It was surprising how quickly time could pass, Rhya mused. She was sitting on the veranda, curled up in a pile of cushions, her head tilted back against the wall of the house as she gazed out at the pinpoints of stars just beginning to appear in the deepening blue of the evening sky.

Relaxing here had become a daily habit, shocking her with how easily she’d fallen into a routine and how comfortable she felt staying there. None of her earlier qualms had borne fruit. She didn’t feel like she was imposing at all and that had been one of her greatest concerns. There had definitely been some funny moments during the first few days, and there were still times when she made herself scarce to give Owen what she felt was much needed space, but very little awkwardness all in all. Being uncomfortable was something she disliked excessively so she was thankful it had not proven to be the case here. In fact, she knew, if she was told that she had to leave, she’d be quite distraught. Finding a new home was something she had refused to believe possible just a few short weeks before but now, she could admit to herself that it was exactly how she saw this place.

She sensed rather than heard Owen arrive and settle himself in his usual position, but did not turn. Though they had talked a lot and on many subjects, she almost appreciated the silences more. Not everyone had the ability to sit at peace or to enjoy company without need for speech. That man, she thought in amusement, can move almost as quietly as Ice. The wolf had startled her on a few occasions by appearing at her side unexpectedly and disappearing just as suddenly. She liked the thought that maybe Ice was checking up on her during her wandering around the Stedding though she had no reason to believe it true. Still, it was a comforting idea at a time when everything was so new and her world was changing so quickly.

Rhya’s eyes finally slid to where Owen sat. She had been somewhat taken aback by his offer to be her mentor, having assumed him far too important and busy a person to take on such a task but equally delighted that she would be taught by someone she liked and respected and was gradually coming to trust implicitly. The thought of having to learn so many new things under the auspices of a stranger was not one that appealed at all, so she had gladly accepted.

She knew what the plan was for tonight and her stomach flipped a little with nerves as watched Owen’s expression. She had a feeling that he wasn’t quite sure she could cope with this and she was equally determined to prove that she could. She didn’t want to let him down and, more than that, she wanted to learn. She’d had weeks now to get used to the idea but knowing she had the ability to do this and actually doing it were two different things. She’d had enough of merely thinking about it.

Then, as though reaching a decision, Owen began to speak and Rhya heeded the warnings he gave, though her nervousness increased still further when he mentioned dying and her face paled slightly. Rhyanon Chaede, pull yourself together, she mentally berated herself, subconsciously tilting her chin as her stubborn nature reared its head. You can do this, now concentrate. She swallowed and eventually nodded her understanding, listening to the rest of the instructions she was given.

Closing her eyes, she tried to relax again, deepening her breathing.

"Do not try to force it. Just relax and drift. Feel your muscles relaxing; your breathing easing. Focus on the wolves and moving to a spiritual place."

Easier said than done, she thought ruefully, emptying her mind and  trying to do as she was bid. Letting all of her muscles ease off, she concentrated on the sense of the wolves as Owen’s voice became but a murmur and gradually lost her connection with reality, slipping into sleep... and into the Dream.

She was standing before a cottage surrounded by trees, one she vaguely recognized from her explorations but couldn’t recall to whom it belonged. She spotted Owen sitting on a bench with Ice nearby but instinctively knew something was wrong from the slight twitch of his lips. Something didn’t feel right and it took her only a few seconds to work out what as her face flamed scarlet. The blue dress she wore was a silly frilly confection that her mother had made her wear for her 6th naming day. The one time that Fionnda had actually approved of anything Rhya had done. Her hair, she knew without checking, would be in the ringlets her mother had deemed acceptable for a young girl. Trying to gather her composure, Rhya focused... somehow... and not quite sure what she was doing... until she suddenly had her normal clothes on and her hair back in its usual unruly tumble down her back, before coughing slightly and looking to her mentor for instructions on what would happen next, a slight glare dared him to laugh openly as she sighed inwardly. Light but this isn’t going to be easy.

Ah good, I see you found your way over here Moon, welcome to the RP side.  :D

OOC: Sorry for the delay. Absolutely swamped lately.


IC: Although some of the people appeared curious as Miryana guided her through the Stedding, they didn't crowd her and Rhya felt a little more at ease. Whether it was from the bath, the food or being in a Stedding, she wasn't certain but the woman's presence alone was rather soothing and she found herself enjoying the fresh air, the scents and sounds of the place as her eyes roved curiously over her surroundings, darting every which way so as not to miss any details.

Everything seems to be very organised and well laid out, she thought. There were Wolfkin everywhere, most moving purposefully but some obviously relaxing in the sunshine. Some groups appeared to be classes judging by their attitudes of concentration though she couldn't tell what in.

Eventually they turned down a small pathway to a more secluded and peaceful area. The voices became distant then, little more than a murmur. As they rounded a bend, Rhya came up short, her jaw almost hitting the ground, for what confronted them was no cabin or house such as she had expected but rather a ... well, what could only be called a tree house. Her eyes were like saucers as she took in the scene before her, spotting Ice just as Miryana reached down to scratch his head. And I'm going to stay here? as she considered that idea, she found it appealed greatly and a small grin bloomed on her face but before she had time to wonder more, Owen swung into view down a rope and landed lightly beside them.

