Ironsides Family/Raphael/Wherever Your Heart Soars
Wherever Your Heart Soars
Roleplay from Deianarah McDowell
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It had taken her a bit longer than she anticipated, but Deianarah finally arrived in Hatdhes. Immediately her men made camp, but she moved ahead in the direction of Thain’s command tent. It had been some time since she’d seen him, and there were several matters she needed to speak with him about.
The city looked bleak, the people in despair and she deeply hoped they would soon realize they were there to help free them from their misery, and to give light to the seemingly imprinted shadow that was Soliferum.
Walking by, she noticed Alec at the head of his men returning from the city. Spotting her, he gave a small bow of respect and grinned, showing the boy inside that was never usually far off. “Good morning brother,” she smiled and he nodded to his men to continue off. “You look well,” she stated and he put his arms around her in an embrace and she smiled at his familiarity, he always managed to make her feel like the little girl again.
“Aye, the men are'n good spirits,” his gaelic accent quite obvious today and his eyes glinted.
“We’ve just returned from their ‘temple’,” he informed sourly and she gave a small sigh.
“Ahh…aye and no one was hurt?” she asked expectantly, her gaelic lilt had never been as strong as his but one could still tell by the form of her pronounciation that she as well carried the accent.
“No Dei,” his voice was soft but she detected a hint of disappointment and she shot him a curious expression. “Good,” she breathed her concern for them obvious but she wondered what was wrong with him. “I hope this does not take too much longer.”
“Let’s hope not,” Alec replied and then stopped walking, looking ill at ease. “I’d continue with you, but I have some things to take care of, I will come see you later if you are available,” he grinned, with a meaningful wink, obviously trying to mask his previous reaction and walked away.
Dei smirked at his expression out of rote but watched him carefully. She knew Alec was still having difficulty adapting and had recently confided in her of his inner torment, but it was affecting him a lot more than he let on. She would definitely speak with him later, and continued on her way. Before she reached Thain’s camp, she came across Raphael’s unit of cavalry, and delayed her arrival to the King’s tent a bit longer to speak with his First Captain.
"Captain Raphael," she greeted, "how nice to see you. You are well I hope?"
Lady Deianarah McDowell
Queen of C'thonia, Duchess of Azros
Roleplay from Raphael Ironsides
Message sent to everyone in your realm (24 recipients)
While Raphael was sorting out the days rations for the cavalry, the Queen approached and greeted him. He was surprised to see her and a smile lit up his face.
"My Queen, I am pleased to see you as well and am doing alright. These cavalry men are still a new unit and must spend more time in the field together before they become a cohesive fighting unit. We are lacking and it showed during the battle. Hatdhes is an interesting city, no? Well developed with workshops and commercial buildings. It will be a magnificent inclusion to our growing realm. Well succeeded!"
He touched his forehead in salute, to attribute this success to her.
Raphael Ironsides (Knight of Azros)
Roleplay from Deianarah McDowell
Message sent to everyone in your realm (24 recipients)
At his words, Deianarah smiled and nodded, turning to look at the city again. “Yes, it will be magnificent, and I will be appeased once the people allow us to carry them with our protection.”
Smiling she examined him, and then his cavalry unit. “No matter, you have a fine unit First Captain,” she addressed formally, “I know I do not always have the time to see everyone, but I would very much like it if you would join me so that I may get to know you better, do you have any objections?”
Lady Deianarah McDowell
Queen of C'thonia, Duchess of Azros
Roleplay from Raphael Ironsides
Message sent to everyone in your realm (25 recipients)
In reply,
"I would love to praised Queen, but only for a short while. I am pressed to sort out the campaign rations for my unit. As it turns out, it is much more difficult to feed men and horses at the same time without resorting to feeding the men the horses, or vice versa."
Raphael Ironsides (Knight of Azros)
Roleplay from Deianarah McDowell
Message sent to everyone in your realm (25 recipients)
After leaving Sir Raphael, Deianarah had been somewhat disappointed but deep down gave second thought to her approach. Perhaps she should just stay behind the palace walls from this moment on and wait for people to approach her. He had been polite and courteous and she realized it was her fault, she had been completely unannounced. But…was she intimidating?
Instead of dwelling on it, she busied herself with her daily affairs, that, combined with the takeover and her days seemed to just fly by. Before she knew it, Hatdhes was theirs, she was appointed Duchess of the city and her light brown eyes gazed into Thain’s blue; the only man, the only comfort and friend she would ever need.
