--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ 89] Azaros: Family
Sat Nov 6 22:43:10 2010
To: Jinquil Drondon Nianica Yaviel
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The Lady knows, they do as they please. "
The words practically brought back his rather impish self, before he lowered
his head with a faint smile playing at the edge of his lips. Always such a
pleasure, this table. Azaros' back was straight. He was uncomfortable.
And yet, all he could think of were dinners with his mother. Or that spare
visit from his father, Yakei.
Ill'antha had been colder to him than any, but she had also taught him the
refinement required of his family. Luhta'zair. It was more than a mere
surname. It was a curse and a blessing. Straightening, Azaros swept a hand
through his hair, drawing it back against his skull, highlighting the lines
and edges of his angular face before letting it fall back across his
features.
Running a tongue across the pointed canines decorating his mouth, Azaros
glanced from Drondon to Llorana and back again before averting his eyes,
shielding them from his mother-in-law with long locks of pink-and-crimson
tinged bangs. He had sworn all sorts of vile things to Drondon, the ways he
was going to make this trip hell for him. That wasn't something he could
bring himself to do.
The slap had taken him back. Reminded of a time where cold stone walls and
his skull had met forcefully, after a few too many choice words directed his
mother's way. That had been the day he'd had her remanded into custody on a
whim. A childish whim, at that. And now she lay dead, a cold ghost of her
former self. Yet a self-righteous one. Still, she haunted those who knew
her, whether they realized it or not.
Another look at his wife, Jinquil. A small, stunted smile as he considered
her facial features before reaching out to place a hand atop her shoulder,
lightly brushing the skin behind her ear with his thumb. This was a Home.
It was a Family. Perhaps his dead mother was the end of the "Luhta'zair
curse." Perhaps the name could be respected again.
His head lifted and Azaros' grey-green eyes fixated on his mother-in-law,
ever-watching, mostly silent.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Jinquil Sha'qelas Dalar
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eyes: crystal blue Hair: multihued auburn
Skin: fair peachy gold Hair Length: to her waist
Build: willow lithe Hair Texture: wind blown waves
Face: angular features Tattoo: an elven rune
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profession: Defender of Sha'falas Age: 112 Sex: Female
Husband: Azaros
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The object of your attention is a woman, relatively young.
The attire that covers her tall and willow curved frame is simple but well
made and clean. A fur trimmed and hooded cloak, forest green in color,
floats about her slender body from an emerald brooch at her throat. Her
black tunic 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. Flowing, mesh-like pants of brown cloth flutter
loosely about her long legs before tucking into a pair of battered,
chocolate hued leather boots. 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 the leather,
arrow-filled quiver that rests upon her back.
A wealthy mane of multihued auburn strands cascade in feathered waves to her
waist. The strands on either side are swept back from her face and braided
in an intricate pattern, the style further accentuating the sharply angular,
sculpted features of her face. The style also reveals the elongated points
to otherwise dainty ears. 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 her mood. 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
* Defender
* Commanded - 3rd Elvish Archers
Upon her return to Shalonesti some time after the war with Thaxanos, Jinquil took up with the house Sha'qelas.
Eyes: crystal blue Hair: multihued auburn
Skin: fair peachy gold Hair Length: to her waist
Build: willow lithe Hair Texture: wind blown waves
Face: angular features Tattoo: an elven rune
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profession: Defender of Sha'falas Age: 112 Sex: Female
Husband: Azaros
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The object of your attention is a woman, relatively young.
The attire that covers her tall and willow curved frame is simple but well
made and clean. A fur trimmed and hooded cloak, forest green in color,
floats about her slender body from an emerald brooch at her throat. Her
black tunic 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. Flowing, mesh-like pants of brown cloth flutter
loosely about her long legs before tucking into a pair of battered,
chocolate hued leather boots. 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 the leather,
arrow-filled quiver that rests upon her back.
A wealthy mane of multihued auburn strands cascade in feathered waves to her
waist. The strands on either side are swept back from her face and braided
in an intricate pattern, the style further accentuating the sharply angular,
sculpted features of her face. The style also reveals the elongated points
to otherwise dainty ears. 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 her mood. 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
* Defender
* Commanded - 3rd Elvish Archers
Upon her return to Shalonesti some time after the war with Thaxanos, Jinquil took up with the house Sha'qelas.
