Laurion-Best Laid Plans

The morning was crisp and cool, a good morning for riding, now that the fog was starting to lift a bit. He left at daybreak, hoping to reach Fyrre, the town in which Rowena lived, before mid day. He was making good time.

Rowena is going to be angry. He meant to get  to her sooner, but circumstances out of his control prevented his leaving to see her before now. He felt sure Hauk's help was enlisted IF he could convince Rowena. Hauk made it clear that if they sequestered her in Astilve, as Laurion was requesting,  that it had to be of her own free will.

Laurion knew she didn't want to marry another, and he knew that Rowena's mother was pushing her towards that conclusion. The intended groom, Abram,  was also most anxious for Rowena to comply with her mother's wishes. He felt Rowena couldn't hold out much longer against the two of them.  If he could just gain some more time he felt sure he could find a break through in the mystery surrounding his mother, and get some of his questions answered. Then he could go into a union with Rowena without the present doubt, regarding his origins, clouding his mind.

Laurion calculated he had about a fortnight before they would have to leave, before the guide Hauk sent for would arrive. If he could just plant the seeds today, he had another few days before she had to be fully convinced  that his plan was the best way...……….If she was in Astilve, she was out of the reach of her mother and her intended betrothed. Rowena's brother, Brenton, had always been her champion. He would talk to Brenton as well and convince him this was the best way. Not much longer now, he was almost upon the path marked by the three towering fir trees.

Prop Finds

Since I'm a bit behind on taking photos to further the story along I thought I would share some recent prop finds today instead.  I was perusing Etsy last week, searching 1/4 scale weapons and I found these Game of Thrones charms that were inexpensive, and I hoped by looking at the measurments they might work as dirks for the dolls of the Glade.
They were from a shop called Guerrilla Charm:
https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/GuerrillaCharm
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/552277398/4-silver-jon-snow-charms-longclaw-sword?ref=yr_purchases
At only $2.95 for a set of 2 (plus shipping) they are a far cry less inexpensive than the weapons Iple or Raccoon sells...…………..although they aren't exactly to scale, for the price, they are passable. They have a nice weight to them as well. Here is Hauk with it in his belt. I need to come up with a sheath for it. You can see the grip is out of scale

But if you put it in the dolls hand, you can't tell.

Probably works better for the women though, so Sabia may get to use them most. I really should get her another set of hands that are more closed so it looks like she is actually gripping it.

Another fun item I found while out and about at Hobby Lobby a couple of weekends ago, was a set of earring charms that were compasses. The needles inside actually spin around. I picked them up thinking they would be a fun prop for the dolls as well.

Since they were earring charms, they came as a set for around $5 if I'm not mistaken. A closer shot in Hauk's hand. You can see the needles inside a little better here. The detail on them is really amazing.

Lastly, another fun Hobby Lobby find was the small pack on Hauk's belt. They were also in the jewelry/charm/bead section. I thought it might work well to attach to their belts to hold things. Hauk is wearing his below. I believe it was in the $3-4 range. Craft/Hobby stores are great resources to find dolly scale items inexpensively if you have a good eye for scale (or want to carry your dolls and  with you to check scale).  I've lucked up on some really fun items this way, so thought others might be interested as well. Happy shopping!

Hauk- A Mulish Demeanor

A head like a mule...…..is that what the humans say? Well, whoever said it first must have had an encounter with Laurion. The man could be one of the most stubborn, vexing people Hauk had ever encountered, when he set his mind on something. He was his father's son, there was no doubt in Hauk's mind.

Hauk supposed it was the human side of Laurion that had him so fixated on discovering more about his mother. Hauk too grew up without a mother, she also died in the birthing bed, but he had no strong desire to find out more about his origins on that side of his parentage. There could be no good to come from it. The King was keeping his counsel for a reason other than embarrassment regarding his unfaithfulness to the Queen, Hauk would bet his reputation on it, and his reputation was not an asset he bargained with lightly.

Could Laurion not see that putting off mating Rowena, to go on a fool's quest regarding his mother, might not only further stir up a hornet's nest best left unprovoked with his father, he may well come back to find Rowena wed to another, as a result of her mother's machinations? Of course, Laurion's solution to his dilemma with Rowena was to move her out of her mothers reach, to Astilve, to await his return. Laurion felt sure Rowena would agree if he talked to her. While Astilve was a Misceo city, there were humans that resided there as well. He knew Hauk and Sabia both still had strong connections in Astilve, and they could make sure she would be safe there until he could return and take her for his mate. 

So as not to raise the King's suspicions, Hauk would have to put out feelers within the Misceo network to find someone he trusted that would be willing to assist Laurion in his quest. He would talk to Sabia regarding Rowena.  In the meantime they needed to make their way back, he heard someone coming.

