Stare

(Mature themes: Death, Execution, loss)

“You could have stepped in. You could have changed places with him, or we could have killed them all. Yet, you stood there like a limp doll and did nothing but stare.”

He was right, she did stand there and do nothing. She had her reasons, she had combed through the options, and the best possible outcome at that moment was for her to just endure it. It was no real surprise, in the end, this was just the way her life worked. The lights she saw in the distance were always fires placed before her to walk through, and she was burning now more than she ever had before.

There was nothing left to lose.

She took another drink from a bottle and wandered down the ally barefoot in not but a pair of linen pants and a tank top which she wore beneath her armor. The heavy armor with the added weight of her inaction made breathing impossible, and she had torn it off as she wandered ahead. She stumbled as her feet became too heavy to lift and she leaned on the nearby walls of the buildings as she passed… just to keep moving.

It always ends the same.

Memories of their time together flipped through her mind like an endless picture book. Each seared itself into her core in a vibrant flash of agony she was all too familiar. His laugh, his smile, the familiarity of his hand upon her own… their routines, dinners they had all too often, the smell of his favored drink…. His scent…. It was an absolute torment, and it was all she had left of him. She fell to her knees as it all began to circulate through her entire system. How much more could she take?

He chose this.

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nate-holt

The Chess Game Begins

Wave after wave lapped against the side of the wooden behemoth that lay dormant tied to the docks of Lancaster harbor. The ropes holding the vessel in place groaned with every shift of the tide. The sails fluttered in the wind giving off a slight whistle as it passed through a few holes forming across its surface.

It has been years since these ships had seen the open waters. Years since they were able to do what they were made for. No, what they were born for. These highly crafted works of art, sitting, tied to the docks was comparable to a wild tiger being kept in a cage.

Here they sat, soon to be relics, nothing more than something for people to gawk at and admire. To take a look at them and remember their good old days. The only thing they were missing is that chance. Just one more chance to run free. To sail the open waters just like that tiger running the plains.

Nate ran his hand down the hull. He felt the wood grain under his finger tips, surprisingly smooth from the contractors honing the wood to perfection. He looked up at the sails as a grin began to spread across his face. He eyes traveled across the harbor to the open waters.

“Soon friend. Soon you will be doing what you were meant for. I just need to approach this carefully so you can continue to do your job for years to come. To do that, I need to travel back to Stormwind. Meet some old friends, and make some new ones.”

nate-holt reblogged

householt

Marchioness Holt,

The council of Dirae has decided that due to growing fears concerning depletion in supplies with the influx of refugees at this time we mean prohibit any of their further attempts to settle. According to public opinion, there has been a steady increase over these past few weeks in the belief that we will run out of provisions to equally cater to the refugees as well as the populace of Dirae. This has caused a few disturbances within the trade district itself. Mister Dixon and Miss Rigby have both assured us that these concerns are unfounded, but due to the unrest of public opinion, we saw no other option to return Dirae to its former peace.

To the great disappointment of Bishop Collins, until your return, we remain on the only solution we, for the time being, could conjure. While we are in hopes that new connections are being made in Kul Tiras, we are in greater hope that you shall return swiftly to instruct us on how you wish it resolved. We bid you a safe and speedy trip home My Lady.

Councilman

Surveyor Alden Rutledge

@rinohaholt

Rinoha rolled her eyes as she read the missive on the council of Dirae’s dilemma. The interruption coming just as she was about to explore a row of shops drew a heavy sigh from her lips. “Looks like my ‘vacation’ is over,” Rinoha said handing Cypher the note. “My administrative duties are calling.” She shook her head and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. A week earlier than she had originally planned to return, but disappointedly she would abide by the wishes of her council.

Cypher skimmed over the letter before folding it and offering it back to Rinoha, “Speak of the dreadlords, huh?” Rinoha smirked in return offering a small nod. “So it would seem.” He chuckled offhandedly, “So last night in Kul Tiras for a while. Seems a grand send-off is in order.” He smirked concluding his joke. “So what are you going to do about this?” Rinoha sighed, “I am not certain… I need to find out where these rumors started as I was sure to have additional supplies brought in for the expected refugees. Whatever is going on, the sooner we get back the sooner I can get to the bottom of this.”

