Saltwater Thief

Through the Doors of our hearts - Finished

Alexander

"I think we'll do just fine," Alexander replied, "No murderin' to be had here!" Well, he thought, so long as Ryker doesn't try to touch the knife again. He didn't expect most people to truly understand his obsession with that. The knife was special in more ways than one. It wasn't just a memento from his world, it was symbolic of his connection to Julie, his Stormwing. The knife had been made by folding the steel around one of Julie's feathers, and while there was no question the feather itself was no more, the whole thing was supposed to be metaphorical anyway. It was supposed to mean that even when he couldn't see the sky and she couldn't hear his whistle, they were still together and relying on one another. Sure, some of the students had objects they really liked, or maybe even mementos from home, but how many of them had something that was that significant to their time? He certainly hadn't met any that did.

But, before too much longer, it was time for dinner. And after an afternoon facilitating introductions and helping Ryker find his way about the house, Alex was ready for a little solitude. So, he sat down a bit away from anyone else with his food, and started to eat, every so often glancing about to see if anybody was set on approaching him.

Prized Bride (A New Beginning)

Wilhelm the Black Blade

Husband of Onyx (@Vesuvius00) and Amalia (@Belle)
Interacting with Onyx & Amalia

A half hour came and went as Wilhelm watched the horizon, waiting for the sight of his servant to come galloping up. He was late. Another ten minutes passed before he appeared, riding the horse up the hill at a somewhat leisurely pace. Wilhelm rode down to meet him, his mouth set in an irate line.

"You are late," he stated coldly.

"I am, my lord," the driver replied, "I paused along the way to let the horse drink and rest. It would not do if we were slowed because of its fatigue, or so I thought."

"Did you now. How remarkably considerate of you. What is the status of the pass?" Wilhelm inquired.

"The reports were accurate my lord," came the response, "A multitude of boulders barricade the pass, and it will be at least a day before they can be cleared. Additionally, one of the men told me there were whispers of ambushes on the High Road, as you presumed."

"I see. Then our course is clear," Wilhelm said as he turned his horse to return to the carriage, "Prepare the horse, and as soon as they are ready to move again we make for the marsh."

"As you say, my lord."

They returned to the wagon then, and as the driver reequipped the horse with the carriage equipment Wilhelm dismounted and strode to the side of the carriage. He opened the door and stepped up to look down on his brides, carefully passing his gaze over them both to ensure they had weathered the trip thus far and had not attempted anything rash. Then he spoke.

"There has been a change in our travel plans. The most direct route has been blocked, and we will be traversing a marsh to reach our destination instead," he said imperiously, "I tell you this so you know, and also so you will be observant. I suspect treachery on the road, and I will not suffer it. Keep your eyes and ears open, and should anything appear out of the ordinary or suspicious, you will notify me immediately. Is that clear?"

Sometime later the driver called that the horses were ready, and Wilhelm responded that he was as well. They set off down a different road to the west, one that winded and twisted as it neared an area blanketed by a layer of almost sickly green fog and woven of black, gnarled trees. Pools of fetid water began to appear and grow larger as they grew closer, and the already bedeviled tones of Drakka's fauna grew ever more vile. The pace slowed as the horses and their operators carefully looked for the path, gingerly stepping where the ground was hard and evading the pitfalls and murky traps of the marsh road. All the while, Wilhelm kept his eyes sweeping back and forth, his ears raised, and one hand on the scabbard of his sword at all times...

Summary

The driver returns. The pass is in fact blocked, and they take a detour through the marsh. It's dark, it's gloomy, it's spooky, and it smells bad.

Prized Bride (A New Beginning)

Zeldria Miphras

Bride to Ineraz (@SilverPaw), Sister Bride to Sera (@Pupperr)
Interacting with Ineraz & Sera

It wasn't long before Zel was left alone with herself and her thoughts once again. There was the guard, as always, but this one seemed content to sit and watch her in silence. Perhaps he was the quiet sort, or maybe he was being cautious and keeping his distance from her for fear of joining his associate in the dungeons. Zel had no intentions of burning him, of course, but he had no way of knowing such things. She was glad for the silence, however; in a house full of nothing but scorn, her own soul and mind were the best company she would have. What recourse she had at this point, she could not say, but she knew she would need to calm herself to find one. So, she returned to her old habit.

