Daredevil, Brave, Easy going, Sleepyhead, No filter.
• Lazy, Impulsive, No sense of Direction, Bad joker, Takes little serious.
Yaara is an easy-going girl, always with a smile on her face unless something serious is going on. Then, she has to focus like when practicing her element. She is the first to finish her homework just to complete a tedious task. Yaara doesn’t like to do much, mostly because she is too tired or lazy to motivate herself; if not for Layla, she would daily stay in bed.

However, she can motivate herself when she is up for mischief, which is once a week, sometimes two.

The only person to find dry jokes funny is the first to laugh while retelling the jokes; her friends always look at her funny before laughing. Yaara has a contiguous laugh that makes people around her laugh with her even though she is everything but funny.

Yaara has only one love: her fluffy bed with her blue teddy bear, a late gift from her father. Do not wake her up; Yaara would rather be late for class than wake up on time. Orube has punished her several times already, but Yaara refuses to wake up. Almost bit Arabella one time; Bells has learned her lesson and lets her sleep. The only person who can wake her up and Yaara is scared off is her brother, who dislikes her attitude to life and is strict with her.

Daredevil and brave to other traits that make Yaara, Yaara she always says it comes with the Element Fire. In contrast, the other taits are airier, but Yaara isn’t an airhead most of the time, at least.

Yaara has no filter and can come across as rude. It takes a while to take in that she didn’t mean to be rude; the only person she is intentionally rude to is Eladio. Still, if her brother found out, she would be in trouble, so she always finished her rudeness with “Don’t tell, my brother,” it became a gimmick between them.
Yaara has zero direction sense; if a street is straight, she may get the way right, but otherwise, she is bound to get lost.

⤜Family⤛
• Mother Elnaz (40), Raised her two kids as a widow never remarried.
• Brother Yair (22), Sees himself more as a father figure to Yaara than a brother, is strict towards her.
The one time they had a sibling time, he dupped her Sleepy.
Only two people call her that Her brother and Eladio,
She doesn’t dislike the name, but it irks her that Eladio calls her it.

⤜Fun facts⤛
• Laughs when horror movies are on
• Can shoot arrows, learned from her brother, only time people are shocked because she is unusually focussed
• Baking relaxes her
• Dad jokes are the best in her opinion
• Wish to have a tattoo but not sure of what in between a rose or elf
• Has a dog at home Whine, a red Irish setter, her mother takes care of her
• Mix-match of clothing styles (A blue ball dress, heavy metal shoes with green accessories is nothing strange)

⤜Relationships⤛
• Layla
Childhood friends have known each other forever, with no secrets between them.

• Arabella, Marina, and Nova
Considers them good friends, Roommates with Arabella,
Bakes mostly for Marina with Nova she always manages to fall asleep.

• Elif
Her favorite teacher only one to push her past her limits and then some.

• Dean
Ex of Layla, they both don’t seem to know when it’s over or just a short break.
Yaara is usually in the crossfire and chooses Layla’s side even though Dean is mostly correct.

• Eladio
Best friend of her brother, they have known each other even longer than Layla and her.
Only person Yaara can get annoyed with. They’re too much alike in the sense of being easy-going and going with the flow, which feels like holding up a mirror for Yaara. So she always has something to tell him off by. Eladio doesn’t seem to care much, so the discussion is primarily one-sided, with the male having a grin on his face the whole time.

• Jan
Partner in crime, they both challenge each other to do the stupidest things and then some.
Both are getting into trouble with Elif once a week is nothing new.

• Knows most others when she bothers staying awake and having conversations.
⤜Interests⤛ Layla, Eladio, Jan (Elif)

Last edited by NinaJones (23/12/2021 at 23:01)

Round 1
Ends 28th of December
Elif is seen murmuring something to Orube and Adeline when darkness starts to fall on the 31st, they divide into different directions and if you are up and in the right place you’ll find them walking around at midnight.

Most is individual this round and will come when you are done with casting!

Roxanne

During one evening after a late class with Orube you’ll walk through the library, shortcut to the dorm. On one of the tables there’ll be a single book laid out, leather wrapped with a worn spine and old nearly crumbling parchment paper— upon opening the book at random, as if in a haze, you’ll snap out of it when blood smears across the random page; in a language you are not familiar with. There’s a strange pressure in the air when the paper dries her blood, will she take it with her or leave the old crumbling book there?

During the weekend of Halloween;
Soe will invite her and Nuraya to a party on the planet Aliriel, a cave world with advanced technology and humanoid creatures— they are celebrating feeling closer to magic on the 31st of October inside of a crystal cave.
Arabella promised Layla to go hiking/camping with her which means they are skipping the party.
Eladio gets a call to clear up a disturbance on Ohm, right before they are supposed to leave for the party.
Does she go to the party with Soe (Jan, Dean and Nuraya) or go with Eladio, Marina, and Maximus who are forced along for some experience?
Tell me your choice and you’ll get the last part!

Eladio - they exist in the same space, a beat against his eardrum drowns out the noises of early morning chatter; there’s a book in her lap, even with his eyes closed he can visualize the room. An eyelid slides open from a persistent, growing more violent in nature, tapping on his toes— Marina gestures with the flick of her head to look behind him. Orube stands in the doorway of the cafeteria, awaiting to update him. When he returns he places two cups of coffee on the table, returning into his music after exchanging a smirk.

Eladio is ready for an entertaining new year at school, he would enjoy her company if they meet out at a bar. Otherwise he’ll be around Alfea from time to time, they could bump into each other— he’s in a good mood despite shouldering a leadership role this year among the specialists. Always looking for new ways to blow off some steam.

Soe - is in high spirits after a wild summer, being reckless during training and having his mentor being on him about it. Spends weekends at bars and playing pool, with whoever would like to have some fun. Lately he and Jan have also been into racing with their bikes, along with some other specialists from Red Fountain, it has become a bit of a betting situation— which could have them suspended if the teachers found out.
He finds their flirty banter an uplifting part of his day and doesn’t mind it staying that way, but he wouldn’t mind if it became something else either. Soe generally keeps busy but would ask for her company if the situation arises, perhaps take her out for a spin on his bike or just go out to a bar.

Marina - “hasn’t stopped?” You wouldn’t see it, unless you knew, a gentle touch over the ear, no more than brushing hair behind the ear; Layla gives a smooth smile, fingers tapping against the top of the books.

“Tinnitus probably—“
“If you say so,” Marina replies when they walk into the library in between their classes.
“We are going on a hik…”
“Hard pass, but thank you for the thoughtful invitation,” she replies in a melodic voice, - “you can tell me all about it and it will be as if I was there.”
“Mostly because I heard there was a pixie village there—“ Layla starts explaining and Marina tries her best to listen with a faint interest.

Marina is her normal self this school year, spends more time with Elif whom she has grown closer to, they seem to share a few interests and she’s focused on becoming a stronger individual. Enjoys the occasional company of Eladio, sometimes just sitting in silence. She’ll be friendly with Roxie and hoping she’s had a good summer, giving space if needed and won’t push the conversation too much— will genuinely be happy to see Roxie again. She won’t be opposed to grabbing a coffee or going somewhere else to hang and talk, if Roxie was to ask her.

Misc - both Orube and Elif will focus on individual training for her team during these months; their powers weaken when they are not a complete puzzle. You have an essay on balance of magic to write during the fall as well (you don’t have to write it, just your character has homework).

Roxanne - relationships

Layla - closes with Max and Arabella
Arabella - closest with Layla and Max
Marina - Roxie the ex, enjoys Eladio’s company, close with Elif
Nuraya - BFF with Roxie, enjoys teasing Max

Maximus - close with Layla and Arabella, comfortable with Nuraya, close with Dean
Dean - close with Max
Eladio - attracted to Roxie, appreciates/flirty with Marina, often trains with Orub
Jan - close with Soe
Soe - flirty banter with Roxie, closest with Jan

Ma-ri

There’s a charcoal colored cat running around the school, if she were to ask anyone else they haven’t seen it; after late classes one day she’ll come back to her room, finding her books, pens and notepads scattered across the room. The cat perched on the ledge of her window with a flapping tail, does she make sure the cat leaves and doesn’t come back? Or let it be?

