House Rental

[Vivian Shiryu]

Timestamp: 17th of Cylus, 716
Location: Rharne, Housing Rentals

Vivian looked about the office of the housing rentals, noting the opulence of the place. It wasn't gaudy, exactly, but it showed that the business was very well off, and to Vivian, that meant that they did their jobs well. The owner of the inn had directed her here after Vivian had explained that she planned to take residence in Rharne, with a fairly decently sized family. She had spoken to Zvez and the girls about it, and knew what she wanted to rent. Pausing, she looked over the sign that explained the prices she would have to pay.

After a moment, however, she gave an annoyed sigh and stepped away from the sign. Arithmetic had never been her strong suit. At the sound she made, a white haired woman with a sincere smile walked up to her. "Are you having some trouble, dear?" she asked, her tone exceedingly polite.

Vivian grimaced slightly and waved at the sign. "I was never good at numbers. I'm here to rent a house." she said, her tone more humble than it had ever been in Rynmere. She was a peasant now, and she figured it best to act like one. The womans smile brightened and she led Vivian over to a desk where she pulled out a stack of papers.

"Then, my dear, you have come to the right place. What kind of house are you looking for?" she asked, her tone cheerful. Vivian had the feeling she either enjoyed her job a great deal, or she really liked making money. Possibly, probably, it was both.

"A large one. It's for myself and my...extended family, I suppose." she said, and the womans eyes brightened. "We also have family living abroad that will come to visit, so we'll want to have a place for them to stay if they come visiting. So, four bedrooms, a sitting room, and a separate kitchen, if possible." she said, her tone a little nervous, as she wasn't sure it would be possible to rent such a house. "Also, the other adult in the family is a Thunder Priestess, and I plan to join the Lightning Knights, so if possible, I would like a residence in the Glass Quarter." she said, her tone calm.

The womans eyes got brighter again at the comment of a residence at the glass quarter, but she did frown slightly. "You do know that Knights and Priestesses can take residence in the cathedral, yes?" she asked, her tone polite.

Vivian nodded, but smiled as she did so. "I do, but I have two daughters. The other adult has an infant son. For everyones sake, we'd prefer not to have to take that option. In addition, we'd like a house of the highest quality if possible." she said, her tone still slightly nervous, as she didn't know if she was asking too much at this point, but the womans eyes just got brighter.

"And how long will you be wanting to rent for, dear?" she asked, her tone cheerful. Vivian paused to consider that though for a bit before she responded.

"Indefinitely. If possible, however, I'd like to pay by the season." she said, her tone calm. The woman nodded and looked through a few sheets before smiling and pulling out a specific piece of paper.

"Certainly possible, my dear. And I've found the perfect place. It will be 62 gold nels and 4 silver nels for the remainder of the season." she said, before looking out over the office. "Tabetha, could you come over here." she said, before turning back to Vivian. "And I'll need your name and signature, dear." she said, pushing the paper over to Vivian, who signed it under Vivian Shiryu.

As she signed, a dark haired woman walked up and this was someone Vivian took immediate notice of. "Yes, miss Feldar?" she asked, her words soft and calm, but it was the way she stood and the muscle of her arms that Vivian took notice of. This woman, for all her soft words, was someone who knew how to fight.

The woman, miss Feldar evidently, smiled at her and turned to Vivian. "This is Tabetha Osuna. She handles our rent collections. Tabetha, this is miss Vivian Shiryu, and she's rented a house from us." she said, handing the paper to Tabetha. "If you would be so kind as to show her to her new residence." she said, and Tabetha nodded. Vivian stood up at that.

"Before we go, you said the remainder of the season would be 62 and 4?" she said, and both women nodded. Vivian unbelted her wallet and pulled out the stated amount, setting it on the desk. "That'll cover me until Cylus ends." she said, her tone cheerful. Both women smiled at the prompt payment, and Tabetha led Vivian out of the building and to the house she had rented without further comment.

When they arrived, she took out a key and opened the lock on the door before handing the key to Vivian. "Just stop by the office at any time during a season to make your rent payment, miss Shiryu." she said, smiling as Vivian took the key. Once Vivian stepped inside the rent collector walked off, evidently heading back to the housing office. Shutting the door behind her, Vivian went through the house she had rented, pleasantly surprised to find it didn't meet her expectations so much as surpassed them. The main door led to a sitting room and the four bedroom she had asked for were well furnished, each with a large, king sized bed, and the kitchen was the best she had ever seen outside of the family houses in Andaris.

