Ellirayne woke up to the sounds of rushing servants and House-workers crashing around outside her door. Throwing on some basic clothes, and taking a quick look at her hair in a mirror on her way, she rushed out into the foyer and across to her brother’s room to see what the commotion was. Her brother, Deerian, was already headed to meet her, similarly disheveled. His hair was askew and his shirt wasn’t quite buttoned up in sync. Ever focused on his duty as a guardian, he had remembered to grab his weapons belt; his trusty rapier and dagger scabbards hanging from his hips.
A buzz was in the air. Literally. The permanent Alarms located in the docking bay reserved only for the heads of the House were ringing throughout the tower, signaling either the arrival or the deparature of a skyship. But who could it be? The twin’s parents mentioned nothing to them of leaving, and as they were (until very recently) sleeping in their chamber on the level above, they couldn’t be arriving from anywhere!
The group of people running about, including the twins, made their way up the fantastic and ornate spiral staircase to the docking bay at the very top level. The workers first to the big double doors pushed them open and ducked just in time to see the fantastic airship make a daring sweep above their heads and around the chamber in order to execute a 180* turn, and dock perfectly. Whoever was piloting that ship had tremendous skill, finesse, and gusto!
Standing on the edge of the ship was a tall, silver haired half-elf. His close cropped hair followed the line of a scar around his chin, and glittering diamonds in each of his ears seemed to catch the light at every angle. His tight fitting leathers revealed a slim but muscular build, and in a matter echoing Deerian, a beautiful scabbard held a rapier at his side. Instead of a dagger to complement it however, three short wands hung from the opposite hip.
He jumped off the ship and onto the ground, landing with a loud clap of his hands that seemed to reverberate like thunder in the open chamber. “Goooooooood Mor-ning!” he shouted, to the puzzled look of standers-by.
Scanning the room, his eyes rest on the two twins. In a swaggering stride, he moves over to the two. “My my my, look how you have grown!” He circles the pair, judging them as one would judge an antique piece of furniture; checking them up and down, analyzing how the effects of time have weathered it. “I remember when you were two little children, running around, sowing chaos. You were always wild little children and I see that some things never change!”, he says, poking at Deerian’s wild tuft of cowlicked hair.
“Now. Where’s a hug for your old uncle Flash?”
Her hand resting on her hip in a small act of polite defiance to the silver-haired man and his appraising gaze as he walked a path around her and her brother. Catching herself however she let her hand fall back to her side, she still sometimes had difficulties remembering to be ladylike at home. Clutching her hands together before her a small amused smile came to her lips as Deerian's rogue tuft of hair was poked, it really was much to hard to be reserved around this man.
The smile broadening into a grin at his final words she takes a step forward and wraps her arms loosely around Flash. "It's wonderful to see you again" She declares brightly in a gentle tone. It really was, at least this time she was old enough to get to know the dashing man a little better.
The alarms had been well alarming really. What was going on? Rushing out to find his sister Deerian offered up a wry smile as they followed the crowd up to the docking station. The sight they were greeted with almost took the young man’s breath away. Who was that pilot?
At the grand entrance of the dashing man Deerian felt an odd moment of recognition. Did he know this man? Still it was a little off putting to be observed in such a manner and the response it brought in his dear sister brought both annoyance and more than a little amusement. To see her standing defiant like that was always something that brought him that kind of mixed emotions.
Still the prodding of his unruly hair made the corners of his lips twitch upwards and a look that was a mix of confusion with a slight suggestion of childlike joy. He was starting to remember the man’s manner, a thought that was soon confirmed by Flash’s declaration of identity.
Hastily he smoothed down his hair as Elli hugged their long lost uncle. Waiting for his opportunity to greet a childhood hero the young half-elf tried to smarten himself up a little. “Well I would offer you a hug.. but it seems my dear sister has decided to lead your welcoming committee” he spoke in a soft voice but one that conveyed his happiness at seeing the older swordsman. “It’s good to see you Uncle.”
With a simple correction of his feet, moving from point to heel, he manages to shift and twirl his entire body to the right, securing Ellirayne in his left arm, and picking up the defiant Deerian in a swoop of his right arm.
A twin in each arm, he hefts them easily, displaying a strength that is not readily apparent in his slim physique. He squeezes both of them, and sighs: "I never thought I would see you again!". A second squeeze causes him to drop both twins, clutching his right ribs. "Ahhh! What was that?".
