Personality: First and foremost, Constynce is a lover of nature. She raises her plants as though they were her children, tending to their needs carefully. Not too much water, and not too much sun; shade when it's too hot, and cover when it's too cold. To her, plants are the best listeners, and she talks to them every day. While she understands the balance of resources and the needs of the people, it still hurts to see things like whole trees destroyed. Though she has a family now, she still has a big place in her heart for the plants and cares for them as best as she can.
With the passage of time and the rather varied experiences she’s had, her old innocence has been molded into a tenderness for all. She is very responsive to what is going on in her environment, growing into a phase between emotional and courageous as she discovers the strength within. She values trust and kindness, and is devastated by any sign of someone else’s ill intent.
After the trials she went through after coming of age and all the years following, Constynce is settling into trusting in herself and her own abilities. She had to learn how to do much after the loss of her parents and brothers. It's the one trait she got from her grandparent's rules that she appreciates. This trait will falter when her emotions are on the line though.
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Posted: Tue May 05, 2020 2:04 pm
Starting History:
Some families are happy to change their ways as time passes. Others, not so much. The differences between generations can be many. Such is the case with young Constynce and her grandparents. She is the granddaughter of the Chieftain of the little village they lived in. It is a lesser known tribe, but still a tribe that thrived and grew every year. With her parents and her two older brothers taking care of things, Constynce was never pushed to hold any special role. She was allowed to do as she wished; and what she wished to do was garden. She was always going out into the forests, inspecting and collecting the wild flora surrounding the little village.
Her grandparents didn’t quite approve of such behavior, wanting her to study more with the local herbalist rather than running around on her own, but their own daughter, Constynce’s mother, convinced them to let the girl be. Her father was too busy training to raise his chances of being elected as the next chieftain to care much, while her eldest brother ran errands for their grandfather. The second brother would humor her though, bringing her little plants in his pockets from wherever he had been hunting for her personal collections.
The day the Alkidikes attacked was the worst day of her life. The village had been buzzing with stories of attacks drawing near, the female warriors apparently invading Tale in order to take it over, taking down anything in their path. All of the village's fighters had been assembled and were out on the edge of the village territory to protect against invasion. Constynce was restricted to inside her home, and the youngling was going quite stir-crazy. She wasn’t meant to be cooped up like that!
..When the screams started, she was glad to be inside. Playing with a few of the dried flowers in her room, she jumped up and ran to the window. The giant Alkidikes were like a scary story come to life. Being fairly educated, she knew about the Alkidike race. To see them herself though... To see them charging into the village, tearing down everything and everyone they saw... Hearing thudding steps, Constynce spun to see her mother charge in. Mother was crying, and scared, and whispering sharply about hiding. Constynce was pushed into the closet, where she curled up into a ball in the corner. She covered her ears and squeezed her eyes shut, trying to mentally escape what she could hear happening outside...
The warriors had all been on the wrong road, and it was too late for Constynce’s mother by the time they reached the village. In the end, over half the villagers were dead; including Constynce’s father and brothers, who had been part of the warrior group. Constynce was left under the care of her strict grandparents. Depression kept her from facing life fully again, going from loving her free life with a full family to feeling so alone and under stuffy, steadfast lessons daily. Oh, she went to her lessons and did her chores, but while her grandparents saw a safe existence, she saw it as a dull and empty life.
Eventually, she grew tired of the rules and restrictions. She still mourned the loss of her family, but deep in her heart, she knew they wouldn’t want her to live like this. After the war was officially over, and word of the extremists’ banishment reached them, she finally demanded to be let back to her gardens. She wanted to feel again.
...If she hadn’t looked just like her mother, her grandparents might have stood firm against that wish. However, they saw their own precious child in their granddaughter, and allowed it.
Over time, she found her light again. She was talking to the plants, bringing them home, drying them, and treasuring them again. The soft scents were her mother’s perfume. Strong stems and trunks matched her father’s strong back. The sounds of the wind through the trees were her brothers laughing. ..Nature was home, and having it made life tolerable again. It didn't help the regular nightmares of giant women attacking her, now terrified of the towering warriors, but it was a start. She wasn't sure what she would do if she were to meet an Alkidike in person; however, she had no desire to do so. This fear will stick with her for quite some time, and getting over it will be a slow process.
When she reached prentice age, she was hit with the second worst day of her life. Her grandparents wanted to bring the village back to its old glory; to see it flourishing again. They saw only one way to do that; combine with another village for strength. To show good faith between the tribes, they agreed to marry their granddaughter off to the other village chief’s son, who was a favorite of the coming elections for that village. At first, she wasn’t too receptive to the idea of being married off. However, despite their differences of opinion, she respected her grandparents. After all... they were all she had left.
