Elariel turned slightly at Cornaith’s voice, nodding in greeting to the younger warrior. He couldn't help but feel a flicker of amusement at how casually Cornaith addressed Catori and him. He raised a brow, noticing the subtle shift in their dynamic, but chose to remain silent. He let the moment pass, as it was not his place to meddle in such matters.

As Cornaith and Catori’s remarks sank in, Elariel’s frown deepened, his hand coming up to rub his jaw. His brow furrowed in thought as he replayed the route he had initially suggested. Only now did he realize just how much ground he’d initially planned for them to cover. His mind had been clouded by exhaustion from the previous night’s events, and, in truth, the thought of staying at camp with the apprentices gone unsettled him. The usual noise and bustle of training would be replaced by a quiet that Elariel wasn’t used to. His fingers flexed at his sides, betraying the restlessness that simmered under the surface. Border patrols offered a distraction, a way to keep himself busy and entertained. He hated being idle.

He listened intently as Catori laid out the adjusted plan, her practicality calming him somewhat. Splitting the patrols was the logical choice, especially after the events of the previous night that had drained them all. He crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes scanning the clearing as she spoke, though he remained aware of the brief flicker of tension in her gaze when she mentioned Clisteoeska. Elariel, however, didn’t react. He had enough to contend with himself and didn’t want to get involved in whatever strained dynamics were at play between Catori and the other warrior.

His eyes met hers as she reached for her cup, and he nodded, agreeing with her plan. "That sounds manageable," he said, his voice steady but lacking its usual energy. “We’ll start in the grove before meeting you at the Peaks.” There was no point in arguing—his earlier suggestion to patrol all day had been driven more by a selfish desire to keep himself moving than by any real need. The truth was, they didn’t even need to head south—the apprentices there were more than capable of handling any potential threats.

Straightening, Elariel shifted his attention back to the task at hand. “We’ll head out as soon as Ivan arrives.” He rolled his shoulders, trying to shake off the last of the exhaustion clinging to him, preparing himself for the day ahead.

Ivan Lécuyer || Heir-Lieutenant || M: Alvaerelle, Kethryll'ia, Elariel, Catori, Cornaith, Clisteoeska, Koa

Ivan held himself back from entertaining Kethryll'ia's jabs regarding his own love life. If they started an argument now, his brother would miss the trials completely; neither heir was particularly gifted at letting things rest until a later date. They could fight over it once the apprentices all came back, though a selfish part of him hoped that the dragons wouldn't return. If they did, how was he supposed to pull the "I'm bigger than you" card? Ivan banished such thoughts from his mind as Kethryll'ia jogged off, and he allowed himself a moment to watch the rapidly disappearing procession before his attention was drawn elsewhere: his uncle's polite cough caused the young man to turn and face him a little quicker than he'd intended.

As soon as he had, Catori's voice called for their focus. Ivan listened quietly, taking note of the woman's words and cadence. While he didn't plan on emulating her exactly, now that he was officially the Lieutenant, it would be wise to copy her authoritative speech. Despite being on the smaller side, Catori could make even the largest warrior sit down, shut up, and listen.

When the acting-chief's announcement had concluded and the crowd had returned to idle chatter, the heir turned back to the man beside him. Alvaerelle had approached by then, and he'd be lying if he said her presence didn't give him a thrill, and her question was nothing short of music to his ears. On top of that, Elariel's use of Ivan's new rank brought a tense grin that also held a bit of relief; the seasoned warrior's words made the stares of other, less pleased clan members seem not quite as daunting as they had before. He gave the warrior a grateful nod before turning to Alvaerelle and extending a hand.

"It would be my pleasure," he replied. "Everyone's gone to get what sleep they can anyhow."

Ivan began an amble along the path that led to Alvaerelle's house. He'd walked it countless times, though his previous trips had usually involved hunting down Samblar. Since his friend's death, this road had become one less traveled, though his feet still knew exactly where to go. In a way, it felt like going home. He inhaled the cooling night air and narrowed his eyes in a relaxed way, like a dozing leopard. He didn't say much; he'd never had the gift of flirtation like so many others seemed to have been blessed with, and he didn't want to lose what miraculous progress he'd already made.

As they reached the queen's domain, he stopped by the door and studied her face for a moment. A wandering finger traced its way along her lower lip, pausing at the cool metal that pierced it, before he realized what he was doing and drew his hand away. But he wasn't dead yet, so maybe... He took the chance, faltering slightly before bending down and placing a light, brief kiss on her lips. He was grateful for the cover of night to hide his pinked ears, though the heat radiating from him was likely to burn the whole camp down. Peering into her sharp eyes, he murmured, "Good night, Vae."

