#eyden

[luubyart]

that one scene from Atlantis was very fitting for them

[f-ngrl]

ALL FRIENDS (feat. Fuji Taito, Kaneee, eyden & DADA)【Official Video】/ DJ CHARI & DJ TATSUKI

[eydenwyndham]

Safe and Sound

Chapter Four 

“I am Lady Eyden Loxton, The Countess of Thornbrook, sir. I have come to seek the protection of the Wyndhams, as my parents are now dead, slaughtered by the Horde.” Eyden tried her best to sound like an adult, even though her little heart hammered within her chest. be brave...be brave!  She told herself as she sat taller in her saddle.

The gentleman reached out pushing Eydens hood from her head, ignoring the dogs deep growl. He nodded. “I knew your mother Katherine well, and you favor her,” he said.

“And who sir, are you?” Eyden demanded in a slightly imperious tone that caused the gentleman to smile, obviously amused by her bravery.

I am your uncle Richard Donahue, Earl of Friarsgate, my lady, Countess of Thornbrook,” the gentleman said. “I think it is most fortunate I have come upon you instead of someone else. Is your servant without speech, Eyden Loxton?”

“Nay, I think you have frighten her, my lord. She has been very brave these past weeks, and I owe her my life. Eyden answered him truthfully. “Her name is Claire, but I call her Nanna, and my hound is Baron.”

“Richard nodded, turning to this woman. “You need not fear me, Mistress Claire. I am the childs  uncle and I shall take you to a place of safety. You can not reach Menethil today. I will send you with two of my own men to guide and protect you.”

“ Thank you, my lord. “ Claire managed to find her voice again. “The child looks ill,” The Earl said to Claire.

“I fear the conditions in which we have been forced to travel have caused it, my lord,” Claire said wearily. “We have had little to eat, and have sheltered mostly outdoors. It has not been easy for my little mistress. Only the dogs warmth kept her from worse harm.”

“No, it would not have been easy,” He agreed. Then, reaching out from his saddle, he lifted the startled child from hers, setting her before him. “You will ride with me, Eyden Loxton,” he said, and drew his fur-lined cloak around her little body. Then he looked at the great dog, who was now baring his teeth. “Come Baron!” he commanded the animal, and, recognizing the voice of authority, Baron obeyed. Eyden instinctively snuggled against the dukes chest. Her eyes grew heavy as they moved off, the even gate of the horse rocking her into slumber as they rode.

Richard looked down on the child for a long moment. He thought fondly of his sister, she had been a great beauty, although she was genuinely unconscious of it. Her blonde hair, violet eyes, and serene face had attracted her husband as far as he could recall, he was only a boy when she had left home. Now Richard was looking down at his niece, and she was the miniature of her mother, all but her ebony locks and cinnamon eyes. Those features she must have been gifted from her father. He was now interested in Eydens story. Why and how had her father and stepmother met their untimely end at the hand of the Horde.

They reached Theramore in two hours time, it was just dusk and they would make preparations for the night. “Mistress Claire, take Eyden to the inn, tell them I will be along briefly. Have the maid draw Eyden a bath and I shall have food sent to the both of you.” Claire gave a nod taking their things from the packs. Richard then made his way to the docs to make arrangements for the voyage to Menethil the following morning. After sufficient arrangements were made he returned to the inn where her had ordered food to be sent to his niece and servant.

Sitting down at the high board he would have his own meal before returning to their quarters. The servers brought out plates bore, duck, and beef. They had fresh bread still warm from the bakery, then they were offered several cheesed, and finally apples baked with cinnamon and honey. When the meal had concluded, the Earl arose, thanked the innkeeper, and departed for their room. There he found Clair and Eyden all settled in for the evening.

“Have you eaten?” he asked her. “Was there enough?”

“Yes, my lord. They brought us good hot stew, bread and cheese, and wine,” she answered him. “I never tasted anything so good.”

