Smiles and Waterfalls

Elis Caliadne. 25. Lady of Limnos.

[ladycaliadne]

rowena blackwyd:

Rowena always thought that there was a darkness inside her and that her sister was the one to keep her at bay. The sisters could find balance in each other, even when both had very different personalities. Roslyn had always been the sweetest of the two. It didn’t mean that Rowena wasn’t, she could be, but it wasn’t there, on the outside or seeing at first light, unlike her sister’s.

“I’m sure she values your friendship, my lady,” the Queen said. “I must ask, have you noticed anything strange on her behaviour? I ask because…because I’m worried for her. There is something that us putting a lot of weight on her shoulders and for some reason she always dismisses me when I ask her, and I’m worried.”

Elis’ smile widened as the queen spoke.

It was nice to hear that her friend was genuinely fond of her. But, before she could truly answer, the queen’s question prompted a frown and a pout on her face. She was aware of what Rowena was implying and being guardians were one of many things they’ve discussed. The two ladies who weren’t supposed to have such a burden, had it because their sisters took unexpected paths.

It really was a conversation opener.

“You mean her role as the guardian? I know, we share the burden.” Elis admitted with a sigh, but then she shook her head. “No, I haven’t. We haven’t really spoken in a while, not with all the commotion and the Voice, but she seemed alright. I could ask her in your stead, if you’d like me to? I worry about her as well.”

[ladycaliadne]

rowena blackwyd:

“Roslyn is a light in all this darkness, truly.” Rowena said. “She’s my sister and I love her dearly.” They were so different and many back at home couldn’t agree that the sisters were very opposites, but that was exactly what made them so close.

She was very protective of Roslyn when she was a small child and many times had to confort her when somevery  cruel children did not want to play with her or pushed her away just because she was a girl. “When you say you stepped into her, you speak literally or figuratively? Th Queen asked with a giggle.

Roslyn certainly was the light.

Discussing her friend with her friend’s sister (who just so happens to be the queen) was an entertaining way to pass the night and the time before she could go back home to Limnos. “Our sisters should be happy to have siblings who love them so much.” She grinned, thinking of Moria and throwing a wayward glance in the direction where she last remembered seeing her sister.

Bless her, she was still talking to the same person in the same spot.

“I only ever speak literally and I am quite clumsy.” Elis chuckled, vividly remembering hers and lady Greyne’s first meeting. “But, your sister was the embodiment of grace and forgiveness so, naturally, we became friends on the spot.”

[ladycaliadne]

rowena blackwyd:

“Yes, I thought about that myself and I couldn’t come up with a good answer,” Rowena sighed. “Shall we lock ourselves in our homes, waiting for the darkness to pass or do we face it?” the Queen said. “I’m not used to just wait for the enemy to attack, unknow enemy still, but I rather face it head on.”

The council demanded answers and she knew her husband was providing them and their people with protection, as much as he could. She did as well, visiting the markets and the streets, listening to the men and women. They were not the kind of monarchs that shut themselves in their castles, ignoring those of low birth, they were all equals in her eyes.

“May I ask, how do you know my sister? It must be quite a story to tell, I’m sure,” Rowena smiled.

Touché.

“I’m all for being defensive, but I don’t think anyone should act out without having all the details.” Elis commented, nodding along as she spoke. The queen was right. She often thought about locking herself away, but what good would that do? Absolutely none.

So fighting it was, one way or another.

At the question, Elis found herself grinning like a fool. “Of course not! Well, I was visiting Iatris once, with queen Daphne since my sister is her lady, and I think I stepped into your sister. But, it wasn’t until she came to Eyden once, that we’ve really become friends. She is simply marvellous and I am very fond of her.”

[ladycaliadne]

rowena blackwyd:

Rowena stopped before answering that question like her brain wanted to. In her capacity as Queen, she could have gone with the diplomatic way and say that she was enjoying herself, but monarch or not, she was always honest with herself and with others. Even her dear Erik sometimes did not like the things that came out of her mouth, especially when she was angry, but she always asked him if he wanted the truth, not words formed to calm and hide what was real.

