RP:A Sister's Ploy
Part of the Birds of A Feather Arc
Summary: Arien’s sister Aiya, Raven of the Carrion Crow reveals to her that an assault directly on Rynvale’s interests is pending, and offers up a plan intended to deceive her commander and protect Arien at the same time.
Characters: Arien, Aiya
Location: Rynvale.
Arien: “Shyr darling..No!” came the soft but firm reprimand from the mother who sat on the bearskin rug before the fireplace, surrounded by the pleasant clutter of children’s toys and random items of clothing. Arien had given up on keeping her home as neatly as was accustomed. A small head of dark, newly cropped curls turned her way, and silvery eyes locked onto her own even as the toddler’s mouth fell open in a mischievous giggle. The tiny fist that was entangled in his sister’s longer curls loosened slightly, just enough that the sparkle of tears that threatened in Eru’s shimmering emerald eyes abated, even as swatting aim was taken at the extended arm of her sibling. “Why you insist on tormenting your sister I shall never understand..” Arien murmured dryly, “but one day soon she will be big enough to make you pay for it, “ she warned. The door was flung open to the fresh air and setting of the sun, the elf expecting no threat from the peace that lay beyond.
Aiya :: Salty winds whip the Illoria's sails as she rests anchored beyond heightened vision, beyond the coasts of either city rests across from one another. Waves crash against the vessel's sides tossing her about, tongues of lightening fork overhead mirroring Raven's mood as she stalks wraith-like to the rail. A single heart beats disturbing a ghostly silence. Fiery tresses flutter in the breeze refusing to be tamed by any means, giving Aiya a dangerous appeal; a Siren standing watch over her charge. To one side Cenril and Eliah awaits her return from a lone sailing to "calm her spirits" or whatever other mumbled excuse she'd given for escape. Pirates. They were to out right attack Arien's holdings, Rynvale. Blood ties proving to be unbreakable are her reason for manning so large a vessel alone until all eyes and ears are mute to her actions. Even this gives no comfort, Aiya hesitating before opening the pathway connecting two sisters. "Arien." Even her words are silenced, thunder her only companion tonight.
Seated where she was, the Elvin governor lifted her head, and turned her eyes to the door..to the sea which tumbled beyond with ever increasing choppiness. Emerald gaze swept the horizon, taking note of the darkened clouds and the lightning that forked in the distance over the water. Moving to rise, her intent to close the door of her home against the worsening weather, the rippling tug on her awareness caused her to still in her tracks. “Aiya..” she answered quietly. “Where are you?..”
Aiya offers a fleeting smile, head tipped back spilling red locks freely down her back as the storm continues to brew. "Arien." Her words are an elated reply. She was drawn to her sister- to the steely goodness in Arien's heart. "I am at the ocean's heart and safe for the time being. I have news of Eliah's plans. He intends to continue in his set agenda to help known parties open the waters between Cenril and Rynvale once more. I have reason to believe he has become friendly with some of your own, however, I cannot defect from my position. It is expected of me to uphold my part and wage my own battles against your shores." Here she pauses before continuing, so that she might gage her beloved sister's response. If Arien is not open to her predicament, she would not pose the query of how to best solve a looming, unsolvable problem.
In her island home, the elf moved a few more steps toward the door, leaving the children under the watchful gaze of Pippa, who was never far from their sides. Her head canted slightly as if that would improve her connection to the one who stood on the decks beyond. “I have not doubted that the Carrion would finish what he has begun..” she whispered into her sister’s mind. “And I have always understood that you must stand by his side in those decisions..just as I must stand at the side of those to whom I commit.” There was a pause. “Do what you must..sister..but know, that should you choose..I can offer no special protections for you. If lives are lost at your hands.. I will have no choice myself, but to bring you to justice.” Sadness seeped from her heart into her consciousness. “Ahhh my heart..the fates..play with us, do they not?”
Aiya smiles fully into the storm ahead as her sister's words seep into tumbling thoughts. Malachite skims darkening clouds as the ship continues to bob cradled in the turning waters "It does not have to be so, Arien. I would not ask protection of you, but a way to resolve what could be a detriment to our relationship. I have found you and I will not lose you for any man. Work with me? You've skilled saliors, I know, who can put up a fight without dying. My crew knows not to take lives. Even in the throes of battle for Cenril they knew better. Set up a merchant ship full of wares which I will purchase somehow. For all intents I will buy the vessel's cargo, but will take it in a play for Eliah's benefit." Breath stills in the woman's chest as she awaits a reply. How could she choose between two people who held places in her heart? How could fate demand she pick a man who loves her or a sister she loves?
Across the water, Arien’s own breath hitched in her throat. It was a crazy plan, but it just might work..especially if she could get a slightly more than averagely observant crewman aboard the vessel to be taken. A performance it might be, but who knew what else might be out there on the open sea. If others sailed the night Aiya did, even if her sister put on a show, note might be taken of the resources the rest of the Carrion’s fleet carried. “If you are sure that it can be done, and can find a way to keep me informed of the deatails..then it is possible I can make it happen..” A frown furrowed her brow. “But are you sure Aiya? Eliah will not look kindly on such betrayal. Do you depend on his love to protect you from his anger?”
Aiya visibly relaxes againt the rail, head falling to rest on crossed wrists as a shaky breath passes quivering lips. Could it be done? If any could do it she could with shadows and illusions to aid. "Eliah has never professed to love me, but he well knows I have no desire to wage a war against you. I can alays find another bed mate. I cannot conjure another sister on a whim." Thoughts tumble one after another forming a shaky framework of how she might accomlish this feat. Would Eliah come for her head if he discovered her betrayal. She couldn't say, but her lot has already been decided and lines drawn in the sand.
Arien couldn’t help the smile that teased at her lips. Ever direct, her dark sister. “This much, is true. “Be careful then Raven..and stay in touch. When I hear from you I shall set the wheels in motion here to find you a skilled and competent crew. I shall make sure there is a healer aboard to abate the worse of what damage may occur.”
Aiya nods, though her sister cannot see, malachite gaze lifting to study the roaring ocean tumbling before her. "Begin your search. I will contact soon with the exact day our facade will occur. Do not share with too many our plan. I do not fear Eliah, but for your safety if he discovers. His rage is unending. Be safe, Arien." And with that she fades allowing both time to think and plot the best course for their "ocean battle" ahead.