taanoir

[taanoir]

Chapter 4: Return to Oakenward, Pt 3

Avequa was three day journey across Eldovire along the Reidcaster River. Despite the rains moving through the valley, they covered the ground in good spirits. They joked and discussed what they wanted to do once the book was in Gonesic’s hands.

Iggy wanted to travel more, possibly to Terravina or Dauquer. “They are always looking for protection on the wine shipments, I could see Terravina and earn some coins. Or maybe up to Dauquer, it’s a beautiful place. I’d like to see it without it being a job. Remind me to tell you about the last time we went to Dauquer.”

Albrund was looking forward to quietly returning to his books. “Nothing exciting for me, I just plan on going back to my plasma fruit trees and my library. I have a rare lore book coming, hopefully it will help me find a way to reverse the Bloodcaster changes. I've found stories of other Dunerell that have successfully reversed it but not how they managed it."

Ryn, planned on going back to his home to nurse his mother to health and care for his sister. "That's been my goal from the beginning, help with the cure then go home to take care of my family. I've been gone almost two weeks, it will be two weeks once we get to the castle. I miss them so much ... I'll go back to the amulet business and hopefully I can make enough for Hestia to stay in school."

All three promised to keep in touch. Ryn wanted to bring his sister Hestia to Oakenward, “She’s a reader, and undoubtedly the brains of the family. I think Hestia would really love to see your collection and I’d love for her to meet you.” Albrund smiled, “I’d be happy to have you as my guests.”

As they were on their final approach, the fields sat empty. The farmers had finished their toils for the day, the air still smelled of fresh earth and cut greens. Above, the sky was awash of pinks and purples, the sun glowed orange on the horizon giving the castle and it's surrounding town a fanciful glow. Albrund was eaten with anxiety, the last time he had set foot in these walls he had been banished. He was hoping the return of the book would mend some damaged bridges. Iggy had only been to Avequa as a middleman for the Travelers, he had never set foot in the castle and had some major trepidation on the prospect. Ryn had a sinking feeling he couldn't shake, but was happy to finally be home.

Once they crossed the city gate a hand clasped Ryn's arm and spun him around. The pair of hands shoved him backwards, the voice attached was not a friendly one.

Iggy started to pull his sword but Ryn stopped him, it was Ryn's neighbor Haimes with some choice words for him "You left and she died! She was so worried about your safety she panicked herself to death!"

Ryn's face dropped, he knew in his heart she wouldn't make it "Did they bury her? Where's Hestia?"

His face twisted with anger, "of course they didn't, they burned her with the rest of the Agony corpses, you idiot! Some fancy magistrate took your sister to the castle when they removed the corpse. Probably working off whatever debt you run up when you should have been home. The bank took the house back, cleared out all that trash. They'll be putting in new tenants!"

Ryn's eye's began to water, "I was on an errand, sent by the High Spellcaster himself, they promised to send a messenger to my mom. They promised no harm would come to them!"

Haimes huffed "Send a messenger for an errand boy, that's funny. Well I hope whatever his highness wanted was worth it." Ryn's face fell, "I hope you're right." Iggy had seen enough and began pushing Ryn away from the neighbor.

Iggy pushed him away towards the castle as Haimes yelled after him "running around with a Bloodcaster and a human your poor mother would turn in her grave if she had one!"

Iggy and Albrund rushed him out of earshot towards the castle stairs. As reality set in Ryn began to crumble.

Beginning / Previous / Next

[taanoir]

Upcoming Posts

Hi! Thank you reading my silly story, I appreciate you.

The next post will be out tomorrow. I've been trying to post every other day, some posts require a bit more finesse and take a little longer.

The story is about to pick up, a lot. Action, drama, lore, all incoming. We are also about to see the worst and the best of everyone.

This will be the first post of the major arc, without giving spoilers the arc will include death, grief, alcohol, feelings of betrayal and a major character spiraling (not in any particular order and not all at once). If these are triggering topics for you, I will be using "grief tw" "death tw" "alcohol tw" "depression tw" "prejudice tw" for the associated posts. Please block them or me, no offense taken please protect your mental health. Also, I will happily provide a general overview if you message me.