“Your new charge is fit and fed my friend she is ready for you to find her a place to sleep until you can begin her training.”

"Thank you Miryana," Owen smiled at her and turned to Rhya. "Feel better?"

She nodded, still grinning and waved shyly at Miryana as the Sage left, heading back to the Infirmary.

"Your pack and belongings are here already." Owen indicated the tree house above them. "Why don't you explore for a while? Settle in."

"I think I will. Its much larger than I expected... the Stedding," she replied. "It'll take some time to get used to."

"If you get lost, just ask for directions. Everyone knows the tree house."

Rhya nodded, grateful for the chance to be alone and gather her thoughts. "I'll be back in a while then." She turned, debating which way to go first and decided to stick close to the house. She still wasn't up to lots of questions from people she didn't know but curiousity was getting the better of her and she picked a random direction and set off to see what she could find.
 

Continued here: 1,000 Points of Light

Smiling a little as Miryana left, Rhya was relieved to find herself alone with some time to gather her thoughts and delighted at the sight of the bath. Another luxury that she'd missed and promised herself she'd never take for granted again.

Sinking into the water, she closed her eyes, enjoying the peace and letting the heat cleanse away all the stress of the recent journey. As the minutes passed, the realisation finally found its way into her head that she was safe. Not just safe but actually welcome. From what Miryana had said, and Owen had already told her, there were many others like them who had found a sanctuary in these woods and she knew that she had no choice but to join them and to make the most of it. Much as she didn't want to admit it to herself, there would not be a day any time soon when she could return home. It was no longer her home and she knew she had to accept that.

Sighing, Rhya, sat up again, aware of the time passing. They'll be thinking I've drowned if I don't hurry. Hot on the heels of that thought came a loud rumbling and she chuckled at the sharp hunger pangs which had gone unnoticed in her earlier nervousness. It took but a few minutes to finish washing and drying and she was soon redressed in clean clothes. The tiredness, though still there, was lessened and she wrung her long hair out, rubbing it dry as best she could before heading for the kitchen.

Her nose was assailed by a variety of smells as she opened the door and her stomach rumbled again even more loudly. The sound of laughter had her blushing as she spotted Miryana watching her from where she was busy cooking.

"I seem to have my appetite back," Rhya said grinning ruefully. She walked closer, her nose twitching delicately, expression hopeful. "The food smells wonderful."

"Your bath obviously helped," Miryana replied. "Would you like to rest before you eat?"

"No, thank you. I feel a great deal better and not ready to sleep just yet."

The room was homely, light and airy and she let her gaze wander to the windows through which she could see people moving around in the distance. She suddenly had an urge to explore but that could wait. One thing at a time, she thought, taking a seat at the large table.

As Owen explained, Rhya stopped glaring and gave a rather lopsided smile in return. Owen talked of this place as home and his love for it was real, that much she could tell. It wasn’t home though. Not for her. Not yet. To her, this was going to be another step through what already felt like a long ordeal.

A large white shape launched itself out of nowhere at Owen and a strangled scream erupted from her throat, cut off when she caught sight of his smiling face and recalled his story about Ice. Unable to move, she saw the wolf's blue eyes swing in her direction. What a beautiful creature, was all she could think as Ice padded around her.  It wasn’t long before she found her fingers itching to touch the wolf’s fur and she reached out, tentatively at first, to stroke Ice’s head as they started walking again. Her eyes widened in awe for the second time that day.

Suddenly the trees thinned and they were entering a more open space, greeted by a rush of fresh air as a breeze stirred. She’d hardly had time to adjust to the extra light when they were surrounded by people. There were surely only a few though it seemed like hundreds and she clammed up, back stiffening and more claustrophobic than she had been at any time during the journey through the confines of the forest. Her fists clenched hard by her sides and she was just on the verge of looking to Owen in panic when everyone seemed to fade into thin air. Relieved, she let out the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding and followed Owen into the nearby building.

He indicated a seat as he asked for someone and she sat, looking around, taking in the details of her surroundings until he mentioned building a home. Panic truly set in then, in spite of his reassurance that everything would be alright, and she asked herself once more what she’d ever be able to give to these people in return. She didn’t have much chance to consider the idea, however, as a woman arrived. Owen introduced her as Miryana, a Healer, but she missed the rest of his words, her brain too wrapped up in the fact that the only person she knew, her only friend, was about to leave. She stood, her hand half raised as though to stop him, before she stifled the impulse and stealed herself to look at the newcomer.

Rhya almost laughed at the irony of that. Just who is the newcomer here? Shaking herself, she felt Miryana take her hand and resisted the urge to snatch it away. The woman spoke pleasantly. A chat? She felt all of her internal barriers slam up at that and watched as Miryana pulled Owen into another room. Left alone, she slumped in the chair. So much change. Too much change. Exhaustion hit her like a wave and she stared dully at the floor between her feet.

