Dearest Kaevia,

I won’t take much of your time as reading this is likely of little import to you as I have heard you have quite moved on with your endeavors and are one successful businesswoman. 

We are currently docked in the harbor in Durotar, thankfully the Orcs have allowed us a day here before sailing across the divide back home to the Eastern Kingdoms. By the time you receive this, it is most likely we have already set sail that way. 

I will not lie when I say that news from Elenaris making mention you would enjoy a visit once I return did not lift my spirits and bring a smile to my face, though as it stands I will simply see it as that. A visit between old friends. Our history runs too deep to forget anything between us and yet it would seem fate always finds a way to rip us apart. I am living my own life now, I have renounced my succession to the Eventide line, relieving me of proper duties to Elenaris and her orders, no matter the good place they come from. 

This is far too much already, though, as I did say before that I would not take too much of  your time. 

I leave you with a gift that hopefully makes it to you safely. While pulling in our nets one afternoon, the sun setting across the sky, I found a clam. With little expectations, I opened it, revealing the most lovely pearl. I had it fashioned into a simple necklace, one I felt was made just for you. 

Do not feel as though you must wear or even accept it, but the beauty of the gift reminded me of your own. I fear my words are silly and rival an overly written romance novel, but that does not remove any truth from the either way.

I hope you are well and I will see you upon my return.

With love to this day,

Vel’adir

P.S. Eleney’a misses you and sends her wishes. 

P.S.S. The ship sails beyond my imagination. I wish you could have been with me.

@k-sunrael

The plans for the Eventides had been set in motion come time that Vel’adir and Dymere were called upon to meet their Matriarchal sister, unknowing at the time that they shared a bloodline. The hour would be around noon as the two came to the door that led into Elenaris’ study. Vel’adir’s immediate response to the unfamiliar man came in the form of a rather brooding chest and gaze that looked over him curiously as Cindel broke through the space between them to open the door.

“Lady Eventide will be a few moments, my Lords.” The little mage spoke in her sweetly soft tone before gesturing for them both to step inside the study.

The blonde knight furrowed his brow, quickly glancing from Cindel to Dymere in confusion. “Lords?” Once more his jade hues looked the man over, taking note of little details of not only his demeanor but his attire too. With a heavy sigh, he allowed himself to step in front to move through the entrance well ahead of the Spellbreaker, almost rudely so. “I cannot imagine what purpose my sister has for calling you here upon the same time as myself, though surely I suspect it will be worth the wait.”

While typically his form was fitted in the crimson and gold armor of their House, Vel’adir wore a garb that was much more comfortable for his time around the Manor. Leather boots covered the ankles of well woven breeches that held a clearly silken shirt tucked into their tops. “Perhaps we should exchange names before she arrives. Lord Vel’adir Eventide, I do welcome you to my home, while surprising enough…” He began before gesturing to a seat that sat opposite to where it was obvious the Lady of the House would be taking her place.

Compared to his brother, Dymere looked a ruffian, with half of his long black mane drawn into a lazy bun, the rest loose at his shoulders, and a untraditional beard to their elven kind. Two ritualistic crescent scars hooked from brow to high cheekbones. He was a big elf with wide shoulders that held more bulk than some; truly, he looked the type to be at the front lines for a reason. Despite the seasoned look about him, his eyes still held warmth and the notes of crow’s feet that crinkled with his amused smile which he graced the blonde with even after he was cut in front of. Water off a duck’s back.

His attire consisted of a dark leather tunic atop a white shirt, drawing out the color of his sun-kissed skin, a trait usually shared by workers or peasants often baking in the sun. At his brown leather belt, Dymere held a ritualistic knife kept safe at his hip with a pouch and a rolled vellum. Really, with most of his body deliberately covered, it was hard to see just exactly what he was. The most expensive piece of clothing he wore was perhaps his supple doeskin leather riding boots, which have been stained as dark as they could.