Twirling behind Deerian, he draws his rapier with lightning quickness. A quick thrust into Deerian's side, and an upward flick is all that is needed to pull Deerian's own rapier from it's scabbard and send it flying into Flash's empty hand.
A backward flip lands him within perfect sparring distance from Deerian; laughing and cutting the air with both rapiers: "This old thing? This is what was digging into me? It's my old rapier! I didn't think your mother would ever give it to you."
Flash gently tosses his own rapier into the empty hands of Deerian, who catches it, immediately shifting into a sparring pose. Deerian's training is evident, and the few strikes they exchange quickly escalate in speed. Flash too, has considerable training, and he isn't going easy on him.
Breaking off for a moment, Flash interrupts: "Excellent parry, my dear boy, but you need to pay attention to your footwork. Be spry, be nimble, move like the wind and you won't need to parry.
In addition, you must always know what you are fighting with. Never fight on someone else's terms." With a snap of his fingers, the rapier Deerian is holding melts and dissolves into a puddle of nothingness, disappearing completely.
Laughing again, Flash pulls out another rapier from within his jacket pocket, necessarily stored in some magical fashion. He tosses this one again, and encourages Deerian to examine it properly: "It's name is Nightsong. Go ahead. Say it's name. In Elven."
A magnificent golden basket protects Deerian's hand at the hilt, while an impossible thin and light metal extends beyond it, forming the blade. Tiny swirls are etched into the length of the weapon, and it seems to move with but a thought. The name Nightsong echoes in his own head while he holds the item.
Giving in to the mood Deerian threw his reserve out of the window. For the time being at least. Besides it was more than a little difficult to be reserved when you were being held aloft.
Frowning a little at the exclamation from the older man it took the young swordsman a moment to register what was happening. Flash moved well in a flash. "Mother wasn't too keen at first but father liked the idea of me being able to protect my sister."
Then they were duelling. The work was fast and Deerian was forced to make some very hasty parries at times. If he'd thought he was facing his opponent for real his joy at the moment would probably have turned to fear.
In the pause he listened to his uncles advise. Something his instructors had always spoken of and indeed something he tried to manage at all times. As the sword disappeared from his hand Deerian stood for a moment in shock. What kind of sword was that?
Catching the sword deftly he flipped it, finding the balance, and examined the craftsmanship. It was a beautiful piece. Glancing up the young nobleman smiled at his uncle. A look of joy was on his face as he double-checked his uncle’s approval of him handling this magnificent sword. "Nightsong" he said the name softly in elven, a whisper on the wind, his words were an echo of the name spoken softly in his mind.
Moving with practiced, polite grace Ellirayne moves herself away from the two men as their discussion turned to weaponry and the art of the duel. Quickly and subtly she straightens her hair, suddenly feeling a little foolish for rushing off and not checking her appearance more closely before leaving her room. Then again, she would have missed the amazing sight of Flash's ship landing if she hadn't run.
Smiling brightly the young halfelf watches her brother and uncle move with finesse and skill, for the briefest of moments regretting her decision to explore the magic in her blood and her talents in diplomatic situations before pushing those thoughts aside. Deerian had always been quicker than her and swahbuckling suited her male relatives much better.
Glad the pair were distracted by the beautiful Nightsong she spent a little more time straightening herself, this time fixing her simple clothes, brushing out an irritating little wrinkle that had worked it's way into her shirt.
'One day, one day I'll learn to be less of a tomboy' She silently promises herself as her gaze travls up to the two men again, more than a little intrigued by the sword herself.
With just a whisper of the command word, Nightsong lights up like a torch, harmless blue flames playing along it's blade. A low hum begins to develop from the weapon, climbing to a deafening shriek with every strike and thrust. The weapon darts and swerves, almost as if it has a mind of it's own.
Laughing, Flash gives up the sparring, tossing Deerian back his rapier, expecting Deerian to do the same. “Nightsong” Flash whispers, putting the blade back into his scabbard. The puddle his other rapier had melted into has now completely vanished. Mockingly, Flash comments: “What, have you never seen any magic before? You live in the wondrous city of towers, and a simple illusion confuses you so?
