Karianin
03-29-2009, 02:03 PM
Full Name: Ranaynne Alexia Traubine-Zephyr
Nicknames: Rana, Rany
Age: 25
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Hair: Golden Blonde
Skin: Pale, easily flushed by emotion.
Eyes: Pale blue
Height: 5'6
Weight: 130
Place of residence: Elwynn Forest
Place of Birth: Arathi
Known Relatives: Married to Necroxis Zephyr; brother-in-law Ivan Zephyr, son Aurhim, Two siblings, both deceased.
Religion/Philosophy: Follower of the Light; emphasis on healing.
Occupation: Tailor/Enchanter
Group/Guild affiliation: Ranaynne; recently wed to long-time friend Necroxis; is presently a Captain in the Dusk Watch; presiding over House Pheonix, the Watch's 4th Division and House of Healing
Guild Rank: Striker - Public Relations
Enemies: As does all of the Watch; she often battles against Raven Cross; the Warsong Liberators, and seems short tempered with what she considers the narrow minded methods of the Scarlet Crusaders.
Likes: Music, poetry, simple beauty; such as found at a waterfall, a moonwell, or in a simple rain shower. She seems to delight in the rain, standing for long moments in Theramore and Auberdine when water falls from the sky.
Favorite Foods: Fresh Bread and cheese, caribu, and berries.
Favorite Drinks: Honeymint Tea, occasionally Rumsey Rum.
Favorite Colors: Blue and Lavender
Weapons of Choice: Sword and shield, occasionally uses her mace.
Dislikes: Those who slay in a demeaning fashion, sitting atop their felled enemies. If one must kill; make it clean and as merciful as possible.
Hobbies: Riding throughout the lands, enjoying the scenery.
Physical Features: Ranaynne's face is smooth and symmetrical, some might say too much like that of a doll made of white clay. Her eyes are bright and flash her emotions perhaps more often than she would like. There is simplicity in her features and demure manner of dress, as though she is genuine in her actions and reactions. Even when layered in plate there seems a quality she cannot hide which makes her appear a child in the armor of an adult.. perhaps it is that youth still blossoms upon her features.
Special Abilities: She shows determination and focus when lending the Light to her tasks, seeming trained in its application toward the healing of wounds.
Positive Personality Traits: In all things the Paladin seems determined to be as little bother to those around her as possible, most times to a fault. She struggles to hold her tongue and keep her temper in check, although at times her youth does show as her words sting. She is honest, takes her oaths seriously, and is known to show mercy unless already driven to anger.
Negative Personality Traits: Rany seems to frustrate her friends and loved ones to no end with her tendency to keep secrets to her detriment, as well as throw herself often against foes far greater than herself. Of late she has become a bit judgmental, perhaps, seeming too busy to get to know many new folk.
Misc. Quirks: The reappearance of a ring upon her finger might be noted by some.
Theme Songs: Fields of Innocence; Evanescence
History:
A cooing blonde infant looked up at the gentle gaze of a human woman, her pale skin seeming to glow with adoration. No words came to the child's simple mind, only the essence of.. Mother.. Caregiver, Trusted One. In youth, trust came easily for her; filled with innocence as she first opened her eyes to the world.
This same sense of caring, being cared for, being treasured, followed the maiden as she first balanced on wobbly legs, drifting across a room into the awaiting arms of a strong man, who lifted her into the air as she giggled proudly. His warm smile rewarded her efforts, as did the quick embrace given by a young male child, a few years older, already knowing well how to manipulate his own feet. That one; she called "Brother" once the word was learned.
A few years later her world was widened as another infant was added to the family, a mewling, crying babe who was demanding of attention, and yet generous with affection. A little sister.. someone for her to take turns caring for. And so the cycle continued..
Surely between the three there was a strong bond, united in blood, united in values, each wearing a matching necklace gifted by that strong man, the one who always seemed to smile and lend support to the children, the one they called "Father".
