Bobby
Elaine de Lysse
The Sun Gate

Elaine headed down the corridor a moment too late. She caught with her eye the door closing to her father's study and stopped herself. She took a moment to regain her breath, placing her hands on her hips. The soft velour was imprinted by her touch as she reminded herself to recollect her posture and face the consequences of her actions.

She was late. While she had been summoned for a while, as always she was certain there was more time to sort one more thing. This time it seemed like he was way off her calculations. 

She took the remaining steps and faced the oak door, hearing voices barely coming from within. Taking the risk and fixing her hair, before turning the knob and the entering swiftly inside, she closed the door behind her in the study. 

She lifted her face and met with her father's eyes who seemed to be not surprised by her late appearance. She softly tucked her lower lip looking apologetic, before finally noticing there was another man standing in the room as well.
Melanie
John De Burgh
Somewhere, once upon a time.

 The solace of youth overcame John like a warm blanket in the deep Winter. His eyes slowly fluttered open, greeted by the light crackle of an open fire. A fragile bud of hope washed over his soul as he felt a light brush against his head once he had awoken. With infant eyes, he gazed upon his companion with almost divine reverence. She was an olive-skinned maiden, with golden locks reaching her lower back. The intensity of her emerald eyes matched John's, as he laid immobile in a small basket. John tried desperately to listen as her lips moved, but her song's language was unintelligible to him. How cruel could the Gods be to subject him to such torture? These moments of comfort were out of the common during John's long, strenuous life. Seldom did he experience a moment of solace while in the heat of battle, watching his kinsmen kill and be killed at his behest.

John had seen this woman before; he had known it. The memories failed to register in the immediate moment, but a faint nostalgia bloomed in his heart. He was intrinsically drawn to her as if they shared something. Her visage was frail and lissome but refreshed by a certain youthfulness that resembled a field freshly washed by the morning dew. John left her gaze and looked upon himself. His little limbs were plump and smooth, bearing an artless tan reminiscent of a Southern complexion. At this moment, he envied himself. He envied his own purity and the love he felt for this woman he did not quite know and would never feel again. Perhaps the Gods were in no hurry and would take their time in this most august facade. 

 Every moment, it would seem his cradle gave way to the fire that grew in their straw house. Nonetheless, the woman continued to gaze upon John with a mournful smile. Her song did not end even as the flames grew upon them - not until a waterfall of her own blood spilled out of her opened throat. John sprang up, clenching the nearby bedpost. He was covered in bearskin sheets and surrounded by an entourage. None of them bore the beauty of his maiden, but all of them were familiar. After a moment of shock, he returned to reality - but not before unleashing a stream of vomit off the bedside. "He's awake!" They roared, looking at each other in utter disbelief. As John regained his composure, he met their gaze. John attempted to speak, but no words came to him. The room's commotion was almost comparable to that of war, as aides sprang to clean the mess John had made.

It took a moment, but the pain had finally become apparent. Each movement sent a shockwave through his ribcage, causing him to hack profusely at even the slightest provocation. The left side of his face was forever marred, concealed by layers of bandages that John had yet to notice. Laying back into the sheets, John finally spoke his first words in days: 

 "Bring me... Levi."
Ronald
Cyril de Lysse
The Sun Gate

"Elaine, my daughter." 

Cyril stopped the conversation as soon as the lady entered the room.
Cornelius could notice how the man became much more relaxed upon his daughter's arrival. One could say he was almost... Relieved?
_'Elaine is who really governs the Sun Gate'_. The words of the guard echoed inside his head.

"I assume it was you who requested this young man's services?" Asked Cyril. "I was surprised. I tought you would ask me for permission first."

Did lord Cyril lended Elaine his signature? Suspicious. Not only that, but he did not seem angry at the fact that his own daughter had hired someone behind his back. Most lords wouldn't toletate it, but Cyril looked apologetic. He acted as if it was him who had to offer excuses to Elaine, and not the other way round.

**Selene de Lysse - The Keep Sempiternal of the Grey Hills**

Calypso Kolgrim. The name had come to her wrapped in a piece of flayed skin. The man sent to spy on Bastien had undegone ritual scarring, and had witten the message using his own skin as a sign of devotion. It wasn't an exhaustive report, but it was enough for Selene. According to it, Bastien had dared to hire the tramp as a lady-in-waiting for Fleur. Had he done it out of spite? Perhaps, perhaps not. Such a thing wasn't like him. But the matter of fact was that her precious little fawn would now be stalked day and night by a ravenous bitch.

