Kingsley Family/Alyssa/The Tree on the Hillock

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My dearest Isana,

There is to be a battle on the morn. I am confident, Isana that we will win, but in the chaos of battle and war, the wind can always change. I hope you will be safe, and I will be praying that the gods of war watch over you and your soldiers. Seeing the arrows fly over our head to cover our advance is a comforting feeling, I hope our shields offer you the same. This battle will likely decide the outcome of our takeover of Bescanon. Everything we have worked towards and sacrificed for, we will find out tomorrow whether it was in vain. I am ready. I think we will win.

If we are soundly victorious, my lady, and hold the fields tomorrow, and supposing we have some time away from our duties, would you join me for a celebration? There's a hillock overlooking the river I have been spending some time on while I write letters. It is quite a pretty place, a peaceful place between battles to gather my thoughts. It has been a trying week and company other than the council would be a most welcome distraction.

Yours,

Alyssa Kingsley

Imperatrix of Perdan

Dame of Bisciye


(The scroll is delivered in a small green tube with a handful of familiar paper twists inside. By the scent they are a mix of mint and spice candies.)

Dear Aly,

You wrote me some time ago, before the triumph of Bescanon, about a hillock overlooking the river and a celebration. Might you have time for such an outing on the morrow?

I have found so much joy these past days, from the ending of conflict, a new home near dear friends and, now, appointment back into the ranks of my esteemed Golden Lion comrades-in-arms... I must be the Dawnstar you have named, for all this elation shining so brightly from my heart. It is only fair to offer to share this euphoric feeling with you who has made so much of it possible. And of course, I am just the slightest bit selfish and miss your company my busy Margravinous Imperatrix! We can catch up on everything, or just enjoy a bit of time together with peace and the scenery away from seriousness and politics.

If you have time, just say the word. I await your pleasure and send my sincerest wishes that this new post is treating you well in the meantime.

Your Dawnstar,

Isana Everlight

Dame of Bescanon

Kingsley

Alyssa watched the fish crest up out of the river, the warmth of spring bringing new life to the river. The grass on the hillock was starting to return to its natural green. The tree she sat under had started to show its green too, granting a little bit of a shade from waning sun as it passed over the little hill outside of the Water Town which overlooked the river bank. It was a peaceful sight. But Alyssa felt anything but peace. As she watched the fish dart through the water her mind raced with thoughts of the coming weeks. The next campaign, the future of the region, the duel. She should never have written those letters. I must not doubt myself, she tried to tell herself, but that did not truly help much. She sighed as the cool spring breeze blew across the river, her loose white shirt billowing in the breeze as it hung off of her. She unhooked the sword from her belt and set it off to the side, leaning back slightly onto her hands. It was then she felt something touch her back. He has come to fight early... was the first thought in her mind. She flinched, startled by the unknown touch, and reflexively moved her hand toward the sword that lay a couple feet away. "Aly." The soft voice said sweetly. The familiar tone was comforting and the nickname exceptionally personal. Alyssa sighed and her breathing relaxed as she looked up into gentle pretty eyes of Isana Everlight, sparkling in the low spring sunlight. Her warm and friendly smile came next. A smile that Alyssa could never help but return, though while Isana's was light and vibrant, Alyssa's smile was weary, and faded quickly. Alyssa motioned for the other to sit with her. " Ah 'Sana-dear." She said, hoping she was as familiar as the nickname implied. "I'm sorry my duties have kept me busy. I have... missed you fiercely."