.

Koehlon-Just a Walk

He had forgotten how relaxing just being with someone in compatible silence could be.

Nan saw the world with wonder, much like the innocent child just discovering their surroundings for the first time. He felt a smile at her quick laugh, excited, calling out to him with wide eyed wonder when spotting a doe with her fawn in the far clearing.

He realized just being with her relaxed him, and made him remember all that he loved about his home. If he was honest with himself, he truly enjoyed her company, and looked forward to spending time with her. 

And when she stumbled and he reached out to steady her, he also realized he enjoyed having his arms around her, even if only briefly, maybe a bit too much.

Koehlon- Morning Musings

The weather is starting to turn. There is just the slightest chill in the air when the sun begins to rise over the horizon. The autumn season is approaching. Koehlon should be preparing to go on the hunt with the other men, but he doesn't feel he can leave. He is not sure he fully trusts others with Nan's protection.

Much to his aggravation, the girl seems to remain front and center in his thoughts, no matter what other manner of distraction he tries to immerse himself within. 

He is betrothed to another. It is expected of him to mate Hycis. It was decided when they were young. Arranged unions are tradition among those of his kind. It is what is beneficial to those of the Glade as well as Hycis' people in Aeyonary. In his present circumstances, he has found himself wishing he was the product of his fathers "indiscretion" instead of Laurion. This morning, he would gladly settle his mantle of responsibility on another's shoulders if he could, a thought very unlike him.

Koehlon has always done what is expected of him. Maybe his reaction to Nan's situation is just his protective instincts overriding his ingrained sense of duty. It is no secret that Koehlon is an advocate for those he feels unjustly treated, no matter the race. He has his doubts it was coincidence that she was found on the outskirts of the Glade. He feels no danger from Nan. The aura surrounding her feels gentle and kind. He also feels her draw to him, replicating his to her. Did someone drop her at his doorstep to protect her?  Her visions certainly suggest she was being pursued. Or is his judgement clouded by his chivalrous inclinations? He also highly suspects she is no normal human, and her origins are more complicated. Sabia sent word she talked with Nan yesterday, he is curious to hear what her impressions are.  In the meantime, he believes he will relieve the guard he assigned to Nan for her morning walk, and accompany her himself. He could use the fresh air.

Sabia -Discovery

Upon leaving the one called Nan, Sabia was a bit taken aback.  She had been intrigued by the information she had heard about her.  Koehlon had informed them that the girl had no memory, or so she said, of her time prior to being found right outside Glade borders...……….and that she had episodes...…..visions which came on suddenly and left her weak and disoriented and shaken at times. She was human, but Koehlon said she seemed to sense things most humans could not.

Since Sabia had some free time this afternoon she decided to watch the girl to see what she could sense about her. To say that she was surprised, when Nan called out to her while she was glamoured amongst the grassy tree, was an understatement. She should have been completely invisible...………..especially to a human.

No, this Nan was no normal human. To test her theory further, Sabia touched her hand upon their introduction and felt a low level jolt of energy, also not common among typical humans. She sensed no ill will or deceit in the girl. She seemed most amicable and genuine.

As they continued to talk for a short while, Sabia felt compassion for her situation. It must be incredibly difficult to have no recollection of your life. Imagine having no idea of those you can trust and depend on, while at the same time experiencing visions in which you are being hunted. A most distressing situation to find oneself in.

As they parted ways, and Sabia made her way back to her rooms in the keep, she was determined to help the girl in some way, for she knew it would be a difficult path for her, even if her memories were recovered somewhat swiftly. For Sabia was quite sure, Nan was an Other, and it was probably no coincidence she was found near the Glade.

Nan- Escorted

Someone is watching her...…………..not unusual since she arrived at the Glade, she knows she isn't trusted.  This presence however feels different, it isn't one of her usual guards, or "escorts" as Koehlon calls them. They don't try to hide from her.  The presence doesn't feel threatening. It feels...………...curious maybe?

She has taken to daily walks around the grounds to clear her head. She has a great sense of peace in the outdoors and feels many of the plants that grow naturally within the Glade are familiar to her. Much like an old friend, she knows many of their names, and how they are used in the healing arts. Yes, she has deduced she must have been a healer, or worked with a healer in the place from whence she came, the life she lived prior to Koehlon finding her.

When one feels like a stranger within their own body, every small bit of "connection" made,

feels like an achievement. 

Nan has also discovered an innate ability to sense others around her and their intent, another small piece of the enigma that is her life, filling in a small corner of the blank canvas that is her memory. She has heard there are Misceo people living in the Glade. They have the ability to camouflage themselves she's been told. Could it be a Misceo presence she is feeling? Her own curiosity is peaked and she finds herself saying, " You can come out now."

