#Shiverflame

[warrior-cats-rewritten]

50% AU, Version 1, OOTS

The Dark Forest played dirty, poisoning and weakening many different cats, as well as harnessing just enough power to influence the local weather.

(Near enough every cat has a 1 in 2 chance of dying.)

The Great Battle takes place during a massive flash flood. There are many casualties.

Draft 1, current draft: Only canon cats so far.

Draft 2, currently in progress draft: OCs and cats who managed to survive untul this point according to WCR will be added!

Draft 3, next next draft: All name changes complete, as some cats have new names.

Let's begin!

ThunderClan:

Firestar - Dead.

Brambleclaw - Dead.

Jayfeather - Alive

Graystripe - Dead.

Dustpelt - Alive

Sandstorm - Dead.

Brackenfur - Alive.

Cloudtail - Alive.

Brightheart - Alive.

Silverstream - Alive.

Cody - Dead.

Thornclaw - Dead.

Squirrelflight - Alive.

Leafpool - Alive (also Reinstated as Cleric)

Spiderleg - Alive.

Birchfall - Dead.

Whitewing - Dead.

Berrynose - Alive.

Hazeltail - Alive.

Mousewhisker - Alive (how the fuck?)

Cinderheart - Dead.

Lionblaze - Alive.

Lightflower - Dead.

Foxleap - Alive.

Icecloud - Alive.

Toadstep - Alive.

Rosepetal - Alive. (How are all of Daisy's kids Alive?)

Briarlight - Dead. :(

Blossomfall - Alive.

Bumblestripe - Dead.

Dovewing - Alive.

Ivypool - Alive.

Hollyleaf - Alive.

Sorreltail - Alive.

Lilykit - Dead.

Seedkit - Alive.

Ferncloud - Alive.

Daisy - Dead. (Ah...)

Poppyfrost - Dead.

Cherrypaw - Alive.

Molepaw - Dead. (Ouch)

Mousefur - Dead.

Purdy - Alive.

Stempelt - Dead.

Mistleberry - Dead.

Sunkit - Alive.

Frogkit - Dead.

Deershadow - Dead.

Flakewhisker - Dead.

Elmfeather - Dead.

Lynxpetal - Alive.

Tulipfur - Dead.

Elderleaf - Alive.

Snowtail - Alive.

Rainwhisker - Alive.

Shadowclan:

Blackstar - Dead.

Rowanclaw - Alive.

Littlecloud - Dead.

Oakfur - Dead.

Firwish (Smokefoot) - Alive.

Grasskit - Dead.

Waspkit - Alive.

Marshscar - Dead.

Toadfoot - Alive.

Applefur - Alive.

Crowfrost - Alive.

Ratscar - Dead.

Snowbird - Dead.

Tawnypelt - Alive.

Olivenose - Dead.

Owlclaw - Alive.

Shrewfoot - Alive.

Scorchfur - Dead.

Redwillow - Alive?!

Tigerheart - Alive.

Dawnpelt - Dead.

Pinenose - Dead.

Ferretclaw - Alive.

Starlingwing - Dead.

Kinkfur - Dead.

Ivytail - Alive.

Happykit - Alive.

Weaselkit - Alive.

Cedarheart - Dead.

Tallpoppy - Dead.

Snaketail - Dead.

Whitewater - Alive.

Lavenderpool - Dead.

Cranberrynose - Alive.

Smokeheart - Alive.

Nightwing - Dead.

Talonshine - Dead.

Cloverfoot - Dead.

Berryheart - Alive.

Bluebellkit - Alive.

Stoatrunner - Alive.

Muntjactail - Alive.

Pinenose - Dead.

Spikefur - Dead.

Wanderheart - Alive.

Shiverflame (Smokepaw SotC) - Dead.

Snaketail - Dead.

Coalfur (Coal TNP) - Dead.

Lizardsong - Dead.

Wildfur - Alive.

WindClan

Onestar - Alive.

Ashfoot - Dead.

Kestrelflight - Alive.

Crowfeather - Dead.

Owlwhisker - Alive.

Whiskernose - Dead.

Whitetail - Dead.

Nightcloud - Alive.

Gorsetail - Alive.

Weaselfur - Dead.

Harespring - Alive.

Willowclaw - Dead.

Leaftail - Alive.

Antpelt - Dead.

Emberfoot - Dead.

Heathertail - Alive.

Furzepelt - Alive.

Breezepelt - Alive.

Boulderpaw - Alive.

Sedgewhisker - Dead.

Thistleheart - Alive.

Swallowtail - Alive.

Sunstrike - Alive.

Webfoot - Dead.

Tornear - Dead.

Gorseflame - Dead.

Runningbrook - Dead.

Appledawn - Alive.

Rustlewish - Dead.

Drizzlecloud - Alive.

Buzzardsong - Dead.

Fallensmoke - Alive.

Goosekit - Alive.

Willowkit - Dead.

Cicadawing - Alive.

Iciclefang - Alive.

Mumbleheart - Dead.

Almondfang - Dead.

Gingerstripe - Alive.

Loudbird - Dead.

Hayclaw - Dead.

Larkwing - Alive.

Featherpelt - Alive.

RiverClan

Mistystar - Dead.

Reedwhisker - Alive.

Hollowflight - Alive.

Mothwing - Alive.

Willowshine - Alive.

Graymist - Alive.

Troutstream - Alive.

Mintfur - Dead.

Icewing - Alive.

Minnowtail - Alive.

Mossyfoot - Dead.

Pebblefoot - Dead.

Rushwave - Alive.

Mallownose - Dead.

Sneezecloud - Alive.

Robinwing - Dead.

Beetlewhisker - Alive (HOW)

Petalfur - Dead.