Closing her eyes and bringing her hands together as if she was praying, Zel concentrated on her breathing and blocked all other things from her mind. Ineraz's pressures, Sera's temperament, the way the cooks reacted to her, all of it was sent away from her head's inner chambers and instead funneled into a tiny flickering flame between her hands. Slowly she began to make the fire grow and shrink in time with her breath, spreading her fingers out around it like a cage. She funneled all of her concerns, her worries, her fears into it, sending them to the fire where she could contain and control them and away from where they would only try to consume her. In a way, she absently thought, it was almost symbolic of herself, this little burning sprite she'd made...

"What are you doing?" barked the deep, rough-hewn voice of the guard, his tones filled with warning. Zel opened her eyes as she nearly jumped out of her skin. Her control waned and the fire between her palms flared outward in a crackling burst of heat that forced her hands apart lest they be scorched.

"Composing myself, if you must know," she replied after she'd brought herself back to center, "I find it helps to conjure a small flame and exercise fine control over it."

The guard only grunted, which she took to assume meant some form of acceptance of her answer, and she returned to waiting. After some time Sera was deposited there with them while Ineraz went to attend to some business. And while Zel did her best to retain her composure, Sera's presence still had a notable effect on her. She would glance warily toward her sister bride every so often, as if watching to see if she would call her fire again, but if Sera returned the gaze Zel was quick to find interest elsewhere and look away.

The time seemed to stretch and linger past its due, until finally Ineraz returned- albeit looking much more cold and stony than before. Something had happened, though Zel could not hazard what, and she only hoped it would not give him cause to rebuke or relieve his stress upon her. It seemed he would not, however, and instead beckoned them outside. A wagon was prepared, and the hunting hounds were brought out to meet the two of them. Zel had known hounds, but like most things in Drakka the ones she was now seeing proved drastically more vicious and savage than what she'd known. They were quite large and one of them would not have much trouble eating her if the mood took it, but it seemed for now they were content to investigate her scent and leave her be beyond that. Some of them even permitted her to scratch their ears, a surprising comfort to her heart, before they had to be on their way. The wagon smelled heavily of animals, but such things had been the norm back home and Zeldria had no qualms climbing into the wagon.

Once they reached the market, Ineraz allowed them to roam freely, within reason, to find clothes they wanted. Selection was somewhat limited, but it seemed more than a few tailors saw opportunity in the Reaping and had laid out a collection of wares for Gems to sport. Many of them were designed more for looking at than actually wearing, it seemed to her, but here and there Zel managed to find a few selections that would serve practically. A few blouses, mostly white, caught her eye, coupled with some skirts in black and red and a single moderately formal dress. There was, however, one thing that called her attention to it; a small neck kerchief the color of the morning sky. She couldn't say why, but it called to her in a way that was oddly familiar, and she found her heart quietly set on it. With her choices in hand she turned to Ineraz for final approval, but the only piece she honestly hoped would not be denied was the scarf...

Summary

Zel does her calming exercise again and a small difference occurs, but nothing to be alarmed about I'm sure. What could be alarming is how she's very wary of Sera now, but she's trying to not be direct about it. She pets the puppies a little, then gets in the wagon and goes shopping. She finds a few things, including a little neck kerchief that for some reason resonates with her, and she really wants it.

Prized Bride (A New Beginning)

Wilhelm the Black Blade

Husband of Onyx (@Vesuvius00) and Amalia (@Belle)
Interacting with Onyx & Amalia

As breakfast concluded Wilhelm made his way outside and began checking over his horse, ensuring the saddle was tightened properly and that the great beast was well prepared for the travel ahead. Behind him, a commotion of man and beast drew his attention as his attendant wrestled with one of the carriage horses, but to his surprise another voice cut in; Amalia's. Intrigued, he turned to watch the events unfold. For a moment it seemed the driver might grab or strike his bride; a sharp look from Wilhelm caught in the corner of the man's eye dissuaded him of that rather quickly. He threw his hands up not long after, and the blonde bride went to work. To Wilhelm's surprise she managed to quiet the horse's temper, and before long she'd found the source of the anguish- a pebble lodged in the beast's hoof. Earth Gems had been noted to have skill with animals, but he'd never seen it quite so pronounced or used so effectively.