After exploring, she locked the house up and went back to the inn to pick up the kids. At The Flying Moon, where she had rented a room for three days, she paused to thank the innkeeper for her advice and pay her bill before she went up to the room she had rented and open the door. "Got us a house, girls. Close to the cathedral even, and honestly, very nice. Let's get packed up and get over to our new home, yeah?" she said, visibly excited.

Off Topic

71 GN and 4 SN deducted from Vivian's ledger for house rental for Cylus and room rental for at the Flying Moon for three days.

[Vivian Shiryu]

Once everything was packed, Vivian took the girls and they headed to their new home. Once they got there, the three of them brought everything in and Vivian led the girls to their room. After a moment, she left to them to unpack and enjoy their new surroundings, taking her own things into the room she had claimed for her own. Her own things took up very little room, though Pakse wasted no time in climbing on her new bed and going to sleep. After pausing to rub the dogs head, she took the last of things she had brought and headed into the room that was to be Zvezdana's.

There, she looked around for a bit, before setting her friends bow, the weapon Vivian herself had gotten her, on the desk. Next to the bow, she set Zvezdana's crown, though she wasn't sure Zvez would want it. Next to a wall, Vivian set the picture of Zvez that she had found among her friends belongings, figuring Zvez could hang it herself. Then she got out Veljorn's armor and the stand for it. She set it up against a wall, the paused and looked at the armor. Vivian had only ever met Veljorn once, at a tournament where she had lost too him. He had almost been her cousins husband, had been her King and her best friends husband. Yet she hadn't thought very highly of the man, felt he was a bit flaky and that a soldier wasn't a good ruler, using how she would rule as an example. And yet, she had tried to put him on the throne.

She laughed and stepped away from the armor. She'd need to go see a blacksmith sometime, see if it could be refit for Zvezdana. Then Vivian paused in thought, wondering if it was meant to be Alzorn's someday. She thought about the boy, the child who was, in some ways, her Prince. Would ever take the throne that should have been his? Or would he stay in Rharne, become a part of this territory instead of that his parents had called home. Then Vivian thought of Rynmere, all the misery and pain that afflicted the island kingdom, all the suffering she saw there. Perhaps it would better for Alzorn to become a Rharnian citizen and never return to Rynmere.

After a moment, Vivian shook herself and left Zvezdana's room. Stopping in to let the girls know where she was going, Vivian left the house and headed up to the Lightning Cathedral, which, fortunately, wasn't very far away from her house. Once there, she asked around until she directed to where Zvezdana was. "Hey, got the house set up. Let's get you home, huh?" she said, grinning as she spoke. She helped Zvez pack her stuff, mostly then turned to the rest of the Sisters as they were about to leave the room and gave a wide grin. "Rejoice, all ye faithful, for you have been delivered from the terrors of the newborn child!" she said in her grandest tone, before she too left the room and led Zvez to their new home.

[Zvezdana Venora]

"Vivian!"

It had been the last word she had uttered as they left the dormitory together. Her sisters had been confused as the women had packed up Zvezdana's few belongs. The grungy, rough clothes she had originally come in, the red cloak Vivian had given her, and the basket of clothes that Faith had made Alzorn. Zvezdana had tucked the letters into the basket. Together, they had left in relative silence. That was, until Vivian had announced that silence and sleep would once again be attained by the other virgins in the room. After the initial shock came the murmuring. As the wandered further down the halls, Zvezdana heard happy and grateful shouts as they bit her farewell to her new home. Not one said they would see her tomorrow, which they would. She still had duties to attend.

The descent into the glass quarter was quick. Vivian carried her items while she held Alzorn swaddled in the red cloak against the cold. Once on level ground with the buildings, Zvezdana held back, waiting for Vivian to lead the way. They walked in silence, eager to get out of the cold and into their new home. Soon, Vivian was sliding the key into the rather lovely abode. Instantly, Zvez could tell she was going to like the place.

That was, right up until the drooly mutt came running at her. Zvezdana twisted her upper body away, unfurling her free leg in a fashion to bar the beast from getting up onto her torso and after her baby. "Down. Stay down. Vivian, do something!"