Drondon - Dinner Time
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ 81] Drondon: Dinner Time
Wed Nov 3 15:39:57 2010
To: Llorana Jinquil Nianica Azaros Yaviel
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Drondon quickly blinked in shock. He witnessed the Dalar sisters' mother
give a firm and surely a rightfully so, stinging slap to his future wife's
cheek.
Holy Mother! He thought, trying to make the awe and shock disappear from
his countenance. He learned through training, and being about the Vallens
that sometimes it's best not to speak, and he definetly didn't want to face
their mother's wrath.
He winced some, seeing the rosy color coming to Llorana's cheek. He felt
bad, wanted to give her a kiss on the cheek, but now was not the time. He
heard Llorana introduce him to the slapper of Dalars. The matriarch's eyes
and his met, locked in an icy stare. The stare of a predator that doesn't
take it's focus of it's prey. He felt them searing a hole into his soul
almost. He held steady, a slight grin came over his face, but nothing
that'd be to noticeable. Silence was all that evident in the room. His
ears picked up the faint traces of the others breathing.
It seemed that time had stopped, all was still, the only thing moving was
the sisters' mother towards Drondon. Oh dear sweet Mother of Nature. She's
coming to kill me.
She took a graceful, regal step towards him and placed a kiss on his cheek.
Her lips were cold against his flesh. Drondon wondered if she actually had
blood pumping through her veins. She muttered somewhat loudly so the others
could hear,
"If you are good enough for my daughter, then you are welcome amongst this
family."
Her attention turned to Jinquil and Azaros sitting at the table. She added,
"The Lady knows, they do as they please."
Drondon looked over at Llorana, he gave a her a comforting and reassuring
smile. Saying he was sorry without speaking it to her. Standing beside
her, he made the decision that he'd endure hell for her, and endure her
mother. He couldn't have been more happy to do so.
He was the Songmaster, leader of the Kyorl, the sworn protectors of the
Royal House of the Vallens. He had seen many battles. At that moment, he
prepared himself for battle. A battle agaisnt the dragon, the dragon that
was Llorana's mother. He would slay her with kindness. A tiny grin crossed
his lips, Azaros was there. He could throw him to the wolf that was the
Dalar matriarch if needed. A low growl emitted from him stomach. He could
smell food being cooked.
[ 81] Drondon: Dinner Time
Wed Nov 3 15:39:57 2010
To: Llorana Jinquil Nianica Azaros Yaviel
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Drondon quickly blinked in shock. He witnessed the Dalar sisters' mother
give a firm and surely a rightfully so, stinging slap to his future wife's
cheek.
Holy Mother! He thought, trying to make the awe and shock disappear from
his countenance. He learned through training, and being about the Vallens
that sometimes it's best not to speak, and he definetly didn't want to face
their mother's wrath.
He winced some, seeing the rosy color coming to Llorana's cheek. He felt
bad, wanted to give her a kiss on the cheek, but now was not the time. He
heard Llorana introduce him to the slapper of Dalars. The matriarch's eyes
and his met, locked in an icy stare. The stare of a predator that doesn't
take it's focus of it's prey. He felt them searing a hole into his soul
almost. He held steady, a slight grin came over his face, but nothing
that'd be to noticeable. Silence was all that evident in the room. His
ears picked up the faint traces of the others breathing.
It seemed that time had stopped, all was still, the only thing moving was
the sisters' mother towards Drondon. Oh dear sweet Mother of Nature. She's
coming to kill me.
She took a graceful, regal step towards him and placed a kiss on his cheek.
Her lips were cold against his flesh. Drondon wondered if she actually had
blood pumping through her veins. She muttered somewhat loudly so the others
could hear,
"If you are good enough for my daughter, then you are welcome amongst this
family."
Her attention turned to Jinquil and Azaros sitting at the table. She added,
"The Lady knows, they do as they please."
Drondon looked over at Llorana, he gave a her a comforting and reassuring
smile. Saying he was sorry without speaking it to her. Standing beside
her, he made the decision that he'd endure hell for her, and endure her
mother. He couldn't have been more happy to do so.