Magic. Is. Everywhere, kids.” Flash puts two fingers into his mouth and lets out a shrill whistle. A low grinding sound is heard from the skyship as a ramp descends to the docking bay. A chorus of footsteps are heard, coming from all sides. A procession of chests, drawers, cabinets, and other ornate pieces of furniture begin traveling down the ramp, of their own volition! Some have even sprouted little legs that carry them merrily and swiftly down the ramp.
With a precision and grace to be expected of Flash, the furniture seems to dance, to tease almost. Weaving through the crowd, a drawer opens here, a lid creaks open there, a splash of silk colours, gold, and jewels tantalize the crowd before closing again. The animated objects begin to end their dance at the far end of the bay, each one lining up perfectly with each other. However, more footsteps are heard, this time, from the stairs leading down a level. These footsteps command attention, and their sharp clak, clak, clak reverberates through the room like the snap of thunder in the distance.
Turning to meet the sound, the twins come face to face with their parents, accompanied by a handful of guards. Despite donning a robe in haste, the presence and authority of the twins’ father is evident. ‘Brother!”, he booms, “How dare you show your face! What is all this nonsense?”
“That is a fine sword Uncle. My thanks for allowing me to wield it.” Speaking softly Deerian handed the sword back. Still as wonderful as Nightsong had been in his heart he was glad to have his own blade back at his side.
Once again he stood respectfully and listened to his elder’s lessons. Besides the young half-elf was a little in awe of the older man. “Ah but surely it is best to work with the premise that things are real. Magic is everywhere and I would hope to be accepting that anything is possible.”
As if in answer to his own musings the cargo started to unload itself. A sight that brought a slight smile to the, often serious, young mans lips. “As you seem to enjoy showing us Uncle.” It could have sounded like a slight reprimand but the happiness in Deerian’s light voice took that sting from his words.
Whirling to observe the approaching footsteps he was a little surprised to see his parents looking quite so aggravated. What was wrong? He longed to ask but judging from father’s face it would be best to hold his tongue.
Ellirayne gives a small laugh of glee at seeing the procession disembark from the ship before reigning herself in and stifling it. Leaving the answering of her uncle's questions to her brother for the time being she carefully watches the cargo, marvelling at the finesse of the magic used. Smiling lightly the young woman silently observes, longing for the day she would have enough magic within her to do such cool things.
As her parents arrive on the scene she tenses a little at hearing the bellowing voice. Looking around it takes the young halfelf a moment to realise that today it was neither her nor her brother that was the subject of her father's scornful tone.
More than a little perplexed she takes a polite step back and away from the situation and silently watches the older members of her family.
Flash's attention is taken away from the magical procession as he too, turns to face the heads of House Lyrandar.
"Ho ho! My good brother! So fantastic to see you! And what a warm welcome after 15 years! It's all fun and games you know. You should learn to not be so uptight. Don't begrudge your utter lack of magical talent. Some have it and some don't, but it's all in how you use it." Flash winks at Ellirayne.
"Now. I'm back from my trip, and I'm quite hungry. I won't be denied any further. I suggest a celebration! What do you say kids?"
Interrupting, Lord Lyrandar bellows: "You will not involve them in this any further! Far from fun and games, your parlour tricks have brought nothing but danger and disgrace to this House! You know damn well why you were sent away, and I won't have you endangering MY children. You're nothing but a fool, Fleskar!"
--
Deerian
Ellirayne
At the mention of endangering the children, Flash's eyes widen, and Ellirayne detects he is vigourously biting his lips; Flash seems to be silently imploring Tressyl.
Thinking quickly Ellirayne moves herself between the two men with a polished, professional smile. "Surely having this discussion here and now will do nobody any favours." She points out in a level tone, her diplomatic training overriding her burning curiousity at the situation happening around her. "It's not every day a relative comes to visit and it's always easier to have a polite exchange of opinions over food and drink, don't you think?" She asks a little imploringly of the two men, hoping to put off this disagreement until later before it became the equivalent of petty bickering in the middle of the docking bay.
Risking one short, pointed, glance at both of the men she moves past them and to her mother's side, lightly taking the older woman's arm with a small encouraging smile. "Mother and I are going to see to the arrangements for food. Deerian, we will see you all again shortly once you've had chance to dress and prepare properly for breakfast" She decides, taking on a tone that underlined the fact she was not expecting any arguements. She was pushing her luck with her father and she knew it but bold action was needed before things got worse.
