Honour made me do it

Lady Katharina Eilnoran

[oldenblood]

( Anna Chancellor, cis-female, she/her ) i’d be careful, that’s [ KATHARINA EILNORAN ], they’re a [ CREATION ] mage. at [ FIVE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY ] years old, they specialize in [ METAL MANIPULATION]. but i also hear they have the ability of [ FERROKINETIC CONSTRUCTS ], rather remarkable for a [ ELF ]. as a/an [ WAR MASTER AND LADY OF HOUSE EILNORAN ], they’re known for being [ PROTECTIVE ], if not a little [ INTIMIDATING ]. it might just be me, but they remind me of [ ECHOES OF THE LAST DARKLING INVASION, TWITCHING FINGERTIPS WRAPPING ABOUT THE HILT OF A MYRIAD OF WEAPONS, A SECRET WARMTH ONLY A FEW ARE PRIVY TO ]. i wonder what side they’ll choose in the upcoming conflict.

TW: death, war, meantions of infidelity.

STATS

Name: Katharina Eilnoran (Kat for family and friends)

Title: Lady of House Eilnoran

Age: Five hundred and seventy (570)

Species: Elf

Height: 6′5 | 195 cm

Hair colour and texture: Dark brown, curly

Eye colour: Blue

Sexual orientation: Lesbian

Region, kingdom: Enemel, Aerithel

Occupation: Warden of Enemel, War Master

BIO

Katharina was born 570 years ago as the eldest child to the Eilnoran family. A period in between darkling invasions, a time in which she heard stories of the first invasion growing up. Little did she know she’d live through the second one and survive it (more on some bullet points below.)

Belonging to the Enemel region, known as the military area of the kingdom, from a young age she was raised to be both a lady and a warrior; she was the eldest child of the family, and she had to set the example for all her siblings. You could say she’s as comfortable in silks and gowns, as she is in light armour or chainmail. Her preferred weapons are battle or throwable axes (her favourites), bow and arrow, and swords; still, she’d fight with anything that’s available, or what she can create from her own imagination with her magic.

Firm believer of the knight code her region is known for, and honour is one of the most important things in life to her. In fact she’s known for making choices or taking actions in its name.

This also means that besides learning how to use readily available weapons, Katharina had to learn to harness her own magic. She can create anything she sets her mind to, although she usually limits herself to either weapons or armour as those are the most useful. For a full list go here.

There are limits to her power, however. Her creations are made of steel and no other metal. The more time she spends creating objects, the more her energy is drained - and the moment she’s completely spent, she’ll pass out due to the exhaustion and the toll it takes on her. This happens if Katharina spends several hours creating weapons without taking a break.

A few years before the second invasion, she was betrothed to a noble man from one of the minor houses in the region. At first Katharina was less than thrilled she was forced to marry a man she didn’t even know. But over time, she had grown to love him... Or so she thought. By the time the invasion came, her betrothed had shown his true colours (constant infidelities, rumours of a child or two he had fathered, cruelty and thievery to name a few) and she couldn’t wait to be rid off him as she wouldn’t bring dishonour into her house by taking him as her husband. Hence the darklings becoming a twisted answer to her prayers: he was injured on the battlefield, and Katharina watched him bleed out; she didn’t lift a finger as she saw life slipping away from him. 

That experience, paired with the invasion itself, hardened her beyond what she had expected. After all, you don’t fight a war and come back unscathed. As a result, she earned some scars on her body but also her mind, and even her personality shifted.

For years she became an ice queen, completely impossible to emotionally access even if she did try to change again. It took several decades for her to defrost and regain a semblance of her old self. Or rather, a new sense of self in which the innocent, kinder young woman and the hardened adult had manged to fuse into the woman she’s nowadays. She’s kinder, with a sense of humour although her real warmth and love is reserved for her family and close friends.

Since she took that ice queen front - and even after she evolved from the worst of it - front people seem to be intimidated by her. Is it her towering height? The fact she can create a weapon out of thin air? Her usual calm or collected behaviour? Being a survivor of the last invasion/war and still keeping her mind intact? All of the above or something else? The world may never know.

