Sleepless Nights (open for any to interupt her meanderings)

[Aryienne]

“Come from there Arianna and tell me of your travels through places you should not have been,”
Aryienne peers up at her older brother trembling. She had heard her father bellowing below about her behavior.
“Father will be angry” she whispers
“Let me worry about father. You come tell me of your adventures,”
Aryienne returns Drevyn’s smile hesitantly. She allows him to extract her from her latest hiding place and settle her to his liking on his lap. He looks at her expectantly & she launches into a talk filled with rainbow filled sunbeams, sheer billowing curtains, slippery waxed floors and darkened stairwells.
“…and and and that fat mean boy, you know, the one that came with the silk man?” Aryienne peers up at him.
“Yes Arianna, Porturabo,”
“Yes well, Port…Portu…the fat boy was in the hallway by the kitchen, I was hiding behind that big plant because I took one of cook’s breads and Amile was there too. I heard her giggling. And and him sayin’ I will have the girl, I will clip her wings” Ary scrunches up her face trying to remember unaware that Drevyn was now regarding her closely.”Oh ya!! I will clip those wings of hers and bend that bitch to my will. What did that mean Drevyn? And when will we get our wings? He doesn’t have any, we will get them won’t we?” Aryienne looks up at Drevyn with all the trust of an adored baby sister.
“Enough chatter imp.” Drevyn gives her a pained smile.”You have kept me from my duties long enough.”
He sets her on her feet with a gentle swat to her bottom. Aryienne giggles and skips from his reach. She sticks her tongue out at him and scampers down the hall.
That evening after supper, a servant bursts into the sitting room telling of a duel, called by Drevyn for an insult to his family from Porturabo, the silk merchant’s son. Aryienne runs as fast as her 8 year old legs would carry her, but she arrives at the Triniel Coluseum too late. The duel has started. Porturabo grins evilly and aims for Drevyn’s chest with his spell. Halfway to the mage Drevyn is stopped in his tracks, falling heavily to his knees, his dagger slipping from his weakening grip. Aryienne careens onto the field tripping over her dress, sobbing for them to stop.
“I will have your tasty little sister and I will gobble her up before spitting her out a useless husk,” Porturabo sneers, before leveling another spell at Drevyn.
Her screams echoing in her ears, Aryienne bolts upright in bed with a cry. She pulls her knees up to her chest and burying her face in her arms weeps softly. Almost 20 years had passed, and she could still become unhinged by the thought of that day. Ary bites her lip trying to stay quiet and quell the tremors racing through her. Her family had moved to their home in Morheim, and Ary had elected to stay at the legion barracks. How she missed Drevyn, her heart aching at the image of her golden brother laying still in the dirt and Porturabo gloating above him. He had been the only one who loved her, the only one who didn’t think she was useless. Ary rests her head on her arms and stares out the window, knowing she would not sleep again that night.

[Aryienne]

__The tyga pads slowly across the snow, each step carefully placed to crush any sound into powdery covering. Her head lifts, ears twitching, nostrils flaring as she strives to locate the predator her instincts say is there. The night sounds float along the air, confusing her. A soft chuff escapes her in frustration, her head swiveling back and forth, eyes searching the darkness. A growl rumbles deep in the tyga’s chest, her tail snapping back and forth as a low husky voice breaks the silence.
__"Be at ease, Great One. Is not you I hunt this night,”
__Aryienne drops from the branches of the oak several meters from the startled cat. She pauses crouched on the ground, her eyes still locked on the manor house in the valley below her. Warm light spills from the windows, smoke curling into the night sky. The tyga bares her teeth, but Ary pays her no attention. She moves to the edge of the ledge for a closer look, glancing only briefly at the tyga, who has now begun to slink away. Her hands rest on her hips, talons tapping, as she meticulously notes each guard and possible access to the manor.
__The moonlight shimmering on the snow catches her attention and her thoughts wander to Zen. She wonders what he’s working on. The other night at the tavern had been pleasant, minus the idiots dancing on the tables and Almveig’s tog-headedness. He hadn’t seemed to mind the kisses. Ary bites her lower lip thinking about that, shaking her head at her own foolishness. Of course, she wasn’t quite sure who was more embarrassed, her for actually being brave enough to kiss him or him. A smile curves her lips for a moment, then she sighs. “Get over it Ary. You aren’t going to interest him,” she frowns “There are plenty more intelligent and beautiful women who I’m sure are just waiting for a chance to jump on him. What could he possibly see in a useless woman like you. Just forget it.”
__A pluma screech pierces the night and startles Ary violently. She’s in a crouch with her daggers half way from their sheaths before she realizes what she heard. With an irritated cluck of her tongue, her eyes flashing red, she stands back up and shakes herself angrily. “Useless chit. Going to get yourself killed, musing over a man you can’t have. Ridiculous! Focus on the job!” The mutters continue silently as she sweeps her gaze over the manor and grounds below her. It would do Fae no good if she was discovered because she was caught off guard dreaming about an unattainable man and then married off to that barbarian.
__There was no plan to enter the manor tonight, but you never could tell when such recon would be useful. Already she had noticed a pattern with the guards that would be easy to slip through. Perhaps a jaunt onto the grounds would take her mind off her misguided attraction of Zendrago. A feral smile crosses her face, her green eyes again flashing red. While fun, it would hardly prove practical. She cocks her head to the side with a thoughtful look, then tosses caution into the night and leaps off the ledge into the darkness.

