[Gil'dae Cheb] Dark tidings.. (cala please!)

[Alicia Elsdragon]

Timestamp: First brightening of Melora, Era XIV

There it was, the Cheb. Home for a while and a place that had very mixed feelings for her. But Alicia Gil'dae was here, right now, on business most dark and vile. She was sure, quite sure, that Calariel would know what it was that called her brother's wife here, but sure or not Alicia owed it to Motito to go herself.

And so, calling on the Sorcerors one last time Alicia appeared outside the Cheb and made her slow way to the familiar buildings. She breathed in gently and walked slowly as she made her way forwards. Her pale skin was whiter than normal, almost transcluscent in its pallour and her large, mist-grey eyes had dark circles of near-black beneath them. She had done her best to hide the exhaustion of the past cycles and months, but they had taken their toll on the young elf.

So, after she was allowed in and sat down waiting for Cala, Alicia sank into the familiar comfortable chairs and wondered what would happen. Memories flooded into her, hitting her like slaps across her face, each one yanking her further into the past and assuming that Cala came to where Alicia had been shown to wait, there were tears pouring down the young Syl'rosyans cheeks that she simply did not know were there.

She was home, and he was gone. There was nothing here now, and her heart was broken.


ooc: hope it's ok to assume she was allowed in!! let me know if not and I'll edit!

[Calairiel Mynendil Gil'dae]

Calairiel was informed of Alicia’s arrival…without Motito, but she already knew what Alicia would say.

Twins knew…and Motito and Calairiel had been closer then most ever realized.

Sighing softly and steeling herself for what was to come, she rose from her desk and glided gracefully down the hallway and stair to meet her sister. There was much to discuss and hopefully they would be able to settle affairs quickly to ease the differing pain they both felt.

Motito had been the cornerstone of the House for so long that things would never be the same again.

But Alicia and Calairiel were left to pick up the pieces…and the young Gil’dae needed to know how to precede. Her grieving had been done in the arms of her new husband, leaving her able to think and help Alicia through her sorrow.

Arriving on the landing, she sighed once again as her eyes fell upon her sister. She quickly moved to her and wrapped her arms tightly around the small elf.

“It’s okay Alicia. I know. It’s okay to let it all out. I’m here.”

A single tear fell….that was all Cala would allow in that moment. She needed to be strong for Alicia.

[Alicia Elsdragon]

The feel of Calairiel's arms around her was enough to let Alicia sob. The small hiccuping noise that was a sob came from the young elf's mouth and then she felt her knees buckle as the strength that she had held in for so long simply gave way and she crumpled.

Falling to her knees in the middle of the landing, still feeling Calairiel's arms around her, Alicia tried to speak, tried to form words but could not. Great heaving sobs wracked her body as the held-in tension let loose and hot tears coarsed down her cheeks. She breathed in huge gulps of air as she struggled to breathe and eventually, slowly, she calmed.

The pain that pierced her did not ease, of course, not at all, but instead she calmed her emotional response to it, regaining the composure that was so important to the young Sil'rosyan. In the brightenings that were to come she would regret that outburst on a number of levels but right now, in that moment, she could not help herself.

Until, of course, it calmed. It passed as it must and Alicia looked up at Calairiel. The tear stains were not the most obvious sign of what the young elven maiden was going through, rather her eyes showed Cala what she needed to know. Alicia's eyes were devoid of all positive emotion. She was, in that moment, pure and unadulterated grief.

"He... he simply wasn't there when I awoke. I... I.." she hiccupped a stifled sob "I think maybe the arcana finally consumed him. There needs to be a ceremony, a passing over for him and it needs to be *right*. He... there are things that need to be sorted out Calairiel. The house in Diana belongs to you now, as the head of the House. I... and I want you to do something for me. I know your counsel will be to wait, but I can not and will not reconsider this. I want you to arrange me a marriage. A political one that will further the house in some way. I want that done and I want it soon. Will you do that for me?"

