Who shall rule Vornair and the four realms of Aeria? Which hero will help them?
welcome to saga of the crown
This is a Premade Theme "Blueprint" by punki.
Saga of the Crown does not own any of the images on the website, but covered by the copywright act.
Prologue
Many tribes of the world have various conflicts, based on different cultural belief systems. Even tribes who share the same lineage are at risk of war and turmoil. These tribes have created a generation of quest takers and politicians who are beyond flawed, creating a world of characters with conflicting desires and aspirations. In the Saga of the Crown, it is hard to see who is “good” and who is “evil”. The fate of Aeria is among the current generation of heroes and lords...who will become the next ruler of this land of chaos, and who will help them?
Ratings
18+
You have to be eighteen to participate
RP RATING
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Dec 19, 2020 18:44:19 GMT
Post by Al-Hyuma de Moire on Dec 19, 2020 18:44:19 GMT
Title: Safe Haven Status: Open Type: Private (Most Magical's Hazo) Date: Late Novet, BFE Location: Ayarus, Warholm Luminaries: Soft Description: The Oasis inn, late fall. Clear skies, wet ground. Late night with empty streets and closed businesses – though the Oasis is still open…
Darkness had fallen a long time ago and by now, most of the bars and taverns had quieted, their patrons forced to leave and hit the hay if they wished to be able to get up in the morning. The streets had quieted and most people – at least those who were good, upstanding citizens – had retreated indoors. The fall had brought with it some showers in the evening, though by now the sky had cleared, revealing many stars and the bright moon overhead. There was slick wetness on the cobblestone paths, the few remaining lights reflecting off the wet surface. The weather had gotten colder. It was clear that winter was coming.
Candlelight still could be seen to the twisting streets of the common quarters of Warholm from one building in the midst of many others, the swinging and creaking wooden sign above the door marking the building as an inn. The Oasis was written in plain, fading letters, giving a name to the establishment.
The inside was almost as empty as the streets outside now that it was without customer, but at least it was much warmer and drier. Wooden stairs would take one up to the actual rooms, and the counter was conveniently close to the entrance, to the right. The room itself opened up forward, a step down taking one to the common room with a stone flooring and various tables and chairs dotting its surface. While there were some decorations on the walls, the inn clearly was not meant for well-paying clientele. It was simple. Cozy. A lit fireplace warmed up the whole building, though the fire was starting to go out – it would have to be tended soon.
And Al-Hyuma would do so, eventually. Leaning against the countertop in the candlelight, he flipped through some papers and occasionally dipped a quill into an inkwell to write something down. While he was there to take in any potential customers, he doubted any would show – it was a quiet night, like how it usually was. It was a great time to go through some ledgers and inventory, his boss trusting his head for numbers and all kinds of official paper pushing. Which was great. While the topic wasn't exactly the most captivating thing in the world, he would have been bored out of his mind if he didn't have anything to do…
Al-Hyuma stretched and yawned. It was late. He was still wearing the clothes he had had since the dinner rush, having helped with the kitchen duties. His hair was tied back and a scarf was wrapped around his head, a rather dirty apron protected the rest of his clothes. Al-Hyuma was starting to feel the need for a nice, relaxing bath.
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Hazo Criodan Fallamhain
Head Honcho
The Second-Hand of the Rebellion
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Dec 19, 2020 19:42:24 GMT
Post by Hazo Criodan Fallamhain on Dec 19, 2020 19:42:24 GMT
Hazo leaned back in his poorly made chair. His hood covered his identity as he spoke to the high ranking rebellion leaders.
"With the crown available, we have to move hastily. We can't allow another lord to take the empty throne...there are plenty of contenders."
His foot was pressed on the table, allowing him to balance on the hind legs of the chair.
With a CRASH. The door swung open, there were knights standing in the doorway. Adrenaline rushed through Hazo's veins. A quick flash of movement allowed him to maneuver under the table then dash forward. A knight reached out to grab the small Gnome, but he easily moved to the side dodging the advance.