@householt @cypherlandon

nate-holt reblogged

Marchioness Holt,

Councilman

Surveyor Alden Rutledge

@rinohaholt

nate-holt

A Warm Welcome Indeed

“Shouldn’t we have sent a missive before arriving Natharen?” He simply patted her thigh lightly and gave her one of his trademark grins. “Of course not sweetheart. If they know we are coming they put on their best face. Everything will be clean, any issue taken care of. This way I get to see they operate on a day to day basis. The purpose of this visit is not to judge anyone, it is to get an idea on what, if anything, needs fixing directly.”

The dust from the road filled the carriage. The easy solution would be to close the curtains but Nate wished to see everything the lands had to offer. They passed through a small village and the road forked towards Lancaster or the local mines. The village was mostly desolate except for a few souls. Most of the buildings had been boarded up, even a few seemed to have fire damage. A matter to investigate another time.

They rounded the last corner and the smell of the ocean lingered in the air. Some gulls glided on updrafts as they danced across the sky. The area, just outside the main gates of Lancaster were much more populated. Various merchants dotted the road with their wears hanging under brightly colored canopies in an attempt to stand out against the barren landscape. The sight resembled a small Persian Bazzar with locals trying to peddle their good. In the middle of the day, it was easy to see this was the social hub of the town with numerous people scrambling around.

Inside the gates of Lancaster was another story. It was a much calmer, more disciplined area. Numerous archers were perched in lookout towers all along the wall. From their vantage point they could easily guard both in and outside the walls of the town. Soldiers brandishing sword and shield patrolled the small streets between rows of hovels just inside of the walls.

As they ventured closer to the water the dwellings began to change drastically. Gone were the hovels and in their place were bath houses, a large cathedral, a number of large extravagant houses all leading up to the main manor that would be his new home.

Nate did not wait, as the carriage pulled up in front of the manor he opened the door and stepped foot onto the soil before turning to help Fiona do the same. Before they could take a step towards the door the staff had come running out and was already grabbing their bags. “Lord Holt, if we had known you were coming…” He simply grinned at the staff and started his walk to the door. “That is exactly why you did not know. Please, show us around. I am excited to see the estate.”

Only mere feet from the entrance warning bells echoed through the town. A stampede of people ran through the gates before the large wooden structures were slammed closed behind them. Various shouts and commands were heard coming from the lookout towers. Most villagers had their eyes on the walls or on the main gate, a few had even readied their own swords, just in case.

He glanced to a member of the staff and without asking was informed “Bandit raid. It happens every few weeks or so.” He turned to look out again and noticed a few curious bystanders looking in his direction. As he stood there on the steps to his new home he couldn’t help but realize, things were about to become drastically different.

@householt @ladybyrne

nate-holt

An Unexpected Gift

Nate struggled to open his eyes. A light breeze entered the room through the window. Last night had been a peaceful sleep, one of the few he had lately. The sunlight was slowly winning the battle with his tired eyes and he reluctantly opened them. To his delight his sight was now filled with his beloved Fiona.The light picked up the stray hairs surrounding her face as she looked down at him. She gently nudged him, urging him to wake up and face the day.

They settled in to enjoy their breakfast as a letter was delivered to Nate. It was a formal looking paper with the seal of his sister Rinoa closing it. As he opened the letter his a state of shock grew on his face and his eyes could not concentrate on one particular part of the document. It was the deed and all official titles of Lancaster, a plot of land in Westfall that is sister had been maintaining. Attached was a simple not that read “Dearest Baron, Perhaps this will be a good reason to stop running.” signed by Rinoha.

Uneasily he handed the document to Fiona so she could verify what he was reading. On the backside of the note was an invitation to tea. She smiled brightly at him “It appears you are to become a Baron of Lancaster.” All Nate could do is ponder the offer though. Why not? Why this way? At least she invited him to tea so they could properly discuss it. Which he would do so promptly.

The carriage ride was uneventful, and he was thankful for that. Fiona caught a quick nap but his mind would not let him do the same. It was still a mix of emotions, mostly confusion. Did something happen to her in Lordearon that made her unable to keep up with it or was there something else going on entirely? Was he even ready for this, to truly handle the workings of a Barony? Although, perhaps this could be a good thing. For once in his life he would be able to handle things the way he saw fit without the worry of what the rest of his family approved of.

Many questions were still left unanswered but one thing was for sure. The property of Lancaster was now his, whether he was ready for it or not.

@householt

nate-holt

A Return for the Heros?

The tome of the church bells rang out a little more solemn than usual. Word had reached Stormwind that Lordaeron was back under Alliance control, but what was the cost? That was the real question to be asked. How much did the people, the families of the Alliance have to give up for a cursed piece of ground. Everyone would begin to get an idea in a few hours, but the true toll would not be known for quite some time. Such is the way of these things.

