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[267] Llorana: Kwars: Into the Fray
Tue Jun 19 19:49:03 2007
To: Shalonesti_kingdom Shalonesti Thaxanos All ( Jinquil Nianica ) Scorn Imm
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She stood just within the flap of one of the many large tents that had
been hastily erected for the injured. Clerics ran to and fro, saving who
they could and trying to ease the passing of those they could not. Still,
some few hours later after the battle had passed the injured and the dead
were still being brought in. She had been warned far ahead of time that she
would need to steel herself for this sight but being here in the thick of it
had given her the experience that nothing else in the world could have.
Somehow she managed to set it aside, to push it back for later though
hearing of Rannick Sha'falas' death had shaken her.
Covered with black soot from the fires and smoke, her previously polished
armor now marred in places where she had been struck by enemy weapons and
spattered with the blood of elves and dwarves alike, she felt somehow
separated from what was going on. She spied Nianica moving dutifully
through the ranks of injured and felt a brief flare of relief, though it
instantly brought Jinquil to mind and she frantically glanced around for
sight or sound of their youngest sister. The second flare of relief was
more like a tidal wave when she spied Jinquil through a throng of archers
who had convened at the back of the tent, and it left her feeling
lightheaded - or perhaps that was simply the knock she had taken when a
dwarf had tripped her, setting her up for another to sever her head. Only
speed and the aid of her tight-knit unit had saved her then.
Rising to the sound of screams and the great earthshaking impact of flaming
boulders had been harrowing and she was certain there'd be nightmares
aplenty for her later on when it all had time to settle in her head. She'd
had bare moments to slip her armor on and join her already gathered infantry
before the command came to enter the fray.
Nightmares. She scoffed quietly to herself. The war had barely begun and
already she was thinking about that. Shaking her head, sword and dagger
still to hand, shield strung securely to her back, she strode out of the
tent and toward her gathered infantry. A few had suffered wounds but all of
them had lived through the red dawn, each of them now blooded and bloodied.
Grinning at them, forcing a harsh sort of cheer, she sheathed her dagger and
her sword with an audible snap, accepted her helmet from one of her soldiers
and slipping it back on her head she said, "I hope you're all ready to hunt
some dwarf."
Friday, June 22, 2007
A Last Resort (Part 1)
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[203] Llorana: A Last Resort
Sat Jun 2 17:45:01 2007
To: Shalonesti_kingdom Shalonesti Imm RP ( Nianica Jinquil Azaros Evandim )
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The table was adorned with fine linen, priceless china and silver
utensils. Two gold candles sat along the center, surrounded with a
delightful assortment of food - and all Llorana could do was stare down at
her plate, feeling the cool aura that her mother permeated.
The sound of clinking silverware seemed loud in the uncomfortable silence,
punctuated by the soft conversation between everyone else. Her mother had
barely looked at her, let alone acknowledged her presence. Lifting her gaze
slightly, she spied Nianica frowning at her, and could only sigh and shift
uncomfortably. She shouldn't have agreed to wear a dress. It was only
compounding her discomfort.
The process of eating seemed tasteless to her, though the motions helped
ease her anxiety. She was glad that they were all together, that Jinquil
seemed to be getting along well and that mother had not made Azaros feel
unwelcome. She hadn't known what to expect upon seeing their mother and had
found herself feeling the weight of guilt for refusing to visit with her the
first time. How could she look so much like the woman, and be so opposite?
Sighing heavily again, she set her utensils down and directed her stare at
the much older woman, who in turn seemed to stiffen. The tension rose, she
could feel it, see it in the others and began to regret her rash decision.
"I'm sorry, mother." Her words fell into the stillness like pebbles into a
pond. "It was wrong of me to avoid you, even for the sake of preventing a
fight. It was cowardly of me, and you did not raise cowards."
"No." Their mother finally responded in a crisp tone, "I raised daughters
who wish to throw their futures away to bloodshed and death."
And there it was. The age-old bitterness, the regret and the underlying
sorrow. She wanted to get up and walk away but she could feel the gazes of
her sisters boring into her, the challenge in her mother's voice, daring her
yet again to take the easier path and simply leave. Not this time. Leaning
forward, quite deliberately placing her elbows upon the tabletop, she stared
her mother down and spoke gently.
"This is our last chance mother. There may not ever be time for another.
Is this truly how you want us to leave this home? With your bitterness
ringing in our ears as we battle for Shalonesti and everything it stands
for?"
The silence after her answering challege was deafening, but as she held
their mother's emerald gaze, she watched tears mist in her eyes and then
quite to Llorana's surprise she whispered in a subdued tone, "No."
She looked away from Llorana then, glancing at everyone around the table,
leaving Llorana to wonder if this time, their mother might be the one to
flee.
[203] Llorana: A Last Resort
Sat Jun 2 17:45:01 2007
To: Shalonesti_kingdom Shalonesti Imm RP ( Nianica Jinquil Azaros Evandim )
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The table was adorned with fine linen, priceless china and silver
utensils. Two gold candles sat along the center, surrounded with a
delightful assortment of food - and all Llorana could do was stare down at
her plate, feeling the cool aura that her mother permeated.
The sound of clinking silverware seemed loud in the uncomfortable silence,
punctuated by the soft conversation between everyone else. Her mother had
barely looked at her, let alone acknowledged her presence. Lifting her gaze
slightly, she spied Nianica frowning at her, and could only sigh and shift
uncomfortably. She shouldn't have agreed to wear a dress. It was only
compounding her discomfort.
The process of eating seemed tasteless to her, though the motions helped
ease her anxiety. She was glad that they were all together, that Jinquil
seemed to be getting along well and that mother had not made Azaros feel
unwelcome. She hadn't known what to expect upon seeing their mother and had
found herself feeling the weight of guilt for refusing to visit with her the
first time. How could she look so much like the woman, and be so opposite?
Sighing heavily again, she set her utensils down and directed her stare at
the much older woman, who in turn seemed to stiffen. The tension rose, she
could feel it, see it in the others and began to regret her rash decision.
"I'm sorry, mother." Her words fell into the stillness like pebbles into a
pond. "It was wrong of me to avoid you, even for the sake of preventing a
fight. It was cowardly of me, and you did not raise cowards."
"No." Their mother finally responded in a crisp tone, "I raised daughters
who wish to throw their futures away to bloodshed and death."
And there it was. The age-old bitterness, the regret and the underlying
sorrow. She wanted to get up and walk away but she could feel the gazes of
her sisters boring into her, the challenge in her mother's voice, daring her
yet again to take the easier path and simply leave. Not this time. Leaning
forward, quite deliberately placing her elbows upon the tabletop, she stared
her mother down and spoke gently.
"This is our last chance mother. There may not ever be time for another.
Is this truly how you want us to leave this home? With your bitterness
ringing in our ears as we battle for Shalonesti and everything it stands
for?"
The silence after her answering challege was deafening, but as she held
their mother's emerald gaze, she watched tears mist in her eyes and then
quite to Llorana's surprise she whispered in a subdued tone, "No."