Amidst a front summersault, he rolled between the soldier's legs. His bow was across his back, and he was prepared to shoot a misguided human if needed. He wouldn't cause too much commotion, it was already a risk to enter the human kingdom. He appeared to be a small child, but their meeting secrecy was compromised. The lord of the county seemed to catch hold of this secret meeting happening -- they were high ranking warmen.
Dashing through the marketplace, Hazo dipped and dodged the abandoned carts of the empty streets. It was dark enough for his cloak to help him blend in with the surroundings. The cries and roar from the moving unit made Hazo run even faster. He was quite quick and agile, easily maneuvering through the different alleyways of the city.
An inn was in the distance.
Without much thought, he darted towards it. It was the only option. He had to pray that the owners wouldn't rat him out. Did he have gold?? Would they be startled by the small creature? It wasn't common for humans in the central area of the kingdom to witness a Gnome. He would have to pretend to be a child. In one fall swoop, he swung open the door and closed it behind him -- it was a jerky motion, but he was able to do it without being too suspicious.
Moving to the bar, he sat down. He stared at the bar without speaking. "A drink of water please" Hazo said without looking up.
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Post by Al-Hyuma de Moire on Dec 19, 2020 20:07:15 GMT
The suddenly opening door was enough to cause Al-Hyuma to jump, putting just enough force onto the quill to break its tip. His gaze shot towards the door, his eyes wide… Until the realization struck and he just ended up feeling… Annoyed. He frowned, straightening his back. "Bit late to be playing around, kiddo," Al-Hyuma spoke as he started to round up his papers, giving them a few taps against the counter to make a neat pile he could set aside with his quill and ink. Sure, the customer looked like a kid, and he wouldn't have given another thought about it, but…
…Any kid wanting to play adult wouldn't be doing it this late. They should be asleep – they would be asleep. He hadn't met a kid who could manage to stay up this late. For a moment, Al-Hyuma's suspicious gaze lingered on the new arrival that had sat on a stool, waiting for the water he had ordered. Looked like a kid, sounded like a kid, yet… Well, it seemed like he let it go, his posture relaxing and his expression just becoming that of a man who had already given up. He didn't care – he didn't want to care. He'd be corrected if he was wrong – and if he wasn't corrected, then clearly the customer didn't want him to be corrected. "Cost of water doesn't even cover the cost of cleaning the cup," Al-Hyuma grumbled as he went to grab a wooden cup to fill with clean water. It was late, very late. If a customer decided to come in, they should at least make it worthwhile! The kid was just going to have to deal with the grumbling, if he was going to have to provide service to someone who was costing them more than he provided.
The cup was slid in front of the newcomer. For some reason, Al-Hyuma didn't even expect a payment in full…
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Hazo Criodan Fallamhain
Head Honcho
The Second-Hand of the Rebellion
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Post by Hazo Criodan Fallamhain on Dec 20, 2020 8:17:26 GMT
"A Bit late to be playing around kiddo"
Hanzo didn't respond. Instead, he kept his attention at the bar in front of him. His head pointed down, making sure that his hood covered his silver hair and pointed ears. It would be in his greatest interest to leave as soon as possible. Although the meeting was ended short, he had to wrap up his Vornair visit. It was almost time for the sacrifice, and the travel to the eastern part of Vornair would take days on foot.
Reaching down to his waist, he noticed the few coins that were left inside. He wouldn't be able to pay for water.
"I'm not paying for water." Hanzo said sternly. The sound of horses began to echo in the air. Hanzo turned to see through Oasis's window. Without much thought, Hanzo did a flip to the other side of the bar, hidden.
A soldier flung the door open, in the same manner that Hanzo did.
Hanzo whispered so only Al could hear: "Don't tell them I'm here." His voice was threatening this time.
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Dec 20, 2020 11:08:44 GMT
Post by Al-Hyuma de Moire on Dec 20, 2020 11:08:44 GMT
Al-Hyuma just sighed, his posture deflating somewhat. He had expected as much. Someone rushing in to order water of all things was not going to have much coin on them. The whole thing stunk in many ways: bad business, and… Something suspicious. Luckily for the guest, by now it was already too late for Al-Hyuma to care or demand payment. The cup had been placed down and even if he gave a raised eyebrow to this kid-sized patron, he turned to grab a rag and started to clean the counter.
