#rian kestavin

[lady-rian]

[theron-valteric]

Lost in the Library...

“Theron? Theron!” 

A woman’s voice called to him. At first a faint questioning tone before the scolding one. The mage held up a hand as he worked to finish the last page of his reading.

The table he worked at was covered in various literature, tome upon tomes of shadow magic and lore on old gods and obscene rituals. Not his usual reading and subjects far more vast than he’d realized. Stubble peppered his hagered face. It was anyone’s guess how long it had been since he’d left the library for more than air to stay awake.

Pale green hues turned meeting a furrowed gaze with a furrowed gaze, “Rian? What are you doing here?” Seeing the woman in Dalaran hadn’t happened for well over a year since she’d run off after her suspension from Light’s Hope.

“I had business and I hadn’t heard from you in over a week.” She stepped closer looking her twin over. “You can’t just disappear like that, not now, not with everything...”

“A week?” he blinked running his hands over his face. “Yeah.. sorry..” He spoke pulling himself out of the chair. It was as he looked Rian over he saw the look in her eyes. The look that said there was no good news to be had and in truth it was a look that seemed to come with the worst news. 

“What happened? Emilia? She’s alright? Val? Thaylynn?” He asked a sleep deprived voice heavy with concern.

She hadn’t the words herself and was quite tired of being gentle. She held out the letter. One that had mirrored her own, letters for intended for his eyes written in their mother’s hand. “We’ve got a lead. But we’ve buried the wrong bones.” The words came quiet and choked.

The magus looked at her confused but accepted the letter reading it over. Shoulders slumping when he finally put the pieces together. Without another word he dropped the parchment to the stack of books and moved to wrap his sister in a tight hug.

“Hey.. Hey you’re not alone this time, yeah? I’m here, Val’s here. Thaylynn... “ He tried to offer some sort of comfort despite feeling the infliction of the heartache. 

“I’m scared, Theron.” Rian choked out. “I’m scared.”

He’d never heard those words from her before. She was always the strong one, the fighter. It was a reaction enough that brought him a moment’s pause. There was a lot they needed to catch up on. A week had passed lost in research. For now it would wait.

(( @householt @thaylynnkestavin @valdim-heyworth @mender-emilia @rian-kestavin for mentions))

[lady-rian]

Sleep Walking

Willow grove had come a long way in it's construction since a pair of fires brought it to it's foundations. House Teague washed away on the wind with the ash. After a year the first wing had been completed of a larger Chateau. A second wing and various additions of the vision  still yet to be completed.  As promised the Lord and Lady Kestavin had made the journey from Stormwind. Rian wishing to see first hand the progress being made on her brother's estate. Supplies had been slow to acquire with the war. What they could manage mostly came from a local mine or timber. It was a champagne vision on a the beer budget of what remained of House Valteric. 

Aside from the contractor and various workers, they were the first guests of the house. A lone fire burned heartily in their chambers, their bed void of Rian's presence. Whether sleep escaped her or not remained the question. The halls were new and missing their lord, her brother. The depth of the night settled further in the woods, the surrounding area vastly different from those in Alterac. 

The low rumble of thunder sounded in the distance as a swift breeze gave a good rattle to the windows.  All that remained of a trail were half opened doors leading to the foyer. A curtain of warm spring rain could be heard making it's way through the grove. Another gust of wind  and there came the heavy knocking of the door blown open, banging loud against it's holding wall. Just beyond the  threshold on the wide porch stood the Countess, still and staring out into the night in nothing more than her evening gown caught in the rain smattered wind.

“Can you hear them?” She whispered. “Can you hear the howling?”

(( @thaylynnkestavin & @theron-valteric for mentions || @ravenshollow-wra ))

[lady-rian]

Getting to Know: Rian

Tagged By: @alliesweetsong-wra

Name ➔ “Rian Jessyn Kestavin.”

Are you single?➔ After a long pause, she gave a quiet, “No.”

Are you angry?➔ “Yes. At the moment anyway.”

Are your parents still married?➔ “They were.”

NINE FACTS

Birth Place ➔  “Ironforge, Mother had traveled to meet my father while he was on leave.”

Hair Color ➔ “Dark brown if not black, suppose it depends on the light.”

