10. Thoughts by Thayne

thayne

Thayne wandered through the pristine corridors of the Palace d’Emeraulde. The complex was nearly complete, only part of the eastern wing still needed work. Artisans had converged on the palace; decorators and gardeners busied themselves like a swarm of bees. Every day a new elaborate tapestry went up here, some new creeping vine was planted there. The palace was indeed magnificent.

Though, the Lord’s mind was not on the ornamentation of his new castle. He paused near one high arched window and glanced down into the Eildre River below. A budding city, Sum’firahel it was called, was also being built. The name meant Dark Water Tears, a name given to the town because of the Runic Elf homeland that was buried under an ocean of water decades ago. Its loss was the source of hatred Thayne had for the dark elves that destroyed it.

Sum’firahel, like its namesake, was being built on both land and water. The Fayre Isle was situated in such a way that this part of the island was relatively safe from hurricanes and other dangerous forces of nature. But not so much from the forces of evil that might try to take it.

Rumors were flying of turmoil in the realms. Of particular note was the army that was traveling through Haven toward the city of Ravnglade. Also, the red mist, the Scion, still engulfed the Enchanted Waterfall. Of course, there were still reports of undead people coming from the foul mist. Sightings were reported daily of the cursed panthers that sought out more pathetic souls to doom within the red shroud.

Twice now he had been called either King or Prince. Both times he wanted to smack the people that called him such names, remind them that he was just as lowly born as the rest of the world. That he had dark sins in his past, and as such did not deserve to be given such a title. But title or not, he now had a land and people to watch over. Even if he didn’t think that the head of the guard, Lancer, was to risk his life for him. Thayne had people to think about; people that looked to him for protection against evil armies and bloodthirsty mists.

Quietly, he continued on his path when a servant ran up to him. “Lord Ael’Renmah!! Lord Ael’Renmah!!”

Thayne clinched his jaw, but tolerated the title, “What is it?”

She skidded to a halt in front of him, hand to her chest, pausing a moment to catch her breath. “Lady Syriana, she’s been hurt. You are needed, Lord.”

“Vith…” He swore. “Show me where!” The servant rushed him off to see what had become of his sister.

(OOC NOTE: Thayne and Syriana are not siblings by blood, but because they are the only two Runics that remain, they call themselves brother and sister.)

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Thurs, Aug 8th – 2:42PM

jexi

The sound of people running down the corridor had both Jexibell and Corythalis turning from their inspection of a colorfully plumed bird in a tall, gilded cage. “Papa, wha’ is it?” Jexi called after Thayne. She knew something was wrong, her father never ran in the palace and had spoken numerous times to her and her brother about running only outside now that they lived here.

“Ya an’ Cory go fin’ Demitri! Tell him ta ge’ ta his room!” The note of worry in her father’s voice was not lost on either one. Cory was running before his father had finished, Jexi turned in time to see him shift form into that of a cheetah. She too shifted to her feline form and bounded after her brother knowing full well that she had little chance to catch him. The cougar’s tail twitched in irritation as she ran.

Fri, Aug 9th – 8:31AM

demitri

Demitri stepped out into the hall after Thayne. His wife was exhausted and sleeping now, healed now of the life-threatening wounds. He closed the door, thankful that Jexi and Cory had found him so quickly. He’d been enjoying the afternoon, pushing the two girls in a wooden stroller along a graveled path not far from the palace.

He silently closed the door behind him then turned to Thayne. Syriana had told them what happened before she’d given in to fatigue. His mother had arrived after him and stayed until Syriana had finished speaking before disappearing once more. “This has to end.” Anger threaded through is voice.

“Aye.” Thayne said while running his hand over the top of his head.

Demitri’s eyes narrowed, Thayne looked tired, almost as exhausted as his wife had before she’d fallen asleep. He clapped Thayne on the shoulder, he heard people around the palace speak of Thayne’s reluctance to step into the role of a leader. “Let’s go find where your children have taken Tysia and Alasse.”

The two spoke about the incident and various ways to handle the growing problem along the way.