[Aryienne]

~~Aryienne shuts the door to her room and leans against it, sucking in gulps of air. She didn’t think anyone saw her. And hopefully no one had really noticed she was gone for that long. She pauses, thinking. Relic may have. The others, probably not. She wasn’t that noticeable anyhow. She rests her head on the thick wood, focusing on the hard strength beneath her back, allowing the peace of the legion house to ground her. Her hands press against the wood trying in vain to hide the trembling. Finally her body stops shaking and she’s able to step away without falling flat on her face.
~~“Stupid, stupid, stupid!! Idiot Ary! You’re as useless as your father says!” she says angrily.
~~A hiss of pain escapes her as she peels the leather of her armor away from her hip. She gently removes her top, moving slowly, small gasps of pain forcing their way from her lips. She stands quivering as shocks of agony race up her back, panting as the tingles fade into numbness.
~~Jumping off that ledge had not been the smartest thing to do, especially in the frame of mind she had been in. She had been distracted, completely missing things she should have seen. He had baited her so easily, the fat clodworm, bringing up Drevyn and his murder.
~~~~"He challenged me for you, bitch, but you know that don’t you? He thought he could save you from me. *cackles, leering at her struggling against the huge men pinning her wrists to the floor* I told him I would have you. I told him how I would clip your wings, make you sing for me and break you. How disappointed he would be in you. Getting caught so easily *clucks his tongue* *he trails a claw along her jaw, laughing as she jerks away* I told him, as he bled in the dirt, that I would be the first to have his baby sister, the bitch he couldn’t protect."~~~~
~~Ary’s eyes flash red, her fists clenching.
~~ She hadn’t thought, she hadn’t cared, she’d just launched herself at him and his guards snarling like a mad worg. All her training useless. She could handle four lepharists, but a sadistic bastard and his guards left her in the dust. He had rooted her and then had the guards hold her down. Her mind shies away from the torture she had been subjected to at his hands. His arrogance had been his mistake in the end. He had let the guards go, to keep the prize for himself, reluctant to share the defilement of such a treasure with others. And while killing him would have satisfied the hatred in her soul, Ary had left him face down unconscious in the revolting cell he had locked her in before fleeing for home.
~~Ary rubs a hand over her face, and moves haltingly to the chest that holds her looking glass. She takes a deep breath and twists around so she can see her back, her eyes glowing with unshed tears. Her camisole hangs in tatters, streaked with blood and dirt, the thin welts clearly visible from across her shoulders to her bottom. Vivid bruises crisscross her back, several welts caked in blood. A tear slips across her skin unnoticed, tracing a path in the dirt smudged across her cheek as she bites her lip to prevent herself from collapsing.

[Aryienne]

~~Ary slips from her room, padding barefoot out into the courtyard of Vanahal. The moon bounces off the water, the sounds of the night peaceful. She leans against the wall and gazes into the water. Another night of dreams. If this kept up she'd be sleeping away the days instead.
~~This one was different though. No screams, no scent of blood, no mocking laughter. Tonight, Drevyn spoke to her. And this was of concern. Was she so lonely that she hears voices now? His wish for her happiness and to find someone she can love haunts her. As if she didn't want the same.
~~Ary rubs her hand over her face, and tilts her head back to look up at the night sky. She has spent so long running, trying to escape her relatives and her past. She is tired, and simply wants somewhere to belong, someone to care for her just the way she is, someone she could give her trust and heart to. She doesn't think that is too much to ask for. Apparently Aion has other plans, for a strong as these desires are, she wouldn't know how to act on them.
~~Ary moves to the steps and sits, leaning back so she can still watch the sky. Would the loneliness ever cease? Would there ever be someon who called her theirs? The darkness gives no answer nor company but offers some of the solace that she craves.

[Aryienne]

