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We Will Not Go!

Started by kleineklementine, March 30, 2015, 10:04:40 AM

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kleineklementine

OOC: Tags to @visualspice !




Their mother had gone insane. They'd seen it in her eyes once the draft had been announced. They'd known things would be bad after that, but they never imagined it would come to this!

It had started two months prior. Raejh announced a nation-wide draft. Ever man, "man!" their mother had scoffed in disbelief, over the age of fifteen who had not yet served in the military was obliged to enlist. Effective immediately. They had all known what that meant. The pronouncement of the draft had come only weeks after Milo Gray's fifteenth birthday. Milo was the eldest child of Dahlia Gray and - now that he was legally "a man" according to the new laws - Lord Gray. Dahlia had used all the influence she could muster, pulled every possible string, and arranged for Milo to be a clerk to a colonel. Not immediate cannon fodder. It was all she could do, and it wasn't enough.

Dahlia had started looking differently at her younger two children, Lily and Riley, immediately after that. They could tell she was planning something, had tried every way they could think of to get her to tell them what it was, but Dahlia shook them off every time. And when she finally did tell them, they were horrorstruck. What did she mean? Serendipity? Boarding school? Trading contacts who would help the once they arrived? Arrived? In Serendipity? Leave Connlaoth? And what was worse, in two days! She told them only two days before she was going to send them away! To Serendipity!

She was mad.

It was Riley who had come up with their plan. Lily hadn't liked it at first, but even she had to admit it was better than the alternative. They left a note, saying they wouldn't go, they wouldn't be sent away, and they would come home once their mother agreed to their demands. Then they packed what little things they could carry, paid fare on a public coach, and made their way to Highheart.

That was how the two children, now 10 and 13, ended up at the front door of Lord Edward Draven's Highheart Estate. They looked ragtag in assorted traveling clothes they'd picked themselves. And unkempt from the journey. And, oddest of all, was their 'traveling companions.' On his own, Riley might have looked like a noble, if ruffled, boy. A sleek deerhound trotted alongside of him, and perched on his shoulder was a hooded hunting kestrel. His sister, however, was another story. Perched on one shoulder, peeking out from behind her cloud of red curls, was a large, white-and-brown rat. On the other shoulder was a little screech owl. Peeking out of a deep pocket of her traveling cloak were the bright eyes of a ferret, and the croak of a frog came from the cloak's breast pocket. In a bag that looked like I ought to be used of clothes, the ears of two large rabbits could be seen, one white and one red. And tied to her other bag (which, in addition to clothing, held an unseen tortoise) was a small wire cage that held behind its narrow bars a goldfinch with a broken wing, perched precariously on a twig pushed through the cage.

"Are you sure about this?" Lily asked her brother with a sideways look. While she'd grown to tolerate the strange place the master of this estate had found in their family, she'd never warmed to him.

No, coming here was Riley's idea. And it was he who nodded assuredly and said, "Yes, I'm sure. Lord Edward is my friend. He'll help us."

With that decided, the boy stepped forward and with a hearty tug, pulled the bell rope.

visualspice

When the door had been rung, Lord Draven had been expecting it. After all, Lady  Rosalie Parks was to be expected. Tonight's dinner was most important. He and the young lady had been courting for some time, and despite his initial resistance to the idea to wed already, the woman he found was quite lovely and sweet- the perfect woman any could be. But even as they enjoyed private strolls around his gardens, or even through the streets of his home town, he could not help himself but think to Lady Gray- to whom he had not heard from for ages. And it took a considerable amount of effort to focus on that lady at hand. But with pressure from the Duke of Highheart, who proposed and arranged the courtship, Edward had done his best to focus on her, and only her. After all, Dahlia Gray hadn't shown interest, or what he believed to be, in himself in any romantic sort of way.

Sure, he adored her and her company, adored her kids that he had grown so fond of- even young Lily, whom he knew hated him, but couldn't completely hate him so, despite her outward rudeness towards him. Part of him knew and understood why, so when he had climbed up a tree after her in hopes to make her realize he was friend not foe and broke his arm over it...
Well..
He'd never in a million years hold that against her. In fact, it was her free spirit he admired, and how quick her tongue was and how she was always truthful. Much so was her mother....


But it surprised even him to think Dahlia was not on his mind that day. He was actually becoming excited over the prospect to propose. Yes, he had been unwed for years, and without companionship of that nature that he so craved. And Lady Parks adored Britta, and Britta her. Surely she'd be a good mother, and she was young enough to give him plenty more children.

Perhaps, he thought as he looked at himself in the mirror, adjusting his cravate, they could have a lot of children, just like Dahlia Gray. And at such a thought, he paused to stare at himself in the mirror.

There he was again, thinking of poor Miss Gray.

SO the ring at the door was a welcomed distraction, and hastily he rushed down the stairs, waving off his servants. No, he wante dto be the one to greet Lady Parks upon her arrival. But when he threw the door open, all smiles and only a tiny bit disheveled and out of breath from his run, he was surprised that he had to look down, and his eyes caught sight of two familiar children of Miss Gray's.

