Lady Rivienne

Another evening, in the bitter wasteland of Coerthas, leaves her restless.

Think I'll just watch this from afar! <3

Ravishing. That was perhaps the description that came to mind when his teal eyes trailed over the figure that now stood at his threshold. Though she concealed herself in such a heavy coat, his mind bloomed with images of how that dress might appear underneath such cumbersome layers. She arrived, left with little choice of course, at his small estate near Camp Dragonhead. The escort were knights, men that had little words to share with her about where they were heading or what purpose this man had with her. Surely, there was more involved than his interest. There was warmth here, a welcomed treat considering the harsh conditions outside these walls. A fireplace roared with flames that flickered and danced erratically, adding a glow in the meeting room, where she was welcomed by the man dressed in a dark, cerulean coat with a tail included, suitable for a man of higher prestige. Everything on his person was impeccable, and from the look of the decor within, he expected less than perfect. Dark hair was neatly combed away from his pale visage, revealing a set of piercing eyes, silver hued, like the moon-beams she had come to love when night fell across the skies. Though this Elezen was handsome, that serpentine smile peeled away any beauty he may have held; behind his smoldering gaze, she could see his ill intent --clear as day. This did not deter from putting on an act, for she remembered the tidbit of advice given to her by his maid. "Watch his smile. Then match his with your own." Rivienne's facade was well practiced, for though she was a tomboy at heart, playing the part of a lady was not difficult in the slight. Her shoulders were rolled back, chin was tilted upward and her lashes fell to half mast, forcing him to seek her gaze. Her skin smelled of flowers and so did those golden tresses that were neatly tucked away past her elongated ears. Her flesh was aglow under the light of the chandelier and kissed delicately by the amber caress that came from the flames ahead. Sanguine-lips were wet, immediately catching his attention when a smile surfaced 'pon them. "Simply lovely, m'lady, a breath-taking vision of beauty." The words rolled from his lips in baritone that was near throaty. From behind him, a hand extended forward to reach for her own whilst the other gave his knights a dismissive wave. The doors of the parlor closed behind them, but she noticed something amiss in the shadows, where the flames' light did not reach. There were others here, still watching and she felt trapped. Under his scrutinizing gaze, she didn't flinch. Rivienne remained calmed under his watchful eye and gave little away about her concerns. Her hand met his and she waited to see the manner of man he was from the way he gripped her. Greedily, gloved fingers enveloped her own entirely until they graced her wrists. With a persuasive tug, he begins to lead her closer to him now. This evening was going to be a power play, already she sensed this. So, let the games begin. "And a good eve to you, Ser Carvallain, for it seems you have heard of me, yet I know absolutely nothing about thine name nor has Lord Haurchefant spoken of you." Soft words flow like a tranquil riverbed, undisturbed by how he seemed to lead her to the parlor's couch. This dinner was a farce, of course, but she had hoped to at-least wet her palette. Ah, but just as she thought such, a small side table had a few delicacies that drew the eye, the closer they got. Thanks to the quick thinking of the maid, Anabelle, Rivienne had comfortable shoes for this evening, making it easy to keep up with his quickened steps. The marble underneath her was lustrous and the heels of her shoes caused a sound to resonate off the very walls. "Oh?" Inquisitively, he looked to her and the smile was ever-growing still. He appeared almost pleased with her response. "Are you of importance that I must know? I do not spend my evenings here learning of the High Houses nor their patrons, I have no interest in the like. Thus, I implore you, please, spare me a lengthy tale and speak the reason why you desired to see me so." "Ah, a woman after my own heart, straight to business. Was not my interest in simply seeing such a beauty enough? Of course, that was merely a bonus, my dear. Come, let us sit and discuss a few things. I promise, your time shan't be wasted." whilst words are shared, he maneuvers them around the lush couch, where he releases her hand and, just as she is about to sit, he shakes his head. "Your coat," he begins to reach for her shoulders, but Rivienne's quick grasp of his wrist puts a stop to his motion. Her touch, once gentle, now came with a warning. No words were spared, but she wished not to give any hint towards animosity especially knowing that there were figures still hidden in shadows around them both. Fingers curled around the fur that lined the heavy coat and began to pull it free from her body. His eyes feast upon the flesh and velvet that adorned in it. A satisfying smile, and lit features, were not ignored by her. Though she found no pleasure in this, Rivienne had to keep her act convincing enough. When the coat was finally folded in her arms, he quickly reached to take a hold of it and discard it over a regal armchair adjacent to the table of indulgences. Muscular legs were hidden, all except for the one that peered out past the slit when she finally sits down at the center of this wide couch. Like Anabelle, he looked over the scarred flesh with interest and found it appealing; such delight was written across his pallid countenance. "I heard of your exploits, from the time you spent here last, a few moons ago if I am correct. Quick to think on your feet, valuable asset and quite skilled with a bow from what I gathered. My knights have seen you in action and I was looking forward to meeting you then, but alas, such was not to happen --" "I rather not boast about any sort of victories and accomplishments," Rivienne interrupted whilst she watched him settle alongside her, closer than she anticipated he would be. With him ever so near, she felt not only the fire's warmth, but that which radiated from his frame. "You don't need to, I know of most of them. That is why I asked for you to come and help me with this.. dilemma." There is a slight tilt of his head while his eyes are set downcast, taking in the way her hands fold at her knees, the curvature of her hips, the posture she had. "And what problem do you seem to have that only I can help you with, with these knights under your command, there is little use for me." Rivienne leaned close with a coquettish smile, tempting him, distracting him. Information was easier to get when she used honey, much to her chagrin. It was then that he took the bait and trailed the back of his gloved digits against her jawline, brushing the outer shell of her ear. His hand withdraws, only to allow a few fingers to dip underneath her chin, tilting her head up so their eyes would not stray far. His breath was warm as it washed over her lips and spreads against her cheek when he leans to her ear. "A tracker for the Adder should find this task simple, no, it should inspire the need to succeed, especially when it holds connection to matters that are quite personal to her," His free hand danced along her exposed leg, slipping past the divorced fabric of her dress, which offered her some form of decency until now. It took everything not to rip his hand free from her, but she was finally getting to the heart of the matter. As fingers dared to venture further, his lips continued to loosen and she waited for the right moment to put an end to this. But, to her surprise, the words she heard were not what she expected. "You are seeking answers to a puzzle that has not yet been solved. I am probably the only one that can help you with that, little songbird."

