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[120] Llorana: Awaiting the Dawn
Wed Aug 3 03:18:38 2011
To: Shalonesti Shalonesti_kingdom Thaxanos Wargar Kyri - Imm RP Zandreya ALL
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The smell of ash was like a fine dust upon a breeze that promised
something so much worse. And off in the distance, as the threads of night
settled upon the elven kingdom, an ever constant glow - as red as blood -
promising the war that had sat like an itch in the palm of every soldier who
had lifted their blades against the dwarves in the past.
There was a hush, a baited silence, upon the emerald city. From the Temple,
the sounds of faint weeping could be heard and a fearful undertone struck
with the first hints of the rightous anger that would hopefully carry the
displaced elves.
Dusk's pale glimmer would have been beautiful that evening, but for the
taint of ash and flame. Rows of guards stood before her. Men and women who had stood before the gates, had patrolled the markets and the streets, keeping the peace. It had
been years since many of these elves had seen the sort of battle that was
headed their way, but lowering her gaze from the pale sky, she looked upon
them and saw no trace of uncertainty. They were ready for what was coming.
"I am your liason. Your orders will come through me when the Senator is
otherwise absorbed by pressing matters."
She could feel the weight of command settling again, as it had before the
fifty that she had lead through the last war. She found herself missing
those elves as she gazed upon the guards before her. She wouldn't be
leading these ones into battle but keeping the city protected this time
might turn out to be a very bloody affair. They had to be prepared.
Orders were issued, questions were answered.
The dwarves were cutting a swath through the forest, their intent was
clearly the city. They would show no mercy, they would destroy and despoil
anything they came across that was elven. They -could not- get into the
city. Meanwhile, refugees were trickling in at a steady pace and they would
need places to stay, food, water, blankets and clothing.
When all was said and done, full dark had descended upon the majestic elven
city and a foreboding had taken root in her.
Elves bearing the crest of every House in Shalonesti moved with purpose.
Groups of soldiers in Sha'falas livery marched down the main thoroughfare
and lights remained lit. There was hope in what she saw, but there was also
anger. A thing that danced in the eyes of everyone she saw, that tightened
their shoulders and stiffened their backs.
She felt herself drawn into it as she moved silently, the guards dispersed.
She knew she wouldn't be able to sleep, not knowing that her parents had not
been counted amongst the influx of refugees, so she went to the stables to
make ready her steed and await the arrival of Jinquil.
Dawn couldn't come fast enough.
Showing posts with label Llorana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Llorana. Show all posts
Friday, August 5, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Llorana: Focus
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[ 11] Llorana: Focus
Fri Jan 14 23:47:38 2011
To: Shalonesti Shalonesti_kingdom ( Kwars )
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The parchment was deceptively simple in what it proclaimed but she knew
that beneath it all, it wasn't so. Not at all.
She'd been approached by a royal page, asked a question, to which she had
hesitated even though she knew the answer. It was yes. Of course it was
yes. It was the timing, perhaps, that caught her a little off guard.
Some people were made for war, some people were bred to it. For some, that
held them, was their purpose. This would be hers. It had chosen her, in
many ways. She liked to think she had not been intended for such things but
the deeper she trudged back through her life, the clearer it became. Always
striving for adventure, never satisfied until she'd met her match and
overcome it. Finding trouble or being found by it. Thinking these thoughts
no more than a few hours ago, it was as if someone had known.
Thus her fingers had hestiated with quill poised over the page, already
stamped with two official looking seals; one of Sha'falas and one of Kyorl.
She didn't understand why, even now thinking back on it. If she knew her
path with such certainty, then why?
Why hesitate?
The question ate at her until she could no longer sit still and was drawn
from her meditations to meet old Jarri with sword to hand.
The older elf, perhaps respecting the emotional boundries she had thrown up,
met her with quiet understanding and before long, the ringing sound of sword
play filled the Grove of Song.
She burned it out of her, slowly but surely. Muscles aching, lean body
coated with sweat, a dozen bruises decorating various parts of her where
Jarri hadn't spared her an inch. Her hair had come free of its braids just
enough to lend a look of greater dishevelment.