Taken back, his face twisted into confusion.

"Riley?.... Lily?" And he looked around quickly to see...
"Where is your mother?"
CHECK OUT MY LATEST SITE EVENT!
The Never King- a king erased from history because of his dabblings in dark magic (among other things...) suddenly because a present day problem when an unlikely group of adventurers 'awakens' him from the grave. You can read more about the event on the plotting page here and information page here!

I ran the Connlaothian civil war. For more info, check out it's page here. The war has now turned into a 'Cold War' with it's plotting page found here. It's no longer a huge site wide event but the scars are there.

My currently active characters:
Grand Duke Calent Allarrick // Aella Coleridge // Blaith Harmond // Kella Harmond  // Hope Allarrick // Krah Mordeth // Mehtwald Allaen // Zannrick Austengarde // Katahnia Harmond // Jinai Rinstgate  // Leif Arrant // Dekka Blade  // Kentamin Dhelsbar  // Dahnny Quills  // Victoria Armani  // Ohna Waitsmith  // Jarrett L'isson  // Trest Arristaire  // Clayton "Jack-in-the-Box" Wilson // Cullen  //  Vels // Shay // Killian  // Fluke  // Mellesta // Danning // Petrin // Gavriella // Dornsley // Miersck // Aelith // Iyla // Angel // Ellarrah // Persea Ah'nikh // Phone // Jace // Ne'friss // Opus Dey // Lord Amalin // Ehvren // Narophne // Edward // Dehzrehn // Chase Vander // Valeska // Jayo //Layana // Rezvek // Red Sun // Harmanaija // Mirajah // Liana // Oska //Hay-gee // Beatrice // Ninn // Dao'bachpa //Pao'orha // Mae'leena // Davishire // Davina// Gemla // Hyathia //Thethysis // Urd // Missendria // Ina-herit // Feni'tat // Phen // Evelyn // Kell // Striker // Ithica // Connor // Vlint // The Gambler // Lord Aegis // Thomas // Quince // Althea // Vaeyna // Ihlsepar Asawa'eht // Krazxick // Djchastese // Katoma // Na'o // Moonlight // Bluesong //Caollette // Artemis // Arrick // Evetta //Jackal // Winston //Lenny // Anphis // Hebara //Ibra // Dre'hn // Veride // Arthund // Kao

kleineklementine

"Off her rocker, that's where she is, " Lilly answered loudly without so much as a hello. It was followed shortly by, "Can we come in? We need to stay with you for a few days."

Riley, who was already looking apologetic for his sister said hastily, "What she means, Lord Draven, is could we please come in and talk? We need somewhere to stay and we were hoping you would help us."

Lily rolled her eyes at this, and was already looking past Edward for a way in. After all, he was so soft they knew he'd let them. And it seemed Lilly still didn't want to interact with him any more than she had to.

visualspice

Seeming not to fully register Lilly's first comment about her mother having gone crazy, what he did catch was the children needed a place to stay- and wanted to stay here with him! Immediately he thought the worst, a hand to his chest.
"Is your mother okay? She is not ill.. hurt?"
And he felt his heart ba-dum at the idea...
...dead?

No, a strong woman like Dahlia Gray could surely not be!
And he wasted no time, gesturing for the kids to follow.
"Please, yes, do come in. Please!" And he was, for the moment, ignorant of their animal entourage.
CHECK OUT MY LATEST SITE EVENT!
The Never King- a king erased from history because of his dabblings in dark magic (among other things...) suddenly because a present day problem when an unlikely group of adventurers 'awakens' him from the grave. You can read more about the event on the plotting page here and information page here!

I ran the Connlaothian civil war. For more info, check out it's page here. The war has now turned into a 'Cold War' with it's plotting page found here. It's no longer a huge site wide event but the scars are there.

My currently active characters:
Grand Duke Calent Allarrick // Aella Coleridge // Blaith Harmond // Kella Harmond  // Hope Allarrick // Krah Mordeth // Mehtwald Allaen // Zannrick Austengarde // Katahnia Harmond // Jinai Rinstgate  // Leif Arrant // Dekka Blade  // Kentamin Dhelsbar  // Dahnny Quills  // Victoria Armani  // Ohna Waitsmith  // Jarrett L'isson  // Trest Arristaire  // Clayton "Jack-in-the-Box" Wilson // Cullen  //  Vels // Shay // Killian  // Fluke  // Mellesta // Danning // Petrin // Gavriella // Dornsley // Miersck // Aelith // Iyla // Angel // Ellarrah // Persea Ah'nikh // Phone // Jace // Ne'friss // Opus Dey // Lord Amalin // Ehvren // Narophne // Edward // Dehzrehn // Chase Vander // Valeska // Jayo //Layana // Rezvek // Red Sun // Harmanaija // Mirajah // Liana // Oska //Hay-gee // Beatrice // Ninn // Dao'bachpa //Pao'orha // Mae'leena // Davishire // Davina// Gemla // Hyathia //Thethysis // Urd // Missendria // Ina-herit // Feni'tat // Phen // Evelyn // Kell // Striker // Ithica // Connor // Vlint // The Gambler // Lord Aegis // Thomas // Quince // Althea // Vaeyna // Ihlsepar Asawa'eht // Krazxick // Djchastese // Katoma // Na'o // Moonlight // Bluesong //Caollette // Artemis // Arrick // Evetta //Jackal // Winston //Lenny // Anphis // Hebara //Ibra // Dre'hn // Veride // Arthund // Kao

kleineklementine

"'Hurt?'" Lily repeated, wasting no time following Edward into the house. After all, all these animals didn't like staying in bags and cages and pockets! She'd need to let them out. Plus she just wasn't patient when it came to Edward Draven. "She's not hurt, she's just gone mad."

