[Thanal Manor] - Rebirth of the heart

Keldon Elsdragon · October 29, 2006, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adriana Sha'kaal

Nightfall, Twenty-fourth of Immanis

The night air was sharp and cold, crisp as fall leaves as two figures walked through the streets. One, an Imperial Guard, was silently escorting the other, a young Baijani female, to the home of the Thane. The latter cast constant looks about her as she made her way through a new city. As if in welcome, a very surreal snow was falling, landing gently upon the muddied remains of last brightening's dusting. The Baijani wore worn travel clothes, with an old coat as her only warmth. Her long hair was pulled back between her shoulder blades, tangled from several days of travel. Her bearing was tired, her shoulders slumped, and her shivering was noticable.

As the two approached the Manor, the girl reached into the pocket of her coat, drawing out a crumpled and much-read document. Looking questionably at the guard beside her, she presented it to the soldiers at the gate of the manor. She spoke, her voice dry, her teeth only barely kept from chattering.

"Adriana Sha'kaal. I'm here to see Keldon." The soldiers looked over the letter, and cast dubious glances at the dishevled girl in front of them. Hardly the kind of character one would expect to be visiting the Thane. But the letter was clear. The soldier motioned lightly.

"Allright, go on. Someone'll get you at the door." He puased before returning the letter to her hand that had extended, silently demanding it back.

Adriana inclined her head in thanks, then trudged on through the gates, following the gravel path to the front of the manor. She stood there, looking at the imposing doors, and glanced to the two guardsman. "I'm Adriana... I have a letter, uh, from the Thane... Keldon is expecting me, right?"

The guards nodded, opening one of the large doors. Adriana slipped in, very ill at ease, and very confused. Days of travel, entering a new city with no garuntees, and feeling half-frozen left her mind a little muddled. Her eyes travled up, up and up, seeing far above the dark window that would normally illuminate the impressive foyer. She only dimly heard the guard announce her, and wondered where she should go. She felt half-numb, still shivering, and her mind went in constant circles of wondering what was here for her, and wishing Keldon would come, wishing she could feel a little surer of what was happening to her now. She had left the instant she had recieved the letter from Keldon, but had not thought about where she was really going. And now that she was here, she didn't know what to do. So she stood, arms crossed in an effort to keep warm, glancing about her and waiting for someone to come.

The sound of the guards voice's moving throughout the estate of the thane caught some attention, but not of Keldon. He was quietly tucked away in his study looking over many documents that the various officials in his care had drafted up for him, proposals, income statements, balances, in truth all of it made Keldon happy to look at, and he did truly enjoy it. It was his responsibility, his duty to oversea and protect the city.

Adriana was standing inside the Thanal estate, in the main entrance. The marble walls and hardwood floor made the dim night in the building disappear as various light fixtures illuminated her surroundings. A younger lady, perhaps in her late twenty's popped her head around the corner curiously looking Adriana over then disappeared quickly back into the doorway of a servants quarter. A females voice could be heard echoing from that hallway, little did the girl know she could be heard as she was summoning her mistress.

Shortly afterwards a older lady in her late forties came from the door where the girl was, her hair a shade of black. Almost as dark as the night, she smiled warming to the girl although looking her over questionably. "What can I do for you deary?" She said softly, unaware of the fact Keldon had summoned her to the mansion. Once she informed her of why she was inside she would smile and nod her head. "Well I shall fetch his grace for you m'love, but you look dreadfully chilly. Please come with me and we will get you warmed up while you want for Lord Elsdragon." With that said she would smile and lead Adriana to the main dinning room which could hold atleast two dozen people, it was moderately lit and had a large fireplace with a warm burning fire already lit, keeping the room and likely the rooms around it toasty warm.

The chief servant would bring Adriana close to the fire and touch her shoulder briefly. "I will inform Lord Elsdragon of your presence love," she tilted her head and moved back the way she came disappearing.

OOC: Alright Keldon will come to you after your next reply. ^^

Sevette · October 30, 2006, 04:36 AM

Sevette closed the door quietly behind herself her second brightning in Keldon's estate, she reminded herself how lucky she was. Keldon had been a true friend, just after running into him at the inn which as she had said, had to be nothing other than chance. He had brought her food, gave her a place to stay and now she was no longer tired nor hungry. Not to mention, having a friend here in which she hadn't seen in at least a pattern meant she would most likely stay awhile.