As always, if you have any questions please let me know. My boxes are open.

[taanoir]

Do you use reshade/gshade? what presets do you use? what shaders do you use most often?

No, I'm not that cool lol

Do you use swre or topaz clean?

No, I don't have photoshop money

Do you do any editing in image manipulation software or art software? what additions do you use this program for?

I use the free version of Paint.Net, it's a very basic photoshop style program but easier to use than GIMP. I use basic image editing (crop, hand painting, layers, exposure adjustments, etc.)

What mods do you have that affect visuals in your game? (noglo/noblu, skins, eyes, lighting mods, graphics.ini overhauls etc)

That is a loaded question - I use a massive amount of custom content.

Like @wolkentage I use Sunblind by Softerhaze for my overall world color/lighting.

Skins, I use Gloamsims Waterlilies default and a LOT of overlays and skins (This is Them, Adelar, NorthSiberianWinds, Remussirion, PYXIS, Obscurus, Poyopoyo, Sims3Melancholic, I'm forgetting some). I want all my sims to look different and have taken a maximalist approach.

Eyes, I use Ancenth 9PM defaults plus BBSims eyes48, Lutessasims (Agnes, N27, Lily), Remussirion (359b), Rotteneyed (n13).

I also use a lot of historical hiders and defaults. SimplifiedModding Henford Hiders, Lunamoth (lots of overrides), VII (Lots of overrides), Nelfeah Book Texture Overrides.

What tips can you recommend to others on how to take better screenshots?

Honestly, I'm still learning myself. All of my shots are "in-game", I lack the skill or patience or both for Blender.

My latest helpful things have been adding Wonderful Whims and The Pose Adjustment tool from JohnBaccarat, it has made things so much easier.

simblr story question of the day #12 - 24th june 2025 screenshot question - mods and after effects

the 12th ssqotd question is about effects and mods we use to make our screenshots look nice! answer whichever ones you want to answer or whichever ones are relevant to you.

do you use reshade/gshade? what presets do you use? what shaders do you use most often?

do you use swre or topaz clean?

do you do any editing in image manipulation software or art software? what additions do you use this program for?

what mods do you have that affect visuals in your game? (noglo/noblu, skins, eyes, lighting mods, graphics.ini overhauls etc)

what tips can you recommend to others on how to take better screenshots?

write your reply in a reblog-reply, in the reblog tags, or answer it in your own post and link back to this one! tag your replies to questions here with #simblr story question of the day or #ssqotd! browse others' answers here and here!

other questions tags: character, plot, inspiration, screenshot, mini challenge, miscellaneous

[taanoir]

Another great question from SQOTD. The version of the story I'm publishing here is the 5th rewrite. The original version was much different. The characters were different. Ryn was female, Spellcatsters were fae. The plot leaned heavily into Irish folklore and followed the 22 Major Arcana cards of the tarot. Iggy, whose government name is Ignis Mott, was originally based on Ignis Fatuus (Latin for fool's fire, will-o-the-wisp), and he was an antagonist sent to stop Ryn (I did keep part of his story). As I began working through the plot, the story as it sits came into being. There were more changes, but we're still pretty early in the story (I don't want to spoil upcoming developments).

simblr story question of the day #11 - 23rd june 2025 misc question - the cutting room floor

the 11th ssqotd question is about scrapped ideas and killed darlings for your story or gameplay etc. what can you tell us about any scrapped parts of your story? do you have any screenshots, plot points or characters which were meant to show up in your story but didn't? why did you scrap it?

write your reply in a reblog-reply, in the reblog tags, or answer it in your own post and link back to this one! tag your replies to questions here with #simblr story question of the day or #ssqotd! browse others' answers here and here!

other questions tags: character, plot, inspiration, screenshot, mini challenge, miscellaneous

[taanoir]

Chapter 4: Return to Oakenward, Pt 2

Albrund had never been happier to see his front door.

Really, they were all happy to be back at Albrund's. Iggy put together supper for him and Ryn. This was the first time they had really been able to relax since arriving at Oakenward five days ago.

