The sounds of seagulls overhead mingled with the random chatter of dockworkers and travelers, creating a lively symphony that defined the bustling harbor. The rhythmic creaking of ships swaying gently on the waves added a low, groaning bassline to the melody of the dock. Each vessel, with its towering masts and sprawling decks, rocked back and forth, anchored steadfastly as the sea lapped at their wooden hulls.

Athens' golden sandals clinked softly against the wooden planks beneath his feet, contributing a distinct metallic note to the ambient noise. He made his way down one of the larger docks, his steps confident yet unhurried. The journey from the capital had been swift and uneventful, his noble name securing him passage on a navy vessel bound for Eclipse City. However, now that he had disembarked, his status held no sway; he was just another traveler in a foreign land.

The air was crisp and tinged with salt, a refreshing change from the stuffiness of the capital. Despite never having set foot in Moonglade before, Athens felt a thrill of anticipation. His golden skin gleamed under the bright sun as he surveyed the vibrant scene around him. The port was a hive of activity, with people from all corners of Charon converging in this bustling marketplace. Sailors unloaded cargo, merchants hawked their wares, and travelers exchanged tales of distant lands. The sheer diversity was overwhelming, yet exhilarating.

Athens couldn't help but smile as he inhaled deeply, the fresh sea air filling his lungs. The sights, sounds, and scents of the port were a sensory overload, but he relished every moment. The energy of the place was infectious, a stark contrast to the boring, scheduled life of the capital. He observed the vibrant tapestry of life around him, noting the distinct dialects, the colorful attire, and the myriad of goods on display.

After taking in the vibrant scenery, Athens decided it was time to find his destination. Spotting a rugged, weather-beaten sailor passing by, he raised his hand, the golden bands and rings adorning his fingers clinking musically. "Excuse me, citizen," he called out, his voice carrying a tone of authority. "Could you point me in the direction of the Purple Lantern?"

The sailor, a grizzled man with a scruffy beard and eyes that spoke of countless voyages, grunted in response. With a curt nod, he pointed down the dock, indicating a path that wound through the throng of people. Athens nodded in thanks, though the sailor had already turned away, uninterested in further interaction.

"Well, alright then," Athens muttered to himself, a wry smile tugging at his lips.

A few months have passed since Everett first 'obtained' his new vessel. The Lightning's Edge - a name that just felt the most fitting after crossing a few others off a list - has made travel both a lot easier, and a lot more challenge. While he no longer has to worry about finding transportation on other vessels, he's not found himself in need of crew to sail the galleon and desperately in need of coin to maintain it. This new ship is a nice upgrade, especially since it saves him from needing to search for a place to rest each night, but by the gods did those pirates abuse the vessel. The hull is scuffed up to the point where it's a miracle that it even managed to stay afloat all the way from King's Valley to Moonglade. 

Repairing it should be simple enough...if money was no object that is. Everett's pockets feel particularly light as he uses what is left of his personal savings to pay one of the local shipwrights for his time and services. There's a lot more that could be done to upgrade vessel to make it a truly formidable force out on the open seas, but that would have to wait until all his coin isn't constantly used up from paying for basic necessities and the crew's wages.

Jingling the few solars he has left to his name in his hand, he stares up that the sky and thinks about what options there are for making some quick coin. Preferably without committing any crimes. His newfound membership amongst the Knights of Duros is still a tenuous one. They've given him the benefit of the doubt for now, but a man who cannot remember his past is a huge liability in the long run. Who knows what ghosts from his past will bring misfortune any day now. 

His daydreaming is interrupted by some murmurs from some shadier-looking individuals huddled in a nearby alleyway. Their attention isn't on him, instead, they seem to be focused on someone else walking down the street. The target of their gazes is not hard to pick out from the throngs of people, in fact, his passage seems to part the crowd like a shark swimming through schooling fish. The man is adorned in fine clothing of bright gold silks. Shimmering jeweled bangles clink against one another as he walks with an air of nobility and importance.

But perhaps more than his dress, it's his clear sun elf heritage that is drawing the most attention. As diverse as Eclipse City is - being a major trading port and all - the rivalry between the moon elves and sun elves is still alive and well. It also doesn't help that other citizens keep a wary eye on someone who carries themselves with such a posture of authority. To cross the Crown, especially in these uncertain times, is to tie one's own noose. Of course, for the more unsavory types, the rewards sometimes outweigh the risks. A sun elf off Capitol Landing soil is a damn tempting target for mischief. 

Everett's been around enough ill-intending folks since washing up on Sol City's shores with amnesia almost a year ago to recognize the tell-tale signs of a scheme in motion. The rough-and-tumble group looks like some local small-time gang that probably won't do anything violent, but aren't afraid of a good shakedown of someone flaunting their riches in broad daylight. It's clear from their body language and shifting glances that they're hyping themselves up to intercept the man and take him for what he's worth, and given his attire, he must be worth a lot. 

He wouldn't let that happen on his watch. Everett quickly waves down a member of his newfound crew. "Watch the ship. I'll be back." 

