#Evelyn Vanburen

[evelyn-vanburen]

Two Dead After Mysterious Carriage Crash

The story seemed to inspire a raise of a non-existent eyebrow; usually drawn on. But, that morning Evelyn felt no need to polish herself as she prepared for her usual cross word, seated along side her husband who hummed to himself as he spooned apple sauce into his mouth.

DRUSTVAR -- Two distinguished members of Kul Tiran Nobility are dead today, with one other injured, after a mysterious crash leaving a party at the seat of the House of Vanburen; Shadowcross March.

The incident occurred just after the 8th evening bell.

Authorities indicate it’s two occupants were leaving the party when the horses were spooked by something and pulled free of their poorly done ties, sending the runaway coach down a hill where it crashed into a sea wall. The driver, attempting to gain control of the speeding vehicle, was ejected from his seat and thrown into a nearby pond. It is reported he suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

The passengers, Lady Maude Grafbohm, of Grafbohm Barony and her sister, Lady Georgette Saint Germaine, of the now defunct Saint Germaine Barony, reportedly died instantly upon impact. Sources indicate both women are widows, survived only by Lady Grafbohm’s son; Lord Heinrich Grafbohm.

The family has not yet supplied comment on service for the two departed.

“Dietrich, sweetheart, will you pass the half and half?” She had said, beaming his way as he leaned to pick it up. The bouquet of red roses sat on the table in front of them and he obliged her, by pouring a bit into her cup for her. This earned him a loving pat of his shaking hand. “Thank you,” She said.

She cleared her throat, turned over the page and went about her routine; seemingly nonplussed by the news of the death of her two closest friends.

“None of you will ever have to endure those women ever again.”  And she rarely broke a promise.

#evelyn vanburen #her secrets #the wolf in sheeps clothing

[lysandra-vanburen]

“Happy endings aren’t spontaneous, they’re the results of hard work.”

Name:

The Basics ––– –

 Age: She’ll forever claim she’s turning thirty with every birthday.

 Birthday: March 9th.

 Race: Human

Lineage: The Vanburen date as far back as one of the original families of Kul Tiras.

 Gender: Female

 Sexuality: Heterosexual with a bi-curious mindset,

 Marital Status: Dating/Courting

Physical Appearance ––– –

  Hair: Dark Brown, reaching to the small of her back.

  Eyes: Hazel

  Height: 5′5″

  Build: Slender, fit.

  Distinguishing Marks: A faint scratch behind the back of her left ear, easily hidden beneath her thick hair.

Personal ––– –

  Profession: Prestigious Equestrian businesswoman, breeder of palfrey and work horses, breeder of Kul Tiran South Bay Sea Retrievers (a hunting breed of dog that originates from Southern Kul Tiras, fit for water sports and retrieving), Leading voice in the uplifting movement of feminism within Azeroth,

  Hobbies: Horse training, horse riding, hunting (often for food), dog training. Being an independent bitch. Belittling misogynistic men.

  Languages: Fluent in speaking and writing common, Dwarven and speaks well enough Darnassian.

  Residence: Melstone Villa, Drustvar, Kul Tiras

  Birthplace: Glasslow Estate, Drustvar, Kul Tiras.

  Religion: Agnostic ( A person to claims neither faith nor disbelief in the existence of a God ).

  Patron Deity: None.

  Fears: Everything being in vain, to have done all she has for naught. 

Relationships ––– -

   Partner: Itraeis Holt ( @itraeis )  

  Children: Charlette Vanburen (14) and Albert Vanburen (14)

  Parents: Dietrch and Evelyn Vanburen

 Siblings: Varick Vanburen, Adaire Vanburen ( @adairevanburen ), Silas Vanburen ( @silas-vanburen ),Maria Vanburen-Thorne ( @mariavanburen ).

 Other Relatives: 

Venreena Thorne-Holt (Niece; @venreenaholt ), Eden Vanburen ( Niece ), Rome Vanburen ( Niece; @rome-vanburen ), Karlotta Vanburen ( Niece; @karlotta-vanburen )

Rhett Vanburen ( Nephew; @rhett-vanburen ), Roland Vanburen (Nephew; @roland-vanburen ), Varick Vanburen ( Nephew ), and Olivia Holt (Great Niece).

Acquaintances - @preyontheweak @oathandsword @latildarommel

Friends - @meangreenlee

Pets: - Buncha horses. Warhorses here and palfrey horses here. 

Two Kul’tiras Eastern Springer Hounds (based off Irish Setters (she does breed these two animals, too)) –  Duchess, Duke. 

Two South Bay Sea Retrievers (based off wire haired Chesapeake Bay Retriever) -- Patsy, Dale.

One Kul’tiras Commoner’s Pointer (based off Blue Tick Hound) – Delilah. 

One personal horse, a Stormstrong Mustang (based off Carlonia Marsh Tacky) – Lyla.

Traits ––– -

* Bold your character’s answer.

  Extroverted / In Between / Introverted

  Disorganized / In Between / Organized

  Close Minded / In Between / Open Minded

  Calm / In Between / Anxious

  Disagreeable / In Between / Agreeable

  Cautious / In Between / Reckless

  Patient / In Between /  Impatient

  Outspoken / In Between / Reserved

  Leader / In Between / Follower

  Empathetic / In Between / Apathetic

  Optimistic / In Between / Pessimistic

  Traditional / In Between / Modern

  Hard-working / In Between / Lazy

  Cultured / In Between / Uncultured

  Loyal / In Between / Disloyal

  Faithful / In Between / Unfaithful

Additional information ––– –

Smoking Habit: Indulges in tobacco during social gatherings. 

Drugs: Doesn’t dare indulge.

Alcohol: If a Vanburen doesn’t have a glass of liquor in their hand, something is wrong.

RP Hooks ––– – 

~  She’s apart of one of the oldest families of Kul Tiras, therefore she is of greater nobility and very well known throughout the island. 

~ Lysandra is heavily involved in the feminism movement of Azeroth, is known to host get togethers to inspire and encourage her fellow woman to rise above expectations and pursue their desires -- often this requires her visiting the lesser folk of Kul Tiras, so it isnt odd to meet her in Hook Point or such other areas of Borlaus.

~  She's quite the influencer of the Equestrian world, globally. She breeds the finest horses, infact a great majority of the war horses used by the Kul Tiran army can be dated back to Lysandra's home.

~ She's quite the outspoken noble woman. For all "thirty" years of her life she has pushed the boundaries and forced her way out of the box society tried to wrangle her into. She refuses to be heard, not only seen. She may be considered quite the scandal among the nobility of Kul Tiras, but she is a genuine individual with a good heart.

~ She's looking to start a business venture kin to her equesterian business, but with her dogs. She wants to breed and train worldwide champions and the finest hounds Azeroth has ever seen. While she has the resources to do it her self, she wants people to join her. She wants to share in the wealth sure to come!

~ Lysandra is a nature witch, though her affinity is a secret. People of Kul Tiras have proven very close minded when it comes to the idea of witches, forcing her to hide her practices.

