Who: Loki [Narrative]
When: Mid-day
Where: Landing in The Bahamas.
What: Loki discovers the horrible truth of what’s happened to the haven across the world.

When Loki spotted land on the horizon, his face swelled into a smile—no, a grin—of victory. He hollered out to his crew to prepare for landing the ship and shouted out that land was ahead on the horizon. He slid down from his post and landed hard against the wooden planks of the deck, breaking into a run across the ship. “Land is ahead, mates! Let’s land this baby!” He clapped hands with Theo and dashed to the edge of the ship’s bow as far as his feet could take him.

Holding onto the ropes of the sail, Loki leaned himself over the edge as he gazed outward. It was a beautiful sight, and closer they drew to the island. Through the fog came a clearer picture to the captain and his crew. Though he expected green hills, Loki saw a blackened stretch of scorched land. It extended as far as the eye could see, covering the once green hills with charcoal ash. The grin slowly fell from Loki’s face. This was once his home, but all he saw was a wasteland awaiting him upon the shore.

Time passed as they came closer to the island, and the tone of the crew had become somber as everyone stared ahead in silence. Eventually, the ship docked on the one piece of land not burnt to the ground: a fine stretch of pearly white sand with unmarred docks, the only man-made thing still standing ashore.

( Loki took the first step off of the ship, his boot landing first upon the sand. )

Who: Loki [Narrative]
When: Evening
Where: Atlantic Ocean
What: Sailing through a storm . . .

Loki felt the change on the wind before all of the other crew. A storm was brewing on the horizon, and he noticed the change of air while the sun still shone bright in the sky. A few hours passed, and the clouds rolled in along with the darkness they brought, casting the ocean in a veil of grey.

Luckily, he had warned them all in advance of the storm. The crew was able to make the proper arrangements for the weather, but it didn’t make the execution of sailing through the storm any easier. The wind picked up first until it wanted to blow the whole ship over, and then rain poured down from the sky as waves crashed into the side of the sea-bound vessel.

“Hold onto ya knickers, lads!” Loki exclaimed joyfully. He was soaked to the core and cold, but he had survived plenty of times at sea in this condition. This time wasn’t going to be any worse. “We’ve got a nasty one ahead, don’t we!” Some of the crew members didn’t think laughing at it was apparently all that good, but Loki knew not to piss off Mother Nature. He just wasn’t going to worry about a storm at sea. “We’ll do just fine as long as we keep steady! Don’t panic, and let your hands do the talkin’!”

When he noticed one of the crew members nicknamed ‘Lumberjack’ scurrying to hide in the hull, he pointed out to the man and yelled at him. “Get back in your position, Lumberjack! Or I’ll throw you overboard meself!” It was all the encouragement Lumberjack needed to get back into his place on deck.

“Keep steady!” Loki hollered out over the wind and rain. “We’ve just started! We can’t quit now! Put your backs into it!”

They had sixteen more days before they reached the Bahamas — if the Atlantic Ocean didn’t take them down to its murky depths first.

Who: Loki [Narrative]
When: Morning
Where: Lake Alata’elen
What: It's time for Loki to set sail for the Bahamas to find out what’s been going on over there.

“Hoist the sail, lads! We’re going fishin’!” Loki hollered out to his crew, the glee in his voice apparent.

They weren’t going ‘fishing,’ but it was his way of saying the journey ahead wasn’t going to be a trial. Loki hoped it was going to be the journey of a lifetime. Loki hated to think it, but the seas were wider and far more open and free to roam ever since this whole business with the Pandora virus. Getting to the Bahamas wasn’t going to be nearly as trying as it would have been before. He didn’t need any documents with him to travel; he could just lift up the sails and go.

The muse was going to miss Elysium during his travels, but he needed to find out what happened to his family. He needed to know that they were all right. He also needed to know why the haven’s communication had been cut off from the rest of them. Why were things so silent over there? It was the whole point of his journey: To find out what happened in the Bahamas to make everything so quiet and if anything happened to the people there. What originally started as a mission to visit his parents turned into a moral imperative. The Head Council specifically inquired of him to solve the mystery, and he was going to do just what they asked of him without hesitation.

He’d already said his goodbyes. Now, he waved to those on the shore with a smile on his face to bid them farewell. The sails were up, and the waters were ready. It was time to go. Loki hailed his friends and fellows on the beach, knowing that it could be months before he saw them again.