Nate left the comfort of the Holt Embassy and slowly made his way towards the harbor. As soon as he had stepped through the doors he could hear the cries. The screams that stood above the rest were not those of the injured. They did register, but to Natharen the cries of the living who had lost loved ones struck him at his core. The people who now understood the true cost of war. He did his best to concentrate on the clacking of his cane against the stone pathways of the city. It was a preferable distraction to the thoughts that were trying to invade his consciousness.

nate-holt reblogged

It’s just... some little thing

We swore fealty to Stormwind when I had completed my training in Dalaran, and I suppose that is where it all began…

Prologue

Recognition from higher nobility was sought after vehemently, and only a handful ever really achieved such prestige. My father was one of the lucky few in our homeland. He had the gumption to employ the finest craftsmen throughout the territory. Armor and weaponry became our specialty, and my father became renowned for his keen eye for quality. Nothing but the best was acceptable to leave any one of our workshops.

While my father built our family’s fortune, it was discovered that I possessed the capability for magical learning. In this discovery, much like the Lord Admiral’s wayward daughter, I was quickly shipped off to Dalaran to perfect my craft. It was during these years of training that things back home changed dramatically.

The rise of witchcraft and trials by hanging became commonplace. My family feared becoming accused due to my natural ability, and in time those fears became reality. The hills no longer held the peace they once had and a darkness began to consume the area. Terror began to grip hold of the people there and fingers began pointing in all directions trying to lock down a source of these issues. With no real options, my father uprooted the family and fled our home.

I was informed by a simple missive of the events unfolding back home, and of where my father had relocated the family. Stormwind was to be our new home and as I said before that is where all of this began…

Just before my return, my father said for a long time we had returned to just another face in the crowd. For all his efforts rebuilding our workshops seemed an impossible task. We had spent nearly everything we had on bringing not only our family but our workers and their families out of the hell our home had become. Thankfully that luck changed when my father was fortunate enough to meet the Marquise of Dirae, Lord Kane Holt.

Lord Holt offered my father an opportunity of a lifetime, and one we could not possibly afford to pass up. We would be given a manor and cottages for our craftsmen’s families. Workshops would be built and in return, we would provide armor and weaponry to his household. From there we could rebuild our name and reputation through the Dirae market.

Over time we gained a name for ourselves and through the aid of Lord Holt, our family impressed higher nobility earning ourselves minor title under the Kingdom of Stormwind. Now standing as a Baron my father continued to collect and employ the finest blacksmiths now relocated to Redridge closer to the mines. Though the arrangements with the Marquise of Dirae continued as it was he who had provided us with this opportunity. To this day we still provide Dirae with all of the guards’ armor.

Meeting the Holts

My first week in our new home came and went without anything notable happening and to be honest I was glad for it. Quiet time to adjust to our new home and the surrounding area. I heard my father speaking in his study with another male as I wandered down the hall sneaking to get a snack. It was odd for him to take a meeting at this time of day so I slipped into the door to see what was going on. Curiosity getting the better of me despite knowing better than to interrupt his meetings.

A sheepish grin on my face as my father turned his attention toward me I was met with a smile. “Ah Fiona, I am glad you came down. Please allow me to introduce Lord Natharen Holt.” Shocked at my father’s warm greeting it took me a moment before I even noticed the male standing in front of me. “It is a pleasure to meet you Lady Byrne.” Lord Holt said in greeting.

Dear light help me… I had not known the beauty of the world until I had seen him standing there in all his glory. I barely noted the hussy on his arm or whatever came out of his mouth next, but I am certain I made quite a fool of myself. Rendered unable to speak my father spoke for me as my cheeks flushed a deep red. It was only later I realized the hussy was actually not at all… it was his baby sister Rinoha who stood with him. Thankfully thoughts are not readable as I am sure all of this would have gotten me into trouble. I excused myself from the study as quickly as possible to ensure my thoughts remain unreadable.

It was later that night unable to sleep that I decided to make it my life’s work to get to know that man. I had seen gorgeous men before in my life but there was just something about him. Perhaps it was in that greeting smile or perhaps just his presence alone, but whatever it was I would get to the bottom of it. Afterall, I was not some silly school girl and I was far too old for such frivolous things as crushes.

@householt , @nate-holt

nate-holt

The night before we march?

A warm night breeze entered the room causing the curtains to flap against the wood window casement. The wind past gently into the room and found droplets of sweat coating the Lords brow. Nate shivered, but this had nothing to do with wind. Inside his mind, he was reliving the events that lead to his injuries.