She looked away from Llorana then, glancing at everyone around the table,
leaving Llorana to wonder if this time, their mother might be the one to
flee.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
A Last Resort
Jinquil: A Last Resort
Sat Jun 2 23:25:23 2007
To: Shalonesti_kingdom Shalonesti Imm RP ( Nianica Llorana Azaros Evandim )
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Emerald light reflects through the clear crystal of the wine glass she holds tightly between her fingers. The light dances across her face, to catch with an occasional glint in the emeralds that accent the gathered strands of her dark hair. Jinquil tilts her head, for all intents and purposes appearing oblivious to the sheer stress that flows through the room. Her eyes scan the silver twine of the fork near her plate with some interest. The fingers of her free hand toy with the golden lace that accents the waist of the silk pants that loosely cover her long legs, drifting to straighten the equally golden sleeve of her blouse. She perches stiffly on the edge of her chair, directly next to her mother. The closeness fills her with a wary apprehension, though her mother seems currently occupied in a battle of wills with her sister.
She casts a soft frown at Nianica, mentally making note that she owes her sister for choosing the seating arrangements that left her so close to her mother's possible assault. Though not afraid of the largest axe wielding dwarf, she had no wish to face her mother's wrath or her knitting needle anytime in the recent future. A soft smirk plays upon her lips, her fingers itch to draw Llorana, sitting there so uncomfortable in that contraption everyone calls a gown. The forest green thing is low cut, form-fitting and someone even had the gall to embroider it with golden flowers. Her eyes meet Llorana's and she smiles sympathetically before letting her gaze drift away.
Jinquil snorts, the rigid set of her spine the only outward sign that she's aware of the conversation between her sister and her mother. She casts occasional glances across the table to Azaros, to it's head at her father who studies her in return, his brow arching as he flicks a gaze to Azaros and back to her curiously. He remains silent, letting the conversation between mother and daughter play out without interference. Obviously knowing when to keep his silence.
"No. " The crisp word draws Jinquil's eyes sharply to her mother's face. "I raised daughters who wish to throw their futures away to bloodshed and death. "
The stem of glass snaps between her fingers, spilling wine that spreads in a crimson stain as it seeps into the fine linen covering the long table. A sliver of glass pierces the tip of her finger and she drops the shattered remnants onto a nearby plate, bringing her offended digit to her lips with alight hiss of air.
Jinquil sinks back in her chair as Llorana leans forward on the table, her eyes intent on their mother's face. "This is our last chance mother. There may not ever be time for another. Is this truly how you want us to leave this home? With your bitterness ringing in our ears as we battle for Shalonesti and everything it stands for? "
"No.. " The subdued whisper draws Jinquil's gaze from Llorana's face to her mother's. Her mother's eyes meet hers and Jinquil blinks in surprise at the tears.. Real and actual.. Tears that fill their dark depths. She opens her mouth to speak, though no words form.
Her father reaches out, his hand covers his's wife's own on the table, stilling her with a touch and speaks consolingly, "Dear... Do not forget we've also raised three beautiful, brave daughters who are paragons of what is elven. " He smiles reassuringly, "Remember, their love for us and Shalonesti is reason enough for them to take up and defend those whom they love. If we've to choose which elves represent the best of Shalonesti, I can think of no better choices than our daughters. "
He turns to his daughters, eyes touching each of their faces in turn, remembering the children each had once presented in a way only a father could. He casts a disarming smile. "Is it true you all lead a batallion or unit? "
All three daughters nod, relaxing only a small degree with the question. Jinquil's father sighs faintly, turning his assessing gaze to Azaros. "And which battalion do you lead? "
Sat Jun 2 23:25:23 2007
To: Shalonesti_kingdom Shalonesti Imm RP ( Nianica Llorana Azaros Evandim )
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Emerald light reflects through the clear crystal of the wine glass she holds tightly between her fingers. The light dances across her face, to catch with an occasional glint in the emeralds that accent the gathered strands of her dark hair. Jinquil tilts her head, for all intents and purposes appearing oblivious to the sheer stress that flows through the room. Her eyes scan the silver twine of the fork near her plate with some interest. The fingers of her free hand toy with the golden lace that accents the waist of the silk pants that loosely cover her long legs, drifting to straighten the equally golden sleeve of her blouse. She perches stiffly on the edge of her chair, directly next to her mother. The closeness fills her with a wary apprehension, though her mother seems currently occupied in a battle of wills with her sister.
She casts a soft frown at Nianica, mentally making note that she owes her sister for choosing the seating arrangements that left her so close to her mother's possible assault. Though not afraid of the largest axe wielding dwarf, she had no wish to face her mother's wrath or her knitting needle anytime in the recent future. A soft smirk plays upon her lips, her fingers itch to draw Llorana, sitting there so uncomfortable in that contraption everyone calls a gown. The forest green thing is low cut, form-fitting and someone even had the gall to embroider it with golden flowers. Her eyes meet Llorana's and she smiles sympathetically before letting her gaze drift away.
Jinquil snorts, the rigid set of her spine the only outward sign that she's aware of the conversation between her sister and her mother. She casts occasional glances across the table to Azaros, to it's head at her father who studies her in return, his brow arching as he flicks a gaze to Azaros and back to her curiously. He remains silent, letting the conversation between mother and daughter play out without interference. Obviously knowing when to keep his silence.
"No. " The crisp word draws Jinquil's eyes sharply to her mother's face. "I raised daughters who wish to throw their futures away to bloodshed and death. "
The stem of glass snaps between her fingers, spilling wine that spreads in a crimson stain as it seeps into the fine linen covering the long table. A sliver of glass pierces the tip of her finger and she drops the shattered remnants onto a nearby plate, bringing her offended digit to her lips with alight hiss of air.
Jinquil sinks back in her chair as Llorana leans forward on the table, her eyes intent on their mother's face. "This is our last chance mother. There may not ever be time for another. Is this truly how you want us to leave this home? With your bitterness ringing in our ears as we battle for Shalonesti and everything it stands for? "
"No.. " The subdued whisper draws Jinquil's gaze from Llorana's face to her mother's. Her mother's eyes meet hers and Jinquil blinks in surprise at the tears.. Real and actual.. Tears that fill their dark depths. She opens her mouth to speak, though no words form.
Her father reaches out, his hand covers his's wife's own on the table, stilling her with a touch and speaks consolingly, "Dear... Do not forget we've also raised three beautiful, brave daughters who are paragons of what is elven. " He smiles reassuringly, "Remember, their love for us and Shalonesti is reason enough for them to take up and defend those whom they love. If we've to choose which elves represent the best of Shalonesti, I can think of no better choices than our daughters. "
He turns to his daughters, eyes touching each of their faces in turn, remembering the children each had once presented in a way only a father could. He casts a disarming smile. "Is it true you all lead a batallion or unit? "
All three daughters nod, relaxing only a small degree with the question. Jinquil's father sighs faintly, turning his assessing gaze to Azaros. "And which battalion do you lead? "
Jinquil Sha'falas Dalar
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Eyes: expressive, crystal blue Hair: russet brown and blazing copper
Skin: unblemished, warmed gold Hair Length: barely brushing her shoulders
Build: impossibly slender, supple Hair Texture: smooth, slight waves
Face: sweet and youthful angles Tattoo: an elven rune (lower back)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profession: Scholar Age: 82 Sex: Female
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The object of your attention is a woman, relatively young.