Gently leading her mother away from the dock Ellirayne gives the other woman a brief questioning glance before looking away, refraining from questioning for the time being, there were more important things to do. Turning away so her mother wouldn't hear her the young woman thinks quickly on her feet and subtly points behind her and to her twin before magically carrying her whisper to him.
"..keep the two of them apart as best you can.."
The bickering brought a small frown to the young half-elf’s features. This was quite unseemly but not knowing the reason for the bad blood he felt more than a little trapped. His youthful enthusiasm for the dramatic however led him to feel a loyalty to his Uncle but what was this about disgrace?
However the sight of arguing luggage distracted him. It was more than a little ridiculous but given the current mood Deerian fought back the chuckle that welled up inside him.
The familiar voice of his sister broke his concentration. Oh no. What was Elli doing? He loved his sister more than anything but her tongue was often more dangerous to the twins than his rapier. Oh hopefully this wouldn’t go too hard on her.
Bowing slightly to both signify his agreement to his sisters orders and to show the proper respect to his departing mother the young nobleman soon stiffened as he heard his sisters message. What was going on? Still he had to make sure that he supported his twin even if it would get him into trouble with his angry father. “Father, Uncle. Are we to follow?”
Catching Ellirayne's gestures, and identifying them as a minor spell Flash erupts in a fury: "STOP! I'll hear nothing of being assuaged. This is not a matter of opinion my dear. Rather, this is a matter of exile. I have been out of your life for fifteen years; we can eat later. Girl, you just did something that set a wheel in motion you cannot stop now. Tell me, what did just do? Do you know what you did? Was it conscious? Was it on purpose?" Turning now to Tressyl, deploringly Flash cries: "Tell me! You must know! Can she cast? Is she magic-blooded? Is that not proof enough?"
The weeping of Tressyl Lyrandar is fully audible now; the tears streaming down her face belie House Lyrandar's famed power and control of storms.
Ellirayne exhales a tiny, barely audible sigh as she reaches up and wipes away her mother's tears. "And this is why I tried to give you all a moment to calm down before breakfast" She points out in a sad tone before turning to face the two older men. "I understand that you are both hurt and upset right now but I'm sure we can all be adults about this and not stand here glaring at one another. We can find somewhere to sit comfortably and discuss this civilly"
At Flash's questions she took a step back, knowing that if she wanted to get her family somewhere more appropriate to have such an intimate and sensitive conversation she had to bite her tongue. She was proud of her gifts and ordinarily would be gladly telling him of the things she could do but another sob from her mother helped her make up her mind.
"I'll answer all of your questions but not here and now. Does this really strike you as the time and the place for this?" She questions with a wave of her hand at the docking bay and the chaos of the animated cargo.
The shock of seeing his mother cry and the erruption from his Uncle was almost more than he could deal with. His hand had flashed to his hip but the young swordsman managed to stay his angry response. What was the problem with his sister's spells? It was a gift they shared although it Elli was by far the more proficient.
"Please can we talk about this in private? For everyone's sake.. Especially mother's!" As he spoke he walkedd across to stand near the female members of the family. What was wrong with his father and uncle to behave so?
"Perhaps you are right, dear children", Flash says in a low sweep. "But understand that this involves your mother as much as anything. I have waited a long time for this day, and I suppose I can wait a while longer. Let's journey into the---".
Flash is cut short by the crashing of the chest of drawers over the side of the sky ship. The animated dinner table had apparently had enough of the pushing and shoving, and decided to be rid of the chest once and for all.
A resounding crash separates the chest from it's contents; while it falls out of the docking bay, enjoying a few short minutes of flight on it's plummet down to The Cogs, an ornate vase flies up out of the chest before smashing to pieces on the edge of the floor of the bay. Apparently the vase was not empty, as it's contents were loosed as well, falling all throughout Sharn.
The chest's treasures were lost, save for two small rings propelled by the impact of the crash; they veered along the smooth floor of the docking bay and rolled right to the twins, spinning like a top before ending their journey at the feet of the bewildered siblings.
Ellirayne gives a light smile as Flash agrees to leave the matter for the time being. Briefly she hugs her mother in an attempt to further console the older woman, her tears would just further upset everyone afterall. Jumping a little at the crashing of the cargo fighting with one another she watched in shock as the chest of drawers fell from the docking bay. "Oh my.." She starts before spotting the metallic glint rolling towards her.