Dymere’s overall demeanor was a warm one. The scarring on his face clearly did not bother him, nor his brawny size as he grinned and stepped up to the other nobleman. “I knew it,” he claimed as he looked Vel’adir over, smiling like a cat who had gotten into the cream. “It is about time we met, my brother.” Within a moment, the big elf was embracing him, clearly not concerned about the rules of personal space. Warmth radiated from the beast as he stepped back to look him over once more. “Figured you’d be uglier, honestly.”

Vel’adir’s eyes widened. Slightly at first, having heard the term ‘brother’, and even further at the feel of the embrace from this unknown man. The knight tensed within Dymere’s arms a moment before lifting his hand to give a single pat to his shoulder before kindly pushing from him as the man also stepped backward.

“It is a pleasure to meet you however...I am not sure I heard you correctly. You said brother?” He asked, taking a step back from Dymere, once more looking over him. While the hair color did not exactly fit the normality of the Eventides, it was hard for Vel’adir to deny that his eyes and facial structure were spitting image of the rest of their family.

Dymere knew when he breached the comfort of another and didn’t seem at all upset at having been denied a hug. A toothy grin exposed a dimple in his cheek as he watched Vel’adir, settling his hands on his hips in an undeniable display of comfort and confidence more fitting of a scoundrel than a high ranking military man. At least, this is what he presented himself as in the privacy of his family’s home. Anyone who knew the Spellbreaker knew that he could be both in a blink. Try as this awful, war-torn world might, it would not break this big beast of an elf’s spirit.

“Your ears are working. This is good news,” he began with a chuckle. “I am your younger brother, Dymere. It’s a shame that it took so long for us to finally meet, but better late than never I say.”

Vel’adir’s lower lip seemed to fall apart from his upper as he fell loss for words. With the simple shake of his head and clearing of his throat, the knight gathered himself the best he could to offer any kind of response. “Younger brother, you say? Hm…”

It felt relieving to be home as she entered through the large doors to the Manor. The day had proved fruitful in many aspects and surely ended on an unexpected but interesting note.

Cindel took her cloak from around her shoulders as she inquired of the lady. "Shall I run your bath now, my lady?" 

Elenaris gave a small shake of her head as she moved to the stairs. "Not just yet, Cindel. I have a very important conversation with my brother."

"Oh, Lord Eventide is already in bed, my lady!" She called out softly to her as Elenaris had already made her way halfway up the staircase.

"Then I will just have to wake him." Elenaris said simply, reaching the climax of the steps and turned to take the hallway toward Vel'adir's room. As she came to his door, she let herself in giving him but two knocks as a warning for her entrance.

"Wake up, we need to talk." Elenaris ordered as she began lighting the wicks of a few candles near his bed. Vel'adir groaned as he pushed up to sit against the pillows. "So lovely for you to visit, dear sister...you always chose the perfect time to do so."

She came to a seated position at the edge of his bed, looking to him a moment before speaking once more. 

"I have found you a betrothal. Well, really it found me but... nonetheless, it is there." 

Vel'adir tilted his head, a brow perked in curiosity. "While... pleased to hear this, you felt the need to wake me for such a discussion? I mean, It could not have waited until morning?"  He asked while being answered with a simple head shake from his sister. 

He sighed heavily, rolling his eyes. "You know, I should be the one doing this for you, not the other way around, but as it has come to this, who is this woman?"

"Kaevia Sun'rael, Alucieus and Covaya's daughter." Elenaris said curtly, looking to him expectantly.

The paladin's expression flattened at this. "Kaevia? The young priestess? She could be MY daughter!" He paused, glancing away. "Hm... but she is cute." He mused quietly.

"Oh come on, Vel, the men of our society have been marrying woman half their age and more for centuries. Do not ask in surprise." Elenaris pushed from the bed, smiling to him.

"You will write to her, when I tell you it is agreed between her parents, invite her to dinner...tea...whatever you want. Be nice, be polite, and be...honorable."

"Ele Ele... I am no monster of a man, I have respect, you know." He said to her as she leaned down to kiss his cheek. "I will take you up on this proposition for Kaevia...for now. See how it goes, let's hope she's as willing as I." 

Elenaris simply grinned and blew out the candles before slipping out the door. "Good night, Vel."