To set the stage on what happened, I send you to a quite epic tale. In my opinion it was one of the most overwhelming odds, the most difficult of tasks and the storming of a city already under attack by eleven brave heroes. All while bringing along a group of 50 refugees rescued on the road outside the city and a baby being born. Validar's plan was one that seemed impossible on the surface and went exceedingly, epically well. In the end, the Siege was broken, thousands of humanoid enemies were destroyed and it even saw the defeat of one of the kingdom's harshest enemies. See New Frontiers 43-59.
This brings us to New Frontiers #60. After congratulations all around, a visit to seeing the recovering Ivy and Lyonessa (who were returned from the dead), a discussion with a silver dragon, and an upcoming meeting with the Crown Prince having just recently been crowned King, Validar was merely walking the walls of the fortress and checking on the Gatehouses. Finally fate, which had conspired several times now to keep our young couple apart, turned an about face and gave them the opportunity for which they had each longed. The first paragraph is pulled directly from post #60.
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Validar greets Po when he arrives with their personal items and he gives him charge to keep everything organized and then for the young man to retire to one of the supplied rooms for a welcome rest. Their supplies and horses arrive in time from where they left them in the Gatehouse before attacking the warehouse, and Validar will change into his standard white military uniform, complete with his coat of arms. He wears his swordbelt as usual.
Before heading to the meeting with the King, Validar wanders the halls near the Gatehouse checking on the defenses and remembering the battle from previous days. His mind is awash with thoughts and plans, when a faint yet familiar voice breaks him from his inner monologue. Was that Gabriella? He heads down a side hall and into an open doorway. Sitting at a table with papers piled upon it, Validar spies Lady Allonica making notes and going over lists with several other women. His eyes light up upon seeing her.
Lady Gabriella Allonica was of mixed heritage, part Cynalonian and part Zakharan from her mother. She somewhat tended toward that side in appearance and her normally bronze skin was even more tanned as it had been often kissed by the sun’s rays this recent summer. Her dark curly hair contrasted with her emerald-colored eyes, clearly indicating Cynalonian influence as well. Gabriella was slim and trim with the tone of a dancer’s body and standing to some extent short of average height. Her voice was like a gentle summer breeze, soft and soothing, with a delicate lilt that seemed to caress the listener's ears. She was certainly a beauty, with large almond-shaped eyes and full lips under a narrow and ever so slightly upturned nose. Yet a careful kindness also seemed to radiate from deep within this woman. Gabriella had just completed her second decade on this planet earlier this year.
As Validar peered into the room where she was working, he found her dressed somewhat simply, but still with more than a dash of her typical far western Zakharan style. She wore a simple red blouse, with a black and white colored fringed shawl draped lightly across her shoulders. High waisted, wide legged trousers reached nearly to her bejeweled ankles, which were crossed one over the other under her stool as she leaned forward in her work. Her shoes had already been discarded and forgotten hours ago. Gabriella's many jewels and jewelry struggled to compete with her own natural beauty. As she wrote on the parchment list adding recently learned information, her shimmering gold bracelets played a happy tune of their own.
"Gabriella!" he almost shouts as he strides purposefully into the room. Many of those working here startle in surprise and alarm and turn to see this interruption.
Her mind, switching from the detailed work to suddenly hearing Validar's voice exploding into the room, freezes for a moment from the surprise, unsure if she should greet him formally or rush into his arms. The raven-haired target of his affections looks a bit sheepishly at the other women due to the sudden attention, but she stands to face him. "Lord Validar...!" Before she can get another word out, the Guardians' leader quickly closes the distance and wraps her up in a huge hug, lifting her off her feet!
"I am so pleased to see that you are well." He sets her down and gazes at the object of his affections, then pulls her close again. "I worried that you might have been one of the unfortunates captured at the feast." Validar holds the hug longer than he intended, but it feels so right to have her in his arms.
Separating finally, Gabriella looks a bit flushed. But a large smile graces her features as she pushes her hair out of her face. "I am also happy to see you healthy after all the recent battles. We all heard about your exploits in engineering the counter attack that broke the siege. Everyone in the city is talking about it," she says proudly. Gabriella looks briefly at the women she was working with for a moment, all of whom are suddenly quite interested in the pair's conversation.
Taking Validar's hand, she leads him out to the hallway for a bit of privacy and then smiles warmly at him once more. "I apparently am not important enough to warrant an invitation with the Duke," she says modestly. "I was meeting with several of the local businessmen to arrange for supplies returning from Corunglain back to Crossroads, and possibly Gateway, when the attack came. Fortunately we were close to the Duke's Gatehouse and able to seek safe refuge."
Validar feigns a hurt expression at her admission. "Not important? Nonsense!" Taking both her hands in his, the noble lord cannot suppress the smile on his face as he looks at her. "You are extremely important to me. Still it is very fortuitous. Those unfortunates who were there at the feast are undergoing an awful situation. The Hextor devils and their allies are vile." His smile wanes as he speaks of the repulsive enemy the city has faced.
"I wish I had more time to speak with you, but I am soon off to a meeting with our new King," Validar continues. "But what is it you are working on here?" he asks curiously.
