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Prayers and Gossip

Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2023 10:46 pm
by Korvaelis
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Korvaelis Dahshida

Korvaelis thought about the night of the Black Wedding often. It was hard not to think about it sometimes. The event was a traumatic experience not only for him alone but for an entire nation. A nation that collectively experienced death and violence together. From time to time, that night played in his head and the thought of something happening to Aki—to any of his children— was becoming overwhelming. Korvaelis knew he had to sharpen his own skills, it was time to learn how to protect his own. In the meantime, he began strengthening his own relationship with the Dahshida household. Since the incident, the Great House has shown an immense amount of support to their own people as well. So it has become important to the lord to continue building his relationship with them. Unfortunately, Akiba Dahshida somewhat isolated his home from his family, building it a little out of the way of Yorunorei. So it’s a hassle visiting the family’s estate. Especially since it’s hidden within the mountains and Korvaelis did not have any flight transportation.

He learned to get around anyway.

Some time ago, Korvaelis used the Black Wedding as an excuse to leave Aki with his immediate family for a year. It was a confusing year for the young Avialae and his caretaker and soon Korvaelis was receiving requests to visit Yorunorei more often than in the past. Aki didn’t want to express his longing to go back home, however, it was obvious. The widower would quietly have lunch with Aki or sip tea during the boy’s training sessions whenever he’d visit. The two didn’t necessarily always interact and Korvaelis’ presence alone would suffice. Soon they’d reunite under the same roof, a joyous day for sure too, but Korvaelis was made aware of the balance Aki needed in his life. Especially at such a crucial age.

Taking his parenting role a lot more seriously, Korvaelis marked specific days on his calendar to take Aki into Yorunorei. He started to familiarize himself with the estate and took note of certain Avialae. Aki’s uncles, cousins, and even his grandfather could not be available to him at all times to help mentor him. So Korvaelis took it upon himself to find men who could make up for their absence.

Today, Korvaelis found a Skyrider that had time. The lord interacted with Skyriders most, he knew a good portion of the Icewing riders from passing conversation or personal visits to check on certain Icewing Eagles he’s healed in the past. It didn’t take too much convincing since most felt honored to look after Aki and teach him a thing or two. Many looked up to the Dahshida family and he could tell there was a lot of respect for the Daizoku as well as his family.

“He said he’d meet us here,” Korvaelis told the large child as he cradled a sleeping baby. The two of them approached the training grounds.

“I don’t see him.” Aki looked around frantically for his new mentor. “You sure…family!”

Aki pointed out a small group approaching the training grounds too. Korvaelis could make out a couple of Avialae that were somewhat small, so he assumed they were children. He didn’t even see the petite human woman until they grew nearer.




6th of Frost, 123

Re: Prayers and Gossip

Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2024 6:12 pm
by Korvaelis
Image
Korvaelis Dahshida

The two groups of people stood in parallel lines, Korvaelis’ group appearing much smaller. Because they could be considered the leaders of the groups, the petite woman and Korvaelis faced each other. The woman was a stunning human being with short glossy hair pulled back to show off her lovely round face. She also wore a dark wine-colored kimono and lovely red jewelry to match it. The woman was grinning at Korvaelis and so he could not help but to do the same thing. The widower bowed his head slightly which was an indication for Aki to do the same thing. The other Dahshida members followed suit, returning the favor.

“It’s good to see you again, Aki.” The woman broke the silence with her elegant tone in Synskrit. She turned slightly to face the child. “You’ve grown so much.”

“Barely.” One of the young Avialae murmured then smirked at Aki. The boys erupted into laughter. They decided to toss off all formalities before surrounding Aki and taking turns rubbing his head and babbling at the boy, who was much shorter than his cousins.

At first, Korvaelis was concerned. He must’ve had an alarming expression on his face too as he watched the Avialae children begin to tussle a bit because the human woman moved closer and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“They’re like this,” She told him.

Aki cracked a smile before pushing and shoving the others, proving the woman right.

Korvaelis eased up a bit. It was nothing more than another sign that he should be around a lot more. He knew Aki would be really close to other family members, but he was never too sure which ones. Except his grandfather, maybe. He’s distanced himself so much that he wasn’t even sure about that either. The Daizoku had taken his grandson under his wing so many times, he lost count. Korvaelis never asked too many questions either or how Aki felt about it because Korvaelis didn’t want to cross any boundaries. But he could see that wasn't right. He should have more interaction with the family.