So, reluctantly, she is preparing herself to travel to a strange village to marry a strange man for the sake of her home...
Posted: Tue May 05, 2020 2:06 pm
Relationships:
Tryston- <3 Zariah- Daughter Coleus- Son Calanthe- Daughter Euthalia- Daughter
Parents- Deceased npcs Two brothers- Deceased npcs Grandparents- Ellond and Galadria. The strict, old-fashioned leaders of their village -npcs-
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Posted: Tue May 05, 2020 2:08 pm
RP Log:
Stage 4; Herbalist X Special Gifts - W/Tryston *5points
Stage 3; Artisan X Blizzard Winds and Dear Moments - W/Tryston *5points X Farewells - W/Tryston *5points X My Only One - W/Tryston *10points X [WE] Solo reply - *5points X Dealing With The Ex - W/Tryston *5points X The Rescue and Reveal - W/Tryston *5points X [WE] Stuck in a Storm - W/Tryston *5points X [WE] Truth or Dare - Solo *5points X [WE] An Honest Accident- Solo *5points X Arts & Crafts - W/Tryston *5points Stage 2; Rogue: X Soothe The Soul - W/Rajani *5points X The Urge To Herbal - W/San'thari *5points X Just There - W/Syqvara *5points X Familiar Face? - W/Tryston *Complete *5points X Plants, Flowers, Herbs - W/Cassia *5points X Passing Through - W/Chrysanthe *5points X No Longer Safe - W/Tryston *5points Prentice: X The Journey Begins - W/Tryston *Complete *Growing req complete X Cold vs Cozy - W/Serana *Complete *Growing req complete X The Long Way - W/Tryston *Complete *Growing req complete
Posted: Tue May 05, 2020 2:12 pm
Growing Reqs:
Legendary 50 points
Stage 2/3 Growth Form
Character Name: Constynce Class Promotion: Herbalist Current Location: 50/50 Tale and Zena Journal:Journal Growth Point Links: X Solos starting here *22points X *5points X *5points X *10points X *5points X *5points X *5points X *5points X *5points X *5points X *5points Growth Blurb: Constynce has been through a lot, and has finally found a sense of order and contentment with the love of her life. She is also thriving as a mother, as chaotic as unexpected twins are. Through it all, she has never lost her sense of self. If anything, it has all only strengthened her confidence and abilities. While challenges remain ahead, she feels ready to take it all on with her family at her side.
Physical Description: Outfit Hair. Definitely no crown though. Perhaps a small crown of tiny flowers instead? They can either match the braid flowers or be their own wee blossoms. A single thick and nearly ankle length braid. Braid1 and Braid2. Keep the current jewelry If possible, holding a small Basket of various flowers/herbs relating to her class as an herbalist Body Type: Like current
Artisan- Journal entry 1 A Note of the Past Part 1: Sanctuary
Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. Month after month after month… Constynce had hoped that her time at the Zenan animal shelter would have been short, but life seemed to have had other plans.
Of course, what else was new? Her whole life had been filled with plans going far off from her branch of intentions. She knew that things changed regularly, it was the natural course of life, but it should have stuck to changing smaller events! To her, it felt as though any plan she made was purposefully beaten off of the rails. It was as though her path had been torn asunder by a flood causing any clear direction to become distorted and the footing to become precarious. Any new paths that came up just had another flood wash away the traces of the path to any goals.
She had planned to grow up with the guidance and the love of her parents and her brothers. Life had other plans.
She had planned to live her life out tucked away in her home village with no need to go anywhere beyond its borders. Life had other plans.
She had planned to never see others slaughtered, or to lose another person she cared for to anything outside of natural causes. Life had other plans.
She had planned to be comfortable and safe in her new position as a wife and village leader. Life had other plans.
So many of her intentions had swerved to go toward objectives that were not her own. It seemed to be a miracle that she and Tryston had reached the shelter in Zena at all after escaping Tale. At this point, Constynce would not have been surprised if they had found themselves on Yael instead by mistake! Talisia, the lovely hybrid who ran the isolated lodging, had welcomed them with open arms. The shelter was expansive to fit the multiple animals healing or simply living there. There was plenty of room for her. It was beautiful and safe.