Casting a sly and vaguely accusatory glance at Flash she stoops and claims the piece of jewellery that landed closest to her, her expression becoming a slight smirk of a smile as she looks at it. 'I refuse to believe this is mere chance' Turning the ring over between her fingertips she looks over it trying to deduce why it had rolled in her direction.
Appraise on the ring (1d20+6=22)
Spellcraft on the offchance there are signs of a spell used. (1d20+7=11)
At least it appeared that cooler heads might prevail for the moment at least. Still he couldn't help but fret at what was to come. Distracted from his melancholy thoughts by a crash once more his hand twitched. What?
Realising that it was the crashing furniture he like his sister watched the rings roll suspiciously towards them. Now that really couldn't be chance could it? Following Elli's lead he gracefully bent and picked the remaining ring from the floor. With a delicate touch he ran his fingertips over the ring. Now what could this mean?
Flash puts one hand over his reddening face, and one hand up in the air as he commands "STOP!". The furniture reverts to lifelessness, stopping in their tracks, some items in the middle of a pirouette.
Walking over to the splintered remains on the edge of the docking bay, Flash rifles through the items for a brief moment before kicking everything over the edge.
Taking the opportunity to evaluate the rings reveals that they are simple golden bands, with a single diamond shaped gem embedded in them. The interesting quality of the ring is that unlike conventional rings, the gem is on the inside of the ring, as if the ring was inside out. If worn, the gem would make contact with the skin.
Ellirayne also notices that although her ring is golden, it's not made of gold. It's something much lighter, and rarer. Perhaps golden mithril, or something else entirely.
Flash looks up from the disaster, into the scornful eyes of Byron Lyrandar. "Fool! I was right! Your parlour tricks bring nothing but disaster. How dare you so carelessly throw your power around? Let this be a lesson to everyone present on the danger of reckless use of magic. House Lyrandar is built upon the focus and control necessary to wield such power! Our ships would be flightless, or destroyed, if we were not in control of them at all times. Come, let's continue this conversation in another room. Guards, stay close to Fleskar. Don't let him disrupt us with any more of his tricks.
Come, Tressyl. There'll be no need for tears. We will see what it is that my dear brother requires of us, and then he'll be on his way".
Guards move to either side of Flash, and he begrudgingly follows the House heads out of the room.
Waiting for her elders to pass by Ellirayne gives a little frown at her father calling guards to escort Flash, that was no way to treat family, no matter what the truth of the whole sordid situation was. Keeping herself close to her brother she waits for her opportunity to speak quietly with him without the rest of her family listening in. "That couldn't have been coincidence.." She whispers to her twin as she slips the golden band onto the ring finger of her right hand with another appraising glance.
Pursing her lips thoughtfully she waits a moment before murmuring again "..so.. how are we going to sort this one out without upsetting mother, father and Flash?" She asks eager to get her twin's opinion before catching up with the older Lyrandars.
Falling into step behind his elders Deerian slowed once more so he could converse with his twin. "I have no idea Elli... I guess we will have to find out what is going on." he matched his sisters low tone so as to not disturb his parents.
Pondering the situation Deerian sighed a little. "Still I don't like the upset this has caused mother.. What could Uncle have done to cause father to be so short with him. Surely it can't just be using magic for entertainment."
The ring seems to fit Ellirayne perfectly, sliding into place and staying snugly on her finger. She feels a slight tingle wash over her body, starting with her ring finger and moving up her spine to the base of her neck. The sensation is not at all unpleasant, and has a slight cooling effect on her emotions.
She is suddenly refreshed, calm, and ready to tackle the responsibilities of mediation between her family in this chaotic moment.
"It's obviously not just that Deer" Ellirayne starts in a calm whisper as she continues to admire the ring on her finger, almost certain this was some sort of scheme by Flash, more proof of magic in the blood perhaps? "..but unfortunately we really don't have long enough to go over all of my theories, they'll scold us for dallying if we hang back much longer."
Perception check (additional +2 if sight or sound) (1d20+2=22)
His beloved sister's words were small comfort. She was right they would have to stop their quiet talking and catch up to the family elders. "You are right as always... I think the last thing that we need is to cause more problems." With a small wry smile he gently patted her shoulder and offering her his arm stretched his stride to make sure that when his family turned round the twins would be where they would be expected.
Placing his arm around his sister's shoulder to comfort her, his hand moves the hair on the back of her next just enough to see a black snake crawling on the nape of her neck.