Ryn and Iggy were happy for the comfort of a bed after their time on Merimere Isle. They knocked out in the guest rooms while Albrund took to his study.

Ryn had given him the book to look over while they slept. The young Spellcaster could see what the book had cost him and agreed he should have some time with it before it was delivered to the High Spellcaster.

The Bloodcaster changed out of his traveling clothes, they were soaked in sludge and could walk on their own. He pulled on a clean shirt and settled into his study. The only sounds were turning pages and the crackle of the fire, he had missed this. This was his element, picking apart each morsel of information and weighing it against the wheels of progress. Slowly unraveling the mystery that had cost his mortal life. Many of the spells in the book had become part of general spellcaster society. However, it was the notations that fascinated him, the failures and changes recorded and stuck from record.

Albrund had never realized the true impact King Lucjan had on their society as a whole. Everyone knew about The Caster War and the treaty he negotiated, many of those concessions were still felt generations later. The surprise was his involvement with spell craft, and research.

The book also contained outdated spells and recipes, some of the ingredients had been gone for ages. He chuckled to himself "A potion for bringing an imaginary friend to life, it requires the shards of a rainbow gem, well no one is doing that. Rainbow gems were mined out by the time they built Avequa." Some of the spells were absurd but others were dangerous. ’Withering Malfeasance’, he shuddered at the thought “spending eternity as a shriveled mindless corpse, that's worse than being a Bloodcaster”. Some spells were shocking "‘Alternate Force Fourfold’, the power to drain the life of enemies miles away." he muttered under his breath "No wonder this book was locked away. I wonder how that one was tested".

By the time the sun appeared he had made it from cover to cover, taking some notes for future review but ready to turn the book over to Gonesic. Albrund was still unclear what the Children of Rovuni wanted with it, there was nothing he could see that would cure The Agony but he knew Gonesic.

Ryn dressed in preparation to head out. He noticed the bruises he'd gained the past week coming to the surface. The Spellcaster muttered at his reflection in the glass "Hopefully, these fade before I get back to the house. After all this, the last thing I need is Mom or Hestia on my back about these."

This would be their last trip together, they sat and finished the last of the bread and ale. With such a busy day ahead they took their time.

Albrund handed over the book and Ryn poked it into his satchel. The Bloodcaster joked “For someone with a very special skill that almost cost him his life, you still don't use it.”

Ryn looked confused, Albrund smiled, his eyebrows raised creeping towards his hairline, “Stick the book in a wicket. It will be much safer than traveling with an ancient text bouncing along in your bag." Iggy quipped in agreement "Besides, it’s more weight on your back".

The spellcaster grinned sheepishly, “I was afraid I wouldn't be able to open it again.” After some consideration, he decided Albrund was right "I'll stick the book and these other things in it. I've been worried about losing the ring. It would be my luck to loose the King’s ring." Albrund cocked his eye at Ryn "that would be smart."

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[taanoir]

I really do like these questions, and it has been awesome for discovering new stories. That said, this is hard because there are some amazing stories out there and it's very hard to pick one. For this mini challenge I picked a story I have been reading for over two years. We actually started the History Challenge around the same time, I finished in November, she is still on Generation 2.

what is the title and who is the author? "The First Ones" by @kyriat-stories

what do you like about the plot? The intricacy of Kyria's arcs, things that seem like fluff end up being major plot points later. She is also not afraid of covering ugly topics which result in real consequences. The story is a History Challenge but definitely embraces storytelling to the point the reader forgets it's a challenge.

what do you like about the characters? They are so well developed. Each character in the main cast has good and bad qualities. Even the "good" characters are not flawless. Kyria takes the time to flesh them out and drop little bits of foreshadowing.

what is the single best thing about this story to you? The story as it extends into recorded history leans into what we know about the period/location. It draws from historical record showing the ideas and opinions, good and bad, of the past. It allows the reader connect with the characters more substantially.

link us to the first post / page! The First Ones

simblr story question of the day #10 - 22nd june 2025 mini challenge - sims story review

the 10th ssqotd question is another challenge! you will be writing a small review in the form of answers to bullet points, for a sims story / challenge playthrough / gameplay-type story etc. that you have already read. it doesn't have to be a story that's posted to tumblr. it does not have any 'x notes or less' restriction like the previous challenge, you can do this for a hidden gem or a more well known story. we are only going to write positives in this review.