Still, Constynce couldn’t help being acutely aware of how cold and.. not a village the place was. It was painfully clear that it wasn’t home.When she looked back, her time at the shelter had felt even longer than the nearly two years she had been residing there. Most of the time she had felt so alone. The others were so much more involved in trying to find solutions to their problems. Serana was investigating the council, and Tryston was trying to work out the corruption of the brotherhood. Constynce’s visits with them were few, leaving her only with thoughts of the home she had been forced to leave behind, the treachery of her foul ex-husband, Quintli, concerns about what the future would bear for her, and the unrelenting cold weather that dug into her skin when she wasn’t stuffed under layers of fur and cloth. All of it was a recipe for despair while she waited for progress to come along and take her onto the next step.
She wasn’t an active participant in her path… There was always someone pushing or pulling her. She couldn’t remember feeling like this ever before. Of course, she had never had someone try to kill her on such a personal level. The Alkidike of her childhood had slaughtered her people out of pure evil intentions. They had just wanted to kill anyone and everyone in their path. The attack in the forest had been specifically meant to end with her demise. It was a disturbing bit of knowledge to carry around.
It took effort to focus on what good moments she could achieve on her own here. There were enjoyable moments to be had, of course! She was able to learn much about the various animals residing at the shelter and had many pleasant conversations with her charming and giving hostess. There were indoor plants that she was allowed to care for, and even a few outdoor ones when she dared to venture beyond the protective walls. She was especially grateful that she had been able to practically fill her room with indoor pots and plants to feel a little more at home. Such opportunities to learn about the foreign plants in person were immeasurably precious. Not having to look over her shoulder every time she left her room was a nice addition to her daily life as well.
Of course, the best parts were when Tryston was able to come around. He was the only familiar in the sea of changes since she had left home. Perhaps not consistent, but certainly familiar. She knew she could count on him. His presence made her feel as though things might turn out alright in the end, somehow. He was never able to visit for long, but she made the best of their time. However short their time was together, whether for a small meal or a quick discussion on the progress of the brotherhood, Constynce made extra certain that she was cheerful and supportive when the icy man came around. It was the least she could do for him after everything he had done for her. With how hard he was working, she could not stand the idea of showing her pain and being a further distraction for him.
Besides.. she really had no other way to help out. She couldn’t go help find fighters for the brotherhood with Tryston, and she certainly couldn’t go to town to investigate the council with Serana. She was stuck until a fresh foothold could be found for solid action to be taken. When her companions were around, she would smile and encourage and be the extra support they needed. That was all she could do for the others.
She hated the feel of a weapon in her hand, but still made the effort to train a little with a dagger as a backup. Talisia helped her with that as well, being the only one there that she was able to trust when her other companions were not around. That was all she could do for herself.
She had a larger part to play, but she just had to not go crazy in the meantime. She had to keep her head on straight in this cozy prison that was adrift in the sea of snow and ice…
And then finally-
After months of waiting, word arrived at the sanctuary that the darkness within the brotherhood had been eradicated, and the honorable men of the banner were gathering together again. Tyrston had done it! Serana’s news was just as encouraging, in its own way. It was almost time for everyone to confront the council. That was when Constynce would be able to contribute; to share her side of what she had found concerning her ex-husband and his dealings with the council. The things she had read and witnessed and experienced would be laid bare. She would help bring an end to Quintli’s underhanded ways.
Maybe then she would be free again..
(( word count: 1171 ))
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Posted: Sat May 23, 2020 5:47 pm
Artisan- Journal entry 2 A Note of the Past Part 2: Council
Constynce could remember how nervous she had been as the group approached the snowy city and the confrontation that was to come. While she had tired of the sanctuary by then, she remembered the fear she had been filled with upon leaving it for the first time in nearly two years. All she had known since her most recent escape to Zena had been within those walls, and now she suddenly just wanted to be back in that stoney palace. As cold and lonely as it could get in those quiet nights, it was more familiar and safer than what was coming.
She was trembling despite wearing enough layers for three Zenans to cover up with, and the shivers were only partially due to the cold. The others had helped to prepare her for the coming meeting, but it was still an intimidating prospect for her. To finally expose the corruption that had been haunting her life for so long… Not only her life, but also Tryston’s and Serana’s lives. In her mind, they had suffered more than she. Her life had been turned upside down, but they were the ones much more personally involved in the chaos. It was such a vast notion that had seemed to be only a dream that she would be part of, but now it was real. It was time.
She was utterly grateful for the small entourage she traveled with, but even that could only help so much. No doubt she would still be standing back at the door of the sanctuary without their encouragement to keep her moving forward. She repeated the instructions in her mind over and over to keep herself focused. Present the evidence, get the guilty parties to stand down and face justice. It was simple enough in theory.