Deianarah listened to every word Thain spoke and gave him a beautiful smile. “You did, and I never doubted you for one moment,” she whispered and reached up to touch his handsome face. “I hope I will do justice to the Himoura name. I wish I had known your father while he was alive, I would have been the one honored to simply be in his presence. I will continue his work as if he was still watching over us,” she promised and kissed her husband. “Something tells me he is,” she grinned secretly and pressed her lips to his, not in a kiss, but just to feel his closeness.
“You are too good for me,” she whispered sweetly into his mouth and pulled away slowly.
“I will start my work as soon as I am able,” she lowered her arm to take his hand in hers. “I know you will need to return to Azros immediately…” she let trail off already the need to feel him again filled her mind, but she resisted the urge. “I will await your return.”
Lady Deianarah McDowell
Queen of C'thonia, Duchess of Hatdhes
Roleplay from Raphael Ironsides
Message sent to everyone in your realm (26 recipients)
After the cavalry men yelled and resigned for not being paid, the First Captain found himself alone in the city of Hatdhes. Instead of returning to the capital, he decided to pay the palace a visit and congratulate the Queen on her transfer.
Arriving, he announced his presence and wished to see if the Queen was available.
While waiting, he wondered about the life he has been leading since he left the East Continent. Whether he was fulfilling his desires, his dreams and whether or not he was making a difference. Would his name become as renowned as the rest of his family or would be remain the small simple noble he still was?
Raphael Ironsides (Knight of Azros)
Roleplay from Deianarah McDowell
Message sent to everyone in your realm (26 recipients)
“Your Majesty, there is a Sir Raphael here wishing to see you,” her servant announced and Deianarah looked up from the latest report. “Shall I inform him you’re unavailable?” he assumed, seeing the paperwork scattered across her desk.
Deianarah blinked, realizing she was still holding the report and then lowered it. “No of course not, please show him in.”
She watched her servant leave, and began to put away the papers before her. She looked from her desk to the window and then the elaborate sofas and chairs in the room. It was as good place as any to receive guests. The palace in Hatdhes was not like the one in Azros, different yes, grander in a sense and she was slowly getting accustomed to its splendor.
Stacking the reports to the side, she rose from her chair and adjusted her flowing ivory gown. It was the lightest material she could find that helped with the summer heat. Reaching up she tucked her long bangs behind her right ear, and let out a small sigh, well it helped, but she was still feeling the warmth of the day. She then walked over to the window and looked out to the city below, waiting.
Lady Deianarah McDowell
Queen of C'thonia, Duchess of Hatdhes
Roleplay from Raphael Ironsides
Message sent to everyone in your realm (26 recipients)
Entering the Queen's office he noticed the business of the room. He found her near the window. Bowing, he smiled and said to the Queen,
"I am grateful to be admitted to your presence, my Queen. We have not had a fair amount of time to get to know one another."
Approaching the window he glanced out and then returned his attention to her.
"There has been much rejoicing and celebrating over the acquisition of this city. Do you share in the revelry? I have not found myself relating to the whole of it yet. Perhaps I should put myself into the realm more instead of always retreating to my room for reading and poetry, except, I can be quite shy and feel that there are persons far more worthy of the spotlight than I. Can I be judged weak or simple for not becoming more?"
Raphael Ironsides (Knight of Azros)
Roleplay from Deianarah McDowell
Message sent to everyone in your realm (26 recipients)
Deianarah nodded in return and then smiled. “Yes I do share in the revelry, this city was in the King’s family’s possession and has finally been returned to us, it is a large stepping stone to our goal. Seeing the homeland of his ancestors is becoming a near reality, and every day brings us a little closer.” She looked down again to the city and the people moving about. “I have to be honest though Sir Raphael, I have never known Nighthelm,” she turned to face him. “Only what the King tells me.”
Moving away from the window, she then noticed a servant enter with refreshments. A pitcher of cold tea was set on the small table, and two cups. She sat into one of the chairs and indicated for Raphael to sit. The servant then poured them two cups and Deianarah took one. Bringing the cup to her lips, she took a small sip and refrained from drinking it all, she was very hot.
“Captain Raphael, I do not believe you simple or weak, you simply need a reason. I for one would like to see you more, you are deserving of a spotlight as you put it. I can see you have the potential to be a key figure here in C’thonia. Why… why else would Thain choose you to be his First Captain? Like me, he sees greatness in the making.” She grinned and took another drink. “Tell me, what kind of reading are you interested in?” she asked curiously. “And do tell me about your poetry, I have never known an artist and I would very much like to read some of your work.”