Grasspelt - Dead.

Duskfur - Alive.

Curlkit - Alive.

Podkit - Dead.

Mosspelt - Dead.

Dapplenose - Alive.

Pouncetail - Dead.

Tanglingpelt - Dead.

Duckripple - Alive.

Spikeleaf (Pikepaw BOTC) - Dead.

Beechfur - Alive.

Rippletail - Dead.

Jaykit - Alive.

Owlkit - Alive.

Brackenpaw - Alive.

Flutterspots - Dead.

Pinefur - Alive.

Waterfern - Dead.

Tangleburr - Dead.

Blackwater - Alive.

Cloudsnap - Alive.

Primroseheart - Dead.

Hawkfrost - Dead.

Perchcloud - Dead.

Perchwing - Alive.

Lizardpaw - Alive.

Lakepaw - Alive.

Otterheart - Alive.

Shimmercloud (Shimmerpelt RC) - Alive.

Rabbitswoop - Dead.

Lichensong - Dead.

Rainstorm - Alive.

Snowdropfur - Dead.

Lakefern - Dead.

Sheeptail - Dead.

Marshpelt - Alive.

Shadepelt - Dead.

[nyllae-shiverflame]

Eli’yon;

It has been a long time since you and I spoke. Even more since we have been able to come face to face at length that does not require being behind the walls of our grand city.

I fear my letter does not come with casual conversation or more personal and glorious updates but more or less to gather your thoughts and opinions on perhaps myself going to the Starfury estate to see Ethaniel face to face. As it stands, my mother had just passed a few weeks ago and I believe someone should tell him the news face to face; coupled with a few questions. I feel as if though such a conversation between he and I, along with the rest of the family is overdue.

I trust no one else within the Starfury’s name save for yourself. Would you suggest against such a meeting?

Sincerest thoughts; Nyllae Shiverflame

[[ @eliyon-starfury ]]

[novocaine-instinct]

It’s been forever since I’ve drawn cats so I drew a bunch of my warriors ocs... plus a throwback to my first warriors ocs that I don’t use anymore chdjfbekf

Rc stands for riverclan, wc stands for windclan, sc stands for shadowclan, tc stands for thunderclan jfbebflanf

If you can’t read my handwriting (which wouldn’t be surprising):

Carnelianbelly (sweet, lovely, your friend), Rc

Featherstar/Featherwhisker (the gayest) (lorge), rc

Pebblestep (tiny) (bossy... but trying her best), rc

Raggedstem (will calm you down), sc

Aspenfoot (very gay) (southern???), wc

Maggotpelt (evil... Not a good person), wc

Juniperstripe (medicine cat) (trans) (does she express emotion? Who knows), sc

Flowervalley (medicine cat) (super gay) (lisp) (a sweet boy), wc

Goldnose (lorge boi) (your friend), tc

And the throwback to my first warriors ocs:

Shiverflame

Lightshine

[nyllae-shiverflame]

Passing Thoughts

There was only a couple of weeks dividing the now and then in which the artificer took up side work within the collective of people that called themselves Veil of Ashes. Nyllae had done one prior work trade with the Priestess in the past though she hadn’t known the woman beyond that. By now, several crates of elixirs, tonics and potions were being transported to the Ruins of Silvermoon and that bar they called the Smoking Crow.

An odd, rundown name for such a nice place. Why a crow though?

With gentle sips, the Mage sat drinking her tea overlooking the garden beyond the library separated by huge glass windows. Her hard work was finally coming into fruition but there were some stones that remained unturned; tying up loose ends as it were.

Of course she could have wrote a letter to one of her brothers -- half brothers to be more precise, or she could have went straight for the throat regarding Head of House.

Starscythe himself.

The very thought of his surprise caused the woman sip swiftly from her cup in hand.

A large part of her disliked him though much of it was sustained by his absence throughout the years until any reconciliation was too late. Had he ever given her thought?

Who would? She was a woman in a world of men and money.

With a slow blink, the Magus craned her head to the side to regard the small crate at the end of her desk. In times of stress she struggled to find peace, a breath...security. There was only one piece to her peace, and even still that wasn’t something she would admit. Acceptance was a funny thing….

Twisting around in her chair she regarded her work before her, books and ledgers but it was the parchment, quill and inkwell she focused on; setting her cup down to begin penning her thoughts to those who ought to have heard them.

[nyllae-shiverflame]

Be Still. Enjoy the Silence.

For over a year she had been tempered. Everything that she was and thought she knew had come to a slow close and within herself happened to bloom a new being as Nyllae had come to find herself with different perspectives and a more natural course to her life. Never in a million years had she thought herself to be here, in the middle of the woods, a cabin for a home, someone to call her companion, pets -- though more times than not they were like children -- and she was genuinely happy.

She thought for sure that her life would have ended up differently than it had been now but she wasn’t complaining. What was once lavish and noble meetings, countless hours within the Tirisgarde Halls as work was her only hobby and comfort, and having a mass fortune within her lap had -- for the better -- turned into a simple life completely reliant on healing from the world around her. She didn’t need family when all she needed was all around her. This is what she and Amorthon needed.

Even during days such as this when at sunrise she made Amorthon morning breakfast and helped to get ready for the day only to later sit along the porch watching him work. As promised she was the supervisor simply admiring him as he went to work building the garden he had promised her. A garden that would keep her busy and be a large hand in what would, eventually, make her alchemy hut sustainable and to prosper. She could begin growing their own food for the house without having to make so many trips into the city that they both had come to despise over time. He liked the outdoors -- thrived in it entirely -- and she was becoming to enjoy the solace it brought as well, a complete shift in what she had been used to with city life.

