[Restwood] Megiltura Cheb

[Riconus Xind'ell]

Estate for the Earldom of House Xind'ell

Within the unspoiled glade of the intriguing Restwood, surrounded by the vast Sapphire Groves of the ethereal Tumba, rests fifty enclosed hectares of lush wilderness, where upon the Kard'en'i'Xind'ell laid its foundation. There is only a single entrance into the estate, through a large stone archway that while obviously guarded, is equipped with no gate or barricade save above it an intricate tracery of a sprawling tree in reverence of the patron goddess. While the master of the estate is a soldier in mind and soul, he certainly had no intention of turning his peaceful sanctuary into a menacing fortress. Thus, while there are no stationed armaments on the plot, security in the form of highly-trained soldiers are always tight and extremely visible. At the stone arch alone, four guards in armor of silver & dark blue platemail stand sentry, and while only wooden fencing encloses the remainder of the grounds, over two dozen rangers rove through the thick foliage of the estate's borders to ensure that any fool attempting to trespass would be caught and punished accordingly. Most of the pristine environs are undisturbed, however, hosting but fae and fauna within its verdant walls.

Despite the arboreal fort, this gracious element of the Syl'rosyan Forest is permitted, at least for the time being, to live freely, barred from any growth that tends to encroach clearings with its slithering vines and unyielding wood. Only the indiscernible path that the rangers worked in along the borders pierces an otherwise natural landscape.

Approaching the stone arch, visitors are at once met with two guards on duty, excluding the other two idly chatting while waiting for their shift to begin, who quickly request one’s name and purpose. They are all soldiers of pure Syl'rosyan blood, likely retired legionnaires from the Shining Host, and as such, their snobbish disposition put formalities in rare order unless the visitor was of warranted status or if the manor lord had requested their proper etiquette to be displayed during certain times.

The Pathway, Gardens & Study

Once granted entry, guests are escorted by the two off-duty guardsmen along the surprisingly long pathway leading to the open vales of which its beauty is augmented by gardens and the dignified Cheb, which only comprises of a fraction of the entire property. While the unpaved trail is nothing inspiring, the sublimity of the grove sways one's mind from the thought of a preferred shorter walk. A blue mist emanating from the eucalyptus trees veils the glade and the wilderness, a floral by-product of the Sapphire Groves that surrounds Megiltura Cheb. The occasional ranger is visible between these tall bushes of eucalyptus as he casually patrols the lands while eating various fruits or mushrooms picked up from the ground.

Gradually, the trail diminishes into a more open grove and at length, into a wide dell full of beautiful and organic colours. The cobblestone road that gleams silver in the moon’s glow begins and divides into two, one way leading to the manor and the other branching into narrow walks for a pleasant journey over murmuring creeks towards the way to the menagerie of flowers and other plant life in the gardens. Two or three simple fountains are sprinkled in with the horticulture in which a number of tall lamp posts holding white candles are situated for when sunlight becomes sparse. Once the cobblestone path completes its meandrous journey around the flower and fruit plantations, it ends at an oblong annex hugging the fringes of the wilderness and Duin'en'Coia. Only the door and windows are liberated from the Tumba's vines, which had over the years virtually covered the entire structure to liken it to a hillock. Upon entering, bookshelves cover every wall, and the two long tables in the middle of the wooden floor seem to be spotlighted by the sun’s shaft of light penetrating through from the highest windows.

The Xind'ell Manor

Following the widened division of the primary cobblestone road, one would be led to the large stone keep of House Xind'ell. The impressive structure stands two storeys, with two more soldiers guarding the front door; their presence is more of a decoration, however, than a security precaution. Like the library, large vines had crept up the façade of the building, engulfing it in a blanket of emerald foliage. A very small citadel is attached at the front, where guards could stay the night if need be, made of the same level stone as the rest of the manor. While the façade, graced by elfin caryatids, is made of simple quarried materials, the inside attributes its sumptuous grandeur to the refine taste of the lord and lady. Hardwood floors accentuate the furniture made of polished oak and silver arrases, depicting Syl’rosyan life that cascades down the walls. The upper floor is much the same as any other two-storey house, comprising solely of guest rooms and one master bedchamber where the lord and lady rests.