***
He entered the clearing the next morning frantically tying his longer hair back into its short ponytail -- more of a rabbit's tail, really. Ivan shouldered his bow and sped up his pace to make it to where Catori, Elariel, and the others stood. He was sure the rest would join them shortly, but he was struggling to remember who all Catori had called the previous night. Koa was jogging up looking absolutely disheveled but blissfully unaware of everyone else's observations or feelings. It seemed a bit tense to Ivan; he'd obviously missed something.

"Sorry I'm late," he apologized. "Is the first group ready to head out now?"

Saro watched Akith’ki accept the gift from Kethryll’ia, and it was almost unbearable. The whole interaction was... sweet, almost painfully so. The awkwardness of it all was endearing, truly, but it also made her want to gouge her eyes out. Nausea rolled in her stomach, and her eyes darkened just a bit as she observed the scene unfold before her. Cold amusement flickered in her gaze, a sinister joy mingling with irritation.

Forcing a neutral expression, Sarolta nodded, pulling herself back to the present as Esen’s voice broke through her thoughts. “Hunting does sound like a solid plan,” she agreed, her tone gentle but laced with an undertone of calculation. “It’s smart to gather what we can while we’re near the forest. Drying the meat in this heat should work well.”

However, her brow furrowed slightly with concern. “But we have to be careful about how much energy we expend,” she added, casting a wary glance around at the group. “We just partied all night, and while hunting is important, we shouldn’t push ourselves too hard. Maybe we can keep it brief—just enough to gather what we need.” They’d be dead before the trial even started if they overexert themselves.

At the mention of the second shift, Sarolta tilted her head, considering Esen’s words. “That’s a good point,” she replied thoughtfully, a hint of strategizing underlying her tone. “Even with hunting now, it may be helpful.” She observed the quiet way Esen ducked her head, engrossed in the map, tracing their path.

She glanced at the direction Esen referenced, her thoughts churning. Sarolta didn’t comment on the pull Esen felt—such instincts were not part of their teachings, but she didn’t want to sow any doubt in her cousin's head. "That way we go then." She turned to the rest of the group, catching the tail-end of Aelion and Syllivanna’s conversation. While they went to find more of those flowers, the rest could hunt.

She watched as Aelion led Syllivanna to where he found the flowers, though she didn’t miss his comment. Sarolta’s jaw tightened as his words reached her, and a wry smirk tugged at her lips but her eyes narrowed with a touch of disdain. She raised an eyebrow, brushing off a dry patch of mud from her arm with exaggerated delicacy. “Oh, don’t worry about my complexion, Aelion,” she replied, her tone sharp as a blade. Her eyes scanned over him with open disdain. “Maybe,” she paused, her tone dripping with mock sweetness, “You should keep the mud on permanently too. I’m sure it’ll help hide whatever you’re lacking underneath.”

Cornaith Iliven

Elariel’s raised brow did not go unnoticed as the male caught the slight intrigue that managed to etch itself across the older warrior's face at his informal greeting. Cornaith would make his way around the pair and extend a muscular arm towards the table getting his own fill of refreshment as they came to the decision to split the initial route that had been discussed. At the mention of Cliste joining Catori for their patrol he’d make a slightly wary glance towards the stand-in chief. With Koa present hopefully it wouldn’t become a blood bath between the two seeing as how he never got the chance to speak with Cliste the night prior.

His attention would shift as he began to fill up a second cup of water for the morning, Naith would dip his skull at the order of their departure upon Ivan’s arrival.

“Sounds good, Elariel.” He’d chirp.

Cornaith wore a very bored looking expression across his mask, though most would probably consider it his more day to day expression. Admittedly, sleep still lingered modestly over the male. His pale pools would shift from the pair before him to the empty clearing beside the trio. His ears flicked at the sound of fast paced footsteps quickly approaching and turned around to find a disheveled Ivan. He’d begin grinning and nearly spat out whatever water he had in his mouth, were it not for the males invitation to begin their patrol. Gulping down whatever remnants of water remained in his cup, Cornaith would set the empty cup to the side and dip his skull in approval.

“Ready when you are.” He’d add, grin still plastered across his lips.

Alvaerelle Wynzorwyn

“Lieutenant, make sure Alvaerelle gets home safely.”