Riley followed behind his sister, and looked up worriedly at Edward. He, at least, could see the man's concern. "No, no, she's fine," he started to explain - though Lily interrupted with a "Fine?!" - "we can explain it all, really. We just need to stay for a few days, if you can help us and let us stay here..."

He drew up short, though, because just then the butler arrived to bring a drink for his lord and Lady Parks. What he found was something else entirely. And while Edward might not have noticed the strange company, the butler stared open-mouthed at the grubby, disheveled children. And the dog. And the kestrel. And the owl. And the rabbits. And the rat. And the goldfinch. Good thing he couldn't see the rest of the creatures Lily had stowed away in her pockets.

"Um... my lord?" he asked hesitantly, entirely unsure what to do!

visualspice

"Oh thank heavens she's okay!" Edward breathed out a relieved sigh. He needed a moment to collect himself, his heart had nearly stopped, after all! But at the sound of his butler, it tore him from the moment as he turned to the man and exclaimed, "Oh! Milk!" he went on, clapping his hands. "Bring these children some cookies and milk!" And to the kids, and assured them, "And we can discuss all of this over the table. But let's get you washed up and umm..."
Well, what was he to do about the animals? They seemed to already be making themselves at home in his house!
CHECK OUT MY LATEST SITE EVENT!
The Never King- a king erased from history because of his dabblings in dark magic (among other things...) suddenly because a present day problem when an unlikely group of adventurers 'awakens' him from the grave. You can read more about the event on the plotting page here and information page here!

I ran the Connlaothian civil war. For more info, check out it's page here. The war has now turned into a 'Cold War' with it's plotting page found here. It's no longer a huge site wide event but the scars are there.

My currently active characters:
Grand Duke Calent Allarrick // Aella Coleridge // Blaith Harmond // Kella Harmond  // Hope Allarrick // Krah Mordeth // Mehtwald Allaen // Zannrick Austengarde // Katahnia Harmond // Jinai Rinstgate  // Leif Arrant // Dekka Blade  // Kentamin Dhelsbar  // Dahnny Quills  // Victoria Armani  // Ohna Waitsmith  // Jarrett L'isson  // Trest Arristaire  // Clayton "Jack-in-the-Box" Wilson // Cullen  //  Vels // Shay // Killian  // Fluke  // Mellesta // Danning // Petrin // Gavriella // Dornsley // Miersck // Aelith // Iyla // Angel // Ellarrah // Persea Ah'nikh // Phone // Jace // Ne'friss // Opus Dey // Lord Amalin // Ehvren // Narophne // Edward // Dehzrehn // Chase Vander // Valeska // Jayo //Layana // Rezvek // Red Sun // Harmanaija // Mirajah // Liana // Oska //Hay-gee // Beatrice // Ninn // Dao'bachpa //Pao'orha // Mae'leena // Davishire // Davina// Gemla // Hyathia //Thethysis // Urd // Missendria // Ina-herit // Feni'tat // Phen // Evelyn // Kell // Striker // Ithica // Connor // Vlint // The Gambler // Lord Aegis // Thomas // Quince // Althea // Vaeyna // Ihlsepar Asawa'eht // Krazxick // Djchastese // Katoma // Na'o // Moonlight // Bluesong //Caollette // Artemis // Arrick // Evetta //Jackal // Winston //Lenny // Anphis // Hebara //Ibra // Dre'hn // Veride // Arthund // Kao

kleineklementine

Milk and cookies? What, did he think they were babies? Though both of the kids had that thought, neither of them voiced it. Because, well... they were hungry and cookies sounded great!

But Lilly caught the look Edward and the butler were giving the animals. "What? They're part of the family. We'll need some food for them, too, though."

visualspice

Edward looked at the exasperated butler and only nodded.
"Yes, all of them.." he said, gesturing to the entire lot, animals and all. "Will need something to eat." And he smiled down at Lilly and Riley. "I'm sure your journey has been long."
CHECK OUT MY LATEST SITE EVENT!
The Never King- a king erased from history because of his dabblings in dark magic (among other things...) suddenly because a present day problem when an unlikely group of adventurers 'awakens' him from the grave. You can read more about the event on the plotting page here and information page here!

I ran the Connlaothian civil war. For more info, check out it's page here. The war has now turned into a 'Cold War' with it's plotting page found here. It's no longer a huge site wide event but the scars are there.