Speaking of love, it was quite the quest for Katharina to find it. After her betrothed’s death - of which no one but her wife knows the truth about -, she set up some standards for herself. Sometimes she dared suitors to a duel: if they won, then she’d marry them. If she won, they’d never try to earn her hand in marriage ever again. And none of them was victorious over her, either she bested them or they never showed up. She found herself with both male and female suitors, and over time realised she much preferred the attention and affection of the female ones.

Eventually, Katharina met the woman who would become her wife. The only person in which she confides everything, and trusts completely. She truly considers her wife the love of her life, and she’d do anything to protect her (even if her wife could protect herself) and keep her happy. The woman had become her rock in life, their marriage a solid foundation in her life, and if she were to lose her... Well, no one knows what would become of Katharina.

To be honest, she could let the world burn if it meant keeping her wife and their children safe; though she hopes she never has to put that theory to the test.

Speaking of her children. She absolutely loves them and won’t tolerate any slander about them not being her ‘real’ children because they’re all adopted. She’ll fight you, literally.

From a historical pointof view, she’s old enough not only to remember the last invasion and the devastation the darklings brought with them, but also what the human king of the time did during the war. It’s because of this that she has a natural distrust towards humans - it’s never personal, they just happen to be human. She thinks the current human king trying to turn over a new leaf is suspicious and she’s rather cautious about the true intentions behind this.

She took over as warden of Enemel, and lady of the house, after her father’s passing. Even though she had been assisting him in those duties for a few decades, which served as preparation.

How did she become the war master for the king? Well, you simply don’t refuse him when he offers you a seat within his council.

Her hands are always busy with something - a scrap of metal of her own creation, a quill, letters/reports to go over, or even a drink of some sort (alcoholic or not.) This is a habit she picked up after the war, this desperate need to keep her hands busy even if it’s doing something as idle as turning a scrap of metal between her fingers.

Nowdays, she splits her time between the kingdom’s capital fulfilling her duties as war master and back home in E'vanoris with her beloved wife and their children - as well as acting as warden of Enemel, although in her absence she trusts her wife, and her judgement, to resolve any disputes in their region.

[oldenblood]

bloodsshed​:

“   that’s   a   good   rule   to   follow,   ”   calla   says,   extendering   her   arms   out   in   front   of   her   as   she   wiggles   her   fingers   slowly.   her   eyes   narrow   ever   so   slightly   as   she   watches   them   move,   though   she   can’t   quite   tell   if   her   fingertips   were   ever   prone   to   tingling   -   she   supposes   her   headaches   will   have   to   do.

“   that   is   …   ”   calla   turns   her   attention   to   katharina,   taking   in   her   features   slowly.   it   is   a   tragedy,   but   she   doesn’t   say   that   -   because   she’s   certain   that   the   both   of   them   know   this.   war   is   a   tragedy,   no   matter   how   skilled   you   are   in   the   art   of   it,   it   will   bleed   you   dry   regardless   of   the   side   you   are   on.   she   turns   away   then,   eyes   moving   to   the   group   of   people   that   are   dancing   merrily   by   the   fire,   so   many   of   them   humans,   so   many   of   them   elves.   peace,   in   moments   like   these,   seemed   so   easy   to   achieve.

“   we   can’t   always   blame   them,   ”   she   shakes   her   head,   offering   katharina   a   small   smile.   she   thinks   of   her   father,   who   is   more   stubborn   than   any   man   she’s   ever   known.   “   there   are   things   we   could   all   do   differently,   surely.   it’s   just   a   shame   that   we   don’t   see   how   similiar   we   truly   are.   perhaps   when   caius   is   king   …   ”   she   lets   her   voice   trail   off,   holding   on   to   hope.

Katharina watched her in silence as the princess tested out her theory, surprised by the fact her advice was being followed. She had learned through years of practice, and grief having driven her too deep into a cup for a comfort that was never at the bottom. Thankfully, she had outgrown that awful phase in her life though nowadays she only drank socially and rarely at that.

The war was never a topic she enjoyed discussing, for it brought up bitter memories she’d rather remained locked away. However, if it was a subject Calla wished to discuss she’d indulge her curiosity to the best of her ability. “ War takes and takes. It never cares for sides, for the innocent or the guilty, the warrior or the peasant. It ravages everything, spits you out and doesn’t bother wishing you luck in the aftermath. ” Even through the bitterness of her words, there was a touch of amusement to her tone. The centuries that passed had given her some perspective and the ability to find some humour even in the darkest of times.