The attire that covers her tall and wraith-like frame is deliberately simple and unassuming. A hooded cloak, forest green in color, floats about herslender body from a smoothed wooden tog at her throat. The simple circle bears the insignia of the kingdom she serves. Her white tunic is perhaps abit small in size as it conforms to her torso in a clinging but comfortable fit. The sleeveless cut exposes the leanly muscled length of her arms. Upon her left forearm, a leather studded arm guard of thick cloth molds itself protectively to her skin. Around her narrow hips, a weapons belt houses a well used sword, while a sheath that tightens about her right thigh houses an equally used dagger. Flowing, mesh-like pants of brown cloth flutter loosely about her long legs before tucking into a pair of battered, chocolate hued leather boots that appear to have seen a great deal of use. Upon the fore finger of her left hand, Jinquil wears a signet ring of vallenwood carved about an emerald gemstone. A wide strap crosses her chest diagonally, supporting a leather, arrow-filled quiver stamped with vine motifs that rests upon her back.
A wealthy mane of russet hued strands cascade in feathered waves to brush slender shoulders. Weathered strands skirt nervously about gracefully pointed ears, teasing a face of oval sculpt. The copper touched auburn shade accentuates the warmed golden hue of her skin, the combination giving evidence of some time spent beneath the sun. Her defined features radiate youth, the faint blush of her cheeks near to hiding the delicate brush of copper flecks that spill across the bridge and the softly lilting tip of her nose. Brows are thin, dark slashes above the tilted ovals of her eyes. Thick lashes curl to shade the deep crystal blue orbs that hold her emotions expressively, varying both in intensity and hue with each change of hermood. Supple lips seem naturally inclined to curve up at the ends in a small smirk.
Background:
Born of a not-so-humble merchant family, Jinquil and her two older sisters, were raised among the higher echelons of Shalonesti's society. They were largely a traveling family and often visited the great cities of Althainia and New Thalos, even daring a few rare trips to the kingdom of Arkane, all in the name of business. Thus, she grew with a worldly experience that most of her peers did not share and took on adventurous qualities somewhat unbecoming of a Shalonesti elf. This, in part, lead her to take up life within the kingdom proper as a part of the most prestigious House:
Sha'falas.
*Recruit
*Guardsman
*Commander of the 3rd Elvish Archers.
Eyes: expressive, crystal blue Hair: russet brown and blazing copper
Skin: unblemished, warmed gold Hair Length: barely brushing her shoulders
Build: impossibly slender, supple Hair Texture: smooth, slight waves
Face: sweet and youthful angles Tattoo: an elven rune (lower back)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profession: Scholar Age: 82 Sex: Female
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The object of your attention is a woman, relatively young.
The attire that covers her tall and wraith-like frame is deliberately simple and unassuming. A hooded cloak, forest green in color, floats about herslender body from a smoothed wooden tog at her throat. The simple circle bears the insignia of the kingdom she serves. Her white tunic is perhaps abit small in size as it conforms to her torso in a clinging but comfortable fit. The sleeveless cut exposes the leanly muscled length of her arms. Upon her left forearm, a leather studded arm guard of thick cloth molds itself protectively to her skin. Around her narrow hips, a weapons belt houses a well used sword, while a sheath that tightens about her right thigh houses an equally used dagger. Flowing, mesh-like pants of brown cloth flutter loosely about her long legs before tucking into a pair of battered, chocolate hued leather boots that appear to have seen a great deal of use. Upon the fore finger of her left hand, Jinquil wears a signet ring of vallenwood carved about an emerald gemstone. A wide strap crosses her chest diagonally, supporting a leather, arrow-filled quiver stamped with vine motifs that rests upon her back.
A wealthy mane of russet hued strands cascade in feathered waves to brush slender shoulders. Weathered strands skirt nervously about gracefully pointed ears, teasing a face of oval sculpt. The copper touched auburn shade accentuates the warmed golden hue of her skin, the combination giving evidence of some time spent beneath the sun. Her defined features radiate youth, the faint blush of her cheeks near to hiding the delicate brush of copper flecks that spill across the bridge and the softly lilting tip of her nose. Brows are thin, dark slashes above the tilted ovals of her eyes. Thick lashes curl to shade the deep crystal blue orbs that hold her emotions expressively, varying both in intensity and hue with each change of hermood. Supple lips seem naturally inclined to curve up at the ends in a small smirk.
Background:
Born of a not-so-humble merchant family, Jinquil and her two older sisters, were raised among the higher echelons of Shalonesti's society. They were largely a traveling family and often visited the great cities of Althainia and New Thalos, even daring a few rare trips to the kingdom of Arkane, all in the name of business. Thus, she grew with a worldly experience that most of her peers did not share and took on adventurous qualities somewhat unbecoming of a Shalonesti elf. This, in part, lead her to take up life within the kingdom proper as a part of the most prestigious House:
Sha'falas.
*Recruit
*Guardsman
*Commander of the 3rd Elvish Archers.
Llorana Sha'falas Dalar
IC Information for Llorana.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eyes: vibrant emerald Hair: golden, rose-hued
Skin: soft gold Hair Length: lower-back
Build: tall, lithe Hair Texture: straight and silken
Face: fair and composed
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profession: Merchant Age: 88 Sex: Female
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
An elf of simple elegance is here, her tall stature accompanied by a certain amount of visible dignity and elven hauteur.
Her golden hair is quite visibly tinted with a rosy hue and hangs unhindered down her back and over her shoulders. The elongated peaks of her ears protrude through her hair and in this way the glint of a very thin emerald chain can be seen extending from the tip to the bottom of the right lobe. Her almond-shaped eyes are a vibrant shade of emerald green and strongly complement her fair, golden complextion.
Her clothing is a match of like-colored garments beneath a somewhat worn set of thin mithril armor, tinted a light green and etched with various images depicting the Vallenwoods; particularly a sprawling Vallenwood upon the chestplate and various twining vines along the pauldrons, greaves, bracers and gauntlets. A shield is oft strung to her back, over a green cloak that binds to her shoulders and to the sides of her waist hang a sheathed longsword and a long curved dagger. A mithril helmet with a single star-shaped emerald embedded upon the forehead is tucked under one arm.
Background:
Born of a not-so-humble merchant family, Llorana and her two sisters, were raised among the higher echelons of Shalonesti's society. They were largely a traveling family and often visited the great cities of Althainia and New Thalos, even daring a few rare trips to the kingdom of Arkane, all in the name of business. Thus, she grew with a worldly experience that most of her peers did not share and took on adventurous qualities somewhat unbecoming of a Shalonesti elf. This, in part, lead her to take up life within the kingdom proper as a part of the most prestigious House:
Sha'falas.
*Recruit
*Guardsman
*Defender
*Commander of the 5th Infantry
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eyes: vibrant emerald Hair: golden, rose-hued
Skin: soft gold Hair Length: lower-back
Build: tall, lithe Hair Texture: straight and silken
Face: fair and composed
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profession: Merchant Age: 88 Sex: Female
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
An elf of simple elegance is here, her tall stature accompanied by a certain amount of visible dignity and elven hauteur.
Her golden hair is quite visibly tinted with a rosy hue and hangs unhindered down her back and over her shoulders. The elongated peaks of her ears protrude through her hair and in this way the glint of a very thin emerald chain can be seen extending from the tip to the bottom of the right lobe. Her almond-shaped eyes are a vibrant shade of emerald green and strongly complement her fair, golden complextion.
Her clothing is a match of like-colored garments beneath a somewhat worn set of thin mithril armor, tinted a light green and etched with various images depicting the Vallenwoods; particularly a sprawling Vallenwood upon the chestplate and various twining vines along the pauldrons, greaves, bracers and gauntlets. A shield is oft strung to her back, over a green cloak that binds to her shoulders and to the sides of her waist hang a sheathed longsword and a long curved dagger. A mithril helmet with a single star-shaped emerald embedded upon the forehead is tucked under one arm.