~~~Ary lifts herself off the stairs and wanders back into her room. Tirnam would be at the Coliseum, even though it was several hours until morning. She throws on loose training clothes and shoes, deciding to leave her daggers in the room. She pads slowly through Pandeamonium lost in thought.
~~~After her encounter with Porturabo's dungeon, Ary had gone in search of a teacher. Reluctant to set foot in the site of Drevyn's death, her desire to overcome her weakness sent her within the Coliseum's walls. There she met Tirnam who agreed to train her in hand to hand combat. As of yet, she had nothing to give him in return.
~~~The moonlight filters through the leaves easing Ary's worries with it's grace. A rare relaxed smile eases across her face as her head tilts back to bask in the moon's glow. After a moment of peace, she jogs up the stairs and into the Coliseum. As expected, Tirnam is there.
~~~"Well, well, you have returned Lady Ke'mentari,"
~~~Ary grins. "Came to see if you were any better than last night."
~~~Tirnam chuckles and shakes his head
~~~"You should give up this nonsense lass and find yourself a Lord to marry."
~~~Ary shakes her head and starts to stretch.
~~~"I have no wish to marry, and I most certainly have no wish for a Lord. I would be content with a simple man." ~~~She misses the intent look that Tirnam turns on her, his head cocked to listen.
~~~"Truly?"
~~~Aryienne nods. "Truly. What lord would have me in any case? I am disobedient and unruly. As it is, I have yet to find a simple man who wants me." She smiles faintly.
~~~Tirnam raises a brow as he watches her. "You must be joking?! Someone must want you for their own."
~~~Ary looks up with a negative shake of her head. "Only if they haven't said anything. I am aware of no one."
~~~"Lady Ke'mentari, surely you are aware of what a rare creature you are," Tirnam's voice has warmed, his gaze on Ary's face.
~~~Ary shifts slightly and bends into another stretch. "Tir, I am no rarer than any other daeva in Pandeamonium."
~~~"Then what about you? Has anyone caught your fancy?" Tirnam begins to stretch also, a the while watching her.
~~~Ary flushes and keeps her gaze on the ground. "Perhaps. However, it is hard for me to even think of someone like that. It's been so long since anyone has interested me."
~~~Curious now, Tirnam pauses mid stretch. "Really? You aren't that old, no matter what you look like, so surely you must have some interests."
~~~Ary laughs. "I have interests, yes. But my trust in your gender was shattered long ago."
~~~Tirnam remains silent, hoping she will go on. Ary sighs as she realizes he wants the story.
~~~"I was 17, young, impressionable and like every other 17 year old, looking for love. I found it, and I loved him with my whole heart and soul. For a summer I was floating above Atreia, sure that come the fall I would be engaged to this glorious man. I should have been warned by the fact my father liked him. *smirks* In any case, it turned out that he was a liar and a cheat. I haven't trusted a man since."
~~~Tirnam studies her, realizing that was a greatly abreviated story.
~~~"There are many who are not like him Aryienne."
~~~Ary shakes her head. "I have yet to meet any interested in me."
~~~Tirnam smiles. "Oh, I think you have."
~~~Ary glances up in surprise, flushing at the look Tirnam is giving her. She clears her throat and looks away. "I..."
~~~"Peace lass. You have nothing to fear from me. I know you are not ready." Tirnam says softly.
~~~Ary frowns, looking down. Tirnam pats her shoulder and hops to his feet. "Come, we have only a few hours to train this night! And you wish to defeat this clodworm, yes?"
~~~Slightly less enthusiastic than she had been upon entering, Ary gets to her feet and readies herself for the lesson.

[Aryienne]

"I will clip your wings my sweet. Scream for me little songbird, go ahead and scream" Maniacal laughter rings out

Ary bolts upright in bed with a strangled scream, eyes wide with terror. Her gaze skitters across the room, frantically looking for her tormentor. Evil laughter rings in her ears, a soft mewling escaping her unnoticed. She takes deep gulps of air, and closes her eyes trying to calm herself.

"He's not here Ary, he's not here. You got away, you got away." Tears trickle down her cheeks as she repeats it to herself over and over.

She rests her head on her drawn up knees and sobs.

[Aryienne]

Aryienne sighs as she paces in her room at Lady Grael's manor. It was too hot, too quiet, too everything. After a quick decision she wanders downstairs.

"Jeremi, if Lady Tyridian asks, I've simply gone to the plaza in the center of the city. I should be quite safe there."

With that, Ary strides from the house, her skirts snapping around her legs. Fearful of getting caught, she moves quickly to the water at the plaza. Sighing she sits, bringing her knees up as usual and resting her chin on her folded arms.

She gazes across the water lost in thought, a frown on her face unnoticed.

Even with that man dead I can't get away from him. And now to get Zen in trouble?? What IS that woman thinking! I won't let my father do anything to him, that wouldn't be fair. All his work!

She bites her lip with a small shake of her head before continuing her rant, unaware that she is speaking aloud, although rather softly.

