#rylien groveshade

A letter came into their hands, the sender's direction and seal clear and brazen. It was immediately collected by the Regent Lord's spymasters and analysed. The envelope contained two separate letters, one to a younger son of an old noble house, and the other directed to the Triumvirate.

  I hope this missive finds you well. I write to inform you that I have received an offer of marriage from an unexpected source, and it is most welcome. I have been made a proposition by Lieutenant Rylien Groveshade of Silvermoon, a man of kindness, decency and honour. He does not come with great wealth; he seems to find all the possession he needs in his horses and his duty. He does not come of high family, but he is of good family, I assure you.

  He has treated me as well as any of our close circle, and with him I feel truly at ease. I know however that old habits die hard, especially in relation to one's children. I would like to bring him to visit the estate and to meet with you, in two weeks time. I think that you will find that he is good for me.

I shall see you in a fortnight. All of my love,

  Melith Durayn.

Mother, I know your habits well. Whatever you find about him, I do not wish to know."

A sharp hand curled about Anadrian's chin as his wife's lilting tones chided him. "You are smiling."

He pressed a kiss to her fingertips, eyebrows twitching subtly. "So I am. You will write to our acquaintance?" "Was there any doubt, dear heart?"

_______________________________________________________

"His breeding is excellent, for all it lacks nobility it is pure," Ianthine commented, flicking through the copies of documents that had been accumulated between she and her husband. Ianthine was clothed in a diaphanous robe that complimented her colouring beautifully as she flicked through another stack of papers. "He is clear of debts, and has amassed considerable assets for a soldier," Ianthine hummed at Anadrian's observation, setting the stack of parchment down before picking up another letter. "He also comes with some sterling recommendations as a soldier. Not for bravery so much as good sense and a desire to see his subordinates come home."

Anadrian tilted his head, gemmed headdress clicking in his hair as Ianthine remarked, "His health leaves something to be desired. As does his age. He is older than either of us, he's even going -grey-."

"Mel'a would lose him sooner that he would like, that is certain." Ianthine mused before rising and strolling to the wide open sides of the room to gaze over the gardens. Her husband rose to press near her back, robes heavy and warm and soft against her bare spine. Sliding a well manicured hand about his love's waist, he ghosted his lips over her eartip.

"But would it be fair to deny him the love of somebody he cares for while they both live?" he asked, and Ianthine sighed as she leaned into the warmth of his arm. "We married young, Thine'a, we have centuries yet to live with each other. Melith will still be hearty and hale by the time Lieutenant Groveshade takes his leave of Azeroth. There is no reason he cannot have his soldier while he may, and find a more permanent match after."

"He has already lost enough," Ianthine murmured lowly, flicking golden eyelids up to her husband.

Farstrider Lieutenant Rylien Groveshade