The Trials of Ruin and Longing

Ilea

Ilea kept watch as the night wore on, shifting occasionally in her seat. She was in her only modern outfit, a sky-blue floral dress paired with white sandals. Her dirty-blonde hair was pulled back into a gentle ponytail, littered with small braids with small gold charms adorning them. The tight fitted bodice turned into a loosely flowing skirt that stopped about her mid thighs. Ilea stilled preferred her tunics and trousers, but even she had to admit the outfit was stunning. Her sun-tanned skin suited the light color well, and brought out her hazel eyes. 

     As she watched over her crew, Ilea couldn't help but smile as they enjoyed themselves. The lovebirds, Rosalind and Carrine, were spinning in elegant circles. The former a gorgeous dark-haired woman with dark almond eyes and sun-kissed skin, and the latter a pale blonde beauty, her tight curls bouncing with each movement as her turquoise eyes gleamed with excitement. The twins were at the bar, swapping stories with each other. Their skin gleamed in the warm light, like polished mahogany wood. Their black braids gleamed as well, like black ink.  Inca's braids were pulled back into a ponytail as well, while Proa had left hers down, letting them gently shift with each movement. Their eyes were a rich brown that sparkled with happiness as they talked to each other. Most of the crew was on the dance floor with Rosalind and Carrine, every one different and unique. Ilea had a reputation of bringing in "strays", as most pirates would say. But she also had the strongest crew as well as the most loyal. 

     There was a reason the same pirates called her the Orca. 

     Which was why Ilea tended to brush off these insults. Unless they were directed at one of her crew members. That was a whole other monster. 

     A waitress, a delicate Fae female with doe-like beauty, approached Ilea. 

     "Do you need a refill on your strawberry infused honey wine?" the female asked, gesturing to the empty cup. Ilea nodded.

     "I would enjoy that. Thank you." The waitress nodded, grabbing the cup before scurrying away. Ilea returned to watching the crowded bar. It was rather cozy, with golden sconces pouring warm light out onto the tan stone walls. Various oak beams were placed strategically in the room, supporting the ceiling. A dull thud of a glass being put down on the oak table had Ilea turning back, only to find two males standing there. One was quite possibly one of the handsomest males she had ever met. His skin seemed effortlessly golden, with owlish amber eyes that seemed to look through her. His wavy hair was a warm chestnut that his sharp pointed ears peaked through, adorned with simple hoops, three on each ear. He was dressed casually enough to be a tourist, but one look at the watch on his hand told Ilea all she needed to know about his wealth. He also had dark jagged tattoos that peeked from his shirt sleeves and neckline. Ilea had an overwhelming urge to run. She stayed put, her hazel eyes locked onto those amber ones. 

     He merely smiled gently at her, his face surprisingly defeated looking. He had dark circles under his eyes, which were filled with worry and a soul-crushing amount of sadness. There was, however, a very small spark of something dark and dangerous when he glanced at his companion.

     This male was pureblooded Fae male that had come from a very, very long line of warriors. The arrogance flooded off this male, shown by the cocky grin that Ilea was positive he thought was charming, his light brown hair slicked back in classic rich men fashion. He wore a white polo with tan shorts, a drink identical to the one he put down in his hand. 

     He sat down across from her, his handsome companion choosing to stand instead. The male's blue eyes sparkled with a cunning ambition she could only describe as childish. 

     "I am so excited to finally meet you in person. Ilea, Orca of the seas. It is such an honor to finally meet you!" The male said. "This is my companion, Revellen." The male waved a hand to the male who was still standing, before gesturing back to himself with a flourish. "And I am Lord Thetos Redglade. I'd love to chat if you have a minute."

     Ilea grabbed the cup that Thetos had placed on the table. She swirled it once, sniffing for poison. Not tracing anything, she chugged the glass. And then delicately placed it back on the table. Thetos looked shocked at her action, but Revellen smirked. 

     "You have approximately five minutes before I pass out if you put a poison strong enough to actually knock me out. If I don't pass out, which is what I am assuming will happen, I will leave. So go ahead." Ilea felt a glimmer of glee at the shock that had Thetos eyes widen further. Revellen chuckled before finally sitting down next to Thetos.

     "You really don't take to bullshit, do you?" Revellen said as he finally spoke. His voice was rich and warm, like melted chocolate. He sounded tired though, matching the bags under his eyes. 

     "You're wasting time, Thetos. What do you want?" Ilea asked, ignoring Revellen question entirely except for a simple nod. Thetos recovered finally from his shock.

     "Are you aware of the Trials that happen in Attica every year?" Ilea snorted. 

     "That circus? Yes, unfortunately. What about it?" Ilea could already guess what he was going to say, but wanted to hear him say it so she could laugh in his face.

     "I want you to be a member of my team for it next year. I will compensate you accordingly of course. I already have three, I just need one more. One with experience."

     Ilea did indeed laugh in his face, making Thetos frown.

     "No, and for that I'm leaving now. Have a good time." Ilea stood up in a fluid motion before prowling out of the bar, leaving Revellen laughing and Thetos gaping after her. 

     As she stepped out on the street, the cool night air hit her. It was warm but comfortable as she walked down the winding streets. She followed the signs to the public beach in the island town.

As her feet went from pavement to sand, Ilea felt her body relaxing. She took off her sandals as she quickened her pace down the beach, dropping them on the sand. She then took off the dress, revealing a plain white bikini top. She dropped that too, walking straight into the ocean. Once her feet could no longer touch, she swam till she was a mile out from shore.

     She dove into the water before shifting.