Time passed by, however, as it is wont to do.. years stacked atop innocence, lending age, perhaps wisdom, certainly a new sense of curiosity about the things outside of their simple house. The questions began..
"Why does the sun shine?"
"Where does Father go when he goes to trade?"
"War? Why must Delth leave us? I.. don't want him to go.. "
Rany stood at the doorway, a young girl just meeting womanhood, looking on with curious wonder and trepidation. Her brother was leaving her side.. and she was none too happy about it. Her questions came again, but this time carried in a strong voice, but one steeped in fear. "When.. will he come back? Who does he go to fight for?"
The voices of adults chimed in with their answers, "He goes to fight for us; dear child.. He goes to find his own path, to grow in strength, so that one day.. He will be able to protect his family, just as Father protects us.."
Blue eyes peered longingly out the door, and she dashed out it suddenly, catching her brother before he topped his horse, hugging him tightly. "Delth.. Promise.. you'll be alright? That.. you'll come back?" There was a sudden fear in her posture, the girl of fourteen willing to be seen as weak, simply wanting safety for those she cared about.
He had smiled warmly to her, lifting her easily, offering a hug. "Don't worry Rany, I'll be careful." A shy grin followed, "Besides.. Have I ever not come back before?"
Clear blue eyes seemed filled with clouds as she had sighed. "I'll miss you.."
Another smile had been the response, coupled with a ruffling of her hair. "I'll be back before you know it!" Mounting the horse swiftly, he waved a hand, then disappeared into the forest.
At the doorway, Rany stood, biting her lower lip to hold it steady, a smaller hand within her own as a small voice whispered, "Rany sad?"
Looking down, Ranaynne smiled to her little sister. "It'll be ok, Sis.. It always is.." She hugged the child, something inside her chilling, almost with certainty that something.. ill was going to happen. Just then, a woman's voice called out, "Girls? Come inside.. it's cool out there, and I don't want you coming down sick." Turning, she led the little one back inside the cabin.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was raining, the sort of gentle spring rain that seemed to whisper to the greenery that it was time to awaken form winter's slumber, to greet the new year as the sun warmed the air. Trees shuffled their limbs lazily in the breeze, the thick forest hugging a simple wooden home that lie on the outskirts of a human settlement. Tucked into its own corner of the territory, this place knew peace in a land under siege by violence.
A laden wagon sat in front of the house, two restless horses pacing in their places. From inside, voices carried out, adding their own tone to the forest's song.
"Thank you so much for letting me go, Mama! I know you're worried.. but.. Stormwind! I want to .. see it.. I want to see the King. It sounds so exciting!" Rany's voice shivered with anticipation, her bags already loaded onto the cart alongside those of another family, settled in amongst trade goods; various bits of cloth, leather, and herbs.
A strong voice spoke, "Don't worry, Jeandin. I'll have her back to you inside two weeks time. The girls will keep each other company, and perhaps she'll get this adventuring out of her system.." The man chuckled quietly, looking down to his daughter, who paced beside Ranaynne. His wife was in the other room, the womenfolk sharing their bits of gossip, trying to quell and soothe a sense of uneasiness about the girls traveling so far in dangeorus times.
Rany took her friend's hand and dashed from the cabin, giggling quietly as the two were greeted by the rain, dampening their hair and misting their young faces. "I can't believe we're really going, Jessy! We're going to get to go see the King!"
After giving a hug to both parents, as well as a soft, whispered promise to her little sister of candy to be brought back, Ranaynne was lifted up into the back of the wagon, and it began to move..
The journey was more tiresome than she had expected, the routine of breaking camp, cooking atop a fire, and bathing in rivers wearing quickly on her youthful exuberance. This did not completely quell her excitement, however, and seeing the gates of Stormwind looming ahead cleared all exhaustion that may have begun to take hold.
"We're here! Oh! Look at it.. it's so HUGE! And beautiful.." Shining blue eyes lit with wonder as the wagon rambled into the Trade District, stopping outside of an Inn. Four feet quickly landed as the girls leapt out of the back, looking around in shock.