During the weekend of Halloween Nuraya really won’t let you nor Nova decide what to do; everyone including the specialists are going to a woodland planet called Prearalar. A recently flourishing planet after being at war for their independence, their people (elf like in appearance) are starting to form a new society, incorporating their customs once again. Including a bonfire to ward off evil on the night of the 31st (Friday). This is what they are attending, followed by food, drinks and games afterwards. Some almost feel intoxicated from the fumes, the fire will turn green a few minutes into it burning.
On Saturday you are free to either return back to Alfea or explore the town a little, with whoever you’d like.

Maximus will be flirty during the evening, but also always leaning into where the fun is going, he won’t shy away from spending the night together. Otherwise he’ll find something else to do— at some point during the evening he’ll show her a wishing well that they’ve found, for kicks they are making wishes, what wish will she make?

Dean isn’t in the best mood during the party, start of the year evaluations for specialists didn’t yield the best results— and he’s unsure how to interpret that, he’ll end up calling it an early night and if you’ve been around him you’ll probably meet Soe as well. Soe is his charming old self and will probably ask what she wished for at the well.
Nuraya and Jan end up fighting after the bonfire; Nova looks as if she has a flirty moment with Eladio.

MaximusAt the moment he is highly focused on trying to balance his role as a specialist, and his artwork— exuberant about showing everyone what he’s working on. Spending a few extra hours more with Layla who shares his interest, Ma-ri can always tag along. Max will be happy about pursuing his dreams this year, will often be out and looking for inspiration, and would probably ask Ma-ri if she wants to join him— an art show, amusement park, he really sees anything as potential inspiration.

DeanThe new school year didn’t start the way he wanted, fighting simulations ended up going poorly for him— so he questions if this is really what he should be doing. Confiding much of his worries with Soe, someone who doesn’t have the best— or any solutions for that matter. He’d be happy to just have a cup of coffee with Ma-ri, get away from the school during the weekend and into the nearby town to get his mind off things.

NovaAmong the girls she tries to find her place, knows that not for all but many groups the element of soul often takes a leader position— which she feels she is lacking and trying to come to terms with. Leading her to spend more time with Elif who is trying to help guide her into harmony with the others. Met Eladio during her travels this summer and they have been sporadically talking afterwards.

MiscElif will focus on their training as a group, finding a balance in their group, the more in harmony with each other the stronger they will be— she’ll also do an individual evaluation to see how you are all getting along with your elements. Ma-ri, being the oldest, will be getting some extra attention. Orube has the same thought and perhaps it’s time for Ma-ri to try and be a supporting role during missions for specialists, if such simulations would turn out for the better.

Ma-ri’s relationships

Layla - closest with Arabella, childhood friend of Max
Arabella - closest with Layla
Nuraya - on&off with Jan
Nova - close with Ma-ri, been getting closer with Elif

All the guys are very close m
Maximus - considers Ma-ri a friend, close with Jan, childhood friend of Layla
Dean - considers Ma-ri a friend, closets with Soe
Eladio - spends time with everyone
Jan - on&off with Nuraya, close with Max
Soe - closest with Dean

Last edited by Mimira (27/12/2021 at 04:19)

Feeling Good, Michael Bublé
Brother, Kodaline
Best Friend, Saweetie feat. Doja Cat (NSFW!)

FORM - DONE

Name: Roxanne "Roxie" Monroe

Age: 20

FC: Lily-Rose Depp

Element: Soul

Traits/Personality:
Confident, manipulative, bit of a troublemaker, audacious, sensitive, evasive, overthinking, high expectations, creative, fun-loving, uninhibited,

Fun Facts: Loves sunflowers, photo-bombs other's photography/selfies, allergic to shellfish, talks in her sleep

Likes: Singing, spicy food, knitting, drinking

Dislikes: bad breath, people who litter, long boring speeches

Relationships:
Nuraya - BFF, partner-in-crime, roommate, secret-keeper; enjoys teasing Max
Maximus - brother, loves him (loyal/supportive/protective) but they have little in common; close with Layla and Arabella, comfortable with Nuraya, close with Dean
Arabella - roommate; closest with Layla and Max
Layla - roommate; closes with Max and Arabella
Marina - ex-lover; enjoys Eladio’s company, close with Elif
Eladio - attraction; appreciates/flirty with Marina, often trains with Orube
Soe - highly flirtatious friendship; closest with Jan
Jan - close with Soe
Dean - close with Max

Interests: Eladio, Soe, Marina

Story - DONE

Orube, Eladio & The Library - DONE

“You know… it doesn’t have to be as hard as you make it…”

I huffed, blowing strands of hair that landed across my face as I lay flat on my back looking up at the gloating face hovering above. Hesitantly I accepted the offered hand that jerked me back to my feet.

“I think you are rather enjoying laying me low for our first official meeting…”

“Is that something you picked up with your power?”

“As if the smirk on your lips is so hard to read…” He did it again, admittedly sending a trace of tingles down my spine that temporarily masked the dull ache from his last blow. “And how do you know what my power is?”

He was getting back into start position while Orube gave instructions at the front of the platform we stood sparring. I peeped left then right at the other girls lined up opposite specialists, some obviously doing better against their opponent than me.

“I’d be pretty bad in my duties if I didn’t find out who knew how to do what. And technically, this isn’t our first meeting…”

A whistle blew and Eladio gave no time to respond before he was making another move. The first blow knocked me back after being caught off-guard by his last statement. Luckily the defensive moves I’d learned kicked in quick enough that his next attack missed completely when I darted out of its path. He had the nerve to be grinning ear to ear when I finally managed stable footing.

“Are you planning to hit me at any point today?”

“Pfft… I’m just taking it easy on you ‘cus you’re cute… don’t want to mess up that pretty face of yours…”

The wind whipped ponytail strands that weren’t plastered against my damp neck while I crouched slightly facing him with him chuckling. Unfortunately, my mind kept going back to his comment wondering what he meant. I’d seen him plenty on campus, that’s for sure… but I couldn’t remember speaking to him before. And of course, there was more… there was always more. I gritted my teeth trying to block out all the other sensations… excitement, anxiety, frustration… it would probably be easier to focus on the physical training with Eladio if my mind wasn’t also bombarded by the emotions of the other pairs around us.

“Didn’t I hear somewhere men with scars are sexier to women?”

I snorted, “Trust me, you don’t need more.”

He made a side-step and I countered to the opposite, mimicking his pace and stance. We’d been sparring for a bit and I hadn’t yet gotten an opening… he was good. Very good. It was probably why he was being promoted and physical fighting had never been a strength of mine. It was such an uneven match and it was starting to irk my pride … not to mention bruise my bum. It also didn’t help that the overhead lamps were nearly blinding against the late evening sky. I bit on my lower lip, watching his eyes and then his fingers as they fluttered ever so lightly and I could feel the anticipation welling up in him. I knew he was going to strike, I could feel it… and tired of the constant battering I took advantage.

When he made his move I countered with a charge of my own, running head-on but ducking at the very last moment under the arm he stretched out to grab me. One hand circled the bulging bicep, using it as an anchor as the other flicked over his boots then squeezed tight. My body swung behind him, thrown by the momentum of my grip until I could wrap my legs around his torso. In seconds, his body stumbled and in seconds he fell to the floor, caught in the tangle of his shoelaces as I pinned him to the mat.

His body rumbled between my thighs as he grumbled face down and then I heard it, the soft hiss of the whistle beginning. I grinned triumphantly, so very proud… but just in that second my body jerked, bucked up at the very second I loosened my grip, causing me to tumble to my side. My leg pinned under his side made it impossible to escape before he retaliated, pinning me under the full weight of his much bigger body all before the high shrilling blow even came to an end.

“You’re a cheater…”

He was so very close, the warmth of his breath brushed against my cheek and the scoundrel was grinning wolfishly still.

“I just capitalized on my assets.”

“Nice move Roxanne… next time try it without breaking the rules…” I grunted arching slightly and spying Orube’s upside-down grimace. “And don’t lose your focus…”

“Are there really going to be rules if we’re out in a world fighting for real…?”

There was a glint in her eyes and I felt something but it was muffled in the surround sound of heightened emotions throughout the practice field. I narrowed my gaze and tried to focus, but the feeling passed before Orube nodded at Eladio and moved to the next platform.

“Urgh…” I hissed turning back to my opponent, still lounging like a fallen tree over me. “You can get up now.”

“Seems my feet got tangled in something, kinda difficult to move.”

“Or perhaps you just like having me under you…”

“Oh I’m quite fine with women empowerment… don’t mind you on top at all, just remember to pin me on my back next time.”

I wiggled again a little more suggestively earning another wicked grin before he finally relented and rolled off.