She reached over to give Calla’s shoulder a gentle squeeze, trying to comfort her. “ Perhaps we can’t blame them for the sins of their forefathers, but trust must be earned, not given blindly. “ She offered as piece of advice. “ Your brother is young still, though we may benefit from a fresher look upon the world once he reigns. Your father remains King, and until then we must advise him as best we can. “

[oldenblood]

cfwarricrs​:

          It was a very rare thing, but for once his smile was from ear to ear. Elias couldn’t remember the last time he felt this free, relaxed and just happy to be alive and be in this moment. He was so mesmerized he almost didn’t recognize the warden lady of his home. “Oh, no, nothing too much, my lady,” he waved her off with the same joyful smile and took a sip from his drink. “He told us how his great grandparents or, umm, maybe even great great grandparents… I don’t quite remember… But he told how they participated in the first celebrations of this festival and how it was different from what it is now.” An even more rare thing - there was something that resembled a spark in his eyes as he filled her in on what she had missed. “Can’t say it has changed much, but some things were different. He was about to tell us how they used to focus more on protecting themselves from evil witches during the celebrations. Of course we know evil witches are just folk tales, but they believed in them back then.” He was about to say more, but realized he hadn’t shut up since the lady sat down next to him. Cheeks slightly flushed, he looked down at his hands with a bit shy smile. “I’m sorry. I don’t usually talk this much. Must be the mead,” a soft laugh rolled over his lips. “How are you liking the festival so far, my lady?”

It was good to see one of her own people enjoying the evening as much as he seemed to be, full grins included. Perhaps she was being overtly cautious which limited her own enjoyment of the day but as humans had the habit of saying, the night was young. As she listened to his tale on what the old man had shared with the group, her eyebrows kept shoting up until they couldn’t move any further. “ Evil witches? ” She asked in disbelief, laughing right after at such a claim. She had heard it all now. “ Not even I heard of them as cautionary tales as a child, “ she added, being one of the eldest elves alive in their time. She waved her hand as if to dismiss the apology altogther, as he had done no wrong in her eyes. “ Nonsense, you’re enjoying yourself. Don’t you dare apologise to anyone for that. “ And she wasn’t going to be the one to put an end to it. 

Ah, there it was, the dreaded question. Katharina knew it was merely a polite moment but she couldn’t help it sighing. It had been so long since she had last enjoyed anything that included humans partaking in the celebration, and even then it had been short lived. “ My old age makes me cautious. However, everything seems to be going... Extremely well. “ She had answered with more honesty than she had expected. “ I’m enjoying myself more than I originally planned. Who knows, we may all agree to celebrate next year once more. “ 

[oldenblood]

bloodsshed​:

calla,   hearing   katharina’s   voice,   eases   up   naturally.   having   familiar   company   is   something   she   welcomes   with   open   arms,   although   talking   to   strangers   is   no   difficulty   for   her,   calla   prefers   the   faces   and   voices   of   those   she   sees   often.   perhaps   it   is   a   feat   of   her   guarded   nature.

she   smiles   at   the   offering   of   metal   and   takes   it   𝚐𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕𝚢,   pressing   the   cool   of   it   against   her   forehead   as   she   gives   a   sigh.   “   thank   you,   ”   she   murmurs,   enjoying   the   reprieve   from   the   dull   ache.   “   i   suppose   i’m   no   good   with   holding   my   liquor,   ”   she   jokes,   shooting   katharina   a   sheepish   grin.   it’s   no   wonder,   her   parents   aren’t   particularly   fond   of   allowing   their   children   to   have   any   fun   in   this   lifetime,   so   she   isn’t   surprised   at   her   inability   to   drink.   

“   do   you   think   it   will   last   ?   ”   calla   asks,   turning   to   the   crowd   of   people   with   a   sad   look   in   her   eyes.   “   this   peace   ?   i   have   a   terrible   feeling   it   will   only   last   for   this   one   night   …   ”

Katharina gave her a small smile, glad the piece of steel helped ease the princess’ headache. “ You’re welcome. “ She murmured, as if not wanting anyone else to hear the conversation. Her fingers, itching to take something into them once more, found the expanse, white fabric of her own gown which allowed her to gently pull at it without causing any harm to it. 