The visit to Stormwind went by in a blur for Ranaynne, her heart swelling with joy as she had attended service in the Cathedral, her memorizing every detail, marveling at the sight of the Royal family from afar. Quietly, a secret whispered between the two girls, she had murmured, "I wanna help protect him, some day, like Delth does. He says it's real important, that we always keep the King and this City safe.."
Two voices nearby, adult ones, spoke softly as well. "Thank the Light.. the city seems solid now. I remember.. it wasn't so long ago.." This is followed by a silent nod, unnoticed by the star struck children. "Praise that.. May it never have to be rebuilt again.. It's finally.. as finished as a City ever could be.."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The rocking of the wagon lulled Ranaynne into a restless sleep as they had traveled back toward her home, the forest singing a lullaby now, a tender quality to the sounds of tree limbs bowing to a strong breeze, the dark night sky offering its own blessing, one of starlight, if only it could keep the traveling group safe.
Shifting, Ranaynne saw shadows in her dreams, heard a soft scream, then a loud noise.. was it thunder? A shout.. "Keep them here! Don't let them follow me!"
Sitting bolt upright, her breath caught in that sudden way it does when the realm of dreams meets reality too quickly. "What's.. going on? Mama? No.. Jessa?" She looked around, suddenly shivering for no reason. Scampering from the wagon, she prepared to look around just as her friend's mother folded her into a sudden embrace. "Ranaynne.. no.. shh.. little one.. Stay here.. Close your eyes."
The scent of smoke assaulted her senses, and she struggled, "No! What's going on? Where are we? Aren't we almost to my home?" She attempted to lift her face from the woman's shoulder, smelling something beneath the musky scent of a wood fire, something that smelled.. wrong.
"Ranaynne.. No! Don't look! Come here.. "
The young girl twisted from the woman's arms, just wanting to see, to understand. Upon turning, her face blanched and her eyes widened in immediate shock and devastation. Her shrieks were unstoppable, "NO! MAMA! PAPA!!" Then, softer, "Leishla? Where.. are you?" Her feet carried her, unbidden, toward the smoking remains of her home. At the doorway she ran headfirst into the waiting arms of her friend's father, alerted by her cries.
He took her shoulders and kneeled, meeting her gaze steadily, speaking in a soft, soothing tone. "Rany.. sweetheart.. You.. can't be here anymore. I.." His voice shook. "I.. am so sorry.. but.. it isn't safe here.. you'll have to come with us.."
The young girl tried to look around again, but her eyes seemed in denial as she began trembling, whispering, "But.. where.. did they go? When.. it happened? Where.. did they go hide? We just need.. to find them.."
The man lifted the girl and carried her like an infant back to the wagon, placing her in the arms of a waiting woman, his own daughter looking on, silent and pale. With a nod he indicated she should get in the wagon as well, and no second request was needed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Not seeming the same child, indeed.. perhaps no, in fact, Rany stood solemnly beside a small fenced bit of earth, three piles of mounded soul displayed in front of her. Each had its own small cross, etched with the appropriate names, one of the graves much smaller than the other two. Atop this one, a little sack, filled with candy..
In her hand she held two necklaces, her own, as well as her younger sister's, delivered the day after.. the gruesome discovery. Her face was like a blank piece of parchment, unheeding of the blonde strands that clung to her damp cheeks, tears perhaps falling, going unnoticed in the numbness that followed her loss.
She was shaking, but silent, her eyes lowered as a gentle hand closed over one shoulder. Turning, she looked up, seeing a familiar face, and also a tearful one. Without hesitation her arms encircled the waist of her brother, and she began to sob uncontrollably.
The young man, dressed in the full uniform of Stormwind's finest, looked over her head at the graves, holding his sister closely, the only family either of them had. He struggled to find words, settling to murmur to her quiet sounds of soothing, trying to contain his grief so that he might be strong for her.
