Lynesse Horen-Hightower - Her Story

[Lynesse {Celia/Jazzy} 398]

Anything stories about my precious character Lynesse that are written will be posted here. This is so I can practice my writing abilities as it's awfully depressing having the grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation of a 12 year old when you're 25. <_<

Chapter One : Between a Rose and a Hard Place

Lynesse glanced outside the window from her room, her green eyes staring into the starry night sky that loomed over the city of New Arethor. A cold chill went down her spine as the clock struck one. She sat on her bed, the warm sheets draped around her like a robe.

The events over the past few days had been awfully q-ueer. Lynesse was no idiot by any measure. She had loved to read and learn since she was small and taken a good liking to the history of Asulon among other subjects. In a month she would be eighteen and would be of age...

What generally happens is that a noble woman is married off, the husband to be's family paying a dowry. Well, it was either that or the life of a nun. That didn't seem all too terrible of a prospect to Lynesse. She had always found a strong connection with her God. Ironically, she dropped to her knees in front of her bed and silently whispered to herself a short and brief prayer.

"Dear God, wherever you take me, grant me peace and let me continue living my life as the way I always have. My faith is the only compensation that I can give..."

Her words slowly lingered off as she recalled the images of a tall man with a scraggly beard. His name was Thomas Chivay and one of her suitors. He was a well built man who clearly had many companions and friends as the rabble around New Arethor showed when he arrived with Lynesse's brother Lancel. She had seen him from her window inside the Horen-Hightower manor.

It was before their first meeting when Lynesse drew the courage to talk to her father and mother about it. She asked questions in a flat tone that had a tinge of fear and curiosity at the same time.

If she was not to marry Thomas Chivay, she would become the wife of Garth Hightower, her half-brother. The idea made Lynesse shiver. Her father said that option was for keeping the bloodline of the Hightowers pure. Incest is generally frowned upon in the churches of Oren however Garth's mother and Lynesse's mother were not the same, which made them simply half-siblings.

The man unmounted off his horse, alongside Lancel.

"Lynesse, meet Ser Thomas Chivay." Lancel said, smiling weakly. Lynesse curtseyed slightly, surveying the man up and down, her eyes maintaining a look that shared curiosity and fear, alike her voice.

Thomas smiled and gave a quick and simple bow. "M'lady." he said in a voice which had caused her to look up from the ground.

[Lynesse {Celia/Jazzy} 398]

Chapter Two: The Half-Blood Princess

"There's a lovely little theater just around the corner if you want to sit and chat there, Ser Thomas." Lynesse said, too aware that her family's eyes along with the eyes of Thomas' friends were clearly too present at the scenes.

"That sounds like a good idea, m'lady, lead on." Thomas said, gesturing to the gate. They made themselves over to the theatre, long empty due to Oren's lack of appreciation for the fine arts, atleast so Lynesse believed.

They both slid into their chairs awkwardly. Finally, it was Lynesse who started the conversation. "So, er. Sir Thomas, tell me about yourself..." Lynesse said awkwardly, twiddling her thumbs.

Thomas had been looking down, tapping his rough fingers on the wooden table. "Oh, ehrm. Ladies first, m'lady." he said with a tired smirk.

Taking a deep breath and rolling her eyes slightly Lynesse started. "Well, I'm sort of a boring person, to be frank. I'm not one to engage in the spirit of combat like most women. I much prefer peace and quiet, as rare as it is in these time."

Running a hand through his hair, Thomas replied. "Mm, that's good. I'm into a bit of reading myself, personally although it's hard to find time. My work with the Rose and with the military leaves me exhausted. I did lose a lot of literature on the trip to this place."

Stirring the drink which the bartender had put on the table for her, she responded to Thomas in a curt fashion. "Oh, are the roses on the front lines? I know that war is on the horizon with the elves of Malinor."

"Mm, yes. The Roses have always fought on the front lines." Thomas said, quietly examining Lynesse's pointy ears, who had somewhat of a troubled look on his face.