They nod in response, though gives the one-armed man who is supposed to be their sure-footed and stalwart captain a skeptical look as he turns and strides to engage the would-be target of the gang before they can make their move. 

Everett approaches Athens and gives a short wave in greeting. "Excuse me, sir. Are you meeting someone here or headed further into the city?" He takes another step closer and leans in to speak in a more hushed tone. "You have attracted some unpleasant attention. If you require an escort, I am a Knight of Duros and I would be happy to escort you wherever you need to be." 

    Athens was keenly aware of the disdainful glances directed his way, a common occurrence for one born into the Sun Elf lineage. The privileges inherent to his heritage often stirred feelings of resentment, envy, and bitterness among those who lacked such advantages. Even as a peripheral member of the royal family, he was accustomed to the scrutiny of strangers, their eyes following his every move as he navigated the bustling docks. Yet, amidst the sea of judgmental stares, he found a peculiar sense of familiarity, the scrutiny reminding him of home.

Not one to be caught off guard, Athens ensured his coin purse was securely fastened and his golden throwing suns hung prominently from his belt, poised for action if necessary. As he made to depart the port and venture into the heart of town, a voice interrupted his thoughts, drawing his attention to a weathered seafarer approaching from the dock.

"Greetings, citizen! I was just in need of some dir..." His words trailed off as the strangers tone shifted to a lower register, revealing his identity as a Knight of Duros and offering his services in defense against potential troublemakers. Athens regarded the newcomer with a measured gaze, already primed to defend himself with the intricate golden rings concealed beneath his shirt. Yet, with the unexpected arrival of a Knight, he saw no need to engage in unnecessary confrontation.

"Your assistance would be most welcome, Sir...?" Athens inquired, extending a hand in greeting. "I am Athens, and I require safe passage to the Purple Lantern. I would be willing to pay. As for our unwelcome companions," he continued, gesturing discreetly towards the ruffians, "I trust you are prepared to handle them should the need arise?"

Without waiting for affirmation, Athens resumed his course and continued down the dock towards the street. The crowds had closed in around them, but the approaching thugs were still apparent, their intentions becoming more obvious with every passing second.

“Everett, pleasure to meet you.” He accepts Athens’ offer of a handshake, the worn leather of his glove covering up the layers of calloused skin from hundreds of hauled rigging lines and countless nights out at sea.

There’s no indication from the one-armed sailor that he recognizes Athens’ name when it’s given. Everett can tell the man is of high social status, but nothing about Athens is necessarily familiar or ringing any bells.

“I believe the Purple Lantern is this way,” Everett nods past the docks and further into the city.

Everett looks back over his shoulder at the thugs. They certainly were bold, still set on tailing their mark despite him now having someone clearly armed at their side. The half-elf rests his hand on the hilt of his rapier, ready to draw it shoulder it become necessary. However, if they do decide to try anything, his sword is probably the last thing they need to worry about. 

“I am," he assures Athens. "Hopefully they see reason before making such a poor choice. A fight here would go poorly for them.” He glances about at the crowds, not ignorant of all the looks Athens is getting. “Though it doesn’t seem like you’re the most popular person here.”

He trails just behind Athens, not so much to be awkward to continue a conversation, but just enough to be able to quickly impose himself between Athens’ back and any attempts to jump him. The gang continues to tail the pair, trying to figure out how to adjust their scheme with the addition of a new factor to consider. Everett doesn't necessarily come across as intimidating, but he does have a weapon at his side and walks with purpose. How much of an obstacle he actually is isn't very obvious just from his appearance, but only fools ignore that appearances can be deceiving. 

“Pardon me if this is too bold to say, but from how you dress it is pretty obvious that you come from wealth. Is there any reason you do not have a personal guard?”

He's met some nobles that like to adventure by themselves. Nieven - a man who aspires to be a pirate captain - immediately comes to mind. So it isn't too shocking to him to see someone so glitzy as Athens walking around by himself. Still, it's not the safest way to wander about, especially as a sun elf deep in moon elf-controlled territory.

Perhaps Athens is a traveling diplomat from the capitol. Then again, surely the Crown would ensure anyone representing them would be well guarded no matter where they were traveling to. 

Everett is just about to ask, when a blur of movement to their sides catches his attention. A hand reaching for Athens' hip. Everett takes one step to the side, hip-checking the pick pocket and - much to his own surprise - knocking them off their feet and onto the ground. 

A look of shock crosses Everett's face as he realizes that the hand belongs to a young kid in scrappy clothing. They stare up at him from the ground with tears welling up in their eyes. 

"Hey! Leave that kid alone!" Shouts someone from the crowd which has noticed the altercation and looks on with disapproving expressions. 

Everett waves his hand. "Ah, sorry, it was an accident!" He offer his hand down to the kid to help them up. "I'm sorry, are you alright?"

The kid then starts crying loudly, drawing all the attention towards the situation. 

Oh boy. This is going poorly.

And now the crowd is so dense around them that he's lost track of the gang members. 