Lady Deianarah McDowell
Queen of C'thonia, Duchess of Hatdhes
Letter from Raphael Ironsides
Message sent to everyone in your realm (26 recipients)
Enjoying the tea, Raphael considered the Queen's question. Whether he should explain his talents or show her would make some difference. He had already spoken some poem to her earlier but he could not remember what it was about.
"I hope I do not disappoint the King. I only want to serve as best I can in this position, but my experience and resolve is not full. Mostly, I spend my time reading and writing poems about nature. I feel that it is the only thing perfect around us. Nobility has found ways to cause violence to others and I disagree with that. I do not find nature, that is the wind, the grass and so forth, violent. This...is partly the cause of my avoidance of military gatherings. I do not want to have my hand in the violence. Being First Captain is a proud position and all, but I serve to make sure as many nobles are saved from battle as possible. I am sort of a contradiction."
He scratched his neck feeling nervous. It is unusual for him to express himself to anyone in his own voice. Normally he uses his poetry to do that.
"I have a hard time being insightful on my person. And I will have difficulty finding a purpose since my only interests are towards ignoble things. My uncle back home was not very approving of my preferences, which is half why I left the East Continent."
Raphael Ironsides (Knight of Azros)
Roleplay from Deianarah McDowell
Message sent to everyone in your realm (26 recipients)
At mention of the East Continent, Deianarah gave a small smile. “Ah yes, home…” she said softly. “I for one have to admit, I don’t miss it as much as I thought I would. Nevertheless Sir Raphael, I am appreciative of you and your talents here in C’thonia. Everyone is allotted their own preferences in life. It does not show since I am usually found within the Palace walls, but I as you share your love of nature. My sister, Sorsha, is absolutely enthralled by it, you would get along very well I think.”
Her light brown eyes examined his and she took a small sip of her tea. “When I was a little girl she used to take me out for entire days exploring. We would bring a picnic and lounge in the fields of grass and talk about what we wanted for our future and just bask in the sun. Then she would show me different plants, and talk at length of the beauty of it, so much that despite my reluctance at first, I too fell in love. Gods I miss doing that,” she whispered.
Lowering her cup to the table, she then indicated the window. “You must then be enjoying your time here in Hatdhes, the palace provides a beautiful view of the lake. I know times are a bit…” she seemed to be looking for a word. “perilous…what considering Soliferum’s proximity, but I would very much like to see what beauty hides here. Wouldn’t you?”
Rising from her chair, she returned to the window. “What would make you content?” she then asked quietly. “How would I be able to assist you in helping unfold your talents so the nobles at court would benefit from your presence?” she turned to look at him over her shoulder. “You have but to ask…”
Lady Deianarah McDowell
Queen of C'thonia, Duchess of Hatdhes
Roleplay from Raphael Ironsides
Message sent to everyone in your realm (26 recipients)
Readjusting in his seat, he could not find an answer to her question. He had only a little experience of the world and was unsure of what would satisfy him.
"My Queen...I, I suppose in my youth I seek adventure, glory, but these things can sometimes bring violence. Perhaps there is another field I can apply myself to? Such as becoming a trader? But wouldn't that be a waste of my nobility? This is what my brother taught me back in Dulbin. That a noble must always take action, face challenges and overcome them. Then again, he was heroic."
He continued to drink from his cup and thought as hard as he could. Searching his heart and his feelings on what he wanted to do. It was the decision all fresh minds face. The first crisis of the heart. Of course he knew he had the potential to become a great warrior, but his beliefs dampened that desire. He had little notions of spiritualism and religion and could not find himself devoting much time to the subject. Perhaps trading was the right path for him? Though he knew very little of the subject.
Then he asked, "When you were young, what sort of path did you desire? Surely you could not foresee that you would one day become Queen of a whole realm, but here you are. Please, for my sake, tell me a bit about your origins. After you left home and the comforts of family."
Raphael Ironsides (Knight of Azros)
Roleplay from Deianarah McDowell
Message sent to everyone in your realm (26 recipients)
Deianarah smiled at his question and returned to looking to the city below. She was not that much older than he was, but she supposed being Queen or any position of authority would make one seem…older. Now she understood how one would see her, and perhaps this could be the reason why she seemed apart.