She made her way through the marble-walled halls and down the staircase, not thinking about much but lost in her thoughts all the same. She had barely left her room all day, resting, and as a result hadn't seen Keldon - His Grace - all day. He probobaly would have been busy anyway. Now that Sevette had emerged she was dressed in a pale blue gown with soft velvet slippers to match. Her hair was out of her finally clean face, pulled back now in a blue velvet ribbon as well. The whole attire complimented her figure.

Sevette turned, heading towards the dining room to possibly look for something to eat. She was hungry from sleeping all day but sleep alone didn't restore one's strength.

She heard voices inside, as she placed her hand on the door handle. Good. Maybe a servant could help her find something if she asked.... she pulled the door open and stopped, seconds later she swore she nearly shrieked.

"Adriana!!!" She ran towards her friend who looked rather like she had just yesterday, and flung her arms around her; pulling back moment's later. "I suppouse Keldon succeded in reaching you, then?"

Adriana Sha'kaal · October 30, 2006, 09:19 PM

Adriana only vaguely noted the young girl's appearence. Her eyes continued their lazy wandering about the hall, taking in the lights, the marble, and though in some part she knew it was beautiful, she didn't really even comprehend at the moment that this was a house, where someone lived. It just seemed like some grand room of state. She started when the older lady came from the door, and eyed her warrily.

In response to her query, Adriana repeated, "I'm here to see Keldon." Her voice cracked a bit. She offered the letter to yet another eye, trusting her to give no trouble. At her next statement, Adriana blithely complied, grateful to have a reassuring presence near her. She followed the woman in a lackluster fashion, her feet dragging a bit, unable to shake the weariness from her bearing. 'Lord Elsdragon?' she thought. Strange indeed to think of him so...

The fire in the dining room was like a gift from the gods. Adriana hovered near it, subconsciously pushing the stray hairs that fallen from their bindings back behind one ear or the other. Her hands visibly shook as she held them near the flames, but the warmth was slowly quieting her. She stood without shivering, and cast more looks around her. The dining room was vast, and she felt very small inside it. Distractedly she wondered where Keldon was, and if he would even come to greet her. The days of travel and the sheer size of the mansion she found herself in led her to doubt herself in what she had presumed. Could the man in charge of all this truly have sent specifically for her? Now, some small part of her mind doubted it, and she began growing anxious to see the radiant face and hazal eyes she remembered so vividly.

It was then that a cry from behind her startled the poor Baijani, causing her to jump and spin around in surprise. But then another shock, and so welcome!

"Sevette!" Adriana embraced the woman gleefully. "Oh Sevette, I wasn't sure if I would ever see you again!!" She smiled and shook her head at her own melodramatic tone. "Really, I surely didn't think I'd find you here." She nodded to Sevette's query. "Yes, I got his message. I left right away. I-I was so glad just to have somewhere to go. But you too!" She hugged her again, her eyes alight with joy. "How did you get here?"

Keldon Elsdragon · October 30, 2006, 09:51 PM

Keldon was in his office under the candlelight of a candelabra that was situated on the corner of his desk. He was reviewing reports of the event that happened in Hidden City on the 15hth of Immanis. The report disturbed him and he was thinking in how to deal with the situation... did he want to risk placing more guards within the district and imposing a iron fist for those who would break the laws of the city, and injure its citizens. This would cause a large amount of unrest, or did he want to take a different approached.. and if so what. Ideas on what to do with the situation was running through his head until a knock echoed through the room and Keldon looked up from his desk. "Enter," he said briefly looking up then back down to his papers for a moment until the door closed as someone walked into the room.

Looking up he smiled as Shanda his Chief Servant approached his desk. "Good evening m'lord. I have come to inform you that a young lady is waiting in the dinning hall and is requesting your presence." She said with a brief smile. "I am sorry if you do not wish to see guests at this hour your grace. But she was carrying a letter with your signature so which gave me the impression you wished to be informed of her arrival to the estate." She said with another look, looking cautiously at her new thane. She was not yet sure how the man would react, even more so being disturbed at this hour.

