• Closed • Happy Birthday to Us [Burning Mountains]

[Zvezdana Venora]

25th of Vhalar, 716
Jorick's Keep, Burning Mountains

She was beginning to come to terms with Veljorn’s death. The depressive state she had been in several trials ago was beginning to wear off. She still enjoyed her time alone, but she was also inviting Vivian to accompany her more. Even her right-hand woman had been shut out in the beginning. Now, she was trying to make amends to Vivian. The woman had given up a great deal to swear fealty to Zvezdana. Especially since the civil war had not ended how any of the Qe’Dreki had intended. Despite that, Vivian still remained by her side, as loyal as ever. Loyalty had to be repaid of course, and she had heard through the grapevine that the Warrick woman would be celebrating her birthday this month. She had neglected to celebrate her own, having turned 25 arcs on the 23rd of Vhalar, so she figured that they might dine together in a quiet celebration of both their birthdays. Besides, she had a gift to bestow upon her for her loyalty and friendship.

There was rumor that a couple of children had taken up shelter with Vivian. She was curious about these little girls that she had heard about. What did they mean to her tactician? Were they useful to the Qe’Dreki, or lazy bums that were feasting off the table scraps of superiors? Zvezdana needed to evaluate these girls for the Qe’Dreki, but specifically to see if they would be useful to her cause.

Although she had committed to the Qe’Dreki during the vows of her marriage, she had a secret vow now. One born from revenge. Elyna. The Burhan girl and former friend had been the focus of her thoughts early this season. How was she supposed to break Elyna? How was she to deal pain like nothing Elyna had ever seen before? Right now, Zvezdana was becoming fat with child and licking her wounds from the war. There was no time to bring this to Blackwood and his council for help. The Qe’Dreki had matters of their own to deal with. They wanted revenge, but they had to be more careful about it. They had bigger fish to fry.

Zvezdana paced in front of the fireplace in her room, which roared happily as it devoured the logs that fueled it. Deep down, the rage that had settled within her person also seemed to boil happily. The fuel that kept it burning were the thoughts of revenge and malice towards Elyna. The demon seemed to bask in the shower of evil thoughts, trying to stimulate more thoughts so that it might come out again. Zvezdana did not understand this feeling, nor know exactly what would come of it if her rage got out of hand. All she knew was that she had changed during her encounter with Syroa. She hated more and desired for those that had effected her negatively to hang for their crimes more feverishly. She was obsessed with these thoughts, ready to see all of Rynmere burn for her plans to come to fruition. It was drastic, but Zvezdana almost saw it as necessary. No matter who stood in her way, she would see her enemies dead at her feet.

Even if it meant that she had to die trying.

“Bah. Where is Vivian and her wards. I need something to distract me for once. I cannot keep diving into these thoughts day in and day out.”

Yes, you can.

The other voice came from the darkness within her. Zvezdana tried to pretend she was imagining this voice, but it was becoming near impossible. She rubbed at the dark sleeve of her dress. Beneath, the silvery marks the Immortal had left behind were hidden. They were garish blemishes to her formerly flawless skin with a silver tint. The marks were strange for scars, but that made them all the more plausible that her encounter with the demon had actually occurred. Only an immortal could leave such a beautiful blemish behind. The voice would always be there, no matter how hard she tried to convince herself it didn’t exist. Right now, she had to try and fight the fact that it existed. The moment she acknowledged its presence was the moment that it controlled her.

Zvezdana refused to let it, or anyone, control her.

A knock interrupted her thoughts. Finally... Zvezdana swept to the door, opening it to allow her guests to join her in her chambers. They would find the table set for four, although the meal had not yet been brought up. Three extra chairs had been brought in and set around the table. The sun peaked into the room through a small window that was centered over her bed on the far wall but it was the fire that provided the most light as the sun was setting. Soon it would be dark. Veljorn's armor still sat in the corner, untouched.