She whispered to him, her voice small and timid, "Delth.. What.. will happen, now?"
He sighed, embracing her, speaking quietly, "I.. must continue to serve, Rany.. Especially.. now, when danger is so near. I.. spoke to Jessa's family. They.. You will.." His voice cracked. "I.. will visit you as often as I can, I promise.. but.. you must stay with them, for now.. Attend.. to schooling.. and.." A sob wracked his body, and she clung more closely.
"I don't' want to be away from you! Delth, please.. I.. don't' ever want to be away from.. "
He stroked her hair gently. "Shh.. you have to do this, Rany.. We.. have to keep going, be.. smart. They.. would have wanted us to. You will be safest with Jessa and her family, until you are grown.."
Sniffling, her eyes still brimmed with tears, the young woman nodded, her heart heavy. "You.. are right. I.. I will grow, and one day.. I will.. " Her hands balled into fists, "I will.. destroy whoever did this!"
Delth had only one soft thing to say in response, whispered to himself, "I'll have already destroyed them, long before you ever could.."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~
Years later, this same woman stood outside of Northshire Abbey, looking around calmly, her pale blue eyes alight with a recovered sense of hope and trust. An older woman stood at her side, speaking in a matronly fashion, "You're sure that's what you wish to do, lass? The Light can be vengeful, this is true, but perhaps a few more years, before you go to serve.."
Shaking her head, Ranaynne smiled to the Mother Priestess. "I have been invited to join the ranks of Cavalry, to defend the King of Stormwind, as I had always wished. I could not.. think to turn down such an opportunity." Raking a hand back through her hair, her expression one of determination, there was no doubting the certainty behind her decision.
"But Lass.. don't you.. want a family of your own one day? The life of battle is not one for marriage, or for children..," the elder advised.
The response given to the Priestess was simple, "The Light will use me to its purpose, be it in motherhood or in battle. It is not for me to try to decide, but to follow the path that I am given."
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh277/Tabbyland/Rany.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh277/Tabbyland/RanyLight.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh277/Tabbyland/prettysm.jpg
Nicknames: Rana, Rany
Age: 25
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Hair: Golden Blonde
Skin: Pale, easily flushed by emotion.
Eyes: Pale blue
Height: 5'6
Weight: 130
Place of residence: Elwynn Forest
Place of Birth: Arathi
Known Relatives: Married to Necroxis Zephyr; brother-in-law Ivan Zephyr, son Aurhim, Two siblings, both deceased.
Religion/Philosophy: Follower of the Light; emphasis on healing.
Occupation: Tailor/Enchanter
Group/Guild affiliation: Ranaynne; recently wed to long-time friend Necroxis; is presently a Captain in the Dusk Watch; presiding over House Pheonix, the Watch's 4th Division and House of Healing
Guild Rank: Striker - Public Relations
Enemies: As does all of the Watch; she often battles against Raven Cross; the Warsong Liberators, and seems short tempered with what she considers the narrow minded methods of the Scarlet Crusaders.
Likes: Music, poetry, simple beauty; such as found at a waterfall, a moonwell, or in a simple rain shower. She seems to delight in the rain, standing for long moments in Theramore and Auberdine when water falls from the sky.
Favorite Foods: Fresh Bread and cheese, caribu, and berries.
Favorite Drinks: Honeymint Tea, occasionally Rumsey Rum.
Favorite Colors: Blue and Lavender
Weapons of Choice: Sword and shield, occasionally uses her mace.
Dislikes: Those who slay in a demeaning fashion, sitting atop their felled enemies. If one must kill; make it clean and as merciful as possible.
Hobbies: Riding throughout the lands, enjoying the scenery.
Physical Features: Ranaynne's face is smooth and symmetrical, some might say too much like that of a doll made of white clay. Her eyes are bright and flash her emotions perhaps more often than she would like. There is simplicity in her features and demure manner of dress, as though she is genuine in her actions and reactions. Even when layered in plate there seems a quality she cannot hide which makes her appear a child in the armor of an adult.. perhaps it is that youth still blossoms upon her features.