"Well then," he said as he sauntered closer, "I trust you won't be needing my bride's assistance in tending to that. With both haste and care, if you're capable."

The driver was furious, that much was clear, but a continued stare from his master set the man on his work. While he did that, Wilhelm firmly patted Amalia on the back and bade her step away. "That was impressive," he said with a touch of amusement to his tone, "It seems I was quite fortunate this Reaping. Now then, into the carriage with your sister bride. We will leave as soon as the horse is tended to."

True to his word, as soon as the driver had finished removing the rock and tightening the horseshoe he was clambering into his seat as Wilhelm mounted his horse. With nary a word to the brides they set off, hooves and wheels clattering against the street. The city was remarkably still as they moved through it, the sun just barely cresting over the taller buildings. Soon the capital would stir with activity once again, but Wilhelm had designs to be gone by the time it did. The watchers at the gate gave them little trouble, aided by Wilhelm's riding in the open, and it was not long before they had left the city behind. Cobblestone roads and iron walls soon gave way to roughly hewn dirt and the desolate rolling hills of the Drakkan countryside. The morning mist was beginning to fully fade away as they traveled, revealing the brown grass and rocky soil underfoot. Little sound save the rattling of the carriage and the grunt of the horses echoed as they moved, and to say truth Wilhelm preferred it as such. His preference lay, as it always would, in the solitary confines of his own domain, where nothing happened without his knowledge and approval, and here in the quiet was the closest he would find this near to the city with its buzzing hive of pomposity, bragging, and folly. To say nothing, of course, of the tactical advantages the silence offered should some bullheaded fool be lying in wait, looking to hawk his brides from him.

Things went smoothly for quite some time. The road continued its silence, broken only by the occasional chatter of his brides and his own, rarer responses. That changed, however, around midday. As they crested the top of a hill, Wilhelm called a halt to the procession. He gazed ahead, seeing the deep gorge cut into the land that was his usual route home- Bloodrock Pass. He motioned for the driver to unseat himself and approach him.

"You said there were reports of a landslide," he said, not quite as a question.

"That is correct my lord," the driver replied, "But I could not confirm it."

"Then you will do so now," he commanded, "Take the lead horse and one of the spare saddles. See with your own eyes if the pass is blocked or not. It is a quarter hour's ride between here and there. I will remain here with my brides, awaiting your report. Do not disappoint me."

"Of course not, my lord."

Not long after the driver had separated the stronger of the two horses, saddled him, and was riding down the hill toward the gorge. Wilhelm observed him as he went until he was out of sight, and then turned his eyes toward the pass itself. Perhaps the tellings of a landslide would prove false, but if not... it was concerning, to say the least. Regardless, he thought as he adjusted his sword at his hip, he was Wilhelm the Black Blade. And come storm, stone, or simpleton he would keep what was his.

Summary

We're off! Things are quiet for the first part, until the group gets within sight of Bloodstone Pass, where a landslide was rumored to have blocked the road. Wilhelm sends his driver to confirm those reports, preparing to make a plan B if they are in fact true.

Prized Bride (A New Beginning)

Zeldria Miphras

Bride to Ineraz (@SilverPaw), Sister Bride to Sera (@Pupperr)
Interacting with Ineraz & Sera

She wasn't sure what she had expected from Ineraz in response to her account. Certainly not sympathy or pity, she knew better than that. And even if she hadn't known, the way he looked at her with his face full of scarcely concealed and almost mocking disapproval made it exceptionally clear. He would have died before surrendering himself to an enemy, as she had. Of course that was the case; he was a Drakken. His people prided themselves on war. Ineraz the Beastmaster had never, nor would he ever, encounter a foe that he knew in his very soul he could not hope to fight. He would never know what it meant for a sacrifice to be his only way out, to give a finger to save his arm. The very notion, she realized, was the mark of a coward to him. And there was little doubt in her mind that he now thought less of her, knowing that. Such thoughts were only reinforced by his questioning of her commitment, of all things.

