Kirabel Val'thras

Val'thras

“ Welcome home, Lady Val’thras.”

It was most difficult to summon a smile, keeping on a face of utter collected control when inside the war still thrummed violent; dripping decadence in bloody diplomatic splatters. Chin lifted a fraction, revealing the sturdy set of eyes that were far too seeing in their piercing quality to be called outwardly kind. But that forced smile, collected pieces of mustered kindness threaded itself at the corners to lessen the frosted chip of assessing gaze as it swept over the entrance way of the family estate - a home she never thought to see again. Chin lifted, not allowing that proud head to dip in a show of worrisome instability.

“ Thank you, Lyriam.  It is certainly good to be home and I relish the reprieve as I reacquaint myself with society.”

The leather armor that clung like a second skin, cleaned and polished to perfection moved along with the feline-esque suggestion of sway as heeled boots struck the marble floor. All eyes of her wait staff and Lyriam Raystrike, the estates retainer, watched with a mixture of emotions ranging from concerned to relieved.

“ Might ask you to reach out to my contacts? I’d like to be brought to speed on all that has transpired in my absence. “

The dark haired Raystrike bowed, offering her a warm almost grandfatherly smile.

“ Of course. I’ll do that immediately and have your bags sent up shortly.”

“ Very good. Thank you all for keeping strong and as ever, having faith in me.” With that said, Kirabel dipped head before ascending the stairs towards the second story where memories lurked painful and long forgotten when mind turned towards battle. Letting nails drag against the hung portraits of many a Val’thras, stuffy looking nobility with their usual scrutinizing disgust plastered on each face before she finally paused before her own that looked down upon her with an expression that was filled with hope.

How young and stupid had she been? The perfectly captured light in her eyes not yet having been witness to the atrocities that assignments brought and were often enacted by her own hands. For not every negotiation for the Sin’dorei Captain, had been peaceful or had it very rarely lacked the spilling of blood.

Unable to stand what she had become, looking at a self that no longer remained, the war-time wraith slipped into her private quarters and the door was closed quietly behind her. Slowly did she descend in a slide down the wall, claw tipped gloves raking through the previously neat collection of starlight hair. Finally that head dropped as knees were drawn to chest. Holding it all in, clutching to any shred of self reliance, a flyer was slipped underneath the door for her inspection and the custodial voice of Lyriam slipped through.

“ A good place to slip back into normality, my dear. “

Before a response could be summoned, the quiet crush of his steps against carpet signaled the departure. Leaning forward to inspect the offered lifeline, a sigh was exhaled thick and heavy.

How does one pick up the fractured remains of your life and try to puzzle them back together when pieces are missing or chipped?

An answer she did not have, but perhaps one rested at the bottom of a bottle.