Whitzz/544K-RP-Datasets huggingface dataset:
Thread: The Journey ((Vivid and MM))

Cedric grinned. I grew up in Court, thanks to my father's fame. You'll find the pouty puppy face doesn't work all that well with me, seems like every handmaid, princess, and young noblewoman used that to wheedle and manipulate the menfolk. He patted her hand on his arm. You don't have to worry, though, I'm hungry as well. And the village loves me I do enough public works, I generally don't have to pay much of anyplace. They were moving toward the village green, where there was more music and people. Celebrants passed with large trays of shortbread cookies, the festival sacrament. Cedric snagged a handful with a friendly Praise the Goddess! to the tray-bearers. He shared with Iona. Just to take the edge off. He looked through the crowd. Do you feel more like a sit-down meal, or would you care to take in the sights while nibbling on something? We will doubtless have a wide selection of foods on sticks available. The joyful hymns were just starting up in the central square, the villagers' voices raised in praise and celebration, singing the first of many ancient and well-known songs of the Goddess.
Thread: The Journey ((Vivid and MM))

I wasn't trying to manipulate you! she said in a huff. She pulled her arm off of his and crossed them in front of her chest. Which was true to an extent. There was no way that she could afford her own food anymore and all of her supplies were nearly out. The only way she was going to be able to get something in her stomach was then to steal or try to get someone to pay for it for her. Iona hated being categorized with 'noblewomen' because she didn't want to go hungry and refused to take something that wasn't hers. That made her so mad! Though she did not say anything further simply walked a few steps behind him or in front of him to avoid any actual conversation. She took the cookies without saying anything past a muttered 'thanks'. Slowly she put them in her mouth to savor the flavor though she was in no mood to enjoy her food now. All she wanted to do was eat it. I'd rather not sit down, she replied, raising her voice so it rang easily out over the hymns. The girl had a strong set of pipes and was not afraid to use them. I likely wouldn't have much to say anyway. Nothing that would be interesting to you. The young woman scanned the crowd and simply began walking ahead weaving her way through without any trouble whatsoever.
Thread: The Journey ((Vivid and MM))

When she walked off, he sighed. He'd endured her silent treatment in the hopes that she would calm down a bit, but clearly that wasn't going to happen. He caught up with her and took her hand, making her stop and turn in the middle of the crowd. He looked her in the eye, and exerted a little bit of his power into his words, making them carry clearly to her ears, although he didn't raise his voice. A side-effect was that, for the two of them, the crowd's noise was damped down, quieted. My words were ill-chosen, he said sincerely. Where the women in court manipulated, you were merely asking. I know this, and I am sorry I insinuated differently. All I wanted to do was let you know you didn't need to turn on the puppy dog eyes and the sad face. I am pleased to buy you a feast, if that's what you want. And I was happy to do that the moment you walked through my door. But you are incorrect about one thing everything you say is of interest to me. Not only are you calling me on a quest, so there's that to talk about, but you have the resolve and the wits to make it all the way here from the Imperial Capital alone! How can I not want to learn about a woman who can do that? So, I apologize for giving offense. I spoke lightly, but you don't know me well enough to realize that. He paused, and smiled. Well... not yet. Now, would you do me the honor of allowing me to get you... um... that looks like apples on a stick over there, or there's... is that beef? Barbecued beef on a stick, if you're in the mood for red meat. Or we can continue, and see what strikes your fancy?
Thread: The Journey ((Vivid and MM))

Iona was caught off guard when he took her hand and whirled her around. His aura pulsed through her body and she found herself quieted by the energy. Bright violet eyes weakened and, for the first time since meeting him, they looked tired. Perhaps she had been too quick to anger. It was difficult to control her emotions when she had been so worried about finding him and constantly watching her back to make sure she wasnt being followed. A sigh escaped her lips when he began to apologize to her for his words. Really she should have been able to tell that he was just being nice and joking. You you flatter me, she finally replied. For a few seconds she had looked at him, studying him to try and figure him out. Anyone else she knew would have snapped back and she would have deserved it. Instead he told her that she was more than interesting and it would not only be nice to pay for her dinner but an honor . There was something really to be idolized by such kindness. Iona bit her lip and looked away. I could eat just about anything. The meat on the stick and the apples both sound completely wonderful. I think a horse would be nice, too. I am completely starved. Gently she pumped his hand before turning back to the various other stands and carts to see what they were offering. Her stomach gave another low grumble and a pathetic whimper sounded in her throat. Being around food other than jerky and fruit so dried and salted it looked a shriveled husk made her hungrier than she had ever been. Could I possibly have both and we can wander the festival? I would love to spend the evening simply being myself. Tomorrow we can speak of the adventure.
Thread: The Journey ((Vivid and MM))