Contact Information—-

Message me here on Tumblr!

[rhett-vanburen]

The After Party.

Escape.

That singular phrase is all the young man desired right now. Escape from the false happiness, the fake smiles, the act he had to put on all night. For his grandmother? He would do it all again to keep her high spirits up as he saw tonight. But his grandmother was not the cause of this act, the feigned feelings. 

It was his father.

Rhett felt truly awful, he hadn’t stopped to talk to his identical twin brother Roland. The man had mentioned later, but now was not later in Rhett’s mind. In the morning perhaps, or the following afternoon. Right now however? Right now he had gone to his room. Explicit instructions to bar Silas Vanburen from entry. The staff listened to the young man, knowing full well with the look the boy held there was no kindness left in his body, not tonight.

Upon entry of the room he’d move toward a desk of his own, staring at the wooden grains he lost himself in thought. “A sister...an unknown sister with how mother acted...he told nobody. NOBODY!” He slammed his fist down upon the table. He went his whole life seeing his role model, his idol, Silas. The perfect husband, father, and the perfect life other families of Drustvar had sought out for so long.

Nothing was perfect. His father was a cheat and a liar. He growled low “No better then the god damn men at the docks...prowling to get away from mother so he can fool around.” He glared at nothing. “ATLEAST ADAIRE REMAINED UNATTACHED! A PUBLIC MANWHORE!” This was news worthy to bring down the family in social circles. Both fists slammed into the desk, wood splintering with the impact and embedding itself into his balled fists.

Even with the sudden pain, the sudden blood flow to his wounds that was not what caused the boy to lose it. To cry, in the privacy of his room, his only true sanctuary he leaned forward. Silent tears forming and falling at what had been shattered. What could he do? The lie was too old, too long. He couldn’t go find his unknown sister. He had a name, he knew her face. He couldn’t prance up to the young woman and make such a declaration. It could ruin both families involved! 

What to do? How to act? Just keep putting on a smile and ignore his once idol? To...ignore what he’s supposed to be? The next head of house...he’d looked forward, eager even to fill the role with some hesitations. Rhett looked into being the best he could be, for the faithful father that could do no wrong.

But if that was a lie...how much more was a lie? Was he a bastard? Any other hidden play children he’d need to find and keep silent? If he could find out, or tides forbid Lysandra found out...the whole country could know in one bad drunk afternoon. That’s it! Swear off alcohol and become a bastard hunter. No...no...Rhett knew his mind had strayed too far at that. But it roped him back into the path he desired.

Where to go from here? He had no desire to talk to his father, after the mess Rhett had found him in. After the effort put into keeping Rhett unaware and out of this mess. He had his uncle Varick to thank...but was it truly something to be thankful for? To have knowledge that caused such pain? It hurt every fragment of his heart knowing Rhett could do nothing. A whole lot of nothing that would end in where he was now. 

It left the boy giving the wall a cruel grin as he poured himself a glass of bourbon. “Look pa, just like you.” With that...he downed it. The young man had opted to pass out intoxicated at the broken desk that night. Broken...just like the family.

(Thanks for reading! People Mentioned: @evelyn-vanburen @lysandra-vanburen @adairevanburen @varick-vanburen Roland, but he no have tumblr :(. @lorraine-lemieux and finally @silas-vanburen ) 

#Solo RP #No one else was here for this. #Drustvar #Family #Kid is angry

[lorraine-lemieux]

Lorraine Mathilde Lemieux

The Basics ––– –    Age: 20 years old.    Birthday: July 24    Race: Human    Gender: Female    Sexuality: Straight    Marital Status: Engaged to Jacob Holt Physical Appearance ––– –    Hair: Coppery red    Eyes: Very dark brown.    Height: 5’0”    Build: Thin, but toned.    Distinguishing Marks: Freckles on face, arms, and shoulders.    Common Accessories: Pearl earrings, red lipstick, and her engagement ring. Personal ––– –    Profession: Personal Assistant to Venreena Holt    Hobbies: Baking, studying.    Languages: Common, Thalassian.    Residence: Several; Blanchgarden, Her Stormwind apartment, soon to be Dawncliffe.    Birthplace: Carmine House, Gilneas City, Gilneas    Religion: None.    Patron Deity: n/a    Fears: Failure, loss. Relationships ––– -    Spouse: Jacob Holt (Engaged)    Children: No biological children, Emory Holt will soon be her step-son.    Parents: Maximilian Lemieux IV (Unknowingly Adoptive Father, Deceased), Heloise Lemieux (Unknowingly Adoptive Mother), Clemence Lemieux (Unknown Biological mother, Deceased), Silas Vanburen (Unknown biological father)    Siblings: Clemence Lemieux (Unknown, adoptive sister), Rome, Rhett and Roland Vanburen, (Unknown biological half-siblings)    Other Relatives: Yvonne Lemieux (Great-aunt), Lucille, Cosette, and Laurent Lemieux (Cousins, once removed); Cesare Fauste (Great-uncle); Venreena Holt (Unknown cousin); Adaire, Varrick and Lysandra Vanburen (Unknown Aunts and Uncles); Varrick Jr, Eden, Karlotta, Charlette, and Albert Vanburen (Unknown cousins); Evelyn and Dietrich Vanburen (Unknown paternal grandparents); Maximilan and Heloise Lemieux (Unknown maternal grandparents)

Pets: Wiggles the Wonder Feret

Traits ––– -    Extroverted / In Between / Introverted    Disorganized / In Between / Organized    Close Minded / In Between / Open Minded    Calm / In Between / Anxious    Disagreeable / In Between / Agreeable    Cautious / In Between / Reckless    Patient / In Between /  Impatient    Outspoken / In Between / Reserved    Leader / In Between / Follower    Empathetic / In Between / Apathetic    Optimistic / In Between / Pessimistic    Traditional / In Between / Modern    Hard-working / In Between / Lazy    Cultured / In Between / Uncultured    Loyal / In Between / Disloyal    Faithful / In Between / Unfaithful Additional information ––– – Smoking Habit: None, she finds it disgusting.

Drugs: None, she’s never wanted to. Alcohol: Often, to the point of excess.

RP Hooks ––– –

1. You may know Lorraine if you are Gilnean nobility or merchant class.

2. You may know Lorraine if you have any affiliation with Dalaran University.

3. You may know Lorraine if you are familiar with Holt & Thorne Shipping Company.

4. You may know Lorraine if you are friends with or know Lord Jacob Holt.

Contact Information  ––– – Tumblr: @lorraine-lemieux

Discord: Sprokitty#9065

#Lorraine Lemieux #About Lorraine

[alexandria-morrowgrove]

The Afterparty

Eyes fluttered open, the safety and warmth had fled. The fire replaced with a coldness the woman couldn’t shake. She wasn’t in her bed she’d fallen asleep in, the comforts of her sheets long gone. She awoke on the ground, cold earth beneath her. The sky above completely blackened as if it was a new moon.