My currently active characters:
Grand Duke Calent Allarrick // Aella Coleridge // Blaith Harmond // Kella Harmond  // Hope Allarrick // Krah Mordeth // Mehtwald Allaen // Zannrick Austengarde // Katahnia Harmond // Jinai Rinstgate  // Leif Arrant // Dekka Blade  // Kentamin Dhelsbar  // Dahnny Quills  // Victoria Armani  // Ohna Waitsmith  // Jarrett L'isson  // Trest Arristaire  // Clayton "Jack-in-the-Box" Wilson // Cullen  //  Vels // Shay // Killian  // Fluke  // Mellesta // Danning // Petrin // Gavriella // Dornsley // Miersck // Aelith // Iyla // Angel // Ellarrah // Persea Ah'nikh // Phone // Jace // Ne'friss // Opus Dey // Lord Amalin // Ehvren // Narophne // Edward // Dehzrehn // Chase Vander // Valeska // Jayo //Layana // Rezvek // Red Sun // Harmanaija // Mirajah // Liana // Oska //Hay-gee // Beatrice // Ninn // Dao'bachpa //Pao'orha // Mae'leena // Davishire // Davina// Gemla // Hyathia //Thethysis // Urd // Missendria // Ina-herit // Feni'tat // Phen // Evelyn // Kell // Striker // Ithica // Connor // Vlint // The Gambler // Lord Aegis // Thomas // Quince // Althea // Vaeyna // Ihlsepar Asawa'eht // Krazxick // Djchastese // Katoma // Na'o // Moonlight // Bluesong //Caollette // Artemis // Arrick // Evetta //Jackal // Winston //Lenny // Anphis // Hebara //Ibra // Dre'hn // Veride // Arthund // Kao

kleineklementine

The  children followed the butler to the side-by-side guest rooms they would stay in. The rooms, Lily noted, were a bit out of the way, but that suited her just fine. Riley, however, wondered vaguely why they were being kept so far away from the rest of the manor. Because the animals, maybe?

They unpacked and begrudgingly took the baths prepared for them. After they were cleaned and dressed, the butler sent up a few servants with food for the animals, insisting that there was no need for the small zoo to leave the wing of the manor they'd been relegated to. All that was left was to feed the children.

So they were escorted to a little sitting room, given cookies and milk and tea and sandwiches, and left to their own devices awaiting the lord of the manor.

visualspice

And while they enjoyed their tea, Edward discussed the reasons for their visit with his butler. ANd.. to his discretion, told him to be discrete and send a letter out that he wrote while the children bathed and to make haste in its delivering to Dahlia. Naturally their mother would be panic stricken. But he hoped it would be delivered in a timely manner and that Dahlia would be with some relief to know the children were okay. And at her convenience, he could bring them back home, or she could come to them.

Once that was taken care of, Edward freshened up and found the kids enjoying their milk and cookies and he took a seat that was empty beside the two of them and smiled.
"So I take it you've all had quite the long journey?" he began, figuring to strike up a leisurely conversation rather than pressing the children on why they were being so disobedient to their mother. He didn't want to scare them away, after all, and took a bite of a cookie after dipping it into some milk ladened tea.
CHECK OUT MY LATEST SITE EVENT!
The Never King- a king erased from history because of his dabblings in dark magic (among other things...) suddenly because a present day problem when an unlikely group of adventurers 'awakens' him from the grave. You can read more about the event on the plotting page here and information page here!

I ran the Connlaothian civil war. For more info, check out it's page here. The war has now turned into a 'Cold War' with it's plotting page found here. It's no longer a huge site wide event but the scars are there.

My currently active characters:
Grand Duke Calent Allarrick // Aella Coleridge // Blaith Harmond // Kella Harmond  // Hope Allarrick // Krah Mordeth // Mehtwald Allaen // Zannrick Austengarde // Katahnia Harmond // Jinai Rinstgate  // Leif Arrant // Dekka Blade  // Kentamin Dhelsbar  // Dahnny Quills  // Victoria Armani  // Ohna Waitsmith  // Jarrett L'isson  // Trest Arristaire  // Clayton "Jack-in-the-Box" Wilson // Cullen  //  Vels // Shay // Killian  // Fluke  // Mellesta // Danning // Petrin // Gavriella // Dornsley // Miersck // Aelith // Iyla // Angel // Ellarrah // Persea Ah'nikh // Phone // Jace // Ne'friss // Opus Dey // Lord Amalin // Ehvren // Narophne // Edward // Dehzrehn // Chase Vander // Valeska // Jayo //Layana // Rezvek // Red Sun // Harmanaija // Mirajah // Liana // Oska //Hay-gee // Beatrice // Ninn // Dao'bachpa //Pao'orha // Mae'leena // Davishire // Davina// Gemla // Hyathia //Thethysis // Urd // Missendria // Ina-herit // Feni'tat // Phen // Evelyn // Kell // Striker // Ithica // Connor // Vlint // The Gambler // Lord Aegis // Thomas // Quince // Althea // Vaeyna // Ihlsepar Asawa'eht // Krazxick // Djchastese // Katoma // Na'o // Moonlight // Bluesong //Caollette // Artemis // Arrick // Evetta //Jackal // Winston //Lenny // Anphis // Hebara //Ibra // Dre'hn // Veride // Arthund // Kao