Both it is, then. He smiled and walked over to the vendors, collecting several of each. He continued to walk with her through the crowd, gathering up more food for her as they went. He soon had a plethora of tidbits on sticks both for his own nibbling and for her he handed them over as she ran out, and they discarded the sticks in the public receptacles set out for the purpose. As for you being yourself, I would love to learn of you. By all means, tell me about yourself. What sort of life brought you here? Not the adventure itself, but your life. He led her through the festival, showing her the meager but heartwarming sights of the village in festival. Pleasant Bottoms was not a particularly large or prosperous village, but it was full of good and creative people, and that showed in the way they made the best of what they had available. It was colorful and bright and musical and the celebration was in full swing.
Thread: The Journey ((Vivid and MM))

Ionas eyes widened as she took everything in. A small smile crossed her lips before she pushed food past them. The taste caused her to nearly moan out in oral pleasure. Although she had never had any sort of sexual relations before, she could not fathom that it could be much better than a well cured piece of hot meat. Inwardly she thanked the animal that had died to give her that moment of happiness. Slowly she considered the rest of the meat in front of her and some of the men watched her out of the corner of their eye wondering how she could wrap such a tiny mouth around so much. When she polished off the beef she moved instantly to the apples, squealing through a full mouth. The town reminded her of the one that she had grown up in. There were many friendly people that were good at what they did and enjoyed doing it. The air was warm and friendly. Unlike in Athelstan, where they treated foreigners like an illness, this place greeted her like she was something special. That was likely because she was with their hero but she chose to believe that it was because they were kindhearted. I needed to escape, she explained to him through a mouthful of tasty fruit. A skin of wine was offered to her and she took a swig from it to wash down her delicious meal. She turned her face up to look at him. Even there wasnt an adventure I needed to get away from that bastard. He was keeping me as a prisoner within the walls of his castle and turned something I loved into something sick and twisted. There was a pause and she took another draft from the skin before wiping her mouth on the back of her hand. It was particularly painful to recall how she was treated when the King took an interest in her. Singing and dancing had never been a torture until that point and it would never be again. Not if she had anything to say about it. I am a minstrel by trade and wandered into Athelstan during my travels.
Thread: The Journey ((Vivid and MM))

A minstrel! Cedric was pleased. I should have known, from the grace of your movements. He munched on an apple himself. Dancing, singing I suppose... do you do well-known pieces, or songs of your own devising? He was consciously attempting to keep the conversation light, to distract her from what had clearly been wearing on her mind. Being in flight from the Emperor's personal guard he assumed the Emperor wouldn't trust the pursuit of someone he personally wanted to anyone less skilled had to be tiring. She was in a neighboring kingdom, but the Emperor might send his guard anywhere, undercover. Well, as undercover as they could get the personal guard didn't do stealthy well, they didn't like to put on costumes. So they were more like a strike-team than spies. Still, it was a feat to evade them as long as she had. At some point, you ought to perform! Not, you know, when you're so tired like you are, but perhaps when you're rested.
Thread: The Journey ((Vivid and MM))

Iona was extremely flattered. This was the first time in a long, long while since anyone had asked about her skills. Seconds passed while she simply stared at him. Normally all men wanted to know about were private performances. Cedric was being completely sincere and it caught her off guard. A smile crept across her lips. I perform mostly old legends and poems set to music but I do have my own songs and dances, she explained to him. A light sparkled in her eyes as she explained what she did. My favorite act to portray is the old prophecy about the Goddess leaving the Tower in search of her one true love banished from the Astral Plane and away from her grace. I feel it so deeply, I can hardly describe it. A bright blush painted her cheeks as that familiar sensation tingled through her body and practically shot from her fingertips and the shafts of her hair. There was a quiet, unstated power to the beautiful bard at that moment one that was pure and gentle but full of passion. I would love to dance for you some time. I can do it now. Yes I am exhausted but it has been months since I danced for my own devices.
Thread: The Journey ((Vivid and MM))

Cedric's smile grew wider. You know, during the Festival, the Inn hosts performances in its commons room. There's a band of musicians, and the dance-inclined take turns showing their moves and singing. It's an 'open floor', as the innkeeper says, and some people practice for months for it, and others just decide to go when they're in their cups. My point is, there's a place we can go where there's a proper floor, music accompaniment, and ale and wine by the glass. He winked. I'm sure they have some stew on the boil, as well they always do. Add in an appreciative audience, and ... would you like to visit the Inn?
Thread: The Journey ((Vivid and MM))

