#rosespears

[pywriting]

Correspondences Sent

Two letters would be sent forth by different means. One brought by a Sunguard Hawk, dressed in his neat and pressed uniform. The other, brought by the hands of a courier in gold and greens, the simple uniform embroidered with the insignia of a vivid red rose pierced by a golden spear. Neither said a word of what was contained in them, only that they were to be given directly to the Ranger-Captain himself.

The first letter sent forth with familiar enough handwriting. A felmancers less-than-perfect script addressed in the formal ‘Ranger-Captain’ mannerism. It was short, sweet, and to the point. No reason to draw it longer than necessary.

To the Ranger-Captain Firestorm,

As strange as this may be to hear from me, I would very much like to take the time to meet with you in regards to some business. Particularly, that within the trials for the position of a Sunwards rank. Let me know when you have the time between our battles so that we might discuss this in detail.

Respectfully,

Dawnward Faervell Bael’nar

The second letter came, a crisp letter and elegant script addressed to Vaelrin Firestorm. When the letter was unfolded, it came with the lingering scent of roses. The writing was small, still in that neat and clean script and signed with florish of a well trained hand. Everything about this letter felt foreign and stiff.

Captain,

I would like to forward my request for a private meeting, that in regards to the Sunguard and my position on your ship in the future. I will gladly meet with you in the city, should you find the time to offer such. I would much prefer to offer my words in person out of respect, rather than through correspondences. If not, then I shall forward my tabard and stone to your offices along with my formal resignation letter.

Thank you,

Lady Taliorinth Rosespear

@forever-afk

[pydoodles]

In some AU, I imagine the Rosespears would have a guard unit for their lands. Of course, there is no better head of this than the youngest, Taliorinth, who's skill and strength secured many victories on what few threats came to their lands.

[pydoodles]

My main bae’s out of the Rosespears From left to right: Pyrar, Tali, Vesthiriel, Laenetta @jessipalooza @stormandozone play two of em

[pywriting]

Tide of Fate II

It had felt like a lifetime that she’d been waiting. Once more, she’d gone back to her rooms. One of the servants had helped her get ready, chatting along with her cheerfully about those who would be visiting and about how nice weather it had been. There wasn’t particular details that the woman, Serana was her name, told Taliorinth, other than explaining how very fun such gatherings were.

She was young. Younger that Tali, and the monk knew that she must’ve been fairly new in the household. Had she been older, she’d have known far better that such things were miniscule in comparison to the greater celebrations held at Surau’nar Estate.

Even now, when Taliorinth closed her eyes, she could revisit memories of golden heavens, made up with beautiful gods and goddesses who danced and swirled in an ocean of gilded bodies and colorful waves. The mixture of scents from expensive perfumes and the clear air of roses that surrounded the estate. The delectable taste of foods pressed along her tongue when she stole away the morsels.

There was a pang of regret. Something she didn’t allow herself to remember, or perhaps simply couldn’t anymore. No, she instead washed her mind with beautiful images of the parties that her parents used to throw, letting the Serana chatter on about something far less significant.

The monks hair was done finely, pinned up in a style that looked just barely styled, the rest of her long locks carefully placed in a waterfall of curls that smelled of sweet peach oils. Another gift she’d gotten.

‘Perhaps another way to buy ye out, lil doll.’ Came that gruff voice of the rogue, ever the voice of doubt in her mind when she wished only to push it out.

Shaking away the thought, she was accosted by the servant, gently tapped on the nose with a soft brush which made her eyes blink.

“Stop moving so. I have to finish this so you can go make your grand entrance, you know.” She stuck out her tongue, teasing along with Taliori in a playful manner as she motioned for the woman to close her eyes again.

Tali murmured a small ‘Sorry’ before she let out a small sigh. For the thousandth time, she asked, “Are you really sure you can’t tell me even one hint?”

“I certainly won’t if you keep bustling about shaking your head and all.”

Taliorinth let out a small huff through her nose and she just continued to sit still as she felt the soft bristles against her face, brushing on powders so delicately it felt like butterfly wings or the like.

