Criala

(Picture found here) Natalia Marie Falcone ┗.༻❁༺.┛ There was the faint sound of footsteps. Gravel crunching beneath shoes. It was the only sound, aside from the rustling of any trees. “When did a simple walk get so tiring?” The words were murmured beneath an elderly woman’s breath. Face aged with numerous wrinkles, white and gray hair pulled back into a loose braid. A bag hung at her side. Every day was exhausting. Simple, easy tasks took all of her energy. The crunching of gravel only stopped once the elderly woman found herself in front of a bench. Soon, she took a seat on it, her gaze shifting upward to focus on the sky. Her breath was labored, slightly heavy as she tried to catch her breath. “...Issa been this way for a long time now...” Her tone took on an almost defeated tone, as if she wasn’t able to fool herself any more. The years just kept going by, adding onto her fatigue one by one until it was all she felt. Slowly, the things she loved to do so much… She was unable to do so. Baking, her hands were too shaky and she’d dropped more batter than she wanted to remember. Sewing, she wasn’t able to keep her lines straight. Forget even trying to do the medical duties she also enjoyed. There was no way she’d be able to help anyone with how shaky she was. Reading was the only solace she had. A leather bound book of poetry, which she always had. The spine was worn, showing how frequently it was opened and closed. One of her most prized possessions. Even now, as reality crashed around her, it was with her, nestled in her bag. Death wasn’t something she ever feared. Life wasn’t something anyone got out of alive. At least, those who were mortal. What scared her now were regrets. All of the regrets she’d have to face at the end of her life. Dante… I’ve always been proud of you, my son… I’m sorry. I searched… But I could not find you. A slow exhale escaped the aged woman as she slumped backward against the bench, gaze still upon the sky. Gracia… My little girl. I wished the world for you. I hope you were able to find it. Slowly, a hand reached into the satchel. A moment of rummaging around, and the worn leather book was produced. Carmine… My baby boy. I hope you found what you were meant to do. For a few moments, all she did was stare at the cover of the book. Ludovica… You were gone far too soon. Will I see you in the next life? I loved you as if you were my own. I hope you knew that. A sad smile tugged at the wrinkled edges of her mouth. My children, I love you more than life itself. If I could, I would spend even just a moment more with each one of you. No amount of time, no matter how much it was, wasn't enough with you. I’m sorry for the failings I had as your mother. She ran a hand along the cover of the book, feeling the leather beneath her weathered finger tips. Anton… How I wish I could have been there for you more. You were the brother I’d never had. Will I see you on the other side? I hope so. For another moment or two, her palm just rested on it. Her smile fell until her lips were a neutral line. Did I waste my life, mama? Spending it devoted to a man who just left in the end? Who just betrayed me in the end? Finally, she opened the book, gaze falling on on the first page of her book. Sadness streaked across the woman’s aged features. Cosimo… I should hate you. For all of the hurt, pain and betrayal you caused me over the years, I should hate you. So desperately do I want to hate you with every fiber of my being. But I can’t hate you. I remember the young man I first met in that little cantina in Osanora. The one I fell in love with. The one I slowly saw disappear over the years. What happened to him? A question I was too afraid to ask, because the answer terrified me. Her eyes closed, hand falling against the page. She stilled, taking a slow, deep breath, before exhaling it. The time had come to finally rest.