I jumped to my feet just as Orube called an end to the training session.

“You could help you know…”

I peeped over my shoulder after snatching up my gym bag and smirked at the tangle of shoestring being tugged and twisted into more of a mess.

“No,” I murmured as I turned to face him fully, “think I’ll let you work for it…”

“Cleaning up your mess?”

I tried to hold back my grin.

“Don’t worry… I believe in equality too.”

His eyes narrowed on me but I could feel his playfulness. “You better… because I believe in fair play.”

“Hey, y’all… we’re gonna head to Lake Tavern for a couple of drinks… you two in?”

I turned as Nuraya strolled up, draping her arm across my sweaty shoulders. Our other roommates plus a few specialists including my brother, Soe, and Jan gathered a short distance away.

“Sure, I’ll go…”

Eladio stepped over snapping a switchblade closed and stuffing it in his pocket, a wad of knotted string left behind in his wake. I laughed.

“Maybe I’ll catch up in a bit… I’ve got to go hide all my tie-up shoes right now.”

Nuraya looked utterly confused, Eladio just hummed as he strolled towards the group. It sounded suspiciously like Michael Bublé.

*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣

The librarian glanced up when I entered but quickly returned to whatever he was working on and the few students didn’t even bother to look around being so intent on their studies. I shook my head slightly, smirking as I passed through to cut minutes away from my route. I had every intention of catching up with the group pretty quickly… I simply needed to grab a quick shower and change. I honestly couldn’t believe they all just headed out after that workout.

Or maybe it was just me that had been worked out so thoroughly. Fucking Eladio took his specialist skills too seriously. I reached back, wincing as I brushed fingertips against what I expected to be a pretty brutal bruise. But I also chuckled… the memory of his harsh growl when I did finally best him was well worth the cheating.

I was grinning still when I noticed the book. Oddly, I felt drawn to the empty table, a single lamp was lit in the center casting shadows over the open ancient tomb. As if entranced I reached out, brushing a finger across the brittle paper, slowly turning once… twice. More? I couldn’t say really. It was like I blinked one moment to the next, yanking my hand back and sucking a stinging fingertip between my lips. Frowning I glanced down seeing a streak of blood smeared over some strange text.

Quickly, I glanced around noticing that there was no one nearby. The tiny crowd at the front of the building was well out of ear and eyeshot. I licked my lips of the metallic taste and glanced back down. The air around me seemed to shrink, crushing around me as if something were sucking it out of the room and I watched as the blood on the page dried away. Then it was like nothing happened at all. Except the paper cut on my finger proved that I had not imagined anything… and the book still sat there, its yellowish pages browning at the tips with that unfamiliar language taunting me.

I can’t explain why but glanced around once more before stuffing the relic into my bag. In the next seconds, I rushed the rest of the way back to my dorm.

I did shower. But I never made it out that night. Instead, I’d pulled that tomb out and found myself staring at it still confused why I had taken it… or what happened with it in the library. By the time my roommates made it home I had found it an adequate hiding spot and fringed sleep even though it took a long while for me to finally drift off.

Elif & Marina - DONE

I frowned slightly as I approached, pressure building in my chest watching the scene ahead. She looked so comfortable, confident while Elif appeared to be showing her something that was just out of view. I hadn’t spoken to Marina yet, not since summer vacation. I could sense the ease she felt even before I heard her soft laughter filling the space. My stomach coiled even more. I didn’t want to ruin her mood and it was pretty likely seeing me would do so. I pressed my lips as I clenched my journal and textbook tightly debating continuing forward but finally decided against it. I turned to leave.

“Roxanne, there you are… I’ve been expecting you.”

I inhaled and smoothed my expression before turning back, offering both women an easy smile.

“Hey, yeah, saw you were busy… figured I would go grab a coffee until y’all were done.”

“No need, we’re just going over some notes from class… I think Marina’s got it from here…”

She glanced at the dark-haired girl who smiled and nodded.

“Definitely, thanks so much for your help Elif…” she started stuffing her bag and slung it over her shoulder moving in my direction while I stood frozen at the door. She smiled as she stepped closer.

“Hey, Roxie.”

“Hey, Marina…”

No clue why I held my breath as she glanced back towards Elif then back at me before she finally squeezed past and into the hallway. I found myself turning to watch her head down the hall.

“I’m glad to see you, Roxie, I was almost starting to believe I was going to have to go hunt you down.”

I wrinkled my nose turning and heading to the front of the classroom.

“You said to come after my classes were done…”

“And yet you were about to leave.”

I nibbled on my lip and knew it was pointless to try and be evasive with her. But that didn’t stop me from doing it.

“You looked busy.”

She looked directly into my eyes until I looked away. “Is everything okay with you two?”

“Huh?”

“You and Marina.”

“Yeah, sure…”

The doubtful expression proved just how much she believed me. It wasn’t exactly that there was something wrong per se… but… I kept my lips locked about it.

“You know you can talk to me about things right Roxie? Having erratic emotions will hinder your magic.”

It was just my luck the element trainer just happened to be the same branch as mine. I licked my lips and shrugged.

“I’m good Elif, really. Nothing I can’t handle.”

It wasn’t exactly a lie. There wasn’t anything I could do to change what happened. So technically there was nothing to handle.

“And what about using your magic during martial arts training?”

I groaned and rolled my eyes. It was too much to hope Orube would keep my little trick to herself.

“Ummhmm… so, that kind of brings us to the point of this meeting…” I arched a brow, “I feel like you have some things blocking your growth.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re strong Roxie… one of the best I’ve seen in a long time. But you’re not meeting your potential.”

“It’s not enough to be one of the best?” I smirked but quickly dropped the grin at her steady look.

“I have an assignment for you… it will be due at the end of the semester so you have some time to work on it.”

“An assignment?”

“Don’t sound so skeptical, it’s not exactly a thesis…”

I continued to frown, “not exactly… how am I not supposed to feel suspicious?”

I’m pretty sure the corner of her mouth twitched. “You’ll have to write an essay about the importance of balance in magic. You have important skills… and if you are out of balance so is the rest of the group.”

I sigh softly. “Is there a specific due date?”

“Any time between today and the end of the semester. And no half-assed junk, Roxie. I expect you to be committed and accountable.”

The tilt of her head and stern glance left little doubt that she was being utterly serious. Not unkind or unconcerned, just direct and no-nonsense. Not that I couldn’t feel it already.

“Yes, Ma’am”

*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣

I squinted stepping into the courtyard and quickly pulled on my shades before releasing a pent-up breath. Seconds later it caught again. I hesitated, debated, and shook my head at this stupid uncertainty. I simply couldn’t be bothered with it.

Determinedly I stepped forward and made a direct path to a bench across from the path. She looked up when my shadow fell over her.

“Roxie…” she sounded shocked but not particularly disappointed. At least, I didn’t feel any disappointment.

“I was wondering if you’d like to grab a coffee… or something?”

She blinked but it took only a second or two before she nodded and began gathering her stuff together.

“Yeah, sure…” she suddenly froze glancing at me, “you meant now, right?”

I found myself softly smiling and nodding. The silence during the short walk to the coffee house felt a little awkward.

“How’ve you been?” She asked almost the moment we sat at a corner table. I cupped my latte with both palms.

“Been okay, you know… studying, practicing…”

“Partying?” she grinned. There was nothing malicious in the comment. I shrugged and offered a lopsided grin.

“Kinda my thing.”

“I know.” she hesitated, took a sip of her herbal tea.

“I hope-”

“You know-”

We both chuckled.

“You go…”

“No, you…”

“I was just going to say… well, I just hope you know I never meant to cause-”

“Don’t Roxie. You don’t need to apologize.”

“I feel like I do.”

“We got a whole lot of history, and not all of it was … troubled. We just had different expectations. I don’t blame you, and I don’t blame me.”

It felt like she was being earnest and my heart skipped a beat.

“I would hate for you to have blamed yourself,” I murmured. I suppose that had always been my biggest concern. Despite Marina’s bluntness and sass, I’d always sensed the insecurity.

“Maybe I did for a tiny moment...” she admitted softly, “and maybe I blamed you for a lot of moments.” she chuckled.

I wrinkled my nose. She reached over and cupped a hand over one of mine. The softness of her fingers gave me chills.

“I knew all about you before we hooked up. I should never have expected things we never discussed… shouldn’t have made assumptions.”

“I think we both made assumptions. I thought you were happy how things were.”

She pulled her hand back slowly with a smile. “I was happy Rox…”

“Not really.”