The thought amused her, imagining how romantic such a way of describing it was. And soon, she just let her mind wander and amuse herself with it. Even so, she knew that if she kept asking, she might finally get her answer.

Before the small woman could open her mouth to speak, the servant spoke up, “I’ve already told you now, I don’t know too many of the details of the guests. I don’t even know their names or what most look like. What I do know is that some of the others… Hold still. Some of the others have been saying it’s a very important sort of evening. They say it’s a way of welcoming you back home.”

She paused a moment, and Tali felt the brush pulled up off of her skin.

Opening her eyes, she looked at the servant, meeting her bright green eyes in turn as the other woman surveyed her work upon the monk’s face. She looked satisfied, and with a job completed, she turned and put away the brushes.

“What I do know…” She continued on, “Is that it’s supposed to be handsome company… and that you will enjoy it very much. I know you’re probably nervous, but it really isn’t too big. Besides, look how beautiful you look.”

The servant reached down, brushing fingers along the skirts of the new dress. Sheer sheets of cloth embroidered with flowers of various kinds bloomed along her. Certainly, as the monk looked down, she couldn’t agree more. The pattern was soft and addicting to touch. It was beautiful, and in a way, she loved the large poofed out sheer sleeves she had.

“I do think it’s real pretty… Though I really do feel worried. Isn’t it a bit improper looking? For an important dinner like this, it’s awfully sheer.” She looked worriedly to Serana, who just smiled and took her hands.

She was urged up quickly and brought to the full length mirror to inspect her look. Just as so many times before, her breath was caught and she could do nothing but stare at how beautiful she really had become.

“You see?” Urged Serana in her ear, just behind her, as she could see. “You’re stunning, really. I’d kill to be able to wear something as pretty as that out. And it’s not too uncomfortable, right?”

Taliorinth barely registered the question, shaking her head. She was awestruck, taken in by the beauty of it. Slowly, but surely, she murmured, “I look just as pretty as them.”

Serena only smiled, moving off to finish cleaning up. “Of course you do. I’m very good at my job, you know. Even if some of the others think not, I am.”

Tali couldn’t hold back a small giggle as she heard that, looking back to where she was. “Well I think you do a fantastic job.”

Serena winked at her, then her ears perked at some faraway sound. There was a call, a sort of tinkling bell afterwards. A servants calling, Tali knew well enough.

“That’s our que. You should head off to the main room. C’mon, they’re probably dying to see what you look like.” Before Tali could even argue, she was being pulled forth by her hand, listening to the clinking of jeweled hoops along her wrist as she went on and the clicking of her heels along the stone floors.

In no time, she was being urged, pushed towards the last door before this main room. Behind the door, she heard laughing and the sounds of people other than the servants and her sisters beyond. Even as she put her hands to the handle, she hesitated. Her heart was beating fast, and she felt warm. She wanted to do good, but she wasn’t sure how well she could do. She hadn’t the right mind or wit to handle nobility, like her brilliant sisters. Where they lived this life for years, she was new.

She couldn’t get it out of her mind, the ever gnawing worry that she’d mess this up. All the eyes would be on her tonight, and she knew it. She hated that attention, in a way- or did she?

Tali cursed lowly. How could someone like her get nervous about something as easy as talking to other people. She’d seen years of bloodshed, raided ships along some of the worst sorts of people, commanded more than just a small group of people’s attention and she enjoyed it. What was so different?

Steeling herself, she straightened her back and took in a deep breath. Her eyes closed, imagining her worries as tangible items, small coins that spoke in ringing rhythms. Slowly, she pushed them all away, emptying her mind and calming herself, just as she was taught. Finding her center, she set herself steady and slowly turned the knob and pushed open the door.

The room was full for it’s small space. Many faces of which Taliorinth didn’t know were there, and the first step into the room brought forth the attention of her eldest sister, Vesthiriel. In a quick moment, the woman who shone bright as the sun itself moved over to her, arm brushed across her shoulders and a smile given to her.