Zvezdana was dressed in black with her neckline and cuffs outlined in gray fox fur. Despite being a very lovely woman, she was still in mourning and preferred the darker fabrics. The rest of her dresses were stuffed away in the trunk at the end of her bed. She even still possessed the dress she wore when Veljorn died. It was unwearable, and one day she would burn it, but for now, she ignored it. It was just another item that meant she had to acknowledge Veljorn was truly dead.

"What took you so long Sergeant?" Zvezdana referred to Vivian as Sergeant for the time being, still unaware of her role within the Qe'Dreki forces. "I hope my dinner request is not an inconvenience to you."

[Vivian Shiryu]

Vivian had been feeding Pakse when the invitation to dinner with Zvezdana had arrived, an invitation she had been rather excited to get. Though she had been slightly confused, if uplifted, when Zvezdana had invited Seira and Seriel along as well. Zvezdana didn't know Vivian's wards very well at all, but their presence was perhaps a sign that Zvezdana was beginning to move past that black funk that had absorbed her since the events in Lowtown. Vivian carefully pushed those thoughts away, however. She knew about her friends Demon, but she hadn't as of yet told anyone. It wasn't their business to know, not until it became clear that there was no way for Vivian and Zvezdana to contain the beast, and she didn't believe that yet.

Furthermore, through some careful probing, Vivian had heard that Zvezdana's birthday was soon. Her friend was still wearing mourning black, and Vivian was particularly bad at fancy clothes and jewels at the moment, but she had decided on, and commissioned, a gift she felt was both functional and beautiful, much like Zvezdana herself. Now, Vivian picked up the wooden case that held Zvezdana's gift and headed out of the room. "Seira, Seriel, come. We're to dine with Zvezdana." she said, her tone cheerful. She had grown to care for the two children that had come under her wing as if they were her own, at this point her only real companions besides Zvezdana herself, and she was hoping to foster a friendship between Zvezdana and the two girls. Seven knew they all needed each other more than ever now.

It took some time for them to get to Zvezdana's room, as first Vivian had to make sure Pakse didn't escape her room or anything of the nature. She had been glad to bring the dog with them, but she wasn't at all certain about how Zvezdana felt regarding the rottweiler. She hadn't seen fit to ask yet, and Pakse's own feelings towards Zvez seemed varied, sometimes as happy as ever, sometimes almost seeming afraid. Vivian suspected that Pakse might know when Zvezdana's Demon was close to the surface.

Finally, however, they arrived at Zvezdana's door and Vivian knocked, smiling warmly when Zvezdana opened the door. "The dog tried to escape. And hardly an inconvenience, though a bit of a surprise." she said, setting the box just inside the door and giving Zvezdana a brief glance over. "And come, Zvezdana. I know you spent time as an etiquette tutor, but I wouldn't think we need stand on ceremony with just us. I am your friend after all, not just your soldier." she said, her tone slightly amused at something. In contrast to Zvezdana, Vivian was dressed somewhat more simply, in jacket, blouse, trousers and thigh-length boots with a slight heel. She was, after all, a soldier who had never spent much money on fancy clothes. "How are you feeling?" she asked, her tone now more gentle, as she knew how fragile Zvezdana's emotional state was.

After a moment, however, she realized and turned to her two wards. "I don't believe you have properly met these two." she said, laying her hand on Seira's shoulder. "This is Seira Shiryu." she said, before pointing to Seriel. "And Seriel, her sister. Bards, by trade, though I gather it wasn't entirely by choice. The general impression I've gotten is that there's a relative somewhere I need to have some very...pointed words with." she said, her tone calm, though her meaning would likely be very clear to Zvezdana, though she hoped it went over the kids heads.

[Seira Shiryu]

TITLE

Seira was curious about meeting Vivian's friend, but she was nervous, too. Would this Zvezdana like her, and Seri? What if she didn't? What if she demanded that they leave? What if...?

"You're doing it again. Seri said quietly."

Seira gave her twin a rueful grin. Seri didn't need to say what the "it" was. She knew that she was worrying too much about something she couldn't predict, or change. But she couldn't help it. Those were the sorts of things that often proved to be the most dangerous. After a few trills, Seira distracted herself by packing up her hang drum.