The master bedchamber is by far the most elaborate room in the manor. A massive Arakmatan rug covers all but the floor's perimeter. Resting on the carpet to one side is a massive four-post bed frame of polished rosewood, draped in lustrous gauze, holding up a mattress of feathers and blankets of silk. To the opposite side of the room, is a fireplace of granite and marble, which stands tall below an ornament of a golden tree adorning the crown of the mantle in honour of the Goddess of Fertility.

The first floor is where most rooms of importance rested. To the left is the kitchen, and beyond that, the banquet hall, where a large table for seating twelve people spread the length of the room. Surrounding it are two pine cabinets on either side; one for storing dinnerware and one used as a cellaret. Living quarters and a billiard room are situated to the right, and in between two august, linear staircases leading to the top floor, is a glass door parallel to the front entrance. There, one could make their way into the sunroom that is often swathed in fresh, lambent light.

Bay windows spring out from each side of the peninsular room, which protrudes towards a grove of hanging gardens illuminated at night by garden tealights; and opening a latch in the ceiling would permit sunlight to enter from above on good brightenings. While not as large, the sunroom is furnished in the similar fashion as the house, providing just one more place in which the lord and his lady can spend the rest of their days.

Written by Riconus Xind'ell and Rhiannon Rhodes

[Riconus Xind'ell]

Alright, let's finally get this show on the road
---

20th of Immanis, Era I

Darkening following the wedding of Rhiannon Rhodes and Riconus Xind'ell

The carriage holding the newly wedded couple strolled through stone archway in the late hours of the night, accompanied by a small escort of guards that followed them down the long path, towards the manor. In his right arm, Riconus held close his beautiful bride, gently stroking her shoulders with his hand as he took deep breathes to relax his mind. After a long night of festivities, it was finally confirmed that the rest of his life would be with a beautiful daughter of the Anulindrael House, and his mind began slow in his hopes that the moments he shared with her now would never cease. However, in his left hand, he carried a small key, which in truth carried for him a slight degree of worry; would it work? Was she ready? Was he ready... well, he was definately ready.

Nevertheless, after a few minutes, the carriage stopped, and he awoke from his bliss to alert Rhiannon of their arrival.

"We're here, my love. Welcome to your new home."

Riconus guided Rhiannon out of the carriage as they came to the door, allowed in by the two guards standing sentry. It wasn't until the door closed that he locked his lips upon his bride's, cupping her soft neck before looking at her beautiful eyes.

"This is all yours, my dear. Would you like to take a look around, or do you prefer to adjourn for the evening?"

[Rhiannon Xind'ell-Anulindrael]

ooc: Would it work? Lol, as long as the lock ain't rusted.

ic:

Ah! That key. Tristram had gestured to Riconus into his chambers that very evening when the reception was concluding. Forsooth he enjoyed the celebration, but he was in a state of brooding disquietude about Rhiannon's impending course into the unknown. He tumbled the key in his pocket over and over again, as he looked at himself in the mirror, looking at that sad, funerary expression that took over his countenance. Tonight was to be the death of her innocence. Carmelya's Quiverin' Thighs! thought he. Why did she have to marry so early in her life? She is still a child!

He paced the floor, as he flashed back to those many moments of his life laying in the haystack with Marianna, in the closet with Lena and her sister, beneath the table of the Nia with who-knows, on his cantering mount with Alaena. The lust that exuded from his body could not be contained and those poor girls never received a letter or a greeting card from him again. He had abandoned them and left them to suffer in their wretchedness as most girls are want to do when left by a lover they thought loved them. Enough! said he to himself, they are married now. Riconus will not leave her...but the things he will do to her! Oh, Carmelya! Oh, Diana! Oh, Bollocks!