Miryana soon returned and Rhya got onto the examination table as she was told to, tolerating the pushing and prodding although the woman was gentle about it. She has kind eyes, she thought. Someone can’t be bad with eyes like that. She took the cup of tea that was handed to her with gratitude. She had missed hot tea. A small smile curved her lips as she sipped at it, savouring the flavour and found her tongue sufficiently to voice her thanks.

“I am sure Owen has done much to answer your questions but if any still trouble you I would be glad to try and answer them for you.  After we talk I will have a hot bath drawn for you so that you can wash the journey off of you.  Rhya, you are home child.”

Rhya looked at Miryana carefully. How do I tell someone that their home is not mine when they are being so nice? How do I explain that my home is so very far from here? And why would anyone care anyway? What if they change their minds and say I cannot stay?

“A… a bath? That … it sounds wonderful, my thanks. Washing in cold water is hardly the same,” she dredged up a smile for Miryana, falling back on the courtesies her mother had taught her and hiding her thoughts behind a mask of civility. “You have a beautiful home here. Are there many of… of us living here?”

The news that there would still be another two days of travel had at first been unwelcome. Rhya was almost certain that her feet were not going to survive this journey. The time went in more quickly than expected though as Owen distracted her with stories of the wolves and the Stedding, imparting scraps of history about the forest around them. It was imposing but somehow also welcoming. She’d always liked being near trees and these specimens were incredible, towering into the air above and providing a shady canopy of branches over their heads as they rode. The silence was deep, broken only by the sound of their own hushed voices, as though sound somehow violated the sanctity of this place.

Owen eventually pointed out the wolves. If he hadn’t done so, she was quite sure she’d never have seen them, slinking through the undergrowth like ghosts. She watched them in fascination, her eyes darting every which way, trying to catch glimpses as often as possible. Now and then she caught impressions just at the edge of her mind and, rather than worrying, she took it all in, understanding now what was happening though still bemused by it.

So caught up in the journey through the forest was she, that she forgot about her aching limbs and the ordeal still ahead of her, listening instead to Owen as he spoke of the wolves and their attitude to humans.

Rhya was about to respond when she was brought up short. Her eyes widened and her lips parted on a soft gasp as she felt... something. A shiver ran down her spine as a new sensation washed over her. It tingled. What had changed? She didn’t know, but certainly something had. Her expression changed from surprise to curiousity to wariness and finally, to wonder at the sense of peace she felt. Her fingers tightened involuntarily on Owen’s arm.

“What... umm... did you..?” She tried to unscramble her words but only achieved a garbled stuttering. Seeing that Owen was looking at her closely, she was suddenly suspiscious. He knows about this! Gathering herself, she titled her chin, glared and demanded, “WHAT was that?”

Oh dear, I just saw this. Deepest sympathy to you both. My first cat was 21 when she passed and I'd had her since we were both born. It was excruciatingly hard. There have been others since but just the length of time made that loss so much harder. So sorry to hear you've had to deal with this. *hugs*

I'm new to this side of DM after being a member of the site for just over a year. Only recently started my Wolfkin character, a Saldaean called Rhyan and I'm having great fun with her. ;D I don't have any other RP characters and don't intend to at this stage as I'm more involved with the Org side.

IRL I'm Louise, a 34 yr old Scot, divorced once, now happily engaged for about 4 years to Davy and with 3 soon-to-be step kids aged 9-17. My pride and joy is my Maine Coon cat, Corrie Dubh who is just over a year old. I won't pretend to have a life *chuckles* most of my time, when not reading, is spent online. I've been struggling with depression on and off for about 6 years now and leaving the house is something I don't cope with due to panic attacks. DM and other online activities have been a life line. I love computers. My degree is in English Literature and writing is something I find very therapeutic since it stops my brain atrophying too much. :P

Rhya listened to the story of the two wolves as they rode but by the time the end came, lulled by the horse’s gait, she was struggling to keep her eyes open and within minutes she was oblivious to the world.

The first thing she noticed as she surfaced from her slumber was the pungent smell of bark and moss. She kept her eyes closed, giving herself time to wake properly. Listening carefully, she was surprised to hear soft breathing nearby until the events of the previous day caught up with her brain. She could hear the sound of creatures rustling in the undergrowth too and she focused all of her senses, awed by how sharp and clear everything was. Finally, she peeked out from under sooty lashes, through the long strands of hair obscuring her view and spotted Owen sitting with his back to a tree. His eyes were closed and he was very still but she knew he wasn't asleep and wondered if he'd been awake all night.

"Good morning, Rhya. We should be moving again soon."

Now how in the world did he know I was awake? she thought, then laughed at herself. The same way I knew he was of course. Responding in kind, she opened her eyes fully and sat up, stretching to work out the kinks in her muscles.