kleineklementine

"Yes, it's a longer journey when you go by public coach," Lily replied brusquely. She might have finished with something like, 'We can't all traipse around the countryside in our private coach and horse, but perhaps because Edward was putting them up, she stayed her tongue. Lily had always been quick to give Edward a hard time about having more money and a higher rank than the Grays had, and took some sort of reverse pride in being from a more 'down to earth' family.. Perhaps ever since she'd learned that Edward had been able to leave the military when his daughter was born, while her father had not. Whatever it was, she always made it clear that Edward was spoiled and soft.

Perhaps sensing what his sister was holding back, Riley shot her a warning glance, but she shrugged it off.

Turning to Edward, he said, "It wasn't so bad, really. I think it was harder on the animals than on us. Thank you so much for letting us stay, Lord Draven," of course, Edward hadn't exactly said they could stay yet... he'd just let them in! "We shouldn't need to stay for more than a few days, I hope."

There was something slightly off about the way Riley looked at Edward, though, despite his politeness and generally more pleasant manner than his sister. A hint of hurt behind his eyes, and a higher degree of formality than he'd normally use with Edward. Riley, of course, had been the closest to Edward of the Gray children. Not just by comparison; he'd come to think of Edward as a friend and... well... a bit of a father figure. So when Edward had stopped visiting them, the boy couldn't help but be hurt by it. Even if it had been Dahlia who had stopped replying to Edward, surely Edward still could have written him?

visualspice

Edward smiled at the children, finding words lost at the tip of his tongue. Though once he found them again, he nodded.

"A few days would be wonderful. Britta and I could use the company. I'm sure you all remember her? She's a little older now, and says the most charming of things! She'll be elated she has other children to play with-" And he paused to consider the other guests. "And your... animals, as well," he made sure to add.
CHECK OUT MY LATEST SITE EVENT!
The Never King- a king erased from history because of his dabblings in dark magic (among other things...) suddenly because a present day problem when an unlikely group of adventurers 'awakens' him from the grave. You can read more about the event on the plotting page here and information page here!

I ran the Connlaothian civil war. For more info, check out it's page here. The war has now turned into a 'Cold War' with it's plotting page found here. It's no longer a huge site wide event but the scars are there.

My currently active characters:
Grand Duke Calent Allarrick // Aella Coleridge // Blaith Harmond // Kella Harmond  // Hope Allarrick // Krah Mordeth // Mehtwald Allaen // Zannrick Austengarde // Katahnia Harmond // Jinai Rinstgate  // Leif Arrant // Dekka Blade  // Kentamin Dhelsbar  // Dahnny Quills  // Victoria Armani  // Ohna Waitsmith  // Jarrett L'isson  // Trest Arristaire  // Clayton "Jack-in-the-Box" Wilson // Cullen  //  Vels // Shay // Killian  // Fluke  // Mellesta // Danning // Petrin // Gavriella // Dornsley // Miersck // Aelith // Iyla // Angel // Ellarrah // Persea Ah'nikh // Phone // Jace // Ne'friss // Opus Dey // Lord Amalin // Ehvren // Narophne // Edward // Dehzrehn // Chase Vander // Valeska // Jayo //Layana // Rezvek // Red Sun // Harmanaija // Mirajah // Liana // Oska //Hay-gee // Beatrice // Ninn // Dao'bachpa //Pao'orha // Mae'leena // Davishire // Davina// Gemla // Hyathia //Thethysis // Urd // Missendria // Ina-herit // Feni'tat // Phen // Evelyn // Kell // Striker // Ithica // Connor // Vlint // The Gambler // Lord Aegis // Thomas // Quince // Althea // Vaeyna // Ihlsepar Asawa'eht // Krazxick // Djchastese // Katoma // Na'o // Moonlight // Bluesong //Caollette // Artemis // Arrick // Evetta //Jackal // Winston //Lenny // Anphis // Hebara //Ibra // Dre'hn // Veride // Arthund // Kao

kleineklementine

Lily stared at Edward. She hated the rose -tinted glasses he saw the whole world through. The way he sugar-coated everything he said. Acting as though he hadn't heard the oblique insult in Lily's words, or hadn't seen the hurt in her brother's face that was so obvious to her. No, there were no problems in Edward Draven's world. They were all just going to have a happy fun little visit together. Cookies and tea and so many spoons of sugar she could gag on it. He hadn't even asked...