He was the Songmaster, leader of the Kyorl, the sworn protectors of the
Royal House of the Vallens. He had seen many battles. At that moment, he
prepared himself for battle. A battle agaisnt the dragon, the dragon that
was Llorana's mother. He would slay her with kindness. A tiny grin crossed
his lips, Azaros was there. He could throw him to the wolf that was the
Dalar matriarch if needed. A low growl emitted from him stomach. He could
smell food being cooked.
Familial Obligation (Part 3 of 3)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ 84] Llorana: Familial Obligation (3/3)
Wed Nov 3 17:03:27 2010
To: Shalonesti Shalonesti_kingdom Nianica Drondon Jinquil Azaros (storynote chain)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Llorana braced herself for the sting of her mother's slap, nearly
flinching in anticipation, but was taken completely off guard when the
similarly sized elf simply wrapped her arms around her and hugged her hard.
Drondon had stepped off to the side, looking almost as surprised as Llorana
felt, but not quite.
'Mother..?' Llora ventured once the stunned silence had settled. This was
followed promptly by the sharp sound of her mother's hand meeting Llora's
cheek.
'Don't ever worry me like that again, My'iat Koehith Llorana Tahl'aera
Dalar!'
She resisted the urge to touch the stinging spot on her cheek even while she
reeled at the full use of her name (which mother had never used before) and
instead looked to the table, where Nianica was already sitting. She had a
small apologetic smile upon her face and was pointing to her own reddened
cheek. It stung, it was embarrassing, but Llora couldn't help smiling
apologetically at her mother. The hug had softened the blow considerably.
'I'm sorry mother.'
And like that, it was as if a switch had been turned on. Her mother smiled,
her gaze a little moist and turned to Drondon.
'Mother, may I introduce Drondon Statheson-Lethwin'las. Regent of the
Sha'qelas and Songmaster under Speaker Talyariel Shalonost' -hesitation
followed only a beat before she finished- 'My fiance'
She wasn't sure what she expected but all she could do was stand and watch
the odd face-off. Drondon trying to be polite and steady under her mother's
dragon gaze while the stiff countenance of the woman wasn't willing to give
an inch.
Llorana thought the silence would never end, but when it finally did it was
at their mother's behest. She moved forward, kissed Drondon's cheek and
muttered for everyone to hear, 'If you are good enough for my daughter, then
you are welcome amongst this family'
'The Lady knows' -and she turned her gaze on Jinquil and Azaros sitting at
the table- 'they always do as they please.'
It was at least one quip she knew her mother couldn't have lived without that
evening.
[ 84] Llorana: Familial Obligation (3/3)
Wed Nov 3 17:03:27 2010
To: Shalonesti Shalonesti_kingdom Nianica Drondon Jinquil Azaros (storynote chain)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Llorana braced herself for the sting of her mother's slap, nearly
flinching in anticipation, but was taken completely off guard when the
similarly sized elf simply wrapped her arms around her and hugged her hard.
Drondon had stepped off to the side, looking almost as surprised as Llorana
felt, but not quite.
'Mother..?' Llora ventured once the stunned silence had settled. This was
followed promptly by the sharp sound of her mother's hand meeting Llora's
cheek.
'Don't ever worry me like that again, My'iat Koehith Llorana Tahl'aera
Dalar!'
She resisted the urge to touch the stinging spot on her cheek even while she
reeled at the full use of her name (which mother had never used before) and
instead looked to the table, where Nianica was already sitting. She had a
small apologetic smile upon her face and was pointing to her own reddened
cheek. It stung, it was embarrassing, but Llora couldn't help smiling
apologetically at her mother. The hug had softened the blow considerably.
'I'm sorry mother.'
And like that, it was as if a switch had been turned on. Her mother smiled,
her gaze a little moist and turned to Drondon.
'Mother, may I introduce Drondon Statheson-Lethwin'las. Regent of the
Sha'qelas and Songmaster under Speaker Talyariel Shalonost' -hesitation
followed only a beat before she finished- 'My fiance'
She wasn't sure what she expected but all she could do was stand and watch
the odd face-off. Drondon trying to be polite and steady under her mother's
dragon gaze while the stiff countenance of the woman wasn't willing to give
an inch.
Llorana thought the silence would never end, but when it finally did it was
at their mother's behest. She moved forward, kissed Drondon's cheek and
muttered for everyone to hear, 'If you are good enough for my daughter, then
you are welcome amongst this family'
'The Lady knows' -and she turned her gaze on Jinquil and Azaros sitting at
the table- 'they always do as they please.'