When Shanda ended his sentence he looked up instantly, "Her name?" he said quickly, putting the papers in his hand down on the table. "Adriana m'lord, or that is what it stated on the letter you sent to her." She said again with a hint of caution in her tone. Keldon rose quickly with a smile that covered his face. "So she has arrived," He said with a nod. "Do not worry Shanda she is expected.. I was only hoping my letter would reach her. Please inform the kitchen to prepare a dinner, nothing to large but I am sure she will be very hungry and has not eaten in sometime. Inform my other guest Sevette of Adriana's presence." The girl nodded, but before she could move towards the door Keldon was already moving past her, his boots making a thud on the wood as he exited his office.

Keldon was dressed in a fine suit, befitting even the best nobles in the Empire. Pure black pants and socks that almost appeared to be made of some kind of silk like fabric, soft yet deriable. His shirt was long-sleeved made of silk, its color was that of a crimson red. The light glittered ever so slightly as it reflected off the shirts silky surface. Although the main body of the shirt was hidden by a matching pure black doublet, revealing only the arms and collar of the shirt, making him look remarkably attractive and dashing. He was dressed for the position he held, his hair was however loose and draped over his shoulders, running down his clothing highlighted by the black and blending with the red shirt.

As he moved quickly through the halls Shanda all but gave up in keeping up with him. He was moving silently now that he was moving in strides. He reached the dinning room doors and heard conversation. A smile coming over him as he figured Sevette and discovered Adriana was in the building. Opening the door he saw her standing there beside the fire, talking to Sevette. His face lit up in a soft warm smile, his gleaming white teeth exposed to the warm air of the manor. "M'lady Adriana, welcome to my home... it is wonderful to see your beauty once again." He said as he walked towards her, smiling to Sevette. He was holding in the urge to simply walk up to Adriana and take her in his arms and kiss her lips with every emotion he had in him, but he with held the almost overwhelming force as he still was not sure the extent of the emotions the girl carried towards him.

OOC: We will go along without Sevette right now. She can fill in her actions once she gets home. Which should be shortly. *snickers* Going to take advantage of the fact your online. Hehe

Adriana Sha'kaal · October 30, 2006, 10:15 PM

Adriana turned, and lo, there was the sight she had yearned for! Walking towards her like a princleing was the tall, dashing figure in black and silk. But then, the golden-skinned Baijani found herself quite still. She looked at Keldon and realized she had no idea what to do with herself. Would he expect her to greet him formally? Surely, surely not! Yet he was Thane now, and she was his guest... She looked to the eyes, searching them breifly, and then knew her action. Giving up all pretense, she rushed towards the tall half-elf with what speed and energy her weary state allowed, and practically flung herself into his arms, melting instantly into his warmth and strength.

"Can you never greet one with a simple serale?" she asked quietly. Her eyes were closed as she pressed her cheek against his chest, feeling the silken fabric whisper against her skin.

Keldon Elsdragon · October 30, 2006, 10:24 PM

Keldon accepted her into his arms as the still chilly frame of her body came into contact with his warm body. He looked down to her with a wide smile and a slight smirk, his hands holding her back against him, moving up and down over her clothing in a adorable attempt to give her warmth.

"How could I greet a Angel with something so simple... surely it deserves more then a single word.." He said softly into her ear as he leaned forward to smell her hair, even after a long journey she had taken it still made him tingle as the aroma touched his nose. The hair on the back of his neck stood up, and he held the girl close to his body "I have missed you Adriana.." Keldon said louder this time, loud enough that Sevette would of heard it as they spoke.

Adriana Sha'kaal · October 30, 2006, 10:36 PM

Her hand circled his back, reaching up to tangle itself in the silken hair that hung loosely there. She pressed herself again to his solid warmth, then reluctantly drew back, and eyed him with a dim glint in her eyes.

"I've missed you too, Keldon. I've missed anyone, everyone. I didn't think I would find anyplace to go, until you sent for me. I only hope you mean to let me stay with you, now. I barely know where I am right now, let alone what to do, or where to stay..." She trailed off, her eyes blinking rapidly. She shook her head and smiled at the half-elf, noting the lingering scent in the air that was new, introduced by him. Nearly intoxicating. Ah, but she should not be one to fall so simply for any one man... And yet, with her present state of mind, Adriana was likely to wed anyone with a clean bed!