Calla’s words distracted her from her own thoughts, making her chuckle. “ We’ve all been there, don’t let anyone’s appearances fool you. “ She winked at her. “ Personally, the moment I sense a slight tingle on my figertips I stop drinking. Come to think of it, it’s been decades since I drank that much. “ In truth, the last time she had around the same time she and her wife adopted their first child.

Her humourous tone came to an end the moment the conversation took a somber tone, which she couldn’t blame the young princess for. It was a worry of her own, too. “ I fear I cannot say if the peace will last. “ She confessed. “ I lived, fought and survived the last war. Human greed hasn’t changed in all these years. I have yet to see one of them doing anything out of the goodness of their hearts without expecting to earn something in return. “

[oldenblood]

cfwarricrs​:

𝔖𝔱𝔞𝔱𝔲𝔰 — open ; 𝔓𝔩𝔞𝔠𝔢 — at the tp of the hill ; 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢 — during the Festival of Light and Harvest .

          Elias felt a little out of place, he wasn’t keep on participating in big celebrations, especially ones that required a special dress code. White was not his color, but there was nothing much he could do. And he also had to leave his word at home, which he wasn’t happy about. He felt naked without it. At least he had a dagger strapped above his ankle just in case something happened. His movements were a little stiff and he didn’t know where to put his hands for the most part, but having some mead made him relax and loosen up a little. 

          A mug of mead in his hand, sleeves rolled up and shirt slightly open showing off a bit of his chest Elias sat by the bonfire, one leg pulled to his chest, the other underneath him, he was listening to a grey haired elf telling a tale about this festival, how it all started and how his great grandparents participated in the very first festival and how different, yet still exciting it was back then. Elias found himself in almost like a trance, mesmerized by the man’s tale, and he almost didn’t notice someone approaching him. “Oh, I’m sorry!” he pulled his leg from underneath himself and sat properly, therefore taking up less space. “You were looking for a place to sit? Here, come sit beside me,” looked up with a sheepish, yet excited smile.

The more people seemed to be lost in their cups, the more Katharina was disliking the entire celebration but there was nothing she could do about it. She might as well enjoy any possible amusement brought by drunken foolishness in others, and quietly watch from afar. She’d only step in if someone were in trouble, and she knew her mere presence due to her towering height should be enough to put an end to it (or so she hoped.) 

And yet she found herself walking towards the area in which most of her people seemed to gravitate towards to, taking a mug of ale for herself - whether she’d drink it remained to be seen - and looked for a seat to take while an elven man, seemingly even older than her, told a story about the origin of the event they were celebrating. A part of her doubted the claims, but she wasn’t going to ruin the mood by being too serious or sour. Chance would have it, she ran into one of the elves from her own region and she’d be a terrible warden if she didn’t recognise those that had started to make a name for themselves. “ Thank you, my dear. “ She said kindly, smiling down at him as she walked around to take her seat. “ Have I missed any interesting stories, or is this one the first? “ 

[oldenblood]

vitaetmcrs​:

location: celebration site | | status: open to anyone

The blonde’s soft, golden locks were pulled back from her porcelain face and plaited with yellow and white wildflowers gathered from her garden; she wore a simple, pure white dress with a high neck and voluminous sleeves fitted at the wrist with a cream-colored apron wrapped around her waist. It had been ages since Panacea felt that little spark of joy— dare I say excitement in her chest. While it was more like anxiety, it was a welcome change from the heavy grief she had been carrying since her mother passed merely a month ago. The standard side of loneliness was also lessened thanks in part of the crowd of happy and joyful people celebrating the festival of light and harvest. It seemed to be contagious.

Pan was busy sorting out small stacks of wild flowers traditionally used to decorate one’s hair or lapel in recognition of the fertile season of early Summer when she noticed someone approach her table out of the corner of her eye. “Merry meet,” Pan said warmly as she raised her head to gaze at the person who came to a stop. “It’s such a lovely and festive evening, isn’t it?”