"As you must already know, from the barbaric attacks there are numerous people and children who have been separated from their families. Many who need clothes and food as their homes were destroyed. I am trying to assist with the organization of necessary supplies and matching of families whose members may be split between various Gatehouse refuge stations. The battle may be over, but the repercussions linger," she says full of lament. "There are many children who will grow up missing a parent or even both."
"Yes, war is always hardest on the innocent. There are cheers and accolades and banquets for the heroes. And the little ones suffer despite the victory. You have given me something to think about, my lady."
"I shouldn't keep you any longer from the King." Gabriella changes the subject, and Validar leads her back to her work, still holding firmly to her hand and not wishing to let it go.
"Not even the King himself could keep me from your side, my dear." She blushes again as he pulls her to him, his arm about her waist. "I will search you out when this meeting is complete. Until then." He gazes into her bright green eyes for what seems like an hour, but is only a moment. Their hips touch lightly. Gabriella matches his gaze and bites her lower lip ever so slightly, anticipation palpable. Validar brushes a lock of dark curly hair from her face and pulls their bodies closer, as he leans in for a tender kiss. The moment lingers softly and as they each pull away, Validar sees her beautiful almond-shaped eyes flutter closed and a smile form, as a sigh escapes her lips. He has to remind himself where he is and his waiting duty. For a moment, nothing else mattered.
He stepped away, but his eyes did not leave her until she disappeared back into the room. She gave him a wave and blew a kiss in his direction. A rise of high-spirited chatter and giggles emanated from the room as he strode away, an unwavering smile gracing his face.
The Aftermath of the Siege of Corunglain (2)
The Aftermath of the Siege of Corunglain (2)
Conquer or Die!
Re: The Aftermath of the Siege of Corunglain (2)
New Frontiers #61 is where we begin our real changes. Obviously Gabby is not in the meeting with the King this time. Otherwise, everything happens the same. Gabriella's lines are absorbed into Jallarzi's and now the real work begins!
There is the meeting with the King, the discussions immediately afterward as part of the Council of Lords (Teris and Alon and others), meeting with Aria and setting a planning session for the next day, a very late meal and then the evening discussions with several of the Guardians, including Laucian and Grondar. This moves us into post #62.
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Once his duties are out of his way, he turns to personal attentions. Lady Gabriella might have already retired at this late hour but he needs to check, just to make sure. Retracing his steps back to where she was working, he sees the room is quiet in the dim candlelight. A few women have taken slumber in makeshift sleeping cots, but Gabriella is not among them. He thinks for a moment and then with a knowing smile, he heads to the area of this Gatehouse where the remaining refugees were still gathered, awaiting further assistance.
He passes by a few guards and they salute him as he surveys the rooms. One of them holds the children who have not yet been returned to their parents or who have lost their parents. The room is quiet and a fire burns in the corner struggling to ward off the cold. Validar hesitates in the doorway a moment, not wanting to disturb the sleeping occupants. He studies the room briefly and his eyes are quickly drawn to their intended target.
Lying upon a makeshift bedding formed of piled fabrics, Validar spies Gabriella fast asleep. A young girl he passes stirs and looks up. She rubs her eyes and points at the tall fighter. "I remember you," she whispers, pointing to his sword. Validar raises his finger to his lips. Pulling a pouch of gold coins from his belt the warrior considers a moment, then decides to pass the entirety of it to the child. He whispers back, "This is to share with all of your companions here." She takes the pouch as her mouth forms a silent 'O' in wonder and awe. "Now we mustn't wake anyone," he shares quietly. The child grasps the pouch to her chest and lies back down again, a look of contentment on her face.
With a smile on his lips, he turns back toward his sleeping lady. Gabriella doesn't stir, huddled against the cold. The blanket she uses is far too small, her legs and bare feet sticking out from beneath. Validar observes her a moment, then pulls his cloak from his broad shoulders. Kneeling down, he places the cloak over her body, as she murmurs slightly. Leaning down, a kiss soft enough to be certain not to disturb her is carefully placed upon her temple. Making his way out, he stops a moment at the door, looking back. Then he heads to the battlements.
It is very late when Lord Validar manages to reach his assigned room again. He has walked the walls and ramparts of the Duke's Fortress, surveying the damage done and the battles that took place here. Some of the remains of battle have been cleared and cleaned up but the area still shows the signs of death. Validar looks out over the city to the area of the Vesubian Gatehouse and smiles to himself. He is pleased that the plan to rescue the refugees they encountered on the way here succeeded at the same time that they were instrumental in the defense of the whole city.
Validar will likely never get to personally meet most of the people they saved, but he is proud to have been able to do so. While they are not subjects of Pyris, they are all citizens of Cynalon and as such, his duty is to them all regardless. He looks out over the city once more and is pleased at what they all managed to accomplish together. With a satisfied look upon his face, the noble warrior heads inside to some much deserved sleep.
Once there, he quietly enters, so as not to wake his room mates and drifts into a quick and deep slumber. It is a well deserved sleep that engulfs him.