The density of the trees told her this was not home, not Gilneas. Where was she? This was new, unknown. A howl let her know danger, red eyes appearing from the forest told her even more.

“No...no it can’t be…!” The woman went wide eyed, she glanced about. The dark began to consume all, the trees, the grass, the earth even gave way to total blackness. An all consuming maw of evil that laughed at her fear, her panic.

The howl she’d heard earlier revealed itself. A wolf darker than the night moved so slowly, so casually toward her. It laughed, his laugh. It took what she enjoyed and twisted it to sound cruel. To zap the warmth and love from what she quickly learned to hold dear. His voice came out of that demented beast. “You know how many came before you? How many will come after you? My family is making a mockery of you behind closed doors. There’s a reason they look at you like the whore you are.” It grinned, the wolf laughing as it neared the frozen woman.

She was shaking like a leaf, tearing up. “No...no he’d never say any of tha’! You’re wrong! He wouldn’t!” The wolf snarled.

“You know it’s what he thinks oak speaker. How he feels...you’re an object to a man like that. Worthless. Nothing.” It growled. “You’re just as useless to him as every woman before you. He just found an ounce more use in your body and weakness then he’d found in others. He doesn’t care.”

“NO! You’re wrong!” She glared at the wolf. Her fear shattered as she approached it. “You’ll always be wrong about him he cares about me!”

“We shall see oak speaker...when he crushes your heart I’ll be here to pick up the pieces he’ll leave you in.”

With that the wolf lunges, his teeth bared to find her neck. Instead of shocking pain she felt her eyes split wide open.

She was in his room, his arms. A cold, shaky sweat had broken out. It left her a shivering mess. Had he noticed she’d woken up? He had! She felt his arms tighten around her, drawing her in as closely as he could to his chest. His lips pressed to her cheek, soothing fingers following her figure. “You’re okay...you’re okay…I’m here babygirl…”

The sentiment alone rendered the woman wordless, she’d turn in his arms to bury into his chest. His hands moved to rub her exposed backside very carefully. He didn’t understand why, but he’d watched the result. A frown crossing his lips as he pulled her tight to him. She’d spoken in her sleep, he’d heard what she said. She was worried...about being forgotten. A prize he’d conquered. She called herself a whore of his in her sleep.

He closed his eyes, kissing the top of her head softly. “Don’t you ever worry about who has my eye Alexandria.” He reaches up her backside to lift her chin up. He’d have her look at him at he spoke. “It will always be you. Don’t let what others say ever cause a doubt in your mind.” He leaned forward, his lips pressing to hers. Both of them slow, powerful in movement. Well into the night and their silent affections would go unnoticed to the world around them. His comforting motions even to bring back that feeling of safety and warmth.

Eventually she’d pass out, her face pressed into his chest. Their bodies pressed together in a passion filled harmony. The shadows in her mind couldn’t fool her about this one. No, and if they were right….she refused to think about if the shadows are right. Instead focused on the now. Every night she found herself here. A safe, warm bed with a loving man to hold her tight. He cared, the shadow couldn’t grasp that idea. The whispers wouldn’t win this day.

( @adairevanburen for direct mention. @venreenaholt @lysandra-vanburen @rhett-vanburen @varick-vanburen @evelyn-vanburen @rome-vanburen @silas-vanburen for indirect mentions of that birthday party. Sorry for any Vanburens I missed <,> thanks for reading!)

[evelyn-vanburen]

Unveiled

Evelyn now stood with her hand on a coffee mug, overlooking the grounds of Shadowcross from a large window. She wore her robe still, her hair in curlers, and her face finally done as she stood there with a pensive expression.

“Olivia!” Venreena’s panicked voice sounded from the hall as she chased after her daughter who was zooming on her hands and knees in nothing but a clean diaper. “Olivia you little monster! Get back here! You’re going to wake everyone up!” The infant girl’s giggles were loud and made it clear that running from her mama was such a fun game.

Evelyn turned, a slow smirk not unlike the one she often saw on the face of a certain ginger colleague of her's, and afixed her hazel eyes on the crawling girl. She squatted low and set her coffee cup down before she opened both arms and urged the toddler her way.

Olivia spotted the rather comical sight of her great grandmother, stopped with a mischievous smile of her own and looked back to Ven, giggled and crawled at high speed towards Evelyn. Venreena caught up finally, bare faced and her hair tied up in a rather messy knot. Only wearing a simple black satin robe, she looked a complete 180 from last night. "I'm so sorry. She is a nightmare to get dressed."

Evelyn couldn't help the chortle that escaped her as finally the rogue baby was caught. She stood, snatching up her cup as she did. "Don't apologize," she said, her voice a little hoarse from all the talking last night, "I raised five children and my grand children all came and went in their youth. I'm used to that sound. How are you this morning?"

A small yet warm smile appeared on Ven's tired face. "I'm... I'm alright. Thank you for letting me stay the night, by the way. WIth Olivia already asleep, I didn't want to wake her up for a long ride back to the City."

"It's quite alright, dear, it's what family does," she said, smiling at her, "I hope you enjoyed the little soiree?"

Venreena hugged her form of only to conceal her unsupported, albeit small, breasts. Her head bobbed in a light nod in reply. “I did, yes. It was nice to spend some time with you all.” It might not have been obvious, but Venreena did speak a little slower than the rest of the family, taking great care to not use any slang and betray her more common roots. Olivia had become fascinated with the rollers in Evelyn’s hair and reached up to yank on one. “Olivia!” Venreena lurched forward to pull her daughter’s hand away so she didn’t create a bald spot on their grandmother.

Evelyn let out a small 'ooop' noise as her curler was yanked, reaching up to try and stop the baby as well. "Careful, little miss, those are hot!" She says, in a 'baby voice'. She leaned back a little, trying to right the loosened piece. She smiled at Venreena, "We are happy to have you hear, dear," she said, "I do have an query of you, however."

Olivia’s little fingers just barely missed getting burned but she didn’t seem deterred from trying to get one. “Oh?” She felt a sense of dread dwell within her stomach. “What’s that?” Venreena instinctively reached for Olivia who was wriggling and determined to get a roller in her tiny grasp.

Evelyn swept to a high-backed seat, lowering herself and crossing her languid legs, "I'd hoped I might pick your brain regarding the relationship with my son and the Doctor," she said, bringing her coffee cup to her lips to sip it slow.

“Oh,” her granddaughter replied with surprise. That... that wasn’t the question she had been expecting. “I don’t know how much help I can be, but sure.” Carting Olivia with her, Ven followed Evelyn and sat down next to her.

"You seemed to know her," she said, softly, smiling at her. She glanced side long to the window again, "Forgive me, I've... spent most of my life with the belief that nearly no one will be good enough for my children. It's... something I've learned to deal with."

Venreena just shrugged her shoulders and shook her head. “I hired her as a medic for my company and she is my own personal doctor as well. Outside of a professional capacity, I can’t say I know her very well.”