The chamber door creaked and in entered Riconus, serious as ever, but with a shining hope flickering in his eyes for a wild night. Tristram smiled with trembling lips - as he wanted to strangle the bastard - and before he could absorb the events, the key was in his brother-in-law's hand. Monstruous, heartless cad! No, no. Yes! Yes! Lay one fing-, oh, my little Bird has flown the coop.. "Be mindful, Riconus," were the words tinged by sorrow that escaped his lips before he left the room.

And now, here they were, the couple, happily married and prepared to bring it to conclusion. As for Rhiannon, she was irresolute, and thus, hurriedly answered, "Oh, how lovely. I'm sorry, but let us adjourn. It's too dark." She twisted her fingers and awaited for him to lead her to...their bedroom! The way was long, like the way to one's execution. Yet, how one could ever compare their walk towards the location of consummation on a wedding night to a dreadful execution was beyond anyone's, save Rhiannon's and definitely her brother's, understanding. The thoughts that lingered in her mind...The maiden - shall lose - her head. A eulogy, please, a eulogy.

“The..the door, it’s quite large.” The massive entry into the master chamber towered over them, appearing foreboding as it threatened to swallow her up forever. “We go inside?” Of course you go inside, you inane child!.

Bird emerged into the large suite, impressed, though what could be distinguished as a favourable emotion beneath the muddle of diffidence, anxiety, and fear. “Oh.” A timid peep sounded from her. Her eyes examined every corner and every décor; imbibed the colours of the drapery and the patterns that enriched them. Then, her silvery orbs rested on the menacing four-poster. “That’s our bed.” She walked towards it and sat upon it; her legs dangled over. “So…this is where we’ll sleep...together?” Rhiannon bounced off, forcing a smile as she hugged herself into comfort. “I…” What in Jorel’s Dirty Toes do I say? “What happens next?” Riconus was going to have a very long night.

[Riconus Xind'ell]

OOC: well, after 80 patterns, you never know

His climb up the stairs was to the sound of his response to Tristam during that discussion, played in his mind on constant repeat. "Fear not, m'lord." was all he could think to say to his brother-in-law's words, of which were obviously a front to his true aspirations to kill Riconus before he could deflower the young lord's beautiful sister. Nevertheless, those thoughts were disregarded as the large doors of their bedchamber opened, and Rhiannon's innocent question was answered by her husband's hand leading her into the room.

As the new bride went over to the bed, Riconus made his way to the corner of the room, where a large wooden wardrobe stood, and began to discard items of his armor on the floor. On any other occaision, the black platemail he wore on that brightening was only before equipped for large-scale battle; the silver embroidery decorating his breastplate was always an indication to his troops that war was imminent. It was almost uncomfortable, to wear articles of clothing that before, meant so much fear, and now, it was used for the purpose of celebration. It was likely something that Ric would ponder over in future times, but his thoughts were thankfully interjected by Rhia's curious questions.

If not for his planning, Riconus would surely be in for a very long night, but luckily, he made sure that his lovely wife could learn of what exactly consummation involved. A very light rap on the door conveniently followed her question, and an elderly Vagaran human woman entered soon after. By now, the Syl'rosyan general had relieved himself of all upper armarments, and so came to Rhiannon with a warm smile, albeit topless, to explain the woman's purpose for the evening.

"My love, this is Sasha- she's the wife of one of the generals serving under me. She's hear to explain to you anything you need to know, ok sweetheart?"

"Come, dearest." said the elderly woman gently, as she held her hand out for Rhiannon to clutch. "Let's get you all washed up, and you can ask me anything you like. I have a guest room on this floor, where we can begin.

Don't worry, m'lady. You won't be absent of your husband long."

Riconus took the hand of Sasha to lay a proper kiss upon the back of her hand, while secretly placing a small, metal key in her palm. When formalities had concluded, the elderly woman took Rhiannon to one of the rooms at the right of the master bedchamber. There, a porcelain bathtub stood to the side with warm water, by an assortment of towels and sleeping garments, and a table with every sort of cosmetic accessory standing to the other side.

