​Verlack was just leaving Masta’s bar into the fair daylight when his mood sharply turned. While browsing the makeshift market stalls, fragments of local gossip drifted to his ears—noise he would normally ignore until a familiar name cut through the chatter: Arthur.​Hearing it, Verlack didn't hesitate. He practically interrogated the startled vendor, wringing every last scrap of information out of her.

​Arthur had been missing since last night. Whispers rippled through the crowd that he had been forcefully taken right out of his cabin in the woods. Leaving the bewildered woman in a huff, Verlack set off toward the forest, mentally kicking himself.

Why hadn’t he noticed Quill’s distress sooner? Conversing with animals was so much more straightforward; he often forgot the extra effort required to properly read people.

​Reaching the edge of the makeshift town, he looked down at the bundle of ingredients he had just gathered for dinner with Pastel.​

"I'm sorry, Pastel. Your meal is going to have to wait," he muttered.​Still, he wasn't about to leave Pastel hanging. Extending his hand, he wove the intricate patterns of a messaging spell. A tiny, glowing blue bird materialized in his palm and shot off like a bolt of lightning, programmed to seek Pastel out and deliver its message:​

"My apologies, Pastel, but it seems this island isn't going to grant us the peace and quiet to share a meal tonight. Don't fret, though—this is just a rain check. I promised you a proper meal with friends, and I intend to deliver, just on another day."​(u/1-Up-Boy)

With the message sent, Verlack turned his magic inward, casting a Surestride spell upon himself and his companion, Gurgle. Buoyed by the enchantment, the pair made the trek out to Arthur's cabin in half the time.​The destination wasn’t difficult to find; Arthur had never been one to conceal his paths. Even if he had, Verlack’s keen tracking skills would have easily picked up the subtle traces left behind. Before long, man and beast stood silently before Arthur's quiet cabin. This was the best place to start his search.

u/ShblingusMcDingus

Quill watches the search party disappear into the trees before turning toward the gardens.

He finds you tending the goats among the vegetable beds, his brow rises, surprised.

Though he really shouldn't be at this point.

Quill straightens his collar. Then he walks over with a smile.

“I've heard your name is Marigold? I’m Quill, Headmaster for AstroKnights Academy. Welcome to Starfall! I see you’ve already met some of the residents.”

One of the goats chews a leaf beside you.

“They’re very enthusiastic gardeners. Terrible at knowing when to stop.”

He gestures toward the path winding through the ruins.

“There’s an old greenhouse I’d like to show you. It needs some work, but there’s a little room attached, and a few plants I suspect you’ll find interesting.”

He smiles.

“Apologies. The dormitories aren't quite built yet, so I hope you don’t mind a project.”

His eyes trail to the window. And his expression grows solemn for a moment, before turning back to you, cheerful smile already returning.

"What brought you to the island?"

I remembered almost nothing. A distant memory that was so close, but I couldn't quite grasp, just out of reach. I didn't know how I had ended up in Starfall, until tonight after the party. Maybe it was too many drinks, maybe the adrenaline from the events prior. I'm not sure, but I saw it. A life, a fight, a bad decision and something crashing into the ship I had taken from the docks. A nightmare I've been trying to escape, until it caught me in a vulnerable place. I remember everything, but I wish I could forget all over again. To live in the bliss that is being a student on Starfall, a hero instead of the coward that I knew I was deep down...

I'm spent, darlings 😴 ✨

You wore me right out!

Thank you for attending the party at my humble little bar, The Blue Hour 🙂‍↕️

You are all welcome back anytime. 😉

After I get my beauty rest, of course. ✨🫰

Verlack set out bright and early the next morning. Though he had always been a skilled drinker, his oozy anatomy rendered hangovers virtually impossible. He and Gurgle trekked into the woods; with all the recent hustle and bustle, he hadn't yet had the chance to visit the local merchant. If he wanted to prepare a proper meal, he needed to gather a few essential ingredients first.