Background:
Born of a not-so-humble merchant family, Llorana and her two sisters, were raised among the higher echelons of Shalonesti's society. They were largely a traveling family and often visited the great cities of Althainia and New Thalos, even daring a few rare trips to the kingdom of Arkane, all in the name of business. Thus, she grew with a worldly experience that most of her peers did not share and took on adventurous qualities somewhat unbecoming of a Shalonesti elf. This, in part, lead her to take up life within the kingdom proper as a part of the most prestigious House:
Sha'falas.
*Recruit
*Guardsman
*Defender
*Commander of the 5th Infantry
Friday, June 1, 2007
Nianica Sha'falas Dalar
IC Information for Nianica.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eyes: blue Hair: auburn
Skin: pale Hair Length: Long
Build: Slender Hair Texture: Straight
Face: Pleasant
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profession: Philosopher Age: 100 Sex: Female
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The tall form of this young elven woman is adorned with supple, fitted leather armor, over which rests a very dark green robe with lighter green embroidering in the shape of vines and leaves, hanging open down the front. The vest is embroidered with a dark green to match that of the robe and leaves a portion of her pale mid-drift bared to sight. Below, hugging her slender hips, are a pair of leather pants, also embroidered with the same dark green stitch in the shape of leafy vines. Her boots, lacing up her calves, are visibly weathered but of a sturdy make. A thin brown belt hangs loosely around her hips and holds a leafy-patterned pouch with an emerald
draw-string and a curved, leafy dagger.
A staff of dark polished wood is sheathed along her back, nearly hidden by the fall of her long, straight auburn locks that further frame her pleasant features. Bright blue eyes, almond in shape, observe her surroundings peacefully.
Background:
Born of a not-so-humble merchant family, Nianica and her two sisters, were raised among the higher echelons of Shalonesti's society. They were largely a traveling family and often visited the great cities of Althainia and New Thalos, even daring a few rare trips to the kingdom of Arkane, all in the name of business.
~ Recruit of Sha'falas
~ Guardsman of Sha'falas
~ Defender of Sha'falas
~ Combat medic
~ Commander of the 8th Infantry
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eyes: blue Hair: auburn
Skin: pale Hair Length: Long
Build: Slender Hair Texture: Straight
Face: Pleasant
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profession: Philosopher Age: 100 Sex: Female
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The tall form of this young elven woman is adorned with supple, fitted leather armor, over which rests a very dark green robe with lighter green embroidering in the shape of vines and leaves, hanging open down the front. The vest is embroidered with a dark green to match that of the robe and leaves a portion of her pale mid-drift bared to sight. Below, hugging her slender hips, are a pair of leather pants, also embroidered with the same dark green stitch in the shape of leafy vines. Her boots, lacing up her calves, are visibly weathered but of a sturdy make. A thin brown belt hangs loosely around her hips and holds a leafy-patterned pouch with an emerald
draw-string and a curved, leafy dagger.
A staff of dark polished wood is sheathed along her back, nearly hidden by the fall of her long, straight auburn locks that further frame her pleasant features. Bright blue eyes, almond in shape, observe her surroundings peacefully.
Background:
Born of a not-so-humble merchant family, Nianica and her two sisters, were raised among the higher echelons of Shalonesti's society. They were largely a traveling family and often visited the great cities of Althainia and New Thalos, even daring a few rare trips to the kingdom of Arkane, all in the name of business.
~ Recruit of Sha'falas
~ Guardsman of Sha'falas
~ Defender of Sha'falas
~ Combat medic
~ Commander of the 8th Infantry
Kwars: Night Sky
Posted by Llorana
Fri Apr 27 15:08:12 2007
The night sky was beautiful and as she lay on her back, attempting to catch her breath, she realized she didn't stop often enough to appreciate such simple things.
The moment passed in a blink though and then she was rolling out of the way of another strike from her opponent's ratan blade. A peal of triumphant laughter left her lips when he spun to catch her, only to feel the lash of her ratan blade along his side as she came up from the ground.
"Close, Garan." She laughed while patting his shoulder companionably.
The others who had gathered around to watch were all smiling and cajoling Garan now. It was heartwarming and it was what she wanted. Nerves and tensions had been high since they'd started marching, she felt it was important that they remember to smile.
Garan sighed, favoring his side now and bowed his head to Llorana who chuckled and motioned him up.
"I'm all for bowing and saluting when its proper, Garan," she said, "but not now. I think its time for a bit of rest."
Looking to her soldiers, she gave off a list of commands. Some were to return to Shalonesti for an hour or two, others were to relieve scouts but the majority were to seek their rest. They still had a long way to go. She smiled as she watched them all disperse and settled her ratan blade back upon its rack, acutely feeling her aches and pains. She made it a point to train as often as her infantry, if not more so.
Looking at the sky again, she marveled at the beauty of the stars - and nearly missed her sisters passing by! They were all so busy these days, no time to stop and chat, which was unfortunate but she could understand. Standing here, staring at the sky was a form of her own procrastination and with a deep breath she turned around and began heading back to her own tent where - no doubt - a stack of parchments awaited her with varying requests,
conflicts and needs.
While she walked, she considered her Sha'falas duties and the run-in she had been apart of the day before with the curious warlock and his enslaved cat. Never a dull moment in my life! She caught herself thinking and quite abruptly, found herself interested in something else.
Deviating from her original path, following a faint sound, she scaled a gently sloping hill and nearly stumbled upon a small number of Kyorl in the process of training... as far as she could tell. She thought she recognized a few faces but the shadows were deep and she honestly did not
linger, though she found herself quite mesmerized by their slow, thought-out movements.
Feeling oddly humbled but still curious, she made her way back down the hill and didn't give in to any more bouts of curiosity.
Fri Apr 27 15:08:12 2007
The night sky was beautiful and as she lay on her back, attempting to catch her breath, she realized she didn't stop often enough to appreciate such simple things.
The moment passed in a blink though and then she was rolling out of the way of another strike from her opponent's ratan blade. A peal of triumphant laughter left her lips when he spun to catch her, only to feel the lash of her ratan blade along his side as she came up from the ground.
"Close, Garan." She laughed while patting his shoulder companionably.
The others who had gathered around to watch were all smiling and cajoling Garan now. It was heartwarming and it was what she wanted. Nerves and tensions had been high since they'd started marching, she felt it was important that they remember to smile.
Garan sighed, favoring his side now and bowed his head to Llorana who chuckled and motioned him up.
"I'm all for bowing and saluting when its proper, Garan," she said, "but not now. I think its time for a bit of rest."
Looking to her soldiers, she gave off a list of commands. Some were to return to Shalonesti for an hour or two, others were to relieve scouts but the majority were to seek their rest. They still had a long way to go. She smiled as she watched them all disperse and settled her ratan blade back upon its rack, acutely feeling her aches and pains. She made it a point to train as often as her infantry, if not more so.
Looking at the sky again, she marveled at the beauty of the stars - and nearly missed her sisters passing by! They were all so busy these days, no time to stop and chat, which was unfortunate but she could understand. Standing here, staring at the sky was a form of her own procrastination and with a deep breath she turned around and began heading back to her own tent where - no doubt - a stack of parchments awaited her with varying requests,
conflicts and needs.
