Several hours had passed since the start of the party, afternoon slowly becoming evening as the blazing sun above now began to set, offering a cool break to those who had been on the beach all day. The party had been a success so far, with dozens of people scattered across the coast enjoying food, drink, and festivities. Rich nobles spent their time mingling with other families, while soldiers shared war stories among drunk comrades, a friendly, stress-free vibe falling across the majority of the event. As the sun continued its descent, a large crowd of mostly nobility began to congregate around the wooden stage that had been built. The band of bards that had been playing music just finished their last song, giving way to the Queen who now approached the platform. At some point during the party, she had changed out of her swimsuit and was now wearing a very elegant, white evening dress. She slowly gathered the attention of those nearby, heads turning to watch as she stepped up onto the stage, quickly followed by four armed bodyguards. It only took a few moments for those around to realize that the Queen was about to give a speech. Silence fell across the crowd as her quaint, relaxing voice echoed out over the beach.

"Good evening friends! I am so humbled and deeply pleased that you all decided to join me today. Charon has experienced its fair share of difficulties over the last few years, but that is no reason for us to ignore the more enjoyable parts of life right?"

She paused, taking a sip of wine from her glass, followed by the crowd who toasted along with her.

"My family has always strived to see the brighter side of life, but the light only creates longer shadows, and our land has become plagued with much darkness. My loving husband and your King has vowed to rid our homes of this darkness and wishes to bring the light back to Charon. We want you all to know that we will be doing everything to restore the balance and ensure a bright, peaceful future for our young!"

Another pause, this one forced as the crowd began to cheer, throwing back more drinks and praising the sun elf.

"In a continual effort to protect this peace, the King has mobilized the Black Legion. Regiments will be sent out to each of the major regions in hopes that their presence will assist with any complications moving forward. Charon has plenty of criminals that need to be brought to justice, but none more so than Scern, the fiend who has declared war on the crown, and on the very peace that it represents. Your support and patronage will go a long way in ensuring this threat is found and dealt with!"

Another cheer echoed out, this one much louder and longer than the first. It was clear that most of the families that had been invited were in support of a decision like this. Those who were not in the Queen's circle would feel something else entirely. This was an attempt to display authority, and the King was making his move. It had been a long time since the Legions of the Black Sun had been deployed, a fact that would remind many in attendance that the Crown possessed truly terrifying power, and was not afraid to exert it.

After her speech, the Queen vanished behind the stage, which was quickly filled with more bands that began to play music once again. Those in the crowd went back to drinking and partying, their mood fueled by the woman's words. 

I shouldn’t have come, Zak thought, shaking his head. These were not his people, vying for attention or movement up the social and political ladder. Why would they invite the likes of him?

Brushing away thoughts of the intentions of the elite, he focused his attention on those partygoers who appeared to be having fun despite the strange political atmosphere Zak sensed. Most of those attendees had obviously arrived with close friends or colleagues, taking advantage of the invitation for free entertainment, food and drinks. He recognized a few acquaintances among those groups, but found himself reluctant to join in, not entirely sure what held him back besides his basic aversion to idle chit chat.

Remaining on the sidelines, Zak took another sip of his drink, grimacing at the hint of fruit in the small sip. He frowned as he remembered how he had to bicker with the ultra-formal server when he tried to get a simple ale, not one of the exotic brews made special for the occasion. Zak questioned himself again, Why am I here?

When the Queen began speaking, Zak started moving toward the exit. He didn’t belong here. Suddenly Zak stopped, her words penetrating his thoughts. Ah, it all made sense now. They had been invited here to witness an obvious power play. The Black Legion, eh? A military occupation? Not exactly unexpected, he supposed, with all that had happened in Charon recently. Someone was bound to attempt to rise up to fill the power vacuum.

Zak frowned. He wanted nothing to do with all of this. He surely didn't want to show any support for it. Zak looked around, hoping to find Izzy. Time to go. A beach party partnered with political maneuvering was not Zak’s idea of a good time. Izzy would prove to be the distraction he needed.

It was foolish to believe that an event such as this would come without its own ulterior motives. And yet, Cyran had hoped - or perhaps he’d only wanted to hope - that perhaps this time would be different. What was he thinking? It would not be an event held by Charon’s elite if it was not punctuated with an announcement to bolster their own egos. It was only a matter of time before something gave away the true reason they were here, and Cyran had been too distracted to pay much attention to why. But as he spotted the Queen Consort making her way to some sort of platform, the sunset glimmering off the fabric of her white cocktail dress, dread began to settle in his chest as he looked around and saw just who was in the audience.

So many familiar faces who’d been involved in Scern’s capture. So many influential figures, hero and criminal alike. All gathered in one place, like sitting ducks by the water to witness this display of power. He pulled himself away from tide pools and relaxation and thoughts of love and marriage as the Queen began her lengthy preamble. It was all nonsense, words stuffed with fluff that was meant to cover their eyes and obscure their vision from real problems. She spoke of light and darkness like she knew what it meant… she understood nothing. Her family understood nothing. The royal family was so disconnected from the world that they earnestly believed they could just wave their hands and throw a soirée and make these problems go away.