“Mostly, then.”

“I’m sorr-” she shook her head firmly.

“I told you don’t be. It really is okay. It wasn’t ideal in the end and the one thing I regret the most was losing you as a friend.”

I smiled sadly. “I miss having you as a friend too, Rina.”

“Then why aren’t we friends anymore?”

“Because we’re stupid?”

She laughed. Then I did.

“So we can stop being stupid now?”

“Well, I won’t make promises about other things, but at least where we are concerned I think we can stop the stupidity.”

“Good! Because I don’t have anyone else to quote obscure music lyrics too who gets it!”

I rolled my eyes, “That’s all I am to you… a decoder for your whacky interests…”

“Awe, smelly cat… it’s not your fault.”

I rolled my eyes again and shook my head. “Seriously. Don’t make me regret being rational about reaching out to you, Phoebe.”

She laughed. “Too late, you’re required to be here for me now… friends to the end.”

We stayed and chatted a while longer, catching up on miscellaneous stuff, about the summer, and her training… learning about the extra help she’s been getting from Elif. It wasn’t until much later that I realized I never asked if anything was going on between her and Eladio. Not that I minded… but she might… if she was dating him.

Nuraya, Max & Soe - DONE

“What are you hiding?”

“What?” My heart raced as I spun around, Nuraya standing suspiciously at the entrance of our room.

“You’ve been acting shifty for a while now. You’re hiding something. I’ve been waiting for you to decide to tell me on your own but I’m over that now…”

“How have I been acting shifty?”

I knew the book was hidden, there was no way she should know about it. Unless… I frowned. We never used our magic intrusively on each other. I doubted she would start after all these years.

“I know you.” I couldn’t argue with that. She was my oldest friend. The one that knew where all the bones were buried. She walked deeper into the room and glanced around. “And you talk in your sleep.”

I squirmed glancing around to the places she looked.

“You’re being weird. Why would I need to hide anything?”

Her lips pressed before she decided to flop down on the edge of my bed.

“What did I say?”

“Nothing I could understand… something about dried blood and air… cagey shit.”

I shrugged then blurted distractingly, “I made up with Marina”

“You did?! Like… y’all are back together?”

“Noo… no not that kind of made up. We’re, well we’re going to be friends again.”

“Really… how’s that supposed to work?”

“What do you mean?

“You know what I mean… you and Marina being friends… not lovers?”

“Exactly. We’re adults we can handle a mature platonic relationship.”

She laughed, did a double-take at my sincere expression then laughed again.

“Who’s that?” Nuraya reached across my lap and snatched my phone as it chirped several more times before she swiped at the screen. “I can’t believe you still let your messages show even when the screen is locked.”

“I told you, I don’t have to hide things from anyone…”

“Ummhmm… Ooouuu… looks like Soe is looking for a booty call.”

“Doubtful… he doesn’t need to send out texts to acquire a willing body”

I laughed but still snatched it away to tap in the code.  Her breath teased my ear as she peered over my shoulder into the string of messages I’d received.

‘You up…’
‘Roxie!’
‘Yo wake up…”
‘We’re racing, come out…”

“Oh blah… I mean… sounds fun! But thought it would be something juicy…”

The disappointed excitement was the funniest thing I’d sensed in a long time.

“We’re just friends.”

“Good gracious but why?”

“Because… just because.” how the hell was I supposed to answer that when I didn’t understand why. “The same reason I haven’t slept with you yet…”

“Pfft… that’s because I won’t let you in my panties you slut!”

“Such a slut-shamer!” I pouted before moaning dramatically, “Maybe he’s a prude like you!”

She laughed, launching one of my pillows at the back of my head. Instantly I pounced, digging my fingers into her sides until she was rolling in laughter.

Eventually, we both fell back, grinning stupidly at the ceiling.

“So you wanna go to this race?”

We glanced at each other.

“You know it’s forbidden.”

“So… then… yes?”

Another spurt of laughter filled the room before each of us moved. We managed to convince Arabella and Layla to tag along before all of us set about getting ready.

“I am going to find out what you’re hiding though” Nuraya pronounced before she moved into the shared bathroom to shower.

*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣

“Max… what are you doing here?”

He gave me a strange look, “What? Why wouldn’t I be here?”

“I… I just didn’t expect to see you…”

“We invited him.” Arabella and Layla uttered in unison. Max grinned.

“Well they did, but I was already showing up with the guys from Red Fountain.”

I peeped over, catching the eye of more than one familiar face.

“Can I talk to you for a minute?” I asked but didn’t give him a chance to respond as I collected his arm and would have dragged him if he hadn’t come along willingly. Well, I would have made a scene of trying to at any rate. Luckily, he followed my lead. “Max, you shouldn’t be here…”

“Pretty sure none of us should be”

“I’m being serious”

“Roxie, we’re just coming to blow off some steam… not a big deal. And you’re here too… so… pot to kettle sis”

“It’s different… I’m… different.”

“Because you’re a fairy?” I bit my lip but there wasn’t any animosity that I could pick up on. Just determined patience. “Your powers won't save you from trouble if they find any of us here.”

“If I leave will you?”

He laughed, “No. Didn’t you come out to have some fun… go have some fun. Stop worrying about me.”

“Max… if shit goes south…”

“I’ll figure it out. I’m not your responsibility. You make sure you get out if they find us here being naughty.”

He was teasing but I knew that there would be some serious punishments doled out if any of us were caught there… racing, betting… whatever else might happen. And he was wrong about something else. I accepted the quick kiss on the cheek and let him walk away, keeping to myself the truth of the matter… as far as I was concerned. He was, ultimately, my responsibility.

*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣

“Hey, there Mr. Popular…”

“Roxie, you came…” his grin was infectious as he rose away from his bike.

“Of course, I brought my girls with me… hope that’s okay.”

He peeped over my shoulder at the girls mingling with the guys of Red Fountain.

“Little late if it wasn’t”

I smirked, “Well… you gotta give clearer instructions… though, I’m not always known for following rules.”

“Naw…” he chuckled as Jan walked closer, “it’s cool… why would I complain, all your roommates are hot.”

“I’m beginning to think you’re almost as bad as me.”

“You two are peas in a pod” I muttered with a grin as I gave Jan a welcoming hug.

“You know you’d fit right in there with us…”

I smirked at him, “would be a tight fit squeezing in between both your… egos?”

“Ha! We’d take turns, of course…” Soe uttered, brushing a hand down my waist. Jan chuckled and they clapped hands companionably.

“You know I was going to say the same.”

I shook my head but giggled.

“I’d hardly compare myself to you two… I’m just not at that level yet.”

“Bullshit!” They laughed in unison.

“You ready to get this thing going?”

“Yep, I’ll be there in a sec…”

Jan nodded, gave me a wink then strolled off. Soe leaned against his bike, crossing his legs at the ankle.

“Did you make a wager?”

“Umhmm… and Jan better win.”

“Bitch…” I laughed knowing it was just joking. “When I win I’m going to make you pay for rooting against me.”

“Oooh… how exactly are you going to do that? You don’t get a prize if you lose…”

“Retribution then…”

I laughed a little louder drawing a few gazes. “You can’t punish me for losing either… won’t be my fault.”

“Ummhmm… your lack of faith and support is surely going to demoralize me… besides, I like the idea of taking it out on you.”

“Sadistic much…”

“Promise it’ll be fun…”

“For you?”

“Of course! Why else would I do it?”

“I thought we were going to be figuring out who’d be the middle bean when this was all over…”

He stood and leaned closer, slyly inching his hand up my side until the edge of his thumb brushed against the glimpse of bare flesh peaking out of my top while his words brushed against my ear

“Already told you, we’re taking turns”

“You’re a fucking tease, Soe…”

He winked before taking off.

*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣

The race was close, very close… but in the end utterly ruined. Someone yelled out a warning and everyone started to scatter. I tried to squeeze through the crowd, jumping up trying to catch sight of Max but to no avail.

“Hop on”

I spun to see Soe idling with a helmet stretched out towards me.

“I have to find Max…”

“He’s gone… I saw him getting Arabella and Layla to safety… get on!”

Flashing lights started to dart against the back wall of the building… someone was coming. Without another thought I took the offer, wrapping my arms around his waist tightly just as shouts erupted behind us.

I had no idea who it was and it didn’t matter, Soe had us out of sight within several seconds. Maybe fifteen or twenty minutes later we pulled into a garage.

“Where are we?”