-----------------
Once more, here the last three paragraphs are lifted effectively from Post #61.
There is the meeting with the King, the discussions immediately afterward as part of the Council of Lords (Teris and Alon and others), meeting with Aria and setting a planning session for the next day, a very late meal and then the evening discussions with several of the Guardians, including Laucian and Grondar. This moves us into post #62.
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Once his duties are out of his way, he turns to personal attentions. Lady Gabriella might have already retired at this late hour but he needs to check, just to make sure. Retracing his steps back to where she was working, he sees the room is quiet in the dim candlelight. A few women have taken slumber in makeshift sleeping cots, but Gabriella is not among them. He thinks for a moment and then with a knowing smile, he heads to the area of this Gatehouse where the remaining refugees were still gathered, awaiting further assistance.
He passes by a few guards and they salute him as he surveys the rooms. One of them holds the children who have not yet been returned to their parents or who have lost their parents. The room is quiet and a fire burns in the corner struggling to ward off the cold. Validar hesitates in the doorway a moment, not wanting to disturb the sleeping occupants. He studies the room briefly and his eyes are quickly drawn to their intended target.
Lying upon a makeshift bedding formed of piled fabrics, Validar spies Gabriella fast asleep. A young girl he passes stirs and looks up. She rubs her eyes and points at the tall fighter. "I remember you," she whispers, pointing to his sword. Validar raises his finger to his lips. Pulling a pouch of gold coins from his belt the warrior considers a moment, then decides to pass the entirety of it to the child. He whispers back, "This is to share with all of your companions here." She takes the pouch as her mouth forms a silent 'O' in wonder and awe. "Now we mustn't wake anyone," he shares quietly. The child grasps the pouch to her chest and lies back down again, a look of contentment on her face.
With a smile on his lips, he turns back toward his sleeping lady. Gabriella doesn't stir, huddled against the cold. The blanket she uses is far too small, her legs and bare feet sticking out from beneath. Validar observes her a moment, then pulls his cloak from his broad shoulders. Kneeling down, he places the cloak over her body, as she murmurs slightly. Leaning down, a kiss soft enough to be certain not to disturb her is carefully placed upon her temple. Making his way out, he stops a moment at the door, looking back. Then he heads to the battlements.
It is very late when Lord Validar manages to reach his assigned room again. He has walked the walls and ramparts of the Duke's Fortress, surveying the damage done and the battles that took place here. Some of the remains of battle have been cleared and cleaned up but the area still shows the signs of death. Validar looks out over the city to the area of the Vesubian Gatehouse and smiles to himself. He is pleased that the plan to rescue the refugees they encountered on the way here succeeded at the same time that they were instrumental in the defense of the whole city.
Validar will likely never get to personally meet most of the people they saved, but he is proud to have been able to do so. While they are not subjects of Pyris, they are all citizens of Cynalon and as such, his duty is to them all regardless. He looks out over the city once more and is pleased at what they all managed to accomplish together. With a satisfied look upon his face, the noble warrior heads inside to some much deserved sleep.
Once there, he quietly enters, so as not to wake his room mates and drifts into a quick and deep slumber. It is a well deserved sleep that engulfs him.
-----------------
Once more, here the last three paragraphs are lifted effectively from Post #61.
Conquer or Die!
Re: The Aftermath of the Siege of Corunglain (2)
In the morning, Validar will awaken early, if not overly so, as his body does require some recuperation after the strenuous activities of the previous days' battles. He will send out a messenger to locate Lady Gabriella in the morning, to have her accompany him to the morning meal.
Before long Gabriella arrives outside the dining hall and the messenger informs Lord Validar that she is waiting outside. He wonders why she did not come in directly and heads out to meet her. A smile immediately forms on his face when he sees her lovely visage there and she quickly reciprocates. She was adorned fancily in a flowing, ankle-length green gown, made of silken brocade, with intricate embroidery and embellishments along the neckline, sleeves, and hem. The sleeves were flared and there was an oval cut-out in the center of her chest. An offset slit rose up the front of her left leg to just past her knee and exposed her legs and fancy sandals. Adorned head to toe as always in her gold jewelry, the woman had a shimmering opulence about her. Gabriella's striking almond-shaped eyes were accentuated by kohl eyeliner, and her raven-colored curly hair was well styled. To his surprise, she then curtseys to him, before he can reach her.
Validar stops and a look of confusion comes over his face but he bows in return, then looks around wondering what affair is happening of which he was unaware. “Am I missing something, my dear?” he then asked, still somewhat puzzled. Nearby there are two females accompanying his lady and they both bow deeply as well to Lord Validar.
“Oh, Validar,” she bemoaned. “Will we always have to submit to such formal proceedings?” With a heavy sigh and a somewhat forlorn look, Gabriella casts her eyes downward.
“Certainly not,” comes the quick response. “There is nothing formal about us sharing breakfast this morning anyway, my dear,” he says, still unsure of what is troubling his lady, but taking a few steps closer.
She looks up again, mouth dropping open slightly with realization etched on her beautiful features. Her eyes suddenly look bright and full of happiness. In one motion, she rushes forward and throws her arms about Validar’s neck. He envelops her into his chest, and she melts into his warm embrace. They separate and share a quick kiss. “Now that is a much preferable greeting to bows,” Validar says with a chuckle.