Eye color ➔ “Grey Green. More like my father’s eyes.”

Birthday ➔ “March third.”

Mood ➔ “Empty, angry... Mostly numb at the moment.”

Gender ➔ “Female”

Summer or Winter ➔ “Neither. I find most comfort in the spring and fall with more preference in the fall.”

Morning or Afternoon ➔ “Mornings, it’s about all what little time I get to myself.”

EIGHT THINGS ABOUT YOUR LOVE LIFE

Are you in love? ➔ "Yes or was” She shook her head, “Yes.”

Do you believe in love at first sight? ➔ “No, I believe thinking so is setting one’s self up for being hurt.”

Who ended your last relationship? ➔ “I did.”

Have you ever broken someone’s heart? ➔ “I have. I’ll forever hold a regret for it, but it had to be done.”

Are you afraid of commitments? ➔ “Whether I’m afraid of them or not I’ve not really had much choice. But no. I do try to be a woman of my word, and have a sense of purpose in committing to using my title to help others.”

Have you hugged someone within the past week? ➔ “My daughter.”

Have you ever had a secret admirer? ➔ “Not that I’m aware of.”

Have you ever broken your own heart? ➔ “I suppose I have in a sense.”

SIX CHOICES

Love or Lust ➔ “Love. Only if it’s real.”

Lemonade or iced tea  ➔ “Lemonade. I have a fond memory of time with a dear friend. I was having a bad day and he escorted me to a little festival for some fizzy lemonade with berries in it. Still one of my favorite drinks.”

Cats or Dogs? ➔ “I don’t see the point of cats. They’re cute to look at. But I enjoy the company of hounds better.”

A few best friends or many regular friends? ➔ “Personally I like the idea of a few best friends. But I think it’s been more of the latter. I suppose it’s reasonable to have both.”

Wild night out or romantic night in ➔ “I’m not sure I’ve got a wild night in me, but right now that would be my preference.”

Day or Night ➔ “Day, there’s little time to stop and over think. I enjoy keeping busy.”

FIVE HAVE YOU EVERS

Been caught sneaking out  ➔  “Yes. But not in a very long time. I was maybe nine or ten.”

Fallen down/up stairs ➔ “I’d like to say no, but I know Theron and I both tumbled a few times in Teague Manor.”

Wanting something/someone so badly it hurt? ➔ “This feels like a trick question. I’ve wanted things badly but I’ve gone out and gotten them or worked for them. If numb counts as a hurt, then I’d give my sword up for a bit of piece if I thought it would do any good.”  

Wanted to disappear  ➔ “Yes, it’s easily forgotten when busy though Move and work along enough to some it may seem you’ve disappeared.”

FOUR PREFERENCES

Smile or eyes ➔ “A smile.”

Shorter or taller ➔ “Taller I suppose. Though there have been times I wish I were shorter.”

Intelligence or attraction ➔ “Intelligence.”

Hook-up or relationship ➔ “Relationship.”

FAMILY

Do you and your family get along? ➔ "Most of the time There’s been a few bumps, everyone has those.”

Would you say you have a “messed up life”? ➔ “I’d like to say no But after the last three years I’m tired and probably more cautious than most my age.”

Do you consider all of your friends good friends? ➔ “I believe so. I’m probably the one who’s not been a good friend. I’ve had a hard time keeping in touch these past few months.”

Who is your best friend? ➔ “I’m not sure he knows, I’d probably say Beau. He may be a pain in the ass at times but he’s seen the good and bad and for whatever purpose still cares to converse with me, pick me up and make me laugh.”

Who knows everything about you ➔ “My twin brother, Theron.”

Tagging: @beau-wra @thalsianiii @azerothian-adventurers @serelia-evensong @alexkestavin @estonvega &anyone else who would like to <3

[lady-rian]

Snapped

It wasn’t sorrow nor joy that filled the Countess’ features as she rode through the keep gates accompanied by three of the Ravenguard from the most recent patrol. Winter’s firm hold held in the northern passes leaving some simply impassible until the spring thaw. Numb as the cold and the blood that stained her blade were what had become the Countess. With a swift dismount, Rian barely slowed to pass Duke’s reins as she turned on heel towards the keep doors.