After a brief meal of cheese, bread and fresh water, they were ready to move on once more. The early morning mist had not yet lifted and the sun wasn’t even above the horizon as they set off on foot. She didn’t mind the walking then but, even alternating with riding, by the end of what felt like a very long day, her feet were aching and her legs were sore. She didn’t think she’d walked so far before in her life. Forcing herself to eat something, she was grateful to just curl up and sleep.

The pattern for the next few days was set. Sometimes they traveled in silence as Rhya gazed out over the ever changing landscape into territory unknown to her. Other times she would be full of questions and was sure she must be driving Owen crazy. Eventually though, all she could think of was how she never wanted to walk anywhere again. At the end of the fourth day, as her trepidation grew about what was to come when they reached their destination, she finally found the courage to ask Owen the question uppermost in her thoughts.

"How long will it be until we get there? To the Stedding?"

OOC: We'll get away without encountering them. Just would have been odd for her to not mention it and it seemed a good reason to make a move.

IC:

Rhya scrunched up her nose at Owen’s reaction. He was right of course. Better to avoid trouble than to wait for it to find you. Rather it was the breaking of the peace that dismayed her, not to mention she disliked having to give such tidings to a new friend.

As he called to her to mount, she was already moving, placing just a toe in the stirrup and, with one bounce, landing lightly behind him, her pack slung across one shoulder. She murmured agreement at the wisdom of splitting their time between walking and riding. It would serve no purpose but to delay them if the animal foundered and the journey would be long enough as it was if she recalled her map learning correctly.

As they left the little clearing and the darkness began to close in around them, Owen half turned in the saddle, asking if she knew who her pursuers were and, more importantly, how many there were.

"I don’t know who. They picked up my trail before I’d even entered the woods. Part of the caravan I was traveling with, I think. We took on so many temporary guards at the last stop. There were three of them, I am sure of that. There’s been no sign of them since I found the clearing though. I lost them a good way before that. Maybe they just wanted my horse? He was a fine stallion and worth a pretty penny to someone who knows horseflesh." Rhya sighed. The blood bay had been a gift from her Father on her birth day just a year ago. "I certainly don’t have much else worth the taking. We had not yet been paid for the journey."

She fell silent, immersed once more in her own thoughts as they passed under low branches and wound their way between the close standing trees. There were so many questions still to ask but making them into anything resembling coherence seemed too much just at that moment. So many changes in a short time. Her head felt as though it were spinning and she wondered distantly how long it had been since she’d last slept. Long enough, she thought, swaying with the horse’s natural rhythm.

"Owen... how did you come to have Ice as a companion?" She queried softly, deciding it was as good a question as any other to pass some time.

Congrats Taea  :D

geez Owen, you sound like my fiance  ::) lol... all I hear about is bikes!! Mind you, all he hears about is computers or books, so I guess that's fair. :P

That is a beautiful bike you got yourself there!!  My fiance's last one was a Kawasaki GPZ11 but he just got another one. We have about 5 bikes in the garage right now and are breaking a Suzuki GSF1200 Bandit as well, so I lose track.

Have a great time out and about on it. Today looks like a good day for it. :D

*Is now as curious as a curious thingy with a tail on*

:o What do you mean "blamed" for haggis?? Haggis are wonderful animals, if a little difficult to hunt.  ;) Food of the gods so 'tis. 8)

Yes, our accents are rather wonderful *preens*  ;D We don't sound quite so much like we're swallowing our tongues as the Welsh do  :P ;)

English? Where?  :-X *draws claymore and paints face blue* The sassenachs must be destroyed!!

Congrats  :D *passes another TQ over*

*decides to avoid any remarks that include Scots and sheep*

Umm.. what are we counting down to? *intrigued*

The sun was much further up in the sky as Rhya munched happily on the apple and Owen talked of the Stedding. She could hear his love of the place ringing through his words. It sounded wonderful compared to her life these past few weeks. How things had changed in a few short hours. There was no fancy furniture, no polite mannerisms, no food slaved over for hours by servants, no family nearby but, even so, she realised she was happy. Not with her situation but sitting here, amongst the trees with the sun shining and a fresh apple which tasted like a meal fit for Kings, listening to Owen, it was a moment out of time when she felt at one with herself and the world around her. The kind of moment she had been sure, only hours ago, that she’d never experience again.

We humans are such fickle creatures, she thought in mild amusement. That a little company and some food can change everything. Ah well, best to enjoy it while its here rather than looking for reasons.

She paid close attention to the information about the wolves. It made sense when compared to her limited experiences so far, there hadn’t really been any words, more impressions. Owen’s remark about his wolf companion brought her eyes back to his, her interest sharpened. There’s that sadness again. An old pain this time I warrant. Her eyes slid to the silvery mane of hair once more. Yes, a very old pain. Well it is none of my business. Phhfftt, I should be worried about myself not a complete stranger.

"I spend a lot of time away from the Stedding, but whenever I am there you are more than welcome to come visit me in my tree house, I am sure Ice will be pleased to see you as well."

