[Whitesnake Plantation] Starting the morning off

by **Eyasia Lorak** on September 11th, 2013, 10:32 pm

It wouldn't take Eyasia long to know how distance this family was. That was something the young lady was not use too. Even on the small community she lived in they were close. Or at least had some kind of second family. Eyasia's second family would be the Redoffs. A small family that she has ran into in her early childhood. But that's a different story.

Her focus would be on this family. They almost seemed... antisocial. Which was weird to hear about a dynasty family. The parties, events and even small meet UPS sounded important to Eyasia. But it didn't phase them at all. At least the two girls who seem like they minded their own business.

When Lorena walked in Eyasia nodded."Indeed." She spoke softly as she folded her hands in her lap and looked up at Dyanna who seemed to be towering over her right now. Eyasia found Dyanna unique. She never witnessed her in her dhani form but by the looks of her human form it would probably be impressive.

When the slaves came out with gorgeous meals she grown."You think you can get my grape jam?" Eyasia's voice was still soft as she talked to her servant. Her voice seem to be the only thing that echoed in the large room. Until Verena spoke up.

"What are we doing here exactly, Lor?"

The questions was sad. Very sad."To eat as a family." Eyasia's goldish brown has flickered as she looked at Verena."These people," Her hand smoothly glided through the air,"Won't be here forever so enjoy the time you have with them now. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not spend it with the most important people in your life?"

Dyanna quickly guided the bowl of jam to Eyasia. Once it was put down, she picked up her spoon and took a small taste of it. The grape jam was the best she's ever tasted. So rich and sweet. It obviously wasn't the same kind Eyasia use to get but it was better."So how's everyone's closet? Full of beautiful party dresses?" She looked at Zurane." Suites?"

by **Verena Lorak** on September 13th, 2013, 4:15 am

Even before the rest of the family had arrived, Verena had already started picking on her food as soon a young slave placed it in front of her. No one would take offend out of it - the young girl does it all the time. She leaned on the table, impassively observing the room around her. Familiar faces streamed in, taking their usual seats, talking their usual chatters. Plain routines that made no sense to her.

"To eat as a family. These people won't be here forever so enjoy the time you have with them now. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not spend it with the most important people in your life?"

Other than a slight raise of her eyebrow, Verena made no sign showing that she heard the half-Symenestran woman at all. The healer was only half-listening for the woman's answer did not matter that much to her. The question was meant for Lorana.

Her brother nudged her roughly, his eyes flicking toward the figure sitting across them. He's probably telling her not to ignore the woman talking to her. The gesture would be invisible to anyone not paying a particular attention to the pair, but it was enough for the siblings to understand one another.

Verena tapped her fork lightly against the plate as she looked straight at the relatively new family member, her eyes dark, seeming almost black. Unlike most of the Lorak family members, only half of her blood is Vantha and she shared none of the eye-changing trait everyone seemed to be proud of. To her, it was a disadvantage, to be so easily read. What good will it do if a patient knew that you are frustrated, unsure? Won't that make everything worse?

"Unfortunately that's not a suitable answer. We don't just have breakfast together. Not ever. There must be something more and I certainly wish to know what's important enough to require all . . . this." She slipped a few strands of her hair behind her ear. "And we spend time together all the time, if you've failed to notice. We live in the same house, after all. But I'm not surprised you don't know how this family works - clearly, you haven't been here very long." She stated it matter-of-factly, plainly, no malice in her voice. No one else in the family even bothered to react to Verena, all too familiar with her forward ways. Having done what she could, Verena turned back to her half-sister, still expectant for an appropriate answer.

Beside her, Zorane sighed quietly and buried his face in his hand, absolutely at lost with his younger sister's antics. Despite everything he had taught her, told her, Verena was still struggling to fake a somewhat normal mask. She was still to blunt, too insensitive to be appropriate in public. Not that she's concerned about it. "What my sister meant is, she got a lot of work and she's barely getting any sleep lately. To be up so early . . . she's not in the best of moods and would rather finish what piling responsibilities she had," he explained smoothly. "Don't mind her, really, she's awful early in the morning." He gave the woman an apologetic smile and shrugged lightly. "I'm sorry what's your name again?" Zorane asked, diverting the attention away from Verena.