“If I’m being honest with you and with myself, my lady, I would be back in my kingdom and with my son in my arms,” Rowena said. “My version of a party is reading by candle light while there’s a raging storm outside, or in the kitchen, making cookies with my child and trying to stop him from getting into mischief,” she smiled. “That what I would be doing, instead of being here. Somehow it feels…wrong, to celebrate.”

Honest.

Maybe she could’ve been her sarcastic self after all. What did she expect from Roslyn Greyne’s sister anyway? Someone timid and stuck up? Queen or no queen, she should’ve guessed that Rowena would’ve appreciated it. Her sister always did and they couldn’t be all that different, could they?

“Oh, you remind me of my sister, Moria. She’s a complete drag sometimes, but I think in her case, that’s because she’s shy, rather than weighed down by regal duties. I’m surprised any of the monarchs are feeling up to it, except for the King of Marya. It is his birthday.” Elis found herself chatting, offering the queen a little smile before it fell and she nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, it does. But, at least we’re all trying, aren’t we? I mean, what else could’ve been done? Perpetual isolation? I doubt it’d do us any good either.”

[ladycaliadne]

rowena blackwyd:

Rowena was thinking about her son and how many times he begged them to come, but his parents were taking his safety in the right hands and left him with extra protection even with the child had no idea about it. He ws occupied playing in the forests or with his tutors, nothing more. He was so innocent ot the ways of the world and she hoped she could see him grow and form a family of his own. He looked so much like Erik, but with a touch of her, or so her dear husband used to say when the three of them walked through the streets of Iatris.

When the female voice pulled her away from ther thoughts, she was forced to give a polite smile and shake her head at the mention of her dear sister. “No, my lady. The last time I saw her she was making sure the ribbons of her dress matched her earrings or something like that. I think she’s trying to catch the eye of a lucky gentleman, even if she doesn’t want to tell me or admit it herself,” Rowena said.

Her sweet sister still had something to say to her. Rowena knew that there was strange thoughts running through her mind, but she was going to give her time before sitting with her and maybe forcer to tell her what was weighing her down. “Would you like to sit, my lady?” she asked the woman.

Chuckling at the queen’s comment, Elis nodded. “That does sound like her. Though I don’t think she dresses up to impress anyone but herself.” Knowing Roslyn Greyne well enough to know how similar they were, she didn’t doubt that for one second. Although, now that she comes to think of it, there was someone she herself would’ve liked to impress a bit more, if only she could catch a glimpse at him.

Usually, he’d find her immediately.

The queen’s offer found her with a smile and having nothing else to do at the moment, she accepted, gracefully seating herself down beside queen Blackwyd. It was impolite to just sit down with a grateful thank you, and she didn’t think that her usual sarcastic commentary would be much appreciated, so she opted to asking:

“How are you finding the party so far, your majesty? Have you seen much of Marya yet?”

[iatrisqueen-deactivated20200404]

Even if she wanted, she could not refuse a royal invitation. Rowena knew her of the many responsabilities that came with being Queen, and being polite to other monarchs was part of it, as much as she would have prefered to stay in Iatris with her son. Her sweet Taran was having strange dreams and since both shared that gift, they have been trying to discover the meaning behind them. Of course, she would make story about them as to not worry her son, but in private, she talked with her husband about it, but Erik was still worried about the defences of the Kingdom and the silly old fools of the council that tried to push him into declaring war. “To whom?” she asked him. We don’t even know who the enemy is and declaring ourselves in war would be the most stupid desition you could make, no offence, my love. You are many things but I know you’re not stupid”. She told him when he spoke of the plans they had suggested.