what is the title and who is the author?

what do you like about the plot?

what do you like about the characters?

what is the single best thing about this story to you?

link us to the first post / page!

write your reply in a reblog-reply, in the reblog tags, or answer it in your own post and link back to this one! tag your replies to questions here with #simblr story question of the day or #ssqotd! browse others' answers here and here!

other questions tags: character, plot, inspiration, screenshot, mini challenge, miscellaneous

[taanoir]

I finally got around to changing my header and profile pic. I was taking shots for the next post and I just really liked this shot but couldn't use it for the post.

[taanoir]

Chapter 4: Return to Oakenward, Pt 1

A full moon kept them company as they made there way to Oakenward. They had made landfall by dusk, but they still had to get back to the Estate. They talked about the trip as they made their way from Lakefront town to the forest trail. Though the voyage had been a success Ryn had been left with more questions than answers. The presence of Icia had been unexpected and tragic. Iggy and Albrund explained that the Spellcaster royalty had not always been as noble as his history books portrayed.

Iggy lightened the mood by teasing Albrund about his title “Lord of Oakenward, Knight of Eldovire! You never mentioned you had landed titles or a Knighthood.” Albrund sighed he knew they wouldn’t let it go “The Lord title is hereditary, it came with the house. The Knighthood was part of Amador trying to bribe me, and it worked. I was knighted by King Pomurant, King Benorin’s Grandfather. For all I know it’s been revoked, but I’ll use it until someone tells me otherwise. Besides it comes in handy anytime I have to do something dealing with nobles.” Iggy giggled and shook his head at his response, “That’s not what I was expecting from the undead scholar. Doesn’t that make you a noble?”

Albrund chuckled and shook his head “After two hundred years you learn that sometimes grease helps the wheels turn a little easier. Dealing with the princess it made the difference in being seen as ‘on a quest’ vs. ‘thieves’. In other situations, titles are more of a hindrance than a help. When I go into town, I’m just a Bloodcaster and a scholar, which gets me enough dirty looks without adding a title to it. I am a noble in the sense that, the house has a hereditary title. At least, as far as I know. They also could have done away with it thinking there was no one holding the position. I’ve never done any of the other obligatory song and dance that comes with a title. I was already a Bloodcaster when I came into possession. Amador never said one way or another, he just had the house transferred to me. I wasn’t really kept in the loop on the details beyond them them telling the world and my parents about my untimely demise.”

Iggy adjusted his pack as they headed towards the tree line, “You seriously think your parents, professors, died thinking you were dead? They just signed over the deed to their titled estate, in the middle of the Lethemyna forest, to the person that sent their son to his death, no questions asked? Did they never come by the house to collect any of the family antiques your house is full of? For a scholar your are one of the smartest and dumbest people I’ve ever met. Now that I think about it, .... I have a Bridge in Heonevia to sell you.”

Ryn who had been doing more listening than talking chimed in “Lady Madlyn mentioned your parents being upset after your death. She said they were devastated. She also mentioned you have a grave by the Temple.”

Iggy shot a glance at Ryn, “of course they were, their son was a Bloodcaster living in the middle of the forest and they couldn’t visit. Who knows what the High Spellcaster threatened them with. They were probably worried sick, but I’d place a large wager on them knowing what happened.”

Albrund’s mind milled it over, of course it had occurred to him but it wasn’t an idea he wanted to entertain. Them having closure of any kind seemed kinder. The edge of the forest laid ahead, they weren’t far off from the house now. “They may have known, or not. It’s not a speculation I want to dwell on. Huh, I didn’t know I had a grave. If I make it back to Avequa I may need to lay some flowers on it.”

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[taanoir]

Chapter 4: The Underbelly, Pt 6

Albrund bowed again to Icia “Thank you your Highness, your assistance has made our quest a success and hopefully saved the lives of the Dunerell of Oerties.”

Icia bowed her head towards Albrund “Lord Albrund I am happy I was able to assist, but for all the assistance you and your company have given me, please know that you will have a friend in the deep should you need one.”