VIvian had mentioned that it would be her friend's birthday soon, and it was only polite for Seira to give her something if they were going to eat together. But it had been short notice, and Seira had been unable to buy anything for a gift. Nor did she know what the woman might like, having never met her. So Seira decided that a song might be a nice gift. Most people seemed to like music, and a special song just for one person often meant a lot to the person the song was for. She hadn't really had the time to create any lyrics for the song, but she had poured her feelings into it, wanting Vivian's friend to enjoy her gift. It was easy to convey emotions through music, and Seira hoped that the woman she was about to meet would understand what she was trying to "say" through her song.

When they arrived, Seira's first impression was that Vivian's friend was the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. Seri seemed to agree, if the quick look she gave her meant anything. Normally, the two girls didn't care about what others thought about them. But there was a lot at stake here, so the girls were on their best behavior. They would take their cue from Vivian.

Once they were introduced, Seira and Seri responded with a quiet, polite "It's nice to meet you." Both girls tried to school their expressions carefully. Seira didn't want Vivian's friend to see how nervous she was, and Seri was doing her best to hide her wariness. Seira was wary, too, but she trusted Vivian, and knew that their friend wouldn't introduce them to anyone who was dangerous. As a result, she was more worried about making a good impression so they could stay with Vivian in the keep than she was wary of the woman they were meeting.

[Zvezdana Venora]

So, Vivian still had the mutt of hers. It was no surprise that the creature had little to no manners and had tried to escape. Maybe it would have been a better gift to get her a well-trained dog, instead of the slobber machine she called a pet. Zvezdana preferred her quiet snake, Cornelius, who lay in the glass box above the fireplace on the mantle. He was quiet, didn’t smell, and comforting when he was held. Pakse, on the other hand, had been all to forward with his happy licks when they first met. Ignorant, smelly brute that he was had ruined her excellent mood upon their first meeting with his nasty, sticky drool.

Snakes were much better than dogs.

“Well, at least Pakse was kind enough to eventually let you arrive. That creature should be better trained with a soldier at the helm. Then again, you probably are far too busy to spend a lot of time with him. At least he is forgiving.” Zvezdana grumbled, having little favor for the beast. If there was one thing she granted the dog, it was his ability to forgive and forget. He was dumb after all. “I suppose you are right. I have found a loyal friend in you Vivian. I can appreciate that. I am glad you could join me, given the circumstances.”

Vivian had given up quite a lot to accompany Zvezdana in her original quest for the throne and then her endeavors to hide from the all of Rynmere. As a noble and former soldier to the crown, she would probably be seen as a traitor herself if they knew of her relationship with Zvezdana. People might even try to exploit her to get an opportunity to drive a dagger into Zvezdana’s neck. Vivian was putting a great deal on the line to be here today, and it was that companionship Zvezdana adored. Aside from Veljorn, very people were willing to take such a risk for her. Vivian was more of a friend than she had ever had in her life. The doom and gloom that the thought brought with it shadowed her face. Zvezdana turned towards the fire at Vivian’s question, focusing on the dancing flames. Her hand brushed her belly as the thought of her baby often calmed her. “I am doing about as well as one would expect after losing my husband, my ambitions, and everything I knew and loved. We can talk about that later. Tonight is supposed to be celebratory. Your birthday is in two days and I am interested in meeting the girls you are sheltering.”

Zvezdana turned back to the girl, inspecting them. They looked similar with subtle changes to their facial features. The hair color was the biggest different. Seira was fair haired and seemed much more submissive than the fiery haired Seriel. “It is nice to meet you both as well. I am sorry I have not taken the time to meet you both sooner. It has been,” Zvezdana paused, wondering how to describe it to such young children. “…an interesting season so far. I hope you two are enjoying your time at Jorick’s Keep and I certainly hope the soldiers are being good to you.”