Battlefields were also eons away, it felt like.

Drinking from her cup, she watched on with Savage at her feet lounged at his leisure as he too had been taking in the quiet of the woods. Every once in a while hearing the knocking of wood being chopped or the echo of a hammer and scraping of Amorthon sanding, hard at work.

“So should I tell him or you?” Nyllae rose a brow as she gave a pointed look down to Savage. Of course she was met with much of the same expression if one could garner such from animals. The Mage was no master at speaking to animals or knowing about them but over the course of a year and a half she had certainly come to know Cibor and Savage’s quirks.

The tiger grunted at her with amusement and offered a prolonged yawn before getting to his feet and eventually plunking on his arse beside the Mage’s leg which caused her to chuckle ever so lowly and put her cup down.

“Okay. This is what you’ll do…” and her words clipped.

The thudding of the wood continued which certainly made it known that Amorthon had continued his work even though Nyllae had crouched down to Savage’s level behind the railing. Reaching into the pouch of her knitted sweater Nyllae pulled out a set of strings that were knotted carefully to one another and held it out to Savage who took up the item with care by the front of his teeth. With heavy footfalls Savage turned and made his way down the porch and towards Amorthon in the near distance -- it certainly looked as if though he was taking his time bringing it to his Ranger companion.

With her hand over her brow to shield her eyes from the still-rising sun, Nyllae’s other hand made it to her hip to watch everything unfold. Nearby, Cibor had stopped grooming himself long enough to perk up when noticing Savage was on the move and out of sheer instinct, he padded along with a bounce in his step, a dumb excitement of wonder with the headbutt he delivered to the older cat during his course.

Three….

Two…

One.

[nyllae-shiverflame]

💛 for a moodboard about our muses’ relationship

I wanted to compare the two and show their personalities and the backgrounds that they come from but in the end, they come together realizing each other’s joys, work ethics and their home. Just give me any reason to put a cute tiger in anywhere and I’m happy!

@amorthonblackwood

[nyllae-shiverflame]

Green - Was there ever a time in your life that you went through a period of growth? describe it. 

“It is hard to say, physically we all grow though I believe emotional growth is a little more difficult to pinpoint. I like to think I grew sometime after my mother’s passing which has given me a little more space to find myself as an individual. For the past year, there has been plenty of growth, especially since I’ve had a few certain someones gallivant on into my life.”

“Things are calm and easy to adore. I feel a lot more open and being able to relax and be ‘in the moment’ than simply making it from day to day and wasting myself away within my work. I have…someone to smile about now.”

@amorthonblackwood

[nyllae-shiverflame]

Warm Welcome

“The Lady Shiverflame!” her name was announced and Nyllae stepped through the double doors causing Garrelon to stand from the head of the table, “Ah!” her let out, hand motioning towards her and the two others in the room who had been sitting followed suit and offered a bow to the Starscythe bastard, “My daughter, Nyllae.” he made known and he made quick strides over to her side.

“So glad you could join us. I wasn’t expecting you though your company is welcome enough. Come, you can meet our visitors. Lord Vawen Omberdawn and his son Onvai.”

Nyllae was stunned but she done as bid and her head bowed ever so gently in the direction of the two men, “Well met. I certainly apologize for walking in on a meeting.”

“Not at all.” Vawen spoke, “Your father was actually just telling us wonderful things about yourself and your late mother.”

Baffled, Nyllae’s eyes shifted between the three men. It was as if though their last meeting hadn’t happened and her father was every bit the showman that she thought he could be. Yet another simple little trait she seemed to have siphoned from the old man. With a furrowed brow Nyllae angled look towards Onvai and Vawen, “It is a pleasure to meet you both.”

“Will you join us for dinner?” Garrelon grinned as he asked, motioning to the table before the Shiverflame lady, “I have some news for you.”

News? News was never good when it came from one in which she couldn’t trust. Even more so when there was an unpalatable sincerity behind his words and actions. Confused as ever, Nyllae settled for a firm nod in compliance. At the very least she could appreciate the time to dig a little further.

“They seem to enjoy your company.” Garrelon spoke, point of the knife twisting lightly into the wooden surface of the table, “You look distraught, daughter.”

The very word ‘daughter’ spurred Nyllae’s eyes from her half-empty plate, focusing where ever she could which just so happened to be the center of the table, attention at the grain while her stomach roiled with discontent and spite. He hadn’t been in her life long enough to truly know her as daughter let alone call her such. Nyllae gathered herself, pointed gaze ticking towards her father, “I am glad I could show your guests some measure of good conversation.”

“They were here to discuss the prospect of your hand.” “My hand?” “Marriage.” “We have discussed this --” “That does not change the fact you are going to need to continue your mother’s line. You owe her that much.”

Silence found her and Nyllae’s eyes returned to the place in which she had found prior. He wasn’t wrong -- she owed her mother so much and then some, guilt was a hard thing to process but even more with Amorthon gone, she couldn’t exactly whisk him away. It never occurred to her that he could have just up and left -- sure, if he wanted to abandon her that would have been an elaborately throughout plan, even abandoning his tigers? The Mage knit her brow, wracked with confusion. No, Amorthon would never just leave Cibor and Savage, there was something else.

In other times she followed her gut and now? Her gut twisted and wrenched and she knew it hadn’t been from the food.

“You have a choice.” Garrelon spoke out which drew Nyllae’s thoughts and attention away. She liked having a choice, “The registry has not legally finalized you being the sole proprietor of your mother’s estate, land or belongings. Being your father by birth that claim goes to me and in a few short hours that will be finalized and handed over to me.” He motioned towards the door, “All in thanks to some help from our guests at the Registry, I’ve been able to ready things along. Isn’t it great news? You will be able to keep your status without having none of the worry to oversee staff and more intricate dealings of family affairs.”