Elariel’s words danced between the pair as she awaited Ivan's response toward her invitation. Though by the sound of it her invitation seemingly grew into an order by Ivan’s second father which drew a small smile across her facial features at the thought of the older warriors nudge at pairing them together as if the night had done so enough.

“It would be my pleasure, Everyone's gone to get what sleep they can anyhow.”

Upon the gesture of offering his hand to her she would allow her own soft dainty fingers to wrap around his larger calloused one. A slight blush would stain her cheeks at his chivalry as he’d now lead her back home. She knew it was a path he was all too familiar with recollecting memories of peering out from the kitchen window to find Ivan marching up and calling for Samblar or finding Ivan bounding his way up the front steps of the front porch comfortably sat upon a porch swing sipping a refreshing cup of lemonade.

As he ensured she was within the warmth and safety of her humble abode the door between them kept open as if in invitation, the pair shared a moment peering at one another. Their friendship was one that required very little words to be exchanged, and for the words that were, it was either built upon teasing, taunting, or of advice. As he raised a single finger to trace her lower lip, idly brushing against the piercing that sat at its center, before quickly pulling itself away. At the abrupt fracture of contact being broken before her she’d reach her own hand to grace his chest as if to say ‘stay’. Her gaze would soften as if fully aware of the endless possibilities of what could happen next, and surely one of the many that slid through her mind became reality.

As his warm soft lips met hers she savored the brief moment as if it’d never end between them, her eyes blinking closed before fluttering open and melting into his cool steely pools.

“Goodnight Vae.”

“Goodnight Ivan.” She would purr in return. She was lit aflame all over again in a manner starkly and wholly different from the heat she felt with Cyrus.

Ivan was a man with a heart of gold one she grew up with familiarity. Cyrus, on the other hand, she had yet to find out enough about the male to make an adequate comparison. She disliked his greed and ever loving hunger for power but knew the male to be strong though overly temperamental as evidenced by her flesh wound however he was honorable in apologizing to her so that would appear to be another box to be unraveled.

:•:•:•:•:•:•☾☼☽•:•.•:•.•:•:

As morning began to approach the sun would begin to glint and shine through her bedroom window pelting the queen with its warmth. Through squinting eyes she’d roll over, reaching her across an empty half of the bed. She couldn’t possibly fathom why she believed it to have been occupied and frowned softly. At the endless movements rising from her uterus followed by the grumbling of her stomach a meal in the comfort of her home would be in order, though she should see Ivan off before the morning patrol.

Dressing quickly she’d take an apple or two and waddle off. Perhaps she’d go pester one of the gatherers to slip her something while she helped clean up following the ceremony from last night.

She would quickly spot a hurried and disheveled Ivan joining Catori, Elariel, and Cornaith. Grinning at the show before her she presumed he must have been running a bit late. She couldn’t say she was very surprised though never took him for one to be the last one present to go on patrol. She’d take a swift bite of her apple emitting a satisfied crunch with its juices dribbling down her lower lip momentarily afterward. A brief memory of Ivan’s lips against hers last night caused all sort of butterflies to flutter about, or was it the excited movement of her children, whose to say. She’d shift her gaze and claim a seat on a tree stump awaiting for a few others to join before beginning to clean up whatever mess lingered about.

Syllivanna Zylqirelle

“We could hunt while we're still by the forest. The meat would dry fairly quickly out here, and we could use any skins to make shades to sleep under. Um... if you guys want."

Eden was brilliant for making such a suggestion. She’d smile towards her cousin giving her an encouraging look as if to say, ’don’t be shy to speak your mind.’ Even mentioning the second shift was wise on her part, granted she knew she had referenced pretty much the entire cohort of apprentices that had managed to achieve the shift. Herself and Esen excluded. She wasn’t sure if they were the only two or if there are a few others that hadn’t undergone the shift either but in any case excellent suggestions were being thrown about and a finalized plan.

“Esen, What does the map say about the area beyond those trees? Are there any landmarks we should be looking for?"

Syllivanna warily observed Sarolta, a mask of utter indifference plastered upon her face. What else could she possibly be probing for specifically past the trees in the distance? Did she know something the rest did not about that area? Yes it could offer shade but could it also be a trap? Landmarks were a wise and worthwhile thing to ask about however, she’d remain to keep her unease to herself. Her distrust or wariness of Sarolta had stemmed early on in their youth, while not directly related she had known Sarolta for as long as she had known Esen for. She wasn’t quite sure what the female made of herself but had managed to avoid conflict for this long, it would be best to keep it that way. She was well aware of Sarolta’s stance on the clan’s Elders, the selection process for Royal succession and leadership, and the Trials themselves.