Having children in an area probably set some of the soldiers on edge. Many had their owner families taken away from them. Cassander had ensured Rynmere that Qe’Dreki traitors would pay for their crimes. What he hadn’t said to people was that it would be the soldiers directly or the enslavement of their families. Many were put on edge as they did not know how their own families were fairing. Zvezdana rubbed her belly again, watching the girls. Would her child grow up without knowing his parents? Zvezdana feared what she may have to do down the road to ensure his safety. Zvezdana smiled at Vivian’s comments. She wondered if pointed words were verbal or with the rapier Vivian often carried with her. The beast inside of her compelled her to hope that it was the latter option.

“Let me know if there is anything the two of you need. I will do my best to make sure that it happens.” Zvezdana was trying, having very little experience with children. Andraska was better with them than she was, but since she cared for Vivian, she felt obligated to care for their foreign children as well. “Dinner will be arriving shortly.”

[Vivian Shiryu]

TITLE

Vivian just smiled at the comment about Pakse's lack of training before responding. "You do know I've been a soldier less than a year, yes? I was still a squire when we met. I've had Pakse for about four years now. Used to use her to chase away the people my parents kept trying to marry me off too." she said, grinning slightly before falling somber as Zvezdana listed what she had lost. The past season had been brutal to her friend, but she grimaced at the mention of her own birthday. "And yours two days past, if my information is correct. I didn't find out when it was until it was too late to plan any sort of celebration for you, and I wasn't entirely sure you would have been willing regardless." she said, before stepping aside to let Zvezdana talk to Seira and Seriel.

She watched her friend interact with the girls without comment, curious to see how Zvezdana was children. The answer, she surmised, was not bad but inexperienced, which Vivian was forced to admit was pretty close to her own. As they were talking, there was a knock on the door. Vivian stepped over to it and opened the door warily. Her own experiences with the majority of the Qe'Dreki forces hadn't been exactly cordial. They seemed to be particularly distrustful of her and the hints she had gotten of Zvezdana's now dubious status in their ranks had caused her to return the suspicion to a degree.

However, it merely turned out to be a pair of servants carrying food. Vivian opened the door all the way to admit them, at which point they acted as if they delivered food to Zvezdana's room every day. After a moments thought, Vivian assumed that it might actually be the case considering Zvezdana's near isolation lately. Still, she hoped that this night meant her friend was starting to come back out of her shell more. Vivian stepped aside to let the two servants leave once they had finished setting the food out, then shut the door behind them and turned back to the conversation at hand.

[Seira Shiryu]

The two adults spoke of Paske, Vivian's giant of a dog. Zvezdana didn't seem to like the dog much. Seira wondered if that was because she didn't like dogs at all, or if she just didn't like Paske. If it were the latter, she would have to be very careful to keep Taerin out of the woman's way as much as possible. Probably Meiryu, and Ryu, as well, since if she didn't like dogs, she probably wouldn't like foxes, or cats, either. Maybe she didn't like any kinds of animals? Some adults were like that. The woman who had given birth to them had certainly hated them, calling them filthy, disgusting things. Then again...she had called them that a lot, too.

Seira glanced at Seri briefly. Her twin nodded once, their thoughts in perfect agreement. They would have to be careful. Animals, or not, Taerin, Meiryu, and Ryu were far more than just pets to them. They were among the only friends they had. And Taerin's tricks had often earned them more nels than just singing alone would have. Fortunately, the three animals were very well behaved. Taerin was a small dog; easily overlooked if she wasn't trying to get your attention. And like her owner, she was wary of everyone outside their little family. She was content to stay wherever Seira called home when she wasn't needed to perform tricks at a performance. Meiryu, and Ryu took their lead from Taerin. The three animals were the best of friends, and Taerin served as the leader of their little "pack." Taerin was quick to obey any command Seira or Seri gave her, and the other two obeyed Taerin, so Seira hoped that no one would object to them staying here.