"Now then, m'lady, perhaps you would enjoy a warm bath to lie in while you ask me all of your many questions? If so, then please undress- and do not worry, dear, for I have seen it all before."

Sasha revealed a crooked yet heartwarming smile, and began to check the temperature of the water while Rhiannon made her decision.

[Rhiannon Xind'ell-Anulindrael]

Ooc: What an imagination, Ric. Lol. You’re…corny. Don't let it happen again. (lovingly, I say this) O.o

Rhiannon's brow arched quizzically, as she smiled quite humorously at the situation. How very odd the situation played out. A strange woman to educate her on the birds and the bees? Oh, Carmelya! Her husband was definitely a sensitive one to her delicate emotions, but he had definitely gone over the extremes to make her feel comfortable. Nevertheless, she followed this Sasha to save him from embarrassment and sat beside the bath before proceeding in a whispered voice,

“You are very kind for taking on this…awkward situation. And I did not imagine that my husband would employ a person on our wedding night to-…” She could say no more. “Please, please. I know how much he loves me and how carefully he has planned this to make the evening special, but this is…honestly, quite weird.” Bird held out her hand and received the key. “You may go.”

The woman walked out and Rhiannon, flustered, sat by herself in the bath, unsure on how to react to this incontestable good act of consideration that only left her feeling like an ignorant child. Verily, she was innocent, but not completely unaware of how things worked. True, she presented herself to him as utterly naïve (well, in a sense, she was) but not completely so…it seemed that night, Rhiannon could no longer play coy; she had to be forward with this man. After all, he was a militaristic gallant and analyzing the behaviour of proper women and their conundrums was not his forte. She remembered well their first disagreement on the day they first met, one that she had caused with her ambiguity. The girl smirked. So, she arose from her place and removed her garment to replace it with a soft chemise. She stepped out and looked at him.

How he resembled a work of fine art. Silly twit.

Rhiannon threw the key at him and walked to the bed. Gracefully, she climbed into it and rested upon the pillows before rolling her eyes. “I will forgive your folly. And I will remember this forever and will always laugh at this abnormal situation you put me in. I dreamt of candles and petals, not a third party.” Her grim visage looked disappointing, until she broke out into a laugh. “All you men need directions,” said she gently, “come to me, melamin.” Her chastity belt glinted in the firelight. How pleasant. They survived their first predicament; however, when she tells Elena in the morrow, she would definitely leave that part out of that strange lady.

[Riconus Xind'ell]

OOC: lmao, it was that or letting Ric answer that loaded question of yours- so consider yourself lucky
---

The last articles of his armor were all placed in the corner of their room, and Riconus caught the key as it was flung at him. His eyes rolled at her new found sense of independance, but considering how unable Riconus would have been to answer her question, his general's old wife was the only thing standing between him and a new bride totally turned off to the idea of consummation.

Considering that Rhiannon had already seen his complete person at that cove in Medonia (although she would never admit to anyone that her husband was revealed to her before her wedding night), there were no apprehensions to bare about him walking as freely as the brightening he was born over to the bed. Slowly, he climbed onto the sheets... his heart beginning to beat a little quicker than before. In his time as a simple soldier, the breed of woman that followed his legion around were far from inexperienced in such a field, and now, the woman that he would be faithful to for the remainder of his time on the Material Plane was looking to him to lead the way.

With steady hands, they began to lift up Rhiannon's chemise from the thighs, until it had passed over her head and onto the floor. He chest pressed up against hers as his lips locked on her neck, and without any sudden movement, his right hand, carrying the metal key, began to reach down towards the chasity belt. Their foreheads met as Riconus looked down, staring at his hand that showed hesitation as it began to slide into the lock. His eyes could only return to Rhia's, almost baring second doubts about stealing the innocence of such a pure woman.

"As much as I mind is screaming for me to continue... are you sure this is what you are comfortable with?"