“I’m sorry, my lord,” she says as they walk arm in arm to the dining hall, and dismisses her guards. “When you sent a messenger for me to join you, I thought maybe this was some formal gathering that you wanted me to attend. As I told you before, my mother is not a Cynalonian lady and so my understanding of the noble’s world is rather lacking. I did not want to be unprepared." She hesitated for a moment. "I am so hoping that our life would not be all pomp and circumstance.”
“Ah, the noble’s world,” Validar says, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. “Do not worry yourself overly with the ‘noble’s world’, dearest. Certainly there are times when we must bow appropriately and hold our chins just so and hold our hands together at just the right height. But those are rare indeed.” She looked up at him hopefully. "And I promise in the future that if there is some important details you need to know, that I will share them and not leave you guessing. I did not stop to think that this might become an issue." Gabriella nodded slightly and mouthed the words 'thank you' as the corners of her mouth turned upward in appreciation. The soft relaxed smile reached all the way into her eyes.
“And we do not HAVE to follow the protocols of lordly courtship. If you wish to rush into my arms at my arrival, then you should not let anything or anyone stop you. Formalities be damned!. And if I wish to lift you in my arms and carry you into this dining hall and make a grand entrance, then I shall!” To make his point he indeed hoists her up and strides purposefully into the dining hall. Many there turn to look and a buzz of conversation immediately rises.
“Validar!” Gabriella exclaims, her eyes widening at the surprising gesture. She covers her eyes with a hand for a moment, then succumbs to the slightly embarrassing situation. She wraps her arms around his neck and smiles sweetly at the many onlookers. “We will be scandalous at court,” she says in a hushed tone.
“Then let us be scandalous,” Validar says with a chuckle. He sets her down and then taking her hand, leads her to sit with him and share the morning meal. Many eyes seem to fall upon them and hushed conversations continue around the pair.
“People are talking about us,” Gabriella murmurs, leaning in to Validar’s shoulder, in between bites of food.
“Yes, they are saying what a lucky man he is to be in the company of such a beautiful and wonderful woman,” he responds, leaning his head in toward hers with a smile.
She hesitates for a moment, her concern interrupted by the compliment. “That’s very sweet,” she says, following a small sigh. After a moment, she adds, “Does it seem odd to always be the center of attention or are you just used to it by now?”
“To be honest, I try not to think on it. I realize that what I and the Guardians do often appears in the public eye. Often it is larger than life. So it gives inspiration to people who need it. But I do not seek out the attention. I do not need others to feed my ego.” He laughs for a moment before proceeding. “Some would say it is far too large already!” he adds with a chuckle. “Does the attention bother you, sweetheart?”
“I am not sure. I am just starting to experience it on a more constant basis, I suppose. I mean, as a Court Lady I am welcome in the nobility’s social circles. But while my family name is known, I personally am certainly not.” She paused for a moment to take a sip of her drink and consider her words. “Suddenly, almost overnight I seem to have become the talk of the town here, amongst the common folk at least.”
“Oh really? How do you mean?” Validar questioned, intrigue showing on his face.
“I don’t know which story is getting around faster," she says with a smile growing on her face. "Between your quite boisterous greeting to me yesterday, or the sending a formal messenger to me with accompaniment.“
“That just happened yesterday and this very morning,” Validar says quizzically.
“Gossip travels fast,” she says sheepishly. “The women last night quizzed me endlessly about how I knew you and about our relationship. Most of the people I deal with know my family, but they think of me only as a businesswoman. Same for all the volunteers in our project here. Now suddenly I am the darling of one of the great heroes of The Siege of Corunglain. People I do not know are now smiling at me in the halls and waving. And the questions?!” Gabriella fidgeted with curls in her hair while she talked. Then she forcefully breathed out and placed both hands on the table for a moment, before picking up her fork to eat again. Validar just smiled, not sure just what to say, but wanting to show support for her concerns. The best thing he could do now was to just listen. Turning to more directly face her, he leaned in slightly, placing his hand gently on his partner's upper back as she continued to explain her consternation.
“And then there’s the story going around by the children about the heroic angel who magically appeared in their room last night.” She lightly elbowed him, indicating she was referring to his visit. “You’ll be pleased to know that little Annalee was quite fastidious in making sure that everyone received their own gold coin this morning.” Validar could only smile at the thought and nod understandingly.
“She wanted to give me a gold coin too, because she saw the angel tuck me in, just like her momma did to her and knew that the angel loved me too. A sweet young girl who will sadly grow up without her father. Now they all want to know when the hero will return.”
“Well, I was wearing my white military uniform,” Validar explains. “And I was well into the room, when the child awoke. Children have such marvelous imaginations."
“And the story changed, as children are wont to do; they now all believe that I am married to a magical angel who saved the city. Some of them even started calling me Lady Angel,” she said with some small consternation.