The table jolted and hands came slamming down, Nyllae’s chair kicked out with a wooden screech, “You did WHAT?!” fire found her head space and she could already feel her skin boiling, “How DARE you.” she seethed out.

“You are my daughter and I aim to take care of you.” Garrelon fired back cooly.

“All this undertaking, for what? Have you not enough?”

“Never enough to build a legacy.” he intoned and he pointed towards her, “Your choice right now is to do as I bid and you will get those lands back on one condition, you must marry a man of my choosing. Deny me and I will burn it all to the ground and shackle you in a room until I find a match for you and then I’ll see that you are married and shackled in an unfamiliar household!”

“You cannot make me do anything.”

“Can’t I?” he asked, “I have the rightful claims and law at my back to oversee your future as your father.”

With pursed lips Nyllae pushed off from the table to leave. No one was going to bind her to their ideals and she certainly wasn’t about to stay behind to hear more of his antics. She had to get back to her lands, warn the staff -- get Cibor and Savage. With Amorthon missing it was no wonder that everything else had to come crashing down when the pillar was absent.

Two flicks of Garrelon’s fingers smoothed through the air and Nyllae’s arm had been seized before she could even step foot from the dining hall, “Wha!--” she looked over her shoulder to her father and in that the manacles found her wrists, barring her from doing anything stupid; anything at all, “You can’t do this!” she yelled out, the three guards easing the lady out of the room and her voice traveled, “I AM THE SOLE HIRE TO MY NAME! I AM NOT YOURS TO CONTR-- GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF ME! I CAN WALK!”

The yelling remained until it grew to a distance muffle and then there was silence. Easing back into his chair, Garrelon found some rest for his aching bones and there had been a satisfied grin on his face, “She’ll adapt.” he mused, a hand coming to refill his goblet with wine and the elder gazed up at his son, “Cerovel, please inform our other guest that his services will no longer be needed. Break his body if you wish but it is his spirit we need to contend with. Regardless of what some might think, hearts aren’t as strong as some claim them to be. Even for men. And do keep this rabble quiet from Macelius, I don’t need him snooping around. Take him hunting, keep him silent and away from the estate for a while.”

@amorthonblackwood for mentions

[nyllae-shiverflame]

No Magic Zone

Nyllae had counted two moons since she arrived from the window in the room and the food came and went uneaten. It was by the time day three rolled around that considered grabbing one of the forks and fighting her way out, long enough to get the manacles off and punish anyone in her way that dared to try and stop her from leaving.

But...there was still her mother’s estate.

“Over my dead body…” she muttered to herself, stalking the length of the carpet she tread upon. She wasn’t about to let her father seize control of the estate, she still didn’t know where Amorthon was and to make matters worse, she knew Garrleon wasn’t bluffing -- he had already taken his own daughter prisoner and took claim of the Shiverflame lands.

If only she had been faster and more thorough. The weight of the pen was far mightier than the word of mouth in this case.

With a furrowed brow Nyllae looked out the window to the treeline in the distance. She knew she was going to be forced to make a choice and it wasn’t one she wanted to do. Forfeit the estate and fight as much as she could or...give in and be able to keep what remained of her mother’s memory.

The manacles at her wrists sung out when she twisted the fork in hand. If anything it could prove as a good enough tool. Would she stab someone to leave, anyone on the other side of that door? Yes. The answer was yes,

She needed to devise something and soon to wiggle herself out of this position and to make for the Shiverflame lands if even it meant to get everyone out. Nyllae gripped the utensil in hand and tucked it back along the belt of her jacket.

Patience would be key. For now.

@amorthonblackwood for light mentions.

[nyllae-shiverflame]

[nyllae-shiverflame]

On Three

By the time the lang of the lock opening came, Nyllae had already ducked behind the door. When the shimmy of the knob came and the face swung open, she waited. …3….2…

The person stepped forward to inspect the empty room and the moment a low: “Fuck” was muttered, the Mage stepped forward grabbing the person from behind, hand clasped to their mouth and a well placed set of prongs from a fork was jabbed towards their jugular, “Scream and I will make sure you bleed out through more than one hole.” With a firm hold, Nyllae’s boot inched back and the door slowly closed. When the click was heard, she leaned in towards the ear of the servant, “I have questions and you are going to answer them to the best of your ability. If you scream, I will sever every cord in your throat until your only words are gurgles and grunts. Not even eating through a straw will be a means to sate your stomach. I have killed people in the past --” “Nod if you understand.” Nyllae whispered and then came a small nod from the man which spurred Nyllae to removed her fingers from over his mouth, one by one and she curled the crook of her arm around his front and throat in loose favor.

“Where is the Lord Starscythe.” “Out, millady.” “Where exactly?” “N-no one knows. He comes and goes as of late without explanation.” “And Macelius, has he been around?” “Not lately but Cerovel and Herl-- ah!” The servant jumped with the prongs of the fork pressed deeper towards his throat.

“What of them.” “They’re keeping a prisoner. They come and go several times a day. Even had me attend to him.” “Him?”

A nod was made from the man within her grasp and Nyllae tightened her hold but just enough to where he could talk, “Some woodsy lookin’ lad that they brought in. I don’t know what he looks like much with the beatings. I go in and offer him draughts and potions once or twice a day.”

“Where?” “The dungeon within the estate. You need keys to even get down there and it is guarded.” “Of course it is. These manacles, can you get them off?” “I can with a spell but the master would have my head if I --” “I don’t think you realize how much of a kabob your esophagus and sinew is about to become, my friend.”