“Everyone, may I have your attention?” Came the honeyed tones, commanding the attention as if there was a way that there was a soul in the room that would dare look anywhere else.

Silence descended, and Taliorinth felt every eye in the room upon herself and her sister who clung so closely to her.

‘So possessively.’ Whispered that gruff voice in her mind.

“I would like to introduce our guest of honor. A long lost rose whom has finally come back home to where she belongs. I’m sure some of you remember her well, but for those who may have possibly forgotten, may I introduce to you Lady Taliorinth Rosespear.”

There was a moment of murmuring, smiles passed between those few unfamiliar faces. Before any more noise could go on, Vesthiriel went on. “Tonight, we are celebrating a reunion for one we thought lost, and the joy of coming back together. With that, i’ll give you all a moment to reintroduce yourselves to my dear sister and then we’ll continue enjoying the evening with a brilliant meal from our top tier chefs. Enjoy.”

A brilliant smile was given by Vesthiriel when Taliorinth looked up, and it was such a thing that she couldn’t help but smile in return, feeling a rush of pride and confidence that  just seemed to seep from the woman.

She was a Rosespear and this is where she belonged. She knew it.

With that thought, she turned her gaze forward to the many faces that she couldn’t place in her memory. The arm retracted from her shoulders and she felt the urging to step forward. She smiled, and did just that.