Rowena thought that it was not good to be celebrating parties, but it also wsn’t good to just wait for something bad to happen, so she left with her husband, leaving her son behind again and making sure he was well protected. He was the only child they had, yet. Thoughts of being a mother again ran through her mind many times before, but with the danger of another attack, it was best to think on something else. The Queen was sitting questly in a corner of the room, watching some jesters entertain the crowd. She tried to smile but it was too forced and so she gave up, looking around, trying to find some light to brigthen her day.

[ladycaliadne]

As far as parties went, this one wasn’t so bad.

Well, at least not yet. If the last two kingdoms-wide events taught her anything, it was that usually, merriment didn’t last so she’d intended to make the most of it. Unlike the first time when a Voice had appeared, during queen Daphne’s wedding, and when she’d seen more cheer in a graveyard, the merry gathering in Marya had been, well… merry.

However, casting a well rounded glance around the room, Elis had noticed that not everyone had shared in the dancing and the jester, and it made her sigh out in slight annoyance. Her sister maybe wasn’t sulking around, but she wasn’t as cheerful as she would’ve liked to see her and neither was a good other majority of people. Failing to spot her lord Victor in the crowd, Elis frowned and chose to find herself someone, anyone, to converse with.

Hey, she didn’t even have to talk to anyone, just hang out.

Spotting a seated brunette, it took Elis just one moment to recognise the figure at the queen of Iatris, and she didn’t know why it was such a grand idea to make her company, but her feet moved before her reason kicked in. Plus, she was her good friend’s sister and talking about Roslyn could be a good excuse.

“Ah, your majesty! Just the person I was looking for.” Elis approached the queen and smiled brightly. “I was looking for lady Roslyn. We’ve agreed to meet at the gathering, but I can’t seem to spot her anywhere. Have you seen her, by any chance?”

[clairvoiansmoria]

watered down || Moria & Elis

@ladycaliadne​

Very few things could make Moria as concerned as she was, from the moment the queen’s court returned to Eyden. She was out of her mind with worry for her sister, more since she could not find her after all that mindless screaming. She noticed Elis being escorted by a lord and she herself was tended to by a lord, a general of Eyden and her long time friend, Anton. By the time she had found her sister again, she was fast asleep and she did not have the heart to wake her up and the conversation was postponed for another day. Then, the lady guardian got caught up with her job as the queen’s lady with her other friends and time flew away hastily. It was not until late in the evening, that she could finally return home to her sister in Limnos, asking for a two days leave to be with her.

The ride to Limnos was short and after she took her steed to the stables, Moria set out to find her younger sister. She was at home, thankfully, and seeing Elis’ horse safely tucked in the stables reassured her that her sister might be upstairs, in her chambers, or in the family library reading. It did not take her long to track her down, passing from one room to the other, poking her head to see if she would spot the familiar speck of golden hair. After what seemed like hours to her, Moria found her younger sibling curled up in her chambers and pushing the door to Elis’ room open, the lady guardian smiled softly, letting herself in. “I hope I am not intruding.” Moria gently spoke, closing the door behind herself. “I came to check up on you. We have not had the opportunity to speak after everything. Do you have the time now?”

[ladycaliadne]

Last night was a haze.

A haze filled with images that did not seem at all like her, screaming and writhing on the floor in front of so many people and, to make the things that much worse, on a princess’ birthday. She doubted Noctifera would ever invite her to an event again after what has happened. She was not to blame much like everyone else in that room doing the same thing. The queen Morgan’s sister was screaming alongside her and she doubted Noctifera would banish her for it.

Perhaps they would.

It was not her problem and it should not have been her fight as well. It should not have been her sister’s either, but seeing Moria in the same ordeal as herself put a confused frown on her face. Was that... thing or whatever it was screaming loudly inside her head, targeting Guardians? Did that mean... did that mean she was now an official Guardian along with Moria? 