Selene breathed in. She breathed out. No. She was overreacting. Who Bastien may have hired was of no consequence: in due time, she would be swayed to her side or discreetly disposed of. There was nothing to worry about. As she threw the piece of human skin into the fire, she recalled her husband's request to bid her daughter farewell before her departure to the Isles. Oh Cyprien, always so sentimental. That endeavor to the Isles was another of the things that had recently put Selene on edge. Still, just like with Bastien's lady, there was nothing to fear: half of the retinue had been hand picked by the Silverwrought, with express orders to keep an eye on Fleur at all times.
The only unknown left was that Kolgrim woman.

"Ca-lyp-so..." Her name rolled nice off the tongue. The fire flickered with renewed intensity as she uttered the syllabes. Signs and portents. It was a good omen.

Perhaps it was time to pay her a visit...
Katherine
Bastien de Lysse
The Keep Semptiternal

Bastien stood back up with a nod, stealing a glance at Calypso. *She was going to have to meet that witch sooner or later,* He thought as he let out a small sigh. *Sooner it is, then.*

"Yes. We will tell your mother about how you want to sleep in longer." He glanced at the chests in the corner of the room. Fleur was almost done packing her things for their trip. "Why don't you finish gathering your things and then take a nice long nap?" He suggested as he pat his sister's head gently. "Lady Calypso will be back after in a little while to check and see if you need help with anything. And of course," He added as he lightly tapped her nose, "I am here if you need anything from me. Pester me to your heart's desire."

He walked to the door and guided Lady Calypso out. Giving Fleur one last smile, he shut the door. The smile immediately fell off his face as soon as the door clicked. He stood there for a few moments, pondering what his next move should be. "Well," He said after a few seconds, "I suppose it is time for you to meet Fleur's mother, isn't it?" He crooked a finger at Lady Calypso, gesturing for her to follow him, as they went away from Fleur's room and in the direction of where Bastien knew Selene would be lurking.

"Remember," He said under his breath to Lady Calypso as they continued to walk, "She has no power over you. I am your employer. She cannot fire you. She is a bad woman who knows how to fool people with honeyed words, and in a bad mood with Fleur's eminent departure. She views Fleur as if she was a doll to be admired, and not a young woman." He stopped a few paces, tilting his head slightly to a door a few paces down the hall. "She would be there." 

He stopped to study Lady Calypso's expression, then added, "If you wish, I could introduce you and stay for the duration of your visit." Selene knew how to twist things, but might be more careful if Bastien was there to hear every word she was telling Calypso.
Bill
Calypso Kolgrim 
The Keep Semptiternal of Gray Hills.

Bastien's demeanor completely changed once the door was closed. For a second Calypso, though it had something to do with her, that Lord Bastien had decided to find new reasons to torment her, but instead, the noblemen guided her towards another room preparing to introduce her to Fleur Mother.

Ah yes, her Grace Lady Selene De Lysse, or more loving renamed " The witch" By lord Bastian. Calypso had already a couple of information on the woman from looking through her father's documents, even though it was very little thing. Her current employer had made sure to fill in the gaps for her... Or at least some of it. From the description she had been given, Calypso was preparing to meet someone who she'd actually have to look out from, keeping ready all the tricks she had in her pockets.

She looked up, her eyes locking into Bastien's "I appreciate your worry my lord. But I don't think that would be necessary." Stated her fixing her posture "If Her grace really is as fearsome as you say, then is better for me to face the beast alone on our first encounter. I need to have a full idea of what I'll have to deal with." While speaking Calypso had turned towards one on the windows, making sure that her hair was perfectly styled, and her dress without defect. Making sure to not leave anything for that woman to grasp on to. Of course, Calypso knew that she would have found a way anyway but there was no harm in making it a bit more difficult.

.

"And also, " Continued her turning around looking up at him again " You won't always be here," Her hand fidgeting with one of her rings " It will be part of my job to protect Fleur." 
Maybe it was the small famed and her tired eyes or the way she would manage to make Lord Bastian smile like she hasn't seen him before, but Calypso felt already a hint of sympathy towards Fleur. 
"I'm off to meet the Lady of the house, and then I'll go back to your sister's room and help her pack her stuff. " And bowed "If you ever need me, I'll be at your service my lord. " And walked away towards the room Bastien Had indicated her.