He was saying goodbye to his home, but Loki knew they would all see it again soon. Loki returned to the bow of the boat to gaze at the expanse of the lake before his feet. A little smile creased the corners of Loki’s lips as he took a deep breath and released it.

The journey was just beginning.

Who: Loki, Dominic, and Guests
When: 12:00 PM
Where: The Tiki Hut
What: Loki announces the news of his departure to his friends.

With the winter weather setting in, it was less and less likely people were going to use The Tiki Hut very much. However, there were two events booked for today and one of them was Loki's very own get-together with a group of friends he had made while here in Elysium. It wasn't meant to be a big party, just a small cookout of sorts with a handful of people. Dominic helped with the barbecue, and Loki set up the drinks for the event on the bar for people to easily grab whenever they got thirsty.

There were no big decorations up yet, and The Tiki Hut looked like it usually did under the simple lights of the establishment. They weren't using the dance floor, and there wasn't any music playing. Loki and his friends secured a little corner of the bar and some of the restaurants' tables beside the beach with the barbecue set-up.

Everyone was here already, mixing and mingling amongst each other, while Loki walked off for a moment to talk with Mitsuko in private before they returned to everyone else. He was going to break the news of his departure to her first before he told the rest of them. Hopefully, she wouldn't storm off from him during the party. Loki wasn't sure how his announcement was going to go once he let it out of the bag.


OOC: Post any sort of threads you want below! Dominic wants to meet some of his friends, and group subthreads are a-okay. Loki is going to have a scene with Mitsuko first, but then others later!

Who: Everyone!
When: From sunset onward!
Where: Around the Ancient Elven Tree
What: All Hallow's Eve Festival!

ooc: to join in on the festivities, simply comment to the main post. Your entry can be a narrative or open to others. If you are replying to someone else reply to their comment and not to the main post. All activities are open for participation, it is up to your discretion what your character will do.

The sounds of happy parade goers filled the evening air as the citizens of Elysium marched from the town toward the festival near the Ancient Elven Tree. Many of the citizens were dressed in costume, and it was obvious that they had been looking forward to the All Hallow's Eve event. The lively music, provided by the fauns, set the overall tone of the parade. Many of the citizens were singing along to the music, while others whooped and cheered. Their path toward the Ancient Elven Tree was lighted by magical sparklers that never lost their energy, and some citizens even had hand-held sparklers that they waved around happily. Sorcerers enchanted objects to light up the sky like fireworks, while small fairies fluttered around the citizens like fireflies.

( Onto the festivities! )

Who: Dominic and Loki
When: Before sunset
Where: The Tiki Hut
What: Mixing drinks and catching up

The warm bonfires around the Tiki Hut served to heat the air all around the outdoor bar. It lent to the tropical theme of the area. Even though the air was chilly, the sky was clear and the sun was not marred as it began its descent toward the horizon. The Tiki Hut was littered with customers, but not so much that it made it hard to maneuver. It seemed as if people wanted to enjoy as much of the outdoors as they could before it became cold enough to freeze a witch's nipple.

Dominic wove his way through the small crowd, pausing a few times to dance a few steps with a honey on the dance floor, or to steal an unattended drink from a nearby table. He hadn't properly explored Elysium since the boat docked a week ago. The siren had spent most of his time cleaning up the vast ship and readying it for its next journey when it would leave Elysium. The schedule hadn't been set yet, but it would no doubt leave within the next month.

Dominic had only settled into his water bungalow the day before. He didn't have many belongings with him; traveling by sea was always easier when there was no cargo to worry about. He had a duffle bag of clothes and a few personal items; it was all that he needed for survival. He knew he could anything else he needed from the haven itself. Thankfully, the bungalow came fully furnished and he didn't have to worry about where he would rest his head for the night.

He sauntered up to the bar with a smirk right there on his face. He saw Loki mixing drinks and chatting up the customers. It had been a while since he'd seen his god-nephew and Dom was happy to just watch him for a few minutes. "Barkeep!" he finally said to draw the muse's attention. He leaned against the bar with his left arm along the counter. "A Long-Island... Stat!"

Who: Loki [Narrative]
When: Sunset
Where: The beach shore at Lake Alata'elen.
What: The muse is restless, but why?

The wind was picking up, swirling around Loki's clothing and form and bringing with it an ominous feeling. Loki wasn't sure what it meant, but it left him with an uneasy stirring in the pit of his stomach. The sun was setting behind him to the left, leaving a flare of dying light on top of the lake's waves. He frowned to himself, knowing the wind wouldn't lie to him. It never had before. Something was wrong, only Loki couldn't for the life of him pinpoint what.