“R-right… I’ll uh…” he lifted a hand to point towards the shackles that kept her hands warded from all forms of magic.

Without preamble she situated her wrist close enough without taking the fork far from its target. With a low incantation from the servant, the click of the manacles sprang and Nyllae pushed the man forward from her person. He certainly didn’t look armed.

While he turned about she shimmied the shackles from her wrists which already bore marks from them being heavy against her flesh for days, “He’ll kill him if you defy him and even worse -- he will cut down everything you have attachment to.”

“Not if I beat him to it.” Nyalle spoke out with confidence and as soon as her words left her, so did a flash of Arcane and the man who stood before her had swiftly been reduced to a simple cat, “No hard feelings, kid.” she added and stepping outside of the room she closed the door. A polymorph could last a good while but she wasn’t going to leave it up to chance for the cat to be released.

Now that she had her magic, she might have a need for more. 

Quickly making her way from the rooms and down the spiral stone staircase, she crossed the dining hall but not before tugging free the steel sword perched above the mantle. It seemed to be a weighty weapon which would have to do. It took some time in avoiding any unwanted glances and attention but she had finally found the large doors leading below. Of course there was a lock upon the handles, barring access but for a well seasoned mage and battle hardened woman it wasn’t too much of a task. Taking the heavy lock in hand, she muttered two incantations which eventually yielded results when the curve of the lock released from the mechanism. At the top of the stairs she held a flicker of both fear and hope within her as she held the sword low and quietly descended the stairs.

[ To be Continued…]

[nyllae-shiverflame]

Diluted

“Do you not know what she looks like?” Macelius asked as he gazed out the window down in to the courtyard. Already the guardsmen were seeing to the Lady Shiverflame from her horse and from the looks of it, she had come alone. Even through the darkness the eldest Starscythe boy could see her platinum hair. She looked far more fair than anticipated, given the letters he had received from his sister, Macelius was certain she might have been a fiery and ferocious redhead. Thoughtfully, he took a gingered sip from his goblet of wine.

“No need boy, she’ll be here soon enough. Sit down. You look like a right fool like that at the window, gawking.”

“I can’t help it. You see the words of someone, seeing their personality first and you find yourself wondering what they look like. We’ve never seen her before. How old is she?” Lord Starscythe sat at the head if the table, sending a sneer towards his eldest son. He ought to have answered for he knew just how long ago he took the Shaverflame maiden into his arms, he hadn’t forgotten the woman even when she remarried. The very thought of the past would have straightened his crippled heart if he cared to linger on the matter. The butt of a sheath slammed down on the floor outside the dining hall twice and the Lady was announced.

Neither of the Starscythe men met their audience at the foyer as Nyllae often was accustomed to. Though such a gesture didn’t seem to throw the woman off. As she was announced she stepped in to the room with a black and red brocade and ebon epaults hung from her shoulders, both hands were gloved and her stark blonde hair was pinned back slightly from her face whilst some lay down in gentle waves. She was not overly dressed and wore no visible jewels to show her wealth. The only symbol of her House was the golden pin of a Dragon long the top left portion of her bosom accompanied by a wooden, handcrafted rose. Every bit regal and well trained, the woman performed a curtsey which was met by a nod from the lord Garrelon Starscythe.

“Lady Shiverflame.” the old man finally addressed her and with a stern tone as he waved to the chair at the far end of the table. Truth be told, she was not at all who he thought her to be. The late Lady Shiverflame was nothing like her daughter that he could recall all thanks to the very blonde hair Nyllae sported. A small seed of doubt settled within him as the elder took is seat across from the Mage. Macelius swept himself in to a bow and he regarded Nyllae, “Well met and welcome to the main Starscythe estate. We are both very excited to see that you finally decided to agree to a meeting.”

A scoff release from Garrelon as he waved a hand towards Macelius, slightly irritated at his son’s rather chiper approach. Nyllae however met her half-brother with a small smile; it was hard to tell just how genuine it might have been received, “Well met and good evening.” she replied to them both.

Macelius took a seat to Nyllae’s left, “I trust the trip wasn’t a long one?”

“Not at all. I quite enjoy riding.”

Garrelon smoothed his hands out over the wooden table before folding them before himself and staring down towards the pair, “When did your mother pass exactly? I would like to know.” his very question demanded attention.

Nyllae refused herself the pointed brow she was determined to make in a stout reply, “Five months ago.” “Was she well cared for in her passing?”

“As well as one could be, my Lord.” Nyllae nearly choked out the words

“Ah.” Garrelon met her with and he cleared his throat, “I suspect you have a great many things to handle since her passing and on her behalf?”

”Debt?”

”A little. No more than most would with the passing of a family member. I don’t recall you making the pyre ceremony.” “No Madam, It would have been ill proper for someone of my status to make a presence to his ex-lovers funeral. As you can imagine and possibly speculate, it was best to keep such rumors at bay. Better for you; better for myself.” he licked his dry lips.

“Of course…” Nyllae forced a smile and ever so sweetly, “What would the common rabble think of it all…”

Garrelon stood from his chair and with a singular arm tucked behind his back and the other primly position into a fist at his front, he began to slowly stalk the table, at a closer distance Nyllae was truly able to see her father’s age. Part of him did look every bit as she imagined. Cunt through and through. It caused her brow to knit slowly, “I have a proposal for you. As your mother’s assets are the minimum and bare bones -- scraps if you will -- how do you propose to continue your household with what is remaining?”

“I am still a valuable part of the Tirisgarde, Sir. I wouldn’t imagine that line of work leaving me any time soon. I also tend to odd jobs for a privatized organization.” she offered. “Do you now? It sounds like dirty work.” “Mercenaries? The jobs pay extremely well and I am accustomed to the line of work that finds me through them.”