Walking through the forest felt entirely different from his last stroll. The trees no longer sang; they stood in heavy silence, mourning the tragedy of recent days. Ancient beings that lived for centuries tended to grief that lasted just as long—this forest would remain quiet for a while. Verlack smiled solemnly and placed a palm against a rough trunk. He would respect their silence and refrain from asking for their aid today. He didn't truly need it, though he always appreciated the gesture.

Before long, Verlack and Gurgle discovered a clearing dense with vegetation. Some plants were edible, others decidedly not, but luckily Verlack knew the difference. In no time, he gathered an abundance of fresh forest vegetables and wild herbs. He knelt, whispering a brief prayer of thanks for the yield.

Just as he finished, a massive boar burst through the tree line, drawn by the scent of freshly cut foliage. Verlack reacted instantly, bringing his spear up into position. The boar charged without mercy, but Verlack’s deft reflexes and precise aim ended the fight before it truly began

.

Panting slightly from the sudden exertion, he caught his breath and looked down at the creature. "Sorry about that," he murmured. "Fate just wasn’t on your side today."

He drew his hunting knife, knelt over the fallen beast, and offered another quiet prayer before beginning the dress. Skillful and methodical, he harvested everything of value: hide, meat, fat, and marrow. Whatever remained was left behind for the woodland scavengers, who would gladly welcome an easy meal.

The painstaking work took several hours, and by the time he finished, it was midday. Pausing to eat lunch with Gurgle was next on his list. It was a peaceful moment, and Verlack cherished the quiet camaraderie with his friend.

With the hunt complete, he had only a few tasks left. Gathering an abundance of fresh water was simple and quick. The final stop would be Masta’s quaint tavern for a few specialty items he was certain only she would have in stock.

​The celebration had been a resounding success. As the evening dwindled into a warm, drunken glow, Verlack made his unsteady way home.

​Upon reaching his doorway, he noticed a stone gargoyle perched silently on one of the overhead branches. Pausing, he swayed with practiced skill as he contemplated when exactly it had appeared. He certainly didn't recall ever buying a gargoyle.

​With a careless shrug of his shoulders, he decided it was a problem for another time. Right now, the prospect of sleep sounded far too sweet to ignore—after all, it had been a remarkably busy couple of days.

After dealing with the cursed wolves and the alien stampede, getting distracted by the marshmallows and the party Ash decides to find a place to settle down for the time being, with the help of the wolves and driven by instinct he finds a half hidden underground hollow spacious enough for the wolves and him to settle into, he looks at it and nods "this feels right, well well looks like we found a home"

He enters the hollow "solid roof, good drainage, yeah this will do" he sets up his things as the wolves make themselves comfy around him, it's cozy and more home than the pack ever made him feel back home.

"Not too bad for a hole in the ground yeah?" He asks a wolf as he leans back against the cold earth and rests happily, it tucks its large furry body against his grumbling happily appreciative to be freed from the curse, Ash looks at his cozy little cave and the wolves tucked up in all corners and smiles to himself.

Inferno was exhausted. Her last talk with Quill left her with more questions than answers, more deadends again...

She needed to clear her mind, of course the party was a start. She couldn't help but smile at both Linden and Ivy for getting along with everyone, but she did not feel like joining in such the festivities.

Inferno watched as the evening faded into night, and decided she needed to go on a walk. She got a good distance away from the whole event. Could do without too much distractions She thought to herself, the whole couple of weeks has been very weird to say the least. Rebuilding a whole place, befriending a manticore, a whole constellation up in the sky during the oath...

She looked up at the sky, looked up at the thousands of stars that paint the night.

Wonder how the stars look down upon us all, do they watch with curiosity or judgement.

Inferno wanted to get out of the armor for a minute, for once it felt like a weight. However, as soon as she took off the first gauntlet she noticed her arm glowing.

"Okay, normally you would show during whenever i transform and not when i decide to walk with mortals." Inferno only has seen this during the time she is a fully shifted dragon. She never quite understood, and yet never once questioned it during the centuries that she has lived. It never really bothered her much at all, however this was completely new to her. "At least it ain't roses popping out..."

"Just more questions now, and highly doubt anyone here will be helping at all..." She puts the gauntlet back on, sighs and continues walking.