Special Abilities: She shows determination and focus when lending the Light to her tasks, seeming trained in its application toward the healing of wounds.
Positive Personality Traits: In all things the Paladin seems determined to be as little bother to those around her as possible, most times to a fault. She struggles to hold her tongue and keep her temper in check, although at times her youth does show as her words sting. She is honest, takes her oaths seriously, and is known to show mercy unless already driven to anger.
Negative Personality Traits: Rany seems to frustrate her friends and loved ones to no end with her tendency to keep secrets to her detriment, as well as throw herself often against foes far greater than herself. Of late she has become a bit judgmental, perhaps, seeming too busy to get to know many new folk.
Misc. Quirks: The reappearance of a ring upon her finger might be noted by some.
Theme Songs: Fields of Innocence; Evanescence
History:
A cooing blonde infant looked up at the gentle gaze of a human woman, her pale skin seeming to glow with adoration. No words came to the child's simple mind, only the essence of.. Mother.. Caregiver, Trusted One. In youth, trust came easily for her; filled with innocence as she first opened her eyes to the world.
This same sense of caring, being cared for, being treasured, followed the maiden as she first balanced on wobbly legs, drifting across a room into the awaiting arms of a strong man, who lifted her into the air as she giggled proudly. His warm smile rewarded her efforts, as did the quick embrace given by a young male child, a few years older, already knowing well how to manipulate his own feet. That one; she called "Brother" once the word was learned.
A few years later her world was widened as another infant was added to the family, a mewling, crying babe who was demanding of attention, and yet generous with affection. A little sister.. someone for her to take turns caring for. And so the cycle continued..
Surely between the three there was a strong bond, united in blood, united in values, each wearing a matching necklace gifted by that strong man, the one who always seemed to smile and lend support to the children, the one they called "Father".
Time passed by, however, as it is wont to do.. years stacked atop innocence, lending age, perhaps wisdom, certainly a new sense of curiosity about the things outside of their simple house. The questions began..
"Why does the sun shine?"
"Where does Father go when he goes to trade?"
"War? Why must Delth leave us? I.. don't want him to go.. "
Rany stood at the doorway, a young girl just meeting womanhood, looking on with curious wonder and trepidation. Her brother was leaving her side.. and she was none too happy about it. Her questions came again, but this time carried in a strong voice, but one steeped in fear. "When.. will he come back? Who does he go to fight for?"
The voices of adults chimed in with their answers, "He goes to fight for us; dear child.. He goes to find his own path, to grow in strength, so that one day.. He will be able to protect his family, just as Father protects us.."
Blue eyes peered longingly out the door, and she dashed out it suddenly, catching her brother before he topped his horse, hugging him tightly. "Delth.. Promise.. you'll be alright? That.. you'll come back?" There was a sudden fear in her posture, the girl of fourteen willing to be seen as weak, simply wanting safety for those she cared about.
He had smiled warmly to her, lifting her easily, offering a hug. "Don't worry Rany, I'll be careful." A shy grin followed, "Besides.. Have I ever not come back before?"
Clear blue eyes seemed filled with clouds as she had sighed. "I'll miss you.."
Another smile had been the response, coupled with a ruffling of her hair. "I'll be back before you know it!" Mounting the horse swiftly, he waved a hand, then disappeared into the forest.
At the doorway, Rany stood, biting her lower lip to hold it steady, a smaller hand within her own as a small voice whispered, "Rany sad?"
Looking down, Ranaynne smiled to her little sister. "It'll be ok, Sis.. It always is.." She hugged the child, something inside her chilling, almost with certainty that something.. ill was going to happen. Just then, a woman's voice called out, "Girls? Come inside.. it's cool out there, and I don't want you coming down sick." Turning, she led the little one back inside the cabin.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was raining, the sort of gentle spring rain that seemed to whisper to the greenery that it was time to awaken form winter's slumber, to greet the new year as the sun warmed the air. Trees shuffled their limbs lazily in the breeze, the thick forest hugging a simple wooden home that lie on the outskirts of a human settlement. Tucked into its own corner of the territory, this place knew peace in a land under siege by violence.