Everlight

Isana ascended the hill slowly, appreciating soft grass and flowers beneath her feet, and the gradual reveal of an impressive view out to the sparkling waters of the river. The lone shadow stretching down the hill was cast by a tree near its summit. She caught sight of Alyssa settling in under it. The spring sunlight was a glowing golden aura around Alyssa’s shadow. How fitting, Isana thought, golden light for a golden lion. Warmth and happiness swelled in her chest and the last few strides disappeared as she reached out to tap her friend’s shoulder. The startled flinch away from her hand told Isana that perhaps, some verbal greeting would have been a better idea, and she kicked herself mentally for not remembering how tense things could be for Alyssa. “Aly,” she said softly, and caught her friend’s wide blue eyes with her own. A smile radiated from her heart, and was met with Alyssa’s own fleeting hummingbird of a smile. Isana treasured that flicker. She sat on the proffered grass beside her friend, a little unsure with the casualness of it all, both of them unaccompanied and out sitting cross-legged in the grass. As Isana arranged her skirts, Alyssa spoke. “Ah 'Sana-dear. I'm sorry my duties have kept me busy. I have... missed you fiercely." Isana felt a lump leap into her throat. ‘Sana-dear… She reached out impulsively to clasp her hand over one of Aly’s on the grass and words came tumbling out. “I missed you too, dearest. So much. More than some would likely say I ought. And I don’t care.” A prickling sensation started behind her eyes, and she blinked hard before meeting Alyssa’s steely blue gaze again. “It was hard, to be in a Legion that was following another banner, not to see your sigil on daily orders… not to know when I might see you again. Not being near to support you.” Alyssa interjected softly, Isana’s hand held in her own, “We were all part of the offensive together, ‘Sana. The orders were interpreted from my own direction…” She paused, and Isana heard only her own pulse thrumming in her ears. It was silly, to have been worried over this impressive swordswoman, this general, she thought, and she felt a bit of shame mixed in with her tumbling emotions. “...though I suppose, I understand where you’re coming from.” Alyssa continued, and gave the hand a brief squeeze. A single tear fell past Isana’s defenses to slash down her cheek, and she smiled through now-glittering lashes. “It is so good to see you, Aly.” She took a deep breath of the clean country air and sighed, relaxing a little, beginning to notice nuances about her friend as the initial emotional rush began to steady. Alyssa seemed more at ease, though there were still those slight furrows around her eyes that told Isana she was thinking about something serious, somewhere in the back of her mind. As always she was stunning in her grace and poise no matter what she wore, and the flowing shirt was no exception. At least she seemed physically better rested. “So how are you, dearest? How’s this new post treating its leader?” Isana asked, hoping for a casual tone. She relaxed her hand without withdrawing it, in case Aly wanted to release the contact, but loathe to break it herself.

Kingsley

Alyssa felt her heart beat in her chest, well aware of the soft touch of Isana's hand on her own. She swallowed, conflicted by the comfort of the other's touch and her uncertainty of the situation. Still, she held on, deciding to enjoy the closeness, rather than add to her list of worries. Perhaps Lyanna is right. She thought as she listened to Isana. Her voice sounded warm and sweet and genuine. Dearest, she said. A word she hoped was true. Isana had been her light since her arrival. Even now, the smile she wore shone bright as any star. But why is she crying? If she could give the lady a fraction of the comfort she had, she had to. With a little determination, Alyssa intertwined her fingers with Isana's, taking a deep breath of her own. A momentary pause came between them. Ah, the question... "Yes, well enough, considering. It's been a... long process. It is one thing leading a thousand volunteers, it is entirely another to hold together 20,000 noncombatants who have been lied to and told to hate for years. Even now they view our intentions with distrust, though they have nearly entirely accepted our rule." Alyssa looked back out over the river and sighed with a smile. "It's not something I was prepared for. In my mind I've always just been that girl from a far-off hollow, I never dreamed of being a Lady, much less of the Riverlands." She looked back into Isana's eyes, her tear had dried, but the glimmer remained. Her thumb rubbed idly against Isana's hand as she searched for something else to say. "I... am sorry about your assignment to Sir Nemean's command. I had wished to have you back with me, but had no authority to command His Grace what to do with his vassals." She offered another smile she hoped was comforting. "But you are a knight of the Riverlands now. And a knight belongs with her lady." Her smile quickly faded as she realized the implication she had just made. "Ah... I mean with the knight's wishes taken into consideration!" she quickly stammered. "I don't mean to make demands of my knights without their input at least. Err, no I mean if they feel they belong at my side. Then... they do." Her face had become red and the hand that did not hold the other's gentle touch tapped nervously against her leg.

Everlight

It was Isana’s turn to reassure her friend, with a gentle squeeze. “I’ve said I trust you, Aly, and I mean it. I know you intend the best and I know you always deal fairly with people. Including taking your knights’ wishes into consideration. It’s why you’re such a good leader. And, I’m sorry for bringing up duties and assignments… it’s not fair to burden you with that triviality. We serve the realm, and go where we are needed. Sometimes emotions get the best of me… my heart is on my sleeve right beside the ranking crest.” She sighed and leaned back against the tree, maintaining one hand intertwined with Alyssa’s. Staring up into the dappled light in the branches above, she continued softly, “Thank you for trusting me with your protection, and your Riverlands. This place seems very important to you. Why is that?”