"You are young yet" Jarriantias intoned softly when they were done, when the
haunt had calmed, "As so many others are. Remember this when you are alone,
when you work alongside your fellow Kyorl and when you take to the field of
battle. Your personal feelings are not as important as the task. Remain
focused."
It was good advice. She did know better. It was hard - the hardest thing
she had ever had to do yet perhaps - but she knew it was necessary. The
question then was; How did one become that hard without sacrificing who they
were?
She knew that was what old Jarri wanted her to figure out. There were no
upfront answers. Each Kyorl made their own path or fell upon it.
A shake of her head set the difficult question to the background for the
moment and after sheathing her sword, she grabbed up a towel and headed out
of the groves, not quite able to muster her usual cheer but all the better
for the exercise.
She would be back with her elven squad in no time, but she had a distinct
feeling that the field of battle would be a great deal changed from what she
had experienced before the Mountain.
[ 11] Llorana: Focus
Fri Jan 14 23:47:38 2011
To: Shalonesti Shalonesti_kingdom ( Kwars )
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The parchment was deceptively simple in what it proclaimed but she knew
that beneath it all, it wasn't so. Not at all.
She'd been approached by a royal page, asked a question, to which she had
hesitated even though she knew the answer. It was yes. Of course it was
yes. It was the timing, perhaps, that caught her a little off guard.
Some people were made for war, some people were bred to it. For some, that
held them, was their purpose. This would be hers. It had chosen her, in
many ways. She liked to think she had not been intended for such things but
the deeper she trudged back through her life, the clearer it became. Always
striving for adventure, never satisfied until she'd met her match and
overcome it. Finding trouble or being found by it. Thinking these thoughts
no more than a few hours ago, it was as if someone had known.
Thus her fingers had hestiated with quill poised over the page, already
stamped with two official looking seals; one of Sha'falas and one of Kyorl.
She didn't understand why, even now thinking back on it. If she knew her
path with such certainty, then why?
Why hesitate?
The question ate at her until she could no longer sit still and was drawn
from her meditations to meet old Jarri with sword to hand.
The older elf, perhaps respecting the emotional boundries she had thrown up,
met her with quiet understanding and before long, the ringing sound of sword
play filled the Grove of Song.
She burned it out of her, slowly but surely. Muscles aching, lean body
coated with sweat, a dozen bruises decorating various parts of her where
Jarri hadn't spared her an inch. Her hair had come free of its braids just
enough to lend a look of greater dishevelment.
"You are young yet" Jarriantias intoned softly when they were done, when the
haunt had calmed, "As so many others are. Remember this when you are alone,
when you work alongside your fellow Kyorl and when you take to the field of
battle. Your personal feelings are not as important as the task. Remain
focused."
It was good advice. She did know better. It was hard - the hardest thing
she had ever had to do yet perhaps - but she knew it was necessary. The
question then was; How did one become that hard without sacrificing who they
were?
She knew that was what old Jarri wanted her to figure out. There were no
upfront answers. Each Kyorl made their own path or fell upon it.
A shake of her head set the difficult question to the background for the
moment and after sheathing her sword, she grabbed up a towel and headed out
of the groves, not quite able to muster her usual cheer but all the better
for the exercise.
She would be back with her elven squad in no time, but she had a distinct
feeling that the field of battle would be a great deal changed from what she
had experienced before the Mountain.
Llorana: Familial Obligations: Endurance
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[ 10] Llorana: Familial Obligations: Endurance
Thu Jan 13 03:23:26 2011
To: Shalonesti Shalonesti_kingdom ( Nianica Jinquil Azaros Aelthran )
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The soft, not ungentle, laughter of her mother followed and lightly did
she place her hand upon Llorana's head. Striving, perhaps, to comfort her
daughter who had never sought it before.