As with everything else though, things didn’t go as planned.
The inside of the council hall seemed to be even colder than it was outside. Deep shadows lurked in the numerous corners of the stone building and voices echoed emptily in the high rafters above. The council sat higher than those who approached, making them seem all the more intimidating; which was, of course, their desired effect. Constynce remained silent, anxiously waiting for her turn to speak while spending most of her time huddled behind Tryston. Much of the political talk went back and forth so many times to the point that she had nearly stopped listening. It was just dizzying to hear the evidence and arguments being bounced around like a hot coal. No one wanted to keep it and take responsibility. The villages had needed her to deal with dilemmas, but this was beyond any argument she had needed to oversee before. Grumbles about land borders and the cost of a mule was nothing compared to the complexities she was letting flow in one ear and out the other. She turned her focus to what she alone had to say; as well as on not falling apart in front of the stern and angry glares of the people on the council. No one seemed very happy with the subject on hand, and they were just as cold as the building they were meeting in. The torches made the shadows on the council’s faces seem deeper and even more threatening than they already were. Did they have to look down at them like that?
It didn’t take long for the raised voices to turn into raised fists, and the mostly level discussion turned into chaos before she had even had the chance to speak her part. She was immediately pushed away from the fighting, moving readily to keep out of the way of those more skilled. Others trying to protect her was how they got hurt. Every time. Cowered behind one of the cold pillars, she could safely watch Tryston and the others fighting for freedom; that is, when she dared to peek around the security of the pillar. She didn’t want to see people getting hurt.
She could remember wishing for little more at that moment than to be one of those strong fighters, able to stand and help defend her friends. Her utter yearning for strength so that she could help turn the tide of the battle. She knew herself better though. There would be no grand attacks from her.
She could remember a large hand grabbing her, and how all of her eagerness to help the others drained into her feet when she turned and looked up into Quintli’s heated eyes.
It had happened so quickly. She felt herself yanked off of her feet and swept away from the fight, too surprised to react quickly. She hadn’t seen him standing in the council room! Had he been hidden away in those endless shadows, or had she just mentally blocked him from her awareness? Either way, his appearance was a shock. With her hand in practically a vice grip of the man’s fingers, Constynce struggled without success. “Stop! Quintli!” She knew that words would do no good, but what else could she do? Tryston had warned her that things might go wrong, and that she might have to act for her own safety. She had attempted training with a dagger with varying levels of success. She had to try if she wanted out of this predicament alive-! but her fumbling hand couldn’t find the hidden dagger under her coat. “Let me go.”
Quintli’s fingers only gripped tighter. “Which one in there was it? It had to be one of them. Tell me,” he growled, pulling a sword out from under his cloak as he dragged her away from the council room. “Someone in there saved your sorry hide before. Do you know what I’ve had to go through after your little stunt? You vanished and my men were dead. Pretending to be concerned for your safety was exhausting. I really should have just done it myself.” He growled sharply, turning wild yet calculating eyes to his captive. “And now look at you here in this mess. While it would be easier to let the others do it, I can’t help wanting to personally slice their guts open for ruining my plans.” For emphasis, he swiped his blade to cut the buttons from Constynce’s coat and gave her hand another crushing squeeze. “Who was it? I might kill you quickly if you tell me now.”
Constynce yelped as her hand was painfully squeezed, wincing at the threatening grin it resulted in on the other’s lips. Tryston… She wanted to say it. She wanted to call for him and have him save her again. She wanted him to come and end Quintli’s reign of fear. Tryston could handle himself, but if his focus was protecting her as well as himself… She couldn’t let it happen here! “You can’t!” she urged, shoving as hard as she could against Quintli.
The force behind the sudden push actually surprised Quintli, making him release his hold and stumble back a couple steps. He spat a curse at her and charged to regain control. “You can’t fight me, Constynce.”
Constynce felt her fingers finally brush the handle of the dagger and she gripped it tight, running as fast as she could. Burdened by the layers though, it felt like she had only managed a few steps before her attacker’s weight slammed against her back, jaw slamming against the hard floor. Breath crushed from her chest and head spinning, she flailed her arms around with only the vaguest awareness that she still held the little blade. There was a piercing shout of pain in her ear, and blood splattered to the floor next to her head while the weight suddenly rolled off of her. She scrambled to stand and looked back, the sight making her heart skip again. Quintli was holding his hand to his cheek, his face red with blood and fury. She had done that… “I-I won’t let you hurt him!” she insisted, holding the dagger up as bravely as she could manage, fighting to not look as dizzy as she felt from the impact. She wanted to protect those she cared for, and if she could manage this, then maybe he would back off just a little!