He could hear the clopping of horse hooves outside – who was out there riding a horse in the middle of night through houses while people were trying to sleep? That was strange, and extremely inconsiderate. He had looked up from his cleaning, looking through the window… And what he definitely hadn't expected was for the kid to just jump over the counter! "Wh–" he already started to exclaim, part surprised, part annoyed – no one was supposed to come behind the counter, after all! But once the kid took on such a threatening tone, Al-Hyuma could feel his blood turn cold.
Oh no. What had he gotten himself into? Swallowing, the man just dared to glance down at his feet for a moment. Would he be killed if he didn't comply…?
…But soon he was forced to look back up, the door again opening. City guards. Great. Was he being asked to lie to keep a criminal safe? The look of shock on his face could probably be because of the sudden appearance of people in the middle of the night, so Al-Hyuma tried to allow his face to return to something more neutral as he gave a few extra swipes to "finish" cleaning the counter for these new, esteemed guests. "Rare visitors, so late in the night. Greetings. Is… There a problem?"
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Hazo Criodan Fallamhain
Head Honcho
The Second-Hand of the Rebellion
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Dec 20, 2020 12:28:43 GMT
Post by Hazo Criodan Fallamhain on Dec 20, 2020 12:28:43 GMT
"We are looking for a Gnome. There are rumors that the rebellion orchestrated a planning meeting today. We plan on bringing them to justice." The high ranking Ayarus soldier moved into the establishment.
Hazo drew his sword out of the scabbard -- keeping his noise level low. His breathing was controlled but heavy. He felt the sticky cold wooden floor beneath him. The dried drinks left a quite repulsive floor that smelt of fermentation. It was hard for him to shift his weight without making noise and alerting the capturers.
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Post by Al-Hyuma de Moire on Dec 20, 2020 17:01:16 GMT
Al-Hyuma hummed as he put away his rag, trying to make it seem like a habit – but what he was really doing was casting a spell, his other hand staying under the countertop to make a few arcane gestures. He couldn't stop the guards from getting closer and taking a peek behind the counter, and if they did that, it was all over. Instead, where the gnome was ended up becoming an illusion of a boxy stool that would be too small for even someone child-sized to hide behind or inside. It wouldn't look too out of place, so hopefully no one decided to go checking it in better detail.
"R-Rebellion?" Al-Hyuma's face went pale – though honestly, his genuine worry and fear was probably only helping to sell that fact that he was definitely not on their side. He was now convinced that he would get shanked by the hiding rebel if he failed – and he would also be executed for harboring a rebel if he survived that! There was no way out for him. While he had cursed many gods in his life, surely he did not deserve all this…
"Well, you're the first customers I've had in a while, sirs," he spoke, looking a bit nervous. He had already made the story sound like that, so he was just going to have to go with it. "But now that you mentioned that it is a gnome… There is a small window in the kitchen. It's too small for most to fit through, but now I'm worried that maybe someone so small could. P-Perhaps you would like to take a look and see if there's any signs of it having been opened?"
Al-Hyuma hoped that by being helpful and actually asking the guards to have a look, he would seem like a concerned citizen and not someone currently committing a crime. The rebel was going to have to stay put and very, very quiet, or Al-Hyuma would be sure to snap his neck himself!
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Hazo Criodan Fallamhain
Head Honcho
The Second-Hand of the Rebellion
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Dec 20, 2020 21:03:21 GMT
Post by Hazo Criodan Fallamhain on Dec 20, 2020 21:03:21 GMT
A glimmer of magic appeared over the Gnome. Hazo shook his hand in confusion, seeing the magic start to take hold. The conversation happening a few feet away from him created a strong sense of nervousness and an unsettling feeling. What made the situation worse was his lack of proximity to Daindally Hills. Wridor had some settlements that were lax on the kingdom ban law. This was not the case in Ayarus. They were notably strict about the Kingdom's ban law. It also was clear that Al-Hyuma would be a temporary ally. Not only did he cover for Hazo, but he utilized magic for help. Depending on the laws, of the county -- it could get you killed.