An expression of consternation settled on Rhya’s features. More strangers. She didn’t deal well with people at the best of times. Trading had been one thing. That was only brief encounters. Another thought occurred to her. What on earth was she going to have to offer to these people? Certainly she could fight. Her fingers strayed to one of her dagger hilts. But they didn’t sound like aggressive people. Being beholden to anyone would be almost worse than being lost and running.

The moment of happiness had not lasted long and she fought the longing that hit her for all that was familiar, for a time when she’d known exactly what and where her place was. It lasted but seconds before Rhya’s chin tilted and her back stiffened, her pride pricked. She’d just have to learn something useful then. There was no way out of this. She was being offered a choice. It was up to her to make the best of it.

"Ice is your companion? I’d like to visit you both, thank you." She heard the slight catch in her voice and cleared her throat before continuing. "How soon will we need to leave? Is it a long journey? I.. uhh... I was followed before. I think I lost them but.. well, its maybe not safe to stay too long. My horse was wandering... somewhere..." she waved a hand vaguely, blushing again in embarrassment. The admission to come was a sore one for a Saldaean. "He.. ermm.. he threw me and I just ran."

Watching the stranger warily in the growing light of the new day, Rhya was surprised at the sudden transformation as a smile broke like the sunrise over his face. There is sadness in that one, she thought irrelevantly, sensing that it was nothing to do with the current situation. Yet, it reassured her as even words might not have. People intent on evil works did not usually display such emotion although he seemed unaware of showing it.

He said his name was Owen, that he had another name given to him by the wolves!! Rhya had to work hard not to express her incredulity at that nugget of information. As he talked though, she found herself intrigued, other questions springing unbidden to her lips. She held them back, allowing Owen to finish speaking and realised that he was pausing often, giving her time to digest all that he told her.

"....nor are you turning into Shadowspawn."

The words sank into her mind and the relief was enormous. She had not truly thought she was but it was comforting to hear confirmation from another source. It was a cold kind of comfort though. It would make no difference to the reaction from other people. She knew enough of human nature to realise that there would still be no going home. No return to family and friends.

Rhya eyed the apple he held out, ignoring her sudden hunger, weighing Owen and his words. Did she believe him? Could she afford not to? His voice continued, low and assured. Nothing about this man made her feel scared... wary, as of any stranger certainly but... he had an air of charisma and authority that was hard to resist and encouraged trust. She had the impression he was no stranger to being treated like an outcast. There was an empathy in that gaze...

He could guide her, explain about the dreams... about her eyes. There were others too... he had said so. To not be alone any more. Her fists tightened at that thought. So caught up was she that she startled slightly when he asked her name, a gentle humour underlying the question. She could not help the half smile that tilted the corners of her mouth in response.

"Rhyan... but... I am more commonly Rhya to... friends?" Her voice rose a little, almost questioningly and she moved hesitantly to sit cross legged on the grass before him, reaching out to take the apple from his fingers. Relaxing at last, it seemed her mind was made up and she would take a risk. She bit into the apple, savouring the sweetness of it as she formulated more questions.

Tilting her head to one side and impatiently brushing hair from her face in a habitual movement, she found her tongue again. "Where is... home, Owen? We can actually speak to the wolves? They’re real? Not just in my head? I thought I was going mad.... or imagining things at least."

Rhya wasn’t aware of the time passing, caught up as she was in her own thoughts and feelings but it couldn’t have been long before a voice intruded, halting her quiet flow of tears mid sob. Her head came up instantly, senses on alert although she didn’t move a muscle. Something in the timbre of the voice had arrested her attention before the words even registered.

She hardly dared to look. Her natural impulse was to fight but though she had the spirit for it, she knew she had neither the energy nor the strength to win at this point. Emotional though she was, she was far from reckless. Her training had seen to that. There was no point running from whomever it was, they were too close. Besides, where did she have to run to? The thoughts ran through her mind like quicksilver, considered and discarded swiftly and all the time analysing the voice as it continued to speak. Strength she could hear in it, self assurance but also… she tried to put a finger on it… tiredness?

As the voice ceased, curiousity had her opening her eyes and turning her tear stained face towards its source. Rhya stared at the figure seated some feet away. Strangely, she realised that she was not afraid. She didn’t feel threatened and hadn’t since the voice first spoke but suddenly, she started, her eyes widening and her hand involuntarily jumping to her face as she looked directly into a pair of golden eyes. Like hers. The eyes regarded her in turn with a certain amount of speculation mixed with something else.

Her fascinated gaze travelled over the silvery hair and parchment pale skin. He, for this… person… was obviously male, looked almost translucent in the dawn light, ghostly even. He seemed calm. He didn’t look like he was about to make any sudden moves. In fact, it appeared he was waiting for her to speak, yet she found that she couldn’t. Was he real? Or yet another dream like creature? Was she awake? She surreptitiously pinched herself to prove it was so.

As she did so, some few of his words finally penetrated her brain. Wolf… contact… help…explain… Was he saying that he too knew about the wolves? Was this someone who could tell her what was happening? Should she even ask? Her mouth engaged before she could stop it, the need to know too strong to ignore and her normal headstrong nature taking over.