She had spent the majority of the following day reading up about it in the library, forfeiting any idea about a good night’s rest as she crawled back into her chambers in Limnos, nursing a tall glass of gin in her hand. She could not find any information about it and it made her terribly grouchy. Of course, the fact that her throat was still a little sore did not help to improve her mood. But what did improve her mood was her sister and the brunette’s soft knock and even softer voice placed a gentle smile on her face.

Elis rose from her seat and padded towards her sister, crushing her in a tight hug. They had barely spent a moment after the entire thing, with Elis being taken care of by Victor and her sister off with Anton. Today, her sister was with the queen again and the blonde Caliadne doubted she would see her for days. 

“For you, Moria? Always.” Elis said in a gentle tone and tugged her sister to follow her towards the two sofas in front of the fire. “Sit and warm up. I will pour you a drink.” She added, Moria’s glass already half full as she spoke. 

“How are you holding up?” Taking a seat close to her sister, she asked the question that has been bothering her since last night. 

[ladycaliadne]

screams | elis & victor

[ladycaliadne]

victor laurel:

As the days had waned on after Prince William’s and Queen Daphne’s wedding, Victor had closed himself off more and more. Not in the sense of gatherings or social events, but rather, mentally and emotionally. He had grown more quiet than usual after the first time the voice spoke, seeming to only be himself when he was around the Lady Caliadne, but even then, he too began to close himself off from her.

The reason for such retreat was one thing: he was scared.

He was scared that he wouldn’t be able to find a solution, or at least a decent one, and the shadows in the corner of his vision grew closer every day. The Adviser could almost feel them clawing at his back and grabbing his throat. Which is why winced, in both fear and pain, when the Voice reappeared at the Princess birthday gala.

Then came the screaming.

Confused and a little lost, Victor searched the room for where the noise had come from, but his eyes only found Elis. Panic coursed through the man’s body as he shoved his way through the crowd to reach her before she fell. He couldn’t lose her.

Victor quickly wrapped his arms around her from behind supporting her the moment she stopped screaming. Before he could ask if she was alright, Elis asked him to escort her out of the room and he immediately obliged.

“Come on. I’ve got you.” He whispered in a low tone as he helped her leave behind the room and the party. Concern had etched itself clearly into his countenance, and people stared at them as they left but he didn’t care, all his attention and worry was focused on Elis.

She did not expect the night to take such a turn and, while she was sad to leave her sister in there, she was relieved when Victor took her away at her request. The lady followed him through the door, away from prying eyes and nosy people, and away from whichever darkness threatened to nestle in her heart and mind. 

She was not used to darkness - not this sort at least.

“Thank you for your kindness.” She spoke when the door behind them were tightly shut and they were left alone in a dimly lit corridor. Normally, she did not mind dimness of a room or the passageway, but now... After those things whispered in her head then began to scream, rendering her in pain and lashing out in such a way unlike her. She cannot remember having screamed ever in her life, even in playful scare games with Moria when they were children.

“I feel I should apologise, or explain, but I do not know where to start with the latter.” Elis breathed out through a soft sigh.

[ladycaliadne]

screams | elis & victor

@lordofblackwood​

The pain was excruciating. She had never felt such intensity in her life, the searing sort of pain which brought white blindness with it. It felt like the water from the Waterfall was crushing her, stealing her breath but instead of filling her lungs with water when she had screamed, there was nothing but air in them. Air and ash and smoke which tasted of singed hair and wicked, wicked bitterness. 

Honestly, it tasted how her heart felt.

Heavy and bitter. The first scream tore through her at the same time her sister and her friend had screamed. She could hear Moria and Roslyn scream in unison with her and the few others. In the back of her mind, she drew a connection between the Guardians and the screams, but she was not a Guardian, not officially. Her sister held the title, but maybe there was something deeper to it, another explanation. The intensity arose, kicking her on her knees as the Voice spoke again and she had covered her ears.

Then, it had stopped.

