♣ Ashan 33rd, 719 ♣
♣ Ashan 33rd was always a weird trial, even for the people of Yaralon. With the land so steeped in corruption from the fractures that were as natural as the wildlife, many always looked to this trial with silent fear. One would think Edasha had come and made a public spectacle of married couples swapping partners.
But alas this trial was different. You could see it in their faces, that hidden look of worry and panic as if waiting to be selected. This trial, however, would prove to be one many would remember for arcs to come. Every cycle on this trial three yaris go missing and return by the next trial different from when they vanished. Be it for good or worse it was always evident that whatever they experienced changed them.
A woman walked the dirt covered streets of Yaralon, a tune hummed from her lips, and skip in her step. A smile beamed across her face as she bounced around, in every place she could, all at once. She covered much ground in so little time, inspecting who she would take this trial.
She couldnt just have anyone join her, oh no, they had to be special or else her games would be no fun. After all the lucky ones she would choose should be grateful, getting a break from such stressful conditions and whatnot. She, in the most honest and innocent way she could think, thought herself to be doing a great service these people.
Oh yes, these three chosen would be extra grateful indeed.
She could tell that they new of her presence, yet none could truly see her, and that made her giggle. It was all they could hear is her giggling, knowing three individuals were about to disappear soon. ♣
♠ Praetorum ♠
The city's Docks by the sea are a bevy of life. Sailors and fishermen alike selling their catch, and to the untrained eye, all is well. Praetorum finds himself walking along the boardwalk enjoying the sights and spots something curious that he has never seen before. A girl dressed in odd clothing sits on the pier kicking her legs back and forth. Something about her gnaws at him about her, and he goes to investigate, but before he can approach any further along the pier to her, she's gone. In that same trill, he feels a slight push from behind and falls into the water. After swimming his way back to the surface, regaining his balance and correcting himself from how he fell, he emerges from below the surface on to find he is not where he was before. Looking he sees a waterfall, with stones floating within them. One appears underneath his feet, and steps are made upward. Once he ascends the floating steps, he spots a table that could easily seat 10 people and is compelled to sit down at it. A chair pushes away from the table, the armrest motioning for him to sit.
♦ Thysbae ♦
It was noon when it happened, a knocking at his door. The Mortalborn wasn't really expecting anyone this trial and found it odd someone would be at his front door. Pondering who it could be he began to panic a bit, thinking it to be some who may have wanted to challenge him to a duel. Standing there he remained still, wondering if whoever it was would go home if they believed he wasn't home. Alas more knocking came, and the compulsion to go to the door became stronger. He could clearly hear a voice on the other side of the door and stop to listen. He could hear the distinct sound of a young girl humming and giggling. Finding it odd, he opens the door only to find himself standing on crystal clear water.
"You there, oh you there?! Do come hither and don't be scared"
feminine words echoed sweetly in his ear, and the urge to go forward moved his feet bringing him to the source. ♥ Laurel Ariss ♥
He had been walking the dusty streets of the city like he always did at this time, it was like clockwork and she knew this much of at least. As he would stroll he would find there is a girl that has appeared near him no matter where he would go. Joyful and always with a smile she waves at every chance of eye contact. After a few trills, she is no were to be seen. After walking for what seemed like forever he finds a spot to sit and rest his legs. resting made the man as calm as could be, till a tap on his shoulder causes the man a scare, stirring up a bit. Turning to see, there she stands, and with boop of his nose, he was out like a light. Once he awakens he would find he is nowhere that is known to him, laying in the water yet no signs of being soak. There in front of him sits a grand table and seat just for him.
The three lucky winners would find themselves in Victoria's Grotto, a tricky little pocket within a fracture that appeared in the Yaralon Savannahs. Breathtaking to first-timers, they would find themselves taken in by the sheer beauty of the place. They would find two massive trees entangled with each other, and beneath it, a large banquet table with someone already seated.
Seated at the head of the table the three would find Victoria, a pleasant and serene expression on her face. Her eyes flickered in a kaleidoscope of colors, motioning for them to be seated if they haven't done so already.
"Oh do come and sit, and rest for a bit. I assure you that this is no fable, now come and have a seat at my table."
she encouraged, snapping her fingers as a set of teacups, two each, appeared in front of her guests. To each guest present, the teacups spoke, saying "drink me, drink me!". The cups at their left held a red glowing liquid, though pleasant to behold, it held a rather off-putting odor. The cups at their right held a black liquid, and the aroma would seem familiar to the drinker."I'm so glad you've come to play these games with me, but first I must ask that you try a cup of tea. It's better if you are well hydrated before we make our first stop, so please be sure drink it all, drink...every...last...drop"
she encouraged once more, her pleasant and cheerful demeanor never fading as she spoke. They could choose one or the other, or none at all, as long as a choice was made in the end."Victoria's Speech"
♠♣♥♦
= 1 favor point
= 1 ire point