Strangely, however, she didn't care. Somewhere inside of her, his dismay toward her meant absolutely nothing. She knew she'd made the right choice on that fated afternoon. Somewhere, years from now, those children would be able to smile thanks to her. And nothing he said or did would change that. There was a comfort and a power in that, aided and abetted by a little indignation as well. He presumed to judge her, but what would he know about her situation? But, much as she wanted to stare him in the face and tell him such, she also knew it was impossible. After all, there was no way a Gem like her could ever stand up to a Drakken directly.

"That, my lord," she began carefully, "Was because I was, and still am, a stranger in strange lands, given as property to you with no knowledge of who you are, what your preferences are. I think you'll find that I adapt well, given the chance, but I am still familiarizing myself with Drakka and your house, at present."

It was at that point that one of the guards came bursting in, nursing burns on his person, and began whispering in Ineraz's ear. Zel couldn't make out what was being said, but shortly thereafter Ineraz had the guard by the throat and began to aggressively threaten him. He beckoned her and the guard to follow him as he left the room. They did so, and before long they came across Sera, standing in the middle of a room, utterly horrified by something. Zel's eyes widened as Ineraz moved to question her. Sera had burned one of the guards? But how? Where had she found the courage? The very idea was unimaginable to Zel, and given the events at Shadow Worth it seemed tantamount to suicide! And yet, here Ineraz was, praising her for it. Would he come to expect the same of her? Was that why he always looked at her with dismay? Not that she wished for his approval, of course, but if Sera proved a better alternative... what on earth would he do to her? Moreover, Sera had clearly proved herself willing and able to wield her fire against a Drakken when crossed. What would she do to me then, Zel asked herself quietly. And all she was capable of in that moment was stare in disbelief at Sera, uncertain of anything she'd be able to do at all.

Summary

Zel answers Ineraz after affirming to herself that Ineraz' disapproval of her actions in the past doesn't matter to her, although she keeps that to herself. The fact that Sera's willing and able to torch these men she can't even fathom raising a hand against is... startling, to say the least, and has her quite on edge.

Through the Doors of our hearts - Finished

Alexander

Well, at least the lad seemed to be taking things well. He seemed to always be glancing around, especially out the windows- Alexander could understand that. Clearly his home was more outdoorsy than this place, and when that was the case you never really adjusted to staying inside again. As if to confirm the thought, he watched Ryker bolt for the room's only window and fling it wide open to breathe in the air.

"Well, I'm glad you like it!" he exclaimed with a wide smile. A smile that faded instantly when he saw where Ryker's hand was beginning to stray. When that hand moved definitively toward his precious dagger, Alexander exploded into action. Quick as a flash he stepped to just behind Ryker and lashed his hand out to clamp around the new boy's forearm with a grip like iron. The smile was gone, replaced with a stern glare that nothing he'd done prior suggested he was capable of.

"I would really. REALLY. Rather you didn't."

Confident that his message had gone through, Alex released his grip, smiled again, and turned to respond to the knocking at the door- though his eyes never entirely left Ryker, and they wouldn't until he stepped fully away from the dresser.

"Hello Eleanor, was wondering when you'd get here!" he said as he opened the door and greeted the headmistress, "Just about got done showing Ryker the room, matter of fact!"

@Siaya Dragalorn
@Kirah

Prized Bride (A New Beginning)

Wilhelm the Black Blade

Husband of Onyx (@Vesuvius00) and Amalia (@Belle)
Interacting with Amalia

Wilhelm ate in silence, occasionally stopping to observe his brides as they ate. They seemed to have some trouble with the food, but that was typical. The flora and fauna in Drakka were from very different from that of Gemmenia, after all, it was only natural that their taste and texture was different. And Gems, frail creatures that they were, almost universally had difficulty adjusting. Less experienced bride takers might punish Gems who showed this difficulty outwardly; Wilhelm did not. If they were destined to survive they would adapt as they needed to, so long as they attempted to aid it.