My heels clicked on the concrete floor as he led me into an industrially decorated loft. He tossed his helmet onto a leather chair, then his jacket over it before flopping down on a matching sofa.

“My secret lair…”

I laughed, gently setting the helmet I wore on the glass top table.

“What are you… some villainous mastermind now?”

“Maybe!” he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

“You’re an idiot!” I laughed again taking the seat beside him. “Why do you have it?”

“Sometimes I like to be alone.”

I frowned as something pricked my brain. “Why?”

“Used to it…”

“Fountain of information.”

He chuckled, “I mean… yeah, not much more to it than that.”

I shrugged, understanding at least that part of it. I didn’t always share everything with everyone.

“Why am I here then?”

“Because your dumb ass was standing around at an unauthorized racing sight about to get busted”

“Awe… that’s so anti-villainous of you… saving a damsel in distress.”

“I just didn’t need you ratting me out to the authority figures… and if you ever tell anyone I’ll deny it to my grave.”

“That you race illegally or that you’re not a villain”

“Either” he pinched me.

“What is with you and the pinches?!” I dug my fingers against his thigh.

“Hey!” He hissed, grabbing my wrist and snapping the fishnet against my thigh, “keep picking on me and I’m gonna toss you out on the street!”

“Hey yourself!” Another finger jabbed into his leg “you can’t poke me and not expect to get poked back!”

“Ohh… do you promise?”

“Oh my gosh… you’re such a perv!”

“Maybe…” he laughed, lounging against the sofa and draping his arm across the back, “but you get my humor so what does that say about you?”

“That I have critical thinking skills?”

He laughed, plucking the fabric of my jacket… “We’re gonna be here for a minute if you want to ditch this…”

“How many minutes?” He shrugged as I removed and set the jacket aside.

“Until I think the flashlight mafia has found their way back into their hidey-hole”

“So you do this often enough that you have some sort of rhythm?”

He smirked, grabbing a remote and starting a movie across from us.

“Depends really… what’s on, if I have company…”

“Oh?” I settled back, wiggling into the groove of his arm and curling my legs under me. “Other people know about your villain’s lair?”

He chuckled. “Just Jan… and now you”

“Look at me reaching elite level friendship.”

“I know right, don’t fuck it up.”

“How exactly does one go about fucking up a friendship with you?”

“Impose, irritate, implicate… probably some other I words I can’t remember at the moment.”

“Ignore?”

“There you go…”

“Weird kryptonite Soe… letter I verbs… hope you don’t incinerate…”

“Such a dork…” he chuckled as he laid his head back and rested his hand over my shoulder.

“First time in my life Max’ superhero lore crap came in useful…”

“Don’t lie… you’re a closet dork…”

A comfortable silence fell between us.

“Thanks for saving me tonight you evil monster…”

“Pfft, you’re crazy ass just jumped on the back of my bike as I was speeding by you fucking maniac.”

“Sounds about right…”

Halloween Weekend - DONE

“Okay, we’re off… are you sure you don’t want to ditch your plans and come with… it’s going to be…”

“Laborious?” Nuraya balked

“Isolated?” I mocked before others in our small group started rattling off worthy jabs.

“Exhausting?”... “Boring?”... “Tedious?”

“Exhilarating…” Arabella cantered with Layla quickly following up

“Revitalizing…”

Earning a chorus of no’s from our little crowd gathered in the lobby. Laughingly, Nuraya and I assisted them with their hiking gear to say our final goodbyes before they left for their weekend excursion.

“Now, for us…” Nuraya sounded super excited and I had to admit I was feeling just as thrilled. The party on the planet Aliriel sounded like the perfect way to celebrate the holiday. I was more than ready for a little playtime.

Admittedly, walking back in and seeing Soe and Eladio chatting together sent tingles down my spine. I couldn’t help but admire the differences each had to offer. It’s no surprise I made an effort to get closer wanting to be nosy.

I needn’t have bothered though, they weren’t making an effort to be secretive about the conversation.

“Yeah, it sucks… but it’s got to be done. I’ll try to catch up with you guys before the weekend is over if this gets handled before then…”

“If what gets handled?” Thank goodness for Nuraya

Both Eladio and Soe turned towards us. I’m not going to say how I felt meeting each of their eyes… it wouldn’t be hard to guess. Someone else might feel ashamed about wanting them both.

“Got a disturbance over on Ohm… taking a couple of people with me to deal with it then maybe catch up with you all if I can.”

I wasn’t sure if relief or regret was strongest at that moment. I had already started imagining all sorts of wicked and or difficult decisions to be made that weekend without even any encouragement on either of their parts. The fact was that Eladio wouldn’t even be there that weekend to be a choice.

“Oh yeah, that does suck… but at least my shoes will be safe a bit longer.”

Everyone laughed, perhaps a little awkwardly since I could sense that only one got the joke.

“Oh well, I better get back. Max and Marina should be ready to hit the trail by now.”

“Wait, Max is going with you…?” I broke in before he could finish his goodbyes to the other Red Fountain members going to Aliriel, drawing several curious gazes. I cleared my throat, “and… um, Marina?”

“Roxie!” Nuraya hissed beside me. Eladio looked at me in confusion.

“Yeah… both. They haven’t really gotten any experience and it’s time they did.”

My pulse raced as I darted my gaze to Nuraya who was shaking her head and peaked at Soe who had an arched brow.

“What is the disturbance?” Was my voice shaking? I curled my fingers into fists to hide as they started to shake.

“Not really sure yet. Big enough that Adeline wanted us to get out there straight away.”

“Roxie…” She hissed again. She already knew.

“Need another for backup?”

“Urgh!”

“Wait… you’re not going to go to Aliriel?” It was Soe now, looking more confused.

“You want to ditch the party?” Eladio seemed incredulous… and I could feel his suspicion clearly.

“Of course, she’s not going to ditch the party,” Nuraya tried to insist, glaring at me. I gave her an apologetic grimace.

“Maybe it will go faster if I go… then we can all get back to the partying quicker.”

“Sure, I guess… couldn’t hurt,” Eladio announced making Nuraya grumble louder as she threw her hands up and walked off.

I glanced at Soe.

“She’ll be fine once y’all get there… and who knows, maybe we’ll join you sooner rather than later if all goes well…”

“It’s all good…” he shrugged, peeking at Nuraya before turning back to me, “he won't appreciate you showing up like this…”

I shrugged too. “I can’t not do that…”

He smirked, hugged me, and went to join the rest of the group set for Aliriel.

“Shall we go?”

“You’re sure you want to give up your weekend?”

“Yeah, yes definitely.” I clutched the handle of my luggage and started rolling it towards the door. I didn’t wait to see when he would join me but it didn’t take him long to step in stride beside me, “One favor…”

“What’s that?”

“Can we pretend you asked me to join the group?”

*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣

Needless to say, Max was not thrilled with my sudden tag-a-long but reluctantly accepted Eladio’s assurance that it had been his decision. Deep down I knew I owed him big time for agreeing to do it.

Not that Max would have any say in the matter. Eladio was in charge and Max had no alternative but to accept his direction. Marina was also rather surprised by my addition but seemed more agreeable and happy that another fairy would be along for the mission.

It only took seconds to travel with the gateway key before our world faded and morphed into the medieval world of Ohm. A huge stone castle lay ahead and we were greeted by a servant that led us to a great hall where the King and Queen held court over a gathering of their countrymen.

I could feel that tensions were high, animosity and distrust nearly choked me but I managed somehow to keep my head from exploding.

Shortly after our arrival, we were escorted to the sight of the mudslide that started the whole mess. The graveyard below was in complete ruins and the markers that should have identified the lost soldiers during the recent civil war lay wasted. The soldiers themselves were nowhere to be found.

“What happened to the bodies?” Eladio asked the guard at his right.

“No one seems to know…”

Which, in the end, was the crux of the actual problem. The already highly divisive, war-torn people had little patience with the other side to try and figure anything out.

Eladio, for someone that usually seemed to take things very lightly, came across as direct, assured, and level-headed. I could feel measures of respect as he spoke with the King and his men. But that wouldn’t be enough.

“So…” Eladio began after we were escorted to a private chamber to discuss the situation amongst ourselves. “I feel we should separate and speak with the two factions… see what they have to say about this mudslide and the disappearance of the dead soldiers.”

I frowned and nibbled on my bottom lip.

“Roxie… what is it?” Marina asked, pulling me from my thoughts.

I frowned harder glancing between the group.