Pulling at the buckles of her gauntlets as she went, two officers quickly fell in step at her sides. “Have we received anymore news from Stromgarde?” Grey green hues shifted to the taller man to her right awaiting his answers. 

“The supply order was delivered. There’s been a request to make use of the infirmary.” He reported.

A sullen purse of her lips noted her contemplation before she’d nod. “Very well... Send word to Krovorn and Hargran for any medical supplies they’re able to spare. Get me a report of what we’re able to gather and what we’ll still need to acquire.” Pressing onward through the keep a pair of double doors were pulled open before her as she stepped into the war room, left to her own devices. 

Setting the gauntlets off to the side of the large carved table, a marker was moved from the image of one of the northern passes back to its place near the keep. Grey green hues lingered along the various markers making mental calculations of the resources that remained. If winter hadn’t done a number on the county the war certainly had. It could have been seconds or an hour that the Countess had been lost in thought. The constant bustle of keeping busy had diminished her realization of time.

It was the soft padding and the clearing of a throat that brought Rian back to the moment. The lilt of her gaze rested on the Magistrix taking up her place opposite the countess. With the bend of a knee to dip her curtsy, “My Lady. My apologies for intruding, I wondered if I might have a word?”

“Of course, you’re welcome to speak freely.” Rian answered.

In her hesitation to raise the delicate matter, Caterina rested the pads of her fingers over the edge of the table. Her index finger curling enough that her nail caught and idly picked at a small divot that lined the edge of the map. “I’ll not waste time sugar coating it my Lady... We can’t continue to pretend nothing is wrong.”

Rian’s gaze had returned to the map on the table though the magistrix words had her quickly questioning the permission to speak freely. “Of course things are wrong, there’s war and we’re caught with limited supplies growing more and more meek... I’m aware..” A slight tone of annoyance dripped from the words lacking in mirth. 

“That’s not what I’m speaking of and you know it, my lady. All do respect there is an order to things. Just because you don’t wish it to be does not make it so. It’s well over a month now since we’ve lost contact with the Lord’s patrol. He wasn’t at war, we know where he was...” Caterina’s own annoyance was but a ghost in her voice harbored behind hard truths and concern. 

“Normally I’d be the first to suggest exhausting all options. We’ve lost patrols before. Hazard of being so close to the Syndicate. I don’t like the idea of admitting he’s gone anymore than anyone else. There’s been no radio contact, no signs, and heavy storms. Rationally speaking if the syndicate has not... it’s likely the storms have.”

The hot ache stirred within Rian. Brows furrowed as her jaw clenched. While she looked to the war table avoiding looking to the magistrix. She wanted to argue that there was hope but that required more faith than she could muster. The frustration in the magistrix’s words sank heavy in her gut.

“No one is forcing you to leave. It’s merely that we will need to start making arrangements. At least considering them for the succession.” There was a roll to the magistrix’s lips, “Perhaps you and the babe can stop into Stormwind... I’d be happy to han-”

“No! How dare you..” Rian snapped cutting the woman off. “I’m not blind or ignorant, Caterina.” 

Raising her hands defensively, “I’ve not said you were, my lady.” Dropping her hands to fold at her front. “Consider it, is all I ask. Better to be prepared and not need it than need it and not be prepared. Think of your daughter.”

Rian’s features softened with a sadness, showing more emotion than she had in days. She didn’t want to accept the idea but knew Caterina was right. Had it been anyone else they’d have informed their family by now. When she finally mustered the nerve to lift her gaze towards the magistrix it was only to find the woman was gone. Shoulders slumped as Rian leaned her weight against the table. Two hot tears broke loose down her cheeks.

It was a chaotic rage that washed over where her faith was broken. The pieces that marked the county’s forces on the map soon violently strewn as she swiped across the table. More tears broke loose as the Countess let what she’d been hiding. Angry and hurt shouts filled the room, anything not bolted down soon turned over or thrown, leaving the guards to grant the doors a wide birth if not avoided all together. 

(( @ravenshollow-wra @thaylynnkestavin @alexkestavin @beau-wra for mentions/pertinent & @thalsianiii (cause it’s partly your fault too :P) ))

[lady-rian]

Summoned Home

Hot embers crackled and popped in the fireplace burning a dull roar in the quiet of the morning. Rian had returned to the keep early through a portal that mirrored the one she'd left in the day prior. The Magistrix true to her word had delivered the message personally though the Countess had chosen to take the night in wake of shock and processing her thoughts. Sitting quietly in a private den of the keep, Rian watched the flames.  