It stopped, the Voice and the pain at the same moment and lady Caliadne felt a pair of arms around her. There was a moment where she thought it was Moria, but seeing her sister being helped to her feet by Anton, Elis almost wondered who was it that had helped her. Reality caught up with the haze in her brain and she remembered where she was, her eyes fixing upon Victor’s as she rose to her feet. “T- thank you. Will you escort me from here, please?” There was no irony in her voice, nor was there her usual chirp. She felt countless eyes upon her and she wanted to be away from the party and the people with their equally numerous and vexing questions. 

How can she answer something she herself does not know?

[evcdnelethe]

{ elis caliadne }

She could only return the blonde’s grin with her own. Elis was fond of Lady Lethe and out of all of Moria’s friends, she was the one with the shared level of witty snark Of course, she liked the other blonde friend Elaine, but they did not speak as often as she did with Lady Evadne. And the woman could relate to her, concerning their duties and how it sometimes made Elis feel a little trapped. She would never admit such a thing to Moria, but she could to Lady Lethe as she was fairly certain she would not report it back to her sister.

She hoped.

“Yes, I think happy smiles and open hearts will solve anything, Lady Lethe.” Lady Caliadne said with an evident dose of irony lacing her words. She sighed then, forcing some seriousness into herself as she continued; “No, no. You are right. Eyden is our priority and so is our Queen and our families. But, I think we should, maybe, give them a chance. I am not saying we should trust everything they say blindly and I do think you should read up on them, but maybe we could attempt to befriend some of them. See things their way and that sort of things.”

correct. eyes narrow & frown mars her features as she mulls over the words. correct indeed. Evadne smiles , eyes rake briefly over the lady Caliadne before they fix upon a brunette ; gaze watch the elder’s movements & she’s aware her time with lady Elis is coming to an end. “ perhaps you are right , lady Elis. but we ought to be vigilant whichever the case. “ she responds then exclaims ; “ it would appear you sister is looking for you. I enjoyed our chat , lady Elis , & I would like to continue it someday soon. “

— CLOSED —

[lordofblackwood]

By One’s Self || OPEN

[ladycaliadne]

victor laurel:

A soft smile seemed to creep to the Lord’s lips as they walked through the room. He listened to her every word, eyes trained on her face…her mouth. Victor, shaking off the trance slightly, moved his gaze hoping he hadn’t been noticed, though he did not pull his gaze away from the captivating Lady’s face. She held his attention as she spoke and for some reason, Laurel knew, even then, that if someone were to wish to speak with him and ask him to leave the Lady Caliadne’s presence he would refuse.

The feelings that spun in his mind confused him. He didn’t what to think about this sense of captivation. Never once had he felt a sudden urge to kiss someone like this before. It was strange, but not dark or evil. Rather, his feelings for Elis were innocent much like child’s intentions but a quite bit more mature. Victor, luckily enough, had mastered his emotions long ago and could easily control his reaction to them which is why he held such calm countenance in her presence.

“Then it would seem my lady that we have more a like then we first bargained for.” Victor laughed not noticing the stares that other Lords and Ladies seemed to shooting towards the couple’s direction. He was often oblivious to such trivial matters. “Tell me about your role as guardian. What is it that you do?” The question held no mocking tone just a simple curiosity.

It was good to see him finally catching on.

She was not oblivious to the gazes of those surrounding them, but people had enjoyed prying so she did not bother throw a malicious glance their way (and they were simply not worth looking at, not like her lord Laurel was). Instead, her smile widened as Victor spoke and she nodded vigorously. “I have known it the moment we have met, my lord but I am pleased to hear you have come to the same conclusion as well. I was beginning to think myself silly.” She gently teased.

Pursing her lips, she wondered if she could tell him.

Minutely, she had decided that she could, so Elis began the tale with minimum dramatics. “Honestly, I just keep an eye on an immovable peace of land. I swear it sounds more dull that it really is. I spend most of my time at the Waterfall, making sure it is untouched by anything... Misplaced.” She was not sure how to best explain her role. Truthfully, she did not really know her own role that well either. Moria and her family only told her bits of information, explaining the best they could. Sometimes she wondered if they even knew everything. 