His blood went cold at the mention of the Black Legion.

He’d heard of them before, of course. Just because Cyran abhorred politics didn’t mean he wasn’t painfully aware of them, a consequence of his work. The Black Legion was nothing more than a group of well-equipped thugs, with all the trappings and confidence of Sol City behind them. The newest technology, the best weapons and armor. They were nothing more than attack dogs dressed in fancy collars with sharpened teeth. But they’d never been much of a concern, because they rarely left Sol City. Never been much of a concern before now, at least.

What the hell was she thinking? We’re the other countries just… okay with this? Did they even have a choice? She could gussy it up all she wanted, but there was no other way to look at this. This was a display of dominance, using a man who’d been branded as a public enemy and a terror as an excuse to implement the crown’s rule over all reaches of Charon. And all of these people, too soft to care or too naive to realize, were only cementing the death of their freedom with their scattered applause and rousing support. But why would they know any better? Scern was Charon’s Bogeyman, the creature that went bump in the night and stole away their children and blasphemed about the gods. They were all so united against their common enemy that they were missing the shackles being placed around their wrists.

Cyran sipped at his wine, a frown smeared across from his face. He’d advocated for Scern’s imprisonment because he thought the man too dangerous to be left unchecked. Evil or good or simply driven mad from all he’d endured, Cyran did not know. All that had mattered at the time was that someone with the power to kill the gods had been placed under careful observation.

But now, he was wondering if he’d given the royal family exactly what they wanted.

Feeling foolish, Cyran turned away from the joyous, relieved crowd. While they celebrated, Cyran was only left to wonder what would come first - death from the natural disasters threatening to destroy them all, or death from the hangman’s noose and a decree from the king.

Taki arrived late to the party, having gotten caught up in her research and learning how to use the new tools she'd purchased earlier during the festival. Not wanting to cause a ruckus, the shaman's attire was a simple Kimono with bamboo leaf embroidery and flowing sleeves. A wide sash with a mountain motif and wooden sandles rounded out the ensemble with a fine spidersilk cloak draped over her shoulders. Yukina and Hanehiko circled high above the ceremony, vigilant for any potential threats or emergency.

As she roamed the edges of the crowd, sampling snacks and beverages of any variety that appealed to her senses, she recognized several adventurers and influential figures. There were easily many more that she didn't recognize, though most seemed elated by the presence of the Queen as she took the stage. Taki took a steadying breath, letting her senses reach out in all directions. She listened to the voices of the spirits, their gentle whispers helping to tune out the din of the roaring crowd as the Queen made her announcement.

The Black Legions deploying across Charon? Why in the realms were the crown deploying their most elite legions? Was it tied to the discovery of Arcanatek or perhaps the witch hunt for Scern was genuine... though why Charon's elite were hunting the person responsible for keeping the realm from being turned inside out by a mad space deity could only be speculated. The implications of this power play would be far reaching, Taki would be getting busy again with requests for aid and consult. Thankfully her gardens had grown across her home, she would have plenty of food for herself and her companions whether away for a day or weeks.

She was on high alert as the Queen left the stage and the revelry resumed. Something about this announcement felt off to the shaman, and the spirit's voices were just as disarrayed. What else would be happening on this peculiar evening?

Javal sat in one of the many beach chairs along the coast he had experienced quite the day so far from stopping a herd of crabs from attacking one of the stalls, or helping some of the elderly adventurers to enjoy their time by talking to them and helping them around, and other rewarding stuff.



He was tired, to say the least, and rested on a beach chair trying to relax and feel the nice cool feeling of the day turning to evening.



Javal suddenly turned from his spot on the beach as he heard the voice of the queen begin speaking. At first, the queen seemed nice enough, kind, and polite but her speech took a turn for celebration as he heard that the queen was promising to help stop the shadows from emerging in their homes.



This excited Javal immensely thinking, “Woah this may mean there could be more jobs and adventurers to go on now right”.



His attitude changed to confusion and slight displeasure as he heard the queen mention mobilizing The Black Legion. He didn’t know much about these guys just that they were some brutish thugs and excuses for knights. These people were the ones they were supposed to view as their protectors, no way. All of this political talk was starting to make Javal’s head spin and hurt a little bit. Hopefully, as the night came he would be able to take his mind off of the new revelation from the crown.

Unable to resist the sounds of party and fanfare echoing from the white shore, Brandy Alayin found herself walking the edge of the party.