She had a lot of people to meet.

~~~

The dinner had been long and tedious in it’s own way. A good portion of the visitors would cite memories that Taliorinth only could barely recall. Small details, faces she never had looked at properly, blurs of moments overwhelmed by times she pushed to the recesses of her mind.

It was a struggle, and by the end, she was exhausted. She knew it was important, knew all these people were important, and as such she tried to put on her best face through it all. They talked of things she just didn’t understand, and in a way it bothered her because of just how little she knew. She burned with a desire to ask, though every time she got close, she felt the eyes of her sisters on her or knew they were close enough to hear, and she hadn’t wanted to make it known she was wasting these important people’s times on ‘stupid’ questions.

Most were friendly, some where almost judgemental in the way the questioned where she was and how she’d survived all these years. She wove tales that seemed far better than to admit to the crimes she’d committed, and thankfully  most of the time they would ramble off on their own tales or ideas halfway through. Every single time, they’d make it known how she thankful she should feel or tell her how lucky she was to have made it through such troubling times.

By the end, she started to agree with them. It had been a hard amount of time, in comparison. There were many times she’d nearly died, and often it was a wonder she hadn’t. It had been gritty, and slowly, she was beginning to wonder why it was that she had liked those days so much when she had to struggle so often. When she had to be dishonest, just to make it through a day.

The most notable part of the night, though, had been after the dinner.

Taliorinth had wandered off to the edge of the house, sitting on one of the balconies that allowed her a view of the ocean that was so very close to the house. She was thankful for the moment, taking in deep breaths of the sea air, relaxing greatly before she felt a presence behind her.

Before she could even turn around, a deep and familiar voice spoke slowly, in a manner she knew far too well. “It has been a long time since i’ve last seen you, Taliorinth, yet despite this, there are things that haven’t changed about you.”

She swallowed down a sudden urge to run, to get away, as she turned her gaze to look back to the man who had eyes that pinned her down like the strongest currents she’d swam against. Such an intense gaze, she knew it well, and she knew too that she could never truly escape it when it was upon her. Had everything else changed about this man, there was that one thing she could always know and count on.

In a quiet voice, almost swept away by the sea breeze, she uttered the name she hadn’t thought she’d had to say here. “Nesrin.”

Despite herself, she felt her hands curl into fists, her mind suddenly blank of any thought to escape. She was trapped there, looking back to the tall man dressed finely with a smile that made her feel both grateful and disturbed. Every inch of her skin seemed to crawl, and she struggled to look anywhere but his own eyes.

The silence did not stay, instead, he moved forward, bringing himself closer to her as he spoke in that same tone that commanded just as much, if not more respect than her own sister. “It is good to know you haven’t forgotten me along with all the others you seem to have, my dear. Then again, you cannot fool me with such a thing, knowing how your lovely little mind works.”

He loomed over her, causing her to push herself back against the unforgiving railing, as if that would make any difference. She felt trapped, yet somewhere, in the back of her mind, she felt some need to stay. It wasn’t right of her to run off, wasn’t right of her to feel this way. He was no threat to her, and had anything truly made her feel uncomfortable to such a degree, she could have done something about it. Here he was, just speaking to her, yet she was reacting in such an inappropriate way.

In all her thoughts, it seemed she’d been silent enough for him to go on, his expression changing a slight degree in a way she just couldn’t read. “You know, I considered approaching you earlier. I wanted to. When your sisters told me of your return, I could not describe how relieved I was to hear. I had wanted to get up at that moment and come back to find you, despite what you did to me.”

Nesrin’s hand reached up without her invitation and cupped her cheek. It was a cold touch, his fingers brushing against her skin for longer than she wanted, urging her to keep her head turned up to meet his gaze.

In a softer tone, one so strange for a man such as himself, he stated, “I waited so long for you to come back. I believed you were stronger than one who would get herself killed, and I was right, wasn’t I, Taliorinth?”

She swallowed down, taking in a breath and speaking up as loud as she could muster, barely over a whisper to him, “I came back for my sisters.” She was honest with him, in hopes that it would in some way satisfy some unspoken question. As if she could play this game a step ahead of him, to get him to leave just that much quicker.

There was a breath released from his nose, and his hand slowly curled under her chin, taking hold of her in a light hold that felt heavier than an iron grip to her. “I know you did.” There was another twitch of his expression that she just couldn’t read, placing her on edge. “And I have come back for you.”

She didn’t want him to come back, she wanted to tell him that to his face, yet she couldn’t bring it to herself. It seemed the mere thought of saying it put her entire mind on edge. To say such a disrespectful thing to this man… This man who meant so much to her family… who was so very important…

She tried, though, she did, “Nesrin, I…”