“Shouldn’t we be finding out what happened to the soldiers? They just disappeared?”

Eladio nodded. “Yes. That really should be our focus but in all honesty, if we don’t get the two sides to cool down some there will just be more bodies to replace the missing ones.”

I nodded, knowing he was right but the fact that bodies just disappeared was extremely alarming to me. I licked and nibbled on my lower lip while he discussed the arrangements.

“Wait… shouldn’t Marina go with you? I mean, no offense Marina… but I have more experience than she does… and…”

“Marina can handle asking some questions… can’t you?”

“Of course. I get what you mean Roxie, but I can handle it.”

My stomach coiled into a knot and I didn’t dare glance at Max who I could feel was dubious about my intent.

“But if something goes wrong…”

“I’ve worked with Marina before, I trust that she can handle things diplomatically until we figure out what steps to take next.”

“And I’ll be there if something goes wrong to back her up.”

I bit the inside of my cheek as I glanced around feeling stubbornness, determination, and resolve coming from varying directions. There was no point in trying to argue with any of them. I nodded, outnumbered.

Max gathered his gear and headed out while Marina spoke softly to Eladio about something before slowly moving to trail after Max but she paused by me…

“I won’t let anything happen to him, Roxie.”

I nodded as Eladio stepped beside us, “nothing is going to happen to either of you. You’re just going to talk with the regime leader… nothing more.”

She nodded and left.

“They’ll be fine,” I muttered as we started on part of the journey, headed into the mountains to meet with the rebel leader.

*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣

I wouldn’t say the rebel leader was completely insane… or intolerable. What he was though, was stubborn. And adamant that the Regime was responsible for the missing bodies. That they were oppressive and warranted unjust punishments on the lower class citizens of the realm. And those were the vocal emotions. He was belligerent where the Regime was concerned, and uncompromising. At least at the moment when Eladio and I sat down with him at his base in the mountains. He doubted any truth to our being there to broker a peace… untrusting the Regime leader would agree to any terms that we agreed to without his presence.

After about two hours of trying to rationalize with the man, the only thing he’d agreed to was sitting down with the Regime leader with our group moderating a negotiation. He believed that he could count on us to sanction the Regime when they broke the promises made in our presence.

“That was a waste of time…”

“Not really. We at least got him to agree to sit down with the general. It’s more than what was happening before we arrived.”

Eladio looked at me doubtfully.

“And did you sense he was willing to give an inch? I didn’t…”

I thought about it for a moment. “It’s not so easy for me to sense things when I’m alone all the time… but… I think he’s tired…” I kicked a stone along the path “and wary… distrustful. I think he believes they can’t be trusted and he has no option but to keep fighting.”

“And what if they can’t be?”

I bit my lip. “I guess we can conquer that problem if it becomes one…”

A few moments passed where nothing but the sounds of pebbles crunching underfoot could be heard.

“Hopefully Marina and Max had better luck with the Regime.”

“Or at least not worse luck…”

He grimaced but agreed.

By the time we returned to the castle Marina and Max were already done with their meeting with rather similar results. At least we managed to secure an agreement for them to meet the following day to attempt the peace talks.

In the meantime, the King and Queen had arranged a royal dinner for our group to attend that evening. Which, much to my dismay, included dressing for the occasion. One of the Queen’s maids arrived with a gown and spent entirely too much time fussing with my hair and make-up before I managed to successfully shoo her away.

When another knock sounded at my chamber door I considered scaling the wall and escaping, but the door creaked an inch apart.

“You decent?”

“Marina?”

She poked her head in and I rolled my eyes at the shocked expression.

“Don’t say anything!”

She stepped into the room, grinning from ear to ear now. ‘You look cute…”

“I look like some simpering maiden.” I tossed my arms watching the soft muslin sleeves float foolishly around my arms. “What’s the point of this?”

She laughed, lifting her arms with a similar fabric in rich emerald color.

“And it’s too heavy!” I complained, hoisting the skirt that looked soft and delicate but draped over so many undergarments I was nearly sweating just from wearing it. She giggled a bit louder.

“It’s only for one night… consider it a Halloween party…”

“You know damned well I’d be wearing some skin-tight catsuit by choice…”

“Of course, you would!”

I grumbled slapping the heavy layers.

“You look lovely though…”

“Thanks,” she responded and twirled a bit of lace between her fingers. “I kinda like it.”

“Why am I not surprised…” She grinned. “So… is everything okay?”

“I hope you won’t be upset…”

I set the gloves aside I held, the pair the maid insisted I wear.

“Upset? Did something happen today… with…”

“Max? No… well… that’s kind of what I wanted to talk to you about.”

“What’s wrong? What happened?”

“Nothing, I just think… you don’t give him enough credit.”

“Credit for what?”

“Anything really. You worry about him too much and try to protect him…”

“Of course, I’m going to try and protect him.”

“Roxie, he’s a specialist. He has to go out on missions… to go into danger… to protect others. How can he do that if you are always trying to keep him from doing it… or even worse, trying to do it for him?”

“I don’t try to…”

“Why are you here?”

“To help with the disturbance” I muttered stubbornly.

“Eladio admitted that you only wanted to come once you found out who was going with him. And I know you didn’t come because I would be here…”

I wrinkled my nose and grumbled, “He talks too much… and you don’t know that…” Her lips curled cynically. “Fine. I just wanted to make sure he was okay. He hasn’t been on many missions…”

“You think you can tag-a-long on all his duties? Roxie, come on. How would you feel if he did the same thing to you?”

“I have powers.”

“Are you trying to rub it in his nose or something?”

“What? Of course not, Marina. I would never do that…”

“But in essence, it’s what you are doing. Broadcasting that you don’t trust him to take care of others… or even himself.”

I mashed my lips together but how could I argue with her? Even if I wanted to admit it, I knew she was right. No matter how much I didn’t want to hear it.

“He’s smart, confident… capable. He was calm and prepared for anything that might happen today. You should trust him a bit more.”

“I do… I just…”

“You worry.” She offered with a hesitant smile. “You love him, of course, you’re going to worry. But you have to trust him, really trust him. I don’t doubt that he knows if he needs you you will come running.”

“I forgot how much I hated how direct and sensible you are.”

She smirked, “such a liar…” I huffed disgruntledly. “Are you ready to go down to dinner?”

“I’ll meet you down there…” she nodded, “and Marina… thanks.”

“No prob…”

*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣

“You seem grumpy.”

“Huh? I do?”

“Distracted then…”

“Perhaps, a little.” I glanced up at Eladio who managed to extract himself from the crowd of court ladies that had been flocking to him all evening. The salon was dimly lit, everyone was just mingling and sipping mulled wine while a fancy dressed lady sang some sort of hymn or medley or whatever the hell these people called songs and played some ancient type instrument.

“Not enjoying the entertainment?”

“Oh.. yes, it’s world-shattering…”

He lifted his glass to shield his smirk. “So not a classical type of gal then…”

“If by classical you mean Queen or Aretha… then sure, I can appreciate the oldies but goodies…”

“Max seems to be taken with it all.”

I glanced over, not for the first time at Max across the room. He did seem to be in his element, enjoying the entertainment and appearing to hold his own with the attendees. I shook my head slightly at how an intimate dinner… per the Queen’s description, would entail so many guests. It was bigger than most raves I’d ever been to.

Max looked comfortable. And content. And I felt guilty.

“Marina too.” I pointed out, pushing the unpleasant thoughts away to watch her twirl in the arms of one of the guests as if she had been born in this strange time. I glanced at Eladio curiously when he glanced at her but all he did was nod.

“It’s good she has some fun, I think.” He slipped two glasses off a passing servant's tray for the both of us. “But you seem to be wasting the night away like a grouch.”

I laughed, “am I really? Just thinking I guess.”

“Oh gosh, should I step away before lightning strikes us both down?”

“Ha-ha.” The wine was very sweet but I drank it anyway… hoping beyond hope that it might eventually start to dull the noises in my head. “You want to get some fresh air?”

“Sure…”

The balcony door had been left wide open to let whatever breeze existed into the stuffy, crowded salon. Without a word, I tugged a joint and lighter from the cuff of my ridiculous sleeve.

“Came prepared…”

“Well… to be fair, I did think I was going to a party world.” The tip burned brightly as I took a long puff before tilting it in his direction.

“I’m just thinking about today…” smoke swirled over my head as I spoke.

There was a short pause as he nodded, inhaling unhurriedly.