Evelyn nodded slowly but understandingly. “Apologies,” She said again, “Color me curious. Anyway.” She drained the last of her coffee, “Tell me of your company! I am afraid I do not know much.”

Venreena’s right hand was taken possession of by Olivia who decided to use it as a teething ring, and she was unbothered by it. She couldn’t suppress the grin of pride that appeared as she was asked about her company. “I own a trading company, Holt and Thorne Trading Co. along with my husband. It kind of fell into our lap last summer when his cousin died and I was running the company for her. There was no will or anything bequeathing it to anyone else so I just kind of... kept going with it.” It was then she realized she hadn’t really told anyone how the company originated and she marveled at how much time had passed. “Late last year we rebranded it to what is today, but we do a lot more than just shipping. We have relic expeditions and caravans... it’s really become an entity of its own.”

Evelyn seemed to beam at her, the younger woman's pride in her work proving infectious. She leaned forward and touched her elbow, "That's the Vanburen in you. Always hardworking, we have been... your grandfather and I pressed the importance of business into all our children and in turn, they had flourished all in their own ways..." She went silent a moment, her face falling slightly as a thought crossed her mind. "Your mother would've been proud. Maria always had a soft heart, but she was good. Better than most of us."

Learning that it was something in her blood that she shared with these people that drove her to be successful... it made her feel infinitely more connected to them, to her grandmother. She swallowed hard at the mention of Maria and closed her eyes with a heavy sigh. “Evel— Gran... I need to tell you something and it’s... it’s not going to be easy to hear.”

Evelyn steeled her expression and offered Venreena a nod of encouragement.

“We ended back in Westfall and my dad, my father, gave up trying. I can remember Mum arguing with him, trying to get him to find any kind of work.” Ven looked at Evelyn, sadness taunting her normally bright amber hues. “He blamed her and he would get drunk and angry... and violent.” Without going into detail, she let that last word work itself it in Evelyn’s sharp mind. “One night when I was fifteen, it got bad. Really bad. They got into a fight and he just snapped. I remember hiding behind the sofa, watching it happen and feeling so useless to help her.” Her eyes stung and she looked down to Olivia who was still chewing on her finger and smoothed down those wild dark curls.

Evelyn couldn't move. Rage built within her. She didn't cry, she never cried, but instead she had to force herself to rise from her seat to place herself beside Venreena. The movement seemed almost mechanical as she attempted to guide the girl into the throng of her arms, one hand wrapped about her shoulders and the other resting gently upon her head where she pet her hair. "...oh, Venreena," was all she could think to say.

The feel of Evelyn’s arms wrapping around her made her stiffen at first. It was an alien feeling being embraced by the woman who was mother to her own. But it felt... right. It felt like coming home after a long tiring day and being wrapped in a soft blanket. It felt like how her mum used to hug her. Ven’s free hand lifted to clutch at her Gran’s arm, biting her bottom lip as she tried feverishly not to cry. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner,” she said quietly after a few moments had passed.

Evelyn shook her head, "Do not apologize. He was a bad man," she muttered, swallowing back the urge to vomit, "I hope... you'll afford me the opportunity to apologize to you."

Her brow furrowed in confusion. “Apologize for what?”

"About nineteen years ago, your mother wrote me... asking to come home," she said, "I've never told anyone this story. Not even Dietrich. I made a trip to Gilneas where she was staying with a friend and her new baby. You were... five, I think?"

Venreena was at a loss for words. There was a swell of anger rising that her grandmother had known of her existence, but the patience that Cedrick had taught her over the last two years made her give pause. She inhaled deeply and tried to think back to when she was young. She remembered spending some time in Gilneas with Christian’s family but... she remembered a blonde woman and a baby that was it. “Did you find us?”

"No," she said, looking down at her hands. "By the time I got there, he'd taken you away again. Both of you. We never found hair or hide of you again... but I've thought about you every day for twenty years...."

Subconsciously, she smoothed down the curls on Olivia’s head again and pulled her in closer. Venreena wasn’t sure she wanted to know the answer to the question burning in her heart, but she asked it anyways. “Did you try looking for us afterward? She wanted to come back...” How different her life could have been if she had been brought here and away from her father... her mum might still be alive. She had to take another deep breath to calm herself.

Evelyn felt a deep shudder escape her, tears threatening to slip from beyond her lashes as she looked at Venreena square in the face and said, "No," she said, "I thought you were dead." She shook, her jaw locked tight so that a muscle pulsed there.

Venreena looked away, letting her gaze fall on her daughter. It wasn’t Evelyn’s fault, she knew that. So why did she feel the pain of what she could only describe as abandonment? She nodded, almost imperceptibly. “I guess... I guess you wouldn’t be far off in believing that, knowing the monster my father was.”

Evelyn pursed her lips and nodded in return, almost if she wanted to say something else but thought better of it.

“Can I ask you something and you promise to answer honestly?”

The way Venreena worded it made it clear she had been given reason to doubt people from a very young age.

Evelyn tilted her head and then offered a nod in silence.

“If you had found us,” she started slowly, doing everything she could not to fall apart right then and there, “would you have brought us back here?”

"Absolutely," she said, at once. "I had every intent to."

Venreena lifted her amber eyes, the only part of her appearance that differed from Maria’s, and looked at her grandmother straight on. Even though it was only sentiment, it really was the thought that counted and she could feel a bit of the hurt in her heart starting to mend. She nodded and sighed softly. “Thank you. I think I would have been happy growing up here and having a real family.”

Evelyn nodded, swallowing harshly before she could speak. Her hand reached to touch Venreena's and she managed to heave a shuddered sigh from her mouth, "I'm sorry it didn't work that way. I... had every intent to make you welcome here. You would've been-- you are so loved, Venreena."

Venreena bit down on her bottom lip. A tsunami of questions flooded her brain as she felt the tether between Evelyn and herself become stronger in that moment. “What was she like when she was younger? She never told me about her life growing up.”

"Headstrong," she said, smiling slowly, "A little like me. But, hopeful. She always wanted to see the good in things. Thankfully, she had more of your grandfather in her."

The corners of Venreena’s mouth turned upwards in a vacillate smile. “I try to be more like her but sometimes I’m scared that if she were still alive she would be disappointed in me.”

Evelyn actually laughed at that, "Never," she said, shaking her head. "She loved you. Come with me a moment?" She stood, offering her palm.

Venreena placed her hand into Evelyn’s, surprised once again just how natural it felt. It was as if they had done this a million times before with Evelyn taking her granddaughter on walks through the grounds.

She lead the woman down a hall and up the stairs and stopped at the door that lead into her and Dietrichs apartment. She pushed it open, noting that her husband slept soundly in his chair, before she continued to a door at the right; a key fitted into the lock which she turned. She nodded to Venreena at the table nearing the big glass window overlooking the grounds. "Have a seat, I'll be right back," she said, disappearing into her boudoir.