Thaylynn knew. One of the guards had brought him word of Rian’s return. His body seemed to work against him, but gradually, he worked up enough energy to move. With the assistance of one of the staff, he was dressed in a simple white tunic, and a pair of black trousers, and a full body cloak for warmth. His left arm was in a sling, from strained and torn muscles, and he used a cane in his right hand for balance in his legs. His hair was still longer and disheveled, along with his beard. He’d had neither the time nor energy to see the keeps barber yet. With time and great effort, he’d made his way downstairs, the guards having directed him towards Rian’s location. The tap of the cane on the floor giving his presence away, as he stood in the doorway of the den, silent.

The clack of the cane on the hard stone had been enough to well glistening depths to Rian's eyes as her lips pursed firm and swallowed hard. Her gaze had remained on the fire withheld in some trepidation. The thumb that held her chin and index finger hooked over her lips fell away to clasp the book in her lap as a welcome distraction. Even if it was to simply set it aside.  Slowly rising up to her feet her hands smoothed over the front of her robe, more out of desire to keep them busy than actually needing to sort herself.

It was a pained and shaken look that finally rested on the lord standing in the door frame. Her nostrils flared under the mix of emotion she felt as crystalline drops streaked hot down cold cheeks. "I'd wondered if she was toying with me." She spoke in a dangerously soft hush. Her hands tightened in their hold, paling the edges of her already pale knuckles. Her jaw set firm. Though she'd taken the night to try and collect herself for his return, the sight of him truly there in the door seemed to have shaken any planned words  for the moment.

(( Written with @thaylynnkestavin || @ravenshollow-wra & @beau-wra for mentions/pertinence.))

“I’ve never known Caterina to lie, even when I was a child.” His voice spoke, raspy and slightly deeper than last time. His overall appearance was.....thinner, somewhat less muscular than before. He stood there still, hair in his eyes. “I’m not sure what I can say, or how I’d even begin. Let alone what thoughts are racing through your mind.” he leaned against the wall for added support on his non cane side. His green gaze lingered over her, measuring her expression, her response. The words eluded him, even still. They simply stood there, staring at one another it seemed.

Closing the distance the hurt melded with a relief in a wash of the anger she'd been struggling with. A hand fell from her front only to strike out in a harsh slap towards his cheek. "I needed you! And you left!" Lips trembled fighting the twist of her features. "You promised we'd do this together. That you'd not be like my father was to my mother. You left me Thaylynn, when I asked you not to. I could give a shit if it was a patrol, God's know I've gone on my share. Just that once.."

Brows furrowed as more tears slipped down her cheeks. Her voice choking out, "I looked for you again and again. No sign or word that you.." Her words abruptly stopped in a bitten back sob. The back of her wrist rose up  shaking to rest under her nose.  "We've done more apart than we have together.  Your precious Caterina all but pressed Serenity and I out the door. Because we were alone."

The slap caught him off guard, but was almost expected at the same time. His cheek turned with the impact. Letting that feeling linger for a moment, he simply listened to her, turning his head back, eyes fixated on her once again. He let her vent, light knows it was deserved, he thought. “You’re correct. On all accounts. As you said, it was just a patrol, one that went horribly wrong from the onset.” 

Thaylynn paused for a moment, leaning up from the wall. “For what little it may be worth, it was never the intent, nor the consequence that I wanted. I’m sorry, Rian.” He adjusted his stance, shifting his weight all into the cane now. He wouldn’t say it, but he was ready to leave the room if that’s what she so wanted.

"It's never been your intent." She sniffed lifting a hand to wipe the tears from her face. Her bleary gaze falling to the stone. "I"m so angry with you. But I'm also relieved to see you home." The words came hushed with the subtle tremble of her shoulders.  "Am I so broken that you feel need to run away from me?" Tear-stained curiosity turned upward to meet his gaze. "I've poured my heart into you and Ravenshollow. I ask you to stay and you leave."