“You did well with them today. The Rebels.”

“There wasn’t really much to do.” I peeped over at him, “we were just talking to them.”

“You seemed more than certain that something horrible would happen with the others, Marina and Max.”

I’m surprised I didn’t flush as red as a beet. “Perhaps I was being unduly protective…”

“Does he know how much you care about him?”

I quickly dabbed at my chin after my laugh sputtered into the sip I had been taking, “well I should hope so…”

“Oh…” I took another look feeling his surprise hit me so hard. “So… you two are a thing then?”

“Huh?” I looked back as if something in the salon would clear up my confusion. “Who are you talking about?”

“Max… who are you talking about?”

“I thought you were talking about Max but then you said about me having a thing… so you couldn’t be… what the hell do you mean?” I laughed, still utterly confused.

“I wouldn’t rat you out or anything about our flirting but Max’ a good guy and I wouldn’t…” my mouth dropped up and I’m sure utter disgust welled up in my face. “... you two are… not? But you’ve been going nuts about him and this mission… and you said he knows you care about him…”

“Cus he’s my brother… ew! Ew, ew, ew…”

“Ohh…” he laughed, hard.

“What the hell… how could you not know that?”

He continued to laugh while trying to explain. “I don’t know… how was I supposed to know. It’s not like we’ve ever actually had a conversation beyond training and flirting… and well when you confronted me that time. AND he’s a specialist… you’re a fairy.”

“Yeah…” I finished the awful wine and set the glass aside before staring sightlessly over the darkened garden. “Our father is human, from the first world.”

“Oh?” He was quiet for a moment but I knew he would continue. “I never knew soul fairies could be halflings”

“I am unaware of any that are. Maybe there are and we just don’t know about them?”

“But you just said… are you purposefully trying to tease me for thinking you and your brother were an item…?”

“That’s so cringy! Ew… don’t even say it in the same sentence anymore”

He chuckled. “Not my fault you were acting all possessive and protective like he was the love of your life.”

The deep groove of his dimples convinced me to end the chorus of fake gagging at his comment.

“But… it’s cute… how you were all ready to step back when you thought he was my gu- gak!”

He grinned, inching closer. He slipped the joint from my fingers and set it aside. “Now, who said I was going to step back… I still owe you for making a mess of my shoelaces.”

“Bullshit…” I uttered blowing smoke into his face after tilting my head to look up at him. “You were all preparing to go on about how good a guy he is and how you wouldn’t want to get between something he had going on.”

“Look at you putting words in my mouth.”

“What were you going to say then?”

He brushed a strand of hair behind my ear sending goosebumps down my arms, “Just that I like to know when I need to keep things undercover…”

I smiled smugly, “What a liar…”

“What? I can be discreet… if need be.”

“Bragging about being a cheater is a weird flex…”

“Hey now… you would have been the cheater here… and since you’ve cheated around me before what was to make me think you wouldn’t again.”

“I’m not a cheater… in this sense.”

“Never?”

“Well.. not intentionally.”

“As in ‘it didn’t mean anything’… or ‘you didn’t mean for it to happen’… or ‘it was an accident?”

“As in… miscommunicating expectations.”

There was a long pause. “That’s it? I think you like dropping bread crumbs to pique my interest.”

“I’m guessing it’s working…”

“I’m not telling.”

I smirked, “You do realize I don’t have to guess about that.”

“And what am I thinking now?”

“I can’t read your mind, I can just sense what you’re feeling…”

“And what’s that?”

I focused, centering my thoughts on him… “Enjoyment I think… intrigue…” I smirked, “arousal.”

“Am I?”

“Well, only you can tell me if I’m wrong but if you try to lie about it I will sense deception…”

“Guess I better not lie about it then”

“And what do you expect me to do with this information precisely?”

“Well, you’ve got two options obviously…”

“Do I really have to say go on?”

He grinned, “well since you’ve asked… you can of course tell me you aren’t interested and I will be forced to find someone else far less enthusiastically… or we can go to a room and spend the night exploring what’s starting here…”

“Well if those are my choices… I have to say your room or mine?”

*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣

I woke at some point in the middle of the night and started to wiggle out from under the heavy body draped down my right side. A flash of moonlight slivered across a jagged scar on his bicep that I couldn’t resist stroking softly. His flesh twitched and I felt a soft grumble from his lips buried against my neck. I froze, engulfing the scent of him through my flared nostrils. Seconds ticked by but he didn’t move so I gently shifted his arm upward and tried again to squirm from under him. Abruptly his arm dropped down, latching around my waist, and tugged me closer. Chills raced down my spine as his tongue darted over the raging pulse of my neck to my ear.

“We’re not done…”

“Go back to sleep!”

“No….” it was soft and taunting, his fingers began brushing against my bare flesh.

“I’ve got to get back to my room.” I hissed

He squinted towards the window before grinning sleepily and moving into position over me. My legs trembled as he hooked one with each hand and pulled them up around his waist.

“Nights not over yet…”

*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣

At some point in the wee hours of the morning, I managed to finally enter my room on wobbly legs with the layers of undergarments clutched in my arms. I had no idea what went where or how to lace things properly. There were still a few hours that I could rest before our scheduled meeting, but I lay wide awake for quite some time. I wasn’t used to feeling guilt after sleeping with someone. But there I was, restlessly chiding myself for forgetting, or maybe fearing to ask about Eladio’s connection to Marina until finally, exhaustion claimed me. 

Several hours into the negotiation we finally managed to get both the Regime and Rebel leaders to agree to the terms of the ceasefire we arranged… both sides were willing to allow for a proper investigation of the missing soldiers. However, each requested the presence of an impartial arbitrator to coordinate the investigation. Eladio assured them both that their request would be presented to the proper authorities as long as they continued to maintain the peace until someone returned or they were given an update within the next month.

With the pressing matter handled, I was quite eager to get off Ohm and meet up with our friends.

“I’m staying.”

“What?” I released the handle of my rolling case and turned back to face Max who had just entered the foyer where Eladio and I were stacking our gear and bags.

“Just for the night… we do have until tomorrow to return to Alfea right, Eladio?”

“Um… yes but…” he glanced at me then to Max. “I figured we were going to all stick together.”

“I’m not in any danger here at the castle and I’d like to explore the place a bit more.”

“I’m going to stay too then.” Marina chimed in and my eyes bulged.

“Seriously, that wasn’t the plan.”

“Plans get changed…” I pressed my lips looking back at Max. “I don’t expect you all to stay. You either Marina… no one has to stay on my account.”

“I want to. I’d like to explore the castle more myself.”

They grinned at each other and I rolled my eyes looking at Eladio so he could settle this matter quickly.

“Okay, fine… just make sure you’re back to Alfea before nightfall tomorrow.”

“What?”

“Cool! Thanks, man…” Max walked over and kissed me on the cheek, “Go have fun at the cave…”

Marina giggled and rushed off, dragging her suitcase back to whichever room she was given… Max headed in the direction of the Great Hall.

“Why did you do that?” I hissed when we were alone.

“They’re adults, Roxie… both of them. And one is a skilled warrior the other a talented fairy. Besides, they’re in a royal castle… what do you think will happen to them?”

“We shouldn’t separate, that’s all…”

He snorted and tossed a bag over his shoulder… “You should be more worried about what I’m going to do to you when I get my hands on you again.”

“If.”

He smirked, shoving a bag against my chest. “When.” then whistled as he opened the gateway portal and walked through. Hastily, I snatched my roller and followed him on his heels.

“How could you just leave them there though… what about Marina? Don’t you think you should be staying behind for her?”

He arched a brow looking back at me. The world around us was completely different, dark and glowy with strange buzzing and thumping sounds. I was almost positive the ground was shaking under our feet.

“What for? She wants to dig around in some ancient rooms.” he laughed

“But… maybe she’ll want to share it with you.”

He was still grinning but also looking at me strangely. Confusion forefront in his mind. Then something seemed to click and amusement surged higher.

“I’m beginning to think I am not the only one that’s been making assumptions about the other.”

“What? I’m just trying to be considerate…”

“Are you? I thought you and Marina were friends…”

“We are.”

“But you still think we have something going on? I told you the first time you asked that we were just friends.”

“I asked?”

He snorted, “well demanded was more like it… I’m assuming now you don’t remember.”

“What? I never asked…”

“You were quite tipsy… and demanded to know what my intentions were with Marina. Like some raging mom.”

“I didn’t!”