Who are you? What wolf? Why are your eyes that colour? How did you know where I was? Where did you come from? Are there others? Rhya ran out of breath, blushing deeply, half eager for answers and half scared that her judgement was faulty. She should have fled when she had the chance.

Estel

Joined: 20 Mar 2006

Location: Canada

Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2007 2:45 pm    Post subject: Approved WK bio- Rhya - CC'd by WT 

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Character name: Rhyanon Chaede (known as Rhya to friends)

RP Group: Wolfkin

Physical Description: 5’ 8”; 161; long, dark hair, curvaceous but toned build; fine boned face; almond shaped, hazel green eyes 

Place of Birth/Raising: Maradon, Saldaea

Age: 19

Gender: Female

(UPDATE 05/05/2018

• Rhya has just passed her 21st Naming Day and is now married to Owen, the Ranger Leader and fellow Borderlander. They live together in his tree house. Her wolf name is Autumn Mist; her wolf companion is Shadow Falling Across the Moon. Shadow is brother to Owen's (female) wolf companion, Ice, and was previously companion to Owen's sister, Ehlana, until that woman (Commander of the BotRH at the time) went missing, presumed dead or kidnapped by the Seanchan. This bond was unusual as Ehlana was a two-legs not a Wolfkin. Shadow chose Rhya during the course of her very first Dream Lesson.
• Rhya's reached full WolfSister status and is now a Guardian, in training to be a Ranger. She discovered, in the process of a later Dream Lesson, that her father is actually her uncle and the uncle she was told of with the golden eyes is actually her father. Her nurse maid, who passed on many years ago, was her mother who had been sworn to secrecy and placed in servitude. Rhya's real father is unhinged, having survived the Howling by himself but not with his mind intact. He lives within the Wolf Dream most of the time where he's become fairly capable in a limited way. He attacked her and despite stabbing him, he still lives.
• Rhya has formed only two true friendships in her time at the Stedding. One is with Rahien, whom she picked up as a Wanderer going through his own Howling, and the other is with the Head Sage, Aislyn, in part due to their common interest in herbs. )

Character History

Rhya watched her father from under lowered lashes as he ranted. He was bound and determined that she should marry in spite of her personal objections. Ignoring his raised voice as best she could, she instead contemplated her mother. Not that she truly expected any support from that quarter but she could always hope.

Fionnda, a frail Tairen woman in her mid 40’s, was not given to arguing with her imposing, Saldaean husband. They had met, almost 20 years ago now, during one of his many selling trips to Tear, in the days when he was still struggling to build up his business. Fionnda’s father was one of the first to recognise the quality of goods on offer and was quick enough to use his pretty daughter to his own advantage in getting a good price. Now, of course, her husband was a highly successful merchant, doing a thriving trade in ice peppers and furs. As a family, they wanted for nothing, holding a very respectable position in Saldaean society.

Rhya turned her gaze away again, roaming the room as her father’s voice continued to drone in her ear. She knew she was a disappointment to her mother. She took after her father both in looks and temperament. Oh, she was intelligent. She’d learned the required social skills with ease, as well as how to fight hand-to-hand or with daggers, just as all Saldaean girls did but she’d never shown the slightest interest in making a good marriage or having children nor made an effort in that direction. That lack, added to Rhya’s inexplicable black moods, bothered Fionnda and she lavished all of her attention on her second daughter while Rhya spent her days following her adored father about, watching him handle business affairs and listening to him talk of trade routes to far off lands. Until recently that was…..

She wasn’t sure exactly when the changes had started to take place, maybe around her 19th birth day, but things which had been familiar to her all of her life, suddenly became intolerable. She could no longer visit the fur warehouses as the smell simply overwhelmed her…. a stench of death and blood. Crowds bothered her as the noise seemed to thunder through her mind, causing headaches. People always seemed to be shouting rather than just speaking. And now.... Rhya’s brow wrinkled in consternation... now the dreams. She didn’t know what to make of those. They seemed so real and yet... she shook her head... maybe she was going crazy? Even as she considered the possibility, the room seemed to dim around her and she was looking at a clearing, straight into the eyes of a wolf. The same wolf. The one she’d seen many times these weeks past. She sensed surprise, curiousity, a searching and finally recognition... smelled wild flowers and heard the tumble of water nearby....

"Rhyanon? Are you even listening to a word I say?" Her father’s angry voice cut through her thoughts and reverberated in her skull, shattering the vision.

Still shaken, she responded, "Yes father, I hear you but I won’t marry just because you want me to. I don’t love him."

"Love?? What does that have to do with it? It’s a good match I tell you.. and don’t give me any more nonsense about him smelling bad, that’s all in your head. He’s a pleasant, responsible young man and he’ll take over that whole fur business one day." Her father’s voice sounded smug for a moment. "It would match very well with mine when it comes to you, girl and you just think on that."

Rhya’s temper rose to match her father’s. She would not be forced into this. Larian was a boy and meant nothing to her. Besides which, he carried the same stench as the warehouses and she could not live with that!! The mere thought turned her stomach.