Katharina was in attendance for one reason only: if the royal family was to partake in the celebration then so would house Eilnoran. While she wasn’t a mistrusful woman by nature, she couldn’t find it in her to find good intentions coming from humans to be genuine; perhaps it was unfair of her to judge them all by what their old king had done in the past, but his crime wasn’t one easily to forget nor forgive. Even so, she wouldn’t unleash her wrath on the innocent for that would go against her code of her people.

This was why she was dressed impeccably with a flowing white gown, trailing slightly behind her - its hem, no doubt, covered in dirt and moss; her short, curly hair adorned with a delicate flower crown with colours that would make her blue eyes pop. And flowers were what caught her attention as she walked, a table with a beautiful display of them. “ Ah, hello, “ she said politely as she stopped by the table. “ Indeed, everyone seems to be lost in their own merriment. The question is, how many will come to regret it in the morning. “

[oldenblood]

bloodsshed​:

𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 !

calla’s  head  throbs  as  she  presses  a  hand  to  her  forehead.  there  is  often  a  fine  line  between  the  pain  of  her  visions  and  the  pain  of  a  𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙠,  but  it’s  been  so  long  since  she’s  last  celebrated  that  it’s  hard  to  discerne  the  difference  in  the  moment.  only  there  are  no  images  that  flicker  through  her  mind  as  she  closes  her  eyes.  she  knows  she  must  have  overdone  the  celebrating  -  it  isn’t  often  that  she  gets  to  let  loose  so  freely  and  openly.

she’s  settled  herself  in  a  quieter  corner  of  the  hill  top,  away  from  most  of  the  busy  crowd  and  the  loud  laughter,  but  still  a  figure  appears  before  her.  instinctively  she  shuffles  in  her  seat  to  make  room  for  her  new  company,  and  with  a  quick  gesture  to  the  empty  seat  next  to  her  she  offers  what  she  can  of  a  smile.

“  don’t  mind  me,  ”  she  says.  “  please,  have  a  seat.  are  you  enjoying  yourself  tonight  ?  ”

Katharina had caught sight of the elven princess by chance, a familiar figure she had seen one too many a time at the royal palace anytime she visited to fulfill her duties as war master. Her brow furrowed as she watched her for a moment longer, the way she seemed to be struggling with her head. Before she could truly think twice she began to walk after her, a small piece of metal flickering between her fingers moving from one to the next; tossed it up in the air slightly, caught it and started again. It helped her to ease her mind.

Her steps came to a halt once she was close enough, and thankfully it didn’t take long for Calla to address her. “ It’s hard not to be concerned, my dear. “ She said gently with a smile before taking the offered seat beside her. “ I suppose that I am. It’s been too long since human and elven kind celebrated together. “ As she spoke, she worked on the scrap of metal she had been toying with to turn it into a flat surface long enough to cover the princess’ forehead. “ It’s cool to the touch, it should help with your head. “ She held it out of her.

[oldenblood]

divinitis​:

where — celebration site  open to — everyone

she watches it all , eyes hooded and darkened , unimpressed . she does not swoon for flowers though they are braided into silver hair , it trails down her spine , a ladder to her skull . the princess is avoiding them ; all of them . her family , her husband to be , the wary future crawling towards her on all fours .  mina’s eyes land upon the young women running through the night , men with arms outstretched and desperate to own them . a scoff leaves her lips before she can help herself and a passerby just about avoids her gaze . 

“ what ? ” she frowns at those nearby her , head tilting as petals fall from their intricate weavings , a weeping willow made of ice , of hatred . “ it is a ridiculous concept . what woman would put herself through such a thing ? ”

Ah to be young and innocent anew, as those young women running about with wild flowers entwined in their hair to look like flower crowns - Katharina had always preferred a delicate ones, already formed to simply place upon her head, lest it all tangle with her curls and become a painful process to extract each of them. 

As she walked, she heard someone scoffing and couldn’t help it taking a look. Her right brow raised as she instantly recognise the face from which the noise came. One of the human princesses, the human arrogance reeking off their pores. “ If I may, your highness, “ she began as her dislike for humankind didn’t stop her from being polite, “ they’re innocent, too young to know the true tribulation and hardships of life. Or they’re simply drunk. “