[Vivian Shiryu]

Vivian was mostly silent as she led the way home, carrying the few possessions Zvezdana had to her name as they made their way to their new home. Once they were inside, however, they breathed a sigh of relief, though her sigh soon grew into laughter as Pakse came to say hello to Zvezdana and Alzorn. Pakse wasn't trying to jump on Zvez, she was tall enough that she didn't need too, but she was certainly eager to meet Alzorn. Still, she figured it was best to respect Zvezdana's desire not to be tongue bathed.
"ઝએ૯૮ઇ, ઈશ૧ર!" she commanded, and the dog stopped trying to lick Zvez and Alzorn. "ઔશ ઠએબ ઈશ૧ર." she said, and the dog went over and plopped on the floor in front of one of the chairs.

"My father helped me train her, and we used Rakahi, the Biqaj language, to do it, so that she couldn't be commanded by just anyone." she said, before she made her way over to Zvezdana's room. "This is your room." she said, pushing open the door with her foot before pointing to other room in succession. "My room, Seira and Seriel are sharing that room, that's the kitchen, and that's a spare bedroom, in case Andraska wants to visit or something." she said, before gesturing Zvez into her room. "I saved everything I could, but in the end, it wasn't much. Cornelius, Veljorn's armor, your crown, the painting, and the bow." she said, following Zvezdana into her room and setting her friends box on the desk next to the bow. "So, I've been meaning to ask, and you don't have to answer if you don't want to, but what's brought on such a change in you. I haven't seen you this happy in...ever." she said, looking at her friend.

[Zvezdana Venora]

The strange language seemed to control the foul smelling, drooling beast. Zvezdana calmed down, pulling Alzorn back against her from the elevated position near her shoulder. The obedience of Vivian's animal was somewhat astounding. At least dogs had that going for them. "You'll have to teach me some commands then. I suppose I should give her a chance if we are going to be living under the same roof."

Zvezdana followed Vivian to her room. It was good to see they would all be able to have their private areas if they needed to get away. She would have to look in on the twins later to see how they were doing. When the door to her room was opened, she was bombarded with memories. Memories that made her soul hurt and her eyes sting with the threat of tears. Vivian had done a lovely job preparing the room. Beneath the window to her room was a cradle that had been bought within the last trial to allow her to live there. She immediately went and placed Alzorn in it, tucking him tightly into the red cloak. He looked strong in red. Warrick red. Off to the right was a simple changing table, all things she had not had before. Zvezdana stared at her son for a little while longer before moving away to inspect her belongings.

First she went to the desk, where a great variety of things awaited her. Against the wall on the desk was a small photo. As her fingers graced the edge of the canvas, she felt a familiar pull. Yrmellyn had painted this off a memory while in Jorick's Keep. The enchantment she painted into the edge made her remember the kindness the young woman had given her. Next her hand went to the bow. She would not be able to use it within the city unless she found an area to train, but it was a marvelous gift that Vivian had had crafted for her recent birthday. "I hope you still have your armor. That may yet come in handy if you plan on becoming a Lightning Knight."

She barely looked at the crown. It had been Veljorn's gift to her on their wedding night. It was a quiet reminder of her failure as the Qe'Dreki queen and her short marriage to the rebel king. Zvezdana even kept her back turned on Veljorn's armor. She was happy all her dresses had burned in the destruction of Jorick's Keep. She was happy that, for the most part, these were only toxic memories she would have to deal with over the course of time. Gently she guided Vivian back out to the living area, leaving the door open in case Alzorn started to cry.

"I am not sure exactly what has changed," Zvezdana started, moving into the kitchen to put on a kettle of water. In a season or so she had learn to do things herself. Her hands were calloused from cleaning and hard chores. She was stronger from the beatings she had suffered in the training ring at the Cathedral and from the trials that had brought her to Rharne. "Maybe it is because I am free. In Rynmere, I had been trained to seek power and pander to the court. I was my mother's doll and my father's dump. They did not see me as I see Alzorn or as you see the twins. Although I did love Veljorn, our love was still political in a sense. We both sought to see the end of the current monarchy and to better ourselves. With his death, with my exile, and with the reconciliation I have found here in Rharne, I have changed."

It was beating around the bush to Vivian's question. These were all things she knew, but it didn't necessarily explain why she had become different. Why did she smile more? Why did she want to sing and dance and drink merrily with strangers? Why did she find joy in a hard days work? These were things that poor people did. Had those less than the noble family always been this fortunate? The kettle began to steam and hiss as the water inside boiled. "Tea? Coffee? What would you like?"

► Show Spoiler

Deducted the cost of the changing table (30gn) and cradle (20gn) from my ledger. Will deduct cost of food/drink in next post.