Soon, bare feet digging into the warm, grainy sand, I lay out a thin towel and spread out on it. I feel my ears fold back as I sink into the soft beach. Tails swishing back and forth, I finally relax as the hot sun hits my tan skin. Scantily clad in a black swim thong, and a small black bikini top, my chest accentuated by the large eyelet slit showing off a large portion of my cleavage. On top, all my various scars are covered in a thin lavender sweater, so all that can be seen above my waist are my broad, tan shoulders and neck, but yet thin enough I would get a full tan. With my hair tied back in a secure yet messy bun, I lay out to tan. I don't even notice the laughter, shouting, and general commotion of the party surrounding me. Resting my chin on my folded arms, I let my mind drift as a rare sense of calm finally washes over me. 

   Having arrived fashionably late, it is funny how things can turn with a snap of one's fingers. I calmly stood off to the side, casually sipping at some cherry juice when the announcement began. I remained quiet the entire time. I was listening, piecing the news with the recent events, picking apart every word. My brain gives me many things to be expected. I mentally went to the swamp, an area that always needed help. If we could force them to focus on that area, less would be interfered with. I glance around at the many adventurers before hooking onto each expression and reaction, judging each for a friend or foe in planning.

   As I do this, I also process what the other regions would have. Dragon's Cradle will probably get a lot, but with the sheer force we have over there and the popular opinion to go f with Sol City, they probably won't last long. Just in case, I make a note to watch the Counsel in Thorock for movements. It would be good to visit my hometown at least once a year. Frost Gale, may help travel, but the cost would go up extremely. Not to mention, they probably will take as much help on their security. So the legion will probably survive there. I almost feel bad about the ones who are going to take care of the Ashlands, they are going to get their own heads handed back to them on a platter, and that's if the locals feel nice.

   I breathe in the familiar scent of the sea before sipping back at the drink in my hand. I drift from looking at the adventurers to the nobles, in taking every weak point, glancing at security and weapons, seeing the little movements and tense muscles at the ready, 'They are waiting for the outsiders to attack or react in some form.' I give them a nod and smile as I look back at the groups, the guards giving little thought to me. It's always funny, being underestimated for a childish look. Zeinev was about to get crazy in search of Scern, so I think it's best to watch the reactions there, it's very neutral in many aspects, but because of the cult activities and it is the homeland for Scern, well, things don't look very pretty for it. Moonglade is a very iffy situation, with the mixture of people there, I would rather sit to the side and watch. Night help if requested from others in the area.

   I shift my demeanor to my childish side as people approach me, talking about how this was such a good thing. I quickly give bright smiles to those around me, but also share eye contact with a few who recognized my looks and had paled. I could only find enjoyment in this, some of my employers are in this crowd, what's to say I can't benefit from this arrangement?

From across the way, a plate of hors d'oeuvres being voraciously snacked upon, a tall, red-hiared fellblood watches. Observes. She had never been so close to the Queen Consort before, nor any noble of particular note; it was curious how she carried herself, with all the confidence of someone who so righteously believed in their safety, it a statement of fact rather than a question. That was evidenced by the content of the crowd to whom the Queen was intent on addressing; supporters and Problems alike in equal measure.

So. The whole point of inviting these adventurers out was to show them all the lay of the land, was it? Izzy had, of course, invited herself; she and Zak had been in the area, and what better way to wind down their misbegotten adventures than by partaking in a little bit of clandestine party crashing? Rub elbows with the rich for a few scant hours and feel a petty sense of vindication over their unwelcome presence in the company of such powerful people.

But what she saw was not a flex of power. What she saw was a weak spot being disguised as strength. And to herself, very slightly, Izzy smiles.

Catching Zak's eye, Izzy unceremoniously pushes her half full plate into the chest one of the waitstaff, and slips away from the table to follow him out. A shame it had to come to such an abrupt end like this-- but perhaps they could find themselves some better quality fun elsewhere.

    I’d gotten out of the water and gotten back into my clothes in time to look wet, but presentable for the announcement. What she said about shadows and light struck a weird chord with me, as I personally identified as “shadow”, but it didn’t stop me from otherwise analyzing the message. The Crown was strengthening their military presence outside of the Capital. Master and the others in Bleakfort won’t be happy. Afterall, the Pale Concord is fairly stable. The Spectres were an issue, but the local military had it under control, and the root problem wasn’t anything force could fix. We needed negotiators, mediators, organizers and economists to protect the tribes and the urban economy. While this hard handed move might be needed for Capitol and King’s Valley/Marshflats Alliance, it would only escalate the situation in the Pale Concord.



    As for Scern, was he not already in prison? While he did undermine the divine claim to the throne, if the gods were dead, then any kind of divine right was impossible. For that matter, that meant that there couldn’t be any more prophetic religious uprisings, since the Sun Elves were probably the last remnants from when Solaria was still alive. The nobility were panicking, and making rash blanket moves to cover the potholes.



    Anyways, things might get tricky from now on- while people would be more accepting of change, there would also be higher chances of me getting caught for treason or blasphemy or theft or something like that….

    I didn't cheer when the speech finished, but I put on a smile and joined the toast all the same.