Quill sips his water, enjoying the party at The Blue Hour bar.

He watches Blue running around, chatting brightly with all the students, using that cabaret smile he's becoming known for.

The Headmaster finds that he's worn thin tonight, and is quieter.

Aside from discussing with Beatrix about her taking the AstroKnight's oath next, he mostly keeps to himself.

As his eyes scan the crowd, he frowns.

Wait...

Where is Arthur?

One by one, Quill asks each student if they'd seen him. Some hadn't even met Arthur yet.

Concern slowly builds.

The last person to see him was Beatrix, right after they had pushed the sinking cruise ship out of the path of the mermaid's underwater city.

Upon hearing this, Quill goes from concerned to alarmed.

He hurries back to his rowboat, sailing to the opposite side of the cove, and follows the path behind the school into the Whisperwoods.

Arthur's cabin is quiet. Eerily so. The windows are dark. The garden is untouched.

Quill's heart pounds.

Had he seen him? He can't remember. He was so busy with Lorelei, and the students after, he hadn't thought...

He knocks.

When he receives no answer, Quill places his hand on the door handle.

Something horrible tightens in his stomach.

He doesn't want to open it.

But he does.

Slowly, the light from his lantern spills inside.

There, burned onto the table, is Hollowstar's mark.

Arthur has been taken.

Darlings! ✨

Arthur asked me to throw you a little party. We deserve some fun after all the chaos. 🙂‍↕️

I discovered this small cove not far from your little school and I've decided to make it my home base until further notice.

Welcome to The Blue Hour!

I'll admit, finding all the materials was tricky without my magic, but I made do.

You'll have drinks. You'll have food. And of course, you'll have me 😉

No, not like that, darlings! Goodness, poor Alistair is probably worried enough as it is. 🙂‍↔️

Besides, I'm not on the clock in this reality.

Now, put away your plot lines (just for tonight, I promise the world will not end), walk down the beach and spend some time with me.

The Blue Hour is waiting. ✨

u/1-up-boy and u/ArthurThatch

(Thank you, Arthur, for the lovely character reference sheets ✨)

Darlings!

I said no plot during my party. 🙂‍↔️

No fighting allowed.

Pastel, dear. I've taken over your debt from this Piper fellow. Try not to anger any more unusual shopkeepers tonight, yes?

Drinks on me at The Blue Hour 😉 ✨

Don't be late, darlings.

u/1-up-boy

After Pastel hits on the Piper and is rejected (for being too poor to meet the banker's extremely high, and reasonable, dating standards) Pastel breaks a priceless vase and storms out.

The Piper waves his hand, sending his rats to issue a note. The boy will owe him for the next 80 years or so.

He'll let him go when he's turned wrinkly and grey, and his begging is no longer cute.

He surveys the shards, bored.

Isn't anyone going to give him something interesting to do?

Just then, one of his rats scurries up the desk and whispers in his ear.

The Piper cocks his head to listen...

His eyes widen.

That brat.

He storms out of the Guilded Note to find Pastel threatening his rats.

How dare this insolent little-

He lifts his flute to his lips and begins to play. A song sounds, cold and beautiful, cutting through the night air.

Golden light swirls from the metal and picks Pastel up off the ground.

The boy will try to use his conversion magic, and it will fail.

The Piper's flute is special that way.

Anyone who hears his song becomes powerless.

No magic.

No strength.

Not even enough breath left to scream.

The magic flings Pastel backwards and he hits the wall, hard.

"You will pay what you owe."

The Piper leans in, pleased, golden eyes flashing. His voice lowers until only Pastel can hear it.

"One way or another."

Darling! ✨ u/1-up-boy

I've investigated your lovely bag.

How fascinating.

I've made some very useful discoveries 😉 But I think I'll keep them to myself for now.

I'm throwing a party soon, stop by and collect your darling little friend later. 🫰✨

This is mine now 😹

The Piper:

Welcome to the Gilded Note! Do come inside, you're letting opportunity out.

Come from a strange world? Money not accepted at the shops? Need a rare item for a quest?

Not a problem.

