The Barony of Wyvernston [ORP]

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Vaelen
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Re: The Barony of Wyvernston [ORP]

Post by Vaelen »

He withdrew his hand from hers and let his gaze sweep the edge of the glade in which they were seated. “My people are not likely to accept him,” he confessed, choosing not to mince his words. “His kind and ours have been enemies for centuries. Even I cannot remember a time when we were not sworn to destroy lycan kind. However, I would like to meet him. To judge his worth and the depth of his love for myself. Do you believe he would agree to such a meeting?”
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Nikola
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Re: The Barony of Wyvernston [ORP]

Post by Nikola »

Nikola was not surprised when he told her that the elves would not accept TK. She had expected that but had hoped that Vaelen might be different and as their lord perhaps he would hold some sway over the rest. She was prepared to tell him that she was disappointed but not deterred from her chosen course when he went on to ask for a meeting with TK. She was certain the surprise showed on her face, and she stammered as she sought to recover and respond.

“I..I’m sure we can arrange that. I know he seeks your blessing if it is possible. When? Where?” She closed her mouth before she started rambling like a schoolgirl. In the excitement of the moment, it had not occurred to her to consider that he might wish ill of TK, but as she calmed herself, the thought presented itself to her. That sobered her rather quickly and she studied him carefully, testing the bond for any hint of danger, but found none. Still, she had to ask. “Why?”
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Vaelen
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Re: The Barony of Wyvernston [ORP]

Post by Vaelen »

Vaelen smiled briefly at Nikola’s initial reaction but knew the moment that her mood changed. Their bond kept them far more open to each other than he had ever been with anyone since Niamh. He understood her concern now and sought to send reassurances through the bond even as he spoke. “I want to meet the one who has claimed my granddaughter’s heart. I want to make my own determination of his worth and if he meets my standards, I will give you both my blessing. Beyond that I make no promises of acceptance from my people. Only my own. Will you accept that?” he asked, suddenly aware that he wanted her approval as much as she wanted his. What a strange thing love is, he thought as he waited for her answer.
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Nikola
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Re: The Barony of Wyvernston [ORP]

Post by Nikola »

She felt the reassurances through the bond even as he spoke, and she knew that elves could not lie. They could dissimulate and dance around the truth, beguiling the unwary, but they did not outright lie. She was satisfied and eager to return to TK, but Vaelen was not yet ready for her to leave. He insisted that she remain with him and share a meal. Then it was late, and he wanted her to stay in his home for the night. The following day he wanted to show her more of his realm and so she stayed, eager to spend more time with him, to get to know him and those things that were important to him.

When at last they returned to the glade she did not even hesitate before throwing her arms around him in an affectionate hug. To her delight he did not stiffen or try to pull away, but hugged her back warmly, if not quite as enthusiastically.
“I will miss you, Vaelen, even though I know you are only a thought away. As soon as I have had the chance to explain everything to TK, I’m sure he will be willing to meet with you.”
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Vaelen
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Re: The Barony of Wyvernston [ORP]

Post by Vaelen »

Vaelen smiled, becoming more at ease in her company and enjoying her displays of affection as he once had with Niamh, although of course the situation and relationship were entirely different. Part of him was sad to see her go and that part worried that she might never return to his realm, but he said nothing, not wishing to dampen her spirits. There had been a heaviness on her when she arrived, and he was pleased to see it gone. He hoped it would remain gone once she returned to the world in which she lived. “I will miss you, too, daughter, for so you have become. I will wait for your summons and then I will come to you for this first meeting.” He nodded at Zhaneth who came forward to stand at Nikola’s side. “Zhaneth will take you back through the ways. Time has passed differently in your realm so he will return you to your home. Be well, be loved, my daughter.”

With that, he stepped back to allow Zhaneth to lead her away, keeping his eyes on her until they faded from view. He checked the bond and it remained strong. A smile lit his face as he turned back to more mundane duties as lord of his realm.
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Nikola
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Re: The Barony of Wyvernston [ORP]

Post by Nikola »

The trip home went quickly and Zhaneth said not a word during their passage. When they emerged, she recognized the wood where he used to train her in how to use and control her powers. Some of the trees still bore scars from those lessons, although for the most part they had recovered and even flourished, although something seemed a bit off but she couldn’t put her finger on what it was. When she turned to bid him farewell, he was already fading from view as he reentered the ways to return to his realm. She sighed, feeling that something was out of sorts with her former teacher, but there was nothing she could do about it if he refused to talk, or even acknowledge that there was any problem.