“I see,” Korvaelis responded in Synskrit. “Such an odd way to show affection, huh?”

“My boys don’t like being typical about it. They’re all too tough for that.” The woman answered.

My boys?

Korvaelis did a good job hiding his shock this time. He counted at least four boys and some looked to be almost teenagers. He tried not to take too many glances at the woman, but she looked so young. Korvaelis wondered…what’s her secret?

“I am Korvaelis. And you, my lady?”

“I know who you are. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Anyka.”



6th of Frost, 123

Re: Prayers and Gossip

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2024 6:12 pm
by Korvaelis
Image
Korvaelis Dahshida

She is an interesting woman.

That Anyka.

Korvaelis is terrible at making friends and perhaps that is something he should work on if he ever wants to make any real connections outside of the one he shares with a certain redhead man. However, Anyka has been kind enough to take, initiation. The two took a moment to oversee their sons’ training and Korvaelis found that Anyka had taken a great interest in their household’s values. The woman played the role of a delicate flower well, beauty and all, yet she knew a lot about what it takes to be a soldier. An overwhelming amount if you asked him. The lord probably displayed how he felt about her words in that moment too. Shortly after she described battling tactics, Anyka offered to host in the main house and he just couldn’t say no to her.

That too was a short interaction. Still, he admired her hosting skills. Everything was put together in a moment's noticed and he enjoyed how Anyka took charge of something as simple as a luncheon. She made him feel so important and catered to his needs. She reminded him of his status too and even found a caretaker for little Garnet. Is she the sort of person his brother wanted him to become? If so, he could see the value in such a person. Korvaelis heard rumors of Anyka, the name rang a bell shortly after they introduced themselves. The woman is a revered household member and she has a clean reputation. In a sea full of diamonds, she was an ornamental jade. Polished, outstanding, and smooth to the touch. An asset to any nobleman. He was thankful to witness it with his own eyes rather than only hearing about it whenever he was eavesdropping. Most importantly, she was a beautiful person and not just physically. Anyka had a glow to her that he both liked and secretly envied.

“You should see my sanctuary.” Korvaelis couldn’t help but toss his hat into a conversation they were having about the Icewing Eagle riders. The lady just knew so much about the family’s military power and impact on the city. He could tell she wanted to delve deep into it and have a pleasant political conversation. Unfortunately, he wasn’t equipped for that. “Lord Akiba was once trusted with looking after injured eagles. I want his legacy to live on, so I’m trying to do my best to keep up with what he started.”

“I’ve never seen any up close and in person,” Anyka looked down in deep thought, “let us go to it. Your sanctuary, I mean.”

~~

The Korihane were something to boast about, however, Korvaelis didn’t show many the little sanctuary his deceased husband had built for them. Few have seen the ones he has taken care of and Anyka would be one of them. Only because she was a part of the very same house. It was her right, wasn’t it? To at least witness the sheer beauty of the bird their house had taken on and promised to protect.

“He’s a beauty.” Anyka marveled at an icey eagle nestled in a straw pile. The bird seemed to agree, blowing a weak gust of cold air in her direction.

“Isn’t he?” Korvaelis placed himself between the woman and the bird as a barrier. This particular bird was somewhat old, awaiting instructions for retirement after an accident. The Korihane’s mobility was limited, but the lord didn’t dare to undermine his capabilities. Even as he showed signs of being calm and content. “I always tell myself I’ll ride one someday.” Korvaelis scanned the bird with his eyes, looking for any cuts or bruises that he might’ve missed out on. He couldn’t help it.

“You’ve never ridden one? After all these years?” The lady asked as she turned her attention to him.

“Well…no. I’m not allowed to if we’re being honest. Truthfully, I don’t think I was even supposed to take care of them if not for Akiba.”

“You don’t have a rebellious bone in your body. Bless your heart.” The woman was half-joking.

It stung a bit anyway.

Korvaelis never thought about riding the birds. It seemed off-limits to him and she was right, he wasn’t the rebellious kind. He’s made mistakes, but the half-elf has never done anything on purpose. The lord did his best to respect the boundaries placed in front of him.

“Well, do you?”

“What?

“Do you have a rebellious bone in your body?”

“When I was about your age, sure.”

My age? How old are you? His mind couldn’t help but wander to her physical appearance for a split second.

“Hm…I guess I should try. Shouldn’t I?”



6th of Frost, 123