[Vivian Shiryu]

Vivian nodded as Zvez asked to be taught Pakse's commands. "We'll need some things then. One of her commands is "threaten" and another is "attack". Dad wanted me to have a dog that could be relied on in any situations." she said, her tone serious before she grinned widely. "I don't think that he meant to use the "fetch" command to have her tear up Duchess Andaris' wardrobe when they tried to marry me off to one of the Andaris boys." she said, laughing slightly.

She waited silently as Zvez explored her room, though she grinned at the comment about the armor. "Of course I still have the armor. I did lose the black leather armor the military gave me, but I still have the chainmail you gave me." she said, before following Zvezdana back into the kitchen. She listened quietly as Zvez explained what she felt had changed, though she blinked at surprise at the question, having not entirely expected it. "Coffee, please." she said, smiling slightly.

"Possibly it is that you're more free now than you were before. I could believe that. Certainly, I haven't seen you smile this much since...ever." she said, grinning slightly before frowning. "And I can actually relate somewhat. Ever since I adopted the girls, since became a Shiryu as a opposed to a Warrick, I feel...different. Maybe it's because of how much I've grown to...dislike my former family, but I feel like I can be me now, whoever that is, as opposed to having to uphold the nonexistent honor of House Warrick."

After a moment, she let out a long sigh. "It's weird. I used to believe there was something about being nobility that made us...inherently better, in some way. The more I found out about the nobility and the royalty, the less I thought of them." she said, before shaking her head. "In the end, they only cared about themselves, their image." After a moment, she took another deep breath and looked at Zvezdana. "So, you're putting down permanent roots in Rharne? I can't say I'd call it anything but a good decision, and...honestly, this city feels...welcoming. I can't quite put my finger on why yet, though."

[Zvezdana Venora]

"I think that welcoming feeling that you get from Rharne is the testament to their patron Immortal. Ilaren is highly revered here. She seems to have domains over some pleasurable domains, like booze. They know how to booze it up in this place. Andráska has certainly loved that part of it while he has been here," She poured the now boiling water into two cups, before looking around the cupboards for some instant coffee and tea bags. Identifying both too a few trills, but she finally had the drinks in hand as she joined her friend. Not a master chef like Faith, instant was all she could do right now. It was a work in progress to say the least.

"As permanent as I can make them. As much as I would like to raise Alzorn amongst the Venoran roses, it isn't safe for him there. I cannot go home, no matter how much I yearn for it," She sat down, sliding the coffee cup over to Vivian. She idly dipped the tea bag in and out of the water. It wasn't like she didn't have access to Rynmere. Alistair had seen to that. The Rupture portal would be able to take her back instantly if there was need for it. Telling Vivian crossed her mind, but sharing that much information about Alistair was probably against their newly developed bond. Although Zvezdana trusted Vivian with her own life, Alistair probably would have hang ups about it. "It's not like I haven't seen or been in contact with my family. Like you, I mostly hate my family. I would see my father tortured for his crimes. I suppose I would settle for a quick death for my mother. Granny Ebony will surely die soon, lucky for us. In the past I would have seen Alistair suffer as well."

How many times had she plotted the death of her older brother? More than she certainly could count. Those nightmares were long since buried. Zvezdana offered a smile to Vivian as she spoke again. "Alistair and I have reconciled. We encountered one another last season. So I suppose he could live. Andráska is in the city as well. He is doing well." She chewed her lip. Clearly she was hiding something.

"I know it isn't the greatest, but how is your coffee?"

► Show Spoiler

Deducted the cost the drinks to be roughly 4cn. Please let me know if this should be different.

[Vivian Shiryu]

Vivian raised an eyebrow at Zvezdana's description of the Immortal Ilaren. "That's...interesting. My father once described Rharne as an ongoing, arc-long party. I thought he was joking, but that makes me think he might not have been wrong." she said, before she frowned briefly. "So if you're her priestess, does that mean you have learn how to brew alcohol now? Or are you required to drink a certain amount a day?" she said, before shaking her head. "I'm not trying to make a joke, but the whole concept of the Immortals is still odd to me. They weren't a particularly big thing in Rynmere, you know? I mean, the Skyriders were technically the Xiur Skyriders, but I have no idea who Xiur is or what he's done." she said, her tone slightly pensive.