“You probably have.” The Earl chuckled. “But after several weeks on the road I know that hot food does taste especially good. I have been on campaigns enough to understand that.” Looking toward Eyden he smiled. “And you my poppet, has your hunger been assuaged now?” Eyden simply gave a nod looking at him curiously. She wondered if he could tell her stories of the mother she never knew. Richard picked Eyden up, sitting in a single chair while Claire went about the business of tidying up, he cradled the child in his lap. “Are you warm enough, Eyden?” he asked her.

“Aye, my lord,” she whispered. She felt so safe, and she had not felt safe since the night her father and mother had pushed her into the escape tunnel at Thornbrook Hall.” Aye, Uncle Richard,” He corrected her gently. “All my nieces call me Uncle Richard, now tell me what happened at Thornbrook that you were forced to flee.”

“The Horde came,” Eyden began. “In the morning just before sunrise they came, and they burned the village. Then they burned the fields and barns. They drove off or slaughtered the livestock. Many of our folk were killed, others fled. My da and mama put me in the tunnel with Claire and Baron, they told us we had to leave. They told me to remember that I am Loxton, and should be proud.” The Earl nodded, then turned to Claire. “You are certain both the earl and his wife are deceased?”

“Aye, my lord,” Claire replied. “I went up to the hall myself the day after, before we departed for Theramore. I saw both the bodies laying slaughtered in the courtyard of the hall. I had to leave them there, and it has troubled my conscience ever since, my lord. But I had no means of burying them, and no one to aid me in such an endeavor. The earl had ordered me to get my little lady to safety, and that was my first obligation.” Claire wiped the tears that had begun to flow from her eyes.

“You did your duty well,” the Earl praised her. “I shall take my men north and bury the dead, put your mind at ease, you have naught regret, mistress. Why though, I wonder was Thornbrook attacked?”

Claire shook her head. “Light only knows, but the Horde does whatever it pleases, they care not for what they destroy.” Richard nodded and then, looking down at Eyden, smiling softly. The child had fallen asleep in his lap. “Poor little mite,” he said stroking her dark hair. Then looked at Claire. “I know the Wyndhams of Aitherton Isles, the Lady is kind, but the Lord is harsh and not to be trusted. He is cold and venal and will do anything to preserve his wealth and station. He will use Eyden to further his standings among other nobility. The staff fear him, for he is cruel and unforgiving. Stay with the Lady Wyndham, and keep Eyden clear from him as much as possible. Did your master give you any coin for the child?”

Claire nodded. “I wear a pouch beneath my skirts, my lord,” she told him. “And there are gold coins sewn into the hem of one of my lady's gowns.”

“Keep a few for your mistress, but tomorrow you will give me the bulk of your funds. I will place them with the bank in Stormwind.” The Earl said. “Stormwind is a city of great mercantile importance, and the bankers there are most prominent in all of Azeroth. The banker is our families most trusted adviser, his name is Avery Mountbatten. I will put Eydens little fortune to him, and the receipt will be with my own household treasurer. I will also add to her funds often so that she will have wealth in her own right. You are not to speak of this to anyone but for Eyden and myself. You are free to draw the monies for the childs care when it is needed, and know that it can not be stolen from her by any in the Wyndham household. If you are ever in need of aid of Richard, Earl of Friarsgate, mistress, you have but to ask. I was fond of my sister, Katherine. She was kind and gentle of heart, she was also strong minded and ambitious, but she was also fair and devout. I see much of her in our little mistress.” Richard smiled as he stood, Eyden still sleeping in his arms.

“Show me the childs cot, and I will put here there. I will come see her before you depart on the morrow. Mid-morning will be soon enough for you to reach Menethil the same day. I shall have two of my men escort you. “He followed Claire into another room, Baron by his side, and laying Eyden down where Claire indicated, drew the coverlet over her as he placed a kiss on her brow. “Sleep well, my lady, Countess of Thornbrook,” he said. And with a brief nod of his head to Claire he left the room.

When he had gone Claire sat down upon the pallet cot next to Eydens. Reaching out, she patted the wolfhounds head while reveling in the warmth coming from the wood brazier. The Gods were obviously watching over them, if today was any indication. To have been rescued from their long miserable travels by Katherine's own brother was more than simple good fortune. And to have a great lord recall his own sister with such kindness, Claire was more than grateful.