OOC2: Might as well milk this thread out for all it's worth:P

[Rhiannon Xind'ell-Anulindrael]

The cad-of-a-husband of hers strolled towards the bed as if in an ostentatious parade for the nudes. No doubt, he was well-formed from years of perilous battle, and she was just as impressed now, as she was on that first day, having many reveries of him subsequently to the dismay of her conscience. Aye. Her eyes were no longer virginal after the swim, Carmelya forgive, but she did not ask for him to be so indecent as to be completely bare when they had only become familiar on a just-names basis. Her invitation to him for a dip in the pool on a miserable, Summer’s day meant not a Bacchanalia! Hmph. She did endeavour to not stare. And Rhia would argue with him all the way to their graves should he doubt that. What a lovely old couple they would make one day.

At length, they were finally in bed…together. Rhia had worn a lovely chemise slip bedecked in pearls and silver embroidery on the bust attached to flowing gauze. And off it went, over her head, to be discarded on the floor, without a word from him on how lovely she looked! The fault of a soldier husband – so quick to the point. They were the epitome of opposites attract. And then it proceeded to: Questions? Questions!? What in Jorel's Dirty Arse is this? You had no reservations when you tried to ravish me on our first date! And this is our wedding night! Of course I’m comfortable with this!

"Ric, melamin." The girl forced a chuckle, slightly stifled by her impatience. "Remember, at the lagoon? I advised you to not think that you've conquered me." Her earthy eyes gazed at him as she desperately hoped that he would remember. She placed her hands on his face and grazed through his hair with her fingers. Bird could not understand his qualms that stopped him short from bringing her into a state of ecstasy. Did he not want her?

"Well?" spoke she in airy whispers. "You've conquered me." What happens next... "And what I meant earlier is that I desire for you to show me what victory is like when love has triumphed. Here I am uncovered and unashamed before my husband…and…the hesitation from you. Am I not pleasing in your sight?” Silvery eyes were glazed over by the formation of tears, but they did not overflow just yet. Rhiannon only waited, not for words, but for him to complete their unity as husband and wife.

ooc: Milk it, but keep it pasteurized. Hehe.

[Riconus Xind'ell]

OOC: hmm, good point. alright, then...
---

Riconus nearly gave a small laugh at the thought of 'conquering' Rhiannon, but the water welling in her eyes was a clear indication that she took his caution far more as a sign of disinterest. Nothing could be farther from the truth, but for a proper lady who likely wasn't used to a soldier tactically analyzing every move, it had to be expected. With a sullied smile, Riconus gripped Rhia's neck with one hand, and used the other to wipe her eyes before their tears dropped upon her perfect skin.

"Vanimle sila tiri, melamin / Your beauty shines bright, my love."

Ric's key-baring hand began to drop softly once more, and far quicker than before, found its place in the lock before his eyes could return to Rhiannon's.

"Rhiannon, the thought of you believing I do not find you pleasing truly pains me. I cannot explain to you in words how deep my love runs for you, in every aspect, and you must never forget this.

But enough of words..."

With a turn of the key, the chasity belt was removed. Only a few more kisses elapsed before Riconus wrapped himself in his bride's legs, and pressed onward into the night.


********************************************


The night may have concluded eventually, but Riconus was already well aware that he would not be able to fall asleep for quite a time. Simply too much danced around in his head about the future, and so, very slowly, he got off from his bed to attend to the pile of armor laying in the corner. He turned to the wardrobe that stood beside it, used solely for the purpose of storing only the aforementioned apparel. With next to no sound, he opened the wardrobe door, and began placing his armor in, one piece of platemail at a time.

Considering that he needed to move slowly in order not to make too much noise, it took Ric nearly half of a candlemark to place everything where it belonged. A hard stare was given to the immaculate equipment in its resting spot, which before was only used as a method of defending himself in life or death situations; situations that he no longer wanted to find himself in, now with a family to look after. It was with much disdain, that he finally closed the doors... and by the will of the gods, he hoped he would never have to open his wardrobe ever again.