If you have some knowledge on html, could look online for some styles. I don't use any template for mine, just messed around with coding.

[ continued from here .. ] The sudden change in Rivienne's demeanor startled the poor maiden to the point that the words stumbled past her lips nearly incoherently. She trembled with the imagery that now taints her thoughts, and now, a shaky hand tries to reach out to the Elezen before her to lightly gain some distance betwixt their forms. "N--nothing, I know nothing! All I was asked to do is keep watch over you, to make sure you do not leave!" The confession came quickly and she hardly needed to push Anabelle further; the girl didn't appear to have another intention other than following the order of her Lord. Silence would have loomed over them both, if it wasn't for the distressed sound of Anabelle's breathing. With a languorous motion, the tall frame of the Elezen backpedaled back into the room and began to remove the straps that held her bow and quiver in place. Once completed, they were discarded against the side of the wooden desk within. "Ah, and where does he think I will run off to? I am here to pick up a few things that belong to my family. I care little for any other business." It was her lusterless tone that eased Anabelle's nerves; her hand soon rests now at her chest to calm the rapid beat of her heart. Swallowing thickly, the midlander approached behind Rivienne, stepping in her shadows, as candlelight bathed the tall figure before her. "He is hoping you would join him for dinner, he made it a point to cancel your meeting with Lord Haurchefant, m'lady. He has picked a dress for you as well," Anabelle did her best to appear as amiable as possible and forced a smile to paint a path on her lips. She regained a portion of her chipper self when noticing that Rivienne was circling the room, taking apart every intricate detail that adorned her chambers until her vision now fell upon the dress displayed on the neatly made bed. This was ludicrous. . A lush, extravagant dress, made of velvet and asymmetrical in cut at the top and a slit riding along the side. It was red. A color that would stand against the snow; it was strong and vibrant, powerful, passionate. It was presumptuous of him to even consider that she would find this appealing. The fabric was rich, impeccable, that much was true --but Rivienne was not a woman who was easily impressed by riches and glamour. Golden eyes bore into it her lips formed a smirk at the thought of wearing such a scandalous piece. "A bath has been drawn for you already upstairs, please, follow me," it was that happy little reminder, behind her, that snapped her from such a pensive reverie. Anabelle was already on the move and gathered a candle, which had been melting on a silver plate, and made her way out of the room. Rivienne adapted to the situation and did not resist, she would play along, for the time being. The huntress followed her closely, she had her suspicions about the entire situation and her mind began to churn with thoughts, but most ended with her wanting to feel warmth embrace the entirety of her being. In truth, she was weary and it was sinking into her bones. It had been two suns since she had last bathed and could only fathom how she may have smelled, none too appeasing. Floral scents filled the air the moment the opened door revealed the luxurious bath of stone within. Aromatic oils wafted from the surface of the steaming water and a myriad of bottles lined the very end of the soak. A full length mirror was poised at a corner, where a small bench rests near an armoire. Her candle reflects off the glass, illuminating the entire room. "I haven't had a chance to clean up, I suppose I should thank him, at least, for this simple pleasure." Rivienne spoke quietly, finding repose in her reflection while Anabelle begins to reach over, to her shoulders, attempting to remove the hood from her head. In the stillness of this room, Rivienne allows her to undress her. The coat slips from her frame to reveal the tunic of green and brown, portraying a semblance to the trees of her woodland realm. The gaskins, and leather boots, worn have seen better days, though their condition indicates that they were well used throughout moons past. Deft digits slowly work away the material worn, peeling away the layers to reveal the honeyed flesh underneath, marred with scars, now kissed by the candle's sinful flame. Anabelle traces each scar while the articles of clothing is handed off to her. Blush rose to her cheeks; she withdraws her gaze whilst a whisper spilled from her soft lips. "Ser Carvallain thinks of everything possible, to get what he wants in the end."