Looking down at Eyden, her little lady was warm, dry and well fed for the first time since they had fled Thornbrook. Claire whispered prayers for the souls of the earl and his wife. Then she lay down to sleep, certain they were finally safe. As long as Eyden was safe, nothing else mattered.

to be continued 

@aramisaitherton @houseaitherton

[sofie-scribbles]

Ladd Oletti, Eyden Truekaa, and Axelia Watt arrive at the ball in their honour - The Order of Ten, Pathfinder campaign.

[luubyart]

[eydenwyndham]

Leaving Home

Chapter Three

Claire awoke as the faint light of the new day shone beyond the thick brambles hiding the entrance to the cave. Again she heard the sound of horses, but this time they stopped briefly at Stanton water.

Baron raised his shaggy head, listening. She tensed nervously. Then she realized they only stopped to water their animals. They were shortly on their way again. The dog laid his head back down. But she waited until the sound of the troupe had faded into the silence again. Then Claire leaned over and gently shook Eyden.

“I must leave the cave for a short while, my precious,” she said. “You will remain until I return. Baron will stay with you and keep you safe.”

“Don't be long,” Eyden said sleepily, lowering her head back down again. Her eyes closed, and the dog pressed closer to her.

Claire stood up, brushing the hay from her skirts. Then, going to the the entrance of the cave, she listened hard before drawing the greenery aside and sidling out. The day was gray. The rain was still falling, but now it was a fine mist. All around her it was silent. There was not a note of birdsong, or animals lowing. Carefully Claire slipped through the woods and quickly crossed the open meadow before Thornbrook Manor. What had been a gracious home was now in smoking ruin. The air was heavy with death, and the smell of wet, burned wood, for the rains had tempered some of the destruction. Bodies were everywhere, and Claire recognized many of them.

She found the Earl of Thornbrook where he had died fighting before his home, his sword still in his hand, taking the sword, she wrapped it in her veil moving on. Lady Elaine, his wife, was in another area. She had been broken, and her throat was cut. Her delicate limbs were all skewed crookedly, her fair skin bruised and beaten. Claire could not help but weep at the sight of her gracious mistress so abused. She had to bury them. She could not leave them here for the birds and beasts to ravage. She looked about for something to dig a grave. Finding nothing, she wept harder. What was she to do? And then she knew, although the realization pained her deeply. Turning, she left the scene of destruction and returned across the meadow into the woodland and to the cave where Lady Eyden Loxton, the Countess of Thornbrook, was waiting for her Nanna. Eyden was her first priority. The dead were dead. Their pain and travails were over now. Eyden had to be saved. She had to be taken to the Wyndhams so she might grow up and return to Thornbrook one day with a fine husband who would rebuild it all.

“I was scared,” Eyden said as Nanna re-entered the cave. “Where were you? You were gone so long.” She had awakened and was walking nervously about the little cave.

“I went to the Manor,” Claire said candidly. “They are all dead, my lady, I have retrieved your fathers sword so that you may always remember how hard he fought for all of us. Now we must leave here. The countryside is like a tomb. Not a creature is stirring.”

“I tried to help, I shook out the blankets and folded them, but I can not reach the horses.”

“I will do that,” Claire replied. “Are you hungry?”

“Yes,” Eyden answered her. “I should like some oat porridge and ham.”

“I can give you bread, a sliver of cheese and an apple,” Claire said quietly. “We have no kettle, no fire, no oats, or a larder,” Claire continued, “and many like us have not what we have, my lady.

Eyden sighed deeply. “I understand, give me what you can, Nanna,” she said. Claire portioned out the food carefully. Who knew how long it would be before they would run out of the supplies the earl had packed for them? Or where they would be able to purchase more? If they were fortunate they might come upon a monastery or convent, and beg a nights shelter and a meal or two. But she suspected their travel would be rough for most of the way south to Theramore. There might be inns here and there, but such places were to be avoided. They were peopled by thieves and dishonest folk who would consider her and the child she shepherded vulnerable to their chicanery. No, the weeks ahead of them would not be easy. 

Then she lead a horse for the stall, tightened its cinch, replaced the blanket behind the saddle, and looked at Eyden. “Have you relieved yourself, child?” she asked.