That sounded completely wonderful! He had no idea how very important such a thing would be for her. Although she was tired and weary from long days of travel, she did not care, and wanted nothing more than to feel the music go through her to move and raise her voice just for the pleasure of it. Such a luxury had been impossible before entering the town. Perhaps she would indulge and let herself be taken to the inn. That would be splendid I- she cut her own words off her eyes picking up on a strange ripple through the crowd. It was as if someone was pushing their way through the masses. All of her muscles tensed and she clenched her teeth together. She felt the hairs on her arm raise. This did not feel right. Expressive eyes darted around but the disturbance had stopped. The crowd was no longer being pushed aside her heart rate dulled and, at once, all of her muscles relaxed. Iona had been mistaken. The paranoia of the trip must have made her on edge. She could have sworn that the Emperors dogs were roaming about the festival. I would love that. The minstrel finally finished. Take me to the inn so I can prepare. It is been so long since I have worn one of my costumes. I hope that at least one still fits.
Thread: The Journey ((Vivid and MM))

As you wish, Cedric smiled, and gestured toward the inn. The place would be crowded, no doubt, but he could no doubt finagle her a place to prepare herself. The innkeeper owed him several favors for undercharging her for various empowerment services. --- The squad of armored troops moved slowly up the trail, senses alert for other travelers they were deep in enemy territory, far outside the Empire of Athelstan, and knew better than to incite a military response. A wagon drove up from behind the rear-guard signaled the others, and they melted into the underbrush on the side of the road, covering the glint of their armor with their cloaks. After the wagon passed, they resumed their march. The lead soldier gestured, and the company gathered. Not a lot of prints visible, but there's one here. She's still on this trail. There's a village up ahead. I wager she stopped there, hissed the captain. Lot of traffic heading toward the village, not much going away, added one of the other troops. Could mean trouble. There might be a meeting, or a festival, or some other gathering. We can't be seen, agreed the captain. The Emperor wants the girl, not war. If there's more than the usual activity, we hold off and observe, reconnaissance. We'll have an opportunity we can be patient if we have to be. The Imperial Guardsmen all nodded, and then moved out again. The captain paused a moment to scratch a few symbols on a small slip of parchment with a charcoaled stylus, then rolled it up. He took a thick tube out of his traveling pack, and slid out a pigeon. Tying the message to its leg, he let it go, and then started sneaking up the road with the rest of his men.
Thread: The Journey ((Vivid and MM))

Iona clasped her hands together happily though she was looking around with suspicious glances. That feeling she had sent her into panic mode. All of her senses were on high alert. Even if she knew that nothing was going to happen, that there was little chance those men would be there, she could not help but feel frightened that they were watching her. Calm yourself! You know better than this. Cedric is here. Even if there were goons out here, they could not lay a finger on you. That thought managed to quell her fears for the most part and she followed him to the inn with a smile on her face and a skip in her step. Like he had said, there were many people at the tavern. Much drink was flowing and the smell of stew and delicious meats filled the air. You were right! she exclaimed into the crowd. --- Meanwhile, in a different part of the country, a woman walked the halls of a large and ornate temple. Everything was silent all of the priestess had retired already, and her footsteps echoed through the marble arches. No one would know that she had been there. No signs of her were left. Nothing but a fading mark on the statue of the goddess in the middle of the prayer room
Thread: The Journey ((Vivid and MM))

Those in the inn recognized Cedric, and greeted him cheerily. They were a bit more reserved toward Iona, but only because they'd never seen her before. Still, she was with the well-known Cedric, so she must be an acceptable person, as well as gorgeous. There were musicians playing, and two pretty young farmgirls were doing a choreographed dance they were good for amateurs, but had mostly enthusiasm on their side, rather than skill. Still, the crowd appreciated them, being as enthusiastic as the girls, as well as well-supplied with ale and hearty food. Cedric said a few words to the innkeeper, a florid and expansive woman, and she nodded and smiled at Iona. Oh, so Cedric tells me you want to participate in our 'open floor' night, but you need a place to prepare. I have a room for you that'll do, I suppose it's not a bedroom, but it's private. Can I get you a bowl of stew while you're waiting? Marta will take care of you, Cedric assured her. I'm supposed to sit near the band, and help correct any off-key notes. He winked. Just one of the many services I provide. Don't worry, though, we're clearing a space on the schedule you'll be able to go whenever you want.
Thread: The Journey ((Vivid and MM))

Iona smiled at the dancers. It was clear that the girls were not professionals but they danced with their hearts clearly they enjoyed what they were doing and that lit up the floor. The men folk were enjoying the display at any rate but they were men and the ones dancing werent hard to look at. The minstrel giggled. A little extra stew did sound wonderful. Although she was accustomed to eating meager portions throughout her journey and she was full from the apples and meat sticks, she figured that it would be the last time that she could eat so well. The stew sounds lovely, she said with excitement. Any fear she had felt was washed away by the warm atmosphere of the tavern and the prospect of a delicious meal. So does the private place to change. It has been so long since I have been able to dance and I think I have something perfect for this evening. It was not long before she was finished with what was served to her and she was led into the place where she could dress herself in her favorite costume. Ironically enough it was one that the Emperor had given to her as a present before he decided to keep her as his prisoner. The cloth was made of a sheer silk and somehow sparkled beneath candlelight like stars. Indeed, the entire piece looked as though it was cut from the night sky with its violet, indigo, and black hues. Truly she was shocked when she was still able to fill out the bustier as she had before Iona had been worried that she had lost weight on her journey.
Thread: The Journey ((Vivid and MM))