Restlessness had been pulling at the corners of the muse's mind lately as well without a noticeable origin. Loki should've figured he could never settle down in one place for very long. He always tried before, and he always failed in the end. His feet needed to touch on new ground. He needed to do new things he hadn't done before, and he wasn't going to accomplish it here in Elysium. His heart told him so, so it must have been true.

His move to the water bungalows a few days ago hadn't brought anything new with it. Something was calling to him from beyond the edge of the lake, beyond the edge of Elysium, and Loki wanted to answer it. Something was coming, and he knew that much. He could feel it in the wind.

Standing up from dry sand, Loki brushed off his pants as they whipped in the wind. His hair, though up in a ponytail, had lose strands that flew into his face and tickled his cheeks. Loki faced the wind and squinted at it, staring it down.

There was a warning on the wind. Loki felt it. The only question was would he figure out what it was before it actually happened? The muse wasn't sure. He couldn't say, and so Loki walked back to his bungalow, his head heavy with these newly forming thoughts of uncertainty.

Something was coming, and the wind was bringing it.

Who: Everyone!
Where: Just outside of Helicharis at the Festival Grounds
When: 6 PM till ??
What: Autumnal Equinox Festival - It's the first day of Autumn!

ooc: To join in on the festivities, simply comment to the main post. Your entry can be a narrative or open to others. If you are replying to someone else reply to their comment and not to the main post. All activities are open for participation, it is up to your discretion what your character will do.

The past week had been nothing but preparations for the coming equinox that would herald the new season. It was a happy time for the forest creatures as they were the ones that spent hours on end setting up the grounds for the joyous celebration. Wooden lamp posts lit with orange flames bordered the area as well as throughout the entire festival grounds. Each attendee was greeted with a flower garland for their head, neck, or wrist if they desired one.

Fairies had decided to attend this festival as well because of the bright colors that had attracted their attention. There were bonfires all throughout the festival as well and they added warmth to the cool night air. The fiery glow that came from each pyre added a comforting feel to the entire atmosphere, and there were many fauns and fae dancing around each one in a happy manner. They were singing songs and laughing joyously as they pulled passers-by into their happy circle.

Musical fauns played their instruments as they marched through the festival. Fae and fairies flew around the traveling group, singing and humming to the music that resonated in the air. A large stage was set up for those who wished to perform in front of a large crowd be it with singing or acting or any other sort of talent they possessed. There were shows held as well, particularly by those who possessed magic and wished to entertain the crowd for an hour or tow.

Food and drink tables were set up nearby to feed the many attendees with whatever they could think to eat. And wine, they couldn't forget about the wine! There were scantily clad fae handing out the intoxicating liquid to everyone with a free hand. The wine this year was extremely potent and anyone with a weak constitution would no doubt get inebriated with just one cup.

The southern part of the festival held the games geared toward the young or simply the young at heart. Barrels were available for those who wished to roll down hills, piles of leaves were created for those who wanted nothing more than to jump and play in them. Colored sparklers were handed out freely and there were even pegasus rides for anyone who wanted to soar through the skies. There were contests here as well, simple ones that had participants bobbing for apples and fruits and curious prizes, searching for toys in piles of hay, and even pinning horns on a wooden faun.

Contests were set up again as they were just a month earlier. Archery contests and wrestling matches, potato sack and three-legged races. There were various game booths set up as well, such as knife throwing and ring tossing. There was even an area set up for pie eating contests and a Dwarven ale contest where participants could try to out-drink a dwarf.

Fireworks exploded periodically throughout the night and the gleeful sounds of the festival echoed all around. Elysium was a joyful place tonight as citizens celebrated the equinox beneath the near-full moon.

Who: Everyone!
When: 6:30 PM
Where: The Beach, by The Tiki Hut
What: Zane and Amada's Wedding Reception!

OOC: Everyone is welcome to join the party! Start a new sub-thread to interact with others, or keep an eye out for open sub-threads for you to join! Or if you don't feel like interacting, type up a narrative for your character.

The sun's rays shining out from below the horizon signaled the start of the wedding reception to celebrate Zane and Amada's happy nuptials. The area around Loki's Tiki Hut was set up with festive tiki torches that illuminated the entire area all the way down to the rim of the lake. Each lamp was entwined in green vines and white flowers, and the sand here was also 'planted' with green grass to add to the tropical theme. The tables were decorated with floating candle and flower centerpieces and around each centerpiece were several glass blown wedding favors in the shape of sail boats. Each table also had small boxes of clamshell shaped chocolate for everyone to enjoy.