As the adults continued to talk, Seira learned that Zvezdana had lost her husband, and a whole lot of other stuff...her entire life. Seira knew how much that could hurt; after her parents had died, it felt as though her entire world had ended. Even if their mother hated them, and their father never had time for them, they had at least always had enough to eat. They might have had to skip meals for a day or two at a time for punishment sometimes, but they always knew it would end when their punishment did. Now, they only ate if and when they earned enough during their performances. Most of the time, it wasn't a problem. But there were times, especially in Cylus when no one wanted to stop long enough to listen to them sing, that were hard. Seira felt bad for Zvezdana, but she knew that they couldn't do anything to help her with her loss.

Of more importance to the young girl was the fact that it was apparently Vivian's birthday, too. Or it would be in a couple of days, at least. And they didn't have anything to give her. They didn't have anything to give Zvezdana either, but Seira felt worse about not having anything to give the woman who had taken them in. They hadn't known, and there weren't, exactly any shops here at the keep to buy presents from. But she felt bad all the same.

When Zvezdana spoke to them, both girls were quick to reassure her.

"It's okay. You were busy." Seira said politely.

"The keep's really nice. The soldiers are, too." Seriel was quick to add.

It was true, for the most part. Some of the soldiers didn't seem to like kids much, but they were used to that. And the keep was such a big place that it was easy to stay out of their way. When the woman asked if they needed anything, Seira hesitated a bit before continuing.

"We don't really need anything right now...but if there's some way to help out, then we want to." she said quietly.

Seri nodded.

"To earn our keep, I mean. We're kids, but we're old enough to work."

The food arrived, and it looked delicious. But the girls would wait to eat until the adults told them it was okay. They didn't want to be rude. Seira still really felt bad about not having birthday presents for Vivian, and Zvezdana, so after a few trills' hesitation, Seira made an impulsive offer.

"We could play you a song." Seira offered suddenly.

She blushed at her sudden impulse to speak. She glanced at Zvezdana anxiously, hoping that she hadn't upset her by her offer.

"For your birthday, I mean. We could play a song for each of you. It's just...we didn't know it was your birthday, and..." she trailed off uncertainly.

[Zvezdana Venora]

Zvezdana waved her hand in dismissal when Vivian mentioned her birthday. She was an arc older and still without much to show for her life. She was pregnant, a widow, and now lower on the noble food chain than she had been before. “Pakse served his purpose then as you are still unwed. Does not make him any less revolting with those strings are drool dripping down his face. Let’s not tarry on my birthday. Especially since I detest large celebrations. That was Andraska’s deal. He loved parties,” Zvezdana’s voiced trailed off, her heart feeling a twinge of sadness when she thought to her favored brother. He would still be at Sabaissant pursuing his carefree lifestyle. It was better that way, for her to keep him at a distance. To deter her from the feeling, she focused once more on the children. Vivian occupied herself with the servants as they came in.

“It is good to hear that the soldier’s are treating you and your sister well, Seriel. You do not need to feel like you have to help our cause Seira, but the offer is sincerely appreciated. I only wish you did not feel like you needed to help, but I suppose with the rebellion, many children have been put in a position of adulthood. Maybe,” Zvezdana, for the first time, was beginning to see the consequences of the war that she and Veljorn had waged. “Maybe our rebellion has done more damage then good.”

Had she really begun to learn from the disaster that had been left by the war they had waged. Probably not. The feeling was quickly trumped by the malicious feelings towards Cassander. She had left children without parents, without childhood. He had left her without a husband and her own child without a father. This could be akin to the definition of selfishness, but she resented every Rynmere citizen for stealing her life from her. With a shaky breath, she moved to sit down in her chair.

“I would love to hear your song. How about we eat first? I am sure you are famished. Come, sit, eat. Be merry if that is possible. Then we shall hear your song and share gifts,” Zvezdana was desperately trying to have a normal evening, but it was difficult for her.

