#vanosa

"Father?  Father, don’t—"  Yyanthe physically blocked his way from entering Vanosa’s home.  He stumbled back a little and looked surprised at Tebryn’s strength but yet, he held firm.  "You shouldn’t go in there."

"Unhand me, Yyanthe.  She is our dear friend."

"I know."  His son’s voice softened as it did when he was speaking to victim’s families.  Usually Tebryn liked it, liked the sympathy pouring out of his son—liked that his son was capable of it.  Now he hated it.  "But I don’t want you seeing her like that.  I don’t really want her children seeing her like that."

"Yyanthe, if you do not let go of me this instant—son or no, I will—"  A strong hand took hold of his shoulder and made him stop uttering the threat. Chazsmyr moved around him and touched Yyanthe’s shoulder.

"Let him go, Yyanthe."  Chazsmyr said gently and Yyanthe nodded, releasing a breath he had held when his father began threatening him.

"She’s in the garden."  Of course, she was.  She would have tea there on good days.

As soon as his son moved aside, Tebryn rushed into the garden with Chazsmyr at his side and stopped as soon as he saw her.  Blood pooled under and around her body but scratches and markings on her body indicated that she hadn’t gone down without one hell of a fight.  He smiled at that, though he didn’t really feel like smiling.  ”Do not worry.”  He knelt beside her body and moved the hair off her cheek.  ”Please do not worry.  I will be sure that you get justice.”

The last part, he wouldn’t say.  He refused to say although guilt—funny how it still affected him, undeath or not—guilt weighed his shoulders down.

 (I think it was drink me, damn this shady messaging system) I hope I did her justice ^^;;; Haven't written in awhile

After she's poured tea for both of them, he says, "It is so good, Lady Vanosa, to find one other who has survived to this day and age."  He waves off her offer of sugar and milk.  "Thank you.  I have heard of your husband passing away.  Forgive me for not sending word earlier and do let me offer my condolences now."  His voice is smooth as silk and any untrained in the artful noble way of speaking would've been lured in and believed that he was genuinely sorry that she suffered such a loss. 

But she is a smart woman.  He can see it in her eyes and in the way, she smiles.  Calculated to be slightly sad.  Just enough sad for to be socially acceptable.

 Lady Vanosa drops her eyes down to her teacup to make sure nothing spills as she takes a sip.  "Thank you, Lord Tebryn."  Because she knows that he did not show up to the funeral nor even took the time to show up late either.  "It has been a difficult time but we are all doing well despite it."

"It is for the best.  But enough sad talk, tell me of your children.  I have not heard much since I last met with your Lucrezia."