"Forgive me for questioning milord, but I am curious. How far away is your home?" Amalia asked. "What is it like? I was raised in a coastal area, so I have always wondered what snow is like. Does it ever snow in your land?"

"Castle Nachtstone is quite a distance from here," he replied, "With speed and fortune we will arrive shortly after sunrise tomorrow. Without, perhaps closer to midday. It lies at the base of a ring of mountains that forms a natural barricade. A particular ore ideal for crafting weapons can be mined there, and it is upon that which my family has prospered. Among other more valorous deeds, of course."

"It is a castle of blackened stone and iron," he continued nonchalantly, "And it sits in the midst of a small settlement where live the slave races as well as some lesser Drakken. They manage the mines and quarries. You will be dwelling in the castle. As for snow, that must be found further in among the peaks. At Nachtstone you will find only harsh ice, come winter."

"Dress warmly and watch your step when that arrives," he added wryly.

Summary

Wilhelm discusses some details of his home, and dashes Amalia's hopes for snow. Because I'm a terrible person.

Prized Bride (A New Beginning)

@Vesuvius00@Belle Wilhelm post will be coming on Saturday, I'm just tired because it's super late/early. Putting this here in case one or both of you doesn't see the discord. Apologies in advance.

Vesu, if you'd like to slip in before I reply to Belle, give me a shout and I'll hold.

Prized Bride (A New Beginning)

Zeldria Miphras

Bride to Ineraz (@SilverPaw), Sister Bride to Sera (@Pupperr)
Interacting with Ineraz

Time seemed to accelerate as Zel worked in the kitchen. The cooking was challenging, both due to her inexperience with the game and the incessant hissing behind her back as the servants made their disapproval known. The first few times she'd turned and asked if she'd done something wrong, but when her question was ignored repeatedly she determined that they simply didn't like her. Oh well, she thought, it was something she'd have to get used to around here. And so she continued working. She'd just about finished when one of the guards, different from the one who had brought her here, came up behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder. Initially his hand had closed like clasped irons and caused her to wince, but he quickly loosened his grip and simply held her.

"Lord Ineraz wishes to see you," he told her.

"Very well," she replied, "Your timing is fair, I just finished making these for him."

A short time later she was sat down next to him at the table while the guard explained things to him. After dismissing his man, Ineraz looked at her and scowled, his eyes clearly traveling up and down her body in the ill-fitting clothes. Zel breathed in sharply as she realized what he was displeased by, but she maintained her composure. She would stop wilting in fear, she told herself. She would have to.

“After we eat, we will go shopping. You definitely need better clothes. Sera as well," he said, confirming her suspicions. "How come you haven’t brought any with you? I though the Drakken gave you time enough to get some things from home,”

"That would have been the case," she replied hesitantly, "Had it been an ordinary Reaping."

She looked down at the table, not out of fear of him but from reliving that day. She shook her head quickly to clear it, and then looked up at Ineraz again. She looked him in the eye, as much as it terrified her, and told him what had happened.

"My village... well, village is a strong word, we were more a small community in the countryside. So small, in fact, that the Reaping wouldn't come upon us for many years. But they came anyway. They said the village to the north which they were supposed to reap had somehow evaded them, though they never said how. So, they came to us instead, lest they return to Drakka empty-handed. The leaders of my settlement protested, of course, and were met with threats to burn everything we'd built to the ground. I was the only girl of a reaping age there at the time, and when they were shouting I was corralling the younger children. And when I looked down at them, as soon as they heard that we might lose everything..."

She paused for a moment as the memory swam in her mind. She saw the children looking up at her, their eyes wet with tears as even at a young age they understood what was about to happen. "Zel," one of them had asked, her little voice trembling, "Are we all going to die?"

"No," she'd said, a somber smile on her face, "None of you will."

"I made a choice," she continued, a small amount of determination now coming into her speech, "And after I'd made it I was seized before I had time to reconsider. Nothing save the clothes on my back, and I can't say I know what became of them."