The reasoning behind that was clear to Alicia and all completely logical and sane. She did not see the need to explain it, for she was sure that Calairiel would be as incapable of understanding it as anyone else,but she knew that it was right. The young Sil'rosyan looked up at Cala and in that moment the steel that Motito had known so well flashed in her eyes "Its what I want. Its what I need and I am asking you as the sister of the only man I have ever and will ever love to do this for me. Will you?" she asked, misty-grey eyes watching Calairiel almost calmly.

Almost.

[Calairiel Mynendil Gil'dae]

Events simply passed by too quickly for Calairiel to keep up with. First the sobbing in her arms and then quickly moving on to affairs of property. They had both had time to understand what was coming but it was simply baffling to the younger elf as to how Alicia could be so calm.

That was the thing though…she had –never- been through a situation such as the one Alicia was going through. She simply didn’t know what she would do if something ever happened to Nimavel. So, understanding that, did she really have the right to judge Alicia?

No. She didn’t.

Listening and thinking, Calairiel laid out what she was thinking in terms of property. She was the caretaker of the Gil’dae legacy now and such duties –did- fall to her. Motito hadn’t contacted her before his passing so she couldn’t know his mind, but she believed that she knew her twin better then anyone and understood what he would have wanted.

"Alicia, the manor in Diana belongs to you…do as you wish. If you wish to sell it and reinvest the money, so be it. If you wish to wash your hands of it and hand it over to House Gil’dae, that is fine as well. This choice is yours. That manor belonged to you and Motito and it is not my intention to rip it away from you."

"There are some businesses in Jaedaxia that I’m in the process of selling. After reviewing what little information I found on them, I’ve decided it would be best to do so. Motito bought the businesses with the intention of creating a solid base for the House and I’m currently reviewing business options in other cities."

It was Alicia’s last request that simply caused Calairiel to remain still…almost flabbergasted. When words returned to her mind, she shook her head, trying to understand Alicia’s thinking.

"It’s too soon, Alicia. Perhaps you will feel different in time. I don’t wish you to think me unkind or unsupportive for that is far from my mind. I simply wish to spare you from making something that might be a mistake. As you’ve asked me for understanding, I ask the same of you for this is something that is hard for me to even consider. Marriage without love…It’s just something I can’t conceive."

Before they had gone much further, a small elven girl came into the room, quietly sneaking up onto Calairiel’s lap. Serious little face with beautiful red hair and brilliant eyes, she looked shyly at Alicia while relaying a message to Cala.

“Jodi’i wished me to tell you that Saerwen is fussing up again and won’t sleep. She wants to know if Nimavel is home or away.”

Calairiel nodded her head understandingly, kissing the girl’s cheek softly.

"Ah yes…Nimavel seems to be the only one that can get that child to sleep. Unfortunately, we shall have to endure the crying a bit longer as he’s not due home until next cycle. Tell Jodi’i that I’ll be up shortly to see if there is anything I can do."

Smiling, seeing her eyes riveted to the strange person that was speaking to Calairiel, the young elf decided that an introduction was long overdue.

"Alasielle, this is your Aunt Alicia."

She wasn’t sure if in Alicia’s state that she would press for an explanation, but she had the information ready should she ask. Motito hadn’t even known about the elven orphans that Nimavel and Calairiel had adopted from Medonia so it was logical that Alicia wouldn’t either.

[Alicia Elsdragon]

Alicia sank down quietly, sitting on the floor where she was, the chair nearby if there was such a thing. "Thank you, Cala" she mumbled when Cala told her about the house in Diana "I .. I think I might live there" she said, falteringly. "I.. I mean, we lived there for so long. I could sell the house in Prime and just live there. That would mean that I could take an Era off work and not.. well not worry about it." she continued and looked at Cala. There might have been a time when they could get used to the knowledge that Motito was going to die, but Alicia simply hadn't done it, simply couldn't do it. Till the moment had come she had believed, some small part of her, that he would live. The shock of this was just too much, too much to cope with and she had, in a very real sense shut down emotionally.