Albrund smiled, “Thank you your Highness. However, we do have one last service to you, we need to get you back to the sea.”

Iggy and Albrund began discussing how best to get her to the water when the door swung open.

An injured wolf filled the doorway, a basket of fish in his bandaged hand. He rushed down the stairs pausing on the final landing to bristle at the sight of the company. After their last encounter with the wolf pack, the wolf's arrival put the group on the defensive.

Icia announced in the old tongue “Merwyn I’m safe! These new friends released me from my prison, they have my thanks as do you and your pack for all years of tireless care. I heard their was skirmish yesterday, are you and the pack ok?”

The wolf broke his knee and lowered his head. "I am the Alpha Merwyn of the Merimere Pack, we have been dedicated to her protection for generations. You have broken her free and for that we are grateful, you have our thanks." The Alpha spoke with precision, a softness enrobed his words that relaxed the trio.

He changed to Old Cuquan to address Princess Icia “We are all well your highness. Some minor injuries but the healer already has them back on the road to health.”

She listened, hearing the light tremor buried deep in his tone "Was Ayas out with you yesterday?" He nodded lightly but didn't respond. She continued "I know how important your pack's safety is to you, especially the young members. I sense that some of the injuries are more than minor." Merwyn sighed, "Ayas is fine, he was discombobulated but no significant injuries. Greelee is a little worse for the wear, the fire spell left him with some burns in addition to the cuts and bruises. Idata is treating him, she assured me he'll make a full and speedy recovery." Icia pursed her lips and paused to consider the information, "I'm glad he has a good prognosis, I know he's dear to you beyond being your best fighter." Merwyn gave a half smile, "He is both but I don't expect him to be down long, he's too stubborn for that. So what are we doing with your new friends?"

Albrund responded for the group in the old tongue "We are glad to hear everyone in your group will recover fully and wish we could have met on better terms. We were working out how to get the Princess home and could use a hand. After that, we will return to the mainland."

The wolf interjected, "No need, we are pledged to her and will see to her safety in returning to the sea. It is the duty of our fealty." He extended his hand to Albrund "I wish we could have met on better terms as well Bloodcaster."

Albrund lowered his head accepting that the final mission was a matter of honor for the wolves.

He made the party’s final farewells to Icia and Alpha Merwyn. They needed to get back to the boat if they were going to make shore by nightfall.

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[taanoir]

This really did end up being a bit of a challenge, I almost gave up. However, I found out that a wonderful creator I've followed for quite awhile writes stories. @someone-elsa has a long running story (4 years), called "Something About Us". The story opens introducing a handful of friends. A male couple in the lead up to their wedding and two close female friends. The first chapter introduces at least four different potential arcs, and is a great hook. I like the stylization of the in game shots which work well with story content. The shots are bright and modern and lean into Maxis Match with a firm embrace.

If you are looking for a more modern day story, this one looks promising. Chapter One HERE

simblr story question of the day #5 - 17th june 2025 mini challenge - intro review

the 5th ssqotd question is a challenge - this time it's about other people's stories. can you write a mini review for another simblr's story intro?

find a simblr that is posting a sims story of some form on tumblr. it can be a typically 'written' story or a gameplay log etc! find the first post or chapter for their story. the catch? 1: it cannot be something you've read before and 2: the first post or chapter must have 30 notes or less at the time of you writing your review. it might take a bit of searching!

read the first chapter, or the first post / first few posts depending on your energy and the story type / length.

write 2-3 sentences about what you liked about the first chapter / first post / first few posts etc. only write about things you liked, and mention specifics ('the gameplay commentary / captions are so funny', 'i love the aesthetics of the screenshots', 'i really like the main character's design') you can write more if you like!

link back to the first post of that story!

write your reply in a reblog-reply, in the reblog tags, or answer it in your own post and link back to this one! tag your replies to questions here with #simblr story question of the day or #ssqotd! browse others' answers here and here

other questions tags: character, plot, inspiration, screenshot, mini challenge, miscellaneous

[taanoir]

No context spoiler for "A Fool's Journey" .....

