Welcome Home

A roleplay transcript by Rhea, Coraline, Lyrena, Malekith and Etain

Malekith Helerodis rounded the corner and headed into the Hollow. He gave a slight nod to Tyrasius as he passed the half-giant man and when inside he was greeted by the Nymphs who do so in typical fashion. Malekith reached into his pocket and produced some shiny coins and offered them up then neared the edge of the pool. " Etain." He looked to the Nymphs sister. "Coraline. Good to see you two."

Etain Moonflower smiled, gasping as she caught sight of that familiar face which caused her heart to skip. "Malekith," she exclaimed and stood, collecting the little bouquet of yellow blooms in her hand. Her gown was soaked from lounging in the water with Coraline, and she made a quick attempt to wring it out as she waved to him and then headed over. "Sister, come when you can and greet our honored guest."

Malekith Helerodis held his hands open and expectantly awaited for Etain to move into his arms to be held by him. He smiled lightly as he watched her move towards him, eyes going over her outfit, and he raised a brow. "This is new. I like it." He looked to Coraline and smiled to her. " No rush…" His eyes moved back to Etain. " I've missed you…"

Coraline set down her tea as she hears the King's voice. Turning, she stands from the water to greet him, and walks over with Etain. "Greetings Malekith Helerodis! So nice to see you here. May I get you some wine?"

Etain Moonflower's smile warmed as she stepped into his arms and embraced him, giving him a moment to respond to Coraline. "I'm glad you like it. I've missed you too," she softly said and pulled back to have a better look at him. "Cora and I have been busy with some guests, but most have gone home." She glanced over the pools and noticed a man wading in the water but, other than that, they were mostly surrounded by other nymphs frolicking in the pools below or tending to flowers in the garden.

Rhea was just an extra ripple in the water at first, a slightly incongruent shimmer of movement beneath the lilies. As one watched a wave became a spout, a pillar, a liquid figure. It soon solidified into the shape of a curvaceous woman. Then, one of flesh and bone, naked and glittering in the soft light of the Hollow… For a heartbeat's time, a mere blink. A wave of her hand quickly caused a short, silky garment to materialize and offer some semblance of modesty. She peered up quietly at the beings above who already seemed engaged. Recognizing Coraline, she waved to her.

Malekith Helerodis looked to Coraline and dipped his head a tad. "When have I ever turned down wine?" He smirked and returned his attention back to Etain, holding her close to him when she first wrapped herself in his arms. He only let her slightly move away when she had pulled back, keeping at least one arm around her. "That's good to hear." He did not look back at the straggler but had seen him when he first arrived. A new sound, however, did cause him to look, and when he had he caught a glimpse of Rhea as she summoned her clothes. "A new face?" he questioned, looking to Etain again.

Coraline glanced down into the pool, and saw Rhea waving at her. She smiled at her and motioned with her hand for her to come up and join them. She turned towards the wine and without asking, she poured a little crystal goblet of the plum wine. She chose the plum because it was her favorite and since Etain had forbade her from drinking this evening, she thought she might watch Malekith and enjoy it vicariously. She turned and smiles as she handed the delicate goblet to him, "Here you are, my favorite as well!" She kept smiling as she glanced at Etain.

Etain Moonflower sighed happily, as she fondly gazed up at him. "What," she questioned, a look of true curiosity flitting over her features as she snapped out of her reverie, tearing her eyes away from his handsome face to peer down in the direction he had turned his head a moment before. She saw her then, the new nymph who she felt the presence of, the connection with, some time earlier but had been too preoccupied at that moment to search out. Her smile slowly deepened. The water nymph was most certainly pleasing to the eye with her long, warm-toned tresses drifting down her back, and the sparkle of her skin was mesmerizing. "Hello. Come up and greet us so that I may have a good look at you, sister," she said, her tone friendly. She pulled back slightly from Malekith as he accepted the goblet, and Etain enthusiastically reached for Cora's hand. "Oh she's lovely," she whispered to Coraline as she watched Rhea from where she stood.

Rhea was encouraged by Coraline's gesture and practically enchanted by Etain's invitation. She turned and moved through the water more like a bird through air. It didn't slosh or splash and it didn't seem to slow her. She padded barefoot up the stone stairs and made her way toward the trio, slowing the nearer she drew. "Hello." Her chin dipped politely. Though she uttered but a word her expressive eyes spoke volumes. She seemed lit from within by joy. Slowly her arms extended as if she embraced her sisters from afar. Her gaze upon them was one of pure and undiluted love even though she scarcely knew one and had never met the other. "I'm Rhea."