Verena had opened her mouth to refute Zorane's statement, to say that she was having no trouble with waking up early - that its almost relaxing even. That she really meant what she said. Fortunately for everyone, she never had the chance as another voice stepped into their conversation.

by **Banickle** on September 13th, 2013, 6:27 pm

Lorana, seated at the head of the table, lifted the crystal bell that resided next to her place setting and rang it twice. This achieved two things. It brought order to the conversation and it cleared the room of any unnecessary servants, which, at this point, seeing that the morning meal had been served, meant every last one of them, including personal attendants. Once the room was cleared, the Head of Household placed her napkin upon the table, slid her chair back, and stood. She then proceeded to circle the room, until she took a position behind Zorane. Placing her hands on his shoulders, she began to speak.

"It appears that my instincts were correct. This unusual gathering was indeed necessary, for I have yet to hear a single one of you mention the events of the last few days, which, from my point of view, means one of two things. You are either far too wrapped up in your own little world to be aware of what is going on around you or, worse yet, you are indeed fully informed, yet you choose not to care. Now, while the one explanation has its merits, assuming that a lack of knowledge stems from being lost in one's work, neither are acceptable."

Giving the room only a moment to absorb her words, Lorana continued.

"Several days ago, a good portion of our southern most crops were threatened when a fire was started just beyond the boundaries of our estate. Thankfully, the blaze was controlled and our assets, for the most part, remained intact. Morwen was with us."

Pausing for a just a moment, the Head of Household took a quick read on the room. The expressions and postures of those sitting before her were telling. Some knew, while others were hearing this news for the first time.

"In addition to this threat upon our land, just three days ago, word was received that an Ackina caravan, which had travelled to our sister city of Riverfall last season, was lost in its entirety. During their return trip, they were attacked and slaughtered upon Kabrin Road. Only a single soul was permitted to escape, but, regretfully, even she became a casualty of the event. May Morwen watch over them all."

Once again, she paused, allowing the room to react. Just as before, some appeared to know, while others did not.

"So, as you can see, I am not here to discuss matters of work, nor the state of my wardrobe, but, instead, I am here to do that which is expected of me. I am here to keep my family well-informed and, in turn, safe. I am here to have an open discussion about how we should handle these two events, but, more importantly, how we should prepare for what appears to be a growing threat. It seems that those who lurk within the shadows of our land are becoming far more restless. Morwen's protection only extends so far. We cannot sit by and simply hope for the best. We need to take action and we need to do it now, before it is more than just our crops that are threatened, before it is our lives that are extinguished upon the Kabrin."

Removing her hands from Zorane's shoulders, Lorana remained standing. The floor was now theirs to do with as they wished. She hoped that they would not disappoint her.

.

by **Inari Lorak** on September 13th, 2013, 7:35 pm

Inari nearly dropped her fork upon hearing the ghastly news. She caught it at the last possible tick and buried it in her napkin with a muted slap, hoping not to have drawn any attention.

The fire she had known of, though all her efforts to pry some information out of her peers seemed utterly futile. Apparently, it had been a rather minor thing, or so most believed. Though there was some obvious coordination between the multiple fires, thereby suggesting it was an act planned by the Rujaro, the damage was too insignificant for the great houses to worry overly much. Inari, however, had a sinking feeling about the whole thing. More than once during her midnight escapades, she had overheard angry conversations amongst the common people, who blamed all kinds of crimes and atrocities on the twelve Dynasties. She couldn't exactly fault them for that, but a rebellion...that would do no one any good, she was sure of it.

This news concerning the Ackina caravan, however, struck a true chord of terror in the young Lorak's heart. Setting tiny fires was one thing; slaughtering members of an elite family and sabotaging their investments was entirely another. Could it possibly be more retaliation from the Rujaro? It certainly wasn't a stretch, and Inari silently vowed to seek some form of protection. Perhaps, she should even finally pick up a bit of self defense. Unfortunately, the only person who might be willing to teach her was Rowan, and she may as well quit before even starting if it came to taking lessons from him. Either way, the attack was a serious threat, and she found herself constantly worrying for her dear friend Fiora.

It was a downright terrifying situation to speak freely in, what with the whole family gathered as they were, but Inari felt compelled to say something. She was genuinely disturbed by the news--as was Lorana, else the leader would have not arranged this enormous meeting nor addressed them in a such a stern tone.