Kingsley

Alyssa shifted a little closer, leaning back against the tree as well, resting their hands in the little space between them. "No no, I'm sorry, dearest." She offered, trying out the word for herself with a slight smile. She shook her head, "I speak too much of war, for I breathe it every day. But here, with you, this is not war." She said with a hint of confidence, looking out at the sunset over the river. "This is peace." A soft breeze blew through the budding leaves on the tree, sweeping down the hill and skirting across the water. "I think that is why I find such comfort here. It's quiet and reminds me of home. My old home. When I was just a girl, before the North came down with their armies. There was a little hill just like this one by the edge of the forest. My mother would take me there when I was sad, to get me away from the house for a bit." She took a deep breath. "I feel... comfortable here." She met Isana's eyes which sparkled in the light of the sunset. She couldn't help herself from smiling again. This is peace "And Isana?" Alyssa asked softly, holding her hand closely "I'm glad you're here with me."

Everlight

Isana felt her hand pulled close to Alyssa and leaned along with it, feeling natural and at ease in the moment. She nodded slowly, once, earlier nervousness dispersed entirely and replaced by the peace Aly spoke of so clearly. Peace sparked with a touch of joy at the return use of the term, dearest, in that steady voice. A little flutter of acceptance and happiness shivered in her chest. Her dear friend, the golden lion of Perdan with a core of steel, who was yet so much more. “Yes,” Isana breathed softly in reply, feeling the truth of Alyssa’s words. I know. I feel so too. “There is no finer place to be than with you, wherever we are. Though, yes, the countryside adds charm as well…” she grinned. “A good sight safer and more relaxing than in the first archers’ rank, or supping at a camp table surrounded by hollering or snoring soldiers.” They shared a soft laugh together. It was a jewel of a moment, early spring lit with pure sunshine glowing off two figures in harmony. As though cued by the sound, a troupe of small birds danced through the air up the hillside, alighting briefly in the tree above in joyous song, then swirled off down toward the river. The two companions watched in quiet delight. While they turned to watch their shoulders brushed together and neither seemed to mind. As the birds disappeared into the bright distance they gradually relaxed to lean against the tree together. The warm sunshine lulled them to quiet contemplation for several minutes, thoughts wandering, fingers entwined between them on the soft grass. Isana rolled her head against the trunk so she could see Aly’s bright blue eyes, then looked away to the view again and ventured, “Without trying to be too serious, since, you know, we’re out here to just relax and enjoy ourselves… I consider you my family on this continent, Aly. More than most of my blood relatives, anywhere, honestly.” She sighed, a sounding tired, though her next words held warmth, “I’m truly thankful to have found a home worth calling home here. A place where I look forward to whatever tomorrow brings."

(OOC: got serious Frodo and Sam vibes from your last line and was having trouble separating from that to go with it! Haha.)

Kingsley

Alyssa's heart fluttered at Isana's words. She thought to her own family, what remained of it, the people she felt closest to. Her aunt, her uncle... And Isana, the first person who came to her mind. Dustiria? No, while friendly the air of professionalism hazed their friendship. Lyanna? Too far, they had never actually spoken. Kay? She had killed him and he is the king, she was not special. Her mind came back to Isana, her truest companion, the person she felt comfortable with, the person who's hand she held in hers. "You know..." Alyssa said modestly, hesitating a second before leaning into Isana and wrapping her other arm around hers. Alyssa looked at her as if for permission which was seemingly granted with a smile. "You've given me that too, Sana. When I was knighted and then given the army I... felt lost, like the whole world was on my shoulders. I hadn't been back to see my family and everyone looked to me to lead. Then... you came to me. You've made me feel like more than a commander or a knight." She rested her head lightly on Isana's shoulder and gave a contented smile. She closed her eyes and listened the rush of the river and a squirrel rattling in the leaves above. "You make me feel at home too, at ease." They sat like that for a minute, watching the sun approach the horizon together. Alyssa's heart beat heavy as the warmth of the sun and her companion radiated around her. "Sana-dear, do you think the river fish ever grow tired of seeing the same river? Do you think they ever wish they could see what the land is like, or maybe the ocean? If they grew legs do you think they would want to come out?" It was a fanciful question, but Alyssa was feeling comfortable and fanciful, and she knew Isana might have fun with the thought. Maybe she'd give her a silly joke or a sweet smile in return. Alyssa of course knew she herself was good at neither of those things, but they came easier with Isana near, as she felt many things were.