“There are worse things to be called,” he responded trying to make light of the situation. Before they could continue much further, a dark-haired bronze-skinned man was looking for an audience with Lord Validar. Bidding the man to sit, Validar leaned over and whispered to his lady, “See, not everyone is fawning over YOU.” She elbowed him again and flashed her eyes at him, trying hard to suppress a grin at his jest.
-------------------
Validar's initial discussion with Yusef began at the very end of Post #62 and would wind through several postings. It would need to be edited and several 'future' conversations rolled forward because in the original writing, somehow Validar was brain-dead enough to not invite Gabby to the morning meal. She was now with him and therefore was on hand to meet Yusef then and not just be referred to as also from Zakhara partially.
Before long Gabriella arrives outside the dining hall and the messenger informs Lord Validar that she is waiting outside. He wonders why she did not come in directly and heads out to meet her. A smile immediately forms on his face when he sees her lovely visage there and she quickly reciprocates. She was adorned fancily in a flowing, ankle-length green gown, made of silken brocade, with intricate embroidery and embellishments along the neckline, sleeves, and hem. The sleeves were flared and there was an oval cut-out in the center of her chest. An offset slit rose up the front of her left leg to just past her knee and exposed her legs and fancy sandals. Adorned head to toe as always in her gold jewelry, the woman had a shimmering opulence about her. Gabriella's striking almond-shaped eyes were accentuated by kohl eyeliner, and her raven-colored curly hair was well styled. To his surprise, she then curtseys to him, before he can reach her.
Validar stops and a look of confusion comes over his face but he bows in return, then looks around wondering what affair is happening of which he was unaware. “Am I missing something, my dear?” he then asked, still somewhat puzzled. Nearby there are two females accompanying his lady and they both bow deeply as well to Lord Validar.
“Oh, Validar,” she bemoaned. “Will we always have to submit to such formal proceedings?” With a heavy sigh and a somewhat forlorn look, Gabriella casts her eyes downward.
“Certainly not,” comes the quick response. “There is nothing formal about us sharing breakfast this morning anyway, my dear,” he says, still unsure of what is troubling his lady, but taking a few steps closer.
She looks up again, mouth dropping open slightly with realization etched on her beautiful features. Her eyes suddenly look bright and full of happiness. In one motion, she rushes forward and throws her arms about Validar’s neck. He envelops her into his chest, and she melts into his warm embrace. They separate and share a quick kiss. “Now that is a much preferable greeting to bows,” Validar says with a chuckle.
“I’m sorry, my lord,” she says as they walk arm in arm to the dining hall, and dismisses her guards. “When you sent a messenger for me to join you, I thought maybe this was some formal gathering that you wanted me to attend. As I told you before, my mother is not a Cynalonian lady and so my understanding of the noble’s world is rather lacking. I did not want to be unprepared." She hesitated for a moment. "I am so hoping that our life would not be all pomp and circumstance.”
“Ah, the noble’s world,” Validar says, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. “Do not worry yourself overly with the ‘noble’s world’, dearest. Certainly there are times when we must bow appropriately and hold our chins just so and hold our hands together at just the right height. But those are rare indeed.” She looked up at him hopefully. "And I promise in the future that if there is some important details you need to know, that I will share them and not leave you guessing. I did not stop to think that this might become an issue." Gabriella nodded slightly and mouthed the words 'thank you' as the corners of her mouth turned upward in appreciation. The soft relaxed smile reached all the way into her eyes.
“And we do not HAVE to follow the protocols of lordly courtship. If you wish to rush into my arms at my arrival, then you should not let anything or anyone stop you. Formalities be damned!. And if I wish to lift you in my arms and carry you into this dining hall and make a grand entrance, then I shall!” To make his point he indeed hoists her up and strides purposefully into the dining hall. Many there turn to look and a buzz of conversation immediately rises.
“Validar!” Gabriella exclaims, her eyes widening at the surprising gesture. She covers her eyes with a hand for a moment, then succumbs to the slightly embarrassing situation. She wraps her arms around his neck and smiles sweetly at the many onlookers. “We will be scandalous at court,” she says in a hushed tone.
“Then let us be scandalous,” Validar says with a chuckle. He sets her down and then taking her hand, leads her to sit with him and share the morning meal. Many eyes seem to fall upon them and hushed conversations continue around the pair.
“People are talking about us,” Gabriella murmurs, leaning in to Validar’s shoulder, in between bites of food.
“Yes, they are saying what a lucky man he is to be in the company of such a beautiful and wonderful woman,” he responds, leaning his head in toward hers with a smile.
She hesitates for a moment, her concern interrupted by the compliment. “That’s very sweet,” she says, following a small sigh. After a moment, she adds, “Does it seem odd to always be the center of attention or are you just used to it by now?”
“To be honest, I try not to think on it. I realize that what I and the Guardians do often appears in the public eye. Often it is larger than life. So it gives inspiration to people who need it. But I do not seek out the attention. I do not need others to feed my ego.” He laughs for a moment before proceeding. “Some would say it is far too large already!” he adds with a chuckle. “Does the attention bother you, sweetheart?”