“Him? Oh, so that’s what this is.” The observation was murmured heavily, plans already clearly being made to sort through the men there. Swiftly, the amusement shifted and Quintli let out a sharp bark of a laugh. “You won’t ‘let’ me? I’d like to see you stop me,” he hissed, charging this time with his sword swinging.
The taunt made Constynce’s stomach twist painfully. Could she really stop him on her own? Backed against a wall, no one else nearby.. What choice did she have but to try? She wanted to live!
Tears flooded her eyes as her hand rose, pointing the dagger forward. She felt the tug of Quintli’s sword passing through her coats as she pushed from the wall, eyes squeezing shut at the same time. She was shoved backward again from the other’s momentum, breath again crushed from her chest when she was pinned against the wall. Yet, the pressure soon released. One eye cracked open, both horrified and relieved at the sight of Quintli staggering backward, his hand shaking as it reached for her dagger in his chest.
She could remember feeling the sickening impact through the dagger; how it had sliced through cloth and flesh. She could still feel it to this day. She could still see Quintli’s disbelieving eyes lose focus as he dropped to the ground in front of her.
Her knees shook too hard to support her anymore and she dropped to the ground with a gasp. Qulntli’s sword was still stuck through the furs, and she only slowly moved to check herself where the sword had pierced. Under the layers, she found only a shallow cut in her side. She was still too shocked to feel the sting of the wound, or even the bite of the cold against her now exposed skin The heavy coats had protected her, along with Quintli’s frantic aim and her unexpected movement. She looked back at the dead man, shock settling into her system. The trembling moved to fill her whole body, eyes locked on the body of the man she had killed. It was difficult to breathe.
She had done it. Quintli.. was dead.
The next thing she knew, she was being plucked off the ground and held tight by strong arms that instantly allowed her to release her tension and collapse into a sobbing mess of pain and relief.
The fight was over. They had won.
It was over.
(( word count: 1782 ))
Posted: Sat May 23, 2020 5:52 pm
Artisan- Journal entry 3 A Note of the Past Part Three: Return
Once the council had been defeated, there was no time for any delays. No time to sit back and recuperate or even enjoy knowing that peace was coming. Constynce and Tryston both had much to do; Tryston with the brotherhood and her with the villages back in Tale. Unfortunately, that meant that the only time remaining for them together was the trip to the Sautian border; and that trip had been far too short. She considered herself lucky that Tryston had been able to take the time to go at least part of the way with her. Being able to have a few peaceful nights together was a blessing that she could not overstate. It had been bliss after years of stress and loneliness.
Parting ways had been as painful as ever. Almost more so than before, knowing this time that it was coming. Making the effort to keep going while Tryston turned around and went back to Zena had been one of the most difficult things she had ever done. She had managed it though, and the rest of the trip dragged slowly.
There had been quite the uproar when Constynce returned to her second home. There she was, after two whole years, alive when everyone had been told that she had been kidnapped and most likely killed. On top of that, she was telling them their young chief Quintli was a traitor and dead in Zena. Sure, a letter had preceded her arrival to soften the blow and increase credibility, but it didn’t make her appearance any easier for the village to handle. Many had trusted their new chief, grown up with him even, and the betrayal was hitting them hard. A handful even left the village, refusing to believe the tale. Quintli’s father had taken over again, healthy enough to temporarily handle the job until a new chief was voted in. The old leader had welcomed her back, much to her amazement, and assured her that the deal he had made with her grandparents long ago would continue as planned. After all, she had married his son as promised, and both villages were still benefiting from the union. He revealed that he had suspected Quintli’s dark side, but had neither the strength nor the heart to convince himself of his son’s underhanded ways. There would be no repercussions for her part in the young chief’s death.
Her garden appeared to be as she had left it, which she was immensely grateful for. Even her dear tintural, Kass, was still lumbering lazily along the paths. Part of her had been certain that Quintli would have flattened the whole garden and turned Kass into soup. Having been a gift from Quintli, Kass was a bit of a bittersweet reminder of the past. Still, Constynce just could not bring herself to get rid of the passive creature.
With the situation at the first village secure, she went on to her birthplace. Having thought that the last of their family line was dead, her grandparents had prepared a large celebration to commemorate her return. Her heart was settled knowing that they were okay, and that the village was starting to flourish again from the resources of their allied village. If nothing else, at least Quintli had been honest in that regard.
