âMy Lady, is that wise?â Mythaelanâs Darnassian drawled back at her when she told the man to let Liza and her husband in, âYour life is in a delicate place right now⊠I really feel exposure beyond the social events you are expected at is far too dangerous.â But Sara was having none of it.
âMyth,â she said with a steely tone, âLiza and Grant are the two most loyal members of the House which I lead. I want you to personally show them in, and thereâll be no more argument on the matter.â
With a bow, the golden-eyed warrior turned to move to the front door.
The mage turned back to look at Relenaâs questioning visage, but she shook her head, âIf Liza has come all the way from my Estate, then something has happened, and it needs to be dealt with.â
Her former teacher nodded, though she and Laraanna shared a look of worry. The last thing anyone wanted right now was undue stress on the expectant mother.
Sara managed to push herself up from the bed, holding the footboard to steady herself on her feet. The weight of her stomach was really starting to get quite burdensome.
Several minutes later, the mage was wrapped in something more covering and perched in her armchair with tea and fresh fruit. A knock at the door echoed across the room, to which the mage nodded. Laraanna moved to open the door, bowing her head politely to those on the other side, âMiss Liza. Mister Grant. Good to see you.â
The petite graying Gilnean clasped Laraannaâs arm and smiled, âThank you, Priestess. Weâre glad to see you as well.â Grant nodded in agreement. A single gesture from Laraanna and the pair entered the room to see the Head of the House extremely pregnant. Liza rushed to Saraâs side.
âMy Lady! Oh my goodness, you look ready to pop!!!â she looked about briefly, âThat scoundrel of a warlock isnât here, is he?â
Sara chuckled, shaking her head. Had it really been so long since sheâd gone back home? âNo, Liza⊠it turned out theyâre not his.â At this, Liza relaxed, then blinked in confusion.
âUmâŠÂ âtheyââŠ?â Her hand reached for Saraâs swollen belly, pausing long enough for her expression to be a questioning one. When Sara nodded, she pressed her palm to the top of the elven womanâs tummy. A swift kick met her fingers. She looked back to Sara.
ââTheyâ. Iâm having twins.â
Grant chuckled as he joined his wife and Lady, sitting on one of the stools nearby and rubbing the top of his head lightly, âCongratulations, my Lady.â Saraâs familiar expression of disapproval softened, and she bowed her head in thanks.
Liza looked absolutely overjoyed. She glanced about, to Lara and Relena, then back to Sara again, bouncing on the balls of her feet, âHow exciting!â She hugged her Lady around the neck before clapping her hands together once and pulling them to her chest, âThe news will be absolutely wonderful to spread in the North, and very much needed.â
Sara tilted her head to look at Liza curiously, âWhy needed? Has there been trouble?â
Liza paused, her face falling a bit. She glanced to her husband, but he was no help - he merely gestured to Sara as if to say âItâs why we came here, so go on!â Liza pressed her lips together for a time, taking slow breaths, âMy Lady⊠itâs Ironwrath.â
Brow wrinkling, the mage sat her body up in her chair with some effort, though not without a punch of protest making her stomach bounce. Emerald eyes trained sharply on Liza, âHas something happened? Do the Lady and children require aid?â The last sheâd heard, the Lord had returned from the front lines and was headed home, but sheâd been confined to the house for some time. Now she felt horribly out of the loop. Liza shook her head.
âNo, my Lady⊠Lord Ironborne has been usurped by another⊠and cast out.â
At this, Sara sat back in her seat, hand rubbing her stomach in thought. She chewed her lower lip, looking displeased at this news. After several long minutes, Sara rubbed her cheek and looked to Relena, âWhen does that ship leave?â
âWe are scheduled to go at the end of the week. We would realistically be heading south to catch it by tomorrow, with your husband in tow.â Relena gave Sara a wary gaze, âI do hope youâre not planning on canceling, Sara. You need this time to destress after that attack on you.â But Sara shook her head reassuringly.
âI will not be canceling, no.â She looks to Liza and Grant seriously, and then to Laraanna, âI need to pen a missive to Lord Areius, and I want it delivered directly to his hands.â
As conversations unfolded, Sara had the caretakers of Carnston House see that a room was made available for the pair to stay in and rest. Laraanna helped them get settled while Relena stayed with Sara, making sure she drank her tea and ate. All the while, Sara sat at the desk in her room, penning a letter to the Northern Lord:
âLord Areius Ironborne,
I pray to the Titans that this finds its way to your hands and not another. I feel weâve much to discuss.
Whatever may have happened, my Lord, the North will always remember its own, and give aid where it is needed. From the news that has reached me, this is very much a necessity now.
My current whereabouts are further south, for a number of reasons, but I would like if we could meet very soon. I feel there is so much to discuss and catch up on.
The courier is my own personal beast. He is loyal and will return only to me. Send your reply through him, and let me know when and where we can set up a meeting.
Remember, Lord Ironborne, that you have allies. A great number of the, I imagine. I look forward to hearing from you.
Lady Sara Holt, formerly Starbreeze
Head of House Sterrenâ
Once sealed in blue and gold wax, bearing both the House Holt and House Sterren seals, along with her personal one, Sara gave a sharp whistle. A familiar POP echoed in the room as Spark, her arcane feline, materialized before them. She fixed the letter to his collar, petting the creature fondly.
âIt has been some time since youâve had to do this⊠but find Areius Ironborne. This goes to none but him.â When the creature meowled and nuzzled her hand, Sara nodded in satisfaction. Another POP, and the creature was gone. Emerald eyes turned to Relena, âWe should get packed for that trip.â
(( mentions / allusions: @archrelena @myth-the-warrior @mistresslaraanna @ardantahmasholt @areiusironborne @householt @thalsianiii I think thatâs everyone ))