It was at least one quip she knew her mother couldn't have lived without that
evening.
Familial Obligation (Part 2 of 3)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ 83] Llorana: Familial Obligation (2/3)
Wed Nov 3 16:19:48 2010
To: Shalonesti Shalonesti_kingdom Nianica Drondon Jinquil Azaros (storynote chain)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As night fell on the cottage, the many tasteful torches that dotted the
estate were lit, casting the whole sprawling length of it in flickering,
majestic shadow that spurred the imagination to think of a mystical evening
full of intrigue and wonder.
Llorana quietly wished they could bypass the whole uncomfortable,
disapproving part that was bound to arise but she was resigned to it at this
point. She knew her mother entirely too well to assume anything might
possibly be different.
The thought made her look down, at the elegant dress she had chosen. It had
been something her mother bought for her long ago. All slender and sleek,
accentuating her height, her shape and the emerald of her eyes. It was dark
green with emerald embroidery. It fell in a loose assortment of bunched
cloth around her chest, revealing more than she was comfortable with but
allowing the long fall of the tasteful gold necklace with its tassled
emeralds to be fully viewed. Tall slender boots to match, visible through
slits up along either leg and an emerald diadem holding the rather simple
bun hairstyle she'd settled for. It let the locks beneath the bun fall to
cover her back, which was open from shoulder to shoulder and fell down a
little too far for comfort - again.
She was the picture of elegance that her mother had always wanted and she
held to some hope that it would please her mother just a little. It was the
least she could do, considering everything she had to explain...
That made her look over at Drondon as he slipped out of his portion of her
bedroom suite. He was pulling a little uncertainly at a cuff of his suit,
looking very smart indeed, which inevitably brought an easy smile to her
lips. He stopped short though when he looked up at her and his eyes got a
little wide. She just shook her head and moved to slip her arm through the
crook of his elbow.
They didn't have far to walk, during which they shared some low spoken words
about what more he could possibly expect from her high born mother. He
struck her as remarkably calm and composed considering how nervous she felt,
but having him with her was very much like a breath of fresh air. She
couldn't imagine not having him in her life...
Feeling a greater sense of nervousness overcome her, she found herself
gazing out at the shadows though the effort of trying to see beyond the
flickering flames of the many torches was silly. Any night vision, even
infrared, was useless now. Instead, she let out a long calming breath,
squared her shoulders and managed to gather her confidence as she and
Drondon paced out onto the raised green granite patio and the heavily
adorned table, already sitting the majority of its occupants.
Her father - blessed Lady it was good to see him! - dark of hair and
complexion, was seated at the head of the table dressed in his very best.
Everything about him seemed to point to Jinquil and her darker looks, which
was brought home again as she stopped to stare at him. She was immediately
struck by his welcoming smile but his eyes told a cautionary tale as they
shifted only a fraction to indicate her mother, who was even then rising
from her chair.
She was every inch the highborn pure blooded Shalonesti elf. From the long
golden hair to the slender form garbed in soft flowing yellow and gold. Her
eyes were emerald and when they fell upon her, Llora felt her tension
skyrocket. Flinty, cold, uncompromising. The woman was angry and had been
for some time.
...and she was walking toward her!
[ 83] Llorana: Familial Obligation (2/3)
Wed Nov 3 16:19:48 2010
To: Shalonesti Shalonesti_kingdom Nianica Drondon Jinquil Azaros (storynote chain)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As night fell on the cottage, the many tasteful torches that dotted the
estate were lit, casting the whole sprawling length of it in flickering,
majestic shadow that spurred the imagination to think of a mystical evening
full of intrigue and wonder.
Llorana quietly wished they could bypass the whole uncomfortable,
disapproving part that was bound to arise but she was resigned to it at this
point. She knew her mother entirely too well to assume anything might
possibly be different.
The thought made her look down, at the elegant dress she had chosen. It had
been something her mother bought for her long ago. All slender and sleek,
accentuating her height, her shape and the emerald of her eyes. It was dark
green with emerald embroidery. It fell in a loose assortment of bunched
cloth around her chest, revealing more than she was comfortable with but
allowing the long fall of the tasteful gold necklace with its tassled
emeralds to be fully viewed. Tall slender boots to match, visible through
slits up along either leg and an emerald diadem holding the rather simple
bun hairstyle she'd settled for. It let the locks beneath the bun fall to
cover her back, which was open from shoulder to shoulder and fell down a
little too far for comfort - again.