But as Cala argued that it was too soon, Alicia felt the tears coming again, and the emotions welling up inside her... "Cala.. I just.. I just want to.. I know you're right, but I just want the pain to go away.I know that marriage without love is a difficult thing, but if I'm ever to marry again then that is my only option" she said, silver tear trickling down her cheek at the very inevitable truth "I want an arranged marriage because I want stability for my children and also, I thought it would be a good chance for movement for the house.. please help me.. really I can't manage this on my own, I need someone with me. I've been alone and I dont want to do it again... I want you to do this for me and I want this now.. please?!..... oh"

The last exclamation was at the young girl, and at her Alicia smiled gently "Hello poppet" she said, her eyes, tear stained as they were, smiling for the first time since she'd seen Cala "I am very very pleased to meet you Alasielle... and you know.. I have a secret" she whispered slightly, leaning forwards to tell the young, serious child

"I will always have candies" she whispered, for the eyes of the young elf only. Whatever her response, Alicia would look at Cala and smile wanly "You're right.. I'm sorry to burden you with this. .. I just... I want to help the family that he loved so much Cala, and I don't know that I can be on my own again.... I need your help" she said, producing the candies she had promised, should her niece require them.

"BUt.. what of the ceremony for him?" she asked quietly "He would hate it, but hate it more that it did not happen"

Oh her love had been a contrary person, but she had loved him truly!!

ooc: I'm so sorry - she changes her mind!! And then she changes it back again!!!What can I do!? Cala managed to persuade her thats it a stupid idea but she still wants it - and I didn't expect her to!!! So arranged marriage is ON!

[Calairiel Mynendil Gil'dae]

The processes of Alicia’s mind moved too quickly for Calairiel, although that was one of the charms of the elf. So much going on in both their minds that it was hard to pick a starting point.

Alasielle listened to the elder elf, nodding softly. She was still –very- wary of strangers…and very protective of those within the walls of the Cheb…but in time, she would learn to warm to her Aunt. At any rate, the candies offered were quickly scooped up by a small hand before trundling back up the stairs to deliver the message.

Alone again, Calairiel returned to the matter at hand. Alicia’s indecision was understandable. Before she changed her mind back, there was –one- possibility that Calairiel had thought of….a long shot at best…but perhaps Alicia needed a kindred spirit to help her through things.

Cala could think of just one.

“Whatever you decide, sister, I will respect. However, I believe I have a friend that you would do well to speak with. He is like you in many respects and I feel that he might be able to help you through the battlefield of emotions. If you are interested, I could set up dinner here and introduce you to him. I think he would be an excellent friend."

"The ceremony…I’m not sure. It –should- be held in Syl but with Motito’s increasing dislike of the place, I’m not sure he would appreciate that choice. I would like to have it in the Cheb if possible, but then again. I’ll leave that up to you. People should be notified, yes. Either way, a ceremony must be arranged. What are your thoughts?"

Another thought popped into her head, almost as a side note.

“You know Alicia, I misspoke earlier…or more to the point, I didn’t include something I should have. Should you want to live here in Syl’rosya, Starshadow will –always- be home to you and your children. You can commute wherever you need to and the children can be safe here…or however you would wish that to work…live in another city for the cycle and come home for a few brightenings at the end of the cycle. I just want you to know that there –are- other options.”

Smiling softly at the change of conversation, Calairiel tried to steer things in a more, pleasant direction.

“Would you like to meet your nieces and nephews? There are five total at the moment…and a very good story to go along with them.”

Whether or not Alicia felt like the diversion was up to her, but Calairiel was at least offering. The children were just getting ready for bed so would still be awake and waiting for Calairiel’s nightly visit.

[Alicia Elsdragon]

That the candies disappeared was enough to bring a small smile to Alicia's face and she nodded gently to Alasielle, before watching her walk back up the stairs towards where Jodi'i was. Fond memories of Jodi'i flashed into Alicia's mind and she thought to the times that her children had lain in the nursery up there, Jodi'i looking after them while she and Tito worked. It was a cruel and twisted thing, fate, Alicia contemplated, but then she would think that. Calairiel started speaking again, and Alicia turned to her, attentively.