Try as he might, he was no match for his own memories this night. He tossed and turned, the covers becoming a crumpled mess at the foot of the bed. He cried out “William… William stop.” His actions had caused a stir with whom he was sharing his bed with, Lady Fiona Byrne.

“Natharen…. Natharen. Wake up.” She pleaded as she gently tried to wake him from his dream. Her urging grew slowly until he finally snapped open his eyes. He looked around the room trying to catch his breath, finally his eyes met hers as she smiled down at him. “There you are. Everything is alright. It was just a dream.” He closed his eyes again as a pained expression came across his face. “That is just it…. It was not just a dream.”

nate-holt

Hibernation

One hundred thousand candles, staring directing into one hundred thousand, or at least so it would seem. Have you ever wondered what that feels like? Try having a thousand needles stabbing your eyes repeatedly only to be rubbed with the coarsest grit sandpaper you can imagine. That starts to explain what it feels like. I may be exaggerating, but that is what it felt like when my eyes finally cracked open. They didn’t stay open for long, the pain to excruciating.

Off in the distance the faintest whispers, just a random mixture of inaudible sounds. Is that… where am I? I could swear that was Rinoha’s voice but that doesn’t make any sense. I was half a world away why would she be here? None of this makes sense.

He searched his memories for any kind of explanation but came up with none. He was on the Broken Shores, cleaning up what little reinforcements had not retreated back to Argus. He and his men peered down over a demon encampment, choosing precisely the correct course of action to take. Now he is hearing…. yes it is Rinoha’s voice. Perhaps if he were to open his eyes again….

He cracked his eyes once more ever so slightly, ready to close them again at a moments notice. This time though, the light was not as bright. He opened them more, little by little but now a new problem had arisen. His entire vision, everything, was just a blur of colors.

He closed his lids once more trying to focus his eyes. “Rin? Rin is that really you?” He tried to raise his left hand up to rub his eyes but bandages tightly held it into place. Combined with the excruciating pain coming from that side made his cry out and settle back down on to the bed.

Quickly Rinoha tried to calm and quiet him holding a glass of water up to his lips. He opened his eyes again and slowly things started to come into focus. At first he saw only outlines, but as his eyes slowly adjusted he could finally see his youngest sister. As he took a sip of water his eyes slowly looked around his surroundings. “Where am I? This does not look like Addlewood?”

Rinoha looked down at him and sighed heavily “A lot has happened in your absence.” Soon after a doctor and a young woman entered the room. Rinoha shared a few words with them before the three of them as well as Rinoha’s guard Brody was holding him down. Before he could comprehend what was happening to him a wooden spoon was shoved into his mouth and his shoulder was popped back into its socket. The loud pop echoed in the room and the surge of adrenaline crashed over him like a wave over a sandbar.

What followed was anything but gentlemanly. His body convulsed but the group held fast. The young woman holding his right arm stole a glance at Nate’s face only to find the shadow energy’s inside him beginning to take over. The Lords skin tone began to shift to a pale almost white shade and his eyes turned black with the slightest bit of “smoke” trailing from its edges. She immediately notified Rinoha who took action throwing the group back with her own shadow tendrils and using a few to bind her brother to the bed.

He struggled ever so slightly, but he was no match for Rinoha’s power especially in the condition he was in. Soon the adrenaline surge had run its course and he collapsed down to the bed. He spit the spoon out of his mouth which was now almost broken in half. After taking some time to calm his breathing he offered apologizes to those in the room. Much to his surprise the woman never wavered and continued by making an herbal tea to help deal with his pain.

After the siblings spent some time catching up. Rinoha explained how her men, or more specifically one man was able to find him. Apparently he was a tracker and is very talented at his job. He learned about some of the ventures the house had partaken in, though she left out some detail. In his condition some things were left for another time. Finally he learned the name of the woman who had been tending to him, Lady Fiona Byrne.

Night came and went in what seemed like the blink of an eye. I guess that is natural when you’ve been “asleep” for a few months. He didn’t want to sleep, his mind wanted to keep active. His body had other ideas though. He awoke a few day later with a startle. He still had not gotten used to being at his sisters estate.

After getting his bearings he reached for some water sitting near his bed. As he made a quick glance around the room he noticed something that shocked him. Lady Fiona Byrne was sitting there in the corner. Had she been there the whole time?