Shaking such flightly thoughts from her head, Adriana sighed and smiled softly, a serene look lighting on her features. Wether brought on by sheer exauhstion, or the knowledge that finally the one she sought was near, she wasn't entirely sure of herself.

Keldon Elsdragon · October 30, 2006, 10:46 PM

As her hand moved through his hair he closed his eyes for a brief second, sheer happiness moving throughout him... if one thing was his weakness it was the feeling of someone moving there hands through his hair. It could calm him down in almost any situation and release stress that was inside him. But Adriana's touch made it so much more soothing. He smiled to her as with withdrew from his grasp.

"Then consider your desire to find a place to go fullfilled Adriana, my home is open to you for so long as you desire. Consider everything within this building just as much as your's as mine." He said with a smile. "I will have a room prepared for you immediately, I have also asked the kitchen to make you some dinner. I am sure it has been sometime since you ate a full, professionally cooked meal." Keldon said with a smile, he was going to treat this girl like a queen, he was prepared to offer her his bed to sleep in.. but knew she had more taste then to accept the offer, even if she would of been tempted. His physical and emotional attraction evident in his eyes and how he looked at her. "But you look tired... you may eat in your room if you wish to retire for the night. We all can speak come morning if you wish."

Adriana Sha'kaal · October 30, 2006, 11:02 PM

As much mine as his? she thought. Although she didn't put to much thought into that statement at the moment, in the future she was quite sure to realize the wonderous possibilities entitiled therein....

"Food?" Her face alighted. "Oh yes, that would be wonderful!" She couldn't fathom eating too much right now, but she was feeling slightly ravenous. She had eaten from horseback this after-noon, and the scant meal had held till a few candlemarks ago. She smiled at Keldon again, reaching out to him with one slender hand.

"I'll not retire quite yet, good sir. A meal and a warm fire, though, and you'll have to carry me to bed!" Her laugh was short but warm, and her eyes gleamed with happiness.

Keldon Elsdragon · October 30, 2006, 11:31 PM

Keldon took her hand into his and took the backside of her palm placing it against his soft cheek smiling at her, moving her hand away from his face after the smile he gave it a gentle kiss for a second then releasing his grip. "That so it shall be," and just as if it was perfectly timed as he ended his sentence the door on the far side of the room which led to the kitchen of the manor opened as three servants exited carrying trays of various sorts. One contained a medium sized turkey that had been cooked, at that point Keldon was wondering how in the blazing hell the cook managed to cook that so quickly. But the smell was enveloping the room like a horde of butterflies leaving a field of flowers on a soft summer day.

Following behind the turkey was another servant carrying some small deserts and fruits, then third servant had in his hands two bottles of wine and a pitcher of water. Quickly afterwards the room burst into even more activity as two younger servants entered the room from the kitchen carrying pieces of dinnery, placing the plates, forks, knives, spoons, wines glasses on the table. Shortly after they came in and placed the food onto the table they left, until two of the older servants came out one carrying two candelabras and another a bocay of flowers of medium height placing it towards the head of the table where the three seats where arranged. Keldon at the head of the table, Adriana to his right and Sevette to his left. The man lit the candles quietly turning to Keldon, "Dinner is ready m'lord, I hope you enjoy." Keldon was not yet aware the man who spoke was the person in charge of the kitchen. "Thank you very much," Keldon said with a soft smile looking towards the arrangement.

"You are welcome your grace." He said quickly bowing then turning and leaving out the door he had entered. Keldon turned to Adriana motioning his hand towards the table with a smile then looking over to Sevette. "Please, I am sure you are absolutely ecstatic of your friends arrival and no doubt would enjoy talking with her some more... sorry I stole her away from you briefly." Keldon let out with a brief laugh, he would pull out the chair for both of the ladies as they went to sit down.

Adriana Sha'kaal · October 30, 2006, 11:48 PM

She marveled at the softness of his skin, the brush of lips against her hand so stately, so formal, and yet so intimate. She realized then a blush rising to her cheeks. Ducking her head, she clasped her hands together and watched the servants entering in a bustle of activity. The smell of freshly cook turkey reached her nostrils, and the hunger in her stomach panged to life.

