[The Trough] Need to think (0pen)

[Vanator]

Vanator accepted Bolden's offered waterskin, though he did not voice his gratitude, unwilling to interrupt his little brother's telling of his and Khiara's meeting. In a gregarious demeanor that was familiar and reminiscent of the young teenage boy that Van remembered, Bolden described the events as if it were some grand encounter. The younger Denusk's story was laced with disclaimers and caveats aimed at maintaining his innocence in all accounts. But when Van glanced at his vanthan wife, offering her the waterskin, his suspicion was piqued. He did not need to see the gleaming gold in her eyes, visible even in the dim evening light, to know something still troubled Khiara. Her features revealed it to the man who had studied, and adored, that olive-hued face for over a year. The husband recalled the raised voices he had heard in the tent, and the sound of a sharp clap. There was more to the story, it was clear to Vanator. But Khiara may have reinjured her foot, both had been drinking, and it was late. The Denusk heir would get to the bottom of the night's events, but probing them now was not the best approach. Somewhat tentatively, Vanator took a step towards Bolden. Perhaps the younger brother could see the suspicion in Van's eyes. Perhaps not. Afterall, it had been six years since he had seen them. Resting his hand on Bolden's shoulder, perhaps gripping it with a bit more force than he intended, Vanator spoke with a slight smile and controlled tone. "Sounds like you had a big night, and I need to get my wife to bed. It is good to see you, Bold. Tomorrow, we will catch up." Van's authoritative tone left no room for debate, and, releasing his brother, he turned to take Khiara's hand and lead her towards the pavilion's entrance. Vanator looked back over his shoulder. "Of course, brother, you will stay here...this is your family's home."

[Bolden Denusk]

A muscle twitched in Bolden's jaw and fury wrestled beneath the surface. He'd tried to keep everything calm until tomorrow, but as usual big brother had to play orders as captain obvious.

'Oh good. I didn't miss his condescending attitude of 'I command the world like servants.' I'm not thirteen anymore. Van needs to open his blind eye and save the idiot commands for his straying wife who throws tantrums when someone won't succumb to her unwifely charms. I don't know who this Ronan is, but I'll bet he felt just as suckered in as I did!'

Bold watched Van's eyes move to Khiara's over dramatic pouty expression. He just barely stopped himself from rolling his eyes.

'He keeps giving in to that mare's antics, he's gonna make himself crazy trying to please her. It will never be enough attention for that one!! She's quicksand.'

The young Drykas pointedly looked down at Vanator's unnecessary display of command at the grip on his shoulder and looked him squarely in the eyes.

"I gave you a quick harmless summary so we can all get some petching sleep and save the big talk for tomorrow. Don't give -me- a high handed order over something obvious. Don't scold me for being gone for six years in one breath and then command me like a thirteen year old in the next."

Bolden's eyes were bloodshot and weary, his self control straining to the breaking point. When Vanator blatantly turned his back on Bolden and headed to the tent expecting a baby brother to follow, he responded with venom,

"Of course -brother- I will -not-. Save your not subtle demands for your wives. I'll find a place to sleep and get your scolding in the morning. Thank you for the order--ahh offer, but no thank you. I wouldn't want to interfere on that special time you need with your honorable, faithful, dignified wife. And Khiara. Good night."

With practiced ease, Bolden leapt to his Strider's back and raced off, letting the stallion take him as far, as fast as possible.

Not even six years absence could fully improve the Denusk brothers' strained relationship overnight. But then Gods only knew what could ever do that!

-The End-
http://www.mizahar.com/forums/post92099.html#p92099

[Lariat]

Bolden

Experience:

Riding (Horse)- 1xp
Debate- 1xp
Observation- 2xp

Lores:

Hitting on your sister in law
You treat her like a lame horse
An unexpected 'arrival'
Being an A-hole to your dear sister
Obstinate till the end

Khiara

Experience:

Riding: 1xp
Observation: 2xp
Debate: 1xp

Lores:

Drink, but don't drink to fast
Akin to ones horses
Bolden is a jack-A
A question of honor
Van to the rescue

Vanator

Experience:

Brawling 1xp

Lores:

If I get my hands on that Rohan
A sight for sore eyes
Queries for an insolent brother

Thoughts: I gave what I thought to give out, if you have any questions or think that I missed something just send me a pm.