While she walked, she considered her Sha'falas duties and the run-in she had been apart of the day before with the curious warlock and his enslaved cat. Never a dull moment in my life! She caught herself thinking and quite abruptly, found herself interested in something else.
Deviating from her original path, following a faint sound, she scaled a gently sloping hill and nearly stumbled upon a small number of Kyorl in the process of training... as far as she could tell. She thought she recognized a few faces but the shadows were deep and she honestly did not
linger, though she found herself quite mesmerized by their slow, thought-out movements.
Feeling oddly humbled but still curious, she made her way back down the hill and didn't give in to any more bouts of curiosity.
Training
Posted by Jinquil
Tue Apr 17 12:05:02 2007
The edge of the wood was burning. Thick smoke loomed, blocking out the better part of the sunlight above. The scent burned the nostrils even as the smoke filled each mouth with a sooty taste and caused eyes to sting and water. Her archers stood, each hidden in one section of the wood. Beside her, a young archer named Eertae stood at her side. With a slight wave of her hand, Jinquil shifted one illusion into the other.
A snarl filled the air and a dwarf, fully armored and swinging a rather large axe appeared into the forest. It rushed Eertae suddenly, appearing out of no where. Though the elf had his bow at ready, he swirled, lashing out with his foot to catch the dwarf directly in the face. He whirled once more, using his bow to sweep the dwarf off of his feet. The dwarf hit the ground and vanished.
With a sigh, Jinquil canceled the illusion. She narrowed her eyes, studying Eertae silently for a long heavy moment. "We're supposed to be doing archery training here, Eertae. " The mild rebuke in her tone was belied by the smile on her face.
"Sorry, Commander. I could not resist. " He said with a chuckle.
Jinquil laughed, unable to keep herself from doing so and stood, dropping the illusion she had held for the better part of the day. The flames vanished. The heavy smoke cleared instantly. She turned away from Eertae to face the places where her archers hid. "Alright, we're done for now. Tomorrow we do more rugged terrain. Return to your tents. " Moving from tree and brush, the archers filed back to their assigned sleeping quarters.
Though they were tired from the day's training, the excitement that each felt filled the air with crackling tension. Jinquil returned to her tent, Eertae following behind to tie back the flaps before she entered. Standing at the wooden table, a middle-aged elven man waited for her.
Jinquil approached him, bowing her head respectfully. "Nietual.. " She murmured her greeting, patting his shoulder firmly before glancing at the small bundle he carried. "What have you for me? "
Nietual laid the bundle upon the table and unrolled it. Firelight reflected off the metallic surfaces of the etched arrowheads within. Jinquil picked one up, testing the weight of it in her palm.
The arrowhead was not like any other she had seen before. Holding it up to the light, she studied the razor sharp point that gave way to equally sharped ridges. "They look like leaves... " Jinquil mused silently before turning to cast a pleased smile at the elven man beside her. "Excellent
work, Nietual. " She pressed her finger to the tip as she spoke, nodding once more in satisfaction as she lifted her finger to her mouth and sucked the blood from the tip. "Excellent work, Indeed. "
The golden haired elf chuckled deeply, turning his gray eyes to study her as she addressed him. "I did tell you I was the best Arrowsmith in the Vallen, Commander. " He paused a moment, studying the object in her hand. "I designed them as you requested. They should pierce just about any type of armor those dwarves could think up. "
Jinquil nodded silently, walking from the tent to study the other nine elves that moved to and fro outside. She studied them for a long moment, watching them laugh with the soldiers they would be traveling with. "Do we have enough, Nietual? " The elf moved to stand just behind her, letting his eyes roam over his fellow archers. "Aye, Commander. We have enough to last us
through two wars. We'll not fail, Commander. "
Tue Apr 17 12:05:02 2007
The edge of the wood was burning. Thick smoke loomed, blocking out the better part of the sunlight above. The scent burned the nostrils even as the smoke filled each mouth with a sooty taste and caused eyes to sting and water. Her archers stood, each hidden in one section of the wood. Beside her, a young archer named Eertae stood at her side. With a slight wave of her hand, Jinquil shifted one illusion into the other.
A snarl filled the air and a dwarf, fully armored and swinging a rather large axe appeared into the forest. It rushed Eertae suddenly, appearing out of no where. Though the elf had his bow at ready, he swirled, lashing out with his foot to catch the dwarf directly in the face. He whirled once more, using his bow to sweep the dwarf off of his feet. The dwarf hit the ground and vanished.
With a sigh, Jinquil canceled the illusion. She narrowed her eyes, studying Eertae silently for a long heavy moment. "We're supposed to be doing archery training here, Eertae. " The mild rebuke in her tone was belied by the smile on her face.
"Sorry, Commander. I could not resist. " He said with a chuckle.
Jinquil laughed, unable to keep herself from doing so and stood, dropping the illusion she had held for the better part of the day. The flames vanished. The heavy smoke cleared instantly. She turned away from Eertae to face the places where her archers hid. "Alright, we're done for now. Tomorrow we do more rugged terrain. Return to your tents. " Moving from tree and brush, the archers filed back to their assigned sleeping quarters.
Though they were tired from the day's training, the excitement that each felt filled the air with crackling tension. Jinquil returned to her tent, Eertae following behind to tie back the flaps before she entered. Standing at the wooden table, a middle-aged elven man waited for her.
Jinquil approached him, bowing her head respectfully. "Nietual.. " She murmured her greeting, patting his shoulder firmly before glancing at the small bundle he carried. "What have you for me? "
Nietual laid the bundle upon the table and unrolled it. Firelight reflected off the metallic surfaces of the etched arrowheads within. Jinquil picked one up, testing the weight of it in her palm.
The arrowhead was not like any other she had seen before. Holding it up to the light, she studied the razor sharp point that gave way to equally sharped ridges. "They look like leaves... " Jinquil mused silently before turning to cast a pleased smile at the elven man beside her. "Excellent
work, Nietual. " She pressed her finger to the tip as she spoke, nodding once more in satisfaction as she lifted her finger to her mouth and sucked the blood from the tip. "Excellent work, Indeed. "
The golden haired elf chuckled deeply, turning his gray eyes to study her as she addressed him. "I did tell you I was the best Arrowsmith in the Vallen, Commander. " He paused a moment, studying the object in her hand. "I designed them as you requested. They should pierce just about any type of armor those dwarves could think up. "
Jinquil nodded silently, walking from the tent to study the other nine elves that moved to and fro outside. She studied them for a long moment, watching them laugh with the soldiers they would be traveling with. "Do we have enough, Nietual? " The elf moved to stand just behind her, letting his eyes roam over his fellow archers. "Aye, Commander. We have enough to last us
through two wars. We'll not fail, Commander. "
Relations.
Posted by Jinquil
Sun Apr 15 03:44:38 2007
The sunlight that flickered through the leaves above sent the darkness scattering in the lengthy shade of trees and shrubbery. Jinquil moved soundlessly, each step carefully chosen and executed to be undetectable. Jinquil moved through the trees, thinking of the many times she had done exactly this before. She followed her sisters, praying neither of the two noticed her presence and was suprised to find that Llorana paused to allow Nianica to take the lead. Usually the middle sister would have been first, trailed only slightly by Nianica. Today, however, the eldest Dalar was first to enter the gardens of the home they had all shared as children. After a moment of indecision, or perhaps uncertainty Nianica passed through the gates and into the garden's beyond. Shortly thereafter, Llorana herself followed suit.