"Don't you want to know why we're here?" she asked in a flat, almost annoyed tone. She didn't really want to talk with him about it, but she wanted very much to wipe that stupid smile off his face.

visualspice

At the blunt question, Edward's expression sobered.
"Of course," he went on, looking between the children with a frown. "But I did not feel it was my place to press. I'm sure you all have your reasons and when you wish to speak of it, I'm all ears."
CHECK OUT MY LATEST SITE EVENT!
The Never King- a king erased from history because of his dabblings in dark magic (among other things...) suddenly because a present day problem when an unlikely group of adventurers 'awakens' him from the grave. You can read more about the event on the plotting page here and information page here!

I ran the Connlaothian civil war. For more info, check out it's page here. The war has now turned into a 'Cold War' with it's plotting page found here. It's no longer a huge site wide event but the scars are there.

My currently active characters:
Grand Duke Calent Allarrick // Aella Coleridge // Blaith Harmond // Kella Harmond  // Hope Allarrick // Krah Mordeth // Mehtwald Allaen // Zannrick Austengarde // Katahnia Harmond // Jinai Rinstgate  // Leif Arrant // Dekka Blade  // Kentamin Dhelsbar  // Dahnny Quills  // Victoria Armani  // Ohna Waitsmith  // Jarrett L'isson  // Trest Arristaire  // Clayton "Jack-in-the-Box" Wilson // Cullen  //  Vels // Shay // Killian  // Fluke  // Mellesta // Danning // Petrin // Gavriella // Dornsley // Miersck // Aelith // Iyla // Angel // Ellarrah // Persea Ah'nikh // Phone // Jace // Ne'friss // Opus Dey // Lord Amalin // Ehvren // Narophne // Edward // Dehzrehn // Chase Vander // Valeska // Jayo //Layana // Rezvek // Red Sun // Harmanaija // Mirajah // Liana // Oska //Hay-gee // Beatrice // Ninn // Dao'bachpa //Pao'orha // Mae'leena // Davishire // Davina// Gemla // Hyathia //Thethysis // Urd // Missendria // Ina-herit // Feni'tat // Phen // Evelyn // Kell // Striker // Ithica // Connor // Vlint // The Gambler // Lord Aegis // Thomas // Quince // Althea // Vaeyna // Ihlsepar Asawa'eht // Krazxick // Djchastese // Katoma // Na'o // Moonlight // Bluesong //Caollette // Artemis // Arrick // Evetta //Jackal // Winston //Lenny // Anphis // Hebara //Ibra // Dre'hn // Veride // Arthund // Kao

kleineklementine

"You don't think you should ask," Lily responded incredulously, "two children why they left their home alone in a time of war and had to ask a stranger," that, of course, was an intentional dig on Edward, "to stay with him? Isn't that... irresponsible?"

Riley shot her a look, but Lily ignored him. She crossed her arms over her chest and leaned back in her chair. "That's fine, then. We hardly need to talk to you about it."

Riley looked between his sister and Edward. He knew she didn't mean to be so rude. Well, sort of didn't. But Edward had always upset her, and he understood why. Still, he turned his head back to Edward and mouthed and 'I'm sorry.'

"It's kind of you not to press, Lord Draven," still using a more formal language than he once would have with the Highheart lord. "You see, after Milo had to leave for the army, our mother... ," he paused, making a face that showed he was looking for words. "She wants to send us away. To Serendipity."

visualspice

Edward, who should have begun to get used to the way the children treated him, was still out of his comfort zone. To have Lily be so forward with her tongue, and even to have Riley act different.... Well, it was just too much for him to take in at once. He, most of all, wanted to keep a level head about the situation, but even he knew what Lily said was right.

Though as Riley explained their plight, he simply nodded, eyes alight as he realized how this must affect them all.

"The conscription.." he murmured. For he too, wasn't without effect, however, none had yet to come to his door to post any such notice towards him. Though he knew two other lords nearby had gotten the official letter, he had a feeling only time would tell before he was called off to serve yet again.

But as their mother's plans were revealed, his eyes widened further.

"So far away?"

Though he couldn't say he thought it was foolish. Dahlia must be desperate... and he was soon worrying over their mother it was nearly making him sick.

"Your mother.." he began softly. "This must be so hard on her." And he looked between the two children. "And quite obviously for the pair of you, too. But please, feel free to stay here as long as you'd like. But I do worry for your mother.. Do you not think she would be tremendously ill with worry?"
CHECK OUT MY LATEST SITE EVENT!
The Never King- a king erased from history because of his dabblings in dark magic (among other things...) suddenly because a present day problem when an unlikely group of adventurers 'awakens' him from the grave. You can read more about the event on the plotting page here and information page here!

I ran the Connlaothian civil war. For more info, check out it's page here. The war has now turned into a 'Cold War' with it's plotting page found here. It's no longer a huge site wide event but the scars are there.