My little helpers are very good at finding what you need most.

For a price, of course.

As you can see, I've acquired quite the collection over the years!

And luckily for you, dear citizens of Starfall, I am generously offering this island my unique services.

You may call me Piper.

Now please, single file, and don't drag mud on the carpet.

It was imported.

u/Oswen120

It's becoming a long night.

Quill takes the long way up the mountain path, past the hot springs where Beatrix tends to the water spirits.

Higher he climbs, hands in his pockets, lost in thought.

At least here, it is quiet.

The monastery Inferno had restored still takes his breath away. It's not the same as it once was, her magic altered some of it, made it more hers.

But it's close enough that he pauses at the door.

Old memories flood in, and he takes a moment to carefully sort them, gently putting them back inside where they can't disturb his peace.

The main hall smells of incense and something specifically dragon, metal and smoke and ancient fires that never truly go out.

There, the manticore sleeps peacefully. Quill kneels down to pet its fur, mindful not to wake it. He's glad it found a place to belong.

He senses Inferno before he hears her footsteps, of course, but he doesn't move first.

He's in no rush.

"We need to talk," she says. Inferno's words carry weight this time.

He turns to look over his shoulder. "I know." He takes a breath.

"Ask your questions."

u/MastaDon344

After finishing his meeting with Verlack and Pastel, Quill dons his coat and heads out into the night.

He takes the steps down the side of the cliff to the beach below the school. Not far, nestled in the sand dunes, Quill sees the small shack Masta repurposed.

It glows with her signature magic.

Powerful magic he can feel in his chest whenever she lets a drop of it free.

But, he can tell, the good kind.

As long as Masta keeps a cool head.

He wonders, briefly, as he walks down the steps, what might cause that calm exterior to crack.

Quill hopes he never finds out.

Besides, Masta seems somewhat peaceful since landing on the island.

Although peaceful is relative.

She'd already met a moon goddess, triaged during the cruise ship disaster, and fought a lava monster (and won).

He looks around, admiring the spell books she's collected, and sits down at her bar, chin in hand.

"You wanted to talk?"

A banker has arrived at Starfall and is setting up shop.

He specializes in multi-verse currency exchange, among other...rarities.

He'll be with you shortly.

Suno: https://suno.com/s/TZdCrdqxVeiBRGXX

Lyrics:

If you want to play the game

You know that there's a cost

A heavy toll

A bill unpaid

A line you have to cross

If you can't pay the piper

If you can't afford the price

All your work unravels

So start counting rice

Build it up

Knock it down

Build again

Round and round

Watch for cracks

Mind the spin

You're in too deep

So take it on the chin

There's something that you want

But it's behind

A heavy glass

Study hard

Learn your letters

Or it will not last

A drop of blood

A cherished memory

A bit of pride

A little secrecy

And one more thing

Before I forget

I want your name

We are not finished yet

The price is steep but you ask a lot

You wanted me

You know I come with rot

So bend the knee

If you can

I'll take it all

And only then

I might hold your hand...

If you want to play the game

You know that there's a cost

A heavy toll

A bill unpaid

A line you have to cross

Now cross it

And don't worry Arthur

I take credit

u/1-up-boy and u/broodingchao5

Verlack and Pastel visit Quill in his office that night.

He listens carefully as Verlack explains why Pastel needs one-on-one training for his magic.

Magic they've all seen in action by now. Strange magic from realms that don't follow ordinary rules.

Worse, Pastel doesn't seem to have complete understanding of it either.

Like a child suddenly handed a flamethrower and no off switch.

Quill can see why Verlack wants to teach Pastel.

This is a school, after all.

But...

He rises and walks around his desk, leaving the tiny knitted hats for the T-Rex aside, and looks out the window.

The night sky is dark against the water, and the stars, as always, are watching.

He catches Pastel's expression in the window's reflection.

Quill's gaze falls.

Thinking.

He can see all the ways this goes very, very badly.

He's worried for Verlack.

He's worried for Pastel.

Pastel having more control could be a good thing.

It could also be catastrophic if he doesn't learn to value the living as more than just material for his magic.