simblr story question of the day #4 - 16th june 2025 plot - spoilers with no context

the 4th ssqotd question is... can you give us some vague spoilers or hints for upcoming plot events of your story, with no context?

find some pictures, photos, text posts etc. that hint at something upcoming in your story, whether a plot point, character development arc or something else. it can be something big or small. you can pick as many or as little as you want!

an example of a spoiler image for a storyline with no context would be this one. i picked a popular film so enough people would know what the picture actually references in the film - but to those who don't / didn't know , it means nothing.

write your reply in a reblog-reply, in the reblog tags, or answer it in your own post and link back to this one! tag your replies to questions here with #simblr story question of the day or #ssqotd! browse others' answers here and here!

other questions tags: character, plot, inspiration, screenshot, mini challenge, miscellaneous

[taanoir]

Chapter 4: The Underbelly, Pt 5

Icia locked eyes with Albrund, “Not that I am ungrateful for your assistance but, I know you didn’t come here for me. What brought you to the island?”

Her eyes narrowed as Albrund began explaining the mission to her

“We are here on a quest from Avequa. Ryn was given a map and asked to retrieve a spellbook hidden here. Unfortunately, the location is somewhat vague. We're looking for "the eye of the Watcher", do you remember any things in the castle that may be connected to the Watcher or it’s imagery? Everything we've seen has been related to Rovuni.”

She thought it over for a moment “There is a Watcher symbol, it's carved over in the corner, under the vines. This used to be a chapel for the human staff in the castle before the Rovuni clerics took over this place with all of their experiments." Albrund directed Ryn and Iggy's attention to the carving.

Iggy dragged a table out of the way. Ryn walked towards the corner, sure enough the carvings on the wall lit up as the spellcaster stood in front of the faded symbol.

Ring in hand, Ryn planted his feet and directed his energy to the trinket.

With a pop and a swirl of air, the wicket opened .

Ryn collected the contents stuffing the treasures in to his satchel.

A great wave of relief washed over Ryn, an immense weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He dropped to one knee “Albrund, please thank the Princess”. They had done it, he had retrieved the book.

Tears ran down his cheeks in relief and hope. This meant closure for Albrund and a cure for his mother. All they had to do was get it back to Avequa. Iggy pulled him up and hugged him "You did it Ryn! You did exactly what you set out for!" All Ryn could do was smile.

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[taanoir]

Thank you for the tag @morrigan-sims :D

last song played: Dropkick Murphys - Who'll Stand With Us? (by the time I'm posting 5 songs later - Weird Beard by Mad Caddies lol).

last movie: Lord of the Ring - Return of The King - I was down with food poisoning Sunday and Monday, my husband put on the trilogy Sunday and I slept through the extended editions of Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Ring and most of The Two Towers. I woke up for the victory at Helm's Deep and manged to stay awake for Return of the King.

last series watched: I don't watch many TV shows, I think the last I saw was the season finale for Dr. Who.

last book read: Stories on Rye: A Collection of Memories Shared at Canter's Deli Since 1931. My oldest kiddo lent it to me and I kept meaning to find time to read it, I finally started it.

mutual tag game!!

last song played: ice cream - red velvet

last movie watched: thirteen

last series watched: devious maids

last book read: the havoc of choice - wanjiru koinange

this really tells my personality huh

tag list: @winnie1emon @ghostscarface @belovedenzo @yuunarii-arii @leeny-leens @nottsangel and absolutely anyone who wants to join!

[taanoir]

what is the title of your story? - A Fool's Journey

when did you start writing it? - The story itself June 2024, Tumblr story posts began April 7, 2025

tell us a little bit about what the story is about! - It is a fantasy based story, heroes, villains, magic, and a quest to save the world.

give us a link to the first page / chapter of your sims story! - First post is HERE

simblr story question of the day #1 - 13th june 2025 miscellaneous question - the basics of your story!

the first ssqotd question/s ever - let's get to know your sims story!

what is the title of your story?

when did you start writing it?

tell us a little bit about what the story is about!

give us a link to the first page / chapter of your sims story!