"R-rebellion?"
As the soldiers followed the arcane magic user away from the bar, it was Hazo's chance. He darted from the bar to the staircase a few feet away. In the most agile way -- without much sound, he moved upstairs.
The upstairs was like the floor below, quaint. He looked around eyeballing each room as he passed it. He finally found a room with a window that led out to a small landing on the roof. He would stay there until he was free to leave. His next destination would be home, Daindally.
There were footsteps coming up the stairs -- another knight.
Balancing on a small landing took effort. He clenched his stomach trying to gain balance. Below him, he could see a few other soldiers talking as they ran in different directions. How did they find out? There must have been a breach in their security.
After the intruders finally left, Hazo crept back down.
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Dec 20, 2020 21:28:05 GMT
Post by Al-Hyuma de Moire on Dec 20, 2020 21:28:05 GMT
As nervous as he was, Al-Hyuma did his best to seem more concerned than anything, grabbing the mug from the counter. That one had been suspicious, a lone cup sitting on the table after he hadn't supposedly had any customers… But it was just water! He took small sips from it, like it had been meant for him the whole time, trying to calm his nerves and keep the illusion up – easier said than done, seeing how difficult it was to concentrate on the spell. The guards, luckily, seemed to want to go through the kitchen like he had suggested, believing his words. Al-Hyuma stood to watch them rummage through, lamenting the fact that if he survived this, he was going to have to clean again…
The rebel didn't stay put. Perhaps he worried that the guards would come poking behind the counter and eventually doom them both. Al-Hyuma still felt like he was about to faint when he saw some movement from the common room, not being able to believe that someone would dare to try such a bold escape! The gnome had been lucky that no guards stayed behind! …And now he had let a dangerous criminal up to the rooms where they had guests and his boss and his wife. Not good.
Putting on his best brave face, he acted all relieved when the guards found nothing amiss, though watching them climb up the stairs made it feel like his heart was about to burst through his chest. Would they find the rebel? That'd be fine for him, right? Clearly that meant the rebel had gotten in through one of the windows upstairs and he wouldn't be able to see it, so he couldn't be connected to trying to hide a criminal! Still, he worried. Stepping back behind the counter, he tried to act like everything was fine and wish the guards a good night and luck with finding the criminal when they came down empty-handed, a pleasant smile on his face…
But the moment the door had closed and the sounds of the guards started to grow more distant, Al-Hyuma collapsed, his shaking knees buckling under him. Holding onto the counter was the only thing keeping him on his feet, somewhat, though he had planted his face against it. He couldn't believe what he had just done. He couldn't believe he was still alive! His heart was beating, his skin felt cold and clammy. Sweat dripped down his jaw. The tail tucked into his pants was swishing wildly.
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Hazo Criodan Fallamhain
Head Honcho
The Second-Hand of the Rebellion
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Dec 20, 2020 22:09:46 GMT
Post by Hazo Criodan Fallamhain on Dec 20, 2020 22:09:46 GMT
Hazo watched as Al collapsed looking quite faint. It was almost like he saw a ghost -- well that wouldn't be the worst thing to witness in the world. Aeria was filled with way more threatening creatures. This wouldn't be in most knowledge though. Most gentry and peasants are unaware of anything outside of their borders, especially if they were born and raised in a central duchy. It wouldn't make sense to venture off much.
"Thank you. I owe you a token of gratitude. I will repay you." Hazo's voice was sharp. He rolled his eyes as he watched Al sink into further fear.
"They're gone now, they won't be coming back. There is no reason to be all worked up. Stand Human."
"I am part of the Kingdom-wide rebellion. As you must already know, we plan on removing the crown...It is rare for a Gnome to be working with humans, but I see a different future. One that involves our cousin tribes to live in more unity...it is also a future without the Fae taking the lives of the innocent...do you know anything about this?...I know that most humans consider this only a rumor."
He moved to the back of the bar and began searching and shuffling things around until he found a small loaf of bread. After tearing a piece off, he scarfed it down quickly. There was no reason for the formalities anymore, Al seemed to be preoccupied with collecting himself. "What is your name?" Hazo asked as he moved around the counter and peered out the window. He took another bite of the bread, ripping it off like a wolf eating an unfortunate fawn.