Soft music lingered in the air and though the night sky was filled with stars some of the fae-folk had enticed lightning bugs to come out and provide romantic lighting above the tables and dance floor. Dinner for the guests was set up buffet style with a variety of foods provided by the restaurant in town. Drinks — alcoholic and non-alcoholic alike — were provided by Loki and his Tiki Hut served as the bar. The ever enchanting Faye Capricia had agreed to the last minute request of providing live singing entertainment for the reception. The dance floor was nothing but the soft sand beneath their feet and, as much as it may have dismayed the bride, even the lake monsters joined in on the festivities as they sang their song and splashed around in the water.

All in all it was a beautiful reception with a little bit of everything for everyone to enjoy, and it was the perfect way to spend the evening in the company of friends or with a special someone.

Who: Eliza and OPEN TO MANY!!
Where: Just NE of the town in a grove of trees
When: Starts early in the morning (around 8 AM) till Sunset
What: Grape crushing to make wine

The festival for the Autumnal Equinox was only a week away and the most important part of the celebration had yet to be completed. Oh there were loads of decorations that had been made by the fauns in the forest. Games and activities had been set up by the centaurs and minotaurs and other volunteers, and there had even been preparations for special performances to be held that night. But there was one thing that was needed above all else...

Wine.

Beautiful, glorious, blissful and intoxicating wine. Fauns could make the most magnificent wine in all of Elysium but one thing hindered them from doing so. Their hoofed feet and furry lower body kept them from crushing the grapes and extracting the juice necessary to begin the fermenting process. But their years on the planet had taught them that others unlike them, others like humans and fae and sprites and other nature-dwelling creatures could crush the grapes and were more than happy to do so.

And so this year the fauns of Elysium had asked the beautiful and enchanting gypsy witch, Eliza, to be their mistress of ceremonies. She was to begin the celebration by being the first to step foot into the huge tub of grapes. She had first chosen to remove all of her clothing for this rite, and had to step into specially treated water in order to cleanse her legs and feet before she could crush the grapes. All were welcome to join her, there was plenty of room in the wooden basin enough to fit at least another dozen or so people. If they were not comfortable with nudity they could wear a sheer, white shirt that covered them down to mid-thigh. Men were also allowed to participate as well, but those with excess hair on their legs were not allowed unless they agreed to shave. Fauns were prepared to shave and cleanse their legs before they entered the basin, if so.

Eliza enjoyed her nudity and the free expression of her sexuality. She had taken off every bit of clothing except her panties and was reveling in the feel of the grapes underneath her feet. Hopefully others would join her in this joyous rite that would last for the remainder of the day.



ooc notes:

• The cleansing rite includes scrubbing toes and feet and washing off legs from the knee down in specially treated water. Clothes must be removed in order to participate, but you do have the option of wearing the sheer, white shirt that the fauns have made for the occasion and keeping small undergarments on.


• You do not have to stay in the thread for the entire time. Just post the time you enter the thread in the subject line. Also, you can assume that there are other NPCs in the basin with Eliza so your character won't be the only one in there with the naked gypsy.

Who: Emily & Echo Planck, Chris & Charlie Jung, Irei Arakaki, Sascha Connolly, and any visitors!
When: Morning
Where: The Plancks' cottage and Irei & Sascha's bungalow
What: An ominous tune lingers in the air despite the sunny and cheerful morning.

The early morning hours started off as peacefully as any other. Birds were greeting the new day with their song, the lake monster was swimming happily in the water, and Helicharis was beginning to bustle with activity. And yet despite the seemingly happy atmosphere something was amiss. It was hard to pinpoint exactly, possibly because the occurrence was so isolated that no one noticed unless they happened by the places on accident.

How often did citizens travel by the waterfront bungalows or the forest cottages anyway? Would they have noticed or even paid attention to the dolls that were outside one particular bungalow? Would anyone think to look inside the darkened window of a nearby cottage to see the dinner party that was already underway? No… no one would look or pay attention. And yet perhaps they should have.