But how do you explain to someone that the thing you are guarding something from, might not even exist?

“What of your duties, lord Laurel? Save for being the adviser to his Majesty. Do you have much work around your estate or do you simply... roam freely?”

[ladycaliadne]

victor laurel:

Victor watched her Elis’ with a look of fond amusement. Even though she joked and made fun of her sister’s seriousness he could tell that the Lady had a strong bond with her kin. A reflective thought seemed to quickly pass the man by because for a second Victor wondered what his own life would be like if it hadn’t have just been his mother, father, and himself in the Blackwood Manor. What would he have done if he had a sibling of his own? However, the thought, as quickly as it came, left the Lord as he turned his attention back to his beautiful company.

“It’s not really that fancy, just the Latin word for Night. So basically this handsome man’s name is Night.” Laurel chuckled slightly as he revealed the truth of his steed’s title. “Though truly he has been through almost everything with me. He is been my companion ever since I was a young boy. We grew up together.” If one could see the Lord now, which obviously the Lady Caliadne could, they would notice the love and affection he had for the horse that stood in front of him, and if horses could show emotion, you’d find the same in Noctis’ gentle gaze.

“But enough of this or it’ll be morning before we’re off. Shall I help you mount?” Victor questioned with a genuine tone of politeness and chivalry as he turned to Elis, the question floating through the air.

Of course she knew the name came from Latin. She was well educated, but she was not about to go around pointing it out. Her parents had said that it was bad form and Moria would probably scold her if she barged in boasting her intelligence. But, the truth was she had forgotten, in that moment, that the horse’s name meant Night, simply because she was a bit busy trying not to think in depth about the said horse’s owner. 

And since she was already losing that battle...

“As I said, it suits him very well.” Elis beamed to the steed beside her and patted her own mare down the neck. The animal in question snorted at the affection, shaking her mane in the usual mount me already manner; impatient and eager to leave the stables. “Ashvyn has been my friend in many occasions as well. This girl can read my moods better than I can and, right now, she is rather impatient.” The mare responded with a quiet neigh. 

Elis hardly needed any help with mounting her horse, having already mounted her on her own more than she cares to remember, but Elis Caliadne was a sly woman and she was not done yet with making the Lord slightly uncomfortable in her presence. So she did what any sane woman would do - she batted her lashes and asked for help. 

“Normally I do not, but my sister got me this new saddle and I am still a little unused to it. Would you mind?” 

[ladycaliadne]

rascals | elis & roslyn

[ladycaliadne]

roslyn greyne:

ROSLYN OPENLY LAUGHED AT HER friend’s witty retort. Knowing Elis, she wouldn’t wait too long before she actually pushed the poor lad in her sister’s direction. But, she could relate. If Rowena was ever that shy around Erik, she would’ve tripped her in his arms in no time. “That’s excellent. Holler if you need me to help with the plan, Elis.” She offered, grinning widely at the idea.

“But enough about our sisters and their lack of social skills; what about you? Have you found someone to brighten up your days and share in the mischievousness?” Roslyn asked, walking alongside her dearest friend. She wondered if there was a lord who caught her eye and if the poor soul was aware of what he was getting himself into. Ros loves her friend dearly, but her type of character, wit and strength could only be followed by a man of an admirable amount of patience and wit of his own.

Having a friend who was willing to scheme to such a perfection with her, was an underrated blessing. Who else aside for Lady Greyne would indulge in her little mischievous thoughts in bringing her sister (and the man her sister was pining for) closer to her happiness and her future? No one else and, honestly, that was tragic. “Sure I will, Ros.” The Lady grinned.

Ah, Victor Laurel.