Taliorinth trailed off, what could she even say? How could she twist her words to communicate the feelings she had.

When the rest did not come from her, she felt his grip squeeze a bit, causing her attention to focus back on him, as if it had truly ever strayed away. “I know that you know me well, Taliorinth, just as I know you entirely. I forgive you for what you have done. I forgive you because I love you, and those feelings have not changed over all this time.”

She felt a wave of guilt was over her, and finally, she looked away and to the side, closing her eyes to it. Even Nesrin, in the incredible disrespect she had shown to him, would utter such words. Her sisters, this man, everyone around them. They didn’t blame her, they didn’t accuse her, as she so feared. Truthfully, they did care, and she believed it.

Her hands slowly uncurled from fists, and before she could open her eyes again, she felt Nesrin’s breath besides her ear, speaking lowly, “I do not say this lightly, my sweet little rose. Do not leave us again, Taliorinth.”

She frowned, yet she felt his lips against her cheek, pressing a kiss that she did not want against her skin. She could have done something, yet that heavy guilt still draped over her. What had he truly done to her? What right did she have to think this way when he had said nothing but kind forgiving words to her?

As he pulled away, his hand finally slipping away, she looked up to the man. There was a moment of silence between them, the air heavy in it’s own way, before finally he turned away. His striking figure disappeared quickly, turning away into a hall away from the balcony and back to the party.

Abruptly, there was a moment she felt like she was going to collapse. Memories that she reserved to forget had forced their way up of that man, the feeling of his hands on her, holding her close in moments she had so often had to share with him.

The man that she had known for what seemed like an eternity in itself, just as close as family to her.

The man whom had given her a ring and a promise to care for her.

The man whom she had ran from that night over a century ago.

Taliorinth’s knees gave up, and barely grabbing herself on the railing, she slowly slid to sit on the cold stone, the dress pooling around her.

She was confused and she felt guilt paired with pain. Regrets and questions of her own memory rose up. She could close her eyes, and see it so clearly there. Times long past, little details remembered, words passed between them. She played them out, thought over them, and abruptly she realized just how terrible of a person she had been. The words she said about him, the things she thought. She rose her hand up, covering her mouth as she felt tears well up in her eyes.

Silently, she sat there as the tears started to spill over her cheeks, her hand shaking a bit. She was terrified and confused, thinking over the reasons she left, the moments that lead to it, the thoughts she had. She thought of who was to blame, what reasons she had, why she even had decided upon it, and could never find one single answer.

In the end, the only thing she could ask of herself was...

‘What have I done?’

@jessipalooza @stormandozone

Tides of Fate Story Index Here

[pywriting]

Awaited News

The letter had been expected, a lingering scent of the roses that drowned out the house that it came from. The emblem placed in wax over the edge that was easily broken, and the rich parchment that lay within spoke of the flourishment that they so often wished to display in place of simplicity. Then again, there was a certain affection given to the ever so familiar correspondences from the Rosespears that he’d been close to.

The reason Nesrin had expected this letter was due to his previous news to them. They were a burdensome investment, at times, and even though he’d been with them for years now. Vesthiriel had made some bad investments just in the last ten years that had cost both her house dearly, yet he had been the one to bring them back to an easy stability while they found better people to trust their money and time in.

It was trouble that he knew he could easily detach from with so much else that he could focus on, such as convincing the idiots that he so often met with to stop seeking investments in what was going to so clearly be a war zone soon. He had no want for his own business to be affected by their stupidity.

Nesrin leaned back into the comfortable chair, slowly unfolding the parchment that was rather short for all it was. Inside was that familiar beautiful script of the head of the house, and there was a twitch of his brows. The letter was not nearly as long as he had expected, and what he thought would be a plead for a change of his mind that would fall into a summons, it was something different.

His eyes scanned over the letter.

Dearest Nesrin,

It is unsurprising that you would be expecting our letter to reach your hand, even if it was far more late than it should have been. You will forgive me for the delayed response, as you know just how much time can be consumed by other nagging interests that you must focus on before another, and I do know so well how patient you can be for a man in your position.

Your deep rooted desire to cut from our business is, without doubt, a heavy concern on my part. To hear you are so displeased by my trouble these past few years after over a century of working with one another is astounding. I must apologize yet again for this trouble it has obviously caused you and your house, but you must understand that every business does take a heavy loss from time to time, especially one that has grown as rapidly as mine has. I know you have voiced your concerns and doubts before of my ability to handle this, even with the help of the others of my house, which is why I so dearly wish to amend this mistake with you.