She took the cup Zvezdana offered, then drank as she listened to her talk about her current relationship with her family. She did notice that Zvezdana was hiding something, but she didn't feel any need nor desire to press the issue. She was a better friend than that. "Coffee is good, especially after the cold of Cylus." she said, taking another drink. "I'm glad you're doing better with your family than I am with mine. Odds are as good as not that I'm already wanted in Rynmere again, this time for murdering my brother-in-law. I haven't seen my own brothers or sister in...seasons. Nor my parents. I'm in contact with Lei'lira, but that's it. And she's not likely to visit." she said, before shaking her head and taking another drink.

"Well, it's done now. And I can say I don't regret a thing I've done since the rebellion began." she said, grinning slightly before frowning. "Alistair. Wasn't he the one at the meeting, with my uncle and Cassander? I'm guessing that was done on family orders or something?" she said, before shrugging. "If you're okay with him, it doesn't matter, I suppose. Bad habit, poking my nose into anything that might put you in danger. Spent too much time as your soldier, I suppose." she said, before looking at her friends simple dress. "I will say, however, that you in such simple clothing just...doesn't look right. You belong in clothes that help you stand out, not make you blend in." she said, grinning slightly.

[Zvezdana Venora]

"Xiur is the Immortal of clouds, stars, hope, and dusk. I learned that on my journey to Rharne from Rynmere. Apparently the sailors like to use him as their patron for navigation or something like that," Zvezdana chirped, taking a sip of her drink. "As for alcohol, they don't require us to learn to brew. Many of my Sisters have taken part in drinking. Having been pregnant made it unsafe to drink. I missed my wine, but it doesn't even taste right now."

After having spent so long not drinking and being handed juice over wine, Zvezdana would have to develop the taste for alcohol again. Zvezdana frowned slightly when Vivian went on about her escapades. So, she had done some damage in Rynmere prior to leaving? Part of Zvezdana wanted to say something along the lines of 'you go girl' or 'good job'. The raw pain of Veljorn's murder was still present, but the sting was much duller. Having Alzorn in her life made it significantly easier to cope with. Zvezdana waited a moment before responding. All this time, she had considered how much she had asked of Vivian when she swore allegiance to her. It had taken its toll on at least one of their souls. "It makes me happy that you don't regret anything. The noble life didn't suit you. You were too good a woman to be like us."

Before Vivian could really delve into the fact that she had lumped herself into the noble category, Zvezdana moved on. She did not want to discuss how evil and corrupt the nobility were at this time. She had a great many sins to repent for, and that would simply have to be one she struggled with for some time. Until she could wash the blood from her hands and the corruption from her soul, she would have to bare the stigma of Venora. The stigma of the Qe'Dreki and Rynmere. "For once, I think Alistair acted on his own. Turns out that he has always been acting on his own," She murmured, thinking back to the display of immense power. Mother certainly wouldn't have permitted his pursuit of Domain Magic had she known.

"Well, my clothing choice is quite limited since I left Rynmere. We should go shopping Vivian. You could use with some normal clothes. Wearing armor all the time must be uncomfortable. We shall have to plan that for sometime soon. Maybe the girls need some new clothes as well. I'm sure they are growing. Alzorn probably needs some new things too. That boy is putting on weight."

Peace. It was such a fleeting feeling and this moment was one of them. Sitting over a cup of tea chatting idly with her best friend. If life had been so simple, she might have been content with her world. Instead, she had turned it upside down with her desire for power. She ruined lives, her own included. Zvezdana stared out of one of the windows, watching a bird flutter past. "I am weary. The trek from the Cathedral was long with that babe on my hip. I think I shall take a rest."

Slowly she stood up. She left her cup on the table, deciding to deal with it later. Zvezdana came up behind Vivian's seated position. Carefully, she leaned over so that she could whisper into her ear. "Vivian Shiryu. I love you as family. Thank you for standing beside me," The fallen queen then placed a light kiss on her friend's cheek before leaving to her room.

[Aeodan]

Name: Vivian Warrick

Points: 15

Skill Knowledge:

Knowledge: Etiquette: Being polite to the people you do business with
Etiquette: Paying your rent up front.
Acting: Making a grand statement out of taking a newborn infant out of a crowded area.
Loot: None
Injuries/Overstepping: None
Renown: None
Collaboration: Yes
Magic EXP: No


Comments: Cleaning up an old thread, have some XP. I never read much Zvez/Viv stuff, it was just before my time as Theodore, I think, but this makes me miss Zvez a lot. Good, solid thread.

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