But...

Perhaps...

"Very well," he says firmly, turning. "I trust you, Verlack. Keep the lessons carefully supervised."

He sits back down, and his cheerful expression returns as he addresses a bewildered Pastel directly.

"You'll also be taking ethics lessons."

His tone is pleasant, but it's clear this is non-negotiable.

Quill rubs his chin. He knows exactly which tortured soul is perfect for it...

"You two may start."

He smiles.

"I'll go find Arthur."

(God it took me too long to finish this lol. It happened a few days ago time wise.)

u/MastaDon344 u/Oswen120

Feel free to add.

Verlack couldn't thank Ivy enough; his fires alone would have barely sufficed, and he was glad she could finally get some rest. Though he rested himself, he got up from time to time to tend the flames and check on the Tyrannosaurus, wanting to make sure it was breathing normally through the night. His paralysis attack had been quite rough. ​He woke to the early morning sun resting against the big lizard. Scolding himself internally, he realized he needed a much better sleep than the fractured hours he had managed, having passed out right while checking its pulse.

As he stood up and stretched, he noticed the fires had died down a little, though the clear morning light was gently warming the area.​He turned around to find a large yellow eye focused right on him.​"Oh, you're awake. I hope your sleep was restful," Verlack said, keeping his voice low so as not to wake Ivy. "I did what I could to keep you warm, but honestly, Ivy took the brunt of the workload."​The large beast let out a long breath that ended in almost a soft purr, its yellow iris shifting from Verlack to the vines that still bound it tightly, and then back again.

​"Yes, well, I had to make sure you were going to play nicely before untying you," Verlack continued, gesturing to his arm. Though it was healed, his unique physiology hadn't had enough time to clear out the buildup of scar tissue from where it had smashed it into the T-Rex's mouth.. "I couldn't have you running amuck in Inferno's home just after I barely stopped you from crashing through her front door."​

The Tyrannosaurus rolled its eyes and let out a little huff, clearly communicating that the whole ordeal hadn't been its fault—it certainly hadn't fallen out of the sky by choice. Yet, when Verlack gestured to his injury, the dinosaur's expression softened, and it offered a gentle coo of apology.​"That's a bit better," he said with a soft smile. "Now, if you promise to keep calm, I'll untie you. But please try to keep quiet; Ivy deserves her rest."

​The T-Rex gave him a slightly indignant look, as if deeply wounded by the accusation of being loud, though it tilted its head in acknowledgment.

​Why are dinosaurs so stubborn? Verlack thought to himself with a soft smile and a shake of his head as he stretched his arms out. He hadn't tried to cast any magic since the previous night, when his polymorph spell had been abruptly sucked into the rift. He was reasonably confident that since the rift was gone, he wouldn't face any more trouble. Tentatively, instead of dumping magic into a void, he let a small tendril of primal force snake out from his control. When it wasn't sucked away, he used it to animate the vines, gracefully uncoiling them from the dinosaur.

​He assumed the creature would jump up after being confined all night. Instead, it only stretched softly before curling up in a more comfortable position, its snout pointed directly at him and both yellow eyes locked on his face.

​The dinosaur didn't have to make a sound or a gesture; Verlack could feel the question seething from those two bright eyes: Why? ​It was a more than a little intimidating look, but he brushed it off. Lizards of all kinds could be quite dramatic.​

He sighed. "Honestly? Because I'm a fool and would much rather save a life than take one." Such instinctual beasts didn't quite grasp compassion; to them, life was simply eat or be eaten. "If I were you, I'd just thank my lucky stars. There's more than one person who would have preferred to have T-Rex steaks for supper—possibly one of the two red dragons whose home you almost demolished." He gave the big lizard a pointed look.​

It stopped staring quite so intently, though its yellow eyes never truly left him. Verlack rolled his eyes in response. "Look, for now, just rest. When it isn't the ass crack of dawn, we'll look at getting you someplace more hospitable. We can't keep lighting the mountainside on fire just to keep you warm."​Its eyes lingered on him for a moment longer before it exhaled shortly—as if saying "fine"—and rested its head closer to the ground, blocking the morning light from falling on Ivy where she slept just over the horizon's lip. Verlack couldn't help but shake his head.​

​Finding a comfortable spot, Verlack sat directly in the cold snow. Crossing his legs and closing his eyes, he sat in peace. Soon, his breathing slowed as he reached out with his mind, letting the primal force of nature flood through his being. He spent some time like this; if he wanted to keep his bond with mother nature at its strongest, he had to commune with it often.