He arched an eyebrow at her words, and blinked, slowly. He was visibly taken aback by her words. “I’ve never once called you,  nor thought you to be broken. I’m.....incredibly sorry if I’ve given you that impression.” He dared a limp step closer towards her. “You’ve been a far better wife than I deserve. I know this. Ravenshollow knows this.” 

His gaze remained fixated on her own. “I went to help our people defend our home. What kind of Lord sits by idly while our people die at the hands of the Horde, thousands of miles from home, and even still at our very door step?” He sighed softly, coughing from the dryness and soreness of his throat. “I’m sorry that I’m not a better man, Rian.”

Slowly her brows knit at his mention of sitting idle. "You're not hearing my words, Thaylynn! Not once have I ever expected you to sit idle in regards to the safety of our people or against the Horde. I expected we would do so together. Not you running off on your own every time save for Lordaeron. I go on the patrols too. Sitting idle is not what I do, if you'd been here you'd have seen that." 

Rian shook her head, "I've gone up against the Horde and syndicate. That once.. this once I was struggling with.. myself. I needed you to help me through that. One patrol to stay is all I asked! Not idle play while the world falls apart. I'm the one who's made arrangements for refugees, seen the men and women in the infirmary come and mend or die. I've seen the front lines. Don't you dare use that as an excuse. I'm not blind to what our responsibilities are and what threats loom at our door. I have, however, promised to make time for you and have delayed my responsibilities when you needed. Yet you've not done the same for me. I'll not make that mistake again."

“Then I suppose all I can do is apologize, and continue to apologize for what I’ve done to you, and everything that was put on you.” He exhaled through his nostrils, and nodded softly. The hand on his cane rose up, gingerly rubbing his cheek where the smack had been moments before. “Where does that leave us, then?” He asked, genuinely curious, genuinely worried. “Now I’m uncertain as to how to proceed.”

Turning a considerate gaze on the Lord as she looked him over. "I'm your wife. I do love you, Thaylynn. Whether you realize how much or not. That doesn't just go away.  I want to kiss you and hit you all at once, I can't remember ever wanting to do that. And I'm sorry." 

 A slow deepened breath was let off, "I don't want you to continually apologize. I want you to figure out what it is you want. And tell me. Include me in your thoughts. I'm not a mind reader, and I refuse to continue on my own if this is to work. I saw what such things did to my mother. I will not be that woman. That's not who I am or wish to be.  I meant my vows the day we married and I mean them still today. They mean nothing if we don't honor them together."

“You’re correct, of course.” He sighed softly. “I think that perhaps I’ve spent too long as a solitary man. In that, that I try to handle every issue on my own, when I shouldn’t.” He limped over towards one of the couches in the den, cane tapping against the stone with each step. 

“Would you mind if we sat down? The mender said I broke a couple of ribs, and tore several muscles in my leg. Standing for a time is unpleasant.” He lowered himself downward, slowly, until he sat down with a long, drawn out breath. “ I don’t expect you to continue on your own. That isn’t fair to you, and I’m sorry that it’s been the trend more often than not. We need to be more of a team, as you’ve said. And I agree with you.”

Stepping to the side out of the way, Rian dipped her head to let him pass. A hand hovered just behind with a lingering concern and silent potential aide as he walked to the couch.  Once he turned to settle himself, Rian stepped to the opposite side to settle herself, leaving enough space in between for at least another person to fit. "I've heard that you agree with me before. Working together has been something that has come up after each of your lone journey's. I beg your forgiveness when I say I'm not sure I believe you. I want to but saying and doing are two very different things."

“I suppose then I’ll have to prove myself to you, then. And be consistent with it this time.” He sighed quietly, leaning into the seat more. “Rian?” He asked, finally looking over at her. “I’m sure you might not believe me, given with all that’s happened, but I did miss you terribly. You and Serenity are the thoughts that kept me going during the evasion.”

Her shoulders slumped in hearing the sighed words. With her name, her gaze rose to meet his own. Lips pursed for a short breath, however broken she felt there was appreciation for his words. "I believe you, in that." She offered quietly. Shifting in her seat hands carefully pulled the skirt of her robes out of the way as she tucked her feet beneath her and inched closer, allowing herself some reprieve in the distance she'd kept. This time as her hand rose, it wasn't to strike out but to offer a gentle caress in brushing the longer hair from his brow and down along his cheek. "We have missed you too."