”Oh -- yes... There are a few plateaus scattered about that we could use for cover along the way. And there's a volcano that I think I feel pulled toward. There's a series of steam vents as we get closer to that. I think it's the right area, anyway."

A pull. Syl would raise a brow towards her cousin, could this be her trial. The one that would bring her shift and ultimately bring her dragon back? Would that make her a Fire Dragon? Questions that were above her own education swirled about in her mind. Perhaps, that was why the Elders had given her the map first. How could they possibly have known? Is that even an appropriate question. The lot spoke in nothing but riddles and rhymes, granted if listened to close enough and repeated perhaps their riddles could be solved.

↠↠↠

"I’ll show you.”

Syllivanna‘s attention shifted upon Aelion once more and she had managed to pick up on his body’s slight apprehension of returning to where he initially found the calendula. Perhaps what she had so far, could have served as enough, though highly unlikely. If what held him back was the idea of splitting up to gather last minute items before moving onward Syl could understand it but also trusted the other apprentices to find their way back to the group. As his gaze shifted to the small hand-sized woven basket nestled within her hands, she would smile towards his compliment following his curious inspection of the salve.

“What would we do without you.”

She didn’t let the words linger for too long but surely wouldn’t have been able to create the concoction without his aid. Upon his motioning for her to follow after him she’d close the small basket and tie it around her waist, allowing it to dangle at her hips and sway with her movements. She followed behind him intently, silent on her feet and cautiously to ensure she would not get snagged by anything that could slow her down or cause her harm early on into the trials. She did allow herself to glance about checking the environment for any other useful herbs or flowers to bring along though couldn’t truly identify any of particular use for this trial. For a desert-like climate cacti would be useful to store water in and grab water from and use as a unique form of weaponry given their spines. Some cacti even produced fruit which could also be useful if prey items were scant.

Whilst following Aelion her mind continued to wander on other potential herbs or flowers that could be of use. Perhaps it would be good to have a flower that could stop bleeds if anyone were to get injured, Aspilia Africana was one she knew of that was indigenous to their territory. They looks similar to calendula however are a vibrant yellow in coloration versus the more golden orange seen with calendula. Perhaps she could find some near the calendula. At the offer of his hand to help her over a fallen tree, Syl had gladly taken the extra assistance. Being on the smaller side of height it did have its disadvantages though its advantages generally far outweighed its pitfalls.

"It should be just up ahead if I'm remembering correctly.."

She followed his scanning pools and spotted the same outline of the plant not too far off. His excitement in finding the calendula again brought a warm smile to her face once more before momentarily fading as she attempted to scan around the plant for neighboring yellow flowers similar to daisies in appearance.

“How much more do you think we'll need?”

“I’d say maybe two armfuls. I can fit maybe a handful in this little basket but the more we can carry and take with us the better. We won’t know how long we’ll be in the flats for and I’d rather us be slightly over-stocked than under.” She’d state gently, plucking the flowers gently and rubbing the plant to allow it to drop any seeds and replant itself.

Certain flowering plants would self-sow allowing the plants to return time and time again. Chamomile was one she knew of very well and much enjoyed tending to. Anytime the plant had the slightest inkling that it would be approaching its death it would drop its seeds upon the earth's surface and regrow a new, better and stronger.

“Keep your eyes peeled for a yellow daisy-like flower. It’s called Aspilia Africana, it has superb wound healing properties and can stop any sort of bleeding and support wound healing. It’s okay if we don’t find any, aloe can also help with wound healing I don’t believe it is as useful with stopping bleeds though.” She’d remark picking her calendula flowers carefully as not to take too many from the plant.

Having filled at least one arm full of flowers she’d make her way around the plant and glanced behind to see if she could find any inkling of the Aspilia. She would squint at the slightest hint of yellow a little ways away from the calendula. She would bring herself down to the ground wary of the skirt she wore and gazed at the flower closely. Her pale bicolored pools would shift and spot a decent collection of flowers and a grin would spill upon her face. Perhaps she could make her finds into loosely wrapped flower crowns for easier travel and make sure to carry the Aspilia by hand.

“I found the Aspilia Aelion!” She’d nearly squeal back. She would drop her armful of calendula beside her and begin carefully plucking the Aspilia next.

“I’ll just gather some of these and then we can weave the calendula into crowns and carry whatever Aspilia we have back.”