Jinquil waited still, disguising herself as one of the scouts of the vallen that lingered nearby until Nianica appeared once again. Her sister's face was stoic and unreadable. The mask she wore constantly to shield her emotions having already slipped back into place. Once more the defender and no longer the daughter, her sister made her way back towards the city. Once again, Llorana was close behind, though for the first time in her remembrance there were tears in her eldest sister's eyes. Unshed, but they glisten there all the same.
Jinquil waited until both of her sister's had passed and then removed the spell that disguised her. With a heavy breath she made her way into the garden's herself, pausing for a long moment to study the elven woman that sat so elegantly on an ornately carved but simple wooden bench. It may very well have been a thrown for all the regalness of the woman that perched upon it. Jinquil watched her mother absently stab the needle into her cross stitch and knew her mood before she approached.
"Hello, momma. " Jinquil spoke the words as she drew near, startling her mother from her thoughts.
"Oh, Jinquil. You startled me. " Her mother set her cross-stitching on the bench beside her and fixed her with a direct stare, her eyes narrowed slightly.
Jinquil saw that look, and recognized it. "Nianica told you? "
Her mother shook her head slowly. "She told me only that she had promised not to tell me anything. Funny, that statement in itself told me all that I needed to know. " Her voice was disapproving, her tone meant to show Jinquil her displeasure.
With a soft sigh, Jinquil straightened to her full height. "Aye, mother. I, too, have joined Sha'falas. "
You knew... You knew how I hated that your sisters had become soldiers, infantry no less. Yet you decided to do so anyways. It is not a fit place for a lady of your breeding. You, of all my children, I had hoped would listen to my guidance, yet you went against me.
Jinquil held up a hand to silence her mother, noting the redness that grew in her mother's face as she did so. "Mother, please listen to me. I know that what you say, you say out of fear for us. But why can you not see that we are doing what you taught us to do. We are as you wished us to be. We defend what we love mother. Surely you can understand that? "
No, Jinquil. I cannot. To love and defend is well and good but there are places a lady may do so that does not require her to draw blood and fight as a man would. Battle is no place for a woman and no place for a daughter like mine. When I was your age..
Interrupting with a harsh laugh, Jinquil uttered the words of the spell and transformed herself into the very likeness of her mother. "Is this what you wish of us, mother? Perhaps if Nianica and Llorana would have presented themselves in this vein, you would be proud. "
Her mother drew back, the hurt on her face causing a pang within Jinquil's heart but she could not help her own anger.
"Enough. Jinquil. Go back to your city and your battles. " Her mother drew herself away from the bench, snatching up her needlework and turned away, moving towards the house.
Jinquil shook off the spell and stepped forward. "Mother... "
Her mother paused, her back rigid and tilted her face to study Jinquil for one long moment. "I did not know that Llorana had come. I assume she did not wish to speak to me. "
Mother, she did not wish to fight with you. Can you not see that they try so hard for your pride in them? Can you not give it, at least now, in this time of war. They may not return from this battle.
"I know it! Do you not think that I know they may not return? " Her mother's eyes flashed with anger and sorrow as she whirled to face Jinquil, her temper, rarely shown, breaking free of it's usual stronghold. "I know that they may die doing what they do, tis why I hate it so very much. If not this battle, then the next may take them. If not that one, then the next. War is not the only thing that could take them. This work the three of you chose takes it toll on not only yourselves but your mother and father as well. Would that you had listened and chosen something else... " With those words, her mother turned and hastened towards the manor house beyond.
Jinquil stood to watch her go, before dropping onto the empty bench and gazing out over the garden, her heart heavier now that it had been before.
"She says what she does out of love, Quil. You know this. " Her father's words drew her gaze up to his face and he slid a hand over her cheek gently. The elderly elven man lowered himself to perch on the edge of the bench beside his youngest daughter and drew her into his arms.
Jinquil buried her face against her father's shoulder, returning the loving gesture before she drew away.
"I know papa. " She sighed and leaned against him. "You will tell her we love her, when her anger cools? "
"Aye. I will tell her, but it is something she knows well. " He laughed softly, the rich sound lifting Jinquil's spirits slightly. "As for her anger, it will cool quickly. Your mother cannot stay angry with her children, though she tries quite hard to do so. "
Jinquil squeezed her father once more and stood. "I love you, papa. I must return to the city now, I have duties. "
"Aye, I heard of your duties, Jinquil. Did I truly raise three daughters to be such valiant soldiers? " At her nod, he let out a faint sigh but smiled at her. "Be safe, Jinquil. Keep watch over your older sisters, you know how they rush headlong into the fray. "
I will watch over them father, but you forget. Where they rush, I usually stumble right behind into the thick of it.
Jinquil made her way out of the gardens and into the forest, leaving her father, laughing, behind.
Sun Apr 15 03:44:38 2007
The sunlight that flickered through the leaves above sent the darkness scattering in the lengthy shade of trees and shrubbery. Jinquil moved soundlessly, each step carefully chosen and executed to be undetectable. Jinquil moved through the trees, thinking of the many times she had done exactly this before. She followed her sisters, praying neither of the two noticed her presence and was suprised to find that Llorana paused to allow Nianica to take the lead. Usually the middle sister would have been first, trailed only slightly by Nianica. Today, however, the eldest Dalar was first to enter the gardens of the home they had all shared as children. After a moment of indecision, or perhaps uncertainty Nianica passed through the gates and into the garden's beyond. Shortly thereafter, Llorana herself followed suit.
Jinquil waited still, disguising herself as one of the scouts of the vallen that lingered nearby until Nianica appeared once again. Her sister's face was stoic and unreadable. The mask she wore constantly to shield her emotions having already slipped back into place. Once more the defender and no longer the daughter, her sister made her way back towards the city. Once again, Llorana was close behind, though for the first time in her remembrance there were tears in her eldest sister's eyes. Unshed, but they glisten there all the same.
Jinquil waited until both of her sister's had passed and then removed the spell that disguised her. With a heavy breath she made her way into the garden's herself, pausing for a long moment to study the elven woman that sat so elegantly on an ornately carved but simple wooden bench. It may very well have been a thrown for all the regalness of the woman that perched upon it. Jinquil watched her mother absently stab the needle into her cross stitch and knew her mood before she approached.
"Hello, momma. " Jinquil spoke the words as she drew near, startling her mother from her thoughts.
"Oh, Jinquil. You startled me. " Her mother set her cross-stitching on the bench beside her and fixed her with a direct stare, her eyes narrowed slightly.
Jinquil saw that look, and recognized it. "Nianica told you? "
Her mother shook her head slowly. "She told me only that she had promised not to tell me anything. Funny, that statement in itself told me all that I needed to know. " Her voice was disapproving, her tone meant to show Jinquil her displeasure.
With a soft sigh, Jinquil straightened to her full height. "Aye, mother. I, too, have joined Sha'falas. "
You knew... You knew how I hated that your sisters had become soldiers, infantry no less. Yet you decided to do so anyways. It is not a fit place for a lady of your breeding. You, of all my children, I had hoped would listen to my guidance, yet you went against me.
Jinquil held up a hand to silence her mother, noting the redness that grew in her mother's face as she did so. "Mother, please listen to me. I know that what you say, you say out of fear for us. But why can you not see that we are doing what you taught us to do. We are as you wished us to be. We defend what we love mother. Surely you can understand that? "
No, Jinquil. I cannot. To love and defend is well and good but there are places a lady may do so that does not require her to draw blood and fight as a man would. Battle is no place for a woman and no place for a daughter like mine. When I was your age..