Garrelon snorted his disapproval and paused in his walk a moment. Something about him seemed as if though he preferred to be a few heads higher than those around him. At this angle, Nyllae could see the scar over his right eye that placed right through his eyebrow, barely missing his eye socket. He just might have been someone skilled in battle or the battlefield having a hand in the chaos.

Disappointing…

Nyllae blinked as she listened on, “I would imagine your mother would have wanted better things for you. A more stabilized way of life and reason to continue the bloodline she fought so hard to continue. Alas, it is practically abolished just by your birth and for being a female. You can rectify that mistake however by baring sons or a higher house and status.”

“I haven’t any thoughts at current to being a mother.”

“Of course you don’t. Such is the reason why men are typically the traditional sense of noble households, daughter. We’re bred to direct them.”

“I am in need of no such direction. By right I am the Matriarch of House Shiverflame now and the legacy that was handed down to me is mine. I need no man to direct me or what should come.”

“You will need to take a husband no matter what you fancy yourself being. Be it a noblewoman of Quel’Thalas or a common rat among the street, if you are to leave anything behind then let it be a generation to continue the line. Or have you not noticed the small numbers of our people as is?” Garrelon’s voice was already rising passionately, “Was it written after your mother’s death for you to rightfully take that mantle?”

“Father..” Macelius offered with gentle warning, tipping his head in his father's direction and rolling his eyes, he knew how the old man could get in times of business.

“Hush boy, you have your wife and two daughters. You know the way of it and everyone must do their part in this family. Half or not!” he appraised Nyllae a moment who was just brimming with words she was ready to release. Her hands were wrung tightly in her lap just under the table, “You still have a son to bear.” Garrelon so coldly reminded Macelius who glanced down to his hands, “Stillborns do not suffice.”

Nyllae furrowed her brow as she looked between Garrelon and Macelius. She had truly not been this privy to how truly noble houses were outside of her own. Despite her step-father treating her poorly and the stalwart dedication and integrity of her mother in her social circles, this seemed to take the cake. She was truly out of touch on how it all ran, “I will say it again, I have no interest at current for having children. Nor do I have a thought of marriage.”

“Oh come now, you’re still very much a maiden. There are several large Houses that would consider you just by the fact you are my daughter alone.” Garrelon scoffed, “You would do our names a service.” “I bet I would but I am unfortunately not in the business of your business…Sir.” she refused to call him father. Garrelon wasn’t a man she knew.

“You are still a maid, yes?” the Lord of the house demanded. “Yes. Though that is not a business I am not up for discussing.”

The Lord of the House narrowed his eyes slightly and said nothing more. The elder moved silently around the table once more which caused Nyllae and Macelius to go silent, not sharing more than a quick glance at once another until Nyllae finally spoke up, “Is there anything else?”

Garrelon barely looked over his shoulder and there was a small stream of hesitation that Nyllae did not catch, “None. My formal business is concluded with you for the time being Lady Shiverflame. I do certainly hope you will make the time for us again in the future to meet your other siblings. They have been eager to meet you.”

A smile barely twisted to Nyllae’s face to hide the sneer she was just dying to release, “Of course...Sir.” she forced once more, “I will be in touch.” the Mage pushed her chair out and Macelius caught it to help her upon her exit, “I bid you and your household a pleasant eve.” with a bow of her head she turned towards the door and made for the exit, Macelius in tow right behind her as if though he knew Garrelon would have instructed him to do so to buffer any damage that might have lingered.

Lord Starscythe listened to them make their way down the hall and he gazed over his shoulder to the curtain by the doorway that lead down to the kitchens, “I want her followed, day and night and stay out of sight. You will report everything she says or does to me and intercept anything her household may send out. I don’t care how or when, just do it!” he spat and the male within the threshold that went unseen smirked, offering a bow. “Consider it done, father.”

“You must forgive him, he is old and very traditional. Nyllae! Will you just stop?” Finally Nyllae paused and turned to regard her half-brother, “Excuse my candor, brother, but I have been my own person for several years. I have gotten this far on the wisdom of my mother and learning to be independent and run my life the only way I know how -- alone! I don’t need some cluster of men walking in to my life barking orders or suggesting what I should or should not do. Lord Starscythe will not want to meddle with me or my affairs, I have no intention on bending to his wishes as the master of his household. He may have his and I will have mine.” A look of warning flared from her eyes and Nyllae pulled away from her kin. “At least consider it! There is strength in family and in numbers!” Macelius called out to her from the courtyard as he watched her look back one final time before taking to her horse.

[nyllae-shiverflame]

Amorthon

It is very unfortunate that they seen it fit to send you off so soon. I suppose in the spectrum of it all one working man cannot avoid the field his entire life. Myself I wait for any word there might be if the Lady Sun’rael has work for me that might send me abroad. I suspect my methods of travel are much easier than your own.

We all must do what we must for the greater good and if not for that, then for the sake of coin. We will have to ensure time is spent wisely for the two weeks that you do seem to have to yourself before then. We can meet at your earliest convenience to further discuss Cibor if you wish, the estate welcomes you, always.

Be well, be healthy. With admiration;

@amorthonblackwood

[nyllae-shiverflame]

📔 + topic of your choosing (have at it)

I was regretful once in not sharing my thoughts with someone before they left; for eternity. Much of my regret was not speaking with my mother as much as I should have in the last remaining years of her life. Weeks and days even would have sufficed. My only regret now is not saying the things I should of while they were on my mind or ask the questions I now think I ought to have.