Turning back around, she made her way out of the woods into the clearing behind Firestorm Manor where Ben was out exercising the dogs. At first he didn’t see her, but the dogs had picked up her scent and were racing to greet her, nearly bowling her over as they jumped up on her excitedly, nearly drowning her with wet doggie kisses and whining as though they hadn’t seen her in years. Aiden, Donovan, and Orla took turns sniffing her all over as if to satisfy themselves that it was really her and that she was alright.
“I haven’t been gone that long, have I?” she asked Ben who had wandered over to join them as she made a fuss over the dogs, petting them all and kissing them whenever they were still enough to allow it. She was surprised when he told her how long she had been gone and when she looked again, she realized that it was full summer now, which is likely why things felt a little off since it had been late spring when she had left. Her thoughts went immediately to TK, knowing that he was probably worried that she might never return. “Did Star make it back home?” she asked Ben and learned that Ethan had brought her back himself and that TK had taken to his bed. Ben thought Ethan had seemed very worried about his master. She very nearly ran straight to the stables right then, but Iris came bustling out of the house to greet her, hugging her tightly in an uncharacteristic display of affection, her face a mask of worry and relief.

“Are you alright, my Lady?” she asked. “Vaelen didn’t bewitch you or anything, did he?” Nikola hugged her steward and self-appointed guardian with a laugh. “Now why would he do that, Iris?” she asked. Iris knew Vaelen, of course. Had been sent by him to spy on her and keep tabs on her for him, but somewhere along the way she had chosen to swear allegiance to Nikola herself. Zhaneth had returned Iris to Vaelen and Nikola had no idea what might have transpired between them, but he had allowed her to return and she had been relentless in her service as Nikola’s steward ever since. The glamor she wore in this realm gave her the appearance of a plump older woman, but in fact she was one of Vaelen’s own people. Nikola, of course, had not known about any of that until after Iris had returned, but she knew now and saw the woman as far more than a mere steward of her estates. She was a friend and loyal to a fault, as were all her staff. The look in Iris’ eyes sobered Nikola, however, and her laughter died on her lips. “He did not bewitch me, Iris. You can test me yourself if you like. We talked about TK, and I spent some time in his realm, seeing far more of it than I ever thought I would. Zhaneth just brought me back here and I need to find TK and tell him that Vaelen wants to meet him.” At the look of alarm in on Iris’ face, Nikola sought to assure her. “He has not forbidden our union, and he has chosen to come here to meet him. I believe he thinks that would be safer for TK.” Iris looked doubtful still, but she took Nikola’s face in her hands and peered into her eyes. At first Nikola felt as though Iris was delving into her very soul, but after a few moments she visibly relaxed. “No bewitchment that I can find,” she announced. “You should come inside and greet the staff so they can all see that you are safe, then you can run off to Wyvernston if you need to. I know Ethan was awfully worried about your lad.”

“Yes, mother,” Nikola teased Iris who simply rolled her eyes and huffed, but Nikola caught the glint of pleasure in her eyes as she turned back to the house. After she had taken some time to greet the staff and assure them that all was well, she ate a small snack to make Cook happy even though she was not hungry. To her relief, Ben announced that Star was ready and so she bade the staff farewell again and hurried out to mount her faithful mare. Her trunk of clothing remained in Wyverston against her return, so she had no need of a pack other than the food that Cook insisted she take with her. As she guided Star through the front gate, she leaned forward and spoke softly to her. “Run like the wind, Star,” and she did. Wyvernston was some distance away from Firestorm Manor, but Star crossed the distance swiftly and only slowed to allow for rough terrain until they finally approached the gates to Wyvernston. The on-duty guard recognized her and before Star had come to a complete halt, he had waved her through. She walked her the rest of the way, letting the mare cool down on the path from the gates to the castle proper. She was met by a groomsman who hurried out to take her reins as Nikola eased herself out of the saddle. “She has run a long way, so still needs to cool down. Brush her and give her a little water, then walk her some more until she has cooled enough to eat and drink properly. Keep a light blanket on her tonight, I think,” she concluded, and the groomsman bowed and acknowledged her instruction, leading Star away toward the stables.