OOC Note - There will be sub-threads for each location and those involved will need to reply to the appropriate sub-thread. Please note that these ARE open for anyone passing by or just visiting the residents in each location. Remember, have fun with it and do whatever you want with it! There is no specific outcome or reaction that needs to be had ^^

Who: Theora and Mitsuko (with Loki and Nico possibly)
When: Early Afternoon
Where: Private room in Medical Pavilion
What: Checking in on the patient

Perhaps it was Elune's bidding that brought Theora to the medical pavilion the night before just as Mitsuko Kamiyama was brought in by a young man that Theora knew quite well. She recognized Loki and smiled at him only until she noticed the frantic look in his eyes and the unconscious fox in his arms. "A kitsune," Theora said immediately recognizing the energy signal from the weakened fox. "Quickly Loki, take her to an empty room."

Theora had spent the night tending to the poor white kitsune, watching over her form and periodically healing her until she awoke. The priestess was careful to not use too much of her power on the praeternatural knowing that a body oftentimes could not handle the energy that the priestess held. Small doses for smaller beings, as was the case here. The graceful Elven woman smiled down at the fox, her hands reaching out to stroke the soft white fur. "Wake up child..." she whispered close to Mitsuko's ear.

It was fortunate indeed that Theora was there when Mitsuko was brought in - not only for the priestess's healing abilities but also because Theora had been looking for Mitsuko as well. The Elven lady had heard of the theft of the Mir'en'Galad from the temple's priests, and they had also spoken the fox's name stating that she was the most likely suspect of the crime. Theora was not easily convinced and reserved her judgment much to the priests's dismay.

She sighed softly while watching Mitsuko's unmoving form. Theora did not believe in Mitsuko's guilt knowing whomever did take the artifact held great magic to break the Elven seal. And though the young kitsune held a reputation for being a rogue and a thief, Theora did not believe that she was to blame. And, if the priestess remembered correctly this young woman was the older sister of the half-kitsune they found on their first scouting mission. Surely the white fox would not have jeopardized her well-being or that of her brother's for the thrill that thievery brought. No, Theora did not sense that from the unconscious girl on the bed. The priestess did however have many things on her mind as of late, and she held the desire to speak of them with the young kitsune.

"It is time to awaken, young one..." Theora spoke once more, her voice holding an ethereal quality. The priestess's hand was pressed gently against the fox's neck and it glowed with the healing magic that would return the rest of Mitsuko's strength.

Who: Mitsuko and Loki (and briefly Nico)
When: Evening
Where: Loki's cottage
What: Loki's back!!!!!!!!!!!

The small white fox darted down the path towards the Helicharis cottages. This had come to be a normal sight in Elysium. But for once, Mitsuko wasn't fleeing from someone she had just robbed. Rather, she was desperately trying to get to Loki's cottage.

She had barely arrived in the marketplace when she heard someone mention that Theora had come back. That, of course, meant Loki was back as well. She had immediately transformed into her fox form-- which was much easier to move in-- and retreated back to the cottages. Her body still ached from her encounter with the vampire, but she had waited to long to see him again.

Once she arrived at the cottage, she transformed back into her human form. She took a moment to fix herself up, make sure her hair was in place. She had worn it up today. To shield the bruised bite mark on her throat, she wore a dark blue turtleneck. Not known for covering up so much, Mitsuko chose one that was cut high, exposing her flat stomach and a short skirt, so not to tip off she was hiding something. The bruises on her arms were hidden, but some of her back just peeked out from below the hem of her sweater.

Once she was satisfied she looked fine, she pulled open the door and ran into the cottage. "Hello?" She called out. "Loki?" She bit her lower lip, suddenly feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. She frowned slightly. "You here?"

Who: Theora, Adam, and Loki
When: Mid-Morning
Where: Temple grounds on Tol'Hith
What: Attack of the manticore!

Theora had spent several days confined in the temple without any food or drink. Though Elves did not need sustenance on the level that humans did her recent meditations had left her weaker than usual. She was nearing the end of her sabbatical and her spiritual energies were almost completely renewed, but that usually meant that her physical state was at its lowest. She needed a break and slowly rose to her feet to exit the temple's innermost room. Slow, steady steps were taken toward the outside where fresh air and a cool breeze would be waiting for her. Theora looked forward to it and a smile spread across her features when her eyes met the rays of the setting sun.

It was not often that Theora was distracted enough or tired enough to not be aware of her surroundings, but she was fatigued and her mind was not quick to sense the danger that approached. A manticore had been waiting patiently just outside of the temple, its bloodthirsty teeth bared and ready when the priestess emerged. It was rare for creatures to venture toward the holy soil, but this manticore had dared to step forth if only for the chance to snack upon the lovely bones of the Elven priestess. It leapt forward, a roar emanating from its throat as it prepared to sink its teeth and claws into Theora's supple flesh.