As such is the case, I have taken it upon myself to find something that might soothe away the lingering ill taste of our sour deals in the past. I have long awaited news for you, my friend, in that something of yours has been found finally.

Taliorinth has come home.

I, of course, assume you would still very much wish to come back to see her. I would only warn you of what has occurred to her. She is not quite the same as she was before, and the years have so obviously been unkind to her. With this, I would ask only one thing of you. Come to my home and let us discuss just of our business in the future and other matters that have now come once again to our houses, and I assure you very soon that you might be able to see your beloved once again.

I expect to see you very soon.

Your friend,

Vesthiriel Rosespear

Nesrin stopped completely, leaning forward, his eyes having widened a bit as he reread the lower lines over and over. With each line he reread, there was a bit more and more astonishment of what weight it held to him. His voice was soft, gentle, and quiet in the study he sat in, his lips brushing across the familiar name.

“Taliorinth.”

While it had been years, there was still that shift of his heart, the sadness of what was lacking before shifting away in favor of an old warmth. While he was not one for such quick reactions, especially at what was so obviously a weak attempt to keep his own business, the idea of dismissing their association suddenly was the farthest thing he wanted.

It took him barely a minute before his response was made, the letter sealed and a servant called into his study to be commanded to run the letter as quickly as he could to the hands of Lady Vesthiriel herself.

As it left his fingers and the servant had closed the door once more, Nesrin leaned back in the chair yet again, leaning to one side. His eyes were unfocused, looking about his study, and with a slow movement, he covered his lower face. Underneath, there was a clear, wide smile, his pleasure at this development so very clear in this private place.

Nesrin would rarely admit to it, but he was -quite- excited to go and visit his ‘dear friends’.

@stormandozone @jessipalooza for relevancy

[pywriting]

The House of Rosespear, commonly known as The Rosespear House, was founded three years after the Fall of Silvermoon. They spread from the north eastern lowlands off the mountains, originating from a small estate that was under rule of the Highbrook Families. Due to the crippling loss of the Highbrooks, the Rosespears advanced to take hold of a large portion of their lands along with other nobilities that ranged on their borders.. Their accumulation of funding and ties in a short period of time b

[pywriting]

It was soft as air, the cloth gentle against the hands that brushed across it’s lengths. Familiarity and a sense of peace was resting within these sheets, the pink and gold hues making one feel trapped in a dream like state. They surrounded her, molded to her, held her and warmed her. She loved them; she was comforted by them.

Through a mess of wheat gold curls that rose from the pillow around her head she could see the bright light. The sun shone through the tall windows, basking the room with a crisp morning light. Billowy curtains moved lazily in the springtime breeze and she felt it’s cool kiss along her cheeks.

She could sink into her bed, stay here for hours without the desire to move with all that it was. No one would care if she stayed here, no one would mind.

They never did care.

Her eyes shut, and she felt the cool breeze still against her face. The tickle of her hair brushing across her skin. She exhaled, ever so slowly, feeling weary all over again. When she opened her eyes, the light hurt a bit more. Her mouth was dry and those warm colors seemed to become abrasive.

A scent rose to her nose, strong and familiar. It was something that sent her reeling in recollections of a million mornings spent this way. There was a moment that she spent realizing this, and abruptly she sat up in the bed. Confusion overpowered her with a dizzing speed, and a unnatural feeling filled her stomach.

Sun bleached curls fell across her features, her panicked eyes looking around the room that seemed like only the other day it had been a distant memory. Her hands clung to the soft, rich sheets and there was a sudden fear.

A dream? Was it all a dream?

She felt small. Powerless. Afraid.

Her ears pinned down, and she felt another wave of dizziness. She tried to recall… years of sailing, no… no, that wasn’t a dream, was it? But here she was… her mind playing tricks on her. Her sisters did always say she read too many silly adventures. Tutors scolding her for her desires to pursue such childish novels.

She didn’t want it to be a dream. Her eyes teared up, a certain degree of sadness filling her. A loneliness.

She felt a subtle shift next to her, and immediately, her gaze snapped to the side of the bed. Through a watery gaze, she saw the jet black hair and the bulkier form. Warm tears fell down across her cheek, and in a moment, she moved her hand, reaching towards the man that was in the bed with her. She stopped short of touching him, her fingers curling in as she drew back a bit. There was that moment of hesitation, and then finally like a dam breaking, she laid herself back down, grabbing hold of the back of the mans shirt.

There was no care given to if it would disturb him, or how it would look. In a quick movement, she buried her face against him, blocking out the sickening sweet smell of roses that tainted the air in favor of him. It was there that she clung, uncaring and glad that he was there.

Her eyes closed, a breath released as she relaxed again. She still felt tired, and she didn’t wish to lift her head. Soon enough, she fell back to sleep, enjoying a few more hours rest.