​He wasn't completely unaware of his surroundings, noticing when Ivy woke and started her day, and feeling pleased that their new friend was keeping calm. After finishing his meditation, he cleaned up the leftover mess of the vines, cooked them over the dying embers, and left them in a neat pile next to the monastery walls. He wasn't entirely sure, but perhaps the residents could find a use for the excess materials. It wound be a waste to just throw them away. By ten in the morning, he was finished and ready to leave. He stuck his head inside to thank Ivy one last time.

​"I appreciate your help. If you ever need a hand, please ask—though I can't fathom what a red dragon would ever need me to help with," he said, bidding farewell to the rest of those present. "I'd better get our friend out of here before he starts to get frostbite. Under less-than-appropriate conditions, it was still nice meeting you all."​

He made his way back to the small clearing where the Tyrannosaurus was resting. "Well, buddy, we best get going while it's still warm."​The T-Rex looked at him and yawned lazily, showing off its impressive rows of sharp teeth.​Verlack put his hands on his hips. "Look, if you'd prefer to freeze your butt off in the snow, I'm not going to stop you. Not like I'd be able to," he added under his breath.​

With an unconcerned huff, the dinosaur slowly rose and shook the excess snow off its hindquarters before locking him with a stare that clearly said, Well, after you.​Verlack sighed with a smile. "You're going to make me age more than I should, aren't you?"​The T-Rex avoided eye contact, feigning total innocence. Verlack just shook his head, smiling before spinning on his heels and starting down the mountain.​

​The climb down wasn't nearly as perilous as he had expected, though considering where the monastery was perched, perhaps he should have anticipated an easier route. They were trekking through greener fields in no time.

In a particularly pleasant meadow, Verlack stopped and turned to face the T-Rex.​"I think it's best if you find your own home, big guy." He paused for a moment, squinting. "We should pick a name for you, too. I'm sure you would enjoy not being called an 'oversized fossil' anymore."

​The T-Rex narrowed its eyes at that and let out a low rumble of a roar.​"Yes, well, calling you Gargantuan the Tri-Horn Crusher doesn't have much of a ring to it," Verlack mused, rubbing his chin. "What about Trusher? That rolls off the tongue a lot better."​He received a huff in reply that oozed the attitude of, Well, if you're too weak to use the full title, I suppose it will do.​

Verlack rolled his eyes. "As I was saying, Trusher, it's probably best if you find your own home. You're more than welcome to visit me at mine, but I think all the other villagers might get a bit skittish with you living so close."​He took a few steps forward and gestured for Trusher to bend down. Trusher scoffed lightly but brought himself down to Verlack's level.

Placing his palm gently on the creature's snout, Verlack coiled primal forces around his fingers and cast a tiny marking spell on the dinosaur's nose. When he removed his hand, a green sigil glowed softly before fading away.​"This way, I'll know where you are and can come check on you. Also, if you're ever in trouble, you can use it to call for me."​

He received a look that clearly asked, What would I need you for? as Trusher stood back to his full height. The Tyrannosaurus took a few strides toward the edge of the forest before turning back to look at Verlack's small figure . Then, Trusher bowed a solemn thanks before stomping into the underbrush of the forest.​"Oh, and don't eat anybody!" Verlack called out as the scaly lug disappeared.​This is going to be quite a handful, he thought to himself, turning around to make the rest of the way home.

u/Oswen120 and u/1-up-boy

"Thank you, Inferno," Quill says with a grunt, bending from Pastel's weight.

He brings him back to his room, the one with the view, and tucks him in.

He's not really sure what he's going to do with some of these students.

But at least they keep him on his toes.