"That smells wonderful! Oh thank you so much!" Sounding a bit like a little girl, Adriana rushed to the table, eyeing the delicate desserts. She sat and began, without no ceremony at all, to serve herself a portion of turkey, wielding the utensils like a slightly drunk swordsman. All the same, she managed to get a sizable chunk onto her plate, and hastily put a large bite into her mouth. Instantly warm flavors flooded her senses, the taste of spices and herbs she did not recognize tantalizing her. Eyes half-lidded, she chewed quietly, swallowed, and took a sip of water to wash it down.

"That's simply divine, I tell you," she said softly. Her hunger momentarily abated, her eyes lighted on Keldon once again. They seemed to wont to do that, but she blushed, and smiled warmly to him before turning her attention back to the plate of food before her.

Sevette · October 31, 2006, 01:54 AM

Sevette graced Keldon with a small smile. During his and Adriana's reuniting she had simply put kept her distance and let them be on her own best she could while still staying in the room, she had cast her gaze away not wanting to remeber what it had been like for her when she was in that position. When she was the one in love and thought it'd last forever. She only hoped Adriana wouldn't be the next to get her heart broken as well. But she didn't say anything until the servants brought out their meal and they sat down to eat. She smiled, it did smell good. So she helped herself, giving Keldon a slight nod she turned her attention to her friend. She knew, as well as Adriana probaly did, that the two of them had formed a strong friendship back in the days of F.E.R.R.E.T being the only two females.

It seemed Sevette would finally have the chance to answer Adriana's early question and she turned to her friend. "I arrived just yesterday, and ran into Keldon with pure luck. I've basically just been wandering from city to city, hoping to find someone. Much like you, I presume." She paused a moment, taking the time to chew and swallow a bit of turkey. "What cities have you seen since...Paxia?"

Keldon Elsdragon · October 31, 2006, 02:10 AM

Keldon sat down at his seat between the two with a smile on his face, a glass of wine had already been poured for him. The servents were tenative that was for sure. He was mearly going to remain quite for the time being and enjoy the late night meal while the two talked about recent events in their lives.

Adriana Sha'kaal · November 3, 2006, 10:06 PM

The meal was settling well with Adriana, as she sipped at a glass of water to clear her throat. "I haven't really been to many cities. I stayed in the wilderness for a bit, then camped near Mileswick. I didn't wander much. I was just hoping someone would come back, I was waiting for any news. I didn't want to head out because I didn't, and, well, still don't know where any other places are. I almost headed for the mountains, but the thought of another winter alone there... Well, I'd rather stay near buildings." The Baijani smiled a bit. That bit of feral instinct had been smoothed out of her character from the long months spent in the civilization of Paxia. "But it has been long, too long, since I've had so good a meal!"

Adriana looked steadily at Sevette for a moment. She seemed much the same as she had been before. Her hair shone gently in the light, her face was radiant and her eyes sparkled. But, it seemed there was a starkness about her that had not been there before, a definition along her cheekbones that betrayed the hardening of life. Adriana suddenly wondered if her own face had changed so. She did't know... Was that ridiculous innocence still there, or did she now have that same air of worldliness as Sevette? Could the events of Paxia have changed them all so much, or, as it may be, so little? So little that only the bearest suggestion of line in their faces had changed... And yet that bear line signaled some deeper transfiguartion of the soul. The Baijani's warm eyes were lost as she dwelled in thought, and the candlelight played gently over her auburn hair and always gold-tanned skin, diffusing around her and smudging the edges of things.

Sevette · November 4, 2006, 01:24 AM

Sevette nodded and listened to Adriana reaccount what she had been doing and where she had been. as she helped herself to more of the meal. She was caught off guard but not exactly suprised to hear that she had stayed close to Paxia most of the time, and Sevette couldn't blame her. It had been Adriana's home as much as it had been any of there's. She wondered idly why she even left, only to go from city to city in no real destination and was mad at herself when she didn't come up with an answer. But for now she pushed that thought back, noticing Adriana still loooking at her, she smiled rather sadly. She was reunited with two of her friends now, but what about the others? And all the citizens of Paxia? How many survived? Were they just lucky?

"You haven't heard anything from Kasper, or Maveric, from staying so close the city, have you?" She asked Adriana, not really expecting an answer, but asking all the same. If the three of them were here, and alive. Wasn't it possible that the others were as well? One could hope.