Reflexively pulling his hand away, he watches the snake coil and twist on the surface of her skin, like a moving tattoo before it eventually coalesces into a random glyph on the back of Ellirayne's neck.
Pulling up short and uttering a slight exclamation at the oddness he'd just witnessed Deerian tried to wrack his brains for what it might mean. Spinning his sister to get a better look he tentativly and gently touched the marking.
"Sister! Something has happened.. did you..?" He was at a loss for words. What was going on today? More importantly could he keep his sister safe?
Eyes widening at her twin's flurry of action and speaking in a slightly louder voice Ellirayne keeps still and allows him to poke at the back of her neck. "Shh.. Deer, we're trying not to cause another family arguement, remember?" She tells him in a quiet, calm voice despite the tiny flutter in her chest and small the hollow feeling in the pit of her stomach at his actions. "Besides, I didn't do anything, save put this ring on. So, if it's not readily lifethreatening it can be left until after the discussion with our elders"
Deerian
When Ellirayne looks down at her hand to remark that she "didn't do anything save put the ring on" she notices that the ring has vanished from her hand completely.
A cough from the corridor beyond is enough signal from the waiting guard that they should follow the rest of the family into the conference room on the west wing.
"It marked you! A dragonmark? Something.." He really didn't know what to do or say. Still it didn't look right. Stuffing his own ring into a pocket Deerian's head snapped round to glance at the guard. Why did this have to be so complicated?
"We're coming..." Oh words would be had with their Uncle.. Strong words if that mark put Elli at risk.
"Magic really is all around" Ellirayne replies with a small amused smile, chosing to take this as something interesting and fated rather than dwelling and worrying for the time being. Carefully shifting her hair to hide the apparent mark as best as she can she takes a step forward. "Don't worry so much, it felt right" She quickly adds in a low tone before heading into the conference room with a small smile, easily hiding that she and her brother had been talking about the other Lyrandar nobles in the room only mere moments before.
The conference room opens up into a large chamber, studded with cushions on both sides. A flat and low grey table breaks up the centre of the room, following it's entire length. Oversized windows compose the east wall, and House guards, stationed at both ends of the table, make up the rest of the room's decorations.
Flash is already seated on one of the ornate cushions; cross-legged, he seems to be in the process of pulling his smoking paraphernalia out of his jacket, using the beautiful table to pack his pipe.
Tressyl and Byron Lyrandar remain standing, evidently waiting for the twins to arrive, as they take their seats, opposite Flash, as soon as the siblings enter the room.
Tressyl's reddened eyes have ceased producing tears, and she now sternly returns Flash's gaze as he lazily puffs smoke into the middle of the room. Seemingly unaffected by the breeze of the open windows, the smoke pools and swirls, evident of the heavy tension in the room.
Byron's impatience cuts through the smoke and the heavy air of the room: "Out with it now, brother. By what right do you justify your presence here? I am not so old and feeble yet that you could think to sweep me away from my lordship here in Sharn, should you try."
With a wave of his hand, Flash dismisses his brother's claim: "Please, do I look like the kind of man who fetishizes bureaucracy? I have travelled an incredible distance in the past fifteen years, and everything I have encountered has been more appealing to me than sorting out air traffic plans, and cargo-toting over cold waters....Something was set in motion many years ago, and I need to know the outcome of it, simply. I justify my presence by right of blood and lineage."
His grin from ear to ear, Flash turns to the twins: "You must know that I am your real father. You must feel it."
Her vague suspicions confirmed with Flash's blunt declaration Ellirayne's face pales, this was now far beyond a diplomatic challenge, smoothing out this situation seemed nigh on impossible now. Still, it was the path she had chosen and intended to stick with it. settling herself on a cushion a roughly equal distance between the man claiming to be her father and the married couple sat opposite him she exhales gently before giving a professional smile.
"Does it truly matter who our 'real' father is?" She questions "The way I see it, Deerian and I have three close relatives sat in this room. Three adults from whom we can learn a great many things. This isn't a time for arguements, I would like to catch up with a long-lost relative and continue to have respect for everyone in this room."
The bluntness of the elder man's comment was almost like a blow to the face. No matter the truth or not of Flash's words what could be gained apart from pain? Even if this man had helped birth them Byron had been their father for 21 years.