Interrupting with a harsh laugh, Jinquil uttered the words of the spell and transformed herself into the very likeness of her mother. "Is this what you wish of us, mother? Perhaps if Nianica and Llorana would have presented themselves in this vein, you would be proud. "
Her mother drew back, the hurt on her face causing a pang within Jinquil's heart but she could not help her own anger.
"Enough. Jinquil. Go back to your city and your battles. " Her mother drew herself away from the bench, snatching up her needlework and turned away, moving towards the house.
Jinquil shook off the spell and stepped forward. "Mother... "
Her mother paused, her back rigid and tilted her face to study Jinquil for one long moment. "I did not know that Llorana had come. I assume she did not wish to speak to me. "
Mother, she did not wish to fight with you. Can you not see that they try so hard for your pride in them? Can you not give it, at least now, in this time of war. They may not return from this battle.
"I know it! Do you not think that I know they may not return? " Her mother's eyes flashed with anger and sorrow as she whirled to face Jinquil, her temper, rarely shown, breaking free of it's usual stronghold. "I know that they may die doing what they do, tis why I hate it so very much. If not this battle, then the next may take them. If not that one, then the next. War is not the only thing that could take them. This work the three of you chose takes it toll on not only yourselves but your mother and father as well. Would that you had listened and chosen something else... " With those words, her mother turned and hastened towards the manor house beyond.
Jinquil stood to watch her go, before dropping onto the empty bench and gazing out over the garden, her heart heavier now that it had been before.
"She says what she does out of love, Quil. You know this. " Her father's words drew her gaze up to his face and he slid a hand over her cheek gently. The elderly elven man lowered himself to perch on the edge of the bench beside his youngest daughter and drew her into his arms.
Jinquil buried her face against her father's shoulder, returning the loving gesture before she drew away.
"I know papa. " She sighed and leaned against him. "You will tell her we love her, when her anger cools? "
"Aye. I will tell her, but it is something she knows well. " He laughed softly, the rich sound lifting Jinquil's spirits slightly. "As for her anger, it will cool quickly. Your mother cannot stay angry with her children, though she tries quite hard to do so. "
Jinquil squeezed her father once more and stood. "I love you, papa. I must return to the city now, I have duties. "
"Aye, I heard of your duties, Jinquil. Did I truly raise three daughters to be such valiant soldiers? " At her nod, he let out a faint sigh but smiled at her. "Be safe, Jinquil. Keep watch over your older sisters, you know how they rush headlong into the fray. "
I will watch over them father, but you forget. Where they rush, I usually stumble right behind into the thick of it.
Jinquil made her way out of the gardens and into the forest, leaving her father, laughing, behind.
Relations
Posted by Llorana
Sat Apr 14 17:40:55 2007
She watched her older sister, Nianica.
Watched her pause before the entrance to the garden; watched her lower her gaze to the ground and then take that deep breath before the plunge.
She knew who waited in that garden, knew exactly why her older sister had paused and was pretty sure she knew what the outcome would be. It was why she had also neglected this part, this most final 'good bye'. But was it really a good bye?
Sighing, she silently followed her sister down the path and stopped at a line of tall, privacy hedging dotted through with pretty little red flowers. Stopped, because she heard the cold greeting.
"Miss Dalar, it has been a while."
Once upon a time, that tone would have filled her with anger but now...it only left a lingering echo of sorrow. A tired sense of frustration. Would their mother never understand?
She heard Nianica apologize and ground her teeth. Mother knew why she was not visited by her daughters more often, she didn't have to be obtuse about it. Lowering her gaze, she turned away from the heartbreaking scene and found herself distracted by a flash of memories, none of them nice, until - Llorana winced as her mother's raised voice pierced through the fog of her
recollections.
"But you shouldn't be working like that! The army is not the place for a lady like you."
With an odd sense of hilarity, she wondered if her mother considered her a lady as well, though she suspected her mother thought of her more as a black sheep. Every family had one, right? Slowly, she lifted her gaze to watch as her sister pleaded with her mother for understanding, and could take no more. She slipped silently back down the path and into the house. It was cowardly perhaps, but she couldn't face her mother, not knowing that this might be the last time she ever saw her. She wanted to die, if death was to be her fate, with her mother's smile in her memory. Their father would understand and would be able to relay her love. Time was running
short anyway and their leave was almost over.
She found him sitting in the common's room, an odd vase on the floor beside his chair and a sheaf of parchment in his hands. A smile touched her lips and silently, she moved closer to him.
"Has anyone ever told you-"
"I should have been born a kender?" She sighed and smiled, watching as he set his work aside and stood up to embrace her, "Many times, da."
"I heard your mother." He sighed against her hair, "I suppose this is your good-bye?"
"It is, da. Nianica is with her, though we haven't much time." She said in a somber tone, "Tell her..."
"I will, child." Her father said quite simply, embraced her again and then motioned her to the door. "Zandreya keep you and your sisters safe. You can tell me all about it when you come home."
"We'll make you and mother proud." She replied and, without turning back, she headed to the front door. She needed to catch Nianica and she didn't want her father to see her tears.
Sat Apr 14 17:40:55 2007
She watched her older sister, Nianica.
Watched her pause before the entrance to the garden; watched her lower her gaze to the ground and then take that deep breath before the plunge.
She knew who waited in that garden, knew exactly why her older sister had paused and was pretty sure she knew what the outcome would be. It was why she had also neglected this part, this most final 'good bye'. But was it really a good bye?
Sighing, she silently followed her sister down the path and stopped at a line of tall, privacy hedging dotted through with pretty little red flowers. Stopped, because she heard the cold greeting.
"Miss Dalar, it has been a while."
Once upon a time, that tone would have filled her with anger but now...it only left a lingering echo of sorrow. A tired sense of frustration. Would their mother never understand?
She heard Nianica apologize and ground her teeth. Mother knew why she was not visited by her daughters more often, she didn't have to be obtuse about it. Lowering her gaze, she turned away from the heartbreaking scene and found herself distracted by a flash of memories, none of them nice, until - Llorana winced as her mother's raised voice pierced through the fog of her
recollections.
"But you shouldn't be working like that! The army is not the place for a lady like you."
With an odd sense of hilarity, she wondered if her mother considered her a lady as well, though she suspected her mother thought of her more as a black sheep. Every family had one, right? Slowly, she lifted her gaze to watch as her sister pleaded with her mother for understanding, and could take no more. She slipped silently back down the path and into the house. It was cowardly perhaps, but she couldn't face her mother, not knowing that this might be the last time she ever saw her. She wanted to die, if death was to be her fate, with her mother's smile in her memory. Their father would understand and would be able to relay her love. Time was running
short anyway and their leave was almost over.
She found him sitting in the common's room, an odd vase on the floor beside his chair and a sheaf of parchment in his hands. A smile touched her lips and silently, she moved closer to him.
"Has anyone ever told you-"
"I should have been born a kender?" She sighed and smiled, watching as he set his work aside and stood up to embrace her, "Many times, da."
"I heard your mother." He sighed against her hair, "I suppose this is your good-bye?"
"It is, da. Nianica is with her, though we haven't much time." She said in a somber tone, "Tell her..."
"I will, child." Her father said quite simply, embraced her again and then motioned her to the door. "Zandreya keep you and your sisters safe. You can tell me all about it when you come home."