@householt @rinohaholt

nate-holt reblogged

adhelin

Dearest Nate,

I write to you in hopes that you’ve returned from your hunting trip and we can finally sit down to discuss matters that concern the House. Please let me know when you will be able to meet with me. I will be making my weekly trip to Addlewood in two days time and would like to set aside a time to meet, or should you find yourself in the capital on Monday or Tuesday we could discuss such matters at the Embassy.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Your Loving Sister, Adhelin

@nate-holt

nate-holt

Dear Adhelin,

I have returned from my trip but unfortunately I have a few matters that need attending to before I can return to the capital. As such I will await your arrival here at Addlewood. I will make sure your room is up to par and a few bottles are set out for us to speak. Until we meet, take care.

Natharen

@adhelin

nate-holt reblogged

Ask my muse...

HONESTY 1: What is your favorite scent?

HONESTY 2: Where do you feel the most comfortable and happy?

HONESTY 3: Whom do you admire, and why?

HONESTY 4: What is your biggest fear?

HONESTY 5: If you could have one wish, what would it be?

HONESTY 7: Which event in your life shaped you the most?

HONESTY 8: What would your ideal lover be like?

HONESTY 9: What is something you're useless at?

nate-holt reblogged

Concerned.

((None of these facts would be known past Nate and Tina. RP took place inside the Holt Hall))

Christina crosses her arms, “I wish to speak to you about Rinoha, as I’ve been told what has happened.” She looked displeased and still a bit upset. Though she inched her chin up as she watched him. “The cell she has been put in is not acceptable. Not for a woman who has been through so much already Nate.” she closed her eyes, “I know what she did at the Tower requires the trail you are asking for. But let me ask you this,” she looked right at him. “Is it really necessary to put her back in a cell?”

Natharen nodded his head softly as he listed to her speak. When she was done he addressed her concerns as best as he could. “Rinoha has left me with little to no options. She has admitted to torturing members of her own family. Not only that, but she has said specifically to me, that she was no mind controlled at all during this time. Many of the family have expressed a concern about the actions that she participated in. She has given no explanation other than, and I quote, -I did them because I wanted to.- I have to ask, what other option do I have?” He paused and waited for a moment. “As for her cell, I can assure you, she is not lacking for anything. She might as well be locked in her room. The only difference is, this is more secure.”

Chrístina paced back and forth for a moment. EIther she was uneasy, or she was still working on breaking in the boots she wore. Her hands clasped behind her back while she paced, not once did her attention gets taken away from Nate. She comes to a stop, “But Nate, it is a cell none the less. We took her away from one, freed her and the others. And now she is put back into another, I am worried about her in there. To you, it might be best for her. To her, it will just be another cell, one that will bring up memories of what she did at the Tower.” she rubs the side of her face, “I request as her Doctor, that she be placed in a secured room. An actual room, not a cell that is given a make over.” she watched him closely. “Deagen already said he would be more than willing to stand guard outside the door. Please, Nate.”

Natharen gave this some thought and then softly shook his head. “I’m sorry Christina, I do not think I can allow that. As much as it pains me to put her in there, I must treat her just as I would any other person. If I do not, then it will look as though I am showing her favoritism. I can not have the rest of the house becoming upset that I am being unfair. That is why I am having two nonfamily members over see her trial with me.”

—————————

Christina soon left after Arden entered the Hall to speak with Nate. Troubled thoughts ran rampant through her mind.

@nate-holt @rinohaholt @householt

nate-holt reblogged

ardantahmasholt

Blood is thicker than water...

Ardan approaches the hall, walking up the stairs to the building in the Cathedral district, avoiding the judging gaze of most of the priests there. What did they know, anyways? No responsibility, no family other than their queer brotherhood of robe wearing haircut massacres…

Without much time being wasted, Ardan throws open the door and closes it behind him, pulling the bolt acrossed the door and stepping inside towards the tables. It was cold in the Hall today for some reason, as if winter had rolled in through the very building it’s self without effecting the world around it. He hardly paid it any more mind than that, however. Ardan walks over to the barrels and pulls out a bottle of dark red wine, a ‘Neverbloom Noir’. “Why do we have a thousand of these?” “Because I shipped them here…” Came a voice from the corner of the room. Ardan spins and reaches for his sword, seeing a pair of icy blue eyes glare at him from the shadows. With a step, a Saronite and wolf fur clad Death Knight makes himself known, a somber look on an already depressing alabaster face made Ardan wonder just what this was all about.