By that time, Ethan had appeared, looking both worried and relieved to see her. He explained that TK had returned home in a daze without Nikola but with her horse and all her things, so the staff had worried that something had happened to her, but TK never said a word. He had simply gone to his chambers and shut the door. He had not emerged for days, Ethan told her while he ushered her into the castle and up toward TK’s chambers. Betsy met them outside his bed chamber, seeming to be unsure whether Nikola’s presence would be a good thing or cause for further concern. Nikola tried to explain that she was unharmed and that she needed to see TK, needed to speak to him, needed to be with him. They were still arguing when the door to TK’s chambers opened and he stood in the doorway, looking confused, as though he didn’t believe his eyes.

The argument died the moment he appeared, and Nikola pulled herself away from his staff to stand before him. She reached out one hand to touch his face as she gazed into his eyes. She wanted to tell him she loved him, that she was OK and that Vaelen did not oppose them, but she found no words would come. So she did the only other thing she could. She pulled his face down to meets hers as she stretched up toward him, met his lips with hers and kissed him, pouring all the love her heart could hold into the kiss.
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Texas_Knight
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Re: The Barony of Wyvernston [ORP]

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Upon his eyes getting focused he saw Ethan and Betsy standing between the door and the other person. He said one word to his servants "Move!" By this time he'd recognized the voice of his love. The one that he'd last seen heading off into the woods with a relative of her kind, the one who knew not when she would return, or if she would return at all save for her promise to return. He stood there for a moment in disbelief wondering if this was a dream and knowing it was not. She threw her arms around him and kissed him as if she'd been gone a year. He returned the kiss with his whole being. He poured his very soul into that kiss, as if it was the last kiss of his life. After what seemed like minutes he reluctantly broke the kiss and pulled back to look at her again. His eyes seeing everything about her being. Taking in all her features to see if she was harmed, distressed, under duress, or otherwise in need of aid of any kind.

She smelled different, like flowers and honey and cinnamon. He hair was different, more flowing and softer to the touch as if it'd been dipped in lotion. She looked happy, concerned, in love, hopeful, and yet there seemed to be something else that was there. He wasn't sure what it was, but he felt the tension, as slight as it was, he felt it and wondered what had transpired in the time she'd been gone. He looked at Betsy, who was standing there a little in disbelief herself. First things first he thought.. "Betsy, never prevent her from doing as she wishes in this, or any other place again!" Betsy bowed her head and started "But sir I was just doing what I...." He cut her off short "I know you were doing what you thought was right to protect me. But she is to be considered my equal from this moment until eternity ends. Is. That. Clear?" He said the last words very slowly and clearly to make his point perfectly clear. "Yessir" was her reply. He paused a second and looked at Ethan "The same goes for you!" Ethan bowed and was dismissed to tend to things elsewhere. He turned back to Betsy "Now, if you would make some of that good meat for me to eat, I'll refrain from eating any of the staff." She turned and went immediately to the kitchen to get food started.

Now that they were alone standing in front of his door, he looked back to Nikola. "Of course I wouldn't eat the staff, but they don't know that." he said with a wink. He kissed her again and held her tight for several minutes. "Let's go to the study and relax and you can tell me all about how things went." His mood had lightened significantly, but there was still some worry there in the back of his mind.
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Nikola
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Re: The Barony of Wyvernston [ORP]

Post by Nikola »

Her sapphire eyes shone with love as she let him look her over, knowing he was making sure that she was safe and unharmed. She wondered what he sensed as he examined her, breathing in her scent, but before she could ask, he was addressing his staff. She almost felt sorry for poor Betsy, but he was being kind and she had tried to prevent her from going to him. She gave Ethan an apologetic smile as he turned to leave. She raised an eyebrow at his hint that he might eat some of the staff, and then grinned as he assured her he had no intention of doing so, but the staff didn’t know that. She returned his kiss and held him as tightly as he held her, memorizing every part of him that was touching her, breathing in his scent, grateful and relieved to be in his arms again.

She slipped her hand into his as he led the way to the study, wondering where even to begin but she would hold nothing back. Anything she may leave out would not be intentional. She was not sure where to start, but once they were seated, she gave him a bright smile.
“Vaelen wants to meet the creature who has won his granddaughter’s heart,” she informed him. “He knows you are lycan and admits to your two peoples being at war for centuries. He does not think his people would accept you, but he wants to make his own decision and has asked to come to this realm to meet you.” She took his hand in both of hers. “I sensed no intent to do you harm, and I told him I would choose you regardless of whether he approved or not, but that it would mean the world to both of us if he did.”