Eyden nodded solemnly. Claire picked her up and sat her astride the animal. Then she tightened the cinch on the horse she would ride,put the second blanket behind the saddle, and tied on the small bundle she had packed the previous day. Then she clambered up onto the horse, and with the wolfhound by their side, they exited the cave.

The woman turned her mount to the right as they came forth, remembering the earls instructions. For several hours they followed Stanton water, which flowed in a fairly straight line through the trees into the marsh lands. When the stream turned east they left it behind. Around them the countryside was both silent and desolate. The herds of cattle belonging to Thornbrook were nowhere to be found. They saw no one. The Horde had done a fairly good job of destroying and stealing, although Claire knew there would be some who had hidden away like themselves, and escaped the fury of the Horde.

It was several days before they saw and sign of life, but those few people they saw hurried by them in the fields or woodlands, eyes averted. No words were exchanged at all, only furtive glances to ascertain whether they were dangerous. One man did look enviously at their horses, by Claire's hand went to her belt, where a large knife was visible, and Baron growled menacingly. The man lowered his eyes again as they passed by.

After almost two weeks of travel, they had the good fortune to come upon a convent just a days ride from Theramore. The ladies of Light took them in, and when they had heard the story Claire had told them, the sisters invited them to remain for a few days to rest their animals and regain their strength. They bathed Eyden, fed her a good hot meal of vegetable soup and buttered bread, then put her in a comfortable bed. Claire wept as she thanked them for their kindness.

They remained two full days, and then departed. Claire had dug out two sliver from her little stash and left them on the altar of the small church, as it was custom for visitors. She knew the ladies of light would be surprised to find them, and she smiled to herself as they rode along again. The farther south they traveled, the more difficult it became to keep from the roads, which it seemed were everywhere. And villages, there were so many of them. Claire had never been more than five miles from Thornbrook, and as they traveled she realized how different the rest of Azeroth was from the Northern countryside. It frightened her, but she would show no fear before her charge. Eyden was fascinated and intrigued by what she saw. Especially the towns. But Claire would not go into them. Seeing them from a distance, she would circle about them until she could head south again.

The autumn air was almost upon them. The days were growing shorter, and their hours if travel were fewer. Eyden had caught a cold, and Claire was worried it might develop into something worse if they did not reach Theramore soon. The child always had good health, but these past weeks of long travel, little food, and sleeping outdoors on the damp ground were beginning to take their toll. They both needed an end to their journey, and warm shelter. Then one afternoon they were forced to cross a wide high road, and Claire saw a sign. The sign read Theramore, and pointed toward one of the four roads before her. Claire considered. Perhaps now that they were so far south it would be safer and quicker to follow the road, especially considering Eyden's worsening health. She turned their horses in the direction the sign indicated.

They saw only a few folk as they moved along the road, and as with those they had seen in the woodlands and fields they traversed, everyone was minding their own business. Claire began to feel that perhaps she had made the correct decision. And then she heard behind her a troop of horses. Reaching out to grab the reins of Eyden's animal, she struggled to get out of the way, but she was no quick enough. They were quickly surrounded by mounted men. Claire pulled their mounts to a halt, that the others might pass, but to her surprise, they stopped as well.

The gentleman leading the troop, for his apparel she could see he was a gentleman, detached himself, and rode over to where Claire and Eyden sat upon their horses. “Woman,” the gentleman demanded, “What are you doing out on the road in these dangerous times? And with a little maid Where are you from, and where are you journeying with only this great wolfhound for your protection?”

Claire opened her mouth, but she was so frightened she could not speak for the life of her. What had she done, coming onto the road? Why had she not obeyed the earls directive? Would they now be killed for her foolishness? But the gentleman addressing her was handsome and slight of stature. He was commanding, but did not seem menacing. She swallowed and tried again to speak, when to her surprise, Eyden did.

to be continued     

@aramisaitherton @houseaitherton

[seymourmusicclub]

¥ellow Bucks - Higher Remix (feat. YZERR, Tiji Jojo, eyden, Bonbero, SEE...

[hataichi-fanart]

watsonとeyden。