She was the picture of elegance that her mother had always wanted and she
held to some hope that it would please her mother just a little. It was the
least she could do, considering everything she had to explain...
That made her look over at Drondon as he slipped out of his portion of her
bedroom suite. He was pulling a little uncertainly at a cuff of his suit,
looking very smart indeed, which inevitably brought an easy smile to her
lips. He stopped short though when he looked up at her and his eyes got a
little wide. She just shook her head and moved to slip her arm through the
crook of his elbow.
They didn't have far to walk, during which they shared some low spoken words
about what more he could possibly expect from her high born mother. He
struck her as remarkably calm and composed considering how nervous she felt,
but having him with her was very much like a breath of fresh air. She
couldn't imagine not having him in her life...
Feeling a greater sense of nervousness overcome her, she found herself
gazing out at the shadows though the effort of trying to see beyond the
flickering flames of the many torches was silly. Any night vision, even
infrared, was useless now. Instead, she let out a long calming breath,
squared her shoulders and managed to gather her confidence as she and
Drondon paced out onto the raised green granite patio and the heavily
adorned table, already sitting the majority of its occupants.
Her father - blessed Lady it was good to see him! - dark of hair and
complexion, was seated at the head of the table dressed in his very best.
Everything about him seemed to point to Jinquil and her darker looks, which
was brought home again as she stopped to stare at him. She was immediately
struck by his welcoming smile but his eyes told a cautionary tale as they
shifted only a fraction to indicate her mother, who was even then rising
from her chair.
She was every inch the highborn pure blooded Shalonesti elf. From the long
golden hair to the slender form garbed in soft flowing yellow and gold. Her
eyes were emerald and when they fell upon her, Llora felt her tension
skyrocket. Flinty, cold, uncompromising. The woman was angry and had been
for some time.
...and she was walking toward her!
Familial Obligation (Part 1 of 3)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ 82] Llorana: Familial Obligation (1/3)
Wed Nov 3 16:14:06 2010
To: Shalonesti Shalonesti_kingdom Nianica Drondon Jinquil Azaros (storynote chain)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The 'summer' cottage seemed more a work of elven art to Llorana's eye.
It was a sprawling manor, one floor, with multiple wings. She could see
pale lavender silk curtains wafting in the tall arched windows and beyond,
she could hear the sound of the sea against the cliff. Pale dark green
pillars bracketed the inner courtyard and between each stretched elegant
arches embroidered with gold and emerald. Within she knew that the reading
room, the dining room, the study and even the bedrooms were furnished with
high quality vallenwood, cherrywood and wicker.
Sighing quietly, Llorana glanced away from the cottage to the thick of the
Vallenwood forest beyond. The sun was going down over the sea and the
shadows were lengthening but the shading that touched the cottage was
beautiful, inspiring. It was one of the things she loved about this place
in particular, aside from the secret grove and the paths she and her sisters
had made in their forest backyard.
Lots of memories here, though it had quite often been a place of
punishment...for her anyway. That thought made her smile. There'd been
next to nothing worse for her than being made to settle down. Cities
offered her the ability to run wild. This place had made her stop and
breathe.
Caught up in all her nostalgia she about failed to notice the presence of
Drondon as he came up beside her. The touch of his hand to her back served
as gentle comfort, even though it nearly made her jump, and she turned her
head to smile crookedly at him. He matched her smile though he was gentler
about.
'So this is it?' He asked while looking out over the estate, to which she
nodded slowly. They were both nervous and there'd been no sign of anyone
else yet. She desperately didn't want her and Drondon to be the first on
scene.
'This is it' She replied very softly and then started the inevitable trek
toward the door, her attention shifting longingly to the long many-windowed
hallway that lead to the southern most wing. She'd had ways to get in and
out that alerted no one, which was what she wanted to do. She let it go
though and lead Drondon to the front door, taking a moment to look him over
before they knocked.
The trip had taken them three days by horseback and they were both dirty,
sore and tired but he was in high spirits as always. He smiled consolingly
at her and lifted his hand to knock on the tall arched door, surprising her.
It was dark green with gold and emerald embroidery, displaying a crest of
the Dalar family below a tall, elegant vallenwood tree in dark delicate
tones.