"Perhaps, we could begin with added measures of security and patrols, as well as some efforts to infiltrate the Rujaro, since they may likely be responsible," Inari uttered in one breath, knowing that if she stopped to take another she would probably have choked. She fought an overwhelming to stare intensely at her lap, and instead looked about the room at the somewhat astonished and confused faces of her kin.

Oh gods, had she said something stupid? Did she look stupid? Inari lost some of her will and stared at her food, noting how hot her ears felt.

by **Eyasia Lorak** on September 13th, 2013, 10:20 pm

First impressions we're everything to Eyasia. Verena's first came off rude and of there's one thing the new Lorak member hate it was the ignorance and pure hate of others. She smiled at Verena's response but you could see the fire dance in her eyes. Actually no could except Dyanna who knew her Lady all too well a this point. Dynanna knew that the woman she served does not tolerate rude people, but she also knew Eyasia won't utter a word but give a murderous look. Her beauty faded a little and for a moment she would look like a mental patient.

The reason why she wouldn't respond is because of her mothers rules of lady code. It wasn't a real code but simple rules she set so her daughter wouldn't be a hated Symenestra. Keep your lips close child, she would say in her usual seductive tone that never changed, you may not look like you're higher than most people, but you are so don't stoop to their level. You are a Lady, Ladies play nice; kill them with your off the walls beauty. It was something simple that would make Eyasia laugh as a child and today she would still laugh but her deathly stare soften and she went back to her exotic look when the brother started talking.

When she began to answer Lorena interrupted with a very important announcement. This announcement would never phase Eyasia a couple years ago. She wasn't a Dynasty than so why should she care about the rumors snouts the dynasties being attacked?

Now that she was one- one of the newest family addition- she grew worried. This was her family now and she was worried about their safety. Although she really didn't know the Askara her heart went out to them. She should busy them later that day and help comfort the family.

"Perhaps, we could begin with added measures of security and patrols, as well as some efforts to infiltrate the Rujaro, since they may likely be responsible." Inari said making a perfect suggesting. Eyasia could see the Ossining her eyes and touched her shoulder.

"I agree with Inari. Especially with new life coming into thus family the security needs to be heavy." She told Lorena.

by **Verena Lorak** on September 14th, 2013, 3:51 am

Unsurprisingly, Verena did not notice the sharp gaze that was thrown that was at her, not even the slightest bit. And even if she did, it's highly doubtful that the young woman would care. She listened to her half-sister carefully instead. Finally, the explanation she needed. Lorana was serious and it was more than enough for her to pay extra attention. Afterall, the Head was one of the few people in the family who tolerated her, actually tried to that understand her behavior was not much of a choice.

Truth be told, the whole news was foreign to her. Verena hadn't heard all that much about it. This was the first day she had spent in the plantation for at least a week. Most of her time was spent dwelling in the clinic and if she was away from it, she was in Stormsgrace with Cas, her betrothed. Of course, she might have noticed the fire in the plantations - for the Paille suffered the same damage - and some burnt slaves were practically shipped into her clinic, forcing her to work double time. Not that she minded. Using her skills, her Gnosis, was never a burden. Exhausting, yes, but a part of her simply could not see anyone in pain - even the slaves. Verena remembered the few days quite clearly. Blackened skin, cries of pain. They were begging, begging for her to help her. Called to her. They knew her name. Why wouldn't they? She visited the plantations quite frequently, offering her medical services to them for free.

"Infiltrating the Rujaro . . . that won't be simple, will it? We can barely deal with them, much less find them," Verena pointed out lightly.

Beside her, Zorane seemed to tense slightly at the mention of the runaway slaves, as did everyone. They had been a problem to the city for years and the name had been warned to her as long as she could remember. Verena had never seen one, not alive. There were plenty hung near the gates as an example for their fellow comrades. In her opinion, she doubted it scared the Rujaros - it probably simply infuriated them into doing something more drastic every time. In a way, she couldn't blame them. Slavery in Kenash . . . well, it is not a kind life for anyone. No wonder they were so angry.