Almaris, 124, Northern Ocean “So, what’re we doing?” It was a male voice that spoke, glancing at the other three gathered. His hair was white, eyes turquoise with a golden rim around the iris, skin a light tan in color. First to catch his gaze was a ‘ker with black hair and eyes, clad in clothing just as black. “And where did Rhae get a boat?” He squinted at his older sister. Her complexion was pale, long white hair tied back with braids. Her eyes were an electric blue, the same golden ring around her irises. A smirk tugged at her lips. She said nothing in reply, just continuing to smirk at him. “Haelun, do you know where she got it?” His attention now shifted to the shortest one gathered. Unbeknownst to him, the ‘ker was hiding a slight smirk behind the blank look on his face, sharing a brief look with Rhae. Long white hair hung to her waist in loose, natural waves. It was partly pulled back, and turquoise eyes that matched her son’s. For once, she appeared to not have her staff. Likely back home, so it didn’t get in the way and wasn’t destroyed. “One day, you’ll learn to not question anything she does or has.” She said, not appearing phased at all by this. “No one was using it.” Rhae gave a shrug of her shoulders, the smirk still on her face. “They really weren’t.” Nedai spoke up in agreement, hands tucked into his pants pockets. Sulion just stared at the two of them, for a solid minute. One blink, two, before he shook his head. “Does Maln know she does that?” “Ti. Encourages it even.” Estellise responded casually, gaze trailing along the open ocean before them. “...Am I the only one concerned by this?” Sulion lifted a hand to run through his white hair, with a sigh. “Pretty much.” Rhae snickered. “Aren’t you concerned?” Sulion now spun around to look at the youngest there. Pure white hair that cascaded down the young ‘fenn’s back, with pale skin and wide innocent eyes. She shook her head and shrugged. “Not really.” “I really am the only sane one here.” Sulion mumbled to himself. He appeared to finally give up on trying to understand whatever had gone on with the boat, now also looking out to the ocean. “So, what’s the plan?” Nedai asked, his dark gaze shifting over to Estellise. “There’s an orca with a dual fin in these waters. Hareven told me about it. It’s causing a rapid decrease in marine life here. So, it needs to be removed. We’ll need to tire it out. And not disrupt anything unnecessary while doing so.” Estellise answered, sparing Nedai a glance. “Mm, right. Easy enough.” Whether Nedai’s comment was sarcastic or not was hard to tell. His tone and expression gave nothing away. “How are we supposed to do that?” Reosa asked, eyes on her grandmother. “Mmm…” Estellise breathed out slowly, not taking her eyes off of the water. “Not damaging any of the water’s plant life or any of the other mammals. We’ll have to figure this out while we go. It’s going to take a while.” The group proceeded to get on the boat, making sure that they had everything they needed before setting sail. Harpoons, the sticks used to throw them, rope, and anything else. The ropes had already been tied to the ends of the harpoons Nedai was fitted with what appeared to be some kind of inflated device, strapped around his waist and both of his arms. For extra good measure, Rhae secured a rope around the ‘ker’s waist, with the other end being tied firmly to the boat. “So, you can steer the boat, alright? Probably be the best bet for you.” Estellise watched as Rhae tested the knots she made in the rope. Once she was sure they wouldn’t come loose at all, she nodded her head and stepped back from the ‘ker. Nedai simply stared at Estellise and Rhae, not looking or sounding very enthusiastic about such. “...Fine.” Despite the unamused look on his face, Nedai focused for a second. Ink pooled over the tattoo on his arm, before something shot out of his arm. What surged forward was a crow, now sitting on Nedai’s shoulder. “Fancy.” Estellise mused, looking at the crow. “What does the crow do?” “Her name’s Nox. She can watch for things and alert us if she sees anything.” His tone was bland all the while, his expression not changing one bit. “Ah, good, that’ll be useful here. In case there’s something we don’t see.” Estellise nodded her head in approval. “Or help you dodge things while steering the boat so we don’t hit anything and sink.” Rhae quipped, in an almost cheery