write your reply in a reblog-reply, in the reblog tags, or answer it in your own post and link back to this one! tag your replies to questions here with #simblr story question of the day or #ssqotd! browse others' answers here and here!

other questions tags: character, plot, inspiration, screenshot, mini challenge, miscellaneous

[taanoir]

Chapter 4: The Underbelly, Pt 4

Albrund spoke with remorse “I'm sorry your Highness, and it pains me to be the bearer of such news. The only information I can provide is that the Duchy of Caster's Crossing was dissolved, it was returned to the crown. The records are somewhat scarce on the reason. There are ruins of what once a castle surrounded by farmland, however, it's still called Caster's Crossing." Icia nodded "I heard that Maric lost my Uncle's favor and was punished. That was long after I was put here, so I doubt it had to do with my situation." Albrund nodded then inquired, "You mentioned you've heard, has someone been caring for you all this time? I've read that Watercasters are long lived but that's usually with food and kelp."

The Princess nodded and steadied her tone “There were clerics that brought me food and kelp initially. Since the castle was abandoned, I’ve had the help of the wolves. When the clerics quit coming to check on me, I was scared, and starving. All I could do was scream for help.

With their enhanced hearing, my calls were answered. The wolf pack that live on the island heard my cries, they took pity on me. Even now they bring me fish and kelp daily, they have for generations.

When they have time, they keep me company and update me on what’s going on. It was the wolves that told me when my father and later my mother died. They have been my only tether to the world outside these walls. That said, I know they leave out some details. I think for them, it is a type of kindness.

They've tried breaking the tank, the lock and the glass using their strength, nothing has worked. The only opening is a small feed door. They add more water when needed and pass me food or small items through the hatch. I’m curious, what did Ignis use? Was it a special spell?"

Albrund explained "Ignis is a Human, there was no spell, he broke the glass with a metal spear he found. A good swing, and determination. But, I want to let you know, I think we met your guardians on the way in yesterday. They almost ended poor Ignis."

Icia was somewhat shocked “I’m glad they were not successful, but I hope they are safe. They try so hard to show kindness to me. I would hate to be the reason any pain has come to them.”

Albrund’s mind poured over their skirmish, he couldn’t think of anyone that would have been gravely hurt. He had wondered why they were protecting the ruins so fiercely, it all made sense now. “I think they are alight, they all retreated under their own power.”

She thought for a moment “I’m happy they made their retreat without losing a member, they are very dear to me.”

Albrund tried to delicately ask if the Watercasters had come to her aid, “Has no one but the wolves come down here in all these years?”

She smiled slightly, "The Watercasters have sent several warriors and Sirens over the years but they couldn't make a dent in this cage either. They did teach the wolves to grow the kelp form me but there was no way to free me. Hmm, I've also heard several spellcasters over the years upstairs in the chapel but my screams usually scare them off, they never come down here."

Albrund smiled "your screams were terrifying, I'm glad we didn't run. Though, it was tempting" Icia smiled "I'm glad as well”

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[taanoir]

Chapter 4: The Underbelly, Pt 3

Once he finished his address, Princess Icia spoke, “Thank you all. Please stand up, dry land court formalities always make me uncomfortable”. Albrund translated for the group.

They walked up to the caldron. Albrund was curious how a Watercaster Princess came to be imprisoned under an abandoned Spellcaster castle "What happened your highness? How long have you been trapped here?"

The Watercaster’s voice was seeped in melancholy and edged in rage, she'd had centuries to dwell on her situation

"I was married to a Spellcaster, Duke Maric of Caster’s Crossing. Neither of us were enthusiastic about the situation, but it was a political match arranged by my Uncle, King Owain. My father was Prince Sidel, the youngest son of King Lucjan, brother of the King. He married my mother, who inherited the Watercaster throne, and they lived in the Shimmering Sands. I spent most of my life growing up beneath the tides. My Uncle wanted to provide an advantageous match for one of his favorites and my father eventually agreed to let the marriage go through. My parents sat me down and explained the betrothal, my sisters had been married to other Watercasters. They had their own families and were mostly happy. I left Mar Azure with high hopes.