It occurred to her then, that her friend might know Lord Laurel rather well, with Roslyn being the Queen’s sister and him being the Blackwyds’ adviser. She hummed in thought then reluctantly nodded. “I admit there is someone who I find rather interesting.” Elis was not sure if she had wanted to confide everything in her friend, since she herself did not really know how she felt about the whole situation, but oh well. She might as well could talk to someone about him. “I am looking forward to seeing him again. We have only had a few brief encounters in the past, but he is very interesting.”

“And what of you? Did someone catch your attention?”

[ladycaliadne]

evadne lethe:

grin stretches her lips & the blonde chuckles. a light shrug & she speaks ; “ that does sound like the worst punishment. I hope you won’t anger your sister to have her stoop on committing such a crime. “ smile turns to chuckle & she regards the other blonde with fondness. they rarely speak , the two of them , but she was always fond of the younger lady Caliadne. sharp tongue hides a quick wit & at times she relates to her ; her sense of humour as well.

eyebrow arches & head tilts. she knows lady Elis isn’t insulting her but the words bring a thought in her head ; is that how everyone perceive her? someone without an interest besides the books & the Archives? a strange thing bubbles under her skin but she shrugs it off & the topic shifts. lady Caliadne has a point & Evadne purses her lips in thought. “ perhaps you are right , but I would still like to know everything I can about them. it’s better to be safe than sorry. “ she replies , then asks ; “ what do you suggest we do then , hm? show optimism & trust? it might not prove wise & our kingdom should be our first & foremost priority. I’m not saying we should offend or distrust them fully but a dose of cautious wouldn’t harm us. “

She could only return the blonde’s grin with her own. Elis was fond of Lady Lethe and out of all of Moria’s friends, she was the one with the shared level of witty snark Of course, she liked the other blonde friend Elaine, but they did not speak as often as she did with Lady Evadne. And the woman could relate to her, concerning their duties and how it sometimes made Elis feel a little trapped. She would never admit such a thing to Moria, but she could to Lady Lethe as she was fairly certain she would not report it back to her sister.

She hoped.

“Yes, I think happy smiles and open hearts will solve anything, Lady Lethe.” Lady Caliadne said with an evident dose of irony lacing her words. She sighed then, forcing some seriousness into herself as she continued; “No, no. You are right. Eyden is our priority and so is our Queen and our families. But, I think we should, maybe, give them a chance. I am not saying we should trust everything they say blindly and I do think you should read up on them, but maybe we could attempt to befriend some of them. See things their way and that sort of things.”

[ladycaliadne]

dorian angmar:

Dorian forced a smile for the lady next to him. “I don’t know if that will be enough either, but it’s worth a try.” He reached for the pitcher, kept conveniently full throughout the night. “Please, allow me,” he said, gesturing for her glass.

“I apologize for seeming in ill humour,” he said. Who wouldn’t be after something like that? But it was no excuse for being rude or making a lady feel potentially uncomfortable. Dorian was trying his best to represent Mordu in a good light, as a kingdom not to be afraid of. But he was starting to wonder if it weren’t other kingdoms and things that should be feared before his own.

She allowed the man to refill her glass, offering him a soft nod in gratitude. It was refreshing to have someone share in her opinions (other than Lord Laurel) rather than instantly pretending everything was peachy. She might not be prone to frightful panicking, but she was not taking this lightly and, frankly, no one should be. But, she was not mortified by it, or she has gotten so damn good at controlling her own emotions that she was still unaware of the full extent of her terror.

Oh, well.

She will find out eventually and undoubtedly in her seclusion in Limnos. The man had spoken and Elis snorted lightly; “My Lord, it would be wrong if you had any better sense of humour at the situation.” She commented with a benevolent smile, before her usual snark got the better of her. “But, if nothing else at least the Voice is rather inclusive. None of our Kingdoms are exempt from the, what was it again? Harbouring secrets? How positively primitive. And here I thought no person in the Five Kingdoms ever had one.” 