Laurion- Stubbornness

Stubbornness, the one trait he shares with his father, or so he has been told. The King is angry with Laurion because he won't let the subject of his mother lie. He believes Laurion should be grateful for his upbringing, grateful that he was raised in the royal household, even though he was "datto", or bastard in the human tongue,  and not full elf .
Laurion is angry with the King because he won't discuss any details about his time with Laurion's mother at all.  Who was she? Where did she come from? How did they meet? Elves weren't supposed to be promiscuous...…………..elves were to mate for life, within the elven community. Once mated, it was almost unheard of for a mated male to dishonor his partner in such a way, much less a ROYAL male to be the one doing the dishonoring.  Given the closeness in age between he and Koehlon, his father would have already been  King, and mated to the Queen upon his conception.

Then there is the question of why was he taken in so easily when he was brought to the gates of the Keep? There are rumors that a necklace was presented as proof of his lineage. He has however never seen such a necklace and his father won't confirm or deny. Whatever was presented, had to be definitive proof of his parentage for him to be taken in as he was. When he brings the subject up, the King deftly changes it.  Laurion has been able to gain very little information within the borders of the Glade.......…..from ANYONE. There is fear among the people to speak of the subject at all. 

Out of respect for Koehlon, it is not a subject often broached between them. Laurion knows true well the Queens feelings on the subject. It is not fair of him to cause Koehlon undue strife with either of his parents over the matter. He truly believes Koehlon knows no more than he does anyway. Maybe he should try talking to Hauk again. They need to discuss Rowena anyway. The clue about the midwife came through Misceo channels, even if it was a dead end, and the midwife had long since passed by the time Laurion discovered her name. Maybe Hauk can facilitate a meeting with another Misceo outside of the territory of the Glade, one not loyal to his father, who could be trusted to make discreet inquiries on his behalf.

Sabia- Distractions

By all that was holy, she loved to watch her emor sleep. All that black silk unbound and spread over the pillow. She was the only one permitted to see  him like this...…..and what a beautiful sight it was. It was rare that she arose before he did and had the chance to enjoy the view, with him unaware .

However, it WAS  quite the "distraction" he orchestrated  the eve before. She supposes he has the right to be tired. She feels like the cat that just finished a huge bowl of cream herself, as she notes her lips rising just a little bit at the corners in remembrance.   He was powerful, gentle, giving, taking, wild, loving, all in equal measure. He was Magnificent. She had empathy for those that would never have a true mate, would never experience and enjoy the all encompassing emotional spectrum that bond entailed. Yet, there were drawbacks to the bond as well. While heightened emotion could be amazingly wonderful, it could also be incredibly painful.

She knew Hauk didn't understand why she needed privacy with her thoughts at times. He didn't feel the same need.  As much as she loved Hauk, there were rare times that she "felt" too much, "felt" such vulnerability and pain when certain emotion overcame her that she had to shut it away...……….and bring it out little by little to process it in her own way, her own time, without being influenced by Hauk. Sabia hated to be vulnerable in most areas of her life. Hauk was the only exception, the only one that was privy to her vulnerable side at all, but the weakness and vulnerability that she felt when her thoughts went to the Raid, and what happened to her parents? She just wasn't ready to share all of that yet.  If she didn't put up a wall when she felt that emotion beginning to rise up from the farthest corners of her mind?  It would make its way to the front, like a snake, first poking its head from a hole in the ground, slowly dragging its body behind inch by inch, until it was out and moving towards you at a much faster pace than you expected , poised for attack. Once out,  then Hauk would have a need to slay it. This could only cause him to be aggrieved when he realized there was no "slaying" or obliterating her pain. His parents didn't share the true mate bond, so although he could feel the love she had for her parents, through their bonding, and he felt her pain at their loss, he had no point of reference to understand the complete emptiness and depth of that pain.

Making her wall out of "stone", she did concede, might have been a little harsh. She had felt Hauk's hurt. Maybe it was time to consider rebuilding out of a more porous material...……………she would definitely give that more consideration.
In the meantime...…………..

She had a little "distraction" of her own in mind.

Rowena-Restless

Another restless night. Rowena couldn't sleep anyway so she decided to rise and see if a book  would otherwise occupy her thoughts.

There was no shutting down the worry, however. What is she to do about her mothers intention to marry her off? She has no intention to be betrothed, much less married to anyone other than Laurion. Luckily, she has her brother's ear and he typically has her mothers. Brenton is her greatest hope at this point. At least he seems to understand and sympathize with her point of view. Maybe he will help their mother to do the same.