"My mother is full elven, even if she denounced it. She cut off the tips of her ears a few years back. I guess that makes me a half elf." Lynesse said, sighing briefly in weariness.

"Oh, I see, m'lady..." said Thomas in a lingering tone that had displayed that something was on his mind.

"Is something wrong, Ser Thomas? We could chat another time, perhaps. I'm sure your men need you or something." Lynesse asked curiously, tilting her head.

"Huh? Oh, yeah... I guess that's a good idea, I just have something on my mind. I beg your leave, my lady..." Ser Thomas said as he rose quietly.

"Consider your leave granted, Ser Thomas, I'll see you around..."

[Lynesse {Celia/Jazzy} 398]

Chapter Three: Do Over

 

 

Spring time in New Arethor was always nice for the years that they've been in Elysium. It felt good after the harsher winters. Lynesse enjoyed doing her rounds about the city, glancing at the scenery and chatting with the locals. However, it was almost dinner time. The large church bells struck the eighteenth hour. Sighing, Lynesse made her way back to the Hightower manor.

Of course, fate struck again in such a dramatic fashion. As she made her way to the back entrance, she peeked through the door. A large clamor came from the kitchen. Slowly, she tiptoed over to the kitchen door, peeking to see what was inside. There sat a few roses, namely Tanith, Hadrien, and the little Viyr. Of course, her older brother Garth was present there as well.

Shrugging, she went upstairs to her room. Roses in the household wasn't too uncommon. Garth himself was a rose, of course. It wasn't until she made it to her small room on the third floor that she heard something curious.

"Is the Lady Lynesse around then?" a deep and raspy voice asked.

"If anything, she's probably in her room." another voice responded.

It wasn't until a few seconds later that Lynesse's mind clicked. The first voice was Thomas Chivay's and the second one was that of her older brother, Garth.

There was a part of Lynesse that obviously thought that she should go out to meet Thomas. Another part of her told her that she would stay away to avoid anything incredibly awkward like their last meeting. She went with the latter thought.

She tip-toed down the stairs and through the back entrance, hoping that she remained undetected. Luckily, she did. She sat in the backyard, dipping her feet in the clear blue water of the pond. It was a nice place to hang around, especially because the ice had melted but the mosquitoes weren't breeding there yet. She liked to bring a book outside and bask in the spring sun and the cool breeze. It was a nice change from her stuffy bedroom which hardly offered much. Her parents hadn't got around to buying her furniture.

As time passed she believed Thomas was gone. Sighing, she put on her shoes slowly, taking a moment to enjoy the warm weather. As she looked over the corner Thomas was standing there, raising an eyebrow at Lynesse.

"Oh, there you are, m'lady." Thomas said, glancing at Lynesse.

"Ser Thomas, how wonderful to see you. How are you doing today?" Lynesse said, putting on her best smile.

"Very well, m'lady. I came here to apologize you for my behavior the last time we met. I was hoping you'd be free to chat with me, if you have the time." Thomas said, a gentle smile on his face.

"We all have things to do, Ser Thomas. You're pardoned for whatever you believe you did however. I'm free right now, I suppose. There's a nice little place by the jousting grounds to talk." She said, returning Thomas' smile.

Thomas extends his hand to Lynesse. "Let's go then." The jousting grounds were only really a small distance away from Lynesse' house.

As they got to the spot, Thomas gestured to a seat. "Sit, sit, I insist m'lady."

Sighing, Lynesse sat at the spot where Thomas indicated and Thomas sat directly across from her.

Thomas began to twiddle his fingers awkwardly again, looking hither and thither every few seconds without saying something. Then finally, he took a big breath and began to speak. "I have to admit, my lady. When I first met you, two things came to my attention. Firstly, it was your beauty. That was obvious, it'd be hard for anyone to not notice your beauty... However, I noticed something else..."

"Oh?" Lynesse said curiously, tilting her head.