Rising swiftly to her feet, she turned to glare at her father, oblivious to the change in his expression.

You can’t make me... I won’t do it... and he does stink...." her voice trailed slowly off as she took in the horror and anguish on her father’s face. "What? What’s wrong? Father?"

He slowly backed away from her shaking his head.

"No, no it can’t be, not again."

Rhya, puzzled at his words, turned to Fionnda.

"Mother?"

Fionnda’s eyes widened, her hand flying to her mouth but not fast enough to stop the shocked exclamation escaping. "Your eyes... oh Light..."

"My eyes?" Rhya ran to the mirror at the other end of the room and stared at her reflection in disbelief as golden eyes stared back at her...

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It had not taken long after that for the story to come out, for Rhya to learn that this had happened before in her father’s family but that it was rarely spoken of. An aberration that skipped generations yet always turned up when least expected. She was the first in a long time.

Her mother would have nothing to do with her from that day and her father knew that nothing was left for her in Maradon, save persecution and accusations of being a Darkfriend. Her only option was to leave. To leave all that she had ever known and set out on her own.

When she did go, she was well provisioned and headed south, travelling with various traders’ caravans. Her knowledge of fighting and the daggers at her belt kept her safe and she found a thirst for adventure in herself that had lain dormant for a long time, fuelled by her father’s stories. The uncomfortable, wary looks and muttered curses that she received when people caught sight of her eyes, however, had her parting company with the traders when they reached the fringes of Manetheren and heading for the mountains. She had no plan in mind, merely an instinct from the continuing dreams which she had come to believe meant something..... something vital to her future and survival.

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KristenSedai

Joined: 19 Mar 2006

Location: Australia

Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 4:29 am    Post subject:   

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CC'd by the WT

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WhiteWolf

Joined: 16 Feb 2006

Location: UK

Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2007 5:44 pm    Post subject: Make a Move: Attn Rhya 

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It had taken them well into the night to answer all of Keyl’s questions and that combined with the lack of sleep either Aleeza or Owen had had in the past few days made the decision to spend the night where they were easier. Owen had cooked the evening meal using the supplies they had brought with them. Keyl seemed more at ease after the meal, and so Owen proposed an early night and an early start the next morning. But the best-laid plans of men always go astray when dealing with imponderables, and that was how it was this night. No sooner had Owen closed his eyes than he was contacted by a small pack of Wolves, they were tracking a Wanderer on the fringes of a large wood. Because they had contacted him in the Dream, Owen was able to get a good idea of the location of the Wanderer.

”WhiteWolf gives his thanks Wind over the Water. May your pack grow strong and live long.”

Owen did not actually speak, all communication with the Wolves was done using images and the Wolfkin had to interpret these images to understand what message it was that the Wolves were sending them. Even for the more experienced members of the Wolfkin, talking with the Wolves could often be a battle. Thankfully this night Owen was able to easily understand what he was being shown.

Waking from the short sleep he had had, Owen quickly gathered his gear, and then placed his saddle on his horse before strapping his gear to the horse. When all his preparations were complete, Owen quietly woke Aleeza and with her still clearing the sleep from her blurry eyes Owen recanted his Dream. “Is this not unusual Owen? First our being sent to find Keyl, and now this?”

“If I live to be a hundred years old Aleeza I doubt I will ever fully understand the minds of the Wolves, even Ice is a mystery to me at times. But we will have to leave discussions of this nature to a latter date, I must be off. You know how to get yourself home, make sure you stay out of sight and travel as safely as you can. I will do my best to catch you up, but do not tarry for me, not unless you have no other choice. Find me in the Dream if your need is urgent and I will do all I can to find you.”

With that Owen mounted his horse and slowly rode off into the darkness, his pale skin shining with the glow of the moon when it broke through the trees, his golden eyes burning with a passion born of many years of responsibility to the his brothers ands sisters of the Wolfkin.

Owen

The WhiteWolf

Ranger Leader

OOC: Rhy, in your response bring us up to date with what has happened to your character so far. Some thoughts on the changes you are going through etc and then Owen will find you in his next post.

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Taymist

Joined: 23 May 2006

Location: Scotland

Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 4:03 am    Post subject:   

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Rhya was still. Still as she could be given that all of her limbs felt like jelly. How far and how fast she had run was a mystery to her but it had been far and fast enough. She listened intently, all of her senses on alert, eyes scanning what she could make out of her surroundings in the grey half light of dawn. Nothing. Silence. She slid thankfully down the tree trunk beside her and allowed her head to droop.

She wasn’t certain when the pursuers had picked up her trail. A few days past at least. Not long after she’d left that last caravan. They’d been hard to shake in spite of her efforts at doubling back and looping around them during the night. Finally though, it seemed the three had been left behind for the moment.

Rhya sighed softly as she got her breath back. She needed to eat but couldn’t rouse herself to move and open her pack. Instead, she unstoppered her flask and drank greedily of the fresh, cool water. One thing about woods, there was usually water to be found. Taking a last swallow, she lay the flask beside her and looked again at the area she was in.