Awe this is so cute thus far!! Also, I love the "not legs" comment there. But yes, I love the different types of Chocobos, which is funny because I was commenting, days back, on how my character's father raised them for knights! How perfect!

This is our wedding song, apparently. [video=youtube]

She hasn't been acclimatized to the weather in this region. The land of ever-winter was as frigid as she remembered and a night under the white blanket of snow was not a comforting thought. Private quarters were granted to her, much to the chagrin of a few knights that stood about when Lord Haurchefant announced such upon her arrival. Despite their utter annoyance that this outsider was given such lavish accommodations, suited better for a member of the higher houses within Coerthas, Rivienne took the offer but assured him that her stay would not be a long one. Avenger had been given shelter within the stables and she offered the stable-hand sufficient gil to keep him warm with a fire core orb gifted to her by one Reinette Sompt. Two moons have passed since the fall of her brother, second one to meet their fate here in this frozen wasteland. She has mourned and believed her heart to have healed, yet the pain strikes it the most inconvenient of times. Thankfully, none of those were close to her would be a witness to the sudden sorrow that touched her gaze whilst the guardsmen played the part of guides and lead her near the settlement --where her dear Louix once resided. They did not step to the door itself, allowing her to venture through to the vestibule without a word exchanged betwixt them. There came a creak and the onslaught of wind swept the chill throughout this small threshold. It howled and whistled even as she managed to close the door behind her shut. However, there was a slightly different sound that resonates in this dwelling; Rivienne hears the quiet footfalls of another. Past the first room, candle light erratically splashes across the walls, breathing life to the shadows cast upon the wooden slabs that made up the floor. There came the perfume of flowers, an enchanting aroma that helps her forget the bitterness of the cold and reminds her of Twelveswood, the gardens, the one she tended to many cycles ago. Before submitting to memory, she snaps away from her moment of nostalgia, and announces her presence. "I was told this was not going to be occupied," her voice trails into the air and it was obvious that the other person hardly appeared stirred by it. There was a light giggle; the person within was feminine. Again, she heard the foot steps, but this time, they were approaching from the room at the end of the narrow hall, which was dark until this lithe figure makes her appearance with a candle in her grasp. Hair of gold was spun into a braid and fell past her slender shoulders, which are covered by a neatly pressed collar and gave way to a dress befitting of a domestic servant. Her eyes, rivaling the color of the sea, sparkled with intrigue at the vision of Rivienne, who had been bundled from head to toe in a coat and hood, which did well in keeping her ears protected from the nip of frost. "I am Anabelle, m'lady," her hands folded themselves neatly before the skirt of her dress and a low bow of the head was given to the Elezen's direction, who inspected this Hyur in silence and a scrutinizing gaze. The woman spoke with a proper accent fitting an Ishgardian. Rivienne had not asked for any help; she wished to be alone this day. When this Anabelle straightened her form, Rivienne had quickly moved upon her and now stood but a few ilms distance. Golden depths peered into those shimmering blue eyes, which held no indication of fear. But, the way the woman swallowed, hinted that there was something clearly bothering her. "Anabelle, I need not the services of a maid; you may take your leave and thank Lord Haurchefant on my behalf, for I wish not to offend him so." That is when she broke eye-contact and side stepped away, leaving Anabelle behind her, as she waltzes into the chambers from whence this woman came. Within, the smell of incense penetrates her senses and candles sit high on candelabras. Paintings on the wall ahead depict Coerthas has it once was, before Calamity struck. Curtains of rich velvet obscure the view of the world beyond its' glass windows. "It was not Lord Haurchefant that sent me here. Ser Carvallain, of House Arbeau, he is a patron of House Fortemps. He provides them with the knights, and funds, to this ongoing war," she followed Rivienne as she walked past her, now talking to her back. Her voice remained light and friendly; her eyes wide and full of the dancing flame's glow. "He only wished to have all your needs met, extending courtesy that has already been shown to you--" Her words are soon cut short. Like a whirlwind, the sudden breeze of Rivienne's immediate pivot of her heel caused the flame to be snuffed out completely. This forced a gasp from the Midlander's lips, which trembled slightly when washed by the feeling of warmth coming from the Elezen's breath upon her cheek. Her voice was a knife in the dark; it is sharp, and penetrating her earshot, in a deadly tone. "Now, tell me there real reason why you are here, before I pull your tongue through your throat."