The whole time, she had been writing letters in her minimal spare time to send to Tryston, updating him on the progress being made. She was proud of the progress being made, and was proud of herself for being able to be directly involved with it all. While she wasn’t sure he cared that much about the minute details she put into each note, she was just happy keeping a line open between them. It had been a few months, and she missed him so much. After all, she thoroughly appreciated every word she got in return.
Everything seemed to be smoothing back out, but then a new war came. Not long before she had gotten home, the Dretch began making themselves known across Tendaji. Villagers were taken from where they stood, and everyone was afraid. Lost in her own isolation and drama in Zena, she’d had no idea of the rising terror the rest of Tendaji was facing. Now the terror was in full swing. It was a miracle that the various clans of the land made a pact to work together to fight the seemingly invincible monsters, and Constynce watched more friends go to war. An even bigger miracle was that after a few years of struggle and loss, the earthlings won! She still had no idea how it happened, but they discovered the monsters could bleed and die just like anyone else, and the reveal had bolstered the troops and chased the dretch into retreating. Hopefully, they would remain tucked away in whatever hole they had been in forever more.
Over those dreadful years, Constynce had worried regularly about Tryston. It was a certainty that the brotherhood had been part of the fight in defending the people of Zena, putting their lives on the line so soon after coming back together. The letters coming from her icy hero had stopped early on. She had assumed it was due to disturbed communications from the fighting, but there was still nothing even after the war had calmed down. She continued to write, though. Surely there would have been word from someone if a tragedy had occurred!
More time passed… and the villages were growing and changing. The kind old village chief had passed, and another was voted in; a young man named Fezig from one of the larger houses. After a few meetings with the smart and capable young man, her grandparents started trying to renegotiate the contract for her to marry the new chief of the other village. There had been no hint of the union breaking at all without it, yet they felt it was better to be safe than sorry. They were heartily urging her to forget about her Zenan ‘fling,’ reminding her often with growing impatience of his lack of communication since before the war, and that she wasn’t getting any younger. Constynce kept putting them off, insisting that her wait would be over soon. Their separation wasn’t going to be forever. That was what they had promised each other when they had parted ways in Sauti.
Yet the longer she went without a letter in return from the man she loved, the more difficult it was to deny the pressure from her family and her people. She had been meant to be the link between the two villages, and both villages were putting in the effort to rebuild from the latest losses from the war with the dretch. The clamor was getting louder in her ears every day.
Of course, she had no idea about the intervention happening with the letters she was attempting to send, nor of those that were trying to get sent to her… All she had was the silence, and the messengers who by now were shaking their heads sympathetically before she even got close to them to ask if there was anything in their delivery bags for her.
She could have just taken another trip to Zena to see for herself, but she kept saying she was too busy helping the villages. There was always something coming up that required her attention, be it a small local dispute or a larger communication between the allied villages. If she was being honest with herself, she was too afraid of what she might find after all this time. What if Tryston was dead? Or what if he had moved on from his affections for her? What if their connection really had just been a fleeting fancy? Why else would he not respond to her letters? Constynce wasn’t sure she would be able to face either of those possibilities. As much as she wanted to go and get closure, she was bending under the pressure from her grandparents and the village and her concerns about the many possibilities for Tryston’s silence. So much time just kept passing by with no sign of the connection she had so tenderly held onto over the years…
So, here she was, back in the village she had moved to before with the plan to secure her home through marriage once more, trying to remember what ‘normal’ was supposed to be in the leaf villages. After the years of running and hiding and fighting and just surviving, could she really settle into her old lifestyle? She would write a letter to the icy phantom in her heart every once in a while.. but they always just ended up taking up space in a chest in her bedroom, buried next to a tenderly packed set of winter furs with matching accessories, all collecting dust with the passing days.
Life wasn’t that bad, really. She had her gardens, and Fezig was kind enough to her during their interactions. He was certainly a charming man with no hint of the darkness that had made her so unsettled with Quintli’s presence. She could get comfortable there if she tried. Settling into a new life was tough, but she had done it more than once before. It was practically a pastime by now! Surely, she would adjust again.
(( word count: 1556 ))
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Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2023 8:57 am
Artisan- Journal entry 4 A New Threat
For a couple days now, Constynce had been locked in her room completely alone. The only interaction she got was for food and the occasional heckler passing by. As relieved as she was to be safe enough from the creeps there, she was also concerned. No one was telling her anything. She couldn't overhear any plans. There was no way for her to send out any word to Tryston from this little prison. Plus, she just wasn't used to being so alone anymore... There was too much time to think about her mistakes. How she had been swept up like a damsel once again, after everything she had gone through. Had she really grown at all?