Malekith Helerodis took the wine from Coraline and smiled. "Plum. My favorite too." He brought the glass to his lips and took a small sip from it before taking a larger drink, a look of satisfaction crossed his face and he nodded again to Coraline. "Thank you, my dear." He kept his arm around Etain and when she addressed the new sister he would follow with his eyes but say nothing yet, not until she said something first. When she approached, he had a good look of the Nymph and as her name was offered he dipped his head slightly. "Rhea. I am Malekith Helerodis. King of Sa'Viir-Arin. A pleasure to meet you."

Lyrena Auberan walked a bit tiredly as she made her way to the Hollow for the first time in a few days. It had been a long day for the Blood elf again. Hours of paperwork, leading her Guardians, and training. Her hair looked a bit stiff in places due to dying sweat - which Lyrena certainly smelled of a bit. Hearing a few familiar voices as she approached the Hollow, Lyrena tried to straighten her tired posture somewhat as she turned the corner. "Your Grace.", Lyrena greeted her liege with a respectful bow of her head, her eyes darting to the nymphs by the man's side. "Queen Etain. Coraline.", she greeted, stepping forward and returning her attention to the King for a moment. "What you requested is now underway, Your Grace. I imagine Lady Silmariel has told you by now. There will be more in my re--…" The armored elf paused herself as she heard another familiar voice. One she hadn't heard in a while. She stepped forward again, and through the dozens of nymphs that were going about their business in the Hollow - set her eyes on one that was just approaching the group too. A nymph she had never seen here before - but had certainly seen elsewhere. "Rhea?", Lyrena called out in some disbelief as she noticed the Naiad, her eyes blinking. A surprised smile quickly began to form on her tired visage as she set her eyes on her old friend.

Coraline smiled warmly at Etain as she touched her hand and commented on the new nymph. "Yes, she is precious dearest one." she replied softly. Her smile turned back to Malekith and she giggled softly. "Don't worry if you can't finish it. I will take care of it for you." She watched Rhea climb out of the water and called to her, "Rhea, come closer and meet dearest Etain and our honored guest." Suddenly, as Lyrena came tromping into the hollow, she smiled and greeted her, "Hello again, Lyrena. How is the barracks smelling?"

Etain Moonflower withdrew her hand from Cora only after giving her dearest sister another affectionate squeeze. She clasped both hands together beneath her chin, her eyes sparkling in merriment as she watched the newest nymph make her way up to the three. "Now, Cora, you will do no such thing," she teased, and turned her head to Lyrena when she heard her greeting. Etain smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners and then they twitched as she saw her friend looking tired and, was it, hopeful? Etain turned back to Rhea and closed the distance between them to pull the water nymph into her arms. She pulled her to her bosom, holding her tight for a few seconds before releasing her. Her fingers still lingered on Rhea's as their hands dangled together between them. "Rhea. Sister. Welcome to Moonflower Hollow."

Rhea looked somewhat surprised when the man introduced himself as the King. There was a moment of hesitation, uncertainty as she pondered her next move. She curtsied. The effect was somewhat diminished without a flowing gown, but the movement was undeniably graceful. "Your Majesty." She acknowledged respectfully. Coraline's suggestion made her smile and take a half-step toward the unknown Anthousai. The Queen herself closed the remaining distance. Not only did Rhea return the embrace, she snuggled in, tears twinkling in her vivid eyes. The Naiad was not the first to pull away. "Thank you." She said softly, earnestly. "It's a joy to meet you, sister. For the first time in ages my heart is home." Though she did not offer the same formalities to the Nymphai sovereign as she did the elf, there was an adoring reverence about her that left no question as to her understanding of the other's role. Suddenly, a familiar voice had her leaning to one side, peering past Etain. She beamed. "Lyrena!" The name was a song. In a moment she had released her fellow nymph's hand, becoming a jiggly blur and flinging herself at the Commander.

Malekith Helerodis looked to his front as Lyrena emerged from around the corner and she immediately addressed him. He dipped his head, only slightly. "Commander Lyrena. Good to see you." He side-eyed Coraline then and sipped his wine with a smirk in response to her offer. When Etain pulled herself from him, he frowned some, but his typical friendly smile would come back and he breathed in sharply and quickly finished off his drink, offering the empty glass back to Coraline or another Nymph who he caught wandering around the Hollow. "Believe I will take me leave now. It was nice meeting you, Rhea." He smiled at the curvy new Nymph and then looked between Lyrena and Coraline. " Good to see you both again." His attention then on Lyrena. "Oh. If you would have a report for me, about the movement of The Guardians in the Undercity. That will be good, Dame Commander." His eyes darted to Etain and he walked to the edge of the Hollow and, without saying anything, he stopped and seemed to wait on the Nymph to follow him.

Coraline watched intently as Malekith sipped from the goblet, her tongue wafting quickly over her lips as she recalled the delights of the wine he was drinking. She accepted the empty glass from him with a small pout that became a smile as she ran a finger around the rim and brought it to her lips to lick her finger clean. As she looked up and watched him begin to leave, she glanced at Etain, smiling warmly at her.