"Secret lovers, yeah that's what we are.. Trying so hard to hide the way we feel.. 'Cause we both belong to someone else." That would be soap-opera worthy, I tells ya. And once again, Thaarus would probably explode here too.

Awe, my maid of honor. I mean... If she married!

..You know, if you're asking for volunteers.. *trails off, scans horizon for Thaarus - hides* Mmm what a no so subtle hint! Think Thaarus would explode!

I saw this recently and was thrilled this wasn't like the opaline dress at all. I'm very excited.. .. now to daydream of Rivienne in that dress.

The wooden door, behind her steps, creaks in supplication until it finally latches shut. Here, where candlelight dances across the room, and splashes shadows upon the walls, Rivienne shields herself from the world beyond this rented space. Golden tresses brush along her flushed cheeks; anger had finally reached her countenance and caused her flesh to heat to a new degree. Her facade finally falters, now that she is met with privacy. In both arms, pressed against the cerulean fabric of her bliaud, was the leather-worn journal, which had seen better days, and the bundle of parchments given to her by Obsidian Hornet. The news they bear has stricken her of joy and left a swelling of pain at the pit of her stomach. To know that her mother had involved herself in such acts, such atrocities, would not sit well with anyone. Silent footfalls carried her across the room to the well made bed that awaited her return. Upon the sheets, she placed the bundle and unfurled it once more to look at the documentation Hornet has left her with. She was thorough in her research and appeared to have translated the entire journal for her. Yet questions still lingered as to why she choice to stray away from learning and mastering the aetheric flow to obsessing over the void? She was mild-mannered, with a voice of a bird, eyes filled of tenderness and a touch to match such. Rivienne could not imagine her conducting vile experiments, perverting their family name in such a fashion. Memories were now tainted and twisted by this new-found information. Rivienne knows that this could not be the end of her tale, for this journal ends abruptly, according to the notes taken by her friend, Hornet. There is much more left untold. Seems she will have to uncover it herself.

This is a pretty neat idea, Hornet. Thank you for sharing it. For Rivienne, I gave her a dose of -- Zoe Washburne from Firefly, for her stoic and deadly demeanor. She is a blend of beauty, strength and wit. Yet one can see that she is not all machine, there is tenderness there that is oft reserved for those she cares for and her loved one. Added some-- Katniss Everdeen, from the Hunger Games. Quick on her feet and intuitive. She able to adapt to the environment surrounding her, and is quite flexible in dangerous situations. Also, helps that she too is skilled in hunting. She enjoys her bow and arrow more than playing the part of a coquettish woman. And a pinch of -- Éowyn, from Lord of the Rings, a maiden by body, but a warrior in spirit. Rivienne was withdrawn, distant and kept many of her emotions ( still does ) bottled within. She wants to carve her own destiny and take possession of it in the end, instead of being a caged bird to her brother's own legacy.

Time spent with him eases her nerves and washes away the worries of the day. Obligatory warning: In the spoiler, is a commissioned piece I purchased a little while back, I wasn't sure where to put this but.. if you are relatively offended by partial or tasteful nudity ( really, just a lot of cleavage ), please do not click to view!

"Keep your gaze forward, lest you wish a needle in your eyes."

Enjoy that beauty while you can Thaarus.... *maniacal cackle* Oh Hornet~ are we plotting something? Are your fingers tented at the moment? I should take a screenshot with Hornet sometime she is rather lovely.

Screenshots tell stories, his expression speaks volumes. I sharpened the picture and lightened it to focus more on Thaarus than Rivienne. Anywho, sorry for the screenshot spam here! I know there are many pictures of these two listed in the threads.

So close..