"Those bastards...you will not last long, not with these laws"
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Dec 20, 2020 22:29:39 GMT
Post by Al-Hyuma de Moire on Dec 20, 2020 22:29:39 GMT
Al-Hyuma was just happy to spend the rest of his life with his face planted against the cool surface of the counter, but a voice was enough to pry it away just enough that he could see what was happening. The rebel hadn't disappeared into the night, having come back downstairs. That probably was the smart thing to do, now that the guards had searched the inn and deemed it clear. It would be the last place they would look.
Talk of gratitude and repayment made him frown – seeing that the gnome hadn't even paid for the water, he didn't exactly have high hopes for that. If he even wanted to accept anything from a rebel. Slowly, he pushed himself back to his feet, though he still felt weak. "It wasn't like you gave me much of a choice," Al-Hyuma grumbled, hissing through his teeth, perhaps trying to downplay his own role with this escape and not wanting to associate his own actions with helping the rebels. His glare was sharp as he followed the rebel with his gaze. It was a strange feeling, honestly, looking at such a small and young-looking creature. It was rare for Al-Hyuma to tower over anyone. It was difficult to know if he should feel intimidated or not… But nevertheless, he was going to listen to the story.
"Most have heard rumors, yes," He looked rather annoyed as the gnome went to raid their supplies and grabbed yet another thing he was not going to pay for, a loaf of bread. Whether he actually believed the rebel's story, that was another thing. If it was that easy to turn someone to one's own side, the rebels surely would have had it rather easy. Even if the side he was on was very against people like… Him. "Al-Hyuma. That's… My name. I'm doing just fine for myself, thank you very much."
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Hazo Criodan Fallamhain
Head Honcho
The Second-Hand of the Rebellion
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Dec 20, 2020 22:40:35 GMT
Post by Hazo Criodan Fallamhain on Dec 20, 2020 22:40:35 GMT
"Al-Hyuma. Such an interesting name, are you from this region of Vornair?...and also -- what is your take on the empty throne? Have you been to Wridor?" Hazo was sort of naive when it came to the commoner's political perspective, especially one with magic. He asked these questions as fast as he moved from one thing to the next. Finishing the piece of bread he shuffled away from the window.
Moving to a table he grabbed a chair. Plopping down with his chest facing the back of the seat he rested his chin on his arms. "I need to wait for a few...have to make sure my pathway back to Daindally is safe. Have you been?" Hazo finally took a closer look at the man...what an interesting fellow. A gentry maybe? "And your magic. Quite RARE! Are you not afraid? I've only met a few humans that were brave enough to use arcane arts this deep into Vornair. You must be brave! Yeah! You shouldn't crumble in fear, it takes guts to do what you did earlier. You should be...proud"
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Dec 20, 2020 22:57:41 GMT
Post by Al-Hyuma de Moire on Dec 20, 2020 22:57:41 GMT
The gnome came at him with a deluge of questions. Definitely didn't seem too keen on leaving, either, going on and just making himself comfortable. No questions asked. Of course not. Al-Hyuma already looked like he accepted it, with a long, defeated sigh. "My family history is long enough – not one I honestly would like to share with a rebel," was his defiant answer. The last thing he wanted was that kind of knowledge falling to the wrong hands and being used against them. "I don't care for politics. Let the lords lord over whatever they care to lord about, shit rains down no matter what and there's nothing we can do about that," Al-Hyuma went back for the rag, starting to clean the counter properly again. It wasn't like he had anything better to do, and perhaps this conversation felt less awkward when his hands had something to do. "I've traveled. Wridor, yes. Not in a while."