“I am not sure. I am just starting to experience it on a more constant basis, I suppose. I mean, as a Court Lady I am welcome in the nobility’s social circles. But while my family name is known, I personally am certainly not.” She paused for a moment to take a sip of her drink and consider her words. “Suddenly, almost overnight I seem to have become the talk of the town here, amongst the common folk at least.”
“Oh really? How do you mean?” Validar questioned, intrigue showing on his face.
“I don’t know which story is getting around faster," she says with a smile growing on her face. "Between your quite boisterous greeting to me yesterday, or the sending a formal messenger to me with accompaniment.“
“That just happened yesterday and this very morning,” Validar says quizzically.
“Gossip travels fast,” she says sheepishly. “The women last night quizzed me endlessly about how I knew you and about our relationship. Most of the people I deal with know my family, but they think of me only as a businesswoman. Same for all the volunteers in our project here. Now suddenly I am the darling of one of the great heroes of The Siege of Corunglain. People I do not know are now smiling at me in the halls and waving. And the questions?!” Gabriella fidgeted with curls in her hair while she talked. Then she forcefully breathed out and placed both hands on the table for a moment, before picking up her fork to eat again. Validar just smiled, not sure just what to say, but wanting to show support for her concerns. The best thing he could do now was to just listen. Turning to more directly face her, he leaned in slightly, placing his hand gently on his partner's upper back as she continued to explain her consternation.
“And then there’s the story going around by the children about the heroic angel who magically appeared in their room last night.” She lightly elbowed him, indicating she was referring to his visit. “You’ll be pleased to know that little Annalee was quite fastidious in making sure that everyone received their own gold coin this morning.” Validar could only smile at the thought and nod understandingly.
“She wanted to give me a gold coin too, because she saw the angel tuck me in, just like her momma did to her and knew that the angel loved me too. A sweet young girl who will sadly grow up without her father. Now they all want to know when the hero will return.”
“Well, I was wearing my white military uniform,” Validar explains. “And I was well into the room, when the child awoke. Children have such marvelous imaginations."
“And the story changed, as children are wont to do; they now all believe that I am married to a magical angel who saved the city. Some of them even started calling me Lady Angel,” she said with some small consternation.
“There are worse things to be called,” he responded trying to make light of the situation. Before they could continue much further, a dark-haired bronze-skinned man was looking for an audience with Lord Validar. Bidding the man to sit, Validar leaned over and whispered to his lady, “See, not everyone is fawning over YOU.” She elbowed him again and flashed her eyes at him, trying hard to suppress a grin at his jest.
-------------------
Validar's initial discussion with Yusef began at the very end of Post #62 and would wind through several postings. It would need to be edited and several 'future' conversations rolled forward because in the original writing, somehow Validar was brain-dead enough to not invite Gabby to the morning meal. She was now with him and therefore was on hand to meet Yusef then and not just be referred to as also from Zakhara partially.
Conquer or Die!
Re: The Aftermath of the Siege of Corunglain (2)
After the discussion with Yusef about joining the Guardians and stories about his past and background, Validar and Gabriella have finished their morning meal and are now in the halls of the Duke’s Gatehouse. He specifically takes her hand, instead of offering her his arm, which would be the courtly thing to do. She acknowledges the intent, squeezing his hand tightly, and leans in taking his upper arm in her other hand.
“I apologize for the jesting back there, my dearest,” Validar finally admits. “But I wanted to try and raise your spirits. You seemed so despondent and sad.”
“The apology is mine, darling. It was certainly nothing about you… or us. I suppose the terrors of the battle and especially the aftermath weighed heavily on my emotions. It was terrible, frightening. But I couldn’t just stand by. While there was nothing I could do during the fighting, once the snow came and the enemy retreated, I heard about the terrible casualties and the refugees sequestered in the Gatehouses. I am told that was a magnificent plan that you and your team enacted for their safety, by the way.”
“We needed a place to protect them and a point from which to counterattack. It served both purposes,” Validar explains.
“And with a newborn babe, even,” Gabriella nods admiringly.
“We do what we must.” Validar shrugged. Thinking back, it was an epic battle if told as a story. He wondered how Lyonessa might spin a lofty tale with such an event as inspiration. His only thought at the time however was to save as many lives as possible and drive out the enemy.
“I was in the Duke’s Gatehouse and saw the issues that people were facing: lack of clothes, food, separation or loss of their family members, children without parents. I started working to organize the collection of supplies and enough food. We began with the excess we had in the caravan.”
“You started this entire project on your own volition?” Validar says, his eyes widening at the revelation and a smile of admiration filling his face. “You are to be commended, praised and…” he tried to think of another word, “…highly approbated even!” That made her laugh. To Validar this was one of his favorite sounds.
But she turned serious again. “I also simply did what I could. And it wasn’t just myself of course. One of the Sisters of Azrella soon joined the volunteers. Her name is Faith. She then took over the organization there with other priestesses of their faith and allowed me to duplicate the process at another location. Eventually we had volunteers at each, able to exchange information with runners and get family members reconnected quickly. For those that needed anything we could put together an efficient system to try and meet those needs. There was so much work to do,” she looks away, as the memories rush in. “And the children who have lost everything are the most difficult to deal with emotionally. We must take all their fears and worries into ourselves as we try to assuage them. It is tiring and emotionally draining and we cannot show any of it in front of them." Her eyes burned with a fierce determination that reflected the amount of effort and emotion she had put into helping so many unfortunate people.