My currently active characters:
Grand Duke Calent Allarrick // Aella Coleridge // Blaith Harmond // Kella Harmond  // Hope Allarrick // Krah Mordeth // Mehtwald Allaen // Zannrick Austengarde // Katahnia Harmond // Jinai Rinstgate  // Leif Arrant // Dekka Blade  // Kentamin Dhelsbar  // Dahnny Quills  // Victoria Armani  // Ohna Waitsmith  // Jarrett L'isson  // Trest Arristaire  // Clayton "Jack-in-the-Box" Wilson // Cullen  //  Vels // Shay // Killian  // Fluke  // Mellesta // Danning // Petrin // Gavriella // Dornsley // Miersck // Aelith // Iyla // Angel // Ellarrah // Persea Ah'nikh // Phone // Jace // Ne'friss // Opus Dey // Lord Amalin // Ehvren // Narophne // Edward // Dehzrehn // Chase Vander // Valeska // Jayo //Layana // Rezvek // Red Sun // Harmanaija // Mirajah // Liana // Oska //Hay-gee // Beatrice // Ninn // Dao'bachpa //Pao'orha // Mae'leena // Davishire // Davina// Gemla // Hyathia //Thethysis // Urd // Missendria // Ina-herit // Feni'tat // Phen // Evelyn // Kell // Striker // Ithica // Connor // Vlint // The Gambler // Lord Aegis // Thomas // Quince // Althea // Vaeyna // Ihlsepar Asawa'eht // Krazxick // Djchastese // Katoma // Na'o // Moonlight // Bluesong //Caollette // Artemis // Arrick // Evetta //Jackal // Winston //Lenny // Anphis // Hebara //Ibra // Dre'hn // Veride // Arthund // Kao

kleineklementine

Both children looked away guiltily. Because, of course, Edward was right, and they knew it. Dahlia would be panicked, there was no question about it. She'd been held together by a thread in the last few months as it was. But what choice did they have? She wanted to send them away, to Serendipity. But the accusation hit home, and an awkward silence ensued.

It was Lily who finally broke it. She'd been tenser in the silence than Riley, and she did not want to sit around with Edward and talk to him about it. And she certainly didn't want him to see her upset. "I'm going to go visit Britta," she said abruptly, jumping to her feet and walking straight out of the room before Edward or Riley would get any chance to answer.

The door bounced shut behind her, and Riley slumped in his seat. "Sorry about her," he muttered, still looking down. "It's not that she doesn't like you, it's just..." But he came up short. Because, of course, that's exactly what it was. "She's pretty upset about everything," he said instead.

Riley heaved a big sigh, looking up at Edward through his sandy blonde hair, which had flopped a little over his eyes. He seemed to have far too much weight on his shoulders for his ten years. "Thanks again for letting us stay here. I didn't know where else to go. Any of our aunts or uncles would've sent us straight home - and they're all crazy, anyway - and our godfather, he was part of the plan, to send us away, I mean," he said, the sound of betrayal clear in his voice. "I know our mom'll be worried, but I didn't know what else to do. We can't go, I mean, to Serendipity?"

He looked plaintively at Edward, his face beseeching the nobleman to agree with him ,to confirm that the idea of being sent so far away was ludicrous.

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Lord Draven was silent for a good long time. He understood the child's plight, but knew the severity of both situations.
"Things are getting worse.... the war is affecting everyone and everything."
Even those who tried not to get involved. With hiring taxes and more men needed to do the fighting... Connlaothian's were wearing thin, and continued to look towards the palace, and towards the great Angsar Chapel, in hopes to find a means to an end.

"I don't know if your mother was crazy in her idea," he told Riley, honestly. "If things became as challenging for me as they are for your mother... I'd probably waste no time in sending Britta somewhere safer."

He knew it wasnt' something Riley wanted to hear, especially after being accepted into his home without much questioning after their long journey, but Edward wasn't a man to know to lie.

"But to be taken away from your home and sent abroad to someplace strange.... is that really any safer than the chaos we suffer here? Either way, I don't think your mother will ever find remedy for her suffering, but some ease knowing you're someplace away from this war. Many are exhausted, tired of it. It's tearing apart the country side, all our homes.... ANd one has to wonder how it all ever came to be."
CHECK OUT MY LATEST SITE EVENT!
The Never King- a king erased from history because of his dabblings in dark magic (among other things...) suddenly because a present day problem when an unlikely group of adventurers 'awakens' him from the grave. You can read more about the event on the plotting page here and information page here!

I ran the Connlaothian civil war. For more info, check out it's page here. The war has now turned into a 'Cold War' with it's plotting page found here. It's no longer a huge site wide event but the scars are there.

My currently active characters:
Grand Duke Calent Allarrick // Aella Coleridge // Blaith Harmond // Kella Harmond  // Hope Allarrick // Krah Mordeth // Mehtwald Allaen // Zannrick Austengarde // Katahnia Harmond // Jinai Rinstgate  // Leif Arrant // Dekka Blade  // Kentamin Dhelsbar  // Dahnny Quills  // Victoria Armani  // Ohna Waitsmith  // Jarrett L'isson  // Trest Arristaire  // Clayton "Jack-in-the-Box" Wilson // Cullen  //  Vels // Shay // Killian  // Fluke  // Mellesta // Danning // Petrin // Gavriella // Dornsley // Miersck // Aelith // Iyla // Angel // Ellarrah // Persea Ah'nikh // Phone // Jace // Ne'friss // Opus Dey // Lord Amalin // Ehvren // Narophne // Edward // Dehzrehn // Chase Vander // Valeska // Jayo //Layana // Rezvek // Red Sun // Harmanaija // Mirajah // Liana // Oska //Hay-gee // Beatrice // Ninn // Dao'bachpa //Pao'orha // Mae'leena // Davishire // Davina// Gemla // Hyathia //Thethysis // Urd // Missendria // Ina-herit // Feni'tat // Phen // Evelyn // Kell // Striker // Ithica // Connor // Vlint // The Gambler // Lord Aegis // Thomas // Quince // Althea // Vaeyna // Ihlsepar Asawa'eht // Krazxick // Djchastese // Katoma // Na'o // Moonlight // Bluesong //Caollette // Artemis // Arrick // Evetta //Jackal // Winston //Lenny // Anphis // Hebara //Ibra // Dre'hn // Veride // Arthund // Kao