((Old story I was meaning to get done forever ago... @sakialyn for mentions))

[pywriting]

The light was dim in the room, born from the small arcane lighting fixtures that hummed from the walls in decorative lamps. There was a hum of energy in the room, a tint of dark red swelling from the limited light sources and warming the room with its color.

Inside, seated among the fine furnishings, was a man. Dressed comfortably, but in obviously more expensive clothing. He held himself with some lingering grace and a charming smile, sitting back on the cushioned chair and staring up with half lidded eyes to the woman perched to his right. Pink cheeks suggested an inebriated state of mind, and the emptied bottle of wine on a desk besides proved further to this point. His hand slowly ran down the curve of the woman’s hip.

A small whisper passed from her painted lips. Her thin, long fingers brushed casually over the mans forehead, brushing aside loose strands of his hair before she let her fingers run down his cheek to slide down his jaw. She leaned in, her words changing with a small tone of humor and a small smirk spread across her features. Fel tainted eyes narrowed playfully down to the man, the long, shining locks of golden blonde hair falling from behind her ears into her face.

He moved finally, up and leaning towards her. His eyes flittered from her playful gaze down to her inviting lips, slowly closing as he went in for a kiss. He was given what he wanted, a brief, teasing feeling pressed against his own lips before they were again taken from him. He tried to follow after her, only stopped by one of those slim fingers running along his parted lips.

Another whisper was given, a bidding to rise and go elsewhere… somewhere more suitable. He felt her move, getting off of the arm of the chair and her lingering fingers slipped away from him. He swallowed down, opening his eyes again to look up to her, dressed in loose finery as she was, her gaze focused still upon him- a gaze that caused a heat to rise within him. He swore he heard another teasing comment, and with a grin, he pulled himself up out of the chair.

Some stumbling about later, she’d lead him towards a different room, telling him to get comfortable. He was quite happy to do just that, watching as she slipped away again and left him to his own for the time.

With a small muttered ‘finally’, she brushed back some of her hair back behind her ears, the playful smile changing to that of more relief. She moved down the hall again, heading down the way to a more open waiting room. Waiting to one side, pacing herself around in a small circle, a familiar woman looked annoyed. Unlike the expensive gowns and the tidy up swept hair she had, this one looked more like she had recently come back from traveling. A bit dirty, hair pulled back into a thick, messy braid. While her clothes were worn now, they were obviously of stronger, better material.

As she heard the other enter the room, the travelers face became a myriad of emotions. Fear, anger, disappointment, sadness, anger again, anxiety, annoyance, and above all, impatience. Immediately, she moved to bring herself closer to the other woman, her voice heard well and clear, even across the room. “I know you said not to bother you when you were talking with them, but I had something I know you’ll like, Vesth. Something I think that will please you.”

The woman, now defined as ‘Vesth’, stayed exactly where she had stopped in the room. Her bored, indifferent expression staying put as she watched the other cross the room to her, spouting her excuses. She waited till she was done before she let out a slow breath, “What is it?” Her voice was quieter than the others.

The traveler shifted, feeling the pressure of Vesth’s gaze upon her. She straightened up, “I’ve found another lead. This one looks to be more recent than the other dead end… Even had a few other leads to look into. She went by the name Lianavea Dawnblade. Had a few accounts in her name along the coast, same as the last one did. This was some thirty years back. Much more new than the other I found. Same description and everything for her.” Shifting, she pulled forth a small folded paper, working it open and offering it out to the other, “Even have a few suggested names, people to go asking around about. Whole list of them.”

Vesth looked at the paper, reaching out to take it and study the names written down the list. Silence filled the room, no movement made from her as she thought over the information. What felt like an eternity, she finally spoke out, “And you have made sure that this is the best information you can find?”

“Yes, absolutely. I triple checked it, and the descriptors… it has to be right. I have a good feeling about this… and…. And I’ll take full responsibility if it’s wrong. I promise, though, Vesth, this won’t disappoint you. This –has- to be right.”

The paper was offered back to the other woman, another breath let out as if she was tired of this conversation. “I expect the next time you come to me with information, you will know better than to waste my time during a meeting.” Her voice was no louder, but there was a sharper quality to her tone. “You very nearly ran in right at a crucial moment, and now I’ve left him waiting. You are lucky I am prepared for such a situation, but it is still such an inconvenience. I would have thought you smarter.”

At that finally word, she turned, making her way back out of the room, her skirts trailing after her. “I expect you to keep me updated, preferably not when I am entertaining our important guests.” She cast one glance over her shoulder, narrowing her eyes a bit and causing the other woman to freeze completely. The effect was noticed and after a long enough moment, she turned again, stepping out of the room with words following after her.

“Go on, Laenetta. Go find our troublesome little sister.”