[dorianangmar]

His hand released the hilt of his sword, and Dorian flexed and un-flexed his fingers. The voice still echoed in his ears, sinister laughter mocking him. Breathing deeply, Dorian tried to slow his heart rate, and reign in his magic. It sung in his veins, wanting to be free, rising to the perceived threat. 

In and out. In and out. 

Automatically, his eyes found each member of the retinue from Mordu, cataloguing where they were in the room. Just in case. No matter what happened next, they were his highest priority, and if he needed to get them to safety, he would do so quickly and efficiently, no matter how rude it seemed. 

But with the fading of the voice, there was some nervous laughter, some chatter, and the breaking out of whispers before the music started up again, louder than before. Overcompensating. 

“I need a drink,” he muttered, shaking his head. He looked around for the nearest server. 

[ladycaliadne]

Well that was dramatic.

She wasn’t the one to be easily spooked, but her eyes found her sister’s dark hair in the crowd, and she relaxed, unaware that she was tense in the first place. She wasn’t the one to be frightened by things which were neither seen nor particularly there, but things it said hit home, and it hit home hard. The music returned in full volume, and Lady Caliadne sighed, rolling her eyes with a vengeance.

Great.

Overcompensating, like usual. She was not amused by the people and the way they all attempted to ignore things, despite ignoring them herself. Well, she ignored it so that she wouldn’t sulk at a wedding feast. Elis sighed before her attention was turned towards the man sitting close to her, muttering the same thing she’s had on her mind since she’s finished her glass of red wine, downing it the moment the Voice had spoken.

“I don’t think an entire bucket of brandy would suffice to drown the bitter taste the Voice left, but perhaps wine would help? There’s more of it in the pitcher and I was just about to pour myself another glass.” She pointed at the silver pitcher in front of her.

[lordofblackwood]

By One’s Self || OPEN

[ladycaliadne]

victor laurel:

My, she was outstanding and simply breathtaking. Victor didn’t know how much longer he could hold his composure around the confident woman. The Lady Elis was testing him, quite a bit.

“If you wish to judge others than I shall join you. I guess it does not harm one if the mere things we talk about don’t bring about any true harm. I see no problem if they do not find out our wishes.” Though the Lord had never really done this before. He hadn’t found most people disagreeable and disliked making false accusations, but there was a first for everything and like he said, what the patrons didn’t know wouldn’t hurt them. “I rather think you’re the opposite my dear Lady. You’ve been quite kind to me.”

The redness of his face seemed to return at her statement. The look on her face however, showed that she truly meant what she had said. Really? Victor found that hard to believe. How could he be enough for anyone? “Then I apologize for such a meager reward for your conquest. I do not have much to offer except my hermit like tendencies and my love for the simple things in life.” The Lord cleared his throat trying to recover from the feeling in his chest that Elis had given him.

That she has been. Kind to him. She was not rude to anyone, but he did make her feel a bit differently than she did around everyone else and, honestly, she didn’t really know how to respond to it yet. Was it love? She hardly knew him long enough for it to be love, but it certainly was something transcending the ground of common acquaintance  or friendship. 

She normally didn’t have these sorts of feelings or thoughts about her friends.

Elis chuckled at his words and her grip on him tightened. “Nonsense! I find the reward to be more than great. Perhaps I ought to have give you something in return. A thought, if you would like.” The heart was out of question, but she had a worrying thought that, if he had asked for it, she would most certainly give it away easily. The thought alone nearly made her purse her lips suspiciously, but she’d refrained. 

He needn’t know of the effect he had on her.

“A hermit, truly? My, how fortunate. I am something of a hermit myself, though my sister does try to get me out of the house every now and then.” Truth be told, since Moria had left, she had barely spent a minute in the house. She took her role as a substitute Guardian seriously and so she’s spent all her free time (and she had that by the buckets) in the company of her horse and the Waterfall.