Taking up a position behind his sister's seat he rested one hand upon her shoulder. It was a post from which he could guard her well and offer support in what was likely to be a difficult time ahead. Still at the moment he thought it would be best to let his more eloquent sister guide them through this.
Flash, composed even during the stress of the moment, calmly explains: "For sure we are all adults, and that means something a little different to each of us. Magic is everywhere, dear. It's what I always say. Given that, it would follow that different people approach it in different ways. What little magic my brother Byron here possesses from his dragonmark is more than enough for him; he would see it all tightly controlled, inscribed in an economy of use-value. Put to work.
But I see it a little different. Rather, I feel it. The pull of magic is more primal than that. It tugs at the very thing that makes me me. I can feel it coursing through me, like the wind, whenever I close my eyes.
I know you have a little of that magic in you too. Maybe you understand." Flash studies her eyes for a moment, not breaking contact. "Maybe you don't.
Either way, the scandal is long over. Twenty-one years was a long time ago; we were all different people then. Trust, sweet Tressyl, that your radiance persists, but I would no longer pursue you, now that the fruits of such passion are maturing.
I dared not say anything then, and as children there was no way for me to prove that you were mine without turning the House upside down. I figured that fifteen years from your childhood would be more than enough for any magic in your blood to reveal itself. Even if you don't admit it, you must know that the same blood runs in our veins! The duties of House Lyrandar weigh on you; know that I do not wish to strip you of them.
I will support you, both of you, as best I can, should you choose to leave the House. I have no ranking here, but I do not need it! Trust that I am as wealthy and well travelled a rogue as you have ever seen! And my ship can take us to the very edges of the world."
Stammering, Tressyl lets out a cry: "How...how dare you sweep in here and declare yourself king of the world! Your selfishness has turned the world of the twins upside down! I always hoped you would stay gone! My dear, sweet children, look at his practised composure! Surely he has given this speech before. How many other seeds have you planted across this wide world? How many other families have you torn asunder!
You're right about one thing though. Twenty-one years was a long time ago, and any passion we shared has long faded. I will not let you undermine my love for Byron. He is their true father, and he has supported that role for the past twenty-one years. How dare you privilege yourself of that title!"
Byron sits on the cushions, eyes closed, his hands barely trembling. He breathes deep in an effort to calm himself, breathing and pacing himself like he has rehearsed for this moment for years.
Breathing deeply to keep herself composed Ellirayne folds her hands in her lap and holds Flash's gaze. "My place is within the House. Of course it is the duty of every young member of Lyrandar to explore, and to learn everything they can. I would love to travel and explore, and I will, but only with my Lord's permission of course"
Smiling faintly she shifts her gaze to Byron as her superior and as her father. Genetically or not he had been the one who had always been in her life.
Nodding his agreement to his sister words Deerian smiled in his father's direction. "And my duty and my place is to stay by Elli.. Ellirayne's side. It is true we have been touched by magic and we long to explore but why would it have to be one or another..."
Shrugging his shoulders he thought about what he wanted from life. Really there should be no reason to split from the family. Even if a traitorous part of him would love to follow the sense of freedom that seemed to follow Flash. Although he would hate to cause the pain that seemed to be at the centre of this mess.
Flash follows along with Deerian's words, almost as if he's silently mouthing them to himself. "Both? You both have powers? Seriously? This changes everything! I have no fear now. With both of you touched, the call of the magic in your blood is not possible to ignore. It will follow you everywhere.
Feel free to walk the precipice between raw power and control, but always be mindful of the pull inside you. I have no desire to take you away from here. I came to offer you a chance, and that is all. I opened up a very important channel, and I shall continue to keep it open. Consider the gifts waiting above, simply that. Gifts to offset a lifetime of neglect."
Byron speaks now: "And what, pray tell, behoves the king of selfishness to give such treasures. You must feel very guilty, but understand that your transgressions will bear no recompense. I have suspected the repercussions of your 'gifts' for years. Trust that I love these , nay these adults, more than you can know, and your little disruption today can not change that.
You are my brother, and it's important for me to see you alive and well, but understand that I won't have you staying here. At least, not in House Lyrandar. There are many places in the Tower that will suit you, I'm sure."
Following the conversation around her Ellirayne rubs subconsciously at the back of her neck. "Well, as fun as this has been. Perhaps now that all of this in the open I should help Flash find a place to stay, it would probably do us all some good to take some time to think over everything that's been said so far.." She offers up in a light tone.