“I do swear to you that I’ll.....do better. I think this entire ordeal was a hell of a wake up call, in a sense.” He leaned into whatever touch she would offer. “It’s good to be home....it’s good to have you near once again.” He set the cane down, not needing it for the time being. He locked her gaze onto her with a small, but visible smile. “It was a fear, I’ll admit, that I’d come home, and you’d never speak to me again.”

"You should know me better than that." Her hand held resting over his cheek as grey-green hues looked his own features over. The ghost of a smile pulled at the corner of her own lips.

“That’s certainly true. Still, I suppose I knew. When I went missing, that is, that I would have hell to pay.” He chuckled quietly to himself. “Ahhh. Ever playing the hero.”

"I'm not sure that's what I would call it." She rested back on her heels and leaned to the back of the couch leaning on an elbow. As he chuckled there was a lack of amusement sternly holding in her own gaze.  "That you can laugh over nearly widowing your wife I suppose should be some comfort."

“It was meant as sarcasm....I apologize.” He shook his head, and sobered his expression. “I’ve told you before, I’ve no intentions of making you a widow. I think I’m too stubborn to die, even when I wanted to, years ago.” He looked her over once more, and offered his hand that wasn’t in a sling. “I’m really sorry that I worried you, and disappeared.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a dog tag. “This is from one of our men. The one who tackled me out of harms way, as a cannon shot inches from us. Sent us tumbling over a cliff.”

"Intent or not, it nearly happened anyway." Gesturing to the tags, "Right now I see that man as more hero than you. Not that I wish you to be in his place." with a faint reluctance she accepted the offered hand and gave a gentle squeeze.   

Her lips parted and closed parted again before she simply shook her head, resting her gaze on their hands and the tags. "You've lost so much Thaylynn. I understand that fighting is necessary to keep and protect. But it's not all that counts. There's more to being a hero than using the fight as an escape or baring the brunt solely on your shoulders."

“All I can do is apologize, and simply promise you that I’ll be more mindful going forward. I....thought it to be a simple patrol, nothing more.” He shook his head. “Lesson learned.” “You deserve far better than which you’ve received. That’s my own fault to bare.”

Rian let off a long soft sigh. "I heard your apology, Thaylynn. I'm not asking or pushing you to continue a chain of them. And you're right, I do deserve better, though it's not exactly anyone's fault. It's just what is.  You're placing all this on your shoulders, again. 'My own fault to bare" She quoted his words. 

"I don't have all the answers. But I'll not be party to the guilt and blaming. I will continue forward. I hope that you will too. At what point do we learn from the past and continue on a stronger path because of it rather than continue to relive it and torture ourselves again and again?" Pulling her hand from his she gave his a gentle pat. "Stop apologizing. Say it once, and then pick yourself up and move forward with me. Maybe then we can find and create what we both deserve."

“Okay.” He said, with a small nod. “I apologize. Let’s move on, and.....do better, for each other.” He looked at her a good, long moment. “Let’s make it a new chapter, then. We will move forward together, and tackle our obstacles as one, instead of separate.”

There was a small sad smile she offered with a dip of her head. "That's all I've ever asked or wanted." She offered with some reassurance in her tone.

“I know. And I need to realize that and honor it. Not just hear nor say the words, but truly mean it.” He returned the smile. “I love you, Rian.”

"I can't deny that there will be times when we need to divide and conquer. But even those times we need to work together to coordinate our plans and approach." Leaning forward some she rested her head gently to his shoulder as her hand returned to his own, "I love you too, Thaylynn. That's one of the few things I'm sure of."

He nodded, but managed his first sincere smile of the night. “I’m pleased to hear that. I also happen to agree with you.” He leaned over to place a kiss to her temple. “You’ve cut all your hair off, love.” He looked her over and smiled softly. “It looks very lovely on you.”

The first hint of a laugh hummed through her nose. "Yeah.. was a bit of a surprise. Being angry and drunk." She took a long deep breath letting it off slow. "Beau took me for drinks and to talk after I wrecked the warroom. Woke up  and the hair was gone."

“Wrecked.....the war room?” He asked with an eyebrow. “Nevermind....I think that’s a tomorrow conversation.” He processed the rest and chuckled quietly. “Drink will have that effect sometimes. Even still, it suits you. Frames your face well.”