kleineklementine

Riley's eyes went a little wide. Was Edward agreeing? Did everyone atn to see the children sent away? Wasn't there anyone who wanted them to stay? Both in Connlaoth and, well, in their lives? Because even though he was a child, Riley knew what going to Serendipity would mean. Just the journey there would be expensive, and dangerous. They wouldn't be able to just come home to visit for the holidays. They would be refugees. In a strange land, with strange people. And who knew if they'd ever see their family again? Or the people they cared about?

Of course, they didn't see Edward anymore, anyway.

This thought made Riley frown, and he looked determinedly at the grain in the table, trying to find patterns or shapes or images. He didn't really know what to say to the lord. Because he was both agreeing with Dahlia, on some level, and questioning her actions in front of her own son. Riley didn't know how to answer that.

"I think Lily blames me," he said instead, though he hastened to add, "but she's never said that. But I'm the one who'd be drafted once I'm old enough. Maybe Mom wouldn't send us both away if it weren't for that," he said glumly, frowning at his hands. "Now I think Mom's mad that she didn't send us earlier. It came -" his voice tightened for a moment before he continued, "the letter for Milo came just a week after his fifteenth birthday. And it's only for boys fifteen and older."

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The reality that Milo was to go was like a cold knife sinking in deep. And someone was there to happily turn it. Edward grimaced. Fifteen...
That was young, far too young. Though like many others in his position, he hadn't spoken up against the matter, and suffered with the guilt the same as those condemning the young blood to war.

What irony, it would seem, that Milo would be conscripted, even after becoming somewhat of a hero for 'rescuing' the Grand Duke when the Hellvion castle was attacked. It seemed no one was immune to the 'cause'. It made him feel sick.

Turning to Riley, he placed a hand on the boy's shoulder.
"The last thing you ought to do is blame yourself. War is something that's a power even beyond us. It is our unfortunate obligation for living in the times that we do. And I wish.. no, I pray I could have something to say to ease your thoughts over the matter... but I don't wish to lead you astray with diverting the truth."
CHECK OUT MY LATEST SITE EVENT!
The Never King- a king erased from history because of his dabblings in dark magic (among other things...) suddenly because a present day problem when an unlikely group of adventurers 'awakens' him from the grave. You can read more about the event on the plotting page here and information page here!

I ran the Connlaothian civil war. For more info, check out it's page here. The war has now turned into a 'Cold War' with it's plotting page found here. It's no longer a huge site wide event but the scars are there.

My currently active characters:
Grand Duke Calent Allarrick // Aella Coleridge // Blaith Harmond // Kella Harmond  // Hope Allarrick // Krah Mordeth // Mehtwald Allaen // Zannrick Austengarde // Katahnia Harmond // Jinai Rinstgate  // Leif Arrant // Dekka Blade  // Kentamin Dhelsbar  // Dahnny Quills  // Victoria Armani  // Ohna Waitsmith  // Jarrett L'isson  // Trest Arristaire  // Clayton "Jack-in-the-Box" Wilson // Cullen  //  Vels // Shay // Killian  // Fluke  // Mellesta // Danning // Petrin // Gavriella // Dornsley // Miersck // Aelith // Iyla // Angel // Ellarrah // Persea Ah'nikh // Phone // Jace // Ne'friss // Opus Dey // Lord Amalin // Ehvren // Narophne // Edward // Dehzrehn // Chase Vander // Valeska // Jayo //Layana // Rezvek // Red Sun // Harmanaija // Mirajah // Liana // Oska //Hay-gee // Beatrice // Ninn // Dao'bachpa //Pao'orha // Mae'leena // Davishire // Davina// Gemla // Hyathia //Thethysis // Urd // Missendria // Ina-herit // Feni'tat // Phen // Evelyn // Kell // Striker // Ithica // Connor // Vlint // The Gambler // Lord Aegis // Thomas // Quince // Althea // Vaeyna // Ihlsepar Asawa'eht // Krazxick // Djchastese // Katoma // Na'o // Moonlight // Bluesong //Caollette // Artemis // Arrick // Evetta //Jackal // Winston //Lenny // Anphis // Hebara //Ibra // Dre'hn // Veride // Arthund // Kao