"I have nowhere near the gifts of my sister but I have some magic apart from the mark of the house." As usual he spoke plainly. At least it seemed that some of the tension had gone from the room.
Catching the move from his sister Deerian frowned once more. That mark really set him on edge. "However as Elli has said if Flash needs to find somewhere to stay that isn't here it might be an idea to escort him there father."
Ellirayne finds that a gentle rub against the mark is enough to activate it. She feels a low hum reverberate at the base of her skull, and when she pulls her hand away, a gentle blue light swirls around her fingers, waiting.
"Are you both fully marked, then? Marvelous. Really." With a final puff of his pipe, Flash stands up, bows to Lady Lyrandar, and gets ready to leave the chamber. "Well then, who'd like to show me around this place. I'm sure things have changed a lot.". The slight wind created by Flash leaving the room, is enough to carry the remainder of the lilting smoke out of the chamber fully, following behind him like a strange train.
Amazed at the reaction from touching the back of her neck Ellirayne lightly nudges her brother with an elbow and shifts her hand under the table so he can see her fingers.
"If there are no objections Deerian and I can show you around" She replies to Flash's question before shifting her gaze to her parents.
Seeing the glow Deerian almost started forward. The mark had done that? Glancing down and catching his sister's eyes he showed his worry and concern in his gaze. This couldn't be good but he didn't want to cause more upset for his parents. Besides Flash would be the best to ask about this strange mark.
The guards follow Flash to the limit of the room, and remain at the doorway. The twins follow up to their father, smoke still wisping around him.
Turning on his heels he flashes two arms out, touching both of the twins on the head. His strike was fast, sure, but his caressing hands only played with their tufty hair. "Where too, my children?"
"Well.." Ellirayne starts as she heads along the corridor "It depends where you'd like to go. We can go get a drink and talk a little more on magic or go set you up with accomodation at the Ten Tier.." She offers as she clasps her hand in front of her, trying to resist the temptation to poke something or someone to find out what the spell is.
"Ah, Magic. I'd love to talk about it with you. Understand that it's the real reason I'm here. I think I can understand your caution in front of your parents, but I would like to see what you can do. I have so many questions! Where's a good, safe, place to go? Preferably with a drink. This Ten Tier place is good?"
"I'd be suprised if the Ten Tier doesn't have accomodation that will suit you" Ellirayne replies with a little smile "and we could talk in private in your room, or if you don't mind the notion of there being other people around we could head to the Hideaway first"
After a while walking away from the meeting room the young half-elf looks over her shoulder to make sure they're out of earshot before speaking again. "But before all of that" She lifts her hand in front of her with a small frown "I appear to be holding a spell but I'm not entirely sure what it is, any ideas?" She asks curiously, hoping Flash might recognise it, the ring came from his cargo after all.
"Ah, that's an easy one. Look how the blue flame dances so gently across your fingers."
Flash's hand darts behind him for a moment, and returns with a dagger. He cuts a small line on his palm, and then returns the dagger.
"This will be the first order of business, then. This is an easy one. Touch the cut."
Ellirayne gives a small frown as Flash draws the dagger and cuts his own flesh. Returning her focus to the blue flame dancing about her fingertip she bites her lower lip, hoping his assessment of the magic was correct. Then again, chances were it was divine magic, she had very little clue when it came to the divine and most of those spells tended to be beneficial, right? Placing trust in her apparent father's words she gently places her finger over the fresh wound, carefully, and with good intentions, releasing the spell.
The spell is released harmlessly into Flash, the wound knitting itself back together. Then, blue rush to the back of Ellirayne's head. Cold fire burning through her skull makes her dizzy just for a moment, but she regains composure.
Electric sparks through her whole body, like after a sneeze, and she feels good for the spell. Only the cold fire feeling remained, emanating from the back of her neck.
Flash claps,"Now! Where did you learn a spell like that! That's curative magic, for sure! Not the most potent, but maybe you can work on that, eh?" Flash assumes walk-and-talk formation, walking with his children to whatever destination they would lead him.
Ellirayne gives a small giggle of a laugh at the surge of feelings coursing through her body before looking a little sheepishly at Flash a faint blush in her cheeks. "I wouldn't say I learnt it persay" She confesses, throwing a sideways glance at her twin "more that it was gifted to me, everyone knows that the best place to put a ring so you don't lose it is on a finger after all"