She straightened her back, though not particularly looking at anyone. "Clearly they have various connections in each plantation. How else can they enter each place so easily? They infiltrated us. No doubt dozens and dozens of slaves will be more than happy to help them." She paused for a moment. "Those who were injured, burnt. They were the closest to the fires. They might see, hear something. And most of them are in my care. Some questioning is obviously a must."

by **Inari Lorak** on September 14th, 2013, 9:19 pm

Inari thought for a moment, digesting Verena's words and tucking away each nugget of information in the vast archives of all things Kenashern that she mentally maintained. The doctor spoke true, and wisely at that; she had access to information no one else did, since her patients would feel deeply ingratiated under her care.

Inari only hoped Verena would be subtle, since the Lorak doctor had a tendency to be quite blunt. Any information she extracted would have to be given unawares, otherwise the Rujaro might learn of such methods and resort to violent means of silencing any witnesses. Though, judging from the way Zorane nudged and prodded at his sister under social pressure, perhaps that wouldn't be an overly large problem.

The idea of someone within their elite ranks, be it slave or family, aiding the Rujaro was an unsettling one. It would be easy to publicly punish the slaves as a warning to the rest, but everyone knew it would only ignite more resentment. No, they needed a different approach. One that would not aggravate the rebels further, but would instead garner hard facts and evidence for the Dynasties.

One that required anonymity, intimate knowledge of the common populace, and a convincing disguise.

This was not, however, a matter she could bring up in such a large gathering. It would defeat the purpose, after all, if one of them were responsible for aiding the Rujaro. Perhaps she would speak with Lorana in private, but for now it would be best to keep it to herself. The less attention on her, the better she worked.

She would have to gather some supplies. A good disguise, for one; some used trousers and tunics to start with, and of course a wig to hide her well groomed hair. A fake freeborn mark was needed as well, though she knew someone who could certainly take care of that.

Inari knew she most likely needed a partner for this sort of endeavor, and the one she had in mind left a less than savory taste in her mouth, but she could think of no one else.

The other members of the family were picking up the discussion now, fueled by the younger Loraks' opening comments. Inari only hoped Lorana's final decision would be a well kept secret, assuming there were eyes and ears in the walls in the form of slaves--and perhaps, even of family. She shook that thought away. It was far too paranoid. Instead, the characteristically quiet Lorak speared another piece of sausage and chewed thoughtfully, running through all the errands she would have to finish before initiating her plan.

by **Eyasia Lorak** on September 15th, 2013, 4:04 pm

It didn't seem like a very smart idea for Verena to question people. Although she was highly Intelligent and got a lot of patients, the girl was just so... Straightforward. Eyasia couldn't see the young girl easing her way in and that could get her into a lot of trouble. The way she came at Eyasia... She couldn't imagine how she would talk to her patients about Rujaro. Eyasia didn't say a word but just shook her head in disagreement but slowly so no one would notice.

"I could get information too." Eyasia said while looking at her food."I use to do it all the time... Taverns the best place to start. Men are so wasted there they can't tell the difference between a girl or a guy." Her gave cringe as she thought about the taverns. She use to go there with Celeste and when her attractive friend toyed with the men's emotions, Eya would just sneak in questions about stuff like medicine or jobs. The men would answer too not knowing the words leaving there alcoholic tongue.

Her eyes scanned the room, no one really paid attention but she continued." I could do it tonight, no one knows me and... I have a connection with the citizens of kenashs because I know them." She shrugged and ate a small spoon of her jam."I'll just need to recruit an old friend and be on my way..."

She hoped none of the other Coral members were think of anything stupid. They knew nothing of the streets of kenash besides what they look like. The last thing Eyasia wanted to hear is one of them breaking their necks out there trying to fit in. One glance at any of them and you could tell they were not your average freeborn. They were worth something even more.

She hoped Celeste and herself we're still the same size. Just last season she tried to but her friend an elegant dress and she refused. Celeste prefers her short corset dresses. Eyasia would have to borrow one(like she did any time they went out).

Sadly she couldn't bring Dyanna a long. The young girl could pass for a grown woman so Eyasia could easily bring her a long. But she respected Lorena's wishes of not letting this get out. She just has to pray that nothing gets out of hand.

by **Vice** on May 1st, 2014, 7:34 am

Inari Lorak :

Verena Lorak :

If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please send me a PM, and we'll discuss my reasoning behind why the grade given was received. Please make sure to edit any posts in the grading queue to 'graded' and update your CS as soon as possible. Enjoy! ^.^

Open [Whitesnake Plantation] Starting the morning off