Post by EymberFyire on Mar 22, 2010 12:25:18 GMT 10
Title: The Holiday Arc (1)
Rating: G
Length: 723 words
Competitor: Alanna
Round/Fight: 3/A
Summary: Alanna and Kel discuss the trouble with being chosen by Gods.
A/N: After we saw Kit and Peroxide Pirate's back and forth with the letters, Lisa and I decided it looked like fun.
It is a clear night, the many eyes of Mother Flame shining down lovingly on the children of the mortal realms. Another Midwinter has come, and the celebrants of New Hope are drunk on wine and giddiness at the approaching promise of spring and peace. The bonfires seem to reflect the mood of the revelers, crackling and leaping with uncontainable energy as young lovers dance around the flames, yelling their joy.
Kel watches silently from the darkened entrance of her office. There is young Tomas, twirling the lass Jayne in circles while the villagers clap their hands in time. Fanche is standing with her arms crossed, but her usual scowl had been replaced by a rare look of affection as Saefas holds her against him. Even Tobe has found someone to dance with, holding Loesia’s hands and wheeling her around in a clumsy imitation of the older couples.
“You look as if you could use a friend, Lady Knight.” Kel glances up in surprise and meets violet eyes a full head shorter than hers. Alanna is in her riding gear, bundled up tightly in a woolen cloak. She is as impressive as ever, commanding and intimidating.
“My Lady!” Kel bows once in respect and Alanna waves her off, looking uncomfortable. “I didn’t realize you were coming by New Hope!”
The older woman smiles wryly. “Neither did I, but it was the closest warm place to bed down for the night.” She glances out over the scene of revelry. “And Midwinter isn’t a time to spend alone.”
Kel sighs very softly, a wistful look on her face as she nods her agreement. It would be nice to stand in the circle among her people, to goad Merric into singing a ballad or tease Tobe about his dancing with a girl, but there were things she could not do. Raoul had prepared her for the logistics of her post, but it was impossible to prepare someone for the loneliness of command.
Alanna leans against the building beside her, tucking her small hands into her pockets. “When I became the Lioness I was out wandering through Maren, Saren and the Roof of the World. Knights errant were much more common back then, you see, and wars happened slowly enough for us to get back to our Kings within plenty of time.”
Kel glances over at the older woman, but Alanna is looking at the bonfire, her eyes locked on some distant memory. “No one had really heard of me yet. There were a few knights here and there, certainly” she bares her teeth in a fierce smile, “but I could still walk through a village without too much notice.”
She pushes herself away from the wall, taking a few steps towards the center of the village. “I never asked for it. I just… followed my dreams. Did my duty. Gods have a way of using our dedication for their own purposes.” She shakes her head, and Kel watches the firelight illuminating the silver threads in Alanna’s hair. “They don’t tend to understand what their grand designs do to their vassals. They’re Gods. They’re used to being worshiped.”
Kel watches Alanna stand there, outlined by the fire. For the first time she can recall, Kel notices the shoulders slumped in exhaustion, and the clothes that are worn by the road. The Lioness looks weary, small, aged and very human.
Kel takes a step forward, pulling the other woman against her side in a hug. “They don’t understand isolation.”
Alanna turns and looks up at her in surprise, her violet eyes sharp as she agrees. “No, they don’t.” They pause for a moment, both looking at each other. Finally, Alanna speaks.
“I don’t often have a reason to celebrate the holidays. My family is more often apart than together.” She hesitates for a moment. “If I happen to be posted anywhere near you, I should like to drop by again.”
Kel opens her mouth, then closes it, before finally murmuring, “I would like that, My Lady.”
She shivers as Alanna smiles at her, and it has nothing to do with the cold. “Well, then. That settles it!” The Lioness clasps her arm warmly, then turns back towards the fire. Kel is entirely unsure of what she has agreed to, but she looks forward to it with bright expectation.
Rating: G
Length: 723 words
Competitor: Alanna
Round/Fight: 3/A
Summary: Alanna and Kel discuss the trouble with being chosen by Gods.
A/N: After we saw Kit and Peroxide Pirate's back and forth with the letters, Lisa and I decided it looked like fun.
It is a clear night, the many eyes of Mother Flame shining down lovingly on the children of the mortal realms. Another Midwinter has come, and the celebrants of New Hope are drunk on wine and giddiness at the approaching promise of spring and peace. The bonfires seem to reflect the mood of the revelers, crackling and leaping with uncontainable energy as young lovers dance around the flames, yelling their joy.
Kel watches silently from the darkened entrance of her office. There is young Tomas, twirling the lass Jayne in circles while the villagers clap their hands in time. Fanche is standing with her arms crossed, but her usual scowl had been replaced by a rare look of affection as Saefas holds her against him. Even Tobe has found someone to dance with, holding Loesia’s hands and wheeling her around in a clumsy imitation of the older couples.
“You look as if you could use a friend, Lady Knight.” Kel glances up in surprise and meets violet eyes a full head shorter than hers. Alanna is in her riding gear, bundled up tightly in a woolen cloak. She is as impressive as ever, commanding and intimidating.
“My Lady!” Kel bows once in respect and Alanna waves her off, looking uncomfortable. “I didn’t realize you were coming by New Hope!”
The older woman smiles wryly. “Neither did I, but it was the closest warm place to bed down for the night.” She glances out over the scene of revelry. “And Midwinter isn’t a time to spend alone.”
Kel sighs very softly, a wistful look on her face as she nods her agreement. It would be nice to stand in the circle among her people, to goad Merric into singing a ballad or tease Tobe about his dancing with a girl, but there were things she could not do. Raoul had prepared her for the logistics of her post, but it was impossible to prepare someone for the loneliness of command.
Alanna leans against the building beside her, tucking her small hands into her pockets. “When I became the Lioness I was out wandering through Maren, Saren and the Roof of the World. Knights errant were much more common back then, you see, and wars happened slowly enough for us to get back to our Kings within plenty of time.”
Kel glances over at the older woman, but Alanna is looking at the bonfire, her eyes locked on some distant memory. “No one had really heard of me yet. There were a few knights here and there, certainly” she bares her teeth in a fierce smile, “but I could still walk through a village without too much notice.”
She pushes herself away from the wall, taking a few steps towards the center of the village. “I never asked for it. I just… followed my dreams. Did my duty. Gods have a way of using our dedication for their own purposes.” She shakes her head, and Kel watches the firelight illuminating the silver threads in Alanna’s hair. “They don’t tend to understand what their grand designs do to their vassals. They’re Gods. They’re used to being worshiped.”
Kel watches Alanna stand there, outlined by the fire. For the first time she can recall, Kel notices the shoulders slumped in exhaustion, and the clothes that are worn by the road. The Lioness looks weary, small, aged and very human.
Kel takes a step forward, pulling the other woman against her side in a hug. “They don’t understand isolation.”
Alanna turns and looks up at her in surprise, her violet eyes sharp as she agrees. “No, they don’t.” They pause for a moment, both looking at each other. Finally, Alanna speaks.
“I don’t often have a reason to celebrate the holidays. My family is more often apart than together.” She hesitates for a moment. “If I happen to be posted anywhere near you, I should like to drop by again.”
Kel opens her mouth, then closes it, before finally murmuring, “I would like that, My Lady.”
She shivers as Alanna smiles at her, and it has nothing to do with the cold. “Well, then. That settles it!” The Lioness clasps her arm warmly, then turns back towards the fire. Kel is entirely unsure of what she has agreed to, but she looks forward to it with bright expectation.
Maybe once we'd have seen it during Smackdown!