tone, despite the seriousness of the situation. “Or destroy any nature.” Reosa added in. “Right?” “Right.” Estellise offered the young elf a smile. “We don’t want to harm or damage anything. The Orca is the only thing that needs to be removed.” Reosa nodded her head, returning the smile with one of her own. “No problem. Not hard at all.” Sulion breathed out a puff of air. “It’ll be fine, little bro.” Rhae nudged Sulion’s arm, pushing against it with a fist. “Let’s get this started then.” Estellise said, signaling with her left hand to Nedai. Ever present was the unamused look on Nedai’s face, but he took hold of the wheel, so he could steer the boat. The crow on his shoulder surged upward to keep an eye out further ahead for the group. The waters were calmer than expected, with no sign of the supposed orca. The wind was strong enough to blow against the sails, to move the boat along the waters, but not enough to throw anyone off. “Any sign?” Sulion asked, calling the question over his shoulder as he kept an eye on the west. “Nothing yet.” Reosa replied to her Uncle, her attention on the east. “At least that I’m seeing.” “Me neither.” Rhae sounded bored, as she watched to the south, though she spared a brief glance to the harpoons stockpiled. “I want to use those already.” “You’ll be able to soon enough.” Estellise mused, keeping her attention to the north of them. “We could be waiting a while for it to make an appearance.” “I hope not…” Rhae grumbled beneath her breath, though she remained alert. “How’re we supposed to get these into it though?” Reosa questioned. “These.” Estellise held up a stick. It was thin until the end where it curved up. “Line it up and toss as hard as you can.” “Oh, alright.” The young ‘fenn nodded her head. The waters were calm for some time. Everyone was silent now, with no sound other than the sound of the water around them. After some time, a noise came from the crow that Nedai summoned, akin to that of a musical instrument. “Something’s coming.” Nedai spoke up, as the crow perched back onto his shoulder. “What direction?” Estellise asked, gaze shifting over the waters in front of them. “Northwest.” He replied, keeping a firm hold on the wheel. “But I don’t see anything.” Sulion frowned, squinting a little as if it would help him see better. At first, there was nothing, just a rippling of the water. But, soon enough, dual fins broke the surface. “Oh, there it is. I see it now!” Sulion informed the rest, motioning towards the north west. “Everyone be ready!” Estellise called out. “Harpoon time?” Rhae asked, excitement written all over her features and lacing her words. She appeared to be down right giddy almost. “Harpoon time.” Estellise nodded her head, taking one of the sticks in her hands, as well as a roped harpoon. Reosa appeared to be just as delighted as Rhae was when she grabbed her own harpoon and stick. She hefted the harpoon up, resting it against her shoulder. Sulion followed suit, hoisting one up and taking one of the sticks to throw it with as well. He returned to his mother, older sister and niece. The blank look didn’t once lessen on Nedai’s face as he watched on, prepared as he could be for the steering he’d have to do. “Wait for it to get close enough.” Estellise told the others, looking out to the direction the orca was coming from. “But be ready to throw at any time.” She made sure her own harpoon was ready, as she’d told the others to do. Sulion, Rhae, and Reosa all gave a nod as they followed her example. More of those dual fins were revealed, as the orca’s back broke through the water’s surface as well. It was speeding through the water, quicker than one might think for something so large. “Wait…” Estellise raised her arm, so she could take aim. Closer and closer, the orca surged through the water. So close that the water rippling around the orca was causing the boat to now rock. Nedai’s hold on the wheel tightened. “Now!” Estellise shouted, mustering up all of the force she had to send her harpoon directly at the orca. It hit its target, in the side. Quickly, she grasped the rope tied to the end of the harpoon, holding on as tight as she could. Sulion shot his harpoon forward as well. His aim was true, and his harpoon hit, somewhere towards the back of its side. He too grasped the rope, tightly. Rhae sent her harpoon forward with a grin, delighted to finally be able to use