“Baron is it? Been a while… You still with that strange who-”

GIF by parviocula

“No… I am not. I’m afraid this is no time for pleasantries, my Lord. There are a few things I wish to speak to you about.” The short, but very stocky man takes a step forward, pulling his dark leather hood back and revealing a head full of silver hair. Mordnir walks forward and places a piece of paper down on the table next to Ardan. “It happened last night. The Margrave had me… Arrest her, confiscate her jewelry and take her to Addlewood. She’s sitting in a cell right now, waiting for a trial.”

GIF by cabiriaminerva

Ardan grabs the paper and looks at it. “Ardan Tahmas Holt to be named Regent of Direa until…” He stopped, his mouth was about to fall open and his eyebrows pinched together. “What kind of joke is this, deader?” He asked him with spite in his eyes, but in his heart he had a feeling this was going to happen. Ardan had opened his mouth in anger and now Rinoha was suffering for it.

“Your sister needs your help. I know you were a lawyer, so I figured the best person to ask was you.” Mordnir’s eyes regarded the man cooly, fully expecting Ardan to throw one of his privileged temper tantrums. Ardan looks back to the Baron of Neverbloom Keep, trying to think of something to spit back at him, but he only shakes his head. He places the paper down on the table, grabs the bottle of wine and pours himself a glass.

GIF by roseydoux

“Let me see what I can do…”

@rinohaholt @becoming-ellis @Householt @nate-holt

nate-holt reblogged

Caged Again

((LONG READ…))

Rinoha moved to stand at the cell door wrapping her hands around the bars as she heard the door leading down to the cells open. Initially, she could see the scowl on his face as he rounded the corner until his eyes met hers. “Christian … you came.” She muttered watching a form of devastation begin to wash over his features seeing her like this.

Christian moved swiftly to the cell door his hands also wrapping around the bars as he tried to take it all in, “What is the meaning of this?” There was disbelief in his tone as he glanced back to ensure the guard nearby did not overhear their conversation. “This is outrageous, you should be released at once.” Rinoha shook her head, “It’s alright. It’s alright… they are just trying to make sense of what happened. Ven demanded answers, wanted to know why… I refused. Nate had to step in, and I gave him no choice.”

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nate-holt reblogged

venreenaholt

Internal Holt Matters

((If you were not present in Holt Hall for this you would not have knowledge of this happening. TY))

“I do have one request,” Rinoha said closing her eyes as she forced herself to remain calm.

“Go ahead with your request. I will see what I can do.” Natharen replied.

“Allow me to see Mister Thorne, before the trial. Just once… let me speak with him.” Rinoha requested.

That was the last thing she remembered asking before nervously rattling on as Mordnir moved over to place her into custody to take her from the hall to Addlewood. She didn’t try to fight him she simply looked over at her friend and politely bowed her head. He said nothing only motioned for Rinoha to lead the way out of the hall. She paused at the bottom of the steps tugging her jewelry off and handing it over to Mordnir who placed it in his bag as he motioned for Deagen to join them.

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nate-holt reblogged

venreenaholt

Intentions

This was not what she intended. All she wanted was answers, and instead Venreena found herself feigning indifference as Mordnir took Rinoha away to be locked up in Addlewood. Prisoner in her family’s home.

Venreena looked down and adjusted her skirt before looking up at him, her eyes suddenly looking tired. “I didn’t mean to put you in this position, and for that I am sorry…And for what it’s worth, I don’t hate Rin. Despite everything… I still love her. That’s what makes this so hard.”

Natharen nodded his head softly. “I am sure you do, as do I. This is her own doing. She left me no other option.”

The motions that led Venreena up to bed were secondary, automatic. Doubt filled her mind as she climbed the steps of the townhouse and walked to the bedroom. Had she done the right thing? Outing Rinoha like that to her own brother?

“There’s so much more to this than we know…” Mordnir turned to the barrels of wine that had made shipment today, taking a bottle out and moving to the table to find two clean glasses. “I asked her on the way there, and there was something in her eyes, in the way she responded…”

Venreena looked up, amber eyes wide. She shrugged her shoulders and shook her head. “I just want to know. Am I wrong for wanting to know why?”

The Duchess prepared herself for bed, and slipped under the covers laying on her side. She doubted Rinoha would be enjoying the same comforts. Locked in a cell again. Even Ven thought that was extreme. A scream of frustration escaped her before she could stop herself and her fist came slamming down on her pillow. “Light damn it Rin!” She choked out as her hand came up to wipe the tears that were falling freely now.

This was not what she intended.

(( @householt @rinohaholt @imordnir @nate-holt ))