She stopped for a second, collecting herself and took a deep breath before knocking a couple of times and announce herself.
Ronald
**Selène de Lysse - The Keep Sempiternal of the Grey Hills**

Calypso found the lady of De Lysse in a silver chair, absorbed by a book whose yellowed pages contrasted sharply with the rich burgundy color of it's cover.

"Come in," She said. Her voice was suprisingly soothing, enrapturing even.

She was dressed in a plain white tunic, pinned to her shoulders with a small brooch and fastened to her waist by a wine coulered sash filled to the brim with gold embroidery.

Bastien hadn't been wrong: there was a certain air of magic to her: her unnaturaly youthful appearence, the way her loose tunic navigated her curves, the lush tone of her voice, the amethyst luster in her eyes and the silvery one of her hair...

Not that she didn't look like a lady, but she could perfectly play the part of a sorceress by looks alone. Nothing betrayed the malevolence that Bastien had warned her about though... At least not yet.

"Oho, and who might you be, young lady?" She asked Calypso.
Bill
Calypso Kolgrim 
The Keep Semptiternal of Gray Hills.


That was a dangerous voice, and it's owner looked even more dangerous.
That's what Calypso first impression was of Lady Selene De Lysse. The woman sitting on the other side of the room looked nothing like the matrons in the capital. 
No, Lady Selene was on a completely different level. Lady Selene looked more like a queen than the queen herself. 

Her most soft and polite smile was perfectly fixed on her lips as he kept her dark eyes low, careful to not meet those gem like eyes before speaking "Pardon the intrusion your Grace," Soft spoken and gentle as she lowered herself in an elegant curtsy. "My name is Lady Calypso Kolgrim, i'm sure your nephew must have informed you of my arrival at the castle." That was a lie, but Calypso wanted to see what the woman would say.

"I will be your daughter's Lady- in - waiting, from this moment on. " Stated her, finally meeting the woman eyes only to quickly lower her gaze again, forcing a faint blush on her cheek, playing the part of the timid low rank lady. 
Her dark curly hair framing delicately her face, helping softening up her otherwise sharp features. 

"I hope we will get along well..." Suggested her, with a submissive smile, giving a light flutter to her lashes.
Ronald
**Selene de Lysse**
**The Keep Sempiternal**

"My son failed to mention your arrival. Perhaps he didn't deem it important enough, but in any case It is a welcome surprise to meet you," Said Selene. "And I am sure my daughter could use some company. Especially now that the fool of my husband has decided to drag her all the way to the Southern Isles. As if her health was not enough of a problem here, she will now have to deal with tropical fevers. Just the tought of it worries me sick."

Lady de Lysse stood up and slowly made her way to Calypso, treading softly with serpentine elegance. Even barefoot, she was at least a head taller than lady Kolgrim

"You seem like a nice enough girl, though there is a few things you should work on. For instance, do not divert your gaze: it makes you look soft. If you are to be Fleur's lady-in-waiting you have to set an example. She is to grow into a lady of House de Lysse: proud and regal, not docile."
Carol
Levi Cortez
Northwind 

The soft glow of the sun's morning rays gave light to the somber gathering of men. Each man was kneeled, respected someone they had lost, whether it be a brother, friend, or ally. Levi was near the front, kneeling in front of a small pile of rocks. He stacked them slowly, carefully placing each rock so if not disturbed they would never fall. 

"Strongham, you will never be forgotten." Levi's memorial was but one of many. Every man spoke a different name, but each said goodbye in their own way. 

Levi stayed kneeled, his head bowed in reverence to his fallen brother. Even as other men stood up, he sat there. Even as a small tear rolled down his cheek, he didn't move. 

"Tharn is no longer amongst the living. May you receive your revenge in the form of blood." Levi said, before taking a knife and slitting his palm open. He allowed the blood to drip onto the stones he had placed earlier. 

"This is goodbye. May your stars never stop shining." Levi said, before standing up. He glanced once more at the small cairn before leaving, taking the same path others had taken before him.

Before he left, something told him that this isn't what Roryk would have done. Roryk would have honored his enemies with the same amount of respect as his brothers. 

*Damn you.* He thought silently, before walking to Roryk's cairn. "You can't ask me to do this. It's not right." He said out loud, before walking to the unmarked site where Tharn's body had been buried. He looked down at it, and sat beside the soft dirt that now held his fallen enemy. 

"We did not know one another, but I know Roryk had found a kindred spirit in you. In another life we would have been allies. May you eternally rest, guarded from those that wish to interrupt your peace." He said, speaking an old prayer his mother had taught him. He took his other palm and cut a small line lengthwise and let his blood drip over the ground. 