"I noticed your elven ears. As you can see, I was sort of taken aback. I wasn't really sure what to say or do." said Thomas awkwardly, his eyes fixated on the table.

"I'm only a half elf, Ser Thomas. However, if that's a problem then so be it, I suppose..." Lynesse interrupted abruptly.

"No, my lady,' Thomas said as his gaze shooted upwards to Lynesse's eyes. 'I thought about it. It would be stupid of me to pass up on a woman like you. So please, allow me to re-do my introduction." Thomas said, beginning to stand up.

Lynesse simply smiled and nodded, blushing slightly.

Thomas went beside Lynesse, sank down, and took Lynesse's right hand, gently kissing it. "Thomas Chivay, m'lady, pleased to meet you."

"You'll do Thomas, you'll do." said Lynesse, looking down at Thomas, smiling.

 

[Stevie 1598]

Addendum One: An Unexpected Surprise

 

His walk to New Arethor was different today. He took his time, yet he felt rushed. He was excited, yet nervous. He was heading to the capital for his own purpose, rather than that of his duties. His finer ceremonial clothes were on him, complemented by a signature White Rose armband, something that became a sort of fashion among the Order. He tidied himself up as he walked, tugging at his coat, adjusting his armband and even licking down some stray locks of hair that may have sprung up from his beard. He passed by the courthouse, nodding greetings to a few he knew, and made his way left, towards Noble. It was here that he came across Lancel, almost fatefully.

“Thomas. Good day. Here to see my sister?”

“I would ‘ope so, yer ‘ighness. I’ve actually been lookin’ fer ‘er.”

“Well, she’s probably at the manor. Here, come along, I’ll show you.”

The prince smiled and turned, leading the nervous bearded man off. It was only a short walk across town, but each step became increasingly more meaningful; more intensive. A turn down the side of the manor brought them to the garden, and there she was, conversing naturally with her mother and father. Her light blue dress strangely complemented her ruby red hair, tied neatly in a bow at the back. Truly stunning in every way, and Thomas was taken aback for a moment as he first laid eyes on her, his mouth opening ever so slightly, adding to his astonished look. And if he were a fool, he would’ve continued to stare, but he caught himself just in time as she turned her gaze to meet his. Her piercing emerald eyes caught his blue and rather dull ones, and although beautiful as ever, those dull blue eyes locked themselves on something other than her eyes; on something more surprising - more unexpected. They were seen only for a second, but the image was imprinted into his mind...

Elven Ears

And just as quickly as he was stunned by beauty, he was stunned in another way, one more meaningful, and one that hit home in the heart that beat through this bearded man. He would not show it, but he cursed himself, cursed his name, and cursed the world around him. He covered it with a flash of a smile and a long bow, taking the time to stare at the ground in a mixed feeling of confusion and sadness. With a deep breath, he rose back up, keeping that weak smile over his face as he finally spoke.

“M’lady.”

[Lynesse {Celia/Jazzy} 398]

Chapter Four : Fatherly Intervention

 

 

 

There was always some serenity to water, or at least Lynesse thought so. At times, she'd go to the seashore by her house, sit on the small Green Guppy and worry about nothing, simply pondering a thought which had come to her mind. It had been a habit since she was young. Sometimes, she'd ponder and think for hours, the only company being the slow rocking of the Guppy. 

 

Her thoughts were strange, to say the least. It was always something that was distant and far away. She kept them in the back of her head always. If you asked Lynesse she would say that it's much more productive then getting all physical. She had burned through the entire library at quite a young age, gaining a large vocabulary and comprehension skills. However, she always found it interesting to come up with her own thoughts and to be the first one at it.

 

Of all the things she read and thought of, love and a relationship was not included. However, she found that in most of the past days, her thoughts had been of a man, Thomas Chivay. It was strange, to say the least. When she was younger, she payed little thought to the future and her eventually needing a husband. 