Venreena hitched Olivia up further on her hip, silently observing the apartment within Shadowcross Manor. She caught a glimpse of her grandfather, a light frown touching her face. Another relationship she had been robbed of because of her father's selfishness. Yet... she wondered if she would have ever met Cedrick if she had been allowed to grow up in this privileged world. She sat in the chair and set Olivia down on the ground to allow her the freedom to crawl around.

When Evelyn returned from the small room off the grander one, pinched between her fingers was the photograph that had been sent with the letter so long ago. Venreena, small, happy, playing in the sand. She extended it and smiled, "She send this to me."

Venreena carefully took the photo into her hands, small and dainty like Maria’s had been. “Oh my Gods... this is the beach down the hill from where we lived...” her brow furrowed, trying to figure out how old she might have been in the photo. What was most surprising to Ven however was how she felt like she should be mad or resentful that Evelyn had this knowledge for so long but she couldn’t bring herself to be. Looking back to Evelyn, her eyes pooled with silver along her waterline and without a second thought she encircled her arms around her grandmother’s neck for a tight hug.

She seemed surprised by the sudden rush of affection, though she accepted it willingly. Her arms wrapped around Venreena's middle and held her tight to her chest with a small smile forming on her face. After a moment, she pulled her back and clasped Venreena's upper arms with her two hands, "I am sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I didn't want to overwhelm you," she said.

Once released from the embrace, Venreena allowed herself to dab at her eyes with the back of her index finger. “No, no I understand. I probably wouldn’t have taken it so well if you had told me when I first arrived here.”

Evelyn smiled at her. Oh, if she only knew. She squeezed her again before she moved towards a chaise and lowered herself, watching Olivia exploring in silence for a moment. "Do you remember Gilneas? The woman you stayed with there?"

Her full mouth scrunched to the side as she searched her memories, trying to recall anything from that time. “Vaguely? I remember I was upset that we had to leave and going to a house.”

She only nodded and didn't press further. This seemed to satisfy her.

“Why do you ask?” Venreena inquired, crossing the room to snatch Olivia up from going into the other room where Dietrich slept. She looked for something to distract the infant so she could continue talking to Evelyn. She spotted a simple large comb and gave it to Olivia who was now keenly interested in her new toy. Ven then sat next to Evelyn on the chaise, careful to keep the open bottom hem of her knee length robe close together.

Evelyn shook her head, "It's something that plagued me for years, how long you'd had there. If you were happy... if he'd-- nevermind. I don't want to get into what happened there and drag up old memories..."

Ven shook her head. “From what I remember we didn’t stay long. We didn’t even have a house of our own... we lived with my uncle and his family.” She rubbed her forehead, trying to remember more. “I think after mum and I stayed with that lady... Oh Gods what was her name? Florence? Anyways, it was right after that, that we went back to Westfall.”

Evelyn nodded at her, now staring at the opposite wall with a far away expression. She was grateful for what Ven couldn’t remember, her hand coming to clutch her granddaughter’s firmly. “I am so sorry,” she said, softly, “I .... I didn’t know you were still out there.”

She gave a gentle shrug of her shoulders, physically resigning to the notion she now voiced. “It is what it is.”

(Collaborative RP with @venreenaholt )

#Evelyn Vanburen #Venreena Holt #RP #IC #Canon #Another Secret

[evelyn-vanburen]

Evelyn in Five Gifs

Tagged by: @lysandra-vanburen

Tagging: @jacob-holt @cedrickholtstories @venreenaholt @allisianaholt @thalsianiii @rian-kestavin @alexandria-morrowgrove @alexkestavin

#*cackles* #all the tags #Evelyn Stuff #Evelyn Vanburen

[lysandra-vanburen]

A Lady's Greek Muse

Lyssie got....

Clio: The Muse of History

When it comes to romance novels, you favor historical romances that make good use of their time period. Strange etiquette, exciting battles, and the most memorable moments in history form the perfect backdrop to the love stories you crave

Try it!

Tagged by: @kat-hawke

Tagging: @silas-vanburen. @evelyn-vanburen. @adairevanburen. @varick-vanburen. @edensheart. @karlotta-vanburen. @rhett-vanburen. @meangreenlee. @preyontheweak. @oathandsword. @itraeis

[lysandra-vanburen]

Set the Date! October 3rd at 5:30pm!

The dreaded time has arrived, my kin.

Mother/Grandmother Evelyn Vanburen’s birthday is just around the corner. I write to you expressing how grateful I know the family would be if you could make time out of your busy life to visit the Shadowcross Estate to celebrate October third!

Come bearing gifts and, if you so decide, a dish of your choice. All in all this is a time to be with out mother as she adds another year onto her life. As a family. That means no fighting, no sassying, no overly cruel or rude discussions, no arguing and no political or personal belief debates will be tolerated. This will be an evening of fun, thrill and excitement!

As I pointedly say this is a family event that therein tells that I request each household bring only a plus one. This will be a very intimate party of family and friends.

In these trying times family and friends is all we need to appreciate our time together -- and that therein tells a great majority of our regular party activities will be... Null. No fireworks, no petting zoos, no gambling, no horse races ( unless any of you fools have the guts to challenge me ). Just conversation, mingling, music and dancing, dinner and mother’s unveiling of the presents!

Now mind you, this will be a surprise event. Downplay it, try to get mother to think that you are all busy or something or another, convince her you can’t be bothered to visit longer than an hour. That means I require you all to configure times and ways to spend time with mother Vanburen outside of the estate, to keep her occupied while I - the brilliant, sexy hostess Lysandra - set up and get the estate ready. 

Now recall, the party shall be on October third at five thirty in the evening! Dinner will be at six, dancing and mingling will last until eight!

x_ Lysandra _

Mentioned/Birthday girl: @evelyn-vanburen

@silas-vanburen @varick-vanburen @adairevanburen @edensheart @etherealsplendor @karlotta-vanburen @venreenaholt @all-vanburen!

[lysandra-vanburen]

“Such questions for a lady are improper.”

NAME: Lysandra Vanburen

AGE: “Don’t you know it’s rude to ask a lady her age...”

BIRTHDAY: May 29

RACE: Human

GENDER: Female

SEXUALITY: Demisexual

MARITAL STATUS: Courting @itraeis

physical appearance ––– –

HAIR: Brunette

EYES: Hazel

HEIGHT: 5′5″

BUILD: Slender

DISTINGUISHING MARKS: A faint scratch behind the back of her left ear.

COMMON ACCESSORIES: Riding gloves, riding leather jacket, boots.

personal ––– –

PROFESSION: Horse Breeder, Horse Trainer

HOBBIES: Horse training, horse riding, being a sassy fucking independent woman. Belittling men. Breeding hunting dogs.

LANGUAGES: Common, trace amounts of Thalassian and Dwarven, some Darnassian.

RESIDENCE: Melstone Villa

BIRTHPLACE: Kul’Tiras

RELIGION: Agnostic ( a person who claims neither faith nor disbelief in a God )

PATRON DEITY: None!