it. It sank into the orca’s skin. She was quick to grab her own rope, holding onto it. Reosa threw her harpoon as well, and just as the others, it landed where she intended. She reached for her rope to also hold onto it. The orca jerked in the water as the numerous harpoons hit. It was a sudden force, nearly ripping the ropes from their hands. But, with a good amount of effort, they were able to keep holding on. From the force the orca was using to try to dislodge the harpoons, it caused the boat to shake. Nedai clutched the wheel, turning it to avoid the boat crashing into anything. “Don’t let go!” Estellise tightened the hold she had on her rope, grunting as it was nearly yanked from her hands. Reosa nearly lost her hold on her rope, but managed to not let go, using all of her might to keep hold. “Not going to lose to an orca!” Rhae smirked, clutching the rope, with all her strength. Sulion kept his hold as well, standing his ground. Water was sent splashing everywhere as the orca thrashed this way and that. It caused water to spray across the four of them, some drops even hitting Nedai. That only furthered the unimpressed look upon the ‘ker’s face, but even still, he stayed true to his role in what was going on. He steered the boat, his crow having surged up in the air once more so he could keep the boat from knocking into anything within the water. “It’s all slippery now.” Reosa was struggling somewhat to keep her hold. The water was making it difficult, though she was doing her best to keep the rope from slipping out of her hands. “Just keep holding tight.” Estellise reassured the young ‘fenn. It was a struggle, arms and shoulders straining to not let the rope go. Rhae readjusted her grip to have a better hold on the rope, keeping hold of it. It took a lot of effort, but she didn’t seem to mind, putting her all into it. Sulion was able to keep his own rope in his hands. The water made it difficult, but he kept it up. Nedai was doing his best to keep up with the ocra’s movements. So far, he was succeeding. Nothing within the waters was destroyed or disturbed, no other fish or ocean life out of place. The orca continued on, its thrashing and surging through the water causing even more water to crash up against and onto the boat. Jerking this way and that, the orca was putting up the biggest fight it could. Gradually, its movements were going sluggish, slowing down as it was repeatedly unable to dislodge any of the stuck harpoons. However, it wasn’t ready to give up. It gave a sharp turn, more powerful than expected from the exhausted creature. It all happened so fast that it was hard to have any time to react. Reosa was nearly sent flying, but she managed to stay on her feet. Sulion slid forward, almost sent to the edge of the boat, but he wasn’t sent off the boat. Rhae dug her boots into the wood of the boat as best she could, keeping herself from being sent flying. Suddenly, there was nothing beneath Estellise’s feet. Her hands held onto the rope as if it were a lifeline. The last thing she heard before hitting the water was… “HAELUN!” The chorus of Sulion and Rhae rang out, soon followed by a splash. “Is she okay?!” Reosa questioned, a hint of franticness to her voice. The rope was clutched in a vice grip in her hands, her eyes widened as she stared at where her grandmother used to be. “Of course she is.” Rhae took a step forward, to rush to the edge of the boat, but a jerk of the rope in her hands stopped her in her tracks. “Haelun!” Sulion called out again, his hands shaking as he held his own rope. With a gasp, Estellise broke through the surface of the water, shivering slightly. The sleeve of her right arm was torn, blood seeping from it as she held it at an awkward angle. However, the rope was still clutched in her hands. “Haelun?!” “I’m fine!” Estellise shouted, hissing slightly as the water splashed against her arm and stung it. “Just keep holding on!” “Told you.” Rhae commented to Sulion, however, the relief in her eyes was obvious. “Yeah, yeah, you were worried too.” Sulion huffed in reply. Estellise, despite the pain of her right arm, and the pain in her shoulder, kept hold of her own rope, even as she was dragged around in the water by the orca. That last push of force seemed to be most of what the orca had left in it, the creature’s movements slowing down even further until it finally, however long later, stopped.