"And they need that encouragement or even just a kind face to sit with them. That’s why I slept there last night. I waited until every one of those dear children finally dozed off. I’m sorry that I was unable to wait for you to arrive, but I simply couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer.”
Validar thought he knew this woman well enough already. In their time together in Gateway, he knew she was intelligent, pleasant, kind, warm-hearted, funny and so much more. The selflessness she exhibited here placed her in an even more otherworldly light. Silent, he stopped and turned to her and slowly pulled her bodily into an embrace. She happily accepted. He held her tightly for a time. It continued long enough that an onlooker might think their bodies had become one. It lasted long enough they could feel each other's heartbeats. This was not a flirty hug or even truly a romantic hug. This hug whispered ever so softly, “I love you.”
When they finally stepped apart, Gabriella had to choke back emotions and a tear started form in the corner of her right eye. She carefully wiped it away with a smile, careful not to smudge her eye makeup.
Validar beamed like a schoolboy looking at his first crush. When he finally spoke, his voice was barely above a whisper and filled with wonder and admiration and respect. “You are amazing.”
She dabbed at another tear, her eyes glistening, and quickly waved her hands in front of her face, trying desperately to stave off further welling up. Gabriella attempted to maintain a composed smile, her lips slightly trembling as she quickly blinked, the corners of her eyes crinkling with the effort to suppress the overwhelming wave of joy bubbling up inside her; her breath catches in her throat, but she forces a laugh, her voice slightly shaky, as if desperately trying to redirect the emotion before it spills over.
“That was nice,” she finally manages, her voice almost cracking on the last word. And they both laugh heartily at the humor of her understatement. Continuing their walk, the pair are silent for a few long moments, the enormity of their shared emotions lingering like a welcome guest.
“I should get back to my work,” Gabriella grudgingly asserts. “And you said you had a meeting about the dwarves attack still coming this morning,” she reminds him. "Duty calls unfortunately."
“Yes, thank you, I did not forget,” Validar agrees. “Even though I feel as though I was just hit by a bolt of lightning.” That made her smile. “Very well, I will be happy to walk you to your office.”
She smiles again. To be honest, she had been smiling continuously since that powerful emotion-drenched hug. “Thanks, my darling. I do need to change out of these clothes and help finish up the remaining work. Another day or so and we should have accomplished all that must needs done,” she adds hopefully.
“Ah, that might be a problem, my sweet.” A quizzical look formed on her face and her brow furrowed at the puzzling statement. He continued on. “Remember I promised to let you know about important details in advance so that you could be prepared?”
“Yes?” came the hesitant reply.
“After my meeting with Aria about the dwarven attacks, you and I are going to meet the new King." This revelation caused her jaw to go slack with surprise. "Well, not JUST you and I,” he quickly adds. “The King wants to meet the Guardians of the Light.”
“Truly?! An audience with the King? How wonderfully intimidating,” she responds only half-jokingly. “But I am not a part of the Guardians.” Her face shows some concern at this developing situation.
“True. But you, Gabriella, are an equal part of you and I. And WE are going to meet with the King.”
----------------
Gabby was originally written as having worked for the King for a few years and was much more comfortable in the courtly life. That wasn't my initial impression of her and I wanted her to be more of an outsider and have that play into her and Validar's relationship. The GM didn't know any of that of course and created a back story for her that didn't fit my plans. Again as noted before, this was the impetus for this project. A chance to reclaim the story I hoped for, rather than the direction it seemed to travel.
We needed a new backstory for her in this retcon and focused more on her business experiences and after re-examining what I originally crafted of her character, she had the means at hand and the personality to do good for the unfortunate people who suffered after the conflict was ended. It was a natural extension out of her kindness and her organizational skills. The GM then pointed out that no one else had ever thought of this before and that it was a pretty big deal. Gabby had inadvertently begun to make a name for herself in the very environment that had mostly ignored her previously.
“I apologize for the jesting back there, my dearest,” Validar finally admits. “But I wanted to try and raise your spirits. You seemed so despondent and sad.”
“The apology is mine, darling. It was certainly nothing about you… or us. I suppose the terrors of the battle and especially the aftermath weighed heavily on my emotions. It was terrible, frightening. But I couldn’t just stand by. While there was nothing I could do during the fighting, once the snow came and the enemy retreated, I heard about the terrible casualties and the refugees sequestered in the Gatehouses. I am told that was a magnificent plan that you and your team enacted for their safety, by the way.”
“We needed a place to protect them and a point from which to counterattack. It served both purposes,” Validar explains.
“And with a newborn babe, even,” Gabriella nods admiringly.
“We do what we must.” Validar shrugged. Thinking back, it was an epic battle if told as a story. He wondered how Lyonessa might spin a lofty tale with such an event as inspiration. His only thought at the time however was to save as many lives as possible and drive out the enemy.
