#velest

Story board for a web-toon I might make, it’ll be called “Ambrosia” prolly. Yall prolly thought I wasn’t doing anything with my actual ocs bc I barely post abt them lol. So yeah, Tim is a single parent of two future Eldridge abomination sociopaths 👍

With the final present tucked beneath the tree, Velest took a step back and let out a pleased sigh. Having spent the better part of the month collecting as many decorations as she could, the Priestess took time out of her busy schedule to make sure that tonight was special to all of those who had come to serve in their little regiment.

All of the boxes that housed their personal effects had been moved upstairs into her room and stacked up to the ceiling. Given the limited space of the small Dalaran hovel, this was the only spot she could use that was out of the way and out of sight. This left the main hall open to be decorated and filled with the Winter Veil cheer.

Stockings were hung along the railing leading up to the second floor and each one was decorated with individual names. Bits of candy and small bags of homemade tea were stuffed inside along with a written card in her best handwriting; mostly wishing the best for the recipient.

The tables were covered is red cloth with white snowflakes embroidered upon the edges and at the center were golden bowls filled with freshly baked cookies in the shape of snowmen. A small card on the table read ‘Take As You Please’ with a V in the corner.

But what stood out the most from all the decorations around the room, was the tree itself. The lights were colored instead of white like the lit garland above them and the ornaments were all different…and sparse. Upon closer inspection, they were designed for individuals instead of just for look. Each one was made of ceramic and held the person’s name written upon it. For Aelfric, a model of his bike. For Eledris, his goggles resting on a bag of coin. For Aurelia, a black book with a vial beside it. For Lycoris, a red flower. For Zaviel, a raven. For Vincint, a dagger and a pair of scissors crossed over one another. For Lavi, a staff that had a white ribbon wrapping down the handle. For Lain, his feather. And for Farwyn, a sword with a smaller sword resting atop it. At the very top of the tree, where a star or angel might sit, was a golden bird with its wings spread wide. It appeared to be lifting its head back to sing but no song came from the statue.

With one final exhale, the herbalist pressed a warm smile into her features and adjusted her bag over her shoulder. The day was ending and soon enough, everyone would be returning to take their rest and seek food but she would not be there to partake in their joy. Instead, she left a note for Lain and Farwyn where they would easily find them, and took her leave.

The warm glow of the candles in the windows welcomed her tired frame like the heat of a fire in the cold. As she rapped gently upon the door, she admired the old wreath that still hung upon the knocker. It was strung together with various flowers and herbs with a red bow at the very top that held ‘Emberlight Family’ written in gold filigree. She remembered the day they made it back when she was little and the fact it still was used made her smile even more.

That was, until the door opened wide. There, standing before her in a beautiful red dress, was her mother Gracelyn. Long strands of auburn were pulled up into a magnificent bun with large gold and red jeweled flowers scattered amongst it that shimmered in the light. The smile on Velest’s features faded as tears welled up at the base of her gaze.

“Happy Winter Veil, Mother.” “Oh my sweet child!”

And they embraced in a tight hug full of tears and joyful giggles.  

Staring back at her reflection in the mirror, Velest adjusted the wig into place. Her collection of saffron tresses had been brushed up into a bun and tied off securely so as not to show beneath the new shades of crimson atop her head. What a change it was to see herself with a darker color. Almost as if she were looking upon someone else completely. Then again, that was the point.

The long robes had been neatly folded and locked away in the chest at the foot of her bed. In place of them, she had purchased more revealing attire which showed off various parts of her form. It was a little uncomfortable to have so much skin left to bare on the world but a necessity when it came to taking on the appearance of another; especially if she wanted to throw off those who were looking for her. The satchel was tucked away in exchange for a small pouch tied off upon her belt, which held only the important vials, and she exchanged her cloth shoes for boots.

With one final nod, she turned away from the mirror to take her leave but stopped to look at the letter one last time. The one that had arrived earlier that day.

{ Response from HERE }

"Lady Emberlight!” Velest glanced back from over her shoulder the moment her name was called. She had just begun to ascend the steps up towards Aurelia’s room when the Innkeep halted her.  “I was just going to-” “She isn’t there, Miss.” Clutched in his hand was a folded piece of parchment and from where she stood, she could clearly make out the red wax that sealed it closed. Confusion began to set in as she turned to make her way back down towards the man and the item he was eager to give her. “What do you mean ‘she isn’t there’? Where is she?” “She asked me to give you this when you came by.”

Velest felt the distant drum of her heartbeat echoing in her ears. As she took the letter and thanked the Innkeep, her blood began to roll through her form with a heated rage. Aurelia was gone!? And this was what she left behind!? Perhaps it was just a message that she was heading back for supplies. Perhaps it was just... The seal broke with ease and the small herbalist tugged the parchment open. Catching the light upon the inked words, her pale hues darted back and forth in quick motions as she read.

Even with the delicate hand to which Aure wrote on most occasions, the fear and overall regret Velest could feel in this letter was tearing at her the more she continued on. She had received her summons and answered it without hesitation. A part of her was proud to have a friend that answered the call with such vigor but the other part was struggling to accept that this was the way they parted. She hadn’t been given the option to stop her or to perhaps delay the response even just a few days.  I should have gone to her sooner. I should have spoken of plans. I should have ensured she was okay. I should have..

No. This isn’t going to happen. She isn’t going to stay out there alone, Fighting with strangers at her back, Regarded as one of many. Left to--

The parchment shook in her hands and soon enough, she was clutching it tightly between them.

Without another word, she stuffed the letter into her bag and tugged the com device off of the strap with a firm pull. With a quickened pace, she was out the door and heading straight for the small Infirmary that she called home. “Farwyn! Aurelia answered her summons! She left for the war...