With a spectacular leap, she burst on to the dance floor, instantly going down into an impressive split. A grin crossed her face as everyone looked at her dumbfounded. Towns like this rarely saw such a feat because there was no reason to learn it outside of merriment. This was how Iona made her living before she had been forced inside of the castle in Athelstan and it had been her passion the skill in which she did it was second to none. A smile crossed her face as she gracefully pulled herself from the ground the light shimmered off of the material of her costume. Iona continued with her performance. It was an elaborate tale. In it she sung of the Goddess and her Guardian, with whom she fell madly in love, and decided to be incarnated as a human so she may find him again. Various musicians followed her lead and she moved her body to show the passion of the Goddess frantic search. There wasnt a fault to be found in her expression of art. Truly she felt every aspect of her dance and every word of her song. When she finished she bowed deeply, chest rising and falling from her efforts. At first there was no sound from the crowd and she felt her facial features fall slightly. But they were all dazed by her display and shell shocked. Violet eyes closed and she sighed. Well, it was worth he chance to do what she loved. Even if she was rusty, but, still T-thank you all, she managed to squeak out before hurrying back to where she had changed.
Thread: Am I Really Cared For? ((Dark_Times x myself))

Dahlia entered the psych ward as the nurses escorted her. The 21 year old woman sat down on the gray tattered couch and looked at her feet. Her black hair fell in front of her emerald green eyes, trying to hide the fact she was crying. How could I have failed? she thought solemnly. I was so close to the ultimate goal. She looked around as she saw some of the other patients in the ward. Her mind wandered to think about what each of them were in for. She herself was there for suicidal thoiughts, attempts, and cutting. She looked behind her at the nurses that escorted her in. They were talking to one of the doctors on staff explaining why she was here. No one cares anyway. she muttered. She curled her legs up under her legs as she stared at the scars on her pale arms. She began to trace the scars and it started to calm her down. I can't imagine being able to stop... it feels so good to let the pain bleed out. She closed her eyes and fought back the tears that welled up in her eyes.
Thread: Am I Really Cared For? ((Dark_Times x myself))

Brendan watched as the new patient was brought in, he was given her file and the nurses gave him a brief overview. He nodded calmly before walking over to her, Hello Dahlia, how are you feeling today, he sat down across from her with a casual smile on his face. He hated to see people like this, he had been there once in his life and had never gone back. My name is Dr. Murray, but you may call me Brendan if you'd like, he smiled at her again, more reassuringly this time, trying to show her that he cared.
Thread: Am I Really Cared For? ((Dark_Times x myself))

Hmmm? She looked up at him, snapping out of her daze. How do you think, Brandon. she said a little bitterly, not really meaning to. She hated feeling this way, but no one really cared. She looked back down at her arms, the criss cross of the scars soothing her slightly. Not only am I a failure in life, I'm a failure in death. She looked up at him. But enough about me... how are you doing today? She moved her legs out from under her and sighed. She had them covered in leggings, ashamed of some of the scars that hid there. She looked at the floor, tapping her foot gently on the carpet.
Thread: Am I Really Cared For? ((Dark_Times x myself))

Me?, he said with a confused look, Well that's a first, I guess I'm worried, he smiled at her, Worried about my patients, unlike the other doctors I really do care about each of my patients. He dipped his head and looked at the floor, Would you like to tell me a little about yourself, then I will tell you something about my life, I think it'll be good if we get to know each other. Over his years, he'd learned that forming a friendship with his patients allowed for a faster recovery period and an easier follow up. There was something about Dahlia, she had plenty of time ahead of her if she'd only be able to see that people did care, she just hadn't found them yet.
Thread: Am I Really Cared For? ((Dark_Times x myself))

About me, hmm... she shook her head. Well, it all started when I was born. Parents really couldn't stand each other afterwards, my mom got hooked on heroin, cocaine. She abandoned me for the drugs until I was six or seven. Then it was alcohol. My dad raised me since I was three, just me and him. Then he remarried when I was twelve, that was my downward spiral. Since then my dad's become an alcoholic, I'm not important to him anymore and my mom and I are really close now. That's the shortened version of it, but we can get into the rest later. she leaned back against the couch and sighed. Now it's your turn.