Yup, a little Photoshop magic to make it really pop out. I wish my screenshots looked like glamour shots!

Last one, I promise. For Yvelont --cause that last picture had me rolling.

Miss Rivienne approves of the Hornet picture!

[align=center][/align] His steely gaze locked unto her own and the Elezen, a gallant Lord with a grim expression, was no other than Haurchefant himself. For the first time, Rivienne's feet were planted on the ground and her limbs stiffened in place. It was not his glare that caught her off-guard, for she was getting used to such from most of the sentries - but the sudden change of expression when she was announced. "It is rather warm here," the accented voice spilled from Rivienne's lips quietly, but it was enough to resonate within the room. Golden eyes did not linger on him for too long; she observed the room and was drawn immediately to the roaring fire. "Come forth and warm yourself by our hearth," he followed her gaze and soon every motion she made when redirecting herself away from the fireplace to stand before him. A quick sweep of the eyes and he sized up the woman before him, settling his gaze on her bow and quiver full of arrows for a few seconds longer. His eyes sought her own. "There is little time for pleasantries and comforts," Rivienne reached into her satchel and gathered the rolled missive to present to him. She wanted to get this affair over with and continue on with her search, but the serious look he wore, whilst reading, told of a different path she was going to take. "This does not bode well, there has been talk about heretics within the High Houses, but such is probably not of your concern. Tell me of your other reason for an audience." The rosary was presented to him and a perplexed expression crossed his face. He didn't recognize it. Could it be that her brother had not made it this far? The thought caused concern but it melted away when he picks it up and gives it another look over. "I have seen this before. Let me look into this, for the time being, I'd like you to step outside with a few of my knights, watch them train, and I invite you to join them if you will.." He spoke quietly and watched her turn away, though she had a feeling something was amiss --from the way he looked at her upon her leave.

I hear wedding bells already..~ Having flashbacks about my FFXI days. Also, quite excited about the new DPS classes, looks like it is going to be a lot of fun, especially for an alt of mine~

[align=center] [/align] [align=center]"Kweh~"[/align] This was Avenger's method of protesting against his companion's request. Both of them have endured the heat for days now along with the frigid temperatures that came during the evening. To leave her alone here would be a dangerous task, and because he does not separate often from combat --worried him. Rivienne's dry hands fell over either side of his beak; golden eyes sought the dark ones that stared back at her and she sensed his apprehension about her going against a horde Amalj'aa alone, here in the middle of the Sagolii desert. But, what little choice did they have, especially when the life of another was at stake. The only reason they were both out here was due to the reports of a missing Miqo'te female, one in her youth, who ventured out to hunt the Sandworms days past and had yet to return. Such stirred commotion as a few hunters were sent to track her down, but to no avail. Her family used the last of their resources in funding their trip, but Rivienne, who happened to be traveling through the South Thanalan, heard of such travesty befalling the family at the Forgotten Springs. Due to her own experiences, she knew the pain all too well and would not allow this opportunity slip from her grasp. She volunteered to take in the torrid temperatures of the desert, despite her loathing of the heat in general, and to let the chill sink into her skin when night fell. Over the dunes she went, against the prickling winds of sand, under the relentless heat of the sun. For what seemed to be an endless sea of gold, Rivienne searched far and wide, battling mirages and hoping that the sand did not swallow them whole. Her long travels had taken a toll now after nights of searching, there still was little evidence of the Miqo'te youth, until the Elezen strayed close to an encampment. She could see cages, barely, through the dust storm that had whipped up around the area that day. And, upon closer inspection, she did notice movement within them --and at the same time attempted to keep out of the view of those beastmen. Which places them in this situation.. She gave him instructions to return back to the Forgotten Springs, to gather others to this location if possible, for a riderless Chocobo, equipped with saddle and barding, would catch the eye of someone. A quiet prayer was spoken to him as she readied herself to cover his retreat, for soon the eyes of these Amalj'aa will turn to her direction when he flees. Avenger took off without a glance to check on Rivienne, who already had taken an arrow from her quiver and positioned herself between and a dilapidated structure that offered some cover from an attack. "Well then, one against ten, twenty? Perhaps twenty-five? Seems the odds are in my favor," the throaty chuckle escaped her lips before seeing the Chocobo had caught the attention of a patrolling beastman, who then alerted his brethren. Rivienne had her arrow in the air seconds after the cries echoed into the air -- and thus began the exchange of the huntress and the worshipers of Ifrit. If all went well, others would come to lend their aid once Avenger reached the town.. ..if not --well she will do what she came here for, to rescue this girl. One way or another.