“I only left home a few years ago, you would know Commonyr…it is not that far from Dulbin” she began and her finger traced the window before her as if seeing it again. “My family has a turbulent history… and most of the records kept, have been lies, to cover more lies and threats. One thing I know, is when you’re born a McDowell, there really is no choice, you are born a warrior, trained, molded and that is the path you will follow whether it is one you want to or not.” She sighed and her shoulders tightened. “As for family comfort…”
She set her hands together over the front of her gown and grew pensive. “My entire life I have stood in the shadow of Sorsha’s perfection and Alec’s charismatic personality.”
And then for the first time in a long time, Dei thought of her twin brother, Blayne. No one spoke of him. She had never even told Thain of his existence, it simply hurt too much to think of, nevertheless talk about him. He had left home when she was only a teen, all for a life of freedom and adventure, taking a piece of her with him. “I was the simple one, the forgotten one…the useless one,” she breathed softly. A few moments passed and she then returned to her seat.
“Sorsha left home, angrily I might add and then Alec followed… my life then became one rebellious act after another until I finally left home. Had anyone told me I would become Queen I would have never believed them. All I wanted was to show the world I was here, and that even though I was simple I could make a difference. I traveled as far as I could to Arcaea and met Thain. From the moment I set eyes on him in my heart I knew no matter what he asked of me, I would follow blindly. I think the Gods were smiling down on me that day for I have never looked back and regretted a moment. I love my life, I would not change it for the world. If there is advice I could give you, do not force fate’s hand, she will visit you soon enough and before you know it, you’ll be on a whirlwind of adventure and your life will write itself.”
Deianarah then reached for her forgotten tea, and traced the condensation over the side. “I enjoy fashion,” she finally admitted shyly. “I have designed much of my own wardrobe and hair accessories,” she grinned. “I guess in my own way I enjoy art as well.” She looked up again, and her smile reached her eyes. “If you do not feel in your heart what it is you want, then why don’t you concentrate on what you love, now? I know poetry is a rare talent, and I for one would love to hear more of it at court. I have been thinking of collecting books from all corners of the world, I could start with the poetry of Sir Raphael. What say you? At least while you wait until the winds of change carry you. ”
Lady Deianarah McDowell
Queen of C'thonia, Duchess of Hatdhes
Roleplay from Raphael Ironsides
Message sent to everyone in your realm (28 recipients)
"You are defined by your love for the King. That is most admirable. Could my life be defined simply by my creative output? Hmm..."
He gazed off to the roof, dreaming a short dream.
"I rather like the sound of that. I did not have the same cause to build myself as something other than my siblings as you had, I was always just me. Except what to do with me that will keep me occupied for life is what I have been trying to figure out. A poet. Maybe I can simply be a poet. Would you be embarrassed if I dedicated my poetry album to you My Queen? I have been inspired and encouraged by our conversation to create a book of poetry. With your permission, I would like to call it Lady Deianarah's Book of Poetry. I can fill it with poems regularly and you can collect them for your library as my patroness."
His shoulders squared with new resolve and he saw the Queen no longer as a figure of authority and respect but as a fuel for a new purpose. From her he felt the energy to keep his wandering heart focused and dedicated. The tea before him never tasted so fresh. He prayed in his young foolish heart that this will finally settle him, but no one truly knows their destiny until it lashes at them with full fury.
Raphael Ironsides (Knight of Azros)
Roleplay from Deianarah McDowell
Message sent to everyone in your realm (28 recipients)
Deianarah smiled and leaned a little closer to Raphael, setting her hand over his. “I would be honored,” she breathed softly. “In fact, should you need time to think on your next poem you are welcomed to remain in Hatdhes as long as you like. I will have a room prepared for this purpose alone, so that you may concentrate and focus on your creativity. I know of the perfect room that has a large window with a spectacular view of the lake and the forest beyond. Anything you desire, you have but to ask.”
She drank the last of her tea and set the cup down. “Thank you for coming to see me, Sir Raphael. I have enjoyed this time with you, but I fear I have to return to my work. Hatdhes is proving more difficult than I first anticipated and every effort must be doubled. First, I need to get some rest...” She then rose from her chair and gave him another smile. “Good day to you Master Poet,” and with a flash of teeth, she grinned and left the room.
As she walked down the hall, she ordered the first servant to prepare the room for him as he wished, and then continued on her way to her bedchamber. Adjacent to her room, was the children’s room and she took some time to hold and caress each before leaving the room again. It wasn’t long after she lay down that she was asleep. Truly she was exhausted but she would continue to work before showing anyone what toll her work was having on her.
Lady Deianarah McDowell
Queen of C'thonia, Duchess of Hatdhes