A servant passed by the room, glanced in, and saw his master and then hurried off. She grinned. “It would probably be best if you did not eat him, though,” she winked.
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Texas_Knight
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Re: The Barony of Wyvernston [ORP]

Post by Texas_Knight »

The first thing that he did was breathe a sigh of relief. Not because of what she said, although he was overjoyed that she was allowed to return. But that she was unharmed, and in good health. He wanted to touch her, examine her, and feel her touch again. But that would have to wait for a bit. He listened intently to what she said and how she said things that happened while she was away.

TK raised a brow at her saying Vaelen wanted to meet. This was not unexpected but the next made him wonder. His hackles went up when she said that Vaelen's people, her people, would likely not accept him. He wasn't surprised by this considering the centuries of fighting between the two very different group of people. It seemed though that he was much like TK in that he made his own opinions of things and didn't necessarily follow traditions of others just on word alone. The fact that he wanted to come to this realm put TK at ease a good bit. If he had been requested to go to the elven realm, he would've taken far too many guards to feel comfortable. The fact that his love sensed Vaelen was genuine and pure in his intentions made TK feel even more at ease. He laughed at the disarming remark about not eating him and could hear the servant's footsteps quickening towards the kitchen soon after Nikola made the remark. "Eavesdropping was not that servants best quality." But there were still questions.

He thought a moment before he spoke. "When would he like to meet? How many would be joining him?" TK knew he would bring guards, just how many was the question. He expected enough to protect himself, but not so many that would be imposing. "The meeting would be here of course. And I would guarantee safe passage to and from here. Meaning that they would be escorted from the gate to the manor just like the King and Queens when they visit. I do not wish them to open a portal, or whatever that is, and just appear from their realm into this one on my lands." There was a two-fold reason for this condition. It would discourage any attempt to bring an army into this realm and it would give TK time to see how many were being brought. All the while he suspected, that if the elves so desired, they could appear anywhere they wanted. But following the stipulations would show respect and go a long way proving that they intended no harm. While he knew they would be armed, he wasn't sure how armed they might be for their trip. "While Vaelen knows I am Lycan, which form would he rather see me take upon the first meeting? I'm thinking the human form would be best since it is the one most like elvish. And, is also the least imposing. But, whatever he, and those he brings with him is most comfortable with is fine by me." TK was treating this as if it were a treaty negotiation between hostile clans and he knew he was doing so. But he could do nothing else.

He smiled softly "I don't mean to sound distrusting, my love. But centuries and centuries of fighting have put in place the requirement for such precautions. I think that Vaelen would agree that prudence is the wise thing and I'm sure he will have some requirements also."
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Nikola
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Re: The Barony of Wyvernston [ORP]

Post by Nikola »

Nikola chuckled at his comment regarding the eavesdropping servant, but she could see the wheels already turning in his head. She had thought to have them meet at Firestorm Manor, but she could see the wisdom in having them meet at Wyvernston. That would place him in control and demonstrate his willingness to treat with Vaelen as well as his ability to protect her. She frowned at his mention of opening a portal on his grounds.

“There are portals between his realm and ours, but they are not everywhere. They cannot just choose to end up wherever they wish. There is a portal near Firestorm Manor, deep in the woods. They can leave the woods at any point they wish, but the portal is in one spot only. There was a portal in my house in Paz, but that one has been sealed so that none may travel through there. I know they have other portals, but they are fixed to specific places, like the one Zhaneth used near your castle in Northwood. I don’t know if there is even a portal near Wyvernston. I will speak to him about that, though. I can offer to meet him at whichever portal he decides to use and come with him to Wyvernston unless you want me to be here with you to receive him?”

She nodded as he addressed the matter of which form to wear for the meeting. “You did adopt this human form with meeting him in mind, so I think it’s only appropriate that you use it. He’s aware of your true form, but this human one may put his guards more at ease, which would be a good thing.”

She smiled back at him as he explained his reasoning. “I am sure that Vaelen will understand and even appreciate the precautions. I will pass on your requirements and request his. Once that is settled, we can decide on the date, if you agree?”

She squeezed his hand, her eyes never leaving his as they spoke. “You do understand that once this is set in motion, there is no going back. Are you certain you want to do this? Are you sure about us? I know that I am, but if you have any doubts, now would be the time to back out. Before Vaelen comes.”
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