The food had been laid out simply. There was a roasted chicken on a decorative lettuce leaf. Another platter contained bread and roasted vegetables. The carrots, potatoes, and onions were cute and colorful, enough to feed the four of them. She expected that Yoreth had allowed the cooks to do as much as they could despite the limited resources the Qe’Dreki were working with. There was even a small basket of sweet cakes with icing, to celebrate the birthdays. She gestured to Vivian to carve the chicken. Meanwhile, she scooped a generous helping of vegetables onto Seira and Seriel’s plates. Vegetables were good for growing girl, right?

“Do not fret that you did not know about our birthdays. It has been a very hard season for everyone. You were whisked out of Andaris and we have been rapidly moved from place to place. Your song will be generous enough. I do have gifts for you two as well. Consider it a very late birthday present or a welcoming gift,” Zvezdana had had them made by the blacksmith shortly after their arrival to Jorick’s keep. At least, once she regained her sanity. She figured it was the appropriate gesture.

“Vivian, where are they placing you in the ranks? I am sure Yoreth is probably skeptical of our skills.”

[Vivian Shiryu]

TITLE

Vivian just grinned slightly at Zvevdana's comment on her dogs drool, but didn't feel any need to comment further on the matter. Pakse could be a pest, a drooly pest at that, but that was one of the things she loved about her dog. She supposed, as a noble, that a calmer, neater animal might have been in order, but Pakse had been an adorable puppy and she hadn't wanted one of the neat and tidy pocket-dogs that she had seen others carry around. Her mother had been absolutely furious about the dog, however. Vivian privately suspected that had more to do with Vivian's habit of slipping the dog into the chambers of her proposed suitors than with any malice towards the animal herself.

She watched Zvezdana talk to the kids as she guided the servants around, and when Zvezdana went to sit, Vivian had already pulled her chair back for her. She did catch her friends attempt to act more normal than she was sure Zvezdana felt, and patted her on the shoulder and smiled. "They make good music. Better than one would expect for their age." she said, giving the girls a warm smile as she sat down. She hadn't heard them sing or play very often, but they were good, there was no denying that.

The food looked delicious and at Zvezdana's gesture, Vivian began to carve chicken and serve it to each member of their little group. Chicken was a relatively small bird, but she didn't doubt that it would feed everyone here, unless Zvevdana's appetite had been expanded by the curse. Or her apparent pregnancy. After a moments consideration, Vivian gave her a little extra chicken just to be on the safe side. "That and you haven't been traveling with us for very long besides." she said to help reassure the girls worry about not having known about their birthdays.

At Zvezdana's question about her rank, Vivian grimaced and shrugged. "The equivalent of Sergeant. My abilities actually do have some back-up, my mentor joined the Qe'Dreki and apparently vouched for me. I think it's more my loyalty to the Qe'Dreki that's in question. No one knew I was part of this until I showed up here with you, plus my family's...lack of a backbone." she said, pausing at the mention of her family before finishing the sentence in a very tightly controlled tone. There was no need to descend into a rant over dinner, after all. "I think the consensus is that I'm very loyal to you, and not even remotely loyal to the Qe'Dreki leaders themselves." she said, before considering it and shrugging. "Which, admittedly, is true. Speaking of, where do they stand with you?"

[Seira Shiryu]

The vegetables didn't phase Seira. She wasn't a picky eater, and neither was Seri. Two kids on their own couldn't afford to be picky eaters; not when there were times when they were lucky to have any food at all. Besides, the vegetables tasted wonderful. The carrots and potatoes were cut into cute bite sized shapes, and the onions were small round things that looked like baby onions. Seira didn't recognize the seasonings that had been used to flavor them, but loved them all. The chicken was moist, and tender. Neither twin had to struggle to eat what they were given, pretending to like it out of politeness. In fact, the opposite was true; the only thing that held them back from asking for seconds was that they didn't want to seem greedy, or rude.

The iced cakes that waited for them at the end of the meal was another reason not to want to fill up too much on the other dishes. Like most kids, Seira and Seri loved sweets of any kind. Their eyes widened with childish delight every time they glanced at the basket of iced cakes during the meal. Sweets were a rare treat for the girls, and they planned to savor every bite when it was time for dessert.