Had Theora waited a moment longer she would have certainly been devoured by the ferocious beast. But as it were the Elven priestess caught sight of the beast just as it sailed through the air toward her. Theora jumped back several feet and landed in a crouch out of the manticore's reach. She was lucky she had enough energy to do that, but Theora was not sure if she would have the strength to do more. The beast eyed her hungrily, its salivating tongue licked its lips and it almost smirked as it stared the priestess down. It was anticipating the kill and the taste of its next meal. Theora could sense its intentions and she wondered if she would be able to fend off such a dangerous creature.

"I do not wish to harm you," she said to it out loud. "But I will not hesitate to use force in order to defend myself."

The manticore crouched, ready to pounce at the weak Elf. Theora was not anything if not realistic and she knew that she did not currently have the strength or the stamina to save her own life. There was only one option left to the priestess and at the moment that the manticore made another attack, Theora surrounded herself within a protective shield. The manticore bounced off the invisible force but continued to claw at it angrily. Theora did not know how much longer her shield would hold, she only hoped that her saviors would come along to save her before it was too late.

( Adam stumbled upon the scene... )

Who: Loki [Narrative]
When: Late Morning
Where: The Isle of Tol'hith
What: Battling villainous foes for treasure!

“Oh, ya wanna dance, now do ya?” Loki taunted towards the already aggravated fire-shooting creature, tossing his sword from one hand to another as it huffed at him and smoke emitted from its rear end. The muse quickly made a disgusted face, waving his free hand in front of his face. “Whoa, mate,” he said, coughing, “that’s just disgusting, that is.” Of course, the huff came from the creature’s mouth, but the smoke came from the rear and Loki wasn’t sure what to make of that nonsense.

In fact, Loki wasn’t sure what the lil’ thingy was aside from having a highly-prized jeweled shell with various colorful gem-looking things on it and a turtle-like appearance to its body, although its color wasn’t green. The creature had red salamander skin with tufts of orange hair at the top of its reptilian head and at random places along its arms and legs. It wasn’t a fast-moving creature, hardly a predator at all, and moved as slow as a turtle, too. The only problem was it shot fire out of its bum, and Loki wasn’t having any of that get near him. Raising his sword, Loki aimed a fierce look at the reptile.

“Unhand that shell!” Loki demanded, as if the fire-creature was going to just pop into his shell and scurry out of it to leave it for Loki to collect. “I’ll have you know I’m a . . . ” Well, bollocks. How many times had he won that championship? “Twelve time . . . no, wait, wait, that’s ‘ll wrong . . . fourteen times? No, no, held it four times a year, didn’t they? Bloody bleeding ‘ell, was it fifteen or seventeen?” As Loki pondered this out loud with his lowered sword and free hand stroking his chin, the slow-moving creature had reached his feet and snapped at Loki’s pant leg and latched onto it. The muse yelped and shot into the air, kicking at the creature and whacking the dull side of his sword over its shell. “BLIMEY FIRECRACKER, GE’ OFF ME LEG!”

The creature he dubbed a ‘firecracker’ saw it fit not to let go, though, and Loki started hopping around on one leg in a circle. Finally, he flung his leg around and the creature let go — flying through the air as a stream of fire shot out of its bum and singed Loki’s pants. He made a high-pitched ‘eep!’ and fell over backwards from the force of the swing and the weight that unbalanced him.

— And landed right next to one of those god-awful firecrackers. It stared at him for a moment and made a chirruping noise, turning slightly and firing out its rear. Loki squealed like a little girl and scrambled upright, but not before a slight touch of fire signed his eyebrow. Jumping to his feet, Loki smacked his face over his eye and then lifted his sword. “Oh, ya nasty lil’ bugger,” Loki warned lowly. “You’re gonna ge’ it!”

The muse swung his sword and beheaded the firecracker. Loki blinked and held his sword with both hands as he stared down at it. “Well, that was just luck,” he said incredulously. After all, with such a small head, it was lucky he severed it at all. Suddenly, he stood upright and cleaned his sword before tucking it away in its sheath. Loki was still for a moment. Then, he threw his arms up into the air and began to jump up and down on his feet. “I kill’d a firecracker! I kill’d a firecracker!” he cheered.

Scooping up the shell with the remains of the reptile’s body still within it, Loki hurried back towards the temple to Theora and Adam to show them his prize from the fatal showdown with the ‘firecrackers’ of Tol’hith.