Looking out his bedroom window to admire the Restwood in the darkening was enjoying for a while, but eventually, as the sky began to lighten with suns close to rising from the horizon, the time had come to return to his wife, and attempt again to catch at least some sleep before the busy brightening ahead of him approached. Slowly, he slipped underneath his blankets, and after placing a small kiss upon Rhia's forehead, wrapped his arms around her before resting for whatever period of time could be allowed.

[Rhiannon Xind'ell-Anulindrael]

Sing it, Barry White

Had there been one so talented in Alleria, one would be quite sure his chocolate voice would have echoed through the halls of the Cheb.

Rhiannon still enjoyed the moment even with the lack of soulful tunes playing in her keen ears. She watched the imminent revelation take place as her freedom from her gilded belt came close to an end. She would be his - entirely - and every tale she heard from acquaintances she had known were recalled back to her mind with positive expectations as to the feelings one felt during intimate hours.

At last, the key turned, and the hinges moaned. By Diana's Ears, what an awful sound! The girl cringed, but returned to that dreamy state at the moment of manifestation of her holy vessel. Go get her, Langdon!

The divine afflatus was born. Riconus could write poems now. Ah! But what was that? He heard the singing of an angelic choir to the clarion blasts of the cherubs as heaven parted and displayed the panoply of iridescent colors at the moment of revelation. Carmelya's Quiverin' Thighs! Such an event took place, albeit muffled, once long ago in a certain cove in Medonia for a different reason, but on their wedding day, the voices of paradise belted out. Dogs in the distance barked.

Bird did not cover herself, but gave herself to him. She kissed him once. She kissed him twice and ten times more. The night was to be relished. Lovingly, she received him. And it was breathtaking.

But good things come to an end, and the amount of time it took is not one's business.

What was important was that the consummation was bliss. Rhiannon, satisfied with experiencing one of the many joys of life that the gods gave these earth-bound souls, succumbed to somnolence; her dreams that were borne were pleasant, only replaying the memorable events that took place on her wedding day.

Diana, now that the corny canoodling has ended, does this mean breakfast on the table in the morn?

ooc: The end. Sorry. I couldn't help myself. Heh.

[Riconus Xind'ell]

OOC: lol, np
---

Only a few more candlemarks passed before the first sun beemed through the window of their bedroom, and awoke Riconus as it gleamed on his face. The blissful Rhiannon was gently shaken in order to come back from her dreams, only to find herself in the arms of her husband. A smile and kiss welcomed her return.

"Wake up, melamin. You must be hungry after that long night, yes?"

Riconus opened his sheets and stepped into a Legionnaire's tunic, dark red in color and lengthened almost to the knees. After strapping on a large copper belt, he waited at the door for Rhiannon to finish getting dressed, while still resisting the urge to "conquer" her once more; alas, he doubted her apetite had much else to do than with food.

Once they were both ready, Riconus led the two of them into the room directly below, on the first floor. It was the sunroom, which exhibited its true beauty in the bright morning suns. He used a small pole to open the latch in the roof, which allowed the warmth of the outside to seep in from above. Not a moment after Riconus invited Rhiannon to sit beside him on one of the couches, did an aging halfing man enter, perhaps somewhat to Rhiannon's surprise. The hafling carried a platter with a variety of fruits and breads, along with cooked eggs and meats to settle anyone's appetite.

"Rhiannon," began Riconus. "Allow me to introduce to you my chief advisor and personal assistant, Xavier Ola'rt. His age and wisdom have done great things for me, and I would pray that you consider Xavier with only the highest degree of respect."

"Thank you, sir. And a pleasure meeting you, m'lady."

The hafling bowed once before turning to leave the sunroom. It was not ordinary that Xavier was employed as a chef, but nevertheless, he seemed to have a firm grip on it.

"Xavier usually deals with my professional affairs- being the soldier type, I've always considered myself responsible for things like my own meals, but I imagined that I would not bare enough energy to do so this morning. I certainly imagined correctly."

Riconus smiled again, at the thought of having to cook after all that... energy loss, one might call it.

"However, if you believe a servant staff will be necessary to accomidate Megiltura Cheb, and I imagine you might, I will go into the city this afternoon, to find two or three proper individuals."