The conversation turned to boring adult stuff. Seira and Seri listened politely, but they really didn't understand much of what was being said. They didn't know what the Qe'Dreki were, other than soldiers of some kind. Their ranks made even less sense to the two girls. The only thing they did know was that the Qe'Dreki must be good people. Vivian, and Lady Zvezdana trusted them enough to come and live with them. And if they liked the Qe'Dreki, then they must be good people because Vivian and Lady Zvezdana were good.

When dinner wound down, Seira and Seri excused themselves briefly so they could go get Seira's hang drum. While in their room, they spent a few bits warming their voices up by singing the scale several times. On their way back, they considered what kind of song they wanted to play. It was a present, so they needed just the right one; it wouldn't be special if they just chose any old song that they could hear anywhere. Creating a new song was the best thing when it was meant for a present...but that took time that they didn't have. Finally, they decided that they would improvise. They would put their feelings for Vivian and Lady Zvezdana to music, and hope that the two grownups would hear what they were trying to "say" with their music. Once they got back, they found a place where they could give their performance, and then it was time to begin.

Seira was nervous as she began to play her hang drum; far more so than she had been for any other performance. She was performing for people who mattered. Strangers passing by on the street didn't matter. They were a means to an end; a source of nels if they played well enough to earn them. Even playing for her classmates wasn't the same as this. She knew them, and if she screwed up in front of them, they wouldn't have ever let her forget it. But classmates, and even the kind of casual friends she had made among them didn't matter anywhere near as much as Vivian did. Vivian had saved her...twice. She looked out for them. And Lady Zvezdana had allowed them to stay here rather than turning them away as she could have done. For those reasons, Seira wanted to thank them. She also wanted to please them...and maybe even impress them a little. If she could manage that, then she could prove her worth to them. Seira didn't have to look at her twin to know that Seri felt the same way she did.

The melody started out slow, and uniform. The notes were played clearly, but there was little variation in the notes she played. This was their life before the two adults had come into their lives. Hard, unyielding, and with little hope of ever changing. After a few trills, Seri's voice joined the hang drum's melody. She didn't sing any words. Instead, her voice warbled among the notes Seira played, adding to the whole.

Vivian's presence within the song was a lively, vibrant melody that crept into the sameness of the girls lives slowly, at first. But her "presence" quickly grew in strength, and this was reflected in the tempo of the melody. The song changed, and seemed to give off a sense of hope, and awe that hadn't been present before. Seira's voice joined Seri's as she continued to play.

It was easy to become lost in the music. Seira's nervousness faded as she gave everything she had into the song. Lady Zvezdana's melody was a slow, mysterious one. The girls didn't know her well, and that was reflected in the melody through a hesitance that wasn't present in the rest of the song. But Lady Zvezdana's melody spoke of power, and nobility.

Seri took over Vivian's melody, singing it wordlessly as she allowed it to mingle with the melody that represented Lady Zvezdana. Seira sang Lady Zvezdana's part while playing the base melody that reflected their life before they'd met the older women. The two melodies grew in strength until they drowned out the hang drum's notes. Finally, the three melodies were combined. Elements of all three still existed, but the result was different, and unique. Hang drum, and voices joined in harmony as Seira tried to put her hope for the future into their song. When it was over, the two girls glanced at Vivian, and Lady Zvezana uncertainly.

"Was it okay?" Seira asked hopefully.

[Zvezdana Venora]

The way Vivian acted around her had always been peculiar. She did not understand the military as much as she would have liked, but the respect that her friend showed her was remarkable. Few others had ever shown her that kind of respect. Venoran house slaves never acted like this around her. They did as they were bid because they feared her, not because they respected her. Zvezdana rolled her shoulder back at the comforting gesture Vivian provided. She scooped some of the vegetables and potatoes onto her own plate before placing the spoon on the platter nearest Vivian. Clearly, the sergeant was a grown-up and could help herself. With her plate full of food, she began to dig in. The meal would have gone well with wine, but Blackwood had undermined her again in that endeavor.