Who: Theora, Adam, (and Loki!)
Where: The Isle of Tol'hith
When: Mid-Morning
What: All you need is wuuuv. :D

The trio had been on the island for several days now most of which consisted of actually traveling to the temple itself. The temple was away from the docks, beyond thick trees and on a high hill that overlooked the rest of the misty island. The trek through the dense forest was dangerous as Theora had informed both Loki and Adam, but the three praeternaturals combined were more than enough for the creatures that sought to attack them. An entire day passed before they reached the safety of the path that led up to the temple. Here, the deadly beasts were few and far between; but those that dared to venture up the fairly steep path were strong and would no doubt want to attack the priestess and her party.

But they were lucky on this day. Today there were no creatures that came to attack them, there were only peaceful animals that lingered near the priestess that sat upon an old stone bench. They did not fear her; what was there to fear from one so kind and compassionate? Theora could communicate with them in the way that Elves communicated with nature and all that lived within it. A small bunny rabbit hopped up to Theora and cuddled near her feet. It looked up at her with bright eyes as its nose twitched back and forth. Theora smiled at the rabbit and bent over to lift it gently in her hands. She snuggled with it, rubbing her nose against its lovingly. "I wuv you," she said in a soft voice. "I wuv you very very much little rabbit."

Adam kept his eyes on the priestess at all times to make sure she was not in danger. At this particular moment, they had traveled safely towards the temple to an area that was peaceful and full of smaller creatures compared to the beasts beyond. Walking along a worn stone path Adam had seen Theora take, he strolled until he came upon a clearing somewhat overgrown due to a lack of care. Beauty still sprung from the colorful petals of flowers in the bushes surrounding the open area. Adam eyes caught sight of a stone bench. Theora sat upon it, and Adam wandered over to join her.

He approached the side of the bench once Theora had picked up a small rabbit, speaking softly to it. Adam noticed the word she used as he took a seat beside her on the bench. "Wuv?" he asked, a curiously alight expression on his face. "Loki taught me that word a few months ago," he said with a smile, his eyes focusing on the cute little animal in her hands. Adam had a sudden urge to pet it.

( Theora glanced at Adam from the corner of her eyes and smiled. )

Who: Theora, Adam, and Loki [Narrative written from Theora's POV]
When: Dawn
Where: The ship sailing to Tol'hith
What: The start of a grand adventure

"Are we ready then?" Theora asked Loki just as he untied the rope that was holding their ship to the dock. He gave her a cheerful salute before he began to bustle around the deck. Theora moved to settle upon one of the wooden benches that lined the railing and watched as the sails caught the breeze. The material became taut with the force, and the smell of the lake surrounded the three shipmates as began to pull out into the deep waters of Lake Alata'elen.

The sun was just peering over the horizon, casting its bright yellow and orange rays across the land. Everyone in Elysium would be waking very soon, but Theora, Adam, and Loki would be long gone by that time. A soft sigh crossed her lips as the wind danced around her form. "Do you need any help, Loki?" She asked with a smile. But the Muse simply shook his head and hurried about his business. Theora smiled and shook her head. He was just a bundle of energy, wasn't he?

Adam lingered nearby the priestess. He was leaning against the railing as they sailed, his dark eyes gazing upon the water. Theora knew not what went through his mind, though a part of her wanted to ask. But she remained silent and focused on the duties she would need to complete when they reached the isle. They would be there within a few hours, and then their real adventure would begin.

WHO: Loki and Mitsuko
WHERE: Mitsuko and Logan's Cottage
WHEN: Night
WHAT: Preparing for leaving isn't that easy.

Being that Sunday was the day before Loki's big adventure out to the isle of Tol'hith with Theora and Adam, it meant that Loki needed to pack all of his needed supplies today. He awoke early in the morning and dropped by Mitsuko's house bright and shiny, only to find Mits in the midst of a hangover and not feeling to well. Loki's morning was spent tending to his girlfriend, making sure she was all right and waiting for the hangover to pass before he asked her if she would like to help him for that day with his preparations for going to Tol'hith. It would be a long journey, and Loki wanted to spend his last day home with Mits. He still needed to pack, though.

