[Krome] When old meets new

[Celeste Andaris]

Olivia Warrick.

A childhood friend of Xander's and a former marriage prospect for Andraska. Former, most certainly for Andraska referred to her in the past tense. Celeste looked between the two of them and there was something more in this for Xander, she did not doubt it. He stopped talking like he had a secret he was not willing to share. Was this a former love of his? Had they shared intimate moments beneath the stars in Krome and dreamed of when they would be together? Celeste felt sudden, furious jealousy rising in her and she could not fully comprehend what it was that caused it.

"Well, it seems that the two of you have two ladies in your lives that you have in common. I expect a better showing of male solidarity next time." Celeste smiled slightly, "Olivia Warrick may be breathtaking, but I will reserve judgement until I meet her which, judging by what you say, I'm sure I will. She starts on a plus, since she obviously has good taste." But if she wanted to get her 'breathtaking' claws in to Xander Krome, Celeste thought, then she had good taste but was shit out of luck. Andraska's description of her as a 'girl' was telling; probably a sugar-sweet little princess who spent her life fluttering from one nonsense to another.

Yes, she decided, she hated her.

Celeste hated to see Andraska suffering like this and whilst she now knew the reason why, to some extent, she was powerless to stop it. Jealousy and frustration at seeing her friend in pain raged through her and then Xander spoke of love and took her hand. Celeste felt his touch and confusion fell in on her. Was he speaking about her? Or Olivia Warrick? It was her, she knew or wanted to believe she did. It was. Her hand squeezed his and the tension and jealousy left her.

Her worry for Andraska did not, though. He wanted to leave, and Celeste could understand it, but she wasn't sure that it was right that he did. Xander's words struck her, though, and she nodded in earnest agreement. "Xander's right, Andraska. You are injured and not at your strongest. Would you consider letting us arrange a carriage for you? You would offer the same to us, I'm sure." She looked at him in concern, wanting to try and make it better but she knew that his heart was breaking and she was powerless to stop it.

[Andráska Venora]

81st of Ashan, 717

Andras was already spinning towards the door when a hand wrapped around his arm and held him firmly, nearly causing him to jerk backwards. He stopped them, momentarily back in the present when he looked down at Xander's hand and into the noble's eyes. His brow furrowed for a moment, unsure if he was being threatened or not before pulling sharply away, “Thank you, Lord Krome,” he said, watching him closer, “But it's not the bandits I worry about.”

It was the demons. The unseen ones that lurked in his dreams and in the shadows. The things he couldn't fight with a fist or sword. Those were the monsters that had haunted him since childhood, the ones that he had rarely found a reprieve from. Now, they were knocking at his consciousness, wanting to consume him and he swallowed as the room felt smaller. Celeste started to talk, but she sounded so far off, that when he looked to her, his green eyes distant and confused, “What?”

It took awhile for her meaning to catch up and he shook his head, “I don't know.” The more they made him the talk, the more trapped he felt, “If you'd like,”. After all, how was he planning on leaving? “I could travel faster if it was just myself, and you wouldn't have to expend any resources on me...”

It was clear he was only offering to ease Celeste's mind. No doubt she knew what was causing Andraska's sudden change in attitude, but she said nothing out of respect to him. In a clearer head, he would have been quite thankful for her, but for now, he just wanted to be alone.

He still needed time to heal.

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[Pash Raj'oriq]

Thread Rewards

A nice blend of politics and interpersonal entanglements. Haha, you can tell these people were really raised in the nightmarish political quagmire that is Rynmere. Loved Celeste's internal gripe against Olivia at the end!

Andráska

Points

XP:
15 | These points cannot be used for magic.

Fame:
N/A

Loot

N/A

Injuries + Overstepping

N/A

Knowledge

Skill Knowledge:
Politics: Promoting Fundraisers
Politics: Ensure A Future For Those in The System
Politics: Adjust to the Political Climate
Politics: Choose The Right Spouse in Political Marraiges
Politics: Hold Your Tongue to Promote Good Alliances
Politics: Good Intentions Can Cause Suspicion
Leadership: Make Tough Decisions When No One Else Will
Discipline: Self Inflict Pain To Keep Dark Thoughts At Bay
Intimidation: Keep Some Details Hidden

Other Knowledge:
Celeste Andaris: In Love With A Man That Hates(?) You
Celeste Andaris: Mother
Celeste Andaris: Easily Jealous

Xander Krome: Politically Foolish
Xander Krome: Doesn't Like You
Xander Krome: Bad Judge of Character
Xander Krome: Rude
Xander Krome: Overly Protective
Xander Krome: Threatened You?

Celeste

Points

XP:
15 | These points cannot be used for magic.

Fame:
N/A

Loot

N/A

Injuries + Overstepping

N/A

Knowledge

Detection: Changes in behaviour
Politics: Small talk
Politics: Political alliances
Etiquette: Offer to help
Etiquette: Correct use of titles
Etiquette: Not revealing secrets

Xander

Points

XP:
15 | These points cannot be used for magic.

Fame:
N/A

Loot

N/A

Injuries + Overstepping

N/A

Knowledge

Politics: Identify a good match
Politics: Relationships are important.
Politics: Political marriages can make or break a family
Politics: Fundraisers are good for being seen
Etiquette: Correct use of titles
Etiquette: Jealousy is an inappropriate thing to show
Etiquette: Give praise where it is due
Interrogation: Asking subtle questions
Interrogation: Being careful about what your questions reveal.

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