Perhaps I am too use to keeping to myself, holing myself in my estate and only tending to business that I have completely forgotten what it is like to hold a relationship with someone. I’ve only had a relationship with my mother, how can I compare that to anything when for much of that relationship with her I was neglectful? How can I go forward and offer myself to another who might be disappointed in the end by the same habit of neglect? It is a hard battle with oneself to avoid the habitual path and comfort. I know these things should change and I actively try, I fear now hurting those around me as I am far more awake and aware now than I have been in years.

When did I become so alone in my own head?

Why didn’t I tell him how he felt before he left? He could not come back and I believe that would be a devastating blow. Having not said all the things I should of before a loved one left. I have not learned.

Is it a matter of the lesson being lost or is it something else? Does committing myself fully to someone scare me and can I fix it? I imagine Amorthon too has his own commitment issues of feeling rejected or left behind since it has been a recurring theme with his past relationships. Do I too have fears and doubts that keep me from a special level of commitment to another?

I would like to think not.

It has only been a short while but I often think of my time with him and what could be and less and less of how my life would fair without him. At this current juncture he is the very flame to my soul and one I have been needing my whole life. Perhaps it is simply his affections that have turned me over for the better to truly accept what affection is suppose to feel like outside the grasp of a parent.I have been thinking of thoughts recently that I have never considered nor shared with anyone before, not even Amorthon. Perhaps it is wistful thinking and just a product of what is missing in my life but I hope I can make him happy. I see a big house and a land in peace for some time which has been long overdue, I can see us being happy, perhaps with children and growing old together if he would have me in to such a role. Were these the things I missed out on, that younger teen girls dream about while I was hard in to my studies? Are these the aspirations that comes with being a woman and what society expects or is this a product of…affection? Love?

My family father would never accept him.

I needn’t known them all my life to make that accurate assumption as it was clear in the questions Lord Starscythe posed and the look in his eyes. Lowborn folk are of no interest to his overall desires. I think much of the old ways and traditions have not been completely obliterated over the years but I suspect me being my own person and having my own rights would not stop Garrelon’s ambitions. Perhaps my own ambition stems from his, the one and only good quality my father might have seeded in to my being.

I dare whomever to step forward to try and pry that future from my hands as I will not relinquish it while I still breathe.

[nyllae-shiverflame]

While you were out

The outing she had been a part of that afternoon wasn’t as long as she had would of liked it to be. While she had taken the time to learn something new and dabble in what made Amorthon every much of a Ranger as the next, it still didn’t quite quell her desire to remain longer. Taking time away from the estate, paperwork and blueprints to remodel the damaged wing of the property was much welcomed but there was very little time she could tarry on the projects at hand. Nyllae did promise to return her mother’s fortunate and assets to all their glory. To some degree she began to turn into a woman who hid away, remodeling and building upon old, ancient bricks and rocks of the Shiverflame estate. There was a certain enjoyment to making things bigger and better than what they were for the old manor.

The walk from her company and his two tigers left much to be desired but responsibilities were afoot and she knew it well. As Nyllae walked through the gates and into the foyer of the large manor she was met with quizzical gazes and lips damn near bursting at the seams with questions. At every turn she could feel the entirety of the staff on the balls of their feet as they waited eagerly for any word, information and indication to her outing proceeded though they all went unsatisfied. Tenj’la was quick at her mistress’s heels as the pair climbed the stairs to the eastern wing of the manor, “Missives came for you today M’lady while you were abroad.” the woman paused and adjusted her spectacles, she lingered half hoping Nyllae would bite with some information but none came and the woman eventually held out the letter to the Lady Shiverflame.

Rounding into the study, Nyllae took off her cloak and draped it along the back of her chair before settling in to it, flipping the letter over in her grasp, “Speak of the devils…” she scoffed at the blue and silver seal that pinched the letter tightly closed.

By the door, Tenj’la stood at her Mistress’s beck and call should she had required it. Silent as the grave but her head was abuzz with trying to keep herself from blurting out rapid thoughts and questions while Nyllae read through her letter. Nervously the woman wrung her hands along the cloth apron at her front until finally -- “Fancy that…” Nyllae spoke and Tenj’la nearly jumped out of her skin. “Madam?” “Months later and my brother still presses for a meeting.” “Do you not think it best to get it done and over with?” “I just might have to else I will be hounded to the ends of Azeroth just to be in the same room as that man.”

Tenj’la went silent once more and stayed at her station while Nyllae quietly went to work at preparing a letter. With great care and an elegant hand, the Mage began to pen her reply.

Dearest Macelius;

I understand your keen reasoning for wishing me to meet with your father but I still see very little purpose to the meeting. One would have thought he to be content with the three boys his late wife had already bore him before her untimely death, there should be no interest in me if it is, even as you say, to bring me in to the family in which I had gone my whole life not knowing until recently. If it were not for your stout determination I could leave peacefully and happy to have you as my correspondence to the Starscythe family and none else as non else has bothered to find me. For that, I do owe you thanks in your caring heart. For your honor and to save you stress I will agree to meet with Garrelon at your request. I can only say that it isn’t an adamant wish of mine but depending on the meeting I cannot promise it will become a regular happening. I await your decision on a time of day so I may be prepared adequately. I sincerely hope your health has been with you and all the luck in the world has followed your back.

With care;

A long sigh escaped the Mage as she looked over to Tenj’la while going about sealing the letter, “I do not like this, not one bit.” “You are just use to your way of life and none other, being unbothered by family affairs.” “My gut tells me otherwise.” “Does the man with the tigers know of your family?” “Yes, I have discussed with him several aspects of what I know.” “Is it serious?” “I would like to think so, at this current juncture we are both committed to this relationship.” Nyllae replied in confidence, “Where it takes us will be anyone’s guess. His name...is Amorthon by the by.” she offered with a coy little smirk to Tenj’la at the door, “A ranger to be precise, he taught me how to use a bow today to which I would like to have a small practice area in the garden made so I made develop these skills I was taught today. See to it that master Einuel is aware of this?” she asked while handing the letter to the woman.