 

The thought was foreign, and Lynesse was swimming through uncharted territories. Yet no matter how hard she tried to pay attention to something else, the thought of Thomas as a friend, a soldier, and eventually a lover fogged up in her head. It was extremely strange and awkward for Lynesse. She had never truly felt this way about anyone. When she was younger, she found the fantasy books about a knight and a princess awfully boring. Now, she was the one living out a story. Often, she'd find herself in town quietly seeking out Thomas.

 

Her thoughts were interrupted by something more physical. The ringing of the bells could be heard from the small dock. The Hightower manor was only a stone throw away anyways. Sighing, she began to row back to the shore, the boat drifting off a meter or two. She slid off the rim of the boat onto land and began to make her way to the manor.

 

From the entrance way, she began to smell smoke. At first, she was worried when she saw it, believing that there was a fire inside. After a few seconds however, a small cough and a huff were heard from the sitting room. She frapped on the door to the sitting room gently. "Father, might I come in?" she asked, removing her shoes at the doorstep.

 

Sighing, King James adjusted his monocle and allowed himself to one more wheezing puff of his pipe before he nodded to the door. "Come in." he said in a flat tone, not indicating what the topic would be.

 

Lynesse pushed the door open a took a seat across from her fire. Marella came and gave James and Lynesse both a small cup of tea. Lynesse took a small sip, smiling to the maid. "Is there something that you need me for, father? Or shall we begin on lunch?"

 

James glances at the dancing flames of the fire, it's loud crackling filling the room during the silence. Finally, he looks back to Lynesse and asks. "Do you love Thomas, dear?"

 

She replied flatly, although taken aback slightly by the question. "No. I do like him however. I'm sure the concept of love is something that'll grow over time."

 

James smiled, continuing to glance at the flicking of the flames. "Do you know how marriage in Oren works, daughter?"

 

Looking down to her feet darkly, Lynesse responded. "Yes, I'm basically a tool for the house. I'm to be married off to gain power and bonds with other noble houses. I've read enough about it."

 

Her father nodded solemnly. "I don't like it anymore then you do, Lynesse. It's the truth. However, I need to do what's best for the house... And well, to be honest, Thomas doesn't have much to offer when it comes to a dowry."

 

Biting her lip, worried she continued to hold her glance at her father. "Who are my other options?"

 

Frowning, her father looked at Lynesse in the eye. "I can't promise you'll like them, Lynesse. Augustus Blackmont, formerly known as August Flay, Garth to keep the bloodline pure, and well ... the nun convent."

 

"I can't see how any of those could be better then Thomas. And August Flay?.,." Lynesse asked in curiosity.

 

"Thomas' men are already required to serve and protect us while Augustus' are not. Believe me, I don't want to do this anymore then you do, daughter." her father says, gazing back to the fire as he remembers how his marriage was more for power then love.

 

"There's nothing else you can do?..." said Lynesse with an almost defeated look on her face.

 

"Well, there's always the option of the Chivay family changing their liege to the Horen-Hightower family. Or it could be a matrilineal marriage. We'd have to see if Thomas would accept." said James, waving his hand dismissively. 

 

"Well ... I'll let you decide what's best for m-, the house then." she said, rising from her seat and striding on over to the door with a blank expression that hid what she felt.

 

[Stevie 1598]

Addendum Two: Disgraced

 

 

 

“AN ELF?!”

 

A heavy slam came down on the wood of the table, a hard gloved fist coming down to cause a shift in the entire table. A disgruntled, large man spoke, seemingly spitting out from his bushy grey beard. He stared down the long table, across to another bearded man, made of the same bushy nature, but a bit more refined, and colored brown, showing him to be considerably younger. He shot his glance up, replying to the shout of the grey-bearded grunter.

 

“A ‘alf-Elf! Not full!”

 

“Like it mattahs! She’s got ploughin’ points on ‘er ears, doesn’t she?!”

 

“She does... but she’s not the filf you’d fink ‘er to be, Uncle-”

 

“‘old yer tongue, boy! You ‘ave no right to speak to me about wot I deem filf and wot I don’t!”