"No, dear child. " Came the response eventually and Llorana found that she
was watching the slant of the sunlight. "If you three have taught me
anything, it would be that no matter what prediction or demand I've set upon
any of you, you're bound and determined to go your own road - above and
beyond. You three have proven that I am wrong. "
Silence then, inundated with the gentle salt-scented brush of the breeze
upon the edge of dusk's fading light.
"I say a lot of things, Llorana. " The quiet tone of her mother had
changed. So much had changed in so little time it seemed. "But all three
of you have challenged me in your own ways. What I've said to you in the
past has been said to your siblings in different ways."
"You've all disappointed me and... " -when her mother trailed off, Llorana
took the moment to lift her head, to look at her mother through similar
green eyes- "made me more proud than any mother has ever been for her
children."
It was then that her mother, quick as ever, looked down to note the absense
of a ring upon Llorana's finger and a sort of pain passed through the older
elf's eyes. Llorana was unprepared for the touch of her mother's hand upon
her cheek - the same cheek she had slapped perhaps months earlier.
"I raised strong daughters. " She murmured. "But nothing prepares you for
this path but setting foot upon it." -she used her other hand to pat the
stone bench beside her- "Sit with me then and we'll see if I still have a
mothers touch."
* * * *
Much later, Llorana sat alone in the star-lit night, gazing up at a sky that
seemed too full of stars and entirely too far away. She hadn't been
prepared for gentleness, for understanding or comfort, but no tears kissed
her cheeks. She had seen and done too many difficult things to shed tears
for herself. She didn't deserve such a thing yet.
Instead, she drew a sword from its sheath with a sound as of a single harp's
string plucked, and set its tip to the soft ground. The haunt that came
forth, as her fingers slowly wrapped around the hilt, was changed. It held
sorrow and joy in equal measures at first, and when it finally swept her
away, it contained only the enduring strength she had assured herself she
had.
[ 10] Llorana: Familial Obligations: Endurance
Thu Jan 13 03:23:26 2011
To: Shalonesti Shalonesti_kingdom ( Nianica Jinquil Azaros Aelthran )
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The soft, not ungentle, laughter of her mother followed and lightly did
she place her hand upon Llorana's head. Striving, perhaps, to comfort her
daughter who had never sought it before.
"No, dear child. " Came the response eventually and Llorana found that she
was watching the slant of the sunlight. "If you three have taught me
anything, it would be that no matter what prediction or demand I've set upon
any of you, you're bound and determined to go your own road - above and
beyond. You three have proven that I am wrong. "
Silence then, inundated with the gentle salt-scented brush of the breeze
upon the edge of dusk's fading light.
"I say a lot of things, Llorana. " The quiet tone of her mother had
changed. So much had changed in so little time it seemed. "But all three
of you have challenged me in your own ways. What I've said to you in the
past has been said to your siblings in different ways."
"You've all disappointed me and... " -when her mother trailed off, Llorana
took the moment to lift her head, to look at her mother through similar
green eyes- "made me more proud than any mother has ever been for her
children."
It was then that her mother, quick as ever, looked down to note the absense
of a ring upon Llorana's finger and a sort of pain passed through the older
elf's eyes. Llorana was unprepared for the touch of her mother's hand upon
her cheek - the same cheek she had slapped perhaps months earlier.
"I raised strong daughters. " She murmured. "But nothing prepares you for
this path but setting foot upon it." -she used her other hand to pat the
stone bench beside her- "Sit with me then and we'll see if I still have a
mothers touch."
* * * *
Much later, Llorana sat alone in the star-lit night, gazing up at a sky that
seemed too full of stars and entirely too far away. She hadn't been
prepared for gentleness, for understanding or comfort, but no tears kissed
her cheeks. She had seen and done too many difficult things to shed tears
for herself. She didn't deserve such a thing yet.
Instead, she drew a sword from its sheath with a sound as of a single harp's
string plucked, and set its tip to the soft ground. The haunt that came
forth, as her fingers slowly wrapped around the hilt, was changed. It held
sorrow and joy in equal measures at first, and when it finally swept her
away, it contained only the enduring strength she had assured herself she
had.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
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.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
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
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.
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.
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