"May your gods guide you always." He said, before wrapping both of his hands in cloth from his shirt. He turned to walk away, following the now packed path that led out of the makeshift cemetery. 

He walked slowly into camp, noticing that their numbers had dwindled. The men looked up when Levi limped into the main area, but no one said a word. Everyone's mind was heavy with sadness or regret. 

"Tharn is dead. We have won." Levi said, sitting in front of the small group of men that had gathered inside of his tent. 

"What about his followers? What happened to them?" Frederick asked, standing up.

"Scattered. Lost to the corners of Marin more than likely." Levi said, before taking a bite of the bread that had been placed on the table. "Roryk is dead. So are a few others." He said, lowering his head. 

"No one blames you. You did what you could. Hell, you killed Tharn himself." Frederick said softly. 

"Not before the death of Roryk. I couldn't save him. I watched helplessly as he died." Levi said, before telling everyone to leave. He needed to be alone. 

——-

A few days passed. Many of the men looked for Levi to guide them, but Levi sulked in his tent. The only thing he came out for was to run, eat, or use the restroom. He couldn't take his eyes off of the empty space. There was so much, so many people that used to fill those places now lay covered by the weight of the ground above them. 

"Levi. Someone from John's company wants you. Says it's important that you visit John immediately." A young man said, approaching Levi. Levi shook his head, but the young man wouldn't take no for an answer. 

Levi stood up slowly, pulling his cloak tight. "Why does he want me? From what I've heard he's barely alive." He said, following the young man out. The young man had no answers to give, and only gave Levi more questions. 

He kicked his leg over the black steed, having taken Roryk's horse as his own. It was a powerful warhorse, built for strength rather than speed. "Frederick, take charge until I return. Before I get back everyone needs to be fed, so send some to hunt." He said, before kicking his heels in and urging the horse forward. 

___

Hours passed before Levi arrived at John's location. They led him through soldiers, and Levi kept the tattered hood above his head, covering his face entirely. He was led to John's bedside, where the old man lay there. 

"You asked for me?" He said, breaking the silence that had formed.
Bill
Calypso Kolgrim 
The Keep Semptiternal of Gray Hills.

Calypso nodded along, as the older woman complained about her husband's decision and Bastien's behavior. " I'll make sure to keep my eyes open and stay on alert. I give you my word your grace, if lady Fleur even as much sneeze, I'll pack our stuff and bring her back to the safety of the castle. " Calypso knew that Bastien would strongly disagree on that point. But now her mission was to get on the woman's good side.

Lady Kolgrim had to fight against her body feeling it tense up as the De Lysse woman made her way towards her. 
Her eyes shooting up at Lady Selene's comment, cold stone meeting precious jewels. 
"I'll keep that in mind, your Grace." Her face unchanged and her voice didn't betray any emotion, but Calypso had always felt much more confident when looking someone in the eyes, it gave her the possibility to gaze in their mind for a moment. 

But nothing transpired through those lilac irises. Either this woman didn't have a soul or she was very good at hiding it away. 
Something convinced Calypso that the first one was more likely than it could seem.
"Anything else, your Grace? " Asked her gingerly, the curve of her smile slightly more sharp.
Ronald
**Selene de Lysse**
**The Keep Sempiternal**

"No."

Her hypnotic purple eyes were still dead set on Calypso, daring her to look away.

"I will let you know if you are required... Ca-lyp-so," She dragged her name out, slowly savouring every syllabe, just like Bastien had done before.
For an instant, Calypso could swear she saw what looked like sharp fangs behind Selene's slithering tongue, but it proved to be no more than an optical illusion. A trick of the mind.

"I hope we will meet again. Soon," Added Selene. And with those words, she returned to her chair, and her book.
Bill
Calypso Kolgrim 
The Keep Semptiternal of Gray Hills.

Calypso stood her ground, her eyes locked on Lady De Lysse's. 

Her smile didn't falter even when the woman dragged out each syllable of her name, sending a cold shiver up her spine. What had been a playful comment, a small tease on Bastien's side, was now turned into a clear threat. The two voices far too similar, giving her an uncanny feeling 

She had always thought that the De Lysse family had 
Unnatural traits, but demons took physical form into Selene's body and Calypso found herself thrown between two contrasting feelings: admiration and fear. 

"Likewise your grace." And with another elegant bow, Calypso made her way out of the room.

On her way back to Fleur's room, Calypso wondered if one day she'd be able to strike such feelings in others' hearts