A laden wagon sat in front of the house, two restless horses pacing in their places. From inside, voices carried out, adding their own tone to the forest's song.
"Thank you so much for letting me go, Mama! I know you're worried.. but.. Stormwind! I want to .. see it.. I want to see the King. It sounds so exciting!" Rany's voice shivered with anticipation, her bags already loaded onto the cart alongside those of another family, settled in amongst trade goods; various bits of cloth, leather, and herbs.
A strong voice spoke, "Don't worry, Jeandin. I'll have her back to you inside two weeks time. The girls will keep each other company, and perhaps she'll get this adventuring out of her system.." The man chuckled quietly, looking down to his daughter, who paced beside Ranaynne. His wife was in the other room, the womenfolk sharing their bits of gossip, trying to quell and soothe a sense of uneasiness about the girls traveling so far in dangeorus times.
Rany took her friend's hand and dashed from the cabin, giggling quietly as the two were greeted by the rain, dampening their hair and misting their young faces. "I can't believe we're really going, Jessy! We're going to get to go see the King!"
After giving a hug to both parents, as well as a soft, whispered promise to her little sister of candy to be brought back, Ranaynne was lifted up into the back of the wagon, and it began to move..
The journey was more tiresome than she had expected, the routine of breaking camp, cooking atop a fire, and bathing in rivers wearing quickly on her youthful exuberance. This did not completely quell her excitement, however, and seeing the gates of Stormwind looming ahead cleared all exhaustion that may have begun to take hold.
"We're here! Oh! Look at it.. it's so HUGE! And beautiful.." Shining blue eyes lit with wonder as the wagon rambled into the Trade District, stopping outside of an Inn. Four feet quickly landed as the girls leapt out of the back, looking around in shock.
The visit to Stormwind went by in a blur for Ranaynne, her heart swelling with joy as she had attended service in the Cathedral, her memorizing every detail, marveling at the sight of the Royal family from afar. Quietly, a secret whispered between the two girls, she had murmured, "I wanna help protect him, some day, like Delth does. He says it's real important, that we always keep the King and this City safe.."
Two voices nearby, adult ones, spoke softly as well. "Thank the Light.. the city seems solid now. I remember.. it wasn't so long ago.." This is followed by a silent nod, unnoticed by the star struck children. "Praise that.. May it never have to be rebuilt again.. It's finally.. as finished as a City ever could be.."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The rocking of the wagon lulled Ranaynne into a restless sleep as they had traveled back toward her home, the forest singing a lullaby now, a tender quality to the sounds of tree limbs bowing to a strong breeze, the dark night sky offering its own blessing, one of starlight, if only it could keep the traveling group safe.
Shifting, Ranaynne saw shadows in her dreams, heard a soft scream, then a loud noise.. was it thunder? A shout.. "Keep them here! Don't let them follow me!"
Sitting bolt upright, her breath caught in that sudden way it does when the realm of dreams meets reality too quickly. "What's.. going on? Mama? No.. Jessa?" She looked around, suddenly shivering for no reason. Scampering from the wagon, she prepared to look around just as her friend's mother folded her into a sudden embrace. "Ranaynne.. no.. shh.. little one.. Stay here.. Close your eyes."
The scent of smoke assaulted her senses, and she struggled, "No! What's going on? Where are we? Aren't we almost to my home?" She attempted to lift her face from the woman's shoulder, smelling something beneath the musky scent of a wood fire, something that smelled.. wrong.
"Ranaynne.. No! Don't look! Come here.. "
The young girl twisted from the woman's arms, just wanting to see, to understand. Upon turning, her face blanched and her eyes widened in immediate shock and devastation. Her shrieks were unstoppable, "NO! MAMA! PAPA!!" Then, softer, "Leishla? Where.. are you?" Her feet carried her, unbidden, toward the smoking remains of her home. At the doorway she ran headfirst into the waiting arms of her friend's father, alerted by her cries.