“Oh yes, you did. Hard to forget when a fairy promises to ruin my… what did you call it again… oh right… my too sexy face and delicious body… if I hurt her friend.”

I blushed furiously and whispered, “That doesn’t sound like something a mother would say.”

“Well… I didn’t say like my raging mom…” his grin was horribly smug. “But… what I’m more interested in right now… is the fact that you slept with me when you didn’t remember all that.”

“Well… just… it’s of no importance now… is it.” I huffed and moved around him, dragging my bag noisily along the ragged riverside path.

“Oh no you don’t… nagging at me about being by Marina’s side when you spent the whole night… at least in your mind… keeping me from it.”

“Hush!”

“You really are a naughty girl aren’t you?”

“I was drunk and high.”

“Not that drunk or too high…”

“You claimed you were more than willing to hook up with me when you thought I was your friend's girl.”

“Well, technically, Max and I aren’t exactly best buddies. He’s a good guy… a member of my squad. I respect him but we don’t exactly hang out in the same places. So a bit different than your and Marina’s friendship.”

I gritted my teeth. “She’s my ex.”

“Oooh. Look at me nibbling up all the bread crumbs.”

“Maybe I subconsciously remembered you telling me… and it wasn’t like she was hanging on to your every whim this weekend…”

“Trying to ignore me are you?” he chuckled, keeping an easy stride against my more exaggerated steps. Realizing the futility of it all I slowed down.

“Can we at least keep this between us?”

“The fucking or the part where you found me so irresistible you couldn’t keep your hands off me even when you thought I was dating your friend?”

“Oh goodness!” I shook my head and increased my pace again. “Your ego is ridiculously bloated.”

“Now, now… it’s not conceit if it's true…”

“Impossible.”

*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣

“You look like hell…”

“On my way to it most likely” I muttered, flopping down on the bed beside Nuraya… “Ooh sorry!”

She glared holding the nearly dripping brush over her big toe. “If I have to repaint this fucker a fifth time I’m going to scream!”

“Here, let me” I insisted on taking the nail polish in hand and layering the matte blue evenly.

“So… it was that bad? You’re here in less than one day… how bad could it have been?”

“It wasn’t… bad. At all.” I admitted. “Well except for my being a ninny about Max. I’m having a hard time letting him be.”

“You need to though.”

“I know!” I sighed and shook my head. “Marina bluntly called me out on it while we were there. She and Max are still in Ohm now.”

“You left him there?’

“I tried not to… I tried to get Eladio to insist they come with us.”

“But at least you didn’t stay… that’s a little growth right there.” I blushed but tried to hide my face as I checked the coverage of her polish. “Roxie… what did you do?”

“I didn’t do anything, I’m here so obviously I didn’t stay.”

“Okay… okay that’s good then… progress.”

“Well, I’m pretty sure I only left because I was more interested in having the discussion with Eladio about leaving them behind than I was concerned about actually leaving them behind.”

“What? Why? I mean… it’s okay but… weird. Why?”

“I slept with him.”

“What!... Wait… Eladio? Leader of the specialists Eladio? I mean… sure he’s hot… and a total hound… just your type… but still! How… when… why… where!?”

“He’s also got the ego the size of Olympus.”

“Oh… so yeah your typical sort of candy.”

“Shush…”

“Soooooo…” she muttered, snatching and putting the polish away. “Tell me…”

“Nothing really to tell. We had sex last night… well… this morning… well both…”

“All night?!”

“The mission went decently… I guess. We got there and a mudslide had occurred-”

“Guuurlllaa… do you really think I give a flying fig about some stupid mudslide right now?”

“I haven’t flown any figs in ages…”

“Roxanna Morgan… if you don’t spill the beans right freaking now!”

“It might be important… the slide and the missing-”

“Dammit, Roxie!”

I grinned. “What parties do you have lined up for us tonight?”

“Do you need to call up your loverboy to see what he wants to do?”

“What? Hell no, he ain’t my anything… and anyway, tonight is for my girl!”

“Soe, Jan, and Dean will probably be around too… we made the rounds last night… Dean’s sweet but I think he’s out of his depth with Soe and Jan.”

I laughed. “Max and Dean don’t usually do places like this…”

“Yeah, I might be taking advantage of his cuteness this weekend… too bad Max isn’t here I’d torment him more”

“He and Marina are infatuated with that musty castle”

“And so you and Mister Big Shot warrior had to entertain yourselves?”

“Oh my gosh!”

*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣*️⃣

Nuraya and I spent the entire night mostly with a couple of Alirielians, flirting, dancing, and experimenting with their AI in the Crystal Cove. Gusts of wind blew up leaves and sparkly dust that was almost intoxicating. All the Red Fountain guys were there too but I kept to my word and made the night all about having fun with my bestie. The fact that she maneuvered us onto the dance floor with the guys didn’t go unnoticed… and once… maybe twice… I did find myself grinding against either Eladio or between Soe and Jan… while she darted between Dean or Jan and Soe. But mostly I danced with Nuraya.

We got to bed by the earlier morning light and finally headed back to Alfea later that day.

The Looks



Casting-DONE | R1-DONE

Last edited by BambiFoxx (29/12/2021 at 19:51)

Form

Name: Yeon Ma-ri

Age: 21

FC: Bae Suzy

Element: Water

Traits/Personality: Soft-spoken, well-mannered, romantic soul, trustworthy, helpful, book lover, unassertive, scaredy-cat, indecisive,  overthinking, insecure, clumsy

Fun Facts: sometimes reads books more than once, loves to wear soft colors, wants to write her own story one day, bites her nails when she is feeling nervous

Relationships:

Nova

Ma-ri's roommate and always felt the closest with her. It isn't unusual for them to spend hours - even during the night - just talking with each other.

Arabella, Layla & Nuraya

Good friends with all three of them; Nuraya is usually the one helping Ma-ri out of her comfort zone; likes to take hikes or just walks in the nature with Layla; enjoys night talks with Arabella and often seeks her advice regarding music

Maximus

Ma-ri meet him during one of his morning runs which soon developed into a little routine. Their conversations started out superficial but she felt more comfortable as they spent more time together... over time Ma-ri developed a crush on him.

Dean

She met him at a party during the school year soon finding out that they have a few interests in common. They catch up whenever they run into each other.

Interests: Maximus, Dean & Nova

Some decisions:
* Allowing the cat to stay and naming it Luna
* Exploring the little town with Nova & briefly running into Maximus
* will go the wishing well where she will wish for something

Outfits coming at one point

Story

Coming too

Last edited by schoggettchen (27/12/2021 at 08:41)

S.L.O.W but coming today I hope

Hi! Round closed, new one opening in a bit…I guess?

Count On Me, Bruno Mars

FORM - DONE

Name: Roxanne "Roxie" Monroe

Age: 20

FC: Lily-Rose Depp

Element: Soul

Traits/Personality:
Confident, manipulative, bit of a troublemaker, audacious, sensitive, evasive, overthinking, high expectations, creative, fun-loving, uninhibited,

Fun Facts: Loves sunflowers, photo-bombs other's photography/selfies, allergic to shellfish, talks in her sleep

Likes: Singing, spicy food, knitting, drinking

Dislikes: bad breath, people who litter, long boring speeches

Relationships:
Nuraya - BFF, partner-in-crime, roommate, secret-keeper; enjoys teasing Max
Maximus - brother, loves him (loyal/supportive/protective) but they have little in common; close with Layla and Arabella, comfortable with Nuraya, close with Dean
Arabella - roommate; closest with Layla and Max
Layla - roommate; closes with Max and Arabella
Marina - ex-lover; enjoys Eladio’s company, close with Elif
Eladio - attraction; appreciates/flirty with Marina, often trains with Orube
Soe - highly flirtatious friendship; closest with Jan
Jan - close with Soe
Dean - close with Max

Interests: Eladio, Soe, idk honestly... Marina/Nuraya/Max

Story - TBD

The Looks
TBD


Casting-DONE | R1-DONE | R2-TBD

Last edited by BambiFoxx (29/12/2021 at 19:53)

Hi guys! I’m sorry to announce we’ll be closing this part of the contest right now.

As I was going to host the following round, things got quite complex in real life and I cannot dedicate enough time to do so at this very moment. The plan is to revisit the rest of the plot, as both Mira & I are loving this universe and stories in the making.

We’ll announce when the follow up happens, and until then I would like to apologize once more about this.

Thank you for understanding.

It is quite okay, please take care and be safe! I look forward to returning to this world in the future!