The room she was being kept in was minimal; not that she would have expected anything else. At the least, she wasn't sitting in the actual brig with walls of bars to leave her exposed. Her view was restricted to the door window and the single porthole in the wall. Everything else was solid wood. She wouldn't be able to break through anything on her own. She could see the docks they were currently stopped at through the porthole. It was busy with businessmen and customers and laborers. They were so close, yet so unable to help her get free… It made her skin positively burn with frustration.
The sound of footsteps getting close made her huff and scoot away from the door. Her appetite was essentially nonexistent, and having another heckler come by was about as appealing as the idea of food. She dropped heavily onto the simple, lumpy cot that was barely any more comfortable than lying directly on the floor, and crossed her arms. "Don't bother. I'm not hungry," she grumbled as the door swung open.
"Then I'll simply have them drug you until you're simply unable to resist whatever gruel the cook deems nutritious. I do not mind that option if that is what you prefer to an actual prepared meal." The voice neither held anger nor amusement, it was simply cold like the iceling that it belonged to. Izotz was someone which even the crew tended to skirt around, the lean muscled earthling with his sharp features and piercing gold gaze almost like a wraith that could pluck out their very souls should they anger him. Similar to his first meeting with Constynce when she had been kidnapped and dragged onto this very boat the man was dressed in simple leathers with a plain tunic that gave no hint of his heritage or status in Zena, or anywhere else for that matter. The only thing to even give the appearance of wealth was the actual material of his attire should one inspect him closely enough as the man was more for practicality than lavish decorations.
It was the first time he had visited Constynce since sailing. Apparently her refusal of food had gone on long enough and the crew had revealed the fact to Izotz. It was far better for him to lash out at them now than add more bodies to the ocean depths if the woman starved to death. "So make your choice as there is no third option." He commanded as he dropped a platter of food onto the table next to Constynce, and then wiped his dark gloves against his leggings as if there had been some grime gained from the very action of serving the woman. If it was not for his desire to get better standing with the Oban noble that they were heading towards then Izotz probably would have left her on the docks, but that along with the amusing desperation of the ice warrior had only fueled his decision to support his crew's impromptu plan to kidnap the woman.
The voice from the dock? Constynce turned her head to look with surprise before she could stop herself. Yep, he was just as creepy now as he had been before. Forcing away the uncomfortable chill that the iceling's presence brought, she looked to the plate of food with a rare scowl. "You and your crew will be torn to shreds once Tryston finds me." Her mind flickered over the image of her hero falling back at the dock, and she stood to cover the shudder of dismay that went along her back. If only she could be sure he was okay.
A laugh left the man's lips, though it almost sounded like a whisper more than anything since he even kept his amusement quiet. "If Tryston wasn't already torn to shreds by those who stayed behind to deal with him.” Izotz mused as he seemingly read Constynce's mind and felt her concern for the ice warrior. "I suppose we'll see what happens. What would it be like to watch your face when they bring back something from his corpse?"
The iceling's musings caused a visible tension to overtake Constynce, and her arms unconsciously rose to hug herself. "He is fine," she said firmly, trying hard to shove away the uncertainty in her belly. Tryston had to be fine. He had to be.. but there had been so many on the dock, and Tryston had been injured beforehand... No. If Tyrston could survive an avalanche, he could survive anything. She had promised herself that she would never doubt him again. She just had to keep believing in him. The smug, underlying confidence in Izotz’s tone didn’t make it any easier though. Everything that man said made her skin crawl.
She marched over to the tiny porthole to glare out over the water and avoid that cold gaze. She needed to be able to think and get information. What the brutes on the dock had said... "I don't care who this lord you're working for is. The brotherhood defeated Quintli and the council, and you will just meet the same fate," she huffed stubbornly.
A glint of interest brightened those cold eyes for the briefest of moments as he watched Constynce. "Ah, if only we were as foolish as that Quintli. If anything capturing you was just a prize, something to appease the lord while he works on his newest plans. Quintli's failure did put us back, but the corruption of the brotherhood was only the first option. I much prefer our route now which will lead to their demise and leave Zena's wealth open for the taking."
Constynce’s lip curled with disgust. “Prize... All you’ve done is made yourselves targets. If your men hadn’t attacked us, you would have gone on without notice.” On that note though, maybe.. Maybe, just slightly, this was for the best? If Tryston had enemies around that were still eager to take him and the brotherhood out, it was better to find out now than to be completely ambushed later. Right?
"Targets?" Izotz chuckled as he lowered his hands and studied Constynce, mirth twisting his lips upwards into another taunting smirk as he didn't even seem bothered by her statement. "That would be perfect.”