FEARS: Everything being in vain -- All the lives she’s ruined to benefit her family. Losing her family.

relationships ––– -

SPOUSE: None

Children: Charlette(14) and Albert Vanburen (14) (Twins; adopted)

PARENTS: Dietrch and Evelyn Vanburen ( @evelyn-vanburen )

SIBLINGS: Varick Vanburen ( @varick-vanburen ) Adaire Vanburen ( @adairevanburen ), Silas Vanburen (@silasvanburen )Maria Vanburen-Thorne ( @mariavanburen ).

OTHER RELATIVES: @venreenaholt @edensheart @romedarling @karlotta-vanburen (her nieces), Rhet and Roland Vanburen (her nephews, Silas’s sons, Rome’s brothers), Varick Vanburen Jr. (Varick’s son, Eden and Karlotta’s brohter). Olivia Holt (Lysandra’s great-niece, Venreena’s daughter).

ACQUAINTANCES/FRIENDS:

Acquaintances - @preyontheweak @oathandsword @latildarommel

Friends - @meangreenlee

PETS: Buncha horses. Warhorses here and palfrey horses here. Two Kul’tiras Hunting Hounds (based off Irish Setters (she does breed these two animals, too)) --  Duchess, Duke. One Kul’tiras Commoner’s Pointer (based off Blue Tick Hound) -- Delilah. One personal horse, a Stormstrong Mustang (based off Carlonia Marsh Tacky) -- Lyla.

traits ––– -

extroverted / introverted / in between.

disorganized / organized / in between.

close minded / open-minded / in between.

calm / anxious / in between/

disagreeable / agreeable / in between.

cautious / reckless / in between.

patient / impatient / in between.

outspoken / reserved / in between.

leader / follower / in between.

empathetic / unemphatic / in between.

optimistic / pessimistic / in between.

traditional / modern / in between.

hard-working / lazy / in between.

cultured / un-cultured / in between.

loyal / disloyal / unknown / in between.

faithful / unfaithful / in between.

additional information ––– –

SMOKING HABIT: never / sometimes / frequently / to excess.

DRUGS: never / sometimes / frequently / to excess.

ALCOHOL: never / sometimes / frequently / to excess.

#lysandra vanburen #reference

[lysandra-vanburen]

“-The- Lysandra Vanburen, yes!”

First posted 9/16/18

►Name ➔   “Lysandra Vanburen -- That’s quite right!”

►Are you single ➔“Quite!”

►Are you happy ➔  “Well didn’t you hear? I’m single. Of course I’m happy!”

►Are you angry? ➔  “I’m quite giddy, actually... Therefore no.”

►Are your parents still married ➔   “Happily so--,” the woman bit at her bottom lip for a moment before providing a half smile, “I’m sure if my father could remember he’d be happily married, that is.”

NINE FACTS

►Birth Place ➔“The Shadowcross Estate, when my father was Margrave -- head of household.”

►Hair Color ➔“True to the Vanburen traits I’ve brown hair, though the occasional red strand.”

►Eye Color ➔“Hazel. Though you’d be surprised how many people say it’s more like gold.”

►Birthday ➔“March ninth! I’m expecting a present now, when it comes around.”

►Mood ➔“It’s been decent as of late. A newer outlook on life has gifted me with a better attitude.”

►Gender ➔With a soft clearing of her throat the woman promptly motions to her chest, providing the flushed interviewer a bright smile, “I believe these assert my gender as female?”

►Summer or winter ➔“Summer. There’s an uncanny beauty to the world when the land is lush with flora and fauna.”

►Morning or afternoon ➔“Morning. You’ve not yet lived if you haven’t watched a sunrise as the fog slowly disperses and the birds tweet their little tunes.”

EIGHT THINGS ABOUT YOUR LOVE LIFE

►Are you in love ➔“I’m in love, yes. With many things. I love my career, I love my children, I love my parents, my siblings, my nieces and nephews. But beyond that, no. There are no romantic interests at the time.”

►Do you believe in love at first sight ➔“I apologize, ” Lysandra begins to shake her head, providing a sad smile, “No. That’s... Asinine to base all your emotions off a first meeting. Alot of people can be gorgeous and resemble gold on the outside, but are absolute shit on the inside.”

►Who ended your last relationship ➔The maiden pauses, her mouth becoming drier than cotton in that moment. She’d promptly force a smile before waving her hand about in a dismissive manner, “Excuse me, but I’d like to move on to another question, now.”

►Have you ever broken someone’s heart ➔  "Aha, it’s not natural to be a young noblewoman in a family as well known as my own and not have quite a few crushes. Therefore yes. I have.”

►Are you afraid of commitments ➔ “Not at all. So long as it’s been proven to me that you’re worthy of my commitment.”

►Have you hugged someone within the last week? ➔“Yes, family mostly. HUgs are quite lovely...”

►Have you ever had a secret admirer ➔“Mmh, quite a few. Precious little gems they were.”

►Have you ever broken your own heart? ➔“Falling in love with the wrong people, yes.” Though clearly there was something darker behind her longing eyes.

SIX CHOICES

►Love or lust ➔“Love,” she remarks without hesitation.

►Cats or Dogs ➔”Dogs. -And- cats, mind you. Though I do prefer dogs the greatest. Loyal little beasts they are...”

►A few best friends or many regular friends ➔“I would prefer a few best friends. Alas that is not the way of the Vanburen! We must be everyone’s friends... Our social groups can be so overwhelming.”

►Wild night out or romantic night in ➔“It quite depends on the mood of the day leading into the evening...”

►Day or night ➔ “Both have good qualities.”

FIVE HAVE YOU EVERS

►Been caught sneaking out ➔ The woman chuckles softly, beginning to shake her head, “I value my sleep thank you very much! ... though no. I’ve never been caught,” she grins.

►Fallen down/up the stairs ➔ “Often I’ve fallen up the stairs when I’m huffy and haughty. My temper flares and my thoughts get placed elsewhere, I don’t focus.”

►Wanted something/someone so badly it hurt? ➔ Lysandra begins to gnaw on her bottom lip before musing, “Once.”

►Wanted to disappear ➔ “Never. I’m not that selfish, contrary to popular belief. I have responsibilities and loved ones who need me here, not gallivanting off.”

FOUR PREFERENCES

►Smile or eyes ➔“Eyes. A smile can be disarming, but the eyes tell all.”

►Shorter or Taller ➔“Mmh, in terms of preferred romantic partners? Tall. I like to feel vulnerable and, overall, protected.”

►Intelligence or Attraction ➔  “Intelligence. I want conversations and to enjoy the company of my companions. Attraction is so superficial.”

►Hook-up or Relationship ➔ Clearing her throat Lysandra would simply lift her shoulders, remarking, “Relationship... It feels like it’s about time I give in and provide myself some... Wiggle room in my proving a woman’s value is not based on her spouse.”

FAMILY

►Do you and your family get along ➔ “Every family has their difficulties, we can’t be on par at all times. But yes, I and my family get along well enough to function. We’d kill for eachother!”