The two of them ate for a little while before Ineraz addressed her again. “I don’t mind if you like cooking, the servants here just have some pride, you know. Doing well what they do is what keeps them alive and healthy after all,” he explained nonchalantly. “If you want to try again, just say so, and I’ll arrange the servants to leave you to it. They could even tutor you a bit if you wish, though I doubt they’ll be kind about it.”

"I apologize. In my settlement, it's customary for the wi- the bride," she corrected herself hastily. That had been one of Shadow Worth's lessons; they were NOT wives. "to prepare breakfast for their husband in the mornings. I'm not accustomed to the presence of servants and so I did not consider it. But I may do so, if you'll allow it. I know almost nothing of an actual hunt, but I helped dress and carve the game in Gemmenia, as well as cook. If that is how I can be of use to the estate, it would help me feel at home."

Summary

Zel recounts her Reaping in vivid detail, gains a little resolve, and responds to Ineraz's offer. Didn't respond to Sera's guard because I didn't want to jumble things; I'll let Silver bring him into the scene.

Prized Bride (A New Beginning)

Wilhelm the Black Blade

Husband of Onyx (@Vesuvius00) and Amalia (@Belle)
Interacting with Onyx (@Vesuvius00) & Amalia (@Belle)

As his two brides climbed into the bed next to him, Wilhelm raised his hand and wish a brief swoosh conjured a pair of small breezes to extinguish the torches on the wall, plunging the room into darkness. He felt little need to assert himself upon either of the Gems, not that night. There would be a time and place for all things, and while the time was yet to be truly determined the place would certainly be in his castle where he held his dominion. So he simply laid there, observing the two of them as they drifted off. They both shifted their positions for some time seeking comfort, but at long last they both stopped moving and took on sleeping breaths. Only then, was he was certain they were both soundly dreaming, did Wilhelm close his own eyes for the night.

Many hours later he opened them again as the sunrise's fingertips crept in through the window. Both brides were still in the bed, as he knew they would be, and as he roused himself he moved very carefully so as to not brush either of them out of the bed by accident. He made his way out to the living area of the house, where his servant was already at work preparing the table for breakfast. With naught but a nod of his head Wilhelm moved past him and out to the front. Stationed there was a large enclosed carriage, black in color with the crest of his house on the sides, pulled by a pair of powerful horses. Alongside them was another horse, this one a massive destrier as black as night that dwarfed the horses assigned to the carriage, fully saddled- Wilhelm's personal steed. Another servant greeted him, and for several minutes they discussed the travel plans for the day.

"There's been reports of a landslide blocking Bloodrock Pass," the servant said, "If that's true we'll have to find another way."

"Then we shall take an alternate route through the marsh," Wilhelm responded.

"Would continuing along the highroad not be faster, my lord?"

"It would, but there are always spineless cowards who seek to steal brides away rather than earn them. That a landslide has conveniently blocked a primary point of passage to the south at this time suggests to me that it was no accident," Wilhelm asserted, "And if I'm right the intent will be to drive travelers to the highroad. Open spaces, sparse visitors, plenty of places to stage an ambush. And I am not in the mood to deal with such things. We will travel across the marsh, and that will be that."

"As you wish."

With that dealt with, and another matter to keep his mind occupied, Wilhelm turned and re-entered the abode. The scent of cooking meat filled the air, and based on that he concluded breakfast was not long in coming. Moving swiftly, he opened the bedroom door once more.

"Rouse yourselves," he ordered, his voice growing louder but unchanging in pitch or intent, to his brides, "Breakfast will be ready shortly, and then we will depart."

When Onyx and Amalia came to the living area they would find a square wooden table, laid with three sets of plates and utensils. Wilhelm sat behind one, already slicing into his meal- a side of meat lightly crisped with a chunk of bread off to the side that was mirrored on the remaining two plates.

"Come, sit," Wilhelm said between bites, "While it remains hot."

Summary

Wilhelm sleeps then wakes up. He talks with a coachman about a possible route change for the trip home, then goes and wakes the girls for breakfast.