The conversation continuing like it was normal made Al-Hyuma stop his cleaning, giving the gnome a long, unimpressed look. He was currently talking to a rebel he had hidden from armed guards – and yes, he had used magic to do so. The amount of crimes he just committed in a short amount of time did not make him happy. The fact that he could currently be in chains and waiting for his execution because of the gnome was not something that had escaped him. The fact that he was still here was a miracle. That made him rather unamused. "Shh! He shushed the rebel when his voice started to grow too excited, the topic of magic not being one that should be talked about out loud. For a moment, Al-Hyuma stayed quiet, listening to see if anyone might have stirred or come to listen. "Do you think I like the idea of using magic in front of the local law enforcement? That alone could have made me end up in the gallows, even without the rest you made me do. It… I-It wasn't like I had an option, they would have found you and learned that I had lied and…"
Oh the thought was giving him a headache! His hands were now on his face, pulling down. How could he have done something so stupid, it could have all gone so wrong! He wanted to scream.
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Hazo Criodan Fallamhain
Head Honcho
The Second-Hand of the Rebellion
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Post by Hazo Criodan Fallamhain on Dec 22, 2020 8:25:03 GMT
"My family history is long enough – not one I honestly would like to share with a rebel,"
"Hey, I'm doing this for you...wouldn't you like to be free from the chains of the monarch. They seem to do more harm than good." Hazo moved a piece of hair out of his face and adjusted his collar.
Hazo was usually quite reckless when it came to speaking on subjects that were deemed as taboo in Vornair. It was so hard to keep up with.
"Do you think I like the idea of using magic in front of local law enforcement? That alone could have made me end up in the gallows, even without the rest you made me do. It… I-It wasn't like I had an option, they would have found you and learned that I had lied and…"
"Oh they are far from here now, and no one is around. You shouldn't be so worrisome, it's not good for your health human. "
Hazo raised an eyebrow as the man began to ramble in nervousness.
"you will be fine!" Hazo assured before leaning forward, balancing on the hind legs of the chair. "My motto is: Be worried when it's time to do so. No reason to get worked up, there are plenty of more dangerous things than some uncoordinated Ayarus soldiers..."
Hazo held up a finger to indicate one moment. He reached down into his coin purse and pulled out 5 gold coins. He placed it on the table near him. "I owe you -- what was your name?"
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Dec 22, 2020 13:59:11 GMT
Post by Al-Hyuma de Moire on Dec 22, 2020 13:59:11 GMT
"Someone would have to step up and be a leader, king or not. Is that going to be one of the rebels?" Al-Hyuma was quick to retort. He did not believe that just removing one leader would fix all their problems – and he knew nothing about the rebels. Rumors and fear-mongering, of course, but all of those tended to be something that viewed the rebels quite negatively. Leaving the whole thing into their hands did not fill him with confidence. He, clearly, was not a man who would be happy with dreams alone. He needed solutions. "And are you not doing this for yourself? Kings of Vornair give preference to us humans, so a system like that would benefit me the most, as long as," there was a moment of silence, for a good reason. Both of them were aware that his magic was not very well received, while he was very aware that some would even question his humanhood. …But it would be fine! As long as he kept everything a secret, he'd survive. "…But such is not the case for people like you."
Al-Hyuma did not need people trying to act nobler than they really were – and he definitely didn't appreciate it if someone was deluded enough to actually believe such! But selfish actions weren't inherently evil or bad. He just wanted people to be honest about it.
And he was certain he'd eventually have a breakdown with all the stress and worry he was currently experiencing. Al-Hyuma had learned to be very cautious, and he was certain a rebel would have to be the same. But it seemed like the topic of magic wasn't something the gnome avoided! "The walls have ears in inns. Best for you to keep that in mind. All this noise might have very well woken up one or more of the guests," he pulled his hands away, allowing his face to snap back in its correct position. It wasn't just the guards he was worried about. He'd worry about them if someone else overheard and went to rat him out.
He had, of course, assumed that the gnome was broke, but here he was, pulling out some nice gold coins – if they were legit. There was a look of suspicion on Al-Hyuma's face as he looked down at the coins and then back to the gnome. "And you weren't even going to pay for water," he sighed, "Al-Hyuma de Moire. You could try to at least remember it," Al-Hyuma continued without skipping a beat, actually giving out his full name. He hadn't intended to do such, of course, and he didn't really notice it, as it was such a common thing to do. Perhaps the gnome was a genius for asking the name multiple times to see if he'd slip up – or perhaps it was all just an accident…
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