►Would you say you have a “messed up life” ➔ “Not at all. I’m living according to how I desire to live, a successful single mother in a man’s world!”

►Have you ever ran away from home ➔ “Never,” Lysandra scoffs, pausing before she’d lift her finger, “Unless we’re counting that time when I was five and so exasperated with life after my father told me I couldn’t have another pony, so I packed two night dresses a single stuffed toy and walked ten feet into the forest to pout for four hours...”

►Have you ever gotten kicked out ➔ “Never!” she sounds absolutely flabbergasted, bringing a hand to cover above her chest, “I’m a mild mannered, brilliantly sassy woman, sure, but I mind myself!”

FRIENDS

►Do you secretly hate one of your friends ➔ “Uhm... I imagine we’re not counting my own siblings, so... I have no best friends who I can judge so harshly, so... No,” Lysandra provides a smile there.

►Do you consider all of your friends good friends ➔ “Good enough to come to family parties, I suppose. But then again we’re a flamboyant family who loves hosting.”

►Who is your best friend ➔ The woman slowly lifts her shoulders, glancing about in her discomfort. Hello, no best friends!

►Who knows everything about you ➔ “Ooh, uhm..,” she nibbles on her bottom lip for a moment before confessing, “It must be my mother ( @evelyn-vanburen ). Damned old bat knows everything...”

#she needs friends

[lysandra-vanburen]

Lysandra in Five Gifs  +  Two bonus!

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Bonus two gifs!

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Tagged by: @latildarommel and @akeza-ku

Tagging: @meangreenlee @oathandsword @preyontheweak @ravenpriest @venreenaholt @evelyn-vanburen @varick-vanburen @rhett-vanburen @karlotta-vanburen @edensheart @etherealsplendor

[lysandra-vanburen]

The Tune of Her Heart

Stolen from @latildarommel​

If ever could a single instrumental piece depict the inner workings of the youngest Vanburen child to Evelyn and Dietrich Vanburen... It would be “Sociopath”.

There’s a specific loneliness to every single key played, a vast abyss of loss and hesitation that melds together into the most heartbreaking harmony. Lysandra is, internally, a broken woman. Young was she when she lost what she later found to be the glue of the Vanburen household, and she lost it in such a way that cannot be undone.

               I'm slipping into the deep end                        I'm in over my head                      I can't catch my breath

Lysandra is undoubtedly afraid. For many reasons, the greatest being that one day the weight she carries regarding her sister (and all that baggage) will drown her.

She will always believe that she is the real reason Maria felt that she could never return to Kul Tiras, let alone keep in contact. Daily she fears that her family will undergo a similar heart breaking tragedy if they are to lose Venreena, Maria’s daughter. Lysandra truly believes that if they (the Vanburen) were to lose Venreena, it’d kill her parents like losing Maria nearly did. Too, her siblings may never recover. It’s an overbearingly intense situation.

She must choose, virtually, if protecting her family is best done by pushing Venreena away or inviting her in wholeheartedly.

      You think I don't see who you really are                   I've got news coming               I've seen it all from the start

Lysandra was bred and raised in the courts. Deception is both a skill and thing which she exempts in detecting. Her ears and eyes are the very forest, she is that walls surrounding you. You are not protected within her domain, let alone are your secrets.

                    we never give up         walking through the fire and the flame               can’t hold us down cause              when the going gets tough       we’re tearing through the metal chains In general I feel like this song best depicts not only Lysandra, but all the Vanburen. Their family is represented by the phoenix, after all.

           There's not enough rope to tie me down           There's not enough tape to shut this mouth            The stones you throw can make me bleed                    But I won't stop until we're free                      Wild hearts can't be broken

Kin to the video above this one, but also unlike that video, I believe this song specifically represents Lysandra. She’s not a woman who has conformed to the demands of typical society. She’s forty and yet to be married, let alone engaged or betrothed. She does not believe a man determines her worth, and will likely never marry to prove a point to all generations of women that they can be successful without a spouse to vouch for them.

Tagging: @silas-vanburen @edensheart @karlotta-vanburen @venreenaholt @cedrickholtstories @oathandsword @preyontheweak @akeza-ku

#Lysandra Vanburen

[lysandra-vanburen]

Neutral Good; A Lady’s Alignment

A neutral good character does the best that a good person can do. He is devoted to helping others. He works with kings and magistrates but does not feel beholden to them. Neutral good is the best alignment you can be because it means doing what is good without bias for or against order. However, neutral good can be a dangerous alignment because when it advances mediocrity by limiting the actions of the truly capable.

                                          Detailed Results:

Alignment: Lawful Good ----- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (25) Neutral Good ---- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (22) Chaotic Good ---- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (25) Lawful Neutral -- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (18) True Neutral ---- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (15) Chaotic Neutral - XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (18) Lawful Evil ----- XXXXXXXXXXX (11) Neutral Evil ---- XXXXXXXX (8) Chaotic Evil ---- XXXXXXXXXXX (11) Law & Chaos: Law ----- XXXXXXXXX (9) Neutral - XXXXXX (6) Chaos --- XXXXXXXXX (9) Good & Evil: Good ---- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (16) Neutral - XXXXXXXXX (9) Evil ---- XX (2)

Try it here!

Tagged by: @preyontheweak @ilephine Tagging: @silas-vanburen @rhett-vanburen @karlotta-vanburen @evelyn-vanburen @adairevanburen @varick-vanburen @meangreenlee @latildarommel

[lysandra-vanburen]

The Flower’s Inner Animal

Quiz found here.  

Do you ever catch yourself wondering, “what type of animal am I?” This test will be able to help you find out by using the famous Myer Briggs theory!

                                                       Results -

                                                      ENTJ: Bear

"Because ENTJ personality types are very socially active but have absolutely no fear of confrontation, your animal type is pretty much always going to be a bear.

You are a strong person who like to be in control of their surroundings, and you are almost as good at pushing others to succeed as you are at achieving your own goals. Basically, you are kind of like the Paris Geller's of the world — and people all end up loving you for it."

Tagged by @killerkyara

Tagging @venreenaholt @edensheart @karlotta-vanburen @evelyn-vanburen @silas-vanburen @akeza-ku @james-daweson @oathandsword @preyontheweak​ @latildarommel @meangreenlee

[evelyn-vanburen]

Memories

(TW: BLOOD/DEATH)

Evelyn found herself in a hasty retreat down the long, dark hallway; her heeled boots giving sharp clacks that resonated off the walls as she went. The pain that welled in her chest was becoming hard to push aside. No matter how old they had gotten, she never could bring herself to cry in front of her children and tonight would be no different. She turned a corner and fled the steps upwards two at a time until she came upon the landing between two staircases, finding that she needed to stop a moment to catch her breath. Her manicured hand came to clutch at her bosom and her eyes had begun to water.