She sent word to Laurion last week that they needed to meet, but has yet to hear from him. If she could only convince him that the history of his "human" origins do not matter to her.  Whatever there is to discover won't change the man he is, nor her feelings towards him.........she is in love with the man he has become, not his history . How is she to make him understand?

Hauk- Barriers

Something is bothering his mate.  As a bonded pair, Hauk and Sabia have been able to read each others emotional grids and communicate telepathically for almost as long as they have known each other.  They have also mastered the ability to put up a mental fence, on the rare occasion when seeking complete privacy. Sabia's current barrier is not made of  slatted wood, through which he might be able to form a vague impression of her current mindset, but instead is made of stone.

 His exori  is distracted and clearly troubled, and Hauk feels powerless.  Of course they are coming upon the anniversary of the raid, that has to be what is occupying her mind. She rarely talks about what happened to her parents, but he knows it weighs heavily on her. A simpleton could deduce that much, and Hauk is far from a simpleton.

A higher level of emotional connection can be both blessing and curse for a mated pair and their offspring.  Hauk must remember his exori's family life was much different than his own. Sabia and her brother were well and truly loved by their parents, who procreated out of love, not obligation.

They should have had  word from Silvius by now. It has been nigh on 2 years since he disappeared from Astilve in the middle of the night,  to follow the delegation party tasked with finding the Darklings responsible for the carnage left behind in the wake of the slaughter. Perhaps it was time Hauk contemplated calling in a favor. Nox was a wealth of information if one could only find him. He would think on that more later. Now it was time to distract his exori…………..

NOTE: I'll add a Glossary of terms in the sidebar, and as I add unfamiliar words, relevant to the story it will be easier to track what they refer to , such as "exori" in this chapter which is the female half of a true mated union in the Misceo culture. The male half is called the exor. Much like wife/husband  in the human culture. 

Sabia- Bonds

"True" mates, in the Misceo culture, are bonded for life. Intelligence, loyalty and a fierce determination to succeed are traits most Misceo people share. A majority are logical and tend to embrace reason and observation over emotion. They are not quick to anger, and prefer to fight battles on the intellectual warfront,  although they can be deadly fighters when the need arises, as both sexes are trained to fight from an early age. If a Misceo meets their true mate however, it is said an intense emotional connection is formed that cannot be severed...……………….and any threat to that connection can rouse intense, passionate emotion. Sabia understands that connection all too well. She shares it with Hauk.

Sabia and Hauk were raised in the same village. It was recognized early on that they were true mates, as there was a definite connection between them, even as children. They had an uncanny ability to always know where the other was located, a telepathy shared between them. As they grew older the physical attraction became undeniable as well.  They were mated as soon as Sabia came of age.

Sabia's parents shared the true mate bond as well, not all Misceos do. Such a bond is said to be a rare gift. The familiar bonds are also stronger if offspring should be born to true mates. Nevertheless, Sabia rarely talks about her parents or her family. To bring their tragic story to the forefront of her mind engages emotions she would rather not  dissect.

Laurion- Where We Come From

I think it can be said for many of us, the older we grow, the greater the desire to connect with our origins...………..The desire becomes stronger to learn more about our beginnings, to develop deeper connections with those that have made us who we are. What child doesn't like to hear their parents and grandparents reminiscence about their youth and tell the stories that begin with...…. "when you were young."  Laurion was raised in the Glade by his father, the King, but he was not borne of the Queen.  In fact he was born of a human woman, or so the stories go, in a village not many days travel from the Glade.  Born, if the stories can be believed, not even a fortnight  past the day the King and Queen celebrated the birth of their first child, Koehlon.

His father has always been very tight lipped about his mother.  It is said she died in childbirth and Laurion was brought to the Glade by an older man and woman traveling as a couple. The couple claimed Laurion as the King's offspring, and it was not disputed. Laurion was taken in and raised along side Koehlon as a brother. Although the Queen avoids him at all turns, he has been treated well and given every advantage in his upbringing. Koehlon is not only his brother, but a trusted friend. He gets along with his other siblings, and is respected by most in the Glade. Between he and his father however, there is a divide...…a divide that seems to increase year by year as Laurion's  NEED to know more of his mother, and any other family he may have through her, grows and his father's reticence on the subject stands firm.

Now that Rowena has come into his life, the aforementioned NEED has intensified. Rowena wants to marry. Even though elves don't "marry" like humans do, Laurion knows he wants to spend his life with her. Rowena's mother is pressuring her to marry another.  He can't let that happen. How can he pledge his life fully to hers however without  knowing the full measure of the man he is? The other part of himself?  Rowena doesn't understand this...………….his time is running out.