[Rhiannon Xind'ell-Anulindrael]

Food. thought she as she moved down the hall with her husband. Her limbs were flaccid and her belly groaned for a bit of buttered bread, if not that, then something - dried-up chicken, a crumb, anything!

And for a moment, her starvation and dipsomania were forgotten, as she realised that for the first time, Ric had seen her in the wee hours with unkempt hair and no lip-smackers gloss. Eh. She looked 'good enough' the instant she donned on a simple gown of a rich, sea-green colour. It looked rather nice against her dark hair, as tangled as shrubs in a forgotten wilderness. A mere quick run through with her fingers, and it looked smooth enough for her to leave the safety of her bedroom. She only hoped that there would be no unbidden visitors to wish the newlyweds good tidings when she was disheveled. For the time being, Bird wanted privacy...with the exception of, she supposed, the retinue and innumerable soldiers trolling around the estate. She didn't care much if they had an urge to throw a comb at her face.

In the sunroom, Bird sat rigid, too diffident to confidently adopt the disposition of a denizen of the estate by lounging on the soft couch. What would Ric think of her? A brazen parvenu! No, wait. That didn't apply. Sigh. She was just simply peculiar. Too much exposure to toxic propriety had left her too disabled to be casual.

And in came a halfling with pinchable cheeks. Rhiannon's eyes lit with appreciation for the breakfast he had brought to them. A craving for buttered toast met with contentment at a larger, varied meal set before her.

"What a pleasant man, Xavier is," said the lady when he exited. "To be sure, he has done a commendable job with breakfast."

The pair talked, and to his inquiry, Rhia answered, "Well, I am not a cook, but unless you enjoy cheese and crackers every brightening, I fear I will fail you in the kitchen. I wouldn't know which end of a chicken to cook."

Her earthy-gray orbs bespoke her uncertainty as she stared and absentmindedly asked him, "Which end would I cook?"

Hm. A shame.

"Two or three?" The girl was an enigma to him. Born and raised with a silver spoon in her mouth, it was a wondrous oddity that she would debate over hiring extra hands. Still, it wasn't a surprise after the tragedy; she learned to take care of her own self with food, shelter, and protection. However, as moments passed, Rhiannon lost her tenacity at the thought of cooking every morning and night for a titanic size elf and someday, a fuller household. So she gave in and determined hired help to be indispensable.

"I haven't had a handmaiden for nigh two patterns now. 'twould be convenient to have another lady assist me. And a cook is a necessity..." her voice trailed off, lips curled from the dread of perspiring over a boiling pot of chicken feet.

"Please, if you think it wise, my love, employ two individuals." She finished the last piece of fruit and arose, sauntering out the door towards the staircase. "But before you do, meet me in the chamber. I have grown weary of this fasting."

[Riconus Xind'ell]

The certain discomfort that Rhiannon expressed in her rigid stance on the couch, not feeling at ease enough to take relax, was concering, but certainly to be expected. It wasn't until the previous darkening that she was even aware her new found estate existed, but still, Riconus tried to bring her in closer, sharing a piece of fruit here and there before the mention of employing extra help came in. Two servants around the household were certainly good in his mind, as he already had an assistant in Xavier, and Rhiannon would certainly need hers, be it around professionally or domestically. And of coarse, he very much doubted Rhia could stomach a soldier's cooking style, and considering her own lack of the culinary arts, a chef would definately become an invaluable tool.

"Well, whenever I cooked, I was always told to impale it from one end to the next, and roast it above a fire, rotisserie-style... but I doubt that's exactly the proper Syl'rosyan way of doing things, heh.

I'll arrange for two servants to be hired by the end of the brightenng."

Rhiannon's request for Riconus to follow him was something of a surprise. He couldn't imagine what she exactly had planned, but his curiousity was certainly racing. Casually, Riconus followed behind the young arwen, and upon meeting her at the staircase, looked on in confusion as to what she had to unveil to him.

"What is it, melamin?"