Lyrena Auberan stood patiently while Rhea and Etain acquainted with one another seemingly for the first time - witnessing the predictably warm and wholesome greeting she imagined the Nymph Queen would have for a new member of the family. "Like one would expect. Not… As good as your home here, let us say.", Lyrena more quietly answered Coraline, in a mostly serious tone laced with overt jest. She glanced appreciatively at Coraline's skimpy outfit before peering back to the newcomer nymph - her old friend - who had just leaped towards her for a hug! Lyrena gladly parted her arms, careful not to bruise Rhea with her armor as she accepted the curvy Naiad in a warm and affectionate embrace, leaning in to give her a kiss on the forehead. "I really should stop telling myself I may never see you again, Rhea. Fate seems to reunite us sooner or later.", she said with a smile as she eased her embrace. "Last I saw you, I heard you had been… Claimed.", Lyrena said more quietly, with a bit of concern in her voice. As Malekith prepared to depart, Lyrena softly released Rhea and turned towards her liege again. "It will be ready by the end of the week, Your Grace.", Lyrena promised, bowing her head again.

Etain Moonflower felt her heart warm as they embraced and Rhea was, officially, welcomed into the fold. "Yes, welcome home," she said and went to release her hands, but the water nymph had already done so and had turned her attention elsewhere. She caught sight of the sheer delight that spread over Rhea's features, and she looked upon the Dame Commander curiously. Her gaze skittered to Cora's sweet face, and she returned her smile. "Ok, just one," she said as she walked over to Malekith. She knew that he was waiting for her without even glancing in his direction. Her heart thumped in her chest as she pondered what mood he would be in this evening. She inhaled deeply as her gaze swung to him next, and she reached down to take his hand. "Only one glass, Cora," she said over her shoulder while she looked up into the eyes of her handsome high elf.

Rhea was not so wild a thing that she'd neglect the King's farewell. "It was nice to meet you too, your Majesty." She smiled cheerfully at him and waved, though she remained firmly planted against her errant friend. Her gaze returned to her. "I wonder sometimes if you bringing me the items for the rite that granted me freedom forged some link between us. Fate or fortune, I'm so glad to see you again! I missed you terribly!" Mention of the claim made a shadow fall over her face. Fear? Pain? Sorrow? "I was careless. I didn't understand, and I gave myself to one who did not understand either." The darkness was fleeting, like a cloud passing over the sun. "It's passed and past. I'm here now, and so are you, and so are they!" Lyrena looked to her King, and the naiad looked to her people. The love emanating from her was like a force of nature. As it seemed Etain was joining the high elf, Rhea called out to her. "Until next time!" A wish, a promise.

Malekith Helerodis would take hold of Etain's hand firmly, and he paused to look back at the group they were going to depart and he gave a nod. "Until next time." He then continued off with Etain, heading in the direction of the Palace.

Coraline giggled as dearest Etain tells her she can have one glass. She had definitely been over served last evening, and since she was serving herself, she had no one else to blame. Deciding to be good this evening, she didn't pour herself a glass and instead went to the nearby falls to wash the empty goblet she held in her hands.

Lyrena Auberan watched as Etain walked over to the King's side, nodding with a smile at the Nymph Queen as her and Malekith seemingly prepared to go somewhere together! As Rhea began to answer her, Lyrena looked back at her friend, planting a gauntleted hand on her bare hip. "And I have missed you as well.", Lyrena reassured, warmth and emotion still lighting up her previously stern face. "If it is all in the past now… Then I will not worry." Though Lyrena looked relieved when the Naiad proclaimed her freedom and safety, she did glance down Rhea's form while speaking. Her golden eyes scouting for any scars or reminders of Rhea's previous circumstances. "Either way, you will be safe here. Queen Etain - she lets no harm come to her sisters.", Lyrena said as her eyes returned to Rhea's watery, glittering orbs. They reminded the Blood elf of Rhea's domain - and of someone else's. "Ah - have you had the chance to meet Coraline yet, Rhea? She dwells in the waters as you do. I consider her a dear friend - the very first I made in this city.", Lyrena explained, before looking to the side in search precisely of the slender and gorgeous nymph. "Come here, Coraline. Do not be shy.", the Blood elf beckoned with a hand and a smile. "…Unless my smell is what keeps you away. That cannot be helped just yet, I fear.", she added with a smirk.

Etain Moonflower gave Rhea a passing smile as she started to walk with Malekith. "Soon," she said tenderly, looking back only briefly to gaze upon the new nymph's face one last time before taking her leave. "Goodbye, Lyrena, Sister of mine," she said in parting and looked ahead of where Malekith would take them, her expression pleasant. She gave the king a sidelong glance as they walked in silence.