“I was in the Duke’s Gatehouse and saw the issues that people were facing: lack of clothes, food, separation or loss of their family members, children without parents. I started working to organize the collection of supplies and enough food. We began with the excess we had in the caravan.”
“You started this entire project on your own volition?” Validar says, his eyes widening at the revelation and a smile of admiration filling his face. “You are to be commended, praised and…” he tried to think of another word, “…highly approbated even!” That made her laugh. To Validar this was one of his favorite sounds.
But she turned serious again. “I also simply did what I could. And it wasn’t just myself of course. One of the Sisters of Azrella soon joined the volunteers. Her name is Faith. She then took over the organization there with other priestesses of their faith and allowed me to duplicate the process at another location. Eventually we had volunteers at each, able to exchange information with runners and get family members reconnected quickly. For those that needed anything we could put together an efficient system to try and meet those needs. There was so much work to do,” she looks away, as the memories rush in. “And the children who have lost everything are the most difficult to deal with emotionally. We must take all their fears and worries into ourselves as we try to assuage them. It is tiring and emotionally draining and we cannot show any of it in front of them." Her eyes burned with a fierce determination that reflected the amount of effort and emotion she had put into helping so many unfortunate people.
"And they need that encouragement or even just a kind face to sit with them. That’s why I slept there last night. I waited until every one of those dear children finally dozed off. I’m sorry that I was unable to wait for you to arrive, but I simply couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer.”
Validar thought he knew this woman well enough already. In their time together in Gateway, he knew she was intelligent, pleasant, kind, warm-hearted, funny and so much more. The selflessness she exhibited here placed her in an even more otherworldly light. Silent, he stopped and turned to her and slowly pulled her bodily into an embrace. She happily accepted. He held her tightly for a time. It continued long enough that an onlooker might think their bodies had become one. It lasted long enough they could feel each other's heartbeats. This was not a flirty hug or even truly a romantic hug. This hug whispered ever so softly, “I love you.”
When they finally stepped apart, Gabriella had to choke back emotions and a tear started form in the corner of her right eye. She carefully wiped it away with a smile, careful not to smudge her eye makeup.
Validar beamed like a schoolboy looking at his first crush. When he finally spoke, his voice was barely above a whisper and filled with wonder and admiration and respect. “You are amazing.”
She dabbed at another tear, her eyes glistening, and quickly waved her hands in front of her face, trying desperately to stave off further welling up. Gabriella attempted to maintain a composed smile, her lips slightly trembling as she quickly blinked, the corners of her eyes crinkling with the effort to suppress the overwhelming wave of joy bubbling up inside her; her breath catches in her throat, but she forces a laugh, her voice slightly shaky, as if desperately trying to redirect the emotion before it spills over.
“That was nice,” she finally manages, her voice almost cracking on the last word. And they both laugh heartily at the humor of her understatement. Continuing their walk, the pair are silent for a few long moments, the enormity of their shared emotions lingering like a welcome guest.
“I should get back to my work,” Gabriella grudgingly asserts. “And you said you had a meeting about the dwarves attack still coming this morning,” she reminds him. "Duty calls unfortunately."
“Yes, thank you, I did not forget,” Validar agrees. “Even though I feel as though I was just hit by a bolt of lightning.” That made her smile. “Very well, I will be happy to walk you to your office.”
She smiles again. To be honest, she had been smiling continuously since that powerful emotion-drenched hug. “Thanks, my darling. I do need to change out of these clothes and help finish up the remaining work. Another day or so and we should have accomplished all that must needs done,” she adds hopefully.
“Ah, that might be a problem, my sweet.” A quizzical look formed on her face and her brow furrowed at the puzzling statement. He continued on. “Remember I promised to let you know about important details in advance so that you could be prepared?”
“Yes?” came the hesitant reply.
“After my meeting with Aria about the dwarven attacks, you and I are going to meet the new King." This revelation caused her jaw to go slack with surprise. "Well, not JUST you and I,” he quickly adds. “The King wants to meet the Guardians of the Light.”
“Truly?! An audience with the King? How wonderfully intimidating,” she responds only half-jokingly. “But I am not a part of the Guardians.” Her face shows some concern at this developing situation.
“True. But you, Gabriella, are an equal part of you and I. And WE are going to meet with the King.”
----------------
Gabby was originally written as having worked for the King for a few years and was much more comfortable in the courtly life. That wasn't my initial impression of her and I wanted her to be more of an outsider and have that play into her and Validar's relationship. The GM didn't know any of that of course and created a back story for her that didn't fit my plans. Again as noted before, this was the impetus for this project. A chance to reclaim the story I hoped for, rather than the direction it seemed to travel.
We needed a new backstory for her in this retcon and focused more on her business experiences and after re-examining what I originally crafted of her character, she had the means at hand and the personality to do good for the unfortunate people who suffered after the conflict was ended. It was a natural extension out of her kindness and her organizational skills. The GM then pointed out that no one else had ever thought of this before and that it was a pretty big deal. Gabby had inadvertently begun to make a name for herself in the very environment that had mostly ignored her previously.
Conquer or Die!