Loki brought Mits back to his place once she agreed, and the first thing they began to do was pack up clothes for him. Loki decided his work clothes and worn-out attire made for a better selection of packing up, especially after Theora told him there were dangers on the isle. Chances were he wouldn't be lounging at every step unless he stayed on his boat. For his boatly hours, Loki snagged a variety of Hawaiian shirts and loose beach shorts, earning a thwack from Mits for one of his multicolored flower shirts. She immediately threw it into the trashbin, instructing him never to wear it again. During their packing and the eventual trip out to the beach to make sure everything on the boat was prepared for the journey, Mits talked all about Logan.

Logan had a crush! Loki found himself tickled by this news, asking Mits if he should interfere and help the boy out with his lady. There were other things, though, that she brought up (which weren't so happy). Logan wanted his friends to live with him and Mits, and he'd been drawing eerie portraits of himself, torn over the news that he wasn't allowed to be their guardian. Loki understood why the young man was told no, but at the same time it caused an ache to hear how Logan felt about the matter. Very strongly, in fact. Hearing Mits going on about her little brother arose thoughts in Loki's own head about his family.

( His parents over in the Bahamas, whom he'd left behind to come here to Elysium. His other friends, people he'd met long before Nico and Zach, and yet he wasn't living with them. They were half a world away. )

WHO: Loki, Mitsuko, and Logan
WHERE: Mitsuko and Logan's Cottage
WHEN: Morning, after Loki finds her note at the tiki bar.
WHAT: Loki is in for a beating.

Mitsuko's note was in Loki's pocket as he weaved his way through the cottages to find her particular abode. Nothing alerted the muse to anything being wrong. Her scribbled note hadn't indicated she was upset or anythin' like that, so all Loki knew was that she wanted to talk about something. What was the funeral she mentioned in her note, though? Loki scratched his head in confusion. He hadn't heard about a funeral going on, and he definitely didn't hear about anyone dyin'! Loki frowned and figured he would've heard about something like that happening. Nobody died without a warning and a notice, y'know!

As Loki knocked on Mitsuko's door, he had no idea there was another young man inside now with ears like Mits's ears, which would no doubt give him a start if he saw the guy. Right now, he was thinking of having that talk with Mits, though. After all, he had some exciting news to relay! Theora was going away, and Loki offered to be her boatman to the isle! Another adventure on the horizon! Loki grinned happily as he knocked on her door. Despite just thinking about the funeral mentioned in her note, Loki forgot about it. Anyway, it couldn't have been anyone she knew from everything he learned of Mits. She didn't have any family in Elysium that Loki knew of, that was for sure.

Who: Adam and Theora, with a brief appearance by Loki
Where: Combat Gym
When: Mid-Morning
What: Combat practice, a little chat, and interesting news from Theora.

Positioning his staff at a downward angle, his fingers held in a firm grasp around the middle, his eyes focused on his invisible opponent and calculating the movements the other would make in the next flurry of events. His staff came down quickly, striking forward and hooking his opponent in the stomach, before it pulled back and whirled around in his hand, the staff coming down and colliding with the invisible opponent’s staff — brought up just in time to block his weapon. He bounced back, whirling the staff once more, taking it down towards his opponent’s legs and catching it on the wood of other’s staff. Another miss. His next blow came in from the side as a surprise, the end jabbing his opponent in a weak spot, giving him an opportunity. The staff whirled around and spun upward, slamming down on the back of his opponent’s neck and bringing him down to the ground.

Inhaling a breeze of cool air deeply, Adam closed his eyes and let the feeling wash over him. Somewhere nearby, a young man was sword fighting with another, the clangs of their swords ringing out in the combat gym. One of them hollered in excitement at his apparent triumph with each creative strike of his sword. In his ears, though, he heard it — an unsettling hum on the air.

Adam opened his eyes, taking in the sight of the gym floors and the racks of weapons. It was not the air. The disturbance was in his own mind. Constance’s words from yesterday ate away at his consciousness. Are we unsafe? Adam wondered. Not once had the council dealt with a lawbreaker. Not yet. Did that mean it would happen soon, that it was only a matter of time before someone took rules into their own hands and shaped the law to suit their personal desires? Were they in danger, or was Adam’s mind just overreacting to what Constance had said?

I need to clear my mind, Adam thought as his steps led him towards the towel and bottle of water sitting on the bench put there earlier by him. Laying his staff against the wall, he picked up the towel and rested it over his shoulders, dabbing the sweat off of his face with one of the corners. Adam popped open the drink piece on his bottle and squirted water over his head. He drank some of the cool liquid and put his water bottle back down onto the bench, his towel catching the droplets of the water that fell from the curls of his dark hair.