Rosalia looked over the invitation. A smiled tugged at her lips, but she soon let out a sigh. "Well, time to see if we can keep Theo alive to make it to his and Norra's wedding. I'll do my best, Theo."

✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰*.:｡✧*.｡:｡*.｡✱ Hello, I’ve had skin commissions open for a while now, so I thought it was time I made a post detailing what all I can do and charge. My commissions are always open, and my slots are unlimited. I take Paypal, Venmo and CashApp! I’m fairly quick when doing commissions usually. Outfits can be done in only a couple hours, sometimes only an hour depending on how simple the reference is. Armor is usually the same amount of time, as are heads and bases. Other skins, such as azdrazi/robot/construct skins, can take longer, but it just really just depends on what people want and how complex it ends up being. Prices Heads: $5 Bases: $8 Outfits: $9 for Alex, $11 for Steve Armor: 15 Azdrazi/Robot/ect: 15+ depending on complexity Examples If more examples are needed, I am happy to provide them! Request Form Type of skin: (Head, base, outfit, ect) Alex/Steve: Reference image: Discord: I do prefer contact through discord, but it doesn't have to be through discord. My discord is Zadie#4764 :)

I usually use past tense. But it can depend on the tense of who I'm roleplaying with uses. Sometimes I'll follow the same tense as they're using. If they emote.. 'Geraldo'd do this action'. I'll use that tense too. I don't usually use present tense.

A soft sigh escaped Estellise as she read over the letter in her hands. "I will see you again one day, Hareven." She murmured, not taking her eyes off of the parchment. Another moment or two, before she pulled out a piece of paper of her own. And began to write... As Vienele read the letter, a slight smile came to her face. "You deserve to finally rest, brother. And to just enjoy what life has given you." The Lilac druid dug out her own paper to pen a letter of her own. It was a surprise, when Rosalia opened her door that day to find an eagle there. Even more of a surprise the words that came from it. "We are bonded now, and I will stay by your side til I am sent to the next." Confusion was evident on her features, but she brought the eagle inside with her. The eagle offered her a letter. "Haelun, what's that?" A voice called out, icy blue eyes landing on Vaki. "Is that an eagle? With a... Letter?" "I guess so..." She took the letter from the eagle, opening it to read the contents. Tears welled up in her eyes as she took in each word. "Haelun?" The voice softened, upon noticing his mother's reaction. He moved closer, so he could catch a glimpse of what was making his mother tear up. "What's wrong?" A slight glare was sent the eagle's way. "It's fine, Arradian." She murmured, lifting a hand to her son. "It's Vaki, Hareven's staff..." "But it's... Not a staff.." Arradian begrudgingly pulled his gaze away from the eagle at that, attention on his mother once more. "You learn to get used to it with anything involving Hareven." Rosalia sniffled a little, as she held the letter closer to her chest for a moment. "I guess it's mine now though.." "Alright.." Arradian nodded slightly, watching as she pulled out her own piece of paper to pen a reply.