“It is good to see that they can find use for your skills here. They will realize just how lucky they are to have you among our ranks,” 'Our' was a strong word for her to use. She busied herself with her plate when Vivian asked about her stance in the keep. Yoreth Blackwood, previously one of Veljorn's right hand men, had essentially made himself king. They only reason she was permitted to live here was because of the small baby within her belly. Zvezdana swallowed. "It is good to know your loyalty has not gone unnoticed. I wouldn't have it any other way. They need to know where we stand in this place. The leaders don't find me to be very useful at all. They want me to learn to be a soldier. They don't trust me. I am nothing except that woman that will give them the future kind. That is, until Yoreth finds a wife and claims the bloodline for himself. After all, he is the new Dreki Riki."

Zvezdana glanced at Seira and then Serial. This was not conversation to be having around youngsters. She knew what it was like to be raised amongst boring conversation. "There is no need to discuss this now. Why don't we move on to the festivities."

Seira and Seri seemed to take that as an invitation to get whatever they needed to sing. Zvezdana leaned back, rubbing her baby bump with a happy sigh. Nights like these would be few and far between as fugitives. She relaxed while the girls went about setting up, enjoying the crackling of the fire. The first note on the hang drum stirred her from her rest and she rolled her head to wake herself up. Slowly, she leaned towards the girls, propping her hind on her fist. Music was to be treasured. Several of her family members had played music, and this moment reminded her of several of those instants. As she was not a connosieur of music like her brother might have been, it took her a little bit of time to understand what was going on. The drum's notes seemed to blend together. Zvezdana's ear was not as skilled to catch the subtle changes. This was no matter as the music was calming. When the tempo changed and Seri's voice joined in, she felt brighter. Zvezdana even smiled. Clearly something had changed to give this song life. The cheeriness was reigned in, a haunting melody that sent tingles up her spine replacing it. This seemed familiar, but she did not completely understand the power behind the mystery. The combination was a force to be reckoned with and Zvezdana seemed quite interested in how it would end. It seemed to end abruptly, as if it were not finished.

"It was lovely. You both are very skilled musicians. My brother would be put to shame," He didn't know how to play the drums, but that was besides the point. "Now, allow me to present you with something."

Zvezdana pushed herself up, swaying towards the trunk in her room. Kneeling before it, she dug through the clothes. A hint of blood spattered the cloth of the dress on top. Zvezdana casually ignored it, as if she did not see it. She pulled two parcel swrapped in thin brown paper and a pair of knives. She took the smallest parcel and the knives, moving towards the girls. "Be careful with these. Have Vivian show you how to fight with them. I hope and pray that you never have to use them, but I want you to be safe while amongst these brutish men. This," Zvezdana handed the parcel over to the girl to unwrap. "This is mostly for fun. I hope you enjoy it. Do be careful with those stiletto daggers. I don't want to find you in the infirmary."

Zvezdana went and picked up the larger parcel, carrying it to the table in two hands. It was heavy and irregular. "I hope this gift tells you and reminds you of the immense gratitude I have for your service. Your friendship has carried me through this crazy time. I would not be here without you Vivian."

Inside, Vivian would find a chainmail set of armor. It was good quality, better than most of the equipment the Qe'Dreki wore currently. She gestured to a buckler next to the fireplace, the Qe'Dreki symbol painted on it. Zvezdana moved back to her chair while they opened and marveled at their gifts.

► Show Spoiler

Chainmail (Good)	-40 gn
Chain Gauntlet (Good)	-20 gn
Chain Greaves (Good)	-20 gn
Chain Fauld (Good)	-20 gn
Large Buckler	-6 gn
Stiletto Dagger (Good)	-10 gn
Stiletto Dagger (Good)	-10 gn
'A Day in the Wild' Survival Guide	-8gn

All the above items were deducted from my ledger. The armor and shield set are to go to Vivian Warrick and the daggers and book go to Seira and Serial.