He took her shoulders and kneeled, meeting her gaze steadily, speaking in a soft, soothing tone. "Rany.. sweetheart.. You.. can't be here anymore. I.." His voice shook. "I.. am so sorry.. but.. it isn't safe here.. you'll have to come with us.."
The young girl tried to look around again, but her eyes seemed in denial as she began trembling, whispering, "But.. where.. did they go? When.. it happened? Where.. did they go hide? We just need.. to find them.."
The man lifted the girl and carried her like an infant back to the wagon, placing her in the arms of a waiting woman, his own daughter looking on, silent and pale. With a nod he indicated she should get in the wagon as well, and no second request was needed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Not seeming the same child, indeed.. perhaps no, in fact, Rany stood solemnly beside a small fenced bit of earth, three piles of mounded soul displayed in front of her. Each had its own small cross, etched with the appropriate names, one of the graves much smaller than the other two. Atop this one, a little sack, filled with candy..
In her hand she held two necklaces, her own, as well as her younger sister's, delivered the day after.. the gruesome discovery. Her face was like a blank piece of parchment, unheeding of the blonde strands that clung to her damp cheeks, tears perhaps falling, going unnoticed in the numbness that followed her loss.
She was shaking, but silent, her eyes lowered as a gentle hand closed over one shoulder. Turning, she looked up, seeing a familiar face, and also a tearful one. Without hesitation her arms encircled the waist of her brother, and she began to sob uncontrollably.
The young man, dressed in the full uniform of Stormwind's finest, looked over her head at the graves, holding his sister closely, the only family either of them had. He struggled to find words, settling to murmur to her quiet sounds of soothing, trying to contain his grief so that he might be strong for her.
She whispered to him, her voice small and timid, "Delth.. What.. will happen, now?"
He sighed, embracing her, speaking quietly, "I.. must continue to serve, Rany.. Especially.. now, when danger is so near. I.. spoke to Jessa's family. They.. You will.." His voice cracked. "I.. will visit you as often as I can, I promise.. but.. you must stay with them, for now.. Attend.. to schooling.. and.." A sob wracked his body, and she clung more closely.
"I don't' want to be away from you! Delth, please.. I.. don't' ever want to be away from.. "
He stroked her hair gently. "Shh.. you have to do this, Rany.. We.. have to keep going, be.. smart. They.. would have wanted us to. You will be safest with Jessa and her family, until you are grown.."
Sniffling, her eyes still brimmed with tears, the young woman nodded, her heart heavy. "You.. are right. I.. I will grow, and one day.. I will.. " Her hands balled into fists, "I will.. destroy whoever did this!"
Delth had only one soft thing to say in response, whispered to himself, "I'll have already destroyed them, long before you ever could.."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~
Years later, this same woman stood outside of Northshire Abbey, looking around calmly, her pale blue eyes alight with a recovered sense of hope and trust. An older woman stood at her side, speaking in a matronly fashion, "You're sure that's what you wish to do, lass? The Light can be vengeful, this is true, but perhaps a few more years, before you go to serve.."
Shaking her head, Ranaynne smiled to the Mother Priestess. "I have been invited to join the ranks of Cavalry, to defend the King of Stormwind, as I had always wished. I could not.. think to turn down such an opportunity." Raking a hand back through her hair, her expression one of determination, there was no doubting the certainty behind her decision.
"But Lass.. don't you.. want a family of your own one day? The life of battle is not one for marriage, or for children..," the elder advised.
The response given to the Priestess was simple, "The Light will use me to its purpose, be it in motherhood or in battle. It is not for me to try to decide, but to follow the path that I am given."
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh277/Tabbyland/Rany.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh277/Tabbyland/RanyLight.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh277/Tabbyland/prettysm.jpg