Without pause, Tenj’la scurried forward and took the mail and offered a quick bow.“Right away M’lady.” As Tenj’la left the room, Nyllae rested back in the chair staring at the portrait of her mother above the fireplace, her hands fussed with the paperknife whilst thoughts flooded her mind for the remainder of the evening and not a soul dared to disturb her.

@amorthonblackwood for light mentions; maaaaybe.

[nyllae-shiverflame]

Walk in the Woods

Amorthon took a moment to reach up to push a stray branch out of the way as the pair walked. "I know this particular trail quiet well. Though that step back there usually doesn't give me quite that much trouble." He glanced down at her for a moment, before focusing on the trail once again. He continued walking for another few minutes before finally slowing as a structure came into view. A small cabin, well isolated from the city, and even to some extent the rest of the woods. He guided her around to the front, relieved to find the two tigers lounging on the porch, and gently kicked at a few scorch marks on the ground, and what was left of what looked to be a large bonfire. "I've seen your estate, and you've asked about my 'home'. This was home, for a time. Now, just an empty house."

"I had no idea. I suppose it would have been safe to assume we would have been on a walk in a location you knew well enough or could navigate." Nyllae followed after still allowing him to lead at his leisure. She wasn't prepared to find a cabin in the woods though she did know of it through story.Following after the Ranger more she did a careful glance to the tigers as if to get a quick head count. It was almost second nature by now. There was a moment she paused and turned to look around at the heavy covering of trees and bushes. It certainly looked like it went unkempt to some degree. "No one claimed it and when was the last time you remember being back here?" she dared to ask looking to Amorthon though she was sure on the answer. “A year, maybe two years ago. I had thought, at one point, to start from scratch. I emptied all the furniture from the house and burned it all. I was feeling a bit lost at the time.” He glances over the structure and then back to her. “It’s easy to see I haven’t been here in quite some time, but before....everything, when I was younger, this was my haven, my escape. I built the cabin later. I thought, perhaps, it might be nice to have some positive memories attached to it that weren’t from my childhood, rather than only those of the painful variety.”

Nyllae thought hard as she looked over the structure. It seemed to be very intact and a quaint little area, "They say that success is built upon the foundation of failure. Perhaps thinking positively about it is harder now than what you once felt for it but that doesn't mean it can't still be meaningful." smiling she turned to Amorthon, "Sometimes it just needs a new angle to appreciate it from. You have painful memories here, I...know that is a large part of your past. You came back to a place you called home only to find it empty." The Mage licked her lips and she thought long and hard for a brief moment before moving. She climbed whatever steps there were and passed the Tigers on the porch and there, by the right side of the door, she stopped. Her back was turned to Amorthon as she rummaged along her belt for a moment and looked to be working on something. Fixing it maybe?

This caused the Ranger to quirk an eyebrow, watching her from the bottom of the steps. He tilted his head in curiosity as he reached down to pet the top of Cibor’s head - as the cub and plopped down at the edge of the steps. “What are you up to over there, Nyllae?”

"Giving you a different perspective." she added and she continued working at the right side of the threshold. Something told her he was going to kill her for it. In truth, some might of seen it as defacing property or squashing a memory though in her mind...what else could be done to the place for Amorthon to avoid it more? Finally she stepped back and in her left hand was a small knife, likely one she carried on her person at all times and one she used for cutting the stems of herbs she came across in the wild. As tacky as it was, there, in the wood right by the door was their initials, "Bad pasts have a hard time of letting go of making us feel like we are less than we are. If we cannot lift ourselves up then maybe we need help and now...well..." she turned to basically present her artwork, "You now have a reason to come home and someone to come home to. "

He moved up the steps to inspect her work, before turning to her with a small smile. “So I do...”He turned to press a kiss to her forehead softly before reaching for his carving knife and holding his free hand towards her. “Come here...no need to do things in half measures, hm?”

Blinking in surprise she felt the kiss to her head and eventually relinquished her free hand to his. She was completely baffled she didn't just bonked for doing what she did or -- for what could have happened -- a tongue lashing for just brazenly doing what she wanted to his structure. Part of her was still very weary of the fact it could still happen and so, she stepped closer waiting to see what he was going to do since it was in half measures. Was it really that terrible?

He stood behind her, arms slipping around her form. He eased the carving knife into her hand before moving his own over hers and guiding the knife to the wood. The shapes were distinct enough as he carefully ‘helped’ her carve  around their initials. He settled his chin on her shoulder as he focused on connecting the two carved hearts, on surround his initials, the other hers.

It was like being taught to paint, or well -- carve! She hadn't truly been this close to a man before let alone anyone in her life and even her own mother paled in comparison. She blinked her eyes trying to bring herself a little more centered and with the gentle weight of her chin she focused on the two of them adding to what was already present. It was a moment, a nice one and her heart raced though at that very moment she had to break the foreign feeling and so she decided to offer a jape, "Sounds like you've done this before, Mr.Blackwood. Just how many women do you take out into the woods to carve wood with?" NOW she was teasing the poor guy.

“You’re the first, Nyllae Shiverflame. Anyone else I’ve been with knew this place existed, but they’ve never seen it.” He reached his free hand up to brush away any extra shavings from the carving before turning his head enough to kiss her cheek softly. “Besides, do you see lots of other initials carved in the doorway?” He settled his chin on her shoulder once again.

@amorthonblackwood