She had to bolster her resolve while they waited and by the time the door
open, she was ready, but she was met with a very different response as a
petite elf rushed out and grabbed her up in a hug, nearly squeeling!
Looking up from the familiar head of blond hair she found an equally
familiar wisened smile and her misgivings eased and she wrapped her arms
around the form squeezing her for her she was worth.
'Little Llora' Faewen, their 'nanny' spoke her name warmly. 'I couldn't
contain my daughter. Jai'ryn has missed you all dearly.'
Drondon was glancing askance at her. She tried to set him at ease with a
smile and whispered, 'I'll explain later'
'The lady and lord of the manor are resting from the long trip.' Faewen
continued as she gestured them all into the cottage and began leading the
way down the flowing corridors lined with art that could easily be
considered ancient and priceless. With much relief, she noted that the
elder elf was leading her to her own wing of the estate. 'They advised that
you take some time to refresh. Dinner is not for awhile yet and Jini has
not arrived.
[ 82] Llorana: Familial Obligation (1/3)
Wed Nov 3 16:14:06 2010
To: Shalonesti Shalonesti_kingdom Nianica Drondon Jinquil Azaros (storynote chain)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The 'summer' cottage seemed more a work of elven art to Llorana's eye.
It was a sprawling manor, one floor, with multiple wings. She could see
pale lavender silk curtains wafting in the tall arched windows and beyond,
she could hear the sound of the sea against the cliff. Pale dark green
pillars bracketed the inner courtyard and between each stretched elegant
arches embroidered with gold and emerald. Within she knew that the reading
room, the dining room, the study and even the bedrooms were furnished with
high quality vallenwood, cherrywood and wicker.
Sighing quietly, Llorana glanced away from the cottage to the thick of the
Vallenwood forest beyond. The sun was going down over the sea and the
shadows were lengthening but the shading that touched the cottage was
beautiful, inspiring. It was one of the things she loved about this place
in particular, aside from the secret grove and the paths she and her sisters
had made in their forest backyard.
Lots of memories here, though it had quite often been a place of
punishment...for her anyway. That thought made her smile. There'd been
next to nothing worse for her than being made to settle down. Cities
offered her the ability to run wild. This place had made her stop and
breathe.
Caught up in all her nostalgia she about failed to notice the presence of
Drondon as he came up beside her. The touch of his hand to her back served
as gentle comfort, even though it nearly made her jump, and she turned her
head to smile crookedly at him. He matched her smile though he was gentler
about.
'So this is it?' He asked while looking out over the estate, to which she
nodded slowly. They were both nervous and there'd been no sign of anyone
else yet. She desperately didn't want her and Drondon to be the first on
scene.
'This is it' She replied very softly and then started the inevitable trek
toward the door, her attention shifting longingly to the long many-windowed
hallway that lead to the southern most wing. She'd had ways to get in and
out that alerted no one, which was what she wanted to do. She let it go
though and lead Drondon to the front door, taking a moment to look him over
before they knocked.
The trip had taken them three days by horseback and they were both dirty,
sore and tired but he was in high spirits as always. He smiled consolingly
at her and lifted his hand to knock on the tall arched door, surprising her.
It was dark green with gold and emerald embroidery, displaying a crest of
the Dalar family below a tall, elegant vallenwood tree in dark delicate
tones.
She had to bolster her resolve while they waited and by the time the door
open, she was ready, but she was met with a very different response as a
petite elf rushed out and grabbed her up in a hug, nearly squeeling!
Looking up from the familiar head of blond hair she found an equally
familiar wisened smile and her misgivings eased and she wrapped her arms
around the form squeezing her for her she was worth.
'Little Llora' Faewen, their 'nanny' spoke her name warmly. 'I couldn't
contain my daughter. Jai'ryn has missed you all dearly.'
Drondon was glancing askance at her. She tried to set him at ease with a
smile and whispered, 'I'll explain later'
'The lady and lord of the manor are resting from the long trip.' Faewen
continued as she gestured them all into the cottage and began leading the
way down the flowing corridors lined with art that could easily be
considered ancient and priceless. With much relief, she noted that the
elder elf was leading her to her own wing of the estate. 'They advised that
you take some time to refresh. Dinner is not for awhile yet and Jini has
not arrived.
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