Once I met my future husband, my optimism was dashed. He was self-centered and vain. My Aunt assured me that things would improve in time as they had with my Uncle. I was married to Duke Maric, who my Uncle lavished with additional titles after our union. I had become destined to live on land. I supported him in his duties and tried to fill the role of a Duchess. He met with the landowners and peasants from his lands, setting disputes or granting favors. His court was much like a smaller version of my Uncle's.

Unfortunately, my new husband preferred to spend his time gambling or in the company of other men and women of the court, marriage was not appealing to him.

I confronted him on his vices, which caused an even greater divide in our arrangement.

He made it clear I was not a priority, my personality, nor my company, were to his liking. To him, maintaining the marriage was just holding up his end of an agreement. I was young and backed off leaving him to his devices. For years I kept my head down and played the role expected of me.

Eventually, I became tired of his behavior and demanded to go back and see my family.

He was outraged, claiming I only wanted to back so I could tell my family what a failure our marriage was. I pleaded, promising I only missed my family, he refused to listen. His heart was as hard as his head. His only thoughts were of his image and his position.

From then on, I was a prisoner in a very pretty cage. I wasn't allowed to send letters to my family without his secretary reviewing them first, I couldn't leave the castle, I was miserable. I missed my family, and the sea."

Icia's tone darkened, centuries of anger bubbled to the surface " Time passed, what was once a request became a demand. I insisted on returning to Mar Azure to spend time with my family, I didn't care about his image. I refused to drop the subject. Eventually he snapped. My punishment for 'embarrassing' my husband with my ungratefulness was to be shipped off to Caerloyr to a cell made just for me.

They traded my pretty cage for a watery dungeon. When the Spellcasters abandoned the castle, they left me to die. "

Albrund was shocked, "The Spellcasters left at least 400 years ago. Did the King, your Uncle, know you were still here? Who built this?”

Icia sighed "I don’t know if the King knew, or cared, nor do I know who built this. I was a member of the Court but not a well regarded one, even as the King's niece. Relations between the Spellcasters and the Watercasters have always been touchy. My father fully embraced life under the waves, the only reason he entertained the marriage was as a token of peace. I’m interested to how relations have improved all these years later.”

Albrund hesitated at her question but answered her honestly “Watercasters have cut off almost all relations with the surface. They still trade in limited quantities but it extremely rare to meet an actual Watercaster.”

Disappointment hung in her reply, her voice dropped to just above a whisper “I have wished that things would improve between the realms. That was the hope of our union, to strengthen the bond between land and sea. It seems it was for nothing.”

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[taanoir]

Chapter 4: The Underbelly, Pt 2

Albrund registered what he was seeing and scooped up the gasping Watercaster to move into a large cauldron.

Ryn used the water conjuring spell to quickly fill the cauldron. As Albrund began to lower her in the Watercaster struggled against him in a panic.

The three stood in shock as they observed the poor caster, she was skin and bones, her eyes sunken and cheeks gaunt.

At first she flailed and fought but as the moments passed she relaxed soaking in the clean water.

Once it was clear that they were out of immediate danger, Albrund approached the cauldron, the Watercaster recoiled and Albrund stepped back.

The Watercaster rose from the water and sternly announced in Old Cuquan "I am princess Icia of Mar Azure! Who is the one that broke my prison?"

Albrund was the only one able to understand and stepped in as translator “Iggy, she’s Princess Icia of the Watercasters, and she want’s to know who broke her out of her prison. Step forward and introduce yourself, I’ll translate ”.

Iggy came forward, dropped to one kneed and bowed his head closely followed by Ryn, who followed suit. "Ignis Mott, your Highness." Albrund translated Iggy's words for the Princess. She came to the side of the cauldron "Thank you Ignis, you have my gratitude." Iggy looked up at her smiled, then lowered his head.

Albrund had spent enough time at court to still remember the formalities 200 years later. He gave a deep bow, joining Iggy and Ryn who were still bowed.

Albrund rose and introduced himself more formally and gave a formal introduction for Ryn “Your Highness, I am Sir Albrund, Lord of Oakenward and Knight of Eldovire. Our company also includes the young Spellcaster, Raerynn son of Thadd the Merchant. We are pleased to be of service to you.”

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