Not far from the edge of the woods by the looks of things, she mused as she spied open fields through the gnarled trunks of the old oak trees. Where she sat was merely a small, open patch of mossy ground, not large enough to be a clearing but plenty big enough for a few people and with space for a fire. Not that lighting a fire was a risk she was prepared to take for now.

Leaning back against the trunk, her mind turned again to the question that had bothered her most over the days since leaving home. Where would she go? She barely knew where she was, although if her sense of direction was right, Caemlyn lay not far off. Should she head for her mother’s family in Tear? Rhya laughed mirthlessly. She’d get no welcome there. The looks she’d had from the traders had taught her that if nothing else. Some were speculative, some wary and all were unpleasant. No, not Tear.

Dredging up some last bit of energy, she pulled her pack over and rummaged for some cheese and bread, silently thanking her father again as she did so for seeing that she was well provisioned. Her fingers curled around a lump of cheese and as she sat back once more to eat, she speculated on the wolves. She had gradually come to accept that she was not going mad. She no longer saw the same wolf as in Saldaea. In fact, the wolves changed regularly over the weeks she’d been on the road, leading her to believe the contact changed as pack territories changed. Not that she knew much about wolf habits but what little she knew from books suggested this was the case. The contact was always in the form of a dream and hazy at best, going as quickly as it came, leaving only vague impressions. The latest dream had been more solid though. Rhya knew this wolf had been close by and sensed, somehow, that it knew of her pursuers, knew she was lost.

Shaking her head, she smiled sardonically at her own fancies and repacked the last of the cheese. Her fingers brushed the edges of a small object as she did so. A box that contained a small necklace given to her by her father before she left.

“This was your grandmother’s”, he had said, looking more tired than she had ever seen him before. “You look like her.”

Rhya battled the feeling of desolation that swept over her. She missed her father, the home she’d grown up in, her friends. Why had this happened to her? Was she truly a darkfriend? She didn’t think she was evil. Were there really others like her? She remembered the uncle her father had mentioned. What had happened to him? So many questions. And she was out of answers...

Loneliness, exhaustion and heartache swept through her and before she had time for rational thought, her head tilted and she howled. Long and high. Pitched at the moon waning on the horizon.

As the sound died, Rhya slumped, spent, against the tree, lashes sweeping her pale cheeks. Her final conscious thought was that if her pursuers found her now, so be it...

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WhiteWolf

Joined: 16 Feb 2006

Location: UK

Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 5:55 pm    Post subject:   

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The howl of anguish cut through the night and Owen realised he was near now; soon the confrontation would begin between Wolfkin and Wanderer. One in full control of his abilities, the other just coming to terms with the sudden changes to their senses, never mind the dreams. Owen remembered how confusing those early forays in the Wolf Dream were. Owen waited until the sound died away, turning his head one way then the other as If trying to discern the direction the howl cam from. He knew it was a human voice that had uttered that howl, no one who heard it could mistake it for a Wolf and Owen hoped that he was the only to hear it, if there were two-legs about then trouble would not be far away.

Owen coaxed his horse off to his right, using a small animal trail that went roughly in the direction he wanted to go. Soon though, he was forced to dismount and lead his horse to avoid the low hanging branches that almost turned the trail into a tunnel. Soon he emerged from the trees into a small clearing, one created by two fallen trees. Over to one side a figure was slumped on the ground, her hair obscuring her face and Owen thought he could hear quiet, almost desperate sobs, The feelings of loneliness and desperation coming from her were almost too over powering and Owen had to fight to control the sudden influx of these emotions. Calming himself, Owen dropped the reins of his horse, knowing that he would not go far as he had been well trained by Owen.

Slowly, not wanting to startle the girl, although he knew as soon as he removed his hood that his albinoism would more than likely do that. “Please do not run, I am here to help you. My name is Owen and I know what you are going through, it happened to me as well some time ago.” Keeping his voice soft, Owen continued talking, almost as if they were having a conversation, hoping to put the young girl at ease. “I come from a place to the west of here. A Wolf who told me about you and asked that I come and help you contacted me. So here I am.” The last was said with an ironic sound to Owen’s voice, once he removed his hood he doubted his words would be remembered. “Please do not run, I really am here to help you and if you will let me I will see to it that no harm comes to you. All I want is to sit and talk with you for a while, to explain some things to you that will help you face the challenges before you.” With that Owen carefully sat down and then slowly removed his hood, revealing pale skin and silvery hair. “Do not let my appearance trouble you, I have always looked this way and it has nothing to do with what you are experiencing right now. Come; sit with me for a while. Ask the questions I know you are burning to ask, I will try and provide all the answers I can.” Rhya did not move, she had raised her head when Owen had first started to speak, but that had been the only sign she had given that he was there. Now he hoped her curiosity would get the better of her and over rule her first impulse, which must be to run.

Owen

The WhiteWolf

Ranger Leader