"I.. I would appreciate that, Cala" she said, a small smile playing her lips but not making its way to her eyes "I think that right now I could use all the friends I can get. Her next words were on the ceremony and she nodded "I don't think he'd want it here" she said, looking at Cala directly. Normally she would do anything she could to avoid hurting her sister, no matter whether Cala believed that or not, but in the matter of Tito, she was a force to be reckoned with "He... I know he wouldn't. But. that's not quite right either. He wouldn't want it *just* here. Motito was so many things, he was a warrior, a soldier, a mage and Heru Gil'dae but he was more than than. I... I can't explain it. I think that there should be something here abd something that is arranged by Government. It should be the case, certainly" she said, and nodded "I... he died at home, though. I should do something there but I should do that alone" she said, thoughtfully "Will you arrange something here? Something that would befit him? I.. I don't want to ask too much of you, but you are the one that should do that.. he would want you to, I think"

The next offer caused Alicia's expression to change and she smiled slightly "Thank you Calairiel" she said, quietly "I can't tell you how much that means to me. It means a lot. I.. I need to think on it, but I think some time here would be good. I miss it here" she said, smiling slightly as she looked around "And that the option is there is very very good to know, thank you"

That she had five nieces and nephews caught her somewhat off guard "Five of them? Well, I hope I have enough candy" she said, with a wan smile "Of course, I'd love to meet them and to hear their stories. It's good that there are good stories still in the world"

She smiled gently and waited for Calairiel to lead the way. After all, although she knew the way well enough herself, this was Cala's home now, and Alicia was a visitor. How the world turned.

[Calairiel Mynendil Gil'dae]

Calairiel nodded at Alicia’s assessment. Motito had change a bit in the time they had been estranged and she, even being his twin sister, didn’t feel as though she knew him as well as others. That was the price she had paid unwillingly but in the end, it had been Motito’s choice and she accepted that.

She had responsibilities now and there was no getting past that.

Waving her hand in the direction of the stairwell, she led Alicia along the path to the nursery…aware that she knew the way just as well as anyone. It would take time for her to feel comfortable again in the Cheb…but that brightening –would- come.

Everything took time.

As they arrived at the nursery, Jodi'i gave a surprised look and warmly welcomed Alicia into the room. It was only then that Calairiel broke away for a second to check on the now-sleeping Saerwen. Jodi’i glanced over their direction and nodded tiredly towards the crib that held the sleeping dark-haired toddler.

“Next time you see Nimavel, tell him that he’s not allowed to be gone for great periods of time anymore. That one feels his absence acutely. He cried himself to sleep finally. The others seem to be ready for bed, but happily so.”

Grinning softly at the worn woman, Calairiel moved on to check on the two babies in adjoining cribs. The first, distinctly sylvan with his small head slathered in dark hair and a wide lavender eyes set into his small face. He wore a large smile on his pink lips, happily babbling at the site of his adoptive mother. The other, very similar to Arandron, was happily sucking upon her thumb but eyes very interested in the goings on around her Giving them both kisses, Calairiel smiled and turned back towards Alicia.

“Arandron and Caladwen…and the sleeping one, as you’ve probably already figured out is Saerwen. He’s very, very shy but somehow has this connection with Nimavel that I can’t explain. Peas in a pod, I think.”

Moving along, she bent over to kiss the other toddler. The small girl with beautiful green eyes and blond hair latched onto Calairiel briefly, eyes wide at the arrival of a stranger.

“This is Nariel. She’s a bit shy around strangers but will come along quick enough once she knows you…and you’ve already met Alassiel, whom I suppose has already bounded off to bed?”

The question was directed at Jodi’i, whom confirmed with a soft nod. The Arwen of Gil’dae continued along with the promised story.

”Actually, tis not much of a story. I decided that since Gil’dae was in the position to help people, we should do so. I talked over with Nimavel the idea of adopting several elven children and bring them back to Syl’rosya…providing for them and making sure they were educated in the ways of the elves. We traveled to Medonia and made arrangements with an orphanage there. These five are the first. After a while and when we feel ready, we will adopt more. There are so many children that need help. We can provide them with safety and a secure, loving upbringing. I can think of no more fitting legacy for Gil’dae then that.”