"We'll make you and mother proud." She replied and, without turning back, she headed to the front door. She needed to catch Nianica and she didn't want her father to see her tears.
Relations
Posted by Nianica
Fri Apr 13 15:29:20 2007
'I have to do it. I have avoided it too long.'
Nianica took a deep breath and entered the garden. She quietly walked trough the path of the garden towards an elderly elven woman. The woman sat on a bench holding a cross-stitch work on her lap, her gaze directed to the pond next to her. Nianica stopped for while and looked the woman.
'She's not so young anymore, but she still has her elegance and beauty. If I didn't know how old she was, I wouldn't be able to tell. Years have treated her well...' Nianica thought.
Nianica walked up next to the woman and placed her hand on the woman's shoulder.
Quietly the woman turned her gaze towards Nianica, her face was callous and she spoke with a cold voice. 'Miss Dalar, it has been a while.'
Nianica let her hand fall from woman's shoulder, and sat next to her.
'Indeed, it has been a while. I apologize.'
'What brings Miss Dalar here?' the woman continued to focus on her cross-stitch.
'You do know my name mother, you're the one who gave it to me.' Nianica paused for moment, her mothers tone and refusel to use her first name hurt her deeply. 'I wished to see you, that's why I'm here.'
'Well, now you have seen me.' answered mother.
Nianica sighed and set her hand on her mothers, 'Please, don't be upset with me. You know where I have been and why I have been away. You know my work is important.'
'But you shouldn't be working like that! The army is not the place to lady like you.' mother suddenly snapped.
'But it is what I need, mother. That is where my place is!' Nianica squeezed her mothers hand slightly. 'I'm proud of my job and I wish you would be also. I have worked hard for it, mother.'
There were a moment of silence and mother set the cross-stitch back on her lap.
'I was promoted to Defender a while ago. I have also won donation contest couple times...' Nianica spoke quietly.
'That is nice to hear, darling.' Her mother continued the intricate cross-stitch work, not looking at Nianica.
'I have also joined the Corps, and I'm now combat medic.' Nianica continued.
For the first time, her mother set aside the cross-stitch, and looked up at Nianica, 'Combat medic? Does that mean that you are going to the war?'
'Yes, I am going to the war. This is what I have been trained for.' said Nianica still holding her mothers hand in her own. 'And... I'm also in command of one unit of infantry. I am a soldier, mother.'
'I didn't raise a soldier.' said the woman lifting her hand and carefully brushing Nianica's hair.
'No, you raised three daughters who wish to serve the Vallenwoods and their calling brouth them to Sha'falas.' replied Nianica smiling.
Her mother blinked and looked Nianica in the eyes. 'Are you telling me, that also Jinquil joined Sha'falas?'
Nianica shaked her head. 'I'm not telling anything, mother. I promised that I wouldn't tell.'
Nianica gently hugged her mother, 'Please don't worry about us, we are doing fine.' She stood up and glanced around the garden. 'I'm sorry mother, but I must leave now...'
'Please stay for the night, or even for dinner?' Her mother looked up, her eyes pleaded with Nianica to stay.
She looked away from her mother's eyes. 'I'm sorry mother, but my leave is soon over, duty calls.'
'Then, you have to go and do your duty. Farewell then.' Her mother's hand reached for the cross-stitch, she turned her face away from Nianica.
Nianica slowly turned around and began to walk the path. Her heart sank, her mother again refused to look at her. As she reached the edge of the garden she heard her mother's voice, 'I'm proud of you Nica, I really am.'
Faint smile rose on Nianicas lips. 'Now I can leave to the war in peace. I have made peace with her.'
'At least for while...'
Fri Apr 13 15:29:20 2007
'I have to do it. I have avoided it too long.'
Nianica took a deep breath and entered the garden. She quietly walked trough the path of the garden towards an elderly elven woman. The woman sat on a bench holding a cross-stitch work on her lap, her gaze directed to the pond next to her. Nianica stopped for while and looked the woman.
'She's not so young anymore, but she still has her elegance and beauty. If I didn't know how old she was, I wouldn't be able to tell. Years have treated her well...' Nianica thought.
Nianica walked up next to the woman and placed her hand on the woman's shoulder.
Quietly the woman turned her gaze towards Nianica, her face was callous and she spoke with a cold voice. 'Miss Dalar, it has been a while.'
Nianica let her hand fall from woman's shoulder, and sat next to her.
'Indeed, it has been a while. I apologize.'
'What brings Miss Dalar here?' the woman continued to focus on her cross-stitch.
'You do know my name mother, you're the one who gave it to me.' Nianica paused for moment, her mothers tone and refusel to use her first name hurt her deeply. 'I wished to see you, that's why I'm here.'
'Well, now you have seen me.' answered mother.
Nianica sighed and set her hand on her mothers, 'Please, don't be upset with me. You know where I have been and why I have been away. You know my work is important.'
'But you shouldn't be working like that! The army is not the place to lady like you.' mother suddenly snapped.
'But it is what I need, mother. That is where my place is!' Nianica squeezed her mothers hand slightly. 'I'm proud of my job and I wish you would be also. I have worked hard for it, mother.'
There were a moment of silence and mother set the cross-stitch back on her lap.
'I was promoted to Defender a while ago. I have also won donation contest couple times...' Nianica spoke quietly.
'That is nice to hear, darling.' Her mother continued the intricate cross-stitch work, not looking at Nianica.
'I have also joined the Corps, and I'm now combat medic.' Nianica continued.
For the first time, her mother set aside the cross-stitch, and looked up at Nianica, 'Combat medic? Does that mean that you are going to the war?'
'Yes, I am going to the war. This is what I have been trained for.' said Nianica still holding her mothers hand in her own. 'And... I'm also in command of one unit of infantry. I am a soldier, mother.'
'I didn't raise a soldier.' said the woman lifting her hand and carefully brushing Nianica's hair.
'No, you raised three daughters who wish to serve the Vallenwoods and their calling brouth them to Sha'falas.' replied Nianica smiling.
Her mother blinked and looked Nianica in the eyes. 'Are you telling me, that also Jinquil joined Sha'falas?'
Nianica shaked her head. 'I'm not telling anything, mother. I promised that I wouldn't tell.'
Nianica gently hugged her mother, 'Please don't worry about us, we are doing fine.' She stood up and glanced around the garden. 'I'm sorry mother, but I must leave now...'
'Please stay for the night, or even for dinner?' Her mother looked up, her eyes pleaded with Nianica to stay.
She looked away from her mother's eyes. 'I'm sorry mother, but my leave is soon over, duty calls.'
'Then, you have to go and do your duty. Farewell then.' Her mother's hand reached for the cross-stitch, she turned her face away from Nianica.
Nianica slowly turned around and began to walk the path. Her heart sank, her mother again refused to look at her. As she reached the edge of the garden she heard her mother's voice, 'I'm proud of you Nica, I really am.'
Faint smile rose on Nianicas lips. 'Now I can leave to the war in peace. I have made peace with her.'
'At least for while...'
Dalar family page
Welcome to Dalar family page.
Family of Dalar is fictional family. Members of the family live on Algoron, which is world of the Dark and Shattered Lands MUD (http://www.dsl-mud.org/).
Family of Dalar is fictional family. Members of the family live on Algoron, which is world of the Dark and Shattered Lands MUD (http://www.dsl-mud.org/).
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