"It's nothing you don't already know after today." There was a slow shake of her head as she let her eyes fall closed in taking the moments breath to appreciate that it was truly his hand in hers, his shoulder under her head.  When she opened her eyes she turned enough that she might actually see his face. "You've not kissed me yet." Though her voice  was mostly serious in her accusation there was a hint of teasing to it.

“Wasn’t entirely sure you wanted me to until now.” He said with a quiet smile. He tilted her chin up softly with his good hand, and leaned forward, pressing a long, deep and drawn out kiss to her lips. Long overdue no doubt. He let it linger, not wanting to waste words.

Rian's shoulders stiffened with the first touch of his lips to hers.  As the kiss lingered the tension she'd held slowly eased enough that she parted her lips to let the kiss deepen. For the moment the anger she'd held onto seemed a distant thought. He was home.

[lady-rian]

Rian’s Soulmark: Green

What Color Is Your Soulmark?

The color you fit most is Green!

Loyal, down to earth, and friendly, the green personality type lives a “live and let live” lifestyle. They are calming to be around and choose to listen and observe more than they speak. This type tends to be a shoulder to cry on in times of need, and they often take care of others before themselves.

When working, they see the big picture instead of little details. This makes them lose faith in their projects if they’re moving too slow or not achieving what they want, and they often jump from topic to topic without meaning to.

Green soulcolors are emotionally intelligent, and they pay attention to body language and verbal cues. If you’re lying, they’ll be the first to know. They are honest about themselves and their motives, being the most sincere color out there. However, they are less likely to give themselves credit and often brush off compliments.

This color is people oriented and loves to be friendly. They are also people pleasers and don’t like to stir up conflict, and they will often choose to go along with an idea they hate as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone. Since they are so loyal, they don’t tend to see the bad in those they care about, and it often gets them into trouble when dealing with toxic people.

QUIZ HERE

Tagged By @serelia-evensong Tagging: @beau-wra @brandstonethings @thalsianiii @patiencekindnesscourage @venreenaholt

[lady-rian]

Letter of Resignation

Rian hesitated with the envelope in hand. Turning it over between fingers as she gave the decision one more thought. The weight heavy on her chest but it didn't change the circumstance, one she felt little faith would improve. Rosenfield had been assaulted and lost, war had begun, the warnings had all been there. With the initial strikes beginning, war seemed the better effort than one of lies and deceit.  Setting the note on the main desk in the Holt Embassy, with the Holt tabard and communicator. 

To the Matriarch & Other Privy Council of House Holt:

I want to thank you for offering House Valteric aid. For allowing me a place to be useful and to learn this past year. The time with your family has been one I will forever value and appreciate. It is, however, with a level of regret, that I find need to submit my resignation as Marshal of the Lionsguard. 

As I’m sure you’ve seen by now, war stirs at the precipice, the warnings no longer idle. I myself encountered the Forsaken in Stranglethorn. My brother’s holds in the north have also tasted the beginning pains. And now the assault in Ashenvale. With all that stirs taken into consideration as well as previous efforts to bring the Lionsguard to a cohesive force in the name of Holt, there is little more I can do to see to it’s success. 

Secondly, the issue of lies and secrecy. I am well aware that’s how most work their politics, but I personally strive to hold myself to an open communication. To have a Captain lie and not only admit to his secrecy but that he would do it again, leaves no room for trust. I could replace him, but he would still do as he likes with disregard to those charged with the safety of the house. Or I can step aside and leave you all to your preferred conspiracy. 

I leave open the offer of aid between our houses. I still hold Holts in a warm regard. Should war or trouble stir on your doorstep, House Valteric and House Kestavin are but a summons away and happy to help if we’ve the means to do so. 

                                               Light Bless,

OOC: All the love for House Holt Peeps. It’s been an amazing year! Rian’s story has simply grown and taking her a different direction. It’s gotten more an more difficult to justify an IC reason for her to stick around. And so with the building tensions and recent events she will be moving on to new goals. 

@householt @adhelin @ceruszael @cedrickholtstories @venreenaholt @vladimirbaustent @cordeliaeresholt @sarahniholt @thaylynnkestavin @alexkestavin