For all their differences, Calairiel somehow felt that Motito would approve.

[Alicia Elsdragon]

ooc: sorry for the delay ~ my muse it has deserted me

Alicia smiled at Jodi'i, gently and softly and embraced the woman who had been so very kindly to her and her children. She looked at each of the children and made exclamations of pleasure at them each. She smiled at Cala as she spoke and nodded, listening to the story. It would be too much to hope that she had named any of her children after Motito, of course, and she smiled at Calairiel's generosity of spirit at her treatment of the children.

Alicia smiled gently, turning to speak to Cala "Tito would shake his head and say you're too soft and how much work it would be, but he would be delighted and tell everyone about his sister and how proud he is... how proud he was of her" she said quietly.

"I.. I have to go back to Prime and make some arrangements, Calairiel, but I'll come back to the Cheb soon, if that's alright? I... I want to make sure that the house in Diana is well cared for. It would help if I could leave the ceremony here to you, that would mean a lot. I... I can't think of anything else right now" she said, looking utterly exhausted but determined.

"I'll be back in a few brightenings, if that's alright. Would you... I should go now. Would you give my regards to Nimavel? I look forward to.. to seeing him in better times" she said and looked at Jodi'i with a fond smile. Not one of the smiles that she gave came anywhere near her eyes which were as dead as her love.

"Is.. is that alright, Cala?" she asked. She couldn't stay here where life continued as normal no matter that the most important person in the world had died and been stolen from them. She had to go and think. Sleep. She had to go home and she looked rather panic-stricken for a moment before gathering herself and reminding herself of where she was.

[Calairiel Mynendil Gil'dae]

As always, the very sight of the children brought a smile to her face. Had they not already had elven names, she would have happily gifted one the name of her twin but that had not been the case.

Maybe when she and Nimavel had natural children…-if-. There was always an –if- where Nimavel was involved. She loved him but there were times that his nature did cause her concern.

Every couple had their problems.

Nodding to Alicia, she slipped her arm through hers and guided her back down the hallway, as was her wish.

“Of course. Nimavel and I are leaving to deal with House business in Chelseanna shortly but I’ll make sure the arrangements are made and I’ll plan the ceremony for the first cycle of summer. Motito always liked summer. I’ll make it a darkening event. I promise to send you details as soon as I can.”

“I have another question…of a sensitive nature. Motito’s son, Alvorn. Are you going to raise him or do you wish that he be raised her in Syl’rosya? I wish to be guided by you on this subject. Whichever you feel is best is certainly good enough for me.”

Normalcy was all Calairiel could provide for her family. Her –own- emotions were already raw for the nights she had fallen asleep crying in Nimavel’s arms. All she could offer them was the promise that House Gil’dae, something Motito put his very heart and soul into, would never fall.

That was her promise to them all.

[Alicia Elsdragon]

Alvorn? Alicia had, to her shame, forgotten the child. Oh that was not good. She looked at Calairiel and her eyes held, for a moment, that steel that Motito had seen so often and loved so well. That steel flashed in her eyes before they became, once again, the orbs devoid of emotion.

"Alvorn is Motito's son... he's... I'll raise him" there were so many things that she could say, but Calairiel was as aware as she was, and Alicia knew that Cala probably had her own opinions, but Motito would want Alvorn to be brought up by her, not by Cala and her husband. "If that's alright with you, I'll get the organisation done and then I'll come and get him. Is that alright?"

She looked around then and nodded "I.. I have to leave Cala. I... thank you for the offer, but right now I can't live here. I.. I need to be somewhere where Motito is.. where we were. I can't explain it more than that"

She turned then and gave her sister a brief, but fierce hug "I'll be in touch, Calairiel. Thank you" she said, waiting to see if Cala had anything to say before she left.

[Calairiel Mynendil Gil'dae]

Nodding softly, Calairiel let her sister go…knowing that she had her grief to contend with. It wasn’t going to be easy for anyone to move on from this point in time but Calairiel didn’t have a choice. She had Motito’s legacy to protect and be damned if anyone was going to get in the way of that.

OOC: Ze end!