Kirabel Val'thras

A Scary Walk Home

The moon peeked over the soft haven of cloud cover, dusted stars twinkling out their laughter as the Captain made her way home in a daze. Fingers moved in a ragged comb through the silvery strands that were tugged into an annoyed ponytail as legs eked out a rhythm to the drunken gait. Unhooking the button of vest, an enameled flask was retrieved like a lifeline and the contents swigged as a chill started to set itself in her bones.

Not far to go, now on the familiar road leading back to the modest family estate, the familiarity did little to settle the aggravating discomfort of the evening and inwardly those bits of her were picked apart much like how her own forward suggestions no doubt came across. Mulling over the newly met acquaintances, a part of the recluse felt thankful that most of the evening hadn’t been ruined by her bumbling and the kindness shown from a few brought a brief smile to her lips before it was robbed away by the less than desired reminder as to how the night ended.

“ Whiskey dick, indeed.”

Came in a slurred mumble, taking another swig as the eyes lurking in the golden forests of Eversong watching the spectacle that Kirabel made as she tripped over a rock and nearly sent herself sprawling. Turning onto the private track towards her residence, a twig snapping to her right caught her attention and stupidly did the heavily intoxicated diplomat go to investigate.

A blood curling squeal, not scream, was shrieked into the night.

Lyriam awoke with a start, the back of hand wiping at the remnants of deep slumber drool as the barrier alarms started to hum and sing out their warning of an intruder. Not bothering with shoes or a shirt, arms slipped into a robe before rushing out to see what the commotion was all about. Steward Raystrike was not prepared for the disheveled site of his mistress, a mixture of comical and pathetic as she stood outside the gate soaking wet.

“ M’lady, what happened?!”

With an eloquent spell uttered, the sirens ceased their wailing and the gates opened up.

Long gone was her flask, blouse clinging to toned figure as shuddering stuttered steps brought her to stand crying and ashamed before her kind eyed retainer.

“ I fell in a puddle.”

While he had remarked on how beautiful she looked before leaving, that light application of khol to give dazzling eyes a pop now streaked down cheeks. Silky tresses were a ratty tangle now dark with mud and greenery sticking out every which way. Instantly tears started to spill, an uncontrollable sobbing that tugged at the heart of a man who was more of a father to her than even her own. Strong arms swept out of his own cover against the cold and settled the robe about the shivering curvature of Kirabel, taking her up as if nothing while he pressed a cheek to her brow, listening to the little huffing breaths as she struggled to reign herself in.

“ I shouldn’t have come home.”

A tsk of his tongue, already having given hushed commands to wait staff who stared worried from behind pillars and around doorways.

“ Nonsense, my bell.” Was uttered soothingly, “ Home is where you need to be.”

Up the stairs she was taken, where a maid had already pulled back the covers to her bed and another waited to help remove her wet clothing.  Like a child she was taken care of and tucked in. Lyriam, trying his best to keep from letting a frown tease at his owlish brows, let a thumb slide across the cool cheek of his bleary eyed charge.

“ Tomorrow will be better, you’ll see.”