 

Another slam came down on the table, the grey-bearded grunter, now known as the Uncle, paced along the side of the table, breathing heavily in annoyance and anger. Each step he took thumped on the stone, and his demeanor, large as ever, was certainly something frightening; especially in his angered state. On contrast to the large Uncle, another was in the room, seated calmly to one side of the long table, an ornate mahogany cane capped with a black and gold headpiece held between his legs, his hands covering the black sparrow that was known formally as the sigil of House Chivay. This man, calm and collected, was much older than the Uncle, his hair completely white and his face wrinkled and himself frail overall. He leaned back in his chair, a creaking sounding as he exhales quietly, turning his head slowly to the brown-bearded man who sat away from him. He spoke calmly, but with a sense of disappointment; of sadness.

 

“...You will taint our blood, Thomas... our blood we have worked so hard to keep enhanced... to keep rid of the... filth, of those things.”

 

“Taint it, destroy it, an’ spout out children wiff those DAMNED pointed EARS!”

 

The Uncle butted in, staring to Thomas now with eyes full of almost pure rage, his heavy breathing only amplifying his angered state, forcing him to breath in and out through his mouth rather than his nose. Thomas sat there, staring to the table. He kept his elbows rested on the armrest, one hand up to his beard, placing all but his forefinger and thumb just under his bottom lip, remaining still and in contemplation. This only infuriated the Uncle further, and in only a few large strides he brought himself before Thomas, slamming an open palm on the table before him.

 

“Well, Thomas? Do you love this Elf? This TAINT?! Is this filf some strumpet who ‘as a pretteh face?! Or is it the t-its? Or the c-unt? Is she a good plough?! WOT is so special about this ploughin’ Elf that you’d risk frowin’ away our blood an’ taintin’ it wiff those wretched ears?!”

 

Thomas looks down, avoiding the angered stare of his uncle. He brings his hands down, clasping them in his lap as he stares to them, his breathing increasing in intensity as he takes the banter of insults. Another slam from the table almost makes Thomas jump, turning his gaze up to see his uncle striding back away from the table, crossing his arms in fury, his back turned to his shamed brown-bearded nephew. An exasperated comment comes from the caned man once again, speaking softly, but deliberately forceful, allowing his point to be well heard.

 

“A siren, she is... calling our good child, our good Chivay boy to the jagged rocks and treacherous waters... this Elf will not suit you well for a wife, Thomas... she is nothing but deceitful and devious. Cunning and evil...”

 

The Uncle turned about now, his anger calmed only slightly, but enough for him to speak with a tone of severity and seriousness; one that surely is able to hit the heart of his nephew.

 

“You bring shame on our name. You disgrace the Chivays in all that we are. An’ I 'ope yer children of this union, an’ you as well, Thomas, always remember wot you 'ave done to our 'ouse - to our family.”

 

And with that, he turned one final time, heading out from the dining hall, storming down the stone steps and out from the keep, his hard thudding march being heard, and his fiery presence lingering behind him. It was soon quiet in the room, and all but Thomas and the caned man remained. They sat in silence for a long time, the uneasy breathing from the older one being heard every so often. The fiery Uncle had made his mark, and the caned man had little else to say. He rose himself now, a slight straining grunt sounding from him as he moved to cane to the stairs as well, turning halfway back to Thomas, who still sat with his head down, hiding his face from the shameful gaze of his grandfather. 

 

“You have made your decision, Thomas... now let you live by it - always mindful of its consequence, and blaming noone but yourself...”

 

And so the caning man turned once more to the stairs, letting out a wheezing cough before descending down, the sound echoing about the room of the near empty dining hall. The bearded man remained there, sitting and silent; his face turned down to his thighs and his hands clasped over them. The damage was done, and he remained there for a long time; shamed, disgraced, and saddened.

 

But even after this lecture. Even after this speech of condemnation. And even after the shame he felt upon himself...

 

...It did not change how he felt for her, and why.

 

 

[Knox213 10]

Moved to the Archive. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.