    "I didn't expect to make too many friends outside the capitol. I'm well aware of my family's reputation. They don't have to like me, though," Athens remarked, his tone shifting slightly. He knew why the crowd's eyes were fixed on him; it was obvious to any Sun Elf in his position. Yet, he did not care what any single one of them thought. "Luckily, Solaria put you in my path so that you could protect me. A Knight of Duros is truly a blessed gift."

The crowd remained dense, with those closest to the duo still staring with scorn and disdain. Everett hung back and tailed Athens, a clever tactic from a skilled knight, one that Athens truly believed was orchestrated by divine intervention. "I was offered any guard I wanted, but I refused. What fun is there in exploring if you have a bodyguard constantly warning you that a certain action may not be safe? I want to find danger."

Danger was not far. Both men knew this as they continued through the throng. Several minutes passed, Athens' golden skin gleaming in the warm afternoon sun. He felt at peace despite the waves of disgruntled commoners and grungy sailors gawking at him. That peace was short-lived. A motion from behind caught his attention, and Everett noticed it too. Both men moved to react. The one-armed sailor hip-checked the figure, pushing whoever it was to the ground and away from Athens, who now had three small golden discs nestled in his open palm.

Both men froze as the realization set in—they were looking directly at a small child, clad in dingy clothing that smelled from afar, mud caked to the bottoms of their bare feet. It was clear this child was impoverished, and members of the crowd began to take up for them. Everett moved to apologize and assist the child, but Athens' arm shot out to stop him.

"No, this child was trying to steal from me. However, thanks to my good mood, I will allow them to scamper off unpunished, as a reminder of the crime they tried to commit and the mercy that I bestowed," Athens declared. His tone had completely changed, the joy and excitement replaced with malice and arrogance. Regardless of what Everett decided to do, Athens shooed the child away and moved to secure his coin pouch once more. This distraction was enough, however, to leave both men vulnerable—a window the gang used to make a move.

The closest one, who had been tailing Athens the longest, was now behind him, a small fishing knife drawn and ready to be used. The man's original intent was to use the distraction to cut the coin purse free and disappear into the crowd unnoticed, but at that moment, Athens turned around, locking eyes with the robber just seconds before seeing the knife.

"ASSASSIN!" Athens shouted.

Flustered, the thief panicked, unsure of what to do. Without thinking, he plunged the knife into Athens' abdomen. Fear shone in the thief's eyes, while a sinister grin spread across Athens' face, a wave of golden light shimmering across his body¹.

"Wrong move"

---

1. Divinities Blessing

Everett freezes as Athens’ arm shoots out in front of him. More than anything, his instincts tell him to back off, to not overstep, and to know his place. It's not something he's felt before he doesn't think. Yet it's like muscle memory, engrained in him from some previous experience he no longer remembers, something that lurks deep within the fog that clouds his past. He doesn't challenge Athens, instead pulling his shoulders back and just standing at his side as the man glowers down at the crying child. 

"I will allow them to scamper off unpunished, as a reminder of the crime they tried to commit and the mercy that I bestowed."

An odd feeling nags at the back of his mind. Where had he heard those words before? Why was this all so familiar? He watches on as the child scrambles away before he glances about to see where their stalkers got to.

It's in that moment that everything happens all at once. Athens’ shout sets off a chain reaction of panic through the crowd as bystanders avoid getting involved and others try to rubberneck to see what is going on. No one moves in to help, which is annoying, but it also gives them some much-needed breathing room. Everett watches as the thief attempts to plunge their tiny shiv of a blade into the noble's gut, only for a glimmer of divine light to protect him from harm. 

Everett isn't particularly religious. He of course respects Avasha and Salina, but only to the same extent that most sailors do. Solaria was something else entirely. In a way, the god of the sun is less...tangible, more undefined, and hard to see the power of with one's own eyes. Yet Solaria's favor shines here right before his eyes, shielding a descendant of their own. It's almost enough to banish the rumors of the deities' deaths back into the shadows from whence they came and cement the sun elves' right to rule back on the pedestal it's held for thousands of years. 

Any awe or reverences that was building in Everett's mind is however, quickly dashed. Athens’ smile sends a shiver down Everett’s spine. It's as if someone just dumped a wash bin of ice water down his back. Chilling barely seems to scratch the surface of how that look shakes him. It's not that Athens is intimidating, it's more that the look is so damn familiar. Why was it familiar?

There’s no time to dwell on that, a few more members of the gang have made their way through the crowd to the front of the conflict. It’s unclear if they’re there to back their buddy up, or try an defuse the situation. The half-elf wouldn’t risk their safety or Athens’ on second guesses. He quickly grabs the back of the thief’s shirt and separates him from Athens before kicking out one of his legs and forcing him down onto his knees.

The sound of metal drawn across metal is sharp against his ears as he draws his rapier and points it at the approaching cronies.

“Halt. This man has attacked a civilian in the open. I am a Knight of Duros and under my authority this man is under arrest.”

He holds his ground and keeps the blade pointed towards the goons. Electricity crackles along the blade’s length and ripples across his own skin.^[1,2]

“I advise you not complicate this matter further.”

---

[1] Arcane Soul
[2] Static Field