Sitting on the small cot that was placed in the room for Constynce, Izotz simply crossed his legs and studied his fingernails as if they were more interesting than any plan. "As it is, I cannot deliver you to Oba as a starved wraith. I do not mind continuing this conversation if you consume your meal. Surely that would entice you, no? Some hope that I can slip up and tell you something meaningful in the off chance that you can escape this place." Izotz smirked and glanced back towards Constynce. "However, I will make you eat something so you may as well take advantage of my kindness before wasting the night away in a haze."
She could feel the smirk at her back and she closed her eyes with a wince as her plan was so easily called out. Was she that obvious..? “It seems you’re used to captives trying to get information from you,” she hissed with unusual sharpness. People like this man.. They made her sick. Hadn’t Tyrston suffered enough at the hands of these lunatics? As stubborn as she was trying to be… she was growing more concerned that the threat would truly be followed through, and she had no desire to be put out of her senses. With a sharp scoff, she turned to walk begrudgingly over to the table, and her stomach betrayed her with an audible grumble. The food didn’t look bad, really.
“If you’re so confident that I won’t escape, why don’t you just tell me everything? What sort of revenge do you have in mind for them?” She picked up a slice of bread but hesitated briefly. After she gave the man another glance, she took a bite and tried to hold back a sigh of relief.
The iceling nodded his approval as Constynce finally ate. It was almost like he was ordering about a toddler with the way he spoke with her, the man obviously seeing her as nothing more than a nuisance that had to be endured. Then again based on the way all of the crew seemed about the man it would not be surprising to think that he belittled most that he interacted with. He simply did not think that others were worth his time unless he benefited somehow from those interactions, as annoying as they could be. He gave that whispering laugh again and almost rolled his eyes at her question. "Playing on my ego, hmm? I would gladly accept that if I didn't have other matters to attend. I will say this though… Did you think I'm petty enough to simply think of revenge? This was merely an unexpected opportunity. It will be far easier to bait those who would stand in our way out of Zena to come rescue you. If I had realized Tryston had already left then I would have gladly pushed forward with our plans much earlier than this." Despite his smile there was a darkness in his expression, a feeling that he would not hesitate to throw Constynce from the room if it no longer worked with their plan to drag her along to Oba. Even if the mysterious lord had wanted Constynce for some petty revenge, Izotz would find any excuse to get rid of the woman if her presence did not benefit the operation. Fortunately he had something in mind for her and so he made certain she ate before he leaned forward coolly. “You'll find that being in Oba will be a thrilling experience for you. If your Tryston did survive I do hope he comes around with others so that we can collapse on Zena while they're wasting their time on you. The man who is funding our operation will have fun seeing you while I doubt they'll even breach the outsides of his manor within Sulburi.”
Constynce’s movements slowed further, her mind scrambling to put together what the man was saying. She hadn’t made things worse, right? It was better to have an idea ahead of time! The bite of bread in her mouth tasted like clay. What was waiting for her when they reached the city? Why did the man have to sound so confident about what was going to happen?
Izotz knew exactly the effect his words were having, and his subtle smirk sharpened. “Does that appease you? To know that your very presence may end up destroying the lives of others because you've been captured like this? Once the brotherhood is completely gone then your little village won't even matter. It would have been easier for all of you if you had simply let your husband live because even if he was corrupt at least the man was keeping your village alive. Once things play out then we'll be taking control of the area and investigating all of the hidden gems that Zena has to offer." Take out the brotherhood, take over that whole fortress in the mountains and force traders to work with their Oban boss? Who cared about innocent lives when there was so much profit to be had? The very thought brought another gleam to the man's gaze, the light there far colder than the earlier darkness.
"Hopefully you can enjoy the rest of your meal." Izotz tucked back a stray strand of hair before standing and giving a mocking bow towards Constynce. "I'll check in with you again and if you refuse to eat once more this trip I will not be so polite. I've already spent too much time chatting when I have so much business to deal with before our arrival in Sulburi."
As the door shut and the lock clicked into place, Constynce felt whatever scrap of will that had been keeping her upright abandon her. She dropped to the floor to throw up the couple bites of the bread she had taken. Her home was being threatened again. Zena and the brotherhood. Tryston. The fear made her limbs tremble as she knelt and gasped for air.. But she knew she couldn’t stay there. She had to get out and warn Tryston. Warn her grandparents. She didn’t want to find out what awaited her in the mysterious lord’s clutches. She had to get out!
(( word count: 2194 )) -22 solo points total for combined solos-
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