Moron, she chastised herself privately, raising her gaze the portrait hanging there. The likeness of herself and her husband captured in acrylics with their children. Lysandra was only a girl when it was commissioned. Her eyes moved to fix on the other girl in the portrait, her cherry hair captured brilliantly; her eyes so like Evelyn’s own that it haunted her now in her old age. She found herself gasping out a sob as she locked eyes with her own imperious gaze echoed back at her. She shoved off the wall and continued upwards, rounding the corner and coming into the apartment of rooms that were reserved for herself and her beloved husband, shoving the door closed with a sharp latching sound. The elderly Dietrich only turned slightly from his seated position in a high backed chair overlooking the grounds from behind diamond leaded windows. This is where he could be found most days now. He had smiled at her; not with recognition for there had been none in years but, politely as though to acknowledge her being there. She returned it, unwilling to try to bring him from the fog of dementia that hand settled over him now. She bowed her head gracefully and excused herself, stepping through a side door into her personal boudoir and locked the door behind her with a sharp twist of the key already stuck in the slot.

A soft sigh escaped her as she pressed her back against the door for only a moment before she continued to the vanity with its tall, old mirror showing her the unpleasant image of herself ravaged by time and now, again, despair. Her knees ached as she lowered herself onto the stool and reached with some hesitation for a drawer to her left before ultimately she pulled it open as far as it could go, removing the perfume bottles that had been arranged perfectly and pulling up the false bottom to reveal an old cigar box she’d stashed so long ago.

Her hands shook as she pulled the box from the depths of the drawer and set it upon the desktop in front of her, a free hand impatiently pushing aside a few nicknacks that sat there so she could properly rest it upon the white painted pine. She had not meant to slip in front of them and Silas, ever so cleverly had reminded her that it had been twenty-five years since Maria had left. Not twenty. But, Silas’ ignorance could not be held against him. An attempt to correct her or to remind her more or less, of the time it’d been, nothing harmful. Nothing of notice. Or at least, that’s what she hoped.

A last, gingerly she prized the top open and with a shuddered breath laid hands upon the pile of old parchment, folded neatly up with a few pictures and things she’d collected and shifted them aside to unearth an old photograph that had once arrived at Shadowcross estate two decades before with a letter addressed to her husband then. But, for weeks she had been intercepting mail to him from Gilneas and this envelope had been no different. She recognized the rubber stamped postmark as the same one that had been showing up. She had almost thrown in a way, her hands shaking with rage as chambermaid had handed it over, yet…

She set the photo aside. The one of the girl that looked like Maria in miniature. The girl who had grown into the woman who had turned up in her dining room tonight. Her hands shook so hard it was difficult to keep the parchment still as she slipped her fingers into the open top where she’d ripped it open and pulled from within, the letter that she’d received from her eldest daughter so long ago.

Father,

I write to you from Gilneas and beg you for the opportunity to come home. The hour is late on my apology, but I also ask for your forgiveness in the error of my ways. I was a foolish, stupid girl and all I want is to come home and introduce you to your granddaughter. Venreena will bring you such happiness Father as she does to me when all else seems dim. Please accept my apology and forgive a foolish daughter. Please let me come home and provide a better life for my daughter.

-Maria

She brought the page to her chest now, holding it against her heart as old memories flooded her mind. Memories of twenty years before.

She had caught the boat to Keel Harbor, a week’s travel in a luxury cabin that had been prepared for her by her husband who could not bear the idea of escorting her as much as she could not help but insist he stay home with their children and allow her to make the trip herself. To Gilneas, not Stormwind as she’d told him. She kissed their children goodbye, offering poor Lysandra a tight hug against her chest as well. She smiled, recalling how offended she’d been that she couldn’t go with. Her little flower, she loved all of her children deeply, but Lysandra was special to her as her youngest.

Another day on horseback took her into Stormglen Village, wherein the three weeks since she’d moved into the little cottage, the locals had become a little fond of Maria and her charming daughter. She found them all very helpful and eager to direct her along the row to the little cottage at the end where she could find her daughter. She remembered smiling, joyful at the opportunity to bring her home with her newest addition. Without the dog, William Thorne, who’d taken her away. She remembered how quickly that smile fell when she reached to knock upon the door and found it was already slightly ajar; broken at the jamb as though kicked in.

She couldn’t stop herself from doing what she did next. Her self-preservation had not inspired her to stop from placing a hand on the door and push it open slowly, watching it swing into the landing beyond into the room that appeared to have been upturned somehow. Not a single piece of furniture had been left righted. A gasp hitched in her throat as she heard the unmistakable mewl of a baby from above; her mothering instinct compelling her to step into the ransacked room and skirt the furniture to fly up the stairs. Two at a time. She recalled wishing she hadn’t. She still did whenever she thought back on that night. She did even now as she recalled the howl of the infant child that filled the upper parts of the cottage. The little landing she came upon had a bloody scrape across the floor where someone appeared to have dragged something. Someone, she reminded herself, she would come to discover. Fear boiled in the pit of her stomach and bile foamed up her throat as she reached out slowly to push open the half-closed door further where she found her. She turned away, vomiting into a nearby plant as the sight of the corpse. A blond woman, hardly older than Lysandra, a gnarled gaping hole in her chest that had spread crimson down her night dress and the light of her dark brown eyes was snuffed out, the lifeless orbs fixed unseeingly upon the floor as she lay half propped against the bed.

And the baby. The baby. Oh, the child. Wailing, hungry, smelling of feces, her mother’s cold lifeless hand beside her. The unholy wail that escaped Evelyn was one she could not ever remember hearing come from another human again as she felt the crushing agony of the scene cut her down to her knees where she stayed for a long while until she heard someone below rustling around. Two men spoke, but she couldn’t hear the words. She scrambled to her feet as fast as she could. Hide, she’d told herself, stepping over the trail of blood just as she heard heavy footfall making up the stairs quickly. She had just got into the wardrobe when the last footfall clunked outside the door. She could remember forcing herself not to make a sound, her hands wrapped around her mouth as tears streamed freely down her face. “No, no…. NO! Clemence! No! CLEMENCE! Wake up!”

It was a man’s voice. Deep, bellowing, racked with sobs as he pleaded with the universe for what he’d seen not to be true. She imagined him holding the blonde girl against her chest, the baby uncared for. Clemence, she recalled. The mother of her unknown granddaughter. Her hand slid over the cigar box and she pulled a bundle of letters that now were tied in twine. She couldn’t remember taking them from the house; the ones she’d sent back unread but, she knew she must have because they had come home with her and she hid them from anyone seeing them, along with Maria’s letter and the picture of Venreena. She never remembered much about how she got back to the dock, but somehow she’d gotten home.

She had never returned to Gilneas. When she came home, her husband had asked what happened and she couldn’t force herself to tell him what she’d seen. She couldn’t make herself recall her cowardice. She’d never been found in all that time, sneaking away in the chaos surrounding the mystery of the blonde woman’s death and the baby left behind. She never looked back. She didn’t want to know any more than what she’d seen.

#Evelyn Vanburen #Memories #Flashbacks #Clemence Lemieux #Lorraine Lemieux