something something a funny joke

Deep within the Father Grove, a newly attuned druid knelt in front of a spruce log. A log where all kinds of different images were carved upon its surface. At the top of it was a magnolia blossom, the stem swirling down to be against the spine of an open book. On the open pages, a number of symbols were carved. The smoldering cinders of a fire was in the center of one page. A lynx lounging was in the top right of that page, and in the lower left corner was an iris flower. On the other open page was a rip tide current, flowing away from a shore. In the top left corner of that page was a crystal, painted to be a brownish silver color. Below the book was wilting grass and flora, decaying trees, animals cowering as they stared up at something. The grass and bushes continue downward, growing more alive the further away it is from whatever the animals were looking at. Within the grass and trees was the face of a mountain lion, paw forward and ready to pounce. Just below the paw is the carved form of a young mali, holding a bow in their hands. Underneath that it transitions into a family of bears, a mother with her two cubs, underneath a tree out in a forest somewhere. The tree stood strong, appearing to not bow to anything. The base of the tree thinned into a singular root, which soon took the shape of a staff. Many different things adorn it. The bottom of the staff was attached to a log, numerous engravings along the sides of the log. Grass was along the bottom as it began to shift to two figures appearing ready to fight. There was an empty space at the very bottom of the log. A carving tool in hand, the druid appeared to be taking it to the empty spot, taking her time to carve something. The task was taking a fair bit of time, but that didn’t seem to bother her. “Haelun?” A familiar voice called out. Gold pulled from the log, sparing a glance over her shoulder to meet a striking icy blue. “Karin’ayla, oem’ii.” She greeted, before turning back to what she was doing. “What’re you doing?” He asked, head tilting to the side slightly in curiosity. “Adding the last part to my Grand Task.” She replied, focused on not getting her hand or fingers with the carving tool. “I thought you finished that though.” He watched, icy hues remaining curious. A blade hung from his left hip. “There was one part left. My totem after being attuned.” She shaved off another bit of the wood’s surface, resulting in that spot being finished. She stood then, taking a step back. His gaze fell on the recently finished engraving, taking it in. Along the bottom of the feet of the figures, a fire beginning to be lit was carved. “What’s your totem then?" The youth asked, soon turning his head to look down at his Haelun. "Flame?” “No. Kindle.” She tucked the carving tool back into her satchel. “Kindle.” He repeated, giving a nod of his head. “It suits you, Haelun.” “Ahernan.” “How did you know? What it was?” “In my attunement vision, I was told.” Her voice softened, gaze shifting up to meet her son’s. “By who?” A smile tugged at her lips at that, no other words coming from her. And from the way she smiled, he didn’t need to ask again to know who it was. The figure stepped forwards. A curved blade hung from his hip. Hood pulled over his face, keeping it in shadow. Stepping to Rosalia's side, he bent his head to whisper quietly in her ear. "Hope is the flame that feeds us all. From the weakest child to the strongest warrior. Keep it burning. Reignite it when it's needed. Be the kindle to the flame of truth and life.”

Unaware of all on goings, Rosalia wondered where her nephew had been. It was unusual to not see him for so long. Her mind wandered to something she overheard him say to Wulff, last she saw him. "I'm not parting with it." She hadn't caught all of it, but that one part was what stuck out to her. What 'it' was, she didn't know. What she did know was that it left a suspicious curiosity and worry. She'd not been able to ask, since he and Wulff went off rather quickly. "Hopefully you're okay, Greene." She brought the carving knife down, the features of the young 'ame starting to take shape in an oak log. "I hope this feeling is wrong."

Estellise stared at the parchment that somehow found its way to her. Something about this nagged at her. The unease from that day hadn't lessened any. And now... It was growing yet again. This didn't sit right. What is is going on...

Thin, shaky hands paused, a page within index and thumb. The world felt as if it came to a stand still. Hazel eyes lifted from the page. Something is not right. An unease settled in. The feeling gnawed at her, itching and clawing. It refused to ease up, even as an emptiness took hold of her heart. A mother knows. Slowly, the woman pushed herself up from her seat, the book she was reading forgotten on the side table. "Dante..." It was time to pay a certain someone a visit. And he better have answers, because hell hath no fury like a mother.

Leilani Aureon read over the letter that somehow found its way within her grasp. A few long moments passed, as the Aureon Chieftess contemplated. But she ended up reacing for an empty piece of paper. To pen a reply.

It was a calm day. Only the sound of the waves could be heard as the 'fenn woman sat upon the shore. Unaware of what went on, she watched the waves as they crashed into one another. Suddenly, admist the peace of the ocean, it hit. A stomach churning bad feeling that shook the woman to her very core. Unease overtook her. Her hand gripped the shaft of her staff, gold rimmed turquiose eyes darting around. There was nothing there. No apparent reason for this feeling. But it refused to fade away, settling in the pit of her stomach. It would linger, and she never was able to figure out what caused it.

Something was missing. Or rather, someone was missing. The thought occured to Rosalia as she made her way through the square of Nevaehlen. It nagged at her, mind turning until suddenly, it hit her. Plume. One, that though she didn't recall ever speaking to her, that she often saw in the square. A name she'd heard spoken often. Someone she remembered was always smiling and so bright. "May the Aspects welcome you, Plume. It's a little darker now without you."