Besides, what could he possibly get out of an arrangement like that? Court me indeed! Anyone could see that I don't need to be courted, already a fool for him, a lot of good it does me. Aion Ary, did you have to be so stupid and let your mouth run away without your head?? Blurting that out like that!! You're setting yourself up for another heartache, and this time there's no ascension to dull the pain, stupid chit.

She pauses with a deep breath, a flash of anguish across her face. So many years and thinking of Trys still brought a fierce ache to her heart. She can still hear his taunting words and feel the break of her heart.

Arianna, maybe this isn't the best thing to do. Trys told you before that you were only loveable for you money. That you were of no use to him or any other man beyond that.

The pain caused by Trys revealing his arrangement with Porturabo slashed through her 17 year old heart and her dreams with a rending that forced her ascension.

This is idiotic. Go to that place in Beluslan, deep in the mountains. You'll have Relic...that was enough before...wasn't it?...Of all the stupid things you could do, falling in love is the top of the list. Run Arianna, before you can't anymore.

((edit for name))

[Isceroth]

Kayhn stood at the far edge of the structural pond before the plaza, staring blankly. He continued to frequent this spot, and he hated that he did. If he ever hoped to make it from Vanahal to Apellbine, he would need to start circling near the docks and moving through the passageway before the Temple of Knowledge, because every time he came this way, he stopped. Every time he stopped, he felt sad, and being that he was typically a very optimistic young lad even in the face of overwhelming adversity, he was frustrated and confused by his emotions.

Without thinking, he leaped in to the water, then began trudging about, causing waves and splashes noisily. He thought of the girl who he once splashed around with in that very place, then looked across the waterway at what he remembered to be the very same girl's form, face buried in her knees, crying. Crying because he was an idiot, and he hurt her.

He sighed and shook his head, squeezing his eyes shut before opening them again. The sulking form in the same place where the petite woman had been before was not her own, but another familiar woman's.

It seemed that he wasn't the only one prone to sulk. He drew in a deep breath, deciding then and there to force himself to act as he normally did. If anything, perhaps the impossible challenge of wooing another woman could take his mind off of things for a short while.

He trudged through the water, over to the worried looking girl. "Airy, right?" he said, reassuming his characteristically devious grin.

[Aryienne]

Ary glances up startled, her eyes flashing as she recognizes Kayhn. Her head tilts as she ponders the reason for him being here so late at night and dripping wet.

"Kayhn." her voice is flat as she has yet to decide how to handle this interuption.

Taking a chance, she gives him a small smile.

"Would you like to sit?"

[Isceroth]

Kayhn tried to think of some way to twist the girl's invite in to some kind of double entendre or witty one liner, but his heart was far from in to it. He had opened his mouth to make up something on the spot, but when he couldn't, he simply said, "Yeah, sure," then strode to her side.

He shook himself off much like a wet dog might, then took a seat beside her, staring blankly at the place he had been splashing before. He shook his head furiously when he caught himself doing that again, then tried to turn his full attention on to Aryienne.

His eyes drifted to her chest. If anything, that would be sure to hold his attention, and that they did. They were quite a nice sight to take in, and they made him smile just a bit.

"How are you two?" he asked Aryienne's chest.

[Aryienne]

Ary rolls her eyes and makes a conscious effort to hold her temper, her eyes flashing dangerously. She frowns at him and debates about returning to Grael's house. Of course that would be boring and she might get some entertainment out of this, if she didn't cut his throat first.

"While I appreciate the compliment, I suggest you actually look at my face when you speak." her voice holds a hint of amusement. "You're less likely to end up with a fist in your face."

[Isceroth]

Kayhn tore his eyes from Aryienne's chest with very apparent difficulty, then smirked playfully at her. He propped up his leg and rested his arm on it, leaning forward somewhat.

"So..." he started. Immediately after he said that, he realized he had little to nothing to follow it up with. He couldn't think of any one liners, because his mind felt muddled and his desires laid elsewhere. Still, he had to try.

"Seen Kit around?"

He bit his lip. ...Not exactly what he meant to ask at all.

[Aryienne]

Aryienne raises a brow her gaze sharpening on Kahyn.

"I have not. And I'm not sure that it is a good idea for you to either. Last I heard she was chasing down Lord Juriel in the abyss as a consequence of your actions."

[Isceroth]

"We didn't do anything," he lied, quickly. "I was just saying stupid things to get a rise out of her. Didn't know that it would..."

Kayhn shook his head, then stretched and lowered an arm around Aryienne's shoulders. "Not important. How about you and me go somewhere a little more private?"

[Aryienne]

Tilts her head back and fixes him with an amused look.

"You really don't learn do you? Very well then, where would you like to go?"

Ary decides to see if the man is simply pushing buttons or actually that dense when it comes to women. Besides, she has her dagger strabbed to her thigh and he couldn't be that big of a threat. She wasn't Kit to get drunk and end up in a man's bed....she didn't think anyhow.